The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: The Movie, Derpy Hooves, Violence, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Human, Ember, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dinky Hooves, Romance, Adventure, Sex
Length: 3882723

Twilight accidently brings a human from Earth to Equestria. Will he be able to coexist with the equine inhabitants of this new land?

Twilight may have had a bit too much to drink one night and accidentally brought a human named Arc from Earth to Equestria. They have much to teach one another. That is... if they will accept him into their society. Time will tell if humans and ponies can truly live together in harmony.

BE SURE TO START WITH "VOLUME 1 - CHAPTER 1"!

This is quite a long story I originally wrote for my wife as a Christmas present two years ago. Work on it has continued over the past year, and just recently hit 1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 words. I'll upload it chapter by chapter as fast as I can translate them. The Equestrian Odyssey contains many characters from the show and comics, as well as a number of original characters I dreamed up to fill various roles. I hope you enjoy the first volume of my first ever story as much as my wife and I did.

One of my readers liked the story so much that they decided to write their own alternate version of events. Their story can be found here...

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/546350/an-alternate-arc

Published 2019-04-27 10:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-08-11 19:12:39 UTC

REMASTERED - Chapter 1 - In the Beginning...

Spike walks down the stairs of the Golden Oaks Library’s basement. Spotting Twilight sitting at a workbench he walks over to her with a steaming cup of coffee.

“How’s it going, Twilight?”

“Pretty good considering…”

She takes the mug and downs the contents in but a few gulps before tossing it back to Spike. He sighs and shakes his head.

“That can’t be healthy.”

Twilight looks over her clipboard as she continues her work. “Hm?”

“Drinking coffee that fast.”

“It helps, as the caffeine hits me harder.”

Spike facepalms. “Yeah, like I said, that can’t be good.”

“Thanks for making it cooler for me.”

“I just did that so you wouldn’t burn yourself! Not so you could…!”

“Uh huh…”

“Are you even listening to me, Twilight?!”

The young mare writes something on her clipboard as she looks over a strange clipping. “Uh huh…”

Spike shakes his head as he sets the empty coffee cup on the table next to her. “What are you working on anyways?”

“A study of exotic plants.”

Spike looks at the clipping and frowns. “It just looks like oak leaves to me.”

Twilight nods as she continues writing. “They are.”

“Then how is that considered ‘exotic’?”

Twilight stops writing and looks over her clipboard with a grin at Spike.

“I never said they were from Equestrian oaks.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Uh… what other kinds are there?”

“These are literally out of this world!”

“That didn’t really clear it up, Twilight.”

Setting down her clipboard, Twilight’s horn glows as she pulls aside a large sheet with her magic. A tall oval shaped mirror comes into view as she does so. Spike raises an eyebrow, clearly perplexed.

“A mirror, Twilight?”

Twilight nods as she trots toward it excitedly. “Yes! Princess Celestia sent it over just this morning!”

Spike rolls his eyes. “Look, I’m sure you’re very excited about getting a gift from the princess, Twilight. But this isn’t telling me anything.”

“I guess not. Let me read the note that came with it.”

Levitation a scroll off of a nearby table Twilight reads aloud.

“My dearest, most faithful student, Twilight. You made mention on a recent trip to Canterlot that you wished to study something truly exotic. While I was overseeing the reorganization of the Royal Repository I came across this item. It’s known as the Crystal Mirror.”

Spike looks the mirror over. “It’s a crystal horseshoe.”

Twilight frowns. “Spike! It’s not…!”

She looks over the mirror for a moment before sighing.

“Okay, so it does. But let me finish.”

Clearing her throat, Twilight continues reading.

“This magical item, presumably created by Star Swirl the Bearded, can act as a gateway from another world to Equestria. I would like you to use it to study that land’s plant and fungus. Carefully bring through samples to examine and catalogue fully. Write a detailed report of every specimen you encounter and be sure to be thorough in your reports.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “She feels the need to tell YOU to be thorough?”

Twilight sighs. “Yes, well… Princess Celestia explains that too.”

Going back to the scroll, Twilight continues.

“While I know that you prefer to get an assignment done quickly, this one will require a keen eye for details. Let nothing escape your notice no matter how insignificant. Unlike most other assignments you’ve been given thus far, this one will not have any sort of time constraints. If anything, I would prefer that you take your time with this and enjoy the journey… not the destination.”

Spike grins. “So she’s telling you to have fun with it?”

“Something like that.”

“Anything else?”

Twilight holds up the scroll again. “I will be out of the country for an unknown amount of time, hence this extensive project. We can talk about it in greater detail, along with your findings, upon my return. In the meantime Luna and Cadance will be in Canterlot governing the nation in my absence. Should you need assistance of any kind I’m sure they would be glad to help you. Enjoy this research project, but do not let it take you away from your friends in Ponyville. Remember what I’ve always said… all work and no play make Jack a dull stallion. I look forward to speaking with you in the future regarding your discoveries in this endeavor. Sincerely, Princess Celestia.”

Grinning, she gestures to the Crystal Mirror with the scroll in hoof.

“This report will show Princess Celestia that her faith in me was not misplaced! I plan to show her that I can do ANYTHING!”

Spike sighs. “And how are you planning to do that?”

“By writing a reference book for each and every specimen I study.”

Spike raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “You’re going to write an entire BOOK on every specimen?”

“Right!”

“But you’ve never done anything like this before!”

Twilight scoffs. “Yes, I have! I’ve written numerous reports on a number of different subjects, Spike!”

Spike groans. “I mean you’ve never written a book before!”

Twilight shrugs. “How hard could it be? I mean, I’ve certainly read enough of them to know basic layout.”

“Somehow I don’t think…”

“Princess Celestia will expect this to be done properly. Besides, from what I’ve learned thus far each plant sample is extraordinary in its own right.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “They are?”

“Yes!”

“How?”

Twilight gestures to a microscope. “Take a look for yourself.”

Spike does so. He wordlessly stares through the lens for some time before backing away and turning to Twilight.

“I don’t get it. What is it I’m supposed to see here?”

Twilight groans. “The cells have much thicker walls!”

Spike rolls his eyes. “Not sure how I missed that.”

“I’m going to catalogue EVERYTHING!”

“Yeah, well… maybe you should have some help on something like this.”

“No, Spike. This is MY assignment. That and who would I even ask?”

“How about me?”

Twilight smiles at him. “Thanks for the thought, Spike. But I need somepony with more of a science background.”

Spike frowns. “I could at least help you take notes.”

“Like I said, this is my assignment. And I plan to get it done in a timely manner and record my data in a format that the princess with approve of.”

There is a knock at the front door. Spike turns to Twilight.

“Want me to get that?”

Twilight looks through the microscope again. “Get what?”

Spike sighs. “Never mind.”

Climbing the stairs, he opens the front door see Applejack standing there with full saddlebags.

“Hey, Spike. Is Twilight here?”

“She is, yes. But she’s just getting into a new assignment from the princess.”

“Really? What’s it about?”

“Plants.

Spike suddenly grins as he looks at the mare before him.

“Say maybe you could help her with it.”

Applejack chuckles. “If she wants to know anything about apple trees, I’m her mare. Other than that I’m afraid I don’t know too much.”

Spike sighs. “Aw… okay.”

“Sorry. In any case, I just came by to ask if you and her were planning to come to the orchard today.”

“Is today Cider Day?”

Applejack nods. “Sure is. Everypony in town’s going to be there. Hopefully she can tear herself away from that new project for an afternoon.”

Spike shrugs. “I don’t know about that. She’s really into it right now.”

Applejack sighs. “Well, see if you can convince her. After all, were getting a might bit worried about her holed up in that basement all day, every day.

“Don’t worry. I’ll think of something.”

“Thanks, Spike. Well, I need to get back to Sweet Apple Acres. Just popped into town to pick up a few things from Sugarcube Corner for the festivities.”

Spike puffs out his chest as Applejack turns to walk away. “Just leave it to me!”

Closing the door, the little dragon sighs and groans.

“How am I supposed to do this?! Twilight’s WAY too engrossed in this to leave NOW!”

Scratching his head with a claw Spike paces back and forth for a few moments before heading back downstairs. Twilight is just putting a leaf clipping into a vial of unknown liquid as Spike walks over to her.

“That was Applejack.”

“Oh? What’s up?”

“She wanted to ask if you and I were still coming to Cider Day.”

Twilight does not look up from her work as she speaks. “Is that today?”

“Yeah. The whole town’s supposed to be there.”

“Well, I’m a bit too busy to…”

Spike groans. “Come on, Twilight! You’ve been cooped up in your lab here for almost a week! You’re practically growing moss down here.”

“I’m not growing anything, remember. All the samples are from…”

“What I mean is that you’ve been down here too long! Take a break!”

Twilight frowns. “Like I said, I’m very busy with this at the moment. I can’t let Princess Celestia down.”

Spike grins as an idea comes into his head. “So you’re doing all this for the princess, huh?”

“Of course. Whom else?”

“Well, don’t you remember what she said?”

Twilight lifts a substance off of her Bunsen burner as she speaks. “Which part?”

“About all work and no play.”

“That was just a suggestion. I’m sure she still wants me to…”

Spike turns and paces slowly as he speaks. “You wouldn’t be ignoring her advice now would you, Twilight?”

“No, of course not. But I still think I should…”

“Princess Celestia’s been around a long time though. And if she says not to work too hard you should probably follow her advice. After all, she must’ve wanted to make a special point about that in the letter.”

Twilight sighs. “Just one more sample then.”

“Come on, Twilight! You haven’t seen your friends in a while and Applejack said she was getting a bit worried!”

“Well… I suppose I could go for a quick visit.”

Spike appears relieved. “You owe it to yourself.”

“But then right back here to keep working on my project.”

“Fine, fine. You going to be ready in time?”

Twilight nods as she continues working. “Of course. Just come get me when it’s time to go.”

Spike grins as he bounds upstairs. “That I can do.”

Sometime later Spike returns to the basement. He runs over to Twilight happily.

“Ready to go?”

“Just let me write a few more entries before we…”

“Twilight…”

“Okay. First just let me take one more sample. The I’ll…”

“Twilight!”

She puts down her quill and groans. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Heading upstairs with Spike, the pair walk out the door and down the path. Spike looks around and inhales deeply.

“I love the smell of summer.”

Twilight giggles slightly. “I thought you said a few days ago that you loved the smell of spring.”

Spike counts on his claws as he speaks. “First off, yes I do. Second, that was months ago. Third…”

“Was it?”

“You have no sense of the passage of time, Twilight.”

“Sure I do! It’s June!”

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Spike?”

“It’s August.”

“Are you sure?”

Spike facepalms. “We really need to get you a calendar for the lab, Twilight.”

Arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight spots what likely is the entire town milling around as they drink tankards of cider. She spots Applejack at her cider booth with Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh. The farm ponies wave as she approaches. Applejack is the first to speak.

“You made it!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “We thought you’d never get out of that basement.”

“Eyup.”

Spike grins. “I told you I’d think of something.”

Applejack chuckles. “That you did. Good work, Spike.”

Big Mac holds out a tankard to Twilight. “Cider?”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “No, thank you. I’m not much for that.”

A voice nearby rings out.

“Twilight!”

Turning, Twilight spots Rainbow Dash flying toward them at top speed. She grabs the tankard, downs its contents, and tosses it back onto the counter as she lands.

“Great batch as always!”

Apple Bloom nods approvingly. “Glad you think so. After all, you’re our best customer.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were such a big cider fan, Rainbow Dash.”

“Oh yeah! I just can’t get enough of it!”

Applejack smirks. “We can tell.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “How?”

“When she starts flying funny.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I can hold my cider!”

Applejack nudges her friend slyly. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah!”

“Then tell me this. For somepony who’s supposed to be such a skilled flier, why do you crash so often?”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Because I… have an inner ear problem, that’s all!”

Applejack shakes her head and grins. “Fine. It’s your story.”

Twilight frowns. “Applejack, do you actually have proof?”

“A bit, yes.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Like what?”

“I have noticed that your bouts of flying funny coincide with the day after I deliver a mini keg.”

Spike turns to Rainbow Dash. “Sounds like she has your figured out.”

A high-pitched voice rings out behind them.

“Who has who figured out?!”

They turn to see Pinkie walking toward them along with Fluttershy. Twilight smiles at them as she speaks.

“Applejack says Rainbow Dash drinks a bit too much.”

Fluttershy sighs. “That she does.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! And when she does she always comes to Sugar Cube Corner to nurse her hangover!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Pinkie…”

The sound of giggling rings out. Rarity moves to join them.

“Hello, girls. Having a nice conversation?”

Spike grins hugely. “H-hi Rarity.”

“And hello to you Spikey-wikey. You’re looking very handsome today.”

“So do you.”

Rarity giggles. “Oh Spike. You always say the nicest things.”

She turns to Applejack.

“I’ll have a glass of apple wine, please.”

Big Macintosh opens a bottle and pours the contents into a glass and Apple Bloom slides a mug of juice toward Spike. Rarity takes her glass as Spike picks his own up. Raising her glass in a silent toast she taps it lightly to Spike’s and sips the contents slowly.

“Very good flavor and body. It just makes me feel warm all over.”

Spike nods, still dazed. “Me too.”

Apple Bloom looks to Spike, confused. “But you haven’t taken a drink of your juice yet.”

“Oh… right.”

Taking a large mouthful, Spike miscalculates and takes too big a gulp. Turning red with his cheeks puffed out like a squirrel, he forces himself to swallow the sweet liquid as he fakes a smile to Rarity.

“D-delicious!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Drinking it like a champ! You’ll be able to hold your cider in a few…”

Rarity frowns. “Don’t encourage him.”

Fluttershy clears her throat and turns to Twilight in an attempt to change the subject. “So… what’ve you been up to?”

“I’m working on a big project for Princess Celestia studying plants from another world.”

“And animals?”

Twilight shakes her head. “The princess’ letter was very specific. Plants and fungi only.”

Pinkie bounces happily. “Couldn’t you get something small and cuddly and warm and furry and…!”

Spike sighs. “If you want a pet Fluttershy’s the one to talk to about that. Not Twilight.”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. That and Twilight shouldn’t be taking critters away from their family like that.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I probably should. Besides, I don’t really have the facilities to house and care for anything other than plants.”

Applejack steps toward her with a tankard of cider. “In any case, enough talk about books and studies.”

She gives Twilight the tankard as Big Macintosh walks over with a tray of drinks for the others. Each taking one, they knock them together happily and cry out.

“CHEERS!!!”

Knocking back their drinks, Spike facepalms as Apple Bloom walks over to him. She appears confused.

“Something wrong, Spike?”

“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.”

“What wasn’t?”

Spike points a thumb toward Twilight. “Bringing Twilight here.”

“Why? She and the others seem to be having a good time.”

“I’m kinda worried about her. I mean, she did need to get out of the basement, of course. But…”

Apple Bloom interrupts him. “But she isn’t loosened up enough yet? Big Mac, another round to Twilight and her friends.”

“Eyup.”

The stallion pours another round of tankards and heads over to the mares whom are laughing over something Pinkie said. Spike groans as he looks to Apple Bloom.

“That’s not what I meant!”

“What’s the problem? Afraid they can’t hold their cider?”

Spike groans. “The others, yes. Twilight… probably not.”

“How do you know?”

“Well, for starters… she pretty much never drinks more than one cider. And that’s just to be sociable.”

Apple Bloom looks over at Twilight whom is laughing happily as she and her friends watch Rainbow Dash take flight and do a few shaky tricks before turning back to Spike.

“I kinda see what you mean. But don’t worry about her. Applejack is pretty good about cutting ponies off before they have TOO much.”

Spike sighs. “That’s a relief. Honestly, I do like seeing her loosen up. But there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing.”

Apple Bloom nods. “I understand. Granny Smith taught me how to watch out for stuff like that.”

“What do you look for?”

“Eye movements, walking funny, slurred speech, and looking sick are good signs that somepony has had enough.”

Spike looks past Apple Bloom at Twilight before speaking. “At least she doesn’t look like any of that.”

After another drink or two Applejack looks around at her friends.

“That’s enough for you, Rainbow Dash.”

“WHAT?! But it’s Cider Day!”

“True. But you can’t be making a spectacle of yourself in front of the whole town.”

Rarity nods. “That and there are foals here.”

Pinkie gasps. "Think of the children!”

Fluttershy appears confused. “What are children?”

Pinkie shrugs. “I dunno. It just came to me.”

Twilight giggles. “Well… I think I’ve had enough too. Like you said Applejack… we can’t be making fools of ourselves. But I do have to say that I think you’ve outdone yourselves on this batch.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! This stuff is great! Can I get some bottles to take home?!”

Applejack nods. “Fine. Just as long as you drink them at home, not out in public.”

“Deal!”

She walks up to Big Macintosh to make her purchase as Spike walks over to Twilight.

“Having a good time?”

Twilight nods. “Oh yes. Thanks for convincing me to come here, Spike.”

Rarity smiles at her. “It was good to see you again, Twilight. After all, one can’t stay in the basement all the time.”

Pinkie giggles. “But why don’t you take a hint from Rainbow Dash?!”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Hint?”

Applejack nods. “She means buy a few to take home. They’re great after a hard day of work, after all.”

Spike shrugs. “Studying in your case.”

Twilight nods. “I think I will. But in any case, I need to get back to work now.”

Applejack smiles at her. “You come back anytime now, you hear.”

“I will. Come along, Spike.”

Spike turns to Rarity as they walk away. “Bye, Rarity!”

He and Twilight walk up to the counter as Apple Bloom grins at them.

“Came to make a purchase, huh?!”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I did.”

“How many bottles did you want, Twilight?”

Putting a hoof to her chin, Twilight considers the question for a few moments before answering.

“Well… I certainly would like to buy enough to last me a while. Don’t want to make a bunch of unnecessary trips, after all.”

Spike nods approvingly. “That’s very efficient, Twilight.”

“So… I guess I’ll take however many will fit in my saddlebags.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “You sure you want that many? They’ll be awfully heavy.”

Twilight nods. “I’m sure, yes.”

Shrugging, Apple Bloom motions for Twilight to step behind the counter. Doing so, Big Macintosh opens a crate. One by one they carefully fill Twilight’s saddlebags. Eventually they turn to her.

“That’s the most I’d dare put in there.”

“Eyup.”

Twilight takes a few steps to make sure everything rides well before turning to Apple Bloom.

“Perfect!”

Spike frowns. “Uh, Twilight?”

“Yes Spike?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“I don’t think so.”

“You have to pay, remember?”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Silly me! I forgot!”

She looks at her filled saddlebags and groans as her ears droop.

“And my bits are in the bottom of one of these bags.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “It’d be a lot of work to unpack and then repack them.”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “Um… can I start a tab?”

“I suppose so. After all, Rainbow Dash has quite the bill herself.”

Big Macintosh nods soberly. “Eyup.”

“Tell you what. I’ll head home and send Spike back with the bits today.”

Spike nods. “Sure. Then you’d be even.”

“Eyup.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Sure, that sounds fair.”

“Thank you. And sorry for this.”

It’s okay, Twilight. Any friend of Applejack’s is trustworthy enough in our eyes.”

“Eyup.”

Twilight turns to leave with Spike. “Thanks again.”

They head down the road together back towards town and the library.

REMASTERED - Chapter 2 - The After Party

Twilight walks in the front door of the library with Spike at her heels. Carefully unlatching her saddlebags she lifts them off of her back with her magic as Spike watches nearby.

“That’s… a lot of cider.”

Twilight nods happily “I suppose it is. But this is more efficient. One trip instead of many.”

Spike sighs and shrugs. “Yeah well… do you want me to help you put this stuff in the pantry?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I’ll take care of it myself, Spike. But first we need to pay for all of this.”

“That would be the responsible thing to do, I guess.”

Walking upstairs, Twilight returns a short time later levitating a small brown sack of bits. Giving it to Spike she smiles at him.

“That should cover it. You got that okay, Spike?”

Grunting, Spike nods. “Y-yeah. I’ll head back now.”

Twilight nods as she holds the door open for him. “Thanks. But take your time getting back. After all, it’s such a lovely day and I don’t really need any help right now. You should enjoy it if you can.”

“Okay. You sure you're okay though?"

"Completely. Don't worry about me. I can hold my cider."

Spike sighs. "Fine. See you later, Twilight.”

Leaving the library Spike heads back toward Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight closes the door behind him and turns back to her saddlebags. Picking them up with her magic she looks around for a moment.

“Let’s see… where to put these…”

Booping her forehead, she rolls her eyes.

“Silly me. The basement! Then they’ll stay cool and out of the way.”

Walking downstairs, Twilight finds a nice spot for the bottles in her large storage closet. Closing the door to it, she heads back to her workbench and picks up her clipboard.

“Back to work.”

As she looks at the sample under her microscope, Twilight muses to herself.

“That cider really was tasty. The Apple family must’ve really put their hearts into it this year.”

She goes back to work for a few more moments before stopping and turning in her stool to look at the now closed closet door.

“Was I wrong to put off my work to go to the orchard? No… no, I don’t think so. After all, Princess Celestia DID tell me that I needed to take time off occasionally to see my friends.”

Twilight taps her hoof on the table as she thinks to herself.

“It did do the trick too. I feel pretty good right now.”

Giggling, Twilight ‘fans’ herself with a hoof absentmindedly.

“Is it warm in here? No… no the temperature is naturally stable down here. Ah, the alcohol in me! Now I just plain feel silly.”

Attempting to go back to work, Twilight finds herself thinking more and more about the cider in the closet. Groaning, she tosses her clipboard aside and stands up. Walking to the closet she picks up a bottle and brings it back to her workbench. Opening it, she tosses her head back and takes a large swig. Swallowing the contents of the bottle she sets it down and makes an audible gasp of contentment.

“That hit the spot. Just as good as the stuff from the kegs earlier.”

Looking at the bottle, Twilight frowns.

“Strange. Did they only fill this one up part way? I mean, there’s no way I drank THAT much of it already.”

Shrugging, Twilight upends the bottle and polishes off the rest. Setting it down, she heads back to the closet.

“Let’s see here…”

Picking up another bottle, Twilight looks it over carefully.

“This one’s completely full. I’ll have to mention that last one to Applejack. She wouldn’t knowingly sell half empty bottles, I’m sure.”

Returning to the workbench Twilight opens the bottle, takes another swig, and goes back to her studies. Taking sips as she works, the young mare finishes the second bottle shortly thereafter. Smiling, she sets it aside.

“A fun assignment along with a bottle of cider. This makes my job a lot more fun.”

Hopping off the stool, she heads back to the closet. This time Twilight returns with two bottles which she opens and sets aside.

“Can’t keep going back to the closet. Have to be more efficient with my time, after all. I’m sure the princess would approve.”

Sometime later the basement door opens and Spike walks downstairs with a piece of paper in his claw.

“I’m back, Twilight. Applejack wanted me to give you this…”

He stops talking as he spies Twilight lying face down on her workbench. Eight empty bottles of cider sit around her as a ninth lays on its side with its contents spilling out over the table. Groaning, Spike hurries over to Twilight’s side and gently nudges her.

“Twilight? Wake up! It’s too early to be going to sleep!”

Slowly opening her eyes, she looks around groggily.

“Wuz… wuz going on?”

Spike shakes his head. “Twilight, did you REALLY drink all of those ciders?”

Twilight looks around slowly. “N-no way! Somepony… somepony else must’ve… must’ve done that! I was just… sitting her taking little… small sips while I worked.”

She looks at him angrily before continuing.

“Wuz it you, Spike?!”

“What?! NO! I just got back, remember?!”

“From… where?!”

“Sweet Apple Acres! Don’t you remember sending me there to pay for all this cider?!”

Twilight scoffs. “I think I would remember something like THAT! You were out wasting time again, weren’t you?”

Spike rolls his eyes. “Yes, Twilight. I was wasting time.”

“Good on you for admitting it.”

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Spike?”

“Your drunk.”

Twilight frowns. “I am… am not!”

She hops off the stool but miscalculates and falls to the floor. Raising her head, she puts a hoof to her forehead.

“What happened?”

Spike frowns. “You can’t even walk right now!”

“I can! My hooves are just slippery from the cider I spilled!”

Twilight attempts to stand again but meets with the same problem. Spike shakes his head as he heads back upstairs.

“I’ll go brew you some strong coffee.”

“Two creams, one sugar.”

“Be right back with your black coffee, Twilight.”

“But…!”

She attempts to protest further but finds that Spike has already reached the main level. Frowning, Twilight pulls herself back up onto the stool to sit there unsteadily. Pouting, she muses to herself silently.

“Spike… know it all dragon. Thinks he knows me better than I know myself. But I’ll show him that I’m not drunk!”

Turning to her clipboard, she fumbles to pick it up for a few moments before giving up and looking at her hooves.

“Must still have cider on them. Wish it would dry up already.”

Laying her head on the table, Twilight’s gaze eventually falls on the large mirror next to her. She grins and sits up.

“The Crystal Mirror! I don’t need my hooves to work THAT!”

Standing, she again falls to the floor. Dragging herself over to the mirror, Twilight looks at it with a crooked smile.

“Now then, all I have to do is pull another sample through to prove to Spike that I’m clearly not drunk.”

Thinking, Twilight taps her forehead absentmindedly before having her light bulb moment.

“I know! I’ll won’t just pull any old plant through! This time I’ll go for an entire TREE! Well… a small one anyways.”

Concentrating, Twilight focuses her magic. Reaching through the Crystal Mirror with her magic she latches onto something. Laughing triumphantly, she grins.

“Got something!”

She begins tugging with her magic but to no avail.

“Must have deep roots.”

Twilight continues her attempt. A few minutes later Spike descends the stairs with a cup of black coffee in his claws.

“Here you are, Twilight. Just don’t try to chug this one, as it hasn’t had time to cool…”

He stops dead in his tracks at the foot of the stairs. The crackling of magical energy rings out all around him. Running over to Twilight, he drops the cup on the floor part way to her but does not slow down.

“Twilight?! What are you…?!”

“I’m pulling something though!”

“NOW?!”

Twilight nods slyly. “What better time!”

She strains as the magical energies continue to flow all around them. Spike looks around nervously as beakers begin vibrating violently on nearby shelves.

“Maybe you should let it go, Twilight! Whatever it is must be very happy where it’s planted to not be pulled through!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not a chance! I’ve almost got it!”

Taking on the face of a fisherman whom is reeling in a large catch, Twilight plants her hooves firmly and looks into the portal’s energies along with Spike as a shadow forms. Twilight grins with pride.

“It’s almost here!”

Spike shudders. “That plant is HUGE though!”

“Bigger is better!”

As something pokes through the mirror’s surface Spike turns and dives at Twilight.

“LOOK OUT!!!”

He pushes her away as a strange looking creature suddenly flies through. It lands on the floor next to them in a heap. For a long moment neither of them speaks. Eventually, Spike finds his voice.

“Twilight? Wha-what IS that thing?!”

“I… don’t really know!”

Spike eyes it closely. “Weirdest looking thing I ever saw.”

He pokes it gently with a claw. A slight moan rings out as he does so. Twilight frowns as she speaks.

“Did that thing just… make a sound?”

“I think so.”

They watch as it slowly begins moving around groggily. Spike turns back to Twilight, clearly frightened.

“Twilight! That thing’s ALIVE!”

“Definitely not a tree! Spike, RUN!”

The creature raises its head and watches them curiously as the pair scramble to get away. However, in her inebriated state Twilight accidentally slips on the coffee Spike dropped earlier, knocking both herself and Spike down. Skidding across the floor, they knock over a stand on a nearby lab table spilling several chemicals which mix upon hitting the floor next to them. Rubbing her head, Twilight attempts to stand again.

“Ow! What the…?”

Spike looks over to Twilight as a strange gas emanates from the mixture

“Twilight! Get out of there!”

Twilight stumbles in an attempt to get away as Spike rushes toward her to help her up.

“No, Spike! Save... your...self...”

The pair collapse to the floor quickly losing consciousness. With nearly supernatural speed the creature grabs the pair and heads for the stairs. Running up them as fast as possible, he bursts through the door at the top, drops the pair on the floor, and turns to slam it shut.

Breathing heavily he looks around for a few moments before spotting the stairs leading to the second floor. Picking up Twilight and Spike he carries them upstairs and over to the bed. Laying them down, the pair begin to stir slightly. Not knowing what else to do, he dives under the bed and lays there motionless. Twilight opens her eyes and rubs her forehead as she looks up at the ceiling for a few moments.

“Ugh… what the…? Was that just a dream?”

Sitting up, Twilight looks to Spike’s basket.

“Spike?”

Spike also sits up and yawns. “Twilight? I just had the craziest dream! You brought... some strange creature though the Crystal Mirror and knocked over some test tubes. Then there was a strange gas. Things got kinda hazy after that.”

Twilight looks over at Spike, wide-eyed. “I had the exact same dream, Spike! At least I assumed it was a dream...”

As Spike gets out of his basket he stands up and frowns. “One way to find out!”

Twilight unsteadily stands up as well. The alcohol appearing to have somewhat worked its way through her system.

“Alright, let's go check the lab. I'll run the emergency exhaust fan first though, just in case that gas was real.”

She hits a switch next to the basement door and the sound of large industrial fans immediately fills the air. A few minutes later she switches them off and the two descend the stairs warily. Spike points to several broken vials on the floor

“Looks like those chemicals got mixed together.”

Twilight walks over to the mess and examines the shards of glass. “Hmm... those chemicals when mixed could indeed knock a pony out. But I wonder… just how did we got to our beds?”

“Twilight, look!”

Spike points to some large muddy footprints. They are roughly three times the size of a pony's hoof print. He turns to Twilight, clearly frightened.

“What in Celestia's name would have such large feet?!”

“Spike, you don’t suppose…?”

Twilight’s gaze follows the footprints to the door.

“They lead upstairs!”

“How did we miss THAT?!”

“I don’t know! But come on, Spike! Let’s follow them!”

The pair follow the footprints to the main level and then toward the second floor’s stairs. As they walk slowly into Twilight’s bedroom they look to one another.

“It looks like this... thing... may have just saved us, Spike. It even though well enough to put us to bed.”

“Where do you think it went?!”

“I don't know. It seems to have walked around quite a bit. But I didn't see any prints leading out the front door.”

“So that means…”

Twilight and Spike’s gaze meet as their eyes grow wide.

“Right, Spike! It must still be here!”

Now knowing what else to do, the creature slowly emerges from under the bed. As he does so Spike dives into his basket and hides under the blanket. The creature does his best not to make any sudden movements as he gets to a crouching position. Twilight stares at the beast with her mouth agape in a mixture of awe, wonder, fear, and horror. As meekly as he can the creature stands to his full height. Suddenly Twilight screams.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

Out of fear, she fires a magical blast at the creature, hitting him in the chest and throwing him out the window behind her bed. Fortunately for him there are some bushes to at least partially break his fall. Spike peeks out from under his blanket.

“Twilight?! What was that for?! It looked defenseless to me.”

“I don’t know, Spike! I guess I just panicked!”

The pair walk over to the broken window together. Twilight looks at Spike as she pokes her head outside.

“You think it’s… dead?!”

Spike shrugs. “Maybe. After all anypony whom fell from this high up would at least have severe injuries.

“But it fell in the shrubs.”

“Oh…right. Then it might be just fine.”

Twilight turns and hurries down the stairs. Let’s go find…!”

Still a bit wobbly, she tumbles down the stairs as Spike hurries down after her.

“You okay, Twilight?”

Groaning, Twilight lies on the floor. “Just great.”

“Ready to admit you had too much to drink?”

“Maybe a bit. But let’s go.”

Getting to her hooves, Twilight and Spike hurry out the front door and over to the bushes. They look down at the creature before them for a few moments. Eventually Twilight speaks.

“Um… hi?”

Spike narrows his eyes and frowns as he turns to her. “Hi?”

Twilight grimaces. “I couldn’t think of what else to say.”

“Think he understands us?”

“Probably not.”

Spike points a claw behind him. “Want me to get Fluttershy? Maybe she could communicate with it.”

The creature frowns. Twilight steps back with Spike.

“I think it understood that, Twilight.”

“Right.”

“So it’s at least somewhat intelligent.”

“Now that just leaves the matter of what to do with it.”

Twilight sighs. “Let me try something.”

Looking down at the creature, she speaks slowly and deliberately. “Creature! You… follow… me… inside.”

Slowly standing, the creature turns to her as she backs up and motions with a hoof.

“That’s… right. This… way.”

Entering the library in reverse, Twilight motions for Spike to close the door behind them as she positions herself behind a table. Spike hurries to her side as she turns to him.

“What should I say?”

Spike rolls his eyes. “Well, how about you start by apologizing?”

“Apologizing?”

“For tossing it out that window.”

Twilight sighs. “I guess so.”

She turns back to the creature before continuing.

“Sorry… for…”

Spike facepalms. “And try just talking normally.”

Twilight nods and begins to speak.

“Hi… um… sorry about earlier. Especially after what you did for us. My name is Twilight Sparkle and my dragon friend here is Spike. What's your name?”

The creature just stands there and stares at them. His mouth slightly open in shock. Spike turns to Twilight.

“You think he can’t talk?”

“Maybe. But it looks like he understands us.”

They motion for the creature to follow and lead him back down to the basement. Twilight looks up at him apologetically.

“Don't worry. I'll open the Crystal Mirror for you so you can get back to your world.”

They enter the lab and walk over to the mirror. Twilight powers it up and looks over at the creature with an apologetic look on her face.

“Sorry about the trouble. I wish you well in your world… whatever you are.”

The mirror comes to life as Twilight’s magic hits it.

“Go ahead and step through and you should be back… wherever it is you came from.”

The creature walks toward the portal but stops as he touches its surface as if walking into a wall. He tries pushing harder but a stronger rebuff is his only reward. Spike looks up at Twilight with a confused look on his face.

“Uh, Twilight? What’s going on?”

Twilight stops channeling her magic, clearly confused. “I don't know. While I never tried sending any of my plant samples back through, I just assumed it worked both ways.”

She looks back at the creature, clearly unsure on what to do next.

“Not sure how else to say this, but… it looks like you’re stuck here for a while. But don't worry! I'll keep working on a way to get you home. Although I do ask that you please stay inside the library, as I’m worried your sudden appearance would cause quite the panic in Ponyville.”

The creature nods his head, either out of impulse or not wanting to be attacked again. A moment later there is quite the commotion from outside the library.

Twilight looks over her shoulder clearly worried at the panicked cries from outside.

“Uh oh, sounds like trouble in town. Let's go check it out Spike.”

She looks back at the creature.

“Sorry, but would you please stay here. We will be back as soon as we can.”

The two of them run out the front door leaving him alone in the library. He walks over to a nearby window as he muses to himself.

“Well, I suppose I can at least watch.”

He climbs the stairs to look through Twilight's broken bedroom window. The scene outside is like something out of a science fiction movie. Strange creatures that can only described as monsters appear to be attacking the town. Twilight motions for the townsponies to follow her.

“Everypony, head for the Town Hall!”

The human steps away from the window and shakes his head. “I… I have to help them! But I need a weapon of some kind!”

He looks around Twilight's home for anything that could be useful. In the back of the closet he finds a decorative spear that looks like it was made more for display than actual combat. The creature picks it up and sighs.

“It will have to do… well here goes nothing…”

He bursts through Twilight's front door and charges toward the Town Hall brandishing the spear. Twilight and her friends stop and look at him as he approaches. Applejack is the first to speak.

“Wha… what in Tarnation IS that thing?!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I don’t know. Reinforcements?

The creature runs in front of the six brave defenders and turns to face the monsters. Swinging the spear with all his might he screams at the invaders.

“GET AWAY FROM THEM!”

Twilight looks at him, amazed. “You… you CAN talk?!”

The creature does not turn to face her. “Fight now, talk later!”

At his advance most of the creatures turn tail and flee from before his weapon. Suddenly the Rainbow Dash yells out a warning.

“Incoming Ursa Minor!”

Twilight turns to look at the beast lumbering toward them. “No! Why now?!”

The creature looks at the beast and without a second thought charges right at it.

“ARGH!!! Leave them alone! Pick on someone more your size... LIKE ME!!!

Sadly he miscalculates and takes a pawfull of claws to the torso. The man staggers back, clearly in pain. Twilight looks over at him as he falls to the ground.

“NO!”

The man’s injury only seems to inspire the six to new heights of combat readiness. Twilight steps toward the Ursa Minor bravely as she calls out to her friends.

“Fluttershy, protect our brave friend here! Rainbow Dash, hit him high! Applejack, aim for the legs! Rarity, aim for the eyes! Pinkie Pie keep it away from me while I prepare! We only have one shot at this!”

The ponies engage the Ursa Minor following Twilight's instructions while she stands and appears to ‘charge up’. The human tries to rise but Fluttershy puts a hoof on his shoulder and pushes him back down as she does her best to bandage his wounds.

“Please! Let us handle it from here.”

The air practically crackles with magical energy as everyone carries out Twilight’s instructions. A couple minutes later she calls out.

“Okay… EVERYPONY, SCATTER!!!”

The ponies retreat in all directions as pure magic shoots forth from Twilight's horn. The blast hits the Ursa Minor and sends it flying head over heels back toward the forest. Rainbow Dash zips around happily.

“WE DID IT!”

Applejack tosses her hat in the air and hoof bumps Rainbow Dash. “I knew we could do it, partner!”

“Was there ever any doubt?!”

Rarity rushes over to Fluttershy’s side. “How is he doing?!”

Pinkie gasps. “Wowie! He looks awful!”

Fluttershy looks up fearfully as she applies more pressure to the creature’s wounds.

“I can't stop the bleeding! We need to get him medical attention, now!”

As she rushes over to help, Rainbow Dash picks up the human’s legs. “Give me a hoof over here, AJ!”

Applejack positions herself under his chest. “Okay! Let’s go!”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack carry the stranger to Ponyville Hospital together, as neither has to the strength to do so alone.

REMASTERED - Chapter 3 - Medic!

Rainbow Dash and Applejack burst into Ponyville Hospital with the failing creature on their backs. They lay him on a nearby gurney as Nurse Redheart rushes over. Rainbow Dash turns to her.

“Nurse! We have an emergency!”

As she sees the creature for the first time Nurse Redheart pauses momentarily. “What in the world is…?!”

Applejack frowns. “No time fer that now, nurse! What do we do?!”

Nurse Redheart looks him over momentarily before pointing a hoof at an orderly. “Get him to the Operating Room, stat!”

Another nurse quickly pages Doctor Horse to report for emergency surgery as he is wheeled away. The Mane 6 stand in the Waiting Room, seemingly unsure of what to do for a few moments before sitting down and to talk amongst themselves. Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight and frowns.

“Okay, what the heck was that thing?!”

Twilight sighs. “An Ursa Minor. They don’t usually leave the Everfree Forest, but…”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Not the monster! The other one that came to help!”

“Oh. Um… this is kinda embarrassing, but…”

Twilight brings the others up to speed on the events of the past hour or so regarding her accidently bringing through the Crystal Mirror more than just plants for her experiments. Rarity frowns.

“It sounds like you’ve been quite busy Twilight. But I must voice my concerns about you taking other creatures from their natural habitats.”

Fluttershy nods. “She’s right. It’s cruel to take an animal from its home and family.”

Pinkie nods. “Yeah! No matter how weird looking it is!”

Applejack turns to Pinkie. “Weird or not, it was willing to stand up to that beast for us.”

Fluttershy frowns. “I believe our brave friend is more than just a wild beast. After all, he did speak back there.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah! He would have to have at least SOME brains to be able to do that, right?”

Twilight sadly nods. It’s clearly sentient, I agree. But that won’t mean a thing if he dies. Hopefully the hospital staff can do something for him.”

A few hours later Doctor Horse comes down the hall toward them. Twilight jumps up and runs over to him.

“Doctor! How is he?!”

The doctor sighs. “To be quite honest, I'm not sure. Truth be told I was hoping you could fill me in on a few things, miss. For one, we aren’t even sure WHAT the patient is. Unfortunately, that makes treating him quite difficult. For starters, what kind of animal is he?”

The Mane Six look to one another before fixing their eyes on Twilight. She appears uneasy in her response.

“I… I’m afraid I don't really know? After all I’ve never seen anything like him in any of my books.”

Doctor Horse frowns as he looks over the chart in his hooves. “Hmmm... well, without any basis for treatment I'm afraid we’re going into this blind. Right now we’re treating his wounds using general medical knowledge. But I don't think he’ll last the night with such an extreme loss of blood.”

He glances at Rainbow Dash and Applejack who are still covered in blood from the rush to the hospital. Rarity appears on the edge of hysterics.

“Isn't there ANYTHING that can be done for it?!Without his aid I fear the monsters would have overrun the town!”

Rainbow Dash paces back and forth. “That's right! He saved us all, and now we need to save him!”

A pony with a green coat, light green and white mane, yellow eyes, and a harp on her flank enters the hospital. She looks around a few moments before hurrying over to Twilight and the others.

“Twilight! How is the human doing?!

“Lyra! Well he's... wait... what did you call him?”

“A human.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! But those are just myths!”

Lyra pulls a book out of her saddlebags and opens it to an earmarked page. She points to a picture with a hoof.

“Well this says otherwise. I've always believed they were real. From my research he matches the description of a Homo Sapiens, or in layponies terms, a human.”

Doctor Horse quickly approaches Lyra. “Miss, if you are sure of what he is, you may be his only hope of survival! I’ll need to see you for an immediate consultation!”

“Of course, doctor. I’ll help in any way that I can.”

Lyra and the doctor head for the patient's room. She advises him on human anatomy and proper vital signs as per his species. Together they are able to stabilize the failing human. Late that night he is transferred to a private room in the Recovery Ward as Lyra watches over him. Early the next morning Twilight and her friends meet at the hospital. They quickly approach the front desk and Nurse Redheart. Twilight is the first to speak.

“How is he, nurse?”

Redheart sighs. “The doctor has done all he can. The rest is up to the patient.”

Pinkie bounces around happily with a cake that she appears to have materialized out of thin air.

“Oh, oh! Can he have visitors?!”

The nurse motions for them to follow her. “Well, I suppose so. But please keep the noise to a minimum.”

Nurse Redheart leads the Twilight and her friends to a private room. They quietly enter and behold a terrible sight. Numerous machines including a heart monitor, breathing tube and feeding tube surround the patient. A series of IV bags are hung up on both sides of him containing substances ranging from medicine to simple saline. As she leads them into the room Nurse Redheart speak quietly.

“The wounds were quite deep. So much so that it actually pierced one of his lungs. That coupled with the extreme blood loss made breathing on his own impossible. Had you not gotten him here when you did... well... let's not think about that. In any case I have other patients to see. You can stay here for a bit as long as you keep your voices down.”

The Mane Six nod soberly. Nurse Redheart leaves the room as Twilight and her friends slowly approach the bed. Twilight stands next to the human and bows her head sadly.

“This is all my fault.”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she turns to Twilight. “YOUR fault? How?! For all we know, he could be a spy!”

Applejack glares at her. “Keep yer voice down, sugarcube. He needs his rest.”

Twilight sighs. “You don't understand! He wouldn't even be in our world if I hadn't brought him through the portal.”

Fluttershy looks over Twilight’s shoulder at the human. “You mean the portal you were bringing plant samples through? How did you mistake him for a plant?”

Applejack frowns. “Now hold on just a second there, sugarcube! How could you have brought anything through yesterday? Close as I can recall you were pretty well buzzed up then. You could hardly walk in a straight line, much less cast magic.”

“But I did! And now an innocent… human has paid the price for my mistake!”

Twilight tears up and her friends move forward to console her. Rarity is the first to speak.

“We all know you would never intentionally put anypony in harm's way darling.”

Twilight begins to cry softly. “He probably hates me now. Even if he makes it through this, there's no way he would ever forgive me!”

She feels a soft, warm feeling on her fetlock. Twilight looks up, surprised.

“What?!”

The human puts his hand on her hoof and offers her a weak smile. Twilight takes his hand in her hooves and continues crying.

“I'm sorry... I am... so... sorry!”

Lyra quietly enters the room and walks over to Twilight. Putting a hoof on her shoulder she begins to speak.

“Sh… you need to stay quiet, Twilight. He’s still very weak.”

Twilight looks at the human. “If you can understand me, please know that I’m sorry and will find a way to make this right!”

Lyra nods. “He completely understands you, Twilight.”

“Does he?! Then why doesn’t he…?!”

Applejack puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder and pulls her away gently.

“Come on, sugarcube. We can talk about this somewhere else.”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. Let him get some rest.”

Twilight nods and looks over her shoulder at the creature. She notices that he has since closed his eyes again. Leading the group out into the corridor, Lyra points a hoof.

“We can talk more about this in one of the consultation rooms.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But aren’t those for staff only?”

“Normally, yes. However Doctor Horse told me I could use them to appraise you all of the situation.”

Lyra leads them down the corridor and into a small room with couches and snacks on a table in the corner. Pinkie hops over to the table and begins munching away happily. Rarity sigh and shakes her head.

“Pinkie, is now really the best time for that?”

“It’s always time for snacks!”

Applejack facepalms. “Classic Pinkie Pie.”

Rainbow Dash joins the pink mare. “Let me in on some of that action!”

Rarity shakes her head at the pair as she heads for a couch and sits down. “Shall we begin?”

Twilight nods as she joins Rarity. “Yes, of course.”

Fluttershy sits down next to Lyra as she turns to her. “What can you tell us about this creature that helped us?”

“As I said the other day, he’s a Homo Sapiens. Otherwise known as a human. They’re physical structure is actually very similar to ours at its core.”

Rainbow Dash looks over as she sits down with a hooffull of cookies. “How?! He looks totally different from a pony!”

Pinkie bounces onto the couch with the rest of the goodies. “Yeah! And he has strange looking tentacles on his front hooves!”

Lyra shakes her head. “They don’t have hooves, but instead have hands. And those tentacles are called ‘fingers’. Supposedly they work independently, but this is hearsay and rumor.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “What about his insides? Are they anything like ours?”

Lyra nods. “Oh yes. Human’s organs are though to be laid out similarly to a pony. Well, assuming a pony walked on their hind legs that is.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Thought to be?”

“We don’t know much for certain, as they’ve always been regarded as mythical creatures by ponies.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Not so much now though.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Can’t really say something doesn’t exist when it’s right in front of you, I suppose.”

Applejack sighs. “What’s the prognosis though? Doctor Horse said he’d probably pull through.”

“Assuming we can ward away infection, yes. He, and yes I am sure it’s a he, is responding to treatment nicely.”

Rarity looks to Lyra, confused. “How do you know it’s a male?”

“The medical staff removed his outer coverings to treat him. It was a simple matter to look between his legs to see the phallus.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “His what now?”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “Penis.”

Twilight clears her throat loudly in an effort to change the subject. “This doesn’t really tell us much, Lyra.”

“As I said, we don’t know much for certain. Most of what I told the doctor was theory, naturally.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Did he know that?”

“Of course. I made very certain to inform him of that before he proceeded. Most of what I was able to say with certainty had to do with his vitals. They’re quite a bit different from an equine.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “A what?”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Pony, sugarcube. Honestly, didn’t you pay attention at ALL in school?”

“Nah. I was too busy being AWESOME!”

Twilight shakes her head. “And that’s not helping you right now.”

“I get by.”

Lyra turn to Twilight. “In any case, I’m glad you’re here.

“Me?”

“Yes. Doctor Horse says that the human will be on the ventilator for three days as his lungs heal. After that the tube will be removed to allow him to breathe on his own.”

Twilight nods. “That does make sense. But what does it have to do with me?”

“Can I assume you’re the only one to have spoken to him?”

Fluttershy raises a hoof. “I said something to him earlier. But it was just for him to lie still and let me treat him.”

Twilight sighs. “We had a short conversation at the library before the monster attack, yes. But he didn’t say anything back.”

Applejack frowns. “But he can talk.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. We heard him do so when he arrived. Very loudly I might add.”

Lyra continues as she looks to Twilight. “Doctor Horse and I believe that once the breathing tube is removed that he will have many questions.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Are you certain? He didn’t ask any before the attack.”

“Very. Humans are extremely inquisitive creatures. That much is agreed upon.”

Fluttershy sighs. “It’s possible that he was just too afraid or surprised to say anything before.”

Applejack nods. “But if was show him that we mean him no harm, maybe he’ll open up to us and talk.”

Pinkie grins. “I could throw him a ‘welcome to Ponyville but sorry you’re in the hospital now’ party!”

Rarity sighs. “Somehow I don’t think the party idea would go over well.”

“Why not?!”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Because it’s not the right time.”

“It’s ALWAYS the right time to party!”

Applejack turn to Twilight. “Don’t worry, sugarcube. We’ll help you make first contact.”

Lyra frowns. “That probably isn’t a good idea.”

Rarity appears confused. “Why not?”

“Because he’s the only human here and he probably knows it. It would be quite the shock to his system to be surrounded by ponies.”

Fluttershy nods. “Again, I might add.”

Applejack turns to Fluttershy. “How did he handle you taking care of him earlier?”

“He seemed very nervous. But that might have also been him going into shock from the loss of blood.”

Lyra nods. “Yes, well… we’re getting a bit off topic here. As I was saying, I’ve already spoken to Doctor Horse about this, and he agrees that you should be the one to speak to him when he can talk again, Twilight.”

“But why me?”

“Because you’re the most familiar face to him.”

“I guess I am. But you’re the human expert. Shouldn’t you be there too?”

“The less ponies in the room the better. I’ll be outside with a few others just in case though.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “In case what?!”

Lyra frowns. “The rest of what is believed about humans is true.”

Applejack nods soberly. “The violence part?”

“Right. Doctor Horse will make sure he’s properly restrained at first, again just in case. The only question now is… will you do it, Twilight?”

Everyone looks to her. Twilight sighs and nods.

“I will. After all, it’s my fault he’s here, after all. When does the tube come out.

Lyra smiles. “Three days from now. Meet the doctor and I at the front desk at this time and we’ll walk you over there.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “We’ll be here too!”

Rarity nods. “That we will be.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “So will I. If he gets upset I may be able to reason with him.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “And if not I’ll hogtie him!”

Pinkie giggles. “But that won’t happen! I’ll make sure it doesn’t with my Party Cannon!”

Twilight facehoofs. “Great.”

Twilight returns to Ponyville Hospital a few days later as instructed by Lyra. She and Doctor Horse enter the human’s room while the others wait outside. The doctor turns to her as they walk over to the bed.

“I removed the breathing tube a few hours ago. We're not sure how long before he’ll be able to speak again though, as the tube was between his vocal cords. While I’m sure you have many questions for our patient here, as all of us do, please try not to tire him out too much. He still has much healing to do.”

“Thank you, doctor. I’ll sit with him here until he awakens.”

The doctor leaves the room and closes the door behind him. A few moments pass. The human speaks in a raspy voice.

“…I’m not asleep”

Twilight jumps slightly at the sudden break in silence.

“Ah!”

The human smiles over at her weakly as he opens his eyes part way. “Sorry about that. I couldn't resist.”

“So how are you feeling?”

The human clears his throat a few times before responding. “Well considering I still have several rather large holes in me, not too bad. Look, Twilight was it? I'm sure you have many more pressing questions for me. Feel free to ask away.”

Twilight smiles in anticipation. “Well okay, but how about we start with your name. What should I call you?”

“My name is… Arc.”

“Arc? That’s a rather strange name.”

“No stranger than the name ‘Twilight Sparkle’ is to me.”

Twilight giggles nervously. “Fair enough. Is it true? Are you a... human?”

“I am. Is that a problem?”

“Oh no! It's just that here in Equestria humans are mythical creatures.”

Arc chuckles weakly. “Ironically in my world unicorns, pegasus, and dragons are also mythical creatures. How much is known about humans in this world”?

“Mostly just hearsay and rumor. Such as they don't have magic of any kind.”

Arc nods. “That is correct”.

“And that parenting can take an entire lifetime.”

With a faraway look in his eyes. “Only partially true. When a child is grown up they leave their parents and find their own way in life. However, they often times stay emotionally close to their parents.”

Twilight appears uneasy. “And we also hear that they eat… animal flesh.”

“Yes. Our bodies require certain nutrients that can be quite difficult to acquire from an all plant diet. But don't worry. We don't eat ponies.”

“Thank Celestia!”

Arc appears confused. “Who?”

Twilight sits back as she realizes her poor choice of words. “Oh, sorry! Princess Celestia has ruled over this land for thousands of years. She's also my teacher and friend. Right now she’s busy with some kind of diplomatic mission in another land. But when she returns I’ll introduce you to her. Assuming I haven't found a way to send you home by then, that is.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, I appreciate that. In any case the doctor says I should be getting out of here in a few days.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, he did mention that to me. You’ll be bedridden for several weeks, of course though.”

“Oh, um… I don’t really have anywhere to…”

Twilight looks over to him expectantly. “You’re welcome to stay with me for as long as you need. After all, there isn’t really anypony to take you in right now.”

“Thank you. I guess I don’t really have a choice though.”

“It’s the least I can do considering…”

Her voice trails off as she looks away.

Arc nods. “…considering you brought me here?”

“Yes. And I’m very sorry about that.”

“What exactly happened?”

Twilight bows her head. “I… may have had a bit too much to drink while pulling plants from your world to ours.”

“I don’t get it.”

“You see, I’ve been tasked by Princess Celestia to study plants from another world and catalogue my findings. While I was only supposed to bring over plants, in my inebriated state I mistook you for a small tree.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How?!”

Twilight sighs. “I was pretty out of it at the time so I don’t really know. While I know that just sounds like I’m trying to make an excuse, it’s the honest truth.”

“But you’re going to find a way for me to go home, right?”

Twilight nods fervently. “Yes. I owe you that much.”

“Good. I… I don’t belong here.”

“Yes, I… I think it’s for the best that you return to your own land as soon as possible. I mean, not that it’s your fault for being here, or anything, but…”

Her voice trails off as Arc looks at her evenly. Eventually Twilight bows her head and sighs.

“Sorry. That sounded better in my head.”

“No need to apologize. I mean… I agree with you.”

“You do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Were the tables turned and I found you in my home… I think my first thought would be of ways to get you back home.”

“That shouldn’t take too long. After all, I’m pretty good at figuring out magical spells and whatnot.”

“Thanks miss. Um… could I get some time alone though.”

Twilight smiles and nods. “Of course. I’m sure you’re pretty tired, what with trying to recover and all.”

“Not… exactly.”

“Oh?”

Arc sighs and looks away. “I have to go to the bathroom.”

Twilight gasps. “Oh… OH! Sorry! I’ll go fetch the nurse!”

She hops off the bed and hurries out the door. The others looks concerned as she does so. Lyra is the first to speak.

“Everything go alright in there?”

Twilight nods. “Y-yes, it did. Um… he said he had to go to the bathroom though, doctor.”

Doctor Horse motions to a nurse. “Get a couple orderlies to help.”

Applejack appears confused. “Uh… what for?”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Well, it’s not like he can just get up and walk to the toilet.”

Lyra turns to Twilight again. “While they help relieve the human, might you tell me more about him?”

“Well… for starters his name is ‘Arc’.”

Pinkie giggles. “Funny name you gave him, Twilight!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well, you have to call him something.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “Maybe we can build on that and come up with something a bit better though.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, that’s what he said it was.”

Lyra grins. “Yes, humans rely on much simpler names to maintain their individuality.”

Doctor Horse frowns as the orderlies and nurse enter the room. “One would think that would lead to confusion.”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. After all, if we did that we’d have ponies sharing names.”

Lyra smiles. “Perhaps they have a way to make it work.”

Rarity sighs. “I don’t see how. But in any case, what else was said, Twilight?”

“He doesn’t appear to be upset that I brought him here. However the human does appear to want to return home.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “I can understand that.”

Pinkie appears confused. “Oh?!”

“Think about it. He’s the only one of his kind here in a land of strangers. I wouldn’t want to stay either.”

Twilight grimaces. “I told him I’d find a way to send him back.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Good. Animals belong in their natural habitat if at all possible.”

Lyra gasps. “Don’t be too quick to do that though! After all, this may be our only chance to study a real human!”

Doctor Horse looks over Arc’s clipboard. “Well, we can’t exactly send him back in such a condition.”

Applejack nods fervently. “Darn right we can’t!”

Rarity appears surprised. “Applejack?”

“He got hurt helping us, so we need to make that right by nursing this creature back to health.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “I can probably help with that.”

Pinkie giggles. “We all will!”

Twilight appears relieved as the nurse and orderlies leave the room together. “Thanks everypony. Right now I don’t think I can do this alone.”

She turns to the doctor before continuing.

“How long will he be in the hospital?”

“At least another week. We’ll keep him here for observation before allowing you to take him in, Miss Twilight.”

Lyra turns to Twilight. “Might I help you in caring for him? My knowledge of humans might be helpful.”

“Sure, Lyra. But I’d also like to observe him and include my findings in my report.”

Applejack frowns. “Report?”

“The one I’m making on the plants from his world. I was planning on writing a short book about each sample, after all.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “But now you want to write about him?”

Pinkie giggles. “Might as well! After all, why let a good catastrophe go to waste?! Amiright?!”

Rarity sighs. “Somehow I don’t think that’s what Twilight had in mind.”

Twilight nods as she looks back toward the door. “Right. But now that he’s here we need to make the most of the situation at hoof.”

Applejack sighs. “He’s not one of Fluttershy’s critters, you know.”

Lyra turns to her. “That’s true, of course. However he’ll be fed and housed by Twilight, so it’s only fair that she gets something in return.”

“But Fluttershy doesn’t do all that expecting something!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Oh, but I do.”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised. “You do?”

“Yes. I get love and affection in return.”

Rarity giggles. “That sounds about right.”

Twilight turns to Applejack before speaking. “How about this. I’ll explain to him that Lyra and I want to learn more about his species to better understand humans.”

Pinkie nods. “That sounds fair to me!”

Doctor Horse nods. “A fair trade. He is cared for and you two get to record valuable data.”

Applejack sighs. “Fine, fine. Just remember that he’s a living, breathing creature. Not a tool or toy.”

Lyra nods soberly. “You have my word that we’ll treat him with respect and dignity.”

Twilight smiles. “Right.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 5 - Draconian

A few weeks pass. Arc walks slowly down the road with Twilight and Rarity. Spike follows some distance behind and scowls as Rarity looks up at Arc.

“You’re doing better these days.”

Twilight nods happily. “Yes. And thanks to these daily walks you’re getting stronger.”

Arc sighs. “Lying down for weeks at a time has that effect. While I wasn’t what one would consider strong…”

Rarity interrupts him. “There are other things just as important though.”

“Oh? Like what?”

Twilight smiles. “Like being strong of mind. It’s very impressive how you’ve been able to learn and retain so much knowledge from your homeland without the aid of reference guides.”

“I’m not the smartest out there, but I did do well in school.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Humans have schools?”

“Oh yes. Schools, shops, town halls, that sort of thing.”

Twilight looks up at him. “So pretty much everything we have here in Equestria?”

“Equestria… is that the name of the country or the planet? Sorry if that’s a silly question.”

Rarity giggles. “We never told you about our world’s geography, so it’s a logical question.”

Twilight nods.” Yes, this country is called Equestria. It’s one of several on the planet Equus.”

“What are the others?”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “There’s the Crystal Empire to the north. While it’s technically a sovereign land, it’s generally seen as a part of Equestria.”

“We sort of annexed it after the fall of the evil King Sombra.”

Arc frowns. “Why?”

Twilight shrugs. “It made sense at the time. After all, with nopony on the throne the land was in chaos. Princess Celestia sent her niece there to govern until a more permanent solution could be reached.”

Rarity giggles. “But they got along so well that the position was made permanent.”

“Right. Oh, and her name is Princess Cadance. She’s an old friend of mine.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So you’re friends with royalty then. Are you… um… royalty too, Twilight?”

“No, no. I’m as common as they come. The only reason I know the princesses is due to my position as Princess Celestia’s personal student.”

Rarity sighs. “However right now Princess Cadance is in Canterlot with Princess Luna governing the land.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not really, no. But the population is a bit… unnerved with Princess Celestia’s sudden exodus from the land.”

“Where did she go?”

Rarity shrugs. “Some kind of diplomatic mission in a faraway land. Hopefully she come home soon.”

“Princess Celestia… that name’s come up a lot in the books you brought me to read, Twilight.”

“I would hope so. She’s been on the throne for over a thousand years.”

Arc gasps. “Woah! How long do you ponies live?!”

Rarity laughs. “About as long as humans do normally.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Princesses are a special case, after all. They’re the embodiment of all three pony races.

Rarity turns to him. “The strength of the Earth Ponies, the magic of the Unicorns, and the flight of the Pegasi.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, if it works it works.”

Twilight looks up. “Everypony respects and admires her for her past deeds and for bringing peace to the land.”

“From what I’ve seen this place is pretty quiet. Well, other than the monster attack when I arrived.”

Arc looks around the deserted streets and sighs.

“I just kinda wish I didn’t empty the streets every time I go out.”

Spike frowns. “They’re just understandably scared.”

Twilight frowns at him as she speaks. “Well, we aim to change that.”

Arc raises and eyebrow. “How?”

“By taking these walks for starters.”

Rarity nods. “They’re for more than just exercise. It’s a way to get you out into our society. Let ponies know you aren’t a threat to them.”

Spike rolls his eyes. “Even though it doesn’t seem to be working.”

Rarity sighs. “This might take quite some time. After all, the population’s minds aren’t changed in a day.”

Twilight looks ahead with a look of determination on her face. “Well, we have to start somewhere.”

Arc winces. “Agreed. But… might we head back now?”

Rarity turns to him. “Getting a bit tired?”

“More sore than anything else.”

Twilight points a hoof. “We’re not that far from the library. This way.”

A few minutes later they arrive. Rarity runs ahead to open the door as Twilight watches Arc carefully. Spike, as before, continues to watch from the rear. They head back upstairs and help Arc sit down on the bedside. He groans contentedly.

“It does feel good to get off my feet.”

Rarity appears concerned. “Are you alright?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’m okay.”

Spike walks into the room with a note in his claws. Heading to his friend he holds it up.

“This was on the kitchen table, Twilight.”

“Oh? Well, let’s take a look at it.”

Unfolding the paper she reads it quickly before sighing.

“Great…”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Bad news?”

“Kinda. It’s from Lyra. She was going to come by and stay with Spike while I did some shopping this afternoon.”

Arc appears surprised. “Something happen to her?”

“She has a sick friend whom needs her right now. It says here that she just dropped this note off on her way over there.”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “I could stay and watch Spike for you, Twilight.”

“Oh would you? That would be wonderful!”

Spike frowns. “Can’t I come with you, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “It’s just a bunch of little errands, Spike. Nothing too interesting for you, I’m afraid.”

“I wouldn’t mind tagging along…”

Twilight interrupts him. “Remember what happened last time you got bored?”

“Um…”

Rarity appears surprised. “What happened?”

“Without going into detail, let’s just say that Spike isn’t allowed back in ‘Sofas and Quills’ ever again.”

Rarity nods. “Well you just leave him to me.”

“Thanks, I won’t be long.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Was there anything you needed?”

“No thank you. I think I’ll just take a bit of a nap while you’re gone.”

Rarity gestures to Spike. “Come along. Let’s give Arc some quiet time.”

She leads the young dragon out of the room as Twilight follows. Reaching the bottom of the stairs Twilight turns to him.

“Be good for Rarity.”

“I will.”

Twilight heads for the front door and grabs her saddlebags. Using her magic to put them on, she hurries out the door as Rarity turns to Spike.

“Why don’t we have a little snack.”

Spike grins and nods. “Okay!”

Heading for the kitchen, Rarity puts the kettle on the stove as Spike roots around in the cupboard.

“I know there’s a box of that tea you like in here somewhere, Rarity.”

Rarity giggles as she turns on the flame. “It’s fine, Spike. Whatever you want me to make is fine.”

“Hot cocoa?!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Um… it isn’t cold outside though.”

Spike grins. “Yeah, I know. But that stuff is GOOD!”

“Very well.”

She pulls out the can of cocoa mix as Spike sets two mugs on the table. As the kettle whistles Rarity pulls it off the heat and walks over to the table as Spike finishes spooning the mix into the mugs. Filling them with the boiling water she returns the kettle to the stove and motions to the table.

“Why don’t we sit down and have a little talk?”

“Uh… okay.”

Spike sits down as Rarity does the same. Looking to him, she sighs.

“I wanted to talk to you about Arc.”

“Oh?”

“You never take your eyes off of him.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Well… it’s a bit disconcerting.”

“How?”

“Would you like somepony always staring at you?”

“But somepony needs to watch him!”

Rarity sighs. “And you think that somepony is you?”

“Why not?! After all, you and Twilight are getting too close to him!”

“Are we now?”

Spike nods fervently. “Yes! It’s not safe!”

“Can you tell me why?”

“Because he’s a human, and humans eat meat!”

“I understand that, Spike. However I don’t think he’s going to try and cook us.”

“How can you be so sure?!”

“Because he’s not the first meat eater to come to town.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “He’s not?!”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not at all. There’s another creature who moved to town some time ago.”

“Does Twilight know about this?!”

“Oh yes. She’s good friends with them.”

“And she knows they eat meat?!”

Rarity nods. “Completely.”

“How can she be okay with that?!”

“Because Twilight looks past what’s on the surface and tries her best to give others the benefit of the doubt.”

“But this creature could be dangerous!”

“I agree. However he’s never attacked anypony or made any kind of attempt to eat us.”

Spike clenches a fist. “Are they at least being watched?!”

Rarity nods. “Oh, yes. That I can say for certain.”

“Good! By who?!”

“Me.”

“What?! When?!”

“Right now.”

Spike gasps. “But I don’t eat…!”

Rarity interrupts him. “Spike… haven’t you ever stopped to consider why you have such sharp teeth?”

“Because it makes it easier to chew the cores of apples?”

“No. Because dragons are meat eaters.”

“We… we are?!”

Rarity nods. “Yes.”

“Why didn’t anypony tell me?!”

“Twilight’s been meaning to do that for awhile now. But she told me that she just hadn’t been able to find the right conversation to broach the subject.”

Spike quickly gets up from the table and backs away from the mare before him.

“Rarity, get back!”

“Why, Spike?”

“Because you’re in danger!”

“Am I?”

“Yes!”

“How so?”

“Because I’m a meat eater!”

Rarity smiles as she stands. Walking toward him Spike slowly backs up nervously.

“Rarity, no! You have to stay away!”

“I’m not afraid.”

“Well, I am!”

“Of what?”

“That I might hurt you!”

Backing into a corner, Spike squeezes his eyes shut as Rarity stops right in front of him. Without a word she wraps her front hooves around him in a hug. Spike gasps.

“Rarity! What… what are you doing?!”

“Giving my friend a hug.”

“But… but I might eat you!”

“Then go ahead.”

“WHAT?!”

“Go ahead, Spike. My neck is mere inches from your teeth.”

Spike gasps. “You… you want me to eat you, Rarity?!”

“If you want to, sure.”

“But… but I don’t want to!”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re my friend, Rarity! That and I could never EVER see myself hurting you!”

“You’re a meat eater though. Don’t you want to eat me?”

Spike shakes his head vehemently. “Not at all!”

“So you’re saying that you don’t want to eat me?”

“Right!”

“But how can you resist the temptation to do so?”

“Because… because you’re my friend, Rarity! I could never hurt you!”

Rarity lets go of Spike and looks him in the eye.

“And we trust you not to.”

“How though?”

“Spike… Twilight watched you grow up from a newborn to a handsome young dragon. She raised you to only eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, and occasionally gemstones. You’ve never once tried to hurt anypony and be don’t believe that you’ll start anytime soon.”

“But I could!”

Rarity nods. “Yes, I suppose so. But we’ve given you the benefit of the doubt. All we ask for now is that you do the same for Arc.”

“But…!”

Spike sighs and nods as he continues.

“…alright. I’ll keep watching him though.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. Please do.”

“But I thought…”

“We’re watching, yes. While Twilight and I do trust him, he’s also still very weak.”

Spike bows his head. “Fine. I’ll do as you say, Rarity.”

Rarity pats his head. “Thank you, Spike.”

Sometime later the pair enter the bedroom together. Spike carries a tray with a mug of hot chocolate on it. As they near the bed Arc opens his eyes and sniffs the air before turning to them.

“Is that…?”

Rarity nods. “We thought you’d like this.”

Spike cautiously approaches the bed with the tray. Arc takes the mug and gives it a sip.

“Delicious!”

He looks to Spike and gives him a thumbs up.

“Good work on this.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, well… it’s not much to add mix to hot water. But we’re glad you like it.”

Spike clears his throat loudly as he looks to Arc. “I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“You’re not going to eat my friends, are you?”

Rarity gasps. “SPIKE!”

Arc sighs and shakes his head. “No, I’m not.”

“Sorry for being so forward. But it’s been bothering me for a while.”

Rarity frowns at him. “Tact, Spike!”

“I just didn’t know how else to word it.”

Arc turns to the dragon as he looks him over. “As long as we’re on the subject, can I assume you eat meat too?”

Spike shakes his head, visibly shaken at the prospect. “No, never!”

“Might I ask why not?”

“Because it’s gross!”

Rarity sighs. “Ponies here don’t do such things, so Spike doesn’t have a source of meat to try.”

Spike wrinkles his nose. “And I don’t want to either!”

“How do the other dragons deal with it?”

Rarity appears confused.” Other… dragons?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. There have to be others, right?”

Spike sighs. “Nah. It’s just me.”

“You’re the only dragon in Equestria?!”

“Well… there’s the Dragon Lands across the ocean. But I’m all there is around here.”

Arc looks Spike in the eye. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Do you ever get… lonely?”

Spike raises an eyebrow, confused. “No, why would I?”

“Well… being the only one of your kind, I just kinda figured…”

“But I’m surrounded by all my friends.”

Rarity steps forward. “Spike.”

“Yes, Rarity.”

“Arc just means do you miss the company of other dragons?”

Spike appears confused. “But I’ve only ever met two others.”

Rarity nods. “So you don’t know then.”

“I guess.”

“What I mean is, you can’t miss what you never had.”

She gestures with a hoof toward Arc.

“However, he’s spent his entire life with other humans. All of this is so new to Arc.”

Arc nods. “Think about it this way. How would you feel if you woke up in an strange new country surrounding by unknown creatures?”

“I… don’t think I’d like it very much.”

Rarity sighs. “Now you understand how Arc feels.”

Spike bows his head. “Sorry. I guess… that I just didn’t think about it too hard.”

Arc shrugs. “What’s done is done.”

He thinks for a few moments before continuing.

“But… from one non-indigenous creature to another… I could always use a friend.”

Spike appears nervous. “A… friend?”

Arc nods. “After all, it makes life that much easier.”

“I’d… like that. I think.”

Arc extends a hand. Spike slowly approaches and takes it. Giving the claw a good shake, Arc looks Spike in the eye and chuckles.

“Guess we’re making history.”

“Huh?”

“First human to befriend a dragon.”

Spike grins. “Or you could look at it the other way.”

Rarity appears confused. “Spike?”

“I’m also the first dragon to befriend a human.”

Arc laughs. “That too!”

REMASTERED - Chapter 7 - Down on the Farm

A week passes. Arc readies himself in his room as Twilight and Spike look on nervously. Twilight looks on nervously.

“Arc, are you sure this is a good idea?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Twilight. I’m feeling much stronger these days.”

Spike frowns. “But you might hurt yourself out there.”

“I’ll take it slow and rest if I need to.”

“But…!”

Twilight frowns as she continues.

“…you could set back your recovery.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Both Doctor Horse and Lyra agree that I’m recovered enough to do this. Your own research into my physiology proves that.”

Spike puts a claw on Twilight’s shoulder. “I trust your research. Do you?”

“What if I made a mistake?! We don’t know everything about you yet!”

Arc chuckles. “How about this. When I’m done with work I’ll head over to the hospital and get checked out. Would that make you feel better?”

“A little.”

“Then it’s settled.”

Arc grabs his long sleeved overshirt and pulls it on as he leaves the bathroom. Twilight and Spike follow him down the stairs and toward the door where his shoes lie waiting. Sitting down to put them on Twilight finally relents.

“Just be careful.”

Arc nods. “I will.”

With a wave he heads out the door as the first rays of light peek over the horizon. They watch him walk until he disappears into the early morning darkness. Spike turns to Twilight.

“He’ll be okay.”

Twilight sighs as she closes the front door. “I’m sure he will be, yes.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. They why so dramatic?”

“Because I… I can’t help but feel responsible for him.”

“Arc looks like he’s an adult though.”

Twilight nods as she slowly walks toward the kitchen. “Yes, he is. But even fully grown creatures can go too far.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way down the now familiar paths. Arriving at Sweet Apple Acres he spots movement over by the farmhouse. Walking over he meets Applejack on the front porch. She smiles and waves a hoof at him.

“Morning, sugarcube. Sleep well?”

“Okay I guess.”

Applejack gestures with a wave of her hoof toward the orchard. Arc notices that its trees are filled to bursting with red and green apples.

“I'm sure glad to have some extra help this time of year. It's awful hard to keep this place up with just Big Mac, Apple Bloom and me working the land.”

Arc turns to Applejack. “Well, I'm certainly no Earth Pony. But I’ll give it my best shot. What do you want me to do?”

Applejack beckons him to follow her. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

Making the short walk the pair arrive at the barn together. Applejack turns to Arc as she speaks.

“Well, normally Big Mac and I buck the trees and Apple Bloom carries the filled baskets to the barn. Being just a filly she can't keep up with two fully grown ponies, so we have to stop an' help her every so often. If you can do your best to keep up with toting the apples to the barn it would save Big Mac and I quite a lot of time.”

The sounds of small hooves approaching from around the corner of the barn can be heard.

“Here comes Apple Bloom now.”

Applejack puts her hoof to her mouth and calls out to her little sister.

“Hey Apple Bloom! I hired ya a new partner! Come meet em!”

The young filly trots around the side of the barn happily. “Commin' big sis! Granny wants to know if...”

Apple Bloom skids to a stop as Arc comes into her field of vision.

“AHHHHH!!! A MONSTER!!!”

She promptly runs away screaming. Applejack calls out after her.

“Apple Bloom! That's not a monster! He's...”.

Applejack looks over to Arc apologetically. “I'm sorry about that. She's usually much politer to strangers.”

Arc sighs. “It's alright. I suppose compared to the ponies in this land I really do look like a monster.”

She looks to her older brother as he approaches them pulling a cart laden with numerous stacks of baskets.

“Well, she'll just have to get used to being around ya. Big Mac, would you go fetch Apple Bloom? We got to get to work.”

“Eyup!”

Big Macintosh fetches Apple Bloom as Arc and Applejack take the cart into the orchard and get to work. Applejack sets a group of baskets all around the base of a tree before turning her back to it and hitting the trunk with her hind legs. Nearly every apple falls neatly into the baskets. Arc nods approvingly.

“That was amazing!”

“What was?”

“How you caught almost everything in baskets!”

Applejack chuckles. “They grow in clusters. You just have to look up and see where you’ll catch the most and put a basket there.”

“Not sure how you see through all the leaves though.”

“It’s kinda like intuition really. Years of experience applied to today.”

She motions to the baskets as she continues.

“Now then, all you have to do is pick up the few apples that didn’t make it into the baskets and carry them to the barn. Think you can handle that?”

Arc nods. “I’ll give it my best shot.”

Big Macintosh returns with Apple Bloom in his stead. Applejack frowns at her as she speaks.

“What’s the big idea running off like that?!”

Apple Bloom refuses to look up as she answers. “I’m sorry, big sis. But this thing is really scary!”

“Well, you’d best get used to him. Arc’s going to be a regular farmhand around her if the work’s not too hard on his body.”

Big Macintosh nods. “Eyup.”

Applejack turns back to the trees. “Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to work.”

The group gets underway with Applejack and Big Macintosh bucking trees to fill the baskets from the wagon. However, Arc notices that Apple Bloom is on edge all day. Whenever her and Arc would walk past each other on the way to the barn she would go out of her way to give him as wide a berth as possible. Applejack looks to Arc as they both sweat profusely.

“Be sure to take a break if you need it.”

Big Macintosh nods. “Eyup.”

Arc grins. “I’m okay.”

Applejack frowns. “Don’t be passing out now. Twilight’d have my hide if something happened to you.”

“Yeah, I’ll try to pace myself.”

As the sun begins to set the three ponies and their human coworker end their day's work. Applejack grins as she wipes the sweat from her brow.

“Woo! Thank you kindly for all you hard work today! You helped us increase productivity by about fifty percent! Come work for us anytime!”

Applejack hands Arc a decent sized bag of bits. Big Macintosh smiles as he glances in the barn at all the baskets of apples neatly stacked up.

“Eyup!”

Granny Smith comes out of the house and joins them. “Supper's ready yougin's.”

The elderly mare looks over at Arc.

“Care to join us?”

Arc nods as he follows them into the farmhouse. “Thank you. I’d love to.”

Apple Bloom winces and follows at a distance. Sometime later Arc joins the Apples at the super table. The sun hangs low in the sky as they begin to eat. Applejack does her best to strike up a conversation.

“So, tell me Arc. Is it true that humans don't possess the faintest bit of magic?”

“Indeed. No human has ever been able to wield magic as far as I know.”

Apple Bloom can only scowl. “Bet they can't fly neither.”

“Apple Bloom!”

Applejack looks over at her sister sternly as Arc nods.

“While we don't have wings like a pegasus, humans were successful at mastering flight about a hundred years ago.”

Applejack and the rest of her family seems surprised at the statement.

“Wha?! How?!”

Smiling at their response Arc goes on to explain.

“The same way we solved many of our other problems... with machines. We call them ‘airplanes’. I guess you could compare them to a steel covered wagon with wings. They make long distance travel MUCH faster. Trips that at one time used to take months can be made in
hours.”

Granny Smith looks on in awe of Arc’s words. “Fascinatin'! One might think it's just magic in a different form then.”

Arc shakes his head as he picks up his cup of water and chuckles. “Nope. Just a bit of applied science.”

Apple Bloom, unable to hold it in any longer, lashes out. “OH COME ON! Why are you all so interested in a world full of hairless… cutie mark-less… pony eating' MONSTERS?!”

“Apple Bloom!”

“But sis! Just look at his teeth!”

“That is enough out of you, little missy! Now I want you to march right up to your room and go straight to bed! And believe you me, you and I are going to have a long talk about this tomorrow morning,!”

Apple Bloom opens her mouth to speak, but Applejack angrily points a hoof at the stairs as she silently glares at her little sister. Apple Bloom grits her teeth but obeys. Grumbling all the way up the stairs to herself as Applejack turns to Arc nervously.

“I'm sorry 'bout Apple Bloom. She’s normally quite sweet.”

The eldest Apple looks over to Arc apologetically as he sighs and looks down at his empty plate.

“Although I hate to admit it, Apple Bloom is correct. Humans have indeed done many monstrous things in the past.”

Granny Smith looks over to Arc and narrows her eyes. “You responsible for committing any of those crimes, young fella?”

“Me personally, no”

“You don' have to take responsibility for your whole race's mistakes. Jes worry about your own actions and deeds.”

Arc looks relieved. “Thank you. I’ll remember that.”

A low rumble of thunder comes from outside. Applejack looks out the window. “Sounds like a storm is commin’ in.”

“Eyup.”

Granny Smith looks over to Arc again. “I'd hate to see you get caught in a storm there sonny. How's about you spend the night here?”

Arc nods as he looks out the window himself. “I think I may just take you up on that.”

Applejack points a hoof toward the Living Room. “Why don’t we all sit down and chat while we digest then?”

“Eyup.”

Arc nods. “Sounds good to me.”

Following the brother and sister into the next room, the pair sit down on the couch as Arc takes a larger chair. Granny Smith calls out from the kitchen.

“Does anypony want a slice of Apple Pie”

“Sure, granny.”

“Eyup.”

Arc nods. “Yes please. But do you need a hand in there?”

“No thanks. You youngins just rest and het to know one another better.”

Applejack turns back. “Granny?”

“Yes?”

“Could you call Twilight and let her know that Arc’s staying here tonight? I don’t want her worrying about him being out in the rain.”

“Alright.”

As the elder Apple returns to the kitchen Applejack turns to Arc.

“Tell me, do they farm a lot back on your homeworld?”

Arc nods. “Oh, yes. Humans started working the land even before recorded history.”

Applejack smiles. “Did they now?”

“Well, they started out a long time ago as a hunter/gatherer society.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s where you search the woods and countryside for fruit, vegetables, nuts, berries, and… other sources of food.”

“Like what?”

“Fish and various… land animals.”

“So… meat?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I imagine that at some point they discovered that they could plant seeds and grow food themselves nearby in plots.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Did they stop hunting animals then?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, but they did learn to domesticate them.”

Granny Smith walks in with a tray of pie on her head. She passes them out saving Applejack for last. Looking at the young mare, she smiles.

“I just got off the phone with your friend. She was just putting on her raincoat and goulashes to look for Arc.”

“Good thing you caught her then.”

Granny Smith nods as she sits down. “Yes, indeed. Now then, what were you youngins talking about?”

“Arc was just telling us about early humans learning to farm. Then… what was that word again?”

“Domestication. They would catch animals and put them in pens or cages to breed.”

Applejack appears confused. “What for?”

“Some animals produced food for them, such as chickens and cows. It helped them vary their diets.”

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom listens from the top of the stairs. Slowly and quietly making her way back to her room she frowns and shuts the door behind her.

“I’ve gotta get outta here!”

Grabbing a small blanket, she lays it flat on the floor. Putting a few possessions into it, she opens the window and grabs a large stick from a tree just outside. Tying a knot, she picks the bundle up with a hoof and swings it over her shoulder before glancing back toward her bed.

“Can’t leave it like that.”

Setting down her bundle, Apple Bloom heads for her closet and pulls out a few blankets. Folding them, she sets them in the bed and covers them with the bedspread. Heading to her closet she pulls out a bow and puts it on the pillow before pulling the bedspread to slightly cover the pink ribbon.

“There. That oughta do it.”

Walking over to her desk, she picks up a pencil in her mouth and quickly writes a short note. Looking at the rain outside she grabs a small raincoat and puts it on. Picking up her bundle again she hops out onto a nearby limb. As carefully as she is able to, Apple Bloom makes her way down the tree and lands on the ground with a bump.

“Gotta get to the barn without anypony seeing me.”

Running through the darkness, led only by memory, she reaches the red barn. Entering, Apple Bloom spots a bag of seeds on a shelf.

“That should do it!”

Pushing a barrel over to the shelf, she hops up onto it and stands on her hinds legs. Grabbing the bag with her teeth she gives it a mighty pull. However as it falls it knocks her off the barrel. Catching a small nail head sticking out of the barrel, it cuts a small hole in the bag. Not noticing this Apple Bloom throws the bag onto her back and picks up her runaway’s sack. Looking out the barn door she glances back to the house and its warm lights shining weakly through the storm. Sighing she shakes her head and runs the opposite direction.

“I’ll make the Apple family proud by starting my own orchard somewhere far, far away.”

Meanwhile, Granny Smith nods approvingly as Arc finishes telling her what he knows about domestication.

“Very interesting. That about what early ponies did for eggs and milk too.”

Applejack nods. “I guess our two races might not be so different after all.”

“Eyup.”

Granny Smith nods. “Admittedly I was a bit nervous when you first talked about domesticating animals.”

Applejack nods. “Yes, well… we ponies have been doing that as well for generations.”

“That we have been.”

Granny Smith turns to Arc as she speaks.

“You ever plow a field though?”

Arc shakes his head. “Can’t say that I have, no.”

Applejack chuckles. "What, have humans figured out a way to do that with a machine too?”

“Actually yes.”

“They… they have?!”

Arc nods. “It’s called a ‘tractor’. Think of it like a really strong metal stallion to pull the plow up and down the field on wheels.”

Granny Smith frowns. “Probably just as fast to do it the old fashioned way though.”

“Not likely. I saw your plow in the barn earlier today. It appears to only be able to turn dirt with one blade.”

Applejack nods. “Sure. But more blades would make it too hard to pull. How many blades does a tractor have?”

“They do make single blade plows still. But larger farms have larger tractors. I’ve seen one pulling a six bladed plow before.”

Big Macintosh gasps. “Wha…?!”

“I imagine they have bigger one’s too. But I’m not really sure.”

Applejack grins as she looks to her grandmother. “We should get Arc to show us a thing of two about how humans farm.”

Granny Smith shrugs. “Seems like a waste of time to me. But you youngins are the ones whom work the land these days.

“You mean…?”

“I’ll leave it up to you and Big Macintosh.”

Arc sighs. “Not really sure just how much I could teach. After all, I’m not a farmer.”

Applejack laughs. “That may be. But you have the energy of one. Let us know if you see a way we could be more efficient.”

“Okay.”

He and the Apple family talk as the rain begins to fall. Low peals of thunder roll over the orchard as lightning flashes. But the ponies and human care little about that as they themselves are safe and dry. Eventually Granny Smith stands and yawns.

“Well, it’s about time for bed.”

Applejack gasps as she looks at the clock. “Past time, actually.”

Arc stretches as he stands. “Didn’t realize just how tired I was getting until you said something, Applejack.”

“You’re okay though right? I mean… your injuries.”

Arc nods. “I’m okay. Just a bit tired.”

Granny Smith gestures to the stairs as she looks to them.

“Big Macintosh will lead you to the guest room, Arc.”

“Okay.”

Applejack nods as they ascend the stairs. “I’ll just check on Apple Bloom before turning in myself.”

The stallion leads Arc into a small, but cozy room with a comfy looking bed. Arc gasps.

“This is for me?”

“Eyup.”

“I’ll see you in the morning, big guy.”

Big Mac nods and turns to leave the room. Arc looks to a small adjoining bathroom as a familiar odor hits him.

“Guess I’d better take a bath before hitting the hay. Don’t want to stink up their bed and covers.”

Meanwhile, Applejack quietly opens her sister’s bedroom door. Walking over to the bed she sighs and looks down.

“Sorry about being so short with you earlier. Arc’s a nice human when you get to know him. I know you’ll like him, so just… give him a chance, okay?”

She pats the bedspread before gently patting the bow on the pillow.

“Good night, Apple Bloom. We’ll talk more tomorrow morning.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 8 - Making a Friend

The morning sun peaks out over the horizon as the Apple household rises early and heads for the kitchen. Granny Smith, Big Mac, Applejack and Arc sit down to a hearty breakfast before starting the day’s work. Applejack sets a fresh stack of Apple Pancakes on the table.

“Eat up everypony. We got a lot of work that needs doing today.”

She looks over at an empty chair at the foot of the table and frowns.

“Is Apple Bloom STILL in bed?!”

“Eyup!”

“I'll go and fetch her down. You un's go on with eatin'.”

Granny Smith disappears up the stairs. However, a few moments later she shouts for help.

“APPLEJACK! BIG MAC! COME QUICK!”

Everyone runs up the stairs. A wide-eyed Applejack is the first to reach Granny Smith.

“What is it Granny?! What's wrong?!”

Granny Smith points to a pile of blankets under the bedspread. “It’s Apple Bloom! She’s gone!”

Applejack runs into the room and searches it frantically. “WHAT?!”

Noticing the note, Granny Smith picks it up and quickly reads it.

“She says here that she ain't gunna wait around to be eaten by no monster. Says she’s gunna take one of the bags o' apple seeds and start her own orchard far, far away.”

“What else, Granny?!”

“Nothin' That's where the letter ends.”

“We have to find her! Big Mac, you check the orchard! Granny, look over the whole house top to bottom! Make darn sure she isn't hiding somewhere in the house! I'll get my friends and we'll get a search party going!”

Applejack leads the others down the stairs and out the front door as Arc calls out after her.

“Don’t worry, Applejack! I’ll help too!”

Applejack looks over her shoulder as she races toward town at top speed. “Thanks, sugarcube! I owe ya one!”

Everyone scatters as Arc looks toward the Apple’s big red barn.

“I guess I'll start my search in there.

Arc hurries over and enters the building. He notices a bag of seeds is missing from its place in the row on a shelf. Spotting something on the ground nearby he bends down to investigate.

“What do we have here…?”

A few seeds lie on the floor in a trail, presumably from a small hole in the burlap sack. He follows the seeds out the barn door.

“I wonder if I can follow this trail all the way to Apple Bloom.”

Arc follows the seeds through the orchard and down the path. It leads into the Everfree Forest. He frowns.

“Interesting. She went in the one place we wouldn't think to look. Not so clever a place to be after dark from what Twilight tells me though.”

Arc follows the seeds deeper into the forest until it ends at the mouth of a small cave opening.

“Maybe she took refuge from last night's storm in here.”

He slowly and cautiously enters the cave. Ahead on the ground is the now empty bag of seeds. A bit further in Arc finds Apple Bloom asleep on the ground. He gently nudges her. Waking up with a start she screams out.

“AHHH!!! Please don't eat me!”

“No need to scream Apple Bloom. It's only me.”

Apple Bloom lies on the ground crying and covers her eyes with her hooves. One of her hind legs appears to be pinned under a rock.

“So this is how it ends?! Eaten by a monster in a cave!”

“Hold still and I'll see if I can't get your foot loose, Apple Bloom.”

Using all his strength Arc is able to move the rock enough for Apple Bloom to pull her leg free. She immediately tries to run away, but the rock seems to have injured he fetlock and she collapses back onto the ground. With tears in her eyes, she tries to pull herself away with just her front hooves.

“Please! Stay back!”

“It's okay Apple Bloom. I just want to take you home. I'm not leaving you here.

She continues to try and crawl away. “No! Go away! Get away from me!”

Arc puts his hands on his hips and looks down at her. “Oh, so you want me to go? Leaving you unable to walk and in the middle of a forest full of monsters MUCH scarier than I am?”

Apple Bloom appears to ponder his words as he slowly moves toward her. Arc crouches down in front of her.

“It's going to be okay. Here, I'll carry you... sugarcube.”

He reaches toward her ever so carefully. She winces and closes her eyes when he finally touches her but allows him to pick her up.

“Come on. Let's get you home. Your family is worried sick about you.”

Apple Bloom shivers lightly. Either from fear or from spending the night in a dark, damp cave, Arc does now know.

“Cold”?

She says nothing, but slowly nods her head.

“I think I can fix that.”

He adjusts Apple Bloom's body in his arms to carry her as one would carry a human child. Her head resting on his shoulder looking behind them. Frowning, she calls out to him.

“What… are you planning to do with me?!”

“Take you home. What else?”

Apple Bloom grits her teeth. “I know exactly what you’re up to!”

“Yeah. Walking.”

“No, no! You’re planning to dom… domes… keep us in cages and pens!”

“You mean ‘domesticate’?”

“That’s the word!”

Arc sighs. “Can I assume you overheard us talking last night after supper?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Darn right! I heard you telling my family about how humans… what was that word again?!”

“Domesticate.”

“That humans domesticate animals!”

“Yes, we do.”

“So you admit that you’re planning to do that to us?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Apple Bloom.”

“Liar!”

“I’m going to assume that you didn’t hear the whole conversation.”

“I heard enough!”

“Oh really? Then did you hear the part where it was brought up that ponies also domesticate creatures too?”

“We do not! Animals are allowed to be free here in Equestria!”

“Are they now?”

Apple Bloom nods. “That they are!”

“Then can you explain something to me?”

“What?”

“Can you tell me what a chicken coop is for?”

“It’s a place for the chickens to sleep and lay their eggs! What else would we do with it?!”

“I see. And that smaller barn next to it?”

“That houses our cows and pigs.”

“Why do you have them there?”

“Cows are for milk and pigs are for… I don’t actually know what they do. When they get big enough we sell em.”

“Can they leave?”

“Huh?”

“I’m asking if your animals can leave.”

“Um… no. But why would they want to? After all, we keep them safe, feed them, and care for them.”

Arc nods. “Just like humans do with the animals they’ve domesticated.”

“That’s different though!”

“How so?”

“Well… you probably eat them, or something!”

“That’s true. Cows make beef, pigs make pork, and chickens make… chicken.”

“We don’t do things like that to them though!”

“You don’t?”

“NO!”

“Then what happens when a chicken gets too old to lay eggs, or a cow stops producing milk?”

“Applejack sells them.”

“And who buys them?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “I dunno his name. Some stallion with a white apron that has a lot of red stains on it.”

“Apple Bloom?”

“What?”

“He sounds like a butcher.”

“A… what?”

“Someone who’s entire job is killing and dressing animals.”

“That’s a lie! There’s no way…!”

“I could be wrong, of course. But you should probably ask you sister about this.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Believe me, I will.”

After a few minutes of walking Apple Bloom falls asleep. Arc smiles and pats her back.

“You just rest now.”

Meanwhile, back at Sweet Apple Acres farmhouse, Applejack and her friends re-converge after completing their search.

Applejack’s eyes dart around frantically. “Any sign of her?!”

The five ponies all sadly shake their heads. Twilight appears almost as nervous as Applejack as she speaks.

“We have half the town searching! Now what do we do?!”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Uh, panic?!”

Rainbow Dash facehoofs. “That’s your answer to everything!”

Rarity puts her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “Don't worry darling. Somepony will find her.”

Pinkie pulls out a pair of binoculars. “Yeah! She can't have just disappeared!”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Pinkie Pie's right. She's got to be here somewhere!”

Fluttershy suddenly points a hoof to the east. “Look! It's Arc! And he's carrying Apple Bloom!”

Applejack runs over to Arc with the others. “Wha?! Apple Bloom!!!”

Fluttershy gives a small smile. “yay…”

Arc turns to Applejack. “Her leg is injured, but other than that she seems to be okay. I found her in the Everfree Forest.”

Apple Bloom slowly wakes up and looks Applejack in the eye sleepily.

“What in tarnation were you thinking, Apple Bloom?! Running off to the Everfree Forest at night! Half the town is looking for you!”

Arc looks down at Apple Bloom in his arms. “I think she's learned her lesson, Applejack.”

Granny Smith comes outside to see what all the fuss is about. “Arc, you found Apple Bloom!”

”Yup. Her leg was pretty banged up so I carried her back. We should probably get her to the hospital to get it x-rayed.”

Big Macintosh appears to come out of nowhere. “Eyup”.

“Want me to carry her for you, sugarcube?”

Arc looks down at the foal in his arms. “That’s alright, but… Apple Bloom wanted to ask you something first.”

Applejack sighs. “She can do so on the way. Now come on.”

Arc and Applejack walk down the path toward town as Apple Bloom turns to her sister.

“Applejack?”

“Yes, sugarcube?”

“What happens to the animals that get too old to produce eggs or milk.”

“We sell em.”

“I know that. But what do they do with them?”

“Make dog and cat food mostly.”

“WHAT?!”

Applejack shrugs. “They have to eat too.”

“And the pigs?!”

“They’re sold to the slaughterhouse to make food.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “But nopony eats meat here in Equestria!”

“Right. That’s why it’s shipped across the sea to the Griffon Kingdom.”

“So they… eat pigs?!”

Applejack nods. “Amongst other things, yes.”

“But why?!”

Arc clears his throat. “I think I can answer that. You see, different creatures need different diets. The dogs and cats need some meat in their diets as do the griffons.”

“Why can’t they just eat fruits and vegetables like we do though?!”

Applejack sighs. “Because their nutritional needs are different. If they didn’t eat right they’d become malnourished very quickly.”

“Well, it still doesn’t seem right.”

“I’ve visited the slaughterhouse before though. And they take care to end every pig’s life quickly and mercifully.”

“How, Applejack?”

“A bullet to the side of the head. Believe me, they don’t feel a thing. Now I understand that you might not like this aspect of farming, Apple Bloom. But it’s how things are done and have been for centuries.”

Arc nods. “You’ll understand when you get older, I’m guessing.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Well, I don’t have to like it.”

“No, you don’t. But to be honest with you, neither did I when I found out.”

“Then why are we still doing it this way?!”

Applejack sighs. “To fill a need.”

Arriving at the hospital, they head up to the front desk together. Applejack points a hoof at her sister as she looks to the nurse.

“Apple Bloom hurt her fetlock. Can we get Doctor Horse to take a look at her?”

Nurse Redheart nods. “Of course. Right this way.”

Leading them down the hallway to an examination room, Arc sets Apple Bloom down on the examination table as Nurse Redheart turns to Applejack.

“The doctor will be in shortly.”

“Thank you.”

She leaves the room closing the door behind her. Applejack turns to Apple Bloom.

“How’s it feel?”

“Really bad.”

Applejack frowns. “I hope it’s nothing too serious.”

Arc nods. “I’m sure the doctor will be able to fix her up as good as new.”

A few moments later Doctor Horse walks into the room. He looks over the chart in his hooves as he walks over to Apple Bloom.

“So you’re fetlock is bothering you.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yes sir.”

“Well, let’s have a look at it, shall we?”

Doctor Horse picks up the fetlock and feels it for a few moments before carefully putting it down and turning to Applejack.

“It doesn’t feel broken, but we’ll take some x-rays just to be sure.”

Nodding, Applejack helps her sister off the table. She limps a few steps before Arc picks her up and carries her down the hall. Coming to another room, the doctor motions to a large examination table in the center of the room.

“Lay her down here.”

Arc does so as the doctor picks up a small blanket. Laying it on Apple Bloom she wines.

“That thing’s heavy!”

The doctor nods as he carefully maneuvers her fetlock out from under the blanket. “It’s made of lead to help protect you.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Is this going to hurt?!”

“Not at all, miss. Honestly, you won’t feel a thing.”

Moving a large cameralike device to point at her fetlock, he turns back to her.

“Now then, we’re going to leave the room while the x-rays are being taken. You just lie there and try not to move.”

“Wha-what’s going to happen?!”

“You’ll hear a click and a small hum.”

“That’s all?!”

The doctor nods. “That’s all.”

“You sure it won’t hurt?”

Applejack chuckles. “No, it won’t. I was around your age when I got my first x-ray.”

“What happened?!”

“I fell off the wagon and landed funny. Trust me when I say that this part won’t hurt a bit.”

Apple Bloom sighs and lays back. “Okay.”

Leading them out of the room, the doctor enters an adjoining door. Pressing a few buttons he begins the process. A few minutes later he returns to Apple Bloom’s side with Arc and Applejack.

“That’s it?”

Arc nods as he picks her up. “That’s it.”

The doctor turns to Applejack and points a hoof. “I’ll get these developed as soon as possible. Please have a seat in this examination room.”

Doing as they are told Arc carries Apple Bloom into the room as Applejack follows. Sometime later the doctor returns with a folder. Pulling out several x-rays he puts them up on a light board for them to look at.

“It appears your fetlock is only twisted.”

Applejack appears relieved. “That’s good news!”

“You’ll need to stay off of it for a few days, of course. But it’ll heal on its own.

Apple Bloom looks nervous. “Doctor Horse, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Why do some creatures need to eat meat?”

The doctor raises an eyebrow. “What brought this on?”

Applejack sighs. “It’s something we were talking about on the way over here.”

Arc nods. “Apple Bloom just learned where the pigs go.”

Doctor Horse nods as he turns to the filly. “I see.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “What I don’t get is why though. I mean… couldn’t the griffons just eat plants like we do?!”

“Yes, they could.”

“Then why…?”

Doctor Horse sits down across from Apple Bloom and looks her in the eye.

“Because they’re carnivores.”

“Meat eaters?!”

The doctor nods. “Yes.”

“But we send apples oversees too! They HAVE to be able to eat THOSE!”

“That is true, yes. Any creature is capable of putting any kind of food it its mouth and swallowing.”

“Then why don’t they?! Is it because they’re meat eaters?”

“No. Biology.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Biology?”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes. What makes a carnivore a meat eater isn’t that they can’t eat plants, but that their biology doesn’t allow them to absorb very many nutrients from them.”

Applejack sighs. “That’s roughly what the vet told me when I saw one of our cows accidently eat a stray baby chick that had escaped from the chicken coop. I thought it would make them sick, but was told she would pass it just like any other thing she ate.”

The doctor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully before speaking. “Take a manticore for example. They could certainly eat all plants, yes. However it wouldn’t take long before they started showing signs of malnutrition.”

Arc puts a hand on Apple Bloom’s shoulder. “While I’m sure your stomach turns thinking about an animal being eaten, this is how nature works sometimes.”

“I… guess that makes sense.”

Applejack turns to Doctor Horse. “Thanks for everything, doc. And that great explanation too.”

“You’re welcome. Bring Apple Bloom back if you see any redness or swelling though.”

“I will.”

Arc picks Apple Bloom up and follow Applejack out of the room. They proceed down the hall together as Apple Bloom thinks.

“Big sis?”

“Yes?”

“I still don’t approve of what we’re doing to the pigs.”

“That’s fine, Apple Bloom.”

“It is?”

Applejack nods. “Sure. You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, after all.”

Arc nods. “True. That and I can understand your mindset, what with ponies being herbivores.”

He frowns before continuing.

“After all, everyone has things that they disagree with.”

Apple Bloom looks up at Arc. “Even you?”

“Even me, yes.”

“Like what?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Why don’t we talk about that another time. You look pretty tired.”

Apple Bloom yawns. “I… didn’t get much sleep last night. That cave was really scary.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, at the very least it kept you safe.”

“Arc?”

“Yes, Apple Bloom?”

“I just wanted to say… thank you. For coming and finding me. That and I’m sorry for all the stuff I said back then.”

“It’s fine, Apple Bloom. Now why don’t you just lay your head on my shoulder and get some sleep.”

“Okay.”

She wraps her hooves around Arc’s neck as they head down the road back toward Sweet Apple Acres.

REMASTERED - Chapter 9 - A New Job

About a week or so later Arc and Applejack set out to make a delivery of Zap Apple Jam to Barnyard Bargains. Arc turns to her as they walk.

“So, Apple Bloom is back to work?”

Applejack nods. “Yup. I took her back to the hospital to be sure, and Doctor Horse gave her a clean bill of health.”

She sighs before continuing.

“At least she didn't have to help on Delivery Day. None of us like it very much.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

Applejack frowns. “It’s the one time we have to deal with our biggest customer, Filthy Rich. He's the wealthiest pony in these here parts. That and he's not above making it known loud and often just how much Sweet Apple Acres needs him.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “One might also look at it this way. Without Sweet Apple Acres his store would be quite barren.”

Applejack groans as she continues down the road pulling the cart. “That may be true, yes. But without his supply lines we could only hope to sell a fraction of this jam.”

“Kinda a necessary evil then, huh?”

As they stop in front of the store Applejack nods. “Pretty much. Well, here we are. Barnyard Bargains.”

Arc looks at the store. “Wal-Mart?”

Applejack pulls a crate from the back of the wagon. “Beg your pardon?”

“It’s nothing.”

He picks up a crate and follows Applejack inside. It is a rather dreary looking place. Ponies come in, buy what they need, and leave as quickly as possible. The employees around them look no happier to be there than the customers. Applejack and Arc are waved over by the assistant manager sitting behind a desk. Applejack smiles at her as she speaks.

“Hey there, Ocean Breeze.”

Ocean Breeze looks past Applejack toward Arc. “Good morning Applejack. Who's your... um... friend?”

“Oh! This is Arc. Arc this is Ocean Breeze, the Assistant Manager here at Barnyard Bargains. She pretty much runs the place for Filthy Rich. Anyways, we brought your order of Zap Apple Jam.”

She sighs. “Great! It will bring a little color to my otherwise boring existence.”

Arc smiles. “Come now. It can't be that bad.”

“Look around you. Would you want to stare at these walls all day, every day?”

“Touché, ma’am.”

The sound of hoofsteps behind them is quickly followed by a deep baritone voice as a well-dressed stallion approaches the counter.

“Well… well… well…”

He looks down his nose at the pair standing before him.

“Good morning Applejack. I trust everything is in order with my… favorite supplier.”

Applejack sighs. “Yes, we're just bringing over your normal order. No need for us to take up your... valuable time.”

He pats the crates with a hoof and smiles. “No trouble at all. Say, I'd like to double my order this time. Think you could bring another shipment of jam say... tomorrow? I'll expect a quantity discount, of course.”

“Fine. I'll bring another load first thing in the morning.”

Filthy Rich nods curtly as he turns to his office. “Splendid! Give my regards to granny, would you kindly.”

“I will.”

Applejack and Arc wave goodbye to Ocean Breeze and leave the store. Applejack kicks the cart angrily.

“Horse apples! If he wanted twice as much he could have just let us know in advance! Now we got to make a second trip back here!”

Arc looks back toward the building. “Quite the character, that Mr. Rich. I can see why most ponies don't care much for him.”

Applejack sighs. “Well, we should get back to the farm.”

As the pair turns to leave, Arc spots a large bulletin board with many different colored postings nearby.

“Hey, what’s that?”

“Oh, that's the Writ Board.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. "Um… what.”

“A writ is an informal agreement to pay for goods or services rendered. If anypony needs an odd job done they post the details on a colored paper, called a writ, along with the amount of compensation. Simple jobs, like moving a heavy piece of furniture or running an errand are green writs. They don't pay a whole lot o' course as they can be done pretty quickly.”

“So one could do a lot of those in a short amount of time.”

“Right. Now then, something a bit more dangerous or time consuming would be a yellow writ. Looking for rare alchemical ingredients in the woods would be a good example. They’re not dangerous or anything, but are often time consuming.”

Arc nods as he looks them over. “But pay better than a green writ.”

“Exactly. And lastly we have red writs. These can either be extremely time consuming or extremely dangerous… or both, I suppose. Pretty much anything that involves entering the Everfree Forest or traveling to another town would constitute a red writ. Oh, and general announcements are on white paper.”

“Sounds interesting. But why are there so many of them?”

Applejack takes her place in front of the wagon and hitches herself up. “Probably because nopony has the time right now to do any of these. We're all too busy getting ready for winter. It’s a rather demanding time for everypony in town.”

Arc nods as he turns to her. “Uh... Applejack... would you be too put off if I took care of some of these writs? I can stick around the farm too if you still need the help.”

“Go right ahead, sugarcube. Some of these writs have been here for months, and they need doing more so than the work at the farm.”

Arc pulls down a writ and puts it in his pocket. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

Applejack sighs. “You might have trouble getting anypony to answer the door for you though.”

“Any ideas?”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… you could have Twilight or somepony else come with you to vouch. It would certainly help you get your hoof in the door, so to speak.”

“I’ll talk it over with Twilight. Maybe we could work out a schedule or something.”

“Shouldn’t take more than a week for word to get around. Then you could do them alone.”

Arc chuckles. “This might be more effective than Pinkie Pie’s party idea.”

For the next few weeks Arc tackles the green writs. Mowing lawns, helping ponies harvest the vegetables from their gardens, minor repair work on homes preparing for winter, and generally making himself useful. One morning Arc and Twilight head for the board with a white slip of paper announcing a shipment of new books on its way to the library. Twilight nods approvingly as she posts the paper to the board with a clop of her hoof and look it over.

“Wow! I don't think I have ever seen the writ board completely devoid of green writs!”

Arc carefully studies the writ board as he responds. “Looks like pretty much all of the easy stuff is caught up. Now what else is there to do...”

As he scans the board Arc notices a fresh red writ has been placed.

“Hello, what’s this?”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide as she sees the red colored paper in Arc’s hand. “Watch out for those red writs! I would hate to see something bad happen to you! What's it for?”

Arc looks over the writ. “Odd... only ten bits. Let's see... oh my... looks like a missing filly!”

He reads the writ aloud.

“Our daughter has gone missing. I have little to offer, but please bring her back to me and my wife.”

Twilight takes the writ as Arc holds it out to her. She reads it carefully and gasps as she sees the names on the bottom.

“The Hammer’s daughter is missing?!”

“You know them?”

“Steel Hammer is Ponyville's blacksmith. There really isn't much work for him here other than the occasional job fixing plows and wagons for our local farmers.”

As Twilight gives him back the paper Arc carefully puts it in his pocket.

“I think I better take this job. This filly's parents must be sick with worry.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Good luck. And she’s probably just fine. I mean… at least it’s not something dangerous. See you back at home later.”

Arc waves as he and Twilight part ways. He quickly walks to the blacksmith's shop on the outskirts of town. Approaching the adjoining house he knocks lightly on the door. A middle-aged mare answers promptly.

“Hello. My name is Arc. I'm here about your writ.”

The Earth Pony mare appears both frazzled and relieved at the same time. “Oh, thank Celestia! We didn't think anypony would come! My name’s Silver Hammer! My husband Steel Hammer and I just got home from searching the town ourselves! Our friends are out looking for our daughter still, but... please won't you come in?!”

She steps aside to allow Arc to enter. Inside an Earth Pony stallion, presumably Steel Hammer, is pacing the floor nervously. Arc approaches him.

“Hello sir. I hope I can be of help.”

Steel Hammer appears downtrodden. “I hope so too.”

“What can you tell me about the disappearance of your daughter?”

Silver Hammer walks over to stand with her husband. “Her name is Platinum Valve. She's a unicorn filly. We put her to bed last night, same as we always do. This morning when I went to wake her up she was gone!”

“Do you suspect foul play?”

Steel Hammer shakes his head sadly. “We don’t, no. There was no sign of anyone breaking in. That and Platinum Valve is too small to reach the door lock so she couldn't have left either. All the windows are still locked from the inside too. No one came in, but there was also no way for her to get out either. It's a complete mystery!”

Arc rubs his chin thoughtfully. “So logically she must still be in the house. Can I assume you both have looked top to bottom?”

Silver Hammer trots nervously in place. “Yes! We’ve checked and rechecked every place she could possibly hide!”

Arc nods. “Hmmm... can I see her room?”

Steel Hammer gestures to the stairs. “Of course! Follow me!”

Both parents lead Arc upstairs to a small bedroom. Arc enters while her parents wait in the doorway.

“Is everything as it should be in here?”

Silver Hammer nods as she appears ready to cry. “Pretty much. I walked in this morning and noticed she wasn't in her bed!”

Arc looks around. There a only a few toys around the room. Most of the walls are covered in what appear to be notes and makeshift blueprints. The small desk in a corner is littered with papers.

“Your daughter is quite the scholar.”

Steel Hammer nods. “Yes, she doesn't go out much. Platinum Valve prefers to learn about magic here in her room. She says she wants to grow up and research new spells and invent things to help make ponies lives easier.”

He gestures to the stacks on the desk and papers on the walls.

“That's what all the papers are. Her pretending to do magical research and draw blueprints.”

Arc picks up one of the papers on the floor and looks it over. “I don't know sir. These look pretty advanced to be just play researching. Have a look?”

Silver Hammer walks over and takes the paper from Arc. “Your right! I have to admit this is far beyond my ability to understand.”

Arc heads toward the door quickly. “I'm going to get Twilight Sparkle to take a look at some of these papers. It may provide some kind of clue.”

The Hammers nod as Arc quickly leaves the house. He returns shortly with Twilight in tow. They watch intently as the pair look over the papers on the walls.

“What do you make of these notes, Twilight?”

“You were right! They are quite advanced! These appear to be notes on an experimental Matter Compacting spell.”

Silver Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “Say what?!”

“A shrinking spell. That and based on these notes it should work.”

Steel Hammer looks at the walls. “Amazing!”

Arc looks over at Silver Hammer. “One more question. Was the bed made when you entered the room?”

The mare thinks for a moment. “Now that you mention it, yes. Is that important?

“Maybe. Can I assume you were absolutely sure she wasn’t in the bed though?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Completely. When I saw she wasn't there I instinctively ripped back the covers though.”

Arc walks over to the bed. “I think I may know what happened. But first we need to run a little experiment.”

He carefully makes the bed then walks over to the desk. Picking up a pencil, Arc carefully removes the top with is an eraser. He then places the eraser on the blanket near the pillow and steps back.

“Silver Hammer, can you do your best to recreate the moment you pulled the covers back, trying to use the same amount of force?”

“Uh, okay.”

She does so. The eraser flies across the room, smacks against the wall, and lands on a small table next to a vase.

Arc looks over at the Hammers. “Alright, here’s my theory on what happened. Last night your daughter wanted to test her spell and chose the mirror across the room to try and shrink. While standing on her bed she cast the spell.”

Holding out a finger, Arc walks over to the mirror and touches it.

“However, it ricocheted off the mirror’s surface and instead hit her.”

Steel Hammer gasps. “Oh no!”

Silver Hammer looks around her carefully. “Nopony move! We could step on her!”

Arc turns to Twilight. “The only think I don’t understand is why she couldn’t have just reversed the spell.”

Twilight sighs. “She may not have had a chance to perfect a counter spell. Which meant she was stuck at that size until somepony found her.”

Steel Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “Then she’s still in this room somewhere!”

Arc nods as he continues. “She would have gone to sleep after burrowing under the covers to keep warm.”

He looks to Silver Hammer before continuing.

“The next morning you didn't see her, as she was so small. When you flung the covers off of the bed you accidentally threw her across the room. Since she is not anywhere on the table the only other conclusion is that she is in this vase.”

Arc picks up the vase and carefully turns it on its side. A few moments later a tiny filly runs out of its mouth and waves her hooves frantically at them. Her parents cry out in unison.

“Platinum Valve!”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Think you can come up with a counter spell?”

“Let me look over these notes a bit closer.”

Twilight goes back to looking over the papers on the desk. A few minutes pass before she looks up.

“Aha! I've got it!”

Twilight turns her horn toward the tiny filly on the table. A moment later she returns to her normal size and falls to the floor. Her parents run forward to embrace her happily.

“Are you all right, Platinum Valve?!”

“Yes, I'm fine.”

Silver Hammer hugs her tightly. “Are you hungry, dear?”

“Very! I haven’t had breakfast yet.”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “We’ll change that.”

He leads his little family downstairs to the main level as Arc and Twilight follow. Platinum Valve turns to Arc and smiles.

“Thank you sir for figuring all that out for my parents.”

Silver Hammer smiles broadly at Arc and Twilight. “We can't possibly thank you enough for what you did for our family today!”

Steel Hammer approaches Arc with a small bag of bits and drops them in his hand. “Sorry I couldn't offer more for this writ, but this is all we have.”

Arc takes the bag of bits. He looks at it a few moments before setting it on the table. Reaching into his pocket he pulls out the writ, wads it up, and throws it in the fireplace before turning to them.

“I don't remember accepting any writ.”

Silver Hammer looks over at Arc with tears of joy in her eyes. “Thank you ever so much, for everything!”

Steel Hammer walks over and shakes Arc’s hand. “If there's ever anything I can help you with, you know where to find me!”

Arc smiles at the happy family before him. “Happy to help.”

As he and Twilight leave the house together Twilight smiles broadly.

“Well I guess the legends about humans weren't too accurate after all.”

“What do you mean?”

Twilight looks over to Arc with a smile. “Well… when you were in the hospital Lyra let us look over her research on humans. It was thought that humans were violent and greedy creatures who cared little for others. However, you have shown nothing but Kindness and charity since you came here.”

Arc muses over this for a moment before replying. “To that I must ask you two questions.

“Oh?”

“First… are all humans bad?”

Twilight hangs her head as she answers. “Well... to be honest before I met you, I would have answered yes. What's the second question?”

“Are all ponies good?”

Twilight does not immediately respond to the question.

“I believe you’ve given me a lot to think about.”

Arc chuckles and nods. “By the way... any luck on how to send me home?”

Twilight looks over at him and shakes her head. “Sadly, no. I’ve checked all my books and come up with nothing. There may be an answer in the Royal Library's Forbidden Books Wing, of course. But I would need Princess Celestia's permission to gain access.”

Arc sighs. “Well, no rush. I kinda like it here.”

They walk on in silence for a time. Eventually Arc turns back to Twilight.

“Would there be any aversion to me becoming a legal citizen of Equestria?”

Twilight ponders the question for a moment before answering. “Well, I suppose I could ask Princess Luna or Princess Cadance to grant you amnesty the next time I’m in Canterlot. Given the circumstances of your arrival that really shouldn’t be a problem. However as your case is quite… extreme, it would most likely require a royal decree for you to gain citizenship.”

“If you would ask one of the princesses, I would appreciate it.

“I'll look into the legal aspects of the matter when we get back to the library. There may be easier avenues for you to legally reside here.”

Arc chuckles. “No rush there. I can wait.”

Twilight sighs. “Miss your friends back on Earth?”

“Yes. But this place seems a lot more… homely to me. Not sure if that’s actually a word, but it just feels right.”

“I thought you wanted to stay?”

Arc shrugs. “Honestly, yes. But I would like to return to Earth to say my goodbyes.”

Twilight giggles. “Maybe they could come back with you.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think they’d want to move to Equestria. They all have their lives to live back there.”

Twilight appears confused. “Then why…?”

“I just don’t want them to have to live out the rest of their lives wondering what happened to me.”

“I’ll do my best to make that happen for you. No promises though.”

Arc nods as they continue on their way. “That’s all I can ask.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 10 - Moving Day

A few weeks later Arc carries a bag toward the front door. Twilight follows on his heels.

“You sure you won't change your mind? Like I said, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you like.”

Arc kneels down and checks his bag. “I really do appreciate the hospitality Twilight. But I’ve made quite a few bits and a place of my own is the next logical step. There was a single ad on the Writ Board for a room to rent. It won't be much, but it's a start.”

“I saw the listing months ago! No one has taken it up because the pony that lives there is trouble!”

Arc looks over to her, a bewildered look on his face. “What do you mean?”

“She almost never leaves her house, doesn't talk to anypony, always walks with her head down and so slowly a tortoise could pass her, never looks anypony in the eye, and no one even knows her name!”

Arc chuckles. “Other than the last thing, you just described Fluttershy.”

Twilight walks over to Arc and puts her front hooves on his shoulders. “I'm serious Arc! The few times she’s been outside her house she had a strange looking robe on that pretty much covered her whole body. That pony is hiding something!”

Arc puts his hand on his satchel carrying his few possessions. “Any idea what that might be?”

“Not a clue. And that’s what has me worried.”

He stands up and heads toward the door. “Well then, I'll just have to find out for myself.”

“…please.”

Arc stops. He turns around to see Twilight sitting on the floor. A small pool of tears forming at her hooves. Twilight lowers her head and speaks with an air of sadness in her voice.

“It's just... I really like you and I don't want to see anything bad happen. Not again. You're... you’re my friend.”

Arc puts his satchel down and walks to Twilight. He embraces her in a large hug.

“I really like you too, Twilight. And it's really nice that you worry about me. But that other pony is all alone over there. Maybe all she needs is a someone to talk to in order to come out of her shell. Now see me off with a smile, okay?”

Twilight nods and gives Arc a weak smile through her tears, still embracing him.

“Take care of yourself. And remember, my door is always open to you.”

“I will. And thank you, Twilight. The time spent here with you has been wonderful. I've never met anyone quite like you before.”

Arc pulls Twilight's head close to his shoulder and holds her there for a few moments before giving her a small kiss just above her horn. He then breaks the embrace.

“If I happen to learn anything about friendship I'll be sure to let you know, alright?”

As Arc stands up, Twilight forces herself to smile. He picks up his satchel once more and heads for the door.

“I won't forget to visit. And, I'm off!”

Twilight stands in the doorway. She watches him walk away into the sunset and continues to wave with a tear in her eye.

“Well… bye…”

Arc walks through town until he reaches his destination. A small one-story house on the outskirts of Ponyville. He looks down at the writ in his hand one last time.

“This must be the place.”

He walks up to the house. Arc notices that it looks quite a bit more run down than the other buildings in town as he knocks on the door lightly. Hearing no response he knocks again, this time a bit louder. Putting an ear to the door, he hears the sound of hoof clops slowly come toward him. The door opens only an inch and a creature wearing a black hood can be seen eyeing him.

“Y…y… yes?”

“Hello. Um… my name is Arc and I was wondering if you still had that room for rent?”

The robed pony responds in an even softer voice than before. “I…d… do.”

“Can I see it?”

The mysterious robed pony says nothing for a few moments as she glances nervously up at Arc then quickly looks back at the floor. She responds in a voice so soft it’s almost inaudible.

“…okay.”

She opens the door to let Arc in. The inside of the house is dark, as every set of curtains is closed. Only the dim light from the coals in the fireplace illuminate the room. There does not seem to be any furniture to speak of other than the kitchen counters and a rug in front of the fireplace. As she turns to close the door behind him Arc notices that the pony is wearing the darkest black robe he has ever seen. It seems almost unnatural in its ability to hide the face and features of the pony under it. She points to a door nearby.

“Th-there.”

Arc nods and opens the door. Inside is an empty room, devoid of furniture other than a small wood burning stove in the corner. After looking around for a few more moments he turns to look at the lady of the house.

“How much a month?”

The cloaked pony says something so quietly Arc cannot make it out.

“I'm sorry, but I didn't hear what you said.”

She repeats herself, but only slightly louder than before.

“One hundred bits.”

Arc reaches into his satchel and removes the money, counts out one hundred bits, and hands it to her.

“Deal.”

“Thank… you…”

Without another word she drops a small key on the floor in front of Arc, takes the bag of bits in her mouth, and walks very carefully toward the fireplace. She sets it down next to the small rug then slowly and cautiously lies down. Setting his bag in a corner, Arc looks around the small room for a few more moments before muttering to himself.

“I better make a trip to the stores before they close for some blankets and wood for the stove.”

Leaving the house via the front door, Arc walks back to town and manages to purchase several blankets and a cartload of wood. He returns to his new home just as the sun is setting and lets himself in as quietly as he can. It appears the Mysterious Robed Pony has not moved since he departed and is sleeping peacefully. As moves as silently as he knows how, Arc can’t help but think to himself.

“How is she not freezing?! That robe must be warmer than it looks... or magic... or both!”

Moving as quietly as he can Arc puts some of the wood he bought on the dwindling coals in front of her.

“That should help.”

Looking back, he notices the Mysterious Robed Pony is shivering.

“I can fix that.”

He covers her with one of the blankets purchased from town.

“Hopefully that helps”

Arc returns to his room. He gets a fire going in the small wood stove. Soon the room is warm as toast.

“Much better! Time for me to turn in for the night as well.”

Using the blankets he purchased to form a makeshift bed on the floor, Arc soon drifts off to sleep. A little after midnight he is awakened by the sounds of movement in the next room. Soon he hears the back door open and close slowly. He sits up, confused.

“Why on earth would she go out at this hour?!”

Peeking through his bedroom window, he sees the Mysterious Robed Pony walking around the backyard in the moonlight. Her head is very low to the ground and she moves it slowly side to side.

“Is she… eating grass?!”

Arc quietly leaves his room and goes to the kitchen. He opens all the cupboards one by one. They are all empty with the exception of the bag of bits he gave her earlier that day. Arc returns quietly to his room, grabs his coat and his satchel, leaves via the front door and heads for Sweet Apple Acres. Upon arriving he quietly enters the barn and fills his bag.

“Sorry Applejack, but I need these.”

With a full bag he heads back home, enters through the front door, quietly puts the contents of his bag next to the sleeping pony, and heads back to bed. The next morning at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom runs toward the farmhouse with a bag and a scroll in her mouth. She bursts through the back door calling loudly for her sister.

“Applejack! Some things are missing from the barn! And I found this!”

Apple Bloom points a hoof at the bag and scroll, it has Applejack's name written on it. Applejack trots over and unrolls the scroll.

“Well, let's see what we have here...”

She reads the note aloud.

"Dear Applejack,

I took 40 apples and 2 jars of Zap Apple Jam from your barn last night. Admittedly, under normal circumstances I would never take something from someone else's property without permission. Please forgive me, and know that it was under the most extreme of situations that I did this. With this note I am leaving a bag of bits to cover the cost of what I took. If it is not enough, I will be by later today to come see you and will pay the difference then.

-Arc

PS: Please don't tell anyone else about this."

Apple Bloom looks up at her sister. A confused look on her face. “Why would Arc need apples THAT badly?”

Applejack appears equally confused as she rolls the scroll back up and shoves it under her hat. “I don't know sugarcube, but I'll ask him when he comes by later today. Don't you breathe a word of this to anypony else, y'hear?”

“Sure thing Applejack. I guess I trust him that much.”

“I do too Apple Bloom. But this is just so mysterious.”

The Mysterious Pony awakens later that day. The sun has already risen and is halfway to its zenith. As she does her best to rub the sleep from her eyes with a hoof she notices the blanket covering her. She speaks aloud but to herself in the smallest voice possible as her vision clears and she looks around.

“This must be why I slept so well. Where did it come from?”

Next to her she finds the pile of apples and the two jars of Zap Apple Jam.

“Did... did Arc... do this...? And why?”

She gets up slowly and shuffles over to quietly knock on Arc's door. Hearing no response, she cautiously pushes the door open. The room is empty save for a few blankets on the floor. She closes the door behind her and goes back to her place in front of the fireplace.

“But why... why would anypony want to help... ME?!”

Meanwhile at Sweet Apple Acres the Apple family is busy harvesting as many apples as they can before the snow falls. As Apple Bloom takes another basket of apples to the barn she spots Arc walking down the road toward the farm. She runs back to the orchard as fast as she can.

“Big sis! Arc is coming!”

“Thanks, sugarcube. I’ll go see him.”

Applejack meets Arc halfway.

“Mornin' sugarcube! I, uh… found your note.”

Arc appears somewhat embarrassed. “Yes, I'm sorry for the late-night raid on your barn. Were the bits I left enough to cover what I took?”

“Don't worry about it. I'm sure you had your reasons.”

“Thanks Applejack. I did indeed, but can't talk about it just yet. Soon though. Say, where would I go to find some cheap furniture?”

She points a hoof in the direction of town. “If you don't mind second-hoof stuff try the pawn broker, Fortunate Ire. Just so you know though, he's not really much better than Filthy Rich in terms of personality.”

“Thanks Applejack. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Arc quickly makes his way back to town. He steps into the cluttered shop and spots the owner behind a small desk.

“You Fortunate Ire?”

“Yeah! What can I getcha?”

“I need some furniture for a room I'm renting. A bed, dresser, and a large chest would fit the bill.”

The proprietor leads him over to some furniture. Arc picks out the items he would like and the two come to an agreement on the price. Arc hands over a bag of bits which causes the proprietor’s eyes to light up greedily.

“Pleasure doin' business with ya! Where ya want this stuff delivered to?”

The stallions eyes grow wide as Arc tells him the address.

“Wait! Yous renting a room from HER?!”

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

Fortunate Ire shakes his head and gives him a dismissive wave of his hoof. “Nah, I didn’t mean it like that. She just strikes me as the kinda pony who has a mountain of secrets. But I don't know nothin' 'bout her other than what she sold me.”

“What did she sell you?’

“Sorry fella. Can't say as I remember.”

Arc drops a few bits on the desk in front of him. “Does this jog your memory?”

Fortunate Ire picks up the bits and puts them in his desk. “Sure does. Just let me check my records.”

He goes through some papers in his bottom desk drawer before pulling out a file.

“Looks like over the last six months she sold pretty much every piece of furniture in her house. Here's a list.”

He slides the paper across the desk. Arc picks it up and looks it over carefully.

“You still have any of this furniture?”

“All of it actually. Why?”

“I want to buy it. All of it.”

They negotiate a price for the Mysterious Robed Pony's furniture. Arc pays the stallion and he again grins greedily.

“Glad we could come to an agreement. I'll have my guys deliver all that stuff later this afternoon.”

Arc leans in close to the desk and lowers his voice. “How about another deal?”

“I’m all ears.”

“You deliver my original order this afternoon like we planned. Then you and you staff deliver the rest of the furniture tonight at 2 AM sharp.”

He drops a small bag of bits on the desk to seal the deal.

“And don’t tell anyone about this.”

Fortunate Ire looks up at Arc with a pleased grin on his face. “Buddy, you are a Grade A-1 weirdo. But if you got the coin, I got what you need! You ever need something you can't find anywhere else, you let me know. I may be able to... acquire it for ya!”

“Thanks. I may take you up on that one day.”

They shake hands/hooves on the deal. A few minutes later Arc leaves the shop and heads home. Back at the house Arc pulls out his key and let's himself in. The mare doesn't seem to have woken up since he left that morning. If the apples and the Zap Apple Jam hadn’t been apparently relocated to the kitchen, he would have assumed that she hadn't moved all day. Arc clears his throat in an effort to get her attention. His landlady raises her head quickly and lets out a welp.

“AH!”

“Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to let you know I have a few pieces of furniture being delivered later today. Uh... are you... okay?”

She looks down at the floor and replies in her standard whisper. “Yes… fine.”

“If you ever want to... uh... talk... I'm a good listener.”

The robed pony does not look up or make any acknowledgement of hearing him. In an effort to keep the conversation going with her, Arc pushes on.

“So... what should I call you?”

The mare clops the floor with her hoof nervously. “Uh… um… ah…”

“...if you really don't want to say, I won't force it.”

Her reply is barely above a whisper. “…okay… thank you.”

As promised, Fortunate Ire and his team arrive with the landlady’s pawned furniture in the early hours of the morning. Arc looks over the shipment carefully as Fortunate Ire and his assistants unload it.

“Everything, as promised!”

Arc nods as he signs for the delivery and turns back to Fortunate Ire.

“You want to make some more bits?”

“Now you’re talking my language, buddy!”

“You picked up this furniture when you bought it right?”

Fortunate Ire nods with evident pride, “I pick up every shipment myself. Why?”

Arc pulls out a bag of bits and dangles it in front of Fortunate Ire and his helpers.

“I have two hundred bits here if you can get everything back where it originally was. Another hundred if you can do it without waking the lady of the house up.”

Fortunate Ire grins. “No problem! We be like ghosts!”

True to his word, Fortunate Ire and his cohorts put everything back as silently as can be and return to their empty wagon. They turn to Arc, clearly exhausted.

“Satisfied?”

Arc nods and hands him the promised payment. “Very. A pleasure doing business with you, sir.”

“Likewise! I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful, and profitable, friendship!”

Fortunate Ire turns to leave, but suddenly stops and turns back to Arc.

“Wait! I almost forgot!”

He rifles through his saddlebags before pulling out a small pendant and handing it to Arc.

“When we bought the furniture this was in one of the drawers. It ain't worth the space it would take up in my shop, so think of it as complimentary.”

Arc looks over the pendant in his hand. “Interesting. Thank you for your hard work.”

He quietly enters the house and sits down on the Mysterious Robed Pony's couch. It sits in front of the fireplace, but behind the mat his landlady is lying on. Arc pulls out the pendant and carefully opens it. Inside is an old wedding picture. He looks at the pendant’s photo for some time.

“Rather than answers, all I keep getting are more questions.”

He dozes off on the couch until mid-morning when his landlady begins to stir. Arc sits there and watches her silently. She stands slowly and with a sharp intake of breath as her legs struggle to lift her body. Looking toward the kitchen she notices her table is back. Turning her head to slowly look around the room she gasps as she takes in the sight of all her furniture.

“But… how…?”

She looks down at the floor for a long moment, still not noticing Arc on the couch behind her. Tears begin to fall on the hardwood floor. Arc leans forward and puts a hand on her shoulder. She recoils and, in the loudest voice he has heard from her yet, screams.

“AHHH!!! NO!”

Arc quickly draws back. “It’s alright, it’s just me!”

Breathing heavily, shaking, sweating and crying all at once she plops down on her side. For the first time Arc sees part of her face and one of her eyes in the glow from the fireplace. It is haggard and filled with absolute terror. Laying there, she takes several minutes for her to compose herself. Eventually Arc feels able to speak.

“I'm sorry if I frightened you. It's just that... I saw your tears and I just thought you needed someone to be there for you.”

Her reply is almost a whisper. “Thank you. Nopony has ever... um... I... it's just... I have to know... please... tell me... why?”

“Why what?”

She looks down at the floor in front of her. “Why... why are you doing this? I... you... brought me the food. But... why?”

“I… um… I saw what you did the night I moved in. Very late you went out to the backyard and... ate grass. So I went into your kitchen and saw that your cupboards were all empty. If you really want to know why I did it, then look me in the eye.”

After a few moments of looking at the floor she slowly raises her head to be level with his gaze. Arc can't see her eyes though the darkness of the robe, but feels she is looking at him.

“I did it because... it was just the right thing to do.”

As she looks around the room slowly. “And… the furniture?”

“Same reason”

“...I... just... I don't deserve... I... just don't know... what I... what to... say.”

“You don't have to say anything. Just know that... you're not alone.”

Arc puts his hand on her shoulder. She pulls back presumably as an instinct, but relaxes and leaves the hand on her shoulder. He notices it feels rather strange. Whether from the robe or whatnot, Arc cannot tell.

“...thank you... for just being there... I... I never really had... a... friend before.”

Arc smiles at her. “I came to this land suddenly, alone, and without a friend in the world. And although I have made several in such a short time, I would enjoy counting you among them.”

She slowly moves to shakily put her hoof on Arc's hand. The two of the just sit there for quite some time as Arc finally breaks the silence.

“I have one more gift for you.”

“Really? But... you have already done more for me… than anypony ever has.”

Arc reaches into his pocket and pulls out the pendant. “When your furniture was delivered, Fortunate Ire said he had found something in one of the drawers and gave it to me. I think this belongs to you.”

The mare gasps. “I thought I’d never see this again!”

She walks back to her mat, lies on the floor with the pendant in her hooves, and begins to quietly cry.

“I'm sorry but... I really need... to be alone right now.”

Arc nods and stands. “Alright. I have to head over to the library for a few books anyway. You going to be okay?”

The mysterious mare says nothing. After a few moments of waiting Arc quietly leaves the house via the front door.

The cloaked mare continues to stare at the pendant in her hooves.

“M… mother…”

REMASTERED - Chapter 11 - Conclusions

Spike is re-shelving some books in the library when he hears a knock at the front door.

“Coming!”

He opens the door to find Arc on the front steps. Spike looks up at Arc happily.

“Hey! Long time no see!”

“Spike. It's only been a couple days.”

He leads Arc into the library. “Well, it feels like longer with Twilight in such a mood lately.”

Arc frowns. “Something wrong?”

“Nah. She's just been a bit... depressed since you left. I guess you really made an impression on her while you were here. She's been nothing but worried.”

“Worried?”

Spike sighs. “I think she got the idea that the strange pony your living with is going to hurt you, or something.”

“Is she here now?”

“Nope. I finally convinced her she needed to go and spend time with her friends. Get her mind off things.”

“Well I certainly hope they can help. Speaking of which, I need you to help me find some books on…”

Arc looks around cautiously before kneeling down to Spike’s level and whispering something in his ear. Spike looks up at Arc quizzically.

“Are you serious? Why would you need books on THAT?”

“Please Spike! It's more important than you know. I really need you to trust me on this one.”

The baby dragon walks over to a shelf. “Well… I suppose there's no harm in it.”

He removes a few books from their places on the shelves and gives them to Arc. The young man lowers his voice and looks around.

“One more thing. Please don't tell anyone that I asked for these.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide at the idea of hiding something. “Not even Twilight?!”

“Especially Twilight. She's worried enough about me as it is. Knowing I have this might just send her over the edge. If I’m wrong about this then I guess it’ll just be a bit of reading time wasted. But if I am right this information may just save a life.”

Spike nods. “I understand.”

Arc smiles and gives him a few bits. “Thanks, Spike. Here… for the next time you find yourself at Sugar Cube Corner.”

“Wow! Thanks! Want to wait here for Twilight to come home? She shouldn't be too much longer.”

Arc nods. “Of course. Twilight would be heartbroken if she found out I stopped by without seeing her.”

Spike scurries off to make some tea motions for Arc to have a seat at the kitchen table. About fifteen minutes pass before the front door opens and Twilight's voice can be heard along with Rarity’s.

“Thanks, so much for suggesting a spa day, Rarity. It was just what I needed to take my mind off things.”

“Think nothing of it darling. And don't you worry about Arc. He can take care of himself.”

Spike hurries into the entryway. “Hey Twilight, we...!”

Upon seeing Rarity, however, he forgets all about Arc in the kitchen.

“Oh, hello Rarity. Your looking especially beautiful today!”

Rarity giggles as she pats Spike’s cheek. “Oh, why thank you Spikey-wikey! You’re looking extra handsome yourself.”

Arc assumes Spike has forgotten all about him after seeing Rarity, so he jiggles a few teacups. Hearing the noise Twilight turns to Spike.

“Spike? Is somepony in the kitchen?”

The questions seem to bring Spike back to reality. “Wha? Oh yeah, I forgot all about him! Sorry Twilight. Arc came by... uh... for a visit.”

“What?! Why didn't you say so earlier?!”

Twilight dashes into the kitchen so fast she runs into the kitchen table, knocking it over. Fortunately for her it had been empty at the time. Arc stands at the counter pouring himself another cup of tea. He turns around at the sound, looks over the table lying on its side, and sees Twilight lying on her back on the floor.

“Uh… hi, Twilight.”

She smiles up at him sheepishly. “Hi…”

“You okay?”

“Fine.”

Arc helps Twilight to her feet and sets the table upright. He and the two ponies sit and talk over fresh cups of tea. Rarity is the first to speak.

“So how are you liking your new home, Arc? Twilight has been most worried about you.”

Twilight blushes slightly at the comment. “Rarity…”

Arc sighs. “Well, let's just say the last couple days have been... interesting.”

Twilight leans forward expectantly. “And your landmare? What exactly have you learned about her?”

Arc says nothing as he stares into his tea, thinking. Rarity looks over at him and replies in a worried tone.

“Is something wrong?”

“Well... no. I'm just having trouble thinking of the words to explain it. About my landlady... I haven't actually learned anything about her personally.”

Twilight raises and eyebrow, confused. “Well, what about her name?”

Arc shrugs. “That's just it. I asked her once and she seemed to become really uncomfortable. She’s shy beyond anything I’ve ever seen before. To be completely honest, Fluttershy would seem positively outgoing compared to this mare. Come to think of it, she even SOUNDS like Fluttershy.”

Rarity looks noticeably concerned. “Oh dear! Perhaps she just needs to get out more often. Should we invite her to tea sometime?”

Arc shakes his head as he takes another sip of tea. “I don't think that would be a very good idea. The one real conversation we had she just seemed so... so...”

Twilight raises and eyebrow. “Introverted?”

“...fragile. Have either of you ever seen her outside her house?”

“Rarity and I saw her a couple months ago walking toward the market. She walked so slowly and we couldn't see any part of her body or face due to that black robe she always wears.”

Arc looks over at Rarity. “I was wondering if you could tell me anything about that robe.”

“It just looked like a normal robe to me. Why do you ask?”

“Well the other day when I touched it, well I don't really know how to describe it other than it felt like... magic.”

Rarity puts a hoof under her chin. “I have heard of a few materials that can be imbued with different spells. However, the materials in question are VERY expensive to purchase. Not to mention VERY difficult to work with. And finally, it would take a VERY powerful unicorn to imbue the clothing with magic. Assuming you could even find one, such a process would take quite some time!”

Arc stares at Rarity, amazed. “I had no idea such a thing was so labor intensive!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “She doesn't look like she has the bits for such a garment.”

Arc ponders this for a moment. “Perhaps I was mistaken. She certainly doesn't appear to have the money for such an item.”

“You know Arc, my offer still stands. If you want to move back, you would be welcome as long as you like.”

“I appreciate that Twilight, I really do. But... I can't really explain it any other way than... this pony needs me right now. Please understand.”

“I really don't. However, I trust your judgment.”

Twilight appears to be trying to come up with an idea.

“How about a book on pony psychology? I'm not really sure how else to help, and it would make me feel a lot better if you could see the signs of a crazed psycho-mare.”

Rarity recoils at the thought. ”Twilight!”

“I'm sorry. It's just... I know she's hiding something, but I can't even begin to guess what it is! Anyways, let me find that book for you.”

Twilight walks back to the library and returns a few moments later with a book. Arc accepts it and puts it in his satchel. He is very careful not to let her see the books he received earlier from Spike.

“Thanks Twilight. Don't you worry though. One way or another I’ll get to the bottom of this matter.”

Rarity stands up. “Well, I should be getting home to Sweetie Belle. Take care, both of you.”

Spike joins her as she walks toward the door. “I'll walk you home, Rarity!”

The pair head out the front door together as Arc stands up.

“I should probably head on home too. It's supposed to start snowing any time now.”

Twilight looks over to Arc with a hopeful look in her eye. “You could stay here tonight if you want!”

Arc turns to push his chair in. “Thank you Twilight, but I should get back.”

“…please?!”

Arc turns to face Twilight and sees that she has begun to cry.

“I can't seem to come up with any logical reason for it, but I just know that pony is hiding some very dark secrets.”

“I agree with you, Twilight. And that is why I need to go back. While I also can't come up with any logical reason for it I just feel that she needs me. Please understand.”

Arc reaches down to hug Twilight. The two embrace for a long moment as she clings to Arc tightly and continues to cry. Twilight does her best to compose herself, but fails.

“I know I said I trust your judgment, and I do, but... it doesn't make this any easier.”

As Arc looks down at her, still hugging her. “That's what I like about you Twilight. You really are so open and honest.”

She pulls away from him and smiles, tears still in the corners of her eyes. “And you always try to be there for everypony. That's what I like about you.

“Thank you, Twilight. I needed that.”

He hugs Twilight for another moment before setting her down. Arc walks toward the front door with her.

“Goodbye, and don't worry about me. I think I’m close to figuring this mystery out.”

As Arc leaves the library Twilight closes her eyes and smiles.

“I hope so... for both our sakes.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks home through the cold, fall air. The sun has begun to set and the wind howls through the trees. Looking up at the sunset, Arc sighs and pats his satchel.

“Hopefully this will help me figure out what’s going on. ”

The first snow of the season falls over Ponyville as he walks. He looks around as the snow turns the green landscape a beautiful white.

“Pretty!”

Arc enters through the front door. His mysterious landlady lies asleep where she was when he left earlier that day. He covers her with the blanket and looks over her for a brief moment before going back to his room to read the books in his satchel. Tossing his satchel on the bed he pulls them out and looks them over.

“I guess I should start with the pony psychology book.”

He gets a fire going in his little stove before sitting down on his bed with the books. Arc reads deep into the night.

“Twilight sure had a good idea lending me this book. I get the feeling this information will be of great use in the near future.”

It snows in Ponyville for a week straight, but it matters little to Arc as he seldom leaves his room. He reads the books he received from Spike from cover to cover several times over. So dedicated is he to reading and studding that even the mysterious mare takes note of it as she peeks into his room from the half open door. Arc does not seem to notice her as she observes his study habits.

“Strange. He just reads the same two books over and over. Is he... is he trying to memorize them or something? That's ridiculous though. Who would want to memorize an entire book, let alone two?”

She muses to herself as she returns to her mat in front of the fireplace. Late that night Arc closes the book and sets it down. He sighs as lies down on his bed to get some well-deserved rest.

“It appears I was right. Everything... it all makes perfect sense. I now know what I have to do.”

Early the next morning Arc grabs his coat and satchel. He leaves the house quietly with his shopping list as follows...

1- Hunting Knife
1-Whetstone
1- Med-kit
3- Blankets
1- Ball of String
1- Tin Bucket
1- Bar of Soap
1- Large Bottle of Rubbing Alcohol
2- Jars of Zap Apple Jam
1- Can of Coffee
Assorted vegetables and as many apples as the bag has space to hold.

Late in the morning Arc staggers home with his purchases. Upon entering the house he receives a rather quizzical look from the Mysterious Robed Pony, who can see no reasonable combinations for those particular items. He returns to his room with his purchases and sets everything carefully on his dresser.

“I do hope I haven't forgotten anything.”

As Arc puts away the items the mare raises her head from the mat and again looks into his open door. She silently muses to herself as she continues to watch.

“A knife, a whetstone, string, a bucket. Is he planning to... eat me?!”

The mare sighs as she rests her head back on the mat.

“Oh well. Considering what I’ve done I guess I deserve such an ending to my life.”

She listens to the sound of him sharpening his knife.

“Arc really is quite kind. He must want the knife to be razor sharp so I don't suffer any more than is necessary. It... really is more than a monster like me deserves.”

He emerges from his room a few minutes later and heads for the kitchen to put a pot of water on the stove to boil. Arc then begins slicing vegetables. She notices he is wearing the Hunting Knife sheath on his belt.

“I guess it won't be long now. Mother… I'll be seeing you soon. I just hope you can forgive me.”

A half hour or so later Arc walks over to his landlady who is calmly waiting for the end of her suffering to come. He looks down at her and smiles.

“Are you ready?”

She does not look up. “...I think so... but... will you please... make it quick?”

“I suppose if that's what you want, I’ll try to hurry things along. Sorry, but I’m not quite ready for you.”

“...do you... enjoy... the suffering of ponies?”

Arc looks over at her, a bit taken aback. “No, not at all! If you would be more comfortable on your mat in front of the fireplace, I can let you have it there.”

She nods slowly. “Yes... that is where... it should be done. Thank you... for understanding.”

He turns back to the counter. “Alright. Let me grab something real quick so we can get to it.”

Arc heads back to the kitchen. She slowly pulls the hood even lower over her eyes and nose and holds it in place as she slowly raises her head as high as she can, exposing her tender neck as she hears Arc's footsteps come close to her and stop.

“Go ahead and do it... but... please... make it quick.”

“Um… okay. But only if you’re sure you want it here.”

She nods as Arc sets something down on the floor in front of her and walks back to the kitchen. Confused, she looks down at the floor in front of her and sees a bowl of soup.

“Um... what... is this?”

“Vegetable soup. I hope you like it.”

She continues to stare down at the bowl before her. “And... this is... for me... to... eat?”

“Yeah. I was worried you weren't eating properly, so I decided to cook something nutritious for your lunch. It's still pretty hot, so if you want to wait a few minutes I understand.”

He pours a bowl for himself and sits down on the couch behind her. The mare turns to him very slowly.

“Um…”

Arc looks up from his bowl. “Is something wrong”?

“It's just... the knife... and... the pot on the stove. I thought you... wanted to... um... eat... me.”

Arc drops his spoon and looks to her, dumbfounded. “Wait! So the whole time I was making the soup you just waited there... for me to... cut you up?! And you were OKAY with that?!”

She looks down into her soup sadly and nods. “I've... done things in my past... caused so much pain and sorrow in the lives of others. It just seemed a fitting end to a monster like me. Besides, it's not like anypony would miss my passing, as there is no one in all of Equestria who cares for me.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Huh?

“There is at least one who cares what happens to you.”

She shakes her head and sighs. “Thank you, but if you knew my past, I don't think you would care so much about my life.”

“As I said before, if you want to talk about it I’m here for you. Even if you just want someone to sit with you.”

“You are... so very... kind. Could we... sit at the table? It has been quite some time for me.”

Arc smiles at her. “Sure.”

Arc picks up the two bowls and sets them on the kitchen table. She slowly rises, carefully walks to the table, and sits down. The bowl of soup is eaten in a flash.

“Would you like another bowl? And how about some Zap Apple Jam toast?”

“Yes please.”

Arc serves her another bowl of soup and watches her eat.

"Easy there. Don't forget to breathe."

"Yes... well... it's just so good!"

Arc takes a spoonful of his own bowl and takes a bite. "It's an old recipe from a friend of mine back home. She's quite the chef, after all."

"A what?"

"Chef. Someone who cooks meals for a living."

"Ah... well... I'm not much for such things."

"What do you enjoy anyways?"

"I... don't really know."

"Well, I've seen you lying on that mat pretty much since I moved in. Did you make that yourself?"

"...kinda."

"It's very nice. How did you...?"

The mare looks up and speaks angrily. "I don't want to talk about it!"

"Okay, that's fine."

She bows her head and sighs. "...sorry."

"It's okay. I just want to get to know you a bit better, that's all."

"Why?"

"Well, we are living together."

"That's true."

"I'd like to try and learn what makes you upset so I don't do those things."

"Um... I don't... really have..."

She sighs before continuing.

"I don't have any hobbies or interests, so I can't really tell you much."

Arc smiles at her. "How about your name then?"

The mare shakes her head vehemently. "No. NO! I can't tell you!"

"But I need to be able to call you something."

"I'm not allowed to...!"

Laying her head on the table, the mare does her best to calm down. Arc hears her sniffling sadly for a few moments before she sits up and continues.

"Sorry, but I... honestly can't say."

Arc sighs. "Guess I can't really force you to tell me. Would it be okay if I tried to think of something to call you?"

The mare groans. "Please, no!"

"Alright. In any case I see you've finished your soup again."

She looks down at her bowl clearly surprised to see it empty. "It... would appear I have."

"How about some more then?"

"Y-yes please."

Arc serves her another ladlefull of soup. Watching her eat he thinks before speaking.

“Wow! I assumed you were hungry but I had no idea you were THAT hungry."

"I... need to eat extra. To... to make up for... um... something."

Arc nods. "Yes, I suppose you do. However, it all makes sense now.”

She looks over to him, genuinely confused. “What... do you mean?”

Arc looks at her evenly. “You seem to sleep all the time yet you always seem tired. Seldom eat, walk slowly if at all, try not to be seen by anypony, cover your whole body with your robe, depressed and angry all at once. Originally I thought it was some kind of substance abuse issue. But now I realize that there can be only one reason for these symptoms.”

She looks down at her hooves nervously. Arc gives her a warm smile as he continues.

“You’re pregnant, aren't you?”

She stammers and shakes her head vehemently as she moves to hop off the chair but miscalculates. Her robe catches the corner of the table without her noticing it. A loud tearing sound is heard as she drops to the floor. The robe splits right down the middle and falls to the floor as the mare screams out

“Please! Don't look at me!”

The mare picks up the robe and tries to put it back on. However it is in too great a state of disrepair now to be of any use. Arc sees her body for the first time and immediately sees that she is VERY visibly pregnant. As she collapses to the floor in tears, the mare does her best to cover her face with her hooves.

“...please! I'm a monster! Don't... look... at me!”

Arc runs to his room and grabs one of his blankets. Returning he wraps her up in it. He then picks her up as carefully as he can, sits down on the couch, and holds her close.

"No! NO! Please don't hurt me!"

"I'm not going to hurt you or the child inside you."

"You... you're not?"

Arc shakes his head. "No. If anything I'll keep you safe."

"I... don't deserve that."

"Why not?"

"I just don't! Nopony can see me!"

"From what I saw you look okay though. Or do you just not want others to know you're pregnant?"

"Nopony can know!"

"Know what?"

"Anything!"

"Is someone after you?"

The mare shakes her head. "No. Nopony is looking for me. Nopony cares. But I need to stay away though."

"I don't understand. Are you just THAT shy?"

"...kinda."

"What are you afraid of then?"

"Somepony asking my name! I can't be recognized! I CAN'T!"

Arc sighs and pats her head as she shakes with emotion.

“Go ahead and cry. Let it all out.”

She buries her face in Arc's chest and cries seemingly without end. Arc gently strokes her mane with his hand and quietly whispers words of encouragement to her.

Chapter 12 - A Trip Down Memory Lane

Chapter 12 - A Trip Down Memory Lane

Arc sits on the couch for several hours holding the Mysterious Pony in his arms until she is emotionally and physically exhausted from the events of the day. Seeing that she has fallen asleep Arc leans back against the arm of the couch and joins her in slumber. In but a blink of an eye he finds himself surrounded by darkness on all sides. There are hushed voices all around him that seem to come from everywhere and nowhere. The Mysterious Pony is there as well. Arc notices her stomach is like any other pony now. She looks around frantically.

“No. NO! Not now!”

Arc turns to her. “What is it? Where are we?”

The mare sighs sadly and looks over to him. “I don't really know how to explain it, but... we’re inside my dream. I’ve had it ever since I came to Ponyville months ago. In it, I relive my past crimes over and over again. A fitting punishment for a monster like me.”

“While I admit I don't know you very well, I still find it hard to believe you are as guilty as you claim to be. In any case, this time will be different.”

“How so?”

Arc smiles at her. “This time you have someone to share it with.”

She looks down at her hooves. “I suppose... I should tell you a little more about myself before we continue.”

“Please do.”

The mare sits down on her haunches before continuing. “I was born in the town of Trottingham into the wealthiest family in town. It’s also the oldest and most influential in the entire region. Because of my past crimes my punishment was not just exile, but I was forbidden from telling anypony my true name. My father said it was to protect our family from any further shame.”

“I remember asking your name earlier and how uneasy you seemed at the request.”

“Yes, but I suppose I can tell you now. You're going to find out soon anyways. My mother… she died giving birth to me. It was a hard and complex labor on her... and me.”

“How so?”

“My body doesn't always move the way I want it to. I guess you could say I’m... uncoordinated thanks to it. I also find it very hard to learn and concentrate on anything. And lastly... my face...”

She looks Arc in the eye for the first time. He immediately notices her bizarre pupils are unlike any he has yet seen in Equestria.

“For these reasons my father named me... Derpy… Derpy Hooves.”

The mare closes her eyes and smiles.

“I haven't spoken my own name in so long. It feels... nice... to finally tell somepony.”

“Well, I think it's a rather pretty name.”

Derpy blushes slightly at the compliment. “Thank you, but we should probably move on. You’re going to learn more about me than you would like.”

Arc and Derpy walk towards the light together. Soon they find themselves in a Delivery Room. A mare lies on the bed in intense labor. A large stallion next to her holds her hoof in his as the doctor works.

“Come on, Silver Hooves! You can do it!”

The mare, covered in sweat, breathes heavily. “I... don't know if I can, Iron!”

A doctor at the foot of the bed looks over at his machines. “Please ma’am! Push!”

The mare screams out in pain. “It... it hurts so much! I feel like my insides are being torn apart!”

Iron Hooves smiles at her. “It will all be over soon, honey! Just think of our new addition! How you have dreamed of this day!”

A small smile spreads across her face. “Yes... thank you dear... I’ll try.”

After a few more pushes by Silver Hooves, a newborn pegasus emerges into the world.

Iron Hooves looks into Silver Hooves’ eyes. “Look honey! It's a filly!”

Silver Hooves sighs heavily as she takes the newborn in her fetlocks. “She has your mane, Iron Hooves! This... this made all that worthwhile...”

The heart monitor suddenly begins to go crazy. The doctor rushes over.

“We're losing her! Nurse, get the filly out of here!”

“Silver? SILVER!!! Open your eyes! I can't go on without you!”

The room fades slowly to black. Arc notices Derpy is unmoved by what they just saw. He looks at her quizzically as she speaks.

“I've watched my mother die so many times... I think I’ve become numb to it.”

Another beam of light appears in front of them. Derpy looks up to Arc.

“Ready for more?”

“Yes, let’s move forward.”

The walk into the light. A child’s room appears. Iron Hooves barges in screaming angrily.

“DERPY!

A young foal trots nervously over to her father. “Y-yes, father?”

He glares at her. “The teacher I hired to give you a basic education has just informed me that you are doing quite poorly in every subject they try to instruct you in! Do you want to grow up to be just a stupid, useless mare?!”

The filly looks up to her father with tears in her eyes. “No daddy! It's just... it's just too hard!”

He turns back toward the door. “Very well. There will be no more lessons for you.”

“W…what?”

“If you aren't even capable of such simple assignments, I won't waste any more bits on your education!”

Derpy runs over to her father. “No daddy! I WANT to learn! I really do!”

Iron Hooves opens the door and steps out into the hallway. “Fine then! Come with me!”

The pair walk to his room.

“Wait out here.”

Filly Derpy sits outside the door until her father emerges from his room with a large sewing bag. He tosses it on the floor just in front of her.

“In this bag you will find a partially made rug your mother started but... never had time to finish. All the materials to complete this project are here, as is a book that will teach you the skills needed to finish it. Show me you’re not completely worthless for once, would you kindly?”

He walks away leaving Derpy to awkwardly drag the heavy bag back to her room in her mouth. The scene before them fades away just as before. Arc frowns.

“That was harsh.”

Derpy sighs. “I was always letting him down back then. His daughter, a constant reminder of failure.”

As if on cue, Derpy's room re-materializes. It seems very similar to the first time other than Derpy is a young mare now. Iron Hooves bursts into his daughter’s room yet again.

“DERPY!”

“Yes, father?”

“I just had to dismiss yet another maid! Stop befriending the servants! They’re just being nice to you in hopes you’ll give them money!”

“But father, she had a sick foal at home! She needed medicine to...!”

Iron Hooves interrupts her. “Medicine?! Do they now have medicine at the tavern?! Because that is where I found her, drinking heavily of cider and bragging to every pony who would listen!”

Young Derpy appears on the verge of tears. “But… her foal…”

“...does not exist! Listen to me Derpy! No one likes you! No one really wants to be your friend. They just want you for whatever you will give or do for them! No one will ever like you... FOR YOU!!!”

The young mare sadly hangs her head. “I’m sorry father, but…”

“But what?!”

“I…I finished it.”

“Finished? Finished what?!

Derpy walks to her bed and picks up the finished mat. “I hope it’s good enough...”

Her father looks over the mat. “This is... decent work. Maybe... just maybe there is hope for you, yet. Albeit slim.”

The room fades away to nothingness.

She looks over to Arc. “I still have that mat. It's one of the few things I have of my mother's.”

“You mean, the mat you were always sleeping on is...?”

Derpy hangs her head. “Yes. The very same. But you really don't want to see the rest. It's... not pretty.”

“If you’re going there, I'm coming with you.”

“Well… okay.”

High above a light shines weakly. As they look up at it, a moonlit lake begins to appear. Derpy lies on the shore staring up at the moon.

“My father never did continue my education like he said he would. I would sneak out of my room at night and come here, if only to not be there. I had been hurt... betrayed... and used by every pony I had ever met, so I spent as much time alone as possible. It was lonely, but at least I was safe... or so I thought.”

There is a rustling nearby. The mare is suddenly on her hooves in both fear and anticipation. A young stallion emerges from the foliage. He is a dark purple unicorn with a blonde mane.

“Well, hello there! And what might your name be, miss?”

“…Derpy.”

“That's a pretty name. I'm Moonlit Dusk. A... traveler of sorts. I just wandered into your town here and decided to set up camp. Say, you wouldn't know where I could find some vegetables would you? I'm looking to make some soup. You're welcome to join me if you would like.”

Derpy looks at the stallion before her cautiously. “...I guess I could get some from the stalls in town...”

“Thanks a bunch. Just look for my campfire.”

The scenery fades into nothingness. Derpy is trembling as she speaks.

“I hoped that time would be different. That I had found somepony who was... willing to look at me as if I was more than just a meal ticket. Who would want to be my friend. But, I was so… SO starved for companionship at that point. I just wanted to… be with somepony. Anypony really. Moonlit Dusk really was quite nice to me. And I don't mind saying I did enjoy the time we spent together. But... well... you'll see.”

The moonlit lake returns. The images of Derpy and Moonlit Dusk reappeared. Several scenes flash before them in quick succession.

“Thanks for the new tent, Derpy. I was getting tired of patching the old one.”

A bright light flashes briefly, resetting the scene.

“Hey Derpy. You think you could find me a compass?”

Flash.

“I could use a new blanket”.

Flash.

“The days will be getting colder soon. Any idea where I might find a warm coat?”

Flash.

“Thanks for the bits, Derpy. I owe you one.”

Darkness once again falls over the scene as Derpy groans.

“This went on for quite a few months. He never asked for anything much. That and he was a wonderful companion and... a good listener. I... saw him nearly every day back then. Until one fateful night... I… stayed much later than I normally would, as I was having such a wonderful time. The night was cold and damp, and I remember being a bit cold. Moonlit Dusk must have noticed this, as he came over and sat down very close to me.”

“Don't worry Derpy. I’ll keep you warm.”

Derpy looks at the ground and blushes. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder.

“I had never been so close to another pony before, much less a stallion. But... it felt nice. Good to be a companion to somepony who seemed to truly want to be with me. I laid my head on his side and nuzzled his chest. Was it love I was feeling? I had no idea, as I had never experienced such an emotion before, and I am sad to say I still haven't. I looked at him and he at me. Moonlit Dusk was so handsome in the moonlight. A long moment passed before... before I... I leaned into him and we kissed. It was my first, and seemed to go on for hours. Although I’m sure it was only a few moments. It felt... like a fire was burning in my chest. The longer we kissed, the hotter it seemed to get. Eventually he stood up, very red in the face and...”

Derpy pauses. Arc nods.

“It’s okay. Take all the time you need.”

She looks at the image of her past self.

“…and he…”

The scene continues on. “Hey Derpy. It really is quite late. You want to spend the night here? Plenty of room in the tent for two.”

She smiles up at him, widely. “Sure!”

The pair enter the tent together. Derpy looks away.

“We laid down together... and... things just... kinda went from there. Although I knew I shouldn't have, I just couldn't help myself. I'm not sure how humans... do it... but...”

Arc interrupts her. “Our bodies work about the same.”

“Oh! Um... okay, that makes this easier.”

The Derpy in the image leaves the tent just before the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon. The scene again fades to black.

“I remember I felt sick for the next week or so. At the time I thought it was just my body punishing me for doing such a thing. I went to the doctor who told me that I was... pregnant.”

A tear rolls down her cheek as Moonlit Dusk’s little camp again comes into view. The Derpy from the past sadly walks over to him.

“Hey Derpy. Long time no see. Why the long face?”

“I... haven't been well lately.”

He appears concerned. “Oh? Any idea what it is?”

Derpy looks away. “Yes. The doctor says I'm… pregnant.”

“What?!”

She looks over the Moonlit Dusk desperately. “It's true! I don't know what to do! I can't tell my father and I don't have anypony else to turn to! Can I become your traveling companion?! We could leave anytime you want!”

Moonlit Dusk looks very nervous himself. “Uh... sure. No problem. Meet me here tomorrow night and we’ll start a new life together. Just the two of us.”

She rubs her belly, smiling. “You mean the three of us, right?!”

“Yeah... right. Look, I have a lot of things to get ready for tomorrow, so...”

Derpy jumps up happily and rushes away. “Ah right! So do I! Um... until tomorrow then?”

Moonlit Dust waves after Derpy. “Yeah. See you tomorrow.”

Darkness again covers the camp as Derpy struggles to keep from crying.

“I... I packed my saddlebags and went to meet him as I had done so many times before, but...”

Several tears land on the ground at her hooves.

“...but his camp was abandoned. There was nothing left of it other than the cold fire pit. I couldn't believe it! My mind was swimming with questions and despair! He wouldn't have, couldn't have left me behind! I really had no one to turn to! I dreaded telling my father, but... the longer I sat there in the dark, empty camp the more I realized I had no choice! I... had no... choice...”

Derpy is openly weeping at this point. Arc can do little to ease her suffering other than to stand behind her and lay his hands on her shoulders. The home office of Iron Hooves comes into view as Past Derpy admits the truth to her father. He is much calmer than Arc had imagined he would be.

“…who did this, Derpy?”

“He was a traveler passing through town on his way to... wherever.”

“Why, Derpy?”

She struggles to find the right words to say. “I... I think... I just wanted somepony... who... cared for me... to be my friend... to be there... for me...”

“And where is this stallion now?”

“I... don't know. His camp was abandoned.”

Iron Hooves stands up from his desk and walks over to the window. “I know where he is.”

Her face brightens. “You do? Where?!

Derpy’s father whirls around to face her and explodes in a fit of rage. “As far away from YOU as he could get! Get this through that worthless head of yours, Derpy! Nopony has EVER wanted you! NOPONY wants you now!! And no pony will EVER want you now that you have… this!”

He points an accusatory hoof at Derpy’s stomach.

“Just like the others, he got what he wanted from you and is gone! Can’t you understand that you piece of filth?!”

The young mare can say little as she hangs her head in disgrace. “But…”

Iron Hooves is eerily calm again. “Shut your mouth, Derpy, and listen to me. It is time. Time for you to go.”

“But where?”

“ANYWHERE but here! Canterlot, Cloudsdale, The Everfree Forest, off the edge of a cliff for all I care!”

Derpy’s father walks over to a painting on the wall of him and Silver Hooves. He looks at it for a few moments, then rips it down with enough force to smash the frame. Derpy gasps.

“Father!”

Iron Hooves hits the wall where the painting once hung over and over again until a sizable hole is made. He reaches into the wall and pulls out a large black robe. Angrily he throws it at Derpy’s hooves and looks at her coldly.

“Put it on!”

Derpy silently obeys.

“That magic cloak is worth more bits than you can possibly imagine. Much more than the worthless hide it now covers! If you travel at night you will be, for all intents and purposes, invisible. Even in direct moonlight. In the day it will easily obscure your face and deflect all light away from you. It can do more, but I doubt you have the brains to understand.”

Iron Hooves walks over to his desk and opens the bottom drawer. Inside is a large bag of bits. He throws it at Derpy, hitting her in the face and scattering bits everywhere. Angrily, he walks back over to the window and stares out.

“You are no longer my daughter and I forbid you to use our family name of Hooves! Take these bits, your saddlebags, that magic cloak, and whatever personal effects from you room and get out! Let the night hide your passing! Take the train, walk, fly, I don't care! But let no one see you leave! I never want to see your face again!”

“But father…!”

Iron Hooves continues to look out the window. “I have no daughter.”

Chapter 13 - The Maw

Darkness falls as the scene ends. Derpy lies on the ground, unable to stand.

“Slowly but surely I walked to the port. There was a ship leaving within the hour to Manehattan. While I had no clue as to what I would find there, it wasn't my hometown and that was good enough for me. Arriving in Manehattan was... overwhelming, to say the least. Tall buildings, ponies everywhere, and everyone was so unfriendly. I knew that I would find no home in that city. So, I boarded a train to go further west. I eventually stopped at a town called Ponyville. It looked like a nice quiet place to start a new life, so I disembarked, found the mayor's office, and used a large chunk of the bits I had to buy my house.”

“Derpy... I had no idea your life had been so hard!”

“After I had settled in, I quickly realized that without any formal education to speak of I had zero skills to support myself and my coming foal. One night a while back I put an announcement on the Writ Board for a room for rent, hoping I could make enough if only just to eat. So much time went by, and no one answered. I used the last of the money my father gave me to buy what food I could and made it last as long as possible. With nothing left in the house, I turned to eating the grass in my backyard. I'm not proud of it, but my unborn foal needed nutrition.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, I saw you do just that the night I moved in. I also saw the cupboards were empty.”

“And... you went to buy food for me. But, why? I was a stranger to you then! Please! I have to know the truth!”

“I did it because it was the right thing to do, Derpy.”

She looks at him, bewildered. “…that’s all?”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s all.”

Derpy looks thoroughly confused. “I... don't know what to say... how to... feel... what to... do...”

A voice speaks from the shadows. “I'll tell you what you SHOULD do!”

Arc looks all around. “Who’s there?!”

Derpy covers her eyes fearfully. “No! This is how it always ends!”

She cowers on the ground, obviously terrified as a shadow creature forms in front of them. Its features are identical to Derpy herself but much, MUCH darker. Arc steps between her and the shadow creature.

“Who are you? WHAT are you?!”

The creature grins a wicked smile at Arc. “I am known as... Regret. And this little one is my favorite plaything. Now stand aside, strange looking one, and let me have my fun.”

Unwavering, Arc stares straight at Regret. “Leave her alone! Hasn't she suffered enough?!”

The beast before them laughs a dark and terrible laugh. “Oh, she hasn't even begun to feel my wrath! Last chance, mouse, outta the way!”

Derpy still lies on the ground petrified and unable to raise her head. “It… it's okay, Arc. Just leave me to my nightly fate. I deserve this.”

Regret looks toward Derpy and sneers. “You should listen to your little friend there. She knows what she's talking about.”

The shadowy being moves to push past Arc, but instead finds itself on the receiving end of a knuckle sandwich. Derpy looks up, surprised.

“What are you doing?!”

Arc stares down the monster before him as he doubles up his fists. “Last chance! Leave her alone, or I'll show YOU the meaning of regret!”

Regret laughs at the display before itself. “You want to play too, mouse!? So be it!”

The beast disappears into shadows.

“Arc! Don't! Just run away!”

He turns his head to look at Derpy. “No! I won't abandon you to that monster! You don't have to face it alone! I'm here with you too!”

A shadow of her mother materializes in front of Derpy. The shade looks at her with empty eyes.

“Derpy… why?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Derpy looks up. “Mother?! What do you mean?!”

“Why… did you… kill me?”

Arc stares at the shade before them. “What?!”

The shade of Derpy’s mother begins to cry. “It's all your fault! If you had never been born, your father and I could have stayed together and lived happily!”

“You're right! I never should have been born!”

Arc looks around. “REGRET!!! Show yourself!!!”

“Oh, gladly!”

Regret rematerializes overhead on a dark cloud, out of reach of both Arc and Derpy.

“Come down here and face me like a man! Pony? ...whatever you are!”

Regret rears back its head and laughs. “And miss the show?! Never!”

Arc turns his attention back to Derpy who is crying uncontrollably.

“Mother! I'm sorry! I am so... so sorry!”

He kneels down in front of her. “Listen to me, Derpy! Your mother's death was NOT your fault! Don't you remember what you mother said when you were born? When she held you, she said ‘this made it all worthwhile’. Somehow she knew the end had come for her. You being born safely was more important to her than her own life. Don't throw that away.”

Derpy calms slightly, but does not look up. “I... never thought about it that way before.”

Regret seems to shrink in size, albeit slightly. “Impressive, mouse! Let us see how long your luck can hold out!”

Derpy is suddenly surrounded by shadow versions of all the ponies who pretended to be her friends over the years.

“So foolish!”

“Did you really think we liked you?!”

“I can't believe you fell for our lies! You deserve the pain we caused you!”

Derpy’s tears begin to flow again. “How could I have been foolish enough to think anypony would want to be friends with a simpleton like me?”

Arc frowns. “You’re wrong, Derpy. Your kindness is your greatest strength! THEY were the ones who took advantage of your desire to help others! THEY are the ones who missed their chance to be friends with such a kind and caring pony like you. And THEY alone are to blame for THEIR actions! You shouldn't be held accountable for the mistakes of others!”

“...you’re right! I wanted to be their friend, but they didn't truly want to be mine!”

Regret shrinks noticeably in size. “ARGH! Okay, playtime is over, mouse!”

Another shadow approaches Derpy. This time of Moonlit Dusk.

“I asked, and you delivered. I spoke with honeyed words, and like a fool you believed me. Did you actually think I loved you? If you did you're an even bigger fool than I originally gave you credit for being! I might even feel bad for you... if you hadn't been so... EASY! You gave me EVERYTHING, and I left you, ALONE, with nothing! Nothing but a growing reminder in your belly of how naive you truly are! Every day of your life you will look upon your four-legged bastard and remember me... and what I did to you!”

Derpy looks up at Moonlit Dusk. “...I was drawn to you because you were kind to me. That and I was just so lonely! What you said is true. I did give you everything you asked of me... food, bits, clothing... even... myself. But you didn't leave me with nothing like you thought. The foal that grows inside me will be raised in a loving home... the loving home I always wanted but never had! In some small way, I now have a chance to make that part of my life right. For that, I thank you.”

Derpy bows her head to the shade of Moonlit Dusk. Regret is now only a third of its original size. Arc nods.

“Well said, Derpy. And look at Regret. It's only a fraction of its original size. You can beat this! It all ends here, tonight.”

The shadow above them begins to laugh. “…I was saving this for a rainy day…”

A light rain begins to fall.

Regret looks up. “…oh will you look at that!”

A shadow materializes and slowly walks toward Derpy. She looks up at the figure walking toward her and recoils in horror.

“No! Not you! ANYPONY BUT YOU!”

Iron Hooves approaches his daughter. A look of disdain on his face.

“You… you were my greatest failure! I gave you a home, and what did I get in return?! A simpleton, a cretin... A FOOL!!! A pony who is incapable of learning! A naive little pony who follows the piper's sweet flute and dances to his tune! And like a flash you run into the outstretched hooves of the first stallion you see! But you were not done disgracing me, oh no! Then you come crying to me about the adulterated and impure mongrel you have growing in you! Even your mistakes have mistakes! You know, I'm glad your mother never lived to see you drag our family name through the mud. The shock would certainly have killed her!”

Derpy hangs her head in shame, unable to say anything. All the while Regret slowly grows in size. Arc shakes his head.

“Really, Regret? THAT’S the best you can do?!”

“The mouse squeaks again?”

Arc turns to the shade of Iron Hooves and points angrily. “You gave her a HOME? Don't make me laugh! A roof over one's head hardly constitutes a home! Incapable of learning? How much time and effort did YOU put into her education? The words of a handsome young stallion can be quite enticing to one who never had anyone to guide her in life... you know... like a PARENT? And of course she ran to the first guy who showed her love! It's not like YOU ever did! All these failures... all that led up to her being pregnant and alone... are a culmination of YOUR unwillingness and inability to raise a daughter! Derpy failed because YOU failed her first!”

Arc looks up at Regret. “This little game of yours is over Regret! Face it! You've lost!”

“Oh, this is FAR from over.”

A wave of pure hatred cascades towards Derpy. The impact sends her flying across the empty expanse. Arc runs to her side and kneels down to help her.

“Derpy! Can you hear me?! Say something!”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks to Arc. “Please... run... away. Save... yourself.”

Another wave of force hurtles towards Derpy's helpless form.

“Arc, please! Get… away…”

Arc wraps his arms around Derpy's body and braces himself. The blow hits Arc square in the back. He falls forward and lands on top of the frightened mare. He sits up and continues to shield Derpy with his body. Regret looks over at them and shakes its head.

“You’re a brave one, mouse. I'll give you that! But you can’t hold out forever.”

Wave after wave of pure hate crashes against Arc’s back. Derpy looks up at him, horrified.

“Arc, don't! I'm... just a worthless pony!”

Arc breathes heavily, clearly in pain. He turns to Regret with defiance in his eyes. “If it means protecting the one's I care about, I can last as long as I need to.”

Regret prepares a multi-faceted attack. “I doubt that! Tell you what! I'm feeling generous today. If you walk away now, I'll forget the whole thing.”

Arc refuses to move. “I will not.”

Regret’s face twists in rage at Arc’s response. It fires wave after wave of attacks. “Very well! You don't deserve to be my enemy... DIE HERE!”

Regret materializes a spear and flies at them. “Now die before my Spear of Regret!”

The creature lunges at Arc and strikes him with its spear through the back.

“Ugh!”

“Arc…?! NO!!!!!!!”

Regret pulls the spear out of Arc and walks away, clearly pleased with itself. Derpy does her best to comfort Arc as he lies on the ground. The tears stream down her face as she tries in futility to stop the flow of blood from Arc’s wound.

“Arc! No! Please! Don't die! I can't lose my only friend!”

She is covered in his blood by this point. Arc looks up at her and forces a small smile.

“Derpy... I... don't regret... coming here... to Ponyville. Nor do I... regret... meeting my... end... here... now... by... your side. Remember... remember this feeling... the friendship… of… a… true… fr… i… en…d.”

Arc's hand falls to his side, lifeless as he dies. Derpy stands over his body weeping as Regret laughs clearly pleased with itself.

“Ha! Go ahead! Suffer! Be sad! Such is the greatest offering you could give me!”

Regret begins to grow in size yet again before stopping suddenly, as if frozen in time. Another much larger being of light materializes high above. It speaks with a booming voice.

“Derpy!”

Derpy looks up, bewildered. “What? Who’s there?”

“Listen to me! Do not let Arc's sacrifice be in vain! You can defeat Regret using what Arc taught you!”

“What Arc taught me? I… I don’t understand!”

“Regret cannot stand against the power of Hope! Arc believed in you, but now you must believe in yourself!"

She stands up with renewed determination. “Yes! I... I do! I will fight Regret, and I will win! For Arc... and for... myself!"

“You have come so far in such a short time, Derpy. I'm afraid this is all I can do to help you. Take this...”

A light shines down on the ground directly in front of Derpy and a wondrous spear falls from high above, crashing into the ground.

“Take it Derpy... and remember to believe in yourself.”

Regret shakes its head as it is released from its momentary stasis. “What the deuce was that?! No matter! Where were we...?”

Derpy looks over to Regret in a strangely calm voice. “I believe we were at the part where YOU learned the meaning of REGRET!!!”

She jumps up and grabs the spear the mysterious figure left her. The moment she touches its shaft the shadows flee from around her. Its surface glows with a soft light which quickly spreads to the area immediately surrounding her.

“I won't let you hurt me, or anypony else ever again!”

Derpy takes the spear in hoof. The light from it spreads through her fetlocks and down to her chest, eventually covering most of her body. As the light fades it leaves behind a golden armor bearing a templar’s insignia. It feels extremely strong yet light as a feather.

Regret steps back, momentarily confused. “How did you...?! No matter! That miserable tin soldier stick is no match for me!”

The brave little templar looks over at Regret. “We’ll see about that!”

Clutching the spear in her hooves Derpy spreads her wings and flies straight toward Regret at a speed that should be impossible.

Regret chuckles. “So, I see there is fight in you after all! Like a bug on a windshield...”

Regret puts up a magic barrier between them. Templar Derpy sees the barrier but does not slow down. The shadowy figure’s demeanor quickly changes from confusion to that of rage as Derpy’s spear hits the barrier and shatters it.

“This mare is crazy!”

Regret raises several more barriers, each stronger than the last. Templar Derpy effortlessly smashes through all of them. As Regret grabs its Spear of Regret and moves to face its opponent it screams out in rage.

“THIS… ENDS… NOW!!!”

Regret flies at Templar Derpy and swings its Spear of Regret. Derpy effortless evades the attack and flies past. She turns back to face Regret.

“You’ll regret that too!”

Her opponent roars in anger and prepares to put everything it has into one final attack. Derpy does the same! As the two approach each other time seems to slow to a crawl.

“I WILL... NEVER... ALLOW YOU TO BE HAPPY!”

The tip of Regret’s spear hits Derpy squarely in the chest as time momentarily seems to stop altogether. However, upon contact with her armor the Spear of Regret shatters into innumerable pieces.

“This one's for you, Arc... SPEAR OF HOPE!!!”

Derpy’s spear pierces Regret’s chest. As the beast falls toward the ground it lets out the most horrible screams.

“No... NO! THIS CANNOT BE!!! ARGHHHHH!!!”

Regret melts into nothingness as Derpy looks down from high above and sighs contentedly. “It's over... it's finally over...”

Templar Derpy flies over to Arc's body. She looks at him for a long moment before using her newly found strength and determination to pick him up and place him on her back.

“Thank you, my friend. You were there for me to the end. I won't leave you here.”

Templar Derpy begins walking toward a tear in reality. She can see the two of them lying on the couch. The bright figure above calls out to her.

“Derpy.”

Templar Derpy looks over to the figure of light sadly.

“Arc will be with you... always. Remember that.”

She looks over her shoulder at the motionless body of her one and only friend as a single tear courses down her cheek.

“I know. Although we didn't know each other very long, I will always treasure the time we spent together, in my heart.”

As she and Arc pass through the tear the being of light watches them closely.

“…as will I…”

REMASTERED - Chapter 1 - Into the Unknown

Arc awakens in what appears to be an ancient temple of some kind. He sits up slowly in an attempt to regain his senses.

“Ugh…. my head. I… where am I?”

He looks around but sees no clues as to his whereabouts other than the large sigil on the floor he was lying on and a single large wooden door. Arc notices that he is still clutching the Spear of Hope. Standing up slowly with the aid of the spear he grimaces and sighs.

“I hope Derpy is okay. Although I'm sure Twilight will see to it she and her baby are taken to the hospital.”

He looks at the spear in his hand and up at the wooden door before him.

“Well… no use hanging around here.”

Arc walks through the door to the building's exterior. The landscape is as barren as it is depressing. Terrain similar in color and texture to that of Mars with a sky of blackness stretches out before him. He sighs, clutches the spear tightly, steps forward into the unknown wasteland, and starts walking. Before too long he comes upon a dirt road.

“A road? Great! Roads lead somewhere! Maybe I can find some answers if I follow it.”

Arc walks for several hours until he spots something in the distance. Squinting, he can just make it out.

“Is that a wagon being pulled by bugs coming towards me? Maybe one of the locals here can answer a few questions.”

He heads on the direction of the wagon. It soon stops. A moment later he sees why.

“Who… or what ARE those things?!”

Arc sees a pack of what can only be described as monsters attacking the wagon as the driver attempts to knock them away.

“I have to help!”

Arc rushes to the aid of the driver. Fighting his way through the creatures to reach the wagon, he is surprised to see that the one fighting the creatures is a blue lizard wearing black scale armor and wielding a spear similar to his own.

“Need a hand?!”

The lizard looks over at him. “I’ll take any help I can get right now!”

The pair stand bravely against their attackers, but are soon fighting back to back as their assailants seem almost limitless. As the beasts close in around them for a final attack the lizard turns to him.

“Thanks for trying to help, stranger. But it looks like this is the end of the line. You fought well I’m proud to meet my end by your side. My name is Ember of the Vile Tribe.”

“Name’s Arc. But just to be fair… Ember, I’d prefer to skip the ‘meet my end’ part.”

He turns to their assailants and holds up the Spear of Hope.

“LIGHT OF HOPE!”

A bright light shines forth from the spear as Arc jabs it down into the ground. The creatures turn to mush in an instant. Ember looks to him, wide-eyed.

“How… did you DO that?!”

Arc looks at the weapon, clearly confused. “I don't know. It just... came to me.”

She looks the bloody creature standing before her up and down as she raises an eyebrow.

“Are you all right?”

Arc looks down at his clothes which are soaked with Derpy’s blood. “Don’t worry. It’s not mine.”

Ember turns back to her wagon. “We can talk more about it later. Right now we need to get out of here. Need a ride?”

“I was hoping you’d ask.”

The two climb aboard the wagon which is hitches up to what can only be described as giant beetles. Ember grabs the reigns and the wagon begins to move.

“So where are you from?”

“Earth originally.”

Not taking her eyes off the road before them. “Never heard of it.”

“Equestria more recently. I traveled there via a portal and was living in Ponyville. Can you tell me where we are now?”

“Central Tartarus. It's where Equestria sends criminals it can't handle. The worst of the worst, you might say.”

She points a claw behind her.

“Back that way is the capital city, Vengeance. It's ruled over by the strongest of the demons, King Malevolence. They don’t take kindly to non-demons though. Stay away from it if you want to keep living.”

“Thanks for the heads-up. Um… I just have to ask. What are those things pulling the wagon?”

“Domesticated beetles. Something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not… really. Just never seen anything like it before.”

“Yeah, me either. But a lot of things here in Tartarus take some getting used to.”

“Like what?”

“The sky for starters.”

Arc looks up. “What sky?”

“Exactly.”

A few moments of silence ensues before Ember looks over to him. “I hope you don't mind me asking, but… who's blood is that?”

“Well… it’s kinda a long story.”

Ember shrugs. “Time is all we have at the moment.”

Arc recounts the story of delivering Derpy's filly and the misunderstanding that led to his being sent to Tartarus.

“I know it's a rather hard story to swallow, but that's what happened.

Ember nods. “Yeah, I believe you.”

“Really?”

“Sure.”

“That’s a relief. Truth be told, I don’t really believe it myself.”

Ember chuckles. “Well at this point you don’t really have much to gain by lying.”

“There HAS to be more to it than THAT!”

“And your body language says you’re being honest.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Liars have tendency to fidget of look away when they’re telling stories. You spoke matter of factly and without hesitation.”

“Mind if I ask you something, Ember?”

“Go ahead.”

Arc looks at the spear next to her. “Your weapon. Where did you get it?”

Ember sighs. “That's a rather strange story.”

“If you don't mind telling it, I would love to hear it.”

Ember keeps her eyes on the road as she begins to speak.

“Alright. I’m originally from the Dragon Lands. It’s a country across the sea to the east of Equestria. My father, Dragon Lord Torch, initiated a contest know as ‘The Gauntlet’ to determine who would become the next Dragon Lord. Many competed, of course. But it was a scrawny little dragon named Spike who reached the goal first.”

“I know Spike.”

Ember looks over to Arc, surprised. ”What?!”

“Little guy about two feet tall. Purple scales. Green comb. Nice smile. His friend Twilight Sparkle is the one whom brought me here to Equestria from Earth.”

“Glad to hear Spike is doing well.”

“Sorry for interrupting. Please go on with your story.”

Ember continues. “Right! So, after Spike reached the end and claimed the Bloodstone Scepter he generously gave it to me saying that I would make a much better Dragon Lord than he would. I guess he was only doing it to protect the ponies of Equestria from certain other dragons of lesser moral upbringing. Anyways... when I returned with the scepter my father was furious. I wasn't even supposed to be there, much less win. He banished me from the Dragon Lands until I could prove to him I was a great warrior.”

“Quite the task. So how did you end up here?”

“Well… I wasn't sure where to start, so I just started flying northwest. First city I hit was Baltimare where I decided to stop and rest. While considering where to go from there I was stopped by the Royal Guard. Apparently the bodies of several ponies had been found recently with large claw marks in them. I was questioned by the Captain of the Royal Guard, a jerk named Captain Decimus. Although there was no proof of the deed I was found guilty and sentenced to banishment to Tartarus.”

Ember sighs.

“I wonder how many others can say that they’ve been banished twice in one week.”

“Quite the story.”

Ember chuckles. “Just wait. It gets better. When I was thrown into the portal to Tartarus I expected to fall through and be in Tartarus. Not sure how, but I found myself between Equestria and Tartarus in some kind of limbo shadow world. Some bright looking figure told me I would be a great Dragon Lord one day. When I asked how that could be, now that I was sentenced to eternity in Tartarus, it said this was not the end of my journey and gave me this spear. I awoke in Tartarus and assumed it had all been a dream. That is until I noticed the spear in my claws. Somehow, I knew it was called the Spear of Courage. As long as I wield it I have the courage to do anything.”

She eyes his spear suspiciously. “And yours?”

“This isn’t actually mine. In truth, it was originally wielded by the mare whose foal I delivered. I was holding it when I was banished. It too was given to her by a mysterious creature of light similar to what you described.”

They continue on for some time. Eventually Arc looks over at Ember.

“So, what have you been doing since you came here?”

“Well, after I arrived I went looking for fights to hone my battle skills.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You went looking for trouble?”

Ember shrugs. “Why not? Nothing had worked out so far, and I needed the practice. Anyways, I saw some rather large demons harassing some pony-types. It just... made me so mad to see the ponies bullied like that! I threw myself at the demons like a crazed banshee and while I managed to drive them away, I was badly hurt. The ponies I had saved took pity on me and brought me back to their hideout and took care of me.”

“A hideout of criminals?”

“Hardly. The original founders of their settlement were ponies who were banished here hundreds of years ago. Mares and stallions, they have long since passed on. But the hideout is full of their descendants. Their only crime was being born here.”

Arc looks down sadly. “I see.”

Ember sighs. “I help them out by making supply runs. Most of the demons around here don't want to take me on. They probably all heard what I did to their pals.”

She points ahead with a claw.

“That's the hideout. It's usually pretty peaceful. Every once in a while a roaming gang of demons will attack. But they usually move on after a few hours of hitting the gate.”

Arc squints as he looks ahead. “Um… I see they’re pointing at me.”

“So what?”

“With their weapons.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Just let me handle this.”

Approaching the gates Ember calls out to the sentries overhead. “Hey! Open up!”

A sentry peeks over the gate with a number of his cohorts. The look down at them, spears trained on Arc.

“Step away from the creature, Ember!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

“Because he’s working with the demons!”

Shaking her head Ember facepalms. “That would be a little bit difficult since he JUST GOT HERE!”

Arc nods. “Yeah, I haven’t even been in… what’s this place called again?”

Ember groans. “Tartarus!”

She turns her attention back to the sentries.

“Look, he helped me out back there. Give him a chance.”

“But…!”

“Here’s an idea. Go get Mythic Honor. He’ll be on board with this.”

The sentry suddenly has a pained expression on his face. “We… can’t.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “So he’s taking a nap. Just nudge him and…!”

“No, no! We can’t because Mythic Honor isn’t here.”

“What?! Where else would he be?”

“He… was testing some new… um…”

Ember clenches a fist. “Spit it out!”

“…bird calls.”

“…what?”

“Mythic Honor was up here testing them out on the wall.”

“And…?!”

“A large Roc flew down and grabbed him.”

“WHAT?! Why didn’t anyone go after him?!”

“He told us he was fine and that it was all part of his plan.”

Ember groans. “And you BELIEVED HIM?!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Why don’t you and I just go find him?”

He turns to the sentries before continuing.

“Which way did they go?”

“To the eastern hills.”

Ember shakes her head. “Yeah, that’s where they make their nests. In any case, I’ll go after him. In the meantime open the gate and let this newcomer in.”

The sentry shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but only Mythic Honor can authorize allowing new citizens inside.”

“Are you kidding?!”

“We still don’t know that he isn’t working with the demons.”

Arc sighs. “That’s fine with me. All we have to do is help your friend and bring him back here, right Ember?”

“I’ll handle this myself.”

“But I can help too.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You don’t even have any armor on.”

“So?”

“Don’t you know what a Roc is?!”

“Guessing it isn’t a stone.”

“No! It’s a foul tempered bird with talons like knives! You should stay here!”

The sentry frowns. “He’d be an easy target for whatever walks by first then, Ember.”

Gritting her teeth, Ember nods and plops back down in the driver’s seat. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Motioning for the beetles to advance they turn toward the mountains as Ember mutters indignantly under her breath.

“Doddering old fool.”

“Is this a regular thing?”

Ember sighs. “Kinda. Well, not the whole being carried away part. Generally when someone is taken by something they’re not seen again.”

“Uh… so are we looking for body parts then?”

“If it was anyone other than Mythic Honor, yes.”

“What’s so special about him? He some bigshot warrior, or something?”

Ember laughs heartily. “Hardly! He’s a spindly old tinkerer!”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “But I thought you said…”

“He’s got the devil’s luck. Believe me when I say that he’d find a way to not only survive but thrive out there.”

“Then he’ll be okay?”

“Probably, yes. But our settlement needs him back. That and like the sentry said, you can’t get in without him looking you over.”

They drive on for some time. Eventually Ember stops the wagon at the base of the hill and hops out with her spear. Turning to Arc, she frowns.

“Be careful around here. Like I said back there, you don’t have any armor.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, that would be nice about now.”

“Well, if you survive this we’ll get you some. Now follow me and keep quiet.”

Nodding, Arc follows her up the rocky hills. They climb all the way to the top and look around. Ember frowns.

“They’ve camouflaged their nests.”

“That’s new?”

Ember nods. “It means they’ve learned from the past.”

“Avoiding predators?”

“Yeah. Us.”

“Huh?”

Ember grits her teeth. “We come here every so often to hunt for eggs.”

“Taste good?”

“Terrible. But they’re high in protein.”

She looks around again and squints.

“I think I see something over there.”

Arc looks in that general direction. “What am I supposed to be seeing?”

“A bit of blue.”

“I see it. What’s that?”

Ember groans. “The tip of Mythic Honor’s cloak.”

Checking the skies, Ember looks back to Arc.

“I don’t see any Rocs flying around. But it’s expecting too much for them to all be out hunting right now.”

Arc nods. “That and there’s still the matter of the one whom brought him here.”

“Right. Let’s move out quickly but quietly. Can you do that?”

“I’ll try.”

Moving as best he is able, Arc follows Ember toward the spot of blue ahead. As they approach a nest comes into view. An elderly stallion lies with a number of what appear to be baby Rocs. Ember reaches toward him with the butt of her spear and prods the stallion. He opens one eye before sitting up and waving.

“Hey Ember!”

Ember hisses. “Not so loud!”

The stallion chuckles. “Oh, don’t worry about them! Young Rocs sleep like a stream bed!”

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

Ember shakes her head. “I have no idea. Let’s just get you out of here.”

Mythic Honor turns back to Arc as he hops out of the nest. “Looks like you found a new breed out here, Ember! Never seen on of these before! Some kind of demon/beetle hybrid?!”

“How do I resemble either of those things?”

Ember groans. “Can we please just get out of here before…!”

Mythic Honor turns to her. “…before the mama Roc shows up?!”

“YES!”

“Too late!”

Pointing a knarled hoof, Mythic Honor gestures to a large bird flying toward them at a great speed. Arc gasps.

“Can I assume we should run?!”

Ember nods fervently. “Unless you want to be birdseed, yes! Back to the wagon!”

Running at a feverish pace, the Roc begins its dive. Arc points and calls out the alarm.

“Incoming!”

Ember grimaces as she tosses Arc her spear. “Catch!”

Grabbing Mythic Honor, Ember picks the stallion up and carries him away from the Roc’s talons which whiz by them. He looks around, seemingly unconcerned and points a hoof.

“Hey look, a cave!”

Ember turns to it. “Good enough for me!”

She dives inside it with Mythic Honor as Arc follows mere inches from the Roc’s second attack. Rolling across the floor and breathing heavily, he lets go of the spears and lays there. Ember quickly gets to her feet and grabs her spear as she looks down at Arc.

“What are you doing?!”

Dashing back outside, she brandishes her spear and challenges the beast as she calls out to Arc.

“Get out here an help me!”

“But…!”

“NOW!”

Picking up Derpy’s spear Arc runs back out to join Ember.

“Hurry up and do that, uh… thing from before?!”

“What thing?!”

“Whatever it was you did to get rid of those demons earlier!”

“I… don’t actually know how I did that!”

“Are you KIDDING ME?!”

“I told you it was a fluke back then!”

Ember groans. “Fine! I’ll handle this!”

Spreading her wings, she takes flight and charges the Roc. The pair go back and forth for a few minutes as Arc looks on from the ground. Eventually Ember gains the upper hand and slashes at the beast, slicing its wing. Squawking loudly it retreats back to its nest as Ember flies back to the cave entrance. Arc grins at her.

“That was really…!”

He is cut off as Ember punches him in the face.

“Idiot! Why do you have such a powerful spear if you don’t know how to use it?!”

Arc sits up and rubs his jaw. “Like I told you before, it’s not mine.”

Mythic Honor steps forward. “Now, now. No use crying over spilled oatmeal.”

Ember appears confused. “Spilled… what?”

The stallion turns and gestures with a hoof toward the cave. “It appears that there’s a bit to talk about! Why don’t we go back in there, sit down, have a snack, maybe clean out our ears, and talk it out!”

Arc nods. “Yeah, I was told…”

Ember frowns and pushes past him. “Fine. Let’s sit down and talk.”

Arc and Mythic Honor follow her into the cave. Sitting down, she rests the spear in her lap and frowns as she glances over at Arc whom is looking cautiously outside the cave.

“Do you think it’s really gone?”

Mythic Honor nods. “As certain as I am that chickens come from the moon!”

Ember shakes her head. “I still don’t get you.”

Gritting her teeth, she looks to Arc.

“Start talking.”

Arc turns to Mythic Honor. “I was told by the ponies guarding your town that I needed your approval to enter.”

“Oh, so you want to join the Vile Tribe, eh?!”

“I guess so. Is that what you call yourselves?”

“Yup! Demons came up with it!”

Ember shakes her head. “Right. They’re full of good ideas.”

Arc sighs as he looks to Mythic Honor. “Right now I don’t think I really have any other options.”

“You’re new to Tartarus! How’d you know about us?!”

“I didn’t actually. When I got here I just kinda started walking. At one point I saw Ember here being attacked. Even though I tried to help her, there were just too many. I did… something with this spear and they vanished. Then she invited me to come to your… base, I guess.”

Ember frowns. “That was back when I thought he was a warrior.”

Mythic Honor looks at the spear. “Very nice stick you got there, mister not a warrior!”

“It’s actually a friend of mines.”

“What do you think, Ember?! Should we let this human in?!”

Ember shakes her head. “No way! He might… wait, what did you say he was?”

“A human!”

Arc frowns. “How did you know that?!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Just a guess! But I’m right though!”

“Yeah, I guess you are.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’s a human?”

“I’m… um… it’s my species.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Yup. Just a different creature.”

“Well, I say we should part ways with him here.”

“Why’s that, Ember?!”

“One, he’s a weird looking creature. Two, he’s not a warrior. Three, he’d just be another mouth to feed.”

Mythic Honor turns to Arc. “Everypony has to pull their own weight in town! That’s how we survive here! Some ponies cook, some clean, some build and maintain…”

Arc interrupts him. “What do you do?”

The stallion grins and reaches into his robe. Pulling out what appears to be a cloth owl, he holds it up.

“I do macramé! It’s the ancient art of tying lots of little knots to make stuff!”

Ember groans. “Yeah. He’s also the town’s doctor.”

“Alchemist, Ember!”

“Whatever. We can’t be keeping those whom can’t contribute though!”

“Like you?!”

Ember glares at Mythic Honor. “What do you mean ‘like me’?!”

“Remember, when you came here you didn’t do anything either!”

“I was critically injured!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Eh, call it what you will!”

“Well, he also doesn’t know a thing about how to survive down here!”

“Like you didn’t when you…?”

Ember roars angrily as Arc scoots away from her. He and Mythic Honor are silent as she works through her rage. Eventually she speaks.

“Fine… you’re the stallion in charge anyways. Do whatever you want.”

Mythic Honor turns to Arc. “Welcome to the Vile Tribe then… uh… what was your name again?!”

“Arc.”

“As long as you can pull your own weight you’re welcome among us!”

He extends a hoof, which Arc shakes. Ember sighs.

“If you two are done, maybe we should head back to town. SOME of us have work to do!”

Mythic Honor stands up and walks toward the cave opening. “Sounds like a plan to me!”

Returning to the wagon, the begin the journey back. Ember turns to Mythic Honor.

“That reminds me. When I got back earlier the sentries told you me you were carried off by a Roc, but told them not to help you.”

“Right!”

“What the heck were you THINKING?!”

“Testing out a theory!”

“What theory?!”

“I thought it would be possible to convince the mother Roc that I was one of her chicks by making certain bird calls!”

Arc looks over. “Is that why they didn’t eat you?”

“Yup! She thought I was a chick!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “It’s lucky we showed up when we did though. You couldn’t have kept the farce up forever.”

“Actually, I was planning to just walk back tonight under the cover of darkness!”

“Well, your calls didn’t work that well. After all she did give chase.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Very true! But fortunately they were only trying to kill you two!”

Arc sighs. “How lucky for us.”

Arriving back at the hideout, the sentries look over the wall and down at the wagon. The sentry looks Arc over suspiciously.

“I see you made it back with this creature and Mythic Honor, Ember.”

Ember groans. “Not the best time I’ve had, but yes.”

Mythic Honor waves. “Yup, I’m fine! And you can let him in! He’s going to be one of us!”

The sentry nods. “Very well, sir. But he will be watched... closely.”

The gate opens and a town stretches out before them. The wagon again moves forward as Mythic Honor turns to Arc.

“Welcome to the Vile Tribe Hideout! It's not much, but we call it home!”

Looking around Arc notices that most of the town's buildings look very old. As if they were cobbled together by the town’s founders. Ember parks the wagon and beckons Arc over to the shabbiest building in town.

“This way.”

Mythic Honor calls out after them. "Come see me in the Town Hall when you're done! I just need to get cleaned up!"

Arc nods. “Thank you. I appreciate the help.”

Ember seethes. “You’d better be worth it.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 2 - The Truth

Meanwhile, paramedics rush Derpy to the hospital. Twilight accompanies her as Spike rounds up the rest of their friends to search Derpy’s house for clues. She follows Doctor Horse into Derpy’s hospital room.

“How is she, doctor?”

“She’s quite weak at the moment from extreme loss of blood. Considering the circumstances I’m amazed she is doing as well as she is. I still can't believe we treated that... that monster here not so long ago!”

“Don't take it so hard doctor. The human fooled all of us. I've already notified Princess Luna and Princess Cadance of the situation. As soon as she is able I need to get a statement from her to complete my report to them.”

The rest of Twilight’s friends and Spike arrive. Rainbow Dash looks over at the gray mare lying on the hospital bed.

“Hey Twilight! How is she?!”

“Still sleeping, fortunately.”

Applejack walks over to Twilight. “We went over to her house like you wanted Twilight, and I don't mind telling you I ain’t never seen anything like it in all my days! We couldn't hardly get past the entryway without throwing up, so we came back. Sorry, but it was just too much for us to handle.”

Pinkie Pie’s mane deflates. “Yeah! That place was TRASHED!”

Fluttershy nods. “Lucky for her you arrived when you did, Twilight.”

Twilight looks over to the bed, sadly. “I still keep wondering though. If I had gotten there sooner could things have been different?”

Spike walks over to Twilight and puts a claw on her side. “Don't beat yourself up over it Twilight. This pony is alive thanks to you. I'm sure she'll want to thank you when she wakes up.”

Twilight turns her head and looks to Doctor Horse. “Oh, that reminds me.”

“Yes?”

“The investigation will require a medical examiner to write a report on the crime scene. Since we don’t have one here in Ponyville I was hoping you could stand in.”

Doctor Horse nods. “Certainly. What exactly do they need?”

“A list of items found at the scene, the layout of any evidence along with how it’s connected to what happened there… that sort of thing. We need to know EXACTLY what he was trying to accomplish. Fluttershy can lead you to the house when you’re ready.”

“Let me notify the nurse's station that I will be stepping out and we’ll be off.”

Fluttershy looks over to Twilight nervously. “But, Twilight... I...”

“I know you’re scared Fluttershy so you don't have to go in. Just show the doctor the house and come right back.”

Fluttershy looks relieved. “Thank you!”

Her and Doctor Horse leave the room together as Twilight turns to the others.

“I’d better get back to writing my report. Call me if she stirs.”

Pinkie’s mane returns to normal. “Will do, Twilight!”

Twilight leaves the room. Applejack looks into her sleeping face.

“She’s really messed up. Think she’ll really be okay?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. She looks like a tough mare… whoever she is.”

Rarity nods. “I do hope you’re right.”

Pinkie gasps. “When she’s feeling better I can give her a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party!”

She sighs as her mane deflates again.

“After all, I just finished preparations for Arc’s party. But I don’t think he’ll be available for it.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Yeah. And he doesn’t deserve one!”

Applejack sighs. “Right. I still can’t believe he did that to her though.”

Pinkie shakes her head. “I don’t think he did.”

Rarity gasps. “What?! But the evidence is overwhelming!”

“I know. But my Pinkie Sense didn’t give me any kinds of warnings about him. Not even once.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Does anypony else think that maybe he just snapped?”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “From what?!”

Applejack shrugs. “I dunno. He’d been working really hard lately to get the Writ Board emptied off.”

Rarity appears confused. “So?”

“What I mean is why would he go and do all the work to help other ponies and then try to kill this one?”

Pinkie sighs. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs and walks over to the window. “Whatever. It doesn’t matter now. After all, that traitor got EXACTLY what he deserved!”

About an hour later Derpy begins to stir. Rarity looks over at her.

“She’s coming to! Rainbow Dash! Fetch Twilight!”

Rainbow Dash flies quickly out the door. “On it!”

A few moments later Rainbow Dash and Twilight enter the room. The Mane 6 approach the bed together. Twilight looks over at the mare as she slowly opens her eyes.

“Excuse me miss, but can you hear me?”

Derpy looks up at her groggily. “Y-yes.”

“Can you answer some questions about what happened?”

“I will try. So... thirsty, though.”

Rarity levitates a glass of water off the night stand and holds it to Derpy’s lips. “Here you are darling.”

Derpy weakly sips at the glass. “Thank you. That’s much better. What a dream I had...”

Twilight pulls out a notepad from her saddlebags. “Can you tell us about it?”

”I’ll try.”

Derpy thinks for a moment.

“I was lying on my kitchen table... so weak from what had happened. A pony and a dragon came in. Arc was there too. He had a spear in his hand. The mare... she said a lot of things I couldn't understand. Too weak. Then she opened a portal and… threw Arc into it. Before that... Arc told me he would see me again someday. Crazy dream, huh?”

Derpy looks over at Twilight as she takes notes.

“Can I ask you something, miss?”

Twilight stops taking notes. “ What? Oh… sure. What is it?”

“Where’s Dinky? And Arc?”

Twilight appears genuinely confused. “Who is Dinky?”

“My filly.”

Twilight stops and looks Derpy in the eye.

“You have a filly?”

Derpy nods. “Oh yes. She was just born today.”

Twilight looks to her friends. Rainbow Dash mouths the words ‘she’s crazy’. The others sigh and nod as Twilight returns her gaze to Derpy.

“Um... right... Dinky. I'm sure she's fine.”

“Okay. Is Arc with her at least? It would make me feel a lot better if he was the one caring for her while I’m here.”

Rarity steps up to the bed. “Arc is… gone.”

Derpy looks over to her, confused. “Gone? What do you mean?”

Twilight nods. “Well… you know that dream you just told me about?”

“What about it?”

“That… wasn't really a dream.”

Derpy’s pupils shrink as she screams out frantically.

“What?! Arc is gone?! Where?! What did you do to him?! Where's Dinky?! Tell me she's safe!”

Derpy jumps out of the bed and tries to run. It takes all of the Mane 6 to hold her down while Twilight uses her magic to press the panic button nearby. A few moments later several nurses burst into the room along with other hospital staff. They help hold her down as the orderlies restrain her. Nurse Redheart runs into the room and quickly administers a sedative. As Derpy loses consciousness the orderlies carefully pick the mare up and lay her back on the bed. Sighing, Nurse Redheart puts the empty syringe into a nearby receptacle and turns to the others.

“She should be out for a few hours now.”

Twilight looks at Derpy and shakes her head sadly. “The trauma of the entire ordeal must have been too much for her to handle.”

Pinkie walks over to the bedside. “Who do you think Dinky is?”

Twilight grimaces. “It's probably a coping mechanism her mind dreamed up so as not to think about the terrible things Arc did to her.”

Applejack sighs as she and the others leave the room. “I hope she'll be okay. But... she just seemed so... determined. So… convinced.”

Doctor Horse comes trotting down the hallway and into the room.

“Twilight! I need to see you and your friends immediately. We need to compare notes at once.”

Twilight looks over to him. “What is it, doctor?”

“There’s been a breakthrough in the case. Best not to talk about it here. Please follow me to my office.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

The group walks to Doctor Horse’s office together. Twilight explains what the pony told her and her delusions of a newborn filly named Dinky. The doctor nods.

“I see. And then what happened?”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby. “She tried to leave! It took all of us to hold her down! The nurse sedated her.”

Applejack shudders at the memory. “I gotta tell ya doc, it was scary! She was like a wild pony!”

The doctor leans back in his chair. “Anything else?”

Pinkie bounces over to the desk and jumps up on it. “Oh, oh! She asked about Arc, but not in a scared way! More like a ‘where is my buddy’ kinda way!”

Doctor Horse sighs and looks at Twilight. “With what you mares have told me I think I can crack this case wide open.”

The Mane 6 appear amazed and call out in unison. “WHAT?!”

Leaning forward in his chair, Doctor Horse sighs. “I believe I’ve been able to compile what exactly happened back there. When I arrived at the house I too was taken aback by the extreme amount of blood that seemed to be centralized around the kitchen. At first glance it appeared that the human’s goal was to cause as much suffering to that mare as possible.”

Twilight soberly nods. “Agreed. I found her lying on the table when Spike and I entered.”

“However, if his intent was to do her great harm, why was so much care given to her comfort?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow, confused. “Comfort?! But he was TORTURING HER!”

“If that were the case, several items were out of place.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What were those?”

“At the head of the kitchen table was a pillow. On the floor next to it was a bloody blanket. That and there was an open and apparently used Med-Kit nearby. If the sole purpose of his actions were to simply do her harm, why did he bother with those items?”

Twilight frowns. “I… don’t know. Why?”

Doctor Horse pulls a paper out. “We will come to that. Next, I examined the individual items on or near the table which consisted of the following...

1- Hunting Knife (bloody)
1- Med-kit (standard hospital grade)
1- Pillow
3- Blankets
1- Ball of String
1- Tin Bucket
1- Large Bottle of Rubbing Alcohol
1- Can of Coffee
1- Book (cover illegible due to blood-soaked cover)”

Twilight shakes her head. “I don’t see the connection, doctor.”

“I'm not surprised, as I didn’t either at the time. It was then I heard a strange yet familiar noise coming from an adjoining room. What I found was absolutely shocking. I'll have the nurse bring it in now.”

The doctor pushes an intercom button. “We’re ready.”

Applejack appears upset at this. “Doctor! You can't just take items from a crime scene! It's illegal!”

“Normally, yes. However as the medical examiner I deemed it necessary to preserve the integrity of the evidence.”

A small knock on the office door rings out. Doctor Horse calls out.

“Come in.”

The door opens and a pegasus nurse brings in a wrapped bundle. She carefully gives it to the doctor.

“Thank you nurse. You may go.”

The nurse leaves the office as the doctor sets it down on the desk and slowly unwraps it.

“Here we are. The critical piece of the puzzle.”

The Mane 6 watch as a newborn filly appears from under the blankets.

“Ladies... meet Dinky.”

None can speak for a time as they look down at the sleeping filly. Twilight shakes her head in an effort to clear it.

“I... I don't understand. Where did Arc... get a... filly?!”

The doctor frowns. “Remember those items I listed a few minutes ago? Well, after examining the patient and the crime scene, here is my professional opinion on what happened. Either by choice, or more likely by necessity due to the snow storm, the mare was forced to give birth at home. She was quite lucky to have someone there with the right tools. He did his best to make her as comfortable as could be then used the Can of Coffee to pass the time while they waited for the timing to be right. The filly was too big to be born normally, so he used the Hunting Knife to enlargen the… well, you know. After cleaning the mare with the Rubbing Alcohol, that is. After the foal was born he used the Ball of String to close off the umbilical cord prior to cutting it with the knife. The book was too soaked with blood to be identified, but was probably a reference guide of sorts.”

Spike looks over to Twilight, sheepishly. “Um... Twilight? I need to tell you something.”

“Yes Spike?”

“You remember the last time Arc visited the library and you lent him a book on pony psychology?”

“What about it”?

“Well... before you got home, he asked me to give him a book on... well... how to deliver a foal at home. It's probably the bloody book the doctor found.”

Twilight gasps. “Spike! Why didn’t you say anything?!”

“Arc made me promise not to tell anypony! He said it was important! Now that I think about it, no one knew she was pregnant, so maybe he was just trying to protect her!”

Doctor Horse nods. “That theory is quite sound.”

Twilight falls to the floor, utterly defeated. “Doctor... please. Are you saying that Arc wasn't trying to kill her? In fact, he was trying to... to save her?!”

“Yes, Twilight.”

Applejack walks over. “Cheer up sugarcube. Arc's really understanding. Let's just go to whatever prison you sent him to and apologize.”

Twilight looks down at the floor. “I… we… can’t.”

Rarity appears confused. “Why not, darling?”

“I... need to talk to that mare. To hear her side. Then... then I’ll confess to what I did to Arc.”

Nurse Redheart enters the office. “Doctor! That strange mare is awake and raving! Should I sedate her again?!”

The doctor stands up quickly. “No. Myself, Twilight, and her friends need to speak to her right away.”

Twilight looks to her friend. “Fluttershy, can you carry Dinky for me please?”

“Of course.”

The Mane 6 and the doctor walk back to the mare's room. She can be heard down the hall screaming for Dinky and Arc. Twilight pauses outside the door and takes a deep breath. Together they enter the hospital room. The mare seems to calm significantly upon seeing Fluttershy carrying Dinky.

“Oh Dinky! I've been so worried! Please bring me my baby!”

Fluttershy does so as Applejack and Rainbow Dash undo the straps holding her front hooves. Derpy holds Dinky tightly, kissing her over and over again happily.

“Oh my sweet, sweet little filly! I'm so glad to have you back! Thank you, all of you!”

She looks over at Twilight.

“Arc said I could trust you! Thank you for bringing my precious little filly back to me! Speaking of... where is Arc anyways?!”

Twilight looks uneasy. “Why don't we start with your name?”

“Oh, right. My name is Derpy. Pleased to meet you all.”

“Hi, Derpy. My name is Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. I've seen you around town, but you’re totally different now. Can you tell us what happened?”

“Sure, but it's a really long story.”

Applejack chuckles. “That's okay sugarcube. We've got lots of time.”

Derpy tells of all the nice things Arc did for her. How he had brought her food when she had none, buying back her furniture, covering her with a blanket at night, about the shared dream in which he ‘sacrificed’ his life to save hers, how he had delivered her filly, and after the complications how he resuscitated little Dinky, saving her life as well. Twilight cries and looks down at her hooves.

“Arc… did all those things…?”

The Mane 6 have all begun to sniffle from Derpy’s story as she continues.

“Yup! He helped me so much! I really miss him. Can you tell me where he is now?”

Twilight continues to cry. “He... he trusted me... so much... and I... I... wouldn't listen.”

Spike walks over to Twilight and tries to comfort her. She turns to him.

“Oh, Spike… what have I done?!”

Derpy looks over at her nervously. “Twilight? Where is Arc?

“I… I… banished him…?”

“What?! Where to?”

“T… T… Tartarus!”

Twilight collapses to the floor in tears. Derpy appears dazed and confused.

“Where?”

Rainbow Dash looks to her. “It’s an interdimensional prison.”

Fluttershy gasps. “But why? I thought only the most dangerous criminals were sent there!”

Twilight looks up at Derpy. “When I walked in and saw all the blood, I just assumed he had killed you!”

Derpy throws back the blankets and struggles to stand. Applejack quickly steps forward.

“Whoa there, sugarcube! Where do you think you're goin'?”

Derpy looks at the Mane 6 with a determined look on her face. “Tartarus.”

“TARTARUS?!”

Derpy staggers forward with Dinky in her hooves. “Arc has been doing nothing but good since coming to Equestria! He saved all of you when the monsters attacked! He saved Ponyville and everypony living here! He saved my foal! He saved ME! Twice! It's time somepony saved HIM!”

Twilight walks over and stands in front of Derpy. “I'm sorry Derpy, but... it's impossible.”

Derpy looks at them with tears in the corners of her eyes. “I've seen Arc do the impossible... twice! Besides… Arc never gave up on me. I won't give up on him.”

Twilight gestures with a hoof toward the window. “No, I mean it's literally impossible to get to Tartarus right now. Winter snow and ice block cover the path to the Gates of Tartarus all winter. And even if we could get there we wouldn’t be able to pass through the barrier as it stands. Believe me, if we could get to there now we would, but...”

Derpy starts to cry as she falls to her fetlocks. Rarity gasps and turns to Twilight.

“But... but that's too long! I don't know if even Arc could survive THAT long there.”

Rainbow Dash pipes up. “Hey, Derpy said it herself! He's already done the impossible, twice! He's a scrappy human! He's totally got this!"

Pinkie Pie jumps around the room, happily. “Rainbow Dash is right! Arc's the man! Those demons won't know what hit em!”

Rarity smiles. “Here, here!”

Applejack lets out a whoop. “You got that right!”

Pinkie pulls out her party cannon. “Pony Power!!!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “…yay!”

Derpy looks up. The hope returns to her eyes. “How can I help?”

Twilight looks over at her. “Right now, you can rest and recover.”

Rarity and Rainbow Dash help her back to the bed as the Pegasus motions to Dinky. “You also have a filly to care for.”

Derpy sighs. “I guess you’re right.”

Fluttershy smiles and pulls the covers over Derpy. “There you are. Nice and warm.”

Applejack points to Dinky. “Want us to take her to the ward for you?”

Derpy shakes her head as she holds her daughter close. “No thank you. I’d… just like to hold her.”

Rarity nods approvingly. “Well, the rest of us should probably head home and get some sleep now.”

Rainbow Dash glances at the clock. “I guess it is pretty late.”

Applejack nods. “Come on, everypony. Nothing more to be done tonight.”

Twilight sighs. “You’re right. We’ll meet at the library first thing in the morning though to try and come up with… something.”

They nod and walk toward the door. Pinkie turns back.

“Aren’t you coming, Twilight?!”

“In a bit. See you tomorrow.”

Pinkie nods and follows the others out. Derpy looks to her.

“Miss, can I ask you something?”

“Um… sure. What is it?”

“Can you tell me more about Arc?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What?”

Derpy sighs. “I… knew him for such a short time. But he did so much for me.” It would be nice to know what exactly made him do all those things.”

“Arc is a very… caring individual. From what I’ve seen he always puts other’s needs above his own.”

“That I can testify to.”

Twilight looks out the window at the night sky and falling snow. “He’s also very… understanding of mistakes.”

“Oh?”

“Bringing him to Equestria was a mistake. But he wasn’t upset. Not in the least.”

Derpy appears confused. “To Equestria?”

“Yes. Arc is actually from another world entirely. He’s a human whom resided on Earth up until a few months ago.”

Twilight sighs before continuing.

“However, I can’t really see him looking past what I did to him this time.”

Derpy smiles and beckons Twilight to approach her. She slowly does so as the mare speaks.

“I think he might.”

“How can you say that?”

“Because he saw all the mental baggage I carried… all the hurt from my past… and that I really had nothing to offer him in return other than a broken pregnant mare.”

Twilight appears suddenly nervous. “Did… did you two have some kind of… um… relationship going?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, we did.”

“I see. Well, I’ll do my very best to reunite you two.”

“Thank you. Although I only just started speaking to him today at lunch, I still see him as a very good friend.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you said you were in a relationship with him.”

“Oh yes. Our relationship to each other is that of friends.”

“Nothing more?”

Derpy giggles. “Well, we did just start talking earlier today. Do you think we moved to fast to become friends?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Oh no. In my experience it’s never too early to think of someone in that way.”

“Good. I… don’t really have much experience with friendship.”

“Well, you’re in luck then. I’ve been writing reports on that very subject for Princess Celestia for some time now. If you have any questions I may be able to answer them.”

Derpy smiles. “Good! Um….”

She puts a hoof to her chin before continuing.

“So how do you know when someone honestly wants to be your friend?”

“Well… they’re nice to you. And they ask about how you’re doing. Oh! That and they take an interest in things that are going on in your life.”

Derpy grimaces. “Are… are you sure?”

“Oh yes. That’s what I’ve experienced from everypony since I moved here to Ponyville.”

Drooping her ears, Derpy sighs and looks down. “That’s… unfortunate.”

Twilight appears confused. “Unfortunate that I made friends?”

“No. What you described… that’s how everyone back home treated me.”

“You must’ve had a lot of friends then.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not one.”

“Oh?”

“You see, my father was a very wealthy stallion. Those whom spoke to me did all the things you described. But they were just using me to get money.”

Twilight gasps. “What?!”

“It’s true.”

Derpy looks down at Dinky and sighs.

“Even my daughter’s father was just using me. He ran off when I told him I was expecting a foal.”

“You mean he left you?”

Derpy nods. “That very night, yes.”

“And you thought he honestly cared.”

“You described him perfectly. But…”

Derpy sniffles slightly.

“…but when things got tough he just ran out. Like everypony else in my life.”

Twilight’s ears drooped. “And you think that Arc is no different?”

Shaking her head Derpy smiles as she gently strokes Dinky’s small mane.

“No. Arc… he really cared.”

“How… can you be so sure?”

“He stood up for me in our shared dream, for starters.”

Twilight appears surprised. “You two shared a dream?!”

Derpy nods. “I fell asleep in his arms. Every night I have the same dream. Where I’m confronted with my past and am crushed by it before waking up.”

“Fascinating! How did he stand up for you?”

“When the memories of those I knew came to taunt me, he rebuked them. He fought their insults and lies with truth and logic.”

“He is pretty smart, yes.”

“And then a dark version of me named Regret physically attacked.”

Twilight frowns. “In the dream?”

“Yes. It wanted to hurt me… to keep me sad and alone. But Arc didn’t let it. He stood between me and them and refused to move. Even going so far as to be mortally wounded.”

Twilight gasps. “He… he died for you?!”

Derpy nods. “That gave me the courage to stand up for myself. I picked up the spear dropped for my by a bright creature and used it to kill Regret and banish it from my mind.”

“What about Arc though?!”

“He was okay. We woke up shortly after that and he stood to get me something to eat.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Arc does love food.”

“While we ate though he noticed the spear over the fireplace was the same as the one from my dream.”

“How did it get there?”

Derpy shrugs. “I have no idea. But I’ve never owned anything like it before, so it HAD to come from the dream world.”

Twilight bows her head. “Well, as dangerous as Tartarus probably is I’m glad Arc has it.”

“So am I.”

“Derpy, I want you to know that we’re going to find a way to get Arc out of there. I don’t know how, but we’re going to do it.”

“Thank you. I’ll help too if I can.”

Twilight smiles. “Yes, well… it might take some time, but I do believe that nothing is ever truly impossible.”

“While I don’t really understand that sort of thing, I trust that you can do it.”

Derpy looks down at the sleeping filly in her fetlocks and smiles as she turns to Twilight.

“Please do your best to save our friend.”

Twilight nods. “I will. You have my word.”

There is a small knock at the door as Nurse Redheart enters. Walking over to the bed she smiles at Derpy.

“How are you feeling, miss?”

“Really sore and weak.”

“That’s to be expected after foalbirth. Now then, you should lie down and get some sleep.”

Derpy nods and lays Dinky on the mattress next to her. “Yes, that sounds nice.”

Redheart raises an eyebrow. “Um… you can’t sleep with a baby like that.”

Derpy appears confused. “I can’t?”

“No. You could roll over and crush her.”

“Oh my! Well where should she sleep then?!”

Twilight giggles. “In the ward with the rest of the babies.”

“Where’s that?”

Redheart points to one side. “A few minutes’ walk down the corridor to the left.”

Twilight nods. “They’re kept warm and safe there while the mother recovers from labor.”

Derpy sadly picks Dinky up. “Okay.”

Giving the filly a small kiss on top of her head she looks to Twilight.

“Would you please take her there?”

“You… you want me to do it?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. If Arc trusted you then I trust you with my filly.”

Twilight nods and extends a hoof. Derpy gives her the swaddled bundle and whispers.

“Good night, Dinky. Sweet dreams.”

Redheart motions for Twilight to follow her as Derpy lays back on her pillow. The pair turn off the lights as they leave the room. The nurse turns to Twilight.

“This way please.”

Twilight nods and follows. As she does so she looks down at the sleeping filly and speaks softly to her.

“Your mother cares so much for you. Hopefully I don’t let her down.”

As they reach the ward Nurse Redheart motions to an empty bassinet. Twilight lays the filly in it as the nurse records her name along with her mother’s. Turning to leave Twilight walks the halls for a time, he head bowed.

“Friendship. Do I really know as much about it as I thought? Or have I only been deluding myself?”

REMASTERED - Chapter 3 - Learning the Ropes

Together Arc and Ember enter the Town Hall. It looks less like a meeting place and more like a repair shop. Supplies, books, and half-finished projects fill the room to bursting. Ember looks around the room.

“Mythic Honor? Are you here?”

Arc turns to her. “Maybe he needs a bit more time to get cleaned up.”

A voice comes from a pile of junk in the corner of the room. “Ember?! Is that you?!”

The very old unicorn emerges from the pile and walks over to them. He is clad in a fresh, but still worn blue robe and appears to have removed the briars and feathers from his frizzy white beard. Ember rolls her eyes.

“Who else would it be? Anyways, I want to talk to you about this… thing I found in the wasteland on my way back from Vengeance.”

“Something new you say?!”

Arc looks over at Mythic Honor “Um… I think she’s talking about me.”

“Of course I am you idiot!”

Mythic Honor looks to Arc. “Welcome to our little corner of Tartarus!”

“Thanks. I think.”

The old unicorn gestures with a hoof around the room. “This here's my lab! I make whatever I can from whatever I can get my hooves on for the tribe! I'm also the town's smith, doctor, and alchemist! Bring me whatever you find out there!”

“Uh... okay. What should I be looking for?”

Mythic Honor looks Arc up and down. “How about some Beetle Chitin to start! With that I can make you some armor! You'll need it to survive around these parts!”

Arc puts his spear over his shoulder. “Sound advice. Now... where are these beetles?”

“Ember'll show you!”

Ember gasps. “I will?!”

“Yup! Now get moving!”

Mythic Honor retreats back into the pile from whence he came. Arc and Ember leave Town Hall. Ember looks over to Arc as they make their way back to the wagon. She appears visibly upset.

“I know he seems a bit odd, but he's the best there is at what he does… as strange as it may seem at times.”

“Yeah, I kinda got the whole ‘mad scientist’ vibe from him.”

Ember frowns. “He’s not angry, you idiot!”

“I mean…”

“Whatever. Anyways, beetles often roam around the fields nearby. We should go see if we can find them grazing on rocks.”

She looks Arc up and down, clearly unimpressed before continuing.

“Unless, you need a rest that is.”

“I think I just got my second wind. Let's do this.”

The other members of the Vile Tribe have already unloaded the wagon and it sits empty. The two head for it as Ember turns to Arc.

“Just so you know, most of our diet consists of beetle meat.”

Arc shrugs. “Guess I’m trying something new. Are they… tasty?”

“Not really. I’ve had worse, but that might just be because dragons like spicy food.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

Ember frowns. “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Don’t dragons breathe fire?”

“Yeah. Why?”

Arc sighs. “Nothing. Let’s go.”

Hopping into the driver’s seat, Ember takes the reins as Arc sits down next to her. Frowning she turns to him.

“Back.”

“What?”

“I said get in the back.”

“But why?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Because you don’t deserve to sit next to a warrior like me! Now MOVE!”

Sighing, Arc hops in the back. Ember smirks as the wagon starts to move.

“Much better.”

Arc frowns as he falls backwards into something slimy.

“Dare I ask what I just fell into?”

“Probably an organ.”

“From what?!”

Ember shrugs. “Could be a beetle. But then again it could also be pretty much anything I hunt. You see, I have a nasty habit of leaving holes in things.”

“Funny.”

“Who’s laughing?”

Arc sighs and attempts to change the subject.

“So, what exactly are these beetles for? I’m assume they’re more than just food for the hideout.”

“Armor from the chitin, weapons from the mandibles, and food from the rest. If we’re really lucky sometimes a nice little surprise in their bellies.”

“Like what?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Beetles will eat almost anything, so you can sometimes find useful items in them. Certain minerals we can use to make better armor, cast off items from demons, stuff like that.”

“And this is your job?”

“Ours now apparently.”

A short time later they stop. Looking out, some of the ugliest insectoids Arc has ever seen approach the wagon. Ember points a claw at them.

“There’s some. Get to it, meat.”

“Meat?”

Ember nods as she lays down across the front seat. “That’s what dragons call inexperienced young dragons.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I suppose that’s what I am.”

“Do try not to get bitten. Their mandibles are poisonous.”

“Uh… how bad…?”

Ember scoffs as she holds up a vial. “I have the antidote here if you’re afraid of a little thing like dying.”

“The thought had crossed my mind, yes.”

“You’ll never have the heart of a warrior if you’re afraid of something as docile as beetles.”

Arc looks her over. “Says the one with full body armor.”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t really need it to take them on. My scales could easily stop them, and dragons are immune to their poison anyways.”

“Then why…?!”

“Because there’s a lot meaner and stronger things out here! And if we run into them I want to be ready!”

Arc sighs. “Guess that makes sense. But if your idea is to be ready shouldn’t you be looking around for trouble? Or at the very least, standing?”

Ember waves a claw dismissively. “I’m the real warrior here, not you. Just go kill some beetles and we can go back.”

Arc leans over and grabs Derpy’s spear as he hops out of the wagon. “So… how exactly do I… do this?”

“I’ll walk you through it. First, hold your spear upright with the tip pointing up.”

“Okay.”

Ember looks over and points with a claw. “You see that pointy part there? That’s called the ‘tip’. You thrust it into things just right and they die.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks for the instructions.”

“No problem. Any questions?”

“Um… not really, no. Wait, yes!”

Groaning, Ember turns back to him. “What now?!”

“So what part of the beetle do I stab exactly?”

Ember chuckles and closes her eyes again. “That you’ll have to figure out yourself.”

“Alright then. Here goes nothing.”

“I’ll wait here for you then.”

Arc looks to the beetles as he steps forward. They skitter around apparently ignoring him as Ember calls out again.

“One last thing.”

“More invaluable advice?”

“Yeah. This breed of beetle is actually pretty tasty, so try to get a lot of them.”

Arc readies his spear. “Yes, ma’am.”

An hour or so later the wagon slowly makes its way back to the Vile Tribe’s hideout. The back is loaded to bursting. Ember turns to Arc as the beetles pulling them struggle to move the heavy load.

“You know, you didn't have to kill THAT many! I mean… I know I said to kill a lot, but that’s going a bit far.”

Arc looks down at the pile of dead beetles under him. “I hate to admit it, but I am SO looking forward to eating these!”

“There are some good pieces here. Mythic Honor should have no problem making you some Chitin Armor by tomorrow morning.”

“Never wore armor before.”

“It does take a bit of getting used to, meat. Moving is a bit awkward at first, but I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it.”

“Really?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. Either that or some lucky creature will have a bit of extra flavor with their snack.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks for that image, Ember.”

They return to the Vile Tribe hideout through the main gate and head over to a large building that appears to be some kind of workshop. As he and Ember jump out of the wagon Arc turns to her.

“So, what do we do now?”

“We process the beetles before they go bad.”

Ember and Arc each carry a beetle inside the building. The perimeter is lined with several long tables with various knives and other tools hanging haphazardly on the wall. They set their beetles down and Ember picks up a blade. Using it as a pointer she speaks.

“Chitin in one pile, meat in another, stomachs over here, and everything else in this bin.”

She deftly demonstrates as several other members of the tribe carry the rest of the beetles inside one by one. Arc frowns.

“So chitin goes over here…?”

“Careful with your cuts. The fewer you make the easier it is to use the chitin. Think big pieces, meat.”

“And the meat?”

“Nobody cares if that’s not in one piece. They have to cut it before roasting or boiling it anyways.”

“Do we do that too?”

Ember scoffs. “Nope. Have to leave some fun for the others, after all.”

“Division of labor?”

“No, it’s just someone else’s job.”

“That’s what I said!”

Ember frowns. “Just keep cutting.”

Tossing the meat into the pile as told, Arc turns back to Ember.

“So what exactly goes in the ‘other’ pile?”

“Antennas, organs, legs, and whatever else.”

“How about the mandibles?”

Ember frowns. “What about them?”

“I thought you said earlier they were used to make weapons, or something.”

Nodding, Ember smirks. “Just seeing if you were paying attention, meat.”

“See? I can learn?”

“So can a beetle pulling a wagon. Don’t get a big head over it.”

“There… all done, right?”

Ember looks over his shoulder and nods. “Yeah. Just do that a million more times and you’ll make it.”

“Uh… make it to what?”

“Old age.”

“That would be nice.”

“Whatever. Look, I’m going to get started on my bench over there. You okay to work by yourself?”

Arc shrugs. “I guess.”

Ember turns and walks away. “Try not to mess this up too bad.”

“No promises.”

Sometime later Arc turns and look over to Ember’s bench. She works significantly faster than he does.

“You’re pretty good at this.”

Ember shrugs. “Doing it every few days does that to someone.”

“Just one question.”

“What now?”

Arc points. “That little pile next to you. What are those?”

“The venom sacks.”

“Uh oh. Should I have been saving those?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah, you’ve just been throwing them out with the ‘other’ pile.”

“I can start…”

“Not a chance, meat.

“Why not? I mean, if they’re useful…”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You want to risk getting venom on your skin?”

“Not really, I guess. But what about you?”

“What about me?!”

“If it’s that dangerous…”

Ember holds up a venom sack. “Watch.”

Turning the sack upside down, she dumps its contents in the palm of her claw. It pools for a moment as she looks to him.

“Nothing dragon scales can’t handle.”

Grabbing a rag, she wipes the venom off and tosses it aside. Arc notices the rag turning brown and turns to Ember.

“So what do I do if I get some of that on me?”

Ember points to a red bucket nearby. “Wash with copious amounts of water and see Mythic Honor for treatment. He makes a salve for that purpose. But don’t worry too much about accidently nicking one. The glands are really deep in there and aren’t easily punctured by our regular knives.”

She holds up a small but thin blade before continuing.

“This is pretty much the only thing that could cut it.”

“What’s the blade made out of?”

“One of my teeth.”

“What?”

Ember shrugs as she turns back to her bench. “Lost it in a fight with a demon. They grow back though so no big loss. In any case, get back to work.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Sometime later they finish their task. Ember rubs her palms together happily as she walks over to the stomach pile.

“Now my favorite part! Cutting open the stomachs!”

Arc grimaces. “Any particular method?”

“Not really. Just hack and dump the contents. Watch.”

Grabbing a stomach, she carries it over to a corner workbench with a large bin next to it. Slicing it open Ember dumps the contents onto the bench. Sticking her claws into the pile of goo she spreads it around.

“This lets us see anything worth saving.”

Arc holds his stomach as he watches. “Like… what?”

“Small precious stones, teeth, and claws mostly. Pretty much anything that’s not partially digested flesh can be used for something around here.”

She fishes out a couple teeth and drops them in a small basket to her right before sweeping the rest of the guts into the large bin to her left with her arm and turning to him.

“You ready to try it, meat?”

“Um… let me watch you do a few more.”

Ember chuckles. “Okay, wimp.”

Arc watches her work for a few moments before sighing.

“I think I’m going to regret asking this, but what are we going to do with this leftover… slop?”

Ember points with a thumb toward the door. “We feed it to our own beetles.”

Arc frowns. “So they eat… beetle vomit?”

“Pretty much. But now it’s your turn, meat.”

She steps back and tosses a fresh stomach onto the workbench. Arc takes a deep breath, slices it open, and dumps the contents out. Spreading them around as his face turns green he roots around in the contents before turning and throwing up into the bin. Ember watches and laughs heartily as he does so.

“I was waiting to see just how long you could hold it in, meat!”

Arc sits up and rests his elbows on the table. “I hope I didn’t ruin your beetle food.”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah. In fact, I think you might have just fortified it a bit. They’ll love it.”

Arc turns back to the table and its contents. “I hope they do. Hey, what’s this?”

He pulls out a good-sized black rock. Ember grins.

“That's onyx. If we bring it to Mythic Honor he can grind it into a powder and use it to treat your new armor. Onyx will make your armor black as pitch but twice as strong.”

A gong sounds once outside. Ember tosses aside her tools.

“Sounds like supper is ready.”

They quickly run the materials over the Mythic Honor’s workshop before heading over to the center of town for a hearty supper of grilled beetle meat. Ember looks to him and frowns as he eats.

“Come on now. It’s not THAT good!”

Arc grins. “Tastes like chicken.”

“You’ve EATEN chicken before?!”

“Yeah. Haven’t you?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah. Dragons use them to play a game called ‘Hotfoot’.

“Uh… not sure I want to know how that works.”

“Trust me, you don’t.”

After eating, Arc and Ember head back over to the Town Hall to see how things are coming along. Mythic Honor continues to run his forge as he talks to them.

“Your armor should be ready by tomorrow morning, human! Right now it just needs to cool!”

“Thank you. I really appreciate this. Anything else I can do to contribute around here?”

“There are always supplies to replenish from the far corners of Tartarus! Ember usually takes care of it alone! But I would feel better sending her out to some of the wilder locales with backup!”

Ember frowns. “I don’t need someone to babysit!”

“He’d watch your back though, Ember! Make sure the demons don’t get the jump on you!”

“Like I need someone for THAT!”

“Then how about this?! He can keep them busy while you fight them off!”

Ember smiles wickedly. “Yes… yes, I see it now.”

Arc frowns. “See what?”

“They’d go after you first for sure.”

“Why me?”

Mythic Honor calls out from an anvil. “Because you don’t have any scales to pick off!”

Arc sighs. “Glad to be of service.”

Ember shrugs. “We all do what we’re good at.”

“I guess so. But I could do more than be a decoy.”

“Right…”

“No, I mean it. Just give me a chance.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Sure! Ember can teach you to be a proper warrior! Turn those noodly arms of yours into… uh… something a bit less… scrawny!”

Ember frowns. “Mythic Honor, there is no way I can turn him into ANYTHING even CLOSE to a warrior!”

“Oh really?!”

“Yes, really!”

The elderly stallion sticks a hoof in his ear and closes one eye as he digs around in it. “Strange! I must be hearing thing again then!”

Ember scoffs. “That’s nothing new.”

“Well these voices sound like yours, Ember!”

“What are you getting at?”

“I seem to remember your boast when you first arrived here! Let’s see here… I think it was something along the lines of the idea that you could turn any one of us into a warrior!”

Ember shakes her head. “Yeah, I meant any of you PONIES!”

Mythic Honor grins toothily as he points to the cherry red armor nearby. “Well, he’s one of us now!”

“No one could…!”

“Not even you, Ember?! Not even our greatest warrior?! The strongest we’ve ever had?! You can’t handle a task like…?!”

“Fine, I’ll do it! But just don’t blame me if he gets himself killed.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks, I think.”

They are silent for a time as Mythic Honor works and Ember seethes. Eventually Arc breaks the silence as he turns to the stallion.

“Um… it would be nice to know more about the ponies I'm helping. Mind if I ask you a few questions?”

“Have at it!”

“For one, why are you called The Vile Tribe”?

“We aren't evil like some of the other prisoners in this place, you know! To the likes of the demons, law, order, teamwork, friendship, and love are vile concepts! The name just kinda stuck like dung to the inside of a hoof!”

“Isn't there any way for everyone to leave Tartarus?! You don't deserve this!”

Ember frowns as she leans against a wall. “The Gates of Tartarus are a barrier that contains creatures of evil intent. We could probably walk right out the front gate... if we could get to it, that is.”

Arc appears confused. “So, what’s stopping you?”

Mythic Honor pulls something out of the forge and dumps it in a barrel of water as he chuckles and turns back to Arc.

“Some of Tartarus' most powerful demons like to hang out near the gate! Plotting ways to escape, no doubt! Every ten years or so, somepony gets it in their head they want out and decides to risk it! A few days later the demons drop off what's left of their body in front of the gate!”

Arc sighs. “Guess I'm stuck here for a while, huh?”

Ember laughs. “Awhile? More like the rest of your days.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I doubt that. Strongly. Twilight will find a way in here sooner or later.”

Mythic Honor chuckles. “It's not the getting in that's hard, but the getting out young fella! Like putting your head through an iron fence without being able to pull it out again!”

Ember appears confused. “Twilight? Wasn't she the pony who banished you here? Why would she take such a risk?”

Arc walks over to a window and looks out. “By now she knows of her mistake and is probably thinking of ways to bust me out of here. Together she and her friends can overcome any obstacle.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh really? How can you be so sure?!”

“Believe me, I know Twilight. If anyone can do this she can. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm just going to sit around waiting. We going out tomorrow, Ember?”

“Always. What for?”

Arc shrugs. “Whatever the tribe needs the most. And if we happen to find something useful, all the better.”

Mythic Honor shakes his head as he continues to work. “You really think you’re getting out of here, don't you?!”

“Gotta have goals in life, right?”

Ember scoffs. “As insurmountable as they may be.”

Arc smiles at her. “Glad you have faith in me, Ember.”

Mythic Honor cackles. “I like your style there fella! But it’s getting late and morning comes early! Ember, why don’t you show the newcomer to the showers?!”

Ember shrugs and straightens up. “Sure. I could use a shower before bed.”

She motions for Arc to follow her. He turns to her as they walk.

“I was hoping someone would suggest that.”

Ember frowns. “What?”

“Getting cleaned up.”

“No one who does what we do wants to go to bed dirty, so showering before bed is the norm.”

“And the others?”

Ember shrugs. “Most do it early in the morning before they start their work. I don’t pay that much attention though.”

They come to a small building. Stepping inside Arc spies numerous pipes sticking out of the wall around the perimeter. He watches as Ember pulls a lever to start the flow of water before stepping under the flow and grinning.

“Ah… that does feel good.”

Arc looks around. “Um… Ember?”

“What?”

“Where’s the, uh… stallion’s side?”

“There’s just this one room.”

Arc turns toward the door. “I… think I’ll just wait outside then.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What is your problem? Just ditch those dirty rags you’re wearing and pull a lever to start the shower!”

“Um… humans aren’t much for… disrobing in front of others of the opposite sex.”

“Why?”

Arc blushes as she looks away. “We don’t like others seeing our… um… you know…”

“Your… what? Genitals?”

“Yeah.”

Ember turns away and chuckles. “Don’t worry. I doubt if something as small and feeble as a human could have the girth or length to pleasure me anyways.”

Arc sighs and steps forward. Pulling a lever he starts the water and steps under it. A few minutes later Ember pushes her lever up and walks over to a nearby table with towels on it. Drying herself, she turns to Arc whom is still showering.

“Hurry up and finish so we can…”

She stops talking and stares at him for a few moments before speaking.

“Uh… what are you doing?”

“Getting cleaned up?”

“Rags and all, I see. You’re little seed spurter really THAT tiny?!”

Arc groans. “Look, my clothes are caked with pony blood, beetle stomach acid, my own vomit, and probably a few other things I’m forgetting to mention. I couldn’t sleep in these as they were anyways.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “And what were you planning to change into afterwards?”

“I was just going to let myself air dry.”

“You do know it gets really cold here at night, right?”

“N-no.”

“Didn’t anyone tell you ANYTHING?!”

“Guess not. Any suggestions?”

Ember throws up her claws in frustration. “I’ll head over to the storehouse and get you a work smock. They’re not exactly your size, but are baggy enough to be workable.”

“Thanks.”

Returning a few minutes later, she tosses a smock onto the table with the towels as Arc turns off the water.

“This should fit. At least it had better, as it was the biggest one they had. Now then, I’ll just wait outside for you, tiny.”

Arc frowns. “What happened to ‘meat’?

Ember laughs heartily as she heads for the door. “Believe me if you’re THAT small, this is a MUCH more accurate nickname for you!”

Arc shakes his head and disrobes. After putting on the smock he adjusts it as best he can before turning to his old clothes. Heading back to the showers, he turns one on low and soaks them before wringing them out. Repeating the process a dozen or so times he looks them over for a few moments before sighing.

“That’s going to have to do.”

Stepping outside Arc finds Ember standing there impatiently and tapping her foot.

“Took your sweet time in there, tiny! I heard the water start up again! What, did you miss a spot?!”

“Sorry. Had to wash my clothes.”

“Uh, why?

“So I can wear them again tomorrow.”

“I got you that smock for a reason!”

Arc gestures to the baggy fit. “Well, I can’t really fight in these!”

Ember frowns. “Yeah, yeah. This way.”

She leads Arc past several rows of broken-down looking houses.

“So… do I get my own hut or do I have a roommate?”

Ember grins and shakes her head. “That’s not how this works.”

“Oh?”

“Everyone has to earn their place. You start out in that.”

Arc turns to see where she is pointing. He sighs as he spies an ancient looking tent nearby.

“I saw to it the maintenance crew had it all ready for you, tiny. Sweet dreams.”

Ember laughs as she heads into a nearby hut and shuts the door. Groaning, he walks over to the tent and crawls inside. Spotting an old wooden chest on one side he walks over to it.

“Really hope there’s some blankets in here.”

Fortunately the chest is filled with half a dozen rather thin blankets. Arc lays two on the floor of the tent before spreading the other four off to one side.

“Alright, the bed’s made. But I still need to hang up my clothes somehow.”

Looking around for inspiration he spies the central support pole.

“That’ll have to do.”

Tossing his clothes over it, Arc adjusts them before turning back to his makeshift bed. Lying down he pulls the blankets over himself before closing his eyes and sighing.

“First time I’ve been comfortable since getting here. Hope tomorrow goes better. What am I saying, of course it will be.”

Smiling slightly Arc slowly drifts off.

“After all… it couldn’t be any worse than today.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 4 - Research

A few days later, having failed to find an answer in the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight expands her search to the Royal Canterlot Library. Fortunately she had the foresight to bring her friends with her to help with such a task. Rainbow Dash tosses another book on an ever growing pile and groans.

“Argh! There's nothing new from this book either!”

Fluttershy sighs as she puts her own book on the pile. “Yes, these books all say about the same thing.”

Applejack joins them with yet another book in her hoof. “Tartarus, blah blah, bad place, blah blah, only the worst are sent there, blah blah, unproven theories. That 'bout sum it up?”

Rarity nods sadly as she levitates her own book onto the stack. “Pretty much.”

Twilight looks over the bookshelves for the hundredth time. “I have an audience with Princess Luna and Princess Cadance soon. Hopefully they’ll have some idea of what to do. These books aren't helping a bit.”

As if on cue a Lunar Protector enters the library and walks over to Twilight.

“The princesses will see you now, miss.”

Twilight looks relieved. “Thank goodness! Let’s go, girls.”

The guard leads the way to the outer room with the rest of the mares and stallions waiting patiently for an audience. He speaks to the officer present before motioning for her to approach.

“You have been granted a priority audience and may now enter, miss.”

“Thank you, sir. This way girls.”

The officer gasps as he hurries to stand in front of them. “Apologies, miss. But only you were granted an audience.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “WHAT?!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Come on now, Rainbow Dash. We don’t really have all THAT much to add anyways.”

Pinkie nods as she hops around. “Right! That and she’ll be right back!”

Fluttershy smiles at Twilight. “We’ll be waiting for you out here.”

Rarity smiles. “Good luck in there.”

“Thanks. I’ll need it.”

Twilight enters the Audience Chamber while the others wait just outside. She approaches the princesses and bows respectfully before rising and speaking.

“Princess Luna... Princess Cadance... thank you for taking the time to see me.”

Cadance laughs. “Twilight! No need to act so formal. We're friends, remember?”

“Sorry, it's just... well... I really made a mess of things this time. Please understand that I wouldn't normally bother you with these things, as I know you two are quite busy. But right now I'm at my wit's end!”

Luna looks down at Twilight stoically. “If we can be of assistance, we will be.”

“Thank you! Both of you!”

Twilight recounts the tale of how Arc came to Equestria by her earlier mistake. How he had fought to protect the citizens of Ponyville during a monster attack along with his deeds in helping Derpy by delivering her foal. She then confesses to her own grievous error in judgment in hastily sending him to Tartarus.

“So, I guess all I have left to say is... what do I do?”

Twilight looks up at the princesses. They can only stare at her, their eyes wide and mouths agape. Luna shakes her head.

“So let me see if I have this clear in my mind, Twilight. The human whom has been living in Ponyville, for months now mind you, has done nothing but render aid to the local populace, sometimes at quite the cost to his personal well-being, is currently trapped in Tartarus… why now?”

“It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. There was blood all over the room and all over him! The evidence seemed overwhelming!”

Cadance considers the situation. “I see. And what did Arc have to say in his defense?”

Twilight looks down at the floor and sighs. “Nothing. I... never gave him the chance.”

“Twilight. Although you may not be one of us, Aunt Celestia constantly speaks quite highly of you. While I know you would never intentionally let her down, know that she will be quite displeased when she hears of this. Never rush to judgment. Events such as this can often times be avoided with a bit of rational thought.”

Luna nods at Cadance. “Agreed. And well put."

Twilight again hangs her head in shame. “I know what I did was wrong and that I should be punished accordingly. But please... can you help me save Arc? I will take on any risk in addition to any punishment from the Royal Sisters in order to right this wrong.”

Luna sighs. “There is a way to enter Tartarus. However it is quite dangerous. Not just for those entering Tartarus, but all of Equestria.”

“Oh? What is it, Princess Luna?”

“When Celestia and I first agreed to make Tartarus an inescapable prison, my sister created an artifact to act as a sort of 'fail-safe' in case the need ever arose. The barrier can be bypassed if somepony were to use the ‘Tear of Forgiveness’.”

Twilight looks up. “The Tear of Forgiveness? I didn't see any mention of it in any of the books I read regarding Tartarus.”

“It is one of Equestria's greatest state secrets. With this item, anypony could release every prisoner from Tartarus. All they would need to do is hold the Tear in front of the barrier and it would be passable for as long as the Tear remained present. I'm only telling you this as you are my sister’s… favorite pupil.”

“And where is this ‘Tear of Forgiveness’?”

Cadance looks to Twilight soberly. “It's kept in the deepest, most protected section of the Royal Armory behind a heavily enchanted door, Twilight. The items contained inside are so dangerous that to open the door requires the magic of no less than TWO alicorn princesses.”

Luna nods. “Yes. To unleash any of those items upon the world is not something anypony, not even a Princess, should do unilaterally.”

Twilight appears hopeful “So, I guess the real question here is... can I borrow it to save my friend?”

Cadance looks over at Luna. “It would be fine with me. Arc sounds like a wonderful human. He doesn't deserve to rot in Tartarus. What do you think, Luna?”

Luna says nothing for a time as she appears to be weighing the risks in her mind. Twilight looks over at Luna nervously.

“Princess Luna?”

“You have asked a... difficult thing of me, Twilight. On the one hoof, I can't allow an innocent to languish in Tartarus for crimes they did not commit. However, on the other hoof, letting the Tear of Forgiveness out of our protection, even for a short time could spell disaster for all of Equestria. That and, if it were anypony else, I am sure my sister could be convinced to lend the Tear to save an innocent. However, Celestia would NEVER allow such a risk to be taken to save a human's life.”

Twilight frowns. “I’ve heard Princess Celestia speak on several occasions on the evils of humans. But I honestly had no idea she hated them so much Can you tell me why?”

Cadance shrugs. “I once asked her, but she wouldn't say. Do you know, Luna?”

Luna grimaces. “Let me just say that my sister's hatred of all things human is... justified. However, I will not tell that sad story to anypony. If my sister wants to share the tale, that is her right.”

“But, Princess…!”

Luna holds up a hoof for silence. “I am sorry, Twilight, really I am. But I can't allow the Tear to leave the safety of the vault.”

Cadance gasps. “So, she is just supposed to abandon her friend to the claws of the demons?!”

“I have made many difficult choices in my time as princess. However, I have a feeling this one will haunt me for quite some time. Once again, I am sorry for your loss Twilight. There is one last thing I can tell you to give you hope.”

Twilight moans. “What hope is there for Arc now?!”

Luna sighs. “The barrier around Tartarus doesn't allow anypony to enter. That much everypony already knows. However, before a criminal is banished, they are told the secret to escaping Tartarus.”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

“It's actually quite simple. If they were to come to terms with their crimes and be reformed the barrier would no longer hold them. In Arc's case, since he committed no actual crime, all he would have to do is walk to the gates of Tartarus and he could easily pass right through the barrier.”

Cadance gasps. “But he doesn't know that!”

Luna grimaces. “I am aware of that fact, Cadance. However right now we can only hope he can figure it out for himself. Unfortunately is nothing more I can do for you Twilight. I hope someday you will understand...”

Twilight nod, bows respectfully, turns around and hangs her head as she slowly walks out of the Audience Chamber to her friends waiting outside. Rainbow Dash flies up to Twilight as the doors close behind her.

“Well?! How did it go?!”

Rarity looks at Twilight nervously. “Not well by the look on her face.”

“The Princesses have an item called the Tear of Forgiveness that would allow us entry into Tartarus.”

Applejack smiles broadly. “That’s great Twilight! Where is it?”

“It's locked in the Royal Armory.”

Twilight bows her head sadly as she continues.

“And that is where it will stay.”

Her friends stare at her in disbelief as they cry out in unison. “WHAT?!”

Twilight slowly walks over to a nearby window and looks back toward Ponyville.

“Princess Cadance was okay with lending it to me. But Princess Luna said the risk to Equestria was too great. It takes two alicorns to access the vault, so they would have to agree before it could be opened.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “So… what now?”

Twilight hangs her head sadly. “Return to Ponyville… and hope Arc can escape on his own.”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby. “But... that's IMPOSSIBLE! Nopony has EVER escaped from there!”

Twilight begins to cry. “The only hope Arc has is that fact he hasn't actually committed a crime. As an innocent, he should be able to walk right through the barrier at the Gates of Tartarus. But, he doesn't know that! I just wish I could enter Tartarus and tell him! I'm a terrible friend! I wish Arc had never met me! I have done NOTHING but make trouble for him since day one!”

Applejack pats her friend’s shoulder. “There, there sugarcube. I know for a fact the Arc doesn't believe that for a moment.”

“Well, he SHOULD! Because it's true! This hurts so much, but... I don't know how to... how to...!”

Pinkie slowly walks over to her sad friend. “How to what, Twilight?”

Twilight looks up to her friends as she tries, and fails, to compose herself.

“...how to tell Derpy! Remember, I promised her I would find a way to bring Arc back! I don't know the details of what happened in that dream state they shared, but she was closer to him than I probably ever will be! What do I say?! Sorry Derpy, but I let you down just like I let Arc down?!”

The Mane 6, having no more words to say, can only stand there and hold their inconsolable friend. Slowly they help her up and escort her from the castle. Making their way back to the train station Applejack heads for the ticket counter as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy help Twilight sit down on a nearby bench. Rarity sits down next to her.

“Twilight?”

“Hm?”

“I… just wanted to say that I have faith in you.”

Twilight sighs as she looks to Rarity out of the corner of her eye. “Well, all things considered, you probably shouldn’t. Or at the very least, have faith that I’ll mess things up.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Look, everypony makes mistakes, Twilight. Well… other than me, I guess.”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. That’s very true.”

Rarity puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “And I have faith that you’ll find a way to make this right.”

Pinkie bounces up and down happily. “Yeah! Since when does the personal student of Princess Celestia ever fail?!"

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead. “All the time actually.”

Applejack walks up with six tickets in her mouth. Setting them down next to Rarity, she looks to her sad friend.

“Yeah, I suppose failure’s always in the cards. But it’s more about how you deal with it than the actual failure.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… I suppose everypony messes up sometimes.”

Rainbow Dash puffs out her chest. “Not me!”

Fluttershy frowns. “Shush!”

“But it’s what we do to fix a mistake that really counts, sugarcube.”

Twilight shakes her head. “At this point all I’d do is to make this bad situation worse. If that’s possible.”

“The way I see it, we have two options here. One… give up and hope for a miracle. Or two… do our best to find a solution.”

Applejack puts a hoof under Twilight’s chin and raises it to look her in the eye before speaking again.

“So what’s it gonna be, sugarcube?”

Twilight turns her eyes to look away. “I… I can’t.”

Applejack steps back and nods soberly. “Because you might make another mistake, huh?”

“Yes. Like I said, I might just make this worse.”

Rarity turns to her. “Not to be crass, Twilight but… how do I say this delicately…?”

Pinkie giggles. “I think what you mean to say is how could this possibly get any worse! Right, Rarity?!”

“Yes, I suppose that’s so.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “She’s right! Arc’s at rock bottom!”

Fluttershy sighs. “That may not be the best way to put it, Rainbow Dash.”

“Hear me out on this! When somepony hits rock bottom, there’s only one way to go!”

Pinkie grins and turns her head upside down. “Sideways?!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “No, Pinkie! UP! The only way to go is up!”

Applejack nods. “You know, she does have a point there.”

Rarity shrugs. “I suppose that’s true. But as it stands nothing will change.”

As the sun sets their train arrives and stops at the platform. A voice booms over the loudspeaker system as it does so.

“The train to Ponyville now arriving. Please stay behind the red line to avoid injury. Thank you.”

Pinkie looks over. “That’s for us!”

Fluttershy nods. “Guess we’d best get aboard.”

Applejack stands. “Right. I got us all a semi-private room too. After all, I think everypony could use some time to rest.”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby. “Heck, I could go for a nap.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Me too.

Pinkie bounces toward the train. “Let’s go then!”

As they head for their car Rarity turns to Twilight. “Come on. Let’s get you aboard.”

Twilight groans. “All I want to do is sit here and wallow in my failure though.”

Applejack shakes her head. “You coming or not?”

Twilight does not answer. Frowning, Applejack stands in front of Twilight and turns around as she looks to Rarity.

“Go ahead.”

Nodding, Rarity casts a Telekinesis Spell on Twilight. Carefully pushing her off of the bench and onto Applejack’s back, the trio turn and board the train together. Heading to their shared room they enter as the others look out the windows. Rarity helps Applejack lay Twilight down on one of the beds as the others walk over to her. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak.

“Get some rest, Twilight.”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes, you’ve been working very hard on this since… um…”

Twilight sighs. “Since I banished Arc?”

Rarity shakes her head. “We’ll figure it out.”

Pinkie looks to the beds happily. “Slumber party!”

As the others pick their bunks and lie down the train gets underway. Applejack turns to the others as she removes her hat.

“The ticket counter said we’d be arriving back in Ponyville first thing tomorrow morning.”

Rarity smiles. “That’s good. Sweetie Belle’s school play is tomorrow. She’d have been heartbroken if I’d missed it.”

Applejack gasps. “It’s tomorrow?! Thanks for bringing it up!”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Forgot?”

“Completely. While I’m sure Apple Bloom would have said something, it’d have been quite the shock.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Well, we have been pretty… occupied lately. I’m sure they’d have understood.”

Pinkie looks over the side of her bunk. “Anypony else up for a midnight snack?!”

Rarity shakes her head. “I’m a bit too tired to be traipsing all over the train looking for the dining car.”

Pinkie giggles. “No need for that, silly!”

Reaching behind her she pulls out a tray of cupcakes seemingly out of nowhere. Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow.

“Where were you hiding THOSE!?”

Pinkie shrugs. “I dunno! Want one?!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Guess so.”

Pinkie passes out the cupcakes to the others. Walking over to Twilight, she extends the last treat to her.

“Here you go, Twilight! I know it’s not much, but I hope you enjoy it!”

Twilight sighs. “I’m not really in the mood for something like that.”

“Come on! Just like Jell-O, there’s ALWAYS room for a cupcake!”

Pinkie sets the sugary confectionary on the pillow and in front of her friend’s face before hopping back up onto her bunk to munch on her own snack. They lay down to finish as Rarity uses her magic to turn off the lights.

“Good night, everypony.”

Applejack sighs contentedly as she closes her eyes. “Home again tomorrow.”

Fluttershy nods. “I do miss my critters.”

Pinkie giggles. “And I miss my super-secret party planning bunker!”

Rainbow Dash raises her head. “What?”

“Nothing!”

Rolling her eyes, Rainbow Dash lays back and immediately falls asleep. The others follow suit shortly thereafter. Everyone but Twilight, that is. She stares out the window at the night sky overhead. Eventually her eyes lower and rest on the cupcake before her. Frowning, she uses her magic to pick up and toss the cupcake into the corner wastebasket before rolling over to face the wall. Early the next morning the train arrives back at the Ponyville Train Station. The mares disembark together and head down the street. Fluttershy turns to Twilight.

“So… what should we do now?”

Twilight sighs. “Tell Derpy that I failed.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Do we have to?”

Applejack frowns. “Rainbow Dash!”

“I mean… do we have to do it right now? How about tomorrow? Or the day after that?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No. Now would be best.”

Pinkie nods sadly. “She deserves to know the truth.”

Fluttershy looks to the sun for a few moments before speaking. “They should be just finishing up with breakfast now.”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised. “How do you know?!”

“From the position of the sun.”

Applejack nods. “She’s right. After all, that’s how we tell time out in the orchard.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Yes, well… let’s get this over with.”

Heading to the hospital, they approach the front desk. After receiving word that Derpy is well enough for visitors they make their way to her room. Opening the slightly ajar door Twilight and company step inside to see Derpy feeding Dinky a bottle. She smiles hopefully as they approach.

“Hi, everypony! How’d it go?!”

Applejack sighs and removes her hat. “Not too well, actually.”

Derpy gasps. “Were you not able to see the princesses?!”

Pinkie grins. “They’d only let Twilight in!”

Twilight nods. “Right. But… it didn’t exactly go as I had hoped.”

“Oh?”

Rarity grimaces. “Twilight was told there is a way to pass through the barrier.”

“Great! What is it?!”

Fluttershy sighs. “A relic called the ‘Tear of Forgiveness’ that acts kinda like a key of sorts.”

“And did you get it?!”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nope.”

Derpy appears confused. “Why not?!”

Twilight bows her head nervously. “Because… Princess Luna said it would endanger all of Equestria.”

“How?!”

Applejack sighs. “Because as long as the artifact was in place, anypony could leave Tartarus. Arc, other ponies, demons even.”

Rarity nods sadly. “While it hurts to hear it, I do believe she was right to deny us the artifact. After all, Princess Luna has a duty to protect this land as a whole.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “And even if she had lent it to us we couldn’t get to the Gates of Tartarus until spring anyways.”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “Yeah. But that puts us back at square one.”

Twilight smiles strangely. “Not quite.”

Derpy looks to her, confused. “Oh? But I thought you couldn’t…”

“That’s right. I can’t open the Gates of Tartarus from the Equestrian side. However I can always open a portal there.”

Applejack frowns. “What are you saying, Twilight?”

“That I could open a portal and just banish myself!”

Rarity gasps. “But such a portal is one way only!”

“I know.”

Fluttershy looks to Twilight. “Then how were you planning to get back to Equestria.”

Twilight smiles. “Simple. All I have to do is find Arc, travel to the Gates of Tartarus with him, walk through the barrier, and together head back to Ponyville.”

Pinkie gasps. “Through the snow?!”

Rainbow Dash glares at her. “You’d never make it!”

Rarity nods. “Right! The two of you would freeze to death!”

“I’ve already thought of that. Before I open a portal I’ll pack a tent, blankets, some rations, and water for the return trip. It may take us a few days, but I’m confident I can get us back to Ponyville in due time.”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “And if you can’t?”

“Then at least I’ll have died trying to fix this.”

Derpy shakes her head vehemently. “Twilight, no!”

“Don’t you see! This is the only way! If my life has to be sacrificed to pay for my mistake then so be it!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What’s with you all of a sudden and throwing away your life, Twilight?! I mean… I thought you were smarter than THAT!”

Twilight sighs. “It my fault Arc was brought to Equestria and my fault he’s in Tartarus.”

Rarity sighs. “What would Princess Celestia say?!”

“Actually there was something she told me numerous time when I would screw up.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “What was that?”

“That she didn’t blame ponies for their mistakes. But she did ask that they pay for them.”

Pinkie appears confused. “What does that mean?!”

“For example, if an experiment went wrong and made a big mess, she wouldn’t be angry. But she would insist that they clean it up alone.”

Twilight walks to the window and look out across the snow and ice before continuing.

“Everypony… this is my mistake. And I need to be the one to clean it up.

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Yeah, I’m sorry. But I don’t agree, Twilight?”

“Huh?”

“With all due respect, when Princess Celestia was talking about cleaning up your mess, she was talking about spills and the like. Not risking your life to make up for a blunder.”

Applejack nods. “Right. She’d be awfully upset if she came back and we had to tell her something had happened to you.”

Rarity looks out the window. “Your plan isn’t even much of a plan, Twilight.”

“But it’s our best chance!”

“Is it now? All I see is a lot of luck based on assumption based on your emotions.”

Twilight frowns as she turns to her friends. “So what would you have me do?! Leave him there?!”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No, Twilight. But we would ask that you think about it from Arc’s point of view.”

Derpy nods. “Right. He wouldn’t want to live with your death on his mind.”

“Then what are we going to do?!”

Applejack joins Rarity at the window. “Carry out the plan with the best chance of success.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Which is…?”

“We wait until spring and the first big thaw. Then we all head over there and see if we can attract his attention from the safety of the Equestrian side.”

Pinkie nods as she hops around. “SOMEPONY would eventually see us there and would get the word out!”

Rainbow Dash nods soberly. “It’s not the best plan. But definitely the safest.”

Derpy looks down at Dinky in her fetlocks and sighs. “Since becoming a mother… I now see the world differently. It’s not just ‘me’ anymore. From now on, it’ll be ‘us’.

Twilight appears confused. “Derpy? What are you talking about?”

“What I mean is… when you have a family, it’s not just about you anymore. If something happened to you in Tartarus, others would be sad.”

Rarity nods. “That we would.”

Fluttershy bows her head. “You’re one of us now, Twilight.”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “All of Ponyville would miss you.”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby. “Yeah! This town wouldn’t be the same without you!”

Pinkie giggles happily. “We need you, Twilight!”

Derpy pats Dinky’s mane gently. “And I’m sure Princess Celestia would agree with your friends.”

Twilight groans as she looks at the floor. “Everypony… you’re right. But I still don’t feel right about leaving Arc in Tartarus until spring.”

Derpy nods sadly as Dinky falls asleep in her fetlocks. “I agree with you, Twilight. But one thing I’ve learned about Arc… is that he’d rather die himself than watch a friend come to any harm.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 5 - Sink or Swim

Meanwhile, back in Tartarus, Arc sleeps soundly through the ‘night’ (or what passes for night with no sky or sun). Ember rises early and walks over to his tent. Hearing his light, whiffling snores she shakes her head.

“This is going to be darn near impossible. A weakling like his becoming a warrior?! Mythic Honor’s out of his mind!”

She sighs and does her best to calm herself.

“Well… guess I’d best get started.”

Looking to the tent, Ember takes flight. Hovering over it for a few moments, she casts a Telekinesis Spell and knocks over all the supports. The tent, lacking any structural integrity at this point, collapses inward and on top of Arc. He awakens with a start and crawls over to the mouth of the tent.

“What the heck…?!”

Ember grins wickedly. “Good morning, tiny. Sleep well?”

“Oddly enough, yes.”

Well, that’s good. Because it’s time to train.”

“More beetles?”

“I was thinking of something a bit more… challenging.”

Arc sighs as he crawls out of the tent and begins setting the supports back up.

“Mind if I fix my house first?”

“Go right ahead. And you might want to put your other clothes back on too. Those won’t work too well inside your new armor.”

“My… armor?”

Ember glares at him. “Yes! Don’t you remember anything from yesterday?!”

Arc shrugs as he puts the last support back into place. “The beetle guts.”

“That’s a start. Anyways, hurry up and get changed.”

Nodding, Arc enters his tent again. Grabbing the clothes from yesterday from the ground where they fell when the tent went down, he quickly removes the smock and dons his old duds. Sniffing them momentarily Arc makes a face.

“That smell isn’t coming out.”

Leaving the tent Ember raises an eyebrow and turns away. “I can smell you from up here!”

“Yeah, well… that’s the smell of my labors yesterday.”

“Can’t you just go without clothes?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Not all of us are covered if easily washable scales.”

Ember groans. “Okay, we are heading to the tannery first thing after breakfast.”

“The what?”

“Where they make our leather and cloth based items. They can alter that smock to fit more securely.”

“Sounds good.”

Ember holds her nose as she lands next to him. “Then we are BURNING those things you’re wearing!”

“Fair enough.”

Heading to the center of town, Arc sits down with the other villagers and eats a bowl of… something he can’t (and doesn’t want to) identify. Choking it down, he turns to Ember with his empty bowl.

“I… I did it.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “What do you want? An award?”

She stands up and motions for him to follow.

“Come on. Let’s get you something that doesn’t stink so badly.”

Heading for a building on the far side of camp, they enter to find ponies just arriving to work. Ember walks over to the counter and bangs on it.

“Hey, I need some help over here!”

An elderly stallion approaches.

“What can we do for you, Ember?”

She points a claw at Arc. “This thing here needs something to wear under his armor. That smock isn’t going to cut it.”

The stallion nods and motions for Arc to follow him. Let’s see what we can do.”

Heading into the back room, he looks Arc over before picking up a needle and thread. Getting to work he speaks.

“I’m going to stitch these a bit so they’re not sliding everywhere. It’s the best I can do in a pinch.”

And sighs. “Thanks.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get to work making you some other outfits after you leave. Should be ready by evening meal.”

“Great.”

“You sound kinda low. New to Tartarus?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I was pulled into an alien land against my will. And that was BEFORE someone banished me here.”

“Hard case there, fella. But it seems to me that you have two choices.”

“Oh?”

“Roll over and die. Or make the best of your situation.”

Arc sighs. “Guess I’ll do the second. After all, it’s not like I have much choice anyways.”

The stallion nods. “You’d be surprised just how many choose the first.”

“Well, I’m not one of them.”

“Then you and Ember will probably get along alright.”

Arc scoffs. “The ice queen?! I think she’s pretty cold blooded!”

“Did it ever occur to you that she may have good reason to be?”

“And what reason would that be?”

“Several times in the past she’s been the only thing that stands between us and the demons having a buffet. It’s a heavy burden to bear, so we all listen when she gives us orders.”

“Even though Mythic Honor’s in charge?”

“Yes. He trusts her completely, so we do too.”

The stallion chuckles at him as he finishes his work.

“Prove yourself to her and maybe one day you’ll be worthy to stand by her side in battle.”

Arc sighs. “I can hardly wait.”

“In any case, how does that feel?”

“Not too bad.”

“Try standing up and hopping around a bit. I want to make sure the stitches hold up.”

Arc does so as the stallion watches.

“Everything seems to be holding together. Will that do it for you?

“Sure. Thanks a lot.”

“No problem. Just let me take some measurements real quick for something a bit more appropriate for Ember’s apprentice.”

Grabbing a sewing tape, the stallion gets to work. A few moments later he steps back and writes some numbers on a board before turning back to Arc.

“I should have everything I need. Best not to keep Ember waiting any longer than you have to thought.”

“Yeah, I got that impression.”

Returning to the front, Ember stands there waiting impatiently. The stallion walks over to her with Arc.

“Sorry for taking so long. I got him tightened up and measured for something a bit better.”

Ember nods. “Good.”

She turns to him and scowls.

“Come on, tiny. We have work to do.”

Leading him out of the building Ember looks over to him.

“That’s an improvement.”

“Yeah, it’s definitely a better fit.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I was talking about the smell.”

“Also important.”

“Come on. Mythic Honor’s probably been up for hours putting the finishing touches on your new armor.”

They head for the Town Hall together. Arriving, the pair enter the building as Ember calls out.

“You in here old timer?!”

A voice rings out behind them. “Right here!”

Ember and Arc instinctively jump back as the stallion walks past them.

“If you were behind us why didn’t you say anything?!”

Mythic Honor appears confused. “I did! Remember, you called out for me and I responded! Pretty sure that’s how greetings work!”

Arc grins. “I think he’s got you.”

“Shut up, tiny.”

She turns back to Mythic Honor.

“We’re just here to pick up his armor. I’m assuming it’s ready.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Sure is! Come on!”

The stallion leads them over to the furnace. Next to it lies a suit of black chitin armor. And looks over it and grins.

“It looks great! Very… shiny.”

Ember chuckles. “Enjoy it while you can, because that won’t last.”

Arc turns to her. “Oh?”

Ember grins wickedly. “Trust me when I say that the first scratch is always the hardest.”

Turning to the chestplate Ember places a claw on it. Dragging it across the surface, she leaves behind an ugly diagonal scrape. Mythic Honor bursts into tears.

“My finish job!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “It’s going to looks worse after one day of training.”

Mythic Honor straightens up and shrugs. “You’re right! Better get to it then!”

“Fine. Tiny, put on the armor.”

“Okay.”

Arc picks up the chestplate and puts it on. Ember rolls her eyes but says nothing. Fastening the straps holding the two halves together, Arc reaches for the pauldrons and puts them on. Grabbing the gauntlets he slides them on before picking up the greaves. Leaning forward to step into them he frowns.

“This is kinda hard!”

Mythic Honor laughs. “That’s because you’re putting it on wrong!”

“I am?”

Ember nods. “Darn right! You started with the chestplate!”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Mythic Honor points a hoof to his legs. “It doesn’t let you bend down to pull up your greaves, silly!”

Ember scoffs. “You start at the bottom and work your way up. Now take it off and do it right this time.”

Arc does so. Laying everything back down on the table, Mythic Honor points to the boots.

“Start with those!”

Stepping into them, Arc gasps as Ember groans.

“What is it now?!”

“There’s something in there!”

Reaching into the boot Arc pulls out a green stone. Mythic Honor gasps.

“There it is! I was wondering where my malachite went!”

He takes it from Arc and sets in on a shelf with a number of other stones.

“Now then, don’t you try to run away again! We’ll talk about this later!”

Turning back to Arc, the stallion watches as he sits down to fasten his greaves.

“That a bit easier for you?!”

Arc nods. “Quite a bit, yes.”

“I made your greaves a bit too tall it seems!”

“No, I rather like it that way. Covers the whole leg and not just the calf.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Trust me, he needs as much of that squishy flesh covered as possible.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Now I’m glad I remembered to put a joint in it!”

“My knee?”

“Yup! I did my best to cover what I could! The breastplate should cover what those extended greaves don’t though!”

Ember chuckles. “Now you can put on the chestplate.”

Arc does so as Mythic Honor levitates the pauldrons into place with a Telekinesis Spell. He looks the clasps over for a time before picking up the helmet in his hooves.

“And now my favorite part! The helmet!”

Walking toward Arc, the elderly stallion trips. Dropping the helmet, a strange smelling liquid bursts forth. Ember frowns.

“What the heck was that?!”

“Soup?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Soup?”

“I got hungry last night and decided to heat some up! Your helmet was still pretty hot, so I figured what would it hurt?!”

Ember picks up the helmet and rinses it out in the sink before tossing it to Arc. Putting it on he looks around.

“Kinda makes one feel a little claustrophobic.”

Ember frowns. “Come again?”

“I feel like I’m in a tine can.”

“Think of it as cozy instead.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Ember’s right! You should be snug as a bug in a rug in there! Now then, you should have everything you need to start your training with Ember!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Excepts guts.”

Arc frowns. “I had guts!”

“Had?”

“Yeah. I puked them up yesterday though.”

Ember scoffs and points a claw. “Very funny, tiny. Now let’s get moving!”

Arc heads outside with Ember on his heels.

“Follow me.”

Leading him behind a building, Ember turns to him.

“This should do.”

“For training?”

“Yup. You recognize this place.”

Arc looks around. “Isn’t this the building where we processed the beetles yesterday?”

“It is.”

“Why are we back here then?”

Ember grins as she takes up a battle ready position. “Because no one ever comes back here. Now then… I want you to come at me.”

“Come… at you?”

“Attack me, you idiot!”

Arc fidgets with the spear nervously. “But what if I hurt you?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Trust me, you won’t.”

“How do you know?!”

“Experience. So try to hit me.”

Stepping forward, Arc assumes the position in front of Ember. He half-heartedly swings the butt end of his spear at her. Ember smacks it away with her claw.

“Come on. Stab me.”

Nodding, Arc swings again. This time with slightly more force. Again Ember knocks his spear away as she glares at him.

“I said ‘stab’, not tickle! Now come on! You’re the worst excuse for a warrior I’ve ever had the displeasure of training!”

Taking a deep breath, Arc swings his spear at Ember with all his might. She leans back, dodging the blow as Arc loses his balance. Ember capitalizes on his mistake and knocks the spear from his hand before kicking him to the ground. Leaping forward to grab the front of his helmet with her claw she scoffs.

“You must really like…”

She is cut off as Arc throws a handful of dirt in her face. Ember staggers back sputtering as Arc quickly gets to his feet. Nodding as she smirks, Ember walks forward and puts a claw on his pauldrons.

“Now you’re learning.”

“I am?”

Ember nods. “Yes. Use what you have.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. I thought you’d be mad that I did that.”

Ember shakes her head as she turns around. “Not at all.”

With a quick movement of her arm, Ember hits Arc in the gut with the butt of her spear. Even through his armor it hurts. He falls to the ground as she smirks.

“Don’t do it again though.”

Sometime later a gong rings out. Ember straightens up as Arc does his best to pick himself up off the ground yet again.

“And that’s lunch.”

Arc coughs. “Are… are you sure?”

“Yup. Didn’t you hear it?”

“I can’t hear much of anything with all the ringing in my ears.”

“Be happy that helmet was there to protect your head.”

She looks him up and down before continuing.

“After lunch I’ll show you how to maintain your armor.”

“You mean shining it?”

Ember shrugs. “Something like that. But look on the bright side.”

“Yes?”

“That scratch from earlier doesn’t even show anymore.”

Arc looks down at himself to see innumerable scratches, gouges, and dents. He sighs.

“So much for my new armor.”

Ember grins as they walk toward the center of the camp. “They regularly wear out. So don’t get too attached.”

“How long do others usually get out of a suite of armor?”

“A year, tops.

She looks him up and down for a few moments.

“If yours lasts six months though I’ll be amazed.”

“And you?”

“Ember frowns. “What about me?”

“Your armor doesn’t appear to be from around here.”

“It’s not.”

“That’s it?”

Ember shrugs. “I got it from my spear.”

Arc nods. “Like Derpy did.”

“So I’m assuming you don’t have armor with your spear.”

“Like I told you when we met, it’s not mine. The mare I got it from did get golden colored armor similar in shade to yours though.”

“You two have any idea who or what that creature they came from was? The spears, I mean?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a clue.”

Ember sighs. “Oh well. No point worrying about it now.”

“Um… not to try and change the subject, but…”

Ember groans. “Just spit it out!”

“I was going to ask how I’m doing?”

“Not bad.”

“Really?”

Ember nods. “Right. For someone at the bottom of the food chain, that is.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Should’ve seen a snappy comeback coming.”

They get their food with the rest of the tribe and sit down together. As with breakfast Arc cannot identify their food. He looks to Ember, confused.

“I have a question.”

“Figures. What is it?”

“Do dragons have taste buds?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What…?”

“Can you taste your food?”

“Of course we can! What kind of stupid question is THAT?!”

“I guess you were just really hungry.”

Ember frowns. “Let me teach you a trick. First, taste your food.”

Arc takes a small sip and spits it out gagging. Ember chuckles as Arc coughs.

“Tastes like crap, doesn’t it?”

“Y-yeah!”

Ember looks past him. “Watch what everyone else is doing.”

Arc turns. He watches as the ponies each sit down with their bowls, take a deep breath, and eat them as fast as possible.

“Chug?”

Ember shrugs. “I see it more as ‘scarph’. But you do you. Try it.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc upends his bowl and quickly swallows what he can as fast as possible. Ember watches and nods.

“That’s it. Keep going.”

A few seconds later Arc comes up for air. Dropping his now empty bowl, he turns to Ember.

“Worst experience of my life!”

Ember points to the large pot from which the food comes from. “That’s one of the reasons they cook it so long. Partially to make sure it’s safe. But also to make it easier to more or less drink.”

“Not sure if that’s the best idea in the world or the worst.”

“It sure beats chewing everything. That would certainly add a whole new level of hell to our already hard lives.”

“Yeah, well… what are we doing after lunch?”

“The same thing we did before. But this time I think they’ll be a slight twist to it.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Oh?”

“We’ll go outside the walls to do it.”

“Isn’t that really dangerous though?”

Ember rolls her eyes as she stands up with Arc. “No, it’s safer.”

“I’m picking up on the sarcasm.”

“Well, I would hope so, as I’m laying it on pretty thick.”

“So why are we doing that?”

“To get you used to danger.”

“I don’t understand.”

Ember sighs and facepalms as they start walking. “Listen, here in Tartarus you have to constantly be checking your surroundings. Looking for changes and watching out for trouble can and will save your life.”

She points to the stallions on the wall as she continues.

“I’ll notify the sentries of what we’re doing, of course. They’ll help watch out for incoming danger. Just don’t rely on them too heavily, an no one is infallible.”

“And if something does come up?”

“Then we drop with the training act and start real combat.”

“What should I…?”

“Stay back, stay out of the way, and you might stay alive.”

Arc frowns. “I could probably help.”

Ember shakes her head. “Or you could just as easily get killed and waste all the time and resources we’ve already put into you.”

“A suit of armor and a day’s training?”

“Out here everything is valuable. We can’t afford to waste anything. If something happens, I’ll take care of it. If I need you to do something different I’ll tell you.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. We’ll do it your way.”

Ember smiles smugly. “Glad you see it my way, tiny.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 6 - Not Your Standard Supply Run

The days pass quickly for Arc and Ember. A few weeks later they sit around the fire talking as Arc patches his armor. He frowns.

“Darn crazy imps… or whatever they are.”

Ember chuckles. “I told you they had sharp claws.”

Arc holds up his armor and points at the tiny holes. “Well I thought we made this armor to protect me.”

“Look on the bright side.”

“Which is…?”

“The holes are in your armor, not you.”

Arc shrugs. “Guess that makes sense.”

“You did good against them though. Even after they got the drop on you.”

“Don’t you mean ‘us’?”

Ember frowns. “I said what I meant, tiny.”

Arc chuckles. “Okay, Ember. Whatever you say.”

“In fact, I think you’re about ready for a bigger challenge.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Mythic Honor tells me that he needs some very special supplies to fix the magic forge at the Town Hall.”

“So where am I headed then?”

Ember shakes her head. “Not just you. Us.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not afraid to go out by myself.”

“You might be when I tell you where this stuff is?”

“Well, why don’t we start with what we’re looking for getting then?”

Ember holds up a piece of paper. “Got it all written down right here. Even you couldn’t mess this one up, tiny.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he takes the list. “Yeah, I guess not.”

Reading it over, Arc looks up at Ember.

“I don’t actually know what any of the stuff on this list is.”

Ember shrugs. “Neither do I.”

“Then how are we supposed to…?”

“Mythic Honor will explain it to us when we go see him over at the Town Hall. You ready?”

Arc sighs as he puts on his freshly patched armor. “I am now. Let’s go.”

Heading to the workshop, they spot Mythic Honor putting a number of items into two brown burlap sacks. He looks over to them and beckons the pair over with the wave of a hoof.

“Ah, glad you two could make it! Give me a hoof with this, will you?!”

Ember frowns. “What do you need?”

“There’s a list over there! Just read off what it says for me so I can verify that everything’s here!”

“Alright.”

Picking up the paper from the desk, Ember begins to read aloud.”

“One beetle liver.”

“Check!”

“Five leather outfits.”

“Check!”

“Three hearts, any variety.”

“Check!”

“Ten vials of pony blood.”

“Check!”

“Twenty-five sausages.”

“Check!”

“One hundred strips of jerky.”

“Check!”

“An unruptured venom sack.”

“Check!”

“Lastly, one sack full of chitin.”

“And check! That should do it!”

Arc frowns. “Dare I ask what all this is for?”

Ember chuckles. “Another one of your weird experiments?”

Mythic Honor sighs. “Not… exactly!”

Ember puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “Wait a minute…! Now I remember you talking about this list of goods!”

Arc appears confused. “Ember?”

Frowning, Ember points an accusatory claw at Mythic Honor.

“You want us to go to Vengeance and trade these sacks with the demons!”

Mythic Honor grins. “Yup!”

“That’s suicide!”

“It was YOUR idea though, Ember!”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

Ember groans. “That’s true, I supposed. But I didn’t think you were crazy enough to actually go through with it!”

Mythic Honor cackles. “Believe you me, I’m more than crazy enough to organize this!”

Arc facepalms. “I’m going to regret this, but what exactly did you do?”

“Somehow or another I’ve been able to magically contact a certain demon trader in Vengeance! He’s willing to trade up the items we need for those in these sacks!”

Ember shakes her head. “Dare I ask how exactly you did that?”

“You could, yes! But it’s very technical!”

“So what you’re saying is that I’m not smart enough to understand, right?!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Your words, not mine! All that’s left now is to ask if you’ll do this, Ember!”

Ember paces in front of the sacks for a few moments considering this. Eventually she groans and turns to the stallion.

“Fine. But only if my… apprentice comes along.”

Arc sighs. “I guess. After all, it’s not like there’s anything else for me to do around here, right?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Just for the sake of clarity, you DO realize that we’re going to the capital city, right?”

“Home of the demons?”

“Yup.”

“I understand.”

Mythic Honor claps his hooves together happily. “Then it’s settled! You two will leave at dusk!”

Arc frowns. “Why not right now while we’re well rested?”

Ember shakes her head. “Because it’s safer to enter the city under cover of darkness.”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Actually, you’ll only be entering the city at night! I recommend that you make contact with the trader during the day!”

Ember appears confused. “Uh… why?”

“Because the demons are out in force at night partying! During the day they’re sleeping it off! They’ll be a lot less eyes on you two at that point!”

Arc sighs. “But we won’t be able to hide in the shadows.”

Ember nods. “And if things go south I’d like a crowd to blend into.”

Mythic Honor sighs. “Well, that’s just my two bits! You plan this out any way you want!”

Arc turns to Ember. “What do you want to do?”

“I say we head there tonight like Mythic Honor said, find the trader, make the exchange, and get back here before morning.”

“Okay. And in the meantime?”

“Rest until this evening. We’ll want to be hale and hearty for tonight.”

Arc nods. “Sounds good.”

“I’ll come get you at suppertime. We’ll eat, grab these sacks, and head out as the darkness settles over the land.”

Mythic Honor nods. “I’ll see to it you both have proper disguises at that time.”

Ember sighs. “We’ll need it.”

Leaving the Town Hall, Arc and Ember walk back toward the dwellings. Arc turns to her.

“Can I assume you’ve never done anything like this before?”

“Right. No one has.”

“Then how did Mythic Honor set this thing up?”

Ember shrugs. “I have no idea. But he has a reputation for making things work out somehow. Normally no one questions it, as he provides what we need. Leadership and technical know-how.”

“But…?”

“This time his planning is going to put us at risk.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So why did we agree to it?”

Ember sighs. “Because he’s right about being in need of supplies. It sucks not being able to have something when you need it, after all.”

“You mean medicine, or something?”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t actually know what most of the stuff on the list is for, no. However some of it I have seen Mythic Honor use in medical tonics.”

“So if someone gets sick these supplies could be the difference between life and death.”

“Could be.”

They reach her dwelling. As Arc turns to his tent Ember calls out after him.

“Hey.”

“Yeah, Ember?”

“Um… I just kinda wanted to say… that you’ve been doing… okay in your training, I guess.”

“Coming from you, that’s high praise.”

“That and… thanks for volunteering to come with me. This isn’t going to be a walk in the park, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “Didn’t really have anything else planned.”

“Yeah, well… it’s appreciated nonetheless, tiny. Now get some rest.”

The pair part ways. Arc enters his tent and lies down on his makeshift bed. Staring upward at the cloth overhead he muses to himself.

“I think that’s the first real compliment I’ve heard out of Ember.”

Closing his eyes, he drifts off to sleep. Sometime later he opens them to the feeling of cloth on his face. Groaning, he crawls toward the tent entrance and peeks out. Spotting Ember landing in front of her, he sighs.

“Do you think you could possibly wake me up some way other than knocking my tent down?”

Ember grins. “Not sure how.”

“How about poking your head inside and saying ‘hey, time to get up’, or something?”

Ember cackles. “I guess I could. But this way is MUCH more fun!”

Arc shakes his head as he crawls out and stands up. “Fine, have it your way. You ready to go?”

“Yeah. Let’s head over to the Town Hall and see what Mythic Honor’s come up with.”

Making the short walk to the large building, they enter and look around. Seeing no one Ember calls out.

“Mythic Honor?!”

A voice rings out from a pile next to them. “Yes?!”

Ember jumps back as he pokes his head out. Tripping backwards she fall back into Arc. Pushing her back into a standing position, Ember composes herself for a few moments. Glaring at him, she clenches a fist.

“I know you can hear us come in!”

“That I can!”

“Then why do you do this to me?!”

Mythic Honor grins. “Because I like it!”

Arc chuckles as he looks to Ember. “Guess you two have something in common.”

“Shut up, tiny.”

She turns back to the stallion before continuing.

“So what’d you come up with?”

Mythic Honor grins. “In a word… pulling the wool over their eyes!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How is that one…”

Ember sighs. “Let it go.”

Returning her gaze to Mythic Honor she grimaces.

“Keep talking.”

“My plan is multi-stepped to be honest with you.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “It usually is.”

Pointing a hoof at a nearby rack, Mythic Honor continues.

“There’s a couple black cloaks over there! Go ahead and try them on for size, you two!”

Arc and Ember do so. Ember grabs the big one while Arc takes the larger one. Draping them over their shoulders, they fasten the clasps before looking one another over. Ember is the first to speak.

“I think you need to have a talk with the tailor about my sizing, Mythic Honor. This thing is WAY too short.”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Not for this purpose it isn’t.”

Arc looks himself over. “Well mine comes all the way to the ground.”

“Because you need to stay completely hidden!”

Ember frowns. “There’s something you’re not telling us, isn’t there?”

“Yup!”

He walks over to Ember and points a hoof at her legs.

“If this plan is going to work, your legs need to be visible!”

“For what?!”

Mythic Honor walks over to a table and picks up a bucket. Heading for Ember he gives it to her before speaking.

“Do you know what this is?!”

Ember frowns as she sniffs the contents. “Looks like paint.

“That’s because it is paint!”

“But what am I supposed to do with it?”

“Wear it!”

Ember cackles. “That’s very funny, but we don’t really have time for your nonsense!”

The elderly stallions frowns. “My plan is no ordinary nonsense, Ember. This here is SERIOUS nonsense!”

Arc sighs. “Glad we can agree on that.”

Mythic Honor pulls a large paintbrush looking object from his robe and sets it on a table as he speaks.

“You’ll use this to liberally paint this stuff onto your scales!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “This plan had better start making sense!”

“It’s to turn your scales red! At a simple glance you’ll appear to have the same skin tone as the other residents of Vengeance!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “In case she’s seen?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “No, she’ll be visible regardless. It’s to take the attention off of you mostly!”

“Uh… why?”

“I’ll explain more after Ember gets done painting herself!”

Ember grunts as she leans her spear against the wall and recalls her armor. Arc looks to her, amazed.

“How’d you DO that?!”

Ember shrugs. “It’s a spear thing. You wouldn’t understand.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“As I said it wouldn’t.”

Ember walks over to the table and picks up the brush as she sets the bucket on the floor next to her. Getting to work, she dips the brush into the blood and starts laying a coat on her feet and legs. Arc sits down and looks out the window as she works. Eventually he hears the sound of grunting. Turning back to her, Arc spies Ember trying unsuccessfully to paint her back.

“Need a hand?”

Ember shakes her head. “I can manage.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes!”

Arc sits there and watches her struggle for nearly five minutes. Eventually she sighs and turns back to him.

“Fine. Help me.”

Standing, Arc walks over to her and takes the brush. Dipping it back into the bucket, he gives her back a good coating. Ember smiles strangely as he does so.

“You okay, Ember?”

“Y-yeah. It just… feels really nice.”

Eventually he steps back and looks her over. Frowning, he points.

“Your wings.”

“What about them?”

“They’re still your natural color. Want me to paint them too?”

Ember sighs and spreads her wings. “Go ahead.”

Arc gets to work. Starting with the tips, he works his way down the shaft of each wing before getting to the root. Ember grits her teeth and squeezes her eyes shut as he does so.

“Am I hurting you?”

Ember shakes her head. “No, just hurry up and finish!”

Doing as he is told, Arc completes the job and steps back. Mythic Honor looks Ember over carefully before pointing to her face.

“You missed several spots on the head!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Of course I did! I can’t see my own face!”

Arc walks back over to her. “Want me to get them?”

Ember nods. “Might as well.”

Arc dips the brush back in the paint and layers it on Ember’s head as she closes her eyes. Mythic Honor nods.

“Much better!”

Ember groans. “Glad that’s done.”

She sniffs herself and makes a face before turning to Mythic Honor.

“This stuff really stinks. What’s in it?”

Mythic Honor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… a few different things! Some red dirt along with a bit of liquified cinnabar!”

Ember gasps. “Cinnabar?! That’s really rare! How’d you get so much of it?!”

“Don’t worry! There’s only a hooffull of that in there. To liquify the dirt I just used a bunch of demon blood!”

Arc frowns. “Wait, what?”

Ember seethes. “Mythic Honor? Are you trying to say that I’m covered in the blood of DEMONS?!”

“More or less! Tell me, do you feel any nausea or burning sensations?!”

“Should I?!”

“Probably not! But I’ve never really tried this before!”

Ember grits her teeth. “So I’m an experiment now?!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Kinda! But look at it this way! It works!

Arc frowns. “That may be true. However did you absolutely HAVE to use… blood to get that paint made?”

“I couldn’t figure out what else was plentiful enough! Tried just using water, but that just make the dirt runny! But when combined with the blood it adds adhesion!”

Ember groans. “I feel so dirty.”

Mythic Honor nods. “That may be, yes. But it also serves another purpose other than camouflage!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “There’s more?”

“Yup! Remember how Ember said earlier how it stunk?! Well, this way she also SMELLS like a demon!”

Ember’s pupil’s shrink. “I… I do?!”

Mythic Honor nods happily. “Very much so!”

Arc sniffs the bucket and makes a face. “Kind of a mix between body odor, urine, and something rotting.”

“I thought the same thing when I was mixing it up! Wonder what makes it smell that way!”

Ember shakes her head. “Well, we’re not sticking around Vengeance long enough to write a report on it!”

“That’s probably for the best! Just get in there tonight, find the shop in the instructions, make the trade, and get back here!”

Arc turns to the stallion. “Hey, that reminds me. I was wondering how exactly you made this so-called deal.”

Ember frowns. “Me too!”

“There are some demons whom will do anything to get what they want! You find out what that is and they’ll eat out of your hoof!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh really? How many?”

“All of them!”

Ember shakes her head. “So you befriended a demon?”

Mythic Honor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “I think the word ‘befriended’ might be a bit strong! Think of it more like ‘subcontracted’!

Arc rolls his eyes. “Anything else you need to tell us?”

“Yes! The second part of my plan! Getting you into the city!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Walk in the front gates. How hard is that?”

“This disguise isn’t perfect! So we need to add a bit of realism to make it so! Ember, would you please kneel down a moment?!”

“What for?”

“A bit of jewelry to make the look complete!”

Shrugging, Ember does as she is told. Mythic Honor walks over to her with a large black necklace. Fastening it around her neck he steps back to look her over.

“Perfect!”

Arc frowns. “It looks kinda heavy.”

Ember grits her teeth. “It’s more uncomfortable than anything.”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Sadly that can’t be helped! My contact only had this one! Sorry if it’s a bit tight!”

Arc looks it over. “So this is a customary demon female accessory?”

“Oh, yes! All the submissive one’s are wearing them!”

Ember frowns. “Submissive?”

Mythic Honor nods. “Well, it is a fairly common fetish over there!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Fetish?!”

“Oh yes! With this Obedience Collar on, she…!”

Ember explodes in a fit of rage. “WHAT?!”

“They’re very popular in Tartarus! You see, a female demon puts one on and…!”

“I DID NOT APPROVE THIS!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Technically, you did!”

“WHEN?!”

“By allowing me to put it on you!”

Arc sighs. “Maybe you should have said something first though.”

Mythic Honor appears confused. “But I did!”

“YOU DID NOT!”

“Sure I did! When I told you to kneel down and you did!”

Ember tugs at the necklace. “Well, get it OFF!”

“It can’t be removed though!”

“ARE YOU JOKING?!”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Nope! It’s enchanted to only be removable after twenty-four hours!”

Arc frowns. “Why though?”

“As I was saying before Ember interrupted me, this Obedience Collar is a demon fetish. One demon puts one on somepony they’re with and can control them for one day!”

“So you control Ember?”

“Nope! Nopony’s holding her chain!”

Ember grits her teeth. “CHAIN?!”

Mythic Honor nods as he pulls out a strange looking clamp and chain from a nearby shelf. He tosses it to Arc.

“There’s ring on the back the collar! This goes there!”

Arc frowns. “Are you telling me to… hook her up?”

“Yup!”

Ember turns to Arc as bears her teeth and claws. “Don’t… you… DARE!”

Mythic Honor raises an eyebrow, confused. “But Ember, don’t you want to collar off?!”

“OF COURSE I WANT IT OFF!”

“Then he needs to attach the chain to it!”

Arc sighs. “Can’t we just wait twenty-four hours?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “The magical timer only counts down when the chain is connected and held by somepony!”

Ember grimaces. “And if we don’t do anything?!”

“Then it’ll stay there forever!”

Ember sighs and bows her head as she turns around. “Fine. Hook it up.”

Nodding, Arc walks over and puts the clasp on the collar. It glows slightly for a few seconds before returning to normal. Mythic Honor nods approvingly.

“There! The collar recognizes the chain and has started the timer!”

Ember grunts. “Great. At least I only have to be like this for a day.”

Arc nods. “So you want to stay here then?”

“Of course! If my cover gets blown any demon could take you out and take control of me!”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “That isn’t possible! After all, the one whom hooks you up is recognized as the one whom is in the ‘master’ position! Only they can control you, Ember!”

Ember groans. “You do realize that isn’t reassuring.”

“In any case, you two should probably get moving! It’ll be dark soon enough!”

“I am NOT going anywhere until this… THING is off of me!”

Mythic Honor frowns. “Uh… but the contact was already told you’re coming!”

Arc shrugs. “So tell his they’ll be a delay, or something.”

“It isn’t quite that simple! You see, demons take it as a personal insult if you break an agreement!”

Ember facepalms. “We’re not breaking anything! Just tell him it’ll be a day later!”

“But they’ll see it as us going back on our word and won’t do business with us in the future!”

Arc frowns. “Find someone else then.”

“That’s taken decades already!”

Ember sighs as she looks to the stallion. “So we really do need to do this today?”

Mythic Honor nods and gestures to the forge. “Yes! That is if we ever want armor or weapons again!”

Arc looks to Ember. “Sounds like neither of us has a choice in the matter.”

“Yeah. Guess not.”

Mythic Honor pulls a paper out of his robe and gives it to Arc. “Here’s directions to the shop in question along with the lines you need to speak in order to let him know it’s you!”

Arc frowns as he takes the paper. “And if something goes wrong?”

“Grab the sacks he should have waiting for you and skedaddle!”

Ember groans. “That’s what I was afraid of.”

Arc turns to her. “You ready to get this over with?”

“Yes sir.”

Ember’s claws fly to her mouth as her eyes grow wide. Arc turns to Mythic Honor.

“Collar’s magic?”

“Yup!”

Ember clenches her claws and seethes. “I’ll get you for this, Mythic Honor!”

“Great! Thanks for being so helpful in this matter, Ember!

Arc shakes his head. “I’m pretty sure Ember means that she’ll get revenge.”

Mythic Honor appears confused. “What for?!”

Ember turns to Arc and grits her teeth. “Can we PLEASE just get going now… s-s-sir?”

“Yeah, that’s probably for the best.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 7 - One Night Stand

A short time later Arc and Ember walk down a dark road. They are wearing their cloaks from Mythic Honor with the hoods up. Ember grumbles indignantly as they press on.

“I still can’t believe Mythic Honor DID this to me!”

Arc sighs. “Well, he IS kinda crazy.”

“KINDA?!”

“Okay, very crazy.”

“Even that doesn’t describe him.”

“Yes, well… let’s get this over with so we can go home.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Please don’t say that.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “You WANT to stay out here?!”

“No, sir. I mean, not a chance. But I also don’t want any of the others back at the hideout seeing me until this thing is OFF!”

“Is it the leash?”

Ember grits her teeth. “Yes, it’s the CHAIN, sir!”

“Okay, okay, Chain… sheesh.”

“I want this done, over with, and never spoken of again!”

She puts a claw to her forehead and groans before continuing.

“This having to say ‘sir’ every time you ask me a question is REALLY getting old!”

Arc shrugs. “I’d stop asking questions if I could.”

“You do that.”

“But I can’t.”

Ember facepalms. “Please… calling you ‘sir’ is just really getting to me! What would everyone else think if they knew?!”

“How about this then. If you let me ask as many questions as I believe are necessary without raising a fuss, then I promise not to tell anyone about whatever happens on this little trip.”

Ember looks back to him. “The entire trip?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Does that include the conversation in the Town Hall before we left??

“Sure.”

“Well… okay. But just to reiterate… I don’t want you talking to ANYONE about ANYTHING even remotely related to this mission. Deal?”

“Deal.”

They walk on in silence for a time. Arc frowns.

“Um… you CAN see where we’re going, right?”

Ember nods. “Yes sir. Dragons can see in the dark.”

“Good. I’m nervous enough as it is out here without having to worry about having to fall in a ditch.”

“That’s your biggest fear out here?”

Arc sighs. “I’m trying not to thing about the… other dangers.”

Ember chuckles. “Getting cold feet now, sir?”

“Not exactly. But walking into the belly of the beast isn’t exactly what I had in mind when I woke up this morning.”

“Me either.”

“So how are you so calm and collected?”

“Because getting emotional doesn’t do anything other than to cloud your judgement, sir.”

Arc sighs. “While my brain understands that, my body is still trying to come to terms with it.”

“You keep working on that. But I do want to say something before we get there.”

“What is it?”

Ember frowns as she looks around and lowers her voice. “You need to stop calling me ‘Ember’. After all, quite a few of the demons know my name.”

“Fine with me. But what do I…?”

“Just call me ‘E’.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That just sounds like a code name.”

“It is.”

“But it might raise even more suspicion.”

“You got a better name?”

Arc thinks for a moment before speaking.

“How about ‘Erica’?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Erica?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“Where did you come up with THAT?!”

“It was the name of a girl that I… had a crush on in grade school.”

Ember laughs heartily. “So you had a lover, eh tiny?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Grade school is for children.”

“Oh. So… did anything ever become of it?”

“If you mean to ask if I ever dated her, the answer is no. She and her parents moved away less than six months after she transferred in.”

Ember does her best to compose herself. “Sure, sure. In any case, ‘Erica’ it is.”

Sometime later they reach the city. Entering they see innumerable demons walking around as if it was the middle of the day. Several female demons walks behind males, and vice-versa, that have similar collars as Ember does. Arc calls out to the young dragon softly as they enter.

“So this is it, huh?

“Yes sir. Vengeance. Now which way do we go?”

Arc reaches into his cloak and pulls out the paper from Mythic Honor. Giving Ember directions on which way to go, she leads them off the main street and to a rather shady part of town. Eventually they come to a small shop at the end of a narrow alley. Ember frowns as she turns back to him.

“Are you sure this is the place, sir?”

Arc nods as he reads the paper again. “Yes. We followed the directions exactly.”

Ember frowns. “Well, this place is closed.”

“Great…”

“There’s a note here though.”

“Can you see well enough to read it?”

Ember nods. “Yes sir. Just give me a second to focus.”

She squints and begins to speak.

“Sorry I missed your courier, MH. Will be back when I open at first light tomorrow morning. Signed… The Management.”

Ember sighs as she turns to Arc.

“Great. Now what?”

“We could always head back the way we came, Erica.”

Ember shakes her head vehemently. “I… no. We can’t leave until we complete our business here.”

“Fine then. What now? Sit here until morning?”

“We shouldn’t be seen loitering. It might make some of the guards ask questions. Need to find a way to get off the streets though.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t suppose the demons have hotels.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’s a ‘hotel’?”

“A place you go to sleep when away from home.”

“Like an ‘inn’?”

“Yeah.”

Ember blushes furiously. “What would we be doing THERE?!”

“Just staying out of sight.”

“I’m not too keen on the idea of…”

Arc interrupts her. “You have a better idea?”

Ember sighs. “No, sir.”

“Then we just need to get some money and find an inn.”

“I have the first one covered.”

Reaching into her sack, Ember pulls out a good sized bag. Arc frowns.

“When did you have time to get THAT?!”

Ember chuckles. “I’ll tell you later, sir.”

They return to the main boulevard and look around. Ember frowns.

“No idea where to start looking for a…”

“Look for buildings that have demons coming and going with leashes.”

“Why?”

Arc sighs. “Because if this is as big a thing as our mutual friend says it is, they’ll be places that cater to it.”

Ember shrugs. “Like that one?”

Arc looks ahead to see numerous demons with leashes walking in and out of it. Some even on all fours.

“That should do it.”

Walking toward it, the pair enter and walks up to the counter. A slimy, and very fat, green faced demon growls at them as they enter.

“Need a room?!”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“How long?!”

Ember frowns. “Uh… all night obviously.”

The demon stops writing and looks up with his one good eye. “Very funny. Seriously… how long?”

Arc clears his throat. “All night.”

Looking over them wordlessly for a time, the demon eventually goes back to writing.

“Whatever. You paying now or later?”

Ember tosses the bag on the counter. “This enough?”

The demon grins hugely as they snatch the bag and peek inside. Turning back to the pair they nod.

“Just enough!”

He turns and pulls a key off the wall. Tossing it to Arc the demon points toward the stairs.

“Here you go. Top floor and last door on the right.”

Arc looks at the key and nods. “Thanks.”

Giving the leash a small tug, Arc motions for Ember to head for the stairs. Watching them walk away the demon at the counter smiles and shakes his head.

“Those two must be literal animals! Going all night with two bags full of goodies?! How I envy their stamina!”

Meanwhile, Arc follows the directions up to their room. All around them are the sounds of muffled thumping. Reaching their room, Arc uses the key and opens the door. Turning on the lights they find a modestly furnished room with a large bed, refrigerator, lamp, loveseat, and an open air toilet with shower in the corner. Ember looks at the latter two for a few moments before turning to Arc.

“Somehow I think they should have built a wall around this.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I’m guessing it was intentionally designed that way.”

“But why would…?”

“Think about it for just a minute.”

Arc looks at her silently for a time. Eventually Ember puts two and two together and wrinkles her nose.

“Gross.”

Arc shrugs. “Different strokes for different folks.”

Ember frowns. “And what is THAT supposed to mean?!”

“Just that different people, or in this case demons, have different preferences.”

“So what now?!”

“We sit here until dawn. Then we’ll leave and return to that hole in the wall shop. We’ll give him our stuff, get ours, and leave this dump.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I mean in the interim, tiny!”

“Oh… um… I don’t know about you, but I’m not really that tired.”

“Of course not! We napped all day!”

Arc frowns. “Well, how were we supposed to know that we’d have to wait?!”

Ember sighs. “I guess we didn’t.”

They are silent for a time as they stand there uneasily. Eventually Ember turns to Arc and speaks.

“S-sorry about that. I’m just a bit… unsettled being here.”

Arc sighs. “Me too.”

Ember looks around. “Um… we probably shouldn’t just stand here like this.”

Arc gestures to the loveseat. “Want to sit down?”

“Yeah.”

Ember leads them over to the loveseat and sits down with Arc next to her. Removing their cloaks, the pair toss them aside and sit there wordlessly. They are silent again until Arc finally speaks.

“We should talk about something.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. But it doesn’t look like there’s anything else to do for the moment other than… you know.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. And I’m not too interested in THAT!”

“Me either, really.”

“Oh? You don’t think the Dragon Lord’s daughter is good enough for you?!”

Arc sighs. “That’s not it. I just… don’t have any interest is loveless sex.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest and looks away. “Well I would hope not! That and we’re not even the same species!”

“Glad we can agree on that.”

“Right!”

Silence again reigns over the room. Arc thinks for a moment before speaking.

“Hey.”

“What?”

“So are you going to tell me where you got all the demon money from?”

Ember chuckles. “Why? You think I’m working for them, or something?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. While I don’t know you very well, I do trust you enough not to do something like that.”

“You’d be right. Truth be told, I collected them.”

“Like as in a hobby?”

Ember shrugs. “I’ve always thought of it more like a game.”

“Well then, how does the game work?”

“Every time I killed a demon I’d always search them for items that would help the Vile Tribe.”

“Like what?”

“Gemstones mostly. They’re really the only thing worth taking from the demons. But I found that they all carried around these small, round coins with an ugly face on them.”

She reaches out with a Telekinesis Spell and pulls something from her sack next to the door. Looking it over for a moment she tosses it to Arc. He looks it over for a few moments before speaking.

“Some kind of coin?”

Ember nods. “I just kinda assumed it was demon money”

“Whoever’s face this is… wow, now THAT’S ugly.”

“King Malevolence. Ruler of Vengeance and king of all demons.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m assuming he’s not exactly the friendly type.”

Ember shakes her head. “Not in the least. At least if what his subjects say about him is true, that is.”

“What do they say?”

“Mostly how vile or disgusting he is. Either that or they love him.”

Arc frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Those things they say could also be compliments. We’re not too sure since they’re demons, and all.”

“So is there a queen here too?”

Ember shakes her head. “Not anymore.”

“She died?”

“No one knows.”

"Ah… some kind of coverup.”

“Could be. Mythic Honor told that King Malevolence married someone a couple decades ago. But he couldn’t remember anything about her and I didn’t press the matter.”

“So any ideas where she went?”

Ember shrugs. “Supposedly she just disappeared one day.”

“As in there one day and gone the next?”

“Yeah.”

“Bet that made the king pretty mad.”

Ember nods and shudders. “That it did. He dispatched his forces to scour Tartarus from top to bottom numerous times.”

“I’m guessing they didn’t find anything.”

“Not a trace. They searched for weeks though. We thought for sure they’d storm our gates looking for her.”

Arc appears surprised. “Why didn’t they?”

“We’re guessing they have demons watching our walls, just like we watch theirs for signs of movement.”

“Wait! They might’ve seen us leave then!”

Ember chuckles. “Not likely. Didn’t you wonder why we took this roundabout route to get here?”

“I couldn’t even see where we were going.”

“Oh… right.”

“What do you think happened?”

“To the queen?”

“Yeah.”

Ember shrugs. “Who knows. Pretty much everyone believes that she probably either just got sick of his smell and left, died unexpectedly, or was killed by the king.”

“And you?”

“My bet’s that it was actually all three.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How?”

“Now hear me out. I think that she threatened to leave one too many times. Eventually she caught him on a bad day, he got especially mad and in a fit of rage, hit her a little too hard and, well… you can figure out the rest.”

“But why lie about it?”

Ember sighs. “That’s the only part I don’t get, sir. I mean, it’s not like anyone would try to overthrow him if it were true.”

“Why not? I mean, I can imagine that there much be some demons that would love to overthrow him.”

“Well, you see…”

They are cut off by a disturbance outside. The pair quickly put their robes back on, turn off the lights, and head over to the window. Arc opens the curtains and they look down at the street below.

“What… what the heck IS that?!”

Ember frowns. “King Malevolence.”

Arc looks at the massive demon below as he continues. “That thing has to be at LEAST twenty feet tall!”

“Probably closer to thirty actually.”

“Either way, I though you said the queen was dead.”

“She is.”

“Then who’s that with him?”

Arc points at a young demoness walking next to the king. Ember chuckles as she speaks.

“That’s his daughter, sir.”

“Oh. What’s her name?”

Ember shrugs. “I forget, sir.”

She glares at him before continuing.

“Can you PLEASE stop asking questions?! I’m getting really tired of having to call you ‘sir’.”

“Sorry.”

The pair watch the procession as the pair slowly walk down the main street. Eventually, Arc speaks.

“I do wonder why they’re walking amongst the commoners though.”

Ember grins. “Good idea to avoid a question.”

“I aim to please.”

“But in answer to your question, I’m guessing it’s just some kind of public appearance. All rulers do it sometimes.”

“Oh really?”

“Yup. It’s to show the public that their leaders are alive, well, strong, and able to lead… or something.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Or something, huh?”

“Well, that’s what my dad told me anyways.”

Eventually the monarchs pass and business returns to normal below. Arc and Ember close the curtain and turn the lights back on before sitting down on the couch together again. Ember turns to him.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“It’s about those you left behind.”

“Oh?”

“Do you ever miss them?”

Arc nods. “Every day. But that’s a bit more complicated than you think.”

“How so?”

“I left behind my new friends back in Ponyville.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How is that complicated?”

“Because I left behind my friends back on Earth to come to Equestria and meet them.”

They are silent for a time as Ember processes what Arc said. Eventually she speaks.

“I… didn’t really have anyone back in the Dragon Lands to leave behind. Well, other than my dad, I guess. But that couldn’t really be helped.”

“When we met, you told me something to the effect of ‘how many others can say that they’ve been banished twice’.”

Ember nods. “I remember that, yes. What about it?”

“I know what it feels like… to have to leave everything behind twice.”

“Yeah… I guess you do.”

Ember turns to Arc and sighs before she continues.

“Look, I… um… don’t really know what else to say right now. But at the same time… would really like to continue this conversation.”

Arc nods. “Sure. Whenever you’re ready.”

“As for when…”

She puts a claw on the chain before continuing.

“…I think I’d like it to be when I’m not your, well… for lack of a better word… prisoner.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah. It’s kinda… hard for both of us right now.”

Ember grins. “Why? You don’t like having the Dragon Lord’s daughter on a leash?”

“Don’t you mean ‘chain’?”

“No, sir. I meant what I said. But how is this hard for you?”

Arc chuckles and holds up a hand. “Because I have to keep holding this thing. Remember what Mythic Honor said. I let go and the magical timer stops.”

“Well, it would restart when you pick it up again.”

“Really?”

“Yup.”

“Dare I ask how you came to that conclusion?”

“I overheard some female demon telling that to her blubbering boyfriend.”

Arc sighs. “She could have just been saying that, you know.”

“Maybe. But I’m pretty good at knowing when others are being truthful.”

“Well… why don’t we get some rest before morning.”

Ember nods as they stand up together. “I suppose that does sound like a good idea.”

“You can have the bed.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll just stretch out on the floor next to you.”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t sound like a very good sleeping position.”

“You have a better idea?”

“Yes sir, I do.”

Turning toward the couch, Ember reaches out a claw and casts a Telekinesis Spell. Using it to drag the couch over to the side of the bed, she turns to Arc.

“There you are. A much more comfortable nap. For both of us, I mean.”

Arc grins as he lies down on the cushions. “Good call.”

Ember chuckles as she tosses him a blanket. “I aim to please… sir.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 8 - Downtrodden

A few hours later Ember awakens. Sitting up she rubs her eyes and stretches before turning to roll off the bed. However as she does so the chain reaches its limit and catches her. Gasping, she flops over to next to Arc again. Looking to him, she sees the chain wrapped around his wrist a couple times. Frowning, she hits his arm.

“Wake up!”

The sudden surprise causes Arc to bolt upright, taking the chain along with it. Seeing this, Ember grabs the chain and gives it a solid tug, pulling Arc onto the bed next to her. He sits up, clearly dazed.

“Ember? What…?”

“First off, you almost choked me with that thing! Second, it’s Erika, genius!”

Arc grunts as he sits up. “Ugh… sorry about that.”

Ember shakes her head as she points to the chain in his hand. “Why the heck did you wrap it like that?!”

“I was worried you would pull it out of my hand while we slept.”

“So what?!”

“Well, you made it clear the other day that you didn’t want to be in this thing any longer than you had to. So I made sure I didn’t let go and stop the timer.”

“I…! Oh… um… thanks, I think.”

Arc sighs as he stands. “You’re welcome. Care to give me a hand here though?”

“Yes sir.”

Ember stands and helps Arc push the couch back where it was previously. Turning back to him she sighs.

“Um… before we go I have, uh… something that I need to do first.”

“What is it?

Ember gestures to the toilet in the corner. “Morning tradition, sir.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Ah! Um… do you want me to wait in the hall?”

“A cloaked character just standing around in the corridor makes for a suspicious sighs. You’d best just stay here.”

Arc nods. “Alright. But I am letting go of your chain while you do that though.”

Ember appears relieved. “Thanks.”

Sitting down on the bed, Arc looks the other direction while Ember takes care of business. A few moments later she stands and flushes. Walking over to Arc she holds out the leash to him.

“Ready to go?”

Arc shakes his head. “One last thing.”

“Oh?”

“Now I have to go.”

Ember chuckles as she sits down on the bed and looks away. “Of course you do.”

A few minutes later they leave the room and head down several flights of stairs. Returning to the front desk they find the same demon from last night still on duty. Arc tosses the key onto the desk as the demon ‘smiles’ at him.

“I do hope you two had a pleasant night.”

Arc nods as he and Ember walk away. “Yes, it was very… memorable.”

“Do keep us in mind for all your future nocturnal needs.”

The demon watches them leave together, grinning wickedly.

“I still can’t believe it. No one goes all night. Well, all night and still walking, that is. That guy must be some kind of legend! And his gal must be something as well.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember hit the street together. The magical daylight illuminates the streets better than the previous night. Ember takes his and presses her body against him. Arc gasps.

“Em-Erika?!”

Ember giggles. “No need to be nervous… dear. Remember, I don’t like the big crowds.”

“Oh… right.”

Arc looks around before putting an arm around Ember’s shoulders. Leaning down he whispers to her.

“Just follow my lead.”

Ember nods and the pair begin walking. Returning to the alley from the other night, they walk down it together. As they turn a corner however, two shady looking demons roughly Arc’s size step out of the shadows and approach them. They grin as they look the pair over.

“Aw… now ain't that sweet.”

“Two bed buddies taking a morning walk together after a night of passion.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. And we don’t really have time to chat about it.”

Arc nods. “We’ll just be on our way.”

One of the thugs holds up a claw. “Now wait just a minute there fella. You didn’t let us finish.”

“Finish?”

“Yeah. You see I was about to say that this here is our territory and that you ain't paid the toll yet.”

Ember frowns. “Toll?”

“It’s ten grompeties.”

“Each.”

“Everyone needs to pay their fair share of the toll to see to it that safety is maintained.”

Arc sighs. “I’d love to be able to pay my ‘fair share’ and all, but we’re just heading over to a shop nearby. Give us a bit of time and we’ll be out of your territory.”

“No money, chum?”

“Something like that. We spent it all to get a room last night.”

One of the thugs looks to Ember’s legs. “We could each take a turn with her.”

“Yeah, that sounds fair.”

Arc frowns. “Not a chance.”

The thug chuckles. “What? You actually in love with this hot little thing?”

“And what if I am?”

“Then you’re delusional to think someone as hot as her would stay on your little leash for long, pal!”

Ember frowns. “Leash?”

Arc sighs. “Uh oh. They said it.”

“Leash?!”

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

“LEASH?!”

“Now you’re in for it.”

“IT’S CALLED A ‘CHAIN’!”

Ember charges forward angrily. Arc lets go of her lea… uh… her chain and takes a few steps back as the young dragon begins pummeling the pair. Knocking them over, she continues punching them over and over again. Eventually Arc grabs her wrist as she prepares to hit them again.

“Erika, it’s time to stop.”

“I… but…!”

She frowns and nods before continuing.

“Yes sir.”

Arc helps her up as she gives him back the chain. Picking up their bags, Arc leads her away from the pair. They head down the alley in search of the little shop. A few minutes later Ember points a claw.

“There it is.”

Arc grins. “You remember your part of the code?”

Ember sighs. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“Then let’s get this over with.”

Entering the dimly lit shop the pair walk over to a rather young female demon sitting behind the counter. She looks up nervously as they approach, looks around quickly, and says something rather strange.

“It appears I have something stuck in my teeth.”

Arc looks down at the demon’s arm before speaking. “It must be the roast beetle from last night’s meal.”

Ember sighs. “Early in the year for beetle though, is it not?”

The proprietor nods as she continues. “I like to play hopscotch on the weekends.”

Arc holds back a laugh. “When I was young I had a pet rabbit. I miss him.”

Not a word is said for several moments. Eventually, Arc nudges Ember. She gasps and reaches into her bag. Pulling out a jar, she sets it on the counter and steps back. The demon grabs it, twists off the lid, takes a deep sniff, and pulls a strange looking black sphere out of the jar and tosses it into her mouth. Chewing, she swallows and leans back contentedly as she points a red claw toward the door. A soft click rings out as it locks. She smiles broadly before trying to speak again.

“Now THAT hits the spot!”

Arc turns to Ember and frowns. “What was in there?”

“You don’t want to know.”

The demon grins. “Pickled beetle giblets.”

Arc groans. “When will I learn to keep it to myself.”

Ember turns to the demon and sets her bag on the counter. “We have what you asked for.”

Smiling, the demon opens the bag and looks its contents over carefully before looking to Arc.

“I assume you have the other items.”

Arc nods as he sets his sack down on the counter. “Yeah. All right here.”

Going through the second sack, the proprietor carefully itemizes everything as she pulls it from the bag and sets it on the counter in a row. Nodding, she walks into the back room. Returning with a sack of her own, she sets it on the counter and looks to Arc.

“Here you are. Please hurry and get this stuff out of here though.”

Ember shakes her head. “Not quite yet.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Maybe. You checked our bags, so we’re checking yours.”

“That really isn’t necessary. I personally checked to be sure everything was in there twice already.”

Arc frowns. “Then you have nothing to worry about.”

Ember nods as she looks to Arc. “Let go of me for a bit and watch her. I’ll check her bag.”

Nodding, Arc hops the counter along with Ember.

“Make sure she keeps her claws where you can see em.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

The demoness gasps and backs hurriedly against a waist high basket in the corner. Not taking his eyes off of her, Arc waits patiently as Ember pulls the items out one by one and looks them over. Stepping back from her work, Ember pushes gently past Arc and grabs the demoness by the throat angrily.

“Where’s the mithril?!”

“I… I…!”

“Spit it out!”

The demoness bows her head. “I don’t have it.”

Arc frowns. “So you were hoping we’d just take your word for it!”

She nods but says nothing. Ember pulls a knife from inside her robe and holds it in the demoness’ face. Arc frowns.

“What are you…?”

“Getting our stuff! All of it!”

She turns back to the now shaking demoness and grits her teeth.

“I really don’t have any! It’s really scarce right now!”

Ember grits her teeth. “Then why did you tell our mutual friend that you had it?!”

“Because I… I just…”

Arc puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Let it go.”

“WHAT?! But she…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Look, I’ll just take something out of our bags in the back and we’ll be even, okay?”

Ember groans. “Fine. But be quick about it.”

Stepping into the back room Arc quickly spots their bags. Reaching into his, he pulls out a vial and shrugs.

“Doesn’t really matter what I take, I suppose.”

Returning to the front, Arc holds up the venom sack.

“This one.”

Looking past Ember, the demoness’ eyes grow wide as she spies what Arc is holding.

“No! Not that! Anything but that!”

Ember frowns. “You want this thing THAT badly?!

“YES! Take everything else if you have to, but leave me that!”

Arc looks at the sack in his palm, confused. “What’s so special about venom? You planning something?”

The demoness squeezes her eyes shut. “I… I just need it! Please take everything else and go! All I want is that!”

Ember frowns as she turns to Arc. “Let’s tie her up and store her in the back room. Then we can see what there is to find.”

Arc shrugs. “Why don’t we just get out of here? I mean, we got what we came for. Mostly, I suppose.”

Ember looks back at the demoness. “Yeah. But she’s lying about something. Of that I’m certain.”

“So what?”

“I don’t like being fooled! It’ll keep me up at night if I don’t…!”

The store handle jiggles slightly. A few moments later there is a pounding at the door as an angry voice rings out.

“Open up!”

The demoness gasps as she looks to the door.

“Oh no! They’re early!”

Ember frowns. “Who?!”

“My boss! Hide in the back, quick!”

“Why? We don’t answer to them.”

“What I’m doing here is off the books! Please hide or they’ll kill us all!”

Arc grabs Ember’s chain and pulls her toward the back room. “Let’s go.”

Ember seethes as she complies.

“Yes… sir.”

The demoness closes the curtain to the back and hurries around the counter to unlock the door. It swings open violently knocking the demoness to the floor. As she struggles to stand a large pig-like demon struts inside and glares at her.

“Why aren’t you open, Esther?!”

“Forgive me, sir! I just… had a few things to take care of before the day began!”

The pig looks over the counter at the items lined up for counting.

“Quite a bit of an order you have here.”

“Y-yes. A very… influential customer requested them.”

He laughs. “Influential! HA! Why would anyone of importance come HERE of all places?!”

“I… don’t ask those sort of questions.”

“Fine, whatever. Just hand over this week’s payment.”

“B-but it isn’t due for three more days!”

“I’m trying to get ahead of the game here! Have a big weekend planned and need to make sure everything’s turned in before I enjoy myself. So let’s not waste any more of my time.”

“Sir, I… um…”

“You WHAT?!”

“Don’t have your payment just yet.”

The pig narrows his eyes. “Oh?”

Nervously, the demoness gestures to the items on the counter. “I haven’t been paid for these yet. But I assure you that I…”

“Who said you could take payment on credit?!”

“They’re… very insistent on doing it their way. I deliver the goods and am paid a day or so later.”

Gritting his teeth, the pig glares at her. “You running a charity here?!”

“No, sir. But if I could just have a bit more time, I’d be able to…”

Walking over to the counter, the pig wordlessly picks up a clawful of vials. Smashing them against the floor, he looks to the demoness toothily.

“You know what happens if you don’t have the money when I come calling.”

“What?! No, please! I need this order to make enough to…!”

Hearing enough, Arc turns to Ember and whispers.

“Let me handle this.”

“What?!”

“Just watch and don’t say a word.”

Arc steps out from behind the curtain and clomps over to the counter. He looks the pig over silently for a few moments before speaking.

“Calm down there. Wouldn’t want you to do something… irreversible.”

Frowning, the pig turns to Esther. “New hire?”

“I… I…”

Arc frowns. “No, I don’t work here. However I’m not too happy about my items being smashed.”

The demoness nods. “This order… is for him.”

“Who do you serve?”

Arc chuckles. “Someone FAR outside your grasp, peon. Now then I suggest you leave before I grow angry.”

The pig seethes, leans across the counter to grab Arc’s robe and reaches into his cloak, presumably for a weapon. Seeing this, Ember runs through the curtain and decks the pig squarely in the jaw. He staggers back and falls to the floor. Regaining his bearing, he stands and pulls a knife.”

“Who dares…?!”

Gasping, the pig stops talking as he catches a glimpse under Ember’s hood. He stammers for a few moments before finally being able to say something.

“P-P-Princess?!”

Ember opens her mouth to speak. However nothing comes out. Arc turns to him and frowns.

“Yes, her royal highness requested to pick up today’s delivery… personally.”

“She… she did? But why would…?”

Arc frowns. “You dare question your betters, maggot?!”

“F-forgive me, sir! I really had no idea…!”

Arc points at the broken goods. “Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?!”

“N-no sir.”

“Exactly, dumb muscle! You don’t know! Now then, how are you going to make up for this?!”

“I… I don’t really… know.”

“The princess must be compensated for this inconvenience!”

Nodding fearfully, the pig reaches into his cloak and pulls out a massive bag of demon currency. He holds it out to Arc and steps back nervously.

“Is… is that enough.”

“Barely. Now then, leave us. And do not mention this to ANYONE!”

“Yes sir! Right away!”

The pig hurries out the door as Arc turns to Ember.

“Great job, Erica!”

Ember glares at him silently for a few moments before Arc gasps and nods.

“Right.”

Leaning forward, he whispers to her.

“You can speak again.”

Ember grins. “That did go well, yes.”

Esther cautiously approaches them. “Are… are you…?”

“Never mind who she is.”

Ember nods. “Right. We still haven’t finalized our deal.”

Arc picks up the venom gland and looks to the demoness.

“Tell me… why is this so important?”

“I… need it to make something very important for... someone.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Oh really. Who?”

Esther sighs and walks behind the counter. Heading for the basket she stood in front of earlier she reaches toward it and lifts the top. Reaching inside she pulls out a bundle and turns to Arc. He reaches forward and pulls back the cloth. Inside he spies a very young demon child.

“My baby was born with a bacterial infection. While getting progressively worse, I could not find medicine with which to treat him. That is… until today.”

Arc appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“That gland will allow me to make a potent antibiotic to save my child. Please help yourself to anything in the shop, your original goods, or even do what you want with… me. But I only ask that you give me that poison gland in return and allow me to mix it into a medicine first.”

Nodding, Arc holds out the gland. “Very well. Make the medicine and give it to your child.”

Ember opens her mouth to protest, but Arc silences her with a quick glance and a shake of the head.

Esther reaches forward cautiously. As her claws are about to touch the gland however, she draws back a few inches and looks to Arc.

“What… is the catch?”

“The what?”

“I’m assuming this isn’t free.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Just take it. After all, any price to save your child should be seen as a bargain.”

Nodding, Esther takes the prize and hurries over to the counter. Pulling out a small prepared vial, she pokes a hole in the gland and allows some of the poison to drip into the contents before putting a claw over the top and shaking it. Pouring out a small amount she tastes it momentarily before sighing and shaking her head.

“I was afraid of that.”

Arc frowns. “What’s the problem?”

“The rest of the ingredients aren’t enough to emulsify with the venom. I need something else to make it work. But it’s the rarest ingredient known to demonkind.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Dragon’s blood.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. That would not only emulsify this treatment but also make it more effective.”

Arc turns to Ember but says nothing. A long moment passes between them before she sighs and lower her hood.

“I can help with that.”

Esther looks her over. “You… you’re not the princess. I mean, you look similar to her, but… who are you.”

“I’m a dragon. You want some of my blood?”

“Yes! Yes, of course!”

“Then hold out your vial… before I change my mind.”

Taking her knife, Ember slices her claw. A small amount of blood flows from it as the demoness holds the vial under the stream. Shaking it again, she tastes the new concoction and smiles. Walking over to counter, she pours a small amount onto her claw before carefully putting it in their mouth. The infant sucks on the claw as they sleep. Repeating the process several times, Esther eventually picks her child up and walks over to Ember.

“Thank you, miss.”

Ember looks away. “Don’t mention it.”

“But I really…!”

“Ever again!”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about that. She’s just a bit stressed.”

Ember groans. “Well, now that we’re done here, can we please go home?!”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose so.”

Esther looks to Ember. “Miss?”

“What is it now?!”

“Dragon’s blood is quite rare. And do you know why?”

“Can’t say as I do.”

“Because there’s only one dragon that lived down here. Dragon Lord Torch’s daughter, Ember.”

The pair stand there silently for a time looking at one another. Eventually Ember sighs and looks her in the eye.

“You going to tell on me?”

Esther shakes her head. “No. After what you did for my child, I… I just couldn’t. But… um… I would still like to repay you for your help.”

“How?”

“I’ve heard that your leader, Mythic Honor, is quite an alchemist.”

“What about it?”

“I’m sure you know that demon’s blood would be quite helpful to him.”

Ember nods. “He’s told me that before, yes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You looking to give us some of yours?”

“Kinda. You see the fresher the blood is the more powerful it is. If you’d like, I’d be willing to accompany you back to your hideout under cover of darkness to serve as a source of blood for you and the tribe.”

Ember points to the infant. “What about her?”

“She’s come too, of course. Her blood would be available for your use as well. We’d even be willing to become your slaves to achieve this end.”

Arc frowns. “You’d be willing to give up your freedom… just like THAT?!”

“Yes, I would. All I ask for in return is to be protected, fed, and moderately housed.”

Ember grins. “Sounds good to me.”

Arc shakes his head. “No.”

Ember looks to him confused. “We could use her blood to enhance potions, weapons, and even armor! That and she’s just GIVING herself to us!”

Esther nods fervently. “Yes, we are. I understand that we are not exactly trusted by your tribe. So I’d be willing to live in a cage if need be.”

Arc sighs. “Is life really that bad here?”

“It is, yes. At least for me.”

Ember nods toward the door. “Owe a lot of money?”

“That I do. But because of the interest I can’t get ahead. I may be penniless with you, but at least with you we stand a chance.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’d be in danger from the citizens there.”

Esther nods sadly. She looks to her child and back to Arc several times. Eventually she sighs and walks over to him.

“If not me… then would you please take just her?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You… want us to take your daughter away from you? Forever?”

“Yes. She’s small, doesn’t eat much, and could be safely hidden away for a while in your base. I only ask one thing in return. And that is… that she never be told of me.”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

“When she gets older and asks just say that I’m dead. It’s… for the best. Should she stay here she’ll just be saddled with my debts when I’m gone.”

Arc puts a finger to his chin. “What if you didn’t have any debts?”

“Then I might be able to make ends meet. It won’t be much, but we’ll get by.”

Arc takes the bag of demon money and sets it on the counter. “How about this? Would this pay your debt off?”

“Y-yes it would! But… how can you afford to do all of this for me?!”

“Well, it’s not like we’re coming back here anytime soon.”

Esther nods as Arc sets the bag on the table. She smiles and looks to the pair.

“I can’t thank you two enough. This will give us both a chance at a future.”

Ember sighs. “Don’t mention it.”

Arc chuckles. “Before we go, can I hold your daughter, Esther?”

“Yes, of course!”

She hands him the small bundle. Arc takes her gingerly and gently strokes her forehead before turning to Esther.

“She’s… just so light.”

“I just had her three days ago.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “And you’re already back to work?”

“Yes, well… food costs money. I have to keep working.”

Arc smiles down at the child as she opens her eyes and looks up at him. “What’s her name?”

“She doesn’t actually have one yet. Might I name her after you though, sir?”

Arc chuckles. “My name’s Arc. Not exactly a girl’s name though.”

Esther turns to Ember. “Then I think I’ll name her after you, ma’am.”

“Me? But wouldn’t that be kinda like asking for trouble from the king?”

“Well… how about ‘Rebme’?”

Ember frowns. “What?”

“It’s Ember spelled backwards. While not a traditional demon name, no one will say or think anything of it though.”

“Fine with me.”

Arc nods. “Yes well… we should be going. Ember?”

Ember nods. “Right.”

Looking down, Arc smiles at the baby and gives her a small kiss on the forehead before handing her back to Esther. He and Ember pick up the sacks with the remaining goods and head out the door together. Esther holds her daughter close as she watches them leave.

“Take care, you two.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 9 - Changed

Arc and Ember leave the small shop with the sack given to them. Ember frowns as she turns to Arc.

“I don’t like it here.”

Nodding, Arc grunts as he adjusts the bag on his shoulder and the chain in his other hand.

“Neither do I.”

“Let’s leave.”

“No arguments there.”

Ember grits her teeth. “I… I never want to come back here ever again.”

“Well, if Esther holds up her end of the bargain, we’ll be using her for supplies.”

“Do you think she will?”

“Time will tell, I suppose.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. That’s about what my mind came up with.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You okay.”

“Fine. Why?”

“It’s just… you’ve been acting strange ever since we left the shop.”

Ember looks down. “I don’t want to talk about it. Not until we leave the city anyways.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

They leave the city together via the main gates. Walking around the perimeter of the walls, they begin travelling east for quite some time. Eventually they crest a hill and begin the walk down the other side. Ember breathes a sigh of relief.

“Once we get to the bottom we’ll start walking south. From there it’s just a short walk to the hideout.”

“Good. After what we’ve been through I think we both could go for some food and a nice shower.”

Ember puts a claw on her belly and looks down. “Yeah. I didn’t really think about it until you said something, but we haven’t eaten since yesterday evening”

Arc nods. “And we walked most of the night too.”

“I guess we could have eaten something from that little cupboard at the inn.”

Arc shakes his head. “While the thought crossed my mind, I don’t think I could have stomached it.”

Ember shrugs. “That and if we’d have caught something from the food it would have left us unable to defend ourselves.”

“So I guess we did the right thing.”

“I… um…”

“Ember?”

“What?”

“You’re acting all spaced out.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What the heck does that even mean?!”

“That you’re kinda… out of it. Not really yourself. Is it about the chain?”

“No, it’s not about the chain, sir.”

“Sorry. Shouldn’t have made that into a question.”

Ember sighs. “It’s fine. Truth be told I’m kinda getting used to it.”

Arc looks at the chain is his palm. “Do you suppose the demons are… on to something with these?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, at first they just looked like some kind of sexual kink to me.”

Ember frowns. “They are!”

“I’m not so sure anymore.”

“What else could they be for?!”

“Trust building exercises.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. For it to work it has to be put on willingly. That takes a bit of trust right there.”

Ember shrugs. “I guess.”

“Then you have to trust the person holding the chain not to let go of it and stop the timer. Or make you do anything you don’t want to.”

“Y-yeah. I guess.”

She puts a claw on her neck and sighs before continuing.

“Honestly, I totally hated this thing when Mythic Honor put it on me. But now… now I kinda feel… secure, I suppose.”

“Ember?”

Ember shakes her head. “We can talk about this more later.”

Arc nods. “I’d like that.”

Ember chuckles. “Me too.”

They walk on in silence for a time. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“Ember?”

“What?”

“Remember how you said you didn’t want to ever go back to Vengeance?”

“So?”

“Can I ask why?”

Ember looks down as she walks. “I just… I mean…”

Arc frowns. “The city wasn’t really that bad in my opinion. Kinda like New York City back home.”

“It was certainly an improvement over the Vile Tribe’s accommodations.”

Ember chuckles. “You liked that couch?”

“Better than the cold, hard ground under my tent.”

“I guess that makes sense. But tell me something. What else did you like about it?”

“The fact that the city just felt so… alive! Even when we got there in the wee hours of the morning… it still seemed to me like everyone there was trying to make the best of their lot in life.”

Ember shrugs. “When you’re stuck somewhere forever it makes sense to kinda make the most of things. Put down roots even.”

“What about you?”

“Uh… what about me?”

“You still need to be the Dragon Lord someday, right?”

“If I’m gone too long my dad will come get me.”

“What about the barrier?”

“The pony princesses know how to pass through it. Worst case scenario he’ll just start hacking and slashing until they let me go.”

“Uh… how much longer until that happens? If it does, I mean?”

“A decade or two.”

“So you’ve made your peace to stay here that long?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What are you getting at?”

“Roots mostly. You’re with the Vile Tribe.”

“Same as you I would think.”

Ember stops walking and turns around before continuing.

“You’re not thinking of defecting to Vengeance, are you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. But to be completely honest with you, part of my originally wanted to stay.”

“What changed your mind?”

“Esther and her baby.”

“How they were taken advantage of?”

Arc nods. “I understand that every city has their poor and downtrodden. But that looked to be honest to goodness organized crime back there.”

Ember sighs. “It stands to reason that there are others in the same boat as they were.”

“That’s why I couldn’t stay.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah.”

“What about the demon women?”

Arc frowns. “What about them?”

“They look more like your species than a pony does. Heck, if you played it right you could probably have a full time bed-warmer.”

“Not interested in that though.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “In what? Sex?”

“No! I mean, yes, but…!”

Arc takes a few moments to compose himself before continuing.

“I’m sure there’s a handful of nice demon women in the city.”

Ember nods. “Like Esther?”

“Like Esther. But I don’t feel as if I’d be happy there long term.”

“Fun to visit, but wouldn’t want to live there. So what are you going to do?”

Arc shrugs. “Stick with the Vile Tribe, I guess. They’re friendly enough and I feel as though they honestly need me.”

Ember laughs. “You mean us, right?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Us.”

Sometime later the Vile Tribe’s hideout comes into sight. Arc turns to Ember as they turn off the beaten path and step behind a large rock.

“Don’t forget to hide that collar under your cloak.”

Ember nods as she takes the chain from Arc. “Yeah. I sure don’t want the sentries, or anyone else, seeing THAT!”

Arc helps Ember adjust her cloak as she ties the chain up into a ball. Arc drops it down the back of her robe. Ember gasps.

“That was COLD!”

“Sorry about that.”

Ember sighs as she turns to him. “How do I look?”

“Fine. No one will notice that collar now.”

They step out from behind the rock and continue on. Shortly thereafter they approach the gates which are quickly opened for them. Ember looks up to the walls.

“Anything happen while we were gone?”

“No, Ember. Things were quiet as could be. And how did your mission go?”

Ember grins as she jerks a claw toward the sack over Arc’s shoulder. “It went well. We’re going to drop this stuff off at the Town Hall before grabbing a shower and hitting the sack. Make sure we’re not disturbed.”

They salute as Ember motions for Arc to follow her. Arriving at the Town Hall, they find Mythic Honor tinkering with something neither can identify. Arc calls out to the elderly stallion.

“We’re back.”

“Good, good! Uh… where did you go?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Vengeance, remember?”

“Can’t say as I do!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You don’t recall putting a collar on Ember?”

Mythic Honor cackles. “Now THAT I do remember! How’d that part go?! It looks like you two didn’t kill each other at least!”

Ember shrugs. “We made it work.”

“That’s good! Did you hold the chain the whole time, Arc?!”

“Just about. Why?”

“Curious! So if you hold it the rest of the day, you should get it off shortly before the evening meal!”

Ember appears relieved. “The sooner the better!”

The stallion looks to the bag hungrily. “So… did my contact deliver?!”

Arc motions to the sack. “We were able to get most of what you had on the list.”

“Most?!”

Ember sighs. “She didn’t have one item and some pig broke a few things.”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “All things considered, I’m just glad you two are safe! But what do you think of that shop keeper?! Can we use them in the future?!”

Arc nods. “I’m giving a tentative ‘yes’.

Ember chuckles. “Me too.”

“Good! It took me long enough to find this one! Glad it worked out. Well, why don’t you two get cleaned up and rest! I’ll have lunch sent to you when it’s ready!”

They nod and leave the Town Hall as Mythic Honor dives into the bag snout first. Heading for the showers, Ember pulls the lever to start the water. Meanwhile, Arc steps into his curtained off corner shower. Disrobing, he tosses the clothes aside and pulls his own lever. Groaning contentedly he chuckles.

“Can’t believe just how good it feels to get cleaned up, eh Ember?”

“You can say that again. My scales felt like there were starting to grow fur.”

Arc looks down at the water as it snakes toward the drain. “Yeah. But we really aren’t that dirty.”

Ember shrugs. “Must just be the feeling of all those creeps in Tartarus checking me out.”

“I figured you didn’t notice.”

“Oh, believe me, I did.”

“Say, why do you suppose that pig though you were the princess?”

Ember chuckles as she lathers up. “Probably because he just got a glance of my face and saw my red claws. Those two aspects of me are pretty similar to her royal highness in passing.”

“Really?”

“Let’s just say it’s good that he didn’t see my lower half since it was behind the counter. That much of me is VERY different.”

Arc shrugs as he puts soap in his hair and begins scrubbing. “I couldn’t see her too well when she and the king walked by, so I’ll just have to take your word for it.”

A few minutes later Arc hears Ember’s shower turn off along with the now familiar sound of her scaly feet plip-plopping across the stone floor. Shutting his own water off, Arc turns to the small table nearby with his clean clothes. Frowning, he calls out to Ember as she dries off nearby.

“Ember?”

“Yeah?”

“I forgot to grab a towel. Can you toss one over please?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Again?!”

“Looks like it?”

Sighing, Ember picks up a fresh towel and tosses it over the curtain. Arc catches it nimbly.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Drying, Arc quickly dresses and grabs his dirty clothes before leaving his cloth cubicle. Ember is waiting for him with her robe draped over her shoulders.

“Ember?”

“I… just wanted to walk back to the dormitories with you.”

“Oh… okay.”

Heading for the exterior door, Arc holds out an arm, motioning for Ember to stop.

“What is it?”

Arc looks her over before speaking.

“Your chain is showing.”

Ember groans. “Again?!”

“Yup. Want me to take care of it?”

“Please do.”

Arc attempts to put it under the robe, but fail. Eventually he just puts his robe over her shoulders and looks again.

“Perfect.”

“But I just got cleaned up!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s only a short walk.”

Ember sighs. “I guess.”

Arriving at her small hut, Ember turns to Arc as he walks toward his tent.

“Hey.”

Arc turns to her. “Yes, Ember?”

“Can I talk to you for a bit? That is, if you’re not too tired, I mean.”

“Sure. What is it?”

Ember looks around and frowns. “I want this to be kept just between us. Can you step into my hut?”

“Um… sure.”

Ember walks forward and opens her door. Stepping aside, she lets Arc enter first. He looks around as she closes the door behind him. The room is sparsely furnished, containing only a bed, table, one chair, and an iron stove. As he looks around Ember tosses some dried chitin scraps into the stove and breathes fire into it. As it glows with a warm light Ember turns her attention back to the task at hand. Walking over to the table, she picks up the chair and sets it down at the foot of the bed. Ember motions for him to sit down in the chair as she walks over to the bed. Arc does so and turns to her.

“So what did you want to talk about, Ember?”

“I… a few things actually. But first you should probably go back to holding this.”

She gives him the chain again. Arc nods and takes it.

“Yeah, I can imagine you’d like to get out of that thing.”

Ember nods. “The thought had crossed my mind, yes. But there are more important things I want to get out in the open right now.”

“Oh?”

“First off… I… want to ask you not to repeat any of this to the others.”

“Um… sure. Why so secretive though?”

Ember sighs. “Some of this is just… really hard for me to say.”

“Take your time.”

“Well… let me just start with saying… thank you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “For what?”

“First off, for not ordering me to do anything… uh… anything I didn’t want to do.”

“No problem.”

“I just have to ask… why didn’t you?”

“That’s not who I am, Ember.”

Ember smiles slyly. “Is that the only reason?”

“Well… and if I had done anything you would have… hurt me as soon as you could.”

“Yup. But I gotta admit that there are a few stallions in town whom would have jumped at the chance to get a bit of action from me.”

Arc appears surprised. “Really? There do seem to be plenty of mares around though.”

Ember sighs. “I suppose that’s true, yes. But some stallions want something a bit more… exotic.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Why do you think we shower alone?”

“Let me guess. You caught someone checking you out?”

“Right. I still gave him a knuckle sandwich though.”

“But that wasn’t the end of it?”

“Nah. He just dragged himself away saying ‘worth it’.”

Arc chuckles. “Wow! Now THAT was gutsy!”

“I guess so. But… I have a confession to make.”

“What is it?”

Ember takes a deep breath before speaking.

“Before you asked to have those curtains put up you used to sit on a bench in the Changing Area.”

Arc nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“You would sit there with your back to the showers and do your daily armor inspection.”

“That’s what you told me to do.”

“Yeah. And several times a day when I was showering I would look over at you to see what you were doing.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure that’s the only reason you were looking over?”

Ember sighs. “No. I… also wanted to make sure you weren’t checking me out.”

“Was kinda busy at the time. Then those curtains went up and that was the end of it, right?”

“Not exactly.”

“Oh?”

“I was kinda thinking that maybe you asked for those to be put there to be able to watch me without being seen.”

Arc groans. “Really?”

“Ember nods, clearly ashamed. “Yeah. For the first two weeks I would look under the curtains at which way your feet were pointing.”

“Just toward the shower nozzle.”

“I know.”

“Um… do you still do that?”

“Do what? Check?”

“Peek on me?”

Ember frowns. “What?! NO! All I used to see was your feet and ankles!”

Arc chuckles. “Pervert.”

Opening her mouth to speak, Ember is cut off as Arc doubles over laughing. She sighs as her features soften.

“Yeah… I guess it was pretty pervy to keep looking at your ankles. But you’re not thinking I’m into that sort of thing, right?”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. After hearing how long it went on…”

Ember groans. “You want me to say it?! Fine! I was wrong, okay?!”

“Now doesn’t that feel better?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Was that it?”

Ember shakes her head. “Not even close.”

“Oh?”

“Do you remember how I said that I didn’t want to go back to Vengeance?”

“Didn’t like the ogling. I get that.”

Ember sighs. “There was more to it than that.”

“Oh… okay.”

“It’s about Esther.”

“What about her?”

“She’s a demon.”

Arc nods. “I did notice that, yes.”

“And I hate demons.”

“Do you now?”

“Well, at least I did before I met her.”

“And how do you feel about demons now?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not looking to make any new friends over there. But… I will say that today…it made me… how should I say this… reevaluate my opinions. And that’s not something a dragon usually does.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m sure Esther would approve of you broadening your horizons. As would little Rebme.”

Ember sighs. “I still can’t believe someone wanted to name their child after me.”

“Sounds like we made quite the impression on her.”

“Yeah. Before I thought all they did over there was eat, sleep, and have sex. Now I see that there’s a whole lot more. I mean, the night’s pretty savage. But it appears that when the sun comes up they’re more business than we are.”

Arc nods. “Shops, taking care of kids, paying bills…”

“That too. I was always told demons were victimizers. But now I see that they’re also the victims here.”

“We fixed two lives today.”

“I kinda wish we could do more.”

“Me too.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Arc speaks.

“You want to go back?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

She tugs on the chain and smiles before continuing.

“Without this thing though.”

Arc chuckles and extends a hand. “Deal?”

Ember grins and nods. “Deal!”

They shake on it and laugh. Eventually they calm down as Arc turns to the stove.

“That thing really puts on the heat.”

Ember nods. “Keeps me warm at night, yes.”

Arc looks out the window. “It does get cold out there at night.”

“Yeah. Dragons don’t like the cold very much though. That’s why Mythic Honor gave me this place. Most ponies have to have roommates.”

“Not you though?”

Ember chuckles. “A couple tried, yes. But I’m kinda abrasive I guess.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I never would have imagined.”

“That and I like it hot in here. Like REALLY hot!”

“And they couldn’t take the heat?”

“Pretty much. Um… are you okay out there at night?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’ve got plenty of blankets out there.”

Ember appears relieved. “Good. Here I am talking to you about how warm I keep my hut while you’re lying on the ground.”

“It’s okay.”

Arc stands and stretches before continuing.

“Well… I’m getting pretty tired now. If there isn’t anything else you want to talk about, I think I’ll head over to my tent and get some sleep.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“What?”

She points to the chain in his hand. Arc chuckles nervously.

“Oh… right. Um…”

“I’m getting pretty tired to. But we can’t really split up right now.”

“So what do you want to do?”

“If you’d like to go to your tent and grab your pillow and some blankets… you could sleep here with me.”

Arc blushes slightly. “I don’t really know if I want to…”

Ember rolls her eyes. “On the floor, dummy. I’m offering to let you sleep on my floor.”

“Oh… um… sure. But would you do me one favor?”

“What’s that?”

“Please don’t forget that I’m down here, or that you’re still hooked up to the chain.”

Ember groans. “You’re not going to let me live down this morning, are you?”

Arc shakes his head as he stands and heads for the door. “Nope.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 10 - Sickness and Cures

The months pass quickly for Arc and Ember as they each do their parts to keep the Vile Tribe's storehouse full. One day as Arc digs through a wild monster’s nest he chuckles and calls out to himself.

“Just another day at the office.”

Ember looks over at him quizzically. “Come again?”

“Sorry. Human reference.”

Ember suddenly straightens up. “Hey, do you mind if we head back a bit early?”

Arc looks over to her, confused. “But it’s not even noon yet.”

“I know, but... I'm feeling a bit... off. Not sure why.”

“Sick?”

She puts a claw to her forehead. “Dragon's don't get sick. But... I definitely don't feel normal. Could you drive?”

“Sure.”

Arc quickly walks over to the wagon and makes room in the back. Ember looks over to him, confused.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to get a makeshift bed going here. Just a second... there. That's the best I can do. Why don't you lie down?”

“No thanks. I'll be fine up front”

She begins to walk back to the wagon as Arc takes his place in the driver’s seat. About halfway there Ember falls to one knee and appears to be in pain. Arc jumps down from the wagon and runs over to her

“Ember?!”

She looks up at him, unable to rise from her knee. “Something… is not right…”

Arc moves to pick her up. “Here, let me help you.”

“No! Dragon's should never be carried like invalids!”

“Well, can you stand?”

Ember does not respond. Arc nods soberly.

“Well, I guess that settles it.”

Arc picks Ember up and carries her to the wagon. He does his best to make her comfortable before lowering his voice and winking at her.

“Don't worry. I won't tell anyone.”

Ember looks up at him with a weak smile on her face. “Arc? Thank you… for understanding.”

Arc nods in reply as he motions for the beetles to be off. Soon they approach the Vile Tribe’s hideout. The sentry on gate duty, seeing something is wrong, quickly leans on the lever to open the gate. Entering at top speed Arc pulls the reins to stop the beetles at their normal hitching post. As the wagon stops he turns to Ember.

“We're back! How you holding up back…?”

Arc suddenly stops talking as he notices Ember's condition appears to have deteriorated significantly since he helped her into the wagon. Her breathing appears to be quite labored and ragged. Sweat covers her forehead as she moans slightly.

“Arc… I… I’m…”

He turns to the ponies who have gathered around the wagon. “Ember is not well! Get Mythic Honor! I’ll take her to the hut!”

Arc again picks up Ember and carries her to her small home. Upon entering it Arc immediately lays the failing Ember on her bed.

“Help is coming, Ember! Just hold on!”

He quickly removes Ember’s armor. Her scales are hot to the touch, but her body shakes as if she were freezing. Ember looks up at him, clearly frightened.

“Arc... please... help...!”

“Shhh... don't try to talk. Save you strength.”

Mythic Honor gallops in the door. “What happened?!”

Arc looks over to him. “Wait! You’re the DOCTOR too?!"

“I wear many hats! Now bring me up to speed on what happened!”

Arc recounts the events earlier that day and how Ember seemed to fall prey to illness so suddenly. Mythic Honor gives the young dragon some medicine from a bottle. It seems to help somewhat. Arc turns to the elderly stallion.

“Will she be all right?”

Mythic Honor sighs and shakes his head. “Sadly, no.”

“...care to elaborate?”

“Many years ago another dragon lived among us! One day, seemingly out of the blue, they too were struck with similar symptoms!”

“And how did you treat this illness?”

“Viciously and vociferously!”

“What?!”

Mythic Honor nods. “The infection was strong and able! It asked no quarter and I gave it none!”

Arc appears relieved. “So you helped them?”

“As best I was able!”

“How’d you cure that dragon?”

“I couldn't! That dragon died a few days later!”

Arc stands up and begins pacing the floor. “I can't accept that! There must be SOMETHING we can do!”

Mythic Honor rubs his chin with a hoof. “…well…”

“Anything!”

“You see, there’s an old legend about a Hydra's Humor being able to cure pretty much anything back in the old days! But...!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What's the catch? And when you say humor I'm assuming were not talking about laughter.”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “I guess I’d better start from the beginning! In ancient times hydras lived amongst ponies in peace! Although quite fearsome to behold, hydras were actually quite passive creatures and shared their Humor generously with all of pony-kind! However, the hydras became disillusioned with the ponies of that era, who seemed to value the Humor over the hydras themselves!”

“You mean, no one went to see a hydra for anything other than Humor?”

“Precisely! When the hydras tried to distance themselves from ponies they were rounded up and imprisoned. In captivity, their numbers would slowly diminish over the years until they were no more!”

“I don’t get it. How does an extinct race help Ember?”

“The truth is, one hydra still lives.”

“Here?! In Tartarus?!”

Mythic Honor nods. “Yes! When ponies began imprisoning his kind, one brave hydra stood and fought against his oppressors! Scores of ponies fell before his might before he was brought low and sent to Tartarus for the deaths of so many!”

Arc sighs. “Somehow I doubt he will be very receptive to yet another creature asking for his Humor.”

“Extremely unlikely, yes! But it’s Ember's only chance!”

Arc looks over to Mythic Honor and nods. “Alright. Where would I find this hydra?"

“He lives in the Hydra Marshes!”

“Of course he does.”

“On the up side you won't have to worry about demons, as the hydra is the most dangerous thing there! Not even the strongest demon dares face off against him!”

Arc turns to look at Ember lying on her bed to make sure she’s still unconscious before returning his gaze to Mythic Honor.

“Okay, so it looks like I have two choices. One… go to the Hydra Marshes and most likely get annihilated by a hydra. Or two… sit here and watch Ember die.”

“Slowly and painfully I might add!”

Ember looks up at them and replies weakly. “Not… helping…!"

Arc turns to look at her. “Ember! You’re awake?!"

“Some… how…”

Arc grimaces. “Um... how much of this conversation did you hear?”

“All of it.”

“Don't worry Ember. I won't let you die! I'll find this hydra and get some of its Humor!”

She shakes her head angrily, struggling to speak. “N... no! It's... it’s not worth... it!”

Arc turns to Mythic Honor. “Where is this Hydra's Marsh anyways?”

“About an hour’s drive to the north!”

Ember looks up to Arc frantically. “Don't... throw your life away! I've... seen... the hydra! It's nothing... but muscle... and... rage!”

Arc kneels down next to Ember’s bed. “Since I came to Tartarus you've always had my back. This time, I've got yours. I'll be back... count on it!”

“Wait...! My spear... take it... Arc...”

“What? Why?”

“If... you're going to... do this... I think... you will need... Courage... more than... Hope.”

Arc smiles at Ember as he accepts her spear in his left hand, while extending his own spear to her with his right. “Thank you Ember. And you take my spear. I think you need Hope more than Courage now.”

As Arc turns to leave Ember grabs his hand.

“Arc... please come back... in one... piece.”

He sets the Spear of Courage down and places his other hand on Ember’s claw. “I will. You just rest now.”

“One last thing... about my spear...”

Arc kneels down by Ember's bed and she whispers something in his ear before nodding and allowing him to stand again.

“Thank you for telling me, Ember. I won't let you down.”

“I wish... I knew more... but... that's all...”

Arc grimaces. “I hope it won't come to that, but thanks just the same.”

Running out her door, Arc jumps into the wagon and grabs the reins. Motioning for the sentries to open the gate he charges through and heads north. An hour or so later Arc arrives at the Hydra Marshes. The place might actually be charming if not for the pools of green ooze spewing noxious smelling gasses. He stops just outside the marshes and jumps out of the wagon.

“This must be the place... lovely. Well, looks like Mythic Honor was right about the demons avoiding this place. I didn't even encounter anything on the way here.”

Other than the gasses from the pools spewing randomly, the air is silent.

“As big as he is, the hydra can't be too hard to find.”

Sighing nervously, Arc grabs Ember's Spear of Courage and starts walking. He passes a seemingly endless number of pools, gas clouds, and the occasional acid bleached skeletal remains. Some of which are quite large. Arc gazes at the skeleton of a demon MUCH grander in stature than he is as he mused to himself.

“If this colossal demon fared so poorly against the hydra, I'm not sure how much better I'll do.”

After walking for hours and combing the entire marsh Arc can find no trace of the mythic hydra. He stops for a few moments to rest and collect his thoughts.

“Hmmm... it couldn't have just vanished. And if it had died I think its corpse would be unmistakable. I wonder if...”

He looks around and shouts.

“Hello?! Mr. Hydra! Would you come out so I can talk to you, please?!”

Deafening silence ensues. Arc shakes his head at his foolish act.

“I guess that was a bit silly of me.”

Suddenly the ground begins to tremble beneath his feet. A moment later Arc is knocked down violently by the shockwave of something breaking the surface. As the dust settles, Arc gets to his feet. Before him stands the last of the hydra. It is the size of a small skyscraper and does not seem too pleased to be above ground. It’s voice is the loudest thing Arc has ever heard.

“WHY HAVE YOU DISTURBED ME, INSECT?!”

At that moment Arc was glad he had brought the Spear of Courage, as without it he would have most certainly lost all bladder control. Struggling to find the words to say, Arc stammers to get something… anything out of his mouth.

“Um… hi?”

The hydra looks down at him with obvious disdain.

“YOU ARE A RATHER STRANGE LOOKING INSECT! I ASK AGAIN! WHY HAVE YOU DISTURBED ME?!”

“Um… I…”

“SPEAK QUICKLY, OR GO AWAY!”

Nodding, Arc clenches the Spear of Courage tightly and focusing all his energy into not passing out.

“Sir? My name is Arc. I have come to ask you something. Are you indeed the last of the hydra?”

“YOU MAY REFER TO ME AS THE MARQUIS, SMALL ONE! AND YES, I AM THE LAST OF MY KIND! HOWEVER I HAVE NEVER BEHELD A CREATURE SUCH AS YOU BEFORE! WHAT ARE YOU?!”

“I am a human, originally from Earth. Some time ago I was brought here against my will by a purple unicorn. I have since made Equestria my home.”

The Marquis puts a tendril to his chin, or what Arc perceives to be a chin, as he responds. “INTERESTING! HOWEVER, THE LAND KNOWN AS TARTARUS IS A FAR CRY FROM EQUESTRIA! WHAT CRIME DID YOU COMMIT THAT YOU WERE DAMNED TO THIS REGION?!”

“For me to properly explain that would take quite a long time.”

The creature before him laughs throatily.

“IT HAS BEEN CENTURIES SINCE I LAST HAD A DECENT CONVERSATION! THE DEMONS WHOM INHABIT THIS LAND ARE NOT MUCH FOR TALKING! I WOULD HEAR YOUR STORY, SMALL HUMAN!”

“Very well.”

Arc recounts the tales of his exploits starting with his original arrival in Equestria. He then moves on to saving Ponyville from a monster invasion which almost cost him his life. Next he recalls the meeting between himself and a mysterious robed pony as well as learning her story in the dream world. Wrapping it up, he concludes with the tale of how he delivered and saved Derpy’s foal's life.

“So naturally Twilight thought Derpy was dead. I mean, considering all the blood that was over EVERYTHING by then the evidence was pretty straightforward.”

“I ADMIT, THAT IS QUITE THE TALE! IS THAT SPEAR INDEED THE SAME ONE FROM THE DREAM WORLD?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I left the Spear of Hope with Ember. As I told you earlier, she has fallen ill and I felt she needed Hope more than Courage. She gave me her Spear of Courage to take with me on this journey.”

The Marquis frowns. “HRMMM... YOUR REASON FOR BEING HERE IS BECOMING CLEAR, HUMAN! TELL ME OF THIS ONE YOU CALL ‘EMBER’!”

“She’s a dragon I came across shortly after arriving here in Tartarus while she was being attacked by wild monsters. I used the power of the Spear of Hope to somehow defeat the creatures attacking us and we have been partners ever since.

“PARTNERS IN CRIME?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Mostly we gather hard to obtain supplies for the Vile Tribe and make the occasional run up to Vengeance for black market supplies.”

The Marquis laughs. “THE VILE TRIBE?! THAT BAND OF RAGTAG PONIES?! WHY WOULD SUCH OPPORTUNISTS HARBOR A DRAGON?! OR YOU FOR THAT MATTER?!”

Arc appears confused. “Opportunists? I don’t understand.”

“PONYKIND ARE ALL THE SAME! THEY ONLY WANT WHAT YOU CAN GIVE THEM! BUT ONCE YOU ARE NO LONGER USEFUL, THEY WILL ABANDON YOU!”

“I cannot refute your argument, I admit that. But I must say that these ponies took me in on faith alone when I had nothing to give. For all they knew I could have been the one to take them down one by one. The original members of the Vile Tribe who were banished here have been dead for many long years. What crime did their descendants commit to be abandoned here? They gave me the benefit of the doubt, so I will do the same.”

The Marquis shakes his head. “HAVE YOU NOT HEARD THE TRAGIC STORY OF MY PEOPLE?! THEY WOULD DO THE SAME TO YOUR KIND, GIVEN THE CHANCE!”

“The Vile Tribe's leader, Mythic Honor, told me of how your kind was wiped out by ponies who wanted you for your Humor.”

“IF YOU HAVE INDEED BEEN TOLD THE TALE OF MY RACE'S END, YOU CAN DO NAUGHT BUT AGREE WITH ME THEN!”

“Quite the opposite, actually. Since coming to Equestria, I have been treated with nothing but Kindness and Generosity. I will not make excuses for the sins of the past though. If you will not render aid to the Vile Tribe for the crime of being born as ponies, would you at least help a dying dragon?”

The Marquis is silent for a few moments before speaking.

“YOUR ARGUMENT IS STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW, LITTLE HUMAN! ARE YOU AWARE THAT IT WAS THE DRAGON LORD HIMSELF WHO LONG AGO TRIED TO AID MY PEOPLE BY HARBORING AND OFFERING AMNESTY TO A HANDFUL OF THEM IN THE DRAGON LANDS?!”

“That wouldn't have been Dragon Lord Torch, would it?”

“IT WOULD INDEED! DO YOU KNOW HIM?”

Arc shakes his head. “I do not, no. However, I do know his daughter.”

“EMBER?!”

“Ember.”

The Marquis lets out a long sigh as his tendrils droop along with what Arc assumes is his head.

“I ADMIT I AM... CONFLICTED! ON THE ONE SIDE, I DO NOT WISH TO AID THE PONIES! ON THE OTHER, I CANNOT LET THE DAUGHTER OF THE ONE WHOM SAVED MY PEOPLE DIE!”

“Please sir! I only wish to acquire enough Humor to save one dragon!”

The Marquis suddenly straightens up as he looks down at Arc. Filled with determination, the hydra speaks.

“VERY WELL! IF YOU CARE SO STRONGLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE DRAGON AND THOSE PONIES... YOUNG HUMAN FROM ANOTHER WORLD… THEN YOU SHOULD BE WILLING TO PROVE IT!”

Arc nods. “Fine. What do I have to do?”

“SHOW ME THE PROOF OF YOUR POWER! DISPLAY THE STRENGTH OF THINE HEART THAT MAKES THEE WORTHY OF MY HUMOR! PROVE UNTO ME THE STRENGTH OF THINE HEART!”

“Very well. And how should I do that?”

“BEST ME IN COMBAT AND I WILL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU SEEK! FAIL… AND YOU WILL PERISH! DO YOU REALLY CARE SO MUCH FOR THE VILE TRIBE TO DIE FOR THEM?!”

Arc raises the Spear of Courage and takes up a battle ready stance.

“Yes! I care for the innocents who reside here in Tartarus, and for my friend Ember! For them, I will fight! Just remember I WILL hold you to your word!”

The Marquis laughs wickedly. “VERY WELL, HUMAN! IT IS A PROMISE I WILL NOT HAVE TO KEEP!”

Attacking first with a barrage of tentacles The Marquis shows now apparent merch. Arc dodges them by throwing himself out of the way. However, the rock behind him explodes into a million pieces. He retracts his tentacles and looks over at Arc.

“RUN AWAY NOW, HUMAN AND I WILL SPARE YOUR LIFE!”

“Never!”

Arc counters with several strikes of his own, but using the butt end of his spear. It doesn't seem to be doing much, if any, damage. The Marquis watches him silently for a time before responding.

“DO YOU NOT KNOW HOW TO USE A SPEAR?! YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT ME LIKE THAT!”

Arc looks up at the Marquis with a pained expression on his face. “But, if I use the other end I might kill you!”

His opponent roars. “FOOL! WHAT DO YOU THINK I AM DOING?!”

The Marquis spews forth a stream of acid. It hits Arc squarely in the chestplate as he staggers backward. His armor, while heavily damaged, stays intact. Arc looks down at it, clearly relieved.

“Mythic Honor does good work!”

The beast burrows back underground. “YOU WERE LUCKY HUMAN! IT WILL NOT HOLD OUT FOREVER!”

Arc frowns. "I have a bad feeling about this."

A few moments later The Marquis breaks through the ground directly under Arc's feet .He is thrown at least twenty five feet into the air before being hit and thrown to the ground by one of the hydra's tendrils.

“TOO EASY!”

With some difficulty, Arc rises to his feet. The Marquis looks at him, clearly surprised as he speaks.

“HUMAN, ARE YOU PERHAPS SUICIDAL?! I AM BIG AND STRONG! YOU ARE SMALL AND WEAK! FACE IT, YOU'VE ALREADY LOST!”

“I'm not done, yet! Besides... I have the advantage here!”

“EXPLAIN YOURSELF!”

Arc slowly hobbles forward as he uses the spear to steady his steps.

“My purpose is clear and my cause is righteous. But you... you are conflicted. I know you are MUCH stronger than this, sir. If you had truly wanted to kill me I would be a pile of goo right now.”

“UTTERLY ABSURD!”

Arc points an accusatory finger at the hydra before him. “Admit it. You're holding back because your thoughts betray you. You do wish to repay an old debt to a friend, certainly. However at the same time you can't bring yourself to do anything that might indirectly help the ponies of the Vile Tribe.”

“ENOUGH!!!”

The Marquis spews a cloud of vile gasses which obscures visibility. Arc sighs.

“Here we go again…”

A tendril grabs Arc's ankle and picks him up, slamming him into the ground several times before hurtling him through the air at a large pile of boulders. The force of the blow causes the pile to collapse on Arc, burying him beneath. When the dust clears a few minutes later there is no sign of movement. Waiting a few more moments The Marquis turns to leave.

“ALL TOO EASY! A SHAME, REALLY! I RATHER LIKED HIM!”

The nearby rocks shift, albeit slightly. Frowning, The Marquis turns around.

“HMMMM?!”

Arc emerges, bloodied and battered but still alive. He seems to be using all his strength to stay standing and conscious.

“YOU?! HOW CAN YOU HAVE ANY POWER LEFT?! WHY?! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?! WHAT IS IT ABOUT THESE PONIES THAT YOU CAN SEE THAT I CANNOT?! TELL ME!"

Arc forces a weak smile. “I see a bright hope for the future that resides in each and every one of them.”

“I SEE ONLY… DESPAIR!”

Without another word Arc raises the Spear of Courage, point down. The air is suddenly thick with a strange energy.

“You wanted to see the strength of my heart and my power? How... about... this...?!”

Arc plunges the spear into the ground and immediately several massive shock waves blast outward in all directions, tearing the marsh apart. The Marquis himself is knocked back like a rag-doll.

“NO!”

Both Arc and The Marquis fall to the ground. They lie there silent for several minutes. Arc turns his head to look as his opponent.

“...had... enough... yet?”

“HUH?! I WAS ABOUT TO ASK YOU THE SAME THING!”

Silence ensues. Arc begins to lightly chuckle.

“Heh…”

The Marquis makes a sound that one can only assume is laughter as the pair, somehow, enjoy a good laugh at their situation before they stagger to their feet. Arc is the first to speak.

“So... did I pass your test... or are we on to round two?”

“YOU DID! NOW FINISH ME! TAKE MY HUMOR AND SAVE YOUR FRIEND!”

“Thank you, Marquis. However, I did not come here for your life.”

“WHAT?! BUT... WHY...?!”

“If I were to kill you here, then the hydra would truly be extinct. That would leave future generations without your healing humor. I admit that many mistakes were made in the past on both sides. Let my act of mercy be the start of a new era between the hydra and the ponies.”

“I WILL THINK ON THIS! THANK YOU, ARC! NOW, ABOUT THAT HUMOR...!”

He lowers one of his tendrils to Arc’s level.

“CUT IT OFF!”

“Won’t that be… painful?”

“YES, BUT IT WILL GROW BACK! THE HUMOR FROM THIS TENDRIL WILL BE ABLE TO SAVE YOUR FRIEND! KNOW THAT YOU HAVE MADE A POWERFUL ALLY THIS DAY, ARC!”

Arc pulls the Hunting Knife from his belt and does as he is told. Slicing through the tendril, it wiggles strongly is his gauntlet for a time as Arc looks back up at The Marquis.

“Thank you, my friend. I hope to see you again one day.”

As Arc turns to leave the Marquis calls out after him.

“BEFORE YOU GO, I HAVE A GIFT FOR YOU! AS SIGN OF OUR NEW FRIENDSHIP!”

He tears off a large number of his scales and drops them in the back of Arc's wagon.

“USE THESE TO MAKE YOURSELF SOME NEW ARMOR! WHEN PROPERLY TREATED THE ARMOR PRODUCED WITH BE NEARLY IMPREGNABLE! AFTER ALL... I CAN'T HAVE MY ONLY FRIEND DYING, NOW CAN I?”

“I appreciate your generosity, sir. But I must hurry back to Ember now.”

“I UNDERSTAND! GO NOW, AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN MY MARSH... OR WHAT IS LEFT OF IT!”

“Farewell for now!”

Arc jumps in the wagon and quickly heads back to the Vile Tribe’s hideout. However as he does so a strange looking creature in a black robe and glowing green eyes looks down at him and the wagon.

“Well done, Arc of Earth. You are just the one I have been looking for.”

Suddenly the dark being is joined by a creature of glowing light. It turns and speaks to the green eyed beast.

“I would not make any long-range plans around that one. He is... incorruptible.”

The creature growls in laughter. “Everything aspires to be greater than it currently is. The human is no different. He has a larger plan than just mere philanthropy! Humans are... cunning, in this regard.”

The being of light sighs as it speaks. “I have seen what he capable of. He has greatly impressed me as well. But for reasons that I am sure differ from yours.”

Nodding, the beast continues to look after the wagon as it hurries along the path.

“His power has grown so much in the time he has been in Tartarus. He is using the Vile Tribe, gaining their trust to soon be in a leadership position.

“Is he now?”

“Yes! From there he will most likely use their combined might to assault the gates of the capital and dethrone the King. Perhaps with the knowledge of the demons combined with his own he may then find a way to break through to Equestria and conquer that as well. All with the aid of his newly found demonic army.”

“You sound so confident. Are you certain that is his plan?”

“There can be no doubt. Humans crave power and dominion over others. He is looking for a way out of this accursed land. This is but the first step to that end.”

The creature of light fades away slowly. “We will see.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 11 - Beyond Full Recovery

Arc rushes back to the Vile Tribe’s hideout with the tendril in his hand. Gritting his teeth he muses to himself.

“I just hope I'm not too late!”

Returning, Arc enters the gates, drives up to Ember’s small house, and rushes inside. Upon entering he finds a failing Ember lying on the bed with Mythic Honor sitting by her side. As the elderly pony looks quickly over to Arc, a bit of hope returns to his face.

“She hasn’t got long! Have you got it?!”

Arc extends the tendril toward Mythic Honor. “Here!”

Mythic Honor takes it, squeezes its juices into a bowl of unknown liquids, and mixes it quickly as he turns his gaze toward Arc.

“Hold her head up for me!”

Arc does so while Mythic Honor pours the contents of the bowl down Ember’s throat. Seeing nothing happen Arc turns to him.

“What do we do now?!”

Mythic Honor steps back. “Just wait a bit!”

A few minutes later Ember’s eyes slowly open. She grimaces in pain as her vision returns and she focuses enough to be coherent.

“Ugh... my head. UGH… MY TONGUE!”

Arc looks down at her happily. “Ember! You’re alright!”

“Yes. I feel back to normal, thanks to you I think.”

Arc appears a bit wobbly. “Glad to… hear… it…”

He collapses as Ember gasps.

“ARC!”

She throws herself out of bed as the elderly stallion joins her at Arc’s side.

“What’s wrong with him?!”

Mythic Honor looks Arc over quickly. “Let’s have a peek at him.”

After a quick examination, he steps back and smiles.

“It appears our friend Arc has been running on adrenaline alone for a bit too long! Don't worry! He's just asleep! I‘ll give him a full examination when he wakes up!”

Ember breathes a sigh of relief as she and Mythic Honor manage to lift Arc into her bed. “Thank goodness! Well, I guess someone had better take care of the wagon.”

Mythic Honor follows Ember toward the door. “Are you sure you’re up to it?!”

Ember nods as she walks out her front door. “Never felt better.”

Looking around, Mythic Honor frowns. “Um… I just noticed something! Where is Arc’s armor?!”

Ember stops just outside her threshold. “Uh... Mythic Honor? I think I can answer that question.”

The pair look out the door together to see a trail of mostly melted, torn, broken, singed and otherwise destroyed fragments of what is left of the armor leading away from the wagon. For a time Ember just stands there, mouth agape. Eventually she puts a hand to her forehead as she muses aloud.

“Arc... what did you go through to get this medicine?!”

Mythic Honor picks up a piece off the ground with his magic and studies it closely. “I’ve never seen anything like it!”

Ember makes her way over to the wagon. As she does so, she catches a glimpse of what’s in the back.

“Hey, Mythic Honor! What do you make of these scales?!”

He drops the armor fragment and walks over to the wagon. Hopping in he rolls around in the wagon’s cargo.

“I can only assume that these are Hydra Scales! They make the strongest armor possible out here! I can make some new armor for Arc with these, but I’ll need your help Ember!”

“Me?! I don’t know anything about making armor!”

“To work with Hydra Scales the magic forge must be very hot! Hotter than a sulfur pool hot! Your Dragon's Breath should suffice!”

Ember looks back toward her house as Mythic Honor continues.

“Don't worry about Arc! He just needs to sleep! We can get to work right now, if you’re feeling up to it!”

Ember looks back to Mythic Honor and smiles. “Yes! Let’s get started!”

Early the next morning Arc awakens feeling refreshed albeit a bit disoriented. He looks around his surroundings for a time before frowning and talking to himself.

“What happened? Isn't this... Ember's house? What am I doing in here…?”

Just then Arc feels a claw on his shoulder and notices a warm feeling on his back. He turns his head to see Ember looking over to him. She speaks in a soft voice.

“Good morning, Arc.”

Arc rolls over to face Ember. She meets his gaze with a smile.

“Ember?! Why am I here in your bed?!”

Ember looks over to him with a puzzled expression. “Don’t you remember what happened last night?”

“I’m almost afraid to ask, but please enlighten me.”

“Mythic Honor gave me the medicine you had acquired from the hydra. It only took a few minutes to work and I was feeling better than ever.”

“Oh… that’s good.”

Ember chuckles. “It was then that you, well... passed out.”

“That part I really don’t remember.”

“The day's activities must have been too much for you.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably right.”

“Mythic Honor said you needed a good night's sleep and you would be good as new. Unfortunately, you were a bit too... heavy for us to move very far. The best we could do was to heft you into my bed.”

“Sorry about that. Anything else though?”

Ember nods. “I went out to take care of the wagon and found a bunch of scales in the back. Together, Mythic Honor and I used them to forge a new suit of armor for you.”

Arc chuckles. “You did?”

Ember nods. “I can't wait to show it to you. It's quite the sight to behold. Anyways... we finished our work late last night and I came home to find you shivering.”

“Last night was quite cold, I remember that dimly.”

“Yes, it was. Anyways, I put the extra blanket on you that I keep for such nights, but... it didn't seem to help. So I took off my armor and climbed in behind you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You did… what?”

“I... hope that was alright. The only issue was that I... felt strange while doing it. Feelings I've never had before.”

She looks mildly embarrassed as she blushes slightly and looks away. Arc sighs and smiles at her.

“I appreciate the thought Ember. Thank you for keeping me warm. But, about you... are you sure you're alright now?”

Ember props herself up on her elbow and smiles. “Never better. And you. How are you faring after your adventure yesterday?”

“Other than some extreme fatigue and being a bit sore from the battle, you mean. Fortunately my armor took most of the damage.”

Arc looks around before turning his gaze back to Ember.

“Say, where is it anyways?”

“What's left of it is on the junk heap.”

“Was it really that bad?”

Ember reaches over the side of the bed and picks up a charred piece of armor. “Yes Arc.”

“Wow…”

She lies back down. “I’m just glad you came back safely.”

After a few minutes Arc looks out the window. “Um… we should probably get up now.”

Ember sighs. “I suppose so. Mythic Honor is waiting for you at Town Hall.”

They both stand up as Arc heads for the door.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

Ember looks to Arc a bit nervously. “When you’re finished talking to Mythic Honor at the Town Hall would you meet me on the hill outside town to the south? It's near the gates of Tartarus. I... need to talk to you about something important.”

“Sure. See you there.”

Arc leaves Ember’s house and walks quickly to the Town Hall. Entering the now familiar building he looks around but sees no one.

“Mythic Honor, are you here?”

A mountain of books replies, “I am ALWAYS here!”

The elder unicorn steps out from the mound and walks over to Arc.

“Here for your new armor?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Ember says you worked on it all night.”

Mythic Honor grins as he leads Arc over to a specialized armor rack covered with a sheet. “Darn near! I gotta say, it's the greatest achievement of my life! Such fine material, those Hydra Scales!”

Mythic Honor pulls back the sheet to reveal his creation.

“Behold! I call it… Eidolon’s Ward!”

Arc’s jaw drops. “Exquisite!”

Eidolon's Ward, true to its name, is white as snow. It comes with a matching helmet. One can hardly see the seams between the scales. Arc also notices there is a large blue gem in the center of the chestplate and looks it over curiously. Mythic Honor nods approvingly.

“Nice, huh! Oh, the gem was the town's addition to the armor! We found it years ago but couldn't think of a good use for it until today! I had every unicorn in town help me put that healing enchantment on the sapphire!”

“Enchantment? So this is... magic armor?”

“Sure is! We originally thought to put a Protection Enchantment on it but as strong as this armor is already it seemed a bit... redundant! No matter what's thrown at you, this armor’s sapphire will do its best to keep you on your feet! Care to try it on?”

Arc grins. “I thought you'd never ask!”

Mythic Honor helps Arc put Eidolon’s Ward on for the first time. As the unicorn levitates the helmet on to Arc’s head the young man begins to move around to test the joints.

“As you can probably feel by now, the armor is lighter than mithril! The good news is that’s right! And it’s twice as strong! Oh! And the helmet is enchanted with a True-vision Enchantment!”

“What…?”

“It lets you see in the dark almost as well as you do in the light! It also allows you to see through invisibility spells and illusion magic of all kinds! Take a look in the mirror over yonder!”

Arc does so at once and is surprised to see his eyes glowing white through the helmet’s faceplate. He touches the front of his helmet to make sure it isn’t solid. Feeling his face he turns to Mythic Honor, confused.

“I can’t see my face past the glowing eyes.”

“Don't worry about it! No one else can either! I thought it would make you look more intimidating! A great, big…hulking ‘Warrior of Light’ as it were! Oh, that reminds me! This armor isn't fully enchanted yet! It could certainly hold a few more! We just weren't sure what you wanted!”

Arc walks around the room to get a feel for his new armor. “Thank you very much! I'll keep that in mind.”

“Oh, don't thank me! You provided the materials, and Ember provided the fire! Dragon's breath was the only thing hot enough to forge this armor!”

“That reminds me. She’s waiting for me on the hill to the south of town.”

Mythic Honor gasps. “...is she now?! Listen Arc! I think this may be part of her Dragon's Code!”

“Dragon's Code? Like rules for life, or something?”

Mythic Honor paces back and forth as he speaks. “Ehm... something like that! She wanted me to explain something to you before you left to see her! Here's the deal! As the daughter of the Dragon Lord, she has to challenge you to a duel, one-on-one to test your worthiness!”

“Worthiness? Worthy of what exactly?”

“I'm not sure! It's a Dragon thing, so of course I wouldn't really understand!”

Arc sighs. “Anything else she wanted you to pass on to me?”

“Just one last thing she wanted me to tell you! And these are her words, not mine. She said…‘don't hold back’. Not quite sure what she meant, but I'm quite sure I don't like where it's going!”

Arc sighs. “Thanks.”

“You're welcome! Well, best not keep Ember waiting! Good luck! Try not to die! Remember, she’s the most powerful warrior among us!”

Arc walks slowly toward the door. “Thanks for the pep talk. Now I'm worried.”

“Oh you'll do fine! Now git!”

As Arc leaves the Town Hall, he sees what appears to be every pony in the Vile Tribe heading to the southern wall. Presumably to spectate.

“Quite the turnout.”

Arc makes his way to the hill. Ember is already there and looking toward the horizon. She is clad in her signature armor and clutches her spear tightly. Grunting, she does not turn around as Arc approaches.

“Took you long enough!”

“Sorry. Mythic Honor had to explain how my new armor worked. That and he filled me in on a bit of what happens here. Mostly about a duel and... ‘don't hold back’. Ember, what is this all about?!”

Ember points a claw toward the Gates of Tartarus. “Look over there, Arc. Freedom is so close, and yet so far away.”

“I don’t understand…”

Ember turns to him in mid-sentence. “You saved my life Arc, and for that I am truly grateful. However, the Dragon's Code is quite clear on such matters. In the event the Dragon Lord, or future Dragon Lord's life is saved by another, they must challenge them to a duel to see if they are worthy.”

Arc frowns. “You mean… a battle to the death?!”

Ember shakes her head. “Don't worry as neither of us needs to die here. However there are a few other things I want to say before we begin.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“When you were first brought to me for combat training, I never thought you’d make it. A day or so with me is typically enough to convince the other stallions around here to go back to their boring and rather safe jobs around the hideout.”

Ember turns to Arc and looks him over.

“But not you, Arc. You took whatever physical abuse I threw at you and learned from it. You took my words on combat and listened intently. And you even took my… insulting tone in stride.”

She is silent for a few moments before continuing.

“I would like to know why.”

Arc sighs. “When I was a little boy my father was in our nation’s military. He told me how soldiers are trained by a drill sergeant. They tear you down physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some guys quit as they just can’t take it.”

“In the case of the other stallions, all of them quit. But not you.”

“Right. You see, I knew that like the military trainers you weren’t doing what you were doing to be mean, hurt me, or whatnot. All you were trying to do was make me into a warrior.”

Ember nods approvingly. “And I did. You’ve come such a long way since the day I first laid eyes on you.”

She chuckles for a moment before continuing.

“This is a new feeling for me. Pride in someone else.”

Arc grins. “You made me what I am, Ember. You should be proud.”

“Well… for the past month a though has been rolling around in my head.”

“What’s that?”

“Who is the greatest warrior?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… that would obviously be you, Ember.”

“Is it?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because you have years of experience, strength, tenacity, and also magic.”

Ember sighs as she looks to the horizon again. “I have much less experience than you know.”

“Huh?”

“My father… didn’t really want me to learn how to fight.”

Arc frowns. “But I thought you were to become the next Dragon Lord. Isn’t combat readiness kinda important for the position?”

“It is, yes. However if you recall from our first encounter, I wasn’t supposed to participate in ‘The Gauntlet’, much less win. But when I did, it cemented my future as the Dragon Land’s future Dragon Lord.”

“So he sent you out to do what exactly?”

“Motivate me to learn how to deal with others partially. As his daughter, I didn’t have any friends in the Dragon Lands. Everyone there was too scared of my father to even so much as talk to me.”

“He sent you away to develop social skills?”

“That and how to fight.”

“I don’t understand. Why not teach you that himself?”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah, well… not everything he does makes sense to me either.”

Looking around, she sighs before continuing.

“All in all it was probably a good thing I was sent to Tartarus. Nowhere else in all of the world is there a place so rife with violence and battle as the wasteland here.”

Arc nods knowingly. “And you used it to teach yourself how to fight.”

“Yeah.”

“I thought you’d been fighting for years by how you handle yourself out there.”

Ember shakes her head. “Less than one year actually. Learning is expedited when you don’t just practice, but live it.”

Sighing, Ember looks back to Arc.

“You lived it too these past couple of months. I’m proud to have been your teacher, and prouder yet to call you my friend.”

“Same here which is why I don’t understand why we have to fight.”

Ember raises her Spear of Courage. “Because what must be… must be. Think of this as your final test.”

Arc sighs. “Ember…”

“If you hope to win against me though you had best fight with everything you've got! Come now! Face me and prove yourself worthy!”

Arc looks to her, a bit confused. “I still feel like I'm in the dark here about a great many...”

Without warning, Ember charges at Arc at a speed he was not aware she was capable of. Arc dodges her attack in the nick of time by throwing himself to one side.

“Holy crap!”

The blow intended for Arc hits a large boulder with such force it turns it reduces it to pebbles. Ember whirls around, spear at the ready.

“Come on Arc! Prove your worthiness to me!”

Arc takes up a defensive position. “Ember! I don’t want to hurt you!”

Ember cries out as she lunges at him again. “I don't want to hurt you either Arc, but what must be, must be!”

Arc blocks her attack with his spear and the two trade blows for a few moments. Ember grins as she knocks Arc off balance.

“An opening!”

Ember uses her spear more like a baseball bat and slams Arc through several rocky outcroppings nearby. The powerful demons who daily plot new escape attempts nearby are knocked out of the way by the force of Arc flying through the air. Silence ensues. Ember just stands there looking rather sad even though she has won.

“ I guess… you weren’t the one, Arc.”

Ember turns to walk back to town as the demons peer out from behind the perceived safety of their rocks. Arc suddenly bursts through the rocks below.”

“RRRRRRGGGHHH!!!”

Ember whirls around to see Arc standing there pointing his spear at her.

“The hydra tried that one on me before! It didn't work then, and it won't work now!”

Ember smiles as she readies her own weapon.” So, you have some fight left in you yet!”

Arc and Ember charge headlong at each other, spears leveled. At the last possible moment Arc slides on his back, grabs the end of Ember's spear and pulls down hard, forcing the tip into the ground. Ember’s own momentum launches her into the air only to crash to the ground. She groans as she stands up, dumbfounded.

“What kind of attack was that?!”

Arc chuckles as he returns to a battle ready position. “It's a human idea! Using your opponent's own strength against them! Care to see it again?!”

Ember points her spear at him in challenge. “You just try it!”

The pair charge headlong at each other yet again. This time Ember is ready for Arc's attack and raises her spear at the last second to avoid him grabbing it again. Instead Arc jumps up and over Ember, using his own momentum he grabs the end of Ember's spear and throws her in the opposite direction. Ember gets up slowly and looks around, clearly confused.

“What… just happened?!”

“Another human tactic! Make them think they know what you are going to do next! Then... do something different!”

Enraged, Ember raises the Spear of Courage over her head. Arc watches her nervously.

“Uh oh... I know that trick. I USED that trick!”

Arc slams his spear into the ground and assumes a defensive position. The air is positively crackling with magical energy as Ember drives it into the ground. The rocky outcroppings around them vanish in an instant, along with much of the hill. Silence ensues after the blast as nothing moves. A few moments later the dust begins to clear with Ember still standing, but leaning heavily on her spear for support as she breathes heavily.

“It’s… over…”

A voice from somewhere in front of her rings out. “You’re right. It is over.”

As the dust continues to clear, Arc can be seen where he was before the attack, unmoved. Ember stares at him, wide-eyed.

“W…what?!”

“Give up yet?”

Ember wordlessly charges Arc yet again. This time though it's more of a slow jog. Arc effortlessly pushes her spear aside and knocks Ember onto her back, kicks her spear out of her claws, puts his boot on her chest-plate and aims his own spear at her face.

“How about now?”

Ember nods. “I… I am beaten. I surrender.”

Arc smiles at her as he helps her up. “Good! I’m really glad that’s over! It is over, isn’t it?”

“Yes... my Dragon's Code is fulfilled, and I deem you worthy.”

“Worthy? Worthy of what?!”

Ember kneels before Arc and holds her spear parallel to the ground in front of him.

“Normally when a dragon's life is saved by another, a life debt is created. However, the Dragon Lord cannot enter into such an agreement due to their place in the dragon hierarchy. It wouldn't do to have the Dragon Lord acting as a servant to another.”

“I guess that makes sense. But... where does that leave us here?”

“Instead, the Dragon Lord must challenge their debtor and ascertain their worthiness, which you have just proven.”

“Um, great... I'm worthy. Of what I am still not sure.”

She looks up at Arc happily. “You are worthy of accepting my spear and... taking me as your mate.”

Arc stares at her wide-eyed. “So... what your saying is... I'm... I'm the new Dragon Lord?!”

“Yes. But only if you take me as your mate.”

“But... shouldn't the Dragon Lord be... you know... a dragon?”

Ember looks up at Arc and smiles. “The Dragon Code does not specify that the Dragon Lord HAS to be a dragon. They must simply be the strongest and most cunning. And that is most certainly you.”

Arc shakes his head in an effort to take everything in. “Ember… I… I like you, and all. Quite a bit actually. But... I can’t take you as... my mate! Or become the Dragon Lord for that matter!”

She looks confused. “Why not?”

Arc looks over at the Gates of Tartarus nearby. “Because I have friends out there that need me in Equestria. WHEN they come here to save me, I have to return to Ponyville. There are still many things I have yet to do. That... and a human’s life is... quite short. At least by dragon's standards. For example, how old is your father?”

“About 30,000 years old.”

Arc nods. “I see. And how much longer do you suppose he has to live?”

Ember shrugs. “Probably another 20,000 years or so. After all, he is still in good health.”

Arc looks her in the eye soberly. “Ember. Humans very seldom live over a hundred years.”

Ember is silent for a time as she processes what Arc has told her.

“I... I... don't know what to do then. I’m too young to be officially married and won't be for several hundred years. But... the Dragon’s Code says...”

Arc walks over to her and kneels down. He puts his hands on her shoulders as she looks up at him.

“I can't marry you Ember, but... I can always use another friend.”

“Um... can I take that as a... long engagement?”

Arc sighs. “Yes, but only to satisfy your Code of the Dragon, and only if you understand I can't actually marry you.”

They stand up together as Ember embraces Arc. She presses her face against his chest plate and closes her eyes.

“Thank you Arc. You've made me the happiest dragon in all existence!”

Arc sighs. “...what have I done...”

The demons nearby peek out of their hiding places. Several of the larger ones charge at them as they turn to the others nearby.

“Quickly! While she is still weakened from battle!”

“Yes! We shall have that vile lizard’s head on a pike!”

Ember turns to defend herself, but finds she can barely stand. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. As he hands Ember his weapon.

“Hold my spear. I got this.”

Arc lunges at the first demon and punches it in the face. The force of the blow is such that the demon's body hitting the demon behind him is enough to incapacitate both of them. The third demon runs past both his fallen comrades and Arc. He is mere inches from sinking his claws into Ember when he is stopped dead in his tracks by Arc's rough hold on his tail. Arc then slams the demon into the ground several times by his tail after which he throws the demon at the first two making a pile. Arc looks around at the demons cowering before them.

“Anyone else want some?! HUH?! COME ON!”

One of the fallen demons regains consciousness and addresses Arc.

“Who... or what... are you that you wield such incredible power?!”

Arc looks down at him as he removes his helmet. “I am Arc. A human from Earth. Listen to my words, demon, and let every creature who lives in Tartarus know this. The Vile Tribe is under MY protection! Anyone or anything who attacks the town or any of its inhabitants WILL know my wrath! Now go!”

The demon lumbers away. “Y…y…yes sir!”

Ember walks over to Arc and puts her arms around his midsection. “That was very well expressed! After that demon spreads the word you’ll have everything that lives down here shaking in fear!”

She smiles up at him wickedly before continuing.

“If you wanted to, we could probably organize a coup and overthrow King Malevolence. Then you’d be able to rule all of Tartarus!”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. I don't want to rule over anyone.”

Ember appears confused. “But… but why not?!”

Arc turns back toward the Vile Tribe hideout as he motions for Ember to follow him.

“I just want to live in peace... with my friends.”

“Then what is our next move?”

“If that demon does as I’ve told him, we’ll have some peace here now.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Do you really think that will work.”

Arc crosses his spear with Ember’s and puts his helmet back on.

“If it doesn’t, we’ll fight to MAKE it work! After all, we don’t have any other choice.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 12 - Painful Letters

A month later the snow melts from the land and the rivers again flow freely. Twilight and her friends, with the exception of Rarity, knock on Derpy’s door. A few moments pass before she answers. The young mare is still a bit shy in the presence of so many ponies.

“Um… hello there.”

Twilight looks up, sheepishly. “Hi Derpy. Can we talk to you for a bit?”

“…okay.”

Derpy steps aside to allow the Mane 6 to enter her home. Twilight does her best to avoid the subject at hand.

“So Derpy... how have you been?”

“Okay, I guess. Little Dinky keeps me fairly busy. I wish I could have gone to Canterlot to help you all look for some answers again last week. So... what did you find out?”

Rainbow Dash sighs and shakes her head. “Nothing we didn’t already know.”

Applejack nods. “We’ve read every book on Tartarus several times over.

Pinkie’s mane deflates as she speaks. “And spoken to every sage we could find in the city.”

Fluttershy groans. “It just seems like there’s nothing more we can do on that matter.”

There is a knock at the door. Derpy moves to answer it. A moment later she returns with Rarity whom trots over to join her friends.

“I'm sorry I'm late, but I had to stop by my boutique and pick up a present for you, Derpy”

Derpy looks to Rarity, confused. “A present... for me?”

Rarity pulls a wrapped box out of her saddlebags. “Indeed, darling!”

Derpy opens the package slowly and peeks inside. “ What?! How did you…?!”

Inside the box she finds her old cloak.

“I did some research into the matter and was able to acquire the materials and skill to fix it.”

Derpy pulls out the cloak and puts a hoof on the stitching. “Thank you... I don't know what to say!”

“Oh, think nothing of it. It gave me a chance to learn something new. It's not every day I get to work on magically enchanted clothes made out of magical fabric.”

“I hope to never need this again. But thank you just the same.”

“Yes, well…I also have some new clothes made up for Arc, you know, for WHEN we find a way to get him out of there. Do you mind if I put them in his room?”

Derpy nods happily. Rarity enters Arc's room with the new clothes but quickly exits a few moments later levitating an envelope with her magic. She quickly brings it over to Derpy.

“Derpy! I'm sorry for being such a snoop, but this was on Arc's dresser! I think it was meant for you!”

Derpy takes the letter in her hoof and looks at the envelope which reads ‘To The Mysterious Robed Pony’.

“For me...? But... that's impossible! When did he have time to write this?!”

She turns the envelope over in her hooves but finds no other writing on it.

“I... don't understand. This must have been written before he even knew my name! What could he possibly have to say?!”

Rainbow Dash looks over excitedly. “Only one way to find out! Open it!”

Applejack shoots Rainbow Dash an angry look. “Rainbow Dash! Maybe she'd like a little privacy?! It's not addressed to us anyways!”

“No, it's alright. Let's see here...”

Derpy opens the letter and begins to read.

Dear Miss,

I'm sorry I was never able to learn your actual name. That would have made writing this letter a LOT easier. In any case if you are reading this, some terrible fate must have befallen me. I can only hope my death had meaning.

In any case, it is likely that I have left many things unsaid to many ponies. I know you are quite shy, but if you could deliver these messages on my behalf I would be most grateful...

To Rarity... thank you for the clothes you made. As I explained to you earlier, humans cannot be without proper coverings due to temperature... and modesty. Please know your Generosity has not gone unnoticed.

To Rainbow Dash... I just wanted to tell you one last time... you're awesome! I remember the day Ponyville was attacked, you and your friends defended the Town Hall from being overrun with monsters. You could have easily flown far and flown fast... but you didn't. You chose to fight beside your friends to the end, knowing full well what that end would most likely be. Please know that your Loyalty was what inspired me to do my best.

To Fluttershy... You, by far, are the quietest creature I have met (other than my landlady, of course). Your gentle spirit could easily be taken for weakness, but I sense a great strength inside you. Strength to do what is right and good for those whom cannot speak for themselves. Please know that your Kindness inspired me to reach out to the Mysterious Robed Pony I now reside with. Hopefully, with time, she will come out of her shell and be embraced by you.

To Applejack... I don't mind saying you must be the hardest worker in all of Ponyville. Perhaps the strongest too, if the attack on Ponyville was any indication. Thank you for taking the time to help this poor, homeless soul to find his place in Equestria. Take care of Apple Bloom. Your Honesty will be a great inspiration to her in the future. More on that later.

To Pinkie Pie... To outsiders you may appear to be an out of control party animal, but... I saw that when the chips were down during the Battle of Ponyville it was you who inspired your friends to fight on! Even when all seemed lost, your happy spirit shone through. Stay strong, as Ponyville will someday have great need of the Laughter you bring to it. Call it, human intuition.

To Twilight Sparkle... It was you whom, in a drunken state, pulled me into your world. Do not blame yourself for my death. I made my own choices in Equestria, and probably my own mistakes. Please know that I would not trade the time I spent in your world for anything. Nor would I trade the time I spent with you for all the bits in the land. You are probably the best friend I have yet made in all my years... I just want you to know how happy you made me; you made a real difference in my life. Your talent for Magic still astounds me. Keep at it. I know you will change all of Equestria one day.

One more note to Applejack... please give this message to Apple Bloom as I never had the chance to tell her this. That day I carried her home from the Everfree Forest... I can't really put it into words... I know she doesn't have her cutie mark yet, so her destiny is unknown but... as I carried her I felt something inside her... something strong. It wasn't magic (I would have recognized that from my time with Twilight) but some other great power. Make sure she grows up learning from her big sister. As a wise man from my world once said ‘with great power, comes great responsibility’. Apple Bloom... someday when your destiny is revealed, you will do great things. Never forget that.

To The Mysterious Robed Pony... I do not know what to say. Our time together, albeit short, was memorable to me. I had hoped to be there for you when you needed me, but it seems I failed at that task. In any case, I learned one thing about you in our time together. And that is, you are quite... poor. I never told anyone else about what you did that night I first moved in. Please let Twilight and her friends help you, as it appears that I cannot. You can trust them completely, as I did, and still do. On the back of this letter you will find the combination to the chest in my room. Whatever is in it I leave to you, as it doesn't appear I will be needing it anymore. Use it to support yourself... and your unborn foal.

To all my friends, named or not... Thank you all. Thank you for taking this human into your land and giving him a home. I wish I could have done something to repay you all, but sadly, it appears I am not going to be able to. As I end this letter... however I met my end, please know that I did what had to be done, to do the right thing for the right reasons. I'm sure, whatever the outcome, I wouldn't have it any other way.

-Arc

Derpy looks up from reading the letter. All the ponies, herself included, have begun to quietly cry. She holds the letter to her heart as she sits on her floor on her haunches.

“Arc... he... he knew the whole time! Thank you Arc... I won't let you down!”

She turns the letter over to see the combination. Twilight, still sniffling, looks over at Derpy.

“What does it say on the back?”

Derpy doesn’t look up from the paper in her hooves. “It's... so appropriate. Come everypony! I want you all to be there when I open Arc's chest.”

Derpy and the Mane 6 all trot into Arc's room and huddle around the chest which has a strange lock on it. Twilight looks the chest over.

“This is a voice activated lock. All you have to do is speak the password and it will open.”

Derpy stands in front of the box with her eyes closed for a few moments, then opens them and looks straight ahead at the chest and says…

“The power of one.”

The chest magically opens. Derpy and the Mane 6 can only stand there in disbelief. Derpy is the first to be able to speak.

“Wha... where did he...”

The chest is filled almost to the tope with bits. On top of the pile is a small baby blanket. Pinkie gasps.

“Wowie! That's more bits than Sugar Cube Corner makes in a year!”

Twilight looks over to Rarity. “That blanket has to be some of your best work, Rarity!”

“I didn't make it! The design is also unknown to me.”

Rainbow Dash looks at the intricate design on the blanket. “Where did Arc get it then?”

Applejack rubs her chin, confused. “A better question. How did Arc know you were pregnant, Derpy?”

“I have no idea! At the time this letter was written there's no way he could have known.”

“Oh, oh! Maybe he has Pinkie Sense! Uh... Arc Sense?”

Fluttershy looks on with a small smile on her face. “It seems our lost friend Arc is just full of surprises.”

Twilight puts her hoof on Derpy’s shoulder. “Listen Derpy! I'm not yet sure how but... we ARE going to find Arc, and we WILL bring him back!”

Derpy smiles at them.

“Twilight… thank you. But how…”

The light in the room suddenly begins to darken, almost as if it were receding like the tides.

Fluttershy runs over to Rainbow Dash and wraps her front hooves around her friend. “What… what’s going on?!

Applejack runs to the window. “Uh girls... you might want to take a look at this!”

The Mane 6 and Derpy crowd around the window. Everypony walking by is doing so, but in slow motion. They continue to slow to a crawl before stopping completely. Rainbow Dash’s head snaps over to look at Twilight.

“What kind of magic is this?!”

“I don't know for sure, but I read years ago about something like this! It was known as Chrono Magic! But it was all theory! No pony has ever actually been powerful enough to do it!”

Applejack continues to stare out the window. “What's Chrono Magic, Twilight?”

“Magic that can affect time itself! The real question is, who is powerful enough to do that?!”

Rarity looks around the room. “And why are we not affected?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “I don't know! This scenario defies all reason!”

The light from the sun suddenly begins to dim, as well as the light from the indoor lights and fireplace! Fluttershy hides behind her tail and mane.

“How is this possible?!?!?!”

The light from outside is gone completely, and the fireplace only illuminates a few inches of the hearth. However the ponies can somehow still see each other as clear as day. Derpy looks around the nothingness that surrounds them.

“This... this feeling reminds me of the dream Arc and I shared!”

Twilight looks to her. “But how can that be?! We're all awake!”

A voice which seems to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time speaks.

“Derpy.”

Derpy looks around. “It… it’s you!

“Who, Derpy?!”

“The one who gave me the Spear of Hope in the Dream World!”

A bright silhouette suddenly appears before them.

“Who I am is not important, Derpy. But know this. I was... impressed... nay... awestruck, by the actions of a single individual recently. An individual whose future is now imperiled.”

“You mean…”

“Yes. Arc. Not just his actions in Equestria, but his much more recent ones in Tartarus. Even now, Arc fights to protect the innocent.”

Derpy looks to the silhouette, her eyes wide. “Fighting? Who is Arc fighting?”

“Monsters... demons... things that you ponies have only seen in your darkest nightmares.”

Twilight cautiously approaches the silhouette. “Please help us! With magic as strong as yours, entering Tartarus should be a cakewalk!”

The being is momentarily taken aback.

“Interesting... Nopony has ever ASKED to go to Tartarus.”

Derpy looks to the being, bravely. “Please! I want to help Arc!”

“Your courage is inspiring, Derpy. Very well.”

A crystal materializes and floats in front of Derpy. The figure looks to Derpy as she takes the crystal in her hooves.

“Whomever uses this magic crystal will be able to temporarily lower the barrier surrounding Tartarus. Be warned though! Once you begin channeling the crystal's magic, the barrier will fall, and will stay down as long as the effect is maintained. When you are finished, simply stop channeling and the crystal will shatter. Until that time the gates of Tartarus will remain open for ANY creature of Tartarus to leave! I cannot stress enough just how dangerous this will be! This is all I can do for you now. Good luck.”

The silhouette vanishes and things are again as they should be. Applejack is the first to speak.

“What… the hay… just happened?!”

Rarity looks to the others. “You girls saw that too? I thought I was just going crazy!”

Derpy looks at the crystal in her hooves. “All I want right now is to use this crystal and save Arc! The other mysteries can wait! Twilight, can you make this thing work?”

Twilight walks over to Derpy and takes the crystal. “Yes, I think so. But we still need a plan. We can enter Tartarus, but what then? Let's put our heads together and think this through.”

The seven ponies talk at great length before coming up with a final plan. Twilight looks around the room.

“Alright! Let's go over this from start to finish. Rainbow Dash, you will fly as fast as you can to Cloudsdale and bring me a flask of Liquid Rainbow.”

“Ohhh yeah! Don’t worry! I got this!”

“Applejack and Pinkie Pie, I need you go to the Ponyville Crystal Mines and find me a Blood Diamond. When you find one, bring it to me. I'll combine it with the Liquid Rainbow to make a Rainbow Diamond. Rarity will attach it to Derpy's Magic Cloak, which will augment its powers.”

“Okie dokie loki!”

“You can count on me, darling! But isn't augmenting a magic cloak illegal?”

“Very! I'm sorry to ask you to do this Rarity, but we really don't have any choice!”

“...I know. You can count on me!”

Twilight holds up the Strange Crystal with her magic. “While you girls are doing that I will take this to Silver Hammer and have her set it into a pendant. Hopefully her husband Steel Hammer has some armor laying around as well. Once all that is accomplished we will be ready to rescue Arc. Fluttershy, when we arrive, you will have to convince Cerberus not to attack us.”

“Eep!”

Twilight smiles at the others. “If we can get all this done today, we can head out first thing tomorrow morning.”

Everyone cheers happily as Twilight looks around the room.

“You all have your assignments! Let's go!”

The Mane 6 scatter to carry out their tasks. Twilight walks toward the now open door.

“Don't worry Derpy. Arc will be back before you know it!”

She leaves the house and closes the door behind her.

Derpy paces back and forth a few times before coming to a decision. “I know what I have to do…”

Derpy picks up Dinky from her crib and, after wrapping her up in several blankets, heads out the door towards Sugar Cube Corner. Arriving at the bakery she walks in the front door and is greeted by Mrs. Cake.

“Hello dear. What can I get for you today?”

“Um… I'm a friend of Pinkie Pie and she told me you and Mr. Cake have two foals.”

Mrs. Cake smiles with evident pride. “That we do. Why do you ask?”

“Well... I need a favor...”

Meanwhile, Twilight enters the Blacksmith’s Shop to see Silver Hammer behind the counter. Silver Hammer smiles as Twilight approaches her.

“Hello Twilight. What can I help you with today?”

Twilight holds up the crystal. “Hello ma’am. I need a gem set into a simple pendant please.”

Silver Hammer looks it over in her hooves before setting it down on the counter. “Hmmm... never seen one like this before. What is it...?”

“Well, to tell the truth, I'm not really sure. But supposedly we can use this to enter Tartarus and save Arc.”

Silver Hammer quickly heads to the back room! “Oh my! I'll get to work on it right away!”

“While you're doing that, I need to speak to Steel Hammer about some armor for my friends and I!”

Silver Hammer calls out as she heads to the back. “I’ll send him over in a few minutes.”

In short order Steel Hammer comes into the front of the shop and approaches Twilight. “My wife says you’re looking for some armor. What kind?”

She thinks for a moment. “Do you have any Mithril Chain Mail?”

“I have one suit of Mithril Chain Mail.”

“I really need six suits total. Do you have anything else?”

Steel Hammer thinks for a few moments. “Hmmm... well I do have several suits of Steel Chain Mail Armor. They are a bit old and dusty, but still quite functional.”

Twilight gives Steel Hammer nearly every bit she has. “Sounds good! Can you deliver the Chain Mail armor to the Library today? I'll take the Mithril Armor with me now.”

“Sure! But I admit I am a bit mystified. Why do you need so much armor?”

“Well, you see…”

Silver Hammer returns to the front of the shop with the finished pendant.

“There you are dear! Do be careful in Tartarus, won't you now.”

Twilight makes her way to the door quickly. “Thank you Silver Hammer!”

Steel Hammer turns to get Twilight’s order together but suddenly stops dead in his tracks. “TARTARUS?!”

Silver Hammer nods. “Yes! The crystal in that pendant she left with should allow her to enter and save that nice Arc fellow who found our Platinum Valve. By the way, did she buy some armor as well?”

“One suit of Mithril Chain Mail and five suits of Steel Chain Mail.”

Silver Hammer brings a hoof to her mouth in worry. “Oh dear! They must be expecting heavy resistance!”

Steel Hammer frowns. “You know what we have to do, don't you dear?”

Silver Hammer heads to the back room. “I'll get everything ready while you make your delivery.”

Twilight arrives back at her home about the same time as Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack.

“How did it go?!”

Rainbow Dash holds up her prize. “I got the Liquid Rainbow!”

Pinkie bounces over to Twilight and gives her the gem. “We found a Blood Diamond!”

They both follow Twilight to the basement with the reagents. A few minutes later rainbow-colored light fills every window of the library. Twilight holds up the Rainbow Diamond triumphantly.

“There! Rainbow Dash, get this to Rarity as fast as you can!”

Rainbow Dash flies up the stairs and out the door. “On it!”

Twilight turns to the others. “Augmenting a magic cloak is rather complicated work, but I’m sure Rarity will have it ready by tonight. Everypony get a good night sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.”

Later that night there is a knock at the Carousel Boutique’s door. Rarity trots over to answer it.

“Who could that be at this hour?”

Opening the door, she sees Twilight.

“Dear! What are you doing here at this hour?!”

Twilight walks in the shop. “Sorry! I just came to see if you were able to augment the cloak. It was keeping me awake.”

Rarity appears nervous.

“Well, to tell you truth, I had a bit of trouble with it. The Rainbow Diamond is set perfectly. But I seem to lack the magical ability to bring the enchantment online.”

“Don't worry about it! I’ll take care of that!”

Rarity leads Twilight over to a table where the cloak is lying. Twilight's horn glows softly but grows in intensity over the next few minutes before erupting in a flash of light. Rarity gasps in surprise.

“Good heavens! Are you alright?!”

Twilight looks over to Rarity weakly. “Yes... it just took more out of me than I expected. But now everything is ready for tomorrow!”

“Well then, all that's left to do is get a good night's rest. Can I walk you home, Twilight?”

“Thanks, but I think I will be all right. I'll take the cloak with me and see you at my place in the morning.”

Rarity walks Twilight over to the door as she puts the cloak on. “All right. Good night dear.”

“Good night Rarity. And... thanks... for everything.”

Twilight quickly returns home. The spring air is warm, but she hardly notices. Arriving back at her library Twilight tries to sleep, but fails. Standing up and walking over to her desk, she pulls out an inkwell and a blank scroll.

“I guess I should write a letter to Cadance, just in case I don't make it back...”

Twilight writes a rather lengthy letter detailing the events after she and her friends left Canterlot, informing her former foal sitter about her plans to enter Tartarus and her wishes if she does not return. Rolling up the scroll she walks over to Spike and taps his forehead.

“Spike, I need you to do something for me.”

The small dragon looks up from his basket. “What is it Twilight?”

She levitates the scroll over to him. “Exactly two hours after we leave tomorrow, I want you to send this letter to Princess Cadance. Promise?”

Spike nods. “Sure Twilight, I promise!”

Early the next morning the five little ponies walk toward the Golden Oaks Library with their saddlebags packed. Applejack is in the lead.

“Hope everypony is well rested. This is a pretty long trip on hoof.”

Rainbow Dash flies past her. “I’m ready for anything!”

Pinkie rolls by with her party cannon. “Let’s do this!”

Fluttershy forces a smile. “Yay.”

They knock on Twilight’s door. A few moments later Spike answers. Applejack smiles at him.

“Morning Spike! Where’s Twilight?”

Spike shrugs and gives Applejack a scroll. “I dunno! But she told me to give you this!”

Applejack reads over the scroll and frowns. “Well that's just weird...”

Rainbow Dash flies around impatiently. “What’s it say?!”

Applejack sighs as she holds the scroll in her hoof. “All it says is, ‘stand just outside the library's front door and look toward my mailbox’.”

Rarity looks confused. “Whatever could that mean?”

They all turn and do as the note suggests.

Rainbow Dash squints at the mailbox. “I don’t see anything.”

Fluttershy squints. “Neither do I.”

Pinkie narrows her eyes and frowns. “There nothing there, but my Pinkie Sense says otherwise!”

Suddenly the sound of Twilight’s laughter can be heard coming from the direction of the mailbox. Applejack gasps.

“What the hay?!”

Twilight's hooded form suddenly becomes visible. She continues giggling as she pushes back the hood.

“Sorry girls, but I just had to test this out before we go.”

Rarity gasps. “Good heavens!”

Pinkie grins. “Wowie! We couldn't see you even though we were looking right at you, Twilight!”

“Right! The Mithril Armor I bought yesterday helps to further cloak me from sight! I bought armor for everypony!”

Applejack chuckles. “Well, that was quite generous of you, Twilight!”

Twilight looks down at her hooves sadly. “I just don't want any more of my friends getting hurt... or worse.”

The Mane 6 enters the library together, put on their armor, check their bags, and walk back outside. They are a few paces down the road when a voice calls out to them.

“Wait for me!”

They turn to see Derpy galloping toward them with fully loaded saddlebags.

“I'm coming too!”

Twilight looks at her. “Derpy?! Where’s Dinky?!”

“She's with the Cakes! I'm coming with you, and that's that!”

Derpy turns around and looks behind her.

“Besides… I’m not alone!”

Twilight appears confused. “What are you talking about, Derpy?”

Derpy returns her confused gaze with one of her own.

“You didn’t know?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Know what, sugarcube?”

Derpy points a hoof down the road. “Ponies have been gathering at the edge of town all morning! When I passed by at least half the town was there! They all want to help you storm the gates of Tartarus!”

The Mane 6 look at her in disbelief.

“WHAT?!”

Derpy motions for them to follow her.

“Come see for yourselves”!

Derpy leads them to the edge of town and points a hoof.

“See?”

Applejack stares at the group, her eyes wide. “That’s gotta be two thirds of Ponyville!”

Twilight and her friends make their way to the front of the procession. Twilight clears her throat loudly.

“Can I have everypony’s attention please? We're grateful that you all came out here to help us save Arc. But I want everypony to understand that this is going to be very, very dangerous. Please, for your own safety, return home and let us handle this.”

Some of the townspony’s speak up.

“No! Arc is one of us!”

“Yeah! We got your back, Twilight!”

“You can’t do this with just the seven of you!”

Twilight shakes her head. “But… nopony here has any actual combat experience!”

A voice is heard behind Twilight.

“Not entirely true, miss.”

The Mane 6 and Derpy turn around to see two ponies so heavily armored and enchanted they literally hum walking toward them in white full body armor. Twilight looks at them astonished.

“Is that... Adamantium Armor?! But... but even the military special forces don't have anything as strong as that! Who... are you?!”

“Up until a hooffull of years ago we were known as the Heroes of Light. Equestria's most elite military duo.”

Those assembled turn to each other, wide-eyed, and share what they know of the pair.

“I heard they once took on an army of monsters, just the two of them! Not one of the monsters made it out alive!”

“I heard Princess Celestia sent the two of them to a neighboring country when it seemed war was inevitable! Rumor has it before they reached the border that country sent diplomats to negotiate!”

“I heard they can kill an enemy, just by looking at them!”

The pair laugh. “Some of those stories are a bit… exaggerated.”

“We owe your friend Arc a debt! Today that debt will be repaid! Miss…”

“Call me Twilight.”

“Then lead on Twilight! Let's go!”

All the assembled ponies cheer and stomp the ground in agreement. Twilight looks to her little army.

“Thank you... all of you. Now... let's go save a friend! Move out!”

Everypony assembled trot down the road toward Tartarus. A few hours later in the Crystal Empire Princess Cadance gasps as a scroll materializes in front of her.

“A letter from Twilight? Perhaps she has found a way to save her friend!”

Cadance quickly opens the scroll and begins to read.

Dear Cadance,

By the time you receive this letter I will have reached the gates of Tartarus with my friends. We have found a way to lower the barrier surrounding Tartarus via alternative means using a strange crystal given to us by a shadowy, unknown figure. Normally I would hesitate to use unknown magical items from dubious sources. But in this instance, I feel there is no choice. Arc MUST be saved! Please know that if any other way to accomplish this end was available I would gladly take it.

I want to take this moment to say that I don't blame you, or Princess Luna, for not allowing me and my friends to use the Tear of Forgiveness. The safety of Equestria is, of course, of primary concern. I know it is foolhardy to risk so much to save one creature's life, but Arc is a... a very special friend to me and my friends. He has done so much to safeguard Ponyville so far in his time among us, and I feel it in my bones that he will be of pivotal importance to not just Ponyville's future, but all of Equestria! This tragic injustice was, and still is, and will always be completely my fault. Now I have a chance to make things right! Either I will save Arc, or I will perish trying.

There is very little chance I will be successful in this mission. In fact, death is all but assured for me and all my friends, but... this is something we have to do. Please understand.

Before I end this letter, I want to take this chance to say goodbye, as it is unlikely we will ever meet again. Please know that I will always cherish the time we spent together when I was a foal. Playing games, making cookies, playing tricks on my brother Shining Armor. My only request is that you continue to protect Equestria in the future, as you have always done. Well, that and... please tell Princess Celestia that... I'm sorry. Sorry for causing all this trouble. Hopefully, someday, the two of you can find it in your hearts to forgive me...

Your Eternal Friend...

-Twilight Sparkle

REMASTERED - Chapter 13 - Retreats and Counterattacks

REMASTERED - Chapter 13 - Retreats and Counterattacks

As Twilight and her forces march out of Ponyville, Arc and Ember ride the wagon along the northern road. Ember looks over to Arc.

“So, who are we going to meet again?”

“Another friend of mine.”

“You seem to make friends really easily.”

He smiles at Ember. “What can I say? I'm a likable guy. That and this little trip gives us some time to talk.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “We could talk anywhere.”

“I just… had some questions about dragons. But, if you don't want to...”

Ember cuts in quickly. “No, no! I'm sorry! Please! Ask me anything!”

“For starters, after I saved your life you seemed much… different to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, before that point, you just treated me like a friend would. I'm not complaining about that. Far from it! It's just... after you awoke from your illness you seemed... how do I put this... physically attracted to me. Why is that?”

“Dragons don't choose a mate based solely on their outward appearance. There are quite a few reasons one might be chosen. Strength, hoard size, compatible personality, rank in society, just off the top of my head. To tell the truth, a potential mate's looks really take a back seat to most everything else.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask but, for which of those reasons were you attracted to me?”

“That would probably be your inner strength, for starters. Since I met you, I could feel an unknown power that lay dormant inside of you. But it was your personality that really sealed the deal for me. Always putting others first, even risking your life for me. When you did that for me... well... let's just say... that's what ponies might call, a turn-on.”

“Do all female dragons think as you do?”

“Hardly! They mostly look at horde size and rank in society.”

“So, it's unlikely I’ll have any other dragon suitors?”

“Certainly not! Most of your personality traits would be repugnant to other dragons!”

“That's a relief. I don't really want to fight any more dragons to prove my worthiness.”

Ember latches onto his arm. “Don't worry! That is a one-time deal!”

A short time later Arc brings the wagon to a stop and gets out.

“Here we are!”

Ember looks around, confused.

“Your friend lives here?”

“He’s not very sociable.”

“I bet!”

The pair walk on together for a time until Arc stops and looks around.

“Well, I guess this is as good a place as any!”

He jabs his spear into the ground and holds on tight.

“Just do as I did, Ember.”

Ember looks confused, but quietly obeys. Arc looks around and suddenly raises his voice.

“Hello?! It's Arc again! Sorry to bother you again so soon, but I wanted you to meet someone!”

Ember looks at Arc as if he’s lost his mind. “What in the world are you doing?!”

The ground begins to shake.

“Hold on tight!”

A few moments later the Marquis breaks through the surface nearby. Arc looks to Ember calmly.

“There he is.”

Ember gasps. “This is the friend you were talking about?! You really do make friends easily!”

The Marquis turns to Arc and speaks.

“AH, GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, ARC! BACK FOR MORE HUMOR ALREADY?!”

Arc motions for Ember to stand next to him. “Not today, Marquis. The last time I was here I had to leave very suddenly and didn't have time to thank you properly. I've come back to right that wrong. I also thought you would like to meet the dragon you helped me save. Marquis, this is Ember.”

The Marquis looks to Ember. “LITTLE DRAGON... IS IT TRUE? ARE YOU REALLY THE ONE KNOWN AS EMBER, DAUGHTER OF DRAGON LORD TORCH?!”

“Um... yes. Dragon Lord Torch is my father. But how did you know that?”

The Marquis laughs. “WHEN LAST HE WAS HERE, ARC TOLD ME OF YOU! HOW HE NEEDED HYDRA HUMOR TO SAVE A LIFE OF A FRIEND! I SEE NOW THAT HIS EFFORTS WERE NOT IN VAIN! TELL ME EMBER, HOW IS DRAGON LORD TORCH THESE DAYS?!”

“Last I knew he was doing well. But how do you know my father?”

“YOUR FATHER DID HIS BEST MANY YEARS AGO TO SAVE THE HYDRA PEOPLE FROM EXTINCTION. HE EVEN WENT SO FAR AS TO ESTABLISH A SECRET HYDRA VILLAGE IN THE DRAGON LANDS WHERE WE WOULD BE SAFE! I WAS NEVER ABLE TO SEE IT HOWEVER! I WONDER IF THEY ARE STILL THERE...!”

Ember puts a claw to her chin. “My father never spoke a word to me of its existence.”

“A SHAME!”

He looks upon Arc’s new armor.

“I SEE YOU PUT THOSE SCALES I GAVE YOU TO GOOD USE!”

“Yes, although it was Ember who provided the hot flames to make it so.”

“BRAVO LADY EMBER! AND BRAVO TO THE SMITH WHO MADE IT SO! HOWEVER, YOUR ATTIRE IS INDEED MISSING SOMETHING!”

The Marquis reaches a tendril around to his back and pulls off a piece of his skin.

“PUT THIS IN YOUR FORGE OVERNIGHT. IN THE MORNING IT WILL BE A VERY STRONG PURPLE CLOTH! PERFECT FOR MAKING A CAPE TO MATCH YOUR HEROIC DEEDS, YOUNG ARC!”

Arc accepts the skin. “Thank you Marquis. I wish my other friends could see it.”

Ember chuckles at this. “Arc still believes his friends outside Tartarus will rescue him!”

“I'm sure they will! Have faith in them, as I do!”

“IF HE HAS FAITH IN THEM, THEN SO WILL I! ARC! WOULD YOU DO AN OLD HYDRA A RATHER LARGE FAVOR?!”

“I’ll certainly try, Marquis. What do you need?”

“IF YOU ARE RIGHT AND YOUR FRIENDS DO FIND A WAY TO LIBERATE YOU FROM THIS PLACE, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE WOULD YOU... CONSIDER... COMING BACK FOR ME?! I WOULD LOVE TO GO TO THE SECRET VILLAGE OF MY PEOPLE IN THE DRAGON LANDS, EVEN IF I AM ALONE THERE!”

“Certainly Marquis. We would have to return at a later date, however. After we come up with a plan to get something as... large as you out of Tartarus.”

“THANK YOU ARC! I KNOW IF IT IS WITHIN YOUR POWER YOU SHANT LET ME DOWN! NOW, I DON'T MEAN TO CUT THIS MEETING SHORT, BUT I AM A BIT TIRED AFTER ALL THE EXERTION THE OTHER DAY! FAREWELL, GOOD ARC AND GOOD LADY EMBER! I AM CERTAIN OUR PATHS WILL CROSS AGAIN ONE DAY!”

The Marquis returns to his subterranean home, and Arc and Ember return to the wagon.

“You know Arc, you really shouldn't make promises to creatures you can't keep!”

“On the contrary. I fully intend to make good on my promise. Just you watch.”

The pair hop into the wagon and head back to the Vile Tribe’s hideout as Ember chuckles.

“Oh I shall! I shall...”

Twilight and her ‘army’ reach the gates of Tartarus. She turns to address them at the mouth of the cave.

“Alright everypony, here's the plan! Fluttershy will go in first and convince Cerberus not to attack us. Once that's done, the rest of us will advance to the gate. Rarity will be in charge of the Mysterious Crystal and will use her magic to activate it. Once she does so there is no turning back! The mission MUST proceed to its end, as this crystal is one time use only! At that time I will use the Magic Cloak to stealthily enter Tartarus and find Arc as quickly as possible!

Twilight points a hoof at the two Heroes of Light before her.

“You two will have to protect Rarity, as she will need all of her focus to keep the crystal's power aligned. During that time she will be completely defenseless.”

They salute.

“You can count on us!”

Twilight turns to her friends. “Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Derpy will be the second line of defense! Anything that gets past our heavily armored friends will need to be engaged by you as quickly as possible!”

“Aye, aye!”

Twilight turns to the rest of the citizens of Ponyville.

“The rest of you will have the most important role of all! You will be Equestria's LAST LINE OF DEFENSE!!! Any demons that get past the first two lines will be yours to deal with. Don't let ANYTHING through! If even ONE demon successfully escapes, it could spell the end of all Equestria! One last thing! The battle will be commanded by Amethyst Star! Rainbow Dash, before you take you position, make sure she gets to higher ground so she can properly call out commands!”

Rainbow Dash lands and salutes. “You got it!”

Amethyst Star look over to Twilight nervously. “But Twilight! I've never led troops into battle before! What do I do?!”

Twilight walks over to her. “You're Ponyville's best organizer. All you have to do is keep everypony organized.”

“I... guess I can do that...”

Twilight looks over the expectant army one last time. “Good. We’re all counting on it.”

She turns back toward the mouth of the cave.

“All right! Best case scenario, I find Arc and get him out before the demons notice the barrier is down! If not... well... we will defend Equestria here and now! Alright! Let the assault begin! Fluttershy, GO!”

Fluttershy runs into the cave. “Alright!

She makes her way over to Cerberus. After talking to him for a minute or two she motions to the others to advance. Twilight shouts to the Heroes of Light.

“FIRST LINE! GET IN POSITION!”

The pair rush forward with Rarity behind them and take up a position about fifteen feet from the barrier.

“FIRST LINE, IN POSITION AND READY!”

“WE'RE READY FOR ANYTHING!”

Rarity digs her hooves in as she levitates the Mysterious Crystal in front of her. “I’m ready too!”

Twilight nods and calls out for the next phase. “SECOND LINE!"

Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Derpy all rush forward and stand about twenty-five feet behind the first line. Rainbow Dash carries Amethyst Star to the tallest rock formation before taking her position in the defense.

Applejack narrows her eyes. “In position, sugarcube!”

Rainbow Dash lands next to her and plants her hooves firmly in the dirt. “Nothing is getting past us!”

Pinkie reaches behind her and pulls out a cannon. “Party Cannon locked and loaded!”

Fluttershy shudders. “Hold on just a bit longer, Arc! Help is coming!”

Amethyst Star looks down at Twilight. “Ready up here!”

Twilight turns to the rest of the group. “EVERYPONY ELSE FOLLOW ME!"

The other the ponies start walking forward. Twilight waits until they are about thirty feet from the second line.

“LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, HALT AND HOLD YOUR POSITION!”

The last line of defense stops and snaps to salute Twilight. She raises her hood and activates her cloak, vanishing from sight.

“AMETHYST STAR! KEEP A CLOSE WATCH FOR DEMONS!”

Amethyst Star gulps and looks down. “YES MA'AM! RARITY… BEGIN OPERATION!”

“All right!”

Rarity plants her hooves firmly and begins channeling the crystal. A few moments later the barrier drops. Amethyst Star looks over to where Twilight had been standing a few moments ago.

“TWILIGHT, GO!!!”

Some kicked up dust and the sound of hoofsteps is all that can be seen or heard from Twilight’s advance.

“ON MY WAY! HOLD THE LINE!”

Twilight runs into Tartarus. “I’m coming Arc! I’ll make this right!

She sees a tall pile of rocks and Blinks to the top. Looking in all directions, she pulls a pair of binoculars out of her saddlebags and scans the horizon.

“Come on, Arc! Where are you?!”

Twilight spots what appears to be a walled town some distance away. She runs toward it as fast as her hooves can carry her.

“It’s a start! Arc… please be there!”

Meanwhile in the Tartarus capital city of Vengeance, a sentry gazes through a telescope. Gasping he calls out

“What the...? Commander! I think you better have a look at this!”

The Demon Commander quickly approaches. “This had better be important, maggot!”

“Sir! There appears to be movement outside the Gates of Tartarus! A large contingent of ponies has drawn up battle lines!”

The commander turns to a nearby messenger.

“Inform King Malevolence at once!”

“Yes boss!”

He scurries away as the commander turns back to the sentry.

“Watch them closely! I want to know every move they make!”

The sentry returns to looking through the telescope. “Yes sir!”

A few minutes later King Malevolence himself arrives at the sentry tower. To say he is large would be an understatement. The king is similar in stature to a dragon as he walks on his hind legs and has claw-like fingers and wings. However, his eyes glow with a green hue and his chest scales appear almost like living armor! The commander rushes over to him.

“Your majesty!”

The king growls at him. “What is the situation, commander?!”

“No movement as of yet, your majesty!”

Suddenly word from the sentry rings out.

“SIR! The barrier! It’s… it’s down!”

The king rushes forward and knocks the sentry out of the way! “WHAT?! IMPOSSIBLE!”

He looks through the telescope for a few moments before turning back to the officer.

“Commander! Spread the word! The barrier is indeed down! Have all my forces assemble in front of the city and prepare to march out on my command!”

“Yes, sire!”

The king smiles a wicked grin as the commander hurries away. “Celestia… I’m coming for you!”

Meanwhile at the Vile Tribe hideout, a sentry shouts down from the wall.

"Sir! There's a disturbance at the Gates of Tartarus!"

Mythic Honor looks up at the sentry. “That's a bit too specific! Can you be a bit more vague?!”

The sentry looks through his binoculars. “Sorry sir. There appears to be a rather large group of ponies forming battle lines outside the gates.”

Mythic Honor rubs his chin with a hoof. “What could they be up to?! Maybe they’re here to steal our treasures!”

“I don’t think so, sir. We don’t really have much of… wait! WHAT?! The barrier is down!”

“Good heavens! Are you sure?!”

As the sentry continues to look through his binoculars. “Yes sir! There is no doubt!”

“Sound the alarm! I want every sentry and warrior ready for battle immediately! Three sentries will watch the gates of Tartarus! Three more will watch the capital for movement! All other sentries will keep watch in all other directions! No surprises!”

The sentry runs off to carry out his orders. “It will be done!”

Mythic Honor calls out after him. “And send for Arc and Ember! I want their take on this new development!”

Meanwhile at Arc’s house, Arc is awakened by the alarm. However, he also senses a warm feeling on his back.

“Uh… Ember?”

“Yes?”

“You know, it isn't that cold in here, so you really don't have to keep me warm.”

Ember snuggles up to Arc’s back and smiles. “Mmmmm... but I enjoy doing it! Don't you like it?”

“Not really.”

There is a frantic knocking at the door. Arc jumps out of bed.

“Perfect timing!”

He bounds over to the door to find one of the gate sentries waiting on the stoop.

“Sorry to bother you sir, but Mythic Honor needs you and Ember on the wall ASAP! There's trouble at the gates of Tartarus!”

“Tell him we will be right there!”

Arc closes the door and turn to Ember who is still lying on the bed as he reaches for Eidolon’s Ward. “Better get your armor on, Ember! There's trouble at the gates!”

Ember sits up. “At the gates? What!? Are some demons trying to escape again?”

“Worse! I'm guessing Tartarus is about to be invaded!”

Ember looks over at him as if he has lost his mind. “Invaded?! Who would be crazy enough to try and break IN?!”

Arc grins ear to ear as he puts his armor on. “I can think of a few.”

The pair quickly leave Arc’s house and reach Mythic Honor on the wall. The stallion looks to them as they approach.

“Glad you two are here! The barrier just fell a short time after a large group of ponies took up position outside the barrier! Since then there has been no movement on their part! I've ordered all those who can fight to make ready for an attack!”

A sentry approaches and gives Arc and Ember spyglasses. Ember trains hers on the armored ponies in front.

“Hmmm... other than the two ponies in front, none of them really strike me as an elite fighting force.”

Mythic Honor looks to him. “What say you, Arc?”

“Hmmm… I don’t recognize the front-line pair, but… wait. Behind them?! Is that Rarity?!

Ember gasps. “WHAT?!”

She looks again before frowning.

“It is! But what is she doing?!”

Mythic Honor takes a spyglass and looks for himself. “I can only assume she is channeling some kind of power through that crystal. It must be what is keeping the barrier down!”

A sentry quickly approaches. “Mythic Honor! A strange creature is at our own gates requesting permission to enter! What should we do?”

Ember looks over to Arc. “The timing is too perfect! It must be a trap from the invading forces!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”

Mythic Honor looks to him for advice. “What do you propose we do?”

Arc tosses his spear to Ember. “I’ll approach them... alone.”

Ember stays with Mythic Honor. “Do be careful!”

He turns and looks over his shoulder. “I think I might know who it is. Keep your guard up though”

Meanwhile, outside the Vile Tribe’s gates Twilight shifts nervously from hoof to hoof.

“I sure hope I haven't made a grave mistake in coming here and revealing myself.”

There is a strange sound overhead. Twilight looks up.

“What is THAT?!”

A creature in a large white suit of armor jumps off the wall and lands in front of her. The helmet’s eyes aglow, the being looks her over.

“Why have you come here?!”

Twilight, sensing his immense power, steps back. “I... I'm looking for someone!”

“Are you with the invading forces outside the gates?”

“I guess I am.”

The creature stares at Twilight as if staring into her very soul. She pleads with him.

“Please! I'm only looking for a lost friend of mine! Can you help me?!”

The armored creature turns his head and shouts up to the sentries.

“Open the gate!”

It turns to face Twilight as the gates slowly open behind him.

“We will speak more inside.”

Twilight steps inside the walled city as the gates close behind her. Heavily armed sentries surround her as the armored creature motions for the. to keep their distance. It turns to face her.

“Are you a demon?”

Twilight hesitates before answering. “No, I’m not.”

“Uncover your face now, and prove it.”

Twilight removes the hood and allows her face to be seen. The creature looks her over and turns to the sentries.

“Back to the wall! I’ll handle this myself!”

They move to obey as the creature turns his attention back to Twilight. “Are you… Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville?”

Twilight steps back, surprised. “Why yes, yes I am! How did you know that?!”

The creature laughs as it removes its helmet. “Because… it’s me, Twilight.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide as the helmet falls to the ground to reveal the face of her lost friend.

“Arc… Arc!”

She runs at him as he kneels down to give her a large hug. Twilight grins as she steps back.

“There are so many things I need to say to you, but... it will have to wait until we are out of here! Come! The others are holding the gate, but who knows when they will be attacked!”

Arc turns away. “One moment... Mythic Honor! I must speak with you!”

Mythic Honor descends from the wall. “Is everything alright?!”

“More so than you know. Have everypony gather what they can carry and prepare to move out. We are abandoning the base.”

Mythic Honor appears confused. “Very well! Where shall we relocate?”

“Equestria.”

Mythic Honor and Twilight look at Arc, stunned. “WHAT?!”

“You heard me. We are leaving Tartarus. Make haste!”

The old unicorn hurries away. “Very well! We all trust you, Arc!”

Twilight looks up to Arc. “We can't let all these ponies leave Tartarus! They're criminals!”

“Listen to me Twilight. I don't have time to explain it to you, but believe me when I tell you these ponies are NOT criminals and do NOT deserve to be in Tartarus. Please... trust me now.”

Twilight nods her head soberly, remember what happened the last time she didn’t give him a chance. “Okay. But I need a good explanation when we get out of here!”

A sentry cries out.

“Mythic Honor! The demons have begun assembling in front of Vengeance!”

“They must be preparing to assault the gates!”

Arc hurries over to Mythic Honor. “We need to get the Vile Tribe to the gate before the battle begins! I don't want our people caught in the crossfire!”

He looks up and addresses the entire tribe in an authoritative voice. “Move it, everyone! Line up! I want to see a Convoy Formation, now! Twilight, you take point on the lead wagon! Anything gets in your way, shoot it! Wagons two by two! I want one Town Guard in the back of every wagon! Sentries, hold your positions on the wall until the town is empty! I’ll be the last one out!”

The Vile Tribe moves like a well-oiled machine. In two minutes the convoy is ready. Arc looks up at the ponies on the wall.

“Sentries! Open the gates!”

The gates slowly begin to open as Arc barks out last-minute instructions “Drivers remember, no matter what happens, DON'T STOP! It will back up the entire convoy!”

Arc picks Twilight up and puts her in the lead wagon.

“Arc, I…!”

Arc sighs as he puts his helmet back on. “Twilight, go! I’ll see you on the other side!”

Twilight looks as if she is going to protest, but instead salutes. Arc steps back.

“CONVOY! MOVE OUT!”

Arc looks to Ember on his right as the convoy rolls quickly out the gates. “Remember, I didn’t ask you to come with me.”

Ember smiles at Arc. The Spear of Courage over her shoulder.

“We've come this far together. Might as well go the distance.”

“Thank you, my friend.”

A sentry runs over to the pair. “Sir! The demons have begun their advance on the gates! It appears King Malevolence is leading the charge personally!”

Ember frowns. “Great! This is going to get messy!”

Arc turns to the remaining sentries. “ALL SENTRIES INTO THE LAST WAGON! ABANDON THE BASE!”

He points to a nearby sentry.

“You… drive!”

The wagon is filled Ember jumps into the back with Arc as he calls out.

“DRIVER, GO!”

The last wagon leaves with the final members of the Vile Tribe. Meanwhile back at the gates... one of the Heroes of Light turns to Amethyst Star.

“We have contacts! A large contingent of what appear to be ponies is coming right for us! Your orders?!”

Amethyst Star looks through her binoculars. “HOLD YOUR FIRE, INCOMING FRIENDLIES! TWILIGHT IS WITH THEM!”

Derpy looks up to her. “And Arc?!”

“I don’t see him!”

Derpy again faces forward. “Please be alright, Arc…”

The Heroes of Light again turns to Amethyst Star as a horde of imp-like creatures come into view not far behind the convoy.

“Demonic contacts incoming! These look much less friendly!”

Amethyst Star looks back to the defenders. “FIRST LINE! PRIORITIZE TARGETS AND FIRE AT WILL!”

“Yes ma’am!”

The Heroes of Light begin their counterattack against the horde of approaching demons, masterfully hitting their demon targets with their Hoof Cannons while leaving the convoy untouched. The first of the wagons pass through the gate unharmed.

“LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, RENDER AID TO THE INCOMING FRIENDLIES! LINE THOSE WAGONS UP TO BLOCK THE CAVE ENTRANCE! I WANT TO SEE A BARRACADE!”

The last line rushes to comply. King Malevolence watches their tactics as he and his forces advance. A wicked smile creeps across his face.

“HIT THE WAGONS! THEY WON’T DROP THE BARRIER AS LONG AS SOME OF THEIR FORCES REMAIN ON THIS SIDE!”

The demons comply and hit the convoy hard Most of the wagons are immediately overturned. Arc and Ember pick themselves up as their own wagon takes a beating. Arc calls out instructions to the convoy.

“EVERYONE ON YOUR FEET! RUN FOR THE GATE! SENTRIES! DEFEND THE CONVOY! LET'S SAVE SOME LIVES! DO NOT ENGAGE THE ENEMY NEEDLESSLY! FLIGHT OVER FIGHT! TOWN GUARD, ASSIST THE INJURED!”

He turns to Ember and gives her the Spear of Hope “Take this to Twilight and tell her to return it to Derpy! Then I want you to join the defense of the gate! I'll hold them back as long as I can!”

“But…!”

“Go… NOW!”

Ember nods. “Alright!”

She turns to fly away and tosses her own spear to him. ”Arc, catch! Don’t die! I need you!”

Arc catches the spear and leaves her with a parting smile before donning his helmet and turning to cover their flanks

“COME ON DEMONS! WHO WANTS SOME?!”

The demons seem to be afraid of Arc, but much more afraid of King Malevolence! A seemingly endless wave of demons rush toward Arc as the pony stragglers limp past him! He raises his spear to a battle-ready position!

“YOU DEMONS MAY BE STRONG, BUT I WILL NOT BACK DOWN!”

Arc engages the demonic horde, moving around as much as possible to try and keep the demon's focus on him. The king looks on and laughs at his efforts.

“Give it up, human! You can't beat all of us!”

Arc turns to the king. “FEAR THE ONE WHO STANDS RESOLUTE AGAINST MANY!”

As he turns back to facing the onslaught, Arc sighs.

“If I survive the next five minutes... I'll be freakin' amazed.”

Some of the larger demons near the gate. The Heroes of Light shout over to their leader.

“There's too many! We can't take them all! Rarity’s going to be overrun!”

Amethyst Star looks down at them. “SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE, JOIN THE FIRST LINE AND PROTECT RARITY! TWILIGHT, REINFORCE THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE!”

Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Derpy advance to defend Rarity as King Malevolence looks to his troops.

“All high mobility units, CHARGE! Overwhelm them with superior numbers!”

A sea of smaller, faster demons approaches the gate and its defenders. Ember arrives at the gate and gives the Spear of Hope to Twilight.

“What is this?!”

“Arc wants you to give it to someone named Derpy!”

Twilight takes the spear. “Alright!”

She turns toward Derpy who is bravely attacking a group of demons nearby and throws the spear toward her. “Derpy, catch!”

Derpy jumps and catches the spear in midair. A flash of light emanates from her body A few seconds later she emerges from it clad in the same golden colored armor as she had in the dream world. Templar Derpy, who is now able to fly without the aid of her wings, turns to the other defenders.

“Come on, everypony! We can win this!”

King Malevolence looks over angrily. “Soldiers! Push the attack!”

Templar Derpy reengages the enemy. “Don't let them take one step into Equestria! We mustn't let them any nearer to our homes!”

As the soldier demons approach the gate, the lesser demons seem to be emboldened by their presence. The front line is once again pushed back toward Rarity. Almost all the ponies of the Vile Tribe have made it to safety, with only a few dozen left. Mythic Honor makes it to safety and runs behind the last line of defense where the Vile Tribe has rallied. Standing before them he calls out.

“Vile Tribe! Today marks a new age for all of us! We were shunned from society for so long, it's hard to know whom we should trust! But I'll tell you who I trust! I put my trust in Arc! Look! Even now he fights for all of us! Vile Tribe and Equestrian alike!”

He turns back toward the battle and shouts.

“THIS LAND IS OUR HOME NOW! VILE TRIBE... DEFEND EQUESTRIA!”

Every Vile Tribe member who has any fight left in them charges forward and joins the first line of defense. But they are still sorely outmatched. Amethyst Star looks down at the wavering line and calls out.

“LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, PREPARE TO... WHAT?!”

Several magical rifts have started opening between the last line of defense and the vanguard. Amethyst Star groans as she grits her teeth.

“DEMON REINFORCEMENTS! LAST LINE OF DEFENSE PERPARE TO ENGAGE! WE CAN'T ALLOW OUR FRONT LINE TO BE FLANKED BY THE ENEMY!”

The rifts are now fully open. Shadowy figures can be seen approaching from within as Amethyst Star watches them keenly

“WAIT!!! ARE THOSE...? IS THAT...?”

Warriors of shining light charge through the rifts and quickly form ranks as a heavily armored Princess Cadance appears from another rift. She turns to her troops.

“CRYSTAL DEFENDERS! YOU WILL TAKE THIS BATTLE BACK! PUSH THE DEMONS BACK INTO TARTARUS! FOR EQUESTRIA AND THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!”

Twilight runs over to Cadance as her forces rush forward to join the front line.

“Cadance?!”

“Twilight! Are you alright?!”

“I am now! What are you doing here?!”

As the princess turns to blast a demon who makes it through. “Saving a friend!”

King Malevolence sees Cadance and her forces and laughs maniacally. “A princess of Equestria?! What a day! I get to invade Equestria AND kill a princess! ALL FORCES... CHARGE!!!”

The Crystal Defender reinforcements help to stem the tide of battle, but the pony vanguard is still outnumbered exponentially Amethyst Star looks out over the field of battle and sighs before calling out.

“IT ISN'T ENOUGH! LAST LINE OF DEFENSE... THIS IS IT!”

Amethyst Star jumps off her rock and lands in front of the last line of defense.

“EVERYPONY… CHARGE!!!”

Amethyst Star and the entire last line of defense rush forward to join the vanguard as the last member of the Vile Tribe limps to safety. Ember flies up and over them.

“ARC! THAT'S THE LAST OF THEM! YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE LEFT OUT THERE! RUN!”

The ponies cannot hold the line against the demonic forces. They are still being pushed back. Rarity is completely cut off from the rest of the ponies, save for Heroes of Light whom now fight back to back in a last-ditch effort to defend her. Arc is surrounded and cut off from the others. Templar Derpy flies up and looks to Arc.

“Arc! Get out of there! We can't keep this up much longer!”

The fighting around Arc intensifies as the king himself heads for him. “SURRENDER YOURSELF AND THE CRYSTAL OR DIE, HUMAN! YOU CAN'T WIN!”

Arc looks over at Ember near the vanguard. “EMBER! DESTROY THE CRYSTAL! SAVE EQUESTRIA!”

“I... I CAN’T! I CAN'T LEAVE YOU BEHIND!”

“DO IT! SOMEONE, DESTROY THE CRYSTAL!”

All of a sudden Arc is knocked over along with most of the demons as the ground itself begins to shake as it to tear itself apart. King Malevolence turns to his generals.

“What the devil is going on?!”

“I don't know, your Majesty! This isn't our doing!”

With a final shockwave the ground splits apart and a giant creature emerges from below. It roars as it begins attacking the demonic army. Arc looks over at the beast and gasps.

“MARQUIS?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!”

“I HAVE COME TO SHOW MY FRIENDSHIP, ARC! YOU ONCE SPARED MY LIFE! TODAY I SHALL REPAY THAT DEBT! RUN NOW! I WILL HOLD THEM OFF!”

“Thank you, my friend!”

Arc runs as fast as he can toward safety. A few demons make chase as someone above cries out.

“Arc! Jump!”

Obeying, Arc jumps as high as he can. A moment later he is flying over the last of the demons. He looks up to see Ember holding one arm and Templar Derpy holding the other. Ember looks down at him.

“We got you!”

“Arc! Are you alright?!”

“Yes, but if we don't end this now none of us will be! Get me as near to Rarity as you dare! Drop in 3...2...1... DROP!”

Arc falls toward Rarity, who is visibly struggling to keep the spell active as he turns to the defenders.

“FALL BACK!”

Arc grabs the crystal pendant from Rarity, throws it to the ground, and shatters it with his spear. The barrier again forms around Tartarus All the ponies erupt in cheers but a moment later there is a cry of alarm. One of the Heroes of Light points a hoof at the barrier.

“Oh no! Twilight! She didn't make it out in time!”

Twilight has her back to the wall of the barrier, unable to pass through. The demons walk towards her baring their teet.! King Malevolence turns to his troops.

“TEAR THAT PURPLE PONY APART... SLOWLY! I WANT TO SEE... SUFFERING!”

Arc pushes his way toward the barrier as the Mane 6 try to get through. Applejack bucks the barrier.

“It’s no use!”

Pinkie Pie fires her Party Cannon at the barrier again and again to no avail. “I’m not making any headway over here either!”

Rainbow Dash flies at the barrier with all her might. “Twilight!”

Cadance rushed forward and blasts the barrier with her alicorn magic! “TWILIGHT!!!”

None of their attacks have any effect. Arc nears the barrier himself and cries out.

“EVERYONE MOVE!!!”

The Mane 6 jump out of the way, making room for Arc. He runs right through the barrier, grabs Twilight, wraps his cape around her and jumps back out as the demons pounce Arc lands awkwardly on his stomach. Everypony gathers around him as he slowly rises to look at them. Smiling under his helmet, he slowly pulls away his cape to reveal one terrified Twilight Sparkle Fluttershy cheers as she rides Cerberus like a horse.

“WHAT A SAVE! HE DID IT! HE DID IT! YEAH!!!”

All the ponies cry out in amazement The demons bang, slash, claw and throw rocks at the barrier in anger. Arc stands up with Twilight as the group stomps their hooves happily at their victory. Suddenly there is a strange sound from beyond the barrier. Arc turns to see the demon army attacking the Marquis.

“MARQUIS! IT'S OVER! WE'RE ALL SAFE NOW! GET OUT OF THERE!!!”

The Marquis turns to look at Arc as the demons continue pelting him mercilessly. “I... CANNOT... THERE ARE TOO MANY... I CAN DIE HAPPY THOUGH, KNOWING YOU ARE SAFE, MY FRIEND!”

“No! I won’t let it end like this!”

Before anyone can stop him, Arc charges through the barrier back into Tartarus. Jumping on the heads of the demons to get to his friend’s side. He knocks away the demons from the Marquis.

“I'll draw their attention! You escape!”

“I CANNOT LEAVE YOU LIKE THIS!”

“Don't worry! I have a plan! This will not be my end!”

The Marquis retreats back underground. “THANK YOU, MY FRIEND! WE WILL MEET AGAIN ONE DAY!”

The Mane 6, Derpy, Cadance and as many ponies as can stand side to side all stare through the barrier as Twilight screams.

“Arc!”

Derpy joins him. “COME BACK TO US!”

Ember pounds on the barrier with her fists. “THIS VICTORY WILL MEAN NOTHING WITHOUT YOU! RUN!”

King Malevolence walks over to Arc, his army all around them. “Foolish human! With your capture, your puny friend’s mission ends in failure! I shall enjoy watching your courage fail you!”

The king throws his head back and laughs maniacally. Arc begins to chuckle to himself. In a few moments he is laughing hysterically as well. Cadance watches the spectacle unfold before them.

“Is he insane?! There's no way he could hope to defeat an army of that size!”

Twilight stands there, crying. “Was it… all for nothing?!”

Templar Derpy puts her hoof around Twilight. “Have faith in Arc! I know I do!”

King Malevolence looks at Arc confused as the human continues to laugh. “What reason could you possibly have to laugh right now?”

Arc, still chuckling, looks to the king. “I… I'm sorry, I just find it hilarious that you think I did this on a whim! Now I have you right where I want you!”

Arc raises the Spear of Courage above his head. “YOU WANT TO SEE COURAGE, KING MALEVOLENCE?! THEN TAKE A GOOD LOOK!”

“WHAT?!”

Arc slams the Spear of Courage down into the ground. Waves of pure energy explode outwards in all directions. The demon army is brough to it’s knees. When the dust clears only the king is still conscious, Arc stands over him, spear drawn.

“…go ahead… finish me… human…”

Arc looks down at the king as he rests his spear on his shoulder. “No... I want you to live. Equestria will always endure. Remember this defeat... this humiliation. And remember that you can never win.”

Arc turns around and walks away, leaving the king laying there dumbfounded. He walks back to the barrier and effortlessly walks through it to a sea of ponies who are all standing there wide-eyed. Their jaws hang open silently as Arc turns to Derpy.

“Miss me?”

A second later Arc is tackled by Derpy, Ember, Twilight and the rest of the Mane 6 as cheers erupt all around them Meanwhile, back in Tartarus, a shadowy figure had been watching the events unfold before them.

“Heh, heh, heh... well done Arc... well done. I have waited for a creature such as you. With your power... perhaps finally...”

The creature of light materializes behind him as he frowns.

“Oh… you again.”

“I would not get too excited. Arc does indeed have great power within him. Much of which he is most likely unaware of. But I too have been watching him and can say with certainty that he would never agree to work with slime like you.”

The mysterious creature in the black cloak looks out over the defeated demon army again. “It does appear I was mostly right about his plan though. Although it was quicker than I imagined. Arc didn't need to overthrow the King. He already had followers outside the barrier that had been manipulated into saving him. With the combined might of these outsiders along, with the Vile Tribe, the human should have no trouble infiltrating Canterlot and overthrowing the princesses.

Again, the light speaks. “I doubt that, strongly. Arc does not appear to be like other humans. The light of Righteousness burns brightly within him.”

“Ha! You forget, he is only human. They can't deny their destructive nature indefinitely. As his power swells, so will the urge to use it to obtain that which he truly desires. It is... only a matter of time. And when that time comes... I will be there!”

As the creature fades away, “I have faith in Arc. He will not fail Equestria.”

The Mysterious Figure remains on the hill looking down. “I too have faith... that he will be their doom.”

REMASTERED - VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 14 - The Aftermath

The sun is setting as the ponies all leave the gates of Tartarus behind them. They make camp for the night with supplies brought through the rifts from the Crystal Empire. Many campfires dot the meadow as the various ponies recall the day’s events happily. Arc, Derpy, Ember, Mythic Honor, the Mane 6 (minus Twilight and Fluttershy) and Princess Cadance sit around one such campfire. Derpy has not left Arc's side since the battle's end. Arc leans back against a large rock and sight contentedly.

“Ah... it feels good to relax after all that.”

Derpy looks up to Arc as she nuzzles his side. “Agreed. I think I've gone through a lifetime of stress today.”

Applejack looks over at Arc happily. “I second that. But we're all just glad to see you again, safe and sound.”

Rainbow Dash jumps into the air and does a flying back-flip before landing back where she started. “You were totally awesome back there, Arc! Definitely 20% cooler than anything I’ve ever seen before!”

Rarity nods. “You were marvelous, darling!”

Pinkie bounces in place clearly unable to contain herself. “As soon as we get back to Ponyville, I'm throwing you the biggest victory party EVER!”

Arc looks around the circle. “This was a larger victory than all of you know. Not only did you help liberate me from that place, but also righted a terrible wrong against an entire town of innocent ponies.”

Mythic Honor stands up. “Yes! On behalf of the entire Vile Tribe, I thank you for allowing us the privilege of seeing the sun and moon again after so many generations of darkness!”

Arc turns to the elderly unicorn. “Mythic Honor, if I may... what will you and the Vile Tribe do now?”

“I admit, neither I or any other member of the Vile Tribe has given it much thought, as we never dreamed we would ever escape that place! We spent all our time just trying to survive! However, sitting around this fire has given me some time to reflect on our future! With permission of the princess, I believe we will settle right here and guard the Gates of Tartarus.”

Princess Cadance looks over at him. “While that would be fine with me, are you certain? I would have thought you would like to get as far away from that place as possible.”

“As terrible a place as Tartarus was, it really is all we knew! Some of my people are quite apprehensive to be here! It would be a comfort to be able to see our old home from our new one!”

Applejack pipes up. “If that's truly what you want, I'll lend a hoof in the morning to help build a Town Hall. We all will.”

Rarity nods. “Here, here!”

Rainbow Dash grins as she stands. “We'll make this town AWESOME!”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll travel back to Ponyville tomorrow with the others to make sure they get back safely. Then I’ll return here with supplies and help you build.”

Mythic Honor nods happily. “Thank you all! You have already done so much for us! Especially you Arc. I am constantly humbled by your Generosity and Loyalty! Not to mention your Kindness...!”

Rainbow Dash looks around at the other fires around their camp. “Hey! Has anypony seen the ‘Heroes of Light’ around? We never actually thanked them for their help!”

Cadance looks over to Rainbow Dash suspiciously. “What do you know of the ‘Heroes of Light’?”

“Not much, other than they're AWESOME! They really kicked flank during the battle!”

Cadance looks over at Rainbow Dash, wide-eyed. “WAIT! The “Heroes of Light” were here?!”

Rarity nods. “Yes indeed! They protected me while I channeled that Strange Crystal. I too would like to thank them for their help.”

Cadance shakes her head sadly. “But… but that's impossible! The Heroes of Light fell in battle years ago!”

Applejack looks at her in disbelief. “That can't be. They joined our cause in Ponyville. Said something about owing Arc a favor, but didn't go into detail. Arc hasn't been here for years.”

Cadance puts a hoof on her chin, thoughtfully. “This is most puzzling. Their last mission went sideways but they somehow managed to pull it off. While it is true their bodies were never recovered I suppose if anypony could survive that, they could.”

Arc nods. “I saw them fighting bravely during the battle. Let's just say I hope I never have to fight those two. Not sure even I could pull that one off.”

Cadance looks over at Arc. “Yes, your prowess in combat is impressive. However, I am even more impressed by the selfless acts I witnessed during the battle. But forgive me for not introducing myself first. I am Princess Cadance, ruler of the Crystal Empire.”

He nods to her. “And I am Arc, a human from Earth. But I suppose you knew that already.”

“Yes. Twilight mentioned you back when you first arrived in Ponyville. I am glad to finally get to meet the one whom she has put so much faith.”

“I’m sorry it was not under better circumstances.”

Cadance smiles at him as Ember sits down on the other side of Arc. “I am just glad my forces made it here in time! Had we not arrived the battle may have ended much differently!”

“Can't argue that point! Name's Ember by the way!”

“Hello. I also saw you bravely fighting against the demons in the battle. Can I ask how you know Arc?”

Ember recounts meeting Arc in Tartarus and how they fought together on numerous occasions. Cadance nods.

“I see. So... you too were imprisoned in Tartarus?”

“Yup. Been there for a while now. Happy to be out of that dump, though.”

“If I may ask, what crime did you commit to be sent there?”

Ember looks over at Arc apprehensively. He nods. Ember tells the story of her being scapegoated for crimes she didn't commit and summarily sent to Tartarus. Cadance appears to be thinking.

“Hmmm... well this does put me in quite the position. While you did fight bravely, I'm afraid you are still an escaped prisoner of Tartarus. I'm very sorry about this, but I'm going to have to insist that you return with me to the Crystal Empire. I will see to it that you receive a proper trial before Princess Celestia when she returns, of course. But the law quite clearly states that you must remain under guard until your trial date. I am sorry about this.”

Ember moves to stand in defiance but Arc quickly puts a hand on her shoulder and pulls her back down. Mythic Honor stands in Ember’s defense.

“But you can't do that! Ember has been there for the Vile Tribe when we needed her! She's no criminal!”

Cadance sighs heavily. “I'm sorry, truly I am. If I could pardon you miss I would. However, the law clearly states that non-citizens who wish to appeal their case must do so before Princess Celestia.”

Arc looks over at Cadance. “While I understand your position, I don't believe you have the necessary... facilities to imprison a dragon. You've seen her in combat and seen her strength first hand. Can you honestly say your guards could handle such a ‘dangerous’ captive?”

“Your words are indeed true, Arc. But what would you propose I do?”

“Put her under house arrest in Ponyville. I'll guard her myself and take personal responsibility for her actions. Unless of course, you know of someone more powerful than I to watch her.”

Mythic Honor looks over at Princess Cadance yet again. “It's true! Arc has already defeated Ember in one-on-one combat!”

“Very well, Arc. Ember is entrusted to your care until her trial can commence. Until that time, you will be personally responsible for her every action. Do you understand and accept this?”

“I do.”

Cadance nods. “Very well. The petition is granted.”

“Thank you.”

Cadance stares at Arc, looking him over from top to bottom. “Arc, you are quite the mystery...”

“Really? How so?”

“While we ponies know very little about humans, what we do know is that they are supposedly greedy, jealous, untrustworthy, and often compared to the demons in Tartarus.”

“Um… ouch?”

Cadance holds up a hoof. “However, from what I have heard about your exploits in Equestria since arriving here, it seems you are the opposite of what we thought humans are like.”

“I admit, there are many humans that would fit the mold on what you just described. But there are also many who are far more selfless than I.”

“You have given me much to think about, Arc. Although I do have another question for you and Ember.”

Ember appears confused. “Me?”

Cadance motions to their spears. “Can the two of you explain where you acquired your weapons? Your spears are like nothing I have ever seen before.”

Ember recounts the story of how she received her spear from a mysterious shadow creature. Cadance nods.

“I have never heard of such a creature. This enigma keeps growing and growing! And you Arc?”

Arc pats the spear leaning on the rock next to him. “The Spear of Hope was not actually given to me, but also originated from a shadowy creature. Derpy, can you tell us the story please?”

Derpy recounts her and Arc's adventure in the Dream World where she received the Spear of Hope. Cadance sighs.

“The more questions I ask, the more questions I have! I will have to think more on these matters. Has anyone seen Twilight? I would like to hear her thoughts on these matters.”

Arc looks down at Derpy who is still leaning against his side. “Have you seen Twilight?”

Derpy bites her lip as she looks up at him. “She said she wanted to be alone for a while. I think... I think she's afraid to face you after all the trouble she caused.”

Arc rises to his feet. “Well, I had better go see her then.”

“Arc?”

“Yes Derpy?”

“I know it won't be easy, but... please forgive Twilight, as I have.”

As Arc leaves, Princess Cadance turns to the others. “You don't think he would... hurt her, do you?”

Derpy looks over at the princess. “As much pain as Twilight has inflicted on Arc from her mistake, she certainly deserves it. But... if I know Arc, he doesn't want revenge. He just wants to set things right between them.”

Cadance relaxes. “Thank you for putting my mind at ease.”

Applejack looks around. “Hey! Has anypony seen Fluttershy?”

Rarity sighs. “She went to bed as soon as she finished pitching her tent. I think the day's activities were just too much for her.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Nah. She's afraid of the moon.”

Pinkie appears confused. “Really, Dashie! Why’s that?!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I don't know. But she’s avoided being out after dark as long as I can remember though.”

Cadance smiles. “We all have our fears, my little ponies.”

Meanwhile… Twilight sits at a small campfire, alone. She does not look up as Arc approaches and calls out to her.

“Twilight?”

Twilight says nothing, but continues to stare sadly into the fire as Arc continues talking.

“Are you alright? Princess Cadance and your friends are worried about you.”

Twilight replies but does not look away from the fire. “I... I had a whole speech written up on what I wanted to say to you right now. But... I realize now... that isn't what I want to say.”

Arc sits down on the ground on the other side of the fire as Twilight continues.

“I realize there really isn't anything I CAN say at this point. By now I’m sure you probably hate me, so I decided I wanted to be far away from the others when I say this.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“I will accept any punishment you deem appropriate to inflict upon me. Do whatever you wish, but please, let your anger fall on me, and me alone.”

Twilight slowly gets up, walks over to Arc and sits on her haunches in front of him.

She closes her eyes. “Go ahead.”

“Put your head down, Twilight.”

She silently obeys. Twilight is completely terrified of what will happen next and begins to cry softly.

“Are you ready?”

Twilight, unable to speak, nods her head. Moments later she feels Arc's hand on her head. He slowly runs it down her mane and back before returning it to her head. This continues for several minutes. Twilight's body has gone limp and she is completely relaxed as Arc whispers to her..

“I missed you, Twilight…”

Twilight opens her eyes and looks up at him, surprised. ”What?! But... why?! How can you...?! Don’t you hate me for what I did?!”

Arc looks down at her and smiles. “Twilight, I could never hate you. Please know that I thought of you and Derpy every day I was in Tartarus, hoping you were alright. I admit, when you banished me I did feel betrayed. However, I knew you were doing it, at least in your mind, to protect others.”

Twilight smiles. “I... don't deserve such a good friend.”

“Twilight, I have a friendship lesson to share with you.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Friendship isn't about deserving or earning your friends.”

“Then what…?”

Arc moves to stand up. “I'll tell you if a little while. Come on. The others are worried about you.”

“Alright.”

Arc and Twilight rejoin the others. Cadance looks over to her friend.

“Glad to have you back with us Twilight.”

“Yes, and sorry for making you all worry about me.”

Cadance returns her gaze to Arc as he returns to his place. “There is one last thing I need to address before retiring for the night. Arc… there are many ancient laws, many of which are forgotten by all but the princesses themselves. One such law states that a princess cannot be indebted to anypony for any reason. When you risked your life to save my good friend Twilight here, I became indebted to you, and as such I am bound to repay you in whatever way you see fit.”

Cadance produces a scroll from the bag next to her and a quill.

“Simply write down what you would like and I will do my best to accommodate you. Princess Celestia will also be indebted to you for saving her most faithful student. But until she returns, I guess you will have to take a rain check on that.”

He takes the parchment and quill. “I can think of only one thing.”

Arc writes his request on the scroll and hands it back to Cadance. She reads the request with a strange look on her face before turning back to Arc.

“Are you certain this is all you would like?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I've never been more certain of anything.”

Cadance takes the quill, signs her name, rolls up the scroll and walks it over to Arc. “Very well. With my signature this Royal Decree becomes law.”

She gives it to him and stares into his eyes for a few moments.

“I would have thought you would have asked for great riches, property, or perhaps power, but this... I never would have guessed. Perhaps there is more to humans than meets the eye.”

Ember bows her head and sighs. “That there is, princess.”

“Oh?”

“I learned something in Tartarus. Something that changed me.”

Twilight appears confused. “What was it?”

“That you can’t really go by common knowledge sometimes. I mean, just because everyone believes that a group is bad doesn’t mean it necessarily is.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Right! The Vile Tribe was thought to be criminals simply because everyone’s ancestors were! But we hadn’t done anything wrong! After all, when on is born into prison what real chance do they have in life?!”

Rarity nods. “I agree. You and the others deserve a fair chance at freedom. Just like all of us do.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! It’s not right to keep ponies locked up like that!”

Derpy turns to Cadance. “Can’t something be done to make sure something like this never happens again, your highness?”

“I will have to speak it over with Luna and Aunt Celestia when she returns. This matted does have great merit.”

Twilight sighs. “But this is how things have always been done.”

Pinkie frowns. “Then maybe things need to change!”

Applejack nods. “Right. After all, keeping ponies in Tartarus for the crimes their parents committed… that just ain’t right!”

Arc looks out over the sea of campfires and Vile Tribe members gathered around them. “Right. But now they have their shot at a normal life.”

Mythic Honor nods. “It will be hard, naturally! But we’re willing to put in the work!”

Cadance stands. “And I do believe that you will be successful here. I will personally see to it that this matter is rectified for future generations.”

Arc nods. “That’s for the best, Princess Cadance.”

“While I don’t really know exactly what could be done, I also can’t just sit on my hooves and do nothing. Now then if everypony will excuse me, I need to get back to the Crystal Empire.”

She turns to walk away but stops and looks over her shoulder.

“I don't mind saying that there will be a great many ponies watching you Arc, waiting to see what you will accomplish next... and I will be one of them. I wish you luck in your future endeavors. Good night everypony.”

Cadance’s horn glows and she opens a portal. Stepping through she vanishes as Pinkie rubbernecks over to Arc.

“So! What did you ask for, Arc?!

Rainbow Dash grins. “I bet it was something totally AWESOME!!!”

Ember laughs. “I admit, I can't even begin to guess!”

Mythic Honor looks at the scroll in Arc’s hand. “Considering what you already have, this request must be amazing!”

Derpy smiles and looks up at Arc. “Whatever it was, I think you impressed the princess.”

Twilight looks over at her human friend. “Care to let us in on what you wrote?”

Arc hands the Royal Order to Twilight. “Why don’t you read it aloud for us?”

Twilight does so…

By Order of Princess Cadance...

The human from Earth named Arc is hereby granted amnesty and citizenship in the land of Equestria, with all the rights, responsibilities and privileges granted to every citizen of this land.

None of the ponies quite know what to say. Rainbow Dash looks over to Twilight, confused.

“I don't get it. What does that mean?”

Arc chuckles. “I means that I want to be one of you. Equestria is now my home.”

Twilight appears surprised. “But what about your friends back on Earth?!”

“I’d like to go back temporarily to say my goodbyes, of course. Then I’ll come back to Equestria to stay. That is, when Twilight figures out how I can do that.”

Twilight nods. “I’ll do my best to try and honor that request, Arc. But I think I’ll probably need help from Princess Celestia to make that happen.”

Ember frowns. “Won’t she just get mad at him? I mean… she supposedly doesn’t like humans, right?”

Arc takes the scroll back from Twilight. “That’s what this is for.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “I don’t get it.”

Rarity smiles. “It’s so she can’t just throw him out or refuse to allow him to return.”

Pinkie nods happily. “Yup! You can’t deport a citizen of Equestria. That’s illegal!”

Twilight sighs. “If you wanted to, you could cash in your favor with her to gain the help we need to send you back and resummon you.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like a plan. It feels nice to have a place to call home.”

Derpy nuzzles his side again. “We would be honored to have you stay with us, Arc.”

Rarity claps her hooves together. “Here, here!”

Standing, Arc stretches and yawns.

“Well, I think I need some sleep.”

Ember chuckles as she stands. “We all do.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Arc, before you go, could you finish telling me the friendship lesson you learned?”

Arc walks up to Twilight and gets down to her at eye level before putting a hand on her shoulder and answering with a single word.

“Forgiveness.”

He gives Twilight a small kiss on the forehead before saying good night to the group. As he rises to leave, so does Ember. She follows him to his tent. Arc groans.

“Okay, it is definitely NOT cold here Ember. You really don't need to do that.”

Ember looks at Arc with a mischievous look in her eye. “But didn't you tell Princess Cadance that you would guard me?”

Arc sighs as he pulls open the tent flap for her. “What have I gotten myself into...?”

Lying down, they get into their respective sleeping bags. Staring up for a time, Ember turns to Arc.

“Hey.”

“Hm?”

“You asleep, Arc?”

“Almost was.”

Ember chuckles. “Sorry about that.”

“What’s up?”

“I was just… thinking about someone.”

“Who?”

“Esther. Do you suppose she’s okay?”

“Probably. I mean, why wouldn’t she be?”

“We killed a lot of demons and their creatures during our escape. You don’t suppose she was with them, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “All I saw were beasts and what were clearly soldiers. No civilians caught my eye.”

“That’s good. And I guess it’s a good thing the demons sent their beasts after us.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… I’ve come to view demons in a bit of a different light since we went there. That and what was spoken about over the campfire… it really hit me hard.”

“An epiphany?”

“Not sure what that is, but… the demons… are they also like the Vile Tribe? Victims of their ancestor’s crimes?”

“I don’t really know, Ember. But that is a good point.”

Ember sighs. “Unlike the Vile Tribe though we can’t just let them out. They’ll destroy everything!”

Arc nods. “Probably. Their king seemed like a complete sadist to me though. After all, he honestly wanted to watch Twilight get torn apart.”

“And his soldiers appeared to want to comply.”

“This issue is a complicated one.”

“Yeah. Not sure what to do about it.”

“I’ll ask Twilight to write this down and send it to Princess Cadance. Maybe they can think of something.”

Ember shrugs. “It’s all we can do, right?”

“Pretty much.”

“Sorry for talking your ear off about this. Never thought I’d be wishing for mercy on the demons though. I’ve… really changed.”

Arc chuckles. “We all have, Ember. We all have.”

Author's Note

The end of Volume 2 was originally supposed to be the end of the story. However, my wife liked it so much she asked for more. Buckle up, because Arc and friends are in for a wild ride. :pinkiehappy:

Preface - Volume 3 - The Warrior

In our last volume Arc was sent to Tartarus for a crime he did not commit! Upon arriving he met and befriended a young dragon named Ember. Having nowhere else to go, he joined a community of ponies whose ancestors had been banished there generations ago!

Meanwhile, Twilight discovers her mistake in banishing an innocent human to such a hellish land, and proceeds to search for a way to rescue him! The Mane Six aid her in this task as they make their way to Canterlot Castle's library. Twilight approaches the princesses about the matter and is told they have an item that can be used to lower the barrier surrounding Tartarus! However, Princess Luna deems the task too dangerous and scuttles their rescue plan!

Ember falls ill with a strange illness which forces Arc to seek out the fabled hydra for its legendary humor! Defeating the Marquis, Arc is given the humor along with a number of the creature’s scales with which he can forge new armor! Ember recovers as Arc collapses from exhaustion! Her and Mythic Honor spend the night forging a new suit of armor for Arc as he rests.

The next morning Arc dons his new armor for the first time as Ember challenges him to ascertain his worthiness. As expected, Arc defeats Ember and proves himself worthy... of becoming her mate! He declines, as does not feel the same about Ember, nor will he be alive when she comes of age to wed.

Twilight and her friends march toward the Gates of Tartarus when a large portion of Ponyville to extract Arc from Tartarus by using a strange crystal given to them by a strange glowing creature of unknown origin. Amethyst Star organizes the defense as Twilight enters Tartarus alone under a magic cloak to render herself invisible. She spots the Vile Tribe's hideout and rushes there! Meanwhile the lord of Tartarus, King Malevolence, leads his army to the gates in an attempt to escape and bring about ruin to Equestria and its leaders!

Arc leads the Vile Tribe out along with Ember! As the brave defenders wane, Princess Cadance arrives with her own army of Crystal Defenders to aid in the effort! The Spear of Hope is returned to Derpy's hooves and she reascends as a Templar to fight against the demon horde! She along with Ember fly in to carry an overwhelmed Arc back to safety. He drops next to Rarity, grabs the crystal and smashes it to allow the barrier to reform. Unfortunately, Twilight is caught on the other side! As her friends watch helplessly, Arc charges back into Tartarus to save the one who banished him! Grabbing her, Arc dives back through the barrier (more on that in a later volume) back to safety. Turning, he sees his friend the Marquis being set upon by the demon army! Returning again into Tartarus, he gives the hydra time to escape. The King and his minions surround Arc and laugh at his situation. They are unnerved when he joins them in their revelry! When asked why, he answers by using Ember's Spear of Courage to let loose a shock-wave that decimates the army! Allowing the king to live, Arc turns and leaves to the cheers of his friends and the citizens of Ponyville!

That night, Arc approaches Twilight and official forgives her for sending him to Tartarus. The pair return to the Mane Six and Princess Cadance around the campfire as Arc is informed that he is entitled to a Royal Decree for his actions! The princess hands his a scroll on which he is to write out his heart's desire. She accepts the request and Arc is granted his freedom along with full, legal citizenship in Equestria.

However, many questions remain unanswered. Who was the bright creature who helped Twilight by giving her the strange crystal? Who is the creature in the black cloak with the glowing eyes? What will the Vile Tribe do now? How will Ember acclimate to life in Equestria with her "fiancée", Arc? But... the biggest question of all...

...what will Arc do with his newfound power and armor? Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell...

*Chapter 1 - Home Again

*Chapter 1 - Home Again

Arc and Ember return from the new village the Vile Tribe had constructed outside of Tartarus with the help of Twilight and her friends. Pointing a finger toward Ponyville as it comes into view, Arc takes a deep breath and smiles widely.

“It feels so good to be back here again! While I know it probably sounds a bit… over the top, it does give me the sense as if I’ve been gone forever!”

Ember frowns as she looks things over. “Think what you want, but it looks kinda... um... don't take this the wrong way but... boring.”

Arc laughs. “Considering what we’ve been though, I look forward to boring.”

Ember takes hold of Arc’s arm and smiles up at him. “Boring or not, as long as you’re here, I’m home.”

“Then let me show you where I live.”

As Ember follows Arc down the road toward Derpy’s small house she looks up at Arc with a sly smile.

“You mean where ‘we’ live, right?”

Arc shrugs. “I guess so. But that sort of decision is kinda up to Derpy.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… how so?”

“Well, it is her house, after all.”

As the pair enter Derpy’s house together, Arc calls out to his friend.

“Derpy! We’re back!”

Derpy trots happily up to him. Arc kneels down to give his first friend a hug which she returns happily as she cries out.

“Arc! Good to have you home again! How are things in the new village?!”

“The construction is going very well. If all goes according to plan, every pony in town will have their own houses built in a week or so.”

“That’s good to hear. For all the horrors they must have endured while living in Tartarus I hope this is the end of their troubles and the start of new lives.”

Derpy looks over to Ember.

“That goes for you as well, Miss Ember. Let this be a new beginning for you too.”

Arc sighs as he turns to Derpy. “Hey, um… this might sound a bit over the top, but… Ember doesn’t really have anywhere else to go now. Do you think she could live here in my room for a bit? I can pay you extra for her.”

Derpy nods happily. “That’s just fine with me, Arc. But no need for extra bits.”

“Thanks, Derpy. It’s really generous of you to do this on such short notice.”

Ember smiles and takes hold of Arc’s arm again. “Thanks! As long as I’m with Arc I feel everything will turn out all right.”

Derpy smiles at Ember, understandingly. “Yes, he does have that aura about him. Arc, why don't you show Ember to your room? I figured she’d be staying with us, so I had a second bed delivered this morning. I hope that's all right.”

“Thank you, yes. But all in good time, Derpy. There is someone I really want to see first though.”

Derpy nods. “I think I understand just what you mean..”

She stands to one side in an effort to allow Arc to pass. Derpy and Ember follow Arc into the living room together as he approaches the bassinet in the corner. Looking down at the small filly resting peacefully under the baby blanket Arc left to Derpy in his chest Arc looks down at Dinky as a smile creeps across his face.

“I have waited for what felt like an eternity to see you again, little one…”

The tiny unicorn slowly opens her eyes looks up at him, confused. Arc slowly extends a hand to her. She looks at it a moment before batting at it with a tiny hoof. Picking up the smiling filly and holding her Arc speaks softly and tenderly to Dinky.

“Remember me, little one? You're even cuter than I remember you being. Do you like the blanket I left you?”

Derpy giggles as she approaches the pair. “Of course she remembers you Arc. Her being alive now is thanks entirely to you, after all. And thank you ever so much for that little blanket. Dinky really seems to like it. But where did you get it?”

Arc turns back to Derpy Dinky still in his arms.

“Well… to be completely Honest with you, I… saw it in Fortunate Ire's pawn shop. He was just using it as a doily to protect a shelf, or something. Apparently, he doesn't have much experience with what appeared to be magical cloth. So I purchased it and had Twilight look it over to make sure it would make a nice enough gift for a young filly. According to her, she says it has some sort of a calming enchantment on it.”

Ember smiles at the family scene before her. “I'm sure I’ll be quite comfortable living here.”

Arc gives Dinky one last hug and a small kiss on her forehead before putting her back in the bassinet and turning to Ember.

“Now I can show you to my room.”

Taking the few steps across the room, Arc and Ember enter his small room together. With the addition of a second bed he immediately notices that there is not much room left to spare. Arc looks over at Ember a bit embarrassed.

“I know it's not much, but please make yourself at home.”

Ember walks over to her bed and sits down. “It's fine. As you know, this is quite a bit better than my more recent living arrangement.”

Arc looks around his old room thoughtfully before he notices a book on his dresser. He walks over and picks it up as Ember joins him.

“What have you got there, Arc?”

“Before I was banished to Tartarus that fateful night I borrowed this book from the Golden Oaks Library. Sadly, I never had the chance to return it.”

Derpy walks into the room carrying Arc’s satchel. “Arc. I wasn't sure if you would ever need them again but, here are the items you used to deliver Dinky. The hospital returned them here after the investigation concluded.”

Arc rummages around in the satchel. “Thank you Derpy. I... oh no... Twilight is not going to like this!”

Ember appears confused. “Eh?”

Arc reaches into the satchel and pulls out a blood-stained book. Ember raises an eyebrow as she looks it over.

“Looks like that thing has seen better days. What did you do to that thing, Arc?!”

“I used it to learn how to deliver Derpy's foal. But I think we had best return it to Twilight and pay for a new copy. Maybe it will help someone else one day.”

Arc grabs the book and some bits from the chest before heading for the door.

“Let's run these books back to the library, Ember. Besides... there's someone else I want you to meet.”

“Lead on!”

The two walk to the Golden Oaks Library and knock on the door. A short time later, Twilight answers. Smiling, she addresses them.

“Hello Arc! Good day, Ember! I hope you're enjoying our little town!”

Ember walks through the door with Arc. “As long as I am with Arc, anywhere is home to me now.”

Twilight giggles at this. “I am glad that you found happiness, Ember. So, what brings the two of you here today?”

Arc sheepishly pulls out the pony psychology book. “I just came to return the books you lent to me before… the incident.”

Twilight accepts the book, although she appears a bit embarrassed. “Oh, um... thank you.”

Arc holds out the book on delivering foals even though it is quite badly damaged by blood. “I have also come to apologize for this... and I hope these are enough bits to purchase a new copy.”

He gives Twilight a small bag of bits. Twilight bites her lip nervously as he does so.

“Arc... I... I'm really... REALLY... sorry about what happened that night! If I had just taken the time to...!”

Interrupting her, Arc puts a finger to Twilight’s mouth in an effort to silence her before talking.

“Don't worry about it Twilight. It's in the past now.”

Twilight smiles up at him. “I... I'm once again in awe of your Kindness, Arc. Thank you.”

Ember looks around. “Is Spike here by any chance? I would love to say hello to my first friend.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, he is!”

She turns her head and raises her voice as she calls out.

“Spike! Can you come here a moment, please?”

A moment later Spike comes running toward them.

“What's up, Twilight? I... EMBER!!!

The baby dragon bounds over to her and gives Ember a hug.

“Long time no see! How have you been?!”

A rather pained expression crosses Ember’s face. “It's… a rather long story, Spike.”

“Will you be in town for long?!”

“I think so, yes!”

Spike jumps up and down excitedly. “This is gonna be GREAT!”

Ember smiles down at him affectionately. “It's good to see you again too, Spike.”

Arc looks over at the young dragon. “Why don't you take Ember on a tour of Ponyville, Spike? I'm sure the two of you have a bit of catching up to do.”

Spike takes Embers claw in his and pulls her toward the open door. “That would be great! Come on Ember! Let's go!”

Arc calls out after them. “I'll see you at home later after I finish my errands, Ember!”

Twilight turns to Arc as Spike and Ember leave the library together. “Have a few things to take care of, eh?”

“I just wanted to go into town and thank a couple of ponies.”

Twilight walks Arc to the door and smiles. “Well, don’t be a stranger now. I’ll have to have you, Ember, and Derpy over for tea one of these days.”

Arc smiles at her as he walks out the door. “I look forward to it.”

Leaving the Golden Oaks Library, Arc quickly walks to Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer's small shop. Entering the shop, the bell atop the door jingles. Steel Hammer walks in from the back room with his wife by his side and addresses their guest.

“Good morning, Arc! I hope you are well!”

Silver Hammer looks up to him happily. “What can we do for you today?”

Arc reaches into his satchel and pulls out his helmet. “I was hoping the two of you could tell me more about an item I have here.”

Steel Hammer picks up the helmet and inspects it closely. “Can it be? There’s no way…”

“Have you seen anything like this before?”

Steel Hammer’s eyes widen. “Yes, I have! If I didn't know better, I would say this helmet was made out of Hydra Scales. But that can't be the case! They’ve been extinct for such a long time! In fact, the only Hydra Scale armor I have ever heard of was dug up by archaeologists! But this helmet looks positively new! Where did you get this?!”

“A unicorn in Tartarus made it for me.”

Silver Hammer gasps. “But, where did he get the scales?!”

“The scales were given to me... by a hydra.”

Both Steel and Silver Hammer's jaws drop at this revelation. After a few moments, Arc speaks.

“Uh… are you two okay?”

Steel Hammer examines the helmet more extensively as he nods. “Yes! We’re just blown away by this! Well, the smith who made this certainly knew what they were doing. This must have taken weeks if not longer to forge!”

“I’m told it took a single night.”

Silver Hammer puts a hoof on the helmet as she looks to her husband. “But such a material would take an inordinate amount of heat to become pliable! I'm not sure how such a smithing feat could be accomplished so quickly! Any ideas, dear?”

Steel Hammer rubs his chin. “Well... I suppose if the smith had a magical forge at their disposal it would certainly speed up the process to only take about a week. Any idea what kind of fuel was used in the forge? My best guess would be magically enhanced anthracite.”

“The forge was fueled by magical flames from a dragon.”

Another pony jaw drop ensues as Steel Hammer gives the helmet to his wife to help him examine as he speaks.

“Fascinating! I assumed such knowledge was lost by the sands of time! This helmet truly is the find of the century!”

Arc chuckles. “The smith also took the time to enchant it for me.”

Silver Hammer looks up excitedly at her husband. “A master smith AND an Enchanter?!”

“They must be quite the individual!”

“I'm no master enchanter personally, dear, but even I can see that this piece is quite marvelous!”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc. “Would you mind if our daughter Platinum Valve took a look at this, sir? While I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, she’s more versed in ancient and obscure magics than her mother and I are. Perhaps she could shed some light on this.”

“Sure! Let's have her take a look at it.”

Silver Hammer leaves the room and returns a few minutes later with Platinum Valve. As the mare gives the helmet to Platinum Valve she speaks.

“What do you make of this enchantment, honey?”

Platinum Valve examines the enchantment closely before responding.

“I've only read about things like this in the oldest history books on enchanting I could get, but… this appears to have a True-sight Enchantment cast on it. That and this one looks to be quite powerful. Whomever wears this helmet should be able to see through any kind of deception, illusion, or cloaking spell. It's really quite impressive.”

Arc takes the helmet back and puts it on. “It also lets me see in the dark to an extent. Although the smith said the eye-glowing part was more for intimidation than anything else.”

“Awesome, sir!”

As he takes the helmet back off Arc chuckles. “I guess I should have you take a look at the rest of the armor one of these days.”

Silver Hammer’s eyes widen. “Wait! You have an entire Hydra Armor suit?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. It seems to be heavily enchanted with regeneration magic too. But the smith did say something about it not being fully enchanted. I haven't really thought about what other enchants I want on it though.”

Platinum Valve looks up at Arc. “Yes! Hydra Scales are renowned for their ability to hold powerful enchantments!”

“Perhaps you could put a few more on it for me one day!”

Platinum Valve’s eyes become as wide as her smile. “Really, sir?! That would be the honor of a lifetime! No other enchanter in Equestria has worked with Hydra Scales in generations!”

Arc chuckles. “I'll let you know when I figure out what I want to do.”

Platinum Valve gallops toward the door. “Thanks! In that case, I better get back to studying so I'll be ready!”

As he looks back to the Hammers, Arc smiles. “Well, thank you both for the insight. And thanks for your help the other day. I don't think Rarity would made it through that ordeal if she didn't have you two defending her.”

Steel Hammer lowers his voice as he responds. “But… how did you know that was us?”

“I could see you through your armor's magics. My helmet's enchantment, remember? Um… was I not supposed to know that?”

Silver Hammer sighs. “Nopony knows about our past. Have you told anyone else about this?”

Arc shakes his head. “I have not. And don’t worry, as it will stay that way.”

Silver Hammer walks over to her husband’s side. “Thank you. We... we're not proud of some of the things we’ve done in the past. But please know that everything we did was done in the name of protecting Equestria and its citizens.”

Arc nods soberly. “Princess Cadance said that your last mission went badly and you were never heard from again.”

Steel Hammer looks down at the floor. “We... faked our disappearance.”

Silver Hammer bows her head. “You see, we just wanted a quiet life of our own in order to settle down and have a family.”

“So what made you come out of retirement, as it were?”

Silver Hammer looks up at Arc, happily. “When our little Platinum Valve was missing, it was you who found her. You gave us back our happy family. So when we heard Twilight was planning to assault the gates of Tartarus to try and save you, we knew we had to be a part of it. We owe you that much, and then some.”

“Thank you, both of you, for helping. And even more so for protecting my friends during the battle. I am eternally grateful.”

The Hammers nod silently as Arc looks to the door before continuing.

“Well, I should probably let you two get back to work. Thanks again for everything.”

As Arc turns to leave Steel Hammer calls out after him.

“Next time you come by, would you bring the full suit of armor? I wouldn't mind seeing that up close.”

“Sure.”

Silver Hammer giggles. “My husband and I may know of a few tweaks that will bring it up to military standards. As if it weren't powerful enough already, that is.”

Arc chuckles. “No rush there. I hope I'm done fighting for quite some time!”

Steel Hammer hangs his head. “That's what we would say after pretty much every mission...”

Silver Hammer nods soberly. “There will always be threats to Equestria, but... our time is done.”

Arc sighs as he walks out the door. “I hope mine is too. But somehow I doubt it.”

*Chapter 2 - Ember's Dilemma

*Chapter 2 - Ember's Dilemma

Several weeks pass. Arc quickly notices that Ember has seemed distracted since coming with him to Ponyville. On evening, she sits on her bed staring out the window looking toward the sunset. Arc enters the room and quietly calls out to her.

“Ember, supper will be ready in about an hour.”

She does not acknowledge his presence with anything more than a silent nod. Arc walks over to her and put a hand on her shoulder.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Ember says nothing but puts a claw on Arc’s hand and holds it. He respectfully remains behind Ember, unmoving, but says nothing further. A few minutes pass before Ember speaks as she continues to look out the window.

“I... I've been thinking... about my... our future.”

“What about it?”

“Remember what you said... about humans not living past a hundred years?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I do.”

“It's just... I mean... if you were a dragon...”

Ember groans and she shakes her head as if to clear it before speaking again.

“Ugh, my mind is a mess! Why something like this so hard for me to put into words?!”

Arc smiles at her. “Take your time. I'll wait.”

Ember speaks in a very sad tone. “My Dragon Code... I mean… if you were a dragon, this would be a simple matter. But... with you being a different species entirely... not to mention one that has such a short lifespan... I just... I just don't know what to do?”

“Tell me more about the Dragon's Code. Who wrote it?”

“The Dragon's Code was written by the dragons of old, millennia ago. Their names have long since been forgotten natural, but all dragons great and small must live by it. Or face judgment by the Dragon Lord.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I see. And the Dragon Lord has the final say over the Dragon's Code, and how it's interpreted?”

Ember nods. “Yes. In the event of a disagreement, or a matter in which the Code is not easily understood, a dragon may petition the Dragon Lord to intervene, give guidance, or grant an exemption from the Dragon's Code entirely. The latter is quite rare, but the Dragon Lord does have the power to do such a thing.”

“Can't we just go to your homeland and explain to the Dragon Lord that you found me worthy before understanding that my species life is so short?”

“I would normally say yes. But you see, I was banished and can't go back until I fulfill his order to become as strong a warrior as he is.”

“Well in that case, can we contact him some other way? Like, I don’t know… send him a letter, or something?”

Ember quickly stands up, her eyes wide. “Arc, you're a genius! Now why didn't I think of that...?!”

Arc chuckles as he watches Ember hurry over to a pencil and paper lying on his dresser. “Glad I could help!”

Ember quickly begins writing a letter to her father explaining the issue with the Dragon's Code interpretation and asking for clarification and advice. Finishing her task, she holds up and blows on the letter. As it bursts into flames a magical smoke from its remains whisks it away out the window to the southeast towards the Dragon Lands. Turning to him, Ember grins widely.

“Alright. It’s done.”

Arc watches the smoke as it flies out of sight. “Hopefully the Dragon Lord can straighten this all out for us.”

“I'm sure he can. My father is a wise and fair ruler... if a bit... overzealous. And now I'm worried again.”

Arc puts a hand on her should and smiles. “Well, nothing to do but wait for a response then. Come on, let's get the table set for supper.”

Ember, seeming more like herself, agrees and follows Arc out of the bedroom. Sometime later Arc, Ember, and Derpy sit down to a nice family supper. Derpy happily feeds Dinky a bottle as Arc looks to her.

“An excellent meal, Derpy!”

“Thank you very much, Arc. I'm glad you liked it.”

Ember finishes her own food and smiles sheepishly. “I have to confess, I was a bit worried when I first came here, knowing that I would have to eat pony food. While it might sound a bit strange to you, dragon's aren't much for cooking their food... or table manners for that matter. But I admit I am enjoying the meals here!”

Derpy smiles and nods. “You are too kind, Miss Ember!”

“Please, just call me Ember!”

“All right… Ember. And I’d like to say that it’s good to have yet another friend living here.”

Derpy suddenly gets a faraway look in her eyes. Arc looks over to her, suddenly concerned.

“Derpy? Is everything all right?”

With a shake of her head, Derpy snaps back to reality and looks to him sheepishly. “Sorry. It's just... well... it really wasn't very long ago that I lay on my mat in front of the fireplace... alone.”

Arc stands up and walks over to Derpy. He puts a hand on her shoulder and smiles down at her.

“Don't worry, Derpy. Those days are now behind you. Just remember that as long as you live in Ponyville, you will never truly be alone.”

“Thank you, Arc…”

Ember suddenly stands up so quickly she knocks her chair over. Arc looks to her in surprise as he speaks.

“Ember?! What's wrong?!”

He and Derpy quickly see that Ember’s body has begun to glow and she is scratching herself all over. Grunting as she scratches, Ember eventually speaks.

“It's... it's the Call of the Dragon Lord. I'm being… being summoned.”

Derpy look over, clearly worried. “What do we do?!”

“The only way to make it stop is to heed the call! I must appear before my father!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You mean that WE must appear! This concerns me too, you know!”

Ember nods. “Yes, Arc. You’re right.”

Derpy looks down at Dinky sleeping in her hooves. “Does… does this mean you have to leave again so soon Arc?”

“I’m afraid so, Derpy. But don't worry about me. I'll be back before you know it.”

Derpy stands and lays Dinky in her bassinet before hurrying over to the mantle and taking down the Spear of Hope. She returns to Arc and holds it out to him soberly.

“Take this, Arc. It will keep you safe.”

Arc accepts the weapon soberly. “Thank you, Derpy. Although I hope I won't need it.”

Ember looks to the wall clock. “We had best get a good night's sleep so we can get on the road early tomorrow morning.”

Derpy looks sad at the turn of events. “I wish I could go, but...”

Arc nods as he interrupts her. “I wish you could come too Derpy. But I’m sure we can both agree that Dinky needs a full-time mother.”

“I know… so why don’t you two turn in for the night? Like Ember said, you have an early morning ahead.”

Ember yawns. “That we do. Come on, Arc.”

“Go on ahead, Ember. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”

Nodding, Ember stands and heads for their bedroom. Rising as well, Arc walks with Derpy over to Dinky’s bassinet. They look down at her silently for a few moments before Arc turns to Derpy and speaks.

“She’s just so adorable!”

Derpy nods happily. “Even more so when she’s asleep somehow.”

“Are you going to be okay while we’re gone?”

“Yes, Arc. You won’t be gone that long, I would assume.”

“I’m not actually sure how long this will take, as I don’t know what route we’re going to take or even the method of travel will be.”

Derpy sighs. “Here’s hoping that you don’t have to rely on a lot of legwork.”

“Yes, well… I’ve have Ember give us both a rundown of the plan tomorrow morning over breakfast.”

“That would be appreciated. I’d worry less then.”

Arc chuckles. “Me too.”

Derpy looks to the bedroom door. “But you should probably follow Ember’s lead and get some rest now.”

“I will, yes.”

“And don’t worry about getting up with Dinky tonight. After all, you need your rest.”

Arc chuckles as her gently pets Dinky’s mane. “Aw… but I love doing that.”

Derpy smiles as she covers the young filly with her baby blanket. “I know you do, Arc. But like what was said earlier, both you and Ember need to get a good night’s sleep.”

“Yes, well… when I get back I’ll take over doing that for you, Derpy. After all, you need your sleep as well.”

Derpy grins as she points to the bedroom with a hoof. “Thank you for all you do for me, Arc. Now please get some rest.”

Arc nods and heads for his room. “Alright, I will. Goodnight, Derpy.”

“Pleasant dreams’ Arc.”

She walks over to her mat a few paces away and lies down. Looking at the bassinet nearby, she smiles happily and closes her eyes before calling out in little more than a whisper.

“Sweet dreams, Dinky. I know you’ll grow up big and strong one day.”

Meanwhile, Arc enters his room and shuts the door behind him. Ember is already lying on her bed waiting for him impatiently.

“Took long enough out there!”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry about that. I just wanted to talk to Derpy while we put Dinky to bed.”

“And that’s all well and good. But we need to get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow, Arc. I don’t want you passing out from exhaustion on the trip.”

“Yeah, about that. Can we get a rundown of the route tomorrow morning? Derpy’s kinda worried about us and it would help if she knew where exactly we were going.”

Ember groans. “Fine. I’ll show both of you on the map what the plan is. But for now we just need to rest.”

“Alright.”

Heading for his bed, Arc sits down on the side of it and removes his boots. Pushing them under the bed with his foot, he looks up to see Ember holding her covers up and smirking.

“Wanna join me?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Join you?”

Ember nods. “In bed.”

“We have two of them for a reason though.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But it would be just like old times back in my place when we would sleep together.”

Arc sighs. “That was more out of necessity than anything else. Nights got really cold over there, after all.”

Ember grins. “True. But I loved every moment of it. And not just because I hate being cold, I mean.”

“Oh?”

“It was just… nice. Lying next to someone whom was worthy of me.”

Arc bows his head. “The Dragon’s code.”

Ember nods. “Yup. It was good for me, and I’m sure you liked it too.”

“It was more along the lines of me not wanting to wake up freezing in the morning.”

Ember groans as she allows her covers to cover her body. “Fine then. You’ll sleep in your bed and me in mine. Boring as that is.”

“Glad we came to an agreement here, Ember.”

“Agreement, nothing! I’m just too tired to argue with you about it.”

Arc shrugs. “Either way, it’s resolved.”

Ember rolls over to face the wall as she grunts. “Call it what you will.”

“Good night, Ember. And don't worry about a thing. The Dragon Lord will sort this out for us tomorrow.”

Ember grimaces as she closes her eyes. “Yes… at least I sure hope he will. Or can for that matter.”

*Chapter 3 - Road Trip

*Chapter 3 - Road Trip

Early the next morning, Arc and Ember put on their armor and board the train from Ponyville Station to Dodge Junction. As they find a place to sit and get comfortable Arc turns to Ember and speaks.

“So exactly how long will it take us to reach The Dragon Lands?”

Ember leans back in her seat and puts her feet up. “With luck, we should arrive at my old house tomorrow night.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad. But can you show me the route again?”

Arc pulls out his map of Equestria and the pair look it over. Ember taps the map with a claw as she speaks.

“As you can see, the shortest and quickest route would be to take the train directly to Baltimare and see about hiring a ship to take us across the Celestial Sea to the Dragon Lands.”

“Wait! If this route is so much better than the one you laid out at Derpy’s house over breakfast then why aren’t we taking it?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Because shortest and quickest doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes. However, I get the feeling that there’s more to it than just that fact.”

“And you’d be right. Do you recall when we met back in Tartarus?”

Arc nods. “Of course. What about it?”

“Remember what I told you about why I was sentenced to Tartarus in the first place?”

“Something about a murder that you were blamed for if I remember correctly.”

Ember frowns. “Exactly. So let’s just say that I would like to keep my distance from both Baltimare and Captain Decimus if at all possible. That and if the past is any indication, I don't think he would take too kindly to seeing a human in ‘his city’. Much less accompanied by a dragon whom he already banished to Tartarus.”

Arc grimaces at this. “Good point.”

Ember traces their route with a claw. “I thought so too, yes. In any case, my plan is for us to take this train to the end of the line, which just happens to be Dodge Junction. From there, we can take the north road out of town toward the Rambling Rock Ridge. Before we get there, however, we’ll run into a river that empties into Horseshoe Bay. At that point we will follow the river east to the bay, completely bypassing Baltimare in the process. Once we get to Horseshoe Bay we can follow the coast southeast.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Quite the plan you have there Ember. But then how will we cross the Celestial Sea?”

Ember lowers her voice as she speaks. “Sorry Arc, but that's a well-guarded dragon secret.”

“Then how…?”

“I'll tell you more when we get there.”

Arc folds up the map and puts it back into his satchel. “All right, Ember. After all, I do trust you in this matter.”

Sometime later the train reaches the end of the line at Dodge Junction. The pair exit the train together and step down onto the platform. Arc looks around as he speaks.

“That was quicker than I expected.”

Ember points toward town. “If we need any supplies, now is the time and place to buy them. Remember, this is going to be the last civilized stop on our journey.”

Arc nods. “Understood. Then let’s take a walk through town and see if we can think of anything.”

“Uh… why?”

“Just for the sake of exploring mostly. That and I've never actually been outside of Ponyville. Well, other than Tartarus, that is.”

Ember groans. “I don't think that’s such a good idea, Arc. After all, the last time I went into a pony town, well… I already told you what happened!”

Arc holds his helmet under his arm and grins at her. “Well, this time you’re with a friend. Uh… should I be wearing this?”

Ember nods. “I would. It makes you look a lot more intimidating. Hopefully no one will bother us that way.”

Arc puts his helmet on and his eyes immediately begin to glow. “On it is.”

“Not that you really need to be any more intimidating than you already are. Wearing your hydra scale armor and holding that spear Derpy lent out, you already look like a force to be reckoned with.”

Arc points ahead with the Spear of Hope. “Onward then.”

The pair enter town and walk down the main street. Ember looks around as she speaks.

“Not much to look at, is it?”

Arc chuckles. “Are you kidding?! This is awesome!”

Ember turns to him and raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“I remember reading about towns like this in history class when I was just a boy! This place, it’s kinda like Earth's wild west was! Never thought I would see anything like it in person though!”

Ember shrugs. “As long as it makes you happy.”

Arc points to a nearby building. “There's what appears to be the saloon over there. You thirsty, Ember?”

“Now that you mention it, yes.”

“Let’s get something to drink.”

As Arc walks toward the saloon Ember follows behind slowly shaking her head and muttering under her breath.

“I have a bad feeling about this.”

The pair enter the building together. The inside appears to be your typical wild west saloon complete with a full bar, ponies playing what appears to be a card game similar to poker, and someone playing a slightly out of tune piano. Arc and Ember approach the bar and lean against it silently. The bartender looks up at them nervously as he approaches the pair.

“What... can I get you two?”

Arc smirks under his helmet. “Non-alcoholic cider for me, please.”

Ember raises a claw. “Make that two.”

The bartender quickly fills the tankards with cider and sets them on the bar in front of Arc and Ember. Arc pulls out a few bits from his satchel and puts them on the counter.

“Thank you, sir.”

The bartender tosses them into the cash register and quickly finds an excuse to move to the other end of the bar. Arc raises his helmet to take a drink.

“That’s good stuff!”

Ember frowns. “I’ve had better.”

Arc shrugs. “Can’t please everybody.”

A few moments later, a half dozen rather rough looking stallions walk through the swinging doors and make a beeline for a table with a few mares sitting at it. One of the stallions are carrying a rather large bouquet of flowers in a fetlock. He walks over to one of the mares and holds up them over to her as he speaks.

“The boss sends his regards, ma’am.”

Gritting her teeth, the mare recipient glares at him “I already told your ‘boss’ that I’m not interested in him!”

The stallions close around the mares as the one with the flowers smirks wickedly.

“It's really not healthy to ignore the wishes of the boss!”

A couple of the stallions with him take a sudden liking to the mares at the table as they leer salaciously at them. Seeing this, that stallion with the flowers waves them away.

“Back off you idiots! Remember, you lay so much as one solitary hoof on the boss' marefriend and he'll have your heads!”

The mare seethes at this. “I am NOT his marefriend!”

One of the stallions looks to the other mares. “Yeah, yeah. But he didn't say anything about her friends, did he?”

Smirking, the flower carrying stallion nods. “No. I guess he didn't.”

As the group moves in closer to the mares and start toying with their flowing manes, everypony else in the saloon looks the other way. Arc hands his spear to Ember and turns around.

“Hold my spear. I got this.”

He walks over to the group and stops a few paces from them before speaking.

“Howdy boys. I think you may be having just a bit too much fun over here. Now then, why don't you all head over to the bar and have a drink and leaves these mares alone?”

One of the stallions turns around as he speaks. “Now look here pal...!”

He stops, looks Arc up and down, and cocks his head to one side, clearly confused. “WOAH! Just who are you?! WHAT are you?!”

Arc shrugs. “Just a traveler passing through town. Now like I just said, why don't you boys move on and leave them alone?”

“Is that a threat?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Think of it more like a suggestion...

He clenches a fist before continuing.

“One that should not be ignored.”

“YOU'RE DEAD!”

The stallion tosses the flower bouquet onto the table before him and charges at Arc. As the pony nears, he does a half-turn in order to buck Arc in the chest. However, Arc anticipates this and sidesteps the attack. Grabbing the stallion's rear hoof in midair, he uses the momentum to slam him to the floor. Grunting, the stallion looks to his companions as he loses consciousness.

“Get him…”

Two more of the stallions charge toward Arc side by side in an effort to tackle him. But Arc takes a step forward and knocks their heads together. They fall to the floor unconscious. Arc picks the pair up by the scruff of their necks and throws them out the door into the street. He then proceeds to ‘take out the trash’ and literally kick the first pony out after his friends before him. Arc turns to the other stallions around the table of mares and narrows his eyes.

“Now then… which of you is next?”

They run out the saloon door and help the others up. Rousing the first stallion, he shakily stands and glares at Arc.

“You'll pay for that!”

Arc shouts after them as they run away. “Oh yeah?! I think you got that backwards!”

Stepping back inside, Arc turns to the bartender who is visibly shaken by the whole ordeal and throws several bits to him.

“Sorry about the mess.”

He then turns back to the table of mares whom are also quite shaken. “Apologies for that. I’m really sorry that you girls had to see such a display. Are you all right?”

The mare in the center looks up at him and nods. “Yes, thanks to you! Oh where are my manners?! My name is Cherry Jubilee.

Arc nods to her. “Name’s Arc. But if you don't mind me asking, what was that all about?”

Cherry looks toward the door in disgust. “They were part of the local gang of bandits. You see their leader, Buffalo Bull, has set his sights on me for some reason.”

Her companions turn to look at Cherry as they speak.

“Don't sell yourself short, boss!”

“Yeah! You’re the best-looking mare in these here parts!”

Cherry blushes a bit. “Thank you, girls. But that doesn't really help my situation right now. Buffalo Bull has been sending messages lately saying he wants me to marry him.”

The mares gasps and call out in tandem. “WHAT?!”

“I don't even like him! All he does is take what he wants from whomever he wants! I run an honest business and can’t abide such things in a stallion! Even a rich one like him!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Could it possibly be your business he's after, miss?”

Cherry shakes her head. “I don't think so, no. You see, I own Cherry Hill Ranch, Equestria's main supplier of cherries. We do all right financially, yes. But we’re not exactly rolling in bits. Now then, do you mind if I ask you something now, Arc?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“What exactly brings you to our little town? Not to be rude, but you look a bit... out of place here. No offense intended of course!”

Arc waves Ember over. “None taken. You see, my friend here and I are just passing through on our way to the Dragon Lands in order to meet with the Dragon Lord.”

Cherry seems a bit taken aback upon hearing this. “Oh... well, are you planning on staying in town long?”

Arc shakes his head. “We were just in here to have a drink before continuing with our journey. Sorry if we caused you any trouble though. But in any case, it was nice meeting you three.”

Arc and Ember turn to leave. But Cherry quickly stands up and runs to stand in front of the pair.

“Wait a moment!”

Ember sighs. “What is it?”

Cherry points to the setting sun through a window. “It will be getting dark soon. Now then, I’m not trying to suggest that you two couldn’t hold your own. But the roads aren't exactly safe at night, what with the creatures that come out from the Hayseed Swamps. And that’s not even mentioning Buffalo Bull's gang that roams the countryside.”

Arc sighs as he turns to Ember. “Guess we’d better see about finding the town Inn.”

Ember shrugs. “Fine. Lead the…”

Cherry interrupts her. “You’re are welcome to spend the night at my ranch though, sir.”

Cherry looks over at Ember as she continues.

“You too, miss…”

“Just call me Ember.”

Arc looks over at Ember for assurance. She wordlessly nods as Arc turns back to Cherry.

“Thank you for your kindness, miss. We accept.”

Cherry smiles widely and motions to the saloon door with a hoof. “Good. This way then.”

The small group walks to Cherry Hill Ranch and enters through the front gate together. They proceed to the main house where the smell of cherries cooking is everywhere. Arc and Ember sit down at the kitchen table while they wait for the food to finish cooking. Cherry walks over to the stove as Arc looks around at their surroundings and chuckles.

“This place kinda reminds me of Sweet Apple Acres.”

Cherry turns around quickly. “Sweet Apple Acres?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, I worked there with an Earth Pony named Applejack for a time when I first came to Equestria. Before my... uh... change of career you might say.”

“You know Applejack?!”

“Yes, ma’am. In fact, she was one of the first friends I made in this land.”

Cherry smiles and turns back to the stove. “It sure is a small world then. Applejack worked here for a time in the cherry orchards. But you were saying something just a moment ago about a career change. What is it you do now, exactly?”

Arc tells Cherry Jubilee about Applejack and how she introduced him to the Writ Board in Ponyville. Cherry thinks for a moment.

“So, I guess you could kinda say that you’re a Bounty Hunter then?”

Arc shrugs. “I never actually gave it much thought before. But yes, I suppose that could be the case. Although admittedly I always thought of myself more of a Problem Solver. Ponies write their problems on the Writ Board and I take care of them.”

“If you had been planning to spend some more time in our town I would have suggested taking a look at our own Writ Board. At the moment it’s positively overflowing with unfulfilled writs. “

Cherry sighs before continuing.

“Although I would have to say that ninety-nine percent of them involve dealing either directly or indirectly with Buffalo Bull and his gang or their antics.”

She looks over at Arc with a hopeful look in her eye.

“Whoever takes him down could certainly claim all those writs, their bounties, and have the undying gratitude of an entire town.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Is he really that dangerous?”

Cherry groans. “Not exactly. I mean, Buffalo Bull is certainly a troublemaker and a thief. But so far nopony has been hurt... yet. When he first came to town a while back, he got a job here at the ranch. Quite the hard worker he was. He quickly took a shine to this place, and... to me, I suppose.”

Cherry suddenly looks sad. Ember looks her over hoof to mane before responding.

“I can understand that. You are quite fetching... for a pony that is.”

Arc gasps. “EMBER!”

Ember shrugs. “What? I meant what I said. She really is pretty. Again, for a pony.”

Cherry giggles. “It's alright, sir. I know what Ember meant.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… what exactly happened that changed things between you and your former employee?”

“One day after work I was relaxing under a tree in the orchards when he walked up to me with a bouquet of flowers. Buffalo Bull then said how much he loved me and wanted me to become his bride. I told him I didn't exactly feel the same way and that things were moving much too fast for my liking. He... didn't like that very much and swore he would build a bigger business empire in order to make me his. He then ran off into the sunset and never returned to work. Sadly, he did indeed build a business empire as he had promised. But unfortunately one based on crime.”

There is a knock at the door. Cherry looks away from the stove and walks toward the living room.

“Please excuse me. I’ll be right back.”

A few moments later Cherry runs back into the kitchen, terrified. She looks to Arc and points a hoof fearfully.

“It's the ponies from the saloon! What do I do?!”

Arc quickly stands. “We’ll handle it. Ember, you answer the door.”

“Sure, but what will you be doing?”

Arc grabs his spear and runs out of the room as he puts his helmet on. “Getting the drop on them.”

Ember looks after him and shakes her head. “Whatever that means.”

The young dragon walks through the living room to answer the door with Cherry following closely behind her, shaking. As she opens the door, Ember greets the stallions with a bored expression on her face and tone in her voice.

“Something I can help you boys with?”

The stallion raises an eyebrow. “A dragon?!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Yeah?! What of it?”

“We want to talk to Cherry Jubilee! The boss has a message for her!”

Cherry cautiously steps forward. The stallion hands her a piece of paper which she looks over before looking to the stallion, confused.

“But… this is just a wanted poster of him.”

The stallion grabs the paper, turns it over and gives it back to her.

“Oh, sorry about that! Wrong side!”

Cherry reads the letter aloud…

To my Sweet Cherry Jubilee,

I have done as I said I would and have built a business empire worthy of you, my love. Come to me at once and we shall be wed at sunrise tomorrow. This very night my gang will deliver wedding invitations to everypony in town inviting them to the ceremony. Be a dear and don't let your fellow townsfolk down.

With all my love...

Buffalo Bull

The stallion extends a hoof toward Cherry. “Come with us miss. We'll see to it you get to the boss safe and sound.”

His hoof is stopped by a blow from the butt end of a spear. Ember bares her teeth at them as she takes up a battle ready position.

“Tell your boss if he wants Cherry Jubilee, then he'll have to go through me!”

The stallion smiles back at her menacingly. “I guess we're doing this the hard way then.”

There is a terrific crash behind the stallions. They all turn to look and see that Arc, having just jumped out a second story window, now flanks the group of gang members. He levels his spear at them as he speaks.

“AND ME! Your move, small ones! Better make it a good one!”

The group immediately recognizes Arc as the one whom so easily took them out earlier at the saloon. They flee in terror back down the road toward town. Arc shouts after them as he hefts his spear over his shoulder.

“SMART MOVE!”

Ember and Cherry let Arc back into the house. As she does so Arc can plainly see the fear of the event still fresh in her eyes,

“I'm sure glad that's over!”

Arc sighs as he looks at the plume of dust from the departing stallions. “Not sure that it is though.”

Cherry appears hopeful as she looks Arc over. “You're a Bounty Hunter though! Do you think you could take Buffalo Bull down for us?!”

“Our business in the Dragon Lands is incredibly pressing. However, we should be coming back this way in a day or two. Ember and I can take care of your town’s gang problem then.”

Cherry appears relieved “Thank you, Arc! That's quite a load off my mind!”

Gesturing to the kitchen with a hoof, Cherry continues.

“Well, the food should be about ready now. Let's head back to the kitchen and eat.”

The three dine on cherry-based dishes of every imaginable type before pushing back from the table. Arc looks up at their host and grins.

“That was a mighty fine meal Cherry Jubilee!”

Ember nods approvingly. “I'm not much for pony food, but that was some good eating!”

Cherry smiles at the pair as she turns to head upstairs. “I'm glad you both liked it, but we should probably get to bed now. Morning around here comes very early.”

Arc stands as he and Ember follow her up the stairs. “Do you want Ember to stay with you? Who knows when those ponies will return?”

Cherry shakes her head. “Thank you, but I'll be fine. Please let me show you two to your rooms though.”

Being shown to separate guest rooms, Arc and Ember part ways. Arc lays down on his bed and stares up at the ceiling as he attempts to sleep. A few minutes later however there is a knock at the door. Sitting up, he calls out.

“Come in.”

The door opens and Ember walks in. She closes the door softly behind her as she speaks.

“Hey, uh… can we talk for a bit?”

Arc nods. “Sure, what's on your mind?”

Ember sits down on a chair next to the bed. “A couple things actually.”

“I’m listening.”

“First… about meeting my father, the Dragon Lord. I'm suddenly very nervous about this! What if he doesn't approve of you?! What if he wants to get rid of you?! What if...?!”

“Ember?”

“Huh?”

“You said that your father is a wise Dragon Lord. I would hope that you would have more faith in him, not only as the Dragon Lord, but as a father whom probably just wants what is best for his daughter.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“What else is bothering you then?”

Ember looks over at him slightly embarrassed. “Please don't tell anyone else this, but... I... I think there’s something wrong with me.”

Arc appears confused. “Can you elaborate?”

Ember fidgets with her claws folded in her lap. “Well, ever since you and I... you know... became close... I have this strange feeling whenever I’m apart from you. Just now when I was lying down in my own room it was unbearable! What's happening to me?!”

“That sounds kinda like loneliness to me. It's an emotion humans and ponies alike share. We feel it when we are apart from those we care about deeply for too long.”

“But what should I do?!”

Arc pats the pillow next to him. “Why don't you stay here with me for a while? At least until you feel better, that is”

Ember stands and steps toward the bed. “Thank you, Arc. I’ll try not to stay too long.”

As she lies down, Arc pulls the covers over them and lays back himself. Ember quickly latches onto his arm and smiles as she presses her face against his shoulder. Arc looks down at her and smiles.

“Comfy, Ember?”

“Very.”

“Well, good night then.”

Yawning, Ember smiles sleepily as she responds.

“That it is, Arc. That it is.”

*Chapter 4 - Half-Baked Plans

*Chapter 4 - Half-Baked Plans

Several hours pass for the pair as they sleep. Around three in the morning though there is a frantic pounding at Arc’s bedroom door. Groaning, he sits up sleepily.

“Oh for the love of… come in…”

A mare bursts through the door and calls out to Arc.

“Sorry to wake you, but...!”

Ember rolls over sleepily and peeks over Arc’s shoulder at the visitor. “Huh…? Arc… what’s going on?”

The mare's face suddenly turns as red as cherries and her pupils shrink at the sight of the pair lying together in the bed. Arc turns to her and speaks as he rubs his eyes.

“Look, I know this must be a bit awkward for you right now, but please continue.”

She shakes her head as if to clear it of what she has just seen as she slowly begins to speak.

“I, uh… you see, several townsfolk just came to the house with identical fliers inviting them to a wedding between Cherry Jubilee and Buffalo Bull! I went to tell Cherry about it, but she's missing!”

The mare gives Arc a flyer as she continues.

“That and I found this slid under our front door!”

Arc takes the piece of paper and reads it aloud. “Hear ye, hear ye. All citizens of Dodge Junction are cordially invited to the wedding of Buffalo Bull and Cherry Jubilee this morning at dawn. The ceremony will take place just outside town to the north.”

Ember looks to Arc. “What do we do?!”

Arc sits on the edge of the bed thinking before he turns back to the mare.

“So, what’s your name?”

“My name is Ruby Jubilee, Cherry's sister! I just arrived late this evening for a visit!”

Arc smiles at her. “Happy to meet you, Ruby Jubilee. Tell me, did Cherry save the leftovers from supper last night?”

Ruby appears confused. “Yes. I mean, Cherry always leaves me something in the fridge when she knows I’ll be getting here late. But why do you ask, sir?”

He swings his legs over the side of the bed and stands. “It's all part of my plan. Ember, follow me.”

Arc and Ember walk past the mare whom appears to be quite confused. Together they enter the kitchen as Ember turns to Arc and frowns.

“Okay, care to let me in on your plan now?”

Arc opens the fridge and, after rummaging around a moment, pulls out yesterday's supper leftovers. He sets them down on the table and turns back to Ember and Ruby.

“Alright. Phase one of my plan is... to sit down have a healthy breakfast.”

Ember’s jaw drops. “I’m sorry, what?!”

“We can't rescue Cherry on empty stomachs. That and the next part of my plan won’t be ready for about thirty minutes. But at the same time, we have around three hours or so until it's go time. So we might as well eat.”

Ember facepalms. “I just don’t get you sometimes.”

Arc holds out a dish to Ember. “Cherry Cobbler?”

Ember shrugs as she steps forward. “Sure, why not.”

Sitting down together, pair eat as Arc goes over his plan with Ember. As he finishes, Ember glares at him.

“Wait! THAT'S your plan, Arc?!”

Arc nods. “Yup!”

“You’re sure that there isn't more to it than that?!”

“It's simplicity itself. Less steps, less chance of failure.”

Ember groans. “You know, there is such a thing as something being TOO simple!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and looks the young dragon in the eye. “The only thing I have to ask of you right now Ember is... can you pull this off?”

“Yes, but…”

Arc interrupts her. “Are you absolutely certain you can do that?”

Ember looks over at Arc, irritated. “Of course I can! I could do that blindfolded! It's just... what if something goes wrong?! Or if Buffalo Bull has some kind of backup plan!”

Arc shrugs. “If that happens I guess we'll have to improvise. Just make sure your part of the operation is done. Then double back and make sure I'm all right.”

“I just want to go on record as saying this is the worst plan in the long, sad history of bad plans!”

Arc nods. “Duly noted.”

He turns to Ruby before continuing.

“Were you able to get ahold of the individual in question?”

Ruby nods as she points a hoof at a package on the counter nearby. “Yes, I spoke to him and he understands. He sent this over as requested.”

Arc stands and grabs the package off the counter as motions for the pair to follow him into the living room. As they do so, Arc points to the sofa as he speaks.

“Good job, Ruby. As I said before, your package is over there on the couch. Now then, let’s move out.”

Arc, Ember, and Ruby all leave the farmhouse together. Ember turns to Ruby and sighs. “You ready?”

Ruby looks at her nervously and nods.. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Ember spreads her wings and flies up into the air with Ruby in her claws. The pair fly off to make their way to their positions. Arc watches as they fly out of sight in the cool night air before looking down at the package in his hand.

“Guess I better get a move on too.”

Arc opens the package Ruby gave him and sighs as he continues.

“Sure hope this works.”

Meanwhile, just outside the town limits to the north, Buffalo Bull's gang had been busy all night getting ready for the impromptu wedding ceremony. Setting up benches, decorations, the altar, and even a pulpit for the priest. Sad looking ponies walk toward them and sit down on the a fore mentioned benches. There numbers appear to be that of the entire town’s population. Buffalo Bull himself arrives shortly thereafter dressed to the nines along with Cherry who is wearing an extremely fancy while wedding gown complete with matching leg shackles. Buffalo Bull looks over at Cherry happily as he smiles to her warmly.

“I've looked forward to this day for longer than you know Cherry Jubilee.”

Cherry just glares at her captives as Buffalo Bull puts a hoof on her cheek. Eventually she finds her voice and speaks.

“Please don't do this to me, Buffalo Bull! I already told you that I don't love you!”

The stallion grins widely. “In time you will my dear...oh, believe me, you will.”

Grabbing her hoof, Buffalo Bull pulls his bride along as they walk up to the priest whom is waiting for them at the pulpit. He is wearing his most formal black robe for the occasion and leaning heavily on the pulpit. Buffalo Bull looks around as he speaks.

“I’ve very sorry for the short notice, father. But it would appear that everything is ready for the ceremony. Can I assume that you’re ready to begin?”

The priest nods as he speaks in a raspy voice similar to that of someone with a cold.

“Yes, I am. Remember, this is just one of my many duties to the town and its inhabitants, my son. However, I do have quite a busy day ahead of me, so if you don't mind my getting the ceremony underway...”

Buffalo Bull laughs. “Certainly! I like a pony of action. Proceed, Father!”

The stallion looks down at his bride to be and whispers to her.

“It won’t be long now, my dear!”

Cherry just stands there quietly with tears in her eyes as she whispers. “Somepony... anypony... please help me.”

Buffalo Bull looks to the priest. “Uh oh! Better hurry and start, father! My blushing bride is already tearing up!”

The priest opens the book on the pulpit and begins to speak.

“Very well. I will give you the short version then.”

Buffalo Bull grins. “Father, you read my mind! Heh, heh, proceed...”

The priest looks down to his book as he clears his throat and begins the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved… we are gathered together here today in the sight of God and in the presence of all these witnesses to join together this stallion and this mare in holy matrimony… which is an honorable estate, instituted by God and his Church. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly or recklessly. But instead reverently… discreetly… and in the eyes of God. Into this holy estate these two ponies come now to be joined now and forevermore. However, if any of you gathered here today can show just cause as to why this couple may not lawfully be joined together, let them speak now or else hereafter forever hold their peace.”

There is nothing but silence among the ponies in the audience. Only the sound of the wind rustling through the prairie grass is heard among those assembled. That is, until a loud voice rings out somewhere overhead.

“I HAVE CAUSE, YOU CRETIN!!!”

Ember, whom was waiting on a nearby rooftop with Ruby, swoops in and grabs Cherry by the back of her wedding dress. Getting some altitude, Ember flies away with the young mare toward the chapel deeper in town. Buffalo Bull looks after them as they fly away, stunned at this turn of events.

“What the…”

He is unable to finish his sentence however before a blow from the priest connects with his head. Buffalo Bull is knocked toward the audience to land on his flank unceremoniously. He quickly gets to his feet and glares at the priest.

“Father?! What is the meaning of this?!”

The priest begins to laugh at Buffalo Bull. “NOW!!!”

Ruby throws a spear to the priest. He reaches up, catches it, and deftly throws away his robe to reveal a pure white armor and one very angry human. Turning to Buffalo Bull, Arc levels the spear at him as he smirks.

“Now then, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice.”

Buffalo Bull turns to his gang. “Neither! We do it... MY WAY! I want this freaks head on a platter! And I mean NOW!!!”

Hearing this, the entire gang rushes toward Arc as he moves into an attack position. Arc smirks as he prepares to engage them.

“Oh, this’ll be fun!”

Doing his best to keep moving and avoid being overwhelmed, Arc engages the horde of stallions. Many fall to the butt end of his spear and his fists, but the odds are certainly not in his favor. Meanwhile, Ember drops Cherry off in front of the chapel where the real priest is anxiously waiting for them and calls out to her as she hovers.

“Cherry, get inside with the priest and bar the door behind you! I've got to get back there and help Arc!”

Cherry shouts after the young dragon as she turns to leave. “Ember! Thank you!”

Ember smiles back as she flies away. The priest helps Cherry inside the chapel as told as Ember makes the short flight back to the rooftop Ruby is hiding on. As she approaches, Ember calls out loudly.

“Now, Ruby!”

Ruby holds up Ember’s Spear of Courage point up. Ember flies by her and grabs it without stopping as the young mare runs down the stairs to join the rest of the townsfolk. Meanwhile, Arc looks around as he sees that he has been backed into a corner by Buffalo Bull and his gang. He mutters to himself as they close in around him.

“Well… that could have gone better.”

Buffalo Bull looks at Arc angrily. “Any last words, runt?

Arc looks up. “Actually, yes... you should have brought more help.”

“…what?!”

Ember lands in front of Arc and breathes fire in all directions. The surrounding stallions scatter and the pair re-engage their assailants together. They catch up as they fight.

“So, how is your plan working out, Arc?!”

“Actually, better than I intended!”

“You do realize we're still outnumbered at least fifty to one, right?”

Arc glances over at the townsponies. “I have a feeling that is about to change!”

“How?!”

“Human intuition! Just keep fighting!”

Ruby runs over to the townsfolks whom are watching Arc and Ember fight a seemingly unwinnable battle. She runs to the forefront of the group and turns around to address them.

“Everypony listen to me! These heroes... they do not know us, yet they fight for us!”

Ruby turns and bucks a large bench at a group of stallions, knocking them down as she continues.

“We cannot let them fight alone!”

The townsfolk are roused to rebel against the gang. They literally throw everything that isn't nailed down at the stallions in an effort to drive them away. Buffalo Bull's gang, distracted by this turn of events, quickly finds themselves much too busy defending themselves against the townsfolk to even think about helping their boss. His mouth agape, Buffalo Bull looks out over the scene before him and gasps.

“This is impossible!”

Arc walks towards him. “A lesson to you Buffalo Bull. Never underestimate the power of one.”

Ember points her spear at him. “Or two!”

Arc chuckles. “I'll accept your surrender now. Come along quietly and no one else has to get hurt.”

Buffalo Bull laughs. “HA! You don't get this far in the business without being able to think ahead, runt!”

The large stallion smacks his lapel and drops a dozen or so strange looking canisters out of this suit. Smirking, Buffalo Bull escapes as they all go off filling the air with thick gray smoke. Ember looks all around as the smoke clears a minute or so later.

“Great! Where do you think he went?!”

Arc grimaces. “I can think of only one place.”

Meanwhile, Cherry and the priest have barricaded the door behind them and sit in front of the altar. A simple stained-glass window above it glows with the morning rays of dawn. Cherry looks up at the window and sighs.

“I hope Arc and Ember are all right...”

The priest nods. “Perhaps you should say a prayer for them.”

Cherry puts her front hooves together and bows her head. “Thank you, father. I think I will.”

There is suddenly a pounding at the door. Buffalo Bull calls out loudly from outside.

“Cherry Jubilee! I'm here for you my dear! Come on out now and join your new husband!”

The priest looks over at her and grimaces. “Better hurry with that prayer.”

Buffalo Bull has begun bucking the door. After a few good blows the wood gives way with a sickening snap. Seething, the stallion looks at the mare before him.

“Alright, Cherry Jubilee! The game is up! Come with me!”

The priest approaches him. “Buffalo Bull, do not do such a thing! You can't force somepony to love you!”

Buffalo Bull wordlessly knocks the priest away with a hoof to the head. Returning his gaze to Cherry, he smiles slyly.

“Now there is nopony to keep us apart, Cherry Jubilee! Come.”

Cherry does not move. Eventually Buffalo Bull frowns and calls out again.

“I said COME!!!”

Cherry shakes her head vehemently. “No, I will not! Nor will I marry you! Now or ever!”

A strange noise is heard behind the chapel. Both Cherry and Buffalo Bull look at the stained-glass window, confused. Meanwhile, Arc stands on a high ledge behind the chapel with Ember. She turns to him and frowns.

“Are you sure about this, Arc?”

“No. But that's never stopped me before. You go in the front and make sure no one comes to help Buffalo Bull alright?”

Ember takes flight and hovers between Arc and the chapel.

“Aright. Ready?”

Arc gives himself a running start. “No, but here I come!”

He runs and jumps off the ledge at Ember. She does a three hundred and sixty degrees backwards somersault in the air. Using centrifugal force Ember literally throws Arc toward the chapel. He cries out loudly as he careens toward the building.

“YAHOO!!!”

Arc comes crashing through the stained-glass window, landing squarely between Buffalo Bull and Cherry. He looks to the gang leader and points his spear at him angrily as he speaks.

“Now… where were we?”

Buffalo Bull lunges at Arc. The young man takes the blow full force but turns and body slams his assailant into the floor. Standing, Arc sighs and shakes his head.

“Can you just surrender already? I really do have quite a full day ahead of myself.”

Buffalo Bull quickly get to his feet. “Never! Cherry WILL be mine! And nothing will stand in the way of me getting what it is that I want!”

The stallion lunges at Arc again. This time he is able to knock Arc to the ground and get a few good hits in. Eventually Arc is able to throw him off using both of his legs. Buffalo Bull is violently thrown into a wall and lands near Cherry. As he stands and looks at Arc, the stallion seethes.

“Playtime is over now, runt!”

He is about to charge again when Cherry jumps in his way and calls out desperately.

“Buffalo Bull, please stop this! Don't you see?! You can't win here! Arc is just too powerful!”

He sneers at the mare before him. “Stay out of this!”

Buffalo Bull slaps Cherry so hard that she falls to the ground. As she rolls to a stop some distance away she quickly sees that her lips and nose are bleeding. As Arc gets up he points a gauntleted finger at the stallion and calls out loudly.

“HEY! Your fight is with ME, remember?! Leave her alone!!!”

Ember shouts to Arc from the doorway. “Uh, Arc? Things are getting dicey out here!”

“Use your fire breath! Whatever you have to do to keep them from getting in here!”

Arc charges into Buffalo Bull. Using the side of his spear, he slams the stallion into a nearby wall. However, Buffalo Bull does not seem to be feeling any pain from Arc's attack as he uses his rear hooves to throw Arc across the room. Arc clangs against the far wall as the blow knocks the spear out of his hands. The stallion smirks menacingly as he speaks.

“That's how it's done!”

Buffalo Bull is about to charge at Arc again while he is down. Suddenly, Cherry jumps on Buffalo Bull's back and hits him in the head with her front hooves. Try as she might though it's not very effective.

“Stop this! There's no reason for you to keep fighting! I already told you that I DON'T LOVE YOU!!!”

There is a faraway look in Buffalo Bull's eyes as those words echo in the chapel and in his head. Suddenly something in Buffalo Bull snaps. He screams at her like a wild pony.

“GET OFF!!!”

He tosses Cherry off his back and uses both rear hooves to buck her as hard as he is able. His blow hits her squarely in the chest. Cherry flies through the air for a long moment. As her limp body hits the wall it does so with such force that even across the room Arc can hear the blow. Cherry lands on her side and does not stir. Buffalo Bull stands and points an accusatory hoof at his opponent and speaks with such madness in his voice.

“THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! I'LL KILL YOU, RUNT!!!”

Arc stands, furious at the sight before him. “This ends NOW!”

The two lunge at each other once more. Buffalo Bull lowers his head and charges with everything he has. Just before the two connect though Arc drops to the floor on his back. As Buffalo Bull passes over him Arc uses both fists to precisely hit both of Buffalo Bull's shoulder's simultaneously, dislocating both of them. Buffalo Bull falls to the ground, unable to rise with two dislocated shoulders. Arc stands back up and walks slowly over to Buffalo Bull as he speaks.

“You have nothing left. It's time to give this up. Besides, I really need to get Cherry to the hospital.”

Buffalo Bull just lies on the ground fuming silently. As Arc gets within range, Buffalo Bull uses the last of his strength to buck Arc with both back hooves. Arc sees it coming in the nick of time and sidesteps around the attack, missing his neck by mere inches. The young man counters by bringing his arm down on Buffalo Bull's back legs are hard as he is able, shattering them both. Ember again calls out from the doorway.

“Are you two quite finished in there?! I can't hold these guys back much longer!”

Arc turns and calls out. “Let them in, Ember!”

“What?!”

“Trust me! Just do it!”

Ember stands to the side and allows the gang to rush past her. Shaking her head, she mutters under her breath.

“Alright. It's your funeral.”

The gang charges at Arc, whom does not move. When they get about halfway to him, he moves one step to the side, bringing Buffalo Bull's broken and battered body into full view. The gang screeches to a stop, afraid to approach the one who bested their strongest. Buffalo Bull rolls over on his back and looks up at the ceiling as tears roll down his face.

“Why... Arc? Why did you have to interfere? Can't you see that I love Cherry Jubilee with all my heart and soul?”

Arc looks down at him, suddenly furious. “Wait! What did you just say?!”

“I LOVE CHERRY JUBILEE!!!”

Arc reaches down angrily and grabs Buffalo Bull roughly by his mane and drags him across the room, throwing him the last few feet.

“Raise your head!”

Buffalo Bull does not move. Arc gets down on one knee next to him and again grabs him by the mane to raise his head, forcing him to look forward. The stallion looks ahead, his eyes wide, as he takes in the sight before him.

“What?! Did... did I... what have I done?!”

Before them lies Cherry Jubilee's bleeding and broken body. Her mane is dirty and tussled along with her wedding dress being torn to shreds. Blood drips sickeningly from her nose and mouth and a massive welt on her chest from the blow makes a sizable bruise. Buffalo Bull turns to look away as he cries out loudly.

“No... NO! Oh, Cherry! I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!”

Angrily, Arc turns Buffalo Bull’s head to look at Cherry. “Take a good look! I want this image burned into your memory forever!”

Arc forces Buffalo Bull to look at the mare for a full minute before releasing his head and allowing him to collapse into tearful hysterics as Arc stands and faces the gang. Pointing at two of them he calls out.

“You and you! Get your boss to the hospital!”

He points at another stallion before continuing.

“You there! Follow them and carry the priest! And be gentle with him!”

The stallions move to carry out their instructions as ordered. Arc walks over to Cherry and very slowly and carefully picks her up and carries her in his arms. As he moves toward the door the mob of stallions silently moves away to let Arc pass unharmed. As they pass her, Ember looks down at Cherry as they step out onto the street.

“Is she… really okay?!”

Arc sighs. “I'm no doctor, of course. But I think she'll be all right with the proper medical treatment.”

Ember falls into step behind Arc. Together, the pair make their way toward the town hospital in the glow of the dawn’s light hoping it will be a new beginning for all concerned.

Author's Note

This was my wife's favorite chapter!

*Chapter 5 - Moving On

*Chapter 5 - Moving On

Sometime later, Arc arrives at the local hospital and explains the situation to the medical staff as he lies Cherry on a gurney. The doctor wheels her into a nearby examination room as Ruby follows closely at the stallion’s heels. Meanwhile, Arc and Ember wait outside the building on the street for Ruby to come out. A couple hours later she slowly does so. Arc is the first to speak.

“How’s she doing, Ruby?”

“The doctor said that my sister will most likely be unconscious for a day or two. But should be walking around after that.”

Ember sighs in relief. “Glad to hear it!”

Arc looks down sadly. “Ruby, I… I just wanted to say that... I'm sorry.”

Ruby appears confused. “What?”

“I wish I could have returned your sister to you safe and sound. Not like this.”

“It's alright, Arc. That and if I know my sister like I do, she would rather have to endure this pain for a short time than be forced to spend the rest of her life with a pony that she didn't love. Believe me when I say that I’m sure she doesn't hold any of this against you either.”

Ember walks over to Ruby. “We have to get moving now. Urgent business in the Dragon Lands, and all that.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “On our way back we’ll stop by and make sure all is well though.”

Ruby gasps. “Do you really have to leave so soon? After all, I’m sure that my sister wouldn't mind a bit if you wanted to stay at the ranch another night and get an early start tomorrow morning.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you for the offer, Ruby. But like Ember said, our business is urgent.”

“In that case, I wish you both a speedy and safe journey.”

Arc smiles at Ruby. “Thank you. Tell your sister to get well soon and that we’ll be back just as quick as we can.”

The pair walk away from the hospital and down the road to the edge of town. Ember turns to him as they pass the last building.

“Just think of what would have happened if we had decided to pass through town, Arc. Cherry Jubilee would be married to Buffalo Bull right now.”

Arc nods soberly. “It never ceases to amaze me how one small choice can lead to fate altering consequences.”

Continuing on their way, the two walk for an hour before seeing a bridge ahead that leads to Rambling Rock Ridge. Instead of crossing it however, the pair turn off the beaten path and head east. They walk with the river on their left and the Hayseed Swamp on their right. Arc chuckles as they do so.

“Quite the happy medium here, eh Ember?”

“What do you mean?”

Arc gestures to his left at the river. “I really don’t want to go for a swim.”

He then looks to his right before continuing.

“But at the same time I also don’t want to go trudging through a swamp.”

Ember shudders. “Now I see what you mean.”

“But in any case, where do we go from here? You didn't actually tell me how we're planning on traversing the ocean.”

Ember pulls out the map and points. “We follow the river until it empties into Horseshoe Bay. To the south of the a fore mentioned body of water is a small peninsula. There we will find a statue of a dragon and an ancient stone sigil on the ground in front of it. From there I can open a portal to the Dragon Lands. It's how flightless dragons get there.”

The pair continue walking for several more hours before coming to the peninsula and the statue Ember spoke of. Arc looks at the statue and sigil in awe as he speaks.

“These things looks positively ancient, Ember! Do they honestly still work?!”

“I sure hope so.”

Approaching it, Ember pulls a couple of her scales off. Dropping them in the stone bowl in front of the dragon statue she breathes fire at them for a few moments. As if on cue the sigil begins to glow. Ember looks over at Arc and motions for him to approach.

“Let’s go!”

The pair step onto the sigil together and are instantly transported to the Dragon Lands. Arc appears a bit green as they arrive. Putting a hand on his stomach, he turns to Ember and grunts.

“Ugh… let’s not do that again, okay?”

“Sorry about that. I probably should have warned you.”

“About the turbulence or the splitting pain in my forehead?”

Ember appears genuinely concerned. “The first few times teleporting can be a bit... unsettling. Are you... all right?”

Arc nods weakly. “I guess so. But let's just say I may risk it and SWIM back when this is over.”

Ember points ahead as she starts walking. “We should probably get moving now. It's still quite the walk to my house.”

The two continue the last leg of their journey. Arc looks around at their surroundings as he speaks.

“This is a bit strange.”

“What is, Arc?”

“It just occurred to me that we've been in the Dragon Lands for a couple hours now and I have yet to see any dragons.”

As if on cue, a dragon descends from the sky and lands in front of them. Ember facepalms as she groans.

“Did you HAVE to jinx it?!”

Arc smiles nervously. “I’m sorry.”

The dragon looks to Ember and addresses her in the most patronizing voice Arc has ever heard.

“Hey Ember! Long time, no see! Did you find a new pet on your travels?”

Ember appears annoyed. “Hello. Garble.”

The newcomer appears suddenly annoyed.

“What are you doing here Ember!? I thought you were banished!”

“Not that it's any of your business but, I have... personal business to discuss with my d... with the Dragon Lord regarding our Dragon Code.”

The two attempt to walk past Garble, but he still blocks the way. He folds his arms over his scaly chest before speaking again.

“If you and your little pet want to see the Dragon Lord then you'll have to go through me, Ember!”

Ember raises her spear to fight, but Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as he walks past her toward Garble.

“Look, we really don't have time for this.”

He walks closer to Garble before continuing.

“Now then, move… or be moved!”

“Sheesh, fine!”

Garble turns to fly away but stops and turns back to the pair. He points a claw at Ember and grins wickedly.

“Wait a second! I get it now! He's not YOUR pet! YOU’RE HIS!!!”

Ember seethes. “GARBLE!!!”

The young dragon doubles over laughing as Arc turns to Ember.

“Is this dragon as tough as you are?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I suppose so. Why?”

Garble glares at Ember. “No way! I'm WAY tougher than you!”

He turns back to Garble, spear in hand. “Then I guess you shouldn't have any problem handling... THIS!!!”

Arc uses the Spear of Hope like a baseball bat and hits Garble squarely in the gut, sending him flying head over heels across the island. His task completed, Arc puts the spear over his shoulder and looks in the direction Garble’s body flew.

“Be moved it is.”

“If it were any other dragon, I’d be angry with you right now.”

“But…?”

Ember shrugs. “What? It was just Garble.”

They continue on their way unhindered. However, evening is fast approaching. Ember turns to Arc as they pick up the pace.

“We should reach Pyreston about the time it gets dark. That's actually a spot of luck, as I don't want any other dragons to see us.”

“Why not?”

Ember appears nervous. “I... I just... don't want any other dragons to see us, okay!? Remember, I was banished!”

Arc says nothing as the pair continue on for a time. Ember groans.

“Look! Can we just keep walking please?!”

Arc looks down gloomily. “Okay.”

The two approach the city of Pyreston. Night has fallen and the streets are, for the most part, deserted. Ember looks around as she whispers to Arc.

“My house is just around the corner! Come on, hurry!”

She runs ahead to the corner and looks both ways. Hearing footfalls, she turns to Arc and hisses.

“Wait! Someone's coming! Hide!”

Arc slowly steps into the shadows as a few dragons pass by. A few moments later Ember again calls out.

“Alright, they're gone! Let's make a run for it!”

Ember hurriedly makes her way over to a small house ahead as Arc lumbers forward much slower than normal. She looks back at him and calls out more than a bit annoyed as she unlocks the door.

“What's taking so long?! Come on!”

Arc eventually makes it to the now open front door. Ember lets him in as quickly as possible and closes the door before casting a Light Spell. She leads him to her couch in front of the fireplace.

“Wait here!”

Ember locks the front and back doors before making sure all the shutters are closed and secured before returning to the living room and starting a fire in the fireplace. She turns back to Arc and smirks.

“Now that's out of the way, how about some supper?”

Arc removes his armor and sets it to the side. Looking to Ember he responds with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

“I'm... actually not feeling too hungry right now.”

“Come on! Neither of us has eaten since breakfast! And that was before the sun came up!”

Ember takes some of the food from her satchel and arranges it on a plate for him. She then makes a plate for herself with some gems from her pantry. Walking over to the couch with both plates she hands one to him happily.

“Eat up!”

Arc accepts the plate. However, it does not seem to brighten his demeanor.

“Thank you”

Ember wolfs down her gems hungrily before looking up to see that Arc has hardly touched his food. She notes that he is just sitting there staring into the fireplace. Seeing something is wrong, Ember puts down her now empty plate, walks over to the couch, and sits down next to him. Putting a claw on his shoulder, she speaks.

“Want to talk about it?”

Arc shakes his head and stands up. “No, thank you. I think I just need some air. I'm going for a short walk.”

Ember looks over to him with panic in her voice. “Wait! You can’t”

“Why not?”

Ember hastily cries out. “Because you might be seen by…!”

She quickly understands what she has just done as Arc sits back down and continues to look into the fire. A few moments later he speaks.

“Ember... I just wanted to say... that I do care for you very much. As a friend, that is. But... well... how do you feel about me?”

Ember looks at him a bit taken aback at the question. “I... I do love you very much and still want to become your mate! I just that I wish you were a...!”

She stops talking as Arc looks over at her. Ember can see the hurt in his eyes as he responds.

“…a dragon?”

“Arc… I…”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. ”Ember, since we first met have I ever treated you differently from any of the ponies we have encountered along our way?”

Ember thinks for a moment. “No. Not that I’ve noticed anyways.”

“Did that change when you and I arrived in Ponyville?”

“Not at all. You seemed the same to me as you always have.”

Arc nods. “We spent most of our time around town completing writs and running errands. And do you know why?”

Ember looks at Arc, confused. “I… just figured it was your job. For money?”

“While it is indeed my profession, more or less, I didn't do it for the money.”

“Then why?”

Arc sighs. “Because I wanted to do for you what Twilight and her friends did for me when I originally came to Equestria. The first few weeks after my arrival, they always saw to it I was accompanied whenever I went anywhere.”

He smiles sadly before continuing.

“At first I assumed it was so they could keep an eye on me, but... well... I soon figured out the real reason. They went with me everywhere, not so much to watch me, but to help the townsponies become comfortable seeing me. I went out alone once in the beginning just for a quick walk around the general area. At the first sight of me everyone ran into the nearest house or shop to wait until I had passed by. That walk lasted maybe fifteen minutes. But let's just say it was the loneliest fifteen minutes of my life.”

Arc pauses and again stares into the fire.

“Twilight found me shortly thereafter and walked with me. As she did so the townsponies cautiously came out and went about their business as usual.”

Smiling, he puts a hand on her shoulder.

“I... I didn't want you to have to go through such a thing so I made sure you and I were always seen together. The ponies were used to my presence by then, and I wanted them to get used to you as well. Well, that and it made me happy when we were together. Even though you were a dragon and not a pony. Such things honestly matter little to me, but...”

He pauses again to stare into the fire in an effort to collect his thoughts.

“...but it just seems to me as if you really don't want to be seen with a... a different species. The few books I found in the Golden Oaks Library on dragons state that they are solitary creatures who seldom, if ever, associate with non-dragons. And even if that is true, I just... I thought you were different.”

Ember looks down at her claws, guiltily as Arc stands up. He looks down at Ember sitting there on the couch.

“I understand that this would probably be a lot easier for you if I was a dragon, but... Ember, I… I will not be sorry for being what I am.”

Ember is silent as Arc’s words cut deeply into her mind. She finds herself unable to look Arc in the eye as he turns away from her.

“Why don't you get some sleep, Ember? After all, we have an early morning ahead of us.”

Arc sits back down on the couch as Ember stands and slowly walks toward her bedroom. “Y-yeah, okay. But...what about you?”

“I...uh… I'll just sit here a bit longer... and think.”

Ember nods as she turns to leave. She gets as far as her bedroom door before she turns back to Arc and calls out.

“Hey, uh…my… my bed... it's… big enough to... to share. If you, ah… want…”

Ember is unable to finish her sentence. Arc shakes his head and sighs.

“Thank you, Ember. But I'll be fine out here.”

Ember appears to want to say more, but cannot find the words. Bowing her head in shame, she turns and walks into her room. Closing the door behind her, she lies down on the old bed and curls up as she thinks to herself.

“I… I can’t believe I did that to Arc! He went out of his way to make me feel welcome in Equestria even after how I originally treated him back in Tartarus originally. He was treated so badly by both the ponies of Ponyville as well as me too.”

Sighing, she continues her thought.

“And he deserves none of it! I have to think of a way to make this up to him.

Tapping her chin with a claw, Ember looks to the door resolutely before finishing her thought.

“And to do that I need to get out of my comfort zone and do what’s right by him.”

*Chapter 6 - An Audience with the Dragon Lord

*Chapter 6 - An Audience with the Dragon Lord

Early the next morning, Ember awakens in her bed alone. She looks at the empty spot next to her sadly and sighs.

“Can’t say as I blame him…”

Rising, Ember walks slowly to her small adjoining living room to find Arc is waiting for her. As she speaks, she is unable to look him in the eye.

“Arc... I... I just wanted to say… that I'm sorry about... everything I said and did last night.”

Arc sighs. “I think we should get a move on. Best not to keep the Dragon Lord waiting, Ember.”

“Yes... you're right.”

The pair leave Ember's house and head for the Throne of the Dragon Lord. Upon announcing the reason for their visit, the pair are immediately escorted into the Dragon Lord's presence Ember greets her father respectfully.

“Thank you for seeing me, father.”

Arc looks up at the skyscraper sized dragon before him as he mutters under his breath. “Now that’s just TOO big!”

The Dragon Lord looks down at his daughter as he speaks.

“EMBER! IT HAS BEEN QUITE SOME TIME SINCE LAST WE SPOEK! I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT SINCE WORD OF YOUR DEEDS HAS NOT REACHED THE DRAGON LANDS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN WASTING TIME WITH THE CREATURES OF EQUESTRIA! LIKE THAT… THING OVER THERE!!!”

He points a massive claw at Arc as Ember responds.

“I have fought bravely since leaving the Dragon Lands against many foes, great and small, father. While I admit I am not yet ready to meet your expectations of me, my power has grown considerably since I left. There are many things I have learned about the world in that time. About its inhabitants and cultures. These things too give me strength.”

Her father laughs at this.

“WHILE I DO ADMIT THAT YOU DO SEEM TO HAVE GROWN IN POWER SINCE LAST WE SAW ONE ANOTHER, YOU ARE STILL TEN THOUSAND YEARS OR MORE AWAY FROM BEING ABLE TO IMPRESS ME! BUT I DIGRESS, MY DEAR! REST ASSURED THAT I DID NOT SUMMON YOU HERE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR PROGRESS, OR LACK OF! YOU WISH TO SPEAK OF ME OF THE DRAGON CODE, DO YOU NOT?!”

“Yes sir. You see…”

Ember explains to her father the events of the past year or so, including meeting Arc and their exploits together in Tartarus. How he obtained medicine to heal her when she was ill and dying and how he single handedly defeated an entire army of demons including their king. The Dragon Lord appears unimpressed.

“EMBER! HAD YOU ACCOMPLISHED THESE DEEDS YOURSELF, I WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY BEEN MOST PLEASED! WHILE IT SADDENS ME THAT YOU WERE BUT A PARTICIPANT IN THE A FORE MENTIONED BATTLE, I AM GLAD THAT YOU ARE KEEPING COMPANY WITH SUCH A POWERFUL WARRIOR! THIS ARC FELLOW YOU MENTIONED… I WISH TO MEET THE CREATURE WHO ACCOMPLISHED SUCH GRAND DEEDS! BRING THEM BEFORE ME SO I TOO MAY BEHOLD SUCH POWER AND BRAVERY!”

Ember looks to her father, confused, as she points a claw at Arc. “But father... he already stands before you.”

The Dragon Lord squints at Arc before turning back to his daughter.

“THIS... THIS FLEA?! DO YOU THINK ME A FOOL, EMBER?! SUCH FEATS OF VALOR ARE NOT ATTAINABLE TO LESSER CREATURES SUCH AS... WHATEVER THIS THING BEFORE ME IS!”

Ember replies with conviction. “I assure you father, he has accomplished all I have told you, and then some!”

The Dragon Lord once again appears unimpressed as he addresses Arc directly.

“LESSER CREATURE! STEP FORWARD!”

Arc does so at once. The Dragon Lord raises a large claw and Arc is picked up by the Dragon Lord’s magic to ‘stand’ at chest level with the massive dragon himself. Torch extends a single claw toward Arc.

“DO NOT MOVE, SMALL ONE!”

Arc calmly obeys as a claw is extended toward him. The moment Dragon Lord Torch's claw touches Arc's helmet, he can feel a presence within his head rummaging through his memories. Together, Arc and the Dragon Lord relive his memories since coming to Equestria in but a few moments before the Dragon Lord sets him down.

“I ADMIT, I MAY HAVE BEEN WRONG ABOUT YOU, LESSER CREATURE!”

Ember smirks. “We all make mistakes, father.”

The Dragon Lord looks to Ember, his eyes narrowed. “I SAID I WAS WRONG!!! I NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT A MISTAKE!!!”

Ember takes a step back and gulps as her father turns back to Arc and continues speaking.

“YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED MANY FEATS OF BRAVERY AND DARING, SMALL ONE! SOME OF WHICH ARE CERTAINLY WORTHY OF A POTENTIAL MATE OF THE FUTURE DRAGON LORD!”

Ember looks expectant as her father ponders what he has seen.

“HOWEVER! THE DRAGON LORD MUST BE NOT ONLY BRAVE AND STRONG, BUT ALSO PHYSICALLY IMPRESSIVE! WOULD YOU HAVE ALL OF DRAGONKIND LOOK ‘UP’ TO A FLEA?!”

Frowning, Ember folds her arms over her chest. “But you cannot deny that which he’s already done, father!”

“THAT IS TRUE! I CANNOT! HOWEVER, THIS LITTLE ONE HAS ALSO DISPLAYED MANY TRAITS UNBECOMING OF A DRAGON LORD’S MATE! HELPING THE WEAK! DEFENDING THOSE WHOM CANNOT DO SO THEMSELVES! AND WORST OF ALL, HIS LOVE FOR... PONIES! REMEMBER, DRAGONS ARE THE LORDS OF ALL CREATION, EMBER! AND AS SUCH IT WOULD NOT DO TO HAVE THE DRAGON LORD VIEW LESSER CREATURES AS... EQUALS OF ALL THINGS!”

The Dragon Lord appears to almost spit the last word. Ember looks up at him, quite shaken by his words.

“HOWEVER, I AM NOT WITHOUT A SOLUTION! THEREFORE I DECREE THAT YOU MAY CHOOSE FROM AMONG THE STRONGEST AND BRAVEST THE DRAGON LANDS HAVE TO OFFER A MATE, EMBER!”

Turning his attention to those gathered in his court, the Dragon Lord beckons to them.

“WHO HERE ANSWERS THE CALL?!”

Three of the meanest, strongest and bravest of all dragons step forward.

“We answer the call!”

The Dragon Lord looks to Ember as he gestures with a claw. “THESE THREE ARE INDEED PRIME CANDIDATES! WHAT SAY YOU EMBER?! WILL YOU ACCEPT ONE OF THEM TO BE YOUR MATE?”

Emer looks sad and conflicted as she looks them over. “I…”

Arc quickly steps forward. “Dragon Lord! If I may be allowed to speak.”

“SPEAK QUICKLY, LITTLE ONE!”

“These three do indeed appear to be quite fearsome! But, if I may be so bold, does not the future Dragon Lord deserve the absolute BEST the Dragon Lands have to offer?”

Torch narrows his eyes. “WHAT ARE YOU SUGGESTING, FLEA?!”

“Perhaps a contest of might to ensure that your daughter takes only the best of the best?”

“I ADMIT THAT YOUR IDEA DOES HAVE MERIT... FOR AN INSECT, THAT IS!”

The Dragon Lord again turns his attention to those gathered before him.

“LET IT BE DONE!”

Arc again speaks up. “May I join in the battle royale, Dragon Lord?”

“YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN DISQUALIFIED AS EMBER'S MATE! WHAT POSSIBLE REASON COULD YOU HAVE TO FIGHT?!”

Arc looks over to the three dragon suitors. “As Ember's friend, I want only the best for her. That and I don’t believe any of these three are truly worthy of her.”

Torch laughs. “AND WHAT WOULD A LESSER CREATURE SUCH AS YOURSELF KNOW ABOUT WORTHINESS?!”

“I agree that us humans are nothing special in the grander scheme of things. But I have to wonder if dragons are truly as great as they think they are.”

“INSIGNIFICANT VERMIN!!! I WILL NOT LET THIS INSULT TO ALL DRAGONKIND STAND! NOT ONLY WILL I ALLOW YOUR REQUEST, I ORDER IT!!!”

The Dragon Lord turns to the three dragons assembled as he points a claw at Arc.

“TEAR THIS FILTHY MAGGOT APART!!!”

Ember attempts to run to Arc’s side but is held back by her father’s magic “Arc, no!”

Arc looks at the dragons as they approach him. “So... any of you even face off against a human before?”

The three stop, look to each other, and shrug as Arc slams his spear into the ground and advances unarmed.

“Didn’t think so…”

They charge forward. Arc dodges a fistful of claws and trips the first dragon. Quickly moving behind the second and pushing him down Arc stands tall against the third as he stomps on his toes. Seething, the Dragon Lord calls out.

“WHAT... WHAT IS THIS NONSENSE?! FIGHT LIKE A TRUE WARRIOR!”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “You already saw what I can do from my memories. You really want me to go all out?”

“YES! THERE IS NO WAY YOU COULD HOPE TO WIN AGAINST THREE OF OUR STRONGEST!”

“I’ll take that bet!”

The three dragons, furious at being humiliated by a ‘lesser creature’, move to attack position. First to reach him is the quickest whom outruns his competitors. Arc waits for his attack, another slash from his claws, before hopping backwards to evade it.

“You’re open, lizard!”

Arc does a flip over the dragon, putting his hands on the dragon's shoulders and using his own momentum combined with centrifugal force to throw the much larger opponent at his companions, knocking them down. Smirking, he turns to them.

“Give up? Or are you thirsty for more?!”

Another of the dragons stands and charges wordlessly at Arc.

“Fine. Have it your way.”

The two run headlong at each other as the dragon's face is introduced to Arc's boot via a flying kick. Arc looks to the third dragon, taunting him.

“Next!”

The dragon looks to him angrily. “You think you’re such hot stuff?!”

He inhales deeply as Arc takes a step back.

“Uh oh…”

A stream of magical dragon's breath cascades towards the young man whom can do nothing to counter the attack other than attempt to avoid it. Laughing, the dragon continues to taunt Arc.

“I ain't' fast, but I'm the smart one, see? You can't hit me if you can't get close.”

Arc thinks to himself. “Hate to admit it, but he's right. I have to close the gap between us somehow.”

He looks around for inspiration, but there is nothing but rocks and other dragons. Spotting one of the other unconscious dragons lying on the ground, Arc runs toward him.

“This will have to do!”

Arc begins to roll the dragon toward his assailant. The unconscious dragon’s tough hide deflects the fire breath harmlessly away from its intended target. Seeing the approach of the larger dragon, the third opponent turns to flee, but is not very fast on his feet. Arc quickly overtakes gains the upper hand and knocks him down, landing on top of the last dragon to deliver a fist to his face. Arc stands victorious and calls out to all those around them.

“That’s how it’s done!”

The other dragons, seeing their greatest warriors felled so easily by a supposed ‘lesser creature’, look to the Dragon Lord as they are unsure of what to do next. Dragon Lord Torch jumps off his rocky perch and moves quickly to close the distance between himself and Arc.

“IMBECILES!!! I WILL HANDLE THIS FLEA MYSELF!!!”

Arc grabs his spear and awaits the Dragon Lord. “Bring it on then! You're not THAT much bigger than the Marquis!”

The Dragon Lord screeches to a stop.

“LITTLE ONE! HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT NAME?!”

Arc points at his helmet. “I met him in Tartarus. Fancy a peek? You must have missed that memory last time.”

The Dragon Lord again touches the helmet and sees Arc and the Marquis' battle. He sees Arc acquiring the humor, the Marquis coming to Arc's aid during the demon counterattack, and Arc doubling back to help his overwhelmed friend. Stepping back, the Dragon Lord sighs.

“LITTLE ONE... I ADMIT YOU HAVE... IMPRESSED ME! IT IS GOOD TO KNOW MY OLD FRIEND YET LIVES!”

“That’s actually one of the reasons I’m here, Dragon Lord. The Marquis would like to come here and... uh... make a certain request of you.”

“HMMM... I THINK I ALREADY KNOW WHAT IT IS THAT HE WANTS! I WILL WELCOME MY OLD FRIEND SHOULD HE COME TO MY DOMAIN!”

“Thank you, Dragon Lord Torch. Now that just leaves the matter at hand.”

“INDEED! EMBER, WHICH OF THESE DRAGONS WILL YOU…”

Arc interrupts him. “Wait! These three are unworthy!”

“EH?!”

“Think about it, sir. They couldn't defeat one small human. Are you sure you want them as the future Dragon Lord?”

“LITTLE ONE, YOU ARE NOT ONLY STRONG BUT WISE AS WELL! I ADMIT YOU WOULD MAKE A PERFECT DRAGON LORD! THAT AND EMBER SEEMS TO BE QUITE TAKEN WITH YOU. BUT... WHILE THE DRAGON CODE DOES NOT SPECIFY, I DO BELIEVE THAT THE DRAGON LORD SHOULD ALWAYS BE... A DRAGON!”

Arc nods soberly. “I respect your decision, Dragon Lord.”

Torch again turns to his daughter. “I AM SORRY EMBER. BUT FOR THE GOOD OF ALL DRAGONS, I MUST INSIST THAT YOU CHOOSE ANOTHER FOR A MATE! BUT NOT AT THIS TIME! GO NOW! CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY AS YOU SEE FIT! WITH LUCK, PERHAPS A SUITABLE MATE WILL BE FOUND ALONG THE WAY!”

“Thank you, father. I will continue my journey with him. It seems I still have much to learn.”

She and Arc turn to leave. However, the Dragon Lord calls out after them.

“WAIT! TELL ME AGAIN OF YOUR NAME, SMALL ONE?!”

“It’s Arc, sir.”

“WELL THEN, ARC! IT WOULD SEEM THAT I OWE YOU A DEBT FOR SAVING THE LIFE OF MY DAUGHTER! FOLLOW ME, BOTH OF YOU!”

The three of them walk a short distance to a nearby cave. Although there does not appear to be any lights, the interior of the cave is as bright as day and filled with gold, gems, and various other valuable treasures. Torch gestures to it as he looks to Arc.

“AS A REWARD, YOU MAY TAKE FOR YOURSELF THREE ITEMS FROM MY PERSONAL HORDE! ONE FOR SAVING EMBER'S LIFE! ANOTHER FOR SHOWING MERCY TO MY FRIEND THE MARQUIS! AND THE LAST AS A SIGN OF MY PERSONAL RESPECT FOR YOUR STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION!”

“Thank you Dragon Lord! You are most generous!”

The Dragon Lord and Ember wait by the entrance of the cave as Arc walks along the path looking at all the valuables. A short time later he returns to the mouth of the cave carrying an ancient looking magic tome and a strange ring.

“These two just seemed to be calling to me.”

Arc looks around and puts a hand to his ear as he looks to Torch and Ember.

“Speaking of calling, do either of you hear that sound?”

“I HEAR NOTHING!”

“I don't hear anything either. What is it?”

Arc shrugs. “Kind of a low hum.”

He sets down the book and ring at the entrance before continuing.

“I’m going to take a look.”

Ember steps forward with her spear. “I'll go with you!”

The pair trudge back into the cave as Arc listens.

“We're getting closer. The sound is intensifying.”

Ember frowns. “I still don't hear anything. Are you sure...?”

Arc interrupts her. “There!”

Looking ahead, Ember sees him pointing to a large gem sitting on a pedestal. Upon closer inspection a spear can be seen inside the gem. Ember picks it up and smiles wistfully.

“I remember this. When I was a little whelpling this sat next to the Throne of the Dragon Lord. I'm going to bring this to my father. Perhaps he can tell us more about it.”

The pair return to the Dragon Lord at the entrance. Ember sets the crystal down before her father before speaking.

“What can you tell us about this, father?”

“I HAVEN'T SEEN THIS IN MANY YEARS! SUPPOSEDLY IT IS CALLED THE ‘SPEAR OF RIGHTEOUSNESS’! AS THE LEGEND GOES, THE OUTER CRYSTAL WILL ONLY ALLOW THE WORTHY TO PENETRATE IT AND CLAIM THE SPEAR WITHIN! DRAGONS USED TO COME FROM ALL AROUND TO TRY THEIR LUCK! AS YOU CAN SEE, NONE SUCCEEDED!”

Ember grins greedily as she steps forward. “Let me give it a try then!”

The Dragon Lord gestures to it wordlessly. Lunging forward, Ember claws at the crystal, bites at it, and even tires breathing fire at it to no avail. Torch shakes his head and sighs.

“YOU FARED AS WELL AS THE REST DID, EMBER!”

Arc looks to the crystal. “Can I try, Dragon Lord?”

“BE MY GUEST!”

He looks at the crystal for a moment before reaching toward it. The surface feels hard as a rock as its to be expected. However, as soon as Arc pushes on it the gem becomes like jelly, allowing him to reach inside and touch the spear. Grabbing it with both hands, it feels as though it is stuck. Pulling with all his might the crystal suddenly gives up its prize. Arc staggers back from the force of pulling so hard. Holding the spear high in triumph he cries out.

“There we go!”

The spear glows brightly above Arc's head. Its glow spreads into his armor. “What?! What's happening?!”

The glow focuses on Arc’s back momentarily before fading away.

“Arc! Are you alright?!”

“Yes, but... I feel... good! Like I could accomplish anything!”

“MOST IMPRESSIVE, ARC! WERE YOU A DRAGON, I WOULD LET YOU TAKE MY DAUGHTER IN AN INSTANT!”

“Thank you Dragon Lord! I understand your position though.”

“EMBER! LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN FROM ARC! I AM AS IMPRESSED WITH HIM AS I HAVE BEEN WITH ANY CREATURE, DRAGON OR OTHERWISE!”

“Yes father. I will.”

“GO NOW! I WILL PERMIT YOU TO STAY IN THE DRAGON LANDS FOR TONIGHT! ALTHOUGH TOMORROW YOU MUST LEAVE AGAIN AS YOU ARE STILL BANISHED! RETURN TO YOUR TASK AT THAT TIME! I KNOW YOU WILL MAKE ME PROUD, EMBER!”

The three leave the cave together. Arc and Ember return to her house to rest. Arc carries his treasures inside happily.

“What a day!”

Ember closes the door behind them and sadly walks over to the couch. “Yes… it was.”

Arc puts his rewards on the table, walks over to Ember, and sits down next to her. Putting his hand on her shoulder, he speaks.

“Ember, I think we both knew in the back of our minds what your father was going to say back there regarding the Dragon Code. And, as much as I’m sure that you don't want to hear it, I think he made the only choice he realistically could.”

Nodding, Ember turns to him with a look of relief on her face.

“Yes, I know... but... in any case, I wanted to thank you for what you did back there, Arc. I really, REALLY didn't want to marry any of those three!”

“You are welcome. I knew he wouldn't allow you to be burdened with me, so I did the next best thing.”

“I... I still... I honestly do want to be with you though. And I… um”

She bows her head and sighs before looking to Arc again.

“Sorry. For yesterday, I mean. Considering all that you and I have been through together, I really had no right to try and push you into the shadows like I did. And I promise that such a thing will never ever happen again.”

“While us having a relationship is impossible, as per your father’s edict, you have my word that I’ll stay with you for as long as I can. Sorry, but that's all I can offer.”

Ember turns to Arc and embraces him. “It… it will have to be enough.”

*Chapter 7 - The Journey Home

*Chapter 7 - The Journey Home

Early the next morning, Ember rises and walks into the living room. She finds that Arc is already up and sitting in front of the fireplace holding his new spear.

“You’re certainly up early.”

Arc nods as he appears to be meditating on the floor. “I can feel that there is a tremendous power within this spear.”

“And you are doing, what exactly?”

Arc stands up. “I was trying to concentrate on the latent power within myself and the spear. I can feel the two, but getting them to connect has proven difficult.”

“Do you remember when we first met?”

Arc nods. “Fighting off the monsters together? Yes. Why?”

Ember points to the Spear of Hope standing against a nearby wall. “You were able to use the power within the Spear of Hope to save us both.”

“Yes, but I was never able to recreate the effects. I originally thought it was due to the fact that spear was linked to Derpy, but... well, who knows? Hopefully I can figure it out BEFORE I need it this time.”

Ember walks over to a nearby armor rack and picks up her chest plate. “In any case... are you ready?”

“Yes. I’m quite eager to get back to Dodge Junction.”

Ember laughs. “Looking forward to cashing in on your bounties? Be they many.”

Arc puts on his own armor and turns to Ember. “Not exactly. Truth be told, I’m more worried about Cherry Jubilee. We did leave with her in such a bad state.”

“Look on the bright side. We’ll see her on our way back to Ponyville. I’m sure she’s fine by now.”

Arc heads for the door. “I’m ready when you are.”

“Let’s be off then.”

The pair leave Ember’s house and begin their walk back to Dodge Junction. Teleporting back across the sea to the peninsula where they started, Arc and Ember retrace their steps back to the main road leading to Dodge Junction. However, upon their arrival they find the streets nearly deserted. The few ponies they do see appear depressed. Ember looks around, clearly confused.

“My it’s quiet around here.”

“This is certainly not normal pony behavior. Let’s hit the Saloon, Ember.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Is this really the time for that?”

“Back in Earth's wild west days, the saloon was where you went to get the latest news.”

Ember frowns. “Really?”

Arc shrugs. “At least that’s how it worked in the movies.”

They walk down the main street and enter the saloon. It is, for the most part empty, save for a couple of sad looking mares at a table in the corner. They look up at Arc as he enters and gasp. One of them points as they look to the other.

“Hey! There he is!”

“Maybe he can help!”

The mares run over to Arc. Looking them over for a few moments Arc speaks.

“Hey, I remember you two. You work for Cherry Jubilee, right?”

“Arc, was it? We really need your help?!”

Arc motions to the street. “Okay. Does this have anything to do with why everyone in town is acting so strangely though?”

“It's Cherry! She's not doing well!”

Arc looks into their hopeful faces. “What can we do to help?”

“Her sister Ruby is with her at the hospital now. The doctor is giving her Cherry's options. Can you head over there? She was saying how much she wished you were here when we spoke earlier today. You're so good at coming up with ideas.”

Arc nods. “We're on our way! Let's go Ember!”

“Right!”

Arc and Ember quickly rush out of the Saloon and down the street to the small local hospital. They quickly make their way to Cherry’s hospital room where the doctor and Ruby are talking next to her bed. Ruby appears to be at the end of her rope as she addresses the doctor.

“Doctor! There must be SOMETHING more we can do?!”

The doctor shakes his head sadly. “I'm sorry, but that is her only hope at this point.”

Ruby turns to them as they enter. “Arc! Oh, thank Celestia!”

She runs over and puts her front hooves on Arc’s chest, a look of desperation on her face.

“Please! We’ve got to help Cherry!”

Arc puts his hands on Ruby’s shoulders. “Calm down, Ruby. Please, start from the beginning.”

“I’ll try”

She takes a few deep breaths before continuing.

“Cherry was hurt worse than we originally thought the other day! The doctor here doesn't have the facilities to treat her!”

The doctor steps forward to explain. “Apparently when her ribs were broken, one of them must have nicked her heart. There is an immediate need for her to have surgery to repair the damage. However, we’re not set up for such extensive operations here. The nearest hospital that could do such a thing is in Ponyville.”

Ember looks over at them. “So, what are we waiting for?! Let's go!”

Ruby looked pained. “It's not quite that simple! You see, our train only comes through here once a week! It won't be back for another five days!”

The doctor sighs. “I've contacted the Ponyville Train Station to see if they could do something to help. However, I was informed that the only train there is privately owned by a stallion named Mr. Rich. They put me in contact with him, but...”

Ruby begins to cry as she interrupts the doctor. “Mr. Rich said that he would only send the train if we can come up with his asking price of ten thousand bits! No one in town has that kind of money! Please… can you help?!

Arc thinks for a few moments before turning to the doctor. “How much time does Cherry have?”

“I doubt she will make it another twenty four hours without help.”

Arc reaches into his satchel and pulls out a piece of paper. He looks at it for a moment before putting it back.

“It's worth it. Ember, you stay herewith Ruby.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Sure, but what will you be doing?”

“I have to make a call.”

The doctor points a hoof to the door. “There is a phone at the nurse's station.”

“Thanks.”

Arc leaves the room. Ember puts a claw on Ruby’s shoulder in an effort to reassure her.

“Don't you worry about a thing. I’ve never seen Arc let anyone down. If anyone can pull this off... he can.”

Ruby sighs. “I sure hope so.”

A few minutes later Arc returns to the room. Turning to the doctor, he speaks.

“Doctor, have Cherry at the train station in two hours. The train is on its way.

Ruby looks to Arc, clearly amazed. “What?! But, how did you…?”

Arc cuts her off. “I'll explain the hows later. Ruby, help the medical staff and accompany Cherry to the station. Ember and I will meet you there.”

Both he and Ember rush out the door together. Two hours later Ruby arrives at the train station accompanied by the doctor and a nurse whom are carrying her sister on a stretcher. They see the train coming down the tracks as Ruby trots nervously in place and mutters to herself.

“Arc… Ember… where are you?!”

There is a commotion behind them as Arc and Ember rush up to the platform, each carrying a large sack over their shoulder. Arc rushes over to Ruby and grins.

“Whew! We made it!”

Ember nods. “Close call there!”

The train stops and Ruby quickly opens the door to let the doctor and nurse board with her sister. Arc and Ember follow closely behind them. The doctor points to a large table on one end of the car.

“Set her down there.”

Arc hurries over to the doctor and nurse as they get Cherry situated on the stretcher. “Doctor, is everything ready?”

“Yes!”

Arc runs toward the engine compartment. “Alright! I’ll notify the engineer that we can get underway!”

A few moments later the train begins to move. Ember looks over to Cherry for a few moments before Arc returns and addresses the medical staff.

“Doctor, is there anything we can do to help?”

“Thank you, sir, but there isn't anything to be done right now other than us watching the patient's vitals. However, if you could take care of Ruby it would certainly be of help to her.”

Arc looks over to the nervous mare nearby. She is pacing the car, nearly frantic. Sighing, he nods.

“I’ll do that.”

He walks over to Ruby and clears his throat loudly to get her attention.

“According to the doctor there’s nothing to do now but wait for the train to arrive in Ponyville. Why don't you sit down and try to rest?”

Ruby nods and sighs. “Alright…”

They sit down together across the compartment from Cherry. Arc puts a hand on Ruby’s hoof in an effort to reassure her.

“It’s going to be alright.”

Ruby looks at Arc, relieved. “Thank you for doing... whatever it took to get the train here. By the way, how did you do that exactly?”

“I'll show you. Ember, would you bring me one of those bags please?”

“Sure thing.”

Ember sets the bag in front of Arc. He opens it and Ruby's jaw drops

“Where… how…?”

The bag is full to the brim with bits. She turns to him as she finds her voice again.

“How much is that?!”

Arc closes the bag and turns back to Ruby. “Together the bags contain ten thousand bits. Filthy Rich said he would meet us at the station to collect his... fee.”

Reaching into his bag, Arc pulls out the paper from earlier. He hands it to Ruby who quickly unfolds it to see a wanted poster for Buffalo Bull with a reward of ten thousand bits for his capture. She looks up at Arc with tears streaming down her face.

“You... you used your own money to...! I... don't know what to say... other than I am utterly... in awe of... your Kindness and Generosity! Cherry and I could never repay such a debt though!”

Arc shrugs. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not asking to be paid back, after all.”

“But... why... why would you do this?!”

“What value can one put on a pony's life, Ruby? If me losing ten thousand bits is the price to pay in order to redeem you sister's life, I see it as a small price to pay.”

“I'll pay you back... someday... somehow...!”

Arc smiles at her. “Don’t worry about it. If I can see you and your sister smiling together again, we’ll call it even. Now please, rest. You look like you haven't slept since in days.”

“I feel as though I haven't. And I don't think I can right now.”

“Maybe I can help with that. After all, I've had to console my share of ponies before.”

Arc puts his hand on Ruby's head and carefully lays it down on the bench. He begins to stroke her mane gently. Ruby closes her eyes and softly speaks as she relaxes.

“Arc... thank you.”

A few minutes later she falls asleep. Arc continues to stroke her mane as he responds.

“Rest now, my little pony.”

The train continues on its way to Ponyville. Sometime later Ember returns from a trip to the engine and calls out.

“The engineer says we should be arriving in about five minutes.”

The doctor and nurse pack up their supplies and prepare Cherry for transport. Ruby wakes up and quickly makes her way to her sister’s side. Taking her hoof, she calls out to her.

“We're almost there Cherry! Hold on just a bit longer!”

Arc looks to the doctor. “How is she?”

“Not good. Her condition has deteriorated to critical. Let's not spare any time getting her to Ponyville Hospital.”

The moment the train stops Ruby opens the door. The doctor, nurse and Ruby all run toward the medical staff waiting for them at the station. Two pegasus EMTs take over for the doctor and nurse. They fly Cherry toward Ponyville Hospital as fast as they are able. Filthy Rich walks toward them and looks down his nose.

“Well, well, well… quite the drama we just saw. I assume you have my fee?”

Ruby glares at Filthy Rich. “YOU!!!”

Arc steps in front of Ruby. “Let me handle this. Ember, bring out the bags.”

Ember quickly does so and hands one of them to Arc. Filthy Rich looks at the bags greedily as Arc continues.

“Aright Mr. Rich… HERE’S YOUR FEE!!!”

He throws the bag at Filthy Rich whom is knocked onto his back by its weight, pinning his hind legs to the floor. Arc motions toward Filthy Rich with a wave of his hand. Ember flies toward him and, holding it over him, proceeds to drop it on his chest. Only the stallions head can be seen poking out from under the bags.

“Hey! I can't move! Get these bags off of me!”

The rest of the ponies on the platform go about their business. Arc walks over and puts a boot on one of the bags.

“Sorry, but we have to be going now. It must be so difficult for you, being BURDENED with such wealth.”

Arc, Ember and Ruby walk away leaving Filthy Rich pinned under his fee. Grunting, he calls out for aid.

“Somepony help me! Anypony?”

Meanwhile, Arc’s group arrives at Ponyville Hospital. They see the nurse from Dodge Junction just entering the waiting room. Ruby is the first to speak.

“Did... did she make it here in time?!”

The nurse nods. “I believe so, yes. He along with Dr. Horse are operating as we speak and should be done in just a few hours.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief “Thank you nurse. For everything.”

“Just doing my job. But I still don’t understand how you can afford to be so Generous?! I'm just impressed beyond words!”

Ruby turns to him and smiles. “She's right, Arc! I don't really know what to say either.”

Arc nods. “Just doing my best to improve the pony view of humans.”

Ruby looks away nervously as she speaks. “Every filly in Equestria has heard the old stories about how humans are... well... evil beyond words. But you...”

She smiles and blushes slightly as she continues.

“...you're nothing like what we were told.”

“Thank you Ruby. I try. Now then, how about you sit down and rest. Ember and I will keep you company while we wait for word of you sister.”

Ruby nods as she allows Arc to lead her over to a nearby bench. “Alright. I am still pretty tired, after all.”

Several hours pass before Nurse Redheart enters the waiting room. She sees Arc and walks over to him.

“You'll be happy to know that the operation was a complete success and the patient is resting comfortably.”

Ruby jumps up from the bench happily. “Thank goodness! Can I see her?!”

Nurse Redheart shakes her head. “I'm sorry, but the doctor has ordered that she have no visitors for tonight. The patient must have complete rest.”

Ruby looks disappointed. “I see…”

“You should probably get some sleep too miss. You can see your sister in the morning.”

Nurse Redheart returns to her duties. Ruby sits down on her haunches and looks down at her hooves with tears of joy in her eyes.

“At least Cherry is… on the mend.”

She moves to stand, but collapses to the floor. Ember rushes over to her.

“Ruby! Are you alright?!

She looks up at Arc and Ember weakly. “I'm sorry... but... I haven't slept... in almost three days. I must... have finally... reached... my limit.”

Ruby is able to give Arc a small smile before passing out. Ember looks over to Arc and shakes her head.

“What are we supposed to do with her?!”

Arc picks Ruby up and carries her in his arms toward the doors. “I can think of only one place to take her.”

*Chapter 8 - Ho Hum Life

*Chapter 8 - Ho Hum Life

Arc and Ember arrive back at the small house. Derpy, hearing them enter, comes to greet them. Ember sets their things down just inside the door as Derpy steps into the entryway.

“Arc! Ember! Welcome back! How was...?!”

Derpy suddenly notices the mare in Arc’s arms. Arc quietly walks to his room and puts Ruby in his own bed. He then returns to the living room and closes the door behind him before turning to Derpy.

“There. We can talk normally now.”

Derpy looks at him, confused. “Arc, who was that mare? Is she okay?”

Arc gestures to the couch. “Why don't we sit down? It's a rather long story.”

“Okay!”

Ember yawns. “Arc, if it's all the same to you, I'm going to turn in for the night. It's been quite the interesting past few days.”

“Alright. Good night Ember.”

Derpy waves. “Pleasant dreams.”

Ember quietly enters Arc’s room and closes the door behind her. Arc removes his armor and sits down on the couch. Derpy jumps up and sits down next to him as he attempts to collect his thoughts.

“Where do I even begin?”

Derpy smiles. “How about at the beginning?”

Arc shrugs. “A good enough place as any, I suppose.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc recounts his and Ember's adventures in Dodge Junction. How they saved Cherry Jubilee from the forced marriage with the help of her sister Ruby. Their harrowing meeting with the Dragon Lord and how Arc acquiring the Spear of Righteousness afterwards. He goes on to explain their return to Dodge Junction and how they found Cherry in critical condition before getting to the part about Arc's great financial sacrifice to get the train to come and take Cherry to Ponyville for emergency treatment.

“...and after she heard that her sister would be all right, she passed out. Ruby was able to stay awake long enough to tell us she had been awake since the incident days ago. I carried her here and, well, you know the rest. Sorry for all the trouble though. I guess I could have taken her to Sweet Apple Acres, as they have a guest room. But at the same time I didn't want Ruby to have to wake up with strangers.”

Derpy nods as she looks up to him and smiles. “It's alright, Arc. After all, any friend of yours is welcome in my home anytime. Although...”

She suddenly appears more serious before continuing.

“...I do worry about you. Remember, your last journey was just supposed to be a short trek to the Dragon Lands to receive guidance from the Dragon Lord and then back home again.”

Arc shrugs. “It seems nothing is ever that cut and dry for me.”

Derpy groans. “Tell me about it. For all intents and purposes, you saved Dodge Junction. Not to mention rescued one of their most prominent citizens from a forced marriage. Then proceeded to save her life. And that was after you earned the respect of the king of all Dragons. How does one accomplish that in just one meeting?!”

Arc smiles nervously. “Yeah... about that. The Dragon Lord was so impressed by what I had done that he showed me has horde. I've never seen so much gold and priceless artifacts in one place before. That and he said that I could take three items for myself.”

Derpy clops her hooves together and smiles. “So, what did you take?”

“You might think this a bit weird, but... there was an ancient magic tome and a strange ring that just seemed to be calling to me.”

“At this point, nothing you tell me sounds too far-fetched. And the third item?”

Arc tells her about finding the spear inside the large crystal and how he had been able to remove it successfully. He stands and retrieves the spear from near the door where Ember had left it and walks back to the couch. He hands the spear to Derpy as he speaks.

“Derpy, meet the Spear of Righteousness.”

“Wow! I can feel the power in this! Have you discovered how to access the power within it?!”

Arc shakes his head as he looks at the Spear of Hope that has returned to its place over the mantle. “Not yet. I'm sure it will come to me when the time is right though. Like your own weapon I would assume.”

Derpy sticks her tongue out at Arc playfully. “Who knows! Maybe you’ll be a Templar like me!”

Arc smiles back. “Maybe.”

He looks us at the clock before continuing.

“But we should probably get some sleep soon. Tomorrow's another day, after all.”

Derpy hops off the couch and runs to the corner of the room to grab something as Arc lies down on the couch.

“Here! Take this.”

She gives Arc the blanket he covered her with on that cold night so long ago.

“I never returned it. But it looks like you’ll be needing this back.”

The young mare walks over to her mat in front of the fireplace and lies down. Arc calls out to her.

“Derpy”

She looks up at Arc as he motions for her to join him. With the largest grin possible, Derpy returns to Arc and wiggles under the blanket with him. She quickly makes herself comfortable on his chest and lets out a sigh of contentment as she closes her eyes.

“Now I see why Ember likes this so much.”

Before long the pair are asleep. The next morning, Derpy awakens to hear a familiar voice above her.

“My, my… don’t we look comfy!”

Derpy opens her eyes to see Ember standing over her. She is quite embarrassed to be caught in such a position and instinctively cries out

“Ah! Ember! Have… have you been standing there long?!”

“Long enough.”

Derpy gets up quickly. She looks up at Ember sheepishly.

“Are you… mad?”

Ember laughs “Not at all! My father sadly will not allow me to take Arc as my mate. Although even if he had, the Dragon Lord often has several... consorts. You're off the hook.”

Derpy looks down at her hooves. “It still makes me feel a bit… guilty though.”

Ember kneels down to look the young mare in the eye. “Look Derpy, I know how you feel about Arc. I'm sure we both feel the same way about him, and that's okay. He's done so much for us both. It would probably be impossible for us NOT to have developed... feelings... for him by this point. That and I don't think we are the first, nor will we be the last, whom will fall for Arc.”

A slow clap can be heard behind them. They both turn to see Arc sitting up.

“Rather touching you two.”

Ember blushes slightly. “Um… how much of that did you hear?”

“Oh, I heard it all.”

Ember turns away, clearly flustered. “Wow... this got awkward fast.”

Arc stands up. “In any case... please tell me Ruby is still asleep. I would hate for her to have to listen to this.”

Ember turns back around. “She was sleeping soundly when I got up.”

Arc looks outside to the early morning light. “Hospital visiting hours will be starting soon. She'll want to be there by Cherry 's side. And, I must confess that I too would like to make sure she is alright.”

He walks over to the door and quietly opens it. Peeking inside his room Arc sees that Ruby is indeed still sleeping peacefully. Walking over to her, Arc gently shakes her. Ruby’s eyes slowly open and she looks into Arc’s face groggily.

“Arc? What… is it…?”

He smiles at her. “It's almost time to visit Cherry. I knew you wouldn't want to sleep through that.”

“Yes! Thank you! Just give me a few minutes.”

Ruby jumps out of bed and runs to the bathroom to tidy herself up as Arc returns to the living room to wait. Turning his head, he looks to Ember.

“You coming with us?”

Ember shakes her head. “Not this time, I’m afraid. I think I’ll stay here with Derpy. After all, we have a conversation to finish.”

Arc smiles. “I understand. Girl talk, huh?”

Derpy looks away nervously. “Something like that.”

A few minutes later Ruby returns from the bathroom. Walking over to Arc, she smiles.

“Ready to go?”

Arc stands. “Yes. Looks like it's just the two of us today though, Ruby. Shall we be off?”

Ruby nods. Arc grabs his satchel and the pair leave the house to walk toward the hospital. However, in their haste they do not notice a pony hiding nearby whom jumps out of the bushes as they leave. Meanwhile, Ember turns to Derpy.

“Now... where were we?”

There is a knock at the door. Derpy moves to answer it.

“Now who could that be?”

She opens the door to see an excited green unicorn on her doorstep.

“Hi there! The name's Lyra Heartstrings!”

Derpy is a bit taken aback by the visitor’s demeanor. “Yes, Twilight has mentioned you before. You're the one who helped the doctors save Arc when he first arrived in Ponyville, right? What can I do for you?”

“Well, as Equestria's premier anthropologist, I was hoping you could help me with my research! There are still so many things about humans that even I don't know.”

“Well, Arc isn't here at the moment. He went to the hospital to check on a friend.”

Lyra looks down the path in the direction Arc and Ruby went. “Yes, I know! I saw him leave just a few moments ago! Truth be told, I wanted to talk to you about your opinions on humans! Arc would be a bit biased, you know, him being a human and all!”

“I will try. Won't you come in?”

Derpy backs aside to allow Lyra inside. She enters the small house quickly and walks over to the table. Pulling some papers and a pencil out of her saddlebags she lays them out as Derpy looks to her.

“Would you like some tea, Ms. Heartstrings?”

“Thank you, I would love some. And you can just call me Lyra.”

Derpy turns to walk toward the kitchen. “Okay. Why don't you ask Ember a few questions while I make the tea then? After all, she’s been around Arc longer than I have.”

“Alright.”

Ember sits down at the table across from the mare. “Not sure how much help I can be, but I'll give it a try.”

Lyra picks up a pencil as she begins. “Hopefully we can either confirm or dispel some of the larger myths surrounding humans. Okay... so is it true that humans don't have magic?”

Ember thinks for a moment. “Not that I’ve witnessed, however…”

“What is it?”

“I have seen him use some rather extreme attack artes. At the time I thought it was just the power in the Spear of Hope though.”

She points to the spear over the mantle before continuing.

“…but then again, maybe not. I can sense something within him. Power of some kind. It definitely doesn't feel like magic, of course. But at the same time I can't quite put my claw on it.”

Lyra quickly takes notes. “Fascinating! I'll have to study this further. Now, can humans fly? There are a lot of conflicting accounts on this.”

Ember shakes her head. “No. I have seen Arc in several situations in which he could have easily gotten though with the power of flight. He can jump quite high, but that’s just probably the power within his armor.”

She points to Eidolon’s Ward in the corner as Lyra finishes her note.

“Thank you! You have no idea the contention that one question has caused in the anthropology world! Next, about his diet! What do humans eat?!”

Derpy returns to the table and pours tea for three as Ember answers.

“Well, I’ve seen him eat most of the same things you ponies eat. Apples, cherries, fruits and vegetables of all kinds. They certainly don't eat gems like we dragons do though.”

Derpy sits down and chimes in. “Oh! But when I offered him some Hay Fries one day he declined, saying humans couldn't eat things like that.”

Lyra continues writing as she speaks. “Uh huh! What about animal flesh? Humans are supposed to go crazy over it!”

Ember frowns. “Well, now that you mention it... back in Tartarus, the first time we went out hunting for food was a beetle hunt. It was one of our main food supplies back then. Arc attacked the beetles with such a hungry look in his eyes. And I recall him eating more beetle meat that evening than anyone else had previously. Looking back, he did seem a bit healthier when his diet included meat too. Perhaps he’s like dragons in that regard. If we don't eat meat regularly it can cause certain health and developmental problems.”

Derpy looks down at her tea, sadly. “Arc... he... never said a word about it.”

Ember puts a claw on Derpy’s shoulder. “Don't worry, Derpy. Now that we know, we can think of a way to get some meat into Arc's diet.”

“Thank you very much for bringing this to our attention, Lyra!”

“Glad I could help! Now...let's see... hands?”

Derpy appears confused. “What about them?”

“Well, humans seem to have much more dexterous appendages than we do. Have you seen Arc do anything special with them? Something no pony could accomplish with hooves, that is”

Ember shrugs. “I never really thought about it... Derpy?”

“Yes, there was one thing! One time when I was sad, Arc held me in his arms and whispered words of encouragement to me. It did help, but it wasn't until he stroked my mane that I really started to feel better. His hands and fingers contoured to my back as he stroked me. After only about five minutes of this my body felt like... well... a puddle. It was quite relaxing!”

Lyra grins. “Wow, I had no idea! I must study these hands more closely!”

Ember stands and walks over to Eidolon’s Ward. Taking one of the gauntlets she brings it back to Lyra.

“Take a look at theses.”

Lyra carefully examines the finger joints. “These are absolutely incredible! And these all move independently?”

Derpy nods. “Yes! Although I never really thought about it, human hands truly are amazing!”

Lyra gives back the gauntlet. “Next time I see Arc I’ll have to further examine his body! Who knows what other amazing parts he has!”

Derpy blushes as Lyra continues.

“How about physical strength? How strong are humans compared to, say, an Earth Pony?”

Derpy shrugs. “I admit, when I first met him, he did not strike me as being very strong. Since returning from Tartarus though, he seems to have gotten significantly sturdier!”

Ember nods. “You can say that again! I’ve seen him go toe to toe with an entire gang of stallions, three of the strongest warriors in the Dragon Lands, several of Tartarus' most powerful demons, and the Demon King himself. Although I'm sure some of that comes from his armor, if you want to know how strong Arc really is, you're going to have to ask him directly.”

“I'll do that. Alright, now then I’ve saved the best for last. What can you tell me about human's mating rituals?”

Both Derpy and Ember immediately turn a deep shade of red. Lyra smiles at them sheepishly as she speaks.

“Sorry for being so forward. I know, it must be a bit awkward to talk about. There are quite a few books written on the subject, of course. But it would be nice to have some eye witness accounts to add to the records.”

Ember looks at Lyra skeptically. “Exactly how much is known about this?”

“Oh, quite a bit actually. Just off the top of my head... human males reach sexual maturity at around thirteen years old. They have dozens, if not more, encounters with different females throughout their lives. A typical encounter can be as short as a few minutes, or as long as an entire night. They are so dependent on such lifestyles that they may turn on each other in a single-sex environment. This type of behavior exists in both genders. During such encounters, the male takes great pleasure in inflicting pain on the female. That, and they are not too picky on which hole they...”

Derpy suddenly falls backward with an extreme nosebleed while Ember can only stare at Lyra wide eyed and with her mouth open.

Lyra looks at them confused. “I’m sorry. You see I was under the impression this was fairly common knowledge.”

She looks to Derpy before continuing.

“If you would rather not talk about it, I understand. But for the sake of research I would love to hear about your experiences with Arc. Your name doesn't have to be part of the record if you’re not comfortable with it.”

Derpy sits back down and dabs at her nose with a tissue. “I... I've never actually done anything like that with Arc! He's my friend!”

Ember sighs. “Me either!”

She rolls her eyes and looks annoyed.

“...not that I haven't tried...”

Lyra grimaces. “I... I'm sorry! You see, I just assumed with the three of you living here, and there being only one bedroom... that's another thing I forgot to mention! Humans love threesomes!”

Ember shakes her head. “Wow…”

Lyra stands up quickly and grabs her notes with her magic. “My apologies! I guess I’ll just ask Arc about it next time he is home. Thank you both for the information!”

She quickly leaves the house. Ember points a claw at the door.

“That right there is more than I wanted to learn about humans!”

Derpy grimaces. “Should we... um... talk to Arc about this?”

“It probably wouldn't be a bad idea, Derpy. I admit, we don't really know a lot about his species, and there are other parts to that conversation other than the last bit that probably should be addressed. Like his diet. If he really does need to eat meat, we should try to find a source for him.”

“Agreed!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ruby approach the hospital. Ruby looks at the building, apprehensively.

“I really do hope that this is the end of Cherry's troubles.”

Arc shrugs. “Considering all she’s been though, things can only get better from here.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Arc winks at Ruby. “And if not, feel free to call on me. Your friendly neighborhood Problem Solver!”

Ruby smiles at him. “Thanks, but you’ve already done so much for us.”

The pair walk up to the desk. Arc looks to the nurse on duty.

“Excuse me ma’am, but is Cherry Jubilee able to have visitors?”

“Let’s see here…”

The nurse looks through a sheaf of papers before continuing.

“Yes, she is still quite weak from the surgery, but the doctor says she can have visitors.”

She gives them a room number and directions. Arc nods.

“Thank you very much.”

Ruby and Arc walk down the hallway and find the room. Arc stops in front of the door and looks at Ruby. “Um… if f you’d like some time alone with your sister, I completely understand.”

Ruby shakes her head. “Thank you for the thought, but you should be there too.”

The two enter the room together. Cherry is lying on the bed hooked up to a heart monitor. Ruby walks over and takes her sister’s hoof in her own. She looks down at her and speaks quietly.

“Sister... can you hear me? You're not alone anymore. Arc and I are here now.”

Arc takes Cherry 's other hoof in his hand as she slowly opens her eyes. Ruby looks down at her sister happily.

“Cherry!”

“Ruby…? Where… are we?”

“Ponyville Hospital, sister. You needed heart surgery after... the incident. Do you remember what happened?”

“I... remember... Arc was fighting Buffalo Bull. I... tried to stop him, but he hit me... I have a vague memory of... being carried...”

Arc chimes in. “That was me carrying you to the hospital, Cherry.”

She smiles up at him weakly. “Thank... you... Arc. What happened... to Buffalo Bull?”

“In the long run he'll be fine but, let's just say he won't be getting out of the hospital anytime soon.”

“Thank you Arc… for sparing his life.”

“It wasn't easy admittedly In any case, I'll head over to Sweet Apple Acres and let Applejack know you're here. She’ll most certainly want to come by and see how you are doing.”

“How did things... go for you... with the Dragon Lord?”

“Let's just say things started off... badly. We were able to come to an understanding though. He was so impressed in the end he gave me a couple items from his horde.”

Arc shows Cherry and Ruby the magic book and strange ring in his satchel. Ruby looks over the items.

“This is well beyond me!”

“I have to run it over to my friend Twilight Sparkle and see what she can make of it.”

Arc notices that Cherry appears to be weakening. He looks to Ruby and sighs.

“I think we should let your sister rest now. It looks like this visit took a lot out of her.”

Ruby squeezes her sister’s hoof. “I'll come back and visit again tomorrow morning.”

Cherry nods her head weakly. “Okay…”

The two quietly leave the hospital room and walk down the hall together. Ruby looks to Arc and smiles as she speaks.

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“None of this would have been possible without your help. I'll make sure Cherry knows what you did for her when she’s stronger.”

“Thanks, but no rush there. I don't think she should get too excited anytime soon.”

They leave the hospital together. Arc looks to the north as he speaks.

“I should probably head over to Sweet Apple Acres now. Applejack would certainly like to know what happened to Cherry. Want to come?”

“Sure. It will be nice meeting a friend of Cherry's.”

Ruby looks down at her hooves, a tinge of sadness in her voice as she continues.

“That and I really don’t want to be alone right now.”

Arc smiles at her. “Not that my errands are too interesting, but you’re welcome to come along.”

“Thanks. After recent events, I need a little more normalcy in my life.”

Arc and Ruby walk to Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom is the first to notice their arrival and calls out.

“Big sis! It’s Arc!”

Apple Bloom runs over to Arc as he kneels down to give her a hug.

“You being a good girl?”

She nods excitedly as Applejack walks up to them. “Uh huh! So how did your trip to the Dragon Lands go?!”

“If was certainly eventful.”

Applejack looks Arc over. “Hey there sugarcube! Glad to see a dragon didn't take a bite out of you! Uh… they didn’t, did they?”

Arc laughs. “Believe me, they certainly tried!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “How many?!”

“Three. Four if you include Garble, which I don’t. But where are my manners?”

He turns to Ruby before continuing.

“Ruby, this is Applejack and her little sister, Apple Bloom. Applejack and Apple Bloom, meet Ruby Jubilee, Cherry's sister.”

Applejack tips her hat politely. “Well howdy! I hope Cherry is doing well!”

Ruby’s ears droop. “Actually…”

Ruby recounts recent events leading up to Cherry being brought to Ponyville Hospital. Applejack gasps.

“What a story! Will she be okay?!”

Ruby nods. “The doctor says she should be fine with some rest. We just visited her before coming over here. Although she still needs to do a lot of healing, my sister will be up and around soon enough.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Thanks for letting me know! I'll go visit her later this afternoon!”

“I'm sure my sister would be happy to see a familiar face.”

Arc looks over to Applejack. “Well, we should probably let the two of you get back to your chores.”

Applejack walks after them as they leave and waves. “Don't be a stranger, ya hear?”

The two sisters say their goodbyes as Arc and Ruby walk back toward town and head for the Golden Oaks Library. Ruby looks to Arc and smiles.

“Applejack seems like such a nice pony. I can see why Cherry spoke so highly of her.”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed. You can always count on her to lend a hand, er… hoof. In fact, it was her who helped me to the hospital when I first arrived in Equestria.”

“Oh? What happened?!”

“An Ursa Minor tried to take a chunk out of me with its claws. Let's just say that if Applejack and her friends hadn't acted so quickly, things may have ended quite differently for me.”

“Oh my! Is your life always so dangerous?!”

“Only since coming to this land. Who knew a peaceful country full of rainbows and unicorns would be so riddled with peril.”

Arc points ahead as he continues talking.

“There it is. The Golden Oaks Library.”

Ruby looks at the library quizzically. “It's... a tree? How very... unique.”

“Yes, it's almost as unique as the pony who runs it.”

They knock on the door. Spike answers.

“Hey there, Arc! Come on in!”

He turns his head to call for Twilight.

“Arc’s here, Twilight!”

A few moments later Twilight comes trotting in to greet them. “Hi Arc! Who’s your friend?”

“This is Ruby Jubilee, Cherry Jubilee's sister. Ruby, this is Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight extends a hoof and the pair shake. “Nice to meet you. How is Cherry doing?”

Ruby informs Twilight of the recent events in Dodge Junction. Twilight looks both sad and amazed at the same time.

“I'm so sorry, Ruby. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know!”

“Thank you, but Arc has already taken care of everything.”

Twilight looks over to Arc and smiles. “Wow Arc! You're becoming a regular knight in shining armor!”

“You flatter me, Twilight. However, right now I need YOUR help.”

“Oh? What with?”

Arc hands Twilight the strange ring he received from the Badlands. “I have a couple of items I received from the Dragon Lord. Perhaps you can shed some light on what I have here.”

Twilight looks the ring over carefully as she holds it up with her magic.

“This is a Magic Ring. Unicorns of old used to imbue them with powerful spells to increase their magical abilities. I've only ever seen these in books as the secret to making them was lost centuries ago.”

Ruby looks at the ring. “How did they work?”

“Well, first a spell or enchantment would have to be cast on the ring. Then the unicorn would put the ring on their horn. When they cast the spell, the ring would activate and aid them in casting very complex spells. This particular ring is an especially powerful example.”

Arc looks at it wide-eyed. “What kind of magic does it possess?”

“Unfortunately, the ring's original power has been lost to time. While powerful, the spells will fade over the centuries if not used regularly.”

“Can you put a new spell on it?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I don't think there is a pony alive who remembers the ancient methods of enchanting magic rings. I'm sorry, but that is all I can tell you. I wish I had better news.”

Arc reaches into his satchel and pulls out the ancient magical tome. “What about this?”

Twilight looks at the book. There is a sudden intake of breath as she flips through the pages.

“This... this is a reference guide on ancient magics! It probably has instructions on how to enchant magic rings! Aha! Here it is...!”

She reads a page or two before returning the book to Arc.

“This is actually pretty advanced stuff! I'm sorry to say this Arc, but I think you are going to have to find an actual Enchanter to complete this task.”

“It's all right Twilight. You’ve already been most helpful.”

Arc looks over to Ruby.

“I think I had best take you back to my place so you can get some more rest. One good night's sleep wasn't enough.”

Ruby looks at him a bit tired. “Thank you Arc. I think you’re right.”

The pair leaves the library together as the sun begins to set. Entering Derpy's small house Arc and Ruby are greeting by the smell of supper cooking. Arc smells something familiar but can't quite put his finger on it.

“That smells delicious, you two!”

Derpy turns from the pot on the stove. “Supper should be ready in a few minutes.”

Ember grins. “We made something special for you Arc.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Derpy looks over at him apprehensively. “You'll… just have to wait and see.”

Ruby walks over to the kitchen. “Is there anything you need help with in here?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Nope. Why don't you two have a seat at the table? Are you alright, Ruby?”

“Yes, just a bit tired.”

The table is set and the food brought over. Ember sets a covered bowl in front of Arc as Derpy sits down with a bottle for the filly in her hooves. She looks over at him squeamishly.

“This... is for you, Arc.”

Any uncovers the bowl and begins to salivate. “Is this… what I think it is?!”

Ember laughs. “Yup! Fish soup!”

Arc eats heartily. “It tastes great! So, where did you two find fish?”

Derpy looks to Ember as she feeds Dinky. “It was actually Ember. She found another use for her spear.”

“That was rather enjoyable. Although I admit we weren't quite sure how to go about preparing these. Dragons aren't much for cooking their kills before eating them.”

As Arc finishes his bowl he looks to Derpy.

“Well it was pretty tasty. At least I think it was. Perhaps I shouldn't have eaten so fast.”

The meal continues as the conversation moves to Cherry 's condition. Derpy looks over to Ruby happily.

“I’m glad your sister is doing better, Ruby.”

Ember nods. “It really was touch and go for a while there.”

Arc smiles at Ruby. “I'm sure Cherry will be up and around in no time though.”

“Thank you, everypony. You have done so much for me... however, I think I need some rest now.”

Arc nods understandingly. “Go ahead and sleep in my bed again, Ruby.”

Ruby yawns as she heads for the bedroom. “Thank you Arc. That is very Kind of you.”

Arc turns to Derpy as the bedroom door close behind the mare. “So... was your day eventful Derpy?”

She blushes. “Well, it was certainly... enlightening.”

Ember looks over nervously. “Right after you left with Ruby a pony named Lyra came by. She wanted to ask us some questions about humans.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I'm sure you both did fine. She's been wanting to interview me since I arrived in Ponyville, but... well... to be completely Honest, I've been intentionally putting it off. It's not that I didn't want to help, but I just feel like a lab rat when she’s around. I'm sure she means well.”

Derpy giggles as she puts the empty bottle on the table. “You’ll be happy to know that both Ember and I gave you a glowing review.”

Ember chuckles. “We learned a few things about humans from her as well.”

Derpy looks uncomfortable. “Like that you need meat in your diet to stay healthy. And... a few other things.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

Ember looks to Derpy and chuckles. “Well… it’s complicated, but…”

Derpy’s face flushes red as she continues. “Um... let's just say I hope you’ll set the record straight with Lyra on human's... mating rituals as she called them.”

Arc appears embarrassed. “Wow... I think her and I need to have a talk, sooner rather than later.”

Ember walks behind Arc and wraps her arms around him. “Don't worry Arc. I'm here for you if you need anything.”

“Um... thanks? I think. What have I gotten myself into?”

Derpy attempts to change the subject. “Why don't we get these dishes done, Ember? Give Arc some time to himself.”

Arc chuckles as he gestures to his satchel. “Well, I do still need to look over this book I got from your father, Ember.”

Ember appears a bit disappointed. “Alright.”

As Derpy and Ember leave to tidy up after supper, Arc sits down on the couch to read the magic book. He flips through the pages and takes notes on page numbers on a notepad.

“Promising.”

*Chapter 9 - A New Identity

*Chapter 9 - A New Identity

The next morning around the breakfast table Arc, Ember, Derpy and Ruby talk about the day's plans. Arc turns to Ruby and smiles as he addresses her.

“Did you sleep well, Ruby?”

“Yes Arc. I think I’m finally caught up on sleep now.

Derpy giggles happily. “Glad to hear it!”

Ember nods to Ruby. “I hope you sister will be stronger today. That and I’m sure you two have a lot to talk about.”

Ruby looks around the table. “You’re all welcome to join me. I'm sure Cherry would love some extra company.”

Ember nods. “I’m in!”

Derpy stands and begins clearing the table. “Dinky and I will come too. And you, Arc?”

“I’ll stop by later. This morning I was planning to see about getting some of the enchantments from this book imbued into my armor.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “There’s an Enchanter in Ponyville?”

Arc stands up. “Sort of… well, I’ll let you know how it goes.”

Arc puts on his armor minus the helmet, which he carries at his side in one hand. He grabs his satchel with the magic book and strange ring in it and heads out the door toward town. A short time later he arrives at the blacksmith's shop. Entering, he spies Steel Hammer at the counter and walks over to him.

“Arc! I see you brought the rest of your armor today!”

“Yes, as promised.”

Arc removes his armor and places it on a nearby armor display. Steel Hammer walks around Eidolon’s Ward to study it.

“Exquisite craftsmanship! I don't mind admitting it, but this is well beyond my abilities!”

Silver Hammer enters the shop. “Oh, hello Arc! Come to let my husband admire the full suit today?”

Arc nods. “Yes. The other day one of you also mentioned being able to bring it up to military standards as well.”

Steel Hammer nods. “Certainly. Just a moment though.”

He walks over to the shop door, flips the sign to closed, and locks the door. Silver Hammer walks over to Eidolon’s Ward with her husband as she speaks.

“Now we can talk about this in privacy. There are quite a few tricks installed on our own armor that we could transfer over to yours.”

Steel Hammer nods. “Most of them involve subterfuge and stealth. But we do have several more offensive options for when things go south.”

Arc frowns. “South?"

Steel Hammer nods soberly. “Not everything you do will always go according to plan. Sometimes a large amount of good old fashioned force is needed.”

Arc nods soberly. "I hope to never have need for such things, but... if recent events are any indication...”

Silver Hammer walks over to Arc and looks up at him. “Listen to me, Arc. Since the beginning of recorded history, Equestria has always needed heroes. Up until a hooffull of years ago that would have been my husband and I. However, that road is long and hard. Filled with dangers and pitfalls. It can be lonely at times, of course. But the good of Equestria must always be at the forefront of your mind.”

Steel Hammer looks out the window overlooking the town. “Silver Hammer is right. The ponies of Equestria will also sleep better at night knowing somepony is out there watching over them. That and tensions have been high lately what with Princess Celestia's sudden departure from Canterlot.”

Arc frowns. “I heard that from someone. Where did she go exactly?”

Silver Hammer shrugs. “Supposedly she’s on a diplomatic mission of some kind. But that’s only the official statement. My gut tells me there’s more to it than that.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Are you saying that Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are hiding something?”

Steel Hammer sighs and nods. “Yes, we are. What it could be though still eludes us. We have both met the princesses on numerous occasions and, while we certainly trust their motives, there is no doubt in our minds that something is greatly amiss.”

Silver Hammer shudders. “Think of it this way. If something should befall Princess Celestia and she was unable to protect Equestria panic among the populace would quickly ensue. To say nothing for the neighboring countries, who would most certainly take the opportunity to invade.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin as he considers this. “So, assuming Princess Celestia is indeed missing, who would you suspect?”

Steel Hammer taps the floor with a hoof. “There are quite a few whom would benefit from such an event. Let's see... the Changelings would be first in line to invade from the Badlands. Partially for revenge, and a source of... food.”

Silver Hammer chimes in. “You see, changelings literally feed on love. So Equestria would most certainly be a smorgasbord for them.”

Steel Hammer grits his teeth. “Then there are the dragons. While they are not truly interested in taking more territory, their greed for possessions could lead them to sack Equestria.”

Silver Hammer appears to agree with her husband. “Let's not forget the Yaks of Yakyakistan to the northwest, the Bugbears to the northeast, and the griffons to the far east. And those are just the countries whom have a potential to profit. There are many other country-less factions who would love to try and seize power.”

“Right, Silver Hammer. There are the Nightborn, whom revere the night and unofficially follow Princess Luna. I'm sure they would love to dethrone Princess Celestia and see Princess Luna rule the land alone. Then there’s the Followers of Chaos. Now there's a strange bunch! They look to a mythical creature whom supposedly ruled over Equestria centuries ago called a draconequus. Never a dull moment when one of them is around. However, I would hate to see all of Equestria plunged into chaos. They reside in the far west mountains. Even the denizens of the Everfree Forest have become restless as of late.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean the attack on Ponyville some time back?”

“Silver Hammer and I don't believe it was happenstance. Even they understand the absence of power in Canterlot right now. I fear dark days are ahead for our nation.”

Silver Hammer looks to her husband. “As long as we’re talking about mythical threats, don't forget about King Sombra to the north. He once ruled over the Crystal Empire and enslaved all who resided within. Should he ever return, he would most certainly invade Equestria post haste.”

Arc considers this for a moment. “So basically what you’re telling me is Equestria is completely surrounded by enemies. Very real ones, potential enemies, and even mystic and mythical ones?”

Silver Hammer nods soberly. “To put it negatively, yes.”

Arc rubs his chin thoughtfully. “I guess my peaceful days are numbered then.”

“Most likely.”

Steel Hammer sighs. “While we are sure that the remaining princesses do have Equestria's best interests in mind, we were hoping to come up with a backup plan. Originally, Silver Hammer and I were thinking that we would have to come out of retirement. But...”

Arc nods at him, understanding. “...what about Platinum Valve?”

Silver hammer smiles. “When Platinum Valve was born, my husband and I decided that it was time to settle down. It would have to be the task of somepony else to protect these lands and its inhabitants.”

Arc points to himself. “I understand that. But why me? From what I’ve gathered in my time here, ponies don't exactly have the highest regard for human kind.”

“My husband and I have seen you commit many selfless acts in the defense of others. Sometimes at extreme risk to your personal safety. You also have the uncanny ability to rally those around you to acts of greatness.”

Steel Hammer steps forward and puts a hoof on the armor. “Equestria needs a paragon of virtue for the ponies of this land to rally behind in times of trouble and a paradigm of good to be looked up to in times of peace. My wife and I became the Heroes of Light for the general populace in order to keep this land safe. Now we only need to know one thing, Arc. Will you... will you become Equestria’s next Hero of Light?”

“Are you certain of this? Perhaps another would be better suited to rally the public? You know, like a pony?”

Silver Hammer shakes her head sadly. “We did spend quite a bit of time searching the land for such an individual long ago, to no avail. Although we are ashamed to admit it, we gave up the search and settled here in Ponyville when I became pregnant. Sadly, it never resumed.”

Arc looks to them soberly. “As long as you’re certain of your decision to put such faith in me, I will do my best not let you down. I accept the mantle of being Equestria's protector. This land will not fall!”

Steel Hammer looks back at Eidolon’s Ward. “Thank you, Arc. A great burden has been lifted from our shoulders. We shall aid you as much as we are able, of course. Starting with making the necessary modifications to your armor.”

Arc reaches into his satchel and pulls out the magic tome. "About that. Do you think you can help me with some of these enchantments?”

Silver Hammer looks the book over. “Let me run this by Platinum Valve. She should be able to follow the tome's instructions and enchant your armor.”

Silver Hammer leaves the room and returns a few minutes later with Platinum Valve who promptly runs up to him.

“Mr. Arc! Is it true?! Are you going to be Equestria's next Hero of Light?!”

Arc smiles at her. “So it would seem. I hope I can count on you to enchant my armor for me.”

Platinum Valve grins widely. “Really?! You mean it?!”

“Of course. Let's go over what I need.”

Arc and Platinum Valve go over the enchantments in the book together. After settling on what he wants, he turns to her.

“So, do you think you can do this?”

Platinum Valve nods earnestly. “Sure! It's simple when you know how!”

Arc reaches into his pocket and pulls out the ring. “While we're on the subject, what can you make of this?”

Platinum Valve looks the ring over, excitedly. “Wow! I've never seen a magic ring before! Don't worry! I have just the idea of what to do with this!”

Arc smiles at her. “Okay. I'll leave it to you then.”

Silver Hammer leaves the front of the shop with her daughter. “Come back tomorrow morning. We should have everything ready by then.”

“Thank you, all of you.”

Arc leaves the shop and heads over to Ponyville Hospital to see Cherry. Upon entering her room, he sees Ruby, Derpy, Dinky, Ember, the Mane 6, and even Lyra have come to check on her. Ruby looks up as he enters.

“Arc! You made it! How did it go?”

He turns to the bed as he closes the door. “My armor will be ready for pickup tomorrow morning. But more importantly how are you feeling, Cherry?”

“Much better! My sister says I have you to thank for that.”

“It was nothing.”

Cherry look over at Arc, astonished. “I don't call ten thousand bits nothing!”

Arc shrugs. “Alright. A small price to pay then.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! Arc's awesome! He never leaves anypony behind!”

Pinkie Pie hops up and down excitedly. “He da man!”

Ruby looks back to Arc. “Your friends were keeping us entertained with some stories of your past glories.”

Lyra saunters over to Arc. “Yes, and I'll be sure to chronicle them all in my continuing research on humans! But I have to ask, did you really take on an entire army of demons?! And is it true that you took them all out with only one attack?! And if so, why didn't you use that move sooner?!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, to the first two questions. As to why I waited so long, it was for the general safety and well-being of my rescuers. Had I used the Dragon King Slice earlier I could have indeed stopped the battle right then and there. However, many ponies would have been caught in the blast and injured... or worse. With the barrier back up I knew it would contain the destruction to only the demon army.”

Lyra puts a hoof to her chin as she considers this. “Wow... I guess I hadn’t thought of it that way. It will take many years, but I believe we can change the pony views of humans. As long as you keep doing what you have been, ponies will take notice.”

Arc looks a bit sad. “I sure hope so. There are dark days ahead in Equestria’ future. Human intuition.”

Twilight stomps a hoof with conviction. “Whatever comes our way, we will face it... together!”

Ember laughs. “Evil doesn't stand a chance!”

The Mane 6 cheer as Arc looks around the room.

“Thank you… all of you.”

*Chapter 10 - Passing the Torch

*Chapter 10 - Passing the Torch

Early the next morning Arc heads to the Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer’s Blacksmith Shop to see if his armor is ready yet. However, when he arrives, Arc finds door locked. He knocks and waits patiently. A few moments later he hears hooffalls and Silver Hammer’s voice coming from the other side of the wood.

“I’m very sorry, but we’re closed today.”

“It’s me, Arc.”

Silver Hammer unlocks the door and opens it for him. “Sorry for that Arc. Please, come in.”

Doing as suggested, Arc steps into the shop as Silver Hammer closes and locks the door behind him. As she turns back, he smiles at her.

“How are you today, ma’am?”

Silver Hammer yawns. “A bit sleep deprived. But the good news is that your armor is almost ready. Care to have a look?”

Arc nods. “Very!”

The two enter the back room as Steel Hammer finishes applying a coat of polish to the newly upgraded armor. Looking up at the pair, he sets the rag down and speaks.

“Hello, Arc. You're in luck. Silver Hammer and I just finished installing the upgrades.”

Arc looks his armor over. “It doesn't look much different from where I stand though.”

Silver Hammer walks over to Eidolon’s Ward and puts her front hooves on the workbench as she giggles..

“To tell you the truth, that exactly what we were going for. Take a look at this. Both hooves... I mean gauntlets now have a blaster installed. The crystal that powers it is inside the armor on the forearm. Its charge will not last forever, of course, but will regenerate over time. Or a unicorn could donate some magic to recharge it.”

Steel Hammer turns the gauntlet around to expose the inside of it. “We've also taken the liberty of adding cybernetics to the arms and legs which should increase your strength noticeably. Although admittedly it did take both of our suit’s robotic parts to make this work, as humans are so much... ah... bigger than ponies.”

Silver Hammer picks up the other gauntlet and turns the back of it upright. “Platinum Valve has already taken care of one of the enchantments you wanted. The right hand is now capable of creating and removing sigils. Simply place a sigil on a familiar place and you will be able to return to that stop instantly at will. Just think of the sigil in question while standing on another sigil to make it work. If you concentrate on its location very hard, you will find yourself there near instantly. And, while it will take quite a bit of energy, you can use this module to open a temporary portal to connect to any sigil that you have previously placed. Quite useful for rescue and emergency situations. Just remember that any portal you open will start to close when you pass through it yourself. Or if it loses too much energy and collapses in on itself. Again, a unicorn can feed a portal magic to extend its life.”

Steel Hammer grabs his old suit of armor and holds up the helmet. “Our own armor had a voice modulator installed in the helmet to prevent anypony from recognizing us in such a way. However, since you're the only human in here Equestria, I guess a secret identity is out of the question. We used the extra space to add more power crystals which should help increase the battery life of all the other modules.”

Silver Hammer opens the chest plate to expose numerous internal pads. “One last addition to your armor. While quite time consuming, we added many small thermal regulators throughout the suit. It should help you stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Just bear in mind that this module will consume more energy the harder it has to work.”

Arc nods soberly. “Meaning that if I venture out into a frozen wasteland, don't linger longer than necessary?”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “Right. Now then, none of these modifications will actually work until Platinum Valve casts the enchantments on them to bring them online. She should be ready to do so any time now.”

As if on cue Platinum Valve walks in to the workshop levitating the ring Arc left with her the other day. Grinning, she hurries over to them.

“Mr. Arc! I just finished enchanting your ring!”

“Great! What does it do?”

She walks over to Eidolon’s Ward. “I'll show you! But first I need to link it to your armor!”

Platinum Valve levitates the ring next to Eidolon's Ward. As she does so, the ring and the armor begin to glow, growing in intensity. Suddenly the two become as one and in a flash of light the armor vanishes. Arc looks around instinctively before turning to the filly.

“What the…? Where did it go?!”

Platinum Valve levitates the ring over to Arc. “It's now inside the ring! Just put the ring on your finger and then concentrate on your armor to bring it forth!”

“Okay, I'll give it a shot.”

Arc concentrates as best he is able. After a few moments his armor begins to appear. First his boots, then greaves, chest-plate, gauntlets, and finally his helmet appears in his hand .Arc puts it on his head and in a flash is fully battle ready. The process takes only a couple seconds. Chuckling, Arc looks himself over.

“Whoa! I wonder if this is how it feels like when the Power Rangers morph?!”

Platinum Valve looks at Arc confused. “Power Rangers?”

“Never mind. It’s a human world reference.”

“Um… okay. In any case, all that's left to do at this point is to put the last enchantment on to link everything together! If you would please put your armor back on the workbench I can get started, sir!”

Arc quickly does so with the help of Steel Hammer. Silver Hammer makes a few minor adjustments to the cybernetics before turning to her daughter.

“Anytime you’re ready dear.”

Platinum Valve’s horn glows as she begins putting the armor together on the workbench. Not taking her eyes off of the armor, she speaks.

“I estimate that this process should take about twenty minutes, sir. Once I start, there's no stopping though. Shall I begin?”

Arc nods. “Sure, go ahead.”

Taking a deep breath, Platinum Valve looks over the armor one more time as her horn glows. A moment later the young filly begins channeling her magic into the armor. However, as she does so there is a sudden disturbance outside. Arc groans as he facepalms.

“Perfect timing… whatever it is.”

They all run to the window, except Platinum Valve, to see what is going on. Silver Hammer points a hoof at something rather large some distance away.

“Is that an Ursa Minor?! Again?!

Steel Hammer turns to his wife. “This has never happened before! Now twice?!”

Arc soberly heads for the door. “We’ll worry about the ‘whys’ later! I’m guessing that the citizens are most likely being evacuated into the Town Hal! Twilight and her friends will need all the help they can get!”

Steel Hammer blocks his advance. “Arc, wait! You'll need your armor first! Let Silver Hammer and I handle this!”

He and his wife quickly don their respective armors as Arc frowns.

“But I thought you used most of your modules to upgrade my armor! That and yours is literally falling apart!”

Silver Hammer looks to Arc as she puts on her chest plate. “We did! Our armor is not what it was before, but together my husband and I are still a force to be reckoned with!”

Steel Hammer reaches for his helmet. “True strength doesn't come from your armor, but from the heart, Arc! Join us when Platinum Valve finishes channeling the last enchantment!

The Heroes of Light dash out the back way to circle around town and flank the Ursa Minor. Arc watches them from the window as he sighs.

“Of all the times…”

Meanwhile the Mane Six, Ember, and Derpy do their best to distract the Ursa Minor. As the others try to keep the beast away from the Town Hall, Twilight charges her magic as she calls out.

“Just like last time, girls!”

Ember looks over her shoulder. “Last time?!”

Templar Derpy knocks a massive paw away from Twilight with the butt of her spear. “Does this happen often?”

Rainbow Dash circles the beast in an effort to distract it. “Nah! But we just have to keep this thing busy long enough for Twilight to charge up enough magic to blast it back to the Everfree Forest!”

Pinkie Pie unloads another volley from her Party Cannon at the Ursa Minor. “Yeah! It's easy!”

The Ursa Minor, seeing what Twilight is doing, charges at her. Moments before it hits her however, the Ursa Minor takes a strong blow from the side. It flies across the ground for some distance as two heavily armored ponies run over to Twilight and extend their hooves.

“Need a hoof?!”

“We’ve got your back, Twilight!”

Rainbow Dash takes one look at the warriors before them and starts gushing. “Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, OHMYGOSH! It's the Heroes of Light! They're... SO... AWESOME!!!

Applejack calls over to her pegasus friend. “Stay focused, Rainbow Dash!”

Fluttershy cowers nearby. “I sure wish Arc was here right now!”

Ember looks over to her. “You and me both! Where the heck is he anyways?!”

The Heroes of Light look over. “Arc will be here as soon as he can! The blacksmith is putting the finishing touches on his armor!”

Templar Derpy knocks the Ursa Minor back as it approaches yet again. “Let's finish this quickly then! I don't want Arc to have to fight anymore!”

Twilight continues to charge up her magic. “Just need a few more minutes...”

With the aid of the Heroes of Light, the brave defenders are able to distract the Ursa Minor for Twilight. Grinning, she calls out loudly.

“Ready! Everypony scatter!”

As they all scatter, Twilight's horn blasts the Ursa Minor back toward the Everfree Forest from whence it came. As it lands heavily some distance away, the Heroes of Light look over at Twilight and nod approvingly.

“That’s the stuff!”

“Great job!”

Ember shoots Twilight a quick thumbs up. “Nice shot!”

Templar Derpy looks at the state of the Heroes of Light’s armor and gasps. “Oh my! What happened to you two?!”

The rest of the group notices the Heroes of Light’s armor looks as it has been torn apart. Rainbow Dash looks over at them, wide eyed as she tilt her head to one side, confused.

“Your armor is totally trashed! What were you two fighting?! An army?!”

“We… we actually did this to ourselves.”

The Mane Six look to them, completely dumbfounded. Twilight is the first to speak.

“But… but why?!”

“It was the quickest way to remove our armor's combat modules and power supplies.”

Ember shakes her head. “But wouldn't that make it more difficult for you to defend yourselves?! I mean, did you think you needed a challenge, or something?!”

“Truth be told, we gave them to the town blacksmith to be reinstalled in Arc's armor. You see...”

The conversation is cut short by an ear-piercing roar. Fluttershy runs and hides behind Twilight as she shakes in fear.

“What… was… THAT?!”

Twilight looks in the direction the Ursa Minor was blasted. “I don't know, but it sounded... angry.”

The sound of extremely large footsteps rings out across the town. Rarity looks over at Twilight nervously.

“That is most definitely the sound of something very, VERY bad heading this way!”

Pinkie shrugs. “Maybe whatever it is just wants to play!”

Ember holds her spear at the ready. “I doubt that Pinkie Pie!”

Suddenly, a large purple mass lumbers out of the Everfree Forest, rears back on its hind legs, and roars mightily. Rarity appears ready to faint at such a thing as she calls out.

“Good heavens!”

Templar Derpy looks up at it. “That thing is bigger than the Town Hall!”

Applejack turn to Twilight whom is apparently in shock. “Twilight! What IS that thing?!”

“AN URSA MAJOR!!!”

Fluttershy covers her eyes with her hooves. “What… what do we do?!”

Rainbow Dash lands in front of her frightened friend and takes up a defensive position. “We fight it!”

She flies at the Ursa Major. It swings its mighty claws in an effort to swat her away. They miss Rainbow Dash, but cut through a dozen trees cleanly. She flies back to the others and lands before looking at the carnage behind her.

“WOAH!”

Ember holds her spear at the ready. “If anyone has any ideas, now is the time to speak up!”

Templar Derpy stands with the others in the defense of the Town Hall. “As much as I want him to be safe, I do wish Arc was here right now!”

As if on cue, Arc runs up to the others wearing his enhanced armor. “Sorry I’m late! Did I miss anything?!”

Ember shouts to him. “Arc! We need a way to get this thing out of here!”

“Okay, here's the plan! I'll do my best to keep its attention focused on me! While I’m doing that, the rest of you think of a plan!”

Without another word, Arc charges at the Ursa Major. He fires his hoof... er... ‘hand cannons’ at the beast's face. The enraged Ursa Major turns its attention to Arc whom leads it away from the Town Hall. Ember shakes her head and groans.

“THAT’S his plan?!”

Templar Derpy flies toward Arc, carrying his weapon. “Arc! I have your spear right here!”

Arc continues running and gunning. “Just hold onto it for now! I don't think it would do much good against this beast anyway!”

Applejack turns to Twilight. “Has anypony ever fought an Ursa Major before?!”

Twilight nods nervously. “Yes, they have. But let's just say that the end result was always rather... messy.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin and thinks. “If we could somehow communicate with it, like Fluttershy did against the manticore in the Everfree Forest, we might just be able to convince it to leave peacefully.”

Arc looks over. “Rarity! Great plan!”

Rarity looks over to Arc, confused. “Plan? What plan?”

Arc shouts to Twilight. “The sound equipment the mayor uses when making her speeches! Where is it kept?!”

“In the Town Hall! Why?!”

“Get it all out here and set it up! Hurry!”

Twilight and her friends along with several of the townsponies help get the sound equipment set up. Finishing their task, Applejack looks over to Arc and shouts to him.

“We're ready on this end, sugarcube! What now?!”

“Put Fluttershy in front of the microphone!”

Fluttershy peeks out from her hiding place. “WHAT?!”

Arc looks to her. “We need you to try and talk some sense into this thing!”

“Um… okay.”

Fluttershy takes to the podium in front of the Town Hall and takes a deep breath before speaking into the microphone.

“Um... excuse me... Miss Ursa Major? Can we... uh... maybe… talk this out...?”

The Ursa Major stops chasing Arc and looks at Fluttershy. The cowardly pegasi promptly tries to run away.

“EEP!”

Rainbow Dash flies over to Fluttershy and holds her back up to the microphone. “Keep going! It’s working!”

Fluttershy gulps before continuing. “We're... uh... very sorry about your little one. I'm sure he just wanted to play. But... um... we didn't hurt him, did we?”

Arc pants heavily as he stops running. “Finally! A breather!”

“I'm sure that your little one is lonely without his mama. Maybe we could convince you to... head back to the forest?”

The Ursa Major looks as though it is weighing its options. Applejack whispers to her friend.

“You're doing great, sugarcube! Keep going!”

Fluttershy seems to slightly warm to her task. “Maybe you're just hungry. How about a snack?”

The Ursa Major looks back at Arc, hungrily. His pupils shrink as he instinctively takes a step back.

“Oh… crap.”

The beast resumes chasing after him. Fluttershy quickly shouts into the microphone.

“I meant go back to the forest and have a snack! Oh dear me! What have I done?!”

Ember shouts over to Arc. “Any other ‘genius’ plans?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah! Rarity, get in front of the microphone! I need the rest of you behind the speakers! No matter what, just make sure they always point toward the bear’s head!”

Rarity appears surprised. “Oh! Well, alright then!”

She stands at the podium as the others rush to carry out Arc's instructions. With everyone in place, Rarity calls out to Arc.

“Now what?!”

“I need you to reach down deep inside of yourself and give me the most ear splitting, high pitched scream that you can!”

Rarity gasps, clearly confused. “What?!”

Templar Derpy looks to her. “Please, Rarity! Arc can't run forever!”

“I… I know that! But you have to understand that it’s not like I can do such a thing on command! There has to be some kind of reason for it!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Seriously, Rarity? A giant monster attacking Ponyville isn't a good enough reason for you to scream?”

Arc groans as he turns to the podium. “Rarity! I'm about to lead this beast toward your favorite SPA! How's that for motivation?!”

Rarity’s pupils shrink and her eye twitches. “You… wouldn’t… DARE!”

Arc starts running toward the Ponyville Day Spa. “Oh yeah?! Wanna bet?!”

Rarity immediately starts screaming incoherently and takes a few haphazard steps to chase after Arc before she is tackled by Twilight and Applejack. Ember grabs the microphone stand from its place on the podium and holds it to the frantic pony's mouth. The Ursa Major collapses to the ground and tries to cover its ears with its paws in an effort to block out the screeching sounds coming forth from the speakers. Arc turns to the beast as he stops running.

“Had enough yet?!”

It growls at him angrily and begins to rise. Arc calls over to Pinkie.

“Turn it up!”

Pinkie turns up the speaker’s volume dial to eleven (even though it really should only go to ‘ten’). “Okie doki loki!”

Hearing the noise intensify, the Ursa Major runs back into the Everfree Forest. Templar Derpy flies over to Arc and gives him a hug along with Ember.

“Arc, you did it!”

Ember grins approvingly. “Great plan, Arc! But how did you know it would work?!”

“I didn’t.”

Ember looks suddenly angry. “You mean…!”

He removes his helmet and smiles at her nervously. “Yup. It was just another one of my half-baked plan.”

Arc shrugs as Ember glares at him. “What’s the problem? My success rate for half-baked plans and total lack of a plan entirely is really high!”

Ember sighs as she facepalms. “At this point all I can say is that one of these days you're going to be wrong. And I just hope I'm there to see it.”

Twilight opens the doors of the Town Hall and calls out. “Everypony can come out now! The danger has passed!”

Everyone makes their way out of the Town Hall together. However, as they do so they are astonished to see the Heroes of Light themselves in attendance. The mayor of Ponyville quickly steps forward to greet them.

“It has been quite a few years since you graced us with a visit, Heroes of Light! To what do we owe this pleasure?!”

“Well... we're actually here to make a big announcement.”

Mayor Mare points a hoof at the podium. “Please feel free to do so. It looks like everything is already set up. Heroes, you have the stage.”

Arc walks past the controls with the microphone, remembering to turn it down to a sensible level first. He puts the microphone back in its place in front of the podium, then walks back to stand with the Mane Six, Derpy, and Ember as the Heroes of Light walk up to the podium together and begin to speak.

“Citizens of Ponyville! Many years ago, we traveled here on a mission to investigate the Everfree Forest and rumors of possible demonic activity! As some of the older citizens of the town may recall, the trouble was not demonic! However, a dark entity was making an effort to bring their forces into the heart of Equestria in an attempt to overthrow Princess Celestia! The two of us took on their entire army, and to the best of our knowledge, not one of them survived! When we returned, it was here that my companion and I were first called the Heroes of Light for our heroic deeds! That mission was to be the first of many more! We spent a great number of years protecting these lands from various threats! And it was always a great honor to serve the princesses along with the rest of the population!”

Pausing to look over the crowd, Silver Hammer continues where her husband left off a few moments ago.

“However, in time... all things must pass! At some point, there must be a changing of the guard! The old must make way for the new! And today is that day! There is among you today a great and noble hero! One whom fights for the good of all! Not just with strength, but also with intelligence!”

Steel Hammer motions for Arc to step forward. Arc does so, his helmet under his arm as the stallion speaks.

“We have already removed our armor's combat modules and have had your town’s blacksmith install them in Arc's armor! And so, without any further ado, may I present to you for the very first time, your new Hero of Light... Arc of Earth!”

All the townsponies cheer as the Heroes of Light turn to him.

“And now... we must ask one final favor of you.”

Arc nods soberly. “Name it.”

Both the former Heroes of Light rip the insignias from their armor and place them in Arc's hand before speaking again.

“Take our insignias to Canterlot Castle and present them to the princesses. And when you do so simple tell them that ‘the torch has been passed’. They will understand.”

“I will. Thank you.”

One of them places a strange sigil on the ground. Together they step onto it and begin to fade away as they speak.

“Goodbye, Arc. The safety of this land is now in your capable hands. We know you won't let Equestria down.”

After they are gone the sigil also vanishes. All the townsponies turn to Arc for an explanation. Taking a deep breath, he calls out loudly.

“Everyone! You have put your faith in me! I will do my very best not to disappoint you! This land is a beautiful one! One where fillies can grow up smiling, laughing and playing! I promise you here and now that I will do my very best to keep it that way!”

He looks down at the insignias in his hand before returning his gaze to the crowd and continuing.

“However, first I have a promise to keep. If you will excuse me, it would appear that I have a train to catch.”

As he steps down from the podium, the crowd of ponies part to allow Arc and his friends to pass by. Meanwhile, back at the blacksmith's shop basement, Platinum Valve stands next to a sigil on the floor as it begins to glow. A few moments later the former Heroes of Light appear on it. She walks over to them and speaks softly.

“Mom… dad… is it done?”

Silver Hammer removes her helmet and smiles at her daughter. “Yes, my dear! It's finally over!”

Steel Helmet removes his armor and turns to Platinum Valve. “Our time has passed. Now we have officially left Equestria's future in Arc's hands.”

The pair remove their armor for the last time and come together for a family hug. As they turn to head upstairs Platinum Valve points a hoof at their broken armor.

“But… what about what’s left of your armor?”

Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer look to each other silently and nod. Silver Hammer walks over to the pile and picks the armor up. Platinum Valve helps her.

“Let’s bring them upstairs to your father’s shop.”

They do so. As the enter the shop, they see Steel Hammer setting a large cauldron in front of the smelter. He points a hoof at it.

“Put them in here.”

With what is left of their armor dumped in the cauldron, Steel Hammer opens the door to the smelter and shoves the cauldron inside. Platinum Valve gasps and runs over to him.

“Father! What are you doing?!”

“Closing this book. This is truly the end of the previous Heroes of Light.”

Steel Hammer steps back to stand with his wife and daughter in front of the smelter. With tears in their eyes, the Hammers all look on silently. As they listen to the sounds of melting metal, both mother and father instinctively salute. Platinum Valve joins them in their gesture a few moments later. Platinum Valve looks at the cauldron in the smelter as she speaks.

“Thank you... for protecting my parents all these years.”

Silver Hammer wipes a tear from her eye with a hoof. “Farewell, old friends.”

Steel Hammer closes the door to the smelter. “You served us well. And now, the time for your own rest has come.”

*Chapter 11 - A Promise Kept

*Chapter 11 - A Promise Kept

Arc, Ember, and the Mane Six board the train to Canterlot. As they sit down Arc turns to them and smiles.

“Thank you all for coming with me on this trip. These days it seems that every time I set out to complete what SHOULD be a simple task, it turns into a monumental, life-altering experience.”

Twilight looks to Arc and smiles as the train pulls away from the station. “It's no problem. That and I hope to be able to spend some time with my old foalsitter, Cadance. It's been so long since we last saw one another.”

Applejack turns toward Ember as the young dragon begins sharpening her spear. “Uh Ember... what the hay are you doing?”

“If the past is any indication, I plan on being ready for trouble.”

Rarity sits down and makes herself comfortable. “Suit yourself darling. But I’m certain that this will be a simple task.”

The several hour train trip is thankfully uneventful. As the train arrives at Canterlot Station the party disembarks. Arc steps out of the car and down onto the platform as he looks around.

“A quiet trip. I could get used to this.”

Ember looks around nervously. “Don't get too comfortable now. Remember, we've only just arrived.”

Arc and company make their way toward Canterlot Castle. As they approach the outer gates the party are stopped by two Royal Guards.

“Halt! State your business!”

Twilight steps forward. “Good afternoon, sir. I'm Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia. We've come here today on official business in order to bring something to the princesses.”

“I'm sorry miss, but the princesses are quite busy today. If your business is not of critical importance, please come back in a few days or so.”

Rarity seethes at this. “A few days?! We’ve come all the way from Ponyville! We can't wait around that long!”

“I am sorry, but those are the princess' orders, ma’am. That and they have far too many audiences today as it is.”

Arc approaches the guards and holds out the insignias given to him earlier that day. “I understand you have your orders. However, I have a promise to keep. These must be delivered to the princesses immediately.”

The guard sighs and turns to look at the insignias. As they come into his field of vision his eyes grow wide and he speaks in a nervous tone.

“I'm sorry, sir! We didn't know who you were! Forgive us! Please proceed!”

The castle guards and his subordinates just inside stand aside and allow the party to enter the castle with Arc in the lead. Applejack looks over her shoulder as they pass the guards.

“What the hay do you suppose that was all about?”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Who cares! Arc got us in!”

Ember looks around nervously. “Can anyone else feel that?”

Pinkie appears to be having a seizure. “I do! My Pinkie sense is going crazy!”

Fluttershy appears ready to flee at a moment’s notice. “What... what is it?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “There's tension in the air. That can only mean one thing... preparations for war!”

Arc grimaces. “I certainly hope you’re wrong, my friend.”

“So do I.”

The group makes their way toward the Audience Chamber. There is a long line of important looking ponies waiting for an audience. Arc walks up to the nearby officer.

“Pardon me, but I need to see the princesses.”

The Royal Guard commander looks over the strange group that stands before him, clearly confused. “Yes, well… it will be many hours, as there are so many audiences ahead of you.”

He procures a scroll, most likely with other audience requests on it before speaking again.

“What is the purpose of your audience today?”

Arc produces the insignias and holds them up to the commander. “I have come on behalf of the Heroes of Light in order to present the princesses with these.”

Upon seeing the insignias, the Royal Guard Commander drops his quill and scroll and runs into the Audience Chamber. Awkwardly he passes the ponies who are currently addressing the princesses and kneels before them out of breath

“Your highnesses! I am very sorry to interrupt! But this is a matter of greatest importance!”

Princess Luna glares at him. “This had better be important, commander! You of all ponies must know that we are quite busy right now!”

“My apologies, Princess Luna. But I must report that a strange looking... creature... has just arrived with an entourage of ponies and a dragon! He bears the insignias of the Heroes of Light and requests an audience!”

Princess Cadance looks up at this and gasps. “I believe I know who it is. Thank you, commander. Send the group in at once.”

The Princess of the Night turns her attention back to the current audience.

“We will pick this up again at a later date.”

They bow and leave with the Royal Guard Commander. Meanwhile, outside the Audience Chamber, Arc and his companions attempt to figure out what they just witnessed. Fluttershy tilts her head to one side, clearly confused as she speaks.

“Well, that was odd.”

Twilight sighs. “I’ll say.”

Ember looks around suspiciously. “I don’t like this!”

Arc turns to her. “Well, what would you like? I mean… it’s not like we’re in any danger here of all places.”

Ember narrows her eyes as she puts her spear over her shoulder. “Maybe you aren’t. But think about it from my point of view.”

“What do you mean?”

Ember counts on her claws as she speaks. “Escaped dragon convict from Tartarus, armed and dangerous, surrounded on all sides by Royal Guards...”

Arc interrupts her. “Okay, you do have a point! Sheesh!”

The doors open and the previous audience leaves looking rather unsatisfied. The Royal Guard Commander from earlier approaches Arc quickly and salutes.

“The princesses will see you now, sir!”

“Thanks. That was fast.”

The commander leads them toward the door. As they do so, Arc and company walk past all of the other ponies waiting for their own audiences. Those assembled whisper to one another, wondering who this strange creature is that they rank such great importance. Arc enters the Audience Chamber first followed by Ember, Twilight and the rest of her friends. They approach the thrones and the Mane Six bow respectfully. Twilight does not raise her head as she speaks.

“Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”

Cadance steps down from her throne and gives her friend a hug. “Twilight! Glad to see you're all right after the Tartarus incident!”

Luna approaches the group as well, stoically. “Indeed. However, I must say that I was less than pleased to hear that you chose a single life over the security of an entire country and its inhabitants.”

Twilight bows her head to. “I am very sorry, Princess Luna. The blame for that is all mine. Whatever punishment you deem to be fair I will gladly accept.”

“I shall leave that particular decision up to my sister when she returns.”

Luna turns to Arc and looks him up and down, clearly unimpressed. After a few moments she continues.

“I suppose that you must be the one Twilight risked everything to save.”

Applejack approaches Arc and stands by his side. “It wasn’t just Twilight, your majesty.”

Rarity steps forward as well. “We all played a part in the battle.”

Cadance looks to Luna. “As did I, if you recall.”

Frowning, Luna returns her gaze to the human before her. “Arc, was it? Tell me something. What is it about you that causes others to abandon all logic and reason?”

Arc appears confused. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“As important as you may be to these little ponies, I cannot seem to understand why they would risk everything to liberate you from Tartarus.”

Arc sighs. “I've actually been wondering that myself. In all Honesty, I can understand why Twilight would go to such lengths due to our past but...”

He turns to the others before continuing.

“...but why did the rest of you do it?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Well, I guess you could say that it wouldn't be very Loyal of me if I let a pal of mine rot in Tartarus for a crime that they didn't commit!”

Rarity turns her nose up indignantly. “And I too could not stand idly by and let such an injustice stand! How could I have done anything less and still have been able to call myself the Element of Generosity?!”

Applejack nods soberly. “It wouldn't be very Honest of me to let the innocent pay for Twilight's mistake.”

Pinkie raises a hoof excitedly. “Oh, oh! Me next! From what I’ve heard, Tartarus must be a place completely devoid of any kind of Laughter! I couldn't leave my buddy Arc in there forever!”

Fluttershy looks around nervously. “Um... Arc is our friend. And... you know... Kindness and all...”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I suppose that we both have our answer now, Princes Luna. Apparently it all boils down to the Power of Friendship. That and I have to admit, I never would have gotten this far without the help of everyone here.”

The Mane Six call out in unison. “YEAH!”

Cadance laughs. “Can’t argue with that logic!”

Luna facehoofs. “Methinks you should be very grateful Arc, to have friends like these. Friends willing to go to hell and back for you.”

A small smile emerges as she continues.

“And, I confess, I am a bit jealous of you for that. However, I am sure you didn't come all this way to talk about the past. My commander tells me you have something to give Cadance and I.”

Arc steps forward. “Yes. I made a promise that I would deliver these to you personally.”

He holds out the insignias of the Heroes of Light. Picking them up with her magic as she sits down on her haunches, Luna stares at them for a few moments as the insignias come to rest in her hooves. A single tear lands between them. Turning away, Luna does her best to compose herself before speaking.

“Arc... please tell me... how... how did they... how did my friends... meet their end?”

“They didn’t.”

Luna appears confused. “What?”

“The Heroes of Light are still alive and well. But... let's just say that they found something much more important to protect.”

Luna nods. “I don't understand what that is supposed to mean. But I will, of course, respect their wishes.”

“Perhaps someday you will.”

“Only time will tell, it seems.”

There is silence for another few moments as Luna reflects on the past. Eventually she stands and turns toward the doors.

“All of you, follow me. We must lay these to rest at once.”

Exiting the Audience Chambers, the group walks down innumerable corridors for what seems like an eternity before stopping before a large door in the lower part of the castle. Twilight looks around before turning to Cadance and whispering.

“Isn't this the Forbidden Wing of the castle? What are we doing here?”

“Not everything down here is dangerous, Twilight. Some things are just very... precious to us princesses.”

Luna uses her magic to insert a very old key into a lock. As she turns it the doors open wide. Inside is quite bright with the light of day. A stark change from the dimly lit hallways. Luna turns to the group as she speaks.

“Come, everypony Enter the Mausoleum of the Heroes of Light with me.”

They step into the large brightly lit round room with pedestals all around the perimeter. A single small pedestal sits silently in the center. Princess Luna slowly walks toward a pedestal with the insignias.

“This part never gets any easier.”

She lays the two insignias next to each other on the pedestal in front of an old photograph of her standing with the previous Heroes of Light whom are clad in their signature armor. Luna looks at the picture for a long moment before turning back to the others.

“This was taken after their first successful mission.”

Cadance looks at the photo. “I don't believe I’ve ever heard you mention that before. What was the mission?”

“There were rumors of an assassination plot against my sister. The Heroes of Light set out to seek the truth.”

Luna is silent for a few moments before continuing.

“As it turned out, the rumors were meant to be merely a distraction while the real target was left largely unguarded. Fortunately, the Heroes of Light discovered the truth in time to foil the plot.”

She hangs her head silently as Arc looks over at the picture.

“Princess Luna... it was you, wasn't it? You were the intended target.”

Luna nods sadly. “Yes, that is true. I owe everything to those two.”

She looks back to Arc before speaking again.

“I…hope to see them again one day.”

Arc nods. “If I ever encounter them on my journey, I will certainly tell them.”

“Thank you.”

Luna stares at the photo for what seems a long time before turning away, uttering only a few parting words.

“So long… old friends. May you find happiness.”

Both princesses walk to the forefront of the room to a single item on a pedestal. Luna turns to face Arc.

“Now then, I want you to look around. Tell me… what do you see?”

Arc looks around for a few moments. “The insignias of many, many heroes.”

Cadence steps toward him and waves a hoof at the numerous pedestals. Each of them bearing a single insignia along with what appears to be a corresponding item of importance.

“These are the insignias of our nation’s fallen Heroes of Light. You see, every time Equestria was in danger, they answered the call of duty. Every one of them knew what their ultimate fate would be. Yet they still chose to take up their weapons and fight.”

Arc nods soberly. “And… you want me to do the same.”

Luna puts a hoof on a pedestal. “Yes. Please understand that one day your own insignia will be brought here and set next to the previous two. Knowing this... do you still accept the burden of a fore mentioned duty?”

“I do.”

Luna and Cadance each put a hoof on the pedestal soberly. Luna looks to Arc and speaks.

“With this insignia you will be known to all Equestria as the new Hero of Light. Pick it up and wear it proudly.”

Arc touches his magic ring and focuses. Eidolon’s Ward appears in a flash of light. He places his helmet upon his head before picking up the insignia from the pedestal. Looking at it in his hand for a few moments before taking a long look around at the others who came before him, Arc presses the insignia to his right shoulder. It magically adheres to his armor. Cadance bows her head to him and smiles, clearly relieved.

“Thank you, Arc. May you always defend these lands and those who reside in them.”

Arc nods. “I will. That much I promise. But I suppose the question is... what do I do now?”

Luna takes a deep breath and sighs. “Most of Equestrian’s believe that the Hero of Light is merely an extension of the princesses’ authority. However, nothing could be further from the truth. You see... the Hero of Light must be allowed to act independently and as they see fit. While it is true that we may appear to ‘send’ the Hero of Light on certain missions occasionally, their real task is the safety of this country and its inhabitants well-being. Even... even if that threat comes from royalty.”

Rainbow Dash’s head snaps forward at this revelation. “Wait a second! So, you're saying... that can't be!”

Cadance nods her head sadly. “Yes, Rainbow Dash. The main reason Princess Celestia first created the Hero of Light position was to be a final defense in the event that a princess should go rogue and try to usurp the others. As such, the Hero of Light has full legal authority to take whatever steps they deem... necessary... to bring such a situation back under control and restore order. The title and position were coined in response to the Nightmare Moon incident so many years ago.

Luna shudders as Twilight looks over to Cadance, wide-eyed. “Are... are you saying that Princess Celestia created the Hero of Light as a warrior to... KILL PRINCESSES?!”

Cadance puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder as she nods soberly. “Twilight… the three of us all know of this truth and agree that the safety of Equestria and its inhabitants must be of primary concern. Even above the life of a princess.”

Twilight begins to tear up. “But... that can't be!”

Turning to her friend, she looks to him pleadingly before continuing.

“Arc, you wouldn't really hurt a princess, would you?!”

Walking over to his friend, Arc kneels down in front of the purple mare in an effort to meet her gaze.

“Twilight, listen to me. You know that I would never hurt anyone who didn’t truly deserve it. If it came right down to it, I would of course do what needed to be done. But only after exhausting EVERY other option available to me. We all know that it’s not always easy to do the right thing. So, to answer your question, let’s just say... I would do what needed to be done to protect the innocent.”

“I... I know. Thank you, Arc.”

He helps Twilight up as the pair turn back to Luna.

“Arc, as the Hero of Light you have many responsibilities. However, you also have many powers now at your command. First, in the course of your duties, you may ask any question of any citizen at any time. And as per the law, you WILL receive an answer.”

Cadance steps forward to pick up where Luna left off. “Second, any order given by you carries the same weight as if it came from a princess herself. All ponies are taught from an early age about the Hero of Light. They know that to defy them is to defy the Royal Sisters themselves.”

Luna nods. “And third, you have the right to a small personal cadre of soldiers placed under your direct command. While they will remain a part of the Equestrian military, they will take orders ONLY from you.”

“You mean, like reinforcements?”

“Yes. Should you need assistance with a task in the course of your duties, they will be there to render whatever aid you need. There is only the question of what kind of soldiers you would like assigned to you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “What kind?”

“Each princess has their personal preference. My sister has Royal Guards whom shine in their defensive capabilities. I have Lunar Protectors whom excel in stealth and subterfuge. And Cadance has Crystal Defenders whom are above all others in magical combat.”

Arc thinks for a moment before speaking.

“In that case, I choose to take on Lunar Protectors to compliment my already sizable offensive and defensive capabilities.”

Cadance smiles. “A wise choice, to be sure. We shall see to it that you are assigned the desired troops shortly.”

Luna looks to the others. “In any case, you are all welcome to stay the night here in the castle. The guards will show you each to your rooms. But in the meantime, there are still a few things the three of us must discuss in private.”

The Mane Six and Ember leave the chambers with some guards. Cadance uses her magic to close the doors behind them as she turns to Arc.

“Now we can talk in private.”

Arc frowns. “Is something wrong, Princess Cadance?”

Luna sighs. “There is always something amiss in Equestria. Now more than ever it seems.”

Cadance instinctively lowers her voice. “Luna and I have done our best to keep it under wraps, but...”

Luna cuts her off. “Arc, you must not breathe a word of this to ANYPONY! Not to your friends! Nor to your guards! Not even to your priest! Do you understand?!”

“Yes.”

Cadance nods and looks to him soberly. “Arc, what we are about to tell you is our most closely guarded state secret. Tell us, what do you know of Princess Celestia?”

“Well, I have heard from several others that she is off on some diplomatic mission somewhere or other. That's not the case though, is it?”

Luna shakes her head. “You are very perceptive. The truth of the matter is that Princess Celestia... my sister, is... missing. In reality, we have absolutely no idea where she could have gone.”

Arc frowns. “How did this happen though?”

Luna looks to a window. “One morning, when she failed to raise the sun on time, I took care of it myself. At the time I assumed that she had merely overslept. However, when I went to her room to check on her, I found it empty.”

“What steps are being taken to find her?”

Luna sighs. “Our greatest sages have put their heads together and have used their considerable magical powers to create a device that can amplify their scrying abilities over great distances.”

“The only thing we have learned is that Aunt Celestia is definitely not in Equestria. The search is being extended to the neighboring countries, but that will take time to do via magical means. And at this point we have no clues, no leads, and no idea where to turn.”

“Is there anything that I could do to help?”

Luna shakes her head sadly. “I wish there was. This land is greatly imperiled without my sister here to maintain order.”

“Luna and I are doing the best we can. But we don't have the faith of the citizenry like Aunt Celestia does.”

Arc sighs. “Then I guess all I can do is try to keep situations that sow dissent and unrest under control. If I come across anything in my travels, I will of course pass it on.”

Luna nods. “I am sorry to throw all of this at you so soon, but I fear time is a luxury we don't have. But right now, we should see about assigning you your support troops.”

Cadance gestures to the doors. “The guards are currently training in the yard. Would you care to follow me to observe them and choose your squad, Arc?”

“Yes, I need some time to digest all of this anyways.”

As he turns to leave with Cadance, Luna calls out after him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

Luna appears nervous as she uses her magic to levitate a small but rather ornate looking wooden box over to Arc.

“Please take this and keep it safe at all times. Inside is a note explaining its purpose. It is my hope that you will never have need of it, but... this is a burden that the Hero of Light must carry alone.”

Arc accepts the box and puts it in his satchel. “Um... okay. I'll take good care of... whatever is in here.”

Luna appears relieved to be rid of her burden. “Thank you, Arc. Please do.”

Leaving the room together, Cadance and Arc make the long walk upstairs. They make their way over to the observation post overlooking the yard. As they arrive the pair find the Lunar Protector commander about to start some training exercises. He bows respectfully as Cadance approaches him.

“Princess Cadance? What brings you to our training exercises?”

Cadance gestures to Arc with a hoof. “Commander, I would like you to meet our nations new Hero of Light.”

Arc nods cordially. “Name’s Arc.”

The commander snaps to attention and salutes him as he should “Sir, it is an honor to meet you!”

Cadance looks toward the yard. “Hero of Light Arc has just informed me of his intention to use Lunar Protectors as his personal squad.”

The commander grins. “I shall see to it that he receives the finest we have to offer then!”

Arc looks out at the innumerable Lunar Guards all lined up and standing at attention. “Thank you, commander. But may I first see your troops in action?”

“Of course! We were planning on some drills today!”

“Any chance of some war games?”

The commander looks a bit confused. “Our troops are used to working silently and independently. It is quite rare for us to run such maneuvers, sir.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps Arc merely wishes to see how they adapt to changes in itinerary.”

Arc smiles as he continues to look out the window. “Something like that, yes.”

Saluting, the commander nods. “Very well! It shall be done at once!”

The Lunar Protector commander turns to the loudspeaker and barks the new orders to the troops as Cadance steps over to the window to join Arc. Arc immediately notices that the Lunar Protectors all have dark coats, elongated pupils similar to lizards, and wings that look like they belong on a bat.

“All right listen up troops! We have a last minute change of plans! Today we’ll be running war games! Give it your all, as Princess Cadance herself will be watching the exercises along with our new Hero of Light whom is looking for candidates for his squad! I don't need to tell you how great an honor it is to be assigned to such a post! So, don't mess up!”

Training weapons are passed out to the troops who stand at opposite ends of the training grounds. When all is ready, the commander calls out the command.

“BEGIN!”

As the two sides charge, each soldier engages an opponent in one-on one combat. The commander shakes his head as he turns to Arc and Cadance.

“This is why we don't usually do things like this. As you can see, Lunar Protectors are trained to fight independently. They do poorly in a group setting.”

Arc points a finger to a group of soldiers who seem to be supporting each other in battle. “Well, what about those four over there?”

The commander groans as he facehoofs. “Them again?! I'm sorry you had to witness this disgraceful display sir! Those are some of the worst Lunar Protectors I have ever had the displeasure of instructing!”

Cadance appears confused. “Oh? What’s wrong with them?”

“They just don't take to their training! But not to worry, your highness! I will personally discharge them as soon as these maneuvers are done!”

Arc looks over the field one last time. “Yes, well… you can stop the exhibition now. I've seen enough.”

The commander shouts over the loudspeaker. “All soldiers, hold position!”

He then points a hoof at the a fore mentioned group of soldiers.

“You four, get your flanks up here!”

Arc looks to the officer as he again turns to them. “Commander, I would like to speak with these four before you discharge them.”

“By your command, sir!”

The four arrive shortly and line up before their commanding officer. He paces in front of them angrily for a few moments before speaking.

“I think you all know why you're up here! But before I say my peace, the Hero of Light himself would like a word with you!”

Arc steps forward and looks the four over before turning to look at one of them. “Tell me, what is the basis for your training?”

“To work independently to accomplish the objective, sir!”

Arc nods. “Uh huh… and what did you do down there?”

“The four of us supported each other in the fight, sir!”

“Might I ask why?”

“Because it was the most efficient way to complete the objective, sir!”

Arc turns to the other three. “Do the rest of you agree with what your companion just said?”

They look at each other a moment before nodding. Arc continues.

“Good. As long as it’s unanimous.”

Arc turns back to the Lunar Protector’s commander before continuing.

“Sir, I don't think you need to waste your time lecturing these four. It's obvious to me that they will never adapt to doing things your way.”

“I agree, sir!”

“That’s why I want them as my guard.”

The commander gasps. “Sir? Are you serious?!”

“Very.”

Cadance turns to the four soldiers. “That settles the matter. You four are hereby permanently assigned to the Hero of Light’s command. Go and see the quartermaster now about requisitioning new armor and report back to him for further orders.”

The four salute and leave to carry out their instructions as their former commander grimaces and looks to Arc.

“Sir, I must protest! Those four are a disgrace to their uniforms and to all that which the Lunar Protectors hold dear!”

Arc turns to leave. “Not to worry, commander. For you see, I have... plans for them.”

*Chapter 12 - Meeting the Four

*Chapter 12 - Meeting the Four

Sometime later, Cadance leads Arc to a room in the Guest Wing of the castle. As she opens the large double doors and walks inside with him, Arc looks around the chamber. To say it is luxurious would be an understatement. Cadance gestures with a hoof as she speaks.

“This room is the designated living quarters for the Hero of Light. You are, of course, free to refurnish and decorate it as you see fit. I do hope it is to your liking.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, Princess Cadence. It will more than suffice.”

“You are welcome. Now then, I’m told that dinner will be ready soon. I'm sure you must be hungry after the day's events so I’ll leave you now to allow you a bit of rest. However, if you will excuse me, Princess Luna and I have a number of other matters to attend to.”

Princess Cadance turns and leaves Arc there to survey his new surroundings. He talks to himself softly as he walks around the room.

“The princesses certainly know how to host. I suppose the only thing it's missing are my friend's company. And one other thing...”

He walks to the center of the room and kneels down. Touching his gauntlet to the floor, Arc places a large sigil and stands up again to look it over.

“There we go. Now it’s perfect.”

A short time later Arc leaves his room and joins his friends in the Dining Hall. As he arrives Arc finds the Mane Six and Ember talking amongst themselves as they wait for the kitchen staff to finish setting the table. Twilight looks over to him happily as he enters.

“Arc! Glad you could join us!”

Arc chuckles as he walks over to the group. “Glad to be back! I'm starving! This day has certainly been... eventful.”

The kitchen staff has nearly finished setting the table when Arc approaches one of them and pulls them aside as he quietly speaks.

“Set four more places. I'm expecting company.”

“Yes sir!”

Ember looks over, confused. “Who’s joining us for supper?”

“It’s a surprise.”

Pinkie bounces around the room happily. “Oh, oh! I love surprises!”

A short time later the food is brought out and served as everyone sits down to enjoy the evening meal together. A few minutes later a Royal Guard enters the hall and approaches Arc. He respectfully salutes before speaking.

“Sir, your squad has arrived. Shall I send them in?”

Arc wipes his mouth with a napkin as he stands up. “No. I will address them first.”

“As you will, sir!”

Arc looks around as he walks toward the door with the guard. “By the way, where are the princesses? I thought they would be joining us here for dinner.”

“I’m told that they are busy with their royal duties, sir. The order came down a little which ago and the kitchen staff has already sent food to their office.”

Arc sighs. “Their crowns must be quite heavy.”

“Sir?”

“It… it’s nothing.”

Ember looks over as Arc reaches toward the door. “Where do you think you’re going?!”

“Just out to the hallway to greet someone. Be back in a few minutes.”

Arc follows the Royal Guard out into the corridor to review the troops. His Lunar Protectors, clad in new armor bearing the same seal as on Arc’s shoulder, look to him and salute.

“Awaiting orders, sir!

Arc nods as he looks them over. “Very good. Now then, let's start off with the introductions. My name is Arc, Equestria's new Hero of Light. I know you all have stealth and subterfuge down pat, but I want to know more than just your records and ranks. What shall I call the rest of you and what are your backgrounds?”

They step forward one by one and speak.

“I am Viktor, sir. If it has mechanical or has moving parts, I'm your stallion!”

“My name is Hugh, sir. I'm the charisma of the group. If you need some face to face infiltration done, I'm there!”

“Maximilian, but everyone calls me Max, sir. I'm the thinker and overall planer of the group.”

“Xenos, sir. I'm the muscle. If you need something taken out, call me!”

Arc nods as begins pacing. “Very good. Now then, I have a job for you all, as a bit of a test.”

He gestures to the dining room doors with a wave of his hand before continuing.

“Beyond these doors is a very... diverse group of individuals. I want you four to enter with me and observe them. Learn everything you can from interactions. You have full permission to speak freely and join in the conversation as you see fit in the pursuance of your mission. However, they must not learn of your intel gathering intentions. Do you all understand?”

They salute and reply in unison.

“Sir! Yes sir!”

“Very good. There will be a debriefing after supper. Now then, follow me.”

Arc re-enters the dining room with his squad and calls out to those seated at the table.

“If I might have everyone's attention! These four have been assigned to me as my squad. Their names are Viktor, Hugh, Max, and Xenos.”

Arc turns to the four and points at his friends as he continues.

“This is Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Ember. Be seated.”

All assembled continue with their meal as Arc and the stallions take their seats. The troops enjoy lively banter with the ponies and even with Ember to a degree. An hour and a half later the meal comes to a close. Rarity giggles as they head for the door together.

“Well, I must say, I haven't had so much fun at a dinner party in years. We simply MUST do this again sometime!”

Pinkie bounces around the room. “Yeah! That was fun!”

Applejack tosses her hat in the air as she looks to the squad. “Wooee! Have to say, that was some mighty fine conversation right there! I wish your four could come back to Ponyville with us!”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I would like to continue our conversation on advance robotics some time, Viktor!”

Ember looks over at Xenos and smiles. “I wouldn't mind sparring with you later either!”

Even Fluttershy giggles at this. “And Max, you seem to have quite the knowledge of Equestrian animals. I do wish we could talk more.”

Arc chuckles. “Remember everyone, as I said earlier, they have been assigned to me. So, they will be returning to Ponyville with us.”

Rainbow Dash yawns. “That sounds great and all. In any case, I don't know about the rest of you, but I could do with some shuteye.”

The rest of the Mane Six nod and leave the room. Ember follows them out as she turns to Arc.

“You coming, big guy?”

Arc shakes his head. “In a little while. I want to talk to my guys here for a bit. You go on ahead.”

Ember walks over to Arc, puts her arms around his neck and gives his face a light lick. “Don’t be too long.

As she leaves the room Arc turns back to his squad.

“No one saw that, right?”

They respond in unison. “Saw what, sir?”

“Perfect answer. Now then take your seats, all of you.”

They rush to do so as Arc walks to the head of the table and speaks.

“Alright, debriefing time. What did all of you learn? Let’s start with you, Viktor.”

“Twilight has a broad knowledge of a great many subjects and is quite talented in magic. However, she is quite insecure and appears to suffer from an acute case of OCD. I didn’t get the feeling that she has gotten out into the world very much either, preferring the comfort and quiet that her books offer. On the other hoof, Rainbow Dash is the complete opposite of Twilight. Outgoing, loyal, trustworthy… she’d probably make a fine addition to the military someday. That is, if she could learn to be disciplined.”

Arc nods. “Good. Hugh?”

“Rarity is quite the lady. She is charming, but forward. But I sense that she can be something of a drama queen. Her and Pinkie Pie share quite a few social traits. They just go about expressing them differently. In truth, I half expected Pinkie Pie to throw a pie at somepony all evening!”

“Very perceptive. Max?”

“Fluttershy is obsessed with animals. I have yet to meet someone whom knows more about them. She seems to have some kind of animal empathy which transcends all known language barriers. In all honesty, I believe that she really can communicate with them. Although quite shy, I can sense a strong will inside her that reveals itself when the time is right.”

“Very good. And lastly, Xenos.”

“Ember is quite the wild card. If she were a pony, she would certainly be great soldier material. I would trust her to watch my back any day, even if she still wants to jump you, sir. Her, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack seen to be the muscle of the group. But they’re so different. Ember and Rainbow Dash are the hotheads, while Applejack seems to be quite a bit more levelheaded. If the three of them ever teamed up, well, let's just say we would definitely need reinforcements to stop them.”

Arc puts his hands on table and looks to his squad. “Good... very good... all of you. You carried out your mission to the letter. But I wonder just how accurate your findings truly were. I guess there is only one way to find out.”

He walks over to the dining room doors and opens them wide. “Come in, all of you.”

The Mane Six and Ember reenter the dining room and sit down. Arc looks to them and speaks.

“All of you were listening in from the corridor. So how did my squad do?”

Twilight looks over, a bit embarrassed. “At first, I thought they had me dead wrong. But upon further thought, they were right on the money."

Rarity bows her head and sighs. “While I too am loathed to admit it, they did indeed describe me correctly.”

Fluttershy replies softly. “Um... I think they were right about me as well.”

Pinkie throws a pie at the squad. They easily dodge it.

“Yeah! And I was holding that back ALL evening!”

Ember turns to Rainbow Dash and Applejack. “You know, maybe we SHOULD team up sometime!”

Rainbow Dash does an aerial backflip. “That would be AWESOME!”

Applejack chuckles. “I'll never underestimate the power of observation every again.”

Ember laughs as she and Xenos fist-bump. “Oh! And they were totally right about Arc and I! I wanna jump him but good!”

Max looks over at Arc. “Sir, there’s one thing I still don't understand though. What was the purpose of this exercise?”

“First off, I wanted to test your abilities to be discrete. See what you could do in the optimal environment. Second, I felt everyone needed to get acquainted. Who knows, we might all be working together one day. But for now, all of us should probably get to bed. After all, tomorrow is another day.”

As the Mane Six and Ember proceed to their quarters, for real this time, the squad looks to Arc for direction.

“We should get to bed as well methinks.”

Xenos looks over to him. “Sir? I just have to ask... why? Why did you choose us?”

Hugh nods. “Do tell! We are certainly not Lunar Protector material!”

Arc taps the table with a finger. “That right there is the reason I chose you four. Because you were NOT like the others. I saw during the war games that you were able to work together to complete a challenge that none could complete on their own. And we’re going to expand on that coordination. From now on you four will eat, sleep and train together. I want you all working on ways to get more in sync for whatever lies ahead. This exercise tonight was merely practice to that end.”

Max looks over to his new commanding officer. “What does lie ahead for us, sir?”

Arc sighs as he stands. Turning, he looks out the window at the beautiful night sky before responding to Max’s question.

“Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell...”

*Chapter 13 - The First Mission Briefing

*Chapter 13 - The First Mission Briefing

Early the next morning the Mane Six, Ember, the newly formed squad, and Arc prepare to head to the train station. The group talk amongst themselves as they walk across Canterlot Castle’s drawbridge. Arc stretches as he turns to Ember.

“While that room was nice, it will certainly be a good feeling to sleep in my own bed again tonight.”

Ember turns her head and looks at Arc with a gleam in her eyes. “Yes. Yes, it will be.”

Arc sighs and shakes his head at this wordlessly. Suddenly and angry voice rings out from the end of the bridge.

“HALT!!!”

Ember groans. “Oh great. Not this stallion again.”

An Earth Pony of great rank rushes toward them with another officer at his heels. Following them is a small contingent of Royal Guards. Their numbers effectively block the end of the drawbridge. The officer points an accusatory hoof at Ember as he speaks.

“As the Captain of the Royal Guard, I am hereby taking this dragon back into custody!”

Arc steps in front of Ember as he looks at the insignia on the officer’s uniform. “How about we start with your name, Captain…”

The stallion looks down his nose at them smugly. “You may refer to me as Captain Decimus. I am the head of the princess’ Royal Guard and defender of Canterlot Castle.”

Arc nods soberly. “I see. My name is Arc. And while it’s not exactly public knowledge yet, I’m Equestria’s new Hero of Light.”

Captain Decimus scoffs as he looks Arc up and down for a few moments. Eventually he again speaks.

“I had heard rumors that their royal highnesses were looking into appointing a new one. However, I was not aware that you would be so young and inexperienced.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’m experienced enough to know what I can and can’t do, captain.”

Decimus again gestures to Ember. “Well then, Arc. I suggest that you turn over the prisoner to me peacefully before this gets... messy.”

Arc touches his ring and calls forth his armor and weapon. “That's... not going to happen.”

Captain Decimus looks at Arc incredulously as he grunts. “SUCH IMPUDENCE! YOU DARE RAISE A HOOF AGAINST THE CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD?!”

Arc points his Spear of Righteousness at the errant captain. “You dare raise a hoof against Equestria's Hero of Light?”

Max steps forward with the rest of his squad. “Sir. Your orders?”

Arc doesn’t take his eyes off Captain Decimus. “You four stand your ground… for now.

He walks toward the captain and his guards. Looking them over for a few moments, Arc again looks to the captain as he continues.

“Now then, Captain Decimus. The way I see it, we can do this one of two ways. Either you and your troops turn around and walk away, or I'll be forced to teach all of you a lesson in manners. Your choice.”

Captain Decimus turns to his troops and points to Arc. “Soldiers! Attack!”

His troops do not move. Frowning, he continues.

“Well?! Why are you loafers just standing there?!”

The lieutenant turns to his superior. “Sir, we can't attack the Hero of Light! Besides it being treason, it's also suicide!”

The captain, furious, grabs one of his soldier’s spears. “Fine! I'll show you cowards how it's done!”

Captain Decimus charges at Arc, spear in hoof. Arc tosses his own weapon to Ember as he smirks.

“Hold my spear! I got this!”

Arc steps forward to meet Captain Decimus head on. As the stallion nears him, Arc grabs Captain Decimus' spear, rips it out of his hold, and kicks him off the drawbridge into the moat. Looking up at him as he treads water Decimus cries out.

“You’ll pay for this!”

Arc tosses the spear back to the Royal Guard it came from. “Not likely.”

Looking to the rest of the soldiers, Arc continues.

“Now then, does anyone else want to try and stop me?”

Captain Decimus' lieutenant approaches Arc and salutes. “My apologies for my commanding officer's behavior, sir. He's just doing his best to protect the citizens from what he believes to be a dangerous criminal.”

Arc nods to Ember. “Well, this so-called ‘dangerous criminal’ will be under my watchful eye until her trial before Princess Celestia.”

Captain Decimus shouts up to them from the moat. “She already had a trial before me!”

Arc looks down at him and yells back. “Well, I'm appealing the decision!”

He turns back to the lieutenant.

“Now then, if you will excuse us, we have a mission to plan.”

The lieutenant salutes. “Yes sir. Again… my apologies.”

Nodding to the soldiers, the Royal Guards step either to the right or left to clear a path for Arc and his group to pass. They salute their new Hero of Light as he passes. As he does so, Captain Decimus can only look on from the moat and seethe as he mutters under his breath.

“You just made a very powerful enemy. This is not over, Arc. Far from it.”

Meanwhile, the group makes the short walk to the train station and boards. Twilight sits down and breathes a sigh of relief.

“Hopefully we can avoid any more altercations with Captain Decimus from now on.”

Arc sets down his spear and clenches a fist. “That depends on if he wants to get beaten in front of his troops again.”

Rainbow Dash shadowboxes. “Yeah! That was awesome!”

Pinkie grins. “You sure showed him who’s boss, Arc!”

Fluttershy shudders. “It was really scary though. I though somepony was really going to get hurt.”

Applejack groans. “Me too. Glad Arc went easy on him though.”

Rarity turns up her nose. “He certainly didn’t have to. That brute had it coming. And more, if you ask me.”

Ember sighs. “Somehow, I doubt that's the last we've seen of him though.”

As the train gets underway the Mane Six chat happily amongst themselves. Arc stares out the window absentmindedly. Applejack stands and walks over to him.

“Is something wrong, sugarcube? You haven't hardly said two words since the train started moving.”

“Well, it's just... after the rest of you left the Mausoleum yesterday, the princesses told me one of Equestria's greatest state secrets.”

Pinkie hops over to them. “Oh, oh! What was it?!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Um, Pinkie? I think that's why it's called a ‘secret’.”

Arc sighs. “They also spoke of certain imminent danger to all Equestria.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she stomps a hoof. “So?! Let's do something about it then!”

Arc shakes his head. “It's not that simple. Believe me, if I could stick a spear in it and end the problem right now I would. But as it stands we don't know where the danger will come from, or when.”

Twilight looks over. “So... what are we supposed to do now?”

Arc shrugs. “The only thing we can do, I suppose. Keep the peace and protect the innocent. Just like we've been doing. Speaking of which, I have another promise to keep. I've been mulling over how I’m going to pull this thing off since I got home. And I think I came up with something when Platinum Valve enchanted my armor the other day.”

Ember looks over at Arc, wide-eyed. “Wait! Does this have anything to do with... him?!”

“You guessed it. The Marquis.”

Applejack raises and eyebrow. “The what-now?”

Ember looks over to the others. “You remember that huge monster that came to Arc's aid in Tartarus?”

Rainbow Dash’s jaw drops. “Wait! You want to release that… that THING?! Are you insane, Arc?!”

“He won't be staying in Equestria. In fact, I have the Dragon Lord's permission to bring the Marquis to his domain to receive amnesty in the Dragon Lands. Think of it less like a rescue, and more like an ‘extradition’.”

Rarity looks over at Arc. “You're really going to go through with this, aren't you?!”

Arc nods. “I am, yes. After all, that's the thing about promises. They have to be kept.”

Applejack nods. “That they do. Anything we can do to help out?”

Arc looks out the window. “We're almost to Ponyville. Let's talk more about this at Sugar Cube Corner.”

Pinkie nods happily. “Yeah! Oh! But why there?!”

“Well, they have plenty of tables and chairs, ample room, and... well... I could go for a cupcake or two right now.”

Ember facepalms. “I knew there was more to it.”

The party arrives at Ponyville Station shortly thereafter and disembarks together. Arc turns to Ember.

“Do you think you could fly to Derpy's house and have her meet us at Sugar Cube Corner?”

Ember nods. “No problem.”

As Ember flies away Arc turns to the others and grins.

“The rest of you, follow me! FOR THE CUPCAKES!!!”

The party follows Arc to Sugar Cube Corner. They enter the shop together as Mister Cake greets them warmly.

“Welcome back, Pinkie Pie! I see you brought you friends with you today.”

Pinkie nods happily. “We came here to have a secret meeting!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Uh… it’s not exactly ‘secret’ if you tell everypony about it, Pinkie.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah! We need to keep this quiet, after all!”

Arc enters the shop last and closes the door behind him. Mrs. Cake looks over as he does so and sees his Crest of Light.

“Oh my, the Hero of Light! What can we do for you, sir?!”

“Uh... Mrs. Cake? You can just call me Arc. I'm still the same old me, after all.”

Mrs. Cake nods. “Alright, dear. What can we do for you today?”

“My friends and I need a place to formulate something of a rescue plan. Can we borrow your shop for a while? Oh! And I’ll need three dozen assorted cupcakes please.”

Mr. Cake nods as Arc pays for the cupcakes. “Of course. I suppose you would need a meeting place.

Mrs. Cake giggles. “At least until your Command Center is completed, that is.”

Arc looks at the Cakes, confused. “My what now?”

Mrs. Cake points a hoof out the window toward the forest. “You didn’t hear? A rather large facility is currently being built on the edge of town.”

Mr. Cake nods as he puts the money in the cash register. “The construction crew was in here buying some doughnuts earlier this morning. They said orders from Canterlot are to build the finest Command Center they could for the new Hero of Light. I'm sorry, I thought you knew.”

Arc shrugs. “This is the first I've heard of it. But it would appear that the princesses are certainly full of surprises.”

He looks to his squad before continuing.

“Although I guess that would explain what Princess Luna was doing while I was reviewing the troops.”

A short time later Ember, Derpy, and Dinky enter the shop together. Derpy rushes over to him with little Dinky riding happily on her back.

“Arc! We came as soon as we could! What's happening?!”

“Nothing as of yet. How about a cupcake break?”

Arc recalls his armor. Bending over he picks Dinky up and holds her in his arms.

“How's my favorite little pony?!”

Dinky’s reply is happy, incoherent baby babble. Arc hands her a muffin that isn’t much smaller than she is as he continues.

“Hungry?”

Dinky takes the muffin in her tiny hooves and bites into it happily. Derpy watches the scene before her happily.

“Oh Arc, thank you for being there for my little Dinky.”

Arc looks over to her, concerned. “Derpy? Is everything alright?”

“It's just... I wish that you know who was here. After all, Dinky deserves a father.”

Arc nods toward his platoon standing at the door. “Do you want me to send them to find Moonlit Dusk?”

Derpy thinks for a moment before shaking her head. “No. After all, I can't force him to be there for our daughter. But thank you for the offer.”

Arc walks over to Derpy with Dinky and kneels down to give her a hug, which she returns.

“While I'm not Dinky's father, I will do my best to always be here for both of you.”

“Thank you, Arc. Dinky and I appreciate that.”

Arc stands up and walks back to the front of the room. He motions for everyone to take a seat as he speaks.

“Now then, we have a rescue operation to plan.”

Derpy raises a hoof. “I'll help in any way that I can!”

“Thank you, Derpy. But I think this will be a bit too dangerous for you.”

Arc paces in front of the others as he continues. “Alright. Here is the plan so far. The rescue team will consist of myself, Ember, my squad, and a single unicorn.”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “What about the rest of us?!”

Applejack nods matter of factly. “Yeah! We can help too!”

Fluttershy shrinks back instinctively. “What?!”

Rarity taps the table with a hoof. “Here, here!”

Pinkie pulls out her party cannon and cocks it. “Let me at em!”

Twilight giggles warmly. “Yes, if we can help in any way my friends and I will.”

Arc smiles at them. “While I do appreciate the thought, this rescue team needs to be as small as possible.”

Ember frowns. “Why? I mean, there’s safety in number.”

“We must be able to move quickly and quietly. And while I can’t deny what you said is true, I'm afraid that a larger party would draw unwanted attention. Somehow, I doubt the inhabitants of the land will be too thrilled to see me, after what happened last time.”

Twilight raises a hoof like a school child. “How about just me then, Arc? After all, you said that you needed a unicorn.”

Arc nods. “I was actually hoping you would volunteer, Twilight. The special magic I need you to cast should be a cakewalk for you.”

Pinkie salivates. “Cake…”

“Now then, as soon as we enter Tartarus the first...”

Derpy stands up and gasps. “TARTARUS!”

Rainbow Dash looks over at her and nods. “Yup. Arc’s going back there to rescue the creature that saved him.”

Derpy looks at Arc, suddenly serious. “Then I’m coming with you!”

“But Derpy…”

Derpy interrupts him. “I nearly lost you forever to that place once before, Arc! I won't lose you again! Besides, my abilities as a Templar would be nothing but helpful in that hellish place!”

Rarity nods as she looks to Arc. “She does raise a good point.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “Yes, that’s true. Derpy was most insistent on joining us on our trip to save you.”

Arc sighs. “Alright, fine. I just hope I don't regret this later.”

Derpy’s eyes light up. “Really?! Thank you, Arc!”

She turns to look at Pinkie Pie.

“Could you watch Dinky for me while we’re gone!?”

Pinkie nods happily. “Sure thing!”

Arc clears his throat and continues with the plan. “Now, as I was saying... when we enter Tartarus, the first thing we need to do is stop by the old Vile Tribe hideout. Assuming it’s still standing, we can use it as a place to rest and get our bearings before heading out to the Hydra Marshes.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Is that really necessary though, Arc? I mean, maybe it would be better to get in and out as quickly as possible.”

Ember shakes her head. “Believe me, Twilight, we don't want to be wandering around Tartarus at anything less than full strength.”

Twilight again raises her hoof. “Will we be stopping by the new Vile Tribe village first?”

Arc shrugs. “I don't see why not. That and Mythic Honor may be able to give us some advice before entering Tartarus. If not, well… I suppose that we should see how they’re getting along anyways.”

Ember speaks up as she finishes her cupcake. “Not that I'm complaining about Twilight coming with us or anything, but what do we need her magic for anyways?”

“I'm glad you asked. As you know, the Marquis is too big to leave Tartarus, barrier or otherwise. So my plan is for Twilight to cast Platinum Valve's Matter Compacting spell on him so that we can carry him out.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “That and you may need some magical muscle if things go south.”

Twilight looks at Arc’s hand. “Don't you have sigil magic in your gauntlet though? Why not just teleport in, get the Marquis, and teleport back out?”

Arc sighs. “If it were anywhere else, I might just agree with that plan. But this is Tartarus we’re talking about. There’s always the chance one of the demons could find a way to use my sigil and portal to escape.

Rarity shrugs. “Either way you would still have to walk in, as I’m guessing you don’t have an sigils in Tartarus. Right, Arc?”

“Exactly. Remember, I didn’t get my armor’s enchantments until after I came back to Ponyville.”

Ember nods. “That plan is quite sound. But what do we do about the demon king?”

Arc looks out the window in the general direction of Tartarus. “That's why I just want to go in with a small group. With any luck we’ll be able to get in and out before he even knows that we were there.”

Derpy look to Arc. “Do you really think that will work?”

“Probably not, but what other choice do we have?”

“Good point.”

“Just one last thing, Derpy. Would you be okay with Ruby staying at your house while we are gone?”

Derpy nods. “Sure! My home is her home!”

“Thanks. I'll stop by the hospital before heading back and let her know of our plans to leave town.”

Derpy stands. “Okay. Ember and I will get supper ready.”

Ember nods. “Sounds good to me.”

Arc smiles at the pair. “Alright. I won’t be long.”

Derpy picks up Dinky and puts the little filly on her back as she and Ember leave Sugar Cube Corner together. Arc looks over at Twilight as he continues.

“We’ll meet you at the library first thing tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll be ready!”

Arc chuckles. “I guess that breaks up the meeting.”

The Mane Six stand up and walk over to the door. Rarity is the first to speak.

“Do be careful in that horrid place, darling!”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Yeah! But feel free to teach those demons another lesson if you get the chance!”

“I’ll be careful.”

The rest of the party disperses as Arc heads toward Ponyville Hospital. He knocks lightly on Cherry's room door before opening it and sticking his head inside.

“May I come in?”

Ruby sits up. “Of course, Arc! You're always a welcome sight!”

Arc steps inside and walks over to the bed. Smiling at Cherry, he continues.

“You're looking a lot stronger today. How's everything going?”

“I'm doing much better, yes.”

Ruby smiles at her sister. “The doctor says she should be well enough to return home in a few days or so. But, how are you doing, Arc?”

Cherry nods nervously. “We saw you and the others fighting that large bear-like creature the other day! Are all of you, all right?!”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed. It was nothing we couldn't handle together.”

Ruby points a hoof to the window. “After the battle was over, I opened the window so that Cherry and I could hear the speech. What an occasion that turned out to be!”

Cherry looks to him soberly. “Arc? Is... is it true? Are you really... Equestria's new Hero of Light?”

“Yup. In fact, we all just returned from Canterlot where the princesses made it official. I've already been given a squad of Lunar Protectors and apparently a Command Center of sorts is being built for me on the outskirts of town. Now I just have to think of what exactly I’m going to do with all that I’ve been given.”

Cherry smiles at him. “I'm sure the princesses will have any number of assignments for you to undertake. After all, there’s always trouble somewhere.”

“To tell the truth, the Hero of Light is pretty much left to their own devices. I'm sure if there’s an emergency or something I’ll be called for. But for the most part... well... I pretty much do what I want, it seems.”

Ruby appears surprised. “That's quite the responsibility you have there.

Cherry quickly chimes in. “But, I can think of no one more deserving of such an honor as you, Arc! That and I’m sure you’ll do a fine job!”

“I’ll do my best. In fact, that's why I stopped by today. I've already decided on my first real mission. Ember, Derpy, Twilight and I are heading out tomorrow. So I wanted to give you this.”

Arc hands Ruby his key to Derpy’s house as he continues.

“Derpy says you’re free to stay there while we’re gone. We should be back in a day or so.”

Ruby accepts the key. “Thank you. I do appreciate this.”

Cherry clops her hooves happily. “I’m certain it will go well for the four of you. But where are you headed to this time?”

“We're going back to Tartarus in order to...”

Ruby and Cherry look at Arc with horrified expressions on their faces as they call out in unison.

“TARTARUS?!”

Ruby gasps. “Going BACK to?!”

Cherry groans. “What in Celestia's name were you doing in Tartarus, Arc?!”

Arc sighs as he looks to the window. “I spent quite a bit of time there. My friend Twilight banished me there after she mistakenly assumed I had brutally murdered someone.”

Cherry shakes her head in disbelief. “And... you're going BACK to that place?! Why?!”

“To save a friend.”

Ruby gasps. “But what about the criminals in there?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “I beat the Demon King and his army once before. I'll do it again if I have to.”

Cherry bows her head. “Please be careful, Arc. Equestria needs you.”

“I will. You just worry about getting better, Cherry. I'll try to be back in time to escort you and Ruby back to Dodge Junction.”

Ruby smiles. “Thank you, Arc. That is most kind of you.”

Arc looks to the door. “Well, I should probably be going. Have to get ready for tomorrow. Take care you two.”

Heading for the door Arc leaves the room. There is silence between the two mares for a few minutes. Eventually Ruby turns to her sister.

“You kinda like him... don't you Cherry?”

Cherry smiles as she blushes slightly. “Well, I do admit that he is very nice. But... considering Arc’s already fought to protect me twice, and spent all his reward money to save my life, I guess there would be something wrong with me if I wasn't... interested in him. Arc is what every mare is looking for in a stallion.”

Ruby nods as she pats her sister’s fetlock. “Strong enough to rip a stallion in half if he wanted, but kind enough not to.”

Cherry sighs happily. “Yes. Arc somewhat reminds me of our father.”

“His strength?”

“And his gentle nature, yes. Like you said, Ruby. Arc’ strong enough to protect those he cares for. But gentle enough to care for them as well.”

Ruby grimaces as she looks out the window. “I don’t think his caring nature will help him in Tartarus though.”

Cherry sighs. “Maybe not. But I pity anypony in there whom gets in his way.”

*Chapter 14 - Through the Gates of Hell

*Chapter 14 - Through the Gates of Hell

Early the next morning Arc, Ember, Derpy and Twilight, whom is clad in her Mithril Armor from the attack on Tartarus, all inspect the new command center still under construction. Twilight looks at the building’s skeleton in awe as she speaks.

“This is really impressive!”

Ember nods to her. “Agreed, Twilight. The princesses certainly didn't spare any expense on this place!”

Arc chuckles as he folds his arms over his chest. “To tell you the truth, I really am looking forward to seeing it completed. I took a peek at the blueprints yesterday and they really did think of everything.”

Derpy smiles widely. “Dinky and I can't wait to see it, Arc.”

Twilight points a hoof in the opposite direction. “In any case, I really do hate to be ‘that pony’ but shouldn't we get going?”

Arc turns away from the site. “Yes, you’re right Twilight. Let's move out, everyone.”

They make their way down the road toward their destination. Derpy walks next to Arc and looks around, confused.

“What about your squad? Aren’t they coming with us?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I told them to meet us at the Gates.”

Ember grins. “What’s the matter, Arc? Didn’t want them spoiling the trip?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Spoiling?”

Taking Arc’s arm, Ember smirks wickedly.

“Admit it. You just wanted some alone time with me.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes you caught me, Ember. After all, we’re totally alone out here. No one else for miles.”

Twilight slows her gait and motions off to the side. “We could give you two some space if you’d like.”

Derpy nods. “Of course. Whatever would help.”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. After all, Ember was just joking.”

Ember groans as she turns to looks ahead. “Right. Just trying to lighten the mood.”

The party makes the trip to the Vile Tribe's new village. Upon entering it they are greeted by Mythic Honor whom calls out loudly.

“Ember! Arc! Good to see you two again! What brings you here today?!”

Arc approaches Mythic Honor and shakes his hoof. “Well, to tell you the truth, I was hoping you could give me some advice.”

“Sure I can! How about this?! Never ever wear stripes with plaid?!”

“Um... not quite the advice I was looking for. You see, my party and I are heading back into Tartarus to rescue a friend of mine. Any advice you can give us on the state of affairs in there?”

Mythic Honor points a hoof in the direction of the cave mouth. “We've kept a close eye on the Gates of Tartarus ever since settling here! The strange thing is, at least from what we can gather, is that the demons seem to have all but given up breaking out of Tartarus!”

Ember looks toward the cave. “What? But why? I mean, not that I’m complaining, but that’s really out of character for them.”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “I dunno! The only thing we can come up with is that they figure what's the point of breaking out of Tartarus?”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t that give them freedom though?”

“That it would, miss. But what’s the point of getting out if they will just be hunted down by strong heroes like you, Ember, and Arc?!”

Twilight appears hopeful. “I guess that the demons have more sense than I originally gave them credit for. This might actually go as planned.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Unlikely. But I suppose stranger things have happened.”

Mythic Honor turns back to Arc. “Do you need the Vile Tribe to guard the Gates while you enter, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t see how that would help.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah. After all, if something were to go wrong it’s not like you could rush in and help us.”

“Oh, okay! I’ll see you off for luck though!”

Mythic Honor follows the group into the cave and up to the Gates of Tartarus. As they approach he again looks to Arc.

“Say, as long as you're heading back inside anyways, would you do me a favor?”

“If there’s time, maybe. What is it?”

“You see, when we left the old hideout I had to leave behind many of our tribe’s secret tomes! They’ve been passed down from leader to leader since the first settlers, I believe. And I would hate to see the demons sink their claws into all the precious knowledge!”

Twilight gasps. “So you need us to save as many as we can?!”

Mythic Honor nods. “Right! If you could, would you four bring back as many as you can carry?!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh, I’ve seen your place before. How do you expect us to be able to carry hundreds of tomes around?”

Derpy appears confused. “That sounds like it would be really heavy.”

Mythic Honor sighs as he bows his head. “In truth, I don’t.”

Arc frowns. “You mean…?”

“Take what looks to be the most important… and make a barbeque of the rest.”

Twilight’s eyes widen at this. “WHAT?! But we can’t DO that!”

Ember shrugs. “Why not, Twilight? I mean, they’re just books.”

“They may contain ancient knowledge of Tartarus! If we burn them, that information would be lost forever!”

Derpy puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “We’ll do our best to preserve what we can though.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Then it will be up to you to figure out which ones are the most important.”

Twilight grimaces as her ears droop. “I… will do my best.”

“Good.”

Arc turns back to Mythic Honor before continuing.

“No promises, of course. But if there is time I will do as you ask, yes.”

Mythic Honor grins. “Thank you Arc! Oh, and congratulations on becoming the Hero of Light! I know you won't let Equestria down! Well, I need to get back to my projects!”

Arc turns to Ember as they approach the cave. “How much do you want to bet that the Town Hall here looks about as disorganized as the one he left behind?”

“I guarantee it!”

The sentries guarding the cave to the Gate of Tartarus move aside at Arc's advance and salute him.

“Sir! Several warriors recently passed this way. They claimed to be under your orders.”

Arc nods. “Yes, they’re under my orders. Are the still here?”

“Yes. They are inside.”

“Thank you. I’ll take it from here.”

The group enters the cave together. Derpy looks to Arc, clearly impressed.

“All the ponies here seem to really respect you, Arc! You're becoming really famous!”

Arc sighs. “Fame comes at a cost though, Derpy. I just pray it's not too high.”

As the party approaches the barrier, Arc’s squad silently walks toward them and salutes him. Ember jerks a thumb toward it is as looks to Arc.

“Well now, I do hope you have given some thought to how WE are supposed to enter Tartarus, Arc.”

Arc nods. “I have indeed. Twilight, would you and Derpy please stand on either side of me?”

The pair do so. Derpy looks up at him, clearly confused.

“Okay Arc. Now what?”

“Stay close to me.”

Twilight appears confused. “Come again?”

“Just trust me on this.”

Twilight shrugs. “Well, all right.”

Derpy and Twilight walk near to Arc as he crouches down and covers them with his cape. Nodding to the Gates of Tartarus, he speaks.

“Both of you start walking forward.”

The three do so. As they do so they pass effortlessly though the barrier. Arc doubles back a few times for his squad and Ember and does the same for them. As Arc enters Tartarus again with Ember he speaks.

“Alright, now we just have to... um Ember... you can let go of me now.”

Ember continues to hug Arc. “Just a few moments longer.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he looks to Derpy. “Better get your armor on. We need to be ready for anything in here.”

“Right!”

She holds the Spear of Hope up and in a moment is clad in her signature gold armor. Twilight looks around nervously.

“I do hope no demons saw that!”

Max looks to Arc. “Demons, sir?”

“Yeah, you see…”

Meanwhile, from the capital city of Vengeance, a sentry keeps watch. He calls for his commanding officer at the sight before him.

“Sir! That human is back again! And it looks like he's not alone!”

The commander runs toward the stairs as he calls out to his subordinate.

“I shall report this to the king personally! Don’t take your eyes off of them for even a moment!”

The sentry nods and salutes silently. Running down a number of flights of stairs and many different corridors the commander enter the Audience Chambers, approaches the throne, and bows respectfully.

“My liege! The human from before has returned!”

King Malevolence sneers. “What?! Is he alone?!”

“No, your majesty! He appears to be accompanied by his dragon companion Ember, the Templar pegasus, as well as that purple pony from last time! What reason could they have for coming back here though?!”

“He must be trying to release Equestria's last hydra!”

The commander salutes “What are your orders, sire?! Shall we send the army after them?!”

The king shakes his head vehemently. “No, you fool! Don’t you remember how well that went for us the last time?! We must use a... different approach entirely! And I think I have just the bait to do it!”

Meanwhile, Arc and his party make their way toward the Vile Tribe's former headquarters. As they arrive, Ember flaps her wings to ascend up to the ramparts. Opening the gates, she allows the group entrance. Derpy looks around the abandoned compound.

“What an awful looking place!”

Arc turns to Derpy. “It's really not so bad when you get used to it.”

Ember rejoins them and folds her arms over her chest. “Seriously?”

“Aw who am I kidding! This place sucked!”

Twilight looks around the yard. “What did you eat though? I didn’t see vegetation of any kind on our way here?”

Ember points to a nearby herd of beetles just outside the gates. “You see those large insects over there?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. What about them?”

Ember looks at Twilight for a long moment. Eventually Twilight puts two and two together and puts a hoof to her stomach.

“That’s just plain gross!”

Arc laughs. “It was either that or starve. They actually taste kinda like chicken.”

Derpy makes a face. “Ew!”

Arc closes the gate before walking over to his squad. “We should have a little privacy in here now.”

Xenos frowns. “Sir! Where... are we exactly?!”

Arc points to the outer wall. “I want all four of you to look out over the walls and tell me what you see.”

The four of them flap their wings and quickly do so as Arc and the others follow via the stairs. Looking in all directions, Max is the first to speak.

“I see... nothing sir.”

Hugh nods. “Yes, just barren ground as far as the eye can see.”

Xenos scoffs. “Yeah. It’s kinda depressing.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Is there something we’re supposed to see, sir?”

“Yes indeed. Lads… welcome to Hell.”

Viktor appears confused. “Where, sir?”

“Tartarus.”

All four Lunar Protectors’ jaws drop in astonishment as Arc continues.

“This is where I lived for a few months with the Vile Tribe.”

Hugh looks over in disbelief. “Sir? You actually LIVED here?! In Tartarus?!”

Arc shrugs. “It wasn't the greatest time I've ever had, but yes.”

Max straightens up along with the others. “What would you have us do, sir?”

Xenos nods. “Yes, we weren’t actually briefed on what exactly the mission was supposed to entail, sir.”

Arc nods soberly. “I suppose I should rectify that then.”

Clearing his throat, Arc continues.

“We’re here on a secret mission to rescue a friend of mine who aided in our escape from this land recently. You four will stay here and guard this base.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Why though, Arc? I mean, it’s not like there’s an imminent threat of somepony conquering it.”

Derpy looks around at the dilapidated buildings around them. “And even if they did, I don’t see what it would gain anypony.”

Ember sighs. “We may need it as a fallback point if things get... messy out there with the demons.”

Arc nods. “Right. Xenos and Hugh will keep watch from the walls, stealthily I might add. Max and Viktor will go to the Town Hall and prepare to evacuate any and all tomes from the building.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “All of the books, sir?”

“Yes, all.”

Derpy gasps. “But I thought there were too many for us to carry in there, Arc!”

“Stack and bundle them together. I have a plan to get them all out of here.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Thank goodness!”

Arc gestures to the town. “Ember, Derpy, and Twilight, pick a house and get some rest. We need to be at the top of our game for the next phase of my plan.”

Ember waves a claw to the mares. “Come on. We can rest in my old place.”

Twilight grimaces. “Um… okay.”

Derpy yawns. “I could use a nap after all that walking.”

All assembled split up and carry out Arc's orders. A few hours later they reassemble in the center of town. Arc looks the group over as he speaks.

“Ember, Derpy, Twilight... are you ready?”

The three nod soberly. Arc turns toward the gate.

“Then let's go save a friend.”

Arc motions for Xenos to open the gates. He does so and the four step outside. He and Hugh salute as they watch the group start walking. Hugh looks to Xenos.

“Think they’ll be okay out there?”

Xenos sighs. “I guess our commander knows what he’s doing. After all, he is the Hero of Light.”

Hugh frowns. “But even he can’t take on an entire army alone!”

“Maybe not. However, I’m guessing that his plan is to avoid trouble here. That’s why we’re trying to keep a low profile right now.”

“Yes, well… who do you suppose this ‘friend’ of his is? I mean… they must be very important for him to risk his neck to save them.”

Xenos looks out over the terrain and sighs. “Who knows. But I do hope the risk is worth the reward.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the others continue on their way. Thankfully the trek to the Hydra Marshes is largely uneventful. Twilight looks around at the marsh and grimaces.

“This place is trashed!”

Derpy nods as she looks to Arc. “Do you suppose the demons are responsible?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Worse, much worse. I did this in my battle against the Marquis.”

Ember gasps. “Wait, what?!”

“It was the only way to get him to help me. Fortunately, we parted on good terms.”

Coming to a certain point, Arc stops walking and turns to the others.

“Alright everyone, spears in the ground!”

Arc and Ember plunge their spears into the dirt and hold them tightly. Derpy follows suit as she and Twilight hold the Spear of Hope together. Taking a deep breath, Arc shouts out as loudly as he is able.

“MARQUIS! IT’S ME, ARC! I’VE COME BACK TO GET YOU!”

The ground shakes violently for a few moments before the hydra emerges from his subterranean home. Turning to the visitors he calls out in his booming voice.

“AH, ARC! IT IS GOOD TO SEE THAT YOU ARE WELL!”

Looking to the mares and Ember, he continues.

“AND I SEE YOU HAVE BROUGHT A FEW MORE FRIENDS WITH YOU THIS TIME!”

Arc nods. “It’s good to see you as well, Marquis. Have you recovered from the previous battle?”

“YES! IT WAS NOT FOR ME AS BAD AS YOU THINK! I HAVE ENDURED MUCH WORSE IN THE PAST! BUT ENOUGH SMALL TALK! YOU HAVE NOT YET INTRODUCED ME TO YOUR FRIENDS!”

“I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Ember here you know!”

Ember waves. “Sup!”

“The purple unicorn is Twilight Sparkle. She’s the one whom originally brought me to Equestria. And the one who mistakenly sent me to Tartarus.”

She waves a hoof in his direction. “Please just call me Twilight.”

Arc gestures with a hand. “And the golden clad pegasus is Derpy. She is the one whose foal I told you about previously.”

“IT IS AN HONOR TO FINALLY MEET YOU ALL! ANY FRIEND OF ARC IS A FRIEND OF MINE! TO WHAT DO I OWE THIS VISIT?!”

“I have come up with a plan on how we shall free you from Tartarus, my friend. Today you shall see the outside world once more.”

“I KNEW YOU WOULD NOT LET ME DOWN, ARC! WHAT MUST I DO?!”

“The plan is actually quite simple. Twilight here knows a Matter Compacting spell. We’re going to shrink you down to size and carry you out of Tartarus in her saddlebags.”

The Marquis turns to Twilight. “A BOLD PLAN, TO BE SURE! I AM READY WHEN YOU ARE, LITTLE UNICORN!”

Twilight’s horn begins to glow. “Okay. Here goes nothing…”

She concentrates as a strange light envelopes the Marquis. He slowly shrinks in size until he is only about a foot tall. Arc steps forward and kneels down to him.

“How do you feel, Marquis?”

“I admit, it is a rather… odd sensation. You all look gigantic now! Perhaps this is how I appear to all others?”

Arc chuckles. “Pretty much. But let us not dawdle here. We need to get back to the Vile Tribe's old hideout and grab the books.

Ember nods emphatically. “Yeah, and get out of this hell hole!”

Derpy looks around nervously, her spear at the ready. “I agree. This place is not somewhere I want to be any longer than I have to.”

Arc carefully picks up the Marquis, turns, and places him in Twilight's saddlebag. After securing him the party turns and begins the walk back to the Vile Tribe’s hideout. As Xenos opens the gate for them Arc immediately makes his way over to the two Lunar Protectors on the wall.

“Anything to report you two?”

Xenos looks over to Arc. “Yes sir, I’m afraid so!”

Hugh points a hoof. “A large demon now stands in front of the Gates of Tartarus along with three heavily armed and armored demons! The three seem to be guarding something, but I can make out what!”

Ember clutches her spear tightly as she looks to Arc. “We can take them!”

Arc frowns. “Has there been any other movement from the capital city? I don't want any surprises.”

Hugh speaks as he continues to look through his spyglass. “No sir! Unless they can burrow underground, there do not seem to be any demonic reinforcement anywhere near those brutes!”

Twilight appears nervous. “Arc! This has got to be a trap!”

The Marquis pokes his head out of the saddlebag. “Indeed! The king of demons most certainly does not want to let us leave!”

Ember picks up a spyglass and takes a look herself. “It's strange though.”

Derpy joins Ember in looking out toward the Gates of Tartarus. “What is?”

“Considering the thrashing we gave him the last time, you would think that King Malevolence would be glad get rid of us.”

Arc paces for a moment as he considers this. “The king is no fool. He's planning something.”

Twilight groans. “But what?”

The Marquis sighs. “Sadly, I think there is but one way to find out.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Agreed. But in any case, Twilight, I need you to get over to the Town Hall, shrink down those books, and load them into your other saddlebag.”

Twilight grins. “That I can do!”

As she hurries off, Ember turns to Arc.

“That just leaves the Town Hall itself.”

Arc nods. “Right. But it’s still full of Mythic Honor’s equipment and materials.”

Looking to Viktor, Arc continues.

“Think you could cobble together some kind of explosive device with them?”

Viktor nods. “I think so, sir. What’s my target?”

“As soon as Twilight, Max, and Viktor leave with those books I want you to rig the Town Hall to explode.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “But I thought we were supposed to be protecting this place, sir.”

Ember shrugs. “Not anymore. We’re going full ‘scorched earth’ here.”

Arc nods. “Right. I don't want anything left of it.”

Hugh salutes. “Yes sir. I’ll take care of it.”

Derpy grimaces. “Do we have to though? I mean, it must’ve taken quite a bit to put that place together.”

Ember nods soberly. “Like Mythic Honor said before we came in here. It’s better to destroy the Town Hall than let the demons have what we left behind.”

Thirty minutes later the books are loaded into Twilight’s other saddlebag and Viktor is planting the makeshift bomb. They make their way back to Arc on the ramparts. Twilight pats her saddlebag and grins.

“That’s all of them, Arc!”

Viktor salutes. “The charges are placed, sir. How long of a delay would you like me to program?”

“Set the timer for twenty minutes, but don’t activate it until we’re about to leave.”

Arc motions for everyone to gather around.

“Alright, here's the plan. Hugh, Max, and Viktor will take up positions behind the three demon soldiers and attack them at the same time when the signal is given. Can you three handle that?”

Max salutes. “Yes sir.”

Hugh grins. “They’ll never see us coming.”

Viktor looks out over to the Gates of Tartarus. “I can see a perfect vantage point to ambush them from here.”

Ember frowns. “What about whatever it is that the demons are guarding though, Arc?”

“As soon as those soldiers are down Xenos will grab whatever it is they are guarding and get it beyond the portal as fast as possible. Once the packages are clear you three will see to it that Twilight is escorted safely through the portal. Derpy, Ember and I will handle the Demon King when the signal is given. Everyone remember that this is a flight over fight plan here though. I want out of this place just as much as you do.”

Ember nods. “Sounds good, but what is the signal?”

“Viktor's bombs going off will start the plan. It will help us catch them by surprise. Viktor will start the timers now and get into position near the demons with his companions. We’ll give you three a five minute head start before we leave here and head for the Gates ourselves.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Sounds like it should work. I estimate that we will take about ten minutes to get there, leaving five minutes or so for you to talk to the king and see what he wants, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Right. Now then, get going away team.”

They salute and hurry to carry out Arc’s instructions. Taking flight, the squad leaves the base together as Arc looks out over the wall.

“Okay. We move out in five minutes.”

Ember runs up to Arc and kisses him on the cheek. “Arc... I... um… just in case we don't make it... I don't want to die with regrets!”

Arc nods and looks to his friends. “Ember, thanks. Derpy... Twilight... thanks for being such good friends.”

The four embrace for what feels like but a moment before Arc announces it’s time to move.

“Time to go. The three of you stay behind me.”

Doing as they are told, Arc leads them outside. Making their way to the Gates of Tartarus where King Malevolence and his three guards are waiting they continue walking until addressed by the king himself.

“THAT IS FAR ENOUGH, HUMAN!”

Arc smirks at the sight of the king. “Ah, King Malevolence! You're looking terrible as usual!”

The king laughs. “FLATTERY WILL GET YOU NOWHERE, RUNT!”

Arc pulls his spear. “How about a good thrashing them?”

King Malevolence looks at him and shakes his head. “BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I ACTUALLY DIDN'T COME HERE TO FIGHT!”

Arc looks over at the king’s guards. “Then what did you come here for? That's quite a small group you have there to try and stop us.”

The king gestures to his soldiers. “BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT THEY WILL SUFFICE! I COME HERE IN PEACE HUMAN IN ORDER TO OFFER YOU A TRADE!”

Arc frowns. “A trade?”

“IF YOU WILL GIVE ME AND THE REST OF MY DEMON BRETHREN SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH THE GATES OF TARTARUS INTO EQUESTRIA, I WILL GIVE YOU THIS!”

Motioning to the cargo behind them, the king grunts.

“SHOW THEM!

The demon soldiers pull back the cloths laid on the ground to reveal a truly horrifying sight. Arc and his companions look over, sickened. Lying on the ground in front of the soldiers are three mares whom look as if they are on the verge of death. Only the slight heaving of their chests indicates any life left in them. Gritting his teeth, Arc takes a step forward angrily.

“You… YOU MONSTER!!!”

King Malevolence laughs heartily. “GUILTY AS CHARGED!”

Ember spreads her wings. “YOU!!!”

The soldiers aim their spears at the mare’s necks as the king shakes his head.

“TUT, TUT, TUT, EMBER! YOU WOULDN’T WANT ANY HARM TO BEFALL THESE THREE, NOW WOULD YOU?!”

Derpy looks over to the king angrily. “Where did you get them?!”

Ember sneers. “I thought demons didn't take prisoners!”

King Malevolence smiles smugly. “USUALLY, NO! HOWEVER, I DECIDED TO MAKE AN EXCEPTION DURING YOUR RECENT FLIGHT FROM TARTARUS! A FUTURE BARGAINING CHIP, IF YOU WILL!”

Looking to Arc, the king continues.

“ALL THAT I ASK IN RETURN FOR THEIR SAFE RETURN IS FOR YOU TO RELEASE US FROM THIS PLACE, HUMAN! AFTER MY SUBJECTS AND I ARE FREE, MY SOLDIERS WILL ALLOW YOU TO TAKE THESE THREE TO SAFETY!”

Ember clenches her spear tightly as she looks to Arc. “We can’t trust him though.”

The king scoffs. “I DON’T SEE WHAT REASON I WOULD HAVE FOR NOT KEEPING MY WORD HERE! AFTER ALL, ONCE I HAVE WHAT I WANT, YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU WANT! EVERYONE CAN WIN!”

Arc sighs. “It appears that I have no choice.”

Templar Derpy looks over to Arc, wide-eyed. “What?! No!”

Arc steps forward. “I helped my friends enter Tartarus by shielding them with my cape.”

King Malevolence looks at the cape. “BUT I AM FAR TOO LARGE TO FIT UNDER SUCH A SMALL RAG!”

“Very true. However, my unicorn friend here knows a shrinking spell which would allow you to fit.”

The king narrows his eyes. “Do it. But I must warn you, human. No tricks! When I am returned to normal size on the other side of the barrier, you may claim your prize!”

“Agreed. Twilight, do it.”

“Okay.”

Twilight focuses her spell on King Malevolence. Slowly but surely he begins to shrink down to manageable size. As she finishes Arc holds his cape up.

“That’s enough. Come, King Malevolence.”

Arc picks up the king and carries him through the barrier. The demon looks back and sees he is indeed out of Tartarus. Jumping down from Arc’s grasp, the demon king begins dancing around happily.

“I'm free! Hahahahahaha!!! After all these years, I’m finally free! Ah! The air here is so much sweeter than...!”

Arc mutters to himself. “Keep celebrating. Any moment now...”

A massive explosion comes from the Vile Tribe’s headquarters. Confused, the soldiers are momentarily stunned. In that instant they are pulled backwards and pummeled by the three Lunar Protectors. Xenos flies past them and grabs the injured mares quickly taking them to safety on the other side of the barrier. As he does so Arc grabs the miniature King Malevolence and dives through the barrier back into Tartarus.

“Back you go, slime!”

The king, seeing himself back on the other side of the Gates of Tartarus, screams out in a rage as Arc, Ember, Twilight and Templar Derpy all surround him.

“NO! I WAS SO CLOSE! YOU BETRAYED ME, HUMAN!!!”

Ember cracks her knuckles menacingly. “What should we do with this trash, Arc?”

Arc looks down at the king as he gets to his feet. “The worst possible thing I can think of!”

A wicked smile creeps across Ember’s face. “How about we torture him? Like he did to those poor ponies?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, worse. Much, MUCH worse!”

Templar Derpy looks over to Arc. “What could possibly be worse than torture though?”

“We’re going to… turn around and walk away.”

The king looks up, clearly confused. “WHAT?!”

Arc nods to his companions. “Let’s go, everyone.”

King Malevolence waddles after them. “WAIT! YOU DIDN'T REVERSE THIS ACCURSED SPELL!”

Arc looks over his shoulder as he walks away. “Goodbye, King Malevolence.”

The king screams out after him. “ARGH!!!”

Meanwhile, a mysterious being in a black cloak watches with a creature of glowing light.

“Mmmmm... not once, but twice has he beaten the Demon King. Arc truly is one of a kind.”

“He has become Equestria's new Hero of Light. What have you to say about that?!”

“Only that his powers of manipulation are legendary! You just watch! Eventually, when the time is right, Arc will take control of Equestria! Not by might, but silently from the shadows! He will have the support of the public and nothing and no one will stop him!”

“So certain of this, are you?”

“You can't deny that his authority has grown to match his power! His word now carries the same weight as that of the princesses!”

As its light fades away. “You are right, I cannot. However, I still have faith in Arc's character.”

“Heh, heh, heh... we will see about that.”

*Chapter 15 - Empowerment!

*Chapter 15 - Empowerment!

The party quickly exits the cave and returns to the Vile Tribe with the three sick mares. Arc turns to the sentries posted outside of the cave

“We need help! Take me to your medical facility!”

One of the guards leads the way for them while the other runs to fetch Mythic Honor. Arc's squad carries the ponies to the hospital as the others follow. As they burst through the door, Arc calls out for help.

“Nurse! Medical emergency! Three ponies critically ill!”

She points to a nearby treatment room. “This way!”

They run inside and lie the sick mares on three beds. Another nurse runs into the room followed by a doctor.

“Please head to the waiting room. We will take it from here. Thank goodness the doctor from Canterlot arrived just this morning.”

Arc and his party walk back to the waiting room. A few minutes later Mythic Honor rushes in and looks to Arc.

“What the hay happened?!”

“King Malevolence must have captured a few of your citizens as we all fled Tartarus. Those three looked like they had been through hell.”

Xenos shudders. “Yeah. The doctor and nurses are with them now.

Max sighs. “We should know more soon.”

About twenty minutes later the door opens and the doctor emerges from the treatment room to address Mythic Honor. The elderly stallion is the first to speak however.

“How are they doing, doctor?!”

The doctor shakes his head as his ears droop. “All three of them are suffering from complications of pneumonia.”

Hugh frowns. “So, give them some medicine, or something!”

Viktor nods to the cabinets nearby. “There has to be something in there that would help them!”

The doctor walks over to the medicine cabinet and opens it to show everyone that it is empty as he looks to Arc.

“My apologies, sir. But my drug supplies aren’t due to arrive until tomorrow morning. That and even if it weren’t, there isn’t anything that could reverse their condition at this point.”

Stomping the floor, Twilight grits her teeth. “Come on, doctor! Isn’t there ANYTHING we can do?!”

The doctor sighs. “I'm sorry, but they’re just too far gone at this point. There’s fluid in their lungs and the infection has already spread to the rest of their bodies. I’m afraid that the best we can do is make them as comfortable as possible before they pass.”

Arc sighs. “How long do they have?”

“They won't live to see their next meal, sir. I'm sorry, but I wish I could have done something more for them.”

As the doctor turns to leave there is movement from Twilight's saddlebag. Mythic Honor looks at Twilight quizzically.

“Uh… miss? Did your saddlebag just move?”

A voice can be heard from withing the bag. “Arc! I would speak with you a moment!”

Mythic Honor jumps to hide behind a desk He peeks out slowly as he points a hoof.

“AHHHHH!!! A talking saddlebag! What does it want?! And more importantly, where can I get one?”

Ember walks over to Twilight’s bag and opens it. “That's the Marquis, not the bag.

Arc looks to his friend as Ember turns him to face the others. “Yes Marquis, what is it?”

“I wish to help those three poor ponies! Please take me outside and return me to my normal size!”

“Thank you, Marquis.”

Arc carries the Marquis to the middle of the Town Square and sets him down. Looking to Twilight, he nods.

“Do it.”

Twilight's horn glows as the Marquis slowly returns to his normal size. The inhabitants of the town can only stare in awe as he towers over them. The Marquis lowers three tendrils as he speaks.

“ARC, QUICKLY! YOU KNOW WHAT YOU MUST DO!”

Without a word, Arc cuts the three tendrils off and hands them to Mythic Honor.

“Get these to the doctor, Mythic Honor! Hurry!”

The elderly unicorn grabs the tendrils and runs back toward the clinic. “I’m all over it!”

Arc turns back to his friend. “That was a very noble thing you just did, Marquis.”

“I OWE YOU A DEBT THAT CAN NEVER TRULY BE REPAID, ARC! CONSIDER THIS BUT A SMALL TOKEN OF OUR FRIENDSHIP!”

“Thank you very much just the same, Marquis. However, we should really be going now.”

Twilight looks over to Arc, confused. “What's the rush, Arc? We have quite a long journey ahead of us.”

“Not quite THAT long. I think I can access the sigil at Horseshoe Bay with my gauntlet and teleport us to the peninsula. From there, Ember can activate the sigil and teleport us to the Dragon Lands. That would cut our journey down to about a four-hour walk. What do you think, Ember?”

“Sounds good. The only question now is... who will come?”

Twilight raises a hoof excitedly. “I volunteer to…!”

Ember interrupts her. “It probably should be just you and I, Arc. Remember, dragons are not too fond of ponies these days.”

Twilight groans. “Aw…”

Arc sighs. “Well, normally I would agree with you on this. But you have to remember that we need Twilight to cast the counter-spell on the Marquis when we get there.”

Ember facepalms. “You do have a point there, Arc. I guess it can't be helped.”

Templar Derpy turns to Arc and looks up at him pleadingly. “And me?”

“I can’t just abandon you here, Derpy. Come with us.”

Ember sighs. “You and Twilight stay close to me though.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Hopefully the respect the Dragon Lord showed for me will extend to the two of you as well.”

Derpy and Twilight nod as Arc turns to his squad.

“Good work in there you four. Keep it up and we'll go places and do great things together. For now though I want you to fly back to Ponyville and oversee the construction of the Command Center.”

The four stallions salute and fly away to carry out Arc’s orders as he turns back to his friends.

“I suppose we had best be off as well.”

Mythic Honor returns. “The doctor says those four are already recovering wonderfully! At this rate they should even be walking and talking by tomorrow morning! Thank you, noble hydra, for saving my little ponies!”

“YOU ARE WELCOME, ELDERLY ONE! IT WAS NOTHING!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “In any case, I’m afraid that we must be off now, Mythic Honor. We shall return at a later date. Hopefully for a longer visit.”

“I understand and look forward to it!”

Mythic Honor looks to Twilight before continuing.

“Oh! One last thing before you go! Were you able to liberate any of my old tomes from the Town Hall in Tartarus?!”

Twilight levitates her saddlebags over to Mythic Honor who peers inside at all his miniaturized books. She looks embarrassed.

“Sorry! With all the excitement I kinda forgot about them!”

Mythic Honor grins widely at the sight. “What an extraordinary idea you had there to shrink them down! Thank you very much, Miss Twilight!”

Arc looks back toward the cave. “That and we took your advice and blew up the old Town Hall.”
Derpy sighs. “It still seems like such a waste thought.”

Twilight shrugs. “At least the demons won’t get anything.”

Mythic Honor nods approvingly. “Thank you, Arc!”

Twilight looks over to Mythic Honor, whom is attempting to read a miniature tome. “I’ll help you bring them back to normal size when I return tomorrow.”

Mythic Honor waves after them but does not look up from the book as he calls out. “I look forward to it!”

Arc puts a hand on his midsection. “There is one last thing before we depart though. Do you think we could trouble you for some food? Where we are going pony food is kinda scarce.”

Mythic Honor beckons them to follow him. “Of course! Right this way!”

They walk to the supply house so Arc can fill his satchel. Finishing with his task, Arc looks to the elderly pony nearby.

“Thank you, Mythic Honor.”

“Think nothing of it! Considering what you have done for us, it seems the least we can do!”

Arc returns to the Town Square. However, the Marquis is nowhere in sight. Seeing the look of concern on his face Twilight calls out to him.

“I just finished shrinking the Marquis back down to size.”

Arc looks around. “Great! Uh… where is he?”

A small voice can be heard from Templar Derpy’s saddlebags. “Over here! I'm ready whenever you all are!”

Derpy giggles. “As am I.”

Twilight smiles as she turns to Arc. “Shall we be off then?”

“Yup. Let’s go.”

Together they walk to the edge of town. Arc looks around the clearing.

“This looks like a good enough spot.”

He lowers his gauntlet to the ground. A moment later a sigil appears. Motioning to it, he calls out to the others.

“Everyone get on.”

The party does as Arc says. In a flash of light he and the others vanish. A split second later they reappear on the sigil in front of the dragon statue. Arc looks around before turning to Twilight.

“Wow! What a rush! Is that what it feels like when you teleport?”

Twilight nods. “For the most part, yes.”

Arc points to the dragon statue. “Ember, the rest of this trip is up to you.”

Ember nods as she removes a scale and places it in the bowl in front of the dragon statues. Taking a deep breath, she breathes fire onto it. A moment later the dormant sigil comes to life.

“One more time everyone”

Everyone steps on the sigil one by one and is transported to the Dragon Lands. As they all reappear Derpy is the first to speak.

“That was a bit less comfortable!”

Arc grimaces. “Look on the bright side. At least my stomach stayed intact this time. How are you holding up over there Marquis?”

There is movement from Templar Derpy’s saddlebag as the Marquis pokes his head out and looks around.

“That was certainly... unpleasant! But if it brings me where I wish to go then it is worth the trouble!”

Twilight takes in their surrounding with unease. “Is this... really the Dragon Lands though?”

Ember moves to the front of the group. “Yes, it is. Stay on guard and keep your weapons handy. After all, this isn’t exactly the safest place for you right now.”

Templar Derpy follows Ember closely. “Why is that?”

Twilight frowns. “Are there dangerous creatures here?”

Ember rolls her eyes as she walks away. “Yes. They're called dragons.”

The party walks for hours before reaching the town of Pyreston. Night has fallen and the streets are deserted. Arc turns to Ember and chuckles.

“It feels like I was just here.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s because you were!”

“Oh… right.”

Ember looks to Derpy and Twilight. “We need to make especially sure you two are not seen. Dragons sometimes eat smaller creatures, after all.”

Twilight gulps nervously as Templar Derpy holds up her spear bravely.

“They try anything funny and I'll give them indigestion!”

Ember stops. “Wait here!”

She runs to the end of the street. Seeing the coast is clear the young dragon motions for the others to follow. They make a dash for her door, run through, and close it quietly. Ember casts a Light Spell as she makes her way into the living room.

“I’ll get a fire going so we can see. Just wait a moment everyone.”

In just a minute or so there is a roaring fire in the fireplace. Twilight and Derpy, whom have put away their armor for the moment, sit down on the couch to rest. Ember, Arc and even the Marquis join them in front of the fire and sit around it talking for a time. Twilight takes the liberty of enlarging the Marquis to roughly the size of a pony. As she finishes casting the spell Twilight steps back.

“There! Now you can more easily join in the conversation, Marquis!”

“Thank you! I believe I shall enjoy the companionship!”

Arc stares into the fireplace happily. “Ah... there’s just something magical about a fire.”

Derpy giggles. “You said it, Arc. I've never had friends I could share such an experience with before. But I do really like it.”

Twilight giggles happily. “Tell me, is it always like this on your adventures, Arc?”

“Admittedly, it’s not usually so peaceful. Most of the time we're busy getting in trouble, getting out of trouble, or averting some kind of catastrophe. This change of pace suits me fine.”

Derpy smiles. “I'm looking forward to learning more about dragons tomorrow!”

Twilight nods in approval. “We still know so little about them!”

The Marquis turns to look at Twilight. “Please understand that the dragons are an ancient and proud race, albeit brash and solitary generally speaking. You may not find them as receptive to being studied as you’d like.”

Twilight pulls a notebook and pencil from a nearby table and looks to Ember. “That doesn't mean I'm just going to sit back and pass up this opportunity. So I’d like to ask some questions.”

Turning to their hostess, she continues talking.

“Ember, would you say that your house is a good example of a traditional dragon dwelling?”

“I suppose so. For a dragon of my age this is pretty standard. As we grow older and our horde size grow so does our dwelling though. The oldest dragons typically live in large caves, as earthen houses can only hold so much loot.”

“That does make sense. Now then, what do dragons usually eat? Other than gems, I suppose.”

Ember thinks for a moment before answering. “Well, like you said, we like gems obviously. Fish, pigs, sheep, ponies, goats, cows...”

Twilight looks up and interrupts Ember. “Woah, wait a second! Dragons actually EAT ponies?!”

“If they are hungry enough and given the opportunity, yes. Although I thought I mentioned this earlier.”

Twilight suddenly looks a bit squeamish. “Yes, you did. But I just thought you were joking?! Have… have you ever…?”

Ember looks down at her claws. “Yes. It was long ago during on of my first hunts. We chased and cut down a pony who had trespassed in the Dragon Lands against my father’s orders. I... I'm not proud of it, but... pony meat is indeed delicious. Not to mention quite nutritious for developing dragons.”

Twilight looks at Ember, suddenly angry. “That's... just so horrible! How could you do such a thing?!”

“I'm sorry, but dragons have been doing such things for thousands of years. Every dragon whelpling is taught that dragons are the supreme beings in all the world.”

The Marquis nods soberly. “Without interaction with other cultures, such a belief is quite possible. I too was told as a young hydra that our race also believed themselves to be superior at one time, as we are the only source of hydra humor.”

Arc puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Twilight, I understand your feelings in this matter. I too would probably think twice about befriending a race that ate my species. But, other than gems and ponies, I too have eaten everything Ember just listed on Earth.”

Twilight looks over to Arc, her eyes wide. “Arc... I... I never knew! I just assumed humans ate only plants just like ponies do!”

Derpy responds in a serious tone. “I knew.”

Arc gasps. “What? But, how?!”

“Lyra told me. She said humans need a certain amount of protein in their diets in order to stay healthy. When I learned about this, I asked Ember to catch me some fish. Although it wasn't easy for me, I cooked them and made Arc some Fish Soup.”

Twilight grimaces. “Why would you do such a thing though, Derpy?!”

“Because I couldn't stand the thought of him not eating properly. Especially after all he’s done for me.”

Twilight bows her head. “I think I am beginning to understand. Thank you for sharing that with me, everypony.”

Turning to Ember, she continues.

“And I'm sorry about jumping on your case earlier, Ember. But... do you think you could... you know…?”

“Yes, Twilight. You have my word that I will never again eat another pony.”

The Marquis nods approvingly. “Quite the oath to take, miss. I hope you aren’t saying such a think lightly.”

“After meeting the Vile Tribe, Derpy, Twilight, and her friends and seeing all that ponies are capable of, the thought of doing such a thing now sickens me.”

Arc turns to Twilight and smiles. “That gives me an idea. Purely for the sake of research mind you, how about the next time we’re in Tartarus, you try some beetle meat with me, Twilight?

Ember licks her chops. “It is quite tasty, after all!”

Twilight turns a light shade of green at this. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”

All assembled laugh heartily. The Marquis looks around the room at the smiling group before chiming in again.

“Ah, it feels good to be among friends. It has been so long since I lived with my hydra brethren that I had forgotten this warm feeling. “

He looks to Arc before continuing.

“Speaking of brethren, do you ever feel... lonely Arc?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Not really, I guess. In truth, I probably haven’t really had time to be lonely with all that has happened since coming to Equestria. But... I guess now that you mention it, yes suppose I do miss the company of other humans. Not that I don't enjoy the time spent here, but...”

He looks around the diverse group of friends he has made as he smiles and again speaks.

“...it would be nice to see another human face now and again.”

The Marquis puts a tendril around Arc’s shoulder. “I understand how you feel, young Arc. It has been years innumerable since I last laid eyes on another hydra.”

“Then let me ask you, as one foreigner to another in a distant land, how you kept it together all those years.”

“What kept me going in the past was the knowledge that somewhere out there in the world the hydra still lived on. While I had more or less given up hope that we would be reunited, hopefully I will see other of my kind again tomorrow. But even if I do not, the knowledge that I now am able to count all of you as my friends will sustain me.”

Derpy looks over at Arc and smiles. “I’ve never had real friends before I met you, Arc. If I could change into a human to keep you company, please know that would do so in an instant.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s knee. “I have many friends. At least now I do. But you are still... special to me, Arc. If there is something I can do to help you in this regard please do not hesitate to ask.”

Ember shrugs. “Well, as long as we are going around the room. No, dragons don't typically have friends.”

Arc frowns. “That sounds rather lonely if you ask me.”

“We have rivals instead. I guess the closest thing to friendship we have would be respect for those we view either as equals or as our betters.”

Derpy appears confused. “So, which one would you consider Arc?”

Ember scoots closer to Arc. “My better... definitely my better. He proved it yet again during our first visit to the Dragon Lands.”

Twilight looks to Ember expectantly. “I don't believe I’ve heard that story. What did happen last time?”

The Marquis laughs. “Please, do tell Ember! Inquiring minds want to know!”

Ember looks to Arc somewhat embarrassed. Arc nods his head in approval.

“Well, we came here to seek my father's judgment on if I could take Arc as my mate. He refused though, saying that the Dragon Lord must be a dragon.”

Twilight thinks about this for a moment. “I guess that does makes sense.”

“I suppose it does. However, since I was home again anyways, my father decreed that I should choose a different mate. He put forth the call for the best of the best to come forward. Three of the mightiest dragons I have ever seen came forward, and I was instructed to choose one of them.”

And frowns. “Seeing that Ember didn't really care for any of them, I quickly came up with a plan to goad the Dragon Lord to pit them against each other. Sadly, I grossly miscalculated and pushed the Dragon Lord too far. Before I even had a chance to react, he ordered the three to ‘tear me apart’. While fighting them was what I was after, fighting them all at once was admittedly not part of the plan.”

Ember grins wickedly. “However, Arc was able to defeat them rather easily. This did not please my father, as he prepared to attack Arc himself. But Arc stood against my father's rapid advance fearlessly and said something to the effect of ‘Bring it on! You're not that much bigger than the Marquis’!”

Arc laughs. “An outright lie!”

The Marquis nearly falls over laughing. “Ha, ha! I love it!”

Ember continues. “Anyways... my father was stopped dead in his tracks by those simple words. The hydra have something of a past with the dragons. Old allies, or something like that I would assume.”

The Marqis nods. “Yes, you could say that. Although it is my kind whom owe Dragon Lord Torch for everything he’s done for us in the past. But I am sorry for interrupting. Please continue, Ember.”

“The knowledge of a common ally seemed to bring my father back to his senses. But sadly, he immediately went back to the business of my betrothal.”

Arc shrugs. “I quickly pointed out that the three whom I had bested were not worthy to be Ember’s mate, as they had been defeated by a ‘lesser creature’.”

Ember blushes slightly at this. “I admit, I did indeed care for Arc before then, but... after what he did for me... well, let's say my feelings for him have only grown since then.”

The Marquis sighs fondly. “That is quite the tale you tell, Ember. Ah... to be young and adventurous again.”

Ember hesitantly turns to face Arc. “I, ah… while I am almost certain of the answer to this question already, I have to know. Arc, do... do you love me?”

The room is completely silent for a time as Arc weighs the question. Eventually he nods slightly and speaks.

“Yes Ember, I do.”

“REALLY?!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence as he continues. “But there are others whom I love as well.”

Ember appears giddy with happiness. “I’ll share!”

“Can I finish please?”

He clears his throat before speaking again.

“As I was saying, there are indeed others whom I can say that I love. For example, I also love Twilight.”

Twilight blushes heavily. “W… what?!”

“After all, she has been quite the friend to me in the time I have been in this land.”

She looks at him sheepishly. “Even when I sent you to Tartarus?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, we all have our faults. In any case, quite a lot of good came from your mistake though. After all, had you not banished me I never would have met the Marquis. Or Ember for that matter.”

The Marquis nods. “That and the Vile Tribe would still be living in Tartarus.”

Arc smiles at her warmly. “Indeed. That and I do care for you, Twilight. Not as a lover though, but as a true friend.”

Twilight grins. “Thank you, Arc! I... I feel the same way!”

“And there is also Derpy, whom I love very much.”

Derpy says nothing, but smiles widely as Arc looks around the room.

“We’ve had our share of adventures and will more than likely have many more together. I get the feeling that our lives will be intertwined until the end comes for us. But at this point I wouldn't have it any other way.”

Ember sighs. “I think I understand what you’re trying to say here, Arc. But I do want you to know something. This doesn't change how I feel about you in the least.”

Arc looks down at the floor and sighs. “Thank you, Ember. But you really do deserve better than I. In fact, my hope is to one day see you betrothed to a dragon whom can be there for you through the millennia, as I cannot.”

“After traveling with and watching you, I really don't think such a dragon exists.”

Arc turns to her and smiles. “Well then, I suppose we shall have to keep traveling together and find out.”

Ember’s face brightens. “I guess so!”

Arc makes a face. “Hey, I know! How about Garble?!”

“Ha! I’d rather marry a toad!”

All assembled laugh heartily. The Marquis stands and groans.

“As much as I have enjoyed tonight's conversations, my old bones are tired. Twilight, if you would be so kind as to shrink me back down, I would like to bed down in your saddlebags again.”

Twilight does so and helps the Marquis get comfortable in a bag. Ember stands up and stretches as she looks to the others.

“I think the Marquis has the right idea. We should all get some rest now. Derpy, would you like to share my bed? There’s plenty of room.”

Derpy stands up and follows Ember. “Certainly, but why me?”

“It just seemed the polite thing to do. Seeing as how you so readily shared your home with me.”

Twilight waves a hoof. “Good night you two.”

Arc and Twilight are left alone in the living room. For a time, Twilight just sits there staring into the fire. Eventually Arc breaks the silence.

“Twilight? Something is bothering you, isn't it?”

“Admittedly, yes. Tonight's conversation among friends has been the best I've had in a long time. But... while I know you’ve forgiven me for dragging you into this land and say that you are very happy here. Still, I feel as if I have... robbed you of something.”

“Robbed me? Robbed me of what?”

Twilight’s ears droop as she bows her head. “All this talk of love and marriage... it just reminded me that you are Equestria's only human. While this is certainly far from new information, it got me thinking about... well... being the only human I can't help but feel that I have robbed you of the chance of finding a mate and getting married.”

Arc chuckles. “I admit, I never thought about it like that before. While it is true that I will most likely never find a ‘mate’ in Equestria. Even if by some miracle I did find a special mare and decided to settle down with her, a family with children is definitely out of the question.”

Twilight groans. “I hadn’t even thought about the prospect of you not being able to procreate with them.”

“I think about it this way though, Ember. Someday in the future I will pass away and Equestria will go back to being the way it was before. Devoid of humans. That and I would venture a guess it won't take too many generations for humans to go back to being just mythical creatures again.”

Twilight looks over to Arc, wide-eyed. “But, that's just so sad! Are you saying that after all you have done, you're okay with just fading away?! Being... forgotten?!”

Arc nods. “As long as the ones whom I care about are safe and happy, nothing else really matters to me.”

“Arc... there is no doubt in my mind. You most certainly must personify the absolute best humanity has to offer!”

“I must disagree with that. But at the same time, I am flattered that you think so highly of me, Twilight.”

“While I know that I have said it before, if you need anything...”

Arc interrupts her. “Actually, there is something you can do for me, Twilight.”

“Anything!”

“All this talk of relationships and marriage has made me a bit... lonely.”

Twilight walks over to Arc and puts a hoof on his knee. “What can I do to help?”

“I could use some company from my first pony friend. You don't have to say a thing. Just sit there and I'll stroke your mane. Sitting in front of a roaring fire in a quiet room while petting a small furry creature is probably the most therapeutic thing a human can do.”

Twilight lies down on the floor next to Arc and lets him stroke her mane. Before long however a light whiffling snore fills the air. Arc looks down at Twilight and smiles as she lays there asleep. He continues stroking her mane as he muses to himself.

“I stand corrected. This is even more relaxing than just petting you.”

Early the next morning Arc and company discuss their next move in Ember’s living room. Arc turns to Ember.

“So... how should we go about doing this?”

“I think just you and I should go see the Dragon Lord. It's not exactly safe for the others to be walking around town, after all.”

Arc frowns. “Is it safe for you to be here, Ember? I mean, you are still technically banished.”

Twilight appears a bit scared. “While I am nervous, don't you need me to cast the spell to return the Marquis to his normal size?”

Derpy walks over to Arc bravely. “I'm not afraid! I want to come too, Arc!”

The Marquis rubs what is presumably his chin. “This is indeed quite the quandary.”

Ember sighs. “I don't really think there IS a good way to go about doing this!”

Derpy pipes up. “Why don't we let Arc decide what to do? Being Equestria's Hero of Light, he really should be the one to lead us.”

Twilight nods. “Makes sense. Arc, what should we do?”

Arc takes a few moments to think. “There really is no true safe way to do this. That much is clear. So, I propose that we ALL go to meet the Dragon Lord, together. This is probably the safest way, as I doubt any dragons will mess with our group after what I did to their friends the last time.”

Derpy picks up her spear. “Should I wear my armor then, or would that be asking for a fight?”

Ember puts on her own armor and grabs the Spear of Courage. “Wear it! Definitely wear it!”

Ember looks back over toward Arc nervously.

“This isn't really your best plan, Arc. I sure hope you know what you're doing.”

Arc opens the front door as Twilight and Derpy finish putting on their armor. “So do I.”

The party walks down the street toward the Throne of the Dragon Lord. Several times along the way they are approached by various dragons whom eye the mares hungrily. But a stern look from Arc is enough to dissuade them from making any advances. Shortly thereafter the party arrives at their destination. The Dragon Lord sees Arc and Ember as they enter and calls out to them.

“ARC! I SEE YOU HAVE RETURNED FOR ANOTHER VISIT! WORD HAS REACHED US HERE IN THE DRAGON LANDS OF YOUR BEING MADE EQUESTRIA'S NEW HERO OF LIGHT!”

He then turns to his daughter.

“EMBER! YOU HAD BEST HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR BEING HERE!”

It is then that the Dragon Lord sees Twilight.

“WELL EMBER, AT LEAST YOU DIDN'T RETURN HOME EMPTY HANDED! I COULD USE A SNACK!”

Arc speaks up quickly. “They are with me, Dragon Lord!”

Torch looks disappointed. “I SEE! ARC, WHY HAVE YOU BROUGHT PONIES INTO MY PRESENCE?! SUCH FRAIL LOOKING CREATURES SHOULD NOT BE IN THE DRAGON LANDS!”

Arc puts his hands on his hips. “Oh, I don't know about that. Remember, I too looked rather frail at first. But did I not surprise you?”

“YOU MAY HAVE A POINT THERE, ARC! VERY WELL! THEY MAY STAY! FOR THE TIME BEING ANYWAYS! NOW THEN, INTRODUCE ME TO YOUR FRIENDS!”

“I would be glad to. This is Twilight Sparkle. She is the personal student of Princess Celestia and the one responsible for bringing me into this world. And this is Derpy. She too fought the demon army with Ember and I at the Battle of Tartarus.”

The Dragon Lord looks at Derpy. “THIS ONE HAS GREAT POWER WITHIN HER! SHE IS INDEED WORTHY TO BE IN YOUR COMPANY, ARC!”

He then looks over at Twilight and frowns. “THIS ONE... NOT SO MUCH! WITH THE AMOUNT OF KNEE-KNOCKING I SEE, SHE MAY JUST WET HERSELF!”

As her father's gaze returns to Arc, Ember quietly walks up behind Twilight and kicks a small pile of dirt to cover the puddle that is forming between her rear hooves. Arc frowns at this statement.

“Twilight may not be as physically strong as the rest of us, sir. However, she has something just as good. Intelligence and determination. After all, it was she whom lead the rescue effort that allowed Ember and I to escape Tartarus.”

“IT IS GOOD TO KNOW THIS GENERATION OF PONIES IS NOT COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARRIORS... AND SUCH. BUT I ASSUME YOU DID NOT COME HERE TODAY TO SIMPLY VERBALLY SPAR WITH ME! WHAT BRINGS YOU TO THE DRAGON LANDS TODAY, HERO OF LIGHT?!”

“I am here to fulfill a promise that I made to our mutual friend, the Marquis. With the help of Twilight and Ember we were able to remove him from Tartarus.”

“VERY GOOD! AND WHERE IS MY OLD FRIEND NOW?!”

Arc reaches into Derpy’s saddle bag and pulls out the Marquis. “He’s right here!”

Arc sets the Marquis down in front of him.

“TARTARUS MUST INDEED BE A TERRIBLE PLACE, IF IT CAN DO SUCH THINGS TO A CREATURE AS POWERFUL AS A HYDRA!”

“We had to temporarily shrink him so he could fit through the gate. However, that plan would not have succeeded without our friend Twilight here.”

Looking to her, Arc continues.

“Would you please return the Marquis to his normal size, Twilight?”

“A… alright.”

She does so albeit a bit shakily. In a few moments the Marquis is his normal size. Turning to the Dragon Lord, he bows a tendril at the waist respectfully.

“GREETINGS TO YOU, DRAGON LORD TORCH!”

“WELCOME TO MY DOMAIN, OLD FRIEND! I HOPE YOU HAD A SAFE TRIP!”

“ALTHOUGH IT IS GOOD TO BE BACK TO MY OLD SIZE AGAIN, I ADMIT I RATHER ENJOYED THE CHANGE OF PACE!”

The Dragon Lord smiles at the sight of the Marquis. “THERE! THAT IS THE MARQUIS I REMEMBER! IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU AS WELL, OLD FRIEND! I TRUST YOU ARE WELL?!”

“BETTER NOW THAN I HAVE BEEN IN CENTURIES! AND I OWE IT ALL TO ARC AND HIS FRIENDS!”

Arc nods. “We were happy to help, Marquis. I hope the Dragon Lord can reunite you with others of your kind.”

Torch grins toothily. “INDEED, I SHALL! BUT FIRST, I BELIEVE A REWARD IS IN ORDER FOR EQUESTRIA'S NEW HERO OF LIGHT! NOW THEN, WHAT WOULD BE A PROPER REWARD?”

Arc waves a gauntlet dismissively. “All I want is your friendship, Dragon Lord.”

“THEN YOU SHALL HAVE IT! YOU MAY COME AND GO AS YOU PLEASE WITHIN MY REALM, AS MAY ANY WHOM ACCOMPANY YOU! UNDERSTAND THAT I DO NOT PERMIT SUCH THINGS LIGHTLY, ARC! YOU WILL MAKE A FINE PROTECTOR OF EQUESTRIA!”

“Thank you, sir. I will do my best!”

The Dragon Lord holds out a claw to Arc. “ARC, STEP FORWARD AND RECEIVE THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE DRAGON LORD!”

Twilight whispers to Ember. “Pst… what’s going on?!”

“I'm not sure. This is beyond my understanding.”

Arc steps onto the Dragon Lord's claws and is lifted up to look him in the eye. “YOU ARE THE FIRST NON-DRAGON TO EARN THIS RIGHT IN AS LONG AS ANY CAN REMEMBER!”

Dragon Lord Torch breathes a strange smoke out of his mouth at Arc. It surrounds him and eventually absorbs into his body. After a few moments Arc is returned to the ground via magic as the Dragon Lord continues.

“ARC, A GIFT FROM ME TO YOU AS A SIGN OF OUR FRIENDSHIP... ‘DRAGON MAGIC’! MAY IT SERVE YOU WELL IN THE COMPLETION OF YOUR DUTIES!”

All the dragons assembled gasp at this news. Arc nods.

“Thank you, Dragon Lord! This is indeed quite an honor!”

“YES, IT IS, BUT YOU ARE INDEED WORTHY OF IT! NOW THEN, I MUST SHOW THE MARQUIS TO HIS NEW HOME! THIS WAY, OLD FRIEND!”

“THANK YOU, DRAGON LORD! HOWEVER, I TOO HAVE A GIFT FOR MY SMALL FRIEND HERE!”

The Marquis removes a small scale from behind him and gives it to Arc.

“IF YOU IMBUE THIS SCALE WITH THE SIGIL ENCHANTMENT ON YOUR GAUNTLET YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SUMMON ME TO YOUR SIDE SHOULD THE NEED EVER ARISE!”

“Thank you, Marquis. I will only use it in greatest need, as I am sure you have many other things to do.”

“DON'T FEEL OBLIGATED TO WAIT FOR SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES TO PRESENT THEMSELVES, MY FRIEND! I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE IF YOU NEED ME. IF ONLY JUST FOR A TALK!”

“I may just take you up on that. Farewell for now, my friend. Best not to keep the Dragon Lord waiting any longer.”

The Marquis waves a tendril as he departs with Torch. “DO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES! ALL OF YOU!”

The party leaves the Throne of the Dragon Lord and returns silently to Ember's small home. Ember turns to Arc as she closes the door behind everyone.

“I can’t believe this! You... you have... DRAGON MAGIC! That practically makes you an honorary dragon, Arc!”

Derpy looks puzzled. “Is it really such a big event?”

Ember nods feverishly. “Yes! Such power is not entrusted to just anyone! After all, Dragon Magic can be quite dangerous in the wrong hands!”

Twilight grimaces. “What do you mean?”

“Dragon magic is similar to your unicorn magic, Twilight. The main difference is what dragons use magic for. Unicorns often use their magic for edifying purposes. While dragon magic is mostly used for more... offensive spells.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “You mean like fire breathing and whatnot?”

Ember nods. “That would be a good example, yes.”

“Oh, this I have GOT to try!”

Arc walks toward the fireplace and concentrates. A small stream of magical fire bursts forth from his hand and swirls around for a few moments before going out. Ember claps her claws together happily.

“Very impressive for a first attempt!”

Derpy beams at Arc. “He can do anything!”

Twilight looks at the burning wood in the fireplace. “Astonishing!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I’ll have to read some books on magic when I have the time. But right now, I think we should be getting back to Ponyville. Derpy needs to get back to Dinky, Twilight has an appointment to help Mythic Honor organize all those books, and I want to check in on Cherry at the hospital. Ember, would you mind if I placed a sigil here?”

“Go right ahead.”

Arc places a sigil in the corner of the room. “Thanks! Everyone on!”

The party steps on the sigil and Arc teleports everyone back to the Vile Tribe's village. Meanwhile though, from a nearby hill overlooking Pyreston, a strange creature in a large black cloak looked down at the small house and chuckles darkly.

“I admit, even I didn't see that one coming! First, acquiring magic from a dragon. Then being given the ability to summon an extinct creature on command! Which leads me to wonder… is there nothing you cannot do, Arc?”

*Chapter 16 - Tying up Loose Ends

*Chapter 16 - Tying up Loose Ends

The group reappears on the sigil just outside the Vile Tribe's village. Arc looks down at his gauntlet and smiles.

“I love this thing.”

Ember laughs. “I'll admit. It sure beats walking.”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief. “I'm just glad to be back to relative safety.”

Twilight points a hoof toward the town. “Agreed. But before heading back to Ponyville, we should go see Mythic Honor about those books. I'm sure he would like them back to readable size soon, after all.”

Arc motions to Twilight with a jerk of his thumb. “That should at least make one of us happy.”

He looks over at Twilight who puts up a nervous smile as the party walks toward the Town Hall. Before they get there however, they see what appears to be the entire Vile Tribe and Mythic Honor in the Town Square near something under a sheet. Mythic Honor stands at the front of the group and waves them over.

“Arc! You and your friends are just in time for the unveiling ceremony! I put the finishing touches on it last night!”

Looking to those assembled, Mythic Honor finishes his speech.

“And now, without further ado... behold! Our town's very own centerpiece!”

Mythic Honor whips off the sheet to expose a life size bronze statue of Arc looking heavenward He is wearing Eidolon's Ward with his helmet under one arm and the Spear of Righteousness raised to the sky in the other. The Vile Tribe claps their hooves together and cheers as Twilight stifles a laugh.

“That... really is quite a good likeness!”

Ember can’t seem to take her eyes off the statue. “Mythic Honor really nailed the pose!”

Derpy joins the Vile Tribe in clapping. “You look so heroic, Arc!”

Arc facepalms and walks over to Mythic Honor. “This isn't happening... Mythic Honor, you really shouldn't have. I mean, I'm flattered but... what about Princess Cadence? If she hadn't shown up when she did, the battle may have gone quite differently. Or Ember! She was with you long before I showed up!”

Ember blushes slightly. “I'm okay with it being you, Arc. You've done so much for all of us.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Very true! However, it was you who made demons fear us, fought a hydra to save Ember, and liberated our tribe from Tartarus! Oh! And don't forget about the three mares you saved yesterday!”

“Yes, but... I still see all of those events as more of a team effort than just something I did. I mean… I certainly couldn't have pulled any of those off alone.”

Mythic Honor turns back to the statue. “Can't disagree with that! But, you see, folks need heroes to look up to! Gives em' hope! And seeing as you're also Equestria's Hero of Light, it just seemed fitting!”

Arc opens his mouth to protest further but changes his mind. “I'm not going to win this argument, am I?”

Mythic Honor grins at him. “Not... a... chance! Look, if it makes you feel better I'll get to work making a statue of Ember to put next to yours, Arc!”

“That’s not really the…”

Turning back to those assembles, Mythic Honor calls out.

“All right everypony, let's get back to work now!”

The Vile Tribe returns to their duties around town. Ember just stands there looking at the statue, stars in her eyes. Sighing contentedly, she speaks.

“Being immortalized in bronze next to Arc. It's like a dream come true!”

Twilight, Derpy, and Arc all facepalm/facehoof while Ember continues to gush over the thought of such a thing. After a few moments Arc walks up to her and snaps his fingers in her face a few times.

“Earth to Ember! Come in please!”

Ember looks around, confused. “Huh?”

Arc sighs. “As much as I’m enjoying watching you fantasize right now, you have to remember that we do have other matters to attend to. Derpy and I need to get back to Ponyville.”

Twilight points in the direction Mythic Honor went. “And I have some books to unshrink.”

Arc nods. “That too. Ember, can you stay here with Twilight and make sure she gets home safely when that task is complete?”

“I guess so.”

Arc turns to leave. “Thanks.”

Stopping, he looks back to see Ember still gazing at the statue.

“Oh, right! You may resume fantasizing about being a sculpture now.”

Ember looks after him and calls out with a sarcastic tone in her voice. “Ha, ha!”

Arc and Derpy begin their walk back to Ponyville. As they enter town Arc turns to her.

“The first thing I'm going to do when the new Command Center is built is to place a sigil there. Walking gets old, quick.”

Derpy giggles. “That’s probably for the best, yes. But in any case, I had best head over the Sugar Cube Corner and pick up Dinky. While it was fun joining you on one of your adventures, I do miss my little one. I hope to join you again sometime.”

As Derpy walks toward Sugar Cube Corner Arc looks after her. “As do I.”

Arc turns and makes the short walk to Ponyville Hospital to visit Cherry. He knocks quietly before entering the hospital room. Ruby looks up as he enters.

“Arc! I’m glad to see you’re safe! Cherry is doing much better! She's even able to walk around a bit now!”

“Glad to hear it!”

Cherry stands, albeit shakily and walks slowly over to Arc to give him a hug. “We were so worried! How did things go in Tartarus?!”

“Not exactly according to plan. But let's just say you're doing better than the Demon King is right now.”

Ruby laughs. “If he’s anything like I imagine him being, he probably got off light. Were you able to save your friend?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We’ve already escorted him to the Dragon Lands. He's not a dragon, but apparently Dragon Lord Torch and him go way back.”

Cherry smiles. “I'm sure glad everything worked out in the end.”

“Speaking of working out, how’s your condition, Cherry? I'm sure you’d like to get back to your own bed as soon as possible.”

“The doctor says I can go home tomorrow. As long as I don't overexert myself for another week, I should be just fine.”

“Glad to hear it. I’ll personally escort you two back to Dodge Junction.”

Ruby helps her sister back into the bed. “Thank you, Arc. That means a lot... to both of us. Applejack already offered to come as well. I guess she is as worried about Cherry as we both are.”

“It would be my pleasure. But in any case, I should probably be going. I need to check on the progress of my Command Center before heading home. See you two in the morning.”

As Arc leaves the room Ruby looks to her sister.

“That was quite kind of Arc. Offering to accompany us back.”

Cherry blushes. “Yes, it was. I'm looking forward to it.”

Ruby gives her sister a sly grin. “Should I give you two some alone time?”

“You're one to talk. I see how you look at him as well.”

“It's just like you said the other day, sister. After all Arc has done, there would be something wrong with me if I wasn't interested.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way through town toward the future site of his Command Center. Arriving, he spots his squad with Hard Hat and walks over. Max salutes him as he approaches.

“Commander! Things are moving along nicely. You should have your Command Center by weeks end, sir!”

Arc looks over to Hard Hat. “Did you take into account the changes we discussed earlier?”

“Yes sir. I've seen to it personally. On the honor of the Equestrian Royal Corps of Engineers, you can bet we'll have it ready in time.”

“Good. I knew I could count on you.”

Arc turns back to his squad. “I think this is a good time for some rest. The four of you are now officially on leave until weeks end. Just be sure to be back for the grand tour. Oh, and be sure to enjoy the time off. I get the distinct feeling that rest will soon be a precious commodity.”

They salute and fly away as Arc turns back to Hard Hat.

“I leave this project in your capable hands... hooves then.”

Arc heads for home. As he enters the house Derpy trots up to him and gives Arc a hug.

“Welcome back!”

Arc looks around as he returns the hug. “Ahhhh... it's feels good to be home.”

Derpy walks back toward the kitchen. “Supper won't be ready for a while. Why don't you take a load off? I worry that you don't take the time to properly rest.”

“Thanks. I think I will.”

Dinky crawls up to Arc and babbles. Smiling, he sits down the floor with her.

“There's my little gal! How you been, Dinky?”

Dinky just smiles and motions for Arc to pick her up. He does.

“Aw! Come up here, little one!”

Derpy walks over to Arc and Dinky on the floor and joins them. “She's always so happy to see you, Arc. Now then, the food is in the oven. All there is to do now is wait for it to be ready. How are things coming along on the construction site?”

“Very nicely. I'm told the job should be done by the end of the week. That and I gave my troops some time off until then. After their performance during the mission in Tartarus, they deserve it. Besides... I get the feeling things are about to get... busy... for the Hero of Light soon enough.”

“Oh? What makes you so sure?”

“Nothing really. Just... human intuition, I guess. I do hope I'm wrong.”

Dinky looks up at Arc happily. “Dada!”

Arc smiles down at the little foal in his arms. “Nothing would make me happier than to be your father, Dinky. Although I hope you can meet your real father one day.”

Derpy sighs. “Thank you Arc. I want to be able to give Dinky everything. But I'm afraid the love of a father isn't something I can provide.”

Arc holds Dinky close. She puts her tiny hooves over his shoulder and bats at his back, giggling as he looks to her mother.

“Don't you worry, Derpy. As busy as I may be protecting Equestria and its inhabitants from certain doom, I'll always do my best to make time for Dinky.”

Derpy looks down at her hooves, suddenly appearing quite sad. “Arc... can I... um… can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure, what's on your mind?”

“Well... I didn’t wanted to bother you with this before. After all, you’ve been so busy taking care of everyone else's problems ever since your return from Tartarus. I think this is the first time we've been alone in the house since before... well... you know... your banishment.”

Arc nods. “Definitely not the best of times, admittedly.”

Derpy stands up and walks over to a drawer. She removes a scroll from it, walks back to Arc, and holds it out to him.

“This came in the mail while you were gone.”

Arc accepts the scroll. “What’s this?”

Derpy sits back down next to Arc. “Go ahead and open it.”

Arc does so and reads the scroll. “This is... Dinky's birth certificate? I don't understand. Why would this make you so sad?”

“Well... it lists me as the mother, of course. But... well... you see...”

Derpy's voice trails off. She seems unable to put the words together. Arc continues looking over the paper for a few more moments before frowning and looking back to his friend.

“Derpy... why isn't Moonlit Dusk named as Dinky's father?”

“Well, here in Equestria upon the birth of a new foal, the hospital fills out the birth certificate and both the mother and father sign it. Moonlit Dusk... wasn't there... as you know... so... for all intents and purposes... Dinky...”

She begins to cry softly.

“…Dinky... doesn't legally have a father!”

Derpy covers her face with her hooves and continues crying. Arc gives her a few minutes to get the tears out as he continues to hold Dinky.

“My earlier offer still stands. If you want me to, I’ll track down Moonlit Dusk for you.”

Derpy shakes her head sadly. “While I do wish he had been here for me... for us... back then... I...”

Arc puts his arm around Derpy’s shoulder. “Take your time. I'll wait.”

Derpy sniffles. “Thank you. Arc. You're always so... understanding.”

She is silent for a time while searching for the right words.

“It's just... Moonlit Dusk abandoned me when I needed him most. As soon as things got... tough. It hurt... more than words can express! I... I don't want Dinky... to ever know the feeling of... being abandoned... like I was. I'm sorry, Arc. I don't know what I really expected you to do about this situation. Maybe... maybe I just needed to tell somepony how I felt... my feelings of frustration... and the emptiness I feel inside here.”

She puts a hoof on her heart before continuing.

“Just because of one empty line on a paper. But the part that really bothers me is that someday Dinky is going to ask me what happened to her father.”

Arc nods soberly. “That’s normal in such a situation, yes.”

Derpy grimaces. “What am I supposed to tell her?! You're so good with advice, Arc! Please... tell me! What... what should I do?!”

Arc is silent for a time, seemingly in deep thought over the matter. “You have asked quite the question, Derpy. I don't believe there is a simple solution to this one.”

Derpy looks down at the floor. “I know.”

“…or maybe there is!”

Derpy looks up at Arc, confused. “Huh? What do you mean?”

Arc sets Dinky down on the couch between them and puts a hand on Derpy’s hoof. “Derpy... with your permission of course... I would like the honor... of signing Dinky's birth certificate myself.”

Derpy looks into Arc’s eyes, astonished. “What?! You mean…?!”

Arc smiles at Derpy and nods. “Yes. I’m willing to take Dinky on as my daughter.”

Derpy gasps. “Are you... are you sure about this?! Can... can the Hero of Light... do that?!”

“Do what?”

“Well, you know... have a family? I mean... what would the princesses say if they found out?!”

“They can like it, or lump it as far as I’m concerned!”

Derpy puts both her hooves on Arc’s shoulders. “Arc... are you sure you want to do this?”

Arc nods. “More so than you know.”

Derpy smiles at Arc with tears in her eyes. “Yes! Thank you, Arc! Yes!”

Arc stands up with Dinky in his arms. “So what do I have to do to make this official?”

“All you have to do is sign your name on the birth certificate as the father and it will be so!”

Arc, Derpy and Dinky head over to the kitchen table where Arc sits down and unrolls the birth certificate. Derpy brings him a quill and ink. Arc signs his name on the ‘father’ line and puts down the quill.

“There we are.”

Arc looks over at Dinky and picks her up again. Looking her happily in the face, he whispers to her happily.

“I will always be there for you, little one. That I promise you.”

Dinky giggles excitedly. “Daddy, daddy!”

Arc gives Dinky her first hug as her father. “I love you, Dinky... my little daughter.”

Derpy wraps her hooves around Arc happily. “I know it feels like I keep saying it... but... thank you, Arc. Thank you for everything!”

“I would do anything for you and Dinky.”

Derpy smiles and places her head against Arc’s side. Closing her eyes she quietly replies. “I know you would, Arc.”

The timer in the kitchen dings, bringing them all back to reality. Derpy looks to the kitchen.

“I guess supper is ready.”

Arc picks up Dinky. “Ready to eat, sweetheart?”

Dinky giggles happily. “Daddy… mama…!”

Arc laughs as the trio sits down to their first meal as a family. “I'll take that as a yes!”

Derpy serves the food with a smile. “So how is Cherry doing?”

“Very well. The doctor says she can go home tomorrow. I told her I’d escort her and Ruby back to Dodge Junction.”

Derpy looks down, a bit sad. “Oh... so, you'll be leaving again?”

Arc nods. “Cherry is still fairly weak. Frankly if I can get her home without having to carry her part of the way, I'll be amazed. Applejack is coming as well to help out as needed.”

Derpy begins serving the food. “I guess she's just as worried about the two of them as you are.”

Arc taps his chin thoughtfully before looking to Derpy. “You know, this little trip should be rather uneventful. Would you and Dinky like to join us?”

Derpy look up happily. “Yes! We can go together… as a family!”

Dinky, seeing her mother so happy, claps her little hooves together. “YAY!”

Arc looks over to Dinky and smiles. “Looks like we just made someone here very happy.”

Derpy beams at Arc. “She not the only one!”

Sometime later Arc leans back from the table. “Thank you for the fish, Derpy. I know it must be hard for you.”

“It it’s for you, I’ll be fine.”

Arc stands up to help Derpy clear the table. “Well, let's get these dishes cleaned up, shall we?”

Derpy sticks out her tongue at Arc playfully. “Hero of Light, Defender of Equestria, two-time escapee of Tartarus, bearer of the Spear of Righteousness and now washer of dishes! Don't you feel such tasks are... I don't know... beneath you?”

Arc carries the dishes to the sink. “Perhaps. However, I still feel as though I need to do things like this.”

Derpy trots over to join him at the sink. “Need to? What do you mean?”

Arc sets the dishes in the sink and turn on the water. “Well, you see... a lot of humans have a problem with power.”

Derpy appears confused. “They do?”

“Yes. You see, the more power an individual has the more likely they are to be... corrupted by it. There have been many times throughout human history where a hero has risen up to free their people from a tyrant.”

“What’s wrong with that? It sounds very noble to me, Arc.”

“At first, yes. They amass power, resources, and influence in their quest to free the innocent. But at some point they often times... lose their way. Before anyone even notices and can stop them the hero BECOMES the tyrant!”

Derpy looks to him soberly. “Arc... I know you. And I know you would never do such things to anypony.”

He turns to face Derpy. “I hope you are right. I really do. But... I want your honest opinion on something.”

“What is it?”

“Do you think I’m more powerful than, say... a princess?”

“I admit, I never thought about it before. Hmmm...”

Derpy considers the question for a few moments before speaking again.

“While I’m not sure the full extent of the princess' powers, I think you could certainly give them a run for their money. But at the same time, I know you would never hurt the innocent.”

“Derpy, I need to tell you something. And it must not be repeated to anyone else.”

“You can rely on me, Arc. What is it?”

“The Hero of Light protects Equestria and its inhabitants while doing their best to maintain the peace. This much everypony knows.”

Derpy looks confused. “Are you saying there is more to it than that?”

Arc nods. “Yes, there is. When I became the Hero of Light, I was told the real reason the position was created was to... maintain a balance of power. Should one princess attempt to seize control, the Hero of Light has full authority to... take whatever steps they deem necessary to bring the situation under control.”

“What are you saying, Arc?!”

“The Hero of Light's original purpose is to be there to... kill an out of control princess.”

Derpy gasps. “This must be such a burden, Arc! But... but I believe in the princesses! And I believe they were right to choose you! Hopefully such an event will never come to pass. But if it does, I know you will make the right choice and do whatever needs to be done.”

Arc sighs and looks down into the soapy water. “Being forced to take down one of the princesses isn't the problem. If one of them were to ‘go rogue’ as they put it, I would have no objection to doing whatever I had to do to protect you, Dinky, all the ponies of Equestria. But... if I have the power to save Equestria from a rampaging alicorn... who would potentially save the land from... me?”

“Please, Arc! You don’t have to burden yourself with this alone! Remember that you have so many friends here in Equestria whom are here for you. The fate of the land doesn't rest on you alone! Even the princesses have each other, after all! And I am sure they too have had this conversation a time or two over the years. Just worry about the here and now, okay?”

Arc smiles. “Thanks for listening to me, Derpy. I think I just had to get this off my chest. You really are a good friend.”

Derpy smile back at him. “I had a wonderful teacher.”

“Now... about those dishes.”

Derpy flies over to a drawer and throws Arc a towel.

“You can dry!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes ma’am.”

The pair finish cleaning the kitchen and retire for the evening.

*Chapter 17 - Family Outing

*Chapter 17 - Family Outing

The next morning Arc, Derpy, and little Dinky walk to Ponyville Hospital. Coming to the now familiar room, Arc knocks lightly before pushing the door open.

“Might we come in?”

Cherry looks over from her bed. “Sure, come on in!”

The trio enters together. Ruby walks over to them and smiles warmly.

“Derpy! Good to see you again! Cherry, this is Derpy and her daughter Dinky!”

“Nice to meet you. Ruby has told me so much about you and your little one.”

Derpy nods happily as she lifts Dinky from her saddle carrier. “Thank you. I hope you’re feeling better.”

Cherry nods. “Very much so, yes. The doctor should be in any time now to release me. That and I can't wait to get back home, as I'm sure everypony back in Dodge Junction is worried about us.”

As if on cue the doctor enters the room along with Applejack. She turns to the group and smiles sheepishly.

“Sorry I'm a bit late y'all. Had a few things to take care of on the farm.”

Cherry nods. “I can understand that. Don't worry about it, Applejack.”

Ruby looks to Doctor Horse. “What's the news, doctor?”

“Miss Cherry may return home at any time. However, under no circumstances is she to physically or mentally exert herself.”

Turning to Cherry, the doctor continues.

“Take it easy for the next week at least. And see your own doctor at home so he can continue to monitor your progress.”

Cherry nods as the doctor turns to leave the room. “Thank you doctor... for everything.”

Ruby looks to her sister. “Well, shall we be off?”

“Yes! If for no other reason than to stretch my legs and get some new scenery!”

Arc smiles and nods. “I can understand that. After all, I spent quite a bit of time in this very room a while back.”

Cherry looks amazed. “Really?! What happened?!”

“An Ursa Minor and I had a disagreement.”

Applejack shakes her head and groans. “That's putting it mildly. I wasn't aware anypony could lose THAT much blood and live to tell about it”

Ruby gasps. “Was it really that bad, Applejack?!”

“Yup!”

Arc shudders at the thought. “I’ll take your word for it.”

With Ruby’s help, Cherry slowly lowers herself off the bed and walks toward the door. The party walks slowly to the Ponyville Train station and boards the train to Dodge Junction. After a short time the train gets underway. Watching the scenery roll by for a time, Ruby turns to her sister.

“It seems like a lifetime ago Arc, Ember, and I were rushing to get you out of here!”

Cherry giggles. “Well, thanks for not giving up on me!”

Applejack chuckles. “If I know Arc, he doesn't give up on anypony. Oh, that reminds me! Twilight wanted me to give this to you.”

Applejack removes a book from her saddlebags and gives it to Arc. He looks at the front cover before flipping through the pages.

“Well, that was nice of her.”

Ruby looks at the book quizzically. “What’s it about?”

“It's a beginner's guide to magic. I suppose it would be good to learn a thing or two about this new power. Let's see here... a simple light spell. Seems pretty straight forward.”

Just then the train passes through a long, dark tunnel. Taking a deep breath, Arc mutters under his breath.

“Here goes nothing.”

Arc focuses his thoughts and a small sphere of light appears in his hand. Applejack looks over at the display, astonished, as does Ruby.

“Woah! How’d you DO that, sugarcube! I thought humans weren’t able to use magic!”

Ruby nods as she stares at the light. “I knew you were talented, of course! But even I thought magic was beyond all creatures other than unicorns!”

Arc chuckles as he toys with the spell in his hand. “You forget, dragons and a few other creatures have the gift as well. I was given Dragon Magic by the Dragon Lord as a reward for liberating the Marquis from Tartarus.”

Cherry looks over at the small light in Arc’s palm. “My, my Arc! You're just full of surprises, aren't you?”

“I guess so!”

He extinguishes the light as the train emerges from the tunnel. Picking the book back up, Arc goes back to reading. A few moments later he grins and calls out.

“Hey, telekinesis!

Applejack raises and eyebrow. “Tele… what now?”

Dinky magically floats towards Arc's embrace, giggling happily at the sensation. Cherry laughs as Arc takes her in his arms.

“I guess that explains it!”

On the trip, Arc is able to learn most of the beginner spells contained within the book. Sometime later the train arrives at Dodge Junction Station and the party disembarks together. Derpy sticks her tongue out at Arc playfully.

“Congratulations Arc! You now have the magical aptitude of a young foal!”

Arc smiles back at her. “Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment.”

The party slowly follows Cherry down the main street toward her ranch. Many of the townsponies stop to hug her and wish her a speedy recovery. Arc observes as yet another pony gives her their well wishes.

“You’re quite popular around here, Cherry.”

Cherry laughs happily. “Dodge Junction is quite a tight knit community, after all. Everypony pretty much knows everypony else.”

Derpy nods approvingly. “It kinda reminds me of Ponyville.”

Applejack laughs. “Everypony is just so nice here.”

Ruby looks to Cherry as she does her best to steady her. “How are you holding up, sister?”

“I think I’ll be all right. But let's hurry on to the ranch. Who knows how long I can keep going.”

They continue on their way. Now with Cherry Hill Ranch in sight, Applejack notices that Cherry has slowed considerably since they arrived. Looking to her, she calls out.

“Are you all right, Cherry?”

Cherry is out of breath as she sits down on her haunches. “I'm sorry all, but I don't think I can make it.”

Arc stoops down to pick Cherry up. “Don't worry about it. In truth, you made it quite a bit further than I originally expected.”

Cherry rests her head against Arc’s chest as he carries her toward the ranch. “Thank you... Arc. For everything.”

Arc carries Cherry the final mile or so to Cherry Hill Ranch. As they approach the house Cherry looks fondly at her home.

“Thank you. Would you be a dear and set me down on the porch swing, Arc?”

“If you’d like. But shouldn't you be in bed?”

Cherry shakes her head. “It feels like I’ve been in bed this past week more than I’ve been my whole life! Besides, it always felt good to just sit on the porch and smell the wind from the cherry trees.”

“As you wish then.”

Arc sets Cherry down on the porch swing.

“There you are, Cherry. Home again, safe and sound.”

“I hope you three don't have to rush back to Ponyville just yet.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “Well... not really. We just don't want you to tire yourself out on our account.”

Arc chuckles. “That and last time I stuck around, things quickly got... messy.”

Cherry waves a hoof dismissively. “Nonsense! If it hadn't been for you, I would have been forced to marry Buffalo Bull! I owe you my life, Arc. Please remember that.”

Ruby walks toward the screen door. “Would the four of you like to stay for lunch? It’s not fancy by any stretch of the imagination. But the two of us would like to show our thanks for all you have done.”

Applejack nods behind them. “Thanks for the offer, Ruby. But I think lunch is on its way.”

She points a hoof toward Cherry Hill Ranch's front gate. The others turn to see what may possibly be the entire town's population walking toward the farmhouse carrying food. Cherry smiles widely as she explains.

“It's a tradition here in Dodge Junction that when someone is ailing they shouldn't have to cook.”

The visitors each approach the porch one or two at a time and deliver their offering of food and a hug to Cherry. Many of them thank Arc for saving their friend and then present him with a bag. As he takes one of the bags he addresses the pony whom gave it to him.

“What’s this?”

The elderly mare before him looks confused. “Payment for you completing our writ.”

Her elderly husband looks over. “With Buffalo Bull laid up in the hospital his gang is no longer terrorizing us.”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “Oh! Um... glad to be of service.”

Eventually the crowds return home, leaving Cherry Hill Ranch as it was. Cherry sits on the swing completely surrounded by food.

“Oh my! That was certainly generous of everypony! I don't know how we’ll ever eat all of this!”

Arc smiles. “Need a hand with that?”

Cherry laughs heartily. “Thanks for the offer, Mr. Problem Solver! Dig in!”

All assembled eat until they can eat no more. Derpy sits down on the porch steps next to Arc and looks to him happily.

“The ponies in this town sure can cook!”

Arc puts a hand on his full belly. “I'll say! I'm not sure I can still move!”

He tries to stand, but fails. Turning to Derpy, he grins.

“Nope!”

Ruby points a hoof at a sleeping Dinky in Arc’s lap. “It looks like your little one enjoyed the food as well.”

Arc nods. “On Earth, we would call this a ‘food coma’.”

Cherry looks over. “While we sit here and digest, would you mind telling us more about your homeland, Arc?”

“Ah, where to begin. We have rolling mountains and vast oceans. Cold tundra and broiling deserts. To tell the truth, I don't really know what to say. Can you be a bit more specific on what you’d like to hear?”

Ruby sits down on the swing next to her sister. “Well, we just finished eating. How about you tell us about the food there?”

Arc laughs. “I could talk about that all day! The food in each region is as diverse as the people living on Earth. It mostly revolves around what grows best in that region. For example, in some parts of my world, rice is a staple food in the diets of many. There are innumerable ways to prepare it and everyone does it a bit differently.”

Derpy looks over to him. “So, what is your favorite food, Arc?”

“That would have to be pizza. Ah... some nights I lie awake thinking about its cheesy goodness.”

He suddenly appears lost in thought. Cherry smiles at Arc.

“I've heard of pizza. But I admit I haven't yet had the pleasure of trying it.”

Arc suddenly snaps back to his senses. “WOAH, WOAH, WOAH! Are you telling me that pizza exists here in Equestria?!”

Ruby laughs. “Sure. It's not exactly mainstream though, as such a thing is rather hard to eat with hooves.”

Derpy looks confused. “I've never heard of pizza. Can you describe it to me, Arc?”

“Well, first you start with the crust. Think of it like bead dough, but it doesn't rise near as much. You roll it flat and put it in a round pan. Then you spread seasoned tomato sauce all over it and cover that with cheese. After that comes the other toppings. Some people like it with different kinds of meats, vegetables, fruits such as pineapple or even mushrooms. Everyone enjoys something a bit different on their pizza. In fact, I’ll have to make you and Dinky one when we get home.”

Derpy appears suddenly nervous. “Thank you, Arc. I'm sure it's delicious. But... um... would you...?”

“Don't worry. I won't put any meat on yours.”

“Thanks!”

Ruby moves to continue the earlier conversation. “You said before that every region has its own unique foods. How many different countries are there?”

“Almost two hundred.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Now just hold on there a minute, sugarcube! Are you telling me that Earth has two hundred different countries?! How the hay do you all manage that?!”

“Pretty much, yes. As to how we manage it... wars. Lots and lots of wars. I learned in history class that wars were pretty much a constant in the world up until the modern age. Now we have something called the United Nations where representatives from each country can come together to talk problems out. Usually before things get out of hand and troops start lining up at the border. If it's one thing humans are good at, it's killing each other.”

Derpy shudders at the thought. “Sounds terrible! Have you ever been in any wars, Arc?”

“I have not, fortunately. But my grandfather was a part of what we now call World War II, in which over fifty million humans were killed. Fortunately the world I left behind was, for the most part, fairly peaceful. At least compared to the one from the history books. I suppose there will always be fighting and bloodshed, naturally. But at least whole races aren't being wiped out anymore. It's sad, but perhaps the Equestrian view on humans isn't too far off.”

Applejack shakes her head. “I think the humans who wage the kind of war you described could learn a thing or two from you, Arc. Now don’t take this the wrong way but, by pony standards, you're a pretty... uh... violent individual. While you probably have more combat experience than any Equestrian soldier has, you also don't seem to be driven by a lust for power, conquest or wealth. But for the innocent.”

Arc nods. “Some humans get a sort of thrill from ending the lives of other. Whether that be an animal, or another human. Please understand that I have no qualms taking the life of another, if completely necessary. But for me such a thing is a last resort and not a first impulse.”

Cherry smiles. “That's what I like about you, Arc. Always so straightforward. I think we all know you wouldn't ever hurt anypony who didn't truly deserve it.”

Applejack tips her hat in a salute. “Darn tootin’! Thanks for being so Honest about this though, Arc. I know it couldn't have been easy to admit the shortcomings of humans. But just so you know, I judge you for what YOU have done. Not what other humans do.”

“Thanks for that, Applejack. Considering what ponies think of humans, I'm glad I wasn't immediately thrown in a cage, or worse, upon my arrival.”

Applejack shudders. “If Captain Decimus had been the first one to spot you, that's what would have more than likely happened!”

“If given half the chance, I’m sure he would do so right now! Although I hope he has learned his lesson, I somehow doubt that he has. I'm not sure what his interest is in Ember though. As the Captain of the Royal Guard, there's no way he wouldn't have known of Princess Cadence's order to release Ember to me pending her appeal. Something tells me there is more to this than meets the eye.”

Cherry looks worried. “What are you going to do about this, Arc?”

“I think I may just have to start an investigation of my own... on the Captain himself.”

Ruby grimaces “Be careful, Arc! Even you can't just accuse the Captain of the Royal Guard of wrongdoing. Decimus has guarded the princesses and the citizens of Equestria for many years now. He has the respect and admiration of the princesses and the citizenry, as did his father and his grandfather before him.”

Derpy appears worried as well. “I'm not disagreeing with you Arc, but what do you expect to find?”

“Hopefully nothing. All I know right now is that he wanted to close Ember's case quickly and silence her permanently by sentencing her to Tartarus. Then, upon learning she was free he quickly moved to, again, wrongly imprison her. Even going so far as to challenge the Hero of Light to do so. No sane individual goes to such lengths without having quite the reason for doing so.”

Applejack sighs. “Looks like you're going to be using that new Command Center as soon as it's ready, huh Arc?”

“So it would seem.”

They sit in silence for a time just enjoying the peace of the moment. Cherry looks out over the ranch as she speaks.

“I guess it goes without saying, but please be careful, Arc. If this Captain Decimus truly is as desperate to hide something from the public, as you think he is, there’s no telling what he might stoop to in order to keep a lid on things.”

“I’ll try Cherry, but... well... it just seems nothing I do lately would be classified as ‘safe’. That and if I’m right, and the Captain of the Royal Guard truly is dirty, I don't believe any of us are truly safe.”

Ruby looks over to Cherry. “Sister, can I ask you something?”

“Of course, Ruby. What’s on your mind?”

“Well, it's about the events of the past week or so. They got me thinking about how close I actually came to losing you. Although Arc and Ember did most of the work to save you from a forced marriage, the truth of the matter is that if I hadn't been here to ask for their help, well... I guess what I’m trying to say is that I can't bear the thought of losing you.”

Cherry smiles. “And thanks to your quick thinking, I’m okay.”

“Yes, but… would you mind... if I moved back to Dodge Junction, and Cherry Hill Ranch permanently?”

Cherry leans over to embrace Ruby. “Yes, Ruby Nothing would make me happier than to have you come live with me again!”

Ruby returns her sister’s hug. “Thank you, Cherry. We can take care of the ranch... together. Just like old times.”

Applejack looks over at the pair and smiles. “I guess everything worked out in the end.”

Derpy nods. “You said it!”

Cherry looks over to Arc. “Thank you Arc for all you’ve done for me and my family. Please know that you and your friends are welcome here anytime. In fact, why don't the four of you all spend the night? I wish I could do more to repay all the Kindness you have shown me and my sister. Maybe someday I can pay you back for all the bits you spent to save me.”

Arc chuckles. “You already have.”

Cherry looks confused. “Huh?”

“Ruby said roughly the same thing when she found out what I did to get you medical help. I told her if I could see the two of you smiling together again that I would consider the debt repaid.”

Ruby gasps. “Wait! You were SERIOUS?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, I was. You see, while it is true that humans are notoriously greedy, we like to use what we have to make ourselves happy and or comfortable. To be fair, Filthy Rich and humanity really aren't that different when you get down to it. But while he uses his wealth to accumulate even more wealth, what makes me happy is bringing joy to others. It may have cost me ten thousand bits, but the joy I have witnessed since doing so... you have repaid me a hundred time over.”

Cherry looks down at her hooves, a tear a joy in her eyes as she struggles to find the words to say.

“I... I don't really know what to say, Arc! Your Kindness and Generosity are certainly legendary in my eyes!”

Ruby nods fervently. “I've never seen anything like it either! You truly are the Hero of Light!”

Cherry slowly stands. “Now then, I must insist that you all stay the night! I still wish to repay you for all you have done, at the very least in some small way!”

Arc too rises. “Thank you for the hospitality, Cherry. I accept.”

Applejack grins. “Me too, sugarcube! It's been far too long between visits!”

Derpy nods. “I go where Arc goes!”

In the excitement of the moment Dinky wakes up and holds her hooves out toward Arc.

“Daddy!”

Arc picks up Dinky and tickles her belly. “Aw... come here little one!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow, confused. “Excuse me, sugarcube. But did I just hear Dinky call you... ‘daddy’?”

Arc nods as he turns to her. “That you did. You see, I signed her birth certificate and have officially taken Dinky on as my daughter.”

Applejack smiles. “Well then... I guess you really are her daddy! You sure do have a big heart Arc!”

Derpy grins. “I'll say! I never thought I’d meet someone as nice as Arc when I first moved to Ponyville!”

Arc turns to his friend. “Thank you, Derpy. I will do my best not to disappoint.”

Arc hands Dinky back to Derpy and grabs several of the bags containing his reward money before speaking again.

“I think I’ll take a stroll around town. There's somepony I need to see while we're here anyways. Care to join me Derpy?”

“Sure!”

Applejack pats Dinky’s head. “Cherry and I can talk about old times in the meantime.

Arc chuckles. “Don't worry. We won't be too long.”

Cherry waves from the swing. “Don't worry about little Dinky. We'll keep an eye on her for you. Just take care to be back in time for supper.”

Arc looks to Dinky whom is crawling onto Applejack’s back. “Alright you be a good girl now.”

She babbles happily as Arc and Derpy walk towards town. As the pair do so Dinky watches them walk away and waves her little hoof. Applejack turns to looks at Cherry with a sly smile on her face.

“So... how are things between you and Arc?”

Cherry’s face turns red as she looks away. “What?! How did you know?!”

Applejack smiles at her. “A blind pony could see that you're sweet on him. But I suppose after what's happened, it's only natural that you feel that way.”

“That may be true. But I'm not the only mare whom has their eye on him.”

Cherry looks over to her sister who immediately averts her gaze to look at the floor and blushes slightly. Meanwhile, Arc and Derpy head for the chapel. Entering the building through the smashed doors, they see the destroyed stained-glass window, damaged walls and numerous destroyed pieces of furniture. Derpy takes it all in as they slowly walk inside.

“Woah! This place is trashed! Who could have done this?!”

Arc sheepishly raises a hand. “Well... um... to tell you the truth... I did.”

Derpy gasps. “What?! How?!”

“This is where I fought Buffalo Bull to save Cherry. I wanted to come back here and apologize to the priest.”

Arc walks up to the altar where the priest is tending to some candles before continuing.

“Pardon me, Father.”

The priest turns around. “Ah, so the hero returns. What can I do for you today, my son?”

“Actually, I came here to see if I could help you. Are you doing alright? I heard that you took quite a blow in the battle the other day.”

“Don't worry about me. I am doing just fine. Considering the injuries Miss Jubilee sustained, I believe I got off lightly in that regard.”

Derpy looks to the candles. “What are you doing here, sir?”

“Right now I’m straightening up the chapel as best that I’m able in order to get ready for an upcoming fundraiser to help pay for the repairs.”

Arc grimaces. “That’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

He hands the priest the bags of bits before continuing.

“I hope this will at least be enough to fix the stained-glass window and buy some new doors.”

The priest accepts the money and nods. “Thank you very much! This should cover all the repairs, and then some!”

“If there is anything left over, just put it in the offering plate.”

The priest smiles. “Thank you, my son! That is very Generous of you! It is good to know the fate of Equestria is in the hands of such a conscientious young fellow such as yourself! Is there anything a lowly priest can do to help?!”

“Just keep Equestria and I in your prayers and we'll call it even, Father. Oh yes! And a speedy recovery for Cherry.”

“Yes, Hero of Light! I shall do as you ask of me.”

Arc turns to leave. “Thank you, Father. We’ll let you get back to work now.”

“You are always welcome here, my son.”

Arc and Derpy leave the chapel together and walk back towards Cherry Hill Ranch. Derpy turns to him.

“How do you do it, Arc?”

“Do what?”

“Carry the weight of protecting Equestria and still find time to be such a darn nice person?”

“I suppose I have you to thank for that.”

Derpy appears surprised. “What?”

“Do you remember when I saw your past in the Dream World? No matter what happened to you or how badly you were treated, you never once retaliated against any of those whom were cruel or took advantage of you. In truth, you’re an inspiration to me!”

Derpy ponders Arc’s words. “Really?! Arc, I never knew that! What should I do?”

“Just keep being yourself. After all, Dinky will need good role models to look up to in the near future.”

Derpy looks down, a bit sad. “I was actually hoping she would look up to you instead. You're my hero, Arc. And... I'm just... me.”

“You are so much more than that though, Derpy. Remember, you were the one who was most determined to rescue me from Tartarus. Even going so far as to fight on the front lines to get me out.”

Arc stops walking and kneels down in front of Derpy. He takes her face in his hands and looks her square in the eye.

“Remember this Derpy. In my eyes YOU are MY hero! So don't sell yourself short.”

She leans forward to hug him. “Thank you, Arc! That makes me so very happy!”

The pair continue walking back to Cherry Hill Ranch. The sun has begun to set as they walk through the gates. Cherry and Ruby are sitting together on the front porch. Dinky is fast asleep on a small blanket in the grass next to Applejack. She throws up a hoof and calls out as they approach.

“Hey there, y'all! Did you have a nice walk?”

Derpy walks over to Applejack. “Yes, we did. It was very... enlightening. I hope Dinky wasn't too much trouble though.”

Cherry looks at the sleeping filly on the blanket. “Not in the least. She's the sweetest little thing I ever laid my eyes on.”

Applejack chuckles. “She kinda reminds me of Apple Bloom back in the day. I could watch her play all day.”

Ruby turns toward the house. “How about I heat up some leftovers for a late supper?”

Arc nods. “Sounds good to me. Not too much though. I don't think any of us are too hungry after such a large lunch.”

The others nod in agreement. Ruby laughs as she enters the house.

“You got it!”

She returns a short while later with a tray containing some of the leftovers from earlier. All assembled eat and watch the sun slip beneath the horizon. Sighing contentedly, Arc speaks.

“This kinda reminds me of when I was a boy visiting my grandparents. The adults would just sit around all afternoon and talk. I didn't understand back then how they could just sit there and do nothing for so long. Now I see that they were just enjoying being in each other's company.”

Dinky lies on her blanket on the front lawn staring up at fireflies, sometimes batting at them with her tiny hooves as Derpy lies next to her and smiles. Applejack chuckles at the sight before her.

“Now that is just too cute!”

Arc looks at Dinky and nods. “You said it.”

Derpy giggles. “It's just so... peaceful out here. ”

Arc chuckles. “Maybe someday I can retire to such a place. That is, assuming something hasn't eaten me before then.”

Cherry begins to doze off. Ruby nudges her sister as she herself yawns.

“How about I help you to bed now sister? I wouldn't want you to overexert yourself. That and I may just turn in for the night myself.”

Cherry slowly gets up, aided by Ruby. “Thank you. I think you're right. Good night everypony,”

The two sisters enter the house together leaving Arc, Dinky, Derpy and Applejack on the porch to continue enjoying the peace of the moment. Arc looks over at Applejack.

“Well, I guess this is as good a time as any. Applejack, can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure thing sugarcube. What's on your mind?”

Derpy stands up. “I should probably put Dinky to bed now. Give you two some privacy.”

Arc turns to her. “Would you please stay, Derpy? This concerns you as well.”

Derpy appears confused. “Oh! Um… okay.”

Arc continues as Derpy sits back down. “Applejack, do you remember the letter I left in my room on the dresser? Derpy says she read it with all of you. I believe I addressed it to ‘The Mysterious Robed Pony’.”

Applejack nods. “Yup. What about it?”

“Well, it’s about Apple Bloom. I was just wondering if you have noticed anything... different about her lately. I can still feel that strange power within her. Have you noticed it as well?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Can't say that I have. I asked Twilight to take a look at her after we read your letter. She didn’t feel anything though, nor could she pick up anything on her machines. Could you have been mistaken?”

“I don't think so, as I sense it whenever she’s nearby. In any case, the reason I’m bringing this up at the moment is, well… now I don't want to worry you Derpy, but... I felt the same thing from Dinky when I delivered her. The feeling was so small, just like she herself was, but it was definitely there. And I feel it’s slowly growing with her.”

Derpy looks down at Dinky as she continues to look up at the night sky. “I know.”

Applejack gasps. “You do?”

Derpy nods. “I can feel it too. At first I thought it was just the extreme love I have for my little Dinky, but... well... I felt it coming from Apple Bloom one day when I was visiting Sweet Apple Acres. It was much stronger than Dinky's power though. I was just so surprised and couldn't bring myself to bring it up then.”

Applejack lowers her voice. “I admit, I didn't think much of it when you mentioned it in your letter, sugarcube, but... maybe there is something to it. Should... should I be worried?”

Arc shrugs. “I'm no expert of magic by any stretch, but I don't think so. Maybe it's linked to her special talent and will be revealed along with her cutie mark. If Twilight isn't able to sense it, measure it, or study it then... well... I'm not sure what we could hope to do about it. My own opinion, for what it's worth, is that Apple Bloom's destiny will help shape the future of Equestria. For better... or for worse.”

Applejack seems very concerned. “What... what should I do though?! I don't want anything bad happening to my little sister, after all!”

Arc nods soberly. “All I can suggest is that you just keep surrounding her with the love she deserves. Like you always have.”

Derpy picks Dinky up and holds her close. “I agree.”

Bopping the little filly’s nose, Derpy continues.

“And no matter what happens, I will always be there for you, my little Dinky.”

Arc puts a hand on Dinky’s shoulder. “As will I, little one.

Arc looks up at Applejack and then at Derpy before speaking again.

“Now then, I'm not trying to scare either of you. I just felt you both should be... aware of what is happening. No matter what comes of this, we will get through it together.”

Applejack smiles weakly. “Thanks for letting me know, sugarcube. I'm sure it wasn't easy to come forward and be Honest about something nopony can really explain.”

Derpy looks to the yawning filly in her hooves. “I think I’ll take a cue from Dinky and head for bed now. Good night, both of you.”

Derpy heads inside with Dinky as Applejack looks over to Arc and nod to the screen door.

“Maybe we ought to take a cue from the others get some shuteye as well. Tomorrow is another day, after all.”

Arc nods as he slowly stands. “Yes, I do believe you're right, Applejack. But why don't you take the other guest room? I’ll sleep down here.”

“That's mighty Kind of you Arc. Are you sure?”

“Yes. I believe I need some time alone now. There are many things I want to think over. Mostly about... where we are now... and the future.”

“We're here if you need somepony to talk to about anything. You don't have to go through this by yourself, you know.”

“Thanks, Applejack. Well, good night.”

Applejack heads up to bed. Arc follows her inside and heads over to the Living Room couch. He puts some wood in the fireplace and casts a flame spell which leaps from his hand to the dry wood as he mutters to himself.

“That should help me think.”

Arc sits in front of the fireplace for several hours just staring into the fire, thinking. The light clopping of hooves coming from upstairs are the only sound in the room other than the wood burning. Cherry descends the stairs and walks over to the couch.

“Arc? Are you all right?”

“Yes. I... I just needed some time to think. And how about you?”

Cherry appears confused. “Me?”

Arc nods. “What are you doing up at this hour?”

“I woke up and couldn't seem to fall back asleep. Too much on my mind, I guess.”

“Same here.”

Arc pats the couch as he continues.

“Care to join me?”

“Sure.”

Cherry sits down next to Arc on the couch and looks over to him as she smiles and speaks again.

“So, why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?”

“It’s quite a few things really. Captain Decimus, the Vile Tribe, the safety of Ponyville, this strange power I feel coming from Dinky and Apple Bloom, along with several other problems facing Equestria that I can't really talk about. State secrets and all that.”

Cherry looks down at her hooves and sighs. “It sounds as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders, huh?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, it's not really that. In truth it’s more about the fact that I have no idea how to even begin to solve any of those problems. Well, other than investigating Captain Decimus, which is not really going to be that hard in theory. Just time consuming.”

“Then why not just start with that? Focus on one task at a time and take on other projects as you can. Remember, nopony expects you to solve all of these problems by yourself, Arc. Or overnight for that matter.”

“I suppose you’re right. Thanks Cherry.”

“You're welcome. I, ah… also came down here to... apologize to you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Apologize?”

Cherry nods. “You did so much to help me, and the best I could offer in return was a meal cooked by others on my front porch.”

She shakes her head before continuing.

“Sorry. I'm not much for entertaining out here.”

“Don't think that. I really did have a great time today.”

Cherry turns to him. “You did?”

“It felt good to just sit back and relax with those I care about, as I feel this is the last time I will have a chance to do so for quite some time.”

Cherry suddenly blushes. “Yes, well… to tell you the truth, there was another reason I came down here, Arc. Something I wanted to talk to you about... alone.”

“I’m listening.”

“While I know that I have thanked you, several times even, for all you’ve done for me and my sister. Sorry if it seems like I’m pestering you with this, but... it's just... well... the truth of the matter is that I... I really like you, Arc.”

“And I like you too, Cherry.”

Cherry shakes her head. “No, no... that's not it. I mean, I really... like you.”

The young mare leans closer, places her hooves on Arc's shoulder and gives him a small kiss on his cheek. Arc turn to her surprised at the turn in conversation.

“Really? I… um… if I may, why me Cherry? It's certainly not for my looks!”

Cherry looks Arc in the eye and blushes slightly. “Well, nopony has ever stuck their neck out as far as you have for my sake. You're strong... brave... smart too! You’ve rescued me, three times now I might add, and kept my sister safe during one such rescue. Then you made a great financial sacrifice to see to it that I would live to see another day. And I don't mind admitting, I do think you are quite handsome, even if you aren't like other stallions. I admit, I wasn't sure what Ember saw in you when we first met, but... now it all makes perfect sense.”

Cherry suddenly draws back from Arc.

“I'm sorry! If you and Ember are already an item, I completely understand!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead and sighs. “That's... kinda complicated. You see, back in Tartarus I defeated Ember in one on one combat which made me worthy of becoming her mate. And the next in line to become the new ruler of the Dragon Lands. However, when I spoke to her father, Dragon Lord Torch, on what should be done he refused to allow such a thing to pass.”

Cherry gasps. “What?! But you’re… just so strong and brave! I would have thought he’d have been ecstatic to have somepony like you marry his daughter!”

Arc shakes his head. “As he put it, the Dragon Lord must always be a dragon. He was right, of course.”

Cherry sighs. “Well, please tell her that I apologize for what I may have said or did in the past. I’m honestly not trying to come between her and you, after all, and really don’t want a jealous dragon coming after me and my sister.”

“Please understand that while I do like Ember as a friend, I’m not really interested in becoming her mate. Fancy Dragon Lord title or not. I told her as such some time ago.”

Cherry grimaces. “And she’s… okay with your answer?”

“Yup.”

“That’s good to hear. But do you think she’ll be jealous of anypony else you decide to see?”

“It’s not likely. When you were still laid up in Ponyville Hospital, Ruby was staying with Derpy and I at her house. One morning Ember awoke to find Derpy lying on top of me. Even though nothing had happened, Derpy was a bit worried that Ember would be jealous. But as it turns out the Dragon Lord often has several ‘concubines’, so she was okay with it. Alright, end of complicated and awkward explanation.”

“That's a relief! I do like you Arc. But as I said before, I really don't want to cut in. Especially when a dragon is involved.”

They are quiet for a time. Eventually, Cherry turns back to Arc and speaks again.

“And what about Derpy? Do you love her?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I do. I love her as an older brother loves his little sister. She is quite special to me. Her and Dinky, that is.”

Cherry jumps up to a standing position. “Please Arc, I have to know. Could you ever think of me as your special somepony?”

“I like you very much as well, Cherry. You’re smart, caring, brave, and… to be Honest with you quite lovely to look at as well. But, I already have so much to do at the moment. Even without an official special someone back home. You see, when I leave the house, Derpy and Dinky just look so sad. It wouldn't be fair to you, to Derpy, Dinky, or Ember to split my attention any further than I do am.”

Arc takes Cherry's face in his hands and holds it close to his own. He kisses her forehead lightly before drawing back.

“I'm... really sorry, Cherry. While this certainly isn't what you wanted to hear, I hope you understand.”

Cherry looks a bit sad. “I kinda thought you would say something like that, but... at the same time I had to be sure. Thank you for being Honest with me about how you feel. It couldn't have been easy. But, as long as we’re both being honest with one another, please know that this doesn't change how I feel about you in the least.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thank you for understanding, Cherry. I hope you find a stallion who can make you happy one day.”

“Since meeting you Arc, I doubt very much that anypony else could even come close. But I wish you the very same thing. I hope you also find a mate someday. Be it a pony, human, or even a dragon.”

Arc turns to look at the fire. “Who can say for sure what the future holds for any of us?”

The pair sit in silence for some time just staring at the fire before Cherry breaks the silence.

“Well, I should probably let you get some sleep now, Arc. Thank you for listening. It really meant a lot to me.”

As Cherry moves to get up from the couch Arc puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Cherry. Um… I’d just like you to know that as I travel this land to protect it, I’m sure that I’ll meet many other ponies. Whether my journey lasts only a matter of months, or decades, I want you to know this. And that is that I will never forget you or this time we spent together.”

The young mare leans into Arc’s embrace with a smile. In a few minutes her breathing slows and she falls asleep. Arc gently strokes her mane as he again looks into the fire.

“Rest well, Cherry.”

*Chapter 18 - Mysterious and Magical Fillies

*Chapter 18 - Mysterious and Magical Fillies

Early the next morning Arc, Derpy, Dinky and Applejack prepare to return to Ponyville. Arc shakes Cherry’s hoof as he smiles at her.

“Thank you very much for having us, Cherry.”

“Believe me, the pleasure was all mine. Just you all remember that you're welcome here anytime.”

Arc nods. “I appreciate that. But on that note, would you mind if I left a sigil here? I can use it to teleport here at a moment’s notice should the need arise.”

Cherry gestures with a hoof. “Right this way.”

Arc and Cherry walk down the stairs to her basement. He calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and places a sigil in the corner. Cherry tilts her head slightly to one side and smiles.

“I do believe that you're more handsome without your armor.”

Upon completing the sigil Arc returns his armor to his ring. Turning to Cherry, he chuckles.

“Is this better?”

Cherry slowly walks toward Arc and nods. “Much!”

Arc kneels down to her level. Cherry puts her hooves around his neck as she brings her head in close and whispers in his ear.

“Don't be a stranger now, Arc.”

She kisses Arc's cheek lightly as they continue hugging for a time. Eventually the pair break off their embrace and walk back up the steps to the main level. Arc look over to Applejack and Derpy.

“Are you two about ready to go?”

Applejack turns and calls out. “Be right there.”

Derpy finishes putting a fresh diaper on Dinky. “We are now.”

They walk to the basement and stand on the freshly made sigil. Arc nods to the Jubilee sisters.

“So long, Cherry. Take good care of your sister, Ruby.”

Applejack waves. “I hope we can get together at my place next time.”

Derpy and Dinky wave happily. “Thanks for everything!”

Cherry looks down sadly. “Goodbye… Arc.”

Ruby smiles warmly. “It was a pleasure.”

The sigil glows and in a flash the four are transported back home. Ruby puts a hoof on her sister’s shoulder as she speaks.

“I'm sorry, Cherry. But I guess some things just aren't meant to be.”

Cherry nods wordlessly and continues to look at the no empty sigil. Meanwhile in Ponyville, Applejack, Derpy, Dinky and Arc reappear in a corner of Derpy's living room. Arc looks around and chuckles.

“Glad I remembered to place this sigil before we left.”

Ember walks out of the bedroom, sleepy-eyed. “Decided to spend the night over there, eh Arc?”

“Yup. I hope you weren't too worried about us.”

Ember stretches. “Nah. Truth be told I kinda figured you would do that. Don't worry about things here though. I made sure Twilight made it home safely yesterday. Although admittedly it was quite a pain carrying all those books that she borrowed from Mythic Honor.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Speaking of Twilight, we should head over there and have her take another look at Dinky.”

Ember appears concerned. “Why? Is something wrong?”

Arc sighs. “We're not sure. Ever since I delivered Dinky, I’ve felt some sort of strange power coming from her. Derpy can feel it too.”

Derpy pats Dinky’s head. “I already asked Twilight about it, but she didn’t sense anything out of the ordinary.”

Ember steps forward and looks to the filly. “I don't feel anything either.”

Applejack looks out a nearby window. “This has me worried about Apple Bloom now too.”

Derpy turns to Ember. “Arc and I felt the same energy coming from her as well.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I wonder if... Derpy, would you please hand Dinky to Applejack.”

“Sure thing.”

Derpy does so and steps back. Arc looks Applejack and Dinky over as he speaks.

“Applejack, do you feel anything at all?”

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

“Alright. Ember, would you try holding Dinky now?”

“Very well.”

Ember takes Dinky from Applejack's hooves as Arc turns his attention to them.

“Do you sense anything?”

Ember frowns as she looks down at the filly. “Actually, yes. It's not like any kind of magic I’ve ever encountered though, and certainly not Dragon Magic. But there is definitely SOMETHING there.”

Derpy takes Dinky from Ember and looks back to Arc. “But why can we feel it and Applejack and Twilight can't?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Puzzling... most puzzling. I think we should consult Twilight on this again. Applejack, would you head over to Sweet Apple Acres and bring Apple Bloom to the Golden Oaks Library?”

Applejack heads for the door. “Sure thing. See yall in a bit.”

Derpy puts Dinky on her back. “We better get going too.”

Ember follows them. “I’ll come as well.”

The three of them leave Derpy’s small house and head to the Golden Oaks Library to consult with Twilight. Arc knocks on the front door and steps back to wait. A few moments later Twilight herself answers. Smiling at them, she speaks.

“Hell, Arc. This is a nice surprise.”

She looks past him to Derpy and Dinky standing there before continuing.

“And you brought company too. What's the occasion?”

“A bit of a magical issue, Twilight. Might we talk about it more inside though?”

Twilight nods and steps aside. “Sure. Please come inside.”

As they enter, Arc addresses Twilight’s earlier question. “The thing is, we need some magical advice, Twilight. Applejack is on her way over here now with Apple Bloom as well.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What seems to be the problem?”

Derpy sets Dinky down on the floor. “Arc, Ember, and I can all feel some kind of strange magic inside my little Dinky. However, when Applejack held her, she said that she felt nothing.”

Putting a hoof to her chin, Twilight looks over Dinky as she crawls around on the floor. Thinking for a few moments she turns to the pair before speaking again.

“While it certainly isn't out of the ordinary for an infant Unicorn to have unbalanced magical powers, the fact I can't sense anything wrong is indeed troubling.”

Ember makes a face. “You know what else is troubling? Dinky's diaper.”

Derpy picks up her daughter. “Would you all excuse me for a few minutes please?”

She heads to the bathroom with Dinky. Applejack walks in the front door a few moments later with Apple Bloom.

“Hey y'all! We came as fast as we could!”

Apple Bloom runs up to Arc. He kneels down to embrace her.

“Arc! How was your trip?!”

“Loads of fun. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that Cherry invited us all to spend the night. I hope you don't mind that we borrowed your sister longer though.”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Nah! We figured Applejack deserved a little time off anyways! By the way, your new Command Center must be almost ready! They're moving furniture inside now!”

Arc sets the filly down and stands up. “I knew my squad wouldn't let me down. I might head over there later, but right now we have bigger things to worry about.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “Like what?”

“Well, did you sister tell you about what I wrote in my letter to her a while back?”

“She mentioned something about you feeling some kinda power in me. I didn't really understand what she was talking about though.”

Applejack sighs. “To tell you the truth, I didn't understand what I was talking about, sugarcube.”

Twilight walks over to the young filly. “Apple Bloom, can you feel anything of magical origin inside you?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Nope. But I don't even know what magic is supposed to feel like.”

Ember takes a couple steps closer to Apple Bloom. “That makes sense, but... I can definitely say I feel it more strongly the closer I get to Apple Bloom.”

Arc nods. “I agree. The feeling is most certainly coming from within her.”

Derpy emerges from the bathroom with a freshly changed Dinky. “Hello again, Applejack!”

“Hi Derpy!”

Derpy looks to the filly next to Applejack. “And a good morning to you as well, Apple Bloom!”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea. Apple Bloom, would you do me a favor and hold Dinky for a few minutes?”

Apple Bloom looks over excitedly. “Really?! Oh boy! I've never held a foal before!”

Derpy points to a nearby chair. “Have a seat and I'll bring Dinky over to you then.”

Apple Bloom hurriedly does so and Derpy lays Dinky in her small hooves. The filly looks down at the infant and grins.

“Aww… she’s so light!”

Arc crouches down next to Apple Bloom and Dinky. “Well, this is most unexpected. I was wondering if them being in close proximity would double the feeling.”

Ember thinks about this for a moment. “You mean like how one plus one equals two?”

Arc nods. “Yes Ember, and very well put I might add. However, right now I’m feeling more like One plus one equals three. But let’s change things up now. Ember would you and Derpy please sit down on either side of Apple Bloom and Dinky please?”

The pair move to do so. Derpy’s eyes grow wide as she sits down.

“You're right Arc! The power didn't just combine, but instead feels like it grew!”

Ember nods. “I agree. Twilight, why don't you try now?”

Twilight takes Ember's place next to Apple Bloom. After sitting there for a few moments she shakes her head.

“Nope. Sorry, but I still don't feel a thing.”

Ember groans loudly. “This is maddening! Why can the three of us feel it, but a talented Unicorn like Twilight can’t?!”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “Um... big sis! I'm feeling something too!”

Applejack rushes over to her sister’s side. “You do?! When did it start?!”

Apple Bloom appears nervous. “About the time Miss Derpy handed Dinky to me. I’m sorry for not saying anything earlier, but I didn't want to interrupt you all though.”

Arc walks over to her. “It's okay Apple Bloom. Can you describe the feeling for us?”

Apple Bloom thinks for a few moments. “Well... I guess the best way to describe it would be kinda like a warm feeling. Like love, but with power behind it. This feeling... it actually feels kinda good to me. Like seeing somepony again after they've been gone for a really long time.”

Ember gives her a thumbs up. “Good description. That's what it feels like to me as well.”

Derpy and Arc both nod in agreement. Apple Bloom looks over to Applejack with tears in the corners of her eyes.

“Applejack... what's happening to me?! I'm scared!”

Derpy picks Dinky back up from Apple Bloom as Applejack walks forward to console her little sister. “There, there sugarcube. You're going to be just fine. We'll figure this thing out together. Any ideas, Twilight?”

“Well, from what Apple Bloom just described, it sounds an awful lot like the power from the Elements of Harmony.”

Applejack gasps. “But, that's impossible Twilight! The Elements are already attuned to us!”

“I know that, Applejack. But we should see if there is any connection. Give me a few moments.”

Twilight pulls six books off of various shelves in the library that appear to have nothing to do with each other. She then turns a vase on an end table a quarter turn to the left then quickly gives it a half turn to the right. The end table slowly rises out of the floor to reveal a display case containing six strange looking jewels. Twilight gestures to the case proudly as she speaks.

“Arc, Ember, Derpy... these are the Elements of Harmony. Equestria's last and most powerful weapon against threats both internal and external.”

Applejack runs over to the case. “What the… I thought the Elements of Harmony were safely locked away in the Royal Palace somewhere! Couldn't anypony break in here and nab em?!”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “Applejack... who would break into a library? Especially one open to the public?”

“Well... aw horse apples! I guess you got me there!”

Twilight continues. “Princess Celestia decided that they would be safer with me here in Ponyville. Such a thing would also be more easily accessible to us rather than the six of us having to go all the way to Canterlot to get them if the need ever arose.”

Twilight turns to Arc as she continues.

“Now then, what do you think, Arc? Is this the same power you feel coming from Apple Bloom and Dinky?”

Arc nods soberly. “There’s no doubt in my mind. The power emanating from these gems is of course much more powerful, but yes.”

Ember steps toward the case with Derpy. “Agreed! It's definitely the same feeling!”

Derpy hugs Dinky tightly. “Twilight! Are... are Dinky and Apple Bloom going to be all right?!”

“The Elements of Harmony and their energies are non-lethal, so I would say that they should be fine. Although I also have to admit that I don't really have a point of reference to base that opinion on.”

Applejack looks nervously to her friend. “So, what should we do Twilight?”

“I don't think there is anything we CAN do other than contact Canterlot and ask the Princesses if they have any knowledge of artifacts similar to the Elements of Harmony. Other than that, I really have no idea.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Applejack, would you mind if I borrowed Apple Bloom for a day or two?”

“Uh… I guess so. But why?”

“I want her to hang around the three of us and see if these energies, or whatever they are, fluctuate at all during the day.”

Applejack shrugs. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. Apple Bloom, are you okay with this?”

“Really, Arc?! This’ll be SO COOL!”

“Guess that settles it. Take good care of my little sister, Arc. And let me know if you find out anything. I'm counting on you.”

Arc nods soberly. “Don’t worry, Applejack. We’ll figure this thing out.”

Applejack gives Apple Bloom a hug before leaving to get back to her chores at Sweet Apple Acres. Ember sighs as she turns to Arc.

“What should we do now?”

“Well, just for the sake of covering all the bases, why don't we take Dinky and Apple Bloom to Ponyville Hospital and have Dr. Horse give them a checkup.”

Twilight nods her head in agreement. “That’s probably for the best. And while you’re doing that, I'll get started writing a letter asking for the princesses’ advice on this matter.”

Arc calls out as he walks toward the door with the others. “Thanks, Twilight. Keep us posted.”

Arc, Derpy, Dinky, Ember and Apple Bloom leave the library and head toward the hospital. Apple Bloom kicks a rock in frustration.

“Awww... I hate going to the doctor!”

Arc sighs. “So do I.”

Apple Bloom looks up at him. “Really Arc?! Why’s that?”

“Every time I go there it's either because something put holes in my chest or a friend of mine is in trouble.”

Derpy looks down sadly. “I too don't much care for hospitals. The last time I was there was after Dinky was born and they told me you were gone, Arc.”

Ember does her best to reassure her. “Not to worry, Derpy. Remember, he was with me pretty much the whole time.”

Arc nods in agreement. “And now we’re all safe and back together again. Let's try and keep it that way, shall we? Want a piggy back ride, Apple Bloom?”

“What’s that?”

“I’ll show you.”

Arc picks up Apple Bloom and puts her on his shoulders. He holds onto her rear hooves as the continue on down the path. Apple Bloom throws her hooves up happily

“This is awesome! Look how high up I am! Wee!”

A short time later the party arrives at Ponyville Hospital. Arc approaches the front desk and speaks.

“Pardon me, nurse. I need to speak to Doctor Horse about a strange magical based ailment.”

“Very well. I’ll see what I can do.”

A few minutes later the nurse returns and approaches Arc.

“The doctor will see you shortly. You can wait in his office.”

The nurse leads them to Doctor Horse's office before returning to the front desk. Derpy sets Dinky down on the floor.

“Apple Bloom, would you like to play with Dinky?”

“Sure!”

Apple Bloom and Dinky play patty cake on the floor until Doctor Horse arrives. Arc gestures to the fillies playing together as he speaks.

“My small friends here are emanating some kind of strange energy, doctor. It seems to grow in power when the two of them are together. Ember, Derpy, and I can all sense it. But so far nopony else has been able to do so. Would you kindly give them a full medical examination please?”

The doctor looks over to the fillies playing on the floor. “I certainly could. But I'm not exactly sure what to look for.”

Arc sighs. “That makes two of us, doctor. I guess I’m hoping you can find anything we can use as a clue.”

The doctor removes two empty syringes from a nearby drawer and walks over to the fillies. After readying them, he looks to Derpy.

“Well, let’s start with a simple blood test. Would you hold little Dinky still for me a moment, Miss Hooves?”

“Yes doctor.”

Dinky cooperates and the sample is quickly taken. Doctor Horse walks over to Apple Bloom with the other syringe. She promptly runs and hides under the desk.

“EKKK!!!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Come on, Apple Bloom! We need to get to the bottom of this!”

She peeks out from under the desk. “But I’m scared!”

Arc smiles at her. “There's nothing to be scared of Apple Bloom. If you’d like, I'll hold you while the doctor takes the sample.”

“Well... okay.”

Apple Bloom walks slowly over to Arc and jumps onto his lap. She wraps her front hooves around his neck and squeezes her eyes shut fearfully. Arc wraps his arms around her midsection and holds on tight. He nods to the doctor who pricks Apple Bloom's skin and takes the sample. She winces but remains fairly calm as blood fills the vessel. A few moments later the doctor pulls out the filled syringe.

“There we go. All done.”

Apple Bloom smiles sheepishly. “Well, that wasn't so bad.”

Ember nods approvingly. “You were very brave, Apple Bloom.”

The doctor calls for a nurse whom momentarily enters the office. He points a hoof at the filled syringes on the table as he speaks.

“Take those to the lab. I need the results as soon as possible.”

“Yes doctor.”

The nurse leaves to carry out her assignment while the doctor continues with the examination. An hour later he finishes.

“Everything seems to be in order physically in both patients. All that's left are the results from the lab.”

There is a small knock at the door as a nurse enters with a report.

“Perfect timing nurse, thank you.”

The nurse gives the doctor the report and returns to her duties. Doctor Horse walks over to his desk and sits down before opening the file.

“Let's see here... Dinky's blood work shows normal all across the board.”

Derpy hugs her daughter tightly. “Oh, thank goodness!”

As the doctor looks over Apple Bloom’s report a strange look crosses his face. “Well, this is quite… unexpected.”

Ember looks over. “Did you find something, doctor?”

“I... don't know. For some reason Apple Bloom's blood sample is very similar to... a Unicorn.”

Arc looks confused. “I'm not quite sure I understand your meaning, doctor.”

“Well, Unicorns have a substance in their blood we know as ‘Magiplasts’. When a Unicorn casts a spell, these magiplasts carry magical energy to their horn. For this reason, magiplasts are only found in unicorns, so this is truly remarkable!”

Derpy looks down at Dinky. “So, no magiplasts, no magic?”

“It is believed so, yes. Although I have never heard of any actual studies being performed on this subject regarding species outside of Unicorns.”

Arc stands up. “Um… doctor?”

“Yes?”

Arc uses his magic to levitate Dinky with one hand while performing a simple light spell in the other. Apple Bloom looks on, wide eyed.”

“Arc! You can use magic now?!”

Doctor Horse watches the spectacle before him in amazement. “Extraordinary! The ability to cast multiple spells of different schools simultaneously! But I was assured by Miss Heartstrings that humans can’t use magic!”

“That is correct, doctor. No human has ever been able to do such a thing. I couldn't myself, until very recently.”

“If I may ask, how is such a feat possible?!”

“During my previous visit with the Dragon Lord, he gifted me with Dragon Magic. And while it differs from unicorn magic, it’s still quite handy.”

Now it is Doctor Horse’s turn to be confused. “Different? How so?”

Ember stands up. “I think I can answer that one. You see, unicorn magic is based more on utilitarian artes such as telekinesis, light spells, transmogrification and the like. A Unicorn can cast such spells with ease with almost no drain to their energy. While Dragon Magic is more offensive oriented. Fire Blast, Feats of Strength, and Elemental Manipulation just to name a few. While a Unicorn could certainly cast these spells if they knew them, it would be quite taxing on them.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Does this mean I can use magic too?!”

“That would be extremely unlikely miss. But, considering what I have just seen and heard... I suppose anything is possible. I will put out a call to some colleagues to see if such an event has ever been reported previously.”

Derpy looks again to the doctor, this time with evident concern in her voice. “Thank you, doctor. But... what about Dinky?”

“I'm afraid I can't be of any help there Miss Hooves. Whatever this power is that you three are sensing doesn't appear to be causing her any pain or affecting her physically. While I too would like to know the source of the power, it doesn't seem to be hindering her in any way. Sadly, this is all I can tell you right now. I wish I could do more.”

Arc stands up. “Thank you for your time doctor. We’ll let you get back to work now.”

Doctor Horse nods as he walks them out the door. “If I come up with anything from my inquiries, I will let you know.”

A short time later the group leaves Ponyville Hospital together. Ember appears annoyed.

“Well, that was a waste of time!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, Ember. We may not have learned anything new, but at least we eliminated a few possibilities.”

Derpy looks over to Arc for guidance. “So, where do we go from here?”

Arc looks straight ahead. “I can think of only one place…”

The party walks down the street as Arc leads them into Sugar Cube Corner. Ember facepalms as he does so.

“Really? This again?!”

Arc smiles as they walk in the door. “What? I can't be expected to think on an empty stomach.”

Apple Bloom runs inside excitedly. “Yeah! Me either!”

Dinky laughs and claps her tiny hooves together. “Yummy!”

Derpy giggles. “I guess at least Dinky agrees with you Arc.”

Arc approaches Mrs. Cake at the counter. Smiling, she addresses him.

“Good morning Hero of... I mean, Arc! What can we do for you today?”

“I’d like to buy a mixed platter of cupcakes please. Oh! And a half dozen muffins.”

Derpy salivates. “Muffins…”

Mrs. Cake arranges the order on a tray. Arc pays for the sweets and returns to the large table the group is now sitting around. He sets the platter down in the middle of them.

“Dig in everyone.”

They do so. Apple Bloom eats happily next to Dinky.

“Yum! These are the best cupcakes I ever had!”

Ember holds up a cupcake. “Gotta admit, this place has good eats!”

Derpy and Dinky say nothing but nod in agreement as they happily munch on their muffins. Ember finishes her cupcake and goes for another.

“Thanks for the treats, Arc. But seriously, what do we do now?”

“Hmmm... well, how about we head over to the park? Dinky and Apple Bloom could play for a while.”

Apple Bloom nods happily. “That sounds like fun!”

Derpy swallows the last of her muffin and giggles. “I guess that settles it!”

The party finishes their snack and heads over to the park. Dinky chases Apple Bloom around trying her best to catch her while Arc and the others sit around a picnic table. A few other foals join them. A familiar mare and another filly arrive sometime later. Arc throws up a hand to them.

“Hi Rarity!”

“Good day to you all. What brings you three here today?”

Derpy looks over to the pair as they play together. “Dinky and Apple Bloom are playing together. Right now we're trying to figure out what is causing some strange magic-like energies that seem to be coming from both of them.”

With genuine concern in her voice. “Oh my! Are they in any danger?!”

Ember shakes her head. “It doesn't look like it. At least the doctor didn't find anything of concern. Twilight is equally stumped. Looks like all we can do now is observe them.”

“My goodness! If there is anything I can do to help by all means please let me know!”

Arc gestures for Rarity to sit down with them. “Thanks, Rarity. The only lead we have right now are the Elements of Harmony.”

Rarity appears confused. “The Elements? How could they have anything to do with those two though?”

Arc lowers his voice and leans in closer to Rarity. “Well, while we were at the library earlier today, Twilight showed us the Elements of Harmony. The power coming from them was the same as the energy from Apple Bloom and Dinky.”

“But how is that possible?!”

Arc shrugs. “We haven’t a clue.”

Apple Bloom walks up to the group with Dinky on her back. “Hi there, Rarity! Um... Arc, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure, Apple Bloom. What's on your mind?”

Apple Bloom looks at the group of adults nervously. “Well… do you remember how in the library I told you how I felt something coming from Dinky?”

Arc nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“It's just that... I'm getting the same feeling here too! At first I thought it was just coming from Dinky again, but... it's not!”

Derpy appears concerned. “Any idea from where though?”

Apple Bloom points a hoof at a white Unicorn with the purple and pink mane. “I'm pretty sure it's coming from that filly over there.”

Rarity looks where Apple Bloom is pointing before turning back to her. “Apple Bloom dear, are you sure of this?!”

“I'm pretty sure. It's hard to tell with so many others around though.”

Rarity looks over at the filly apprehensively. “Well, there's only one way to find out.”

Rarity waves and the white Unicorn approaches the picnic table cautiously. “Everypony, I'd like you to meet my little sister, Sweetie Belle.”

The young filly looks over to Arc then at Ember. “Um… hello.”

“Sweetie Belle, these are a few of my friends. Derpy and her daughter Dinky.”

Derpy and Dinky smile at Sweetie Belle as Rarity continues.

“And this is Apple Bloom. She's Applejack's little sister. You remember her, don't you”

“Uh huh.”

“And this is Arc. He's Equestria's Hero of Light.”

Arc smiles at her. “Pleased to meet you, Sweetie Belle.”

Rarity gestures to their dragon companion. “And finally, this is Ember. She’s the Dragon Lord's daughter.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “So... she's like... a princess then?”

Rarity thinks for a moment. “I... guess you could say that, yes.”

Sweetie Belle looks over at Ember excitedly. “Wow! I never met a princess before!”

Rarity continues. “Yes well, in any case... Sweetie Belle, the Hero of Light would like to have a word with you.”

Sweetie Belle worriedly shrinks back. “Am I in trouble?”

Arc smiles at the filly. “No, it's nothing like that. You and I just need to have a little chat, that's all. Now I'm going to ask you a few questions and you just answer the best you can, alright?”

“Okay. I’ll try.”

“Alright. Tell me... how do you feel right now?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “I guess about the same as any other day.”

“Do you know my friends Apple Bloom and Dinky? Have you met them before?”

“Just Apple Bloom. I’ve seen her in town with Applejack before.”

Arc gestures to the park. “When you were playing together just now did you feel anything... out of the ordinary?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Not really. But we were so busy playing that I didn’t really think about it.”

Arc points at Dinky and Apple Bloom. “Sweetie Belle, I want you to do something for me. Go stand next to Dinky and Apple Bloom.”

“Okay.”

Sweetie Belle does so as Arc continues talking.

“Can you feel anything now?”

The filly makes a strange face. “Now that you mention it, yeah! Kinda like a strange warm feeling!”

Arc turns to Derpy and Ember. “What do you think?”

The pair nod their heads in agreement. Arc turns to Rarity as he continues.

“Just for the sake of clarity, do you feel anything coming from these three, Rarity?”

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

Arc turns back to the filly. “Thank you for answering my questions, Sweetie Belle. You can all go play now.”

The three fillies run off together smiling and laughing as Rarity looks over to Arc, very concerned.

“Arc, what is going on here?!”

“Believe me Rarity, if I knew I’d tell you. When the three of them were standing there together though, the power within became MUCH stronger.”

Ember nods in agreement. “I felt that too.”

Derpy looks around the park. “How many others do you suppose are out there?”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, there's no way of knowing. Don't worry. We WILL figure this out.”

He turns back to Rarity before continuing.

“Would it be all right if Sweetie Belle stayed with us for a while though?”

Rarity nods. “Well, if you think it will help, then yes.”

Arc sighs. “I admit, I'm not sure of anything right now. All I can think of to do is watch... and wait.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “I trust you, Arc. Do what you think is best, of course. But please... take care of my little sister.”

She waves a hoof at Sweetie Belle who comes running back. As she stops in front of her older sister, Rarity speaks.

“Arc here would like the three of you to stay together for a while longer. I'm going to head back home, as he will be looking after you for now. Be a good girl for him and Miss Derpy.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “I will. Bye Rarity.”

Rarity stands and leaves the park. Sweetie Belle turns to Apple Bloom and grins.

“This is going to be so cool!”

Apple Bloom hops up and down. “I know, right!”

Dinky joins in the fun by clopping her hooves together. “YAY!”

Sweetie Belle looks back at Arc. “Mister Arc, can we play some more?!”

Arc nods. “Go right ahead. Derpy and I will be here if you need us.”

The trio returns to playing together while the adults try, and fail, to make sense of the situation. They stay at the park until late afternoon. Eventually Ember stands and looks off into the distance.

“Well, we aren't making any headway on this mystery. I'm going to fly to Sweet Apple Acres and tell Applejack what we learned so far.”

Arc sighs. “Good idea. We'll head back to Derpy's house in a few minutes. See you back there for supper.”

Ember nods and flies away toward Sweet Apple Acres. Arc stands up and looks over at the three fillies as he calls out to them.

“Alright girls, time to go home for supper!”

Apple Bloom groans. “Awww... can't we stay a little longer though?”

Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “Yeah! We were having fun!”

Arc shakes his head. “All good things must eventually come to an end. And besides, aren't you two hungry after all that exercise?”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof on her stomach. “Well, I guess I am.”

Derpy motions for the fillies to follow her. “This way, girls.”

They make the short walk to Derpy's small house. Derpy begins preparing a simple supper for them. The fillies run over to her as Sweetie Bell looks to the stove.

“Miss Derpy, can we help?!”

Apple Bloom jumps up and down. “Can we?! Can we?!”

“I suppose so. Sweetie Belle can set the table and Apple Bloom can help me make the salad.”

The fillies quickly move to fulfill their assignments. As Sweetie Belle passes the stove, she catches a strange aroma coming from it. Pointing a hoof, she calls out.

“Miss Derpy, what's in that pot on the stove? It smells a bit... odd.”

Derpy look over to Sweetie Belle and wrings her hooves together nervously. “Oh! Um... well... it's supper for Arc and Ember.”

Apple Bloom walks over. “Aren’t they eating salad with the rest of us?”

“Arc will, yes. Ember... not likely.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “Why not?”

Arc walks into the kitchen to join them. “Quite the detectives you two are. Wanting to know something that you don’t understand.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Is that… bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Now then, why don't you two let Derpy finish making supper and go sit on the couch? I'll answer your questions there.”

The pair trot over to the couch and sit down next to each other. Arc follows and sits down as well. Sweetie Belle looks up at him sheepishly.

“Mister Arc, are we in trouble?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Being inquisitive is just part of growing up. It's just that... well... what's in the pot on the stove makes Derpy a bit... squeamish.”

Apple Bloom looks back at the stove. “Why? What’s in there?”

“Fish Soup.”

Sweetie Belle joins Apple Bloom in staring at the pot. “Fish Soup? Are you saying there are fish swimming around in that pot?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, the fish have already been cooked.”

Apple Bloom makes a face. “Are you and Ember going to eat FISH?!”

“We are. While I can certainly eat fruits and vegetables, Ember simply cannot.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Why not?”

“Her stomach can't digest plants very well. Just like your tummies can't digest meat. The truth of the matter is that dragons mostly eat meat and gems. More meat than gems though.”

Sweeting Belle looks back at Arc. “And you Mister Arc? What do you eat?”

“I can eat both plants and meat. However, in order to stay healthy I do require at least some meat in my diet. And before you ask, no humans do not eat ponies.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle look relieved as Arc continues.

“Any other questions?”

Apple Bloom looks nervous, but asks anyway. “Mister Arc, can I try some of your soup?”

“No, Apple Bloom. As I said, your stomach can't digest meat. It would most likely make you sick.”

Ember walks in the front door. Derpy calls over to her from the kitchen.

“Welcome home, Ember! Supper will be ready in a few minutes!”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “How did it go with Applejack?”

Ember sighs as she closes the door behind her. “I'm not sure if she was relieved or not to hear we found another pony who has this strange energy inside of them. All I can say for sure is that we had best figure this one out before Applejack has a nervous breakdown.”

Apple Bloom grunts. “Applejack. She's always so overprotective!”

Derpy looks over toward the couch. “That just means she loves you, Apple Bloom. You'll understand one day when you have little ones of your own. But in any case, supper is ready.”

They all gather around the table to eat. As they do so, Ember turns to Arc.

“I saw the Command Center on the flight back here. Looks like it's about ready.”

Arc nods happily. “Good. We'll be needing it soon enough. Although it needs a name too. Just calling it the ‘Command Center’ doesn't quite do it for me.”

Apple Bloom looks up. “How about ’The Hero of Light’s Base’ then?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. It still sounds too military. I need something that gives the population something to look up to. Something to give them hope.”

Sweetie Belle pricks up her ears. “I know! What about ‘Light’s Hope’?”

Arc is silent for a time as he thinks it over. “I think that's what we will call it. Light's Hope it is. Good job Sweetie Belle.”

There is a knock at the door. Both fillies run to the door and cry out happily in tandem.

“WE’LL GET IT!”

Ember laughs. “They're enthusiastic, I'll give them that!”

The sound of the front door opening can be heard. However, very suddenly the door slams shut. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle run back to the kitchen screaming.

“There are monsters at the front door!”

“Save us!”

Arc sighs and stands. “I think I know who they are.”

He walks to the front door and opens it to see his squad standing on the front steps looking a bit confused. Upon seeing Arc, they snap to attention and salute. Arc stands aside.

“At ease. All of you come inside.”

They do so. Xenos looks over at Arc as he closes the door behind them.

“We sure are sorry about scaring your friends, commander.”

Max sighs. “Though I suppose we probably do look a fright in the moonlight.”

Arc looks to the two fillies hiding behind Derpy. “It’s alright girls. They’re with me.”

Apple Bloom pokes their head out from behind Derpy. “Are… are you sure, Mr. Arc?”

“Positive. They're going to be helping me save Equestria from evil... or whatnot.”

Sweetie Belle comes out of hiding. “Okay… if you say so Arc.”

“Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. I want you to meet Xenos, Max, Hugh, and Viktor.”

The stallions wave as their names are called. Sweetie Belle looks over to the four Lunar Protectors.

“I guess they're not so scary in the light.”

Arc nods. “Now that we have that out of the way, have a seat on the sofa, boys. I'll bring you up to date on what's been going on since you left.”

The squad sits on the couch and waits for Arc to speak. Arc brings them up to date on the current situation regarding the three fillies and the strange power that seems to be coming from them.

“So that's where we stand. If any of you have any ideas, I'm all ears.”

They shake their heads. Max looks out the window to the north as he speaks.

“Perhaps Canterlot can help us out on this one sir.”

“Twilight has already sent word to the princesses. No word as of yet. But in any case, I suppose we can't really do anything else about it tonight.”

Hugh looks to the fillies. “Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. Canterlot is full of scholars that can solve any problem.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Shall we head back to our campsite now, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Why don't you guys head to the town’s inn for the night? I've already made reservations for you four. Be back here first thing in the morning though so we can head over to the new Command Center together. Oh! That and Sweetie Belle here has come up with a name for it. We're going with ‘Light's Hope’. But for now, dismissed.”

The squad salutes Arc and hurries out the door. Arc and the rest of the household finish their supper. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle look to be quite tired from the day's events. Derpy looks over at the yawning fillies and smiles.

“I think it’s time for all fillies to be in bed now.”

Sweetie Belle yawns. “But we’re not even… tired!”

Arc stands and herds them toward the bedroom. “You two can sleep in my bed. Sweet dreams.”

The fillies slowly walk to the bedroom as Derpy puts Dinky in her crib for the evening. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom look back from the doorway and call out together.

“Good night!”

They close the door behind them. Ember, Derpy, and Arc sit around the fire together. Arc finally breaks the silence.

“Anyone else feel like a cupcake?”

Ember facepalms and heads for the bedroom. “Not this again! You do what you want, but I'm going to bed.”

She quietly enters the bedroom for a good night’s sleep as Derpy looks over at Arc.

“Arc... what's going to happen to our little one?”

“I don't know Derpy. Hopefully the princesses can advise us on this matter tomorrow. Until then, all we can do it wait.”

She nuzzles his side, happily. “Thanks for being you Arc. You're always there for me.”

Arc puts an arm around her and smiles. “You’re welcome, Derpy. After all, that’s what friends are for.”

*VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 19 - For the Greater Good

*VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 19 - For the Greater Good

Early the next morning the squad arrives at Derpy’s house. Arc answers their knocks.

“Good morning, boys.”

Max salutes with the other three. “Reporting for duty, as ordered, sir!”

Arc facepalms. “Oh boy… at ease! Do you guys always have to be so... so military?”

Viktor looks at him, confused. “Uh sir... we ARE the military.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. And as such, we’re taught to address a superior officer in such a way.”

Hugh looks to Arc. “Do you have a different way that you’d like to be addressed, sir?”

Arc sighs as he steps outside to join them in the cool morning air. “No, I suppose not. But feel free to speak freely for the moment. In any case, the others will be out in a few minutes.”

Hugh looks in the direction of the new building. “We're all very excited to see the new Command Center, sir.”

“As am I. Hopefully we can just use it as a base of operations though. I don't really want to have to command a war from it.”

Viktor nods. “Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst, I suppose.”

The others emerge from Derpy's house and soon the party is on its way. Sweetie Belle looks over at Arc’s squad.

“You guys aren’t quite as scary in the daylight.”

Xenos chuckles. “Thank you miss.”

Hugh turns to her. “Please remember, we are here to protect and serve the Hero of Light after all.”

Ember smirks. “Just don’t get in my way though.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sure there’s a place for everyone in what is to come.”

Apple Bloom approaches the four. “So, what's the most dangerous mission you’ve been on?”

Max thinks for a moment. “That would have to be our most recent one, where the Hero of Light led us into Tartarus.”

Upon hearing this, Apple Bloom turns her attention back to Arc. “Wait a minute! Arc, you actually went BACK to Tartarus?!”

“Yup.”

“Why?!”

“Originally I went in there to save a certain… individual of importance. However, I left that day with three more than I planned on.”

He turns to his squad before continuing.

“Not to worry though. I'm sure we will have many more missions together of much greater difficultly.”

Hugh laughs. “We've already been to Hell and back with you sir. How much worse could it get?”

Arc stops walking and turns his head to look at his squad. “Listen to me, all of you. While I haven't been doing this very long, I've already encountered my fair share of demons and monsters.”

Looking each of them in the eye, Arc continues.

“I've fought things the four of you have only ever seen in your darkest nightmares. Believe me when I tell you that it can and will get much... MUCH worse! Please understand that I’m not trying to scare you here. In truth, I’m just being Honest. But in any case, perhaps we’ll have time to discuss this matter further at a later date.”

The party continues onward. Sweetie Belle turns to Arc.

“Back then, when you were in Tartarus I mean, were you scared, Mister Arc?”

“Yes, I was.”

Apple Bloom walks up to join the conversation. “What gave you the courage to do something like that?”

“I went in there and fought so others wouldn't have to.”

Derpy smiles. “That's what heroes do, Apple Bloom. Protect and serve where they’re needed.”

Dinky giggles from her place on Derpy’s hip. Arc boops her nose affectionately as he looks to her.

“All I want to do is keep trouble as far away as I can from little ones like you, Dinky.”

A short time later the party arrives at the newly built Command Center. Hard Hat is waiting out front for them along with Twilight and the rest of the Mane Six. Arc walks over to them, confused.

“Twilight? What are you and the others doing here?”

Twilight gestures to the building with a hoof. “It's not every day that we have such a grand building raised up in such a short amount of time.”

Applejack nods soberly. “That and we were hoping to talk more about the strange energy from yesterday.”

Rarity walks over to Sweetie Belle. “My friends are I are very concerned that there may be other foals out there with the same energies.”

Arc nods. “I understand. We’ll all get together and talk about it in the Meeting Room as soon as I finish inspecting the base. This shouldn't take too long.”

Pinkie grins. “Good! Because we need to break this place in with a ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party’!

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Pinkie, I don’t think the building needs to be welcomed.”

Fluttershy giggles. “It probably more for Arc than the building itself though.”

Derpy looks to the stallion at the doors. “Maybe we should let Arc talk to the builder then.”

Twilight steps aside as she turns to Arc. “Makes sense.”

Arc walks past her and approaches Hard Hat. The stallion holds out a rugged hoof and greets him warmly.

“Ah, welcome Hero of Light! It was a great honor to build your Command Center.”

Arc nods as he and the stallion shake hands/hooves. “Thank you for all your hard work. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything turned out.”

Hard Hat gestures to the front doors with a hoof. “Shall we begin the inspection tour now then, sir?”

“Lead the way.”

Arc and the rest of his party enters the Main Hall. It is a very large round room with a solid oak receptionist's desk off to the left surrounded by many filing cabinets. Sweetie Belle looks around the room and gasps.

“Woah! This room alone is bigger than the whole Town Hall!”

Hard Hat turns to Arc. “I hope you like the mural. I designed it myself.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Mural?”

At Hard Hat’s beckoning, Arc and company look up at the ceiling. Portrayed overhead is the Battle of Tartarus showing Twilight and her friends along with the former Heroes of Light standing against the hordes of demons with Arc fighting some distance in front of them. Next to it is a mural of Arc fighting several dragons in front of the Dragon Lord himself, followed by a depiction of Arc receiving Dragon Magic from the Dragon Lord. Derpy gasps, clearly amazed.

“Breathtaking.”

Hard Hat gestures to the empty parts of the ceiling. “As you can see, there is plenty of room left for your future adventures, sir”

Ember laughs. “I guess so. But at the rate he’s going, this ceiling should fill up in no time.”

Hard Hat motions to the desk. “I’m told that Canterlot should be sending a receptionist in a day or so along with a chef and a number of guards to defend your base.”

Arc shrugs. “No rush there. I’m not looking to go off on anything too dangerous anytime soon.”

Applejack and the others make their way deeper into the base. “The six of us will see you in the Meeting Room when you’re done, Arc. Don't be too long though. We've got to get this whole thing figured out.”

Arc nods to her before turning to Hard Hat. “Alright, I’ll see you there.”

Turning to the stallion, he continues.

“Just give me a few moments before we continue on.”

He walks to one side of the room and calls forth Eidolon's Ward. Wasting no time, Arc places a sigil on the floor before returning the armor to his ring. Returning his attention back to Hard Hat, Arc again speaks.

“Now then, lead on. It appears that I have pressing matters ahead of me already.”

Hard Hat leads Arc and his squad deeper into the Command Center. Pushing a door open he shows them the Training Hall for Arc and his squad.

“As you requested, we have done our best to recreate Canterlot Castle’s Training Center here, sir.”

Arc nods. “I think it will do.”

He turns to his squad before continuing.

“What do you think guys?”

Max looks around the room. “We’ll only need to make a few minor changes to the layout, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. But for the most part it’s a flawless recreation.”

Hugh chuckles. “It’ll be at the top of our priority list.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “There’s a list?”

Hard Hat writes down a few notes. “Let me know what needs to be done and I’ll see to it that it’s fixed.”

Max shakes his head. “It’s just the layout of a few of the things in here. We just need to do a bit of rearranging to fix them. Nothing major.”

Hard Hat looks to Arc, whom nods. Gesturing to the door, the stallion continues.

Next up we have the Armory. Please follow me and I’m sure that all of you will be pleased.”

Hard Hat leads them back out into the corridor and down the hall. He opens another door to expose a large room filled with weapons of every kind imaginable and different types of armors. Arc looks around amazed as he speaks.

“This place could outfit a small army!”

Max nods soberly. “Someday you may have to, sir.”

Hard Hat points a hoof toward a corner of the room. “We‘ve also included a decently equipped blacksmith's forge for repairs and maintenance of these weapons.”

Xenos nods. “That will come in handy after a hard day’s training.”

Viktor shrugs. “It’ll be quicker than sending them out for repairs.”

Hugh grins. “As hard as Xenos is on weapons, yes.”

Returning to the corridor, Hard Hat points a hoof at a very thick looking metal door across the way.

“Over against the wall is where we have installed the vault you asked for sir. Its security is second only to the vault in Canterlot Castle. It is, of course, empty now. But should the need arise, whatever you put inside will be kept safe.”

Arc nods approvingly. “I’m sure that will come in handy for any number of things.”

Max looks to Arc. “Like storing magical artifacts and confiscated contraband, sir.”

Hugh smirks. “And our pay when it arrives.”

Xenos chuckles. “Can’t be too careful with money, after all.”

Next they are led to the Cafeteria and the adjoining Kitchen. Hard Hat points to the range as they enter the swinging doors.

“State of the art food preparation facilities. This kitchen was designed by the top minds in culinary circles.”

Hugh looks around. “You could feed an army with this kitchen!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “The way I eat, we may have to. I just hope the chef Canterlot is sending over doesn't have an aversion to cooking meat for Ember and I.”

Hard Hat shakes his head. “Certainly not, sir. That was one of the main reasons your new chef was chosen. You see, you're actually getting one of Canterlot Castle’s best sous chefs.”

Max frowns. “A sous chef to feed the occupants of a base this size?”

Hugh grimaces. “Are you sure that they’re up to the task?”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. And that’s without the whole meat cooking requirement.”

Hard Hat puts a hoof on one of the food prep counters. “You’ll be pleased to know that she does have experience cooking for a number of different cultures. Several of which are carnivorous, sir.”

Arc smiles happily. “Good. Can’t wait to meet her.”

Ember salivates. “Me too!”

Hard Hat leads the party to a large room with many rows of bunk beds. “Here we have the Barracks. For the enlisted soldiers, of course.”

Arc looks at the number of beds lined up. “There aren't actually going to be this many soldiers stationed here, are there?”

“No sir. This is merely a precautionary measure in case such facilities are needed. Like if a war were to break out or some kind of other disaster. As I stated earlier, a small contingent of soldiers will of course be stationed here permanently. However, their purpose will be mostly for keeping this building secure when you and your own troops are off on missions.”

Arc motions to his squad. “What about them?”

“Right this way.”

The party is led down a nearby corridor to a smaller room containing four beds, a table, bathroom facilities, and a couple of couches. Hard Hat turns to Arc as he speaks.

“As you ordered, your troops will have their own living areas separate from the rest of the soldiers.”

Arc nods. “Good. It should help them to work as a unit. Contrary to their original training, that is.”

Hugh smiles. “It's definitely a step up from what we’re used to.”

Xenos nods. “Company barracks are now a thing of the past.”

Arc turns to his troops. “If you boys want to change anything in here feel free to do so.”

Viktor nods. “Thank you, sir.”

Max looks to the others. “We’ll talk it over later.”

Arc turns back to Hard Hat. “Now then, tell me about the Guest Quarters.”

“Right down the hall from your quarters, sir.”

A short walk finds the group looking into much more luxurious accommodations. Hard Hat gestures to the fancy furniture.

“Guest Quarters for VIPs and visiting dignitaries.”

Hugh gasps. “These accommodations are like something one would expect to see in Canterlot Castle!”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! It’s crazy snazzy!”

Max looks around the spacious room. “As nice as these rooms are, I can't wait to see yours, sir!”

Viktor nods. “If this is any indication, it must be quite the sight to see.”

Hard Hat points a hoof. “That particular suite is just a few doors down the way.”

They walk a number of paces down the hall before stopping before a rather normal looking door. Hard hat gestures to it as he speaks.

“Here we are. The Hero of Light's living quarters!”

Arc nods to the door. “Did you build my room EXACTLY as I drew it?”

Hard Hat smiles. “Yes indeed, sir! Although I must admit, it wasn't what I expected a hero of your caliber would want. Would you care to inspect it?”

“Yes. Let’s have a look.”

Sweetie Bell turns to Apple Bloom. “I bet it has gold walls!”

Ember smirks. “With jewel encrusted furniture.”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Nah. Arc isn't that kind of individual! But I bet it's still going to be really nice.”

They all enter the door and are stunned by what they see. Derpy looks around, wide-eyed as she turns to Arc.

“Why… this is…!”

Her voice trails off as she and the others can only stare. The quarters are an exact replica of Derpy’s small house. Even Dinky is convinced, as she looks around fervently for her crib. Eventually Ember looks to Arc, confused.

“But… why?”

Arc nods approvingly. “Derpy's house has been my home for the majority of the time I’ve been here in Equestria. And as such, these quarters will be a constant reminder of what it is I am fighting for.”

He turns to the stallion before continuing.

“Excellent work on this Hard Hat.”

“Thank you, sir. There are a few more things left to see on our tour though. Next stop, the War Room.”

At the end of the hallway is a large double door. Hard Hat pushes them open and allows everyone inside as he speaks.

“Welcome to the heart of your Command Center, sir! On one end here you have rows of desks for both officers and clerical staff. Your office is through those doors over yonder if you need to work in private. Other than that, you have a large desk at the head of this room as well which could be delegated to a second in command should you decide to declare one. Over here you have your maps of Equestria and a small meeting table as well as holographic communications uplinks for up to six-way teleconferencing. I don't mind telling you this sir, but you really could run a war from this one room if you had to.”

Arc sighs. “Again, I hope it doesn't come to that.”

Ember turns to him. “But it's good to know we have options.”

Arc points to another door. “What's in there?”

“That’s your official Meeting Room, sir. Shall we?”

Hard Hat gestures toward it as Arc and company enter the Meeting Room. It is a spacious room with a long table and many comfortable chairs lining it on either side. On the far end of the room is a small stage with a podium at one end of it. The Mane Six have already sat down and are discussing recent events amongst themselves. Turning to Arc, Hard Hat continues his spiel.

“In addition to being a private place to discuss sensitive matters, this room can easily be converted into a Press Room for making official statements via the podium in the head of it.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… I can't imagine whom would care to listen to me ramble.”

Hard Hat pushes a button at the head of the table and mithril shutters slide over the floor to ceiling windows as the doors close and lock. As they finish closing a magical barrier covers them.

“One last feature, sir. For times where absolute secrecy is required. Sound proof walls along with reinforced windows and magically sealed doors. The princesses themselves could hold secret meetings here if needed with absolute security. But in any case, I suppose that concludes the grand tour, sir. How did we do?”

Arc nods. “Very well, I think. This should more than suffice as a base of operations. In fact, Sweetie Belle here has come up with a better name for it than ‘Command Center’.”

Sweetie Belle grins widely. “We’re going to call it Light’s Hope!”

Hard Hat turns back to Arc. “Very well, sir. I shall inform Canterlot of you decision upon my return to the capital. Now if you will excuse me, there’s more work to be done in Canterlot. Busy, busy, busy…”

Hard Hat presses the button again to disengage the security measures. He then leaves the room as the party holds back in the Conference Room to chat amongst themselves. Arc walks to the head of the table as his squad leaves with Hard Hat. They dutifully close the doors behind the exiting stallion.

“Alright, it would appear that we already have a mystery to solve here. About this strange energy within Dinky and Apple Bloom. Twilight, have you heard back from Canterlot yet?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I have. The princesses say that they can think of no explanation for this, but have forwarded the matter on to their scholars and historians for further review. Have you learned anything on your end, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Very little, I’m afraid. We took Apple Bloom and Dinky to Ponyville Hospital yesterday to see if we could learn anything about any physical or biological changes that may have occurred. Dinky checked out all normal, however... Apple Bloom's lab results showed traces of magiplasts in her blood sample.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow, confused. “I'm no expert, but aren't those only found in Unicorns?”

Arc nods. “That’s roughly what Dr. Horse said.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “But Apple Bloom is an Earth Pony. How the heck does she have them then?!”

Arc shrugs. “He’s inquired of some of his colleagues elsewhere. Hopefully they can put their heads together in order to shed some light on this matter.”

Applejack begins to tear up. “Arc... please... you've just GOT to help my little sister! If there is ANYTHING I can do to help, just tell me! I don't care how crazy or dangerous it is!”

Apple Bloom pats her sister’s side. “I’m just fine though, Applejack. Really, I am.”

Arc turns to her. “Applejack listen to me. We are GOING to help Apple Bloom. There's an answer out there somewhere. We just have to find it.”

Derpy nods fervently. “Right! And if anypony can figure this out, it's Arc!”

Ember looks to Applejack. “Your sister is in good hands.”

Fluttershy smiles at her friend. “Apple Bloom is going to be alright. I just know it.”

Arc stands and walks over to the window. He looks out at the forest that borders the base as he speaks.

“Another piece of the puzzle has been uncovered in that regard.”

He turns to Twilight before continuing.

“After we left you the other day, Derpy and I spent some time at the park. Dinky and Apple Bloom were playing together with a group of other foals. Rarity joined us in our talk about the morning's events when Apple Bloom came to tell us she had found another filly whom seemed to be putting out the same energy.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! Who was it?!”

Arc turns to looks at Rarity’s little sister. “It was Sweetie Belle here.”

“She can also feel the energy from Dinky and Apple Bloom and explained the sensation about the same way as Apple Bloom did earlier.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head as if to try and make sense of the whole situation. “Just how many foals are out there like this?!”

Rarity sighs. “There's no real way of knowing, as it seems only Arc, Derpy, and Ember can feel their power.

Ember shrugs. “Other than the fillies in question, of course.”

Pinkie jumps up. “It's an epidemic, I tell you!”

Fluttershy looks at the foals, sadly. “So, what do we do about this whole thing?”

Arc sighs. “I haven't a clue at the moment. If this continues though, I’ll have to report a potential epidemic to Canterlot.”

Applejack appears worried again. “Do you suppose they’re somehow contagious?!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin and thinks. “That seems rather doubtful, Applejack. These three haven’t had any contact with each other before yesterday.”

Arc sits down heavily in his chair at the head of the table. “So... are we back to square one then?”

Ember shrugs. “Unless the doctor or the princesses can come up with something on their ends, I think we are.”

Arc looks around the table. “Does anyone have any ideas? I don't care how crazy they are. Let's hear them.”

The assembly is silent. Derpy puts a hoof to her head.

“Ugh…”

Arc looks over to her. “Derpy? What is it?

She runs over to the window and peers outside. “I... I think... it's happening again!”

“What is?!”

Twilight runs to join Derpy. “I feel it too. It's the same as last time! Look at the trees!”

Pointing a hoof outside, everyone notices that the tree branches seem to be moving in slow motion and the light outside is dimming slowly. Arc calls forth his armor and runs to the door. Throwing them open he motions for his squad to reenter the room. As they do so he holds his spear at the ready.

“Stand ready to protect everyone here troops! Twilight, talk to me! What’s happening?!”

Twilight grimaces. “This happened once while you were imprisoned in Tartarus! We were in Derpy's house when time seemed to slow to a stop and the light dimmed away into nothingness! Then a strange looking... bright creature appeared and gave us the crystal we used to lower the barrier and enter Tartarus!”

Fluttershy chimes in. “It helped us the last time it was here.”

Rainbow Dash takes up a battle ready stance. ““Yeah, but who know what it wants now!”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear. “Maybe to collect on that debt!”

Just like last time, the light from outside fades away until even the inside lights cannot illuminate the space around them. A bright figure appears in the center of the room and turns to the gray mare.

“Hello again, Derpy.”

Derpy gasps. “It's you! You helped us in the past, but... who or what are you?!”

The being pulsates with an inner glow as it speaks. “What I am is... a friend. As to who I am... I have been called many things throughout the ages. Names mean little to me after all this time. But if you must call me something, you may refer to me as ‘Kronos’.”

Twilight steps toward the creature. “Well then, Kronos. I wish to formally thank you for your help in liberating our friend Arc here from Tartarus recently. But it seems we have need of your help again.”

“Yes. That is why I have appeared before all of you today.”

Kronos returns its gaze to Derpy before continuing.

“Derpy, you have no doubt felt the power coming from your daughter, and also from these two other fillies.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I have. But only Arc, Ember and I can sense this power. Why is that?”

“You three are able to feel their power as you are all 'Bearers of the Spears of Balance'. Their power is quite similar to your own. But at the same time different enough from the Elements of Harmony that the Element Bearers themselves cannot feel it.”

Applejack looks at the creature suspiciously. “This power inside these fillies. Will it hurt them?”

“It will not, no.”

Pinkie appears skeptical. “Are you sure?!”

“I am, yes. Someday when their destinies are clear to them they will be able to realize, harness, and control the power that for the moment lies dormant within them. When united, they will be a nearly unstoppable force.”

Ember moves to stand next to Arc. “Are there other fillies we should be on the lookout for?”

“Yes. There is one more whom possesses this power.”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “We should tell the princesses of this right away. Perhaps a search should be started in all major cities.”

“You may do as you wish, of course. But I would advise you not to search for the fourth filly.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Why not?”

“Your paths will cross soon enough. However, only when the time is right.”

Applejack regards the creature angrily. “Is there some special reason these fillies were chosen?!”

“The only reason I can give you is that they were chosen by destiny.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Destiny?”

“Nothing more or less. The world will soon have need of them and their power. Dinky however... is an abnormality.”

Arc rolls his eyes at Kronos as he scoffs. “An abnormality?! Says the talking ball of light!”

Kronos continues. “Traditionally, the four are born fairly close together, both in proximity and chronologically. In truth, Dinky really should have been born many years earlier. It seems fate has been... whimsical, of late. This puts the balance of all things greatly at risk.”

Derpy looks at Kronos quizzically. “What must be done to make things right then?”

“Bring Dinky to me and I will use my magic to bring about the required balance and greatly speed up her internal clock.”

Ember bares her teeth. “I don’t like the sound of that!”

Applejack nods matter of factly. “Right! She’s just a baby!”

“You have my word that she will not be harmed in any way. However, she needs to be age appropriate for what is to come.”

Rarity waves a hoof dismissively. “But we have no assurances that such a thing needs to be done.”

Rainbow Dash nod soberly. “Or even needs to be done either!”

Kronos sighs. “I know that this must be quite a difficult decision to make. However, for the safety of all, please... make the right choice.”

Derpy slowly walks over to Dinky and picks her up before turning back to Kronos. “Is there no other way?!”

“I am sorry Derpy. There is not.”

Uncertain of what to do Derpy looks to Arc for help. He steps toward her and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Derpy. As Dinky's mother this choice must be yours and yours alone to make. But I just want you to know that whichever path you choose, I will stand with you all the way.”

Derpy looks into Dinky’s sweet face for a long time. Eventually she speaks to her softly.

“I love you so much, Dinky. I always have, and no matter what happens here today, I always will.”

She looks to Kronos and as she walks towards it, begins to cry.

“Please... take Dinky. Do what you must to balance this out so that our world may be saved.”

Arc winces. Several members of the Mane Six open their mouths to protest, but Arc holds up a hand for silence. Kronos uses its magic to carry Dinky towards itself. It looks at Dinky for several moments silently before speaking.

“Derpy, I am greatly impressed at your selfless desire to save this land. I will remember this day, always.”

Derpy collapses to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Arc kneels down next to her and takes the young mare in his arms as he looks back to the creature of light before them.

“Kronos, remember this as well! Take a long look at Derpy and remember! Remember the face of a mother who let her only child go for the greater good!”

“Your words have touched me deeply, Arc. I will never forget the moment this choice was made.”

A light from Kronos surrounds a giggling Dinky. The little filly happily waves a tiny hoof at her parents.

“Bye-bye mamma… daddy!”

The light intensifies until the party can no longer look at it. Derpy collapses crying hysterically. Arc falls to his knees with her, tears of intense sadness stream down his own face. Ember and the Mane Six draw near to the pair and put their hooves and claws on them as a sign of silent support. After what feels like an eternity, the light slowly subsides to tolerable levels. At last only an orb of light floats in front of Kronos as they speak.

“Balance has been restored.”

Arc looks up at the creature angrily. “WHO CARES?!”

“Arc, step forward now. Claim what was lost.”

Arc slowly gets to his feet as the rest of the Mane Six try unsuccessfully to console Derpy. As Arc nears the orb of light he reaches inside and pulls out a sleeping Dinky whom is now roughly the size of Apple Bloom. He looks to Kronos, tears still in his eyes as he holds Dinky close.

“But… how…?”

Kronos again speaks. “As I said... balance has been restored. Take care of these little ones, Arc. The fate of Equestria hangs in the balance. Farewell for now. But we will meet again one day.”

As before the darkness lifts and things are again as they should be. Derpy looks up through tear filled eyes to see Arc walking slowly toward her, carrying her daughter.

“DINKY!!!”

Arc reaches Derpy and she rises to her hooves. The Mane Six, Ember and Arc's squad stand aside to let them pass. The two of them slowly walk out of the room together. Ember turns to the others as they do so.

“We should probably leave them alone for a while.”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. Apple Bloom, it's time for us to go home now.”

Apple Bloom, bordering on tears herself, looks to her big sister.

“Is Dinky going to be okay?”

Twilight looks after Arc and Derpy walking slowly down the hallway. “I'm sure she'll be fine.”

Fluttershy smiles sadly. “Yes. That and she has the finest parents I've ever seen.”

Rarity walks slowly toward the door. “Come along, Sweetie Belle. Let's give Arc and Derpy some privacy.”

Xenos turns to face the other three. “So… what should we do now?”

Max heads for the door. “At this point I’m going to assume that we’re dismissed.”

They leave the room with the others as Arc, slowly but deliberately, helps Dinky back to his quarters.

Preface - Volume 4 - The Hero of Light

In our previous volume, Arc was finally able to return home to Ponyville from Tartarus with his new friend, Ember. However, this was not the end to his problems. Unsure of what to do about her "betrothal" to Arc, Ember fell into a mild depression. Hoping to help her, Arc suggested meeting with the Dragon Lord to discuss the problem. The pair made their way by train to Dodge Junction, the first leg of their trip. While they stopped at a saloon for a drink before continuing, Arc witnessed a group of thugs harassing a table of mares. After teaching the group a lesson in manners, one of the mares, a Miss Cherry Jubilee, invited Arc and Ember to her home for supper and a good night's sleep.

However, late that night, there was a frantic pounding at Arc's door. A young mare, Ruby Jubilee, rushed in to inform him that her sister had been kidnapped, and was to marry the leader of the gang, Buffalo Bull, that very morning! Arc and Ember were able to stop the wedding and defeat Buffalo Bull, but at a cost. Cherry was badly injured during the battle, and needed to be carried to the hospital! Upon hearing that she would be all right in a couple days, Arc and Ember promised to return and continued on their way to the Dragon Lands.

Upon meeting Arc, the Dragon Lord appeared... less than impressed by him. Disallowing Ember to take him as her mate, he instead called for worthy candidates to come forward. As her father instructed Ember to take one of them instead, Arc suggested a trial by battle to see that only the most worthy would be chosen. Dragon Lord Torch agreed, however Arc pushed him too far in suggesting that dragons weren't as special as they believed. Enraged, the Dragon Lord ordered the three to destroy Arc! To his surprise, Arc was able to effortlessly defeat them, unarmed! Furious, the Dragon Lord himself moved to carry out his own orders! Grabbing his spear and waiting for his opponent, Arc taunted him by comparing Torch to the Marquis. Upon hearing his old friend's name, the Dragon Lord forgot all about his rage toward Arc and instead wished to hear about his friend.

They parted on good terms, and returned the way they had come. However things were not right in Dodge Junction. Heading to the Saloon for information, Arc was approached by the mares from the other day. They informed him that Cherry Jubilee lay in the hospital, dying! Rushing to her side, Arc and Ember learn from Ruby that Cherry needed open heart surgery. Sadly, nearest hospital equipped for such things was in Ponyville. Lacking proper transportation, Arc sacrificed his own reward money to pay Filthy Rich to send his own personal train to pick up the injured mare. Cherry arrives safely in Ponyville and Doctor Horse performs the surgery successfully. Hearing her sister will recover, Ruby collapses and Arc carries her to Derpy's house.

As Cherry recovers her strength in the hospital, Arc takes his armor to the Hammers for a show and tell. During the visit, they admit to being Equestria's former Heroes of Light, and ask Arc to take their former role. Agreeing, Platinum Valve and Arc go over a book of enchantments to put on Eidolon's Ward.

When Arc returns to the shop to retrieve he upgraded and enchanted armor, the Ursa Minor returns to town! Platinum Valve and Arc stay in the shop to finish bringing the enchantment online as Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer don their old armor and rush out to face the creature! Joining the Mane 6, they are able to drive off the beast, but not before angering its mother! The Ursa Major shambles into town angrily! Arc joins them and holds its attention on himself as the others formulate a plan. After chasing off the beast, the former Heroes of Light announce their retirement and pronounce Arc as their replacement. Removing their insignia's, Arc promises to deliver them to Canterlot.

Making good on his promise, Arc heads to Canterlot with the Mane 6 to see the princesses. They accept the insignias and lead the group to the Mausoleum of the Heroes of Light. Laying the former hero's insignias on a pedestal, they present Arc with one of his own and officially proclaim him as Equestria's new protector!

After Arc chooses his personal guards, four Lunar Protectors known as Max, Viktor, Xenos and Hugh, he heads for the Dining Room to meet the Mane 6 for supper. His squad joins them.

As they attempt to return to Ponyville, they are stopped at the end of Canterlot Castle's drawbridge by the Captain of the Royal Guard, Decimus. Insisting that Ember should be imprisoned, Arc tosses him into the moat and continues to the train station with his friends.

Announcing that his first mission will be to liberate the Marquis from Tartarus, Ember, Twilight and Derpy volunteer to accompany him. Stopping at the new Vile Tribe village, Mythic Honor asks Arc to recover his tomes from the old Town Hall and destroy the rest. Arc agrees and the group enters the forsaken realm. Heading to the old hideout for a fallback point, Arc's squad makes ready the tomes while the others retrieve the Marquis. Returning to the hideout, they set explosives and head for the Gates of Tartarus. King Malevolence is waiting for them with three deathly ill mares! He agrees to release them, but only if Arc will help him escape! Arc agrees. Using the explosion from the hideout as a signal, the squad swoops in, grabs the mares and flies them to safety beyond the gates as Arc tosses the shrunken king back where he belongs!

They group returns to the Dragon Lands and presents their hydra friend to the Dragon Lord. As a reward, the Marquis gives Arc a special scale that will allow him to be summoned in greatest need! The Dragon Lord, clearly impressed, gives Arc a special gift of his own... Dragon Magic!

Arc, Derpy, Dinky and Applejack escort Cherry and Ruby back to Dodge Junction. As they return, the townsponies arrive bearing gifts of food for the weakened Cherry Jubilee. Arc and friends spend the night at the ranch. Cherry asks Arc to be her special somepony, to which he kindly refuses.

As they return to Ponyville, Arc and Derpy take Dinky to Twilight in hopes of learning something about a mysterious power they can sense. When Twilight fails, she reveals the Elements of Harmony to them. Removing them from their hiding place in the floor, Arc and Ember approach them. They agree the power is similar, but are no closer to answers. Applejack brings Apple Bloom to the library. While she is able to sense the power as well, her sister cannot.

Arc takes Apple Bloom and Dinky to the hospital for examinations. They find Apple Bloom's blood has magiplasts in them! Upon leaving the hospital, Arc takes the fillies to the park where they play with other foals. Apple Bloom tells Arc another filly is emanating the same power! Calling the foal over, they learn it is none other then Rarity's sister, Sweetie Belle. She joins them in a day of playing before returning to Derpy's house for a slumber party.

The next morning they head to Arc's new command center, which Sweetie Belle has named Light's Hope. Touring the facility with Hard Hat, they end in the meeting room with the Mane 6. Lacking any ideas on where to go from there, a mysterious figure once again appears to them. It identifies itself as Kronos, and informs them that Arc and company can sense the foal's power, as they are all Bearers of the Spears of Balance. Kronos offers to restore balance if Derpy will bring him her daughter. She does so, very sadly. A few moments later there is a flash of light as Dinky says goodbye to her parents.

Arc, called forth by Kronos, reaches into the sphere of light and pulls out Dinky, who has aged to a young filly. Derpy follows Arc out of the room and down the corridor as the others return home.

Will Ember find a mate? Will Cherry Jubilee fully recover soon? How will Arc handle his new title and station? What of King Malevolence? What of Dinky's new form?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

*Chapter 1 - The Talk

*Chapter 1 - The Talk

Arc leads Derpy back to his quarters. They slowly walk inside and enter Arc's bedroom together. It is set up exactly like his room in Derpy's house. Arc carefully lays the unconscious Dinky in his own bed then sits down on Ember's bedspread with his back against the wall. He motions with a hand for Derpy to join him. She hops up onto the bed and looks to Arc for support.

“Arc? Is… is our baby really going to be okay?”

Arc puts an arm around Derpy and smiles. “Of course. I'm no doctor, but... I assume the process to age her several years would take a phenomenal amount of energy on her part. She’ll probably sleep for quite a long time now.”

“Is there anything we can do for her now?”

Arc nods. “Just one.

“What’s that?”

“At least one of us needs to be here for her when she wakes up. This had to be as scary for her as it was for us.”

Derpy nods and puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “Thank you, Arc. Both for being here for Dinky... and me.”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s what a father does, after all.”

Derpy looks over at the sleeping filly before them. “Arc... I know there are things you should be doing right now to protect Equestria. If you do need to go, I understand.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks for understanding, Derpy. But unless Equestria is literally on fire, my place right now is here. My investigation into Captain Decimus can wait. He gets a pass... at least for now.”

She looks to him, puzzled. “You're going to investigate the Captain of the Royal Guard?”

“Yup.”

“But why?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “My gut tells me the captain is hiding something.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I guess he did seem a bit... overzealous the last time we saw him. I mean, attacking the Hero of Light?! What was he thinking?!”

“I just can't shake the feeling that he’s up to no good. There has to be more to this than him just wanting to imprison Ember. The look in his eyes when we fought... I could see the desperation in them.”

“Where are you going to start?”

“I think I’ll see if I can get my hands on Ember's case file. See if anything out of the ordinary can be found in it. Of course, that may involve going to the courthouse in Baltimare though. That and Captain Decimus' lieutenant might also be of help to me if we can trust him. My squad and I could sneak into Canterlot Castle some night and see about talking to him in his quarters.”

Derpy frowns. “But then again, while he seemed to be the most reasonable of the lot, he could also be in on the whole thing.”

Arc shrugs. “Worst case scenario, my troops and I break into Captain Decimus' office and raid his files.”

Derpy appears confused. “But you're the Hero of Light, Arc. Couldn't you just walk right in the front door and demand to see the files?”

“I could, yes. But I also don't want Captain Decimus knowing what we’re trying to do. This is going to involve a lot of subterfuge to keep quiet.”

There is a knock at the quarters front door. Derpy stands up and turns to Arc.

“I’ll get it.”

Derpy walks to the front door. She opens it to see Ember standing there. The young dragon appears a bit nervous as she speaks.

“Hey! I... uh... just wanted to stop by and see if there was anything you and Arc needed.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Thank you, but we’re fine.”

“How’s Dinky doing?”

Derpy looks over her shoulder at the open bedroom door. “She's sleeping peacefully at the moment. Arc and I are staying with her until she wakes up, but who knows how long that will take.”

“I suppose. Just let me know if I can help out in any way.”

Derpy smiles. “Thanks for checking up on us though, Ember. It means a lot to me.”

Ember nods soberly as she turns to walk away. “No problem. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

“Wait! Actually, could you do me a favor?”

Ember turns back to Derpy. “Sure. What do you need?”

“Well, do you think you could...”

Derpy whispers something to Ember. The young dragon nods as she answers.

“Yeah, I can do that.”

“Thanks a lot, Ember.”

Derpy closes the door and heads back to the bedroom. Arc does not take his eyes off of Dinky as Derpy returns to his side on the bed.

“Who was at the door?”

“It was Ember. She was just checking up on us. Seeing if there was anything she could do.”

Arc smiles slightly. “I see. She’s a good friend.”

“That she is. It helps set my mind at ease knowing that she has your back when I don't. But I did ask her to bring us back some cupcakes from Sugar Cube Corner.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks, but I’m not really hungry.”

“Neither am I, but... we have to keep our strength up.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Derpy again stands.

“That must be Ember.”

Derpy hops down from the bed and heads over to the door. She opens it to see Ember holding a box and a bag.

“Here you go, Derpy. Are you sure you don't need anything else though?”

Derpy accepts the items and shakes her head. “Thank you, but we'll be fine.”

Derpy closes the door and returns to Arc’s side. Sitting down on her haunches, she speaks.

“Cupcakes are here.”

Arc continues to watch over Dinky as Derpy sets the box down in front of them. “Yes, well …maybe I’ll have one later.”

Derpy gives Arc the bag. “Well, maybe this will lift your spirits. I want you to have this.”

Arc takes the bag, a bit confused. “Thanks, but… is this really the time?”

“Just open it.”

Arc does as he is told. Opening the bag he pulls out a large black cloak.

“Is this what I think it is?!”

Derpy nods. “Yes. I want you to have my old cloak, Arc. My days of sneaking around are over now that I’ve been accepted here by the residents of Ponyville. But at the same time it seems that yours are just beginning. Please use it to stay safe during your investigation of the captain.”

“Thank you for this, Derpy. But are you really sure that you want to give me this? If what Rarity told me is accurate, thing is worth a small fortune. If you sold this, you and Dinky could be set for years.”

“Yes, I'm sure.”

Derpy looks down at the floor before continuing.

“After all... what good are all the bits in the world if you're not there to enjoy them with me?”

“I appreciate that Derpy, and feel the same way about you and Dinky. Thank you very much for this. You have my word that I’ll use it well.”

Arc puts the cloak back in the bag and reaches for the box.

“I think I’ll have that cupcake now.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Hee, hee! I thought you might!”

Arc eats a cupcake with Derpy. He looks over to the small form lying under the covers, stands up, and slowly walks over to her. Gently stroking her soft mane he speaks to Dinky in a soft voice.

“I’m looking forward to sharing a cupcake with you too, little one.”

Dinky’s nose twitches ever so slightly. Arc leans down to her.

“Dinky? Can you hear me, little one?”

Derpy flaps her wings and flies over to her daughter’s side. “Dinky… sweetie… we’re right here.”

Dinky rolls over onto her back and slowly opens her amber eyes to look into her parent’s faces. After a few moments she speaks.

“Mom... Dad? What happened?”

Derpy leans down and hugs Dinky. “Oh my sweet little Dinky! I'm so glad you’re okay!”

Dinky moves to sit up, but falls back onto her back. “Ugh... head... hurts! Actually... everything hurts!”

Derpy looks over to Arc. “Oh dear! Arc?!”

He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Well, it stands to reason that there would be something akin to ‘growing pains’ after all that. Especially as fast as Dinky grew this morning. It should pass in time.”

Arc looks to Dinky as he continues speaking.

“Tell me, sweetheart. What do you remember?”

Dinky rubs her head. “Just... bits and pieces really. Playing, eating, sleeping... I do remember going to the park and playing with other ponies much bigger than me though. That and this dream I just had.”

He smiles at her. “Tell us about it.”

“Well... I dreamed that mom was holding me up to this weird glowing thing. It picked me up and pulled me towards itself. Mom was crying but I couldn't understand why. There was a big flash of light. Then I woke up.”

Derpy looks her daughter in the eye. “Dinky. That wasn’t a dream.”

“What?”

“The creature's name is Kronos. It told us that you have a strange power dwelling within you that reacts to a chosen few, and that you and three others would someday be called upon to save Equestria.”

Arc nods. “Kronos used its power to age you quite a bit. I guess there won’t be enough time for you to grow up naturally and still be ready to play your part in this world. While I know that this is a lot to take in Dinky. But remember, your mother and I will always be here for you when you need us.”

Dinky smiles. “I know you will.”

She slowly sits up.

“Can I... have something to eat please? I'm starving!”

Derpy giggles. “Oh course you can dear! I'll make you a nice lunch just as soon as we get home!”

Dinky looks up at her mother confused. “But... I thought we were home. Where are we?”

“Oh! These are your father's quarters in his Command Center, or Light's Hope if you will.”

Arc gets up and helps his daughter sit the rest of the way up. “We can talk about it on the way home. Can you stand, Dinky?”

“I… think so.”

Dinky stands up, albeit shakily and starts walking very slowly. Arc nods approvingly as he calls out to her.

“Follow me, Dinky. If you get too tired let me know and I'll carry you the rest of the way.”

“Okay.”

Arc leads Derpy and Dinky out his quarter's side door and back towards town. Dinky looks around before turning to her mother.

“So, what is this place”?

“This is Ponyville, dear. It’s the small town where we live. It's located roughly in the center of this country called Equestria. Oh! Or did you mean the building we just left?”

“Both actually. You called it dad's Command Center earlier. Light's Hope was it? What's a Command Center?”

Arc smiles at her. “Think of it like a military base of sorts. Inside are individuals and equipment that I will use to keep this land safe.”

“So, are you like a King, dad?!”

Arc laughs. “No, no. This land is ruled over by Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadance.”

Derpy chimes in. “Your father isn't a king. But he does have great authority as Equestria's Hero of Light.”

Arc nods. “You see, the Hero of Light is a title given to the land's greatest hero. They must be brave, strong, intelligent, and righteous. Most of what I do involves keeping this land peaceful and protecting its inhabitants. I do many other things, but let's just leave it at that for now.”

Dinky looks back at her mother. “Mom? How strong is dad?”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I… guess I never actually thought about it before. Certainly strong enough to protect the ones he cares about. Arc?”

“As strong as I need to be.”

“Do you have a job like dad, mom?”

Derpy smiles at Dinky. “Taking care of you IS my job, sweetie!”

“Mom, do you think that I could play with the fillies from the other day again later?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Maybe another time honey. How about you and I work on getting lunch ready together?”

Dinky throws up her front hooves happily. “YAY!”

Arc opens the door to Derpy's small house. Derpy and Dinky head toward the kitchen to prepare lunch as Derpy turns to her daughter.

“Well, here we are! Home again!”

Arc looks out the window toward town. “I think something as big as this calls for a celebratory cake! I'll run over to Sugar Cube Corner and pick one up!”

Derpy calls out after him. “Don't be too long, Arc! Lunch won’t take very long for us to make!”

“Alright! I’ll hurry!”

He leaves the house quickly as Derpy turns to Dinky.

“Dinky, can you set the table please?”

“Yes, mom!”

Dinky sets the table and rushes back to her mother.

“Anything else I can help with?!”

Derpy calls out as she rummages around in the refrigerator. “Can you stir the pot on the stove, dear?”

“Okay mom!”

Dinky pushes a chair up to the stove and uses her magic to stir the soup with a spoon. She decides to taste test it. Making a face as she does so and sticking her tongue out in disgust, she cries out to her mother.

“Blech! Mom, what is in this soup?! It tastes terrible!”

Derpy whirls around to face her daughter. “Dinky! That Fish Soup is for your father!”

Dinky’s pupils shrink as her mother’s words sink in. She grabs a dish cloth lying nearby and wipes her tongue with it as she turn to Derpy.

“Gross! I just ate FISH?! Dad LIKES this stuff?! What kind of pony IS he?!”

Derpy looks down at the floor. The vegetables in her hooves scatter everywhere as she does so. Sighing, she looks her daughter in the eye.

“Dinky… your father. He… he… isn’t a pony.”

Dinky appears suddenly confused. “Huh? But... but that’s not possible! He has to be! How else could he be my dad?!”

Derpy looks over to Dinky a bit sadly. “Dinky... I think… that the three of us need to have a talk.”

Dinky shrinks back. “Did I do something wrong, mom?”

Derpy pats her daughter’s head. “Not at all, Dinky. It's just... I didn't think you would have asked... that particular question so... so soon.”

A short time later Arc returns with a small cake box. The three sit down at the table to eat their first meal together as a family. Arc immediately notices that Derpy and Dinky are strangely quiet. Especially considering the circumstances. A few minutes through the meal Arc breaks the silence.

“Um… did something happen while I was gone?”

The small filly just sits there looking guilty as her mother explains. “Well, while Dinky was helping me get lunch ready I asked her to stir the soup. She did... and then she took a bite of it.”

Dinky looks to her father. “I'm really sorry! I... I didn't know I wasn't supposed to!”

Derpy pats her daughter on the head. “It's okay, Dinky. We’re not mad. This is my fault for not telling you.”

Derpy turns back to Arc.

“After she tried the soup, she... asked what kind of pony you were...”

Arc puts his spoon down. “Ah ha. I think I see where this is going.”

He looks over at Dinky before continuing.

“Dinky. Is there something you want to ask me, little one?”

The filly looks to her father nervously.

“Is it true what mom says, dad? Are you really... not a pony?”

Arc nods. “It’s true, Dinky. In truth, I’m a human from another land far, far away.”

Derpy looks over to Dinky sadly. “Dinky, go ahead and ask your father the other question you had.”

“Um… well… I don’t understand. If you’re not a pony… that is… how can you be my dad?”

Arc sighs. “That is a long, long story Dinky. It started many years ago. Long before you were born and before I came to Equestria.”

Her turns to Derpy before continuing.

“Derpy, would you like to tell Dinky about your childhood?”

Derpy looks down at her plate sadly. “I really would rather forget that time in my life.”

Arc bows his head. “I know that, Derpy. But you have to admit that it’s important that Dinky knows the whole story here.”

Derpy takes a deep breath. “Well… all right. But we should probably sit someone else more comfortable then.”

The three of them stand and walk over to the couch. As they sit down Arc motions for Dinky to take her place between them. Derpy tells her daughter the story of her past. How her mother died giving birth to her. How her father neglected her throughout her childhood. And how everypony that she ever met had taken advantage of her lack of mental capacity. Dinky tears up as her mother finishes.

“That's... that's just so sad mom! But, still I don't understand. What does any of that have to do with dad?”

Arc puts a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Patience, Dinky. Your mother was just getting to that part.”

Derpy continues. “One night, on the edge of the lake on the outskirts of town, I met your ‘real’ father, Moonlit Dusk. He was so very handsome... and kind... and he seemed genuinely interested in listening to what I had to say. Nearly every night I would sneak down to the lake, if only just to talk to him. On night... he... he invited me into his tent... and... well... you were conceived.”

Dinky looks out the window. “So, you’re saying that my real father's name is Moonlit Dusk, mom? What happened to him? Where is he?”

“Well, after the doctor told me I was going to have a foal, I went back to his camp to tell him the news. I thought he would be overjoyed, but... he didn't really seem to know what to do. I asked if I could join him as his traveling companion. He agreed, and told me to meet him there again tomorrow night. I... I went back the following night, but... his camp was, gone!”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “Mom. Are you saying he... abandoned you?”

Derpy nods sadly. “The truth is, he abandoned both of us, dear. That is what happened to your father. Now I want to tell you the story of Arc and I.”

Dinky puts a hoof on her mother’s fetlock. “It's okay mom. I know this must be hard on you, so if you would rather not... I understand.”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, Dinky. You deserve to know the whole truth.”

She takes a few moments to compose herself before continuing.

“I didn't have anypony else to turn to, other than my own father. Needless to say, he was furious at me for what I had done. He… he said many cruel and hurtful things to me that I won't repeat for you. When he was done, my father handed me a magic cloak and a large bag of bits and told me to leave town and never return. And I did so that very night. After traveling for a of couple days I eventually came here to Ponyville and decided to stop and see about settling down. Using much of the money I had been given by my father I bought this house.”

She gestures around her with a wave of her hoof before continuing.

“I had been emotionally hurt, betrayed, and physically harmed by so many in my life by that point that I couldn't bring myself to trust anypony around me anymore. The black cloak my father gave me to hide my exodus from home became like a second skin to me, as I never took it off. The money I had was running out, and I had no skills to speak of, or desire to interact with other ponies. Late one night I walked to the Ponyville writ board and put up an ad for a small room for rent. Weeks went by, but nopony came...”

Derpy looks down at her belly and rubs it gently.

“I pawned the meager furniture that had come with the house to try and make ends meet. The last bits in my bag were used to buy food and a little firewood to try and stay warm. Memories of eating the last of that bit of food still haunt me even today. Penniless and hungry, I lay on my mat in front of a dwindling fire, as I was almost out of firewood as well. Two days passed without so much as a peep from anypony. Then, one evening there was a knock at the door. At first I thought it was my imagination playing tricks on me. After all, who would come to my door, let alone knock? Then it came again. I slowly got up and cautiously answered it. Opening the door only a few inches I saw a large creature standing on its hind legs towering over me!”

Derpy looks over to Arc and smiles.

“I don't mind telling you now, but I came really close to wetting myself then and there.”

Arc smiles at her. “I won’t tell anyone if you won’t.”

Dinky points a hoof at Arc. “And, that was dad here?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, Dinky. He very politely asked if I still had a room for rent. I was both excited, and terrified at the same time. On the one hoof, with his rent money I would be able to eat and buy firewood. On the other, I would be living with what I believed at the time to be a monster.”

Arc chuckles. “Um… ouch?”

Derpy sheepishly looks over to him. “I'm sorry Arc, but that's what I thought when I met you.”

Arc gives Derpy a smile. “You get a pass.”

“He paid me the first month's rent of a hundred bits. I wanted to go out and buy food right away, of course. But I was too weak from hunger at that point. So, I did the only thing I could think of to do. I laid back down and waited for night to come. Very late that night I quietly went out into the backyard and... and ate grass. While I'm not proud of what I did, you needed the nourishment, Dinky.”

Arc nods. “I heard your mother open the back door and peeked out the window. It didn't take long for me to figure out what she was doing. While it's not out of the ordinary for ponies in my land to do such things, something told me that such a thing was wrong here. Going to the kitchen I inspected the cupboards and found that they were all empty except for the bag of bits I had given her. Grabbing my satchel I quietly left the house and walked to Sweet Apple Acres. Entering Applejack's barn, I took two jars of Zap Apple Jam and as many apples as I could carry and left some money and a note. When I returned, your mother was lying on her mat fast asleep. I set the two jars next to her along with the apples, put another log on the fire from my own firewood stash, and covered her shivering form with one of my blankets.”

Derpy smiles. “I awoke the next morning feeling a bit stronger from the grass I had eaten the night before, I noticed the food next to me and a blanket over me. Figuring Arc was behind it, I lay back down and tried to think of what he might want from me, but could think of nothing. At that point, I supposed, I really had nothing left to take.”

Arc picks up where Derpy left off. “At this point I was at the pawn shop looking for a few pieces of furniture for my room. When I told the pawnbroker the address I wanted my order delivered, he mentioned that your mother had sold all her furniture to him. Seeing that this mysterious robed pony needed a bit of help, I offered some extra bits to Fortunate Ire if he would return the furniture he had bought late that very night. He did so. After putting everything back in its proper place, I fell asleep on the couch behind your mother on the couch.”

Derpy giggles. “I remember waking up a bit confused at the sight before me. As I looked around, I was amazed to see my kitchen table and other furniture was back. So many thoughts were running through my mind back then. I knew it was Arc's doing. After all, it had to be! What was it that he wanted from me? I was so confused, the only thing I could do was just look at the floor and cry.”

Arc nods. “I had woken up by this point and sat on the couch silently. When I saw the tears start to fall I put a hand on her shoulder to try and comfort her. However, Derpy just about jumped out of her skin when I did that!”

“Yes. I knew I was being touched, and not by a hoof!”

Arc grins. “Sorry about that.”

“It's fine, Arc. Anyways, I worked up all my courage and decided I had to know the truth. I asked him why he had helped me twice now.”

Arc thinks to himself for a moment. “While I don't remember exactly what I said, it was something to the effect of ‘it was the right thing to do’.”

Derpy sighs. “I knew he had to be lying. I mean… he had to be! Nopony had ever wanted to help me before! It was in that moment when he laid his hand on my shoulder again, something inside told me he honestly cared about my well-being! I didn't really know what to think or do about it though. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pendant I thought was lost for good.”

Arc shrugs. “The pawnbroker had found it in with the furniture he had bought. Not being worth much in the way of bits, he gave it to me as a bonus for purchasing so much from him that day.”

Derpy walks over to a drawer an pulls out the pendant. She walks back to Dinky and gives it to her.

“Inside here is the only picture I have of my mother and father. It reminded me of the love my mother felt towards me.”

Dinky looks at the photo in the pendant for a long moment before closing it and waiting for the story to continue.

“After I gave your mother that pendant, she laid back down on her mat and quietly asked to be alone. I took that opportunity to head over to the library and have a cup of tea with my friend Twilight. She was most concerned with the way the mysterious robed pony was acting. She even went so far as to lend me a book on psychology so I would know the signs of a crazed psycho pony.”

Derpy looks up, surprised. “Hey! I didn't know Twilight did that!”

Arc sighs. “Well, please try to forgive her, will you? After all, she was just concerned for my well-being.”

Derpy nods. “All right. I’ll let this one go.”

Arc continues. “Unbeknownst to Twilight, I had also taken another book from the library earlier.”

Dinky looks confused. “What kind of book?”

“You'll have to wait a few more minutes to find out. We're getting there. Anyways, I went back home and went to my room. For the next week, I read and re-read both books cover to cover.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I do remember peeking into your room a few times and noticed you seemed to be doing just that. But I was too afraid to inquire as to what you were doing.”

“After a week of careful study and thought I came to the realization that I knew what the mysterious robed pony was hiding. To test my theory, I came up with a grocery list of items. I wrote them down but they are forever burned into my memory.”

Dinky appears confused. “What did you buy?”

Arc rattles off the list. Dinky looks even more confused.

“What would you do with all that?!”

“Well, I'll tell you. Although I didn't know it at the time, your mother had caught sight of the Hunting Knife and the vegetables. She believed I was planning to cook and eat her. I suppose her fears must have been confirmed when I put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. Then went back to my room to sharpen the knife.”

Derpy solemnly agrees. ”What really convinced me was when you started cutting up vegetables and putting them in the pot with your razor-sharp Hunting Knife in your belt.”

Dinky looks to her mother, wide-eyed. “What did you do then, mom? Did you run away?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. I just laid back down and waited for him to come for me. After all, I didn't believe my life had any value at that time. And it seemed a fitting end for somepony like me who had done nothing her whole life but cause others to suffer. Arc came up to me and asked if I was ready. I told him I was. He went back to the kitchen for something, and I raised my head to expose my neck. He came back and I asked him to go ahead and do it, but to make it quick.”

Arc groans. “I wasn’t quite sure what she was going on about at the time. I set the bowl of vegetable soup down in front of her and walked back to the kitchen to get one myself. Returning, I found her looking at the soup with bewilderment in her eyes. She confessed that she was under the impression I was going to kill and eat her. When I asked her why she was okay with being killed she simply told me it would be a fitting end to a monster like herself.”

Derpy grimaces. “At that time, I honestly believed that such a thing was true, and that nopony would mourn my death. I confessed this to him and he replied that there was at least one who would miss me.”

Arc nods. “I think that was about the time you really started to trust me.”

Derpy smiles. “It was indeed! That was also the part where I asked if we could sit at the table!”

They enjoy a laugh together before Arc continues the story.

“I admit, I thought it was rather strange at the time that you wanted to eat on the floor. But, during the meal you confirmed for me my theory. After you ate several bowls of soup and as many slices of Zap Apple Jam toast, that is!”

Derpy sighs. “How many bowls did I eat anyway? I was eating so fast I honestly can't remember.”

Arc shrugs. “To be honest with you, I actually lost count. So, in my mind at least, it just registers as simply ‘several’. That was the moment that I confronted you about it.”

Dinky looks to her mother. “What was it? What were you hiding mom?”

“Arc just looked me right in the eye and said ‘you’re... pregnant, aren't you’?”

Arc nods soberly. “Your mother was speechless! She moved to jump down from her chair, but her robe got caught on the edge of the table, so when she did jump it tore clean off.”

Derpy looks away, embarrassed. “I quickly realized what had happened and fell to the floor, trying my best to cover my face with my hooves. Nopony should have ever had to look at the monstrous pregnant devil named Derpy Hooves again! I begged Arc not to look at me as I tried to put my robe back on, to no avail.”

“Not wanting to leave her like that, I did the only thing I could think of. Grabbing one of my blankets, I threw it over her and wrapped her up to cover her. Then I carefully picked her up and walked over to the couch and sat down with her in my lap.”

Derpy smiles warmly. “Your father then held me close and told me to just let it all out. And I did as he said. I cried like I have never cried before! Eventually I just cried myself to sleep in his arms.”

“Taking the cue from your mother, I leaned back and decided to get some sleep as well. The moment I fell asleep though, I realized I was no longer in Kansas!”

Derpy and Dinky both look to Arc, confused. “What?!”

Arc shrugs. “Sorry. Bit of a human reference there. Anyways, your mother and I were surrounded by darkness in some kind of Dream World.”

Derpy shudders at the memories. “I suffered the same dream every night. Tormented by a monster named Regret, it was always the same dream. Watch my mother die, be betrayed by everypony I met, be abandoned by Moonlit Dusk, and be disowned by my father... every... single... night! Although this time was different.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yeah! You weren’t alone for once.”

“That did make me very happy! But it also made Regret very angry, since Arc wouldn't play its game!”

“You remember what happened at the beginning when Regret tried to push past me?

Derpy grins. “You mean when you punched it in the face?”

Arc nods. “Ahhh... it feels good to be able to laugh at it now, as it certainly wasn't very funny at the time.”

The smile on Derpy’s face fades. “Yes... as the next part was not funny in the least.”

Dinky gasps. “So what happened next?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, Regret was none too happy that it's nightly plan to make your mother suffer wasn't working. It switched from inflicting mental suffering to physical pain. Suddenly a blast from Regret hit your mother. Her body flew an untold distance before landing awkwardly on the ground.”

Derpy grimaces. “I told Arc to run. To save himself. But he refused to do so As another wave came at me Arc instead grabbed me and, putting himself between me and Regret, took blow after blow that was intended for me. I begged him to just abandon me, insisting that I was just a worthless pony.”

Arc nods. “And I told her ‘not to me’!”

“Regret gave Arc one last chance to walk away, which he refused to accept. Furious at this, Regret fired again and again before finally materializing a spear and... stabbing your father through the chest. As he lay there dying, I held him and begged him not to die. I had finally found someone who cared for me, and I didn't want to lose them, ever!”

“It was then that I told your mother that I didn't regret coming to Ponyville or meeting my end there with her.”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “How did you survive?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I didn’t. Regret killed me.”

Dinky looks confused. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

Arc smiles at Dinky. “It's our story! It doesn't have to make sense! Now shush! This is my favorite part!”

Derpy takes over speaking. “As I cried over Arc's body, there was suddenly another much larger creature present. It told me to use what Arc had taught me to defeat Regret. All I had to do was believe in myself. Then it dropped a spear next to me. The Spear of Hope. As soon as I picked it up, my body was healed and a power coursed through me! Golden armor appeared and I suddenly felt like I could do anything! I leveled my spear at Regret and flew as fast as I could at it. Regret put up shield after shield to protect itself, but I blew through all of them effortlessly. The two of us flew at each other for one final attack. Regret's spear hit me squarely in the chest... and shattered, as my own spear pierced Regret's heart! As Regret melted away into nothingness, I made my way back to Arc's body and, picking him up with my newfound strength, put him on my back. I wasn't going to leave my one and only friend behind!”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Thanks for not leaving me there. I do appreciate that.”

Derpy closes her eyes. “As I walked towards the light, the figure told me that Arc would be with me always. I woke up in Arc's arms and told him I would see to it he received a proper burial.”

Arc smiles. “I then kindly informed her that humans can’t die in their dreams.”

Arc and Derpy chuckle together as Derpy puts a hoof to her belly.

“We were both quite hungry after our adventure…”

Arc interrupts. “You mean YOU were quite hungry, right?”

Derpy laughs. “Isn't that what I said? Anyways, Arc pulled the leftover soup out of the refrigerator. There was enough for us each to have a bowl. I had almost finished my bowl when I heard Arc gasp. Looking up, I saw him pointing at something. Turning around I saw the Spear of Hope hanging over the mantle.”

Dinky again looks confused. “How did it get here from the Dream World?!”

Derpy shrugs. “That's pretty close to what I said. We're not quite sure on that one.”

“I told Derpy I would have my friend Twilight take a look at it the next time I saw her. As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. I went to answer it, and found Twilight's assistant Spike at the door. No time like the present I supposed, as I asked him to go and get her to look at the mysterious item we had found over our mantle.”

Derpy shudders. “Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about meeting somepony new. Especially one who had a dragon!”

“Seeing Derpy was still hungry, I offered her the rest of my bowl. As she took it in her hooves, she suddenly doubled over in pain. Both the bowl and Derpy fell to the floor. I rushed over and quickly realized that it was time for you to be born, Dinky!”

Derpy points a hoof toward the window. “Back then, there was a terrible raging snowstorm outside, and I was scared! But fortunately Arc knew what to do. He carried me to my mat in front of the fire and grabbed several blankets and his satchel from his room. In one sweeping motion he knocked everything off the table. He then proceeded to make me a makeshift delivery bed with the blankets.”

Arc looks to the table. “I picked your mother up, laid he down on the table, and covered her with a blanket. Then I quickly got to work putting a rather large pot of water on the stove, setting out the Tin Bucket, the Ball of String, the Bottle of Rubbing Alcohol, opening the Med-Kit, and setting a book at the end of the counter.”

Dinky gasps. “Those mystery items from earlier! You bought them to deliver me?!”

Arc nods. “In truth, had hoped that I wouldn't need them at all. But at the same time I was glad that I had thought ahead. The book I had was the one I had been reading all week on how to deliver foals at home. While your mother and I waited for the time to be right, I took out my Hunting Knife and cut up some of the apples into bite sized pieces and hand fed them to your mother.”

Derpy sticks out her tongue at Arc happily. “He then proceeded to make himself a cup of coffee.”

Arc laughs. “Hey! Who knew how long it would take?!”

“And you did a wonderful job too!”

“Alright, getting back to the story, I put my hands on Derpy's stomach and felt for the right contractions. And although she pushed with all her might, it wasn't enough to deliver you. She was just too small for such a thing. So, I did the only thing I could think of to do. I put my Hunting Knife in the fireplace and wet a rag with rubbing alcohol to clean your mother. Then I put my fingers inside to make sure I didn't hurt you and... well... made a quick slice to enlargen the hole.”

Derpy shudders at the memory. “I pushed with everything I had, and you slowly began to come out!”

Arc grins. “It was all over in less than a minute. I cut the umbilical cord and was about to clean you up when it happened.”

Frowning, he looks to Dinky before continuing.

“However, suddenly your body went limp and you stopped breathing!”

Derpy wraps her hooves around her herself and speaks in a nervous tone. “That was the most scared I have ever been! Watching my baby die before my eyes was not something I was prepared to see!”

Arc grimaces. “Throwing the medical supplies off the table, I laid you next to your mother on your back and gently pushed down on your chest several times. Putting my mouth over your mouth and nose I breathed into you to try and jump start your lungs and heart. A few moments later you started gagging, so I turned you on your side and fished out the fluid from your mouth with a finger. As soon as you started crying, I knew everything was going to be okay.”

Derpy smiles happily. “Arc finished cleaning you up and placed you in my hooves. You were so tiny! I didn't even feel any pain as he sewed me up, as I was too busy looking into your eyes.”

“While we waited to Twilight to arrive, I decided to take a closer look at the spear over the mantle. A moment later I noticed Derpy was getting a little woozy, most likely from the loss of blood. She handed you to me and I put you on my bed. Returning to your mother's side, I picked up the spear again to continued looking at it when Twilight and Spike rushed into the house. I can only imagine the sight she must have seen! The room was a mess of medical supplies... blood covered everything... a bloody mare, and an equally bloody human holding a spear! Before I could say much, Twilight assumed I had brutally murdered Derpy and opened a portal to Tartarus, where I would spend the next several months imprisoned!”

Dinky appears confused. “What’s Tartarus?”

Derpy looks to Dinky. “It's where Equestria sends the worst criminals. Usually only monsters and demons are sent there!”

Dinky shudders. “Sounds awful!”

Arc grimaces. “Trust me! It is!”

“So what happened in Tartarus?!”

Arc sighs. “Sorry, little one. But that is a story for another day. However, you need to understand that these days that’s just how my life is sometimes. Just one misadventure after another. But to make that part of the story shorter, your mother along with Twilight and her friends set out to get me. They were joined by Princess Cadance along with her Crystal Defenders and together with a large portion of the town they all led the rescue effort to bring me home.”

Dinky pouts slightly. “Aww... but I want to hear the whole story of what happened!”

Derpy looks over at Dinky and takes her hooves. “Dinky listen to me."

“Yes mom?”

“There's something I want you to learn from this story. I owe everything to Arc. He saved my life more than once, and yours as well! But his Generosity didn't end there. Later he even volunteered to sign your birth certificate and take you on as his own daughter. That's why he IS your father.”

Derpy turns to Arc with tears of joy in her eyes and hugs him. “Arc… thank you… for everything!”

Dinky does the same. She wraps her little hooves around Arc as tightly as she can as she whispers.

“I love you, dad!”

Arc puts his arms around the pair and smiles. “And I love both of you too!”

*Chapter 2 - Training

*Chapter 2 - Training

The next day Arc and his family sit around the breakfast table. The sun has already risen to its mid-morning position. Dinky looks to her father excitedly.

“So what are you going to do today, dad?!”

“I thought I might head back to Tartarus. Challenge King Malevolence's entire army. Maybe even fight the king himself.”

Dinky grins. “Really, dad?!”

Arc laughs as he shakes his head. “Nah! I actually have plans to start investigating someone who I think may be up to no good. Besides... I already beat the demon army once and the king himself twice now.”

Dinky giggles. “That must’ve been a sight to see.”

“Ask your mother. She was there.”

Derpy pour herself a cup of coffee. “True story.”

Arc grabs his satchel and heads over to the door. “Well, in any case, I'm off to Light’s Hope now. I’ll see what the squad is up to while I'm at it. Oh Derpy, could you and Dinky bring some cupcakes to Light's Hope a little after noon?”

“Sure, but why?”

“The troops will have finished their training assignments by then. It will give me something to look forward to.”

“Alright. We'll be there. See you then!”

Dinky waves her little hoof after her father. “Bye dad!”

Leaving Derpy’s house, Arc makes the short walk to Light's Hope. He finds his squad outside doing weapon and armor maintenance on their gear. Upon seeing him they quickly line up and silently salute. Arc walks over to them and returns their salute with one of his own as he speaks.

“At ease, all of you.”

Max looks over at his commanding officer as he complies. “Do you have orders for us, sir?”

“Actually, yes. But first off, is Ember around by any chance?”

Xenos shakes his head. “No sir. She said she was going to take care of some of the town's writs today.”

“Good. I was worried about someone doing that. But in any case, here are your instructions.”

Arc removes a sealed scroll from his satchel and sets it on a nearby table as he continues.

“As soon as the town clock strikes eleven o’clock, you will open this scroll and follow the orders found written within. Now then, I have other things to attend to at the moment. Good luck... you'll need it.”

As Arc walks away Max looks to the others.

“Well, we have a bit of time until eleven. Let's finish up so we can be ready for anything.”

Xenos looks at the rolled-up parchment lying on the table. “What do you suppose it says on there?”

Hugh shrugs. “Who knows? For all we know it could be orders to infiltrate Canterlot High Command to expose a mole.”

Viktor puts a hoof to his chin. “Or it could be orders for us to hunt down and destroy some foul beast who has been terrorizing some far-off town.”

Max sighs. “Or it could be orders to do his laundry for all the good this guessing does for us. But I must say that this Hero of Light isn't exactly what I was expecting. At this point I’m not sure if he is brave, or just plain foolhardy.”

Xenos looks over to the others. “Yeah. I hear he’s supposed to be really strong and a great warrior. But after meeting him face to face admittedly he doesn't look all that dangerous to me.”

Max returns to work with the others. “The princesses wouldn't have appointed him to the position of the Hero of Light if he wasn't qualified though. We need to have faith in their decision.”

The other three nod their heads in agreement. A short time later the town clock strikes eleven o’clock. As it does so the squad gathers around the scroll. Max picks it up and breaks the seal before reading it aloud.

Troops, we will soon be engaging in missions of greatest importance. However, that day is not today. For now, I have a task that the four of you will complete. As you read this note, I have hidden myself somewhere in Light's Hope and you are hereby ordered to find me. First though, a few rules of the game...

-You may go anywhere in the base, including my quarters.

-I will not move from my hiding spot, so there is no need to retrace your steps and check the same place twice. You may do so if you wish though.

-I am NOT outside the base.

-I am NOT in a secret passage or any place in the base that you are not aware exists.

-You may not solicit outside help. Should Ember return, she may NOT help you in your search.

-You may not use any type of magical items (should you possess any) to aid you in your search.

-To the one who finds me, I will grant a one thousand bit reward.

-Should none of you be able to find me before the town clock strikes noon, you all fail and must clean the base top to bottom. Now then, hop to it!

Your commanding officer,

Hero of Light Arc

Xenos looks over to the others, confused. “Uh... what is this?”

Max looks a bit disappointed. “He wants us to play hide and seek.”

Hugh shrugs. “Oh well. Shouldn't be too hard. I mean, there are only so many places he could hide. And I wouldn't mind that reward.”

Viktor nods in agreement. “This really shouldn’t be too hard. I mean, there are only so many places somepony of his stature could theoretically hide. And I wouldn't mind getting my hooves on that reward.”

The squad makes their way to the Main Hall to begin their search. Max turns to the others as they enter the building.

“Stay together. The commander will expect us to work as a unit. Let's systematically search room by room.”

They all nod in agreement as the squad looks around the Main Hall quickly. Xenos peeks out from looking under the secretary’s desk and calls out.

“There really isn't any place for him to hide in here!”

Viktor nods. “Agreed. Let’s move on.”

The squad hurries toward the Training Hall. They look behind sparring dummies, under racks and benches, but cannot locate Arc. Hugh looks over to the others and calls out.

“I don’t think he’s in here.”

Viktor looks over. “The armory then?”

Max nods as he heads for the door. “Worth a shot.”

They charge into the Armory to look behind racks of weapons and armor and under workbenches to no avail. Xenos points toward the vault.

“Hey! The vault door is open!”

Max glances over. “The commander probably left it open on purpose just to prove he isn’t hiding in there.”

Hugh eyes the open door suspiciously. “It's not like there was anything in there yet anyways. Right?”

Xenos shrugs. “Yeah. Uh… he isn't in there, is he?”

Viktor walks inside the vault and looks around the empty compartment. “Nope. Nothing in here.”

Max points to a door. “The Kitchen then! The commander does love his sweets!”

The squad hurries to the Kitchen and adjoining Cafeteria. They search through every cupboard, under the sink, under tables, the pantry, the refrigerators, and even in the deep freezer. Max gives the room one more look before rushing to the door.

“He's not here! Hurry! We've used up more than half our time already! To the Barracks next!”

Storming to the Barracks, the squad looks under every bunk and in every footlocker in addition to checking the showers and bathroom stalls. The guest quarters are quickly searched as are their own quarters. However they still find no sign of Arc. Frustrated, Max heads for the door with the others.

“This is maddening! Where could he be?!”

Xenos follows his companion closely. “We’re very quickly running out of places to look!”

Hugh gulps. “What about the… commander’s personal quarters?”

Viktor looks to Max apprehensively. “Well, he did say we could go anywhere.”

Max sighs. “I suppose you’re right. But... doing such a thing just doesn't feel… proper.”

Viktor looks over as they approach Arc’s door. “Orders are orders though! The commander told us to find him!”

Max groans in agreement. “Fine…”

The squad quickly enters Arc's personal quarters and respectfully looks over every nook and cranny. Xenos calls out as he closes the closet door.

“I'm still surprised the commander has such spartan living quarters for himself.”

Hugh looks over from the small kitchen area. “Is it a human thing perhaps?”

Max shakes his head as he steps out from the bathroom. “Doubtful. I was always taught they reveled in luxurious surroundings and opulence.”

Viktor hisses. “Shh! He might hear you!”

Xenos pokes his head into the bedroom. “Nah, he's not here either! But where else is there to look?!”

Hugh runs toward the door. “The War Room and Conference Room are all that is left! He has to be in one of them! Let's go!”

The near frantic squad races to the War Room and proceeds to look behind every desk and behind wall tapestries with no luck. Max calls over to the others frantically.

“The Conference Room! He HAS to be there! We've looked everywhere else! Hurry! Our time is almost up!”

The now desperate squad tears into the Conference Room looking behind the curtains, under the tables, in Arc's private office, and even going so far as to look behind the bookcases. Just then the town clock strikes noon. Max angrily kicks a nearby desk.

“ARGH! How could we fail at such a simple task?!”

They hear the sound of voices coming from the hall. Xenos and Hugh look back toward the open door.

“No way!”

“He couldn’t be…!”

The troops run back to the Main Hall to find Derpy and Dinky standing there with a box. Derpy addresses them as they approach.

“Excuse me. I’m sorry to bother all of you right now, but I'm looking for Arc.”

Dinky looks around. “Yeah! Have you seen my dad?!”

Max holds up the scroll. “We've been looking all over the base for him for the last hour.”

Derpy looks around for a few moments. “Oh dear! Can I assume you were unsuccessful?”

Xenos hangs his head in shame. “It's true. We failed in our task to find the commander.”

The squad joins him in bowing their heads. Suddenly they hear Arc’s laughter nearby. Dinky looks around the Main Hall with the others.

“Dad? I hear you, but… where are you?”

“Right here, Dinky!”

Arc, wearing the cloak Derpy gave him, suddenly appears sitting in a chair near the secretary’s desk. The squad can only stare at him in amazement. Max looks over at him in disbelief as he speaks.

“You mean…?!”

Arc nods. “When you four started your search of the base you ran right past me! True to my word though, I have not moved from this spot in the last hour.”

Xenos steps forward. “But… why sir?!”

Hugh nods. “Do tell! What was supposed to be the point of this exercise, sir?!”

Arc laughs. “I never actually said that you four were the ones being tested. In truth, this was more of an endurance test for ME! It was important for me to know that I could stay hidden from those actively searching for me for extended periods of time. After all, I get the feeling that we’re going to be doing a LOT of infiltration in the coming days. Stealth will be key and I had to be sure that I wouldn't pull the group down. But now I think I will inspect the condition of the base. Let's see how much ‘damage’ your search caused.”

Arc’s squad looks uneasy as he heads for the base’s interior. They retrace their steps as Arc looks around.

“Hmmm... it looks to me that as your search went on you became much more... uh... thorough.”

The squad says nothing as the continue following Arc. They walk from room to room, each in a bit worse shape than the last. The Barracks seemingly took the worst beating with sheets pulled off and footlockers overturned. Arc turns to his mortified squad.

“Well now... it looks like the four of you have your work cut out for you.”

Max looks to Arc, deeply embarrassed. “Our apologies, sir.”

“Duly noted. Now get to work cleaning this mess up, all of you. You can start with the most important room.”

Xenos looks over to Arc as he heads for the door. “The War Room, sir?”

Arc turns back as he stands in the doorway. “The kitchen. And be quick about it. After all, lunch won’t make itself.”

The sound of clopping hooves can be head making their way down the corridor quickly. A few moments later a Royal Guard sergeant enters the Barracks followed by a contingent of soldiers. The sergeant approaches Arc and salutes respectfully.

“Reporting for duty sir!”

Arc nods as he holds out a hand. “Welcome to Light’s Hope, sergeant. May I see your orders?”

The sergeant pulls a scroll out of his bag. “Certainly sir!”

Arc reads over the orders quickly. “Sergeant Flash Sentry is it now?”

“Yes sir.”

Arc looks around before returning his gaze to Flash Sentry. “It says here that you and your troops are to be stationed here to guard Light's Hope along with a receptionist and a chef. Where are the latter?”

“Yes sir. The two of them are waiting for the all-clear in the Main Hall.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “All… clear?”

“My apologies, but it appears we arrived too late. Judging by the state of the base, the battle must have been intense! Who or what were you and your soldiers fighting?!”

Arc looks over at his embarrassed squad a moment before turning his attention back to Flash Sentry. “There was no battle, sergeant.”

“Sir?”

“What you see here is merely the aftermath of a very… intense training exercise we just concluded. In any case, have your guards straighten up the barracks and get settled in. My troops will clean the rest of the base themselves. While you’re unpacking I will see to our two guests in the Main Hall personally.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir.”

Arc turns back to Derpy and Dinky. “Thanks for coming you two. Although it now appears that I have quite a bit of work to do. Sorry about this.”

Derpy nods. “It’s okay, Arc. We understand you have many duties now.”

“Yeah dad. I know you have other things to do to keep everypony safe.”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane happily. “Thanks, both of you. I’ll probably be busy for quite some time here. Be a good filly for your mother, Dinky.”

“I will!”

Derpy and Dinky head for door together. As his orders are carried out by the a fore mentioned stallions Arc walks to the Main Hall to greet the chef and secretary. They appear a bit unnerved to have arrived during what they believed to be a legitimate attack. The chef and secretary look to Arc apprehensively as the former speaks.

“Hero of Light! Is everything all right now?!”

The secretary looks around nervously. “Are we in danger here?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Everything is fine. There was no attack. In truth, I was in the middle of training my squad and things got a bit out of hand. But in any case, my name is Arc. Might I have yours?”

The secretary walks toward Arc, clearly relieved. “My name is Raven Inkwell, sir. I’ve been assigned to your base in order to keep the day to day paperwork in order.

Arc nods. “How much experience do you have as a secretarial aide?”

“Quite a bit. I have served as secretary and aide to many high ranking government officials in Canterlot.”

“Well Raven, I hope I can count on you to handle the logistical side of this facility then.”

Raven nods. “Yes sir. Paperwork may not do itself, but I am well versed in military protocol and supply handling. I won't let you down.”

Arc nods to her. “I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”

Turning to the chef, he notices she appears much more composed than Raven. “I am Saffron Masala, sir.”

Arc looks over the scroll from Flash Sentry. “It says here that you’ve cooked for visiting diplomats in the past. Is that true?”

“That is only partially true sir. The Canterlot Castle chefs would assign me the sole task of cooking the meat dishes only. Other than that, I was just a regular sous chef.”

“But you’re capable of preparing enough food to feed everyone here three times a day, right?”

Saffron nods. “Yes sir. I learned how to do so from my father whom owns a small restaurant in Canterlot.”

Arc smiles at her. “Very good. I’m sure you’ll fit right in here.”

“Thank you for the honor of being allowed to cook for Equestria's Hero of Light, sir. Although there are many others more skilled in the art of cooking than I.”

Arc chuckles. “That may be true, yes. However, I need a chef who isn't afraid to get a little blood on their hooves, figuratively speaking. Us humans require a good bit of protein in our diets in order to stay healthy.”

“Understood sir. I won't let you down!”

“I’m sure you won’t. Now then, give me a few moments and I’ll show you the way to your new kitchen.

As Saffron salutes, Arc turns back to the secretary before continuing.

“Raven, this is the Main Hall where you will be working most of the time.”

He turns and points to a small door behind her desk.

“Through that door you will find your private quarters. I have already inspected them and believe you will find them to be quite comfortable.”

“Thank you, sir. I will settle in and get to work immediately.”

Arc nods as she salutes and turns away. “Good. I’m counting on you.”

He looks to Saffron before continuing.

“Let me escort you to the kitchen.”

Saffron follows Arc to the kitchen which is has been returned to its normal condition thanks to his squad. She looks around, wide-eyed.

“This kitchen is almost as big as the one in Canterlot Castle!”

“I hope you’re up to the task.”

Saffron nods. “Yes sir, I am! As I said earlier, my father owns a restaurant in Canterlot called ‘The Tasty Treat’. So I am used to having to feed large groups!”

“Glad to hear it. Well, I’ll leave you to put this kitchen in order.”

Saffron turns to her task happily. “Thank you for choosing me, sir! I won’t let you down!”

Arc returns to the main barracks where Flash Sentry and his guards have finished cleaning up and are in the process of settling in. Upon Arc entering the room the sergeant calls his troops to attention.

“Room a-ten-hut!”

Arc returns their salutes. “At ease.”

Flash Sentry approaches Arc and salutes him. “Commander!”

“Sergeant. I would like a word with you. Follow me.”

Flash Sentry looks a bit nervous. “Y… yes sir!”

He follows Arc to his office. They enter. Flash Sentry closes the door behind them as Arc sits down at his desk and gestures to one of the chairs before him.

“Have a seat.”

Flash Sentry does so at once. Arc looks him over for a few moments before speaking again.

“Tell me sergeant, whom assigned you here?”

“Captain Decimus signed my transfer orders, sir.”

“So, you were originally stationed in Canterlot Castle then?”

“Yes sir.”

“Tell me… why were you sent here?”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “I… don’t know sir.”

“The captain didn’t say?”

“No sir.”

Arc looks across the desk at Flash Sentry. “Then I will tell you why you were sent here. You are here to aid me in protecting these lands. I know guard duty may not be as glamorous or exciting as fighting monsters or leading a rescue mission, but it is a vital part of the service. You and your troops will continue to train while you are here, of course. At some point I may borrow a few of your guards for extra muscle, so it is imperative that you maintain combat readiness. Have I made myself clear, sergeant?”

“Yes sir!”

Arc stands and looks out the large office window behind his desk. It overlooks a large field behind the base.

“Very good. Make out a duty roster and post your guards as soon as possible. I want a sense of normalcy established as soon as possible. You are dismissed.”

“Yes sir. Thank you sir.”

Flash Sentry stands and turns to leave. However, Arc calls out after him.

“Flash Sentry.”

The sergeant turns, surprised to be called by name.

“Sir?”

“You will not tell your guards this, but I have a feeling we are about to get busy, and we must ALL be ready. Equestria has more enemies than you realize. I hope you and your boys are up to the task. No matter what the task is.”

Flash Sentry nods and leaves the office. Arc continues to look out the window as he muses to himself.

“And at the same time, I hope I’m up to the task as well.”

A short time later the smell of food cooking fills Light’s Hope. Arc looks over from his desk as he sniffs the air.

“Saffron certainly doesn’t waste any time.”

He makes his way to the cafeteria for a late lunch. As Arc walks in, he sees the rest of the troops lined up for lunch. They immediately come to attention. Arc walks over toward Saffron who is holding a plate for him.

“At ease.”

Saffron walks over to him levitating at plate. “Sorry I don't have too much to offer you sir, as I haven't been able to properly shop for ingredients yet.”

Arc accepts the plate of grilled fish happily. “It’s alright. I understand.”

As Arc walks past his squad sitting at a nearby table, he notices they are noticeably disturbed. Turning to the four he addresses them.

“Something wrong?”

Max looks at Arc’s plate. “Forgive us sir, but... well... the sight of your meal is making us a bit... nauseous.”

Arc looks down at his plate. “I see. That gives me an idea. After lunch, I want you four to meet me in the Main Hall with full field packs. Don’t pack any food though. Instead I want you to use the space to pack extra water.”

Xenos looks over. “A survival camping trip, sir?”

“Eh… something like that.”

Arc turns his head to look to Flash Sentry. “Sergeant!”

Flash Sentry quickly approaches Arc and salutes. “Yes sir?”

“My squad and I will be heading out for a training exercise after lunch for an indefinite duration. Until my return, you will be in command of Light's Hope.”

Flash Sentry appears surprised. “Uh… yes sir!”

Arc quickly eats his food and leaves the cafeteria. He immediately heads to his quarters to pack his own satchel before proceeding to the Main Hall to await his soldiers. Raven has begun to organize the incoming paperwork from Canterlot. Walking over to her desk he addresses her.

“Getting into the swing of things, Raven?”

Raven nods. “Yes sir. It will take some time, but I will have these files in order in a few days. Is there anything you need?”

“Actually yes. My troops and I will be gone for a few days to a week on a training exercise. I’m leaving Sergeant Flash Sentry in command of the base in my absence. When I return, I’d like to go over the records of all the personnel assigned to this facility. Could you get those files over to my desk by then?”

“Certainly sir.”

A short time later Arc’s squad enters the Main Hall together with bulging saddlebags. Lining up, they look to Arc and respond in unison.

“Reporting as ordered, sir!”

Arc looks them over. “Are all of you ready for this?”

Max nods soberly. “We’re all trained in wilderness survival, sir.

Hugh smirks. “This should be no problem!”

Xenos sighs. “Yeah. But I get the feeling it will be.”

Arc turns to the door. “We will see. All of you follow me.”

He leads his troops to the edge of town. Stopping briefly at Derpy’s house, Arc opens the front door and peeks inside.

“Derpy… Dinky… are you home?”

The pair appear a few moments later at the door along with Ember. Dinky runs over to Arc and gives him a hug.

“Dad! That was fast!”

Derpy looks past Arc at his squad and all their gear. “Are you heading out on a mission, Arc?”

“Something like that. We're going on a camping trip of sorts.”

Ember looks over. “Need some help with that, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “How did I know you were going to say that? Well, I might as well say yes. You'll just end up following us anyways.”

Ember smirks as she heads inside to get her armor and spear. “You know me so well.”

Dinky trots in place excitedly. “Can I come too, dad?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, Dinky! If I know Arc, this is no ordinary camping trip.”

Arc nods. “True. This will be dangerous, Dinky. Maybe next time.”

Dinky bows her head dejectedly. “Aww… okay dad.”

Arc returns his attention back to Derpy. “We’ll be back in a few days or so. Not sure how long this will take.”

Derpy walks over to Arc and gives him a hug as Dinky joins in. “Alright. Take care of yourself out there, Arc. Remember, we both need you!”

Arc hugs them both. “I’ll miss you two as well. But we must be off now. Take care you two.”

Ember returns with her armor and spear to join them. Derpy and Dinky wave goodbye as Arc and company walk away. Xenos turns to Arc.

“You have a lovely family, sir.”

“Thank you. Do any of you have families?”

Hugh shakes his head. “None of us do.”

Viktor chuckles. “The military IS our family!”

Max looks over to Arc. “To tell you the truth sir, most of Equestria's military is comprised of orphans.”

Ember appears to be thinking. “Hold on! Are you saying...?!”

Viktor nods. “Yep! The four of us grew up together in the same orphanage.”

Max shrugs. “It wasn't much of an upbringing. But we had each other.”

Arc nods. “I see. Tell me about your home.”

Max thinks for a few moments. “Well, there isn't really all that much to say about it. Equestria relies on the New Beginnings Orphanage to house pretty much all of its homeless foals.”

A rather irritated look spreads across Viktor’s face. “It's run by a rather... unpleasant matron named Tempest Shadow. Nopony really liked her very much though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

Hugh looks away angrily. “Let's just say that she was quite the taskmaster.”

Max grits his teeth. “She always pushed everypony to their limits in everything.”

Xenos grunts. “ Yeah. Studies, sports, even normal games where a ‘play to win’ sort of event.”

Ember shakes her head at this. “Sounds more like she was just pushing you to be all you could be to me! And look where you are now! Under the personal command of the Hero of Light himself!”

Viktor turns to Arc. “We're honestly not trying to sound ungrateful sir, but... it always felt like our fates had always been decided for us ahead of time.”

Hugh shrugs. “Army bound and no two ways about it.”

Xenos smiles wistfully. "Yeah. If it hadn't been for her assistant Miss Pommel though, I don't think many of us foals would have made it.”

Arc frowns. “Can you elaborate on that?”

Hugh nods. “The penalty for losing a competition was quite high.”

Ember scoffs. “What? Did you not get second helpings of cupcakes, or something?”

Viktor rolls his eyes. “Losers didn't get the ‘privilege’ of the upcoming meal.”

Max bows his head. “It became harder to win the more meals we missed.”

Xenos smiles sadly. “Miss Pommel would donate most of her food to the losers though. In all the time we were growing up there, I don't believe she ever got to eat a decent meal.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “And I thought dragon parents were hard on their young! How did she survive without eating?!”

Max looks away sadly. “Nopony really knows. She was always so weak because of it though. I'm not sure if the matron didn't notice... or didn't care. Probably the latter.”

Xenos turns to the others nervously. “Um… guys? I know.”

Hugh looks over to Xenos. “You know what?”

Xenos looks down sadly. “I know how Miss Pommel stayed alive to help us.”

Viktor looks at his friend, expectantly. “You do!? Tell us!”

Xenos sighs and begins to speak. “It just so happened that I had smuggled in a candy bar and had kept it hidden for a time when I was beyond hungry. One night I awoke very late and knew this was the right time. Grabbing my treasure from my secret hiding spot, I snuck out of the orphanage to the darker part of the back of the building where the building cast a shadow from the moon. Unwrapping the candy as quietly as I could, I was about to take a bite when I heard the sound of hoof steps coming around the building. As quickly and quietly as I could I hid behind some nearby bushes and waited.”

Hugh, wide eyed, looks over. “Was it the Matron?”

Xenos shakes his head. “No, much worse. It was Miss Pommel. She didn't see me hiding, even though she looked around thoroughly for a minute. Then... it happened. Walking over to a corner of the back play area, she slowly lowered her head and... started eating the flowers from her garden! I couldn't believe it! This kind pony being reduced to eating grass and FLOWERS! Finally, when I could stand it no longer…”

The large stallion has a faraway look in his eyes as he recalls the incident from so long ago. Young Xenos hides in the bushes watching the spectacle before him. He looks at his chocolate bar, then over at Coco Pommel.

“I have to help!”

Working up all his courage, Xenos slowly and quietly made his way over to Coco Pommel.

“M-Miss Pommel?”

Coco Pommel lets out a small gasp of surprise as she whirls around to face him.

“Xenos?! What are you doing up at this hour?! You should be in bed! If Matron Tempest finds you out here...!”

Xenos interrupts and holds out his candy bar to her. “Miss Pommel... please... take this.”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “No, Xenos. You should have this. I know you’re hungry, and you need the nutrition more than I do. Don't worry about me. I'll be alright.”

Tears begin to form in the young colt’s eyes. “Please, Miss Pommel! I'm worried about you! We all are! You've spent so long taking care of US! Let me take care of you for once!”

“Xenos, I... thank you, my little pony.”

Young Xenos lies down in the grass with Miss Pommel and watches as she slowly eats the candy bar before standing ups slowly.

“Thank you... I needed that. Listen to me Xenos. I want you to grow up big and strong so you can protect those you care for. Grow up, and leave this place far behind!”

The young foal nod and looks up at her soberly. “I will, Miss Pommel. But... someday I'll come back and save you and everypony else from Matron Tempest!”

Coco Pommels shakes her head. “Please don't say such things, Xenos! The Matron is more powerful than you know! If you really want to help, grow strong enough to leave this place behind forever!”

Xenos gasps. “But… but what about you, Miss Pommel?!”

Coco Pommel looks over her shoulder at the imposing building behind her. “I will continue my vigil over the foals here.”

Xenos opens his eyes and look to the others. “I did just as Miss Pommel told me. Every day I strive to become even stronger so I can one day make good on my promise to save her and everypony else still at the New Beginnings Orphanage!”

Ember looks to Xenos in disbelief. “That's quite the story, Xenos! But whatever happened to Coco Pommel?”

Xenos sighs. “I don't really know. When I started my training I sent her letters, of course. But never heard anything back.”

Max groans. “The Matron probably intercepted them.”

Arc appears to be deep in though. “And the other foals? What became of them?”

Hugh looks over. “As far as I know everypony joined Equestria's military.”

Max thinks for a moment. “I never really thought about it until now but, did ANYPONY from back then ever go into any line of work other than joining the corps?”

The squad thinks for a few minutes before shaking their heads. Arc stops and turns to his troops before speaking.

“While I understand that Equestria needs protectors, I also can't shake the feeling that there is more going on here. I would be very interested in seeing where you four grew up in the near future.”

Hugh looks to his commanding office in confusion. “Sir? But why?”

“I believe that it will help me to understand the upbringing of Equestria's next generation of soldiers. That and I would like to meet this Matron Tempest and Miss Pommel for myself. We will speak more on this later, but for now we need to focus on what is ahead.”

He calls forth his armor and points his spear down the path. “There is much for all of us to learn ahead.”

Ember looks down the path. “Um… Arc? Isn’t that the Everfree Forest?”

Arc nods as he leads them into the foliage. “Indeed it is. Shall we?”

Max looks around nervously. “Are you sure this is a good idea, sir?”

“I am. From what I’ve heard this forest is one of the few truly dangerous places within Equestria’s borders. Perfect for our lessons, as everything in here wants to kill us.”

Arc’s squad gulps as he holds up a hand to bring the part to a full stop.

“Wait here.”

Arc walks a dozen or so feet forward slowly, his spear at the ready. Suddenly a giant venus fly trap lunges toward him. He ducks and slashes at the carnivorous plant's now exposed stem, cutting it cleanly. The plant falls to the ground, dead. Unfazed, Arc turns to look at his troops behind him.

“Shall we continue?”

Ember smiles “I like a challenge! Kinda reminds me of Tartarus, as even the land wants to kill us!”

After a while Arc stops in a clearing next to a stream. Looking around, he nods approvingly.

“This seems as good a place as any. We make camp here. Pitch the tents and then gather firewood. But always work in pairs for safety”

His squad nervously complies as Arc continues.

“And remember, everything here will view you as food.”

The three tents are quickly pitched and a fire started. Arc surveys their small camp before turning back to the squad.

“Very good. Now I want you all to scavenge for food. Stay together and see what you can find.”

The squad, becoming more comfortable in their surroundings salute and respond in unison.

“Yes sir!”

An hour or so later the squad returns with saddlebags full of berries and nuts they found in the forest. Max approaches Arc and salutes.

“Mission complete, sir!”

Arc nods. “Very well. Show me what you found.”

They proudly lay out what they have turned up as Max turns back to Arc.

“Part of our basic training was learning how to live off of the land, commander.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. And all things considered, I think we did quite well.”

Arc looks over their bounty. “I suppose you did. However, you forgot one thing.”

Viktor looks at Arc confused. “What’s that, sir?”

“I sent you out to gather food for the entire group. There is nothing here for Ember to eat, and little that I can personally stomach.”

Hugh gasps. “I’m sorry sir! But we’re not sure what you or dragons eat.”

Arc turns to Ember. “Would you care to demonstrate it to them?”

“Sure thing.”

Ember picks up her spear and walks into the nearby stream. She holds he spear over her head, unmoving. Xenos looks to Arc.

“What is she…?”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Just watch!”

A few minutes later Ember suddenly thrusts her spear into the water and pulls out a flailing fish. Arc grins as she moves to face the group with it.

“Nice catch, Ember!”

Arc turns and notices that his squad seems a bit squeamish at the sight of the now bloody fish on the end of Ember's spear. Hoping to use this as a teachable moment, he pulls the fish from the spear and looks to Ember.

“Ember, how about showing the squad how to properly fillet this fish?”

She nods. “Pay close attention. This is actually easier than you think.”

Arc hands her his Hunting Knife and whetstone. She takes a minute or two, but soon has the knife razor sharp.

“First things first. Always make sure you use the sharpest knife you can get. Makes the job easier and you are less likely to cut yourself.”

Ember demonstrates where and how to cut the fish. Arc's squad does not take it well. Grunting, she looks over their pained expressions.

“Haven't you guys ever seen blood before?!”

Max looks up at her, a bit green. “Not… in such large amounts we haven’t!

Arc sighs. “Then can I assume none of you has seen actual combat before?”

Xenos shakes his head. “No, sir. After all, Equestria has been peaceful for quite some time.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That’s understandable. Do you see why I brought you four out here now?”

Hugh shrugs. “To teach us how to fish?”

“Close. The purpose of this little excursion is to get some blood on those hooves of yours. Our future together will most likely be quite... violent and I need troops who aren't afraid to actually use their weapons in a lethal manner. Now then, all of you grab your spears and get in the stream with Ember. After all, I'm hungry too”

The troops try to spear fish for a time unsuccessfully. Ember watches their attempts and offers constructive criticism.

“Don't be in a rush. Wait for the perfect moment. Then strike!”

After several more attempts Xenos strikes the water with conviction and pulls a fish out of the water. Grinning triumphantly he turns to shore.

“I got one!”

Ember nods approvingly. “Good job.”

Arc looks to the others. “See if the rest of you can catch more of them. I’ll send the extras to Saffron back at Light's Hope. We need the freezer stocked anyways.”

A few minutes later Max catches one himself. “Success!”

The troops watch as Ember fillets each fish and Arc cooks them over the campfire. Together they eat their food as the sun sets and the crickets start to chirp. Patting his belly, Arc turns to his squad.

“Ah... that hits the spot. Good job today guys. Would you all like to sample some of the fruits of your labors?”

Max shakes his head. “We’ll pass, sir.”

Arc nods. “I understand. Perhaps another time. Now then, it is getting rather late. We’ll each take two hour guard duty shifts, as some things out here will be looking for a midnight snack.”

Ember smirks. “So which of them gets the first watch, Arc?”

Arc motions to the tents. “You boys get some rest. I'll take the first shift myself.”

His squad salutes and heads for their tent. Arc looks over to Ember when she fails to stand.

“Aren’t you tired?”

She shakes her head. “Not really. Besides that though…”

Ember moves closer to Arc with a smile and a gleam in her eye as she continues.

“...it's not every day we get to be alone like this.”

“It won't always be this way. Eventually Princess Celestia will return and you can have your re-trial. Celestia will most certainly see you are not guilty and you can get back to the task your father sent you on.”

Ember appears suddenly hopeful. “I guess, but… would you mind if I... well... stayed around afterwards? You know how I feel about you, Arc, and I'm sure there will be plenty of danger to go around in your future.”

Arc bows his head. “What you say is most likely true. However, any victories we would earn together would most certainly be credited to the Hero of Light alone. I had wished you would make a name for yourself so that you could again be welcome in the Dragon Lands. There... isn't much of a future for you with me as our time together would be rather… short.”

Ember puts a claw on Arc’s gauntlet. “Arc... even if I were to stay by your side for the rest of your life, it would be but a short time for me in the grander scheme of things. However, the thought of living in a world without you makes me quite... sad admittedly. I want to stay by your side and make many happy memories together with you. Although you won't live long enough to see me take a mate, I hope to someday see you with another you can live out your days with.”

Arc smiles. “Such a thought has crossed my mind before, albeit briefly. Being the only human in a land of ponies would make such a task... difficult.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Why does it have to be a pony?! If my father hadn't forbidden it, I would have been very happy being your mate! I'm not blind, Arc! I've seen the way several mares have looked at you! Twilight worries about you constantly! Derpy practically worships the ground you walk on! Ruby couldn't stop looking at you the whole time we were in Dodge Junction. Not to mention ME! And most of all Cherry! I’m sure she would love to share a night with you almost as much as I would! And that's just the mares from recent months! Who knows how many others will fall for you in the coming years?!”

Arc replies sadly. “I know... I... I really like all those ponies you just listed, but… well… I'm just too busy to think about much less act on such things. It's hurts enough when I leave Derpy and Dinky behind. How much more would it hurt if I were married?.”

Ember turns away, clearly embarrassed at her words. “I... I'm sorry Arc, but... I just want you to be happy. You know... have someone to spend your life with.”

“Well, at the moment I think I’m ‘married’ to my job of protecting this land. As long as those I care about are safe, I will be happy.”

Ember leans her head on Arc’s shoulder and closes her eyes. “Arc, I love you just for being you. Don't ever change.”

She falls asleep sitting next to Arc. His squad watches from their tent in silence before turning to one another. Max shakes his head as he whispers.

“I feel bad for the commander.”

Viktor sighs. “He's in quite the pickle.”

Xenos smiles. “Yeah, but I don't see him struggling too hard to get out of it.”

Hugh smirks. “With that many mares giving him their attention, who would?

Two hours later Arc turns and wakes up Ember. She looks around a bit confused.

“Huh? What?!”

Arc chuckles. “You nodded off.”

Ember looks at him sheepishly. “Sorry about that.”

“Why don't you go lie down now? It's been two hours. I'll get one of the guys to take over the next watch.”

Ember stands and walks over to the tent. She turns back to Arc and winks. “Alright. But don’t be long.”

Arc turns away and heads for the other tents. He mutters under his breath.

“Again... what have I gotten myself into...”

He opens the tent and gives Max a nudge. The stallion slowly raises his head.

“Time already, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yup, you're up next. In two hours wake up Hugh and have him take over.”

Max nods and he stands up and walks over to the fire. Arc heads for his shelter, recalls his armor, enters the tent, and lies down on his back. Ember snuggles up to him and whispers.

“Good night, Arc.”

He sighs. “Good night, Ember.”

The next day is spent teaching the squad the finer points of spear fishing. After enough practice every time they plunge their spears into the water, a fish is attached. Arc beckons them over as he looks to them approvingly.

“Very good. It seems you four have gotten over your apprehension. Now for the next phase of your training.”

He points at the large pile of freshly caught fish as he pulls out four Hunting Knives from his satchel and continues.

“I want to see you fillet these now.”

The squad does so rather crudely at first. By the time the last fish is filleted near sundown they are nearly as good at it as Ember and Arc are. As Arc opens a portal back to Light’s Hope’s freezer, Ember and his squad tosses through the fish. Finishing their task, Arc looks to them soberly.

“I want you all to understand this. I'm not trying to turn you into mindless killers. There will be many who will die upon our spears in the future, but we will do so with a purpose. Not with reckless abandon.”

The squad nods soberly. Somewhere nearby a large roar rings out. They look around, spears at the ready. Xenos scans their surroundings as they all take up their battle ready positions.

“What was that?!”

Max stands behind him watching and waiting. “I don’t know, but it sounded big!”

Hugh grits his teeth. “And angry!”

The sound of something large crashing toward the camp can be heard. Arc takes up a battle-ready stance with his squad.

“Stand back troops! This one’s mine!”

Ember jumps next to Arc ready for battle. “Yeah! Let’s do this!”

Arc holds out an arm and pushes her back. “That goes for you too, Ember!”

She puts her Spear of Courage over her shoulder and walks away. “Argh! Fine... have it your way!”

A manticore breaks into the clearing and roars at Arc whom calmly stands his ground. Looking the creature over, Arc speaks to it in an even tone.

“My, you’re a big one! I’m impressed but, are you sure don't want to just... oh, I don't know... turn around and walk away?”

The manticore’s response is a pawfull of claws swung at Arc’s chest. Ember yells over to him as Arc dodges.

“Be careful Arc! I doubt even you could survive a blow from that thing!”

Arc looks over to the beast. “Maybe he’s not such a bad guy?”

The manticore takes another mighty swing at Arc. He misses, but knocks over a tree as Arc frowns and continues.

“Nope! He’s rotten to the core!”

As the manticore takes another swing, Arc ducks and takes the opportunity to counterattack with the butt of his spear to the manticore's chest, knocking him high into the air. Arc then finishes his opponent by delivering a magical blast to send the beast hurtling through the sky. Ember runs over to Arc with his squad close behind.

“Impressive, Arc! It took Twilight herself several minutes to charge up enough to do that!”

Max stops in front of Arc. “Quite the display, sir! But if I may ask... would it not have been easier to simply slay the beast?”

Arc shrugs as he puts his spear over his shoulder. “I suppose it would have been, yes. While I am certainly not against such action, I act with purpose. We are after all in HIS backyard.”

Xenos looks in the direction the manticore flew. “I daresay such a beast would have most certainly filled your deep freezer back at the base.”

Arc’s pupils shrink as he turns to run deep into the forest. “GET BACK HERE YOU MANGY BEAST!”

Xenos and Ember fist bump. “Good one, Xenos!”

Arc returns a few minutes later dejectedly. “What an opportunity lost!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”

Arc sighs. “Ha, ha. Well, I'm a bit tired after all the excitement. I'll let you four decide the watch rotation.”

His squad salutes as Ember follows Arc into the tent and lies down next to him. Turning to her, Arc groans.

"Again with this, Ember?”

Ember looks to Arc with a smile. “What can I say? You know how I feel!”

Arc rolls over and sighs. “Good night.”

The next morning Arc and his troops sit around their campfire as he briefs them on the day’s activity.

“Today we will be doing something a little different troops.”

Max grins at him. “Hunting the manticore from yesterday?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Don’t tempt me.”

He points over at a bag and case lying near his tent.

“Grab that gear and follow me.”

The troops do so as Arc leads them a short distance away to a small clearing. He stops and opens the case for the troops to see.

“Do all of you know what this is?”

Max is the first to speak up. “This is a Crusader MK-1 rifle. It doesn't have much stopping power except at fairly close range.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “Are we going to be doing some target practice, sir?”

“In a matter of speaking. Assemble and load the weapon Xenos.”

“Yes sir!”

He does so in a matter of thirty seconds. Holding it out for inspection, Xenos again speaks.

“Weapon ready sir!”

Arc nods. “Very good. Now, I’ve spoken with Canterlot's Conservation Department and have been informed that they will be entering these very woods with a group of specialists next week to cull the cockatrice population by one hundred birds due to overpopulation.”

Hugh looks around. “So we’re getting a head start on them?”

Arc shrugs. “No reason to let good meat go to waste, so we're going to do them a favor and start now.”

He throws a handful of seeds from the bag into the clearing. A few moments later a group of cockatrices approach to feed. Arc raises his hand cannon and takes careful aim. Firing, he hits the bird squarely in the head while the rest of the flock flies away. Arc then walks over to the dead bird, picks it up and walks back to his troops. He points at Max.

“You’re up next. Now then I only want to see head shots.”

Max looks at the birds as the flock flaps around nervously. “Y… yes sir!”

The birds return to feed and Max takes aim. The gun shakes as does its wielder. After a solid minute passes Arc turns to him.

“Is there a problem?”

“I'm sorry sir. I've just never shot anything that's, you know... alive.”

Arc nods soberly. “Everyone has a first time, of course. Just do as I did and make it quick and painless for the bird. Remember, head shots only. I don't want it to have to suffer needlessly.”

He turns to the others before continuing.

“Do you know why the Canterlot's Conservation Department has said one hundred of these need to be hunted?

They shake their heads as Arc continues.

“Because according to their research, there isn’t enough food to sustain all of them. Rather than let them starve to death slowly and painfully, we’re going to give them a clean way out.”

Ember whispers. “That and they just happen to taste like chicken.”

Max raises the gun. “Yes sir. I understand”

He takes careful aim and fires. A bird drops like a stone as his companions turn tail and flutter away. Arc nods approvingly as he turns to Max.

“Good shot. Now go pick it up.”

Max does so, albeit cautiously. The others take turns making shots of their own with the rifle. By mid-morning they have two dozen birds bagged. Smiling, Arc puts the gun away.

“That's enough. We'll let the Conservation Department take care of the other seventy-six. Grab some birds and head back to camp.”

A short time later they arrive back at camp. Ember begins showing the troops how to remove the feathers and then how to properly dress the birds. Arc puts one of the birds in front of the fire to cook and sends the rest of the processed birds via magic portal to the kitchen back at Light's Hope. As he sends the last bird through the portal Arc stands up and groans happily.

“Quite a bit of work, but fulfilling.”

He turns to his squad before continuing.

“How do you feel right now?”

Max shrugs. “Okay, I guess.”

Hugh grins. “Fine.”

Viktor grins. “Just peachy!”

Xenos laughs. “Ready for lunch!”

Ember approaches the group. “You’ve all come quite a long way in these last few days!”

Arc nods. “That they have.”

Max shrugs. “I don’t think it’s that much of an improvement though, sir.”

Ember grins. “I have to disagree. Remember when you guys were squeamish at the very sight of blood the other day? Well, look at yourselves now.”

The troops do as they are told. They are surprised to see that they are covered in blood from head to hoof from processing all the birds. Arc folds his arms over his chest as he speaks.

“Congratulations on overcoming your fear of getting blood on your hooves. Well, I think that concludes our training exercise. Pack it in and we will teleport back to Light's Hope.”

The camp is packed up in record time and the party gathers around Arc who opens a portal to Light's Hope's Main Hall sigil.

“Okay, everyone head through.”

They do so. As Arc passes through to portal himself it closes behind him. He does not notice a mysterious black robed figure in a tree above them.

“Very good, Arc. Get them used to killing. After all, I sense quite the bloodbath in your wake.”

Kronos appears next to them. “Still so sure Arc that will align himself with you?”

“Of that I am certain! Humans can't help but enjoy killing things they deem below themselves! When Arc joins me, we will cut a swath of death and destruction through this wretched land!”

Kronos’ form pulsates with a gentle glow. “Have you seen nothing?! Arc is not the mindless, bloodthirsty killer you believe him to be!”

“I have seen scores lie dead at my feet in the past! I know a true bringer of death when I see one!”

“Arc would never allow such things to come to pass! Should you bring about that future, he would most certainly fight AGAINST you, not WITH you!”

The black cloaked figure smiles a wicked simile. “He is welcome to try. Tell me... what future do you see for this land?”

Kronos is silent as the other figure continues.

“Ha! I don't have to be the Keeper of Time to see this land's future is one of darkness. Tell me, why don't you just warn your little human plaything of my intentions?”

“You know as well as I do that to interfere with the natural flow of time is reckless at best!”

“But you have addressed him and others in this land already! Is that really the best course of action?”

Kronos fades away. “A calculated risk. I know the dangers which I partake in. The real question though is… do you?”

The figure laughs. “All too well! I haven't had this much fun in centuries!”

Chapter 3 - Calculated Risks

Arc and company step out of the portal.

Arc stretches. It’s good to be home again!

Raven looks up from her work. “Commander I... GOOD HEAVENS!!! SOMEPONY HELP!!!”

Flash Sentry and a few guards run into the Main Hall! They look at Arc and his squad, horrified at the extremely bloody sight before them! “Commander! Are you all right?!”

Arc laughs! “Yes, yes not to worry. None of this blood is ours! Just a little adventure during our training exercises.”

Ember laughs! “Yes, we’re fine!”

Arc turns to his squad. “Good job out there! Let’s hit the showers!”

Ember shoots Arc a wicked smile! “Great idea, Arc!”

He rolls his eyes. “Very funny, Ember! You can use the shower in my quarters.

She gives him a withering look! “ARGH! Why are you humans so darn modest?!”

Arc and company leave to get cleaned up. Flash Sentry and the Royal Guards with him can only look after them, traumatized! “He calls that a ‘little adventure’?!”

The squad follows Arc to their semi-private quarters where they get cleaned up. A Royal Guard enters momentarily to drop off fresh clothes for Arc. Afterwards, Arc and his troops sit down together on the couches.

“I feel much better now that you boys have drawn your… uh… “first blood” so to speak.”

Xenos looks over at Arc. “It was just hunting, but I would have hated for somepony to freeze up during the real thing!”

Max leans back on the couch with the others. “I’m almost afraid to ask but, what’s next on the agenda, sir?”

“To tell you the truth, I’m working on our next plan as we speak. Why don't you all take it easy for the rest of the day. I'll figure it out by tomorrow.”

Arc reclines for a bit with his squad before getting up and heading down the hall. “I guess I should see how Saffron made out with the meat we sent her.”

He heads to the kitchen to find Saffron preparing the evening meal. She looks up as he enters.

“Commander! What can I do for you?”

“I just wanted to make sure all was well with the meat we sent over the other day.”

Saffron nods! “Yes, I finished preparing it. Most of it went into the deep freezer, but let's just say at least you and Ember are set in the food department for quite a while! Tonight I’ll make you a special dish with cockatrice meat!”

“Good! Looking forward to it!”

Arc leaves the kitchen and heads back to his quarters. Closing the door behind him and walking slowly into his living room. “Whew! What a day!”

A voice calls out softly behind him. Arc turns to see Ember standing in the doorway to his room with a towel wrapped around her body.

He raises an eyebrow. “Ember... that doesn't really work for you.”

Ember whips the towel off and slams it on the floor angrily! “Darn! Lyra said this was a good idea!”

“LYRA?! I she STILL trying to learn about… what did she call it… human mating rituals?!”

“Yup.”

Arc folds his arms across his chest. “And you are only too happy to help!”

She smiles guiltily at him. “Right again!”

He rolls his eyes. “Well, you can tell Lyra that a human would be more likely to mate with a pony than a dragon!”

Lyra pops her head out of the nearby closet. “REALLY?!”

“YES!”

Lyra slowly walks toward him, batting her eyelashes.” Well then… how about you and I…

Arc interrupts her. “No! Lyra! Out! Now!”

She walks toward the back door. “Alright! Maybe next time!”

Arc looks to Ember as Lyra leaves. “Remind me to talk to Flash Sentry about tighter security measures.”

“Will do.”

Arc and Ember sit down on the couch together.

“So where are we headed next?”

He looks out the window, avoiding her gaze. “I haven’t decided.”

Ember nods slowly and narrows her eyes. “Oh, I think we both know you have.”

Arc turns to look at her, sighing. “…is it that obvious?”

“Vanhoover?”

He nods. “Vanhoover. I'm worried about those orphans. If any of what Xenos and the others told us is true about the Matron, well let's just say their futures look... dark.”

“Not saying the orphans aren't important but, is this really the best use of the Hero of Light's time? I mean, isn't this more of a social worker/bureaucrat problem? There's plenty of other issues you could be solving! Princess Celestia's disappearance, Captain Decimus' actions, recent monster activity in the Everfree Forest! You're not listening to a word I say, are you?”

“Not really.”

“But Arc…”

Arc looks over at her angrily! “My mind is made up Ember! My next mission is the investigation of the New Beginnings Orphanage, and that is FINAL!”

“Is something bothering you Arc? I've never seen you this passionate about anything before! Other than cupcakes, I guess.”

Arc turns away to look away from her. “I… well… it’s just… Look, let’s just say it’s a tale for another day and let it go, okay?”

Ember nods at him soberly. “I'll hold you to that! So, when are you leaving?”

“As soon as I come up with a plan.”

She smiles! “Actually thinking things through for a change. I like it!”

“Yes, well... This is too important to just charge in, guns blazing!”

“Anything I can do to help?”

Arc shakes his head. “Actually, I think I already have the framework of a plan already. I just need some time... and a good meal.”

Ember facepalms. “I should've seen that one coming!”

Arc and Ember stand up and head for the Cafeteria. As they enter, the pair are greeted by Saffron.

“Good afternoon sir! I just finished preparing your meal. I hope you like it!”

Ember looks over at Saffron angrily! “Hey! What about me?!”

Saffron smiles warmly as she produces another plate. “Don't worry Miss Ember! I made enough for two.”

“Thanks! This smells great!”

The pair leave the Cafeteria. Ember heads back toward Arc's quarters but he heads the other direction.

“Arc? Where are you going?”

“Home. Care to join me?”

“Sure!”

The pair proceed to the Main Hall and step onto the sigil as Arc calls forth his gauntlet. “Raven. Inform Flash Sentry I’m leaving for a while. And get me everything you can on the New Beginnings Orphanage in Vanhoover. I'll be back in an hour or so.”

“Yes sir! The other files you requested are on your desk as well.”

“Excellent! I’ll review them when I return. Thank you.”

Arc powers up the sigil and teleports him and Ember back to Derpy's house. Dinky sees them and runs over to give her father a hug!

“Dad! You’re home! Are you staying?!”

“Sadly not. There's work to be done in the northwest.”

“Aww… can I come?!”

Derpy walks towards them happily! “Glad your home, Arc! We were just about ready to eat!”

Arc holds up his own lunch plate. “I guess we should sit down then.”

The four sit down around the table and talk about the upcoming mission.

Derpy serves Dinky some salad and looks over at Arc. “So, what’s this about trouble in the northwest?”

“Well, it has come to my attention that there is an orphanage in Vanhoover called the New Beginnings Orphanage. The word is they are abusing the foals there. I'm going there personally to verify these reports and see who needs rescuing! And who needs a knuckle sandwich!”

Derpy appears deeply concerned at this news! “Oh my! Is there anything I can do?”

“Not that I can think of. Right now I'm still working on a plan. I was looking at an infiltration mission for this one! Any ideas for a spell that can change me into a foal?”

“I don't know much about magic, so I'm not completely sure. Transmogrification magic is quite advanced stuff! But to de-age you to a foal would definitely be Chrono Magic. Twilight once told me nopony in Equestria was THAT powerful!”

Dinky looks up. “What about using a real filly then, dad?”

“I don't like the idea of putting a filly in harm’s way. Who did you have in mind, Dinky?”

She looks to her father with a very serious face. “Me.”

Arc and Derpy both choke on their food! “YOU?!?!?!”

She nods. “Yes, me.”

Derpy is the first to clear her throat! “What?! Dear, this will be DANGEROUS!”

Ember nods. “You mom's right! Leave this to us!”

“I know mom, but... will it be any less dangerous for those foals in the Orphanage to stay there?! Please! I want to help them!”

“While I really don’t like this idea... I suppose I could ask Twilight to teach me Platinum Valve's Matter Compacting spell so I could come with you. Kronos did say that Equestria would have need of her soon, Derpy. Perhaps this is what it meant.”

Derpy appears apprehensive. “I admit I’d feel a lot better about this if your father was with you, dear. All right, as long as Arc can stay with you it's okay with me.”

“YAY!!!”

Arc nods. “As soon as supper is over, we’ll head over to the Golden Oaks Library. Twilight was able to figure it out in a few minutes. Hopefully she can teach it to me.”

Ember looks over to Arc and shakes her head. “You're really going to go through with this, aren't you?!”

“If you have any other ideas, I'm open to suggestions.”

Ember hangs her head. “No... I don't.”

“It's settled then!”

They finish eating and head over to see Twilight. Arc knocks on the door of the library. In a few moments Twilight answers.

She looks at them happily “Hi everypony! Come in!”

They step inside. Arc turns to her.

"Good evening, Twilight. Sorry to bother you at this hour."

“It’s no problem! What can I do for you today?!”

“I know this is really last minute, but do you think you could teach me how to cast that Matter Compacting spell?”

Twilight looks confused. “I suppose so, but... why now?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Arc needs it to help him and Dinky infiltrate an... orphanage.”

She looks at Arc as if he’s lost his mind! “Wait a second! You want me to do what... so you can do… WHAT?!”

Arc looks pained. “It sounds bad when you say it like that, Ember.”

Derpy steps forward. “Please Twilight! I'm not exactly keen on the idea myself, but this is really important!”

Ember nods! “A bunch of foals may need help!”

Dinky looks over at Twilight with puppy dog eyes. “Please?!”

Twilight sighs and looks a bit downcast. “Fine…”

“YAY!!!”

The two get right to work! “It takes Twilight over and hour to teach Arc the spell. And another hour before he feels confident enough to use it consistently.

“That's the best I can do on such short notice. The rest is up to you practicing, Arc.”

“Thanks Twilight! Whew! I’m exhausted!”

Ember looks over at Arc. She looks a bit irritated. “I already explained this to you, Arc! If it doesn’t involve fighting, Dragon Magic can be pretty taxing on the mana pool!”

“Don't worry Arc. The more you practice with higher level spells the bigger your mana pool will become. Think of it like exercise!”

Arc nods. “Makes sense. Thanks Twilight, but we need to get back to the base now. There's so much more we need to do prior to tomorrow.”

Derpy looks up sheepishly. “All of us?”

“Yes, Derpy! Do you think I would leave you behind on a mission in which Dinky was partaking?!”

“Thanks Arc! Ember, are you coming too?”

Ember shakes her head. “I would but, let’s just say dragons don’t do subterfuge very well.”

“Think you could show Flash Sentry and our guards a few moves while we're gone?”

“Sure! I’ll see what they’re made of!”

Derpy sighs. “And now I’m worried…”

Arc looks over. “That makes two of us.”

The party heads back to Light's Hope and makes a beeline form Arc's office. He gestures to the files piled on his desk. Please excuse the mess. Busy, busy, busy…”

Derpy points a hoof at the piles. “Wow, I didn't know you were THIS busy with paperwork, Arc!”

He points to a smaller pile. “The larger stacks are personnel files I need to go thorough. These are the files we want.”

Derpy looks at the stack suspiciously. “What are they?”

“: Everything officially known about New Beginnings Orphanage. Let's start reading! Dinky, I want you to head to the kitchen and tell Saffron we are going to have a rather late-night study session. We'll need lots of tea and snacks.”

Dinky playfully salutes as she runs to the kitchen to carry out her task. “Yes sir!”

“Well then, let’s start reading!”

Each of them grabs a folder and review it. A short time later Dinky returns with Saffron who is pushing a cart with a tea set on it. She looks around as they enter the office.

“Oh my word! I had no idea that being the Hero of Light required so much paperwork!”

Arc waves to her with a folder in his hand. “It does! Thanks for the tea, Saffron! Any snacks?”

“I can bake some cookies.”

“Perfect!”

Saffron leaves the room as Dinky walks over to them. “What can I do, dad?”

Arc grabs a very large scroll and walks over to the corner of the room. He unrolls it and lays it on the floor. “I need you to look this over.”

Dinky looks confused. “What is it?”

“These are the blueprints of the New Beginnings Orphanage. Now I know it won’t be easy, but I need you to commit the entire thing to memory! Part of subterfuge and stealth is not making unnecessary movements. We can't have you stumbling around looking for something when you could just go straight there!”

Dinky nods. “I understand.”

“Good girl! I'll quiz you on it later.”

The little filly lays down on the floor and carefully studies the plans. All of them continue their research late into the night.

“Dad, I think I have this down pat! There's just one thing that doesn't make sense.”

Her father walks over to her. “Oh? What's that?”

Dinky points at something on the blueprint with her hoof. “This right here! It looks like there’s a trap door leading down here. But there’s no basement on the blueprints!”

“That's odd... let me take a look at the civil drawings.”

Arc walks back to his desk and unrolls another blueprint. He looks them over before bringing them over to Dinky and lying them down next to her. “Here we are! According to this, one of the town's original aqueducts runs under the orphanage. This hatch must be an access door of some sort.”

Derpy and Ember walk over and join them. “But why would they have that?”

Arc points to some writing in the lower right corner of the page. “Good question, but take a look at this.”

Ember looks over his shoulder. “Looks like it says ‘Drafted by T. Shadow’. A pony of many skills.”

Arc turns to look at Derpy and Ember. “I'll say. Anything else of note in those files?”

Derpy holds up a page. “It looks like the orphanage was originally supposed to be a training facility for elite shock troops. Princess Celestia deep-sixed the plan part way through and ordered it be turned into an orphanage.”

Ember nods. “It says here that the pony who was supposed to run the facility was a military prodigy in the special forces division! Looks like she was tops in her class in everything and took the news of the change of plans rather hard! Uh oh...”

“Uh oh what?”

“Shortly after the orphanage opened, she took over as Matron of the facility!”

Derpy looks over at her wide-eyed! “Are you saying the Matron is actually a Special Forces expert?!”

Ember nods. “Looks like it!”

Arc stands up. “Well, that explains a lot.”

Dinky gives him a confused look. “It does?”

“Sure. She was unable to train the next generation of Special Forces, so she did the next best thing she could think of.”

Ember frowns. “Which was…?”

“Preparing foals for a life of service in the Equestrian Military.”

Derpy looks down at her hooves sadly. “How... sad. To have a future forced upon you...”

“Don't worry Derpy. We're going to put a stop to it! In any case... let's see how well you studied that blueprint Dinky.”

Arc draws a rough sketch of the blueprint on the chalkboard. “Now Dinky, I want you to fill out the names of each of these rooms from memory.”

Dinky walks over levitating a piece of chalk with her magic. “Sure thing!”

She quickly does so. Arc looks back and forth from the board to the print in his hands. “Well done! You have quite the memory!”

“Thanks dad!”

“What now, Arc?”

Arc looks over at Dinky. “Let's see how well I can hide in your mane, Dinky.”

He casts the Matter Compacting spell on himself and shrinks down to roughly the size of a large button. Ember walks over and lowers a claw to him. “Need a lift?”

Arc steps into her claw. “Thanks!”

Ember places Arc on Dinky’s head. He hides himself in her mane behind her ear. Dinky giggles! “Hee, hee! That tickles!”

“Okay Dinky, can you hear me?”

“Yes! It feels like you’re inside my head!”

“Good! I want you to try walking around now.”

Dinky trots around the room. “How’s this, dad?”

“So far so good. Now, try shaking your head, hard!”

“But I might hurt you!”

“That's the point! I have to be sure I can hold on no matter what you do.”

“All right…”

Dinky jumps and shakes her head violently for about 15 seconds!

“Woah... dizzy... you all right back there, dad?”

“Ugh... I think I know how laundry feels right now... but I'll be fine. Can you run up and down the hallway a few times?”

Dinky runs out of the room! “All right, here we go!”

Ember turns to Derpy. “I think Dinky may be enjoying this a bit too much.”

Derpy nods her head as Dinky runs back into the room. “Arc as well.”

Arc yells in Dinky’s ear. “Sudden stop!”

Dinky stops as fast as she can as Arc lets go of her mane and flies forward toward Ember! He quickly casts the counter spell and returns to his normal size in midair!

Ember’s pupils shrink. “Oh sh…!”

Arc plows into Ember and the two collapse on the floor in a pile. “I think we have ourselves a secret weapon there! You okay Ember?”

“Just peachy…”

Arc helps Ember up. “Well, looks like Dinky and I are ready for our part. Now's probably a good time to get some sleep. Come on you two, I'll walk you home.”

He leads Derpy and Dinky out of the office as Ember calls out after him. “I'll see you back at your quarters Arc.”

“Alright. I won't be long.”

Arc sees to it Derpy and Dinky make it home safely before he returns to Light's Hope via sigil magic. He sighs to himself as he flops down on his bed.

“Finally! Time for some rest!”

Suddenly he feels a claw on his back.

“Oh… hello Ember.”

“Miss me?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I just saw you like twenty minutes ago.”

“Was it that long?”

He sighs. “Ember, you do realize there is another bed in this room, right?”

“Yes.”

“A bed that I had put there specifically for you to sleep in?”

“Yes.”

“So, why don't you sleep in your own bed?”

“There's something wrong with it.”

“What’s that?”

She grins at him wickedly. “You’re not in it!”

Arc rolls over. “Argh! Good night Ember!”

Ember snuggles up against Arc’s back and closes her eyes. “Good night.”

Chapter 4 - A Royal Meeting

The next morning Arc awakens to Ember licking his cheek. “Good morning sleepyhead! How late are you planning to sleep?”

Arc rolls over. “The train doesn't come until later this morning.”

“So we have time?”

Arc nods sleepily. “Plenty.”

“Good.”

Ember leans in close to Arc's ear and whispers something into it. Arc immediately jumps out of bed! “Will you look at the time! Lots to do! Better get to it!”

He quickly leaves the room as Ember smiles to herself. “That was easy enough.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks quickly down the hall toward the Cafeteria muttering to himself. “Darn crazy adolescent dragon...”

He enters the Cafeteria to see his squad sitting at a table with Derpy and Dinky eating a late breakfast. “Sorry everyone! I hope you haven't been waiting long.”

Derpy giggles. “And here I thought WE were going to be the late ones, Dinky!”

Dinky stops eating long enough to smile up at her father before going back to stuffing her face. Arc looks at his squad. “Sorry boys! We had a late-night study session preparing for our next mission. Everyone meet me in the Meeting Room in half an hour.”

They nod and he turns to leave the table. “As you were… enjoy your muffins.”

As he passes the buffet, Arc hesitates, takes a few muffins then leaves the cafeteria. He then walks to the Training Room where Flash Sentry is watching his troops spar. He salutes as Arc approaches.

“Commander! Welcome back!”

“Thank you. I’d like to speak with you in my office, sergeant.”

“Sir!”

The pair walk to the office and sit down.

“Sit down Sergeant. Do you have anything to report during my absence?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No sir! Things were quite calm while you were out.”

“I’ll be leaving again later today for an indefinite amount of time. You will be in charge again. How did it feel to be the one at the helm?”

“A bit... overwhelming at first. Not sure if I am ready to command an entire base like this!”

“Well, I don't foresee any trouble in our immediate future. Although we should run some war games when I return. I'll call in reinforcements from Canterlot and you and I can fight it out, commander to commander!”

Flash Sentry looks at Arc, nervously. “But sir… you’ll cream us!”

Arc leans forward. “I'll let you in on a little secret then.”

“Sir?”

“You probably have more experience leading troops than I do.”

“Are you serious?! How... what about your escape from Tartarus? Leading the Vile Tribe to safety? The Ursa Major?”

Arc leans back in his chair and sighs. “During those times the ponies around me were scared out of their minds! They needed a hero, and I just happened to fit the bill. When trouble arises, someone needs to take command! With me gone, that somepony is YOU! Protect this facility! But above that, protect those within it! Have I made myself clear?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Crystal clear, sir!”

Arc stands up. “Glad to hear it! We’ll talk more when I return from Vanhoover.”

“Vanhoover sir? But there isn't much there. If I may ask, what will you be doing?”

“My squad, Derpy, our daughter Dinky and I will be investigating the New Beginnings Orphanage. I’m trying to keep it at stealth and subterfuge, but I have the feeling things could get... messy.”

“Please sir! The New Beginnings Orphanage is sacred ground to many of our forces!”

Arc nods. “I understand, and hope to keep it intact. However, the personal safety of the innocents who reside there must come first.”

“Yes sir! I understand.”

“Good... I will require the aid of one of your guards as well. Send them to the Meeting Room at once! You are dismissed.”

Flash Sentry salutes and leaves the office. Arc turns and looks out his window absentmindedly for a few minutes. “Don't worry little ones. Help is on the way...”

A short time later Arc makes his way to the meeting room. The others have already assembled along with a single Royal Guard and Flash Sentry himself. Arc closes the door behind him and walks to his place at the head of the table.

“Alright. Let me tell you the plan. I will use my sigil magic to teleport us to my room in Canterlot Castle, where we will all spend the night. I will use this opportunity to greet the princesses and see if they have any other information that may help us on our mission. The next morning we will take the train to Vanhoover. That's when things may get... dangerous.

Derpy looks at Dinky and gulps. Arc pulls a scroll out of his satchel. Raven has acquired the proper legal papers here, fresh from Mayor Mare's desk, recognizing Dinky as an orphan. Father unknown, mother deceased.”

He turns to the Royal Guard.

“Your part of the mission is as follows. Upon arriving in Vanhoover, you are to escort Dinky to the Orphanage and present her to the Matron. When she asks you for your papers, give her this scroll. You are then to immediately leave Vanhoover and return to Light's Hope.”

The guard salutes. “Yes sir!”

“Don't worry Dinky. I'll be behind your ear the whole time. Just do what I tell you to and everything will be fine.”

“Sure!”

Arc turns to his squad. “You four will silently observe the building from the outside. Do not intervene unless absolutely necessary or unless ordered to do so.”

Arc removes a flare gun from his satchel and lays it on the table.

“In the event Dinky and I need help, I will fire this. The whole town will hear it, but that can't be helped. Think of it as a sign that the stealth portion of this mission is over.”

He turns to Derpy.

“Derpy, you will be in command of my squad during the stealth portion of this mission. Stay hidden unless you hear the flare gun. I will leave my spear with you until that time.”

“Right!”

Arc walks over to a large map of Vanhoover and the surrounding area. “Just to the west of the Orphanage is a forest. You will make a base camp and light a small fire. If we need to contact you, we will do so late at night. Your campfire will help me find you, so keep it going all night if possible.”

He looks around the room.

“Are there any questions?”

Max raises a hoof. “Commander, if I may. Hugh, Viktor, Xenos and I could simply investigate and report our findings to you. It really isn't necessary for you to handle this personally.”

Xenos joins Max. “Not that we don't appreciate it sir, but we know you are a very busy individual.”

“Ember said roughly the same thing when she learned of my plans. I have my own reasons for partaking in this mission, most of which could be viewed as entirely selfish.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Arc, I don't think it's possible for YOU to be selfish!”

Arc turns to her. “Derpy... we all have things in our past that we regret. I am no exception. All right! Everyone to the Main Hall for transport. Let's move out!”

Everyone leaves the meeting room except Flash Sentry and Arc.

“You certainly inspire everypony to do their best, sir!”

“Folks need heroes to inspire them. Remember what we talked about earlier. I'll be back before you know it.”

Flash Sentry salutes as Arc leaves the room.

“Arc sir!”

Arc makes his way to the Main Hall and steps on the sigil with the others. He calls forth his gauntlet and activates the sigil. A moment later they are teleported to his room in Canterlot Castle.

Dinky looks around. “Where are we?”

“My personal quarters in Canterlot Castle.”

Derpy walks over to the window and looks out at Canterlot. “Nice!”

Arc heads for the doors. “Everyone make yourselves at home. I'm going to speak to the princesses while we’re here.”

Derpy looks over from the window. “Be careful Arc!”

“Don't worry mom! If the Hero of Light himself isn't safe inside the castle, who is?”

Arc calls forth his armor and quietly leaves his room. As he heads for the Audience Chamber. Ponies wordlessly part at his advance! As he approaches the doors, they open to allow the previous audience to leave. The guards motion for him to enter, which he does. The doors are closed behind him as Arc approaches the princess’ thrones.

Luna looks up at his advance. “Arc! This is quite a surprise! What brings you here today?”

Arc removes his helmet. “Several reasons actually! First, I wanted to thank the two of you for my new Command Center in Ponyville. We've named it Light's Hope!”

Cadance nods approvingly. “Well put!”

“Second, I wanted to ask if either of you have ever come across a strange glowing creature of immeasurable power named Kronos.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “How do you know that name?”

“Kronos was the one who gave Twilight the strange crystal they used to lower the barrier around Tartarus. It also revealed itself to us at Light's Hope more recently when we were trying to solve a rather perplexing problem regarding a strange power emanating from Derpy's little filly. Do you know more about this "Kronos" than I?”

Luna sighs and begins to pace in front of Arc. “Kronos... now that's a name I have not heard in a long time... a long time. While I don't know much about its... identity, other than the name, I can say this much... Kronos is a being of unimaginable power! We have spoken a few times over the centuries.”

Arc looks to Princess Luna. “What exactly IS Kronos?

“The Keeper of Time.”

Arc looks at Luna confused. “Come again?”

“Kronos' job is to keep the world in balance from the shadows. It never interferes directly in our affairs... until now it seems.”

Arc nods. “The crystal?”

Luna nods. “Right! And what of your second meeting with Kronos?”

“Well, newborn Dinky was emanating some kind of power I had felt only one time previously from another filly named Apple Bloom. She’s the younger sister of Twilight's friend Applejack. When the pair were together at the park, Ember and I could sense the power swelling in them! Presumably from being in close proximity to each other. While Derpy, Ember, Rarity and I were discussing this problem Apple Boom approached me to say that another filly was giving off the same energy!”

Cadance appears anxious. “Oh my! Should we take action?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Princess Cadance. The matter was, more or less, solved recently.”

She looks relieved. “Good! Please continue.”

“The third filly turned out to be Rarity's little sister Sweetie Belle! No one other than myself, Ember, Derpy, Apple Bloom, Dinky and Sweetie Belle can sense this power.”

Cadance appears surprised. “Not even Twilight?”

Arc shakes his head. “She felt nothing at all. Apple Bloom did her best to describe the feeling she was getting. Twilight said it sounded a lot like the Elements of Harmony! She then revealed to me the Elements themselves! I could feel in my core that the power from the Elements was quite similar to the power in the fillies, but, at the same time very unique! I spent all day with these three little ones. Other than sensing their power, there was nothing else out of the ordinary about them.”

Luna considers this for a time. “Is there anything else you can tell us about this power?”

“I took Dinky and Apple Bloom to Ponyville Hospital to have them checked out. The doctor took blood samples from both and sent them to the lab. He examined both fillies extensively, but found nothing out of the ordinary. That is, until the lab reports came back. Dinky's was normal, but Apple Bloom's blood sample contained magiplasts. And she’s an earth pony! He could offer no advice on how such an event could come to pass. I took all three home with me to observe them more closely. Again, I learned nothing helpful. The next morning they accompanied me to the tour of my new Command Center. After the tour, Twilight and her friends, my squad, the three fillies and Ember spoke more on this in the Meeting Room. We put on the table everything we had learned so far, which wasn't much. We were completely out of ideas on where to go from there. Then... it happened!”

“What happened?!”

“The light from the sun dimmed, as did the inside lights. Before long it was pitch black inside and out. Somehow we could still see each other clear as day though!”

Luna muses to herself. “Just like back then…”

Arc turns to her. “Beg your pardon?”

“I am sorry Arc. Please continue.”

“A moment later a bright figure was present in the room! It identified itself as Kronos and told us not to worry about the power within these three fillies. They were chosen by destiny, and Equestria would soon have need of them and their power. Then it told us the news... about Dinky. It referred to her as "an anomaly" and that it needed Derpy to give Dinky to it to ‘restore the balance’.”

Cadance appears horrified! “He asked her to... sacrifice her own foal for this land?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. It was not an easy choice for her. In the end, she held Dinky up to it and... let her go...”

He is silent for a time as he relives that time in his mind.

“will never forget that moment... the sadness... anguish... of watching as a light surrounded little Dinky's body. The last we saw of her was a small hoof waving goodbye, and her words to us... "bye bye mamma... daddy”. Believe me, facing a demon army was MUCH easier than watching that while holding a sobbing mother in my arms. The light intensified to the point we could no longer look at it! After a few moments it subsided, but we cared little by that point. Dinky was... gone... or so we thought. Kronos called to me to "retrieve what was lost".

“What did it mean?”

“I admit, I wasn't sure. All I could think to do was to approach the light that had up until a moment ago, been Dinky. Reaching inside, I felt a warm body. Pulling it out I saw Dinky lying asleep in my arms! But now she was much older! Almost school age from what I could gather! The last thing he said was the balance had been restored, and that I should take care of them, as Equestria's fate hung in the balance!”

Cadance looks over to Luna. “Such power over time! How are such things possible?!”

“I admit, even I don't know the upper reaches of Kronos' power. Thankfully, it has always acted in the best interest of Equestria. Did it say anything else?”

“Just one last thing... Kronos spoke of a fourth filly with this power, but told us not to look for them. Our paths would cross when the time was right.”

Luna nods. “Very well. And where is Dinky now?”

“In my quarters here in the castle.”

“I would be very interested in meeting this filly for myself.”

“As would I!”

Arc nods and puts his helmet back on as he opens a portal back to his room in the castle. “Very well. There is much more I need to tell you, but let's take care of this first.”

Luna walks toward the portal. “Very well. Come, Cadance.”

“Right behind you.”

Arc enters the portal last. A moment later the three are in Arc’s personal quarters. All the ponies bow upon seeing the princesses enter. Luna and Cadance walk toward Dinky as she bows next to her mother. Luna turns to look at Arc.

“Is she the one you spoke of?”

He nods. “Yes. Princess Luna... Princess Cadance... meet Dinky Hooves.”

Cadance nods and looks all around them. “Please rise, all of you!”

Luna looks into Dinky’s eyes. “Hello there, little one! It is good to meet you.”

“Th-thank you, princess.”

“Arc has told us of a power dwelling within you and two other fillies.”

Dinky nods. “Yes. My friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They're back in Ponyville.”

Cadance looks over at Dinky, concerned. “Are you in any pain, dear?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No ma'am. To tell you the truth, it's more of a warm fuzzy feeling. Princess Cadance... can I tell you something?”

“Of course, dear! What is it?”

“I just wanted to say... thank you... for saving my daddy from Tartarus.”

Cadance looks at her, confused. “Who is you daddy, little one?”

Dinky points a hoof at Arc. “He is!”

Luna looks to Arc. “I’m a bit confused.”

“As am I... Dinky, how can Arc be your father?”

Derpy steps forward. “If I may, Princess. Arc was always there for me before, during, and after little Dinky's birth. He was so good to her that she quickly started calling him ‘daddy’.”

“Dinky deserved a real father, so I signed my name on her birth certificate and took her as my daughter.”

Cadance smiles. “I'm... just so... I guess impressed would be the word!”

Luna nods in agreement. “You have made us proud yet again Arc. And have reassured us that we made the right choice in making you Equestria's Hero of Light.”

“Thank you, but as long as we are on the subject of Tartarus, my troops and I recently returned from a mission there that I would like to speak with you about.”

Luna furrows her brow. “So, you willingly returned to Tartarus? For what purpose?”

“I made a promise to a friend there, and had to keep it.”

“A friend? I thought the entirety of the Vile Tribe was evacuated when we liberated you Arc. Who was left behind?”

“Princess Cadance, do you remember when you and Twilight led the rescue party to liberate me from Tartarus? The large creature that came to my aid?”

Cadance nods. “Yes, I meant to ask you about that, but never got around to it. What was that thing anyways?”

“A hydra.”

Luna shakes her head. “That is not possible. They have been extinct for centuries!”

“He was sent there for the crime of defending the other hydras from ponies.”

Luna hangs her head in shame. “I admit, that part of our history is rather dark.”

“During my stay in Tartarus, I went to him to ask for hydra humor to save my friend Ember's life! Needless to say, he was less than receptive. His hatred of ponies still ran deep. Ember was one of the Vile Tribe's defenders. To help her was to help them! At the same time, he was good friends with Dragon Lord Torch and wished to repay a debt to his old friend.”

Luna looks anxious! “So, what happened?!”

“He challenged me to a duel. If I won, he would give me the humor to save Ember! If I lost... well, I guess I would be dead right now. As you can see, I was able to defeat him. I refused to take his life though, so in addition to giving me the humor, he also gave me the scales that were used to craft the armor I now wear!”

Luna looks Arc up and down! “Wait! That armor is Hydra Scale Armor?!”

“Yes. A token of our new friendship.”

“Very generous of him, but what does this have to do with your promise?”

“Before I was rescued from Tartarus, he asked me if I would help him rejoin the other hydra. Apparently there is a secret village of hydra in the Dragon Lands. When I met with Dragon Lord Torch some time ago, he gave me permission to bring The Marquis to the Dragon Lands.”

Cadance holds up a hoof to her forehead. “Hold on a moment! You MET with the Dragon Lord?! And he didn’t eat you?!”

Arc shrugs. “What can I say? I'm a likable kind of guy!”

Cadance looks to Arc and smiles. “Okay, as soon as you finish telling us about the Marquis, I have GOT to hear this story!”

Dinky jumps up and down happily. “Me too!”

Derpy nods. “I was there, and I still don't believe we pulled it off!”

Luna looks to Arc with a less than pleased look on her face. “Aye! Although I believe I see where this story is going. So are you saying you intentionally RELEASED a prisoner from Tartarus?!”

Arc nods. “In a nutshell, yes! Although it sounds bad the way you say it.”

The princess’ mood appears to be worsening. “And you felt this was the best course of action... why now?!”

“Several reasons... one... I made a promise to a friend. Promises have to be kept! Two... he came to my rescue during the Battle of Tartarus. Had I not gone back for him, he would have most certainly have been killed! Three... doing so would help to mend the relationship between the hydra and the ponies. Four... doing so also granted me even more favor with the Dragon Lord. More on that later. As Equestria's Hero of Light, that also brings Equestria that much closer to a more friendly relationship with the dragons.”

Luna facehoofs. “I'm not sure if I should be angry with you, or give you a medal.”

“I suppose I deserve the former, but will leave the decision up to you.”

“So, how many times have you seen the Dragon Lord now?”, Cadance inquires.

“Twice.”

Luna walks over and inspects him closely as Cadance looks on confused.

“Luna? What are you doing?”

“Looking for teeth marks.”

Arc laughs! “There aren't any. Hey, I'm just as surprised of that as you are!”

Luna looks up from her inspection. “So why were you in the Dragon Lands in the first place?”

“Well, while I was in Tartarus with Ember, she was so grateful to me for getting the humor that saved her that she challenged me to a duel to prove my worthiness.”

Cadance looks to Arc wide eyed!” She tried to kill you?!”

“Yup. Needless to say, I defeated her, but at great personal cost! Doing so made me worthy of becoming her mate.”

“Are you saying that you are going to be the next Dragon Lord?!”, Luna exclaims!

Derpy claps her hooves together happily! “Arc! You didn't tell me you and Ember were getting married!”

“That was Ember's intention. However, she was conflicted when I informed her that human lives are quite short compared to a dragon. I’ll be dead centuries before she is old enough to officially take a mate! The two of us went to the Dragon Lands to hear the determination of the Dragon Lord on this matter. He said things like "flea" and "lesser creature". Then he insisted that Ember chose another for her mate. Putting forth the call, three of the biggest, meanest looking dragons stepped forward.”

“Were they big and scary?!”, Dinky asks.

“Yup! And strong looking too!”

“What happened next? Did Ember choose one of them?!”, Derpy inquires.

“Well, truth be told, I could see Ember didn't really like any of them. So, I decided to goad the Dragon Lord a bit.”

Luna facehoofs again. “Oh no… did you cause an international incident?!”

“All I did was suggest to the Dragon Lord that his daughter should have the very best the Dragon Lands had to offer, and these three should duke it out to see who the best really was.”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “That doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Then I requested to join the fight!”

Luna facehoofs again. “Why... on Equestria... would you do that?!”

“I quickly learned that in the Dragon Lands, power equaled respect! If I could trounce them the Dragon Lord would think higher of Equestria's "lesser creatures". He just laughed and asked why, as I had already been disqualified from becoming Ember's mate. I told him I simply wanted my friend Ember to have the best mate possible, and I didn't think those three were worthy.”

“You… you didn’t! What did the Dragon Lord have to say about that?!”, Luna askes as she sits down.

“He just laughed and asked what a lesser creature like me knew about worthiness.”

Luna sighs in relief.

“To which I responded, and I quote... ‘I agree humans are nothing special, but I wonder if dragons are truly as great as they think they are’.”

The color drains from Luna’s face and she suddenly appears light headed. “I think I need to lie down for a bit! Should we be expecting an imminent invasion?”

“Nah. Although the Dragon Lord was furious, and ordered the three dragons to tear me apart.”

Dinky looks to her father proudly. “No dragon can beat my daddy! You showed them, didn't you?!”

“I did! Those three never had a chance! However, by defeating the strongest of the dragons, unarmed no less, had made him even angrier than before!”

Cadance looks over as she fans a woozy Luna sitting on a large cushion. “I'm almost afraid to ask, but... what did he do?”

“He got down off his throne and challenged me personally! I grabbed my spear and shouted to him something to the effect of ‘Bring it on! You're not THAT much bigger than the Marquis’. Upon hearing that name, he screeched to a stop. My news that his old friend was alive and well was enough to make him forget the whole thing. That and the fact I had defeated, but spared, the Marquis earned me the Dragon Lord's respect.”

Derpy shudders at the thought. “Weren’t you scared, Arc?”

“I was! But I had your Spear of Hope with me which helped quite a bit! In any case, the Dragon Lord decided to reward me with three items of my choice from his personal horde!”

Cadance appears surprised! “You were given treasures?! This is unprecedented! What did you choose?!”

Luna holds a hoof to her chest. “Please tell me it wasn't anything dangerous... I don't know how much more of this my heart can take!”

“I chose an ancient looking magic tome and a strange ring. As I returned to Ember with the two items, there was a sort of humming sound. Neither of them heard it though. Ember and I walked to the back of the cave where we found the source. A crystal with a spear inside it. Taking it back to the Dragon Lord, he told us it contained the Spear of Righteousness, and that only the worthy could pierce the crystal and claim such a prize. Ember tried, but couldn't even scratch the surface! I too tried. As soon as my hand pushed the crystal, it gave way slightly. I pushed through and grabbed the spear! Pulling it out and raising if overhead I felt a great power enter me and rest on my... back, for some odd reason.”

Arc holds out his spear for the princesses to inspect. “This is the Spear of Righteousness.”

Derpy smiles. “You deserved it Arc! I've never met anypony more Righteous than you!”

“I'm glad you think so Derpy, but I am far from perfect.”

Arc turns back to the princesses.

“The ring I had enchanted to hold my armor and spear.”

He recalls his armor and spear to the ring. Luna regains her composure.

“Amazing! And what of the tome?”

“I left it with a friend. When I return home though I think I will put it in the Light's Hope Vault for safekeeping.”

Cadance turns from fanning Luna. “About the power you received from the spear. Have you learned how to harness it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. I can feel it pulsating deep inside me. However, I can't seem to figure out how to bring it to the surface.”

Luna stands back up. “So... about your second trip to the Dragon Lands. Can I assume this one went better than the last?”

“Much! We brought the Marquis before the Dragon Lord, who welcomed his old friend with open claws! He must have been in a particularly benevolent mood that day, as he asked me what I would like as a reward!”

Cadance nods, clearly impressed! “Another reward from the Dragon Lord?! Impressive! Dragons are generally loathe to part with their belongings! What did you ask for?”

Arc shrugs. “I didn't need anything more, so I simply answered that all I wanted was his friendship. That must have been some kind of dragon code or something. He reached out a claw and told me to step forward to accept the Friendship of the Dragon Lord. Stepping into his claw, he lifted me up to look him in the eye. He looked at me for a few moments before breathing a strange smoke at me which surrounded and eventually absorbed into my body. He then told me it was a gift from him to me as a sign of our friendship... Dragon Magic!”

Both princesses gasp!

“He gave you… MAGIC?!”

Arc casts a flame spell in one hand and a light spell in the other. “That he did!”

Cadance looks at Arc in awe of such an accomplishment! “I wasn't aware such a thing was even possible?! Arc, you are certainly full of surprises! Was there anything else you wanted to tell us about your trip to the Dragon Lands?”

“The Dragon Lord has given me permission to come and go as I please in his domain.”

“And the Marquis? Is he still there?”

Arc nods and points at the small scale on his left shoulder. “Yes. The Dragon Lord promised to escort him to the Hydra Village. But before he left, the Marquis gave me this. I haven't actually tried it yet, but he says I can use this to summon him to my side in times of need! Or, if I just want to talk... whichever.”

Cadance laughs! “Hero of Light, Savior of the Vile Tribe, Two-Time Conqueror of Tartarus, Ally of the Dragon Lord, and now Friend of a Hydra... is there nothing you can't do Arc?!”

“Just doing my job to keep this land peaceful...”

Arc walks towards Dinky and picks her up for a hug, which she returns.

“…and as long as those I care for are safe, little else matters.”

Luna looks at Arc and smiles. “I admit, I had my reservations about you at first Arc. However, you have proven to be quite a capable protector since taking up the mantle of Hero of Light. I have no doubt that you are capable of... doing whatever needs to be done to keep this land safe. After Celestia hears of your tireless efforts to protect us all, I'm sure even my sister will not be able to deny that not all humans are as bad as we believed.”

“About that! Any luck tracking her down?”

Cadance shakes her head. “None I'm afraid. She is not in Equestria, nor any of the surrounding countries. It's like she just disappeared! The audience before you came in was to report their failure.”

“Could she have perhaps been sucked into another world like I was?”

“Such a possibility certainly exists. But we have no way of knowing what dimension she may be in. Assuming there are others besides ours and yours, that is!”, Luna says as she rubs her chin with a hoof.

“Can you scan Earth? I know it's not much to go on but...”

Luna nods. “We shall try.”

“Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!”

Cadance nods. “We shall! Now, bringing us to the present... what brings you and your group to Canterlot?”

“I know this may be hard for you to believe, but... tomorrow we are heading to Vanhoover to investigate the New Beginnings Orphanage and Matron Tempest.”

Luna looks over to Arc, surprised. “Investigate? Special Agent Tempest is one of Equestria's most decorated Special Forces Agents! What could she possibly have done to warrant an investigation?!”

“I have information that says she is abusing the foals in her care. If these stories are indeed true, I must end it!”

Luna appears to be thinking. “Hmmm... and what do you believe Arc?”

“I believe... this warrants the Hero of Light's immediate, and personal, attention.”

Luna appears to agree. “Very well put! Conduct your investigation and report back to us your findings... whatever they may be.”

Cadance looks back to Arc. “I assume you have some kind of a plan?”

Arc quickly recalls his plan for the princesses.

Cadance nods. “That certainly is a bold plan! Quickly implemented and quickly executed.”

“Yes. We should have the truth in no time!”

Luna walks over to the door. “I leave this matter in your hooves... hands Arc! Now, Cadance and I must return to our duties. Do come by another time and let us know what you are up to! We know you won't let us down.”

Cadance looks everyone over as she heads for the door. “It was nice meeting you all! Keep up the good work Arc!”

As the door closes behind them, Derpy looks to Arc. “Wow! I never knew the princesses were so... regal!”

“And big!”, Dinky exclaims!

“Alright. We should probably take in an early supper and hit the hay early. Big day tomorrow for all of us. Derpy, you and Dinky can share the bed.”

“Thank you Arc!”

Dinky jumps up and down excitedly. “SLUMBER PARTY!”

The group sleeps soundly and leaves the castle in the early hours of the morning to catch the first train to Vanhoover. After a long, but thankfully uneventful ride, they near the Vanhoover Station. A train attendant walks through the car announcing their arrival.

“We will arrive at Vanhoover Station in 10 minutes. Please be sure to collect all your possessions before exiting the train!”

Arc turns to Dinky. “Time to get the mission started. Follow me, Dinky.”

“Okay!”

Arc leads Dinky to the baggage car, calls forth his armor, leans his spear against the wall and puts on his cloak before kneeling down to Dinky’s level.

“Are you sure you're ready for this, sweetheart?”

Dinky looks her father directly in the eye. "Yes, I am.”

Arc nods lovingly at his daughter. “I know you are, Dinky. And I know you’ll make us all proud of you. Here goes nothing...”

He casts the spell and shrinks down before continuing.

“Lie down, Dinky.”

Dinky lies on her belly and Arc climbs her mane to perch behind her ear.

“Okay. Now pick up my spear and head back to the others now.”

Dinky nods and does so. She sits down next to her mother and levitates the spear over to Derpy's waiting hooves.

“Is everything going as planned, dear?”

Dinky nods her head as Derpy smiles at her. “Do your best now, dear.”

“Thanks mom! I will!”

The group disembarks the train. Derpy turns to Arc’s squad. “All of you know what to do. Let's make this happen!”

The squad salutes and flies away. Derpy turns to the Royal Guard. “That goes for you too! Take care of your part and head back to the base!”

He salutes. “Yes, ma’am!”

Derpy gives Dinky a parting hug and whispers to her. “Be careful… both of you!”

Derpy flies off to join Arc’s squad. The Royal Guard turns to Dinky. “Are you ready miss?”

“As ready as I'll ever be. Let's go.”

Dinky and the Royal Guard walk toward through the town and toward the Orphanage. It is a rather dreary looking building on the outskirts of Vanhoover. The Royal Guard knocks. A minute later a rather haggard looking, middle-aged earth pony answers the door meekly. She is wearing a simple black and white robe similar to that of a nun.

“Y-yes?”

The Royal Guard nods to Dinky. “I have an orphan from Ponyville here, ma'am.”

She opens the door and Dinky walks inside slowly. “Thank you. Do you have some papers for me?”

The Royal Guard give her the scroll. “Here you are ma'am!”

“I’ll take her from here. Thank you.”

The guard nods and walks away. The mare closes the front door and turns to Dinky. “This way, little one.”

She and Dinky walk slowly down the corridor together. The mare smiles weakly at her. “My name is Coco Pommel. What’s yours, little one?”

“I’m Dinky.”

“Well Dinky, I hope you’ll fit in here. If you need anypony to talk to, I'm here for you. Now the rules state that all new arrivals must first meet with Matron Tempest. She may be a bit scary, but it will be over before you know it! This way please.”

Coco Pommel leads Dinky upstairs to an office. She knocks lightly on the door. Someone very angry responds.

“WHAT IS IT?!”

Coco Pommel appears terrified! “N-new arrival from Ponyville, Matron Tempest.”

“…send them in.”

She looks over to Dinky and forces a smile. “Go ahead. I’ll wait for you here.”

Dinky enters the office. A very angry looking mare sits behind a desk as neat as the office! There isn’t a thing out of place.

The Matron looks at her sternly! “Sit down!”

Dinky silently obeys. The matron looks her over for a moment before standing up and turning to look out the window. Without looking she tosses her coffee cup over her shoulder at Dinky. Arc grabs the cup with his magic and places it in Dinky’s hooves.

She looks back at Dinky, assuming she had caught the cup herself. “Good reflexes. LOOK AT ME WHEN I TALK TO YOU!!!”

Dinky stares at the matron.

“Brave too. I admit, you show promise! I am Matron Tempest. Do what you are told and you will do well in the future! Fail and... well... let's just say Equestria always needs garbage collectors. Dismissed!”

Dinky leaves the office to a waiting Coco Pommel. “Follow me and I'll show you where you’ll be sleeping.”

Coco Pommel leads Dinky to a large room with many beds all lined up. Considering dozens of foals call it home, the room is as neat as Matron Tempest’s office. She points a hoof at a perfectly made bed.

“This will be your bed. Would you like a short rest? Most new arrivals do after meeting the Matron.”

“Well, I…”

Arc whispers in her ear. “Say yes.”

Dinky nods. “Yes, I would. Thank you.”

Coco Pommel smiles and nods at Dinky. “Very well. I'll come back for you later, dear.”

As she leaves the room, Coco Pommel can’t help but shake her head sadly. “Such a sweet little filly…”

“You’re doing great Dinky! Keep up the good work!”

Dinky looks around to make sure she’s alone before replying. “Are you going to be okay back there dad?”

“Don't you worry about me. I kept my armor on for a reason! Now lie down and rest. Who knows what’s to come!”

Dinky nods and lies down. Closing her eyes, she does her best to make herself comfortable on the lumpy mattress. A short time later she drifts off to sleep.

Chapter 5 - The Orphanage

True to her word, Coco Pommel returned an hour or so later to check on Dinky. She gently nudges the filly.

“It's time to wake up dear. The matron says it's game time.”

Dinky slowly opens her eyes and sits up. “Huh? What’s game time?”

Coco Pommel looks down sadly. “Well dear, it's whatever game the Matron dreams up for the day. Do your best, or there won't be any supper for you tonight. I'm sorry... I'm sure you're hungry from the train ride over. Take this!”

She gives Dinky an apple.

“I wish I had more to give, but that’s all I could smuggle out of the pantry, dear.”

Arc hisses in Dinky’s ear. “Thank her!”

Dinky smiles up at Coco Pommel. “Thank you, Miss Pommel!”

“You are welcome, my dear. Now, eat it quickly and follow me to the courtyard! We mustn't be late!”

Dinky quickly eats the apple and follows Coco Pommel. There are about two dozen foals lined up! The Matron assigns them each to a team. She turns and glares at Dinky!

“You’re late, newcomer!”

Coco Pommel shrinks back as she speaks. “Please Matron! It was my fault!”

Tempest turns back to her clipboard. “Well... I'll let it go... this time. You're over here, new blood!”

Arc whispers. “Yes ma’am!”

Dinky quickly takes her assigned place. “Yes ma’am!”

“Respectful. I like that in a foal! Today we're playing Hoof-ball! Both teams, choose a captain and get ready to play!”

Dinky and her team huddles up. A brown filly speaks up! “Who should be our captain?”

A very small colt puts up a hoof! “I will! Besides… I’m not very good at Hoof-ball!”

The other team nominates a filly with a pink coat and greenish-blue mane. “Really? You me to be our captain?”

Another foal looks to her. “Sure Aquamarine! You can do it!

She nods. “Well okay. I’ll give it my best shot!”

The other foals agree and the game is on! As they walk to the field, Arc gets on top of Dinky's head.

“Dad! What are you doing?! Everypony will be able to see you!”, Dinky hisses!

“Don’t worry sweetheart. I put my cloak on so I can stay invisible! I'll keep a lookout and steer by pulling on your mane. You need to win this game and get in the Matron's good graces!”

Dinky looks around nervously! “But dad! I don't even know how to play Hoof-ball!”

“I'm going to bet it's really similar to a game humans play back home called football. Just do what I tell you. Oh! And try not to get hit! This is a contact sport!”

Dinky gulps nervously as she is assigned a spot in the front line.

“When the whistle blows, the foal in front of you is going to try and push past you. Grab him and don't let him!”

Dinky nods. The play begins and Dinky quickly finds herself face to face with a frantic foal who seems to want nothing more than to push his way past her! She feels her muscles tightening!

Arc uses his magic to gently push the foal back. “I’ll help, Dinky!”

The play ends and the team huddles up to discuss their next play. The small captain looks to Dinky. “You're pretty strong, new filly! Want to be our receiver for the next play?!

“Say yes!”

Dinky nods. “Okay!”

As everyone takes their places Dinky looks around, unsure of where to go. “Walk behind that green filly and stay back a few feet!”

The play begins! Arc pulls on the right side of Dinky’s mane. “Start running! Look at the filly with the ball! She’s going to throw it to you! Get ready… now jump!”

Arc subtly uses his magic to help guide the ball into Dinky's hooves. She catches it and lands upright

“Keep running! You have to get to that forked post down at the end of the field without getting knocked down! Hurry!”

Dinky runs down the field as fast as she can!

“Jump!”

She does so as a foal dives at her and misses!

“Hard right!”

Dinky obeys each command as her mane is pulled.

“Left! Give it everything you’ve got! You can make it!”

Dinky runs toward the pole and scores! All the foals on her team cheer as she looks back at them still carrying the ball. “What happened?”

“You scored a touchdown which means your team is now winning! Good girl!”

She walks back toward her team. “Thanks dad, but I couldn't have done it without you!”

“Now take the ball and head back to the captain. Your team is now on defense!”

“What?!”

“The opposing team now has the ball and is trying to get it to their post to score a touchdown. You team has to stop them.”

“How?”

“Someone has to knock down the foal carrying the ball!”

“What? But they could get hurt!”

“I know, sweetheart, but that’s how you play the game!

The foals line up for the next play. “Dinky! I heard the opposing team's coach say they are going to pass the ball this play! This is a good chance for an interception!”

“A what?”

“When the ball is thrown, before it’s caught by the opposing teammate, YOU have to catch it first! Don't worry! I'll help you!”

“Okay!”

The play starts! The opposing team drops back and throws the ball to a black filly! Dinky runs towards her and catches the ball in mid-air! She drops to the ground.

“Run! Try and get to the pole again!”

Dinky runs with all her might! With Arc guiding her she scores again! Her team cheers! She laughs happily! “I like this game!”

With Dinky’s help her team easily wins the game! Everyone heads back to the dormitory as the sun begins to set. Her team’s captain walks next to her.

“You sure are good at Hoof-ball! By the way, my name’s Pipsqueak!

“I'm Dinky! Pleased to meet you Pipsqueak!”

“So where are you from Dinky?”

Arc whispers to Dinky. “Ponyville.”

“I'm from Ponyville. And you?”

Pipsqueak looks down at the ground. “I... don't know. My only memories are of this place. I’ve been here as long as I can remember.”

“Apologize.”

“Oh… I’m sorry to hear that, Pipsqueak.”

“It's okay! I have lots of friends here... even if the Matron is a witch!”

The brown filly from earlier looks over to Pipsqueak. “Shh… she’ll hear you!”

Both teams reach the dormitory and sit on the floor together. A short time later Coco Pommel walks in pushing a cart with supper plates on it. She is followed by Tempest. The matron looks over at Dinky coolly.

“Good work out there today. Dinky, was it? I believe you have a bright future ahead of you. As long as you follow orders, that is! Now, distribute food to your teammates only!”

Arc whispers to her. “Do as she says.”

Dinky obeys.

“Give Pipsqueak a second plate, sweetheart.”

Dinky does as her father says. Tempest looks over to her angrily!

“Why did you do that?!”

Arc whispers to her. “Doesn't a successful leader deserve more than the others?”

Dinky looks Tempest in the eye. “Doesn't a successful leader deserve more than the others, ma’am?”

Tempest looks down her nose at Dinky as she considers her words. “Hmmm... strong, fast, and smart! You'll go far, kid! I haven't said this in a while, but you have impressed me! As a reward, take this!”

She gives Dinky a chocolate bar.

“Thank her respectfully.”

Dinky accepts the candy. “Thank you, ma’am!”

Tempest leaves the room. Coco Pommel takes her own plate of food off the tray and walks toward the losing team. They line up and each take a small bit from her food. They quickly eat what they have but are certainly still hungry.

“Give them your plate, Dinky.”

Dinky levitates her own food over to the losing team. “Here! Take mine!”

The foals thank her and eat hungrily!

“You can eat the chocolate bar yourself, or share it. You're choice, sweetheart!”

Dinky turns to Coco Pommel. “Miss Pommel?”

“Yes dear?”

She holds the chocolate bar out to Coco Pommel. “Can you please give this to whomever needs it? I'm... not hungry!”

Coco Pommel accepts the candy. “Are you sure?!”

Dinky nods.

“Thank you dear! I'm sure your parents would be so proud!”

Arc nods his head and smiles. “Oh, I am! I am…”

Meanwhile, back in the matron’s office, Tempest sits down at her desk and looks down at the scroll Dinky came with. “Dinky Hooves, huh? There’s something special about you. I just know it! Although I wonder just what it is that makes you tick.”

The foals finish their supper and play inside until dark. Coco Pommel lies on the floor and watches them. All the while with a side smile. Eventually she stands and calls out for bedtime. “Time for bed, little ones! Tomorrow is another day!”

The fillies and colts get into bed as Coco Pommel turns off the lights and slowly walks down the hall to her own room. Dinky lies on her back looking up at the ceiling for a few moments before she hears a small whisper from the bed next to hers.

“Dinky. You awake?”

She turns her head to see Pipsqueak looking over at her. “Yeah. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Do you… do you remember your parents?”

Arc whispers in Dinky’s ear. “Go ahead and describe your mother.”

Dinky nods. “My mom’s a pegasus. She… she’s always so nice to me! Her smile and kind voice… I can still hear them ringing in my ears!”

“And your dad?”

“He’s always been there for me, ever since he delivered me as a foal! My dad’s a real hero, as he looks out for me even now! I know he’ll keep me safe from anything that comes my way!”

Pipsqueak nods. “I wish I knew my parents. They died when I was just a baby.”

“Do you miss them?”

“I… guess I do. It’s really hard to say, as I never knew them but… thanks for telling me about your parents! Who knows! Maybe we’ll be adopted by the same family and get to grow up together!”

“I guess…”

“What’s wrong? Don’t you want to be adopted?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Not really.”

Pipsqueak looks over at her amazed! “Why not?!”

She smiles and points a hoof at her head. “Because my dad is right here watching over me.”

Arc whispers in Dinky’s ear. “Easy now. Don’t let them know I’m really up here just yet! We’ve only just started the mission.

Pipsqueak lays back and stares at the ceiling. “It sounds like you had really nice parents, Dinky. I guess it would be hard to let the memories go and all!”

Dinky lays back down. “Right. Well, we should get some sleep now. Like Miss Pommel said earlier, tomorrow is another day.”

Pipsqueak shudders as he closes his eyes. “Don’t remind me.”

Arc makes himself comfortable in Dinky’s mane and lies down. “This is rather comfy.”

He dozes off. Several hours pass before Arc awakens and looks at the wall clock and taps the top of Dinky’s head.

“Dinky! Wake up!”

She slowly opens her eyes. “What’s up, dad?”

“We need to check in with the others. Leave the room and walk to the window at the end of the hall.”

Dinky nods and does as she is told. Arc uses his magic to open the window silently. Dinky climbs out and lands silently on the grass as Arc closes and locks the window behind them with magic.

“Walk across the lawn and head for the fence. Then let me down.”

Dinky does so. Arc jumps down and returns to his normal size. Opening his magic cloak, he stretches his arms toward her.

“Come over here and I’ll carry you, sweetheart.”

The cloak hides them both as Arc carries Dinky in his arms. They jump effortlessly over the tall fence. Seeing the campfire in the distance Arc heads for it. In a short time they arrive at the base camp. Derpy is sitting in front of the fire looking worried. Arc decloaks a short distance from her and lets Dinky down.

The little filly runs over to her mother! “MOM!”

“DINKY!”

The two embrace as Arc walks over.

“I was so worried about you two! Are you alright?!”

“Just fine mom!”

Arc looks around the camp. “Where are the troops?”

“Asleep. I'm on watch right now.”

Better wake them.”

Derpy does so. A few moments later they all sit down around the fire. Arc and Dinky bring them up to speed on the day’s activities.

Max shakes his head. “Well now, I see little has changed.”

Hugh nods. “Yup. Sounds to me like Tempest was impressed by your performance though, little one! Good job!”

Xenos looks over at Arc. “Did you see Miss Pommel?!”

Dinky nods. “Yes! She was kind to me! But…”

Viktor looks over at them with a worried expression. “But what?!”

“Well... she doesn't look too healthy.”

Arc sighs. “That's putting it mildly. She is REALLY malnourished!”

Derpy looks over. “Can we do anything to help her?”

Arc nods. “I intend to. What do we have to eat around here?! Dinky gave away her meal to the others so neither of us has eaten.”

Derpy gives them some military rations which they quickly eat.

Max watches as the pair eat hungrily. “It may not taste the best, but these are highly nutritious.”

Arc finishes his food and looks over to Max. “Do we have any fruit?”

Derpy trots over to her saddlebags. “I have a few apples.”

“They will do. We need to get these to Coco Pommel. She won't last another winter in her condition! That and I want to show her she can trust Dinky.”

Xenos speaks in a near desperate tone! “Please sir! Save Miss Pommel! She's the closest thing we had to a mother growing up!”

The others nod in agreement.

“Don't worry. We will!”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Is there anything we can do to help the two of you right now?”

“Not yet. We need more time! There’s more going on here! I can feel it! Don't worry Derpy, I'll keep Dinky safe!”

Derpy nods. “I know you will, Arc.”

Arc turns to Dinky and reactivates his cloak. “We should get back before someone notices we're gone.”

Dinky picks up the apples and turns to her mother. “Bye mom!”

She waves as they leave. “Be careful, both of you!”

Max looks over at Derpy. “Ma'am? Can I talk to you?”

Derpy looks to him a bit confused. “Um… okay.”

“You've known the Commander longer than we have. Do you think he is hiding something from us about his reasons for doing this?”

Derpy sighs. “I do. Sadly, I don't know much about Arc's life before coming to Equestria. However, I get the feeling he has quite the past! Maybe not all of it is strictly good!”

“Are you suggesting he may have been a... bad human? Perhaps he does... what he does these days to atone for something?!”

“I don't know. Hopefully he’ll let us in on the full story one day. We should think of him as he is now... not who he was in the past.”

Arc and Dinky quietly return to the orphanage fence. Arc jumps over it. Looking around quickly, he sets Dinky down on the grass and she walks out from under his cloak. Arc shrinks back down and takes his place in Dinky's mane.

“Wait Dinky! Is that Coco Pommel over there?”

Dinky whispers back. “I think so... yes, it is! It looks like she’s eating some flowers!”

“I want you to walk over there as quietly as you can.”

Dinky nods and walks toward Coco Pommel who appears to be eating some flowers from a small garden in the corner of the yard.

“Okay, this is close enough. Call out her name. Softly!”

“Miss Pommel?”

Coco Pommel gasps and whirls around. “Dinky! You startled me! What are you doing out of bed at this hour?”

“Tell her that your father wanted you to have these apples.”

Dinky gives Coco Pommel the apples she was carrying. “My dad wanted you to have these.”

“Thank you dear. But I thought you father was... gone. Where did you get these?”

Arc thinks for a moment before whispering in Dinky’s ear. “Tell her he's right here and point to your head.”

Dinky smiles and points to her head. “No, he's not. He's right here! And he gave me the apples!”

Coco Pommel smiles at Dinky. “I see. Well tell him thank you for me.”

“Tell her she is welcome.”

“He says your welcome.”

Arc nods proudly. “Alright. It's time for us to get some sleep now.”

“My dad says we need to get to bed now. Good night Miss Pommel. Please eat those apples yourself. You don't look well!”

Dinky walks back to the window she and Arc came through. Coco Pommel looks down at the apples in her hoof. “Such a sweet little thing! I wonder... where did she really got these apples?”

Arc and Dink return to bed and sleep peacefully through the night. The next morning Coco Pommel slowly enters the dormitory to wake the orphans as she does every day.

“Time to get up everypony! It's race time...”

Dinky sits up with the rest of the foals. She turns to Pipsqueak as he jumps out of bed. “What’s going on?”

Pipsqueak sighs. “Every morning we have a race to see who gets breakfast and who doesn't. Just don't finish last! The Matron will give you such a smack!”

“But why?!”

“She says it's to motivate us to do better. Personally, I think she just does it to make herself feel big!”

All the orphans rush outside to a line painted on the ground. Tempest is waiting for them.

“Alright you little hooligans, listen up! The winner of today's race gets an extra prize... three blueberry muffins!”

Tempest looks to Coco Pommel, who is holding a green flag in her mouth. She waves it and the race begins! Arc uses his magic to help Dinky run faster and win the race! The matron tosses the muffins to Dinky as she crosses the finish line well ahead of the other foals!

“Take them! You’ve earned it!”

Pipsqueak is the last to cross the finish line. As he does so, Tempest gives him a hoof to his small ribs! He falls to the ground several meters away! Dinky clenches her teeth angrily and takes a step forward.

Arc hisses in Dinky’s ear. “Dinky! No! Don't worry. I used my magic to absorb most of the impact for him!”

“Thanks dad!

Tempest turns to the rest of the orphans and yells at them! “The rest of you... try and be more like Dinky! That is, if you ever want to make anything of yourselves!”

They all return to the Dormitory as the matron heads to her office. Coco Pommel enters last sadly pushing a cart with breakfast. She passes out food to all but the few who crossed the finish line last. Coco Pommel picks up her own breakfast and shares it with the unfortunate few.

“Tell Coco Pommel I said to give her your muffins.”

Dinky walks over to Coco Pommel with her prize. “Miss Pommel, my dad told me to give you these.”

Coco Pommel goes along with Dinky and smiles. “Well thank you Dinky! Now you be sure and tell him he is a very nice pony!”

“Tell her I’m not a pony.”

Dinky smiles up at Coco Pommel. “Oh, he's not a pony!”

She looks down at Dinky, confused. “Then what is he?”

“I’m… I’m just your dad.”

“He’s just my dad!”

Dinky scampers back to the others to eat her breakfast, leaving behind a very confused Coco Pommel! On the way she looks over to Pipsqueak.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I'm fine. She didn't hit me as hard today!”

“Does this happen to you often?”

Pipsqueak nods. “Almost every day. It's hard having the shortest legs! Don't worry about me, though. I'll manage.”

Coco Pommels looks over at Dinky as she passes out the muffins to the hungriest of the orphans. “Bless you, Dinky! And your imaginary father too!”

Several days pass. One night Dinky is awakened by soft hoofsteps. She looks up to see Pipsqueak and Aquamarine sneaking out of the dormitory. Getting up, she quietly follows them.

Arc wakes up! “Dinky? What is it?”

Dinky whispers over her shoulder. “Pipsqueak and Aquamarine just left. I'm going to follow them.”

“Okay!”

Dinky follows the pair to the back of the Orphanage where she saw Coco Pommel eating from her flower garden the other day. They appear to be digging.

“What are you doing?”

The pair jump, surprised at Dinky’s voice!

Pipsqueak waves his small hooves! “Shhh! Keep your voice down!”

Aquamarine glances all around them for any movement. “We're taking care of Miss Pommel's garden. She does so much for us. It seems the least we could do. Besides...”

Pipsqueak looks down at the flowers sadly. “Everypony at the Orphanage knows what Coco Pommel does back here every night.”

“Tell them what you saw here a night or so ago.”

Dinky looks over at the pair. “I... saw her back here a few nights ago. She looked like she was eating the flowers. But... why?”

Aquamarine looks to the flowers. “She shares almost all her food with us orphans every day!
I think... these flowers are the only thing keeping Miss Pommel alive!”

Pipsqueak reaches into the bushes and pulls out a watering can. “We come out here every few nights to tend the garden for her. She never asked us to, but it just seems like the right thing to do!”

“We would do it during the day, but Miss Pommel seems to get really nervous any time somepony gets too close to her garden. I guess I would too if it was my only food source...”

Arc raises his voice. “Very praiseworthy!”

Pipsqueak and Aquamarine look around, confused! “Who said that?!”

Arc chuckles. “Don't be afraid, my little ponies... I'm a friend.”

Aquamarine continues to look around for the source of the voice. “Who… are you?”

“I am... Dinky's father. She has been under my watchful eye ever since she came to New Beginnings Orphanage. I will not let any harm come to her!”

Pipsqueak looks around as he speaks. “Where are you? And why are you here?”

Dinky points a hoof to her head, happily! “He’s right here!”

“Never mind where I am. As for why I am here, I wanted to meet Matron Tempest and see if the stories I have heard about her were true. A... friend of mine who grew up in this very Orphanage asked me to makes sure Coco Pommel was alright as well. Let's just say I have been... less than impressed with the Matron's job performance.”

Aquamarine looks nervous. “What are you going to do?”

“Leave that to me. The time of Matron Tempest is coming to a close! Fear not, this will all be over soon.”

Pipsqueak sighs. “We appreciate the thought, but the Matron used to be in the military and has never lost a fight before! She's a legend!”

“My dad has never been defeated either! He never gives up on anypony!”

Aquamarine shakes her head. “Maybe you CAN beat the Matron sir! But please... don't try. I wouldn't want to see anypony else get hurt!”

“Dinky, it is time you got some rest. I need to come up with a plan on how best to deal with the Matron. Good night you two. Stay strong!”

Dinky walks back to the Orphanage leaving Pipsqueak and Aquamarine to tend the garden. Pipsqueak turns to Aquamarine as they work. “I don't get it! Who in their right mind would care so much about a bunch of foals nopony wants?”

“I do.” A voice rings out behind the pair! Pipsqueak and Aquamarine turn to see Coco Pommel standing nearby in the shadows!

“Miss Pommel! We…!”

Coco Pommel holds up a hoof. “It's alright. Thank you for taking care of my garden. It's... very important to me. In answer to your question Pipsqueak, don't ever think that there is no one who wants you!”

“But... in all the time I’ve been here, nopony has EVER been adopted!”

Coco Pommel looks down sadly. “I'm sorry for that, Pipsqueak. But I just know there is a home out there for all you orphans! Dinky's father is proof of that!”

Aquamarine looks to Miss Pommel confused. “You... have met him before?! Who is he?”

“Not face to face, no. But I do know this... he is a true hero to Dinky. If only we all were so fortunate...”

As the days pass, Arc helps Dinky succeed at whatever game is played. He also helps her with the schoolwork at the orphanage! The orphans trot into their small classroom and sit at their tables as Coco Pommel comes into the room.

“All right little ones! Time to settle down and learn! Today we are going to be learning about the Hero of Light. Does everypony know what that is?”

Most of the class nods their heads.

“Now, for those of you who don't know, Equestria's Hero of Light is usually the greatest warrior in the land! It is their job to protect Equestria and its inhabitants.”

She puts a large poster on the wall of Arc’s insignia.

“Now, the Hero of Light is easily identified by this insignia that he or she wears on their armor! It is called the Crest of Light, and is proof of their identity.”

Arc mutters to himself. “Hmm... Crest of Light huh? I didn't know that.”

Coco Pommel points a hoof at the poster. “As you can see, the Crest shows six crystals around a sword and shield. Can anypony tell me what this means?”

Pipsqueak raises his hoof. “The sword and shield represent the Hero of Light's devotion to protecting the innocent!”

Arc ponders this for a moment. “I guess so... never really thought about what my insignia meant.”

“You’re close, Pipsqueak. You see, the crystals shown here are the Elements of Harmony. They are Equestria's most powerful weapon, and each can only be used by a chosen individual known as an Element Bearer. Alone the elements are useless. But when all six Element Bearers come together, they are a nearly unstoppable force!”

A filly raises a hoof.

“Yes Aquamarine?”

“But if only the Element Bearers can use the Elements of Harmony, why are they part of the Hero of Light's insignia?”

Coco Pommels smiles at her. “Good question! It's thought that the Elements of Harmony are pictured more as an ideal. The Hero of Light's duty is to maintain harmony in Equestria. The shield shows their willingness to defend and protect. While the sword represents a willingness to fight to maintain the peace!”

Arc touches his insignia. “Is there a book I should be reading about this? I suddenly feel so... unprepared.”

The brown filly raises her hoof. “So, who is the Hero of Light right now?”

“I’m told it's a pony named Arc. There's a very popular story going around the land these days about him going to Tartarus and fighting an entire army of demons and their King!”

Pipsqueak looks to Coco Pommel! “Was he badly hurt?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “If the stories are true, he walked away without a scratch!”

Aquamarine claps her hooves together. “Wow! He must be really strong! Anything else you can tell us about him, Miss Pommel?”

“Recently he was in Dodge Junction to break up a gang of troublemakers and thieves. Supposedly he took on their whole gang AND their leader. Last word on that was the leader was still in the hospital, and unable to walk.”

Pipsqueak cheers! “Such bravery! Any other stories?!”

“The only other story I know of is he went to the Dragon Lands to speak with the Dragon Lord, twice. Both times he returned unharmed!”

The brown filly raises her hoof again. “Does the Hero of Light live in Canterlot Castle?”

Coco Pommel turns her attention to the question. “Usually yes, but not this one. Supposedly he has a base on the outskirts of Ponyville.”

“If we went to Ponyville could we actually MEET the Hero of Light, Miss Pommel?!”

She shakes her head. “I don’t think so Aquamarine. He’s probably much too busy to meet with just anypony!”

Pipsqueak looks over to Coco Pommel. A hopeful look on his face. “Miss Pommel? Do... do you think the Hero of Light could... help us? Could he save us from the Matron?”

“I doubt that!”

The entire class turns to look at the doorway. The matron herself stands there looking smug!

“Listen up, all of you! You are here because nopony wants you! Nopony cares about you... and NOPONY IS COMING TO 'SAVE YOU'!”

Tempest angrily leaves the room.

Coco Pommel sighs and turns back to the class. “I'm sorry Pipsqueak, but I'm afraid the Matron is right. The Hero of Light is far too busy fighting evil and protecting the country to have time to worry about such small problems...”

Arc whispers to himself. “Hold on just a bit longer, little ones... help is closer than you think...”

Chapter 7 - New Beginnings

Two pegasus medics approach quickly!

Arc looks over to Derpy. “We should probably get you to the hospital.”

Derpy nods. “Okay, but I think I can manage on my own.”

She moves to stand, but her back legs don't seem to work correctly.

Derpy looks up to Arc. “I don't know why, but I feel so... stiff.”

Arc picks Derpy up carefully. “Don’t worry. I got you.”

She smiles and rests her head momentarily on Arc’s chest. “Thank you, Arc…”

He carefully lays Derpy on a stretcher.

“You're going to be alright. I'll be along to see you as soon as I can.”

Derpy nods. “It's okay. I know you have other things to do besides see me.”

“I do... but few are more important than you right now.”

Arc nods to the paramedics who fly away toward Vanhoover Hospital carrying Derpy.

Coco Pommel approaches Arc very slowly and clumsily. “Hero of Light. I just wanted to... thank you... on behalf... of... of…”

Her voice trails off as she collapses to the ground unconscious! Her spear lands in the mud next to her. The orphans surround her along with Arc’s squad!

Xenos reaches her first. “Miss Pommel!”

Arc rushes forward to aid Coco Pommel! The orphans respectfully move aside! He puts two fingers to her throat!

“She's alive. But her pulse is very weak. She needs medical attention immediately!”

Arc picks up the unconscious mare! A strange look crosses his face momentarily. He looks to his squad. “I have to get Coco Pommel to the hospital! You four will see to it all the orphans make it there safely!”

Xenos steps forward. “But...! Yes sir...”

Arc turns to the townsponies. “EVERYONE MOVE!!!”

The crowd parts as Arc runs toward Vanhoover Hospital carrying the failing Coco Pommel in his arms! He is followed at a distance by the orphans and his squad! A few minutes later Arc bursts into Vanhoover Hospital!

“Coming through! Medical emergency!”

The nurse at the front desk immediately calls for assistance. In moments a doctor enters the waiting room with two orderlies and a gurney.

“What happened?!”

Arc lays Coco Pommel on the gurney. “She just collapsed! Her pulse at the time was sluggish, and her breathing was shallow! I got her here as fast as I could!”

The doctor turns to the orderlies. “Get her to Examination Room 2, stat!”

The orderlies rush Coco Pommel to Examination Room 2 as the doctor follows closely behind! Arc waits for the orphans and his squad in the Waiting Room. Several minutes later they arrive, panting heavily. Xenos is carrying Coco Pommel's spear. Hugh has Derpy's Spear of Hope. Max has Light's Bane which is wrapped in a blanket hurriedly taken from the Orphanage. And Viktor brings up the rear carrying Arc's helmet.

Xenos runs up to Arc frantically. “How is she?!”

Max joins him. “Xenos! Protocol!”

“It’s okay. The doctor is examining her as we speak. Hopefully we will know something soon. Don't worry Xenos! As soon as the doctor will allow it, you and I will see her together.”

Xenos hangs his head. “Yes sir. Thank you. Please... forgive me for my earlier outburst, commander.”

“It's in the past, Xenos. However, I want you look at the scene before you now.”

Xenos looks around the Waiting Room and sees that almost every seat is filled with a wet and very sad looking orphan waiting for word of Coco Pommel's condition.

Arc puts a hand on Xenos; shoulder. “They’re even more worried about Coco Pommel then you are... if that's possible. The only pony who has ever taken an interest in them... has ever shown them love... now lies in a hospital bed, her future as unknown as their own. Now... help me, help them!”

Max nods. “Xenos, we're all worried about Miss Pommel. But think of it from the Commander's point of view. He just fought a battle against an invincible creature of pure evil, almost sacrificed his life for us all, watched his friend die, saw his daughter exhibit a power previously unknown to pony-kind and had some kind of close encounter with... something of pure evil!”

Hugh and Viktor join them. “I guess you could say the Commander is having one hell of a bad day!”

“That and this day is far from over! What will become of the orphans?”

Arc looks over at the orphans. “We’ll think of something! I won't abandon them!”

Xenos salutes. “Yes Commander! I won't let you down again!”

Arc walks over to the nurse’s station. “Do you have a cafeteria here? These foals have had quite a rough day already and have yet to eat breakfast.”

“We only have a small cafe for hospital staff here. But for the Hero of Light we’ll make an exception. Although it is not nearly big enough to hold such a large group.”

“How about a Conference Room of some kind?”

“Yes sir. Right this way.”

Arc turns his head to the orphans. “Come with me, little ones! It's time for something to eat. Follow the nurse.”

The orphans and Dinky slowly obey. Aquamarine cautiously approaches Arc. She looks as sad as the others. “Thank you sir. But most of us don't really feel like eating right now.”

Arc nods as he glances Dinky sadly walking with the other foals. “Neither do I.”

The nurse leads everyone down several hallways. Eventually she opens a door and allows them to enter. “Here we are Hero of Light. I’ll have somepony bring some snacks over as soon as possible.”

“Thank you nurse. Keep us informed on Derpy and Coco Pommel's condition. We’ll wait here for word.”

The nurse smiles at him. “Yes sir I will! And... thank you for helping those poor orphans. They didn't deserve to go through all that.”

Arc nods as the nurse leaves. The orphans enter the room silently and sadly sit down. A few minutes later a different nurse brings some food in and sets it down on the table.

“Thank you.”

She nods her head and nervously leaves the room. Dinky slowly walks up to her father.

“Dad?”

Arc kneels down to her level. “Yes sweetheart?”

“Is… is mom going to be okay?”

Arc nods. “I believe so, yes. Dinky, I'm really sorry you had to go through all that. But I want you to know I’m very proud of you for what you did back there! And not just today! This whole mission was a success thanks in no small part to you!

A small smile crosses the filly’s face. “Thanks dad. I never knew your job was so... hard!”

He sits down on the floor next to Dinky and puts his arm around her. “It's tougher than you realize. So many count of me to protect them that it can be overwhelming at times. How did you feel knowing the success of this mission was up to you, Dinky?”

“It was... kinda scary! I knew if I messed this up a lot of foals would be in danger! But... I wasn't too scared Dad! Because I knew you were there with me the whole time! If you hadn't been there, I don't think I could have pulled it off!”

Dinky looks around to see the hopeless looks on each of the foal’s sad, scared faces.

“Dad, I think I have something else to do right now.”

“Go ahead, sweetheart.”

Dinky jumps up on the conference room table. “Everypony listen to me! There’s no longer any reason for you to be afraid! Matron Tempest is gone forever, and we’re all together! I know all of you feel sad and alone right now, but remember, this is exactly how the Matron wanted you to feel! You have to fight it! You have to remember what if feels like to love... and be loved again!”

Pipsqueak looks up at Dinky. “But Dinky! Miss Pommel was the only one who really cared about us! While some of us remember our parents, others like me do not! I... I never knew what love felt like until I met Miss Pommel. Without her we feel... completely alone in this world.”

Dinky jumps down in front of Pipsqueak and gives him a hug. “You’re not alone any more, Pipsqueak. I'm here with you too.”

Aquamarine walks over. “Dinky. Tell us! How can you be so strong?! You were fearless this morning when you stood up to the Matron! We all thought it was the end for you when you charged straight at her!”

“Somepony had to stand up for what's right. My dad taught me that. My courage comes from him. I know he'll always be there for me, as he always has been since he adopted me.”

She runs to her father. Arc kneels down and recalls his armor as Dinky jumps into his arms.

“Well said, Dinky.”

Pipsqueak and Aquamarine look over at the pair as they hug. Dinky sees this and looks to Pipsqueak.

“Dinky? You're... not really his daughter?”

Aquamarine puts a hoof to her chin. “Well... I guess that makes sense. The Hero of Light isn't even a pony! But... without his armor he does look like a really nice individual.”

Dinky looks to Pipsqueak. “You’ve never known a loving embrace, have you?”

He shakes his head. “Other than Miss Pommel, no.”

Arc and Dinky look at each other and nod. They both turn to Pipsqueak and extend a hand/hoof toward him. Pipsqueak smiles and runs toward the pair and joins them in a hug! Tears of joy fill his now closed eyes!

“Thank you, Dinky! Thank you, Hero of Light!”

Arc looks over at the rest of the orphans and motions for them to join him and Dinky. They slowly walk forward and embrace Arc, Dinky and each other in a group hug the likes of which Equestria had never seen before, tears of happiness are in every eye!

“Don't worry, my little ponies. I’ll see to it you are cared for properly from now on.”

Aquamarine looks up to Arc. “Thank you sir! I know you won't let us down!”

The group hug lasts for several moments before a brown filly speaks up. “Um… sir?”

“Yes? What is it?”

“I’m kinda hungry now.”

All assembled laugh together as Arc gestures to the snacks! “Eat well, all of you! If more is needed, I’ll order more be brought!”

The orphans eat and rest on the floor together. After an hour or so a nurse enters the room. “Hero of Light? We have news for you regarding a Miss Derpy Hooves.”

Dinky jumps up! “My mom?! How is she?!”

“Will Derpy be all right, nurse?”

“Considering the wound, she’s doing very well. Her back legs aren't working as they should at the moment due to nerve damage from the injury.”

Arc is suddenly worried. “What now?”

“The doctor would like to see you as soon as possible to go over her options. We also need to notify her relatives. Can you give us some family background?”

He sighs. “Derpy has no family... at least none who give a damn about her.”

Dinky points to her father. “The Hero of Light here is the closest thing to family my mom has right now!”

The nurse nods. “Very well. We shall defer any important decisions to you then sir!”

“Thank you. Now, what about Coco Pommel?”

“She is still unresponsive, but resting peacefully. The doctor would also like to speak with you on the events that led up to her being admitted. If you would follow me please...”

The nurse gestures to the door as Arc turns to his squad. “Take care of these little ones in my absence. I'll return as quickly as I can.”

His squad nods. Xenos quickly steps forward! “Commander… might I…”

Arc nods. “Yes Xenos. You may come as well.”

“Thank you sir!”

Arc looks over to the orphans. “I'll let you know how Miss Pommel is doing when I return. Come with me Dinky.”

The orphans smile and wave as Arc leaves the room with his daughter and Xenos. The nurse leads Arc to a decent sized hospital room. She stops outside the door and turns to face him.

“I didn't want to say anything about it in front of the foals, but... Ms. Coco Pommel's condition is... not good, to say the least. The doctor will tell you more inside.”

Xenos gulps as Arc opens the door. “Thank you nurse.”

Arc walks into the hospital room with Dinky and Xenos. In one bed lies a groggy Derpy. In the other is an unconscious Coco Pommel. There are many machines hooked up to her. A respirator and heart monitor are the only ones Arc can readily identify. He walks over to the doctor as Xenos stands dutifully next to Coco Pommel's bed dutifully.

“You wanted to see me doctor?”

The doctor looks up from his clipboard. “Yes. Thank you for coming, Hero of Light! It is such an honor to meet you!"

They turn to Derpy.

“I'll get right to the point. Can you hear me, Miss Hooves?”

Derpy looks around, her eyes unfocused. “Yes… where are my muffins?”

The doctor looks back to Arc. “She's not completely coherent, and keeps asking for muffins for some reason.”

“I understand. Dinky?”

“I do too, dad!”

Arc walks over to her bedside and holds her hoof in his hand as Dinky does the same on the opposite side of the bed.

He squeezes her hoof gently. “Dinky and I are right here now, Derpy. Don't worry. Everything is going to be fine!”

Derpy smiles weakly as she looks at them through unfocused eyes. “My muffins!”

The doctor goes over her chart. “When the spear pierced her back, it did quite a bit of damage to her spinal cord. We can perform surgery to try and repair the damage, but in her weakened condition she may not survive the procedure. There is also no guarantee the surgery will be successful.”

Arc doesn’t look up from Derpy’s face. “And if you don't operate?”

“The nerves will deteriorate rapidly until she loses all feeling and use of the lower part of her body including her bowels and bladder. But at least she will be alive! Normally, I would ask her what she wants to do! But as you can see, she is in no condition to make such an important decision for herself! I'm sorry I don't have better news for you two. After what you have done for those poor foals... I wish I could do more for your friend here.”

“Dad. What should we do?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I believe Derpy would want you to perform the surgery, doctor. Please... make my friend whole again! She wouldn't want to go through the rest of her life in a... diaper.”

“Very well. I will schedule the operation for some time later today. Now... about Miss Pommel... can you tell me more about what was happening when she collapsed?”

Arc recounts the events of that morning leading up to Coco Pommel being rushed to the hospital as they make their way over to her bedside.

The doctor considers what he hears before continuing. “I'm not much for understanding this new kind of magic. But it does explain a few things.”

Xenos looks up, hopeful! “It does?!”

“Yes. Now normally when a pony uses a lot of energy, as she did, they simple pass out and have to sleep to regain their faculties. While it is resting, the body converts some of its stored fat to energy to help the healing process. Miss Pommel however doesn't have that luxury.”

The doctor pulls back the hospital blanket. Coco Pommel’s body is sickeningly thin! All her ribs are showing and her toothpick like legs appear to have little between the bone and skin!

Xenos turns away as he cries and dry heaves! “Miss Pommel... I'm so sorry! If we had just arrived sooner...”

The doctor again covers Coco Pommel’s frame and looks to Arc. “In all my years of practicing medicine, I've NEVER seen anypony so emaciated! How she is still alive is beyond my understanding!”

Arc’s face is grim. “She forced herself to stay alive... for the foals.”

“We’ve been feeding her intravenously. It's a good thing you got her here when you did. Too much later and she wouldn’t have the slight chance she does now. Since arriving , her heart has stopped twice and she was having so much difficulty breathing that we put her on a respirator. She hasn’t opened her eyes since arriving here, which is for the best.”

Xenos takes Coco Pommel's undersized hoof and holds it as his own shakes from emotion. The doctor looks over to him.

“Please be very gentle with her. Her bones are also deteriorated to the point they may very easily break.”

Xenos nods. “Miss Pommel? It… it’s Xenos… I’m here for you now.”

Coco Pommel’s ear closest to Xenos twitches. Arc looks to the doctor for advice.

“Can she hear us?”

“Probably. Although she most likely lacks the strength to respond in a manner we would understand.”

Arc turns to Xenos. “I want you to stay with Coco Pommel until further notice. Alright?”

Xenos doesn’t take his eyes off her. “Yes sir. Thank you… for everything.”

He feels a small squeeze on his hoof! Coco Pommel’s lips move, but her voice is too weak to be heard. “Sir! I think Coco Pommel is trying to tell us something!”

“What is it?!”

“I can't understand her. Doctor, can we take her off the respirator? Just for a moment!”

The doctor nods. “Very well. But just for a moment!”

The doctor carefully removes the respirator and Xenos leans in close to Coco Pommel. She whispers something in his ear. Xenos raises his head and the doctor puts the respirator back on her face.

“Could you make anything out?”

“It was just a few words. She said "Derpy", "Spear", "Holy" and "Light". Do you know what she meant?”

“I think I may. Xenos give me Coco Pommel's spear.”

Xenos looks at the spear in his hoof, confused. “Huh? I'm sorry sir. I actually forgot I was holding this thing!”

Arc takes it and sits down on the floor with the spear in his lap, concentrating. “Hmmm... this is similar to Derpy's Spear of Hope. However, the power coming from it feels very different at the same time.”

“What is it, dad?”

Arc opens his eyes to look at the spear in his hand. “This… this is the Spear of Devotion!”

Xenos nods his head with conviction. “I cannot think of anypony more worthy to hold this weapon than Coco Pommel herself!”

“I agree. But at the moment I need to borrow its power.”

“What for dad?”

“You’ll see, dear. Now I need to concentrate.”

He walks to the foot of Derpy's bed and holds the spear at his side for a few minutes, attempting to understand the power within. Arc then raises the weapon over his head!

“Holy Light!”

The room is filled with a bright light which focuses on Derpy. While it lasts only a few seconds, no one speaks in the room for a solid minute afterwards.

Arc takes Derpy’s hoof in his hand and speak to her softly. “Derpy? Can you hear me?”

Derpy’s eyes become more focused and she is suddenly more coherent. She nods.

“Yes, Arc.”

Arc moves to the foot of the bed and lifts the sheet. “Can you move your left hoof for me?”

Derpy does so, albeit stiffly.

“Now the right hoof.”

She repeats the process.

“How do you feel now?”

Derpy yawns. “Tired. Like I want to sleep for a week!”

“Good job Derpy. Get some rest now. I'll take care of Dinky so you can concentrate on getting better.”

The doctor can only stand there in utter disbelief!

“Amazing!”

Arc turns to walk away, but collapses to one knee.

“Arc?”

Dinky runs to her father’s side. “Dad!”

As his daughter helps him up, Arc slowly stands. “I'm okay! That… just took a lot out of me.”

A small voice can be heard behind him.

“Xenos…”

“M-Miss Pommel!”

The doctor steps forward and removes the respirator to allow her to speak.

“Listen... to me! Are... they... safe...?”

Xenos does his best to respond through the tears. “Yes! All the orphans are safe here in the hospital!”

Coco Pommel looks to him. “Please... help me up. Take me... to them.”

Xenos shakes his head fervently! “What?! No! You have to rest!”

She looks Xenos in the eye, a pleading tone in her voice. “Please... Xenos. Without me... who will... look after... them”

Arc steps forward. “I will Coco Pommel. There is plenty of room for them at my base in Ponyville for the time being. You just rest and worry about getting better.”

She smiles up at Arc weakly as her voice fades. “Thank... you... Hero... of... Light...”

Coco Pommel again loses consciousness.

“Rest well.”

Arc turns to the doctor. “Is there anything we can do for her?”

The doctor shakes his head. “No. I assure you we are doing everything in our power to help her. However, this will still be an uphill battle for her! We’ll continue monitoring her and feeding her nutrients. Her body weight must come up!”

Arc sighs. “Yes. When I first picked her up, I found she didn't weigh that much more than Dinky!”

“I will re-examine Miss Hooves here and let you know what I find.”

“Thank you doctor. I’ll come see when I get back. The foals and I need to head back to the Orphanage for a few things before we leave town.”

The doctor nods as Arc walks back to Derpy's bedside and looks over her for a moment before smiles and gently squeezing her hoof. He softly kisses her forehead before pulling back to leave the room with Dinky. “Get well soon, Derpy.”

Arc and Dinky return to the Conference Room. The foals all jump up as they enter and run to them! Pipsqueak gets there first closely followed by Aquamarine!

“How is Miss Pommel?!”

“Is she going to be okay?! Can we see her?!”

Arc shakes his head. “The doctor says she’s very weak from not eating very well for so long. Sorry, but she needs rest at the moment. Everything that can be done is being done!”

Pipsqueak turns to Dinky. “And your mom, Dinky. How is she?”

“She... she was facing a risky surgery. Then Miss Pommel woke up long enough to tell us how to heal her with her spear!”

Aquamarine looks at the Spear of Devotion in Arc’s hand. “Wow! But... where did she find this thing?”

Arc shrugs. “I'm curious of that as well. Hopefully she can answer that question for us soon.”

The brown filly from earlier starts to cry. “What... what will happen to us now?! I don't want to go back to the Orphanage!”

All the orphans look to Arc for guidance.

“I told Coco Pommel that I would take you all back to Ponyville while she recovers. There are lots of extra beds and plenty of space for everyone at my Command Center.”

Pipsqueak and Aquamarine look to one another as the other foals jump up and down happily!

“You mean... we're going to be LIVING with the Hero of Light?!”

“This is going to be awesome!”

The brown filly looks to Arc happily! “When do we leave?!”

“We have a few things to do first. Like head back to the Orphanage for your things. You won't be coming back here for a while.”

Pipsqueak smiles! “Hopefully never!”

The rain has stopped and the sun has come out. Arc leads the foals back to the New Beginnings Orphanage. The townsponies can't help but smile as they pass! They have never seen the orphans so happy before! Arriving at the Orphanage the foals quickly run inside, quietly gather their few meager possessions in their saddlebags and leave as quickly as possible!

Meanwhile Arc walks over to the spot where Tempest met her end. All that is left of her are a few scraps of armor and her damaged Hoof Cannons. He picks up the damaged weapons and looks them over before putting them in his satchel as the orphans rush out the back door with Pipsqueak and Aquamarine in the lead!

“I hope we never come back here again!”

“Agreed! I kept feeling like the Matron would pop out from every shadow in there!”

Arc places a sigil in the orphanage’s yard before turning to the gathered foals. “Don’t worry. You’ll be safe with me!

As the group heads back toward the hospital, a shadowy but familiar figure watches them leave from the former matron’s office window.

“Fool…”

The party returns to the hospital where they are joined by Arc’s squad, minus Xenos, in the waiting room. Max salutes at his approach.

“Commander! The doctor is waiting for you in his office.”

“Thank you. Watch over the orphans here while I go see him.”

“Sir!”

A nurse guides Arc to the doctor’s office. She knocks on the door before entering.

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

“Thank you nurse. You may go.”

The nurse leaves as the doctor stands up and walks to Arc. “I must admit, this has me absolutely stunned! My re-examination of Ms. Hooves shows no nerve damage whatsoever! She’s going to be just fine after a day or two of rest!”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! I don't suppose there has been any change in Coco Pommel's condition?”

“She’s still very weak, but breathing on her own most of the time now. She could use a short visit before you leave with the foals.”

“I’ll bring two of the orphans to see her then. We won't be long. May I bring Derpy home with me today?”

The doctor considers this for a moment. “Very well. I see no reason for her to need constant medical care. But under no circumstances is she to exert herself. See to it she rests and sees her own doctor in the morning.”

Arc nods. “I will doctor. Thank you for all your help!”

As Arc turns to leave the doctor calls out after him. “Sir! Take good care of those little ones please.”

Arc nods and walks back to the Waiting Room. Everyone looks up at him expectantly!

“Good news Dinky! Your mother can come home tonight!”

“YAY!!!”

Pipsqueak appears nervous. “What about Miss Pommel?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry. The doctor says she’s still too weak to be moved. However, two of you can see her for a very short visit.”

Dinky points a hoof. “I think Aquamarine and Pipsqueak should be the ones to go.”

The rest of the foals nod in agreement!

“Alright. Dinky, you wait here with the others. I'll be back soon with your mother so we can all go home together.”

“Okay dad!”

He turns to Aquamarine and Pipsqueak.

“Both of you follow me.”

Arc leads them to Derpy and Coco Pommel’s hospital room. As his hand touches the doorknob he stops and turns to the pair. “Now listen. Coco Pommel is very weak right now. Keep your voices low and don't get her excited, all right?”

The pair nod their heads, smiling. They enter the room quietly and follow Arc over to the bed. Xenos steps back to allow the foals to visit with a semi-conscious Coco Pommel.

Arc speaks quietly. “Coco Pommel? I’ll be taking the orphans back to my base shortly. Pipsqueak and Aquamarine are here to see you before we go.”

She nods slowly. Arc leaves the pair next to Coco Pommel and heads over to Derpy. She smiles weakly as he approaches and sits down on the bed next to her.

“How are you feeling, Derpy?”

“Much better, thanks in no small part to you! Where's Dinky?”

“In the Waiting Room with the rest of the foals. Don't worry, you'll be coming home with us today.”

Derpy looks up at him happily! “Really?!”

“Yes, but on the condition that you must rest and see Dr. Horse in the morning.”

She nods. “Okay! It will be good to finally be home.”

“Agreed. Wait here a minute. I'll tell Pipsqueak and Aquamarine it's time to go.”

Arc walks back to Coco Pommel's bed and looks to the foals. “Time to go you two. Let's give Coco Pommel some time to rest.”

Coco Pommel smiles at the pair before turning her attention to Arc. “Thank you for visiting you two. Please, take good care of them, Hero of Light. These little ones... they mean everything to me!”

“Understood. Don't worry about a thing. I'll take good care of them.”

Arc turns to Xenos.

“Xenos, keep me up to date on Coco Pommel's condition. If anything changes, call Raven at Light's Hope. I'll talk to the hospital before I leave and make sure they don't put anypony else in here with you two. Use the other bed to get some sleep soon! You look like hell!”

Xenos salutes Arc wordlessly. The foals head toward the door as Arc walks back to Derpy's bed and carefully picks her up, taking great pains not to disturb the bandages around her midsection. Derpy winces in pain!

“Sorry Derpy. But we'll be back at Light's Hope soon!”

Arc carries Derpy back to the Waiting Room followed by Aquamarine and Pipsqueak.

“Okay, I'm going to set you down for a moment now Derpy.”

Derpy nods as Arc sets her down on a bench next to Dinky. She gently strokes her mother’s mane as Arc walks over to the front desk.

“Nurse, I am returning to my base in Ponyville with the orphans. I’m also leaving a guard behind to look after Coco Pommel. Please do not assign any other patients to that room!”

“Yes, Hero of Light, I will make a note of that. Please take good care of the orphans! They need somepony to look up to!”

“I’ll do my best.”

Arc walks to the center of the room and calls forth his gauntlet. In a moment he opens a portal back to Light’s Hope.

“Okay, this portal will take us back to Ponyville. Dinky, lead the way!”

Dinky smiles and trots toward the portal. “Here we go!”

She and the other foals enter the portal one at a time along with the squad. Arc walks over to Derpy and carefully picks her up. Arc and Derpy bring up the rear as the last foal walks through. Meanwhile… back at Light’s Hope Ember leans against Raven’s desk in the Main Hall.

“...and that's how it all went down in Tartarus.”

Raven claps her hooves at the story! “Wow! What an exciting life you and the Hero of Light must lead! I wish I could...”

She is interrupted as a portal opens on the sigil and foals start pouring through. Ember raises an eyebrow at the two dozen foals who now fill the Main Hall!

“My oh my! What has Arc gotten us into now?”

Dinky trots up to Ember happily! “Hi Ember! We’re home!”

“Welcome back! I trust everything went well?”

“Um... it didn't quite go according to plan. I'm sure my dad will fill you in later.”

Ember can only stand there, surrounded by foals who are happily talking and laughing! A bit angrily she narrows her eyes! “Yes… yes he will.

The squad exits the portal with Arc right behind them carrying Derpy. Ember looks at the bandaged and battered Derpy and the two extra spears they carry and shakes her head. “Oh, I can’t WAIT to hear this one!”

Arc walks toward Ember. “How are things here, Ember?”

“Well, they WERE fine until just a moment ago. Then we were invaded by an army of tiny ponies!”

“I'll explain in a little while. Let me take care of a few things first. Meet me in my quarters.”

A grin suddenly spreads across Ember’s face! “Now you’re talking my language!”

Arc rolls his eyes as a couple Royal Guards approach him and take the mare from his arms. “Take Derpy to one of the Guest Rooms and make sure she is comfortable before you leave her. Derpy, I'll come and see you before too long.”

She nods. “Take your time, Arc. I know you have a lot of things to do.”

The Royal Guards salute and carefully carry Derpy to bed. Dinky follows them closely. Arc turns to his squad.

“Take those spears and lock them in the vault. Then you may retire for the night.”

They salute him and leave to carry out their orders as Arc turns back to the foals.

“Alright. Everyone follow me to the barracks. I want you all to get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow I’ll give you a tour of the base.”

Arc and the foals walk sleepily down the hall toward the Barracks. He quickly spots Flash Sentry asleep on his bunk. Walking over to him, Arc gives the bunk a few kicks! “Sergeant! Wake up!”

Flash Sentry rubs his eyes sleepily. “Hey! Who…?”

The sergeant looks up see Arc staring down at him. He jumps out of bed and salutes!

“My apologies, commander!”

“It's fine Sergeant. I need you do something for me. These foals need a place to sleep. Assign them bunks and see to it they are comfortable. Then report to my quarters for further orders.”

Flash Sentry appears momentarily surprised to be surrounded by two dozen foals! “Yes sir! I'll see to it immediately!”

Arc turns to the foals. “Good night little ones. We'll talk more in the morning!”

They nod sleepily. Arc leaves the barracks and walks to the Guest Quarters to check on Derpy and Dinky. He knocks and then enters the room. Derpy is already lying down on her side. Dinky is coming out of the bathroom as Arc enters.

“Just checking on you two. Everything okay?”

Derpy smiles up at him. “Yes, thank you Arc.”

“How are the other’s, dad?”

“I think they’ll settle in nicely. All of them looked pretty tired when I left them with Flash Sentry. Tomorrow will be another busy day!”

Derpy looks at Arc with a concerned look on her face. “You should get some rest too Arc! This day hasn't exactly been a picnic for you either!

Arc sighs. “I wish I could, but I have to teleport over to Canterlot and appraise the princesses of what happened on our mission. While I’m there I’ll deposit Light's Bane in the Royal Armory.”

Dinky runs over and gives her father a much needed hug! “Don't work too hard dad!”

As he returns the hug. “Thanks. I needed that sweetheart!”

Dinky climbs into the bed with her mother. Arc walks over and kisses each of them on the forehead before heading for the door. “Good night you two. I'll see you in the morning.”

The pair nod as Arc leaves the room. He proceeds to his quarters to find Flash Sentry waiting for him just outside the door.

“Mission accomplished, Commander!”

“Very good. I must go to Canterlot at once and report on my previous mission. I want you to personally see to it the Training Room and Armory are kept locked at all times until further notice. Other than those two areas, the foals should be able to go pretty much anywhere tomorrow. After you do that, feel free to go back to bed.”

“Yes sir!

Chapter 9 - Adjusting

Arc awakens the next morning, sits up and stretches.

“Ugh... I hope today is a better day for me!”

Ember rolls over on her back and smiles up at him. “My day is already better than yesterday!”

“And that's my cue to get up! Ember, can’t you sleep in your own bed at least once?”

“I was going to, but you just looked so CUTE lying there! That and I haven't seen you in over a week!”

Arc stands up and looks out the window at the rising sun. “Ember, you can't keep doing this! What are you going to do someday when I’m...?”

Ember looks down at the floor sadly. “I guess, I'll just be... alone then.”

He turns around and walks back to the bed to sit down next to Ember. “I... I'm sorry Ember. I know the thought of my death weighs heavily on you. There's something more to it today though, isn't there?”

She nods and puts her arms around his waist. Ember appears to be on the verge of tears. “It's just... after watching what happened in Vanhoover... I didn't know until then just how close I truly came to losing you!”

Arc returns the hug. “I didn't mean to scare you. But, you're important enough to me that I figured you should know!”

Tears begin to fall. “I wish you were back at your old job at Sweet Apple Acres! At least there the worst that could happen would be an apple hitting you in the head! Not fighting power crazed... invincible... super ponies!”

“Someone has to do it.”

Ember buries her face in his chest. “But why YOU?!”

“I'm sorry Ember, but this is the life I’ve chosen!”

Ember sits up, still sniffling. “I'm sorry too Arc. Sorry for acting this way. You know, this is very un-dragon like. Crying and all...

Arc holds Ember close and nods. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

Ember wipes away the tears. “Thanks... well, we should probably get a move on. Lots to do today, right?”

“As always.”

The pair leaves Arc’s quarters. Ember heads for the Cafeteria as Arc goes the other direction. Making his way to the Guest Quarters, he quietly enters the room and walks over to the bed. Derpy and Dinky are just waking up.

“Good morning you two! How are you feeling this morning, Derpy?”
Derpy rubs her eyes. “Well, okay I guess. I should get going to the hospital after breakfast just to be sure though.”

“YAY! I’m starving! Let’s go, mom!”

Derpy walks slowly to the door with Dinky. Arc follows them out and they head to the Cafeteria together. The buffet is stocked to overflowing with all kinds of breakfast foods!

“You two get something to eat. I need to have a word with Saffron.”

They nod as Arc heads for the kitchen. Saffron is busy making hash browns.

“Oh Commander! I got the sergeant's note about there being two dozen extra mouths to feed this morning. Are we at war?!”

Arc laughs! “No, nothing like that! I just wanted to check with you and make sure you had been notified of this change. It looks like you have everything well in hand though. Now if you will excuse me, I must go address the new arrivals and bring them here.”

He leaves a confused Saffron and heads to the barracks. The orphans are just waking up.

“Good morning everyone! I hope you slept well!”

The brown filly walks over to Arc and looks up at him. “Where should we race, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “There won't be any more races, or other games for that matter, to determine who gets fed. Follow me to the Cafeteria, little ones. It's time for you all to have a good breakfast!”

Pipsqueak runs over excitedly! “You mean… we ALL get to eat?!”

“Yes! And as much as you want! My chef was instructed to make extra for all you little ones! Now let's not keep her waiting any longer.”

The orphans follow Arc to the Cafeteria. Saffron is stunned to see two dozen foals come running up to the buffet! She walks over to Arc who is supervising the line.

“Form an orderly line now. No pushing. There is plenty for everyone.”

“Sir?”

He turns. “Yes Saffron?”

“Where did all these foals come from?! I must say, I'm a bit overwhelmed to see such a sight on a military base!”

“These are the foals I liberated yesterday from the New Beginnings Orphanage. They will be staying with us for a bit until arrangements can be made. So expect them at mealtime until further notice.”

“Yes commander!”

Arc waits until the last foal has walked over to a table with their food before serving himself. Taking his own plate, he heads for his friend’s table and sits down next to Derpy.

“How’s your appetite, Derpy?

She looks over to him confused. “About the same as always. Why?”

“After what happened yesterday, I was worried about you.”

Ember looks up. “Why don't I take Derpy over to Ponyville Hospital after breakfast? Have her checked out!”

Arc nods. “Thank you Ember! That would put my mind at ease! I’d take her myself, but…”

Derpy nod knowingly. “It’s okay, Arc! You have a full house here!”

The foals eat happily! A short time later Pipsqueak walks up to Arc with a few others. Arc is drinking a cup of after-breakfast tea with Derpy, Ember and Dinky.

Pipsqueak looks up at Arc, a worried expression on his face. “Sir? Can you help? I think something is wrong with a few of us!”

“What seems to be the problem?”

Aquamarine points to her tummy. “Well, we’re all feeling a pressure right here!”

Ember looks over. “Perhaps you’re still hungry?

The brown filly shakes her head. “I don't think so. We tried eating more, but that just made it worse! What's wrong with us?!”

Arc puts down his teacup. “I think I understand what’s happened. One moment…”

He stands as the foals look over to him. “Can I have everyone's attention please! If you are currently feeling a strange pressure inside you that you don't understand I want you to raise a hoof!”

Every orphan puts up a hoof.

Arc nods. “Alright, let me explain it to all of you at once. That is your tummy's way of telling you it's full and you should stop eating!”

Pipsqueak looks down and puts a hoof on his stomach. So… this is what it feels like to be full?”

Aquamarine hops around happily! “I like it!”

Arc chuckles. “Well then, if everyone is done with breakfast, put your plates on the counter for Miss Saffron and line up behind me at the door!”

The orphans quickly do so.

“Okay. Is everyone ready for a tour of the base?”

The orphans smile and nod.

“Alright, but before we go, I want you all to say thank you to Miss Saffron for making you that nice breakfast!”

They all turn to Saffron who is standing just inside the open kitchen door. “THANK YOU MISS SAFFRON!”

Arc and the orphans leave the Cafeteria as Saffron closes the kitchen door. She sits down at the kitchen table and buries her face in her hooves. Tears stream down her face!

“They... they've... never... been... FULL... before?! Oh, bless you Commander for saving those little angels!”

Meanwhile… Derpy and Ember slowly make their way to Ponyville Hospital.

“Thanks for coming with me Ember. You didn't really have to though.”

“Oh yes I did! Arc would never let you go alone in your condition! And he’s much too busy right now to do it himself, what with the new arrivals!”

Derpy nods. “I suppose you're right! In any case, it means a lot to me. Can we take a rest though?”

The pair sit down on a nearby bench.

“Listen Derpy. I volunteered to come with you so we could talk a bit more privately.”

Derpy looks a bit confused. “What’s on your mind?”

Ember sadly tells Derpy about the conversation she and Arc had that morning.

“I just feel like he's going to go off on a mission one of these times and... and not come back!”

Derpy nods. “Don't worry too much about Arc! He's tough! Remember Tartarus?”

Ember forces a smile as she glances at Derpy. “Remember yesterday?”

Derpy looks sadly away. “Oh... right... yesterday.”

Ember takes Derpy’s hooves in her claws and holds them tightly as she stares into her eyes. “Derpy... thank you! Thank you so very, very much for saving Arc's life yesterday! I don't know what I would do without him!”

Derpy smiles as she retrieves her hooves. “Ember... let me tell you a little more about what happened yesterday. As I lay there in Arc's arms dying, he cried over me and told me I should have run away like I was told to. I thought it was going to be our last conversation, so I told him the truth. I told him I did it because I couldn't stand the thought of life without him!”

Ember turns away from Derpy sadly. “I would have done the same had I been there. And for the same reason.”

“I know you would have, and I know how you feel about Arc. I feel the same way!”

Ember turns back to Derpy, her eyes wide! “Wait! You love Arc too?! But, doesn't the fact that Arc is usually with me on missions and "lets" me sleep in his bed make you jealous?! Aren't you afraid that I'll steal him away from you?!”

Derpy closes her eyes and stares straight ahead, smiling. “If that's what he wants... then I'll be happy that he's happy!”

Ember’s jaw drops! “Really?!”

Derpy nods. “I'm sure that as long as Arc is happy... things will work out.”

Meanwhile back at Light’s Hope, Arc brings the foals back to the Main Hall to start their tour.

“This is the Main Hall. Miss Raven, my secretary, is here to take care of all the paperwork involved in running a base of this size.”

The brown filly looks over to Raven. “Do you like being a secretary, Miss Raven?”

Raven smiles. “Yes I do. It may not be as glamorous or exciting as running around the countryside saving orphans, but it's predictable.”

The tour moves to the armory. Arc stops in front of the locked doors.

“This room is called the Armory. It's where we keep our extra weapons and armor, as well as other implements of war. This door will remain locked while you little ones are here. For your own safely, stay out of this room.”

The brown filly looks over to the doors. “Can we see it?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Very well. I will open the doors, but you all must stay in the hallway.”

YAY!”

Arc unlocks the armory and the orphans stare wide-eyed into the room!

Pipsqueak stares at the rows of armor. “Look at all this cool stuff!”

Aquamarine looks to the weapon racks. “There’s enough weapons here to outfit an army!”

Arc nods. “Listen to me, little ones. Each of these weapons has the potential to bring either salvation... or destruction at the whim of the user. I will see to it they are used only to defend the innocent and protect these lands. Others might not be so inclined.”

He closes the doors and locks them yet again before leading the orphans to the cafeteria. He points to a table stocked with fruits and vegetables.

“If any of you are hungry before the next meal is ready, you may take something to eat from this table any time you wish. Now, let me show you where your meals are prepared.”

Arc leads the group to the kitchen where Saffron is busy starting preparations for lunch. Dinky is helping her.

“This is where Miss Saffron works to keep us all fed! An important job... and my favorite room! Hi Dinky!”

“Hi dad!”

Pipsqueak looks all around. “I've never seen such a large kitchen before!”

Saffron stops cutting vegetables and walks over to the group. Aquamarine sniffs the air.

“Miss Saffron? What's that strange smell?”

Saffron looks a bit uncomfortable. “Well... it's a special lunch I make only for the Commander and Ember.”

“Sir? Who is Ember?”

“Do you remember the dragon I was eating breakfast with this morning”

Pipsqueak looks stunned! “That was a DRAGON?!”

The brown filly joins Pipsqueak. “Is she one of your soldiers?”

“No. Ember is a good friend of mine. Although she often comes with me on missions, she isn't actually part of the military. She and I require... special food. That's what you smell cooking now.”

Aquamarine looks to the oven. “What is it?”

Arc sniffs the air. “Smells like Roast Cockatrice to me!”

Dinky laughs! “I helped make it dad! Don't worry. I didn't taste-test it this time!”

“I hope you like it, commander! While you were out, I tested it on Ember. She almost ate the whole dish herself!”

Pipsqueak looks confused. “What’s a cockatrice?”

Arc thinks how best to describe it. “It’s kinds like an evil looking chicken crossed with a lizard of some kind.”

Aquamarine looks ill. “Sir. You and Ember eat... meat?!”

“Yes. Most humans and all dragons do.”

This news appears to bother the foals. Dinky jumps onto the table and turns to the orphans.

“Everypony, listen to me. My dad and Ember aren't ponies! They eat different things! I'm sure some of the things you and I eat are just as gross to them!”

Arc nods. “Like hay fries. Yuk!”

Aquamarine ponders this for a moment. “I guess that makes sense.”

Arc looks to Saffron. “I’m looking forward to lunch now!”

Pipsqueak looks up at Arc. “Um… sir? What is lunch?”

He narrows his eyes. “You can't be serious. Does anyone here know what "lunch" is?!”

All the foals shake their heads.

“It's a meal that we have around noon.”

The brown filly looks confused. “Is that what you call ‘supper’ here?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Supper is the last meal of the day. We have it when the sun is just starting to go down.”

Aquamarine’s face lights up! “Wait! So, you eat THREE meals a day here?! At the orphanage, we were lucky if we got two!”

“Well, sometimes we have "Second Breakfast". Then there is Snack Time, which is whenever you get hungry between then and lunch.”

Dinky laughs! “Don't forget about Cupcake Time, dad!”

“Cupcake Time is sacred, Dinky! It's when the Hero of Light contemplates new ways to keep Equestria safe and come up with plans!”

Dinky looks to her father skeptically. “Really dad?”

Arc smiles at her. “Hey, it's my story and I'm sticking to it! So, we have... Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Snack Time, Lunch, Cupcake Time, sometimes a second Snack Time, Supper, and finally Bedtime Snack.”

The orphans can only stare ahead in amazement! They have never heard of so much eating before! Pipsqueak looks down sadly.

“I wish Miss Pommel was here. She almost never got to eat a decent meal!”

Aquamarine looks to Saffron. “Miss Saffron. Can I help you cook sometime?”

Saffron smiles at him. “Of course! I can always use more help!”

Arc nods. “Pipsqueak, as soon as Coco Pommel is well enough, I’ll bring her here so she can eat all these wonderful things with us!”

The foals jump around, clearly excited at that idea!

Arc ushers the foals toward the door. “Let's allow Saffron to continue her work!”

“GOODBYE MISS SAFFRON!”

Saffron turns to Dinky as the tour leaves. “Dinky, can you keep an eye on the soup? I need to run to the pantry for a few minutes.”

“Okay!”

Saffron enters the pantry and closes the door behind her. A look of pure fury spreads over her face. “If I... EVER... meet the pony in charge of that Orphanage...!”

She picks up a jar and throws it at the wall in anger before collapsing to the floor sobbing!

“Those poor innocent little foals. How could anypony be so CRUEL?!”

Meanwhile, Arc leads the tour to his Squad’s Quarters.” This is where my squad sleeps. They are different from the other guards, so they get this space all to themselves. Please stay out of here, as my squad deserves their privacy.”

The orphans nod.

“What’s a squad?”

“It's a group of soldiers that have been assigned to me. They usually accompany me on missions and take a lot more risks than normal guards do.”

Aquamarine looks up at him. “You mean those bat-ponies that were with you when you faced the Matron?”

Arc nods. “Yes. They are called Lunar Protectors. Normally they serve Princess Luna directly. But the Hero of Light can choose what type of soldiers will be assigned to them. I admit there is not much to see here. Do you want to see my personal quarters?”

The foals excitedly nod.

“This way!”

Pipsqueak and Aquamarine follow at Arc’s heels. “I bet your room is the coolest in the entire base!”

“It's probably filled with all kinds of neat stuff!”

Arc opens the door to his quarters and the foals step inside.

“Looks pretty normal to me.”

“I had it designed to look exactly like the inside of Miss Derpy's house.”

The brown filly looks to him confused. “Why’s that?”

“Shortly after I came to this world, I rented a room from her. She was one of the first friends I made in this strange land. This was of course long before I became the Hero of Light. The room is here to remind me of where I came from. I was very happy living there...”

Arc appears to be lost in thought for a few moments before snapping himself out of it.

“Why don't we go to the heart of the base... the War Room.”

The foals follow Arc to the large double doors. He swings them open to allow them to enter.

“This is the War Room.”

“What do you do here, sir?”

“Nothing at the moment, Pipsqueak. If there was ever a war or other kind of disaster relief effort I could command it from here.”

“Is that why everyone around here calls you ‘Commander’?”

“Yes Aquamarine. The Hero of Light does more than just fight. Sometimes they have to take up a leadership role.”

He leads them to another set of double doors and opens them.

“This is the Conference Room. I use it to explain the details of a mission before we get underway. It's a good place to have a conversation in private, free of distractions. This is the same room where I briefed my squad prior to our most recent mission to the New Beginnings Orphanage. Now we have only one more room to see... my office.”

They walk next door to Arc’s office.

“Here is where I plan my next moves, do paperwork, research, and most importantly have Cupcake Time!”

Pipsqueak looks at the mountain of files on Arc’s desk. “You must be really busy sir!”

“I do more than just swing a spear and save orphans you know! Before we run off on a mission, we have to research it first. I don't like being surprised, so I learn as much as I can prior to getting underway.”

“What kind of things do you research?”

“Good question! Look around. Tell me what you see.”

Pipsqueak points to the wall. “I see what looks like a map of Vanhoover.”

Aquamarine looks over to some rolled up papers in a corner. “Is that a blueprint of the orphanage?”

“Yes. I had Dinky memorize it before we left. The map of Vanhoover was used to determine our base camp location. Dinky and I went there a few times late at night to talk to my squad and Miss Derpy on our progress.”

The brown filly looks up to him. “Is your job hard?”

“It can be, yes. I've seen a lot of things I wish I hadn't. And had to do a few things I wish I didn't! The worst part is having to make life and death decisions, some of which I have only a few seconds to make a choice!”

Arc thinks back to some of the choices he made in Tartarus and shudders!

“Well, that's about all there is to see here at Light's Hope. Feel free to play and enjoy your time here. I only ask that you stay out of the Armory and Training Room for your own safety.”

The foals nod their heads.

“Now, if you little ones aren't too busy, you’re all welcome to join me for Cupcake Time!”

The foals all smile, laugh and jump up and down excitedly!

Pipsqueak looks over to Arc. “I don't know what cupcakes are, but if they are that important to you sir, I want one!”

A confused look crosses Arc’s face. “Does anyone here know what a cupcake is?”

All the foals shake their heads.

“Well... it's kinda like a muffin, but much better! Think of it like... you know what, let's just go get some and you can taste them for yourselves! Wait for me in the Main Hall. I'll be there in a few minutes.”

The orphans cheer and run out of the office toward the Main Hall! Arc takes a bag of bits out of his desk and puts it in his satchel! Turning back toward the door, Arc's eye catches the blueprint of the New Beginnings Orphanage he had pinned up earlier. He stops for a moment to look at it. An unspeakable rage fills his heart as he violently tears it down, crumples it up and throws it in the large fireplace! Casting a VERY intense fire spell, the paper along with the waiting wood are burned up in seconds!

Arc, breathing heavily from the strain of casting such a powerful spell, walks over to his desk and slams his fist down on it! “Tempest... I hope to God that you died in our last encounter... for your sake! If we EVER again meet in battle, I will rip you in half WITH MY BARE HANDS!!! No power of darkness will be able to heal THOSE wounds!”

He is silent for a time as he takes a few moments to compose himself.

“…I need a cupcake!”

Arc leaves his office to meet the foals in the Main Hall. “Okay! Who’s hungry?!”

All the orphans raise their hooves and cheer.

“Alright! Let’s go!”

Arc and the foals walk down the road toward town! The citizens of Ponyville stop to stare at Arc leading such a large group of young ponies! He enters Sugar Cube Corner with the foals behind him, Pinkie Pie is behind the counter.

“Hi Arc! What brings…”

He interrupts her. “Pinkie Pie! We have an emergency! None of these foals has ever SEEN a cupcake!!!”

Pinkie Pie does her usual gasp while hovering in the air, just like when she meets somepony new! Arc puts the bag of bits on the counter.

“Can you fix this problem for me, Pinkie?”

“Okie doki loki!!!”

Pinkie Pie let's each foal pick out a cupcake. As they enjoy their treat, Arc leans over the counter to talk quietly with Pinkie Pie.

“So, can you help me?”

Pinkie nods feverishly! “Sure Arc! It'll be easy!”

“Thank you Pinkie! I knew this was right up your alley!”

“I'll see you at Light's Hope later today, Arc!”

“Looking forward to it!”

About 10 minutes later the orphans leave Sugar Cube Corner each with a cupcake in their hoof. They munch happily on their tasty treats! Arc exits last. He is carrying a large box of cupcakes for later.

“Ah... that hit the spot. You all want to have some fun? We can head to the Park! Give you all a chance to work up an appetite for lunch.”

The orphans look confused.

Aquamarine looks up at Arc. “What’s a park?”

“Come with me. I'll show you.”

Arc leads the group to Ponyville Park. There are quite a few ponies playing games together! The orphans watch for a few moments before they look to Arc.

“This is a place for little ones to have fun. To enjoy being young! Would you like to join them?”

The orphans nod their heads happily!

Arc laughs! “Go ahead!”

The foals all run and play! They almost seem like normal foals as they run and jump with other young of the town! Arc sees the Mane Six minus Pinkie Pie and walks over to them.

Twilight waves as he approaches. “Arc! It's been a while! How have you been?”

Arc sits down with the group. “In a word... busy... VERY busy! My troops and I just returned from an infiltration mission in Vanhoover yesterday.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide in anticipation! “Oohh! Sounds exciting!”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “But... there's not much there that anypony would WANT to infiltrate. What were you doing exactly?

“Dinky and I went undercover to the New Beginnings Orphanage and liberated the fillies and colts you saw me arrive with.”

Twilight appears horrified! “Are you saying the orphans there really were in danger?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I witnessed first-hand the extreme cruelty of the Matron.”

Fluttershy quietly asks. “What kind of things did she do?”

Arc counts on his fingers as he talks. “Withholding food from foals, physical abuse, extreme mental abuse, brainwashing, failing to properly educate said foals, attempted murder, assault on the Hero of Light, possession of deadly magical/evil weapons, use of said weapons, consorting with enemies of the state...”

He looks up to see all his friends with their mouths agape!

“...and that’s just what I witnessed! Who knows what else I will find when I go through the Matron's files!”

Applejack nods with feeling! “Tarnation! I hope you showed her what for, Arc!”

“Well… that got complicated.”

Twilight looks to Arc with a worried expression on her face. “Were you able to apprehend her at least? I shudder to think of such a criminal walking free!”

“That also got complicated! Can you all come to Light's Hope tomorrow morning? I need to bring you up to speed on the events of the past week or so. We may be in for a rough ride in the future.”

The Mane 6 nod in agreement.

“Very good! Now... on to brighter things, eh? Twilight, we haven't had one of our tea times in longer than I can remember! We should do that again sometime!”

“Yes, I would like that as well. The last time we did so was... um...”

Twilight looks embarrassed.

“...shortly before I sent you to Tartarus, I guess.”

“It's in the past Twilight! And besides... I'm actually quite grateful to you for that! Quite a bit of good came out of that situation. I got to meet Ember, I befriended a hydra, we liberated the Vile Tribe and I got Eidolon's Ward! It also greatly prepared me to become the Hero of Light.”

Rainbow Dash looks over to Arc. “How so?”

“Well, in Tartarus every day was a constant struggle to survive. We literally spent most of our day fighting and scavenging. That time helped me to become much stronger and taught me a lot of real-world fighting skills. Up to that point I had only ever sparred with... well, never-mind! For that, I thank you Twilight. You may regret what you did, but I don't!”

Applejack appears worried. “Have you learned any more on that power coming from Apple Bloom, Arc?”

“Actually, yes! But we should talk about that privately tomorrow.”

Arc and the Mane 6 talk about recent Ponyville events until about noon.

He stands up. “Well, I need to get back to Light's Hope. The foals need their lunch, and I have a busy afternoon ahead of me. See you all tomorrow!”

Arc turns and calls out to the orphans.

“Alright. Time to head back for lunch!”

The little ponies quickly line up and follow Arc back to Light's Hope!

Chapter 10 - Doing What is Right

Arc and the foals walk into the Main Hall together. Upon their arrival Raven walks over to him.

“Sir? May I speak to you?”

“Certainly Raven. Just one moment…”

He quickly turns to the orphans.

“Why don't you all head over to the cafeteria and have some lunch? I'm going to be quite busy this afternoon with work, so don't wait up for me.”

The foals nod and trot toward the cafeteria as Arc turns back to Raven.

“Yes, what’s on your mind?”

“A few minutes ago, a stallion from Canterlot arrived to speak to you about a construction project. He headed to the Cafeteria for a spot of lunch.”

“That must be Hard Hat. Thank you Raven. I'll take it from here.”

Raven returns to her desk and Arc heads to the Cafeteria. He spots Hard Hat taking a lunch break at a nearby table. Arc walks over to him.

Hard Hat smiles at his approach. “Commander! I thought I built you a Command Center, not a Day Care Center!”

Arc laughs. “Good to see you again, Hard Hat! I guess it's like you told us during the tour... the facilities are here if we need them. You didn't say what for!”

Hard hat chuckles. “I suppose you got me there! In any case, shall we head to your office? There are so many details to be talked over and the sooner we get started the better!”

“Let me get my plate from the chef and I'll be right there!”

Hard Hat heads to Arc’s office carrying his own plate. Arc enters the kitchen.

“Commander! Are you ready to try my Roast Cockatrice?”

“Yup! I have a meeting to get to in my office. Just wanted to grab a bite and head over there.”

Saffron levitates a plate over to Arc. “Here you are, sir! I hope you like it!”

“Thanks. I’m sure I will!”

Arc leaves the kitchen with his lunch and proceeds to his office. Hard Hat has already finished his lunch and has begun to unpack his blueprints and papers.

“Let me eat this really quick and I will be right with you Hard Hat.”

“Certainly sir! I need a few more minutes to organize things here anyways.”

Arc bites into his meal. “Tastes like chicken... why am I not surprised. Although this is pretty good! I can see how Ember could eat a whole roast!”

He quickly finishes his meal and walks over to the desk.

“What have you got for me, Hard Hat?”

Well, I have the land plot map of Ponyville right here. I've highlighted several possible locations, but the choice is yours!”

Arc studies the map closely. He picks up a pencil and crosses off a few locations. “Not here... or here... I'm looking for something on the edge of town to make the orphans feel less... penned in. How about here?”

Hard Hat looks up, confused. “Are you sure about that Commander? It seems a bit close to your base.”

Arc nods. “I'm sure. The Orphanage should be close to Light's Hope so we can keep a watchful eye on the orphans. It will also give the soldiers stationed here a reminder of what they are fighting to protect.”

He makes a note on his clipboard before spreading out some blueprints. “As you wish! I have the blueprints of the New Beginning's Orphanage right here. If you would like we could...”

Arc interrupts him! “You may throw those old prints in the trash! I don't want another New Beginning's Orphanage built! The orphans have gone through enough in that hellish place! This building must be something NEW!

Hard Hat respectfully turns the blueprint over to the back side and begins sketching. “Very well, sir. Can you give me a better idea of what you are looking for?”

“I want a building that is less institution and more... cozy... homelike... that sort of thing. The orphanage that doesn't feel like an orphanage. New Beginnings felt more like a military barracks at best, and a prison at worst! At least to me it did!”

“I'm afraid I don't quite get your meaning, sir.”

“Like you told me in the Cafeteria earlier. Is this a Command Center or a Day Care Center? Well, now I WANT a Day Care Center!”

The pair draw several rough sketches. Arc picks up a pencil himself and begins to draw the fence line and playground equipment.

“Let's make the backyard bigger. And I don't want a fence like the other building had. Make it a white picket fence. Something they can see through and not so tall that it feels constricting. The backyard should be fun and inviting. The orphanage in Vanhoover was just a big open yard with no amenities. We're going to change that! I want a merry-go-round, swings and a slide at a minimum! Oh! And there should be a REALLY big sandbox. These foals need their creativity stimulated after living in such oppression for so long. Feel free to add whatever you think the orphans would find amusing!”

The pair continue to draw and talk for another hour or so.

Arc picks up the drawings and gives them to Hard Hat. “Aright! I like what I see! Run these plans over to Mayor Mare before you do anything else and get her approval.”

“Very well, Commander. But if I may be so bold, why? You certainly don't answer to the Mayor, as your authority extends far beyond hers!”

“I'm just trying to be a good neighbor. The mayor should be consulted, even if just as a courtesy. If Mayor Mare has a problem with the idea, I’ll hear her out.”

Hard Hat accepts the drawings. “I shall take care of it immediately sir! When do you need this facility by?”

“You don't need to break any speed records, as I want these orphans to have a more permanent home they can be proud of! Now if you will excuse me, I have many other matters to attend to.”

Arc motions to the files piled up on a nearby table. Hard Hat nods.

“Yes, I know the feeling. I'll let you know if there are any problems. Good day Commander!”

Hard Hat leaves the office as Arc looks over at the files he requested before he left.

“At some point I actually have to look these over. Although I wonder what's keeping Derpy and Ember. “

Arc leaves Light's Hope and starts walking toward town. Before he reaches the town limits, he spots Derpy and Ember sitting along the side of the road. He quickly approaches them!

“Everything alright?!”

“Sorry for taking so long. We had to stop a couple times on the way there for Derpy to rest. And as you can see, she has needed several rest breaks on the way back as well.”

Derpy looks up at him a bit tired. “I think the doctor ran every test they could think of on me! But I guess taking an evil spear to the back warrants extra care! Sorry for being so much trouble Ember. I'm sure you have better things to do other than sit with me.”

Ember puts an arm around Derpy. “Nah! And besides... it gave us a chance to have a nice... chat earlier!”

Arc looks at Derpy, concerned. “How do you feel, Derpy?”

“Well, to tell you the truth, I feel a bit... weak.”

“I'll carry you the rest of the way to Light's Hope then!”

Derpy smiles. “That's okay Arc. You don't have to...”

Ember puts a claw on Derpy’s shoulder. She looks Derpy in the eye and shakes her head.

“Um… on second thought... I think I will take you up on that Arc.”

Ember turns to fly away. “I'll meet the two of you back there in a bit.”

Arc nods. “Okay. See you soon Ember. And thank you for doing this.”

He carefully picks Derpy up and walks back toward Light's Hope.

“So, what did the doctor say?”

“Doctor Horse said I’ll be fine! But I’m going to need a lot of rest the next few days before I start to get my energy back.”

“Would it be too much to ask you and Dinky to stay at Light's Hope for the next few days then? I'd like to keep an eye on you as well.”

Derpy leans her head against Arc’s chest and closes her eyes. “Thank you Arc. That is very Kind of you. I accept.”

“Good! So, how did you sleep last night?”

“Well, the bed was quite soft, but... well... I actually sleep better at home in front of the fireplace.”

“If you’d like, you can rest on the couch in my office in front of the fireplace. I have to go over the personnel records of the soldiers assigned to me if you don't mind a bit of "boring" company.”

Derpy nods. “I'd like that! After the other day, boring is good!”

Arc and Derpy arrive at Light’s Hope. Dinky and some of the other foals are playing out front.

Dinky sees her mother and runs over, worried! “MOM?! What happened?!”

“Don't worry, sweetie! The doctor says I just need a few days rest and I'll be as good as new. Your father was just concerned that I would overexert myself.”

Dinky breathes a sigh of relief. “Is there anything I can do to help?!”

“Well… I am a bit hungry…”

Dinky turns and run toward the building! “I'll go the kitchen and help Miss Saffron make you some soup!”

“I'll be in your father's office!”

Arc carries Derpy inside. “She's such a good girl.”

Derpy giggles! “I wonder where she learned that from!”

Raven looks up as the pair walk past her desk. “Commander! A holographic comm-link was just delivered to your office. I think you will find it a bit more... private, than the ones in the War Room.”

“Thanks Raven. I’ll head over there and take a look!”

Arc heads to his office still carrying Derpy. Upon arriving he sets her down gently on the sofa and throws a fireball at the waiting wood in the fireplace. It immediately ignites! Derpy sighs contentedly.

“Thank you.”

“Anything for you, Derpy! Now if you will excuse me, I have to see if I can't figure this holographic thingamabob out.”

He walks back to his desk and starts fiddling with the strange device. After a few minutes of reading the manual, a miniature hologram of Princess Cadance appears.

“Good day, Arc! I see your Emergency Comm-Link has been delivered.”

Arc looks nervous. “Emergency comm-link? I thought this was just a really fancy way to say hello!”

Cadance laughs! “No, no! This is a secure line directly to Luna and I, wherever we may be! It's only supposed to be used in greatest urgency.”

“Sorry about that. Let's just say I’m testing it then?”

“Alright! Was there anything else?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Now that you mention it, yes! That strange device we used the other day to "relive" my previous adventure. Can I borrow it? Twilight and her friends are coming over tomorrow for a recap on what happened in Vanhoover.”

Cadance appears nervous. “Do you really think that is wise? I don't want to worry Twilight any more than I have to.”

“If we really are facing a new threat, then the Element Bearers should be made aware of it.”

Cadance sighs. “...very well. I will have the device delivered to your quarters in Canterlot Castle in a little while. You can pick it up there!”

“Thanks for your help Princess. Well, I won't keep you any longer!”

“It's no trouble Arc! Thanks for all your hard work! And you can keep the prototype. I can have another built.”

The hologram disappears and Arc returns to Derpy's side carrying a stack of the files from his desk.

“Derpy, would you please join us tomorrow as well? Quite a bit happened the other day after you... well, you know...”

She nods. “Thanks, I would love to! I've been meaning to ask how you defeated Tempest!”

“Let's just say... stuff started blowing up. And I still don't really know what happened... and I was there!”

Derpy sticks her tongue out playfully! “I’m sure!”

“In any case, let's have a look at these files and see who I have stationed here. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?”

Derpy laughs! “Ha! You can't always be kicking flank and taking names!”

Arc opens the first file. “Boring is good! It means my friends and I get to keep our health.”

“I’ll help”!

A short time later Dinky brings a bowl of soup into the office. “Here you go mom! I hope you like it! We made it just for you!”

“Thank you dear! Don't worry about me now. I'll be okay. Now run along and play with the others!”

Dinky nods happily as she runs out the door. “Okay mom! Call me if you need anything!”

Arc looks over as Derpy tastes the food. “How is it?”

“Pretty good actually! I think our daughter may have discovered her special talent!”

“Only time will tell, I suppose.”

The pair continue to go over the records. They’re mostly the same.

Arc sighs. “Not to belittle their service to me, but I guess it doesn't take much brain power to be on guard duty.”

Derpy and Arc pick up the last two files.

“I found Sergeant Flash Sentry’s file! Maybe it’ll say what he did to become sergeant!”

Arc opens the file and begins to read.

“Hmmm... looks like the good Sergeant grew up in New Beginning's Orphanage along with most of the soldiers here!”

Derpy looks up. “So, you think they all know each other then?”

“It stands to reason they do, yes.”

Derpy smiles. “Quite the coincidence! At least they’re together!”

Arc sighs a bit whimsical. “I guess…”

The pair go back to reading their respective files.

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It looks like the sergeant had a bit of an argument with a visiting dignitary not too long ago. Apparently he was court-martialed for it and spent some time in the Royal Dungeon on the orders of his commanding officer Captain Decimus. This doesn't make sense! Flash Sentry has been a loyal and trustworthy sergeant, at least as far as I’ve seen. I can't help but wonder what really happened! Up until that point his record shows him as an exemplary sergeant!”

“You should probably talk to him about it later.”

Arc nods. “I'll do that! But right now, I really want to finish these files! They have been put off for too long.”

Derpy looks over the file in her hooves. “: Hey, here's Raven's file! Let's see here... it looks like she was a top performing aide in the past. There’re several letters of recommendation here that suggest she be reassigned to a Royal Aide position!”

“I guess the princesses decided I needed her more than they did.”

Derpy continues reading. “It doesn't look like it. You remember how Flash Sentry's file said he was involved in an argument? Well according to this, Raven was at the center of it!”

Arc looks over at Derpy, wide-eyed. “What?! Was she jailed too?!”

“Yes, but only until the dignitary left Canterlot. On the orders of Captain Decimus, no less! Then she was released and put on unpaid administrative leave.”

“I can imagine that must have been hard on her... emotionally and financially.”

Derpy picks up a couple files from earlier. “You know, I'm seeing a pattern here. Most of these transfer orders are signed by Captain Decimus! Actually, make that ALL of the transfers! It looks like the captain put a lot of effort into seeing to it you received sub-standard troops! The real question now is... why?”

“Maybe he was still sore about the incident on the drawbridge?”

“Probably. Something tells me there is something more to it than that though. Think about it this way... you would be less effective in your role as Equestria's Hero of Light with poorly trained troops. Perhaps he was hoping to discredit you after some future failure?”

Arc stands up and walks over to the fireplace. He leans on the mantle and stares into the fire. “As usual... rather than finding answers, now I have more questions! Your theory is sound, but that still leaves Flash Sentry and Raven. As the cream of the crop, the only reason I can think of is he wanted them out of Canterlot.”

Derpy yawns. “Your probably right, but I think I need to take a nap at the moment.”

Arc nods. “I understand. Don't push yourself too hard!”

There is a knock at the door. Ember walks in carrying Derpy’s mat. She looks around the room at all the files scattered around

“Hey! How are you feeling, Derpy?”

“A bit tired to be honest.”

“Well it looks like you and Arc have been quite busy. Don't work her too hard Arc!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Derpy was just about to take a bit of a rest break. Thanks for bringing her mat!”

“I never could sleep very well without it.”

Arc takes the mat from Ember. She turns to leave.

“Well, I should get a move on. Pleasant dreams Derpy!”

“I need to leave for a bit now Derpy. Duty calls... are you going to be okay by yourself? Or if you would prefer, would you be more comfortable in my quarters? I have a fireplace with your name on it!”

Derpy nods. “Actually yes! And I must say Hard Hat really did quite a good job on your quarters!”

Arc escorts Derpy to his quarters, lights a fire for her, and lays her mat on the floor in front of it.

“Thank you Arc. You're so good to me!”

Derpy lies down on her mat. Arc sits down next to her and strokes her mane for a few minutes. Soon she is fast asleep. Arc kisses her on the top of her head and stands up.

“Goodnight, Derpy.”

Arc leaves his quarters quietly and heads for the Main Hall. Stepping onto the sigil and calling forth Eidolon's Ward, he teleports to his room in Canterlot Castle. He looks around.

“Now... let's see here... ah, there it is!”

He spies the familiar device on a nearby table next to a portable projector screen stand. He picks it up carefully and walks back to the sigil. Arc turns around to look at his room.

“This really is quite a nice room I have here. If only I had someone special to share it with...
Oh well… I guess there's no point wasting time thinking about what can’t be...”

Arc steps back on the sigil and teleports back to the Main Hall. When he arrives Raven and Sergeant Flash Sentry are standing next to her desk talking. They both stop when they see Arc.

Flash Sentry looks guilty. “C-C-Commander! Back so soon?!”

Raven appears nervous as well. “Sir! I… um…”

Arc nods to the pair. “It's okay. All work and no play make for dull boys!”

The pair look relieved.

Raven points a large bad on her desk. “Sir, this month’s troop wages were just delivered.”

“Shall I distribute the wages to the troops, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I will see to this myself. Call everyone together in the Main Hall.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir!”

In a few minutes all the troops are lined up in front of Raven's desk to receive their pay. Arc looks at a clipboard, calls each soldier by name and gives him his wages.

“...and lastly... Sergeant Flash Sentry.”

Flash Sentry walks forward to receive his pay. Arc places a much larger bag of bits on the table than a sergeant would normally receive!

“Good work this month Sergeant! Keep it up!”

The sergeant looks to Arc, confused. “I think there has been a mistake sir! A sergeant doesn't make anywhere NEAR this amount in a month!”

Arc looks at the clipboard as he talks. “Very true. However, you forget that you were Acting Base Commander for part of this month. I believe if you are taking on the role and responsibilities, you should be also be privy to the wages of a Base Commander.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Thank you sir!”

All the troops salute Arc.

Arc picks up the projector from Raven’s desk. “Sergeant, I would like a word with you and Raven in private. The rest of you are dismissed!”

The soldiers disperse as Arc leads Flash Sentry and Raven to his office. He gestures to the chairs in front of his desk as he sits down.

“Have a seat.”

They do so. Flash Sentry respectfully removes his helmet.

“Derpy and I just finished going over all the personnel records... including yours.”

The pair look suddenly worried!

Arc opens the sergeant’s file. “Flash Sentry, it says here you are a very capable soldier, with a near perfect record... until recently that is. From what I can gather from the official report, there was some kind of argument between you and a VIP regarding Raven.”

Raven and Flash Sentry look down at the floor. Arc gestures to the projector on his desk.

“I wanted to hear your side of the story, Flash Sentry. Do you know what this device is?”

He shakes his head. “No sir, I do not.”

Arc stands and sets up the portable screen in front of the projector. “This is a prototype developed by the sages of Canterlot. It can project the memories of the user via this projector for all to see. I borrowed if from the princesses in order to bring the Element Bearers up to date on what happened in Vanhoover at the New Beginnings Orphanage.”

He hands a crystal to Flash Sentry.

“Just hold onto this crystal and concentrate on what happened.”

Flash Sentry sighs and does as he is told. “Yes sir…”

A few moments later a view of the hallways of Canterlot Castle appear on the screen.

“I was making my rounds and had to pass through the Guest Wing of the castle when I heard what I believed to be muffled screams from one of the rooms!”

Raven does not look up. “I was to deliver a message to Griffon Lord Goldstone regarding his audience time with the princesses later that afternoon.”

Flash Sentry peeks into the room through the keyhole. He sees Lord Goldstone holding a squirming mare in one claw while using his other to cover her mouth!

“It was pretty obvious what was about to happen to Raven, so I burst into the room and confronted him!”

The Griffon Lord and Flash Sentry verbally spar for a minute while Raven cowers in a corner. Flash Sentry walks over and helps her up.

“Seeing that I was getting nowhere with him, I helped Raven up and led her out of the room!”

A tear runs down Raven’s face. “: I really don't remember too much from that time. My mind was in a fog!”

“I didn't really know what else to do other than to get her away from the Guest Wing! The gardens were the first place I thought of!”

“I do remember holding on to Flash Sentry the whole way to the gardens, as I was too afraid to let go!”

The next scene is of Captain Decimus and a squad of guards surrounding the pair!

Flash Sentry sighs. “Lord Goldstone must have gone straight to the Captain, because before I could say a word, the two of us were on our way to the dungeon.”

As two Royal Guards toss them violently into a cell, Captain Decimus himself slams the door shut! He looks at the pair angrily through the bars.

“I don't know what you two did to upset Lord Goldstone, and frankly, I don't care! We are in the midst of very delicate negotiations right now and I will NOT have anypony sabotaging them!”

Raven begins to choke up as her voice cracks. “We... we were thrown into a cell together! It was a cold, dark and miserable place!”

Arc watches as Raven collapse on the dirty dungeon floor, sobbing!

“To add insult to injury, Raven and I were thrown into a small cell that was designed to hold a single prisoner!”

Arc mercifully turns off the projector as they continue.

“I’ve never felt so lost in my entire life! As the sun set, the cell became very cold! Flash Sentry took the thin blanket off the bed and covered me with it. He then put a hoof on my shoulder and tried to comfort me. I couldn't understand what he was saying. My mind was still a mess! All I remember is grabbing his hoof and begging him not to leave me alone!”

Flash Sentry blushes slightly as he puts a hoof behind his head. “Not that I could have even if I wanted to. So I did the only thing I could. I sat with Raven until she fell asleep... if you could call it sleeping. It was more like whimpering and squirming. She didn't speak again for two days straight! When she was awake she kept herself on the ground and her eyes darted around the room at every little noise!”

Raven’s voice shakes. “I was always so terrified that Lord of Goldstone would come and... finish what he started!”

She puts her hooves to her face and begins to cry! Flash Sentry puts a hoof around her neck to comfort her. Raven turns and buries her face in the sergeant’s chest.

“Did either of you report this to the proper authorities?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head as Raven continues to weep in his hooves. “Like who? Captain Decimus? He would simply assume we were trying to pass the blame!”

Arc nods. “I see where this is going.”

“After Lord Goldstone left Canterlot a week later we were released. The guard informed us that we were being put on administrative leave until further notice. She... didn't move from the floor. I had to literally carry her out on my back! I left the castle with her and walked down the street. We really had nowhere to go! I saw a small, cheap inn and took her inside. We were both tired and filthy from our stay in the dungeons.”

Raven does her best to compose herself. “wasn't exactly sure what Flash Sentry was planning to do with me there, and at the time, I didn't really care! There wasn't much will to live left in me after all I had been through! He... carried me into the bathroom and laid me in the shower! I remember he cleaned me up so very gently, dried me off and even brushed my mane for me! Then he carried me to the bed and told me to get some rest.”

Flash Sentry nods. “I then got cleaned up myself and sat in front of the fireplace to wipe the grime from my armor.”

Raven blushes slightly. “I hadn't noticed until that moment just how handsome he was. He had stuck his neck out for me. A total stranger! His career in the military... his future... in shambles, and all because of me! If he had just walked away that day in the Guest Wing, none of this would have happened! To him, at least!”

Arc nods and look Flash Sentry in the eye. “Sergeant, I have to know. Why did you do it? How could you go so far for somepony you didn't even know?”

Flash Sentry straightens up and looks Arc in the eye. “I am a Soldier of Equestria, sir! Sworn to protect and serve this land and the ponies who live in it! How could I have done any different and still call myself a soldier? Commander... I will take any punishment you deem fair, but please... spare Raven! She’s suffered enough.”

Arc looks confused. “Punishment? For what?

Raven looks down at her hooves sadly. “It’s against regulations for an enlisted stallion to be in any kind of relationship with another soldier, officer, or support staff. I unfortunately fall into the latter. We had hoped to keep it a secret, but... Please Commander, be merciful! I love Flash Sentry and don't want his career to be endangered even further because of me!”

Arc leans back in his chair and sighs. “Well... it looks like I have a rather difficult decision to make.”

He stands up and paces around the room for a few minutes, thinking. “I suppose there really isn't anything else to do about this...”

Arc walks over to Flash Sentry and removes the Sergeant’s Insignia from his shoulder. “I'm sorry Flash Sentry, but you can no longer be my Sergeant of the Guard.”

Flash Sentry hangs his head, sadly. “I… I understand, sir…”

Arc nods. “I’m sure you do… lieutenant.”

Raven and Flash Sentry both look at their commanding officer, confused. Arc walks back to his desk and removes something from a drawer. Returning to Flash Sentry, he hands him a Lieutenant’s Insignia.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant Flash Sentry.”

Flash Sentry looks at the insignia in his hooves. “But sir… I don’t understand! Why…?”

“You have demonstrated great kindness and resolve to do what is right. Even willing to throw away your career to protect the innocent! For that, I want you as my lieutenant!”

Arc turns to Raven. “Tell me Raven, what do the regulations say about an Officer being in a relationship with the Support Staff?”

She smiles. “Not a word, commander!”

“Good! Now Raven, would you like me to send this crystal to the princesses? I don't like the idea of anyone, much less a Lord, getting away with what he did!”

She appears suddenly fearful! “But... what about Captain Decimus?!”

“I will send a letter and the crystal to Canterlot with my squad. Their instructions will be to deliver them to the princesses only!”

Raven nods her head meekly. “Um… okay.”

Arc walks over to Raven and kneels down in front of her. “Don't you worry Raven. Everything will be fine. Now, do you need anything else? Some paid time off perhaps? Counseling?”

Raven shakes her head and looks over at Flash Sentry. “Thank you, Commander! To tell you the truth, I feel safest here at Light’s Hope with Flash Sentry around. That and my work won't do itself.”

Arc nods. “I’m proud of you Raven. You’re very brave to do this. Now... Equestria won't protect itself! We should all get back to work!”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Of course, sir! I'm sure you have many pressing matters at hand...”

Suddenly there is a loud pounding at the door. Raven looks over, confused. “Who in Celestia's name could that be?!”

“Ah! She's here! I knew she wouldn't let me down!”

Arc walks toward the office door and swings it open wide to allow the newcomer entrance!

“Come in, come in!”

Pinkie enters the office carrying a chest that appears MUCH too heavy for a single pony to be able to lift alone! She sets it down on the floor and smiles!

“Hi Arc! I got the stuff you asked for!”

“Great!”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“Get a few guards and bring this chest to the barracks.”

He runs out the door. “Yes sir!”

Flash Sentry returns a minute later with several guards who, with great difficulty, carry out Arc's instructions.

Arc follows them into the barracks. “Put it in the back corner... Yes, perfect!”

Flash Sentry looks at the chest then back at Arc. “I'm almost afraid to ask sir but... what's in there?”

“Take a look.”

Flash Sentry carefully opens the lid of the chest and cautiously peeks inside with Raven.

“What…?”

Raven reaches in and pulls out a doll. “Toys?”

Arc nods. “Yes! I figure the orphans will need SOMETHING to do on a rainy day!”

Flash Sentry looks at the assortment of toys before them. “Looks like you've thought of everything, sir!”

Arc looks at the chest as he responds, a bit sadly. “I just want the orphans to be happy while they’re here.”

He turns his attention back to Pinkie Pie.

“Thanks for doing this Pinkie Pie! These orphans have had a rough life so far!”

She bounces around the room happily! “I know, right! Who doesn't know what CUPCAKES are?!”

He turns to leave the barracks. “Well, if you all will excuse me, I have a few more things to do before supper.”

Arc heads to his office as Pinkie Pie hops back to Sugar Cube Corner leaving Flash Sentry and Raven alone.

Raven looks down at the doll in her hoof. “Why do I get the feeling there is more to this than the Commander is letting on?”

Flash Sentry nods. “I agree! But the commander has always done what is in the best interest of everypony! We should trust his judgment.”

Raven nods. “Agreed.”

Meanwhile… Arc returns to his office. He sits down at his desk and swivels his chair to look out the window at the orphans playing ball behind the base happily! A single tear courses down his cheek. He watches them for some time before saying to himself…

“Mother... whether you like it or not... I WILL help these little ones.”

Chapter 11 - Helping the Healing

The next morning Arc rises in the wee hours of the morning. As he leaves his room… and Ember, Arc approaches Derpy on her mat in front of the fireplace. He strokes her mane gently and speak to her softly.

“Derpy…”

Derpy slowly opens her eyes. “Arc?”

He smiles down at her. “How do you feel?”

“Okay, I guess.”

She looks around the room.

“Where is Dinky?”

“She decided to sleep in the Barracks with the orphans. They really seem to look up to her!”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles. “Our little hero... by the way, what are you doing up so early? It's not even dawn yet!”

“I have a lot to do today.”

She giggles! “How is that different from any other day?”

“I guess you got me there! Well, I'll see you at breakfast later!”

Derpy lays her head back down on the mat. “Bye.”

Arc leaves his quarters and meets Flash Sentry and a few Royal Guards in the Main Hall. The new lieutenant salutes him.

“Good morning sir... or is it still good evening... I've lost track!”

Arc chuckles. “Ha.”

“So, what is the mission today sir?”

“We’re heading back to Vanhoover and the New Beginnings Orphanage.”

Flash Sentry appears confused. “At this hour?”

Arc nods. “I don't want the orphans to see what we are bringing back! Now let's get this show on the road!”

He calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and steps onto the sigil.

“Come on, boys. Time’s a wasting!”

Flash Sentry and the Royal Guards step onto the sigil. Arc powers it up and teleports the party to the New Beginnings Orphanage.

Arc looks around. “Here we are. Let’s get this over with!”

Flash Sentry looks around. “This place is trashed! What happened here?!

“A battle. Come to the meeting with Derpy and my other friends after breakfast today and I'll bring you up to speed!”

“Thank you sir! I look forward to it!”

They approach the front door and find it locked.

“Shall I “persuade” it, sir?”

“While I appreciate your enthusiasm, lieutenant, that will not be necessary. Follow me. I'll show you another way in.”

Arc leads the party to the back of the orphanage to the large hole Tempest's body made. The troops are speechless! Flash Sentry looks around the yard! In the moonlight he sees a large hole in the orphanage wall, a smashed window, a bloody tree, a fallen tree, the fence in ruins and two large craters in the center of the yard.

Arc leads them though the hole in the building as he casts a Light Spell. “This is what happens when someone loses an argument with my fist! Let's head in.”

“Sir, if I may... what are we here for?”

“Answers.”

The group heads upstairs to Matron Tempest’s office. As they enter Arc turns to the Royal Guards.

“I want every scrap of paper in this room brought to my office back at Light's Hope. Start with the filing cabinets. Get them back to the sigil.”

They salute and carry out their task as Arc looks through the matron’s desk.

“There has to be something here that can help answer a few questions! Pass me that empty box over there.”

Flash Sentry does so and Arc begins filling it with the contents of the desk. He looks up at the lieutenant.

“Start gathering. I want to get out of this place as soon as possible!”

Flash Sentry grins as he does so. “What's the matter sir? Scared Tempest's ghost still haunts this place?”

“Worse... much worse! I haven't had breakfast yet! So get to work, and help me here!”

He facehoofs. “Very well, sir.”

“By the way... we’re going to need someone to replace you as Sergeant of the Guard. Any suggestions?”

Flash Sentry looks up! “You’re asking me?!”

“Yes, I am! You're an officer now, so you should get used to others looking to you for instructions and advice.”

He rubs his chin with a hoof as he thinks. “Well... I guess the best pony for the job would have to be Sandstorm Mirage.”

“What can you tell me about this stallion?”

“The two of us grew up together here at this very orphanage. He always had my back, and I his. Loyal and trustworthy... two traits required in all sergeants!”

Arc nods. “Very well put. We’ll speak more of this after we return to base. Now... let's finish this task so we can get home!”

They pack up all of Tempest's files and take them to the sigil. Arc and the Royal Guards step onto the sigil and are teleported back to Light's Hope. Several more guards are waiting for them as they reappear. They carry everything safely back to Arc's office. Arc oversees the transport of files with his lieutenant by his side.

“Flash Sentry, which one is Sandstorm Mirage?”

“He is.”

Arc looks at the Private and narrows his eyes. “I want to see you both in my office when this task he is done!”

“It will be done, sir!”

Arc returns to his office and waits for the Royal Guards to finish their assignment. They do and report back to Flash Sentry.

“Very good! Head to the Cafeteria and get yourselves some breakfast. You've earned it! Sandstorm Mirage, the Commander wants to speak to us first.”

The black Earth Pony stallion salutes! “Y-yes sir!”

Sandstorm Mirage approaches Arc's desk and nervously salutes after removing his helmet. “Y-you wanted to see me, sir? D-did I do something wrong?”

Arc leans forward in his chair and looks at the Private for a long moment. “Lieutenant Flash Sentry has recommended you for promotion. He says you should replace him as Sergeant of the Guard.”

Sandstorm Mirage is stunned! “What?! But sir! There must certainly be others much more qualified than I for such an honor! Why me?”

“I would be interested in hearing Flash Sentry's reasoning behind his choice as well. Do tell, lieutenant.”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “Well sir, as I said already Sandstorm Mirage is loyal and trustworthy. He also did very well in our training exercises organizing and executing defense strategies. Should Light's Hope ever need to repeal an attack, I am confident he could pull it off!”

Are removes his own helmet and sets it on the desk as he walks over to Sandstorm Mirage. “Very well. Sandstorm Mirage, you are now my Sergeant of the Guard. It now falls to you to keep this base secure! I'm counting on you...”

The stallion salutes! “Yes sir! I won’t let you down!”

“Congratulations! Now both of you go join the others for a well-deserved breakfast. I'll be along shortly.”

Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage leave the office as Arc recalls his armor to the ring. He sits down on the couch and stares into the fireplace for a few minutes, thinking.

“Sandstorm Mirage... I wonder if anyone else knows what you’re hiding...”

Arc picks up a small parcel from his desk and walks to the Cafeteria. He spots Max, Hugh, and Viktor having their morning meal. As he approaches, they snap to attention!

“Good morning sir!”

Arc sets the parcel on the table. “At ease. I have an important mission for the three of you.”

They nod.

“You will deliver this parcel to Canterlot as soon as you are finished eating. It must be delivered directly into the hooves of either Princess Luna or Princess Cadance! Do not open the package or allow anyone else to do so! Inform the guard at the Audience Chamber that you are on a mission for the Hero of Light and he should allow you near-immediate access. Do you understand?”

Max looks at the parcel nervously. “Yes sir, but what may I ask are we carrying?”

“A private report concerning... criminal activities occurring in Canterlot Castle. Trust me... you don't want to know any more than that!”

Hugh nods. “Don't worry, Commander! We got this!”

“I know you do. If you need to spend the night in Canterlot, you have permission to use my room. It's going to be a busy day... for all of us.”

Arc sits down to enjoy breakfast and a cup of tea. Dinky and the orphans run into the Cafeteria and line up to eat! They are looking much healthier and more energetic than before. He looks over to them and smiles.

“Good morning little ones! Did you sleep well?”

The orphans all looks to Arc and salute with their little hooves while smiling! “YES SIR!”

Arc laughs! “Good. Now be sure to eat a good breakfast so you can grow up big and strong now!”

“WE WILL!”

Arc turns back to his breakfast. Looking into his tea he smiles slightly. “Who would have thought that just a couple days ago these foals had no hope…”

Derpy and Ember enter the Cafeteria and sit down at Arc's table.

“You’re up early!”

Derpy munches on a muffin. “Did you get done what you wanted to, Arc?”

The first part, yes. But it was merely the tip of the iceberg if you will. Lots of paperwork to go through.”

He lowers his voice and leans in close to the pair.

“I took everything from Tempest's office back at the Orphanage this morning. Hopefully her files will give us some clues on where we go from here.”

Ember looks over to him. “Need a hand with that?”

Arc nods. “I was hoping you would offer!”

Derpy finishes her muffin. “I’ll help too!”

“Thanks, Derpy. Just don't overdo it, alright?”

“Don't worry! I'm feeling much better today!”

“Well, let's hurry up and finish eating. Twilight and her friends will be here soon for our meeting. Will you join us Derpy?”

Derpy nods. “Of course! I still haven't heard how you beat the Matron! I'm sure I missed quite a bit of that fight!”

Raven and Flash Sentry enter the Cafeteria together. Derpy looks over to Arc and lowers her voice.

“Arc? Did you talk to Flash Sentry about... you know what yet?”

“Yes. It’s all taken care of.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Did I miss something here?”

“A deeply personal matter between those two. I called them in my office and we got to the bottom of it. There's no reason to go into specifics, but let's just say that Flash Sentry is a bona fide hero... and my new Lieutenant!”

Derpy grins! “Wow! Whatever he did, it must have been quite the feat to impress you Arc!”

“He did. Sandstorm Mirage has also been appointed as the new Sergeant of the Guard on Flash Sentry's recommendation.”

Ember looks over at Arc, playfully. “Do you ever take a break?”

“Does Equestria ever stop being in danger?”

“Touché.”

A Royal Guard approaches Arc and salutes. “Sir! Six mares are in the Main Hall asking to see you. They claim to be here for a meeting.”

“Excellent! Bring them here.

A few minutes later the Mane Six enter the cafeteria escorted by guards. They approach Arc’s table.

Rarity looks all around the room with Rainbow Dash. “My word, darling! This place is positively jumping with activity!”

“Yeah! I've never seen so many foals in one place before! How are they doing, by the way?”

Arc turns to face them. “Look around and tell me what you see?”

Rainbow Dash does so. “I see foals! What else is there to see?”

“Hope filled fillies and colts. Little ones that, before a day or so ago, had no chance at a future other than that which had been preordained for them. I wish you could have been there to see the looks on their faces a week ago. They were heartbreaking!”

Arc sighs.

“In any case, if any of you are hungry please help yourselves to breakfast! My chef Saffron puts on quite the spread!”

Pinkie looks over at the food! “Ooh!!! You mean you eat like this every day?!”

“Pretty much! Let's just say if my job wasn't so... physically demanding and stressful, I would be 30 pounds heavier!”

The Mane Six each grab a plate and pull up chairs at the table.

Rarity levitates a teacup to her mouth. “The tea is divine!”

Rainbow Dash eats hungrily! “This food is awesome!”

Pinkie drools over her own food! “Ahhh! Powdered sugar!

Twilight looks up from her plate. “That reminds me, Arc. How about we have some tea later today! I would love to catch up on your adventures!

“I’d like that Twilight. How about after the meeting we do just that?”

Arc looks around the table.

“All of you are invited of course!”

Rarity claps her hooved together. “That sounds wonderful, darling!”

Applejack tips her hat. “Sounds good to me!

Pinkie hops around. “Oh! Will there be snacks?! If so, I’m in!”

Fluttershy looks over nervously. “Um… okay.”

Rainbow Dash looks over as she finishes chewing and swallows. “I'm not much for tea parties, but I'm sure Arc's stories will make up for it!”

Twilight smiles and nods. “Looks like we're all in agreement!”

“Good! Derpy... Ember... will you join us as well?”

Derpy smiles. “Yes! Thank you Arc!

“I'm not much for tea parties, but I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Ember stands up from the table.

“I'll let Saffron know to have some tea and snacks ready. Give me a shout after your meeting is over.”

Twilight looks over to the dragon, confused. “Won’t you be joining us, Ember?”

Ember looks away sadly. “I… already know what happened back then… and... I don't really want to see that again...”

She walks into the kitchen as the Mane Six looks after her.

“What the hay was that all about?”

“You’ll see, Applejack. Now if we have all had our fill, shall we adjourn to the Meeting Room?”

They nod. Arc turns to Flash Sentry’s table.

“Lieutenant, it’s time!”

Arc leads the party to the Meeting Room. They enter and he closes the doors behind them.

Pinkie Pie spots the projector on the table. “Arc! Nopony said ANYTHING about watching MOVIES!!!”

She reaches behind her and pulls out a large tub of popcorn and 3-D glasses seemingly out of nowhere. Twilight eyes the device curiously.

“Arc? What is this thing? I've never seen anything like it!”

“The big brains in Canterlot recently came up with this little invention.”

He walks over to the projector and inserts the crystal he made with the princesses the other day.

“I'm not sure how it works, but, if you sync a crystal to the projector and then hold it, your thoughts and memories will be projected on to the screen for all to see! The crystal you hold will also record your thoughts for later viewing.”

Rarity looks at the device herself! “Amazing! Does it work?!”

“Yes, very well actually! This model is a prototype, but I can see it has great potential!”

He points to the crystal in the machine.

“When I reported the events in Vanhoover to the princesses I used this very machine to do so! After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. My experiences back then were recorded in this crystal.”

Arc starts the machine as Pinkie Pie munches popcorn happily! The "movie" starts as Flash Sentry turns off the lights. The Mane Six watch the past events at the New Beginnings Orphanage unfold on the screen. The presentation ends and Arc switches the lights back on.

“So, what do you... oh dear!”

The Mane Six continue to stare at the now-blank screen, wide eyed and clearly traumatized! Pinkie Pie's tub of popcorn lies on the floor and her 3-D glasses hang from her face crookedly! Derpy herself seems quite shaken but is still able to function! Flash Sentry seems visibly moved as well! Derpy is the first to be able to speak.

“Arc... Dinky, she... what happened?!”

“: I can only imagine it was a manifestation of the power that resides deep inside her. It seemed to cut Tempest off from the Dark One's power. Only then did she become vulnerable!”

The Mane Six slowly come around. Rainbow Dash looks to Arc!

“What... in Celestia's name... DID WE JUST SEE?!?!?!”

Applejack shakes her head. “Arc… what the hay WAS that thing?!”

Arc sighs. “The former Matron Tempest. Champion of The Dark One and Equestria's Angel of Darkness! That is all that is certain.”

Fluttershy hides under the table. “At least she's gone...”

Twilight looks over to Arc. “Arc. She IS gone... isn't she?”

“I certainly hope so, but I also have a hard time imagining The Dark One letting his finest warrior fall so easily.”

Rainbow Dash’s gaze snaps to Arc! “Easy?! You call that easy?!”

“Until I see Tempest's dead corpse for myself, I’m operating under the assumption she somehow survived.”

Rarity shudders at the thought of what transpired. “Arc, how did you stand before such a frightful creature as you did?! I think I would have fainted dead away!”

“Had I not done so, Tempest would have been victorious. That is something that I will NOT allow to come to pass!”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “Arc... why would you show us such things?”

“Believe me, I didn't want to. The princesses too were against it, but... you six are the Element Bearers and should know of this new evil in the world that you may one day have to face. I'm sorry if it frightens you...”

“Don't worry about it sugarcube! We're mighty glad you believe we can handle such a threat!”

Fluttershy continues to hide! “Although here’s to hoping we don’t have to!”

Twilight considers the footage. “Arc. About that power you demonstrated. What was that?”

“I believe it was the power I received from the Spear of Righteousness. While I could feel it deep inside me, until that moment I couldn't find a way to bring it forth. It wasn't until I saw Dinky fall that something inside me snapped and I was able to release what I call Righteous Fury upon Tempest!”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “Sir... do you fight creatures like this... often?”

“I admit, facing creatures much stronger than I has become the norm for me. However, NOTHING could have prepared me for THAT battle!”

Derpy looks around the table. “What… do we do now?”

“I wish I knew…”

Rainbow Dash hovers above them! “Come on! There's no way she could have walked away from that last attack!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not to try and put a damper on your enthusiasm Rainbow Dash, but as you saw from earlier Derpy and I nearly cut Tempest in half with our combined attack and she came back like nothing had happened. Although I do hope you're right, I can't believe it.”

“Commander. What did the princesses say when you reported this menace?”

“They never heard of anything like it, or The Dark One for that matter. The Canterlot historians are looking into if such a creature has ever been seen before. Right now I’m waiting for their response.”

Twilight rubs her chin thoughtfully. “If only we could contact that strange creature from before. Kronos, was it? Perhaps it could tell us more.”

Arc shakes his head. “While I don't disagree with that statement, Twilight, I've had quite enough of shadowy creatures and their "help" for one lifetime!”

Derpy looks over to Twilight. “If you recall, The Dark One also offered Arc his "help" just as he did to Tempest. The only difference is Arc had the foresight not to accept it!”

Arc nods. “I prefer not to be indebted to incorporeal beings of pure evil.

Flash Sentry nods. “Sound advice.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “I'm almost afraid to ask, but what do you think happened to Tempest?”

“Assuming she isn't dead and rotting in hell, I would venture a guess that The Dark One recalled her to unleash on us another day. We should be ready for her counterattack, but...”

Arc closes his eyes and seems to be deep in contemplation.

“Okay this is going to sound weird, but…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts. “After what we just saw, very little would sound weird right now.”

Arc stands up. “I need a cupcake and a cup of tea.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “I stand corrected.”

“Look, there's nothing left to discuss and I missed Second Breakfast!”

Derpy giggles. “Equestria's greatest defender sitting around drinking tea and eating cupcakes. Oh, if the princesses only knew...”

Arc smiles as he remembers Cadance watching the Hoofball game. “You laugh, but they have their own secret pleasures.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“They're called secrets for a reason! Sorry, but I'm sworn to secrecy. That and they would... hurt me...”

Rarity nod. “Fair enough! I could go for a spot of tea right now as well!”

Pinkie drools. “Cupcakes…”

“To the rear patio then! Why don't you join us Flash Sentry! It will give you a chance to learn.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “Certainly sir, but what would I be learning?”

“I don't know. That's your job to figure out!”

Flash Sentry facehoofs. “Sir, you sometimes say things that I just don't understand.”

Derpy puts a hoof on Flash Sentry’s shoulder. “You'll get used to it. Just remember, Arc has the full confidence of the princesses... strange as it may seem at times.”

“Thanks Derpy… I think.”

Arc leads the party to the rear patio just off the Cafeteria. Saffron has set out several teapots that are keeping warm on hotplates. A few covered dishes containing cupcakes, muffins and other snacks dot the table! Ember sits in a chair watching the orphans play in the field behind the base as she waits. Arc looks over the table approvingly.

“Saffron never does anything half way!”

The group sits down and speaks of happier events! Nearby the orphans play a game of tag as Arc watches them.

“Ahhh... I'm glad we have this field behind the base.”

Arc goes back to drinking his tea.

Ember looks over at Arc. “Arc... you're thinking something. What is it?”

“Is it that obvious?”

Derpy nods. “Actually yes! Something bothering you Arc?”

“Well, it's just... it feels like something’s missing here.”

He turns to the Mane Six.

“Would you be interested in meeting another friend of mine?”

Twilight nods. “Sure! Any friend of yours is a friend of ours, Arc!”

The other nod in agreement.

Arc picks up his teacup and stands. “Great! I should ask if they ever heard of The Dark One as well.”

He turns and walks toward the orphans playing.

“My turn to use the field little ones!”

Pipsqueak nods. “Okay! What for?”

Arc walks past them. “I need to call a friend. Go stand with Derpy and the others.”

The orphans look confused but quickly obey. Arc walks a short distance away as Aquamarine turns to Derpy.

“What is the Hero of Light doing?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs as the rest of the Mane Six appear equally confused. “Yeah! What gives?!”

Ember smiles. “You'll see. Just watch.”

She puts a claw on a nearby teapot.

“Better hold everything down everyone. This could get... rough.”

They appear confused, but listen. Arc calls forth his armor and takes another sip of tea. He places his gauntlet on the ground and creates a strange sigil. Still standing in the center of the sigil he then touches a strange looking scale on his shoulder. The ground begins to shake violently! A moment later the Marquis bursts through the sigil and roars loudly with Arc on his head! He extends a tendril and Arc jumps onto it as the orphans all hide behind the table!

“ARC! IS THERE TROUBLE?!”

Arc, still holding the teacup shakes his head. “Not today Marquis. I just though you would like to join us for tea! It's been too long between visits!”

“THANK YOU ARC! I WOULD LOVE TO! BUT... DO YOU THINK YOU COULD... YOU KNOW…”

Arc nods. “I understand.”

The Marquis lowers Arc to the ground. Arc casts the Matter Compacting spell on the Marquis. He shrinks from the size of a building to about Arc's height.

“Ah! Much better, thank you Arc!”

Arc puts away his armor and motions to the table. “Shall we?”

“Yes indeed!”

The orphans peek out from their hiding spot as Arc and the Marquis approaches.

“Little ones, this is the Marquis. He's a good friend of mine! There's no reason to be afraid of him.”

Pipsqueak looks over at the pair. “THIS is your friend, sir?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I haven't had time to invite him over since our last adventure together! Good times! In any case, you can go back to your game now. I'm done with the field for a while!”

The orphans smile and nod as Aquamarine slowly approaches the Marquis and looks up at him. “It was very nice meeting you, Marquis!”

He nods. “Likewise, small pony! Perhaps later I can tell you and your friends a story.”

She nods. “I’d like that!”

The foals run back to the field and resume playing. The Mane Six are stunned! Arc looks over his shoulder at the upturned earth from the Marquis’ entrance. “The gardener is going to kill me for this.”

Ember raises and eyebrow. “We have a gardener?”

Arc shrugs. “I'm assuming we do. Someone must be mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges!”

“Fair enough.”

Flash Sentry looks over to Arc, wide-eyed. “Is there any creature you can't befriend, sir?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well... I don't have any demon friends. Oh, wait. Ester and her child Rebme back in Vengeance.”

Ember sighs. "I wonder how they're doing."

"Judging from what we know about them and the city, probably just fine. I mean... they have all the basics in there. Not a bad place considering it's Tartarus."

Ember rolls her eyes. "Oh yes. Lots of eating, drinking, and making merry."

Arc smirks at Ember. "And leashes."

"Let's talk about something else now."

Arc pours a cup of tea for the Marquis and hands him a cupcake. "Fair enough."

Taking it with tendrils, the elderly hydra nods politely. “Thank you Arc.”

“Please make yourself comfortable. My home is your home.”

Arc quickly introduces everyone ending with Flash Sentry.

“And lastly, this is Flash Sentry. He's my new lieutenant.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Hello. It is an honor to meet you, sir.”

“Likewise. Tell me, Arc, what does your lieutenant do exactly?”

“Well, he acts as my assistant and will be accompanying me on my future adventures. We will be solving many of Equestria's problems as they arise... and probably causing a few in the process.”

The Marquis laughs! “I see you haven’t slowed down, Arc!”

“Quite the opposite! I've been busier than ever since my last mission in Vanhoover!”

“I’d be glad to!”

Arc recalls the horror of New Beginnings Orphanage and the events leading up to the foals coming to stay at his base.

“That is quite the tale you tell, Arc! It is most fortunate that you have such a facility at your disposal in times of trouble! Does it have a name?”

“Yes. We call it ‘Light’s Hope’.”

“A powerful name! It suits you well!”

The Marquis picks up the cupcake with a tendril and studies it.

“What are these?”

Derpy looks over to him. “They’re called cupcakes. Try one!”

The Marquis eats the cupcake in one bite! He stops moving completely!

Twilight looks over to his concerned. “Are you okay?!”

He turns his head slowly to look at the group. With tears in his eyes as he takes another, he whispers…

“They’re wonderful…”

The Marquis turns back to Arc. “Arc, you must come visit me one day soon in my new home! I have told the other hydra of your exploits and they wish to meet the great Hero of Light! Our leader, Hydra Prime Ikis, somehow survived the pony invasion so long ago and led the survivors to the Dragon Lands! He would like to see you when you have time. Please do not bring any ponies with you however! The scars of the past have yet to heal.”

“I would be honored to meet with your leader, my friend. Any idea what he wants?”

“Not a clue. However, word of your adventures and great deeds has reached us even in the Dragon Lands.”

Ember chuckles. “That must be quite the feat! Getting news in a secret village!”

The Marquis chuckles. “Just because we are reclusive does not mean we are ignorant of the comings and goings of the world, Lady Ember.”

Twilight smiles at him. “How are you liking your new home, Marquis?”

He picks up his teacup with a tendril and looks over to her. “It is everything I had hoped it would be, and more! I can't begin to tell you how good it feels to be with my own kind again after so many years!"

Ember looks a bit sad as Flash Sentry looks over to the Marquis. “How many years were you away, sir?”

“I'm... not exactly sure. You tend to lose track after a century. After two, you stop caring.”

Applejack looks over. “So, what did you do all those years in Tartarus, Marquis?”

“Sleep, eat, feel sorry for myself, repeat. Sorry it didn't make for a more colorful answer, but... it's over now.”

The Marquis looks down at his tea.

“You know... it's rather nice to sit here, surrounded by friends and just talk. I never dreamed I would have such good friends! Pony friends even! I um... I killed so many of your kind in my rage back then! Up until recently I was proud of that fact! But now... I can't help but feel a deep regret.”

Fluttershy walks over to the Marquis and puts a hoof on his tendril as she smiles up at him. “Don't you worry about it! Let the past stay in the past! There’s hydra blood on our hooves as well.”

Arc nods! “Agreed! Speaking of blood Marquis, have the hydra ever heard of a shadowy creature known only as The Dark One?”

“Not to my knowledge, no. However, that is a question best asked of Hydra Prime Ikis. He is much older and wiser than I.”

“I'll be sure and ask him when I visit. It may not be for a while though. Lots of files to go through and leads to track down. These orphans deserve better than I can offer here as well.”

The Marquis nods. “I understand. Don't worry about it. Hydras are very patient creatures!”

Rarity puts down her teacup. “About the orphans... how is Miss Pommel doing?”

“She's still in Vanhoover Hospital. The doctor told me it would be some time before they expected to see any improvement. I'm planning on heading up there later today after our little get-together.”

Twilight looks up! “Want some company?”

Arc shakes his head. “Normally I would jump at the chance, but the doctors warned that she is not to have any visitors until further notice. They don't even like me being there, but I don't like the idea of Coco Pommel being there without word of her wards. She must feel so lonely and worried about the orphans.”

Rarity looks down sadly. “That brave mare! She gave so much... and received nothing in return but pain and suffering.”

Arc leans forward. “We're going to change all that! Listen to me, all of you. This is top secret but...”

He lowers his voice.

“I've been in contact with Hard Hat. He's the stallion who built Light's Hope. I've ordered him to build a new Orphanage right here in Ponyville just down the path from where we sit. They should start work on it tomorrow morning. We have already drawn up the plans and supplies are being gathered as we speak.”

Derpy smiles! “That's great news!”

Pinkies stands on her chair and looks over at Arc excitedly! “Cool! How long until it's complete?!”

“I told Hard Hat he didn't need to break any speed records, but he estimates it’s going to take a couple weeks.

Twilight smiles. “That should make the orphans very happy!”

“Indeed. But keep this to yourselves. I want it to be a surprise!”

All assembled nod their head. Suddenly a cry from one of the orphans rings out!

“LOOK OUT!!!”

A ball comes whizzing toward the table! The Marquis catches it with a tendril before it can hit Rarity in the face! The orphans run up!

Pipsqueak looks at them, embarrassed. “Sorry about that! I guess Aquamarine doesn't know her own strength!”

Aquamarine looks at the Marquis. “Nice catch though, sir!”

“Thank you small one! Now, would you care to hear a story?”

The brown filly looks over at him happily! “What about?!”

He thinks for a moment.

“How about I tell you about how I met Arc! That's a rather colorful story!”

Flash Sentry looks over at Arc. “I wouldn't mind hearing that one myself! Sir, may I?”

Arc nods. “Go right ahead.”

The Marquis leads the foals toward the field along with Flash Sentry. Twilight turns to Arc.

“So, tell me Arc. How are you getting along these days?”

“Alright, I guess. Why?”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Well, with all the hard work you've been doing lately, I'm just worried you will burn yourself out. Maybe you need to take some time off? We could go to Las Pegasus and...”

Arc shakes his head. “As tempting as that may be, I have a base full of orphans, a dying Coco Pommel and potentially a power-hungry megalomaniac on the loose! While I appreciate the thought, now is certainly not the time for sitting next to the pool drinking from a pineapple!”

Twilight looks disappointed.

“I’m sorry, Twilight, but there’s just too much going on right now!”

She looks down sadly. “I… understand.”

Arc walks over to Twilight and gives her a hug. “Thanks for caring though. It means a lot to me!”

Twilight returns the hug. “I just worry about your mental state. We all need a break sometime!”

Pinkie hops up on the table to look Arc in the eye. “Stop by Sugar Cube Corner when you have time Arc! We just came out with a Chocolate Chip Caramel Cupcake with vanilla frosting! You’ll love it!”

Arc’s pupils shrink! He waves furiously at a passing patrol!

“GUARDS!!!”

The patrol rushes over and salutes! “Sir?!”

“Go at ONCE to Sugar Cube Corner and procure three dozen Chocolate Chip Caramel Cupcakes with vanilla frosting and put them on my tab!”

The guards salute and rush off! Arc turns back to the others who are all face hoofing! Applejack is the first to speak.

“You have a TAB at Sugar Cube Corner?!”

Arc shrugs. “Why not? The Cakes know I’m good for every bit!”

Ember shakes her head. “Arc... sometimes... you just do things I don't understand. Is this another human thing?”

He grins! “Nope! It’s a ‘me’ thing!”

Chapter 12 - Making the Rounds

An hour or so later the tea party attendees depart. Rainbow Dash turns around as she flies after the rest of the Mane Six.

“Thanks for inviting us Arc! That was a lot of fun... other than that movie that is.”

Rarity nods! “Yes indeed, darling! We really MUST do this again sometime soon!

Pinkie hops away. “YEAH!”

Twilight gives Arc a hug before departing. “Don’t be a stranger around the library now!”

“Sorry for neglecting you Twilight. I've just been so busy...”

Twilight interrupts him. “...doing what is right, I know. I understand, but that doesn't mean you can't take a break for tea and cupcakes now and again, does it?”

Arc smiles. “Well, when you put it that way…”

She laughs! “Come see me anytime!”

Arc kneels down and holds Twilight in a long embrace. She closes her eyes and leans into him, happily! Arc leans over and gives her a quick kiss on her forehead. The other ponies smile, knowingly. At last the pair let go and part ways.

“Take care of yourself!”

“You too, Twilight!”

The Mane Six walk around the side of the building back to the path leading to Ponyville.

Rarity looks over at Twilight. A sly look in her eye! “So tell me, Twilight. How long have you had your eyes on Arc?

Twilight blushes feverishly! “What?! I don't know what you’re talking about!”

Rainbow Dash laughs at Twilight’s reaction. “Come on, Twilight! Everypony can see that you act differently when he's around!”

Applejack chuckles. “It’s true!”

Fluttershy looks over at Twilight with a soft smile on her face. “Well, I for one think it's sweet! Twilight and Arc would make a lovely couple!

Pinkie bounces around the group singing! “Arc and Twilight, sittin' in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love! Then comes marriage! Then comes Arc, pushing a baby carriage! Oh wait! He already did the baby part! I forgot about Dinky!”

Twilight continues to blush. “I... um... is this what love feels like?”

Rainbow Dash drops down next to Twilight. “Yup! You’re in love!”

“I am. But somehow I don't think he feels the same way about me! I mean, there are so many others in his life right now! Like Derpy! The two of them were living together for quite a while there. Who knows how far they’ve gone! And then there's Ember! Her and Arc sleep in the same room for Celestia's sake! The three of them are constantly together... eating together, sleeping together, saving Equestria together...”

She lowers her head and sighs.

“What chance does a pony like me have against them?”

Pinkie bounces in front of the group. “Oh! You forgot about Lyra!”

Rarity shakes her head. “That’s not love, darling! That’s obsession!

Pinkie shrugs. “Meh, call it what you will!”

Applejack suddenly looks embarrassed. “Um... girls... can we stop for a minute?”

The group walks to the side of the path and lies down in the grass. Rainbow Dash glances over at Applejack with a mischievous look on her face.

“Don’t tell us YOU’RE in love with Arc too!”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nah, it ain't that! Yall remember when Cherry Jubilee was in Ponyville Hospital with her sister Ruby?

Twilight nods. “Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?”

“Well, when Arc, Derpy, Dinky and I escorted them back to Cherry's ranch we spent pretty much the whole day sitting on her porch talking. Anyways, I quickly noticed that both Ruby and Cherry couldn't seem to take their eyes off Arc!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Arc certainly has a lot of marefriends!”

“It started to get dark so Cherry insisted that we spend the night. Derpy and Dinky headed for bed and Arc told me I could have the other guest room.”

Rarity nod approvingly. “That was rather Generous of him!”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “But where did Arc sleep?”

“He stayed downstairs on the sofa. Said he needed some time alone to think. I went up to bed and went straight to sleep. Very late that night I heard the door to Cherry 's room open and hoofsteps going downstairs. I... I didn't mean to pry, but... I was worried about Cherry! As quietly as I could I crept over to the top of the stairs and listened to them talking.”

Rarity turns up her nose. “Applejack! What you did is so very unbecoming a lady and uncouth!”

A hungry looks spreads across Rarity’s face as she turns back to Applejack.

“What were they talking about?”

Rainbow Dash appears peevish! “Rarity! You JUST said...”

Rarity pouts! “Ohh! I know what I said! But I have to KNOW!”

Twilight sighs. “I don't like the idea of you spying on Arc now Applejack, but... I too would like to know what was said.”

“Well, you won't like this Twilight but... well... she confessed her love for him right then and there!

Applejack turns a bright shade of red and looks away as Twilight hangs her head. A tear courses down her face as she lies on the ground.

“What chance do I have against Cherry Jubilee?! She's one of the most kind and beautiful mares I’ve ever seen!”

Pinkie looks over happily! “Not to mention she's a great cook and has her own business!”

“Pinkie... not... helping...!”, hisses Applejack through clenched teeth.

“Oops! Sorry Twilight!”

Fluttershy moves to stand up. “Well, should we get going now?”

Applejack sighs. “We probably should! I really shouldn't have done what I did. Sorry for bringing it up Twi!”

Applejack and the others move to stand. Twilight does not move.

“Applejack…”

“Yes Twilight?”

“Did... did you hear Arc's response?”

Applejack sighs. “Look Twilight! This was a mistake. I'm sorry I brought it up and...”

Twilight interrupts. “Please Applejack! I have to know!”

Applejack frowns. “…fine…”

They sit back down on the grass.

“Well, she asked if he could accept her as his special somepony...”

Twilight winces at the news.

“It's... okay. Really! Arc deserves only the best Equestria has to offer! I hope the two of them will be very happy together...”

Applejack walks over to Twilight and sits down next to her. Putting a hoof around her friend’s neck before finishing.

“Twilight? Arc... he... turned her down.”

The Mane Six all gasp!

“What?! But Cherry Jubilee is perfect! How could he...?”

“He said something along the lines of he was too busy to have a special somepony and it wasn't fair to Derpy, Dinky and Ember to split his attention any further. She took the news rather well, I guess. She... leaned toward him and he stroked her mane as she lay on the couch next to him. They fell asleep in that position. It really was a beautiful sight!”

Rainbow Dash puts her hooves on her cheeks and pushes them together! “That's... so... SWEET!”

“I thought so too! The next morning Arc asked Cherry if he could place a sigil in her basement. The two of them went down there. I could hear them talking, but let's just say it doesn't take more than a few seconds to place a sigil!”

Fluttershy looks over innocently. “What do you think they were doing down there?”

“I don't know, and left it alone! But... I believe Arc may have... feelings for Cherry.”

“What makes you say that?”, Rarity inquires.

“Well, why else would he put a sigil in her basement if he wasn't planning on returning there at least somewhat regularly?!”

Rainbow Dash zips around the sky quickly! “Aww yeah! Arc's finally being social!”

Twilight looks over at Applejack and smiles. “Thanks for telling me Applejack! I really appreciate it!

“You won't tell Arc I told you, will you?”

“Of course not! But now I know...”

“Know what, darling?!”

“That I still have a chance!”

Meanwhile back at Light's Hope, Arc walks back toward the field where the foals and the Marquis are just finishing their story.

Flash Sentry nods in approval. “That was quite the story, Marquis!”

Pipsqueak looks to the hydra, wide-eyed! “Are you saying Mr. Arc beat you BEFORE he became the Hero of Light and BEFORE he got his armor?!”

The Marquis laughs! “Yes! In fact, I gave Arc the scales he used to make his armor!”

Aquamarine turns to Arc as he approaches. “Mr. Arc! How did you win against the Marquis without your super cool armor, your magic spear, or your power of Light and magic?!”

The Marquis nods. “I too would like to know the answer to that.”

“It was simple really. If I failed, I died. If I died, Ember died with me! That thought kept me going through that battle. That knowledge filled me with determination!”

The foals clap their hooves together!

Pipsqueak looks to Dinky! “You have the coolest dad, Dinky!

Aquamarine sighs. “I wish I had a daddy who cared so much for me.”

The Marquis nods. “Perhaps one day, my little pony.”

Pipsqueak shakes his head fervently! “No, we won't! Nopony has EVER been adopted for as long as any of us can remember! It's like the Matron used to tell us... nopony loves us, and nopony wants us...”

“Pipsqueak! I won't tolerate that kind of talk in my base! Coco Pommel cares for each and every one of you, as do Dinky and I! Please trust me when I say that somewhere out there are homes for many of you! I just know it!

The little coal begins to tear up. “I'm sorry Mr. Arc. It's... just so hard... being alone... not having a loving family like Dinky does!”

Arc walks over to Pipsqueak and picks him up to give him a hug.

“Trust me Pipsqueak, you’re not alone anymore. None of you are! And you will never be alone ever again! This I promise you!”

The Marquis nods. “You can trust a promise made by Arc! He once promised to come back and free me from Tartarus one day... and here I am!”

Aquamarine looks to Arc, wide-eyed! “Wait! Mr. Arc, did you willing go BACK to Tartarus?!”

Arc nods as he sets down Pipsqueak. “That I did! When I make a promise, I keep it!”

Pipsqueak looks up hopefully at the Marquis. “Can we hear that story now?!

“Perhaps next time little ponies. I'm not as young as I used to be. It's time for me to head home and take a nap.”

“Don’t worry. Maybe the Marquis can come back another day and tell you more stories!”

The Marquis nods! “You can count on it!”

Arc calls forth his armor and opens a portal to the Dragon Lands. “I’ll take you back now, Marquis.”

“Thank you Arc.”

As the Marquis enters the portal, Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “I hope you learned something today Lieutenant. Take care of Light's Hope while I’m gone.”

He enters the portal himself and is transported to Ember's small home. The pair walks out Ember's front door. Arc returns the Marquis to his normal size.

“Sorry I can't take you straight back to Hydra Village, Marquis.”

“WORRY NOT, YOUNG ARC! THIS IS FINE! PERHAPS WHEN YOU VISIT HYDRA PRIME IKIS HE WILL ALLOW YOU TO PLACE A SIGIL IN THE VILLAGE!”

“I look forward to meeting him!”

The Marquis lumbers down the street and Arc returns to his sigil. He is about to teleport back to Light's Hope when another thought hits him! Powering up the sigil Arc teleports to Vanhoover, he then makes the short walk to the Vanhoover Hospital.

Arc walks up to the front desk. “Nurse, may I please speak to the doctor about Coco Pommel?”

She nods. “Certainly, Hero of Light! I believe the doctor is with her right now. You may head back and see him.”

“Thank you nurse.”

Arc walks back to Coco Pommel's room, the doctor is standing next to the bed reading a chart, Xenos is holding Coco Pommel's hoof and looking haggard, as Arc enters Xenos moves to stand at attention.

“At ease Xenos! You don't need to do that here. Uh... I’m almost afraid to ask, but when was the last time you showered?”

“The last time was before we came to Vanhoover, sir.”

Arc frowns. “But that was a week and a half ago!”

“Then it's been a week and a half, I guess.”

“Seriously?! That's just disgusting Xenos! Go take a shower and clean your armor while you’re at it! Don't worry about Coco Pommel. I won't leave her until you come back.”

Xenos heads over to the adjoining bathroom as Arc turns his attention to the doctor.

“How is she doing, doctor?”

“She is much improved from the near death like state she was in when you brought her here. However, she is still VERY weak! The patient is stable for now and fully able to breathe on her own, but... her other major organs have yet to recover, and probably won't for quite some time!”

Arc nods. “How long before she can have visitors? The orphans really miss her!”

“At least another day! Probably two. Right now Miss Pommel can only sleep and receive nutrition intravenously. She hasn't regained consciousness again since the last time you were here, Hero of Light!”

“When will she be able to eat normally again?”

“She can eat anytime she wants. It's just a matter of her having the strength to do so.”

“Any idea when she will be strong enough to leave the hospital?”

“It's hard to say. I will re-evaluate her condition in a week. We’ll be able to tell you more at that time. She won't have the strength to do much for several weeks though.”

“What about her muscles? Wouldn't they be in danger of atrophying?”

“That’s actually the least of our concerns right now. They were already well beyond that point when she arrived! Frankly I don't understand how she was walking around up until she collapsed! It goes beyond all logic and medical reasoning!”

Arc sighs and looks down at the kind mare lying before him. “Doctor... is there ANYTHING I can do to help Coco Pommel?!”

The doctor shakes his head. “Sadly, no. We're already doing everything we can and then some! Perhaps this is not the best time to bring it up, but I'm a bit concerned about the patient's mental condition.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“Considering what she went through on a daily basis for years, there are bound to be extreme mental scars. She's very fragile right now, both mentally and physically. You were wise to have somepony close to her to remain here by her side. It can only do her good!”

“It was more for Xenos' sake at the time. He wouldn't be of much use to me anyways, as distracted as he is now.”

The doctor heads for the door. “Yes well… I have other patients to look in on. I'll just leave the two of you alone.”

“Thank you doctor.”

Arc gently takes Coco Pommel’s hoof in his hand and speak to her quietly. “Coco Pommel? It's me, Arc. You know... Dinky's father? I've come here to check up on you.”

Coco Pommel slowly opens her eyes and looks around. Her eyes appear unfocused.

“…Arc…?”

Arc gives her hoof a light squeeze. “I'm right here! You're not alone.”

“Where… is Xenos?”

“I ordered him to get cleaned up. It looks like he hasn't left your side since we brought you here.”

She slowly moves her head to look at him. “I'm feeling a bit stronger right now. The same happened the other day when you were here.”

“While I'm glad to hear it, I can't really explain the reasoning behind that.”

Coco Pommel spots her robe draped over a chair nearby.

“My robe… I guess you know my secret now… huh?”

“Yes. The doctor... showed Xenos and I after his initial examination. I already knew about it from the moment I first picked you up off the ground though. You were so light, and I could feel your ribs through that robe! Don't worry. Xenos and I will keep that to ourselves.”

“Thank you for understanding. I didn't want the orphans to see me wasting away, so I started wearing it quite some time ago. It did the job of keeping my secret. I have... so many things I want to say. I'm not really sure where to begin. Sorry, I'm sure you’re a very busy pon... er... please forgive me, but…what are you, exactly?”

“I'm a human. But you needn't be afraid of me!”

Coco Pommels weakly nods. “I know the princesses wouldn't have made you the Hero of Light if you weren't worthy of it. But I must admit, you have exceeded my wildest expectations! The stories that have reached us... they don't do you justice!”

“Thank you. I'm flattered.”

“Please tell me... how are the orphans?”

“They’re doing quite well at Light's Hope, my Command Center. Yesterday I introduced them to the concept of lunch. You'll be happy to know that Aquamarine expressed an interest in making you something to eat in my Kitchen! My chef will see to it she doesn't hurt herself.”

Coco Pommel closes her eyes and smiles!

“Tell me… what do they like most… about Light’s Hope?”

“Several things actually. Let's see here... they like the addition of Second Breakfast, Lunch, Snack Time, Cupcake Time and Bedtime Snack.”

Arc leans in close to Coco Pommel and smiles.

“I haven’t let them in on Midnight Snack yet!”

She giggles. “Thank you Hero of Light for everything you have done for the orphans!”

“Please... call me Arc.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Very well... Arc. Somehow, I get the feeling you came here for something other than checking up on Xenos though.”

“I do have several questions for you, if you are feeling strong enough.”

She smiles up at him. “I’m feeling stronger right now than I have in years! Please, ask your questions.”

Arc nods. “Alright, but please tell me if you need a rest! My questions can wait. Why don't we start at the beginning? How did you come to work at the Orphanage?”

Coco Pommel has a faraway look in her eyes. “Nopony has ever asked me that question before...”

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

She shakes her head. “No, I want to tell somepony! You see... I was... abandoned... at the Orphanage when I was a filly. I didn't understand what was going on, but they told me they would come for me one day! Years passed, and I grew up into the weak-minded mare you see lying before you. As I was about to age out of the Orphanage, I asked Matron Tempest if I could stay on as her assistant! She agreed, but only as an unpaid position. My wages would be food and a roof over my head... and the company of the orphans.”

“Why did you willingly stay on at the Orphanage? I would have assumed you would have been happy to leave that place behind!”

“Originally I was, but... well, the thought of the other orphans I was leaving behind made me think twice. As the oldest, I had done my best to protect the smaller ones from the wrath of the Matron. What would become of them when I was gone?!”

“You’re quite brave, Coco Pommel. More so than I would have guessed by looking at you.”

Coco Pommel begins to tear up. “I'm... really not. I couldn't stand up to the Matron all these years! Even though I knew what she was doing was wrong! How many foals missed having a loving home because of me?!”

Arc looks at her confused. “I'm sorry Coco Pommel, but I don't really follow.”

“Well, Equestrian law says that upon arriving at the Orphanage, the Matron is supposed to attempt to place the orphan in a foster home with a family member of some kind. New Beginnings is really just supposed to be a "last resort" for foals that truly have no one to look after them.! She didn't even TRY to find homes for even a single foal! That and she would find reasons to block any potential couples from adopting an orphan!”

Coco Pommel covers her tear-filled face with her hooves and rolls over to look away from Arc.

“It's my fault! It's ALL my fault! I could have done... SOMETHING! Xenos... he could have been adopted by several different couples, if I had only found a way. If he only knew... he would hate me for it!”

Arc carefully puts a hand on Coco Pommel’s thin shoulder. “As Xenos' commanding officer, I can assure you he wouldn't. HE was the one who notified me of the situation at New Beginnings Orphanage. HE was the one who most wanted to help you. And HE was the one who, when you collapsed in the rain the other day, was the most concerned for your safety and well-being. Xenos loves you like a mother, Coco Pommel. Nothing will ever change that! He had faith in you, but now you must have faith in him!”

She does not look over, but put a hoof on his hand. “Thank you... Arc. I needed to hear that.”

“Glad to be of service.”

Several minutes pass before Coco Pommel stops crying and rolls back onto her back. “Speaking of service... can you tell me of your other adventures? I've always been fascinated by the Hero of Light and their exploits! I never would have dreamed that I would ever be able to see one, let alone actually MEET a Hero of Light!”

“I would be happy to, but not until the doctor gives us the news that your heart is stronger! Many of my stories are quite harrowing, and your heart may literally be unable to take it!”

She nods. “Oh my! I look forward to hearing more about you someday soon, Arc.”

“Likewise, Coco Pommel. As soon as the doctor gives me the word, I insist you come to Light's Hope as my guest! As happy as they are, the orphans do miss you greatly and would love to have you stay with us!”

Coco Pommel smiles up at Arc. “Thank you Arc! That is quite Generous! I accept!”

Xenos comes out of the bathroom clean as a whistle as is his armor.

Arc looks up at him. “That's better Xenos. See to it you keep tidy now!”

Coco Pommel turns her head and smiles. “Yes. I don't want you to bring shame to the Hero of Light's command now!”

Xenos stops dead in his tracks upon hearing Coco Pommel's voice. Collecting himself, he rushes to her side!

“Miss Pommel! You're all right?! Commander! How did you...?”

“I didn't do anything other than hold her hoof after you left. Go get the doctor. I want another examination done immediately!”

Xenos hurries out of the room! “Yes sir!”

Coco Pommel smiles up at Arc. “He forgot to salute you.”

Arc shrugs. “Considering all he has on his mind right now, I'll let it go.”

Xenos returns a few minutes later with the doctor.

“What seems to be the…?”

The doctor stops in his tracks, astonished! “Miss Pommel?! You’re awake!”

She nods. “And feeling much stronger too!”

“She seemed to come around after I held her hoof for a short while. I didn't do anything more than that though. Could you give her another examination please, doctor?”

“Or course, Hero of Light!”

The doctor performs numerous tests on Coco Pommel before stepping back.

“If I hadn't performed this examination myself, I wouldn't believe it! Miss Pommel...other than being extremely underweight and underfed, your tests come back nearly normal! Hero of Light, are you sure you didn't do anything else, even by accident?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a thing, doctor. Believe me, if I knew what happened I would tell you. I do have a theory on what has happened though.”

“Sir?”

“Now, it may sound a bit... far-fetched but, perhaps some of my energies were somehow transferred to Coco Pommel when I touched her earlier. Another theory, perhaps even more outrageous though, is that maybe I am exuding some kind of aura that is strengthening Coco Pommel. I know this may sound absolutely ridiculous, but I can't really think of any other explanation!”

Coco Pommel looks to the doctor. “Doctor? What do you think? Is this... possible?!”

“If it was anypony other than the Hero of Light himself suggesting it, I would recommend they have their head examined! But... the theory certainly cannot be ignored!”

Xenos stands by Coco Pommel’s side. “I guess the question now is... where do we go from here?”

“Perhaps we should test my theory.”

The doctor looks concerned. “What are you suggesting?”

“I will return to Light's Hope. Xenos, I want you to stay by Coco Pommel's side and report to me any changes in her condition. If I’m right, me being ‘out of range’ should cause her to return to her previous state.”

Arc looks over to Coco Pommel with a pained look on his face. “I'm sorry for suggesting this Coco Pommel. But I can't just stand around the hospital all day.”

She nods. “I understand, Arc. You must have many other duties to attend to.”

“Sir, isn't it Happy Hour at Sugar Cube Corner right about now?”

“Don't worry! I sent some guards to buy three dozen Chocolate Chip Caramel Cupcakes with vanilla frosting a couple hours ago.”

“Yes sir. And how many are left.”

“Two.”

Coco Pommel looks to Arc. “Two dozen?”

“No. Just two.”

Coco Pommel giggles! The doctor can only stare at Arc with his mouth agape!”

Arc laughs! “What?! I have needs! That and those things are GOOD! In any case... what do you think doctor?”

“I think it's worth a try. I’ll check back in about an hour or so.”

The doctor turns to leave the room and Arc looks to Xenos. “Very well. I leave Coco Pommel in your care, Xenos.”

Arc turns to Coco Pommel.

“It was very nice meeting you, Coco Pommel. I hope to see you again soon.”

“Thank you Arc. I look forward to seeing the orphans and your base for myself!”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and opens a portal to Light's Hope's Main Hall sigil. He waves goodbye and walks through the portal which closes behind him.

“Well, that's the Commander for you, Miss Pommel.”

She nods. “I admit, he isn't exactly what I was expecting. I always figured the Hero of Light was cold, calculating and solitary. But Arc is just so... nice!”

“Just don't get on his bad side. I would hate to have to face HIM in battle! You saw what he did to Tempest! I'm not completely sure but... I think he was holding back.”

“Really?!”

Xenos nods. “Yes... at least until his last attack! Even I didn't know the Commander could fly!”

“Somehow, I don’t think he did either.”

Meanwhile… Arc appears on the sigil in the Main Hall. Flash Sentry and Raven are standing over by her desk. He walks over.

“Raven, I'm expecting a call from Xenos sometime. Patch it through to my office when it comes. Oh! And can you please put away the personnel files that are on my desk.”

Raven nods. “Yes commander!”

“Oh! And I need a blueprint of Canterlot Castle!”

“Right away!”

She returns to her seat and gets to work on Arc’s request. He turns to Flash Sentry.

“Flash Sentry, has my squad returned from Canterlot yet?”

“Yes sir, they headed back to their quarters some time ago.”

Arc nods. “Good. I want to see you and my squad in my office right away.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc proceeds back to his office. A few minutes later Raven brings him a blueprint of Canterlot Castle and leaves with the personnel files. He spreads the print out on his desk as Flash Sentry and Arc's squad enter the office. They stand at attention and salute

“At ease.”

Max steps forward. “Commander! How is Miss Pommel doing?”

“She hadn't woken up since we left her yesterday. However, when I was there by her side, she was able to open her eyes and talk for quite some time!”

Hugh looks amazed as does the rest of the group! “Really sir?!”

“I believe it to be some kind of energy from me! An Aura of Light if you will, that is giving Coco Pommel the strength to remain conscious. A re-examination of her body shows her to be in significantly better condition than before I arrived! The doctor and I are running an experiment to test this theory right now!”

Max breathes a sigh of relief! “That's good to hear, sir!”

Viktor looks at the blueprint on the desk. “Working on our next mission, sir?”

Arc looks back down at the print before him. “Aye, that I am! Some night very soon the three of us will be undertaking a mission to infiltrate Canterlot Castle.”

Flash Sentry appears confused. “Uh sir? Why would you need to do that? As the Hero of Light, you already have nearly unlimited access to all but the most closely guarded areas!”

“Good question! This mission will be to gather intel on Captain Decimus and his activities. I just don't want him knowing he's being investigated!”

“But Commander, Captain Decimus has served the princesses for decades, as did his father and grandfather! As far as most are concerned, he’s above suspicion!”

Arc looks up from the print. “Lieutenant. Captain Decimus knowingly sent Ember to Tartarus after perverting justice by giving her a one-sided trial. He then attacked ME on Canterlot Castle's drawbridge when I refused to turn her over to him, doing so in complete violation of Princess Cadance's orders which put her under my care. To say nothing of... the matter we discussed the other day. So, let's just say for an incorruptible protector, he sure has done some rather questionable things lately”

“Forgive me sir, but it is the dream of every soldier to one day rise to the rank of Captain of the Guard and protect the princesses! It is rather difficult to believe one as dedicated as Captain Decimus could be guilty of... anything.”

“Hopefully you are right Flash Sentry. But if you're not, the princesses themselves may be in danger! Now, I have a map of Canterlot Castle on my desk. Let's plan ourselves a strategy!”

They gather around the desk as Arc explains their objectives. He points a finger to his room on the blueprint.

“We’ll gather in my personal quarters and wait for nightfall. Under the cover of darkness, Max, Viktor and I will infiltrate the Captain's office here. Viktor, can you pick the lock?”

“Of course, sir! If it has moving parts, I'm your stallion!”

“Good! Just remember I need you to UNPICK the lock when we leave! I don't want ANYONE to see us or know anyone was even there! Stealth is key!”

He looks back down.

“While we’re there, I have a secondary objective to complete.”

Hugh frowns. “You mean there’s more?!”

Max chuckles. “There’s always more.”

“Don't worry, Hugh. I wouldn't think of leaving you out of the plan!”

Hugh looks to Arc sarcastically. “Thanks, sir…”

“When the three of us finish in the Captain's Office we’ll meet back at my quarters with whatever intel we’ve gathered. Then we will begin phase two... getting the Captain out of his quarters so we can search that as well! Hugh, I need you to create some... chaos, as far away from the Captain's quarters as you can!”

“What kind of chaos were you looking for, sir?”

“Anything that would warrant the Captain of the Guard's personal attention for an extended period of time! I'm open to suggestions.”

They look over the print carefully. Max points a hoof at the desk.

“What about the Royal Armory? Any trouble there would certainly get Captain Decimus out of bed!”

Viktor points as well. “There's also the Barracks. Trouble there would certainly make a lot of noise!”

Arc looks to Viktor. “Got any smoke grenades? I don't want to hurt anyone.”

Viktor nods. “I'll pack a few for the trip, sir. Leave it to me!”

“Are you planning on notifying the princesses of your plans, sir?”

“No, Flash Sentry. I have a feeling the Captain will try to cover this up as well though. If he does, well, I guess that's one more thing to add to the list.”

Arc points to the barracks. “Viktor, I want you to be the one to create the disturbance at the Barracks. Again, be sure nobody sees you! After you throw the smoke grenades head back to my quarters and wait for us. If all goes well, the Captain will believe your antics at the Barracks are a smokescreen for the ‘real heist’ at the Armory!”

“Yes sir!”

“Hugh, you will tamper with the Armory door. Mess it up! Make it look like a botched robbery attempt! Listen for the sounds of chaos coming from the Barracks. When you hear it, I want you to smash this window.”

Arc points to a window near the Armory door.

“It will help convince the guards of an attempted robbery to see an escape attempt. Then head back to my quarters and await our return.”

“Leave it to me!”

Max points a hoof to Captain Decimus’ quarters. “So when the guards wake the captain to report the trouble, we make our move?”

“Right! As he leaves his quarters, we walk in right behind him and search his room. He should believe the Armory was the intended target and divert his attention there. We should have ample time to search, but let's get in and out before anyone notices anything suspicious!”

Flash Sentry nods. “That's actually quite the plan sir! Much better than the ones Ember told us about while you were gone!

“Hey! Those plans worked! For the most part…”

“Really? The way she described it, they succeeded more out of luck than planning.”

“Can't argue with that. However, this is too important! I can't risk any of us being exposed, as it would alert the captain to our true intentions. Now, does anyone have any questions or anything else to add to the plan?”

Everyone is silent.

“Good! I'll let you all know when I’m ready to begin the operation!”

The phone rings. Arc sits down to answer it.

“This is Arc.”

Raven’s voice comes through the receiver. “Commander, I have Xenos on the line. He needs to speak with you.”

“Patch him through.”

“Yes sir!”

After a brief silence they are connected. Xenos is standing at the nurse’s station. As they are connected, he straightens up and salutes!

“Reporting as ordered, sir!”

Arc, hearing Xenos’ armor shift shakes his head. “Xenos… are you saluting me over the phone?”

He puts his hood down quickly! “Uh… no sir!”

Arc chuckles. “Never mind that... how is Coco Pommel doing?”

“She just lost consciousness a few minutes ago! Her condition is deteriorating back to where it was before your earlier visit! The doctor has requested your immediate presence to discuss new treatment options!”

“I'm on my way!”

Arc hangs up the receiver quickly walks around the desk.

“Max, inform Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage that I am stepping out with Flash Sentry. He is in command until I return! Lieutenant, you're with me! Let's go!”

Arc and Flash Sentry walk quickly down the hallway!

“What is it sir? Monster attack? Enemy invasion? Cupcakes on sale?”

“Cute. Coco Pommel's condition is deteriorating rapidly! I need to get back there right away! With any luck my presence will bring her back to us!”

Flash Sentry’s face sobers. “I hope so sir! Miss Pommel is very important to a large number of our forces! Almost everypony stationed here at Light's Hope owes everything to her!”

The pair enter the Main Hall. Arc calls forth his gauntlet and turns to Raven.

“Raven, the lieutenant and I are heading over to Vanhoover Hospital. Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage is in command!”

“Very well sir!”

Arc activates the sigil and they are transported to New Beginning's Orphanage. Flash Sentry looks at the Orphanage with a sentimental look on his face.

Arc recalls his gauntlet. “You can take a trip down memory lane later, Lieutenant! We have things to do!”

Flash Sentry snaps back to reality. “Yes sir!”

The pair run toward Vanhoover Hospital and immediately head for Coco Pommel's room! The doctor and Xenos are standing by the bed! Flash Sentry slowly removes his helmet and lets it drop to the floor. He does not take his eyes off the failing mare in the bed as he walks slowly toward her. Xenos steps back respectfully as the lieutenant takes Coco Pommel’s hoof in his. A single tear escapes his eye as he chokes out the words.

“Miss Pommel... I'm sorry... for not being there... when you needed me...”

The doctor approaches Arc. “My latest examination of her shows that she has returned to her original condition. Again, her major organs are showing extreme fatigue! Frankly, I'm not sure how much more her already frail body can take, Hero of Light!”

Arc walks toward the bed. “Let me see if I can bring her around.”

Flash Sentry steps back respectfully after giving Coco Pommel’s hoof a final squeeze. Arc takes the frail hoof in his hand and holds it tightly.

“Coco Pommel, it's Arc. I'm here...”

A few minutes pass. Coco Pommel begins to stir slightly.

“Coco Pommel... listen to me! You’ve touched so many lives with your kindness and charity. Now we’re going to help you!”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks at Arc. “It… it happened again… didn’t it?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Coco Pommel looks up at him. “Arc... you can't stay... by my side... all the... time... Equestria needs... you. Please... don't risk everything... for my sake. I'm... not worth it!”

Arc squeezes Coco Pommel’s hoof. “Pretty much every soldier stationed at my base would disagree; as would I.”

Flash Sentry cautiously steps forward. “What the Commander says is true Miss Pommel! You were like a mother to all of us!”

She looks over to the voice. “Flash Sentry… is that you?”

“Yes, Miss Pommel. I'm surprised you remember me! It’s been years since we last saw each other!”

She smiles at him weakly. “I... remember all the... foals... whom I have... cared for... over the years.”

Flash Sentry takes her other hoof in his and looks Coco Pommel in the eye. “Miss Pommel... you are the most kindhearted individual I have ever met! Any soldier would gladly give their life for you! Please! You must stay strong! I... we all still need you!”

“Thank you... Flash Sentry... I will try...”

Arc looks at the doctor as he checks the various machines. “Doctor?”

“Once again, everything is slowly returning to near normal levels. I can't explain it!”

Arc sighs. “Doctor... might I suggest something a bit... radical?”

“Go ahead. I’m out of ideas.”

“Would it be at all possible for me to bring Coco Pommel back to my base in Ponyville right now? I can keep her close at hand and there are plenty of others around to keep an eye on her. That and I'm sure the orphans would love to have her stay with us at Light's Hope.”

Xenos looks to the doctor. “Love is the best medicine!”

“We humans have a similar saying, but I agree. What do you think, doctor?”

The doctor thinks for a moment. “Well... given the extreme circumstances, I am inclined, albeit against my better judgment, to allow this rather extreme treatment. I'll let the front desk know you will be leaving us Miss Pommel.”

The doctor turns back to Arc.

“Please see to it she receives around the clock care and attention! I know you have an entire base full of soldiers to carry out your will, Hero of Light, but... Miss Pommel's condition is precarious!

The doctor turns to a cabinet and removes a small medical bag. He fills it with a number of vials before giving the bag to Arc.

“Put the contents of one vial into either Coco Pommel's food or drink breakfast, lunch and supper. It will help speed the recovery process by providing her with extra nutrients. Please bear in mind that she may seem fine now that you are here Hero of Light, but her condition is still quite serious! I want her to rest as much as possible! Do you understand?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Don't worry about a thing. Coco Pommel is in good hands!”

“Thank you for doing this Hero of Light! I know you must be very busy...”

“That I am... but this is much more important a task then my current investigation!”

The doctor turns toward the door. “Well, I must see to my other patients. If there is any trouble, don't waste any time in getting Coco Pommel to the hospital!”

Arc walks toward the bed. Coco Pommel smiles at him weakly. “Thank you, Arc. Sorry for being such a burden.”

Xenos carefully pulls back the covers as Flash Sentry helps her sit up. He sees her severely malnourished body for the first time and turns away as the tears begin to flow!

“M-Miss Pommel! I’m… I’m sorry! I… I never knew…”

She nods. “Flash Sentry. Look at me!”

Flash Sentry slowly does so. Coco Pommel takes his face in her shaking hooves and looks him in the eye.

“...I just want you to know... if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would gladly do so! Don't blame yourself for my condition.”

“But…!”

She puts a hoof over his mouth.

“With Matron Tempest gone... after all this time... thanks to Arc, our nightmare is finally over. Xenos... Flash Sentry... the orphans... me... and all the ones whom I have loved over the years. We can finally begin to move past this terrible time in our lives... together.”

Handing the bag from the doctor to Flash Sentry, Arc moves to pick up Coco Pommel, but stops.

“I almost forgot!”

Arc walks over to the chair and picks up Coco Pommel’s robe. Very carefully he helps her put it on.

“I wouldn't want anyone to see you like this Coco Pommel...”

Xenos nods. Thank you for protecting Miss Pommel’s dignity, commander.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal to Light's Hope's Main Hall. Flash Sentry and Xenos step through. He leans down and carefully picks up Coco Pommel.

“It’s our turn next.”

As Arc walks toward the portal Coco Pommel looks up at him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for doing this.”

Arc smiles at Coco Pommel. “Just doing my best to protect and serve!”

He carries Coco Pommel through the portal and enters the Main Hall. His squad is waiting for them. Arc looks around the room before addressing his secretary.

“Raven? Where are the orphans?”

“They just went out back to play. Ember is with them. They’re trying to figure out that game you told them about the other day. What was it called again?”

“Baseball. Thanks Raven. I’ll see them after I take care of Coco Pommel here.”

Raven looks to the mare in Arc’s arms. “Oh my! Miss, are you all right?!”

She nods. “I will be. Thank you.”

“She’ll be staying with us for... an indefinite period of time. Raven, please have Saffron come to my office. I'll need an immediate consultation with her!”

“Yes, commander!”

Flash Sentry follows Arc carrying the bag of nutrients. Arc turns to his squad.

“I need some pillows and blankets brought to my office at once! We need to keep Coco Pommel warm!”

They salute and rush to do so!

“Not you, Xenos!”

Xenos stops and looks back at Arc, confused.

“Sir?”

“I want you to head back to your quarters and rest.”

Xenos looks at Coco Pommel, panicked! “But sir…!”

“That's an order! Don't worry, I'll stay by Coco Pommel's side the whole time you’re gone. I want you to rest now.”

Coco Pommel turns to Xenos and nods. “I'll be fine, Xenos. Obey your commander now.”

Xenos slowly walks toward his quarters. “…yes sir…”

The pair continue on toward Arc’s office.

“I'm sorry Arc. Please don't be angry at Xenos on my account! He's just worried about me!”

“I understand, and will forgive his insubordination.”

Arc carries Coco Pommel to his office and lays her down on one of the couches. He then puts some fresh wood in the fireplace and casts a fire spell. The wood quickly ignites! A few moments later there is a knock at the office door!

Arc recalls his gauntlet. “Come!”

His squad enters with several blankets and pillows for Coco Pommel. They do their best to make her comfortable.

Max gently raises Coco Pommel’s head as he slips a pillow under it. “How’s that, Miss Pommel?”

“Just fine, Max. Thank you!”

Hugh covers her with a blanket. “Is there anything we can get you?! Something to eat perhaps?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “Not at the moment, no. I think I would like to rest now.”

Saffron knocks lightly on the open door. Arc waves her in.

“Come in, Saffron!”

Arc turns to his troops.

“I'll take that bag Flash Sentry. All of you are dismissed.”

They salute, smile at Coco Pommel and leave the office.

Arc looks to Saffron and gestures to a nearby couch. “Have a seat, Saffron. I need your advice on how to proceed with something.

“Yes, commander.”

They sit down next to each other across from Coco Pommel.

“Coco Pommel, this is Saffron. She's the base chef. Saffron, I'd like you to meet Coco Pommel. She is going to be my guest until further notice.”

“Pleased to meet you, Miss Pommel!”

Coco Pommel lowers her hood and sits up as best she can.

“Likewise! And please, call me Coco Pommel. No need to be so formal.”

Saffron immediately notices Coco Pommel's gaunt face and thin hooves!

“Oh my! Miss... I mean... Coco Pommel, are you eating right?!”

Coco Pommel looks down at the floor.

Arc clears his throat. “That's what I need to speak with you about Saffron. Coco Pommel here has been malnourished for... an extended period of time. I need your help bringing her back to a healthy weight!”

He gives Saffron the bag of vials from the doctor at Vanhoover Hospital.

“The doctor has ordered that Coco Pommel's food or drink must contain the contents of one of these vials every meal! As you can see her body weight needs to come up, and I mean now! While I'm sure you're a very busy individual, I need you to carefully consider what to feed Coco Pommel to help her recover! Can you do it? I know I'm already asking a lot of you, what with all the orphans to feed in addition to Ember and I.”

“Yes Commander! And don't worry about the extra work! This is what I have been trained for. Although I do appreciate Dinky's help lately. Thank you for sending her to me!”

Arc looks confused. “I didn’t send her.”

“Oh! So, she just took the initiative? That shows a great deal of maturity!”

“I’ll have to tell her soon how proud I am of the fine lady she is becoming. Well, I won't keep you any longer. Thank you for taking the time to do this Saffron.”

“It's my pleasure Commander! Supper will be ready in a couple hours.”

Saffron leaves the office with the vials as Arc stands up and looks to Coco Pommel.

“Are you comfortable? If you need ANYTHING, please let me know!”

She shakes her head. “Thank you Arc, but I'm fine. Just a little bit tired that's all! I'm sure you have lots of work to do.”

Arc nods. “Alright.”

Arc walks back to his desk and reaches for the quill. His arm bumps the telephone and knocks it loudly to the floor! Coco Pommel screams and instinctively runs, or in her case hobbles, as fast as she can behind the other couch to put something between herself and the loud noise!

“Coco Pommel! I'm sorry! Are you all right?!”

Coco Pommel peeks out from behind the couch, shakily. “W-what was that?!”

Arc stands up and walks over to her. “My mistake. I accidentally knocked my phone off the desk!”

He wraps her in a blanket before carefully picking her up. Coco Pommel clings to him as tightly as she can! Her eyes are wide and tears stream down her face as she breathes heavily! Her eyes dart around the room frantically and she cannot seem to stop shaking! Arc carries her back to his desk chair and sits down with her in his arms.

“The doctor warned me about this.”

Coco Pommel opens her eyes slowly. She looks confused and terrified at the same time.

“W-w-warned you about… w-w-what?”

“He said it wasn't just your body that is in need of healing, but also you mind. You’ve lived in constant fear of the Matron for so long that you now act purely out of instinct.”

Coco Pommel looks down, still shaking. “I-I’m… s-sorry!”

“Don't be. This is not your fault! Coco Pommel listen to me...”

She slowly looks Arc in the eye as she continues to shake. Her front hooves remain on his shoulders.

“We are GOING to make you whole again! This I promise! You're not alone anymore! I'm right here!”

Coco Pommel puts her hooves around Arc’s neck and leans into his embrace. She cries uncontrollably!

“Th-thank you Arc! Thank you... so... much!”

Arc leans back and slowly rocks Coco Pommel back and forth, like a mother rocking a small child to sleep. He allows her to cry openly as he strokes her mane and whispers words of encouragement in her ear.

“Don't worry... you're safe here... you and all the orphans. I won't let any harm come to any of you.”

Coco Pommel cries herself to sleep in Arc’s arms.

Chapter 13 - Picking up the Pieces

Coco Pommel sleeps for over an hour. Slowly opening her eyes, she finds herself still in Arc’s arms. He smiles at her warmly as she pushes against his chest to sit up. As she meets his gaze Coco Pommel suddenly notices a cold, wet and smelly feeling coming from her flank. She blushes uncontrollably as she looks away!

“I... um... I didn't even notice I had to... um... sorry... for... um... getting you wet.”

Arc smiles at her. “Don't worry Coco Pommel. You didn't.”

“What? But... I can smell it!”

Arc nods. “Truth be told your accident happened when you jumped off the couch earlier. Although you are going to need a change of robe.”

Coco Pommel looks over to the couch and sees a puddle on the floor. She looks back at Arc, mortified!

“Arc, I am SO sorry for making you hold a wet and smelly mare like me for as long as you did!”

“Don't worry about it! I won't tell anyone.”

He slowly stands and carries a still blushing Coco Pommel over to the other couch and sets her down for a moment. Grabbing his Magic Cloak off a hook he quickly puts it on and cloaks himself.

Coco Pommel looks at where Arc stood just a moment ago, surprised! “Arc?! How did you…?”

“This is how I was able to stay with Dinky at the Orphanage without being seen.”

He reaches toward Coco Pommel, carefully picks her up and pulls her inside the cloak. She looks up at him.

“Where are we going?”

As Arc walks toward the door. “We need to get you cleaned up in time for supper. I don't want the orphans to see you like this!”

Coco Pommel nods as the pair leave Arc's office and walk silently down the hallway. Several times an orphan or two would run towards them! But Arc would move to the hall's edge and stay still until they passed. Eventually they reach Arc's quarters. Entering his quarters, Arc decloaks and sets Coco Pommel down on the couch.

Arc removes his cloak and tosses it aside. “Alright Coco Pommel. Ready to get cleaned up?”

She nods weakly. “Yes, but you really don't have to...”

He looks down at her. “Do you think you have the strength to clean yourself?”

Coco Pommel looks down at the floor, sheepishly. Arc nods and heads for the bathroom.

“Don't worry about it Coco Pommel. I'll do what I can to make sure you look your best for supper!”

Arc gets the water going in the shower and adjusts the temperature. He then returns to the living room and carefully unwraps her and removes the soiled robe from Coco Pommel. Arc picks her up carefully and walks her over to the shower. As gently as he can, Arc begins the slow process of gently washing her frail body. He takes special care in washing her mane and tail for her.

Coco Pommels lies on the floor of the shower as Arc gently rubs soap into her coat. “Arc? Can I ask you something?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“How are the orphans doing? I mean, are any of them... like me?”

Arc stops rubbing. “You mean, are any of them... traumatized?”

She nods slowly. “…yes…”

He continues with his work. “They were a bit... quiet... the first morning. But ever since then they have progressively gotten better! You saw a few of them in the halls on the way here. What did you think?”

Coco Pommel slowly turns her head to looks up at Arc with a smile. “I... I think... you would have made a wonderful father to any of them! Although I do wish I could have done more…”

“You did more than you know Coco Pommel! You're a hero to these orphans!”

She shakes her head. “No Arc. I'm not like you! You're the real hero here! All I did was keep them company, fed as best I could and wiped their noses...”

Arc nods. “Like a mother would.”

“I wouldn't go that far! They will grow up and leave the Orphanage behind, as I hoped they would. As all the rest before them have for as long as I can remember.”

“Trust me Coco Pommel. You’ve done more for them than I ever could! All I did was take them away from Matron Tempest. It was you who made sure their day to day needs were taken care of!”

She looks down at the shower floor and begins to tear up.

“Are you all right Coco Pommel? Did I get soap in your eyes?!”

Moving faster than Arc thought she was currently capable of, Coco Pommel suddenly throws her hooves around his neck and cries again!

“Thank you Arc! Thank you so, so much for all you have done for the orphans!”

Returning the hug with a tear is his own eye. “No, Coco Pommel. Thank YOU!”

She suddenly draws back quite embarrassed!

“I'm sorry Arc! I didn't mean to get you all wet!”

“Not to worry. I was already quite soggy before you did that.”

Arc finishes washing her coat, mane and tail.

“There you go... all clean! Would you please stay in the shower a bit longer though? I'll be back in a few minutes.”

Coco Pommel lies back down in the shower. “Um… okay.”

Arc leaves the bathroom. There is a flash of light from the Living Room as a sigil is placed and activated. Several minutes later Arc returns to the bathroom.

“Coco Pommel? Are you ready to get dried off?”

She nods. “Yes, please.”

Arc turns off the water and carefully helps Coco Pommel step out of the shower. He then takes great care in drying her with a soft, fluffy bath towel.

Coco Pommel lies on the floor, a smile on her face. “It feels like I'm being dried by a cloud!”

“Only the best towels here, straight from my personal quarters in Canterlot Castle!”

“Canterlot Castle?!”

“I never use my room in the castle anyways. It seemed a waste to let them sit there and collect dust.”

Having dried her off, Arc carries Coco Pommel back to the living room and sets her down in front of the warm fireplace on the couch.

“Would you excuse me for a few minutes? I need to get changed into some dry clothes.”

Coco Pommel looks embarrassed. “I'm sorry!”

Arc disappears into his room and emerges a few minutes later, freshly changed.

“That's better! Now how's about we do something about your mane?”

Arc pulls out one of Derpy's brushes and does his best to make Coco Pommel's mane and tail presentable.

“That's the best I can do. I hope it's good enough!”

“I'm sure it's better than I could have managed right now. You've done so much for me Arc!”

“One last thing before we head out.”

Arc walks over to the counter and picks something up before returning to Coco Pommel’s side.

“I went back to the Orphanage and picked you up a couple spare robes.”

Coco Pommel smiles at him. “Thank you, but you really didn't have to do that.”

“Oh yes I did! The orphans don't need to see you like this!”

She looks down at her frail looking body. “…I guess I do still look a fright, huh?”

Arc helps her put on the robe. “Darn right! We’re going to fix that though!”

“How?”

“By starting with a good supper! You hungry?”

“Starved!”

Arc looks at the wall clock. “I can believe that! The hospital nutrition IVs probably don't really satisfy your hunger. Well, all the orphans should be in the Cafeteria right now. Would you like to see them?”

Coco Pommel’s face lights up like a Christmas tree! “Yes!”

“Well, let's get a move on then! I'm hungry too!”

Arc carefully picks up Coco Pommel and carries her to the cafeteria. As the near the open doors the sounds of foals talking and laughing can be heard. He looks down at his charge to see she has closed her eyes and is smiling.

“Are you alright?”

She nods happily! “You can't imagine how long I have dreamed of hearing this sound...”

Arc says nothing, but smiles at Coco Pommel as he carries her into the Cafeteria. Pipsqueak sees Arc enter the Cafeteria. His face brightens when he sees who is with him!

“MISS POMMEL!!!”

All th foals look and immediately flock over to Arc! They surround the pair, all talking at once and bouncing around! Coco Pommel look at Arc, tears in the corners of her eyes.

“Thank you Arc... the picture before me... is more glorious than I could have imagined!”

Arc nods and turns to the foals. “Now, now, settle down! I need to tell you all something important!”

The foals settle down as Arc and Coco Pommel look over the sea of smiling faces!

“Now, while Coco Pommel will be staying here with us, she is still very weak and fragile! I'm going to need all of you to do your part to help bring Coco Pommel back to full health!

Pipsqueak raises his hoof! “What do we need to do?!”

“I mostly need to eat properly... and rest.”

Arc nods. “Like right now, Coco Pommel needs to eat. I think we all do!”

The foals part to allow Arc and Coco Pommel to pass. They head over to the buffet. Aquamarine looks over to her protector.

“You can go first Miss Pommel! We're not really all that hungry, are we?”

The foals all shake their heads, happily!

“That's very thoughtful of you all, but Saffron has made a special meal for Coco Pommel. Pipsqueak, can you let Miss Saffron know Coco Pommel and I are here please?”

“Sure!”

Pipsqueak hurries to the kitchen as the rest of the foals get back in line at the buffet.

Arc sets her down on a stool before sitting down next to her. “I think you’re in for a treat, Coco Pommel. My chef is a gem!”

A Royal Guard enters the Cafeteria. When he sees Coco Pommel sitting with Arc, his eyes widen and he runs out of the room!

Coco Pommel smiles! “To be lauded with such high praise from the Hero of Light himself, she must be quite special!”

A few moments later Saffron emerges from the kitchen with Coco Pommel's food and a separate plate for Arc.

“Here you are! I hope you like it!”

Coco Pommel nods as Saffron. “Thank you very much!”

She eats hungrily as Saffron sets a fish plate before Arc.

“Thanks, Saffron!”

“I'm trying a new recipe. Let me know if you like it!”

Saffron returns to the kitchen. Arc takes a few bites and looks around to see all the foals staring silently at Coco Pommel! They have never witnessed her eat so well and can't seem to take their eyes off of her! There are tears of joy and smiles on every face!

“This... really is quite good! Thank you for supper Arc!”

“It's my pleasure Coco Pommel to see you eat so well.”

As they finish their meal, Flash Sentry and what very well may be every Royal Guard under Arc's command enters the Cafeteria together, followed by Arc's squad. The room grows silent as they approach Coco Pommel.

Coco Pommel turns around to face them, confused. “Flash Sentry? What... is all this?”

The guards silently form ranks behind the lieutenant. They move to a kneeling position with their heads bowed respectfully. Flash Sentry takes a few steps toward Coco Pommel, removes his helmet, kneels and looks his childhood friend in the eye.

“Commander, please forgive the intrusion.”

Arc smiles and nods.

"Miss Pommel, I'm sorry to interrupt your meal but...the troops and I just wanted to let you know how much you meant to us growing up! And not just to us, but to every member of the Equestrian military! You probably don't know this, but your name is spoken in reverence amongst the soldiers!"

The troops, still kneeling, remove their helmets as one!

“I'm sure you see more than a few familiar faces here. My orphan brothers and I come now to thank you. But the others couldn't resist the opportunity to meet the legendary Miss Pommel face to face! Thank you, ma’am... for everything!”

There are tears in every soldier’s eyes. Arc turns to Coco Pommel.

“Still think you’re not a hero?”

Coco Pommel looks to Arc, tears in her own eyes! “I... don't know what to think. But I know what I have to do...”

She slowly moves to hop down from her chair. Flash Sentry quickly moves to help her down! Coco Pommel embraces him warmly! Then she slowly moves down the line and hugs every soldier, calling many of them by name! Having hugged every guard, she returns to stand before them with a smile.

“It was the honor of a lifetime to have a hoof in raising many of you. I didn't know until just now how much I meant to you all! Thank you for telling me! But... my job isn't over yet. I want all of you to look around.”

The troops do so.

“The little ones around you are the orphans of today. I have always done my best to be there for you, and now, for them. But... please know that if not for the Hero of Light, I wouldn't be standing here today!”

All the orphans stand up and walk over to stand with the soldiers in front of their caretaker as Coco Pommel continues.

“You may think me a hero for my past deeds, but I want you all to know one thing... Arc, is MY hero!

Coco Pommel turns to Arc and slowly kneels. The orphans do so as well

“Arc, I owe you my life! As do the orphans that you bravely stood up for against the tyranny of Matron Tempest! Thank you, Hero of Light! Thank you for standing up for the weak and downtrodden!”

Arc kneels down and hugs Coco Pommel. “And I want all of you to know... Coco Pommel is MY hero! It takes a special individual to do what she has done for years!”

Meanwhile, Ember walks into the cafeteria, surveys the scene before her and walks back out.

“Somehow, I think I missed something here...”

After the meal has concluded Arc invites Coco Pommel and the orphans to his quarters for some quiet time together in front of the fireplace. The orphans crowd around Coco Pommel and lie on the floor next to her. They tell her all the fun they have had since arriving at Light's Hope and how happy they are to have her back!

Arc sits on the couch behind them and smiles. “Ah... picture perfect. I wish all my exploits ended as perfectly as this one did.”

Coco Pommels looks around at the happy foals surrounding her. “Time for bed, little ones! Tomorrow is another day!”

Pipsqueak yawns. “But Miss Pommel we’re not even tired!”

She giggles. “Don't worry Pipsqueak. We can have more fun tomorrow.”

Aquamarine looks over at her. “Miss Pommel? Are you going to stay here with us?”

She smiles at the filly. “Yes Aquamarine! I'm not going anywhere!”

Coco Pommel leads the orphans slowly to the Barracks as Arc follows then from a short distance and waits in the hallway. When they reach the Barracks the foals all brush their teeth and slowly climb into bed. Coco Pommel looks around to make sure all the orphans are properly covered before walking toward the door.

“Good night little ones! Sleep tight, and remember tomorrow is another day.”

Pipsqueak looks up. “Miss Pommel?”

“Yes Pipsqueak, what is it?”

“I... I missed you! Please don't ever leave us again!”

She walks over to him and nuzzles the top of his head. “I won’t. Now you go to sleep.”

“GOODNIGHT MISS POMMEL!”

Coco Pommel slowly walks out the Barracks door. As she closes it behind her, she turns toward Arc with a weak smile!

“It's a nice feeling... to be able to put them to bed and actually be hopeful for tomorrow!”

“If I have anything to say about it, this will be the new normal!”

She smiles weakly up at him. “Yes, I…”

Coco Pommel suddenly collapses to her knees! Arc steps over to her quickly!

“Coco Pommel!”

She breathes heavily as Arc carefully picks her up. “I'm... alright... I think I just... overdid it a little bit.”

“How about I get you to bed now?”

She nods. “I... guess that would be a good idea.”

Arc carries Coco Pommel to his quarters and lays her in Ember's bed. He covers her with the blankets and chuckles. “Good night Coco Pommel. Remember, tomorrow is another adventure!”

She smiles weakly. “With you around Arc, I can just imagine!”

Arc lies down on his own bed. “I better take my own advice. Tomorrow is going to be quite the day for me!”

Coco Pommel turns over and smiles at him. “Will it be as selfless an act as changing the lives of two dozen orphans and one caregiver?”

“Not quite. However, it will take every ounce of strength, courage and determination I have in me!”

“Oh dear! Please be careful Arc!”

“Don’t worry! I’ve never lost a battle to my arch nemesis before! PAPERWORK!!!”

The pair enjoy a good laugh together!

“Care to help me with it, Coco Pommel?”

She laughs! “Very well! I will aid you in your battle against paperwork!”

“Thanks... well good night!”

Coco Pommel closes her eyes. “Good night, Arc.”

Chapter 14 - Night Terrors

The pair are soon fast asleep. Several hours later Arc is awakened by the sound of blood curdling screams! Jumping out of bed, he sees Coco Pommel thrashing around violently. She appears absolutely terrified!

Arc grabs Coco Pommel and gently shakes her awake! “Coco Pommel! Wake up!”

Her eyes fly open! Even in the low light from the moon Arc can see they are filled with terror and desperation! Coco Pommel throws her hooves around Arc as he pulls her into an embrace! She shakes uncontrollably and sobs for quite some time!

“Arc! Are you hurt?!”

“Coco Pommel! I’m fine! It was just a dream!”

Her eyes dart around the room frantically! “Are… are you sure?! It felt so real!”

Arc nods. “Yes! There’s no one here but the two of us!

A groggy voice from behind Arc rings out. “You mean the three of us.”

Still holding Coco Pommel, Arc narrows his eyes, refusing to look behind him. “Ember? Is that you?”

“Who else would it be?”

She gets up and sits on the edge of the bed.

“Miss? It's going to be okay! Arc and I are here and nothing is going to hurt you!”

Coco Pommel slowly turns her head to look at the unfamiliar voice. Upon seeing a dragon, she explodes into fresh hysterics! Burying her face in Arc’s chest again as she wraps all four of her legs around Arc’s midsection in a viselike grip!

“ARC! IT'S A MONSTER!!!”

Arc strokes her mane. “That's no monster. It's just another friend of mine!”

He turns to looks at Ember.

“Ember… of all the times…”

Ember looks at him, irritated. “What? How was I supposed to know there was someone in my bed? It's not like I ever sleep in it anyways!”

Arc rolls his eyes at her before turning his attention back to Coco Pommel. “It's okay Coco Pommel! Ember is a good friend! She won't hurt you. In fact, she would be the first to protect you!”

Coco Pommel slowly loosens her grip on Arc as she looks back at Ember. Her eyes are still filled with tears and she continues to tremble.

“Um... okay. I'm... sorry... for calling you... a monster... miss...”

“Name’s Ember.”

“Well... if Arc says you're okay, then I believe him.”

Arc nods. “Feeling better?”

She sniffles. “A little.”

“Want to talk about it?”

Coco Pommel lays her head against Arc’s chest again and speaks softly. “I... I had a dream that... Matron Tempest... killed you, Arc! She just stood over your body... laughing! Then she turned back into a monster!”

“That was just a dream! I'm not going to fall so easily to anything!”

Ember cracks her knuckles and brandishes her claws! “That witch tries anything, and I'll tear her throat out!”

“After a while she looked over to me with the most wicked grin on her face!”

Coco Pommel has a faraway look on her face as she recalls her dream. The Angel of Darkness stands over Arc’s lifeless body. His armor broken, spear shattered and blood is everywhere! She looks down at her prey, his blood on her hooves!

“At last! Arc's soul is now MINE!!! Now nothing can stand against me!”

She looks over at Coco Pommel and smiles a wicked smile! “Thank you Coco Pommel! I owe this all to you!”

Coco Pommel, sickened by the sight before her, can only stare! “N-no! Arc! Matron! How could you?!”

The Angel of Darkness waves dismissively as she hovers a few feet above the ground. “Fear not! I will stand against the coming evil and defend Equestria from it using the power of Darkness! Coco Pommel, this day marks the end of the Hero of Light, and the beginning of... the Hero of... Darkness!”

The Angel of Darkness laughs at Coco Pommel's sadness as darkness closes in all around her and threatens to smother her! Coco Pommel can only thrash around, unable to stop the advance of the darkness!

Coco Pommel finishes her story and looks into Arc’s eyes, sadly. “...and that's when I woke up to you shaking me. I'm sorry for being such a coward! Being afraid of Matron Tempest even after she is dead and gone!”

Arc looks to Coco Pommel, but does not say anything.

“Arc... please... tell me... is Matron Tempest really dead?”

“I'm sorry you had to go through all this, Coco Pommel. I... I wish I could assure you that Tempest is indeed gone forever, but the truth is the princesses and I really aren't sure.”

Ember again looks angry. “Don't you worry Coco Pommel! If she tries to get anywhere near Arc, I'll show her what it means to become the hunted!”

“Her spear, Light's Bane, is safely locked away in Canterlot Castle's Royal Armory. There is no more secure place in all of Equestria! So, at the very least she can't call upon its power to take any more souls. Mine included!”

“Are… are you sure?!”

“Yes! Of that much I am! I hope that puts your mind at ease.”

“It does, if only a little.”

“I'll speak to the princesses tomorrow about this. Perhaps they can suggest a proper course of action in the event Tempest does return. Now, we should all get some sleep.

Arc moves to lay Coco Pommel back down, but she does not let go of him.

“Please Arc! Don’t leave me!”

He nods and carries the frantic mare to the living room. “Okay. Let's sit in front of the fireplace. That always helps me!”

The trio heads to the couch and sits in front of the fireplace. Ember covers Arc and Coco Pommel with a blanket.

“Thank you, Miss Ember.”

“Please, just call me Ember... everyone else does.”

Coco Pommels nods and turns her gaze back to Arc. “Um… Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Do you always sleep with a dragon in your bed?”

Ember laughs! “Every chance I get!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not if I can help it, no. Ember is just... very hard to dissuade.”

Ember looks remorseful. “I'm sorry that I frightened you!”

Coco Pommel has finally stopped shaking. “It's okay. I'm sorry for waking you two up at such an hour with my dream.”

Arc strokes her mane. “Don't worry about it! I'm here for you whenever you may need me, day or night!”

Coco Pommel smile up at him. “Arc... thanks for being such a good friend to me! But... I don't feel like I can go back to sleep now.”

Arc stands up. “How about I show you two what I do when I can't sleep.”

“Um... okay.”

Ember looks surprised! “You have insomnia, Arc?”

“Not insomnia, but... well, you'll see...”

Arc picks up Coco Pommel and carries her out the door with Ember following closely behind. They make their way to the Kitchen. Derpy and Dinky are sitting at the kitchen table talking over a plate of muffins. Dinky’s cheeks are wet with tears.

He sets Coco Pommel down on a chair and looks to Derpy. “What are you two doing up at this hour?”

“Dinky had a bit of a bad dream. Her and I were just talking it out...”

“I think I can help with that. Just give me a moment!”

Arc grabs a container out of the refrigerator containing what appears to be dough.

Coco Pommel watches intently. “Are you making rolls?

“Not exactly. It's a very popular human food and is sometimes referred to as "comfort food". Considering the circumstances, I can't think of a better time to share this with you all!”

Arc dusts the counter with flour. He then grabs a rolling pin out of a drawer and rolls the dough flat. Producing a large round pan from below the counter, he puts the dough on it and again heads for the fridge.

“Let’s see here…”

Arc pulls out some grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese and some tomato sauce.

Ember watches him, confused. “What are you going to make with that?!”

“You’ll see.”

Arc walks back to the dough and spreads a layer of tomato sauce on it. He then evenly distributes the cheese with his fingers before turning on the oven.

“Now all we have to do it wait for the oven to preheat!”

He returns to the table and sits down next to Dinky.

“Do you want to tell me about your dream sweetheart?”

Dinky nervously clops her hooves together as she looks down at the table and sniffles. “It was back at the Orphanage. Just after mom... died. I saw the two of you lying in the mud! I tried to run to you... to save you both, but... the harder I ran, the further away you both became!”

Derpy lovingly pats Dinky’s head. “I think the emotional strain of my death was too much for Dinky to handle!”

Arc takes Dinky’s hoof and holds it. “Dinky. I'm sure what you experienced back then was truly horrifying! You watched you mother die, and there wasn't a damn thing you could do about it!”

He looks suddenly pained.

“I… know just how you feel.”

“Dad?”

Arc nods as he looks his daughter in the eye. “I went through the same thing. Only in my case, it wasn't a dream.”

Derpy looks up surprised! “Arc! You mean...?”

“Yes Derpy. I too watched my mother die. It was many years ago, but... well, you never quite get over it.”

“I'm sorry Arc! That time you were with me in the Dream World as you learned about my past! It must have been difficult for you, seeing... that!”

“It was indeed, but... I knew I had to be strong, for your sake!”

Derpy nods as she looks away sadly. Dinky takes her father’s hand in her small hooves and looks up at him. “Dad... want to talk about it?”

Arc gives Dinky a small smile. “You’re such a kind-hearted filly, Dinky.”

Dinky nods. “I think I have you to thank for that, dad!”

He sighs. “Alright. I suppose you should know about your grandmother.”

Arc closes his eyes and smiles.

“I admit, I haven't spoken her name in longer than I can remember. She was a very kind and gentle woman. I do wish she could have met you, but... at the same time, I’m glad she didn't.

Coco Pommel, Derpy and Dinky stare at Arc with confused looks on their faces, but Arc does not notice.

“My mother was what we humans would call a ‘stay at home mom’. Meaning she didn't have a job other than keeping the house and taking care of me. My father was in the military, so he wasn't home very often.”

“Was he a hero as well?”, Coco Pommel inquires.

“To tell you the truth... I don't know.”

Derpy appears confused. “What do you mean, Arc?”

“My father never talked about his adventures outside the home. As a young boy, I liked to imagine that he was a great and noble hero who protected the weak and stood up for what was right!”

“Like you dad?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I suppose so... but for all I know he could have been a horrible person who carried out the military's dirty work!”

Derpy looks over to Arc with a serious look on her face. “If your father is anything like you Arc, I find that very hard to believe!”

“I hope you’re right Derpy. But let’s just stick with my mother for now. You see… she became what humans call… an alcoholic.”

“Dad? What’s an alcoholic?”

“It's... when someone decides that alcohol is more important than those around them! Drinking and getting drunk become their only pastime! It's really quite sad to see.”

Derpy looks back to Arc. “I see... is that why you didn’t go to Sweet Apple Acres the last time they had a party?”

Arc nods sadly. “Yes Derpy. I want no part of the substance... that took my mother away from me!”

He looks to Dinky.

“Now sweetheart, I just want you to know that I’m not against adults drinking in moderation! But because of my mother’s addiction, even the smell of it just makes me sick!”

Arc pauses before continuing. The memories coming back to him slowly.

“As time went on, she spent more and more of our money on supporting her habit! Before that time, my mother had been an avid gardener. Her and I used to spend many happy hours planting, weeding and harvesting her vegetable garden together. That all stopped when she became an alcoholic.”

He folds his hands and sighs before continuing.

“At first, I tended my mother's garden as an excuse to get out of the house. It was dirty, smelled bad, and was filled with her grumblings and alcoholic rantings. But as time went on, I found I had to expand the garden, several times over in fact! Eventually, my mother was spending almost all our money to support her habit! And I found I had to work very hard to grow enough food so we could eat!”

Derpy gets up to put the pan in the now preheated oven. “What did your mother do all day?!”

“Mostly just lie around and complain about everything. My dad, the condition of the house, our lack of money, the weather... pretty much anything that crossed her mind. And that's when she wasn't sleeping off a hangover.”

Coco Pommel appears worried. “Didn't she have any other family, or perhaps friends who cared about her?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. The friends she had left her one by one the deeper she got into her bottles. My grandparents had died by that time. Not sure if we had any other family in the area. But I never saw or heard of anyone trying to help her, so I'm assuming no. This went on for several years, until one day she called me into her room.”

Arc closes his eyes and shudders.

“I'll never forget what I saw when I entered. She was lying there on the bed, unwashed as usual, and surrounded by empty bottles. But this time was... different. She looked so sick! Her skin was a yellow hue and she looked ready to vomit at any time! She was rambling, much like she did when she was drunk, but I could tell this time was different. While she was still confused, there was something different in her voice that time...”

He closes his eyes and returns to the memories of his past…

A young Arc, roughly ten years old is working outside in the garden when he hears his mother calling to him from her bedroom window. Sighing, he stands and walks inside, proceeds up the familiar stairs and enters her mother’s room. She glares at him!

“Arc! Come here!”

He walks slowly enters the room. “Yes, mom?”

“I said COME HERE! I want to talk to you!”

The young man does so.

“Arc, it's a parent's job to give their children advice, so they will know how to act when they grow up! I haven't done so yet, and want to before I die!”

Arc looks at her confuse. “Mom? What are you talking about?!”

“SHUT UP AND LISTEN!”

He instinctively draws back, but decides to listen to her words.

“Arc, people are scum! You're better off alone! And don't you dare trust anyone further than you can throw them!”

“Why’s that, mom?”

“Because they’re only concerned with what they can get from you! Nobody REALLY cares about anyone other than themselves! If someday you ever meet someone who needs a leg up... don't help! They certainly wouldn't do the same for you! If you see someone who is in trouble, leave them to their fate! If they're not strong enough to make it on their own, then they don't deserve to live!”

Arc looks worriedly at his mother. “But mom! What about you?!”

She narrows her eyes. “What about me?”

“You... don't look too good. Please let me call the doctor!”

“WHAT DID I JUST GET DONE TELLING YOU?! If someone can't handle it on their own, they don't deserve to live! But don't worry, I'll be gone soon. I can feel it...”

Arc begins to cry! “Mom… please don’t go! I can’t lose you!”

“After I’m gone, you will have a chance to become strong Arc. I've been holding you back all this time. Tell me son... why do you think I drink so much?”

“Because... dad’s gone?”

She chuckles. “Not really... It's because I know I can never be strong like he is! Now... don't you follow in my footsteps! Grow strong enough to take what you want in life! Just keep moving forward! Don't... look... back...”

Her eyes close and she stops breathing.

Arc’s eyes grow wide! “Mom? MOM!!!”

No one speaks as Arc sits there silently.

“I... called the ambulance but... it was already too late. She was... gone. Just like she said she would be. The police turned me over to Child Protective Services. Just like my mom, they too were unable to reach my father. I had no family, so I was sent to...”

Arc seems to be having trouble forming the words. Coco Pommel places a hoof on his hand as he looks her in the eye.

“...I was sent to live in an Orphanage.”

Derpy looks to her friend, wide-eyed! “Arc! That means...!”

Arc sighs as he turns his gaze to Derpy and nods. “Yes Derpy. For all intents and purposes... I'm an orphan.”

“Dad…”

“So THAT’S why you were so determined to investigate the Orphanage personally!”

He nods. “Yes Ember. The Orphanage I was sent to wasn't much better than New Beginnings. It was staffed by employees who could care less about the wards in their care! The food was terrible, and those who aged out of the program were completely unprepared for life in the real world! Nowhere to go, no job, no money, no bank account... no future. All the friends I made there... almost all of them joined the military. If for no other reason than to have a roof over their heads and food on the table.”

Coco Pommel hangs her head sadly. “Just like the foals at New Beginnings!”

Derpy sighs. “I guess humans and ponies aren't much different after all.”

“We both have our faults, Derpy. It's where we go from there that really counts.”

“Dad, if all your friends joined the human military, why didn't you?”

“It's not that I didn't consider it, but... to tell you the truth I didn't want to become part of the organization that took my father away from me. Although, as the Hero of Light... I guess I am technically part of the Equestrian military. But unlike my friends, I had someplace to go home to.”

Ember looks at him confused. “What do you mean? I thought you said you didn't have any other family!”

“I didn't. On my 18th birthday, I left the Orphanage and walked for 3 days to get back to my old house, expecting it to be in quite a state of disrepair! What I found when I arrived was shocking!”

Derpy nervously asks. “Was it really that bad?!”

“Quite the opposite actually! The house appeared untouched by the sands of time! It was just as it was when I last saw it! The only difference was it was the inside was actually clean.”

Ember stares at Arc, her eyebrow raised. “But how?!”

“I don't know for sure but the only logical conclusion I have is that my dad had something to do with it! There was what appeared to be a birthday present of some kind for me on the table. Opening the lid and peering inside I found several items. The first was a framed picture of my mother and father sitting on either side of me as a very young child. Next, I found my parent's wedding rings, which a jeweler had linked together.”

Coco Pommel smiles! “That's beautiful, Arc! I'm sure your parents loved you very much. Even if they weren't very good at showing it.”

He sighs and nods. “I'm sure they did. At least in their own way. The third item was my parent's last will and testament. In it, they left me every last worldly possession of theirs. Attached to it was the deed to our property, with me listed as the owner.”

Arc appears momentarily lost in thought as he turns to Ember.

“Ember, would you take the pan out of the oven please? It smells done.”

Ember does so. She sets the pan on the counter to cool as Dinky walks over to Arc and jumps in his lap. She hugs him tightly!

Arc smiles and returns the hug. “Thank Dinky. I needed that! Now, would you like to hear what else was in the box?”

“Only if you want to tell us. I know this must be difficult for you, dad.”

“I do. It feels good to finally tell someone about it! The fourth item in the box was a bank card with my name on it. When I took it to the bank later, I found that my father's wages had continued to be deposited over the years! Which meant he was still out there... somewhere!”

Ember sighs. “Did you EVER find out what happened to him?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I never saw him again.”

“Do you miss him, dad?”

“I did when I was little, but... as I grew up the memories of him faded. Although there are still questions I wish I could ask him, I no longer feel sad and alone.”

He smiles and looks to Derpy and Dinky.

“After all, I now have a family of my own. And I won't abandon you two... ever!”

The trio come together in a loving embrace. As they finish, Arc stands up and walks over to the counter.

“I guess I had better cut this.”

He does so and puts the pan in the center of the table.

“My mother and I used to make this every Friday. Cheese pizza! Humans love to put different meats and vegetables on their pizza. Sometimes even fruit! I'm a traditionalist though.”

All assembled partake of the cheesy goodness. Ember smiles!

“Hey! This is pretty good!”

Derpy giggles as she wipes a bit of sauce from Dinky’s mouth. “It tastes like sunshine and rainbows!”

“This is awesome, dad!”

Coco Pommel eats hungrily! “I’ve never heard of pizza before, but I like it!”

“I'm glad! The recipe was supposedly handed down from generation to generation. Someday I will pass it on to you, Dinky!”

Dinky looks at her father, a spot of sauce still on her chin. “Thanks dad!”

“There was one last item in the box that was left to me. An envelope with a strange looking key in it. A short note in the envelope said it was to the old chest in the basement that had been there for as long as I could remember. I never knew what was in it, and neither did my mother. She only said that it was important to my father, as my grandfather had left it to him. Something that had been passed down through many generations.”

Ember looks to Arc greedily! “What was in it?! Bits? Jewels?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t know.”

Dinky looks to her father surprised! “Didn’t you open it?”

“I did try! The key fit into the lock and turned like new! But for some reason I couldn’t open the lid! Like it was stuck, or something! So, I went back upstairs. Years passed, and I never tried it again. Sometimes I kinda wonder what is in there. Maybe one day I'll know!”

Coco Pommel looks up from her food. “So... what happened next? I mean, if you want to talk about it, that is!”

“The seasons came and went. I spent most of my time tending the garden. Although I no longer needed the food it yielded to survive, doing so made me feel closer to my mother. When I wasn't gardening, I was practicing my cooking skills with my garden's bounty. In the back of my mind I still hoped that my father would one day come home and I could cook him a decent meal!”

“My father and I have always been distant as well, ever since my mother... well... took the Big Sleep as we dragons call it. I guess you and I have something else in common Arc. Our mothers are both gone and our fathers aren't exactly... accessible.”

“Thanks Ember. Do you... miss your mother as I do?”

“Dragons are taught from a young age that the Big Sleep is just another unavoidable phase in life. It's not something we fear, but we look forward to being reunited with our ancestors!”

Dinky yawns as does Derpy. Arc looks at the pair and smiles!

“Why don't the two of you head back to bed now? You both look ready to fall asleep right here!”

Derpy nods. “Okay. Come along Dinky.”

Dinky runs towards Arc and throws her hooves around him! She looks up at him with concern in her eyes! “Dad? You won't ever disappear on us one day, will you?”

Arc smiles at her and shakes his head. “No Dinky! I'll always be here to look after you and your mother! This I promise!”

“Thanks dad! Well goodnight!”

Ember, Arc and Coco Pommel wave goodbye. Ember stands up and stretches!

“I think I will see if I can catch some more Z's. Coming Arc?”

“I’ll pass, Ember.”

She shrugs as she heads for the door. “Suit yourself.”

Coco Pommels smiles after her. “Good night, Ember!”

Arc turns back to Coco Pommel. “Can I take you back to bed as well?”

She shakes her head. “No thank you. I'm still wide awake.”

“Well, how about we take a look at some of that paperwork?

Coco Pommel smiles. “Sounds like fun!”

Arc chuckles as he stands up. “Believe me... it isn't.”

“It is if you’re doing it with a friend!”

“I guess you got me there!”

Arc picks her up and the pair walk to his office. He sets her down on one of the couches and allows her to make herself comfortable.

“So, what kind of paperwork do you want to focus on?”

“Well... to tell you the truth, Flash Sentry and I may have... plundered Matron Tempest's office the other day. I need to go through her files and see if I can learn anything from them. Do you have any knowledge of her filing system?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “The Matron was very strict about her files and never let me near them! Sorry I can't be of more help.”

Arc walks over to one of the filing cabinets and opens the drawer. “It's alright. Let's see here... how about we start with the orphan's records? I wouldn't mind knowing a little more about them!”

“I suppose it’s a start!”

He pulls out the records and sits down on the couch with the pile between him and Coco Pommel. They each grab a file and start reading. Each file begins with a rather sad looking photo of the foal in question.

Coco Pommel reads the file in her hooves carefully. “Wow, the Matron was sure to record everything they did! There’re even pages of stats measuring their physical prowess as well as intellect!”

Arc frowns as he discovers the same. “I think she was more interested in cataloging them then caring about them!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Your probably right. She never really struck me as the motherly type.”

The pair go through the pile. There isn't much that isn't already known. Arc picks up the last file and opens it.

As he looks at the enclosed photo. “Hey, it's Aquamarine's friend! Let's see here... not much of real interest here... wait! WHAT?!”

“Arc” What did you find?!”

“You remember how you said that the Matron was supposed to locate any living relatives?!”

“Yes. What about it?”

Arc continues to look over the file! “The Matron did indeed find a relative! She just never acted on it! The family is living right here in Ponyville!

Coco Pommel sits up excitedly! “Arc! Are you saying, one of the orphans can be placed in a real home?!”

Arc smiles and nods! “Yes! I can vouch for the character of the family. They're good friends of mine!”

He looks out the window. The sun is just beginning to come up.

“Why don't we head over there and talk to them?”

Coco Pommel looks at him confused. “Now?! But, it’s so early!

Arc stands! “Trust me. They're up! Let's go!”

She nods. “If you say so.”

Arc picks up Coco Pommel and carries her out the door. Together they walk to Sweet Apple Acres. He knocks on the door. A few moments later Applejack answers.

“Good morning Arc!”

Applejack looks at the mare in his arms.

“Uh, miss? Are you… okay?”

“I'm fine. Sorry to bother you so early in the morning.”

Arc sheepishly agrees. “Yes well, I deemed this too important to wait. Can we talk to Granny Smith please?”

Applejack steps aside. “Of course! Won't you both come in?”

“Thanks!”

Arc and Coco Pommel enter the house. Applejack leads them to the kitchen where the rest of the Apple family is in the middle of breakfast. Apple Bloom smiles as they enter the kitchen.

“Arc! You came for Granny's famous flapjacks?!”

As he sets Coco Pommel down in a kitchen chair. “Hey, Apple Bloom! Not this time. Although I'm sure my friend here would enjoy them! Oh, I'm sorry! Everyone, this is Coco Pommel. She's from the New Beginning's Orphanage.

The Apple family nods at her as Granny Smith walks over to Coco Pommel with a plate of flapjacks!

“Eat up, miss! Applejack told us what happened over there!”

Coco Pommel picks up a fork and nods! “Thank you ma'am!”

Granny Smith looks to Arc as Coco Pommel eats. “So tell me, what brings you young'uns here so early?”

“I need to talk to you about an important matter, Granny Smith.”

“Oh?”

“Well, I'm sure you have heard of the orphans that are staying with me at Light's Hope.”

Granny Smith nods as she sits down across from Arc. “Pretty much everypony in town is aware of that! Two dozen foals tend to turn heads!”

“Well Granny Smith, that's what I need to talk to you about.”

Applejack and her siblings stand. “Well, the rest of us should probably get to work now.”

Coco Pommel looks up as she finishes her plate. “Would you please stay? This involves all of you.”

Applejack and the others look confused.

“Uh… okay.”

Apple Bloom sits back down happily with the others. “YAY! Big pony talk!”

Granny Smith nods. “Go ahead Arc! I'm all ears!”

“Thank you, ma’am. I'm not sure if you are aware of this, but according to Equestrian law, in the event of a foal being orphaned, an attempt must be made to place them in the care of a relative.”

She smiles at him. “I know all about that! It's the reason my grandchildren live with me!”

Arc nods. “Makes sense. Well, Coco Pommel and I were going over the New Beginning's Orphanage records I took from the former Matron's office. We found that the Apple family is the closest living relatives of one on the orphans at Light's Hope!”

Coco Pommel looks over to Granny Smith nervously. “I know this is rather sudden. She really needs a permanent home and a family that can love and take care of her! I can only give her so much attention...”

Applejack looks to her grandmother. “Granny! If we can help, we should!”

“Eyup!”

“You said it, big sis!”

Coco Pommel smiles, relieved! “Thank you! Now only the Matron of the New Beginnings Orphanage can authorize an adoption. With Matron Tempest gone, we’ll have to wait for a new Matron to be appointed by Canterlot before any of this can become official.”

“No need for that, Coco Pommel. I'll have Raven write up a set of adoption papers for the Apple family.”

“But Arc, they would still need to be signed by the Matron to be legally binding!”

“Wouldn't the Hero of Light's signature carry just as much weight? Considering there is no Matron, I can cite ‘extenuating circumstances’.”

Coco Pommel thinks for a moment. “Well, it's never been done before. But I guess it would work.”

Granny Smith claps her hooves together happily! “Then it’s settled! When should we come by to meet the little one, Arc?”

Arc gestures to the door. “We can go right now if you’re ready. I think she’s waited long enough already!”

“Granny?”

She stands up. “Darn tootin’! Lead the way!”

Arc stands, picks Coco Pommel up gently and leads the Apple family back toward Light’s Hope. As they enter the Main Hall, Raven is just getting to her desk. They do not slow down as they pass.

“Raven, I need some adoption papers drawn up right away. I'll be in my office.”

She looks confused at the instructions, but begins to carry them out anyways. “Yes… commander.”

Arc takes the Apples to his office. Granny Smith looks around approvingly!

“Nice place you got here Arc!”

“Thank you, ma’am. All of you, please make yourself comfortable! I’ll go and tell the little one the good news!”

Applejack raises and eyebrow. “You mean she doesn’t know?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We only learned of this very early this morning. The orphans were still in bed. Besides... I couldn't bear to tell her if the Apple family had said no.”

Granny Smith nods. “We understand! We’ll wait here with Coco Pommel.”

He grabs the photograph off the table and heads for the door. “Very good! I will be back as soon as I can!”

Arc leaves the office and heads toward the Cafeteria. The sounds of laughing foals can be heard emanating from the room! He enters and looks at the photo as he scans the room and quickly spots the young filly sitting at a table with Pipsqueak, Aquamarine, and Dinky. Arc quickly walks over to the table.

“Good morning little ones!”

“Hi Dad! You're late for breakfast! Did you oversleep?”

“No Dinky. In fact, I never went back to bed. I was going over some files in my office and discovered something extraordinary!”

Pipsqueak looks up excitedly! “For you to say that it must truly be amazing, Mr. Arc!”

Aquamarine wears a look of concern. “Sir? Where is Miss Pommel?”

“Don't worry! She’s in my office with... a very special family.”

The filly from the picture looks over. “What are they here for?”

Arc kneels down to the brown filly and looks her in the eye. “They’re here to… adopt you!”

The filly suddenly has a look of pure joy on her face! “REALLY?!”

Pipsqueak and Aquamarine clap their hooves together and smile!

“Congratulations!”

“We’ll miss you!”

The brown filly jumps onto the table and excitedly yells to the others! “EVERYPONY LISTEN! I'M BEING ADOPTED!!!”

All the orphans jump up and down and cheer for the brown filly. They surround and hug her! Eventually she looks back at Arc, nervously.

“I've waited so long for this day! But... now that it's here, I'm a little... scared. Dinky, would you come with me to meet my new family?”

Dinky looks to her father. He nods.

“Sure! Let's go!”

The three walk to Arc's office. Arc and Dinky enter as the Brown Filly timidly follows them in last. Granny Smith takes one look at the filly and jumps up, wide-eyed!

“BABS SEED?! Is that really you?!”

The filly steps back, a bit worried. “Y-yes! But, how did you know that?”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin and thinks. “I remember now! You were at the Apple family reunion several years ago. Although you were just a baby at the time!”

Granny Smith nods! “Good memory, Applejack!”

Apple Bloom looks over to her cousin. “You were staying with Aunt and Uncle Orange last I heard! What happened to them?!”

Babs Seed shakes her head. “I… don’t know. My only memories are of living in the New Beginnings Orphanage.”

She looks over to Coco Pommel.

“Miss Pommel? What DID happen?”

Coco Pommel looks at the filly’s file. “Well, according to your file, there was a fire at their home in Manehattan. They managed to get you out, but they themselves died of smoke inhalation. Sadly, there is no information on your birth parents. I wish I could tell you more, but that's all there is here.”

Applejack walks over to comfort the distressed filly. “I sure am sorry about what happened to your folks. Granny Smith took the three of us in when our parents died and saw to it we were raised up properly!”

“So... the three of you are orphans... just like me!”

“Eyup!”

Apple Bloom nods. “I never knew my parents. But we had each other, so I didn't feel lonely!”

Applejack nods! “If it's okay with you, we would be honored if you would join our family! Wouldn't we all?!”

Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom nod as Granny Smith walks over to the window and points to their orchard in the distance.

“Our home can be your home, little one! We run Sweet Apple Acres right here in Ponyville!”

Babs Seed looks over to them with tears in the corners of her eyes, smiling! “Then yes! I want to come live with you and become an Apple!”

The Apples and their newest addition enjoy their first hug as a family! Arc looks over at them as he stands with Coco Pommel.

“Can I interest all of you in Second Breakfast? I'm sure the rest of the orphans would like to meet Babs Seed's new family as well!”

“That's mighty kind of you Arc! Granny?”

“Sounds fine!”

Babs Seed leads the Apples toward the Cafeteria as Arc and Dinky bring up the rear. Arc looks over to Dinky and smiles.

“Good job back there.”

“What? But dad, I didn't even say anything!”

“It's not always what we do, or even what we say that counts. Sometimes just being there is enough! The orphans here look up to you Dinky! To them, you’re their inspiration and role model! Be proud that they think so highly of you!”

Dinky looks suddenly nervous! “What should I do dad?! I don't know how to lead!”

“Just keep doing what you’ve been doing. Lead by example and others will want to follow you! Before you know it, you'll realize you've earned the respect of everyone around you!”

She nods. “Thanks dad! I’ll do my best!”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane affectionately as they enter the cafeteria. “That’s my girl!”

Babs Seed looks at the others happily! “EVERYPONY, MEET MY NEW FAMILY!!!”

The orphans run over and smile at the Apples! Pipsqueak and Aquamarine are in the lead!

“Please take good care of Babs Seed for us, will you?”

“Don't forget to visit us!”

Babs Seed nods! “They live right here in Ponyville, so I'm not going far!”

Arc and Dinky watch as Babs Seed and the Apples make their way to the buffet together. Dinky looks over as she hears her father sigh.

“Dad? Is everything alright?”

“It's just... when I was growing up at the Orphanage, all of us dreamed that someday a family like this one would come and adopt us one day. Although some of us were, I sadly was not. I’m very happy for Babs Seed, and wish the best for her in the future with the Apple family.”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof on Arc’s side as she stands next to him. “I'm sorry you were never adopted Arc. But I thank you for doing your best to give these orphans a chance at a loving home!”

Arc looks down sadly. “It is... too late to salvage my own childhood. I don't want them to share my fate though.”

He turns to Coco Pommel.

“Why don't you have a seat, Coco Pommel? I'll head to the kitchen and get your meal.”

She nods. “Thank you. I think I will.”

He heads to the Kitchen as Coco Pommel and Dinky sit down together at a table.

“You're so lucky to have such a wonderful father, Dinky!”

Dinky smiles! “Thank you, Miss Pommel! It makes me happy knowing that he'll always be there for me!”

Arc returns momentarily with Coco Pommel's plate.

“Here you are Coco Pommel. Eat up!”

Arc sits down with a plate of leftover pizza from the night before and joins Dinky and Coco Pommel. As they eat Xenos rushes up to Arc!

“Sir! My apologies for not reporting to you sooner!”

“Don't worry about it Xenos! I know you must have been very tired after our last mission and your vigil over Coco Pommel.”

Xenos looks over to Coco Pommel, surprised to see her up! “Miss Pommel, how are you doing?!”

She nods happily! “Much better, thanks in no small part to you and Arc!”

“Why don't you get some food Xenos. You must be hungry!”

“Thank you sir!”

Xenos grabs a plate of food from the buffet and returns to sit down next to Coco Pommel. He looks over to her happily!

“So, did I miss anything while I was out?”

“Actually yes! Arc and I found out that one of the orphans had family right here in Ponyville! They’ve already agreed to adopt her!”

Xenos smiles! “Really?! That's wonderful news!”

Coco Pommel points a thin hoof to a nearby table. “They're over there right now getting acquainted!”

He looks over at the happy family who are sharing their first meal together.

“Beautiful! I think every orphan who ever lived has dreamed of this moment. At least all of us did!”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof on Xenos’ fetlock and sighs. “I'm sorry you were never able to experience it yourself, Xenos.”

She looks away as her voice cracks with emotion. “If... maybe if... I had been strong enough... brave enough... to face Matron Tempest long ago... things might have been different!”

“Miss Pommel! Please don't beat yourself up over what might have been! I think we both know what the outcome would have been had you challenged the Matron. None of us blame you, as none of us wanted to see you get hurt!”

Coco Pommel smiles as she gives his fetlock a light squeeze. “Thank you Xenos! I promise I'll do my best for the orphans of today, just as I did for the ones who came before!”

Raven enters the Cafeteria and walks over to Arc. She is carrying some papers and an inkwell with her magic.

“Commander! I have those papers you requested.”

Arc takes the papers. “Thank you Raven. Would you follow me please?”

She nods. “Yes commander.”

Arc, Coco Pommel, Raven and Dinky all walk towards the Apple family as Xenos watches from the table.

“Raven has just finished making up the proper papers. Are you ready Granny Smith?”

The elder Apple looks confused. “Ready for what?”

“To sign the papers to adopt Babs Seed!”

Babs Seed looks over happily! “So I can join your family!”

“O’course!”

Applejack smiles at Coco Pommel nervously. “You'll have to excuse Granny Smith. Her memory isn't what it used to be.”

Granny Smith nods. “That's what I said! Now, where were we?”

Arc sits down at the table and pulls out the quill. “Let me just fill part this out...”

He writes Babs Seed's name down and lists Granny Smith as the adopting parent. In the ‘officiated by’ line, he writes ‘Hero of Light Arc’ and signs his name. Arc then sets the papers in front of Granny Smith.

Arc points to a line on the paper. “Your turn, Granny Smith. Just print and sign your name here and here.”

Granny Smith does so. Arc picks up the papers and looks them over before handing them to Coco Pommel. She does the same.

“Granny Smith, with your signature along with the Hero of Light's, these papers are now legally binding. Congratulations Babs Seed! Or should I say... Babs Apple!”

All the orphans cheer for their friend! Babs walks over to Coco Pommel and whispers something in her ear.

“That's fine with me dear! But you should talk to your new family about it!”

Babs sheepishly looks over to the Apple family. “Um... thank you for adopting me and all, but... would it be okay if I kept my old name?”

Granny Smith just smiles at her. “Sure dearie! If that would make you happy.”

Apple Blooms laughs! “It’s a great name! No need to change it!”

Applejack walks over to Babs Seed and ruffles her mane! “Babs Seed it is then!”

“Eyup!”

Applejack turns back to Arc. “Well, thank you for everything you have done Arc! You too Miss Pommel! But we should probably get back to the farm! Lots to do, as always!”

“Can I help too?!”

Apple Bloom runs over and throws her hooves around the newcomer! “Sure! It's gonna be so much fun having another sister! Come on!”

The pair run out of the cafeteria as Applejack looks after them.

“We should probably follow them!”

As the Apple family leaves the room, Granny Smith looks back over her shoulder. “Keep up the good work Arc, being Hero of Light and all! I'm sure your own parents would be very proud of the fine young man you have become!”

The orphans wave after them as Arc stares at the floor and sighs.

“I doubt that… strongly!”

The orphans sense something is amiss and grow silent! They look at Arc who is unmoving as Pipsqueak approaches him.

“Mr. Arc? Is something wrong?”

Arc does not move or look over. “It's... nothing you need to burden yourselves with.”

Aquamarine walks over to him. “Please Mr. Arc! You've done so much for us! Let us help you now!”

He walks over to a chair and sits down as Dinky jumps in his lap to give him a hug! “Alright. Gather around little ones and I'll tell you a secret.”

The orphans quietly gather around Arc and sit down on the floor in front of him.

“My mother died when I was about your ages. She... suffered from past events and never had anyone around to help her when she needed it. For that reason, she taught me that I should never help others. If she were here right now and saw all I have done for the ponies of Equestria, for you orphans, and my current plans to help others still... let's just say, she would be furious!”

Pipsqueak raises a hoof! “What about your dad? I bet he was a great hero just like you are Mr. Arc!”

“My father... disappeared... not long before my mother died. I was never able to find out what happened to him. He was a member of our land's military, but I have no clue what he did exactly. With no one to look after me I was sent to... an Orphanage.”

Pipsqueak’s eyes grow wide! “Just like us!”

“Yes. And it wasn't a whole lot better than New Beginnings Orphanage either. I grew up there and left as soon as I was old enough. Well, that's my story in a nutshell. I'm sorry it wasn't more entertaining.”

Aquamarine looks Arc in the eye. “Mr. Arc? Are you… an orphan too?”

Arc bows his head. “Yes Aquamarine. To the best of my knowledge, I am.”

Pipsqueak walks over to Arc’s side. “Don't worry Mr. Arc! We'll be your family! Won't we everypony?!”

The orphans all smile and cheer in agreement!

“Thanks everyone! There's more to the story, but I don't really feel like talking about it right now. Dinky can fill the rest of you in later.”

“Sure thing dad!”

The orphans close in around Arc to embrace their fellow orphan. Arc puts his arms around as many as he can!

“After all, us orphans have to stick together, right?”

The orphans reply in unison. “RIGHT!”

Chapter 15 - The Investigation Begins

Arc and Coco Pommel head back to his office slowly.

“Are you sure you don't want me to carry you Coco Pommel? It's no trouble!”

She shakes her head. “No thank you. It feels good to be able to stretch my legs!”

“Well, okay. Just don't overdo it!”

They enter Arc's office. Coco Pommel takes her place on the couch while Arc sits at his desk. He reaches for his phone and dials the front desk.

“Raven, send my squad, Flash Sentry, Derpy and Ember to my office please. We have work to do. Also, call the Baltimare Courthouse and see if you can get them to send over Ember's case file. I want to look over the evidence myself.”

Raven nods as she writes down his instructions. “Yes Commander! Should I have Saffron deliver some snacks to your office as well?”

“Are you kidding?! I've already had three meals today and it's not even 9:00 A.M.!”

Raven pauses. “So... only one tray of cupcakes then?”

“You know me so well! Thanks Raven!”

He hangs up the phone. A few minutes later Arc's squad, Ember, Derpy and Flash Sentry enter the office. The squad walks up to the desk and salutes.

“Reporting as ordered, sir!”

“At ease.”

Ember joins them. “We came as quickly as we could Arc! Is there trouble?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Well... no more than usual, I guess. Listen, I know this isn't going to be the most... glamorous task, but I need help going through all the files I confiscated from the New Beginning's Orphanage. Maybe we can learn something from them.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc turns his gaze to it.

“Come!”

Saffron enters the room carrying a tray of cupcakes.

“The cupcakes you asked for, Commander. Can I get anything else for you?”

“Yes. A steady supply of tea. I get the feeling this is going to take quite a while.”

“Yes, commander!”

Saffron leaves the room. Derpy smiles up at Arc playfully!

“Arc, don't you ever get tired of cupcakes?”

He smiles at her. “If they didn't want me to eat them, they shouldn't have made themselves so sweet and delicious!”

Ember facepalms and shakes her head. “Arc... I just don't know about you sometimes.”

Arc walks over to the first filing cabinet and pulls open a drawer. “Well, let's get to it then, shall we?”

Ember rolls her eyes and sighs as she walks forward. “Alright. Let's get this over with.”

Arc hands each of the assembled ponies and Ember a stack of files. He then sits down at his desk with a stack of his own.

Flash Sentry looks over at the commander. “Sir, what are we looking for exactly?”

“Anything that might link Tempest to something larger than being the worst caretaker in the history of the world! We know she was working with or for The Dark One. Now I want to see if there were others she was in cohorts with.”

Derpy nods. “Makes sense!”

Several hours pass without discovery. Arc rubs his eyes, exhausted.

“Anyone finding anything? Anything at all?”

All assembled shake their heads. Arc sighs.

“I know this might seem like a needle in a haystack job, but...”

Ember bolts upright! “This might be something! It seems Tempest sent regular correspondences to Canterlot Castle. Could she have been contacting Decimus?!”

Max thinks for a moment. “It certainly is possible. However, pretty much every government facility in Equestria is run from Canterlot. The Matron certainly would have sent regular reports on the comings and goings of day to day activities.”

Ember hold up the papers. “Well, it looks like the responses to those correspondences were sent in code!”

“What?! Let's have a look at it!”

Ember walks the papers over to Arc’s desk. He studies them carefully before looking to Max. “This is absolute gibberish to me!”

“May I take a look at it sir?”

“Sure, go ahead!”

Arc hands the papers to Max.

“Looks like some kind of military code. Hugh and I can probably crack it with enough time.”

Arc nods. “Head over to the Meeting Room and see what you can find out. The information contained within must be of at least some importance if it was deemed code-worthy!”

“Yes sir!”

Hugh and Max head over to the Meeting Room with pencils and paper. Derpy walks over to Arc’s desk.

“Anything in the Orphanage budget, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “I never realized until now just how much I hate numbers!”

Saffron enters with a fresh pot of tea and brings it over to a table in the corner of the room. Arc looks over to her, inspiration in his eyes!

“Saffron! Just the mare I needed to see! You're in charge of ordering all of the base's food supplies, right?”

She nods. “Yes Commander! Was there something special you wanted me to cook?”

“Nah, nothing like that. But you're quite good with the cost associated with running a facility like this. I want you to take a look at this budget sheet and tell me if it seems accurate to you.”

Saffron walks over to Arc's desk and looks over the food budget. “Hmmm... how many ponies were they feeding over there?”

“Officially, twenty-four foals and two mares.”

Saffron furls her brow. “These numbers do seem quite high for such a facility!”

Arc looks at her soberly. “What if I told you they were only fed twice a day, small portions, and not all of them got to eat every meal?”

“Then I would say these numbers are completely bogus! Even WE don't spend that kind of money on food! And we're feeding grown stallions here! Not foals!”

Ember chuckles. “Even with Arc's cupcake allowance?”

Arc looks over to Ember. “You leave my cupcakes out of this, Ember! A man's gotta have at least one vice!”

“I hope I was of some help, Commander!”

Arc nods. “You were. Thank you Saffron.”

Saffron leaves the room. Another hour passes. Derpy looks over to Coco Pommel.

“Coco Pommel, did the Orphanage undergo some kind of building project recently?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“There's several requisitions here for construction materials!”

Coco Pommel gives Derpy a quizzical look. “That's odd. The only work around the orphanage I have witnessed over the years was just basic stuff. Patching the roof, painting the walls, a couple windows. Nothing major!”

Arc looks over to Derpy. “Let’s have a look then.”

Derpy walks the requisition forms over to Arc. He looks them over carefully.

“I'm no builder, but this is a fair amount of supplies! I'll have to run this by Hard Hat and ask his opinion on it. Good work, Derpy!”

Just then Xenos’ head snaps over to his commanding officer! “Sir! I may have found something! It looks like Tempest has a sister! There are several letters here from somepony named Cerulean Skies!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “She even files her personal letters?”

Xenos nods. “Military efficiency, sir!”

“Wow… any postmark?”

“Yes sir! It looks like the letters all come from Baltimare.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “It might not be anything important, but I believe it's worth following up on. Good job!”

He dials the front desk. In a moment Raven answers.

“Yes sir?”

“Raven, I need the address of a mare in Baltimare named Cerulean Skies. Also, have you had any luck getting the Baltimare Courthouse to release Ember's case file?”

“About that commander. I just got off the phone with the courthouse. They claim no such case exists!”

Arc stands up angrily! “WHAT?! They sent someone to Tartarus over a case that they claim didn't happen?!”

Ember grimaces! “Oh, believe me... it happened!”

“Yes sir! According to them, there is no case involving Ember. Or any dragon for that matter.”

Arc sits back down and composes himself. “Understood. Thank you Raven. See if you can get me the address I asked for. I will take care of the matter of the missing case file... personally.”

“Yes commander!”

Arc hangs up the phone and the group continues going over the files. Sometime later, Viktor looks up.

“Sir, it seems Matron Tempest is quite the accomplished chemist!”

“What makes you say that?”

Viktor holds up a paper. “Requisitions here for quite a few different chemicals and lab equipment.”

“Any idea what she could have made with the chemicals?”

Viktor shakes his head. “No sir! There are any number of concoctions she could have whipped up with these!”

“Guess.”

“Well, I see several items here that are solvents. That and the lab equipment... maybe she was trying to extract something? This is only a guess, sir!”

Arc nods. “I'll take it! Alright... I guess this time wasn't completely wasted, eh Ember?”

“What are you talking about?! We still aren't any closer to figuring out anything!”

He stands up. “Quite the opposite! We now know the following…

Arc walks over to the chalkboard and begins to write.

“One... the coded messages. What kind of Orphanage Matron would need to CODE a harmless message? Two... the food budget. Dinky and I verified that there is no way they are spending that kind of money on food over there! Three... requisitions for building materials. That wouldn't really warrant suspicion, if they had actually been building something. Four... a possible relative of Tempest. Just being related to a cold-hearted bastard doesn't make her one. But I still want to talk to her. And five... on an unrelated note, Baltimare Courthouse and the missing case file! I mean, come one! It's a file! It sits in a filing cabinet! How can it not be there?!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Well, I guess when you put it like that…”

Flash Sentry looks over the information on the board. “That’s quite a lot to look into, sir!”

Arc walks back to stand in front of his desk. “Well, considering before we had no leads and now we have too many! I'll take the latter over the former any day though.”

There is a frantic pounding at the office door! Max and Hugh burst into the office, falling all over each other! Arc stoically leans against the desk.

“Can I assume you two found something of great interest in those coded messages?”

Hugh does his best to catch his breath! “Sir! These messages were from Captain Decimus!”

“He and Tempest have been corresponding for years!”

Arc leans forward, surprised! “What did they say?!”

“She was helping him with some kind of secret project! Apparently these messages were orders to Tempest to meet him at "the usual spot" for in person meetings!”

Ember nods, thinking. “Any idea where this spot is?”

Max shakes his head. “No clue! But it must have been one hell of a hiding spot! One message he requests building materials to be left "at the usual spot"!

Arc snaps his fingers! “I got it! The Aqueducts under the Orphanage! It's the only place in town where you could hide that much stuff and them move it out without being seen!”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide! “Makes sense! Do you have a plan, Arc?”

“I do indeed!”

Ember looks over at him, skeptical. “Is it a real plan, or another one of your half-baked ones?”

“The former. We move out tonight!”

Xenos looks over at Coco Pommel.

“But sir! What about Coco Pommel?!”

“She’s coming with us.”

Everyone gasps!

“Don't worry! No harm will come to her! I'll need her help on this one anyways.”

Coco Pommel nods soberly. “I don't mind coming with you Arc, but where exactly are we going?”

“I want to investigate Tempest's quarters personally. While Coco Pommel and I are doing that, my squad, Flash Sentry and Ember will investigate the Aqueducts.”

Derpy walks over. “Can I come too Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry Derpy, but I want you to stay here with Dinky on this one. The orphans will be on edge with Coco Pommel gone. But I know you can keep them from worrying too much.”

Derpy nods. “Okay! I can do that!”

Flash Sentry turns to Derpy. “Don't worry miss. I was with the Commander the last time we were there. There wasn't hardly a mouse scurrying the floors. We'll be back before you know it.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “So, when do we leave?”

“This afternoon. Let's head over to the Cafeteria and have ourselves a good lunch. Then we should all take a nap. I want us all at the top of our game for whatever we find over there. That and Coco Pommel and I had a rather... rough night's sleep.”

Arc heads for the door along with his squad.

“Any questions?”

Ember nods. “Yeah! What do we do if something goes wrong?”

"Um... come up with something on the fly?"

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “That’s reassuring.”

“Look, you know I would come with you myself if I could. But I need to stay with Coco Pommel! I'm guessing the most fearsome things down there will be rats and spiders.”

Ember points a claw at Arc’s platoon. “Fine! I’ll keep an eye on them!”

Arc leans over and whispers to Flash Sentry. “Keep an eye on Ember.”

The lieutenant salutes and smiles as Ember frowns at them.

“What are you two whispering about over there?!”

Arc and Flash Sentry reply together. “Nothing!”

Ember shakes her head. “Jolly jokers!”

Arc walks out the office door. “Well, onward to the cupcakes...I mean lunch!”

The group heads to the Cafeteria slowly. Dinky and the orphans are already eating their lunches happily. Arc clears his throat.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please?”

The foals quiet down and look to Arc.

“Coco Pommel and I will be heading back to the Orphanage later this afternoon for a little bit. While we’re gone, Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage will be in command of Light's Hope. If you need anything talk to Derpy or Dinky.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Be good while we’re gone, alright?!”

The orphans nod their heads. “WE WILL!”

Arc's squad and Flash Sentry head over to the buffet. Saffron comes out of the kitchen with a special plate for Coco Pommel and meat dishes for Arc and Ember. She sets them down in front of the pair.

“Enjoy!”

Arc nods as she returns to the kitchen. Quietly he turns to Coco Pommel.

“I thought they would put up more of a fight than that upon hearing the news you were leaving!”

Coco Pommels smiles at him. “I'm sure it's because you’re coming with me! They know I’ll be okay if you’re there!”

The group enjoys their lunch and retires for an early afternoon nap. Arc turns to the others as he leaves the cafeteria.

“I'll call for you when we're ready to go everyone. Rest well!”

Flash Sentry and Arc's squad salute and head to their quarters, Arc carries Coco Pommel toward his room as Ember follows. He lays Coco Pommel down carefully on Ember's bed and covers her with a blanket.

“Rest well, Coco Pommel.”

He turns to lie down on his own bed to see Ember has beat him to it. Sighing, he lies down next to her as Ember snuggles up to his back.

“Sleep well… Arc.”

Hearing a strange tone in her voice, Arc rolls over.

“Ember? You okay?”

Ember looks up at him and sighs. “You know how I get before a mission.”

Arc rolls his eyes and opens his arms. “Come here!”

She buries her face in Arc’s chest happily! “Thanks.”

Coco Pommel watches from her own bed and smiles. The trio is soon fast asleep. A few hours later Arc wakes up. Ember is still asleep in his arms. He shakes her gently.

“Ember? It’s time to wake up.”

Ember opens her eyes slowly. “Just... five more minutes.”

Arc sighs. “Alright.”

An hour passes. He looks down at Ember’s still sleeping form.

“Okay Ember, this has been the longest 5 minutes in history.”

Ember opens one eye. “…are you sure?”

Arc sits up. “Come on! Up!”

Ember sighs as she gets up. “I'm sorry Arc. It's just... we don't get to spend time together like this very often. I have to savor it...”

Arc stands up and gently nudges Coco Pommel. She slowly opens her eyes and looks at Arc sleepily.

“Just... five more minutes...”

He looks back at Ember, frowning. “The two of you planned this, didn't you?”

Coco Pommel opens her eyes and giggles. “Hee, hee! I'm kidding, Arc! The two of you just looked so cute lying there!”

Arc shakes his head. “…cute.”

He turns to Ember who is busy putting on her armor.

“Ember, can you please get my squad along with Flash Sentry and meet us in the Main Hall?”

“Sure thing!”

Arc and Coco Pommel walk to the Main Hall together. Upon entering Arc turns to Raven.

“Raven, notify Sandstorm Mirage that I need to see him right away.”

She picks up her phone. “Yes, commander!”

A few minutes later Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage runs into the Main Hall. He approaches Arc quickly and salutes.

“Y-you wanted to see me sir?”

“Yes! My squad, Lieutenant Flash Sentry, Coco Pommel and Ember will be heading over to the New Beginning's Orphanage shortly. While we are gone, you are in command of Light's Hope! Can you handle it?”

Sandstorm Mirage looks nervous. “Y-yes sir! I, uh... think so anyways.”

The rest of the party enters the Main Hall and appear ready for action! Flash Sentry is armed with a pair of twin blades attached to his back. Coco Pommel looks over to him.

“Expecting trouble, Flash Sentry?”

“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, Miss Pommel!”

Arc shrugs at this. “Have it your way! Everyone on the sigil!”

They do so as Arc looks to Sandstorm Mirage.

“Take care of things while we are gone. I'm counting on you...”

Calling forth his armor, Arc activates the sigil and they are teleported to the New Beginnings Orphanage in a flash! Sandstorm Mirage looks at the sigil for a few moments. He sighs.

“Come back soon, sir.”

Meanwhile, the party materializes at the orphanage. Arc steps off the sigil first.

“Follow me.”

The party follows Arc around the building and through the giant hole in the wall made by his battle with Matron Tempest. He leads them to a closet which is mostly empty. Ember looks around, confused.

“What are we doing here?!”

Arc kneels down and pulls aside a large rug revealing a trap door in the floor. “There you are... the Aqueducts. Listen up! Lieutenant Flash Sentry is in charge of your team. Work together, watch each other's backs, and if you see anything down there much bigger than a breadbox, get out of there!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’ll take point!”

Ember smiles, her spear over her shoulder. “Sounds good to me!”

Arc’s squad, Flash Sentry and Ember descend the stairs and finds themselves in the aqueducts. they turn on their flashlights as Ember casts a simple Light Spell. Together they slowly follow the path before them. Meanwhile, Arc carries Coco Pommel upstairs and down the hall before stopping in front of a door.

“This one is Tempest's room, right?”

Coco Pommel nervously nods.

Arc opens the door and slowly walks inside. He walks over to the bed and sets Coco Pommel down on it before searching for the light switch.

“Ah, there it is!”

He flicks the switch and the lights come on. They do little to properly illuminate the room.

“Somehow I thought Tempest would have a nicer room.”

“She's always been quite spartan. To tell you the truth, this is actually better than I thought it would be.”

Arc appears surprised! “You've never been in here before? I thought you lived her your whole life?”

“No. The orphans and I always gave Tempest as wide a berth as possible. I don't mean to complain, but can we please hurry this along?!”

Arc notices Coco Pommel is shaking slightly.

“I understand. Sorry for making you come along with us, but I was worried your condition would deteriorate if we were apart.”

She nods. “I… understand.”

Arc looks under the bed, inside the closet, in the dresser drawers and inspects the small desk but finds nothing. Spotting a picture on the wall of Captain Decimus he looks at it a moment.

“I wonder...”

He walks over and removes the painting. There is nothing behind it. Arc slowly reaches his hand forward. His hand passes right through the wall as he removes a small lock-box.

Coco Pommel looks over, amazed! “But, how did you know the wall was an illusion?!”

He points to his helmet. “True-sight Enchantment. No illusion too tough!”

Arc spends the next half hour or so more carefully inspecting the room, tapping at floorboards, inspecting the walls and even the ceiling to no avail.

Coco Pommel looks at the lock-box sitting next to her on the bed. “Well, at least it wasn't a wasted trip!”

Arc heads over to the bed and picks up Coco Pommel, who is holding the lock-box. “Let's head back and see if the others have finished investigating... whatever is down there.”

Coco Pommel nods and the pair slowly make their way back downstairs to the hatch. It is still open, but there is no sign of the others.

Arc frowns. “That's odd. They should have been back by now.”

“Do you suppose something happened down there?”

He sets Coco Pommel down gently. “Only one way to find out.”

As Arc proceeds down the stairs Coco Pommel falls into line behind him.

“Could you stay here please, Coco Pommel? I can't risk losing you to whatever is down there!”

Coco Pommel looks to him, suddenly frightened! “Y-you want me to stay here, alone?!”

Arc nod. “Look, I know you’re scared, but if what's down there can hold back five fully trained soldiers and a dragon, it's WAY too dangerous! I'll be back as quick as I can!”

“O-okay!”

Arc walks down the steps slowly. “Close and lock this door behind me. When I come back, I’ll pound five times. Don't open the door until then! Got it?!”

She nods. “Be careful down there!”

Arc calls forth the Spear of Righteousness. He ventures down the dark stairs alone as Coco Pommel closes and locks the hatch behind him. Reaching the bottom, he is about to cast a Light spell but stops himself.

“Silly me! True-sight enchantment! Who needs light?!”

Arc walks quickly down the pitch-black corridor following the hoof-prints in the dust. A short time later he hears the sounds of battle ahead and quickens his pace!

“That does NOT sound good!”

Reaching the end of the corridor a large room extends before him. In the center of the room he spots Flash Sentry fighting several monsters! He is dual wielding his twin blades and standing on his hind legs while using his wings for balance and quick movements! Scores of fallen foes surround him and although he is alone, he fights on! A mutated looking manticore charges at him!

“Come and get me, freak!”

Busy as he is, Flash Sentry does not notice the large, cloaked viper closing in on him from behind. However, Arc, able to see the imminent threat with True-Sight, rushes toward it!

“Oh no you don't!”

Arc jumps high into the air and slams his spear into the ground, effortlessly piercing the snake's skull, killing it! Flash Sentry whips around, his blades at the ready!

“Commander! Thank Celestia!”

“DUCK!”

The Mutated Manticore lunges at Flash Sentry's back! As commanded, he drops to the floor! Arc raises a hand and lets loose a pure white fireball! In but a moment, the beast ceases to exist! Arc turns to parry an attack from what can only be described as a Giant Rat with his spear!

“Where are the others?!”

Flash Sentry rises and throws one of his blades at the Giant Rat, hitting it squarely between the eyes!

“Ember and the others were carried off by monsters just a few minutes ago!”

Arc pulls the blade from the dear rat’s skull and tosses it back to Flash Sentry. “Which way did they go?!”

He catches the blade and points it down a side corridor! “That way! I've been trying to follow them, but every time I try to advance I get pushed back by waves of monsters! Until you showed up, I thought I was cooked!”

Arc raises his spear to defend himself against two Giant Cockroaches! “What down here is strong enough to overpower THEM?!

Flash Sentry flies high to deliver a crushing blow to a Giant Ant with both his blades! “Some kind of spitting lizards! Their spines have some kind of paralyzing agent on them! Best to take them out from a distance!”

Arc sweeps away the Giant Cockroaches with a magic blow focused through his spear! “I’ll keep that in mind!”

Flash Sentry uses his twin blades to block several poisoned spines! “Like those! Sir! What do we do?!”

“Switch places with me!”

Flash Sentry jumps in front of Arc to engage the Giant Beetle as Arc turns to the face the Giant Lizards! He jams his spear into the ground and raises his Hand Cannons to dispatch the creatures! Several volleys later his is victorious! Flash Sentry cuts the beetle nearly in half!

“Nice shot sir!”

As the pair finish off the monsters, they hear noises coming from a corridor! Flash Sentry turns and points down an adjoining corridor! A fresh horde of monsters lumbers forward!

“Commander! Here comes another wave!”

Flash Sentry raises his blades as he moves to stand by his commander’s side!

“Sir! It has been an honor to fight by your side!”

“Likewise! But I'm not giving up, and neither should you!”

Arc grabs his spear and spins it above his head before jumping into the air and slamming it down! A Sonic Wave is released and hurtles toward the monsters, smashing everything in its path!

“That's how it's done, lieutenant!”

Arc runs down the corridor the others were dragged down as Flash Sentry flies next to him, barely able to keep up!

“Sir?! How did you DO that?!”

Arc slashes at the monsters in his path! “You don't think I just sit around eating cupcakes all day, do you?!”

Flash Sentry throws both of his Twin Blades at a pair of Giant Lizards, hitting them both in the chest! “To tell you the truth sir, we all thought you were a bit too... complacent!”

Arc throws his spear to Flash Sentry! “Catch!”

Flash Sentry does so... and then proceeds to knock a Giant Spider into next week with the Spear of Righteousness! Without slowing down, Arc grabs Flash Sentry's twin blades from the corpses of the Giant Lizards! He then proceeds to lay waste to an entire pack of Giant Wolves!

“Don't slow down, lieutenant! We can win this!”

Flash Sentry lances three Giant Beetles in a row! He rolls in mid-air and brings the spear down hard on a Giant Boar! The impaled Giant Beetles burst, as does the Giant Boar! Jumping back into flight he turns to Arc!

“Right with you, sir!”

Arc looks down the corridor to see a large group of Giant Lizards running toward them! Ducking their initial spine attack, he crosses the blades in front of his face, focuses, and slashes forward hard! A flurry of pure white flames burst forth and turn the lizards to dust!

“These guys just don’t know when to quit!”

The end of the hallway comes into view! What can only be described as dinosaurs smash at the supports over the door! Arc throws the Twin Blades at the dinosaurs! they hit their marks, but not before the damage is done to the supports! The doorway collapses, sealing the passageway! Arc holds out a gauntlet toward Flash Sentry!

“SPEAR!!!”

Flash Sentry tosses the Spear of Righteousness to Arc! As he grabs it Wings of Pure Light stretch forth from Arc's back! He surges forward and smashes through the rubble as if it were paper! The lieutenant grabs his blades as he flies by the fallen dinosaurs!

“We made it, sir!”

Arc stops. Looking around what appears to be a makeshift Throne Room, he sees his squad and Ember lying on the floor in front of what appears to be the leader of the monsters!

“Well... this is... unexpected.”

A figure in a black robe sits upon a large "throne" that appears to have been cobbled together out of various detritus found in the Aqueducts. It looks over at them!

“Guards! Kill these intruders!”

Flash Sentry stands next to Arc, his twin blades at the ready! “Why don’t you face us yourself?! Your so-called guards haven't had much luck against us so far!”

“Tyrants don't usually like to do their own dirty work, lieutenant. They would much rather send others to fight and die in their stead!”

The figure laughs! “There is no reason for one as great and powerful as I, to lower myself to fighting common filth like you!”

Six Royal Guard Ogres, heavily armed and armored, turn to the pair and slowly start walking toward them! Flash Sentry prepares to attack but Arc puts his arm out, signaling him to stop!

“Something is wrong here! I’ll handle this!

Arc steps forward. He stands his ground and waits for the ogres to come to him as he appears to be concentrating. As they draw near he puts both hands in front of himself, palm out.

“Back off!”

Arc unleashes a powerful magical shockwave! The Royal Guard Ogres fly across the room, past the robed figure and smash into the far wall! None rise from where they fall! The Black Robed Figure does not seem too concerned by the fact they are now completely unguarded! Arc turns to the leader as he uses his magic to pull the Spear of Righteousness to himself.

“Now then... I would rather we not fight any longer. All I want is my friends back and the answers to some rather pressing questions.”

The leader laughs! “You truly have no idea the power you face, do you?! I tell you the truth... before this is over, you will kneel before me!”

Arc walks toward them, spear leveled. “You know... the last time I faced a thug like you, and saw them looking down at everyone else... we ended up having a disagreement!”

Chucking at his approach. “Ah, the soldier! Your time is over!”

“I'm no soldier...”

Arc lunges forward toward the Black Robed Figure. It dodges as the throne explodes from the impact of Arc's attack!

“Ha, ha! You wish to throw your life away?! So be it!”

A voice rings out from behind the leader. “He’s not alone.”

Ember swings her spear at the leader, but misses! She turns to join Arc! He assumes a defensive position, not taking his eyes off the leader.

“You done sleeping over them, Ember?!”

“Ha. Just waiting for the right time for a surprise attack! Sorry it didn't work.”

The leader tosses back their hood to reveal a glowing unicorn horn atop a strange looking crown and a very confident expression!

“I’ll teach you BOTH the meaning of fear! I do hope you're ready to die! And now... prepare to witness the awe-inspiring power of... THE GREAT... AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!!!”

Arc looks at her, surprised! “Trixie?!”

She appears smug. “Ah, so you've heard of me?”

“Nope! I was just worried it was going to be something intimidating. You know, like Sandy... or, I don’t know… Alice?”

Trixie looks at him indignantly. “What?! Do you think this is some sort of GAME?!”

“Oh yes indeed! And if you don't want to LOSE, badly I might add, you’ll tell me what I want to know!”

She laughs! “You'll have to beat it out of me first!”

Arc turns to Ember. “Why do they always want to do it the hard way?”

Ember raises her own spear! “Who cares?! More exercise for me!”

Trixie grins wickedly as her horn glows along with the crown. “I think some more of my pets want to play! Do give them a good workout. They could use the meat as well!”

The sound of hordes of monsters shambling down the corridor behind them can be heard!

Flash Sentry turns around, his blades at the ready! “Sir! Your orders?!”

“Both of you, grab the others and move them to a more defendable position. Keep them safe and keep your heads down. I'll handle this myself.”

Ember and Flash Sentry drag Arc's squad to a corner of the room and position themselves in front of their helpless comrades! Trixie watches and shakes her head.

“Tsk. tsk. So endearing that you care so much for lowly peons such as them. Don't worry. It will all be over... very soon!”

Arc turns toward the oncoming beasts as they approach the end of the corridor. “Not as soon as you would think!”

He spins his spear around a few times over his head before jumping and slamming it to the ground! A wave of pure force bursts forth from his spear!

“SONIC WAVE! KABOOM!”

Every monster coming down the hallway is defeated in an instant! Arc turns back to Trixie and points his spear at her in one hand as he assumes a battle-ready position. “Sure you want to do this?”

Trixie looks to him, angrily! “Grrr! I guess if you want something done right...”

She pulls a blade from her belt and disappears in a cloud of smoke! Flash Sentry looks around, surprised!

“She… ran away?”

Ember shakes her head. “Somehow I doubt we could be THAT lucky!”

Flash Sentry looks around. “She’s cloaked! Stay sharp!”

Arc watches Trixie out of the corner of his eye. Jumping, her blade raised over her head, she moves to attack him from the side! At the last moment, he turns, knocks her blade out of her hoof with a well calculated spear jab and uses his other hand to punch Trixie in the gut!

“Nice try, Trixie!”

Trixie reappears on the ground gasping for air! “But… how did… you…?”

Arc shakes his head as he looks down at her. “I hate to break this to you, but you're really not that great... or powerful for that matter!”

She jumps back, putting some distance between them! Trixie conjures a dozen or so doppelgangers and surrounds Arc! They slowly walk toward him, blades in hoof! Her voice comes from all the doppelgangers at once!

“Which is the real me? Too bad you can't tell, huh?!”

Arc Blinks behind the real Trixie. “Hello there.”

He does a leg sweep. Trixie falls to the ground! Staggering to her hooves she again jumps away!

“How do you keep DOING that?!”

“Your rogue-like abilities are useless against me! Give it up! You can't win!”

Trixie sneers at him! “If you're not a soldier, then what ARE you?!”

“A hero.”

Trixie, clearly furious, charges up a more powerful spell! She resummons her doppelgangers and casts an area of effect spell which plunges the area around Arc into complete darkness! Again, she speaks from her doppelgangers!

“Ha! You can't hit what you can't see!”

Arc charges forward, grabs the real Trixie by the throat and slams her against a wall! Pointing his spear in her face, glaring at her! “My patience is at an end, unicorn! SURRENDER NOW!!!”

Trixie's spell fades as she loses her concentration. The room is again as it was. A puddle forms on the ground below a wide-eyed and visibly shaken Trixie!

“Now... are you willing to cooperate?!”

Trixie squeezes her eyes tightly shut and quickly nods her head. Letting go of Trixie's throat, she falls into the puddle at her feet! She presses her body against the wall, attempting to put as much space between her and the furious human as possible!

“How about we start with your name?”

Arc touches Trixie’s throat with his spear.

“And if I so much as see a spark from your horn...”

She nods fearfully! “T-Trixie... Trixie Lulamoon! I... came down here to... enslave the Ogre's that live here!”

“Why?!”

“L-Legend has it that they mastered Beast Training long ago! I figured if I could overpower them, I could control the beasts myself!”

Arc nods. “What were you planning of doing with your monster army?!”

Trixie is visibly shaking! “I wanted to use them to gain favor in the eyes of my life long hero... Special Agent Tempest! If I could do this, then maybe she would finally let me join her as a partner!”

“When was the last time you saw Tempest?!”

“She hasn't been down here in well over a week! Not since the last time she met up with the Captain of the Royal Guard down here!”

Ember chuckles. “Hate to break this to you, but Tempest isn't going to be seen again... EVER!”

“WHAT?!”

Flash Sentry nods. “It's true! The Commander here took her on... and won!”

“It was definitely a team effort, but it's true. Last I saw Tempest, she was melting into a pile of goo just outside the Orphanage.”

Trixie loses the last strand of composure she has left! “How can this be possible?! Nothing in this world is more powerful than Special Agent Tempest!”

Arc towers over her! “Hey! Did I say I was done asking you questions?!”

She draws back. “I-I'm sorry! Please... don't hurt me!”

“How did you take control of the monsters down here?”

Trixie points the crown on her head. “I stole the crown of the Ogre King! It gave me control over their pets and allowed me to take over down here!”

Arc reaches forward quickly! Trixie instinctively draws back and closes her eyes again!

“PLEASE, NO!!!”

Arc grabs the crown and tosses it to Ember.

“Catch!”

Turning back to Trixie, Arc continues with his questions. “Now, what was Tempest doing down here with Captain Decimus?!”

“I… I don’t know!”

Arc holds up his spear again menacingly! “Really?!”

Trixie screams out in fear! “He came here every once in a while to pick up supplies like chemicals and food! Once there were a lot of construction materials! He and Tempest would talk quietly before he left! Now please, that's all I know!”

“One last thing! What did you do with the Ogres?”

Trixie points a shaking hoof. “They're locked up further down that corridor!”

“Take me to them... NOW! Ember, you're with me!”

Ember follows. “Okay!”

Trixie leads Arc and Ember down the corridor and stops in front of a latched door. Arc looks over at Ember.

“Ember, open the door. No sudden movements now, Trixie!”

Trixie’s legs shake and she gulps as Ember slowly opens the door.

“Inside now Trixie... slowly!”

Arc and Trixie slowly enter the large room. There are many ogres inside. They glare at Trixie! However their expressions change to one of confusion as they lay eyes on the strange armored creature who now holds their former captor at spear-point! Arc looks at the ogres.

“I wish to speak to the Ogre King.”

A rather large ogre shambles forward. He is preceded by what appears to be a rather large wolf. It appears to be guarding him.

“I Ogre King! Name Megut! Who you?!”

“My name is Arc. I came here looking for answers, but found only crazed monsters and a cowardly unicorn controlling them.”

King Megut scowls! “If you here to take over, you too late! Blue unicorn already steal crown and controls monsters!”

“I come today not as a conqueror, but a liberator.”

Arc turns to Ember and hands her his spear. She hands him the crown. He turns back to the king.

“I believe this belongs to you, King Megut.”

He accepts the crown and puts it on. “Me thank you... uh... what are yous?”

“My name is Arc. I'm a human.”

“Never heard of them! Guards! Take blue pony prisoner!”

Two ogres take Trixie into custody.

“We's talk more in Throne Room!”

The Ogre King's wolf bodyguard leads the way back to the "Throne Room", the Royal Guard Ogres are regaining consciousness. King Megut looks around.

“What happen here?!”

“Sorry about the mess. Trixie put up quite the fight!”

The king looks over to Flash Sentry and the Lunar Protectors lying on the ground.

“They with yous?”

Arc nods. “Yes, they were poisoned by some of your lizards. Can you help them?”

“Ogres help human's friends! Least we can do for you!”

The King motions toward the fallen squad. An ogre walks towards them with a jug. He hands it to Flash Sentry.

“Have ponies drink! Will make them better!”

Flash Sentry administers the treatment to Arc's squad. They begin to recover!

“Thank you King Megut! Although I am sorry for killing so many of your pets.”

“Is okay! They fight you, you fight back! Was only way! Ogres live here long time! Learn to survive is not always easy!”

He looks at the insignia on Arc’s shoulder. “What that picture on arm?”

“It's my Crest of Light. This identifies me as Equestria's Hero of Light.”

Trixie’s jaw drops! “Wait! YOU’RE the Hero of Light?!”

Arc turns to her. “Yes, and you are the one who was foolish enough to attack me!”

The King's wolf companion suddenly raises its head and sniffs the air!

“Kane! What you smell?”

To Arc and his companions surprise, the wolf suddenly talks!

“Your Majesty, another unknown creature has just entered your domain! It smells similar to the human!”

“That must be Coco Pommel! Flash Sentry, hurry back and guide her here safely!”

Flash Sentry flies off to carry out his instructions. A few minutes later Flash Sentry returns escorting Coco Pommel, she is rather leery of the sight before her!

“Arc…? Is everything alright?!”

“Yes, Coco Pommel! There's no need to be afraid.”

Nevertheless, Coco Pommel stays behind Flash Sentry and Ember.

“Arc, why you come here in first place?!”

“I’m looking for answers. A very bad pony recently attacked me and my friends in the town near here! My information led me to believe that she had come down her often. However, all I found was this blue unicorn and a horde of monsters.”

The king nods. “You looking for dark purple unicorn with no horn?”

“Yes! Was she here?!”

“Many times! She leave ogres alone, so ogres leave her alone!”

The king points at Trixie!

“Then this one come and mess up everything!”

Trixie smiles guiltily! “Squee!”

“Ogres no like ponies here anymore! You take blue unicorn with you?”

Arc nods in agreement. “Of course! I will also see to it she is properly punished for what she has done to your ogre tribe.”

“Good! Purple pony met with white pony friend many times! White pony drop this! You keep it!”

The king tosses Arc a small key.

“Thank you King Megut! I won't take up any more of your time.”

Arc's squad has regained their faculties and stand, albeit weakly.

“You guys okay over there?”

Max looks over, unsteadily. “A bit woozy, but otherwise fine sir.”

Arc and company turn to leave, as the king calls out after him!

“Arc, wait!”

“Yes?”

“Me have to reward you for getting rid of blue unicorn and returning Ogre King crown! Megut give you his own personal pet! He keep you safe!”

The king looks to the wolf at his feet.

“Kane! You go with Arc now! Keep him safe from bad ponies!”

Kane nods. “As you command!”

He walks over to Arc and bows at his feet.

“I am yours to command, master.”

“Um… Thank you King Megut That is very generous of you! I will treat him well!”

“Kane good pet for King Megut. Now he be good pet for Arc! Now go find bad purple pony and bad white pony!”

Arc picks up Coco Pommel. He and the others head back down the corridor. Flash Sentry walks behind Trixie. keeping a hoof on one of his swords the whole time.

“Am I glad that's over!”

Ember nods! “Same here!”

Coco Pommel looks up at Arc, remorsefully. “Arc, I'm sorry for not listening to you. I was just so worried that some horrible fate had befallen you and the others!”

“It's okay Coco Pommel. All’s well that ends well!”

Max looks over at Kane. “Sir? We’re not really going to take this creature back to Light’s Hope, are we?”

“Well, that's up to Kane here.”

Arc looks at his new companion.

“If you would prefer your freedom to staying with me, I will not begrudge you that. You’re free to choose whatever path you would like. Besides... life we me is not exactly, safe.”

“As per my former master's orders, I am now bound to you. I will not leave you unless told to do so.”

Arc nods. “That is indeed very... loyal of you. But tell me... what do YOU want?”

Kane appears confuse. “I do not believe I understand the question.”

“I am asking if given the choice, where would you like to go?”

“I... do not know. This one has never been given the choice. However, it matters not, as I am now bound to your service until the day you pass from this world, or you release me from service.”

“Okay. Kane, I release you from my service.”

Kane stops walking. “…what?”

“I just released you from my service. You’re free now! Do what you want and go where you want. I hope you never have to call another creature ‘master’ as long as you live!”

Kane bows low to Arc. “Th-thank you Master! I... think I will return to the village of my clan! My eyes have not seen it in many long years!”

“I'm not your master any longer. Call me Arc!”

“Certainly... Arc! Should one day you find yourself in the Dragon Lands I would be honored to show you the land of my birth, Forsaken Village. It can be found on the southern shore overlooking the Celestial Sea. Follow the beach and you will find it!”

“Thank you, Kane. I have business in the Dragon Lands with Hydra Prime Ikis, and will certainly stop by when I have the chance. In fact, I can teleport you to the Dragon Lands now if you would like!”

Kane shakes his head. “Thank you for the offer, but I would rather walk. It has been too long since I saw the open road, and would savor such a journey.”

“Alright. Have it your way.”

“I will tell my tribe of the Hero of Light's Generosity! And with that I bid you farewell, Arc!”

Ember waves after Kane. “Safe travels!”

Kane runs a short distance before turning back to the party.

“Arc! When you come to my village, be sure not to bring any ponies with you! They and my tribe have a rather... checkered past!”

He runs off to the east. Soon he is out of sight! Max looks to Arc.

“Do you think he will be all right out there by himself?”

“Probably. I get the feeling Kane is no pushover!”

Trixie shakes her head and chuckles. Flash Sentry looks over to her sternly.

“Something about this you find amusing?!”

Trixie turns to look at Arc. “For Equestria's greatest hero, you're not too bright!”

Xenos angrily stomps over to Trixie. “Watch what you say about the Commander, prisoner! Remember, he did spare your hide!”

“Easy, Xenos. I would hear her out. Tell me Trixie, what makes you say that?”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie would never have allowed such an opportunity to pass!”

Hugh appears confused. “Opportunity?”

“Yes, you dunderhead! That creature would have followed you to the ends of the world! Followed any order! Taken any risk! All you would have had to do was say the word and that mongrel would have readily obeyed, like a good little...”

“Slave?”, Arc interrupts.

“Not exactly the word I would have used, but yes! He might not have been as capable as you are, but even the lowest of animals have their uses!”

Viktor scoffs! “The Hero of Light protects! He would never enslave another!”

Trixie rolls her eyes. “You can't really ‘enslave’ an animal! They are there to be used!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I think I have heard just about enough out of you! Remember this "Great and Powerful Trixie". I beat you without even breaking a sweat! And I want you to know this as well... from MY point of view, YOU are the animal!”

Ember nod indignantly. “If Arc had gone all-out on you, there wouldn't have been anything left of you that couldn't go down the drain! Believe me... I've fought him before.”

The color drains from Trixie's face and her pupils shrink as the party steps onto the sigil. Arc powers it up and teleports them back to Light's Hope. The orphans are playing a game in the Main Hall as Arc and the others appear on the sigil. Pipsqueak and Aquamarine run over happily!

“Miss Pommel! You're back... AHHHH!!!”

“Mr. Arc! Mr. Flash Sentry! Are you hurt?!”

Arc and Flash Sentry looks down to see their armor and weapons are caked with blood!

“We're fine! Don't worry about us!”

Pipsqueak appears skeptical. “What happened over there?!”

Arc smiles at them. “Let's just say we had to dispense some justice... Hero of Light style.”

Flash Sentry nods! “We were attacked by monsters, but have no fear! The Hero of Light has captured the leader of the creatures!”

He points a hoof at Trixie as Arc gently sets down Coco Pommel. The orphans quickly surround her and glare at Trixie!

“You stay away from Miss Pommel!”, Pipsqueak says, bravely!

Aquamarine nods! “Yeah! Or else you’ll have to deal with us!”

Arc chuckles. “All right, little ones! Why don't you take Coco Pommel to the Cafeteria and have some supper? It smells like Saffron is ready for you.”

Coco Pommel and the orphans all walk to the Cafeteria together. Arc turns to his squad.

“That goes for you as well. Have a good meal and take it easy for the rest of the day. I'll see you in the morning.

They salute and head for the cafeteria.

Flash Sentry stands resolutely behind the prisoner. “Now I guess that just leaves the question of what to do with her.”

Trixie looks up to Arc, sheepishly. “Um... I know this may sound a bit strange but... can I have something to eat too? The ogre's hovel was not too generous in the food department.”

“What do you think sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don't think so. The orphan's safety comes before your stomach. And besides, how well did you feed the ogres you had imprisoned?!”

Trixie lowers her head as Arc stares her down.

“I thought so.”

He turns to Flash Sentry.

“Let's take Trixie to Canterlot Castle. I'm sure the dungeons can hold her until the princesses can decide what to do with her.”

“With pleasure, sir!”

Chapter 16 - The Interrogation

Arc, Flash Sentry and Trixie appear on the sigil in Arc's room in Canterlot Castle.

“Lead the way to the dungeon, lieutenant.”

Right this way, sir!”

Flash Sentry takes the lead with Arc following behind Trixie, his spear drawn. They enter the lower part of the castle and approach the rather bored looking prison guard on duty. He straightens up when he sees Arc.

“S-sir?! What can I do for you?!”

Arc points at Trixie. “I want this mare locked up until further notice! She is not to have any visitors, nor is she to be allowed to socialize with any other prisoners! Keep her isolated! The princesses will dictate her fate!”

“Yes sir!”

Arc and Flash Sentry follow the guard and Trixie to a cell. The guard opens the door and pushes Trixie inside.

“Don't try casting any magic in there! This cell is designed specifically to hold rogue unicorns!”

Trixie looks to them indignantly! “You can't keep me in here forever!”

“You're right. Tartarus is lovely this time of year.”

Arc leans forward and looks Trixie in the eye.

“Ask me how I know this.”

Trixie gulps as Arc turns to the prison guard. “I will notify the princesses of Trixie's crimes personally. Until they make a ruling, my earlier orders stand!”

“Yes sir! That is understood!”

Arc turns back to Trixie. “I’ll see to it you get a fair trial at the very least. After I report to the princesses, they’ll probably send someone over to take your statement or something.”

Trixie walks away from the door huffily! “Fine! You just run back to your high and might mistresses, like a good little slave! I’ll beat this! Just you watch!

“Somehow I doubt that. But it’s your future at stake, not mine. Think what you will of me, but I don’t serve the princesses’ beak and call.

She lies down in a pile of hay in the corner. “...right…”

He opens a portal back to Light’s Hope. “Right. I serve the innocent.”

Arc and Flash Sentry enter the portal and are transported back to Light's Hope's Main Hall. Night has fallen.

“I have to notify the princesses of the events at New Beginning's Orphanage. Come with me and see how these things are done. Oh, and lieutenant?”

“Yes sir?”

“Good work back there! You didn't give in, and you didn't hesitate... not once! I’m proud to call you my lieutenant!”

“Thank you sir! Thanks... for coming after us.”

Arc nods. “You’re welcome. I don’t leave anyone behind!”

He turns to Raven.

“Raven, I need to speak to the princesses. Patch them through to the War Room. And have Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage join us.”

“Yes commander!”

Arc and Flash Sentry proceed to the War Room. Sandstorm Mirage meets them there. They shut the door behind them and Arc sits down in the chair in front of the hologram teleconference up-link and waits! Flash Sentry stands behind him and to his right, Sandstorm Mirage to Arc's left. A few minutes later the princess’ holograms appear before Arc. Both princesses are looking down and going over paperwork.

Arc looks at the projection for a moment before speaking. “Okay, I gotta say it... this is kinda creepy!”

Cadance continues going over paperwork, but manages a smile and a laugh. “You called us, remember?”

“I guess you got me there. This thing needed to be tested at some point though.”

Luna slowly looks up to Arc. “In any case, we… ARC! Are you two all right?!”

Cadance’s neck snaps up to look up! “Oh my Celestia! What happened?!”

Arc looks down at his blood-soaked armor. “Sorry! I guess we should have cleaned up first! Don't worry. None of this blood is ours... strangely enough.”

He relates the story of the day's events in the Vanhoover Aqueducts.

Cadance appears concerned. “Are you saying there are ogres living below the Orphanage?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. It looks like they have been there for quite some time actually!”

Luna appears stern. “We will dispatch Captain Decimus at once with a battalion to wipe them out!”

Arc looks to her confused. “Why?”

“Because they're OGRES! We can't be sure they won't eventually attack Vanhoover!”

Cadance looks to Luna. “That sounds a bit extreme, Luna. Arc, what do you think?”

“They’ve lived there peacefully for this long. If you meet them with aggression, they will answer you with aggression! I suggest you send a peace envoy to attempt and establish a treaty of some kind.”

Luna shakes her head. “You can't negotiate with ogres! They are selfish, violent, monstrosities who...”

Arc interrupts her. “…who sound an awful lot like humans to me!”

Cadance nods. “Arc is right! We can't just attack them without cause! If we do, we're no different than monsters ourselves!”

Luna is silent for a time.

“Perhaps you two are right. Forgive my earlier outburst. We will meet with the Ogre King Megut before making any... lasting decisions.”

“Thank you, Princess Luna.”

“What of the wolf-like creature you were presented with?”

“His name is Kane. I gave him his freedom and he headed back to his hometown in the southern Dragon Lands. He said his tribe was called "The Forsaken". Apparently, I now have an open invitation to his village, on the condition that I do not bring any ponies with me.”

Luna looks out at Arc, amazed! “Actually yes. I have already been invited to the Hydra Village by Hydra Prime Ikis. This way I can save a trip and visit both places.”

Cadance nods, clearly impressed! “You are quickly becoming quite the diplomat, Arc!”

“I prefer words over weapons any day.”

Luna clears her throat and continues. “And this unicorn you told us about. Where is she now?”

“I personally placed her in a cell in Canterlot Castle. Hopefully Trixie can provide us with information that will be helpful in future investigations.”

The Princess of the Night nods. “This Trixie... what should be done with her?”

“That's a difficult question. Her powers of illusion and deception are quite powerful. Had I not been able to see through them with my helmet's True-Sight enchantment, the battle may have gone very differently. Although it's worth pointing out that while she is egotistical and a coward, she is also too dangerous to release at this time.”

Cadance considers Arc’ words. “Do you think she may have some connection with Tempest?”

“I don't know for sure, but she claimed to be trying to impress her.”

Luna sighs. “We will give the matter more thought. I will have Captain Decimus personally interrogate her.”

“I am sure the Captain is much too busy to deal with such a matter.”

Cadance laughs! “To tell you the truth, he enjoys it. Says it's therapeutic! If you would rather do it yourself though...”

Arc shakes his head. “Far be it from me to take such a pleasure away from Captain Decimus. That and he does have more experience in such things then I do. Although I would be interested in knowing what he discovers.”

Cadance nods. “We will have a copy of his report sent to Light’s Hope!”

“Thank you!”

Luna looks at Arc quizzically. “If I may Arc... what were you doing at the New Beginnings Orphanage?”

“When we were originally planning the mission, Dinky pointed out a hatch on the blueprints. I wanted to see where it led. As you now know, I got much more than I bargained for!”

Luna nods. “I see. Well, we have many other matters to attend to, so we're going to have to cut this short.”

“I understand. Thank you for your time.”

Luna presses a button and the connection is severed. She sits there silently for a time.

“Luna? Is something wrong?”

“Arc… is hiding something from us.”

“Are you sure?”

Luna nod. “I am.”

“While we haven't known him for very long, we should put more faith in Arc! If he IS keeping things from us, he must have a good reason!”

Luna turns the chair to look out the window at the night sky. “While there is wisdom in your words Cadance, I do not like being kept in the dark! Fortunately for us, we have our own set of eyes and ears in Light’s Hope.”

Cadance looks down guiltily. “I still don't like the idea of spying on Arc.”

“Neither do I, but we can't risk national security.”

Cadance sighs. “I know... but that doesn't make this any easier. I wish Aunt Celestia was here.”

Luna walks over to Cadance and puts a hoof on her shoulder. “As do I, Cadance…”

Meanwhile, back at Light’s Hope, Flash Sentry looks over at Arc.

“Sir? Why didn't you tell the princesses about... well... you know?!”

“Because we still don't have any proof of wrongdoing. If I were to accuse the Captain of the Royal Guard of being a traitor without an airtight case, do you think they would ever listen to me again?!”

Sandstorm Mirage looks befuddled. “Sir? If I may... what's this about Captain Decimus?”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc as he stands up.

“Bring the Sergeant up to speed on what we know, Flash Sentry. I think I need a shower.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc removes his armor and steps into the shower. “Trixie... what secrets are you hiding? Tempest... did you survive? What am I overlooking?!”

He finishes cleaning himself up and sits on the couch in front of the fireplace. A short while later he dozes off, awakening around 2 A.M. absolutely famished!

“I can't believe I forgot to eat supper! I must have really been tired!”

Arc leaves his quarters and heads for the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator door, he finds a plate of fish on one of the shelves. He smiles!

“Saffron is far too kind!”

Arc reaches for the plate but stops, draws back, and closes the refrigerator door.

“No. First things first!

Arc heads back to his quarters and quickly cleans his armor before putting it back on. He then steps onto the sigil in his quarters and teleports to his room in Canterlot Castle.

“Better make sure Trixie is still right where she belongs.”

Arc heads to the Dungeon. A different guard is on duty. He looks about as bored as the previous one. Similarly, he straightens up as Arc approaches.

“Sir!”

“Guard, I want to see Trixie Lulamoon. I’m worried she might escape!”

“Right this way sir!”

The guard leads Arc to Trixie's cell. She is lying in a corner on the floor. Her horn is covered with a strange looking headgear and all four of her hooves are shackled. She does not move as the guard opens the door for Arc. The stench of piddle hangs in the air.

Arc turns back to the guard. “What's that on her head?”

“A Magic Nullifier. Captain Decimus ordered it be kept on her at all times, along with the leg shackles. He only finished interrogating her about 10 minutes ago.”

He raises and eyebrow. “How long did that take?”

“I'm not really sure, sir. A few hours, at least.”

Arc looks down at Trixie’s helpless form and sighs. “I wish to interrogate the prisoner myself.”

“Yes sir! Shall I bring her to the Interrogation Room for you?”

“No. I will question her at my base. Give me her shackle key.”

The guard leaves the cell. “It's on my desk. I'll be right back, sir!”

Trixie does not move but calls out weakly as she faces the wall. “...please... no more... I already told... the Captain... everything... I know...”

“Well, I have a few questions of my own. Come with me.”

Trixie does her best to stand. Her legs wobble unsteadily and the leg shackles greatly hinder her ability to walk. After shuffling a few feet her legs give way and she collapses to the floor. She tries again to rise but appears too weak.

Arc reaches down. “Here, let me help you.”

Trixie feebly tries to crawl away. “No… please don’t hurt me…”

Arc notices she is shaking. Either out of fear or the damp cold of the stone floor he does not know. The guard returns to the cell with the Trixie's shackle key.

“Her key sir!”

Arc accepts the key. “Thank you. If anyone asks where Trixie is, tell them she is at Light's Hope... uh... undergoing intensive interrogation in regards to an… ongoing investigation.”

“Yes sir!”

The guard returns to his post. Arc turns back to Trixie who has managed to crawl to a corner of the cell. She has assumed a fetal position and is now visibly trembling out of fear! Removing his cape, he walks toward Trixie and slowly wraps her up then carefully lifts the still trembling mare into his arms.

“Don't worry. I won't hurt you.”

Arc removes one of his hands from Trixie's back momentarily to open a portal to his quarters in Light's Hope.

“Here we go.”

Arc steps through the portal with Trixie and appears in his Living Room.

“It feels good to be home again.”

Trixie says nothing as he lays her down in front of the fireplace and carefully unwraps her. Although she has stopped shaking her eyes still dart nervously around the room. In the better light of his quarters, Arc notices her body is covered in contusions and a few open wounds. She still reeks of her own urine, presumably from their earlier battle. He lets her enjoy the warmth of the fire for a few moments.

“What did Decimus DO to you?! I know you weren’t nearly this hurt from our battle!”

He shakes his head.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, shall we?”

Trixie squeezes her eyes shut as Arc reaches toward her. “…please… no…”

Arc uses the shackle key and removes Trixie's restraints. They appear to have been too tight, as her fetlocks are painfully swollen and inflamed! He carefully picks her up and carries her to his bathroom, setting her down he turns on the shower. She winces as the warm water cascades over her bruised body. Arc returns his armor to the Magic Ring and carefully begins to wash her.
Trixie slowly opens her eyes. “What… what are you…?”

“Getting you cleaned up. Trust me... you need it!”

Trixie lays her head down on the floor of the shower. “I… um…”

Arc continues to clean the filthy mare.

“So tell me... why do you want to team up with Tempest so badly?”

“Because... I feel... or at least I used to believe... she was the only one worthy of... my talents. She always protected this world! I wanted to be a part of that!”

Arc rinses the soap out of Trixie’s coat. “By enslaving others?!”

Trixie winces as Arc’s hand touches on of her wounds. “They were just ogres! It's not like I was using other ponies!”

He begins washing a sticky residue out of her tail. “Trixie. The ogres may not be the... brightest race living in Equestria, but they have feelings too! They're not bugs to be used, abused, and crushed under your hoof as you see fit!”

Trixie does not respond, but blushes heavily. A short time later Arc finishes and helps her out of the tub before carefully drying her with a towel. She is unable to look him in the eye.

“Th-thank... you.”

“You’re not used to showing gratitude, are you?”

She rolls her eyes at Arc as he hands her a brush to fix her mane. “Why should I be? When you’re as great and powerful as I am, others should learn to fall at your hooves!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and looks down at Trixie. “I see... so since I’m stronger than you, should you not bow before me?!”

Trixie looks at him indignantly but says nothing.

Arc frowns. “I thought so.”

Trixie stands in front of the bathroom mirror and brushes her mane. Arc takes some bandages off a nearby shelf.

“Let's do something about those wounds while we're at it.”

Trixie winces as her wounds are cleaned and dressed. She finishes brushing her mane.

“Are you hungry?”

Trixie looks at the floor angrily. “...yes. They were too busy interrogating me to feed me.”

“Come with me. I haven't eaten supper yet either.”

The pair head for the door. Trixie begins to walk slowly but makes it only a short distance before falling to the ground.

“Trixie? What happened?!”

She looks up at him, furious! “Your Captain Decimus happened to me!”

“Wow. Even I didn't think he would go THAT far.”

Arc bends down to pick the injured mare up.

“Come on. I'll carry you to the Kitchen.”

Trixie instinctively draws back. A moment later she begrudgingly allows Arc to take hold of her. She sighs.

“This is humiliating…”

“Don't worry. I'll be gentle.”

The pair proceed down the corridor. Trixie looks at her surroundings.

“This is quite the base you have here!”

“Thank you. The princesses had it built specifically for me.”

Several Royal Guards walk down the hallway. Upon seeing Arc, they quickly move to the side and salute him! Trixie looks at the guards as the pass.

“I guess you're used to others bowing at your feet.”

“To tell you the truth, it gets old pretty quick. However, none of these soldiers are here against their will. They serve me... willingly.”

Trixie looks down at her hooves. “I…”

Trixie looks down at the floor with a sad look on her face unable to complete her sentence.

“In any case… here we are... the Cafeteria!”

As usual, there are many fruits in a basket on a table next to the now empty buffet. Trixie looks toward it hungrily.

“Let's head back to the Kitchen. There are leftovers from supper in the fridge.”

They enter the Kitchen. Arc carries her to a chair and gently sets her down. He opens the refrigerator door and pulls out a salad and a few sandwiches for Trixie. Putting them on a plate he sets it down in front of her.

“I think you’ll like it! My chef is quite talented.”

“Th-thank you.”

Arc turns back to the refrigerator and pulls out his own plate. He dumps the contents into a skillet on the stove and heats it up. In a few moments the kitchen smells of fish.

Trixie wrinkles her nose. “What are you MAKING?!”

He looks over his should at her. “Just reheating my fish plate. Sorry about the smell.”

Trixie appears slightly nauseous. “FISH?!”

“Us humans have to keep our strength up somehow. And with the amount of energy I expend carrying out my duties as the Hero of Light, this is the best source of nutrition for me.”

“Can't you just eat normal food?!”

He turns back to the skillet. “If by ‘normal’ you mean pony food, yes. I can eat most of the same foods you do. But my stomach wouldn't be able to digest it as... thoroughly... as yours can. Protein and carbohydrates are always needed to keep me fighting strong.”

Trixie looks at him, skeptically. “Fish don’t have much in the way of carbs.”

“I get most of them from breakfast foods and midnight pizzas.”

Trixie goes back to eating. Arc puts the now hot fish back on his plate and sits down across from her.

“So how long were you in the Aqueducts?”

Trixie sighs. “Time for my interrogation?”

“Something like that.”

She sighs. “Might as well tell you everything. It’s not like it will change anything for me. Months. Although most of that time was spent watching the ogres and learning about them.”

“Why?”

“To learn how they controlled their beasts, of course! Originally my plan was to observe long enough to learn their secrets. However, when I found out that the Ogre King's crown could give me the power I needed, I started watching him instead. I waited for just the right time before making my move.”

“I see. What time was that?”

“I found that the only time the oaf took his crown off was when he was sleeping. It was a simple matter to wait and take it from the nightstand!”

Arc shakes his head. “Crazy idea here. Wouldn't it have been simpler to just ASK the ogres to teach you?”

Trixie rolls her eyes. “Why would I do THAT when I can just take what I want!”

“True. But look where that mentality got you? Arrested, interrogated, and imprisoned. Great plan there...”

She looks over at Arc, angrily! “Yeah, but it would have worked if YOU hadn't shown up and ruined everything!”

“And the ogres? How long do you think they would have survived under your rule?”

Trixie looks away, furious. “Look... I'm not exactly... proud, of what I did back there. But I've always been taught that the weak should be ruled by the strong! Isn't that how things work in Equestria?”

“Explain.”

“Well, you have Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadance. They’re the most powerful of all pony-kind, so they're in charge! Now Princess Celestia is, by far, the most powerful. So, she’s the head princess. With her away the next most powerful, Princess Luna, is now taking her place with Princess Cadance in her shadow.”

Arc shakes his head. “While I can't disagree with what you have said, I must admit you have a rather narrow view of what it takes to be in charge.”

Trixie looks over to him, confused. “What?!”

“Being in charge is so much more than just barking orders and imposing your will on the masses. To be an effective leader, first you must learn to be a servant.”

She looks at him, her face aghast! “A SERVANT?!”

“The princesses do rule over Equestria and make many important decisions on a daily basis. However, they do so out of love and kindness. Thinking only of the safety of the land and its inhabitants, they give almost all of their time and energy to their duties! You don't think they just sit on their thrones all day drinking tea and eating cake, do you?”

“I don’t know! I... guess I never really thought about it that way.”

“Well from what I have seen, being a princess is no picnic! They can keep THAT job! I'm content just saving orphans and fighting demon lords!”

Trixie looks at him as if he’s lost his mind! “Why?! That doesn't sound like much fun to me!”

“It may not be much fun, but the fringe benefits make it all worthwhile!”

She looks confused. “Fringe benefits?”

“Do you remember the foals you saw when we came here yesterday?”

Trixie nods. “Yes. But I don't understand what they’re doing in a military installation such as this.”

“Those are the orphans that I liberated from Tempest. They’re staying here, as the Orphanage was quite heavily damaged in the battle between Tempest and I. Even if it wasn't, none of them wanted to return to that place of pain and suffering!”

Trixie looks away. “I'm sure Tempest had her reasons...”

“She did... just the wrong ones!”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“How in Celestia's name were you able to defeat Tempest?!”

Trixie looks Arc up and down.

“Without your armor, you don't really look very strong. Certainly not strong enough to best Equestria's finest Special Forces agent!”

“Both Tempest and I are very similar, but at the same time are very different. I draw my power from my righteousness, the powers of Light, and my desire to protect the innocent. She draws her strength from the powers of Darkness, her own tenacity, and the souls of those she has bested in combat. Although I do believe she does want to protect Equestria, her methods leave much to be desired.”

Trixie appears lost. “Darkness? Souls? I don't understand.”

“Her weapon, Light's Bane, allowed her to use the souls of those it felled to fuel the strength of the wielder. I believe at some point she lost sight of her original goal and was consumed with the desire to amass even more power. It had to end somewhere!”

She looks back at Arc with conviction in her voice. “I still believe in Special Agent Tempest! She would never do such things!”

“Believe what you will. In any case, I’ve already spoken with both the princesses and made them aware of your case. They’ll see to it you have a trial in the near future.”

Trixie appears suddenly nervous! “What... will become of me?”

“That’s up to them to decide. You did, after all, commit a heinous crime against an entire race.”

“But...! I... I guess I never really thought my actions through before I acted.”

She sighs as Arc looks to her and nods.

“I don't blame others for their mistakes! But I do insist that they pay for them...”

Trixie bows her head in shame. “I... understand.”

“How are you feeling now?”

“Better... thanks to you. I'm also not used to being indebted to anypony!”

“It's amazing what a bath and good meal can do to lift the spirits. Well, I should probably get you back to your cell now. You are still a prisoner awaiting trial, you know.”

Trixie’s eyes are suddenly filled with an intense fear! She hobbles to a corner of the room, her back to the wall!

“NO!!! PLEASE!!! DON'T SEND ME BACK THERE!!! I'LL DO ANYTHING YOU SAY!!!”

Arc stands up quickly and rushes over to her! “Woah! What did Decimus DO to you?!”

“He's a monster! I think he actually ENJOYS hurting ponies! He... he forced me to confess to many things! None of which I actually DID!”

He sits down on the floor next to Trixie. “Like what?”

Trixie begins to cry. “Things like plotting to overthrow the Princesses, building a monster army to conquer Equestria, plotting genocide... there were other things but I was too scared to actually READ the confession I signed!”

“Maybe I can help.”

Trixie lays her head down on the floor. “I don't see how. Captain Decimus will present the confession at my trial, and that will be the end of it! Any one of those charges is grounds for banishment to Tartarus! Besides... why would you want to help me?!”

“We all need a little help once in a while too! I've suspected the Captain of the Royal Guard was dirty from the moment I met him, but I had no idea it was this bad! There is a machine in my office that can project the thoughts and memories of the user. If you would let me witness your earlier interrogation, I’ll keep you here at Light's Hope until you trial date.”

“Why would you want to see that?! It's not pretty!”

“I believe it may provide me with some additional evidence I can use in my investigation of Captain Decimus. So... will you help me... help you?”

Trixie nods her head vigorously. “Yes! Anything to avoid returning to that place! What do I have to do?!”

“Come to my office and I’ll show you.”

Arc picks up Trixie and carries her to his office. After setting her in a chair he quickly sets up the device and lowers the projector screen. He walks over to her with a crystal in his hand.

“Take this in your hooves and concentrate on your interrogation.”

She takes the crystal and nods. “Okay, I'll give it a try.”

In a few moments the screen shows a small room containing only a table and two chairs. Captain Decimus enters the room along with two Royal Guards. The Captain sits down across from Trixie as the two Royal Guards take up positions behind her on either side. He looks at her with a wicked smile on his face.

“Oh, the fun we are going to have together. So... why are you here?”

Trixie just stares at him, wordlessly.

“What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Well not to worry, I will take care of that. What's your name?”

“Trixie… Lulamoon.”

Without warning, Captain Decimus swings a hoof across the table! It catches Trixie squarely in the face! She falls backwards on the floor dazed, as the two guards grab her roughly and put her back on the stool! She sits there with a cut lip.

The captain sneers at her. “Don't lie to me! Your name is stupid unicorn! Now I ask again... what is your name?”

“But my name really is Trixie Lulamoon!”

Captain Decimus hits her again, this time in the chest! Again, the Royal Guards pick her up and set her back on the stool!

“Ah! I could do this all night! How about it, stupid unicorn? Want to go all night?!”

Trixie cannot yet raise her head from the last two blows and can only pant heavily. He speaks to her again in a patronizing voice.

Captain Decimus gets up and walks around the table to stand next to her. “Let's try this again, shall we? What... is... your... name?”

“Tri… stupid unicorn…”

He nods his head and smiles. “Very good. See? You CAN be taught!”

The captain turns away to look at the wall for a few moments. He then whirls around and hoof her in the gut! Trixie falls to the floor, the air knocked out of her!

“Wh… what was… that for?!”

He turns back and looks at her, smiling. “Fun.”

Arc watches in horror as Trixie is beaten countless times! Each time she is knocked down, Captain Decimus' guards are there to pick her back up! It isn’t long before she can no longer hold her head up!

“I've taken the liberty of writing up your confession. Do be a dear and sign it please?”

Trixie makes great effort to raise her head and reads the first few lines of the confession before she is bucked in the side ribs by Captain Decimus! He screams at her!

“STUPID UNICORN! I TOLD YOU TO SIGN IT, NOT READ IT!”

Trixie's head lies on the table. She weakly picks up the quill with her magic and slowly signs her name on the line as the tears begin to flow. The captain picks up the scroll and looks it over.

“Thank you for cooperating!”

Captain Decimus turns to his guards.

“Fit her with a Magic Nullifier and shackle her! She hasn't finished suffering yet!”

“Yes sir!”

As the Captain leaves the Interrogation Room he turns back to his guards. “Oh! And take your time carrying out my orders.”

The captain leaves the room. His guards roughly throw Trixie to the floor and begin stomping on her with all their might! Arc shuts off the machine, truly disgusted!

“Trixie... I-I'm truly sorry you had to go through that! You don't have to finish. I've seen enough.”

Trixie lies in the chair shaking and crying! The crystal still in her hooves. “Don't worry... you d-didn't miss... much. I... passed out... shortly after... that. The next thing... I remember was... you talking to the... prison guard... telling him... you wanted to... interrogate me!”

Arc picks her up and carries the traumatized mare to the couch. He sits with her in hip lap. “It's over now. I'll keep you safe here until your trial, as promised.”

She looks up at him, tear in her eyes. “Thank you... Hero of Light!”

“Please. Call me Arc.”

“Thank you so much... Arc! Nopony has ever done so much to help me before! To say nothing for what I did to you and your soldiers!”

Arc nods. “It's the least I could do, considering the circumstances. But it looks like I now have a new mission.”

“What is it?”

He looks her in the eye, soberly. “My troops and I are going to break into Captain Decimus' office... and steal your confession.”

“WHAT?! But, why?!”

“I can't let you be sent to Tartarus for crimes you didn't actually commit. Please don't misunderstand me. What you did was terrible and you should most certainly be punished for it. However even you don't deserve to have lies heaped upon you.”

“I don't really know what to say, Arc.”

“You don't have to say anything Trixie. At least not until we get back with the confession.”

She looks at him, nervously. “Are you sure about this?! I mean! Even the Hero of Light would be in trouble if they were found to be breaking and entering!”

“When I became the Hero of Light the princesses informed me that any orders I give carry the same weight as that of a princess! I take that to mean I can go anywhere and do anything I deem necessary in pursuit of my duty.”

Trixie raises an eyebrow. “That's... a bit of a stretch. What if your wrong about that? Or what if you get caught?!”

Arc smiles at her. “I won’t.”

Chapter 17 - Helping a Friend or Two

The next morning Coco Pommel and Ember awaken. They both sit up and yawn.

“Good morning, Ember.”

Ember looks out the window. “Are you sure it's morning? I'm still beat!”

She looks down at her bedmate.

“You planning on sleeping all day, Arc? Come on! Up and at em'!”

Arc rolls over to look up at Ember. “Ugh... just five more minutes...”

She looks down at him, concerned. “Arc? Are you okay? You look... terrible!”

He sits up. “I've been better. Last night I went on a little adventure of my own.”

A look of worry flashes across Coco Pommel’s face! “All alone?!”

“It wasn't anything dangerous. I'll tell you about it after breakfast.”

The trio leaves Arc’s room and turns toward the cafeteria. However, Arc heads another direction.

“Uh Arc? The Cafeteria is this way, remember?”

“I'll meet you there in a few minutes. Have to meet up with someone first.”

The part ways. Ember turns to Coco Pommel. “What do you suppose that was all about?! It's not like him to be late for a meal.”

Coco Pommel shrugs. “I'm not sure. But he'll tell us when the time is right.”

“I guess so.”

Arc walks to the Guest Room. The two guards salute and allow him entry. Trixie is asleep on the bed. He walks over and gently nudges her.

“Trixie? It’s time for breakfast.”

Her eyes fly open and dart around the room. “Did... did last night really happen?!”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you really volunteer to help me?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, I did. And in case you didn't remember, the beating also happened.”

She sits up slowly and stiffly. “My extremely sore body reminded me of THAT part!”

Trixie slowly rises and moves to hop off the bed. Upon landing on the floor her legs cannot take the abuse, and she crashes to the floor face first!

“Trixie! Are you okay?!”

She slowly rises on wobbly legs. “I guess I was more hurt than I thought.”

“Do you need me to help you? You wouldn't be the first pony I've carried around here.”

Trixie looks to him, indignantly! “The Great and Powerful Trixie cannot allow herself to be carried like an invalid!”

She slowly walks toward the door. Each step appears to be agony for her beaten and bruised body! As she nears the door she again collapses. This time though she appears unable to rise.

“Um... the Great and Powerful Trixie will take you up on your offer and allow you to... carry her.”

Arc walks over and picks her up. “Don't worry. I got you.”

He moves toward the door with Trixie in his arms. As they exit the room the Royal Guards on duty salute him as he passes. Trixie looks mortified!

“This is humiliating…”

“We all need to be carried at one point or another.”

“Really? I bet you've never had to be carried like a sack of groceries before!”

Arc smirks. “Truth be told, I have. It took two ponies, but they managed to carry me to Ponyville Hospital.”

“What?! Why?”

“Let's just say I took on an Ursa Minor and lost... very badly. I dimly remember them putting me on the backs of two ponies and away we went. On the way I passed out from blood loss. Just think of the sight we must have made running through town!”

“I can just imagine. But you must have known that being the Hero of Light would be quite dangerous!”

“That happened long before I was a hero of any kind! I had no armor and a weapon that was actually a mantelpiece from what I am told.”

“What?! Why would you…”

Arc interrupts her. “Desperate times, desperate measures... that sort of thing.”

Trixie shakes her head. “I'm not sure if you are the brave, or just plain nuts!”

He laughs! “I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle!”

Arc and Trixie arrive at the Cafeteria. Coco Pommel, Ember, Derpy and Dinky are all sitting together eating and talking. As Arc and Trixie enter the room the orphans look up. When they see Trixie, they immediately run to Coco Pommel. At first Trixie assumes they are trying to hide behind the mare out of fear. However, it soon becomes clear they are running to stand in FRONT of Coco Pommel, shielding her!

Pipsqueak looks at Trixie, menacingly! “You keep away from Miss Pommel!”

Aquamarine stomps a small hoof defiantly! “We’re not afraid of you!”

Arc looks at the orphans. “It's okay little ones. Trixie here is my... uh... guest at the moment. She's promised to be good from now on. Besides... she's not exactly in any condition to be a danger to anyone!”

Pipsqueak looks at Trixie’s bandaged and bruised body. “Well... I guess you have a point Mr. Arc. But I still don't trust her!”

Aquamarine glares at the intruder! “We'll be watching you, so don't try anything!”

Dinky walks over to face the orphans. “Come on everypony! My dad wouldn't have brought her here if she was going to cause trouble!”

Coco Pommel nods. “Go back to eating, little ones. I'm sure Arc knows what he's doing. Have faith in him, as I do!”

Listening to Dinky and Coco Pommel, the foals warily go back to their respective tables. Although they constantly look over their shoulders to Trixie, whom Arc has set down at the opposite end of the table as far away from Coco Pommel as possible!

Trixie watches them as they stare daggers at her. “Why are those little urchins so protective of that mare?!”

Ember scowls at Trixie. “You would be too if you were them!”

Derpy nods. “She's looked after and protected them their whole lives!”

“Miss Pommel is the kindest, gentlest, most loving pony I have ever met! Well, other than my mom.”

Dinky grins at Derpy as she pats her daughter on the head and returns the smile.

Arc looks over at Trixie. “Trixie. For YEARS she was the only thing standing between them and starvation! Tempest was certainly not very charitable with food around the Orphanage. Ask any of the orphans here how they feel about Tempest and you'll get an ear-full!

Trixie looks conflicted. Arc looks at Dinky.

“Dinky, would you get Trixie a plate of food please?”

“Okay dad!”

Trixie looks at Arc, wide-eyed! “DAD?!”

“I adopted Derpy's daughter, Dinky.”

“Why would you do that? I don't understand what you could have to gain by taking such action!”

Derpy looks over. “Trixie, was it? Arc has always been there for me as long as I have known him! He took care of me when I was in the final stages of pregnancy and was the one who delivered my baby! And, although he most certainly didn't have to, he even volunteered sign her Birth Certificate!”

He nods. “I wanted to be sure Dinky would know the love of a father. She's... very special to me. I have no doubt that she will grow up to do great things one day!”

Dinky returns with a plate of food for Trixie and one for Arc. He accepts the food and tousles Dinky’s mane! “Thank you dear!”

“Hee, hee! You're welcome, dad!”

Dinky sits back down and continues eating.

“Can I see you all in the Meeting Room after breakfast? There have been some... developments in the Captain Decimus investigation that I want to share.”

“Me too, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “It's a bit...disturbing, Dinky. I myself found it to be quite appalling! You might find it too scary.”

Dinky narrows her eyes. “Uh dad? I stood up against Tempest and the Angel of Darkness. They weren't too scary for me!”

He sighs. “Very well. You may join us if you want.”

“Thanks dad!”

Arc's squad walks in to the Cafeteria for breakfast. They each grab a plate and sit together at a nearby table. He walks over to them. They stand and salute.

“Good morning, commander!”

“At ease. How are you all feeling after yesterday?”

Max smiles! “Good as new, sir!”

The others nod approvingly.

“Glad to hear it! Come to the Meeting Room after breakfast. I have something to show you.”

“Yes sir!”

Hugh looks over at Arc’s table at Trixie. “Sir? Lieutenant Flash Sentry told us you two took that mare to the Canterlot Dungeons yesterday? If I may, what is she doing here?!”

Xenos looks over as well. “And her condition! You didn't hurt her anywhere near that bad the other day!”

“All will be explained at the meeting. Trixie is still a prisoner though, so she can't leave her room without me personally present.”

“Understood, sir!”

“Good. See you later!”

He returns to his table to finish eating. Arc turns to Trixie.

“You can come to the meeting too. Or I can escort you back to your room. Your call.”

“I'll join you and the others.”

They all stand to leave the Cafeteria. Trixie makes it only a couple feet before collapsing from her injuries. Arc bends over and picks her up.

“Don't worry. I got you, Trixie.”

She looks embarrassed. “Thanks…”

Arc, Trixie, Ember, Derpy, Dinky and Coco Pommel head to the Meeting Room. Upon their arrival Arc sets Trixie down in on a small sofa and then sits down at the head of the table. He picks up the phone next to him and dials the front desk.

“Raven? I want you to send Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage to the Meeting Room at once.”

“Yes Commander! Shall I have Saffron bring some snacks?”

Arc shakes his head. “We just ate breakfast. I think we'll skip it... this time.”

“Very well sir!”

“I also need you to contact Canterlot Castle and inform them that Trixie Lulamoon will be staying here at Light's Hope as my prisoner until her trial.”

“Right away, commander!”

“Good job as always, Raven!”

As he hangs up the phone there is a knock at the door.

“Come!”

The squad enters the Meeting Room and salutes. “Reporting as ordered, sir!”

“Good. Do me a favor and bring the prototype projector and screen from my office. The crystal we need is in my upper-right drawer. We're still waiting for a couple more faces.”

Arc's squad leaves the room and returns several minutes later with the requested items in tow. Saffron. Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage are right on their heels. With Arc’s help they set up the projector and load the crystal.

“Now that we're all here, let's get this over with.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Is it really that bad?”

Arc dims the lights. “In truth, I found it almost as hard to watch as my battle with Tempest!”

He walks back over to the head of the table and presses a button. The shutters lower over the windows. The door locks and a magic barrier forms over them!

“There. Now we can watch this in absolute secrecy.”

The projector comes to life. Arc sits down on the small sofa next to Trixie, as Dinky jumps in Arc's lap and sits down. All assembled watch in horror at the scene that unfolds before them! At some point Dinky jumps out of her father’s lap! Even Arc's squad seem genuinely moved at the violent display against the mare who only yesterday attempted to kill them! The scene ends and Arc brings up the lights. He sees Dinky sitting next to a freshly traumatized Trixie on the couch, patting her fetlock with a small hoof.

“There, there! It's over now. Don't worry, my dad will protect you!”

Coco Pommel looks aghast! “And I thought the Matron was bad!”

Flash Sentry seethes! “This is... UNSPEAKABLE behavior for anypony who wears the armor of a protector! Much less the Captain of the Royal Guard!”

Even Ember is angry at what was shown! “While part of me liked watching Trixie get a lesson in humility, the more reasonable part of my brain says Captain Decimus is a prick!”

Sandstorm Mirage nods! “Commander! You should tell the princesses about this!”

Arc walks back to the head of the table and presses the button to disable the room security. “And I plan to. This recording will be added to my growing collection of evidence against the Captain.”

Max looks confused. “But sir! Why not just take what we have now to the princesses? They certainly can't ignore your findings!”

The others nod their heads in agreement!

“I would, but let's think about this rationally instead of emotionally. Other than the recording we just saw, all the "evidence" we have is circumstantial at best. Decimus could easily talk his way out of most of it. We need an iron-clad case before I report him.”

Ember looks at Arc, incredulously! “So we’re just going to let this go?!”

“No. We’re going to get more evidence!”

Derpy looks to the angry dragon next to her. “Ember, please have faith in Arc's decision. I admit, even I don't always agree with his methods but I know he always has a plan!”

“I know, and I'm sorry for blowing up like that. Knowing that Captain Decimus has done these things and is still allowed to roam free just makes me so MAD!”

Arc nods. “Don't worry Ember. We ARE going to take down Captain Decimus. It's just a matter of timing!”

There is a knock at the door.

“Come in!”

The door opens and Raven walks in levitating a scroll. “Commander, this just arrived for you from Canterlot.”

He accepts it. “Thank you, Raven.”

She leaves as Arc breaks the seal. “Let’s see what we have here…”

Arc silently reads the message.

“It appears that Captain Decimus isn't too happy about our guest being here at Light's Hope. He's informed the princesses that he is ready to prosecute Trixie, and they in turn have set her court date for... first thing tomorrow morning?!”

Everyone gasps!

“Flash Sentry, do trials in Equestria usually happen this soon?”

The lieutenant shakes his head. “Usually no, sir. Normally the prosecutor needs significantly more time to gather and catalog all the evidence against the accused.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods in agreement. “But since the captain has a signed confession, he doesn't really need anything else, does he?“

Max shakes his head. “I would say he doesn't. If he presents that to the princesses, Trixie will be Tartarus bound before lunch!”

Xenos rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Is that... really such a bad thing? I mean come on! She ENSLAVED an entire tribe of ogres and raised an army!

Ember nods! “I'm with Xenos on this one! Trixie deserves to spend the rest of her days in Tartarus!”

Trixie narrow her eyes. “Um... you all know I'm still here, right?”

Hugh looks to Arc. “Sir, they do raise a valid point.”

Derpy stands up! “I can't believe this! Isn't it the job of every one of you to protect the innocent?!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes. But she’s not innocent!”

Arc holds his hands out to signal for silence. “Enough! All of you! Look... Trixie is a terrible pony and the world would probably be a lot better without her...”

Trixie again narrows and rolls her eyes. “Seriously, am I invisible now or something?!”

“...but even she deserves a fair trial. If the princesses do decide she should be sentenced to Tartarus, it should be for her real crimes! Not for the fabricated ones Decimus came up with!”

He looks at his squad.

“: Now I'm going to get that confession! Are you four coming with me?! This will be a "volunteers only" mission.”

None of them say a word.

Arc nods. “Alright. Forget I even mentioned it! Lieutenant, I want you to gather every guard under my command! Send everyone to the Armory for full battle armor and weapons! We will meet in the Main Hall. I will lead the troops personally.”

Flash Sentry looks over to him confused. “Sir?”

Arc calls forth his armor and spear. He toys with the spearhead as he talks. “This mission is going to be extremely dangerous, but I believe the reward far outweighs the risks!”

Sandstorm Mirage appears nervous. “Commander?! What are you saying?!”

Max joins Sandstorm Mirage in his wariness. “Are you all right, sir?” You seem… different somehow.”

Arc continues to play with his spearhead. He continues, emotionless. “Never better Max. The four of you have opened my eyes, that's all. It's such a simple solution... to a complex problem.”

Ember looks over warily. “So... what's the plan, Arc?”

“All of us... Royal Guards, Lunar Protectors, even you Ember... are going to attack Canterlot Castle. Captain Decimus will, of course, rally the castle defenders. However, when the dust settles, that piece of crap will lie dead at my feet and our little problem will be dealt with!”

Ember looks at him, wide-eyed! “WHAT?! That’s insane!”

Arc looks at Ember, confused. “I thought you would be the first to agree with me Ember. After all, considering what Captain Decimus did to you, I thought you would have wanted the honor of killing him yourself.”

“I... I admit I have thought about it, but... but we can't DO that?!”

Max nods fervently! “Ember is right, sir! You can't just go around killing anypony you disagree with!”

Arc shrugs. “Why not?! We all know Captain Decimus is out of control! I'm tired of trying to make a legitimate case against him!”

Xenos stands up angrily! “That's not what we stand for, sir!”

Flash Sentry nods! “Commander! You know as well as I do that even Captain Decimus deserves a fair trial... for... his... crimes...”

The realization of what Flash Sentry has said finally sinks in to the group. Arc smiles and recalls his armor.

“Well said Lieutenant. Now do you all understand why we have to get that confession from Decimus?”

Max nods. “Yes sir... I'm sorry. You can count on me for this mission.”

Xenos smiles! “I'll come with you too! Somepony has to stick it to Decimus!”

Hugh chuckles. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world! I’m in!”

Viktor grins! “You won't get in without me, I'm with you, Commander!”

Flash Sentry looks at the floor, embarrassed. “Commander, you once gave me the benefit of the doubt when you found out about... my past. Please forgive me for not trusting your judgment. I'll help in any way I can as well.”

“Thanks everyone! I'm glad you're coming with me... mostly because I had no clue how I was going to pull this off on my own!”

Ember raises an eyebrow, skeptically! “Exactly what DID you have planned Arc?”

“Let's just say it wouldn't have stayed a stealth mission for very long. A few half-baked plans and a bashed in door later… let's just say one way or another that confession is coming with me!”

Derpy sighs. “Arc, why am I not surprised?! But... I'm still not so sure about your plan to break in!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah dad! Isn’t stealing… bad?”

“Normally yes, Dinky. However, sometimes you have to BREAK the rules to do the right thing! You'll understand when you get older. Believe me, if there was a better way to go about this, I would go that route.”

“I don’t understand, but I believe in you, dad!”

“Thanks, Dinky!”

He turns to his squad.

“You boys remember that plan I laid out for this mission earlier.? Well, were still going through with it, but getting that confession is being added to the list. Understood?”

“Yes sir!”

Arc turns to Coco Pommel. “I don't know how long this mission will take, so would you be against coming as well? You can stay in my quarters in the castle while we do this. Flash Sentry will stay with you.”

She nods. “I'm actually feeling much stronger these days. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine here!”

“Well... okay. But only if you're completely sure!”

“I am! You boys just concentrate on getting your mission completed safely!”

He turns back to his troops.

“Flash Sentry, it will be your job to guard the rear and take care of any evidence we find. If something goes wrong don't wait for us. Just get out of there!”

He salutes. “It will be done!”

“We’ll meet in the Main Hall at 1 A.M. The rest of you bring whatever gear you think you’ll need. Until then, you are all on liberty. Dismissed!”

Flash Sentry and his squad salute and leave the room. Arc turns to Sandstorm Mirage.

“You will be in command of Light's Hope while I am away. I'll be back before morning.”

“Yes sir! Don't worry about a thing!”

Arc nods. “I know I can count on you, sergeant. Dismissed!”

Ember looks at Arc, peeved!

“Hey! What about me?!”

Arc puts his hands on his hips. “How good are you at stealth again, Ember?”

“I… never mind.”

Derpy and Dinky walks up to Arc as the sergeant leaves the room.

“Good luck tonight Arc! But do be careful! I... we both need you!”

Dinky runs over and gives Arc a hug! “Stay safe, dad!”

Arc returns the hug! “I will. You be a good girl for your mother while I'm gone.”

Dinky grins at Arc and leaves the room with her mother. Ember follows them out, turning as she passes Arc.

“You be careful, Arc…”

She leans in close and gives his face a quick lick!

“…I need you too!”

Arc turns to Trixie who is blinking quickly and shaking her head!

“Are you all right?!”

Trixie continues to shake her head. “What I have just seen... cannot be unseen! Are you and Ember...”

Arc interrupts her. “No. As much as she wants it, no!”

Trixie thinks for a moment. “You know, I can help you on this mission if you want! You've seen what I can do! With my help, there's no way this job can fail!”

“Thanks for the offer, but I would rather you stay here.”

“Still don't trust me?”

“Well, there is that yes. But bear in mind, if we get caught by Decimus you would most certainly become a "shoot on sight" target.”

Trixie’s pupils shrink and she gulps! “You know what? I think you and your troops have this well in hoof! Good luck!”

He picks up Trixie and heads for the door. “I thought you would see it my way.”

Arc returns Trixie to her room and lays her on the couch.

“There you are. Securely in your ‘cell’. Now if you will excuse me, I have a few things that need doing before tonight's mission.”

He turns to leave.

“Arc! I have to know! Why are you doing all this?!”

He turns to face Trixie. “Because you need my help.”

She looks at him skeptically. “There's got to be more to it than that?!”

“Um... because you’re helping me take down Decimus?”

Trixie rolls her eyes. “Really? How dumb do you think I am?!”

“Because... you’re a... nice shade of blue?”

“Now you’re not even trying!”

Arc walks over to the couch and sits down next to Trixie. “Fine... if you really want to know. I believe you have the potential to do much more than even you think. Equestria needs as many heroes as it can get, and you could be counted among them! So I'm trying to give you a second chance, as it were.”

She looks surprised! “You... you think I can still do good?”

He nods! “I know you can! Look, you wanted to join forces with Tempest, right? Why?”

“Well, I wanted to help her make Equestria a better, safer place!”

“And do you HAVE to join Tempest to do that?!”

Trixie thinks for a moment. “I... guess not. It's just that, she's such a great leader! The entire Special Forces division looks up to her! I just wanted to be a part of that! Just look at me though! I'm no leader... I'm just a follower, and a pretty crummy one at that.”

“There's nothing wrong with being a follower! All good leaders need good followers to help them carry out their tasks! Now listen Trixie. No matter what happens at you trial tomorrow, I want you to find someone to follow who truly cares about doing right... unlike Tempest.”

“I… I have a lot to think about...”

Arc stands to leave. “I’ll leave you to it then.”

“Thanks for the talk Arc. It means a lot to me!”

Arc nods and leaves the room.

Chapter 18 - Business Dealings

Arc heads to his quarters and grabs his satchel. Going out his back door, Arc heads for Ponyville's Blacksmith shop. Entering the shop, he finds it empty.

“Hello? Anyone here?”

A few moments later Platinum Valve comes scurrying out of the back room.

“Hi Mr. Arc! How are things?!”

Arc laughs! “Oh, you know me... busy averting catastrophes, fighting demons, and saving orphans.”

“Wow! That sounds like fun!”

Steel Hammer emerges from the back room looking rather sleep deprived. “Trust me, sweetheart. It is not.”

He turns to Arc.

“Arc, what can I do for you today?”

“I left that Magic Tome here when Platinum Valve enchanted my armor. Something like that really shouldn't be left unguarded. So I've decided to put it in my vault at Light's Hope. That and I found something I wanted you and your wife to look at.”

He nods. “Platinum Valve, go get your mother.”

“Okay dad!”

She scurries away as Steel Hammer opens a lockbox behind the counter and pulls out the tome. He gives it to Arc who places it in his satchel. Steel Hammer looks at the open door to the shop.

“They grow up so fast... but I'm sure you understand that all too well.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. One minute Dinky was a baby, the next she was Platinum Valve's age. You heard about that, huh?”

“Just because we're no longer the Heroes of Light doesn't mean we don't keep our ears to the ground.”

Platinum Valve re-emerges from the shop with her mother. She appears as haggard as her husband.

“Arc! Well this is a pleasant surprise! What can we do for you today?”

“I have something here I wanted an expert opinion on.”

He removes the damaged Hoof Cannons along with the scraps of Tempest's armor. Steel Hammer picks up a piece of the armor and studies it.

“This appears to be Adamantium, but it's been... modified somehow.

Silver Hammer looks over the Hoof Cannons. “These look very similar to our old Hoof Cannons, but are MUCH more advanced! Firepower, battery capacity, adaptability, energy modulation is all through the roof! From what I can see here, if you knew what you were doing you could make these cannons do much more than just shoot energy blasts!”

“The wielder of these used them to create some kind of energy blades!”

Steel Hammer looks over at them, astonished! “Incredible! Did they work?”

“Yes, she was able to block my attacks with them.”

Silver Hammer looks up at Arc. “Where did you get these from?”

“I took them, along with the metal scraps, from Special Agent Tempest.”

Both of the Hammers drop what is in their hooves as their heads snap over to Arc!

“WHAT?!”

Arc nods. “I witnessed her committing numerous and heinous crimes! It had to end!”

“So Tempest is... gone?”

“I get the feeling she survived. How I don’t know.”

Steel Hammer nods, soberly. “If it were anypony else telling us these things I would call them a liar!”

Silver Hammer sighs. “We had heard rumors about Tempest's activities at New Beginning's Orphanage for years, but never really believed any of them... until now.”

Arc brings the Hammers up to date on what Tempest was up to. They shake their heads.

“How could we have let this happen?!”

“Those poor foals! Arc, I'm sure glad you were on the case to take care of this!”

“As am I. But please, don't beat yourselves up over the past! If you would like, feel free to pop over to Light's Hope and see how well the orphans are adjusting to their new life!”

Platinum Valve examines the broken Hoof Cannons. “Mr. Arc, I think I can fix these up for you! With my parent's help, we could even install these on Eidolon's Ward! Can we dad?!”

Steel Hammer looks over to Arc who nods approvingly.

“All right sweetheart. You be careful though!”

The little filly’s eyes light up! “Wow! Thanks Mr. Arc! I won't let you down!”

She runs back to the shop with the Hoof Cannons in tow! Arc turns to the Hammers.

“Do you think she can really get those things working again?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Undoubtedly! She’s actually better than we are with circuitry and magic. Give her a day or two and she'll have them working as good as new!”

Arc reaches into his satchel and pulls out a large bag of bits. He sets it on the counter.

“Good! Here’s the payment in advance!”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc, a pained expression on his face. “Arc, you don’t have to pay us for…”

“Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer... can I talk to you about a... personal problem?”

Silver Hammer looks confused. “Oh course! What seems to be the problem?”

Arc leans in close and lowers his voice. “You two are having money problems, aren’t you?”

Steel Hammer walks quickly over to the workshop door and closes it. “I don't want Platinum Valve overhearing this, but... yes.”

“How did you know?”

Arc sighs. “The looks on your faces told me. I've... seen it before. The face of one who lies awake at night trying to figure a way to pinch pennies to make it through the month.”

Steel Hammer nods sadly. “It's true. Business has never been plentiful here in Ponyville. But lately it's been especially bad!”

“We had exhausted all of our saving! There was absolutely nothing left!”

“I went to see Filthy Rich down at Barnyard Bargains to inquire if he would be interested in purchasing some of our weapons and armor to sell elsewhere in Equestria via his trade routes. At the time, he said he hadn't really put much thought into getting into that particular market.”

Silver Hammer clenches her teeth angrily. “Instead he offered my husband a loan.”

Arc looks to them, wide-eyed! “Wait! Filthy Rich owns the BANK too?!”

Silver Hammer sadly nods. “That he does. The loan amount was substantial, and the interest rate was fair, but part of the deal was that we would supply him with weapons and armor as needed, but at only slightly above cost!”

“What?! But... that's slavery! How long do you have to do this?!”

Steel Hammer hangs his head. “Until the loan is repaid in full. At the rate we're going, by that time we'll be grandparents!”

“Please don't worry yourself about our problems Arc! You've got enough to worry about without having to think about our mistakes!”

Arc clenches a fist angrily! “Not interesting in getting into that market indeed! Damn that Filthy Rich!”

“I take it you've had your own dealings with Mr. Rich?”

Arc nods. “I have indeed.”

He tells them about how Filthy Rich insisted on being paid 10,000 bits before he would send his train to Dodge Junction to transport a critically ill Cherry Jubilee to Ponyville. Steel Hammer furls his brow!

“The nerve of that stallion!”

“Doesn’t he have any idea who you two are?!”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “No, he doesn't. And frankly, even if he did know I don't think it would change anything.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I going to need some blacksmith help in the near future, but you two are far too busy working for next to nothing to take the job!”

Steel Hammer sighs. “Believe me, if we could we would definitely prefer working for you than Mr. Rich any day!”

Arc paces the floor, trying to think of a solution. After a few minutes he turns to Steel Hammer.

“Would it be okay if I looked at the terms of your loan?”

“I’m not sure what good it would do, but sure!”

Opening another lockbox behind the counter he removes the scroll and gives it to Arc. He opens the scroll and reads its contents.

“When is your next shipment of goods to Filthy Rich due?”

Silver Hammer sighs as she answers. “He has a buyer arriving here in one week to pick up the order.”

“Perfect! I think I just figured a way for you to get out of this mess.”

Steel Hammer doesn’t seem to understand. “How?”

“Well, you said it yourself earlier that you would rather work for me than Filthy Rich, right?”

Silver Hammer nods happily! “In a heartbeat! But how does that help us?”

Arc lays the scroll on the counter. “I'll be back in a little while with the answer! Don't go anywhere!”

He heads out the shop door leaving the Hammers looking after him, quite confused! Arc heads through town toward Light's Hope. Suddenly he hears a familiar voice behind him!

“Well, well, well…”

Arc mutters under his breath. “Aw hell...”

He turns around to see Filthy Rich walking toward him with his scripted business smile.

“’This really isn't a good time Filthy Rich, as I’m quite busy at the moment.”

Filthy Rich chuckles. “If the rumors I have been hearing about you are true, I don't doubt that! You’re making quite a name for yourself in Equestria! So brave, so intelligent, so powerful...”

Arc sighs and interrupts. “Is this going somewhere? I really don't have time to...”

“I understand. You and I are the same! We both have more to do than we have time! If I may but have a moment of yours, all will become clear!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Fine! But make it quick!”

“If I may direct your attention to the Writ Board over yonder. I've placed several very... lucrative, but very dangerous jobs on it. You may be the only individual in town with the strength and intelligence to handle such tasks! What do you say? We can both become very wealthy together!”

Arc turns around and walks away. “Not interested.”

Filthy Rich follows him.

“Come now, be reasonable! I can make you a very rich human! You could have anything you want!”

Arc doesn’t slow down or look at Filthy Rich. “I already have everything I want.”

“You could have a bigger house!”

“I have a military base at my command.”

“Well, you could hire others to be at your beck and call!”

“I have Royal Guards and my own personal squad of Lunar Protectors.”

“Remember, he who has the money has the power.”

Arc stops and turns to Filthy Rich. “The Hero of Light's words carry the same weight as a princess' would. You see, there isn't really anything you can offer me that I don't already have!”

“But, with all that money you could retire! Give up your dangerous job and live a safe and peaceful life!”

“Who would protect Equestria then?”

“I'm sure the princesses can find somepony else who could...”

Arc interrupts! “Right there! That's your problem Filthy Rich! You think you can just PAY others to take all the risks, while you reap all the rewards! Well I got news for you! Sometimes you have to take care of things yourself! Maybe someday you'll learn that, but I doubt it.”

“Well, if I can't convince you to see reason, would you at least send you dragon servant to handle some of my writs? I'm sure she can handle it!”

Arc turns and walks away. “Ember is my friend! If she wants to complete writs for you that's her call, not mine!”

Filthy Rich calls out after him! “I already asked her! She turned me down!”

“Then there's your answer! Farewell, Mr. Rich.”

He watches Arc walk away as he mutters under his breath. “Arrogant young fool... I could have made all his dreams come true.”

Arc returns to Light's Hope and heads for the Vault. He opens it and places the Magic Tome on a shelf before casting his Matter Compacting spell on several bags before placing them in his satchel.

“That should do it.”

He quickly returns to the Hammer’s shop. Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer appear to be right where Arc left them.

“Sorry that took so long. I got held up in town by Filthy Rich. He wanted me to do some jobs for him.”

Silver Hammer looks at Arc nervously! “I hope you didn't take him up on it Arc! He's not to be trusted!”

“I know. He wanted to pay me to get him dangerous and hard to acquire items. As if I wasn't busy enough as it is! In any case, can I talk to Platinum Valve please?”

Steel Hammer nods. “Sure. I’ll go fetch her.”

A few moments later Steel Hammer and Platinum Valve come into the shop together.

“My dad said you wanted to talk to me Mr. Arc! What is it?!”

“Well, I just realized I never really thanked you for enchanting my armor for me.”

Platinum Valve smiles and bows. “That's okay Mr. Arc! It was an honor to be of service to the Hero of Light!”

“Well, there is one other matter you and I need to discuss concerning the job you did for me back then.”

She looks up at him, confused. “I'm sorry, but I don't understand.”

“You see Platinum Valve, in the adult world when you complete a job of some kind, you’re traditionally compensated in one way or another for your work. I'm here now to repay that debt!”

Arc reaches into his satchel and pulls out a small sack of bits. He sets it on the table and casts the Matter Compacting counter-spell. It returns to its normal size of a rather large sack of bits! The filly’s eyes grow wide!

“WOAH! How many bits is that?!”

“If I counted them correctly there should be 5,000 bits in there.”

Platinum Valve looks at the bag them back at Arc. “Mr. Arc? I'm sorry, but I can't take this! It's far too much!”

“Ah! There you are wrong. I did some checking and it looks like enchanting is quite a rare skill these days. An experienced enchanter would have charged me the same for the job you did!”

“But... it still feels wrong! Are you sure, Mr. Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I'm sure! Tell me though... what are you going to do with all that money?”

She looks over to her parents. “Mom... dad... I want you to have it.”

Silver Hammer looks to her daughter confused. “But dear? Why?”

“I... I know you've been having trouble paying the bills lately. That's why I've been studying so hard! I wanted to help support our family! You were there for Equestria when it was in danger. Now I want to be there for you!”

Arc smiles at her. “That's very sweet of you Platinum Valve. I already gave your parents 1,000 bits to fix those Hoof Cannons. Do you think that will be enough to buy replacement parts?”

Platinum Valve nods. “Yes, it looks like most of the internal workings were spared. Most of the damage is external and cosmetic. It's actually going to be pretty easy to fix with a couple parts!”

“Glad to hear it!”

Arc turns to Steel Hammer.

“I'm looking for a blacksmith to do maintenance on the weapons in Light's Hope Armory. Sharpening, polishing, repairs, inspections. You know... make sure they are battle ready! I can offer 4,000 bits, all up front for your services. What do you say? Want to work for me?”

He looks to his wife and daughter. They nod their heads happily!

“Yes! It would be an honor to serve you, Hero of Light.”

“Please... we're all heroes here... call me Arc!”

Arc and Steel Hammer shake hands/hooves on the deal as Arc pulls another bag out of his satchel. He sets it on the counter and brings it back to normal size.

Silver Hammer looks suddenly downcast. “But what about our deal with Filthy Rich?”

Arc picks up the scroll from the counter and reads it aloud. "It says here, ‘All weapons and armor purchased during the time this contract is in force must be offered to the lien holder for only 10% above cost’. Take those bits to the bank and pay off your loan. Come on Steel Hammer, I'll help you carry them!”

The pair carry the bits to the bank and use them to pay off the Hammer’s loan. The loan officer counts them quickly and looks up.

“Everything seems to be in order here, Mr. Hammer. If you could please sign here, we will take possession of your payment and I will sign off on your loan.”

Steel Hammer does so and the Loan Officer finishes filling out the paperwork and issues a receipt. Arc turns to the loan officer.

“So this debt is completely and utterly paid in full?”

The officer nods. “Yes sir, and the Certificate of Payment there is legal proof of that. Be sure to keep it for your records!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Thank you! I shall!”

The pair leave the bank and walk down the street together toward the shop.

“Thank you very much Arc! This means a great deal to me and my family!”

Arc turns to Steel Hammer and smiles. “It is I who should be thanking you! The upgrades to my armor along with the enchantments from Platinum Valve have saved my life several times now. Say... about that shipment Filthy Rich is counting on. Have you made the weapons for it?”

Steel Hammer nods. “Yes. They are already packed up and ready for shipment. Why?”

“How would you like to make some more money AND get revenge on Filthy Rich?”

He grins at Arc, happily! “If anypony other than you had suggested it, I wouldn't have any part of this. Let's do it!”

The pair return to the shop. Steel Hammer points a hoof at a large crate.

“There's the crate with Filthy Rich's order in it.”

Arc casts the Matter Compacting spell on the crate and puts it in his satchel. “Okay, follow me!”

The pair walk back towards town. “I still don't see how that is going to help us, Arc.”

“Worst case scenario, we bring this crate back here. Trust me, I know what I'm doing.”

Steel Hammer nods! “Okay. You've done this much for us. I'll trust you to go the distance! Just one question... where are we going exactly?”

“To Barnyard Bargains to see Filthy Rich.”

Steel Hammer frown. “You actually WANT to see that cretin?!”

Arc smiles a wicked smile. “For once… yes!”

They enter Barnyard Bargains. Arc spots Ocean Breeze at the front desk and walks over to her.

“Well, well, long time no see! You've certainly come a long way since that day you made a delivery with Applejack!”

Arc smiles at her. “Nice to see you again, Ocean Breeze. How's the boss treating you?”

She sighs. “About the same as usual. Which is to say, not too well.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Let me ask you this... if you could wish for one thing right now, what would it be?”

Without missing a beat, Ocean Breeze responds. “A chair.”

Arc looks at her, confused. “What?”

“A chair silly! I stand here all day long without so much as a break! It's hard on my body, you know. It may not sound like much to you, but being able to sit down would be a dream come true! But I’m sure you didn’t come in here to hear about my problems. So, what brings you in here today?”

“I was wondering if Filthy Rich had time to talk to me about some... business.”

Ocean Breeze picks up the phone. “Hold on a second! I'll let him know you're here.”

A few moments later…

“Mr. Rich? The Hero of Light is here to see you about some sort of business dealings... Yes sir. Right away!”

She hangs up the phone and looks back at Arc.

“Follow me! He’s quite anxious to see you!”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll bet he is.”

Steel Hammer and Arc follow Ocean Breeze to Filthy Rich's office. It appears to be the nicest room in the entire facility! Ocean Breeze holds the door open for them before closing it and returning to her desk. Filthy Rich walks toward them as then enter, smugly.

“Well... well... well... can I assume you have reconsidered my earlier offer, Hero of Light?”

“Quite the opposite actually. Although I did come to discuss your business dealings with my friend Steel Hammer here.”

Filthy Rich smiles and shakes his head, happily. “I assure you, sir, that all my dealings are completely within the law! It's not personal mind you... it's just good business.”

Arc nods. “I've had a chance to look over the loan agreement and while I disagree with the way you do business, you are correct in saying what you are doing is indeed legal.”

Filthy Rich looks at Arc, confused. “Well then, why did you come here?”

“I thought you might like to see the fine armaments that Steel Hammer here is producing on your behalf.”

Arc pulls the crate out of his satchel and sets it down on the ground. He then casts the Matter Compacting counter-spell on it. Steel Hammer opens the crate.

“As you can see Mr. Rich, everything is here for your current order.”

Filthy Rich nods. “Very praiseworthy! However, I believe the agreement was that you would be paid by my courier next week when he picks up the order. If you don't like the terms of the agreement, well that sounds more like a personal problem to me.”

Arc nods at Filthy Rich as he closes the lid of the crate. “Steel Hammer has already informed me of that. However, I am here to inform YOU that there will be no sale!”

Filthy Rich chuckles. “I don't believe I follow your logic. Have you not read the terms of the loan?”

“Yes indeed, but I have found what we call in my world, a loop-hole.”

“That seems rather... unlikely. I wrote the terms of that contract personally. In fact, I have a copy of it right here in my desk if you would like to see it.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. I would.”

Filthy Rich produces an identical scroll and hands it to Arc. “Now what ‘loop-hole’ could you have possibly found in that agreement?”

“Right here. ‘All weapons and armor purchased during the time this contract is in force must be offered to the lien holder for only 10% above cost’. This agreement is only valid while the contract remains in force, correct?”

“And so it is! Steel Hammer has yet to pay back what he owes me. Therefore, this agreement still stands!”

Arc turns to Steel Hammer. “Would you be so kind as to show Mr. Rich that other paper please?”

Steel Hammer pulls out the Certificate of Payment and gives it to Filthy Rich. As he looks over the document, his eyes grow wide!

“WHAT?! How did he come up with 10,000 bits?!”

Arc takes the paper back from Filthy Rich and holds it a moment before turning back to Steel Hammer. “Remind me to have this framed later. It would look great on your shop wall!”

Steel Hammer agrees. “Indeed it would!”

Filthy Rich’s face turns crimson as he looks at Arc, angrily! “IT'S YOU! YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!”

Arc bows at the waist and smiles. “Guilty, as charged.”

“YOU FOOL! THE PRINCESSES WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS!!!”

Arc looks bored. “Oh, I doubt that.”

Filthy Rich regains his composure before continuing. “Oh really? Misdirecting public funds is most certainly a crime, even for the Hero of Light!”

“Yes, I suppose it would be… if it were true!”

The businesspony scoffs! “Oh?! And how do you figure that?!”

“To tell you the truth, I didn't even know about the debt when I went to his shop today. The purpose of my visit was to hire him to fix some very special armaments. You know, it's quite costly for replacement parts to fix military grade weapons. Especially ones that don't officially exist yet.”

Filthy Rich smiles, smugly. “Very true. But it most certainly doesn't cost 10,000 bits!”

Arc nods. “Very true. However enchanting services do.”

“Enchanting?”

Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and the Spear of Righteousness from his magic ring. He looks at Filthy Rich who takes a step back at the sudden appearance of an armed and armored Hero of Light.

“Does this look CHEAP to you?!”

Steel Hammer nods approvingly. “You wear it well, Arc!”

Arc returns his armor and spear to the ring. “Thank you. It was worth every bit!”

He turns to Filthy Rich. “Do you have ANY idea how expensive it is to enchant a Magic Ring with an enchantment that doesn't exist any longer as far as most know?!”

Filthy Rich looks over with a mixture of anger and understanding. “I suppose you do have a point!”

“I've also hired Steel Hammer to do maintenance on all the weapons and armor in my base's Armory! To get the rest of the money, I simply gave him an advance.”

He scowls. “That’s a bit… underhooved.”

“Everything I have done here is completely legal though, isn't it?”

Filthy Rich thinks for a moment. “As far as I can tell yes, but…”

Arc interrupts him. “No buts! It’s legal! End of story!”

“That may be, but I still made this order before the contract was fulfilled. That much of the deal still stands!”

Arc sits down on the crate. “Really? Didn't you say payment would be remitted next week by your courier?”

“Yes. But what does that have to do with it?”

Arc rubs his chin, thoughtfully. “So basically what you're telling me is that you didn't actually buy anything yet!”

Filthy Rich chuckles. “A legal technicality! Believe me, I will most certainly win this argument... in court!”

“I see. You may be right about that. Tell me again... when is the courier coming to collect these items?”

He appears impatient. “As I said a moment ago, next week!”

Arc nods. “And how long before the judge would hear the case?”

“Probably a month or so.”

Arc stands and walks over to the phone on the desk. “I guess you better call and inform them their shipment will be delayed by a month... or so!”

The blood drains from Filthy Rich’s face. “But I can't do that! He and I made a deal! I'd have to pay a penalty on top of losing a very wealthy client!”

He walks back over to the crate and sits down. “That sounds like a personal problem to me.”

Tense moments tick by as Arc looks back at a seething Filthy Rich, then back down at the crate as he pats it.

“You want this, don’t you?”

Yes, I want that crate!”

Arc nods. “I'm sure my friend Steel Hammer would be willing to part with it for, say... 2,000 bits?”

“What?! But, that's full-blown retail cost! It's extortion!”, Filthy Rich explodes!

Arc looks bored. “Hurts, doesn't it? It's not personal mind you... it's just good business. Oh, I have an idea! How about 2,000 bits, and you give Ocean Breeze downstairs a nice chair to sit on during her shifts?”

“What?! Why do you care about Ocean Breeze?!”

“I like her. And besides, she's keeping this place running, is she not? You know, the mundane day to day crap that you don't think about? Well, it may be crap work, but it still needs to be done! Now Mr. Rich... do we have a deal?”

Filthy Rich thinks for a moment. “I'll give you 1,000 bits for the crate.”

Arc shrinks the crate down and picks it up. He and Steel Hammer walk toward the door.

“Good day, Mr. Rich.”

“1,500 bits!”

Arc doesn’t slow down or say a word. As he puts a hand on the doorknob…

“Fine! 2,000 bits it is!”

Arc stops, sets the crate down next to the door and returns it to its normal size. “I'm glad we could come to an agreement, Mr. Rich. Now... about that chair...”

A few minutes later Arc and Steel Hammer leave the office. They are both carrying something and snickering!

Steel Hammer looks at the bags of bits in his hoof. “That was priceless!”

Arc chuckles. “I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed that!”

“The look on his face will be forever burned into my memory, Arc”, Steel Hammer exclaims!

They return to the front counter as Arc rolls something over to Ocean Breeze.

“Here you go Ocean Breeze. One chair!”

She looks at it, wide-eyed! “What?! But… this is Mr. Rich’s chair!”

“It WAS Mr. Rich's chair. Now it's yours. Enjoy!”

Ocean Breeze sits down happily! “You must be quite the negotiator!”

Steel Hammer nods in agreement. “Oh, he is! He is…”

“Oh... now I know my Mr. Rich doesn't leave his office much... this is NICE! Thank you ever so much, Arc!”

“You’re welcome! Well, we must be on our way!”

The pair leave Barnyard Bargains. Steel Hammer turns to Arc.

“I'll be at Light's Hope first thing in the morning to get to work!”

Arc nods. “I probably won't see you as I have a mission to run tonight. But I'll let my office know you’re coming. Your wife and daughter are also welcome at Light's Hope anytime. And feel free to have a good breakfast before you start work. My chef is the best!”

“Thank you Arc. I think I’ll take you up on that! Good luck with your task! Whatever it is!”

The two part ways. Meanwhile, in Filthy Rich’s office, the businesspony sits behind his desk using the crate as a temporary chair, furious!

“Damn you Arc! Damn you to everlasting HELL!!! Ouch! A splinter!”

Chapter 19 - Infiltrating Canterlot Castle

Arc returns to Light's Hope. Ember, Flash Sentry, Sandstorm Mirage, and Raven are in the Main Hall having some kind of meeting.

“Did I miss something here?”

Ember looks over to Arc, angrily! “I'll say! You remember earlier when you told Flash Sentry to have all the troops report to the Armory for battle armor and weapons?”

“Yes. What about it?”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “Well sir, I understand that you were just trying to make a point, but Sandstorm Mirage suggested that it was a good time to run some drills! So I ordered him to gather some of the troops and assign them combat gear.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods! “When I did so, we discovered a large portion of the weapons and armor are in a complete state of disrepair!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest! “If the troops had gone into battle with that equipment, things would have gone very badly for them!”

Arc sighs. “Let me guess... Captain Decimus was responsible for issuing the base's armor and weapons?”

Rave puts a hoof on a folder lying on her desk. “Yes Commander! I have the original requisition right here. They read that all the armor and weapons are in ‘new’ or ‘like new’ condition.”

Flash Sentry points a hoof. “I have compiled a few examples of the worst on Raven's desk sir. Fancy a look?”

Arc approaches the desk. “Well, let’s see what we have here…”

He picks up a spear and looks it over.

“This certainly isn’t what I would call ‘new’.”

Ember picks up another spear from the desk. “Let me show you. Try blocking my attack with that spear.”

“Uh, okay.”

The two walk to the center of the room. Ember charges at Arc, the spear over her head! Arc raises his own weapon to block her attack! Upon making contact both spears break into several pieces!

“WOAH!”

Sandstorm Mirage walks over and takes a closer look at a piece of one of the spear’s shaft.

“Termite damage clear through, sir. This is terrible! Our forces would have been slaughtered with weapons like these!”

Arc growls angrily! “Great... just perfect!”

Flash Sentry turn to Arc. “What should we do, sir?”

Raven puts a hoof on her phone. “Shall I notify Canterlot and request replacement weapons, commander?”

Arc looks to her. “No. THEY sent us these weapons. Who’s to say they won't send us worse next time?”

Ember looks over, surprised! “But Arc! We can't sit here with weapons that are literally falling apart! What if we should need them?!”

“Take it easy Ember! Steel Hammer is coming by tomorrow morning to do maintenance on our armor and weapons here. I originally did it as a favor to him, as he’s pretty hard up for work right now. But it looks like we legitimately need his services! I'll have him go through our gear and see it any of it can be salvaged. Then we will see what it will cost for him to make us replacement weapons and armor.”

Raven nods. “Commander. Please be aware that to authorize such a large allotment of funds would require Canterlot’s approval!”

“Let's wait for that list before I call Canterlot. Good catch, both of you!”

Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage salute.

“In any case, Sandstorm Mirage, I want the Armory sealed!”

“Yes sir!”

“Raven, get an exterminator over here as fast as you can! I want that room fumigated! There's no point in making new weapons until we’re sure they too won't be eaten by vermin!”

She picks up her phone. “I'll get right on it, commander!”

“Flash Sentry, you and I should have a quick lunch and get some rest. We should be at the top of our game for tonight's mission. Sandstorm Mirage, until further notice you are in command of Light's Hope!”

The pair nod and salute! “Yes sir!”

Arc and company head to the Cafeteria for lunch. Afterwards Arc heads to his quarters for a good ‘night’ sleep before the mission.

Yawning, Arc walks into his room. “What a day…”

He pulls back the covers to find Ember already lying in his bed!

“Mind if I join you for a nap?”

Arc sighs. “Ember, I... you know what, I'm far too tired to argue with you right now.”

He flops down on the bed and rolls over to lay on his side away from Ember. A few moments later he is asleep. Ember looks at him, surprised.

“Wow... sorry Arc. I had no idea you were so beat!”

She snuggles up to Arc’s back and closes her eyes.

“Don't worry Arc. I'll always be here to protect you...”

Quite some time later Arc awakens to a knock at his bedroom door. He rises, sleepily.

“Ugh… come in…”

The door opens and Sandstorm Mirage enters. “Sir, Lieutenant Flash Sentry wanted me to…”

Sandstorm Mirage stops as he notices additional movement in Arc's bed. Ember's head emerges from beneath the covers. She looks over to the sergeant, sleepily.

“What's going on? It's not morning yet!”

Sandstorm Mirage's face turns a bright shade of red! He turns away, embarrassed!

“I... I'm sorry sir! I d-didn't mean to... interrupt...”

Arc sighs as he moves to get up. “Thank you for the wakeup call, sergeant. You may go.”

The sergeant leaves the quarters. Arc gets up, takes a quick shower and changes his clothes. Grabbing his magic cloak from near the door and walking down the hallway toward the cafeteria, he muses to himself.

“I guess it’s time for supper... or is it breakfast... oh well.”

Entering the cafeteria, Arc finds his squad eating a light meal and drinking coffee.

“Are you guys ready to do this?”

Everyone looks uneasy. Max turns to Arc.

“To tell you the truth sir, none of us are too sure about this whole plan of yours. I mean... we're supposed to be protecting and serving! Not vandalizing and committing larceny!”

Arc nods. “I'm not too keen on the plan either. But it needs to be this way! If Decimus found out, he could cover his tracks, mislead us, or even disappear altogether! In any case... I'll be right back.”

Arc heads into the Kitchen and emerges shortly with a plate. He sits down with his squad. Hugh looks over at his food.

“Sir? What is that?”

“Leftover pizza. I always eat it when I'm nervous...”

Viktor looks at Arc, surprised! “You get nervous, sir?!”

Xenos mirrors his comrade’s sentiments. “We thought nothing fazed you!”

Max appears skeptical. “Come on! You're the strongest among us! What could you possibly fear, sir?!”

Arc nods as he eats. “I guess most think I’m an unstoppable force. Fearless and courageous! That sort of thing. But the truth is, I'm actually no different from anyone else.”

Hugh looks confused. “What do you mean, sir?”

“Well... do you agree that I have feelings?”

Xenos nods. “Of course, sir!”

“Do I sometimes feel happy?”

Hugh grins! “I would hope so, sir!”

“How about sad?”

Max considers this. “Probably.”

“Angry?”

Xenos chuckles. “Tempest saw that first hoof!”

“…afraid?”

The group sits in silence.

Max slowly nods. “I think I'm beginning to understand what you mean, sir. But... may I ask you a rather personal question?”

“Go ahead.”

“Were you afraid when you saw Tempest become... that monster?”

Arc nods. “I was... but not for the reasons you probably assume.”

“Care to elaborate sir?”

“I was terrified as I learned that I was Equestria's last line of defense against an invincible super pony! Had I failed, nothing could have stopped Tempest from ending countless lives to fuel her own desire for power!”

Hugh look over, soberly. “How did you hold it together, sir?!”

“It wasn't easy, but I was able to use a technique my father taught me to turn fear into strength. It's really quite simple to learn, but difficult to master. The short version is you don't try to REPRESS your fear. Instead, you DIRECT it at its source.”

Max thinks about what Arc has said. “Thank you sir. We’ll try to remember that.”

“See to it that you do. But... I think it is time...”

Arc and his squad stand and slowly walk toward the Main Hall. On the way they spot Coco Pommel slowly walking down the corridor.

“You’re up late.”

Coco Pommel nods at Arc. “I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would take a walk over to Trixie's room and keep her company.”

Xenos shakes his head. “At this hour she would most likely be asleep.”

Max shakes his head. “I doubt that. With her trial tomorrow morning, she's probably pacing the floor!”

Coco Pommel smiles. “That's what I thought.”

“I'm not sure what you could say that could possibly soothe her at this point, Miss Pommel.”

She looks at Hugh and smiles. “At times like this it's not what you say, but the simple act of just being there can make quite a difference.”

Arc nods. “Good luck to you Coco Pommel. We have a mission to complete!”

She waves after them and smiles! “Be careful out there! Have fun storming the castle, boys!”

Coco Pommel reaches Trixie's room and approaches the two Royal Guards on duty. Sandstorm Mirage is personally standing guard as well. He approaches her.

“Miss Pommel! Is everything alright?!”

She nods. “Yes. I just came by to check on Trixie. Is she still awake?”

Sandstorm Mirage looks at the light from under the doorway. “Yes, Miss Pommel. She keeps muttering to herself as well!”

“May I see her please?”

“Oh course! Please, go right in!”

The Royal Guards open the doors and allow Coco Pommel to pass. Trixie is pacing the floor in front of the fireplace muttering under her breath. She looks over at the visitor.

“You?! You're the pony from the other day, right?”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes. I just came by to see how you were doing.”

Trixie laughs nervously. “Just fine! Nothing to be worried about! A-O-K here!”

She looks at the clock then back at Trixie’s phony smile and replies sarcastically. “Awake at this hour and pacing? Yeah, you’re doing fine.”

Trixie lays down on the floor in front of the fire and sighs.

“Is it that obvious?”

Coco Pommel nods and walks over to the distraught unicorn. Sitting down next to her and looking over with a smile on her face. “Want to talk about it?”

“I’m just… concerned.”

“What about?”

“About Arc! What if he can't find that confession?! Or worse yet! What if he's planning to sell me out to the princesses! Presenting my confession himself would certainly be a feather in his cap! It's... just so hard... knowing who to trust!”

She puts a hoof on Trixie’s fetlock. “Listen Trixie! If Arc says he’s going to get that confession, then that is what he is going to do!”

“But what if…”

Coco Pommel interrupts her. “Shhh… now don't you worry about a thing! If even half of what I've heard from his squad is true, Arc has a knack for making the impossible, possible.”

“I sure hope you’re right!”

Meanwhile, Arc and his squad arrive at the Main Hall. Flash Sentry is waiting for them. Arc turns to Viktor.

“Viktor, do you have what you need to pick a lock?”

He nods. “Yes sir! I’m ready for anything!”

“Good! How about the smoke grenades?”

“Right here in my pack!”

Arc nods. “Good. Give them to Xenos though. He will carry out phase two at the Barracks. You will be with Max and I.”

Viktor gives Xenos the smoke grenades. He puts them in his saddlebags. Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“You ready?”

Flash Sentry nods stoically. “I was born ready, sir!”

“Good answer!”

The team steps onto the sigil as Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward. He turns to them one last time.

“If any of you want out of this, now's the time to say something.”

Max looks over at Arc. “We’ve got your back, sir.”

The rest of the squad nods in agreement.

“Thanks guys.”

Arc activates the sigil and the team is teleported to Arc's quarters in Canterlot Castle, Max turns on his light as Arc returns his armor to the Magic Ring minus his helmet. He puts on the Magic Cloak.

“Derpy was right. This thing really is going to come in handy!”

Max looks over at Arc. “Sir! Isn't it a bit... dangerous for you to go on a mission without your armor?!”

“Normally yes. However, it makes too much noise. Stealth is key! I'll keep my helmet on so I can see in the dark.”

Viktor looks over! “Like we can?”

Arc tilts his head, confused. “You guys can see in the dark?”

Hugh nods. “Yes sir! It's part of what makes us so good at infiltration!”

“Okay, one of these days I need to sit down and learn what other tricks to guys have up your proverbial sleeves!”

Arc activates his cloak and turns to Flash Sentry. “You stay here Flash Sentry. Stay quiet and keep the lights off! We'll be back as soon as we can!”

“Yes sir!”

“Max, you take point! As you guys can't see me, I’ll bring up the rear. Don't worry about hitting me or anything. If you get too close, I’ll move! Remember, full stealth! Now, move out!”

Max quietly opens the door and peeks out. Seeing all is clear he motions for the others to follow him. They quietly do so. Max leads them quickly and quietly to Captain Decimus' office. He motions for the others to hold their positions. He scouts ahead to ensures no one is coming from the other direction before motioning for Viktor to begin work. In about a minute the door is unlocked and the group moves inside. Arc is the last to enter. He closes the door behind him, locks it and decloaks.

“Good work! Hugh, watch the door and listen for hoofsteps. Everyone else, start searching! And keep an eye out for that confession!”

The squad begins looking through the filing cabinets while Arc looks through the Captain's desk.

Max looks over to Arc. “There are a lot of files here on the princesses’ support staff.

“Anything really stand out?”

Max shakes his head. “Not really. Just more information than one would think the Captain of the Guard would care about! These reports are very detailed! He's even keeping tabs on the princesses' day to day activities and whereabouts!”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, I suppose it is his job to protect the princesses. I'm sure he looks bad enough after letting one princess go missing.”

Hugh nods from the door. “You're probably right sir.”

Viktor calls over from the bookshelves. “There sure are a lot of books about botany here.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe it’s his hobby?”

“There are enough books here to make anypony an expert! I'd say this goes well beyond hobby level.”

Xenos walks over and opens a book from the shelf. As he does so a few notes fall from the pages. He examines them.

“Captain Decimus sure knows his plants! He's even taken notes on what I guess must be his favorites!”

Arc looks up! “It may be risky, but take those notes! They may be a clue of some kind.”

“No need for that, sir!”

Max pulls out a small camera from his saddlebag and holds it up to Arc.

“Good thinking, Max!”

Max starts snapping pictures of the notes. When his is finished Xenos puts them back in the book and returns it to its original place on the shelf.

Arc looks around and spots a satchel on the floor by the office door. “What have we here?”

He carefully rummages through the satchel which contains quite a few papers pertaining to Trixie's trial in the morning.

“Come on! Where is it…?”

After several minutes of searching Arc locates a scroll and opens it.

“Bingo!”

He turns to the others as he puts the scroll safely in his pocket.

“I found the confession! Anything else of noteworthy importance?”

Max shakes his head. “Not really sir! I think this pond is all fished out.”

Arc nods. “Alright. Make sure everything is back where you left it! Leave no trace of our presence!”

The squad nods and gets to work. A short time later Max looks over!

“Done sir!”

“Alright. Max you’re on point again for the trek back to my quarters. I’ll verify that the area around the door is secure so the rest of you can move out. When it's safe to do so, I will open the door a few inches. Give me a few seconds to move away before you leave. Viktor, make sure the door is locked again before we move out.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc activates his Magic Cloak and sneaks into the hallway. He walks to the end of the corridor and almost bumps right into a Royal Guard patrol! Stealthily, he quickly moves to the wall and waits as the patrol passes him without incident. Arc waits for them to be out of sight before returning to the office and opening the door a crack. He then moves to the far wall. A few moments later his squad leaves the office. Viktor has the door locked again in seconds and they stealthily return to Arc's quarters. As they enter, Arc is the last one in.

Arc decloaks as he closes the door. “Whew! That was a close one! I almost had a close encounter with a patrol!”

Max grins! “Well, we did it sir! Admittedly we didn't learn anything of great importance, but no one saw us and we got Trixie's confession as well!”

Arc nods and walks over to Flash Sentry. He gives him the confession. “Hold onto this for me, lieutenant. If we get caught, I don't want this on me! Max, give him your film as well.”

Flash Sentry puts the confession in his saddle bag and accepts the film from Max.

“Good work back there boys! Now it's time for phase two. Max, Viktor and I will proceed to Captain Decimus' personal quarters and wait. Xenos, you head over to the Barracks. When you get there, wait ten minutes before you lob in those smoke grenades. Don't hang around to admire your handiwork though! Get back to my quarters and wait with Flash Sentry.”

Xenos nods. “Yes sir!”

“Hugh, you will head over to the Royal Armory and proceed to do your best to make it appear that a break in was attempted. The methods I will leave up to you, but mess that door up something fierce! When you hear the commotion from the Barracks and hear hoofsteps approaching the Royal Armory, smash the widow closest to the Royal Vault door and stealthily return to my quarters.”

Hugh nods. “You can count on me, sir!”

“With any luck, some rather frightened guards will wake up Captain Decimus and inform him there is trouble afoot! He will leave his room to investigate, leaving Max, Viktor and I to search his quarters at our leisure! When Decimus leaves, Viktor will open the door for Max and I. The only problem with this plan is as we make our way back to my quarters the whole castle will most likely be on high alert. It will take more time, but we really can't afford to be seen at that point! Stealth over speed!”

Max looks over. “Sir? What about opening a portal to take us straight back to your quarters?”

“Great idea Max! We'll bypass the guards completely! Good thinking!”

“Thank you, sir!”

Arc turns back to Flash Sentry. “How about you head back to Light's Hope and get to work developing those photos?”

“I can do that, sir!”

Arc opens a portal back to Light's Hope's Main Hall. Flash Sentry steps through. With a wave of his gauntlet Arc closes the portal and turns back to his squad.

“Alright. Here we go again! Move out!”

Meanwhile, back at Light's Hope... Flash Sentry steps out of the portal. It closes behinds him. He takes a few steps before stopping dead in his tracks! In front of him are two unconscious Royal Guards sprawled out on the floor!

“What in Celestia’s name…?!”

Flash Sentry runs forward to check on the Royal Guards! He quickly finds a pulse!

“Good! Just out cold! I have to find Sandstorm Mirage!”

Sprinting down the corridor he spots several more unconscious guards!

“Who... or what could have done this? And why?! I wish the Commander were here!”

Suddenly, Flash Sentry’s helmet is knocked off! He screeches to a stop and looks all around. But sees nothing and no one around!

“…what the…”

Something hits Flash Sentry in the back of the head and he collapses to the floor unconscious. His mysterious assailant cautiously advances toward the Guest Wing and spots Sandstorm Mirage and the two Royal Guards keeping watch over Trixie's door.

“So I said to Flash Sentry, ‘Yeah it's dangerous, but if we can pull it off, Miss Pommel will have enough food for a week!’”

Both guards smile at the memories.

“You and Flash Sentry sure pulled off some crazy heists back in the day, huh?”

“I remember it like it was yesterday! The two of you were inseparable back at the Orphanage!”

Sandstorm Mirage turns around and walks to the other side of the corridor laughing!

“Yeah! We had quite the run together!”

Turning back toward the guards slowly. “Did I ever tell you about the time...”

His eyes grow wide as he sees the pair, whom he was just talking to, lying on the floor unconscious! He looks around frantically until he spots their invisible assailant!

“Oh dear! What ARE you?! H-hold it right...”

The intruder, surprised to be spotted, lunges forward with near supernatural speed! The mysterious assailant bucks Sandstorm Mirage into the opposite wall! As the Sergeant staggers to regain his footing a hoof catches him squarely on the jaw! He goes down as the assailant calmly walks over to Trixie's door, slowly opens it… and walks in.

Meanwhile, back at Canterlot Castle, the troops and Arc move to take their positions and carry out his plan. Arc's team waits across from Captain Decimus' quarters. A short time later the sounds of panicked cries can be heard echoing through the halls! A few minutes pass before one of Captain Decimus' sergeants rushes toward the door and knocks loudly! The captain answers the door momentarily.

“Do you know what time it is, Sergeant?! This had better be important!”

The sergeant salutes nervously! “Sir! There’s been some kind of attack on the Barracks! Smoke is everywhere! It's chaos!”

Captain Decimus shakes his head. “Grrr! Probably just a prank that got out of hand! Handle it yourself, sergeant!”

The sound of breaking glass can be heard echoing down the hall. Looking all around, the sergeant turns back to his commanding officer.

“What was that?!”

Captain Decimus walks quickly out of his room! “I don't know, but when I get my hooves on the ones responsible for it, they’ll be on garbage detail for a year!”

The pair rush down the hall toward the trouble. A moment later Viktor opens the door and proceeds inside. Arc and Max follow closely behind. As they enter Arc closes the door behind them.

“It sure was nice of the Captain to leave the lights on for us. You two, start searching!”

They start looking around the room. It is quite spartan. Arc walks over to some strange plants in a flower pot over by the window.

“Max, photograph these plants!”

He silently obeys. As he does so, Arc spots a footlocker in the corner of the room and walks over to it.

“Locked! Viktor, can you get this thing open?”

“Sure thing sir! Just give me a second!”

After a few minutes he looks up at Arc.

“Sorry sir. This lock is the most complex thing I’ve ever seen! It may very well be pick-proof! Whatever is inside has got to be good!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I wonder…”

He pulls the key he received from King Megut out of his pocket and tries the lock, it readily opens!

“Max, get over here and photograph all of these papers! Hurry!”

As Max does so, Viktor looks around the room.

“Somehow I thought the Captain of the Royal Guard would have more posh accommodations!”

Arc walks over to the nightstand and rummages through it. Finding nothing out of the ordinary he closes the drawer. As he does so, he spots something interesting next to the lamp.

“What’s this?”

He picks up a small framed picture of Captain Decimus and Tempest wearing military dress uniforms. Arc stares at it for a long time.

“They look so… happy.”

Viktor looks over. “Find something sir?”

Arc sets down the picture. “Nothing really.”

Max continues with his work. “Almost finished over here sir!”

Arc peeks through the curtains. From what he can see, it appears all hell has broken loose!

“I guess the others made quite an impression! Even I'm starting to believe the castle is under siege! Hopefully Xenos and Hugh are safely back at my quarters awaiting our arrival.”

Viktor nods. “I’m sure they’re fine, sir!”

Max puts the camera back in his saddlebag. “I’m done!”

Viktor picks up the papers and puts them back in the chest. Locking it, he tosses the key back to Arc!

“Sir, catch!”

Arc catches the key in one hand and opens a portal back to his room with the other. “Let’s get out of here!”

Max and Viktor run though the portal with Arc bringing up the rear! They appear back in Arc's room! Xenos and Hugh are waiting for them!

“How did it go, boys?”

Hugh chuckles. “Like clockwork, sir! Although I think I may have actually damaged the locking mechanism!”

Arc nods happily! “Perfect! One bona fide failed heist completed!”

Xenos laughs! “Nopony saw me either! Well, not that they could have anyways with all that smoke!”

“Good work, all of you! Let's go home proud!”

The squad steps onto the sigil along with Arc. A moment later they arrive back in the Main Hall.

“I think I need a celebratory cup...”

Arc and company freeze as they see the downed guards before them!

“Check them!”

Max and Viktor quickly do so.

“They’re alive, sir. Just out cold!”

Arc quickly throws off his Magic Cloak and calls forth the rest of his armor and the Spear of Righteousness from his ring!

“On me! Let’s move!”

Arc takes point. He and his squad move down the hallway quickly but quietly. Soon they spot Flash Sentry lying on the corridor floor, face down! Arc holds up a hand to stop his squad! He motions for Viktor and Xenos to take defensive positions in front of Flash Sentry. As they do so Arc motions for Max to check the fallen lieutenant.

“Out cold.”

Arc nods. “On me!”

Arc himself advances, spear at the ready! He motions to his troops to follow him! They quickly move to the Guest Room! Spotting the two Royal Guards on the floor along with Sandstorm Mirage, Arc signals Xenos and Max to take up defensive positions at the door. Arc positions himself in front and motions for them to bash it in! Max and Xenos simultaneously buck the door as Arc rushes into the room flanked by Hugh and Viktor!

Max sees nothing but a terrified Trixie and Coco Pommel standing guard in front of her! “Miss Pommel! What’s happening…”

Arc reaches out a hand! “I SEE YOU THERE!!!”

He uses his magic to hold something in place. The others can see nothing, but hear labored gasps! Arc walks forward quickly, keeping his hand up! With a quick flick of his spear, he throws back a hood to reveal the cloaked assailant!

“Get that cloak off of him! No more surprises!”

Coco Pommel walks quickly to Arc’s side! “Please! Don’t hurt him!”

Arc's squad roughly removes the trespasser's cloak and Arc releases his magical grip on him! The stallion falls to the floor gasping for air!

Arc looks at him, surprised! “Hey! I know you! You're Captain Decimus' lieutenant!”

The stallion bows his head in shame. “I… yes.”

Arc turns to Hugh and Viktor. “Go the Barracks and make sure the orphans are all right! Search for anyone who might have been injured tonight! Max, go wake up Ember. I need her help! After that, join in the search.”

The lieutenant sighs. “I came alone…”

“You have your orders, go!”

They salute and move to carry out Arc’s instructions.

“Xenos, go stand over by Coco Pommel and Trixie. Make sure no harm comes to either of them!”

“Yes sir!”

Arc turns back to the lieutenant and points his spear at him. “Now then... don't make any sudden movements. I would hate to have to do something that YOU will regret!”

“Please forgive me, sir! I was just following orders!”

“Orders, huh? Who’s orders?!”

C-Captain Decimus’ sir!”

Arc sighs. “...why am I not surprised? Okay, what did he tell you to do?”

“Please sir! I can’t say!”

Arc looks at his prisoner angrily! “You break into my base, attack my troops and worst of all, assault Coco Pommel and you CAN'T SAY WHY?!”

Trixie looks over indignantly! “Hey! What about me?!”

“Not now, Trixie!”

Arc tightens his magical grip on the lieutenant’s throat again. Coco Pommel rushes over! “Arc please! He never laid a hoof on me! Please don't hurt him... for my sake…?”

He releases the lieutenant. He coughs a few times as Coco Pommel walks over to him. Xenos looks anxious!

“Miss Pommel, please stay back! He might hurt you!”

Coco Pommel smiles at the intruder. “It's okay, Xenos. I know he won't. Lieutenant, please tell us... why did you come here tonight?”

The lieutenant sighs. “Captain Decimus ordered me to break in to Light's Hope and... kidnap Trixie as quietly as possible.”

Xenos appears livid! “What?! Why?!”

“He didn't say. And I'm not in the habit of questioning my superiors. Especially when they’re as respected as Captain Decimus!”

Ember runs into the room fully armed and armored!

“Arc! Is everything all right in… YOU?!”

Arc quickly looks to Ember. “I have everything under control here, Ember! Right now, I need you to see to the injured guards.”

Ember nods before looking to the lieutenant, anger in her eyes.

“You get a pass… for now!”

She storms out of the room as Arc turns back to the stallion before them.

“Now… where were we?”

Trixie looks down at the intruder haughtily! “I think this is the part where you beat him into submission and force him to talk!”

“Not helping, Trixie! How about you let me handle this.”

Coco Pommel looks the lieutenant in the eye. “Lieutenant, why do you think the Captain sent you on this mission?”

“Well, he certainly hates the Hero of Light, that's for sure! Ever since that day on the drawbridge, he's been looking for ways to get even!”

“That makes sense! If Trixie were to ‘escape’ from Light's Hope and Captain Decimus were to ‘bring her in’ that would make me look bad while at the same time make him look like a hero! Clever! For someone who is supposed to be as highly respected as he is, the Captain sure is being childish about this!”

“Please forgive him sir! He wasn't always like this!”

Arc nods. “So what changed?”

“I don't know sir. Maybe the pressure of him failing to...”

The lieutenant suddenly clams up!

Arc narrows his eyes. “Is this about Princess Celestia?”

“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have even brought it up!”

“I already know about the princess’ ‘disappearance’, lieutenant.”

The intruder sighs. “I suppose you would. Captain Decimus hasn't been the same since then. He used to be quite personable and jovial! I miss those days...”

He hangs his head and sighs. “Hero of Light... if you could just arrest me, or kill me, or do... whatever it is you plan on doing, I would appreciate it.”

Arc turns to Trixie. “Did he hurt you?”

Trixie shakes her head. “No. Coco Pommel stood in front of me the whole time. For some reason, this oaf was too scared to raise a hoof against her!”

“Every soldier knows about Coco Pommel! I could never hurt her!”

The lieutenant turns to Coco Pommel and bows. “Miss Pommel. No matter what happens here, I just wanted to say it was an honor to be able to meet you! Thank you for everything you have done for my brothers and sisters in arms!”

Xenos steps forward and gently nudges Coco Pommel away from the stallion before turning to Arc. “Sir, what should we do with him?”

Coco Pommel looks to Arc, a pleading look in her eyes! “Please Arc! Be lenient!”

Arc closes his eyes and sighs. “Report to Captain Decimus about your failure and accept the punishment he gives you. Tell him the Hero of Light was with Trixie all night, and there was no possible way you could have defeated him. Now... get out of my base.”

He steps aside and allow the lieutenant to pass. The stallion turns around with a genuinely remorseful look on his face. “Sir... I'm... sorry about all this.”

Arc nods. “Lieutenant, there are times when you just have to do the right thing and accept the consequences.”

“With all due respect sir, that's an easy thing for you to say. You're the Hero of Light! You can pretty much do anything you want! A soldier like me only does what we’re told.”

“Before I was the Hero of Light, I was just a normal human trying to make a home for himself in a land not meant to house me! In everything, I always did my best to do the right thing! Sometime later, I saved the lives of a new mother and her foal. A certain purple unicorn friend of mine, who shall remain anonymous, saw my deed and rewarded my actions with a one-way trip to Hell! I spent months in Tartarus... for the crime of doing the right thing. If you remember nothing else I say, know this... while I was there, I never once regretted the choices I made. Now go!”

The lieutenant nods and leaves. Arc turns to Xenos.

“Follow him and make sure he leaves.”

“Yes sir.”

Xenos leaves to follow the lieutenant as Coco Pommel walks toward Arc.

“Arc. That story. Was it... true?”

Arc nods. “Yes it was. However, I don't really have time to go into it right now. If you two will excuse me, I have to see to my troops now.”

He moves to leave the room but turns back to Coco Pommel from the doorway.

“If you want to hear that story, ask Derpy to tell it to you.”

Arc leaves the room. Coco Pommel just stands there, frozen in place! Trixie slowly walks up to her.

“Coco Pommel? Are you okay?”

Coco Pommel slowly nods, her eyes wide! “It… it was HER!”

“What are you saying?”

She appears to be in shock. “Derpy... and her daughter Dinky! Arc went to TARTARUS over them?! I wondered why she was so dedicated to him, but now it all makes sense!”

Meanwhile… Arc and Ember help the now coming around Royal Guards regain their senses. Arc stands over Sandstorm Mirage as he sits up groggily.

“Sandstorm Mirage! Can you hear me?!”

“Ugh… what? Where is he?!”

“What did you see, sergeant?”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “A stallion in a black robe! He- he overpowered me and my guards!”

“Don't worry. I already took care of the matter.”

The sergeant removes his insignia. “I'm sorry for letting you down, Commander. Please take this! I... don't deserve it!”

“This wasn't your fault. Your assailant was a professional with magical gear! To tell you the truth, you saw more than anyone else did! Now, if you’re all right, I must see to the others. There is still much work to be done. Hop to it... sergeant.”

He salutes! “Th-thank you sir! I'll do better! I promise!”

Arc stands and quickly makes his way to the Main Hall. The other guards are on their feet, albeit shakily.

“Anyone hurt, Ember?”

She stands and walks over to him. “It doesn't look like it Arc! Nothing a little rest won't cure anyways.”

Arc turns to the guards. “All of you head to the Barracks and rest. And take tomorrow off if you need to as well! Report to Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage if you need medical attention. Dismissed!”

The guards salute and walk away.

“Ember, can you escort the injured guards to the barracks?”

Ember nods. “Sure. I’ll see to it!”

As she leaves Arc’s squad enters the Main Hall and walks up to him.

Max salutes along with the others. “The base is secure sir! It looks like our ‘friend’ was acting alone.”

Arc nods. “Good!”

Xenos looks toward the door. “He left, just like you told him to. No trouble.”

Hugh appears nervous! “Sir, Captain Decimus will stop at nothing to ruin you! We need to do something!”

Arc nods as a wicked smile crosses his face. “Yes we do. And I think I have just the idea!”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 20 - The Trial

Arc walks over to Raven's desk and pull's Trixie's confession out of his pocket. He unfolds it and sets it on the desk next to the typewriter. Max looks over confused.

“Sir? What are you doing?

Arc sits down at the desk. “Writing a confession of my own.”

Arc quickly types something up. He looks it over carefully before picking up a quill and writing something on it. Dutifully rolling it up, he hands it to Viktor.

“Come with me Viktor. You and I are going back to Canterlot Castle.”

“Sir?”

Arc chuckles. “I'll explain when we get there! The rest of you get some sleep.”

The pair step on the sigil and are gone. Xenos turns to Max.

“Any idea what that was about?”

Max shakes his head. “Not a clue! But I guarantee it's gonna be GOOD!”

A short time later Arc and Viktor return to the Main Hall via the sigil.

“Good work Viktor. Now get some rest. You've earned it!”

Viktor salutes. “Thank you sir!”

As Viktor heads to the Barracks, Arc walks over to Raven's desk and picks up Trixie's confession and heads to the Guest Room. Sandstorm Mirage has stationed two new Royal Guards at the door. Arc can see the light is still burning from under the door. As he approaches, the guards open the door for him and close them again behind him. Trixie is lying in front of the fire alone.

“You alright, Trixie?”

She lies on the floor curled up into a ball. “Well, considering I just narrowly escaped a kidnapping by a psychopathic ninja-pony... yeah, I'm doing just peachy! And you?!”

“Well this should cheer you up. I have something here for you.”

Trixie looks up, confused. “What is it?”

Arc sits down on the floor next to her. “Just a little something I picked up earlier tonight.”

He gives Trixie the scroll. She unrolls it and reads it. Her eyes grow wide!

“M-my confession! You actually found it?!”

Arc nods! “I told you I would, and I did!”

Trixie jumps up and throws her hooves around Arc’s neck happily! “Thank you Arc! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”

Arc pats her gently on the head. “You’re welcome.”

After Trixie gets that out of her system, she sorely lies back down. “Um… can I confess something?”

“Only if you want to.”

She looks into the fireplace and sighs as she reads over her confession again. “To tell you the truth, I didn't actually believe you would get this for me. And if you did, I assumed you had some kind of ulterior motive behind it. Like... selling me out to get a medal, or something...”

“That wouldn’t be very… heroic of me.”

Trixie nods sadly. “I know, but... when you’ve been betrayed as often as I have, you tend to assume the worst!”

“Like when?”

“I... really don't want to talk about it. Maybe another time... that is... after I get out of prison.”

Arc nods. “I look forward to it.”

Trixie sighs. “Well, you may have to wait awhile. Even without this paper, there’s still quite the case against me.”

She wads up the confession with her hooves and lobs it into the fireplace.

“Don't take this the wrong way, but... I wish you were going to be there tomorrow.”

Arc looks at her confused. “But I will be.”

Trixie looks up happily! “REALLY?!”

He nods. “Yes. As the arresting officer I have been summoned to appear and... tell my side of the story.”

“So... you're going there to testify against me?!”

“No. I'm going there to tell the truth!”

Trixie sighs. “I'm not sure why but... I believe you.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. Well, I should probably let you get at least a little sleep. Good night Trixie.”

Arc stands and leaves the room. On his way out he picks up the cloak the lieutenant left behind. Trixie looks down at her hooves.

“Good night... my hero...”

A few hours later, Arc and Flash Sentry sit in the Cafeteria. They are both rather groggy from their late night. Flash Sentry helplessly drinks a double strength coffee.

“I need a vacation…”

Arc’s face lies on the table as he nurses a triple strength tea. “Take me with you…”

Raven enters the room followed by Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer and Platinum Valve. They walk over to Arc.

“Commander? Are you… okay?”

Arc speaks, his face still pressed against the table. “Yes. I am just... investigating this table... thoroughly...”

“Yes, well… the Hammers are here to see you.”

Arc turns his head slightly toward Flash Sentry. “Lieutenant! A little help here...”

Flash Sentry reaches a hoof to Arc, picks his head up off the table and turns it to face his guests.

He yawns groggily. “Sorry you had to see me like this. Busy, busy, busy...”

The couple nods.

“We understand.”

“To tell you the truth, it kinda reminds me of us, not that long ago!”

Arc takes a sip of his tea. “Any luck with those Hoof Cannons, Platinum Valve?”

She nods happily! “Yes sir, Mr. Arc! I'm expecting a couple replacement parts in the mail later today!”

“Good... job. Well... let me show you all to the... Armory. At ease... Lieutenant...”

Flash Sentry lets go of Arc’s head and it collapses back onto the table as the lieutenant himself falls to the floor.

Arc slowly stands up. “Ow... okay I think that last blow to the head may have invigorated me. Or it's the pot of tea I just finished drinking. Either way, follow me.”

He turns to Flash Sentry who is still lying on the floor.

“For the love of cupcakes, lieutenant! Don't you have work to do?! Go ‘investigate’ your bed now! That's an order!”

Arc turns to Raven.

“Raven, would you kindly help the lieutenant to his quarters?”

Raven nods dutifully. “Yes commander.”

“Yes sir... thank you sir... have a good day sir...”

Flash Sentry staggers off leaning heavily on Raven. Just then the orphans storm the cafeteria for breakfast.

“Platinum Valve, why don't you have some breakfast with the other foals here? I need to talk to your parents about a personal matter alone.”

Platinum Valve smiles. “Okay! Thanks!”

She runs to the other foals whom greet her warmly. They reciprocate. Arc turns to the Hammers and motions for them to follow him.

“This way.”

He leads them to his office and gestures to the couches.

“Have a seat.”

Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer sit down on a couch. Arc sits down opposite them. Silver Hammer looks concerned.

“Arc? What’s troubling you?”

“Did your mission last night go poorly? Although if it is a secret, we completely understand!”

Arc sighs. “While last night’s adventure was indeed secret, I know I can trust the two of you with the details. But first, you both were in the military for quite a while, right? What can you tell me of Captain Decimus?”

Steel Hammer smiles at the question. “Everypony in the Equestrian Military looks up to him, us included! He's quite the accomplished warrior! In fact, he could probably go toe to toe with us back in our day!”

Silver Hammer laughs! “You say that as if it were a lifetime ago, dear!”

“It was! Or so it feels!”

“He and his elite guard had to bail us out of a few fights a time or two! And although it would have been quite good for his own reputation, he never once told anypony how he saved us!”

Steel Hammer chuckles! “If anything, it helped our own reputations! Captain Decimus is as selfless as... well... you Arc! Why do you ask?”

Arc leans forward and lowers his voice. “This must remain strictly between us now, but... I am in the middle of an investigation of the Captain's recent activities. Lately his actions have been far from heroic!”

Silver Hammer appears confused. “What do you mean?”

He informs the Hammers of what he has learned about Captain Decimus so far. Steel Hammer shakes his head in disbelief!

“Arc, if anypony else was telling us this, I would knock them right in the head!”

“Dear! I'm sorry Arc! It's just that... this is just so hard to accept!”

Arc nods. “I understand. If someone told me one of my oldest and closest friends had turned, I don't think I could easily accept it either.”

“Do you have actual proof of these deeds, Arc?”

He shows the Hammer’s the evidence gathered thus far.

Steel Hammer rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Arc, I have to be honest with you. This evidence isn't exactly what I would call airtight.”

Arc nods. “I know. My investigation has only just started. Just like anyone else, Captain Decimus deserves a fair trial!”

Silver Hammer looks relieved. “Thank you for keeping an open mind Arc! Our old friend deserves as much! Assuming what you say is true, what possible reason could he have for turning traitor?”

He shrugs. “Your guess is as good as mine on that count. I hope to be able to ask him myself one day soon.”

“Perhaps he is being forced to do such things against his will?”

“An interesting theory. I do have proof that he is in league with Tempest. Maybe she somehow corrupted him?”

Steel Hammer nods. “That would explain the change in his behavior. Although it certainly bodes poorly for us then!”

“What do you mean?”

“I think what my husband is saying is, if Tempest really is able to corrupt somepony as brave and loyal as Captain Decimus there's no telling who is on our side! I mean, who else could be in her pocket?! Other military officials, Equestrian councilponies, even the princesses themselves!”

Steel Hammer shudders! “That’s a troubling thought!”

“I'm glad I bought this matter to your attention. You've certainly given me much to think over! But now I need your expertise on some weapons that were sent over to Light's Hope.”

He stands and walks toward the door.

“If you would follow me to the Armory please.”

They nod.

“Lead the way!”

They make their way to the armory. Arc unlocks the door.

“After I returned from seeing you two yesterday, I was approached by Flash Sentry and Ember who had made a rather frightening discovery! Apparently, quite a few of the weapons that were sent over here are completely unusable!”

Steel Hammer walks over to a weapon rack and shakes his head. Picking up a spear, the head falls off!

“This is terrible! What kind of pony would ship out weapons in such poor condition?!”

Arc frowns. “The requisitions were signed by Captain Decimus himself! If he doesn't like me, fine! But when he endangers my troops, that's where I draw the line!”

Silver Hammer looks over, clearly shocked! “Impossible! Such an act would be nothing short of EVIL!”

Steel Hammer puts a hoof to his forehead in an effort to think. “I... I don't know what to think right now. From my hasty inspection of this place I would say very few, if any, of these weapons or armor are any good!”

Arc sighs. “I was afraid you’d say that.”

Silver Hammer joins her husband. “We’ll look over them all to be sure, of course!”

“Thanks. Let me know what you find so we can talk about what it’ll cost to replace them.”

Silver Hammer sighs as she looks over the room. “I hate to say this Arc, but I think it's going to be quite expensive! I mean... you're talking about replacing an entire Armory!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Such an allocation of funds would require the approval of a princess! What are you going to tell them?!”

“I'll think of something. How long will it take you two to inspect all this gear?”

Steel Hammer looks over the room quickly. “I'll have it done before suppertime today. At least then you’ll have some concrete numbers to give to the princesses.”

“I am not looking forward to that conversation. While I’m confident that Canterlot has the money, I know they’ve already spent quite a lot on me already! Although I hate to ask for more, I would hate it even more if any of my troops were hurt due to faulty equipment! Now, I hate to cut this short but I have a trial to get to in Canterlot Castle.”

Steel Hammer nods. “It's no problem, Arc! We'll get to work right away!”

“Why don't the two of you join Platinum Valve in the Cafeteria? Have a good breakfast to start your day!”

Silver Hammer nods! “Thank you!”

The Hammer's leave the Armory and head over to the Cafeteria. Arc heads to the Guest Quarters to escort Trixie to her trial. Entering the room, he sees Trixie sitting on the couch in front of the fire, looking a bit nervous.

“Trixie? It’s time to go. Are you ready?”

She nods.

“Yes. But… before we go, I… need to tell you something.

Arc sits down on the couch next to her. “I’m all ears.”

Trixie looks down at her hooves, regret in her voice.

“I just wanted to say... that... I'm... sorry. Sorry for what I did to you, your squad, your friend Ember, the ogres... everyone. While I know this won't help my case any, I just wanted to tell you before we leave just how much I regret what I did and to thank you! You went to such lengths to protect me from Decimus! Even going so far as to risk everything to get that confession back!”

“Just doing my job.”

Trixie’s neck snaps back to look Arc in the eye! “No! This goes WAY beyond the scope of your job! Look, I don't understand what really motivates you, and I doubt I ever will!”

She puts a hoof to her forehead and closes her eyes before continuing.

“Sorry if I'm messing this up. I've not had much practice making apologies.”

Arc nods. “You did just fine.”

Trixie looks up at him sheepishly. “I... um... thought about what you said the other day. You know, about finding somepony to follow. Would it be asking too much if I... um... wanted to join you, Arc? I know we kinda got off on the wrong hoof, but I really feel like I can still make a difference!”

Arc smiles and nods. “Come talk to me after you finish serving your time. If you are still interested, I will entertain the idea.”

Trixie again looks down at the floor, sadly. “It... might be quite a long time before we see each other again. Years even!”

“By then I’m sure SOMETHING will have eaten me!”

“Please don't joke about things like that! I mean... this may be a bit hard for you to believe, but... as great and powerful as I am, I've... never had a real friend before.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I can’t imagine why.”

Trixie straightens up her shoulders and smiles! “I always thought it was because others were intimidated by my power! But... now I'm not so sure. In any case, I want you to know that I have found you worthy of being my friend!”

“So, what about me makes me worthy?”

“Well... you've proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that you power exceeds my own. That alone is reason enough, it is not?”

He folds his arms over his chest. “So... let me see if I understand this clearly. You only want friends who are more powerful than you?”

“Of course! I mean, why should the strong be held back by the weak?”

Arc rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Interesting idea you have there! Let me ask you something though. Would a foal be considered ‘strong’ compared to, say, an ant?”

Trixie looks at him, a bit taken aback! “I… suppose so.”

“So it's not so much that they are strong or powerful as you put it. They just have to be more powerful than you. It's more a matter of perspective.”

“I guess so. What’s your point?”

“My point is this. From where I stand, I am ‘strong’ and you are ‘weak’. So answer me this. If I were to use your own logic, why would I want to be friends with somepony as ‘weak’ as you?”

Trixie opens her mouthto say something, but no words come out.

“Arc? Do you think that is the reason I’m alone?”

Arc nods. “I would say so, yes.”

“All this time I thought nopony was worthy of my talents... or my friendship. I've always been treated differently by everypony. I thought they were just jealous of my power. But now I'm not so sure.”

“Look Trixie. I know things are going badly for you, and pretty much all of that is your own fault.”

Trixie narrows her eyes. “Gee… thanks.”

“But don't think of this as the end. Think of it like a new beginning! Wherever they send you, find yourself a friend. I know the mares in prison probably won't be as... personable, but do your best!”

Trixie thinks to herself. “Okay. Let's just say by some miracle I do make a friend. What then? I don't know the next step!”

“There really is no next step as you call it. All I can offer you is some advice on friendship.”

She nods. “Okay. I’m listening.”

“First of all, you can't FORCE somepony to be your friend. That's just a slave. It has to happen naturally. So no illusions, no deception, no mind control, none of that!”

Trixie puts a hoof to her chin. “This may be harder than I thought.”

“Second, once you make a friend, you have to remember friendship is a two-way street. You can't treat them badly and expect them not to do the same to you. If you take care of your friends, they will take care of you.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“Third, at some point your friend may let you down, fail you, or even downright betray you! You must remember never to do those things to them though. Others WILL fail you at times, but you mustn't fail them.”

Trixie nods soberly. “You mean like how your unicorn friend sent you to Tartarus? I sure hope you taught her a lesson! So, whatever happened to her?”

“She lives not too far from here. I'll have to invite her over for tea again sometime.”

Trixie looks to Arc, wide-eyed! “You mean you still SPEAK to her?!”

“Why wouldn't I? She's still my friend after all.”

She looks up hopeful. “Did you at least get revenge?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. When she found out what had really happened, she spent every waking moment looking for ways to rescue me from that hellish place! To make a long story manageable, she found a way to temporarily lower the barrier surrounding Tartarus and then proceeded to enter... alone.”

Trixie sighs. “It must be nice to have friends that dedicated to you.”

“You will one day, if you will only put forth the effort.”

She chuckles. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I doubt it. Any other knowledge to impart?”

“The only other bit of knowledge I can impart to you is what others are looking for in a friend. Most just want someone whom they can count on to be there for them. If you can be that pony, you'll make a friend for life!”

“This is all very complicated Arc. I'm not really sure friendship is worth all the trouble!”

Arc stands up. “Oh believe me, it is! It's good to know that someone is watching my back. But... the reason I came here was to escort you to your trial. Are you ready?”

“No... but I guess stalling won't change the end result. Thanks for the talk, Arc. Methinks I will have plenty of time to ponder your words in the near future.”

“Glad I could help. Let's go.”

Arc stoops down to pick Trixie up, but she holds out a hoof and shakes her head.

“Thank you, but I think I can manage on my own.”

Arc nods his head and calls forth Eidolon's Ward and opens a portal. The two walk through it and find themselves in Arc's quarters in Canterlot Castle. They make their way down the hallway toward the Princess' Audience Chamber. Upon reaching the entrance hall, they find it deserted.

“That's peculiar. Every other time I’ve been here this hall has been packed with ponies seeking an audience.”

He and Trixie approach the Royal Guard Commander. Unlike before, he appears to have nothing but time on his hooves at the moment. Arc removes his helmet and holds it under his arm.

“Commander. I am here to deliver Trixie Lulamoon to her trial. Where is everyone else? Did I come to the wrong place?”

The Royal Guard Commander shakes his head. “No sir! All audiences have been canceled to accommodate the trial.”

He motions for Trixie to follow him.

“Thank you sir. I'll take her from here.”

Arc looks to him, confused. “Just a moment Commander! I received word from the princesses that I was needed to testify.”

“No, sir. The princesses have been notified that the prisoner has already confessed to her crimes. No testimony is required.”

“I'm a bit confused. What is the point of this trial then?!”

“It’s mostly for sentencing purposes.”

Trixie looks scared!

Arc looks peevish! “So am I to understand that there will be no dialogue between the princesses and anyone else here?!”

He shakes his head. “That is not true, sir! Equestrian law states that before the sentencing can commence the defendant and the prosecutor must both be given the option of addressing the princesses. At that time, the court will hear any and all testimony pertinent to the case. Usually the prosecutor tries to persuade the court to give a harsher sentence, while the defendant tries to do the opposite.”

The commander looks over to Trixie.

“That’s your only chance to beg for mercy.”

Trixie appears on the edge of hysterics as Arc considers what to do.

“Commander, I wish to attend the proceedings as well. Is that permitted?”

“Normally, no. However, I will speak to the princesses about your request. Please wait here.”

The Royal Guard Commander enters the Audience Chamber as Trixie looks over to Arc.

“Thanks for doing this, Arc.”

He nods. “What are friends for?”

Meanwhile, the Royal Guard Commander approaches the princess' throne and removes his helmet to bow before them. Both Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are present along with Captain Decimus. Luna looks over as he enters.

“Commander. Is the accused here?”

“Yes, your majesty! There is a bit of a complication though.”

Luna looks confused. “Oh? What seems to be the problem?”

“The Hero of Light has brought her here personally, and wishes to attend the trial!”

Captain Decimus approaches. “That seems like a waste of his time to me! Have you notified him he does not need to testify?”

“Yes sir!”

Cadance turn to Luna. “Perhaps Arc merely wants to observe our legal system and see how we do things.”

“Yes... you're probably right. Humans can be quite... inquisitive.”

She turns back to the commander.

“Very well. The Hero of Light may observe the proceedings. Inform him of my decision.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

He returns to Arc and nods.

“Sir, the princesses will allow you to attend. Please enter when you are ready and the trial can get underway.”

Arc turns to a rather nervous Trixie.

“Ready?”

Trixie nods her head. She appears to be barely holding it together. Arc put a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey. It’s gonna be all right.”

The doors open. Arc and Trixie walk into the Audience Chamber and approach the princesses. Two tables have been set up in front of the thrones. Captain Decimus sits alone at one of them. He looks over as Arc approaches.

“Ah, so glad you could join us Hero of Light! Perhaps now we can finally put this entire matter to rest!”

Arc nods. “I couldn’t agree more, captain.”

Cadance smiles at Arc. “Thank you for bringing Trixie before us today, Arc. We know you must be very busy these days.”

“It was my pleasure. I believe I will enjoy this little diversion from my normal duties.”

Captain Decimus scoffs! “What are your ‘normal duties’ anyways?”

Arc chuckles. “Oh you know… fighting monsters, rescuing orphans, protecting the innocent... just like you, captain.”

“Yes, well... let's not waste any time now! Justice must be upheld!”

“Well put, captain. I couldn’t agree more!”

A Royal Guard approaches Arc with a chair. He accepts it and sits down to one side as Trixie sits down at the other table.

Luna stomps her hoof a couple times. “I call this court to order!”

She turns to Trixie.

“Captain Decimus has informed us that you have confessed to numerous and heinous crimes. Now, even though you have already confessed, the law dictates that I ask how you plead to these charges. Are you guilty or not guilty?

Trixie looks to the princess, quite frightened. “Um... can I hear the charges being brought against me please?”

Captain Decimus looks to Trixie, angrily! “You already know what you're being accused of! You read your own confession before you signed it!”

Arc looks away and mutters to himself. “That lying sack of sh...”

Cadance looks over. “I too would like to hear the full list of charges. Please read them for the court Captain Decimus. It won't take but a few moments.”

“Yes, your Highness!”

Captain Decimus stands, holding a piece of paper, and reads from it. “Trixie Lulamoon, you are accused of the following...

-Overthrowing a legitimate governing body
-Conspiracy against the princesses
-Conspiracy to overthrow the princesses
-Kidnapping
-Murder
-Wrongful imprisonment
-Attempted genocide
-Assault and attempted murder of our military forces
-Assault and attempted murder of the Hero of Light
-Battery
-Possession of illegal magical items
-Use of illegal magical items
-Attempting to raise an unauthorized army
-Consorting with known enemies of the state
-Conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism”

He looks up at Trixie and smiles!

“Now, how do you plead?”

Trixie can only stammer. “Um… I…”

Arc stands up quickly! “I object! As the arresting officer I can attest that very few of these charges can be substantiated!”

Luna nods. “Sustained. I must admit, that is quite the laundry list, captain!”

Cadance nods in agreement. “Captain Decimus, I know you are a very thorough stallion, and you have served Equestria for many years. However, it really is quite difficult to believe that one mare could do so much! Are you completely sure?”

“Yes, Princess Cadance! I have the original signed confession right here in my bag!”

Luna turn to Captain Decimus. “I would like to examine it myself. May I see it please?”

Decimus opens his bag and rummages around. “Very well, your highness.”

A full minute passes.

“That’s odd. I know I had it in here…”

Trixie smiles, albeit slightly.

A moment later the captain pulls out a scroll. “Ah yes, here it is!”

The blood drains from Trixie’s face as Princess Luna uses her magic to levitate the scroll over to herself. She unrolls it and begins to read. A couple minutes later she looks up, clearly upset!

“Captain Decimus! Is this some kind of sick joke?!”

He looks up at the princess, confused! “Beg your pardon, Princess Luna?!”

Cadance looks over at her friend. “Luna? What have you found?”

She levitates the scroll over to Cadance and turns to Trixie.

“Would you please state your full name for the court?”

Trixie looks over, confused. “Trixie Lulamoon, your highness.”

Princess Luna turns to the captain, angrily!

“That is not the name on this confession!”

Captain Decimus appears flabbergasted! “Wh-what?!”

Cadance tosses the scroll back at him! “She’s right! It’s signed by somepony named… ‘Stupid Unicorn’!”

Decimus dumps the entire contents of his bag on the table and goes through them frantically! “This isn't happening... THIS ISN'T HAPPENING!!! Where is it?!”

Arc looks over and responds in an even tone. “Captain! Please calm yourself! This isn't the end of the world!”

Captain Decimus whirls around to face Arc, angrily! “YOU!!! THIS IS YOUR DOING!!!”

“What?! Me?!”

“Yes! It's the only explanation! You somehow switched the real confession for this fake one!”

Luna narrows her eyes. “Captain? Do you have any proof that Arc is responsible for this?”

He sighs. “I… do not.”

“Then I suggest you keep your baseless accusations to yourself!”

She looks apologetically to Arc.

“My apologies for the captain's earlier outburst, Arc.”

“It's fine. I believe the Captain to be quite overworked. If I may, might I suggest a cup of tea and a cupcake or two to help take the edge off?”

Cadance looks over to Arc. “You do that too?”

Arc nods. “Sure! It definitely helps!”

She laughs! “Aunt Celestia does something similar! She always said it kept her sane! Up until now I never really thought much about it.”

Luna clears her throat. “Cadance, can we please stay on topic?”

“Yes. Sorry about that, Luna.”

Luna sighs as she picks up the ‘confession’ and lobs it into the wastebasket. “Well I guess we are back to square one.”

She turns to Arc.

“Arc. As the arresting officer, what charges to you bring against Trixie?”

He thinks for a moment before responding. “I would say she should be accused of ‘overthrowing a legitimate governing body’ and ‘kidnapping’ only.”

Captain Decimus stands, angrily! “I object! The Hero of Light should not be permitted to write the charges as HE sees fit!”

Luna again narrows her eyes. “Captain Decimus... did you actually witness any of these crimes?”

“Well, no…”

She turns back to Arc.

“Arc, did you witness any of these crimes?”

He nods. “Both of them, yes.”

Cadance turns to face Arc. “But what about the charges of Trixie attacking you and your squad Arc? Shouldn't she also answer for them?!”

“As the commanding officer of that mission, I wish to officially drop those charges against her.”

Captain Decimus looks to him, incredulously! “WHAT?!”

Luna nods her head, surprised! “That is... quite Generous of you Arc! Are you completely sure that is what you would like to do?!”

“Yes.”

“I object! You can't just DROP assault charges!”

Arc turns to the captain. “Why not?”

“Because…”

He sits down heavily and sighs.

“I withdraw my objection.”

Luna nods. “Very well. The charges of assault against the Hero of Light and his troops are hereby dropped. The charges are now as follows... ‘kidnapping’ and ‘overthrowing a legitimate governing body’. Does the defendant have a Councilor?”

Trixie shakes her head. “No, I don’t.”

Cadance nods to Trixie. “It can be anypony. A relative, or even a friend! Just somepony to speak on your behalf.”

Arc stands. “I'll act as Councilor!”

Cadance looks to Arc. “That's... um... very nice of you to volunteer Arc, but that would be a conflict of interest. Not to mention very unfair to Trixie.”

“It’s okay with me.”

Cadance nods at Trixie, thoughtfully. “As capable as he is, it would be very difficult for him to represent you, while at the same time speaking for the prosecution.”

Luna facehoofs. “Trixie, I don't think you understand. As the key witness for Captain Decimus, Arc will be testifying AGAINST you!”

Arc turns to the princesses again. “If I may, Princess Luna. While it is true I will be testifying, I see it not as speaking for or against Trixie. I am only interested in seeing the truth come to light so you may judge her accordingly.”

Luna frowns. “I'm... not sure I understand what you're getting at. This has never been done before!”

She appears to consider the request.

“Very well, Trixie. If you are absolutely certain this is what you would like, I will permit Arc to speak for you. Are you?”

Trixie nods! “Yes, your Highness! I'm sure!”

“Very well.”

Luna looks over to Arc.

“Please take a seat next to Trixie and we can get started.”

Arc does so as Luna looks to the prosecution.

“Captain Decimus, please begin.”

The captain walks from his table to pace in front of the princesses.

“Thank you, Princess Luna. I would like to present the testimony of the arresting officer now.”

Arc walks to the witness’ seat and waits. In a moment Captain Decimus begins.

“Hero of Light. Is it true that you and your troops went into the Aqueducts under Vanhoover recently?”

“Yes, we did.”

“For what purpose?”

“In my continuing investigation of the events at the New Beginning's Orphanage. I learned from the civil drawings of the building site of the existence on the Aqueducts. It seemed a logical place for Tempest to carry out dealings secretly.”

The captain nods as he continues to pace. “I see. And when you investigated these Aqueducts, what did you find?”

“We found only vicious beasts that seemed intent on ending us!”

The captain nods. “Can you identify the leader of a fore mentioned monsters?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It was clearly Trixie Lulamoon who was in command of the beasts.”

“And how can you be certain of this?”

“She confessed to me that she stole the Ogre King's crown, which allowed her to control their beasts.”

“And what do you believe she was planning to do with her beast army?”

Arc suddenly stands! “I object! The question is based on speculation!”

Captain Decimus is suddenly livid! “YOU CAN'T OBJECT! YOU'RE THE WITNESS!”

Luna looks to Arc. “Sustained. Captain, Arc may indeed object. He may be your witness right now, but he is still Trixie's Councilor. Continue.”

Arc again sits down at the captain composes himself and continues.

“Grr… very well.”

He pauses before continuing.

“When you freed the Ogre King and his subjects, what did they have to say about Trixie's actions?”

“As one would imagine, they were not too happy about being held against their will by a pony.”

“Held against their will, you say? Who was holding them?”

“Trixie Lulamoon was.”

“How many of them had she killed?”

“Um… from what I could see, none.”

The captain stops pacing and looks Arc in the eye. “Well, were any of them injured at least? Starved? Beaten? Tortured? Maimed?”

Arc stands! “I object! Compound questions and the prosecuting counsel is testifying!”

“Sustained! One question at a time Captain. And don't assume any facts you can't back up with evidence. Continue.”

Arc sits back down.

“What became of the crown Trixie claims she took from the Ogre King?”

“When I freed the King and his subjects, I returned the crown to its rightful owner.”

Captain Decimus nods. “Why did you return the crown?

Arc again stands! “I object! Immaterial question!”

Luna stomps her hoof. “Overruled. Answer the question, Arc.”

He sits. “It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. The ogres had lived down there peacefully for quite some time. I decided it was best to go the diplomatic route with Vanhoover's ‘neighbors’.”

Captain Decimus walks back to his seat.

“No further questions.”

Luna looks over to him. “Um… do you wish to cross-examine… yourself, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head.

“Very well.”

Luna turns back to Captain Decimus.

“Do you have any other witnesses?”

The captain smiles. “No. I think the Hero of Light has answered all my questions.”

She turns back to Arc.

“Do you have any witnesses of your own to call?”

Cadance chimes in.

“We can take a recess if you need to have somepony summoned!”

Arc stands. “I would like to call Trixie Lulamoon to the stand.”

Trixie slowly walks up to the stand and takes a seat as Arc stands before her.

“Now Trixie. Did you enslave the ogres living under Vanhoover?”

Trixie nods sadly. “I… I did.”

“Why?

“Trixie was trying to impress my idol, Tempest Shadow. If I could prove to her how powerful I had become, maybe she would let me join her!”

Arc nods. “What did you plan to do with Tempest? That is, assuming she had allowed you to join forces with her.”

“We would have done our best to protect Equestria and its citizens. Just like Tempest always has... or has done in the past, I guess.”

Captain Decimus stands up angrily and turns to Trixie! “I object! Are you trying to tell me that you, of all ponies, ultimately wanted to HELP?!”

Luna is silent. Cadance looks over to her.

“Luna? The objection?”

Luna sighs. “I believe... I have a lot to think over. We will take a one hour recess while I take some time to consider what was said here.”

She steps down from the throne and walks to an adjoining room. Luna closes the door as Cadance descends and approaches Arc. He stands and meets her halfway.

“Is that a normal response to an objection in Equestria?”

Cadance looks toward the door, a bit concerned. “No. I think I better make sure Luna is alright. She seemed a bit off. If you will excuse me.”

She turns to join Luna as Decimus walks over to Arc, smiling! “Hero of Light, you have got to be the WORST Councilor in the history of Equestria! I mean, come on! You practically HANDED me this case!”

He turns to Trixie and smiles wickedly!

“I hope you like bread and water!”

Laughing, the captain leaves the room. Trixie lays her head on the table and looks straight ahead, sadly. “Thanks for trying, Arc. I didn't really expect you to get me off the hook anyways.”

Arc lays a hand on Trixie’s shoulder. “This is what friends do, Trixie. Remember that.”

“I will.”

“Do you need to rest? I can open a portal to my quarters.”

She shakes her head. “No thank you. I... think I just want to sit here and think.”

Arc sits down next to her. “Would it be alright if I kept you company?”

Trixie turns her head as a small smile creeps across her face. “I was kinda hoping you would say that.”

Arc and Trixie sit wordlessly. Sometime later Captain Decimus returns. He looks towards Trixie with a smug smile on his face before sitting back down. A short time later both princesses enter the room and take their places. Luna stomps her hoof to bring the trial to order.

“I am now ready to hear closing arguments. Captain Decimus, have you anything to add?”

The captain stands and walks forward. “Yes. I only wish to say that this unicorn is a menace to society! If she should be allowed to walk free ever again it would most certainly end badly! I recommend to the court that the MAXIMUM sentence be imposed on the defendant. We must protect Equestria from MONSTERS like her! That is all!”

He sits back down as Luna turns to Arc.

“Arc? Your closing statement?”

He stands and walks toward the princesses. “I admit, I haven't been in this job very long. Come to think of it, I haven't been part of Equestria for very long either. I've seen quite a few things, many of which I wish I hadn't. But I have learned one thing from my time among the ponies of this land. Princess Luna, you may find this hard to believe, but I don't think there is much difference between ponies and humans when you get right down to it.”

Captain Decimus stands! “I object…”

Luna interrupts him! “Be silent, captain!”

The captain sits back down as Luna turns to Arc.”

“Continue.”

“What I mean by that is we have a lot of similarities. We both feel happiness... and sadness. Laughter... and anger. Joy... and fear. Just like on Earth, there are good ponies here! However, there are also quite a few bad ones as well. I admit, what Trixie did to the ogres was indeed terrible. There really is no excuse or defense for it. Yet even though she had imprisoned them, King Megut still had enough mercy in his heart not to take revenge on her for her treachery. Therefore, I ask you Princess Luna to follow the lead of the ogres and show mercy to Trixie. I believe she has learned her lesson, and will become a great asset to Equestria one day. Thank you.”

Arc walks back to his chair and sits down. Luna looks to them both.

“Captain Decimus... Arc... you both have made quite convincing cases! However, judgment must be passed! I find the defendant, Trixie Lulamoon... guilty on all charges.

Trixie hangs her head, sadly. “I… understand.”

“Trixie Lulamoon... you are hereby sentenced to one year in Equestria Prison. You will be assigned to a medium security wing. However, any infraction of the rules will be grounds to send you straight to maximum security! Have I made myself clear?”

Trixie nods. “Yes, your majesty…”

Captain Decimus, upon hearing the sentence, jumps up! “But princess! This mare overthrew an entire race! What's to stop her from doing the same when she gets out?! Perhaps this time in Canterlot!”

“My decision is final! Are you questioning my judgment?!”

“No, your highness…”

Luna nods. “Good.”

Cadance turns to Trixie. “I hope you use this time to think about what brought you to this point… and where you will go from here.”

Trixie nods. “Yes, I will. Thank you for showing me mercy.”

Luna nods to her. “Save your thanks for the Hero of Light. It was due to his word alone that I decided to go easy on you. I had originally intended to give you... let's just say, a significantly higher sentence in a much less hospitable environment. Don't make me regret it.”

“I won’t, princess!”

Luna stomps her hoof. “Court is adjourned!”

Captain Decimus storms out of the room muttering to himself indignantly as several Royal Guards approach Trixie. Cadance sighs.

“These guards will escort you to the prison transport. It's not the most luxurious ride, but you will be there by tomorrow morning.”

Trixie nods before turning to Arc. “Arc. Thank you. I hope to see you again... in a year.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes. Hopefully under better circumstances though. How about tea?”

She forces a smile. “I look forward to it! See you then... Arc.”

The Royal Guards escort Trixie out of the Audience Chamber. Arc stares after them for a few moments before turning back to the princesses as they descent their thrones. Luna is the first to speak.

“Thank you for all you did here today, Arc. I admit, I thought it was a bit... odd, that the accused would allow her jailer to represent her.”

Cadance nods. “I thought the same at the time. But now it makes perfect sense! She really trusts you, Arc!”

Luna appears skeptical. “Yes... about that. Arc, I have witnessed your uncanny ability to befriend and gain the trust of others now first-hoof. And I must ask... how do you DO THAT?! Two days ago, you two were battling it out! Now she is coming to tea time with you!”

“It's actually pretty simple. All I do is show them that I have THEIR best interests in mind. It's the right thing to do anyway.”

Cadance shakes her head. “There has to be more to it than that!”

“Let me put it this way. Princess Cadance, you once told me your job was quite difficult due to you and Princess Luna not having the same respect of the citizenry as Princess Celestia does.”

She nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“How do you think Princess Celestia managed to gain that respect?”

Cadance nods soberly. “Are you saying what I think you are?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Although I have not met her, I can only surmise that she is so well loved because everypony knows she puts their needs and feelings above her own.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “I suppose that makes sense. But I just wonder what she did to cement such trust!”

Cadance looks down sadly. “I can think of only one.”

“Cadance? What do you mean?”

“Many years ago, she was forced to make a world-shattering sacrifice. Equestria was on the brink of destruction and Aunt Celestia had to make a choice! Save Equestria or save her own sister! As we all know, she chose Equestria and its inhabitants over her own family! I can't think of a larger sacrifice for the greater good.”

Luna nods, sadly. “I... remember. Although I don't blame her for doing what needed to be done, that didn't make it hurt any less. At the time I thought she was just being selfish! That she wanted Equestria all to herself! Of course, I now understand! But I still think she could have found another way!”

Cadance looks to Luna and speaks very emotionally! “Luna! Do you think she WANTED to send you away for 1,000 years?! You're her sister! She LOVES you! Although I wasn't there, I'm sure it hurt her just as much to rule alone!”

Luna turns away angrily! “Correct! You weren't there! How could you possibly understand the pain I felt back then?!

“Your right Luna. I wasn't there. But...”

“But what, Cadance!”

Cadance appears suddenly nervous! “But... Aunt Celestia told me once... back then, there was another choice available to her.”

Luna looks at her, incredulously! “WHAT?! Why didn’t she take it?!”

Cadance is on the verge of tears! “She... said she almost did! It was only at the last possible moment that she chose to use the Elements of Harmony to banish you instead!”

Luna furiously walks toward Cadance. Her eyes wide! “Are you telling me I didn't have to spend 1,000 years on the moon?! Do you have ANY IDEA what that was like?! Tell me Cadance! What could she have done instead?! TELL ME!!!”

The air is suddenly filled with dark magical energy! Arc stands there observing the discourse with his hands behind his back. He quietly materializes a strange but ornate looking knife from his ring and conceals it from the princesses behind him.

Cadance steps back. “I... I can't! Aunt Celestia made me promise never to tell you about this!”

Luna stomps toward Cadance, screaming at her! “TELL ME! TELL ME NOW!!! I DESERVE TO KNOW WHAT MY SISTER HAS HIDDEN FROM ME ALL THESE YEARS!”

Cadance backs away! She is clearly frightened at the enraged alicorn approaching her! Arc takes a deep breath…

“...she was going to kill you.”

Luna stops and looks to Arc, confused.” “…what?”

Cadance appears surprised. “Arc? How could you possibly know that?!”

“It was the only other logical conclusion. In the face of total annihilation, you have two choices! Get rid of the source or… destroy it.”

Luna regains a bit of her composure. “What?! How?! She couldn't have without... you know. What was she thinking?”

Cadance looks down at her hooves, sadly. “She... she told me... she was going to... stab you with the Spear of Justice. While she wasn't completely sure it would work, from a logical standpoint, considering the Dark Power you were wielding at the time, it should have turned you to dust in an instant!”

Luna sits down on her haunches and stares off into space, absentmindedly. “My... my own sister was willing to...”

Cadance slowly walks over to Luna. “She said she was about to, but at the last moment decided she didn't want to live the rest of her days wondering…”

“Wondering WHAT?!”

Cadance draws back at the sudden hostility! “...wondering if... you could have been reformed. She gave you a second chance at life! Thankfully you took it, thanks in no small part to Twilight and her friends.”

“Sister. I... never knew... Cadance, I... I'm sorry for...”

She nods and puts a hoof around Luna’s neck.

“It's okay Luna. We all have things in our past we’d rather forget.”

The pair embrace for a long moment. Arc returns the knife to his ring. Luna approaches Arc with Cadance by her side.

“Arc, please forgive my earlier outburst.”

He nods. “It's like Princess Cadance said... we all have things in our past we’d rather forget.”

Arc approaches Luna and looks her in the eye. “Let it go, princess. Don't burden yourself with the mistakes of the past! Instead, look to the future! Together, the three of us can make it a bright one!”

Luna nods. “I will... try. Thank you, both of you!”

Preface - Volume 5 - Villains and Vacations

In our previous volume, the mysterious being known only as 'Kronos' used its power to turn Dinky from a baby into a young filly! Arc and Derpy take their unconscious daughter to Arc's newly build quarters in his base, Light's Hope! A short time later, Dinky awakens, and speaks to her parents! Quickly identifying Derpy as her mother and Arc as her father, the trio slowly walk back to Derpy's house.

Upon arriving, Arc heads to Sugarcube Corner to buy a celebratory cake for his little family! While gone however, Dinky tastes the soup meant for Arc and is told it contains fish! Horrified at this, she asks her mother what kind of pony her father is! This prompts both Arc and Derpy to have a heart to heart talk with their daughter about the truth! Revealing that Arc is NOT her biological father, Dinky listens intently as her mother tells the whole sordid story! The little filly again accepts Arc as her father and the pair enjoy a loving hug!

The next day, Arc returns to Light's Hope to challenge his squad to find his hiding spot somewhere in the base. They fail, as Arc was next to the main entrance the whole time. At lunch, he notices his squad is squeamish at the sight of his meal! Fearing they will succumb to these feeling in battle, he and Ember take them into the Everfree Forest for a few days of hunting and fishing! On the way they tell him of their childhood at Equestria's only orphanage, 'New Beginnings'! The squad speaks of a then-young mare who cared for and looked after them as they grew up! The also inform him of the treatment of the foals by the wicked Matron Tempest! Arc listens to them intently and vows to look into the matter when they return.

A couple days later, after learning to hunt, fish AND fillet, they return to Light's Hope. Arc and his squad get cleaned up as he plans their next mission... the infiltration of the New Beginning's Orphanage! Dinky volunteers to be admitted to the orphanage as a spy. Derpy agrees on the condition Arc stays with her! Twilight begrudgingly teaches Arc the Matter Compacting spell so he can hide behind Dinky's ear.

After traveling to Canterlot Castle to bring the princesses up to speed, they spend the night there before boarding the morning train to Vanhoover. A Royal Guard escorts Dinky, with Arc in her mane, to the orphanage. There they are met by a middle-aged mare wearing a large black and white robe. She identifies herself at Coco Pommel and takes Dinky inside.

After a short nap, Coco Pommel returns for Dinky. She explains that it's time to go play a game to see who gets fed! Trotting outside, they discover the game is Hoofball! Arc, riding on Dinky's head in his armor and wearing the Magic Cloak, calls out commands to his daughter and aids her in standing out during the game! Matron Tempest, clearly impressed, gives Dinky a chocolate bar which she promptly gives away. Befriending two other foals, Pipsqueak and Aquamarine, Arc and Dinky spend the next several days observing and learning all they can about the orphanage and its caretakers!

Arc sends a message to Matron Tempest, giving her the option to surrender herself to the authorities. Rebuffing his request Tempest, thinking it all a trick by the orphans, addresses them the next morning in full special forces body armor! Calling out the Hero of Light, she attempts to hurt a very frightened Pipsqueak! However, Arc uses his magic to stop her! Ordering Dinky to charge the matron, Arc returns to normal size in order to deliver a message to her via his fist! Tempest asks Arc to join her in her quest to train the next generation of super soldiers, to which he refuses. She reveals her true form, that of a self-proclaimed Angel of Darkness! Using her power to hold Arc down, she calls for her weapon 'Light's Bane' to kill him and absorb his soul! But before she can carry out her plan, Derpy throws herself in front of Arc, taking the spear in her back! Seeing her mother fall, Dinky snaps! Displaying a strange power, Dinky blasts Tempest, cutting her off temporarily from the Dark Power before fainting from exhaustion! Furious at Tempest, Arc watches her as she attempts to fly away. Grabbing the Spear of Righteousness, he lunges into the air and spreads a pair of wings that shine with a pure light! He hits Tempest over and over again! Light smashing her violently before knocking her to the ground! Gathering all his power, Arc flies straight down at Tempest to unleash his fury! An explosion of Light bursts forth and sends a shock-wave out for an untold distance!

Arc collapses, too weak to stand as Tempest staggers to her hooves. Coco Pommel retrieves a weapon buried deep under her flower garden and holds it high against her former employer! She calls forth a suit of armor and the power from within her spear! A bright light shines down on Tempest as she melts away! Rising slowly and approaching Light's Bane, Arc raises his own weapon to destroy it! Hearing Derpy's voice, he learns that not only is the weapon of evil indestructible, but that Derpy's is trapped inside! Ignoring Derpy's pleas for him to stay back, Arc grabs Light's Bane and allows himself to be absorbed by it!

Inside Light's Bane, Arc reunites with Derpy and meets a shadow of a creature of pure darkness known only as The Dark One. He offers Arc great power in exchange for his soul upon his death. Arc refuses! Through guile, he and Derpy persuade the shade to allow them both to leave. Waking up to Dinky over him, Arc slowly stands and looks to Light's Bane. A small orb of light floats above its handle. He takes it and returns Derpy's soul to her body! Medics rush Derpy to the hospital as Coco Pommel slowly walks over to Arc in order to thank him, but collapses in the mud! Arc picks her up and rushes her to the hospital!

The doctor informs Arc that Derpy will require a risky surgery to repair the damage to her spine from Light's Bane's blade! Knowing his friend would not want them to give up on her, he tells the doctor to make it so! Coco Pommel regains enough consciousness to tell Arc of the power in her spear. He uses it to repair the damage done to Derpy! However, Coco Pommel's prognosis is not so easily fixed! As the doctor pulls back the covers, they see her emaciated body for the first time! Looking like a walking skeleton, Coco Pommel's body has all but run out of time! Asking the doctor to do everything he can, Arc orders Xenos to stay with Coco Pommel as he takes Derpy and the orphans back to Light's Hope.

Returning to his base as the sun sets, Arc takes the orphans to the barracks and orders Flash Sentry to see to it they find beds! He heads to Canterlot Castle to report to the princesses his findings. They can scarcely believe their eyes as the pair watch Arc's memories though a special projector! Arc puts Light's Bane in the Royal Armory with the blessing of the princesses before returning to his base. Falling to his knees from exhaustion, Ember helps him to bed!

Arc spends the next day or so teaching the orphans about regular life! A builder named Hard Hat is dispatched to Light's Hope to go over plans for a new orphanage with Arc! The pair put their heads together to design a new facility!

Flash Sentry along with Arc and a few Royal Guards return to the orphanage to confiscate Tempest's files. Later that morning Arc has the Mane Six over for a meeting to inform them of the existence of the new threat known as Tempest and the Dark One. Afterwards they have tea together and meet the Marquis!

Arc visits Coco Pommel in the hospital. Her only concern is the well-being of the orphans though. He assures her they are doing well before returning to Light's Hope to tell his squad of Coco Pommel's condition. They talk over Arc's latest plan to infiltrate Canterlot Castle to investigate Captain Decimus' office and personal quarters! However, the plan is put on hold when Xenos calls and informs him that Coco Pommel is going downhill! Rushing back to the Vanhoover Hospital, Arc notices that connection to the mare's condition and his own proximity! Having no other options, he brings Coco Pommel back to Light's Hope.

The orphans are overjoyed to see Coco Pommel safe and sound! As are Arc's standing forces, who come to the cafeteria to tell her how much she means to them! Unfortunately, that night Coco Pommel awakens screaming from a horrific dream! Arc takes her to the kitchen for a midnight snack only to find Derpy and Dinky there as well! They talk things over as Arc cooks the group a cheese pizza and tells them the sad truth of his own childhood!

Sending Derpy and Dinky back to bed, Arc and Coco Pommel head to his office to go over the files from Matron Tempest's office. They find that one of the orphans does indeed have living relatives living in town! They go to the Apple family and explain the situation. Granny Smith agrees to take in the filly! They return to Light's Hope to meet her. Finding out the filly is Babs Seed, the Apples accept her into their family! Raven types up the proper paperwork as the orphans meet Babs Seed's new family in the cafeteria. Arc signs the papers and the Apples head for home!

Arc and his squad investigate the orphanage together with Coco Pommel in tow. Flash Sentry leads the squad into the abandoned aqueducts while Arc and Coco Pommel investigate Tempest's room! Finding only a small lock box, Arc goes after his missing troops! Finding only monsters and Flash Sentry, the pair fight their way to the central chamber and a mare controlling the beasts, Trixie Lulamoon! Arc effortlessly defeats her and frees the ogres she had imprisoned! Being awarded a wolf companion by the ogre king, they take Trixie topside. Arc frees the wolf from his service and is rewarded by being invited to his village in the Dragon Lands!

After dropping Coco Pommel and the squad off at his base, Arc and Flash Sentry deliver Trixie to Canterlot Castle's dungeon. Arc returns to his base and reports his findings to the princesses. After resting, heads to the dungeon to make sure Trixie is still in her cell. Finding her beaten and bruised, he takes her to his base and tends to her. She tells him of the beating she took at the hooves of Captain Decimus and his Royal Guards! Arc agrees to safeguard Trixie at his base if she will show him what happened via the magic projector! He watches in horror as Trixie is forced to sign a confession, admitting to horrific crimes! She is rewarded by being savagely beaten by the guards as Captain Decimus leaves the interrogation room!

The next day Arc shows the images of Trixie being beaten to his squad. He is able to convince them to help get her bogus confession back before the trial! While waiting for night to fall, Arc heads to the blacksmith shop to pick up the tome he left with them. When he asks Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer about their fatigue, he is told they are being forced by a contract with Filthy Rich to work for almost nothing! After agreeing to work for him, Arc gives them an advance to pay off their loan. He and Steel Hammer go to Barnyard Bargains to inform Filthy Rich of the change and strike a new bargain!

That night Arc and his squad along with Flash Sentry break into Captain Decimus' office and gather evidence against him. Causing a diversion, they also get him out of his quarters long enough to search it as well! Returning to Light's Hope, however, they find an intruder! The captain's lieutenant! He informs Arc that his orders were to kidnap Trixie and bring her back to the castle! On the recommendation of Coco Pommel, Arc allows him to leave and return to Decimus for punishment.

The next day at Trixie's trial, Decimus finds that the confession in his bag has been switched with one signed by one named "Stupid Unicorn". Princess Luna orders a new trial, during which Arc acts as Trixie's Councilor. He is able to reduce Trixie's sentence from most likely Tartarus, to a year in prison.

Even so, many questions remain...

What will become of the orphans and Coco Pommel? Did Tempest really die? What of Captain Decimus? Is Trixie truly reformed? Will Arc ever find love?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Unforeseen Circumstances

Luna walks over to Arc. “I appreciate all you have done for Equestria in the past, and what you do now. Sorry if we've been neglecting you.”

Arc looks to her confused. “Now why would I feel that way?”

“Well, Cadance and I never write or call. It seems the only time you ever see us is when you’re making a report of some kind of wrongdoing.”

He nods. “I understand you two are very busy, what with Princess Celestia gone. Any headway on that, by the way?”

Cadance nods, hope in her eyes. “We've been able to eliminate an entire continent from our search.”

Arc smiles! “Great! Only six more to go!”

Luna’s neck snaps over to Arc. “Wait! Earth has SEVEN CONTINENTS?!”

He looks to her, confused. “Um, yes. What’s the problem?

“Our initial magical scans of your world showed there to be only two! We started with the larger of them, so we figured we must be getting close!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Do you have any maps of the continent you scanned? Maybe I can help.”

Cadance heads for the door. “Right this way.”

Luna and Cadance lead Arc to another wing of Canterlot Castle. They enter a rather large room with many large monitors and desks lined up. Many white robed ponies scurry about quickly. Luna turns to Arc.

“Welcome to the Canterlot Castle War Room, Arc. Look familiar?”

“It reminds me of a more advanced version of my own War Room back at Light's Hope.”

She nods. “Right. If there was a conflict of some kind, there would be military officials staffing it. However right now the search for Princess Celestia is our top priority! Our best sages are working around the clock to try and solve this enigma.”

Luna leads them toward an office. “Let me introduce you to our Lead Sage.”

They walk toward a large office off to one side, it looks a bit smaller than Arc's own office, however that may be due to it being filled with a large assortment of books, scrolls, magical items, the stallion behind the desk wears a large blue robe, he does not look up as they enter. Arc puts his helmet back on.

Cadance looks over to him. “Arc? What are you doing?”

“Better safe than sorry. Those piles most certainly do not appear secure.”

The stallion sitting at the cluttered desk mutters to himself. “If we start with quadrant four... should take about a week... assuming the weather...”

Luna coughs loudly. The stallion looks up. “Oh! Forgive me princesses! I was lost in my work there!”

Cadance looks to Arc. “Arc, this is our Lead Sage, Sunburst. Sunburst, I would like you to meet Arc, Equestria's Hero of Light”

He appears confused. “Oh? What happened to the last ones?”

Luna sighs. “They… retired.”

Sunburst steps out from behind the desk to shake Arc’s hand. “Forgive me for not staying up with current events, Hero of Light. My job keeps my pretty busy.”

Arc looks around the cluttered office. “Yes, I can see that.”

Luna frowns. “Sunburst. I thought I told you to clean up your office the last time I was here?!”

“But I did!”

Cadance makes a sweeping motion with her hoof. “Then what do you call all this?!”

“Well, the three of you made it to my desk safely. Don't you remember the last time?”

Luna narrows her eyes. “All too well. It took the guards over an hour to even find me under all this!”

Cadance narrows her eyes. “And another two hours to safely dig you out!”

Luna rolls her eyes and sighs. “In any case... Sunburst, Arc here has come to talk to you about your scans of Earth.”

“Ah! It's going quite well! We finished scanning the larger of the two continents and have nearly completed scans on the smaller continent to the north! We should have something to report very soon!”

“That's actually what I came here to talk to you about. You see, Earth has seven continents, not two.”

Sunburst’s jaw drops and he appears to be in shock!

“Sunburst! Snap out of it!”

He shakes his head as if to clear it.

“That's... just not possible! No world could possibly be THAT big!”

“Well Earth is. It would have to be to hold over seven billion people.”

Sunburst appears ready to faint! “SEVEN BILLION?!”

Cadance nods. “We came here to see a map of the land mass that has been scanned.”

He attempts to regain composure as they leave the office. “Y-yes! Follow me.”

Sunburst leads them to a large map on the main meeting table.

“As you can see, this is what we have scanned so far! Quite impressive if I do say so myself. It's by far the largest undertaking I’ve ever seen!”

Luna looks over the map. “How big is the continent?”

“Roughly three million square miles! The continent to the north appears to be much smaller though.”

Arc nods as he looks at the map thoughtfully. “Can I see a picture of it?”

“Our scans are still in the early stages, but it appears to look something like this...”

Sunburst grabs a blank piece of paper and hastily makes a drawing, he places the picture above the map.

“It’s roughly there.”

Arc looks over the map and sighs. “This is… not good.”

Cadance looks to Arc. “What is it, Arc?”

“Give me a few minutes and I’ll show you.”

Picking up a paper and pencil and starting to draw, a few minutes later he sets the paper in front of Sunburst.

“Alright. Please forgive the crudeness of this drawing. An artist I am not.”

Arc points to the continent that has already been scanned. “This is Australia. It's actually the smallest by far of Earth's continents!”

“WHAT?!”

Arc writes on the crude world map as he talks. “The rest of the continents are as follows... Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and finally Antarctica.”

Sunburst staggers back, overwhelmed! “How...? How do you KNOW all of this?!”

“I grew up on Earth.”

“Wait! You mean…”

Arc removes his helmet. “Yes. I’m a human.”

Sunburst falls into a chair! “I... think I need to sit down now. A human... in Equestria. And he's the Hero of Light too?! I really need to get out of my office more often!”

He shakes his head.

“Forgive me Hero of Light, but the thought of a human being here is rather... unsettling.”

Luna frowns! “Sunburst! Arc has already proven his loyalty to Equestria by performing numerous selfless and heroic acts. He’s even gone so far as to become a legal citizen! Cadance and I trust him completely! Please apologize to him!”

Arc turns to Luna. “It's alright. I think I understand how he feels.”

Cadance looks confused. “Arc?”

“I too was rather frightened when I was brought to this world. The image of the pastel ponies before me was not what I was accustomed to.”

He turns to Sunburst. “You are a stallion of logic, correct?”

“I suppose you could say that, yes.”

“It's quite logical to be afraid of the unknown, is it not? Whether that is an unknown place, unknown substance... or even an unknown creature. For what it's worth, you don't need to be afraid of me. Somehow I doubt that makes you feel any better, but it's all I can do right now.”

“I... guess that makes sense. My apologies Hero of Light. I will try to have more faith in whom our princesses choose to protect us.”

Arc nods. “Please Sunburst, I am fine with you calling me Arc.”

“Very well, Arc. Now if all of you will excuse me, I must get back to work. With luck, I can use the information provided to locate Princess Celestia!”

Cadance smiles! “That's wonderful news! How long do you think that will take?!”

Sunburst picks up a clipboard and hastily does some calculations. “Let's see here... if all goes well, I should have her located in a decade or two!”

“WHAT?!”, the trio shouts in unison!

“I'm sorry. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but Earth is just so darn BIG! Not to mention the sheer number of inhabitants and the fact our magic is weaker there. If we just had some kind of clue where to start.”

Luna turns to Arc. “Arc? Do you have any suggestions where to start looking?”

He nods. “I do have a few ideas.”

Arc picks up a pencil and makes a number of circles around the world map.

“Start from the west and make your way to the east, Sunburst.”

Cadance looks at the locations circled on the map. “What’s so special about these places?”

“These are all the countries I can think of that would have the money and resources to open an inter-dimensional portal. They are known on Earth as ‘First World Countries’.

Luna nods. “I admit, it's a start. But that's still quite a lot of ground to cover. Can you narrow it down any further Arc?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Hmmm… I got it! Start here!”

He points to North America.

“This country. Start here!”

Cadance looks at Arc’s selection. “Really? It doesn't appear to be the biggest player on the field.”

“Very true. However, they spend three times as much on their military than the next most powerful country!”

Luna nods skeptically. “While that is certainly... interesting, why would they have my sister?”

“If they discovered she has magic, they would do their best to figure out how it works! Magically infused soldiers, magic weapons, magic body armor... perhaps even, magic bombs! Nothing the other countries have would be able to stop it.”

Luna shudders at the thought! “That's a frightening idea. Do you think they would try to dominate the entire planet?”

Arc shakes his head. “Logically speaking I would say no. However, I wouldn't risk it! We MUST save Princess Celestia in order to protect BOTH worlds!”

“Arc... they wouldn't actually... hurt my sister, would they?”

“No. They would protect her with everything they had! But let's not waste any time, Sunburst! How long would it take to scan just that one country?”

The stallion looks over the map again carefully. “I would say a year at absolute most! We will do our very best on this end. You just make sure there is an Equestria left for her to come home to! Frankly I'm amazed we haven't been attacked yet! Equestria's enemies have to know by now that Princess Celestia isn't really on a diplomatic mission!”

“If they know, why haven't they invaded yet?”

Luna looks sober. “I can think of only one reason. Equestria has something they don't have... something they fear.”

Both princesses look at Arc.

“ME?!”

Luna nods. “Yes Arc. You may be the only thing standing between Equestria and all-out war!”

“Okay, I admit I do have some power, but even I can't fight an entire army!”

Cadance chuckles. “That's not what the rumors about you say! Word gets around pretty fast when a single warrior defeats an entire demon army with a single blow!”

“But... I didn't do that alone! Twilight and her friends were there as well, along with a large percentage of Ponyville. That and the Heroes of Light themselves held the front line!”

“All of the surrounding countries are quaking in their boots at the moment. As long as they continue to hear tales of your deeds of extreme valor, Equestria will be spared needless bloodshed.”

Sunburst nods. “No pressure.”

Arc sits down heavily in a nearby chair and rests his head in his hands. “It's... all so overwhelming... what should I do?”

Luna walks over and rests a hoof on his shoulder. “Just keep doing what you've been doing. Protecting and serving. The other nations will take notice and won't risk a battle with a true hero!”

“I… will do my best.”

Cadance nods. “That's all we can ask for really.”

Sunburst turns back to his office. “Well, I should get back to work. If you will excuse me...”

Luna nods. “Of course! Let us know if you find anything!”

Arc stands up. “Well, I should probably get back to Light's Hope. There's always something to do!”

Luna nods. “Don't forget to rest when you can! Remember, a tired warrior is soon a dead one!”

Cadance chuckles. “You're one to talk, Luna. I haven't seen you rest since... you know.”

Luna sighs. “It is as Arc said. There is always something to do.”

“Well, we don't have any audiences. Why don't you take it easy for the rest of the day Luna?”

She shakes her head. “I cannot. There is far too much paperwork that needs doing!”

“I can handle it. Please, take some time to rest! You could use a short reprieve and you know it!”

Arc nods! “Why don't you come to Light's Hope, Princess Luna? We can enjoy a cupcake and cup of tea together. There are a few rather pressing matters I need to discuss with you anyway.”

“I can call you if there is any trouble. Arc can teleport you back at a moment's notice should the need arise!”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “Well... I suppose that is true. And I could use a change of scenery. Very well Arc... I accept!”

“Wonderful. We can go right now, if you’re ready!”

“I suppose I am. Shall we be off?”

Arc opens a portal back to Light’s Hope. He puts his helmet back on and gestures to the portal.

“After you, princess.”

Luna enters the portal.

“Arc, take good care of Luna please.”

He nods his head and walks through the portal himself. The pair appear on the sigil in the Main Hall. Raven is busy working at her desk.

Arc recalls his armor and turns to Princess Luna as they walk toward the desk. “This is the Main Hall. But I guess you already knew that.

Luna smiles. “Yes Arc. I was actually very involved in the design of your base. Truth be told, I had hoped to build it for the previous Heroes of Light. However they didn't want to be of any trouble.”

“We'll I thank you for this facility. It has certainly come in handy a time or two already. Oh! I want you to meet my secretary. Raven I want you to meet...”

Raven looks up and rushes to stand, her eyes wide. “P-P-P-Princess Luna?! Please forgive me! Had I known you were coming...”

Arc interrupts. “It was a rather last-minute decision. Princess Luna, this is Raven Inkwell. She's responsible for the day to day paperwork that keeps Light's Hope running. I'd be lost without her!”

Luna smiles and nods. “It is a pleasure to meet you Raven. Um... you can stand up now.”

Raven returns to a standing position. “Yes, your highness!”

She does so, albeit a bit wobbly as Arc turns to Luna. “Are you hungry?”

“Now that you mention it, yes I am!”

Arc sniffs the air. “Well, it smells like Saffron is ready for us. Shall we?”

“Lead the way!”

As Arc and Luna walk toward the Cafeteria, Raven shakily walks back to her desk and calls Saffron. She answers momentarily.

“Kitchen.”

“Saffron, this is Raven! Princess Luna HERSELF is heading toward the Cafeteria with the commander!”

“WHAT?! Are you serious!”

Raven nods! “Very! You only have a few minutes!”

“Okay, thanks for the heads up! I gotta go!”

Saffron hangs up the phone and prances in place.

“Oh dear! What do I DO?!”

She quickly attempts to prepare something special. Meanwhile Arc and Luna enter the cafeteria. Luna’s eyes grow wide!

“Oh my! I don't believe I have ever seen so many foals in one place before!”

Arc nods. “They’re doing well here. Let me introduce you.”

He clears his throat before speaking.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please. We have a very special guest here today.”

The foals turn to look at Arc. Their eyes widen as they see the rather large mare standing with him! Coco Pommel hobbles forward as quickly as she can and bows! The foals quickly follow Coco Pommel's example and line up behind her! They too kneel although they are confused as to why.

“Little ones, this is Princess Luna. She’s one of the three rulers of Equestria.”

Pipsqueak looks up. “So... is she your boss, Mr. Arc?”

Coco Pommel looks over to him quickly! “Pipsqueak, hush!”

She looks over to Luna a bit embarrassed.

“Please forgive him, your Highness! The orphans aren't familiar with the protocol of meeting a princess!”

“It’s alright.”

Luna turns to Pipsqueak.

“Pipsqueak was it? To answer your question, no. It may sound a bit odd, but Arc here is probably the only individual in Equestria that I CAN'T give an order to! He pretty much acts on his own. Now I don't want to interrupt the mealtime of growing foals, so why don't you all go back to eating.”

“Coco Pommel stands up slowly. “Say thank you, little ones!”

“THANK YOU PRINCESS LUNA!”

The orphans hurriedly go back to their seats and continue eating. Luna looks to Arc.

“Is this the mare you told me about before?”

Arc nods. “Yes. This is Coco Pommel.”

“I see. Please, Miss Pommel. I want you to resume eating as well. Arc has informed me of your... condition.”

“Th-thank you Princess Luna!”

She hobbles back to her chair and sits down.

Arc looks to Luna apologetically. “I'm sorry for such a loud Cafeteria. Foals will be foals.”

He looks around the cafeteria.

“That’s odd… I don’t see any sign of Saffron anywhere.”

“Who?”

“Sorry. She's my chef. Usually by now she out here checking up on the buffet. Would you like to sit out on the patio? The weather today is lovely, and it would certainly be less noisy.”

Luna nods. “Yes. It will give us a chance to talk! Just give me a moment to sample some of your chef's handiwork.”

She levitates a plate at the buffet and takes an assortment of fruits, a bit of grain and a hayburger. Arc follows behind her and fills his own plate with an assortment of fruit and nuts. Luna looks over at Arc’s plate.

“Not very hungry today?”

“It's... complicated. I'll explain after we sit down.”

Arc leads Luna out the Cafeteria side door to the patio tables. They sit down with their food and begin to eat.

“Princess Luna, I just wanted to say thank you for showing mercy to Trixie earlier today. She isn't really all that bad a pony. Just a bit... misguided.”

Luna nods. “Yes, I felt the same way about her. I hope she has learned her lesson.”

“As do I.”

“In any case... about our earlier conversation regarding your meal there?”

“Oh right! From the beginning I told Saffron to serve food geared toward keeping my forces fighting fit. The only problem with that is I am unable to eat a good portion of pony food.”

Luna appears confused. “Can you elaborate on that?”

“Well, let's take a look at your plate. I can eat most of that fruit other than the apple cores, the pineapple skin and the melon rind. Your hayburger is also out of the question. In addition to not being able to digest it, I don't think I could even chew it!”

Luna nods. “And the grain?”

“I can eat that, but only if it is ground and made into something like bread. In its current form... well, let's just say it would come about looking about the same as it went in.”

Luna frowns. “So, what do you eat then?! I can't imagine you survive on what is before you!”

“Saffron usually brings me a plate of fish or cockatrice. Or whatever meat she has on hand. Not sure what's keeping her today though...”

Saffron comes rushing out of the Kitchen levitating a covered silver serving dish. Prancing in place frantically, she looks around.

“P-Princes Luna?!”

All the foals look to her and point their hooves out the window. Saffron rushed out the door and breathlessly runs over to where Arc and Luna are sitting!

“Please forgive me... Princess Luna. Had I known you were coming I would have made something better!”

Saffron sets the covered dish down in front of Luna after using a hoof to push her original dish to one side. She uses her magic to remove the lid.

“I hope you like it!”

A beautiful Grain and Apple Omelet sits there waiting to be eaten.

“This... looks delicious but... isn't it a little odd to eat this for lunch?”

Saffron looks over mortified!

“I'm sorry! It was just the first thing that came to mind! Please forgive me!”

She moves to remove the plate from before Luna.

“No, no, it's fine! Thank you for the food. But... what about Arc?”

“Huh?”

Saffron looks over to Arc’s plate and sees a pitiful meal of fruit and nuts.

“C-commander! Please forgive me! I was about to start cooking your food when I learned that there was a princess on their way here for lunch!”

She runs back toward the door, looking over her shoulder breathlessly.

“I’ll get to work making you something right away!!!”

Arc looks to Luna apologetically. “Sorry about this. She's usually so efficient and on the ball. I guess your visit has thrown her off. In any case, I hope you enjoy that omelet.”

She looks down at the omelet, a bit sad.

“Is something bothering you?”

Luna sighs. “Arc, the chefs back at Canterlot Castle would call the contents of the first plate ‘commoner food’ or ‘swill’. I've spent years eating the finest foods from the best chefs in all the land. But, to be completely honest with you I prefer simple foods... like hayburgers to five star dining any day!”

He nods. “Saffron just wanted to make something special for you. It's not every day she gets to cook for royalty.”

Luna looks down at the plate and frowns. “I understand that, and am grateful for the effort she put into this. But just for once I wish everypony would treat me like a normal pony!”

“Well, you ARE a princess. It's only natural for them to fall all over themselves to please you.”

She looks up at him. “Well, what about you Arc? You've never once bowed to either myself or Cadance. Even before you became the Hero of Light, I could see that you looked at us the same way as you did Twilight and her friends. You didn't appear to be trying to impress us or put up a strong front!”

“It's like I said before, you and Princess Cadance are flesh and blood just like I am. You may have a fancy title and a crown, but you still have the same feelings as any other would! Human or pony.”

Luna smiles at Arc. “Thanks for the pep talk Arc.”

She turns her gaze to the omelet before her. “I guess I should eat this. After all, she put so much effort into it.”

Luna picks up her silverware with her magic and proceeds to cut her food. Arc quickly grabs the plate and pulls it toward himself.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“Forgive me Princess Luna, but this food could be poisoned! But don't worry, I will test it for you!”

He picks up the omelet and eats the entire thing in but a few bites.

“Nope. No poison here!”

Arc looks down at the now empty plate with a fake sense of surprise on his face.

“Oh dear. It appears I’ve eaten it all! I'm sorry Princess Luna, but I guess you will have to be satisfied with your first plate.”

Luna smiles. “I guess I will. Thank you Arc! But I thought you couldn't eat grain like that.”

“I can eat it, I just can't digest it. Let's just say this isn't something I want to do every day.”

Saffron approaches with a plate of fish for Arc. He leans toward Luna.

“Tell her it was delicious.”

Luna nods.

“Here you are Commander! Sorry for the wait!”

As Saffron turns to bow to Luna, the plate bows with her! Arc grabs the plate before she dumps the contents!

“It's alright! I mean... I know how busy you are.”

Saffron looks at the empty plate in front of Luna. “Oh my! You must have been hungrier than I thought! Shall I make you another Princess Luna?”

“No thank you. It was quite good, but I would like to finish my other plate now.”

Saffron bows. “By your command.”

She returns to the kitchen as Arc sets his plate down. Noticing Luna’s face in unchanged as she eats, he speaks up.

“Well, that’s unexpected.”

Luna looks up. “Hmm?”

“Most ponies who see my food are immediately disturbed by its appearance.”

“I've entertained numerous delegates from foreign lands over the years, so I am used to the sight of dead animals.”

She smiles at him.

“Although I am pleased to see that you insist on COOKING your meat prior to ingesting it! But I digress... I believe you said there was something you wanted to talk to me about earlier?”

The orphans have finished their meal and run out into the field to play. Coco Pommel follows slowly at a distance. She lays down in the grass to rest and watch the foals play. As she makes herself comfortable in the warm summer sun, she can’t help but sigh contentedly.

“Ah… paradise!”

Meanwhile, back at Canterlot Castle, two Royal Guards bring Trixie to the prison wagon. The hardwood floor is mercifully covered in straw. Upon entering the covered wagon her legs are shackled. There is only one other prisoner in the wagon. A rather large stallion wearing a large device that engulfs his head! The Royal Guard turns to her as he locks the door of the wagon.

“Alright you two. Keep it civil back there.”

The guard signals to the two Royal Guards who will be pulling the wagon. They begin to move.

A voice rings out behind him! “Wait!”

They stop as Princess Cadance herself runs up to the side of the wagon and peers through the bars at Trixie.

“Trixie? I need to ask you something before you go!”

Trixie looks up surprised! “P-princess? What…?”

“When you were found guilty you didn't yell or protest in any way? Why?”

She looks away, clearly ashamed. “I've... done a lot of thinking since Arc... stopped me. Had time to think about my past choices.”

Cadance narrows her eyes. “One last thing... have you REALLY changed? Forgive me, but I can't help but feel that this is all just an act!”

Trixie lies down on the floor of the wagon and sighs. “I... I don't know. We'll see in a year, I guess. Princess could you do me a favor please?”

“What is it?”

“Just tell Arc... thanks, for me. Thanks for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. That's all...”

“I will.”

Cadance nods to the Royal Guards as she steps back. The wagon moves slowly down the road. She watches it for a short time as it drives away.

“I guess we'll have to wait and see how much difference a year makes...”

Chapter 2 - Paths

Meanwhile, back at Light’s Hope, Arc and Luna watch the orphans run and play.

“I never seem to grow tired of watching this.”

Luna sighs. “Yes, I am glad they are having so much fun here.”

“Princess Luna? Is something wrong?”

“Well... to be honest with you, I'm a bit... envious of them.”

Arc looks at her confused. “Really?! I don't think I've ever heard someone claim to envy an orphan!”

“No, no! I mean... so care-free and happy. Arc... can I tell you something?”

He nods. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

“This may be hard for you to believe, but there was a time many centuries ago when Celestia and I too were foals. Like these little ones, we also grew up in an Orphanage. At that time there was no official unifying government. A fragile peace had been formed between the unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies during a peace conference between representatives of each race. One day when we were still very young, a soldier came to the Orphanage. He said he had been sent there by a stallion named Star Swirl the Bearded.”

“Wait! If there was no unifying governing body, who led Equestria?”

“Each race had their own leaders. In the event of a dispute though it was customary to call upon Star Swirl the Bearded to settle it.”

“What was so special about him?”

Luna picks up her teacup and looks into it as she continues. “All three races could agree on very few things back then. One of which was that Star Swirl the Bearded was the wisest and most fair pony in all the land. He was also greatly respected by all for his magical abilities and many selfless acts in defense of the land and his inhabitants. During the negotiations, all three races wanted to proclaim him King of all pony-kind.”

“…but?”

“But he refused, saying that it wouldn't be fair to the pegasi and earth ponies for a single unicorn to rule!”

“Why didn't he just suggest a three-way governing body led by a representative of each race? Checks and balances and all that. Like the three princesses we have now?”

Luna shakes her head. “That's what we had at the time! It hadn't worked in the past, and he knew it wouldn't last in the long run. In any case, he ordered one hundred soldiers to scour the land in search of candidates who could unite the races.”

“That must have been quite the tall order! How were they supposed to do that exactly?”

“Each soldier was sent out with a very special crystal and the instructions to bring back whomever could make the crystal glow.”

Arc nods. “And that was you and your sister?”

“That got... complicated. You see, each soldier was only supposed to bring a single pony. When Celestia touched the crystal, it shone with a brilliant light as intense as the sun! The soldier informed her that she had to return with him to Star Swirl the Bearded. Celestia was devastated, as it meant we would have to be separated! We had always looked out for each other up to that point. And I must confess I would have missed her as well!”

“I can just imagine! From what I have heard about her so far, you and her are very close. So, what happened?”

“Celestia ran to me and we locked hooves, both refusing to let go of the other! We were both pretty strong, even by Earth Pony standards! As the Orphanage Matron and the soldier tried their best to separate us, the crystal fell out of his pocket and somehow landed in my hoof. Immediately it began glowing with an intense black ‘light’.”

“Admittedly I am having quite a hard time visualizing that.”

Luna chuckles! “Sorry, I guess you had to be there.”

“Let me guess... he took both of you back to Star Swirl the Bearded?”

“Right. We returned to Star Swirl's castle with the soldier and found there were already 99 other foals there who had been chosen. Over the next year or so, foals were one by one eliminated from the group.”

Arc narrows his eyes. Define ‘eliminated’.

“I'm sorry! It means they were sent back home! Nopony was ever harmed!”

“I sure am glad to hear that!”

“Eventually it was down to just Celestia and I. His original plan was to produce a single ruler to unite the lands and its inhabitants. However, he just couldn't seem to pick one of us over the other! Finally, he gave in and decided to teach us both! For many years thereafter, he spent every day teaching us on a multitude of different subjects! History, art, magic, science, poetry, even military tactics!”

“That's quite the well-rounded education there!”

“Yes, it was! It almost felt like he was trying to teach us everything he knew! Many times over the years we asked him why we had to learn a subject. He would always reply ‘so you will know what to do when I am gone’. At the time we would just laugh and remind him that he would always be there! We were so young... and naive.”

Arc nods. “When you’re young, you assume things will stay the same forever. That those around you will always be there. It’s the same for us humans.”

"One day he announced that the time for our final test had come. The test was a simple one. All we had to do was search the land for the world's most precious Amethyst. Whichever of us could bring it to him would be crowned ruler. The other would be eliminated.”

Arc frowns. “This again?! Was Star Swirl big into Highlander or something?!”

Princess Luna appears confused. “Highlander?”

“Sorry. It’s a human reference. Please continue.”

“In any case, Celestia and I spent several long years searching this land from one end to the other. We searched the highest end jewelry stores to the deepest mines. Every time we would find what we believed to be the most precious, we would rush back to his castle and show it to him. But every time, he would look at the amethyst we brought him, toss it aside and tell us to try again.”

Arc frowns. “This is starting to sound like another one of those impossible tasks that mages liked to give out in the stories on Earth.”

“One day as we were following a lead on yet another Amethyst, something finally dawned on me!”

Luna suddenly has a faraway look in her eyes as she remembers the past with her sister. Celestia and Luna climb out of yet another mine shaft empty hooved.

Celestia sighs as she dusts herself off. “I'm beginning to think this is just a fool's errand were on. And what does ‘precious’ mean anyway?!”

Luna shrugs. “I suppose it could mean any number of things to any number of ponies.”

Celestia groans impatiently! “At the rate we are going, we'll be as old as Star Swirl before this is over!”

“If that's what it takes, that's what we'll do!”

Celestia smiles. “Luna, you’ve always been the level headed one between us. How do you manage to stay so optimistic after all this time?”

“Easy. As long as we are together, who cares how long this test takes?!

“I suppose you’re right, Luna. If it means we can stay together, I hope this assignment never ends! I'm just glad to have somepony with me who is near and dear to my heart!”

Luna suddenly draws back as she looks her sister in the eye! “Wait! What did you just say?!”

Celestia looks confused. “Um… I said ‘I hope this assignment never ends’?”

“No, no! I mean after that!”

“I’m just glad to have somepony with me who is near and dear to my heart?”

Luna thinks for a moment. “Near and dear to your heart…”

“Luna? What is it?”

She whirls around to face Celestia as a huge smile spreads across her face as she begins to run! “I just figured it out! Come on Celestia! Let's get back to Star Swirl!

Celestia chases after her sister. “But we don’t have the amethyst!”

“Just follow me! I’ll explain on the way!”

The pair make their way back to Star Swirl’s castle. They find him reading in the library. He looks up and smiles as they enter.

Star Swirl hold out his hoof expectantly. “Ah, found another amethyst, have we? Well, let’s see it!

Celestia walks toward him, looking cross! “It’s right HERE!!!”

She uses her hoof to move her mentor’s beard to one side. Celestia pulls the pendant off his chest and puts it in his hoof, angrily! “There! The most precious amethyst in the land!”

Star Swirl nods. “Ah… what makes you think this one is the most precious?”

Celestia fumbles with her words. “Um… I… ah…”

Luna steps forward. “Star Swirl, if I may. This amethyst must be very important to you, as you always wear it around your neck. If it is that important to you, it must be very precious indeed!”

“Very good! But why is this gem so precious?”

Celestia scoffs. “Who knows?! You never explained the whys of this task!”

“Did you ever ask?”

“Well… uh…”

Luna smiles at her elderly friend. “Star Swirl, would you please tell us the story behind that Amethyst?”

“Of course, my dear! All you had to do was ask.”

Celestia mutters under her breath as the pair sit down on the floor in front of Star Swirl. He holds the amethyst pendant in his hoof and just stares at it silently.

“Many, many, MANY years ago I was in love with a lovely young mare named Divine Amethyst. Oh, the adventures we had! The two of us had planned to marry one day! But as I'm sure you have learned from this exercise, things don't always go the way you plan them to.”

He appears lost in thought for a few minutes. Luna is the first to speak.

“Star Swirl? If the two of you were so in love, why didn't you... you know...”

Star Swirl bows his head sadly. “You tend to make a lot of mistakes when you’re young. I swore I would marry her as soon as lasting diplomatic relations between the three races was achieved, and not a moment sooner! The younger me had wanted to give her the gift of lasting peace as a wedding present!”

Celestia nods. “That's very romantic, Star Swirl. Not to mention very noble. But, don't you think it might have been better to set a more... reasonable goal?”

“The younger me had thought that if I were to marry before then, my attention would be split between her and my dream of lasting peace! And I believe I was right, to a degree... but at such a terrible cost! These last few centuries have been so lonely...”

A single tear rolls down his cheek before he again looks up at Celestia and Luna.

“I do wish the two of you could have met her. She would have adored you both! Just as I do! As the years passed, we both grew older. Our manes dulled in color and our postures shifted with age! However instead of looking more haggard and worn, to me at least, her beauty only grew!”

Star Swirl is silent for a time before looking again at the amethyst in his hoof.

“I know I couldn’t dwell on the past forever. But it just hurt too much to have this out of my sight!”

Star Swirl walks back to his desk and sets the gem down. He looks back at Luna and Celestia.

“To be completely honest with you, there are actually TWO amethysts that are the most precious.”

Star Swirl uses his magic to levitate a small ornate box from over the mantle. Setting it down in front of him, he slowly opens it to reveal a second amethyst identical to the first!

“I had intended for these to be our engagement jewels. But... that time has passed.”

Sadly, he uses his magic to place the two amethysts in the box together. Closing the lid, he looks back to the pair before resting his eyes on Luna.

“I am sorry Luna, but there can be only one ruler.”

Celestia shakes her head! “No Star Swirl. Luna was the one who passed your test! It was she who thought of the amethyst behind your beard! She should rule!”

Luna turns to her sister. “But Celestia! You were the one who had the courage to actually get the amethyst! You should rule!”

Celestia turns to their old friend. “Star Swirl, I know that wasn't really what you had in mind, but would it really be so bad if Luna and I worked together to uphold the peace?”

He sighs. “Well... if you really must, then I suppose I have no choice. Celestia, you will rule this land with Luna by your side!”

Celestia and Luna smile and embrace one another happily!

“Now, before we take the final step towards peace, I want the two of you to do me one favor. Promise me that you will rule this land, now and forever, with the justice, wisdom and honor that I have done my best to instill in you two.”

The pair respond together! “We promise!”

“Good. I knew I could count on you two!”

Star Swirl walks over to a bookcase and removes several books from the top shelf. A secret door opens and a stairway down presents itself! Luna looks down the dark maw.

“What’s down there?”

Star Swirl slowly walks toward the stairs. “The culmination of a very long lifetime's work, and the key to obtaining peace for this land.”

The trio descends the stairs and finds themselves in a large room which is empty except for a podium with a large book on it and a huge sigil on the floor! Celestia looks all around!

“What… is this?!”

Star Swirl slowly makes his way over to the podium. “This is what I have spent my entire life trying to do! You two shall be reborn and will be known as... alicorns! The strength of the earth pony… the wisdom and magic of the unicorns and the majestic gift of flight from the pegasi. You will embody all three aspects! And the two of you will rule over and protect this land... together. Now... if you are ready, please stand in the center of the sigil together.”

As the pair stands on the sigil, Star Swirl reads from the book. The sigil lights up and both Celestia and Luna begin to float! There is a flash of light and a rough backwash of magical power that explodes outward knocking over Star Swirl, his podium and the book! He gets up and looks around.

“Celestia?! Luna?! Are you two all right?”

Slowly the dust clears and a visage of Celestia and Luna can be seen standing on the sigil! Although they now have wings, a horn, their manes now positively flow with magical energy and they have noticeably grown in size! Star Swirl smiles at them!

“The two of you look positively radiant! I’m so proud of you both!”

A week later Star Swirl presented his two princess proteges to the masses to overwhelming support by all three races! The resulting celebration lasted well into the night! As the princesses talked with various provincial leaders, a soldier approached them.

“Your Highnesses. Star Swirl wishes to see you in the Library.”

Celestia holds her drink aloft. “Oh? Any idea what he wants?”

“No ma'am. He only said it was important.”

Luna sets her own drink down and turns to her sister. “We shouldn't keep him waiting then.”

The pair make their way to the Library. Star Swirl is pacing the floor in front of the fireplace waiting for them. Celestia trots over to him, as happy as a filly!

“Star Swirl! You're missing a great party out there!”

Luna walks over and nods. “Please come! This is your time to celebrate as well!”

He sighs and looks down. “I'm sorry, but I just don't feel like being sociable right now.”

Star Swirl appears much older than either of them remembers! The lines on his face much deeper and his walk is slower and more deliberate! Celestia looks concerned for their friend.

“Star Swirl? Is something wrong?”

He slowly shakes his head and smiles at the pair! “No. For the first time in my life, absolutely nothing is wrong! I called you here because I have a gift for each of you!”

Star Swirl walks over to a corner of the room and retrieves something. He gives it to Celestia.

“Take this Celestia. It’s called the Spear of Justice. It is especially deadly to those who would bring about needless harm to others! Use it in defense of this land and the innocent.”

Celestia accepts the gift and nods. “Thank you, Star Swirl! I will!”

Star Swirl walks over to his desk and picks something up. He hands it to Luna. As she opens it, her eyes grow wide!

“Star Swirl! This… this is…!”

He nods. “Yes. My most prized possessions! My precious amethysts! I want you to have them, my dear!”

Luna shakes her head, closes the box and holds it out toward Star Swirl. “I'm sorry, but I can't take these! They mean far too much to you!”

Star Swirl puts a hoof on the box and gently pushes it back toward her. “No Luna. They USED to mean a lot to me! Now, they are just a painful reminder of what I lost to time! Please do with them whatever would make you happiest, my dear Luna!”

Luna smiles as she holds the box to her heart. “Thank you Star Swirl! I... don't really know what to say.”

“Star Swirl?”

The elder stallion turns to Celestia. “Yes?”

She looks down at her spear and over at the box in Luna’s hoof. “These are going-away presents… aren’t they?”

He nods. “I have taught you both so well. You've learned everything you need to know from me. I... have nothing more to give, and it's time for you two to be on your own.”

Celestia and Luna set their gifts on the desk and rush over to their friend!

“But… we want you with us!”

Luna nods! “We love you, Star Swirl!”

The pair embrace him warmly.

“You've learned everything you need to know... now all you have to learn is... how to say... goodbye.”

Luna shakes her head! “No! I won't let you give up!”

Celestia nods, sadly! “WE won’t let you give up!”

Star Swirl smiles and nods. “And I love you both so much! I have one last thing to do in this life. A final promise I must keep. Please understand.”

He steps back and looks at the pair for what seems like an eternity before picking up his saddlebags from behind his desk and walking past Luna and Celestia toward the door. Luna looks after him in desperation!

“Star Swirl, I have to know! Where are you going?!”

Star Swirl stops, but does not turn around. “I’m… going to see an old friend.”

“Who?!”

He walks out the door.

“Divine Amethyst.”

Star Swirl leaves the room as the door closes behind him with a positive and very final, thud! Celestia and Luna stare at the now closed door, unable to move! They slowly turn to look each other in the eye before their unstoppable flow of tears begins! The pair hold each other tightly until they both fall asleep on the Library floor.

Arc stares at Luna. “Princess Luna, I... don't really know what to say.”

Luna opens her eyes and smiles, albeit sadly. “Don't feel bad Arc. There really isn't anything TO say! You would think after all this time we would have moved on! But I suppose you never truly get over the loss of a parent... or the one who takes their place.”

Arc nods and sighs. “I guess we have something in common, Princess Luna.

“Oh? And what would that be?”

“We’re both orphans.”

Arc recalls the story of his past to Luna.

Luna nods, able to understand what Arc went through. “I am sorry to hear that you were forced to endure such suffering. If I may... what keeps you going after such heartache?!”

“I guess… it's the knowledge that one day we will be reunited in Heaven. But until that time comes, I still have my own life to live! And I will live it to the best of my ability!”

She smiles. “You're... just so strong Arc! Both physically and emotionally! And I admit that does make me a little jealous.”

Luna looks over at the foals as they play. “Celestia and I never had the time just to be foals. I mean, I'm sure Star Swirl did what he had to do to prepare us, but... sometimes I wish we could have had just had one day to be young!”

Arc stands up. Why not right now?!”

Luna looks up to Arc, confused. “What are you talking about? It's far too late for such foolishness!”

“Just follow me!”

Luna accompanies Arc to where the orphans are playing tag.

“Hey everyone! Can Princess Luna play with you?”

The foals all jump up and down excitedly, thrilled at the prospect of having a new playmate! And a princess no less!

Luna sighs. “Arc, while I thank you for the thought, I am far too big to be playing tag with foals. I might hurt them!”

“Don’t worry! I think I have an idea!”

He turns to Aquamarine.

“Aquamarine. Would you please stand next to Princess Luna?”

The filly does so at once as Arc raises a hand toward the pair.

“Both of you hold still now!”

Arc uses the Matter Compacting spell to shrink Luna down to be roughly the same size as Aquamarine. He kneels down to her.

“There you are Princess Luna. Now you can play to your heart's desire!”

Luna smiles broadly! “Thanks Arc! Oh! Would you hold these for me please?

She uses her magic to levitate her crown, her peytral, and her royal hoof protectors to Arc. He nods as he accepts them.

“No problem. I'll keep them safe. You go have fun now!”

The orphans run back to the field with their new friend and continue playing! Arc walks back to Coco Pommel and lays down in the grass next to her to watch. Coco Pommel smiles at him.

“That was a nice thing you did there Arc. Who would have guessed that the Princess of the Night just wanted to play!”

Arc nods. “Sometimes we all just need to... let loose a little. Have some fun!”

She nods. “What about you, Arc?”

“What about me?”

“Well, I haven't seen you slow down in the time I’ve been here. I'm just worried you may burn yourself out!”

Arc sighs. “I know you’re right, but... there's just too much going on right now. Too much at stake to rest!”

Coco Pommel smiles and laughs! “Well, how about a nap then? You look as though you could certainly use one.”

Arc lays back. “I... suppose. Don't let me sleep too long though.”

“Don't worry about it, silly! I'll wake you up when the orphans are done with their game.”

A few minutes later Arc is fast asleep. Coco Pommel scooches closer to him and pats his head with a thin hoof.

“Sleep well, my friend.”

Luna tags two fillies at once! “Ha, ha! The fun has been doubled! How many points do I receive?!

Meanwhile… Arc finds himself surrounded on all sides by darkness. He is wearing his armor and clutches his spear!

“Well… this is unnerving.”

Hearing a noise behind him, Arc spins around!

“YOU?!”

Tempest is slowly walking toward Arc. About ten feet away she stops and smiles a wicked smile at him.

“Hello, Hero of Light. I'm so glad you came to play. To what do I owe this social call?”

Arc glares at her! “Social call?! After what you did to Derpy and Coco Pommel, I could strangle you!”

“Tsk, tsk! Is that any way for the Hero of Light to act?”

Arc raises his spear. “To tell you the truth, I don’t really care!”

Charging at Tempest he swings his spear at her, and with a mighty blow, slices her in two! Arc looks at Tempest’s ruined body lying in the middle of a quickly expanding puddle of blood!

“Go back to Hell where you belong!”

He turns to walk away, but stops as he hears laughter! Turning around, he finds Tempest’s body is being pulled back together by dark magics!

“Not this again!”

As Tempest becomes whole again, she stands to face Arc! “Feel free to try again. Just know the end result will be the same!”

Arc stabs Tempest over and over again before throwing his spear to one side and literally ripping her limb from limb! He throws the pieces of her ruined body as far away as he can in all directions! He sits down to collect his wits.

“That HAD to do it!”

He sees movement in the corner of his eye.

“WHAT?!”

The bloody and broken parts of her body slowly come together to reform Tempest! She sighs and rolls her eyes.

“Okay, what part of ‘I can't be killed’ don't you understand?! You could swing your spear and hurl spells at me until your arms fall off, and it wouldn't do a thing!”

He looks at her angrily! “What do you want?!”

A pool of dark energy forms at Tempest’s hooves as Light’s Bane comes forth! She takes hold of her spear and looks to Arc menacingly!

“Why, your soul of course! With it I can protect Equestria from the coming Darkness!”

Tempest rushes toward Arc and engages him spear to spear! The pair fight for what feels like an eternity before Tempest roundhouse kicks Arc's spear out of his hands and uses the kick's momentum to stab him in the chest with Light's Bane! Throwing her spear aside and standing over Arc, she looks into his eyes, coldly.

“You got off lightly Arc. I can't take your soul in a dream, but one day in the future you and I will meet again on the field of battle. When that day comes... YOU WILL DIE BY MY SPEAR!!!”

Arc coughs up blood as he meets her gaze with defiance! “When that day comes... I will fight you with everything... I have in me!”

Tempest nods. “I wouldn’t expect any less! You are the first to ever defeat me, and the first to actually give me a challenge. I look forward to fighting you again, Arc.”

Arc’s breathing becomes labored as his lungs fill with blood. “Do me... a favor... will you?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “I guess I owe you that much. What is it?”

“Promise me... that you won't... hurt anyone else. Your fight is... with me.”

She sighs. “Fine! When I get your soul, I won't need to anyways.”

Arc reaches up and grabs the front of Tempest’s armor! He pulls her down on top of him to look her dead in the eye!

“Promise… me…!”

Tempest nods, and responds in a serious tone. “I promise, Arc.”

“Thank... y...o...u...”

The light fades from his eyes as Arc breathes his last. Tempest does not rise from Arc’s chest.

“I'm... sorry it has to be this way. I think, if things had been different... I would have loved to count you among my friends, Hero of Light.”

Arc awakens to see a visibly shaken Coco Pommel standing over him! Luna comes running over!

“Arc! What’s wrong?!”

He looks all around as he breathes heavily and sweats profusely! “It... it was just a dream. I'm sorry I worried you both.”

The orphans can only stare at Arc, confused. He turns to look at them.

“Don't you worry about me. I just had a bad dream is all. Go ahead and keep playing. I'm fine.”

The orphans slowly walk back to the field. A few minutes later they are playing happily again! Luna remains by Arc's side as does Coco Pommel as he composes himself!

“Coco Pommel? How long was I out?”

“About two hours. I'm sorry for letting you sleep so long, but you looked like you really needed the rest!”

Luna looks Arc in the eye, genuinely concerned! “Arc, what is it? What did you see?!”

“It was Tempest. She's alive! How, I have no idea.”

Coco Pommel looks to Arc, wide-eyed and lowers her voice. “Are... are the orphans in danger?!”

“No. Her quarrel is with me, and me alone. Before she ‘killed me’, I made her promise not to harm anyone else other than me. She agreed.”

Luna nods soberly. “Tempest has always followed through on her word, at least as far as I know. However, I would like you to come with me Arc. You may stay at Canterlot Castle under our protection.”

She walks toward the building. Arc sits there, unmoving.

“No.”

Luna turns back to face him. “What did you say, Arc?”

“I said no. My place is here. I won't run away!”

Coco Pommel pleads with him! “Arc, be reasonable! We both know Tempest can't be defeated! I don't want to lose you!”

Arc nods. “I agree with you Coco Pommel.

She looks suddenly taken aback! “You do?”

“Yes. Tempest cannot be defeated. Assuming that is true, what reason would I have to run and hide? She will just come for me wherever I go!”

Luna furrows her brow! “But Arc! Next time she's going to KILL you! Doesn't that frighten you?!”

Arc calmly shakes his head. “Not at all. I haven't seen my parents in years. It will most certainly be a happy reunion for us! I’ll be able to tell them both that I didn't give up and didn't quit! That I fought to my last breath to protect those I care for.”

Luna looks at him, humbled! “Arc... your bravery is beyond anything I have ever witnessed in all my years! You may very well be the bravest and most powerful creature ever to grace this land!”

“Thank you, Princess Luna. But right now, I need to show you something. Would you follow me please?”

The pair enter the base via the side door and walk through the cafeteria.

“Um... Arc? Do you think you could... you know?”

Arc turns to her, embarrassed! “Oh! Sorry about that!”

He turns and casts the Matter Compacting counter spell and returns Luna to her normal size.

“It's no problem! In fact, I rather enjoyed that experience!”

The pair make their way to the armory. Luna turns to him as they walk.

“Now what seems to be the problem Arc?”

Arc sighs. “The other day, we made an inspection of the Armory and found something truly horrifying!”

Luna appears nervous. “Oh?”

“He found that most of the weapons and armor contained within are completely useless!”

Luna stops! Her eyes wide! “What?! How?!”

“I think you should just see for yourself. The local blacksmith and his wife are there now assessing the damage. They should be almost done by now.”

As they reach the armory Arc opens the door and allows Luna to enter first. He then closes the door behind them.

“Hello? Anyone here?”

Steel Hammer calls out from behind an armor rack. “Arc? Is that you?”

“Yes. I'm back! And I brought Princess Luna with me.”

The couple walk forward to greet the pair. Steel Hammer smiles!

“Hello Princess Luna. It's been quite a while. How have you been?”

Luna appears genuinely confused. “I'm sorry. You look so familiar but I can't quite place it. Have we met before?”

Silver Hammer nods and smiles. “It has been quite a few years since you saw us. I suppose we have changed quite a bit since then.”

Her husband nods. “We were the ones who sent Arc to Canterlot to deliver the message to you that ‘the torch has been passed’.”

Luna's eyes grow wide as the realization of who she is addressing sinks in! She rushes toward them and they collapse to the floor in a giant hug! Arc stands back respectfully and lets them have their moment.

“Where have you been all these years! Where did you go?! All Arc told me was that you found something more important to protect!”

Steel Hammer nods. “To be completely honest with you…”

There is a small knock at the armory door. Arc pushes it open and Platinum Valve trots in carrying a few apples with her magic.

“Thanks Mr. Arc! Mom... dad... I brought you some... P-princess Luna?!”

The little filly runs up to the princess and looks up at her happily!

“My parents have told me so much about you! It's an honor to finally meet you!”

Luna smiles at her before returning her gaze to the Hammers. “I think I understand why you disappeared now.”

“Princess Luna. Please don't be mad at my parents. They were just doing what they felt was best for me!”

“My, such a responsible young filly! I would expect no less from the daughter of the Heroes of Light.”

Platinum Valve grins! “I do my best!”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “We've lived in Ponyville for a good many years now.”

His wife nods. “It's not exactly the action-adventure hub we were accustomed to, but we like it here.”

“So how exactly did you meet Arc?”

Silver Hammer puts her hoof around Platinum Valve. “Our daughter was missing a while back. Even though we had almost nothing to offer in return, he found her and reunited us!”

Arc nods. “She had accidentally shrunk herself with that Matter Compacting spell I cast on you earlier before she had a chance to come up with a proper counter spell.”

Luna’s eyes grow wide again! “Are you saying she is the one who created that spell?!”

“Yes. Quite impressive, don't you think?”

“I’m speechless!”

Steel Hammer laughs. “That's just the tip of the iceberg! She sure did a good job on Arc's armor, wouldn't you say?”

“SHE made that?!”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “No, but she was the one who enchanted the gauntlets with sigil magic though. Then she linked all the upgrades my husband and I had installed together. She was even able to attune the armor to Arc's ring!”

“So that's where you got your sigil magic from, Arc! I kept forgetting to ask you that. But are you saying that a filly enchanted your armor?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, she is qualified. There aren't any others in Ponyville with enchanting skills. Not even Twilight could handle it!”

Luna turns her attention back to the filly. “You've made your parents quite proud, little one. I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish next.”

Platinum Valve just grins at such high praise!

“Steel Hammer, do you have some numbers for me?”

Steel Hammer nods. “That we do, Arc! Yes Arc. It looks like pretty much everything in here is garbage. So far we only have six spears and five suits of armor I would feel comfortable sending out into battle.”

Luna frowns. “Any idea how this could have happened?”

Steel Hammer shakes his head. “None that make any sense. The condition of this equipment is terrible! It's almost like it was improperly stored underground!”

Arc snaps his fingers! “Maybe it was!”

“Arc?”

“Oh nothing. Just thinking aloud.”

Luna turns to Arc, apologetically. “I'm sorry this happened, Arc! I will personally look into this matter at once!”

“There's no need for that Princess Luna. I have already begun my own investigation. Sorry for not mentioning it earlier, but you always seem so busy when I contact you.”

Luna nods. “Very well. I will leave this matter in your hands. Please let me know what you find. Somepony is in very deep trouble when you do!”

“Thank you, I will. Well, Steel Hammer, give me the bad news. What's it going to cost to fix this problem?”

“To bring this armory back up to military standards will cost 50,000 bits. I know it's a lot of money, but this is a lot of equipment to replace!”

Luna sighs. “I understand old friend. Don't blame yourself for the price tag. I will sign off on the job.”

“Raven can write up the papers.”

Luna nods fervently. “Yes. Best to get this ball rolling as soon as possible!”

“I'll head over the Main Hall and have Raven get to work on the proper forms.”

Meanwhile… Trixie and the stallion continue to make their way to Equestria Prison. The stallion unicorn is not much for conversation, as his Magic Nullifier appears to be much more powerful than Trixie's, as it covers his entire head and makes speaking impossible. His restrains are much thicker than Trixie's as well and are bolted to the wall to restrict his movements further. Even by stallion standards he is fairly large!

Trixie thinks for a moment. “This unicorn must be REALLY dangerous to warrant such extreme precautions! Maybe I shouldn't... oh well... nothing else to do right now...”

She slowly makes her way over to the stallion. “Um… hi?”

The stallion turns his head to look at her. Unfortunately, the only sounds he makes are the breathing noises from his Magic Nullifier. He nods to her.

“Do you... want to talk?”

The stallion appears to try and talk, but fails completely.

Trixie cautiously approaches the stallion. “You... you can't talk with that thing on your head, can you?”

He shakes his head.

“Do you want me to try and get it off?”

The stallion nods his head as he lays down on the floor. Trixie does her best to remove the device, but cannot.

“Sorry, but I don't think I can get it off. I tried.”

The stallion stands again and reaches a large hoof toward Trixie! She shrinks back in fear!

“Please don’t hurt me!”

A moment later she feels a light pat on the top of her head. She slowly opens her eyes.

“What? But I failed! Are you... trying to thank me?”

The stallion nods.

“Um... okay. Sorry I couldn't help you. So... where are you from?”

The stallion mutters something unintelligible!

“Sorry! I forgot you can't talk in that thing. So... how long are you going to be in prison? Months?”

He shakes his head.

“Years?!”

The stallion nods.

“How many years?”

The stallion clops his hoof against the floor thirty times.

“Thirty years?!”

He nods and points to her.

“Me? Just one year. But... I deserve it. How about you? Do you deserve thirty years?”

The stallion sadly nods.

“I really wish we could communicate better but... friends?”

Trixie holds out a hoof. The stallion puts forward his own larger hoof and shakes hers gently. She looks up at him, happily!

“I’ve never had a friend before! This is so exciting!”

The pair spend quite a bit of time ‘talking’. As evening falls Trixie begins to feel drowsy.

“I've really enjoyed our time together. But I haven't been sleeping too well lately and could really use some rest now.”

The stallion nods. Trixie makes two piles of straw to act as makeshift beds. The pair lie down and Trixie is soon asleep. An hour or so later she awakens to find herself completely covered in hay! From under the straw she sees the stallion sleeping on the hard floor.

“What is he doing? Where is his bed?”

As she pokes her head out from under the straw, Trixie feels the chill wind blow across her face.

“Was he trying to keep me warm? But he hardly knows me? Why would he...”

The wagon stops abruptly, causing the stallion to raises his head. He appears to be just as confused as Trixie is! Ahead of the wagon in the middle of the road is a strange robed creature! One of the guards yells at it!

“Hey! We're on official business from Canterlot! Get out of the way!”

The strange creature does not move. It carries a strange item in its hoof. However, the moonlight is not enough for the guards to identify it. The guard turns to his companion.

“I guess this is as good a spot as any. Get rid of... whoever this is and give me a hoof with the prisoners.”

The other guard raises his spear and walks toward the creature. “No problem! This won't take long.”

As the Royal Guard slowly walks toward the robed figure, his companion goes around to the back of the wagon and opens the door. He looks over to Trixie.

“Come with me.”

Trixie hobbles forward feebly. “Are we there already?”

The guard shakes his head. “No... but this IS the end of the line for you... Stupid Unicorn.”

Trixie recognizes the Royal Guard from the other day who was with Captain Decimus! Her eyes grow wide as she slowly steps back!

“It… it’s YOU!”

She hobbles to the far corner of the wagon and cowers in the corner! The stallion appears quite angry with the Royal Guard's behavior! He lunges forward but can do little to fight his bonds!

“Sorry. It's not personal, but I have my orders. Don't resist and I'll make it quick!”

The guard turns to the stallion.

“Don't worry, big fella. You're next!”

The traitorous guard uses his magic to try and pull Trixie toward himself. The stallion grabs one of her chains and holds her in place! His muscles appear much stronger than the Royal Guard's magic! The guard walks toward the pair slowly, spear at the ready.

“I guess I'll just take care of you two right here!”

The stallion pushes Trixie behind him and stands to face the guard defiantly!

“So, you wanna go first, eh? Fine with me.”

The guard calls to his companion.

“HEY! I'm just about to your favorite part! Get in here!”

The sound of hoofsteps coming around the wagon can be heard.

“Took you long enough! How long does it take to get rid of one...?”

A strange sound is heard behind him. The Royal Guard whips around to face his companion. Instead, his eyes meet a robed figure with glowing green eyes clutching a strange looking spear in its hoof! It does not move or speak.

“What the hell?! Wha... where’s the other guard?!”

The robed figure says nothing as it's horn glows. It tosses a bloody and maimed Royal Guard's body on the floor between them.

“Oh my Celestia! What ARE YOU?!”

The Royal Guard runs toward Trixie, but the stallion blocks his advance. Like a cornered rat, the guard panics as the figure slowly moves toward him. The guard throws his spear at the figure who catches it and effortlessly breaks it in half. Pieces of it fall to the floor with a deafening thud. He points a shaking hoof at Trixie.

“Take her! She's the one you want! Just don't hurt me!!!”

The Royal Guard makes a break for the door. He makes it only a few paces before the robed creature looks to him and, with supernatural speed, turns and slices the guard's rear legs with his spear. He falls to the floor, his hind legs completely severed. Using his two front legs he crawls past the robed figure in a feeble attempt to escape! As he passes the robed figure, it coldly stabs him in the back through the heart. The figure removes the spear from the now dead guard. Trixie cowers in fear.

“Please! Stay back!”

Suddenly, the creature speaks to her in a low voice. “...I can help you, Trixie.”

“W-what?!”

“I can give you the power to escape this fate.”

She looks at him with a mixture of fear and hope in her eyes. “But why would you do that? Who are you? Did Arc send you?”

The figure shakes its head. “While I am... familiar... with the Hero of Light, I have actually come on behalf of another.”

“Who?”

“…Tempest.”

Trixie’s eye light up. “Special Agent Tempest sent you to help me? That's wonderful! Did she know what these two guards were planning?!”

“No.”

“… so… what do I call you?”

“You may refer to me as The Dark One. It was I who helped Tempest gain the power to protect those she cared for. I am here now to do the same for you.”

“How… how would you do that?!”

The Dark One levitates a small item over to Trixie.

“This is the Alicorn Amulet. It will increase your magical ability to be on par with an alicorn. As long as you use this, you can do anything you set your mind to!”

The stallion stomps the floor several times. Trixie looks over to him. He shakes his head feverishly! She turns back to the Dark One.

“And if I refuse?”

“Then I will leave you and your friend here to your fate. Fear not, I am sure Canterlot will send a search party in a day or so. Although by then I'm sure any number of creatures will have eaten you two. I cannot force you. The choice must be yours! Don't you WANT to be great and powerful?”

Trixie looks back at her friend, her ears droop. “I'm sorry, but I can't just sit here and let something eat you! Don't worry! I promise I will use my new power to free you!”

She slowly walks toward the amulet as the stallion stomps the floor over and over trying desperately to dissuade her! As Trixie touches the Alicorn Amulet it suddenly flies to her chest! A black robe forms over her body with the amulet fastened around her neck! The Magic Nullifier around her horn shatters! Her eyes grow red and an evil smile creeps over her face!

The Dark One laughs! “And now, oh Great and Powerful Trixie, use your newfound powers to take revenge on the one who sent you here in the first place!”

Trixie speaks with a dark layer in her voice. “Luna! She must pay!”

She takes a few steps forward before falling to her knees.

“What is wrong?”

Trixie shakes her head, wearily. “I need to rest. Sleep has been a stranger to me these past few nights.”

“I see.”

The Dark One points to a cloud overhead.

“I suggest taking a rest on that cloud. Get a fresh start in the morning. I am sure Tempest will be overjoyed to hear of your success! Farewell...”

The Dark One opens a portal and vanishes as Trixie looks to her friend.

“Don't worry my friend, I haven't forgotten my promise.”

Dark Magics flow from Trixie's horn into the stallion's chains. They shatter as he sadly looks at what she has become!

“Sorry I can't do anything about your Magic Nullifier. Now look, I have business to attend to in Canterlot. Follow the road back the way we came and you should find a town or something. I don't care what you do! Just don't follow me.”

Trixie turns to walk away. She holds her head and seems to be in pain! Turning around to look at the stallion, her eyes momentarily return to normal! Using all her energy, she looks at him pleadingly!

“Ponyville... Hero of Light... warn him!”

Trixie's eyes again glow red and she turns away. She uses her new-found powers to levitate herself up to the cloud for a good night's sleep.

The stallion looks around a moment before running back the way they came. Sometime later he comes to a fork in the road. Two nearby signs point the way. One path leads to Canterlot, while the other says Ponyville. The stallion looks left and right several times before nodding to himself and running down the road toward Ponyville.

Chapter 3 - Imprisoned by Destiny

Arc returns to the armory. Luna and the Hammers are busy catching up.

“Don't you feel a little... oh I don't know... belittled, working for the new Hero of Light?”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “Quite the opposite actually! It's an honor to work for a hero like him! He's already done so much more for Equestria than we ever did, or could have imagined doing!”

Arc joins them. “I'm far from perfect, but I try! Raven's getting the papers typed up as we speak. They should be ready in about an hour. Thank you, Princess Luna. I appreciate you doing your part to keep my troops supplied!”

“Think nothing of it! All of our soldiers deserve armor and weapons that are in functional condition, after all!”

“Well, it's about time for supper. Would you like to join us Princess Luna?”

Arc looks to the Hammers.

“All of you are invited, of course!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Thank you Arc. I think we will!”

Luna sighs. “That's very kind of you Arc, but I really should be getting back to Canterlot.”

Arc smiles at Luna. “I’m sure Saffron would like another chance to cook for you.”

“Well... let me see how Cadance is doing first. Arc, can I use the phone in your office please?”

“Sure. Right this way!”

Arc and Luna leave the armory together.

Silver Hammer smiles at her husband. “It's good to see Princess Luna hasn't changed a bit!”

Steel Hammer sighs. “Yes… although I wish she trusted Arc more.”

“What do you mean?”

“I see the way she looks at him with a suspicious gleam in her eyes. She used to look at us the same way.”

Silver Hammer nods. “Trust isn't earned overnight dear! Don't worry about it. She'll come around eventually!

Arc escorts Luna to his office. He sits on a couch while Luna makes the call. It lasts only a few minutes before she hangs up the phone.

Luna walks over to Arc. “Cadance says she has today's paperwork under control and not to worry about her.”

“That's good to hear!”

Luna sighs. “Not really. I could tell she was making the whole thing up. Right now, our office is probably filled to the brim with papers. She worries that I need more time off.”

“Do you?”

“I... don't have the time to take time off!”

Arc smiles at her. ”That wasn't the question!”

“In any case... how about that supper now?”

“I thought you would never ask!”

Arc leads Luna to the Cafeteria. The orphans have finished their own supper and are outside playing again. She fills her plate at the buffet and sits down at the table with Silver Hammer, Steel Hammer, Platinum Valve, and Arc. Derpy and Dinky walk in the door.

“Derpy! Glad you and Dinky could join us!”

“Hi Arc! How are... Princess Luna?!”

Derpy and Dinky bow respectfully!

Luna shakes her head. “Please! Don't let me keep you from your meal!”

“Thank you Princess Luna!”

Derpy and Dinky get some food and join Arc and the others in their evening meal. Dinky sits down next to Arc. She leans over to give him a hug!

“I missed you dad!”

“And I missed you too sweetheart! You know, you and your mother are welcome here anytime. The two of you could even live here if you wanted to.”

Dinky’s eyes light up! “Really?! Can we, Mom?!”

Derpy shakes her head and smiles. “No Dinky. We already have a home.”

Dinky and Arc respond together. “AWWWWW!!!”

“Arc, don't worry about us. We'll be fine in my little cottage. And besides... I need to make sure you always have a home to come back to!”

They continue with their meal. Princess Luna looks over to Arc. “I know this may sound a bit strange, but... is this what a family meal is like?”

“Pretty much. Nice, isn't it?”

“Indeed!”

Dinky look up at the princess. “Princess Luna? Don't you have a family you share your meals with?”

“No dear. The closest thing we had to this back then were formal dinners when my mentor would entertain heads of state.”

“What was that like?”

Luna frowns. “Boring. Very, very boring. We were just there to observe and learn how such dinners were supposed to go. To tell you the truth, my sister and I were always glad when they were over!”

The group finishes their meal and enjoys a nice dessert of cake together!

Luna nods her head approvingly as she wipes her mouth with her napkin. “Thank you for the meal Arc! Your chef certainly does not disappoint!”

“That's probably because I didn't tell her you were out here.”

“I appreciate that!”

Arc turns to the Hammers. “It's getting late. If you would like, you may stay the night here. We have several very posh guest rooms.”

Platinum Valve looks to her parents, excitedly! “Can we?!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Well... I suppose so. Thank you for your hospitality... boss!”

Arc laughs! “Please! Just call me Arc! We're all equals here, right?”

Raven walks into the Cafeteria with a sheaf of papers and an inkwell. “Commander, here are the forms you requested.”

“Thank you Raven. If you could have Princess Luna sign them, we can get started righting this wrong.”

Raven walks over to Princess Luna and sets the papers before her along with the inkwell.

“Your Highness, if you could please sign here and here...”

Luna does so

“Thank you Princess Luna. I will file these with Canterlot first thing in the morning.”

Raven walks over to Arc and hands him a paper.

“Here is the authorization of payment, Commander. It will allow Steel Hammer to be properly paid for his work. Just sign the line at the bottom to make it legally binding and give it to him when the job is done.”

“Can't I just take care of that now? I mean, he's going to need a lot of seed money to get a job of this size off the ground.”

“Traditionally craftsmen are paid only for completed job, commander. But that is completely up to your discretion.”

Arc signs the paper and passes it to Steel Hammer. “There you are! 50,000 bits!”

“Thank you Arc! We won't let you down!”

“I know you won't. Now would it be easier for you to work from our forge here, or from your shop?”

Steel Hammer looks slightly embarrassed. “I was kinda hoping you would ask that. Your forge is actually better than my own right now!”

“Bring whatever tools you need from your shop tomorrow morning and we can get this train a-moving!”

Steel Hammer smiles! “Yes sir... I mean, sure Arc. We'll have it done in no time!”

Silver Hammer stands up. “Well, we should probably make sure we have the correct numbers from the Armory before turning in for the night. It was very nice seeing you again Princess Luna!”

Luna smiles and nods in agreement! “Don't be strangers now! Next time I'll have you over for dinner in Canterlot!”

“We look forward to it!”

The Hammer family leaves the Cafeteria as Arc looks to Derpy.

“Want to spend the night as well? I know it's not the same thing, but I have a mat in front of the fireplace in my quarters that has your name written all over it.”

Derpy nods. “Thanks Arc! I think Dinky and I will!”

“YAY!!!”

Arc looks over to Luna. “Why don't we all head to my quarters for a bit. There are a few other things we need to talk over.”

“Splendid! I would be interested in seeing what you had built there. Hard Hat tells me you completely redrew it!”

“I hope that's all right. I know you spent a lot of time and effort on the plans for this building!”

Luna nods! “No, it's fine Arc! Whatever makes you comfortable!”

Arc leads the way to his quarters. Upon entering they find Ember sprawled out on the couch, relaxing.

“Hey Ember, we have company!”

Ember looks over at Princess Luna. “Who's your friend?”

“This is Princess Luna. She's the one in charge of Equestria at the moment.”

Ember puts forward a claw in greeting. “Glad to meet you! Name's Ember!”

Luna shakes Ember’s claw politely! “I must say I've never met a dragon face to face before! My sister always took care of diplomacy with the Dragon Lands. It's nice to finally meet somepony who doesn't bow and scrape when they meet me.”

“No problem there! Dragons aren't much for that sort of thing anyways.”

Arc motions to the couch. “Why don't we sit down around the fireplace?”

Arc, Dinky, and Ember sit on the couch. Luna and Derpy lay on the floor in front of the fireplace.

Derpy looks over to Luna. “Are you sure you wouldn't be more comfortable on the couch, Princess Luna?”

“Thank you, but no. Truth be told I rather enjoy ‘roughing it’ as it were! In my youth I used to enjoy sleeping out under the stars.”

Luna turns to Arc.

“Admittedly, this room isn't really what I was imagining. Truth be told, I was expecting it to be quite a bit more extravagant!”

“Hard Hat made it to look exactly like Derpy's house. I always felt very comfortable there, and it will serve as a constant reminder of my humbler beginnings.”

Luna nods. “That's a very reassuring attitude, Arc! Now, what was it you wished to discuss?”

“Truth be told, I meant to talk to you about this a while back, but you know how it is. Busy, busy, busy! I was hoping you could advise me on a method I could use to kill Tempest should she return.”

Luna shakes her head. “Sadly, no. Cadance and I checked the Royal Armory and even our forbidden texts for an answer! According to Sunburst, we really have no defense against such a creature as she! That ‘Spear of Devotion Coco Pommel used to end your last battle. Whatever happened to it?”

“I locked it up in my vault. At some point I should return it to her. She is the chosen pony to wield it, after all!”

Luna nods. “That weapon alone appears to be the only thing in Equestria that can give Tempest pause.”

Ember considers this for a moment. “But I thought she was really weak when it was used against her. Could that have anything to do with it?”

“I suppose it is possible. Arc, I wouldn't put too much faith in using that method of defeating Tempest a second time! She’s used to learning and adapting!”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin. “What about the Elements of Harmony, Princess Luna? Would those work?”

Luna thinks for a moment. “I don't see why not! Tempest is no fool though. If she sees the Element Bearers approaching her, she will most likely flee and wait for a better opportunity to strike!”

Derpy looks very concerned! “Princess Luna? Are you saying there's nothing you can do to help Arc?”

Luna puts a wing around the mare. “Don't you worry. We'll think of something.”

Dinky looks over! “What about me?! My power was enough to slow her down!”

“It did indeed weaken her, but it certainly didn't stop her. Not that I didn't appreciate your help back then, Dinky!”

The filly grins up at her father.

Arc sighs. “Look, I hate to suggest this, but we really need to think of some way to kill Tempest once and for all. Right now, all we have are ways to slow her down or weaken her.”

Ember brandishes her claws, angrily. “How about I tear her throat out?”

“Somehow I don't think that will work.”

Arc tells all assembled about his dream earlier that day.

“I mean, I literally ripped her apart and she just came back together! Brute force is not the answer here!”

Ember looks indignant! “It was a dream Arc! Besides, I'm better at tearing things apart than you are!”

“Trust me on this Ember. It won't work!”

Ember replies frantically! “It WILL work Arc! It has to! I...”

She wraps her arms around Arc and draws close to him as she tears up.

“It... it has to! I... don't want to lose you to that MANIAC!!!”

Arc puts an arm around Ember. “Don't worry. We'll think of something. I'm not going down that easily!”

Derpy’s eyes light up! “Could we somehow banish her to Tartarus?! At least then she would be contained!”

Luna thinks for a moment. “It is indeed possible. However, I believe as slippery an opponent as she is, she may very well find a way out!”

“True, but it's worth a try. At the very least it will buy us time!”

“Yes. Arc let me see your gauntlet a moment.”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and holds his left hand toward Luna. She touches her horn to Arc's sigil-making gauntlet. A small spark appears.

“There! You should be able to use the sigil magic in your gauntlet to open a one-way portal to Tartarus at will now!”

Arc opens a portal. Looking through it, he sees the inside of the temple where he first arrived in Tartarus.”

“Creepy! Thanks for the upgrade though.”

“You are welcome Arc. Your life may depend on it one day! Just do me one favor and only use it against Tempest herself, or anypony who is truly deserving of it! I don't want what Twilight did repeated!”

Arc returns the gauntlet to his ring. “I will. We'll try to think of a Plan B in the meantime. Can I offer you a room Princess Luna? It really is quite late.”

Luna nods. “Thank you Arc. I would like that.”

“This way. I'll escort you to one of our Guest Rooms.”

The pair stand. Arc leads Luna to the room Trixie used during her stay.

Luna looks around the spotless room. “I think I will be comfortable here.”

“Good. However, there is one last thing I would like to speak with you about. I would have done so earlier, but this is a rather... delicate matter.”

Luna walks over to the couch and sits down as Arc does the same at the other end. “What is it?”

“Have you taken any action against Lord Goldstone for what he did to Raven?”

“I have passed on a report to Griffonstone.”

“And...?”

Luna bows her head. “Sadly, I doubt any action will be taken against him due to his position in their society. I'm sorry Arc. I truly wish I could do more to right this wrong, but short of going to war with the Griffon Kingdom, there is nothing else I can do. I'm sorry... really I am!”

Arc looks as if he may explode in a fit of rage, but in a few moments he is calm again. He stands and speaks in an eerily calm voice as the turns to leave the room.

“Thank you Princess Luna. I will take things from here.”

Luna looks toward Arc, warily. “What are you going to do?!”

“Tomorrow morning I’m heading to Griffonstone and break his legs. ALL FOUR OF THEM!!! I may even rip off his...”

Luna jumps off the couch! “ARC!”

“I'll go alone and keep to the shadows. No one will have to know it was me.”

She walks quickly toward him! “You can't do that! It would be an act of war!”

“I KNOW THAT!”

Arc brings both of his fists down on a small table near the door, smashing it to pieces! He leans against the wall red faced and breathing heavily.

“I know... that. I'm sorry Princess Luna. It's just... I hate the thought of anyone using their authority to take advantage of the weak! And then using his position to get out of having to pay for such a disgusting act?! It just makes my blood boil! Raven deserves better than this!”

Luna walks toward Arc and places a hoof on his back. “Arc, listen to me. Do you think I like this any more than you do? Having the power to act, but the foresight not to is quite the bureaucratic burden at times. Arc, look at me!”

Arc turns around to face Luna, still red in the face.

“Now... if you will calm down, I do have a plan.”

“Plans... are good.”

Luna nods. “I think it's about time I sent a diplomatic envoy in response to their visit a while back. I want you to be Equestria's representative and make this matter right!”

Arc looks at her, slightly ill! “I'm not going to do THAT to one of their females!”

“I would hope not! That would most certainly not be fair to either of you! My hope is for you to spend some time there learning their laws and customs. Find a way to take this Lord down, but for Celestia's sake, play by THEIR rules! No violence without provocation!”

“Very well. I will do this! And Princess Luna...”

“Yes?”

“I'm sorry for blowing up earlier.”

Luna looks to Arc, understanding. “It's alright. Just be sure to keep a level head on this mission! I'm not trying to put too much pressure on you, but if you lose control of your emotions, a lot of innocents will lose their lives in the conflict that follows. Remember that.”

“I understand. Believe me, if I have anything to say about it, that won't happen!”

Luna smiles at Arc. "I know you can do this! Tomorrow when I get back to Canterlot, I’ll get to work getting everything in place for your diplomatic mission. Just be aware that it’s going to take QUITE some time to set this up. Month… years even!"

Arc nods. “I understand the wheels move slowly. But they do move!”

“That they do. Now if you will excuse me... I am rather tired.”

“Of course. I need a good night's sleep as well. Pleasant dreams, Princess Luna.”

Arc leaves the Guest Room as Luna sits down on the bed and sighs.

“I'm sorry Arc. I wish I didn't have to deceive you like this...”

Arc returns to his quarters. Derpy and Dinky are laying on the mat in front of the fire.

“I have another guest room if you two would be more comfortable there.”

Derpy smiles at him! “Thank you Arc, but this is where I’m happiest!”

Dinky yawns. “Good night dad!”

“Good night, you two.”

Arc retires to his room for the evening. Meanwhile in Luna's room, the Princess of the Night paces the floor impatiently!

“I do wish he would hurry up...”

As if on cue there is a slight rapping on the window. Luna opens it with her magic and a robed figure jumps through it into the room.

“My apologies Princess. It took longer than I anticipated to sneak away!”

“Never mind that. What have you discovered? Is Arc ‘dirty’?”

The robed figure shakes his head. “Quite the contrary, your Highness! He's so clean, he positively squeaks! I've never seen anypony as selfless or incorruptible as he is! However, you were right about him keeping secrets from you!”

Luna narrows her eyes. “Elaborate.”

“His recent adventures into the Aqueducts under Vanhoover was not directly in response to Tempest's actions.”

Luna stakes her head. “I don't understand. What else could he have been looking for?”

“Truth be told, he is actually investigating Captain Decimus at the moment. He had reason to believe that the two were connected.”

Luna rolls her eyes. “Decimus?! He's almost as blameless as Arc himself is! The only thing Arc is guilty of in that regard is wasting time chasing shadows!”

“Begging the Princesses pardon, but that is not entirely true.”

Luna again narrow her eyes suspiciously. “What do you mean?”

“When I discovered Arc's investigation into the captain's affairs, I too felt the same way about it. However, Arc has indeed uncovered quite a few disturbing facets of Decimus' life! They are purely circumstantial at this point. Although I believe he may very well be on to something here!”

Luna nods. “Just to clarify... there is no concrete evidence against Captain Decimus, correct?”

“That is right. Arc is being quite thorough in his investigation. If there really is something to find, you can bet Arc will uncover it!”

“This matter with Decimus... it's just so hard to accept.”

“I would not give it too much thought princess. If you or Princess Cadance were in any real danger, I am sure the Hero of Light would not keep it to himself.”

Luna nods. “I am sure he wouldn't. Arc has proven to be as trustworthy as he is noble!”

“Forgive me Princess, but if you trust Arc so much, why did you order me to spy on him?”

Luna walks over to the window and looks up at the moon. “Arc has taken a much more... involved role than any other Hero of Light before him! While I certainly hope he is doing so out of piety or duty, I can't help but wonder if he doesn't have some kind of ulterior motive.”

“Come now! You don't really believe he's trying to overthrow you, do you?”

Luna closes her eyes and sighs. “I can't take that chance...”

Chapter 5 - Uninvited Guests

Making the fight to the Gates of Canterlot, Ember quickly identifies the pony in charge and approaches him!

“Miss! You need to get to safety! Canterlot is about to be attacked!”

Ember nods. “I know. The Hero of Light sent me here to help you!”

The Town Guard Commander looks amazed! “What?! The Hero of Light is here?!”

Ember nods. “Yes, he’s protecting Princess Cadance right now.”

“That's a relief! It's good to know that even if we fail here, the princess will still be protected! However, I can't allow a civilian to do the work of the Town Guard! Please get to safety!”

Ember sees Trixie approaching at a distance on foot. “I'm not a civilian.”

He looks her up and down. “You're certainly not part of the military. What are you then?”

“Same as you... a volunteer. But it looks like the time for battle has come.”

Ember points a claw at the approaching pony.

“That's it? This is the pony whom we're supposed to stop?!”

Ember raises her spear! “Don't let your guard down! Even the princess is afraid of her!”

The commander turns to his troops! “Get ready! On my command...”

Meanwhile, back at Light’s Hope… the orphans awaken to find the windows covered in Magic Barriers and Coco Pommel, Derpy, Dinky, and Raven sitting nearby. Pipsqueak walks over to the adults with Aquamarine.

“Princess Luna? What's going on?”

“Well, Arc is in Canterlot protecting Princess Cadance at the moment. He was worried something might happen while he was gone, so he put the base on lockdown.”

Aquamarine looks to Coco Pommel, frightened! “What does that mean, Miss Pommel?!”

Coco Pommel walks over to the filly. “It means nopony can get in here until Arc comes back. Don't worry little ones. I'll keep you safe!”

Flash Sentry enters the barracks on patrol. Coco Pommel looks over to him.

“Flash Sentry, the orphans are awake. Might we head over to the Cafeteria for breakfast now? It smells ready.”

“Only because Saffron refused to leave her kitchen before making breakfast! In any case, I suppose so. But everypony must do so together!”

Coco Pommel nods. “Okay. Let me explain it to them before we head over.”

She turns to face the orphans who look confused.

“We’re all going to head over to the cafeteria for an early breakfast now. Everypony stay together, and obey any orders Flash Sentry gives you immediately and without questions!”

The orphans nod. “OKAY!”

The orphans, Dinky, Derpy, Coco Pommel, Raven and Princess Luna all head to the Cafeteria. The orphans are noticeably frightened at the lack of guards

"Miss Pommel, are we in danger? Where are Mr. Arc’s guards?!”

Coco Pommel looks to him and smiles. "I don't think so Pipsqueak. But just in case Arc left almost all of his troops behind to protect us. They’re in the Main Hall!”

Dinky looks to her mother. “Mom? Why is dad in Canterlot?”

“There's a very dangerous pony heading for Canterlot Castle. Your father went there to protect Princess Cadance.”

Dinky looks worried Is he going to be okay?”

Derpy pats her daughter on the head. “Oh Dinky! You know your father! He'll be fine!”

Aquamarine looks down the corridor to see the soldier garrisoned in the Main Hall. “Miss Pommel? Why are the guards all wearing different armor and carrying weapons?”

“Arc was worried with him gone somepony might try to break in here and hurt Princess Luna.”

Aquamarine looks back at Coco Pommel, determination on her small face! “Don't worry! We'll keep Princess Luna safe!”

Platinum Valve nods. “YEAH!”

A short time later one of the guards watching through a window calls out!

“Sergeant! I think you better take a look at this!”

Sandstorm Mirage runs over! “What's up? Is there trouble?!”

“I... don't know sir! But this is creepy!”

Sandstorm Mirage looks out the window to see several figures gathering in front of Light's Hope. They are completely covered in black cloaks from head to tail!

“Keep an eye on them! I'll notify the lieutenant!”

Sandstorm Mirage runs down the hall to where Flash Sentry is patrolling!

“S-sir! I think we may have a problem!”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof on one of his swords. “Details!”

“There's... uh... a bunch of weird looking ponies gathering in front of the building.”

“Weird looking?”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. “Well, they're all wearing black cloaks, and...”

Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide! “Black cloaks?! Get back there and inform the troops to prepare for battle!”

“Y-yes sir!

Sandstorm Mirage runs back to the Main Hall as Flash Sentry rushes to the Cafeteria!

“Everypony listen up! Drop what you’re doing and head to the barracks now!”

Coco Pommel jumps up and grabbing her spear! “To the barracks now little ones! Quickly!”

The orphans, Dinky, Derpy, Raven, Coco Pommel, Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer, Platinum Valve and Princess Luna all head quickly and quietly to the barracks.

Flash Sentry turn toward the kitchen door and shouts! “Saffron! Let's go!”

Saffron runs out of the Kitchen with a Kukri strapped to her side!

“Sorry! I'm ready now!”

Flash Sentry and Saffron run down the hall towards the barracks.

“You're not fighting! Stay with the orphans!”

Saffron looks at him defiantly! “I'm part of the military too! Kinda... I mean, I can't just stand by and let anypony hurt these poor orphans! They've suffered enough!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Fine! Stay with Coco Pommel though!”

They reach the barracks. Flash Sentry pokes his head through the door and looks to Coco Pommel.

“Barricade this door with the furniture! We'll do our best to protect you!”

Coco Pommel nods! “Go Flash Sentry! I'll take care of things here! Stay safe!”

Flash Sentry closes the door. The orphans and Princess Luna help Derpy barricade the door! They then make another makeshift barricade in the corner of the room. The orphans sit behind it fearfully with the Hammers, Princess Luna, Raven, and Dinky. Derpy, Saffron and Coco Pommel stand in front of the barricade.

Aquamarine begins to cry! “Miss Pommel. I'm scared!”

Pipsqueak looks around and speak in a worried tone! “I wish Mr. Arc were here!”

Coco Pommel smiles at them. “So do I... but don't be afraid. Nothing will harm any of you as long as I am here!”

Luna nods. “Should the enemy reach us, I too will fight! It has been far too many years since I have known the thrill of battle!”

Dinky stands and looks around at the orphans! “See everypony, we've got nothing to worry about! There's an army of soldiers between us and the bad guys!”

Pipsqueak does not look reassured! “But! What if they get this far?!”

Luna chuckles. “Then I will show them what it is like to face the wrath of an angry alicorn princess!”

Derpy turns to them, clutching her Spear of Hope. “And I'll teach them what a Templar can do!”

Coco Pommel nods as she holds the Spear of Devotion. “They won't soon forget their battle with a Paladin either!”

Dinky nods at the others. “I'll fight too! You guys have nothing to fear!”

Saffron pats her own weapon. “You are well protected by many who love you. Do not be afraid.”

Raven cowers with the orphans. “I wish I had your courage, Dinky!”

Meanwhile, Flash Sentry has rejoined the vanguard in the Main Hall!

“Any movement, sergeant?”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “No sir. There's a half dozen or so of them out there though. All they've done so far is stand there talking to each other. Wait! Something's happening!”

The black cloaked ponies’ horns begin to glow and they each bring forth several large shadow creatures! They gather in front of their summoners for several moments. The cloaked ponies silently point their hooves at the front door as one. Their shadow creatures charge the doors!

Flash Sentry turns to the troops! “FORM RANKS! THOSE DOORS WON'T HOLD FOR LONG AGAINST THAT!”

The Royal Guards and Arc's squad stand resolute in the middle of the room. Several powerful blows later the doors fly off their hinges and the shadow creature charge forward, claws at the ready!

Flash Sentry looks at their assailants lumbering toward them and draws his twin blades! “WE HAVE TO HOLD THEM HERE!

The creatures fearlessly throw themselves at the waiting defenders! Flash Sentry stand resolutely on the front line. As they approach, he swings his blades! Two of the creatures turn to dust at his hooves!

“ONE BLOW, ONE KILL! MAKE YOUR ATTACKS COUNT!”

As they are defeated the shadow creatures disappear into nothingness! Roughly half of the creatures have been defeated! Max turns to the others!

“Keep fighting! We can win this!”

Hugh looks out the ruined front door. “Wait! What are they DOING?!”

The robed figures horns glow again! They re-summon their fallen shadow creatures and point their hooves at the brave defenders! The monsters again charge at the vanguard and the battle rages on!

Viktor shouts to the others! “Is it just me, or are these guys getting stronger?!”

Flash Sentry dispatches another pair of creatures! “You're right! Hold them off! I have an idea!”

Flash Sentry runs down the corridor as Xenos smashes a monster into pudding!

“I hope it’s a good one!”

Meanwhile, back at the Gates of Canterlot, Ember’s mind races!

“What would Arc do right now...?”

The Town Guard Commander draws his weapon. “Get ready troops!”

“Wait! Commander, I'd like to try talking to Trixie first!”

The commander looks at Ember as if she’s lost her mind! “Go ahead! It's your funeral!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Thanks.”

Ember walks toward the mare. She can practically feel the dark magic surrounding Trixie!

“Here to beg for mercy?”

Ember shakes her head. “Um... actually I was just going to ask you to... stop?”

Trixie looks at her, confused. “I'm sorry... what?”

“I mean... what do you hope to accomplish here!”

Trixie laughs! “All I want here is satisfaction! You seem like a rational dragon to me! I'll make you a deal! You bring Princess Luna here to me, and nopony else has to get hurt! I get my revenge and everypony else gets to keep their limbs! Seems like a win-win to me!”

“Why do you want Princess Luna so badly anyway?! I mean, she really went easy on you during the trial from what I heard!”

“She tried to send ME, the Great and Powerful Trixie, to a prison full of common ponies! She should have gotten rid of me when she had the chance! So, why isn't Arc himself here to stop me?! Am I not worth his time anymore?!”

“He's with the princess right now. You'll have to go through him to get to her!”

Trixie smiles a wide, wicked smile! “I sure hope so! I'm not exactly too happy with him either!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Say what?”

“If it wasn't for Arc's meddling in the aqueducts I never would have been caught! The blame for what happened to me is on him too!”

“What?! Arc took you in when no one else would! He tended your wounds and kept you safe at Light's Hope! If not for him, you would probably be DEAD now! You owe him EVERYTHING!!!”

Trixie falls to her fetlocks and appears to be in a great deal of pain! She looks up to Ember as her eyes return to normal.

“Listen... tell Arc... I'm sorry.”

Ember gasps! “Trixie?! How do we save you?!”

Trixie gasps! Her voices strained! “Please... kill... me! Save... everypony... else...

A moment later her eyes return to normal. Trixie stands up and composes herself.

“Not that again! Now, where were we, dragon? Oh yes! I think you were about to surrender to my superior abilities!”

Ember raises her spear. “I can't let you pass!”

Trixie shakes her head. “Are we really going to do this the hard way? Fine by me!”

She shoots a blast of Dark Magic at Ember, knocking her over the gates of Canterlot!

“Get out of my way, weakling!”

The commander shakes his head. “I knew this wouldn't work... Alright everypony, CHARGE! FOR THE PRINCESSES!!!”

The Town Guards run full speed toward Trixie! She effortlessly takes them down one by one, almost seeming to enjoy the carnage she causes!

“AHAHAHAHAHA!!! WEAK! THEY'RE ALL SO WEAK!!!”

The Town Guard Commander is the last to fall! Ember gets up and runs over to him.

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

He looks up at her. “Please... protect the princess...”

The commander passes out.

Trixie walks over to Ember. “So, you have some fight left in you after all? I'm glad! I was afraid this would be over far too quickly! Hopefully Arc himself can put up more of a fight than these losers did!”

Ember holds her spear tightly and grits her teeth. “Leave... Arc... alone...”

Trixie laughs! “Aw... what are you gonna do about it? You know what, I like you! You've certainly got more spirit in you than these pathetic excuses for guards. How about we duke it out, right here, right now? Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you. After all, ... I want you to be alive to see what I'm going to do to Arc!”

Ember charges at Trixie who Blinks out of the way just in time! She blasts Ember with Dark Magic in the back and laughs as she falls to the ground!

Ember rises to her feet. “Is... that it?”

Trixie nods at her approvingly! “Oh, you ARE a tough one! That gives me an idea! I think I’ll let Arc live long enough to watch me tear his precious Princess Luna apart!”

Ember moves to attack Dark Trixie but finds herself on the ground yet again! Her armor ripped to shrapnel and for the most part blow away! She coughs up some blood from the blow!

“You're so inspiring! After Princess Luna is dead, I think I'll put a few holes in Arc's chest and let him bleed out! If he's a good sport about it, I might even lay him next to his dead princess' body so his last moments will be filled with the pain of his failure!”

Trixie bursts into uncontrollable laughter at the thought of such a prospect! Ember slowly makes it to her feet. She stands but does not look up! Her fists are clenched in total rage.

“Oh, just give me another minute to enjoy this, will you? Don't worry, I'll get back to beating you in just a moment!”

Ember quietly mutters. “I don't care...”

“I'm sorry but I didn't quite hear you. Would you speak up?!”

Ember looks up! Her eyes filled with unspeakable rage! “I said, I don't care what you do to me...

The air is suddenly filled with a strange energy.

“...but... you... STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ARC!!!”

Ember's Spear of Courage glows brightly! It quickly spreads over her entire body! Trixie is unable to look at Ember for a few moments until the glow subsides!

Trixie looks at the dragon before her. “My, my! You're just full of surprises!”

Ember's destroyed armor is replaced with golden full plate armor complete with helmet. Her wounds are healed and her eyes are glowing white!

“I WON'T LET YOU LAY A SINGLE FILTHY HOOF ON ARC!!!”

Ember charges again at her opponent! Trixie fires another blast of Dark Magic toward Ember, but she effortlessly knocks it away! Trixie fires blast after blast at the brave young dragon but they do not even slow her down!

“THIS IS FOR YOU, ARC!!!”

Ember levels her spear at Trixie's chest! The spear easily pierces Trixie's heart but Ember doesn't stop! Instead she uses the momentum to knock the mare on her back and pushes her body along the ground for fifty feet or more! Stopping, she picks Trixie’s body up, still on the point of her spear, and launches her high up into the air!

“Survive… THIS!!!”

Ember throws her spear straight up at Trixie. It blows through her midsection as if it were paper and keeps going! The brave young dragon flies straight up and hits Trixie in the back, her spine snaps from the force of the blow and nearly knocks them both into a low orbit! As the two of them plummet back toward the ground Ember punches and claws Trixie's body well over a hundred times before stopping to look her opponent in the eye!

“Have a nice fall, Trixie!”

She stops about a thousand feet up and uses her wings to hover. Watching Trixie's limp body hit the ground brings a smile to her face! Looking up, Ember sees a glimmer of light from her falling spear! Reaching up she catches it and careens down toward Trixie! A Mach cone forms around Ember's body as she nears her target! Only a few feet above the ground Ember breaks the sound barrier and slams spear first into Trixie, causing a blast that can be heard for miles! As the dust clears Arc and the others can see Ember walking slowly back toward Canterlot with her spear over her shoulder!

Ember shakes her head as she walks away. “...wuss.”

Meanwhile in the Audience Chamber, no one can speak! They can only stand there with their jaws on the floor! Even Arc himself is speechless!

Cadance is the first to collect her wits. “H-Holy Dragoon Armor?! Ember… who ARE you?! At the very least I’m glad she’s on our side! She is… right?

Arc nods, astonished! “Completely! Note to self... never EVER get on Ember’s bad side!

Pinkie hops around happily! “Well, I guess that takes care of Trixie!”

Applejack removes her hat and wipes her brow! “Whew! I'm sure glad THAT'S over!”

Fluttershy looks down nervously. ”Um... it is over, right?”

Rainbow Dash grins! “It HAS to be! NOPONY could have walked away from that! Ember looked so AWESOME doing it too!”

Twilight walks over levitating the book from Sunburst. “Girls, I hate to be ‘that pony’, but I don't think this is the end of our troubles!”

Cadance nods. “I agree. All this did was slow her down! Anything of note in the book Twilight?”

Twilight continues reading. “Sort of! I have good news and bad news.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “What's the good news?”

Twilight looks up from her book. “To defeat Trixie, we have to cut her off from the Alicorn Amulet's power by removing it.”

Rarity looks down at the crater Trixie’s body made when hitting the ground. “Well, that shouldn't be too hard!”

Applejack looks to Twilight, nervously. “And the bad news?”

Twilight sighs. “There are only two ways for the amulet to be removed. One, Trixie has to willingly do it herself.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Meh, somehow I don't see THAT happening!”

Cadance nods “And the second?”

Twilight turns through pages frantically! “The only other way is... to kill her!”

Rarity looks confused. “But I thought there was no known way to do that!”

Fluttershy walks over to Twilight. “Any suggestions from the book?”

Twilight shakes her head sadly.

“None, I'm afraid. How do we kill something THAT powerful?!”

Arc looks to Cadance. She nods her head soberly.

“I ...I know how.”

Twilight’s face brightens! “Really?! That's wonderful! What is it?!”

Arc looks down at his ring. He sadly touches it and pulls out a very ornate dagger.

“This is the Dagger of Eternal Slumber. It's a weapon whose sole purpose is to... allow the user to inflict a mortal wound that even Alicorn Magic can't heal!”

Rainbow Dash looks at the weapon, horrified! “Are you saying it's supposed to kill an alicorn princess?!”

Applejack turns to Arc, angrily! “Why the hay do you have such a thing?!”

Cadance sighs. “Princess Luna gave it to him.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide! “WHAT?! WHEN?!”

Cadance looks Twilight straight in the eyes. “A few minutes after he took up his Insignia and became the Hero of Light.”

Arc nods. “She handed me a fancy wooden box with this dagger I've kept it in my Magic Ring so as to keep it close while at the same time hidden from everyone!”

Cadance nods. “I suppose there's only one last thing to say Arc. Will you use this dagger... and kill your friend?”

Arc cannot answer, but can only hang his head. A single tear courses down his cheek. Suddenly a voice rings seemingly out of thin air!

“You can't do this to her, sir!”

All the ponies look around, confused!

Arc stares at the weapon is his gauntlet and sighs. “I would love to agree with you. But what other choice do we have?”

“Sir, before Trixie was turned into... that... she told me to warn you! In her last sane thoughts, she was calling out for YOU! Please, don't give up on Trixie! She had faith in YOU, so don't lose faith in HER!”

Arc looks up and nods with determination! “You're right! There has to be a way to save her!”

Rainbow Dash continues to look around. “Seriously! Who is saying that?!”

Applejack looks out the window. “Hey, we've got movement down there!”

All the ponies rush to the windows! Meanwhile, back at the Gates of Canterlot...

Ember holds up her spear and looks it and herself over! “I can't believe I did it! I finally figured out how to use this thing!”

The sound of laughter can be heard behind Ember. She spins around!

“What?!”

Trixie walks toward Ember laughing! She appears unharmed.

Ember again raises her spear! “So, you didn't get enough last time huh? Ready for round two?!”

Trixie shakes her head. “Sorry, but I really don't have time for this! I have an appointment with a princess!”

“You're going to MAKE time then!”

“Feeling left out? Don't worry! My new friends here will see to it you're not bored!”

“Friends?”

Trixie's horn glows with Dark Magic. She opens several dark rifts! Monsters pour out of them and lumber toward the Gates of Canterlot!

Trixie looks at Ember. “I'm heading to the castle now. You can either pursue me, or try to keep my pets out of Canterlot. If you won't cooperate, I'm sure the civilians would make excellent playthings for them!”

Ember charges forward to defend the gates! “Damn you Trixie!”

“Ta, ta! Have fun!”

Trixie turns and walks toward Canterlot Castle. A Royal Guard watches through a spyglass as Trixie walks toward them! He turns to Captain Decimus!

“Sir! The Town Guard has failed! Trixie is on her way! What are your orders?”

“Hold your ground! We have to stop her here!”

Trixie walks across the drawbridge. As she reaches the halfway point Captain Decimus pulls a small remote out of his satchel and a key. As he inserts the key into the remote, a single red light comes to life.

Captain Decimus smiles wickedly! “Good bye, stupid unicorn.”

The captain pushes the button and detonates the explosives he ordered placed under the drawbridge. It buckles and collapses into the moat!

“And that is how you deal with these... little problems.”

Captain Decimus turns around to walk back into the castle. He hears laughter behind him! Spinning around he spots Trixie using her Dark Magic to hover over the fallen drawbridge!

“That wasn't very sporting of you, Captain Decimus. But if you're going to play dirty, let the master show you how it's done!”

Trixie aims her horn to the archway over Captain Decimus. She fires! Several tons of the castle wall land on top of Captain Decimus, crushing him! The rest of the guards flee in terror as the call for retreat breaks out!

“FALL BACK TO THE AUDIENCE CHAMBER!”

All the Royal Guards scramble to climb over the rubble. Trixie takes a few moments to look over her handiwork.

“Why Captain! It looks like YOU are the one who is ‘out of order’ now!”

Trixie blows a hole in the castle wall, making a ‘door’.

Meanwhile back at Light's Hope, Flash Sentry runs to the barracks door and pounds on it!

“Princess Luna, I have a plan, but we need your help!”

She quickly unbarricades the door with her magic and opens it”

“What do you need?”

“We're being attacked by an endless wave of shadow creatures of some kind! I need you to raise the sun, but it needs to be done all at once! I'm hoping the shock will dispel them! Then we can deal with the root cause!”

Luna nods. “I can, but raising the sun that fast would require quite a bit of energy.”

Flash Sentry nods! "What do you need?!”

“Time. Buy me as much as you can!”

Flash Sentry nods! “Will do, your highness!”

Derpy walks over to the door. “I'm coming with you, lieutenant!”

She takes up her spear and brings forth her armor!

“Be careful, mom!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “But, I can't! If anything happened to you, the commander would...”

Templar Derpy runs out of the barracks past Flash Sentry.

“Come Flash Sentry! We have monsters to slay!”

He sighs as they run back toward the Main Hall! “Fine... just please be careful!”

Princess Luna closes the door and re-barricades it. She then sits down in a corner with the orphans and begins to gather her mana! Meanwhile, Flash Sentry and Templar Derpy arrive back at the Main Hall! The troops are having a hard time holding back the never-ending onslaught of shadow creatures!

Templar Derpy lunges at several of the beasts bravely! “YAH! Get out of our base!”

Flash Sentry rejoins the fight! “New plan, boys! We're buying time for the princess! We just need to keep them away for as long as we can!

Only the largest of the creatures dares to approach Derpy! Just like in Tartarus, the smaller ones appeared to be harmed by her aura! She quickly surveys the scene around her.

“Flash Sentry, I have an idea!”

“Let's hear it!

“Pull the troops back to the hallway. Make a bottleneck!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “If we do that it will limit our mobility as well!”

“Trust me! Just do it!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Fine... it's not like this could get any worse!”

He turns to the troops.

“FALL BACK TO THE CORRIDOR!”

The troops immediately obey! Derpy remains in the middle of the room to fight!

Max looks back! “Miss Derpy, what are you doing?!”

“I was just preparing to do... THIS!”

Templar Derpy flies straight up and drops down hard! She plants the Spear of Hope firmly into the floor, as an aura of Light shines out from it in all directions! When the creatures touch its aura they immediately turn to dust!

Xenos nods! “Great plan! We should have no problem stalling for time now!”

Meanwhile, outside Light's Hope, the black robed ponies are confused to hear the sounds of battle cease even thought their beasts enter in droves! Their leader steps forward and turns to his companions.

“This is... peculiar. Come! Let us investigate this vexing situation.”

Two of his acolytes accompany him while the rest stay outside to maintain the summoning portals. Upon entering he immediately sees Derpy holding her spear and generating an Aura of Light! He points a hoof at her as he turns to his acolytes!

“Stop her!”

They charge at Derpy! Flash Sentry rushes forward and thwarts their unwelcome advances! The acolytes fall as Arc's squad flies over to the leader and surround him. Flash Sentry points a blade at him menacingly!

“Surrender now! End this attack!”

The leader chuckles. “You really have no idea the powers you are fighting against, do you?”

Flash Sentry doesn’t take his eyes off the intruder. “Don't know, don't care! Last chance... give up!”

The leader pulls a dark staff off of his back and holds it in front of him. As he does so everypony falls to the floor, unable to stand!

Max struggles to raise his head! “What the hell?! My body feels so heavy!”

Sandstorm Mirage fares no better. “What's going on?! How are you doing this?!”

The leader looks over as he plants his staff. “Just a little gravity altering spell. Not to worry. Once we get what we came here for, you will be released.

He walks over to Derpy's spear and kicks it over. The Aura of Light quickly fades. He walks to the door and motions for this troops to follow him.

Using all her effort, Derpy raises her head to look at them! “Please! We have foals here! I'm begging you! Don't hurt them!”

The leader turns to look at Derpy. “Not to worry. If they cooperate with us, nopony else will be harmed. If they don't... well... let's just say I make no guarantees about their futures.”

“NO!!!”

The Black Robed Leader and his followers step over the incapacitated troops as their shadow creatures follow closely behind them. Templar Derpy lets go of her spear! She slowly crawls away from the staff, straining every muscle in her body to gain every inch of movement!

“Dinky... mommy's…coming…! Don't… lose... Hope!

Chapter 6 - Sacrifices

The leader stops with his acolytes in front of the barracks door. He turns to the shadow creatures accompanying him.

“This door here... take it out!”

The creatures immediately begin clawing at the door. Inside the barracks the orphans huddle in a corner and begin to cry! Pipsqueak and Aquamarine hug each other, terrified!

“They're coming to get us!”

“What do we do?!”

Coco Pommel turns to the princess. “How much longer Princess Luna?”

Luna strains! “Just a couple more minutes...”

Coco Pommel steps forward. She draws her spear and calls forth her armor. Turning to the orphans and smiling.

“Don't you worry little ones. I won't let anypony lay a hoof on any one of you!”

Paladin Coco Pommel's words seem to do wonders to reassure the orphans! Saffron steps forward to stand with her! She draws her blade from its sheath.

“Let them come! I will show them how we fight back home!”

Dinky nods and steps forward to join the pair! “Let's end this quickly! I'm worried about my mom!”

Paladin Coco Pommel turns to Dinky. "Stay with the others where it's safe, dear!"

Dinky plants her hooves firmly and looks to the door. “There is no ‘safe’ anywhere right now!”

She nods. “Dinky, I'm so proud of your bravery! But please... be careful! Watch over the orphans and protect them from anything that gets past us!”

“You too, Miss Pommel!”

Luna mutters. “Almost there...”

The shadow creatures burst through the door! Saffron jumps quickly into the fray, slicing and dicing the creatures as if they were vegetables! In seconds a half dozen falls to her kukri! Paladin Coco Pommel easily defeats the few remaining creatures with her spear!

She turns back to Saffron and Dinky! “Get ready! I hear more of them coming!”

The next wave of creatures enters the room! Paladin Coco Pommel raises her spear and the floor beneath her feet begins to glow as it is Consecrated! Soon the entire room is under the effect! Monsters who pass over it are slowed greatly and appear to be in pain! One of the creatures lunges at Saffron from behind, but Dinky blasts it with her magic!

“Dinky! Thank you!”

Silver Hammer turns to her husband and whispers in his ear! “Dear! We have to help!”

She moves to stand, but Steel Hammer puts a hoof on her shoulder and pulls her back down

He shakes his head. “No. It's time the next generation took up this torch! Don't worry. If things get too out of control, we'll lend a hoof. Until then, we wait!”

Platinum Valve uses her magic to pull one of the Hoof Cannon modules Arc left with her out of her saddlebags. She places it on the edge of the barricade and levels it at the creatures. Suddenly a beam of light bursts forth and vaporizes a shadow creature! The inertia of the blast sends her staggering backwards!

Silver Hammer looks at her daughter, surprised! “Platinum Valve! What are you doing?!”

Platinum Valve stand and picks up the Hoof Cannon. Putting it back on the barricade, she prepares to fire again! “Carrying the torch! I told Mr. Arc I would fix these Hoof Cannons, and I did!”

Pipsqueak and Aquamarine run toward Platinum Valve.

“Let us help!”

“We can fight too!”

The pair place their hooves on the Hoof Cannon in an effort to help Platinum Valve control the recoil!

Platinum Valve continues to fire at the shadow creatures. “I wish I would have had time to adjust the output...”

With the help of the fillies the tide slowly begins to turn! But the enemy counters by bringing forth stronger creatures!

“Dinky! Look out!”

Platinum Valve fires and takes down a shadow creature that was sneaking around behind Dinky!

“Thanks!”

Steel Hammer looks to his daughter with evident pride! “That's my filly!”

“Nice shot dear!”

The invaders patience wanes as they begin to summon greater numbers of creatures! The Barracks are soon filled with over a hundred of them! Paladin Coco Pommel, Dinky and Saffron are pushed back toward Princess Luna and the frightened orphans! They soon have their backs against the barricades, as the creatures mass for a final attack! Paladin Coco Pommel looks over to her wards lying on the floor shaking in terror! Their fear fills her with determination! She charges forwards and leaps into the air in what Dinky and Saffron can only assume to be a sacrificial attack! In midair, the Spear of Devotion suddenly glows with an intense light! Wings of Light spring forth from her back as her eyes glow white as she screams!

“GET AWAY FROM THESE FOALS!!!”

She flies forward at an unfathomable speed and cuts in half any resistance that stands before her! As she flies around the room it soon becomes clear that no creature can stand against the power of her Devotion!

Luna shouts from the corner! “I'M READY!”

Princess Luna raises her head upward, her horn glows so brightly it fills the whole room! The sun immediately rises to the midday position! All the creatures vanish in a flash! Paladin Coco Pommel flies out of the room and prepares to engage what she sees to be the leader. His acolytes step forward to defend their leader! As they move to engage the furious paladin before them, an armor clad Derpy flies past them and plows into him! The two of them slam into the end of the hallway! The inertia of the sudden stop sends Derpy's helmet flying off! She continues to rain blows upon the leader with her hooves! Her eyes filled with tears or righteous fury!

Templar Derpy screams at her opponent! “YOU KEEP AWAY FROM MY LITTLE DINKY!!!”

She grabs the leader and throws him back down the hallway! He lands on his hooves and prepares to engage her! She charges at him again! When she is about halfway to him, he suddenly drops his guard and tosses back his hood!

“D-Derpy?!”

Upon seeing his face, Derpy screeches to a stop! Her jaw drops in amazement!

“M-Moonlit Dusk? Is that you?! What are you doing here?!”

“Yes, tis I! My acolytes and I have come here to liberate Princess Luna from the Hero of Light's imprisonment! Please release the Night Mother to us and end this madness!”

Paladin Coco Pommel, having dealt with the acolytes, flies toward Moonlit Dusk! “GET AWAY FROM HER!”

“Coco Pommel, STOP!”

Coco Pommel ceases her attack and glares at Moonlit Dusk!

“You have three seconds to change my mood!”

Derpy positions herself between the pair. “Coco Pommel, this was all just a big misunderstanding! He thinks Arc kidnapped Princess Luna!”

“What?! But, that's crazy! Why would Arc do such a thing?! If anything, he was PROTECTING her here!”

Moonlit Dusk nods! “We thought it strange too. But our source assured us she was in danger and requested we rescue her at once! I'm very sorry about this!”

The three walk back towards the barracks. Coco Pommel's eyes return to normal as she calms down. They pass Moonlit Dusk's unconscious acolytes.

“Sorry about your guards.”

Moonlit Dusk looks at them a moment. “Oh, don't worry! They'll be all right!”

They enter the barracks where Princess Luna is still breathing heavily from expending such a large amount of energy! Coco Pommel immediately rushes over to the orphans!

“Don't worry, little ones! He's a friend of Derpy!”

The orphans appear confused as the stallion walks to Princess Luna and kneels before her.

“Night Mother, are you all right?!”

Luna nods. “Yes, but you’re part of the Nightborn are you not? Why would you attack the Hero of Light's base like this?!”

“My sincerest apologies Night Mother! We had information that the Hero of Light was holding you here against your will and was grossly mistreating you!”

She shakes her head. “That is not true! I am a guest here and have never been more hospitably treated in my life! But at the moment, I have a job for you...”

Meanwhile, back in Canterlot, Holy Dragoon Ember is using all of her strength to hold back the onslaught of rift monsters!

“I wish I was back at Light's Hope! They're probably enjoying a nice quiet morning there while eating...”

Suddenly the sun rises to mid-morning position as the monsters scream in pain and clutch their eyes!

“Well that was certainly... unexpected.”

Meanwhile… Captain Decimus’ Royal Guards reach the Audience Chamber and rush inside. The Sergeant runs up to Princess Cadance and salutes!

“Princess Cadance! The Royal Guard was unable to stop Trixie! Even now she makes her way here!”

Cadance looks worried! “Sergeant! Where is Captain Decimus?!”

“He was... caught in Trixie's initial attack on the front gates. I'm sorry ma'am, but I don't think he made it...”

Cadance nods, hope in her eyes. “Captain Decimus has survived worse! Let's focus on the here and now.”

“Yes princess! The Royal Guard and I will make our final stand outside the Audience Chamber!”

Rainbow Dash looks over at him! “What?! But you'll be slaughtered!”

“We have sworn to defend the princesses, even at the cost of our own lives! This castle will NOT fall as long as a single Royal Guard draws breath!!

“BUT...!”

Arc steps in front of Rainbow Dash and interrupts her.

“Your loyalty to the princesses and your duty is impressive, sergeant. However, I don't believe throwing more guards at Trixie will solve anything.”

Cadance sighs. “What do you suggest we do, Arc?”

Arc turns to the sergeant. “Take command of the remaining Royal Guards and head to the Gates of Canterlot. Support Ember. See to it not a single monster is allowed to harm even one citizen of Canterlot!”

The sergeant looks over to Princess Cadance. She nods soberly.

“Yes sir! But... Trixie will be here any minute! How will we get past her?! There’s only the one door!”

Arc looks up at the skylights. He aims his Hand Cannons at them and fires several shots. A section of glass shatters making a rather large hole in the ceiling.

“If life doesn't give you a door, well, let's just say sometimes you have to make one! Now go!”

The troops fly out the shattered skylight and head for the Gates of Canterlot. They quickly join Holy Dragoon Ember in repelling the monsters!

The sergeant lands hard on top of a monster as he turns to Ember. “Need a hoof?!”

Ember nods! “Thanks for the reinforcements! Let's push these guys back!”

Meanwhile, back in the Audience Chamber, Twilight looks up and sighs nervously.

“I sure hope you know what you're doing Arc! You just sent away the only other fighting force in the castle!”

“The citizens of Canterlot deserve protection too. Besides, I'm not going to throw their lives away by forcing them to fight an opponent they cannot hope to defeat!”

Applejack looks out the window. “What the hay do you suppose is up with the sun?! It's far too early in the morning for it to be that high! What do you think it means Princess?”

Cadance looks uncertain. “I don't know, but I'm sure if Luna did so she must have a good reason!”

Rarity looks nervous! ”Perhaps she is in trouble!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well, considering Trixie is here in Canterlot attacking, I would guess this is the bigger threat.”

Fluttershy cowers in fear. "Oh dear! She's coming... here!"

The doors of the Audience Chamber start to buckle under the strain of Dark Trixie's magical barrage!

Arc calls forth the Spear of Righteousness! “This is it! We make our stand here!”

Meanwhile back at the Gates of Canterlot, several dark portals open behind Ember and a number of black robed ponies emerge from them!

The sergeant calls out the alarm! “Enemy reinforcements!”

Holy Dragoon Ember turns her head to looks at the newcomers! “What the hell?! MORE?!”

She moves to engage them!

Moonlit Dusk holds his staff toward the enemy. They fall to the ground under the influence of his Gravity Magic! “Stop! We're allies!”

“Wait, what?!”

The acolytes open several other portals. Their shadow creatures come forth and engage the enemy! Templar Derpy also emerges and runs over to Ember.

“It's okay Ember. Let my friend handle this!”

Moonlit Dusk turns to Holy Dragoon Ember and Templar Derpy. "We'll hold them here! You go help Princess Cadance! Night Mother watch over you!”

The sergeant nods. “We'll hold the gates! GO!”

“Um... thanks? Good luck! Come on Derpy!”

The pair fly back to the castle and enter through the hole in the wall Dark Trixie made earlier. Holy Dragoon Ember sees Captain Decimus' helmet crushed under debris.

“I guess that takes care of one problem.”

Templar Derpy shakes her head. “What an awful way to die!”

They enter the castle's Main Hall and looks around.

“Great! Which way is the Audience Chamber?!”

Templar Derpy points a hoof down a corridor. “I think it's this way. Follow me!”

Meanwhile, back in the Audience Chamber, Arc looks at the failing door!

“That won't hold her for long! Alright Twilight, you and everyone else hide behind the pillars! When I give the signal, blast her with the Elements of Harmony!”

Twilight nods! “Okay! What's the signal?”

“How about me yelling ‘now’?”

“Got it!”

Twilight and the others quickly get into position, as Arc runs up to Princess Cadance!

“Okay, here's what I want you to do, princess!”

Arc leans in close and whispers something into Cadance's ear. She looks at him with a confused look.

“What good would that do?!”

Just trust me! Can you pull it off?!”

Cadance nods. “Yes but...!”

The doors explode inward and Trixie walks in! She looks around the room for Princess Luna!

“Too late... showtime!”

Trixie turns her attention to Arc. “Where is Princess Luna?! I need to ‘discuss’ something with her!”

Arc walks toward Trixie, cautiously. “Why are you doing this?! Luna extended MERCY to you, and this is how you repay her?!”

Trixie turns up her nose at Arc’s words. “Mercy?! HA! She would have left me to rot in some stinking cell in the middle of nowhere! The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't do ‘cells’, you know!”

Trixie's horn glows with Dark Magic as she looks at Princess Cadance.

“Well, if I can't have Princess Luna, I suppose I can amuse myself with Princess Cadance in the meantime.”

Arc holds his spear at the ready. “You'll have to get through me first!”

Trixie charges her horn. “Have it your way!”

She fires a blast of dark energy at Arc! He deflects it back at her with his spear! However, instead of hurting her, she absorbs it back into her body!

Trixie laughs! “Your little tricks won't work on me! Why don't you just step aside and let me get to work?!”

Arc glares at her. “I want to talk to Trixie!”

Trixie rolls her eyes. "Uh, I'm standing right here you simpleton!”

“Not you! I meant my friend Trixie! And you most certainly are NOT her! The Trixie I knew was much kinder than this, and repentant of her past crimes! But you... you just want to ADD to them!”

“What's wrong with that?! They did terrible things to me! I HAVE to get even!”

Arc shakes his head! “No, you're wrong! Look, whoever you are. There are more than a few ponies in Equestria who have wronged me in the past!”

“So?! Take them out you idiot! Make the world respect you! Show them all you will not be trifled with!”

“You mean make them FEAR me?! I don't WANT to be feared, nor do I NEED to be respected! All I want is to protect those I care for, and I care for Equestria!”

Trixie sighs and shakes her head. “You're such a sad, deluded little creature. What's the point of having power if you don't use it to your advantage? What is WRONG with you?!”

“What's ‘wrong’ with me is that I have friends whom I love and cherish! And for them I will fight and gladly die!

Trixie shakes her head at Arc. “I guess there's no convincing you to see reason.”

Arc moves to a battle-ready position. “I was just thinking the same thing about you.”

Her horn glowing. “Then let me do you a favor...”

Arc takes up a defensive position as he awaits her attack! She fires a barrage of Magic Missiles which curve around Arc and hurtle toward Cadance!

Cadance covers her face with a hoof, instinctively turns away and closes her eyes! “AHHHHHHH!!!”

The Magic Missiles burst prematurely!”

“What?!”

Princess Cadance opens her eyes to see a large robed pony standing in front of her protecting her with a Large Shield!

Keeping his eyes forward and the shield raised! “Are you all right, your Highness?”

Cadance nods, wide eyed! “Y-yes, thanks to you!”

Enraged, Trixie charges up for a much more powerful attack! “ARGH!!! Try blocking THIS?!”

“TWILIGHT, NOW!!!"

The Mane 6 jump out from their hiding places and use the Elements of Harmony on Trixie! They catch her by surprise! In a few moments Trixie's eyes return to normal, as the Mane 6 continue their assault.

Trixie, being held up by the power of the Elements of Harmony, slowly comes around. “Ugh... Arc!”

“Trixie? You're back to normal! Twilight keep it up!”

Arc steps forward quickly and takes hold of the Alicorn Amulet around Trixie’s neck! Try as he might, he cannot remove it!

Twilight, straining under the intensity of maintaining a Harmony Blast, turns to Arc. “She has to do it herself!”

Arc nods! “Trixie! You have to take off the Alicorn Amulet! Only you can do this!”

Trixie shakes her head. “I... I can't move! I'm sorry!”

“Can't you ease up, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No! If we do, she'll just turn back to a princess killing maniac! Arc, you have to end this! You can do it mercifully! End Trixie's suffering... quickly!”

The lieutenant shakes his head furiously! “No! There has to be another way! Trixie doesn't deserve this!”

Trixie looks up to the hooded stallion protecting Princess Cadance and smiles weakly at him.

“Thanks for warning Arc for me, my friend. Please don't forget about me...”

Trixie looks back to Arc with tears in her eyes.

“Arc, do what she says. Please... kill me and save everypony! This land will be safer without me around!”

Wordlessly, Arc pulls the Dagger of Eternal Slumber out of his ring and raises it over his head.

Trixie bows her head and closes her eyes, a look on her face of acceptance. “Thank you... my eternal... friend.”

The lieutenant screams! “NO!!!”

“Twilight, cease your attack!”

Twilight and the Mane 6 stop firing. Trixie's eyes immediately glow red again and she collapses to the floor. The mare appears disoriented from the power of the Elements of Harmony.

“What... was that?!”

Arc yells! “Princess, NOW!”

A very powerful bolt of lightning blazes forth from Princess Cadance's horn and strikes the Dagger of Eternal Slumber! Arc brings it down and touches it to Trixie's chest! Her body writhes in agony as she is electrocuted!

“That’s enough!”

Trixie's lifeless body lies on the floor! Arc quickly bends down and grabs the Alicorn Amulet! He rips it off her cloak and throws it to the side along with his helmet! Ember and Derpy run into the room!

Ember sees Trixie’s dead body lying on the floor. “Arc... I'm sorry.”

Derpy gasps! “Oh no! Trixie!”

Cadance lowers her head, sadly. “I'm sorry, Arc. But you did what needed to be done.”

Arc falls to his knees by Trixie's side and puts both hands on her chest. He pushes down hard and begins to count!

“1...2...3...4...5...”

He covers Trixie's nose and puts his mouth over hers! Breathing into the lifeless mare before resuming CPR!

“1...2...3...4...5. Come on Trixie! FIGHT! Come back to us!”

Arc again breathes into Trixie! She suddenly begins coughing uncontrollably and her eyes open! She looks up into Arc's concerned face and gives him a weak smile!

“Is it... over?”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief! “Trixie! Yes, it's over!”

He takes Trixie into a loving embrace and holds her tight!

Trixie winces. “Everything... hurts...”

Arc loosens his hold on the mare and pulls back. “I'm sorry Trixie! I...”

She leans forward and hugs Arc. “It's okay... it's a good kind of hurt!”

Trixie loses consciousness in Arc's embrace.

Arc whispers. “Rest now, my little pony.”

Cadance walks forward. “Bravo Arc! You truly are Equestria's greatest hero!”

She turns to the hooded stallion whom protected her earlier.

“I'm sorry. Thank you for saving me earlier! Tell me though... who are you?”

“I am a lieutenant of Captain Decimus. Or at least I was up until yesterday. My name is... Shining Armor.

He removes the hood, allowing his face to be seen.

“B-brother?!”

The Mane 6 gasp! “Brother?!”

Twilight runs forward to embrace him! “I've missed you so much! What have you been doing all this time?!”

“I have to tell you Twilight... it's a really long story. And it certainly wouldn't have happened if not for the Hero of Light here!”

Shining Armor salutes Arc!

“Thank you for believing me when no one else did, sir!”

Twilight turns to Arc with a smile on her face. “Thank you for helping my brother Arc! He's the most important pony in the world to me!”

“It was my pleasure Twilight. Now, how about we all head over to Light's Hope and have a victory breakfast?!”

The Mane 6 nod! “YEAH!

Templar Derpy sheepishly walks over to him. “Um Arc... that may not be the best idea.”

He looks to her, confused. “Why not?”

“Well... it's kinda a long story but... let's just say that Light's Hope is kinda... messy right now.”

“Derpy... what are you trying to tell me?! Are Princess Luna and the orphans all right?!”

“Yes, everypony is fine! Other than a few guards being hospitalized, things turned out okay!”

Arc’s eyes widen at this news! “HOSPITALIZED?!?!?!? What the hell is Flash Sentry DOING over there?!”

“Fighting an unending horde of shadow creatures.”

Ember shakes her head. “Derpy, how can you be so casual about that?!”

“Their leader is actually an old friend of mine!”

Arc appears confused. “You're friends with the leader of the shadow creatures?!”

“No, he's actually a pony.”

Ember puts a claw to her head. “I am so confused right now.”

Arc nods. “As am I. Derpy, you're not making any sense!”

Derpy smiles. “Look on the bright side! Most of Light's Hope was untouched in the attack!”

“Good! Wait a second... what do you mean MOST?!”

Derpy nods. “All I'm saying is we should probably have breakfast here instead."

Arc begins to say something, but stops. “Derpy, I... actually you know what? I'm not going to deal with this right now. At the moment, all I want to do is take Trixie to the hospital to get checked out. Then, and only then, will I allow myself to GREATLY OVERREACT TO THE POSSIBLE DESTRUCTION OF MY BASE!”

Derpy nods. “I'm glad you're taking this so well Arc!”

Chapter 7 - Surveying the Damage

Arc carries an unconscious Trixie to Canterlot Castle's Infirmary, followed by Shining Armor. Upon entering the Infirmary, they find it deserted.

Arc looks around. ”Um... hello? Anyone here?”

A doctor and several medics peek out from behind the front desk.

“Is... is it safe to come out?”

Arc nods. “Yes. The renegade unicorn has been captured and the princess is safe. Can you please take a look at my friend here though? She took quite a large jolt of electricity!

The doctor nods. “We'll take good care of her, sir!”

Arc lays Trixie on a gurney. “Thanks.”

He looks down at the unconscious mare.

“Trixie... I don't know if you can hear me or not, but you're at the hospital. They're going to make you as good as new! Now, I have a million other things to do right now, but I'll come back and see you as soon as I can!”

Arc turns to Shining Armor.

“Would you mind staying with Trixie? I need to survey the damage to the castle and see if I can find Captain Decimus.”

“Yes sir! You can count on me!”

Arc nods. “I know I can.”

He turns to leave, but looks back at Trixie being wheeled away.

“Take care, Trixie.”

Arc quickly heads to Canterlot Castle's Main Entrance! The soldiers there are desperately digging through the rubble of the entryway. Spotting the sergeant from earlies, Arc approaches him.

“Sergeant! Do we have troops under there?!”

“Yes sir! Captain Decimus himself is the only one not accounted for! He HAS to be under here somewhere!

Arc turn to the soldiers and shouts! “EVERYONE OFF THE ROCKS!”

Using has magic, Arc quickly picks up the larger chunks of wall and throws them to the side.

“Alright, back to digging troops! Just be mindful of what you’re doing!”

A short time later a cry rings out from one of the guards!

“I found something!”

Everyone rushes over to the spot! Arc himself begins removing the debris as quickly as he dares! The captain's body comes into view along with a considerable amount of blood!

Arc leans down and checks for a pulse and respiration. “...nothing...”

He removes his cape and uses it to cover Captain Decimus' mangled body. After standing there a few moments, he turns to a Royal Guards.

“You. Go to the Infirmary and tell them we need a body bag at the gate.”

The assembled Royal Guards remove their helmets respectfully as the sergeant approaches Arc.

“Sir? Is Captain Decimus really gone?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Nevertheless, we still have a job to do. Take command of the rest of your squad and go to the Gates of Canterlot. I want you to check on the Town Guard who defended it. Let's save some lives!”

Arc turns to two guards next to him.

“You two, stay with Captain Decimus' body until the medics arrive. Escort his remains to the Infirmary and then join the others at the Gates of Canterlot.”

“Yes sir!”

The sergeant and the other Royal Guards move to carry out Arc's orders!

“I sure hope everyone at Light's Hope is okay.”

Arc proceeds to open a portal to Light's Hope's Main Hall and steps through. He looks at the carnage around him a moment. Two Royal Guards are standing at attention where the front doors used to be. Others are cleaning up the rubble in an effort to make the base presentable.

He turns to a Royal Guard on cleanup detail. “Guard! Where is Flash Sentry?!”

“He’s in the Cafeteria with Princess Luna and the others, sir!”

“Thank you. Carry on!”

Arc rushes to the Cafeteria, fearful at what he might, or might not, find! Entering the Cafeteria, he spots Coco Pommel sitting near the door!

“Coco Pommel! Everyone here okay?!”

Coco Pommel nods! “Yes! The orphans and I are all unharmed! Flash Sentry sent several of the Royal Guards to Ponyville Hospital for their injuries!”

Flash Sentry runs over to Arc along with Princess Luna and salutes. His armor shows the scars of a recent battle! “Commander! Glad to see you're still in one piece!”

Luna looks to Arc, concerned! “Is Cadance all right?!”

Arc nods. “Yes! Princess Cadance is fine! However, a lot has happened since I left this morning!”

Arc looks around the room at the assembled guards and orphans resting around the room.

“So... what happened here?”

“Several guards were taken to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. I took the liberty of disabling the base's lockdown protocol so we could get them some help! I... hope that was all right.”

“Was the danger past?”

“Yes sir!”

Arc nods. “Then it was the right call to make. Good work!”

He looks over at Princess Luna.

“Princess, you and I are needed in Canterlot.”

“Of course!”

Arc looks back at Flash Sentry. “I'll be back as soon as I can. Then I’ll hear your full report.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc looks over to the orphans. “Were you scared?”

Pipsqueak shakes his head. “Nah! We had Dinky and Miss Pommel looking after us!”

Aquamarine laughs happily! “That and Miss Derpy and Miss Saffron fought too! We knew they would keep us safe!”

“Glad to hear it! I'll see you all later! Ready Princess Luna?”

“Yes. Let us be off!”

Arc opens a portal to Canterlot Castle. He and Luna step through and head toward the Audience Chamber!

“Princess Luna? Would you mind if we swung by the Infirmary? I need to check in with the doctor there.”

Luna looks to Arc, concerned! “Were you injured Arc?!”

“No, nothing like that. I just need to see how many of our troops were injured in the battle. I'm sure Princess Cadance would like details.”

“Good thinking Arc!”

The pair head to the Infirmary. It is quite a busy place to be at the moment!

“I guess the Town Guard was hit harder than I originally thought!”

Luna nods. “I will wait out here Arc. I'd just be in the way in there.”

“Suit yourself. I won't be long.”

Arc enters the Infirmary. He spots the doctor tending to the injured Town Guard Commander.

“Sorry to bother you right now doctor, but...”

The doctor continues working, not noticing who is speaking to him. “Just give me a moment... and... done. Now that leg's going to be a bit tender for a while but you're going to survive. Oh, and if the ringing in your head doesn't stop in a day or so, come back and see me.”

“Thank you doctor. I will.”

The Town Guard Commander and the doctor turn around to see Arc waiting patiently.

“Hero of Light! I'm so sorry the Town Guard was unable to stop that unicorn! Please forgive us!”

“Don't worry about it. The important thing is that you lived to fight another day.”

“Thank you sir! If you will excuse me, I must rally the Town Guard! We still have a city to protect!”

The Town Guard Commander walks slowly away. Arc turns to the doctor.

“Now I know your busy doctor. But I need some information for my report to the princesses.”

“I… think we should step into the back room to discuss this.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Lead the way.”

The doctor leads the way to the morgue, closing the door behind Arc.

“We can talk in here.”

“Tell me doctor... how many troops did we lose in the attack?”

The doctor hangs his head. “Only one. Captain Decimus was dead on arrival. There was nothing I could do. Fortunately, the Town Guard had no serious injuries. A few of them will be here for a few days, but they will all make full recoveries.”

“And what of the Royal Guards? Any losses there?”

The doctor shakes his head. “Mostly just bumps and bruises. To tell you the truth, from what I’ve heard of this battle from my patients, I’m surprised we didn't have significantly more losses!”

“The mare I brought in here earlier. What of her condition?”

“She’s sleeping soundly at the moment. There shouldn't be any lasting effects to her heart or other major organ systems. Give her a day or so of rest and she should be just fine!”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief! “Thank you doctor. I will report this to the princesses at once.”

“Sir, would you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Tell the princesses I'm... sorry, for not being able to save Captain Decimus.”

Arc puts a hand on the doctor’s shoulder. “This isn't your fault. I'm sure you would have done something if you could.”

The doctor nods and leaves the room. Arc walks over to a nearby table to pick up his cape and Captain Decimus' smashed helmet. He covers the helmet in his cape and leaves the room. Returning to the corridor, he rejoins Luna.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It's fine Arc. Shall we?”

He sighs “Yes. Let's go see Princess Cadance.”

Arc and Luna proceed to the Audience Chamber.

Luna looks around. “This place is a mess!”

“Tell me about it!”

The pair arrive at the Audience Chamber. Some of the castle support staff are busy cleaning up the broken glass. Cadance runs up to Luna!

“Luna! Sorry about the mess here!”

“Forget the mess! Are YOU all right?!”

Cadance nods! “Yes, I'm fine. At least thanks to Arc and Shining Armor.”

Luna looks puzzled. “Who?”

“He's that stallion that broke into Light's Hope early this morning. During the attack he shielded Princess Cadance from one of Trixie's more flamboyant attacks.”

Feeling a sudden draft Luna looks up at the broken skylight. Looking back at Arc, she sighs. “You had something to do with this, didn't you?”

Arc nods. “Sadly, yes. I had to make a ‘door’ for the Royal Guards to reinforce the Gates of Canterlot.”

“While I am less than pleased with your methods, I do appreciate your Honesty.”

“Sorry. Desperate times call for desperate measures though.”

Cadance nods! “Please don't blame Arc for the damage to the castle, Luna! Without his aid, I fear Trixie would have leveled all of Canterlot!”

Luna again turns to face Arc. “It would appear we are again in your debt, Arc.”

“Just doing my best to protect the innocent! But I should probably report that this victory was not without cost. The doctor in the infirmary has confirmed casualties.”

Cadance looks startled! “Oh dear! I hope nopony was too badly hurt!”

“Nothing that some medical attention won't take care of. A few guards have been admitted with more serious injuries. However, the doctor assures me that they will make full recoveries!”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “That's good to hear!”

“Yes... well... I'm sorry to say we did sustain one fatality.”

Cadance looks down, genuinely sad. “That's terrible! What was the soldier's name?!”

Arc slowly steps toward Princess Luna and allows the cape in his hand to fall, revealing Captain Decimus' smashed helmet. He respectfully hands it to her.

“I'm sorry. The doctor said he never stood a chance. He wanted me to pass on his apology for not being able to do anything for the captain.”

Luna looks down at the helmet in her hooves, dumbfounded! “This... this cannot be! Captain Decimus has been through countless skirmishes and has even fought side by side with the previous Heroes of Light! How could he fall to a single unicorn?!”

“With all due respect, this was no ordinary unicorn. Captain Decimus did his best to protect this castle and everyone in it! I ordered his body to be taken to the infirmary morgue until preparations can be made for his...”

Luna interrupts! “...don't say it!”

She appears visibly shaken at the loss of Captain Decimus!

“...what happened?”

“He was buried by several tons of the castle. I know it's not much, but from the condition of his body, I would say he didn't suffer.”

Luna is moved almost to tears. “It's... just so hard to accept that he's gone!”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Princess Luna. Believe me... I know how you feel right now.”

Luna tries to compose herself, but fails. She looks at Arc, tears of rage in her eyes.

“My sister has known him since he was a colt! And his father! And his grandfather! As violent and destructive as your kind are... what do humans know about ‘loss’ anyways?!”

Cadance is taken aback at the sudden hostility. “Luna?!”

“Princess Luna, I...”

“You wield a spear and powerful magic, Arc! Do you REALLY think that's all it takes to be a hero like Captain Decimus was?!”

Cadance looks to Luna, crossly. “Luna, that is quite enough! Arc refused to let Trixie take her vengeance out on me earlier! I would certainly call that very heroic!”

“It's all right Princess Cadance. Let Princess Luna think what she will of me.”

Arc turns to leave the Audience Chamber.

Luna stares after him, angrily. “Where are you going?! I'm not done!”

He does not look back. “I'm going to make sure the threat in town has passed. The citizens of Canterlot must be protected.”

Cadance calls out after him. “Your friends are already hunting down the last of the invading creatures. Why don't you join them?”

“Thank you Princess Cadance. I will.”

Luna continues her rant. “Good idea! Leave us behind like you did earlier! You should have been fighting at Captain Decimus' side! Then maybe he wouldn't have... have… Some ‘hero’ you are!”

Arc does not turn back, but continues on his way toward the door as Luna persists in her verbal tirade.

“GO AHEAD! WE DON'T NEED YOU ANYWAYS!”

She hears Cadance's hoofsteps approaching her quickly. The elder alicorn turns to face her.

“Cadance, I don't want to hear...!”

As Luna turns her head to face her companion, the Princess of Love slaps her across the face, hard. Luna staggers back, dazed!

“Cadance?! Have you lost your mind?!”

Luna looks to Cadance. Her face red with fury as she trembles with emotion.

"Listen to me, Luna! Captain Decimus TOLD Arc to stay here with ME! He INSISTED on defending the front gate himself! I'm sure he wanted to join the captain in battle, but... well, if Arc hadn't been here... who knows what might have happened!”

Luna steps back, surprised. “What?! But… why didn't he SAY something?!”

Cadance continues, still clearly furious. “He tried to, but you didn't give him a chance! Luna, I know you’re upset about losing a friend! But it doesn't do any good to take it out on Arc! Especially after all he’s done for Equestria... and us personally! And that racist comment about humans in generally was COMPLETELY UNCALLED FOR! Seriously! I don't know how he restrained himself from beating the living daylights out of you!”

Luna looks down at the floor. “I... I just...”

“What does Arc have to do before you will trust him?! Protect the innocent?! Oh wait! He does that damn near every day! Save Equestria from a demonic invasion?! Oh wait! He's already done that too! Rescue Aunt Celestia?! I'm sure if we knew where she was, he would be the first in line to lead a rescue mission! Stand up for what is right?! Be imprisoned for crimes he didn't commit?! Leave behind everyone he's ever known or cared about?! Defend the weak?! Make Equestria his permanent home?! Dedicate his life to defending this land?! Liberate an orphanage of chronically abused foals AND their caretaker?! Establish diplomatic ties with the Dragon Lands... a tribe of ogres... maybe even the HYDRA for Celestia's sake?!

Luna can only stare at the floor guiltily as Cadance screams! Her face inches from Luna's.

“SERIOUSLY! WHAT DOES HE HAVE TO DO?!”

Luna sighs. Unable to look Cadance in the eye. “I'm sorry. I really messed up this time, didn't I?”

Cadance walks past Luna toward the doorway, angrily! “Don't tell me... tell Arc!”

Meanwhile, Arc heads toward town and quickly finds Derpy, Ember, Moonlit Dusk and the Mane 6. They are talking with the Town Guard Commander.

“Is everything all right now?”

“Yes sir! With the help of these volunteers, Canterlot is now completely secure again!”

Arc nods. “Any civilians hurt?”

Derpy shakes her head. “It doesn't appear so, no. Captain Decimus had the right idea ordering the streets to be cleared.”

“Good. Commander, does the Town Guard have the numbers to continue their duties?”

The commander nods. “We do, sir. Most of our guards were largely unharmed, thanks to Miss Ember here!”

Ember nods. “Think nothing of it. I was glad to help!”

The commander looks to Arc.

“If you will excuse me sir, I must get back to my duties.”

Arc nods. “Very well. And good job out there today.”

He salutes and walks away. Arc looks to the hooded figure standing before him.

“And who might you be? Another brave volunteer perhaps?”

Derpy looks to Arc, nervously. “This is my... uh... friend… Moonlit Dusk.”

Arc's appears flabbergasted. "WHAT?!"

Moonlit Dusk pushes back his hood and looks at Arc. “Hello sir! It is quite a pleasure to meet you!”

Moonlit Dusk extends a hoof. Arc looks at if a moment before shaking it. Arc clutches Moonlit Dusk's hoof much tighter than he expects.

“Nice to... finally meet you.”

Moonlit Dusk grimaces in pain. “The... pleasure is all mine!”

Rainbow Dash flies over. “Woah, Arc! Ease up on the poor guy!”

Arc releases Moonlit Dusk's hoof. “Sorry about that. I guess I don't know my own strength.”

Twilight looks to him, concerned. “Arc, is something wrong? You don't seem like yourself.”

Pinkie bounces around, happily. “I'm sure he's just hungry! I'm the same way when I miss a meal!”

Derpy smiles up at Arc. “Why don't we head back to the castle for breakfast then, Arc?”

He sighs. “We should probably go back to Light's Hope for that, Derpy. Princess Luna is... let's just say, less than pleased with me at the moment.”

Rarity appears horrified! “What?! After all you did to protect Princess Cadance, I would think she would want to pin a medal on your lapel!”

“She… blames me for the death of Captain Decimus.”

Applejack frowns! “How the hay does she figure that?!”

“I think she’s just in mourning. However, she made it very clear that she doesn't want me around at the moment.”

Twilight walks over to Arc and looks up to him apologetically. “I'm sorry about Princess Luna's behavior. There really is no excuse for it, especially after all you've been through!”

Fluttershy’s eyes are wide with concern! “You don't think she would... um... fire you, do you Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “She was certainly upset enough to when I left her.”

Derpy appears nervous. “Doesn't that worry you, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not in the least. While I won't have Light's Hope or my squad, that doesn't mean I'm just going to stop doing my part!”

Ember nods. “What would you do for a job then?!”

Arc shrugs. “Oh, I’d most likely go back to my old job of being a Problem Solver, or a Bounty Hunter as Cherry put it.”

“Equestria could always use another mercenary! You're definitely strong enough to qualify!

“And whom do these ‘mercenaries’ answer to?”

“Usually to the prin... uh... on second thought, scratch that idea!”

Moonlit Dusk turns to walks away. “Well, I should probably get back to the Nightborn Citadel. The daylight doesn't really suit me anyways. It was good to see you again Derpy!”

Arc steps forward! “Oh no you don't! You and I still have quite a bit to talk about!”

“Thank you for the offer, but I really have quite a few things to take care of back at...”

Arc narrows his eyes and responds in a very serious tone! “It wasn't a request!”

Rarity steps back! “Oh my!”

Fluttershy hides behind Rainbow Dash! “EEP!!!”

Even Pinkie is caught off guard! “You're... kinda scary when you make that voice Arc!”

Derpy runs to stand between the pair! “Arc, please! Don't be mad at Moonlit Dusk for attacking Light's Hope! It was all just a big misunderstanding!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide! “Moonlit Dusk ATTACKED Light's Hope?! Like it or not... you're coming with me!”

Derpy looks away. “Oops…”

Ember shakes her head as she looks at Derpy. “You've REALLY done it now!”

She looks to Arc with a pleading look in her eyes! “He thought Princess Luna was being imprisoned there! Please don't hurt him!”

Arc nods and looks at Moonlit Dusk, angrily! “For Derpy's sake, I'll do my best to listen to your explanation with an open mind.”

Ember puts a claw on Arc’s shoulder. “Don't overreact now Arc... that's my job!”

Arc turns away from Moonlit Dusk. “We will discuss this further after a good meal.”

He looks to the others.

“Although it may not be the most joyous of meals, all of you are welcome to join us.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Thank you, but I think we need to go have a talk with the princesses about a few things.”

The rest of the Mane 6 nod in agreement.

“Suit yourselves. Just don't get in trouble for my sake.”

Moonlit Dusk turns to his acolytes.

“Return to the Nightborn Citadel and report on what has happened. I will rejoin you as soon as I can.”

The acolytes nod silently as they open a portal and are gone. Arc opens a portal to Light's Hope, Moonlit Dusk, Ember, Derpy, and Arc enter the portal. The Mane 6 turn and walk down a side street. As they vacate the spot, a figure runs toward them from a distance! However, no one notices.

Luna pants as she reaches the spot. “I... just missed them! Oh Arc! How could I have said such terrible things to you?!

She concentrates all her magical energy! The world around her fades away to nothingness as Luna is surrounded by darkness on all sides. She lies down on the ‘ground' and sadly buries her head in her hooves!

“This is where monsters like me belong anyway! Alone…”

Meanwhile… Arc, Derpy, Ember, and Moonlit Dusk appear on the sigil in Light's Hope's Main Hall. Arc looks at the ruined front doors then back to Moonlit Dusk.

“I suppose I have you to thank for this!?”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Yes. You see...”

Arc interrupts! “I don't want to hear it! You owe me a new door!”

The party walks down the corridor toward the cafeteria. As they pass the barracks, Arc sees the doors have been all but destroyed!

“Make that two doors!”

The group arrives at the Cafeteria. It is deserted! Ember looks out a window at the foals playing in the field behind the base.

“Looks like the orphans are taking the attack well.”

Derpy nods. “Yes. They were very brave!”

All assembled take a plate of food and sit down at a large table together.

Arc begins to eat. He looks over to Moonlit Dusk. “Alright. Improve my mood!”

“Huh?”

Ember shakes her head. “Arc wants you to explain yourself.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Alright. Where should I begin?”

“At the beginning.”

“Yes, well... the powers that be at the Nightborn Citadel received word that Princess Luna had been kidnapped and was a being held hostage here at your base. My acolytes and I were immediately dispatched to investigate these claims.”

Ember looks at Moonlit Dusk, angrily! “Who told them that?!”

“I'm not sure. My superiors did not elaborate on the source of their information. In any case, upon our arrival, we found the base under a high security alert! I thought the reasoning was to inhibit a rescue attempt from Canterlot!”

Derpy nods. “I can understand that.”

“I immediately ordered my acolytes to begin summoning shadow creatures to bring down the base and its defenders! On a bit of a personal note, your guards put up significantly more resistance than we thought they would!”

Ember clenches her fists, angrily! “Try attacking next time Arc and I are here! We'll show you ‘resistance’!”

“Yes, well... my apologies for the... misunderstanding.”

Ember stands up, suddenly furious! “MISUNDERSTANDING?! You terrorized a room full of innocent foals, and you say it was a ‘misunderstanding’?!”

Ember turns to Arc.

“I say we let him rot in a cell back at Canterlot Castle!”

Derpy shakes her head, frightened at the idea! “Please Arc! Be merciful!”

Ember looks to Derpy. “Look Derpy. I like you and all, but sometimes you are just TOO nice! Attacking a military base has GOT to be a pretty serious offense!”

Arc sighs. “Moonlit Dusk... I don't think you realize just how lucky you are.”

“I'm sorry, but I don't quite follow.”

“Part of me believes your story. The more rational part of me thinks the first part is an idiot!

Ember folds her arms over her chest, angrily! “Well, both parts of me think he's full of it!”

Derpy looks to Arc uneasily! “What... what are you going to do, Arc?”

“I think I’ll side with Derpy and extend mercy for what was most likely a glitch in communication... or something...”

Derpy’s face lights up! “Thank you, Arc!”

Arc looks over at Moonlit Dusk. “Don't make me regret this.”

“I won't! Thank you!”

The cafeteria side door opens and Dinky runs inside for a snack! She spots her mother at the table and trots over!

“Mom! Dad! You're back!”

Derpy smiles at her daughter. “Yes dear. But right now, there’s somepony I want you to meet.”

She walks over to Moonlit Dusk with Dinky.

“Dinky, I would like you to meet Moonlit Dusk. Your biological father.”

Dinky looks over at him, nervous and confused. “Um... hi?”

Derpy turns back to Moonlit Dusk. “This is Dinky... our daughter.”

Moonlit Dusk appears quite shaken!

“I... she...”

Derpy looks confused. “Moonlit Dusk? Is something wrong? I thought you would be happy to finally meet your...”

He interrupts, mumbling. “She... she...”

“What was that? I couldn't quite hear you.”

Moonlit Dusk looks straight at Derpy! “She isn't my daughter!”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide, astonished at what she has heard! “WHAT?! She most certainly is! The resemblance is uncanny!”

Moonlit Dusk shakes his head, coldly. “No Derpy. She's YOUR daughter, not mine!”

He looks over to the shaken Dinky.

“Trust me kid, you’re not mine! Besides... you're better off without me around anyways.”

Dinky hangs her head and begins to cry softly.

Derpy puts her hooves around Dinky as she looks up at Moonlit Dusk, angrily! “How could you say such things to our little filly?!”

Arc rises from his chair so fast he knocks it over! “I've heard just about enough from you for one lifetime, Moonlit Dusk! Be a real stallion and take responsibility for your actions!”

Dinky lets go of her mother and walks over to Arc, sadly. “It... It's okay. Moonlit Dusk isn't really my father.”

Moonlit Dusk smiles! “Glad you at least see reason.”

Dinky tugs at her father’s pant leg. He kneels down as she throws her hooves around his neck! “My REAL dad is right here!”

Arc closes his eyes and smiles as the pair embrace! “And I will always be here for you, sweetheart!”

He looks over to Moonlit Dusk. A boundless and terrible rage fills his eyes as he stands and looks to the stallion before him!

“Now then, Moonlit Dusk... I'm going to give you to the count of ten… to get your worthless carcass out of my base before I do something that YOU will regret!!!”

Moonlit Dusk backs slowly towards the door as Arc begins to count!

“1...2... 10!”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and opens a portal! He then uses his magic to grab Moonlit Dusk by the front of his robe and pull him to within only a few inches of his face!

“I hope we NEVER meet again... scum.”

He then throws Moonlit Dusk through the portal before closing it!

Arc recalls his armor before turning to face his daughter. “Dinky, I'm sorry you had to go through that!”

Dinky smiles up at him! “It's okay. I don't really know who that was, but he's no father of mine! You are, dad!”

Arc nods and smiles before turning to Derpy. “Derpy, I...”

Derpy just lies on the floor facing away from the others quietly crying. Arc walks over to Derpy and sits next to her on the floor. He gently strokes her mane.

“Derpy. I'm right here.”

Derpy does not look up as she talks through her tears! “Arc, I... I really did love Moonlit Dusk! At least I thought I did! And I thought he loved me too! How could he say such terrible things to our daughter like that though?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Because he didn't really love either of you. All he wanted was a bed warmer! Someone who would share their life with him... be with him... love him even! But he didn't understand that love is a two-way street. For that reason, he will be eternally alone. It's really quite pathetic.”

Derpy looks up at him as the tears continue to flow! “But, what do I do now?! The only thing that kept me going was the knowledge that he was still out there somewhere! I had hoped he would want to be a part of Dinky's life when he met her! I don't understand why you waste your time and energy on me! I'm just a weak and naive little FOOL!”

“Derpy, I'm here with you and Dinky because I love you both very much! The time I have spent in Equestria with you, Dinky, Twilight, Ember, all the ponies really... it's been the best time of my life! Don't say such horrible things about yourself like that! I didn't father Dinky with you, but I'm willing to pick up where Moonlit Dusk left off and be her daddy! I too was hoping he would stick around and get to know his daughter but... I think it's probably in Dinky's best interest that he didn’t.

Dinky walks over to Derpy and puts a hoof on her mother's head.

“It's okay mom. I'm fine with things just the way they are! You've always been there for me, just like a mother should be!”

Dinky turns to Arc and smiles!

“And you’ve always looked out for me since… before I was even born! You're the best dad ever!

The three embrace as a family. Derpy seems to be perking up. She looks up at them with tears of joy in her eyes!

“Thank you... both of you. I love the two of you oh so much!”

Ember looks down sadly. “I wish I had a family like this...”

Arc reaches out a hand toward her. “Ember... join ours.”

Ember walks forward and joins the little family in a group hug on the floor. They sit there hugging for what seems like forever! Eventually Derpy looks up.

“Wait! What exactly happened to Moonlit Dusk?”

Arc smiles wickedly! “Oh, I just sent him somewhere he could meet others with... similar personalities.”

Meanwhile, back at Canterlot Castle, Twilight and her friends arrive at the princess' Audience Chamber. Cadance is sitting in her normal place, alone.

“Cadance, the threat to Canterlot has been dealt with!”

Cadance nods at her friend, sadly. “Thank you, Twilight.”

“We... we heard what happened between Arc and Luna. I don't understand! How could she treat him that way after all he's done?!”

Cadance sighs. “She was so upset by the news of Captain Decimus' passing that she just lashed out at the closest individual at hoof. Sadly, that was Arc at the time...”

Applejack frowns! “Well that don't make it right!”

Rainbow Dash nods angrily! “I agree with Applejack! Arc deserves a medal for all his hard work! Not abuse!”

Rarity turns up her nose. “Agreed! Such behavior is very unladylike. Especially for a princess!”

Fluttershy looks around shyly. “Um... I think Arc deserves better than that as well.”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “It sounds to me like she was just being a big meanie!”

Twilight looks around the Audience Chamber. “Where is Princess Luna anyways? Shouldn't she be here right now?”

Cadance looking down at her hooves. “To tell you the truth, I don't really know. It's okay though. In her current mental state, she wouldn't be able to carry out her royal duties anyway. I can only hope that wherever she went, she will use this time to clear her mind and think about what she has done!”

Twilight nods. “Would you like some help? I can stay here and lend a hoof. At least until Princess Luna returns.”

Cadance sighs. “You mean IF she returns. I said quite a few terrible things to her myself. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if neither her nor Arc ever returned!”

Applejack stomps her hoof. “Balderdash! I know Arc! He wouldn't abandon Equestria just because of something Princess Luna said to him!”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. "Yeah! I bet he's hard at work right now thinking of new ways to protect everypony!”

Luna grimaces. “That's right! If Arc could forgive me for banishing him to Tartarus, he can surely find it in his heart to forgive words spoken out of anger!”

Twilight walks up to Cadance and hugs her.

“You should have more faith in Equestria's Hero of Light, as well as Princess Celestia's little sister.”

Cadance hugs Twilight back. She closes her eyes happily! “Thank you, all of you! I know I should have faith, but...”

She pulls back and looks afraid.

“…but what if Luna DOESN'T come back! I can't run Equestria by myself!”

Twilight smiles! “Then I’ll stay by your side until she does!”

Applejack nods! “We'll all lend a hoof! Won't we girls!”

Rainbow Dash flies around the room happily! “Yeah! We're here for you princess!”

Meanwhile, Moonlit Dusk flies out the other side of the portal and land on the floor, face first! He rises and dusts himself off.

“Crazy human... I wonder where I am.”

He looks around, seeing a small, well-kept house.

“Hello? Is anypony here?”

There is no response to his call.

“Nopony here? Well, I guess I had best go outside and see where I am.”

Moonlit Dusk walks to the front door and slowly opens it. Peeking outside, he sees dragons walking up and down the street! He quickly closes the door! Breathing heavily, his back to the door, he mutters to himself!

“The... the Dragon Lands?! Damn you Arc!!!”

Chapter 8 - Little Hooves and Consequences

Ember looks to Arc as they stand up. “I admit, it does feel good to be part of a real family!”

Arc nods and smiles at her. “Stick with us and you'll never be alone again, Ember.”

“Thanks... all of you!”

Derpy looks up at Arc. “So... what are you going to do now Arc? With Captain Decimus gone there's no reason for you to continue your investigation.”

Arc sighs. “No... I suppose there isn't. To tell you the truth I hadn't really thought about my next step after concluding the investigation. It was supposed to take a LOT longer!”

He shakes his head, unfulfilled.

“While I’m glad we won’t be having any more trouble from him, that isn’t how I wanted things to end!”

Raven enters the Cafeteria with Hard Hat. The pair quickly make their way over to Arc.

“Commander. Hard Hat is here to report to you on his progress.”

“Thank you, Raven.”

She nods happily and returns to her desk.

“Good to see you again, Hard Hat! How are things going on the project?”

“I’ve completed the job you gave me. Here’s the key to the building.”

Hard Hat pulls a key out of his tool belt and gives it to Arc.

“However, it looks like this place is in need of some work too! Don't you worry! My boys and I will get this place fixed up as soon as possible!”

“Great! Uh... what about Canterlot Castle though?”

Hard Hat looks at him, confused. “What about it?”

“Aren't you needed there right now?”

“Not that I know of sir. Why? Are the princesses finally ready to have me build that sauna they’ve been talking about for years?”

Ember turns to Hard Hat. “You haven't heard about the attack on Canterlot yet?!”

“Canterlot was ATTACKED?! WHEN?!”

Derpy nods. “This morning. It happened about the same time Light's Hope was under siege!”

Arc grimaces. “The drawbridge and a large chunk of wall were utterly destroyed! Captain Decimus himself was killed defending the castle.”

“The attacking force must have been quite powerful for as great a warrior as Captain Decimus to fall to their might! I don't know why I wasn't notified that my services were needed though!”

“Well, the princesses are taking the death of the Captain very hard. I guess repairs aren't exactly at the top of their to-do list right now.”

Hard Hat removes his hard hat and placing it over his heart. “I understand. Captain Decimus has been a close adviser and confidant to the princesses for as long as anypony can remember. He was more than just their protector... he was their friend.”

Arc looks away. “You should probably get over there right away and see what you can do to make the castle presentable again.”

“But Arc! What about Light's Hope?!”

“It can wait, Ember. Canterlot Castle should be repaired first.”

Hard Hat nods. “Don't worry sir! We can do both! I've already got a couple of my boys working on fixing up this place! I'll head over to Canterlot and look over what needs to be done! If you'll excuse me, I better get over there right away!”

Arc turns back quickly! “Oh! And have a couple of your boys replace the Blacksmith's Shop's front door!

Hard Hat nods! “Certainly! Uh... do you happen to know the address?”

“It will be the shop missing a door... and probably a door jamb as well. Possibly ever part of the wall around it.”

Hard Hat’s eyes grow wide! “Wow...”

“I was in a hurry! Official Hero of Light business and all.”

“Don't worry sir! I'll see to it.”

Hard Hat turns to leave.

“Uh, Hard Hat?”

Hard Hat turns around. “Yes?”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and opens a portal.

“This portal leads to my room in Canterlot Castle. It will save you hours in transit time!”

“Thanks! That's handy! Well, I hope to see you again sir! Bye now!”

Hard Hat walks through the portal. Arc closes it behind him and returns his armor to the ring. He looks at the key in his hand, smiling!

“It's finally ready!”

Derpy looks at Arc, confused. “What's ready?”

“I told Hard Hat to build something... special just down the road.”

Dinky looks are her father excitedly! “What is it?!”

Ember looks at him, hope in her eyes! “Is it finally a house of your own?! You really should have a place to call home!”

She leans in close to Arc and whispers in his ear.

“We could finally have some alone time again... just like back in Tartarus.”

Arc shakes his head. “Seriously, we never even DID anything like what you’re thinking back then! You really don't know when to give up, do you?!”

"Hey! I learned that from you!”

“Yet again... what have I gotten myself into.”

Arc looks over to Dinky.

“Sweetheart, would you please get all the orphans and Coco Pommel and bring them here?”

“Uh, okay.”

Dinky leaves the Cafeteria.

Ember frowns. “I don't get it Arc! What's this all about?”

“Patience. All will be revealed in good time, my dear Ember!”

A short time later Dinky returns to the cafeteria along with the orphans and Coco Pommel.

“Arc? Dinky said you wanted to see us about something.”

Arc nods happily! “That I did, Coco Pommel! I have a bit of a surprise for you all.”

Aquamarine looks excited! “Oh? What is it?!”

Pipsqueak hops up and down! “I love surprises!”

Arc laughs! “All of you follow me! We're going on a field trip!”

The orphans, Coco Pommel, Derpy, Dinky, and Ember follow Arc out the Cafeteria side door. He leads them around the building to the path leading to Ponyville.

“Mr. Arc, I'm confused. Where exactly are we going?”

“You'll see very soon, Pipsqueak.”

A few minutes later the party arrives in front of a rather large two-story building. Aquamarine looks at it with the others from the path.

“I don't remember passing this building the last time you took us to Ponyville, Mr. Arc.”

Arc nods. “That's because it wasn't here then. It was just completed recently! Very recently, actually.”

Pipsqueak looks at the building in amazement! “It looks very nice! Is it a new school?”

“You're close. This is the new Little Hooves Orphanage!”

Aquamarine looks over excitedly! “You mean... this is for US?!”

“Yes. You little one's will be living here from now on!”

Arc walks toward the front door and unlocks it. Opening the doors wide he turning to the orphans. “Go ahead, step inside!”

The orphans excitedly dash inside the Main Hall! Coco Pommel looks to Arc as they run past the pair into the building.

“This new facility certainly looks lovely, Arc! Did you have anything to do with it being built here?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I didn't want you and the orphans to have to return to Vanhoover and be reminded of all that has happened.”

Coco Pommel smiles! “Thank you. That is very Kind of you, Arc!”

Arc gestured inside. “Shall we?”

Ember, Derpy, Dinky and Coco Pommel all nod and head inside.

Coco Pommel’s eyes light up! “This is beautiful!”

Derpy nods in agreement! “It really is very inviting!”

“Hard Hat certainly followed my plans to the letter!”

Dinky looks over at Arc. “Dad? Did you design this building yourself?!”

Arc smiles and nods! “Yes, I did! Hard Hat helped me in drawing it up though, so I can't really take all the credit!”

“From what I’ve seen so far, you did a wonderful job, Arc!”

“Thank you Derpy. But you haven't seen the rest of the building!”

The orphans look to Arc for direction.

“Would everyone like a tour?”

The orphans reply as one! YEAH!

“Follow me!”

Everyone follows Arc to a large double door just off the Main Hall. He swings them open wide to reveal a large room with many small tables and chairs and a large, long table on the other end of the room.

“This is the Lunch Room.”

Pipsqueak looks around, happily! “You mean we don't have to eat in the dormitory anymore?!”

Arc shakes his head, happily! “No. Just like at Light's Hope, you will eat at tables and chairs with dignity!”

He walks across the room to the long table.

“The food will be served from here. Similar to my base you will walk past here, get your food, and sit down at a table.”

Arc walks a few paces over to another door. He opens it and everyone walks inside. There are several refrigerators inside along with a large stove and ample counter space.

“This is the kitchen. Plenty of space for food preparation for growing foals! I asked Saffron to put a few meals worth of food in the refrigerators. It should keep you little ones fed until I can send some of my Royal Guards to the market to stock it properly.”

Derpy looks around, amazed! “Why, a pony could feed an army in here!”

Ember laughs! “Considering how much they eat, the cook here may have to!”

Arc walks toward the door in which they entered. “Come now! There is still much to see!”

He leads everyone back to the Main Hall and opens another door. Inside the orphans see a number of student desks lined up in rows, with a large teacher desk at the front of the room. Behind the teacher's desk is a large blackboard.

“This is the classroom. I insisted on continuing your education here, little ones. I've inspected Ponyville School, and it appears it’s not capable of taking on another twenty-three pupils! In fact, the powers that be were considering building a newer and larger building anyway! When I informed the school board of my plans to build a new Orphanage here, they suggested that Ponyville School and The Little Hooves Orphanage should be one and the same!”

Ember nods! “Two birds, one stone. I like it!”

Derpy smiles! “It will be good for the orphans to meet other foals!”

Dinky turns to her friends! “This’ll be great! When school starts, we can see each other every day!”

Coco Pommel looks nervous! “Is the teacher okay with this arrangement?”

“To tell you the truth, the teacher of Ponyville School retired at the end of last year. Canterlot is sending a replacement to take over. I've already spoken to her on the phone and explained the situation. She says she’s looking forward to seeing the new facility and meeting the orphans with the new matron.

Coco Pommel suddenly looks even more nervous! “Arc, who IS the orphanage's matron anyways?! Forgive me, but after Matron Tempest, I worry about these little one's having to go through something like that again!”

The orphans appear uneasy as well!

“Don't worry, Coco Pommel. I've personally vetted her, and she's here now. Everyone can meet her at the end of the tour in her office!”

Coco Pommel looks sheepishly to Arc. “Do... do you think she's looking for an assistant?”

“You can ask her yourself later Coco Pommel. Don't worry! I've already vouched for you.

She looks to him relieved! “Thanks! That makes me feel much better!”

“The only other thing I’d like to point out is the teacher will be living here as well.”

Arc points to a door to the right of the teacher's desk.

“Now, they won't actually be employed by the orphanage, as they’re part of the education system. Canterlot has however approved of them having private quarters on-site.”

Coco Pommel nods, approvingly! “Wow! The logistics of getting this place up and running has my head spinning. The matron must be quite the pony to handle all of this!”

Arc heads back to the door. “One more room to see on the first floor. This way everyone!”

He leads the group to another room just off the Main Hall. Arc opens the door. Everyone steps inside a rather small room with only a few beds. A couple cabinets containing medical supplies are on one side of the room. On the other is a small door.

Coco Pommel looks around before turning to Arc. “I'm sure you know what you're doing but... shouldn't there be more beds?”

Arc chuckles. “The dormitory is upstairs, Coco Pommel. This is the infirmary. Anyone who’s sick can sleep here without infecting the other orphans.

Derpy nods approvingly! “Good thinking, Arc!”

Dinky laughs! “Your base needs an infirmary too, dad!”

Ember nods! “Dinky’s right, Arc! We really could use medical facilities of some kind!”

Arc rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Not a bad idea. I'll have to run it by Hard Hat one of these days.”

Pipsqueak points a hoof at the door on the other side of the room. “What's in there?”

Arc turns his head and points. “Oh that? Just a private bathroom. A couple toilets and a few showers. Nothing too interesting though. Now... are you all ready to see the upstairs?”

The orphans smile! “YEAH!”

Arc leads the orphans back to the Main Hall stairs.

Aquamarine points her hoof at another door. “What's through that door, Mr. Arc?”

“That's just the door to the backyard. We'll take a look at it later.”

Arc and company head up to the second story. There is a long hallway with several doors on either side of it. Arc walks up to the first door on the left. He opens it and they all enter. Several rows of beds line the room. The room is painted sky blue and is bordered by rainbows and smiley faces along the perimeter!

“Now this is the dormitory. Each foal will have a bed and a small cabinet that will be theirs to do with as they please.”

The orphans run over to the beds and jump on them, happily! Aquamarine lies down!

“They're so soft!”

Pipsqueak laughs! “Quite the change from the old mattresses in Vanhoover!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “I hate to admit it, but I don't think those mattresses had EVER been changed! They were so lumpy and ragged!”

Arc nods! “Of course, they’re all brand new! Canterlot spared no expense in the building of this facility!”

He points to a large open doorway.

“Through there is a bathroom with a half dozen sinks, toilets and showers. I didn't want anyone to have to wait in line needlessly.”

Pipsqueak smiles happily! “That should be quite helpful! Some of the older fillies seem to take FOREVER brushing their manes!”

Aquamarine turns red! “Squee!”

“I'll see to it the toys from Light's Hope are brought over. Although you may not want them after what I show you next.”

Arc beckons the foals to follow him down the hallway. He walks toward a large doorway. Inside is a large Playroom stocked with an assortment of toys and games for all ages and interests!

“Pinkie Pie certainly didn't let me down! Who knew all I had to do was give her a large bag of bits and she would solve this little problem for me! This room is for days when playing outside just isn't an option!”

The foals run forward to explore their new Playroom!

Pipsqueak picks up a stuffed animal and holds it tightly! “This is amazing! Mr. Arc, is this all really for us?!”

Arc smiles and nods! “It is! I'm sure all of you will have many happy hours in this room!”

Dinky looks around, awestruck! “Wow! This really is impressive! I wouldn't mind coming by here for playtime!”

Coco Pommel looks around nervously. “I think you’re right, Arc! But, what of the Matron? Should we not see her?”

“Our very next stop. This way.”

Arc returns to the hallway and walks to the end of it. He stops in front of a door marked “Matron's Office”.

Derpy stops and looks down the hall. “Wait a minute, Arc. What's in that room?”

She points a hoof at a door across from the Matron's Office.

“Oh, that room is for future expansion. At the moment it's just for storage. However, if an extra room was needed for some future project, it could be converted into whatever is needed!”

Dinky nods and puts a small hoof to her chin. “I guess that makes sense.”

Arc turns to the nervous foals and an equally nervous Coco Pommel. "Now then… are all of you ready to meet your new matron?"

Pipsqueak nods nervously. “As ready as we'll ever be.”

Aquamarine trembles slightly. “Can we just get this over with?”

Arc nods and reaches for the doorknob. “Very well.”

He opens the door and everyone enters the Matron's Office. The revolving chair is facing away from the door looking out the sliding door overlooking the patio. A figure sits in it staring out the window. Coco Pommel walks toward the desk, cautiously.

“H-hello? Matron? The orphans are here to meet you.”

The figure in the chair does not move.

Ember looks to Arc. “What's going on?”

Dinky steps behind her father. “This is... kinda creepy!”

Arc frowns. “This wasn't supposed to be part of the tour. Something is wrong here.”

Arc reaches a hand forward and uses his magic to turn the chair to face them. Sitting in it is a figure wearing a simple black and white robe. It does not move. He cautiously walks toward it.

“What in the world...?”

Derpy wraps her hooves around Dinky. “Be careful, Arc!”

Arc reaches across the desk and slowly reaches forward to pull back the hood. The foals cower on the floor in fear. Suddenly Arc throws his head back and laughs hysterically.

“Oh, that Pinkie Pie! I don't know how she pulled this one off! And on such short notice too!”

Coco Pommel and the orphans are visibly confused. Dinky is the first to be able to speak.

“Dad? Are you okay?”

Arc turns back to the other, still chuckling. “Sorry about that! It's just so... awesome!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What is?”

He steps aside. “Take a look!”

All assembled look to the robed figure! Sitting in the matron's chair is a life-sized plushie of Coco Pommel! The black and white robe she wears is also accurate.

Pipsqueak smiles broadly! “Miss Pommel! It's you!”

Aquamarine giggles. “The likeness really is impressive!”

All the orphans look at the stuffed Coco Pommel doll and smile.

Coco Pommel chuckles nervously as she turns to Arc. “Well now... all joking aside, where IS the Matron? I thought she was supposed to be here.”

He picks something up off the desk and walks to Coco Pommel. Kneeling down in front of her, Arc hands her the item from the desk.

“She is here, Coco Pommel.”

Coco Pommel looks at the item in her hooves. It is a desk nameplate which reads... “Miss Coco Pommel – Matron”. She stares at is for some time, wide-eyed!

“W-what?! You mean... you want ME?”

Arc nods! “Yes, Coco Pommel. I can think of no one more qualified or trustworthy to put in this position. I guess the only question now is... do you accept?”

Coco Pommel looks behind her to a sea of smiling foal's looking at her and nodding feverishly! She turns back to Arc with tears of joy in her eyes! “Yes! I would be honored to be the matron of these sweet little angels!”

She drops the nameplate on the floor and wraps her front hooves around Arc's neck happily!

“Thank you so very much! I never dreamed I would be given such an honor!”

Arc returns the embrace. “I'm sure you'll do just fine. Won't she?

“YEAH!”

The orphans run up to Coco Pommel and Arc. They join in the embrace! Soon Dinky and Derpy join them as well!

Dinky turns to Ember. “Come join us, Miss Ember!”

Ember cautiously does so as she looks to Arc, happily! “Arc, your family is getting quite large!”

He nods. “You can never have too many to love!”

After a short time Pipsqueak speaks up.

“Mr. Arc?”

“Yes, Pipsqueak?”

“Can we see the backyard now?”

“In a minute. There’s still something I would like to see.”

Ember looks confused. “What's that?”

Arc walks over to the desk chair and removes the Coco Pommel plushie before turning to the new matron.

“I would like to see Matron Coco Pommel in her new chair first!”

“Well, okay.”

Coco Pommel slowly walks forward and climbs into her office chair. She looks over the desk at the beaming faces of the orphans!

Aquamarine giggles! “How does it feel, Miss Pommel?!”

“Well, to tell you the truth, it's a little... scary.”

Dinky looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well… all these little faces looking up at me now. All of you are counting on me to take care of you and find you homes! I... don't really know if I'm up to the task!”

Derpy smiles at her! “You can do it, Coco Pommel! Dinky and I have faith in you!”

“My mom’s right!”

Pipsqueak hops up and down happily! “You're the best, Miss Pommel!”

Aquamarine puts a hoof to her chin, thoughtfully. “Or, should we be calling you Matron Pommel? Matron Miss Pommel? Miss Matron Pommel?”

Coco Pommel smiles warmly at Aquamarine. “Just keep calling me Miss Pommel. Nothing really needs to change! I'll still do my best to watch over all of you!”

Arc nods! “Well, now that's the name and title situation has been settled, there is one other matter I need to make you aware of Coco Pommel. You're first order of business as matron. Are you ready?”

Coco Pommel nods, nervously! “As ready as I'll ever be. What is it?”

“Well, I had Raven do some checking into the regulations regarding the orphanage. It appears for every dozen orphans, you’re allowed one employee. Now I suggest an Assistant, however the final choice is yours to make.”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof to her chin. “I agree, Arc. An Assistant Matron would be very helpful in running such a large facility! Do I contact Canterlot and request somepony?”

“You could do that. Or if there is someone you would like as your assistant, you can also hire them directly.”

Derpy walks toward Coco Pommel at her desk. “Um... Coco Pommel? I know we haven't known each other for very long but... um... I... can I be your assistant?”

Dinky looks to her mother, surprised! “Mom? Are you sure about this?”

Derpy nods soberly! “Yes. I was never able to find a job in Ponyville before, as I was always too afraid of others. The fact I didn't have much education to speak of didn't help either! Miss Pommel... I... I'm not a smart mare... but I KNOW what love is! If you’ll hire me, I will help you show theses little ones the love they deserve!”

Coco Pommel glances over to Arc. He nods. She turns to the orphans.

“What do the rest of you think?”

Pipsqueak grins widely! “Miss Derpy has always been a loving mother to Dinky! I for one would love to have her around!”

Aquamarine nods happily! “Yeah! She actually reminds me a lot of you, Miss Pommel! So nice and caring!”

Dinky looks across the desk. “Miss Pommel? My mom has always been there for me when I needed her. I'm sure she would do the same for the others if you gave her a chance.”

The others nod their heads in agreement.

“Very well then Miss Derpy. I'd like you to be my Assistant Matron.”

Derpy’s face lights up! “Really?! Oh, thank you Miss Pommel! I promise I won't let you down!”

Coco Pommel smiles at her. “I know you won't.”

She looks across the desk at Arc and smiles!

“Thank you so very much, Arc! Without you, none of this would have been possible!”

“Don't thank me. I merely made the suggestion to the princesses. It was Canterlot who paid the bills here.”

Coco Pommel smiles! “Arc... I don't just mean this wonderful new building...”

She gets down from her chair and walks over to Arc.

“...without your help, the orphans would still be living under Matron Tempest and I would most likely have starved to death!”

Dinky nods soberly. “Miss Pommel is right dad!”

“Dinky and I are very proud of you Arc! It makes us a bit sad that your actions seem to be constantly overlooked by Canterlot and the princesses though.”

Ember grimaces! “Hate to admit it, but I too believe you're being snubbed here Arc! I mean, come on! What do you have to do to get some recognition?!”

“It's okay. I didn't become the Hero of Light to get medals pinned to my chest and have everyone tell me how great I am.”

Ember appears confused. “What?! Then why?!”

“I did it because it was just the right thing to do. That and I did it to save lives! Knowing that out there are those who still need my help... for them I continue on!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “How did I know you were going to say something like that?”

Derpy nods. “That's very heroic of you Arc! But I still wish the rest of Equestria knew what you had to go through.”

Arc smiles at his friend. “Thanks, Derpy. I think it's very sweet that you care so much about my reputation, but I don't really want to dwell on this any longer. Okay?”

“But... well, okay. If that's really what you want, I’ll respect your wishes.”

“Thanks”.

Arc turns to the orphans.

“Now who wants to see one final surprise?”

Pipsqueak looks to him, excitedly! “What is it?!”

Aquamarine giggles! “If Mr. Arc had anything to do with it, it’s going to be awesome!”

“Follow me!”

Everyone follows Arc back to the first floor. He walks over to the back door and opens it wide, g gesturing with his hand to the backyard! “Behold! Your very own playground!”

The foals marvel at the brand-new playground equipment before them! Pipsqueak is the first to be able to speak!

“Mr. Arc, this is amazing! Is it really all for us?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is. I hope you enjoy it! Now why don't all of you go and have some fun outside for a while now!”

The orphans run toward the new playground smiling and laughing! Coco Pommel walks over to stand next to Arc.

“I'm sorry. They didn't even say ‘thank you’.”

Arc just stands there watching the foals play. “They didn't have to. Watching them smile... listening to their laughter... it makes everything I do worthwhile.”

Arc turns to Dinky.

“Why don't you join them for a while? I know you want to, sweetheart!”

Dinky runs toward the others! “Thanks dad!”

Arc turns to leave. “Well, I should get back to work. Coco Pommel, you and the orphans are welcome to eat at my base should the need ever arise.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Thank you for that Arc but... where are you going now?”

“There is always something I need to do. Right now, I need to return to Light's Hope and plan my next move.”

Arc looks fondly at Derpy and Coco Pommel. “I know the two of you are up to the task. Stay determined and you can accomplish anything!

Derpy nods, happily! “Thank you Arc. I'll do my best.”

Coco Pommel smiles. "As will I."

Arc reaches into his pocket and pull out the key Hard Hat gave to him. He hands it to Coco Pommel.

“I’m sure you will. Take good care of the orphans… Matron Coco Pommel!”

Arc leaves the Little Hooves Orphanage and makes the short walk back to Light's Hope.

Chapter 9 - Appeals

Arc enters the Main Hall and stands there for a few moments... listening.

“It's... just so quiet without the orphans here.”

Raven walks into the Main Hall. She appears quite shaken!

“Raven?! Are you all right?!”

Raven walks over to him, trembling! “Commander! Princess Luna herself is waiting for you in your office! She looks... rather upset!”

Arc sighs. “I guess she must want to continue our ‘conversation’ from earlier. I didn’t think she would follow me all the way back here though! Thank you Raven. Wish me luck...”

Arc walks toward his office. He pauses just outside the door, reaching for his ring to call forth his armor, but stops himself.

“No. I can do this.”

Arc takes a deep breath and enters the office. Luna is sitting on a couch in front of the fireplace, patiently. She does not look at Arc as he approaches and sits down on the couch opposite her. A long silence ensues.

“Arc... I just came here to tell you... just how MAD I am right now…”

He sighs inwardly. “Here it comes...”

“...at myself!”

Arc looks up at her, confused. “Huh?”

"I want you to know that, I'm sorry. I am so... SO sorry for what I said to you back at the castle! There really wasn't any excuse for it! You... don't deserve to be treated so... thoughtlessly! Especially after all you did for me the other day! Taking me in as a guest at your base. Listening to me when I needed somepony to talk to. Allowing me to live out my lifelong dream of playing with other foals! Sheltering me when danger came! And rushing off to protect my friend Princess Cadance from Trixie.”

“Princess Luna! I...”

She holds up a hoof for silence. “Please Arc! Let me finish! That and... I understand if your angry right now. It's okay! Really it is! I’d only like to ask one thing of you. Please... keep protecting the innocent as you always have. If not for my sake, then for theirs.”

Luna looks down at her hooves before rising from the couch sadly.

“Well, I should probably go now. I just felt I had to at least try to make this right! I'm sure by now your completely sick of seeing my face and listening to my voice. Good-bye Arc... I... I hope someday you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

Princess Luna turns to walk away. She suddenly stops and turns around.

“I'm sorry for interrupting earlier. Was there something you wanted to say to me?”

Arc rises and walks over to her. “Actually... yes.”

“Go ahead.”

Luna waits as Arc slowly approaches. He stops directly in front of her.

“I just wanted to say… I forgive you, Princess Luna.”

Luna looks up at him, confused. “What?! But... but how can you forgive me so easily?! I thought you would be furious with me!”

“I was never actually mad at you Princess Luna. I was, however, sad because I thought you didn't need me anymore.”

“Equestria will always need you! Never forget that! But I said such terrible things to you, and you kept a level head! Why didn't you put me in my place back there? You are most certainly stronger than I am... physically anyways!

Arc shakes his head. “All that would have accomplished would have been you and I being pushed further apart. I could have attacked you! Believe me, the thought did cross my mind! But what would happen to Equestria if I had... you know... gone too far? This land needs the Princess of the Night now more than ever!”

“Well, you could have outsmarted me! In that state, I most certainly wasn't thinking before I spoke!”

Arc nods. “Again, for the same reason. In your state of mind at the time, talking would have been useless.”

“Well, thank you for not... giving me what I really deserved back then... or now, I suppose.”

Arc nods and smiles at her. “You are welcome.”

“Arc, I know this might not be the best time to bring this up but, would you please return to Canterlot Castle with me? We need to talk about Trixie.”

“Is she all right?!”

“Yes, as far as I know she is doing just fine. But there is a bit of a problem. Come. We should probably talk about this with Cadance present as well.”

Arc nods, confused. “Um... okay.”

He calls forth his armor and opens a portal to his quarters in Canterlot Castle. The pair walk through and quickly make their way down the hall.

“Let's head over to the Infirmary and see how Trixie is doing.”

“Sounds good to me!”

They arrive at the infirmary. All but a couple guards have been discharged. The doctor quickly approaches Arc and Luna as they enter!

“Princess Luna… Hero of Light! This is indeed quite a pleasure! What can I do for you today?!”

“We have come to see Trixie. How is she doing?”

“Much better! It's amazing how much the body can heal from just a little rest! She is awake and talking almost as if nothing happened!”

Arc smiles! “Does that mean she can be discharged?”

The doctor nods. “Yes indeed! She is strong enough to leave anytime. Do you wish to see her?”

Luna nods, a bit sadly. “Thank you doctor. Please lead the way.”

The doctor leads them to a private room where Trixie is sitting up in bed and talking excitedly to Shining Armor who is still wearing the full plate armor from earlier!

Trixie laughs! “Wow! Having a real friend is much more enjoyable than I ever imagined! I should have done this years ago!”

Shining Armor nods happily! “I know! You're one of the most interesting mares I've ever met! Hopefully you can get out of bed soon and I can show you around Canterlot! I'd also like you to meet my little sister...”

Arc interrupts. “Trixie! How you feeling?!”

“Quite a bit better, thanks to you Arc!”

Arc looks over at Shining Armor. “Glad to see you making a friend, too!”

Trixie appears nervous. “You're not... jealous of Shining Armor, are you Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all! What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t let you make other friends?!”

“I guess that makes sense!”

He walks over to the bedside. “Well, we have a bit more good news for you! The doctor says you can leave the Infirmary any time you're ready!”

“Really? Great!”

Trixie throws back the covers and stands up!

“I'm ready to leave right now!”

Luna shakes her head. “That's... not as simple a matter as you would think. You see, the two of you are still escaped prisoners.”

Shining Armor looks down and nods. “I... suppose that's true.”

Trixie sighs. “After what I did, I guess I do deserve this...”

“Come on Princess! Can't you just… I don't know… pardon them or something?!”

“There would need to be a hearing before any action could be taken.”

“When?”

She looks over to Trixie and Shining Armor.

“We could do it right now. That is, if the two of you are up to it!”

Both Trixie and Shining Armor nod! “We're ready!”

Arc turns to Luna. “Can I come too?”

“Normally this would be between them and us princesses. However, I will make an exception for you Arc.”

“Thanks!”

The party walks to the Audience Chamber where Princess Cadance is waiting. Upon seeing Luna enter she jumps up and runs over to her!

“Luna! I'm so sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier! Can you ever forgive me?!”

Luna nods. “Yes, all is forgiven. I deserved it anyways. But right now, we have more pressing matters to attend to.”

Cadance appears confused. “Oh? What could be so important?”

“We need to hold a hearing on what to do with Shining Armor and Trixie here.”

Cadance sighs and nods. “I suppose they ARE still prisoners.”

“Princess Luna and Princess Cadance take their respective places as Luna stomps her hoof.

“This hearing is called to order. We will start with Shining Armor. Step forward.”

Shining Armor does so. “Yes princess.”

Luna looks down at him. “Please tell us exactly what you did to earn a life sentence.”

Shining Armor recalls the story of how he was ordered to break into Light's Hope and kidnap Trixie. How he had failed and was jailed for questioning his commanding officer. He also recalls the events of the wagon ride to the prison during which he escaped and made his way to Ponyville to warn Arc of the coming danger to the princesses!

Luna nods and turns to Trixie. “I see. Is this what you witnessed as well?”

She nods. “Yes ma'am!”

Luna looks to Arc. “And is this what he told you as well?”

“Yes.”

“Did you believe him?”

Arc nods. “If I hadn't, I would have sent him right back to jail, and Princess Cadance would most likely be dead now along with most of Canterlot.”

Luna nods. “You raise a good point Arc. Very well! Shining Armor is officially pardoned for the crimes levied against him!”

Trixie smiles at her friend! “Congratulations Shining Armor! You're free now!”

“Yes. I only hope the princesses will be so generous with your case as well Trixie.”

Luna clears her throat before continuing. “Step forward, Trixie.”

She does so, albeit nervously.

“Now, please know that your case is a bit more... difficult, as you have already been found guilty and have only added to your crimes by attacking Canterlot.”

Trixie looks down at her hooves. “I... um... I understand.”

Cadance uses her magic to pick up the Alicorn Amulet from where Arc threw it earlier. “Can you please tell us where you got this?”

Trixie recalls how the Dark One gave it to her and how she only wanted to use its power to save them both from being eaten by wild beasts in the woods! Cadance turns to Shining Armor.

“Is this true?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes Princess! Trixie was only trying to help! Please forgive her!”

Cadance turns to Luna. “What do you say, Luna? Can we really just let her go?”

Luna sighs. “I'm afraid not.”

Arc looks over, angrily! Wait! Why not?! She was willing to sacrifice her OWN life to stop her OWN attack!”

“Please Arc! I'm sorry, but the law is very clear on this matter. In attacking Canterlot Castle and a princess, Trixie has committed insurrection! The law clearly states that she must be... banished to Tartarus to pay for her crimes.”

Shining Armor’s eyes grow wide! “But... no! Please have mercy! I'm begging you!”

Luna shakes her head, sadly. “I wish I could Shining Armor. Really I do! But... my hooves are tied in this matter.”

Princess Luna uses her magic and opens a portal to Tartarus.

Cadance looks to the condemned mare before her. “Know this, Trixie. Should you come to terms with your crimes and truly be reformed, the gates of Tartarus will no longer hold you! Only then will you be able to leave that wretched land and return to Equestria.”

Trixie nods, sadly. She slowly walks toward the portal. “Arc... Shining Armor... please don't forget about me. I'll always remember you two.”

Arc uses his telekinesis magic to pull Trixie toward him!

“WAIT!”

Luna sighs. “Please Arc. Don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be. There are some rules that even a princess can't break!”

“I understand that, but would you at least grant Trixie on last bit of mercy?”

“What would you have us do, Arc?”

He turns to Trixie. “Um… did you ever have… breakfast this morning?

“Well, no but...”

Arc quickly turns back to the princesses! “You see! We can't send Trixie off to Tartarus without so much as a last meal, can we?!”

Trixie’s pupils shrink as she mutters. “LAST meal?!”

Luna thinks for a moment. “Well... I suppose not. I will have the guards bring some food here. However, as soon as she finishes eating it, I will banish her. But only on the condition that you and Shining Armor say your goodbyes now and promise not to interfere with Trixie's banishment further.”

Arc nods. “I suppose I can do that.”

Shining Armor hangs his head sadly. “I agree as well.”

Arc and Shining Armor approach Trixie and embrace her. A Royal Guard leaves to fetch some food.

Shining Armor sighs as he hugs Trixie. “I... guess this really is goodbye then. Sorry about all this...”

“Me too. We were just getting to know each other. I'll miss you Shining Armor.”

Arc stoops down to give Trixie a hug. “I'm sorry that this happened Trixie. While I disagree with the law, there's really not much I can do about it!”

Trixie nods. “It's okay Arc. I made my choices. Now I have to live with the consequences.”

She walks forward and embraces Arc, tears in her eyes.

“Thank you so much, Arc! I promise I'll never forget what you did for me!”

The two hold each other for quite a long while before finally breaking the embrace.

“Now Arc... go... leave me... to pay for my crimes!”

Arc sighs as he slowly turns to leave the Audience Chamber. “I guess there’s nothing more to say. Come on, Shining Armor. We should be going now.”

Shining Armor does not take his eyes off of Trixie. “No.”

Arc turns back! “What?”

Shining Armor looks to Princess Luna. “Please, grant me one last request! I... I wish to be banished to Tartarus along with my friend Trixie!”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide! “Are you mad?! That would be a death sentence for both of you! Why would you want to do such a thing?!”

“I understand that Trixie has committed terrible crimes and must now pay for them. But... I won't let her face this alone! I... if I am to fall in battle, I wish to do so protecting my friend!”

Trixie shakes her head! “Shining Armor, please no! Live on! There's no reason for you to throw your life away for me!”

Shining Armor grabs Trixie and holds her tightly!

“No Trixie! I'm going with you and that's the end of the matter!”

Arc sighs. “Well, I don't really like the direction this is going but... I don't think you have much say in the matter, princess.”

Luna nods. “It appears we don't. Very well, Shining Armor. You may accompany Trixie to Tartarus. Although it may not be much, we wish the two of you well in the future... whatever it may hold for you.”

Trixie and Shining Armor nod! “Thank you!”

The Royal Guard returns with the food for Trixie. Princess Cadance motions for another guard to approach her. She whispers something to him. The guard quickly leaves the room to carry out his task!

Arc turns. “I guess I’ll l be off then. Sorry you two, but there are others who need the Hero of Light's help. You two take care now.

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward, puts his helmet on and opens a portal

“Goodbye sir! Please look after Twily for me!”

Trixie looks down softly. “Well... bye.”

Arc nods his head, steps through the portal and is gone.

Cadance turns and whispers to Luna. “I thought Arc would put up more of a fight than that!”

Luna nods. “As did I.”

A Royal Guard approaches Trixie and gives her a plate of food. She sighs, sits down and starts to eat!

“I guess I should enjoy my last meal...”

Trixie slowly eats the food. She turns to Shining Armor.

“Would you like some too?”

He shakes his head. “No thank you. I'm... not really hungry.”

Trixie looks up at him, a pleading look in her eyes! “Please! I know you haven't eaten either! Just... eat... please.”

“Well, okay.”

Shining Armor eats a bit of the food along with Trixie. Soon the plate is empty. She turns to him and whispers.

“Why didn't you ask for any food for yourself?!”

Shining Armor whispers back. “I didn't want to push our luck.”

Luna clears her throat. “Are you two prepared?”

Cadance looks up as the guard from earlier returns to her side. “Wait! There is something I want Shining Armor to have first!”

She accepts something from the guard and walks it over to Shining Armor.

“This was a given to me by Princess Celestia herself. I'm not much for fighting, so I think you should have it. It may not look like it at first glance but it is quite powerful. With these armaments you may just stand a chance in Tartarus. I pray it is enough.”

Shining Armor takes the sword and throws it over his shoulder. “Thank you Princess Cadance. That is very kind of you.”

Luna nods. “Shining Armor, aren't you forgetting something?”

“Ma'am?”

Luna uses her magic to levitate the Large Shield over the Shining Armor.

She smiles! “After all, what is a knight without his shield.”

“Thank you. I will use it well.”

“I'm sure you will. Although I am not sure how, I believe we will cross paths again one day.”

Shining Armor forces a smile. “I hope it is under better circumstances.”

Luna nods. “As do I...”

She again opens a portal to Tartarus. The pair look into it for a moment.

“Ready, Trixie?”

“No! But... I know I can't put this off any longer.”

Shining Armor takes Trixie's hoof in his own as the pair begin to walk forward.

As they enter the portal, he turns to her. “Whatever happens, don't let go of my hoof, okay?!”

Trixie nods. As they enter the portal everything goes black for both of them.

Cadance turns to her as Luna closes the portal. “I can't believe what just happened! Somepony actually VOLUNTARILY entered Tartarus!”

Luna nods. “Like Twilight did?”

Well, I guess this situation is somewhat similar. If Arc had been here to see it, I'm sure he would have been quite impressed!”

Luna’s eyes narrow. “Somehow I get the feeling that Arc somehow is going to do... something.”

“But what?!”

Luna closes her eyes and smiles. “Who knows? But I do trust him now. He won't let us... or Equestria, down.”

Meanwhile in Tartarus, Trixie slowly regains consciousness.

“Ugh... my head!”

She looks up to see Shining Armor lying on the ground still holding her hoof.

“Shining Armor, wake up!”

Shining Armor slowly opens his eyes. “Did anypony get the number of that bus?”

“Are you... okay?!”

Shining Armor shakes his head in order to clear it. “I think so. Just a bit... woozy. And you?”

“I'm fine.”

The pair look around the room. They appear to be lying on a giant sigil on the floor. The chamber appears to only have one large wooden door.

Trixie stands up slowly. “What do we do now?”

“Well, we can't stay here. Come on! We have to find some kind of shelter.”

The pair walk to the door and slowly open it. Before them stretches a vast, barren wasteland.

Trixie turns to Shining Armor. “I bet you regret coming with me now.”

“No, I don't. But don't worry! I'll protect you!”

A voice speaks to the pair out of nowhere.

"Hello there."

Shining Armor draws his weapon and looks around. “Who's there?!”

“Now, now... there's no need for violence! We're all friends here in Tartarus!”

Trixie’s eyes grow wide! “Wait! That voice! It... it's YOU!”

“I guess there's no fooling you.”

A figure in a black robe suddenly appears a short distance in front of the pair. It removes its hood and turns to them! Trixie’s face lights up!

“ARC!!!”

He removes the robe and returns it to his ring. “None other!”

Trixie runs forward and jumps into Arc's outstretched arms!

“But I thought you said there were others who needed your help right now!”

Arc nods. “That I did. But I was talking about you two!”

Shining Armor looks at Arc and smiles! “Help us? I thought you promised the princesses you wouldn't interfere.”

“No. I said I wouldn't interfere with your BANISHMENT! You're now in Tartarus... banished! Promise kept! I didn't say ANYTHING about not helping you reach the Gates of Tartarus!”

“Wait! You mean?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. If Trixie is indeed as repentant for her crimes as I believe she is, her passing through the barrier will be no problem.”

He turns to Shining Armor.

“And seeing as how you committed no crime, you will be able to pass freely!”

Shining Armor nods. “I'll only leave if Trixie leaves!”

Arc turns around. “Good to know! Now let's not dawdle. This may be my third time here, but if the past has taught me anything it's that this entire place is nothing but bad news!”

He leads Trixie and Shining Armor south.

“Third time, Arc?!”

“Yes, Trixie. Let's not give the Demon King another chance at me though, eh? I doubt he's gotten over his last defeat. This time he may do something COMPLETELY brainless!”

Shining Armor looks at Arc, dumbfounded! “So, let me get this straight! There is a Demon KING here, and you have already beaten him TWICE?!”

Arc grins! “What can I say? I like to be thorough!”

Chapter 10 - Great and Powerful

Meanwhile in the capital city of Vengeance, a demon commander enters the Throne Room and runs up to the miniature king.

“Your Majesty! That human is back again! Should we put your plan on hold until he leaves?”

King Malevolence smiles wickedly. “Arc! His timing could not be more perfect! Infor the troops we are moving up the timeline to as soon as possible! Not even he can stop us now!”

Arc leads Trixie and Shining Armor south toward the former Vile Tribe hideout. Shining Armor looks to Arc.

“How long will it take to reach the Gates of Tartarus?”

“The trip on foot would take several hours. We're going to spend the night at my old house and head there in the morning. If I know King Malevolence, he's going to have a nice surprise waiting for us somewhere between the Vile Tribe headquarters and the Gate!”

Trixie looks nervous. “What makes you so sure?”

“Past experience. The king isn't really that bright. He'll stick with what he knows works. That and he knows the Gates will be my ultimate destination.”

Shining Armor looks around. “What's so special about that particular area?”

“Well for one thing, it's COMPLETLY flat! Probably the only place in Tartarus that is! At least... it is now.”

“Now?”

Arc nods. “It was there that my dragon friend Ember challenged me to see if I was... worthy’. In a moment of desperation, she unleashed the power within her spear! It completely destroyed the hill we had been fighting on!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Is that... how you befriend a dragon?!”

Arc shrugs. “Sort of. Most dragon's respect can be earned with a show of force. Ember and I were already friends by that point. Even more so after I risked my life to save her from an incurable illness. The only problem is, now she wants to become... my... uh... mate.”

Shining Armor and Trixie both stop walking and slowly turn to look at each other wide eyed! After a few moments of staring at each other, they slowly turn their heads back to Arc, mouths agape! Suddenly, both Shining Armor and Trixie fall to the ground laughing! Arc waits patiently for the two to get over their hysterics.

He rolls his eyes. “If you two are quite done laughing at my predicament...”

Shining Armor slowly gets up, still chuckling. “I... I'm sorry sir! It's just so hard to imagine your dragon friend being anything other than a warrior!”

Trixie wipes tears of laughter from her face. “Me too! Ember just seems so... bloodthirsty! Trixie is having a hard time picturing her in a wedding dress!”

“If you don't mind my asking sir, what are you planning to do about her?”

"Her father, the Dragon Lord, has already forbidden our marriage. Although it doesn't appear Ember will be so easily dissuaded. Mind if I ask you a question now, Shining Armor?”

“Certainly sir!”

“Why do you keep calling me ‘sir’?”

Shining Armor looks confused. “Well, because you're a superior officer. It's protocol.”

Trixie turns to him. “But, weren't you on your way to prison for life?! Didn't they... uh... fire you, or whatever, first?”

Shining Armor stops walking. His pupils shrink and presumably something inside him breaks. Trixie and Arc stop and look back at him.

“I... I guess I just hadn't had time to think about it. Although nothing was ever said, I'm sure Captain Decimus must have discharged me prior to us meeting, Trixie.”

Arc nods soberly. “So... what will you do when we get back to Equestria?”

Shining Armor sighs. “I have no idea! This is terrible! Twilight will be so disappointed!”

Trixie raises an eyebrow. “Not Twilight Sparkle!”

“You know her?!”

Trixie looks suddenly peevish! “Oh, I know her all right! It's thanks to her that I can never return to Ponyville! My life has been a constant downward spiral ever since the two of us met!”

Arc turns to press on. “We should keep moving. Although I would be very interested to know the rest of that story, Trixie.”

“Are you sure? It's not exactly short.”

Shining Armor nods. “Well, I think we have the time right now. This is of great interest to me as well!”

Trixie nods. “Okay. Here goes...”

She closes her eyes for a few moments and takes a deep breath.

“Twilight and I first met when we were both attending Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It's really hard to get in, as they only accept foals with extremely high potential!”

Shining Armor nods approvingly! “That's really impressive Trixie! I've heard that less than one percent of applicants are accepted!”

“Is that where you got the idea for the whole “Great and Powerful Trixie” shtick?”

“Well, kinda! You see, when I was about to take my entrance test, I was waiting patiently in the hall with my parents for the purple filly ahead of me to finish hers. I was that day's final applicant.”

Arc nods. “Can I assume the ‘purple filly’ was Twilight?”

Trixie nods. “Yes, it was! She went in and the doors were closed. After a little while of silence there was a deafening roar from outside! Then there was an equally loud crash from inside the Testing Room!”

She is silent for a time, as if thinking very hard!

Arc turns to her. “Well, what happened?!”

“I... don't know.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait! Two explosions and you have no clue what transpired?”

Trixie shakes her head. “No. The next thing I knew, the doors flew open and Princess Celestia and Twilight walked out of the Testing Room together! The group of Proctors followed them, for some unknown reason astonished! My parents and I ran after them to remind them that I had not yet been tested! They barely glanced at ME as they were so enamored with HER!”

“I'm sorry Twilight took the spotlight Trixie. But I know she would never have done so if she knew it would have hurt somepony else's chances of being accepted!”

“I admit, it did take quite a while for me to get over the rejection of our initial meeting. But don't worry, I was able to move on.”

“So, what happened to your testing time? Did you have to come back another day?”

“No. I never took the entrance test. My father told my mother and I to go back home. He said he would take care of everything. I don't know how he did it, but somehow he convinced the Proctors that I was so qualified that I didn't need any kind of test!”

Shining Armor looks confused. “Um... how did he do that?!”

Trixie shrugs. “I don't know! But it was in that moment that I knew I would be something great one day! However that wasn't the end of my troubles. In fact, they were just beginning. I started a regime of VERY advanced magic classes. It wasn't long before I was falling behind in every one of them! No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't seem to get ahead!”

Shining Armor turns to Trixie. “Didn't you ask the instructors for help? That is their job after all.”

“I thought about it, many times actually. But you see the Lulamoon family is a very proud one! We earned our place in society through the sweat and toil of our own efforts! It would shame my family greatly if they learned their daughter was asking for HELP!”

Arc shakes his head. “Was Twilight in any of your classes by any chance?”

“Are you KIDDING?! She was in EVERY class I took! While I do admit she is quite... talented, I always thought there were forces beyond my control that were scheming to keep me in her shadow! Every time we had to make a presentation in front of the class, the instructors would insist that she go last!”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Trixie shakes her head. “Normally no. But their reasoning behind it was so that the other instructors could leave their own classes a few minutes early to WATCH! Imagine the back of the classroom lined with instructors who have come to spectate!”

Shining Armor sighs. “I have to admit, that would make me feel a bit... overlooked. Did any of the other foals feel the same as you did?”

“They did! She was always being ignored by the others. They would always talk about her behind her back!”

“That's awful! She never told me about this! Do you think it bothered her at all?”

Trixie scoffs! “I doubt it. To tell you the truth, I don't think she even noticed! She always had her nose deep in some magical tome of some sort! The only time I heard her speak was during presentations and when she was muttering to herself while taking notes.”

Arc nods. “Sounds to me like all of you were just jealous of her success.”

Trixie looks to Arc, incredulous! “Jealous?! Me?! Never!”

“Well, why didn't you like her then? Did she intentionally do something... anything really, to earn your disdain back then?”

“Haven't you heard a word of my story?!”

“I said INTENTIONALLY!”

Trixie opens her mouth to speak but no words come out.

Arc sighs. “I thought so. Look Trixie, jealousy and rivalry are really just a part of growing up. It's completely natural to feel this way about someone whom we want to surpass.”

“I've spent my entire life trying to become better, stronger, faster, and smarter than Twilight Sparkle! My tour of Equestria was not completely random, you know! I always intended for it to eventually lead me to Ponyville, so I could finally challenge Princess Celestia's personal student!”

“But why?”

Trixie seethes! “I wanted to beat her! To show her she wasn't the most powerful out there! And not just behind closed doors! Oh no, she needed to be publicly humiliated for all the pain she caused me over the years! She needed to know what it feels like to not be number one! Ever since I was a foal, I've wanted to be a great performer! To be able to hold ponies spellbound in awe of my abilities! However, the best I was able to do was be a traveling showpony. I've been from one end of Equestria to the other and performed for groups as large as a couple hundred ponies!”

Arc nods, sadly. “I'm almost certain I know the answer to this but, how did your “battle” with Twilight go?”

Trixie lowers her head as her ears droop. “Not... quite as I planned. I was able to easily defeat the few others that dared to challenge me. But when I extended the challenge to Twilight Sparkle, something I didn't see coming happened! She... ran away!”

Shining Armor looks over, surprised. “Okay I admit, I didn't see that coming! But why?!”

“I actually don't know. After I had walked off the stage, I expected to feel some degree of satisfaction at ‘defeating’ my rival! But I suppose making her run away wasn't really proving myself or my abilities to anypony! Least of all myself! I went back to my wagon for a good night's sleep, figuring I would think of something tomorrow.”

Arc nods. “Sleeping on it. It's sometimes the best thing to do... when you don't know what to do. Humans do it all the time!”

“Really? Does that work?”

Arc shrugs. “Sometimes. At the very least it helps us feel better, and can give us a fresh perspective.”

He looks over at Trixie.

“Did it help you?”

Trixie sighs. “Hardly. I was awakened late that night by two foals who somehow had led what I had thought was an Ursa Major to Ponyville. Thanks to them, I had to admit, in front of the whole town mind you, that I never actually defeated one and had made the whole thing up to make myself look good!

“Uh, Trixie? That sounds like it was more your fault than Twilight's.”

Trixie sighs. “Yes, well... you can't break an omelet without making a few eggs.”

Shining Armor looks confused. “But isn't that backwards?”

Trixie shakes her head. “It's an old saying in the Lulamoon family. My father told me it means that sometimes to get what you want, you may have to tell a few white lies.”

Arc frowns. “That doesn't sound like very good advice to give a filly.”

“Maybe not, but it's water under the bridge now.”

“I suppose it is. Sorry for interrupting. Please continue.”

“Well, I tried to fight the beast! But as I had thought, it was far too big for me to take care of! It was then that ‘she’ showed up!

Shining Armor nods. “Twilight?”

“Right. She used her magic to calm the beast down with a pretty lullaby. Then she diverted her magic to a nearby water tower which she somehow filled with milk! Twilight then carried the beast with her magic all the way back to the Everfree Forest, and presumably back to its cave. Everypony cheered for her and treated her like she was the best thing since sliced bread!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Well, typically ponies cheer when you do something heroic like save their town.”

Trixie sighs. “I suppose so. But it just made me so mad that yet again she was taking center stage! I was so mad I didn't know what to do other than... run away. Now any time I go into Ponyville, all I get is a cold shoulder from the residents there.”

“I hate to say it, but I think their ire is well founded. If Twily hadn't been there, who knows how many ponies would have been hurt... or worse!”

Trixie hangs her head. “I... I know that! And I’m grateful that she was there to take care of the problem. However, ever since then my magic act has suffered greatly! It's like I'm living under a dark cloud! Some towns have even gone so far as to chase me out of town before I can even so much as perform! I guess word of my deeds preceded me.”

Trixie sighs.

“Now ponies judge me before they even get to know me...”

Arc nods. “Yeah... I know how you feel.”

Trixie looks up quickly, wide eyed! “What?! But... but everypony loves and respects you!”

“It wasn't always that way. When I first came to this land, anytime I walked the streets alone, all the shops would close and everyone would run into the nearest building and lock the door. I mean... I couldn't really blame them, being so much bigger than they are. That and it's not like humans have the best of reputations.”

“So... what did you do about it?”

Arc looks straight ahead. “I just went about my business as best I could. You might find it a bit ironic, but it was Twilight and her friends that really helped bridge the gap between myself and the citizens of Ponyville. You see, back then I really didn't have anywhere to go, so I was living with Twilight in her library. She did her best to try and make me feel at home in my new surroundings, mostly by making sure I was always seen with either her or her friends when I was outside.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “That's Twilight for you! Well, now anyways...”

Trixie turns to Arc suspiciously. “Although maybe she was trying to make sure you weren't up to no good?”

Arc nods. “I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. It's not like she INTENDED to pull me into this world after all!”

Shining Armor turns to looks at Arc! “Wait! She did WHAT?!"

“It's okay! I'm... actually really happy here in Equestria! I know there is no way back now, but again, I'm really quite grateful!”

Shining Armor appears mortified! “Sir! I am SO SORRY for what my little sister did!”

Arc chuckles. “Come on now Shining Armor. Just forget it. Even if there was a way back to Earth, I would still stay here.”

Now it was Trixie’s turn to be surprised! “Wait! Shining Armor... Twilight Sparkle is your SISTER?!”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes. I believe I said that when we were in the Audience Chamber. Although you were kinda out of it at the time. I... hope that isn't going to be a problem.”

“Well... I guess if you had told me that a week ago it would have been, but... I think I'm a different pony now. At least I hope so.”

Arc nods. “I hope so too, Trixie.”

“Thanks, both of you.”

Shining Armor turns to Trixie, confused. “What for?”

“Well for... you know... being there for me when I needed you. If I had come here alone, I think something would have eaten me by now. It feels good to be in the company of friends.”

Trixie looks around at the bleak and foreboding landscape around her.

“...now more than ever it seems!”

The party continues on for well over an hour in silence. Trixie looks over at Arc.

“Arc, if I may... do you ever wish you could go back to... um... where are humans from again?”

“Earth. And not really. I wish I could go back to get a couple of my possessions from my house and say goodbye to a few friends. But then I would come right back to Equestria!”

“Really?! Don't you want to go home?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Equestria IS my home now!”

“If I may sir, I must say your Loyalty to this land truly is impressive!”

“Thank you Shining Armor. But you know you don't really have to call me ‘sir’.”

“But sir...! Well what should I call you then?”

“Just call me Arc. After all, we're friends here, right?”

Trixie looks over, weakly. “R-right!”

“Trixie? Are you okay?”

Shining Armor looks at his friend, concerned. “You don't look so good!”

Trixie stops to catch her breath. “I... think I just need a rest. Perhaps I should have stayed in that hospital bed a bit longer after all.”

“I'm sorry Trixie, but this is not a good place to take a nap! Shining Armor, can you carry her?”

“Sure!”

Shining Armor uses his magic to lift Trixie and place her on his back. He turns his head to looks at her.

“Comfy?”

Trixie can only nod weakly.

Shining Armor continues on with Arc in the lead. “Don't worry. I'll make sure nothing happens to you.”

Trixie closes her eyes and responds weakly. “I... know... thank... you...”

In a few minutes, she is asleep.

“Si... I mean Arc, is there someplace nearby we can go to rest? Trixie really need it!”

"Agreed. We can take her back to the old hideout... if it's still standing that is."

Another hour or so later the trio arrives at the former Vile Tribe hideout. They enter via the front gate. Arc closes the gate behind them and looks around.

“It's just as I remember it.”

Shining Armor looks around the town. “Arc, you actually LIVED here?!”

Arc nods. “It was better than living in the Wasteland. The walls kept the demons out, and ensured a certain degree of safety. This way...”

He walks over to a small house and opens the door for Shining Armor and Trixie.

“Home sweet home. I know it's not much, but please make yourself comfortable. You can take your armor off now, Shining Armor. This is probably the safest place in Tartarus.”

Arc picks Trixie up and carries her to his old bed. He covers Trixie with a blanket and strokes her mane a few times.

“Sleep well, Trixie.”

Arc turns to the small stove in the corner and gets a fire going before turning to Shining Armor.

“The nights can get a bit chilly sometimes. Now I need to go and find us some food. Can you look after Trixie for a bit?”

“No problem.”

Arc leaves the house, about an hour later he returns.

“Okay, supper is cooking and should be ready soon.”

Shining Armor looks at him, confused. “It is? Where?”

“We always cooked our meals in the fire pit in the center of town. No one in town had kitchen facilities in their homes, as cooking here is a rather... messy ordeal.”

“I'm not sure I follow.”

Arc sighs. “Don't worry. All will become clear in time. How is Trixie doing?”

Shining Armor looks over at the mare lying on the bed. “Well, she doesn't appear to be in any pain from what I can tell. I'm hoping she just needs a good night sleep after the day she's had.”

Arc nods. “How about you? I'm sure you could go for a good night's sleep as well.”

“I'll be okay. Is there anything I can do to help?”

"If you wouldn't mind going from house to house and gathering up a few more blankets, I would appreciate it."

“But... isn't that... stealing?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. The Vile Tribe is never coming back for them. If they were here right now, I'm sure they wouldn't have any problem with us going through their houses, under these circumstances.”

“Well, okay. If you're sure.”

“I am, but your honesty is appreciated.”

Shining Armor goes through town and gathers up the blankets. He brings them back to Arc's house.

“Is this enough?”

Arc nods. “Yes. That should do nicely. Now I need to check on supper. I'll be right back.”

He leaves the house. Shining Armor walks over to Trixie and looks down at her. She stirs ever so slightly.

“Trixie?”

She opens her eyes slowly, groggily “Ugh... sorry... I'm... just so... tired.”

“Sorry to wake you up, but Arc says we should be eating here soon. I'm sure you can go back to bed after that.”

Trixie slowly rises from the bed, rubbing her temples with a hoof. “What a headache!”

Arc walks in the door. “Supper is done. It should be cooled down enough to eat in just a couple minutes. How are you doing Trixie?”

“I'm still really sleepy. Sorry about this.”

Arc looks at her, confused. “Sorry about what?”

“Well, if it wasn't for me, we could have been out of this place by now!”

Trixie looks around the room.

“Uh... where are we?”

“My old house from my first visit to this hellish place. Don't worry though. We're safe inside the walls of the Vile Tribe's old headquarters. Now I don't mean to sound rude, but we should eat before the food gets cold.”

Shining Armor looks over at his friend. “Trixie, can you make it on your own?”

“I think so. Thank you though.”

Arc leads the way to the center of town where a fire still burns in the twilight of the evening. He sits down, a bit embarrassed.

“Sorry if it doesn't taste the best. I was the hunter/gatherer type, so cooking wasn't exactly in my job description.”

Shining Armor and Trixie look at the food on the serving platter suspiciously.

Trixie looks nervous. “What... is it?”

Arc picks up a piece. “Beetle meat.”

Shining Armor’s face turns slightly green. “Arc, I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but...”

“I'm sorry, but this is all there is to eat in Tartarus. You really should eat it, if for no other reason than to keep your strength up. I know ponies find meat to be distasteful, but there aren't any plants anywhere!”

Shining Armor nods and turns to Trixie. “We really should try and get something in our bellies. After all, Arc did work very hard to prepare this for us.”

Arc nods as he eats. “If you really can't stomach it, I understand. Don't force yourselves on my account. We should be out of here by tomorrow anyways.”

Shining Armor sits down and picks up a chunk of Beetle Meat with his magic. “I honestly can't remember the last time I ate. Other than a few mouthfuls of food before we were banished, that is.”

Trixie sits down next to Shining Armor. “I... don't know if I can do this.”

“Don't worry about it Trixie. I won't be offended or anything if you don't eat it.”

Trixie turns to Shining Armor.

“What do you think of it?”

“It may not taste very good, but it is pretty satisfying. Just to be fair though, I'm hungry enough to eat pretty much anything!”

Trixie sniffs at the food and makes a face! She then takes a small bite.

"Ugh! Arc how did you eat this every day?!

Arc shrugs. “It actually tastes okay to me. Most humans love meat after all, just like ponies love hay and oats.”

Trixie nods. “I'll try to eat it then.”

The trio continues their meal. Shining Armor looks around at the empty houses.

“So, what happened to the ponies who used to live here?”

“When Twilight and her friends broke into Tartarus to rescue me, we took them with us. You can meet them tomorrow when we leave. They built a new town just outside the Gates of Tartarus.”

Trixie looks to Arc, nervously. “Are they... friendly?”

Arc nods. “Considering they’ve lived their entire lives here, yes. Truth be told, they’re actually the descendants of a group of criminals banished to Tartarus a very long time ago. Their leader is a rather... eccentric stallion named Mythic Honor.”

They finish their meal. Trixie and Shining Armor appear quite tired.

“I think you two should get some sleep now. It's been a rather... interesting couple of days.”

“What about you, Arc?

Arc stands up and looks to Trixie. “I think I'm going to take a peek over the wall and see if we have any movement from the Demon King or his minions from Vengeance.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc, a serious look on his face. “Are you expecting an attack?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don't believe he would be so foolish as to directly assault us here. He knows that I can take whatever he can throw at me and give it right back! Last time I was here, he tried to blackmail me into helping him pass through the barrier into Equestria. I'm sure he's had plenty of time to come up with another plan though. Don't worry. I won't be long.”

Shining Armor nods. “We'll wait for you here.”

Arc heads over to the wall and picks up a dusty spyglass. He points it toward Vengeance

“Now then... let's see what the royal pain is up to over there.”

He looks at the capital city. The town seems to be very active even considering the late hour. Building supplies are being carried toward something covered with a large tarp. It is almost as long as the city itself is, but narrow!

“I do wish I knew what he had under there. Somehow I doubt he's building a monorail.”

Looking toward the area in front of the city gates, he spies what may very well be the Demon King's entire fighting force is camped in front of the city!

“This is... not his best plan... I hope.”

Arc walks back to the fire pit, Trixie and Shining Armor are sitting there waiting for him.

“Anything interesting?”

“Sort of. It looks like they’re building something over there. Couldn't tell what though, as its covered with a sheet. A really big sheet! The Demon King has also assembled what I believe to be his entire army in front of Vengeance!

Trixie begins to shake! “Are... are they coming HERE?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Doubtful. I'm guessing this is another one of the King Malevolence's plans to escape Tartarus. The army is probably waiting to invade Equestria! I really wish I could get a look under that sheet and see what it is we're up against.”

Shining Armor appears concerned. “What should we do about this?!”

“At the moment, nothing. It's not safe to be running around outside the wall after dark, as many of the more dangerous wild demons are active! We should get a good night's sleep and head for the Gates of Tartarus first thing in the morning.”

“But, what about the invasion?!”

“I wouldn't really worry too much about that. King Malevolence has been trying to escape from here for centuries! As you can see, none of his plans have worked out. It stands to reason that this plan will be no different.”

Trixie nods. “If you say so, Arc...”

Chapter 11 - Turn of Events

Arc and friends retire for the evening. Meanwhile at the capital city of Vengeance, the king sits on his throne. A Demonic Commander approaches!

“Report!”

The Demonic Commander salutes! “The Malice Cannon is almost complete, your Majesty! It will be done within the hour!”

King Malevolence nods. “How long will it take to charge?”

“Not long, sire! Lead Scientist Auriel reports that it should only take about thirty minutes. Shall I have the weapon charged and ready for you?”

“No. Wait for the first light of dawn to begin. I will personally give the order to fire when the time is right!”

He bows. “By your command, sire!”

The commander leaves the room to carry out the king's wishes. A dark portal opens in front of the king and the visage of a hooded figure appears.

“How go preparations for the invasion of Equestria?!”

King Malevolence rolls his eyes at the intruder. “The weapon will be operational shortly. However, I don't really understand why you have chosen now to help with one of my escape plans. Where were you several hundred years ago, Dark One?! We both could have left this wretched land ages ago!”

The Dark One scoffs. “What is that to me?! I can come and go as I please, demon! As for the why, all I want is for you to keep your end of the bargain. Even you should be able to carry out such a simple task as this... unless of course you've forgotten our little deal.”

King Malevolence smiles wickedly! “Ha! You're just upset that you need US to take care of this little problem for you! I know how you feel about working with us ‘lesser evils’. It must kill you inside to know that for once you need us!”

The Dark One narrows his eyes. “Do not push me, demon! The weapon you are building is useless without my Bloodstone to power it!”

“True. However, one might look at it this way... without my Malice Cannon, your Bloodstone is useless!”

“That may be true, however this endeavor will most certainly benefit us both! All I want is for you and your demons to leave this place, in return for a favor of my choosing at a later date!

King Malevolence nods! Anything to be rid of this wretched place. However, it may interest you to know that Arc himself is in Tartarus right now!”

“WHAT?! WHERE?!”

“He and a couple of rats are holed up in the old Vile Tribe hidey-hole.”

The Dark One glares at him! Then why haven't you attacked yet?!”

“I'm not as stupid as you think I am! The last time we attacked Arc head on… well, you saw what happened back then. Thanks for helping by the way... oh wait... you didn't! I will need all of my forces for the coming invasion! So, as much as I hate to admit it, I can't just throw their lives away facing Arc right now! Don't worry... I have a plan to kill Arc soon without so much as a fight!”

The Dark One sneers. “Just remember, the Bloodstone and the power contained within it is irreplaceable! I'm taking an awfully big risk here, demon. This had better work!”

Meanwhile, back at the Vile Tribe headquarters, Arc, carrying Trixie, and Shining Armor return to his small house.

Arc lays Trixie down in his own bed and covers her with a blanket.

"There you are Trixie. A full belly with a good night's sleep and I think you’ll be good as new."

Shining Armor uses the blankets to put together two makeshift beds in front of the stove. I sure hope so. It's... rather painful seeing you like this Trixie.”

Trixie nods. “Thank you... both of you actually. I'm sorry to be such a burden!”

Arc sits down on the bed next to Trixie and gently strokes her mane. “It's okay. This is what friends are for after all.”

Trixie nods sleepily. “I... hope I can repay the favor... one day.”

“If you really want to repay me, I would love to see you reconcile with Twilight. We could all be friends!”

“But...! Well, okay. I'll try.”

Arc nods. “Good! Now why don't you get some rest. Tomorrow is another day.”

“Good night.”

Trixie rolls over and quickly falls asleep. Arc walks over to Shining Armor who has just finished with the makeshift beds.

“That goes for us too. We need to be at our best for our march to the Gates of Tartarus tomorrow.”

Shining Armor yawns and lies down. “You don't have to tell me twice. Good night Arc.”

“Good night.”

The trio sleeps soundly until several hours later...

Trixie, flailing wildly in her sleep, calling out! “No... NO! This... can't be happening! Why? Arc? NO! Somepony help!”

Arc quickly wakes up and rushes to Trixie's side. He shakes her awake!

“Trixie! Wake up!”

Her eyes fly open! She is covered in sweat, and gasps! Her breathing is rapid! “Arc?! We have to get to Equestria right away! Everything is in ruins!”

“Woah there Trixie. It's okay. It was just a dream!”

Trixie rubs her eyes with a hoof and looks around, confused. “But... it felt so real!”

Arc sits down on the bed next to Trixie. “Want to talk about it?”

Trixie looks down at her hooves. “Not really, but I think I should. You see, I was back in Equestria, flying high over the land. I'm not sure how I did so but... well, it felt so real!”

“What's wrong with flying? Are you afraid of heights or something?”

Trixie shakes her head. “No, it's not that! Everything was great! I saw every town I had ever visited in my travels again! Everypony was happy to see me too! It was wonderful!”

“That does sound like quite the pleasant dream. So why were you crying out?”

“It WAS a pleasant dream! That is until the sky suddenly darkened with clouds! Then everything went to hell! I again saw every town, but this time they were full of demons chasing ponies down and butchering them! Sometimes very slowly! They seemed to be ENJOYING watching the suffering unfold before them!”

Arc nod soberly. “Don't worry Trixie! I'll never let such a thing come to pass!”

“That's just it! I also saw your base in flames! As it burned, I saw you, Derpy, Ember, Coco Pommel, Shining Armor, your guards... everypony was just lying there on the ground in front of Light's Hope covered in blood!”

“Who did this?!”

Trixie shudders. "It was a terrible looking monster! He just stood in front of your dead bodies laughing! The Dark One by his side, looking rather pleased with himself! He then turned to his demon army and announced that they were to march onward to Canterlot and do the same as they had done to the other towns they had visited thus far! There... there was just so MANY of them! I don't think Canterlot would have stood a chance against such an army! Not without your help, Arc!”

Arc sighs. “Normally humans don't put much stock in dreams. However, since coming to Equestria I have come to learn that the dreams here can sometimes have meaning.”

Trixie again looks to him nervously. “Do... do you think my dream was important?”

“Perhaps... or it could have just been your mind working overtime from the events of the past several days. I hope it's the latter, but I think we should get back to Equestria as soon as possible, just to be sure!”

Arc looks at Trixie's face closely. She seems to be terrified at the thought of what she has just witnessed!

“You should try and get some more sleep, Trixie. If there really is trouble, we're going to need all the strength we can muster!”

Trixie starts to cry. “I… I can’t!”

Arc nods. “I know it's not going to be easy but...”

Trixie leans forward and wraps her front hooves around Arc, crying! “NO! When I close my eyes now, all I see is you lying there... DEAD! I know it was just a dream! I know things are probably just fine back home! And I know I haven't known you for very long but...”

Trixie squeezes Arc tighter!

“...I don't know if I could go on without you! You've done more for me than ANYPONY else ever has!”

“That's… very sweet of you Trixie. While I'm not planning on dying anytime soon, I know you would be okay without me. You are stronger than even you know! Never forget that, as Equestria will soon have need of every hero!”

“Arc? What... do you mean?

“I... don't know. It's really just a feeling I have. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I'd rather be prepared.”

Arc gently pushes Trixie back onto the pillow.

“Now please... you need to rest. I want my friend to recover properly after all. Don't worry. I'll sit here with you if you would like.”

Trixie nods. “Thank you... I’d like that.

Arc leans his back against the wall and gently strokes Trixie's mane. She lays back and slowly closes her eyes and falls back to sleep with a smile on her face. He smiles down at Trixie.

“The things I do for my friends...”

Arc himself falls asleep stroking Trixie. He awakens the next morning to the sounds of Shining Armor moving around.

“Ah... it does feel good to be well rested!”

Shining Armor stretches before getting up.

“Arc?”

He quickly spots Arc sitting on the bed next to Trixie.

“Arc, what's going on?”

“Trixie had quite the bad dream last night. I told her I’d stay by her side and keep her safe. How about you? Sleep well?”

“I guess so. It had been quite some time since I had a good night's sleep. And while I would love to rest a little longer, we should probably get out of this place!”

Arc nods. “I agree. Can you stay here with Trixie for a bit? I'm going to head over to the wall and see if there has been any change over in Vengeance.”

“Sure!”

Arc leaves the house and heads for the wall.

“What's that sound?”

Shrugging, Arc continues to the wall and picks up the spyglass from yesterday.

“Now... let's see here... that weird tarp is still there... the troops are still stationed in front of the Gates of Vengeance... but where is that humming sound coming from?”

Arc checks the path to the Gates of Tartarus. It is clear. The only thing to catch his eye is a crate on the ground near the Gates of Tartarus with what appears to be a scroll on it.

“Great. Now the king is sending me letters! I wonder what he put in that crate though...”

Arc heads back to his house. Trixie is just waking up. She sleepily looks over to him.

“Arc? Is everything all right?”

“I... don't know. Things over at the capital seem to be unchanged from last night. The only real difference is now there is some kind of a note sitting on a crate at the Gates of Tartarus.”

Shining Armor looks over. “So, what should we do?”

“I'm thinking I need to get the two of you out of Tartarus, then I can investigate what the Demon King is up to.”

Arc turns to Trixie.

“How are you feeling this morning?”

“I’m still feeling a bit drained, but don’t worry. I’ll be okay.”

“Good. Don't worry Trixie! You can rest some more when we get out of Tartarus in the Vile Tribe's new village. Oh, and they have ‘pony food’ there too.”

Trixie smiles sleepily. “Looking forward to it.”

“Alright. Let's get going!”

Shining Armor and Arc both put on their armor. Arc leads the pair out of the Vile Tribe's former hideout and closes the gates with his magic.

Shining Armor looks around. “Any idea what that sound is?”

Trixie pricks up her ears. “I don't remember hearing it from inside the house.”

Arc turns to Trixie and Shining Armor. “I'm not sure, but you can bet the demons are somehow behind it! Stay alert, stay close, and we may yet make it out of here alive!”

They head toward the Gates of Tartarus. Arc walks over to the crate and plucks the scroll off of it.

“Now... let's see what the king of slime has to say.”

Arc opens the scroll and reads aloud...

To Arc... the human I love to hate,

Do not move from that spot if you and your friends wish to live! You have no doubt heard the hum of my latest project from your former home with the cowardly Vile Tribe. I sincerely hope that the suspense of wondering what I am up to will kill you! However, I don't really have the time to wait for such a glorious day to come! If you would be so kind as to look toward the capital city, your dullard mind may yet be able to figure out my plan.

I call it the Malice Cannon. Catchy, huh?! You being a lesser creature, let me explain to you the overwhelming genius behind my current plan. The hum you are currently hearing is the sound of the stored magical energy in the power cells of the weapon having reached full power. Now, the weapon is powered by a rather interesting little gem called the “Bloodstone”. It was “donated” to this project by a mutual friend of ours, The Dark One. He claims it will give the Malice Cannon the extra “kick” it needs to be able to breach the barrier and allow my demons and I to lay waste to Equestria! Ah... happy days ahead... for US anyways. Heh, heh, heh!

Now, you may be wondering why The Dark One would bother helping us demons. Especially after all these long years of silence. The truth is... I DON'T REALLY CARE! The only thing he wants in return is for me to kill ponies! It shouldn't prove too difficult a task, considering I have my cannon aimed right at you and your disgusting “friends”! This will be a day long remembered! It will see the end of Equestria's “illustrious” Hero of Light, and it will soon see the end of everything you hold dear! Ah, I wish I could keep you alive just long enough to watch me tear out the entrails of the princesses... and make stew out of them! The Dark One has cautioned me against such vain action, and as much as I hate to admit it... he's right.

However, never let it be said the I am not completely without mercy. If you would like I will allow the two ponies in your company to leave Tartarus now and return to Canterlot and report your demise and the coming demon invasion. Should you yourself try to pass the crate on the ground, I will fire immediately, killing all three of you! As you can see, as usual I have thought of everything! There is no escape for you this time! Our rivalry will end today HERE AND NOW! As you read this, I am safely hidden away watching you intently, as I don't want to miss even a moment of you current suffering and ultimately your demise!

Now... be a good little maggot and tell your little friends goodbye. I have patience, but don't push it!

Your Arch Enemy,

The Mighty and Terrible King Malevolence

P.S. Pay no attention to the crate this note was on!

Arc and company look toward the city. They see the tarp has been removed and a rather large cannon is visible! It is aimed at the Gates of Tartarus, and at them!

Shining Armor looks to Arc. “Is he... serious?”

Trixie shakes her head. “What an awful individual the king must be!”

“You're right Trixie. However, the Royal Pain would only see that as a compliment. In any case, I don't think he's bluffing. The two of you should get to the relative safety of beyond the gate.”

“But what about you?!”

“You heard what he wrote. There's not really any way out of this for me. It's okay! As long as my friends make it out, I can die happy. Now please... go, both of you. Don't worry about me. Just tell the princesses what happened here today!”

Trixie runs up to Arc and throws her hooves around him as he kneels down! “Oh Arc! Please... no! There has to be another way! We can think of something together! If we put our heads together, I'm sure we can!”

Arc puts his arms around Trixie to return the embrace. “Sorry. Not this time my friend. Methinks the king has finally done it. If you would... I would love if you would see me off... with a smile.”

Trixie begins to cry. She buries her face in Arc's chest and holds him tightly!

Shining Armor walks up to Trixie and Arc. “Are you sure about this Arc? Is there really NOTHING to be done?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing I can think of, short of asking the Demon King himself I mean.”

Trixie raises her head and looks at Arc with tear-filled eyes. “But, he's safely in the capital city! There's just no way for us to reach him through his demon army!”

Arc shakes his head. “Oh, I doubt that...”

He gently pushes Trixie back and looks towards the capital.

“Trixie, you said the king is safely in the capital city. I disagree with that.”

Trixie looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“I'll show you.”

Arc kneels down in front of the crate.

“...you're in the crate aren't you, King Malevolence?”

A few moments pass.

Shining Armor rolls his eyes. “Come on, Arc! I'm sure the king is smarter than THAT!”

A rustling can be heard from within the crate. A moment later the top opens and the Demon King's head pokes out. He is still miniature size.

“How did you know I was in the crate human?! It wasn't in the note!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “It was just a lucky guess.”

He turns to Trixie and Shining Armor.

“Meet the leader of the demons you two... King Malevolence.”

Trixie narrows her eyes, looking skeptical. “You can't be serious.”

Shining Armor looks over, amazed! “THIS is the mastermind behind the denizens of Tartarus!”

“Yes, you miserable insect! Before this day is done, all of Equestria will bow at my command!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I don't know what's more laughable. You still being shrunk down, or the fact you think that you're my arch enemy.”

Trixie and Shining Armor look to each other confused before they collapse to the ground in wild hysterics!

“What is so amusing?!”

Trixie rolls on the ground, laughing! “You are!”

Shining Armor lies on the ground, holding his sides laughing! “The King of all Demons is a foot and a half tall?!”

King Malevolence growls! “Thanks to Arc, yes! Now straighten up and show some respect, worms!”

Arc looks back at King Malevolence and shrugs. “Eh. Just let them get it out of their system so we can continue our conversation.”

King Malevolence mutters indignantly! After a few more minutes of laughter and guffawing Trixie and Shining Armor are able to compose themselves.

Arc sighs. “If you two are finished...”

Trixie stands up. “Sorry Arc. If he wasn't so evil, he might be considered cute at that size!”

Shining Armor frowns. “There's nothing cute about a worm Trixie! Remember, this demon still wants to kill us all!”

King Malevolence nods. “Mostly just Arc! The rest of Equestria and the princesses are just a bonus!”

“Come on King Malevolence! You and I both know you can't trust The Dark One! He'll discard you the moment you're no longer necessary!”

“Unlikely! He needs me!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Right now he does. What about tomorrow? Or next week even!”

Trixie snickers! “Twilight's pet dragon is bigger than you are!”

“Mayhap, my little hooved appetizer. I'm sure I can find a unicorn somewhere who can return me to my normal size in Equestria... that is, before I slay them all!”

King Malevolence pulls a small remote control out of the crate.

“In any case... with this remote I can fire the Malice Cannon anytime I want! Now, why don't you horses finish saying goodbye and let me have my fun?!”

Shining Armor rolls his eyes. “For a ruler, your pretty dim. That would destroy you too!”

King Malevolence laughs! “HAH! Shows how much YOU know! The Bloodstone is an evil power source! Its power would have no effect on a demon as evil as I am!”

“How do you figure that?”

“Simple. The Dark One told me so.”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “And you believed him?!”

King Malevolence nods. “Yes! He's on my side now!”

“Are you kidding me?! He's just going to betray you eventually! Maybe sooner than later.”

King Malevolence holds up the remote. “If it means being rid of you Arc, I'll take that chance!”

The king looks over at Trixie and Shining Armor.

“Last chance you two! Leave or die with Arc!”

Trixie looks defiantly at King Malevolence. “Fine! Then I choose to stay!

“What?! No Trixie! You and Shining Armor leave right now!”

Trixie shakes her head, fervently! “No Arc! You've always been there for Equestria when it needed you! And... when I needed you... did you leave ME? No! I... I won't let you die alone! We'll face this new threat together!”

Arc looks to Shining Armor. “Any chance you could talk some sense into Trixie for me?”

Shining Armor nods. “I think maybe I can.”

He walks between Arc and Trixie.

“Don't waste your breath Shining Armor! I'm not going ANYWHERE!!!”

Shining Armor lowers his head as his horn glows. “Oh yes you are!”

He uses his magic to blast Trixie with a powerful telekinesis spell! Before she can react, she is thrown through the Gates of Tartarus and lands on the Equestrian side!

Trixie stands up and runs back toward the barrier, angrily! “Shining Armor! Why you...”

She crashes into the barrier and stops dead in her tracks.

“What the...?”

Arc turns to her. “You're sorry for your crimes, so the barrier let you out. It won't let an innocent return here though.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Sorry Trixie, but I wanted you to live!”

He turns and plants his hooves firmly as he faces the Demon King.”

“I've got your back to the end Arc!”

Arc nods. “That's very kind of you Shining Armor, but I can't let you do that.”

Arc quickly raises a hand to throw Shining Armor through the barrier to join Trixie! Shining Armor casts a counter spell and blocks Arc's attempt!

“Sorry Arc, but I can't let you do the same to me. My own magic is a LOT stronger than yours! I was ready for that!”

King Malevolence shakes his head. “You fool! By staying here you will only ensure your own demise!”

“You're wrong King Malevolence! I'm going to stay here and protect Equestria with my magic!”

Trixie slams her hooves against the barrier in vain, screaming! NO! ARC... SHINING ARMOR... GET OUT OF THERE!!!”

King Malevolence laughs! “You just don't get it! NOTHING can block... THIS!”

The king pushes the button and the hum from Vengeance suddenly becomes a higher pitched whine. Shining Armor uses his magic to put up a Magic Barrier! Trixie hits the barrier over and over again, in tears, screaming!

“NO!!!”

As the Malice Cannon fires, King Malevolence is slammed against Shining Armor's Magic Barrier by the blast and summarily knocked out of the way as the brave unicorn strains to maintain his spell!

“Have... to... hold... it...”

Arc rushes up to Shining Armor and points his hands toward the failing barrier! A stream of magical energy bursts forth to strengthen it!

“We can do this, Shining Armor! Don't give up!”

Dust from the dark weapon’s blast crashing against the shield obscures Trixie's view of the unfolding events as a loud explosion resounds! A few moments later deafening silence ensues.

Trixie presses her face against the barrier, screaming for her friends! ARC! SHINING ARMOR! ARE YOU OKAY?! SAY SOMETHING ALREADY!

Silence.

Trixie’s body slides down the barrier. She lands on the ground and covers her face with her hooves as the tears begin to fall freely.

“No... Arc... Shining Armor... my friends... why...?”

Slowly the dust begins to clear and Trixie can again see through the barrier. After a few more minutes she can make out two figures lying on the ground nearby!

“Arc! Shining Armor! Please be okay!”

Arc moves a bit.

Trixie looks toward him excitedly! “Arc! You're okay!”

Arc stands up slowly. Grabbing Shining Armor's front hoof and throwing it over his shoulder he drags the unconscious unicorn through the barrier.

“Okay, come on big fella!”

He lays Shining Armor down on the ground. Trixie looks over as Arc checks Shining Armor for a pulse.

“Arc, is he... okay?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. His pulse is steady and he's breathing normally. I think he just needs a good long nap.”

Trixie places her hooves on Shining Armor's chest and lets out a sigh of relief!

“Oh thank Celestia! I mean... I'm happy you're okay as well Arc! Sorry I'm not very good at this friendship stuff.”

“It's okay. I know what you meant. Can you do me a favor and stay here with Shining Armor for a bit?”

Trixie looks up at Arc, confused. “Yes, but where will you be?”

Arc turns back toward the Gates of Tartarus and runs toward them!

“Finishing this fight!”

He easily passes through the barrier and runs up to King Malevolence! Grabbing the king roughly he pulls the tiny tyrant up to his face!

“Okay, you piece of filth! Give me the Bloodstone!”

King Malevolence chuckles weakly. “Fool... it's in the Malice Cannon. The weapon will be charged and ready to fire again in about twenty minutes. There's not enough time for you to stop it! Just accept it! Equestria has lost! You've all lost!

He throws the king down “No! I'll stop you!”

Arc charges up his magic a few seconds and vanishes!

Trixie looks around for her friend. “Arc? Where did you go?”

Arc reappears on top of the barrel of the Malice Cannon! Running down the length of it, his eyes dart back and forth looking for some kind of clue regarding the location of the Bloodstone! He hops off the weapon's barrel onto a nearby catwalk and turns to some demons!

“Where is the Bloodstone?!”

The demons all flee in terror.

Arc rolls his eyes as he jumps off the catwalk onto the ground below. “Of course they would run!”

He spots a small building at the far end of the Malice Cannon that has in inordinate amount of cables coming out of it! A loud humming can be heard growing in intensity.

Arc nods to himself. “That's a good enough place as any to start.”

He runs as fast as he can across the open land toward the outbuilding. Demons, both military looking and otherwise, flee in terror at his approach! Arc reaches the building and finds the door locked. Grabbing the doorknob tightly he quickly rips the door off its hinges and charges inside! The room is filled with many terrified looking demons at various control panels. They appear too afraid to move, even if Arc was not blocking the only exit!

“Give me the Bloodstone... NOW!!!”

The demon in charge, a humanoid female, looks over to him fearfully! If not for the pointed ears, long bushy tail which at first glance might appear to actually be fire, red skin, bat-like wings, the fact she is actually wearing clothes under her lab coat, fingers that look very similar to claws, and green eyes that are a mix between a human and a pony except the whites are black, she would look almost human! She is roughly two-thirds the size of Arc. pointing shakily at a small door on the central console, she addresses him.

“It... it's in there!”

Arc walks over to the panel. “So give it to me already!”

“I can't!”

Arc calls forth the Spear of Righteousness from his ring, angrily! “Say that again!”

“No! I really can't! The Malice Cannon is beyond the point of no return! If we remove the Bloodstone now, the whole thing will explode!”

Arc returns his spear to the ring and sighs. “Fine! The rest of you get out of here now!”

He steps aside. The demons are only too happy to obey! Ss they run out the door Arc turns to the demon scientist who appears terrified!

“What's your name?”

Her knees knock as she looks up to him. “A... Auriel. I'm the Lead Scientist here.”

“My name's Arc! Tell me then, Auriel... how do I get everyone away from this accursed weapon?”

Auriel looks at him, confused. “That red button on the wall will signal everyone in the area to evacuate, but why?”

Arc turns and pushes the button from across the room with his magic! An alarm klaxon can be heard going off everywhere! He turns back to her!

“How do we know when everyone is evacuated?!”

Auriel gestures to a console nearby. “I can check the security feed to make sure the area is completely deserted.”

“Do it!”

Auriel does so. A few minutes later she looks up.

“It looks like everyone has made it to safety now! You and I are the only ones left!”

Arc turns and walks over to the compartment where the Bloodstone is stored.

“Good.”

Auriel looks at him with a horrified expression on her face! “Wh-what are you going to do?! If you take the Bloodstone out now, the Malice Cannon will overload and explode in a matter of seconds!"

Arc opens the panel and looks at the Bloodstone. “That's the plan.”

“Are you insane?! There's no way either of us will survive the blast!”

He charges up his magic and reaches for the Bloodstone. “Come with me! I'll get us both to safety!”

Auriel looks both nervous and skeptical at the same time!

Arc hold out a gauntlet toward Auriel. “Stay here or come with me! It's not a hard choice, Auriel! Come on!”

Against her better judgment Auriel runs to Arc.

“What do I have to do?! I don't want to die here!”

“Give me a hug!”

“WHAT?!”

“There's no time! Just do it!”

Auriel wraps her arms around Arc's midsection. He reaches over and pulls the Bloodstone out of its cradle! The hum quickly becomes a high-pitched whine as the circuits begin to overload!

Arc clutches the Bloodstone tightly! He wraps both arms around Auriel and casts a spell using the magic he had charged up a few moments ago!

“Here we go!”

A second later Arc and Auriel reappear in front of the Gates of Tartarus! Arc releases his grip on her and the two of them look up just in time to see the Malice Cannon explode! The energy it had contained is released in all directions! Auriel looks away from the capital, sadly. She sees the Demon King lying on the ground injured!

“Y-your Majesty?!”

Auriel runs over to King Malevolence as Arc looks at the Bloodstone in his gauntlet, weakly.

“That... was... close...”

Arc collapses to his knees, lacking the energy to stand!

Trixie looks up from Shining Armor! “Arc! You can make it! I know you can!”

“So... close. So... tired...”

Returning his armor to the Magic Ring to lessen his burden, Arc begins to slowly crawl toward Trixie and safety. Auriel kneels down next to King Malevolence.

“Sir! What happened?! Did the human do this to you?!”

King Malevolence weakly shakes his head. “No... The Dark One lied to me. The power of the Malice Cannon... I wasn't immune to its power. Don't worry Auriel, I’ll be fine…”

The king looks over to the capital, then back at Auriel.

“What of the Bloodstone?”

Auriel hangs her head in shame. “My apologies sir. The human took it.”

The king raises his head. He sees Arc using all of his strength to crawl towards the Gates of Tartarus before turning back to Auriel.

“Auriel, I need you to do something for me!”

“What is it?”

“Take the knife from my belt.”

“You mean your great-sword?”

King Malevolence chuckles. “Well, it's a knife now!”

Auriel does so.

“Now use it and kill the human! Kill Arc and bring me the Bloodstone! With its power we may yet turn the tables and win out against Equestria!”

Auriel holds the knife in her shaking hands! “I... I don't think I can do that!”

King Malevolence nods to her. “You can do this Auriel. I have faith in you! Go!”

Auriel takes the knife and walks over to Arc. She stands between him and the safety of Equestria! Kicking him over onto his back she falls to her knees in front of him, knife raised!

Trixie looks over to Auriel, angrily! “Leave him alone, demon! Hasn't your kind brought enough suffering already?!”

Auriel shakes her head, uncertain of what to do. “I'm sorry for this, human.”

Arc looks up and speak weakly. “Can you do me one favor?”

“A… favor?”

“Throw the Bloodstone... through the... Gates. Keep it away... from the Demon King.”

Auriel shakes her head! “What?! But the king needs the Bloodstone to destroy the barrier and free everyone!"

“That's... not all... he will destroy. Kill me... if you must... but please... don't let the Bloodstone... fall into his... claws!”

Arc appears to be using every last ounce of his remaining energy just to remain conscious!

“But... I... I can't!”

Auriel holds her head in her hands!

“I... I don't know what to do!”

Trixie futilely bashes the barrier with her hooves again! She looks to Auriel, tears in her eyes! “Please... I'm begging you... don't hurt him! Equestria needs him! I need my friend!”

Auriel looks over at Trixie and then back at Arc as he loses consciousness. The Bloodstone falls out of his hand.

Auriel looks to the knife in her hand with renewed determination! “I guess there's only one thing I can do...”

She raises the knife above her head.

Trixie screams as the tears again pour forth! “NO! ARC! WAKE UP!”

Auriel is frozen in place. She appears unable to move for quite some time! Suddenly, she brings her hand with the knife in it down and throws it to the side! Turning to King Malevolence and bowing her head.

“I'm sorry... I just can't do it.”

Auriel reaches down and picks up the Bloodstone. She places it back in Arc's hand and closes his fingers around it. Arc clenches his fist around it as if it were his only lifeline!

Auriel looks back toward Vengeance. Soldiers can be seen running toward them! She looks down at Arc.

“I have to get you out of here!”

She grabs Arc's arm and puts it around her shoulder. Picking him up as best she can, Auriel drags him toward the Gates of Tartarus. The king looks to her incredulously!

“Auriel! What are you doing?!”

“I'm sorry sir, but... this is just something I have to do. Please forgive me!”

“AURIEL! DO AS I COMMAND!”

Shocked at the turn of events, Trixie steps away from the barrier to allow Arc to pass. To her further astonishment, both Arc AND Auriel pass through the barrier together!

Trixie looks to the demon, wide-eyed! “But... why...?”

Auriel walks past her before turning to Trixie.

“Because... it was just the right thing to do.”

Chapter 12 - The Day "Evil" Came to Equestria

Arc awakens in an unfamiliar room. He looks to his left and sees Shining Armor lying on a bed next to his. The Bloodstone on the nightstand between them. Feeling something warm on his right side, Arc looks over to see Trixie lying on the bed next to him, snuggled up to his side.

“Hey... Trixie. Wake up.”

Trixie slowly raises her head and looks around a bit dazed. “Wait. That really happened?”

Arc nods. “Um... I think so. Where are we?”

“Some village just outside the Gates of Tartarus. The residents here carried you and Shining Armor to the hospital.”

Arc looks over at the stallion in the bed next to his! “Shining Armor! How is he?!”

“The doctor said he’d be fine. He just needs some more rest.”

Shining Armor groggily raises his head and looks over to the pair.

“Did we... win?”

Arc nods. “Um... so it would seem.”

Shining Armor looks over at Arc in the hospital bed, slowly regaining his senses. “You okay, Arc?”

Arc sits up slowly. “More or less. My memory is a little... hazy though...”

Trixie pushes on Arc's chest! “Please Arc! You still need to rest!”

Arc puts his hand to his head. “Trixie… how did I escape from Tartarus? The last thing I remember is... Auriel looking down at me. What happened after that?”

“Some demon-girl helped you back to the village. And by ‘helped’ I mean she pretty much did everything! It was the strangest thing though... I thought demons couldn't pass through the barrier!”

Shining Armor’s eyes grow wide! “Wait! There's a DEMON in Equestria?!”

“Where is she now?!”

“She said I looked hungry and offered to ask the nurse for some food. I can't believe I'm saying this but…. she's actually pretty nice! For a demon, I guess!”

The door opens and Auriel walks through carrying a tray of hospital food. She looks at Arc a bit nervously.

“Oh, you're awake! I... uh... brought some food. I hope that's okay...”

Shining Armor jumps out of bed, his horn glowing!

“Don't worry you two. I got this!”

“Shining Armor, stop!”

The confused stallion turns to Arc. “Um... what?”

“She's on our side, I think...”

Arc turns to Trixie.

“Is she on our side? Again... my mind’s still a bit fuzzy.”

Trixie nods. “Considering what she did earlier, I'm leaning toward yes.”

Auriel nervously walks forward with the tray and offers it to Trixie, Arc, and Shining Armor.

“Please eat! You all look very hungry!”

Arc nods. “Thank you Auriel! That was very kind of you!”

He reaches for the food before stopping and looking at Auriel.

“I'm sorry. Where are my manners?! My name is Arc. I'm Equestria's Hero of Light. Sorry there wasn't time for a real introduction earlier.”

“I'm Trixie Lulamoon. Thanks for not... um... killing Arc earlier.”

“Um… hi. The name's Shining Armor. If the Hero of Light says you're okay, I believe him. But don't think for a minute that I won't be watching you!”

Auriel nods, shyly. “Considering the circumstances at the time, I understand. I know I already told you my name Arc, but... for the sake of the others, my name is Auriel and I... um...”

She looks quite worried about something! Squeezing her eyes shut, Auriel speaks hastily!

“I'm the daughter of King Malevolence! I hope that's okay!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide! “Wait! You're the Demon King's daughter?!

Auriel, quickly becoming frightened, backs away hastily! “Y-yes. Please don't hurt me!”

Arc shakes his head. “Don't worry Auriel. I have no intention of hurting you.”

Trixie nods. “Let's hear her out Arc! I know this may sound crazy, but I really think she means us no harm!”

“I don't think it sounds crazy at all Trixie.”

Arc looks Auriel up and down before continuing.

“Auriel, you don't really look like or act like the other demons I’ve met so far.”

Auriel nods, nervously! “Um... thank you? Oh, that's right! A nurse told me someone named Mythic Honor wanted you to meet him in the Town Square as soon as you were awake!”

Trixie turns to Arc. “We should see what he wants Arc! It sounded urgent!”

Arc sighs. “I doubt it. In fact, I'm almost certain I already know what he wants.”

He tosses the covers off and throws his legs over the side of the bed. Grabbing the Bloodstone off the nightstand, Arc puts it safely in his pocket.

Trixie puts a hoof on Arc’s knee. “Don't push yourself too hard! Please, rest some more! A blind pony could see that you're not back to full strength yet! Not even close!”

“Thanks for your concern Trixie, but I really need to get back home soon.”

Shining Armor gets to his hooves. “What's the rush, Arc?”

“Well... I may have run off to rescue the two of you without telling anyone else where I was going, as I figured I’d be back by nightfall. Derpy, Dinky and Ember must be worried sick!”

Arc stands up and heads for the door.

“Let's get this over with...”

Auriel looks to him. “Um, Arc... can I... um... you know...”

Arc nods. “Of course! I'm not leaving you alone in a strange land!”

Auriel lets out a sigh of relief! “Whew! Thanks! Sorry for being so burdensome!”

“It's no trouble! To tell you the truth, I felt the same way when I came to Equestria.”

Auriel looks at him, confused. “You weren't born here? Then where?”

“Another world called Earth. But we can talk more about that another time. Shall we?”

Arc and the others make the short walk to the Town Square. Mythic Honor is pacing in front of a large white sheet. He screams for help upon seeing Auriel!

“DEMON! GUARDS! GUARDS! COME QUICK!!!”

What may very well be the entirety of the town's guards come running at Mythic Honor's command! Auriel appears terrified and almost leaps into Arc's arms! Arc looks down at her.

“It's okay! Don't be scared!”

Arc turns to the approaching Town Guards.

“Don't worry. She's with me!”

The Town Guards lower their weapons and step back. Mythic Honor looks to Auriel apologetically.

“I sure am sorry about that miss! But I really did think you were a demon!”

Auriel looks to Mythic Honor, confused. “But... I am a demon.”

Mythic Honor looks confused. “Ah... are you sure about that?”

She looks at him, warily. “Um… yes.”

“I WAS RIGHT! GUARDS! GUARDS! COME QUICK!”

The Town Guards again raise their weapons! Auriel tightens her grip on Arc as he turns to the guards!

“What did I just tell you?! She's with me!”

Arc turns to Mythic Honor.

“Calm down! She won't bite! Just look at her! She's more afraid of you than you are of her!”

Mythic Honor squints at Auriel. “You wouldn't be Lady Auriel, now would you?”

Auriel nods. “I am. Have we met before?”

“Nope! I just remembered the rumors about you that were floating around Tartarus. Word is that you're more of a thinker than a warrior! That true?”

“Y-yes. I prefer my books to the company of others any day.”

Shining Armor rubs his chin with a hoof. “Hmmm... she reminds me of somepony... who though...”

“I've invented most of the technology the demons use. Too bad all my father wants to use it for is to escape Tartarus and conquer Equestria.

Mythic Honor nods. “I also heard that you’re quite timid and cowardly. That's pretty rare for a demon, much less the daughter of the King.”

“Well, I... um...”

Arc interrupts. “Okay, enough about Auriel. I'm almost afraid to ask this but... why did you call us here, Mythic Honor?”

“I did? What for?”

Mythic Honor appears lost in thought.

Trixie whispers to Arc. “Is this pony for real?!”

Arc nods. “Just give him a minute. It’ll come to him.”

Arc turns back to Mythic Honor.

“Would it have anything to do with the rather large sheet behind you?”

“Ah yes! Now I remember! It's the large sheet behind me! Or more accurately what's UNDER the sheet!”

Arc does his best to herd everyone away from the sheet, in an embarrassed tone. “Well, we really need to be going now. Maybe you can show us next time, Mythic Honor!”

“Aw, don't be silly! You're here now and it won't take but a minute!”

Trixie looks to the sheet, anxiously! “Come on, Arc! He really wants you to see what he has there! And I have to admit, I'm a bit curious myself!”

Arc sighs. “Fine...”

Mythic Honor turns to address the townsponies. “Now, without further ado... behold!”

He pulls the sheet off to reveal a bronze statue of Arc looking heavenward! The statue is clad in Eidolon's Ward, his helmet under one arm, a spear raised to the sky in the other. Next to it is another bronze statue of Ember in a similar pose standing next to Arc.

Arc shakes his head. “This isn't happening... again!”

Mythic Honor looks to Arc, expectantly! “So, what do you think?!”

Trixie forces a smile. “It's very... um... wow!”

Auriel walks forward cautiously and pokes Arc's statue with a claw. “What is it?”

Arc facepalms. “It's a statue.”

“Um... what does it do?”

Mythic Honor chimes in. “You look at it! Like this!”

He stares at the statues so intently Auriel is a bit taken aback!

“Arc, this is kinda... creepy.”

Arc nods. “Um... yeah. Okay, we have to be going now Mythic Honor. Love the statues! We'll come by for a longer visit another time.”

Mythic Honor waves after them as they leave. “All right! Don't be a stranger now!”

Arc leads the group toward the sigil he placed just outside of town. Shining Armor looks back over his shoulder at the statues.

“Wow Arc, these townsponies really seem to admire you!”

Arc nods and sighs. “Yeah, they do. Freeing an entire town from that hellish place tends to have that effect!”

“Wait! That abandoned town we stayed in... are these ponies...”

“Yes. This is the Vile Tribe from Tartarus. They've taken to their new home quite well.”

Trixie shudders! “Considering their past, I had assumed they would look like monsters!”

She quickly looks over to Auriel!

“Sorry!”

Auriel nods. “It's okay. I know what you meant.”

They reach the sigil.

“Here we are.”

Auriel looks at the markings on the ground. “What's this?”

“It's a sigil. I use them to get around Equestria quicker.”

Arc and the others step on to it.

“Is it... safe?”

“Haven't had a problem yet! We need to get back home though, as I think all of us could go for a rest.”

Trixie nods! “Can't argue with that!”

Auriel nervously joins the others on the sigil. Arc calls forth his gauntlet and activates it! A moment later the party arrives at Light's Hope's Main Hall.

Meanwhile… Raven works diligently at her desk. She looks up as the group appears!

“Commander! Glad to see you back safe and...”

Raven spots Auriel and screams as she dives behind her desk!

“SOMEPONY HELP ME!”

Arc facepalms. “Not this again... Raven, would you stop that! She's with me!”

Raven peeks out from behind her desk, shaking. “Are... are you sure?”

“Yes Raven. This is Auriel. She's my guest here.”

Raven stands, albeit shakily! “Yes Commander. Sorry for the outburst.”

Flash Sentry, Ember, and Arc's squad rush into the Main Hall! Flash Sentry spots Auriel and draws his twin blades!

“Everypony, protect the commander!”

Ember readies her spear and calling forth her armor. “Don't worry Arc! We'll save you!”

Auriel again clings to Arc! “Oh for the love of... everyone stand down! She's a friend!”

Max looks to him confused. “Sir? Are you... sure?”

“Yes, Max! I'm sure! Look, we've all had quite a long day. We can discuss this tomorrow morning over breakfast.”

“Very well sir.”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“See to it all the guards know about my guest. I don't want her to be harmed by them!”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir! I'll see to it personally”

“Raven, call The Little Hooves Orphanage and let Derpy know that I made it home safely.”

“Yes Commander! I'm sure that will make her very happy! She was calling here every few of hours looking for you!”

Arc sighs. “Things don't always go according to plan with me. In any case, I should show my guests to their rooms, as they look about a tired as I feel!”

He returns his armor to the ring. Arc then leads Trixie, Shining Armor and Auriel to the Guest Quarters and assigns them each a room to themselves.

Auriel sighs as the reach her door. “Um... thanks for escorting me to my cell.”

Arc looks to her, confused. “Your cell?”

Auriel nods. “I'm your prisoner after all.”

“As I said earlier, you are my guest. You’re not a prisoner here.”

“Oh! I'm sorry! When you referred to me as your guest, I just thought you were trying to be nice about my imprisonment here.”

Arc opens to door to her room and leads Auriel inside. “And this room will be yours. I hope it is to your liking.”

Auriel looks around it, astonished! “I've never seen a room this nice before! It's quite a change from Tartarus! Is this... is this really all for me?!”

He nods. “I want you to be comfortable while you are here. If you’re hungry I can have my chef bring you something.”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, thank you. I think I would just like to rest now.”

“Very well then. Pleasant dreams!”

Arc turns to leave.

“Um...”

Arc turns back to Auriel.

“Is there something you need?”

Auriel appears conflicted. “No, it's nothing like that! I... um... I just wanted to ask you some questions.”

Arc gestures toward the couch. “Very well. I'm sure you have many things to ask, being in a new land and all.”

The pair sits down. Auriel looks up at him, nervously.

“Am I... going to be... killed?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. You haven't committed any crime here in Equestria. What reason would we have for killing you?”

“Well, it's just... that's what we would have done in Tartarus. If the tables had been turned, that is! And somehow I doubt Equestria's view on demons is too bright and friendly.”

“Why is that?”

“My father likes to use the excuse ‘we need the meat’.”

“So... demons eat meat then?”

Auriel nervously nods! “Well, yes. Please don't be angry!”

Arc smiles at her! “Don't worry about it. Humans eat meat as well. Believe you me, it took my friends quite a while to come to terms with that! Ponies mostly eat hay, oats, fruits, and vegetables.”

Auriel breaths a sigh of relief! “Thanks! That's quite a load off my mind! Can I ask you something a bit more personal?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why are you keeping me around? I would have guessed you would have tried to get as much information out of me as you could before... you know... getting rid of me in one way or another. I mean, you're the Hero of Light after all! Equestria's ultimate warrior and protector! Isn't it your job to take care of threats to this land?”

“Yes. However, I don't view you as a danger to myself or the ponies who live here. Are you?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, I'm not.”

“Then we should get along fine. While ponies may be frightened by your appearance and will treat you differently, know that I endured the same when I came to Equestria. Humans are viewed as greedy, evil, murderous, self-centered creatures in this land.”

Her eyes grow wide! “Just like demons! How did you become the Hero of Light then?!”

“I just showed everyone that I wasn't an evil monster, but a paragon who would protect this land and its inhabitants. It certainly didn't happen overnight, but it did happen.”

“I... I just don't understand!”

“Understand what?”

“Well, my father told me about you after your first battle with him. He said you were a being of unimaginable evil! An enemy of everything living! A cancer to all creation that had to be cut out! But... well... you actually seem like a really nice person to me!”

“Can I assume that to the demon race, the more powerful one is, the more ‘evil’ they are?”

Auriel nods. ”Yes! How did you know that?”

“Just an educated guess. While I can understand why your father would think that, please understand that I am not evil in the least. My power comes from a desire to do what is right.”

Auriel looks down to her hands in her lap. “In the demon culture that would be a sign of extreme weakness! That's why I’m so weak! I don't have the same cunning and blood-lust as other demons! If I wasn't the king's daughter, I would have most certainly been killed years ago!”

“Listen Auriel. Trixie told me what you did earlier. It must have been very difficult to go against everything you've ever been taught to help me. That takes great strength of heart and character. You're much stronger than ever you yourself realize. Now I'm sorry to cut this short, but I really need to get some rest, lest my guards have to carry me to bed. We'll talk again later.”

Arc weakly rises and walks toward the door.

“Wait Arc! If I'm not weak, what am I?!”

He looks over his shoulder as he walks through the door.

“Different.”

Auriel sits on the couch considering Arc's words, alone as the door closes.

“But... I can't change what I am! What do I do?!”

Arc leaves the room Closing the door, he leans against it for a moment weakly before he hears a rather familiar voice in front of him.

“Dad?!”

Derpy hurries over! “Arc! Are you okay?!”

Ember steps forward to help support Arc. “Hold on Arc! I got you!”

Arc puts an arm around Ember's neck and weakly looks to Dinky.

“Yes... I just need... some time to rest. It's been... quite the day...”

Ember, Derpy and Dinky help Arc down the hallway toward his quarters. Auriel watches through the keyhole as the scene unfolds before her.

“Arc... how do you command such loyalty from your servants without the need for violence? I don't understand!”

Entering Arc's quarters, Ember helps Arc lay down on his bed while Derpy and Dinky help remove his boots and cover him with a blanket.

Derpy shakes her head, sadly. “Arc... you can't keep doing this!”

“Yeah dad... we need you!”

“Sorry...”

Unable to keep his eyes open any longer, Arc falls asleep.

Ember turns to her. “Derpy.”

“Yes Ember?”

“I think... you and Dinky should stay with Arc tonight.”

Derpy turns to Ember, surprised! “What? But, don't you usually...”

Ember nods. “Yes, but I think he needs to be with the two of you right now. I'll sleep in my own bed for once.”

Derpy and Dinky lie down on either side of Arc. Ember puts a blanket over each of them.

Ember smiles! “You know... the three of you really make quite a cute family.”

Dinky nods! “You're part of it too Miss Ember!”

“Thanks! I'll be sleeping right over here though. There doesn't appear to be enough room in there for another.”

Derpy and Dinky nod as the snuggle up to Arc.

Ember turns to her own bed. “Good night. Keep Arc warm for me, will you?”

“Arc puts his arms around both of them as a small smile creeps over his face. Derpy nuzzles Arc and gives him a quick lick on the cheek.

“Good night, Arc.”

Chapter 13 - Protecting My Devotion

For the first time in a VERY long time, Arc enjoys a quiet and uneventful night's sleep! Early the next morning Ember awakens with a yawn and stretches. She looks over to Arc. He is propped up in bed with Derpy and Dinky in his arms still sleeping. Every so often they nuzzle him.

Ember smiles quietly. “You haven't been awake too long now, have you?”

Arc nods. “Only about an hour or so. I've just been lying here looking at these two in my arms and thinking about just how lucky I truly am! I love them both so much, and don't want this moment to end!”

Ember smiles. “That's really sweet, Arc!”

Derpy and Dinky smile.

“We're the lucky ones, Arc.”

“Yeah dad... we missed you.”

Arc looks down, surprised! “You two are awake?! How long have you...?”

They reply in unison. “About an hour.”

“What?”

Dinky slowly opens her little eyes and looks up to her father. “I... just wanted you to keep holding me, dad. It made me feel... secure.”

Derpy nods. “We don't usually have this time together. I wanted it to last too!”

Arc sighs. “I would love to lie here all day with you two, but duty calls.”

The pair nod sadly.

“Why don't you all head over to the Cafeteria. I need to go and greet our guests.”

Derpy looks over to Arc. “Will you be joining us for breakfast?”

Arc sits up and swings his legs over the edge of the bed. Yes, I have a busy day ahead, so I need the nutrition. Just let me grab a quick shower and I'll be over with our guests.

Dinky bounds out the door! “Okay! See you there, dad!”

Derpy gets up slowly and looks to Arc. She puts a hoof on his hand, a concerned look on her face. “Just... try to be more careful. You always push yourself too hard!”

Arc leans over and embraces Derpy. “Sorry for making you worry. I'll try.”

Derpy returns the hug and leaves the room to follow Dinky, Arc leaves the room and heads for the bathroom. Ember follows him, a wicked grin on her face!

“Want me to help you wash your back?”

Arc doesn’t look back. “Thanks, but I got this!”

“Arc!”

He stops and looks back at Ember.

“Yes?”

“I…it... it's nothing. I'll wait for you out here.”

Arc nods, quickly showers and changes into a fresh set of clothes. He leaves the bathroom to find Ember sitting on the couch waiting for him. She stands as he leaves the bathroom.

“Feeling better?”

Arc nods! “Much! Shall we be off?”

“Uh, actually... there's something I need to tell you.”

Confused, Arc turns to her. “What is it?”

Ember looks down. “I just wanted to say that I agree with Derpy. You really can't keep doing this! I mean... this is the second time I've had to help you get to your room now because you used all your energy fighting!”

“But, Equestria was...”

Ember interrupts! “I know! Equestria was facing certain doom. The end of the world as we know it. We've been there before and I know you just want to protect everyone. But let me ask you this? What if one of these times you go off to fight and... die saving Equestria? This land and all its inhabitants are safe, but what about your... our family?! Look, all I'm saying is I understand that Equestria needs you, but you need to understand that we need you too!”

Arc approaches Ember and gives her a hug.

“I... I know. And I'm sorry. Sorry for making all of you worry about me. I'll try to be more careful in the future, okay?”

Ember nods as she returns the hug. “Thank you. That's all we can ask for.”

Arc leans back. “Well, we should get a move on. Can you meet me in the cafeteria? I'll see you there.”

“Sure.”

“And can you please tell Saffron I have a guest who requires a meaty breakfast?”

“Will do!”

Ember and Arc leave his quarters and part ways. As Arc approaches the Guest Quarters, he sees Trixie and Shining Armor walking toward him.

“Good morning you two. Feeling better?”

Shining Armor nods! “Fantastic! You sure those beds aren't magic?”

Trixie smiles! “Much better! And you?”

“The same. It's amazing what a good night's sleep will do!”

Shining Armor looks to him uneasily. “Arc, have you checked on our ‘other’ guest yet?”

“I was just about to. Everyone else is in the cafeteria already. Why don't you join them for a hearty breakfast?”

“Thanks Arc!”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Are you sure you don't want some help with the demon?”

Arc shakes his head. “I appreciate the thought, but I got this.”

“Okay. If you're sure.”

Shining Armor and Trixie walk down the hall toward the cafeteria. Arc continues on his way down the corridor. He knocks lightly on Auriel's door. A few moments later she opens it a couple inches and peeks out.

“Y-y-yes?”

“It's time for breakfast, Auriel.”

Auriel looks around her room, nervously. “T-thank you, but I'm not really hungry.”

Arc frowns. “I know for a fact you haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon!”

“Well... it's kinda... scary out there!”

“How so?”

“All those pony guards out there! What if they think I'm a bad demon?! I mean, I AM a bad demon but...”

Arc smiles at her. “Don't worry. You'll be with me! They would PROTECT you from harm if I told them to! And I still don't believe for a minute that you're a bad demon. Besides... isn't it ‘scary’ in there all by yourself?”

Auriel looks down at her feet. “...a little.”

He extends a hand to her. “So, come on out. I promise I won't leave your side!”

“Well... okay.”

Auriel opens the door and peeks out cautiously. She looks left and right before slowly leaving the safety of her room. Arc notices she is still wearing the same clothes from yesterday>

“Do you want some different clothes to wear?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No thank you! I'm fine!”

“All right then. This way.”

Arc leads Auriel down the hall toward the cafeteria. Upon entering all the troops stop eating and stare at Auriel! She seems bothered by this and clings to Arc.

“What's the matter?! Haven't any of you ever seen a demon before?! Get back to your meals!”

The soldiers obediently go back to eating as Arc leads Auriel to a table where Derpy, Dinky, Ember, Shining Armor and Trixie are happily munching away! Arc and Auriel sit down next to each other.

“H-hello? My name is Auriel.”

Derpy smiles at her! “Good morning! Trixie already explained everything to us! My name is Derpy and this is my daughter Dinky!”

Dinky grins! “Hi there!”

Saffron emerges from the Kitchen with a plate of fried fish and cockatrice meat. She quickly heads over to the table.

“Hello there. I'm Saffron, the base's chef! I hope this meat suits you, Miss Auriel.”

“T-thank you.”

Auriel picks at the food and sniffs it for a few minutes. After a time, she looks to Arc.

“I... don't understand. I can't detect any poison in this food. Is your chef really that skilled in the art of killing?!”

“There's no poison in it for you to find. I eat the same type of food for supper every night.”

Seeing Auriel's worried face, Arc picks up a fork and takes a couple bites from her plate.

“Delicious!”

Auriel slowly begins to eat.

“It... really is quite good! Much better than what I’m used to!”

Dinky hops off her seat. “I'll get you something to eat too dad!”

“Thank you Dinky.”

Auriel looks at Derpy then at Arc. She does this several more times before Arc notices.

“Is something wrong?

Auriel continues to look at the pair quizzically. “While I don't know much about either pony or human physiology, I can tell from a glance that the two of you should not have been able to procreate! How did you do that?!”

Derpy looks confused. “Procreate?”

Trixie looks over to her. “It means to make a baby together.”

Derpy blushes and looks away! “Oh!”

“We didn't. I adopted Dinky.”

Auriel still looks confused. “What does ‘adopt’ mean?”

Shining Armor looks to Auriel. “It's when somepony legally takes in another pony's foal and brings it up as if it were their own.”

“So... adopting a foal is kinda like taking a trophy from the battlefield? A sign of victory or dominance perhaps?”

Derpy shakes her head vigorously! “Not at all! Arc adopted Dinky because he felt she needed a father!”

“I think I understand now. So... Arc killed Dinky's father and forcefully took you as his mate, Derpy?”

Derpy and Trixie both fall off of their chairs! Ember laughs!

“No, Auriel. Derpy is not my mate. We're just very good friends! Dinky's father is still alive! He just doesn't have the courage to admit he has a daughter!

Derpy and Trixie regain their composure and sit back down. Auriel shrinks back.

“I'm sorry for asking so many questions! Please forgive me!”

“It's okay. I understand you must have many questions about Equestria's customs.”

Auriel looks relieved! “Well then Arc, why did you... adopt Dinky? If not for glory or power then why?”

“I did it... because it was just the right thing to do.”

Auriel ponders this for a few moments. “I... I think I understand. Thank you for explaining it to me.”

Ember laughs and smiles! “Auriel, let's just say you should be glad it was Arc who took you in! I believe the Dragon Lands would have been much less... accepting of a demon.”

Auriel looks closely at Ember for a time.

Ember looks up suspiciously. “What is it?”

“Are we... related?”

Ember appears shocked! “What?! I'm a dragon, not a demon!”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I do see where she is coming from with that question.”

Trixie nods. You're right! They both have similar wings, claws, and walk on their hind legs!

“Huh... I guess I just hadn't thought about it that way before. Well, as far as I know dragons and demons aren't related. Who knows though!”

Dinky returns to the table levitating a plate of pancakes and eggs for Arc.

“Here you go dad!”

“Thank you sweetheart!”

Arc begins to eat hungrily. He notices Auriel looking at his plate.

“What are you eating?”

Arc stops and looks at her. “Oh, these are called pancakes! They’re quite sweet when you pour syrup on them!”

Auriel points a claw “And those?”

“These are called eggs. They come from chickens.”

Auriel looks confused. “What part of the chicken?”

Arc laughs! “No, no! Chickens lay eggs, but they aren't exactly part of their bodies. Sorry I can't explain it any better. You kinda have to see it to understand.”

Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer and Platinum Valve enter the Cafeteria, they see Auriel sitting with Arc and cautiously walk over.

Steel Hammer looks to Auriel before addressing Arc. “Good morning, Arc! We just came in for a good breakfast before getting back to working the forge. Who's your... um... friend?”

“This is Auriel. She's from Tartarus. Auriel, this is Steel Hammer, his wife Silver Hammer and their daughter Platinum Valve.”

Silver Hammer’s eyes grow wide! “Arc, are you serious?!”

“Yes, but not to worry. She walked through the barrier all on her own!”

Platinum Valve smiles at Auriel. “Well, I think she looks like a very nice lady! Kinda like Miss Ember!”

Auriel blushes slightly. “T-thank you.”

Arc turns. “Listen, I'm glad you're here Steel Hammer. I haven't had a chance to apologize yet.”

“What for?”

“It was me who broke down your shop's door the other day. I hope Hard Hat's boys had a chance to replace it!”

Silver Hammer nods and laughs! “It's okay Arc! Judging from the amount of damage, we assumed it was either you or something very large from the Everfree Forest!”

Platinum Valve giggles! “Yeah! You broke the door... the door jamb... and part of the wall around the door too!”

Ember looks to Arc! “Wow Arc! When you break in... you really break IN!”

“Well the damage has already been repaired, but I appreciate your Honesty, Arc. Now if you will excuse us, we need to eat and get to work.”

“Very well! Have a nice day you three!”

They walk toward the buffet as Arc notices Auriel looking at him with a confused look on her face.

“The ponies in this land must be truly fearful of you Arc!”

Arc turns to her. “What makes you say that?”

“They seemed almost happy that you apparently broke into their place of business!”

Derpy sighs. “He... just really needed to borrow some weapons. They knew Arc wouldn't have done it if it wasn't a real emergency!”

Auriel shakes her head! “This is all so new to me!”

Ember looks to Auriel. “Stick around with us and we'll show you the ropes!”

Auriel suddenly looks nervous! “Um... am I going to be tied up now?”

Trixie rolls her eyes. “That’s just an expression. It means they'll show you how things work around here!”

“Correct. But right now, I need to report yesterday's activities to the princesses.”

“Are you heading to Canterlot then Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Derpy. Something as important as three prisoners leaving Tartarus requires a face to face meeting.

He looks over to Auriel.

“I'm sure they would be very interested to meet you. Auriel.”

Auriel drops her fork! “The p-p-p-princesses?! You mean Celestia herself?!”

Trixie shakes her head. “Nah! It would be Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.”

Auriel turns to Trixie. “Do you know them?!”

“Kinda! They were the ones who presided over my trial and banished me to Tartarus yesterday!”

“T-trial?! Are you a criminal?!”

Trixie sighs. “Well... sort of, I guess. But I'm reformed now, so it's okay!”

“Well, if everyone is done eating, we should get to Canterlot. Shining Armor and Trixie will need to present themselves before the princesses to clear their names. Auriel, as the first representative of Tartarus in Equestria since... forever, you should meet the princesses as well.”

“Do I have to?”

Arc nods. “Well Auriel, you don't want them to think you're up to no good, do you?”

“I suppose not. Will you be there?!”

Arc smiles and nods.! “Yes. Don't worry!”

Trixie looks to the nervous demon. “Not to worry! They're actually nice and very fair!”

“I thought you said they sent you to Tartarus!”

Trixie sighs. “Well... I did deserve it at the time.”

Derpy stands and picks up her empty plate. “Good luck in Canterlot! I have to get to work now. Come along Dinky! Oh, it feels so good to finally have a job!”

Arc waves after them.

“Have a nice day you two! I hope you can tell me all about it soon, Derpy.”

Derpy nods. “I will!”

“Bye dad!”

Ember sighs and stands up. “I should get going too. I'm doing a writ for... Filthy Rich today.”

“I'm sorry to hear that. What's the job?”

Ember shrugs. “I'm heading into the Everfree Forest to gather some kind of plants that live there. I guess they only grow in certain soil which is why they need to be gathered.”

Arc nods worriedly! “Would you like to take my squad with you? I'm sure they could use the exercise.”

“Sure! I was hoping you would come with me but...”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, but I make it a policy not to work for Filthy Rich. Don't let him cheat you! And read the fine print!”

“I will! See ya!”

Ember leaves the room. She walks down the corridor muttering to herself.

“I can't believe it... he actually did it... Arc BEFRIENDED a demon!”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to the others.

“We should be off as well.”

Arc, Auriel, Trixie and Shining Armor head to the Main Hall and step onto the sigil. Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and teleports the group to his quarters in Canterlot Castle. Auriel looks around, amazed!

“Now THIS is a room! Does Princess Celestia sleep here?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah! This is my room. I've never really had time to stay here though. Always too busy. One day though!”

He leads the party toward the Audience Chamber. Every Royal Guard patrol they see stops to glare at them! Auriel clings to Arc, fearfully!

“I'm sorry! I shouldn't have come here!”

Trixie looks down at her hooves. “It... it's not you they’re mad at.”

“What? Then who?”

“Me.”

Shining Armor nods. “The last time Trixie was here, she was under the influence of an evil artifact which made her attack Canterlot Castle and kill the Captain of the Guard! I'm sure most of the Royal Guards aren't too happy about that!

“It wasn't your fault, Trixie!”

“I know... but the truth of the matter is… I killed somepony!”

Arc and company approach the Royal Guard Commander outside the Audience Chamber.

“I need to speak to the princesses, commander.”

The commander looks at Auriel momentarily! “Y-y-yes sir! Go right on in! You'll be the first of the day!”

Auriel looks to Arc nervously. “Well, that was fast!”

“I don't usually have to wait but a few minutes.”

As Arc's party approaches the door to the Audience Chamber, Auriel becomes very agitated! She grabs on to Arc's cape and tries to hide herself!

“I... I can't do it! It's too much!”

“It will be okay! I told you I would protect you, and I will! The princesses are wise and fair. You have nothing to fear!”

Auriel appears terrified!

Arc sighs. “Would you like to hide under my cape?”

She nods! “Y-yes! That is... if it wouldn't be too much trouble!”

Arc removes his cape and covers Auriel with it. She quickly makes a cowl-like covering to hide herself!

“Everyone ready?”

Auriel nods shakily. As the doors open, she quickly hides behind Arc! The princesses appear confused to see Trixie and Shining Armor again so soon! The group walks to them.

“Good morning Princess Luna... Princess Cadance.”

Luna looks to Arc, coolly. “Arc... I sincerely hope you have not gone against our orders and helped Trixie and Shining Armor escape from Tartarus.”

“I have not. After I left here yesterday, I used the spell you gave me to open a portal to Tartarus. Entering it, I waited outside the temple for Shining Armor and Trixie to be banished. When they arrived, I simply helped them reach the Gates of Tartarus safely. Passing through the Gates was left up to them. Feel free to check my memories if you require further proof.

Luna shakes her head. “That will not be necessary Arc. I... we trust you.”

Cadance looks at the figure behind them. “And who might this be?”

Arc turns to Auriel. “This is another... resident of Tartarus who helped me foil the Demon King's latest plot to escape. Her name is Auriel. Please forgive her, but she’s still very nervous in this land. Just like Trixie and Shining Armor, she too was able to pass through the barrier as well! Does that mean they are all free now?”

Luna nods. “According to the law, yes. Any prisoner who passes through the Gates of Tartarus is cleared of all crimes against them. Although I have never heard of anypony actually being reformed before, let alone three at a time! However, if you say they legitimately did so, we will not argue that fact.”

Cadance nods. “So what was the plan this time?”

“Auriel here was the Demon King's Lead Scientist up until yesterday. I believe she can do a better job of explaining the plan than I could.”

He turns to Auriel. She moves with him, trying to keep hidden from sight!

“Auriel, can you elaborate on the King's plan?”

“I-I'll try.”

She walks forward, shakily.

“I-I-I...”

Luna nods. “It is alright, small one. Take your time.”

Auriel collapses to her knees on the floor! Arc approaches her and kneels down to her level.

“It's okay! I'm right here!”

Cadance steps down and approaches Auriel. “There is nothing to fear from us my dear. We won't hurt you, but we do need to know what happened. Can you please tell us... or even look at us for that matter?”

Auriel slowly turns toward Cadance, looking down to hide her face. “I... I don't think you would hear me out if you saw my face.”

Cadance smiles at her. “Yes we would, my dear! Now I know you must be scared being here with us, but please... can we have a look at you?”

The Princess of Love slowly reaches forward with a hoof toward Auriel. She instinctively draws back and clings to Arc!

“Please Auriel. You can do this. Just take the cape away and let the princesses see you. I'm right here!”

“But... well... okay...”

Auriel turns back to face Cadance with her head down, but doesn't move. Arc steps forward and puts his hands on the side of Auriel's head. She is visibly shaking!

“Auriel... can I remove the cloak from your face please?”

A small nod is her only response. Arc pulls the makeshift hood back to reveal Auriel's face she still does not look up. Cadance instinctively draws back!

“A... demon?!”

Luna looks to Arc in disbelief! “Are you saying a DEMON was able to pass through the Gates of Tartarus unaided?!”

“Yes, she was!”

Luna narrows her eyes! “You are really pushing the limits of what we will take on faith alone, Arc!

Trixie steps forward! “Why is it so hard to accept that she might be good?!”

Luna frowns at the question! “Because demons are greedy, evil, vile, conniving, murderous, and treacherous! They're almost as bad as... as...”

Shining Armor narrows his eyes. “As what... Princess Luna?”

Cadance turns to face Luna! “That wasn't very nice! This young lady has left behind everything she has ever known to come here!”

Arc nods. “Sounds an awful lot like another creature who came to Equestria a while back...”

Luna can only look down at her hooves.

It might also please you to know she was instrumental in foiling a plot to take down the barrier surrounding Tartarus. If Shining Armor and I hadn't been there to take the blast from the Malice Cannon, Equestria would be up to its eyeballs in demon soldiers! You're welcome by the way!”

Trixie nods fervently! “She's not a criminal! She's a HERO!”

Cadance approaches Auriel, removes the cape entirely and gives it back to Arc who puts it back on himself. She looks her up and down. “Miss? Can you please tell us about this plan the Demon King had involving this... ‘Malice Cannon’?”

“O-okay.”

Auriel explains how the Malice Cannon would have been able to allow the demons to invade Equestria at will and about the Bloodstone.

Luna nods. “I see. So according to your calculations, this theoretically should have worked?!”

“Yes ma'am!”

Cadance turns to them. “Arc, I know your magic is quite powerful. However, I am at a loss on how you and a lone unicorn could have blocked such a powerful magical blast.”

“It was thanks to Shining Armor's Magic Barrier. I've never felt such power before! He must be one of the most powerful unicorns I have yet encountered!”

Cadance giggles slightly. “Well, he is the brother of Twilight Sparkle.”

Luna looks to Auriel. “And where is this Bloodstone now?”

“I have it right here, princess.”

Arc returns his armor to his ring and pulls the Bloodstone out of his pocket. Luna picks it up with her magic and levitates it to herself.

Luna grimaces! “WOAH! I can feel the dark power radiating from this stone! Where did it come from?!”

“The Demon King told me it was given to him by The Dark One.”

Cadance frowns! “Him again?! Do you believe him?”

Arc nods. “Yes. He had nothing to gain by lying about it.”

Luna sighs. “We will put this Bloodstone in the armory where it cannot harm another living soul. I suppose... the real question now is... where do we go from here?”

“If one of you can tell me where The Dark One hangs out, I'll go put a spear in him!”

Cadance looks to Auriel. “Any ideas Miss Auriel?”

Auriel shakes her head. “None. The Dark One only ever appeared before my father. And they were always at odds with each other!”

Luna looks to her confused. “Your father?”

Auriel suddenly appears frightened! “Please! Don't be angry with me! M-my father is... King Malevolence!”

Luna’s horn glows! “Am I to believe the daughter of the Demon King is not working for HIM?!”

Trixie quickly steps forward! “Princess Luna! If I may... I was there when Arc collapsed from magical overexertion. She had it in her power to kill him, as the king had commanded... but she didn't!”

Cadance looks surprised! “What?! Then... what did she do?!”

“She picked up the Bloodstone, put it back in Arc's hand and then dragged him through the Gates of Tartarus. If you don't believe me Arc has that weird machine back at his base. You can see what happened for yourself!”

Luna puts a hoof to her forehead. “This is just... so overwhelming... I don't actually know WHAT to think right now.”

Cadance nods. “Trixie... Shining Armor... you are both free from Tartarus, and your own pasts. Please use this second chance wisely.”

The pair nod happily as Luna looks over to them.

“Trixie... I have a... favor to ask of you.”

“What is it Princess Luna?”

“You may be free, but I would ask that you never again visit Canterlot!”

Arc glares at Princess Luna! “Wait... WHAT?!”

Shining Armor nods! “I'm with Arc on this one! She didn't do anything wrong in the first place!”

Luna hold up a hoof for silence. “Please hear me out. Many of our forces have taken the news of Captain Decimus' death rather hard. Us included.”

Trixie nods sadly. “I... noticed that on the walk over here.”

Luna nods. “Therefore, I must ask you to leave this city and never again return!”

“Princess Luna, I...!

Trixie interrupts him. “It's okay Arc... Princess Luna is right. If somepony had killed a friend of mine, I don't think I would want them wandering around my hometown. I’ll leave.”

Cadance nods sadly. “Thank you for understanding Trixie. Perhaps one day we can put all of this behind us.”

Luna turns to Shining Armor. “If you would like, I can reinstate you to the Royal Guard. We’re currently looking for a replacement for Captain Decimus. Are you interested?”

Trixie nods! “That's quite the offer Shining Armor! You should go for it!”

“But, what about you?! If you can't show your face in Canterlot, I'll never see you again!”

It... it's okay Shining Armor! I know this is what every Royal Guard dreams of... becoming the next Captain of the Guard!”

“It is, yes! But...”

Shining Armor turns to Arc.

“What should I do, Arc?”

Arc smiles at him. “I think you already know what to do. You just need to act on it.”

Shining Armor nods. “Thank you. I will.”

He turns back to the princesses.

“Thank you very much for this honor. But... I can't accept it! If my time with the Hero of Light has taught me one thing, it's that there is more than one way to do the right thing! And right now, the right thing to do is stay with my friend Trixie!

Cadance nods. “Very commendable! Although I wish you had accepted, I understand your desire to do otherwise.”

Shining Armor turns back to Arc.

“Sir, if you should ever have need of me or my magic, you have but to ask and I will be there”

Arc chuckles. “You're calling me ‘sir’ again.”

Shining Armor smiles. “Sorry, Arc! It just feels... right.”

Auriel looks to the princesses, fearfully! “Um... what about me?”

Cadance sighs. “You are free from Tartarus. However, the sight of a demon walking the streets would most certainly cause a minor panic in any of our towns! Truth be told, I don't really know what to do!

Arc puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder. “You can stay with me! I'll take care of you and keep you safe!”

Auriel looks down at the floor, sadly! “Thank you very much Arc, but... I... I don't really belong in Equestria. Could you find it in your heart to... take me back to Tartarus??

Trixie looks at Auriel as if she’s lost her mind! “You want to go BACK to that place?! Why?!”

“It... it's where demons like me belong.”

Arc frowns but nods. “Alright. I'll escort you back to Tartarus and see to it you’re safely reunited with your father.”

“Thank you for understanding Arc. I really appreciate all you have done for me!”

“After all you’ve done for Equestria, it’s the least I can do.”

Luna nods approvingly. “I suppose there really isn't anything else to say on these matters. Thank you for your help, Auriel. You are welcome in Equestria if you should change your mind. After all, the populace was able to accept a human as their Hero of Light.”

Arc nods. “It wasn't easy.”

Cadance smiles! “I'm sure it wasn't, but you did make it work!”

“Indeed. Well, we should get going. I'm sure you have plenty of other audiences scheduled for today.”

Luna nods. “Yes we do. Farewell Arc... I am sorry we could not accommodate your friends needs better.”

Arc and the others turn to leave.

“Auriel?”

Auriel turns back to Luna. “Y-yes?”

“I wish you well in the future. Stay safe in Tartarus. And know that if you change your mind, I will welcome you into this land with open hooves.”

“Thank you Princess Luna. Maybe someday there will be peace between our two races.”

Luna nods. “I look forward to that day.”

Auriel nods and leaves the Audience Chamber with the others. They all walk down the hall together, no real destination in mind.

“Arc, I hate to be even more of a burden to you than I already am but... do you think you could take me home right now? I... I just don't feel that there is a place for me here in Equestria!”

He nods. “Yes... I understand. Auriel, I'm really sorry about how things turned out here today. If you ever need to get away from Tartarus, my base is always open to you. Remember that!”

Auriel nods happily! “Thank you... I will.”

Arc turns to Trixie and Shining Armor.

“What about you two? What will you do?”

Trixie smiles. “I was a traveler before, and I guess I will be again! There's a lot of things wrong in Equestria that I can help fix! After all... I have a lot to atone for!”

Shining Armor turns to her. “Need a wing-pony? We can be a team!”

Trixie nods happily! “I was actually hoping you would say that! Now all we have to do is come up with a name for ourselves! How about ‘The Two Unicorns’?!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “It doesn't really roll off the tongue. But we have plenty of time to think it over on the road!”

“Agreed!”

“Where should we start?”

Trixie shrugs. “I... don't really know. What do you think Arc?”

“How about the Vile Tribe's village? That's as good a place as any to start, as so few even know of its existence!”

Trixie nods! “Sounds good to me!”

“Me too!”

Arc holds up his gauntlet. “Need a ride? I need to take Auriel home anyway.”

Trixie and Shining Armor nod!

Arc opens a portal to the Vile Tribe's village. They all step through and find themselves on the outskirts of town. Together they all walk to the cave leading to the Gates of Tartarus. Trixie looks at their demon friend.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye, Auriel. I'm sorry our journey was over so soon. If you ever come back, I'll show you some of my famous magic tricks!”

Shining Armor sighs. “I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I'm actually going to miss a demon! Take care of yourself Auriel.”

Auriel nods. “Yes... you too.”

Shining Armor and Trixie head toward the Town Hall in search of the mayor. Arc gestures to the cave.

“Shall we?”

“...yes...”

Arc and Auriel enter the cave. Auriel walks up to the barrier but finds it impassible!

“Oh dear! What do I do now?”

“Don't worry! I've done this before.”

Arc spreads his cape

“Stay close to me and we’ll make it.

Auriel looks skeptical but obeys. The pair walks forward and in a moment are back in Tartarus.

“Is there some way we can contact King Malevolence? I don't want to leave you here alone.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Don't worry. My father always has sentries watching for any kind of movement. Especially at the Gates. I'm sure he’ll be here in no time! You... don't have to hang around. I know he won't be exactly... pleased to see you.”

“Just the same, I’ll wait here with you. I told you I would keep you safe, and I will.”

“Thank you, Arc! That is very Kind of you!”

About 10 minutes later soldiers can be seen leaving the capital city and heading for the Gates of Tartarus. A short time later they arrive at the gates. A demon commander is carrying King Malevolence.

“Set me down! I will walk the rest of the way.”

“Yes sir!”

The king slowly makes his way over to Arc and Auriel.

“Father! Please don't strain yourself! You're still injured!”

“Never mind that! Are you all right, Auriel?! Did the human hurt you?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No father! He treated me very well! Better than we would have, that's for sure!”

King Malevolence looks to Arc and snarls! “Human! I... I suppose I should thank you for bringing my daughter back to me safely!”

“No thanks are needed. Your daughter is a fine individual. You should be proud of her!”

King Malevolence sighs. “I wish I could be, but... I have to know Auriel. Where is the Bloodstone?”

“Arc... gave it to Princess Luna. It's in Canterlot.”

The king growls! “I... figured as much! Why Auriel?! Why did you betray not only me, but the entire demon race as well?!”

Auriel hangs her head in shame. “I had to father! You would have invaded Equestria and killed every pony you found! I had to stop you before you even got started!”

“That was... very brave of you Auriel. However, it still doesn't make this any easier...”

Auriel looks to her father, confused. “What are you saying, father?”

“I'm saying... it is with a heavy heart that I banish you from Tartarus! You may never return to this accursed place again unless you bring back the Bloodstone.”

“But… but I can't do that!”

“I... understand that! But think about this from the rest of the demons’ point of view! There was a way out of here for everyone and YOU threw it away! Do you really think the others will just let that go?!”

Auriel nods sadly. “I... understand. I'm sorry for letting you down. You must hate me for what I have done.”

“Auriel, look at me...”

She does so.

“You're my daughter. I could never hate you! I'm sure even that dullard human over there can understand that!”

“Wow…”

“But father! He has a daughter as well!”

Arc nods. “It's true. I understand what you're going through right now. That and I understand your unenviable position of having to choose between your subjects... and your daughter.”

Auriel appears on the verge of tears! “Father, please! Don't send me away!”

King Malevolence looks to Auriel. “Tell me something my dear. Is Equestria still lush and green?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, it is.”

“And is the sky still a beautiful shade of blue?”

“Indeed. I have never seen it's equal.”

“How is the food?”

“I only had the one meal with Arc this morning at his base, but it was quite tasty.”

King Malevolence nods. “Did they serve pancakes?”

“Yes, but I didn't try them.”

King Malevolence frowns! “Seriously. Next time... try the pancakes. I have laid on my slab many a night dreaming of their syrupy goodness!”

He begins to drool.

“But enough of this, Auriel! You do not belong in Tartarus! A delicate flower like you belongs in Equestria! Now go!”

The king turns to leave.

“King Malevolence. Before you go... would you like me to return you to your original size?”

He turns, skeptically. “Actually, yes. But why would you help me?”

“I… I just thought you would like to hold your daughter in your arms one last time.”

“I would.”

Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell and the Demon King slowly returns to his normal size. He kneels down.”

“AURIEL…”

Auriel runs toward her father. He picks her up and holds her lovingly.

Arc shakes his head. “I... can't believe I actually feel sorry for King Malevolence of all people... or whatever he is.”

After an eternity Auriel and King Malevolence break off their embrace.

“Goodbye Auriel. I will miss you more than you know!”

King Malevolence turns to Arc.

“HUMAN... ARC... I KNOW I HAVE NO RIGHT TO ASK YOU FOR ANYTHING, BUT... FROM ONE WARRIRO TO ANOTHER... WOULD YOU PLEASE... TAKE CARE OF MY DAUGHTER?!

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ll keep her safe.”

"TH-THANK YOU! NOW GO! BOTH OF YOU!”

The king walks back to his soldiers and they return to the capital. Auriel falls to her knees sobbing! Arc walks forward an puts a hand on her shoulder.

“You're not alone. I told you before I would protect you, and I will. I promise!”

Auriel looks up to Arc, tears streaming down her face!

“But... Tartarus is all I have ever known! Every memory I have is of this place! Am I just supposed to leave it all behind, just like that?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Keep the memory of your father, and any other happy memories close to you. That's what I did. Just like you... there is currently no way back to my original world. I really do know how you feel right now.”

“But... my father...”

Arc interrupts her. “...loves you very much! He loves you enough that he doesn't want you to have to live in this cesspool anymore! Believe me, this decision hurt him as much as it did you.”

Auriel stands up and clings to Arc! “This is all just so sudden! I knew he would be mad, but I didn't expect this!”

“He looked more sad than anything, Auriel! And I think he was right to send you away.”

“You do?!”

Arc nods. “Sure. If you went back there, the demons in Vengeance would kill you for destroying the Malice Cannon and their chance at freedom! He's not really banishing you. He's PROTECTING you!”

“I guess that makes sense... but... it really doesn't make this hurt any less!”

Arc takes Auriel by the claw and slowly leads her back to the Gates of Tartarus, and toward her new life in Equestria.

Chapter 14 - A New Life

Arc and Auriel walk through the Gates of Tartarus back to the Equestrian side. As expected, Auriel looks depressed.

“I... don't know what to do now. There's really no place for me in this land!”

“Come with me. There will always be a room for you at Light's Hope.”

She looks up, surprised! “Wait! You were serious?! I thought you were just saying that so my father wouldn't kill you!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I meant what I said.”

Auriel thinks to herself a moment. “I wonder why he spared you then! That and the way he spoke to you. It was almost as though he... respected you. But, that's impossible!”

“He's already lost to me twice now. Once when his army stormed the Gates of Tartarus a while back I one-shotted him AND his army. And somewhat more recently I shrank him down while rescuing several members of the Vile Tribe who were left behind in their exodus. If anything, I spared HIM!”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide! “Wait, what?! He never said anything about any of that!”

Arc chuckles. “I guess he shares that trait with a good number of humans. Many of us don't like to tell others of our failures. Don't hold it against him though. Now why don't we get out of this cave and back to the village. I need to talk to Mythic Honor before we leave.”

He and Auriel leave the cave and head to the Vile Tribe's Town Hall. Entering, Arc calls out to his friend.

“Mythic Honor... are you in here?”

The crazed old stallion pokes his head out of a large pile of books.

“I'm always here! Except when I'm not!”

Arc facepalms. “Ask a silly question...”

Mythic Honor steps out of the pile and approaches the pair. “So what can I do for you today?!”

“I was wondering if Trixie and Shining Armor found you.”

"They did indeed! I showed them to our town's Writ Board! The two of them just left town to gather some rather rare ingredients for me!"

Mythic Honor points a hoof to a cauldron in the corner of the room. Auriel looks to the pot intrigued.

“Interesting! What kind of alchemical machination are you working on?”

"Oh, it's one of the most complicated and dangerous brews I can make! If done incorrectly, the results could be disastrous! I call it... Cabbage and Radish Soup!"

Arc furrows his brow. “What?! I thought you said this was supposed to be dangerous!”

Mythic Honor walks over to the cauldron and stirs it! “Oh, it is! If it's not cooked right this whole place will smell funny for WEEKS!”

Auriel looks confused. “That doesn't sound dangerous at all. Does that word mean something different in Equestria?”

Arc sighs. “No Auriel, it doesn't.”

“Well as long as you're here Arc, I was wondering if you could help us with a little problem!”

“That I can do. Lay it on me!”

Mythic Honor looks up from his pot as he tosses in a few grapes. “Well, quite a few of our townsponies have voiced a desire for us to change our town and tribe’s name. I guess they don't think the name ‘Vile Tribe Village’ really rolls off the tongue!”

Arc nods. “I can understand where they are coming from. Now that you're in Equestria, there's not anything ‘vile’ about you!”

Mythic Honor looks in the pot, worriedly. “There will be if this soup goes bad! Anyways... any ideas for a new name for us and the town?!”

“Actually yes. I came up with something a while back, but hadn't had time to come here and talk it over with you. In my opinion your town should be called...”

Mythic Honor jumps up and interrupts! “Wait! The whole town should hear this! Meet me over by your statue in a few minutes! I'll gather the other member of the town!”

Before either can stop him, Mythic Honor runs out the door!

Auriel turns to Arc. “He is so strange. Arc, do other ponies act as he does?”

“Not really. Mythic Honor is... one of a kind. At least I hope he is.”

Auriel looks toward the door. “Well, should we not do as he says then?”

“I suppose. Follow me…”

Arc leads Auriel to the Town Square. Mythic Honor has already gathered what appears to be the entire town!

Auriel looks around. “Mythic Honor certainly didn't waste any time.”

“I do wish he hadn't gone to so much trouble. Well, might as well get this over with.”

Arc approaches Mythic Honor who is standing in front of the statues of Arc and Ember.

“Arc! Glad to see you again!”

“But you saw me just a few minutes ago!”

Mythic Honor thinks for a moment. “Really?! Has it been that long already?! In any case, can I have everypony's attention please?”

The Vile Tribe is silent as Mythic Honor continues his speech.

“As you all know, there has been much talk of us needing a new name! Both for our town and ourselves! I mentioned this to Arc here, and he says he has come up with a perfect name for the town!”

Arc mutters under his breath. “I never said anything about it being perfect...”

“So, without further ado, I will turn this meeting over to Arc!”

Mythic Honor looks to Arc.

“Well Arc! Don't keep us in suspense any longer!”

All assembled turn their attention to Arc.

“Well, thank you for taking the time to come here and listen to my idea everyone. Now I just want you all to know that if you don't like my idea for a new town name, you don't have to adopt it! I won't be disappointed or anything! It just... seemed so appropriate to me at the time...”

Mythic Honor paces impatiently! “Come now Arc! We all want to know what you have come up with!”

All the assembled ponies smile widely and nod their heads feverishly in anticipation!

“Very well. I believe, considering your past and your future here in this new land, and how your ancestors paid the price for their crimes, the new name of the town should be...”

Arc looks around at all assembled.

“...Redemption Village.”

All the ponies stare at Arc in stunned silence, astonished!

“It was just an idea! If you really don't like it...”

All assembled suddenly burst into cheers and stomp their hooves happily!

Mythic Honor nods as the crowd quiets itself. “That's a perfect name, Arc! We will adopt it right away! Now I don't suppose you have given any thought to the name of our tribe?”

“Well, considering how much you ponies all liked the new name of your town, I would like it if you no longer refereed to yourself as the Vile Tribe, but simply as citizens of Equestria!

A cheer rings out even louder than the first. Mythic Honor nods as the ponies settle back down and looks to Arc.

"Well, I guess that settles it! From this day forth we will call this village ‘Redemption Village’! Thank you Arc for coming up with such wonderful a name! In fact... that gives me an idea for my next project!”

Arc looks over, nervously. “It's not another statue, is it?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Shucks no! Don't worry though! I'm sure you will like it just as much as you did your statue! Well I'm off to get started on it! Now everypony, why don't we all get back to work?!”

Mythic Honor and the others quickly get back to their day's work.

Arc sighs. “...that's what I'm afraid of.”

He turns back to Auriel.

“Well, we should probably get back to Ponyville now.

“What is Ponyville?”

“Oh, sorry! Ponyville is the town that my base, Light's Hope is located in.”

Arc and Auriel walk back to the sigil Arc had placed just outside of town. As Arc is about to activate it however, he suddenly turns to Auriel.

“I'm sorry, but would you like to walk back to Ponyville? It would give you a chance to see a bit more of the Equestrian landscape, as well as give us a chance to talk a bit more. I'm sure you have other questions you would like answered about your new home.”

Auriel nods! “As a matter of fact, I would! Thank you!”

“Follow me!”

Arc leads Auriel down the path toward Ponyville.

“So how long will it take us to get back to Ponyville?”

“A couple hours. We'll be there before you know it!”

Auriel looks toward the horizon. “How big is Equestria anyways?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I'm not actually certain, but it is definitely MUCH larger than Tartarus! If you want to know for sure Twilight would probably be the one to ask.”

“Twilight?”

Arc chuckles! “Twilight Sparkle. She's a unicorn friend of mine who manages the Golden Oaks Library.”

Auriel nods. “Ah yes! I believe Princess Cadance mentioned earlier that she is Shining Armor's sister!

“That's right. She's also the personal student of Princess Celestia.”

The blood drains from Auriel’s face. “P-p-p-princess Celestia?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. This is the second time that you have responded this way when that name is spoken. What's wrong?”

“Sorry. It's just that Princess Celestia is hated and feared by all demons for her past deeds in banishing my people to Tartarus.”

Arc nods. “I assumed she had done as much. What exactly did the demons do to earn such a punishment?”

“I don't actually know. Until you brought it up, I hadn't actually given it much thought, which I must admit is a bit embarrassing! I'm the only demon, other than my father of course, whose JOB it is to think! However, there were always more important things to do at the time. Something to design, build, or repair!”

Arc nods. “I’ll have to ask the princesses about this when next we meet.”

The conversation continues until the pair arrive back at Ponyville as evening falls. Auriel looks around, confused!

“Where are all the ponies? This place looks like a ghost town.”

Arc looks around to see several sets of eyes peeking out of various buildings.

“They're... hiding.”

Auriel nods, a bit sadly. “Oh... I understand.”

“Please don't hold it against them. I too endured the same when I first arrived. Just stay with me and they will warm up to you eventually.”

“I hope so! I'm going to be here for... quite a while.”

The pair walks the deserted streets until they reach the path leading to Light's Hope. Upon passing the Little Hooves Orphanage, Derpy and Dinky emerge from the building. They see the pair and quickly head over to them!

“DAD!”

Arc kneels down to catch Dinky and pulls her into an embrace!

Derpy laughs! “Arc! This is a nice surprise! Did you come here to walk us home?”

Arc stands up holding Dinky. “Truth be told, Auriel and I just returned from Tartarus. The Demon King was none too happy to do it, but he has banished Auriel from there!”

“Oh Auriel, I'm so sorry to hear that!”

“What will you do now, Miss Auriel?!”

Auriel sighs sadly. “Well for now Arc has offered to let me stay at Light's Hope. I'm... not really sure what to do next.”

Derpy nods happily! “Don't worry about a thing! Arc was there for me when I needed it the most. He'll take good care of you!”

“That I will! Derpy, would you and Dinky like to join us for supper at the base?”

Dinky looks to her mother excitedly! “Can we mom?!”

Derpy nods! “Thank you Arc! That sounds wonderful!”

Arc, Derpy, Dinky, and Auriel quickly make the short walk to Light's Hope and enter via the front door. Raven is about to leave her desk for the evening. She looks over to them a bit nervous at the sight of Auriel.

“C-c-commander. A letter arrived for you today from Dodge Junction.”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide! “Dodge Junction?! It must be from Cherry! I hope everything is okay!”

Arc takes the letter. “Thank you. I feel kinda bad for not keeping in touch with her or Ruby. I'm sure her body has healed completely by now, but...”

Auriel looks to the envelope. “What's a letter?”

“It's a sealed message sent from one individual to another.”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “So, is it for military use only then?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Anyone can send a letter to anyone in Equestria. You just have to write the proper address on the envelope and take it to the Post Office.”

“This seems very confusing.”

Arc laughs! “Once you've done it a time or two, you'll see there really isn't much to it. In any case, why don't we see what Cherry is up to these days.”

“Another friend of yours?”

Arc opens the letter and nods. “Yes. She and her sister run Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction.”

He reads the letter silently to himself.

“What does it say, dad?!”

“Interesting! She says here that the Annual Cherry Festival is this weekend! Cherry and Ruby are inviting me and my friends to their ranch for the festivities!”

Auriel raises and eyebrow. “Is that... good?”

Arc nods. “I would say so, yes!”

Derpy smiles! “Are you planning on going. Arc?”

“I don't know. I mean, I would love to see Cherry again. But I really have quite a few other things that need doing!”

Derpy smiles at him. “Arc, things are fairly peaceful right now. You should take this opportunity to go on vacation!”

Auriel looks confused. “What's a vacation?”

“It's where you go away from home and do something else, Miss Auriel.”

“What about his job? Does he go somewhere else to work?”

Dinky laughs! “You go on vacation to get AWAY from your work! Not to do more!”

Auriel nods approvingly. “I must say, that does sound absolutely AMAZING! You should go on one of these ‘vacations’ as soon as possible, Arc!”

“Well... I admit a vacation does sound nice after what feels like years of work lately! But...

Derpy narrows her eyes. “Arc... when was the last time you took some time off?”

“Um... never I guess.”

“Come on dad! You owe it to yourself to rest not only your body but your mind as well! I'll even come with you to make sure you're relaxing enough!”

Derpy shakes her head. “Now Dinky, I'm sure your father is capable of relaxing on his own without us getting in the way.”

“What about you, Derpy? You, Dinky and I could go together! The letter does say that I can bring my friends.”

Derpy shakes her head. “I would love to come, but Coco Pommel and I are in the middle of trying to organize the new orphanage. There's much more paperwork involved than either of us thought! I'm sorry. Maybe next time. Why don't you take Dinky though! I'm sure the two of you would have a wonderful time!”

Dinky looks at Arc, hopeful he will say yes! Arc thinks about it for a moment.

“Okay, you talked me into it! You want to come too Auriel?”

“What?! But… but you hardly know me!”

Arc nods. “True. But it would be a perfect opportunity for us to become better acquainted! That and you can see more of Equestria and its inhabitants.

“And... meet other... creatures?”

Arc nods. “Well, the only other creatures you're likely to encounter would be ponies, but I suppose you need to start somewhere.”

Auriel sheepishly nods. “Well, if you say so then yes! I will come with you on vacation!”

Dinky claps her hooves together happily! “Who else should we invite, dad?!”

“How about Ember? I'm sure she’d like to get away from it all as well! That and Cherry already knows her.”

Arc turns to Raven.

“Raven. Has Ember returned yet?”

Yes, commander. She arrived about ten minutes before you did. Her and your squad made a beeline for the cafeteria!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I can understand that. Thanks Raven.”

The group heads for the cafeteria. They quickly spot Ember and Arc's squad sitting together at a table talking and laughing! Arc walks over to them.

“You all seem in high spirits. Can I assume your day went better than mine did?”

Ember nods. “Probably. We not only completed Filthy Rich's writ, but we had enough daylight left to go fishing!”

Hugh smiles! “Saffron should have enough fish to feed you for quite a while now, sir!”

Xenos nods! “I call that a win-win!”

Viktor laughs! “Never thought I would find such an activity enjoyable!”

Max appears apprehensive. “While it is nice to get away from it all and have some fun, aren't things like this against regulations?”

“How do you figure, Max”

“Yeah! What's the problem?! We all split the money!”

“Not to complain sir, but we're not really supposed to make extra money on the side like this. I'm sure every other officer would see this as a misuse of resources.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “They do raise a good point.

Arc nods. “I admit, I didn't really think about that when I told Ember to take you guys with her. To be completely honest... I was just worried about her going into the Everfree Forest alone.”

“Hey! I can take care of myself!”

“I know you can Ember. But... I was just a bit concerned. Usually it's you and I getting into the dangerous stuff together. I'm not used to you going off on dangerous adventures without me!”

Ember blushes slightly. “That's really quite sweet of you Arc!”

Xenos looks confused. “But Ember, we said the same thing earlier and you told us to...”

“Never mind that!!!”

Auriel turns to Derpy. “Does this happen often?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ember had a rather strange look on her face earlier before her mood suddenly shifted. Could this perhaps be some kind of dragon medical problem? If so, I wouldn't mind studying it further!”

Derpy’s face turns red! “Um... well... that's complicated.”

“Okay, let's just chalk this one up to a “Training Exercise” and move on!”

Arc shakes his head in an effort to clear it.

“In any case, Ember, Cherry tells me this weekend is the Annual Cherry Festival in Dodge Junction. Dinky, Auriel and I are going there for a bit of a vacation. You want to come too?”

Ember looks to Arc all starry eyed! “Y-you want ME to come on vacation... with YOU?! Oh Arc! This is a dream come true!”

“Uh... did you hear me correctly? I said Dinky and Auriel will be coming along as well. This is not a ‘just the two of us’ escapade! We'll be staying at Cherry Hill Ranch.”

Ember looks a bit disappointed. “Oh... well, I'll still come! After all, I wouldn't mind seeing Cherry and Ruby again.”

“Great! I'll call Cherry in a little while and tell her the four of us accept her invitation!”

The group enjoys a hearty meal together. Derpy and Dinky head for home as Arc walks Auriel back to her room.

“Arc, I'm a bit confused. We just saw the princesses earlier today. Why are you trying to contact them again?”

“They should know that you’re going to be a permanent resident of Equestria. As it stands, they still think I took you back to Tartarus!”

“But you did take me back!”

Arc nods. “True. But it's still courteous to let them know you didn't stay there.”

“But what if they won't allow it!”

“Remember, Princess Luna did say you would be welcome here.”

Auriel is nearly frantic as she continues. “But what if she was just saying that to be nice! Or maybe she's changed her mind! Maybe she thinks I belong in a cell by now!”

Arc shakes his head. “Unlikely, but it's not like you can go back to Tartarus as things sit. Worst comes to worst I’ll petition the princesses to grant you amnesty here due to extenuating political circumstances.”

“Uh… What does that mean?”

Arc smiles at her. “I'm not completely sure. It sounded good in my head though! Look Auriel... if you hadn't disobeyed the king, I wouldn't be standing here right now and Equestria would be facing a demonic invasion! I won't let you sit in some cell for the rest of your life! Don't worry about a thing. I'm just going to tell them you're here to stay. Everything will be fine!”

The pair arrive at Auriel's Room.

“I'll try not to be such a worrywart. Thanks for all you've done for me thus far.”

“No problem. Look, just try to get some rest now. I'll come get you in the morning for breakfast.”

Auriel looks to him, sheepishly. “Can I... try some pancakes?”

Arc laughs! “Of course! Good night, Auriel!”

She smiles shyly as he closes the door behind her. “Good night Arc.”

Arc makes his way to the War Room and sits down in front of the Holographic Communicator. Pressing a button, he signals Canterlot Castle. A moment later a secretary answers.

“Good evening Hero of Light. How can I assist you?”

“Are the princesses still awake?”

The secretary nods. “Yes sir. They are currently enjoying their evening meal. However, they do not like to be disturbed at this time unless it is important.”

“Tell them I need to speak to them about a political matter regarding the Demon King of Tartarus.”

“Very well sir. I’ll patch you through to the Dining Room.”

“Thank you.”

A minute later the holographic visages of Princess Luna and Princess Cadance come into view. Arc nods to them apologetically!

“Sorry to disturb you two yet again today.”

Luna smiles. “It's fine Arc. Now what's this about the Demon King? Was he terribly angry with Auriel after what she did?”

Arc sighs. “Um... about that... he was actually quite... sad, to tell you the truth.”

Cadance looks confused. “He was sad to have his daughter back safe and sound?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He was sad that he had to banish his daughter from Tartarus.”

“WHAT?!”

Cadance looks out at Arc, even more confused than before! “But why?!”

“I guess the rest of the demons were pretty upset with her foiling their best chance at freedom. This is just my own personal opinion, but I believe he did it to save her life!”

Luna nods. “That does make sense. Where is Auriel now?”

“I brought her back to Light's Hope. We just finished our own supper and I escorted her back to her room.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her forehead. “Well... this is quite the pickle we're in.”

Luna nods. “Indeed. Truth be told, I'm not really sure what we should do with her. She can't be relocated to any town in Equestria that I can think of, nor can she spend the rest of her life hiding in your base Arc!”

“It's really no trouble keeping her here. To be completely Honest with you, I actually enjoy her innocent demeanor! She has a lot to learn about Equestria.

Cadance smiles at him. “Just like somepony else did when they came to this alien world, huh?”

“Exactly!”

Luna thinks for a moment before responding. “I'm not actually sure how to advise you in the ways of demons. Do you have any ideas on how you are going to integrate her into pony culture?”

Arc nods. “Actually yes. I was planning on doing what Twilight and her friends did for me! Make sure she's well cared for and get her out into public as soon as possible! It will allow the populace to get used to seeing her, as well as get her used to Equestria's customs!”

Cadance nods. “That sounds reasonable. Are you going to start in Ponyville then?”

“No. I've just received a letter from a pony I know in Dodge Junction. She’s invited me and my friends to her home for the Annual Cherry Festival. From my experience, the ponies of that town are very friendly and open to outsiders. Even strangers from other worlds, if you get my meaning.”

Luna nods in agreement. “Very well Arc. Feel free to proceed as you see fit in this matter. I only want to know one thing. Do you believe she poses any kind of risk to you, or the general population?”

“I do not. As you yourselves witnessed earlier today, she seems to be more frightened of us then we are of her!

“That is the same conclusion we came to the other day. We wish you luck on your... vacation, as it were.”

‘“Do I have time for such things? Princess Luna, how goes plans for my ‘diplomatic mission’ to Griffonstone?”

Luna sighs. “The process is long and arduous. Paperwork, meetings, more paperwork. Normally I wouldn't bother but... it is as you said on my last visit. Raven deserves better than this!”

“Indeed she does. Thanks for doing all of this. I know how busy the two of you are right now.”

Cadance looks out at Arc soberly. “If it rights this injustice, then we can do nothing less!”

“Well put! I should probably let you two get back to your meal. If you need me, I’ll be staying at Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction. Feel free to give me a call if someone needs a punch in the face, or something.”

Luna laughs! “We will. Have fun, Arc!”

“Thanks. I’ll try.”

The connection is closed and Arc leans back in his chair.

“I suppose I should probably call Cherry and tell her we’re coming.”

Arc walks back to his office and picks up his desk phone. Dialing the phone number on the letter. A few rings later she picks up.

“Good evening! Cherry Hill Ranch!”

“Hi Cherry! This is Arc!”

Cherry ’s eyes light up excitedly! “ARC! It's so good to hear your voice again! How have you been?!”

“Busy! You wouldn't believe half of the things I've been doing lately! Heck, I don't believe some of them and I was there! Sorry that I haven't kept in touch better.”

She nods and continues. A hopeful tone in her voice. “I know this might not come at the best time, and I completely understand if you're too busy. But I just wanted to extend an invitation to you and your friends to come here and enjoy the festivities with Ruby and I!”

“That’s very kind of you Cherry! My friends and I would love to come visit! In fact, that's the reason I’m calling. You see, I have a friend here who is very new to Equestria and its customs.”

“Oh? Is it another human?”

Arc shakes his head. “Almost as surprising. She's actually a reformed demon from Tartarus.”

Cherry giggles! “That's got to be a first for demon-kind and Equestrian alike! You really have been busy!”

“The princesses said about the same thing. Now, I understand if you don't want me to bring her into your home, so don't feel that you have to agree to it. I just thought it would be a good opportunity to get her out into the world.”

“Thanks for letting me know Arc. If she's your friend I would love to meet her! Are you bringing anypony else?”

“If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I’d like to bring Ember and Dinky as well.”

Cherry nods. “That sounds wonderful! It's been far too long since I saw little Dinky! I'm sure she is growing up so fast!”

Arc laughs nervously! “You have no idea!”

“It will be so good to have you and Ember here again! I still feel bad for not being able to properly thank you two for all you’ve done for me!”

“No worries there! It was my pleasure! Now when should we come?”

“The four of you can come as early as tomorrow morning if you’d like! That would give us a couple days before the festival starts. I mean... if you don't mind the hustle and bustle of our town getting ready.”

Arc nods! “That sounds great! Can we lend a hand?”

Cherry smiles! “Now Arc, you're supposed to be on vacation... remember?”

“I know. It's just, well, I'm not much for inactivity. Helping out around the ranch with whatever needs doing will be a welcome change to my recent excursions into Tartarus and fighting turncoat Special Forces Agents.”

Cherry sounds nervous! “It seems we have much more to catch up on than I thought! I'm really looking forward to this visit!”

“Me too! Now I should probably let you get back to whatever it was you were doing. We’ll teleport over mid-morning tomorrow then.”

“That sounds wonderful! Ruby and I will be looking forward to your visit!”

“As will I. We'll until tomorrow then.”

“Goodbye! See you tomorrow!”

Cherry hangs up the receiver with a huge grin on her face! She trots excitedly in place for a few moments, squealing with joy like a schoolgirl! Suddenly a familiar voice rings out behind her.

“Can I assume that was Arc accepting your invitation?”

Cherry turns around quickly and blushes deeply!

“Ruby! How long have you been standing there?!

Ruby smiles at her sister’s expression. “I walked in as you were hanging up the receiver. Somehow, I don't think that was a customer.”

“No, you're right. It was Arc. He was just calling to say he would love to come and enjoy the festival with us!”

“That's terrific news! So, is he bringing his friends?”

Cherry nods! “Well, Ember and Dinky will be joining him. You remember then don't you?”

“Of course! Who could forget Ember's determination or Dinky's cute little face?! Is anypony else coming?!”

Cherry looks at her sister nervously. “Well... there is one more, but, they’re not a pony.”

“Another human?”

Cherry shakes her head. “That's what I thought too. Now, I don't know how he did it, but apparently Arc has reformed... a demon from Tartarus!”

Ruby’s jaw drops! “WHAT?! How is that possible?!”

“I have no idea. But you know Arc has a knack for making the impossible happen!”

Ruby does her best to compose herself. “So what is this demon like? I've never even seen a picture of one!”

Cherry shrugs! “I don't think anypony in Equestria, other than the princesses and Arc, has ever seen a demon! I'm sure he wouldn't bring her if it was going to cause trouble though!”

“Your right of course. This should be a festival to remember!”

Meanwhile, back at Light's Hope, Arc stands up from his desk chair and walks over to the door.

“I should probably let Derpy know Dinky and I will be leaving tomorrow morning.”

Arc calls forth his armor, opens a portal to Derpy's house and steps through. Reappearing, he finds Derpy and Dinky doing some light housework.

“DAD!”

Dinky runs over and gives him a hug! Arc kneels down to return the hug!

“Hi there, sweetheart!”

Derpy joins the pair. “Arc? Where you able to get a hold of Cherry?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She's fine with Ember, Dinky, Auriel and I coming for a visit!”

“You did mention that Auriel is a demon, didn't you?”

“Yes. Cherry is fine with it. In fact, she invited us to come a couple days early!”

“That's wonderful! What did you say?!”

“I said we would be there tomorrow morning.”

Arc turns to Dinky.

“Dinky, I doubt you remember this, but your mother and I went to Cherry Hill Ranch when you were just a wee little thing!”

“ Really?! Did I have fun?!”

Arc nods! “You did! Although I distinctly remember you eating yourself into a food coma!”

Derpy sticks her tongue out at Arc playfully! “You're one to talk Arc! I too remember you sitting there completely unable to move!”

Arc laughs! “You got me there! Well, we should all probably turn in early tonight. Big day tomorrow!”

Dinky looks to her father, expectantly! “Are you staying here tonight, dad?!”

Arc smiles at her. “I don't see why not.”

Dinky jumps around the room happily! “YAY!”

Derpy walks over to the fireplace and lies down on her mat. “Why don't the two of you head for bed now? I'll see you in the morning.

Dinky and Arc head for his room

“Good night mom!”

“Pleasant dreams Derpy!”

Derpy lays her head down and sighs contentedly as the bedroom door closes behind them.

“Ah... the two most important individuals in my life sleeping peacefully under my roof. What more could I ask for in life?”

Derpy quickly falls asleep. Meanwhile high overhead, Kronos watched them in secret.

“Derpy... Dinky... Arc... I don't believe you truly understand just how lucky you all are to have each other. However, I am greatly enjoying my vigil over you, your friends, and even those whom you have yet to encounter! Enjoy the peace of the moment. It won't be long now...”

Chapter 15 - Out of the Office

Arc awakens to the early morning sun hitting him in the face. Dinky is still snuggled next to him, smiling. He gently nudges his daughter.

“Dinky? It's time to wake up.”

She slowly opens her eyes and raises her head. “Dad? Is it morning already?”

Arc smiles and strokes Dinky's mane. “It would appear so!”

Dinky jumps out of bed, happily. “Great! Let's go on vacation!”

Arc laughs! “How about breakfast at Light's Hope first?"

“Well, okay. Let's wake up mom!”

The pair leave his room and find Derpy already up.

“You're certainly up early this morning Derpy.”

Derpy nods. “I like to get to work before the fillies wake up. It gives Matron Pommel and I time to prepare breakfast together.”

“I help too!”

Derpy laughs and pats Dinky's head. “Yes you do dear! But we’ll manage without you while you’re gone!

Arc thinks to himself. “Matron Pommel... I like the sound of that!”

Derpy smiles happily! “So do I! Oh Arc, you have to visit the Little Hooves Orphanage sometime! Everypony there is just so... happy! Coco Pommel included!”

“I'll do that sometime soon! But for now, Dinky and I should get to Light's Hope for breakfast before everyone else eats all the good stuff!”

Dinky nods happily! “Yeah! What he said!”

Derpy laughs! “There you go again thinking with your stomach, Arc! Well, have fun you two. I can't wait to hear all about your trip!”

The trio leaves the house and walks toward Little Hooves Orphanage. They arrive and part ways with Derpy.

“Bye mom!”

Derpy waves. “I'll miss you both! Be good, Dinky!”

She enters the orphanage while Arc and Dinky walk on to Light's Hope. As they enter the building Arc turns to his daughter.

“Dinky, why don't you join Ember in the cafeteria? I'll catch up to you in a bit.”

“Okay dad!”

Dinky trots over to the cafeteria as Arc heads over to Auriel's room. Arriving he knocks lightly on the door.

“Auriel? It's time for breakfast.”

The opens the door a few inches as Auriel peeks out.

“Is anyone else out there?”

Arc looks around. “No. Why do you ask?”

“No reason, I guess.”

Arc smiles at her. “Still a bit jittery?”

“Y-yes.”

“Well, don't worry about it. Come with me and you can try some pancakes!”

Auriel nods. “Thank you. That does sound nice!”

The young demon slowly opens the door and leaves her room with Arc. She stays very close and her eyes dart nervously around!

“Auriel? There isn't any reason for you to be afraid here.”

She looks down as she lessens her grip on Arc’s arm. “I'm sorry! It's just a habit now.”

It’s okay. Well, how about we get you some breakfast?”

The pair enter the cafeteria and head over to the buffet. Arc puts a pile of pancakes on Auriel's plate>

“These are pancakes. They're kinda a mix between cake and sweet bread.”

Auriel eyes the pancakes suspiciously. “This is what my father was so enamored with?”

“I know they may look a bit weird but trust me! This may be the only thing your dad and I agree on!”

Auriel sighs. “Well, alright.”

Arc and Auriel sit down with Ember and Dinky.

“So are you two looking forward to this trip?”

Dinky nods happily as she chews! “Yeah dad! This will be awesome!”

Ember laughs! “Gotta admit it. I'm looking forward to some time off, and not just because you're going to be there Arc!”

Arc chuckles. “Not quite sure how to take that Ember, but okay!”

Arc slowly turns to Auriel as he speaks. “Hey Auriel. How do you like the... Auriel?”

Auriel is frozen in place with a fork in her mouth. She does not even blink! Arc waves a hand in front of her face!

“Auriel? Are you... okay? Say something!”

Tears of joy streaming down her face as she whispers. “They're wonderful!”

Arc smiles at her. “Ah... I'm glad you like them! I'll be sure to pass it along to Saffron. Although I doubt she will believe someone could love her cooking enough to react in this manner.”

Dinky and Ember narrow their eyes as they look at Arc

“Really dad?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Have you forgotten about cupcakes?”

“HEY! We're talking about pancakes here! Two totally different things!”

The group finishes their meal and stands up. Ember turns to Arc.

“So when are we heading to Dodge Junction, Arc?”

“Later this morning. But first I need help with something, Ember.”

“Sure Arc. What do you need?”

Arc looks around nervously. “I'd actually like to talk about it somewhere a bit more... private. How about we all go back to my quarters?”

Dinky looks to her father, concerned as they leave the cafeteria. “Dad, is everything okay? You're acting a bit... strange.”

“Don't worry Dinky. Everything will be explained in my quarters. Come along!”

Ember, Auriel and Dinky follow Arc to his quarters. He closes the door behind them.

“Now before we leave Auriel needs a change of clothes.”

Arc walks over to the couch and picks up some of his clothes. Walking back to Auriel he looks down at them.

“These are the first clothes Rarity made for me when I first arrived in Equestria. She didn't have her sewing tape on her at the moment, so she made them quite a bit too small! However, I think they should be a decent fit on you though, Auriel.”

Auriel nods. “Well, okay. If you really think so.”

She sets the clothes on the nearby end table and begins undressing! Dinky moves like lightning and jumps onto Arc's face! She wraps all four of her legs around him to obscure his vision!

Arc speaks in a muffled voice. “Good girl Dinky.”

Ember grabs Auriel’s claw! “AURIEL!!! You're supposed to get changed in the bathroom!!!”

Auriel looks confused. “But... it's warmer here in front of the fireplace.”

Dinky turns to the demon, her body still wrapped around Arc’s head. “Because you're not supposed to let stallions see your no-no parts like that!”

“My… what?”

Ember takes Auriel by the arm and leads her toward the bathroom. “Come on, Auriel. You can take a shower while we're in there.”

“Shower?”

Ember sighs! “Just come with me, all right!”

“Okay.”

The pair disappear into the bathroom together. A moment later the sound of running water can be heard

Dinky lets out a long sigh. “That was close!”

“Dinky. Can I assume Ember and Auriel are in the bathroom now?”

“Yes, dad. Why?”

“In that case, can you let go and let me breathe now?”

Dinky lets go and drops to the floor. “Whoops! Sorry dad!”

Arc pats Dinky on the head. “It's okay! Glad to see you're on your toes!”

Dinky looks confused. “Toes?”

Arc sits down on the couch. "Never mind. Well, I guess there isn't much we can do now but wait. We should get comfortable, as this could take a while. That is if demon females are anything like human girls."

Dinky jumps on the couch to sit next to Arc. “Do human mares really take that long to bathe?”

Arc nods. “They do.”

“But why?”

Arc puts an arm around Dinky. “Let me be honest with you, sweetheart. There isn't a man alive who can answer that question! Probably no woman either!”

They sit in silence for a few minutes.

“Anyways, I’m glad your mother had a talk with you about modesty and your… um… no-no parts.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah dad! She looked really embarrassed at the time though! There were a few things I didn’t understand, but didn’t want to ask her about.

“Really? Why not?

Dinks shrugs. “It was pretty obvious she didn’t like to talk about it. I didn’t want to make mom feel bad!”

Arc nods, understanding. “Well, how about you ask me your questions then?”

“Okay! For starters, she said that if anyone touched me, I needed to tell somepony I trusted right away! But she didn’t really say what exactly she meant by that!”

Arc nods. “Your mother meant if someone touches your no-no parts, sweetheart.”

Dinky thinks for a moment. “Why would anypony do that?”

“There are some sick individuals out there that would do bad things to your body, Dinky. Now, if anyone touches you in a place that makes you feel uncomfortable, you need to get out of there and run for help! Tell anyone that you trust right away! Me, Derpy, Ember, a teacher, anyone! That and if you see someone else doing that to another filly or colt, say something!”

“What would you do about it, dad?”

Arc frowns. “I’d get to the bottom of the matter! If they really were up to no good, I’d see to it they were punished severely! No one’s ever done anything like that to you, have they?”

Dinky looks nervous. “Well… kinda.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Dinky. I need you to tell me about it right now!

“Well… mom took me to see Doctor Horse a week or so ago while you were gone. He did a bunch of things like looking in my eyes, down my throat and felt my belly. It… it made me a little uncomfortable. Then he had me stand up and raise my tail while he looked at my no-no parts!”

Arc gives a sigh of relief! “Okay. That was a physical examination, Dinky. The doctor just had to look at you back there to make sure you were healthy. Was that when your mother had that talk with you?”

Dinky nods, looking relieved. “Yes. It was on the way home.”

“Well, it’s okay if the doctor needs to look you over, sweetheart. Think about it this way. Doctor Horse looked you all over and ran a bunch of tests on you, right?”

“Uh huh! Some of them were kinda uncomfortable!”

Arc smiles at her. “Well, when a filly grows that big instantly like you did, it’s probably for the best that the doctor checks over everything! Did you have any other questions?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, dad! Thanks for explaining that to me though! It made me feel a lot better!”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. After all… this is what a father is supposed to do.”

Arc and Dinky sit on the couch together waiting. Dinky lays down in Arc's lap and he strokes her mane as the two of them enjoy each other’s company. Finally, after what seems like an eternity the pair emerge from the bathroom.

“Whew! Sorry for the wait you two! I got Auriel all cleaned up and then realized that I needed to shower too!”

Auriel steps out of the bathroom. The clothes Arc gave her seem to be a decent fit.

“Thank you for the change of clothes Arc. It does feel good to be clean again! Usually I was too busy in my lab to worry about things like personal hygiene! Um... can we keep that just between us please?”

Auriel looks hopeful.

Arc nods. “Don't worry. Your secret is safe with us. I'm sorry I didn't have anything a bit more... feminine. I'll take you to meet Rarity when we get back. She can make you something a little nicer to wear.”

“Thank you. That is very kind of you!”

Dinky looks at the dragon before here. "Um, Miss Ember? Are you going on vacation in your armor?"

Ember picking up her spear from against the wall. “Yup! I like to be prepared for anything!”

Auriel looks over at her nervously! “Are you expecting trouble?”

“Not really. But if my past with Arc is any indication, it's best to err on the side of caution.”

Arc grabs his satchel off a nearby table. “I'd like to say you're over-prepared Ember, but I know better. Well, we should probably get a move on. Is everyone ready to go?”

Dinky grins! “YEAH!”

Ember nods. “I'm all set!”

Auriel sheepishly looks over. “… I guess so.”

Arc and company step onto the sigil in his quarters, Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and activates the sigil, the four are teleported to Cherry 's basement. Auriel looks around.

“This Cherry Jubilee you spoke of lives underground?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. This is just her basement.”

They walk up the basement stairs to meet their hosts! Cherry meets them at the top! “Arc!

“Ember! It's good to see you again!”

Cherry trots up to Arc. He returns his armor to his ring and kneels down to give her a hug along with Ruby!

“Thanks for having us you two. It's been such a long time between visits! How are you feeling Cherry?”

"I'm feeling fit as a fiddle, thanks in no small part to you Arc! Congratulations on being chosen to become Equestria's next Hero of Light!”

Ember laughs! “And what a wild ride THAT has been!”

“Thanks. Oh, where are my manners?! Cherry and Ruby, this is Auriel. She's my reformed demon friend I told you about on the phone.”

Cherry walks up to Auriel with her sister and extends a hoof. “Pleased to meet you Auriel! Welcome to Cherry Hill Ranch!”

Ruby smiles! “We hope you will enjoy your stay with us!”

Auriel: cautiously shakes their hooves. “Th-thank you. But... aren't you... um... afraid of me?”

Cherry shakes her head. “No my dear! If Arc says you're a friend, then we believe him!”

She looks over at Dinky.

“Arc? I thought you were bringing your daughter Dinky with you. Who is this sweet looking filly?”

Arc smiles and nods! “That IS Dinky! It's really complicated, but the short version is that she’s really important to the future of Equestria. A... uh... really powerful ‘friend’ of this land used its power to bring her up to age in only a few minutes.”

Ruby looks at Dinky, mouth agape! “Incredible! How is such a magical feat possible?!”

Arc shrugs. “I'm told it's called ‘Chrono Magic’. It's a school of magic that, up until VERY recently, was thought to be only theoretical!”

Cherry walks up to Dinky and smiles! “Well, I'm very pleased to see you again, little one! And you're just as cute now as you were then!”

Dinky smiles! “Thank you ma'am!”

“Now why don't we all sit down in the living room and catch up?! I have plenty of food cooking, but it's going to take a bit longer for it to be ready.”

The smell of cherry-based dishes coming from the kitchen are enough to make even Ember's mouth water! She nods at their host as they make their way over to the couch!

“That food really does smell quite tasty!”

Cherry smiles! “Thank you Ember! Only the best here for you folks!”

Ruby sits down and looks at Dinky. “So tell me Dinky. Are you in school yet?”

“My mom tells me I will be this fall.”

Auriel appears confused. “What is ‘school’?”

Arc looks over to her. “Well, it's where you go to learn new things. You sit at a desk and the teacher instructs you on a variety of subjects. Don't they have school in Tartarus?”

“Well, kind of. We call it Battle Training. Needless to say, I was never very good at it.”

Ember nods. “Probably because your heart wasn't in it.”

Auriel sighs. “It was not. My heart is in my chest.”

Arc chuckles. “Ember's using an expression that means you just really didn't want to learn how to kill and maim.”

“Yes. I was more interested in reading the books in my father's library.”

Ember looks over to Arc. “We have GOT to introduce Auriel to Twilight! The two of them would be like peas in a pod! That means you would get along well, Auriel.”

“Oh... okay.”

“We’ll do that when we get back, Ember.”

Cherry looks to Dinky. “And how is your mother doing, Dinky?”

“Really well! She just got a job at the Little Hooves Orphanage as an assistant!”

“I believe I've heard of it. Isn't that in Vanhoover though?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that's the New Beginnings Orphanage. It was... um... really badly damaged recently.”

Ruby puts a hoof over her mouth! “Oh my! How awful for the orphans! What happened?!”

Arc appears embarrassed. “I... may have done most of... okay all of the damage to the orphanage during my altercation with the matron.”

“What?! You were fighting with the caretaker?”

Ruby shudders! “That must have been quite the argument! How did it start?”

Arc bumps his fists together! “It started with my fist introducing itself to the Matron Tempest’s face!”

Dinky nods, angrily! “Yeah! And she deserved it after what she did to the orphans!”

She recalls the story of what happened at the New Beginnings Orphanage.

“...then my dad opened up a portal to Light's Hope. I led the orphans through it while my dad picked mom up and carried her through the portal after us!”

Ruby nods. “What a story! Is Derpy okay?!”

“Sure! My dad took good care of her and the orphans!”

Cherry smiles at Arc. “That's good to hear! I admit I was a bit concerned when you told me you were fighting a matron. But if what Dinky says is true, I think I would have given her quite the thrashing myself!”

The oven timer dings from the kitchen.

Ruby gets up. “Sounds like the food is ready! How about we continue this conversation over lunch?”

Ember jumps up! “You don't have to tell me twice!”

They make the short walk to the kitchen.

“Can I give you a hand serving the food, Cherry?”

Cherry shakes her head. “Oh no, Arc! You're our guest here!”

The food is served and they sit down to eat. Auriel looks at the food suspiciously.

“Excuse me, but what are these red-things?”

Arc looks at her plate. “Those are cherries.”

Cherry looks sadly at Auriel. “You've really never seen a cherry before, have you dear?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No ma'am. We didn't have such nice things in Tartarus.”

Ruby looks amazed! “What did you eat then?”

“Well… we had beetles, lizards, wild demons... things like that.”

Arc nods. “There aren't any plants that grow there. That and beetle meat actually doesn't taste all that bad. Assuming it's cooked properly, that is.”

Cherry laughs! “Well, I hope my cooking is a bit better than the Tartaran fare then!”

Arc nods fervently! “Indeed! This tastes divine!”

Ember laughs! “I gotta say, you two sure know how to cook!”

Dinky eats hungrily! “YUM!”

“So, what have the two of you been up to since... the last time I was here?”

“It’s mostly been just business as usual around here! Although I've got to tell you Arc. Ever since your battle with Buffalo Bull, his gang has been on their best behavior! Pretty much all of them have either moved on or gotten legitimate jobs!”

Ruby nods “It looked like they were trying to reorganize a while back, so the sheriff and a few stallions from town went to try and talk some sense into them.”

Ember scoffs! “They wanted to try and reason with those boneheads!? I bet that went well!”

Cherry laughs! “To tell you the truth, it did Ember!”

“That must have taken some serious negotiating skills! What did they say?”

Ruby grins! “Oh, they just calmly informed the gang that if they insisted on causing trouble here, the sheriff would have no choice but to call Ponyville and ask Hero of Light Arc to come back and break a few more legs!”

Dinky looks to her father, astonished! “A few… MORE?!”

Arc turns to Dinky. “There isn't always a peaceful solution to every problem, Dinky. Sometimes I have to... hurt someone to make them understand my point of view.”

Ember nods soberly. “I thought you were going to kill that stallion Arc! After what he did, he certainly deserved it though!”

Auriel looks confused. “What did he do?”

Ruby shudders! “He tried to force my sister to marry him! When Cherry tried to stop him from fighting Arc, he almost KILLED her!”

Ruby turns to Arc.

“I don't think anypony in town would have held it against you if you had finished him off right then and there!”

Cherry turns to Ruby! “Sister, please! Small ears!”

Dinky nods. “It's okay. I've already seen my dad do some pretty... violent things to protect others. I understand that he did what he had to do!”

“You're are wise beyond your years, Dinky! I'm very proud that you understand such adult concepts.”

Dinky winks at her father. “Thanks dad, I had a great teacher!”

Arc turns back to Cherry. “So... what DID happen to Buffalo Bull?”

“He was transferred from the hospital to Equestrian Prison. Somehow I don't think he'll be getting out anytime soon. He still can't walk without a limp though.”

Ember smirks. “If that's what it takes to keep him in line, I see it as a small price to pay!”

Arc nods. Yes, well… why don't we talk about something a bit more pleasant? Cherry, why don't you explain more to us about the Cherry Festival?”

“Oh, it's quite the draw! Ponies from all over Equestria come here to eat cherry dishes, play games, dress up in funny costumes, and shop for interesting items!”

Ember looks confused. “So it's like an open-air market all-you-can-eat costume party?”

Ruby nods! “Yes, but heavier on the ‘party’ bit! In recent years Buffalo Bull's thugs would make trouble during the festival. But with him out of commission I don't see that happening!

“Don't worry Arc. I didn't invite you here to make you work!”

Arc nods. “I understand. But don't worry! If someone wants to start something, I'll gladly finish it for them!”

He knocks his fists together!

“I don't foresee that happening, but thank you for the offer!”

The group continues their meal. Afterwards they stay at the table to continue their conversation.

“...so I shrank him down and helped him through the Gates of Tartarus.”

Cherry looks to Arc, amazed! “You actually let the King of Demons into Equestria?!”

“I did! Well, for about fifteen seconds anyways. Then the bombs went off, I grabbed him and leaped back through the barrier! My troops took that opportunity to rescue the mares and take them to safety!”

Ruby nods fervently! “I sure hope he learned his lesson!”

“Well, he didn't back then. I left him at that size to serve as a reminder that there were those in Equestria that were far more powerful than he was!”

Dinky giggles! “So was he still little when you saw him the other day, dad?”

Arc nods! “Yup. I guess none of the demons could figure out how to undo the spell.”

Cherry laughs! “What happened during your most recent visit to Tartarus?”

“Well, to make a long story short, his daughter helped me to foil his most recent plan to invade Equestria. She didn't feel as if she belonged in this land and asked me to return her to Tartarus and her father. When we entered that hellish place again, we were soon met by the Demon King and his soldiers. He informed her that he had no choice but to banish her from Tartarus. Although I'm sure it broke his heart... and his pride... he asked me to look after her.”

Ruby turn to Auriel! “Wait! Auriel! Auriel is the Demon King's daughter?!”

Auriel nods nervously. “It's true. I... I hope that isn't a problem!”

Cherry shakes her head. “I don't have any problem sharing a roof with you, Auriel. Now, while I've never actually met a demon before, you don't seem anything like what I imagined they would be like. You’re kind, caring, and timid. I always pictured demons as being quite the opposite!”

“Well, to be completely honest with you, every other demon in Tartarus is pretty much like you described. I'm... not exactly proud of my demonic heritage...”

Ember looks to her. “Auriel, you can't change what you are. But you can decide to walk another path and be the individual you want to be! Arc showed me that. Stick with us and we'll show you!”

Auriel smiles! “Thank you. I believe I will!”

Ruby nods and looks to Arc. “Is there any more to your story, Arc?”

“A little. I returned the Demon King to his normal size so he could hold his daughter in his arms one last time. They embraced for what felt like forever! In that moment, I understood something. As bad as King Malevolence was, to her at least, he was still her father. And he loved her very much. Afterwards, he told us both to leave as he himself returned to the capital city. I helped Auriel up and together we walked through the Gates of Tartarus.”

Everyone is silent for a time

Auriel sighs. “Well, that's my story. I'm sorry it didn't have a happier ending.”

“But Miss Auriel, your story isn't over yet!”

Auriel looks at Dinky, confused. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“Your story is still ongoing! It CAN have a happy ending someday... if you want it to, that is!”

She smiles at the filly. “Thank you Dinky! I do!”

Cherry stands up. “Auriel? Would you like me to show you where cherries come from?”

Auriel looks confused. The kitchen?

Cherry laughs! “No dear! Come with me.”

Arc stands up. “Why don't we all go! I haven't actually seen your orchard yet, Cherry.”

Dinky gets up and follows them. “Me either!”

Ember nods. “I too only caught a glance of it back then!”

Cherry laughs! “Follow me, everypony! We'll sate your curiosity!”

She leads everyone outside to the orchards. Several ponies are hard at work harvesting cherries. They seem a bit nervous at the sight of Auriel, but continue their task though.

“Hey, isn't that Arc?”

“It is! Him being here is sure to make Cherry VERY happy!”

The two mares giggle and wink at each other as the group approaches. Arc recognizes them from the saloon.

“Hello again you two.”

“Hello again Mr. Arc! Solve any interesting problems lately?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well... I did find a way to stop a rampaging, overpowered, invincible unicorn from killing Princess Cadance.”

Ember pipes up! “So you could say it's pretty much been business as usual.”

“WOW! What an exciting life you must lead, sir!”

Cherry nods! “Arc was just telling us over lunch about his latest battle with the Demon King of Tartarus.”

“Nothing can stop my dad!”

“Incredible! Is there anything you CAN'T do, Mr. Arc?!”

Arc smiles and looks to Cherry. “Well... I doubt I could run an operation as large as this by myself! To me, that's pretty impressive!”

Ruby nods! “That may be true, but the stakes are much higher in your line of work Arc!”

Ember smirks. “True. If Cherry messes up, somepony doesn't get their order of cherries. If Arc messes up... well, someone might... die!”

Arc shudders at the thought! “I try not to think too hard on that subject. It makes me nervous. In any case, it was nice seeing you two again.”

The mares wave as the group moves on.

“Take care!”

Cherry stops in front of the first tree they come to and puts a hoof on it. “This... is a Cherry Tree. About this time of year the cherries are harvested and shipped all over Equestria!”

Auriel looks up into the branches which are laden with plump cherries. “How do the cherries get on the trees?”

Ruby laughs! “The cherries are made BY the tree. We just pick them!”

Auriel nods, surprised! “Amazing! So... this tree thing is... alive?!”

Cherry puts a hoof on the tree trunk. “Yes! We take good care of our trees here at Cherry Hill Ranch! The better care you take of your trees, the better cherries you get!”

Auriel walks over to the tree and looks up at it. “So how do you like living here, Mr. Tree?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh Auriel? Trees can't talk.”

Ember quickly turns to Cherry.

“They can't talk, right?”

Cherry laughs! “No, they cannot!”

Auriel again appears confused. “But I thought you said they were alive.”

Arc nods. “Not everything that has the breath of life in it can talk, Auriel. Think of the beetles back in Tartarus. Can they talk?”

“Well, no.”

Arc smiles at Auriel. “But they ARE alive, aren't they?”

“Well, I guess so. I think I'm beginning to understand what you're saying.”

Ruby walks over and pats the tree with a hoof. “Well, if the trees COULD talk, I am sure they would be very happy here!”

“Follow me everypony! I'll show you our processing facilities.”

Cherry leads the group to a rather large building with a conveyor belt driven by a large wheel.

“Here's where we sort the different colored cherries. Red ones go in one basket, while the yellow ones go in the other.”

Dinky looks at the equipment. “Why do they need to be sorted?”

“Yellow cherries are a premium fruit! They cost a LOT more than what red cherries go for! Yellow cherries are a sign of wealth and status. That and the taste is much sweeter and deeper than the reds!”

Ember looks at the conveyor and wheel. “So, how does this work exactly?”

Ruby points to the wheel. “Somepony gets inside this wheel and turns it. That releases the cherries from the storage bin and runs the belt. The more sorters we have on duty, the faster the belt can be run. After all, we don't want to overwhelm the sorters!”

Arc looks the conveyor over. “Interesting. Can I try it?”

Cherry nods! “Sure!”

Ruby walks over to the wheel and steps inside it. “I'll run the wheel for you. Care to lend me a hoof, Ember?”

Ember nods. “Sure! This should be interesting!”

“Can I help too dad?”

Arc nods. “Sure! How about you and I sort cherries together?”

“Yeah, that sounds like fun!”

Ember and Ruby walk to the wheel and step inside it. They slowly start walking as cherries come down the belt.

Cherry stands with Arc and Dinky as a sorter. “Now this is really simple. Reds go in the first basket, yellows in the second.”

Arc and Dinky push cherries into the respective bins with their hands/hooves.

Dinky smiles widely! “This is fun!”

Arc nods. “Not a bad job!”

He turns to Ruby and Ember.

“Can you two go a little faster?”

Ruby nods. “Sure!”

She and Ember increase to trotting speed. The belt speed increases as do the number of cherries coming down it!

“We're pretty good at this, huh dad?”

Arc nods! “Yeah! You looking to hire some more help, Cherry?”

Cherry laughs! “Why? You looking for a change of career?”

“Just keeping my options open in case this whole Hero of Light thing doesn't work out!”

Dinky laughs happily! “Faster, faster!”

Ember and Ruby look to Cherry. She smiles and nods. The pair start to run! Cherries come down the belt at an insane pace and quantity!

Arc turns to his daughter! “Dinky, watch this!”

He steps back from the belt and extends both hands! His fingers move as if he were typing! Cherries fly of the belt into the correct bin at a manic pace as he uses his magic to expertly sort!

Arc laughs! “I think I'm winning!”

Dinky uses her hooves magic simultaneously, laughing! “Hey, no fair!”

Arc's bins are quickly filled!

“I win!”

He starts pushing cherries into Dinky's bin to continue sorting.

“Let me help you with that, sweetheart!”

Dinky laughs! “Thanks dad!”

Before long Dinky's bin is filled. The belt stops and Dinky jumps into Arc's arms! The pair enjoy a good laugh together as father and daughter!

“That was awesome, dad!”

“I couldn't have done it without your though, Dinky!”

Cherry walks over and smiles! “Wow! I truly am impressed! Even with a half dozen sorters we've never come close to running at THAT capacity, have we Ruby?! ...Ruby?

Arc, Dinky and Cherry turn around. They see Ruby and Ember sitting down on the floor in front of the wheel back to back, panting heavily!

“Sorry about that you two! Are you all right?!”

Ember pants! “Arc... I am... going to... hurt you! As soon as I can stand, that is!”

Ruby falls to the floor. She shows signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder! “The cherries... THE CHERRIES!”

Arc walks over to her. “Ruby?! Is there anything I can do to help?!”

She shakes her head weakly. “No. Just give me a minute to relax and catch my breath!”

Arc sits down on the floor next to Ruby. “I think I can help with that.”

He gently strokes Ruby's mane for about a minute.

“Better?”

Ruby lies on the ground. Her eyes closed and body relaxed. “Much. How do you DO that?!”

Cherry giggles! “I too would like to know the answer to that question!”

Arc grins! He raises his hands and wiggles his fingers. “Never underestimate the power of human hands... or fingers for that matter!”

Auriel looks at her claws, seemingly in deep contemplation. “Hmmm... I wonder...”

Ember looks to Auriel. “Believe me Auriel, our claws just aren't the same as Arc's hands!”

Cherry looks down at her sister. “If you're feeling better Ruby, should we continue our tour?”

“...do we have to? I'm enjoying this.”

Arc stands up. “Alright, enough of a good thing.”

“Awww... okay.”

Cherry leads the party into the next room.

“This is our Production Facility.”

Auriel looks around. “It looks like your Kitchen in the house.”

Dinky nods! “Yeah! Just... a lot bigger!”

“Indeed. This is where my sister and I preserve and process the cherries that aren't sent out fresh.”

Arc looks around. “It sounds like a lot of work!”

Cherry nods! “Oh, believe you me, it is! We usually hire on more help during the peak season to keep things running around here. We didn't have to this year because I had some very special help here.”

She looks lovingly over to her sister.

Ruby smiles! “Glad to be back! It had been far too long since we worked happily side by side!”

Cherry nods sadly. “Yes, it had been! Well, there really is only one last thing to see. This way!”

She leads the tour to the next room through a large overhead door.

“This is our warehouse. All our cherry preserves are stored here until they are sold to various customers all over Equestria!”

Auriel looks around. “These boxes are all filled with cherries?!”

Dinky stares at the many racks filled with crates! “There's just so many of them!”

Cherry nods! “Yes, well... it never hurts to be prepared!”

“How long will these preserves last before they spoil, Cherry?”

“Our preserves are magically sealed to maintain freshness, so they will last at least a hundred years as long as they stay sealed.”

Ember nods! “That's impressive!”

“I'm sure the folks back on Earth would love to have technology like this! Our own canning technology only keeps things fresh for a handful of years!”

Arc looks around the Warehouse.

“I'm sure you know what you're doing Cherry, but... isn't it really expensive to maintain this much inventory?”

“Well... yes and no. Yes, it is costly to process all these cherries. But at the same time no, as the alternative would be to let them rot on the trees! Should a disaster ever strike, or a war, Equestria would have great need of my stock here!”

Ruby sighs. “Business has been kinda slow these past few years. Equestria's economy isn't exactly booming right now.”

Dinky looks confused. “Why's that?”

Cherry shrugs! “Nopony’s really sure! There are currently only a few sectors that are booming. The banks, defense contractors, and... the pastry industry for some unknown reason.”

Dinky and Ember both look to Arc astonished!

Arc chuckles. “I'm sure it's just a coincidence!”

Ruby looks to Arc, hope in her voice! “Any chance you could do something about the economy, Problem Solver?”

Arc sadly shakes his head. “Sorry, but I think that one is a bit out of my league. Believe me, I would if I could!”

Ruby sighs. “Sorry. I... didn't really expect you to have a solution to that one. Wishful thinking.”

Cherry smiles at them. “If you find somepony who needs a truckload of cherries, do let us know though!”

Arc nods. “I'll keep that in mind.”

Dinky walks up to Cherry. “Miss Cherry? Can we pick some cherries?!”

“Of course you can dear! We can always use more workers around here!”

“YAY!!!”

Dinky and the rest of the party head back to the cherry orchard and Cherry 's employees.

“Girls. We have a few more sets of hooves... er hands... claws... whatever, that want to help us today. Can you show them how it's done?”

“Sure thing!”

One of the mares gives Arc, Ember, Dinky and Auriel each a gunnysack.

“Just follow my lead.”

The mare bucks the tree. The cherries fall to the ground and are picked up by the seconds mare with her magic.

Dinky helps the unicorn mare pick up the cherries with her magic. “This is fun!”

“Let me help you with the Dinky.”

Arc picks up Dinky and holds her up so she can pick the cherries in the trees with her little hooves.

Ember hovers above the others and picking cherries as she moves side to side! “Hey Auriel! I bet I can fill my bag first!”

“You're on!”

Dinky reaches her hooves toward the sky! “Look everypony! I'm flying! Weee!!!”

The group picks cherries until the sun begins to set. Cherry’s workers have all gone home, but Auriel and Ember are neck and neck in their competition!

Ember turns to Auriel, playfully. “Better hurry! I'm going to win!”

Auriel smiles! “Not if I can help it!”

Arc and Dinky sit in the grass together watching the pair flying around hurriedly!

“Thanks for bringing me here dad! Today was loads of fun!”

Arc smiles and nods. “I admit, I also had quite a lot of fun today! We should do things like this more often!”

“Yeah! But next time we have to bring mom!”

“You’re right, sweetheart. It really isn't the same without her here.”

“Dad? Can I ask you something?”

Arc looks to Dinky, concerned. “Sure Dinky. What's on your mind?”

Dinky looks to her father, nervously. “It's about you and mom. I can see that mom... really cares for you, and you for her. I guess what I'm asking is... do you... are you in love with mom?”

“I do love both you and your mother very much. But, it's more like the way an older brother loves his little sister. So I guess the answer to your question is both yes and no. Yes, I do love your mother deeply. But no I am not IN love with her.”

Dinky looks down at her hooves sadly. “Oh... I see.”

“I hope that's okay sweetheart. Has this been on your mind long?”

“Well... kinda.”

Arc nods soberly. “Have you spoken to your mother about it?”

“I have. She said that she loves you very much, but... well... she wasn't really sure how humans felt about the idea of love and marriage.”

“From what I have seen, it looks like ponies and humans treat love and marriage about the same way.”

Dinky looks up at Arc hopefully! “So... do you think you and mom might ever... you know... get married?”

Arc shakes his head. “I... don't think so Dinky.”

“Is it because mom’s a pony?”

“No Dinky, it's not that. It's just... look, can I tell you a secret?”

Dinky looks to her father surprised! “Sure dad! What is it?”

“You remember when we talked earlier about Buffalo Bull and how he almost killed Cherry?”

Dinky nods. “Yes, but what does that have to do with it?”

Arc sighs. “I'm sure you don't remember this but, after she got out of the hospital, your mother, Applejack, you and I escorted Cherry from Ponyville Hospital to back here. We had a great time eating and just sitting around talking the rest of the day. As night fell, she invited us to stay the night. We accepted and Derpy took you upstairs to bed shortly after Cherry and Ruby retired for the night.”

“Sorry dad, but I don't remember any of this!”

Arc nods. “I understand. You were very little at the time after all. In any case, I stayed downstairs sitting in front of the fireplace, just staring into the flames thinking.”

“What about?”

“Ironically, about the same thing you and I were just talking about. I just sat there for several hours thinking about Derpy and our relationship. About the time I came to a conclusion, there was the sound of hoofsteps coming down the stairs.”

“Was it mom?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was Cherry. She... wanted to talk to me about... our own relationship. And if I could ever think of her as my ‘special somepony’ as she put it.”

Dinky looks to her father, surprised. “Wait! So she told you she had feelings for you?!”

“Yes, she did.”

"And, what did you say?"

“I just told her that I already had so much to do that I didn't have time for a special somepony! And that was before I became the Hero of Light! Between you, Derpy and Ember... I really didn't want to have to split my attention any further than I was currently!”

Dinky looks down at her hooves, sadly. “Oh... I... didn't realize mom and I were such a burden to you.”

Arc puts an arm around Dinky’s small shoulders. “You're not! Listen to me, Dinky. I love you and your mother more than you can possibly imagine! You may see it as a burden, but I see it as just being there for my loved ones when they need me! Trust me, I've never been happier since I met the two of you!”

Dinky leans over to give Arc a hug! “Thanks dad! You make mom and I very happy too! There's just one other thing that bothered me about what mom said when we last talked about this.”

“Oh? What's that?”

“When I told her she should talk to you about this, she just kinda smiled at me and said she didn't mind if you... if you married somepony else! I just couldn't understand that! If she loves you so much, why would she be okay with that?!”

“Let me tell you something about love Dinky. Pay attention, because this is really important!”

Dinky turns her whole body to face Arc. “Okay dad! I'm listening!”

“When you truly love someone, you care more for them and their feelings than you do about yourself and your feelings. Now, I could be wrong about what Derpy is thinking but... knowing her like I do, I believe she would rather see me with someone else if they could make me happier than she could.”

“I... think I understand. But what about her?! What about her happiness?!”

“Derpy would be happy just knowing I was happy.”

Arc puts a hand on Dinky's head and pats it gently.

“If it makes you feel any better, with my current job and how busy it has me, I don't really have time to go out with anyone! But even if I did find someone else, that wouldn't change how much I love either one of you!”

Dinky nods happily. “Thanks dad! I'm really glad we had this talk! And I hope you find somepony who loves you as much as mom and I do someday!”

“And I feel the same way about you, sweetheart. I hope someday you can find a stallion who cares for you as much as I do. No hurry though!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! I know what you meant dad! And if you want to marry somepony other than mom, like Cherry or something, I'm okay with that.”

“Who knows... maybe there is someone out there for me. Hey, how about Auriel?”

Dinky laughs. “Very funny, dad!”

Arc sticks his tongue out at Dinky playfully. “What? She's a very nice young lady!”

Dinky giggles. “Well, if she makes you happy dad, you have my permission!”

Both Dinky and Arc share a good laugh together.

“Well, I guess one never knows what the future holds.”

Dinky and Arc look over to Ember and Auriel. Their gunnysacks are about three quarters full.

“Dad?”

“Yes Dinky?”

Dinky turns to her father and grins mischievously. “I think it's about time you showed those two how it's really done.”

Arc stands up and picks up his own almost empty gunnysack. “Gladly.”

He walks over to a tree and kicks it hard. Nearly every cherry falls to the ground! Arc uses his magic to hold his bag upright as he concentrates and picks up nearly every cherry off the ground in a matter of seconds and drops them in the gunnysack! He closes the bag and carries it over to Auriel and Ember.

“I win.”

Ember and Auriel spin around and stare at the filled bag wide eyed.

“How did you DO that?!”

Arc grins! “Magic. You gotta love it.”

The four enjoy a good laugh together as Cherry and Ruby look on from nearby.

“They really are a nice little family, Arc and his friends, eh Cherry?”

Cherry nods. “Yes. I'm a bit jealous of them right now.”

“Really?”

“Yes. They're all so close to one another! I think Arc is the reason for that though. He just seems to bring everypony closer together just by being himself! I mean, look at us!”

Ruby sadly nods. “Yes. It is nice to be back together again after so many years.”

Cherry smiles. “I agree. Together without screaming at each other like we used to.”

“To tell you the truth, before when I visited here, I couldn't wait for it to be over! Now, I never want it to end!”

Cherry nods! “I feel the same way sister.”

She looks out at Arc and his little family.

“I do wish Derpy could have joined us. She's such a kind-hearted mare.”

Ruby looks over at her sister. “That's surprising! I would have thought you would have been glad she didn't come! Now you have Arc all to yourself!”

Cherry closes her eyes and smiles! “It's okay. Arc's the kind of individual who wants to be there for everypony. If I was in trouble, I know he would be here in a heartbeat! To tell you the honest truth... I don't know if there is a mare out there who is truly worthy of Arc's love! But that doesn't mean I'm just going to give up!”

The sisters are silent for a time.

“I know this might not be the best time, Cherry, but... about back then... the things we did to each other. What was said...”

Cherry puts her hoof in front of her sister's mouth. “Shhh... no sister. It's... it's in the past. I'm just so grateful to have you back!”

The sisters embrace.

“Thank you big sister. I... I'm just so happy to be home again.”

Chapter 16 - Helping Out

Arc and the others rise early the next morning and head downstairs to a warm kitchen filled with the scent of cherries! Ruby and Cherry are hard at work cooking breakfast.

Arc smiles as he enters the kitchen with the others. “Mmmmm-mmmm! That sure does smell good, Cherry!”

Ember nods! “If it tastes as good as it smells, we're in for a treat!”

They all sit down around the kitchen table for a hearty breakfast! Arc sips a cup of fresh cherry tea, humming.

“The best part of waking up, is cherries in your cup!”

Dinky laughs! “Shouldn't that be ‘ARE cherries in your cup’ dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. It's from an old coffee commercial when I was a kid.”

Auriel looks confused. “What's a commercial’?”

Ember nods. “Do tell, Arc.”

“Well, it's an advertisement for various products for sale.”

Dinky nods. “Like a billboard?”

“Kinda. But these were on TV.”

“TV?”

Arc laughs! “It's short for television, which is... um... I guess the best way to describe it would be a large box that sits on the table, or is mounted on the wall. There's a large plastic screen that projects pictures on the panel by means of... Okay, think of it more like a movie theater at home, only smaller.”

Everyone appears puzzled.

“Sorry. I just can't think of a better way to describe it.”

Auriel’s eyes light up! “I wouldn't mind seeing this ‘TV’ you speak of someday.”

Dinky giggles! “Me too! It sounds kinda cool!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Not me! I'm not going to just sit around staring at some box on a wall!”

Arc smiles. “Well, if the sages of Canterlot ever figure out a way to send me back to Earth, I'll show you!”

Cherry looks over, worried! “Arc! You're not planning on going back to your old home, are you?!”

“Not to stay Cherry! If the opportunity presented itself I would indeed like to return to my house to grab a few of my possessions. Then I would come right back home to Equestria!”

Ruby nods “Do you ever miss your home on... Earth was it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sometimes. I don't have any family to speak of back there, and only a couple friends. The only thing that WOULD make me want to go back for an extended visit would be to see if I could track down my father and say goodbye to my friends. It's been so many years since I saw him.”

“What happened to him?”

“I don't know, Auriel. He just for all intents and purposes, disappeared!”

“Was it by some kind of magic?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. I mean, I know he's out there somewhere. There's just no way to find him that I can think of.”

Dinky smiles at her father. “If you go back to look for him, I'll help!”

“Thanks sweetheart! Hopefully one day you can meet your grandfather! I'm sure he would love you as much as I do!”

Breakfast is served and everyone sits down to share the morning meal together! Arc looks to Cherry.

“So what do you do at the festival, Cherry?”

“I run a large booth selling cherries and cherry-based dishes! Ruby and I will be very busy today cooking all the dishes we’ll be selling at the festival!”

Ruby nods. “Other than Harvest Season, which is almost over, this is our busiest time of year! It's now that we can showcase our products and hopefully gain the attention of some of the larger movers and shakers!”

Dinky looks over happily! “Can we help?!”

Cherry smiles at the anxious filly. “No dear. You and the others are on vacation! This is a time for you to rest and have fun! Not slave away in a kitchen!”

“Truth be told, I was kinda hoping to help out as well, Cherry. Back on Earth I was pretty good in the kitchen myself!

Auriel turns to Arc, surprised! “You can cook, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Back then, if I wanted to eat something, I had to learn to cook it myself! I was also a pretty avid gardener back in those days as well.”

Dinky nods. “I remember you telling me that a while back dad! Why don't you have a garden anymore?”

“Believe me sweetheart, I would love to! But I just don't have the time! Hopefully next spring will be different!”

She looks at her father hopeful. “Do you think you could show me how to grow something?!”

Arc smiles at Dinky. “That sounds like fun! While I can't make any promises about the future, I will do my best to make some time.”

Auriel looks over sheepishly. “May I join the two of you? I too would like to see how plants... come to exist.”

Dinky nods happily! “Sure Auriel! You can join us!”

The group finishes their meal. Arc helps them clear the table.

“What can we do to help?”

Cherry smiles! “You don't have to, but if you really want, you can help Ruby and I in the Production Facility!”

Ruby nods. “I'll join you there after I wash these dishes, sister!

Dinky throws her little hooves in the air! “YAY!”

Cherry heads to the back door. “Follow me everypony!”

Ember, Auriel, and Cherry leave the Kitchen and head for the front door. Dinky turns to her father.

“Dad? Aren't you coming?”

“In a little while, sweetheart. I'm going to give Ruby a hand with these dishes. Go ahead and join the others now.”

“Okay dad! Don't be too long!”

Dinky trots out the door after the others. Arc picks up a dish towel and dries the clean dishes as Ruby passes them to him.

“Thank you for offering to help, Arc! That was very Kind of you!”

“It's my pleasure! But I also wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Oh? And what would that be?”

Arc looks to Ruby, concerned. “I know I already asked this but, how is your sister doing? Really.”

“Just fine! Her heart is fit as a fiddle and we owe it all to you!”

Arc nods. “That's good to hear. But... it's not really what I was asking.”

“I'm sorry Arc, but I really don't understand what you mean then.”

“Please forgive me if I'm overstepping, but... I can't shake this feeling that something is bothering her.”

Ruby sighs. “Well... there really isn't a single clean-cut answer to that question. As you know, she's been through quite a bit lately!”

“Yes. I wouldn't wish what happened to Cherry on anyone! But is there more to it than that?”

“To tell you the absolute truth... there is. She's been acting strangely since I came back to Cherry Hill Ranch.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Now that you mention it, when we first met that fateful night you said you were just here for a visit. You and you sister seemed very close from what I could tell. What exactly made you move away in the first place?”

Ruby looks down at the soapy water sadly. “This may be a bit hard to believe, but Cherry and I haven't always been on the best of terms.”

“Sibling rivalry?”

“I guess that would be one way to put it. But we weren't really competing in anything other than trying to prove the other wrong!”

“So, you both had an idea of how the ranch was supposed to run and neither of you liked the other's ideas?”

“Exactly! I thought that we should try to expand our exports to the surrounding countries. Cherry thought we should do as our parents and grandparents had done and kept our product out of the hooves of what they referred to as ‘non-ponies’.”

Arc frowns. “Isn't that a bit... xenophobic?”

Ruby nods. “That's what I said! But it's what our ranch had always done. Cherry was always the good filly and did what our traditionalist parents told her to. I was the rebel who wanted to try new things!”

“I admit I don't really understand the international politics of this world. Is there some reason for not doing business with other countries?”

Ruby shakes her head. “Nothing that can be substantiated! Our ancestors were strict isolationists, but we’re talking hundreds of years ago! While I'm not proud to admit it, our parents were more or less relics of a bygone era.”

“How widespread is this ‘pony superiority complex’?!”

“It more or less ended about the same time that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna came to power to unite the three pony races. That one event brought about a lasting relationship between all pony-kind and a rather fragile peace with the surrounding nations.”

“Can I assume the princesses had a hand... er, hoof in that?”

“Yes. They signed treaties with the other countries of the world to rid us of the constant bickering and minor skirmishes that had plagued the land up to that point! If they hadn't, the world as we know it would be VERY different!”

The pair are silent for a time as they continue with their chore.

Ruby looks down wistfully. “I suppose your world must be much simpler in that regard, as I have been told that the human race dominates the entire world!”

“You would be surprised. Maybe you, Cherry, and I can talk about this more later.”

Ruby smiles at Arc. “Yes. I would like that!"

The pair finish their task and dry their hands/hooves. As Arc and Ruby head towards the door to rejoin the others, Ruby suddenly stops.

“Arc, can I tell you a secret?”

“Sure. But only if you want to, of course.”

Ruby looks nervous. “It's about Cherry and I. We both... uh... like you a lot.”

Arc nods! “Yes I know. I like the two of you very much as well!”

She blushes a bit. “No, no! I mean, we both REALLY like you! Please understand that I'm not trying to make you feel uncomfortable or anything! I just… I thought you should know! Sorry! I'm not very good at this…”

Arc smiles and kneels down to her level. “Well I think you were very brave to tell me! Cherry said roughly the same thing when I was here last time. However I didn't realize you had your eye on me as well.”

Ruby looks to him, surprised! “What?! Cherry had the courage to talk to you about this as well?! She's always been the more reserved of us! For her to go so far out of her comfort zone must have been very hard for her!”

She looks a bit pained as she continues.

“So... does that mean you and Cherry are... an item, as it were?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we're just friends. She asked if I could ever see her as my special somepony, but... I told her I was too busy. Now that I'm the Hero of Light, that statement is more true than ever.”

Ruby looks sadly down at her hooves. “So, I guess if Cherry wasn't able to become your special somepony I don't really have a chance either. Do I?”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well, Cherry is so much more beautiful than I am! She also smarter, a better cook, and a has a better personality! I'm just… me!”

Arc looks Ruby in the eye.

“Don't think that you’re any less a catch than you sister is, Ruby! You have your own redeeming qualities!”

“I do? Like what?”

“Well... I do think you’re quite brave. Remember when we rescued your sister?”

Ruby nods. “Yes, but you and Ember did most of the heroics there!”

“True. But it was you who rallied the townsponies to fight back against Buffalo Bull's gang. You inspired them!”

“I guess so, but...”

Arc interrupts her. “You're also very loyal! When you sister was dying, did you leave her side?”

“No. But she would have done the same for me!”

“That and... I don't mind saying that I do think you’re quite pretty too! I'm sorry I don't have time to have a special someone, but Equestria won't protect itself.

Ruby leans forward and Arc gives her a hug. She gives him a small kiss on his cheek before leaning back on her haunches.

“Thanks for being Honest with me, Arc. It really means a lot to Cherry and I! That and it couldn't have been easy for you to turn a mare as beautiful as Cherry down!”

Arc sighs “Maybe one day things will be quieter in Equestria and I can finally think about such things. However, that day is not today! Well, we should probably rejoin the others now.”

“Yes. There is so much to do before the fair officially starts tomorrow!”

The pair head over to the Production Facility where the others are hard at work baking cherry pies, cherry fritters, cherry cakes and a number of other cherry-based concoctions. Cherry smiles at them as they enter.

“Thanks for coming you two! We have quite a bit to do, and not much time to do it!”

Ruby nods! “I hope sales are better than last year!”

Arc looks confused. “Isn't this a cherry-based holiday? Why wouldn't your cherry dishes sell?”

Cherry shrugs. “I'm not really sure. The answer to that question has been eluding me for years!”

Ruby looks over at Arc and winks! “Maybe our Problem Solver here can figure it out?”

Cherry laughs! “That would be fantastic! But don't feel that you have to Arc. You've already done me a favor in coming here to help out!”

“I'll see what I can do. Tell me Cherry. What does your menu look like?”

Cherry points a hoof at a checklist on the wall. “We have quite the diverse spread planned for this year. Have a look!”

Arc walks over to the paper and studies it carefully.

“I have a couple ideas. Mind if I give them a try?”

Cherry leads Arc over to a smaller kitchen area. “Certainly Arc! You can experiment over here!”

Arc walks over to a sink and washes his hands. “Thanks!”

Cherry smiles at him! “No, thank YOU!”

She walks back to the others as Arc gets to work.

Ruby turns to her sister and whispers. “That was rather nice of Arc to try and fix this problem for us.”

Cherry looks over at Arc as he works, starry-eyed! “Yes it was! Oh, what a stallion!”

“I agree, sister.”

Arc works for several hours on a number of different dishes. About noon, Cherry calls for everyone's attention.

“Alright everyone, it's time for lunch. Great work so far!”

Everyone walks toward the door as Ember heads over to Arc’s counter.

“Arc? Are you coming?”

“Yup. Say, can you give me a hand here?”

“Sure. What can I do?”

“Help me carry these dishes into the house. I want everyone's opinions on how I did.”

Arc and Ember carry several dishes from the Production Facility into the house. Cherry turns to them as they enter.

“Lunch will be ready in a few minutes everypony! I hope you're hungry!”

Dinky nods happily! “I could eat a whole pie!”

Auriel giggles! “I second that!”

Ruby sees the plates in their hands. “What do you two have there?”

Arc sets his dishes on the counter nearby. “Just a couple dishes I came up with. I was hoping to get some feedback on them after lunch.”

Ember looks at the plates in her claws. “Well... I have to be honest with you. They do look a bit... strange.”

Ruby chimes in quickly! “I'm sure they're very tasty!”

The group enjoys a nice lunch together. Afterwards Arc passes out his creations.

“Now I want everyone's honest opinions on these. If they don't taste good, I want to know.”

Dinky smiles as she is given a plate! “Don't worry dad! You can count on us!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. I will try my best to like what you have made!”

Arc puts a dish in the center of the table. “Um, thanks. Anyways... the first dish I made is Cherry and Peanut Chocolate Bark.

Auriel looks at the food suspiciously. “This doesn't look like the bark on the cherry trees outside.”

Dinky’s eyes light up! “It's chocolate, Auriel!”

“What is ‘chocolate’?”

Ember drools slightly! “It's one of the greatest culinary discoveries of our time! Second only to Saffron's Roast Cockatrice!”

Everyone takes a piece.

Cherry nods. “This is really quite good!”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “I can't believe it! These are even better than pancakes!!!”

Arc chuckles. "I'm glad you like them. It’s a simple recipe where you mix chocolate and cherry chunks in a bowl and pour it into a shallow pan to harden."

Dinky looks at the plate as she takes another. “Seems really simple!”

Arc laughs. “Sometimes simple is best, sweetheart! Now, next I have some Cherry Scones.”

Dinky and Auriel talk together!. "What's a 'scone’?”

Cherry laughs. “Now that was just too cute!”

“It's kinda a mix between a muffin and a single serving cake. They're not nearly as sweet as a cake though.”

Everyone takes a bite.

Ruby nods. “I like it!”

Cherry smiles. “This is really impressive Arc!”

And lastly, try my Cherry Cereal Bars. They're made with a mixture of oats, bran, and dried cherries. To hold the two together I added equal parts peanut butter and honey.”

Dinky munches away happily! “This is like an entire breakfast in my hooves!”

Ember shrugs. “Eh... this isn't really my thing here Arc. Sorry. I think it was the bran.”

“Oh well... can't please everyone.”

Ruby nods approvingly. “The flavor isn't overpowering with sweetness like I thought it would.”

“Quite the culinary feat you’ve come up with Arc. Forgive me, but you don't really seem the type to be a chef.”

“I'm just full of surprises."

“Cherry! We should add these dishes to our line-up!”

Ruby quickly looks over to Arc.

“That is, if it's all right with you Arc.”

Arc smiles. “Sure. All three of these dishes are pretty quick and simple to make.”

Cherry nods. “But where did you get the ideas to make these?”

“Well, I've made all these before back home on Earth. The only changes I made were to tweak some of the ingredients to be more pony friendly. Oh, and to include cherries of course! I hope this will be of some help to you two.”

Ruby nods! “Well, it certainly couldn't hurt! If they don't sell, we'll eat them ourselves!”

Dinky giggles! “As tasty as they are, I’d buy them!

“Would you mind teaching us how to make these delectable treats Arc?”

“Sure! They're all fairly easy to make once you learn how!”

Arc and the others spend the rest of the day in the Production Facility making the dishes he came up with as well as many of the original dishes! After supper they sit on the front porch and enjoy the warm breeze and each other's company.

Cherry sighs contentedly! “Thank you for all your hard work today everypony!”

“It was so much fun baking with you today, dad!”

“Yes Dinky. I too enjoyed our time together! We'll have to do this more often!”

Auriel looks to him, quizzically. “Are there other things that you can cook, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes. However there are probably as many recipes out there as there are ponies in Equestria.”

Auriel nods, clearly impressed! “Fascinating! I must study the science of cooking more thoroughly!”

Cherry laughs! “Cooking is more of an art than a science!”

Ruby smiles. “Well, it could also be considered a science, sister.”

Arc nods. “I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle.”

Ember shrugs. “Art... science... who cares! My belly is happy!”

The group enjoys a good laugh together!

Arc continues chuckling slightly. “So what's on the agenda for tomorrow, Cherry?”

“Ruby and I need to get to town early and set up our booth. The rest of you should go and enjoy the festival!”

“Can we help at your booth, Miss Cherry?”

Cherry smiles at Dinky. “Don't you want to have fun though?”

“Helping out IS fun!”

Ruby looks playfully at Arc. “I wonder where she learned THAT from?”

Arc laughs! “I haven't the faintest idea!”

“It's all right with me as long as Arc is okay with it, dear!”

“Fine with me. I wouldn't mind lending a hand later as well.”

Cherry looks to Arc, happily! “That would be wonderful Arc! But please take time to enjoy yourself too!”

“That reminds me! I believe you mentioned the other day that those who attend the festival dress up in costumes.”

Ruby nods. “Yes. It's a tradition that was started to try and get ponies into a festive mood! You don't have to dress up though!”

Dinky nods happily! “But it does sound like fun!”

Auriel sighs. “Maybe. But we didn't bring any costumes!”

Arc laughs! “Are you kidding Auriel! We've got the best outfits around!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I'm not sure I get your meaning, Arc.”

“You can go as a Dragon Warrior, Ember.”

Ember shrugs. “I guess so! But to tell you the truth, I would rather go as something other than a dragon!”

Dinky looks confused. “Like what?”

“I don't know! But I wouldn't mind a change! Any ideas?”

Cherry points a hoof out the window towards town. “There’s a Costume Shop near the Train Station. You shouldn't have any trouble finding something that suits your fancy!”

Ember grins! “Thanks! It’ll be fun playing dress-up!”

Auriel sighs. “I guess I can go as a demon then.”

“You don't have to. This is a time for being something you're not, after all!”

Auriel smiles. “Thank you. But I'm very happy being what I am!”

“Awww... please dress up, Miss Auriel! It'll be fun!”

“Well... maybe if I see a costume I like.”

Cherry claps her hooves together happily! “That's the spirit! What about you Arc?!”

“I think I'll just go as myself.”

Ruby frowns. “That's no fun Arc!”

Arc smiles. “That may be true, but somehow I doubt they have any costumes there that would fit me. And if anyone starts trouble, I can just put on my armor and ‘Problem Solve’!”

Ember sighs. “Arc. Do you EVER take a break?!”

“Of course! This whole trip has been quite restful so far!”

“But all you've done is work!”

Arc smiles and nods. “Time spent helping my friends isn't what I would call work, Cherry. Besides, I'll have plenty of time to rest the next time I'm hospitalized.”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “Pardon me Arc, but I don't recall you resting for very long when I helped you to the hospital recently.”

“I guess you've got me there, Auriel.”

Cherry turns to Arc, horrified. “Recently?! What happened?!”

Auriel looks uncomfortable

“Well... um... I...”

Ruby notices how this subject seems to bother Auriel.

“Well, I think we should all be getting to bed soon. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day after all.”

“Good idea, Ruby. Come along, Dinky.”

“But I'm not even tired!”

Dinky yawns.

Arc turns to Cherry. We'll have to pick this conversation back up another time, Cherry.”

“Well alright. But I'll hold you to that!”

Arc and Dinky retire to their room as do Auriel and Ember. Cherry and Ruby stay on the front porch for a few minutes longer.

“Don't worry Cherry. I'm sure it was nothing.”

Cherry turns to her sister, frantically! “Nothing?! You don't spend time in the hospital for NOTHING!!!”

“Sister, please! Look at Arc! He's fine!”

Cherry lowers her voice. “Ruby, you don't think Auriel had anything to do with it, do you?!”

“She really doesn't seem the type to hurt others. And like she said. She HELPED Arc to the hospital, remember?”

“Well, I suppose you're right. I'm probably blowing this way out of proportion. But I don't think I'll be able to put this out of my mind until I hear the rest of that story!”

Ruby stands up. “Come now sister. The two of us should follow suit and get to bed ourselves. As I said, tomorrow will be a busy day.”

“Yes... you're right. Thanks for being there for me Ruby. It's just...”

Cherry lowers her head and looks at the porch floor. Tears begin to fall.

“...it's just... I worry about him! There's no way he's taking care of himself! Equestria NEEDS him! I need him...”

Ruby smiles at Cherry. Spreading her hooves wide and beckoning her sister over. “Come here Cherry.”

Cherry buries her face in Ruby's chest and sobs!

“I'm sorry Ruby! It's just... I love him SO much!!!”

“It's okay Cherry. I... understand how you feel. Go ahead and let it all out now.”

Chapter 17 - The Cherry Festival

Very early the next morning Arc and company gather around the kitchen table for breakfast.

“So, is everything ready for the festival?”

Cherry nods! “Yes Arc! Thanks in no small part to you and your friends!”

Ember smiles! “It was our pleasure, Cherry! I'm looking forward to my first social event here in Equestria!”

Auriel looks over shyly. “I too am excited! But, the thought of so many others sort of... scares me too.”

Dinky puts her small hoof on Auriel's claw. “Don't worry Miss Auriel! My dad and I will protect you!”

“Thanks!”

Arc turns to the others. “Other than tea parties with Twilight and her friends, this too will by my first time attending an event such as this! I'm quite excited at the prospect!”

Ember turns to their host. “Cherry, are you sure you don't need our help setting up? It won't take long if we all pitch in.”

“Thank you, but I want you all to have fun! You should see about getting some costumes before you do anything else!”

Dinky looks to her father, excitedly! “Can we help out after that?!”

Arc nods. “I don’t see why not! What time should we head over to town?

Cherry looks at the clock. “Probably right after breakfast. You can beat the rush on the Costume Shop.”

Dinky hops down from her chair. “I'm ready now! Can we go, dad?!”

“We can as soon as Ember and Auriel are done eating.”

Ember stands and puts her dishes in the sink. “I'm ready to go!

“Um... me too, I guess.”

Arc stands up. “I guess we're off then!”

Arc, Dinky, Auriel and Ember make the walk toward town. The main street is jumping with activity! Most of the townsponies seem to be setting up booths! The group quickly finds the “Costume Shop” near the Train Station.

Dinky looks around wide-eyed as then enter the building. “Wow! This place has EVERYTHING!”

Ember nods! “Color me impressed!”

A unicorn salespony approaches, albeit nervously>.

“Um... can I help you?”

Arc gestures to Dinky. “Yes. My daughter here would like a costume please.”

The salespony smiles at Dinky. “What would you like to be, miss?”

“Well, do you happen to have a Hero of Light costume!”

“You're in luck! My boss is expecting that to be a very popular costume, so there's plenty of them in stock!”

The salespony takes a costume down and gestures toward a makeshift Changing Room.

“Why don't you go try it on? Make sure you like how it looks on you.”

Dinky takes the costume. “Thank you. I will!”

She heads to a changing room as the salespony turns to Auriel and Ember, seeming to warm to her task!

“Have a look around! I'm sure you'll find something that suits you! Let me know what you would like and I can probably alter it to fit you in just a few minutes.”

“Thanks!”

Both her and Auriel walk around the store together. They look over the wide selection before heading to the changing rooms. The mare looks to Arc, apologetically. “I'm very sorry sir, but I don't think we have anything large enough to fit you.”

Arc smiles. “Don't worry about it. I already have a costume.”

He looks around the shop with a turn of his head.

“So, did you make all of these yourself?”

“Yes sir I did! Although someday I hope to make real clothes, I can't seem to catch a break!”

She looks at Arc's attire.

“Your own garments appear to have been made by a master tailor! If I may ask, where did you get them?

“A friend of mine made these for me. She owns the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville.”

“You… you mean Miss Rarity?!”

Arc nods! “Oh? You know her?”

“No, I don't! But I've been an admirer of her craftsmanship for many years! This example is a simple, yet sheik design! Functional, yet with an air of elegance!”

“Thank you. I've always been happy with her work!”

The salespony smiles and extends a hoof.

“By the way, my name's Sassy Saddles! I run the Costume Shop here for Mr. Rich. He lives in Ponyville as well!”

Arc grimaces! “Yes. The two of us have... met before. Have you been doing this long?”

“Oh yes! About five years now! Mr. Rich says if I do a good job, someday he may hire me to design clothing for his store!”

“Well that’s good to hear! Oh, I'm sorry! Where are my manners? My name is...”

Dinky suddenly comes running out of the changing room.

“Dad! See how cool I look now?!”

Arc laughs as Dinky does her best to strike up a heroic pose. “Yes, Hero of Light Dinky! You look extra cute now!”

Sassy Saddles smiles at the filly! “There's a helmet that goes with that outfit!”

She walks behind the counter and picks up a helmet. Returning to them she puts it on Dinky's head.

“How do you like it?”

Dinky smiles! “I love it!”

Sassy Saddles turns to Arc. “The helmet does cost extra, but it really does bring the outfit together, don’t you think?”

Arc nods! “Yes, I agree!”

Dinky turns towards Arc. “Can I have it dad?! Please?!”

Arc laughs! “Sure thing, sweetheart!”

Auriel emerges from the changing room and approaches Arc. She is wearing a nurse's outfit and blushing a bit!

“Ember said this would make me look cute. While I'm not sure if she was right or not, I do like this look!”

Arc nods. “If it makes you happy, I'll buy it for you.”

Auriel smiles. “Thank you. I appreciate your Kindness!

Ember's voice can be heard from the changing room.

“Arc, are you still out there?”

He raises his voice slightly to be heard. “Yes Ember. Are you all right in there?”

“Um... kinda. You see, I wanted to try something a bit new. Get out of my comfort zone.”

Arc nods. “Very admirable.”

Ember sighs. “The thing is... I think I may have gone a bit TOO far!”

Auriel shakes her head. “Nonsense Ember! I'm sure your costume is just fine! Can you come out so we can see it?”

“Well... okay. Just please don't laugh! This is harder than you think for me!”

“Sure, Miss Ember. Come on! How bad can it be?!”

“Okay. Here I come...”

The door slowly opens to a heavily blushing Ember who is clad in a beautiful aquamarine colored gown complete with matching tiara.

Sassy Saddles smiles! “Ah, I see you have found my first attempt at making real clothing! I was going for a Princess' Grand Ball Gown look. It actually suits you quite well, miss!”

Arc blushes slightly. “She's right Ember! You do look very beautiful like that.”

Ember blushes even deeper. “You... you really mean that?!”

Dinky nods happily! “Yeah! I like seeing you like that too, Miss Ember!”

Arc turns to Sassy Saddles. “We'll take these!”

Sassy Saddles walks over to the counter and rings up their purchases.

“Very well! I'm sure you will be very happy with your purchase! And do enjoy the festival!”

Arc gives her the money for the costumes. “Thank you. I'm sure we will!”

The sound of a train whistle can be heard in the distance.

“Sounds like I'm about to get busy! Everypony on the train will want a costume!”

Arc turns toward the door. “Well we had best be moving on then. Thanks again!”

He and the others leave the shop. Sassy Saddles waves after them as they leave.

“What a strange group they were. The filly I can understand, but why did the other two want costumes when they were each already wearing one?!”

Arc and company head over to Cherry 's stall. Dinky runs up to Cherry and Ruby!

“Look at me! I'm the Hero of Light!”

Ruby laughs! “Hey Dinky! Nice costume!”

“Thanks! Now I look just like my dad!”

Ember laughs as she looks to Dinky. “Are you going to take over for him when he retires?”

“Yeah! Bad ponies beware! There's a new hero in town!”

Auriel looks confused. “Retires?”

Cherry turns to Auriel. “Retirement is when you cease working permanently usually due to old age.”

She thinks for a moment. “Is that what Equestrians call ‘death’?”

“What?! No dear! It's a time in one's life where you finally have time to do the things you want to do!”

“But wouldn't it make more sense to do things like that when you are young and able to enjoy them?”

Ember nods. “She does raise a good point!”

Ruby turn to Arc in an effort to change the subject.

“Does Canterlot give you some kind of pension plan Arc? I would hate to see you living on the streets in your old age!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I don't think so. From what I have gathered, Heroes of Light don't generally live long enough to reach retirement age!”

Dinky smiles! “I guess you'll be the first, dad!”

“I sure hope so, sweetheart!

Cherry grimaces. She turns around and pretends to busy herself with something. Ember notices Cherry's reaction.

“Hey, why don't we walk the fair now! See what it has to offer?”

Arc nods! “Sounds like fun!”

He turns to Ruby and Cherry.

“You two going to be all right while we're gone?”

Ruby nods! “Yes, please enjoy yourselves! Don't hurry back now!”

“YAY! Come on! Let's have some more fun!”

Arc and the others walk away. Ruby turns back to check on her sister. She walks over to Cherry and puts a hoof around her shoulders.

“Sister... don't you worry now! Arc's far too strong to fall to just anything! He'll be fine!”

Cherry reaches up and puts a hoof on her sister's fetlock. “I... I sure hope so, Ruby. To tell you the truth, I don't know what I would do if he...”

She begins to cry softly as Ruby does her best to comfort her sister. Meanwhile the stalls have all opened for business!

Dinky looks to her father, excitedly! “Where should we start?!”

Auriel looks to Arc. “The logical place would be at the beginning.”

Ember nods! “Good idea! We can work our way from one end to the other. That way we won't miss a thing!”

“I can live with that!”

The street is now filled with excited ponies enjoying themselves! Arc and company make their way to the furthest stall. Approaching it they see a few familiar faces! Arc throws up a hand to the mare and stallion running the booth!

“Hi there Steel Hammer… Silver Hammer… Platinum Valve!

“Mom! Dad! We have company! Mr. Arc! How are you doing today?!”

Arc smiles at the filly before him! “Just fine Platinum Valve! Are you helping your parents this weekend?”

“Yes sir! They really needed to get away from it all!”

Silver Hammer walks over to him sheepishly. “I hope that's okay with you Arc. We really should have said something before we up and left town.”

Arc smiles at the family. “It's fine with me. I too was informed that I needed a vacation! We're staying at Cherry Hill Ranch.”

Steel Hammer nods. “Thanks for understanding, Arc. Your base has enough weapons and armor to equip all of your guards now. We'll see to it the rest of the Armory is stocked when we get back.”

He looks over to Ember and Auriel.

“Good to see you again Ember! You too Auriel!”

Ember nods. “Sup!”

Silver Hammer looks to Auriel. “How are you enjoying your stay in Equestria, Auriel?”

“I must say it's nothing like Tartarus was! Everyone I have met so far has been very kind to me, and the food is amazing! But...”

Auriel looks down at the ground sadly.

“… I admit, I do miss my father.”

Dinky looks up at Auriel. “Can't you go visit him?”

She shakes her head sadly. “No. I was banished, after all. There's no returning home for me now.”

“I could take you back there for a visit one of these days.”

Auriel looks up at him, confused. “What? How?”

“Well, I'm one of the few individuals who can enter AND leave that place any time I want.”

Ember nods. “True. But why you would WANT to go back again still eludes me!”

“To tell you the truth, I don't actually want to go back! But if it makes Auriel feel better I suppose I can escort her there.”

Auriel looks frightened! “But what about the other demons?! They would tear me to pieces! To say nothing of violating my father's royal command!”

“Auriel, you forget that I’ll be with you. No demon would dare attack ME!”

Ember laughs! “Not unless their suicidal, that is!”

“Thank you for offering Arc, but I would rather stay here than have you risk your life needlessly for my sake.”

Arc nods. “Well okay. But if you change your mind let me know.”

He turns back to Silver and Steel Hammer.

“Thank you all for your hard work! I look forward to having the Armory filled again.! This time with weapons and armor that I can be proud to give my soldiers!”

Silver Hammer nods happily! “Yes sir! We'll get to it as soon as we get back to Ponyville!”

Platinum Valve’s eyes light up! “Oh, by the way Mr. Arc! I fixed those Hoof Cannon modules for you! If you’d like, I can install them in just a few minutes!”

“Sure. Sounds good!”

Calling forth his gauntlets, Arc hands them over to Platinum Valve.

“Sorry I didn't get back with you sooner about this. I've just been so busy lately!”

Steel Hammer nods as Arc slides the gauntlets toward Platinum Valve. “It's fine Arc. You forget... we understand where you're coming from on this!”

Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer smile and wink at Arc!

Auriel looks to them. “What do you mean by that?”

Arc turns to Auriel. “Let's just say the three of us have quite the past!”

Silver Hammer sighs. “Please don't take this the wrong way Auriel, but my husband and I have done things in the past that we would like to keep to ourselves!”

Steel Hammer nods. “It's not that we don't trust you, but... let's just say sometimes you have to break the rules in order to do the right thing.”

Auriel looks confused. “I don't understand what you mean.”

Ember chuckles. “Stay with us and you'll find out!”

“Let me put it to you this way. As the Hero of Light, I have the authority to do... certain things that would earn anyone else considerable jail time.”

“Like what dad?”

“Well, do you remember when I attacked Matron Tempest and nearly destroyed the New Beginnings Orphanage, sweetheart?”

Dinky nods. “Yes, what about it?”

“Anyone else would have certainly gone to prison for such actions, wouldn't they?”

“But dad, you were trying to save the orphans!”

“Exactly! A normal investigator would have had to go through proper channels. Do inspections, have meetings, interview witnesses, collaborate with the proper authorities, have more meetings, and so on. I just went there, saw what was happening, and quickly put a stop to it!”

Steel Hammer looks at Dinky and smiles. “I suppose what your father is trying to say is that the Hero of Light is, more or less, above the law.”

Silver Hammer nods to her husband. “I always saw it more as the Hero of Light IS the law, dear.”

Arc looks at Dinky. “In any case, for that reason, the princesses must be VERY careful whom they endow with such power and authority! If they chose just anyone, it probably wouldn't be long before they started abusing their authority!

Dinky smiles! “That must be why they chose you dad! As long as I can remember you've always done the right thing and protected those who needed you!”

Platinum Valve approaches with the freshly modified gauntlets.

“Here you are Mr. Arc!”

Arc examines the gauntlets as Platinum Valve sets them on the table. “They don't look any different than they did before.”

Platinum Valve nods! “Right! It's what's on the inside that counts though! The internal workings are significantly more complex than just your standard Hoof Cannon! If you tried to do this without the proper energy modulation circuits they would probably explode!

Dinky looks at the gauntlets, nervously. “Are you sure this is safe? I don't want to see my dad get hurt!”

“Not to worry! This device is designed to take QUITE a beating, being military grade and all! From the condition it was in when I got it, I would say the engineering that went into this was top notch!”

Auriel looks over the gauntlets on the table before them. “Fascinating! I wouldn't mind talking with you more about the inner workings of this device. I'm pretty good at making weapons myself! Would you mind if I stopped by later?”

Platinum Valve looks over to her father. He nods.

“Sure! We can talk all about it over lunch!”

Auriel smiles! “Thank you. I look forward to it!”

“So, how do these work now?”

Platinum Valve points a hoof at a small knob. “This controls the energy output. Turn it this way for a standard hoof cannon shot. Keep turning it for a Power Shot! Bear in mind this will use CONSIDERABLY more energy than a normal shot. You don't want to use all your batteries up that way!”

Arc nods. “Good to know!”

“Now, if you turn the dial the other way, you can redirect the energy to manifest themselves as Magic Blades. Turn the dial further to make your blades larger. Again, this will heavily tax your batteries, so be careful!”

“Thank you for making this happen Platinum Valve.”

Platinum Valve smiles at him. “No, Mr. Arc. Thank YOU for the opportunity to work on such amazing technology!”

As Platinum Valve moves to push Arc's upgraded gauntlets across the table towards him, there is a sudden flash of light! Arc and the others step back, confused!

“What was that?!”

Silver Hammer looks to her husband. “Dear! Look!”

She points a hoof at Platinum Valve's flank! The filly turns her head to see what all the fuss is about.

“Huh? What?!”

Platinum Valve’s flank now depicts a sparkle and wrench cutie mark!

Dinky claps her hooves! “Woah! Awesome cutie mark!”

Ember stares, wide eyed! “First time I've seen that happen! Neat!”

Arc smiles at the ecstatic filly! “Congratulations Platinum Valve!

Auriel examines the mark closely. “Cutie mark?”

Dinky looks to Auriel. “It's supposed to show you what your destiny is! I can't wait to get mine!”

Steel Hammer puts a hoof around his wife.

“She's growing up so fast.”

Silver Hammer nods! “Yes dear! It feels like only yesterday she was learning to walk and talk!”

The couple walk toward their daughter and embrace her.

“Your mother and I are so very proud of you!”

Silver Hammer turns to Arc! “Yes we are! Now it looks like we have yet another reason to be grateful to you Arc!”

“Aw... I can't take the credit for this one. I'm sure it was you and Steel Hammer who pointed her down the path that led to this moment.”

Steel Hammer nods. “We did. However, you have been with us for much of the journey! Remember when you helped us find our missing daughter?”

Arc thinks back to when he first met the Hammers. “Honestly, that feels like forever ago!”

Silver Hammer walks toward Arc. As she approaches, he kneels down to her level. She puts a hoof on his shoulder and looks him in the eye.

“If you hadn't been there back then, I don't know what would have happened to our little Platinum Valve! Thank you Arc! Thank you for always being there for our little family!”

“You’re very welcome. But I didn't really do all THAT much.”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “Oh no? You solved the mystery of our disappearing daughter, gave her the chance of a lifetime to work on Hydra Scale Armor, found a way out of our contract with Filthy Rich, helped us get back on our feet by giving us the job of replacing your base's weapons and armor and reunited us with Princess Luna.

Silver Hammer smiles. “Still think you really didn't do all that much?”

Ember nods. “I think she's got you on this one, Arc!”

“Wow! Even I didn't know you did all THAT, dad!”

Auriel looks to Arc. “Such modesty in the face of these grand accolades is quite a refreshing change from the boorish behavior that I was accustomed to in Tartarus.”

Arc turns to Platinum Valve. Yes well… maybe I can find some more work for you one of these days, my little Magitek Engineer!”

Platinum Valve thinks for a moment before smiling widely! “Magitek Engineer?! I like that title! If you ever need ANYTHING Mr. Arc just let me know!”

“I will! Now how about I let you and your parents celebrate this milestone together?! We still have much of the festival to see!”

The Hammer family waves goodbye to Arc and his group as they walk down the street. Auriel turns to Arc.

“That was certainly unexpected! I was not aware a pony's flank markings meant anything. When will you get yours, Dinky?”

Dinky shrugs. “They're everything to us! And I don't really know. It almost seems like it's random!”

Ember smiles at Dinky. “Well, don't fret too much about it now. With a father like Arc, your cutie mark will most certainly be AMAZING!”

Dinky nods sadly. “I sure hope so.”

The group approaches another booth. As they do the mare behind the counter stares at Arc with her mouth agape! Auriel turns to Ember.

“What do you suppose she is staring at?”

Ember shrugs. “Us I would imagine.”

Arc looks up at the sign over the booth.

“That explains a lot.”

He points at a sign that reads “Equestrian Anthropology Society” as the mare from behind the costume approaches him.

“Excuse me, but could you tell me where you got your costume? I have a friend who would LOVE to buy one of those!”

She walks around Arc and studies him closely.

“The attention to detail is STARTLING!”

She looks up at Ember and Auriel.

“Sorry! You two look amazing as well! It's just that my friend has... let's just say, an unhealthy affinity for humans! If I could get her a costume of that caliber, it would really make her day!”

Arc looks at her. “I'm sorry Miss...”

“Just call me Bon-Bon. I'm here to keep my friend Lyra company while she runs the stand.”

Ember suddenly looks nervous! “Lyra? Uh oh... this could end badly!”

Auriel looks confused. “What do you mean, Ember?”

“You'll see soon enough.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well Bon-Bon, I don't really know how to break this to you, but... I'm not wearing a costume.”

Bon-Bon looks a bit confused.

“But... how is that possible?! Unless...”

Her eyes widen!

“My name is Arc. And yes, I really am a human.”

Bon-Bon looks at him, amazed! “So Lyra was serious?! There really IS a human in Equestria!

She suddenly jumps behind the counter! Bon-Bon peeking out from the relative safety of her booth, shaking!

“Please don't hurt me, human!”

“Uh... I wasn't planning on it.”

Auriel turns to look at Bon-Bon. “I don't think you need to worry about him hurting you miss. Although I haven't known him very long, he really is quite passive.”

Dinky narrows her eyes. “Tell that to Tempest!”

Ember shakes her head. “That's not really helpful right now, Dinky.”

“Sorry. I'm just so proud of my dad!”

Bon-Bon looks at Dinky, quizzically. “Dad? But how can a human and a pony make a...”

A familiar green coated mare trots around the corner carrying a bag of cherry-based goodies!

“Bon-Bon, I'm back! Did you want the...”

She quickly notices Arc and his friends at the booth. Her eyes light up!

Arc sighs. “Oh hell...”

Lyra runs over to him, excitedly. She trots in place as she talks! “Arc, you came! With you here as a visual aide, maybe we can get more ponies to stop by our booth and learn about humans!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Lyra, I question exactly how much you yourself know about humans!”

“Oh come now! Last time was a fluke! Don't worry! I'll find a way for you to get in the sack with...”

Bon-Bon quickly covers Dinky's ears and turns a deep shade of red!

“LYRA! Small ears!”

Auriel narrows her eyes. “Even I understood that one.”

“Look Lyra, I'm glad you're here. I think I need to set the record straight on a few things... like human's...”

Arc covers Dinky's ears and whispers.

“...mating rituals.”

Lyra nods happily! “Really?! Do tell! Please, have a seat!”

She uses her magic to pull over a couple chairs to sit in front of the booth. Lyra then pulls a large notebook out of her saddlebags along with a pencil!

Bon-Bon giggles! “This should be interesting!”

Lyra sits down, pad and paper at the ready. “Okay, I'm ready!”

Ember glances over at Dinky. “How about we meet you back at Cherry's booth later, Arc?”

“Good idea.”

“See you in a bit then. Are you coming Auriel?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No thank you. I want to stay here and learn more about Arc's kind!”

“Well okay. If you're sure. Just be careful you don't learn TOO much about humans!”

Ember and Dinky walk away. Auriel looks to Arc, confused.

“What did Ember mean by that?”

Arc sighs. “Stay here and you’ll find out.”

He turns back to an expectant Lyra.

“Oh, before we begin! Lyra, this is Auriel. She's a demon from Tartarus.”

Auriel sighs. “It sounds bad when you say it like that.”

Arc shrugs. “With Lyra, you have to be blunt.”

Lyra writes. “Interesting! Have you two ever...”

Arc and Auriel yell at her in tandem. “NO!”

Lyra rubs an ear with her hoof. “Okay, okay! Sheesh!”

“Let’s just stick to questions about humans, shall we?”

Lyra looks to him with a huge grin on her face! “I've waited for this moment for so long! Please don't keep me in suspense!”

Arc takes a deep breath. “Okay. Derpy brought me up to speed on what you THINK you know about... that subject. The truth of the matter is, SOME humans are exactly as you described. Over the years I’ve met some who would match that description. They always seemed to have their next sexual encounter on their minds!”

Lyra writes excitedly! “I knew it! Oh, how I wish I could witness it first-hoof! It must be absolutely amazing for them to spend so much time and energy on such things!”

Arc shakes his head. “Really? I find the thought of such things absolutely revolting!”

Lyra stops writing and looks up at Arc quizzically. “What? But I thought...”

Arc interrupts her. “Let me put it this way Lyra. Think of your favorite special occasion food. How the thought of eating it makes you look forward to the meal to come!”

Lyra begins salivating!

“Now I want you to imagine eating it for EVERY MEAL, EVERY DAY!”

Lyra frowns! “WHAT?! But that would make it so much less... special...”

The realization of what Arc is trying to tell her finally sinks in. Lyra puts a hoof to her chin.

“I guess I never really thought about it that way. But answer me this! Would you ever consider mating with somepony REALLY special?”

Arc shakes his head. “That isn't really an option here with me being the only human.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “I think Lyra was asking if you would mate with a pony, Arc.”

Lyra nods. “Exactly! Derpy is very special to you, is she not?! If she was willing... would you?!”

“Derpy is indeed a very special friend to me. We both care deeply for each other! She's... just so kind! That and... please don't repeat this, but... I do think she really is quite pretty!”

Lyra looks to him excitedly! “So... you would consider it?!”

“No.”

“What?! But you said...”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “It's for the very reasons I just listed that I don't! Doing so would completely change our relationship! That and I don't need to do such things to show her that I care for her!

Arc turns to see that Bon-Bon appears equally confused>.

“Let me ask you a question of my own, Lyra. How do you feel about Bon-Bon?”

Lyra looks at him, a bit taken aback. “Um... she's my friend. How else would I feel?”

“We've known each other since we were fillies!”

Arc nods. “Can I assume you two care about each other?”

Both Lyra and Bon-Bon look at each other for a moment and nod.

“We do! Bon-Bon is my best friend after all!”

Arc looks to the pair as he continues. “Now Lyra, just for the sake of this example, let's say you woke up tomorrow morning and discovered that you had become a stallion. Would you consider mating with your friend Bon-Bon?”

Lyra shakes her head with conviction! “Certainly not! I care about her too much to do something that might hurt her!”

Bon-Bon nods. “I think I understand now. Turning the question around, I wouldn’t mate with Lyra either, for the same reason!”

Auriel chimes in. “For what it's worth Lyra, most demons are much like the humans Arc described earlier. They prefer the physical pleasures of life over pretty much everything else.”

Lyra looks to Auriel, quizzically. “Most demons?”

Auriel nods. “I prefer my books and lab over such things.”

Lyra considers this for a time. “Fascinating! Perhaps there is a link between demon-kind and human-kind! I must study this more intensely! Arc! Do you think you could...?”

Arc shakes his head angrily! “There is no way I am taking you to Tartarus to watch demons have...”

Lyra looks at him pleadingly! “Please?! It's for the sake of research!”

Auriel turns to Arc. “I don't think any demon would mind if she just wanted to watch as they…”

Arc turns a bit green. “NOPE! NOT HAPPENING! Happy thoughts... HAPPY THOUGHTS!!!”

Lyra looks disappointed. “Awwww...”

Meanwhile, from around the corner, Ember has been listening to the conversation intensely!

“Arc... I had no idea you felt this way about Derpy! I... I feel so... guilty.”

Chapter 18 - Going South

Sometime later, Arc and Auriel stand up from their chairs.

“Well, we should probably be getting back to Cherry Jubilee's booth, Auriel. It's just about lunchtime.”

Bon-Bon smiles at the pair! “Thank you for taking the time to stop and chat Arc. I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. Derpy must truly be one lucky mare to be able to count you among her friends!”

Lyra nods! “Yes... she is. Arc, I'm sorry for causing so much trouble for you with Ember. I promise to stop helping her try to... you know…”

“Thank you, Lyra. I would appreciate it! But do you think you could do me one more favor?”

“What's that?”

Arc looks at her notebook. “Do your best to set the record straight on... everything human.”

Lyra smiles. “Yes. I will.”

Bon-Bon nods. “We both will!”

As Arc and Auriel walk away, Lyra turns to Bon-Bon.

“That right there made this entire trip worth the effort!”

Bon-Bon nods. “You said it! We've learned so much!”

Lyra sighs as she watches Arc and Auriel walk away. “Yes. But for the first time, I feel like we know so little! I've always thought humans were amazing creatures, but until today I never really understood just how much I want to understand what makes them tick!”

Arc and Auriel return to Cherry's booth to quite the line of customers! They step behind the counter to a frantically busy Cherry and Ruby!

“Things seem to be going well here!”

Auriel’s eyes look to try and see the end of the line! “Well would be an understatement!”

Cherry glances over as she fills an order. “Somehow word got around that we were serving food created by a human!”

Ruby laughs! “Yeah! That and it tastes amazing!”

Ember looks over their dwindling shelves! “We've almost sold out of everything Arc!”

Dinky puts a completed order on the counter for a customer. “Yeah dad! And it's not even noon yet!”

Cherry smiles nervously! “This is unprecedented! At this rate we won't have anything to serve the second wave of tourists!”

“Second wave?”

Ruby looks in the direction of the train station. Some ponies come from far enough away that they arrive shortly after lunch! This is the only time we get more than one train stopping here a week!”

Arc turns to Cherry. “I'll head back to the ranch and whip up some more goodies!”

Cherry shakes her head. “It's okay Arc! You really don't have to do that!”

“It's fine. In fact, I insist!”

“Can I come too dad?!”

He nods. “Sure Dinky! I can use all the help I can get!”

Auriel and Ember join Arc.

“I will come as well!”

“Let's do this thing!”

Arc smiles! “Thanks everyone! We'll make this the most Cherry-riffic festival in the history of the town!”

He turns to Ruby and Cherry~

“Are you two going to be okay by yourselves for a while?”

Cherry nods. “Yes! We're used to doing this by ourselves! Oh, as long as you're heading back, I have some more pies in the refrigerator. Could you bring them along with more Cherry Preserves please?”

“We're on it! Everyone follow me!”

Arc quickly leads the party behind the stall where a large number of crates are stacked. He calls forth his gauntlets and quickly places a sigil on the ground!

“Everyone on!”

They do so. Arc quickly teleports everyone back to Cherry 's basement! Dinky, Ember and Auriel rush toward the Production Facility!

Arc turns to call after them. “Get started without me! I'm going to run those cherry pies and preserves back over there! Hopefully it will buy us some time to make more food!”

Ember nods! Good thinking! See you in a bit!

Her and Dinky head to the Production Facility together!

“Need a hand with that Arc?”

“Sure!”

Auriel and Arc grab the much-needed supplies and rush them back to the stall! Cherry gives a sigh of relief as they return!

“Thanks you two!”

“Ember and Dinky are making more goodies as we speak! We'll be back as soon as we can!”

Ruby nods! “Don't push yourselves too hard! You’re supposed to be having a good time here!”

Arc smiles! “Are you kidding?! I haven't had this much fun in years!”

He and Auriel hurry back to Cherry Hill Ranch's production facility. Arc runs in the door and hurries over to a sink to wash his hands!

“Okay, now I'm ready for this!”

Arc and company spend the next two hours making more cherry-based foods! Hearing a train whistle in the distance he turns to the others! “Okay, that's going to have to do! Everyone grab everything and let's get back to town!”

He calls forth his gauntlets and places a sigil on the Production Facility's floor. The group quickly steps on it! Arc activates the sigil and the group makes their way back to the booth! A large group of ponies can be seen heading toward town from the Train Station! Cherry nods to them as they return with the delivery!

“Just in time, it seems!”

Ruby points a hoof to a sizable crowd. “These treats are so popular, we've got a whole slew of customers who were waiting for us to restock!”

Arc nods! “We'll do our best not to let them down!”

Ember looks at the crowd nervously! “As much as we made, I don't think it's going to last too long! How about Auriel and I head back to the ranch and keep making this stuff?!”

Arc nods. “Good idea! I'll come with you two!”

Ember shakes her head. “No Arc. You should stay here. Didn't you see how the crowd followed you over here?! They all want a good look at a human I’d wager! You stay here, and the sales will climb!”

Auriel nods! “Don't worry about us! We know what to do!”

“Alright! Everyone do your best! I'll pop in every hour or so as I have time to pick up what’s ready!”

Auriel and Ember fly back to Cherry Hill Ranch as fast as they can! Dinky looks to the huge crowd of ponies standing in line.

“I just hope we can hold out!”

Cherry puts a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. “Don't worry, Dinky! Everything will work out! Worst case scenario, we run out of food!”

Ruby nods. “It's not the end of the world you know!”

Arc look at the line with determination. “We can do this! I know we can!”

They continue serving food to the festival go-ers! Arc returns to the production facility more times than he can count for various dishes, preserves, and anything else they need from Cherry Hill Ranch! On his most recent trip back Arc accidentally bumps into someone! An unfamiliar voice rings out!

“Dad! Look out!”

Arc stops as he feels the resistance of having hit something! He looks around his load.

“Sorry about that! I was in too big a rush and didn't...”

Filthy Rich is sitting on the ground collecting himself next to a rather angry looking filly! Behind him is another filly who appears to be hiding behind her father! Arc apologetic expression changes!

“You?! After what you did to my friends, I take back my apology!”

Filthy Rich stands and finishes dusting himself off. “Believe me, after the money you cost me on my last deal, I'm not too happy to see you either! But in any case, Hero of Light, I would like you to meet my daughters, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Dear, this is Hero of Light Arc. He's a servant to all pony-kind, or some other such nonsense.”

Diamond Tiara looks down her nose at Arc, snootily. “How do you do.”

She looks him up and down, clearly unimpressed!

“Hmph! Not much to look at, but I guess being a clumsy oaf isn't a beauty contest! Well, as long as you're here, you can sell us a dozen Cherry Scones.”

Arc walks past the Rich family. “Sorry, but you'll have to wait in line just like everyone else.”

Filthy Rich calls out after him, irritated! “We're not much for lines!”

Arc doesn’t turn around! “This will be good practice for you then. Now I would love to stay here and dump a jar of Cherry Preserves on your head, but I have to get back to work!”

He leaves the fuming pair behind.

Filthy Rich shakes his head. “Arrogant little cuss. Who does he thing he is talking to US that way?!”

Diamond Tiara nods! “I agree father! He should learn to respect his betters!”

Silver Spoon steps out from behind her father. “Well, the two of you could have been a bit more civil as well! Father, what did he mean about you doing something to his friends?”

“Oh nothing dear. It was simply business!”

Diamond Tiara looks to her father. “Whatever it was, I'm sure it was well within the bounds of the law, right father?”

“Of course, dear! We Rich's have always stayed on the up and up!”

Diamond Tiara nuzzles her father happily! “You're so good at making the law work for you, father. I hope someday I can be just like you!”

“Don't worry my dear! I'll teach you everything I know!”

Silver Spoon shakes her head! “Just because something is legal doesn't make it right!”

Filthy Rich shakes his head and pats Silver Spoon on the head. “You have a lot to learn, Silver Spoon. For starters, there is no right and wrong in business! Just what is and what is not permissible by law!”

Diamond Tiara walks over to her sister and gives her a hug. “Don't worry Silver Spoon! I'm sure you'll learn that eventually!”

“You're a smart filly Silver Spoon. You just have to apply what you've learned to the real world.”

Meanwhile… Arc returns to the others

“Sorry I took so long. I ran into someone... unpleasant.”

Ember looks at Arc’s dusty form. “Like what? A garbage can?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah! That would have preferable! I saw Filthy Rich and his daughters!”

Cherry looks over angrily! “That skinflint has a FAMILY?!”

Arc nods. “I too was surprised to learn that fact.”

“Were his daughters nice, dad?”

“One of them seemed to act like he did. The other seemed quite shy.”

Ruby rolls her eyes, sarcastically! “Great! The next generation of business tycoons! Just what we DON'T need!”

Arc looks at the sisters, confused. “This is very unlike you two. Is there more to this than simple business rivalry?”

Cherry nods and turns back to her work. “There is, but we should focus on the task at hoof for the moment.”

“Sounds good.”

Arc and his friends help Cherry and Ruby in their booth until evening.

Dinky looks at the crowd. “I'm seeing quite a few Hero of Light costumes out there!”

Auriel nods. “You must be quite popular, Arc!”

“The Hero of Light is the one who's famous. The human known as Arc... not so much. In fact, I get the feeling most of the ponies here don't even know what a human is!”

Cherry sighs. “After all you've done, that's a bit depressing.”

Arc shrugs. “I'm okay with it.”

There is a sudden disturbance! The sound of a bell ringing several times can be heard! All the out of town ponies look around confused!

“What's that ringing?”

Cherry looks over at Arc. “It's the bell to summon the Dodge Junction Volunteer Fire Department. There must be a problem somewhere in town!”

“Can we help?!”

Ruby shakes her head. “It's alright. Three gongs mean the volunteers are to rally at the Fire House. They'll call for more help if they need it. Around here it's usually pretty minor stuff.”

Ember turns to him. “You can't be everywhere Arc. Let them handle it.”

“Well, okay.”

A few minutes later the bell rings again! This time however, it is continuous!

“Can I assume that’s them calling for reinforcements?”

Ruby turns to them in a concerned voice! “This is bad! That's the signal for every able-bodied pony to report for duty! This is a real emergency!”

Cherry moves to get a better view from the street! A cloud of smoke can be seen rising heavenward! “This doesn't look good! Is the Train Station on fire now?!”

Arc nods! “Come on Ember! Let's go check it out! Dinky, you stay here with Auriel!”

“But dad, they need EVERYPONY!”

Arc sighs. “Fine! Just stay close to me!”

Auriel looks to Arc. “I'll keep an eye on the booth!”

“Thanks! We'll be back as soon as we can.”

Arc, Ember, Dinky, Ruby, and Cherry all run toward the smoke! They quickly see that it is not the Train Station itself that is on fire, but a nearby building that housed the Costume Shop! The Sheriff and his Deputies are trying desperately to put out the blaze with the help of most of the townsponies, but are losing! Arc runs up to the Sheriff with Ember!

“Need a hand, Sheriff?”

“You're a big one! Well, we need everypony we can get right now! I haven't been able to locate the shop keeper anywhere!”

Ember looks toward the blaze! “Do you think she might still be in there?!”

The sheriff nods! “That's all I can think of! Our top priority is to get somepony in there to see if they can locate her! I've got a couple lads running back to the firehouse for some turnout coats and helmets!”

The roof of the building begins to buckle!

Arc shakes his head! “There's no time!”

He grabs a bucket of water from a passing pony and dumps it over his head!

“What are you doing, fella?!”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward! “My job! Ember, you stay out here and keep everyone back! I’m going in!

“WHAT?! But…”

Arc turns to her. “Just trust me!”

Ember sighs. “Fine. But you be careful in there!”

He charges forward and attempts to open the door! However, the heat of the fire has warped the door jamb!

“Well, I guess it's time to put these to the test!”

Arc activates his Hand Cannons and two Magic Blades emerge! He cross-cuts the door and kicks it in! Retracting his magic blades and running into the burning building, Arc calls out for the salespony! “SASSY SADDLES! WHERE ARE YOU?!”

Hearing no response over the din of the flames, Arc advances deeper into the shop! Not seeing any sign of the mare in the shop, he heads for the back room!

“SASSY SADDLES!”

Entering the back room, Arc quickly spots a fallen clothes rack and a pile of costumes with a hoof sticking out from under them! Pushing the costumes aside, he quickly uncovers the unconscious mare! As he kneels down to pick her up, a loud snap can be heard above him! Looking up he sees that the main roof beam is giving way!

“Great!”

Standing over Sassy Saddles Arc raises a magic shield just in time to deflect the falling beam! It hits the shield along with most of the roof! Meanwhile from outside the building, Arc’s friends trot around nervously! Cherry turns to her sister!

“Oh! What's taking him so long?! You don't suppose he's...”

Dinky puts a hoof on Cherry's fetlock. “Don't worry! My dad's got this! At least... I hope he does.”

Suddenly a large section of the roof gives way and crashes into the building! Ember and Cherry scream out!

“ARC!!!”

The pair rush toward the inferno, but can't even get close due to the intensity of the flames! Wide-eyed and fearful for her father's life, Dinky's eyes dart around looking for a way to help! She turns to the fallen front door, fully engulfed.

“No...”

Her eyes dart over to the other side of the building! Flames leap out of every window!

“No...”

Another large section of roof collapses inward as something inside Dinky snaps!

“NOOOOOOOO!!!”

Dinky runs forward to face the flames! She yells angrily to the burning building!

“My daddy... GIVE HIM BACK!!!”

Dinky's eyes suddenly glow white and she levitates a few feet off the ground! Strange runes cover her body and the surrounding ground! Reaching forward, she somehow pulls the flames out of the building to a central point between her hooves, where she magically compresses them into a small orb! When the flames are all gathered in front of her, she smashes the orb with her front hooves, extinguishing them in one blow! Returning to the ground, Dinky falls to her knees quite winded after expending so much energy!

Ruby runs up to the little filly! “Dinky! Are you okay?!”

Dinky turns to Ruby, breathing heavily! “I... I did it!”

Ember flies over what’s left of the building! “Please Arc... don't be dead!”

Cherry does her best to peek through the blown-out windows! She looks up at Cherry overhead!

“I think I see him in the back!”

Ember flies down! “On it!”

She touches down and hurries over to Arc who is just throwing the last of the debris off of his magic shield!

“Arc! Are you okay?”

Arc nods weakly as he stands up from over top of Sassy Saddles unconscious form. ”Somehow.”

“Can you make it?!”

“Yeah. Thanks for coming after me though! What happened?!”

Ember: shrugs as she helps Arc up! “I... don't know! Dinky just... it's hard to explain other than it reminded me of what she did that one time at the New Beginnings Orphanage!”

Arc reaches down and picks up Sassy Saddles! He carefully carries her back to the front of the shop and exits through the front door to a cheering crowd! Spotting the town doctor trotting toward him, he sets Sassy Saddles down in the street for the doctor to examine!

“What do you think doctor? Will she make it?”

“Yes. She just needs treatment for smoke inhalation and a good night's rest. Just like you!

Arc sighs in relief! “Glad to hear it!”

Dinky walking as quickly as she can up to Arc! “Dad! Are you okay?!”

“Yes, and I hear I have you to thank for that!”

There is a sudden disturbance from the crowd as Filthy Rich and his daughters push their way through to the front! He storms over to them, angrily!

“Where’s the sheriff?!”

“Right here sir. Something I can help you with?”

Filthy Rich points a hoof angrily toward what’s left of the building! “Not anymore you can't! Why did you let my building burn to the ground?!”

“We all tried to put it out sir! It was just out of control!”

“Well, do you have anypony in custody yet?”

The sheriff looks at Filthy Rich, quickly becoming irate! “Do you really think I've had time to start an investigation yet?! These things take time! Why don't you at least thank the Hero of Light for rescuing your shopkeeper?!”

Filthy Rich points a hoof at Sassy Saddles, angrily! “Her! She burned down my property! Sheriff, I want you to take her into custody immediately!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh sure! Ponies are always setting fires in buildings WHILE THEY ARE STILL INSIDE!”

Arc stands up angrily and storms over to Filthy Rich! “Sassy Saddles is going to be fine by the way! Thanks for asking, you prick!”

Cherry joins Arc! “Mr. Rich! Don't you have ANY shame whatsoever?! This young lady might have DIED!”

Silver Spoon looks over with genuine concern in her eyes! “Please daddy! Can't you see Miss Saddles is hurt! Why would she do such a thing anyways?!”

Diamond Tiara looks at the injured mare, huffily! “Because she wasn't hired to design clothes for the Rich family, that's why!”

Filthy Rich nods! “I think my daughter here has hit the proverbial nail on the head! She didn't get her way, so naturally she wanted some kind of payback!”

He turns back to the sheriff.

“Sheriff, I must insist that this mare at least be held for questioning until a proper investigation can be completed! Now, are you going to do your duty, or do I have to take this matter over your head to Canterlot?!”

The sheriff sighs. “Very well. I’ll escort her to the hospital and take her into custody as soon as the doctor releases her.”

As the sheriff walks over to discuss the patient's condition, Arc looks over at Sassy Saddles. He notices tears beginning to silently fall from her closed eyes.

“Sheriff, that won't be necessary. I’M taking Sassy Saddles into custody!”

Filthy Rich glares at him! “What?! On who's authority?!”

“My own! If you don't like it, you can take it up with my superiors!”

Filthy Rich is livid! “But... you don't HAVE any superiors!”

“EXACTLY! How does it feel Filthy Rich?! To have all that money, power and influence, but then realize it is USELESS when dealing with ME?!”

A couple medics arrive and pick Sassy Saddles up. They lay her on a stretcher and carry her to the hospital! Arc turns to leave with them!

“If you will excuse me, I'm going to follow the paramedics to the hospital and get an update on Sassy Saddle's condition.”

Filthy Rich calls out after Arc and his friends! “The princesses will hear of this!”

Arc doesn’t look back. “I hope they do!”

The doctor and paramedics head back to the hospital followed by Arc, Dinky, Ruby, Cherry, and Ember! The paramedics transfer Sassy Saddles to a bed as the doctor continues examining her! After a few minutes he turns to Arc.

“She's going to be just fine by tomorrow morning, sir.”

Arc lets out a sigh of relief! “Glad to hear it!”

Dinky approaches the bed and looks at the injured mare. “Are you sure doctor? She doesn't look too good to me!

Cherry nods. “It's probably just because she's still covered in soot from the fire, dear. I'm sure the doctor knows what he's doing.”

Ruby puts a hoof to her chin. “So... do we just leave her here for the night? Somehow that just feels wrong!”

Ember turns to Arc. “You're not REALLY going to take her into custody, are you?”

“No. But if I don't do SOMETHING Filthy Rich will have her in the town lockup!”

“She can stay at Cherry Hill Ranch! It may not be as fancy as the local inn, but it certainly beats waking up in a cell!”

“Thanks Cherry! I really appreciate this!”

The doctor nods. “Normally I would say, under the circumstances, she should spend the night here. But I agree with you sir! A private residence would certainly be much safer for her right now than a public hospital! Now she has been sedated, but please see to it she has peace and quiet tonight.”

Arc nods. “Thank you doctor. I'll take it from here. If anyone comes looking for her, just tell them the Hero of Light took her into custody.”

The doctor nods. “Yes sir!”

Arc opens a portal to Cherry Hill Ranch. The others walk through it as Arc picks up Sassy Saddles and carries her through. The party walks up the basement stairs.

Cherry sighs. “Whew! What a day this has been!”

“It's not over yet sister! The festival doesn't end for several more hours. You and I should be getting back to the booth.”

“Ember... Dinky... do you think the two of you together could bathe Sassy Saddles? She really is a mess after her ordeal.”

Dinky nods! “Sure dad! But she's not the only one!”

Ember shakes her head as she looks at Arc. “Dinky's right! You're a mess too!”

Arc looks down at his armor. It is covered in dirt, grime and soot!

“I guess you're right. That and I don't feel any cleaner underneath my armor either!”

Arc carries Sassy Saddles to the bathroom and lays her in the shower before stepping back!

“I'll let you two take it from here.”

Ember turns to Arc as she undresses the unkempt mare. “Don't worry about a thing. We'll take good care of her.”

Dinky helps Ember. “Yeah dad! Leave it to us!”

Arc nods and heads back to the Living Room where Cherry and Ruby are waiting.

“I'll get cleaned up and head back over to the booth as soon as I can!”

Cherry looks down and softly speaks. “No.”

“What was that Cherry? I didn't quite catch that.”

She looks up at him, angrily! “I said no, Arc!”

Ruby steps back, confused! “Sister? What's gotten into you?!”

“You NEED to rest now, Arc! This entire trip was supposed to be a vacation for you! But all you've done is WORK the whole time! That and I... I...

Cherry starts to tear up.

“I almost lost you AGAIN!!!”

Cherry collapses to the floor sobbing! As Arc kneels down to her level, she immediately lunges towards him and throws both hooves around his neck, knocking Arc on his back and launching herself into fresh hysterics!

“Please Cherry! I'm filthy! You don't want your coat getting soot in it, do you?”

“I don't care! All your stories of the adventures you've been on! The danger! The thought of losing your scares me more than you can understand!”

“But Cherry, I'm fine!”

Cherry raises her head to look Arc in the eye! Tears still stream down her face! “Yes! You're all right! Every time you find some way to make it through and emerge victorious! This time though... I... watched... I WATCHED AS YOU ALMOST DIED!!! Don't you understand how scared I was?!”

She again lays her face on Arc's chest and continues crying as he holds her close and strokes her mane.

“It's just... I love you Arc! I love you SO MUCH!!! If anything were to happen to you... I just don't think I could go on living! There's nopony else in this whole wide world that I've ever felt this way about! No other stallion has EVER made my heart soar like you do just be being near me!”

Ruby closes her eyes and smiles. “That was beautiful sister! Arc, I hope you understand just how lucky you are.”

Arc nods. “I do. And I too feel very... strongly about you too, Cherry.”

Cherry breaks the embrace and sits back on her haunches before getting down on her knees, all four of them, smiling!

“Arc... would you... would you please make me the happiest mare in all Equestria and take me... as your wife? I know this is rather sudden, but I have never been more certain of ANYTHING in my entire life! We can run the ranch together! Bring joy to ponies everywhere! Please...”

Arc is taken aback by her request! “This is... really quite sudden! I do care about you very much Cherry! And I must secretly confess, I have on several occasions dreamed of taking a wife and settling down to a more... peaceful life.”

Cherry looks to Arc with hearts in her eyes! “Can I take that as a yes?!?!?!”

Arc shakes his head sadly. “I'm sorry Cherry but... I just can't! There are so many things I still have yet to do to keep this land safe... to keep YOU safe! Please forgive me! I mean... I'm flattered that you want me as a spouse, but... I'm really sorry...”

Cherry rises from her knees with a sad smile on her face and nods. Tears still in the corners of her eyes

“Somehow I knew you would say something like that. However, that just makes me love you even more! But you see, I didn't want to not ask and spend the rest of my life wondering what could have been!”

Cherry walks over to Arc and kisses him lovingly on the cheek over and over again as the two embrace for what seems like forever! She whispers over his shoulder.

“If you should every change your mind, you know where to find me... my dear sweet Arc.”

Arc whisper back. “I'll keep that in mind. And... I really am sorry.”

She closes her eyes and smiles. “So am I…”

Ruby quietly goes upstairs to check on Dinky and Ember's progress.

“How's it going in here you two?”

Ember turns to Ruby as she rinses Sassy Saddles mane out gently. “Perfect timing! Can you tell Arc we're almost done here?”

Dinky nods as she readies a towel. “We need his help getting Miss Saddles out of the tub. Can you get him for us please?”

“Sure. One second...”

Ruby walks down the hall toward the stairs and returns to the Living Room. Arc and Cherry have broken their embrace and are talking quietly. About what Ruby cannot hear.

“I'm sorry to break up this moment, but Arc is needed upstairs to help put a certain very lucky mare to bed.”

Arc nods as he stands. “Thanks Ruby. I'll take care of it.”

As Arc walks up the stairs Cherry calls out after him.

“Don't forget Arc! You should get to get to bed yourself soon! Ruby and I need to get back to the booth now! Auriel must be going crazy wondering what happened to us!”

Arc looks back and smiles at Cherry. “Don't worry. I'll get some sleep very soon. Just be sure and let her know everything is fine now.”

“We will!”

Cherry and Ruby leave the house and walk down the road towards town.

“I'm sorry it didn't work out for you, sister.”

Cherry smiles wistfully. “Maybe someday, Ruby...”

Meanwhile Arc carries a sleeping Sassy Saddles to the guest room he shares with Dinky. He lies her on the bed and covers her with the blankets before turning to Dinky.

“Sweetheart, would you mind sharing a bed with Miss Saddles tonight? I want her to wake up tomorrow next to a familiar face.”

“Sure dad. But where will you sleep?”

“On the couch in front of the fireplace. It wouldn't be my first time spending the night there.”

Dinky yawns. “Okay. Good night dad!”

“Good night Dinky.”

Arc leaves the Guest Room and quietly closes the door behind him. Ember is waiting for him in the hall.

“I think I'm going to head to bed myself. It's been quite the day!”

“Agreed. The couch is calling my name. Goodnight Ember.”

Ember walks toward him and gently kisses Arc on the cheek. “Goodnight... Arc.”

Arc takes a quick shower before walking slowly downstairs and lying down on the couch. In minutes he is fast asleep. Several hours later he is awoken by Cherry, Ruby, and Auriel returning home with more bits than they can count!

“...and that's how it happened!”

Cherry giggles! “Thanks for filling us in on that Auriel! Although it really doesn't put my mind at ease like I had hoped it would.”

Auriel sighs. “Sorry about that. But you deserved to know the truth of the matter.”

Arc pokes his head up over the couch. “And what truth would that be?”

Cherry look over, surprised! “Arc! I'm so sorry we woke you! What are you doing on the couch?!”

“Sassy Saddles is sleeping in my bed.”

Ruby nods. “Oh... well, that makes sense! Very gentlemanly of you Arc!”

Arc turns to Auriel. “Sorry for leaving you behind like that. I hope you weren't overwhelmed!”

“Not at all. With the excitement of the moment, ponies seemed more interested in seeing the action than buying food!”

Ruby giggles! “That's not what it looked like to me when we got back!”

Cherry nods! “Yes dear! You were swamped! All that excitement must have made everypony hungry!”

“Yes. I suppose it was fortunate that you arrived when you did. But if you don't mind, I think I'm ready for bed now. Today was really fun, but exhausting!”

Cherry waves. “Goodnight Auriel! Thanks for all your help today! Pleasant dreams!

Auriel returns to the room she is sharing with Ember.

Cherry looks to Arc a bit embarrassed. “Auriel was just telling us the story about how the two of you met.”

Arc chuckles nervously. “Uh... how far did she get into that story?”

Ruby giggles. “She just told us the part where she dragged you to the hospital after you passed out.”

Arc facepalms. “Not my finest moment.”

Cherry nods. “I'm happy it worked out for you... and for her! She's such an innocent little thing! Now how about the two of us let you get back to sleep now, Arc. We know just how hard you've been working lately.”

Arc looks at the sisters, a bit uncomfortable. “Uh... actually, if you two aren't too tired, do you think we could talk?”

Cherry nods. “Well, okay.”

“Sure!”

The three sit down on the couch together.

“I wanted to talk to you two about... Filthy Rich.”

Cherry nods angrily! “What about him?!”

“Please sister! Try to stay calm this time!”

Arc nods. “When the name was brought up at the booth earlier today, you really seemed genuinely upset, Cherry! It actually worries me! I can only assume you've had your own dealings with him in the past.”

Cherry hangs her head sadly. “Yes... it's true. Now I don't mind talking to YOU about this Arc, but please keep it to yourself.”

“Of course! Believe me, that's a common request whenever I ask someone about their dealings with that particular stallion.”

Ruby nods. “This actually goes all the way back to when our grandparents were still running the ranch!”

“There is a chance it may go back further, but let's not get carried away.”

Ruby continues. “You see, Arc, our parents never actually told us the story themselves. We had to piece it together from what we had heard second-hoof and what they had written in their journals.”

Cherry sighs. “Supposedly it all started when our ancestors were trying to get Cherry Hill Ranch off the ground. They borrowed quite a large sum of money from Filthy Rich's grandfather, Stinking Rich.”

Arc blinks a few times. “I'm sorry, but can you repeat that name please?”

“Who? Stinking Rich?”

“Well, that explains a lot. Please continue.”

Cherry looks confused, but continues. “Well, that ‘original debt’ if you will, was never actually repaid! Cherries aren't exactly the highlight of everypony’s diet. Through the generations our family has tried very hard to pay it off!”

Ruby nods. “But the best anypony has been able to manage is to just pay it down. Every so many years something will happen that causes us to get behind on our payments.”

“Like what?”

“A bad harvest here... a drought there. I mean, it's all part of farming but... up until recently we thought that OUR grandfoals would still be stuck with this debt!”

“What do you mean ‘up until recently’?”

Ruby sighs. “Well according to our math, if nothing changes, in less than three years our debt will be more than the ranch is worth! At that point Filthy Rich will more than likely foreclose on us and we’ll lose everything our parents and grandparents worked so hard to build!”

Arc frowns! “Either that or he'll start wanting cherries at just above cost to cover the payments.”

The sisters are silent for a moment, just looking at each other>.

“Let me guess... he already has?”

Ruby nods. “You guessed it.”

Arc shakes his head. “This arrangement is almost cut and pasted from... some close friends of mine back in Ponyville! That kniving little...”

Cherry interrupts. “Each generation of the Rich family has always been shrewder than the previous. Filthy Rich himself is the culmination of his ancestor’s business practices! They pass it down from generation to generation!”

“The problem now is that Filthy Rich is still trying to get out from under his father's shadow if you will. So he's trying to outdo him in every way!”

Cherry nods. “Which sadly means that those whom are indebted to him are pretty much viewed as property themselves!”

Arc clenches a fist angrily! “Argh! I wish I could take Filthy Rich down!”

“So do we! But he's REALLY good about always following the law! As much as we hate it, there's nothing we can do to stop him!”

“We've been paying our interest payments with free cherries for years now! In fact, it's part of the reason we can't seem to get ahead!”

Ruby sighs. “Most customers would rather buy from him, as he can offer better prices! They don't know he's getting the inventory practically for FREE!”

“What a scam! But I would imagine it's completely legal?”

“As legal as legal can be! Nopony has yet been able to find a loophole in our old contract, as there really is no fine print. It's just the original amount along with a modest interest rate.”

Ruby looks down at her hooves. “It's generally accepted that Stinking Rich was actually a very generous stallion who only wanted to help others! The interest rate was really pretty low for the time! However the principal has grown so much that just the interest alone is enough to choke us!”

“Well, that's the story. If you have a solution to this Mr. Problem Solver, I would love to hear it.”

“If I think of something I'll let you know. That Filthy Rich character is a slippery one. If I ever dig up any dirt on him, I may just use it to make him go easy on you two.”

Ruby shakes her head vehemently! “Please don't! We wouldn't be able to sleep at night if you did!”

Cherry nods at Ruby. “As much as we hate him and his practices, we refuse to stoop to his level and resort to trickery and blackmail! It's rather touching to know you care enough about us to do things like that Arc, but... please don’t.”

“Don't get the wrong idea. Normally I wouldn't even think about such methods. But where Filthy Rich is concerned, I'll make an exception.”

Ruby looks to Arc. “In any case... that's our story.”

“Sorry it didn't have a happier ending.”

Arc looks to the pair. “Don't lose hope. Someday, it just might!”

He looks Cherry in the eye and puts his hands on her shoulders.

“But know this... no matter what happens, I won't let either of you be homeless! If the day comes when the bank takes Cherry Hill Ranch, you two come to me and I'll take care of you for as long as necessary.”

Cherry looks at Arc, amazed! “What?! But Arc... you've already done SO much!”

“You want to repay me for what I have done for you? Then do this! If that day comes, let me have the honor of providing a home for my friends. Okay?”

Cherry leans into his embrace. “Thank you Arc... I will. But only on one condition.”

“What's that?”

She looks Arc in the eye and smiles! “That you get some rest now! Tomorrow is another day!”

“Deal!”

The two shake hands/hooves and enjoy a good laugh together!

Preface - Volume 6 - Soujourns and Steeds

In our previous volume Arc, having concluded Trixie's trial, informs the princesses of Earth's extreme size in comparison to Equestria. Lending advice to Lead Sage Sunburst, he makes suggestions on ways to shorten the time to locate Princess Celestia. After the meeting, Arc invites Princess Luna to his base for a bit of a rest. She shares a meal with him after which she tells him how exactly she became a princess.

The pair watch the orphans playing behind the base. Wanting nothing more than the opportunity to run and play, Arc shrinks her down to foal size. Overjoyed, Luna joins in the fun as Arc takes a nap. Sadly, rest is not in the cards, as he is attacked by Tempest in his dreams! As she mortally wounds him, Arc makes her promise not to hurt anyone else, as her fight is with him! She agrees as Arc "dies". Awaking, Luna offers to shelter him at Canterlot Castle. He refuses, saying Tempest would only hurt others in her attempt to get to him. They make their way to the base's armory to see the Hammers about the damaged weapons. Luna is overjoyed to be reunited with her old friends and agrees to sign off on the cost of replacing the weapons. Meanwhile, Trixie and her new friend continue on toward prison. As they stop in the middle of nowhere, the two Royal Guards pulling the cart attempt to finish what they started during Trixie's interrogation! As one guard moves toward a shadowy figure standing in the middle of the road, the other opens the wagon to kill the pair! Seeing the guard wants Trixie's blood, the stallion moves to protect her! As the guard calls for his companion, he is surprised to see the robed figure approach instead. He is even more surprised when he sees the remains of his companion! Trying to escape the figure slices off his hind legs before finishing off the guard. Absorbing his soul, he turns back toward Trixie and offers her the power to free herself and her friend. Sadly, Trixie agrees and takes the Alicorn Amulet from the figure known as The Dark One. It immediately warps her mind! Swearing revenge on the one who ordered her imprisoned, he levitates up to a cloud to rest before marching off to Canterlot. The stallion, freed from his chains runs to Ponyville to warn the Hero of Light!

Meanwhile, Arc invites Luna to spend the night. Agreeing, he escorts her to a guest room. Asking about the investigation into Lord Goldstone, she informs him that nothing will be done to the errant lord. Furious, Arc smashes a table in frustration. Luna then tells Arc she plans to send him to the Griffon Kingdom to legally take Lord Goldstone down. Arc agrees to the mission and leaves the room. Sometime later a spy reports to the princess to give his report on Arc's activities.

Later that night, the freed stallion breaks into Light's Hope in an effort to warn Arc! He is quickly surrounded by guards as Arc, Ember and Flash Sentry join them! Unable to understand him with the nullifier on him, Arc asks Luna to remove it. She does so. Arc recognizes him as Captain Decimus' lieutenant and takes him to his office to hear him out. The lieutenant tells of how he was sent to prison for his failure and backtalk to Decimus and warns of the dangerous unicorn heading to Canterlot! Arc uses his emergency comm link to notify Cadance of the danger before mobilizing his own forces to defend the base. Fearing Trixie's attack to be a diversion, he orders his troops to prepare for battle! Taking the Mane 6, Ember and the lieutenant to Canterlot, they make their way to the Audience Chamber to defend Princess Cadance! Ember volunteers to join the Town Guard and attempt to stop Trixie at the Main Gates.

Joining the forces at the gates, Ember spots Trixie approaching them. Meanwhile, back at Light's Hope, the orphans question Coco Pommel about what's going on. Sandstorm Mirage notifies Flash Sentry of strange robed characters outside the base. He orders all non-military personnel to the barracks as he and Arc's forces prepare to defend the base! The robed ponies summon forth monsters from several dark portals and order them to break down the doors! Flash Sentry orders the troops to for ranks and prepare to repel the invaders! Dispatching their opponents as fast as they come, victory seems in reach! Meanwhile, back in Canterlot, Ember attempts to reason with Trixie. Failing, Trixie attacks and the Town Guards move to defend the realm! They fall to Trixie's might as Ember herself moves to defend the town! Enraged as her opponent describes in great detail how she plans to kill Arc, Ember unleashes the power within her spear, nearly obliterating her opponent! Trixie is immediately regenerated by the Alicorn Amulet and calls forth monsters to destroy the town! Ember is forced to let her go as she runs to defeat the new opponents who spill forth from a portal. Captain Decimus holds the castle wall, waiting for Trixie. As she crosses the drawbridge, he blows it up, crushing her under the wreckage! She is unharmed! Raising her horn to the wall, she blasts it, crushing the captain under a ton or more of wreckage before entering the castle herself!

Meanwhile back at Light's Hope, Templar Derpy temporarily stops the flow on monsters by using her spear to consecrate the floor of the Main Hall. The robed ponies advance. Their leader uses a staff imbued with Gravity Magic to subdue the base's defenders. They march on toward the barracks as Derpy crawls after them!

The cloaked leader motions for his monsters to smash the barracks door! The do so and pour into the room as Paladin Coco Pommel, Saffron and Dinky move to defend the orphans and princess! However the odds were never in their favor. As the monsters push the brave defenders toward the barricades and the orphans, something inside Coco Pommel snaps. Filled with determination, she suddenly calls forth more power from her spear along with wings of light! Flying around the room, she effortlessly dispatches everything in her path! Finally ready, Luna raises her horn and immediately raises the sun high in the sky! The monsters vanish in the blink of an eye! As Paladin Coco Pommel flies out of the room to engage their robed leader, his companions move to defend him. Before anyone can do anything, Templar Derpy flies headlong at him, knocking him down the corridor to smash into a wall! As her helmet is knocked off, the leader removes his cowl to reveal his true identity... Moonlit Dusk! Derpy's former friend and Dinky's biological father! She escorts him back to Luna. He tells of news of Luna's kidnapping and their rescue attempt.

Back in Canterlot, Ember does her best to hold against the monsters before her. The guards Arc sent away join her. Suddenly a portal opens and more monsters come forth! They attack the invaders as Templar Derpy jumps out another portal with Moonlit Dusk! Her and Ember rush back to the castle!

Trixie makes her way to the audience chamber and breaks down the doors with her magic! Twilight and her friends hold her down with the Elements of Harmony. The real Trixie is able to speak at last! Unable to remove the amulet, she asks Arc to end her life to stop her attack! Arc pulls out the Dagger of Eternal Slumber and holds it up! Cadance blasts it with a lightning spell as Arc touches the dagger to Trixie's chest. The helpless mare is electrocuted and falls to the floor! Arc grabs the Alicorn Amulet and throws it aside as he starts CPR! After a few moments Trixie regains consciousness as Cadance approaches the lieutenant who saved her. Removing his helmet, he identifies himself as Shining Armor, Twilight's brother!

Arc quickly takes Trixie to the castle infirmary before heading to the main entrance to survey the damage and search for casualties. Hearing Captain Decimus is buried under rubble, he helps dig him out! Unfortunately (subjectively), the captain is dead. Arc orders his body taken to the morgue before he returns to Light's Hope. Upon arriving he hurries to find Coco Pommel and the orphans! Everyone is in the cafeteria, one of the rooms untouched by the attack. Approaching Luna, he takes her back to Canterlot. Stopping at the infirmary briefly to check on Trixie and retrieve Captain Decimus' smashed helmet. They pair head to the audience chamber to check on Cadance. As he tells the pair of the captain's death Luna loses it! She screams at Arc as he leaves the room! Cadance, furious, slaps Luna across the face for her harsh words as she tells her of how the captain insisted that Arc stay with her! Arc returns to town to meet up with the Mane Six, Ember and Derpy. Finding everything taken care of, he opens a portal to take everyone back to Light's Hope. They do not notice Luna running toward them! In despair, she channels her magic and transports herself to the Lunar Realm for solitude... and to cry.

Arc sits down in the cafeteria with Derpy, Ember and Moonlit Dusk. He explains the attack as merely a mistake. Dinky walks in and sees her mother. Trotting over to her, Derpy introduces the filly to her real father. Moonlit Dusk looks at Dinky and tells her she isn't his. Furious, Arc grabs him and throws him through a portal before turning to comfort a traumatized Derpy!

Sometime later Hard Hat arrives to report his completion of the building to Arc. Giving him the keys before heading to Canterlot, Arc leads the orphans and Coco Pommel to the new building nearby. They tour the facility, seeing the wonderful new home that was built for them! Arc offers Coco Pommel the position of matron, which she accepts! Derpy is hired as the new Assistant Matron.

Returning to Light's Hope, Raven reports that Luna is waiting for him in his office. Proceeding there, Arc is surprised to hear her apology for her outburst earlier! The pair return to Canterlot Castle together and visit Trixie in the infirmary. She is awake and, other than being weak, recovered. Her and Shining Armor return to the Audience Chamber for their appeals before Luna. She pardons Shining Armor. However, Trixie is sentenced to Tartarus for her numerous new crimes. Shining Armor insists on going with her to Tartarus. As the pair awaken in hell, they leave the temple and look over the bleak landscape. Suddenly Arc appears to announce he will escort them to the gates!

Meanwhile, the Lord of Vengeance, King Malevolence learns of Arc's return. He hatches a plan to stop him! As Arc and his friends walk, Trixie tells of her sordid past before weakening and being carried by Arc. They arrive at the Vile Tribe's base and go to his old house for a rest. The next day they head for the Gates of Tartarus. Finding a crate with a note on it, they read that the king has hatched a plan to escape for good this time! Arc looks down at the crate. Opening it, he finds the king, still shrunken down. He tells Arc to say his goodbyes before meeting his end! As his friends refuse to leave his side, Arc uses his magic to push Trixie safely through the barrier! However, when he tries to do the same to Shining Armor, he fails. The king fires the cannon as Shining Armor raises a barrier to protect Equestria! Arc lends his power to the barrier as dust overtakes the area! Arc drags Shining Armor through the barrier before returning to Tartarus alone! He Blink onto the Malice Cannon in an effort to find the Bloodstone and end the king's plan! Finding the control room, he breaks in and forces the Lead Scientist to tell him what he wants to know. Grabbing the stone, he Blinks both of them to the Gates of Tartarus as the cannon explodes! Falling to the ground from magical exhaustion, Arc crawls toward the barrier as the king orders the scientist, Auriel, to kill him! Refusing, she helps Arc through the barrier to safety!

Arc wakes up in a hospital bed in the Vile Tribe village. Trixie informs him of Auriel's good deed in saving him. She returns to the room with food for them. Announcing she is actually the demon king's daughter, she shrinks back in fear! Accepting her gesture, Arc takes her with him. They leave the hospital to find Mythic Honor, who unveils a statue of him and Ember together. Returning to Light's Hope, Arc leads Auriel to a guest room before retiring for the night himself. As Ember helps him to bed, he joins Dinky and Derpy in his quarters.

He does his best to acclimate Auriel to Equestria's culture and food. Bringing her to the princesses, they insist that he return her to Tartarus. However, upon doing so, the king informs his daughter that she is banished from his realm! Arc promises to take care of her in Equestria.

Arc takes Auriel back to Light's Hope, where he receives a letter from Cherry Hill Ranch. The Cherry Festival is coming up and Cherry invites Arc to her ranch to enjoy the festivities! His friends talk him into it and he calls Cherry to accept.

Derpy and Dinky accompany Ember and Arc to Cherry Hill Ranch. The sisters are very accepting of Auriel. They spend the day picking cherries and generally having fun!

The next day they help out in the production facility making food to sell at the festival. Arc shows them a few dishes of his own. Everyone loves them and suggests selling them at the market as well!

The day of the festival arrives! Arc's friends buy costumes from Sassy Saddles' costume shop and walk the booths. Spotting the Hammers, they walk over. Arc picks up his new and improved Hand Cannons. As he accepts them, there is a flash of light as Platinum Valve gets her cutie mark! As the continue on their way, the run into Lyra, who has a human themed booth of her own!

They spend the rest of the day helping out at Cherry's booth. That evening the bell tolls for the fire department to mobilize. Arc and the others run to help! As they rush to the rising smoke, they see the Costume Shop is on fire! Calling forth Eidolon's Ward and activating his new magic blades, Arc slices through the door and rushes into the inferno! Locating Sassy Saddles, he and her are nearly buried as the roof collapses! Dinky, fearing the worst, uses her Power to literally pull the fire out of the building and compact it between her hooves!

Taking Sassy Saddles back to Cherry Hill Ranch to protect her from the wrath of Filthy Rich! Ember and Dinky clean her up as Cherry and Ruby talk with Arc at the foot of the stairs. Cherry does not take his brush with death well, as she collapses in tears! Composing herself, she proposes marriage to Arc! Sadly, Arc turns her down, saying he has too much to do right now to take a wife! Arc gets cleaned up and lies down on the couch to rest. When Cherry and Ruby return Arc talks to them about their past and current problems. He learns the ranch has been in debt to the Rich family for three generations! The next morning Arc calls for an investigator from Canterlot to come and look at the building. Hard Hat and Plumb Bob arrive later that morning and discover the cause of the fire to be faulty wiring. Filthy Rich promptly fires Sassy Saddles and withholds her last paycheck out of spite, leaving her penniless! They return to Cherry Hill Ranch together so she can properly recover.

That evening, they sit on the porch and talk. Cherry confesses to everyone that she asked Arc to marry her! Overjoyed, everyone present smiles happily! Arc confesses that he declined her offer. Oddly enough, this does little to deter Cherry's feeling for him.

Why did The Dark One give Trixie the Alicorn Amulet? What of the Nightborn? Will Moonlit Dusk always be a dick? Will Auriel be able to assimilate into Equestrian culture? And most importantly... what of Cherry and her proposal? Will Arc ever take her up on it?!

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

Chapter 1 - A Fresh Start

Cherry Jubilee nuzzles Arc for what feels like forever as the pair sit on the porch swing. The others look on approvingly! Eventually Ruby breaks the silence.

“Cherry. We should probably get supper ready now. After all, Arc and the others are going home tomorrow.”

“Yes… you're right, sister.

Cherry and Ruby both stand.

“All of you please relax while we get supper going. We'll call you when it's ready.”

Dinky jumps up! “Can I help too?!”

Ruby nods! “Of course, dear!”

“YAY!”

Sassy Saddles follows them. “I'll lend a hoof as well!”

They enter the house leaving Arc, Ember and Auriel on the porch. Auriel looks to the pair.

“I know this may not be the best time, but I was hoping the two of you could explain something to me.”

Arc nods. “We'll most certainly give it a try! What is it?”

“Yesterday when I was helping at the booth, we had quite a few customers! I saw many of them giving me rather strange looks.”

Ember smiles and nods at Auriel. “Don't take it too personal. No one in Equestria has ever seen a demon before!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, that's not it. There were quite a few who, when I gave them their order, they gave me these with their bits!"

She holds up quite a few pieces of paper.

Ember looks at them, confused. “What do they say?”

Auriel shrugs. “That's what’s puzzling me! They all want me to call them some rather strange names! I just don't get it!”

Arc points at the papers in Auriel's claws. “Can I see them?”

“Sure. Maybe you can make some sense out of this gibberish.”

He takes the notes and reads a couple of them over before looking up and smiling!

“Wow Auriel! I didn't realize you made such an impact on their lives!”

Ember frowns. “That doesn't really explain anything, Arc!”

Arc picks up a paper at random. “Let me explain. This one reads... ‘Call me... 776-4321’.”

Ember stares at Arc, her mouth agape! “...what?”

Auriel looks to Arc. “What does this mean?!”

Arc grins at her! “It means they wanted to go out with you!”

“Out? Where?”

“On a date.”

Auriel tilts her head, still confused. “Which date?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! It means they think you're cute and want to... um… get to know you better.”

Ember looks to Arc, slyly! “Do you think that was ALL they wanted, Arc?”

“Probably not. But I'm not going there!”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “I see. What do I do about this?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, did you find any of them attractive or interesting?”

“Not really.”

“Then you don't have to do anything about it.”

Ember scoffs! “Throw those notes away and forget you ever saw them!”

Arc shrugs. “Although it is nice to know there are those in Equestria who are taking an interest in you Auriel... this may be going a bit TOO far for now! I don't want to see anyone try to take advantage of you.”

Auriel blushes slightly. “Thank you Arc! That's really quite sweet of you!”

Ember mutter to herself under her breath. “How does he DO that?!”

Shortly thereafter the group sits down to their last supper together. They eat and talk as the sun goes down!

Arc pushes his empty plate back and smiles! “Another wonderful meal, ladies!”

Ember grins! “It's probably for the best that we're going home tomorrow! A few more days of this and Arc wouldn't fit into his armor anymore!”

Dinky giggles at the thought! “Hee, hee!”

Sassy Saddles turns to Arc. “So, what’s Ponyville like? Are the ponies there friendly?”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “Well, it's certainly more... green.”

“The town isn't much bigger than Dodge Junction. But don't worry! The ponies who call it home are quite friendly and accepting of outsiders.”

Ember nods! “After all, they welcomed Arc and I!”

“I wouldn't worry too much about it Miss Saddles. You'll fit right in!”

She sighs in relief! “Thank you everypony! That makes me feel a bit better!”

Sassy Saddles looks over to the sink.

“Can I help you with the dishes ma'am?”

Cherry shakes her head. “No dear! Ruby and I will get to them tomorrow morning. Thank you for volunteering though! Oh, that reminds me! Ruby, would you give me a hoof?

“Certainly!”

The pair leave the room and return a few minutes later. They each have a couple bags in their mouths. Ruby gives her two bags to Auriel and Ember.

“Thanks for all your hard work this weekend.”

Ember takes one of the bags. “What's this for?”

Ruby smiles at Ember. "Your pay Around here, all hard workers deserve their wages."

Auriel accepts the bag. “Thank you ma'am.”

Cherry gives a bag to Sassy Saddles.

“Here you are dear. You earned it.”

Sassy Saddles looks at the bag, wide-eyed “But this really is a lot of money!”

Cherry laughs. “For cherry picking we pay by the gunnysack, not the hour. That's the going rate!”

“Well, thank you ma'am."

Ruby approaches Dinky and gives her a smaller bag.

“Nice job this weekend. With a hard-working attitude like that, you'll go far in this world.”

Dinky accepts the bag and smiles. “Thank you, Miss Cherry!”

Cherry and Ruby leave the room again and momentarily return with two huge sacks of bits in their mouths! They put them on the table in front of Arc

Arc shakes his head. “Woah! I think the two of you need to double check your math! There's no way you owe me THAT many bits!”

Cherry nods. “Oh yes! We owe you this and so much more for all you've done for us!”

“My sister is right! Your recipes far outsold our own! That and you worked the stand for half a day AFTER spending the previous day baking with us! To say nothing for how many bags of cherries you filled this weekend!”

“But I can't take this! It's too much!”

Cherry smiles. "Arc, this doesn't even come CLOSE to me paying you back for spending 10,000 bits to save my life. So please... take this. It would make me feel a lot better about... everything you've done."

He sighs. “Well... would you be offended if I told you I was going to donate it?”

“Not at all! It's your money. Do what you want with it.”

Arc picks up the bags and store them neatly in his magic ring. “Well then... thank you very much.”

Ruby laughs. “No... thank YOU Arc!”

Dinky yawns. Arc smiles at his daughter as she rubs her eyes.

“I think the day's activities are finally catching up to someone!”

Dinky yawns again. “Yeah. I think I should be getting to bed now dad.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Me too. This has been quite a day!”

Arc turns to her. “You can take my bed upstairs. That is if you don't mind sharing with Dinky.”

“Not at all! She's just such a sweetheart!”

Dinky grins! “Just like you're always saying dad! Well goodnight everypony!”

Sassy Saddles and Dinky head upstairs to bed. Auriel turns to Ember?

“Do you think I could talk to you alone?”

Ember looks to Auriel a bit confused. “Um... sure. Let's make it quick though! I want to get some sleep as well.”

Cherry waves. “Goodnight you two!”

Auriel and Ember nod as they head upstairs. “Goodnight!”

Ruby smiles at her sister. “I think I'll leave the two of you alone.”

“Sister, you don't have to...”

Ruby nods. “I know... but I wanted to give you some space. Besides, I'm sure you two have a few things to talk about. Goodnight.”

She walks over to her sister and gives her a goodnight hug before heading upstairs to bed. Arc and Cherry are left alone in the kitchen.

Arc clears his throat. “That was certainly... kind of Ruby.”

Cherry nods meekly. “Yes, it was.”

“Should we have a seat in the Living Room?”

“Yes! Lets!”

Arc and Cherry walk to the living room and sit down in front of the fireplace. The sun has almost finished setting over the horizon. Cherry leans against Arc and closes her eyes, smiling contentedly.

"I'm not sure how this could be any more romantic."

Arc puts an arm around her. “I can think of something.”

Cherry looks up at Arc with her luminescent green eyes. “Oh?”

Arc looks to the fireplace and extends a hand toward it. A fireball blazes forth. The wood in the fireplace quickly ignites.

“There. Now it's perfect.”

Cherry rests her head in Arc's lap as he gently strokes her mane.

“Thank you for inviting us, Cherry.”

Cherry sighs, extremely relaxed. “No Arc. Thank YOU for coming! You honored our entire town with your presence! Having the Hero of Light himself walking among us is quite a treat!”

Arc smiles! “Maybe next year I'll bring the princesses with me then.”

The pair laugh lightheartedly! Cherry smiles up at Arc. “But in all seriousness, I was really quite happy when you told me you were coming! I... I missed you, my dear Arc.”

Arc nods soberly. “I… I missed you as well, Cherry. But can I ask you something?”

She nods! “Anything!”

“Please be completely honest with me now!”

“I will! Promise!”

Arc sighs. “I... just wanted to know how you can still stand to look at me after what I did to you!”

Cherry looks up, genuinely confused. I don't understand. You've done nothing but be the most amazing stallion I've ever met!”

"Well, I've turned you down twice now. Once when you wanted to by my ‘marefriend’, as you called it. And again just yesterday when I turned down your marriage proposal.”

She closes her eyes and nods. “Arc. I understand your position and your reasoning. You didn't say such things to me to be mean or to toy with my emotions, did you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Of course not! I just didn't want you to be alone if I ever...”

Cherry interrupts, sadly. “...didn't come back? Listen Arc... it doesn't matter if I was your marefriend, your wife, or just your friend. The news of your... demise... it would still hurt the same! But... if it's all the same to you, can we just... live in the here and now? I want this moment to last forever!”

Arc smiles and hugs Cherry for a long time. He kisses her cheek and she returns the affection with a peck of her own! The pair fall asleep shortly thereafter in each other arms/hooves on the couch. Meanwhile from the top of the stairs Ember looks to Auriel, whispering.

“Do you understand now?”

Auriel whispers back. “Yes. Thank you.”

Meanwhile, high overhead, the Dark One looked down on the house with a wicked smile!

“Heh... so it would appear that you DO have a weakness, Arc! It appears I will have to give some thought on how best to exploit it!”

The next morning Arc awakens to the first rays of light shining through the living room window. he is lying on his back, Cherry sleeping on his chest. She does not stir. Arc looks at the sleeping mare lying on him and mutters to himself.

“Cherry... I must be the luckiest human in Equestria.”

He strokes Cherry 's head for as long as he can, soon she starts to move around. Arc continues to stroke her mane.

“Good morning sleepyhead!”

Cherry smiles sleepily. “Is it morning already?”

Arc nods. “So it would seem.”

Cherry lays her head on Arc's chest again, looking at him with a loving smile on her face!

“I don't know about you, but I certainly don't want to get up right now!”

He nods and smiles back. “Neither do I, but... how about you and I get breakfast going? I need to get back to Light's Hope soon.”

She sighs and gets up. “All right.”

Arc and Cherry proceed to the kitchen and together cook breakfast.

“I do enjoy cooking with you Arc!”

Arc lightly boops Cherry’s nose with the tip of his finger. “And I as well Cherry. We really must do this again sometime!”

The others, smelling the cooking food, come downstairs.

Dinky trots in happily! “That smells delicious!”

Auriel nods! “Indeed! The scent of it woke me up!”

Ember salivates at the sight of breakfast! “Looking forward to this!”

Sassy Saddles walks over to the cupboard. “I'll set the table!”

In a flash the table is set and the group sits around it for one last meal together! Ruby passes a plate and turns to Arc.

“So tell me Arc... what's you next big endeavor?”

“Several things actually. I need to contact Canterlot and ask the princesses if it's time for my diplomatic mission to Griffonstone. If not, I still need to head back to the Dragon Lands and meet with Hydra Prime Ikis. He requested a meeting with me quite some time ago!

Cherry looks nervous! “What do you think this “Hydra Prime” wants?”

Arc shrugs. “I'm actually not sure. The way my friend explained it, I assume he wants to meet with me as a greeting. Hydras and ponies have a very bloody history after all.”

Ruby looks surprised! “We do?”

“Yes.”

Auriel nods. “The crimes against the hydra are known even in Tartarus. Ponies sought to control and enslave the them many long years ago.”

Cherry turns to Arc, fear in her voice! “You don't suppose he wants you to come there so he can... take revenge, do you?!”

“I doubt it. The Marquis has always been a good friend to me. And even if things were to go south, I’m confident I would be okay I've already defeated a hydra in combat before. And that was before I became the Hero of Light!”

Dinky nods! “Don't worry Miss Cherry! My dad's unstoppable!”

“While I’m in the area, I also need to visit Forsaken Village. On another one of my misadventures I, more or less, liberated a member of their tribe. They invited me to their village as well.”

Sassy Saddles thinks for a moment. “I've never heard of it. Is there really a village in the Dragon Lands?!”

Ember nods! “Yes. Although it's not inhabited by ponies, but large sentient wolf-like creatures.”

Cherry shrinks back. “Are they... friendly?”

Ember shrugs. “More or less. My father has standing orders to all dragons not to attack a member of their tribe without provocation. As far as I know there's never been any kind of altercation, as they pretty much keep to themselves.”

She breathes a sigh of relief! “That's reassuring! But what could they want?”

“I wouldn't worry about it, sister. They probably just want to thank him.”

Arc nods. “Ruby’s probably right. He only told me not to bring any ponies with me. Yet another race that Equestria seems to have wronged in the past.”

“My father told me before that Equestria was a much different place before the princesses took over. They brought order to the chaos. Although he didn't go into detail, I'm sure he would know more.”

“I'll stop by and see him before I visit those towns. After all knowledge is power!”

The group finishes their breakfast and Cherry silently clears the table with Dinky's help. Arc stands up along with the others.

“Another fabulous meal, Cherry!”

Cherry nods, sadly. “Thank you. But I couldn't have done it without you.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Not trying to rush you or anything, but we really should be getting back home soon.”

Cherry turns her head quickly! “You don't have leave so soon! Feel free to stay as long as you like!”

“Thank you for the hospitality Cherry, but I agree with Ember. We should be getting back.”

Cherry sadly walks over to Arc and puts a hoof on his hand.

“...please?”

Arc kneels down to her. “That is... really quite tempting Cherry. I'm sorry, but as I said before I have quite a bit to do right now. Don't worry though! I promise that I’ll keep in touch better! Next time you and Ruby will have to come visit me in Ponyville!”

“Yeah! That would be so cool! You can see my dad's base!”

Ember nods! “Plenty of room there for guests too!”

“If you ever feel like you need to get away from here for a bit, let me know. I'll keep a room open for you two!”

Ruby nods! “Thanks! I'll make sure Cherry and I take you up on that sometime!”

“Please do!”

Arc stands up and looks to Dinky, Ember, Sassy Saddles and Auriel.

“Ready to go?”

“Yeah! I kinda miss mom.”

Ember nods. “I'm looking forward to Saffron's Roast Cockatrice again!”

Auriel turns to Ember. “What's a cockatrice?”

“You'll see.”

Sassy Saddles sighs nervously. “As ready as I'll ever be, I guess.”

Arc turns to Cherry. “Would everyone please wait for me at the sigil? I'll... meet you there in a few minutes.”

Everyone nods understandingly. Ruby leads the way to the basement stairs.

“This way, everypony.”

All assembled leave the room. Cherry trots forward into Arc's outstretched arms for one last hug! She wraps her front hooves around him, tightly!

“Please... do be careful! I don't know what I would do if...”

Arc strokes Cherry’s mane tenderly and nods.

“I know. And I do promise to do a better job keeping in touch. You and Ruby would be welcome in my base anytime! I mean it! In fact, when I get back from my duties in the Dragon Lands and Griffonstone the two of you should come for a visit!”

Cherry kisses him on the cheek! “Thank you Arc! I would love that! Just... take care of yourself, okay?”

Arc nods and breaks the embrace. “I will. Now... I really need to go Cherry.”

Cherry steps back and smiles. “Yes, I understand. Come back anytime you want! Day or night! Even if you just want some company over a cup of tea or something! Now, how about I escort you to my basement?”

Arc laughs! “Sure! Although I don't think anyone has ever said that sentence to me!”

The pair laugh together easily as they walk to the basement. Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and steps onto the sigil with the others. Ruby waves!

“Goodbye everypony! Come back soon!”

Cherry forces a smile. “Yes... goodbye Arc.”

Arc activates the sigil and teleports everyone back to Light's Hope's Main Hall. In a flash of light they are gone. Ruby turns to Cherry.

“Sister... I... I don't really know what to say other than I'm really sorry things didn't work out.”

Cherry continues to look at the empty sigil as she speaks! “It's okay Ruby. As long as we're both still alive, I'll hold out hope for us yet!”

Meanwhile, back at Light's Hope, Arc's group appears on the Main Hall’s sigil. Arc sighs.

“It's good to be home again...”

Sassy Saddles looks around, astonished! “You... LIVE HERE?!”

Arc returns his armor to his ring. “Yes. This is just the Main Hall though. Just let me check in with my secretary before we go see Rarity.”

Sassy Saddles nods nervously. “Um... okay.”

Ember turns to the front doors. “I think I'll head over to the Ponyville Writ Board and see if I can get it caught up.”

Auriel follows her. “I'll come with you.”

Arc turns to the pair. “Auriel, do you think you could stay? There's someone I want you to meet.”

Auriel nods. “Well, okay. Maybe another time Ember.”

“Sure! See you all for lunch!”

Ember leaves. Arc walks over to Raven’s desk.

“Well, we're back Raven! Anything interesting happen while I was gone?”

She shakes her head. “No, commander. Things were fairly quiet around here all weekend.”

Raven looks past Arc to Sassy Saddles standing behind him before turning back to him and smiling!

“Did you make another friend, sir?”

Arc nods! “Yes indeed! Raven, this is Sassy Saddles. I'm going to take her over to see Rarity in a minute. Sassy Saddles, this is Raven Inkwell. She keeps all the paperwork straight here at Light's Hope and keeps the lights on for us!”

“Pleased to meet you Raven!”

“Well, if there is nothing of immediate importance, I'll be back in a bit. Business in town.”

Raven nods. “Very well commander!”

The group leaves Light's Hope and begins walking towards Ponyville. Arc looks over to Dinky.

“How about I take you back to your mother first, Dinky?”

“Thanks dad! I was kinda hoping you would say that.”

Sassy Saddles nods, understandingly. “Homesick?”

“Just a little. I mean, this isn't the first time I've been separated from my mother, but... I should probably get back there.”

“I'm sure Derpy misses us both, sweetheart.”

In a few minutes they arrive at the Little Hooves Orphanage. The orphans are busy playing outside. Derpy and Coco Pommel are sitting on the second-floor patio overlooking the yard. Pipsqueak spots them first!

“Mr. Arc! Dinky! You're back!”

The orphans all run to the fence as Arc and Dinky walk through the gate together! Dinky looks up at her mother and smiles!

“Hi mom! We're back!”

“Welcome back dear! I'll be right down!”

Derpy and Coco Pommel stand and go inside the orphanage.

Aquamarine looks to Dinky. “Did you have fun on vacation?!”

Dinky nods! “YEAH! It was so exciting!”

Pipsqueak smiles at her! “Can you tell us all about it?!”

“Sure!”

Dinky and the other foals run to the corner of the yard and lie down in the grass together! Sassy Saddles turns to Arc.

“Your daughter is very popular here!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Thanks to several acts of extreme bravery, the orphans here see here as their role model. I'm very proud of her!”

Coco Pommel and Derpy walk out the door and approach Arc.

“Arc! You're home! I missed you!”

Arc drops to his knees to give Derpy a hug! “And I missed you too! Hopefully next time we can all go together!”

Derpy smiles! “Yes. I'd like that!”

“Derpy, I'd like you to meet Sassy Saddles here! She's... moving here from Dodge Junction to... seek employment.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Well, that's the short version anyways! So, you're Dinky's mother?”

“I am! She's my pride and joy!”

“Well, I just wanted to tell you that you have an amazing daughter!”

Derpy looks over to Arc, affectionately! “Thank you! But I can't take all the credit for that! After all, Dinky has an amazing father to show her the way!”

“Don't sell yourself short Derpy. She loves us both!”

Coco Pommel smiles! “It's good to see you again, Arc! I hope you were able to properly rest!”

“More or less! Say Coco Pommel, you're just the mare I need to see right now. I was wondering if you could do something for me.”

“Oh? Something I can help you with? Would you like to step inside?”

Arc shakes his head as he pulls the bags of bits out of his magic ring and sets them on the ground in front of Coco Pommel. “That won't be necessary. I'd just like to donate this money to the orphanage.”

Coco Pommel looks at the large bags of bits before her! “Wh-what?! But Arc! You've already done so much for us!”

“Think of it as a donation from Cherry Hill Ranch then. I want you and the orphans to have it! Just put it away somewhere until a need arises! Who knows... it may come in handy someday.

Coco Pommel nods. “Well... okay. But only if you're sure!”

Arc nods! “I am! Now I have quite a few other things to do today, so I'll see you two later. Take care of Dinky, Derpy!”

She waves after Arc as he leaves. “I will! See you at lunch?”

“Sounds good! I'll see you at Light's Hope around noon then!

Derpy smiles! “Looking forward to it!”

The pair pick up the bags and take them inside the orphanage. Derpy smiles as the ascend the stairs.

“That was very kind of Arc to give the orphanage this money!”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes it was! We're all so blessed to have a friend like him!”

Meanwhile... Arc, Auriel and Sassy Saddles continue on their way towards Ponyville. Sassy Saddles turns to Arc.

“I'm beginning to see a trend here.”

Auriel looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“All I hear from everypony is how you've done so much for them! I mean... I really am impressed, but... I get the feeling you would help a monster if it asked you to!”

Auriel nods, sadly. “He... he did. Arc took me in and provided for me when I was banished from Tartarus.”

Arc turns to his downcast friend. “Auriel, you're not a monster! I do wish you would stop calling yourself that!”

Sassy Saddles nods! “Arc is right, Auriel. You're a very nice young... demoness? I'm sorry, but I just don't know how to put it.”

“It's okay.”

The trio enters town to find the streets deserted. Auriel look downcast as Sassy Saddles looks around.

“Where is everypony?”

“Hiding.”

Arc puts a hand on Auriel's shoulder. “Don't worry. They'll come around. I went through the same thing.”

Auriel sighs. “Thank you Arc...”

They make their way to Carousel Boutique. Sassy Saddles looks the building’s exterior over.

“This is a pretty nice place for a town as small as Ponyville!”

Arc nods. “Rarity doesn't do anything halfway.”

They approach the front door. It is locked. A note on the door reads... ‘Gone to visit family. Will return next week’.

Auriel thinks for a moment. “I guess she had the same idea for a vacation as you did, Arc.”

Sassy Saddles appears crestfallen. “Oh dear! What do we do now?”

Arc turns back toward the path. “Let's go see another friend of mine. She and Auriel will get along famously!”

He leads the way to the Golden Oaks Library. Arriving, Arc knocks on the door. Spike and Twilight answer the door together.

“Hiya Ar... what in Celestia's name is THAT?!”

Spike points a claw at Auriel! Twilight frowns at him!

“Spike! That was rather rude of you!”

Spike looks down at the floor. “I'm sorry Twilight. But she's really scary looking!”

Arc nods. “Like me?”

Spike shakes his head. “Don't be silly Arc! I know who you are!”

“I think what Arc is trying to say is that it wasn't too long ago that HE was viewed as the monster!”

“I guess that makes sense.”

Spike turns to Auriel.

“Sorry for the way I acted.”

Twilight looks apologetically to Auriel.

“I'm sorry. You'll have to forgive my assistant here. He's never seen a demon before.”

Auriel looks at Twilight, surprised! “Aren't you afraid of me?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at all! I know Arc wouldn't bring anypony here who was dangerous, miss...”

“Auriel.”

Twilight steps aside to let them enter. “Well Auriel, why don't you all come inside now. Care for some tea?”

“Um... okay.”

Arc nods! “Sounds good to me!”

“Me too!”

Twilight leads the way to the kitchen and puts a pot of water on the stove as Arc and friends sit down at the kitchen table.

“Oh, I'm sorry! My name is Twilight Sparkle, Auriel. Pleased to meet you!”

“Thank you.”

“Twilight. I'd like you to meet another friend I made during my vacation to Dodge Junction. This is Sassy Saddles.”

Twilight smiles at her. “Happy to make your acquaintance!”

Sassy Saddles nods! “Likewise, Miss Twilight.”

“Oh, just call me Twilight! Everypony else does.”

The kettle on the stove whistles. Twilight pours a cup of tea for everyone before sitting down at the table.

“It's been a while since we had tea together, Arc. So what's the occasion? I mean, not that you need one!”

“A couple things actually. First of all, I wanted you and Auriel to meet! She was the Demon King's Lead Scientist up until recently. I figured the two of you would enjoy a bit of academic conversation!”

Twilight’s eyes light up! “Yes indeed! It's not every day that I get to talk about science with a REAL scientist! After all, I'm just an amateur!”

Arc smiles! “What about the time you brought me to Equestria?”

“That was an accident!”

Arc laughs! “One that I am very happy about, mind you.”

Auriel looks to Twilight. “You managed inter-dimensional travel?! That's fascinating!”

Twilight sighs. “Yes. But sadly only one way. I can bring things here no problem, but sending them back isn’t something I can do.”

Auriel nods. “If my father were here, he would insist I study this new magic at once! As bad as he is, I do miss him.”

Sassy Saddles looks to Auriel. “Who is your father? I assume he's not a pony.”

Auriel appears suddenly frightened! “He's... um... the Demon King of Tartarus. I'm sorry!”

“You remember him, right Twilight? He was the one who led the demon army's attack on the Gates of Tartarus, and ordered his forces to tear you apart when we got separated at the end.”

Auriel looks to Twilight! “He did?! Twilight I am SO sorry about that! My father only wants what is best for all of demon-kind! Which, in his mind anyways, means leading to invade Equestria!”

Arc nods. "Yes well, as you can see Auriel here is NOTHING like the Demon King. She's much friendlier and truly cares about others. So what do you say, Twilight? Can you help me integrate her into Equestrian society? You did such a good job on me.”

Auriel looks at Twilight hopeful.

“Sure!”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide! “What?! Really?!”

Twilight smiles and nods. “If Arc says you're okay, I believe him. After all, he's done so much for us in the past!”

Sassy Saddles mutters to herself. “That again...”

Auriel looks relieved! “Thank you so much, Twilight! I promise I won't let you down!”

Twilight and Auriel begin to talk at length on a variety of subjects from quantum physics to geometry to botany!

“...and that's why leaves are green!”

Auriel stares at Twilight. “Fascinating!”

“That's nothing! You HAVE to show me how to extract energy from different gemstones!”

Auriel nods happily! “It's really simple when you know how. Frankly I'm amazed pony-kind hasn't already figured it out! No offense!”

Twilight laughs! “None taken!”

Auriel and Twilight enjoy a good laugh together! Twilight suddenly looks back to Arc!

“I'm sorry. You said there was a couple things you wanted to talk to me about. What else can I do for you?”

"Well, I swung by Carousel Boutique and saw the note on the front door.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Rarity and Sweetie Belle went to go visit their parents. They'll be back in about a week. Did you need some clothes made?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. Sassy Saddles here was looking for a job. I was hoping to introduce her to Rarity.”

Sassy Saddles sighs. “I'm caught in quite a cross stitch with no clear way out!”

She explains the events of the past couple days.

“I see. So Arc saved you as well and brought you here?”

Arc nods. “She just needs a fresh start somewhere! If she can make clothes as well as costumes, I think she’ll do well.”

“Thank you Arc, but it looks like I will have to wait...”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Do you happen to have the phone number of Rarity's parents by any chance?”

Twilight nods. “I do, but why?”

Arc stands. “I want to get Rarity's permission to try something. Might I have the number please?”

Twilight points a hoof. “Sure. I wrote it on the chalkboard next to the phone. You remember where it is, right?”

“I do. If you ladies will excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back.”

Arc leaves the room, Twilight, Auriel and Sassy Saddles can only stare at each other confused. Auriel looks after him.

“What do you think he has planned?”

Twilight shrugs. “I don't know. But if I know Arc, it's going to be one heck of a plan!”

Arc returns a few minutes later.

“Okay, the matter is settled. Twilight, Rarity said you had a key to her shop. Is that right?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. I told her I would feed and water her cat Opal while she was away. In fact I should probably head over there and feed her soon. Why do you ask?”

“I asked her if we could go there and use some of her tools.”

Auriel looks confused. “But, what for? Can you sew Arc?”

“Not at all. But Sassy Saddles here can! I want her to make something!”

Sassy Saddles looks to Arc, surprised! “Yes of course! What do you need?”

“I'll explain when we get there. Let's go everyone!”

The ponies appear confused, but follow Arc nonetheless. As before the streets are deserted. In short order they arrive back at the Carousel Boutique. Twilight unlocks the front door and lets everyone inside.

“Okay, we're here. What's this idea you have now Arc?”

Arc turns to Sassy Saddles. “I want to hire you to make Auriel here some new clothes. Rarity says you can use whatever you need to do the job. Don't worry, I'll pay for the materials you use. And don't think for a moment that I'm going to let you work for free!”

Sassy Saddles looks to Arc, happily! “So... you want me to make some REAL clothes?”

“Yes. And I'm a REAL customer too! Your first!”

“I... don't know if I can! I'm kinda afraid of breaking these REALLY expensive machines!”

Arc looks confused. “Haven't you ever used a sewing machine before?”

Sassy Saddles nods! “I have, but... it was my own! What if...”

“Sassy Saddles, you need to have more faith in yourself! After all, Arc wouldn't have hired you to do this job if he didn't think you could do it!”

Arc nods. "Twilight’s right. That and if you don't take this opportunity, it may never come again. You may fail, but at least you will have made the effort."

Auriel steps forward and stands before Sassy Saddles. “Um…do... do you think you could make me look... beautiful?”

Sassy Saddles looks at the demon, confused. “Beautiful?”

Auriel nods in desperation! “I want to look less like a demon, and more like a pony! I'm... really tired of scaring the townsponies! Please... can you help me?!”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “I'm sorry, Auriel. I can do my best to make you some pretty clothes, but... you'll still be yourself underneath.”

Arc nods. “Auriel... I understand what you're going through right now. I've been there! But I can't become a pony any more than you can become a human. We both just need to make the best of things, and let the chips fall where they may!”

Auriel nods. “Th-thank you Arc.”

“You always seem to know just what to say to make everything better!”

“Thanks Twilight. I try.”

He looks over at Sassy Saddles.

“How about it? Will you do it?”

Sassy Saddles look around the room for a moment before using her magic to pick up Rarity's sewing tape.

“Let's get to work, Auriel! Don't you worry about a thing! I'll do my very best!”

Auriel looks relieved! “Thank you so much!”

“Good! Don't work too hard now. And don't be late for lunch back at Light's Hope.”

Sassy Saddles nods, not looking up from taking Auriel's measurements.” We won't! Don't worry about a thing! I'll make Auriel here some clothes that she’ll be proud to wear!”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Well, we should probably let them get to it.”

“Yes. Let's! Oh, I almost forgot!”

Twilight quickly feeds Opal and gives her fresh water.

“There! That would have been embarrassing. To come all the way over here and forget to feed Opal!”

Arc and Twilight leave the shop and walk down the street toward the Golden Oaks Library.

“Will you join us for lunch as well, Twilight?”

She laughs! “Yes! It will be good to catch up on your latest adventures! I mean how much trouble could you have gotten into since the last time I saw you?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You would be surprised...”

The pair arrive back at the library. Twilight opens the door and steps across the threshold before turning back to Arc.

“See you in a few hours!”

Arc nods! “Looking forward to it!

He makes the walk back to Light's Hope, grateful for the peace of the morning! As he arrives back at his base Raven waves him over!

“Commander! Princess Luna and Princess Cadance have requested that you contact them immediately via your Holographic Communicator! It sounded quite urgent!”

“Very well. Any idea what this is about?”

Raven shakes her head. “No sir. But it was quite strange. For an emergency, they sounded quite happy. Giddy almost!”

Arc nods. “Thanks. I'll take it from here.”

“Very well, commander.”

He walks quickly to the War Room! “I'm getting to the bottom of THIS right now! Giddy princesses, indeed!”

Arc sits down at his place in front of the Holographic Communicator. A few minutes later a holographic image of both princesses appears! They look quite happy!

“Ah, good to see you again Arc! I trust your vacation was restful?!”

He nods. “It was, thank you Princess Luna.”

Cadance beams at him! “So, what are you planning to do next?!”

“I think I’ll head back to the Dragon Lands and meet with Hydra Prime Ikis. He invited me there quite a while back and I would say he’s waited long enough! While I’m there I've also been invited to the Forsaken Village to meet a friend.”

Luna laughs! “You're going all the way to the Dragon Lands and you're not planning to say hello to the Dragon Lord?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow at her candor. “Yes, I was planning to stop by and see him. He may be able to advise me on protocol. After all, I wouldn't want to cause an international incident.”

Cadance smiles and nods giddily. “A wise choice! Perhaps next time the two of you can go on vacation together!”

"Me and the Dragon Lord go on… what? Are you two feeling alright? You're acting a bit... strange. I'm thinking maybe the strain of running a country is finally getting to you! In all seriousness, perhaps the two of you should take some time off as well."

Cadance laughs. “Maybe next time! Right now we have something very important to tell you!"

Luna turns to Arc and nods. “It will soon be announced to everypony, but we wanted you to be the first to hear the good news!”

Arc nods, confused. “Um... thanks? What is it?”

Luna happily claps her hooves together, smiles widely and motions to someone Arc cannot see to approach.

“Actually, I think we'll let them tell you themselves!”

A familiar figure steps into view next to the princesses. Arc’s heart almost stops.

“WHAT?! But how?!”

Cadance bursts into a fit of laughter. “I know, right? Our faces looked about the same when we found out!”

Captain Decimus himself stands with the princesses, smiling.

“Greetings, Hero of Light. Oh, and to answer your question... I am VERY difficult to kill! Now if you will excuse me, SOME of us don't have time to waste on VACATIONS!”

Captain Decimus walks away. Luna laughs and waves a hoof after him.

“Don't take it too hard, Arc! He's always like that after cheating death! Now we all have a lot of... stuff to do. Best of luck on your trek to the Dragon Lands!”

Cadance waves a hoof! “Bye, bye Arc!”

The connection is severed. Arc leans back heavily in his chair.

“How one earth did he... his head was... there's no way! What is going on here?!?!?!”

Chapter 2 - Going Crazy

Arc sits in his chair trying to make sense of the situation for quite some time. Failing, he heads to his office and sits down at his desk. Picking up the phone, he dials the front desk.

“Yes commander?”

“Raven, have my squad, Flash Sentry, and Sandstorm Mirage come to my office at once! We need to talk!”

“Very well! Shall I have Saffron send over some snacks?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time. I'm... not really hungry.”

Raven drops her pencil, astonished! “Commander? Are you feeling alright?”

Arc sighs. “Well... that's complicated. Look, just do as I say please.”

“As you wish commander.”

“Thanks...”

As Raven hangs up the phone, she momentarily considers calling Ponyville Hospital for Arc, but decides against it.

“I sure hope the Commander is okay. No snacks?! Unthinkable!”

Meanwhile, Arc leans back in his office chair and stares absentmindedly out the window until the troops arrive.

Max salutes! “Welcome back, sir!”

Xenos laughs! “Well rested, sir?”

Viktor rolls his eyes! “Of course he is! Who wouldn't be after a weekend like that?!”

Hugh smiles slyly! “Word around the base is that you came back with a VERY attractive mare, sir!”

Flash Sentry walks into the office with Sandstorm Mirage.

“Commander! Your base is in once piece! Don't worry! We took extra good care of it while you were gone!”

Sandstorm Mirage looks to Arc. “Uh... sir? Are you... okay?”

Arc continues to stare out his window.

“Close the door.”

Sandstorm Mirage hurries to do so!

Flash Sentry looks to Arc with understandable concern in his voice. “Sir? Is... something wrong?”

“Sit down.”

All assembled do so.

Arc stands up only to start pacing the floor. “...I just don't get it!”

Max appears uneasy. “Commander? Please sir! Tell us what's wrong. Maybe we can help.”

Arc sighs. “Earlier I had a holographic conversation, if you can call it that, with the princesses. They were acting VERY strangely!”

Flash Sentry nods. “How so, sir?”

“Well... they were crazy happy. Giddy even! Like they were drunk or high on drugs or something! Does Equestria even have drugs?!”

Hugh nods! “Sure! You can go the hospital when you’re sick and get a prescription!”

Viktor looks to his friend. “Hugh, while I'm not really sure what the commander is talking about, I'm pretty sure he doesn't mean that kind of drugs.”

Xenos looks confused. “What other kind are there?”

Sandstorm Mirage shrugs. “I dunno.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Was there anything else that made you suspicious sir? Anything at all?”

“Well, there was one other little detail. You guys better brace yourselves for this one! I was there, and I still don't believe it! I mean... I've been sitting around for TWO HOURS trying to make sense of it and I STILL CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT!!!”

Max looks to him, confused. “Sir? What is it? Maybe we can figure it out together!”

“It's... Captain Decimus.”

All assembled bow their heads respectfully.

Sandstorm Mirage removes his helmet. “Yes sir... the funeral is the day after tomorrow. Will you be attending?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I won't... because the funeral isn't happening!”

Flash Sentry walks over to Arc, concerned. “Sir, you're not making a bit of sense! With all due respect, perhaps you need to lie down for a while.”

“The funeral is off because, somehow... someway... Captain Decimus is alive!”

“WHAT?!”

Arc nods soberly! “Straight stuff! The princesses say this will be officially announced very soon.”

Viktor looks to the others for support. “Sir, not that I'm questioning your intelligence or anything but... are you completely sure he was dead back then?”

Arc nods! “Completely! I've seen highway roadkill in better shape than the captain’s body when I found him! That and I'm sure the doctor in the Canterlot Castle infirmary checked as well!”

Sandstorm Mirage looks confused. “Roadkill?”

Arc nods! “It's when... actually forget that one.”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Forgive us commander but, this is just so hard to believe!”

“I understand that no one here is an expert on magic, but... is there ANY magical spell, ability, or feat that can raise the dead?!”

Max shakes his head! “No sir! That subject has been the topic of much research over the years. However, to the best of my knowledge nopony has every successfully brought back a dead pony from beyond the grave!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Max, that's not... entirely true.”

“What?!”

“There is ONE time, fairly recently actually, that such a thing was not only attempted but was done so successfully!”

Arc looks over! “Great! How did they do it?!”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “They simply put the dead mare's soul back into her body.”

Arc looks confused. “How?!”

“Sir... I'm talking about the time you brought Derpy back to life. In all seriousness, that was a scientific milestone! The sages are STILL talking about it and trying to figure out how it was possible!”

Viktor nods. “Ever since then, Raven has been getting a lot of calls from various scientists! Equestrian, griffon, and a few other races who want to talk to you about it!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I told her not to bother you with it. After all, you're always so busy with other things.”

Hugh nods in agreement. “I saw it, and I still don't understand it myself!”

Arc sighs. “That was... complicated. I think you all know I would have done anything to get Derpy back!”

Xenos looks to Arc soberly. “Yes sir! However, you’re not the only one who has last somepony important to them.”

“I understand that. However, I don't want to tell them it was due in part to a dark magical artifact given by a creature of pure evil in exchange for their soul! Ponies would start calling out to the Dark One in desperation! Next thing you know, he would have an army and Equestria would be in ruins!”

Sandstorm Mirage pictures the image in his mind. “I guess I never really thought about it. When you put it like that, it doesn't seem worth it!”

Arc’s eye twitches. “Exactly! To say nothing of Tempest NOT dying!”

Flash Sentry again looks to him concerned. “Sir? Are you okay?”

“Sorry. It's just... this whole idea of creatures coming back from the dead... or REFUSING ENTIRELY to die and stay dead! It's kinda grating on me!”

Max looks nervous. “Sir, I think maybe you need to lie down. This job may be driving you a little... um...”

“Crazy, Max?”

Max coughs and looks down at the floor. “You're words, not mine sir!”

“Come on! You think I was imagining the princess’ strange behavior and Captain Decimus' return, don’t you?”

Flash Sentry nods sheepishly. “Well... yes sir. I mean, it's just so... outrageous!”

Max turns to the lieutenant. “Should we call the hospital? Maybe the commander just needs a medical examination.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Uh... you guys realize I'm still standing here, right?”

There is a knock at the office door. Arc turns and calls out.

“Come!”

Raven enters the office levitating a sealed scroll.

“Commander, this notice was just delivered.”

Arc nods. “Read it.”

Raven looks to Arc, confused. “Sir?”

“Break the seal and read it aloud please.”

“Oh… very well commander.”

Raven does as she it told and opens the scroll.

“This notice is to inform all military personnel of the recent discovery that Captain Decimus of the Royal Guard is indeed alive and well. The princesses apologize for any grief his supposed death has caused. Captain Decimus has requested that this matter be dropped entirely from everypony's mind, as we all have much more important duties to attend to. Subsequently, Captain Decimus' funeral is canceled. Best regards... Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.”

Raven seems unable to understand what she has just read.

“This is... impossible! How in Celestia's name did he...?!”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “Still think I'm cracking up?”

Flash Sentry turns to Raven. “Are you absolutely certain that notice is legitimate?”

Raven nods. “Yes sir. It has all the proper markings and the seal was certainly authentic, however...”

“However...?”

“It's just... the wording of this message was, shall we say, less than royal. Now, I'm not trying to criticize the princesses, but that message really sounded either rushed or written by somepony who is completely overworked!”

Arc nods. “Thank you Raven. Post that notice outside the barracks so everyone can see it.”

“Yes sir.”

Raven leaves the room to carry out Arc's orders. Flash Sentry looks over to Arc apologetically.

“I'm sorry for doubting you sir. What do we do now?”

Arc frowns. “All I know is something in Canterlot stinks!”

Xenos looks to him, confused. “Stinks?”

“I mean something is up! Although I can't investigate this right now, as I told both princesses and the captain, that I was heading to the Dragon Lands on a diplomatic mission.”

Hugh nods. “When do we leave sir?”

"Sorry, but I must go alone. The instructions were to not bring any ponies with me. These villages have been... wronged by ponies in the past.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “Wronged? When?”

“It happened centuries ago.”

Xenos rolls his eyes. “And they still hold it against us?!”

Arc nods. “Hatred is not so easily dispelled. Tell me Xenos. How do you feel about Tempest?”

The stallion angrily stomps the floor. “I hate her for what she did to Miss Pommel!”

“Would you still feel that way if you lived for centuries?”

“I... yes sir, I would.”

Arc sighs. “In any case, I need all of you to investigate this while I am gone.”

Max nods soberly! “We’ll do our best, sir! Where should we begin?”

Arc turns to look out the window. “I can only assume the princess' behavior and the return of Captain Decimus are somehow connected.”

Sandstorm Mirage looks to Arc. “Any idea how sir?”

“Other than the notion that Captain Decimus has somehow drugged the princesses, I haven't a clue. I feel strongly that whatever it is, Decimus is at the center. You all will continue to investigate him while I am gone."

Arc turns to Max. “Did you get those pictures developed that we took on our mission to Canterlot Castle?”

“Yes sir. I didn't have time to look them over though before the captain was killed. After that it just didn't seem to be that important.”

Arc nods. “Well, see what information they have to offer.”

He turns to Flash Sentry.

“Flash Sentry, you’re in charge of this investigation until I return. I’ll expect a complete report later. Sandstorm Mirage will be in command of Light's Hope, as you can't conduct an investigation AND run this facility at the same time.”

Flash Sentry nods as does Sandstorm Mirage. “Thank you sir.”

“I’ll take care of things here, sir!”

Arc nods. “Thanks everyone. I'm counting on you, as is all of Equestria! Now if you will excuse me, I have to pack a few things for my trip before I meet my friends for lunch.”

He leaves the office and heads back to his quarters to gather a few things which he puts in his ring before heading to the Cafeteria. Twilight, Auriel, Ember, Derpy, Sassy Saddles, and Dinky are already there! Saffron is just heading over with Arc's meal.

Arc sits down at the table in front of his plate. “Sorry I'm a bit late. It's been quite the day so far!”

Twilight smiles at him. “That's okay! We understand how busy you must be getting caught back up.”

Derpy nods in agreement. “Dinky here was just telling us all about your trip! It sounds like quite the adventure!”

Ember laughs! “Never a dull moment with Arc around!”

Auriel smiles! “Thank you for taking me with, you Arc! I feel like I learned so much!

“I'm glad you all enjoyed the trip. So, how are the clothes coming along Sassy Saddles?”

“Just fine! I've taken all the measurements and Auriel has picked out the colors and materials she wants! Now it's just a matter of making a couple patterns, cutting the fabric out, and sewing the pieces together! Thank you for the opportunity to make something like this Arc!”

Arc nods. “It's no problem! Oh, that reminds me! Take this!”

He sets a bag of bits on the table in front of Sassy Saddles. She shakes her head.

“That's alright. You can wait to pay me until after you're satisfied with my work. It shouldn't take more than a couple days.”

Auriel smiles happily! “I think this should help bridge the gap between the ponies and I!”

Ember shrugs. “At the very least, it won't hurt.”

“That's the thing Sassy Saddles. I... actually have to leave town for a bit. I'm overdue for a trip to visit the Dragon Lands. There are a couple potential allies living there that have requested that I see them.”

Ember looks to Arc, angrily! “I hope you weren't thinking of leaving me out of this!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, I suppose we could call you an envoy of the Dragon Lord. You being Torch's daughter and all.”

“Great! When do we leave?”

“After lunch.”

Twilight looks to Arc, quizzically. “What's the rush?”

Derpy nods. “Yeah Arc! You just got home! Dinky and I were hoping you would stick around a bit longer.”

Arc sighs. “I'm sorry about this, but I already told the princesses I was going.”

He leans in closer to the group and lowers his voice.

“That and I need to use this mission as a smoke-screen. You see, I spoke to the princesses this morning after I returned from town. They seemed... unusually jovial. Giddy even!”

Twilight looks to Arc, worried! “Do you think something’s wrong with them?!”

“Maybe. Or it could simply be the fact that Captain Decimus is alive!”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide! “What?! But I thought...”

Ember shakes her head angrily! “That's... not possible.”

Derpy shakes her head in disbelief! “I saw his smashed helmet! How did he...?!”

“I have no idea. But he was with the princesses earlier today!”

Twilight looks worried! “Well, after lunch I'm going to Canterlot to check on Cadance!”

Arc nods! “Fine. Just... stay away from Captain Decimus if at all possible! If you uncover anything call Flash Sentry here at Light's Hope. He’ll be spearheading the investigation while I'm gone.”

She nods! “Will do!”

“And please be careful! Don't take any crazy risks, Twilight!

Derpy smiles. “Like you do Arc?”

“Hey now! I take risks so others don't have to. Besides...”

Arc looks back to Twilight.

“...I don't want to lose any more friends. Okay Twilight?”

Twilight nods. “I understand. Don't worry about a thing!”

Arc stands up. “Sorry to cut this short, but I need to get going. But before I do, there’s one last thing I want to say."

He looks over to Dinky.

“Dinky, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of what you did in Dodge Junction. And not just at the fire! You've shown a very high level of maturity in your desire to help others. Keep that up and you'll go far in this world."

The little filly trots over to Arc as he kneels down and jumps in his arms to hug him.

“Thanks dad! Now you be careful on your trip now! Mom and I need you to come home safely!”

“I will sweetheart! You be good now.”

Arc looks over to Ember.

“You ready?

Ember nods. “Just let me go back to our room to get my spear and I'll be set!”

“Okay. Let's go!”

Derpy waves nervously. “Take care of yourselves out there!”

“We will.”

“Don't worry Derpy. I'll keep an eye on him!”

Arc turns back. “Oh, Sassy Saddles! Come back here at suppertime for a good meal and a place to rest. You can stay in one of my guest rooms.”

“Thank you very much! I will!”

Arc and Ember leave the cafeteria together as the others continue their meal.

Auriel sighs. “Arc sure is one lucky human to have so many friends who care for and worry about him.”

Twilight nods in agreement! “Yes! And we're lucky to have him!”

Auriel turns to Sassy Saddles. “What do you think? Do you believe Arc will ever take Cherry Jubilee up on her offer?”

Derpy looks confused. “What offer was that?”

“While we were there she asked if Arc would take her as his wife!”

Twilight and Derpy’s eyes grow wide! “WHAT?!?!”

Auriel shrinks back, nervously! “He… he said no, but... I get the feeling he really wanted to say yes!”

Derpy and Twilight fall backwards off their chairs!

“Mom? Are you okay?!”

Sassy Saddles hurries around the table! “Twilight!”

Derpy sits up at Dinky reaches her. “I-I'm okay dear. It just came as such a surprise! What brought this on?!”

“Dad, he... he really likes Miss Cherry and all! And she likes him too! I'd be lying if I said I hadn't hoped he and you would... you know... get married and all! But I just want dad to be happy!”

Twilight looks downcast. “I... I should have tried harder!”

Auriel turns to her. “What was that Twilight?”

“It was nothing! I mean... I hope Arc finds happiness one day with the mare of his dreams! But... I was kinda hoping it would be... me...”

Twilight blushes heavily as Derpy turns to her!

“Twilight? I'm sorry! I had no idea you felt this way!”

“I do, but... nothing is set in stone yet! I still have a chance!”

Dinky looks to her mother. “What about Miss Ember?”

Derpy sighs. “Her father already said no, but I get the feeling she isn't giving up that easily.”

Twilight sighs as well! “Ember too?! Arc really does have quite a few choices available to him!”

Sassy Saddles smiles. “So many marefriends! Arc must truly be quite the stallion!”

Meanwhile, Arc waits as Ember grabs her spear and a few other items from his quarters.

“Is it really going to be okay for you to keep going home like this? I mean, you are banished after all!”

Ember calls out from the bedroom. “As long as I don't hang around TOO long, I doubt my father will mind. Besides... I'll be with you! He'll be so happy to see you that I doubt he'll even notice me.”

Ember sighs.

“Listen Ember, I'm sure your father cares about you very much. He just isn't very good at showing it.”

Ember nods. “I know he does, but... Look, can we just get moving?!”

“Sure.”

The pair step onto the sigil as Arc calls forth his armor and activates it! A moment later the pair find themselves in Ember's small house.

“It feels good to be home. Not that I don't enjoy living with you Arc!”

Arc chuckles. “It's okay Ember. I know what you meant. Well, shall we go see the Dragon Lord?”

Ember walk forward and puts her claws around Arc's neck. “What's the rush? Why don't we spend some alone time together?”

“I'll pass.”

Ember lets go of Arc and shrugs. “Can't blame a dragon for trying! I know you and Cherry are an item and all, but there isn't a ring involved yet!”

“And there probably won't ever be. Let's go!”

Arc and Ember walk out her front door and proceed to the Throne of the Dragon Lord. As the two approach the Dragon Lord appears pleased!

“ARC! IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN! WORD HAS REACHED US OF YOUR VALOR IN DEFEATING YOUR LAND'S GREATEST WARRIOR! IS THIS TRUE?!”

“Only partially Dragon Lord. I didn’t fight alone. It was a group effort.”

“SUCH MODESTY IN SO POWERFUL A WARRIOR! BUT THAT IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT WE HEARD JUST A FEW DAYS AGO! IS IT TRUE YOU FELLED AN ALL-POWERFUL UNICORN WHOM HAD TRIED TO LAY WASTE TO THE CAPITAL CITY OF CANTERLOT?!”

“I did indeed strike the final blow. However, I did have help carrying out my plan! That creature will never again harm anyone else! You should also know that while I was doing that, your daughter Ember here was holding the Gates of Canterlot against an unending horde of monsters!”

The Dragon Lord turns to his daughter.

“IS THIS TRUE EMBER?!”

Ember nods. “Y-yes father, it's true!”

“I could not be in two places at once! The citizens of Canterlot were fortunate that she was there to fight on their behalf! She was even brave enough to face the megalomaniac pony as she entered town!”

Dragon Lord Torch frowns at his daughter. “EMBER, WHY DID YOU NOT FELL THIS OPPONENT?! WHY DID IT AGAIN FALL TO ARC TO SAVE EVERYONE?!”

“Please Dragon Lord! Ember did her best! However, she didn't have the proper... items required to defeat her opponent. In her defense, if she had used her newfound power against me, I don't think I would be standing here!”

“YES... I CAN FEEL THAT YOUR POWER HAS GROWN SINCE LAST WE SPOKE, EMBER! I TOLD YOU STAYING WITH ARC WAS THE BEST WAY FOR YOU TO LEARN!”

Ember looks confused. “Father? But I thought...”

“AGREE WITH ME!!!”

“Yessir!”

“NOW, I DO BELIEVE YOU ARE STILL BANISHED EMBER! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!”

“Forgive me Dragon Lord, but the last time I was here I believe you gave me permission to enter the Dragon Lands as I saw fit.”

“THAT I DID!”

Arc nods. “You also told me that privilege was extended to anyone who accompanied me.”

Dragon Lord Torch nods. “I BELIEVE I SEE WHERE THIS IS GOING! VERY WELL! EMBER MAY REMAIN IN THE DRAGON LANDS! BUT ONLY IF SHE IS ACCOMPANIED BY YOU PERSONALLY, ARC!”

“Thank you, father!”

“DO NOT THANK ME EMBER! THANK ARC FOR HIS CUNNING MIND, STRONG ARMS AND BRAVE TONGUE! BUT IN ANY CASE...”

The Dragon Lord looks back to Arc.

“...WHAT HAS BROUGHT YOU HERE TODAY ARC?”

“I was invited by Hydra Prime Ikis to the hydra village. Before I make my way there, I was hoping you could advise me on how to properly address them.”

Ember nods. “Arc is worried he might say or do something wrong and start a war.”

“HE IS WISE TO AVOID TROUBLE WITH THE HYDRA! FEAR NOT ARC! THEY ARE A DOCILE RACE WHO THINK VERY HIGHLY OF YOUR PAST DEEDS! AS LONG AS YOU TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT!”

Arc nods. “Thank you Dragon Lord. I was also planning on visiting Forsaken Village while I am here.”

The Dragon Lord narrows his eyes. “HOW DO YOU KNOW OF THAT PLACE?!”

“In another of my adventures, I accidentally rescued one of their members. He told me to come visit him in Forsaken Village on the southern beach of the island.”

“It's true father! His name was Kane, and he really was quite grateful to Arc for releasing him!”

“KANE?! I HAVE NOT HEARD THAT NAME IN A VERY LONG TIME!”

“Do you know him father?”

“YES! HOWEVER, THAT IS A TALE BEST TOLD BY THEIR TRIBE'S LEADER, MATRIARCH IRIS! THEY ARE A BIT MORE... SAVAGE THAN US DRAGONS. BUT AS YOU HAVE ALREADY MET ONE OF THEIR NUMBER, THEY SHOULD BE SOMEWHAT ACCEPTING OF YOU!”

“Do you believe they will attack us?”

“THEY WOULDN'T DARE ATTACK THE DAUGHTER OF THE DRAGON LORD! DOING SO WOULD BE TO THROW AWAY CENTURIES OF PEACE BETWEEN OUR RACES!”

Ember breathes a sigh of relief! “That's good to know. But, what about Arc?”

“ARC IS MOST LIKELY SIGNIFICANTLY STRONGER THAN THEIR MOST POWERFUL WARRIORS! THEY WILL CHALLENGE HIM AT SOME POINT TO GAUGE HIS STRENGTH! BUT FEAR NOT! I AM CONFIDANT THAT ARC WILL EMERGE VICTORIOUS! WHEN YOU ARE CHALLENGED YOU MUST ACCEPT IMMEDIATELY AND WITHOUT HESITATION, LEST IT BE SEEN AS WEAKNESS, MY FRIEND!”

“Thank you for the advice Dragon Lord. I will put it to good use.”

“YOU SHOULD GO TO THE HYDRA VILLAGE FIRST! I WILL HAVE ONE OF OUR DRAGONS SHOW YOU TWO THE WAY!”

the Dragon Lord looks over at a smaller dragon hovering a short distance away.

“YOU! BITE-SIZE! YOU WILL ESCORT THESE TWO TO THE HYDRA VILLAGE AT ONCE!”

The small dragon nods happily! She looks somewhat out of place among her kind, what with her long tongue, happy demeanor and wings that look more like they belong on a butterfly!

“Yes, I will!”

“SHE WILL SEE TO IT YOU MAKE IT TO THE HYDRA VILLAGE QUICKLY AND SAFELY! AND IF SHE DOESN'T, I'LL SHOW HER WHY I CALL HER ‘BITE-SIZED’!”

The little dragon nods! “I will do a good thing!”

Ember frowns. “Uh... thanks?”

“SHE MAY BE A BIT... STRANGE, BUT YOU CAN COUNT ON HER! NOW GO!”

“Farewell Dragon Lord. Thank you for the help.”

“VISIT AGAIN SOON… HERO OF LIGHT!”

The small dragon leads the pair down the street. Arc looks their guide over skeptically.

“So... what's your name?”

“Brightwing! Brightwing like you lots! Please be friend! Oh, please! Oh, please!”

Arc raises an eyebrow at her response. “Um... sure. So... you really know where you're going now... right?”

She nods! “Brightwing going... going, going! You are new friend? Yay! I love you friend!”

Ember turns to Brightwing, angrily! “Just don't get too close to Arc! He's mine!”

Brightwing flutters a short distance away! “Woo! Scary voice! Brightwing no like! Things like you should no talk!”

Arc laughs! “What's the matter Ember? Scared of a little dragon competition?”

Ember turns away from him huffily! “I'm fine with sharing you with the ponies, but I draw the line with other dragons!”

Brightwing looks to Ember. “Why are you so mean, meanie?!”

“You want to throw down?!”

Brightwing appears almost giddy at the thought! “Fight time!”

Arc quickly steps between them! “Easy there you two! Ember you can't beat up Brightwing! She's the only one who knows where we are going!”

Ember looks at Brightwing angrily! “You're lucky Arc is here to hold me back!”

She smiles happily! “I will be very happy to tear you limb from limb if you continue!”

“Wow... are all dragons like this at that age?!”

Ember shakes her head. “N-no! At least I sure hope not! I mean... I wasn't... I think.”

Brightwing giggles! “I like happy things! Like puppies, and rainbows, and... dead enemies!”

Arc turns to Ember. “Are you sure about that? I'm seeing quite a few similarities between the two of you.”

Ember throws her claws up, exasperated! “I'm not sure of anything right now!”

Brightwing looks to Ember with her cheerful expression unchanged. “Your words are hard to make together talking for expressing things!”

Arc looks at the dragon, extremely confused! “Um… I really don’t even know what you just said!”

Ember points a claw at Brightwing's chest! “Now look here whelpling...”

Brightwing interrupts her! Happy, but confused. “Why poke Brightwing? Ooh! Is it because you want Brightwing to gnaw flesh from finger?!”

Arc sighs as Ember and Brightwing continue to argue “This is going to be a LONG walk...”

Chapter 3 - Hydra Village

Arc, Ember, and Brightwing make their way toward the Hydra Village with Brightwing in the lead.

“Are you sure you know where you're going, runt?”

Brightwing nods! “Brightwing will help you!”

Ember frowns. “That doesn't really answer my question, you little...”

Brightwing suddenly stops and sniff the air!

“This bad thing! I am ready for battling! Are you ready, friend?”

Arc looks around. “What is this ‘bad thing’ you speak of small one?

As if on cue, a large horde of what can only be described as pterodactyls descends on the group! Brightwing smiles!

“Do you think we should attack now? I do!”

Arc brings out his spear and stands with Ember! “Stay safe, Brightwing! We'll handle this!”

Brightwing flutters toward the monsters! “It is time to attack the bad monsters!”

Ember chuckles! “Finally, we agree on something!”

“Here they come!”

The creatures attack in what appears to be a squad formation. Brightwing smiles and advancing fearlessly!

“Let us make their insides... outsides...”

Arc turns to Brightwing! “Fine, whatever! Just be careful!”

Arc and Ember both spear their assailants and throw them at their comrades!

“They're not so tough!”

Arc looks around! “They're testing us! Looking for weaknesses!”

Brightwing looks at the pair and giggles happily!

“You sure are good at murder!”

“Brightwing! Look out!”

Brightwing Blinks away just in time to avoid being dive-bombed! Her assailant finds itself suddenly impaled by a sharp branch behind where the small dragon previously was! She looks to her attacker, happily!

“This will only hurt until you die!”

Ember breathes fire at several opponents! “They just keep coming!”

Brightwing smiles! “I agree! Yes, I do!”

Arc is knocked down by half a dozen of the creatures! “Little help here?!”

Brightwing flutters toward Arc, smiling. “Brightwing will help you! Yes, yes!”

She lands in front of Arc and spreads her wings wide! Suddenly magical winds blow outward in all directions throwing them off Arc!

Brightwing grabs Arc’s gauntlet in her toothless mouth in an effort to help him stand up! “We are the best! We will win without a doubt!”

The rest of the creatures turn tail and flee!

Arc looks after them as he stands. “I guess they had enough.”

Brightwing flies over to one of the dead creatures and smiles! “Doing bad things is bad! And now you are dead!”

The little dragon flies over to another dead creature.

“Did you suffer greatly?! I hope so!”

Arc turns to her and makes a face. “Uh Brightwing...? Can you not do that please? It's kinda freaking me out!”

Brightwing nods. “Okay friend!”

Arc walks over to Ember to help her up. She grimaces!

“Ow! Easy!”

“Ember! You're hurt!”

Ember holds her side as blood oozes from a wound. “Don't worry about me. It's just a scratch. I'll be fine.”

Brightwing flies over to Ember, happily! “Friends be healed!”

Ember pushes Brightwing away! “Get away from me, you little freak!”

Brightwing appear sad. “Oh, I do not want to do this!”

Arc looks to Ember. “Uh... is it just me, or did the bleeding just stop?”

Ember looks at her wound, surprised! “That's strange. Dragons are known for their regenerative nature, but this is extraordinary!”

Brightwing nods! “Friend was in trouble! Needed help!”

“Do you need me to carry you Ember? Now I know dragons don't like to be seen as weak, but...”

Ember shakes her head. “No. I'm actually feeling okay!”

“What? How?!”

Ember looks at Brightwing. “Did you... have anything to do with this?!”

Brightwing smiles! “Yes, I will!”

“But why?”

The baby dragon flutters around carefree! “Being alive is much better than dead! But that is what you deserve for being mean!”

Arc shakes his head at Brightwing’s grammar. “We should move on. But before we do...”

He opens a portal to Light's Hope and uses his magic to pick up the half dozen or so dead creatures and tosses them through.

“What are you doing?”

“It would be a shame to waste the meat!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Do you ever think of anything other than food?”

“Sure! I also think of eating!”

She throws her claws up in a futile gesture and rolls her eyes. “I got nothing!”

The group continues on their way with Brightwing again in the lead. Arc turns to Ember.

“How do you suppose she did that?”

Ember shrugs. “No idea. I've never heard of a dragon, much less a whelpling, being able to use healing magic before!”

“The Dragon Lands certainly have their share of mysteries.”

“I'll say.”

Arc looks at Ember’s side. “How's the wound?”

“It's completely healed now! I'm not trying to sound ungrateful but... I would really like to know how that’s possible.”

“Well let's not look a gift horse in the mouth, shall we?”

Ember looks confused. “What?”

“I mean, let's just be grateful and not worry about it.”

“Fine.”

Soon they arrive at the base of a large mountain. Brightwing flies around in a celebratory manner.

“Yay for us! That was done well!”

Arc looks around. “Are you saying we're here Brightwing?”

The little dragon nods happily!

Ember frowns! “But there's nothing here! Where's the village?”

“Brightwing did good thing!”

Ember turns to the fluttering dragon. “You got rocks in your head?! THERE'S... NOTHING... HERE!!!”

Brightwing spits at a small rock nearby. It rolls toward the mountain, but instead of stopping when it hits the rocky outcropping, it disappears!

“What the...?!”

“Brightwing has secret for friend! Does friend know secret?!”

Arc looks at Brightwing. “Is the secret that the mountain is an illusion?”

Brightwing happily nods her head. She turns to look in the direction from which them came before channeling some kind of strange magic.

“I must fly away now, very fast!”

In a flash of light Brightwing is gone.

“Would it be a safe bet that Brightwing just teleported back to the Dragon Lord?”

Ember nods. “I would say so yes, but... I wouldn't mind knowing how she did that!”

“What do you mean? Don't all dragons have magic?”

“Yes. While some are stronger than others, we all have at least some magical ability. However, to use Dragon Magic for a long-range teleport like that is VERY taxing on our mana!”

Arc thinks back to his recent trip to Tartarus. “Yeah... I figured that out the hard way.”

“I don't know if even my father has the magical prowess to do such a thing! To say nothing for a whelpling!

Arc thinks for a moment. “We should ask the Dragon Lord about this later. But for now, we should keep moving.”

Embers looks at the illusionary rock before them. “Well... shall we?”

“Scared?”

Ember shakes her head! “No!”

Arc looks at her, not saying anything.

“Okay... maybe a little...”

Arc holds out his gauntlet toward Ember.

“Together then.”

Taking Ember's claw in his gauntlet, the pair walk slowly toward the mountain. Meeting no resistance, they effortlessly pass through it! What they see before them takes their breath away!

Arc looks at the scene before them, wide-eyed! “WOAH! I did not see that coming!”

“It's... paradise!”

Before them spread rolling hills, lush green (and huge) trees, bubbling brooks and docile wildlife!

“Ember?”

“Yes?”

“Um… you can let go of my hand now.”

She looks to Arc with a devilish grin on her face. “Why?”

“Well, for starters, we ARE on a diplomatic mission here. I don't want the hydra getting the wrong idea about us.”

Ember lets go of Arc's gauntlet. “Aw... you're no fun! So, where do you think the hydra are?”

As if on cue, the earth beneath their feet begins to tremble! A moment later two large hydras burst through the ground directly below them! The pair are thrown high into the air! Ember quickly spreads her wings and grab Arc's hand!

“HANG ON, ARC!”

“DO I HAVE A CHOICE?!”

A moment later tendrils grab Arc and Ember! They are slammed to the ground roughly as their assailants come into view!

“HUNTERS!!!”

“AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, THEY STILL COME FOR US!”

“DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE! THEY'LL BRING OTHERS!”

Arc jumps up! “Wait! We're just here to see Hydra Prime Ikis!”

Ember stand! “That's right! I'm...”

“LIES!!!”

One of them points a tendril to Arc!

“THIS ONE WEARS THE SCALES OF OUR BRETHREN AND REEKS OF PONY STENCH!”

“WE WILL AVENGE OUR FALLEN COMRADES THIS DAY!”

Arc looks at his armor! “Now hold on just a minute! This isn't what it looks like!”

One of the hydras hurls a large boulder at Arc and Ember! “DIE!!!”

Ember dodges it! Turning back to the errant hydra, angrily! “That's it!”

Raising her spear, she and calls forth her power.

"All right! Let's do this!”

Holy Dragoon Ember lunges at the pair in anger as Arc calls out after her.

“EMBER! WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE ON A PEACE MISSION, REMEMBER?!”

She looks back at Arc. “WELL, THINGS WILL BE A LOT MORE ‘PEACEFUL’ AFTER I KNOCK THESE TWO OUT!”

Arc facepalms. “This can't be happening...

Ember punches one of the hydras in the face. He staggers back to fall on his comrade.

Holy Dragoon Ember lands and taunts her opponents. “IF ARC CAN BEST ONE OF YOU, I SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM DOING THE SAME!”

“THE DRAGON ADMITS HER AND HER FRIEND HAVE KILLED OUR KIND!”

“THEY MUST BE STOPPED HERE!”

As the hydra collect their wits for another attack, Ember flies headlong at them!

“I’m gonna knock the two of you into next week!!!”

The hydra turn around! Together they pick up a large boulder and heave it at Ember! She smashes through the bolder, not slowing down!

“Oh no you don't!”

Moments before Ember collides with the hydra, Arc grabs her with his magic and forcefully pulls her back to him! Catching her, he sets her down next to him!

“Stop it now! We didn't come here to fight!”

Holy Dragoon Ember turns to Arc angrily! “Well, what else do you expect me to do?!”

“Let me handle this!”

She folds her arms over her chest. “Okay, but if they take another shot at me, it... is... ON!!!”

The hydra charges forward as Arc calmly walks toward them. He kneels down and places a strange sigil on the ground. Standing, he touches the scale on his shoulder! The ground begins to shake! A moment later the Marquis bursts through the ground under the sigil with Arc on his head and roars loudly!

“ARC?! YOU CAME!”

Arc looks down, still on his friend’s head. “I told you I would when I had time. However at the moment we appear to have a failure to communicate with the hydra welcoming committee here.”

Seeing the Marquis, the other hydra cease their attack! The Marquis turns to his brethren.

“DO NOT WORRY! THESE TWO ARE WITH ME!”

One of the hydra points a tendril at Arc. “BUT MARQUIS! THIS ONE WEARS OUR SCALES AS A TROPHY!!!”

“THAT AND HE AND HIS COMPANION HAVE THE SCENT OF PONIES ON THEM!”

The Marquis points a tendril at Arc. “THIS IS THE ONE I SPOKE OF UPON MY RETURN! IT WAS BY HIS HAND THAT I WAS FREED FROM TARTARUS! HE AND HIS COMPANION ARE TO BE REGARDED AS FRIENDS! HYDRA PRIME IKIS HIMSELF HAS EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO MEET WITH ONE AS SELFLESS AS HIM!”

“BUT...!”

The Marquis interrupts him. “THAT AND IF HE HAD WANTED TO, HE COULD HAVE VERY EASILY DEFEATED THE TWO OF YOU! CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY HE IS SO PATIENT!”

“I SEE! FAR BE IT FROM US TO SPEAK AGAINST A FRIEND OF HYDRA PRIME IKIS AND THE MARQUIS!”

His companion turns to Arc. “PLEASE FORGIVE OUR EARLIER IMPERTINENCE!”

Holy Dragoon Ember turns to the pair, angrily! “Forgive?! You tried to KILL us!!!”

Arc puts a gauntlet on Ember's shoulder. “Let it go Ember! We're both fine, and that's really all that matters, right?”

Ember returns to normal as she recalls her power. “Fine...”

The Marquis looks to the other hydra. “YOU SEE?! A PARAGON OF VIRTUE!”

He turns to Arc and Ember.

“PLEASE FORGIVE MY BRETHREN! THEY ONLY WISHED TO PROTECT THE VILLAGE'S EXSISTANCE! COME! I WILL ESCORT YOU TO HYDRA PRIME IKIS, PERSONALLY!”

“Thanks!”

The Marquis, Arc, and Ember make their way down the path, leaving the two hydra behind.

Arc recalls his armor and turns to the Marquis. “So... what kind of hydra is your leader?”

“THE HYDRA PRIME IS VERY OLD AND WISE! HE IS ONE OF ONLY A FEW OF US WHO STILL REMEMBER THE OPPRESSION MY PEOPLE FACED AT THE HOOVES OF THE PONIES! I STILL REMEMBER A TIME WHEN HE WAS STILL YOUNG AND FULL OF ANGER TOWARD EQUESTRIA FOR WHAT THEY DID! HOWEVER, AGE AND TIME SEEMS TO HAVE SOFTENED HIS HEART ON SUCH MATTERS!"

Ember appears impressed! Wow! Exactly how old is he?”

“HE IS AS OLD AS THE MOUNTAINS, AND AS YOUNG AS A NEWBORN LAMB!”

“That doesn't really answer the question.”

The Marquis smiles! “INDEED IT DOES NOT! HOWEVER, IF YOU WERE TO ASK HIM YOURSELF THAT IS WHAT HE WOULD ANSWER!”

Arc nods. “Do you have any idea why he's interested in seeing me?”

“OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT HE SEEMED VERY IMPRESSED BY WHAT I TOLD HIM OF YOUR DEEDS? ON HIS LAST VISIT, DRAGON LORD TORCH WAS ALSO KIND ENOUGH TO VOUCH FOR YOUR CHARACTER, ARC! HE ALSO TOLD US A FEW MORE STORIES OF YOUR MORE RECENT EXPLOITS THAT HAD REACHED THE DRAGON LANDS!"

Ember laughs. “You hear that Arc?! You're famous!”

Arc sighs. “Hooray for me...”

“Is that a problem?”

“I'm not completely sure but... I would guess that fame comes with a heavy burden.”

Ember looks confused. “What do you mean?”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding. “Well, let's use the princesses as an example. They're probably the most famous mares in all the land after all! Everyone knows their names. Everyone knows their faces. Everyone absolutely LOVES them, right?”

Ember nods! “I guess. What are you getting at?”

“Let's say they suddenly feel like going to visit an old friend. If it was me, I could simply walk there or take the train. However, if they were to do the same, they wouldn't be able to take more than a dozen steps without being mobbed by their loyal subjects showering them with adoration!”

“That really doesn't sound as bad as you make it out to be Arc.”

“It seems like it would get old quick. Hopefully I never get THAT popular.”

The Marquis nods! “A WISE STATEMENT! SIMILARLY, WE HYDRA LIKE TO STAY UNDER WRAPS AS IT WERE!”

The trio continues on their way. Soon they reach their destination! As they enter the village, they see it is comprised of many subterranean dwellings! As the other hydra see Arc and Ember they quickly flee into their homes! The Marquis turns to the pair and looks at them apologetically.

“DO NOT TAKE IT AS AN OFFENSE YOU TWO! THEY ARE SIMPLY UNUSED TO SEEING NON-HYDRA WALKING THEIR STREETS!”

“It's okay, Marquis. I went through this in Ponyville when I first arrived.”

Ember nods. “Yeah, me too. Dragons aren't exactly a welcome sight in Equestria either.”

The Marquis leads the pair to what is the only above ground building in town. It appears to be the Town Hall. They enter the building together to see a very old hydra sitting in front of a large fireplace.

“IKIS, THE HUMAN I SPOKE TO YOU ABOUT HAS COME!”

He turns to face Arc and Ember slowly. “WELCOME, ARC OF EQUESTRIA! WE HAVE HEARD MANY GREAT THINGS ABOUT YOU! MY GOOD FRIEND THE MARQUIS HERE SPEAKS QUITE HIGHLY OF YOUR ACTIONS AND DEEDS!”

Hydra Prime Ikis looks at the insignia on Arc's shoulder.

“I SEE THAT THE STORIES OF YOU BECOMING EQUESTRIA'S HERO OF LIGHT ARE WELL FOUNDED! IF WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IS TRUE, AND I HAVE NO REASON TO DOUBT IT, EQUESTRIA HAS NOTHING TO FEAR FROM IT'S ENEMIES!”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence. Oh! I'm sorry. My friend here is Ember. She's Dragon Lord Torch's daughter.”

Hydra Prime Ikis nods to her. “AH YES! IT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE I LAST SAW YOU, LADY EMBER! IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU HAVE GROWN UP INTO A FINE YOUNG DRAGON!”

Ember looks confused. “Sorry, but I don't remember the meeting.”

“I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF YOU DID! YOU WERE BUT A WHELPLING! ONLY A FEW DAYS OUT OF THE EGG! I JOURNEYED TO PYRESTON TO CONGRATULATE THE DRAGON LORD ON BECOMING A FATHER! I'M SAD TO SAY I HAVE NOT KEPT IN TOUCH BETTER OVER THE YEARS! I HOPE HE IS WELL!”

“Yes. He is still in vibrant good health and good spirits!”

The hydra prime looks back to Arc. “I HEAR YOU EVEN SURVIVED THE DRAGON LORDS WRATH!”

Ember nods. “My father stopped before he reached Arc fortunately.”

Arc smiles. “Fortunately for him!”

“He would have crushed you, Arc!”

“I could have taken him!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “No, you couldn't have.”

Arc laughs! “Yeah, I know.”

All assembled enjoy a good laugh!

“AH, IT FEELS GOOD TO LAUGH! WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH LONGER I WILL HAVE THE CHANCE!”

The Marquis turns to his friend. “A GOOD MANY YEARS, I'M SURE!”

“ONE CAN BUT HOPE! IN ANY CASE... IT IS ALMOST SUPPERTIME! WILL THE THREE OF YOU JOIN ME AS MY GUESTS OF HONOR?!”

“BUT I JOIN YOU EVERY MEAL, OLD FRIEND!”

Hydra Prime Ikis nods! “YES, OLD FRIEND, I KNOW! BUT I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO FEEL LEFT OUT! HOW ABOUT YOU ARC? LADY EMBER?!”

Arc nods! “Thank you. I would be honored!”

“Sounds good to me! I'm starved!”

Hydra Prime Ikis shambles forward slowly. “VERY WELL THEN! FOLLOW ME!”

He leads them outside. A great many hydra have come together to partake in the communal meal. They seem a bit unnerved at the sight of outsiders

“CAN I HAVE EVERYONE'S ATTENTION PLEASE! TODAY WE HAVE THE GREAT HONOR OF HOSTING GUESTS FROM ABROAD!”

Hydra Prime Ikis gestures to Ember.

“THIS IS LADY EMBER, DAUGHTER OF DRAGON LORD TORCH!”

All the hydra bows at what Arc perceives to be their waists out of respect as Hydra Prime Ikis gestures to him.

“WE ALSO HAVE THE GREAT HONOR OF HAVING A GOOD FRIEND OF THE MARQUIS HERE WITH US TODAY! THIS IS ARC OF EQUESTRIA! HE WAS THE ONE WHO SAVED THE MARQUIS FROM TARTARUS, DEFEATED THE DEMON KING'S ARMY SINGLE-HANDEDLY, LIBERATED AN ENTIRE TOWN AND CURRENTLY SERVES AS EQUESTRIA'S HERO OF LIGHT!"

The other hydra are unsure of what to do or say, so they remain silent.

Ember mutters under her breath. “Awkward...”

“I HOPE EVERYONE WILL SHOW MY FRIEND THE SAME RESPECT THEY EXTENDED TO ME UPON MY ARRIVAL! WHILE HE MAY LOOK QUITE DIFFERENT FROM US, HE HAS PROVEN HIMSELF TO BE A TRUE FRIEND!”

Hydra Prime Ikis nods! “WELL SAID! NOW, WE MUST EAT!”

All the assembled hydra sit on the ground in small groups. A member of each group brings forth a large platter of various meats and sets it in the middle of their respective group. The hydra use their tendrils to pick up their food as they see fit! A younger hydra sets a large platter on the ground in front of Hydra Prime Ikis. He motions with a tendril to Arc and Ember.

“PLEASE! HELP YOURSELVES MY FRIENDS!”

Ember nods! Thanks! Don't mind if I do!”

“Thank you. I shall!”

Arc and Ember sit on the ground and partake of the meaty goodness! Although neither of them can figure out what any of the meats are, they are quite tasty nonetheless. They eat their fill. The Marquis turns to Arc and Ember.

“AFTER SUPPER IT IS TRADITIONAL TO PARTAKE IN THE ‘STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN’!”

Ember looks confused! “Listen to what?”

Hydra Prime Ikis looks over to them. “EACH OTHER! WE SIT AND TALK, SOMETIMES AT GREAT LENGTH, ABOUT WHATEVER WE FEEL LIKE! IT HELPS MAINTAIN THE PROPER LEVEL OF COMMUNITY AWARENESS!”

Arc nods. “What kind of things do you discuss?”

“WHATEVER COMES TO MIND! LIFE, LOVE, OUR FEELINGS, THE WEATHER, MOST ANYTHING!”

Ember looks around at the other hydra. “Very interesting! Although I must say, the name is a bit... strange. How did this tradition get started?”

Hydra Prime Ikis has a faraway look in his eyes. “IT WAS SOMETHING MY PREDECESSOR AND I DID TOGETHER FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE WE WERE FORCED TO FLEE OUR FORMER HOME! EVERY EVENING AFTER SUPPER HE WOULD SAY TO ME ‘STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN’!”

Hydra Prime Ikis appears lost in his own memories for a time.

“SADLY, HE DID NOT MAKE IT HERE! AFTER WE MADE THIS OUR NEW HOME, I EXPANDED THE RITUAL TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE TRIBE!”

“It sounds very therapeutic.”

“INDEED! EVERYONE WAS ON EDGE IN THIS STRANGE NEW LAND. WE WERE FEARFUL FOR THE FUTURE BACK THEN! WE USED THIS AS A WAY TO HELP CREATE A SENSE OF NORMALCY AND TOGETHERNESS!”

Arc turns to Hydra Prime Ikis. “Might I ask you a question sir?”

Hydra Prime Ikis laughs! “GO AHEAD! BUT ONLY IF YOU PLAN TO STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN.”

Arc nods. “Our good friend the Marquis told me about the history between the hydra and the ponies of Equestria. I was wondering how you felt about ponykind after all this time?”

Hydra Prime Ikis makes a sound between a sigh and a growl! “I AM ONE OF ONLY A FEW HYDRA WHO STILL REMEMBER FLEEING FOR OUR LIVES FROM THE HUNTERS AND THEIR CAGES! I... I WISH I COULD SAY I HAD MOVED ON FROM THAT TERRIBLE EVENT, BUT... IT APPEARS TIME DOES NOT HEAL ALL WOUNDS!”

The Marquis puts a tendril on his old friend’s shoulder. “WE ALL LOST MANY GOOD FRIENDS IN THOSE DAYS! THEY WILL BE MISSED!”

“I'm sorry for bringing up such a painful memory sir. Please forgive me!”

Hydra Prime Ikis shakes his head. “NO, NO! YOUR QUESTION WAS NOT INTENDED TO CAUSE PAIN OR SUFFERING! IT WAS PUT FORTH IN AN ATTEMPT TO GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING! THAT RIGHT THERE IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR THIS TIME OF ‘STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN’!”

"I am an outsider... a foreigner in a strange land not meant to house me! Admittedly, when I first found myself in Equestria I too was apprehensive and frightened of what the future might hold for me! While there wasn't exactly a mob with torches and pitchforks following me around, it was at that time a rather... lonely existence.”

Ember looks at him surprised! “Really? I never knew that Arc! As long as I've known you, you've always seemed quite happy in Ponyville!”

Arc nods. “To tell you the truth, it actually took quite a bit to get to that point. Twilight and her friends were instrumental in helping me bridge the gap between the ponies and what they thought of humans.”

Hydra Prime Ikis looks to Arc. “HOW DID THEY DO THAT?!”

“Mostly by giving me a place to stay and a job. It helped me get around town and helped them see that I was, at my core, just like them!”

“WHAT OF THE LAND YOU LEFT BEHIND?!”

“My land of my birth is known as Earth. It is much bigger than this world, and filled with billions of humans! Most of them are good, but... some of them could learn a thing or two about manners!”

The Marquis nods understandingly. “DO YOU MISS YOUR HOME?”

"A bit. Equestria is my home now. I had to leave many things and a few friends behind. However, the way I see it, I gained much more in coming here than I lost."

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!”

“I've made so many wonderful friends in the past year or so! That and I now have something I never dreamed I would! A daughter!”

The Marquis nods. “I DO NOT BELIEVE I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING HER WHEN LAST WE MET FOR TEA!”

“She's Derpy's daughter. She takes after her biological father in terms of appearance, but fortunately not his personality! I'll have to introduce you to her my friend! The two of you would get along famously!”

Ember nods! “That and she's just the cutest and sweetest little thing you've ever seen!”

“THANK YOU! I WOULD LIKE THAT!”

Ember looks over Arc's shoulder. “Uh... Arc?”

“Yes Ember?”

Ember points a claw behind Arc. He turns to find nearly the entire tribe has gathered behind him to listen!

Hydra Prime Ikis chuckles! “IT APPEARS YOU HAVE MADE QUITE THE IMPRESSION ON THEM ARC! WOULD YOU CARE TO ADDRESS THE TRIBE DIRECTLY?!”

“I guess I kinda have to at this point, huh?”

Ember nods! “Have at it!”

“VERY WELL! THE FLOOR IS YOURS!”

Arc stands to face the tribe. “I... uh... I guess what I want to say is... I'm sorry. Sorry for the way the Equestrian's treated you so long ago. From what I’ve heard, there really is no way to justify what was done. So much hydra blood was spilled... and for whom, for WHAT?! To wipe out an entire race just to acquire your humor?! Something you already gave freely to whomever needed it!”

Arc pauses a moment.

“I understand there really isn't anything I could do or say right now that would make the atrocities of the past disappear.”

The Marquis nods. “WE UNDERSTAND ARC! YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT WHAT IS RIGHT IN MY EYES FOR AS LONG AS I HAVE BORN WITNESS!”

Ember smiles at Arc. “The Marquis is right! You shouldn't be forced to bear the sins of the past yourself!”

“I understand that Ember. However I am a representative of Equestria right now, and as you know I take my duties very seriously!”

Ember turns and mutters to herself. “You're forgetting about cupcake time, Arc.”

Arc turns back to the other hydras. “I hope that both the hydra and ponykind can move forward and leave the past in the past.”

Hydra Prime Ikis sighs. “YOU HAVE ASKED MUCH OF US, ARC OF EQUESTRIA! SUCH FENCES ARE NOT EASILY MENDED! HOWEVER, I AM WILLING TO GIVE YOUR LEADERS A CHANCE! BUT THAT IS ALL I AM WILLING TO SAY ON THE MATTER AT THIS TIME!”

Arc nods soberly. “Thank you Hydra Prime Ikis! Considering the circumstances, I cannot ask for more than that! I will let the princesses know when I return to Canterlot.”

“TELL THE PRINCESSES THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MEET WITH THEM ALONG WITH MY FRIEND THE MARQUIS!”

“I will relay your message personally when I return to my base.”

The Marquis turns to his old friend! “IKIS! YOU SHOULD MEET WITH THE PRINCESSES AT ARC'S BASE! IT IS VERY INFORMAL, AND HIS CHEF MAKES THE MOST WONDERFUL TEA!”

Arc nods! “It's fine with me. I'll even have some of those cupcakes you like so much on hand, my friend!”

The Marquis drools slightly! “CUPCAKES...!”

“THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COME TO OUR VILLAGE AND SPEAK WITH US, ARC! IT MEANS A LOT TO US!

“It was my pleasure! Thank you for seeing us sir. But the hour grows late, and we must be getting back to Pyreston.”

“STAY SAFE OUT THERE ARC! AND KNOW THAT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN THE HYDRA AND THE PONIES, YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A FRIEND HERE!”

“Thanks! I hope to return soon with a favorable message.”

Arc stands and opens a portal. Ember turns to the Marquis.

“It was nice to see you again Marquis. I'll be sure to tell my father hi for you next time I see him.”

“THANK YOU, LADY EMBER! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! YOU TOO ARC!”

Arc smiles and nods. “Farewell...”

The pair walk through the portal. It closes behind them. Hydra Prime Ikis turns to the Marquis.

“IT IS GOOD TO KNOW EQUESTRIA STILL HAS HEROES THAT DO NOT JUDGE BY THE OUTER APPEARANCES OF OTHERS!”

The Marquis nods. “INDEED!”

"TELL ME OLD FRIEND! DO YOU BELIEVE ARC WILL MAKE GOOD ON HIS PROMISE?"

“I DO! IF NOTHING ELSE, HE IS A HUMAN OF HIS WORD!”

Chapter 4 - Forlorn Hope

Arc and Ember step out the other side of the portal and find themselves back in Ember's small house. Ember looks around, confused!

“Arc? Why didn't you take us back to Light's Hope? I thought you would have been much more comfortable sleeping in your own bed.”

“I would but... I just felt we should stay here until our business in the Dragon Lands is concluded. The visit to the Hydra Village was only half the mission!”

Ember nods. “Yes... that went well! But why didn't you ask if you could put a sigil in the village?”

Arc returns his armor back to the ring. “I felt it best not to press my luck. Things did go better than I thought they would anyways! Thanks for coming with me on this mission, Ember! It's good to have a friend by my side.”

Ember removes her own armor and sets it in a corner of the room. “No problem! It's good to be back in the Dragon Lands again too! By the way, thanks for getting my dad to let me stay!”

Arc puts a hand behind his head. “Yeah, about that... I wish the two of you were on better terms. I mean, I'm sure it hurts him to have to keep sending you away every time you come home!”

“I guess I never really thought about it that way before. To me, it felt like he was just trying to toughen me up. You know... make me into the Dragon Lord I'm meant to be.”

“Don't you miss him

Ember walks over to Arc and puts her arms around him. “I did. That is... until I met you.”

“Um... glad I could be of service. Look Ember, I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but it's been a rather long day. Tomorrow will most likely be just as eventful, if not more so. That and I... I think I need some time alone to... think.”

Ember lets Arc go. He walks over to the couch and sits down. Using her magic, Ember starts a fire in the fireplace.

“I hope this helps.”

Arc nods. “...thank you.”

The pair are silent for a time.

“You're thinking about her, aren't you?”

Arc stares into the flames and nods. “...yes.”

Ember sits down on the couch next to Arc. Look, I... I know what you're going through right now. You must feel the same way I did when my father forbade me from taking you as my mate! The feeling of knowing what you want, but being unable to do anything about it!

Arc sighs. “It's... not quite the same, but I appreciate the sympathy.”

Ember looks to him, irate! “What are you talking about?! It's exactly the same!”

He continues to look into the fire. “Not quite. You and I... even if the Dragon Lord were to permit it, I still wouldn't live to see you reach the proper age of marriage. But Cherry and I... we could…”

Arc trails off, seemingly unable to convey his feelings properly. He puts his face in his hands and sighs loudly!”

“Why... WHY IS THIS SO HARD?!”

Ember puts a claw on Arc's shoulder. “Come now Arc! This isn't very heroic after all! Talk to me! Do you want to marry Cherry Jubilee?”

Arc leans back on the sofa and looks up at the ceiling. “I... I guess what I really want to do is get to know her better. Then, if we still felt the same then… maybe we could. Truthfully... nothing would make me happier than taking her as my bride!

Ember stands up suddenly! “Then go to her! Tell her how you feel and get her response! I mean... you could literally be there in 10 seconds!”

“No... it's not that simple! I... I CAN'T!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Why not?! And don't tell me you're scared she might say no! I think we both know what would she would say if you went to her now! I mean, come on! She already asked YOU!”

Arc turns to face Ember. “Think about it! Who would protect Equestria if I took a wife?! I need to keep this land safe... keep HER safe!”

“Equestria was safeguarded by others long before you came along Arc. I'm sure the princesses would be okay with you getting married if it made you happy! If you really care for her as you say you do, why not just go for it?! But... there's more to it than just your feelings, isn't there?”

Arc nods. “Actually, yes. To be completely honest with you, it's BECAUSE of my love for her that I don't…”

Ember looks confused. “I'm sorry Arc, but I don't quite follow your logic.”

“Think about it! If I were to have a special someone, or a wife, they would be in constant danger from enemies of the state and any enemies I have made and will make in the future! Do you remember the trips we've taken to Canterlot Castle? The princesses are virtual PRISONERS there?! They can't go out when they please without their guards!"

Arc sighs heavily as he looks back at the fire. Ember sees a single tear flow down Arc's cheek and fall in his lap.

“I won't damn Cherry to a life of danger and worry! Not for my sake anyways!”

“So... you're okay with just looking at her from afar?!”

Arc stands up suddenly! “NO, I'M NOT!!!”

He is silent for a time, trying to calm himself as he paces in front of the fire.

“But... I can't stand the thought of her getting hurt because of me! Or having to be under constant house arrest!”

Arc sits back down heavily on the couch!

“I'm sorry Ember, but this weighs heavily on my mind. Thanks for listening though. It does help.”

Ember sits down next to Arc again and puts a claw on his hand. “I'm here for you Arc. This is what friends are for, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We share both the good and the bad times together. But right now, I need some time alone to think. I'm not trying to push you away. It's just... sorry. I don't really know how to put it other than to say... some things I just need to work out on my own.”

Ember nods and stands up. “I understand. Goodnight Arc.”

“Goodnight... Ember.”

Ember walks toward her room. Stopping in the doorway she turns to face him.

“Arc... I just want you to know that I think Cherry is really lucky to know someone like you who cares so much about her! Even going so far as to break your own heart... to safeguard hers.”

Arc nods slightly but does not look up from the fire. Ember closes the door to her bedroom and sits down on her bed sadly.

“Cherry... I am SO jealous of you. More so than you can possibly imagine!”

Chapter 5 - Forsaken Village

Arc and Ember sleep fitfully through the night. As the morning rays of light stream through the window, Ember rises and makes her way back to the living room.

“Good morning”.

Arc sits up groggily from his place on the couch. “Is it really morning already?”

Ember looks at Arc's sleep deprived face. “Can I take it you didn't sleep any better than I did?”

Arc nods. “That's about the size of it. I think I must have nodded off a couple times at least. The majority of my night was spent thinking about... you know...”

Ember walks over to him. “Arc, can I tell you a secret?”

“Sure.”

The pair sit on the couch together in front of the previous night's fiery remains. Ember blushes slightly.

“Now I would appreciate it if you kept this between us, alright?”

“Of course! It will go no further.”

Ember looks down at her lap. “When I first discovered I had... feelings for you, I have to admit it kinda scared me a bit.”

“Everyone feels scared sometimes Ember. No one is completely without fear!”

“Well dragons aren't supposed to let anything scare them! At the very least, we don't talk about it... like we're doing right now. Not to mention the thought of being in love with you made me a bit... nauseous.”

“HEY! I'm not that bad looking... I think.”

Ember shakes her head! “No, no! I mean... it's complicated and all! Look, it would be bad enough for a NORMAL dragon to want to be with another race!”

Arc nods. “But you're the Dragon Lord's daughter.”

“Right! For me of all dragons to do such a thing... it was unthinkable! Back there in Tartarus, I only challenged you because the Dragon Code said I had to! I figured you and I would go back and forth for a while! Worst case scenario, I could always end the battle with my spear’s power!

“Is that why you acted the way you did when we arrived here the first time?”

Ember nods, ashamed. “Yes. It... I was embarrassed to be seen with you! Not only because of my honor and pride, but also because I was terrified of bringing shame and dishonor to my family name!”

“I see. Back then I figured it was something along those lines. Although that didn't make me feel any better about it. But if you were worried about disgracing your family, why did you challenge me in the first place?”

“Like I said earlier, the Dragon Code gave me no choice! I had no idea the armor Mythic Honor and I made for you would make you so POWERFUL! But, now that I've had time to watch you and think about it, I no longer believe my earlier assumption was accurate.”

Arc looks to Ember, confused. “I don't understand. What do you mean?”

Ember takes hold of Arc's arm and squeezes it gently. “Arc, your strength doesn't come from here...

She then points to his head and heart.

“It comes from here and here! You have no idea just how long it took me to come to terms with this, but now I understand.”

“So, what did you come up with?”

Ember smiles at him as she takes his hands in her claws! “That I don't really care what others think of me or whom I choose to be with! If they don't like you because you're a human, then they can like it or lump it!”

Arc sighs. “I'm glad you've learned not to judge others by outward appearance, Ember. But... the root problem still remains. I can't be your mate, as I can't be there for you centuries from now when you need me!”

Ember looks down sadly. I... I know that! Please understand, even though I know and accept that... it doesn't change how I feel about you! But... I want YOU to be happy too! So... if you want to take Cherry Jubilee as your mate... then that's okay with me! Just promise me you'll live a full and happy life, okay?”

Arc smiles. “I'll do my best. Thank you, Ember. I know this whole matter must be hard on you.”

Ember nods. “More than you know actually. But we should get a move on. Forsaken Village won't find itself.”

“Yeah. Let's go! With any luck, we’ll be home in time for supper!”

Ember stands along with Arc. “Sounds good. But what about breakfast?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Uh... any chance of finding anything on the way there?”

Ember puts on her armor and picks up her spear. “I think I may have an idea. Follow me!”

Arc follows Ember out her front door and out of town. About twenty minutes later they reach a small clearing of strange looking berries.

“Nice! Berries! Although they kinda look like a cross between an eggplant and grapes.”

Ember points her spear at the bushes. “I used to come here as a whelpling to be alone. While most dragons don't like them, I'm rather fond of Dragon Berries!”

Arc walks toward the bushes and pulls a piece of fruit off. “Dragon Fruit, huh? Eating this won't make me grow scales and wings, will it?”

Ember laughs! “No silly! It sickeningly sweet though, so don't eat too much!”

Arc takes a bite. “Wow! This is really good! Why don't we have these in Equestria?!”

Ember walks over to the bush and pulls off a Dragon Berry for herself! “My father has decreed that Dragon Fruit may never be taken from the Dragon Lands. It's probably for the best though, what with the legend and all.”

Arc stops chewing. His pupils shrink. “Legend?”

“Superstitious nonsense really! It's said that if two dragons were to take a bite from the same piece of fruit at the same time, they would develop feelings for one another!”

Ember looks at the fruit in her claw sadly.

“I'm sure it's nothing but an old mate's tale, but... I sometimes wish it were true.”

She suddenly has a rather wicked gleam in her eye as she holds the fruit out to Arc and smiles!

“Want to try it?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I'll pass. Love is a wonderful thing, and shouldn't depend on magic of all things to manifest itself.”

Ember eats the fruit herself. “I guess you're right.”

The pair sit down and eat.

“Well... I've had my fill. How about you, Arc?

He picks one last piece of fruit and takes a bite. “Sure. Just one more for the road.”

Ember and Arc continue on their way. Before long they reach the coastline and walk down the beach together. Arc finishes his Dragon Berry and turns to Ember.

“Thanks for breakfast!”

She sighs. “No problem.”

Ember seems lost in thought.

“You know, eventually I will have to choose a mate.”

Arc nods. “Do you have you eye on someone?”

Ember shakes her head, clearly frustrated! “That's just it! Compared to you, no one else even comes close! Eventually my father may grow impatient and just choose for me!”

“That doesn't sound very romantic.”

“Believe me, it's not!”

Ember looks down at a Dragon Berry in her claw and sighs.

“I suppose the legend of the Dragon Berries will have to suffice.”

“Huh? I didn't even notice you had that.”

Ember hold the berry in front of her and stares at it intently.

“If I have to be with someone other than you, then I’ll insist that we both partake of the fruit together! It may be only due to magic, but I prefer the artificial love this fruit can grant me over millennia of sadness with another dragon I don't love!”

Arc shakes his head! “No! You'll find someone out there who cares for you just as much as I do! We can search together if need be!”

“But...”

“You're too young to be giving up on love so easily, Ember! Now, I won't try to force you, but as your friend I ask that you not try to find love by magical means! Please...”

Ember stops walking. She looks at the fruit in her claw for a long time. Arc holds out a hand toward Ember.

“Believe me when I say you're a very pretty young dragon, and I know you can find a mate without resorting to... this!”

Ember slowly reaches out to Arc with both claws and puts the Dragon Fruit is his hand. However, she does not let go of either the fruit or his hand.

“Thank you. I'm happy that you have so much confidence in me! Much more than I myself have! Please... take this fruit and do what you will with it!”

Arc closes his fingers around the berry and looks at it for a long moment as Ember releases her grip on it.

“Thank you, Ember. I know you don't need magic to find happiness.”

The pair turn and continue walking down the beach together. Arc tosses the Dragon Berry over his shoulder. It lands in the sand with a small thud. A short time later a dark magical aura picks up the fruit and carries it to a robed creature. The Dark One looks intently at the fruit in front of him!

“Interesting idea little dragon. However, I have a much better use for this!”

Arc and Ember continue down the beach. An hour or so later they spot what appears to be a small village in a clearing ahead just off the beach.

“That must be it!”

Arc calls forth his armor. “You're probably right. Remember what the Dragon Lord said and keep your guard up.”

Ember looks to Arc and smiles! “Oooooohhhhhh, someone getting paranoid?!”

“I prefer to think of it as being defensively optimistic.”

“Fine. Have it your way!”

The pair slowly walk toward the village. It appears deserted. Ember frowns.

“This isn't the welcome I imagined. Where do you suppose everyone is?”

Arc looks around slowly. “I don't know, but something doesn't smell right.”

“What do you mean? Who knows how long this village has sat empty?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Look around. These huts are all in decent condition and there are fresh tracks all around here.”

He walks over to the large fire pit in the center of the village and puts a gauntlet over it for a moment before standing up.

“These coals are still warm! Someone or something has used it recently! That and I can't shake the feeling something is watching us!

Ember readies her spear! “I don't like this!”

A voice rings out behind them!

“Most perceptive, Arc.”

Arc and Ember turn to see Kane slowly walking toward them.

“Kane?! What happened to your tribe? Are they all right?”

Kane nods. “They are fine.”

Ember looks around again. “Then where are they?”

“They are... watching you. Even now there are many eyes fixated on the two of you. Watching your every move. I come now to ask you... why did you come here?”

“I just wanted to make sure you made it home safely. That and you DID invite me here!”

Kane nods. “Indeed I did...”

The large wolf-like creature narrows his eyes.

“...however, I do believe I asked you to come alone.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you told me not to bring any ponies along. My friend here is clearly a dragon.”

“I suppose you are right. Forgive me, but she has the scent of an Equestrian, not a dragon.”

“Dare I ask what I smell like?”

Kane sniffs the air. “Your scent is... foreign to me. I have tried to place it since we first met, but to no avail. It is similar to a pony. But very different!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Is that good or bad?”

“Both... and neither.”

“That's not very reassuring Kane.”

Kane nods. “My apologies, but our Matriarch is unsure if you are a friend... or an enemy!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest “Obviously he's a friend! Would an enemy have released you from a lifetime of servitude?!”

Kane narrows his eyes. “If they had something to gain, then yes.”

Arc sighs “So... where do we go from here?”

“Our Matriarch would like to test you. She has ordered several of our strongest warriors to attack you.”

Ember holds her spear in anticipation! “Kane, I'm liking this conversation less and less by the moment!”

Arc puts an arm in front of his friend. “Easy there, Ember! I can handle this. Now Kane, what must I do to pass her test?”

“It is really quite simple. Engage our warriors in combat so we may bear witness to your battle prowess. Draw your weapon when you are ready to begin and our warriors will attack.”

Ember steps forward. “I've got your back, Arc!”

Kane shakes his head. “No. He must face them alone.”

“Thanks Ember, but I'll be fine.”

Arc turns back to Kane.

“I'm expecting a more detailed conversation after this skirmish.”

“That would depend of how you do here.”

Arc calls forth his spear. “Fine...”

Suddenly, several huge wolf-like creatures charge out of the brush from several different directions!

“Arc! Be careful!

Turning to face the incoming warriors. “Always!”

Arc waits for his assailants to come to him as he levels his spear! As the first warrior reaches him, he sidesteps to avoid the beast's fearsome bite! Arc then quickly turns his spear around to deliver a crushing blow to the warrior's chest! His opponent's own momentum only adds to the power of the counterattack!

“Next!”

The next warrior lunges and takes a swing at Arc with a massive claw! Arc knocks the paw out of his way with his spear, putting his opponent momentarily off balance! Taking this opportunity to grab the beast by the throat, Arc throws his entire body weight into it and slams his opponent onto his back!

“That's how it's done!”

The third warrior charges forward! Going for broke, he appears to throw everything into a single lunge attack! Arc takes a step back. As the assailant comes within range Arc delivers a strong kick to the beast's jaw! He catches his stunned opponent in his arms and flies backward on the ground, using the warrior's own momentum to throw him off himself with his legs! The beast lands hard on the ground some distance away!

Arc stands and looks around. “Anyone else want some?!”

The air is silent.

Ember runs up to him! “Arc! You did it! Are you okay?!”

Arc nods. “No worse for wear, I suppose. Which is better than I can say for our friends here.”

The warriors lay on the ground and do their best to collect their wits. Arc turns back to Kane.

“Happy?”

“My opinion is not important. Only the Matriarch's will matters to us.”

Ember glares at Kane! “So... where is she?!”

Arc slowly turns around. “She's right behind us.”

Ember spins around. “What?! But I don't see anything!”

“Very perceptive, Hero of Light Arc.”

Arc turns to Ember. “Told ya!”

A very old wolf-like creature appears before them.

“I am Matriarch Iris. Please forgive me for my actions, but I had to be sure.”

Ember points the matriarch angrily! “Sure?! Sure of WHAT?! You could have KILLED ARC!!!”

Matriarch Iris nods. “Fear not, as that was not my intention, Lady Ember.”

“You know me?”

“Yes, my dear. The daughter of the Dragon Lord's scent is well known to us.”

Arc frowns. “If you saw I was with ‘Lady Ember’ as you call her, why did you still need to test me?!”

“We have known the pain of betrayal from the land across the sea known as Equestria before. I had to confirm that this was not another attempt to enslave more of my tribe.”

“Enslave?!”

Matriarch Iris sighs. “Yes. Please come with me to the fire pit. You can stay awhile and listen.”

The Matriarch turns around and walks to the fire pit. Arc and Ember follow her. Arc turns to her as the walk.

“Stay awhile and listen huh? I don't suppose you learned that from Hydra Prime Ikis?”

“Indeed I did. But how do you know that name?”

Ember smirks! “We were there yesterday!”

“I'm friends with one of their warriors, The Marquis. He invited me to Hydra Village. Although, now that I think about it, we were attacked when we entered that place as well!”

Matriarch Iris chuckles. “Such is the way of the Dragon Lands! Might above all else!”

Ember nods in agreement. “I guess dragons, hydra, and the Forsaken all have that in common.”

Matriarch Iris reaches the fire pit and sits down. “Yes, Lady Ember. I'm glad you understand that now. It would do well for the future Dragon Lord to be mindful of the ways of the land.”

Ember sits down with Arc. “Uh... thanks... I think.”

“So... any more tests for me?”

“Truthfully, yes.”

Arc sighs. “...great.”

“Fear not. I only wish to speak with you to learn more of your intentions.”

“Talking I can do. It's so much less messy than... the other way.”

“First of all, what was your business in Hydra Village?”

Arc makes himself comfortable on the ground before answering. “I only went there to visit the Marquis and meet with Hydra Prime Ikis. However, after an initial... misunderstanding with a couple hydra near the village border, it turned into a full-blown diplomatic conference!”

Ember nods. “I guess you could say Arc here represents Equestria as its Hero of Light.”

Matriarch Iris nods, understanding. “Yes... we are familiar with Equestrian customs thanks to Kane here.”

She motions for Kane to join them. As he does so, the rest of the tribe comes out of their defensive positions in the jungle and gathers nearby to listen.

“My time in Equestria was... scholastic at best. I learned from my time there.”

Arc turns to him. “That reminds me Kane. You never actually told us how you came to be in the ogre king's service.”

Ember nods! “Yeah! No offense, but you sure looked out of place there!”

Kane sighs. “I was... very young and foolish. Hoping to see the world beyond our village, I traveled to Equestria to sate my wanderlust!”

Matriarch Iris frowns. “Against my orders I might add.”

Kane nods. “Yes... please forgive me... mother.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “Wow... did not see that one coming!”

“I second that, Ember! Although now I do see the resemblance.”

“Tell us Kane. Did you find what you were looking for in the land of ponies?”

Kane shakes his head. “No. I had hoped to find the excitement of battle! However, it appears that the land of the ponies is a fairly peaceful one.”

“...as I told you.”

“Forgive me for not heeding your counsel, mother.”

“All is forgiven Kane. However, it appears your trip was not completely a waste of time.”

“Indeed! I now feel more at peace here in my homeland. Hopefully I will never again have such crazy ideas of seeking the road less traveled.”

Arc nods. “I'm glad you were able to find peace Kane, but that doesn't really answer my earlier question.”

“My apologies. I seem to have strayed from my tale's path. In any case, it all comes back to the customs of our tribe.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “It's customary to live with other races?”

“No Lady Ember. But it IS how a disgraced member of the tribe may regain their honor.”

“I'm sorry, but I don't believe I follow you.”

Kane sighs as he continues. “While on my journey in Equestria, I was hunting for food one day when I came across a rather tough looking lizard like creature. Hoping to hone my battle skills I lunged at it! It was then that I saw the others close in on me!”

Ember looks confused. “Others?”

“The beast was not alone! Its companions jumped out of the brush and descended upon me! I fought my best, but the outcome never was in my favor. One of them spit some kind of spines at me. As they pierced my skin, I felt my body going numb. A few moments later I fell to the ground completely paralyzed.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Just like your squad!”

“Yes. And you too Ember.”

Ember folds her arms and looks away. “I'm trying to forget that time in my life.”

Arc chuckles. “Good luck with that! I'm sorry Kane. Please continue.”

Kane does so. “The lizards were actually a hunting party that the ogres sent out to gather food for the tribe. Luckily, Ogre King Megut decided to spare me.”

Arc nods. “And you owed him a life debt?”

Kane sighs “Pretty much. It was the only way for me to save what was left of my honor.”

“So, where do you stand in that department now, Kane?”

Kane looks over to Arc.

“I have fulfilled my duty to both the Ogre King and you Arc. My honor has been restored thanks to you.”

“Glad to hear it!”

Matriarch Iris nods. “So, am I. But am I to understand that you came here only for a visit?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I was in the neighborhood and thought to visit both villages in the same trip. Matriarch Iris, may I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

“Your tribe is on bad terms with Equestria. Why is that?”

“Many years ago, they would come here to try and take our cubs.”

Ember appears horrified! “What?! Why would they do such a thing?!”

Matriarch Iris closes her eyes and sighs. “Long ago, when Equestria was still our ally, their strongest and bravest would come here to challenge our warriors in combat. Our customs are to follow those who best us in one-on-one combat. In doing so, a Life Pact is formed between the two.”

“A what?”

Kane looks to Arc. “A very special bond between rider and mount. Their lives are inexplicably linked from that time onward. The warrior then allows the pony victor to ride them into battle!”

“Kane is correct! “A Forsaken Warrior is quite fearsome in battle as you have just witnessed. However, once a warrior has taken a Life Pact with a rider, the two of them can draw strength from each other.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “That sounds like quite a bond! But why would Equestria try to steal you cubs when they could just as easily form a Life Pact?”

“I can only assume they wanted to raise them up to bear their less than worthy warriors. At that point in time, Equestria was quite short on heroes. This was back when the three pony races still warred with each other, of course! To take our warriors would be to gain an advantage against their enemies.”

Kane frowns. “We have not seen one worthy of riding us in many centuries! When your princesses took control of your land it ended the ages long struggle between the different pony races and brought peace to the land. Over the long centuries our race was forgotten.”

Ember nods. “So you feel... Forsaken?”

“Something like that Lady Ember. It is as Kane said earlier though, those worthy of riding us have not been seen in quite some time... until today!”

“Huh?”

Matriarch Iris turns to Arc. “You personify what it means to be strong and brave, Arc! I am sure you are worthy of any of our tribe's warriors!

“But how could you know that? We only just met!”

“The reason behind me ordering my warriors to attack you was not simply to see you fight, but HOW you fight. Tell me Arc... you have quite the weapon, why did you not use its lethality to defend yourself?”

Kane looks at Arc. “Yes. We most certainly gave you cause to do so.”

Arc nods in agreement. “I came here today on a peaceful expedition, hoping to befriend your tribe. That would be rather hard to do with their blood on my spear.”

Matriarch Iris nods approvingly. “A very noble answer. The way you fight certain proves your words to be truthful. Yet another desirable trait in a rider.”

Kane smiles a toothy smile! “Any of our warriors would be honored to bear you in combat Arc!”

The warriors behind Kane roar and howl in agreement! Matriarch Iris stands.

“Arc, we would be honored if you would choose one of our own to bear you in battle!”

Arc shakes his head. “That's very generous of you Matriarch, but I don't really need a mount. All I really want to do is try and make things right between Equestria and the Forsaken. Perhaps you could join Hydra Prime Ikis in his talk with the princesses?”

“Such humility! Our young could learn a thing or two from you Arc. You have great power within, yet you choose to restrain yourself. Most impressive!”

Matriarch Iris nods in agreement with Kane. “Very well Arc. As you have impressed us greatly, we will agree to meet with your leaders. However, I must insist that you take one of us with you on your journey. This will help our tribe learn more about how Equestria has changed over the centuries.”

“Very well. But, whom shall I take?”

Kane looks to the warriors then back at Arc. “That is completely up to you. Fear not! A true warrior such as yourself will be able to sense who their partner should be!”

Ember gives him a thumbs up, happily! “Give it your best shot Arc! I know you can do this!”

“Well, okay.”

Arc stands up as the tribe lines up in front of him silently in order of rank. Matriarch Iris looks up and down the line.

“Wait! Where is Sereb?”

Kane sighs. “Probably out training, as usual.”

Matriarch Iris turns back to Arc. “Please forgive him! As one of the weakest among us, he tries very hard to bring himself up to our standards.”

She turns back to Kane.

“Go find Sereb. He should be here to witness this momentous occasion!”

“By your command!”

Kane rushes off! A short time later he returns with a rather large snow-white wolf. Sereb take his place at the end of the line as Kane returns to his mother's side.

“That is everyone.”

Matriarch Iris walks up to Arc and leads him to the front of the lineup.

“Here are all of our warriors. From our alphas to our omegas. Please, take your time and choose a companion carefully! Know this... you will know in your heart who is destined to fight by your side!”

Arc nods soberly! “I'll give it my best!”

Matriarch Iris returns to stand next to Kane as Arc walks slowly down the row. He notices the warriors get smaller and thinner as he proceeds down the line.

Kane quietly turns to the Matriarch. “Should he not have chosen from among the strongest? I mean... he's approaching the omegas!”

Matriarch Iris waves a hoof dismissively! “Fear not! It is customary for a true warrior to look at EVERY candidate before choosing one.”

Arc comes to the end of the line Before him stands the weakest of the tribe, Sereb. He appears quite out of place as he is MUCH larger than the others next to him. Arc then walks back down the line once more before returning to Matriarch Iris.

“Have you made your decision, Hero of Light?”

“I have. You were right Matriarch! There is no doubt in my mind on whom will join me!”

“Good.”

Arc turns back to the tribe and points a gauntlet at his chosen warrior.

“I choose... YOU!”

Matriarch Iris and Kane look at Arc's choice, confused.

“Hero of Light. I am old, and my eyesight is not what it used to be, but even I can see that you are pointing at our weakest member!”

Kane frowns! “Arc. Are you ABSOLUTELY certain of your choice?! There is no shame in admitting a mistake!”

Arc nods soberly. “I am certain!”

Matriarch Iris nods albeit confused. “If I may be so bold, why him?”

"It is as you said Matriarch. I feel it in my heart. He is the one."

“...very well. Warrior! Step forward!”

Arc's choice does so at once. He bows before the Matriarch and Arc. With his white coat and blue eyes, he stands out from all the others. The wolf’s voice is low and raspy, very similar to Kane’s.

“Sereb! This warrior has challenged you for your fealty. Do you accept?

Sereb nods. “Yes. I accept and will face him in combat, Matriarch.”

“Very well. To the beach!”

Arc and Sereb walk to the beach and face off against each other. Ember turns to Kane.

“So... what's going on now?”

“Although the Matriarch declares him worthy, Arc must still defeat Sereb in combat for the Life Pact to be forged.”

Matriarch Iris herself presides over them.

“I advise you not to hold back, Arc. Sereb may be the weakest among us, but he can take whatever you can throw at him. Anytime you two are ready...”

Arc throws his spear to one side and plants his feet firmly. “Bring it on, big guy!”

“Very well.”

The air around Sereb crackles with energy. Ember turns back to Kane.

“Wait! Kane, your tribe can use magic?!”

Kane points a paw to a small nub of a horn on his forehead. “We all possess at least SOME knowledge of magic. Sereb however is more... adept than most of us in its use.”

Ember sighs. “Great...”

Sereb fires several electrical based magic attacks. Arc activates one of his Magic Blades and catches the lightning. Extending the other blade he fires the lightning back at its source. Sereb takes the blow full force, although it does not appear to do much damage.

“Clever.”

Arc retracts his magic blades. “Yeah... probably not the best idea to use conductive magic against me.”

Sereb nods. “I will remember that.”

The giant wolf charges at Arc and lunges. Arc stands his ground and takes the hit! Falling to his back Arc uses Sereb's own momentum to throw him off with his feet. The beast lands hard on his back in the sand.

“What?! How...?”

Arc shrugs. “I'll explain it to you later.”

Sereb quickly stands and charges up! A moment later a large fireball is launched from his horn! Arc crosses his arms in front of his face! The moment the fireball hits him, he throws his hands down to his sides! The attack dissipates as it is redirected harmlessly into the sand surrounding him!

Arc nods. “That was quite the attack! But let me show you have I do it!”

Arc assumes his fighting stance and points a hand at Sereb. A ball of magical white flames materializes and quickly grows in size and power.

“DODGE THIS!!!”

The volatile magical attack moves toward Sereb at roughly the speed of a fast walk. Arc’s opponent sidesteps out of the way to let the powerful but slow projectile pass him harmlessly.

“Maybe you should practice that move some more before using it in battle.”

Arc, with his arm still outstretched, suddenly turns his hand palm up as the magical attack passes its target. He snaps his fingers. The 'bomb' explodes with such force that Sereb is launched straight at his opponent. Arc quickly jumps over Sereb as he flies past him and plows into a palm tree. He turns to face Sereb as he slowly rises to his feet.

“Uh... can we stop this now? I'm afraid if we keep going, you're really going to get hurt.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. I surrender. Continuing this exercise would not change the end result.”

Matriarch Iris walks forward. “Sereb, you are now bound to Arc for life! May the two of you cut a wide swath through your enemies and bring greater glory to both our races!”

“Thank you, Matriarch. I will try.”

Matriarch Iris turns to Arc. “Please take good care of Sereb. Hopefully he will be of at least SOME help to you in the future.”

Kane walks forward to join the Matriarch. “Arc, please forgive my brother Sereb for being weak.”

“Brother?!”

Matriarch Iris turns. “Kane! Not all of us can be as strong as you are! Sereb does his best!”

Kane walks away. “Sometimes one's best... is not good enough.”

Matriarch Iris turns back to Arc and Sereb, shaking her head. “My apologies, Arc. Kane is... just sad to see his brother go I imagine.”

Arc nods. “Don't worry. I'll watch his back.”

“And in turn, I shall watch yours... master.”

Matriarch Iris smiles and nods! “Goodbye Sereb. Do your best to make us all proud!”

“Yes mother, I will.”

“Arc, I look forward to meeting with the princesses in the near future.”

“Thank you, Matriarch Iris. I hope this day will mark a new beginning between your tribe and Equestria.”

She nods. “As do I.”

As Arc, Ember, and Sereb walk down the beach Kane turns to Matriarch Iris.

“Mother. Are you actually going to meet with the princesses of Equestria?”

“Yes, I am. The bad blood between our races has gone on for far too long! It must end somewhere!”

Kane frowns. “But how can you be sure this is not a trap?!”

“Because Arc is an honorable warrior! I do not believe he would stoop to such treachery.”

“I agree. However, he is certainly NOT an Equestrian! For all we know they may still be as they were.”

Matriarch Iris considers this for a moment. “Possible, but unlikely. If they were indeed untrustworthy, I do not believe they would have made Arc their Champion. Nor do I believe he would have agreed to work for them.”

“I hope you are right, mother.”

“As am I Kane... as am I.”

Chapter 6 - When the Cat's Away...

Arc, Ember, and Sereb make their way down the beach together.

“You know Arc, we could get back home much quicker if you would just open a portal.”

He nods. “True, but I want some time to talk to our new friend here.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I am at your disposal, master.”

“Yeah... let's start with that whole ‘master’ thing. I really don't like that, so just call me Arc, alright?”

“Very well Mas... Arc.”

Ember turns to Sereb and smiles! “I think you'll enjoy living with Arc. After all, I do!”

“If I may be so bold, do you live with the princesses Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I live at my base in Ponyville, Sereb. It's known as Light's Hope.”

Ember nods! “It's full of soldiers and lots of weapons! You'll love it!”

“Forgive me, Lady Ember, but unlike my brother and the rest of the tribe, I am not much for fighting.”

“That's odd... and you can just call me Ember.”

“I’m too care little for fighting, Sereb.”

Sereb turns to Arc and speaks in a surprised tone! “That is quite strange for someone who excels at it.”

“I generally only fight for those I care for. And before you ask, no, I did not particularly enjoy our earlier battle!”

“This one does not understand."

Ember laughs. “Hang around Arc long enough and you will!”

Arc attempts to change the subject. “So... the Matriarch said that your kind used to carry warriors into battle.”

Sereb nods. “This is true.”

“...can I ride you then?

Sereb nods. “Yes Arc. Please hop on.”

Arc throws his body over the large wolf as he kneels down. “This feels weird.”

Ember raises an eyebrow at the strange sight before her. “I'm sure it's no picnic for Sereb either!”

“Indeed! I have never been ridden before. There is a degree of uncertainty within me right now as well.”

Arc reaches a hand toward Ember. “Care to join me?”

“I'll pass. I prefer walking or flying over riding any day.”

The trio walk on for a time in silence.

“I'm not too heavy for you am I Sereb? Admittedly, humans weigh quite a bit more than ponies do.”

Sereb shakes his head. “No Arc. I am fine. As you no doubt found out during our battle, I am actually quite strong.”

“Yes indeed. However, your methods of fighting leave a lot to be desired.”

“What do you mean?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, for one thing, it didn't appear to me that you had any plan of attack whatsoever! I mean, the lightning attack was indeed quite impressive. However, I didn't sense you had a backup plan in place for if it failed! Your step two was to charge headlong at me!"

Ember turns to Sereb. “You saw how well that went! Don't feel too bad about it though. I made the same mistake when I fought Arc myself!”

Sereb nods to Ember, surprised! “You too have a Life Pact with Arc?!”

Ember looks uneasy. “Not... exactly. Truthfully, I had wanted him to take me as his mate, but... let's just say that things don't always go as you would like them to! In truth, I'm in his custody until my appeal before Princess Celestia.”

“You... are his prisoner then?”

“Ember is my friend. Due to a very large... misunderstanding, she was convicted of a crime she did not commit. I'm just... looking out for her until she is officially cleared of the charges. That and I do enjoy her company.”

Ember smiles slyly at him! “Really Arc? I'll have to remember that come bedtime!”

Arc sighs. “I can do without your company in my bed though, Ember.”

“Aww... you're no fun!”

He turns back to Sereb. “In any case, you must learn to think as many steps ahead as possible. Start with two.”

“I will try.”

Ember laughs! “You're one to talk Arc! It feels like just yesterday that you were still coming up with half-baked plans!”

“True. But haven't you noticed it has been quite some time? I’ve learned much of tactics and maneuvers from reading AND experience!”

“Arc, I must ask... how did you defeat me so easily? Is it because I was not powerful enough?”

“By using a tactic I learned quite some time back. Use your opponent's own strength against them!”

“I do not understand.”

Arc nods as they continue on. “Well, let's talk out our earlier battle. When you used your lightning magic, what did I do?”

“You redirected it back at me.”

“Right!”

Ember nods. “Think of it this way Sereb. If your magic had been stronger, there would just have been more for Arc to throw back at you!”

“That does make sense.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Next, you lunged at me. What did I do?”

“You took the blow and threw me?”

Ember chuckles. “Arc took the strength of your attack and used it against you!”

“Close. I merely ‘redirected’ your attack away from me with my legs! While at the same time moving myself out of the way!”

Sereb sighs. “It sounds complicated when you say it. All I remember is landing on my back, dumbfounded.”

“The faster you ran at me, the more force I had to work with. For example, had you been walking instead of running, my counterattack would not have worked!”

“I am beginning to see. And your fire attack?”

Ember thinks back to the fight. “I have to admit, that was a good one! Even if it was such a slow-moving projectile.”

“I wanted it to pass by you slowly, Sereb. At the time, I figured you would dismiss the threat as soon as it passed. And it appears my assumption paid off.”

Ember looks to Arc skeptically! “So tell me Arc. What where you planning on doing had you been wrong?”

“I could have done any number of things. For example, I could have detonated my attack prematurely and used the blast to move to a better position. Or, if Sereb had chosen to charge at me, I was planning to Blink in front of my own attack and rebound it in an effort to try and hit him in the back!”

Ember nods, surprised! “Huh! I gotta hand it to you Arc! You've sure come a long way from your ‘I'll think of something’ days!”

Sereb sighs, ashamed. “I am loathed to admit it, but that is how I went into our fight, Arc.”

“Ember and I will see about teaching you the fine art of planning ahead.”

“Thank you. I would like that.”

“Okay, hold on a minute Sereb! I gotta get off!”

Sereb stops and Arc dismounts. Arc walks away stiffly and rubbing his backside!

“Man! That's hard on my rear!”

“Not to complain, but it really wasn't a picnic for me either.”

Arc turns to Sereb. “When we get home, I'll see about getting some kind of a saddle made.”

Sereb nods. “That would most likely make things much more comfortable for both of us.”

They continue on.

“As long as were on the subject, how do you feel about wearing armor Sereb?”

“I have never considered such a thing.”

Ember laughs! “That would be adorable! You two can be all matchy!”

Sereb looks away nervously. “Um... I'm not sure I like this idea...”

“Well, storming into battle isn't exactly a beauty contest. That and I don't want you dying on me now!”

“Very well. If it is your will, then it is also my wish.”

“Great. Now that we have that settled, how about we have some more of that Dragon Fruit, Ember?”

Ember turns to Arc, dumbfounded. “Huh?”

Arc points at the nearby Dragon Fruit trees.

“Wow! The trip back just flew by!”

Arc walks toward the trees. “Let's not waste this opportunity now! Shall we?”

They make their way over to the trees. Arc plucks a couple pieces of fruit and turns to Sereb.

“So, what do you eat?”

“We mostly eat meat. However, my kind can eat fruits and vegetables if we're really hungry.”

Ember looks to Arc nervously. “I hope you realize that Sereb is going to eat you out of house and home! You'll have to assign a couple soldiers to do nothing but hunt for him!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Fear not. I believe I have the solution.”

Arc and Ember look on surprised as Sereb, for all intents and purposes, appears to de-age and shrink!

Ember looks at the puppy before her! “What the heck?! How did you DO that?!”

“It is a magical technique that has been passed down from ancient times. Back when we were still allied with the various pony races, they quickly found that we needed quite a bit of food to stay fighting fit! Some of their wisest sages were tasked with finding a solution to this problem. The spell you just bore witness to was the fruit of their labor.”

Arc nods as he looks Sereb over. “Let me guess... you shrink yourself down at mealtime?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. When we are done eating, we simple cast the counter-spell and return to normal size.”

Ember shakes her head. “But... how is that possible! I mean, a cub eats significantly less than an adult! How do you not starve to death?!”

“That is unknown to us. Somehow the meager amount of food we eat in this ‘Cub Form’ is enough to sustain us.”

Arc holds a Dragon Fruit out to Sereb. “I guess the ancient ponies thought of everything!”

Ember frowns! “Yeah! Everything but how to get along!”

“Kinda reminds me of humans. Always trying to one-up their enemies. Not realizing they could be so much more productive if they would just let bygones be bygones.”

“Do you think they'll ever change?”

Arc shakes his head. “It's doubtful. We've been like that pretty much since the beginning of time. Why should we change now? I can't do anything to change my race any more than you can change your father's mind, Ember.”

Sereb nods. “Nice analogy.”

“Thank you, Sereb. I try.”

The trio eats their fill and sits under the trees to rest.

“Think you'll have room for supper Arc?”

Arc nods. “Don't you worry about that! I'm sure I'll manage!”

Ember laughs! “Of that I have little doubt. After all, Dragon Fruit makes a nice snack, but it doesn't really stick to your ribs.”

“Indeed. I look forward to sampling some Equestrian cuisine.”

Arc nods! “Well, I'll have Saffron cook up a victory meal for us tomorrow. This entire trip has been a resounding success!”

Ember turns to Arc. “So, what do you think your squad has turned up in the Decimus investigation?”

“I can't even begin to guess. Right now I'm more concerned with the princess' behavior the other day!”

Ember nods and leans back against a tree. “Twilight said she would check up on them. If anyone can figure it out, she will!”

“Is there something wrong with your leaders Arc?”

“Well... that's complicated. Let me explain...”

Arc and Ember bring Sereb up to speed on what they know about the princesses’ recent shift in mood and his investigation of Captain Decimus.

“That is quite the tale you tell Arc. Should we not hurry back? Your princesses may be ill.”

“Sereb's right, Arc! Who knows what could have happened in the last couple days!”

Arc stands up. “While I do have faith in both my troops and Twilight, I agree. Let's get back home you two!”

He opens a portal. Ember walks through, while Sereb looks a bit apprehensive.

“What is this?”

“It's a portal that leads to my base in Ponyville. There's nothing to be scared of! I use these portals all the time.”

Sereb shakes his head. “I am not frightened, merely... cautious.”

Arc nods. “Let me up! We'll go through together.”

Sereb kneels down and allows Arc to ride him. He then carefully walks through the portal. In an instant they find themselves back at Light's Hope! Arc immediately turns to Raven’s desk!

“Raven, don't freak out now!”

Ember looks over from the desk. “Don't worry Arc. I already warned her.”

“Good idea!”

Arc turns back to Raven.

“Has there been any word from Canterlot since I left?”

Raven nods. “Yes Commander. Twilight called earlier this morning to tell Flash Sentry that she agreed that the princesses were indeed acting out of character! However, she believes they are just happy to have their old friend Captain Decimus back!”

Arc shakes his head. “I'm not sure if I should be encouraged by that report or not.”

Ember nods. “We could always check on them ourselves.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I may just do that later. Raven, how about my squad? Any news from them?”

“They've been hard at work in the Conference Room since you left. Last I checked they hadn't discovered anything of note.”

Arc looks down at Sereb. “Well, I guess now is as good a time as any to introduce you to the troops. Onward Sereb!”

Ember follows them. “Arc, are you really going to ride Sereb INSIDE?!”

“Why not? I need to get used to riding. That and who's going to tell me not to?”

Ember shrugs. “I guess you have a point!”

As the trio walks away Raven smiles after them. “It's nice to see the commander with a pet!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb make their way to the Conference Room. Ember opens the doors to allow them to enter. He looks at his speechless squad and Flash Sentry.

“I'm back! Did I miss anything?”

Flash Sentry is the first to speak. “Sir?! What is that?!”

Xenos marvels at the beast before him! “That is one big pile of fur!”

Hugh laughs! “Nice dog sir!”

Viktor shakes his head. “Somehow I get the feeling there is quite the story behind this one!

Max approaches Arc cautiously. “You never do anything halfway, do you sir?”

Arc hops off Sereb. “Boys, I'd like you to meet Sereb. He's from ... uh... a forgotten tribe of wolf-like warriors deep in the Dragon Lands.”

Flash Sentry narrows his eyes. “How did my sense of logic degrade to the point where that sentence sounds normal to me?”

Ember turns to Flash Sentry, smiling. “Simple. You've been hanging around Arc too long!”

Max looks the beast over. “Commander?! How...?!”

Arc turns to Sereb. “These are my troops. This is Max, Viktor, Hugh and Xenos.”

Sereb nods. “It is a pleasure to meet other servants of the great Arc!”

Xenos looks confused. “Servants?”

Ember nods to the others. “He's Kane's brother. Don't you see the resemblance?”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof to his chin. “I guess now that you mention it...”

“My squad aren't servants! They're... um... subordinates.”

Hugh shrugs. “Eh! Potato, potatoh! It sort of comes to about the same thing.”

Viktor turns to Ember. “Looks like you were right Ember! The commander really can make friends with anyone!”

Ember laughs! “You know it!”

“Okay. Now that the formalities are out of the way, have you guys learned anything from those papers we found on our infiltration of Canterlot Castle?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Sadly no sir. Most of the papers had to do with botany logs and various alchemical experiments.”

Viktor gestures to the table covered in papers. “We're not done going over everything yet, but I'm not too hopeful we'll find anything useful.”

Hugh nods! “We'll certainly do our best though, sir!

“How did things go in the Dragon Lands sir?”

“Pretty well, Xenos! Both Hydra Prime Ikis and Matriarch Iris are both interested in talking with Equestria.”

Ember nods. “That's in no small part to you, Arc!”

“I didn't really do all THAT much Ember.”

“Are you joking?! Those two groups considered Equestria ENEMIES up until you showed up! By the way, I really liked the speech you made to the hydras! Very thought provoking without sounding intimidating OR groveling!”

“Well, I'm glad you liked it, Ember. I wish I had said more, but I guess it's water under the bridge now. So, do you boys have anything else to tell me?”

Max shakes his head. “No sir. We'll let you know if we find anything in these papers though.”

“Alright. I'll let you get back to work then.”

Arc, Ember, and Sereb leave the conference room. Max closes the doors behind them

“That is one big pet!”

Xenos nods in agreement. “I sure hope we don't have to feed and walk it.”

Hugh shudders! “Yeah! Or clean up its...”

Flash Sentry interrupts. “Okay, that's enough of that! It seems to me the commander views this new... addition to our forces to be more than just a mere animal.”

Xenos looks confused. “I don't get it.”

Max nods at Flash Sentry. “I think I understand.”

Viktor turns to Max. “Care to enlighten the rest of us? If it's not a pet, then what is it?”

“An equal.”

Arc, Sereb and Ember make their way back to Arc's quarters.

“These are my personal quarters Sereb. Do you need a bed of some kind?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No Arc. I will be quite comfortable in front of the fireplace.”

“Arc, if you don't need me right now, I think I'll grab a bite to eat.”

"Sure Ember. See you later."

Ember leaves Arc's quarters.

“Forgive me Arc, but it appears everyone in your base has a task. What should I be doing?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Hmmm... how about you just follow me around for now. It will give us a chance to get to know each other better. That and you need to learn how things work in Equestria."

Sereb nods. “I understand. Lead on and I will follow.”

“Follow me. I need to see how work is coming along in the armory. And could you please go back to your Cub Form as it were? I don't want to scare the Hammers to death now!”

“Very well.”

Sereb returns to his Cub Form. The pair leave his quarters and head to the Armory. They find the Hammers are busy at work. Platinum Valve looks up!

“Mr. Arc! Hey, a puppy!”

“Hi Platinum Valve! His name's Sereb! How are things coming along?”

Platinum Valve talks as she pets Sereb. “Great! We're working really hard to fill this room back up!”

Steel Hammer walks over to Arc with his wife. “Hi boss! How were the Dragon Lands?”

Silver Hammer looks down at Sereb and smiles! “Awww... did you bring this little guy back with you?”

“Actually yes! In fact, he's what I need to talk to you about.”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “We don't really know much about pets, Arc. Back in our day we were too busy with our duties to take care of anyone else.”

Silver Hammer sighs wistfully. “I do wish we could have had a dog, or something.”

Platinum Valve smiles broadly! “It's never too late mom!”

“Well, to tell you the truth, Sereb here is not a dog.”

Steel Hammer looks closely at Sereb. “Really? You could've fooled me!”

Arc nods. “Straight stuff! He's actually a member of a forgotten tribe of warriors that happen to live in the Dragon Lands.”

Platinum Valve giggles! ”Cool!”

Arc turns to Sereb

“Sereb. I'd like you to meet some friends of mine. This is Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer, and their daughter Platinum Valve.”

Platinum Valve waves! “Hi Sereb!”

Sereb sits down on his haunches and looks up at the Hammers. “Good day.”

“It can talk?!”

"But how?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Arc. Why do ponies believe they alone can speak?”

“Please remember Sereb... up until recently the only creatures in Equestria that had the gift of logic and reason were ponies, griffons and dragons. The citizens of Ponyville were equally surprised when they learned I could talk!”

Sereb nods. “There is wisdom in your words, Arc.”

“Yes well… Sereb, would you please show the Hammers your true form?”

“Certainly.”

Sereb returns to his normal size

Silver Hammer steps in front of Platinum Valve! “Good heavens!”

Steel Hammer shakes his head. “If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it!”

Platinum Valve giggles! “He's so big! Why, I bet he's strong enough to carry YOU, Mr. Arc!”

Arc nods! “That's the idea! Steel Hammer, do you think you could make Sereb a saddle? I tried riding him earlier and it was REALLY uncomfortable... for both of us.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“It doesn't have to be fancy. Just functional would suffice.”

Steel Hammer thinks for a moment. “I suppose I could. If we go to my shop right now, I can probably have it ready by tomorrow morning.”

“Great! Just don't overwork yourself. I don't need it THAT fast.”

Silver Hammer cautiously walks over to Sereb and places a hoof on his side. “Don't you worry! We'll have you two riding properly before you know it!”

“Thank you, ma’am. I look forward to it.”

Arc heads for the door! “Let's get started then.”

Sereb returns to his Cub Form. He, Arc, and the Hammers head out the door and walk toward the Blacksmith's Shop. Silver Hammer walks in the front door of the shop with the others.

“Let me get a few tools. Then we can take some measurements.”

Sereb returns to his normal size. “I appreciate your willingness to help me.”

Steel Hammer closes the shop door behind them. “Think nothing of it, Sereb. You're in good hooves.”

“Can I help too dad?!”

“Of course, Platinum Valve. I'll show you how these things are done.”

“YAY!!!”

Silver Hammer returns with her tools and gets to work taking Sereb's measurements.

“Please hold still now. This won't hurt a bit.”

“Thank you. I shall.”

Silver Hammer calls out various measurements as Steel Hammer writes them down.

“That should be all everything we need.”

“Well get to work on it right away!”

“Great! But what about the weapons and armor you were making for my troops?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Not to worry Arc. Your armory now has enough equipment to fully outfit all your soldiers, and then some!”

Platinum Valve giggles! “Yeah! We've been busy!”

“We'll get back to working on them tomorrow morning, bright and early.”

“Sounds good! How about I let you three get back to work then?”

Platinum Valve waves as Arc and Sereb leaves the shop. “See you tomorrow, Mr. Arc!”

“I'll bring the finished saddle to Light's Hope tomorrow morning!”

Arc looks back over his shoulder. “Thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing what you three come up with!”

Sereb returns to his Cub Form as they walk back toward town.

“Sereb, would you mind accompanying me on another errand?”

“Certainly. Will we meet more ponies along the way?”

Arc nods! “Yes. What did you think of your first encounter with pony-kind?”

“I was a bit nervous at first. But if all ponies are like the Hammers, I believe I will be quite happy in this land. Where are we off to now?”

“You'll see.”

Arc leads Sereb to the Carousel Boutique. The pair enter the shop together to find Sassy Saddles hard at work at a sewing machine.

"Sassy Saddles, I'm back! How are things going?"

“Just wonderfully! I think you'll be very happy with our progress! In fact, Auriel is getting changed right now!”

“Good. I'm looking forward to seeing what the two of you came up with.”

Sassy Saddles walks over to the changing room curtain. “Auriel? How are you doing in there?”

“I'll be out in a few moments.”

“Arc is out here. He's waiting to see how well I did.”

Auriel sounds suddenly nervous. “Oh dear! I'll do my best!”

Arc calls out toward the curtain. “Don't worry Auriel. I'm sure you'll look great!”

“…I sure hope so. Well, are you ready?”

“Ready!”

Auriel steps out of the changing room. She is wearing a simple, yet beautiful black dress.

Arc nods. “You look great, Auriel! Sassy Saddles, you did good!”

Sassy Saddles breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I was afraid you wouldn't like it Arc, as I had absolutely no idea what humans would find attractive!”

“Oh… Um... okay. Well, it looks good on you Auriel.”

Auriel smiles shyly. “Thank you Arc! Sassy Saddles has made me several outfits so far. I really like how they make me look!”

She looks suddenly depressed.

“I... hope the rest of Ponyville can stand the sight of me now.”

“Now don't you worry about that! We’ll have them seeing you as just another resident in no time!”

“Thanks Arc. I don't really want to scare anyone though.”

Arc nods. “Been there, done that!”

Rarity's cat Opal walks into the room. She takes one look at Sereb and flees in terror!

Sassy Saddles looks over to Sereb. “New dog Arc?”

Auriel notices Sereb for the first time and narrows her eyes. “That's no dog!”

With supernatural speed Auriel lunges at Sereb!

“Arc! Look out!”

He steps in front of Sereb and catches Auriel midair!

“Woah there, Auriel! What's the problem?!

Auriel points a claw at Sereb! “He's not what he appears!”

“I know that.”

“What?!”

Sassy Saddles looks at the scene before her, confused. “Can somepony please explain to me what's going on here?”

“Arc has a living, breathing, killing machine following him around!”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “Okay... that certainly did not clear things up for me.”

“Calm down! I told him to take that form! The citizens of Ponyville aren't ready to see him as he really is yet!”

“But Arc! He's a MONSTER!!! Their tribe helped the ponies of old imprison my people in Tartarus!”

“Did they deserve it?”

“I... I never really gave that much thought before.”

Auriel thinks for a moment.

“I... suppose so. They never really gave pony-kind much choice! But that doesn't change the fact that his kind are ferocious beasts!”

Arc frowns. “You mean like demons and humans are? Listen Auriel. You said you wanted the ponies of this town to be able to accept you, right?”

“Well... not entirely in those words, but yes.”

“Well, you're acting a lot like the townsponies whom you are trying to befriend.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Arc's right Auriel! You're judging this creature... whatever it is, before you even get to know it!”

Auriel hangs her head. “You... you're right Arc. I'm sorry for the way I acted.”

She turns to Sereb and sighs.

“From one monster to another, can you ever forgive me?”

Sereb nods. “Such is the will of Arc. I forgive you, pretty young demon girl.”

Sassy Saddles jumps back at hearing Sereb speak for the first time. “WOAH!”

“Easy there Sassy Saddles! Remember, he's with me.”

“Alright... I'll try.”

“Getting back to the matter at hand, how are things coming here?”

Sassy Saddles composes herself and turns back to Arc. “I've managed to make her several outfits for day to day activities. What you just saw was an early idea I had for a bit of formal attire. You never know when it may come in handy!”

“Good point.”

“She also asked me to make her some new… lab coats for some reason.”

Auriel blushes slightly! “It helps me feel more comfortable! Like I was back home. I hope that's all right.”

Arc nods. “As long as you're happy, I'm happy.”

“Thank you Arc. That is most reassuring!”

“Well, I won't delay you two any longer than I already have. Sassy Saddles, keep up the good work!”

“I'll try.”

Arc turns to Auriel. “Don't fret too much about being accepted, Auriel. The others will come around in due time.”

“Thanks. I'll do my best to earn your trust Arc.”

Arc turns to walk out the door with Sereb. “You already have Auriel. You already have.”

Arc and Sereb leave Carousel Boutique as Auriel turns to Sassy Saddles

“I don't get it. Why didn't you tell him the truth?”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head mischievously! “Because he can't know!”

Auriel frowns. “I don't like this plan of yours, Sassy Saddles. It just seems... wrong to keep this from Arc. Even more so after he put so much faith in me."

Sassy Saddles looks to Auriel with a sly grin on her face. “Now, now, my dear Auriel. You're just going to have to trust me on this one! You would be surprised just how much fun it can be to pull the wool over somepony's eyes.”

Chapter 7 - Decieved

Arc and Sereb leave Carousel Boutique.

“Why don't we head back home? Supper will be ready soon. I sure don't want to miss that!”

“Very well. Would you like a ride?”

“Thanks, but I'll pass. At least until the Hammers can come up with a saddle!”

“As you wish.”

“So... what do you like to do for fun, Sereb?”

“Train.”

“Can you be a bit more specific?”

“I enjoy going off alone to hunt. It helps hone my senses and practice moving silently.”

Arc nods. “I imagine that is rather difficult, due to your size and all.”

“Moving without being heard isn't the problem.”

“Then what is?”

Sereb sighs. “As you probably noticed when in my village, all of my kind have coats that help us remain camouflaged. However, I was born with a solid white coat. So I have to work especially hard to remain undetected.”

“Yes. I did think you looked a bit... out of place. But I don't think trying harder will net you any better results.”

“What do you suggest?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, are your skills the problem?”

Sereb shakes his head. “They are not.”

“Then it is your outward appearance that is holding you back.”

“Yes. However, I cannot change my appearance. Nor can I become something I am not.”

“That... may not be entirely true, my friend!”

Sereb stops walking. “You have an idea on how I can change?”

“In a manner of speaking. Let me work out the idea in my head for a bit.”

“Very well. I have lived this long as I am. There is no rush.”

Arc and Sereb return to Light's Hope and enter the Main Hall. Raven is at her desk dutifully working.

“Raven, is my squad still in the conference room?”

“Yes commander. I believe Ember is also lending a hoof to their work.”

“Thanks. Come on Sereb. Let's see if there have been any other developments.”

“Very well.”

Arc and Sereb head toward the conference room. Raven looks after them and shudders.

“I do hope the commander's new pet is housebroken!”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Sereb as the continue down the hallway. “Let me swing by my room and grab something first.”

Sereb nods. “Lead on and I will follow.”

Arc ducks into his room for but a moment before emerging with a small box.

“Okay. Now we can check on my squad!”

Sereb sniff in the direction of the box. “What is in there?”

Arc shrugs. “I'm not actually sure. But whatever is in here is most likely of paramount importance!”

Sereb continues down the corridor with Arc. “Are you always so busy?”

“Pretty much. Welcome to my life, Sereb. It can go from mind-numbingly boring to extremely exciting and dangerous in the blink of an eye! And I'm loving every second of it!”

Arc enters the conference room with Sereb.

“We're back! Anything new Flash Sentry?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Not really. Most of what we've found is over our heads though.”

Ember looks up from her place at the head of the table. “Yeah! I hate to admit it, but dragons aren't much for higher learning. These papers are nothing but gibberish!”

Max nods. “I think we may need to solicit some outside help, sir.”

“What do you mean?”

Ember sighs. “I think he means we need to find someone more knowledgeable in plants and alchemy to look these papers over.”

Hugh pushes the papers aside. “They're mostly equations and formulas! We can't even figure out the notations!”

Xenos looks to Arc. “I guess the new problem is, who do we trust to look these over?”

Viktor puts a hoof to his chin and thinks. “It has to be somepony who is smart enough to understand this gobbley-gook, while also being able to keep whatever is in here to themselves!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I suppose we COULD ask any of the sages in Canterlot.”

Max shakes his head. “But then we run the risk of having them report what they've seen to Captain Decimus!”

Ember groans. “This is quite the pickle!”

Arc nods. “I can think of only one individual.”

“Who?”

“Twilight Sparkle...”

Max looks up! “I remember her. We met in Canterlot Castle the day you chose us to be your squad!”

Arc nods. “The very same.”

Hugh looks to Arc nervously! “Can she be trusted not to report this to anypony?!”

“I believe so! After all, she IS the protege of Princess Celestia herself! When she gets back from checking up on the other princesses, I’ll have a word with her about this. Now, does anyone else have anything to add?”

Viktor raises a hoof. “What about all those files in the Captain's office on the princess' support staff?”

Arc shakes his head. “While noteworthy, I don't believe it will help us with this case. After all, it is his sworn duty to protect the princesses.”

Ember looks to Viktor. “If a traitor were to infiltrate the support staff, they could very easily get close enough to kidnap or hurt them in any number of ways!”

Max speaks up! “What about his files on the princesses' movements? I mean, I understand why he has them! But shouldn't they be in a more secure place?!”

Ember sighs, bored with their task. “They probably just help him organize Royal Guard duty rosters and whatnot. He really does need to know where they are at all times.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Very true Ember. However, the filing cabinets weren't even locked! That's pretty sloppy of him.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “The lock on his office door wasn't too complex. Anypony with a bit of lock-picking knowledge and know-how could get in there!”

Xenos furrows his brow! “Is he TRYING to put the princesses in danger?!”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe he's just THAT incompetent?!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “I don't think so. He was trained for his position personally by his father! As was his father before him! Generations of protecting the princesses have been passed down to him!”

Max nods! “He's also proven in the past that he is an accomplished warrior and shrewd tactician. Even more reason why I can't figure out why he is so casual with his files!”

Arc sighs. “At this point your guess is as good as mine, Max. Right now, it seems we're just talking in circles.”

“Does this mean we're stuck again?”

"Maybe not, Max. Do you all remember back when we investigated the aqueducts under Vanhoover?”

Ember folds her arms over her chest and looks away. “Some of us try to forget that time in their lives!”

“Yes, well… it occurred to me on the walk over here that I never actually got around to telling you what I found in Tempest's room!”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc! “I completely forgot!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Well, that was a rather... hectic time in our lives. It's no surprise to me that it didn't occur to us until now. So... what did you find Arc?!”

Arc walks over to the table and sets down the small lock box

“I found this behind a portrait of Captain Decimus. There was a hidden cavity inside the wall that was also warded by illusion magic.”

Ember looks at the box suspiciously! “Talk about paranoid!”

Flash Sentry nods! “I'll say! What's inside?”

“I’m not sure. Viktor, can you pick the lock?”

“I'll give it a shot.”

Viktor reaches into his armor and pulls out his lockpicking tools. Ember gives him a quizzical look.

“Viktor? Do you always walk around with lockpicks?”

“Pretty much. You never know when they'll come in handy!”

Flash Sentry rolls his eyes. “Enough talk. I want to see what Tempest was hiding!”

Arc nods! “As do I! She put a lot of effort into making sure NO ONE would ever find this!”

Viktor gets to work on the lock. It takes quite a bit of time! Finally, with a small click he looks up at the others and smiles!

“I got it!”

Viktor moves to open it, but Arc quickly slams his hand down on top of the box! Ember jumps up!

“Woah Arc! What gives?!”

“Sorry Viktor, but Tempest is a shrewd operator. Who's to say the box itself isn't a trap?!”

Viktor slowly steps back from the box. “I never thought of that sir! What should we do?!”

“I'm going to take the box outside and open it myself. Follow me.”

Arc leads the group to the cafeteria and out the side door to the patio. He sets the box carefully on a table before turning to his squad.

“I want all of you to go back inside and watch me through the windows.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Please be careful sir!”

His squad salutes and walks back inside with Sereb as Arc calls forth his armor!

“That means you too Ember.”

She crosses her arms defiantly over her chest! “Not a chance! We've been through too much together for me to let you do this alone!”

Arc becomes irate! “Now look Ember! There's absolutely no reason for BOTH of us to risk our necks on this!”

Ember walks forward. “Fine! Then I'LL open it!”

Meanwhile from inside the cafeteria, Max turns to Flash Sentry. “I don't like the direction this is going. Should we... do something sir?”

“We probably should. However, the more rational part of me knows better than to get involved in this.”

Viktor looks over nervously. “So... what do we do then?”

“The only thing we can do. Hope they can come to some kind of agreement... before they start breaking furniture, that is.”

Sereb nods. “Arc will be fine. He is significantly stronger than Ember.”

Hugh looks at the giant wolf. “How do you know that?!”

“I have already been defeated by Arc in combat.”

Max looks Sereb up and down. “Okay, when we get more time, I have GOT to hear that story!”

Meanwhile outside the cafeteria, the Arc and Ember situation continued to escalate. Arc grabs Ember's shoulders and holds her back.

“No way! I don't want to see you get hurt over this!”

Ember angrily pushes back against Arc!” Well, what about YOU!? You're ALWAYS taking the most dangerous jobs! Just let me do this!”

Arc uses more force to keep Ember away from the box! “Uh, yeah! That's my JOB!”

Furious, Ember pushes back harder! “Well it's MY job to see to it YOU don't do something STUPID and get KILLED!”

Again, from inside the cafeteria, Viktor turns to the others.

“This is... kinda scary.”

Xenos nods. “You guys don't suppose the two of them would actually start... you know... duking it out?”

Max nods. “It may come to that, yes.”

Flash Sentry gulps as the squad looks to him for guidance. He takes a deep breath and slowly walks toward the patio door.

“I suppose I had better do something before all hell breaks loose. Wish me luck!”

Arc's squad salutes Flash Sentry as he walks toward his potential doom!

“Good luck sir!”

“Watch out for Ember! She's quicker than she looks!”

“Good luck, lieutenant!”

“Try not to get killed!”

Flash Sentry narrows his eyes. “Gee... thanks.”

He puts a hoof on the door and looks back at the troops.

“Wait! Where's Sereb?”

Again… back outside…

“Give it up Ember! You're NOT getting past me!”

Ember strains against Arc! “Maybe not, but... Hey! Did the box just move?!”

Arc turns his head to look at the box. “Wait, what?!”

Ember suddenly stops pushing, putting Arc off guard. As the two of them fall forward, Ember uses his momentum to throw him with her legs over her head back toward the base! Arc sails through the air angrily!

“Did not see that coming...”

Arc lands a short distance away with a thud. Ember quickly turns back toward the small box and reaches toward it!

“Sorry Arc, but I can't let you...”

The sound of quickly approached footsteps gives Ember pause. She looks up just in time to see a massive white blur jumping over the table! It knocks her toward the base, roughly! Arc manages to catch her!

“Sereb?! What are you…?!”

Sereb knocks the table over with his hind legs then lunges at the pair on the ground! He lands on his side in front of them and wraps his body around Arc and Ember in an attempt to shield them from danger!

“Fulfilling my duty.”

The box falls to the ground and opens. Arc, Ember and Sereb sit on the ground for a few moments. Seeing no imminent danger Arc stands up.

“Darn it Sereb! Doing that was reckless! You know better than this!”

He looks over to Sereb and smiles.

“...thanks.”

Arc helps Ember up

“Arc, I'm sorry for... you know.”

“It's okay Ember. I know you meant well.”

The trio looks over to the box lying on the ground. Arc walks toward it.

“Well... let's see what Tempest was hiding.”

Ember follows him. “The suspense is killing me!”

Sereb brings up the rear. “Please try to stay alive Ember.”

Arc reaches down and picks up the box before heading back toward the cafeteria.

“Let's go back to the conference room. There are a bunch of papers in here!”

Ember rolls her eyes as they walk back inside. “Maybe it's her secret recipe stash.”

Flash Sentry shudders! “Let's hope not! Are you all okay?!”

Ember nods! “Never better!”

“Sorry to worry you guys.”

The group returns to the conference room together. Ember closes the doors behind them. Arc opens the box and pulls out the top paper.

“Now, let's see what we have here...”

He reads the paper in his hand silently.

Ember taps her foot impatiently! “What does it say?”

The blood drains from his face! “I... don't believe it! But I guess it all makes sense now!

Max looks to him confused. “What does, sir?”

Arc mutters to himself as he begins to pace the floor. “The picture of Tempest and Decimus in his quarters in the castle. The portrait of Decimus that this box was hidden behind at the orphanage!

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “You're not making any sense, sir.”

Ember growls! “Care to let us in on this, Arc?!”

Arc looks up from the paper with an astonished look on his face! “These are... love letters from Decimus to Tempest!”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “You mean those two nut-jobs had a thing for one another?!”

Max scowls. “Well, that was... unexpected.”

“I am confused. Is it not normal for ponies to love each other?”

Flash Sentry looks to the wolf. “That’s not it, Sereb. But these two have both committed heinous crimes! We didn't believe they could feel love!”

Arc reads the letter again. “The language of this note suggests that this was a long-term relationship!”

Xenos puts a hoof to his stomach. “I think I'm going to be sick!”

Arc digs down to the bottom of the pile! “Let's see here... if Tempest is as meticulous as I know her to be, then this letter on the bottom must be Decimus' first letter.”

Arc picks the note up and reads it to himself before looking up to the others.

“Well... you better brace yourselves for this.”

He clears his throat and begins to read.

Tempest,

You cannot fathom just how proud I am that you have finally graduated, and at the top of you class no less! I knew from the moment I saw you that you would be destined for greatness, and from what your instructors have said about you it appears I was right! I know this may sound a bit strange coming from the Captain of the Royal Guard, but I would like to have you over to Canterlot Castle for tea one of these days. Please know that I ask this of you not as a superior officer, but as somepony who would like to get to know you better. Not just Special Agent Tempest, but the fine young lady underneath. I look forward to your visit!

-Decimus

Ember shakes her head. “Wow... a poet Captain Decimus is not!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Admittedly I don't know much about love, but that was a pretty flat way to ask somepony out on a date!”

Max thinks for a moment. “I wonder if it worked.”

Arc continues going through the stack of letters. “Apparently she took him up on his offer. Now, mind you we can only read one side of the conversation, but it looks like they have been corresponding for quite a few years!”

Ember scowls! “I'm not sure if that's sweet, or just plain gross!”

Arc nods! “As they progress, the letters seem to get more... lovey-dovey, if you will pardon the expression. Well now, this is... not good.”

Ember looks over! “What is it?”

“In one of these letters, he warns her against making a deal with creatures of shadow.”

Max frowns. “Do you think he was referring to The Dark One?”

Arc shrugs. “It's possible. The letter just warns her to be mindful of the consequences. He then tells her that he understands her position, and will stand by her regardless of what choice she makes!”

Ember sighs. “I hate to admit it, but that really is kinda... sweet. Promising to stand by your lover’s side is quite romantic!”

“From what I'm reading here, it appears that Captain Decimus was... or I suppose is, madly in love with Tempest!”

Hugh shudders at the thought! “You don't suppose she loved him back, do you?”

Xenos stands up angrily! “No way! There's absolutely NO ability to love in her cold, black heart! Remember what she did to us back when we were foals?!”

Max nods with conviction! “Right! She doesn't deserve to feel loved!”

Viktor shakes his head. “Xenos raises a good point.”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “She was most likely using him to advance her own agenda, sir! Animals like her only care about themselves!”

“All of you MAY be right about that. Now this may sound crazy and all, but... I think Tempest truly had feelings for Decimus and he for her!”

Ember looks skeptical. “How do you figure that?!”

“First of all, she kept his letters. If she was really just toying with his emotions, she would have just thrown them away! Keeping them was risky!”

Max nods. “The commander does raise a good point. Had their relationship became common knowledge, it would have destroyed BOTH of their careers!”

Arc continues. “Furthermore, if she had been faking, I doubt even she could have kept the charade going for THIS long! At some point over the years, she would have messed up! Captain Decimus may be an absolute scumbag, but he's certainly no dummy!”

Sereb walks over to Arc. “Perhaps he was blinded by his feeling for this mare? Love can make even the wisest stumble.”

“That is certainly possible. What do you think, Arc?”

“If the relationship hadn't been going on for so long, I might agree with you. However, we're talking about more than a handful of years!”

Ember looks up suddenly! “Something else just occurred to me. Is there a chance that Decimus himself could be manipulating Tempest? Using HER to further his own goals?!”

Max shudders at the thought! “I certainly hope not! The thought of Captain Decimus being cunning enough to manipulate a Special Forces elite like Tempest is a scary thought!”

Arc nods in agreement! “In any case, why don't we all get some supper. I've been smelling the food for quite some time now, and I can't resist it's call any longer!”

Ember facepalms! “Great Arc! Always thinking with your stomach.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “It is just as well, Ember. We seem to be unable to come up with any concrete evidence of wrongdoing as it stands. Tossing around theories is all well and good, but it appears we aren’t making any headway here.”

Arc nods. “Unless anyone has something to add, I'm heading to the cafeteria.”

The others are silent.

Arc turns around and walks toward the door. “Onward to supper then!”

He leads the group to the cafeteria. Everyone grabs a plate of food and sits down at a table together. Sereb changes back into his Cub Form as Saffron comes out of the kitchen with a plate of food for Arc. She sets Arc's plate down in front of him and looks at Sereb.

“I'm sorry, commander. Had I known you had gotten a pet I would have made him something to eat as well!”

Arc smiles at her. “Not to worry. I'll share my meal with him tonight. He's a permanent addition to our forces though, so expect him at mealtimes from now on.”

She levitates a clean plate over from the head of the buffet. “Yes commander. I will remember that!”

Saffron takes a bit of Arc's supper and sets the plate on the floor in front of Sereb

“There you are! I hope you like it!”

Sereb nods. “Thank you miss. It smells divine.”

Saffron steps back, a bit surprised to hear Sereb talk! “Oh! Um... enjoy!”

“Have you seen Auriel and Sassy Saddles, Saffron? They really should be here by now.”

Saffron nods. “They've already come and gone. The two of them looked pretty tired from the day's activities when they left. I overheard the two of them say they had a busy day tomorrow as well.”

Ember nods. “Early to bed, early to rise?”

Saffron nods. “That's what I took from it. Now if all of you will excuse me, I need to get back to work.”

She walks back to the kitchen and closes the door behind her. Saffron shakes her head as she grins wickedly!

“Commander... if you only knew what we have planned for you...”

Chapter 8 - In Pursuit of the Truth

Arc and company enjoy their supper before heading back to their respective rooms for a good night's sleep. Arc awakens early and, after escaping from Ember's vise-like grip, heads to the bathroom to take a shower. He stands there for a few moments tapping a finger against the shower wall.

“What to do today...”

Arc turns the water temperature up.

“That should help me think. Well... I have to meet with Steel Hammer about Sereb's saddle. But that won't take too long. Maybe a good long ride is in order. After all, I do need the practice. Who knows when trouble will strike!

He dutifully cleans himself before stepping out of the shower, dries himself off and puts on some clean clothes. Arc leaves the bathroom to see Sereb stretching as he awakens.

“Have a good night's sleep Sereb?”

“Actually yes. It is much better than sleeping on the cold, hard ground.”

Arc looks down at the small rug Derpy used on her last visit. “I'll have to see about getting a larger area rug. That is, if this is going to be your usual sleeping area.”

“That is not necessary, but I thank you just the same.”

Arc turns toward the door. “Why don't we see about getting some breakfast? You and I have a busy day ahead of us.”

Sereb stands and nods. “I am ready.”

Arc and Sereb head toward the cafeteria. Upon entering they find Ember, Flash Sentry, and Arc's squad together at a table. The pair heads over to the buffet as Arc gets a plate of food for himself and one for Sereb. He looks to Sereb and gestures at the food.

“Can you eat any of this?”

“I am... unsure. However, I would like to try.”

Arc walks toward the others, food in hand. “I was hoping you would say that.”

The pair heads over to the table. Arc sets the plate of food down on the floor for Sereb. He then sits down with his own plate and begins to eat.

“Another day.”

Ember looks up at him. “Big plans, Arc?”

“After breakfast I need to see if the Hammers were able to finish work on a saddle for Sereb. Assuming they were successful, Sereb and I need to take a long ride together. Get better acquainted with riding. That sort of thing.”

Flash Sentry thinks for a moment. “A creature riding another creature. It just doesn't seem natural to me!”

Max nods. “We'd better get used to it. Sereb's one of us now.”

Xenos turns to Arc. “Anything else on your schedule for today, sir?”

“I had an idea while I was in the shower earlier. This is probably a good time for me to head on over to Baltimare and see about talking to Tempest's sister Cerulean Skies. While I'm in town I'll also head over to the Baltimare Courthouse and see about getting a look at Ember's case file.”

Ember looks over to him. “Need a claw with that?”

“Nah. It's just going to be a simple matter of walking in, getting the file and leaving. I'm not going there to make any new friends!”

Hugh chuckles. “Nothing is ever that simple with you, sir!”

Max turns to Ember. “You should probably sit this one out. If you were to accompany the commander to Baltimare it would be seen as conflict on interest in your case.”

Xenos nods. "Yeah! The commander himself shouldn't even be doing this!”

Hugh looks up from his plate. “True Xenos. However, Baltimare has already reported that the case doesn't exist. That and the only ones who have the authority to literally go anywhere they want would be the princesses and the Hero of Light.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Well, I don't like it! But I also understand where you guys are coming from on this one. I'll stay here, Arc.”

“Thanks for understanding."

Steel Hammer enters the Cafeteria and walks over to Arc.

“Good morning Steel Hammer. How did it go?”

“Pretty good actually! It's been awhile since I made anything this fancy though.”

“As long as it's functional and durable I'll be happy.”

Steel Hammer points a hoof to the door. “It's in my cart just outside the Main Entrance if you're ready.”

Arc stands. “I am! How about you Sereb?”

“Yes. Oh, and the breakfast was delicious!”

“Glad you liked it. Well, let's go see what Steel Hammer came up with.”

Ember stands up as well! “Oh, this I have GOT to see!”

Flash Sentry gets up as well with the troops. “The squad and I have maneuvers to run now sir. We'll catch up with you another time.”

Max turns to Arc. “When do you think you'll be back, sir?”

“I'm planning to return before the sun goes down. Why do you ask?”

Max looks down nervously. “I… just wanted to let Saffron know if you were going to be back for supper.”

“Oh... good idea.”

“Good luck in Baltimare, sir!”

As Arc leaves with the others, Max looks after him with a mischievous look on his face!

“Hurry back now, commander!”

Arc, Ember, Sereb and Steel Hammer walk to the Main Hall and out the front door. Silver Hammer and Platinum Valve are waiting with the cart.

“Good morning Mr. Arc! I can't wait to show you what we came up with!”

“I've got to hand it to my husband. For saying he's so out of practice, he did a wonderful job! He even remembered to put your Insignia on it so everypony will know who you are!”

“My dad can make ANYTHING!”

Arc walks over to the cart and picks up the saddle. “I'm beginning to see that! Well Sereb, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Arc sets the saddle on Sereb's back. It is of simple design similar to what would be seen on Earth. The only main difference is the addition of two hard leather handles built into the saddle! On either side is the Insignia of the Hero of Light! Silver Hammer and Steel Hammer show Arc how to properly attach the harnesses.

Silver Hammer tightens the belts and steps back. “That should be perfect. Just remember, you want it tight. But not so tight that it causes discomfort.”

Steel Hammer nods! “If done correctly, Sereb should be able to run as long and as fast as he wants without chaffing.”

“Good. I was worried about that.”

“Thank you for taking my comfort into consideration.”

Ember looks him over. “I gotta say, that saddle does look good on you Sereb!”

“Thank you. I will wear it with pride.”

Steel Hammer turns to Arc.” Well, time for the moment of truth. Hop on and tell me what you think.”

Sereb kneels down and allows Arc to mount him.

“This already feels a LOT better than bareback riding!”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Silver Hammer looks the straps over one last time. “Try walking around a bit. See how the saddle rides.”

Sereb walks around a bit.

Arc nods! “I like it!”

“As do I.”

Steel Hammer nods. “Good. Now Sereb, try running.”

Silver Hammer quickly turns to Arc! “Be sure to use those handles we incorporated, Arc! Falling off at top speed would hurt even you!”

“I'll give it a try.”

Sereb runs down the road and back.

Ember nods, impressed! “That looks like fun!”

Arc grins! “Oh Ember! You have no idea! Hey Sereb! Why don't we see what you can really do?!”

“What did you have in mind?”

Arc calls forth his armor. “I want you to run down the road again, but this time at maximum speed! We both have to test our limits!”

“I concur.”

Sereb is nearly a blur as he and Arc careen down the road and return to stand in front of the others! Arc stumbles off of Sereb and removes his helmet, looking a bit green.

“Okay... that's going to take some getting used to.”

Ember laughs! “Good job on your part though Sereb. Arc, not so much!”

“Now don't you worry Ember. When I get back this evening, I think I'll be used to the movements. At least my stomach hopes so anyway.”

Arc suddenly runs to a nearby bush and leans into it heavily.

“You okay over there Mr. Arc?!”

He stands up and wipes his mouth. “Yeah, I'll be okay. Just had to... uh... empty my stomach a little. I knew I shouldn't have had those eggs...”

Ember rolls her eyes and folds her arms over her chest. “If you're done fertilizing the bushes over there, you pansy, don't you have work to do?”

Arc shoots Ember a withering look. “Very funny. How about you try riding Sereb at Mach 5 and see how your stomach appreciates it?”

Ember shakes her head. “I'll pass. Flying is my choice for fast-traveling.”

Arc composes himself and walks over to the Hammers.

“So how much do I owe you for the saddle?”

Steel Hammer shakes his head. “Nothing. This one is on us!”

“What?! But you worked hard on this! I couldn't possibly...”

Silver Hammer interrupts. “Arc, you've done so much for us! Now please... just let us do this one thing for you.”

“Yeah, Mr. Arc! We have to repay you somehow!”

“Well, okay... thank you, all of you! I promise to use this for the betterment of all ponykind!”

Steel Hammer nods and smiles! “We can't ask for more than that, Arc. Good luck out there!”

Arc puts his helmet back on and turns to his faithful steed. “Well, are you ready to go Sereb?”

“Yes.”

Arc again climbs onto Sereb’s back. “Okay, here we go!”

He opens a portal and turns back to Ember.

“See you at supper. Wish me luck!”

“Be careful out there!”

Arc and Sereb enter the portal and reappear on the ancient sigil leading to the Dragon Lands. Sereb looks over his shoulder at Arc.

“Where do we go from here?”

Arc points north. “Across the river is the city of Baltimare. Like I said at breakfast, we need to head to the courthouse and see about getting a look at the case file.”

“You mean the one that supposedly does not exist?”

“Right! We also need to have a talk with a pony named Cerulean Skies. She's the sister of someone whom needs to be taken down!”

“Who's that?”

Arc grimaces. “A mare who made a deal with the devil, Tempest Shadow. With any luck Cerulean Skies can tell me where I can find her!”

Sereb walks toward the river.

“How shall we cross?”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding. "Give me a second. I got this."

He charges up his magic and Blinks the pair across the river.

Sereb looks around, wide-eyed. “That was... unsettling.”

“Well, at least we didn't have to go swimming.”

“You raise a valid point.”

Arc, riding Sereb, walks toward Baltimare. The pair enters the city and looks around.

“This is... really impressive! It's almost like the big cities back on Earth!”

Sereb looks around at the citizenry. “We are attracting quite a bit of attention.”

Arc shrugs. “Well that can't really be helped. One mythical creature riding another mythical creature tends to turn heads.”

“Where shall we go first?”

He reaches into his ring and pulls out a piece of paper. “Let's see if we can find Cerulean Skies' home first.”

Arc spots a Royal Guard and waves him over to ask directions. The guard readily complies when he notices the insignia on Sereb's saddle and Arc's armor! He points to a nearby map next to a bus stop and points a hoof at the street in question.

“Thank you, guard.”

The Royal Guard salutes. “Happy to help, sir!”

Sereb looks at the many shops that line the street as they continue on. “This city is quite the center of commerce.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. I'll be glad to get out of here.”

“Why is that?”

“It just seems so... impersonal here. Give me Ponyville or Dodge Junction any day!”

The pair follows the guard’s directions and soon find themselves in a rather rundown part of Baltimare.

“Many of these dwellings do not appear completely stable.”

Arc sighs at the sight of so many run-down houses. “All civilizations, great and small, have their wealthy and their poor. I doubt many of those who live here do so by choice.”

Sereb points with a paw. “There is the house.”

The pair approach a small house that appears in worse condition that the ones around it. Arc dismounts at the front steps.

“Well, this is the right address. Let's see if the lady of the house is home.”

Arc knocks on the door, but there is no answer. He turns back to Sereb.

“Maybe she’s at work.”

Sereb raises his head and sniffs at the door. No. Someone is in there. I can smell it.”

“Really? That's handy!”

Arc knocks again, this time more loudly! There is the light sound of shuffling hooves approaching the door. It slowly opens an inch or two to reveal a sky-blue unicorn mare with a flowing white mane who appears very nervous! She takes one look at Arc and Sereb and quickly slams the door! The sound of hoofsteps retreating quickly can be heard from inside!

Sereb turns to Arc. “That was... unexpected.”

“Not really. We ARE pretty intimidating looking. That pony must have been terrified when she saw us!”

“What do we do now?”

Arc puts a hand on the door. “I think I can Blink through this door. Although I hate to break in like this, we don't really have a choice.”

He concentrates and Blinks himself inside the small house. Looking around he hears the sound of muffled whimpering.

“Cerulean Skies? I'm Hero of Light Arc. Can you come out please? I just want to talk to you.”

There is no response.

Arc thinks to himself. “She must not believe me.”

He turns around and unlocks the front door to allow Sereb to enter.

“Think you can sniff her out?”

Sereb raises his head and walks to the center of the small living room.

“She’s hiding in the closet.”

Arc walks over to the closet and knocks lightly. “Miss? I'm not going to hurt you. Can you please come out?

Silence.

“Ma'am, I really need to talk to you about your sister Tempest.”

The closet door opens a crack.

“You... you know my sister?”

“Kinda. To tell you the truth, it's kinda complicated. Are you Cerulean Skies?”

“Yes, I am. But how do you know that?! Are you Bill Collectors or something?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Like I said a few minutes ago, I'm the Hero of Light. Now I'm really sorry about barging in here like this, but I really needed to talk to you.”

Cerulean Skies opens the door and cautiously steps out. she notices the Crest of Light on his shoulder and bows slightly! \

“I... I'm sorry for not opening the door, sir! I just thought it was my creditors coming to take what meager possessions I still have!

Sereb looks around the single room house. “There does not appear to be much here worth taking, miss.”

Cerulean Skies seems startled to hear Sereb speak!

“Don't worry. Sereb here won't hurt you either.”

Cerulean Skies breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! Not that it really matters but, the way my life has been going lately, it might have been a nice clean way out!”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I haven't any money or possessions to speak of. Most of us in this neighborhood have to borrow money just to eat! The bank does give reasonable rates, but over time the interest compounds! Me and many of my neighbors really don't have any hope of paying back our debts as things stand.

There is a loud pounding at the front door. An angry stallion’s voice can be heard yelling from the other side.

“Cerulean Skies! I know you're in there! Open up or else I'm coming in after you!”

Arc frowns. “Is this... legal?”

Cerulean Skies shrinks back fearfully. “The debt collecting is. Breaking in... not so much!”

The stallion has started bucking the door! It doesn’t appear to be able to take much more abuse! Arc storms over to the front door angrily!

“Oh, I'm going to put a stop to this right now!”

Arc unlocks the door and opens it wide!

“WHAT?!”

The stallion appears quite shaken at the appearance of Arc and Sereb. Cerulean Skies hides behind Sereb. He appears suddenly much less sure of himself.

“Hero of Light, I... uh...”

Arc looks at the deep hoofmarks on the door before angrily turning to the stallion before him! “Malicious destruction of private property, disturbing the peace, threats?! Is this how collections are done?!”

“Well, I...”

Arc grabs the stallion by the front of his uniform. “Get in here!”

He half drags the stallion inside and pushes him onto the couch! Folding his arms over his chest, Arc glares at the stallion menacingly!

“Now what is it you want here?!”

“I... um... Cerulean Skies, she... she owes the bank some... uh... money, sir.”

“And you were sent here to break her door down to get it?!”

The stallion shakes his head. “I'm sorry about that. I still need to meet my collections quota or else Mr. Rich will...”

Arc is suddenly livid! “Filthy Rich AGAIN?! Does that guy own EVERYTHING?!”

Cerulean Skies nods. “He owns the bank, yes. And I didn't know it at the time, but he also owns the Collection Agency here in Baltimare!”

The stallion sighs and looks up at Arc. “Okay, look! I'm really sorry for my earlier behavior. Miss, could you just give me SOMETHING I can take back to my boss? It doesn't have to be much! Even a possession of value that can be auctioned off would do!”

Cerulean Skies looks down at the floor, sadly. “I... I haven't a bit to my name. And you've already taken anything I have of value. I'm sorry, but I literally have nothing to give!”

Arc sighs and turns to the stallion. “How much does Cerulean Skies owe the bank?”

“I’m sorry, sir, but that is between the bank and…”

“The Hero of Light has asked you a question! You WILL answer it!”

“Fifty bits, sir!!!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Filthy Rich sends collectors for a debt THAT small?!”

“Please sir! I'm only doing my job!”

“How many other ponies in this neighborhood are you visiting?”

The stallion looks away nervously. “I'm sorry sir, but I really can't tell you that!”

“I see.”

Arc turns to Sereb and winks.

“Sereb... eat him.”

“Quickly or slowly, sir?”

Arc steps back. “Surprise me.”

Sereb slowly walks toward the stallion, growling.

“OKAY! OKAY! PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THEM! PLEASE DON'T EAT ME!”

“Hold off on eating him, Sereb.”

Arc returns his gaze to the stallion. He touches his ring and pulls out a bag of bits. Counting out fifty, he throws them to the stallion whom quickly picks them up and puts them in his collections bag!

“Thank you sir! I can make my quota now!”

Arc turns away from the stallion. “Just... get out of my sight! If I ever see you here again, let's just say my partner here will be eating well. Now LEAVE!”

The stallion quickly jumps off the couch and out the door! Cerulean Skies turns to Arc, wide-eyed!

“I... I don't really know what to say.”

Sereb nods. “One might start with a thank you.”

“Yes, of course, thank you sir! I'm sorry for earlier! Was there something you needed to talk to me about?”

“Yes... but first can you tell me how things got to this point around here?”

“I suppose so. As you probably already know, Equestria's economy is in quite the slump. It's been affecting the poorest people the most! I'm the only one on this street who has a job! Or at least I did up until yesterday.”

“What happened?”

“I was the secretary down at the courthouse. Lately there has been quite an upturn of... let's just say, shady legal dealings going on there.”

“What?! Does the mayor know about this?!”

Cerulean Skies nods. “He does, but... his authority to do anything about it is pretty much nonexistent! He's been petitioning the Captain of the Royal Guard to send an investigator, but keeps getting letters back saying there isn't enough evidence to warrant an expensive investigation!”

“Decimus again?! I hate that stallion!”

“I spoke to High Justice Hawthorne about this just the other day. The next thing I knew, I was out of a job! Now I wish I had grabbed some evidence before they threw me out!”

Arc turns back to her. “What kind of evidence?”

“The files are full to bursting with examples of wrongdoing! You'll see when you go through them! I should have just done it myself...”

“I guess whistle-blowers don't really have much protection around here, huh?”

“No, we don't! I had been helping feed much of the neighborhood with my meager earnings. The loss of my income is devastating to say the least! Please Hero of Light, can't YOU do something?!”

Arc nods! “Don't you worry Cerulean Skies. I will! Truth be told, I actually have business of my own at your local courthouse!”

“If you would like, I can take you there! But didn't you say you wanted to talk to me about my sister? Truth be told I even tried writing to her some time ago asking for her help in this matter.”

“I do indeed. However, let's take care of this first! Please lead me to the Baltimare Courthouse.”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Okay. But it's going to take quite a while to get there. The streets will be packed with the lunch hour rush!”

“Leave that to me.”

Arc, Sereb and Cerulean Skies leave her house. He mounts Sereb and extends a gauntlet to Cerulean Skies.

“Come on up!”

“What?! But...”

“If the roads will be as bad as you say, this will be the fastest way there! I say the citizens of Baltimare have suffered long enough!”

She nods. “Well... okay.”

Arc pulls Cerulean Skies onto the saddle in front of him. He puts an arm around her midsection and uses his other hand to hold onto the saddle. Sereb runs down the sidewalk as Cerulean Skies calls out directions!

Cerulean Skies giggles excitedly! “Wow! This is FUN!”

Arc nods! “I know, right!”

Sereb approaches a crosswalk. Cerulean Skies appears frightened!

“The light's red!”

“Sereb?”

“I'm on it.”

Sereb runs faster and jumps over the crosswalk and oncoming traffic before landing safely on the other side of the street.

“Nice one, Sereb!”

“Thank you. I try.”

Arc looks to Cerulean Skies. “Tell me of Justice Hawthorne? Who is he?”

“He's Baltimare's High Justice. Princess Celestia herself appointed him to his position many years ago. Although it appears somewhere along the path, he lost his way. Now he dispenses ‘justice’ at his own discretion!”

Sereb growls! “A judge's duty should be protecting the innocent.”

Arc nods. “I agree. Can you prove these accusations, Cerulean Skies?”

“I can. But I'm forbidden from ever setting hoof back in the courthouse!”

“Stay with me. I'll get you inside.”

That may be difficult! He has a veritable army protecting the courthouse! Nopony could break through those defenses!”

Arc, Sereb and Cerulean Skies see Baltimare Courthouse at the end of the road. Many guards surround the building's main entrance. They see Sereb's advance and move to defensive positions!

“Arc, what are your orders?”

“We're going right in the front door! Don't slow down Sereb! Break their lines!”

Cerulean Skies looks up to Arc, frightened! “But sir! There's just too many of them! Those are all Elite Guards!”

“Never mind that Sereb! CHARGE!!!”

Cerulean Skies covers her eyes with her hooves. “I can't look!”

As the trio nears the soldiers Arc uses his magic to Blink them past them! Sereb slams against the courthouse doors and tears them off their hinges! The guards inside appear to be less than courageous as they scatter at Arc's advance!

“Which way, Cerulean Skies?!”

She uncovers her eyes and points a hoof down a corridor. “Th-that way. The Records Room!”

Sereb charges down the hallway toward a door at the end guarded by two Elite Guards.

“Stop Sereb. Let me down.”

Sereb obeys. Arc dismounts and walks quickly toward the guards. They approach him quickly!

“I'm sorry sir, but you can't come in he...”

He is cut short by Arc's gauntlet meeting his face! Arc turns to the other guard and hits him hard with a Telekinesis spell! He flies across the room and crashes against a wall! Arc, Sereb and Cerulean Skies quickly enter the Records Room!

“Sereb, barricade the door!”

“Yes sir.”

Sereb closes the door and lays down in front of it.

Arc nods, somewhat surprised. “That will do it!”

He turns back to Cerulean Skies!

“I'm not sure how long that will keep them out of here. Show me your proof, Cerulean Skies!”

Cerulean Skies runs over to the filing cabinets! Oh no! I forgot!

“What is it!?”

“They took my keys away when they fired me! I can't open any of these cabinets!”

The sound of pounding at the door grows stronger and more focused!

“I am not sure how long I can keep them out of here.”

“Which cabinet do you need opened?!”

She points to a cabinet next to her! “This one! The “Recent Case Files” contain the most conclusive evidence!”

Arc grabs the handle and rips the drawer open!

“There you go!”

Cerulean Skies wastes no time sifting through the files! She runs over to the table in the center of the room with Arc and throws down several of the case files!

“Look here! The sentencing for a convicted murderer was a two bit fine! An arsonist received five minutes community service! A shoplifter was given twenty years! These files are nothing but injustices! What more proof do you need?!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “This door cannot take much more abuse.”

Arc slams his fists down onto the heave table! “I can't believe it! This is monstrous! Sereb, let them in!”

“What?”

“You heard me! Let the Elite Guards in then get behind me and protect Cerulean Skies

“Very well.”

Sereb leaps behind Arc and shields Cerulean Skies with his large body! The door bursts inward and a horde of Elite Guards rush in and surround Arc! The commanding officer steps forward quickly!

“You're under arrest... whatever you are! Come quietly now!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Under arrest?! On what charges?!

“Are you insane?! You break down doors and assault guards! On whose authority do you commit such actions?!”

Arc points to the Crest of Light on his shoulder. “On my OWN authority! You are harboring a criminal! I am here to take him in to face justice! Where is he?!”

“Sir! Who are you talking about?!”

“I have just been shown evidence that proves Judge Hawthorne has committed numerous acts of injustice! Stand aside so I may arrest him!”

None of the elites moves.

“STAND ASIDE! That is, unless you think you can win against the Hero of Light! Any who stand with Judge Hawthorne are traitors to this land, and will be treated as such!”

The commander takes a step back. “Guards... TAKE THIS FOOL DOWN!”

The guards advance! Arc touches his ring and calls forth his Spear of Righteousness!

“Have it your way, fools!

Arc lunges forward and engages the traitors! With a mighty swing of his spear he knocks down a half dozen Elite Guards then throws them at their companions using his Telekinesis magic! The guards fall back to the Main Hall!

“Sereb, you and Cerulean Skies follow me! Keep her safe! Do not engage the enemy needlessly!”

“Fear not. No harm will come to her.”

“Good. Let's move!”

Arc grabs the hastily gathered evidence against Judge Hawthorne and puts it in Sereb's saddlebag. They walk down the hallway toward the Main Hall. The Elite Guards have overturned the tables and are preparing to use them as makeshift barricades!

“Stand your ground! The High Justice must be protected! Show this traitor the power of justice!”

Arc looks around the chambers at the forces that stand against him. "You don't get it do you?! You cannot judge ME! I am JUSTICE ITSELF! Can you not see that the High Justice has perverted what is supposed to be pure and right?!"

The Elite Guard Commander points his spear at Arc. “Hero of Light, the law states that we must not interfere with the work of the High Justice or allow anypony else to do so! But you have done so... BRAZENLY!”

Arc steps forward, fearlessly. “All I am guilty of is bringing justice to the downtrodden! While you sit idly by, cowering behind your laws and traditions!”

“ENOUGH! I'll not hear this nonsense!”

Arc looks around at the Elite Guards. “You were meant for more than this! To protect the innocent! But if your precious 'laws' bind you all to inaction, then you no longer stand for the citizens!"

He throws his spear at the Scales of Justice in the center of the room and knocks them over. Turning back to the Elite Guards, he addresses them again.

“What say you all?! Will you stand with me?! Or... will you stand on the side of one who withholds justice from those whom cannot pay?!”

None of the Elite Guard moves.

"WHAT SAY YOU?!"

The Elite Guard Commander rushes forward to attack Arc.

“FOR JUSTICE!!!”

As he charges forward Arc knocks his opponent’s spear away with his left arm and counters with a crushing blow to his opponent's head, knocking him across the room into the fallen Scales of Justice. He does not rise.

Arc turns back to the Elite Guards. “Now... let me pass... or I will show you all the TRUE power of justice!"

An Elite Guard walks toward Arc and points a hoof down the hall. “The High Justice is in his office.”

“Thank you. Sereb, Cerulean Skies, follow me.”

They part and allows Arc and company to pass unhindered. Arc’s group walks down the hallway to a large double door.

“This is the High Justice's office, sir.”

Arc nods.” You two stay out here. Allow no one to pass, Sereb.”

“It shall be done.”

Cerulean Skies looks at the door, nervously. “Be careful! The High Justice has many friends in high places! He's pretty much untouchable!”

“I'll remember that.”

Arc pushes open the large double doors and walks into the High Justice's office. He sees a middle-aged stallion sitting at a large desk, writing.

“What?! Who are you?! I gave strict orders that I was not to be disturbed! Where are my guards?!”

Arc points a thumb behind him at the closed door. “They're back there cleaning up the Main Hall. A couple of them are probably taking their commander to the hospital.”

The High Justice goes back to his writing. “Oh? What happened to him?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “His face had a close encounter with my fist.”

The stallion puts down his quill and looks to Arc. “What is it you want from me?”

Arc walks over to the desk. “I want your resignation, the case file involving a dragon named Ember, and any and all evidence you've been withholding you piece of filth!”

Hawthorne chuckles. “Well, I'd love to help you sir, but I just don't know what you're talking about. I am far too busy at the moment to listen to anypony's problems or dispense justice.”

“You mean for those who can't pay for their justice, right? Like a certain dragon? I still want that file, Hawthorne!”

“Not for anyone. And I don't know what to tell you regarding the case file you requested. Perhaps my secretary lost it.”

Arc walks around the desk to the display cabinets and shelves that line the walls. They are filled with many awards and precious looking trinkets from a lifetime of practicing law.

“I see. Pity. I'll just have a look around then and see if you haven't misplaced them, eh?”

Arc approaches the cabinet and begins to look over their contents carefully. Suddenly he starts grabbing things off the shelves indiscriminately and throwing them to fall to the floor. Most of the items shatter upon impact.

Hawthorne looks over, wide-eyed. “Hey! You can't...”

Arc turns around, interrupting the stallion. “Can’t I?! I'm the Hero of Light! You really think you can withhold justice from an entire town because you think it's funny?! Now where would that power come from?!”

Hawthorne waves a hoof up and down. “Alright, alright, calm down!”

The judge hastily starts going through papers. He grabs a bottle of cider on an end table near him.

“Here... have a drink!”

Arc quickly grabs the two shot glasses near the judge and throws them through the window.

“Now then! If you don't start telling me the truth RIGHT FREAKING NOW, the next thing going through that window... IS YOU!!!”

Arc reaches toward the High Justice slowly.

“All right! All right, I confess! I might have taken a few bags of bits to show leniency!”

“May have?! Either you DID or you DIDN'T! Pick one!”

“Okay fine, I did! But you would have done the same! That was my retirement fund! I mean... this job doesn't pay nearly enough!”

Arc nods. “Thank you for cooperating! I'll be taking you in now.”

Hawthorne laughs. “Good luck getting the princesses to listen to you, a young whelp who's still wet behind the ears! I've known them for DECADES! Believe me when I say that I'll be back in my office here before the peons get through sweeping up the broken glass!”

“We'll see about that!”

Arc turns his head toward the door.

“Sereb... Cerulean Skies... you can come in now.”

Sereb and Cerulean Skies enter the office together. Cerulean Skies looks around the office.

“Wow! You sure did a number on this room, sir!”

Arc nods. “We're escorting the High Justice to Canterlot.”

He opens a portal to Canterlot Castle. They step through and find themselves in Arc's quarters.

“Alright Hawthorne. This way.”

Hawthorne nods smugly. “Very well, ‘hero’.”

Arc leads the group toward the Princess' Audience Chamber. The judge shakes his head.

“You don't really think this case against me will stand, do you?!”

“You're the prisoner! Let me do my job as the arresting officer!”

“Very well!”

Arc stops outside a large double door.

“Sereb, watch the prisoner. I'll be right back.”

Cerulean Skies turns to Sereb, confused. “What do you suppose this is all about?”

“I haven't the foggiest idea. But Arc is quite cunning. He most certainly has a plan.”

“I sure hope so.”

Arc emerges a few minutes later.

“Okay. Now we can see the princesses.”

Hawthorne paces impatiently! “It's about time! I have a dinner date tonight and I would hate to miss it because of this… slight misunderstanding.”

Cerulean Skies looks to the judge, angrily! “The only date you should be interested in is your sentencing date!”

Arc approaches the Royal Guard Commander outside the Audience Chamber. It is surprisingly empty.

“I have a prisoner here that needs to be brought before the princesses immediately!”

“I'm sorry sir, but the princesses are not seeing anyone at the moment.”

“Oh? Is something wrong?”

The Royal Guard Commander shrugs. “I can only assume it is something of greatest importance, sir! Forgive me, but I don't have the details.”

Arc nods. “Very well... this way prisoner!”

“What?! Where are you taking me?!”

“Uh... the dungeon obviously!”

“How dare you! I'm not some common criminal you can just throw in a cell and forget about! I demand to see the princesses!”

Cerulean Skies smiles wickedly at the judge! “You heard the guard! No one is seeing them today! Hope you like prison food!”

Hawthorne grumbles as he is led to the Dungeons and locked in a cell. Arc turns to the prison guard. “See to it this prisoner is allowed no visitors! I will report his case to the princesses personally. Ignore any of his ramblings! He's delusional!”

Hawthorne bangs on the bars of his cell, angrily! “Don't you know who I am?! I am the High Justice of Baltimare!”

The prison guard nods. “I understand sir! We've dealt with his kind before.”

“Good. I must return to Light's Hope now.”

Arc, Sereb, and Cerulean Skies leave the prison and return to the corridor.

Cerulean Skies kneels before Arc, respectfully. “Thank you sir! Thank you for bringing Hawthorne's tyranny to an end!”

“You were the one who was brave enough to tell me about this, Cerulean Skies. I should thank you for your service to Baltimare.”

“It was nothing sir. Now, is there anything I can do to help ensure he goes away for good?”

Arc nods. “Actually yes. I'd like you to come back to my base so I can take an official statement from you. That and it's almost suppertime. We can have a good meal, get a good night's sleep, and you can make your statement in the morning. Then I can bring you back home.”

“Thank you sir!”

Arc opens a portal to Light's Hope. The sun is just sinking below the horizon as they appear in the Main Hall. Raven runs up to Arc as they step off the sigil.

“Thank goodness you're back, commander! The mayor just called! She said you're needed at ONCE at the Town Hall!”

“What's wrong?!”

“I'm not sure! She only said to send you over immediately upon your arrival!”

He nods. “I'm on my way! Cerulean Skies, you stay here and have some supper. I'll be back as soon as I can. Let's go, Sereb!”

Sereb nods. Arc jumps on his back and the pair rush down the road toward Ponyville!

“Are you hungry miss?”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Yes, I am!”

“Give me a moment to make a quick call, and I'll be right with you.”

“Thank you ma'am!”

Cerulean Skies walks across the room and sits down on a bench to wait. Raven talks to someone on the phone, a wicked smile creeps across her face!

“Yes, he's on his way! Don't worry about that... no, he doesn't suspect a thing!... You just take care of things on your end and get the drop on the commander! If all goes well, he won’t know what hit him!”

Raven hangs up the phone and smiles with satisfaction.

“Have fun... commander.”

Raven gets up from her desk and walks over to Cerulean Skies.

“Now if you will follow me miss, I'll… take care of you now….”

Chapter 9 - Prelude to Calamity

Arc and Sereb rush toward Ponyville Town Hall!

“What do you think we will be facing, Arc?”

“No clue! Ponyville is usually pretty peaceful! I hate rushing into this blindly!”

“We shall have to be ready for anything!”

“Agreed.”

Arc and Sereb approach the outskirts of Ponyville.

“Sereb, stop!”

Sereb screeches to a stop!

“What is...”

Arc interrupts him! “Shhh! Listen! Do you hear that?!”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “I hear nothing.”

“Exactly! At this time of day there should still be ponies walking the streets! Laughing... and playing! Heading home for the evening meal!”

Arc looks in the direction of the Town Hall.

“Onward! Hurry!”

Arc and Sereb head to the Town Hall. Mayor Mare is waiting for them on the front steps!

He jumps off Sereb and rushes over to the Mayor. He respectfully removes his helmet to speak with her!

“Mayor Mare! I came as quickly as I could! What's wrong?! Where is everyone?!”

“Thank you for coming, Hero of Light. This is indeed a matter that requires your immediate attention!”

Sereb raises his head and sniffs the air! A sly smile stretches across his face.

The mayor turns to the Town Hall. “Come! We can talk about it in my office!”

“Very well.”

Arc climbs the steps and moves toward the doors. Sereb and Mayor Mare follow him closely with sly smiles on their faces, ultimately blocking any possibility of retreat! Mayor Mare reaches into her saddlebag and silently pulls out something long and thin! Arc enters the darkened Town Hall.

“It's kinda dark in here mayor. Think you could hit the lights?”

She nods slowly. “Certainly! Just give me one moment...”

Arc waits patiently in the darkness surrounding him. The mayor slowly walks over to the light switch, behind Arc. She sits down on her haunches and readies the item in her hoof. Slowly she reaches toward the switch and turns it on!

The citizens of Ponyville fill the Town Hall to bursting, blowing Party Horns and setting off Party Poppers yelling!

“SURPRISE!!!”

Pinkie sets off her Party Cannon! “GOTCHA!!!”

Arc is quite taken aback! “What the...?!”

What appears to be the entire town of Ponyville has gathered in the Town Hall under a large banner that reads ‘Happy Anniversary’! Arc's squad, Flash Sentry, Ember, the Mane 6, Derpy, Dinky, Sassy Saddles, the Hammers, Coco Pommel, the orphans and more ponies than can be named all stand before Arc smiling and clapping their hooves excitedly!

“Wait, what... is all this?”

Twilight smiles, walking forward with Derpy and Dinky! “Today marks the one-year anniversary of when I brought you to Equestria, silly! Or have you forgotten?!”

Arc returns his armor to his ring. “What?! Has it been a whole year already?!”

Derpy laughs! “According to Twilight, it has!”

Dinky excitedly jumps up and down! “Did we surprise you dad?! Did we?!”

Arc kneels down to hug his daughter! “You sure did! I didn't have a clue!”

Ember joins him. “What's with the armor Arc? This is a party!”

“I thought the town was in danger or something! That's how Raven made it sound anyways. By the way... is she coming?”

Flash Sentry nods! “She'll be along any minute now. It was her job to see to it you were redirected here when you returned.”

Raven and Cerulean Skies walk in the door together.

Max points a hoof to the door. “There they are now!”

Raven trots over to him! “Happy anniversary, commander! Please forgive my deception.”

“It's okay! This was all in good fun!”

Cerulean Skies looks around at the large group before her. “Oh my! You sure have quite a few friends, sir!”

Arc nods. “Thank you. They're the best!”

He looks around.”

“Where's Auriel?”

Ember points a claw out one of the front windows. “She's outside chatting with Sereb. I guess the two of them are worried they might spoil the celebration.

Twilight takes Arc by the hand and leads him to the stage

“I think this calls for a few words from our Guest of Honor!”

The citizens of Ponyville cheer and stomp their hooves. The chant for a speech!

Arc laughs! “Well, okay! Don't worry. I'll try to keep it short.”

Everyone is silent as Arc takes to the podium.

“First, I just want to thank those who made this celebration a reality! Wow... one whole year has gone by in the blink of an eye! It feels like only yesterday that I was stepping through Twilight's mirror with nothing but the clothes on my back and a confused look on my face!”

Twilight nods with a sheepish grin on her face! “Again... sorry!”

“And again Twilight... thank you for bringing me here! I love my new life in Equestria! The ponies... the towns... the food!”

Ember facepalms. “Should've seen that one coming!”

Arc continues. “But most of all, I love the experiences I’ve had in this new land! I've met so many interesting ponies and have been able to help many of them! However, there is still much work to be done! And I look forward to it!

He pauses and looks around the room at everyone assembled.

“I still remember being able to clear the streets when I took a walk. I'm happy to see that all of you were eventually able to look past my outward appearance and accept me into your... our community!”

All assembled clap their hooves together!

“Now... I'm hoping all of you can do me a favor! I have recently made a couple of... different looking friends. I'm sure all of you have seen them walking the streets of town, and have quickly fled into your homes.”

The assembled ponies whisper nervously to each other!

“Now, now. I don't blame you for being afraid! But, like me, they're here to stay. To help bridge the gap between you and them, I think proper introductions are in order.”

Arc moves to step down from the stage.

“I'm going to bring them in now, and I would appreciate it if everyone would give them the benefit of the doubt. No running away in fear now. Okay?”

The citizens of Ponyville nervously nod their heads.

“Good! Now, I'll go outside and talk to them. Then the three of us will walk up to the stage together so I can introduce them.”

Mayor Mare walks toward the stage, nervously. “Arc, are you sure this is a good idea?”

Arc nods. “I am. They're my friends, and I want them to feel as welcome here as they are at Light's Hope.”

“Very well. All of us will do our best!”

The assembled ponies nervously nod their heads as Arc walks out the front door. Arc quickly walks over to Auriel and Sereb.

“Are you two trying to get to know each other?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. We've already learned that we both make those around us nervous.”

“Indeed. The two of us are quite... out of place among the ponies of this land.”

Arc nods. “The two of you are right about that! But I actually came out here to try and fix that.”

Auriel looks at him, confused. “Huh? How?”

“The entire party is waiting for the two of you to come inside and introduce yourselves.”

Auriel steps back fearfully! “WHAT?! But... the whole town must be in there!”

Sereb nods. “I would hate to cause a stampede of frightened equines. Would it not be better for us to remain out here?”

Auriel nods and speaks quickly. “Yes, I agree with Sereb! Please Arc! You go inside and enjoy the party with your friends!”

Arc walks forward and putts a hand on Auriel's shoulder. “But Auriel... you're my friend too! This celebration... you're a part of what made it possible! Both of you are! Now please... give them a chance, and I'm sure they’ll find you as charming as I do.”

Auriel looks down at her feet. “Well I would but... I'm afraid I might not be able to speak!”

Sereb turns to the frightened demon. “Arc and I will speak for you then, my friend!”

“Right! You don't have to speak if you don't want to! Just let everyone see that you mean them no harm, okay?”

Auriel says nothing, but looks as if she is too frightened to move! Arc removes his cape and extends it to Auriel.

“Would it make you feel better if you could hide under this again?”

Auriel accepts the cape and covers herself in it. “Y-yes. It would. Thank you.”

“Good! Are you ready Sereb?”

“I am.”

“How about you Auriel?”

“I'm trying to. But I can't seem to get my feet to move! The thought of being completely surrounded by ponies terrifies me!”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“What if we rode inside on Sereb? You would be higher up, and I would be right there with you.”

“T-thank you! I would like that.”

Sereb allows Arc to mount him, Auriel climbs up and sits down behind him.

“Now just put your arms around me and hold on as tight as you want. Everything will be fine, okay?”

Auriel says nothing but does as she is told.

“Are you ready back there?”

Auriel nods with uncertainty and squeezes Arc tighter.

“Take us up to the stage Sereb... slowly and carefully. Auriel, when we get there I'm going to get off and stand next to Sereb. Do you want to stay on his back?”

Auriel nods vigorously but silently!

“Okay. I know you two can do this. Take us in, Sereb.”

“Very well.”

Arc uses his magic to open the doors. Sereb walks in bearing his two friends on his back. The ponies give them a wide berth as they slowly make their way to the stage. Arc dismounts Sereb slowly and turns to the group of visibly shaken ponies as Auriel does her best to flatten herself against Sereb's back and cling to him!

“Everyone, I would like to introduce all of you to my large friend here. His name is Sereb, and he has pledged himself to my service. The two of us will be protecting Equestria together from now on.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

All the party-goers take a big step back as they hear Sereb speak for the first time.

“He is a member of a small tribe the lives in the Dragon Lands. They are rather... reclusive, as ponykind has treated them rather poorly in the past.”

“Do not fear, my little ponies. I do not hold the sins of your forefathers against you.”

The citizenry appears somewhat soothed at Sereb's calm demeanor. Arc turns to Auriel and puts a hand on her back.

“Auriel? It's time to meet everyone. Can I help you down?”

Auriel doesn't raise her head. Instead she buries it further in Sereb's back. Arc quietly pats her back gently.

“It's going to be okay Auriel. Let me help you down, and I’ll introduce you. You don't have to say anything or even look up if you don't want to. Okay?”

Auriel slowly nods her head. Arc leans in to pick her up. She puts both of her arms around him and holds on for dear life as Arc carefully lifts her off of Sereb and sets her down next to him! She does not look up. Instead she pulls the makeshift cowl lower over her face.

“My other friend here is, as you can see, very... um... timid, I guess. Her name is Auriel. I met her on my most recent foray into Tartarus. After she helped me foil the latest escape plan of the demons, the Demon King ordered her to kill me. I had used up almost all of my strength to destroy a weapon that would have allowed the demons to escape Tartarus!”

The ponies whisper to each other in frightened tones!

“At the time I was unable to defend myself, and would have fallen quite easily to even the most basic of attacks. However, as you can see, she chose to disobey the king, and instead dragged me through the Gates of Tartarus and back to safety.”

Fluttershy steps forward, nervously. “Um... excuse me Arc. But are you saying that your friend is a... demon?”

“Yes, Fluttershy.”

Upon hearing this, almost all the townsponies immediately move back several paces! Rainbow Dash and Applejack rush up to the stage!

“Woah, woah, woah! Let me get this straight Arc! You let a DEMON out of Tartarus?!”

Applejack looks to Arc, angrily! “Why the hay would you do something like that?!”

Twilight rushes forward! “Everypony, please! She's really quite charming! I know you all would agree with me if you just took the time to get to know her!”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby, frowning! “No way Twilight! Demons are bad news! Don't you remember all the trouble they gave us when we rescued Arc from Tartarus?!”

Pinkie nods! “Yeah! Demons are meanies!”

“Well, let me put it this way. Had she been evil, she would have allowed the Malice Cannon to destroy the Gates of Tartarus, watched as the demons invaded Equestria and killed everyone and would have killed me when she had such an easy opportunity to do so!”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Well... okay. I still don't like her being here though! Shouldn't you, oh I don't know... take her home, or something?”

Auriel replies softly. “I... I can't...”

Rainbow Dash flies quickly up to Auriel! “Speak up! You can't what?!”

Auriel falls to her knees, covering her face with her hands and beginning to cry.

“I can't go home!!!”

Arc kneels down to put both hands on Auriel's shoulders. “She's telling the truth! On an earlier occasion she did ask me to take her back to Tartarus!”

Applejack frowns! “Well then, why didn't you?!”

“I did! The Demon King met us at the gates and told Auriel she was banished from Tartarus for helping destroy their new weapon and for giving me the Bloodstone! It was the evil rock that powered the weapon!”

Auriel continues to cry! “It's true! My father told me I couldn't come home unless I brought the Bloodstone with me! But I can't do that! I gave it to Arc, and he gave it to the princesses to lock away!”

Arc turns to Rainbow Dash. “She was forced to leave behind everything and everyone she ever knew to save this land from annihilation! The princesses have both met her and are extending amnesty to her for her past heroics! She may look like just another demon to all of you, but to me... all I see is, a friend. I'm sure the Element of Loyalty should be able to understand that.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Fine. But don't think that I'm not going to be watching her!”

Arc nods. “Good. Then maybe you'll learn to see what I have all along.”

Derpy and Dinky walk up onto the stage and stand with Auriel.

Dinky puts a small hoof on Auriel's shoulder as she looks out at the assembly. “She's really very nice! Her and I worked together at Cherry Hill Ranch recently! We played dress up and cooked food together with my dad! It was a lot of fun! I hope everypony will learn to like her as much as we do!”

Derpy walks up behind Auriel and puts a hoof on her other shoulder. “I admit, the thought of a demon walking among us was a bit unsettling at first. But I trust that Arc wouldn't have brought her here if she was going to cause trouble! I trust his judgment, and I also trust her!”

Twilight joins them on stage. “Admittedly I haven't known her for very long. But from what I've seen, she is very kind and caring. I... I remember the last time I didn't listen to Arc, I ended up making the biggest mistake of my life!”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight's shoulder.

“Auriel, you are welcome in my library anytime.”

“Th- thank you.”

Ember flies up on stage. “I'm with Auriel too! She saved Arc's life, and for that I will always be grateful!”

Arc's squad along with Sassy Saddles comes up to the stage led by Flash Sentry. He salutes! “The commander has always done what is right as long as we have borne witness! We too stand with his decision!”

Arc's squad nods in agreement.

“I have been working with Auriel for the past couple days, trying to make her some clothes that would make her more comfortable here. In that time, she never once made me feel uncomfortable or tried to hurt me! In fact, the whole reason for her wanting a new look was to make all of YOU feel more comfortable being around HER!”

Raven walks up on the stage to stand with Flash Sentry. “I'll give her a chance as well! The commander listened to me when no one else would, so I'll trust him on this too! Besides, she did help us plan this party!”

Coco Pommel walks up to Auriel and stands in front of her. “Miss? Look at me.”

Auriel slowly looks up. Coco Pommel puts a hoof on her cheek and stares into her eyes for a long moment before turning to face those assembled.

“She doesn't have the look of a monster in her eyes.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Auriel, huffily! “Well, what else could she be?!”

Coco Pommel looks again into Auriel's eyes. “I see a scared young lady, who despite her physical appearance, is much more afraid of us than we are of her! Miss, you were very brave to come up here like this and face us. Please know that I too was once just like you due to a lifetime of stress and fear. If you ever need a place to stay, I would welcome you down at the orphanage.

The orphans all take to the stage. They surround Auriel and nuzzle her affectionately! Pipsqueak looks at her and smiles.

“For a demon, I think you're really pretty!”

Aquamarine nods! “If Miss Pommel and Dinky trust her, then so do the rest of us! Right everypony?!”

“RIGHT!”

Arc turns to Auriel as he looks at those on stage. “Look around Auriel. All these ponies have accepted you even though you're a demon. Are you still afraid?”

“A little.”

Sereb nods. “Fear not miss. I too am a newcomer to this land. Us misfits need to stick together.”

Arc looks out to all assembled! “I know how all of you feel about the demons. But I'm asking you to please give Auriel and Sereb the same chance you gave me when I came to Ponyville.”

Steel Hammer nods! “My family and I will gladly do as you ask, Arc!

Mr. Cake raises a hoof! “As will mine!”

Applejack sighs. “Well I suppose the Apple family can give her a chance! We did so for you Arc, and look at you now! Equestria's greatest defender and all!”

The rest of the townsponies murmur amongst themselves. They appear to agree with Applejack.

“So, can I count on all of you to give them a chance?”

All assembled nod their heads.

Arc smiles! “Thanks everyone. I really appreciate this!”

Applejack comes forward with a mug of Apple Cider for Arc! “How about making a toast Arc? Don't worry, it's nonalcoholic!”

Arc takes the mug from Applejack and turns back toward the assembled ponies. Raising it and smiling he gives the toast!

“To Equestria's future!”

All assembled do the same! “TO EQUESTRIA!!!”

They take a drink as Pinkie storms the stage with her Party Cannon!

“Let's get this party started!”

Upbeat music begins to play as Arc steps off the stage to mingle. Sereb falls in step behind Auriel and Arc.

Rainbow Dash flies up to him. “Cool toast Arc! I... I'm sorry about what I said earlier, miss.”

Auriel looks down, sheepishly. “I… um… don’t blame you. After what was done…”

She fumbles to find the right words. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll show everyone you’re different, Auriel! Sereb, why don’t you and Auriel have something to eat? It may help clear your head!

The pair nod and slowly make their way to the refreshments.

Applejack nods. “In any case, dandy speech Arc! Short, sweet, and to the point! I like it!”

Arc kneels down to hug Dinky as she runs up to him! “Just like Dinky!”

She laughs! “Aw, come on dad! I'm growing!”

Arc laughs as he hugs her tightly! “Oh no you don't! You stay small and cute forever now, you hear!”

Derpy laughs as she joins them. “Nopony stays young forever Arc!”

Flash Sentry nods. “In any case, the boys and I sure liked your speech sir!”

“Thanks! I wish I had time to come up with something a bit more... memorable.”

Rarity smiles at him. “You did just fine darling! Everypony loved it!”

Ember laughs! “Yeah! I was kinda worried you would ramble on until midnight!”

“So was I! Thankfully Applejack stopped me!”

“Aw shucks! It was nothing!”

Raven and Cerulean Skies walk over.

“Good to see you loosen up and have fun, commander!”

Cerulean Skies smiles! “I'm sure your job isn't much fun sir.”

Arc shrugs. “It's not too bad... usually. I mean... I could do without all the fighting! But I really enjoying helping others!”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Well from what I've seen you seem to exercise extreme restraint! I get the feeling you could have easily killed those Elite Guards earlier today had you wanted to!”

“I suppose so. But what would that have accomplished? I mean... I want those who would bring about harm to others to fear me!”

Max nods! “As well they should!”

“However, I don't want a reputation of just going from one place to another killing everything in sight! The ponies of this land should feel secure with me around.”

Hugh smiles! “That is a very refreshing attitude, sir!”

“Thank you. Would you all excuse me for a moment? The food is calling to me!”

Flash Sentry laughs! “Think nothing of it, commander! This is your party! Have some cupcakes and enjoy it!”

“I'll be right back.”

Arc walks over to the refreshments table to sate his cupcake addiction.

Xenos sighs. “I wish Tempest was here to listen to the commander talk! She could stand to learn a thing or two about doing the right thing!”

Cerulean Skies looks over to Xenos. “Excuse me, but did I hear you mention Tempest?”

“Yes ma'am. Why do you ask?”

“Do you know where she is? I'd really like to find her if I can.”

Xenos shakes his head. “To the best of my knowledge, nopony has seen or heard anything from her since her battle with the commander.”

“W-What battle?!”

Max looks over to the troubles mare. “Haven't you heard? Tempest was, more or less, defeated at the hands of the Hero of Light.”

Hugh nods with evident pride! “It was quite the spectacle!”

Cerulean Skies eyes grow wide! “But why?! How did it come to...? WHAT HAPPENED?!”

Viktor shrugs. “We didn't really have that much time to watch, as we were too busy trying to get the citizens of Vanhoover to safety!”

Flash Sentry steps up. “After a thorough investigation by the commander, he found out that Matron Tempest was just another villain that needed to be dealt with!”

Max nods. “I was there. He gave her every chance to surrender peacefully! She refused and he was forced to take her down!”

Cerulean Skies appears visibly flustered! “What?! But... no... NO! You're lying! YOU'RE ALL LYING!!!”

She runs out of the Town Hall crying! Viktor looks after her, confused.

“What's the matter with her?”

Hugh shrugs. “No idea.”

Max puts a hoof to his chin, thinking. “Maybe she was a friend of Tempest?”

Xenos scowls! “Well, she would do better to stay away from mares like Tempest, that's for sure!”

Flash Sentry nods his head. “Huh? I somehow feel like we missed something here.”

Arc returns to the group with a plate of cupcakes. “What was that all yelling about?!

Flash Sentry looks over to Arc. “A mare overheard us talking about Tempest and started asking questions. Then she flipped out and stormed out the door!”

“Who was it?”

Hugh shrugs. “I've never seen her around before, sir.”

Arc nervously looks to his squad. “Uh... she didn't have a sky-blue coat and a white mane, did she?”

Xenos nods. “Actually yeah! You know that crazy mare sir?”

Arc's pupils shrink and the plate of cupcakes in his hand drops noisily to the floor!

“Oh no! That was Tempest's sister, Cerulean Skies!”

Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide at this revelation! “What?! But didn't you tell her what happened at the New Beginnings Orphanage sir?!”

Arc shakes his head! “I never got around to it! The two of us were too busy storming the Baltimare Courthouse to talk!”

“What do we do now sir?!”

Arc sighs. “Well, I'm the one she's going to be mad at. I'm going after her... alone. Hopefully she hasn't gone far.”

He quickly heads out the front door. Arc finds Cerulean Skies lying on the steps sadly and sits down next to her.

“I'm sorry you had to hear about your sister like that. I should have talked with you earlier today.”

Cerulean Skies looks over to Arc, tears in her eyes. “Is it... true? Did... did you really... kill my sister?!”

Arc looks up at the star filled sky. “No. She's still alive out there somewhere.”

“Please tell me! Why?! Why were the two of you fighting in the first place?! I heard something inside about some kind of investigation!”

He nods. “Of course. You deserve to know the whole story.”

Arc relates the entire story of how he infiltrated New Beginnings Orphanage to investigate the rumors of foal abuse at the hooves of their caretaker Matron Tempest.

Cerulean Skies looks down at the floor. “I admit, my sister and I have been rather... distant ever since she went to the Military Academy. But I find it very hard to believe she could have done such terrible things! And to foals, no less!”

“Can you tell me about her past?”

“She and I were inseparable when we were little. I can still remember running and playing as fillies! One day, the two of us went off into the forest to play, as was our custom. As usual, we spent the day playing games and generally goofing off.”

Arc smiles. “It sounds like quite the life you two had together.”

Cerulean Skies nods sadly. “Yes. I still dream about it some nights. However, that fateful day was the end of our childhood.”

“What do you mean?”

“As the sun began to set, we made our way back to our little village. What we found there though was anything but joyful! To our surprise, everypony was... gone.”

Arc furrows his brow. “Gone? But how?!”

“I... don't know! The two of us returned to a completely empty village! We went to every house but couldn't find anypony anywhere! I remember being so scared! My sister took me back to our house and made me supper. Afterwards we went straight to bed, hoping everything was just a bad dream!

“I understand. You just wanted to close your eyes and make it all disappear, huh?”

“Right. But when we awoke the next morning, the village was just as it was when we went to bed! Nopony was anywhere to be found! We spent the whole day on our front porch looking up and down the street, hoping everypony would come home! That our parents would...”

Cerulean Skies starts to cry again.

Arc puts a hand on her back. “It's okay. I know this must be hard for you to talk about.”

Eventually Cerulean Skies composes herself enough to continue. “The sun began to set. We ate supper again... alone, and went to bed. The next morning when I awoke, Tempest was already up. She was packing our saddlebags with what she believed we might need.”

Cerulean Skies has a faraway look in her eyes as she remembers that morning's conversation with her sister so long ago…

The filly groggily raises her head as the early morning light shines through the windows. “Sister? What are you doing?”

A filly Tempest is busy putting items in her saddlebags. “Everypony is gone and they're not coming back. We need to leave this place!”

Cerulean Skies jumps out of bed! “What?! NO! Mom and dad will come back for us eventually!”

Tempest shakes her head. "We can't take that chance! Winter will be here before you know it, and we don't have enough supplies to make it through alone! I'm sorry, but we need to go!”

“But how will mom and dad find us when they get back?!”

“Don't worry. On the off-chance they do return I'll leave a note behind letting them know where we went.”

Cerulean Skies looks to her sister, confused! “Where ARE we going?”

Tempest pulls her father's map off the wall and lays it on the table. “We can head south to Vanhoover. I'm not really sure what we’re to do once we get there, but the fact of the matter is we can't stay here!"

Cerulean Skies starts to cry! “Tempest! I'm scared!”

Tempest walks over to Cerulean Skies and hugs her. “Now don't you worry. I'll take care of you! I promise! Now there's some breakfast on the table. Hurry up and eat it while I write a quick note and finish packing.”

Cerulean Skies does so as her sister hurriedly pens a note and puts it on the kitchen table.

“There! Now mom and dad will know where we went!”

Tempest hurries around the small house picking up things and putting them in the saddlebags in the middle of the floor as Cerulean Skies quickly eats her breakfast.

“I'm finished, sis! What now?”

Tempest calls to her from the next room. “Do the dishes really quick! We don't want our parents coming home to that now!”

Cerulean Skies washes her breakfast dishes and puts them in the dish rack to dry as Tempest comes into the room and puts on her saddlebags.

“Come here Cerulean Skies.”

She trots over. “Coming!”

Tempest carefully lifts the small saddlebags onto Cerulean Skies back and the pair head for the front door.

“Well, here goes.”

Tempest opens the door and the pair step out into the chill of the early morning air. She closes the front door and locks it before turning to her little sister.

“Cerulean Skies, I need you to do something important for me.”

“What is it?”

Tempest holds the house key out to Cerulean Skies. “I want you to hold onto this key for me. Can I count on you to keep it safe?”

Cerulean Skies nods happily! “Sure! I can do that!”

The little filly takes the key and happily puts it in her saddle bags. She is pleased to be trusted with such a responsibility!

“Good girl! Now we need to hurry on! If we make good time, we should be in Vanhoover before nightfall.”

Tempest leads the way out of town. Cerulean Skies looks back to take one last look at their old home.

“Good-bye house. I hope we can come home and live in you again soon. Take care...”

Cerulean Skies opens her eyes and looks back at Arc sadly.

“We... never returned home.”

“I'm sorry to hear that. And your parents?”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head sadly. “They, along with the rest of the villagers were never heard from again.”

What do you think happened to them?

“That question has haunted me for YEARS! Nothing about it makes any sense!”

“Was there any sign of struggle? Or some kind of animal attack?”

“None. The village was exactly as we had left it that fateful morning. It's as if everypony was somehow teleported somewhere in the blink of an eye! I've done my best to research magic that can do such things but have yet to find anything. Even Tempest couldn’t find anything out about it!”

Arc nods. “Can I at least assume the two of you reached Vanhoover safely?”

“Yes. We arrived late that night. Tired and hungry, we made our way to the market stalls and... and stole some food. I'm not proud of it, but we hadn't eaten since that morning!”

“It's okay. Given the circumstances I don't think anyone would blame the two of you. Did you at least have some family who could take you in?”

Cerulean Skies sighs and shakes her head. “No. There was nopony who wanted anything to do with us! I can't really blame them though, as we quickly became street urchins!”

“Where did you live?”

“Under the Vanhoover Inn. Tempest found a way to get into the crawlspace under the building. We stayed warm in the winter by huddling under the fireplace and doing our best to only go out at night.”

“That was rather clever of her. What about food? Did you have to steal it?"

Cerulean Skies looks away, embarrassed. “Well, yes and no. At night we would venture out and… quietly raid the trash cans behind the inn. It really wouldn't have been so bad if the town drunks didn't sometimes go back there to pee.”

“Sounds like the two of you had it rough back then. How long did this go on?!”

“Well, we had been living in Vanhoover for a few of years by that point. I was a young mare myself by then and we were both old enough to work. However, by that time we had such a bad reputation that nopony would even talk to us."

“I can kinda understand that. How did Tempest get the idea to join the military though?”

“One day there was a young officer passing through on some kind of tour. Tempest had the idea to try and pickpocket him. We did need the money, and he looked like he was doing well for himself.”

“Can I assume things didn't quite go as planned?”

Cerulean Skies forces a small smile. “That's an understatement. We didn't know it at the time, but he was being escorted by a couple of Elite Guards. Tempest never even got close to him before she was apprehended. She fought them tooth and hoof to avoid being caught, but she was no match for them. The guards held her down as the officer approached and looked her over. He admired her tenacity and offered to take her to Canterlot to train for the military."

Arc nods. “A legitimate job at last, huh?”

“Kinda. She didn't want to go, as that would mean leaving me behind! However, the officer offered her quite a few bits on the spot as a ‘signing bonus’. It was enough to buy a small house with a bit left over for me to buy food! She still didn't want to go, but I convinced her it was for the best! We embraced and she left town with the officer.”

Cerulean Skies pauses and looks down at the ground

“That was the last time I saw my sister face to face. I mean, she did write frequently and sent me part of her earnings regularly! But I would have given anything to have my sister with me again!”

Arc nods. “When was the last time she contacted you?”

She sighs. “The last letter I received from her years ago was shortly after she graduated from the Military Academy. It was a short letter in which she informed me that she had finished her training at the top of her class and had met somepony who had caught her eye, so to speak.”

“Who?”

“It was the same officer who had come to Vanhoover. The newly appointed Captain of the Royal Guard, Captain Decimus.”

Arc mutters under his breath. “Decimus again?! Is that guy everywhere?!”

Cerulean Skies looks to him. “What was that?”

“It was nothing. Just thinking to myself.”

She continues. “I was still an outcast to the citizens of Vanhoover. Even though I hadn't stolen anything in quite some time, they still treated me as a criminal! I wrote a letter telling Tempest that I was moving to another town and would let her know where I ended up.”

“So you just up and left?”

Cerulean Skies sighs. “Not... exactly. I went to the mayor's office to put my house up for sale. He offered to buy it on the spot, on the condition that I left town that night!”

“Wow! He must have REALLY wanted you out of his town!”

She smiles. “To tell you the truth, it was kinda nice to be able to leave so quickly. There was nothing and nopony there I was leaving behind other than painful memories! I went home, packed my saddlebags with a few things, walked to the Train Station, bought a ticket for an east-bound train, and rode it to the end of the line which was Baltimare.”

“What was your reasoning behind that? I mean... why Baltimare?”

“I wanted to put as much distance between myself and the land that took my childhood from me! Baltimare is about as far from Vanhoover as you can get without taking a boat to Trottingham!”

Arc nods, understanding. “And you could make a fresh start and live an honest life.”

“Exactly! I found my job at the courthouse easily enough and was able to afford the house you found me in! The job didn't pay much, but I didn't really need much to survive on, living alone and all. I wrote to Tempest to let her know that I had made a new home for myself in Baltimare and even had a real job!”

“Didn't she write back?”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head sadly. “She never did. I tried writing her many times, begging her to let me know she was okay! The final letter I sent to her simply said that I hoped she was doing well and that she was welcome to come visit me anytime.”

She sighs heavily before continuing.

“Things were okay for me. My daily routine firmly established and a bit of money in the bank for a rainy day. Then, slowly but surely, the economy started to decline. I was fortunate to have a government job that was for the most part recession proof! My neighbors however weren't so fortunate.”

“Let me guess... the bad economy caused a lot of unemployment?”

She nods. “Yes. None of them had jobs that were particularly... skill heavy. When things got bad, they quickly found themselves out of work and hungry. Then… one night…"

Cerulean Skies pauses as tears form in the corners of her eyes again.

“…one night I woke up to a slight tapping sound outside my house and whispers! Thinking somepony was trying to break into my house, I silently creeped to my kitchen and grabbed a knife from the drawer. Going out the back door, I slowly made my way to the side of the house. But when I jumped out to face the intruders, I was met with a truly horrifying sight!”

Tears fall from Cerulean Skies eyes, and she takes several minutes to compose herself before continuing.

“I… I found… I found three of the neighbor’s foals digging through my garbage can!”

Arc shakes his head in disbelief! “WHAT?!”

“It’s true! One of them was in the garbage digging through it and handing bits of food out to the others! They all ran away at the sight of a knife wielding mare! All except one, that is…”

“Too scared to move?”

She sighs. “No. You see, there wasn’t too much garbage in the can, and the side were slick. They heard their friends run away but couldn’t get out! I heard them in there banging around, trying to climb out!”

“Did you help them?”

Cerulean Skies nods and turns away. “Yes. I… I went over and… and peeked inside. There was a little filly in there looking up at me, clearly terrified! She… she immediately peed herself and… and then fell to her chest and curled up into a ball!”

“She must have been really scared!”

“I… I’ll never forget that sight! A dirty, hungry filly curled up in a garbage can lying in her own urine!”

Cerulean Skies wipes her eyes, trying to wipe away the horrific memories of what she saw that night.

“That little one… reminded me of Tempest and I back then. I couldn't watch foals go hungry, so I started making supper every night for whomever showed up. By the end, I was cooking meager soup for almost the entire street! I'm no chef, but Tempest taught me how to stretch food when I was young, so I suppose you could say I was eminently qualified for the job!”

Arc smiles! “You've got a really big heart, Cerulean Skies. I'm sure Tempest would be proud of you. At least, the old Tempest you know would be. The current version... maybe not so much.”

“I do wish I could talk to her again! Let her know how I feel! I mean... I do still miss her and would love to invite her into my home so I could take care of her the same way she took care of me back then!”

“Well, she did promise to... uh... come see me again one day. I'll pass the invitation on to her when next we meet.”

Cerulean Skies looks to Arc. “Really?! Thank you so much!”

A familiar voice rings out from the darkness ahead of them.

“Heh, heh, heh. You're becoming quite the hero now aren't you, Arc.”

A figure in a black cloak slowly walks toward the pair, chuckling. Arc stands up warily!

“Who... are you?”

The pony continues to chuckle as they look at the pair. “Awww... you've forgotten me already now?”

Cerulean Skies stands. “Look! I don't know who you are, but you're really starting to creep me out!”

The figure before them ignores Cerulean Skies. “Arc, I told you I would we would meet again. Now here I am to make good on the promise I made to you back then.”

The figure lowers its hood and allows its face to be seen in the moonlight. Arc narrows his eyes, angrily!

“Hello… Tempest…”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 10 - Demoted

Arc and Cerulean Skies stand before Tempest.

“S-sister?! Is that really you?!”

Tempest nods. “It's been a long time, Cerulean Skies. How about you and I get reacquainted after Arc and I conclude our... business?”

“What do you mean? What business?!”

A dark portal forms at Tempest’s hooves and Light's Bane materializes from within it! “I merely want to finish what he and I started back at the orphanage.”

Arc looks at the spear, horrified! “Light's Bane?! But... but how?! I personally locked that thing away!”

“This weapon comes at my command! There is NOWHERE you could put it to keep it out of my hooves!”

Arc sighs. “Has the time finally come for our... final confrontation then?”

Tempest nods as she takes hold of Light's Bane. “It has! True to my word, I have not taken any other lives since last we spoke! Tonight, I will fulfill my duty to Equestria!”

Cerulean Skies looks to her sister, confused! “Sister, you're not making any sense! What does you fighting the Hero of Light have to do with your duty?!”

Tempest fiddles with the point of her spear as she addresses her sister. “It's really quite simple, my dear. There is an unimaginably powerful evil coming to Equestria in the future. I've been gathering the souls of those I have felled in defense of these lands in my spear over the years. When at last I kill Arc and absorb HIS soul, I will finally be strong enough to stand against the coming fiend!

“Tempest, that's crazy! You can't kill the Hero of Light! It's treason!”

She moves to a battle-ready position! “To tell you the truth, I don't really care! As long as I have the power to protect everypony, little else matters to me!”

Arc frowns. “How very... soldierly of you.”

“Can you just work WITH him to fight against whatever is coming?!”

“I don't expect you to understand, sister. Know this... I have seen the future, and it is one of darkness and death! However, I won't let that happen! I don't care if everypony is this entire COUNTRY hates me and thinks of me as a traitor! This IS going to happen!”

Tempest turns back to Arc.

“If you would like, I can be merciful and give you a quick and painless death.”

“And why should I believe you?”

Tempest sneers at him! “Because even though you and I are on different sides, I have great respect for you and your power. Now, I would rather kill you in fair combat, but the end result will still be the same.”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and the Spear of Righteousness. “That's... not going to happen.”

Tempest smiles wickedly! “I was hoping you would say that! Have at you!”

She lunges at Arc, her spear at the ready! Arc readily blocks it! He has to use all his strength to hold it back!

“So, what have you been doing all this time? Even you weren't THIS strong last time we fought!”

Tempest cackles maniacally! I've been training, practicing for this battle! I wanted to be at my very BEST when I faced you!”

Arc breaks away from Tempest's strike! “How touching. I'm flattered.”

Tempest laughs! “You know you can't kill me, Arc! Why are you even trying?!”

Arc stands ready, anticipation her next attack! “It's what a true hero does!”

Tempest charges again, mocking Arc sarcastically. “What? Be willing to die for those they defend?”

He evades her attack narrowly! “Yes. But at the same time doing what’s right in the here and now! I don't really care if others remember me for how I died, but rather how I lived!”

She looks at him, angrily! “Fool! You're not looking at the bigger picture! Don't you get it?! Everything and everypony will DIE! Don't you even CARE?!

Arc steps forward to engage Tempest spear to spear! “I do! It's BECAUSE I care that every action I have taken up to this point has been in the interest of everyone! I may not be perfect, but I do my very best!”

Tempest parries his attach, laughing! “You're even more delusional that I originally thought! How can you weigh your life against the fate of the entire world?!”

Arc recovers his balance and turns again to face his opponent! “When you choose to ignore the needs of the individual, you doom yourself to failure!”

She rolls her eyes! “Even you must know that those words are almost impossible to live by!”

“That may be... but it seems to me that it's not just me who is protesting what you're doing.”

“What?!”

Arc gestures with a nod from his head toward the Town Hall. Everyone who attended the party has come outside to stand and watch. As one they all glare at Tempest!

Cerulean Skies runs over to stand between Arc and Tempest! “Sister! I'm begging you! Please stop this mad quest before you get hurt!”

Tempest glares back at them! “Don't you see?! I'm doing all of this to PROTECT you!”

Dinky shakes her head! “No, you're not! You just want my dad's power all for yourself!”

Flash Sentry nods! “You're not a protector of anything now!”

Coco Pommel looks to Tempest bravely! “Don't you see that you have BECOME what you claim to be trying to protect this world from... matron?!”

Ember points a claw at Tempest, clearly furious! “Okay freak! You have three seconds to get away from Arc before I rip you in half... LITERALLY!”

Another voice comes out of nowhere!

“Now, now whelpling. This fight is between Tempest and Arc. Do not interfere!”

Ember looks around! “What?!”

Shadows tear as The Dark One himself emerges from a portal and turns his vile gaze toward Tempest.

“Continue your battle! I will see to it the two of you are not... disturbed.”

Tempest turns her attention back to Arc. “Thank you... old friend. We've been through a lot together over the years! It's good to know I can always count on you to help me reach my goals!”

The Dark One casts a powerful barrier spell over much of the grounds. Arc, Tempest, and Cerulean Skies find themselves under an impenetrable magic dome as The Dark One perches atop it!

Tempest looks around! “Perfect! Nowhere to run now, Arc!”

Arc moves to battle ready position. “Everyone stay back! This isn't a battle anyone other than I could hope to win!”

Tempest pushes past Cerulean Skies and again lunges at Arc! Ember charges at the barrier and frantically bashing it with her claws!

“ARC!!!”

The Dark One looks down at Ember and shakes his head. “Try all you want, runt! You haven't the strength to even scratch my barrier.”

Ember flies straight up at The Dark One, furious! “Argh! I'll KILL you!!!”

“Insignificant vermin! I will teach you the true meaning of pain!”

The Dark One Blinks to the ground and fires a blast of pure dark energy up at Ember/

“What the...?!”

Ember is knocked high into the air. The Dark One Blinks high above her and blasts her again. The dragon takes the magical energy full force and careens back toward the ground. Auriel pushes her way to the front of the group.

“EMBER!!!”

As Ember lands hard on her back, the dark energy blast explodes outward blowing out all the Town Hall's windows and that of the surrounding buildings!

Arc looks at his friend lying on the ground. ”What? NO! Ember!!! Damn it Tempest! Look what your ‘friend’ has done!”

“He had no choice! Your pet attacked him!”

As the dust clears, Auriel can be seen standing over Ember, casting a barrier protecting the citizens of Ponyville. Rainbow Dash looks to Auriel, astonished.

“But... why...?!”

Auriel drags the unconscious Ember back to the Town Hall steps. Several ponies scramble toward the brave dragon in an effort to help her.

Auriel looks back at Rainbow Dash. “Because... it was just the right thing to do.”

Meanwhile Arc and Tempest's battle raged on!

“This all ends tonight Arc!”

Arc parries Tempest's attack and countering it with a fist to her face! “Tempest! Don't you see! The Dark One is only using you to achieve its own goals! He's no friend to you or anyone else!”

Tempest staggers back, recovering from Arc's blow. “No! He's the one who gave me this power! I owe him EVERYTHING!”

Arc lunges at Tempest, spear at the ready! “At what cost?! What kind of ‘friend’ demands a soul in exchange for anything?!”

Tempest blocks Arc's attack! Grabbing his spear, she knocks him across the battlefield! His body crashes against the barrier! With a flick of her fetlock she throws the Spear of Righteousness, which The Dark One allows to pass through the barrier! It lands point down in the dirt in front of the townsponies!

“Great rewards require great sacrifice, fool! But I don't really expect a novice like YOU to understand such things!”

Arc rises to his feet! “Oh, I understand all right! You want to protect this world from the coming darkness!”

Tempest nods with determination! “And I will!”

Arc nods. “However, what if YOU are the coming evil?”

“What are you talking about?!”

“Look at yourself Tempest! You're so drunk with power right now that you don't see what's right in front of you! Our battle has imperiled everyone in Ponyville!”

Tempest looks down her nose at Arc. “Acceptable losses.”

“Oh really? Then what about Cerulean Skies? She's in here with us too you know!”

“I... I know that! Why do you think this is taking so long?! If I wasn't concerned with her safety this would be over by now! Drunk on power, indeed!”

“You're just trying to justify your actions! With my power added to your own, who's to say you won't think about just killing everyone in Equestria to ‘save’ them from the coming evil?!”

“WHAT?! I would never... do... that!”

Tempest shakes her head in an effort to clear it.

“No! I won't listen to your ramblings Arc! You're just trying to distract me from doing what needs to be done!”

Cerulean Skies calls over to her sister! “No Tempest! The Hero of Light is right! Stop this now and come home with me! You just need to rest!”

Tempest ignores Cerulean Skies! She rushes at Arc with her spear leveled at his chest! “No way out for you this time Arc! DIE!”

As Tempest nears Arc, she thrusts Light's Bane at him in an effort to end the battle once and for all! Arc quickly ducks and punches her in the gut! Tempest stops dead in her tracks! Her eyes widen and she drops her spear! One of Arc's magic blades can be seen sticking out of Tempest's back! Arc retracts his blade and throws the mare across the battlefield! Tempest falls to the ground gasping for breath!

“NO!!! TEMPEST!!!”

Cerulean Skies rushes to Tempest's side and takes her hoof as tears stream down her face!

“Sister! Don't die! We... we can get help! Just stay with me, okay!”

Tempest lies on the ground, chucking. I'll be fine Cerulean Skies. Look! Even now my wounds are closing.”

She looks at her sister's chest. To her amazement the wound is healing before her eyes!

“What?! But... but how?!”

Tempest gets to her hooves. “This is the power of darkness that my good friend The Dark One bestowed upon me! THIS is the power that will deliver this land from evil one day! Not ‘heroes’ like Arc here!”

She looks over to Arc and glares at him!

“I see you had no qualms about looting the remains of our last battle.”

Arc points one of the magic blades at her. “Unlike you, these blades are not evil! They can bring forth either salvation or destruction at the will of the user! In my possession they have already SAVED a life! However, you only wish to TAKE life!”

“That's what weapons are FOR, you fool!”

Arc shakes his head. “Tempest, you're so blinded by hate and rage that you don't even see what you could really do to protect everyone! That is, if you actually cared! I mean, look at Cerulean Skies! She’s absolutely terrified right now!”

Tempest turns to face Cerulean Skies who is cowering on the ground, terrified! She lays a hoof on her sister's back. As soon as Tempest touches her sister, she can feel the mares entire body trembling in fear!

“P-p-please... stop sister... I love you, but... please... can't we just go back to the way things were back then?! I... I want my sister back!”

Tempest looks at her, confused. “But, I'm right here.

She strokes her sister's mane gently.

“Don't you worry, Cerulean Skies. I'm still the same mare I was back then! Just... just a little stronger! Nothing has to change between us! I... I joined the military back then to protect this land! To protect... you! Can't you see?! I'm still the same old me inside!”

Cerulean Skies trembles! “I see only a MONSTER!”

Tempest lies down next to her sister. “I... I'm sorry sister. But if I have to become a monster to keep you and Equestria safe, then so be it!”

She nuzzles her sister gently.

“After tonight, things will go back to normal, Cerulean Skies. You'll see.”

Cerulean Skies stands up. Walking away from Tempest and toward Arc, she proceeds to look outside the barrier toward the assembled townsponies!

“No! I believe the Hero of Light is correct! Once you take his power it will push you over the precipice of madness! I mean... I'm not the only one here who doesn't want you to do this!

Tempest looks outside the barrier past Cerulean Skies. All of Arc friends are fearfully waiting to see the outcome of the battle. The Dark One still perched above the barrier to maintain it.

“Tempest! What are you waiting for?! Fulfill your destiny! Take the power that is rightfully yours and use it as you see fit!”

Tempest sighs. “Yes... you're right, my friend.”

She looks at the citizens of Ponyville and sighs sadly.

“I'm sorry about this. I really wish there was another way! Hopefully, one day when this is all over, you can understand that I did what had to be done!”

Tempest turns back to Arc. She raises a hoof and Light's Bane comes at her command.

“I'm sorry Arc. But what must be, must be...”

Arc nods. “I'm sorry too.”

“What for?”

“For failing to make you see reason. IF, and that's a very big ‘if’, you take my soul, I hope you choke on it!”

Meanwhile, outside the barrier, Dinky walks over to Ember and Auriel. “How is she? Will Miss Ember be okay?!”

Auriel nods! “Yes dear. She's just unconscious.”

“We'll take her to the hospital as soon as this is over, sweetie!”

But what about dad?!”

Sereb continues to watch the pair inside the barrier. “I get the feeling this fight is beyond all of us. This matter... is personal.”

Coco Pommel nods. “You heard Arc. He wants us all to stay here where it's safe. Have faith in him! I'm sure he has some kind of plan!”

Flash Sentry watches nervously! “I sure hope he does!”

Dinky appears to be concentrating.

“Sweetie? Are you all right?”

“I... I'm trying to use my power to save dad! It worked before, but now I can't seem to bring it forth for some reason!”

Pipsqueak nods! “Do keep trying Dinky!”

Aquamarine smiles! “You can do it! I know you can!”

Arc looks over at Dinky through the barrier. “Dinky... you always try so hard.”

Tempest readies her spear. “If you're done muttering to yourself over there, can we get on with this please?!”

Arc looks to Tempest, his back against the barrier and calls forth his magic blades. “Fine... let's do this!”

Tempest charges madly at Arc who awaits her attack! As Tempest nears Arc there is the sound of running hooves!

“NO! STOP!”

Cerulean Skies jumps in front of Arc and stands on her hind legs to shield him from her sister’s blow1 Tempest tries her best, but is unable to stop in time!

“Cerulean Skies, LOOK OUT!!!”

At the last possible moment Arc wraps his arms around Cerulean Skies’ midsection and grabs her, spinning around to take the blow himself! Tempest is able to stop just as the tip of her spear taps Eidolon's Ward!

Tempest breathes heavily! “That... was a close one! Cerulean Skies what were you...”

She suddenly stops talking when she notices the tip of her spear has blood on it! Wide eyed, she looks at the ruby colored liquid on the end of her spear!

“No... no, no, no, no! This... this isn’t happening! Cerulean Skies you have to be okay! You're the only reason I'm doing all of this!”

Arc carefully lays the mare on her back. She winces in pain nonetheless. He quickly examines the long wound on Cerulean Skies' stomach.

“Not very deep. I think there's more blood here than actual wound. Sorry I wasn't just a moment faster.”

Cerulean Skies look up at him, wincing! “Thank... you. I know you did... your best.”

Tempest drops Light's Bane and takes Cerulean Skies' hoof in her own! “Sister... I'm sorry! But why?! Why did you do that?!”

“Because... the world needs... protectors! It needs... the Hero of Light. Don't you... see? There's a place... for both of you in this... land!”

Tempest pets her sister's mane tenderly. “Shhh... it's going to be okay now. You just lie still, alright?”

“A-alright, big sister. I will.”

Tempest rises from her sister's side and slowly picks up Light's Bane. Arc again brings forth his magic blades and assumes a battle-ready position.

“If we could stop now Tempest, that would be great. Your sister really needs some medical attention!”

Tempest appears conflicted. Her hooves shake as she looks at Arc! “I... I... need you to do me a... favor, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“Do... do you think you could take my sister to the hospital? I don't want her to suffer any longer than she needs to!”

Arc retracts his magic blades. “Sure.”

He kneels down over Cerulean Skies and picks her up. Careful not to touch her wound! Tempest looks up at The Dark One still high atop the barrier

“Come on, Dark One. We're leaving.”

“What?! But you're so close to realizing you goal! How can you walk away from an opportunity like this?!”

Tempest looks over at Cerulean Skies in Arc's arms. “Simple. Some things are just more important than power.”

“Grrrr... well, as your friend I can't let you do this! I'm not letting either of you out of there until Arc is dead and your dream is realized!”

Tempest throws Light's Bane up at The Dark One! “Oh yes you are!”

Her spear bounces harmlessly off the barrier and falls back to the ground! She looks up at The Dark One angrily!

“My sister doesn't have time for your games right now! She needs help! Arc will still be around to kill another day!”

“No! Now is the time! DO IT!!!”

Meanwhile outside the barrier, Pipsqueak turns to Dinky!

“Any luck?”

Dinky falls to her knees. “Nothing. I... I just don't know what went wrong!”

Derpy stands and looks at The Dark One. “Well, I can't wait any longer! We have to free Arc!”

Coco Pommel nods! “I'll help you Derpy! Together?”

Derpy nods. “Thank you, Coco Pommel!”

Coco Pommel and Derpy fearlessly walk to the front of the crowd to face The Dark One. Auriel runs over and holds out her arms to block their advance.

“WAIT!”

Derpy sighs. “Auriel, we don't have time to...”

Auriel turns to look at The Dark One! “I'll handle this!”

Before anyone can stop her, Auriel spreads her wings and, at an incredible speed, launches herself at the Spear of Righteousness that is still lodged in the ground! Taking it in her claws she flies straight at The Dark One at a speed that should be impossible for her!

The Dark One shakes his head. “Foolish... just like your father.”

He raises his head and launches a simple dark attack at what he believes to be little more than a minor nuisance.

Auriel does not slow down! “I mustn't be afraid... Arc needs me! I... I CAN DO THIS!!!”

She effortlessly knocks the magical projectile away with Arc's spear and continues on toward her intended target! The Dark One fires again and again, but Auriel continues to deflect all his attacks effortlessly away from herself!

“This... this is IMPOSSIBLE!!! How can this cowardly little girl POSSIBLY stand before ME?! I… I am DARKNESS INCARNATE!!!”

Auriel looks at her opponent furiously. “I DON'T CARE! You hurt my dad, and now you’re threatening all of these innocent ponies! I... I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS!!!’

The Dark one fires a barrage of Dark Magic Missiles at Auriel!

“See if you can dodge all of THAT, mouse! Scurry away now and you may yet survive!”

Arc watches, his eyes wide! “Mouse?!”

Auriel shakes her head with determination! “No! I won't give up! I’m not afraid of you!”

She stops and waits for the projectiles. Auriel puts up a barrier! However, as they near her the dark projectiles slice right through her defensive barrier and careen toward their target! There is a massive explosion, the force of which knocks down everyone on the ground!

Derpy looks up, horrified! “AURIEL! NO!!!”

Coco Pommel sadly shakes her head. “That... that brave young lady!”

The orphans begin to cry. Arc looks down sadly and shakes his head.

“NO!!! Why Auriel?! WHY?!?!?!?!”

Dinky looks up, a confused look on her face. “What...?”

The Dark One looks and screams, clearly furious! “WHAT?! THIS... THIS IS... IMPOSSIBLE!”

As the dust clears, Auriel can be seen hovering where she was a moment earlier, unharmed! A barrier of darkness surrounds her.

“What... is this?!”

Arc looks over at Tempest! “You?!”

Tempest has her horn aimed at Auriel and is channeling a barrier spell. She falls to her knees exhausted!

“The rest... is up to... her.”

The Dark One looks to Auriel! “What is it that drives you, little one?! How can you suddenly be so... BRAVE?!”

He snorts in disgust!

“Small demon... out of respect for your tenacity, I will use one of my most powerful spells to send you to your doom!”

The Dark One charges up a large orb of pure evil at the end of its horn. Arc looks to Auriel and screams to her!

“AURIEL! GET OUT OF THERE!”

She looks down at him and smiles. “Sorry Arc. But this is just something I have to do. Thank you... for everything.”

The Dark One fires! Auriel closes her eyes and smiles, content with the outcome! Suddenly there is a burst of light! Auriel's demon wings are suddenly replaced with wings of pure light that glow with a holy countenance! Surprised but determined, she reaches a claw forward and catches the orb!

“I... I can do this!!!”

Auriel holds back the orb with everything she has and then some! Suddenly it begins to glow! In a few moments it is glowing so brightly none can look at it!

“What?! How... WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

Auriel looks to The Dark One calmly. “I think you dropped this... HERE CATCH!!!”

She launches the shining orb back at The Dark One! It hits him squarely in the chest! He falls from above his dark barrier and crashes onto the dome! Auriel flies high above The Dark One! Aiming Arc's spear downward as she descends at breakneck speed!

“THIS... ENDS... NOW!!!”

Auriel slams into The Dark One. The force of her blow shatters the dome as the pair fall to the ground near Arc and Cerulean Skies! Arc turns himself in order to shield Cerulean Skies and Tempest from the blast! Neither Auriel nor The Dark One rises!

“Auriel?! Are you okay?”

Auriel, having changed back to her normal appearance, weakly nods. “I'm... okay. I... I did it. I protected... my friends...”

“Can you stand?!”

“Yes... just give me a moment.”

Auriel slowly gets up and walks haphazardly toward Arc before falling to her knees in front of him!

“I'm... sorry. I think... this is as far as I can go...”

Arc smiles at her. “You did well. I'm proud of you!”

He turns to Tempest.

“What now?”

She rises shakily. “I'm leaving. Don't worry, I'll take The Dark One with me. Oh, and don't bother trying to kill him again. He and I are both immortal.”

Tempest walks slowly over to The Dark One. She reaches toward Light's Bane and calls it to herself. Slicing the air in front of her a portal opens. She picks up The Dark One with her magic and puts him on her back.

“This isn't over, Arc! Just because you saved my sister's life doesn't mean we're friends now or anything! It just earns you a bit of a reprieve! I'll be back soon to finish our battle! You can count on it!”

Arc nods. “Yeah, I kinda saw that coming.”

Tempest walks toward the portal, stopping as she nears it and turning to look at Arc one more time.

"Th-thank you. Take care of Cerulean Skies for me.”

Arc nods. “I will.”

Tempest leaves and the air is silent. Arc looks over to the party guests.

“Sereb, to me!”

Sereb runs over to Arc. Using his magic, he picks up Auriel and carefully sets her on his back. Arc turns back to the townsponies.

“Sorry to break up the party, but I need to get these two to the hospital. You okay over there, Ember?”

Ember stands up weakly. “I've been better.”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby! “Go Arc! We're right behind you!”

Pinkie looks to her friend, confused! “But Dashie! I thought you said...”

She flies after Arc and Sereb. “I don't leave my friends hanging!”

Later that night Arc and Sereb walk back toward Light's Hope. Auriel is asleep on Sereb's back while Arc is carrying Cerulean Skies.

“You're very lucky. Any deeper and the spear would have been cutting muscle.”

Cerulean Skies nods groggily. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

“It's what I do.”

“Are you... worried that Tempest will come back?!”

Arc sighs and shakes his head. “Not really. I mean, I know she will! It's more a matter of how long I have until then.”

“How can you be so calm about that?!”

“Not much else I can do. In the interim, I'll just keep doing my best to keep everyone safe.”

Cerulean Skies looks over at Auriel. “I... I hope your friend will be okay.”

“The doctor said she just needs to sleep it off. There wasn't really anything else he could do about it. I'm just happy she's okay after all that!”

Arc and Cerulean Skies arrive back at Light's Hope. He takes her to one of his guest rooms and carefully lays her down on the bed and covers her with some blankets.

“You get some rest now. We'll talk again in the morning.”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Thank you... good night.”

Arc and Sereb leave the room and head back to Arc's Quarters. Arc picks Auriel up from Sereb’s back and carries her to his room. Ember is already asleep in Arc's bed.

“Typical.”

He lies Auriel down in Ember's bed and covers her up.

“Good job today Auriel. I'm sure your father would be proud.”

Arc lays down in his bed next to Ember and is soon asleep himself. Early the next morning he awakens to Ember licking his face.

“You know Ember, you could just try nudging me or something.”

Ember smiles at him. “Where's the fun in that?”

Arc sighs and gets up. “Have it your way. Are you really okay? You did take quite the beating last night.”

“I'll be good as new after a hearty breakfast! What about Auriel though?”

Arc turns to the demon lying in the bed next to them. “The doctor said she just needs to rest. She'll be okay! Remember... she's tougher than she looks!”

“Don't I know it!”

“Why don't you get a bite to eat? I'll be there with Auriel after I take a shower.”

Ember nods. “Okay. See you there.”

She leaves the room as Arc heads to the bathroom. After a quick shower and a change of clothes Arc returns to his room. He sits down on the edge of the bed and gently shakes Auriel.

“Auriel? It's time for breakfast.”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks up at Arc. Suddenly she bolts upright!

“Are... are we safe?!”

Arc nods! “Calm down Auriel! The Dark One and Tempest are gone! In fact, it's morning now.”

“What happened?!”

“I took you to the hospital. Apparently you had exhausted yourself from that battle. You can go back to bed after breakfast if you want to.”

Auriel yawns. “Thanks. Maybe I will. Still feeling a bit... tired.”

Arc helps Auriel up. “I'll have Sereb carry you to the cafeteria. I need to check up on Cerulean Skies.”

Auriel slowly stands up. “Thanks. Is she okay?!”

“Yes. The doctor stitched her up. She'll be fine in a week or so.”

Arc and Auriel leave his room. Sereb is just waking up as well.

“Good morning Sereb. Can you carry Auriel to the Cafeteria please?”

“Very well.”

“Thanks. I'll meet you there.”

The three leave Arc's quarters and go their separate ways. Arc proceeds to Cerulean Skies room and quietly enters. Walking over to the bed, he gently nudges the sleeping mare.

“Cerulean Skies. It's time to eat.”

She opens her eyes and looks around, dazed.

“Where... am I?”

Arc sits down on the bed next to her. “You're in one of the Guest Rooms at my base. Do you remember anything from last night?”

Cerulean Skies sits up slowly. “Wasn't that just a dream?”

“Nope. Tempest and The Dark One were definitely here!”

He pulls back her covers and points to Cerulean Skies’ belly.

“That and you have the stitches to prove it. Now please let me help you up. The doctor warned me not to let you do anything that might rip your stitching!”

Arc carefully lifts Cerulean Skies and helps her out of bed, setting her down as gently as he can on all fours!

“Follow me to the cafeteria.”

Arc and Cerulean Skies make their way toward the smell of pancakes and eggs.

Cerulean Skies looks around, amazed! “This place is yours?!”

“Well technically it belongs to the citizens of Equestria, but it is mine in the sense that I am in command here, yes.”

The pair make their way to the cafeteria. Arc and Cerulean Skies each take a plate of food and sit down with Ember, Auriel, and Sereb who are already eating. Ember looks to Cerulean Skies as she sits down.

“Feeling better miss?”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Yes, I am. And you?”

“A little sore, but I'll manage. That was quite the party, huh Arc?”

“Indeed. Although I could have done without the part where Tempest arrived and started breaking stuff!”

Cerulean Skies looks to Arc sheepishly! “I'm sorry about that sir!”

“Don't be. None of what happened last night was your fault.”

Ember nods. “Yeah! You can't control what your sister does! No one can!”

“I still feel guilty about it though. Is there anything I can do to make up for what my sister did?!”

Arc nods. “After breakfast I'll have Raven take your statement regarding Baltimare's High Justice. If you can help me put that scum sucker behind bars for good, I'll call it even!”

“Sure. What do I have to do?”

“Just tell Raven truthfully what you witnessed in the time you were employed there. She'll write it up and send your statement to Canterlot.”

“That's all?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “You might need to testify during the trial, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

She nods happily! “Great! I'll do what I can to put Judge Hawthorne away for life!”

“That's all I can ask for.”

The group continues eating. Flash Sentry trots quickly into the Cafeteria and salutes Arc!

“Sir! Raven has just received word that you are needed in Canterlot at once!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “What could possibly have happened THIS early in the morning?!”

“I don't know, sir. The message just said for you to report to the Audience Chamber immediately!”

Arc stands up. “Well, okay. I'll head over there now. Oh! And tell Raven that Cerulean Skies here needs to make an official statement. Escort the two of them to the conference room as soon as they are ready.”

“Yes sir!”

“You're in charge while I'm gone, lieutenant. Hold down the fort!”

Arc quickly calls forth his armor and opens a portal to Canterlot Castle. He turns to Cerulean Skies, Ember and Auriel.

“I'll be back as soon as I can. Take it easy!”

He walks through the portal. It closes behind him. Cerulean Skies turns to the others.

“I hope everything is all right in Canterlot.”

Auriel nods. “You can trust Arc to take care of this matter... whatever it may be.”

Ember chuckles. “True. He'll probably be back in time for lunch.”

Cerulean Skies sighs. “I hope you're right.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “Just one thing about this bothers me. As long as he’s been the Hero of Light, Canterlot has never actually called for him before!

Auriel looks up. “It must be something of great importance then!”

Ember goes back to eating. “Yeah, well… he’ll call if he needs help.”

Meanwhile, Arc appears on the sigil in his room in Canterlot Castle. He quickly walks to the Audience Chamber. Arriving at the deserted outer chambers he mutters to himself.

“Where is everyone? There's not even a guard out here!”

Arc pushes the large doors open and enters the Audience Chamber. The princesses are nowhere to be seen! Only a single blue robed stallion is present! Arc recalls his armor and approaches him.

“Sunburst?! What are you doing here? Where are the princesses?”

Sunburst meets Arc halfway! He appears frazzled! “I sent for you myself, Arc! This is MOST important! Unprecedented even! In all recorded history such a thing has NEVER before come to pass!

“Okay, calm down Sunburst! You're not making any sense! Slow down and tell me what happened!”

Sunburst takes a deep breath. “Okay, I'll try. This morning the sun came up... rather erratically.”

“I missed that. Last night was... eventful, to say the least. I should probably tell the princesses about it as soon as possible!”

Sunburst shakes his head! “That's just it! I was concerned, as Princess Luna is always VERY prompt and professional in her duties! Especially when it comes to matters concerning the sun and moon! I… I went to her chambers and knocked! Hearing no response, I decided to go inside! What I found inside shook me to my very core!”

“What did you see?!”

Sunburst looks around the empty Audience Chamber, a paranoid look on his face!

“This is for your ears only, Arc, but Princess Luna was lying on the floor, unconscious! I called for the doctor to come to her room and give her an examination! When he arrived, I left to inform Princess Cadance of what had transpired! However, when I entered her room next door, I found her still in bed!”

“Well, they have been working hard lately. She could probably use the rest.”

Sunburst trots frantically in place! “I couldn't wake her! This is more than just a case of the lazies!”

“What did the doctor say?!”

“I informed him of the situation and then ran to contact you! Come! We can see if he has completed his examination of them!”

Arc and Sunburst walk quickly down the hall to Princess Cadance's room. She is lying on the bed asleep. Arc walks to her side and looks down at her.

“If I didn't know better, I would say she was sleeping peacefully.”

“Have you found out anything yet doctor?”

The doctor sighs. “I've completed my initial examination and they appear to be in more than just a coma! Their core temperatures appear to be extremely low! So low in fact that they are in a sort of suspended animation! I should know more after I run some more tests on them!”

Arc nods. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Not at this time, Hero of Light. I’ll let you know if there is anything I need though.”

“Please do!”

Arc turns to Sunburst.

“So what happens now? I'm assuming Equestria has some kind of ‘order of succession’ for times like these.”

Sunburst nods. “Yes! Although it has never come to this, Princess Celestia did put into law the order in which power is to be transferred!”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief! “Great! It seems like she's thought of everything. So... who's in charge now?”

“Next in line after Princess Cadance is... um...”

Sunburst looks uncomfortable as he bows.

“...you.”

“What?! ME?!”

Sunburst nods. “Yes. In the event the princesses are for whatever reason unable to carry out their duties, the Hero of Light shall assume full command of Equestria until such time that the princesses either recover or a new princess can be crowned.”

The doctor nods as he continues his examination. “Hopefully the former, but I'll know more later today.”

“Sunburst, I can't run an entire country by myself! Even Princess Luna had help!”

Sunburst nods soberly. “You don't HAVE to accept the mantle of ruler! If you refuse, we will just go to the next title on the list!”

Arc nods! “Yes. That's probably for the best. Whomever it is would probably be eminently more qualified to rule than I would!”

Sunburst stands and nods. “Very well then Arc. I will inform Captain Decimus that he is the new ruler of Equestria until further notice.”

“WHAT?! DECIMUS?!”

“Is there a problem? He IS next in line! Oh, I do hope he agrees to do this! After him is... me!”

Sunburst gulps as he walks toward the door.

“Wish me luck.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Hold it!”

Sunburst stops and turns around. “Yes Arc?”

Arc turns to Princess Cadance and bites his lip. “Um... for reasons I can't really go into, Decimus can't be allowed to take the throne.”

He pauses and sighs.

“I will accept the responsibility of ruling Equestria until the princesses are again fit to do so!”

Sunburst nods, clearly confused! “I won't ask your reasoning behind this change of heart Arc, but I know you will do a fine job!”

“Thanks... I hope you're right. Now what do I have to do to make this official?”

Sunburst points the Princess Cadance’s nightstand where her crown sits silently.

“All you have to do is take Princess Luna and Princess Cadance's crowns to the Audience Chamber! Put them on the small table between their respective thrones and sit on Princess Luna's throne. Until the time comes that they are well again, you will have full authority to rule in their stead!

The doctor looks over and nods. “I'm not trying to make you nervous sir, but this is a very precarious time for our land!”

“I don't understand.”

Sunburst gestures out the window. “We are surrounded on all sides by hostile nations! At the first sign of weakness they may attack!”

Arc gulps! “By weakness, do you mean when they learn the princesses are no longer fit to rule?”

Sunburst nods. “Sadly, yes. You should prepare Equestria for a potential invasion, possibly from multiple sides!”

Arc walks over to Princess Cadance's night stand. He picks up her crown with one hand and takes her hoof in the other.

“Princess Cadance, please get well soon. I don't know if you can hear me or not, but the ponies of this land need you! Now, I'm going to borrow your crown for a while. Wish me luck!”

Right before he lets go, Cadance's hoof twitches. Arc can only assume that she heard him and understood. He walks toward the door with the crown in his hand.

“Keep at it doctor. I want to know what's wrong with both princesses as soon as possible.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc leaves the room with Sunburst and walks next door to Luna's room. The guards outside the door part to allow him entry. Sunburst gestures to the door.

“I will wait out here. Do hurry though! Time is a precious commodity that we have little of!”

Arc nods. “Right! Just give a few moments with her!”

He enters the room alone. Arc walks up to Princess Luna's bedside and puts Cadance's crown on the nightstand next to Luna's. He sits down on a chair next to the bed. Picking up one of her hooves, he holds it for a few moments before speaking.

“Princess Luna? It's me Arc. I'm not sure if you can hear me or not, but you need to know that Princess Cadance is in the same state as you are! Sunburst has told me that I'm supposed to rule Equestria until you two are better. I... don't really know how to lead an entire country, but I'll do my very best to return this land in as good a condition as when it was entrusted to me!

Arc gently squeezes Luna's hoof.

“I need to borrow you crown now. Don't worry. I'll take good care of it! You just get better now, okay?

Luna does not stir. Sighing quietly, Arc stands up.

“I... I know you needed a good long rest. But this is the furthest thing from that I could have imagined! In any case, please get well soon. I'll do my best, but Equestria needs both you and Princess Cadance!”

Arc picks up both crowns from the night stand and quietly leaves the room. He returns to Sunburst.

“Okay. I'm ready.”

Sunburst nods soberly! “To the Throne Room then!”

Arc and Sunburst make their way to the Audience Chamber. The red carpet leading up to the throne is lined with Royal Guards! They bow as Arc walks past them! He slowly makes his way up the steps to the thrones

“Now just put the crowns on the small table between them and have a seat.”

He neatly and carefully puts the crowns down on the table, facing outward. Arc looks down at the throne before him.

“Here goes nothing.”

Arc turns and sits down. As he does so the Royal Guards turn and bow! They speak as one!

“We hereby pledge our service, and if necessary, our lives to you, prin...”

The Royal Guards appear unsure what title to address Arc by. Sunburst looks over to Arc.

“They don't know what to call you. Ideas?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well... I guess I'm the Lord Regent, as the princesses are unable to carry out their duties. Just shorten it to Lord Arc and let's move on.”

The Royal Guards nod and begin again. “We hereby pledge our service, and if necessary, our lives to you, Lord Arc!”

Several Royal Guards enters the room each carrying an item! They approach Sunburst. He picks up the first item and levitates it over to Arc.

“A royal cloak. It bears your Insignia of Light and will be a reminder of your duty to this land.”

The next Royal Guard walks up to Sunburst with something on a pillow.

“Your Royal Scepter. With it you can cast judgement upon the various matters brought before you.”

The third and final Royal Guard approaches Sunburst and presents him with another item on a pillow. Sunburst picks it up with his magic and ascends the steps to the throne. It is a simple crown, most likely hastily made for the occasion!

“And lastly, your crown. It is proof of your title and station as Equestria's legitimate ruler! May your reign be long and fruitful!”

The Royal Guards again speak as one!

“All hail the new Lord Regent! ALL HAIL LORD ARC!”

Arc can only sigh and mutter to himself. “Great... just wonderful. What have I gotten myself into now!?”

Sunburst turns to him. “I'm sorry, Lord Arc. Did you say something?”

“No... it was nothing. Well... let's get to work!”

Preface - Volume 7 - The Lord Regent - Part 1

In the previous volume, Arc, Dinky, Ember and Auriel conclude their vacation at Cherry Hill Ranch. Upon returning to Ponyville, Arc does his best to help Auriel integrate into the town's population. He hires Sassy Saddles to make her some new clothes while Rarity is out of town with Sweetie Belle. Upon returning to Light's Hope, he receives an emergency call from the princesses. They announce that Captain Decimus is, somehow, alive and well. Upon announcing this to his squad however, they think he's lost his mind!

Arc and Ember return to the Dragon Lands to visit the Marquis in his new home. They see Ember's father first to learn the location. He sends a small baby dragon with them named Brightwing to show the way.

Upon entering the cloaked village, Arc and Ember are beset upon by two hydra guards! Arc summons the Marquis who vouches for the pair. Meeting the town's leader, Hydra Prime Ikis, they share a meal and learn about the hydra's culture before returning to Ember's home.

The next day the pair walk down the beach in search of Kane's village. Entering, they find it deserted. Kane approaches and informs them that Arc must prove himself by facing three of their warriors. He begrudgingly agrees and immediately and soundly defeats the trio. After speaking with their leader, Matriarch Iris, she agrees to meet with the leadership of Equestria if Arc will take one of their tribe as a mount. Choosing a large white wolf named Sereb, the pair square off to do battle. Arc soundly defeats him and the pact is formed.

Returning to Ponyville, Arc hires the Hammers to craft a saddle for Sereb. They deliver, and show Arc how to properly fit it on Sereb's back. Taking their first ride together, it ends with Arc's head in the bushes fertilizing the soil.

The pair make their way to the outskirts of Baltimare via portal. Arc and Sereb enter the city and make their way to Tempest's sister's house. Upon reaching it, Arc knocks, but is rebuffed as she runs away in fear! Blinking inside he finds her hiding in a closet. Cerulean Skies tells him of how she lost her job for speaking up against the unlawful practices going on at the courthouse. Furious, Arc charges over there with Cerulean Skies, Blinks them inside, charges toward the Archives and knocks out two elite guards who attempt to stop him. Blocking the door, Cerulean Skies shows Arc the proof of the High Justice's misdeeds. Angrily, he heads back to the Main Hall to face the guards! After soundly defeating their commanding officer, Arc heads for the High Justice's office. Forcing him to tell the truth, they take him back to Canterlot and lock him up until the princesses can be made aware of his case.

Arc returns to Ponyville with Cerulean Skies. Raven informs him that Mayor Mare needs him at Town Hall right away! Jumping on Sereb, he obliges! They find the mayor on the steps waiting for them. Leading them inside and turning on the lights reveals a surprise party for Arc's one-year anniversary in Equestria! Arm takes the opportunity to introduce Ember and Sereb to the town in an effort to put them at ease. As the festivities continue, Cerulean Skies overhears talk of her sister. Greatly saddened by what she has heard, she runs out of the Town Hall! Arc follows her and explains his own past with her sister.

Suddenly, Tempest appears before them! Claiming to be there to finish their business. The pair go back and forth, trading blow for blow! Hearing the sounds of battle, the party goers step out to see what is happening. The Dark One appears and casts a barrier spell over Arc, Tempest and Cerulean Skies to prevent anyone from interfering! Eventually Cerulean Skies can take it no more! She positions herself between Arc and Tempest as the crazed mare charges forward! Arc grabs her and pulls her aside as Tempest narrowly misses cutter her sister's gut open! Bleeding, Cerulean Skies speaks to her sister for a moment before Tempest asks Arc to take her to the hospital. The Dark One refuses to let them out until Tempest finishes! Enraged, Ember flies up at him! The Dark One effortlessly swats her away like a fly with his dark power!

As Derpy and Coco Pommel step forward to face the Dark One themselves, Auriel picks up Arc's spear. Channeling its power, she defeats the Dark One and frees Arc from the barrier. Tempest picks up The Dark One and drags him through a portal as Arc takes Cerulean Skies to the hospital.

The next morning Arc is summoned to Canterlot Castle by Sunburst. He is told that the princesses are in a deep sleep from which they are unable to awaken. Sunburst informs Arc that he is next in line to take the throne of Equestria! Initially refusing, Arc accepts when he heads the Captain Decimus is next in line after him! A hasty coronation takes place as Sunburst crowns Arc Lord Regent of Equestria!

How did Decimus come back from the grave? If Arc cares for Cherry, why doesn't her act on his feelings? How will Cerulean Skies handle knowing the terrible truth about her sister? What of Tempest's goal to best Arc in combat? What is wrong with the princesses? How will Arc do as the Lord Regent?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Taking the Throne

Arc, the new Lord Regent of Equestria sits upon his new throne, the Royal Guards and Sunburst stand ready.

Sunburst bows! “Lord Arc, what are your orders?”

He stands. “I need to notify my base of this. Is there a phone around here somewhere?”

Sunburst points a hoof at a nearby door. “The princess' office in right through that door, sire.”

“Thank you. Wait out here. I won't be long.”

“Yes, Lord Arc.”

Arc enters the spacious office and sits down in the posh desk chair. Picking up the receiver he dials Light's Hope.

Raven answers. “Light's Hope, Raven speaking.”

“Raven? This is Arc. There's a... situation here in Canterlot at the moment. Do you have a pen?”

“Yes commander.”

“Write this down. I need you to have Ember, Derpy, Dinky, Sereb, Twilight and her friends, and ALL base personnel in the Main Hall in fifteen minutes!”

Raven sounds confused. “Everyone commander?”

Arc nods! “Everyone! That includes you, Saffron, Auriel, and Cerulean Skies. I want Light's Hope EMPTY! Make it happen!”

“Yes sir! I'll see to it at once.”

“Good. I'm counting on you, Raven. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the telephone and leans back in the chair to rub his eyes.

“I can barely lead the soldiers in my base! How am I supposed to lead a COUNTRY?!”

He ponders this question for another few minutes before standing and leaving the office. Sunburst and the guards are waiting for him.

“I’ve ordered all my base personnel to assemble for transport to Canterlot in the next few minutes. When they arrive, I will brief everyone on my plans for our next move. But first I have a few questions for you Sunburst.”

“I'll do my best to answer them, sire!”

“First of all, who is in charge of the princesses' day to day activities?

That would be Kibitz, sire. He has kept the princesses on schedule for as long as anypony can remember!”

Arc nods. “Where is he?”

Sunburst frowns. “He's probably in his office having a conniption! With both princesses incapacitated, he probably doesn't know what to do!”

“After the meeting I want to talk to him. Now... about Captain Decimus...”

“He's currently in Cloudsdale inspecting the Rainbow Factory. Sadly, he's not due back until later today.”

Arc turns and slowly walks toward the door. “Fine. Leave a note on his desk telling him the new Lord Regent needs to speak with him immediately.”

Sunburst follows him. “Begging your pardon sire, but I don't think he'll like that.”

“Frankly, I don't really care! This matter is much bigger than his injured ego! In any case, take care of those matters and then go and inform Kibitz that I will need his help and advice after the meeting. I'm going to Light's Hope, as everyone should be assembled by now.”

Sunburst nods. “I'll see to it sire!”

Arc turns to the Royal Guards. “All of you report to the princess' quarters and see to it they are kept safe! I know this may sound a bit... boring, but remember, without them Equestria doesn't HAVE a future! I'll have more orders for you soon!”

He motions for one of the guards to approach and hands him the crown and scepter.

“Put these in the meeting room and then join the others in guarding the princesses.”

The Royal Guards bow and leave the Audience Chamber along with Sunburst to carry out their orders. Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and places a sigil on the floor. He then activates the sigil and teleports to Light's Hope's Main Hall. As ordered, everyone is assembled and ready.

Twilight runs up to him! “We came as fast as we could Arc!”

Dinky looks at her father’s appearance, confused. "Dad? What's with the new cape?”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Commander? Is there trouble in Canterlot?!”

Arc nods grimly. “More so than any of you know.”

Sandstorm Mirage looks to him nervously. “Oh dear! What can we do to help?!”

Arc opens a portal. “Everything will be explained back in Canterlot. Everyone! Through the portal!”

They all quickly obey as Derpy approaches Arc!

“I've never seen you this serious before, Arc! Whatever has happened must be truly terrible!”

“Yeah dad! I'm... kinda scared!”

He kneels down to hug both of them. “Don't worry you two. I won't let anything bad happen to anyone! But now we have to go!”

Derpy and Dinky head through the portal. Arc is the last one through as the portal collapses. Everyone appears on the sigil in the Audience Chamber.

Ember looks around confused! “The Audience Chamber?! Arc, do the princesses know you put a sigil smack dab in the middle of this room?!?

Auriel looks confused. “Where are they anyway?”

Arc returns his armor to his ring. “Let's head to the meeting room now. I'm sure you're all confused right now, but everything will be explained in due time. Please trust me on this!”

All assembled nod. Arc leads them to the meeting room and allows everyone to enter before closing the doors behind them.

“Everyone take a seat. We have much to discuss!”

They do so. Arc sits down at the head of the table.

Rarity looks over to Arc with a smile! “I do hope you will let us in on the secret now, Arc!”

Rainbow Dash flies over to a chair! “Yeah! The suspense is killing me!”

Twilight looks toward the double doors. “Are Princess Cadance and Princess Luna on their way?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, they're not. They're... indisposed.”

Fluttershy looks nervous. “Um... shouldn't they be here? I mean, I know they must be busy and all, but this does sound pretty important.”

“Dad? Is... is everything okay?”

“Sadly, no. I was called to Canterlot earlier this morning on a matter of great urgency! However, when I arrived in the Audience Chamber, I found it empty. Save for Lead Sage Sunburst, that is!”

Twilight looks to Arc, confused. “Are you saying the princesses weren't the ones who summoned you?”

“No. He took the initiative and did so himself.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “That is quite the breech of protocol! When the princesses find out about this they will not be pleased!”

Sandstorm Mirage nods! “Yes! The Hero of Light isn't some lowly errand colt to be at the beck and call of every Equestrian official!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence! “He made the right choice. This is much bigger than him! Much bigger than all of us.”

Twilight’s eyes are suddenly filled with fear! “Arc... are you saying something has... happened to the princesses?!”

“Yes. At this moment they are completely unable to carry out their duties. Early this morning they were both found in their rooms, unconscious. So far, all attempts to wake them have been unsuccessful.”

Applejack gasps! “Are you saying all three princesses are now either out of the country or otherwise infirm?!”

“Exactly.”

Cerulean Skies appears frightened! “So... who's leading the country?”

Pinkie hops around the room happily! “Oh, oh! I know! It's probably the Captain of the Royal Guard, right?!”

“You're close Pinkie Pie. Truth be told, there is one individual that is in front of Captain Decimus in the Order of Succession.”

Derpy looks to Arc, confused. “There is? Who?”

Arc points to the crown and scepter in front of him on the table. “I am.”

All assembled gasp!

Raven turns to Arc, barely able to speak! “C-Commander! Are you saying...?”

He puts on the crown and picks up the scepter. “Yes. As of today, I am Equestria's Lord Regent. At least until the Princesses have recovered enough to again undertake their duties.”

Arc stands and walks over to the window. He looks out over Canterlot and the surrounding countryside.

“I... I'm really not prepared for this job!”

Flash Sentry stand at attention! “I doubt anyone in Equestria is sir! But know this... word of your deeds has spread throughout much of Equestria! It's likely you being in power at this difficult point in time will help to put the populace's minds at ease!”

Derpy nods! “So as of now, who knows about this?!”

Arc turns back to face all assembled. “Just Sunburst, the Royal Guards who were present at my hurried coronation and everyone in this room.”

Saffron turns to him. “Are you planning on informing the public, commander?”

Arc slowly paces the floor. “Yes. I need to consult with Kibitz, the Royal... uh... Schedule Maker, I guess. He should know how to set up a public speaking event. The public deserves to know!”

Applejack sighs! “Now I'm not trying to make you nervous or anything Arc, but how exactly are you planning on telling everypony about this?!”

Rainbow Dash nods! “Yeah! I mean, no matter how you say this, it's probably going to cause quite the panic!”

Rarity turns to Arc. “Rainbow Dash is right! Somepony could get hurt in the hysteria that follows!”

Max steps forward. “Well, what would you have the commander do?! It won't take long for the citizenry to notice the princesses aren't making their daily appearances!”

Twilight stands and trots in place nervously! “Oh, I do wish Princess Celestia were here! She would know what to do!”

She looks over to Arc with a pleading look in her eyes!

“Arc... please tell me! Is Princess Celestia safe?! I have to know!”

He turns away from the group with a pained expression on his face. “Twilight, I... look, we'll talk about Princess Celestia's diplomatic escapades later, alright?”

Twilight nervously agrees. “Okay. But I'm holding you to that!”

“Now, there is much work to be done. Time to get started!”

Arc turns to his Royal Guards from Light’s Hope.

“All of you were assigned to Light's Hope to watch over it and its inhabitants when I was away. I'm going to guess at the time some of you thought this assignment felt less like guarding and more like house sitting. All of you did very well protecting the orphans when the base was attacked, and I am very proud of each and every one of you! There's probably going to be a lot of legwork in our future. Can I count on all of you to do your part?”

The Royal Guards all bow to Arc and respond as one.

“Yes sire!”

“Glad to hear it! The princess’ lives may be in your hooves!”

Arc turns to Sandstorm Mirage

“Take all the guards from Light's Hope and see if you can track down Shining Armor and Trixie. You can start at the village just outside the Gates of Tartarus. Talk to the inhabitants there and see if you can find them.”

“Yes sir! Uh... sire... Um, what do I tell them?”

“Just say that I desperately need their help right now. I'm sure they'll come if at all possible! Dismissed!”

Sandstorm Mirage salutes. “On my way!”

He points his hoof at the Royal Guards.

“Alright everypony, you heard the Lord Regent! Let's go!”

Sandstorm Mirage and Arc's Royal Guards run out the door! Arc turns to Ember and Sereb.

“Ember... Sereb... I'd like the two of you to stay in Canterlot with me. I want you both close at hand in case things get... messy around here.”

Sereb nods. “As you will.”

“You can count on me Arc! I'm with ya!”

“Thanks. It will be good to have you two here watching my back.”

Arc turns to Saffron and Raven.

“Saffron, I'll need you to stay here in Canterlot. I know this will sound entirely selfish, but it will help more than you know to be able to look forward to your splendid meals!”

“Yes, Lord Arc! I will do my best to keep you healthy and strong!”

Arc smiles at her. “I'm sure you will. Go to the Royal Kitchens and inform the staff that you will be preparing my supper personally. You know how I like my fish!”

Saffron bows and leaves the room.

“Raven, you too will be staying in Canterlot with me as my personal assistant. You and Kibitz will have to work together to keep the clerical side of things moving along smoothly.”

“I'll do my best to help you, commander!”

“Thank you. head over to Kibitz's office and see how you can help. I'll be there later to see what needs to be done.”

Arc turns to look at Cerulean Skies.

“I'm really sorry for making you come all the way to Canterlot to make your statement.”

Cerulean Skies nods and bows. “It's the least I could do considering what you did for Baltimare! Maybe now justice won't be a luxury afforded only to those who can afford it!”

“I hope so too. Now, I want you to know that this matter is FAR from over, Cerulean Skies. Would you be interested in helping move things along in this case?”

She nods. “I would! What do you need me to do?”

“For Judge Hawthorne to be properly prosecuted, all the evidence against him needs to be properly gathered. You're probably the most familiar with his files. Do you think you could aid the investigation by sorting the papers for us?”

“I wish I could, but only individuals with proper clearance are allowed in the Records Room.”

“Yeah, about that... I don't like the fact you were let go for doing the right thing. I'm reinstating you as Baltimore Courthouse's secretary, with back-pay. Report to work in the morning. Lieutenant Flash Sentry will meet you there with a Royal Order that says as much. That is... if you still want your old job back after what happened.”

Cerulean Skies’ face lights up! “Yes! Thank you! I would!”

Arc smiles and nods. “Very well. Now, how about your injury? Are you physically able to do your job?”

“I am! Don't worry about that!”

“Good. Raven, see to it that Cerulean Skies receives her back-pay before she leaves. After she gives you her statement have some Royal Guards along with Flash Sentry fly her home.”

“Very well, commander.”

Flash Sentry turns to Cerulean Skies. “Don't worry miss! We'll make sure you get home safe and sound.”

Raven and Cerulean Skies leave the room together. Flash Sentry is not far behind them.

Arc sighs as he continues. “Now... there is one other matter to discuss. I’ve been informed that with the princesses out of commission this may appear to the surrounding nations to be a good time to invade Equestria! Sunburst has advised me to prepare to face enemy invaders on multiple fronts!

Ember brandishes her claws! “Bring ‘em on! I prefer a straight fight!

Derpy looks to him, frightened! “Arc? You aren't actually considering taking Equestria to war, are you?!”

“I really don't want to! However, depending on what the other nations do, I may have no choice!”

“But dad! A lot of ponies would get hurt!”

Arc kneels down and puts both hands on Dinky's shoulders. “I understand that sweetheart. Now don't you worry about a thing. We'll only resort to such actions if there is ABSOLUTELY no other choice!”

Xenos snorts! “I'm sure Captain Decimus wouldn't mind a skirmish or two.”

Max nods. “Indeed. Incidentally, what does he think about you sitting on the Equestrian throne sir?”

“Apparently he's in Cloudsdale at the moment. Somehow I don't think he's going to be too happy when he hears the news.”

Hugh frowns. “What are you planning to do?”

“I have a few ideas. Equestrian law is on my side, so unless he plans on doing something drastic, he doesn't really have any choice but to accept it!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “What do you mean by ‘drastic’.

“Like a coup. He would have to literally attack me to dethrone me!”

Rarity puts her front hooves to her mouth, shocked! “Oh my! Do you believe that's a possibility?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah! The last time he ordered his soldiers to take me down, they refused. And that was before my reputation as a warrior was forged!”

Max chuckles! “Right! The next time he does that, his troops may just attack HIM instead!”

Arc laughs! “That would be quite the sight to behold! In any case, I get the feeling today is about to get very busy! I want all of you to head to the dining room and have a good meal. Twilight you will come with me to see the doctor. Hopefully he can shed some light on this situation.”

All assembled leave the Meeting Room and head for the Dining Room, Arc and Twilight head for the princess' rooms together. Arc approaches a Royal Guard in the corridor.

“Guard, has the doctor completed his tests?”

“Nearly sire! He’s with Princess Cadance now!”

Arc nods. “Good. Continue your vigil.”

The Royal Guard holds the door open and allows Arc and Twilight to enter. They find the doctor looking over a chart as they enter.

“Any luck doctor... I'm sorry. I just realized I never actually asked for your name.”

The doctor smiles and nods at them.

“The name's Whooves. Doctor Whooves, at you service Lord Arc!”

“And I thank you for your that. The princesses very lives may be in your hooves! I hope you've been able to make some headway on this matter.”

Doctor Whooves hangs his head sadly. “Very little, sire! I've sent some blood samples to the lab for testing. The good news is they don't appear to be in any pain and are stable. However, the bad news is they don't appear to be getting any better!”

Twilight slowly walks up to Princess Cadance and takes her friend's hoof in hers.

“Cadance... it's Twilight. I'm here for you, old friend.”

Twilight looks at Cadance's motionless form.

“She's really just sleeping?!”

“Yeah, like Snow White!”

“What?!”

“Sorry Twilight. It's an old human fairy tale about a young girl who falls into a deep sleep from which she cannot be roused.”

Twilight looks to Arc, hopeful! “Oh? How did it end?”

“She was awakened when a noble prince saw her lying there and was so overcome by her beauty, that he bent down and kissed her.”

Twilight blushes. “I... I see. So... should we... um...”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head! “I see no medical reasoning for such a treatment being feasible!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. It's just a fairy tale parents tell their children. Nothing more.”

Twilight sighs. “Is there anything else, doctor?”

“I have carefully examined their bodies and cannot find any physical trauma. Up until this point they have both enjoyed perfect health.”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “Now that I think about it, I don't recall Cadance ever getting sick when I was a foal! Could she be immune to such things due to her being an alicorn?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Yes. Alicorns are, as far as we know, immune to all known infections. I'll go over their medical records just to be sure. But I don't expect to find anything of interest there.”

“So, where do we stand?”

“I'm hoping the results from the lab will give me some kind of clue to what we're dealing with here. To be honest with you sire, I don't really know what else to do right now.”

Twilight looks down at Cadance. “Could this be some kind of magical attack against my friend here?!”

“I've already consulted with Lead Sage Starburst. He has confirmed that their current state is not due to magic.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “So... it's some kind of physical ailment then?”

“That is the only logical conclusion, miss.”

Arc sighs. “Great. So until those lab reports come in where kinda stuck, huh?”

“Sadly, yes.”

“Well, I know you're doing everything you can doctor. Now, I've assigned Lieutenant Flash Sentry here to investigate this matter. Please report anything you find directly to him. I wish I could look into this matter myself, but...”

Doctor Whooves nods. “I will, sire!”

Twilight turn back to Arc. “I do wish the two of us could take care of this problem together, Arc. But I understand the reasoning behind your decision. You can't lead Equestria AND figure out what is wrong with the princesses!”

“Don't worry Twilight! The collective might of Light's Hope's forces will figure this out! You can count on it!”

“Thank you! That makes me feel a bit better! If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask!”

Arc nods. “Thank you, Twilight. I may just take you up on that.”

He turns back to Doctor Whooves.

“Doctor. Can Princess Cadance hear us?”

“I'm sorry Lord Arc, but I really have no idea.”

Arc walks over to the bed and takes Cadance's other hoof. Holding it gently, he speaks to her quietly.

“Princess Cadance? Twilight and I are here now. Can you hear us?”

There is no response.

Twilight sighs. “It was worth a shot, Arc.”

“Sorry it didn't work, Twilight. Now if you will excuse me, I should go see Raven and Kibitz. Hopefully they can sort through the royal workload and help me keep Equestria moving along. You should probably get a bite to eat while we wait for the lab reports.”

Arc turns to leave the room

Twilight chases after him, nearly frantic! “Arc, wait! You said we would talk about Princess Celestia!”

Arc stops and sighs. “I did, didn't I”.

She uses her magic to try and pull Arc back toward herself as she speaks in a peeved voice! “Yes, you did! And I'm not taking ‘no’ for an answer, mind you!”

“Very well. Come with me Twilight. We should discuss this privately.”

Twilight nods! “Good! Lead the way!”

Arc leads Twilight back to his quarters in the castle and closes the door behind them. The sun has almost reached the noon-day position and gives the room a warm and inviting feeling. He gestures toward the couch.

“Have a seat. We have much to discuss.”

Twilight does so. Arc sits down next to her.

“Yes we do! Now Arc, I want a straight answer! Where is Princess Celestia?! WHERE IS MY FRIEND?!?!”

Twilight appears on the edge of madness with worry!

“I’ll tell you. But first I need you to promise me something.”

“Name it!”

“First, promise me you won't fly off the handle and do something... impulsive or irrational!”

Twilight glares at him! “What?! I never...”

“Twilight!”

She sighs angrily and narrows her eyes. “Fine. I promise.”

“Okay... now I'm sure this goes without saying, but what we are about to talk about here must not be repeated to ANYONE else, alright? Lives may hang in the balance!”

Twilight again looks worried. “O-okay. I promise! Look Arc, I understand that sometimes the princesses need to keep things from us to protect everypony! It's just... I really just want to know if she's safe and all! Princess Celestia is the most important pony in the world to me!”

Arc nods. “I understand what you're going through right now. It's the same with me and my father. I know he's out there somewhere, but I haven't seen or heard from him in years.”

“I know that, and I'm sorry. But... just knowing she's alive out there somewhere isn't very reassuring! I'm sorry for blowing up earlier. Please forgive me!”

“It's okay. Now... what do you know about Princess Celestia's recent activities?”

“Just what everypony else in Equestria knows. That her presence was needed to preside over some diplomatic summit in some far-off land. But that was so long ago! Now I know peace isn't something that happens overnight, but this is ridiculous!”

Arc sighs. “Everyone in Equestria has been lied to.”

Twilight chuckles. “I kinda guessed that considering the complete lack of contact from my mentor.”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight's shoulder. “The complete and Honest truth of the matter is... Princess Celestia isn't on a diplomatic mission of ANY kind.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “...what?”

“In reality, she's... missing.”

Twilight loses all sense of sanity! “WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!”

“Calm down Twilight! Equestria's best sages are working on the problem!”

Madness and rage in her eyes, she lunges at Arc, grabs his shoulders and shakes him violently!

“Problem? PROBLEM?! Princess Celestia is missing... AND YOU JUST CALL IT A PROBLEM?!”

Arc takes hold of Twilight gently. “Twilight, please! The princesses...”

She interrupts! Her face red with fury, Twilight pushing Arc away!

“Luna and Cadance told me she was at a diplomatic summit! What else are the three of you lying to me about?!”

Arc pushes back against Twilight and pins her to the couch. “Twilight! Stop it! Listen to me! THIS is why they told you that story! They knew you would react this way!”

She squirms, trying to escape from Arc's grip, furious! “Let go of me! I have to help Princess Celestia!”

“How?! You don't even know where to look!”

Twilight continues to resist! “I'll... I'll think of something! Now let me GO!!!”

She manages to get one of her front hooves loose from Arc's grip! Twilight swings it toward Arc in an attempt to escape but miscalculates and smacks him in the face hard! Seeing what she’s done, Twilight quickly brings her front hooves to her mouth with a quick intake of breath! Arc staggers backwards, stunned!

“ARC! I... I'm sorry! I just... I wasn't thinking! Please forgive me!”

Arc wipes blood from his mouth with a hand.

“For such a small mare you're pretty strong, Twilight.”

“Arc! You're hurt!”

He looks down at the fresh blood on his hand. “I'll be fine.”

Twilight jumps down from the couch and walks toward the door, sadly. “I'm really sorry about this. I'll head over to the dungeon now.”

Arc looks over to her, surprise. “The dungeon?!”

Twilight nods. “I just ATTACKED AND INJURED the Lord Regent of Equestria! The dungeon is where I belong, if not Tartarus!”

She uses her magic to open the door a few inches. Tt suddenly slams shut! Twilight looks back at Arc, confused.

“What the...?”

She turns back to see Arc’s arm outstretched, using his magic to hold the door shut.

“I don't recall giving you permission to leave!”

Twilight sits down on her haunches and bows her head. “I... I'm sorry... Lord Arc.”

The frightened unicorn suddenly finds herself picked up by Arc's magic! He slowly carries her back toward himself. Twilight squeezes her eyes shut!

“I... understand and will accept my... punishment.”

A few moments later Twilight feels herself in Arc's warm embrace. She opens her eyes and looks at him! Arc smiles at the trembling mare in his arms as he sits back down on the couch.

“It's okay Twilight! Really! I'm fine!”

Twilight looks him in the eye, astonished! “But... how can you even stand to LOOK at me?! I HIT you! You should hate me now!”

Arc sets Twilight back down on the couch next to him. “I'll forgive you for that, but only if you will do something for me.”

“Anything!”

“I want you to take a good look at my face right now. Look at this cut. What do you see?”

Twilight looks at him. “Blood?”

“No Twilight. This is the result of acting without thinking! Now listen to me. We ARE going to find Princess Celestia, and we WILL help her! But if we do so without a plan, much worse than a cut lip could happen to her. Do you understand?”

“I... I do! And I'm really sorry for doing that, Lord Arc!”

He nods. “While you're at it, you can stop calling me that.”

“What?! But I...”

Arc interrupts. “Look Twilight! We're friends, right?”

Twilight looks away sheepishly. “Well, you're MY friend, yes. But I'm not much of a friend to YOU!”

“Don't say things like that, Twilight!”

“I'm sorry, but it's true!”

Arc shakes his head! “You're my friend, end of story! We've been through enough together that I don't want to hear you call me ‘Lord Arc’!”

“Well, what should I call you then?”

“Just call me Arc, as you always have! A fancy new title and a crown on my head doesn't change who I am or how I feel about you, my friend.”

Twilight looks at the blood on Arc's face. She slowly leans toward him and reaches a hoof toward it. Gently touching the wound she draws back and looks at the red liquid on her hoof for a few moments before turning back to Arc. There are tears in her eyes as she wraps both her front hooves around Arc's neck and begins to cry openly.

“I'm sorry, Arc! I am so... SO sorry for hurting you yet again!”

Arc holds the sobbing mare in his arms as he smiles and strokes her mane.

“I forgive you, Twilight.”

Chapter 2 - From the Heart

Twilight continues to cry for some time. Arc does his best to console her as he gently strokes her mane.

“There, there Twilight. Please stop crying. I'm okay! Really! This little cut should be healed up in a few days!”

Twilight looks up at Arc with tears in her eyes “That's just it! This NEVER should have happened in the first place!”

“Well, accidents do happen once in a while.”

“You're just going to write this off as an ACCIDENT?!”

Arc shrugs. “Pretty much! I mean, did you PLAN to hurt me?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No! Of course not! It just... kinda happened.”

“I'd call that an accident then. Now I would appreciate it if you could try not to hurt me in the future. After all, your hooves are significantly harder than my face is.”

“Sorry!”

After a few more minutes of petting her, Arc is finally able to calm Twilight down to the point that they can continue their conversation.

“Feeling better, Twilight?”

“A little. It's going to be a while before I can put this act of violence behind me!”

Arc nods! “Well, I already have. And don't worry. I won't tell anyone about what you did.”

“Thank you. It's more than I deserve.”

He sighs. “In any case... I believe we were having a rather... difficult conversation earlier.”

Twilight does her best to calm herself. “Yes, we were. Sorry about my earlier outburst. So if Princess Celestia isn't on a diplomatic mission, where IS she exactly?!”

“Well, the sages have completed their scrying of Equestria and all the surrounding countries. She is most certainly not anywhere in this land!”

“I'm confused. Where else could she be?!”

Arc turns to look Twilight in the eye. “Earth.”

“WHAT?! How did she get THERE?!”

“No one has any idea the hows or whys right now. The only thing the sages are certain of right now is that she is definitely there!”

Twilight’s face brightens! “Great! How long did they say it would take to locate her?”

“Originally Lead Sage Sunburst told me it would take a decade or two but...”

The unicorn before him suddenly appears as if she will have a panic attack!

“A DECADE OR TWO?!”

“Twilight, calm down! I helped them narrow it down to a handful of countries. As it stands, he should have her located in, at most, a year.”

“That's... better and all. But... can't he do it any faster?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry Twilight. That was the best he could do.”

She sighs heavily. “I wish I could help them. Sadly, scrying is a VERY rare skill in Equestria! And it is one I was never gifted in.”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight's shoulder and looks her in the eye. “Don't worry. As soon as we figure out where she is and how to open a portal back to Earth, I’ll personally lead a rescue team and bring her back to you!”

“Any luck with the inter-dimensional portal issue?”

Arc stands. “I don't know. Things have been a bit... busy around here. I'll have to touch base with Sunburst about that. Now I'm sorry to cut this short, but if you don't have any other questions, I have many other things to do right now.”

Twilight nods and rises. “I do trust you Arc. But what could be more important than locating Princess Celestia right now?!”

He walks toward the door. “Making sure Equestria is still in once piece when she returns! I know this is a lot to take in, so if you need to rest for a bit feel free to use my bed.”

“Yes... thanks. I suddenly feel very... drained.”

“Lie down. You just need a bit of time to process all of this.”

“Arc?!”

Arc turns back to Twilight. “Yes?”

“Thank you... for telling me the truth.”

Arc nods and leaves the room

Twilight walks over to the bed and closes her eyes. “Hold on Princess Celestia! We'll save you as soon as we can!”

Meanwhile, Arc leaves his quarters and spots a Royal Guard patrol.

“Where is Kibitz's office?”

They bow. “Shall we escort you there, sire?”

Arc nods. “Please do.”

The Royal Guards escort Arc to the small office.

“Thank you. You may go.”

The guards bow and return to their duties as Arc enters the office. Kibitz is pacing the floor nearly frantic! Sunburst and Raven are doing their best to calm him! He is a pale-yellow elderly unicorn with a large drooping mustache and small spectacles. They do not notice Arc as he enters.

“This... this is inconceivable! All three princesses out of commission!? What shall become of Equestria?! When word of this gets out, the land will most certainly be invaded post-haste!”

Sunburst looks to the pacing unicorn. “Calm yourself old friend! You know Princess Celestia established the Order of Secession for just such an emergency!”

Raven nods and speaks with conviction! “Indeed! Lord Arc will do just fine, grandfather! Believe me when I tell you he won't allow this land to fall!”

Arc nods. “You can count on that!”

Kibitz, seeing Arc for the first time, is quite startled at his appearance!

“Good heavens! A talking monster!”

He grabs the nearest ‘weapon’ and runs forward to meet his foe. Kibitz hits Arc over and over again with his pocket watch!

“Have at thee, fiend!”

Arc looks down at the confused stallion. “Um... Kibitz I presume?”

Raven steps forward! “Grandfather stop! This ‘monster’ is Lord Arc!”

“Goodness gracious! Apologies, my lord! I was not informed you were... not like other ponies!”

Sunburst sighs. “Sorry Kibitz, but that was the furthest thought from my mind at the time!”

“All is forgiven. Now, I need your help!”

Kibitz looks to him, confused. “Sire?”

“I'm told you worked for the princesses. You kept them on schedule as it were, correct?”

“Yes. I have served as Princess Celestia's Personal Assistant since I was a young stallion!”

Arc nods! “You're just the one to help me organize my tasks as Lord Regent! Will you and Raven please help me stay organized?”

Raven smiles and nods! “Of course, Lord Arc! You were there for me... back then. I will do my very best to continue to serve you!”

“If my granddaughter puts so much faith in you, then I too with lend a hoof to your cause! As frightful as you may appear...”

Sunburst looks to him, aghast! “Kibitz!”

“It's the truth!”

Arc sighs. “In any case, what would the princesses do right now?”

Kibitz thinks for a moment. “They always brought matters of such importance before the citizenry. That may not be the best course of action this time though... Lord Arc.”

“Oh?”

Raven sighs and nods. “The citizens of Equestria will most like panic upon learning that the princesses are no longer able to protect them!”

Arc nods. “Very true. However, they will find out sooner or later. I want to start off showing that I'm an Honest ruler. If I lose the faith of the citizenry, things will become that much more difficult!”

Sunburst looks to Arc, soberly. “Are you certain that's what you would like to do, sire?”

“Completely. Kibitz, I want you to set up a public appearance. How soon can you get things ready?”

“I can have everything ready in a couple hours. What shall I say is the reason for this?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Just say... the Hero of Light has an important announcement to make.”

Sunburst nods. “That would certainly draw quite the crowd. I imagine quite a few would show up, as for you to do such a thing would be interpreted as going over the princess’ heads!”

“Good. Call me when everything is ready. After my speech I need to speak with the head of the military, whomever that is.”

Raven looks to him. A concerned look on her face. “You're not thinking of imposing martial law are you, sire?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Certainly not! Doing so would only make a bad situation worse! I am, however, concerned that the neighboring lands may invade upon learning there is no longer a princess on the throne! The best defense is a good offense, as it were.”

Kibitz looks confused. “I'm not quite sure I follow your logic, sire.”

“Think about it. Equestria is probably the weakest it's been in quite some time! Any nearby ruler would be a fool to pass up such an opportunity! We need to be ready, and at the very least, APPEAR to be ready for anything!”

Sunburst nods. “Do you think it will work?”

Arc sighs. “It has to. After all, I don't want Equestria's stallions and mares to die in a senseless war!”

Kibitz smiles! “Bravo sire! Well said! I think you may be just what this land needs right now!”

“I agree. Now, in any case, the castle's tailor should be almost ready with your new outfit, sire.”

Arc looks to him, confused. “Outfit, Sunburst?”

Sunburst nods. “Forgive me if I overstepped my bounds sire, but I believe if you are going to be Equestria's Lord Regent you really should look the part! While your current attire is adequate for day to day affairs, a Lord must LOOK like a Lord!”

Raven looks Arc up and down. “He does raise a valid point.”

“Uh thanks... I think. I'll head over there after I grab a bite to eat from the dining room.”

Arc turns to leave the room.

Kibitz looks over his clipboard. “Sire, the princesses DID have a rather full agenda for today. And it is already far behind!”

Arc stops at the door and turns his head. “Well, I haven't had anything to eat yet today! Trust me... you wouldn't like me when I'm hungry.”

Arc leaves the room.

Kibitz breathes a sigh of relief. “I don't know about this new Lord, Sunburst.”

“He really is quite a hard worker Grandfather. Trust me... he'll get the job done!”

Sunburst nods in agreement. “Princess Luna and Princess Cadance have spoken quite highly of him in the past. I trust their judgment!”

Arc makes his way to the Dining Room, using his nose to guide him! Upon entering he sees the Mane Six minus Twilight, Flash Sentry, Sereb, Ember, Auriel, Derpy, Dinky, and his squad. They have almost finished their meal.

“Dad! The food here is even better than back at your base!”

Derpy pulls back the chair next to her. “Arc, please sit down! You look really hungry now!”

He sits down with the group. “Thanks. I actually didn't notice with all that's happened today until just a few minutes ago.”

A unicorn chef emerges from the Kitchen with a covered plate. He makes his way over to Arc quickly!

“Good day, sire! I have prepared a wonderful meal for you. Enjoy!”

The chef removes the cover to reveal a hayseed omelet, eggs, whole-oat hash browns, and a side of orange juice. Arc looks at his meal with a pained look on his face.

“Um... thanks. I'm sure you worked very hard on this, but... human stomachs work a bit differently.”

The chef appears confused. “Sire?”

“Is Saffron in the Kitchen?”

“Yes, she's been assigned a workstation. However, the Canterlot Castle Kitchen Staff is capable of cooking for most any diet!”

Arc nods. “Have a consultation with her on what humans eat. I think you may find yourself a bit... squeamish when cooking my supper.”

The chef bows. “Very well sire! I will speak to her at once!”

The chef leaves the room and heads back to the Kitchen. Arc begins to eat what he can from his plate.

“Hey Arc! Where's Twilight?”

“She's probably still in my room, Rainbow Dash. I told her she could rest there. The strain of knowing the truth was too much for her it seems.”

Rarity appears nervous about her friend’s mental wellbeing. “Oh dear! Will she be alright?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Twilight just needs some alone time right now. I'll go check on her after breakfast.”

Fluttershy shyly looks to Arc. “Um... but it's almost lunchtime.”

“Really?”

Arc looks out the window to see the sun high overhead.

“Huh! Where has the day gone? I expect to have a busy afternoon then! In any case, as long as I have you here, Rarity, how did you like Sassy Saddles work?”

“I must admit, for somepony who's spent her entire career making costumes, she pretty good at making real clothes! I've taken her on as my Apprentice!”

Arc nods! “Good. After what happened in Dodge Junction, she needed a helping hand!”

Rarity looks to Arc, nervously. “I haven't had time to ask her about that yet. What DID happen?!”

“Well... that's something she needs to tell you herself. Just let it go for now, okay?”

“I suppose I can do that. It is nice knowing the past of somepony who's working for me though!”

Arc nods. “I understand that, Rarity. However, she'll open up about it when the time is right, I'm sure.”

Applejack attempts to change the subject. “So, what's next Lord Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “You don't need to call me that. None of you do! We're all friends here. In any case, Kibitz should be done making the necessary preparations for addressing the population very soon.”

Pinkie looks over to Arc, a bit nervous. “You don't think everypony will freak out, do you?! Nopony alive remembers the days before the princesses ruled the land!”

“They might. I need to do things that will help maintain a sense of normalcy.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Like what sir?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, for one thing, audiences should resume as soon as possible! The citizens need to know that they are being watched over by an accessible ruler!”

Max nods. “Good idea sir! Anything else?”

“Nothing else comes readily to mind. If anyone else can think of anything let me know. Right now ‘normalcy’ is the word of the day!”

Ember turns to Arc. “How about having more patrols around the city? It might make the citizens feel more secure.”

Arc shakes his head. “It could also have the opposite effect. Such action could make them feel like prisoners living under a tyrant!”

Hugh nods! “The commander is right! I certainly wouldn't want guards everywhere I looked! And I'm a GUARD!”

Xenos turns to Arc. “Have you given any thought to the sun and moon, commander?”

Arc looks to Xenos, confused. “The what?”

Viktor looks to him with evident concern. “With Princess Luna and Princess Cadance both in comas, who will raise the sun and the moon every day?”

Derpy looks up at him. “Arc? Didn't anypony tell you? The princesses are the ones who cause the sun to rise and the moon to set.”

Arc drops his silverware! “WHAT?! I heard something about that a while ago, but I just thought it was symbolism or something! I had no idea they LITERALLY had control over the heavens! I'll have to speak to Sunburst about this! Hopefully Princess Celestia had some kind of backup plan for that as well!”

Sunburst quickly enters the Dining Room and approaches Arc.

“Sire! Doctor Whooves is requesting your immediate presence in Princess Luna's bedchambers. He believes he may have found something!”

Arc quickly stands as the chef returns with the meal's dessert course. “Good! Flash Sentry, come with me! Rainbow Dash, go to my quarters and have Twilight meet me there. Everyone else, enjoy your dessert!”

Rainbow Dash quickly flies out of the room! “On it!”

Arc, Sunburst, and Flash Sentry quickly make their way to Princess Luna's room.

“Sunburst, about the sun and moon…”

Sunburst nods. “Don’t worry about that, sire. Princess Celestia left me detailed instructions on what to do if such an event came to pass!

Arc breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! We’ll have to talk on that in more detail after this!”

“Yes sire!”

They enter the bedchambers. Doctor Whooves is waiting for them inside.

“Ah, thank you for coming so quickly sire! The lab results may have yielded a clue!”

Suddenly the door to the bedchambers bursts open! Rainbow Dash flies in at top speed and drops Twilight into Arc's arms! She flies out of the room back toward the dining room!

“Good luck! Now for dessert!”

The door slams behind her. Arc looks down at the winded mare in his arms.

“Feeling better Twilight?”

Twilight blushes as she sheepishly responds. “Kinda. I tried to tell Rainbow Dash that I could walk, but she didn't really give me a choice! Sorry about this.”

Arc sets her down on all fours. “It's okay. Your timing is impeccable though! The doctor here may have found something!”

“That's a relief! I'm really worried about my friend here! Luna too, of course! It's just that I've known Cadance my whole life!”

Arc turns to Doctor Whooves. “So, what did the lab report have to say?”

“Everything came back completely normal. Other than a small abnormality in their blood-work.”

Twilight looks to the doctor, frantically! “Abnormality?! Are they sick?! Are they DYING?! What's going on?!”

“Please calm yourself miss! Working yourself up into a frenzy won't help them!”

Twilight nods apologetically. “I'm sorry. Please continue doctor.”

“In any case, there appears to be some kind on unknown chemical in their blood. I've analyzed it, but can't seem to find a match in any of my medical books.”

Flash Sentry thinks for a moment. “Perhaps a silly question doctor, but are you certain this mystery substance is not just something an alicorn's body produces naturally?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Yes. I have gone over their medical history and have confirmed not only that this substance is not naturally occurring in their bodies, but also that up to this point they were immune to pretty much everything! Records go back centuries for Luna! Since becoming an alicorn, she has never been sick before.”

Twilight nods soberly. “And Cadance? Is she immune as well?”

“According to her records, yes.”

“How much is known about alicorn physiology, doctor? I mean… there’s only three in existence, right?”

“Truthfully sire, they really aren't that different from normal ponies. Other than their extreme longevity and immunity to diseases, that is.”

“Any idea what the substance is? Even just a guess!”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “I’m afraid not. It's like nothing I've ever seen before! Their kidneys don't appear to be making any headway in filtering it out either!”

Arc looks at Princess Luna a moment before turning back to the doctor. “What about dialysis?”

“It would prove ineffective in filtering out this particular substance. The molecular size of the chemical in question is far too small to be caught in the filter.”

Twilight sighs. “If we only knew what was in them, we might be able to do something!”

Arc snaps his fingers! “Crazy idea here. What if the substance in their blood isn't the same as what was introduced?”

Doctor Whooves looks over to Arc. “I'm confused."

“Okay, think about it this way. What happens when you mix water and sand?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You get... sandy water?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Or watery sand.”

“Right. You get a physical change. Easily identified, and reversible with proper filtering.”

“Okay, but how does that help?”

“I'm coming to that, Twilight. Now what if you combined hydrogen and oxygen?”

Doctor Whooves looks to Arc. “That would make water.”

“Exactly! The oxygen and hydrogen are still there, but have undergone a synthesis reaction to become water!”

Twilight appears hopeful! “Assuming this is the case, if we could break this substance down into its original base form, we might be able to deal with it!”

Flash Sentry glances at the sleeping princess. “But wouldn't that be dangerous to the princesses?!”

Doctor Whooves turns to Flash Sentry. “Don't worry lieutenant. We’ll run tests on their blood in the lab to attempt to achieve the desired results before trying anything on the princesses themselves.”

“Good.”

“Anything I can do to help? I do have my own lab back in Ponyville and plenty of experience in chemistry.”

Doctor Whooves looks to Arc. He nods.

“Well... I can send some samples of their blood home with you if you would like. At this point, I'll take all the help I can get.”

“Thanks! I can't just sit around doing nothing while the princesses waste away! I only wish there was a way for me to get home and back faster!”

Sunburst steps forward. “There is. Princess Celestia has an airship that she used in the past for pleasure trips. If she were here now, I am certain she would approve of us lending it to you, given the circumstances. Assuming it's okay with Lord Arc, that is!”

“Of course. The ship is yours as long as you need it Twilight!”

“Thank you! I'll take good care of it! But what if you need it later Arc?”

“Not to worry miss! Although it hasn't been used yet, the princesses do have a much larger military grade airship that was designed for long range travel!”

Twilight nobs! “That was smart of them! But what were they planning to do with it?!”

Sunburst shrugs. “I asked the same of them when they showed me the plans. Princess Celestia simply answered ‘hope for the best, prepare for the worst’!”

Arc nods. “Is it big?”

“It could probably carry every citizen of Canterlot, if the need ever arose that is!”

“Maybe that was her plan. An escape vessel for everyone in the event of invasion!”

"It’s possible. I’ll have to ask her when she returns."

Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“Curing the princesses is of course our primary concern right now. However, our secondary objective is to find out who’s behind this, how they did it, and what they hoped to accomplish! That's where you come in, lieutenant. I want you, Twilight, and Doctor Whooves here to keep in touch with each other and coordinate your findings. What may be nothing to one group could be a big piece of the other's puzzle! Until they come up with something for you to follow up on, I'll keep you here in Canterlot.”

Flash Sentry salutes! “I won't let you down, commander!”

Twilight nods soberly! “You can count on me to do my part!”

Doctor Whooves nods happily! “Three heads are better than one, I suppose!”

“Good. Well, I'm off to change and address the public. Wish me luck!”

Sunburst calls out after Arc as he heads for the door. “Your new outfit should have been delivered to your room by now. Kibitz and I will meet you there shortly to brief you on the details of public speaking.”

Arc nods and leaves Princess Luna's chambers. He proceeds back to his room to find a more regal looking outfit is neatly laid out on the bed. It is a simple yet stylish royal purple tunic with a pair of simple brown trousers! The tunic and pants don't really seem to work until Arc puts on the sash, which brings the whole outfit together with a matching red headband and loose-fitting red cloth choker. However, the matching shoes don't fit very well. He looks at his reflection in the large mirror before him and sighs.

“Well, I can't really go out there barefoot. What to do about this...”

Arc thinks for a moment before snapping his fingers! He touches his ring and calls forth Eidolon's Ward's boots! Tucking in the pantlegs into his greaves, as they extend to just above the knee.

“That actually looks pretty good! Now... what else...”

After thinking a few moments Arc calls forth his gauntlets and pauldrons. He tucks his sleeves into the gauntlets and adjusts the cloth choker to partially cover the pauldrons. Lastly putting on the royal cloak he received at his coronation.

“That actually looks more regal than I thought it would!”

There is a knock at the door.

“COME!”

The door opens. Flash Sentry, Sunburst and Twilight enter the room. Twilight trots over to him and looks him over!

“Wow! That looks really good on you Arc!”

“Thanks, Twilight! It's amazing that this was made on such short notice! Although I doubt they intended for me to include armor in this outfit.”

Sunburst approaches him. “Lord Arc? Kibitz has made all the necessary preparations and has notified the press and citizens of your speech in the Canterlot Town Square. We should leave as soon as possible.”

Arc nods. “Good! Where is everyone else?”

Flash Sentry salutes! “They've already headed over to the Town Square to join the citizens.”

“Lord Arc? There is one more addition I would like to make to your attire.”

Sunburst pulls out a strange looking medallion out of his saddlebag and levitates it toward Arc. He fastens the gold chain around Arc's neck and straightens it.

“There! Many years ago, Princess Celestia gave me this medallion and told me to keep it secret and keep it safe!”

Twilight admires the pendant! “It is quite lovely, and adds a bit more distinction to your attire Arc!”

“It’s more than just mere jewelry, miss! Lord Arc, this medallion will significantly increase your Gravity Magic, which hopefully should allow you to raise and lower the sun and moon. I only hope your magic is up to the task!”

Flash Sentry nods! “Don't worry about that, Sunburst!”

Twilight giggles happily! “Yes! Arc's magic is actually stronger than my own now! And I must admit, that does make me a bit jealous.”

Arc sighs nervously. “Thank you for the vote of confidence you two. I guess we'll find out for sure later. Well then... let's get this over with.”

The group leaves Arc's quarters and heads down the hall. Seeing Sunburst heading away from the Castle Gate Arc speaks up!

“Um... aren't we going out the front door?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “Princess Celestia always takes her chariot to public appearances. It would be wise for you to do the same! It will help put the public's minds at ease.”

Arc sighs. “Fine…”

The group proceeds to a large garage-like area with many vehicles parked and waiting. They approach what Arc can only assume it is the chariot Sunburst spoke of earlier! It is really more of a large ornate platform with a throne in the middle. Hitched to it are Arc's squad!

“Here we are sire! Canterlot Castle's Hanger!”

Max nods respectfully. “Looking sharp, commander!”

Hugh smiles. “Yeah, snazzy!”

Viktor chuckles! “Good luck with your speech, sir!”

Xenos gestures to the chariot! “Don't worry sir! We'll get you there in no time!”

“Thank you all, but... isn't pulling this for me kinda like drudge work?”

Max shakes his head. “No sir! We would be honored to bring you to the Town Square!”

The rest of Arc's squad smiles and nods!

“Thanks! I'll do my best not to let you down.”

Arc’s group boards the chariot as he sits down on the throne in the center.

“I have to say, this ride is actually smoother than I thought it would be.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “This is my first time on Princess Celestia's chariot as well! I always dreamed of standing by her side as the two of us made our way through the skies in this very machine!”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "You will one day. I guarantee it!”

Twilight sighs. “Thanks Arc.”

Kibitz levitates a few cards over to Arc. “I’ve taken the liberty of writing a simple speech for you, sire. I hope it will be of some help to you! My apologies if it is a bit... boring. If I had more time I could have written something a bit more riveting!”

Arc accepts the speech notes. “Thanks. I know you did your best with what you had to work with.”

They arrive at the Town Square and disembark. Arc heads over to the stage to stand before the visibly confused citizens. He stands at the podium and looks out at the sea of faces and spots Dinky, Derpy, Ember, Sereb in his cub form and Auriel standing with the Mane Six in the crowd. They all smile and wave to him. He smiles and nods before looking down at the cards in front of him and speaking.

“Mares and gentleponies! Good afternoon! Many of you know me as Hero of Light Arc, the one who defeated the rogue unicorn bent on killing Princess Luna recently! I have been on several adventures since my installation as Equestria's greatest defender, and while many of those escapades ended in a happy settlement, some are still ongoing!"

He pauses to read ahead. Sighing, he looks over to Flash Sentry, motioning for him to approach. The lieutenant does so wordlessly. Arc hands him the speech notes and motions for him to return to Sunburst. Arc turns back to the assembled ponies.

“I'm sorry everyone. I… uh… had a speech written up with everything I needed to tell all of you. But... I realize that isn't what I wanted to say. So, if it's okay with all of you, I'm going to lose the script and just... talk to you. Think of it kinda like having a chat with some friends.”

The assembly murmurs in a confused tone. Arc clears his throat and again begins to speak.

“Princess Luna and Princess Cadance have done their best to protect and lead Equestria since Princess Celestia left to represent all of us abroad. They have been working tirelessly in their duties as long as I have borne witness.”

He sighs and braces himself.

“It is my sad duty to inform all of you that both Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are currently... very ill and confined to their beds until further notice.”

Upon hearing this the citizens talk in frightened tones to one another!

“Doctor Whooves has reported to me that they are stable and resting peacefully for the moment. Have no fear! I am confident they will soon make full recoveries.”

This does not seem to alleviate the citizen's fears!

“Now, it has been brought to my attention that Princess Celestia has made preparations in the event something like this happened. She has put into place an Order of Secession to aid in the transfer of leadership. This was only brought to my attention this morning. The unfortunate condition my two friends were in, and how I needed to... temporarily take over their duties.”

Arc pauses and looks around the assembled group.

“I will do my very best to protect all of you from any threat that may befall this land! Whether that threat comes from within or abroad, I will stand and face it on your behalf, as I have done ever since taking up the mantle of your Hero of Light! This I promise you!”

The assembled ponies clap their hooves together nervously.

“Now, I am sure there are many who seek an audience. I will address your concerns starting tomorrow morning, which is when audiences will resume! Please, I want everyone to do their best to go about their business as usual. It's what the princesses would want you to do, is it not?”

Arc looks around at the assembled onlookers. They appear to be weighing his words carefully.

“Well, if everyone will excuse me, I have quite a few things to do, and not much time to do them! I won't take up any more of your time. Thank you.”

Arc steps down from the podium as the onlookers disperse. Derpy, Dinky, the Mane Six, Auriel, Sereb and Ember walk toward Arc. Derpy hurries over to him!

“Dinky and I are so proud of you Arc! That was wonderful!”

Dinky runs toward her father to give him a hug! “I think everypony liked it, dad!”

Arc kneels down to give her a hug! “Thanks sweetheart! I was hoping it would be enough.”

Ember nods! “Gotta agree! Nice speech Arc!’

Sereb turns to Arc. “There was wisdom in your words.”

Rainbow Dash forces a smile! “Yeah! Although it probably could have been a bit... cooler.”

Applejack looks crossly at her friend! “Rainbow Dash!”

She looks back to Arc and smiles.

“You did just fine, sugarcube! Better then anypony else could have!”

Rarity smiles at him. “Yes darling! I think you covered everything, AND did so without causing a stir!”

Pinkie hops around! “We even had a backup plan to get you out of there if things got ugly!”

“You did?!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “It... wasn't much of a plan. Just smoke bombs and teleporting.”

Twilight nods! “I'm just glad it didn't come to that!”

“While I appreciate the thought, as Lord Regent I can't just run away if things go badly!”

Auriel smiles at him! “Very commendable! But as my father always said ‘there's no shame in running away, so long as you live to fight another day’!”

“My dad would never run!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Sometimes a tactical retreat is the best course of action.”

“While not... completely terrible advice, what would happen to the innocents left behind?”

Sunburst nods approvingly! “I'm glad you feel that way, Lord Arc!”

Kibitz walks over to Arc holding up a rather long schedule! “Indeed sire! Now we must move on to the next item on the princesses... on your agenda.”

Arc sighs. “Very well. What is it?”

“You need to head over to Ponyville and speak at the opening of the new school there. Afterwards you will stay and have refreshments with the matron and the new teacher. Now, I have prepared a short speech for you. However after your earlier speaking engagement, perhaps you would prefer to ‘speak from the heart’ as it were?”

Arc accepts the speech notes. “Yes, I'll do that. But I would still like to know what you wrote to try and keep me from making a fool of myself.”

“I will do my best not to disappoint you, sire!”

He looks over the notes. “While I appreciate you going to all the trouble to write me something, I feel the citizenry would appreciate less canned speeches and more fresh content.”

Sunburst nods. “Princess Celestia liked to do that when she could. However sometimes she just didn't have the energy to come up with original content. I am glad to see you feel this way Lord Arc.”

Derpy looks to the chariot. “Shouldn't you get going Arc? I wouldn't want you to be late for your public appearance.”

Kibitz nods! “Indeed sire! We should be off as soon as possible!”

“Alright.”

He turns to the Mane Six.

“Would all of you please stay with Twilight until Doctor Whooves can give her some instructions? I believe she needs all of you now more than ever!”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby. “Sure! Twilight's our best friend! We'd never leave her hanging!”

“Darn tootin'! Don't worry about a thing Arc! We'll take good care of her!”

Auriel approaches Arc, nervously. “If it's all the same to you, would you mind if I went back to Ponyville with Twilight and her friends? I think I can be of some help to them!”

Arc nods. “It's fine with me. Twilight can bring you all up to speed on what needs to be done on the trip home.”

Twilight nods! “Thank you, Auriel. I have quite a bit of work to do when we get back. It would be a big help if a scientist like you would help me with it!”

“I will do my best, Twilight.”

“Good luck, all of you. I hope to see you again soon!”

Arc opens a portal back to Light's Hope. Sunburst looks to him strangely.

“Sire? What are you doing?!”

“I was going to travel back to Light's Hope. The new school is in the orphanage just down the way from my base.”

Kibitz points to the vehicle. “Have you forgotten sire? The chariot!”

Sunburst nods! “You must keep up appearances, sire!”

Arc closes the portal and sighs. “Fine...”

“Very good sire! Now I shall head back to the castle. There are many duties as Lead Sage that I must attend to. If I have anything to report I will contact you via your chariot's communication device.”

Kibitz turns to Arc. “That's a fancy way of saying he'll call you, sire.”

“Okay, off we go then! Derpy, you and Dinky can ride with me back to Ponyville.”

Derpy’s face lights up! “Thanks Arc! It's been too long since we had time to talk!”

Dinky grins from ear to ear! “This is gonna be AWESOME!!!”

As mother and daughter climb aboard the chariot Arc looks over to Flash Sentry.

“Lieutenant, see to it Twilight gets what she needs from Doctor Whooves. After that I want you to check on the castle's security. Make sure there aren't any gaping holes to fill!”

“Yes sir! I won't let you down!”

Arc looks back at Ember and Sereb. “You two are with me. Hop on!”

“ALL RIGHT!!!”

Sereb nods, still in his cub form. “Very well. I shall accompany you.”

Ember and Sereb join the others on the chariot. They take-off for Ponyville. Fluttershy turns to the others.

“Um... do you girls think Arc is up to the task?”

Applejack watches the chariot as it flies away. “If anypony can do this, he can!”

Auriel nods. “Agreed! He's both wise and strong. Two traits necessary to lead!”

Pinkie hops around happily! “Arc's got this! Equestria will be fine!”

Rainbow Dash hovers above the others. “I sure hope so. What do you think Twilight?”

“I think... that Arc is Equestria's best hope right now! We should support him as best we can!”

Meanwhile, aboard the chariot Arc looks to his squad as they fly through the air.

“Is this too heavy for you guys?”

Max shakes his head. “No sir! But...”

Xenos laughs! “Let's just say this is pretty much the chariot's maximum capacity!”

Hugh breathes heavily! “Perhaps you could lay off the cupcakes, sir?”

Viktor nods! “I hope we don't have to do this every day!”

Arc sits back down on his throne. “Don't worry. The load will be lighter on the way back.”

He turns to Derpy and Dinky.

“How are you two holding up?”

Derpy smiles at him! “Just fine, Arc! You forget, I'm a pegasus! We're used to flying! I do find it a bit... unsettling to be doing so without flapping my wings though!”

Ember nods. “Same here! This just feels... unnatural!”

Dinky stands at the front of the chariot, her small hooves outstretched, smiling and laughing! “I'm queen of the world!!! WOOOOO!!!”

Arc laughs! “Well, at least someone is enjoying this!”

Kibitz looks over to Arc. “Perhaps you should rest now, sire. Princess Celestia would often use this time to nap if she had the chance.”

”Thank you Kibitz, but I’d rather use this time to catch up with my friends here. Who knows when we'll have time to do so again?”

“Very well, sire.”

Kibitz walks to the other side of the chariot to give Arc and his friends some privacy. Derpy, Dinky, and Ember sit down on the floor around him.

Derpy smiles up at him. “It feels like forever since we last spoke, Arc!”

“Yeah dad! I mean... Lord Dad?! King Dad?! Lord Regent King Dad?!”

Arc spread his arms and smiles. “Come here Dinky!”

Dinky jumps in Arc's lap and sits down. She looks up at him with her little eyes, happily!

“Listen Dinky. No matter what title I may have at the time... Hero of Light... Lord Regent... Janitor... I'll always be just ‘dad’ to you, okay sweetheart?”

“Thanks dad! I love you!”

“And I love you too Dinky! Now there's something I need to talk to you about.”

Dinky looks confused. “Oh? What is it?”

“This is kinda hard to say, but... as the Lord Regent of Equestria, I won't be as... accessible to you as I would like. It's not that I don't care about you or Derpy. I just... have a lot to take care of. Please forgive me."

Derpy smiles and nods. “We understand Arc. I wish we could stay in Canterlot with you, but we would just be in the way.”

“Yeah dad! I know you’re going to be REALLY busy from now on! Even more so than when you were the Hero of Light! It's okay! Really!”

Arc smiles at his little family. “Thanks sweetheart! I'll do my best to call you and your mother when I can.”

Ember frowns at Arc. “HEY! What about me?!”

“Uh... you and Sereb are staying with me in Canterlot, remember? You two are going to be my personal bodyguards! I mean... if you want to, that is."

Ember’s face lights up. “Awesome! I'll guard your body like never before, Arc!"

Sereb puts a paw on his forehead and shakes his head. “That... sounded wrong on so many levels, Ember."

Ember laughs. “Sorry! But I'm sure Arc knows what I mean!”

“Yeah. Well, just see to it no one tries to assassinate me or something. Does that happen in Equestria?”

Kibitz walks over. “Not usually sire. In my tenure as Princess Celestia's Personal Assistant there has been only one attempt on the life of a princess.”

Arc nods soberly. “The conspiracy against Princess Luna?”

Kibitz appears surprised. “Oh? You know about that?”

“Yes. Princess Luna herself told me about it.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Don't worry Arc! We'll see to it no one has the chance to take you out!”

“Indeed!”

Arc nods. “Thanks you two. It's not the dying part that worries me though.”

Derpy appears surprised! “Really Arc? That's very brave of you!”

“Dad's not afraid of anything!”

“No Dinky. There is one thing that scares me.”

“What's that dad?”

“If I were to be assassinated now, Captain Decimus would be next in line to take the throne!”

Ember shudders. “Now THAT'S a scary thought!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Kibitz, how are we looking for our scheduled time of arrival?”

Kibitz consults his pocket watch. “We should arrive precisely on schedule, sire.”

Arc looks at the orphanage in the distance as he leans back in his throne. “Good. I wouldn't want to be late for this.”

Chapter 3 - The Royal Duties

All the orphans are lined up outside the Orphanage with Coco Pommel waiting for the princess to arrive. Nearly all of Ponyville has turned up for the occasion!

“Now be sure to be on your best behavior, little ones! The princess is a very busy pony, so she probably won't have time for a lot of questions.”

Aquamarine looks to Coco Pommel. “So which one of the princesses are coming, Miss Pommel?”

“I'm actually not sure dear. My guess would be Princess Cadance, as Princess Luna is probably quite busy with other things these days.”

Pipsqueak looks up excitedly! “I sure hope so! We've never seen her before!”

“I've heard she's as nice as she is pretty! Does she have a husband, Miss Pommel?”

“No Aquamarine.”

Pipsqueak looks confused. “Why not?”

“She's probably too busy with her job to meet somepony nice.”

Pipsqueak looks down at the ground. “That's sad.”

Suddenly Pipsqueak's face brightens!

“I know! Maybe I can marry Princess Cadance someday! Then she won't be alone anymore!”

Coco Pommel smiles at Pipsqueak. “Maybe you can someday, little one. But please don't mention that to her during this visit.”

“Why not Miss Pommel? I thought you said the princess’ job was to watch over everypony?”

“It is, but...”

Aquamarine interrupts. “Well then, shouldn't she have somepony special to watch over HER then! It sounds like a rather lonely job after all!”

“You're probably right Aquamarine. However, you shouldn't push the subject, as I believe it would make her sad.”

“Okay Miss Pommel.”

Coco Pommel pats Pipsqueak on the head. “Thank you dear. I know you mean well, but...”

Aquamarine interrupts and points a hoof at the sky, excitedly! “Look! There's the princess!”

The chariot touches down with a gentle bump and stops in front of the Little Hooves Orphanage. Everyone assembled claps their hooves and cheers for their guest!

Coco Pommel approaches the chariot and bows. ”Welcome princess... Derpy?!”

Everyone assembled looks confused as Derpy and Dinky disembark the chariot along with Arc, Ember, and Sereb. They walk toward Coco Pommel as Dinky waves a little hoof at everyone!

“Hey everypony! We're back!”

Derpy smiles and waves nervously! “You won't believe the day we're having!”

Arc turns to his squad. They appear quite winded!

“Thanks guys. Take a break. You've definitely earned it!”

Max lies down on the ground, panting. “Thank you... sir...”

Xenos shakes his head. “Wimps...”

Hugh looks at Xenos, angrily! “Hey! Not all of us are built like tanks!”

The orphans walk over to the group, confused. Aquamarine and Pipsqueak reach them first.

“Mr. Arc? What are you doing here?”

“Where's the princess? We all thought she was coming!”

Arc kneels down in front of Pipsqueak. “Believe me Pipsqueak, they wanted to come! However... there's been an... incident.”

Pipsqueak looks up at him worried! “Wha... what do you mean, Mr. Arc?”

Coco Pommel looks to Arc. “Has something happened?”

“Sadly, yes. Now why don't we all sit down and have a little chat, eh?”

Arc sits down on the edge of the chariot next to Ember and Sereb. The orphans and Coco Pommel sit down on the lawn along with Derpy and Dinky. Kibitz remains in his place aboard the chariot as the rest of Ponyville gathers around as well.

“You see, right now both Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are very sick.”

Coco Pommel looks worried! “Oh my! I hope they're all right!”

Ember looks over. “I’m sure they'll be fine!”

Arc nods. “Don't worry. They're receiving the best medical care that Equestria can offer as we speak!”

Coco Pommel breathes a sigh of relief! “That's certainly good to hear! But, who's leading Equestria?”

Aquamarine nods! “Yeah! Did Princess Celestia come back?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No Aquamarine, she has not.”

He sighs and turns to Coco Pommel.

“To answer your question Coco Pommel, according to Equestrian law, should the princesses be unable to carry out their duties, the Hero of Light shall rule in their place.”

“You... you mean...?”

Arc nods. “Yes. As of this morning, I am Equestria's Lord Regent.

Dinky grins! “Yup! My dad's in charge now!”

Coco Pommel falls to her knees, all four of them, face down and trembling slightly! “P... please forgive my ignorance! I didn't know that...!”

Arc quickly walks over to Coco Pommel and kneels down in front of her! “Coco Pommel, look at me.”

She slowly raises her head nervously. He puts a hand under her chin and slowly raises her head to look him in the eye.

“Please, Coco Pommel! I'm still the same old me! A fancy title and a crown won't change that!”

Ember smiles over at him. “How about a boatload of extra responsibility?”

“Very funny Ember.”

Arc looks back to Coco Pommel.

“I don't want you to bow and scrape at my feet. After all, you're my friend! Please... can't we just continue our friendship as it was? Forget my role and just talk to me like before, okay?”

“I... I'll try, sire.”

“No, Coco Pommel. Arc… remember?”

She nods. “Sorry... Arc!”

Arc leans forward to give Coco Pommel a hug which she returns. The orphans surround them and join in the moment.

“Well, now that we have that out of the way, where is this new teacher? I'd like to meet them!”

“She called earlier today to let us know that she will be delayed. Apparently, there was some kind of mechanical problem with the train. Fortunately it was discovered before they left the station!”

Arc smiles and nods! “As long as she and the other travelers are safe, everything is fine. Well, I'm told that everyone here is expecting a speech.”

Ember grins! “Keep it short and sweet like this morning, would you Arc? I'm looking forward to the snacks!”

Arc smiles. “I'll see what I can do!”

He stands on the chariot and looks out over the assembly.

“I'm sorry the princesses themselves could not be here today. Hopefully I will do as a substitute.”

The citizens of Ponyville smile and nod their heads, understandingly.

“As you all know, the old Ponyville Schoolhouse was rather old and not able to house the additional two dozen orphans that have come here to escape the horrors of the New Beginnings Orphanage in Vanhoover! Hopefully this building can be a new beginning for all of them!”

All assembled clap their hooves together!

“Education is very important to any society, whether great or small! As I look around this gathering, I assume many of you were born here, educated here, and have chosen to make Ponyville your home! All of you have been given the tools to succeed by Ponyville School. But it was up to YOU to apply them! A quick look around town will prove that all of you took your lessons to heart!”

Arc looks over to the orphans and the other townsfoals whom have come.

“Little ones. For some of you this will be just a place where you come to learn. However, for others, it will be your home. You will live here, play here, and learn here! Right now I want all of the foals to look around please. Do you see the mares and stallions that surround you? One day they will step aside and YOU will take their places in the community! Perhaps a baker! Maybe a shopkeeper! Even the future Hero of Light may be standing here now!”

Arc looks over to the mares and stallions.

“Now I'm not trying to belittle your service to the community, as without all of you there would be no Ponyville... no Equestria! Don't think of these foals as your replacements... but as your future! So let's make it a good one, shall we? Help them become everything they can be, and Equestria can and will go on!

Everyone assembled cheers and claps their hooves together!

“I just want to close by saying that many of you have known the warmth of loving parents. However, I would like to remind all of you that the foals that live here don't have that privilege. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in taking in one of these little angels, please see Matron Coco Pommel to talk about adoption. Do not hesitate, thinking that someone else will do it! Remember... change begins with YOU! Thank you.”

Arc jumps down from the chariot as Coco Pommel approaches him.

“Thank you for those kind words of encouragement, Arc.”

Coco Pommel turns to the townsponies.

“Now, there are some refreshments in the Main Hall. Everypony is welcome to come inside and see this grand new building!”

The townsponies and Arc enter the Little Hooves Orphanage. They marvel at the new facility and its welcoming atmosphere! Many come forward to pay their respects to the new Lord Regent, starting with the Cakes!

“Congratulations on your promotion Arc!”

Mrs. Cake nods! “We're sure you’re very excited!”

Arc smiles at them! “Thank you! But I don't think the chefs in Canterlot can hold a candle to your cupcakes!”

The pair smile and nod respectfully as Apple Bloom and Babs Seed run up together! Arc kneels down to give them a hug!

“We really liked your speech, Mr. Arc!”

Babs Seed nods happily! “Yeah! It was tops!”

“I'm glad you liked it! How are you doing in your new home, Babs Seed?”

“It's great! I've never felt so loved in my whole life! Thank you for finding me a home, sir!”

Arc smiles at her! “It was my pleasure!”

Apple Bloom nods to her cousin! “I hope the other orphans will get loving homes someday too!”

“I hope so as well. But in the meantime, Coco Pommel will take good care of them. Now why don't the two of you take a look at the playroom. It's quite impressive!”

Apple Bloom and Babs Seed’s eyes light up excitedly! “We will!”

Arc spots Sweetie Belle and Dinky together a short distance away. Seeing the unicorn filly looking a bit sad he walks over to her.

“Sweetie Belle? Is something wrong?”

She looks up to him sadly. “My sister Rarity promised me she would be here to see my new school. But she had to leave earlier this morning. She didn't even say why or where she was going!”

Dinky nods to her friend. “She's in Canterlot right now. There was... trouble.”

Arc kneels down to Sweetie Belle's level. “I'm sorry about that. This is actually my fault.”

Sweetie Belle looks up to Arc, confused. “Huh? How?”

“I was the one who told Rarity and her friends that I needed them in Canterlot this morning. As an Element Bearer, I felt she needed to know the truth about the princesses before it was announced to the public. I'm really sorry she broke her promise to you Sweetie Bell.”

Dinky puts a hoof around her sad friend's shoulder. “I know how you feel, Sweetie Belle. My dad isn't always able to be around either.”

Arc nods. “Not trying to make you feel sad or anything Dinky, but I'll probably be around even less now that I'm the Lord Regent. Sorry about this.”

Dinky wraps her small hooves around Arc and hugs him. “It's okay dad! I understand. Equestria needs you now more than ever!”

Sweetie Belle looks over to Dinky. “Doesn't that make you sad? Being so far away from your dad and all!”

Dinky nods. “It does. But my dad isn't leaving mom and I because he wants to, but because he has to keep Equestria safe!”

“I'm glad you understand sweetheart. I do wish there was another way!”

Arc looks over to Sweetie Belle.

“I'm sure your sister wanted to be here for you. She'll probably be home later today though Please don't be mad at her, okay? It's been quite the day for all of us!”

“Well... okay. Thanks for cheering me up you two!”

Dinky laughs! “That's what friends are for!”

The pair trot off together happily!

Arc stands back up and mutters to himself. “Ah... to be so care-free again.”

He spots the Hammer family talking with the mayor and walks over to join them.

“Mr. Arc! I mean Lord Arc! Please join us!”

Mayor Mare bows to Arc as he approaches. “Ah, thank you for coming today Lord Regent! It wouldn't have been the same without somepony important making a speech!”

“It was my pleasure, Mayor Mare! Although I had hoped to meet the new schoolteacher.”

“My apologies Lord Arc. I suppose it couldn't be helped.”

Arc nods. ”I understand. Perhaps next time.”

“Yes indeed! Well, if you will excuse me, I need to talk to Matron Coco Pommel about the upcoming school year and her role in it. Carry on without me everypony!”

Mayor Mare walks over to Coco Pommel as Arc turns to the Hammers.

“I think we should speak in private. Would the three of you please come with me to the Matron's office?

Steel Hammer nods. “Yes, Lord Arc.”

Arc leads the Hammer family to Coco Pommel's simple office. He closes the door behind them as the Hammer’s turn to him.

“Congratulations, Lord Arc! You've sure come a long way!”

Silver Hammer nods. “In but a few short months your exploits as the Hero of Light has surpassed our wildest expectations!”

Steel Hammer nods and smiles. “It's true. You've already done more than we did in our entire tenure as Equestria's protectors!”

Platinum Valve looks to her parents. “I'm still really proud of you both! But, I'm also glad you decided to retire and take care of me!”

“As am I, Platinum Valve. But right now there are a few things I need to talk to your family about.”

Silver Hammer nods! “Sure Lord Arc! We'll help in any way we can!”

“Thanks. First of all, I don't want any of you calling me by any fancy titles. We're all heroes here, so please just call me Arc, okay?”

“If that's what you want then that's what we'll do, Arc.”

Silver Hammer looks to him nervously. “Are the princesses going to be okay? Sorry to be so forward about this, but old habits die hard I guess!”

“Doctor Whooves is doing his very best to get to the bottom of this matter. I wish I could investigate this vexing problem myself. However, my duty now lies in another direction.”

“We understand! You can't be in two places at once, Mr. Arc!”

“Any leads?”

“The doctor found a strange substance in both princesses’ blood samples. While he's currently trying to figure out what to do about it, Twilight is going to try some experiments on their blood and see if she can identify this substance.”

Silver Hammer nods soberly. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing right now. Until Doctor Whooves and Twilight figure out what it is we're dealing with here, there isn't really anything we can do for them! Sorry I don't have better news.”

Steel Hammer sighs. “Thank you for telling us. It helps put our minds at ease knowing you’re there for Equestria in its time of need.”

“Would you like to see Princess Luna for yourselves? The doctor isn't sure if she can hear us, but if she can, I'm guessing hearing your voices will be of great comfort to her.”

Silver Hammer’s eyes light up! “Thank you Arc. That is very kind of you!”

“We accept!”

“Wonderful! Now I'll send Ember back with you. She will inform the guards of my orders and they will allow you to enter the princess' chambers.”

“Thanks Mr. Arc. My parents have been on edge since they heard the princesses were ill!”

“Would you go find Ember for me, Platinum Valve? Tell her I need to see her right away.”

Platinum Valve scurries away! “I'm on it!”

Arc smiles after her. “Ah! Such energy she has!

Steel Hammer grins broadly. "Yes. We're so proud of her.”

“She's just started her first big research project! It sounds a bit complicated for her though.”

“Oh? What's she working on?”

“She wants to find a way to combine magic and machinery.”

Arc nods, clearly impressed! “That's quite ambitious! What gave her the idea?”

“Well you see, back in Dodge Junction at the Cherry Festival, Platinum Valve noticed several ponies with disabilities.”

Steel Hammer nods. “One was a stallion in a wheelchair, and the other was a filly missing a leg.

“They both stopped at our booth to take a look at our wares. Platinum Valve struck up a conversation with the filly while we talked to the stallion.”

“We came to find out that the stallion and the filly were both injured in an airship crash some time ago!”

“That's terrible! Please tell me this isn't a normal part of flying!”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “Not to worry! Such things are VERY rare these days. But accidents do happen!”

“That little filly and stallion were the only survivors of the crash! Apparently he was able to somehow get her to safety! But she lost both her parents that day!”

“I can't image how horrible it must have been for her! One moment she's with her parents. The next, she's an orphan!”

Ember, followed by Sereb, and Platinum Valve enter the office together.

“I found her!”

“You wanted to see me Arc?”

“Yes, Ember! I want you and Sereb to escort the Hammer family to Canterlot Castle so they can visit Princess Luna. They're... close friends of hers.”

Ember nods! “Sure. I can do that!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “As you will.”

Arc opens a portal to the Canterlot Castle Audience Chamber. “Thanks. I'll be back at the castle myself in a bit.”

Ember winks at Arc as she, Sereb, and the Hammers walk through the portal. “Don't be too long, Arc.”

Arc closes the portal and sits down in Coco Pommel's large office chair. He swivels around to look out the patio window to quietly enjoy the peace of the moment. There is a small knock at the door.

“Come!”

Coco Pommel slowly opens the door and steps into the office with another mare.

“Arc? I'm sorry to bother you right now, but the new teacher has just arrived. I believe you expressed an interest in meeting them?”

Arc continues to look out the window. “Yes. There were a few things I wanted to tell them. Sorry for taking over your office like this. I needed someplace... private for a few minutes.”

“I understand. Today has been rather hectic for everypony! You more than most!”

Arc slowly swivels the chair around to face the two mares as the teacher steps forward.

“H-hello sire! My name is... AHHHHHHHHH!!!”

The mare, upon seeing Arc, screams and faints!

“Oh dear! My apologies Arc! I had no idea she would respond that way!”

Arc stands up and walks over to the unconscious mare lying on the floor. “It's okay Coco Pommel. I'm pretty used to that response. Would you mind if I carried her to your room to recover?”

Coco Pommel quickly opens the door to the adjoining room. “Not at all! Please follow me!”

She leads Arc into her private quarters. He lays the mare down on her bed, covers her with a blanket and steps back.

“Will she be okay?”

Arc turns to face Coco Pommel. “Yes. She should wake up shortly. Why don't we sit down and chat while we wait? There are a few things I wanted to ask you about.”

Coco Pommel motions to the “Living Room” part of her room. There are a pair of couches facing each other.

“That would be wonderful! We haven't had much time to talk lately, what with us both being so busy and all!”

The pair sit down across from each other.

“I see you're still wearing that robe. It's fine and all but, are you eating enough now?”

Coco Pommel smiles and nods! “Oh yes! Like I told you back then, I started wearing it to hide what was happening to my body. Now, it's just a part of who I am!”

She removes her robe and sets it on the couch next to her, allowing her whole body to be seen.

“As you can see, I'm still a bit thin. Doctor Horse tells me that it's going to take quite a while for me to fill out like everypony else.”

“How about your energy levels? How do you feel?”

Coco Pommel sighs. “I can't join the foals in any strenuous games, as I’m still very easily winded! Sadly, there isn't anything else that the doctor can do for me. In time I will recover. However, the road will be long and hard.”

Arc nods and sighs. “I'm sorry Coco Pommel.”

She looks to him, confused. “What could you have to be sorry about?”

“If I had come along sooner, maybe your recovery wouldn't have to be so long and arduous.”

“Please Arc! Don't blame yourself for my condition! You saved my life after all! One thing’s for sure though. Without your intervention I don't believe I would have lived to see many more winters. No matter what anypony else says, you will ALWAYS be a hero to me and the orphans!”

“Thanks. I'm glad you're doing better physically. How about emotionally?”

Coco Pommel looks down, embarrassed. “It's... been really hard to adapt to a post Matron Tempest orphanage. The orphan's minds are healing nicely! My own... not so much.”

“Loud noises?”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes. The orphans understand my... condition, and are very careful not to do anything that would surprise me!”

“Have there been any episodes like... what happened that day in my office?”

“A couple times, yes. Not as... extreme as back then though. Now I kinda just fall to the ground and cower under my robe. The few times it's happened when the orphans were around, they surrounded and nuzzled me until I could stand up again!”

Arc smiles at the thought! “They really are sweet! I hope their future's will be happy and bright!”

“As do I! Hopefully them attending school with a REAL teacher in a REAL classroom with help them become everything they can be~ Like you said in your speech earlier... one day these foals will take their places in this world. I can only point them down the right path. But it's they who must be willing to take that first step!”

“Well put Coco Pommel! And I believe you're doing a wonderful job! Speaking of jobs, how is your new Assistant Matron doing?”

“Very well! She's had a hard life herself, so she can relate to the orphans and their day to day struggles. Her and Dinky have helped them come to terms with most of their problems. Together, they’re probably more effective in that regard than I myself am!”

“The orphans will always have need of you Coco Pommel! They would be lost without you there to lead and protect them!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Thank you for saying that Arc. However, I don't want them to be completely dependent on me! They have to learn how to make it out there on their own someday. I've always felt sad when a little one grew up and left the orphanage. But I know it is for the best!”

Arc nods, understanding. “Is there anything you need? More help around here? All you have to do is just say the word, and I'll send someone!”

She shakes her head. “Thank you for the offer, but I believe the orphans and I need to work through this together.”

“I understand. Feel free to call me if you need anything though. Even if it's just to talk. Okay?”

“Sure!”

The mare on the bed begins to stir. Arc looks over to the bed.

“I think she's coming around now.”

Coco Pommel rises from the couch, quickly puts her robe back on and walks over to the mare.

“Miss? Can you hear me?”

The mare slowly opens her eyes. “Ugh... what happened?”

“You fainted, dear. Are you okay now?”

She slowly sits up and rubs her head. “I think so. Sorry for worrying you. When we entered your office, I thought… I thought I saw a monster sitting at your desk! Perhaps the stress of moving finally caught up with me.”

Coco Pommel laughs! “That wasn't a monster! It's the new Lord Regent of Equestria, silly!”

“Oh my! Is it still in your office?!”

Arc stands and turns to face her. “Nope. I'm right here.”

The mare bounds out of bed as quickly as she can, but trips and lands on the floor face first. Arc quickly walks over to her!

“Ouch! Miss, are you all right?!”

“I... I think so...”

Arc extends a gauntlet to the mare. “Let me help you up.”

She cautiously reaches up to Arc's outstretched hand but quickly bows as she notices his royal raiments! She bows low, her face to the floor.

“Please forgive me, your majesty! I... I had no idea... I mean...”

The mare’s voice suggests she is on the verge of tears. Arc kneels down to the mare’s level, putting a hand under her chin and slowly lifting her head to look her in the eye.

“All is forgiven! I'm Hero of Light Arc. Although with the princesses sick in bed I'm the temporary Lord Regent of Equestria. And you are...”

“M-my name? I-I'm Ch-Cheerilee! The new s-school t-t-teacher!”

Cheerilee is visibly shaking at his appearance.

“Cheerilee, please don't be frightened! I know I may look quite a bit... different from a pony, but I'm not going to hurt you.”

Coco Pommel walks over and places a hoof on Cheerilee's shoulder. “He's telling you the absolute truth miss! Arc here is actually a very good friend of mine! You don't have to be afraid of him!”

“O-okay... I'll try. You said there was something you wanted to tell me... earlier?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But why don't we sit down first?”

“Probably a good idea. You still look like you might fall down any moment now, Miss Cheerilee!”

“S-s-sorry!”

The trio walks back to the couches. Coco Pommel and Cheerilee sit down together on the couch opposite Arc.

“Now then, Miss Cheerilee. What have you been told about your new job?

“Well... I know that I'm going to be teaching a rather large class of foals here at the Little Hooves Orphanage. I was also told I would be living here, as most of the students are staying here full time.”

Cheerilee looks suddenly nervous again!

“Is there more to it then I was told?!”

Coco Pommel nods. “A bit. The orphans here have had a very rough life. Not just because they've lost their parents, but due to the fact they have lived most of their lives in total fear of their previous caretaker, Matron Tempest.”

“Oh my! How are they now?!”

“Much better than when I took them out of that place! They lived in my base down the path for a while to recover, both mentally and physically.”

Cheerilee looks confused. “Begging you pardon sire, but foals on a military base?!”

Coco Pommel nods. “At the time it was the best place for them. I had done my best to take care of them as best I could over the years. But when Arc liberated the orphanage and took down Matron Tempest, my strength was at its end.”

“I remember you coming forward to thank me. You got about half the words out before you collapsed.”

“Collapsed?!”

Coco Pommel nods, sadly. “Yes. I was... a bit malnourished at the time.”

“A bit?!! Coco Pommel, you were DYING!”

“Yes, well... I'm doing much better!”

“You are NOW! I would certainly say that major organ failure is more than just ‘a bit malnourished’!”

Cheerilee's eyes grow wide. "Matron Pommel, what in Celestia's name happened over there?! Were you an orphan or an employee?!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Both actually. I grew up at New Beginnings Orphanage, but became an assistant to Matron Tempest when I aged out of the program.”

Arc nods. “She had been giving her food to the foals for YEARS to keep them from starving!”

“Well I must say, you sure must have a big heart to do that, Matron Coco Pommel!”

“Thank you! And you can just call me Coco Pommel. Now, are you ready to meet the residents of Little Hooves Orphanage?”

Cheerilee nods happily! “Yes! Is there anything I need to do... differently for the orphans?”

“A bit, yes. They've improved greatly in their time at Light's Hope down the way. There’re just a couple things you need to know. For starters, don't raise your voice to them! Matron Tempest used to do that to them several times a day.”

“From where I stood, it looked more like every chance she got!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Yes, you're right about that Arc.”

Cheerilee nods! “I understand. Don't worry about that, as it's not how I teach. Anything else?”

“The only other thing you need to know is that they were pretty much cut off from the rest of the world back then. There are many things that, while common knowledge to you, are unheard of to them. I did my best to teach them what I could, but I admit I too will need some... lessons from you.”

Arc sighs. “For example... when I took them home with me, I had to explain what the concept of LUNCH was!”

“You can count on me, Coco Pommel! I'll do my very best to teach them everything I can!”

“Thank you. I can't really ask for more than that. Now if the two of you would please meet me in the classroom, I will gather the orphans and meet you there.”

Coco Pommel leaves the room as Arc and Cheerilee proceed with her down the hallway and down the stairs. Upon reaching the ground level Coco Pommel goes out the back door while Arc and Cheerilee head over to the classroom. The townsponies have all gone home, presumably to have lunch.

Arc closes the classroom door behind them and turns to Cheerilee. “There is one other thing you need to be aware of, Cheerilee.”

“There is?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes. Coco Pommel herself is probably the most mentally scarred of all of them! She was resting in my office shortly after being released from the hospital when I accidentally knocked my phone off the desk. Without going into detail, let's just say I have NEVER seen anyone so completely and utterly terrified!”

“Is there anything I can do?!”

“Just know this... if you ever see Coco Pommel going through one of her... episodes, the orphans will most likely surround and comfort her. Do not interrupt them. This is something that they must deal with themselves. Please understand.”

“I... I really don't. But I will do as you say, Lord Arc.”

Coco Pommel returns to the Classroom with the orphans behind her. They appear nervous upon seeing Cheerilee.

“Everypony please take a seat now.”

The orphan silently sit down at their desks as Cheerilee walks over to her desk at the front of the room.

“Everypony, this is Miss Cheerilee. She's going to be your new teacher starting tomorrow.”

Cheerilee smiles at them. “Hello everypony! I look forward to becoming your new teacher!”

Pipsqueak looks to Coco Pommel. “But Miss Pommel, why don't you teach us yourself”! You did such a good job of it back at the... other orphanage!”

Aquamarine nods! “Yeah! We loved your lessons!”

The others nod their heads in agreement.

“I would if I could, little ones. But the fact of the matter is, I don't actually know anything else to teach you.”

The orphans look confused.

“You see... my own education as a filly under Matron Tempest was practically nonexistent! To tell you the truth, what I taught you back then was only what I was able to learn myself the night before while reading the lesson books the Matron gave me! I'm sorry, but I want you all to learn and grow smart!”

Coco Pommel motions with a hoof toward Cheerilee.

“Miss Cheerilee here can teach you things that will take you far in this world! Things I can't! Pay close attention in class and do your very best, okay?”

The orphans nods, albeit sadly.

Arc turns to the orphans. “Don't worry everyone. Coco Pommel isn't going anywhere! She'll still be here to make your meals and be there for you when you need her. But you see, Miss Pommel can't do everything herself! She needs help to see to it all of you are raised properly. That's why Derpy is here as her assistant, and Dinky is here to... um... just be there for you, I guess.”

Aquamarine smiles! “Yeah! Dinky's our hero!”

Pipsqueak nods! “She's totally brave and stuff! We all really like her!”

“Well I'm sure she’ll approve of Miss Cheerilee when she meets her tomorrow morning”

“Do you really think so Mr. Arc?”

“I know so! So please, just give Miss Cheerilee a chance, okay?”

The orphans nod.

“We will!”

“Thank you everypony! I'll do my very best to teach you everything you'll need to know in order to make it in the real world!”

Coco Pommel steps to the front of the classroom. “Now I'm sure Miss Cheerilee has a lot of things to do in preparation for tomorrow. All of you may go back to playing outside now while you wait for lunch to be ready!”

“Thank you, Miss Pommel!”

The orphans run happily out the classroom door! Cheerilee breathes a sigh of relief.

“Thank you both for the vote of confidence! I was rather worried they wouldn't accept me!”

“Don't worry about it. Just be the best you can be, and I'm sure they will soon come to trust you.”

“I look forward to hearing a positive report soon. Now if the two of you will excuse me, I think I’ll just pop into the kitchen for a few minutes before heading back to Canterlot.”

Coco Pommel smiles at him! “Thank you for coming Arc! It really means a lot to the orphans and I.”

“It was my pleasure. I'll always be there for you and the orphans! Take care of yourself.”

Arc stands and walks to the door. He turns back before leaving the room.

“Have faith in yourself and your abilities, Cheerilee. I know you can do this!”

Arc closes the Classroom door behind him. Cheerilee turns to Coco Pommel.

“Lord Arc certainly is a kind... what is he now?”

“He's a human.”

Cheerilee looks to Coco Pommel, wide-eyed! “He's a HUMAN?! But... he seems so... NICE! Are you sure?”

“That's what he said.”

“But... humans are supposed to be...”

Coco Pommel holds up a hoof for silence.

“I've heard the stories about how humans are supposed to be as well! But he's nothing like what we've been told! I trust him completely!”

Cheerilee nods, nervously! “Very well. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt then.”

Chapter 4 - The Planning Stage

Meanwhile, back at Canterlot Castle, the Mane 6, Sunburst and Auriel make their way toward Princess Celestia's airship. Sunburst motions to the case in Twilight’s saddlebags.

“Are you sure this is all you need, miss?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. These blood samples will do for now.”

“Very well. Please contact me if you require anything else.”

“Thank you, I shall!”

Applejack turns to her friend. “I hope you can figure this mess out soon Twilight!”

Auriel nods to Twilight. “I'll lend a claw as well. I have plenty of experience analyzing things!”

Rarity trots along, confident in her friend’s abilities. “I'm sure if you two put your heads together this whole ordeal will be over in no time at all!”

Pinkie hops along! Yeah! I'm sure the princesses are getting tired of sleeping as well!”

Rainbow Dash rubs her chin with a hoof. “Tired of sleeping... huh? Now there's an oxymoron if I ever heard one!”

Fluttershy looks toward the small craft ahead of them. “Um... who's going to fly the airship?”

Sunburst looks to her and smiles! “Don't worry! The ship has a full-time pilot.”

Rainbow Dash zips around the hanger! “Cool! Are they going to be here soon?!”

“Truth be told, he never leaves the ship.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Come again?! Doesn't he have a home to go back to at the end of the day?”

“He does not. ‘The Blitztorte’, as Princess Celestia calls it, IS his home! Grand Aviator Tight Ship, as his name suggests, does his best to keep the ship ready and available at any time of day or night! The princesses have been known to take small excursions in this very ship after particularly taxing days!”

Rainbow Dash looks at the sleek vessel. “So, to them it's like a mini vacation?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes. They can get away from it all and still be close at hoof if something goes wrong. The ships range is rather small, given its size. However, as Canterlot is fairly centrally located, it can take you almost anywhere in Equestria!”

Rarity looks around the hanger. “What of the new airship? Does it also have a designated pilot?”

“As of right now, no. It hasn't actually been taken out for its maiden flight yet. Grand Aviator Tight Ship will most likely be reassigned to it when the time comes.”

Pinkie falls over on her back as she looks! “Wowie! Going from a pleasure craft to a battleship?! That's quite the promotion!”

“Yes, well... he IS Equestria's finest airship pilot after all. Although I'm sure he's happier on ‘The Blitztorte’, his sense of duty to the princesses would never allow him to leave this to another less skilled pilot!”

The group boards the small airship, as they step onto the deck a brown pegasus stallion with blue eyes comes out of a small cabin, he is wearing a simple gray flight suit with many decorations on it and a pilot's headset!

“Sunburst? What brings you here today?”

Sunburst motions to the Mane Six and Auriel. “These mares need transport to Ponyville. The Lord Regent has given orders to temporarily assign you to their service.”

“Lord Regent?!”

“The princesses have fallen ill and cannot carry out their duties at this time. The Hero of Light is currently acting as Equestria's Lord Regent. These seven are trying to figure out what malady has befallen the princesses.”

Tight Ship nods! “Very well. If it helps the princesses, I'm in!”

“Thank you old friend! Well, I'll leave you to your duties then.”

Sunburst leaves the ship.

“Welcome aboard ladies. Next stop... Ponyville!”

Twilight nods! “Thank you for doing this sir!”

The stallion turns around and heads over to the small fight deck. “Anything to help my oldest friends! Do your best to help them recover and I will be eternally grateful!”

Meanwhile, back at the Little Hooves Orphanage, Arc leaves the classroom and heads for the kitchen. Inside he finds Derpy and Dinky hard at work preparing the midday meal. Dinky looks up as he enters.

“Dad!”

She runs over and gives her father a hug! He kneels down to return it with one of his own as Derpy walks over happily!

“I'm sorry lunch isn't ready yet Arc. I hope you're not too hungry to wait another half hour or so.”

“Sadly, I just came in to see the two of you before I leave.”

Dinky frowns. “Awwww... you're not staying for lunch?”

“Sorry, but I have other things to do in Canterlot today, sweetheart. Not sure what, but I'm sure Kibitz has everything lined up already. Dinky, could you do something for me?”

“What is it, dad?”

“The orphans just met their new teacher. She's a really nice individual and all, but they're a little... nervous at the prospect of having a strange mare around. So tomorrow when school starts, do you think you could help the others... adapt? They all look up to you, after all.”

Dinky nods! “Sure dad! I'll give it my best!”

“Thanks! If you like her, the others will follow!”

Arc turns to Derpy.

“Sorry I can't stay Derpy. It feels like forever since we had the chance to just sit around and talk.”

“I understand. You're even more busy now as Lord Regent! Hopefully soon though! I... we both miss you...”

Arc gives them both a parting hug. “And I miss you two as well! Take care of the orphans, and remember that I love you both!”

Derpy nuzzles Arc's chest! “And we love you too!”

“Take care dad!”

Arc stands and turns to leave. “Goodbye! I'll do my best to keep in touch!”

He proceeds out the front door of the orphanage to where his squad and Kibitz are napping.

“Okay, break time is over boys! Time to get up!”

The squad stands and stretches.

Max yawns. “Thanks for the rest, sir!”

Viktor stretches. “Yeah! We really needed it!”

Hugh shudders at the thought of their return trip! “You're heavier than you look, sir!”

Xenos smiles and nods his head at the others. “You guys need to buff up!”

Arc laughs! “Well, if I have a lot more appearances to make, that shouldn't be an issue Xenos!”

Kibitz nods. “Indeed sire! However, we need to get back to the castle now.”

Arc jumps onto the chariot and they are soon flying back to Canterlot Castle.

“So, how did I do Kibitz?”

“Very well sire! Your speech, while not exactly riveting, was certainly heartfelt and genuine! Truth be told, I actually budgeted more time for that appearance than you used! Good show, keeping us on schedule and all!”

“Can I assume the rest of my day's schedule is already decided?”

Kibitz looks over a scroll. “Yes sire! I've taken into account every moment! Stick to the schedule and you will be able to accomplish everything!”

Arc sighs. “Fine... let's get on with it.”

A short time later Arc and company arrive back at Canterlot Castle's Hanger. He jumps off the chariot and turns to his squad.

“Thanks for the ride boys. I hope that trip was a bit... lighter.”

Max nods relieved! “Much!”

Xenos shakes his head. “You guys need more bran in your diet!”

Hugh glares at him! “Well not all of us can eat it breakfast, lunch and supper like you do, Xenos!”

Viktor laughs! “Yeah! We're ponies! Not garbage disposals!”

Xenos shrugs. “You guys could at least exercise more often!”

Arc interrupts them. “Alright. Head out and grab some lunch!”

The squad salutes and heads off to carry out his orders. Arc turns to Kibitz.

“So, what's next on the agenda?”

“It looks like were a bit early, but you're scheduled to meet with the Head of the Military next.”

“What about lunch?”

Kibitz shakes his head, not looking up from his notes. “The princesses always ate when they could. I've ordered a light meal be delivered to the conference room, where your next meeting is to take place.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. I can eat quickly if I have to.”

Kibitz leads Arc to the conference room. A plate of light refreshments is waiting for him.

“Please eat with due haste sire! The Head of the Army will be here soon!”

Arc sits down quickly and begins to eat.

“So... what can you tell me about this grizzled war veteran I'm about to meet?”

“General Virtuous Lance has served Equestria as Head of the Army for many years! He is as loyal an officer as one would ever hope to find! A few years ago, he led our military against a bugbear incursion. Thanks to his tactics and cunning, our forces sustained only minor casualties and zero fatalities!”

Arc nods, clearing impressed! “A war where no one dies! What a great concept!”

“Indeed! The previous Heroes of Light relied heavily on him for intel on their own excursions!”

“Interesting. I'll keep that in mind. Anything else I should know about him?”

Kibitz looks nervous as he speaks. “Well... it's hardly worth mentioning but... he's a big fan of cupcakes and other sweets, sire.”

“A man after my own heart then! I look forward to this meeting!”

Arc quickly finishes his meal. Shortly thereafter there is a knock at the door.

“Come!”

The door opens and a rather elderly stallion enters. He is wearing light armor and has a short-sword on his back. An aide marches behind him and two steps to his right. She appears ready for battle as she is clad in heavy full plate armor and has a sword and shield strapped to her back.

“I will take my leave, sire.”

Arc stands and walks toward the pair. “Very well Kibitz. General Virtuous Lance I presume?”

The stallion removes his helmet respectfully as Kibitz leaves the conference room. ”Yes, your majesty.”

“Thank you for coming on such short notice! I am Hero of Light Arc. From what I've heard, you are just the one to help me keep this land safe!”

“I will do my best, your majesty. Your accomplishments precede you, as your name is now spoken respectfully by our forces and our enemies alike!”

Virtuous Lance gestures to his aide.

“This is my aide, Lieutenant Spitfire. She also fancies herself as my personal bodyguard.”

Arc nods to her. “A pleasure to meet you lieutenant! Uh... are you expecting trouble?”

She salutes him! “Sire... I must always be ready to defend the general! Should any harm befall him it would be disastrous to our national security!”

Virtuous Lance laughs! “Forgive her, sire! She is worried somepony is going to try and assassinate me!”

“The possibility is very real sir! After all... somepony already got to the princesses!”

Arc turns back to Virtuous Lance. “She does raise a valid point. A senior officer such as yourself would be a high value target.”

“Ha! If they haven't gotten me after all these years, I doubt their luck will change now!”

He nods. “Very well. I'll leave the matter of your personal security in your hooves. Now, shall we get down to business?”

“As you wish, sire.”

Arc and Virtuous Lance take a seat at the table. Spitfire remains standing near the general.

“So... where do we stand?”

“Word of your speech has traveled into the neighboring lands quickly, your majesty. Our covert operatives are already reporting military movement from Yakyakistan to the northwest, the Changeling Empire to the southeast, Abyssinia to the southwest, and the Griffon Kingdom to the east.”

Spitfire appears disgusted at the fourth nation on the list. Arc notices the look on the lieutenant's face.

“Do you have something to add, Lieutenant Spitfire?”

Spitfire nods. “The first two nations mentioned were a surprise to me! However, I am certain the Griffon Kingdom will be the first to attack!”

Arc nods. “And why do you think that is so?”

Spitfire looks suddenly angry! “Because they hate us! They've ALWAYS believed us to be below them! To a filthy griffon, were nothing but ANIMALS!”

Virtuous Lance’s head snaps quickly to his subordinate!

“Lieutenant! That will be QUITE enough! You WILL show Lord Arc the respect he deserves! And you WILL refrain from making any more racist comments! Do I make myself absolutely clear?!”

“Y-yes sir!”

The lieutenant turns to Arc.

“Please forgive my earlier outburst, sire.”

Arc nods. “I will let it go... this time, lieutenant.”

He turns back to Virtuous Lance.

“Any other threats looming on the horizon?”

“Well, as of this morning the Bugbear Nation has been abuzz with activity. We don't actually know what they're doing. But I'm certain it can't be good!”

Arc nods. “Can I assume diplomacy is out of the question?”

Spitfire nods! “Yes sire! The Bugbears have yet to master the art of speech, written dialogue, or diplomacy. Trying to talk to them would be like trying to have a conversation with a cow!”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Sadly, my aide is correct. There has been some research done on that particular race, from a great distance I might add. However, while there is still much to learn, scholars can agree on only two things... one, the Bugbears cannot be reasoned with. And two... they are intelligent enough to live under a basic hierarchy!”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “Begging your pardon general, but so do ants!”

Arc nods. “True. But if an army of ants were to invade, I would just call an exterminator. What do we do about an army of Bugbears?!”

Spitfire draws her sword and shield as she hovers a couple feet off the ground. “We fight, Lord Arc! The citizens of Equestria must be protected!”

“I'm afraid I must agree. There is no reasoning with the Bugbears. Should they invade, we would have no choice but to wipe them out.”

Arc frowns. “By ‘wipe them out’ do you mean chasing them back to their territory and killing all of them?”

Spitfire nods with feeling! “It would be the only sure way to protect everypony!”

“I'm a bit confused. If these creatures are indeed that dangerous, why have the princesses allowed them to stay where they are all this time?”

“The princesses believe that ponies and bugbears can, somehow, live in harmony. That's why they ordered them to be studied and not destroyed.”

Arc sighs. “I do understand their position on this matter. But I hope if the bugbears do invade us, the princesses will understand mine. Any other threats I should know about?”

“It's hardly worth mentioning, as I believe it to be merely a coincidence, but the creatures of the Everfree Forest have become noticeable more aggressive since this morning!”

Spitfire nods. “They're probably just reacting to all the tension in the land!”

“Perhaps. However, should fighting break out we don't really want yet another enemy to fight!”

Arc looks to the elder stallion intently. “What are you suggesting, general?”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. "It goes against everything the princesses stand for, but I believe it may be in the best interest of Equestria to... invade the Everfree Forest and purge the creatures who live there.”

“General? Are you considering... genocide?!”

Spitfire shrugs. “I see it more as a sacrifice for the greater good of all ponykind.”

Virtuous Lance nods to Spitfire. “Agreed lieutenant.”

He turns back to Arc.

“I'm sorry Lord Arc, but we are sworn to protect ponies... not the creatures of the Everfree Forest. Shall I give the order for our forces to begin the operation?”

Arc stands up. “No, you will not!”

Spitfire looks to Arc, confused. “Sire?”

“I will NOT authorize our forces to enter the Everfree Forest to bring forth death and destruction on such a grand scale!”

“Lord Arc... I understand your hesitancy to take so many lives, but...”

Arc holds up his hand for silence. He walks over to the window and looks out it toward Ponyville and the Everfree Forest.

“Lieutenant, let me ask you a question. Let's say there was a group of ponies headed to this room with the intention of killing General Virtuous Lance. What would you do?”

“I would kill each and every one of them before they got anywhere NEAR the general!”

Arc continues to look out the window. “Very praiseworthy! Now... let's say there was a group of ponies heading toward this room with... unknown intentions. What would you do?”

Spitfire appears a bit confused. “I... I don't know sire. Do they pose a threat to the general's life?”

”Maybe.”

She puts a hoof on her sword. “Then I...”

Arc interrupts her. “Then again... for all you know they could be coming to deliver a report as emissaries from a far-off land. Maybe they're just here to ask for his help. Possibly a maintenance crew doing repairs on his office.”

Spitfire looks conflicted. “Then... I guess... I would have to... verify their intentions before acting!”

Arc turns around quickly and rushes over to stand behind the general in his chair. He takes hold of the back of his chair as he again speaks!

“No! Learning the reason why they're here would take too long! Wouldn't the best course of action be to do whatever it took to protect the general?!”

Spitfire shakes her head! “What?! No! For all I know they could be completely... innocent.”

Virtuous Lance smiles, understanding the meaning behind Arc’s words. “Very well put, Lord Arc. I think we've both learned something here, lieutenant.”

Arc sits back down in his chair. “Good. Now I want the two of you to know that I'm not against taking life for the greater good! For example... a while back, my squad and I entered the Everfree Forest on a training exercise. I taught them how to spear fish and how to clean and gut them.”

“A bit... unorthodox, to be sure.”

“The next day we hunted Cockatrices. Twenty-four birds fell to our weapons that day.”

Spitfire appears confused. “I don't understand sire! How is that any different from what the general is proposing?”

“The difference is the reason behind the actions. Those fish were caught to fill my belly. And the cockatrices were going to be culled by the Canterlot Conservation Department to balance their population. Had they not acted, many of the birds would have died of starvation! The ones we killed, with a single bullet mercifully to the head I might add, went into my freezer for my chef to cook at a later date.”

Spitfire salutes. “Thank you for the lesson, sire. I now have a lot to think about.”

“Good. After all... I don't want our soldiers to potentially be injured fighting needless battles now!”

Arc turns back to the general.

“What of the other nations? What would you suggest we do about them?”

“At the moment I recommend taking a defensive stance. While we don't want to provoke any of them, we also want to be ready if one of them decides to invade.”

Arc sighs and nods. “Very well. Gather our troops and make preparations to defend the realm! However, should we be invaded, I will personally give the order to attack.”

Spitfire turns to Arc. “Personally, sire? Wouldn't an invasion warrant a swift counter-attack?”

“Yes. But remember this... once we counter their initial attack, there's no going back! For better or worse, we will be embroiled in a war! Remember that!”

Virtuous Lance nods. “As you command, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you both for your service to this land. General, keep our forces on high alert at all times. I just hope we can avoid needless bloodshed.”

Virtuous Lance stands up and salutes him. “As do I, Lord Arc... as do I.”

He and Lieutenant Spitfire both face Arc, salute and leave the room. Arc walks back to the window and looks outside absentmindedly.

“I only hope I'm not making a big mistake here. Dad... what would YOU do?!”

Meanwhile, the Mane 6 and Auriel were on their way back to Ponyville via the Blitztorte.

Rarity looks excited as they pass through a cloud. “My goodness! I now see why pegasus enjoy flying so much!”

Applejack laughs as she holds her hat down! “Darn tootin'! This is fun!”

Pinkie Pie stands on her hind legs at the head of the ship! “WEEEEEEEE!!!”

Fluttershy quietly covers her eyes as she cowers in a corner. “Oh my goodness! I do hope we land soon!”

Rarity looks to her confused. “Whatever could be the matter Fluttershy? I thought all pegasi liked the wind in their manes!”

“Um... well... you see... to tell you the truth... I'm actually... a bit afraid of heights.”

Rainbow Dash stands next to Fluttershy, dutifully. “It feels kinda weird to be flying through the air without actually...flying!”

She moves her wings up and down slowly, somewhat agitated to have nothing to do!

Twilight sighs. “I wish I could enjoy this, but I can't wait to get back to my lab so I can start running some tests!”

Auriel nods and puts a claw on the unicorn’s shoulder. “Please don't worry Twilight. Together I'm sure we can figure something out! All we really need is the smallest clue! Something for Flash Sentry and the others to follow up on.”

Applejack nods! “Darn tootin'! Auriel, if you’re as good in the lab as you were facing The Dark One yesterday, this will be over in no time!”

Rainbow Dash laughs! “Two eggheads, one lab! You two TOTALLY got this!”

A short time later the Blitztorte lands safely behind the Golden Oaks Library. Tight Ship steps out onto the deck.

“Ponyville! All ashore that's going ashore! But in reality, I'll be waiting here until you ladies need a ride somewhere.”

Pinkie Pie bounces down the gangplank happily with her friends! “Again, again, again!”

Fluttershy looks relieved! “Oh goodness! It sure feels good to be on the ground again!”

Twilight turns back to Tight Ship. “Thank you for the ride, sir! Sorry you have to just sit around waiting for us.”

“Think nothing of it. My home is aboard the Blitztorte, so you’re not taking me away from anything.”

Rarity looks back. “Aren't you lonely?”

“No ma'am! This ship and I have been through a lot together! She's more than just my home. She's my best friend!”

Applejack points a hoof toward her home. “Well, if you ever feel like having some actual pony company for a change, feel free to stop in for supper at Sweet Apple Acres over yonder!”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “Thank you for the offer miss, but my duty is here. I must always be ready and available!”

“Suit yourself! Come on by if you change your mind!”

Twilight and the others disembark.

“Sorry everypony, but I need to get back to the farm. My family is probably worried about what happened this morning!”

Rarity nods! “I too should return home and make sure Sweetie Belle is alright!”

Pinkie hops away! “And I have muffins to bake!”

Rainbow Dash looks up at the clouds in the sky. “Looks like I have work of my own to take care of!”

Fluttershy sighs. “I'm sure Angel is doing just fine without me, but that doesn't mean I'm not worried about him.”

Twilight nods. “It's alright girls! I understand that you all have things to do!”

Rarity looks at Twilight apologetically! “Sorry dear. Do give us a call if you need anything though.”

Applejack nods! “Right! We can be here in no time!”

“I'll be sure to keep the skies clear. You know, in case we need to make a fast take-off or something!”

Auriel looks over to Twilight. “Sorry to interrupt, but we should be getting to work.

“You're right. Take care now girls! Wish us luck!”

Twilight and her friends go their separate ways as she and Auriel make a beeline to the library.

“Spike, we're back!”

The small dragon walks in from the kitchen with a half-washed dish in his claws. He is wearing a pink apron with a red heart on the chest.

“Welcome back Twilight! Hi Auriel! So is everything alright in Canterlot now?”

Twilight sighs. “That's... complicated Spike. The bad news is that both Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are in comas right now!”

Spike drops the dish! Twilight catches it with her magic! “SWEET CELESTIA!!! WHAT HAPPENED?!”

“We don't know.”

Twilight holds up the case from Doctor Whooves.

“Auriel and I are going to try and figure that out.”

Spike breathes a sigh of relief! “Glad to hear that! So who's running the country?”

Auriel smiles! “That's the good news! Right now Arc is acting as Equestria's Lord Regent!

Twilight nods! “He'll be calling the shots until the princesses recover.”

“I'm sure Arc will do a good job and all but... is that... legal? I mean, with him being a human and all.”

“According to Equestrian law, the Hero of Light is next in line in the Order of Succession. To the best of my knowledge, the law doesn't actually say they ruler of the land HAS to be a pony!”

Spike nods happily! “That's good! To tell you the truth, with the princesses in bed, I can't think of anypony else I'd rather see on the throne right now!”

Twilight laughs! “I'm sure Arc would appreciate the vote of confidence! Not many can say they've literally had the weight of the world on their shoulders before. But in any case... how about we get to work Auriel?”

“Right behind you!”

Spike returns to the Kitchen as the pair heads for the basement. Suddenly there is a knock at the front door. Twilight turns back.

“I'll get it!”

She opens the front door to see a delivery stallion standing on the front steps holding a package.

“Miss Sparkle? I have a package for you from Princess Cadance.”

“What?! But... that's impossible! In her conditions she couldn't have sent anypony anything!”

He looks over his clipboard. “Well, according to our records, this package was actually sent over a week ago! There was apparently a bit of a mix-up somewhere along the line and this package has been in postal limbo ever since! We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.”

Twilight shakes her head as she accepts the parcel. “No, no! It's fine! Thank you very much!”

The delivery stallion tips his cap respectfully to Twilight. “My pleasure miss!”

She closes the door and the stallion turns to walk away.

“My pleasure indeed...”

The delivery stallion quickly walks to the outskirts of town and enters the Everfree Forest. Ahead of him is a mare in a black cloak. As he approaches, she reveals her face.

“Are you quite finished fooling around?!”

He chuckles. “I could say the same of you during your battle with Arc yesterday… Tempest.

The form of the delivery stallion melts away to reveal The Dark One!

“You had him in your grasp! Yet you let him slip away again!”

Tempest turns away, angrily! “I had my reasons!”

The Dark One nods. “I'm sure you did. However, don't lose sight of the larger picture! Equestria won't save itself!”

“I know that! We have plenty of time until the End of all Things comes though, right?”

“Yes. But I'm sure you understand that one does not get ahead by waiting until the last minute!”

Tempest nods. “I... understand. By the way... what was all that about with Arc's friend? Are you sending her presents now?”

He chuckles wickedly! “In truth, I am! That package contained a great and wondrous gift for her!”

Tempest turns back to The Dark One. “Hmph! And you talk to ME about wasting time!”

“I merely wanted to send a message to Arc.”

“Message?”

The Dark One nods. “Indeed. One of his greatest strengths is his tendency to care for those around him. This caring... this LOVE he feels for his friends makes him strong! But I will use it to make him weak!”

Tempest points a hoof at The Dark One. Do whatever you want! Just don’t forget the larger picture yourself! Arc is MINE!

“Believe me, he will not be harmed physically in any way. I only wish to make him... question his beliefs. That which he holds dear.”

Tempest calls forth Light's Bane and slices the air in front of her. A dark portal opens!

“Well, unlike you I have more important things to do right now. Like train!”

The pair walk toward the dark portal together. “Very well. I will help you. After all... you must be at the top of your game when next you fight Arc.”

She enters the portal with The Dark One.

“Now you're talking my language!”

Meanwhile, back inside the library, Spike has finished the dishes and returns to Twilight's side.

“What was that all about?”

She looks at the package. “Somehow this was lost in transit for over a week.”

Auriel looks at the parcel in Twilight’s hoof. “What is that?”

“Apparently it's a package from Princess Cadance.”

Auriel turns her head, confused. “Is this similar to a letter?”

Spike nods! “Kinda. Instead of just a message though, there's some kind of item in there.”

“Item?”

“There's really only one way to find out what's in here.”

Twilight walks over to the kitchen table and sets the package down. Spike looks on as she carefully opens the box.

“Maybe there's a clue to what happened to her in there!”

Auriel nods. “I sure hope so!”

Twilight pulls out a scroll and begins to read it as she pulls out the other item from the box. A piece of fruit.

“Hmmm... apparently some explorers found this fruit in the farthest reaches of unexplored Equestria! Princess Cadance would like me to analyze it and if possible, grow one of these plants from the seeds. She also says to keep whatever I discover a secret until she and Princess Luna can go over my findings.”

Spike quickly puts his claws over his ears. “Don't worry! I didn't hear a thing!”

Twilight shrugs. “Well I guess it's no use trying to hide this from you and Auriel, Spike.”

Auriel looks the fruit over and frowns. “These look nothing like the cherries we saw in Dodge Junction.”

Spike nods! “Well it's certainly not a cherry. Any idea what this is Twilight?”

“Not a clue. That's not surprising though, as it's unlikely anypony in all of Equestria has ever seen one of these!”

Twilight looks at the fruit in her hoof carefully.

“If Princess Cadance deemed it important enough to warrant further study, we should do as she says!”

Spike looks at her, nervously! “But what about the princesses?! Shouldn't this wait?!”

“Normally I would agree with you Spike. However, for all we know, this fruit and the condition of the princesses could be connected somehow!”

Auriel nods! “I'm sure we could do both. I can start examining this fruit if you want to take a closer look at the blood samples.”

Twilight gives the fruit to Auriel. “Alright! Sounds like a plan!”

“Anything I can do to help you two?!”

Auriel turns to Spike. “Is there somewhere nearby where I can find different kinds of fruit?”

Spike looks at her quizzically. “Uh... the local market?”

“That should do! I need as many different kinds of fruits as are available to compare this to.”

“I can do that! Be back in a bit!”

Spike runs out the front door.

“What do you hope to find, Auriel?”

Auriel holds up the fruit and looks it over carefully.

“Answers.”

Chapter 5 - Arch-Enemies

Arc looks out the window for a few minutes before Kibitz enters the room.

“I trust your meeting with General Virtuous Lance was productive sire.”

“More or less. So, what's next on the list?”

Kibitz looks at a scroll and adjusts his glasses. “Raven reports there is a backlog of paperwork that requires your signature.”

Arc looks confused. “My signature?”

“Well, the Lord Regent's anyways. In any case, she's in the process of bringing it all to your office. It should be ready in short order.”

“Good. I'll meet you there shortly.”

"Sire?”

Arc walks toward the door. “I'm going to check up on the princesses. Say hi, I guess. If they’re somehow conscious of what's going on around them, they must be terrified at the thought of what's happening to Equestria!”

He leaves the conference room and heads for Princess Luna's room chamber. Upon seeing him the guards step aside to allow him to enter. The Hammers are visiting with her quietly.

“How is she?”

Steel Hammer holds one of Princess Luna's hooves and shakes his head sadly. “She's completely unresponsive, just like you said.”

Silver Hammer nods as she holds Princess Luna's other hoof. “This is terrible! How could something like this have happened?!”

Arc shakes his head as he approaches the bed. “I wish I knew.”

Silver Hammer respectfully steps back to allow Arc to take her place. He takes Princess Luna's hoof in his hand and squeezes it gently.

“Princess Luna, it's Arc. Twilight and Auriel are working on the problem as are Doctor Whooves. Now don't you worry about a thing. I just wanted to stop by and see you on my way to your office. Kibitz tells me there is a rather hefty backlog of paperwork that needs doing.”

Silver Hammer walks up behind her husband and puts her hooves on his shoulders. “We should probably let Princess Luna rest now dear.”

“Yes, you're right.”

Steel Hammer leans forward to whisper encouragement in his old friend's ear. He suddenly draws back with a strange look on his face!

“Well that can't be right...”

Platinum Valve looks to her father. “Dad? What is it?”

“That smell on her skin... Silver, can you place it?”

Silver Hammer moves to stand next to her husband. She leans in close to Princess Luna, sniffing. “Yes, you're right! It’s faint but so familiar...”

Arc nods. “It was there first thing this morning as well. I just assumed it was some kind of perfume.”

Steel Hammer puts a hoof to his chin. “Hmmm... flowery... but rather mild. I think I remember now. Arc, would you kindly open Princess Luna's mouth for me please?”

“Um... okay.”

Arc takes hold of Princess Luna's lower and upper jaw and very gently opens them a couple inches Steel Hammer moves his nose close to Princess Luna's open mouth and sniffs.

“It's on her breath too!”

Silver Hammer nods! “It's all coming back to me too dear! Are you absolutely certain?!”

Steel Hammer leans back and sighs. “I am.”

“Great! Finally, a lead!”

“No, that's bad Arc. Years ago, Silver Hammer and I found a patch of flowers in the Everfree Forest during a mission. They smelled identical to what is on the princesses’ skin and breath.”

“Do you think you could show us where these plants were?!”

Silver Hammer shakes her head sadly. “It was many years ago when we stopped an invasion of strange shadow creatures that were being led by some weird looking robed creature.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I remember you speaking of this during your retirement announcement in Ponyville.”

Steel Hammer nods. “During our battle we found that the patches of these strange flowers were having a rather odd effect on our opponents. We led them into the thickest of them, hoping that our armor would protect us!”

“Luckily for us it did for the most part. We quickly found that any exposed skin quickly became inflamed when the pollen from the flowers touched it. That was about the time we knew we were in trouble!”

Platinum Valve looks nervous. “So how did you two win the day?!”

“We knew we had to end the battle quickly, so we decided to go for broke and attack the leader directly!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “All or nothing, huh? Sounds risky.”

Silver Hammer nods. “It was our best chance of survival at the time. Steel Hammer drew their attention while I stealthily positioned myself behind the leader. With all my remaining strength, I bucked him as hard as I could toward the flowers.”

“It looked angry as it rose from the cloud of flower pollen. However, it was soon moving as if drunk!”

Silver Hammer shudders at the memories. “I thought the creatures were taking orders from him. But it turned out he was directly controlling them somehow!”

“All of a sudden, his army started attacking one other! I grabbed Silver Hammer and together the two of us staggered away.”

Platinum Valve looks at them, wide-eyed! “How did you make it back to town?!”

“My vision was almost gone at that point. I was pretty much being dragged by Steel Hammer by then. The last thing I remembered was suddenly being all wet!”

Steel Hammer nods. “I had stepped in a rather large mud puddle and slipped. The two of us went down together. It was then that I started to feel a bit better.”

“That must have been some mud, eh?”

Steel Hammer shrugs. “Well, kinda. In our state we hadn't thought to try washing off the pollen. After I rolled around for a minute or so I was almost back to normal! As quickly as I could I pulled Silver's armor off and started dumping the contents of our canteens on her.”

“Although we were free of the flower's baneful pollen, the two of us had reached the end of our strength.”

“I fell to the ground next to Silver and we both blacked out.”

“And nothing came by and tried to eat you, or something?!”

Silver Hammer chuckles. “Well... fortunately for us, somepony DID find us!”

“Some time later, the two of us woke up in a small hut in the middle of the Everfree Forest.”

“My first memory of that time was the feeling of somepony rubbing salve on my back.”

Steel Hammer nods. “As it turned out, somepony actually LIVES in the Everfree Forest!”

Arc frowns. “As dangerous a place as it is, they must be quite strong. Either physically or magically!”

“Her name was Zecora. It was her who found us, brought us to her tree home and tended to our wounds from the pollen.”

Platinum Valve looks to her parents. “Was she a unicorn?”

Steel Hammer shakes his head. “She was an Earth Pony. But... her coat was unlike anything I had ever seen before. There were lines all over it... naturally even!”

“She didn't say much, but we could tell she was a kind individual. As soon as we had rested and regained our faculties, she pointed us down the path back toward Ponyville.”

“ But... neither of you ever said a word about this until now!”

Steel Hammer looks to his daughter, apologetically. “I'm sorry dear, but she asked us not to tell ANYPONY what she had done for us.”

“While she didn't go into detail, apparently, she's had her share of life's problems. I can only imagine she's been scorned because of her appearance.”

Arc nods. “Well, I can understand that much. Do you think she could advise us on how to treat the princesses?”

Steel Hammer shrugs. “It's possible. The only problem is we can't remember where she lived! After all... it's been years since we last saw her.”

“How about the general direction of her hut?”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “Sorry, but we weren't exactly in the greatest condition at the time.”

Arc sighs. “It's okay. I'll have someone try and locate her.”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc with a smile. “Thank you for everything you're doing here Arc. It isn't everypony who would, or even could, take on the responsibilities of a Lord!”

“Do you think my husband and I could join the search party?”

“We may not remember where to look, but maybe seeing familiar faces would help convince Zecora that we come in peace!”

Arc nods. “Very well. When I send out a search party, you'll be part of it.”

“Thank you Arc! We'll do our best to not let you or the princesses down!”

Silver Hammer walks back over to Princess Luna. “Don't worry, old friend. We'll find a way to bring you back to us.”

Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer leave the room. Platinum Valve walks over to Arc.

“Um... Mr. Arc? Do you really think you can help the princesses?”

“I do.”

Platinum Valve looks back towards the door. “Please do! Whenever something bad was happening in the land, my parents would always talk to me about it! They wanted me to understand what was happening around me!”

“That's very wise of them. It makes you consider the larger picture, not just the four walls of your house.”

She nods back to Arc with a concerned look on her face. “Well... they would always end the conversation by reminding me that Princess Luna was watching over all of us, and that she and the other princesses would take care of it!”

“I'm glad they put so much faith in their friend and all. But... sometimes even those as powerful as the princesses need a helping hand.”

“Yeah... I understand. Thank you sir!”

Platinum Valve turns to leave.

“Platinum Valve?”

She turns back to look at Arc. “Yes?”

“I just wanted to say I think your idea to combine magic and machinery to help others is very noble. Never lose that spark! That zeal for wanting to help make this land a better place for everyone! You're gonna go far, kid!”

Platinum Valve silently nods and walks out the door, closing it behind her. Arc stands there, staring at the closed door.

“...all I have to do is ensure that Equestria continues to exist for you to make better, Platinum Valve...”

Arc walks back to Princess Luna and pats her hoof.

“Well, I'm off to face the onslaught of unfinished paperwork. Wish me luck, princess.”

He leaves the room and heads to his office. Raven meets him at the door levitating as large stack of papers.

“Good to have you back, commander... I mean, Lord Arc! Sorry!”

“Don't worry about it Raven. Methinks we have bigger problems to deal with other than my title right now.”

Raven looks over to the papers she is levitating. “Indeed commander. Shall we begin?”

Arc gestures to the papers. “Somehow I thought there would be more.”

Raven points a hoof to the desk as Arc opens the office door. “There is.”

Stacks of papers fill the desk, with several more piles next to it! Kibitz is busy organizing the piles.

“Ah there you are, sire! I was about to come looking for you! As you can see, we have our work cut out for us!”

Arc sighs. “Right... well, let's get to it. I wasn't planning on sleeping for at least a week anyways...”

He walks over to the large desk and sits down.

“What do I need to do?”

Kibitz points a hoof at a nearby inkwell. “All these documents need your signature to be validated. Just sign and move on to the next one.”

“What are these for anyways?”

Raven sets her stack on the floor and looks over to him. “Various matters ranging from continued authorization of tax collection for the lands you control to releasing funds for various projects around Equestria to maintaining various landmarks.”

Arc looks around at the paperwork all around the room. “How the heck do the princesses read all of these?!”

“They don't.”

“Beg your pardon?”

Raven nods. “They have support staff write up what is needed ahead of time to streamline the process.”

Arc makes a sweeping motion with his hand! “THIS is streamlined?!”

“Yes commander.”

“Oh boy... Kibitz, can you and Raven please go to the Kitchen and get us a pot of tea and some light snacks? This is going to take a while!”

The pair bow and leave to carry out Arc’s orders. Arc looks around at the insurmountable papers that surround him.

“There has GOT to be a better way to do this!

Arc sits back for a few moments, thinking. All at once he snaps his fingers!

“I got it!”

He carefully reaches around several stacks of papers to pick up his phone. A secretarial aide connects momentarily.

“Yes, Lord Regent?”

“I need to be connected to Sugar Cube Corner in Ponyville right away.”

“Right away sire!”

After a few moments on the line begins to ring.

“Sugar Cube Corner! Your one stop party shopping experience! Certified party-planner Pinkie Pie speaking!”

“Pinkie, it's Arc.”

“Hi Arc! How's the new job?!”

“Terrible. But you're just the pony to help me with a little problem!”

“Sure! What do you need?!”

“You remember that life-sized Coco Pommel doll that you had made for the Little Hooves Orphanage?”

Pinkie nods! “Yeah! Did the orphans like it?!”

“They were speechless! You're pretty good and getting impossible to acquire items quickly!”

“What can I say?! It's what I do!”

Arc nods. “Well, I need you to get something for me.”

“Whatever you need, I can get! When do you need it by?!”

“Now! Literally as soon as possible! Now... here's what I need you to do...”

Arc takes a few minutes to outline his idea.

“Now I guess the big question is... can you pull it off?”

Pinkie salutes! “Leave it to me! You'll have it in your hands before you can say ‘twitchy, twitch a twitch a twitch’.”

“...what?”

Arc attempts to inquire further but Pinkie has already hung up the phone. Sighing he hangs up his phone and smiles.

“I guess that's why she's the best. Well, I guess I better get started.”

Arc picks up a quill and gets to work. About fifteen minutes later Raven and Kibitz return with a tea set and a plate of cookies.

“Sorry for taking so long, commander. The kitchen was quite abuzz with activity!”

Arc continues to sign papers, not looking up. “Oh? Something wrong?”

Kibitz shakes his head. “Not... really. Sous Chef Saffron was just trying to teach the other chefs how to cook for you. I don't believe it was going too well.”

“I'm sure she has a handle on things down there. In any case, can the two of you help me organize these papers?”

Raven looks to him confused. “But, they're already in chronological order.”

“Indeed. The princesses always insist on things being laid out in order!”

“Well, let's try something a bit different, shall we? From now on I want these papers in order of importance!”

He holds up a couple pages.

“For example... authorization to send aid to a town experiencing a hardship should go in front of an order on what color to paint the dining room.”

Raven nods. “I suppose that does make sense.”

“It shall be as you desire, Lord Arc. I'll see to it personally that the secretarial aides hear of your order.”

“Thank you. Now... I've only been skimming over these documents, but I must say some of them appear a bit... redundant.”

“Oh?”

Arc goes over the papers in front of him.

“The first paper is orders to hire a contractor to maintain the Castle Gardens. Next is an order on how long the grass should be. And finally, the third order dictates what days and what hours they are to work! Why can't these three orders be combined into one?!”

Kibitz frowns. “That's rather strange. The secretarial pool is supposed to handle matters like these to take some of the burden! I'm not sure why this is happening Lord Arc, but I'll have a talk with the aides about it! You don't have time for this!”

Arc nods. “Thank you Kibitz. However, I have something coming later that should make this job a LOT easier.”

“What is it, commander?

“You'll see. Now how about we start going through this mess and see what other matters the aides overlooked?”

The trio begins work going over the paperwork. This time with a bit of scrutiny.

“I just don't understand it, sire! A good number of these forms are DUPLICATES!”

Raven is stacking the duplicate forms in piles. “But why would anypony want to make more work?!”

“Kibitz, how many days worth of paperwork is this?”

Kibitz sighs. “I'm loathe to admit it, but about a week. My apologies, but the princesses haven't been themselves lately and therefore haven't been taking care of their royal duties!”

Raven looks at the massive stacks of paperwork before her. “Grandfather, didn't it seem a bit odd to you that there's so much here?”

“I did think it a bit... unsettling, that the clerical load suddenly increased. When I inquired of this, I was told it was due to the increased turmoil in the region! Again, please forgive my ineptitude, sire!”

Arc nods. “It's not your fault Kibitz. We'll have to look into this matter more thoroughly later. But for now I need the two of you to bring me the forms that ACTUALLY need my signature!”

Raven walks over to him with a stack of papers about a foot tall. “Here is what we have compiled so far, commander. I know it's still quite a bit of work to sign all of these, but...”

There is a sudden pounding at the office door.

“Good heavens! What in Equestria...?”

Arc takes the stack of papers from Raven and smiles! “It's okay. I think I know who it is.”

He turns his head toward the door.

“Come in!”

Pinkie Pie bounces in the office door with her saddlebags and closes the door roughly behind her. Stacks of paperwork fly everywhere! Pinkie looks around at the carnage she has inadvertently caused,

“Oops... sorry about that!”

“Never mind the paperwork Pinkie. Did you get it?”

Pinkie bounces over to Arc! “I did, I did, I did! Here!”

She reaches into her saddlebag and pulls out a small package. Arc accepts the package and quickly opens it.

“Well, let's have a look...”

He pulls a small object out of the box and closely examines it. Arc picks up a quill and signs one of the papers. Looking the paper over carefully then back at the item in his hand several times!

“Perfection! But how did you pull this off so quickly, Pinkie?!”

Pinkie grins happily! “It was EASY!”

Raven appears confused. “That doesn't really answer the question, miss.”

“It's okay Raven. I'm going to just chalk this one up to ‘it's Pinkie Pie’ and not inquire further.”

“Okie doki loki! Arc, why don't you try it out?! I wanna make sure you like it before I leave!”

“Alright.”

Arc reaches into the box Pinkie gave him earlier and pulls out a small pad. He sets it on the desk next to him, picks up the inkwell and pours some of its contents on the pad.

“Lord Arc?! What are you...?”

Pinkie shoves a pink hoof in Kibitz’s mouth.

“Shhhh! Not while he's working!”

Arc presses the item in his hand down firmly on the pad then moves it over to an unsigned document. He carefully but firmly presses the item down on the paper. Setting the item down on the pad and looking between the two documents for a few moments before looking up!

“Excellent work Pinkie! This should greatly increase paperwork efficiency!”

Pinkie smiles ear to ear as she bounces around the room!

“Yeah! Who knew the princesses themselves never thought to use a STAMP before?!”

Raven looks over Arc. “A stamp?!”

He nods. “Yup. Like this...”

“Arc picks up the stamp. He pounds it against the ink pad then quickly pounds it into the top sheet, quickly picking it up and setting it to the side before repeating the process for several moments. Having made a sizable dent in the stack of papers he looks up!

“Much better!”

Kibitz looks flabbergasted! “But sire...!”

Arc interrupts him. “Kibitz, I think we can both agree that I have much more important things to do than sit here and write my name, longhand mind you, for hours at a time!”

Raven looks to her grandfather. “He does raise a valid point.”

“But, the princesses have ALWAYS...!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Trust me on this one, Kibitz. Humans have been held back by a similar mentality throughout the ages. The idea that ‘it's always been done this way’ and ‘the old ways are the best ways’ will accomplish nothing other than to keep progress at a standstill!”

Raven nods. “Grandfather, you once told me that back in your day, all books had to be written by hoof. Today we have printing presses!”

She waves a hoof at the paperwork.

“Back then, these would have been written individually by hoof. Now we have typewriters!”

Kibitz appears unconvinced! “But what if the stamp were stolen! Anypony could affix your name to any document they wanted!”

“Easy solution!”

Arc puts the stamp in his ring.

“Now you see it, now you don't”

Kibitz sighs. “I understand. Very well, Lord Arc. We'll do it your way.”

Arc pulls the stamp out of his ring and smiles. “Good. Now that's settled...”

Pinkie interrupts! “Hey Arc! You want a hoof reorganizing all these papers?! I'm pretty good at organizing!”

Raven looks nervous! “Thank you miss, but I think you've done QUITE enough already!”

“Are you sure? I bet I could have these all organized in ten seconds flat! Just like Dashie's always saying about clearing the skies!”

Kibitz shakes his head. “That is not possible!”

“Hold it Kibitz! If Pinkie Pie says she can do something that sounds impossible, I believe she can do it. I mean, what do we have to lose?”

Arc turns to Pinkie.

“Alright Pinkie. Here's our problem. A lot of these papers are actually duplicates. We need all the extras in piles together on that side of the room. The rest of the papers need to go on my desk so I can sign them. Can you handle that?”

Pinkie rubs her chin with her hoof and looks around with a serious look on her face. “Hmmm... this might take a bit longer! Give me fifteen seconds and you've got a deal! Just do me a favor and look the other way while I'm working, okay?”

Arc looks confused. “Why?”

“I don't like others watching me when I'm putting things in order, okay!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Raven... Kibitz... do as she says.”

The three turn to face the wall.

“Um... can you also cover your faces and close your eyes too?!”

Arc frowns. “What possible reason...”

“Your eyes might not be able to behold the awe-inspiring organizational skills of the Super Party Planner Pinkie Pie!”

“Very well. Cover your eyes you two.”

As Arc moves to do so Raven and Kibitz roll their eyes.

Arc looks to the pair. “That's an order.”

Raven and Kibitz obey as Arc covers his own face and closes his eyes.

“Okay! Now just count to fifteen and then you can turn around! Go ahead and start anytime you're ready!”

“1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10... 11... 12... 13... 14... and 15.”

Not hearing anything behind them, Arc and company slowly turn around. What they see when they do so takes their breath away!

“What?!”

How?!”

Raven and Kibitz look to Arc dumbfounded!

“What? I knew she could do it!”

All the papers are neatly organized. Each pile neatly contains the duplicates! A much more manageable stack of papers sits on Arc's desk ready for his signature. Pinkie grins!

“Better?!”

Arc nods! “Much! I'd ask how you did that, but I know better.”

“Hee, hee! You know it!”

“Thanks Pinkie Pie! Now... how much do I owe you for the stamp?”

“Eh! I'll just put it on your tab at Sugar Cube Corner! Oh! That reminds me!”

Pinkie pulls another small box out of her saddlebag and sets it on the desk.

“I made some ‘Congratulations on becoming the ruler of Equestria’ cupcakes for you! Hope you like em! Now I have to get back to Ponyville! Bye!”

Pinkie Pie rushes out the door! Raven stares after her!”

“What a character!”

Arc nods. “That's why she's the best there is at what she does!”

Kibitz shakes his head in disbelief! “But how did she...

“It's Pinkie Pie! She just... does things!”

Arc sits down at his desk and prepares to get to work.

Kibitz steps over. “If I may ask, Lord Arc... why do you have a tab at a bakery?”

“Have you ever tried their cupcakes?”

“Well, no.”

Arc opens the box and pulls out a cupcake.

“Eat this.”

“Very well, sire!”

Kibitz takes a bite of the cupcake, chews it, and swallows. He looks down at the pastry in his hoof.

“It's heavenly!”

“Told ya!”

Arc stamps papers for the next hour or so.

“And done!”

Kibitz looks at the stack of papers, wide-eyed! “My word! The princesses have certainly never finished their paperwork so quickly!”

He pulls out the schedule.

“It looks like your finished just in time for the Town Council meeting.”

“Canterlot has a Town Council?”

Raven nods. “They mostly deal with the local day to day affairs of Canterlot and advise the princesses on the mood of the city.”

Arc nods. “So it's kind of ‘man on the street’ thing?”

Raven looks confused. “A what?”

“Never mind. So what do I have to do?”

“Just preside over the meeting. Introduce yourself and then listen to what they have to say. They should be able to give you valuable insight into how the citizens of Canterlot feel about your rule!”

“Good. When and where is the meeting?”

Raven points a hoof to the office door. “In the Audience Chamber. And right now.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Some advanced warning would be nice you two.”

“My apologies sire! I'm used to the princesses pretty much knowing their schedule.”

“Who's on this Town Council?”

“The foremost member is Fancy Pants. As the representative for the city's aristocracy, his opinions have shaped policy on many occasions, commander!”

Arc sighs. “Please tell me he's more than just a stuck-up bureaucrat.”

Kibitz nods. “Considering his position in society, he's actually quite personable! Not to mention intelligent. The princesses have long relied on his insight to make policy for Canterlot!”

Raven continues. “Then there's Pony Joe, who represents the culinary artists of Canterlot.”

“Really?! His name sounds almost human!”

“While he does speak with a rather... strange accent, I assure you he is 100% pony!”

Raven nods. “The common ponies’ representative is Minuette. She's probably the most... down to earth of the bunch. You two should get along famously sir!”

“Glad to hear the rank and file have a voice here in Canterlot.”

“And lastly, there’s Hoity Toity. He represents the fashion and artistic side of Canterlot.”

“Anything I should know about him?”

Kibitz shakes his head. “Other than the fact he's a bit... stuck up, no. You really just have to get to know them yourself, sire. They may seem a bit different from what you're used to, but know that their primary concern is the well-being of everypony in Canterlot!”

Arc stands up and walking toward the door. “Thanks for the info. Well, here I go! Kibitz, I want you to go through these papers and make sure we didn't miss anything, okay? Raven, you're with me. Try to help me not make too big a fool of myself out there.”

Kibitz walks toward the desk. “You'll do fine out there, sire! I have faith in you! But aren't you forgetting something?”

Arc looks back. “Am I?”

He points a hoof at a small end table. “You left your Royal Scepter in the conference room this morning. When conducting audiences, you should always be seen with it! This will help show those whom stand before you that you are fully in control of the situation!”

Arc sighs and walks over to the scepter. He picks it up and mutters to himself.

“I'll have to do a better job of losing this next time.”

Raven gestures to the door. “Shall we?”

Arc sighs as they walk toward the office door together. “Okay… let’s get this over with…”

Chapter 6 - Taking Care of Business

Arc and Raven leave the office to meet with the Canterlot Town Council. Entering the Audience Chamber with Raven at his side, he turns to face the ponies that have assembled.

“My apologies for being a bit late. Paperwork and all that.”

A stallion with a white coat and an azure mane, in a light British accent nods understandingly! “Indeed. Completely understandable! After all, it's not every day one is told they must take over leading an entire nation! Oh, where ARE my manners?! I am Fancy Pants, and I represent the nobility in Canterlot. Hopefully we can get along.”

A stallion with a pale-yellow coat and a brown mane with a New Yorker accent looks over. “Yeah! No pressure and all! I'm Pony Joe, and I represent the chefs and bakers of this here town! You need donuts, I'm your pony!”

A gray stallion with a white and silver mane, exudes confidence! “Indeed. As long as you don't rock the boat too much, Equestria will stay dry! The name's Hoity Toity! A name you would do well to remember, Lord Regent, as I represent the fashion and theatrical side of Canterlot.”

Arc nods as he walks over to his throne. “I’ll… see what I can do.”

A mare with an azure blue coat and a navy blue and white mane steps forward. She appears nervous at the sight of Arc. “Um... hello sire. I'm Minuette, and I represent the common folk to the princesses.”

“Thank you all for coming. I'm Hero of Light Arc, and I was told the four of you gave the princesses invaluable insight in the past. Hopefully we can continue that trend as we navigate Equestria through these troubled times!”

Arc turns to Minuette.

“Minuette, I know this is rather short notice, but can you tell me the mood of the common ponies since this morning?”

“Yes, Lord Arc! Rumors had been circulating for the past few days that the princesses were somehow not themselves. Understandably, this caused quite a bit of panic! Fortunately, your speech this morning did wonders to calm their nerves. If I may be candid... they really just wanted to be assured that somepony was at the helm, so to speak!”

Arc turns to Fancy Pants.

“How are the aristocracy taking the news?”

“While they did not so easily fall prey to the rumors, they are responding well to the fact that an accomplished hero such as yourself is looking out for them right now.”

Hoity Toity nods. “My own constituents originally thought this was some kind of publicity stunt!”

Arc turns to Hoity Toity. “Believe me, I wish it was. I don't really have any experience acting as head of state, but I'll give it my best!”

Raven turns to Arc. “Pardon me, Lord Arc, but I believe the princesses made the right choice when they appointed you as the Hero of Light. They had faith that you would grow into the hero Equestria needed! You should have more faith in yourself!”

Pony Joe nods. “Your secretary is right Lord Arc! Equestria needs a leader right now!”

Hoity Toity frowns. “Do your best to remain sincere. My crowd can see a bad act a mile away!”

Minuette smiles weakly. “Yes! Us common ponies may not be as educated as the aristocracy, but that doesn't mean we’re easily deceived! All we want is to feel secure in our own land!”

Fancy Pants looks around at the others. “It appears all the social classes want the same thing when we get right down to it! All of us are nervous about the future and the impending doom of an invasion!”

Arc sighs. “War may very well be inevitable at this point. My military advisers tell me our enemies are pawing the ground at our borders as we speak.”

Hoity Toity’s eyes grow wide! “Are they now? What are your plans to meet this potential aggression?!”

“I'm hoping diplomacy will serve us well in the coming days. However, I have ordered the full might of the Equestrian military to be on high alert until further notice.”

Minuette looks up to Arc, sheepishly. “Lord Arc? I'm not sure if you know this or not, but there is talk amongst all the social classes that the only reason we’re not currently engaged in battle is because YOU are the Lord Regent.”

Fancy Pants nods in agreement. “Indeed! It is thought that our enemies fear the reputation of humans for their tenacity in battle!”

Pony Joe laughs! “Yeah! Your personal reputation for fearlessly taking on ANY opponent against all odds is most likely known to the leaders of the surrounding nations!”

Hoity Toity begrudgingly agrees. “Truer words were never spoken, Lord Arc.”

“Hold on a second! Are you all suggesting that the only reason the surrounding nations are preparing to fight is because they're worried I'll lead Equestria to battle against them?!”

Fancy Pants turns to Arc. “We're not warriors or military masterminds, but that is our opinion, yes.”

Minuette responds in a worried tone. “You're not really going to do so, are you sire?!”

Arc shakes his head vehemently! “Certainly not! All I want is peace for Equestria! But by readying our military, I may have inadvertently provoked them!”

He quickly turns to Raven!

“Raven, go at once to my office and tell Kibitz to start writing letters that will be sent to the leaders of the surrounding nations! I want them to be assured that all I want is peace! Say that I will meet them one-on-one if need be at a location of their choosing if that would help!”

“Yes, Lord Arc. We'll get to work on it right away!”

Raven quickly walks toward Arc's office. He calls out after her.

“I'll read it myself before it goes out!”

“We're on it, Lord Arc!”

Raven enters to office. Arc turns back to the assembled Town Council.

“Thank you for your wise council. The four of you may have just saved countless lives from being lost in meaningless battles!”

Fancy Pants looks around. “Lord Arc, if I may... where is Captain Decimus today? He's usually present for our meetings.”

“I'm told he's inspecting the Rainbow Factory at the moment. He should be back any time now though.”

As if on cue the doors to the Audience Chamber burst open and Captain Decimus rushes in!

“I came as soon as I heard the news of...”

Captain Decimus' eyes grow large as he sees Arc sitting on Princess Luna's throne holding a royal scepter and wearing a crown!

Y-YOU?! What are you doing THERE?!”

“Didn't you hear? I'm the Lord Regent of Equestria while the princesses are bedridden.”

“WHAT?! But...”

He interrupts! “I'm told the Hero of Light is next in line to take the throne in the Order of Succession.”

Decimus nods angrily! “Well... yes, but... you’re not even a pony!”

“I don't recall the law saying the ruler of this land HAS to be an equine.”

Minuette appears confused. “A what?”

Fancy Pants turns to her. “It's a rather technical way of saying ‘pony’, Minuette.”

Captain Decimus smiles slyly! “I suppose not. However! It is VERY clear that Equestria's highest office can only be LEGITIMATELY held by a citizen of this land! If memory serves correctly, you were not BORN here!”

Hoity Toity turns to Arc. “Well Lord Arc, what do you have to say to these claims?”

“They are completely true. I was born on my home world of Earth, not Equestria.”

Pony Joe scoffs! “That shouldn't matter! A leader is a leader, no matter where they were born!”

Fancy Pants shakes his head. “I'm afraid Captain Decimus is correct, Lord Arc.”

Captain Decimus turns to Arc, smugly. “Don't worry about a thing, Hero of Light. I'll take good care of Equestria in the princess' stead.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I'm sure you would if given the chance. There's just one little detail you're overlooking.”

“Oh? And what would that be?”

“As per royal order, I AM a legal citizen of Equestria, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it.”

Decimus narrows his eyes. “You can't be serious? ON WHO'S AUTHORITY?!”

“I was granted amnesty AND citizenship before I became the Hero of Light by Princess Cadance herself. If you check the records, I'm sure you will find that my citizenship is indeed legitimate.”

Decimus explodes! “WHAT?!?!?!?! But...!”

Pony Joe frowns at the captain. “Now look here Captain Decimus! I'm sure what Lord Arc is saying is the truth!”

Minuette nods. “If you would like, we can verify his claims by checking the Royal Archives.”

Decimus sighs dejectedly. “That... won't be necessary.

There is a long silence in the Audience Chamber.

“So... how was Cloudsdale?”

Decimus sneers. “Fine! Just a routine inspection! Now if all of you will excuse me, I'll take my leave.”

Captain Decimus turns to leave.

“Captain Decimus?”

The stallion angrily turns back to face Arc. “Yes?!”

“I’m told that you are quite the workaholic. Very diligent in your duties. That sort of thing. Tell me something... when was the last time you had a vacation?”

The captain looks to Arc, confused. “I... uh... can't really remember. Why do you ask?”

“You and I have much in common! We both work too much and don't really know how to rest!”

“Yes, yes! What are you getting at?!”

Arc leans forward on his throne. “Well, I recently returned from a long weekend to Dodge Junction's Cherry Festival! Oh, it's done WONDERS for my job performance! I was just thinking this is a perfect opportunity for you to go on vacation!”

Captain Decimus looks to Arc, incredulously! “What?! Vacation?! I can't just leave! Who will take care of guarding you during...?”

Arc interrupts him. “Come now Captain Decimus! Who would be crazy enough to try and kill me?!”

Minuette tuns to Arc. “I believe the Captain does raise a good point, Lord Arc. However, if you wish to remain unguarded, that is of course your choice.”

Fancy Pants looks to Arc. “One might also look at it this way. It might be wise for Captain Decimus to stay under wraps as it were.”

Hoity Toity turns to Captain Decimus. “Think of it this way Decimus. If you and the Lord Regent were to constantly be in the same place, that would make a would-be assassin's job that much easier!”

Minuette sighs. “Equestria can't afford to lose both of you at the same time!”

Pony Joe chuckles. “Yeah! Come on Captain! For the safety of Equestria, you probably should go on vacation!”

Arc nods! “Good, then it's settled! Captain Decimus, as Lord Regent I hereby order you to go on vacation somewhere outside of the city limits! After all, you've earned a bit of rest and relaxation! And don't worry about the bill, Canterlot will cover it! Now go... have fun... loosen up... take a load off! I'll take good care of Equestria in your absence. You can count on it!”

“B-But... the princesses...”

Arc smiles and waves the captain away. “The doctor is working on it. Out! Go! Have a good time!”

Decimus sighs. “Very well... Lord Arc. I will take my leave then.”

Arc waves as the captain turns to leave the Audience Chamber. “Have fun! Oh, how I envy you captain!”

The doors close behind Captain Decimus. He slowly walks down the corridor and mutters to himself.

"Arc, I’m not sure what you’re up to, but I’ll put a stop to it one way or another!”

Meanwhile back in the Audience Chamber, Arc mutters to himself.

“…and drop dead while you’re at it…”

Minuette looks up. “Our apologies Lord Arc. The good captain hasn't been himself since Princess Celestia left on her diplomatic mission.”

“I understand. Captain Decimus just wants what's best for everyone, right?”

Fancy Pants nods. “Indeed!”

“Yup!”

Minuette sighs. “Yes. He's just wound too tight these days.”

Hoity Toity forces a smile and nods. “You were right to send him away! Everypony needs a rest at SOME point!”

“I couldn't agree more! Now if there isn't anything else of importance to discuss I have many other matters to attend to.”

Fancy Pants stands up. “Very well, Lord Arc. This meeting of the Canterlot Town Council is adjured!”

“Thank you all for your valuable insight. I hope to meet with you again soon.”

The Town Council bows and leaves the Audience Chamber as Arc returns to his office.

“How's that letter coming along you two? Time is of the essence!”

Raven looks up as he enters. “We've come up with a rough draft. Fancy a look, commander?”

“I'm sure you can add some of your human flair to it, sire!”

Arc sits down at his desk and picks up a quill. “I'll give it a shot. Let's see here...”

After much deliberation and revisions Raven nods.

“I think that should convey our desire to maintain Equestria's peaceful stance.”

Kibitz smiles and nods! “Agreed! If this doesn't convince them, I don't know what will!”

“Good! Raven, use this as a template and write letters to the leaders of Yakyakistan, The Changeling Empire, Abyssinia, and the Griffon Kingdom. I want them sent out as soon as possible!”

Raven nods as she accepts the paper. “I'll see to it, commander. Although I'm not sure how we can safely send this letter to the Changeling Empire. Queen Chrysalis has rebutted every attempt at communication over the years!”

“Don't worry about that. I'll think of some way to get it there. Is there anything else on my schedule for today, Kibitz?”

Kibitz pulls out a scroll and looks it over. “It appears you have taken care of everything on today's list! If I may say so, not bad for your first day!”

Arc looks out the window at the position of the sun. “I'll try to do better tomorrow. But for right now, I think it's suppertime!”

Raven holds up the letter with her magic. “We'll take care of this while you’re eating sir.”

“Might I suggest turning in early, sire? Sleep may soon be a precious commodity!”

“Yes... I believe you're right. I'll see you two in the morning.”

Arc leaves the office. Kibitz turns to his granddaughter.

“How do you think he's planning to send that letter to the changeling queen?”

Raven shrugs. “I have no idea, but somehow I know he'll pull it off!”

Arc heads to the empty Dining Room. He sits down in an empty chair and looks around, sighing to himself. “It feels so... lonely here...”

Saffron emerges from the kitchen with Arc's supper. She sets the plate down in front of him.

“There you are, commander! I mean, Lord Arc!”

“Thank you Saffron. But... where is everyone else?”

“Your squad, Ember and Sereb were in here about an hour ago to grab a quick meal before going back to helping Lieutenant Flash Sentry check the entire castle's security.”

Arc nods. “I guess I should be happy they're so eager to help. That was a pretty big job I gave Flash Sentry after all.”

He begins to eat.

“Another wonderful meal!”

Saffron smiles happily. “Thank you! I'm glad you like it, sire! Well, if you'll excuse me, I must be getting back to the kitchen. Those dishes won't wash themselves!”

She returns to the kitchen as Sereb, Ember, and Sunburst enter the Dining Room and approach Arc.

“Come for a good meal, you three?”

Ember laughs! “Thanks, but we already ate. In any case, we've finished surveying the castle! I've gotta hand it to whomever designed this place! It's beautiful, while at the same time a fairly easily defended fortress!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. You would be hard pressed to find a better defensible position than Canterlot Castle.”

“I too have already eaten sire. The purpose of my visit is to remind you that it is nearly time for you to finish lowering the sun and raise the moon.”

Arc nervously stands. “I understand what you're saying to me, but how exactly am I supposed to DO that?!”

Ember turns to the Lead Sage. “Yeah! As powerful as he may be, this seems a bit out of his league... ANYONE'S league, that is!”

“Would you please follow me, sire?”

Sunburst leads the group toward a dining room window that overlooks the western horizon. He gestures to the sun with his hoof.

“It appears the sun has reached its ‘limit’ as Princess Celestia calls it. Meaning, the sun has moved as far as it can without intervention.”

“So, am I supposed to intervene?”

“Yes. The sun needs a bit of a nudge, so to speak, to finish dropping below the horizon.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You make it sound so simple.”

“Treat it like you would any other act of Telekinesis, Lord Arc. Concentrate on the sun and push it down.”

“Well okay. I'll try.”

Arc takes a deep breath and raises his hands toward the sun. It slowly moves below the horizon. The room is plunged into darkness, save for illumination that appears to come both from everywhere and nowhere. Ember looks to Arc, clearly astonished!

“Wow Arc! That was truly impressive!”

Sunburst nods. “Indeed! Even I thought you would have more trouble than you did! Since the founding of Equestria, nopony else has ever been able to accomplish such a feat alone! Other than the princesses themselves, of course! My apologies sire but I must know... how did it feel?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “It was an... odd sensation. I can't truly put it into words, but the best I can do is to say it felt like... everything and nothing at the same time.”

Sereb frowns. “That sounds... unsettling.”

“Very!”

Arc nods. “Believe me, it was!”

He looks around the room.

“Uh, Sunburst... where is the light coming from?”

Sunburst looks at him, confused. “Why, from magic of course!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Thank you for clearing that up!”

“Let me elaborate. Many years ago, when the castle was newly built, the princesses imbued the entire structure with magic to give light where it was needed. The only rooms that do not have this feature are the Dormitories.”

Ember looks to the candles that line the corridor outside the dining room door. “What about the candles?”

Sunburst chuckles. “Mostly just for aesthetics. Princess Celestia is quite fond of them!”

Arc nods. “I've heard so much about her. Hopefully we can meet soon!”

“Yes sire, I hope so as well. However, right now you should concentrate on raising the moon before the populace begins to panic.”

Arc turns to look out the window at the ocean of stars. “Easier said than done, Sunburst.”

“Reach out with your magic. Princess Luna says that's how she does it! She FEELS the moon before she sees it. Think of it like reaching into a bag filled with many different things and feeling around for that one special item!”

Arc takes a deep breath. “Okay... here goes...”

He closes his eyes and again stretches out his hand as if reaching for something.

“Hmmm... well, I certainly feel SOMETHING! Not sure if it's the moon or not, but here goes...”

Arc appears to be straining himself, as if he were attempting to lift a very heavy load. After several minutes of trying the moon slowly rises over the horizon.

Ember claps! “Congratulations Arc! You did it!”

Sereb looks to him as the moon finishes rising. “Arc?”

Arc turns around breathing heavily, his face is covered in sweat. He looks to them and wordlessly offers a weak smile before collapsing to his hands and knees!

Ember steps forward to help her friend up, concern evident in her voice. “ARC!”

Arc leans heavily on Ember. “I... did it... somehow.”

Sunburst nods! “I'm very proud of you Lord Arc! Please get some rest now. We can talk about it in the morning.”

“Y-yes. Sereb...”

Sereb quickly walks over to Arc and lies down on the ground in front of him. Ember helps him onto the large wolf's back. Arc, unable to sit up properly, lies flat against Sereb's back.

“Th-Thanks...”

Ember and Sunburst accompany Arc and Sereb back to his room. They carefully lay Arc down on his bed and help him remove his boots, gauntlets and pauldrons.

“S-sorry for... being such a... burden.”

Ember covers him with a blanket. “You're no such thing Arc! After all you've done for me, the least I can do is help you to bed once in a while!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. I too consider it an honor to be allowed to bear you to your destination. Even if it is just to your room.”

Sunburst nods and turns toward the door. “Come. We should let him rest now.”

Ember gets under the covers with Arc. “See you two in the morning. My this is a comfortable bed!”

Sunburst turns and looks toward them, confused. “Um... miss? What are you doing?”

“Don't worry Sunburst. I always sleep next to Arc.”

Sunburst turns back to Arc! “Pardon me if I'm overstepping any boundaries sire, but I must protest! It is unbecoming for the leader of Equestria to be in such a... morally compromising position with somepony!”

Ember looks over to Sunburst, irritated! “What's the supposed to mean?! Arc's never even TRIED to do... ANYTHING to me! Besides... someone needs to keep him safe!”

Arc nods weakly. “I appreciate the thought Ember. Really, I do. But I think I'm probably safer here than anyone else could hope to be.”

“But...!”

“I really don't want anyone thinking you and I are anything other than good friends. Anything more than that would reflect badly on the princesses themselves.”

Sunburst breathes a sigh of relief! “Your personal life is, of course, your own business sire. Thank you for doing your best not to sully the princesses’ names or that of their position!”

“Ugh... fine!”

Ember angrily gets out of the bed.

“Thanks... Ember... sorry... about... this.”

Ember takes Arc's hand in her claw. “I... understand. You get some rest now, okay.”

Arc nods as he falls asleep. “Sereb... go... with... her...”

Sunburst nods. “Sleep well, Lord Arc.”

“We should be going as well, Ember.”

Ember nods, not taking her eyes off her sleeping friend. “Yes. I'm right behind you.”

Sereb leaves the room as Ember turns back to Arc. She looks at him fondly for a few moments before giving him a small kiss on his forehead.

“Rest now, my love. You've most certainly earned it.”

Sunburst and Sereb are outside the room waiting for Ember. He turns to walk down the hall as she leaves the room.

“Let me show the two of you to one of our guest quarters.”

Ember nods. “Y-yeah. I'm actually kinda tired myself.”

“As am I.”

Sunburst leads the pair to a door some distance away, pushing it open to reveal a rather large and quite posh looking room.

“I trust you will be comfortable here. Well, I'll let the two of you get some sleep now.”

Sereb nods. “Thank you.”

Sunburst leaves the room as Sereb walks over to a large rug at the foot of the bed and lies down. Ember climbs into bed slowly

“Good night Ember.”

Ember nods sadly. “Good night.”

She tosses and turns for well over an hour fitfully. Sereb raises his head.

“Is something wrong Ember?”

Ember stares up at the ceiling. “What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“That bed appears comfortable enough for anyone to be able to fall asleep in minutes. Tell me... what is troubling you?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yes.”

Ember sighs and sits up. “This may sound a bit strange but... ever since I discovered I had feelings for Arc, hardly a night has gone by that I didn't spend by his side! We've gone on so many adventures together... experienced so much... seen things that no one else alive has!”

Sereb nods. “Yes. I can tell, even from the short time I have known him that he leads a very hectic life.”

“You got that right! Now please don't tell anyone else this, but no matter how amazing our day was, I still looked forward to the night when we could be together. Just the two of us! I know my feelings in this matter are entirely selfish! But you see... I don't care! Someday when he’s... gone, and I take my place as Dragon Lord, I want to be able to think back to our time together an be able to remember everything!”

“Everything, Ember?

She nods fervently! “EVERYTHING! Our room, the feeling of comfort I get just by being near him, the love I feel whenever I snuggle up next to him, even his smell! The smallest of details... I don't want to lose even an iota of it!

Ember sighs heavily and flops back down on the bed,

“Sorry for going on and on about this. It must make you feel a bit uncomfortable to hear this about the one you share a Life Pact with.”

Sereb shakes his head. “It does not. However, it does make me a tad jealous, as I have yet to find a mate. Someone with whom I can share my deepest thoughts with. My apologies, but I cannot understand what you are going through right now.”

Ember closes her eyes. “Maybe someday you will, Sereb.”

Sereb closes his eyes. “One can but hope, Ember...”

Meanwhile, back in his room, Arc's sleep was far from peaceful. Rising from his bed, he looks around.

“What's that smell?!”

Arc quickly walks to his balcony door and throws back the curtains! He stares out at the sight before him, horrified!

“Oh no...”

Before him stretches Canterlot. The entire city appears to be aflame! He runs out onto the patio, coughing heavily due to the smoke!

“How could this have happened?!”

A voice behind him rings out.

“Do you REALLY want to know?”

He whirls around to face the voice!

“What?! YOU?!”

Arc finds himself face to face with The Dark One!

“Welcome to the party, Arc!”

Arc turns and walks quickly toward the castle. “I don't have time to deal with you right now! There's lives to save!”

The Dark One chuckles! He Blinks directly in Arc's path and shoves him hard toward the balcony railing! Arc angrily turns his head to look back at him!

“Grrr... what are you doing?!”

The Dark One grabs Arc's head and turns it back toward the city below. “Look down there! Do you see any movement?!”

Arc scans the streets quickly. “...no.”

The Dark One nods. “That is because every single pony down there... IS ALREADY DEAD!”

“Impossible! How?! Why did you...?”

“I did NOTHING! This is merely an illusion... a glimpse into the future of this land. Don't worry. No ‘precious’ lives have been lost... yet.”

“Yet?”

The Dark One nods. “As Tempest has already informed you, there is a great and terrible evil coming to Equestria. Its intention is to return everything back to nothingness!”

“Why?!”

“It finds the existence of everything and anything utterly abhorrent!”

Arc turns back toward the burning city! “This doesn't make any sense! I mean... why are you showing me all this?!”

“I tell you these things now as a courtesy. This IS going to happen! There is absolutely NOTHING you or anyone else can do to stop the inevitable advance of destiny!”

Arc turns back to face his enemy! “We'll see about that Dark One! Now I have one last thing to ask you.”

“Oh?”

“Are you responsible for the existence of a shadowy creature named ‘Regret’?”

The Dark One nods. “I am. It was created to torment those with deep-seated regrets.”

“Why?! What would you gain by doing that?!”

The Dark One shakes his head. “My reasons are far beyond your understanding, mouse!

“You're sick!”

“Think whatever you will of me. Now go! Return to the waking world and enjoy the time you have left!”

Arc awakens back in his bed in Canterlot Castle. Bolting upright in bed, he finds himself covered in sweat! Breathing heavily, he does his best to collect his thoughts.

“It... was it all just a dream?!”

Arc jumps out of bed and rushes to the balcony! He quickly surveys the city below! All appears quiet and secure.

“It WAS just a dream.”

“That's not entirely accurate, Arc.”

Arc turns his head to see Tempest sitting on a stone bench just outside the balcony doors.

“You certainly didn't waste any time. Can I assume you're here to help Captain Decimus take the throne?”

Tempest shakes her head as she stands. “No. Believe it or not, I didn't come here to fight.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Wonderful. Then why DID you come?!”

“Because you and I... need to have a talk.”

Chapter 7 - Problem Solving

Arc folds his arms over his chest and frowns at the mare before him.

“Forgive me if I withhold judgment on that statement, Tempest. You're not exactly the most trustworthy individual I've had the displeasure of meeting.”

“Think what you will of me, but you know I have my reasons for doing what needs to be done!”

Arc walks back inside and motions for Tempest to follow him.

“Let's get this over with.”

Arc and Tempest sit down across from each other at a small table.

“Alright Tempest. Start talking! And please don't take all night! I'm sure I have a busy day ahead of me.”

“Fine! But first things first...”

Tempest looks at Arc with what appears to be genuine remorse.

“How... how is Cerulean Skies doing? Is she okay?!”

Arc nods. “Don't worry. She's going to be just fine. The doctor stitched her up and I carried her back to my base to get some sleep.”

“Where is she now?”

“I brought her here to the castle to make a statement against a stallion who has been abusing their power.”

Tempest nods and continues in a worried tone! “Is she in any trouble?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In fact, she was the one who exposed the guilty party's wrongdoing. She was originally going to make her statement at Light's Hope but, as you know, things don't always go as you plan them.”

Tempest breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia! I'm glad my sister is doing well then!”

“She would be doing better if her sister would visit, or at the very least, TALK to her once in a while!”

Tempest looks down at the table. “She's... better off forgetting about me. I... I know I have no right to ask you for anything else but...”

“What is it?”

Tempest looks Arc in the eye. “Would you please see to it Cerulean Skies gets home to Baltimare safely?”

“I’ll send her home tomorrow, or today I guess, under guard. However, I need YOU to do something for ME!”

Tempest narrow her eyes. “I'm not sparing your life, if that's what you want.”

“Tomorrow night I want you to go to Cerulean Skies home in Baltimare and have a late supper with her. Bring some food and prepare a meal together.”

Tempest looks confused. “What? But why?!”

“She needs to know her sister is okay. If you would do this for me, I would appreciate it.”

“Very well then. Now, you're probably wondering why I'm not killing you right now.”

Arc nods. “The thought had crossed my mind, yes.”

“Oh, believe me, I'm not giving you a pass or anything! I have my reasons.”

“Which are...”

“I've heard the news of the princess' condition, and that you’ve taken over as Lord Regent of Equestria.”

“News like that does travel fast! But why would that stop you from carrying out your earlier threat to take me down?”

“I'm fully aware of the Order of Succession. The Hero of Light IS next in line to rule Equestria after all!

Arc appears confused. “So... why not just take me out now? Cerulean Skies told me that you and Captain Decimus were an item. I'm sure you're aware that the Captain of the Royal Guard is next on that list.”

Tempest looks away nervously. “Actually... that's the real reason I'm here. To talk with you about Captain Decimus.”

“If you're looking for him, you're too late. I sent him on vacation earlier today.”

“What?! Where did he go?!”

Arc shrugs. “He didn't say, and I didn't ask. Had you let me know you were coming, I would have sent you with him. The two of you could have had a romantic getaway together.”

Tempest shakes her head. “Believe me, nothing would make me happier than to spend time with the love of my life! It's just...”

She appears to be having trouble finding the right words.

“...he... hasn't really been himself in quite some time. I don't know if it's fatigue or stress or whatever, but... he's not the stallion I fell in love with.”

“I don't understand. Why are you telling me all this?! Aren't we enemies?!”

Tempest sighs as she shakes her head. “Believe it or not, no. Truthfully, I have great respect for you and your power! In the past you've just been standing in the way of my duty to Equestria! If things were different, I probably would have even counted you among my friends!

“Okay, not quite sure how I feel about that, but... thanks... I think. Look Tempest, I just want to know one thing. Are you and The Dark One behind the princesses’ condition?”

“We are not. Honestly, this was as much a surprise to us as it was to you! I doubt you believe me, but I AM trying to keep this land safe! With the princesses out of commission, it's destabilized the entire continent! Now I need to know something from YOU! Is Equestria going to war?”

“Not if I can help it, no! I'm not against taking to the battlefield. But for me it's a last resort!

Tempest nods stoically. “Very well. I'll keep my ear to the ground and my eyes open then. Just don't do anything stupid... like letting somepony else kill you, would you kindly?”

“No promises there, but I'll try to stay alive.”

Tempest gets up from the table. “Good. I’ll leave you with this last piece of advice then Arc... whatever you do, don't trust Captain Decimus!”

“Why? What's he done?!”

She opens a dark portal in front of her and slowly walks toward it. “It's... complicated. Look, no matter what happens I won't betray my love! Not to you... not to ANYPONY!”

Arc quickly stands up. “Wait! Tell me this! If it came down to it, would you betray Decimus if he turned against Equestria?!”

Tempest stops walking, but does not turn back.

“Thank you for the talk, Arc. Goodbye.”

Tempest resumes walking. She enters the portal and is gone. Arc mutters to himself.

“She's... conflicted. Perhaps there is a bit of conscience left in her yet.”

He spots a scroll on his nightstand.

“This must be the message I wanted sent to the Changeling Empire. Now I just have to find some way of getting it there.”

Arc looks over to the clock on the wall and sighs.

“I may as well stay up now.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc places the scroll in his ring and turns to the door.

“Come in!”

Sunburst enters the room. He is carrying something on his back.

“Ah, glad to see you up bright and early, sire! I've brought you a few changes of raiments, freshly tailored!”

Arc takes the stack of clothes off Sunburst's back.

“Thanks. Um... is it time to raise the sun now?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes indeed! Similarly, to raising the moon, you only have to get it started on its way! Just concentrate and take it slow. Simply push the moon down below the horizon, and then feel for the sun.”

“Okay. Here goes nothing.”

Arc walks over to the window, closes his eyes and extends his hands, Slowly the moon drops below the horizon.

“Now for the hard part...”

Arc concentrates for a few minutes, as if searching a darkened room for the light switch.

“I think I have it!”

Taking a deep breath, Arc strains with all his might! In a moment the sun can be seen peeking out over the horizon! Arc breathes heavily and sits down in a nearby chair!

“There... it's done!”

“Very well done, sire! Are you alright though?”

Arc nods, breathlessly. “Yeah. Just need to catch my breath. That was a bit easier than last night though. Hopefully, like with anything else, it will get easier with time and practice.”

Sunburst nods. “I hope so too sire. Well if you will excuse me, I have to get back to work now. Kibitz should be here shortly to give you today's schedule.”

“Thank you, Sunburst.”

Sunburst leaves the room. Arc puts the clothes in his dresser and takes a set into the bathroom. Stepping into the shower, he thinks as the warm water cascades over his skin.

“Tempest... Captain Decimus... The Dark One... Equestria's neighboring countries... the various factions. Hmmm... I wonder. Do we actually have any allies? Why does every country seem to hate us so much? Did Princess Celestia really want the world to be like this?! So many questions... so few answers.”

Arc soon finishes his shower and emerges from the bathroom just as Kibitz and Raven enter the room. They bow to him respectfully.

“Good morning, Lord Arc.”

“Did you sleep well, sire?”

“I suppose so. Look, the two of you don't need to bow to me when it's just us. I'm not much for others thinking I'm somehow above them.”

“But commander, you ARE!”

“I may be the Lord Regent, but I still view myself as a servant to those I rule over.”

Kibitz nods. “A very refreshing view for any leader to have, sire! But in any case, we have a full workload ahead of us today!”

“Alright. What's first on the agenda?”

Raven looks over a clipboard in her hoof. “It appears that Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage and your troops were successful in locating Shining Armor and Trixie. They returned to the castle last night. Our apologies for not waking you, but the hour was quite late!”

Kibitz nods as he looks over his own scroll. “I've written in a meeting with the pair over breakfast, sire. If you're ready we can head over to the dining room now.”

Arc nods. “Yes, let's be off.”

Arc, Raven and Kibitz make their way to the dining room. Kibitz pauses as they reach their destination.

“I will let Shining Armor and Trixie know you will see them now, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you, Kibitz.”

Arc enters the dining room and sits down at the table as Raven follows him closely.

“I'll let the Kitchen know you're here, sire.”

Arc nods. “Make sure they know I will have two very hungry guests here shortly.”

“I shall.”

Raven disappears into the kitchen. She returns to Arc's side a minute later.

“Apologies commander, but they were not aware of any guests this morning. Not to worry though, as I'm told they will get right to work making a couple more plates.”

“Thank you, Raven.”

Arc gestures to the chair next to him.

“Would you please sit down? I think the two of us need to have a talk.”

“Y-yes commander!”

Raven takes a seat as ordered. Seeing her response, Arc does his best to comfort her.

“Not to worry Raven. You're not in any trouble.”

She breathes a sigh of relief! “Oh good!”

“I want to start by apologizing to you. This conversation really should have happened a LONG time ago.”

“Sir?”

Arc looks over and raises a hand to the dining room doors. He uses his magic to close them before turning back to look Raven in the eye.

“Tell me Raven... how are you doing these days?”

She looks down at the floor. “Okay, I guess.”

“Are you really?”

Raven shakes her head, sadly. “Not... really. I'm trying my best to move on, I really am! But... it's just so HARD! Every night I relive those moments in my dreams... those terrible, terrible moments! The thought of what that BEAST wanted to do to me... what he came so close to doing... it just makes me SICK!”

“I'm sorry you had to go through that Raven. No one should EVER have to experience such horrors!”

Raven meets his gaze with a pleading look in her eyes! “Please don't tell anypony else about this! Especially my grandfather! I'm worried the shock would kill him!”

“I understand, Raven. Other than myself, only you, Flash Sentry, and the princesses themselves are aware of what happened that day! Have you spoken to Flash Sentry about this?”

She shakes her head. “No, I haven't. He's so busy with his duties and everything that I just don't want to add to his problems!”

“I can tell he cares for you deeply. While I believe the two of you should have a talk about your dreams, I will leave the decision whether or not to do so up to you for now.”

“Thank you. I just can't stop wondering how many others were subjected to such things by Lord Goldstone!”

“There's really no way to know for sure, Raven. But even ONE is one too many!”

“I haven't heard anything about the state of the investigation against him. Have you, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods sadly. “I spoke to Princess Luna about this very matter when she last visited Light's Hope. She says there is very little chance of any action being taken against him due to his place in the pecking order of Griffonstone.”

Raven grabs Arc’s hand and looks to him in desperation! “But can't SOMETHING be done?! I don't want any other pony OR griffon to have to go through that awful experience!”

“While it's true nothing can OFFICIALLY be done, Princess Luna has come up with a plan to take action via a very special diplomatic envoy to Griffonstone. Before she fell ill, she was in the middle of setting up this mission.”

“Really?! Who was assigned to this mission?”

“Me.”

Raven looks to Arc, confused. “You? But what would that accomplish?”

“This must go no further Raven, but my real mission was to find a way to take down Lord Goldstone!”

“How?”

“I'm going to learn how their culture works. Once I do that, I'll come up with a plan to politically destroy Lord Goldstone! If I can't put him in jail for his crimes, I can at least see to it he loses his prestige! Without the protection of his station, maybe others will have the courage to come forward.”

Raven nods. “A bold plan, commander! But what if it doesn't work?”

Arc smacks his fist into his hand! “Then we go to Plan B.”

“Which is...?”

“I break his beak, his legs, his TAIL, and anything else I can get my hands on! One way or another... this WILL end!”

“Thank you for caring enough to do that, sir. But... do you really think it will end in violence?!”

Arc shrugs. “That's up to him. Plan B really is a last resort. Don't worry Raven, I'll be handling this... personally. After all, you deserve cloture!

Raven nods and gives Arc a small smile. “Thank you, commander! I really appreciate you taking a personal interest in my case! Well, I should probably see about gathering today's paperwork.”

“I understand. Carry on.”

Raven hops off the chair and heads for the door.

“Raven?”

She turns back to face him. “Yes sir?”

“I uh… I hope you sleep better in the future.”

“Yes... I think I will!”

Raven leaves the room as Kibitz enters with Shining Armor and Trixie.

“Ms. Trixie and Mr. Shining Armor are here to see you sire.”

Trixie hurries over to him! “ARC!”

He kneels down to give her a hug as Shining Armor walks over to him. Trixie suddenly pulls back from Arc's embrace, wide-eyed!

“Is... is the news true?! Are you REALLY Equestria's new king?!”

Arc laughs! “Good to see you again, Trixie! And I'm actually the Lord Regent for now!”

Shining Armor walks over to join them. He looks at Arc's royal raiments. “Good to see you again Arc! Looks like you're doing well for yourself these days!”

“Likewise, Shining Armor! Although I would rather be doing my old job, it seems fate has been whimsical of late. But the two of you must be hungry. Please, have a seat. We can talk over breakfast!”

Arc turns to Kibitz.

“Would you please tell the chefs we're ready to eat?”

“Yes sire!”

Kibitz disappears into the kitchen as Arc, Shining Armor and Trixie sit down at the dining room table together.

“I hope you two slept well. My assistant tells me you arrived rather late last night.”

Shining Armor nods! “We did! With beds as comfortable as you have here, I slept like a log!”

“Yes indeed! Trixie could get used to this! But how have YOU been Arc!?”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “My oh my... what a wild ride it's been. Where do I begin?!”

Kibitz and the chefs emerge from the kitchen with several plates of food for Arc and his guests. After setting them down in front of them they bow and quietly leave the room.

“I would say from the part where Shining Armor and I left would be a good starting point.”

Arc picks up his silverware. “Okay. But I don't think you're going to believe a good chunk of this!”

Shining Armor laughs! “Maybe not, but I'm all ears!”

Arc fills Shining Armor and Trixie in on Auriel's integration into pony society, his adventures on vacation in Dodge Junction, Captain Decimus' return to life, his and Ember's mission to Hydra Village and Forsaken Village, forming a Life Pact with Sereb, the attack on the Baltimare Courthouse with Cerulean Skies and Sereb, his surprise party at Ponyville Town Hall and how Tempest and The Dark One crashed it, finally ending with his being summoned to Canterlot Castle by Sunburst to rule over Equestria during the princess' illness.

“...and that brings us to the present.”

Shining Armor and Trixie's eyes are wide and their jaws are nearly touching the table!

“Oh dear! Are you two alright?!”

Trixie shakes her head as if to clear it. “You've done all THAT?!”

Shining Armor appears traumatized as he turns to Trixie. “We haven't been gone THAT long... have we?!”

“I don't think so, but we had better stick around this time!”

Trixie turns to Arc.

“So tell me, Arc. What's your next goal? Ending all wars? Curing all diseases? Oh, I know! How about ascension to godhood?”

Arc laughs! “Nah! I've found that the higher I go, the more responsibilities I have! And more responsibility means less fun! The only good thing about this whole debacle so far is my being able to see you two again! So, what have the two of you been up to?!”

“Well, I don't think we've been able to make as much lasting change as you have Arc. I mean, Lord Arc!”

Arc shrugs. “Eh. We're alone. You can just call me Arc.”

Shining Armor looks confused. “Really?!”

He nods. “Sure! I'm still me on the inside!”

“Shining Armor and I have been going from town to town helping other ponies with their problems! Just like you did for both of us, Arc!”

“Those Writ Boards sure do make it easy to figure out who needs what!”

Arc nods. “I know, right! That was my job before I became the Hero of Light! Ah, that brings back memories.”

“We've even done some jobs for free!”

Shining Armor nods! “Some of those we met along our path just couldn't afford to hire anypony!”

“Very commendable!”

Trixie giggles! “The Mayor of the village where we started our journey even came up with a name for us! He called us ‘Heroes of Might and Magic’!”

Shining Armor looks to Arc a bit embarrassed. “I wasn't much for the idea myself at the time, but it made Trixie happy.”

“Yeah! It also helps to put other ponies’ minds at ease if we have a reputation the precedes us!”

Trixie look over at Arc fondly.

“Who knows?! Maybe someday we'll be as popular as the Hero of Light!”

Shining Armor laughs! “We'll certainly give it our best shot, Trixie!”

Arc nods. “Equestria can always use those willing to lend a hand, claw, or hoof. Now I need to get started on today's activities soon, so I guess I should probably get to the point. The truth is... right now, I need your help.”

“Sure thing Arc! I mean, we don't mind coming here after all you've done!”

Trixie nods in agreement with her partner. “Yes, but what could WE do to help YOU?! I mean, you’re practically a walking fortress of righteous fury!”

“Right! That and I bet you're even more dangerous now that you have a mount, sir!”

“You've already defeated a Hydra, several dragons, and a demonic army! Even Tempest couldn't take you down, Arc!”

“I'm not trying to sound negative, sir, but I'm with Trixie on this one. What could we possibly do that you yourself couldn't do better?!”

Arc sighs. “Well, I've sent Captain Decimus away on vacation until further notice.”

Trixie breathes a sigh of relief. “Oh good! I was worried we might run into him at some point!”

“Not that I miss Captain Decimus after the hell he put me though, but what does that have to do with us?”

Arc looks to the pair. “Someone still needs to organize the castle guards and protect the princesses while they're in bed. That's where you come in, Shining Armor. I need YOU to become my Captain of the Royal Guard until further notice.

Shining Armor looks to Arc, wide-eyed. “What?! You... you want ME?! Why?!”

“During the battle with Trixie, you selflessly stood in front of Princess Cadance to protect her. I need a captain with that kind of moxy!”

“But what about Trixie?!”

“Yeah! We're a team!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “As Captain of the Royal Guard, you may choose your subordinate. She can serve as your lieutenant if you wish.”

Trixie looks nervous. “But… but Princess Luna asked me never to come back here! Much less join the Royal Guard!

Arc nods. “That may be, Trixie. However, Captain Decimus is alive and well, so you didn’t actually kill him… as strange is it seems.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc confused. “How did that happen?!”

“I have no idea!”

Trixie nods. “Okay then! I’ll join Shining Armor in… um… whatever guards do. Trixie thinks that sounds like fun!”

Shining Armor turn to Trixie and shakes his head. “It's not all glory and parades, Trixie. I had to work really hard to become Captain Decimus' Lieutenant. Are you sure you're up to this?”

“I am! Don't worry about a thing! There's no way I'd ever let you or Arc down after all we've been through together!”

Arc nods. “I guess it's settled then... Captain Shining Armor.”

Shining Armor sighs. Trixie looks to him, concerned.

“Is something wrong, Shining Armor?”

“Well... kinda. It's always been my dream to be the protector of the princesses! I just wished it was under happier circumstances.”

Arc nods. “So do I Shining Armor... so do I.”

Kibitz enters the Dining Room.

“Sire. It's time for your daily Canterlot public appearance.”

Arc stands. “Well, we're skipping it today Kibitz. Where is Doctor Whooves at the moment?”

“He should be performing his morning checkup on the princesses as we speak. But...”

Arc nods and interrupts him. “Good. Let's see if there's been any change in their condition.”

“Very well. Follow me please.”

Kibitz leads the way to Princess Luna's room. The guards on duty part to allow the group entrance. Princess Luna’s large bed has been removed and two hospital beds have taken its place! Both princesses lie there motionless and unresponsive. Doctor Whooves is busy writing out medical reports as they enter.

“How are they, doctor?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “Sadly, there has been no change, sire. They remain stable, but I cannot offer any insights into what we are dealing with here! Any luck finding a lead?!”

“We’re following up on that smell from the other day. Other than that, everyone’s doing their part! Hopefully there will be a break in this soon!”

Arc looks down at the princesses and sighs.

“I'm sure Twilight and Auriel are doing their best back in Ponyville. But in any case, I'd like you to meet Acting Captain of the Guard Shining Armor and his aide Lieutenant Trixie. They will be in charge of castle security while Captain Decimus is on vacation.”

“A pleasure Captain Shining Armor! Lieutenant.”

Arc turns to the beds. “I see the princesses are being kept together now.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “It's easier to keep track of their vital signs if they're together.”

Trixie motions to the myriad of machines that fill their bedsides. “If the princesses are indeed stable, what's with all the gizmos?!”

“Merely a precautionary measure. Should their condition take a turn for the worse, these machines may be needed at a moment’s notice!”

Shining Armor walks over to the beds. He looks down at the princesses.

“Are they really okay?”

Trixie stands next to Shining Armor. “They look like they’re just sleeping and all. But this doesn't feel right!”

Shining Armor looks back to Arc. “Don't you worry Lord Arc! I'll keep them safe!”

Trixie puts a hoof on Shining Armor's shoulder. “You mean WE'LL keep them safe!”

Arc nods. “Good. I'm counting on you two.”

Kibitz looks at his pocket watch. “Sire, I hate to interrupt, but it's almost time for daily audiences to begin.”

“Very well. Kibitz, escort Shining Armor and Trixie to the quartermaster and have them issued armor and insignias.”

Arc turns to Shining Armor and Trixie.

“After the two of you are properly dressed for your new positions head to the Captain of the Royal Guard's office. Kibitz will give you a key. Put it in order and then give Trixie here a crash course in military protocol. Teach her how to be a lieutenant.”

Trixie appears confused. “Is there really that much to know?”

“There is. But don't worry! I'll show you how it's done.”

“Thanks, Shining Armor! I'll do my best not to embarrass you, or Lord Arc for that matter!”

“Very good! Hop to it you two!”

Shining Armor salutes! “Yes sire! We won't let you down!”

Trixie tries her best to salute, but fails. “I'll do my best, Lord Arc!”

The pair leave the room with Kibitz. Doctor Whooves turns to follow them.

”I'll give you a few moments alone with them.”

Doctor Whooves leaves the room. Arc walks between the beds and sits down in a chair. He takes hold of both princesses’ hooves for a few moments.

“Well, I'm off to give audiences. I'll do my very best to be wise and fair in my judgments. Don't you two worry about a thing! Just worry about getting better! Equestria may have me to lead them in the interim, but they will always have need of you.”

Arc gives their hooves a light squeeze before letting go and standing up.

Chapter 9 - Talking it Out

Hours later the last audience of the day concludes. Arc slouches on his throne.

“Whew! That was exhausting!”

Raven nods to him. “You did just fine for your first audience session, Lord Arc.”

“I'm glad you think so Raven. I'm going to be second guessing a few of my judgments.”

“Like the mare who wanted to know if her attire was worthy of a formal dinner?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that judgment is one that I have no doubts about! Stripes with plaid?! Who sold her that outfit in the first place?!”

He stands and walks with Raven toward his office.

“I was thinking more along the lines of the stallion who wanted advice on how to propose to his marefriend.”

Raven turns to Arc, confused. “Really? I thought your recommendation was quite good. Few things are more romantic than a candlelit dinner for two followed by a nice walk in the moonlight.”

“That's what I would do to propose anyway. But after he left, I was thinking to myself that I really didn't know anything about his marefriend! If she is a social butterfly, maybe asking her during a friendly gathering would have been more appropriate.”

Raven opens the door do his office as the pair step inside. “I'm sure the princess themselves have similar misgivings about their decisions. It's not like you have a lot of time to weigh the pros and cons of every matter that's brought before you.”

“I understand that. While I'm sure none of today's judgments will have world-changing consequences, to give bad advice would certainly shake an INDIVIDUAL'S world!”

As the pair enter the office Kibitz greets them.

“The results of today's audiences were mostly positive sire! Most impressive!”

Arc sits down at his desk and pulls out his stamp from his ring and the ink from a desk drawer. “Well, at least I made SOME ponies happy today.”

Raven nods. “One day at a time, commander.”

Arc nods as he stamps his signature on the day's papers. “I know that eventually I'm going to make a bad choice and let someone down. To me it's not a matter of if but when!

Kibitz sighs. “I would advise you not to dwell too long on such matters, Lord Arc. They will only serve to undermine your confidence.”

Raven turns to her grandfather. “A self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts?”

“Exactly!”

Arc sighs. “That's easy for you to say! You don't have the same responsibilities!”

Kibitz nods. “That may be true. However, as an adviser of royalty, I too carry a great deal of responsibility! The thought of giving bad advice to the princesses used to keep me up at night! It wasn't until I stopped thinking so hard about every little thing I said, and just did my best, that I was able to sleep.”

“I'll certainly give it a try! Thanks for the pep talk.”

“Anytime sire!”

A short time later Arc finishes ‘signing’ the paperwork.

“It's still boring as can be, but this is MUCH faster than the old way!”

He looks over at Kibitz.

“That reminds me. Kibitz, do we have some kind of search and rescue squad here in Canterlot?”

Kibitz looks confused. “I'm sorry sire, but I don't quite get your meaning.”

“To be more precise, who would I call if I needed someone located?”

“The castle sages could probably locate anypony for you, commander.”

“Good idea. Raven, can you summon Sunburst for me please?”

Raven picks up the desk phone. “Yes sir!”

A few minutes later Sunburst enters the office.

“You wanted to see me sire?”

“Yes. We have a possible lead on the princesses’ condition. I need the sages to locate someone for me.”

“Yes sire. Can you tell me their rough location and description please?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “All I know is she’s a striped pony, possibly a zebra, who lives in the Everfree Forest. At the time she lived within walking distance of Ponyville in some kind of a tree house. Her name is Zecora.”

Sunburst takes notes as Arc speaks.

“She shouldn't be too hard to locate as... unique as she sounds.”

“Let me know the minute you have her location pinpointed.”

“Yes sire. We'll get right on it!”

Sunburst leaves the office. Arc turns to Kibitz.

“Now that we have that ball rolling, what's next on the list?”

Kibitz examines his scroll. “Well, with the time you saved on that paperwork, you should probably make a public appearance.”

“Such as...”

Raven nods. “Princess Celestia often liked to ride her chariot through the streets of Canterlot.”

Arc sighs. “Let me guess... smile and wave?”

Kibitz nods. “Indeed sire!”

“Let me take a rain check on that. Raven, can I assume Cerulean Skies gave her statement early this morning and headed back to Baltimare?”

Raven nods. “Yes. I took her statement before the sun was even up! She said there was a lot to do in Baltimare and that she wanted to get to it!”

Kibitz smiles! “Ah, to be young and vibrant again!”

Arc picks up his phone.

“Let's see how things are going over there.”

A moment later a secretary picks up.

“Yes, Lord Regent?”

“I'd like to speak with the Main Desk at Baltimare Courthouse please.”

“Yes sire!”

After a few moments they are connected. Arc pushes the speakerphone button and hangs up the receiver. A Royal Guard picks up, sounding bored.

“Baltimare Courthouse. Front desk.”

“Good afternoon. This is Lord Arc. Is Lieutenant Flash Sentry available?”

The sound of crashing can be heard on the other end of the line!

“Uh, everything okay over there?”

A few moments later the Royal Guard speaks, albeit nervously! “Y-yes sire! Everything's under control here! Situation normal!”

“What happened?!”

“Ah… we had a slight... furniture malfunction. But everything's perfectly alright now! We're fine, we're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?”

Arc pushes the mute button, chuckling! “I think I just woke him up.”

Kibitz shakes his head. “Disgraceful!”

Arc unmutes the phone as he does his best to sound serious. “Should I send help?”

“Um, ah... negative, negative! We have a... um... paperwork overload here! Yeah! Uh, very large, very dangerous!”

Arc shakes his head and facepalms. “Very well. Now have Flash Sentry brought to the phone.”

“Yes sire! Another guard is already on his way to summon him. He should be here in just a few moments.”

Arc nods. “Very good! Now I have a bit of advice for you, guard. Be careful when reclining in your chair. It can be a bit... unsteady. Especially when you fall asleep.”

“Yes sire, I'll remember that.”

Flash Sentry approaches the Main Desk. The Royal Guard hands him the phone and turns away, muttering to himself.

“He knew... somehow, he knew!”

“Yes sir!?”

“Hi Flash Sentry. Just calling to make sure you and Cerulean Skies got there safely.”

“Yes sire. It was an uneventful trip.”

“Good! How's the investigation coming along?”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I think this is going to take quite a while, sire. There is quite a bit of evidence here.”

“How long?”

“Probably another day.”

Arc nods. “Fine. Just be sure to do a thorough job there.”

“I will sir!”

“How's Cerulean Skies doing? I mean with her wound an all.”

“It doesn't appear to be slowing her down much. She's a whirlwind around here!”

Arc smiles! “Alright, I'll let you get back to work then. One last thing though... see to it Cerulean Skies gets home in time for supper! I want her home before dark!”

Flash Sentry nods, confused. “I'll see to it personally.”

“Keep up the good work, lieutenant! Goodbye.”

Arc presses a button on his phone and severs the connection. Raven smiles!

“It's good to know things are going well in Baltimare!”

“Indeed! Now Lord Arc... about that public appearance...”

Arc turns to leave the office. “I think there are other things to be done that are much more important than me parading around the streets of Canterlot.”

“Commander? Is something wrong? You seem awfully keen on not showing your face in town.”

Arc sighs. “Well, part of the reason is it just feels like a waste of time.”

Kibitz shakes his head! “I can assure you it is not, sire! The populace needs to see that there is somepony there watching over them!”

“That's the other part! I'm just concerned that I would frighten the masses. If I was a pony, this would be easy!”

Raven nods. “Sir... most everypony in Canterlot knows you're not a pony. I really don't think you understand just how far and wide your name has spread!”

“Indeed! Probably only remote towns and villages that are voluntarily cut off are ignorant to your reputation by now! Please sire! It would mean so much to everypony!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Call my squad and tell them to ready the chariot, or whatever vehicle Princess Celestia uses for this.”

Kibitz walks out the office door. “I'll see to it, sire!”

“What else is there to do today Raven?”

She looks at her clipboard. “You have a supper engagement this evening with General Virtuous Lance to discuss recent military developments.”

“Is it good news or bad news?”

“Hopefully good news commander. If it were bad news, I would think he would not tarry in appraising you of the situation!”

Arc nods. “Anything else?”

Raven again looks at her clipboard. “Looks like it's time for you to review our Town Guards.”

“What does that entail?”

“Basically, you watch as they march by.”

Arc looks to her confused. “Why?”

It's good for moral! For the princesses, or you now I suppose, to take an interest in them is the highlight of their job!”

“Very well. I'll do it.”

“Very good, commander! Lastly, The Grand Galloping Gala is coming up soon. You need to speak to Captain Decimus about added security for the event.”

“Decimus is on vacation at the moment. I've instructed Captain Shining Armor to take over as Captain of the Royal Guard in his absence. And what's this ‘gala’ anyways?”

“It's a formal gathering of Equestria's elite for a night of cocktails and conversation mostly.”

Arc sighs. “So it's a time for the high rollers to flaunt their wealth and status?”

“To put it negatively, yes.”

“Can't I just cancel it on the grounds that the princesses need their rest, or something?”

Raven nods. “As the Lord Regent that choice is certainly within your power.”

“Good. In that case...”

She quickly interrupts him! “However, I must caution against such action. The nobility is not exactly... loved by the rank and file. But Princess Celestia has always regarded them as a necessary evil, so to speak. They're not all bad mind you! Fancy Pants, as you have no doubt found, is quite the gentlepony!”

Arc nods. “I can kinda understand that. Earth too has its share of wealthy bigots who think themselves above everyone else. While I don't know any of them personally, I'm sure there are those who use their wealth to help others.”

He ponders his next course of action.

“Very well. The Grand Galloping Gala will go on as planned.”

“Yes, commander.”

Kibitz enters the office.

“Preparations for your public appearance are complete sire. We can get underway as soon as you are ready.”

Arc stands and walks toward the door. “I'm ready. Kibitz, inform the Town Guard I will end my public appearance at their headquarters.”

Kibitz looks confused. “Sire?”

Raven looks to her grandfather. “We were just going over the rest of today's schedule.”

Arc nods. “I may as well take care of inspiring the Town Guard while I'm out there.”

“Bravo sire! You're clearly ready for some ‘advanced scheduling’ in the future!”

Arc looks confused. “Um, is that... good or bad?”

“Both actually! Good that my grandfather puts so much faith in your abilities! Bad inasmuch that your schedule will become that much more full!”

Arc sighs. “...great. Well, let's get to the Hanger.”

Kibitz nods. “I will get to work writing your schedule for tomorrow, sire!”

“Very well Kibitz. Raven, you'll come with me.”

Raven looks to him, surprised! “Um... okay.”

The pair make their way to the Hangar. Arc's squad his hitched up to a smaller chariot. This one has wheels. Arc climbs aboard with Raven.

“You boys ready to parade through Canterlot?”

Xenos trots in place! “Are we ever!”

Hugh nods! “We're chomping at the bit, sir!”

Viktor laughs! “It's not as fun as going on a mission with you sir, but we're with you!”

Max turns to Arc and smiles. “An honor as always, commander!”

Arc sits down on the chariot's throne. Raven stands at his side as the chariot moves toward a side exit.

“Commander, I'm a bit confused. Why did you want me to accompany you?”

“I just thought you would like to get out of the castle. A change of scenery and all that.”

She nods, nervously. “Thank you commander, but I...”

“Come now, Raven! Other than my surprise party, when was the last time you left Light's Hope?”

She looks down at her hooves. “Um... I...”

Arc leans over to her, quietly. “Raven, does this have anything to do with the incident we spoke of earlier?”

“Y-yes commander. I... I just don't feel comfortable outside these days!”

“Raven. I think you and I need to have a talk about this later.”

She suddenly looks uncomfortable and jittery!

“You're not in trouble Raven. I'm just... worried about you.”

“Commander? Thank you...”

“What for?”

“For... caring, I guess. Sorry! I'm not quite sure what to say right now.”

The chariot makes its way down the streets at a modest pace. Those who see Arc bow respectfully and smile.

“Pst... Raven... am I supposed to be doing anything right now?”

“Just smile and wave.”

Arc does so.

“Is that all?”

“Try to make eye contact with as many ponies as you can. It's thought of as an honor for the princesses to look somepony in the eye as they parade around the city.”

Arc nods. “Okay, I'll try.”

The chariot canters around the city for over an hour. Raven looks at a nearby clock.

“That's probably long enough, commander.”

“Good. My arms were getting tired! Boys, take us to the Town Guard Headquarters please. I have some more inspiring to do.”

“Yes sir!”

A few minutes later the chariot stops in front of a small but well-kept building. Arc and Raven disembark as he turns to his squad.

“Need a break guys?”

Hugh shakes his head. “Nah. Walking along the ground is a LOT easier than pulling a fully loaded chariot through the air!”

Xenos shrugs. “Really? Feels about the same to me.”

Viktor nods. “I'm good.”

Max salutes Arc. “Thank you for the thought sir, but we should be there to guard you.”

“From what? I mean, the thought is appreciated and all, but aren't I going to be surrounded by Town Guards in there?”

Raven turns to Arc. “The princesses are NEVER seen in public unguarded! Doing so would be a needless risk to our national security, commander!”

Arc shudders at the thought of Captain Decimus on Equestria's throne. “Okay, I'll give you that one.”

The squad forms a defensive perimeter around him.

“Raven, you'll accompany me as my aide.”

“Yes, commander.”

Arc and company slowly walk toward the building together. As they enter the Main Hall, they find the Town Guard Commander and his troops standing at attention! Arc approaches them.

“At ease!”

“Lord Regent, we're honored by your presence! What brings you here today?”

“Please forgive this intrusion. I simply came to visit Canterlot's brave defenders. You and your Town Guard's response were quite impressive during the recent attack on Canterlot.”

The commander salutes. “Thank you sire! We did our best!”

The stallion gestures toward his troops. All are lined up awaiting inspection!

“These are some of our best and brightest! Would you care to address them, sire?”

Arc nods! “Thank you. I shall.”

He turns toward the guards. They look to him respectfully.

“I know you are very busy, so I will try to keep this brief. All of you have been given the task of protecting the citizens of Canterlot. While this may seem... inglorious or unimportant I can assure you it is not!

Arc looks up and down the line of guards before continuing.

“Some of you may see the Royal Guards or other soldiers defending the realm from invaders or monsters, while you defend it from vagrants and pickpockets. I'm sure all of you can imagine what this land would look like without the military defending it!”

The troops shudder at the thought.

“The various towns in ruins. Ponies running for their lives. Total chaos would ensue! That much I'm sure we can all agree on.”

The troops nod.

“Now… what do you think Canterlot would look like with no Town Guards? Rampant crime, garbage piled high in the streets, no one would be safe ANYWHERE! I don't know about you, but I would find it rather hard to do MY job with the sights, sounds, and smells coming from town in such a world! So as Equestria's Hero of Light and Lord Regent, I just want to say thank you for your service to our land.”

Arc walks to the front of the line and extends his right hand toward the Town Guard. He slowly raises his hoof as Arc shakes it firmly. He then goes down the row and does so for every Town Guard and thanks them personally before returning to their commander.

“Thank you for listening to me ramble. I won't take up any more of your time.”

Their commander looks to his troops. “Dismissed!”

The Town Guards disperse.

“Thank you Lord Arc. I'm sure your time here means the world to my guards.”

Arc nods. “I felt it was the least I could do considering all they do for us on a daily basis.”

“Would you care to inspect the facility?”

Arc turns to Raven. “Do we have time?”

“My apologies, commander, but we should be getting back to the castle. Remember your state dinner?”

Arc turns back to the Town Guard Commander. “Sorry. Perhaps another time.”

“Very well Lord Arc.”

Arc and company return to the chariot. He turns to his squad.

“Uh… you guys can talk once in a while.”

Max shakes his head. “Such is not the role of an Honor Guard, sir.”

Raven nods. “As your Honor Guards, it is their duty only to observe and protect. Doing anything else, including talking, could compromise your safety!”

Arc sighs. “Okay, I get it. This makes me long for the old days of cupcake eating in my old office while making plans to safeguard the land.”

Viktor smiles. “Nothing lasts forever sir.”

Arc climbs aboard the chariot with Raven. “I know. But... I just never thought it would be over so soon.”

They return to Canterlot Castle's Hanger and disembark.

“Are we on time for my supper audience, Raven?”

Raven nods. “A few minutes early.”

“Just the way I like it!”

Arc turns to his squad.

“Good work out there today! Take a well-deserved rest you guys and have some supper. You've earned it!”

They salute him and part ways. As Arc and Raven walk down the hallway together toward the dining room, Arc's squad heads toward the cafeteria.

Hugh looks to Viktor. “I think the commander is taking to his new role well.”

Viktor nods. “Better than I thought he would anyway.”

Xenos laughs! “Well, if it involves food, the commander is all over it!”

Max sighs. “Indeed. However I shudder at the thought of Equestria going through these troubled times without him! I mean, we're lucky he's here!”

The four nod soberly. Meanwhile Arc and Raven continued on their way to the dining room.

“My apologies, commander. My grandfather likes to combine activities if at all possible.”

“What do you mean?”

“Such as this meeting being a meal."

Arc smiles at her. “It's okay. Truth be told I look forward to some company at suppertime! Yesterday's evening meal was quite... lonely for me.”

“My apologies commander! I had no idea!”

“It's not your fault Raven. In fact, it gave me some time to think. The princesses have lived this life for years! I always believed they were prisoners to their work. But now I see it more like solitary confinement!”

“Commander?”

“They can't really get close to anyone, or be involved in anything other than platonic relationships without causing a political nightmare!”

Raven puts a hoof to her chin as she considers this. “I guess I never really thought about their personal lives. That's really sad!”

Arc and Raven arrive at the dining room doors.

“Well, this is where we part ways, commander. I... I hope you have a better dinner than last night.”

As Arc enters the dining room he turns back to her. “Thank you Raven. I believe I will.”

Raven walks down the hallway alone as she mutters to herself. “I'll do my best to keep you company, commander. But I don't know just how much help I can be to you!”

Meanwhile, Arc enters the dining room. The kitchen staff are just finishing setting the table. Saffron is overseeing the preparations. She sees him and walks over!

“Welcome commander! I hope you're hungry!”

Arc nods! “I am! Sorry for being a bit early.”

Saffron giggles at his response. “You forget, commander... this is YOUR castle for the time being!”

Arc nods. “I suppose it is. Although I do miss Light's Hope and my family back in Ponyville. Hopefully soon the princesses will be back on their thrones, all of us can go home and this will be nothing more than a memory.”

Saffron sighs. “I hope so too commander.”

The dining room doors open. General Virtuous Lance and Lieutenant Spitfire enter! While the general is dressed in his finest attire the lieutenant is still clad in her battle-ready armor and weapons!

“If you will excuse me sir, I will see to it dinner is served as quickly as possible!”

Arc nods. “Take your time Saffron. I'd like a bit of time to chat with my guests.”

“I understand sir!”

Saffron returns to the kitchen as Arc approaches his guests.

“Good to see you again, general! You too lieutenant!”

“Likewise, sire! I'm looking forward to a marvelous evening!”

Spitfire stands at attention, saluting him. “Sir!”

Arc gestures to the table. “Why don't we sit down while we wait for dinner to be ready?”

Virtuous Lance nods! “A good idea, sire! We have much to discuss!”

“Let's get to it then.”

The three sit down at the table.

“Where do we stand, general?”

“Our enemies are now fully prepared for war, sire! However, I must point out that they have not made any movements toward our borders!”

Spitfire nods. “Their actions confuse me. When last we spoke, war seemed only hours away! For some unknown reason they have been given pause.”

“Even the Bugbear Nation seems to have calmed down if only slightly!”

Spitfire grimaces. “The only nation whose intentions are still unknown is the Changeling Empire. Any ideas why, sir?”

Arc nods. “The only thing I did was to send letters to our enemies stating I wished to talk peace. Although I’m not… fully sure how I'm going to get a letter to the Changeling Queen. Ideas?”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “None sire. At lease none that wouldn't put our messengers in harm's way!”

“No idea sir. If I may be so bold, was the purpose of those letters to discuss terms of their surrender... or ours?”

“LIEUTENANT!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “It's fine, general. I think I understand what Lieutenant Spitfire is getting at. That and she did ask a legitimate question.”

Spitfire bows her head. “My apologies, sire. I meant no disrespect.”

Arc looks at the pair. “Let me be clear about one thing. I will NOT surrender Equestria to our enemies! I'd rather fall in battle PERSONALLY, than see our towns occupied by foreign soldiers!”

Spitfire nods. “A refreshing attitude sir! So, you are seeking THEIR surrender then?”

“No.”

Virtuous Lance thinks for a moment. “I'm the one who is confused now, Lord Arc. What DID you say in your letters?”

“Let me answer that by telling you what I DIDN'T ask for. I don't want their lands. I don't want their resources. And I don't want their fealty.”

“Forgive me for my directness sire, but what IS IT you want?!”

“Peace. Nothing more... nothing less. I'm sure when we get right down to brass tacks that's what most of them want too. I've also agreed to meet with them personally if need be.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Sire, I do wish you had consulted with me before doing that.”

“My apologies general, but I believe our neighbors are only reacting to a ‘bloodthirsty human warrior’ sitting on the Equestrian throne. Think about it... if a demon were to suddenly rise to power in, for example, Griffonstone what would we do?”

Spitfire replies with conviction! “We would prepare our troops... for... battle.”

Virtuous Lance nods in agreement with his lieutenant. “Maybe you are right, Lord Arc. I suppose we have no choice but to proceed in this direction now though.”

“I'm glad you see it my way, general.”

The chefs emerge from the kitchen with several plates of food. They set them down in front of Arc and his guests. Saffron herself puts a large portion of Roast Cockatrice in front of Arc.

“Enjoy your meal, sire!

Arc picks up his silverware. “Thank you Saffron! This smells wonderful!”

Saffron and the other chefs return to the kitchen as Spitfire eyes Arc’s plate suspiciously.

“Sir? What are you eating?!”

Arc looks up to meet the lieutenant's gaze. “Roast Cockatrice. This is one of the birds that my squad and I culled in the Everfree Forest a while back. Waste not, want not.”

Spitfire appears a bit squeamish. “That seems a bit... extreme, don't you think general?”

“Indeed. We aren't too keen on eating our fallen opponents!”

“I understand. However, humans can't eat flax or hayburgers. Other than my dinner, a human's diet is similar to a pony. Eggs, pancakes and fruit for breakfast. Sandwiches, soup, and vegetables for lunch. And some kind of meat dish for supper. The meat contains protein and some important trace minerals that a human's body needs to stay fighting fit! As the Hero of Light, I need to be at the top of my game to keep everyone safe!”

Arc and his guests go back to eating.

“In any case, I do hope to hear SOME kind of response from my letters soon.”

Spitfire looks up. “And if you don't?”

Arc sighs. “Then at least I can say I tried.”

“A noble effort, sire!”

Arc turns to Virtuous Lance. “General, can I have your advice on something?”

“Of course, sire.”

“Assuming the worst... let's say all our enemies were to attack together. Can Equestria stand against them?”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “As we stand right now, no sire! On the positive side, I don't see them working together anytime soon.”

Spitfire nods. “None of them really like one another either.”

“I guess that's something to be grateful for. Another thin, general. Does Equestria have any allies? Meaning, can we call for help if need be?”

“Trade allies, yes. Military allies, no.”

Spitfire chuckles. “The land has been peaceful for so long, militaries are something of an afterthought.”

“It's good for the budget, as maintaining a military is quite costly. But bad for times like these when a strong force is needed.”

Arc sighs. “In that case I guess we really have no choice but to rely on diplomacy.”

Spitfire shakes her head. “I'll rely on my blade before words any day!”

“And you may have to if I fail in my task, lieutenant.”

A Royal Guard enters the Dining Room and approaches Arc. He sets two scrolls down next to him.

“Lord Arc, these just arrived for you!”

Arc accepts the scrolls. “Thank you guard. Please inform Captain Shining Armor that I would like to see him and his lieutenant please. They can have dessert with us.”

The Royal Guard salutes. “Yes sire!”

As the Royal Guard leaves Virtuous lance turns to Arc. “Trouble in the castle, Lord Arc?”

“Nah. I just wanted to go over castle security with him. Perhaps you and your lieutenant can weigh in.”

“We will.”

Arc opens the first scroll.

“Let's see what we have here...”

He reads the scroll to himself.

“Well... this is encouraging.”

Spitfire looks confused. “Sire?”

“This letter is from the King of Abyssinia. Apparently, he’s very anxious to meet with me and talk.”

“Where?”

Arc looks over the letter again. “It says here that he's extending an open invitation for me to visit him in his capital city of... Panthera.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Does he say anything else?”

“Only that he asks me not to bring more than a handful of Honor Guards.”

Spitfire frowns. “This could be a trap sir! He could capture you and then try to use you as leverage against us!”

“What do you think general?

“The inhabitants of Abyssinia are not much for face to face combat. Stealth and subterfuge are their weapons of choice. If you do go, watch your back! Lieutenant Spitfire may not be far off in her assessment of the situation.”

Shining Armor and Trixie enter the Dining Room and salute. Trixie appears to have learned her hurried lessons well! She really does look like a bona-fide lieutenant.

“Reporting as ordered, Lord Arc!”

“What can we do for you?”

“Have a seat. Dessert will be served soon.”

Shining Armor and Trixie sit down at the table.

“General Virtuous Lance and Lieutenant Spitfire? Meet Acting Captain of the Royal Guard Shining Armor and Lieutenant Trixie.”

The four nod at each other respectfully.

“What do you think of our castle's security Shining Armor?”

Shining Armor sighs. “Well, I have to be honest with you sir. There were a couple rather large holes in our defenses! A drainage grate was unsecured, some rather large vines next to a balcony, and a couple outer doors with broken locks!”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “Have you already taken action to remedy this situation?”

Trixie nods. “We already took care of the problems, sir. The Lord Regent can sleep knowing all is secure!”

A chef emerges with a large chocolate cake and several plates. He serves the cake and puts a slice in front of each guest. Virtuous Lance turns to the chef as he moves to pick up what's left on the platter.

“Leave the cake.”

The chef obeys and returns to the kitchen.

Arc looks to the general and smiles! “A stallion of taste, I see!”

“I've also ordered around the clock guards to be stationed outside the princesses’ chambers, as well as inside and on the balcony. They will rotate every two hours. After all, we don't want them slacking off due to boredom.”

Spitfire nods approvingly! “It seems the two of you have thought of everything.”

Trixie nods. “We've done our best.”

Arc nods. “Thank you for your help, Shining Armor. Were there any other changes you wanted to make to our security?”

Shining Armor looks a bit nervous. “Well... there is one last idea I had, sir. But it's a bit... out of the ordinary.”

Trixie nods. “It's about as normal as Equestria being ruled by a Lord Regent, sir. No offense to you of course, Lord Arc.”

“None taken.”

“I believe it was wise of Doctor Whooves to put the princesses in the same room. Not just for medical necessity, but for security as well.”

Trixie chimes in. “It's easier for our guards to watch one room versus two!”

Spitfire nods. “That makes sense!”

“I would like to take the idea a bit further though. Sir, I'd like to suggest that you move into Princess Celestia's room for the duration of your reign.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow! “What?! But why?!”

Trixie looks to the general. “With the princesses and Arc next door to each other, we can divert patrols to that section of the castle at night.”

Shining Armor nods. “As it stands now, we have to heavily guard the section of the castle the Hero of Light's room is in!”

Arc nods. “I understand what you're saying, but the patrols didn't stop me from having an early morning visitor today.”

“A what?! Who?!”

“Before I raised the sun this morning, I found Tempest sitting on my balcony.”

Spitfire draws her blade! “WHAT?! THAT TRAITOR WAS HERE?!”

Trixie looks wide-eyed at Arc! “What did she want?!”

“Oddly enough, she just wanted to talk. I won't go into details on the conversation, as it was about very... personal matters.”

Shining Armor frowns! “Sir! As your Captain of the Guard I must INSIST that you relocate to Princess Celestia's room starting tonight!”

“Yes Ar... I mean Lord Arc! Your safety is of paramount importance!”

“Are you sure Princess Celestia would be okay with this?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Given the circumstances I'm sure she could be convinced to see our point of view. I agree with the Captain's assessment of the situation and his recommendation, Lord Arc!”

Arc nods. “Well, all right then. Captain, inform the support staff of this change.”

Shining Armor salutes. “Yes sir! I'll take care of it personally!”

Arc reaches forward to the other scroll in front of him. “Well, let's see who else sent me a letter today.”

He opens the scroll and reads it silently.”

“Looks like it's from a ‘Prince Rutherford’ of Yakyakistan. He says that yaks are stronger than ponies, blah blah. Yaks are best at everything, blah blah. You come here, see us, yaks smash, blah blah. That's pretty much the gist of it.”

Virtuous Lance smiles! “Congratulations Lord Arc. Prince Rutherford is inviting you to visit him!”

Spitfire looks to the general, surprised! “He is? I took it more as a personal threat than anything else!”

“That is how the yaks are, sire! Prince Rutherford simply wishes to test you and see if you are worthy!

Arc nods. “And what does that entail?”

Spitfire sighs. “You just have to impress that walking mound of meat. Easier said than done though.”

“The yak culture values perfection and strength above all else.”

Trixie appears confused. “So... Lord Arc has to go there and do what exactly? Punch this prince in the face?!”

Virtuous Lance chuckles. “In a manner of speaking. There will most likely be a fight, but your victory must be perfect!”

“How do I do that?!”

Virtuous Lance shrugs. “To tell you the truth, I'm not actually sure. You would do well to stall for time in order to learn more about their culture. Nopony has visited them in generations! Occasional correspondence via letter is the only reason we know they're still up there!”

“Up… there?”

Spitfire nods. “Yakyakistan is due west of the Crystal Empire. It's almost inaccessible by hoof most of the year due to the ancient mountain pass being covered by snow most of the time.”

Shining Armor frowns. “So how would Lord Arc even get there?!”

“Airship would be the method of choice. Oh, and don't take a small pleasure craft! Besides the extreme winds and treacherous ice storms, the yaks will expect a strong showing up front!”

Spitfire nods! “You should take the new airship out for its maiden voyage, sire! One could certainly consider it ‘perfect’!”

Arc stands and looks out one of the dining room windows. “I'll do that. Well, this has been quite an evening! I would like to thank all of you for coming and offering me your insight and advice.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “It was my pleasure Lord Arc. I wish you luck in your meetings with the various leaders. Feel free to call upon me if you need my help or advice.”

He and Spitfire leave the Dining Room as Shining Armor and Trixie also stand.

“Thank you for dessert Arc. It was delicious.”

Trixie smiles at Arc. “Yeah! And it gave us a chance to see you too!”

Arc nods. “Thank you both for coming. Hopefully when all of this is over and the princesses are back to normal, we can get together again and have a nice chat over tea and cupcakes!”

“We would like that Arc!”

“Both of you keep up the good work! Watch out for trouble and keep this castle secure! Oh yes, I almost forgot! I'm told the Grand Galloping Gala is coming up. I need the two of you to coordinate with Kibitz to arrange security for the event.”

Trixie nods. “We will!”

Shining Armor salutes. “You can count on us sir!”

The pair leave the Dining Room together with Arc.

“Shining Armor. Could you go find Sandstorm Mirage and send him to my office please?”

“Yes sir!”

Arc proceeds down the hallway to the Audience Chamber. Entering it he finds the evening sunlight shining through the windows!

“Lovely. I wish Derpy and Dinky were here to see it.”

He proceeds to his office and sits down in his chair. A few minutes later there is a knock at the door

“Come in.”

Sandstorm Mirage cautiously enters the office. “You wanted to see me sir?”

“I did. Have a seat.”

Sandstorm Mirage sits down in a chair in front of the desk.

“I have a very dangerous job that needs to be done. You're familiar with the troops, right?”

“Y-yes sir! But Lieutenant Flash Sentry is…”

Arc interrupts him. “...sadly not here at the moment. You are. Just give me your opinion.”

“Alright sir.”

Arc pulls a scroll out of his ring and sets it on the desk in front of him.

“I need someone who's stealth skills are top notch to deliver this scroll to the Changeling Queen! It's a message asking for peace between our two nations. With any luck this one scroll could stop a war with them before it even starts!”

Sandstorm Mirage smiles! “That would be wonderful sir! Nopony would get hurt then!”

“Right! The only problem is I have no idea how to get this message there without sending someone! Any ideas?”

“I could take it there sir! I'm the best there is at moving silently and not being seen!”

“Are you sure? Remember, I'm not ordering you to do this!”

“Don't worry about a thing sir! I won't let you down!”

Arc hands the scroll to Sandstorm Mirage. “Thank you for doing this, sergeant. Now remember, you don't have to stick around and explain it to her! Just make sure she'll find it and get out of there! No unnecessary risks, alright?!”

“Understood sir! I'll get some sleep and head out sometime tonight.”

“Good! I'm not trying to make you nervous now, but the fate of Equestria may very well be in your hooves! When you get back report to me immediately! I don't care HOW late it is, okay?! I'll be in Princess Celestia's room.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods! “Yes sir! Wait! P-p-princess Celestia's room?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I'm told there is a need for tighter security. Therefore, it was suggested that I move closer to the sleeping princesses. Easier to keep us all safe.”

“I… guess that makes sense. Well, I'm off sir!”

Sandstorm Mirage salutes and walks out the door, closing it behind him! Arc sits back in his chair and contemplates his choice.

“I know you can do this, Sandstorm Mirage.”

Chapter 10 - Fixing What is Broken

A few minutes later Raven enters the office.

“You're working late tonight, commander.”

Arc stands. “Yeah... I just had something to talk over with the sergeant. Are you busy right now?”

Raven shakes her head. “No sir. Was there something you needed?”

He walks over to the couch and sits down. “Would you please join me?”

She walks over to the couch and sits down next to him.

“About our talk earlier today...”

Raven nods. “Y-yes. I... I don't really know what to say, commander.”

“Raven, I'm going to be Honest with you. This terrible act shouldn't have fallen upon anyone, much less you! However, it's clear that you can't deal with this alone.”

She appears confused. “What are you suggesting sir?”

Arc puts a hand on her hoof. “I want you to undergo professional therapy. Please know that I'm here for you if you need to talk But I can only do so much to help you.”

Raven looks to Arc fearfully! Tears form in her eyes and there is a pleading tone in her voice!

“Please no! Don't make me do this, sir! I'm begging you! Just give me some time to work through this myself!”

Arc shakes his head. “I'm sorry Raven. Please understand that I appreciate all your hard work for me in the past! But it's clear to me that you're just using it as a coping mechanism! A means to not have to think about it! Am I wrong?”

Raven looks down at her hooves, sadly. “N-no sir you're not, but... I would still like to try and work this out alone. Can... can we just keep this between us please?”

Arc leans back on the couch and sighs. “How about I ask you some questions. However, you must promise to answer them truthfully. Even if the words are painful to say.”

“I shall, commander.”

“Do you feel depressed?”

“...yes. I do.”

“Do you feel that this act has ‘damaged’ you, or your mind?”

“I... I suppose so, yes.”

Arc nods. “Can you picture yourself ever getting married and having a family of your own after this incident?”

“I haven't actually thought about it, sir. But I think it would be hard to be... intimate with my husband.”

“I appreciate your honesty Raven. Now for the last question. Since your attack, have you had thoughts of intentionally hurting yourself?”

Raven is silent for a time

“I... I... Lord Arc, please don't tell my grandfather about this, but...”

Arc is silent as he allows Raven time to find the right word. He takes her hoof in his hand and holds it. She squeezes his hand with her hoof as tears form in the corners of her eyes.

“...but one night a couple weeks ago I awoke from the same nightmares of Lord Goldstone! I... I'm not sure what exactly happened, but something inside me snapped! There was a letter opener on my nightstand. I... I picked it up and... and...”

The tears flow freely from her eyes. Arc gives her hoof a quick squeeze.

“Take your time.”

Raven sobs! “...and I put it to my neck! To be completely honest with you sir, I really wanted to die! To make my pain go away!”

She collapses into Arc's arms and bursts into fresh hysterics! Arc strokes the inconsolable mare in an effort to comfort her.

“I'm here Raven. Just let it all out.”

Raven cries for what seems like forever! Eventually she wears herself down. Turning to look Arc in the eye through her tears.

“I-I'm sorry sir! You must be ashamed to have such a weak-minded aide!”

Arc continues to stroke Raven's mane and shakes his head. “No Raven. You were very brave to confess this to me. But I want you to know something! A poet from my world once said ‘suicide doesn't end the pain. It just passes it on to someone else’.”

“I don't understand.”

“Those who care about you would inherit your pain in the form of grief. Think about how Kibitz would feel! How Flash Sentry would feel! How I would feel!”

Raven nods and wipes the tears from her eyes. “I... I never thought about it that way before. Commander... I... I need help!”

Arc gives Raven a hug and nods. “I'll see to it you get it. It's rather late now. Why don't you get some rest, and I'll send a therapist over in the morning?”

She nods. “Thank you, commander!”

Arc stands up and extends a hand to Raven. “Come with me. You need some rest, but I don't want you to be alone tonight.”

As she puts her hoof in Arc's hand, he raises his other hand to open a portal. She looks towards in nervously.

“Where are we going?!”

He walks toward the portal with Raven. “Somewhere you’ll be safe.”

They enter the portal together. A moment later they arrive at their destination. Raven looks around, confused.

“Where are we?”

“Ponyville. This is where I live.”

Raven looks surprised. “I didn't know you owned a house.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don't. Before I became the Hero of Light I rented a room here. Still do actually!

“Um... okay. But whose house IS this?”

The front door opens as Derpy and Dinky enter together. Dinky spots her father and runs over to him!

“DAD!”

Derpy trots over as well! “Arc!”

Arc kneels down to embrace them!

“I missed you dad!”

Derpy nods. “We both did, Arc!”

He holds them close. “And I missed you two as well!”

Dinky looks over her father’s shoulder. “Miss Raven? What are you doing here?”

Raven looks around nervously. “I... um... sorry to intrude like this…”

Arc looks to Derpy. "Sorry for barging in like this."

Derpy leans back and shakes her head “You did no such thing Arc! This is your home too, remember! Is something wrong?”

“Yes. We... can't really go into detail, but Raven here needs a place to sleep tonight. Would it be okay if she used Ember's old bed tonight?”

“Of course! Please make yourself at home, Raven!

“Th-thank you ma'am.”

Arc smiles. “Thanks, Derpy!”

He looks out the window to see the sun is hanging just above the horizon.

“It looks like it's time to lower the sun.”

Dinky looks up at him excited! “Can we watch?!

“Sure sweetheart!”

Arc walks over to the window and looks outside. Taking a deep breath, he stretches out both hands and slowly makes a pushing gesture. The sun drops below the horizon and room is plunged into darkness.

“Okay, now for the hard part...”

Arc concentrates in an effort to ‘locate’ the moon.

“Here... we... go...”

With great effort on Arc's part, the moon slowly begins to rise. Derpy and Dinky watch, transfixed!

“Amazing!”

“Yeah dad! Even I didn't know you were THAT powerful!”

Arc puts a hand to his head. “Thanks. It... really takes a lot out of me though.”

“Commander? Are you... okay?”

“Y-yeah Raven. I'll be okay.”

Arc turns back to Derpy and Dinky.

“I... I think I need to sit down for a few minutes is all.”

They help Arc to the couch. Sitting down Arc breathes a contented sigh as Derpy and Dinky sit down on either side of him. Raven sits at the other end of the couch as Arc looks around the familiar room.

“I've missed these times you two.”

Derpy and Dinky nods nuzzle Arc's sides.

“So, how's school Dinky?”

“Really cool! Our teacher Miss Cheerilee is so nice! I did just like you told me and helped the others get to know her!”

Arc smiles! “Good girl Dinky! You know, she was just as nervous as the orphans were when she arrived the other day!”

Derpy looks surprised! “Really?! I thought she was very confident!”

“Well, she was after Coco Pommel and I introduced her to the orphans. And how are you doing Derpy? Liking your new job?”

Derpy smiles! “Very much so! The foals are all so sweet! It's hard to believe that these four walls used to be my whole world!”

Raven looks to Derpy, confused. “You're whole world?!”

Derpy nods sadly. “It was a very... dark time in my life. Not long ago I lay in front of this very fireplace, sad and alone.”

“Really?! I wouldn't have guessed it from your cheerful demeanor now! If you don't mind talking about it, what changed?”

Derpy looks to Arc fondly! “A fearsome creature came looking for a room to rent! I was scared at first and almost said no! But I'm so glad I didn't! He put wood on the fire, covered me with a blanket, fed me and even went so far as to deliver my sweet little filly for me!”

“Yeah! He took mom and I under his care! He's the best dad ever!”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence you two. I hope when this is all over, the three of us can spend more time together. You know... as a family!”

Derpy smiles! “I'd like that Arc!”

“Me too dad!”

Arc sighs. “Sorry for putting you two on the back burner, so to speak. I... really don't enjoy doing it.”

Derpy puts a hoof on Arc's hand. “We understand Arc! You have many things to do!”

“Yeah dad! It's okay! Really!”

Arc gives Dinky a hug. “Thanks for understanding sweetheart. It's just... I don't want to become like MY dad! Gone without so much as a goodbye. Never knowing what happened to him.”

“We know you'll always come home to us in the end, Arc!”

“That I will! And I'll try to call you two as often as I can too!”

Arc stands up.

“Well, I'm feeling much better after a bit of a rest. I should be getting back to the castle.”

Dinky frowns. “Awww... do you have to dad?”

“Yes sweetheart. But before I go, there is one last thing I would like to do.”

“Oh? What's that?”

Arc looks to Dinky, smiling! “Tuck my daughter in for the night! It's been far too long since I did that!”

Dinky jumps off the couch and heads for the bathroom! “Okay dad! Just let me brush my teeth first!”

Arc looks to Raven. “Are you okay? You've been so quiet.”

Raven nods. “Yes, I'm fine. You have a lovely family, commander! It... kinda makes me wish for one of my own...”

Arc puts a hand on Raven's shoulder. “Maybe someday you will. But for now, why don't you lie down. You look exhausted!”

“Thank you. I think I will.”

“Right this way!”

Arc leads Raven to his room. Opening the door, he gestures to Ember’s bed.

“It's not much, but I hope you’ll be comfortable here.”

Raven pulls back the covers and gets into bed. “It's fine, commander. Thank you for all you've done for me! But... I confess I'm a bit... scared of what the counselor will say. W-what if they think I'm crazy or something for trying to... you know...”

Arc covers Raven with the blanket. “It’ll be fine, Raven. Their entire job is to help ponies like you come to terms with their traumatic experiences.”

“I hope you're right, Commander.”

Arc nods as Dinky trots into the room and hops into her father’s bed. “Why don't you get some rest now, Raven” We can talk about this some more tomorrow.”

Raven nods sleepily and turns over to face the wall. Arc pats her gently on the back before turning to Dinky.

“Ready for bed, sweetheart?!”

Dinky nods! “Uh huh! I wish you could stay the night though dad!”

Arc covers her with a blanket and sighs. “I wish that too dear. Now you be sure and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow is another day!”

Dinky yawns. “Good night dad... I love you.”

Arc pauses momentarily before leaning forward to kiss Dinky on the forehead. “I love you too sweetheart.”

As Arc turns to leave the room, he gives Raven a last pat on the back.

“Good night, Raven.”

“Good night... commander.”

Arc returns to the Living Room. Derpy is waiting for him on the couch.

“Thanks for putting Dinky to bed. It means a lot to her to have you here!”

“It was my pleasure! I've missed you both so much lately! Sorry that I have to rush off again.”

Derpy wordlessly nods.

“You okay, Derpy?”

“I am. But I do wish you could stay! I really do! But I understand why you have to go. Just... take care of yourself, will you?”

Arc nods. He steps onto the sigil wordlessly and teleports back to the Audience Chamber.

“I hope this will be over soon. I miss my home...”

Arc leaves the Audience Chamber and heads for Princess Celestia's room. On the way he sees an inordinate amount of guards!

“I guess Shining Armor was serious about keeping us safe.”

As Arc approaches the princess’ rooms, he sees Shining Armor has stationed what appears to be an entire platoon outside the room!

“I wish all of this wasn't necessary.”

Several guards stand outside Princess Celestia's room. They salute as Arc approaches.

“Good evening, sire!”

Arc nods. “Anything to report?”

“No sire. Everything has been quiet.”

“Good. See to it the guards on duty know that I’m expecting a report some time tonight from a Lunar Guard sergeant. As soon as he arrives send him in.”

“Yes sire!”

Arc enters Princess Celestia's room, or his room depending on how you look at it. There are several Royal Guards stationed around the room and on the adjoining balcony>

“Who's in charge here?”

A Royal Guard bearing a sergeant's insignia steps forward and salutes Arc.

“I am, sire!”

“Thank you for securing my room for me. I'm heading to bed now, so you and your troops can go.”

The sergeant looks to him, uncomfortable.

“Captain Shining Armor has ordered us to protect this room and you sire. Even while you sleep! He's very concerned that somepony is out to get you!”

Arc sighs. “That's very... nice of him and all. However, I really need some alone time!”

“Begging your forgiveness sire, but we agree with the captain! You shouldn't be alone and unguarded!”

“Hmmm... what to do about this...”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“Sergeant, please summon Ember and Sereb. I need to see them right away!”

“It will be done!”

The Royal Guard Sergeant nods to a nearby guard. He quickly leaves the room and returns a few minutes later with Ember and Sereb.

Sereb walks over calmly. “You wished to see us?”

“Everything okay, Arc?!”

“Kinda. I need the two of you to stay here and guard me, I guess.”

Ember raises an eyebrow, confused. “Uh... okay!”

“Very well, Arc.”

Arc turns back to the Royal Guard sergeant.

“There you are, sergeant. I'm guarded by a dragon and a giant wolf. Do you foresee anyone living long enough to hurt me?”

“N-no sire! Are you sure about this?!”

“Yes. You and your troops will bolster the ranks of those whom are guarding the princesses.”

“Yes sire!”

The Royal Guards leave the room as Ember turns to Arc.

“Care to let us in on what that was about?”

“Sorry about this you two. Shining Armor is worried about my personal safety and insists that I be guarded at all times. Somehow I think I would have trouble sleeping surrounded by guards.”

Sereb nods. “Understandable.”

Ember turns to look at the door. “Yeah! We saw all the guards out there on our way here! Has something happened?!”

“Well... yes and no. No, as in nothing has ACTUALLY happened. Yes, inasmuch as I had an early morning visitor on my balcony.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Can I assume it wasn't the paparazzi?”

Arc shakes his head. “It was Tempest.”

“WHAT?!”

“Calm down Ember. I’m fine!”

Ember’s eyes dart around the room, frantically! “Calm down... CALM DOWN?! Crazy, invincible, super pony shows up and you tell me to CALM DOWN?!”

“Pretty much. Look, I'm okay! She didn’t try to hurt me or anything!”

“So, she just came to say ‘hi’ and ‘congratulations on your promotion’?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Actually, she came to ask me how Cerulean Skies was doing.”

“…what?”

Arc sighs. “Tempest may be cold and calculating, but she still cares for her sister! I may be wrong here but I do think, at least in HER mind, she's doing the right thing!”

Ember frowns “That doesn't really put my mind at ease, but don't worry! I'll protect you if Tempest comes back!”

Sereb nods. “As will I!”

Ember looks away, blushing slightly. “Not complaining or anything, but about what Sunburst said the other day? You know, about how it would reflect badly if you and I... you know...”

“That's why Sereb is here. He'll see to it we behave ourselves.”

Ember grins as she walks over to the bed! “Good thinking Arc!”

“Ember.”

“Yes, Sereb?”

"I do not believe your course of action is what is best for the Lord Regent's reputation.

Ember looks confused. "Um... what?"

Arc nods. "Sereb's right Ember. You shouldn't be sleeping in my bed."

"But... fine..."

She walks over to the couch and sits down as Arc gets into bed.

“You two should get some sleep as well. I want both of you by my side from now on.”

“Expecting trouble?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, Ember. But it will help put Shining Armor's mind at ease though. That and I would appreciate the company of friends!

Sereb walks over to the balcony doors and lies down in front of them. “We will try to not disappoint you Arc.

“Thanks. I know I can count on you two.”

In a few minutes Arc and his companions are fast asleep. An undetermined amount of time later Arc sits up.

“What's that sound?!”

He looks around the room. Ember and Sereb are nowhere to be seen!

“Where did those two go?”

Arc listens intently. The air is eerily silent other than a small voice calling out.

“Is that... someone calling for help?!”

Getting up quickly, Arc leaves the room. Upon steeping out into the hall he finds it completely devoid of guards!

“What is going on here?!”

Arc walks next door to Princess Luna's room. He can hear cries for help and sobbing!

“What the...”

He slowly opens the door. Inside Arc finds Princess Luna lying on the floor looking out the balcony doors! She is crying and calling out between choked sobs!

“P-Princess Luna?!”

The princess slowly turns her head to gaze in Arc's direction. She speaks to him in a confused tone.

“Arc? Is that you?!”

“Um... I think so, yes. What's going on? Where's Princess Cadance?! And where are all your guards?!”

Princess Luna quickly gets to her hooves and runs toward Arc. There is a feral, almost desperate look in her eyes! Arc puts his hands out in front of himself as Luna lunges at him! She slams him against a nearby wall, her horn aglow! Arc grabs Luna's shoulders in an effort to hold her back!

“Woah there Princess Luna! It's me, Arc! Don't you recognize me?!”

She looks at him, angrily! “Prove it! The day I came to your base I made a phone call to Cadance! What was she doing when I called her?!”

“She was doing paperwork, and you accused her of lying about having it under control!”

Princess Luna's horn stops glowing. Her eyes again fill with tears as she wraps her front hooves around Arc and lays her head against his chest! She continues to cry, but now sounds… almost relieved!

“Thank you for coming Arc! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”

Arc is confused, but returns Luna's hug and strokes her mane in an effort to comfort her.

“Um... sure... no problem. Although I have no idea how I got here. Or even where ‘here’ is.”

Luna continues crying for some time. Arc make no attempt to stop her. After a while she does her best to compose herself.

“I... I'm sorry Arc. It's just... I don't know what's real and what's not here! But first, how are things in Equestria?! Is... is everything alright?! How long have I been gone?!”

“Well, I'm real! Things are... okay I guess. And you've been unconscious for about three days now.”

Luna lets go of Arc. “Unconscious?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Three days ago, I was notified that there was trouble in Canterlot. When I arrived, Sunburst informed me of you and Princess Cadance's condition. Apparently, you collapsed after raising the sun. The two of you were found in your rooms in a catatonic state.”

“So BOTH of us are in comas?!”

“You and Princess Cadance are, yes. I just went to bed a few minutes ago and found myself here.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “You… weren't sleeping in my sister's bed at the time, were you?!”

“Yes. I hope that's okay! It was in an effort to protect the two of you and myself without under-manning our guard posts. My own room and yours are fairly far apart, so the idea made sense to me.”

Luna sighs. “I suppose. Just make sure my sister doesn't find out about this when she returns, as she would NOT be happy to know she had a human in her bed!”

“Uh, okay. But how did I get here?”

“Many years ago, I enchanted my sister's bed to allow her to come to my realm when she slept. You see, a realm is a very personal place. Under normal circumstances nopony else can come here without my permission.”

Arc nods. “I see. So... anyone who sleeps in Princess Celestia's bed could come here?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not exactly. If I willed them here, yes! But for you to find your way here accidentally, as you did, is quite remarkable!”

“I... think I heard a cry for help. It's in my nature to investigate such things. That's how I found my way to your room! Or wherever this place is.”

Luna gestures with a hoof around her. “This is the Lunar Realm. It's kinda like my sister's Celestial Realm! Think of it like a personal magical retreat for us. Normally this would be fine, as I sometimes come here to rest my mind and be alone. When I found I couldn't leave, however, I changed it to look like Canterlot Castle. I had thought it would make things feel a bit more normal. However, as you witnessed when you entered, it had the opposite effect!”

Arc looks around the room. “As stressful a job as you have, I suppose it's only natural to want to get away from it all. But I agree that this place does feel very... lonely.”

“Yes, well... right now the problem is I can't seem to leave and return to the ‘real world’ as it were. Normally I can consciously come and go from my realm as easily as one steps through a doorway.”

“So, what changed?”

“This time I didn't come here willingly! Somehow I was forced here! It felt like I was shoved in a cell with the door locked behind me!”

Arc nods. “So it's like you're imprisoned in your own mind?”

“Something like that.”

“Is Princess Cadance around?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not at the moment, no. She... kinda fades in and out. Lately she's been able to stay here longer though.”

“The two of you were moved to your room to more easily be monitored. Perhaps it's a proximity thing?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “I suppose it's possible. Even we don't fully understand Realm Magic, as it's known only to those with VERY powerful magic! In fact, I'm not even sure how exactly you're able to maintain your presence here, as you didn't even know of the existence of this schools of magic!”

“In that case I’d better ask you some questions while I'm able to! Can you tell me anything about your current condition in the real world, princess? Doctor Whooves and I are for the most part stumped!”

“For the past week or so Cadance and I have felt a bit... off. I can't really describe it other than we weren't really ourselves! Did we... did we do anything... bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “To the best of my knowledge, no. Do you remember me calling you about going to the Dragon Lands about a week ago?”

Luna sighs. “I remember you talking about... something. But I couldn't really understand what you were going on about. What did I say?”

“You were really excited that Captain Decimus was back. Other than that, you both were acting really out of the ordinary. I thought you two were drunk or on drugs! Twilight went to check on you and Princess Cadance, but she was convinced that you were just overjoyed to have your old friend back!”

Luna covers her face with her hooves, ashamed. “This is terrible! I... I can only imagine what the castle staff must have thought about our behavior!”

“I'm sure they were more worried about you than anything else!”

Arc suddenly drops to his knees and clutches his head!

“What... the... heck?!”

Luna moves quickly to Arc's side! “Arc, listen to me! Don't fight it! Just... go with it!”

Arc looks into Luna's concerned face as everything around him fades to black.

Meanwhile… Sandstorm Mirage nudges Arc with a hoof. “C-commander?”

Arc opens his eyes and bolts upright in bed, gasping! “Well, that was... unsettling.”

Ember looks over to him and speaks in a concerned voice. “Arc? Is everything alright?”

“You do not look well.”

Arc puts a hand on his forehead and mutters to himself. “Was it a dream? Felt so real...”

“S-sorry for waking you up sir! But you told me to report back when I returned.”

Arc turns back to Sandstorm Mirage. “I'm... okay. Are you alright? How did it go?”

Sandstorm Mirage nods! “I'm fine! Nopony saw me! I put the scroll on the queen's nightstand and got out of there!”

“Are you completely sure you weren't seen?”

“Yes sir! I was like a ghost!”

“Good work. Get some rest now. I'll probably have more work for you tomorrow.”

“Yes sir! Thank you.”

Sandstorm Mirage leaves the room.

“What was that all about?! What queen?!”

“I had him deliver a message to Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Empire, Ember. It was a call for peace between our nations.”

Ember shakes her head. “You're wasting your time there, Arc! That banshee is CRAZY!”

Sereb turns to Ember. “Those who do not seek a peaceful solution will never find one.”

“I get what you're saying Sereb, but that witch doesn't WANT peace!”

Arc looks to Ember, confused. “What do you mean? What DOES she want?!”

Ember shrugs. “That's just it! No one really knows what motivates her!”

“Well, I'm going to try!”

Arc looks over at the clock.

“There's still quite a bit of the night left. Let's try to get some more sleep.”

Ember turns back to the couch. “Fine with me!”

The group again takes their places and are soon fast asleep. Arc, finding himself back in the Lunar Realm, looks around the room.

“Huh... I guess it really did happen.”

He quickly makes his way back to Luna's Room and knocks lightly.

“Princess Luna? Can I come in?”

Hearing no response Arc slowly opens the door. Luna is lying on her balcony looking up at the stars. He walks over to her.

“Princess... did earlier... really happen?”

Luna nods. “It did. But unlike me, you were able to leave and return here. I just don't understand how though...”

Arc sits down next to Luna. “My sergeant woke me up to deliver a report. I thought earlier was just a dream, so I lay back down and fell asleep.”

“Understandable.”

Luna puts a hoof to her head and closes her eyes.

“We're about to have company.”

Arc stands up quickly! “What?! Who?!”

“Cadance. She'll be here in a few moments.”

“Oh...”

As if on cue, Princess Cadance enters Luna's room. She appears downcast and without hope.

“Princess Cadance?”

“What?! Arc?! Is that really you?!”

Luna stands up slowly. “It's really him, Cadance. He's been sleeping in Celestia's bed.”

Cadance nods, wide-eyed! “Really Arc?! You're even braver than I thought!”

“It sounds bad when you say it like that, Princess Luna. This was for security I tell you!”

Cadance walks toward Arc and pokes him a couple times in the chest with her hoof.

“You're real!”

Arc nods. “I am. Do me a favor and don't tell Princess Celestia, okay?”

Cadance gives Arc a hug! “I won't. It's a promise!”

“Thanks. How are you holding up here?”

She hugs him tighter! “To be completely honest, until you showed up, I had pretty much given up hope! How long have we been here?!”

“Only a few days.”

Cadance lets go of Arc. “Really?! It feels like an eternity! I'm sure glad you're here to rescue us!”

“Um yeah... about that. Truth be told I found my way here by accident! I have no idea how to get you back!”

She looks suddenly downcast.

“Oh... I see.”

“Maybe the two of you can help me with that.”

Luna looks up. “How?”

“Let me bring you up to speed on what we know about your condition and the affairs of Equestria.”

Arc, Luna and Cadance sit down together in a circle.

“Three days ago, the two of you were found unconscious in your rooms. All attempts to wake you have met with failure. I was summoned to Canterlot Castle, and have since taken over your day to day affairs as Equestria's Lord Regent.”

Luna sighs. “I'm sorry you've had to bear the burden of ruling Equestria alone, Arc. My sister had me. I had Cadance. But you... you are without aide!”

“I may not have someone ruling by my side, but I am far from alone! Kibitz and Raven have been instrumental in keeping me on schedule. Shining Armor is in charge of security with his lieutenant, Trixie. Doctor Whooves, Twilight and her friends along with Auriel are trying to figure out what is wrong with you two. Lieutenant Flash Sentry is following up on an incident in Baltimare. Ember and Sereb are my personal bodyguards. And my squad is there for moral support.”

Cadance looks to him with a small smile. “Well then, I guess you really aren't alone.”

“Far from it!”

“Do you have any leads on where to go from here?”

“A couple. The Hammers smelled a rather interesting aroma on your breath and skin Princess Luna. Sunburst is trying to track down a zebra named Zecora who may know more about the afore mentioned aroma. They said it reminded them of something they found many years ago in the Everfree Forest. Doctor Whooves has found a rather strange substance in your blood samples. As soon as something comes up I’m planning on sending Lieutenant Flash Sentry to follow up on it.”

Cadance nods, somewhat relieved! “I'm glad something is being done! It's kinda... scary in your realm Luna.”

“I am the Princess of the Night, so naturally my realm is one of moonlight and stars.”

“Do you have a realm of your own Princess Cadance?”

She shakes her head. “I do not. It takes quite a bit of magical proficiency to make a pocket dimension like this. Maybe someday I will be powerful enough to do so.”

Arc nods. “Well, if you DID have a realm what would it be like?”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “It would be bright and cheerful. Maybe some kind of tropical island retreat with birds singing and beautiful sunrises!”

Arc puts a hand on Cadance's hoof. “Now, I want you to close your eyes and think about what you just described very hard.”

Cadance does so. A few moments later she has a small smile on her face.

Arc squeezes her hoof. “When you feel frightened, just think of the realm you're going to make for yourself one day.”

“Thanks Arc. That does help a bit!”

Cadance is suddenly serious again.

“How are things in Canterlot?!”

"Yes. Is everything all right? You said earlier that things were okay, but didn't really go into detail.”

“Alright. Here's the latest.”

He relays the details of the past few days to the princesses.

“So that's where we stand. I sent letters to each of the leaders who are mobilizing their armies. So far, the King of Abyssinia and Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan have responded and are requesting meetings.”

Luna nods. “What will you say to them?”

“That I do not want to see ponies, yaks, or cats kill each other needlessly! If at all possible I want to negotiate peace.”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “Abyssinia will be fairly easy to deal with. Yakyakistan, not so much. To get Prince Rutherford to see your point of view will most likely require a modicum of violence.”

“Is there no other route to take other than this?”

Luna shakes her head. “I doubt it. We knew it would one day come to this. Lead our forces to victory Arc! You have our blessing!”

Arc sighs. “Thanks. I'll... try to find a better way though.”

Cadance puts a hoof on Arc's hand and smiles. “I know we can count on you to do the right thing for Equestria.”

“Yes. We are very proud of you for not going along with General Virtuous Lance's idea to cull the creatures of the Everfree Forest or the Bugbears.”

Arc nods. “It's not the Equestrian way... nor is it mine. I knew I couldn't face the two of you if I committed such a terrible act!”

“This is why we chose you Arc. Your sense of Loyalty, Justice, and Kindness was just what Equestria needed at the time. However, we never thought you would be needed to lead the country in our stead!”

“I guess this just goes to show that things don't always go like you plan them.”

Luna nods. “I agree.”

Arc stands up. “I'm hoping I can make my way to Yakyakistan in the next day or two. If I'm lucky, we can stop these wars before they happen!”

“Good luck Arc!”

“We're counting on you!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Before I leave I just have to know. Can either of you hear what's going on around you?”

Cadance nods. “Sometimes. To be honest with you, the boredom of constant silence was really getting to us!”

“Should I have some of the support staff, I don't know, entertain you?”

Luna appears confused. “What did you have in mind?”

“Playing records, reading to you, even just talking to you would be better than silence, right?”

Cadance nods. “Agreed! Thank you Arc! That sounds lovely!”

“I'll see to it tomorrow morning. Now... how exactly do I get out of here?”

Luna chuckles. “This is my realm, so I have to let you out.”

Her horn glows and a portal appears.

“Step through this portal to return to Equestria.”

Arc looks to Princess Luna, confused. “Can't you come with me?!”

Cadance shakes her head sadly. “Don't you think we tried?! Every time we do that we just end up back here!”

“Okay. Don't lose hope! We'll figure this mess out somehow!”

Arc steps through the portal and is gone. Cadance turns to Luna.

“Do you think Arc will be able to handle our workload in addition to trying to mitigate a war?!”

Luna sighs. “It doesn't matter what I, or anyone else thinks. Arc is currently Equestria's best hope of survival!”

Chapter 11 - Moving Forward

Arc awakens back in his bed. He looks at the clock and sees the hour is still quite late.

“Well, that time wasn't so bad. And it's good to know the princesses are okay... kinda.”

Suddenly the door bursts open and Sandstorm Mirage rushes inside!

“Sir! We've just received an emergency transmission from Lieutenant Flash Sentry! There's been an incident! Apparently the Baltimare Courthouse is on fire!”

Ember jumps off the couch! “What?! How?!”

“We don't have the details right now! All we know is what I just told you!”

“Thank you! Inform Kibitz and Shining Armor that I am heading over there now! Then get some sleep! You look like hell!”

Sandstorm Mirage salutes. “Yes sir. Thank you sir!”

He leaves the room as Arc grabs some clean clothes and heads for the bathroom.

“Get stretched out and ready you two! We're moving out as soon as I get dressed!”

Ember looks down at her armor before turning to Sereb and shrugging. “Not sure what he meant by ‘get ready’.”

“I have no idea.”

A few minutes later Arc emerges from the bathroom showered and in fresh raiments!

“Okay, let's go!”

Arc jumps on Sereb. He turns to Ember and extends a hand!

“Hop on!”

Ember grabs Arc's hand and sits down behind him. She wraps her arms around him! “I'm going to regret this...”

Arc opens a portal! “Let's move out!”

Sereb charges through the portal. Arc and company reappear on the stone sigil outside Baltimare. They can see the flames and smoke rising from where they stand! Ember looks past Arc!

“That is one big bon-fire!”

“Let's get over there, Sereb! Flash Sentry might be in over his head on this one!”

Sereb runs at top speed toward Baltimare! “Agreed.”

They quickly enter the city! The fire has drawn quite the crowd, as the building is fully engulfed! Citizens quickly move to allow Arc and company to pass! Arc spots Flash Sentry and Cerulean Skies standing with what appears to be the Baltimare Fire Chief and heads over!

“Lieutenant! What happened?!”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Sir! You didn't have to...”

“You wake me up in the middle of the night to tell me something bad is happening? Yeah, I'm coming! Is anyone inside?!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No sir!”

“Are you sure?!”

“Yes sir! I personally locked the doors last night after making sure the building was empty!”

“Good!”

The Fire Chief approaches Arc cautiously. “S-sire! My boys can't save this building!”

“Station your forces on either side of the building! Do your best to shield the buildings around it! Let's not let a bad situation become worse!”

“As you wish, sire!”

The Fire Chief hurries to carry out his orders! Arc turns to Cerulean Skies.

“You okay?”

She nods. “Yes sire! I-I'm fine! But the courthouse... all the evidence... it's gone!”

Arc kneels down to Cerulean Skies level and puts his hands on her shoulders. “Cerulean Skies, the loss of the courthouse, however tragic, doesn't compare to the loss of even a single life! Don't worry. We can rebuild it.

“But what about the case against...”

Arc interrupts her! “It's okay. We'll find a way to see that justice is done! So don't worry about it, okay?”

Cerulean Skies appears on the edge of tears but nods her head. Arc turns back to Flash Sentry.

“Any idea what happened, lieutenant?”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I'm not sure, sir! There will of course be a thorough investigation of the matter as soon as the coals have cooled.”

The Fire Chief returns to Arc along with the mayor. He is a gray coated stallion with a black mane and mustache and is wearing a black formal suit

“I've given my boys the order to protect the surrounding buildings and let the courthouse burn itself out.”

Arc nods. “Good. I hate to lose such a grand old building, but there's nothing we can do to save it now.”

“Sire. I am the Mayor of Baltimare, Duke Carleon.”

Arc shakes hands/hooves with the mayor. “Lord Regent Arc. Is there somewhere we can talk about what happened here?”

“My office isn't too far away. Shall we?”

Arc turns to the Fire Chief. “Anything you need?”

“No sire. We can handle things here.”

“Good. Lieutenant, have your troops stay here and keep the public from getting too close. Put them under the Fire Chief's command until the situation is under control! Then I want you to come with me to the Mayor's Office.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “It shall be done!”

Arc turns to the others. “Ember, you and Cerulean Skies will accompany me to the Mayor's Office as well.”

Ember nods. Her eyes darting around nervously. “Good. I don't like the idea of you being out in the open like this any longer than necessary!”

Arc sighs. “Ember, you don't have to...”

“Oh yes I do! I'm your bodyguard, remember? Your safety is my only concern!”

Arc sighs. “Reminds me of Lieutenant Spitfire.”

Sereb looks up at him. “Did you say something?”

“It was nothing.”

Flash Sentry returns to Arc's side.

“My guards will see to it nopony gets too close sir!”

“Good. Lead the way Duke Carleon.”

The mayor leads the group to a smaller but well-kept building. They enter and follows the mayor to his office.

“Please make yourselves comfortable everypony.”

Duke Carleon sits down behind his desk.

“I'm sorry you had to come all the way here at such an hour sire!”

Arc shakes his head. “It was no trouble. I was concerned for the safety of my troops, Cerulean Skies, and the other ponies of this city! If I may ask though, I thought you were the mayor. Why are you called a ‘Duke’?”

“My family has represented the ponies of Baltimare since it was founded. Back then each town was ruled by a duke or duchess. As the mantle of mayor was passed down, so was the title. It gives me no additional power or influence.”

Ember nods. “Makes sense.”

“Please give me your opinion Duke Carleon. Do you believe this fire was an accident?”

Duke Carleon shakes his head. “I do not. Government buildings have very strict fire codes. This sort of thing really should be impossible!”

Cerulean Skies turns to him. “Will you be sending out an investigator, Lord Arc?”

“Yes. I know a fellow who has great experience with these sorts of things.”

Ember nods. “Plumb Bob?”

“Right Ember. He'll have this sorted out in no time.”

Arc turns back to Duke Carleon.

“Now speaking of investigators, I am told that you have been petitioning Canterlot to send someone to look into the recent affairs of High Justice Hawthorne. Is that correct?”

“Yes sire! He has not been using his power for the betterment of everypony! Instead those who can afford to pay are let off with but a slap on the fetlock!”

Arc nods. “I see. What do you think should be done with Judge Hawthorn?”

Ember frowns! “I say let him rot!”

Duke Carleon nods. “I agree with your housecarl sire! However, he should first face justice himself! I'm not of the opinion that we should be locking up just anypony who is accused of a crime!”

Flash Sentry turns to the mayor. “High Justice Hawthorne is currently in Canterlot Dungeon awaiting his trial.”

Duke Carleon appear surprised! “Is that where he’s been?! What's the holdup with his trial?”

“I was the arresting officer in his case. With all three princesses gone, I see it as a conflict of interest for me to preside over his trial personally. When the princesses are well again, they can give him his day in court.”

Cerulean Skies snorts! “It's better than he deserves!”

Duke Carleon nods approvingly. “Very commendable! You have the authority to give him a trial and order a sentence, yet you abstain on the grounds you are not impartial to his case. I'm humbled by your Kindness, sire!”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “Lieutenant, did anything out of the ordinary happen today before you locked up for the evening?”

“No sir. We finished gathering the evidence against the accused and locked it in the Archives Room until tomorrow when it was scheduled for transport. My guards and I along with Cerulean Skies left and headed for her house.”

Ember nods. “Were all of you staying with her?!”

“No. We merely walked her to home. Her neighborhood did not seem entirely safe.”

Sereb nods his head. “Very honorable of you lieutenant.”

“Then what did you do?”

“My troops and I got some supper and headed back to the Town Guard Barracks to get some sleep. They were all with me the whole time.”

Duke Carleon looks to the lieutenant. “What about when you awoke earlier? Was everypony present and accounted for?”

“Yes. And the courthouse is too far away for any of my guards to have started it.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief! “Good. At least we don't have to worry about a traitor in our ranks!”

Cerulean Skies thinks for a moment. “If Judge Hawthorne wasn't locked up, I would accuse HIM!”

Ember shrugs. “Well there's no way he could have been behind this, as he's been cut off from communicating with the outside world since his imprisonment.”

Cerulean Skies looks back to Arc. “Lord Arc, I hate to suggest this but what about Captain Decimus? He certainly did his part to prevent anypony from investigating this matter.”

Arc rubs his chin. “I suppose it is possible. He IS on vacation at the moment so logistically it could have been him. But without a witness or some other kind of evidence there really isn't anything I can do.”

Ember frowns. “Now I hate to be the one to defend Captain Decimus, but it also could have been any number of ponies whom either owe the judge a favor or would stand to gain from his being exonerated.”

Duke Carleon nods! “That could literally be anypony in town!”

“Who's to say it wasn't done by an outsider? Without the results of an investigation we're really just spinning our wheels here! I'll talk to Plumb Bob about coming down here with Hard Hat. The two of them can investigate and make plans to rebuild.”

“Sire, I don't mean to be critical of your decisions, but what good is a courthouse without a judge”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Makes sense. Anyone you have in mind?”

Duke Carleon nods. “There is a young mare here in Baltimare that has done her best to represent those whom cannot afford her services. Her knowledge of the law and her character are impeccable! I believe she would make a fine justice!”

“Very well. Tell her I would like to see her in Canterlot as soon as possible. Have her call my office to set up an audience.”

“Yes sire. I will relay your message as soon as the sun comes up!”

Arc stands up. “Good. Is there anything anyone else would like to add before we wrap this meeting up?”

Cerulean Skies raises her hoof. “Lord Arc? I just wanted to apologize for letting you down.”

“Oh?”

“If I had been more... attentive, maybe someone wouldn't have been able to burn the courthouse down! Thanks to me, Judge Hawthorne might just get away with all the things he did!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not likely. Do you remember the evidence you showed me when we went to the courthouse together?”

“Yes. What about it?”

He walks over to Sereb and opens his saddle bag. “I just remembered that I put those papers in here. Things were so hectic back then I completely forgot about them!’

Cerulean Skies looks at the papers in Arc’s hand! “So did I! I just hope it's enough!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I wouldn't worry about that, miss. With all the testimony that will be presented at his trial I doubt he's getting away with much!”

Ember grins! “Yeah! He's going DOWN!”

“That's sure a load off my mind!”

Arc turns back to Duke Carleon. Do you have a room here in the Town Hall that could be used as a temporary courthouse?”

“The Auditorium would suffice for now. I can get something basic set up before the end of the day.”

“Please do. Well, we won't take up any more of your time Duke Carleon. Thank you for seeing us.”

Duke Carleon nods! “The pleasure was all mine sire!”

Arc and company leave the building and step back out onto the street.

“Cerulean Skies? When you were going through the files the other day, did you happen to find a case file about a dragon?

“No Lord Arc, I didn't. Why do you ask?”

“That's the business I originally had at Baltimare Courthouse. That is, before I heard your story.”

Ember and Arc explain the situation about Ember being framed by Captain Decimus for a crime she didn't commit.

Cerulean Skies nods. “That sounds like something Judge Hawthorne would do! Even if Captain Decimus presided over your trial miss, I'm sure the ‘good’ judge would have advised him on the proper legal proceedings. Sadly, nothing about that ever came across my desk.”

“Maybe I can be exonerated due to a lack of evidence?”

Ember looks over to Arc with a pleading look in her eyes.

Arc sighs. “I wish I could just pardon you myself Ember. However, as your friend, for me to judge you during your retrial would be a conflict of interest.”

“Yeah... I understand.”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “Lieutenant, I want you and Ember to go to the courthouse and see to it the fire isn't getting out of hand. I'll meet you back there in a little while after Sereb and I take Cerulean Skies home.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Very well sir!”

“Watch your back out there, Arc.”

“I will. See you two in a bit.”

Ember and Flash Sentry head down the street toward the courthouse. Arc climbs onto Sereb and reaches a hand down to Cerulean Skies.

“Can I give you a lift?”

Cerulean Skies blushes slightly as she puts a hoof in his hand. “Thank you.”

Arc hoists the mare up to sit in front of him and puts an arm around her. Sereb runs down the street with the pair on his back. Cerulean Skies rests her head on Arc's chest.

“Tired?”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Let's just say this has been quite a night!”

In no time the trio arrives back at Cerulean Skies small home. With his arm still around Cerulean Skies midsection Arc dismounts. She winces in pain!

“Cerulean Skies, I'm so sorry! I forgot about your injury!”

“It's alright. My wound is... just a little tender, that's all.”

“Can I come in and take a look at it?”

Cerulean Skies smiles nervously. “Um... only if you want to. I know you must be tired!”

Arc walks up the steps with her. “It won't take but a few minutes. That and I think my troops will wait for me!”

The pair share a laugh as they enter the house together. Sereb remains on the porch respectfully. Cerulean Skies walks over to her couch and sits down.

“It's about time for me to change my bandages anyway.”

Arc carefully unwinds the bandages from the mare's midsection and removes the gauze.

“Good! I was afraid you had torn a stitch! This looks like it's healing nicely!”

Cerulean Skies winces again as Arc gently pats her wound with antiseptic and replaces the gauze, he then carefully wraps her back up with fresh bandages.

“There you go!”

“Thank you for your help. That is quite a bit more difficult with hooves.”

Arc nods. “I can imagine. Do you want me to send a guard or two over to keep watch?”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head. “No thank you. This is my home. I feel safe here.”

Arc moves to rise from the couch. “Well, if you're sure, I'll let you get some rest now.”

She looks up at him sheepishly. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“There's... something I need to tell you.”

Arc sits back down. “Alright, I'm listening.”

“This evening after your lieutenant brought me home, I... um...”

Cerulean Skies appears conflicted.

“Take your time. I'll wait.”

Cerulean Skies looks up at Arc with sadness in her eyes. “I... I trust you to do the right thing and all but... that doesn't make this any easier.”

“What are you saying?”

“This evening I made supper for the neighborhood as I normally do. I had just finished washing the dishes when there was a knock at the door.”

“A late visitor?”

Cerulean Skies nods. “That's what I thought at the time. It's unusual yes, but things do happen. When I opened the door, I saw... I saw my sister standing on the porch! I quickly let her inside and hugged her like I had never hugged anypony before! She had saddlebags full of fruits and vegetables!”

Arc smiles and nods. “So she came to cook supper then?”

“I suppose so. She and I had the best time cooking together! I don't mind telling you, it was like the good old days before our parents... disappeared. Tempest... I had forgotten how pretty she was when she laughed. In any case, we cooked... we ate... we did the dishes... we sat on the couch and just talked! It was wonderful!”

Cerulean Skies looks down at the floor sadly.

“Eventually she said she had to leave. I offered to let her spend the night, but she refused. The last thing she said before she left was that she had other things to do that night.”

Cerulean Skies sighs and looks Arc in the eye.

“I... I'm sorry but, I think Tempest may have started the fire tonight.”

Arc nods soberly. “I appreciate your honesty Cerulean Skies. You're very brave to tell me this. However, I'm fairly certain Tempest didn't have anything to do with the fire.”

“Really? What other reason would she have for coming here?”

Arc sighs. “She… was on my balcony in Canterlot Castle very early this morning. Don't worry, we didn't fight.”

Cerulean Skies breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia! What did she want?”

“To talk. About what I really can't tell you. In any case, she asked me to see to it you made it home safely. While I had already planned to do so, I told her that in return I wanted her to come here and spend some time with you. She agreed.”

“I don't understand. Why did you do that?”

“I could tell you missed spending time with your sister. She owed me a favor and I decided to use it to make you happy. Now, I'll know more about what happened after the investigation, but until I have proof I'm going with my gut and assuming Tempest is innocent. In this matter anyways.”

Cerulean Skies leans over to give Arc a hug and a quick kiss on his cheek! “Thank you for giving her the benefit of the doubt. After what she's done, I don't think anypony else in Equestria would have given her that much!”

Arc smiling at Cerulean Skies as he stands up. “You're welcome. Now you should probably get some sleep. Do you think you could help the mayor get a makeshift courthouse set up tomorrow?”

Cerulean Skies nods fervently! “Yes. We'll give it our best!”

“Thanks. That's all I can ask for. Sleep well Cerulean Skies.”

She waves after him. “Good night, and thank you again!”

Arc leaves the house and closes the front door behind him. Cerulean Skies leans back on the sofa, blushing and smiling to herself.

“What a stallion!”

Meanwhile outside the house a hooded figure peeks through a window.

“Thanks for taking care of her for me Arc. Hopefully she isn't making any long-term plans around you. I would hate to break her heart...”

Arc mounts Sereb. “Let's get back to the courthouse and meet up with the others.”

“As you wish.”

As Sereb makes his way down the street he turns to Arc.

“She's rather sweet on you.”

“You heard all that, huh. I... I know. It's just... I already have my eye on someone special.”

Sereb smiles as her turns to looks at the road before them. “She must be someone truly exceptional to turn your head Arc.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Believe me, she is.”

The pair return to the courthouse. They find the fire well under control. However, the building is clearly a total loss. Flash Sentry and Ember approach.

”There's nothing more we can do sir.”

“Very well. Is everyone accounted for?”

Ember nods. “Everyone's here, Arc.”

Arc opens a portal. “All of you follow me.”

All assembled enter the portal and are teleported back to Light's Hope. Arc turns to Flash Sentry and his troops.

“All of you get some sleep now and await further orders. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for all of us!”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir. Thank you sir!”

They head down the hall to the barracks.

“What about us, Arc?”

He turns to Ember. “As much as I miss this place, we should be getting back to the castle.”

Arc, riding Sereb, and Ember step onto the sigil. After powering it up the trio is again teleported to Canterlot Castle's Audience Chamber. Arc dismounts.

“Why don't the two of you head back to my room and try to get some more sleep?”

Ember yawns. “Thanks, I think I'll do that. But what about you?”

Sereb looks to him. “I will remain with you, Arc.”

“Suit yourself, Sereb. Good night Ember.”

Ember leaves the Audience Chamber.

“Let's head over to Kibitz's office and see if he's up yet.”

“Very well.”

Arc and Sereb head to the personal assistant's office. He is just opening his door.

“Good morning Kibitz!”

“Good morning sire! My, you're up early!”

Arc nods. “There was an incident in Baltimare. We actually just got back.”

Kibitz looks to Arc, flabbergasted! “You mean, you just left?!”

“Pretty much.”

“Please refrain from doing such things in the future sire! If there had been an incursion or some other kind of emergency we wouldn't have known where to look for you!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “He does raise a good point.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I guess so. Sorry about that.”

Kibitz enters his office. “I think I have something here that will help in the event you need to make a quick exit sire!”

He walks over to his desk and pulls something out and levitates it to Arc.

“Please keep this with you, sire!”

Arc holds out his hand to accept the item. “Is this an earpiece?”

Kibitz nods! “Indeed sire! Princess Celestia wore it on her crown in case of emergency. It was a bit... larger than your own you see, and was in range of her ear. I've modified it to clip onto your earlobe.”

Arc puts the earbud on. Kibitz walks him over to a mirror.

“As you can see, I made it to appear to be simple jewelry.”

Arc looks at his reflection. “I'm not a big fan of earrings, but for the sake of Equestria I'll wear it.”

“Very good sire!”

Arc turns back to Kibitz. “In any case, I need to head back to Ponyville for a bit this morning to see how Twilight is doing on her research.”

Sereb looks to Arc, confused. “Could you not just call?”

“I could. However, there's something else I need to do in Ponyville today. I'll be back in a couple hours for audiences.”

“Very well sire.”

Arc and Sereb leave the office and open a portal back to Ponyville. He and Sereb step through it and find themselves back at Light's Hope.

Arc looks at the clock on the wall. “I guess it's about time.”

He concentrates and lowers the moon. Then he raises the sun to the dawn position.

“That's getting a bit easier.”

Sereb nods. “Practice makes perfect.”

Arc climbs on Sereb's back. “I guess so. Well, let's get moving.”

Meanwhile back at the Golden Oaks Library, Spike walks down the stairs to Twilight’s basement lab.

“How's it coming you two?”

Auriel looks up from her lab table. “I've analyzed every sample you brought me Spike. While they are fascinating, nothing even comes CLOSE to this odd fruit the princess sent over! I daresay it may be of magical origin!”

“Great! Uh... what now?”

Auriel points to a large pot of dirt in the corner under a grow light. “I've already planted one of the strange pods I found at the center of this fruit. Twilight says it should be able to spawn a copy of itself that way!”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “It's called planting a seed.”

“Interesting! Well, I may have done something wrong when I planted this seed. I watched it for over an hour after I watered it and it didn't do a thing!”

“It takes quite a while for a seed to sprout, Auriel!”

Auriel looks confused. “How long? Several hours?”

Spike shakes his head. “Days usually! Sometimes longer!”

“Fascinating! Do all plants reproduce this way?!”

‘Pretty much!”

Auriel looks around. “Even this tree where standing in?!”

“I guess so.”

Auriel looks back to the pot.

“Plants are truly remarkable! I MUST know more about them!!!”

Spike chuckles. “Well Equestria is full of plants! You can't hardly take two steps without seeing one!”

He looks around the lab.

“Hey, where's Twilight?”

Auriel points a claw at a large pile of books in the corner of the lab. There is a small purple horn sticking out of it.

“She fell asleep reading. I just covered her up with books and let her sleep.”

“Why didn't you just take her to bed?!”

Auriel looks at Spike confused. “She seemed comfortable enough where she was. That and she seemed to enjoy being surrounded by her tomes.”

Auriel looks over to the pile of books and smiles.

“It's actually kinda nice! I've spent many a night with nothing but my lab coat and my books to keep me warm.”

Spike throws his claws up and rolling his eyes! “You two were made for each other!”

He walks over to the pile and begins to dig Twilight out.

“Twilight? It's time for breakfast.”

She slowly rises from the floor and looks around confused.

“What happened?”

Uh… Auriel says you... fell asleep.”

Auriel nods. “I covered you up with some books. I hope that was okay!”

Twilight stretches and yawns. “Well, that explains the awesome dreams I had! Thanks!”

“Like what?”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “Well, I dreamed I was sailing through an endless ocean of... BOOKS!”

Spike facepalms. “I guess I should have seen that one coming!”

He turns back toward the stairs.

“Well, how about some breakfast you two?”

Twilight nods. “Sounds good! Thanks Spike!”

She and Auriel go upstairs and sit down to breakfast. Auriel eats some pancakes!

“This is really good!”

Twilight nods in agreement! “Yeah Spike! I think you've really outdone yourself this time!”

There is a knock at the door. Spike stands up from the table.

“I'll get it.”

He walks quickly to the front door. Spike opens it to find Arc and Sereb.

“Hey there you two! How's everything?!”

“Okay I guess, Spike. Sorry for coming so early. Is Twilight up yet?”

“Yeah! Her and Auriel are eating breakfast! Come on in!”

Arc and Sereb enter the Library and proceed to the kitchen. Twilight looks up as they enter.

“Well this is a nice surprise!”

“Good morning Arc! Hello again Sereb!”

Twilight motions to the table. “Won't you join us for breakfast?”

Arc nods. “Thank you. Just a quick one though. I'm currently on borrowed time.”

He sits down at the table as Sereb returns to his Cub Form to sit at Arc's feet. Spike quickly serves Arc and Sereb a stack of pancakes.

“How are things coming along you two?”

Twilight sighs. “Not too well. I've been studying this toxin but haven't really figured out much.”

Auriel looks over to Arc. “I'm following up on another angle. Princess Cadance sent Twilight a package about a week ago...”

“Auriel! The message said we shouldn't tell anyone about it!”

Auriel nods. “But, it's Arc! Shouldn't he know?!”

Twilight: thinks for a moment. “Well... I suppose so. He is the Lord Regent after all.”

“It's okay Twilight. If the princess wanted you to keep something to yourself you should respect her wishes.”

Twilight looks relieved. “Thanks for understanding Arc! I'd hate to let Cadance down! She was most insistent that this remain secret!”

“Anything on your end, Arc?”

Arc nods. “A bit, yes. We've found a rather peculiar smell on Princess Luna's breath and coat. The Hammers tell me they fell victim to something that smells like it a number of years ago.”

“Really?! Where?!”

“From a patch of flowers in the Everfree Forest. They said these particular plants messed with their minds and caused severe inflammation to their skin. It may just be a coincidence but were going to follow up on it.”

Auriel nods! “It's a start! Anything else?!”

“They said they met a striped pony who lives in the Everfree Forest who treated their poisoning. She may have knowledge of how to counteract the princess' malady.”

Twilight nods excitedly! “It's worth a try! Can I accompany them? If this striped pony is still there, she may be able to teach me how to cure the princesses!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well... okay. Just be careful!”

“I will! When do we leave?”

“As soon as Sunburst figures out where this ‘Zecora’ lives. Hopefully soon! Flash Sentry will be leading this mission, so be sure to follow his instructions!”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “This may just coincide with what I've found! When I examined this substance under my microscope, I found that it's not so much a chemical, as it is a naturally occurring compound!”

“How do you know that?”

“I could see individual cells that made up the substance. That and it had a cell wall! It's clearly plant based!”

Auriel nods! “I think we're on the right track!”

Spike smiles happily! “The princesses will be cured in no time! Can I come too?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Sorry Spike, but this is too dangerous for you. I want you to stay here where it's safe!”

Spike walks back over to the stove. “Aw phooey! I never get to do anything...”

Arc stands up. “Don't worry Spike. Your time will come! Well, I need to run a few errands before getting back to Canterlot for audiences. Keep at it you two!”

Twilight walks over to Arc and gives him a hug. “Thanks for stopping by. Don't work too hard now!”

Arc hugs Twilight back. “You too, Twilight. Thank you for breakfast. Take care.”

He breaks the embrace as he and Sereb walk out the door together. Sereb looks up as Arc mounts him.

“Where to now?”

“Let's go see the Hammers.”

Sereb runs down the path toward the Blacksmith's Shop.

“You believe they can help save the princesses?”

Arc nods. “Yes. They... have had quite a few experiences in the past that may help us now.”

“Ah, the wisdom gained from experience.”

Arc nods a bit embarrassed. “Yes, well… I'm actually going there to buy something... special. Don't worry, this won't take too long.”

The pair arrive at the small shop just as Silver Hammer opens the front door for business. Arc hops off Sereb.

“Good morning Silver Hammer.”

“Good morning Arc! My you're up early today! Everything all right with Princess Luna?”

Arc nods. “She's okay for now. There was trouble in Baltimare before first light. The courthouse burnt to the ground! Fortunately no one was inside at the time.”

Silver Hammer nods! “Well that's good to hear! So what brings you here today.”

Arc blushes slightly. “I... um... need to buy something… special from you…”

She nods. “I think I understand. Give me a few moments.”

Silver Hammer enters the shop and emerges a few moments later with a small box. Arc walks over as she opens the box to show him the contents.

“Is this what you had in mind, Arc?”

Arc picks up the item and studies it for a moment. “Yes! It's perfect!”

Silver Hammer sighs as Arc looks at the price tag.

“I'm sorry it's so expensive! Are you sure you don't want to look at anything else?”

Arc puts the item back in the box and closes the lid. “Positive! I can understand the price! The craftsmanship is superb!”

He reaches into his ring and pulls out a huge bag of bits. Arc takes the box from Silver Hammer and gives her the money.

“Thank you Arc! I'm sure you'll be very happy with that!”

Arc carefully puts the box in Sereb's saddlebag and returns to the saddle.

“I will, thank you! By the way, I've got Sunburst looking into finding Zecora. I'll call you when we know more.”

Silver Hammer waves at Arc as he leaves. “We'll be ready! Have a nice day Arc!”

Arc and Sereb head down the path toward town.

“Let's go back to my house and see if we can catch Derpy before she goes to work.”

Sereb nods. “Very well.”

Arc and Sereb soon arrive at the small house. Arc uses his key and lets himself in. Derpy looks up from her mat as she hears the door open.

“Arc! You're back!”

She trots over to him and the pair embrace.

“I came by to see Raven. Are she and Dinky still in bed?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. Is everything okay with her, Arc? There was quite a bit of... whimpering coming from your room last night.”

Arc looks away. “It's... not for me to say Derpy. This is a deeply personal matter for Raven.”

“It's okay. I understand.”

Derpy looks toward the closed bedroom door.

“I was actually about to wake up Dinky. We have breakfast at the orphanage every morning!”

Arc nods! “I'll wake her up for you. She's so cute when she's asleep.”

Derpy giggles! “I agree! Go ahead!”

Arc walks over to his room and quietly opens the door. He walks over to his bed and quickly sees that it is empty.

Arc frowns. “Odd...”

He looks over to Ember's bed to see Raven lying there still asleep. Dinky is curled up in Raven's fetlocks. Both are smiling! Arc gently shakes the pair.

“Dinky... Raven... it's time to get up.”

Raven slowly opens her eyes. “Huh? Commander?”

She looks down and sees Dinky in her hooves before nervously turning back to Arc.

“S-sir! I... I'm sorry! I don't know what happened!”

Dinky opens her eyes and yawns. “Good morning dad. Hello again Miss Raven. Were you having a bad dream last night?”

Raven looks confused. “A... bad dream?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! You were crying, so I climbed into bed with you. I hope that's all right!”

“It's fine dear. I didn't hurt you, did I?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, you just wrapped your fetlocks around me and held me! It felt really nice! Like when my parents used to hold me!”

“Did I stop crying?”

“Well... kinda. There were still tears falling down your cheeks. But you were smiling at the time, so I guess you were really happy about something.”

Arc nods. “Dinky, your mother is waiting for you in the living room. It's almost time to go.”

Dinky bounds out of bed! “Okay! Just let me brush my teeth. Be right there mom!”

Raven looks over at Arc, mortified!

“I... I don't really know what to say, sir. I understand if you're mad at me for...”

Arc interrupts her. “Raven, you have nothing to apologize for. Dinky saw that you needed someone to hold. Although she doesn't know what happened, she still took the initiative and wanted to help you.”

Raven looks to Arc. “Thank you for understanding sir. I... it felt... comforting to have somepony to hold. You have a wonderful little filly!”

“Thank you. I'm very proud of her. Do you feel better this morning?”

“Yes, I do. Um... is there something I should be doing right now?”

Arc nods. “Sort of. Flash Sentry and the Royal Guards are back at Light's Hope. I want you to go back there with me and help him with his investigation.”

Raven gets out of bed quickly. “Yes sir!”

Arc and head for the door. Derpy and Dinky are just about to leave themselves. Dinky waves a small hoof after him.

“Goodbye dad! Goodbye Miss Raven!”

“Take care Arc!”

Arc turns and waves back! “Have a nice day you two!”

He climbs on Sereb's back and extends a hand to Raven. She takes it as he pulls her up. After a short ride they arrive at Light's Hope. Raven looks around the Main Hall.

“It feels like forever since I was last here.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Let's go to my office, Raven. We need to talk.”

He turns to Sereb.

“Go tell Flash Sentry I need to speak to him in my office right away.”

“Right away.”

Arc and Raven walk to the office as Sereb makes his way to the barracks. He opens the office door, allowing Raven to enter first.

“Have a seat on the couch.”

Raven does so as Arc sits down across from her.

“So, what happens now, commander?”

“I think we need to have a talk with Flash Sentry about what you told me yesterday.”

Raven looks up frantically! “WHAT?! NO! He... he can't know!”

“Do you care for him?”

She nods feverishly! “Yes! More than anypony in the whole world!”

“He deserves to know, Raven. Doesn't he?”

Raven looks down at her hooves, sadly. “I... I know he does. This is going to be so hard! What if he...”

Arc puts a finger to Ravens mouth. “Shhh... don't talk about what might happen. He's an understanding fellow! Trust him!”

“…okay.”

A few minutes later Flash Sentry enters the office with Sereb.

“Sir? You wanted to see me?”

“Yes. Please sit down next to Raven. There is much to discuss!”

Flash Sentry does so.

Sereb smiles and winks. “Arc, if you don't need me, I think I'll head over to the kitchen for a bite.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Sereb leaves the room. Flash Sentry looks over at Raven as he sits down next to her. “Is... is everything... okay?”

Raven takes Flash Sentry's hoof in hers and holds it tightly. “No Flash Sentry, it's not. It hasn't been for a long time now!”

Flash Sentry looks to her, concerned! “W-what are you saying?!”

Arc stands up. “I should leave you two alone for this.”

“No sir, please! I... I want you here!”

“Well, okay. But only if you're sure.”

Raven nods as Arc sits back down. “I am. But... I don't really know where to begin.”

Arc nods. “I know this won't be easy Raven, but just look Flash Sentry in the eye and tell him what you told me.”

“Okay... here goes.”

Raven tells Flash Sentry what she has been going through, her dream, and how she tried to kill herself. She cries softly as he holds her in his hooves.

“I... I really wanted to die! I just didn't want to be a burden to you or the commander anymore!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head, sadly. “Raven! I had no idea you were going through all of this! Why didn't you tell me?! I could have helped you through it!”

She looks up at him, tears in her eyes. “You were always so busy with your duty to the commander and Equestria! I didn't want to burden you with even more weight!”

He takes Raven's face in his hooves, smiling. “Raven... you've never been a burden to me. I... I want to be there for you, always! Please... don't keep secrets like this from me! I can't help you if I don't know there's a problem!”

Raven leans into Flash Sentry’s embrace and closes her eyes. “Thank you. I... I love you Flash Sentry!”

Flash Sentry wraps his hooves around the smiling mare. “And I love you too Raven.”

Raven and Flash Sentry hold each other tightly. Flash Sentry kisses Raven on her cheek over and over again as he slowly makes his way toward her lips. As he brushes his lips against hers, she suddenly draws back!

“Raven, I'm sorry! Did I go too far?!”

Raven shakes her head but does not look back at him. “N-no. That's not it. It's my fault for not saying anything. Back then... when Lord Goldstone first... grabbed me... the first thing he did was... force me to kiss him!”

She covers her eyes with her hooves and begins to cry!

“He... he took my first kiss! I always dreamed it would be with a stallion I truly loved and respected! Not somepony I found vile and lustful!”

Arc nods and looks to her. “Raven... Lord Goldstone only wanted you for his own pleasure. But right now, there's a stallion who wants you... for YOU! He cares so much for you, and not just for your body. But for your heart as well!”

Flash Sentry takes both of Raven's front hooves in his. “It's true Raven. I want to be with you! Not because I want to bed you, but because I think you're a really sweet and special young mare! Hopefully the two of us can get to know each other even better in the coming days!

Arc smiles at the pair. “Sorry Raven, but with me in Canterlot until further notice you might have days when you have VERY little to do.”

Flash Sentry nods. “As the officer in charge of Light's Hope, I’ll need quite a bit of counsel from my aide.”

Raven smiles at Flash Sentry as she wraps her hooves around his neck. “I'll do my best to advise you... sir.”

Arc stands. “I'll leave the two of you alone to... get better acquainted. Raven, a counselor will come in a day or two to talk to you and Flash Sentry, if he's not too busy that is.”

“Thank you commander. I... I feel a bit better after confessing this to Flash Sentry, but I still need some professional help.”

“You'll get it! Flash Sentry, keep your blades and armor ready though! As soon as Sunburst figures out where a pony of interest is, you're going to be leading a mission into the Everfree Forest.”

“Yes sir. Don't worry about a thing! I'll make good use of my time until then.”

“I have to get back to Canterlot now. Call me if you two need to talk, okay?”

Flash Sentry nods, not taking his eyes off of Raven. “We will sir!”

Arc heads for the door.

“Commander?!”

“Yes, Raven?”

“Thanks... for everything.”

Arc smiles at her. “You're welcome.”

He steps out of the office and walks slowly down the hall toward the cafeteria. Partway there he stops and leans against the wall, sighing. Looking back at the door he came from, Arc shakes his head sadly.

“I'm so jealous of those two. Cherry... I wish... I hope I can say those things to you... someday.”

Chapter 12 - Revelations

A short time later Arc and Sereb return to Canterlot Castle's Audience Chamber via portal. Kibitz is pacing the floor in front of Ember.

“Ah, there you are sire! My apologies, but I can't seem to find Raven anywhere! Young ponies these days...”

Ember nods. “I'm sure she's fine Kibitz.”

“Right now, Raven is back at Light's Hope. Flash Sentry and my guards are preparing for a mission and I thought they might need... logistical help.”

Kibitz looks nervously to Arc. “Oh dear! Will she be in danger?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! She's not actually going WITH them! Just working on paperwork and answering the phone in the interim.

Kibitz lets out a sigh of relief. “Good! She's my only granddaughter you know! Well, are you ready to start today's audiences sire?”

Arc walks over to his throne and sits down with Ember on one side, Sereb on the other, sighing. “As ready as I'll ever be.”

“Very good sire! Now I must apologize, but I can't seem to find your Royal Scepter anywhere! I was told you left it on your throne yesterday when audiences concluded.”

Arc pats his ring as he nods. “What a darn shame! Well I suppose it can't be helped! Let's get on with it, shall we?”

As Kibitz walks over to the Audience Chamber doors Ember leans over to Arc and whispers to him.

“Where is Raven really?”

“She really is at Light's Hope with Flash Sentry and some guards.”

“Doing what?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I can't really talk about it! It's kinda a sensitive topic! Just... let it go for now, okay?”

Ember crosses her arms over her chest and looks away. “Pfft... fine.”

Kibitz opens the door and allows the first audience of the day to enter. Two mares arguing loudly enter the Audience Chamber together! Arc facepalms.

“I have GOT to get the princesses back here.”

Quite a few terrible audiences later a Royal Guard enters the Audience Chamber quickly! He bows and removes his helmet.

“Sire, please forgive this intrusion!”

Ember mutters to herself. “Forgive? His ‘intrusion’ is an act of mercy right now!”

“Is there trouble?!

“Lead Sage Sunburst is requesting an immediate audience! He says it is of the utmost importance!”

Arc nods. “Very well. Send him in.”

Ember nods. “Good call, Arc!”

Arc turns quietly to Ember. “Finally, a reprieve.”

A few moments later Sunburst enters the Audience Chamber.

“Lord Arc! I believe we have located this Zecora you spoke of! She does indeed live in the Everfree Forest!”

“Great! How exactly do we go about getting to her?”

“Sadly, it seems walking would be the best method of traversing that particular forest.”

Arc frowns. “Don't we have a tank or something with a lot of armor we could send?”

Sunburst looks confused. “A what?!”

Arc rises from his throne. “Never mind. Sunburst, come with me!”

“Very well sire! Uh... where are we going?”

Arc opens a portal. “To Light's Hope!”

Ember frowns. “Hey! I hope you weren't planning on leaving us behind!”

Arc winks at Ember. “Wouldn't dream of leaving my bodyguards behind. Let's go! We'll be back shortly Kibitz!”

Arc and company step through the portal together. A moment later they arrive at Light's Hope. Raven looks up from her desk, surprised!

“Commander?! Is something wrong?”

“I have a mission for Flash Sentry. Where is he?”

Raven points a hoof down the corridor. “At the moment he's in your office.”

“Thanks. Call the Hammers and Twilight. Tell them to come here right away!

She picks up her phone. “Right away!”

Arc and company head for his office. Flash Sentry appears to be going over a map of the Everfree Forest. He looks up as they enter.

“Sir?! Back so soon?!”

“We've got a lead that needs following up on! Raven's in the process of calling the Hammers and Twilight. They’ll be joining you on this little adventure.”

“Very well sir.”

They wait for the others to arrive. It does not take long. In short order Twilight, Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer rush into the office together!

“I came as fast as I could Arc!”

“As did we!”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc. “You've found Zecora?!”

Arc nods. “I think so, yes. Sunburst here says he's located her!”

“Indeed! She's about a half hour walk from here in the Everfree Forest.”

Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide! “What?! Nopony could survive for long in that particular forest!”

“I too was skeptical of this, lieutenant. However, our sages have indeed located a rather... unique looking pony deep in the Everfree Forest.”

Sereb nods. “She must be quite the skilled warrior.”

“Sunburst. How exactly will they find her? You said you located her, but...”

Sunburst produces a scroll from his cloak as he looks over to them. We've plotted a route that should take your group straight to the hut! My apologies, but we don't exactly have the greatest maps of that region.”

Ember nods. “That's understandable. I mean, who in their right mind would willingly go into that place?!”

Arc laughs! “You and I did not that long ago!”

“Yes, and that was crazy!”

Twilight nods soberly. “Crazy or not, we have to do this! It's for the princesses!”

“Lieutenant. Do you need anything else for this mission? Reinforcements? Better equipment? Pastries?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Thank you sir. But I think a smaller group would attract less attention from the ‘residents’ of the forest.”

Twilight nods her head in agreement. “Yes. That and we should be able to move faster as well.”

Silver Hammer turns to her husband. “I worry that a larger group would only serve to frighten Zecora!”

Steel Hammer looks to his wife. “Agreed. She probably hasn't had company in quite some time! Our group will already be quite large!”

“Want me to go with you guys?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “I appreciate the thought Ember, but if the size of our group doesn't scare Zecora, a dragon certainly will!”

Arc looks to the lieutenant. “I'll leave command of this mission to you Flash Sentry. Should you be attacked by any of the denizens of the forest, I am authorizing the use of lethal force. Bring everyone back safely, okay?”

“Yes sir!”

Arc looks around the room. “Now before you all leave, there is one other development I would like to share.”

Ember looks confused. “Development?”

“Last night I was able to make contact with the princesses.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide! “WHAT?!”

Sunburst turn to Arc, amazed! “HOW?!”

Ember smiles and folds her arms over her chest. “I knew he could do it!”

Sereb nods. “Somehow, I am not surprised.”

“I was sleeping in Princess Celestia's bed next door to the princesses. Apparently, the bed was enchanted by Princess Luna to allow her sister to enter her realm. The two of them are currently trapped there!”

Silver Hammer looks to him, amazed! “Wait! You actually SAW the Lunar Realm?!”

“Yes. It was a bit... unsettling.”

“What was it like?!”

“Dark and foreboding. And quiet, very quiet.”

Sunburst nods as he thinks for a moment. “I would like to talk with you later about this phenomenon Lord Arc! For somepony other than an alicorn to see the effects of Realm Magic is unprecedented!”

“Maybe another time Sunburst when things are less hectic.”

“Yes sire! I understand!”

Twilight trots slowly in place! “Are the two of them okay?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Kinda...”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Kinda?”

“Both of them are physically sound. Somehow only their consciousnesses have been sent to the Lunar Realm. The bad part is they can't seem to leave! The best way I can think of to describe it is to say they're trapped in Princess Luna's mind!”

Twilight nods, clearly worried about Princess Cadance! “After we get back from Zecora's house I'll take the Blitztorte to Canterlot. I'd really like to speak to Cadance myself. Is... is that okay Arc?”

“I was hoping you would say that actually. The princesses could use the moral support of a friend right now.”

Silver Hammer looks over to Arc nervously. “Um... Arc? We hate to impose, but could we possibly... you know...”

“Yes indeed. Please accompany Twilight on the Blitztorte! You can stay as long as you'd like!”

Steel Hammer nods! “Thank you Arc!”

“Now I need to be getting back to Canterlot. All of you may take whatever equipment you need from the armory to keep yourselves safe! Please proceed there now so this mission can get underway. Godspeed.”

Flash Sentry, Twilight, and the Hammers proceed to leave the office together.

“Twilight!”

“Yes Arc?”

Arc walks over to the purple mare and kneels down to give her a hug. “Be careful out there, okay?”

Twilight returns the hug. “Thank you. I will!”

She leaves the office and hurries after the others. Arc turns to Ember.

“Can you go to the armory with Sereb and see to it Twilight is properly outfitted? I think we can both agree that she doesn't have much experience with this sort of thing.”

Ember nods. “Sure. Be back in a few minutes.”

She leaves the room along with Sereb as Arc turns to Sunburst.

“Sunburst... I need you to do something for me. There will be no reasons given or questions on this matter answered.”

“Sire?”

“I want you to send a therapist to Light's Hope as soon as possible. Someone with experience helping those who have undergone extreme mental or physical trauma. When they arrive, I want them to contact me personally for further instructions. Do you understand?”

Sunburst nods cautiously. “I'll see to it as soon as I get back to my office. Who is...?”

Arc interrupts him. “That's a question.”

“My apologies sire.”

A few minutes later Ember re-enters the office with Sereb.

“Well, they're on their way.”

Arc nods, sadly. “I... wish I could go with them...”

Ember nods, understanding. “Flash Sentry is with them! They'll be fine!”

“Yeah, you're probably right Ember. Well, let's get back to Canterlot.”

Arc opens a portal to the Canterlot Castle Audience Chamber. The group steps through to find Kibitz is pacing the floor again!

“Sorry that took so long Kibitz!”

“Glad to see you back sire! The citizens were growing restless!"

Arc walks back to his throne and sits down, sighing. “Next audience Kibitz.”

Meanwhile on the outskirts of Ponyville, Flash Sentry, Twilight, and the Hammers cautiously make their way to what is, hopefully, Zecora's hut. Flash Sentry is on point hovering a foot or so off the ground with his blades drawn!

Twilight looks around. “This forest gives me the creeps!”

Steel Hammer nods. Keeping a hoof on his blade. “Stay sharp! Pretty much everything in here is dangerous!”

“Really? It doesn't look that dangerous to me.”

Silver Hammer looks around cautiously, keeping a hoof on her spear. She turns to Twilight.

"Looks can be deceiving."

She throws her spear at a nearby vine that had been slowly moving toward Twilight, pinning it to the ground! Steel Hammer draws his blade and cleanly slices the vine! It retreats back into the foliage as Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer quickly move to stand back to back as they survey their surroundings!

Twilight trips over her own hooves as she staggers backwards to land on her flank! “WOAH! That was close!”

Flash Sentry turns around. “Everypony okay back there?!”

Silver Hammer nods. “We're fine.”

Twilight stands up. “Let's press on.”

About a half hour later the group arrives at the spot on the map. They find a small and rather run-down house made out of a hollowed-out tree. Flash Sentry cautiously walks toward the hut.

“Everypony stay behind me. I'll knock.”

Steel Hammer looks over. “Maybe we should do that lieutenant. Zecora might recognize us.”

“Thanks for the offer, but as the mission leader it's my job to take this risk myself.”

Flash Sentry approaches the hut's front door and knocks. There is no reply.

“Um... Miss Zecora? Can I talk to you please?”

The silence from within the hut is deafening.

Twilight looks around. “Maybe she's not home?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Either that or she's hiding from us.”

Steel Hammer draws his blade and looks behind them. “Or something else...”

The group turns around to see several large Cragadiles lumbering toward them! Flash Sentry rushes forward!

“I got this!”

He slashes with all his might at the first beast in his path! However, his blades bounce harmlessly off their rock-like scales! He flies back to the group.

“Well, that could have gone better.”

Twilight steps forward. “Let me have a try!”

She aims her horn at the pack! Silver Hammer looks over and cries out!

“No, wait!”

A blast of magical energy blazes forth! As it hits the Cragadile, the magic is reflected back at Twilight!

“AH!!!”

Steel Hammer jumps in front of Twilight and knocks the magic blast harmlessly away from her before turning around.

“Their scales have opposing magical properties! Any spell you cast in their direction will behave that way!”

Twilight looks frightened! “So what do we do?!”

Silver Hammer points her spear in the opposite direction. “Best course of action... RUN!”

“Agreed! Everypony follow...”

Flash Sentry suddenly looks woozy. A few moments later the rest of the party feels the same! They collapse to the ground together.

A short time later Twilight opens her eyes slowly. “Ugh... my head. What happened?!”

She tries to stand, but quickly finds she is unable to move! Her eyes dart around the room quickly! She is in a small dwelling with many strange looking implements, potions and masks on the walls!

“Hello? Is... is anypony there?”

The sound of clopping hooves can be heard approaching Twilight. In a moment a strange hooded creature with glowing yellow eyes stands over her.

“Um... hi?”

“Who are you that you have come to this place?! Why can I not be left alone... be given some space?!”

“I... I'm sorry to bother you like this! We were looking for somepony named Zecora. Please tell me! Where are my friends?! Are they okay?!”

The figure looks away from Twilight for a moment. “They are fine! Safe from the beast! However, your answers now will decide if they will feast!”

Twilight gulps.

“Zecora wishes to be left in peace! But these days it seems the trouble in the forest does not cease! For you see, it was you four who brought the cragadiles to my door!”

“I've heard that the beasts here have become somewhat more aggressive lately.”

“You have no idea what misfortune they have brought! Tell me though what it is you have sought!”

"We came here looking for help with a plant problem. The princesses have fallen ill from a strange plant-based toxin and we can't wake them up! Please! I only want to help them!

The figure considers this for a moment. “A plant poison you say? So that is why you have braved the forest’s fray! A solution I may yet have to your plea. However, I would like you to do something for me.”

“Anything!”

The figure putts a vial to Twilight's lips. “Drink the contents of this tincture down. Although I'm quite sure the taste of it will make you frown!”

Twilight partakes of the strange liquid. She grimaces at the taste but manages to drink it.

“You should soon find that the feeling has returned to your limbs! Maybe then we can speak of the trouble that brims!”

Twilight rises unsteadily. “Th-thank you. Please tell me... where are my friends?”

The figure points a hoof to the far corner of the room to what appear to be a few patient beds. She gives Twilight three vials of the strange bitter liquid.

“Administer this to your friends, but tarry not! For you see, that is the last of the medicine from my pot.”

Twilight does as she is told and walks over to the paralyzed ponies. After administering the potion, they begin to move again. Flash Sentry puts a hoof to his head.

“What... the... heck?”

Steel Hammer sits up slowly. “Well... that just happened...”

Silver Hammer looks around the room. “It hasn't changed much.”

She turns her head to look at the hooded figure.

“Hello again Zecora. It's been quite a long time.”

Twilight turns to face their hostess. “Zecora?!”

She removes her hood to reveal a zebra's coat and a distrustful look coated in confusion.

“I'm sorry, have we met?! If we have it's been quite some time I'll bet!”

Steel Hammer nods. “You saved us from the Everfree Forest many years ago, Zecora. My wife and I were covered in a rather strange flower's pollen.”

“You found us in a mud puddle, remember?”

Zecora looks at them angrily! “I do indeed remember you plight! However, it appears you could not keep your promise to me, try as you might!”

Steel Hammer bows his head. “Forgive us Zecora, but our need was great!”

“We needed the help of others to reach your hut! As you can see, we're not as young and vibrant as we used to be.”

Zecora turns huffily away from the group. “Speak quickly I say! I haven't all day! The purple one spoke of a need most dire. Indeed, it must be for the princesses to put their faith in mercenaries for hire!”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “Miss Zecora, forgive me but I'm Lieutenant Flash Sentry, personal aide-de-camp of Hero of Light Arc. He is the one who sent us to find you!”

“The Hero of Light you say?! Why did he not come here himself today?!”

“Because with the princesses ill he's quite busy running the country!”

Twilight nods! “Please help us Zecora! Princess Cadance took care of me when I was a foal! I have to save her!”

Zecora sighs. “Very well you four. Fear not, for I will aide you in this chore. Tell me of this plant, all that you know. I will do what I can to stop this green foe!”

Twilight pulls a blood sample out of her saddlebag and gives it to Zecora.

“Here's a sample of the princesses’ blood. If you take a look at it, I'm sure you'll see traces of this plant.”

Zecora looks at the vial, clearly confused! “I'm not quite sure what you expect me to do. Tell me, do you hope for some kind of clue?”

Steel Hammer looks at Twilight. “I don't think Zecora has a microscope anywhere around here Twilight.”

“We smelled the same scent of the flowers that caused us such trouble all those years ago on the princesses’ skin and breath.”

Zecora’s eyes grow wide! “Are you certain of this? Could you not be mistaken?! Perhaps there is another reason the princesses cannot awaken!”

Steel Hammer nods. “We're certain. I'm sure neither of us will ever forget that cursed smell!”

The zebra walks over to a shelf and pulls down a tome. “That is... not good to say the least. For it seems that particular plant’s time in Equestria has ceased.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “I'm sorry, what?”

Zecora opens the tome to a particular page. “The flower in question is referred to as Sanguine Azolla. Now I don't want to cause you to lose hope! However, after your report to the royals, they ordered it to be set up in smoke!”

Twilight frowns. “I don't get it.”

Steel Hammer sighs. “She means Princess Celestia feared the plant could be used against Equestria, so she sent others to burn that grove.”

Silver Hammer looks to Zecora. “Don't they grow anywhere else? Perhaps deeper in the forest?!”

Zecora shakes her head. “I'm afraid they do not, as that grove was the last spot. Now I've told you all I know of this plant. I've left out no fact to savor! Now then, purple unicorn, for my earlier mentioned favor.”

“What is it?”

Zecora gives Twilight the book. “Take this book and use it to learn! I ask only this of you... that none of you return!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Very well Miss Zecora. I will pass on your wish to Lord Arc. Thank you for your help.”

Silver Hammer nods to their host. “Thank you for all you did for us those many years ago.”

“Indeed. We would have been lost without you.”

Twilight accepts the book. “I'll do my best! Thank you! If you ever need anything at all you can usually find me at the Golden Oaks Library in Ponyville.”

Without a word, Zecora turns her back and busies herself at the table. Flash Sentry motions for the group to follow him outside the hut. Upon leaving they spot the Cragadiles from earlier lying on the ground, apparently paralyzed.

“So THAT'S what happened! Zecora wasn't trying to kidnap us. She was trying to SAVE us!”

"How do you figure that, Twilight?”

Steel Hammer points a hoof at their opponents. “Whatever method she used to immobilize the cragadiles must have carried over to us!”

Silver Hammer sighs. “I have to disagree dear. It looks more like she was trying to save herself. We just happened to be here at the time.”

Flash Sentry turns to walk back toward town. “Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the middle. But we should get back to Ponyville. Who knows when something else will try to eat us!”

The group begins their trek back to town. Twilight looks over her shoulder as yet another beast roars in the distance!

“I'll be glad to leave this place behind me!”

Flash Sentry nods! “Agreed. If those sounds are any indication, this place is a veritable time bomb!”

Silver Hammer sighs as she looks to her husband. “It wasn't anything like this when we were here last dear!”

“Not to say it was strictly safe or anything then either! But at least back then I didn't have this feeling of extreme tension hovering over this whole area!”

Twilight looks to the pair. “Can you two tell us more about your earlier visit to the forest? I mean, what were the two of you doing out here in the first place?!”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “I'm sorry Twilight, but we all have things in our past that we would like to keep there!”

“It's not that we don't trust you Twilight. But believe me when I say it's best for everypony if we don't talk about this.”

“Ugh... fine...”

Twilight walks a bit slower in order to bring up the rear.

“They’re hiding something, and I'm going to figure out what it is!”

The group returns to Ponyville. Flash Sentry turns to them as they exit the forest.

“I'll head back to Light's Hope and report to Lord Arc. Can you bring that book to Canterlot, Miss Twilight?”

“Yes. I'll see to it Arc gets it!”

“Thank you. And good work out there today you three!”

Flash Sentry leaves the group as the Hammers look to Twilight.

“We'll see you back at your Library in a bit Twilight.”

“We just need to get a few things and let Platinum Valve know to watch the store.”

Twilight waves after the couple. “Okay. See you in a bit!”

She turns to walk back toward town.

“...right after I have a quick talk with Pinkie Pie.”

Twilight makes her way to Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie is behind the counter.

“Hi Twilight! How's your research going?!”

“Okay. We've made some progress, but there's still a long way to go! I actually came here to talk to you about something else though.”

The pink mare bounces up and down! “Oh?! Is it a SECRET?!”

“It kinda is. Look, can we talk somewhere private?”

“Sure! I need to frost some cupcakes! We can talk in the kitchen!”

“Perfect!”

Pinkie and Twilight walk to the kitchen together. Pinkie picks up a bag of frosting and gets to work.

“So what did you want to know Twilight?!”

“What can you tell me about the Hammer family?”

Pinkie shrugs. “Not much! They pretty much keep to themselves!”

“Come on Pinkie! You've got to know SOMETHING about them! You're Pinkie Pie!”

“I know they came here a number of years ago! Silver Hammer was pregnant at the time! They bought their little shop and got right to work!”

“Where did they live before coming here?”

“Canterlot!”

Twilight looks surprised! “Really?! They don't seem the type.”

“Trust me! They were there!”

“Did they have a shop there as well?”

“I don't think so. They did... odd jobs there! Mostly for the princesses!”

Twilight nods, wide-eyed! “For the princesses?! How do you know this?!”

Pinkie shrugs. “Eh, mostly by putting together bits and pieces of their conversations over the years! You know Twilight, you can learn a lot about a pony just by listening!”

“What kind of jobs did they do?”

“I really couldn't say! They never talked about it!”

Twilight lowers her voice. “Do you think they did anything... bad?”

“Nah! They don't seem the type to be bad ponies! But I wouldn't mind hearing some of their past stories first-hoof!”

Twilight trots toward the door. “Thanks for the info Pinkie! I'll have to ask the princesses if they know more!”

She leaves the kitchen as Pinkie continues her work.

“Silly Twilight! Neither of the princess are going to tell you the details of the former Heroes of Light's missions!”

Twilight quickly makes her way home. Spike and Auriel are in the lab.

“I'm back!”

Spike rushes over to his friend! “Twilight! Are you okay?!”

“Never better Spike! How are things going here?”

Auriel looks up excitedly! “We've been studying the various plant samples along with this strange fruit! Do you remember what I said the other day about it potentially having magical properties?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“Well, I've confirmed that it is magical in nature!”

“That's quite the revelation!”

Spike nods! “Wait Twilight! There's more!”

“I've also discovered that almost all of the fruits Spike brought me also have magical properties of their own! Albeit weak and latent mind you!”

Auriel picks up a blueberry.

“For example, this strange and tasty berry here contains magic very similar to telekinesis!”

Twilight looks to the demon, wide-eyed! “Are you saying we could potentially extract Telekinesis Magic from blueberries?!”

Auriel nods! “Theoretically, yes! However, it would take several hundred pounds of them to lift anything heavier than a pebble! That's also assuming we knew of a way to harness that essence! A unicorn already has a horn to focus their magic. If another creature were to absorb such magical essences the results would be unpredictable!”

Spike thinks for a moment. “Like, an Earth Pony for example?”

“Exactly!”

Twilight frowns. “We couldn't just put the magic essence in a potion for them to drink?”

Auriel shakes her head. “That would be one big potion bottle!”

“How big are we talking here?”

Spike narrows his eyes. “Think extra-large cider keg big.”

“Oh... well I guess that's not happening.”

Auriel goes over her notes. “It might be possible to compress and strengthen the magical essence into a more... practical form. Then one might be able to imbibe such a potion. More research on this is needed, of course!”

Spike nods! “I think you're on the right track though Auriel! You're amazing!”

“Thank you Spike. I can't tell you two how good it feels to work on something other than weapons for a change!”

“Hopefully you never have to again! But right now I'm dying to know what magical properties this strange fruit has!”

“Well, I know this is going to sound a bit strange but... the magic contained in the fruit is like nothing I have ever seen or read about before! I can't really think of any other way to label it other than...”

Auriel thinks for a moment.

“Love Magic!”

Spike’s eyes grow wide! “This discovery could very well make us re-examine everything we know about modern magic!”

“It all makes sense now!”

“What does Twilight?”

Twilight laughs! “For the Princess of Love to come into possession of such a find!”

Spike muses on this for a while. “Maybe she was hoping to use this to bring love into other ponies’ lives?!”

Twilight shrugs. “There's no way of knowing without asking her directly! For all we know, she was hoping to use this as a way to stop conflicts from getting out of hoof!”

Auriel appears nervous. "I don't know about that, Twilight. Now this is all just theory at the moment, but my early research shows that this essence, if compressed, could theoretically make two ponies fall in love.”

Spike smiles. “In love?! Like, forever?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Okay, but how many of these fruits would be needed for such a magical feat? An entire grove?!”

Auriel picks up a clipboard. “I've already done the math. This fruit's essence is already quite powerful. It wouldn't take much for the effects to be felt! In fact, a single piece of fruit might just be enough!”

Spike nods thoughtfully! “Maybe that's why Princess Cadance told you to keep this a secret Twilight! If word of this got out, ponies from all over Equestria would be banging down our door!”

“The thing that bothers me about your discovery Auriel is why hasn't anypony else ever found this?! I mean, there's been countless studies done on fruit!”

Spike shrugs. “Maybe because they weren't looking for magic?”

Auriel nods. “I think Spike is right. I certainly wouldn't have thought to look for magic in an inanimate object!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I guess that makes sense. Keep at it Auriel! And good work! With this we can spread love around the world!”

Auriel turns back to her workbench as Twilight heads to her section of the lab. “I'm not sure this is such a good idea. Arc... what would you do?!”

Chapter 13 - Secrets Revealed

A short time later there is a knock at the library door. Twilight moves to answer it.

“I'll get it! It's probably the Hammers! We're heading to Canterlot Castle for... an extended period of time. Listen to Auriel, Spike!”

Spike folds his arms over his chest. “Hmph! I'm not some baby that has to be watched all the time!”

Twilight opens the front door to see the Hammers.

“Hello again!”

“We're ready to go anytime you are!”

Twilight steps outside. “I'm all set too. Please follow me.”

She leads the Hammer's behind the library where the Blitztorte is parked. Silver Hammer looks to the ship, wide-eyed!

“The Blitztorte! But what's it doing here?!”

“Arc lent it to me in case I needed to quickly get to Canterlot. We need to get this book into Arc's hands as soon as possible!”

Steel Hammer nods! “Agreed!”

The group boards the airship. Tight Ship quickly comes out of his cabin!

“We need to get to Canterlot Castle, Tight Ship. We've a lead on curing the princesses!”

Tight Ship nods. “Very well. We'll get underway in a few minutes.”

He heads for the flight deck as Twilight turns back to the Hammers.

“I... know you don't like to talk about your past. But... really, who ARE you two?”

Steel Hammer shrugs. “Just a humble blacksmith.”

Silver Hammer nods. “Just a jeweler and shopkeeper.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Really.”

Silver Hammer walks over to the guardrail. “Let me put it to you this way Twilight. Wouldn't you rather everypony forget how you sent Arc to Tartarus?”

Twilight sighs. “I'd be happy if just I could forget.”

“Everypony has a past. While we don't hold yours against you, please do the same for us would you kindly?”

“I...”

The engines suddenly come to life and the Blitztorte is quickly airborne! Twilight pats her saddlebag to make sure she has the tome.

“All I want to do right now is get this book to Arc! If the two of you want to keep secrets from everypony, that's your business. But I've learned in the past that it's best to trust your friends! You don't have to walk this lonely road alone!”

Steel Hammer sighs. “We understand Twilight. However, we've been together for a long time now. The two of us have seen many things! Met many ponies!”

“There are just some things in life that you have to keep to yourself, friendship or not. Especially when lives hang in the balance!”

Twilight nods slowly. “I'm not going to get a better answer than that, am I?”

“No.”

Twilight walks to the other side of the ship, muttering to herself. “They're hiding more than just their past! I can only imagine what dark secrets these two hold. But why does Arc seem to trust them so much?! He's usually so perceptive! How can he not see what I do?!”

Silver Hammer turn to her husband. “Do you think she knows?”

“She does not. However, this isn't the first time somepony has asked these questions of us. Eventually she'll hit a dead end and drop the subject, just as everypony before her has.”

“I do hope you're right dear.”

“So do I.”

A short while later the group arrives at Canterlot Castle. They quickly make their way to the Audience Chamber. Twilight approaches the Royal Guard Commander.

“Hello sir. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I'm here to report something of great urgency to Lord Arc.”

“Yes, Miss Sparkle. Lord Arc has given orders that you are to be admitted immediately upon your arrival. I shall inform him you are here. One moment please.”

He quickly enters the Audience Chamber. Ember is doing her best to hold two angry stallions apart while Arc sits on his throne and facepalms!

Arc sighs. “I hate my job...”

The Royal Guard Commander quickly approaches Arc and bows, removing his helmet respectfully. “Lord Arc! A Miss Twilight Sparkle is here to see you.”

“Perfect timing! GUARDS! Take these two stallions to the dungeon to cool down! When they are ready to discuss their problem like adults, they can come back.”

The guards drag away the fuming stallions as Arc turns back to the commander.

“Show Twilight and her friends in at once commander.”

“Yes sire!”

He returns to Twilight and the Hammers as the previous audience is dragged away kicking and screaming.

“The Lord Regent will see you now.”

“Thank you.”

Twilight and the Hammers enter the Audience Chamber together. Arc stands up from his throne and quickly heads over to Twilight and the Hammers. He kneels down to give Twilight a hug.

“Twilight! Flash Sentry reported to me that the four of you were attacked! Are you okay?!”

She returns the hug and smiles! “I'm just fine! Really!”

Ember nods! “Next time you really should just go with them Arc. You were beside yourself with worry the whole time!”

“I think I will. It has GOT to be easier than some of these audiences!”

Arc looks past Twilight to the Hammers.

“I'd ask if the two of you are all right, but I know better.”

The Hammers smile back and wink.

“Things... didn't exactly go as well as we had hoped.”

“On the bright side, nopony was hurt.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! That's what I wanted to hear! Now how about we go to my office so the three of you can sit down?”

The group moves to the adjoining Royal Office. The Hammers and Twilight sit on the couch with Arc as Twilight fills him in on the day's adventure. Ember and Sereb stand respectfully near the door.

Ember nods, clearly impressed! “That's quite the tale! Did you bring the book Zecora gave you?”

Twilight removes the book from her saddlebag and levitates it over to Arc. “I did! Here it is! She left a bookmark on the page in question.”

Arc looks over the page on Sanguine Azolla. Suddenly his face turns red with fury! Silver Hammer looks to him concerned!

“Arc? Is something...”

“Damn it, Decimus!!!”

Steel Hammer looks confused. “Captain Decimus? What does he have to do with flowers?”

Arc walks quickly to the door, putting the book in Ember's claws. “Everyone, follow me!”

They office and proceed out the Audience Chamber door. Arc turns to the Royal Guard Commander as he passes!

“Get Shining Armor and my squad to Captain Decimus' personal quarters now!”

“Yes sire!”

A few minutes later Arc and company arrive outside Captain Decimus' quarters. Ember turns to him.

“Arc, what is going ON?! I've never seen you this upset before!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Indeed Arc! You should really calm down!”

Silver Hammer agrees with her husband. “You'll give yourself a heart attack!”

“Decimus! He's responsible for this!”

Steel Hammer frowns. “That's quite the claim Arc! I hope you have proof to back it up.”

“The proof is right behind this door!”

Arc's squad along with Shining Armor and Trixie run up to them!

Max reaches them first. “Commander! You wanted to see us?!”

Shining Armor joins them momentarily! “What's this all about sir?”

Arc turns to Shining Armor. “Do you have a key to this room?!”

He shakes his head. “Sorry sir! It's probably the only door I CAN'T open!”

“Viktor, can you pick it?!”

“On it sir!”

After a few minutes of fiddling with the lock Viktor looks back to Arc.

“It's even more complex than the chest in his room sir! Captain Decimus must have had the locks upgraded!”

Arc attempts to Blink through the door, but is rebuffed and knocked across the hall!

“What the heck?!’

Twilight puts a hoof on the doorknob. “This door is imbued with anti-magic wards!”

Shining Armor puts his hoof on the door. “I can feel their power. This ward's power is immense! They must have been put here by somepony EXTREMELY powerful!”

Trixie looks to her commanding officer. “Like who?!”

Silver Hammer sighs. "Somepony like a princess perhaps?"

Steel Hammer sighs. “If that's the case, we’re REALLY stuck! NOPONY could undo a ward made by somepony with magic THAT powerful!

Trixie looks around. Anypony have any ideas?!

Xenos backs up in order to get a running start. “I got one... BRUTE FORCE!”

Max turns to the others. “Uh oh... EVERYPONY TAKE COVER!!!”

The Hammers along with Twilight and Trixie stand behind Shining Armor. He quickly casts a barrier spell.

Arc casts a barrier spell of his own. “Do it, Xenos!”

Xenos lunges at the door! The entire hallway shakes as he makes contact! Even through their barriers everyone can feel the shock-wave! However the door is unmoved.

Trixie falls back on her haunches! “WOAH!”

Sereb nods. “This is a bit... unsettling.”

Arc looks to the door, angrily! “AGAIN!”

Xenos bashes the door several more times with to no avail. He turns to Arc, winded.

“I'm sorry sir. It's too much even for me!”

Arc runs up to the door himself, punching it with all his might, furious! “Stupid... door... I... said... OPEN!!!”

The door remains intact as Arc falls to his knees in front of it, breathlessly!

Steel Hammer approaches Arc with Silver Hammer by his side. “Arc? We know the feeling of facing an impossible task. But if you don't stay in control of your emotions you won't get very far.”

Silver Hammer nods. “I know you're upset, but you have to stay calm! Only then will you be able to see other options!”

Arc looks at those around him. “I... I'm sorry everyone. Let me think about this for a minute.”

He puts a hand on the door and closes his eyes.

“I sense something here.”

Trixie looks around Shining Armor, cautiously. “What is it, sir?”

“The harder we push the more resistance the ward will put up to counter it.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right. That's the fundamentals of Ward Magic sir.”

Max looks at the door. “This ward must be removed somehow if any progress is to be made.”

Hugh sighs. “Easier said than done though it seems!”

Arc puts both hands on the door and concentrates. “It's really just a magical lock of sorts.”

Sereb turns toward the door. “A very large, very powerful lock one might add.”

Twilight nods! “I can sense it from all the way over here!”

Arc takes a deep breath. “Let me see if I can do anything about it.”

For a short time, nothing appears to be happening. Suddenly there is a flash of light! Arc takes a step back and raises his foot. As he brings his boot down the door is ripped off its hinges!

“There we go! Sorry for getting all worked up everyone.”

Trixie looks over. “It's okay sir. I know how you feel.”

Arc turns to his squad. “Let's go boys! Everyone else wait out here.”

Calling forth the rest of Eidolon's Ward, Arc takes point as he and his squad cautiously enter the room.

“Look around for booby traps! Decimus certainly didn't want anyone in here! I'd be amazed if he didn't have something waiting for us!”

Max looks under the nightstand. “Don't touch the phone! It's hooked up to what might be a bomb!”

Viktor examines the bookcase carefully. “Incendiary charges over here! Pull the wrong book off the shelf and instant barbecue!”

“Can you disarm it?”

“Sure. Give me a hoof, Max!”

Viktor and Max together disarm the device. Max pulls out wires and the charges.

“There we go! This won't hurt anypony now!”

Arc nods. “Good. Is the office secure?”

Hugh looks around. “Yes sir! Decimus assumed anypony who got in here would be going for the bookshelf.”

Xenos chuckles. “Even if we didn't pull the wrong book, if we discovered anything the phone would have been our next move! Clever!”

Arc turns toward the door as he returns the bulk of his armor to the ring. “It's safe to come in now!”

The Hammers, Twilight, Shining Armor and Trixie enter the room. Ember and Sereb stand in the doorway.

Shining Armor looks around the room. “Somehow I thought the Captain of the Royal Guard would have a nicer room.”

Arc nods. “I said the same when I first saw it.”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc, confused. “What?! But isn't this the first time you've been in here?”

“Right! I can't see Captain Decimus inviting anypony to his private chambers!”

“He didn't. My squad and I... broke in here a while back.”

Twilight looks at Arc, wide-eyed! “You did WHAT?!”

Shining Armor frowns! “WHEN?!”

“The same night you broke into MY base, Shining Armor!”

Twilight looks to her brother, amazed. “What the WHAT?! Big brother, how could you?!”

“Twilight, I...”

Arc turns to his friends. “Please Twilight. Shining Armor was only following the orders of his commanding officer.”

Ember frowns. “Well, that doesn't make it right!”

“That's roughly what I told him at the time. But I couldn't really come down on him TOO hard, considering I had been doing the exact same thing only a few minutes earlier.”

Trixie hangs her head. “There was... another reason too, sir. Remember?”

“Yes, but we don't have to talk about that, Trixie!”

Sereb nods. “Sometimes it is best to leave the past in the past.”

“Agreed. I'm not proud of some of the things I did under Captain Decimus. If I may ask sir, what were you doing in here?”

Trixie looks to Shining Armor. “He... he was looking for a confession that I had been forced to sign during my interrogation! Captain Decimus and his soldiers beat me savagely until I was willing to sign a paper admitting to many horrendous crimes! Most of which I had never even CONSIDERED!”

Arc walks over to Trixie and puts a hand on her back. “I couldn't let that go! Trixie really was guilty of numerous crimes! However, I didn't want her to be punished for a bunch of fabricated statements! I had been planning to come here anyways as part of my ongoing investigation.”

Ember chuckles. “I still can't believe you did that Arc!”

Sereb looks to Ember. “Breaking in or defending a criminal?”

“BOTH!”

Arc points to an empty flower box in front of the window. “There WAS some strange looking flower in the box when we were here last!”

Ember looks confused. “Flowers?”

Arc walks over to Ember and takes the book from her. He opens the book to the bookmarked page and holds the book toward the others as he points to a picture.

“They looked exactly like THIS!”

Silver Hammer looks at the book, shocked! “What?! But those are the plants from the forest!”

“Arc! Are you saying Captain Decimus had some growing right here in his room?!”

Max nods. “Yes. We all saw them. Lieutenant Flash Sentry even photographed them!”

Hugh looks at the book. “We should compare this with his picture, sir!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. I thought it was strange that a stallion like him would have such a large collection of botany books!”

Ember walks over to the bookcase. “I'm surprised that nut job has TIME to read with all his other plotting and scheming!”

Twilight looks over the shelf, jealously. “I have to admit, this collection is probably more complete than the one at my library!”

Viktor nods. “We also photographed a bunch of technical looking papers in a chest that used to be in here!”

“Right! Twilight, I'd like you to look them over with Auriel when you get back to Ponyville. I'll call Flash Sentry and have them sent over.”

Twilight nods. “We'll do our best! But I don't understand. Why didn't you tell me about this before?”

“Sorry, but it was part of an ongoing investigation. I couldn't risk Decimus learning that I was on to him. That and, up until now, I couldn't see even him attacking the princesses directly!”

Ember sighs. “The real question now is, where is he?”

Sereb growls. “And how far do you think he'll go.”

Arc nods and folds his arms over his chest. “Well, as far as I'm concerned, this evidence makes him a bona-fide traitor to Equestria! Shining Armor, I want Decimus found and brought in for questioning as soon as possible! If he's already done harm to the princesses, there's no telling what else he'll do!”

“I'll send out a dispatch to all our forces immediately sir! Come lieutenant!”

“Yes sir!”

Shining Armor and Trixie leave the room

Ember examines the flower box more closely. “Hey, what's this?”

Silver Hammer walks over to see what Ember is pointing at. “Is that what I think it is!”

Ember reaches down to pick something up and brings it to Twilight. She takes the item with her magic and looks it over carefully.

“A seed!”

Arc looks at the tiny object. “Think you can grow it Twilight?’

Twilight puts the seed in a small container in her saddlebag. “I'll certainly give it a try!”

“Thanks. If it turns out to be Sanguine Azolla, that will be the last nail in the coffin for Captain Decimus' case.”

Arc looks over at the bookcase.

“Some of these books have notes in them. Shall I send them along as well?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. I just hope Tight Ship has room for them on the Blitztorte.”

“I'll have some guards box them up for you Twilight.”

Arc turns to all assembled.

“Thank you everyone for all you help in this investigation. I couldn't have gotten this far on my own.”

Silver Hammer nods. “We were happy to help!”

Steel Hammer smiles. “Agreed!”

Meanwhile outside the room a hidden figure silently listened.

“The Dark Lady will not be happy to hear about this...”

Chapter 14 - Sweet Dreams

Arc, Twilight, the Hammers, Sereb and Ember leave Captain Decimus' room. They head down the hall together toward the Dining Room.

Arc looks out the window. “It's getting a bit late. Why don't you all spend the night and head back to Ponyville tomorrow?”

Twilight nods. “Thank you, Arc! I'd like that!”

She looks a bit embarrassed.

“Um... can I ask you a kinda... weird favor Arc?

He turns to Twilight, confused. “Um... what is it?”

“Can I... um... can I... please... sleep in your bed tonight?!”

Twilight's face turns a deep shade of crimson as she quickly looks away! Ember turns to her, wide-eyed and her mouth agape!

“Wow. Just... wow.”

Steel Hammer frowns. “That was rather... inappropriate, Twilight.”

“I think she just wants to sleep in that bed so she can see Princess Cadance, dear.”

Sereb nods. “Understandable.”

Twilight continues to blush, unable to look at Arc. “Y-yeah, that's it! Sorry, but I just didn't know how to say it!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “That's actually not a bad idea, Twilight. Princess Cadance was looking rather depressed last time I saw her. I think this whole situation is getting to her.”

“Th-thank you! This means a lot to me! Is there somewhere I can get to work reading these books?”

Ember points a claw down the corridor. “How about Arc's room! You're going to be sleeping there tonight anyways!”

Arc nods. “It's okay with me.”

Steel Hammer turns back toward Captain Decimus' quarters. “We'll see to it your squad knows about the change.”

Silver Hammer follows her husband. “Be back in a bit!”

“Thanks you two!”

Arc and company admire the stained-glass windows that line the hallway on their way to the dining room.

“The princesses sure must like these windows!”

Sereb nods. “Each one is like a work of art.”

Twilight laughs! “Did you know each one tells a bit about Equestria's history?”

“Really?! I never heard about that!”

“It's true! Look at that one over there! It tells the story of how my friends and I used the Elements of Harmony to defeat Nightmare Moon!”

Arc looks confused. “Nightmare Moon?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I'm sorry Arc. Somehow I keep forgetting you weren't born here. This might sound a bit strange but, to me at least, it feels like you've always been here!”

“I feel the same way! But I digress! Tell me about this Nightmare Moon.”

Twilight continues as Silver Hammer and Steel Hammer return to join the group. “

“A thousand years ago she threatened to cover Equestria with eternal night! Princess Celestia tried to reason with her, but she would not be dissuaded! For her crimes, she was banished to the moon for 1,000 years. Not that long ago her banishment ended and she returned to finish what she started! To make a long story short, my friends and I found and used the Elements of Harmony to restore her to her original form.”

Arc nods. “Was that Princess Luna by any chance?”

Twilight looks to Arc, surprised! “It was! How did you know?”

“After Trixie attacked Canterlot Castle, there was a rather loud... discourse between her and Princess Cadance. They spoke of her banishment and how it was actually only one of two options available to her sister. Let's just say it was a rather heated conversation the details of which I’d rather not repeat.

Ember looks confused. “I don't get it! If there was another option, why banishment?”

Steel Hammer looks to Ember. “The only other option would have been to kill her sister!”

Silver Hammer nods. “Fortunately for our friend she chose not to!”

“So... it was Nightmare Moon who is, or I guess was, Princess Luna who wanted to conquer Equestria? Or did she want to destroy it? I'm a little confused on that part.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “The general consensus is that she wanted to rule Equestria alone with eternal night.”

Sereb frowns. “Without the sun how would crops grow?”

Ember nods. “I agree with Sereb on this one. She may not have been actively trying to do so, but her actions would have eventually led to mass starvation!”

Steel Hammer sighs. “I guess the lesson to be learned is that we shouldn't let our goals blind us to their effects on ponies around us.”

Silver Hammer nods. “Agreed!”

The group continues on down the hallway. Twilight points a hoof at another window.

“Here's something you might find interesting Arc! This window was dedicated to the previous Heroes of Light after their disappearance long ago!”

Ember studies the window carefully. “Any idea what happened to them?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nopony really knows. They helped us liberate Arc and you from Tartarus! However, that was the first time they had been seen in years!”

Arc turns to walk down the hall again. “Well, at least I was able to thank them properly before they retired for good.”

Sereb follows Arc closely. “Where did they go?”

“They're... around.”

Another window catches Arc's eye.

“What the...”

Everyone stops to look. Before them is a stained-glass window of Arc holding his spear aloft as he stands over Tempest! He is flanked by sad looking foals.

Ember looks at it, surprised! “It... it's YOU Arc!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Nice portrayal!”

Twilight looks to Arc, apologetically. “I'm sorry Arc. Cadance showed me this when I came to check on her. It was supposed to be a surprise!”

“The New Beginnings Orphanage! But... why?!”

“Cadance was upset that you hadn't been getting any recognition for all your hard work! Normally if somepony accomplished all that you have, they would have a lapel FILLED with medals!”

Ember looks to Twilight angrily! “So why hasn't he received so much as a ‘thank you’ card then?!”

Steel Hammer sighs. “Medals for bravery or accomplishment are awarded by Princess Celestia herself. Perhaps the princesses did not want to break with tradition?”

Ember looks away indignantly! “Seriously?! Were they afraid Celestia would be ANGRY at them for honoring a brave and selfless HUMAN?!”

“Possibly.”

Twilight sighs. “I... don't really know.”

Silver Hammer walks over to Arc and smiles up at him. “Don't worry Arc. When Princess Celestia hears of all the good you've been doing I'm sure her tone towards your race will soften!”

“Right! Even she won't be able to deny the good that lies within your human heart!”

Arc sighs. “I hope you're right! While it's not of paramount importance, it would certainly strain our working relationship.”

As the group rounds a corner yet another window catches Arc's eye.

“Okay! Whomever is in charge of laying out these windows has gone too far this time!”

Ember looks at the window, grinning! “Looking good Arc!”

Before them stands a freshly completed window depicting Arc seated on Equestria's throne. A large group of assorted ponies kneel before him! Steel Hammer looks confused.

“What's wrong with it Arc?”

Arc sighs. “I... don't really care for the sight of me being elevated above others.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Like it or not, you becoming Lord Regent is a part of Equestrian history now!”

Silver Hammer nods. “You ARE the Lord Regent after all, Arc.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Indeed. However, the lord of the land should be first and foremost a servant.”

“Well put Sereb!”

Twilight walks over to Arc. “I'm glad you feel that way Arc. But right now everypony needs somepony to look up to! You're a shining example of what it means to be a hero and a protector of the innocent!”

Arc kneels down to Twilight's level. “Thanks Twilight! I just hope it's enough to keep our land safe from invasion!”

The Hammer’s join him.

“I wouldn't worry about that.”

“You should be more confidant in yourself, Arc. We are!”

Arc stands again and looks to his friends. “Thank you everyone. Not trying to cut this conversation short, but we should probably be getting to the dining room! By the smell of things supper must be ready.

Ember sniffs the air and smiles. “You don't have to tell me twice!”

Arc and company quickly make their way to the dining room and sit down together.

“It's good to share a meal with friends!”

Twilight nods! “I'll say! We haven't had time to do anything together in quite some time Arc!”

Ember sighs. “I too miss our adventures together!”

“Hopefully that will change soon. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again!”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “Missing Light's Hope, Arc?”

“No... Derpy's house.”

Silver Hammer smiles. “So how is little Dinky handling this?”

“She's very strong and understands why things are the way they are right now. But that doesn't change the fact I would rather be there raising her than leading Equestria!”

“That's really sweet Arc!

Sereb nods. “Perhaps it should be immortalized in a window.”

Arc laughs! “Please, no more windows!”

They finish their meal and leave the Dining Room as the sun begins to drop

Silver Hammer looks to the others. “We'll see you back at your room in a bit Arc.”

Steel Hammer nods! “Indeed. It's been awhile since we were here last.”

“Sure. Enjoy your walk!”

The Hammers part company with the others who continue to Arc's room. The guards part to allow Arc and his party entrance. Twilight appears somewhat sad despite the large crate of books in the corner of the room. Sereb looks over to her.

“Are you alright miss?”

Her ears droop as she answers. “This room... it just feels so... empty without Princess Celestia.”

Arc walks over to Twilight. Kneeling down and putting his arms around her, he does his best to console her.

“We're going to get her back Twilight. I promise!”

Twilight puts her hooves around Arc's neck and returns the hug as she begins to tear up. “Thanks. I know you will! But that doesn't make this any less painful! I... I already lost my teacher! And now Cadance is...”

Arc picks up Twilight and walks over to the bed. “It's okay Twilight. Why don't you lie down and have a visit with Cadance?”

Twilight sniffles as Arc lies her down on the bed. “Thanks... I... I'd like that.”

Ember walks over and covers Twilight with a blanket. “I think you could use the rest. You've been working too hard, haven't you?”

Twilight yawns. “I'll have plenty of time to rest when the princesses are cured!”

Arc sighs. “That's nice and all Twilight. But I'm sure none of them want to see you work yourself to exhaustion!”

Sereb nods. “Working too hard will only lead to ineffectiveness.”

“Get some sleep now, my friend. Lord Regent's orders.”

Twilight smiles and closing her eyes. “Thanks... good night.

Arc turns to Sereb and Ember. “Follow me.”

He leads the pair to the hallway and quietly closes the door behind them before turning to a nearby guard.

“I'm expecting some friends to come by later. Their names are Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer. Allow them full access to these rooms.”

“Yes sire!”

Arc turns back to Ember and Sereb. “Why don't we take a walk ourselves? It's not often we have time to burn these days.”

Ember nods. “Sounds good to me!”

“Agreed.”

As the trio moves down the corridor together a Royal Guard quickly approaches them.

“Lord Arc! There is a Miss Emerald Dream on the phone for you in your office. She claims to be under orders to contact you for further instructions.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. I'm on my way!”

They walk quickly toward his office. Ember looks to him concerned.

“What's this all about, Arc?”

“I… I can't really talk about it. It's a rather... sensitive topic right now.”

Entering the office, he quickly sits down at his desk and picks up the phone.

“Lord Arc here.”

A rather nervous female voice crackles on the other end of the line.

“Um... hello sire. My name is Emerald Dream. I was told you... needed my services for something?”

“I do. Where are you right now?”

“I… I just got off the train and am calling from the Ponyville Train Station.”

“Very good! Stay right where you are. Someone will be there shortly to pick you up.”

She nods. “Th-thank you sire! I'll do as you say!”

Emerald Dream hangs up the receiver and mutters to herself.

“Huh... I wonder what he meant by ‘pick me up’.

Meanwhile back in Arc's office, Ember looks to Arc!

“Arc, what is going ON?! Who is Emerald Dream?”

Arc sighs. “She's a... therapist. Now I don't want this getting around, but let's just say there is someone at Light's Hope who is in need of counseling after a rather... traumatic past.”

Ember nods. “Well if that's the case, do you want me to escort her to Light's Hope?”

“Thank you Ember, but I'll handle this personally.”

Arc holds out his hand and opens a portal.

“I'll see you two back at my room in a little while.”

He steps through the portal and is gone. Ember shakes her head.

“It finally happened...”

Sereb looks to her confused. “Oh?”

“Arc's finally cracking under the pressure of his responsibilities!”

“Are you sure?”

Ember nods. “What other conclusion could we come to? I know Arc's past was rather dark. Thankfully he's seeking help!”

Sereb nods. “What should we do?”

Ember thinks for a moment. “We don't want him knowing that we know! After all, he was really insistent on keeping this a secret.”

“While I am not convinced, I will do as you say.”

“Good. After all, it wouldn't do to have it become public knowledge that the Lord Regent was undergoing psychiatric help!”

Meanwhile, Arc materializes in Derpy's House. He sighs as he looks around the empty living room.

“I guess Derpy and Dinky aren't home yet. Maybe next time.”

He quickly leaves the house and heads for the train station. Upon reaching the platform he finds it empty other than a single unicorn sitting patiently on a bench. She has a dark green coat with a light green mane. Her cutie mark is that of a pencil and notepad. She appears to be dozing. He walks over to her.

“Miss Emerald Dream?”

The mare slowly opens her eyes. It takes a few moments for her eyes to focus as she slowly raises her head. Upon seeing Arc, she quickly jumps off the bench and bows respectfully!

“S-s-sire! P-please forgive me! I'm so sorry for making you take the time out of your busy day to come all this way to meet me!”

Arc kneels down to her. “Rise, my little pony. Look at me.”

Emerald Dream slowly obeys, visibly shaking! Whether from Arc's appearance, his station as Hero of Light and Lord Regent, or his reputation Arc does not know. He slowly holds out a gauntlet to the shaking mare.

“Would you please come with me? I need your help.”

Emerald Dream slowly reaches out to take hold of Arc's hand, confused. “You... you need MY help?”

Arc raises his other hand to open a portal. “Yes. Don't worry. Everything will be explained shortly.”

She looks toward the portal, nervously. “Wh-what is THAT?!”

“It's how I get around Equestria quickly.

“Is it... safe?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Don't worry, I do this all the time.”

“Well... okay.”

Arc and Emerald Dream enter the portal. A moment later they arrive in Arc’s personal quarters in Light’s Hope. The mare looks around, confused.

“Where... are we?”

Arc gestures to the couch. “My base on the outskirts of Ponyville. Please have a seat and I'll fill you in on what needs doing.”

Emerald Dream sits down as Arc slowly paces in front of the fireplace.

“Can I assume whatever we speak of will stay between us?”

Emerald Dream regains her professional composure and nods. “Yes. I always keep the specifics of my sessions private.”

“Good. Now I have a problem with one of my key aides that needs to be addressed.”

Emerald Dream removes a pencil and notepad from her saddlebag. “What seems to be the problem, sire?”

“Her name in Raven Inkwell. Before she was stationed here, my secretary was sexually assaulted by a Lord of Griffonstone. Although this event happened quite some time ago, she is still suffering from the emotional trauma. While I've done my best to support her emotionally, I feel it's time to solicit professional help! That's where you come in.”

Emerald Dream nods. “Is the patient still working?”

“Yes. At her request she is still actively my aide.”

“Good. If left inactive, the mind can twist and distort the memories of traumatic events! A sense of normalcy is good in the short term. However she still needs to face this rather than try and repress it.”

“Agreed. When I found out she was doing just that, I ordered her to undergo therapy. And here you are.”

Arc stops pacing and turns to face Emerald Dream.

“You may order whatever treatment regime you deem necessary to help Raven, up to and including temporarily halting her duties. I... don't want to see her lying in a puddle of her own tears ever again!”

Emerald Dream looks up from her notepad. “You care very much for her, don't you?”

“I do. She didn't deserve what happened to her. Now I'm sorry to rush things here but I have many other things to do tonight. Please wait here and I'll bring Raven for a quick meet and greet.”

“Yes sire!”

Arc leaves his quarters and heads to the Main Hall. Raven and Flash Sentry are sitting together at her desk. They both appear surprised to see him.

“Commander?! What brings you here!”

Flash Sentry jumps up. “Is there trouble sir?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I just came to tell you two that the therapist is here to see Raven.”

“Wh-what?! Where are they?!”

“In my quarters. Come with me Raven. This is just a quick meeting before bed.”

Flash Sentry takes hold of Raven's hoof as he looks at Arc. “Can I come too sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. However it is up to the therapist on whether or not you may join Raven's counseling sessions.”

“Thank you, sir!”

Arc leads the pair back to his quarters. They enter and sit down on the couch.

“Raven, this is Emerald Dream. She's here to help guide you through this.”

“H-hello.”

Emerald Dream nods. “Raven.”

“And this is Lieutenant Flash Sentry.”

“Sire? This is most peculiar. What does the lieutenant have to do with this?”

“I think I'll let Raven tell you about it.”

“Very well. Raven, would you like a short session before bed? If not, we can get started bright and early tomorrow morning.”

“I... think I'd like to talk. Waiting until tomorrow won't make it any easier.”

Emerald Dream nods. “You're very brave Raven. We'll work through this together!”

“Lieutenant, after this session I want you to see to it Emerald Dream is given one of our guest rooms. She will be staying here until further notice.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc steps onto the sigil in the corner of the room. “Good. Well, I need to get back to Canterlot. Call if you need anything!”

He activates the sigil and is gone. Emerald Dream looks at the sigil, her mouth agape.

“Tell me. Does he do this often.”

Flash Sentry nods. “All the time.”

“But how?!”

Raven shrugs. “I have no idea.”

“Well then... let's get to it, shall we?”

“Yes…”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to Canterlot Castle. He quickly makes his way back to his quarters. The Hammers, Ember and Sereb are sitting around the fireplace talking quietly. Twilight is lying where Arc left her, and appears to be sleeping soundly. Ember looks to Arc as he approaches them.

“Hey Arc! How did it go?”

“Okay, I guess. We had a short conversation before I had to rush back here. Did I miss anything?”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “No Arc. We were just chatting about local Ponyville events before you got here.”

Steel Hammer looks out the balcony door. “Isn't it time to raise the moon though?”

Arc nods. “Yeah, I guess it is.”

He walks onto the balcony with the others and goes through the motions as they look on. Sereb watches as the moon begins to rise.

“Had I not seen it for myself, I wouldn't have believed it.”

Silver Hammer looks to him concerned. “How do you feel Arc?”

Ember nods. “Yeah! Any more problems doing that?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I think I'm getting the hang of it now. But we should all be getting to bed. Steel Hammer, if you and Silver would like to share my bed with Twilight, I'm sure Princess Luna would enjoy seeing you two.”

Steel Hammer nods. “Thank you Arc. We accept.”

The group steps inside from the balcony. Sereb is the last on in. He uses his paw to close the door. The sound of it is just enough to rouse Twilight from her sleep.

“Ugh... what?”

Sereb sighs. “My apologies for waking you, miss.”

Silver Hammer looks to Twilight, hope in her eyes! “Did it work?! How are they?!”

Twilight looks around, confused. “How long was I out?!”

Ember thinks for a moment. “About an hour I guess. Why?”

She sighs. “I… I didn't enter the Lunar Realm. Come to think of it, I didn't even dream!”

“Hmmm... Princess Luna did seem a bit confused on how I was able to go there without even knowing about the existence of Realm Magic.”

Silver Hammer nods. “So... what do we do now?”

Arc walks to the door, opening it to speak to a Royal Guard. “Have Sunburst come to my quarters. We need his insight on a magical based experiment we’re running.”

“Yes sire!”

Arc closes the door and turns back to the others. “If anyone knows about Realm Magic, other than the princesses of course, he should. That and I can't really think of anything else to do!”

A short time later there is a knock at the door.

“Come in!”

Sunburst enters the room. “You sent for me sire?”

“Yes. My friend Twilight here just finished a short nap in my bed. However, she was unable to enter the Lunar Realm. Can you give us any insight as to why?”

Sunburst nods. “My guess would be that only beings of great magical power have the fortitude to do so.”

Ember frowns. “You mean like an alicorn?”

“Precisely!”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc. “Then why was Arc able to do so?”

“Now again this is only a guess, but I would imagine he was able to transverse the winds of Realm Magic due to his extremely powerful magic. I would even go so far as to say that, other than an alicorn, Lord Arc may very well have the most powerful magic in Equestria!”

Twilight smiles and sighs. “That's really impressive! I've studied my whole life to get where I am now in magical proficiency! But Arc has surpassed me in less than a year!”

Ember grins! “And without spending all his time in a library!”

“Lord Arc, have you ever considered creating your own spells? A being as powerful as you should have no problem bending magic to your will!”

Ember nods. “He already has.”

Twilight looks confused. “Wait, what?!”

“It's true. I learned quite a while ago how to focus large amounts of magical energy into my spear. Then by slamming it into the ground, I could release all of it at once in the desired direction! The result was a Sonic Wave as I like to call it.”

Sunburst looks him up and down. “Fascinating! Do you need a focus of some kind to use this magic?!”

“I CAN do it without the Spear of Righteousness. The down side is it's not nearly as effective. But in any case, let's get back to the question at hand. Twilight and the Hammers would really like to see Princess Luna. Any ideas, Sunburst?”

Sunburst ponders the question for a few moments. “...I suppose it might work...”

Arc nods. “I can work with “might’. Tell me more!”

“Very well sire. It may be possible for somepony to ‘piggyback’ to the Lunar Realm on your magic coattails so to speak.”

“Great! How do I do that? Some kind of spell?”

Sunburst looks embarrassed. “Um, well... it's not exactly what I would call magic. More of a... proximity matter as it were.”

Ember frowns impatiently! “Spit it out Sunburst! You're not making any sense!”

Arc nods. “I think I get it Sunburst. Any other ideas?”

“None sire.”

“Alright. Thanks for the advice. You may go.”

Sunburst quickly backs toward the door. “Yes sire! G-good luck!”

The stallion rushes out of the room. On his way down the hall he suddenly stops and shakes his head.

“Wait a minute! What did I just recommend?!”

Meanwhile back in Arc’s room, Sereb looks at the now closed door.

“What's gotten into him?”

Ember shrugs. “Well, at least Arc got what he was trying to say. So, what's the plan?”

Arc sighs. “I'm not exactly a huge fan of his idea, but if he's right, the only way to do this would be for Twilight, Silver Hammer and I to... sleep together.”

Twilight and Silver Hammer's faces turn a deep shade of red! Ember looks to Arc with a smile and a gleam in her eye!

“Can I come?!”

“No, Ember.”

“Why not?! We sleep together all the time!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “By ‘sleep together’ you mean crawling into my bed when I'm asleep, right?”

Ember shrugs. “Call it what you will.”

Arc turns to Twilight and Silver Hammer. “It's up to you two. I just want you to know that if this plan makes you too uncomfortable, I completely understand!”

Twilight looks to Arc, a bit embarrassed. “I... um... really do want to see Cadance again. That and I trust you not to do anything... bad to me, Arc.”

Silver Hammer looks to her husband. He nods.

“I'm okay with this as well. But I think I’ll sleep at the foot of the bed.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Steel Hammer? Um... I...”

“It's okay Arc. I trust you with my wife. Please bring her back to me safely.”

“I will.”

Arc walks over to the bed and gets in after removing his boots and recalling his armor. Twilight walks to the other side of the bed and lies down next to him as Silver Hammer lies at the end of the large bed.

“Well... good night you two.”

Twilight looks to Arc nervously. “Um... Arc?”

“Yes Twilight?”

“If what Sunburst said is correct, to make sure this works I really should be as close as possible to you.”

Silver Hammer raises her head. “What are you suggesting Twilight?”

Twilight blushes. “Maybe Arc should... put his arms around me?

“...what?”

“I'm sorry! It's just... I really want this to work! Sorry for being so forward.”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“...alright Twilight. Come here.”

Twilight lays her head on Arc's chest while pressing her body against his. Arc puts his arm around her as he looks at her.

“Comfy?”

Twilight nods. Her face is beet red.

Silver Hammer lies her head back down. “I guess I'll be the ‘control’ test subject. We'll see if that's necessary, Twilight.”

Twilight closes her eyes. “Okay. See you in a bit then!”

Ember turns to Sereb and Steel Hammer. “Why don't we sit on the balcony and chat?”

“Very well.”

“Sounds good. We can let these three get to sleep in peace.”

The trio walk out to the balcony and close the door quietly behind them. Ember looks to Steel Hammer.

“I still can't believe you're okay with this! Ponies aren’t really known for sharing their mates!”

Steel Hammer smiles at her. “If it was anypony else, I wouldn't be.”

Sereb nods. “You must really trust him.”

“I do.”

Ember nods to him respectfully. “That's some hardcore trust there!”

Steel Hammer looks at the stars, smiling. “Silver and I owe everything to Arc. He's done so much for our family!”

“Really? Like what?”

Steel Hammer relates how Arc found Platinum Valve after she had shrunk herself and how he refused payment for the job! And the time he had gotten them out of their contract with Filthy Rich, and how Arc had hired them to help get back on their feet financially.

Sereb nods. “Arc is quite Generous and Kind.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah! I just didn't realize until now how much though!”

Meanwhile back in the room, Arc and Silver Hammer are sleeping peacefully. Twilight opens her eyes and looks up at Arc's face. She smiles as she gently nuzzles Arc’s chest!

“It's... everything I dreamed it would be.”

Twilight slowly raises her head to give Arc's cheek a quick peck before laying back down on his chest and closing her eyes.

“Good night Arc. I do hope this works...”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - The Reunion

Arc looks around the room.

“Here we are again.”

He rises from the bed and walks over to the balcony railing. The air is silent and calm. Arc sighs to himself sadly as he looks over them empty streets of the city below.

“I guess the experiment was a failure.”

A moment later Arc hears a small voice behind him.

“H-hello? Is anypony there?”

He turns around and calls out.

“I'm on the balcony, Silver Hammer.”

Silver Hammer cautiously walks out the door to join Arc.

“Is this... real?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Yes and no. Yes it's real inasmuch that we both made it here. We can see this world, touch it, smell it even! But the city below isn't Canterlot.”

“But it's not real to the extent that just our consciousnesses were transferred here?”

“Right.”

Silver Hammer looks around. “And Twilight?”

Arc shakes his head. “It's just you and me. On the positive side, she's sleeping peacefully as all of us are. I was really hoping to bring you both here though!”

As if on cue a voice can be heard coming from the interior of the room!

“Arc?! Silver Hammer?! Where are you?!”

The pair rush back to the room! Twilight is still under the covers but her eyes dart around the room fearfully! As soon as she sees Arc, she throws off the covers and jumps into his arms! Twilight wraps her hooves around Arc’s neck, trembling and breathing heavily!

“This... this place... are we really okay here?!”

Arc nods. “Yes Twilight. There's nothing to be afraid of here. Princess Luna is fully in control of this realm.”

“I know that, but... this place is really creepy! I'm sorry for being such a filly about this!”

Silver Hammer walks forward. “It's okay Twilight. We all have things that frighten us.”

Arc strokes Twilight's mane as he continues to hold her. “Right. Now how about I carry you to see Princess Cadance? And don't worry. I won't tell anyone else about this.”

“Th-thank you.”

“So, where do you think the princesses are?”

“They're next door in Princess Luna's room, Silver Hammer. Follow me.”

Arc leads them out to the corridor. The air is silent as Arc knocks on the door before turning back to the pair.

“Ready?”

Silver Hammer smiles happily. “Yes!”

Arc opens the door to Princess Luna's room. She is lying on the floor along with Cadance. Both are clearly depressed.

“Princess Luna... Princess Cadance...? I brought you some company.”

Twilight looks over at Cadance on the floor as she jumps out of Arc's arms! “CADANCE!!!”

Cadance excitedly gets to her hooves and rushes over to her childhood friend! “TWILIGHT!!!”

The pair nuzzle each other affectionately as Silver Hammer walks quickly over to Luna.

“I'm so glad to see you again old friend! How are you doing?!”

Luna closes her eyes and smiles as a tear makes its way down her cheek. “I'm... doing much better after seeing you, my friend!”

She looks over to Arc happily.

“I don't know how you did this Arc, but thank you very much!”

Arc nods. “It was my pleasure!”

The five walk out to the balcony and sit down in a circle.

“So... what have the two been up to in here Cadance?”

Cadance sighs. “A lot of thinking about the past. Old memories of you and I mostly Twilight.

Luna nods. “The silence and peace here are maddening at times! Fortunately for us, Arc ordered some of the castle support staff to keep us company.”

Twilight looks confused. “He did what now?”

Cadance looks to Twilight. “A lot of what our bodies hear makes it to us here. They play records, read books aloud, tell us the latest news from around Canterlot... things like that!”

Luna looks to Arc. “That reminds me. Arc, would you please tell whomever is telling us jokes to stop with the puns! They're terrible!”

Cadance frowns. “Awww... I rather enjoyed that!”

Arc grins. “I can do that. But are you sure? I mean, with you two in comas, do you really think you could DREAM up something better?!”

Twilight smiles. “I don't know... maybe you should SLEEP on that decision Princess Luna!”

Silver Hammer nods to her oldest friend. “What's the problem my friend? At least you don't need to worry about DOZING off!”

Cadance nods happily! “Oh come on you three! Give it a REST!”

Everyone enjoys a good laugh except Luna who can only roll her eyes.

“I'm glad somepony is enjoying our predicament.”

Arc finishes chuckling at their punning. “On the up side, the two of you are already in a better mood than when we got here! How about some more good news? Twilight, why don't you tell them about what you and Silver Hammer learned about their condition?”

“Yes! We're finally making some progress!”

Twilight and Silver Hammer together tell the princesses about their journey into the Everfree Forest to learn about Sanguine Azolla.

Luna nods. “So you believe this plant, this Sanguine Azolla, is what caused all of this?”

“Yes! Steel Hammer and I remember its scent from... that day in the Everfree Forest so long ago.”

“Are you absolutely certain?!”

Silver Hammer nods fervently! “Yes. Neither of us could forget that smell!”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “I thought Aunt Celestia had that flower eradicated years ago. How exactly did somepony come across it?!”

Arc shrugs. “Not a clue.”

Luna nods soberly. “Better yet, how did they administer it?”

Twilight sighs. “Equally puzzling. According to the book we received from Zecora the pollen of the plant causes skin irritation and, in larger doses, confusion.”

Cadance turns to Twilight. “Could we have eaten it? Perhaps in a salad?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Very unlikely. Apparently, it tastes TERRIBLE! If what the book says is to be believed, you would have known immediately if you had put it in your mouth!”

Luna nods. “Now that I think about it, the last few days before our illness the food did taste a bit... off. Are you sure we couldn't have eaten it?”

“Even if you had, the effects would only have lasted a day at most! That and it doesn't put you into a coma! The only thing that makes sense is if this plant was somehow combined with another substance to mask the taste, increase its potency and alter its properties.”

Silver Hammer frowns. “That's quite a bit of trouble somepony went through to put the princesses in bed. Any ideas what this other mystery substance might have been, Twilight?”

“Not at this time, no. I'm hoping that seed Ember found was indeed from those flowers. If I can grow some of those Sanguine Azollas I can run some tests on them!”

Cadance smiles at them. “Well then, any leads on who is behind this?”

Silver Hammer looks uncomfortable. Um... kinda.

Luna appears to be losing her patience. “Kinda?! Either you do or you don't! Which is it?!”

Arc sighs. “I know of someone who had these flowers in their possession quite some time back.”

Cadance looks surprised! “How long ago are we talking?”

“The night before the Alicorn Amulet incident.”

Luna frowns. “Why didn't you say something?!”

“I had no idea what they were! It wasn't exactly relevant to my investigation at the time!”

Luna sighs. “Would that by any chance be your investigation into Captain Decimus?”

Arc draws back, surprised! “What?! You knew about that? How?!”

“Listen Arc. We... I, didn't exactly trust you completely back then. When the list of soldiers being transferred to your base was being written up, I saw to it a spy was planted.”

Twilight looks angrily to Princess Luna! “WHAT?! Hasn't Arc done enough to prove his Loyalty at this point?!”

Cadance nods. “Yes indeed Twilight! We told the spy to cease the operation some time ago!”

“Indeed. The last report he made to me was the night I stayed in your guest room, Arc. Now I'm really sorry about this, but I felt it was important to keep tabs on your movements at the time.”

Cadance looks to Arc, sheepishly. “Just to be fair Arc, you didn't tell us anything about your investigation into one of our oldest friends.”

Silver Hammer looks angrily at Cadance! “The Hero of Light doesn't HAVE to report to ANYPONY! Not even to the princesses! If he chose to do so, it would have been simply as a courtesy!”

Arc puts a hand on Silver Hammer's fetlock. “Easy there Silver Hammer. Thank you for the support, but I'll handle this.”

He looks at both princesses soberly.

“I'm sorry I couldn't tell you two about my suspicions. However, that's all they were at the time! Circumstantial at best! My plan was to build an airtight case against him before presenting my findings to you.”

Luna frowns. “Why didn't you come to us earlier?! We trust you Arc, really we do! I would have listened to whatever you had to say!”

“I was afraid that without real evidence you would have lost all confidence in me and my abilities to safeguard this land!”

Cadance smiles warmly. “Please Arc. You've done so much for this land... for US! We trust you enough to take much of what you say on faith alone if need be. Now I know the four of us need to talk about this matter more thoroughly after Luna and I wake up.”

Twilight looks to her friend, confused. “The four of you?”

Luna nods. “Cadance, myself, Arc and Captain Decimus. Just like Arc, we trust Captain Decimus and his motives. We'll get to the bottom of this.”

Cadance sighs. “Well Arc, it appears we're getting off topic again. Now I believe you were telling us that you know of somepony who had this plant. Who was it?”

Arc sighs. “I found the plant along with a plethora of botanical books and research notes in... Captain Decimus' personal quarters.”

Luna shakes her head. “I'm sorry, what?!”

“My squad and I broke into the captain's office and personal quarters to gather evidence against him. We also were on the lookout for a bogus confession that he forced Trixie to sign after beating her savagely!”

“Is that what she claims happened?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. That's what I SAW happen! That mental projector you gave me, remember?”

He puts a hand to his forehead and sighs.

“Sometimes I still see it in my dreams. Trixie being horribly... BRUTALLY beaten! Her battered and bruised hooves were barely able to hold her up long enough to sign the paper that would have sent her to Tartarus!”

Cadance shakes her head. “Arc, that's awful! Why would he DO that?!”

“I was never able to figure that out for sure. Now I know this may sound crass, but I believe he was doing it for FUN! The look on his face... it was, joyful! I stole the confession and replaced it with the one he presented to you that day.”

Luna looks to Arc angrily! “He will answer for these charges Arc! Of this I promise you! As soon as you return to the waking world, I want you to lock him up until I can give him a trial!”

Cadance looks to Luna. “I hate to say it, but I don't believe you and I would be impartial to his case. Somepony else should preside over this matter.”

Luna nods. “Very well. We'll send him to Baltimare to stand trial before High Justice Hawthorne.”

Arc looks back to the princesses. “That... could be a bit of a problem.”

Luna appears confused. “Why is that?”

“Judge Hawthorne is currently in Canterlot Dungeon. When I was in Baltimare recently I found that he was perverting justice by taking bribes and giving out bogus sentences!”

Silver Hammer appears surprised! “That's... very unlike him, Arc! Can I assume you have proof of this!”

Arc nods. “I have personal testimony along with several pieces of physical evidence. There was a LOT more of it until the Baltimare Courthouse burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances. I'll have Hard Hat and Plumb Bob look into it tomorrow. By then the coals should have cooled.”

Cadance shakes her head. “My goodness! How long has this been going on?!”

“From the sheer number of cases I would say quite some time. Although most of the files went up in smoke.”

“Anypony hurt?!”

Fortunately no, Princess Luna. Although the building is a total loss. The mayor is setting up a room in the Town Hall to act as a temporary courthouse. He also recommended a candidate to replace Judge Hawthorne. I believe Kibitz said she has an audience with me tomorrow morning.”

Cadance nods. “I'm glad to hear you're taking care of this for us Arc. Although Aunt Celestia usually handles appointments of such importance.”

“I understand that. However, the citizens of Baltimare need someone to hear their cases! They can't wait for us to bring Princess Celestia home!”

Luna nods. “Understandable. Please choose wisely though Arc. Once installed an official is very hard to remove!”

“I'll do my best. Now, going back to what you said earlier princess, about locking up Captain Decimus.”

“Yes. What about it?”

“I... um... can't really do that.”

“Why not?”

Arc sighs. “When I took over as Lord Regent, I ordered him to go on vacation! It was supposed to be a convenient way to get him out of Canterlot without making the guards hate me. I was concerned that if I had acted on my impulse to lock him up, it would have been seen as me trying to consolidate power!”

Twilight nods. “That argument is sound. Doing so would have made you look like a tyrant!”

Arc nods! “Right! I have Captain Shining Armor and Lieutenant Trixie searching for him now. With the current evidence against him I have all the probable cause I need to lock him up!”

“Thank you for being so vigilant in your duties Arc!”

Luna nods happily. “Indeed! We couldn't ask for more!”

Arc sighs. “I just wish I had taken him down earlier. Right now he could be ANYWHERE!”

Twilight looks up to Arc. “Don't beat yourself up over this Arc. None of us knew Captain Decimus was capable of such atrocities!”

“My brain knows that. But my heart tells me it's my job to know! An impossible task, I know. I will not be happy about this until Captain Decimus faces justice!”

Silver Hammer nods with conviction! “And he will Arc! We just have to be patient and give your captain a chance to do his job.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks Silver Hammer. And I'm sorry for not having better news for you two.”

Cadance nods. “It's fine Arc. We prefer the truth of the matter over sugarcoated lies any day!”

Luna sighs. “I'm sure you're doing the best you can! Please keep up the good work!”

The group is silent for a time. Cadance notices Twilight looking around nervously.

“Twilight? Is everything okay?”

“Sorry! I just find this place really... creepy.”

Luna sighs. “This is to be expected.”

“What do you mean, old friend?”

“I am the Princess of the Night. Twilight is the personal protege of my sister the Princess of the Day. We are two sides of the same coin. Night and day... Darkness and Light.”

Luna looks over to Twilight.

“If it's any consolation, my little pony, I too feel rather... unsettled in the Celestial Realm, as it is my polar opposite.”

Silver Hammer considers this for a moment. “So you could say that Twilight is a “Student of the Light” then?”

Cadance considers this. “While I never gave the matter of Twilight's alignment much though before, I guess that makes sense.”

Arc turns to her. “So... where do you fit in Cadance.”

“I'm not truly aligned with Light or Darkness myself. But being the Princess of Love does put me closer to the Light end of the spectrum.”

“That explains your feelings of this place when last we spoke.”

Silver Hammer looks over to her friend. “Princess Luna. Could you not... temporarily change your realm to be a bit more... balanced?”

Luna shakes her head. “I cannot change who I am, and what I embody. Long ago I made my peace with this matter. The Lunar Realm is, for better or worse, a reflection of my heart.”

She gestures toward the star filled sky.

“This is the closest to ‘neutral’ I can make my realm. I'm sorry if it frightens you all. But this is how the world looks like to me. Dark... foreboding... depressing... glass half empty if you will.”

Silver Hammer puts a hoof on Luna's fetlock. “I'm sorry my friend. I had no idea!”

“This is my life, and I live it as best I can. Although, I've always wondered...”

Luna's voice trails off as she contemplates something.

“I've always wondered if my sister is equally… saddened by her lot in life. Always in the spotlight, loved by all, having to constantly smile... being eternally positive. The thought of such things... sicken me.”

Luna turns her gaze to Arc

“Tell me. How do YOU feel in my realm?”

“It originally was a bit disconcerting. But now I see the beauty in the darkness... in this night sky.”

Cadance nods. “That's a bit surprising! As the Hero of Light, I had assumed you would feel... out of place here.”

Twilight looks to them. “I may have a theory on that.”

Arc smiles at her. “Really? Let's hear it!”

“Now this is only my personal opinion, but... could it be due to your race Arc?”

“I'm sorry, but I don't understand.”

“Let me put it this way. If you were aligned with the Light you would be constantly cheerful, desiring harmony above all, doing whatever it took to maintain the peace, and wanting only to bring happiness to others.”

Cadance appears confused. “But that's what he is! Are you saying there is more to it than that?”

Luna nods. “There is. If Arc were to be aligned with the Darkness he would be constantly nagged by negativity, desiring chaos and death, not above using violence to get what he wants and not caring who gets hurt in the process.”

Silver Hammer: looks up to her friend, confused. “I don't understand. How do you know all of this Princess Luna?”

“Because... those things I just listed... I struggle with them myself on a daily basis! A thousand years ago I gave in to the Darkness and became Nightmare Moon! Believe me... the struggle, even today, is very real! But I'm sorry for interrupting you Twilight. Please continue.”

“Now I might very well be completely wrong on this, but could it be that you embody both Darkness AND Light?”

Cadance shakes her head. “That's not possible! Nopony could embody polar opposites!”

Silver Hammer nods respectfully. “You might be right about that Princess Cadance. But please remember... Arc is not a pony.”

Twilight nods. “Exactly! Let's look at this from the Light side. Arc is Kind, compassionate, brave, Loyal, and trustworthy!”

“That is most certainly true. Nopony can deny that.”

“I agree Cadance! But now let's look at it from the side of Darkness. On numerous occasions Arc has used violence to get what he wants!”

Silver Hammer frowns! “WHAT?! But...”

“It's true Silver Hammer.”

“It is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. The Ursa Minor, Ember, the Marquis, Buffalo Bull, Tempest, Trixie... and that's just off the top of my head! I met ALL of them with a high degree of violence!”

“I… I'm sure they left you no choice Arc!”

Arc nods. “I suppose but...”

Twilight interrupts. “Agreed. Now if your personality was nothing but Light you might refuse to raise a weapon even to protect others!”

Cadance nods. “Possibly.”

“But if Arc's personality was of Darkness, he would have left a bloody trail through Equestria to get what he wanted!”

Luna frowns. “To what end, Twilight?”

“I guess what I'm trying to say is that by keeping his Light and Dark sides in balance, he is able to accomplish things neither could alone!”

Twilight looks to Luna.

“Princess Luna, you must have at least SOME Light in you! If not, you would have no reason to fight against your darker impulses! Similarly, Princess Celestia must also have at least SOME Darkness in her to be willing to banish you to the moon for 1,000 years!

“Maybe you're right Twilight. When Aunt Celestia comes back I would like to hear her thoughts on these matters.”

Silver Hammer looks to Arc and smiles. “I guess were really lucky you're so good and keeping yourself in check, huh Arc?”

Arc sighs and looks down.

“Everyone... I have a confession to make.”

Luna appears confused. “Oh?”

“This is really hard for me to say, but...”

Arc looks up at all assembled.

“...I'm not the perfect defender of justice you think I am.”

Silver Hammer shakes her head is disagreement. “But, over and over again we've seen you fight for what's right!”

“I... I have, but... I felt it during my battle with Tempest at the New Beginnings Orphanage.”

Cadance smiles at him. “You forget Arc, we saw the whole thing through your eyes... literally!”

“That you did. But not through my mind! At that moment... when I saw Derpy and Dinky lying on the ground motionless... something inside me snapped!”

Arc looks back down at his hands in his lap.

“For the first time in my life I was truly enraged! I honestly wanted to kill Tempest after everything she had done! To the orphans, to Coco Pommel, to Dinky, and lastly to Derpy! I... at that point... all I could think of was how I wanted to cut her up into little pieces... and watch her die painfully as Derpy just had!”

He sighs and looks at Silver Hammer>

“Silver Hammer... I'm sorry for not being the person you thought I was when you asked me to... you know...”

Silver Hammer puts a hoof on Arc's hand. “Listen to me Arc. Do you think you're the first to want to kill somepony? My husband and I aren't exactly proud of everything we did in the past. Yes, we have regrets. Yes, we made mistakes. And yes... we caused others... pain.”

Cadance nods. “The fact that you now feel sadness and shame for your mistakes isn't a sign of weakness, Arc. It's a sign that there's still good in your heart! Remember your mistakes! Learn from them! But never... ever... allow yourself to be consumed by them!”

Luna hangs her head. “Cadance is right. I did that once. It ended... very badly.”

Silver Hammer puts her other hoof on Luna's fetlock. “None of us are perfect, my friend.”

Twilight smiles. “That's something we ponies share with humans. The ability to make mistakes... and to learn from them.”

Arc nods. “Thanks Twilight. I'll remember that.”

The group is silent for a time. Suddenly Arc holds his head as if in pain! Twilight looks over at her friend, fearfully!

“Arc! What's wrong?!”

Luna turns to Arc. “It's okay Twilight! Arc, you know what to do!”

A few moments later Arc vanishes from sight. Silver Hammer looks to Princess Luna

“What happened?!”

Cadance smiles. “Not to worry. Something just woke him up. He'll be back when he falls asleep again.”

Twilight sighs. “That's a relief!”

Meanwhile, back in Arc's room, Sandstorm Mirage is gently nudging Arc in an effort to rouse him without waking Twilight or Silver Hammer. Arc opens his eyes.

“Huh? What?”

Sandstorm Mirage blushes as he looks at the two mares in bed with Arc. “S-sorry to interrupt you while your... um... busy sir.”

“This is part of an experiment, sergeant! Okay, now that I think about it, that statement actually makes this look worse. You know what, forget you saw anything and just tell me what's wrong.”

“Yes sir. Captain Shining Armor has discovered that Judge Hawthorne has escaped from the dungeon!”

“What?!”

“That's all we know sir. The captain wanted me to inform you of this development. I'm sorry I had to wake you.”

Arc sighs. “It’s fine. Tell him that I want Judge Hawthorne back in his cell as soon as possible! But don't take any of our forces away from their task of locating Captain Decimus. He's the real priority here.”

Sandstorm Mirage backs away a bit uncomfortably at the sight before him. “Y-yes sir! I'll do as you say and let you get back to your... uh... experiment.”

He leaves the room quickly and Arc lies back down. Arc looks at the mares lying in his bed.

“I guess this does look a bit... wrong. Oh well... what's done is done.”

Arc closes his eyes and in a few minutes is fast asleep, meanwhile...

“Well, on a more positive note, I've some news on that item you sent me Cadance.”

Cadance looks to her friend, confused. “Item?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. The Delivery Stallion said it was lost in the mail for about a week though.”

Cadance shakes her head. “I'm sorry Twilight, but I have no memory of sending you anything.”

“I understand. You weren't exactly yourself back then. Your note just told me to study it while keeping it secret and keeping it safe. I'm sorry for telling them, but Spike and Auriel were there when I opened the package.”

Luna frowns. “What exactly was it?”

Twilight looks over at Cadance. She nods.

“It was a strange piece of fruit that some explorers found in a faraway land. I've been too busy researching your case to study it personally mind you. However, Auriel has found that it has some rather interesting magical facets to it.”

“I… I sent you a magical fruit?”

“Yes. Her early experiments show that the fruit contains magical essence of what she's tentatively calling... Love Magic.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide! “Fascinating! I wish I could remember where this fruit came from!”

“We're trying to grow one in my lab. Hopefully it's a shrub or vine of some kind, and not a huge tree!”

Luna chuckles at the thought. “A tree within a tree. Quite the concept.”

Cadance nods. “Well, tell her to keep at it then. If I felt it this important at the time there must have been a good reason.”

“I will!”

Arc re-enters the room. He quickly walks over to the group and again sits down.

“Sorry about that. My sergeant woke me up to tell me that Judge Hawthorne has escaped from Canterlot Dungeon.”

Luna’s eyes grow wide! “What?! How?”

“No idea. Captain Shining Armor is investigating the matter. Hopefully by morning we'll know more.”

He sighs.

“This is just great. I already have a full day ahead of me without escaped prisoners.”

Cadance smiles at Arc. “Want to talk about it?”

“First I have a meeting with a potential replacement for Judge Hawthorne. That's the easy part. Next I was planning on flying to Yakyakistan to see Prince Rutherford. With any luck I can talk him out of going to war with Equestria!”

Luna nods. “Quite the lofty goal. He is quite stubborn.”

“So I've been told. I'm planning on spending the rest of the day there if need be. Really don't have time to deal with the judge's flight.”

“I'm sure my brother will find him for you Arc! He's quite clever!”

Silver Hammer turns to him. “Arc, you need to have faith in those around you. As capable as you are, you cannot hope to accomplish everything by yourself!”

Luna nods. “Delegation of duties is key for any leader.”

“I'll try to keep that in mind.”

“Any luck on locating Aunt Celestia?”

Arc sighs. “I haven't had time to speak to Sunburst about that lately as we've both been so busy.”

Twilight looks to Princess Luna. “Even if we did locate her, how do we get there to rescue her?”

Luna looks up. “After my return to Equestria, my sister asked for my help in opening the Royal Armory, as she had an old tome to deposit.”

Silver Hammer looks confused. “Books can be dangerous?”

Cadance nods. “Not so much the book itself, but the knowledge inside can be.”

“Indeed. She put the book on a shelf and we left. I remember her sighing with relief as the door again closed. When I asked what she was so worried about, she informed me that the book in question was actually about how to accomplish inter-dimensional travel.”

Twilight smiles! “Really?!”

Luna nods. “Yes. The knowledge contained within should allow somepony to open a portal to Earth.”

“Aunt Celestia once told me her former teacher and friend Star-swirl the Bearded wrote the book himself! Apparently, he created the Portal Mirror with that knowledge. Although its original purpose has been lost to the sands of time.”

Twilight nods. “I was wondering where that mirror came from! It appeared positively ancient!”

Luna looks to Twilight. “Is it still in your basement?

“Yes. I've completed my research on the plant samples collected from Earth. After I accidentally pulled Arc through, I was too afraid to use it again! I just hope my notes are enough to please Princess Celestia!”

Cadance sighs. “Twilight. I have to tell you something.”

“Cadance? What is it?”

“My aunt didn't send you that assignment... Luna and I did.”

“I thought the hoof-writing looked a bit off. But why?”

Luna looks to Twilight, soberly. “My sister was missing, and I knew it was only a matter of time before you figured out what really happened. The assignment was an effort to... keep you occupied.”

Twilight looks to her angrily! “WHAT?! I should...!”

As Twilight moves to stand Arc quickly puts a hand on her shoulder! She looks at him as he slowly shakes his head. Remembering his earlier talk with her Twilight slowly sits back down and composes herself.

“I... understand.”

Luna nods. “I am truly sorry for deceiving you, my little pony. This was not something we did on a whim mind you!”

Twilight gives them a small smile. “It was an... interesting project to say the least.”

“Princess Luna. Is there any way for us to reverse the flow to create a portal BACK to Earth? Twilight tried to send me back to Earth with the Crystal Mirror as you call it. But it appears the magic only allows one-way travel.”

“It may be possible to do so, but only the knowledge contained in that tome will tell us for sure. As soon as we are able, Cadance and I will open the Royal Armory and give you the book Arc.”

“Thank you. If we all put our heads together, I'm sure we'll find a way!”

Luna nods. "I certainly hope so Arc. My sister's life hangs in the balance!”

“Don't worry. As soon as we get that book, I'll use the knowledge contained within to go back to Earth along with my squad.”

Silver Hammer looks to Arc. “Hopefully your home is still in one piece.”

Arc shrugs. “Don't worry, I'll fix it up. From there I'm planning to use it as our base of operations for rescuing Princess Celestia. This will be, without a doubt, the most carefully planned and executed mission in the history of Equestria!”

Cadance nods. “Thank you for taking this so seriously Arc. We know you won't let us down.”

“I'll do my best not to disappoint. Well, we should probably be going now. I need to check in with Shining Armor and see if he's learned anything.”

Silver Hammer stands up. “That and it should be time to raise the sun soon Arc.”

Twilight looks over to Arc pleadingly! “Can't we stay just a little longer?!”

Cadance sighs. “I wish you could stay as well Twilight. But Arc is right. It's probably time for all of you to go.”

Twilight jumps up to Cadance and gives her a hug. “Cadance... I... I don't want to leave you here!”

“Nor do I want you to leave, Twilight. But don't you worry about me! I'll be okay here with Luna! You just focus on figuring out this enigma!”

Twilight nods sadly as Luna opens an exit portal for them. “I will Cadance! You can count on me!”

Silver Hammer gives Luna a hug. “It was good to see you again old friend. Take care of yourself, okay?”

“I will. Don't worry about me. Arc and the others will figure this out. I'm sure of it.”

Silver Hammer and Twilight enter the portal together as Arc turns to follow them.

“Arc?”

He turns back to Cadance. “Yes?”

No matter what happens to us… please… take care of Twilight for me, will you?”

“I will. See you both soon!”

Arc enters the portal and it closes behind him. Cadance and Luna are again alone. Luna looks to Cadance.

“I'm sure Twilight will be fine without Arc watching her.”

Cadance sighs. “I know. It's just... in my mind I still see her as the little filly I used to foalsit.”

“Time waits for no pony, Cadance.”

“I know. But do you really think he can find a way to get us out of here?”

Luna nods. “If anypony can, he will! But even if he doesn't, I'm sure Equestria will flourish under his leadership!”

Cadance sighs and nods. “I guess it's like you said before Luna. Arc really is Equestria's best hope right now.”

“...and ours...”

Preface - Volume 8 - The Lord Regent - Part 2

In the previous volume, Arc returns to Light’s Hope to transfer his current forces, friends and the Mane 6 to Canterlot Castle. Informing them of the current situation, he tells them of his decision to assume the throne as per Celestia’s Order of Succession. After meeting with the doctor with Twilight and going over the princesses’ condition, Arc takes Twilight aside to tell her the truth about her friend and teacher’s whereabouts. She does not take it well.

After visiting the Royal Secretary, Kibitz, Arc orders him to announce and organize a speaking event to be held in the Canterlot Town Square as soon as possible. Arc flies there aboard Celestia’s chariot, pulled by his own squad. At the speech, he informs the nation of Luna and Cadance’s condition and announces his own new role in the hierarchy. Doing his best to calm those assembled before flying off to Ponyville to take care of the next item on the royal to-do list… the dedication of the Little Hooves Orphanage.

Arriving at the orphanage, Arc gives a short speech on the importance of education. Afterwards, he enters the building with the others to a small luncheon. Heading to the matron’s office with the Hammers, Arc speaks to them privately before opening a portal to Canterlot Castle for them. Sitting down to rest in the office chair, Coco Pommel soon enters with the new school teacher, Cheerilee. Upon seeing Arc for the first time, she faints! Arc carries her to the adjoining quarters and speaks to Coco Pommel about her condition while they wait for Cheerilee to wake up.

The Mane Six, with blood samples of the princesses, head back to Ponyville aboard the small airship, the Blitztorte. Meanwhile, Arc flies back to Canterlot to meet with General Virtuous Lance and Lieutenant Spitfire regarding national security. They advise Arc to organize a preemptive strike on the Everfree forest and its denizens, lest they take advantage of an invasion. Arc refuses, citing such actions would amount to genocide. Twilight returns to her library and explains the situation to Spike and Auriel. As they are about to get to work, there is a knock at the door. A delivery pony gives Twilight a package. Inside she finds a Dragon Fruit along with a note instructing her to study the enclosed fruit, while keeping her findings secret. As the delivery pony leaves, he heads for the Everfree Forest. As he approaches a robed pony, his disguise fades to reveal his true identity of The Dark One.

As Arc returns to Princess Luna’s room, he finds the Hammers visiting with her quietly. They notice a strange but subtle smell on her skin and breath. One that they smelled many years ago in the Everfree Forest. A dangerous plant know as Sanguine Azolla! Rescued by a zebra named Zecora, they promised to never tell anyone of how she had helped them. After promising to allow the pair to join the expedition to the Everfree Forest when the zebra was located, Arc heads to the Royal Office to take care of the paperwork that had backlogged when the princesses began shirking their duties. Overwhelmed by the sheer number of signatures required, Arc contacted Sugar Cube corner for a very special item… a rubber stamp. As he stamps papers instead of sighing them, they notice that many of the papers are duplicates. He completes the paperwork and heads to the Audience Chamber to meet with the Town Council.

Entering the room, he is introduced to Fancy Pants, Minuette, Hoity Toity and Pony Joe. They advise him on the unrest in the city and how his earlier speech did indeed help to soothe their fears. As they speak, Captain Decimus bursts into the room! He is horrified to see Arc sitting on Luna’s throne! Arc informs him that he is a legal citizen and orders him to take a vacation. The council and Arc formulate a draft letter to send to the neighboring countries asking for peace. As he completes his duties for the day, Arc retires to his room for the night. As he sleeps, he dreams of Canterlot in flames! The Dark One appears to reveal to Arc the possibility of this future. When he awakens, Arc finds Tempest sitting on his balcony.

Arc invites the intruder inside and sits down with her. She asks about her sister’s condition and requests that Arc help her return home safely. He agrees and Tempest leaves. Arc gets dressed and raises the sun before heading to the Dining Room. He speaks to Raven about the incident and does his best to console her. Telling her of his future mission to the Griffon Kingdom, he does his best to put her mind at ease. As breakfast is served, Shining Armor and Trixie arrive. As they eat, Arc asks the noble stallion to be his new Captain of the Royal Guard. Shining Armor agrees as long as Trixie is allowed to be his lieutenant. Arc leads the pair to Luna’s room to speak to Doctor Whooves before beginning audiences.

The first audience is of a couple who wants a divorce. A stallion named Searing Bolero was caught in the arms of another mare. His wife, Aqua Serenade, had run out of the house to have revenge sex with whomever would take her! Their daughter, Cheery cries on the floor as they argue. Taking the filly to his office, Arc asks her a number of questions regarding her parents and their relationship with one another. Calling the couple into the office, Raven arrives with the divorce papers. Before Arc can decide who the filly will live with, a Royal Guard arrives to inform him the Councilpony Minuette has information on the audience. Admitting her, Aqua Serenade accuses her of being the one to ruin her marriage. Minuette admits to having come to the house, but only to deliver a present to her brother. Mortified at her mistake, she and her husband do their best to come to terms with the situation. Arc tells them to go home and talk it out amongst themselves.

The next evening at dinner, Arc receives an invitation to Panthera, the capital of Abyssinia, from their king and queen. After discussing the idea with General Virtuous Lance, he agrees to go. However, reading the next letter, his finds the leadership of Yakyakistan to be somewhat less… understanding, and much more threat filled. Still wishing to broker peace with the Changeling Empire, Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage volunteers to carry a letter to Queen Chrysalis.

After speaking alone with Raven, he learns of her suicidal thoughts. Arc orders her to undergo professional therapy, to which she appears very afraid! Not wanting her to be alone, Arc takes her back to Derpy’s house, where they spend the night. The following night, Arc sleeps in Princess Celestia’s bed as per Shining Armor’s recommendation. Waking, he hears the sounds of crying. Looking around, Arc notices Ember and Sereb are missing. As are the guards outside the door! Proceeding to the room next to his, Arc opens the door to find Princess Luna lying on her balcony, sobbing. As he attempts to comfort Luna, she reveals that she is a prisoner along with Cadance in the Lunar Realm. Bringing them up to speed on the state of affairs, he does his best to assure them that he will find a way to save them.

As he awakens from his trip to the Lunar Realm, Sandstorm Mirage hurries in. The sergeant informs him that the Baltimare Courthouse is aflame! Getting up, Arc, Ember and Sereb rush to Baltimare. Finding Flash Sentry and the mayor, Duke Carleon, the proceed to the Town Hall to speak of the event. Escorting Cerulean Skies home, Arc helps her change the bandages around her midsection. She informs him that her sister Tempest had been there earlier that night to share a meal with her. Arc dismisses the idea that Tempest was the cause of the blaze.

As he gives audiences, a Royal Guard reports that Sunburst has discovered the location of Zecora. Arc returns to Light’s Hope with Sunburst. Meeting with the Lead Sage, Twilight, Flash Sentry and the Hammers, he briefs them on Zecora’s location before sending them to the Everfree Forest. They reach the hut as several large Cragadiles close in around them! The next thing any of them know, they are inside the small hut. Twilight is the first to awaken, unable to move. She explains her intention to Zecora, who reveals the secrets of Sanguine Azolla to her. Returning to Ponyville, Twilight becomes suspicious of the Hammer’s past. Not learning anything from Pinkie about the Hammers, she returns to the library to find that Auriel has made an amazing discovery! In addition to the Dragon Berry having latent magical power, she has found that ALL Equestrian fruit has some degree of magic to it.

Twilight and the Hammers board the Blitztorte to return to Canterlot. One the trip, Twilight again asks them about their past. Returning to Arc, Twilight reports her findings. As soon as he sees the picture of the Sanguine Azolla, Arc’s face burns red with fury! Marching straight to Captain Decimus’ quarters, Arc orders Viktor to pick the lock. Failing, he then instructs Xenos to break the door down! Sadly, even the might of the great stallion is not enough. Furious, Arc lunges at the door himself! He rains blow upon blow on the door as Arc falls to his knees, breathing heavily. Calming himself, Arc is able to negate the ward with his own magic before breaking down the door. Finding the room booby-trapped, Arc’s squad secures the room before finding the rest of the evidence removed. Looking again at the picture of Sanguine Azolla, Arc declares Captain Decimus a traitor and orders Shining Armor to bring him in.

As Arc and Twilight make plans for her to visit the Lunar Realm, Arc sees the stained glass windows of several of his exploits. Escorting Twilight to his room, he allows her to sleep in his bed in an effort to grant her access to the Lunar Realm and Cadance. As evening falls, Arc is notified of a therapist named Emerald Dream’s arrival at Ponyville Station. He immediately heads there to meet her and lead her to Light’s Hope. After introducing her to Raven, Arc leaves and returns to Canterlot Castle. Entering his room, he finds Twilight asleep. Awakening, he asks her about her visit with Cadance. Twilight shakes her head, as she was unable to enter the realm. Arc lies down next to her, with Silver Hammer at the foot of the bed, in an effort to help them enter.

The trio successfully enters the Lunar Realm together and meet with the princesses. They are happy to have company. Telling the monarchs what they have learned about Sanguine Azolla and their investigation, they reveal to the princesses Captain Decimus’ involvement and the proof of his treachery.

Where did Captain Decimus obtain Sanguine Azolla? What was his plan? Will Arc be able to hold the land together as well as keep their enemies at bay? How will the changeling queen react to Arc's olive branch of peach? What of the fruit in Twilight’s possession and Auriel’s research? Will Twilight be able to find a solution before it’s too late? What of Judge Hawthorn? Did the Dark One have any involvement in this? And what of Tempest?

But most importantly... how is Cherry handling the news of Arc's new position?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Misunderstandings

Arc, Twilight, and Silver Hammer awaken. Twilight looks up to Arc, wide-eyed!

“Was that... real?”

Silver Hammer sits up slowly from her place at the end of the bed. “I... think so.”

Arc nods. “Trust me... that happened.”

Steel Hammer wakes up at the sound of his wife's voice and quickly walks over to her.

“Silver! Are you okay?!”

“I'm fine dear. Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are okay for the moment. But they still need help to escape the Lunar Realm.”

Ember stretches and looks over. “So how did it go Arc?”

“This experiment was a success. We... had a nice chat after talking through a few matters.”

Arc looks at the clock

“Looks like it's about time to raise the sun.”

He does so and looks back to the others.

“Why don't you guys head over to the dining room and have some breakfast?”

Twilight nods. “Sure, but what will you be doing?”

“Sandstorm Mirage came in here last night to tell me that Judge Hawthorn had escaped. I'm going to...”

Ember interrupts him! “HE WHAT?!”

Sereb frowns. “How?”

Arc shrugs. “That's what I'm hoping Shining Armor can tell me.”

He walks to the door and opens it to see a very surprised Shining Armor, his hoof is raised to knock. Trixie is waiting behind him.

“Oh, good morning sir! I...”

Shining Armor looks past Arc to see everyone. He enters the room along with Trixie as Arc closes the door behind him.

“Um... what's going on here? Twilight? Did you forget to brush your mane when you got up this morning?”

Twilight looks at her disheveled mane. “What? Oh, sorry! No, I just haven't had time yet! I just got up a couple minutes ago. You see I spent the night with Arc here and I...”

Shining Armor's horn suddenly glows as a blast sends Arc careening across the room! He flies through a table, through a vanity and its mirror and into the wall. Arc sits in the wreckage and shakes his head.

Trixie grimaces. “That's gotta hurt!”

Ember rushes to Arc’s side! “Shining Armor! What are you DOING?!”

“Protecting my sister!”

Arc slowly stands, holding his side as Ember helps him up! “Not fully sure why, but somehow I feel like I deserved that.”

The Royal Guards from outside rush into the room!

“Sire! Are you all right?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. We just had a little... uh... magical miscalculation.”

“Is this part of your experiment from last night sire?”

Steel Hammer nods. “The tail end of it, yes.”

Arc grimaces. “I'll go with that. You are dismissed sergeant.”

The guards leave the room as Shining Armor walks towards Arc. He appears angry! Ember steps between Arc and Shining Armor!

“That's far enough!”

Trixie runs over to Shining Armor! “Please stop! I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this!”

Twilight hurries over to her big brother! “Shining Armor, stop it! Last night was MY idea!”

Trixie gives Twilight a wicked smile! “Really Twilight?! Trixie didn't think you had it in you!”

Silver Hammer joins Ember. “It's not what you think lieutenant! I was right there the whole time! We all were!”

Shining Armor looks around the room, his mouth agape. “You all...”

His face is crimson with rage as he charges toward Arc!

“I'LL KILL YOU!!!”

Shining Armor gets about halfway to Arc before he's stopped dead in his tracks by a lightning quick two-way attack from the Hammers which knocks him to the floor! In a flash Shining Armor is pinned down by the pair as Sereb leaps between the furious stallion and his friend! Sereb bares his teeth angrily to Shining Armor!

“I would stay down if I were you.”

Arc hobbles toward Shining Armor while holding his side, aided by Ember. “Now listen Shining Armor. I didn't violate your sister, or anyone else for that matter!”

Trixie frowns. “Really?!”

“Yes really! Twilight, Silver Hammer and I slept together last night so the three of us could enter the Lunar Realm and talk to the princesses. The others were here to make sure nothing else happened!”

Twilight nods feverishly! “It's true! Arc was a complete gentlepony last night!”

Arc turns to the Hammers. “Let him up.”

They cautiously do so. Twilight walks over to her brother and puts a hoof on his cheek.

“Big brother, Arc once taught me not to jump to conclusions. I think you need to learn the same lesson.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yeah... sorry about this sir. I'm... I'm in pretty big trouble right now, aren't I?”

Arc winces. “...yeah. I'll think of a proper punishment after you help me to the infirmary.”

Ember looks to Arc with concern! The infirmary?!

Arc takes his hand away from his side. There is a sizable amount of blood on it!

“Somehow I think this warrants more than just a Band-Aid.”

Twilight gasps! “Arc! You're hurt!”

“I'll be fine.”

Ember walks forward with Arc. “Come on! Let's get you some help!”

Shining Armor steps forward quickly! “I'll help too!”

Ember glares at Shining Armor. “Haven't you done enough?!”

Arc winces! “Ember, let him help. This is his fault, remember?”

“But... fine. I'm keeping my eye on him though!”

Ember moves to allow Shining Armor to take her place next to Arc.

“Okay... let's go.

Shining Armor helps Arc to the infirmary. Twilight, Ember, the Hammers, Sereb and Trixie follow them. As they near the infirmary they see Doctor Whooves coming out.

“Good morning everypony! I was just about to make my morning rounds and... good heavens! What happened?!”

Trixie looks embarrassed. “Shining Armor, he...”

Arc interrupts her! “Just a little accident from a magical experiment this morning.”

Doctor Whooves motions for them to enter! “We’ll let's get that taken care of!”

The group follows Doctor Whooves to the back. Shining Armor helps Arc onto the examination table

“This is quite the wound! What exactly happened?!”

“There was a bit of a... magical explosion this morning. I was thrown through a table and a mirror.”

Doctor Whooves helping Arc remove his tunic. “And what could possibly be so important that you're experimenting at this hour of the morning?!”

Twilight looks away. “We... we were trying to make contact with the princesses!”

He cleans the wound to get a better look. “Oh? And how did that work out?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Mission successful.”

Doctor Whooves drops his gauze. “WHAT?! HOW?!”

Arc nods. “We entered the Lunar Realm and discovered that the princesses' consciousnesses are trapped there!”

Ember frowns moodily. “I never get to go anywhere...”

“Twilight will bring you up to speed after you finish patching me up. By the way, my insides REALLY hurt right now! I think there might be a piece of something in there.”

“Looking forward to the conversation, miss! Let me take a quick x-ray of your midsection and we'll see what's what, sire.”

Arc is wheeled into the next room where he is x-rayed. A few minutes later he and Doctor Whooves return to the Examination Room with the pictures.

“Well Lord Arc, it looks like you have a few cracked ribs along with a piece of glass in there. I'm sorry, but I'll need to contact your regular doctor and consult with him on how much painkiller to give you.”

“...pull it out.”

Doctor Whooves looks to Arc, confused. “I'm sorry Lord Arc. What was that?”

“I said just pull it out! Doctor Horse probably won't be in his office for a couple more hours. There's no time to waste!”

The Hammers looks to Arc, confused.

“What's the hurry Arc?”

“Yes indeed! That looks painful enough as it is!”

Arc winces as he clutches his side. “I... have a lot to do today! You have your orders doctor! Carry them out!”

Shining Armor looks down at the floor sadly. “Arc...”

Doctor Whooves nods and pulls up a surgical tray. “Very well, sire.”

The doctor looks toward the assembly as he walks over to a nearby sink to wash up.

“Please wait outside. This shouldn't take long.”

The Hammers, Sereb and Trixie leave the room.

“I... I should stay! This was all my fault after all!"

Arc turns to Shining Armor and shakes his head. “No. I want you to go see the quartermaster and requisition a new suit of armor for yourself and an armor rack.”

Ember looks to him confused. “Arc, are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah. Your armor... take a good look at it, captain.”

Shining Armor looks down. He sees his side covered in Arc's blood where he leaned on him.

“Take your armor back to your room and put it on the armor rack as it is! I want it to serve as a reminder of this incident. Now go.”

Shining Armor nods and hangs his head. “Yes sir... I'll do as you say.”

As he walks out of the infirmary, Shining Armor looks over to Trixie.

“Stay here and assist Lord Arc with whatever he needs.”

Trixie nods. “Yes sir. But what will you be doing?”

“Learning a valuable lesson.”

Meanwhile… Doctor Whooves turns to Twilight and Ember as a nurse comes in to assist him.

“Are you two sure you wouldn't rather wait outside?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. My friend needs me right now!”

“I'm his bodyguard. I go where he goes!”

Doctor Whooves nods and picks up a pair of forceps. “Very well. Shall we begin, Lord Arc?”

As Twilight moves to the opposite side of the bed to watch Arc raises a hand. “Give me a claw, Ember?”

Ember takes Arc's hand in her claw, soberly. “Sure.”

The nurse uses her magic to pull back both sides of the wound with forceps while Doctor Whooves carefully reaches inside to take hold of the mirror shard. Ember continues to hold Arc's hand as he grits his teeth in pain and tightens his grip on her claw!

“Go ahead and squeeze as hard as you need Arc! I'm here for you!”

Twilight puts her hooves up on the side of the bed. “You're doing great Arc! Stay strong!”

Doctor Whooves slowly pushes the forceps in deeper. “Almost... got it...”

A moment later Doctor Whooves holds up a sickeningly large and bloody piece of glass.

“It's out sire!”

Arc looks to the doctor covered in sweat and breathing heavily. “Thanks...”

Ember smiles at him. “You did great Arc! I'm really proud of you!”

Twilight nods. “Me too! That was quite impressive!”

Another nurse approaches with a fresh tray. Doctor Whooves picks up a needle and surgical thread.

“I'll start sewing you up now sire.”

Doctor Whooves quickly gets to work. A short time later he puts his tools back on the tray as Trixie and Shining Armor enter the room along with Sereb and the Hammers.

“All done sire! Considering how deep that glass was, your wound isn't too bad. Now your ribs will be tender for a while but should heal just fine on their own. However, you really should take it easy today.”

Arc nods. “Thank you Doctor Whooves, but I can't.”

Twilight gives Arc back his blood-soaked tunic. “You really need to rest Arc! Please! Listen to the doctor!”

Ember nods. “Twilight's right Arc! Besides, a day off won't kill you!”

Arc shakes his head. “Yeah. But it might kill others! I have a war to avert today!”

The Hammers look over, taken aback by Arc’s statement.

“A war?!”

“Surely you're over-exaggerating Arc!”

Arc sighs as he puts his tunic back on. “Later this morning I was planning on heading over to Yakyakistan to meet with their leader Prince Rutherford.”

“As your doctor I must advise against this trip sire! But I do understand the urgency of this matter.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his forehead. “I'm very sorry sir! This is all my fault!”

Ember glares at him! “Darn right it is!”

“Let it go, Ember. I think Shining Armor has learned his lesson.”

“Let it go... LET IT GO?! You have a hole in your side along with cracked bones, AND YOU JUST EXPECT ME TO LET IT GO?!”

“I do.”

Ember does not take her eyes off of Shining Armor as she seethes!

“Why would I do something dumb like that?! Sereb, back me up here!”

“If that is the will of Arc, then that is also my will.”

Arc winces in pain as he moves to sit up. “Because Ember... it would make me very sad to see my friends fighting one another. So please... for my sake?”

Ember sighs.

“I can't really say “no” to you. Fine. But as your bodyguard, I'm keeping my eye on him!”

“Fair enough.”

Sereb looks to him. “Arc. I am confused. You have taken on three of my tribe’s strongest warriors, as well as that strange looking pair at your party. Tell me, how did that blow do so much damage to you?”

Ember nods! “Yeah! I mean, you took quite the beating when you and I fought so long ago!”

Shining Armor looks sadly at Arc. “Not that I'm trying to make excuses for my actions, but I figured you would be fine as well! What happened?!”

Doctor Whooves walks over. “I think I can answer that!”

He pulls another set of x-rays out of a file and puts them next to Arc's.

“Both of these were taken from roughly the same distance. Do you see the difference?”

Trixie looks the x-rays over carefully. “Trixie is confused! Arc, for a creature of your size, why do you have such small ribs?”

“I don't. They're normal by human standards.”

Doctor Whooves nods as he looks over the pictures. “From what little I have learned about human physiology, their bones also appear to be noticeably less dense. Frankly sire from all the stories I've heard about you I'm surprised you haven't broken every bone in your body!”

“That thought had crossed my mind. I can only assume that my armor is taking more than its fair share of the blows!”

Steel Hammer frowns. “So, let me see if I'm understanding this. You took the job of Hero of Light knowing full well that you were so... fragile?!”

Silver Hammer nods. “Why, Arc?!”

“I... just feel this is what I'm supposed to be doing right now.”

Ember turns to Arc, suddenly furious! “IDIOT! You could DIE!”

“So could anyone who takes this job. Pony... human... dragon even! None of us is truly invincible.”

Twilight frowns. “Are you TRYING to get killed Arc?!”

“No Twilight. I'm trying to see to it OTHERS don't get killed.”

Trixie looks to Arc, fearfully! “But... this job is so very dangerous! Eventually, you'll... you'll...”

Arc nods soberly as he turns to look at everyone.

“Yes. I will die... and this is where I wish to be buried. In my new home... Equestria. Now, if it's all the same I'd rather not talk about this any longer. It's beginning to make me a bit depressed.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “I think I'll let all of you finish talking this out amongst yourselves. If you'll excuse me sire, I need to check on the princesses now.”

“Sure. Go ahead.”

Doctor Whooves leaves the room. Ember turns back to Arc, a pleading look in her eyes!

“Arc, can I at least convince you to take it easy for just ONE DAY?! I've heard about these yaks! They're no pushovers!”

Trixie nods! “She's right Arc! You really should be at your best before you fight them!”

Twilight looks to Arc, fearfully! “Fight?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “Yes Twilight. That is how their culture works... or so we think. There really hasn't been much contact with them in generations!”

He removes his helmet and walking over to Arc.

“I'm really sorry for what I did, sir. In light of this, I think it's probably best that you find another Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Arc uses his magic to put Shining Armor's helmet back on his head. “Nope. I'm now convinced more than ever that I made the right choice!”

Ember quickly turns toward the corridor! “I'll go get the doctor!”

Silver Hammer looks to Ember confused. “What for?”

“To give him a CAT scan! Arc clearly hit his head much harder than we thought! He's delusional!”

Arc shakes his head. “No Ember. I'm serious.”

“Sir?”

“I want... no... I NEED a captain who's not afraid to do what's right! I understand that you thought I had violated your sister, and you felt the need to keeps her safe! Just… please try to get the full story next time.

Shining Armor salutes him. “Thank you, Arc! I'm sorry for not giving you time to explain! At the time I just thought... you had... you know... done things to my little sister.”

Arc nods. “I understand your point of view, Shining Armor. Now, can someone please help me up? I need to head to my office to interview someone.”

The Hammers help Arc off the examination table.

“Are you sure this is wise Arc?”

“The yaks aren't going anywhere!”

Arc winces as he stands. “Don't worry. I'll be careful.”

Ember protests! “At least ride Sereb as much as you can!”

“Wouldn't that look a bit... odd? Riding inside! I mean… I’ve done it before, but…”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. But I am willing to do so.”

“Well, okay.”

Ember helps Arc mount Sereb. He turns to Shining Armor.

“I need to talk to you before I head out. As soon as this audience is concluded, I'll head to your office.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc, Sereb, and Ember make their way toward his office. Silver Hammer turns to her husband.

“Dear, we should call Platinum Valve and let her know we'll be gone a bit longer.”

“Agreed.”

The Hammers leave the room.

“Big brother... can I talk to you about something a bit... personal?”

Shining Armor nods. “Sure Twilight. Follow me!”

He leads Twilight to his office and closes the door behind her.

“So... what's up?”

Twilight looks nervous. “Can we sit down please? This is... really hard to talk about!”

Shining Armor nods and gestures to the couch. “Um... okay.”

The pair sit down together. Twilight appears agitated!

“Twilight? Is... is everything okay?”

She shakes her head. “No... it's not! Can you please keep this conversation just between us?”

Shining Armor nods! “Of course! Now then, let your B-B-B-F-F know what's wrong! Maybe I can help!”

“I really need some advice... for a friend of mine! You see, she has her eyes on this stallion! She really likes him and all, but he doesn't know she likes him. He just thinks they’re both good friends!”

Shining Armor nods. “Are they?”

“Y-yes! But she wants to be more than just friends! She's... had her eyes on him for some time now!”

“Why doesn't she just tell him? You know, be honest about it!”

“Well, you see... she's... worried that he doesn't feel the same way!”

Shining Armor smiles at his sister. “But if she doesn't say anything, she'll never know! What's the problem?”

“Um... I guess she's just... afraid of rejection?”

Shining Armor shakes his head as he looks at her. “Twilight? Do you have a crush on somepony?”

Twilight blushes heavily! “WHAT?! NO!!! I told you, this advice is for my friend!”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin and considers to himself.

“Your friend, huh? Hmmm... I wonder which of your friends it could be.”

“It... IT'S NOT IMPORTANT!”

“Let's see... Fluttershy's too shy to have a stallionfriend. Applejack's too busy. Pinkie Pie is... Pinkie Pie. Rarity knows more about love and feelings than you do. And there isn't a stallion alive that's cooler than Rainbow Dash, so that leaves her out. So... which friend is it Twilight?”

Twilight blushes an even deeper shade of red. “I... I... I...”

Shining Armor leans in close to her. “It's you, isn't it?”

Twilight looks up half screaming, half sighing! “YES!”

“Was that so hard?”

“Yes! Yes, it was!”

Shining Armor laughs! “Now that we have that out of the way, tell me about this stallion you have a crush on! He must be REALLY smart to have caught your eye!”

Twilight clops her front hooves together nervously. “Um... yeah! He is!”

Shining Armor smiles mischievously. “Does he run the Canterlot Library or something?”

“Brother, please!”

“Okay, I'm sorry Twily! Go ahead and tell me all about him!”

“Well... he's really strong. And smart! Very smart! Part of the military actually!”

“Just like your big brother? What branch?”

Twilight looks nervous. “B-Branch?”

Shining Armor nods. “I mean, what does he do?”

“Oh... I'm... not always sure. He does a lot of clandestine stuff!”

“So, he's part of the Lunar Guard?”

Twilight fumbles for the words. “Not... exactly.”

“Well, what do you like about him?”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “Hmmm... well, he's nice. Really nice considering how deadly he must be! He's handsome, strong, funny, and Kind!”

Shining Armor nods happily! “Sounds like the total package! So, does he like you?”

“Yes. I mean, I know he likes me, quite a bit actually! It's just... I know there's somepony else who has feelings for him!”

“I see. Does he love her?”

“I... I don't know! This is all so confusing to me! Please big brother! How do I get him to love me?!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “You can't FORCE somepony to love you Twily! It has to come naturally! Now listen to me... just get him alone, tell him how you feel, and if he doesn't feel the same way then you both should move on.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide at the thought! “WHAT?! I can't do that!!!”

He sighs. “Look, you said he was part of the military, right? If it would help, I can pull some strings and have him transferred here for temporary duty or something. Just tell me his name and I'll find a way to make it happen.”

“You... you can't.”

Shining Armor laughs! “Sure I can! I'm the Captain of the Royal Guard!”

Twilight shakes her head! “No, no! I mean you can't because he's... um... a higher rank than you are!”

“Wow, really?! You interested in a general or something?! Now that's what I call shooting for the stars, Twilight! Now as your big brother I can't wait to meet this stallion!”

“W-what's the rush?!”

Shining Armor smiles! “I want to make sure he's worthy of you, that's all. After all, if you gave him such a glowing review he must be quite the catch! So tell me, what's his name?!”

“I... um... don't really want to say just yet. Thank you for the advice though!”

Shining Armor smiles and narrowing his eyes. “It's Arc, isn't it?”

“Yes... NO!!! I mean... how did you know?!”

Twilight blushes deeply yet again.

Shining Armor nods. “Well, he certainly matches your description. That and you WERE in bed with him less than an hour ago!”

Twilight looks away nervously. “Yes... well... about that...”

Shining Armor interrupts her. “You already explained this Twily. That and I'm sorry for flying off the handle earlier this morning. You're not a filly anymore, but a full-grown mare! So, if you want to get into bed with somepony...”

Twilight falls off the couch with a sudden nosebleed!

“It... IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!”

Shining Armor laughs! “I know Twily! You had your reasons! Now listen to me...”

He puts his hooves on her shoulders and look Twilight in the eye.

“You're my little sister, and I care for you more than you know! While I would hate for you to do something... something you couldn't take back, I understand that you're an adult now! Capable of making your own decisions... and mistakes. Just... please think before you act, okay?”

Twilight nods. “I understand. Can I confess something to you, big brother?”

“Of course! Anything!”

“Do you remember when I was a filly and I had a bad dream?”

Shining Armor sighs. “Yes. I would often find you curled up next to me in the morning.”

Twilight appears embarrassed but continues to speak.

“Well, last night when I snuggled up to Arc, I asked him to put his arm around me. I said it was because I wanted to be sure this would work! But... that wasn't completely true. I know this might sound silly, but if felt like I was a filly again! Laying there with my head on his chest... I felt so... secure!”

Shining Armor nods approvingly! “Please understand Twilight, I just want what's best for you. So if you want to go out with Arc, then that's fine with me!”

Twilight looks to her brother, surprised! “Really?! Then why did you... you know...”

“It was more of a reflex than anything else. A big brother's prerogative to protect his little sister.”

Twilight gives Shining Armor a hug. “Thanks, big brother. You're the best!”

Meanwhile Arc, Sereb and Ember make their way to Arc's office. Entering, Sereb crouches down next to Arc's chair.

“There you are Arc.”

Ember helps Arc down. “Easy there! Let me do this!”

Ember lowers Arc into his chair as Kibitz enters the room. “Thanks you two.”

Kibitz sees Arc wince as he sits down. “Lord Arc! Are you alright?!”

“It's just a scratch. I'll be fine.”

Sereb shakes his head. “The chunk of glass the doctor removed would disagree.”

“Well, I have work to do. Did you get that file I wanted, Kibitz?”

Kibitz nods. “Yes sire! I have it here!”

He levitates a folder over to Arc.

“Let's see what we have here.”

Ember walks to the desk to stand behind Arc. “What do you have there?”

“It's a file on the candidate Duke Carleon recommended. I wanted to know her background a little better before I interview her.”

Kibitz looks at his pocket watch. “Then you had best hurry Lord Arc. Her appointment is in an hour!”

Arc nods. “I will! Ember, why don't you and Sereb go have breakfast now?”

“What about you?”

He does not look up from the papers. “Bring me back something quick, would you kindly?”

“Um... okay.”

Ember and Sereb leave the office and head toward the dining room. Sereb turns to Arc.

“I'm a bit concerned about Arc.”

Ember sighs. “You too?”

Sereb nods. “He is working too hard for his condition.”

“He's working too hard regardless! I think we may need to do something about that.”

“Such as?”

Ember shrugs. “I don't know. Let's think about it over breakfast! I don't think that therapist is doing their job!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Meanwhile back in Arc's office, Kibitz approaches the desk.

“Lord Arc? Forgive me if I'm overstepping, but I think you may be working a bit too hard!”

Arc does not look up. “I know Kibitz. But there's just so much to be done!”

“I believe some down time may be in order, lest you suffer a nervous breakdown! After all, you've been going non-stop since taking the throne.”

Arc nods as he continues to read. “I'll consider it when things are a bit more peaceful.”

Kibitz sighs and mutters to himself. “That's what Princess Luna always said.”

“Did you say something Kibitz?”

“Nothing sire!”

A short time later Ember and Sereb return to the office with a place of muffins. Ember sets the plate on the desk.

“We brought you a little something Arc.”

Arc picks up a muffin as he continues reading. “Thank you.”

“You... should really take a break sometime Arc. Ember and I are concerned for your sanity.”

Arc shakes his head. “Believe me, I would love to do that Sereb! But I'm just so busy right now.”

Ember sighs. “Can we at least help then?!”

He looks up. “Sure. Now, here's what I want you and Sereb to do...”

A short time later Arc proceeds to the Audience Chamber with Kibitz.

“I must say, this is a bit unorthodox sire!”

“Agreed. But if I get what I'm after it will be worth the effort. Now please let her know I'm ready to see her.”

Kibitz nods. “Very well sire.”

He leaves the Audience Chamber. A moment later he returns with a rather nervous looking mare! She has a light green coat and immaculate mane. Her cutie mark is a gavel, she bows respectfully.

“Thank you for coming here miss. I am Lord Regent Arc. And you are...”

“M... my name is Lady Gaval.”

Arc nods. “Do you know why you're here?”

“I... I was told you were looking for a new judge! Is... is that true?”

“Yes. Do you think it should be you?”

“I... I hope so!”

“You hope so?”

“Forgive me Lord Arc. It's just... I've always been just a simple Councilor.”

“Really? What were your duties?”

“I spoke on behalf of those who didn't have anypony to be their voice.”

Arc nods. “That sounds very lucrative.”

Lady Gaval shakes her head. “Not really sire. Those who don't have anypony to turn to are usually quite poor.”

“The occupation of Councilor is your primary job, correct?”

“Yes sire.”

“If they cannot pay, how do you make ends meet?”

“Equestrian law says that in such extreme cases a Councilor may be appointed by the court and a small stipend awarded upon completion of the case. I made enough from that to make ends meet, but not much more. I'm sure you're aware of the current state of the economy.”

Arc nods. “I am. Although I'm not sure how to go about remedying it.”

“Well, due to that, there seems to be an increase in the number of cases these days.”

“That should help your bottom line, eh?”

Lady Gaval shakes her head. “Not... really. With all the caseloads, Judge Hawthorne may not have been as... thorough as he should have been. Cases that once took several hearings were being done in one sitting!”

“And how long did it take?”

“Sometimes as little as twenty minutes! I... I couldn't bring myself to collect on cases where I wasn't even given time to SPEAK!”

Arc nods. “Very praiseworthy!”

“Thank you sire, but I was only trying to do my job. If... if you will allow it, I promise to do my very best to see to it that everypony who comes before me is given a chance to defend themselves! Not just shuttled off to jail!”

“Lady Gaval... would you like to be made Baltimare's new judge?”

“Very much so sire! Please give me a chance!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I believe a test is in order then. Right now I have two individuals in my office who are in need of judgment. If you can tell me who is the criminal, I'll appoint you High Justice of Baltimare. Fail, and I suppose this meeting is over. Do you accept?”

“Yes. I will do my very best sire!”

“Very good! Kibitz... bring them in.”

“Yes sire!”

Kibitz opens the office door. Ember and Sereb walk out to stand before Lady Gaval.

“W-what?!”

“Is something wrong, Lady Gaval?

She shakes her head. “Not... really. This is just very surprising!”

The startled mare turns to face the accused.

“Forgive me, but I was expecting ponies.”

Neither say anything.

“Do you believe they are somehow less worthy of justice?”

“No sire! I've just never spoken for another race before! I promise I'll do my very best though!”

Arc nods. “Good. Now you may ask them anything you wish. Remember now... you only have to discern who is guilty. Bear in mind that the guilty party WILL be imprisoned at your say so alone, so choose wisely!”

“I will.”

She turns to the pair.

“What are your names?”

“Ember.”

“Sereb.”

“Where are you from?”

“The Dragon Lands.”

“Same.”

“Are either of you guilty of a crime?”

Ember and Sereb respond together. “No.”

Lady Gaval thinks for a moment. “Since you are both from the Dragon Lands, did you know each other before coming to Equestria?”

Again, they respond together. “No.”

Lady Gaval turns to Ember. “Do you think Sereb is guilty?”

“No.”

She turns to Sereb. “Do you think Ember is guilty?”

“No.”

“Hmmm... Ember, tell me how you came to this land.”

“I was banished from the Dragon Lands for disobeying a direct order from the Dragon Lord.”

“What order would that be?

Ember frowns. “I interfered in a competition to determine who would be the next Dragon Lord.”

“Why?”

“To prove I was strong! A dragon's reputation as a warrior is prized above all else!”

“What have you been doing since coming to Equestria?”

“Learning about pony customs all the while trying to become stronger!”

Lady Gaval nods. “Thank you Ember.”

She turns to Sereb.

“Sereb, why you did you come to Equestria?”

“I was the weakest of my tribe in the Dragon Lands. A powerful warrior came to my village and challenged me to one-on-one combat. Needless to say, he defeated me and as per our customs he is now my master. Therefore, I am honor-bound to follow him into battle and carry out his orders.”

“Any order?”

“Yes. We only follow the orders of those who are stronger. Regardless of any moral shortcomings.”

“I see. Did this warrior ever order you to do anything... immoral?”

“I do not understand. Immoral?”

“I mean, were you ever ordered to hurt or kill anypony?”

“No.”

“Did you ever do so of your own free will?”

“No.”

“What have you been doing since you came to Equestria?”

“Serving my master while learning from him the art of war.”

“Art of war?”

Sereb nods. “I have watched him fight and in doing so have learned how best to approach a number of battle situations.”

“I have no further questions.”

Arc looks to the mare. “Have you come to a verdict?”

“I have.”

“Very good. Tell me then... who goes to the dungeon and who walks free?”

Lady Gaval looks down at her hooves. “I... don't know.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You don't know?”

“Forgive me sire, but I honestly can't figure out which one of them is guilty!”

Arc leans forward on his throne. “Look at it this way. You have a 50/50 shot. Those are pretty good odds! Why not just pick one then?”

“I can't do that! I might send the wrong suspect to prison!”

“Come on now, Councilor! Use your intuition! Pick one!”

“But...”

Arc interrupts, pointing to Lady Gaval angrily! “Pick one or I'll send YOU to the dungeon!”

Lady Gaval looks at Arc with determination! “Fine then! I'll go to the dungeon!”

Arc nods and looks at Lady Gaval. “Let me see if I understand this correctly. You would rather be sent to the dungeon yourself than potentially send an innocent to jail?”

“Yes!”

He smiles! “Glad to hear it!”

Lady Gaval appears confused. “Sire?”

“This was merely a test of character. And you have passed it with flying colors! The truth of the matter is NEITHER of them is guilty!”

Ember laughs! “We're actually Arc's bodyguards.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. Arc is the warrior whom I now follow.”

Lady Gaval looks to Arc. “So... what happens now?”

“I want you to return to Baltimare and serve the citizens as their new High Justice.”

“REALLY?! You want me?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. You're just what they need right now. There's a temporary courthouse set up in the Town Hall. Kibitz here will give you the necessary papers.”

“Indeed I will sire!”

Lady Gaval bows low, respectfully. “Th-thank you sire! I promise I won't let you down!”

“Very commendable. All I ask in return is that you do your best to see justice done!”

“I will, sire! You can count on me!”

“Thank you. The fates of countless ponies rests with you. Now go.”

Lady Gaval leaves the Audience Chamber. Kibitz turns to Arc.

“Was that really necessary Lord Arc?”

Ember grins. “Maybe not. But it sure was FUN!”

“While I'm glad you were sufficiently entertained Ember, I just wanted the best for Baltimare!”

Sereb nods. “Are you sure that's all you were after?”

Arc grins and shrugs. “Eh, I like to mix a little business with pleasure when I can.”

Kibitz facehoofs. “Celestia help us all...”

Chapter 2 - Heading North

Sereb looks to Arc. “What now?

Arc slowly stands up. “We need to get to Yakyakistan as soon as possible!”

Ember nods. “I agree. But... your condition Arc.”

“What about it?”

She sarcastically rolls her eyes. “Uh... you have a hole in your side?!”

“No I don't. It's sewn up.”

“I'm serious Arc! Equestria can't afford to lose you right now! I can't lose you...”

Arc winces in pain as he walks out from behind the desk. Sereb approaches and Ember helps him up into the saddle.

“While I appreciate that Ember, this is bigger than just one individual! We're talking about the fate of a country here!”

Ember looks to Arc angrily. “And I'm talking about the fate of a friend! Someone who's been with me through thick and thin! You were always there for me, now it's my turn to be there for YOU!”

“Fine then. You can come with me as my bodyguard.”

Sereb nods. “And I?”

Arc leans forward to pat Sereb's head. “You're coming too. After all, where would I be without my faithful steed?!”

“Walking.”

Ember is taken aback! “Woah Sereb! Was that a joke?!”

“It was not.”

Kibitz looks to Arc. “Shall I notify Tight Ship of your plans, sire?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Tell him we'll be taking the new military grade airship though.”

“I'll see to it at once! Shall I send along some warmer garments for you and your party?”

“Yes. Better off too prepared than unprepared! My armor has a good number of thermal regulators built into it. But I would like to be seen arriving without my armor on. Hopefully Prince Rutherford will see that I come in peace.”

Kibitz sighs. “Unlikely sire, as I believe the peaceful gesture will be lost on him.”

“Well, I'm going that route anyways. Sereb, take me to Shining Armor's office.”

Sereb walks down the corridor. “Very well.”

Ember calls out after them. “I'll head over to the Hanger and make sure we have everything for the trip!”

“Thanks Ember! See you in a bit!”

A short time later the pair arrive at Shining Armor's office. Arc knocks and enters, Shining Armor and Twilight are embracing on the couch.

“Sorry. Did I interrupt something?”

Shining Armor breaks the embrace. “No Arc. We were just having a little talk.”

Arc nods. “About this morning?”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Um... indirectly, I suppose. I'm sorry Arc. Looking back on what I said and how I said it... your injury was really my fault!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “It was not Twilight! I acted before knowing the facts! It was my fault!”

“Yes, well... it's in the past. Right now, I wanted to ask if you had any news on either Judge Hawthorne or Captain Decimus.”

“No sir. There hasn't been any sign of Captain Decimus since you sent him away. I've talked to every guard and none of them even saw him leave the castle!”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide! “Could he still be here?”

“That would be very unlikely. But just to be sure I'm leading a full sweep of the castle and its surrounding grounds later this morning.”

Arc nods. “Very good. What about our missing judge?”

“The jailer on duty reported that no one entered of left the dungeon all night. I personally inspected the cell in question and did not find any signs of forced entry.”

Twilight nods. “So, the only way out would have been for somepony to open the door with a key.”

“Yes. Or the culprit was a Master Locksmith. Very unlikely.”

“I hate to suggest this, but could the jailer have let him out and helped him escape?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “I don't believe so, Arc. He's been a guard for many years and has a spotless record. It's common knowledge that the jailers sometimes slack off due to extreme boredom. However he's always been a model soldier and vigilant in his duties.”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “What about magic? Could somepony have used Portal Magic to get into the cell, open a portal and leave through it with the judge?”

“I suppose so. However the only two who know that kind of ancient magic are Arc and Tempest.”

Arc smiles. “Wasn't me!”

Twilight nods! “That leaves only Tempest!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Right. But I doubt she would be involved in something like this. I mean, what would she have to gain?”

Shining Armor sighs. “Arc's right. That's not really her style. But that doesn't bring us any closer to an answer!”

He turns toward the office door. “See what you can figure out while I'm in Yakyakistan. We'll be leaving shortly. Take care of things while I'm gone, Shining Armor.”

“Me, Arc?”

Arc turns back to look at Shining Armor. “Yes you! After myself the Captain of the Royal Guard is next to lead according to the Order of Succession.”

“Yes sir, I'll do my best!”

“Keep going with your investigation, Twilight. I think we're on the right track. Be sure to let Doctor Whooves know everything you've learned so far. Maybe the two of you can come up with something.”

Twilight nods and smiles. “Will do Arc! I'll head over to the infirmary in a few minutes. By the way... thank you for last night!”

Arc blushes. “Um... yeah sure... no problem. Well I'm off! Wish me luck.”

Shining Armor facehoofs as Arc leaves the office. “You really should think before you speak Twilight. I know what you meant, but still...”

Twilight thinks for a moment before blushing heavily. “Oh my...”

Meanwhile, Arc closes the door behind him as Sereb crouches down to allow Arc to more easily mount him.

“Where to now, Arc?”

Arc winces as he gets into the saddle. “Let's see if Doctor Whooves can do anything about this pain in my side! He should still be examining the princesses.”

The pair quickly make their way to Princess Luna's room. Sereb pushes the door open with a paw and enters the room with Arc. Doctor Whooves is standing over Princess Luna with a nurse, they appear to be trying to move her.

“Need a hand, doctor?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “Thank you, but no. We're just doing a bit of physical therapy. You see, the princesses’ bodies have been inactive for so long that their muscles are beginning to atrophy. These sessions of exercise will help them in their recovery.”

Sereb appears confused. “Recovery?”

“Yes. Even if the princesses were to wake up right now, it's unlikely they would be able to do much more than roll over!”

“Oh boy. We've REALLY got to figure this mess out! I don't want to be Lord Regent any longer than I have to!”

Sereb nods. “You're doing just fine Arc.”

“Thanks, but I have a family and my own job to get back to!”

“We will of course do our best, sire! But you should know that after they awaken it will be some time before they are again ready to fulfill their duties.”

Arc sighs. “Great...”

“I do wish I had better news for you, sire!”

“Me too. But in any case, do you think you could give me something for my injury?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “I wish I could, but I still haven't heard back from Doctor Horse on how much you can take!”

“Can you give me some painkillers and then call me when you hear something?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “I suppose so.”

The doctor walks over to his little black bag and pulls out a small bottle of pills.

“Take these. I'll contact you the moment I know the proper dosing for your species. In the meantime, try putting some ice on it.”

Arc takes the bottle and puts it in Sereb's saddlebag. “It's really tender right now. But I'll wait to take these until I hear back from you.”

“Good luck on your mission sire!”

“Thanks. Before I leave though I'd like to take a shower. Can I get this injury wet?”

“Yes. Just make it a quick shower though. Pat your stitches dry when you're done. I'll be over in about ten minutes to re-bandage you before your trip.”

“I appreciate it. See you in a bit.”

Arc and Sereb leave and return to his room. He quickly showers and puts on fresh raiments. As he steps out of the bathroom Arc finds Doctor Whooves waiting for him. He quickly gets to work”

“Better wrap this up tight and thick, doctor.”

Doctor Whooves smiles. “Whatever for sire? Are you planning on marching into battle today?”

Arc looks to the doctor with a serious look on his face. “Maybe.”

“Very well. Although I must again advise against this course of action.”

“So do I. But I'll do what I must.”

Doctor Whooves finishes his task.

“I'm sure this goes without saying Lord Arc, but do try not to get hit there for a while.”

“No promises. Take extra special care of the princesses while I'm gone, would you?”

Doctor Whooves nods soberly. “Yes sire. Well, that's the best I can do. The rest is up to you.”

“Good work. Let's go Sereb!”

Sereb lies down to allow Arc to mount him. “Very well.”

Arc and Sereb leave the room as Doctor Whooves sighs.

“Please come back in one-piece sire! The princesses would be heartbroken if you were to...”

Sereb bears Arc to the Hanger. Ember is overseeing the loading of supplies.

“How are things here Ember?”

“We're almost ready to go. How are you... holding up, Arc?”

“I had Doctor Whooves reapply my bandages after I took a shower. It's the best he could do on such short notice.”

Ember nods. “I ordered extra medical supplies, you know, just in case.’

“Thanks. I just hope we won't need them!”

Sereb looks toward the gangplank. “Perhaps we should get aboard? Arc, this would be a good time for you to get some rest.”

Arc nods. “Sounds good. I hope this bucket of bolts has a decent bed.”

Ember looks toward the ship. “Only one way to find out!”

The trio boards the ship and are greeted by Tight Ship. He salutes Arc and smiles!

“Lord Arc! Welcome aboard!”

Arc winces as he dismounts. “Thank you. Are you the captain?”

“Yes sire. Captain Tight Ship, at your service. Are you... alright?”

“There was a bit of an accident this morning.”

Ember nods at Tight Ship. “Is there somewhere Arc can lie down?”

“Right this way!”

Tight Ship leads the party into the mammoth ship. Before long they stand before a large and rather ornate door. The captain opens the door and gestures with a hoof for them to enter.

“This is the princess' room. As you can see it has all the amenities of home!”

The group looks around the rather spacious cabin! There are floor to ceiling windows, several couches, a large table and chairs, a rather posh looking bed and an adjoining bathroom.

Arc looks to the bed. “That's a pleasant sight.”

Ember helps him to the bed and lies him down.

Tight Ship walks over to Arc and produces a clipboard. “Sire? I hate to bother you with this, but aviation law dictates that large vessels such as this one must be named and registered before their maiden flight. I have the form right here. All you have to do is sign your name and write the name of the ship on this line.”

Arc takes the paper, thinks a moment, then writes something.

“There.”

Tight Ship takes the clipboard from Arc.

“Thank you sire. I'll have somepony paint this on the bow before we take off. It's going to be a couple hours before we can get underway. Well, I'll let all of you get some rest now.”

Tight Ship salutes and leaves the room. Arc reaches for the phone on the nearby nightstand, prompting Ember to glare at him!

“Arc, please get some rest! You need to be at the top of your game when you get to Yakyakistan!

“I know, but...”

Ember interrupts him. She looks at him, a pleading looks in her eyes. “Please...”

“Okay then, I will.”

Arc folds his hands over his chest. In a few minutes he is asleep. Ember walks over to the other side of the bed and lies down next to Arc.

Sereb frowns. “Ember, if someone sees you like that...”

Ember interrupts. “I don't care, Sereb. Let them think what they will of me.”

Sereb moves to lie down in front of the door. “Very well.”

“Thanks, Sereb.”

She snuggles up to Arc's side, the one without a hole in it, and smiles as she softly kisses Arc’s cheek.

“You've been working so hard. Sleep well, my love.”

Arc and Ember sleep peacefully together for a couple hours. Sereb pricks up his ears.

“Ember. Someone this way comes.”

She sits up. “Nice catch!”

Ember stands up as there is a knock on the door. She opens the door to see a saluting Royal Guard.

“Please forgive the intrusion. Captain Tight Ship would like to know if Lord Arc would join him on the bridge to commemorate our first take-off.”

“Give me a moment to ask him.”

Ember walks over to the bed and gently nudges Arc.

“Arc? Can you hear me?”

He slowly opens his eyes. “Ember? What's up?”

“We're going to be taking off soon. The captain wants to know if you would join him on the bridge.”

Arc sits up slowly and carefully, holding his side. “Y-yes. I would like that.”

“I can escort you to the bridge when you are ready sire!”

“I'm ready. Let's go.”

Ember helps Arc into Sereb’s saddle. “Rested now?”

Arc winces as he climbs into the saddle. “A bit better than before, thanks.”

The Royal Guard leads Arc and company to the bridge. A skeleton crew appears to be manning the various stations. Tight Ship himself is at the helm. He salutes as Arc approaches.

“Thank you for coming Lord Arc. I hope you're feeling better now.”

Arc nods as Ember helps him dismount. “Somewhat. Are we ready to get underway, captain?”

“Yes sire. All cargo has been delivered and stowed.”

Ember looks around the Bridge nervously. “Not trying to tell you how to run your ship captain, but shouldn't there be more crew here?”

Tight Ship nods. “Normally yes. However, most everypony who was assigned to the ship was given an extended furlough about a week ago.”

Arc frowns. “What?! By whom?!”

“Captain Decimus. He felt the crew needed some time off after training so hard to learn their stations. I agree, but this really should have been done in rotation. Right now we're making do on backup trainees.”

“Decimus again? Very well, captain. Shall we get underway then?”

“Yes sire. Would you like the honor of notifying command of our departure?”

Arc nods. “Sure. How do I do that?”

“Any vehicle that is currently carrying you is known as ‘one’. For example, with you aboard this ship, it's universally referred to as ‘Airship One’. If you were on a boat it would be called ‘Naval One’.

“I think I understand. Now why does this sound so familiar...”

Tight Ship walks over to the Communication's Station with Arc and picks up the radio. “All you have to do is tell them who you are and what ship is leaving.”

Arc takes the radio. “I can do that.”

He clears his throat and speaks into the radio.

“Central Command, this is Lord Regent Arc. Come in please.”

“Command here. Go ahead, sire!”

Arc smiles at Ember as he continues. “Airship One is ready for departure.”

“Yes sire. What is your ships identification?”

“The airship... ‘Lunar Destiny’.”

“Thank you sire. Your vessel is cleared for takeoff.”

Arc nods. “Thank you.”

He puts the radio down and turns back to the others.

“How was that?”

Tight Ship nods. “Just fine sire. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll get us underway now.”

Arc nods. “Very well. I'll be in my quarters.”

He, Ember and Sereb leave the bridge.

Sereb nods. “That went well.”

Arc suddenly holds his side and gasps for breath! Ember rushes to his side!

“Arc?! What's wrong?!”

He looks to Ember and speaks in a strained voice. “I... need to lie down.”

Sereb and Ember quickly escort Arc back to his room. They help Arc back onto the bed.

“Arc, talk to me! What's wrong?!”

Arc grits his teeth in pain, squeezing his eyes shut! “I... don't know, but this REALLY hurts!”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps we should call of the mission Arc. Take you back to see the doctor.”

Arc gasps as he holds his side! “No! Our intel shows that the situation in Yakyakistan is almost at the breaking point! We have to go NOW!”

The phone rings. Arc tries painfully to turn over and answer it. Ember puts a hand on his shoulder as she sits down on the bed next to him.

“Please Arc! Let me get this!”

Arc nods as Ember picks up the receiver

“Hello? Lord Regent’s quarters.”

“Hello. This is Doctor Whooves. I need to speak to Lord Arc at once!”

“This is Ember. Doc, Arc is in a lot of pain here!”

“Well, the good news on that is he can take two of those pills I gave him every four hours!”

Ember smiles! “Great! One sec...”

She hurries to bring Arc a glass of water! Ember then quickly takes the bottle of pills out of Sereb's saddlebag and hands Arc two of them!

“Take these Arc!”

Arc grimaces! “Thanks...”

Ember picks up the receiver as Arc takes the pills. “Back again doc! Anything else we can do for him?!”

“Not really, no. He just needs time to heal. If you really want to do something, try talking him out of this errand he's going on!”

Ember sighs as she looks back at Arc. “Already tried that. No luck. Any other ideas?”

“Keep him away from anything strenuous at all costs! If he breaks those stitches things will get messy quick! One last thing though. Those pills will only last a couple hours per dose, so this is definitely not a silver bullet by a long shot!”

“Thank you, doctor.”

Ember hangs up the phone and turns to Arc.

“Feeling any better?”

Arc grimaces as he holds his side. “Not really. I do hope these pills kick in soon! What else did Doctor Whooves have to say?”

“He warned me to see to it you stay away from any unnecessary exertion.”

Arc sighs. “No promises. Anything else?”

“You can take two pills every four hours, but they'll only last about two.”

He sits up slowly. “Great. On the up side I think they're taking effect. The pain's going away.”

Sereb puts a paw on the bedside. “You should still rest Arc. A lack of pain does not mean you are not hurt.”

Arc lies back down as the ship lifts off and closes his eyes. “You're right.”

He sleeps for about two hours. Waking up Arc turns to look at the warm feeling next to him.

“Ugh... Ember?”

She sits up from her place next to Arc and smiles at him. “Right here!”

Sereb walks over to the bed. “Feeling any better?”

“Actually yes! How much longer until we arrive?”

Sereb looks out the window. “I went to the bridge earlier to inquire. The trip should take about four hours total. You were out for about two.”

Ember sighs. “Sadly, there's not much to do in the meantime. Any ideas Arc?”

“Yeah. Can you hand me the phone Ember?”

She picks up the receiver and passes it to Arc. “Here you go.”

A moment later a communication’s officer picks up.

“Yes, Lord Arc?”

“I need to speak with someone at the Little Hooves Orphanage in Ponyville.”

“Yes sire! I'll put your call through at once.”

A few moments later the call is patched through. Coco Pommel picks up her desk phone.

“Little Hooves Orphanage. Matron Coco Pommel speaking!”

“Coco Pommel? It's Arc.”

“Arc! How are things going in Canterlot?!”

“Um... busy as usual.”

Coco Pommel smiles! “Thanks for taking the time to come here and make that speech at the school's grand opening! We've had two couples inquire about adoptions since then!”

“Glad to hear it! I hope the others aren't going to be jealous of their friend's good fortune.”

“I don’t think that will be a problem! They've been very supportive of Babs Seed! I think it helps with the transition by coming back here every day for school. We won't know for sure until summer vacation of course! So, what can I do for you today Arc?!”

“I was just calling to see if Derpy and Dinky are there. Sorry to bother you with this.”

“You miss them, don't you?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Coco Pommel nods. “I understand. It's no bother at all! Feel free to call anytime you want to talk to them! I'll transfer your call to the kitchen now.”

“Thanks Coco Pommel!”

“No Arc... thank YOU!”

There is a brief silence as the call is transferred. Derpy hearing the phone ring turns to her daughter.

“Dinky, can you answer the phone please?”

The filly trots over to the wall phone. “Sure thing mom!”

Dinky uses her magic to pick up the receiver and hold it to her ear.

“Yes Miss Pommel?”

“Hi Dinky! It's me.”

“DAD! How are you?! Where are you?! MOM!!! It's dad!”

Derpy trots over excitedly! “Arc?! Really?!”

Arc laughs as he puts his phone on speakerphone. “Put it on speakerphone sweetheart!”

Dinky quickly does so.

“Okay dad! We can both hear you now!”

Arc chuckles. “Good! To answer your earlier questions Dinky, I'm doing okay. Right now I'm aboard Equestria's new airship the ‘Lunar Destiny’. At the moment we're headed to Yakyakistan on a diplomatic mission.”

Derpy looks worried! “Are they friendly?”

“From what I've been told, not really.”

Dinky smiles at her mother. “Don't worry mom! Dad's unstoppable!”

“How are the princesses doing Arc?”

Arc sighs. “They're still out. We've figured out how it happened, now we just have to reverse engineer a cure for it!”

Ember nods reassuringly! “The jobs half done!”

Derpy giggles! “Hi Ember! Are you keeping Arc out of trouble?”

“Trying to!”

“Don't worry you two! We'll be home before you know it! So how's school going Dinky? Making friends?”

Dinky nods happily! “Yeah dad! I even joined a club!”

Arc laughs! “Is it a secret club with secret handshakes and secret code words?”

“Nah, nothing like that! Apple Bloom started it along with Sweetie Belle! We're calling ourselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

“Crusaders huh? Are you training to fight evil, sweetheart?”

Derpy laughs! “Yes Arc! She wants to follow in your hoofsteps!”

“Nah dad! We're just trying to get our cutie marks is all! It's a lot of fun trying new things! Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle seem really determined to get their marks for some reason.”

Ember nods. “What about you?”

“I think I'm a bit more patient than they are! It's a lot of fun spending time with my friends! If one of us happens to get a cutie mark that’ll just be a bonus!”

“Rarity even sewed them matching capes! Oh, I wish you could see them Arc! The three of them look so CUTE!”

Arc nods! “Hopefully soon I can head back for a visit! I really want to see you two again! Dinky must be getting so big!”

Suddenly Arc clutches his forehead.

Ember looks to him concerned! “Arc?! Are you okay?!”

Derpy gasps! “What's going on over there?!”

Arc looks to the phone in a pained voice. “There was a bit of an accident this morning that resulted in me needing some stitches. I... think my painkillers are wearing off.”

Dinky sounds worried! “Are you sure you're okay dad?!”

“Yeah Dinky. It's... passing now.”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief! “Maybe you should lie down Arc!”

“I've been doing that all morning. But I think you're right. For some reason I suddenly feel very... tired.”

Ember chimes in. “Don't worry about Arc you two. I'll take care of him.”

“Thank you, Miss Ember.”

Derpy nods. “You just rest now Arc. I hope you feel better soon!”

Arc lies back weakly. “Th-thanks. We'll talk again soon.”

“Bye dad. Get well soon!”

“Rest now Arc. Goodbye.”

Derpy hangs up the phone. Dinky puts a hoof on her mother's fetlock.

“Is dad going to be okay?”

Derpy nods nervously. “I'm sure he will be! Your father’s very tough! Let's get back to making breakfast though!”

As the two return to their preparations, neither could shake the feeling of dread they felt about Arc's condition.

Sereb turns off the speakerphone with a claw. “Arc. This is not normal for such a wound.”

Ember frowns! “I agree! Are you sure you didn't hit your head harder than originally thought?!”

He stands up slowly. “My back took most of the blow. And other than my stitches, that region of my body feels fine. Maybe I just need a drink of water and a light snack.”

Arc walks over to a nearby table and picks up a glass. He fills it from a nearby pitcher and takes an apple from a bowl. As he turns back to Ember and Sereb, Arc suddenly collapses to the floor! The glass of water falls and shatters as Ember and Sereb rush over to aid their friend!

“ARC!”

Arc looks around, dazed. “What... happened? Why am I on the floor?”

Ember helps Arc up and supports him on his way back to the bed. She helps him lie back down slowly.

“This is serious Arc! Something... something is NOT right with you! I'm going to the bridge and inform the captain! He'll know where the closest hospital is!”

Arc looks up at her, weakly. “But...”

Ember yells over her shoulder as she leaves the room. “THIS ISN'T UP FOR DEBATE, ARC!”

She slams the door behind her! Sereb looks to his friend.

“She is... quite passionate.”

Arc winces in pain yet again. “That's putting it mildly.”

Ember quickly makes her way to the bridge! She spots Tight Ship at the helm!

“Captain! Something is very wrong with Lord Arc! We need to get him to a hospital as soon as possible!”

“We're a little over half way to our destination. I'll set a course to The Crystal Empire at once! They have one of the best hospitals in all of Equestria!”

Ember nods! “Good! Is there a medic aboard?!”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “Sorry. She’s on furlough as well.”

Ember grits her teeth! “Decimus...”

Tight Ship turns back to the controls! “I'll take us up to top speed! We'll be there before you know it! Just try to make Lord Arc as comfortable as you can!”

Ember hurries back to Arc's quarters! “Thanks!’

The captain begins flicking switches and making adjustments. Turning back to the front window, with determination! “Let's see what this baby can REALLY do!”

Ember enters Arc's room and turns to Sereb. “How is he?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “He doesn't appear to be getting any better.”

Arc looks up weakly. “E-Ember?”

Ember walks over to Arc's side and takes his hand. “I'm here Arc! Tight Ship will get us to the Crystal Empire as quickly as possible! Just... just hang on!”

“Thanks... Ember.”

“For what?”

Arc looks up and smiles weakly as he squeezes Ember's claw. “For being such a good friend.”

Ember blushes slightly at the attention. “No... no problem. Now just rest okay?! I won't leave your side!”

Sereb nods. “Neither of us will.”

Forty-five minutes pass before there is a knock at the door. Sereb uses his magic to open it from across the room. A Royal Guard enters.

“The captain says we will be landing in about fifteen minutes. The Crystal Empire has been notified of the situation and will have a medical team waiting for us when we land!”

Ember nods as she continues to look at Arc. “Good! I think he's getting worse!”

Arc coughs weakly. “Ember...”

“Yes Arc?”

He gasps for air! “It's... getting hard... to breathe...”

Ember frantically turns to the Royal Guard. Is there an infirmary on board?!”

“Yes ma'am! This way!”

Ember quickly helps Arc onto Sereb. They run as fast as they can down the corridor to the infirmary. Ember lays Arc on a gurney. She picks up a nearby oxygen mask and puts it over Arc's mouth.

“We're almost there Arc! Just keep it together for a bit longer!”

Ember turns to the Royal Guard.

“Inform the Captain that Lord Arc's condition is critical!”

The Royal Guard runs out the door. “Yes ma'am!”

Ember turns back to Arc as Sereb covers him with a blanket. “Does that help you breathe?!”

Arc nods and responds weakly. “A... little…”

Ember begins to cry as she takes Arc's hand and squeezes it. “Hold on Arc! Just a little bit further!”

Arc gasps and looks to his friend. “Ember...”

“Don't talk! Save your strength!”

“Please... listen. My wound... feels like it's... on fire.”

Sereb stands over Arc. “Is there anything we can do?”

“N-no. Just... listen! If... if something happens... to me... tell Shining Armor... he's Lord Regent."

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out his Royal Scepter. He gives it to Ember. She forces a small tear-filled laugh as she takes it.

“I… I knew you did something to hide this thing!”

He squeezes Ember's claw, weakly. “Do me a favor... Ember.”

The tears stream freely down her face. “Name it!”

“Tell them... that I love them... very much.”

Ember tries very hard to control her emotions. “Derpy and Dinky?!”

Arc nods weakly as his voice fails him.

“Y…y… yes... and... Ch... Cherry...”

Arc loses consciousness. Sereb walks forward and puts his head on Arc's chest.

“His heart rate is slowing. There isn't much time.”

Ember squeezes her friend’s hand. “Arc... please... stay with us!”

Chapter 4 - Crystals of Darkness

Cherry looks over at Doctor Horse! A pleading look on her face! “Doctor! Is there ANYTHING else we can do for Arc right now?!”

Derpy nods! “Yes! Anything at all?!

Doctor Horse shakes his head sadly. “I'm afraid all that's left to do is wait for the Crystal Heart. I'll keep monitoring his vital signs until that time.”

Arc grimaces. He appears to be in a great deal of pain!

Ember looks into Arc’s face. “Can't we at least give him SOMETHING for the pain?! Look at him! He's in agony!”

“I wish we could. However, in his condition, painkillers would only lower his heart rate further! It's already dangerously low as it is! I really hate to say it, but we need him as alert as possible for this!”

Cherry feels a small squeeze on her hoof. She gasps!

“Arc?!”

Sereb looks up. “What is it?”

“Arc can hear us!”

Dinky smiles! “How do you know Miss Cherry?!”

“He just squeezed my hoof!”

Cherry leans over to Arc's ear.

“Arc? Can you hear me?!”

Arc's response is an almost invisible nod.

Derpy squeezes Arc's other hand! “Can you open your eyes for us?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “That would be medically impossible miss. The fact that he's coherent enough to respond in even that small way is remarkable! You're asking for...”

Arc slowly opens his eyes about half-way. He responds in an almost inaudible voice.

“Ch-Cherry...”

She holds Arc's hand tighter! “It's okay my love! I'm right here! Please don't strain yourself!”

He looks up into Cherry’s eyes. “It... it hurts...”

Derpy moves her head closer to Arc's ear. “Dinky and I are here too Arc!”

Dinky nods sadly. “Dad...”

Ember moves to stand next to Cherry She puts a claw on Arc's arm. “Sereb and I are here too Arc! You're not alone!”

“Thank... you...”

Doctor Horse looks to him from the end of the bed. “Arc. Did you hear us earlier?”

Arc nods. “Y-yes.”

“Then you understand what we are about to attempt will most likely kill you?”

“I... do. Better… to die... here... than to... live... as a weapon... that... will bring... death... to my... loved... ones.”

Cherry lays her head on Arc's chest as she continues crying! “Oh Arc... I... I don't want to lose you!”

Derpy nods and lays her head next to Cherry Jubilee's! “None of us do, Arc!”

Arc, with great effort, rests his hands on their heads and speaks softly. “You... won't. As long... as you... remember... me... I'll... always be... with you.”

Cherry raises her head to look Arc in the eye. Tears streaming down her face! “But... what are we supposed to DO?!”

He smiles weakly at her. “Live…”

For a time, only the sound of crying and sniffling can be heard in the room. Arc turns to Ember.

“Ember...”

“I'm here Arc!”

“Help... Shining Armor. Keep... him... safe. He's... Lord... Regent... now. Promise... me.”

Ember frowns. “What?! But...!”

Arc interrupts her in a raspy voice! “P-promise... me!”

Ember, with tears streaming down her face, nods. “A-alright Arc... I promise.”

“Forgive... him... Ember. None of... us... could have... foreseen this... outcome... from a... little... cut.”

Derpy stands up! “M-maybe Kronos could help right now!”

Doctor Horse looks confused. “Who?”

She looks around the room frantically calling out! “Kronos?! Kronos!! Can you hear me?! Arc needs help! P-please!!! I'm begging you... help!”

Derpy collapses into sobs on Arc's chest. Arc puts his hand on the inconsolable mare’s head and forces a smile through the pain.

“It's... okay... Derpy. Thank you... for... trying.”

Dinky rests both her little hooves on Arc's arm as she cries! “It... it's not fair dad! After all you've done, you should have been allowed to live a full life!”

Arc looks over to his daughter as he slowly puts his hand on her head. “Life... isn't always... fair... dear. I too... had wanted... to see... you... grow up... find your... place... find... love. A... stallion... to... share... your life... with. Find happiness... sweet... heart. Take care... of your... mother... for me.

Dinky looks up, tears streaming down her face! “I will daddy! I promise!”

Derpy looks up to him. Her face is red and she is unable to hold back the tears! “Arc! Please stay with us! I... I can't raise our daughter alone!”

“Derpy... you have... much... strength.”

“But... I'm only this way because of YOU!”

“You learned... so well... Derpy. In the... words of... a wise... unicorn... you've learned... everything... you need... to know. Now... all you... have to do... is... learn how... to say... good... bye.”

Derpy screams out! “But... but I WANT you with me! I... I love you, Arc!”

She kisses Arc's cheek. Arc smiles at her.

“And I... love... you too... my friend. I'm... sorry... but... I have... nothing more... to give... and... it's time... for you... to be... on... your own.”

Derpy tries to say something, but it cannot be understood through her sobs! Arc looks to the foot of the bed.

“Sereb... go now. Be... free. Your life... is your own... again.”

Sereb shakes his head. “As long as you yet draw breath Arc, I will stay by your side.”

“Very... well.”

“I... believe I shall stay in Equestria. These lands will need a protector.”

Arc nods. “Thank... you, my... friend.”

Two Crystal Defenders enter the room. One carries a strange looking stand while the other carries the Crystal Heart. Doctor Horse looks soberly to Arc.

“It's... it's time, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Th-thank... you... doctor. I am... ready.”

He turns his head to look at Cherry one last time as his strength fades.

“Good... bye... Cherry... I... I…”

Arc lapses into unconsciousness. Cherry shakes him gently!

“Arc? ARC!!!”

She quickly looks to Doctor Horse frantically!

“Is... is he?!”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “No ma'am. He just passed out. At this point it's probably for the best. Frankly I'm amazed he was able to wake up at all! He must really be strong willed!”

Dinky sniffles. “My dad... he... he doesn't like to leave things half finished.”

Ember nods. “Y-yeah. He... he wanted to say... so long.”

Derpy tries to compose herself. “I'm glad we could speak again... one last time… my friend.”

Dinky puts a hoof on her mother's side. “Mom?”

“Yes Dinky?”

“Dad... he's going to be okay.”

Ember does her best to smile at the filly. “We all hope so Dinky.”

Dinky quickly leaves the room and runs down the hallway. “I don't think... I KNOW!”

Sereb looks toward the door. “What was that about?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “We should give her some time alone to deal with this. Well, it looks like everything is about ready here.”

The Crystal Defenders look up as continue their preparations.

“Yes doctor. We'll have this set up in a few more minutes.”

Doctor Horse turn to those assembled. “We should leave now. It isn't safe for anypony to be near the patient while the Crystal Heart is... doing its job.”

Cherry rests her head on Arc’s chest again. She does not look away as she speaks.

“I... I won't leave Arc's side! We'll face this fate, together!”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “That's very loyal of you ma'am. However, it would mean certain death for you!”

Cherry traces Arc's face with her hoof. “Just as it does for him you mean?”

Ember sighs. “That's a bit different Cherry. Arc has no other options! You would be throwing your life away!”

Cherry hops up on the bed and lies down next to Arc! She puts her front hooves around his neck, smiling with tears in her eyes!

“Then... we'll go together! After all he's done, he shouldn't have to face death alone!”

Doctor Horse’s eyes grow wide! “Ma'am, are you crazy?! That's suicide!”

Cherry closes her eyes. “I couldn't live without him anyways. I'm not moving from his side, and there's nothing anypony can do to stop me!”

Ember looks to Doctor Horse! “Doctor! What do we do?!”

Doctor Horse walks toward Cherry. “I can't let you do that, miss! It's unnecessary! It's unethical...

She interrupts him! “...it's going to happen! Everypony else go... wait... in... the...”

Cherry’s voice suddenly trails off as she loses consciousness. Derpy looks at the mare next to Arc, confused.

“What happened?!”

Everyone turns around to see Sereb's nub of a horn glowing. He uses him magic to pick Cherry up and lay her on his back.

“Fear not. She's just sleeping.”

“Sereb! Why did you...”

He turns around to walk out of the room with Cherry on his back. “A final gift to Arc. He would not want to see harm come to the one he loves.”

Ember puts a claw on Derpy's shoulder. “We should leave now.”

Derpy nods. “I know...”

She turns to look at her first friend one last time.

“...goodbye Arc. I... I don't know what happens to us... when we die. But I really hope, with all my heart, that we can be together again... someday.”

Derpy begins to cry again as Ember helps her to the hallway. Ember looks back as she leaves with Derpy.

“Goodbye Arc. I'll miss you.”

Doctor Horse looks to the Crystal Defenders. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

“...do it.”

One of the Crystal Defenders presses a button on the stand. He quickly leaves the room with the other guard and Doctor Horse as the Crystal Heart begins to spin and emit an eerie glow. The door is closed and locked as the soldiers turn to the others.

“Well, it's started. No turning back now.”

Derpy looks to them nervously. “Are you sure you did everything right?!”

They nod. “Yes ma'am. It's very simple to set up and activates at the push of a button. The rest is up to fate.”

Ember looks down the corridor. “I wonder where Dinky went?”

Sereb raises his head and sniffs the air. “She is nearby. I get the feeling she will join us again soon. But only when they are ready.”

Derpy looks to Sereb, confused. “They?”

There is a commotion from around a nearby corner as what feels like a small explosion rocks the building!

Ember looks around, wide-eyed! “What the heck was THAT?!”

“Yes. She is not alone. Familiar scents from Ponyville are with her.”

Earlier… as the clock tower struck noon, Dinky had run to a nearby broom closet to be alone.

“Dad... I... I have to help you!”

Dinky does her best to concentrate!

“Come on... just like we practiced... can you hear me?!”

Dinky reaches out with her mind for aid!

“Please… hear me! Apple Bloom… Sweetie Belle… I need your help!”

Meanwhile back at the Little Hooves Orphanage, the foals eat lunch together. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sit together at a table.

“Hey Sweetie Belle? Where do you think Dinky went?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs! “I don't know! Miss Pommel seemed pretty upset when she called her out of class earlier though!”

Apple Bloom nods! “Yeah! But she never came back!”

Sweetie Belle looks around the room. “I know, right! And where's Miss Derpy? She's usually the one to serve us lunch! But for some reason Miss Cheerilee is helping out!”

“I'm really worried about them!”

“Apple Bloom... Sweetie Bell...”

The pair look around the room confused.

“What was that?”

“You heard it too, Sweetie Belle?!”

“Help... please...”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes grow wide! “I… I think that's Dinky!”

Apple Bloom jumps up! “Come on! Let's go back to the classroom where it's quieter!”

Sweetie Belle follows her friend! “Okay!”

The pair make the quick walk to the classroom and shut the door behind them. They sit down on the floor together. Apple Bloom holds her hooves out to Sweetie Belle.

“Ready?”

Sweetie Belle nods and reaches out her own hooves until they touch Apple Bloom's. “As ready as I'll ever be.”

The pair concentrate.

“Can anypony hear me?! I need help!”

Apple Bloom reaches out telepathically. “Dinky? Is that you?”

Sweetie Belle does the same! “We hear you! What's wrong?!”

Dinky’s voice comes through clearer as the three connect! “It's my dad! He's in the hospital here in the Crystal Empire!”

“What's wrong with him?!”

“He has something called Crystal Poisoning! It has to do with an evil king from a long time ago! They’re about to start treating him with the power of some artifact called the Crystal Heart!

“So, does that mean he's going to be okay?!”

Dinky calls out frantically! “No! Nopony has EVER survived this before! He needs help!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “But what can we do?!”

“I... I want to try using our Powers together to try and neutralize the crystal's inside my dad's body! Will you help me?!”

“Sure! But, how? Any ideas, Sweetie Belle?”

“If you were closer, I could teleport us there!”

“Can you try Sweetie Belle?!”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “I could. But without a known Destination Point that would be REALLY dangerous!”

Dinky reaches out again! “Try focusing on me! I'll be your Destination Point!”

“Come on Sweetie Belle! Try reaching out to Dinky with your Power. I know you can do it! Just like Kronos taught us!”

“Okay... I'll try.”

Sweetie Belle concentrates.

“Hey, I can see you Dinky?!”

“Me too! Um, where are you?”

Dinky sounds slightly embarrassed. “I'm... in a broom closet here in the hospital. It was the first place I found where I could be alone!”

“I'm ready to try this if you two are! I'll need you to add your Power to mine if we're going to make this work Apple Bloom!”

“Okay!”

Sweetie Belle’s horn lights up as she and Apple Bloom focus!

“Here goes nothing...”

In an instant Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle find themselves careening through time and space! Although it is nearly instantaneous, they still have time to feel nervous! A moment later a portal opens up with quite a bang in front of Dinky! Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom come flying out of it! The three of them fly into a wall, knocking almost everything off the nearby shelves!

Dinky jumps up! “Sweetie Belle! You did it!”

Apple Bloom looks to her friend! “I knew she could!”

Sweetie Belle gets up painfully! “Yeah... but how about we take the bus back, okay?”

“Come on! We have to help my dad!”

The trio comes crashing out of the broom closet and runs down the hallway with Dinky in the lead!

“Hurry! This way!”

As the fillies round the corner, Derpy and the others are crowded around Cherry who appears to be waking up. She puts a hoof to her forehead.

“What happened?”

Sereb looks to her. “I put you to sleep.”

She looks to Sereb angrily! “What?! Why?!”

“To save your life.”

Cherry stands up unsteadily! “Well, I'm going back in there!”

Ember puts a claw on Cherry’s shoulder in an effort to hold her back! “Wait! You can't... what? Dinky?!”

Derpy turns to look. “Apple Bloom? Sweetie Belle? How did you...”

The fillies do not slow down! Before anyone can stop them, they run straight toward the door literally phasing right through it! The blood drains from Derpy’s face!

“Oh no... DINKY!!!”

Derpy attempts to follow her daughter but is pulled back by a claw from Ember!

“Derpy, no! It's too dangerous!”

She squirms violently! “But I have to save Dinky!”

Doctor Horse steps in front of the door. “I'm sorry miss, but at this point the energies in that room would kill anypony! Much less fillies! Now I'm not sure how they did that, or why, but I assure you they didn't suffer more than a moment.”

Derpy collapses on the floor in tears. “No... Dinky! This... this is just too much! I can't lose you both!”

Cherry lies down on the floor next to Derpy. She puts a hoof around Derpy’s neck and cries with her. “I know what you're going through.”

Meanwhile inside the room, the trio look to the bed. Arc is convulsing violently and appears to be in excruciating pain! They form a circle around the Crystal Heart's podium and join hooves. Telepathically they reach out to one another.

“We can do this! I know we can!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “If what Kronos told us is true, yes!”

Apple Bloom smiles! “Can't you two feel it?! We're more powerful together than we could ever hope to be alone!”

Dinky soberly concentrates. “I put out a burning building by myself with this Power! With our combined strength we should be able to move mountains!”

Apple Bloom closes her eyes. “Don't you worry Dinky! The Cutie Mark Crusaders will save your dad!”

Dinky nods as she and Sweeting Belle close their eyes as well. “Thank you both! Are you ready?”

They nod!

“TOGETHER!”

Dinky and her friends concentrate and combine their energies. As they do so, the Crystal Heart begins to spin faster and glow more intensely. The three begin to levitate as the magical energies in the room grow thick. However, their hooves never leave each other. Apple Bloom reaches out to her friends telepathically.

“We can do this, girls!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “As long as we believe in each other, we can accomplish ANYTHING!”

Dinky grins. “That's right! Now let's bring my dad back to us!”

The Crystal Heart spins at a blinding speed. All at once though it stops. A small glow from within the Heart can be seen. It grows in intensity and quickly spreads to the three brave fillies as they focus their Power on to it. A few moments later the light spills forth and a small whine can be heard coming from the Heart. As the light grows so does the high-pitched whine. At its peak the sound abruptly stops as the light explodes outward with quite the bang blowing out the windows. The Cutie Mark Crusaders fall to the floor. As the dust settles Apple Bloom is the first to stand up.

“Did we... do it?”

Sweetie Belle looks at the smashed window. “Well we certainly did SOMETHING!”

Dinky shakily rises to her hooves. “D-dad?”

A small groan can be heard coming from the bed.

“D-Dinky?”

The young filly jumps on the bed and bounds over to her father. “DAD! YOU'RE OKAY!”

The door opens! Cherry Jubilee runs frantically over to him.

“Arc? ARC!!!”

Cherry leaps onto the bed! She wraps her hooves around Arc's neck and holds him tightly!

“Oh Arc! I... I thought you were lost forever!”

Arc winces in pain! Cherry draws back quickly!

“Oh my! I forgot about your injury! Did I hurt you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No... it's just... everything hurts right now.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Can we get you anything?!”

He smiles up at her. “How about a cupcake?”

Derpy laughs through her tears of joy. “That's the Arc we all know and love!”

Doctor Horse walks over to Arc. “I'll need to examine you to make sure you're really all right Arc.”

Arc nods. “The pain is going away slowly but surely. Another x-ray?”

The doctor nods. “Another x-ray. Now I'm sure you must be sick of these by now, so let's hope this is the last one for a while.”

He sets up the x-ray machine as the Crystal Defenders pack up the Crystal Heart and podium. They salute Arc!

“Glad you're feeling better sir! I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself!”

Arc nods. “Thanks for bringing that heart over here so quickly you two.”

The other guard nods. “It was our... pleasure sir!”

They pick up the gear, salute, and leave the room. Doctor Horse turn to Arc’s friends.

“If I can please ask everypony to leave the room for a moment, we'll get these pictures taken.”

Cherry gives Arc a kiss on the cheek and smiles! “I won't be far!”

Everyone leaves the room. A few minutes later the x-rays are taken and the group is allowed to return! Cherry immediately returns to her spot on the bed next to Arc.

“While we wait for the pictures to be developed Arc, tell me... how do you feel?”

Arc rubs his forehead. “I've been better. But this is definitely an improvement!”

Ember looks skeptical. “Are you sure you're okay Arc?”

Derpy nods. “Yes! You were in such a bad state just fifteen minutes ago!”

“Yes, well... I think Dinky and her friends had something to do with that.”

Arc looks over at the trio.

“I didn't know Rarity and Applejack were here.”

Sweetie Belle turns away, uncomfortably! “Well... you see...”

Apple Bloom sighs. “They're not...”

Ember looks at the pair, surprised! “What! How did you get here then?!”

Dinky looks up at her father as she lies on bed next to him! “Please don't be mad at them! It's my fault! I asked them to come here!”

Derpy looks to her daughter confused. “That doesn't clear up the matter of how they arrived here, Dinky.”

Sereb nods. “They teleported.”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “From Ponyville?! That isn't possible!”

Arc sighs. “Go ahead you three. Tell us how you did it.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Arc sheepishly. “Well, do you remember that talk we had a long time ago about a strange Power the three of us have?”

“I do.”

Apple Bloom smiles nervously. “You see, we've been, uh, practicing on how to use that Power.”

Ember nods! “Self-taught, huh! That's pretty impressive!”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. Somepony's been giving us lessons.”

“Who?”

“They told us they were a friend of yours, dad! It said its name was ... Kronos.”

Derpy looks to her, wide-eyed! “Kronos?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I'm not quite sure if ‘friend’ is the right word to describe that thing.”

Arc looks to Ember. “I spoke to the princesses a while back about Kronos. Apparently he, she or it is the Keeper of Time. And until recently, did not directly interfere in the natural flow of things. They seem to have respect for Kronos. Sadly, they didn't go into detail regarding their meetings and I didn't push the subject.”

He turns to Dinky.

“Sweetheart. Why didn't you tell your mother and I about this?”

Apple Bloom looks over. “Mr. Arc? I... I'm sorry. That was my fault! You see, I thought that if we told you or my sister or ANYPONY for that matter, folks would think we were crazy or something!”

Sweetie Belle nods! “Yeah! And then we wouldn't be allowed to hang out together anymore!”

Dinky looks down sadly. “I'm sorry I didn't say anything, dad. Kronos was teaching us things that can be used to fight the Darkness. I... I was afraid that you wouldn't have approved.”

Arc nods soberly. “Dinky. Would you look at me please?”

Dinky does as she is told.

“Listen Dinky. There will be times in the future when I have to say no to something you want to do. It's because I love you and want the best for you that I'll do such things! Not because I'm mean, or don't want you to have fun! So please, in the future, don't keep secrets from us. Okay dear?”

A tear rolling down her face. “Yes dad. I... I won't. S-sorry for doing that.”

Derpy walks forward to embrace her daughter. “It's okay Dinky! Arc and I forgive you!”

Dinky hugs her mother back! “I... I just want to make you and dad proud of me!”

Arc smiles at her. “You already have Dinky... you already have.”

A nurse walks in and gives the doctor an envelope.

“Thank you, nurse.”

She nods her head and leaves the room as Doctor Horse compares the new x-rays to the old ones.

“Let's see what we have here...”

He looks over the x-rays carefully

“This is... most puzzling. Tell me Arc, are you in any pain right now?”

Arc shakes his head. “A little. However, it's negligible.”

Doctor Horse nods. “How's your head?”

“I have a very slight headache, but it too is diminishing.”

“I see. How about your chest? Any more trouble with your wound, lungs or heart?”

“No. To tell you the truth, I feel almost normal!”

Doctor Horse turns to Ember. “Miss, would you be so kind as to remove Arc's headband for me please?”

“Sure.”

Ember carefully does so. As Arc's forehead comes into view everyone gasps!

Cherry looks to Arc! “What in Celestia's name...?”

“What is it?”

Derpy points a hoof at him! “There's a crystal in your forehead, Arc!”

“That doesn't hurt dad?!”

Ember picks up a small mirror and holds it up for Arc. “Fancy a look?”

Arc looks in amazement as the mirror confirms a small gem embedded in his temples! He reaches up with his hand to touch the gem!

“What the...”

Apple Bloom suddenly cries out! “Mr. Arc! Your wrist!”

Sweetie Belle calls out from the other side of the bed! “There's one on this side too!”

Arc looks at his wrists! There are two more crystals! Doctor Horse pulls back the blankets and lifts Arc’s sleeve.

“There's one in each shoulder as well.”

Ember shakes her head in disbelief! “What?!”

Just as the doctor said, a jewel is embedded in each of Arc's shoulders!

Derpy looks at Arc’s wrists. “Five gems? What does it mean?!”

Doctor Horse nods. “Six actually.”

Arc frowns. “What?”

The doctor points to the x-ray. “According to this, there's another one embedded in your sternum.”

Arc quickly pulls open his tunic. He immediately spots a large jewel in his chest! He grabs at the gem in his chest and pulls!

“What the heck...?”

Doctor Horse continues to look over the x-rays. “Pull all you like Arc, but it looks like it's fused to the bone.”

Ember looks at the gem nervously. “Is surgery an option?!”

“Not without doing irreparable damage to his head, wrists, shoulders and chest.

Cherry looks to Arc frantically! “No! Please Arc! I just got you back! Just leave them there!”

He looks to her, sheepishly. “But… don't you think it's a bit... weird?”

She traces Arc's face with a hoof before moving down to his chest to touch the crystal. “It doesn't bother me a bit! This... this is just a part of who you are now!”

Ember nods! “We don't judge you by how you look, Arc.”

Derpy smiles and winks! “Yeah! Haven't you learned that yet?!”

“You're my dad, crystals and all!”

Apple Bloom nods! “You've always been kind to us Mr. Arc!”

Sweetie Belle smiles! “Yeah! This doesn't change who you are on the inside!”

“Thanks everyone. Doctor Horse, see anything else of interest over there?”

“Not a thing. The dark crystals have all disappeared. If not for the sudden appearance of these six new crystals, I would say nothing happened!”

Arc throws the blanket to the side! “Great!”

Cherry looks to him nervously! “Um Arc... what are you doing?”

He swings his legs over the side of the bed. “I really want to stand up now! It feels like I've been in bed forever!”

Ember moves to help him up.

Doctor Horse frowns. “Easy does it Arc! Don't push yourself too hard!”

Ember puts her arm around Arc. “I got you!”

Arc stands up slowly. “Thanks Ember. Let me try walking around a bit now.”

She releases Arc. He walks around the bed to Dinky, leans down, picks her up and gives her a hug!

“Glad to have you back dad!”

Arc nods! “Thanks for not giving up on me sweetheart.”

He turns back to Doctor Horse.

“I feel great!”

A strange look suddenly crosses Arc's face as he looks at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle standing next to Doctor Horse. Cherry is the first to notice.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“Something just occurred to me. Apple Bloom, you and Sweetie Belle teleported here right?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yes! Why?”

“Did you tell anyone before you came here?”

Sweetie Belle’s hooves fly to her mouth! “No, we didn't! Miss Cheerilee must be worried sick!”

Ember nods! “Not to mention Coco Pommel!”

Doctor Horse turns to them. “You two fillies can use the phone in one of the offices to call the school. I'll try to help explain the rather... unusual circumstances around this situation.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, doctor. Tell them I'll come see them personally when I can to apologize.”

Doctor Horse, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle leave the room. Arc stretches!

“It's never felt so good to be up and about!”

Cherry smiles at him as she herself stands! “I've never been so happy to SEE you up and about Arc!”

Arc walks over to Cherry and puts a hand on her cheek.

“Thank you, Cherry. Thank you for staying with me through this experience.”

Cherry smiles happily as she puts her hoof on Arc's hand. “I'm with you to the end Arc. No matter what that end may be. Oh... um... sorry about your ship though!”

He looks confused. “My ship?”

Derpy nods. “Don't worry about it Arc! I'm sure the Fire Department has put it out by now!”

Dinky laughs! “Miss Jubilee was a bit... overzealous to see you! She may have pushed the little ship a bit too far!

Ember looks to Cherry, surprised! “What?! I didn't know you could fly an airship Cherry!”

Cherry suddenly looks embarrassed. “I… I can't. But when I heard what had happened, I just knew I had to do everything in my power to get to you, my love!”

Arc nods. “I'm sure it can be fixed... or replaced. But... there's actually something else I wanted to talk to you about Cherry.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“I've... been giving a lot of thought lately to what we talked about last time we were at the ranch.”

Cherry smiles and blushes. “Which part?”

“About... about the future.”

Derpy looks confused. “Arc! What are you saying?!”

He stands and looks out the window.

“When all three princesses are again on their thrones, this land will again know peace.”

Arc appears somewhat nervous.

“When that day comes... I don't think Equestria will have much need of a Hero of Light! At that time, I plan to resign my duties and again become a regular citizen of this land.”

Cherry smiles with tears of joy in the corners of her eyes!

“Arc... are you saying what I think you are?!”

He turns back to her. Kneeling down in front of Cherry, Arc takes her hoof in his hands and looks her in the eye.

“Cherry Jubilee... at that time... will you... will you marry me?”

Cherry puts her other hoof in front of her mouth to stifle the sobs of joy as tears pour down her face! She nods her head vigorously!

“The... the answer is YES! Yes I'll marry you, my love!”

Cherry leaps into Arc's arms and kisses him on the cheek over and over again!

“You've made me the happiest mare in all of Equestria!”

Arc smiles at her! “And you've made me the happiest human in the land!”

Ember grins! “Arc, you're the ONLY human in the land!”

Arc laughs! “My statement is still correct!”

Derpy smiles happily! “Congratulations you two!”

Dinky looks to him nervously. “Um... dad? Can I ask you something?”

Arc puts down Cherry and walks over to Dinky. “Yes Dinky? What is it?”

The filly nervously starts to cry. “Does this mean... that you're leaving mom and I?!”

Cherry walks over to Dinky and puts a hoof on her small cheek. “No dear. I would never do anything to take your father away from you! We can all live together in Dodge Junction! But if that's not what Arc wants, I'd be willing to move to Ponyville and start a new life there!”

Derpy looks to Cherry, astonished! “But what about Cherry Hill Ranch?!”

“I'll give it to Ruby! My sister should be able to run it by herself! She's actually better suited for the job than I am! But if she chooses not to, I'll sell the ranch!”

Arc shakes his head. “Cherry! What about your family's history?! It's their legacy!”

Cherry turns back to Arc and puts a hoof on his cheek.

“I would trade it all away in an instant to be with the one I love.”

Sereb nods. “Very generous.”

Cherry looks back to Dinky. “No matter what we decide to do, I want you to know that all of us will be together Dinky!”

Dinky runs up to Arc and Cherry! They both put their hands/hooves around her as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle return.

“Thank you Miss Cherry! Please take good care of my dad!”

Apple Bloom looks at the scene before her, confused. “What's going on here, Dinky?”

“My dad just asked Miss Cherry to marry him!”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes light up! “REALLY?!”

Apple Bloom laughs! “That's great Dinky!”

Arc nods and turns back to his fiancée. “Cherry. There's something I need to say. I don't know how long it will take for the three princesses to again be able to protect this land! This engagement may be really long! Years even!

Cherry smiles! “As long as I can be with you one day, I don't care if it takes until we're old and gray, Arc!”

“Thank you Cherry. Just please understand at this rate it just might! But in any case, I... I have something I wanted to give you to commemorate this day!”

Arc walks over to Sereb and opens the saddlebag. He pulls out the box he purchased from Silver Hammer and sets it down on the end table next to Cherry. She looks at it happily!

“That's a very pretty box Arc! Is it for me?”

He nods. “It is! But it's the treasure inside that I want you to remember.”

Arc slowly opens the box and pulls something out. Turning to Cherry, her eyes grow wide!

“It... it's gorgeous Arc!”

In Arc's hand is a beautiful heart shaped ruby and diamond encrusted gold pendant with a platinum chain. He tenderly puts the pendant around Cherry’s neck.

“This is my engagement present to you. I hope you like it!”

She admires the pendant around her neck. “Like it?! I LOVE it! This must have cost you a fortune!”

“It was worth every bit to make you happy, Cherry.”

Cherry and Arc again embrace! Arc leans back to look Cherry in the eye as he holds her hooves in his hands!

“One more thing… if… um… if you ever meet someone else… or I take too long…

She puts a hoof to Arc’s lips to silence him.

“Arc. I’m a very patient mare. Let’s use this extended engagement to really get to know each other! And if you find that I’m not the one…”

He smiles at her! “I’m certain that you are, Cherry! But you are right! We need to learn more about one another before we tie the knot!”

Arc looks at her and she at him. Their faces silently move closer to share a first kiss! Suddenly there is an explosion in the distance!

Ember’s head turns to look out the window. “What was THAT?!”

Arc quickly stands up and rushes to look out the window as well. His face red with anger!

“I don't know, Ember! But whomever is responsible for ruining this moment for Cherry and I is FREAKING DEAD!”

Meanwhile the two Crystal Defenders have returned to the castle. They return the Crystal Heart to its rightful place and proceed to one of the castle's tallest towers.

“Sounds like the attack has started.”

“Indeed.”

In a swirl of dark magic, their appearances melt away to reveal their true forms!

“Ah, much better! Thank you for your help today, Dark One.”

The Dark One frowns and looks away! “Hmph! I still can't believe I let you talk me into this, Tempest! You should have KILLED Arc! Not SAVED him!”

Tempest shakes her head! “And leave Equestria without proper leadership?! Not a chance!”

“I understand. That is the ONLY reason I agreed to this plan of yours! But it appears to have had… unforeseen consequences.”

She narrows her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I felt them! The Dark Crystals that had infested Arc's body are still there! However, there is now something... different about them. More powerful! They will make him that much more difficult to slay! But when you do, the increase in your power will practically make you a GOD! That is... IF you're up to the task!”

Tempest looks toward the Western Gate, smiling wickedly. “Oh I am... I... am!”

Chapter 6 - Unacceptable Losses

Ember lands directly in front of the Yak Commander! She throws her spear down into the dirt at her feet, point down.

“Hmph! Strange looking bird back again?! Go away! Yaks don't have any more ponies for you to eat!”

Ember frowns. “Oh, I'm not here for that.”

The commander looks to Ember, surprised! “Bird can talk?! Yakyakistan birds truly amazing!”

“I'M NOT A BIRD, STUPID!”

He frowns! “You think yak stupid?! Not-yak not even know she a bird!”

Ember looks to him, clearly irate! “I'm a dragon... D-R-A-G-O-N!”

The commander claps his hooves together, smiling! “Wow! Bird good speller!”

“I'M NOT A...”

Using all her determination, Ember calms herself. Taking a deep breath, she continues.

“You know what, it's not important. I'm here to see what it is you want from the ponies.”

“Like yak tell stupid old pony with strange heart-shaped rock earlier! Yak want EVERYTHING!!!”

Ember points a claw at the mountain behind them. “But you've lived up there peacefully for centuries! Why do you suddenly want to rule the world?!”

“Yak don't know! Prince Rutherford tell yak to march, yak march!”

“Is there anything I can do to make you stop this?”

He nods! “Ya! Tell Pony King yaks want see him! He can surrender then!”

Ember grits her teeth. “Anything else?!”

“Nah! That what Prince Rutherford want! He get Pony King before Pony King get HIM!”

“OH, COME ON! He came here to talk peace with your tribe!”

The commander points to the wall. “Yaks see warship land in city. We stop Equestrian Lord Regent before he get us!”

“But I'm telling you he doesn't WANT to fight you!”

“Then why he come here?!”

Ember finds herself exasperated yet again! “To AVOID fighting!”

“Funny looking bird not making any sense!”

Meanwhile... inside the gates, Sereb looks up at the sentries on the wall.

“Any movement?”

A Crystal Sentry shakes his head. “No sir! They're still talking!”

The gates suddenly make a sickening crack! Sereb mutters to himself.

“Hurry Ember. The gates won't hold much longer.”

Back outside the gates Ember continues to attempt to reason with the Yak Commander.

“How you know what Pony King wants anyway?!”

“I'm his bodyguard!”

He appears confused. “That like... pet?”

Ember shakes her head. “No! I keep him safe from those who would try to kill him!”

The commander snorts at this! “Real leader should be able take care of SELF! In yak culture, strongest yak leads! No have need for bodyguards!”

“But he IS the strongest! Haven't you heard about him?!”

“HA! He not stronger than Equestria's Hero of Light! Now HIM we hear of! To tell truth, yak was actually hoping to see him here! See for self if rumors true!”

“He IS here!

The Yak Commander looks around excitedly! “What? Where he?!”

Ember facepalms. “NO! Not literally! He's the Lord Regent!”

“That not true! Lord Regent's name is Lord Regent Arc! Not Hero of Light Arc!”

Ember quickly loses what little patience she has left. “Imbecile! They're the same!”

“You mean they like brothers or something?”

“ARGH! NO! Hero of Light Arc is currently Equestria's LORD REGENT!”

The Yak Commander turns away huffily. “Then he not Hero of Light no more! We not scared of puny Pony King who won't even come out to face yaks in battle!”

Ember appears on the edge of madness. “What did you say?!”

“I said Pony King COWARD!!!”

The words echo in Ember's head a few moments. Her face turns crimson red as she bares her teeth and claws! Enraged, she lunges at the Yak Commander and punches him in the face with all her might!

“YOU TAKE THAT BACK!!!”

The Yak Commander takes the hit squarely to his jaw. His head moves to the side with the blow but he is otherwise unmoved.

“Crazy bird just make big mistake!”

He utters a deep and guttural roar!

“YAKNI-KAI!!!”

The yaks stop attacking the gate and move toward Ember and the Yak Commander. Two of them use their horns to make a large ring in the dirt! Ember looks to him, confused.

“Say what now?”

He looks to her angrily. “You hit yak! Challenge yak's leadership! Now we fight to see who strongest!”

Ember looks at him, dumbfounded! “What?! You would stop a battle just to see who's strongest amongst YOURSELVES?! But I just wanted you to...”

“That right! You win, me listen! You lose, I take head for trophy! It may not be much, but is definitely unique! Look good on wall!”

A yak comes forward to give the Yak Commander his weapon. A large helmet with sharpened horns.

“You ready do this strange bird?!”

Ember picks up her spear and takes up a battle stance.

“Fine! Let's do this!”

Meanwhile, from the city Sereb looks up at the sentries again as the din from the gates subsides.

“They've stopped?”

The Crystal Sentry nods. “Sir! They're surrounding her!”

“WHAT?!”

Sereb jumps onto the wall next to the sentry!

“EMBER! GET OUT OF THERE!”

She keeps her eyes on the yak commander. “KEEP EVERYONE BACK, SEREB! I’VE GOT THIS!”

“ARE YOU SURE? FROM WHERE I STAND IT APPEARS QUITE THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE!”

“POSITIVE!”

“Enough talk! Yak show you who strongest!”

“Wait! You haven't explained the rules!”

“Only one rule... not get pushed out of circle and not die! Now you fight yak!”

Sereb watches from the wall. “Wait. Isn't that two rules?”

“No more stalling! We settle this!”

The Yak Commander plants his feet firmly!

“Come on bird! Show yaks what you have!”

Ember charges forward! “As you wish!”

She swings her spear at the yak's head like a club! It bounces off harmlessly. He yawns

“Yak ready when you done warming up.”

She looks at her spear! “What the heck?! That should have knocked him halfway back to Yakyakistan!”

Ember flies at her opponent at top speed! He takes her blow but does not even move from where he is standing! She wraps her arms around him and tries to pick him up! Failing at that, she pants and lets go.

“Well that was rather silly of me.”

The yak, with a flick of his fetlock smacks Ember to the edge of the circle! She grabs her spear to prevent herself from flying out of the ring!

“WOAH! Even stronger than they look!”

Her opponent sighs. “Getting a little bored over here, bird!”

The yak looks at Ember and narrows his eyes.

“You wouldn't like me when I'm bored!”

Ember mutters to herself as she looks her opponent over. “Think Ember... brute force isn't the answer here. What would Arc do...?”

Thinking for a moment, she suddenly gets an idea!

“Hey yak! I have a question for you! Are yaks REALLY the best at everything?”

They commander nods! “Ya! Yaks best at EVERYTHING!”

“Well, how about... dancing?”

He laughs! “HA! Yaks best dancers you ever see!”

Ember narrows her eyes and smiling slyly. “Prove it!”

“Yaks! Barynya dance!”

The soldiers look to one another. “But Commander...”

“BARYNYA DANCE, NOW!!!”

The yaks break into a very... traditional yak dance with the Yak Commander at the center!

Ember smiles to herself. “Wow... I can't believe they're actually doing it!”

Meanwhile, Sereb and the Crystal Sentries can only stare at the scene before them, wide-eyed and mouths agape! The commanders call up to them.

“What's going on up there?!”

“Are the yaks retreating?!”

The Crystal Sentry shakes his head. “Not... exactly.”

Sereb can only watch in disbelief! “They're... dancing?”

The commanders look to each other, confused. “I'm sorry, what?!”

Sereb puts a paw over his eyes and shakes his head. “This is an Arc plan if I ever saw one.”

The Crystal Sentry looks to him. “Arc plan?”

Sereb nods. “The Lord Regent has a reputation for coming up with off the wall plans that often times work!”

The sentry nods and looks back at the display before them. “So... what's...”

“I don't know. What she hopes to accomplish by doing this is beyond me.”

The yaks complete their dance! Ember claps!

“That was very impressive!”

The yaks nod! “Ya! Next we show you Yablochko!”

Sereb turns his back from the debacle before him, sighing. He turns to the Crystal Sentry. “Tell me when it's over...”

The yaks lock hooves and begin performing a very ornate synchronized line dance! This goes on for some time. Afterwards the Crystal Sentry looks to Sereb.

“They've stopped sir.”

Sereb turns back around. “Finally.”

Ember nods. “Nice! But is that REALLY the best you can do?!”

“What you mean?”

She thinks for a moment. “Let's see your best dance! The most skill intensive! The most ornate! The most... uh... elegant, I guess!”

The Yak Commander nods! “Okay then! One last dance! YAKS... CASATCHOK!!!”

They chant as they begin. “CASATCHOK! CASATCHOK! CASATCHOK!”

Sereb turns back around, covering his face with his paw and mutters to himself. “...oh for the love of Celestia...”

The Yak Commander and his soldiers spend the next twenty minutes dancing and performing extreme acts of dancing athleticism that should not be possible for creatures of their weight, size and girth! Eventually they finish. The Crystal Sentry turns back to Sereb.

“I... think their done sir.”

Sereb turns back around to look over the wall. “I hope so. Their dancing is quite literally making me ill.”

“So you see now strange bird! Yaks best at dancing!”

Ember nods! “Yeah. I guess you showed me!”

He smiles and laughs! “Come! We finish Yakni-Kai!”

Ember holds up a hand! “But Mr. Yak, the Yakni-Kai was over quite some time ago!”

The commander appears confused. “What you saying?”

She points a claw to the ground. “Look where YOU are... and look where I am.”

The Yak Commander looks around. His eyes grow wide as he notices that he is standing well outside the circle!

“WHAT?!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest! “I played by your rules! You lost.”

“But... but... YOU CHEATED YAK!”

The Yak Commander barrels headfirst at Ember. Several yaks move to stop him but she motions for them to stay back. Ember again picks up her spear and calls forth its power.

"Okay Arc. I tried it doing this your way. Now it's time to do things, dragon style!"

Ember again picks up her spear and calls forth its power and heavy armor. Holy Dragoon Ember flies at breakneck speed toward the Yak Commander.

“No! I'm... just... SMARTER!”

She swings her spear like a club yet again at the Yak Commander! It connects with his head! The blow sends him flying over the other yaks to land quite some distance away! She lands and turns to the other yaks!

“Anyone else want some of THIS?!”

None of the yaks moves, suddenly they begin chanting...

“Birdie... birdie... BIRDIE... BIRDIE!!!”

Holy Dragoon Ember facepalms! “This isn't happening...”

The Crystal Sentry turns to Sereb. “Did... did she do it?”

Sereb nods. “I would say so, yes.”

Ember walks over to the Yak Commander who is slowly standing up.

“Go ahead... and finish job.”

“Nah... easy victories aren't my style. How about a favor though?”

“Hmmm?”

Holy Dragoon Ember points her spear toward the general direction of Yakyakistan. “You and your troops go back to Yakyakistan. Tell your leader that Lord Regent Arc will visit soon.”

“...very well. I must report my... failure to Prince Rutherford.”

“Good.”

She turns to walk away. The commander calls out after her.

“Strange bird...”

Rolling her eyes and sighing. “Yes?”

He blushes slightly. “Yak, uh... yak look forward to seeing you again... in Yakyakistan! You... very pretty bird after all!”

“Just... go. Okay?”

He turns to his soldiers. “Come! Back to Yakyakistan!”

The troops turn around and begin walking away from the city.

“Goodbye... pretty bird.”

Ember quickly flies up to the wall to land next to Sereb.

“Very praiseworthy Ember. Are... you alright? You don't look well.”

Ember allows the Power to fade from her. “I... think I'm going to be sick!”

Sereb smiles to her. “Why's that? From where I stood it looked like you were making a... special friend.”

Ember turns a bit green. “That's just... gross.”

“Is it really so different than a certain dragon being in love with a human?”

She turns to him, exasperated! “Yes! Yes, it is!”

Sereb chuckles as Ember walks forward and takes the radio out of his saddlebag.

“Ember to Arc. Come in please!”

“Arc here! I've received word that the entire city has been evacuated. How are things at the gate?!”

“Good news! The yaks have returned to Yakyakistan!

“What?! That's great! Any casualties?!”

Ember shakes her head. “None Arc! We'll stay here a bit longer just to be sure they're REALLY gone! Then we'll head back to the castle.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! Are Derpy and Cherry with you by any chance?! They're still missing!”

“No. We'll start a search party at once though! Don't worry! The yaks never breached the walls, so I'm sure they're fine! I'll tell you all about it when I see you.”

“Call me the moment you find them! Arc out.”

Arc puts down the radio and turns to the military advisers and messengers that surround him.

“Mission accomplished!”

The room erupts into cheers at their victory!

Arc turns to walk over to a window as everyone around him celebrates! He looks out over the city!

“Cherry... Derpy... where ARE you?!”

Meanwhile... Ember puts the radio back in Sereb's saddlebag and turns to the Crystal Sentry.

“Stay sharp! I want to be sure the yaks keep their word and leave!”

“Yes ma'am!”

There is a sudden disturbance behind the Crystal Defenders! Ember and Sereb turn to see a mare flying toward them at top speed!

Ember looks to her, confused. “Derpy?!”

Sereb frowns. “This is... not good.”

Derpy lands nearby and runs toward the troops!

“SOMEPONY HELP!!!”

Ember and Sereb quickly jump down from the wall and rush over to Derpy!

“Derpy! What's wrong?! Where's Cherry Jubilee?!”

“She... she's in trouble! I ran to get help!”

Ember takes flight! “Lead the way Derpy! Everyone follow me! Move like you got a purpose!”

She and Derpy fly away quickly with Sereb and the Crystal Defenders following as best they can! Ember mutters to herself.

“Cherry... please be okay! Arc would be heartbroken if...”

Chapter 7 - Making the Worst of a Bad Situation

Derpy leads Ember and the ground forces to a narrow side street! Two Crystal Defenders are carefully trying to move the contents of an overturned cart! She points a hoof at the pile!

“She's under there!”

Sereb and the rest of the Crystal Defenders round the corner at top speed! Ember points a claw at the mess!

“There's a pony under there! Everyone start digging, but do so carefully! Let's not make a bad situation worse!”

The group painstakingly moves the contents of the cart! Soon the tip of a red mane can be seen!

Derpy gasps! “There she is!”

Ember turns to the Crystal Defenders! “Hurry! Get here out of there!”

In a few moments Cherry Jubilee is extracted from the pile!

“MEDICS! GO!”

Two Crystal Defender medics rush forward and quickly get to work! Sereb rushes to join them!

“Is she alive?!”

One of the medics nods! “Yes, but she needs medical attention immediately!”

A portable stretcher is quickly brought forward! Cherry Jubilee is transferred to it as two pegasi medics quickly fly her to the hospital!

Ember turns to Derpy! “What happened?!”

Derpy replies shakily! “We… we were doing one last sweep of the area before heading back to the castle!

She points to the two Crystal Defenders that were first on the scene.

“These two were escorting an elderly looking pegasus. As they passed us, the pegasus... he... he…”

Derpy begins to cry!

Sereb walks over to Derpy. “It's okay. Take your time.”

Derpy looks up at them with tear-filled eyes! ...he suddenly pushed us as hard as he could into this cart! The... the cargo was stacked a bit too high! As it fell over on us, I remember feeling a set of hooves push me to safety!

The first responders nod.

“It's true ma'am! That earth pony saved this pegasus' life!”

“We're sorry we couldn't stop General Wind Rider ma'am. He's the fastest pegasus in our ranks!”

Derpy sniffles as she gestures to the Crystal Defenders again!

“These two did their best to dig her out and shouted at me to fly to the Western Gate and get help!”

“It was closer than the castle ma'am!”

“We knew our forces were there already. It seemed the most logical place to get help!”

Ember nods to the pair. “You did fine! Head back to your superior officer and make a full report of this incident. I… I will inform the Lord Regent of this!

The Crystal Defenders salute and head back to the castle. Ember turns back to the rest of her forces.

“Get back to the gate and hold your position until you see the civilians returning to their homes. At that time, you may return to the castle.”

The rest of the guards salute and head back to their post as Ember looks to Sereb and Derpy.

“Let's get back to Arc! He'll... want to know what happened here.”

Derpy looks down, sadly. “E-Ember?”

“Yes Derpy?”

She looks up to Ember with tears in her eyes!

“How... how do I tell Arc?! This is all my fault!”

Sereb shakes his head. “You did what you could. If not for your quick response in getting help, she may not have survived long enough to be rescued.”

Ember nods. “Sereb's right! Don't worry. Arc will understand!”

“I... I kinda hope... he doesn't! I DESERVE to be punished for this!”

Ember gets up into the saddle. “Derpy, please don't say things like that. Now come here and we'll go see Arc together.”

She extends a claw to Derpy. The forlorn pegasus slowly walks over and takes it. Ember pulls her up in front, holding on to the saddle with one claw and wrapping the other around Derpy's midsection.

“Let's go Sereb!”

He nods. “Off we go.”

Ember reaches for the radio. “Wait a second! Let me call Arc first.”

Derpy covers her eyes with her hooves! “Oh no...”

“Ember to Arc. Come in please!”

Arc walks quickly to the table and picks up the radio. “Arc here! Go ahead, Ember!

“You can give the all clear and allow the citizens to return home now.”

“Good! They're getting restless here!”

Arc nods to a nearby Crystal Defender who quickly moves to carry out the order.

“Any sign of our friends?!”

Ember bites her lip. “Arc... I need you to do something for me. Get Dinky, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom and meet us in front of the castle.”

Arc nods, confused. “Okay... but...”

Ember interrupts him! “We'll be there soon. Ember out!”

“Ember? EMBER?! Answer me!”

Arc slams the radio down on the table as the fillies walk in!

“Dad? Is everything okay?!”

He walks over to the fillies. “I... sure hope so. Come with me. Ember is going to meet us in front of the castle.”

As she and the others follow Arc out the door and down the hall, Apple Bloom speaks up!

“Did she find Miss Derpy and Miss Cherry?”

Sweetie Belle looks concerned! “Yeah! We didn't see them with the rest of the townsponies!”

Dinky looks to her father, nervously. “Dad?! Where is mom?!”

“I... I don't know sweetheart.”

Dinky stops walking and begins to cry! “I... I'm scared dad! What if...”

Arc stops, turns around and picks up Dinky. He holds her in his arms and strokes her mane to comfort her.

“Don't worry Dinky! I'm sure your mother is fine! She and Cherry Jubilee can take care of themselves!”

The group again walks down the hallway together.

“In fact, since Ember just called to ask me to meet her in front of the castle, she's probably already found them!

Dinky looks up nervously! “Really?! Then why didn't she say so?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don't know sweetheart. I just... don't... know.”

The group makes their way to the castle's main entrance. They wait just outside. In a few minutes Ember and Sereb ride up with Derpy! Dinky jumps out of her father’s arms and bounds over to her!

“MOM!”

Derpy jumps out of the saddle! “DINKY!”

The pair run to each other and share a hug! Dinky buries her face in her mother’s chest!

“Oh mom! I thought something terrible had happened to you!”

Derpy, with tears in her eyes, forces a smile. “I... I'm fine dear! I'm just... fine.”

Arc looks around. “Ember. Where's Cherry?”

Ember bites her lower lip. “Um... you see...”

Derpy rushes over to Arc, sobbing! “Arc! It was all my fault!”

Arc kneels down to give her a hug! “Derpy? W-what happened?”

She pushes him away with a hoof! “NO! I... I don't deserve to be comforted! Not after... this...”

Arc begins to lose his composure! “Okay, will someone please tell me where Cherry is?! I'm really worried about her!”

Sereb sighs. “She's... at the hospital.”

“WHAT?!?!?!?!”

Ember nods. “Well, you see...”

Arc runs toward Sereb!

“EMBER, MOVE!”

Ember quickly jumps out of the saddle as Arc jumps into it!

“I'll see you all there! Sereb, go!”

“On our way.”

Ember calls out after Arc! “I'll see to it the others get there safely!”

“Thanks Ember!”

Ember, Derpy, Dinky, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom quickly run toward the hospital!

Derpy sobs! “This is all my...”

Ember turns back to her. “Derpy, will you please stop saying that! The doctors will patch up Cherry Jubilee good as new. You'll see!”

Apple Bloom nods. “I hope you're right Miss Ember!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Yeah! She seemed like a really nice marefriend for Mr. Arc!”

“Let's hurry then! My dad needs us right now!”

Arc and Sereb burst through the hospital doors and rush up to the Nurse's Station to stand before a visibly shaken nurse!

“C-can I help you s-sire?!”

“A young mare was just brought here! She has a dark red mane, pale yellow coat, and a cherry cutie mark! How is she?!”

The nurse shakes her head. “I'm sorry sire, but the doctors are still examining her.”

“How did she look to you?!”

“To tell you the truth sire, she looked pretty bad! We should know more soon. If you would like to take a seat, I'll let you know when you can see her.”

“Thank you.”

Arc dismounts Sereb. The pair turn and walk to some nearby chairs.

“What a day.”

Sereb nods. “The day is not yet over.”

Arc gives Sereb a withering look. “Thanks...”

“What I mean is, I'm hoping things improve from here.”

Arc slouches in the chair. “At this point, things couldn't really get any worse for me!”

“Or her, I suppose.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You're talkative today! Any more pearls of wisdom to impart?!”

“No.”

The two sit in silence for a time.

“I'm sorry.”

“Hm?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry for being short with you. Since we met, you've been nothing but brave and loyal to me... and I've done very little to earn that.”

Sereb shakes his head. “You defeated me in combat. That is enough.”

“No Sereb! One act shouldn't make you a slave to someone for your entire life!”

“Such are my village's customs.”

Arc nods. “Well, if you ever feel like going off on your own, go ahead.”

Sereb turns to look at Arc. “I do not understand.”

“I'm saying I don't want you to feel that you HAVE to stay with me if you don't want to!”

“Arc... does this have anything to do with what happened to Cherry Jubilee?”

Arc refused to make eye contact. “What do you mean?”

“Are you worried that I may end up like her some day?”

“...yeah...”

Sereb nods. “You asked earlier if I had any wisdom to impart. Do not drive your friends away from you, especially in times of greatest need. I am bound to your service by honor AND by choice. However, the others... they follow you willingly.”

Arc frowns! “Okay! But to what end?! What if...”

Sereb interrupts. “What if you lead us to our demise?”

“Exactly!”

Sereb nods. “Then they will die fighting alongside a true warrior... and a true... friend. Everyone dies Arc. But not everyone truly lives.”

“I don't understand.”

“Arc. Do you remember this morning in the castle infirmary? When your friends learned of your species... physical frailty? How they were concerned that you were taking such risks even though you are so easily broken.”

Arc nods! “Yes! But I WILLINGLY do so! I'll continue to fight to protect those I care for! To protect my... friends.”

The meaning of Sereb's words begins to sink in.

“I understand what you're saying, but that doesn't really make this any easier for me!”

Sereb sighs. “Nor for us to hear you say such things in the infirmary this morning. Please understand this matter is a two-way street.”

“I guess I have a lot to think about. Thanks for the talk, Sereb.”

“I am here for you should you need me.”

The others quickly enter the waiting room! They spot Arc and Sereb and make their way over to them! Derpy reaches them first!

“How is she?!”

Arc looks down sadly. “We don't know yet. The doctor is still looking her over.”

Derpy nods. “Arc, I...”

Ember walks over and puts a claw on Derpy’s shoulder. “We should probably talk about this privately.”

Arc stands up. “Agreed. Wait here.”

He walks up to the Nurse's Station.

“Nurse. We need a room where my group and I can discuss the day's activities.”

“Yes sire. Please follow me.”

Arc motions for the others to follow. The nurse leads them to a small room with several couches and chairs along the perimeter. As the others enter the room ahead of him, he turns to the nurse.

“Thank you. Please contact me the moment the doctors know something!”

She bows. “Yes sire!”

Arc closes the door as the nurse returns to her desk. The group takes their seats as Arc picks up a chair and sits down across from Derpy.

“Derpy?”

She looks down at her hooves. Arc puts his hands on her shoulders.

“I need you to tell me what happened to Cherry Jubilee.”

Derpy starts to cry again! “It... it was all my fault!”

He puts a hand on Derpy's cheek. “Derpy. I know you! While I have no idea what transpired earlier, I'm certain that you would never consciously hurt anyone! So please... talk to me!”

She puts her hooves in Arc's hands as Ember sits down next to her. Dinky moves to her mother's other side.

“I'll try.”

Ember puts a claw on Derpy's shoulder. “We're here for you Derpy.”

Dinky nuzzles her mother's side. “I'm here too mom. Don't worry! We'll figure this out together.”

She continues to whimper. “Th-thank you everypony. I'll try.”

Derpy retells the story of how Wind Rider had used them to create a distraction! How he had caused the contents of a nearby cart to fall on them, and how Cherry Jubilee had pushed Derpy out of the way just in time!

“The two Crystal Guards who were escorting him yelled to me to fly to the Western Gate and get help while they tried to dig her out!”

Ember nods! “It was a mess Arc!”

“What of General Wind Rider?”

Derpy does not looks up. “He... got away.”

Arc quickly stands and walks over to a nearby phone. Sereb looks over to him, confused.

“Arc. What are you doing?”

“Calling for reinforcements.”

He picks up the receiver. A moment later the operator come on the line.

“Your call please.”

“This is Lord Regent Arc. I need to speak with Captain Shining Armor at Canterlot Castle immediately!”

“R-right away sire!”

A moment later they are connected.

“ARC! Are you okay?!”

Arc nods. “I am now, thanks to some magical ingenuity of some rather talented fillies.”

Shining Armor sounds confused. “Sir?”

“I'll tell you all about it later. Right now, I need General Virtuous Lance to load up some troop carriers and head over to the Crystal Empire immediately! We have a situation over here!”

“I'll notify him at once! What kind of equipment should they bring?”

“Full battle gear. This might get complicated! Have him contact me personally when he nears the Crystal Empire.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you. Keep things running smoothly until I get back. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the receiver as Ember looks at him quizzically.

“What was that all about Arc?!”

“We might need help hunting down General Wind Rider. For all we know, the Crystal Guards may take HIS side! If we have a full-blown mutiny on our hands, I want to be ready to put it down quickly!

Derpy looks down at her hooves again. “This is my fault.”

“What's your fault mom?”

Derpy begins crying again as she covers her face with her hooves! “ALL OF IT!!! Arc, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry!”

Arc returns to his chair in front of Derpy. “Derpy... look at me.”

She doesn't look up. Arc gently taking the mare's face in his hands and turning it to look up at him.

“Open your eyes.”

Derpy slowly does so. The tears continue to fall! They run down Arc's hands on their way to the floor!

“Listen to me. NONE of this was your fault! General Wind Rider is solely responsible for the state Cherry Jubilee is in right now! We'll find him, oh yes we will! He will pay DEARLY for his lies and betrayal!

There is a knock at the door. Apple Bloom stands up!

“I'll get it!”

The little filly opens the door to see a young pegasus commander standing there.

“Miss, I need to see the Lord Regent at once!”

“Sure! Come on in!”

The stallion walks in and removes his helmet respectfully. He kneels before Arc.

“Sir! We've heard the news of what General Wind Rider did! The thought of such a cowardly act against an innocent mare has shocked the troops!”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed, commander...”

“Thunder Wing, sir.”

“While I'm glad the troops feel that way, somehow I get the feeling you didn't come here just to tell me that.”

“Yes sir! The truth of the matter is... I just received a communication from General Wind Rider.”

Ember stands up, spear in claw! “WHAT?! What did he want?! Another chance to betray the Crystal Empire?!”

“He... he wanted me to put together a group of Crystal Defenders loyal to him.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “Why would he want you to do that?! He's a bad stallion!”

Thunder Wing looks up at Arc. “To overthrow you sir.”

Arc sighs. “Great. More division...”

Ember nods angrily! “Is he TRYING to send stallions to their deaths?!”

“Forgive me sir, but I don't know if even you could take on a couple dozen of our finest warriors!”

Sereb bares his teeth! “He would not be alone.”

Ember nods and stands with Sereb! “I've seen Arc take on an ARMY of demons... ALONE!”

“True. But everyone softened them up for me.”

“That may be! But after the dust settled you were the only one still standing!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “And you took on three of my tribe's strongest warriors.”

“Look, just because I CAN take on a platoon of Crystal Defenders doesn't mean I WANT to!

Dinky nods soberly. “Yeah! I don't think many, if any, would survive!”

Arc looks back to Thunder Wing. “Commander... why are you telling me this? Wind Rider would certainly take this as a sign of you betraying him.”

Thunder Wing stands and looks Arc in the eye! “I joined the military to protect the innocent, sir! Not help my superiors seize power! That and if the stories about you are true, anypony he was to send against you would almost certainly be killed!”

Ember nods! “You got that right!”

Arc nods. “Commander Thunder Wing. Thank you for informing me of this plot against me. Tell me... are you sworn to protect and serve?”

“Yes sir!”

“Then I would like you to serve the kingdom by protecting it from this traitor!”

Thunder Wing nods! “What would you have me do sir?”

“Find General Wind Rider and bring him in! Inform our forces that if he will not come peacefully, lethal force is authorized!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Isn't that a bit extreme, Arc?”

Arc turns around to look out the window.

“He hurt my fiancé... badly! He's lucky I am so busy at the moment. If I was not... I WOULD HUNT HIM DOWN LIKE THE DOG HE IS MYSELF!”

Thunder Wing nervously backs toward the door. “Y-yes sir! I'll get right on it!”

“Good. I look forward to a favorable report soon.”

Thunder Wing quickly leaves the room. Shaking his head, he mutters to himself.

“General... what have you gotten yourself into this time!”

Meanwhile, Dinky walks over to her father.

“Dad? You wouldn't really hurt that pony, would you?”

Arc kneels down in front of Dinky. “Listen sweetheart, there are some ponies who don't care who they hurt as long as they get what THEY want! The general needs to be put away for betraying the trust of those he was supposed to protect!”

Ember nods. “Dinky... I heard the general tell the yaks that he was willing show them where the city's weak points were, and turn your dad over to them to save his own life.”

Apple Bloom’s eyes grow wide! “WHAT?! That's terrible!”

Sweetie Belle nods! “But why?!”

Sereb growls! “Because he is a coward! Nothing more!”

And nods and turns to Ember. “While we're on the subject, Ember, how DID you convince the yaks to leave?”

Ember looks away. “I… defeated their leader in battle.”

“Impressive! I guess yaks aren't as tough as we were led to believe.”

Sereb coughs. “She outsmarted him.”

Arc nods. “A win is a win! So how did you outsmart them then?!”

“It's not important!”

Sereb chuckles! “She made the Yak Commander dance out of the ring.”

Ember turns to the giant wolf, blushing! “S-Sereb!”

The crusaders look to her, amazed! “WHAT?!”

“Ember has been learning from your example Arc.”

“I see. Well, when this is over and we get back to Canterlot Castle, I'll want a full written report of this matter, Ember.

Ember narrows her eyes. “You can't be serious.”

“I am! I get the feeling it will be of great entertainment value to me in the days to come!”

Arc looks out the window to the sun beginning to set, then over to his daughter standing with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“It's getting late. Thank you for your help today, Sweetie Bell! You too Apple Bloom! And Dinky... you've made me very proud today! You saw what needed to be done, you dug in your heels and got it done!

Dinky smiles up at him! “Thanks dad!”

Arc turns to Ember. “Would you please call Light's Hope and notify them that I'll be sending the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Derpy there in a few minutes?”

Ember walks over to the phone. “Sure.”

“Dad? Do... do I have to go?!”

Arc nods. “You really should Dinky. I don't want you and your mother to get hurt.”

Ember smiles at the filly. “Your dad's right Dinky! Leave this to us!”

Sereb looks out the window toward the mountains. “I have a feeling this will get... complicated soon.”

A few minutes later, Ember sets down the receiver and returns to the group. “Raven is expecting them Arc. Anytime you're ready.”

Arc raises his gauntlet and opens a portal. “In you go!”

Apple Bloom steps back! “What the...?”

Sweetie Belle hides behind Dinky! “Eek!”

Arc smiles at the pair. “Step through the portal you two. It will teleport you back to Light's Hope. Miss Raven will have a couple guards take you home.”

“Well... okay. If you say so!”

“Does it... hurt?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Don't worry you two. My dad's better with portals than Sweetie Belle is!”

Sweetie Belle blushes! “Squee!”

The pair enter the portal together and are gone. Arc turns to Derpy.

“Go ahead. I'll see you at home later.”

Derpy shakes her head. “No Arc. I'm not going anywhere!”

“What?! But...”

“You need us now more than ever! You've... you’ve been through a lot today, and I want to be here for you in your time of need!”

Dinky nods! “Yeah dad! Families stick together!”

Arc shakes his head. “Please Derpy, take Dinky back to Ponyville now!”

Derpy stomps her hoof in defiance! “No Arc! I'm not leaving!”

“As Lord Regent I could order you to go Derpy!”

She narrows her eyes. “Are you?!”

Arc turns his back to Derpy and looks at the portal. Sighing he raises a hand and closes it.

“Arc?”

He does not turn around. “I... I'm sorry you two. It's just... I don't want to see anything happen to you!”

Sereb nods. “Like Cherry Jubilee?”

“...yes.”

Derpy walks slowly toward Arc. “I know your worried about Cherry Jubilee, Arc. But Dinky and I are worried for YOU right now!”

Dinky joins her mother. “We want to keep you safe dad! Just like you do for everypony in Equestria!”

Arc kneels down to hug his little family. “Thanks you two. I... I know I need you both right now. But I don't want you to get hurt!”

Derpy hugs Arc tighter! “I guess you'll just have to do an extra good job protecting us then!”

Dinky nuzzles her father’s side! “Yeah dad!”

There is a knock at the door. Ember moves to answer it. She finds Doctor Horse standing on the other side. He looks over to Arc.

“Sire, I've finished examining Miss Cherry Jubilee.”

Arc walks quickly over to the doctor! “Good! How is she?! Will she be alright?!”

Doctor Horse sighs. “We need to talk.”

Chapter 8 - Two Wrongs Don't Make a...

Doctor Horse steps into the room as Ember closes the door behind him.

“Would everypony please sit down?”

Everyone does so. Arc looks to the doctor, nervously!

“Doctor, talk to me!”

Doctor Horse sighs. “Cherry Jubilee's condition is... complicated, to say the least.”

Ember looks hopeful! “But she's going to be okay though... right?!”

“The accident caused her a great many bumps and bruises. However, the real injury was to her head. Apparently when the debris fell on her she took quite a blow!

Derpy’s eyes grow wide! “Oh no!”

Arc appears terrified! “Are you saying she's sustained a closed head injury?!”

“Yes, Lord Arc.”

“Does she have any... brain damage?!”

“Our tests in that regard have been inconclusive. We won't know the effects of the damage, if any, until she wakes up.”

“How long do you think she'll be out?!”

“Again, there's no way to know for sure. Although probably not longer than a few days. Now I want all of you to know that she may yet be just fine with a bit of rest!”

Sereb frowns. “But...?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “There's also a small possibility that she...”

The doctor seems to be having trouble finding the right words to say.

“...she might have some degree of… impairment. Trouble talking or walking is a very real possibility! The blow was quite severe! I wish there was a way to know for sure.”

Arc stands and walks toward the window. He looks out over the Crystal Empire. The sun has begun to set.

“Doctor... do you have any good news for us?”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes.”

“What is it?”

“She's alive.”

Arc nods sadly. “Can... can I see her?”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “I'm sorry, but...”

Ember puts a claw on the doctor's shoulder and soberly nods her head.

“...but I suppose a short visit would be fine. If you would follow me please.”

He leads the group down the hall to the Intensive Care Unit. Doctor Horse stops in front of the door.

“Please be very quiet as the patient needs her rest.”

Everyone nods. As the doctor opens the door, they see Cherry Jubilee lying on the bed unconscious! Aside from the bandages on her head, she appears to be sleeping! Arc slowly enters the room. Every step appears awkward and forced as if Arc is unable to comprehend the sight before him!

“Ch-Cherry?”

As the others move to enter the room, Ember puts out her arm and closes the door softly.

“Miss Ember?”

Ember sighs. “Let's give Arc some time alone with Cherry Jubilee, shall we?”

Derpy nods! “Agreed. This has to be very hard on him!”

“But mom, I thought dad needed us right now!”

Derpy puts a hoof on Dinky's head and pats it. “And we are! We're right here when he needs us!”

Ember kneels down in front of Dinky. "You see… there are some things in life that you just have to do on your own. This is a very personal moment for Arc and Cherry. You'll understand one day.”

Dinky starts to cry. “But... I really want to help him!”

Sereb nods. “We all do little one. We all do.”

Meanwhile, Arc slowly makes his way to Cherry's side. He pulls up a chair next to the bed and takes her hoof in his hand.

“I'm here... Cherry. You're not alone in this. I... I just wanted to say... I... I'm sorry. I NEVER should have let you and Derpy go out there alone. This is all my fault.”

A tear runs down Arc's cheek and falls onto Cherry Jubilee's fetlock as he holds it to his face and kisses it!

“I... I've wanted to spend more time with you for quite a while now! Even after I was crowned Lord Regent and sat on the Equestrian throne... the truth is... all I really wanted was to sit with you on your front porch and watch the sun go down again! Be with the one I... love!”

Arc strokes Cherry's face gently.

“Cherry. You have to get better! I... I don't know what I would do without you in my life!”

He kisses Cherry on her cheek as he continues to hold her hoof for some time as the sun goes down outside the hospital window. At twilight there is a small knock at the door. Arc does not seem to notice it. Ember quietly enters the room and walks over to Arc. She puts a claw on his shoulder.

“Arc?”

He does not take his eyes off of Cherry. “Yes Ember?”

“We've just received word from General Virtuous Lance that he and his forces will be here shortly. What do you want him to do?”

Arc squeezes Cherry Jubilee's hoof. “Right now Ember, I don't really care.”

Ember sighs. “Look Arc, I know you don't mean that.”

“Kinda do Ember.”

She points a claw at the door. “Arc? Do you know who's outside that door?”

Arc does not respond.

“Your loved ones. They all care about you and what you're going through right now, as do I. Now I know you would rather sit here with Cherry, but right now we have a job to do.”

He nods and slowly gets up. “I... I know. Thank you, Ember.”

Arc gently puts Cherry Jubilee's hoof back under the covers before leaning forward and kissing his fiancée on the forehead.

“I'll be back as soon as I can Cherry.”

Arc leaves the room quietly with Ember. Derpy and Dinky are waiting for him.

“Arc? Are you okay?”

“We're worried about you dad!”

Arc shakes his head sadly. “No Derpy. And I don't think I will be okay until Cherry wakes up. But... I have to keep moving forward! For Cherry, for you and Dinky... for Equestria!”

Ember walks over to Sereb’s saddlebag and retrieves the radio.

“Arc. The General's on the line. He needs to know what you want him to do!”

He takes the radio from Ember.

“General Virtuous Lance, this is Arc. Do you read me?”

“Yes sir I read you. My troops and I will be entering Crystal Empire airspace momentarily. What are your orders?”

“Head for the Crystal Castle and land your ships near the Lunar Destiny. I'll meet you there shortly.”

“Yes sir! Virtuous Lance out!”

Arc hands the radio back to Ember as he turns back to Derpy and Dinky. “We have to go meet the general at the castle. Derpy... I know this might sound selfish, but...”

Derpy forces a small smile. “Do you want Dinky and I to stay with Cherry Jubilee, Arc?”

Arc nods! “Please! I... I just don't want her to have to wake up alone.”

“Don't worry dad! We'll look after her for you!”

Derpy nods! “Right! Go do what you have to Arc!”

“Thanks you two! Ember, you and Sereb are with me!”

Sereb nods! “Very well.”

Ember grins! “Right behind you!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave as Derpy and Dinky enter the hospital room together.

“Mom? I'm still worried about dad! Will he be okay?!”

“I hope so sweetie! The knowledge that Cherry Jubilee is still alive may very well be the only thing keeping him going! I don't really want to think about what would happen if she...”

Meanwhile, as they reach the street Arc mounts Sereb and looks to Ember. “Care for a ride?

She nods! “Sure!”

Ember jumps in the saddle behind him! She wraps her arms around Arc's midsection as Sereb runs toward the castle!

“I understand why you like riding so much now!”

Arc nods! “So you enjoyed keeping the saddle warm for me then?”

“Yeah!”

“Hopefully we'll have more time to ride in the future! Not into battle mind you though! By the way, good job defending the city today you two! Victory with no casualties on either side! Flawless!”

Ember nods. “We did our best.

“As was commanded.”

Arc and company soon arrive at the castle. They don't have long to wait for General Virtuous Lance and his troops to arrive. As soon as the ships touch down the soldiers disembark! Lieutenant Spitfire is the first one out!

“Line up! Form ranks!”

Virtuous Lance runs over to Arc and kneels respectfully.

“Reporting as ordered, sir!”

“At ease, general.”

Virtuous Lance stands before Arc as his soldiers finish lining up. Arc and Ember hop down and stand next to Sereb.

“I’ll address the troops now.”

Virtuous Lance steps aside respectfully. “Yes sir.”

Arc turns to the soldiers. “Everyone listen up! Earlier today the Crystal Empire suffered an unprovoked attack by our neighbors in Yakyakistan!”

He gestures to Ember and Sereb.

“My personal guards here were able to turn back their assault with misdirection and guile! However, I don't believe such actions will work on the yaks a second time! I want all of you to have a hearty meal and a good night's sleep, as you may soon be called upon to take up arms against our enemies!

Arc looks over to General Virtuous Lance.

“Is there anything you would like to add, general?”

“No sir. I think you've said it all.”

The general turns to his troops.

“Lieutenant Spitfire will lead the company to the Mess Hall, then to the castle's Dormitory! Dismissed!”

Lieutenant Spitfire and the soldiers salute Arc and enter the castle. Arc turns to General Virtuous Lance.

“General. May I see you in the Throne Room please?”

“Yes sir!”

Arc, Ember, Sereb and Virtuous Lance make their way to the Throne Room. As they enter Ember closes the door behind them. Arc gestures to a chair

“Have a seat!”

The pair sit down across from each other.

“General, are you familiar with General Wind Rider?”

“I am! He's one of Equestria's greatest fliers and a natural leader! We went to school together as foals, so I guess you could say were familiar with each other!”

Arc nods. “When was the last time you spoke to him?”

Virtuous Lance rubs his chin with a hoof. “I guess it's been almost a year now. We fell out of contact when Princess Cadance left him in charge of the Crystal Empire! I'm sure he's been very busy running the country lately!”

Ember sneers! “Oh, he's been busy alright! Busy selling us out!”

Virtuous Lance stands, flabbergasted! “WHAT?!”

Arc nods. “I came to see him when I first arrived. The yaks had begun their assault of the Western Gate and his plan was to surrender!”

Sereb growls. “He claimed to have the citizen's best interests at heart.”

Ember looks disgusted! “If he did, he would have evacuated them sooner!”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head in disbelief! “Why… why would he do that?!”

“I don't know general, but I had to go over his head and order his commanders to raise the alarm!”

Ember nods! “But wait! It gets WORSE!”

Sereb approaches the general. “He stole the Crystal Heart and went to the commander of the yak invasion in hopes of negotiating peace.”

Arc sighs. “That was after I relieved him of command to coordinate the defense myself.”

Virtuous Lance looks to Arc. “It's... just so overwhelming! Are you absolutely certain of this sir?!”

Ember nods! “I was there, general! To save his own life he even went so far as to offer to betray Lord Arc and the empire by revealing where the city was most vulnerable! I ‘rescued’ him from the yaks and sent him back to the castle under guard!”

Arc clenches a fist, enraged! “He escaped by causing a diversion! During which my fiancée was... very badly injured!”

Virtuous Lance bows his head. “I'm very sorry to hear that sir! Will she be all right?!”

“Only time will tell on that count.”

Thunder Wing enters the Throne Room and hurries over to Arc! He bows and removes his helmet.

“Sir! The Crystal Defenders have completed their search of the city and found no trace of the traitorous General Wind Rider! However, I've just received word that our sentries reported seeing him flying west!”

Ember rushes over! “So send some troops after him!”

Thunder Wing shakes his head! “We can't! A large snowstorm has blown in and made flight nearly impossible!”

Arc nods! “Anything in that direction of note?”

Virtuous Lance stands and walks over to the window. “The only place would be Yakyakistan. Although I'm not sure what he hopes to accomplish by going there.”

Ember bares her teeth angrily! “Maybe he's trying to sell us out again?!”

Sereb growls! “He knows his actions have made him a fugitive in this land. Perhaps he is hoping to gain amnesty from our enemies.”

Arc nods and sighs. “That's the only thing that makes sense. I guess we'll find out tomorrow.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Yes sir. What is your plan?”

“I will fly to Yakyakistan early tomorrow morning with Ember and Sereb. Prince Rutherford and I have much to… discuss.”

“If I may suggest sir, you should take my troops and I with you tomorrow.”

Ember frowns. “Wouldn't that be seen as an act of aggression?!”

Sereb nods! “At this point a show of force may be in order.”

Virtuous Lance turns to Sereb. “Agreed. It would be wise to show the prince that if he refuses to talk peace you are fully prepared to take action against him!”

Arc stands. “Very well, general. I'd like you to stay here though. The Crystal Empire needs someone to look after it while I'm away. Can I count on you?

“Yes sir. Might I suggest taking Lieutenant Spitfire along? She is fully qualified to command the troops if you are planning on becoming otherwise distracted.”

“Thank you for the offer, general. I accept.”

Arc walks over to Sereb and removes the Crystal Heart from his saddlebag. He looks at it intently before walking over to him.

“General, why don't you have a good meal and rest. I'm sure tomorrow will be a busy day.”

“Thank you sir.”

Arc gives Virtuous Lance the Crystal Heart.

“Please return the this to its proper place... wherever that is. Dismissed.”

General Virtuous Lance accepts the heart and leaves the room. Arc rests his hands on the large table in the middle of the room.

“Ember, would you please tell Tight Ship to have the ship battle ready tomorrow morning?”

“I can do that.”

“Feel free to use my quarters aboard ship to get some rest. Someone should enjoy that bed!”

Ember nods. “Thanks! I think I will! Can I assume you'll be heading back to the hospital now?”

Arc nods.

“Yes. I want to spend the night there with my betrothed. That and I'm sure Derpy and Dinky would like some rest!”

“Arc?”

“Yes Ember?”

She walks over to Arc and takes his hands in her claws as she looks him in the eye.

“Cherry Jubilee is going to be okay! I just know it!”

Arc nods and squeezes Ember's claws.

“Thanks Ember. I hope you're right.”

Sereb turns toward the door. “We should go now Arc.”

“Yes. Let's go.”

Arc mounts Sereb who ferries him back to the hospital. The pair return to Cherry Jubilee's room to find Derpy and Dinky sitting in some chairs in the corner of the room. Dinky is sleeping peacefully against her mother. They approach the pair quietly.

“How is she?”

Derpy shakes her head. “There's been no change. Look Arc, I wanted to apologize for earlier. What I said and did was uncalled for!”

Arc walks over to Derpy and sits down next to her.

“Derpy. When I told you and Dinky to go back to Ponyville, I wasn't trying to push you two away. All I wanted was to be sure neither of you would be in harm's way.”

She looks down at her hooves. “I know that! It's just... we don't want you to be in harm's way either!”

He forces a smile. “Thank you for the thought. But... this is what I'm meant to do! My ‘cutie mark’, if you will.”

Derpy sighs. “I understand that! But... Dinky and I would be heartbroken if you were to... you know.”

Arc looks to Cherry lying on the hospital bed, sadly. “Yeah... I understand how you feel.”

A nurse enters the room pushing a small hospital cot on wheels. When she notices Arc, she quickly bows, respectfully!

“S-sire! Forgive the intrusion! I was only bringing this cot to your friends so they didn't have to sleep in chairs!”

“It's alright nurse. Thank you for taking such good care of my friends! You may go.

The nurse quickly leaves the room! Derpy gestures to the cot. “Arc, you should probably get some rest now. It's been quite a day for you!”

Arc yawns. “Agreed. But you and Dinky need some rest too. How about I take you two to the castle? I'm sure they must have some guest rooms!”

“What about you?!”

“I'll spend the night here with Cherry. I don't want to leave her side!”

Derpy puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “I don't think you should be alone! Dinky and I would be willing to stay here with you!

Arc stands up. “Very well.”

He picks up Derpy.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“Shhhh...”

He walks over to the cot and lays Derpy down before picking Dinky up and laying her next to her mother. Arc covers the pair with a blanket.

“Get some rest you two. I'll watch over all of you.”

Derpy nods and yawns. “Okay. But please get some rest yourself!

She quickly falls asleep as Dinky snuggles up next to her. Arc takes the opportunity to finish lowering the sun and raise the moon. He sits down next to Cherry and takes her hoof in his hands.

“Rest well Cherry.”

Arc rests his head on the blanket. Soon he is fast asleep! That night he dreams of happier times while visiting Cherry Hill Ranch. He and Cherry Jubilee sit on her front porch together. The engagement pendent hangs from her neck glistening in the sunset.

Cherry sighs contentedly! “Beautiful...

Arc puts a hand under Cherry’s chin and turning it to face himself as he smiles at her.

“Yes... yes you are, Cherry.”

She looks into his eyes happily! “Oh Arc! You say the sweetest things!”

Arc looks at her and she at him for a long moment before she closes her eyes. He moves forward slowly to kiss the beautiful mare sitting with him. A moment before he does so, her body suddenly tightens and she lets out a yelp of pain!

“Ch-Cherry?!”

She winces in pain! “I... I'm sorry.”

Arc looks at her side. There is an arrow buried deep in her chest! Blood spills forth from it freely!

“Cherry!”

He clutches the wound and looks around frantically! There is no one in sight! Arc gets up quickly and removes his tunic! Pressing it against the steady flow of blood in a futile attempt to stop the bleeding!

“It's okay Cherry! You're going to be okay!”

Arc turns his head toward the house!

“RUBY!!! I NEED YOUR HELP!!!”

Cherry Jubilee looks to him, a pained expression on her face. “She... she's not in there. Remember?”

Arc looks around and yells! “SOMEONE... ANYONE?! PLEASE HELP!!!”

She puts a hoof shakily on Arc's cheek, a weak smile on her face.

“I... I'm sorry, my love. I had... looked forward to... a long and... happy life with... you. But... I guess... that's not going... to happen!”

“Cherry! W-what are you saying?!”

Tears fall from her emerald green eyes. “I'm saying... that... I'll... always... love you. Good... bye... my... lo...ve.”

Cherry Jubilee's body goes limp as she breathes her last! Tears roll down Arc cheeks as he cries out on the edge of madness!

“Cherry...? CHERRY!!!”

Arc clutches his dead fiancee's body tightly! He looks around to see everything around him fading away! First the orchards, then the house! Even the sunset vanishes from sight! Soon the pair are surrounded by nothingness! Arc looks down sadly at Cherry’s body. A small smile on her face.

“Don't worry my love. With luck I'll fade away with everything and we can be together again.”

Arc looks at Cherry lovingly. He gently strokes her mane. Suddenly she too begins to disappear!

“What?! NO! Please God, no!”

He clutches Cherry Jubilee's body with all his might, but she soon disappears! There is nothing left but her pendant! Arc picks it up shakily, looking at it a moment before falling backwards to lie on his back and stare up into nothingness with a blank look on his face!

“I... I have nothing left...”

Arc lies there for what feels like hours.

“W-why?! Why is everyone gone… every THING gone?! Yet I remain! WHY?!”

Arc clutches the pendant to his heart tightly, crying out into the darkness! As semblance of sanity leaving him!

“Dear God, PLEASE!!! Take me too! I... I can't live like this!!! Do you hear me?! I CAN'T LIVE LIKE THIS!!!”

There is not a sound. Not ever the movement of air. Arc puts both hands on the pendant and squeezing his eyes shut! Screaming… begging for the release of death!

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

Arc awakens to Derpy and Dinky shaking him!

“Arc?!”

“Dad, wake up!”

Arc raises his head with a gasp! His neck snapping to look at the unconscious mare lying in the bed before him!

“Ch-Cherry?!”

“It's okay Arc! She's unchanged from last night!”

“Did you have a bad dream dad?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Y-yeah. I... I dreamed Cherry... died. Right in my arms no less! Then everything faded away... except, me.”

Derpy puts a hoof on his knee. “It was a dream Arc! None of that really happened!”

“I know... but that didn't make it any less painful.”

There is a quiet knock. Sereb turns.

“I will answer it.”

He opens the door to see Ember standing in the hallway.

“Sorry, but is Arc up yet?”

Sereb nods. “He is. We all are.”

He steps aside and allows Ember to enter. She looks to Arc soberly.

“Arc. It's time.”

Arc nods and stands up, sighing. “I'm ready.”

He turns to Derpy and Dinky. Smiling, he kneels down to hug them both.

“I'll be back as soon as I can. Take care of Cherry Jubilee for me.”

“We will dad.”

“Be careful Arc!”

Arc and Ember leave the room as Sereb follows them. Ember looks to him as they walk down the hall.

“Arc. I don't mean to question you, but are you sure you want to do this?”

“Do what?”

“Lead an army to Yakyakistan! I mean, they're not the sharpest tools in the shed, but even they will see this as a rather hostile move!”

Arc nods as they continue on. “I know that Ember. But they haven't given us much of a choice! The time for talking may well be behind us! One way or another, this will end today!

Ember and Sereb follow Arc outside the hospital! The streetlamps are lit, but no one else seems to be up yet.

“General Virtuous Lance is waiting for you with his troops aboard the Lunar Destiny, Arc.”

Sereb nods. “We shouldn't keep him waiting.”

“Agreed. Let's go!”

Arc mounts Sereb and pulls Ember up behind him. Within minutes they board the Lunar Destiny! General Virtuous Lance, Lieutenant Spitfire and Tight Ship meet then below deck. Virtuous Lance and all his troops salute Arc as he approaches!

“Sir! Preparations are complete!”

Tight Ship nods! “We can move out as soon as you give the order, sir!”

Spitfire salutes! “We're ready to take on Yakyakistan anytime sir!”

Arc nods “Very good.”

Tight Ship points a hoof at a nearby crate. “Sir, Captain Shining Armor asked me to deliver this to you!”

Ember eyes the crate. “What's in it?”

Tight Ship shrugs. “No idea, miss. It was a last-minute addition to our cargo.”

Arc nods and walks toward the crate. “Well let's have a look then.”

He calls forth his spear and uses it like a crowbar! The crate opens to reveal a pile of metal plates with a scroll on top. Arc reads it over and looks to Sereb.

“It looks like this is a present for you, my friend.”

“Eh?”

Arc begins to unpack the crate. “Apparently this is a suit of armor from the Hammers! They heard that war was coming and wanted to keep you safe!

He nods respectfully. “I am honored.”

Sereb uses his magic to remove his saddle. Ember and Arc work together to outfit Sereb with his new armor. It is composed of white mithril plate-mail very similar in appearance to Arc's own! Arc puts the saddle back on Sereb’s back and adjusts it to accommodate the new armor.

“There you go!”

Ember nods approvingly! “Looking good Sereb!”

He walks around to get the feel for his new adornments.

“I could get used to this. Although it feels like something is missing.”

Arc walks back to the crate and removes a brown burlap sack. “I think you'll need this.”

He turns back to Sereb and removes a helmet from the sack. Puts it on Sereb's head and attaching the strap Arc steps back to look his steed over.

“Better?”

Sereb nods. “Much.”

Arc hops up into the saddle. The pair walk around the deck.

“It feels a bit different, but I could get used to this. How about you, Sereb?”

“Moving feels a bit... odd. I believe I just need to get used to the changes.”

Ember grins. “Now you two are all matchy!”

Virtuous Lance nods soberly. “If the sight of you two coming after them doesn't scare the yaks, nothing will!”

Spitfire agrees with the general. “Very dignified, sir!”

Arc dismounts Sereb. “Alright, I think we're ready. General, you had best disembark now.”

Spitfire looks confused. “Sir?”

“General Virtuous Lance is staying here in the Crystal Empire.”

“But sir, the general is a critical part of this mission! Why would you leave him behind?!”

Arc sighs. “With General Wind Rider gone, there isn't anyone to lead here! I need him to look after the home front while we're gone.”

Spitfire sighs. “Yes sir…”

Virtuous Lance nods to Arc. “Very well sir. As I said yesterday, I shall leave Lieutenant Spitfire with you.”

“Thank you, general. You are dismissed.”

General Victorious Lance salutes and leaves the ship as Arc turns to Tight Ship.

“Let's get underway, captain!

Tight Ship salutes and heads for the Bridge! “Yes sir!”

Arc turns to the soldiers. “All of you prepare yourselves for what lies ahead! Lieutenant Spitfire will tell you what to do when the time is right!”

The soldiers salute Arc as he walks past them. He stops in front of the lieutenant.

“Lieutenant Spitfire, I'd like a word with you. Follow me.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc, Spitfire, Ember and Sereb head to his cabin as the ship lifts off. They step inside as Ember closes the door behind them.

“What did you want to say, sir?”

Arc walks over to the window. “All of you, please come here. I want you to see something.”

Spitfire, Sereb and Ember walk forward and stand next to Arc. He gestures out the window at the Crystal Empire below.

“Take a good long look. This is what we're fighting for! Home and hearth!”

Arc turns to Spitfire.

“I wanted you all to see this as I lay out my plan.”

Ember smiles as does Sereb! “Plans are good!”

“Indeed.”

“When we get to Yakyakistan I will disembark first on Sereb, flanked by Ember! Lieutenant, you will lead our forces off the ship and form battle lines. Keep your distance from the city though! You and the other soldiers are really my fail-safe!”

“I'm confused, sir. I thought we were taking the fight to the yaks!”

Arc nods. “We are, in a matter of speaking. I still want to talk to Prince Rutherford! If he refuses to talk peace, then I suppose we will have no choice but to attack! That is the final solution though! You will hold our forces back until that time! Do you have any questions?

Spitfire shakes her head. “No sir!”

“Very well. Dismissed.”

She salutes and leaves the room. Sereb approaches Arc and sits down next to him as they stare out the window together.

“Arc. Do you think it will come down to violence?”

“If what I've heard about the yaks is true, then probably yes.”

Ember looks confused. “Then why are you bothering to...”

“I have to try!”

Within the hour the Lunar Destiny lands outside the walls of Yakyakistan. Arc, Ember and Sereb disembark. Arc rides Sereb in full battle regalia!

“Ready you two?”

Ember nods as she calls forth her own spear and armor “As ready as I'll ever be.”

“I am ready as well.”

The trio walks to the gates. Arc pounds on them with his spear! A yak's head comes into view through the door hole.

“What you want?!”

“I'm here to see Prince Rutherford.”

The Yak Sentry frowns at the group! “Who you?! You not yak!”

Arc nods. "You're right, I'm not. My name is Arc! Equestria's Hero of Light and current Lord Regent."

The Yak Sentry appears confused.

“Um... so which one are you? Lord Regent Arc or Hero of Light Arc?”

Ember turns to him. “Arc, why don't you let me handle this?”

Arc shrugs. “Go for it.”

Sereb steps back to allow Ember to speak with the Yak Sentry.

“Prince Rutherford recently sent a group of yaks to attack the Crystal Empire. Could you please tell the commander of the mission that... um... the pretty bird from yesterday is here to see him?”

The sentry nods. “Um, okay. You not-yaks wait here!”

He turns and walks away. Arc and Sereb turn to Ember.

“What was that all about?!”

Sereb puts a paw over his face and shakes his head. “Some of us are trying to forget yesterday, Arc.”

Ember facepalms. “That makes two of us, Sereb.”

A few minutes later there is a commotion on the other side of the gates! Suddenly the door hole flies open and the Yak Commander peeks through! He smiles happily at Ember!

“Pretty birdie came to visit!”

“Um... kinda. I brought Lord Regent Arc. He wants to talk to Prince Rutherford.”

“What about Hero of Light Arc?! Yaks want meet this legendary warrior of stories!”

Ember thinks for a moment. “Uh... he might show up if the Lord Regent calls him.”

“Good enough for yak! Come inside pretty birdie!”

The door hole closes and the Yak Commander orders the gate opened! He runs forward with several icicles wrapped in paper!.

“Pretty birdie! Yak make this for you!”

Ember accepts the bundle. “Thank you. But why?”

“Is sign of affection between two yaks! Not sure how birds do it, but yak ways are best! All you come this way! Meet Prince Rutherford now!”

The Yak Commander leads the group to a large fire pit.

“Not-yaks, wait here! Yak bring prince!”

He rushes away as Arc turns to Ember.

“Good work Ember! Although I'm still a bit in the dark on what exactly you said.”

Ember sighs. “Our encounter yesterday taught me a bit about how they think.”

“Any advice?”

She nods. “A bit. Here's what I know...”

A short time later the Yak Commander returns with a very well adorned yak who appears to be quite a bit larger than those around him! He walks over to his spot in front of the fire and sits down as the commander introduces him.

“Lord Regent Arc! This yak leader, Prince Rutherford!”

Prince Rutherford looks disdainfully at Arc. “Hmph! So you king of Equestria, eh?! Yaks not impressed!”

Sereb growls! “Oh, I think he would surprise you.”

Prince Rutherford turns up his nose! “Yaks never surprised!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Oh really?! I'm told my bodyguard here was enough to turn back your invasion force.”

Prince Rutherford gives him a dismissive wave! “Bah! Not-yaks get lucky sometimes!”

“Nevertheless, you cannot deny that a yak was defeated by a non-yak!”

Prince Rutherford smiles coyly! “Yaks know what you trying to do! You not-yaks trying to get yaks to release pony prisoner!”

Arc looks confused. “Prisoner? I wasn't aware anyone had been taken prisoner.”

Ember shrugs. “Not from what I saw yesterday.”

“It ponies who has been trying to negotiate Crystal Empire's surrender for some time now! Yaks finally get tired of him! When he come here yesterday after battle, we lock him up!”

“General Wind Rider?!”

Prince Rutherford nods! “Ya! Thanks to him, yaks now know ponies are cowards! We take land and treasures! Fill with yaks! Strong and brave!”

Arc shakes his head angrily! “I never sent him to negotiate ANYTHING!!!”

Ember seethes! “That traitor!”

“You no believe yaks?! Yaks show you!”

Prince Rutherford leads Arc, Ember and Sereb to a small building with several large cells. In the farthest one sits General Wind Rider! Upon seeing Arc, he jumps up and runs to the bars!

“Lord Arc! You've got to get me out of here?! These yaks are crazy!”

Ember points a claw at him, angrily! “THEY'RE CRAZY?! Who was trying to sell out Equestria?!”

Wind Rider shakes his head! “I was TRYING to save lives!”

Sereb growls at the general. “Starting with your own?”

“Well, I can't lead if I'm dead, can I?!”

Arc stands there looking him over as he clenches his fists! “Ember? Is he... the one?!”

Ember nods. Not taking her eyes off of Wind Rider, coldly. “Yes.”

Prince Rutherford nods! “You see! Not-yak admit it! So Pony King... you want try negotiate for your general?!’

Arc grits his teeth! “No...”

He raises a hand toward Wind Rider. The stallion suddenly begins gasping for breath!

“What... are... you... doing?!”

Arc walks slowly toward the cell as the pony inside struggles to breathe!

“You hurt someone VERY special to me yesterday during your escape. I'm here to return the favor... scum.”

Prince Rutherford looks on, confused. “Uh... what you doing?”

Arc grins wickedly! “Just making an example of a traitor.”

Ember puts a claw on his shoulder. “Arc! Are you sure this is what Cherry would want you to do?!”

Sereb nods. “There is no glory in killing a defenseless prisoner.”

Arc considers this for a time before releasing his magical hold on the general's throat! Wind Rider falls to the floor, gasping for breath!

“Equestria would be much better off without a mentally unstable MONSTER like you on the throne!”

Arc looks to him, incredulously! “I'm a monster?! YOU left a young mare for dead under a cartload of goods!”

Wind Rider shrugs.” I'm sure she'll be fine. Besides, you can't have a war without losing at least a FEW civilians.”

Ember lunges forward with her spear, furious! “YOU'RE DEAD!!!”

Arc grabs Ember and holds her back. “Not a chance, Ember! If anything, he's mine!”

She turns around and storms out of the building.

“Tell you what, general. If Cherry survives, I'll be lenient and just send you to Tartarus! If she doesn't... I will PERSONALLY execute you!"

Prince Rutherford nods approvingly! “Impressive! Pony King strong leader!”

Arc turns around to leave the building. “You keep him Prince Rutherford. In my custody, he wouldn't live too long!”

Wind Rider gulps as the group returns to the fire pit.

“Maybe I wrong about you Pony King! You show great strength in harshly dealing with traitors!”

Arc nods. “Thanks... I think.”

“So... if you not here for general, why you come see yaks?!”

Arc sits down across from Prince Rutherford. “I was hoping to reach a peaceful settlement.”

Prince Rutherford jumps up. “Peace? PEACE?! After what your bodyguard did to my forces yesterday?!”

Ember points a claw at him angrily. “YOU attacked the Crystal Empire!”

Sereb angrily nods. “We were only defending our lands.”

Arc stands up as well. “Come now Prince Rutherford, be reasonable! You didn't lose any soldiers and neither did we! Can't we just go back to the way things were?!”

“NO! Yaks want all pony lands, and yaks want them NOW! How far Pony King willing to push yaks?!”

“Do you really want to know?”

“Yes!”

Arc nods. “Alright. Have one of your yaks look outside the gates and tell you what they see.”

Prince Rutherford turns to the commander. “Go see what out there?!”

“Yes, Prince Rutherford!”

The Gates of Yakyakistan open and the Yak Commander leaves the city. A few minutes later he returns to Prince Rutherford's side.

“So? What you see out there?”

“Yak see snow... mountains... more snow... rocks... pony soldiers... warship... birds... sky...”

Prince Rutherford stops him! “Pony soldiers? Warship?!”

Ember nods and grins! “Yup! If you won't be reasonable, we'll go to war right here and now!”

Arc folds his arms. “Now you know just how very far I'm willing to go, Prince Rutherford.”

Prince Rutherford appears to consider the ramifications of his next action for a moment before shaking his head angrily!

“No peace! Yaks not back down from a fight! Have pride in selves!”

Arc sighs. “Is there nothing I can do or say to change your mind?”

“NOTHING!”

Ember looks to Arc. “I guess you really have only one option left.”

“Yeah... I was hoping it wouldn't come to this though.”

Arc walks over to Prince Rutherford.

“What you not yak think you...”

Before he can finish his sentence, Arc punches Prince Rutherford in the mouth! The surrounding yaks quickly come to stand behind their leader!

“WHAT YOU DOING?!”

“Challenging your leadership! I challenge you to a... what was it called again Ember?!”

“A Yakni-Kai.”

Arc points at Prince Rutherford. “Yeah! Whatever she said!”

Prince Rutherford frowns. “WHAT?! You can't do that?!”

Arc laughs. “Why not? Are you perhaps AFRAID of losing to a not-yak?!”

“Yaks afraid of NOTHING!!! YAKNI-KAI!!!”

Two yaks use their horns to make a large circle nearby. Arc and Prince Rutherford make their way there together!

Prince Rutherford looks to Ember and Sereb. “Yaks not help if bodyguards not help!”

Arc nods! “Agreed.”

Prince Rutherford plants his hooves firmly and looks up! “Anytime Pony King ready... COME AT YAK!!!”

Arc calls forth his spear! “Ha! You think you can win against the Hero of Light?!”

He lunges at Prince Rutherford who is much more agile than his girth would suggest! The prince appears confused.

“Hero of Light?! I thought you Pony King?!”

“I am!”

Prince Rutherford charges at Arc headfirst! “How you Hero of Light then?!”

Arc catches Prince Rutherford and body slams him into the ground!

“I'M BOTH!!! DEAL WITH IT!!!”

“Prince Rutherford! You not able beat Hero of Light! He too powerful!”

Prince Rutherford gets up and turns to his commander. “I... I must! For pride of all yaks! No worries! Yak think of something!”

“Ya! Like yak's plan to invade Crystal Empire! Good plan!”

Arc evades another charge by Prince Rutherford's horns. "Wait a second! Prince Rutherford, yesterday’s invasion was YOUR idea?!”

He spins around to again face Arc! “Ya! Traitor pony gave advice, but idea was mine!”

Arc seethes inside his armor. His face white with fury. “So... one could say that what happened to Cherry was partially YOUR FAULT?!”

“I suppose...”

Prince Rutherford is unable to finish his sentence as Arc throws his spear to one side and tackles him. The pair roll on the ground for a moment before Arc is able to get on top of him. Grabbing his opponent's ‘beard’, Arc punches Prince Rutherford in the face over and over again.

“You... did... this... to... CHERRY!!!”

Suddenly something hits Arc in the back. It pushes him off his opponent. He wastes no time getting to his feet.

“What the…?!”

Standing bravely between Arc and Prince Rutherford is a small, female yak! She looks to Arc, angrily!

“You leave my daddy alone you big bully!”

Prince Rutherford gets up, his nose bloodied! He quickly positions himself between his daughter and Arc!

“Yona! Yaks not interfere in Yakni-Kai! Must fight to end!”

Yona shakes her head! “But father, the stories! No yak can beat Hero of Light!”

“Yak will win! Or I die trying! Either way, yak fight to end!”

Prince Rutherford nods to a couple nearby yaks. They quickly come forward and carry Yona out of the ring. She screams frantically!

“Father, NO!”

He turns back to Arc. “Where were we?”

Arc shakes his head as if to clear it. “I... I think I was about to win.”

Prince Rutherford charges forward! “NO CHANCE!!!”

Arc uses his magic to pull the Spear of Righteousness to himself! He levels it at Prince Rutherford!

“This... ends... NOW!!!”

Arc nods. “I couldn't agree more.”

As his assailant nears Arc lowers his spear. It passes under the prince! As he himself sidesteps, Arc uses Prince Rutherford's own momentum to literally throw him out of the ring! The prince lands hard on his back! Yona cries out, still being held back!

“FATHER! GET UP!”

Prince Rutherford does not rise. Arc walks over to him.

“Go ahead, Pony King... end it.”

Arc raises his spear over his head, angrily! “As you wish!”

Yona’s eyes grow wide! She screams as tears cascade down her cheeks!

“NOOOOOO!!!”

Arc brings his spear down with such force that the shock wave is felt through the snow! Yona falls to the ground, sobbing! “Oh Father... why...? WHY?!”

There is silence. No one speaks or even moves! A low grunt finally breaks the silence. Prince Rutherford looks up, confused as he sees Arc's spear lodged into the ground next to his head!

“Pony King... why? Why you spare yak's life?!”

He pulls his spear out of the ground and looks over to Yona. “I... didn't want to see your daughter cry.”

Arc allows his spear to fall in the snow as he sits down on the ground with Prince Rutherford.

“How about this? My bodyguards and I, along with my army will get back in our ship and return home. In return, you promise not to invade Equestria. Do we have a deal?”

Prince Rutherford nods. “Yaks agree.”

Yona runs up to her father and pounces on him happily!

“Father! You okay?!”

“Yes Yona! Yak okay! Yak sorry though!”

Yona appears confused. “What for?”

“We not conquer Equestria! Yak had hoped to do so. That way I could take you there on vacation!”

Ember’s jaw hits the floor! “WHAT?! You feel the need to conquer a country to VISIT IT?!”

Prince Rutherford looks to her, confused. “Is that not pony law?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not to my knowledge, no. Who told you that?!”

“General Wind Rider! He say the only way yaks allowed to visit is if they conquer it first!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Why would the general lie about such a thing? Many could have been killed in such a conflict.”

Prince Rutherford looks angry! “Yak don't know, but yak no like being lied to! Pony King, you take bad pony with you?!”

Arc nods as he uses his magic to pull his spear to his hand. “Sure. Although his fate has... yet to be determined.”

Prince Rutherford spits on the ground! “He better off with you! You leave him here, I kill him myself!”

The yak Commander nods! “I go get Pony General! Bring here!”

Arc sighs as the yak rushes off! “Prince Rutherford. You and the other yaks are welcome to visit Equestria any time you wish! I only ask that you follow all our laws and customs.”

Prince Rutherford nods! “Yaks will! You followed our rules, we follow yours!”

“Thank you. I hope this is the beginning of a true alliance between Yakyakistan and Equestria.”

The prince frowns! “Don't push it. Yaks still mad about general!”

Arc nods. “Understandable.”

The Yak Commander rushes up to Prince Rutherford!

“General pony gone! Escape!”

Ember facepalms! “Of course he did!”

Arc clenches his fists, angrily! “If he shows his face in Equestria again I'll make him regret it!”

Prince Rutherford nods! “Same here! We find him, we end him!”

“Agreed! Well, we should be getting back to Equestria now. Sereb?”

Sereb approaches Arc and allows himself to be mounted. Arc turns to Yona.

“Yona... I'm sorry I hurt your dad.”

Yona smiles happily! “Is okay! He go easy on you!”

Ember mutters to herself. “Right...”

Arc tuns to leave with Ember and Sereb. “Farewell Prince Rutherford. I hope when next we meet it will be under happier circumstances.”

They walk toward the gates. The Yak Sentry opens them as they near. The Yak Commander waves from the prince’s side!

“Goodbye pretty birdie! Come visit again soon!”

Arc and Sereb snicker to themselves. Ember turns to them angrily.

“Something you two find funny?!”

Arc and Sereb smile and reply in unison. “Nothing!”

Chapter 9 - Awakenings

As they approach the ship, Spitfire runs up to meet them!

“Sir, your orders?!”

“Order the troops to board the Lunar Destiny. We're leaving.”

Spitfire nods! “Yes sir.”

The lieutenant turns to the soldiers.

“Pack it in! We're going home!”

The troops salute and begin to board the ship as Spitfire turns back to Arc.

“Can I assume your mission was successful, sir?”

“Very!”

Ember nods. “War averted!”

Sereb smiles. “No lives lost either.”

“Wins all around! Now I'd love to stand here and celebrate, but I need to get back to the Crystal Empire!”

“Anxious to get back to Cherry?”

Arc smiles and nods. “Yeah. I can wait a few more minutes if you want to run back and invite your yak friend over to Canterlot for dinner though.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest and rolls her eyes! “Ha, ha!”

Arc grins! “I'm sorry Ember! It is nice to see someone taking an interest in you though.”

“That kind of interest I could do without.”

Sereb nods. “Whatever you say... pretty birdie.”

Arc and Sereb enjoy a good laugh as Ember throws up her claws and rolls her eyes.

“I give up on you two!”

As they enter the ship Arc turns to Spitfire.

"Lieutenant, let Tight Ship know that I want to get back to the Crystal Empire as soon as possible. Then radio General Virtuous Lance and inform him that we're on our way back."

“Yes sir!”

The lieutenant heads to the Bridge as Arc, Ember and Sereb head for his quarters. As the trio enters Ember turns to Arc.

“Do you need a rest after all that?

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, I think I'm good. But I do need to make a couple phone calls.”

Sereb nods. “Checking up on Cherry Jubilee?”

“No, I'll see her soon enough. I actually need to call her sister, Ruby. It just occurred to me that no one contacted her!”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “That's right! She must be worried SICK!”

“That and I need to call Light's Hope and talk to the therapist there! Why don't you two get something to eat?”

Ember nods nervously! “S-sure Arc. Come on Sereb!”

“Second breakfast sounds good right now.”

The pair leave the room and head toward the Mess Hall as Ember turns to Sereb.

“A good thing he's calling his therapist! This mess with Cherry has really gotten to him!”

Sereb nods. “Understandable. He almost lost the love of his life.”

Ember shudders! “For all we know, he may yet!”

“I hope not. She seems like a fine young mare.”

“Agreed. THAT might just drive him over the edge!”

Meanwhile... Arc picks up the telephone. The communication’s officer picks up.

“Yes, Lord Regent?”

“I… I need to speak with the front desk at Light's Hope. It's a military base on the outskirts of Ponyville.”

“Yes sir!”

A few moments later Arc is connected. Raven picks up her phone.

“Light's Hope. Raven speaking.”

“Raven? It's Arc.”

“Hello sir! How is Canterlot?!”

“It's been... busy lately. I'm actually flying back from the Yakyakistan at the moment. But enough about that. Are you alone?”

Raven looks around. “I am.”

“How are the therapy sessions going?”

“Okay, I guess. Emerald Dream says this will take quite a while to overcome!”

Arc nods. “I understand. A terrible ordeal such as you experienced doesn't just resolve itself overnight! I've never gone through what you did, but I've known my fair share of heartache!”

“Sir?”

“I'll tell you about it some other time, face to face.”

“Thank you, but you don't have to do that sir!”

“I know. But for me at least, it helps to talk about it with those I care about.”

Raven nods! “Kinda like Flash Sentry and I?”

“Exactly! I hope he's able to be of help to you.”

“Oh, very much so! He's been even more supportive ever since he learned about... my thoughts of suicide.”

Raven is silent for a moment

“Sir? I have something to confess.”

“I'm listening.”

“Flash Sentry has been very worried about me ever since the three of us had our last conversation.”

Arc nods. “Considering the subject matter, I would be concerned if he WASN'T!”

“Yes sir, I agree! Now, please don't be angry with us but... he had the idea that I shouldn't be alone at night.”

“For good reason, I suppose. Do you disagree with that?”

Raven shakes her head. “No sir. I... I've been so... lonely I guess would be the word.”

She seems to be weighing her next words carefully. Blushing, she continues.

“So we've been... sleeping together.”

Arc shakes his head. “I'm sorry, what?”

“My apologies, sir! We really should have talked to you before we started spending every night together in your quarters!”

“My quarters?!”

Raven nods. “I originally suggested my room! He was okay with the idea! But that first night, he just looked so uncomfortable sleeping on the floor!”

“Just to clarify, he's just there to keep an eye on you, right?”

Raven blushes deeply! “Oh, yes sir! I'm sorry! I should have said that from the beginning! Flash Sentry told me your room has two single beds in it for you and Ember, so it just seemed the logical choice! We'll stop if it bothers you to have others in your private room!”

“No, no! It's okay, really! The two of you are welcome there as long as I'm gone! Just don't let any of the other guards see you leave in the morning! I wouldn't want them thinking they can have overnight guests in the base!”

“Don't worry about it sir. We're always very careful about that! He leaves your quarters first to make sure nopony is around. Then he opens the door for me!”

“How do you feel about this sleeping arrangement?”

Raven sighs happily! “I have to be honest with you sir. The first night felt a little... strange. I couldn't seem to fall asleep with somepony else in the room, much less a stallion! I've never done anything like that before!”

“What did you do?”

“I just lay there looking over at him. He looked so peaceful lying there. But I knew that if anypony came for me, he would be on them in a second! I know nopony is after me, but in my dreams... you know.”

Arc nods and smiles! “Yes. Did his being there help?”

“It does, yes! More than words can say! But it got me thinking about something else! What if I'm just using Flash Sentry as a coping mechanism?! Maybe I don't really love him! Maybe I just latched onto him for emotional support! Sir, I don't know anything about love! How do I know if my feelings for him are genuine?!”

“Calm down Raven! You'll drive yourself crazy double guessing your feelings. Now, I can't see into your heart so I really don't know how to advise you on this matter. You should talk to Emerald Dream about this. It's doubtful that you're the first mare to have this problem!”

Raven nervously continues! “I know I should sir. Really, I do! It's just... what if she tells me my feelings aren't real?! What if she says we shouldn't see each other anymore?! What if...”

“Raven, listen to yourself! You're getting all worked up at the thought of losing Flash Sentry! Doesn't that in itself tell you something?!”

“I... I suppose it does sir. Thank you.”

“You're welcome. Now don't be hiding these things from Emerald Dream. She can't help you properly if she doesn't know there's a problem.”

“Yes sir. I'll talk with her about this during our next meeting later today.”

Arc nods. “Good. Well not to cut this short, but I need to be going. Lots to do! Is there anything else you want to tell me?”

Raven shakes her head. “I understand sir. Thank you for calling to check up on me. You're so good with these things! I think I told you everything that's been on my mind lately!”

“Glad to hear things are getting better for you. Take care of yourself. And talk to Emerald Dream and Flash Sentry if something is wrong. They can help you!”

“I will sir! I promise!”

“Good. We'll talk again soon. Goodbye!”

Arc hangs up the phone and rubs his eyes.

“I guess I can't put this off any longer.”

He picks up the phone again. The communications officer comes on the line.

“What can I do for you sir?”

“I... need to be connected to Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction.”

“Yes sir!”

After a brief silence the connection is made. After a few rings she picks up the phone.

“Cherry Hill Ranch! Ruby Jubilee speaking!”

“Ruby? It's Arc.”

Ruby smiles happily! “Arc! How are things?! Are you and Cherry having fun?”

“Um... not exactly.”

“Oh dear! Did the two of you have a fight or something?!”

He shakes his head! “No, nothing like that. Why don't I start at the beginning?”

Arc recalls the story of how he contacted Crystal Poisoning, his recovery and how the Crystal Empire had been attacked!

“Sounds like you've been busy! I'm glad Cherry was able to be there for you when you needed her!”

“Y-yeah. I actually thought that was going to be the last time I saw her face!”

“Is she around?! I'd love to say hello!”

“No, she's not with me. At the moment I'm flying back to the Crystal Empire. We just finished negotiating peace with Yakyakistan.”

Ruby smiles! “I knew you could do it! That's one less enemy Equestria has to worry about!”

Arc sighs. “I guess so.”

“Arc? Is something wrong? You haven't told me why you called yet.”

“I... um... need to tell you something. Are you sitting down?”

“Just a second!”

Ruby sits down in the chair next to the phone, excitedly! “I am now! Go ahead!”

Arc takes a deep breath before continuing.

“... I asked Cherry to... marry me.”

Ruby jumps out of her chair and squeals into the phone as she trots in place!

“Arc that's wonderful news! I know the two of you will be very happy together! When's the wedding?!”

“I told her I would resign as Hero of Light when all three princesses again sit on their thrones. Only then would our marriage be possible.”

“I'm certainly glad to hear that Arc! She’d worry herself to death!”

Ruby 's last word echoes in Arc's head.

“Arc? Are you still there?”

“Um... yeah! Sorry! Listen Ruby. Can you sit down again please? There's something else I have to tell you.”

She does so, happily! “Okay, go ahead! But I can't imagine what could possibly be bigger news than that!”

“During the attack on the Crystal Empire, Cherry and Derpy went out to help the citizens evacuate. Some guards were escorting a traitor back to the castle. They passed her and Derpy on their way. The... the scumbag decided to use them to create a diversion! He knocked over an overloaded cart in order to escape, pinning Cherry underneath! Derpy flew to get help and she was rushed to the hospital!

“That's terrible! Is she okay?!”

Arc shakes his head. “She took quite a blow to the head and was in a coma when I left earlier this morning. Other than that, she escaped with only bumps and bruises.”

“Dear, oh dear! I wish I could come up there, but there would be no one to watch the ranch! Cherry would be furious if I did that!”

“I'm flying back to the hospital now to check on her.”

“Did the doctor say anything else?”

Arc nods sadly. “Yes. He warned us that there's a chance she... she might not be the same when she wakes up. There's no way to know for sure though!”

“Don't worry Arc! Cherry's a strong mare! I'm sure she'll be just fine! But... if she... you know...”

Arc smiles! “I love your sister very much, Ruby. I'll stay and keep my promise to marry her even if she's... different!”

“Thank you Arc! I knew my sister's trust in your character wasn't misplaced! Please call me the minute you find out ANYTHING about Cherry's condition! I don't care how early or late it is!”

“I will, Ruby!”

“Thank you, Arc!”

“Ruby...?”

“Yes?”

“I... I'm sorry this happened. When I get my hands on General Wind Runner, I will PERSONALLY tear his heart out!”

Ruby chuckles! “Call me if you need a hoof with that! Well, I'll let you get back to work now Arc. Thank you for telling me!”

“You're welcome Ruby. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the phone and sighs.

“I'm... sorry Ruby. I am so... so sorry!”

Within the hour the Lunar Destiny touches down in the Crystal Empire. Spitfire, Arc, Ember and Sereb disembark.

“Sir! Your orders?”

Arc turns to Spitfire. “Let's head to the Throne Room and rendezvous with the general.”

They quickly make their way to the Throne Room where General Virtuous Lance is pacing the floor. Arc hurries over to him!

“Mission accomplished, general!”

“Good! Any casualties sir?!”

“None, I'm happy to say!”

Ember chuckles. “You’re not going to believe this general, but apparently the whole thing was one big misunderstanding!”

Spitfire nods! “Yes sir! With General Wind Rider at the center!”

Virtuous Lance looks confused. “What do you mean?”

Sereb frowns. “Apparently he told Prince Rutherford that if he wanted to vacation in Equestria he would have to conquer it first.”

“Why would he do something like THAT?!”

Arc sighs. “General, I know this may sound crazy, but I think he may have been INTENTIONALLY trying to start a war!”

Ember looks skeptical. “For what purpose?!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Out of boredom?”

Arc shrugs. “I haven't the foggiest idea the ‘whys’ behind it. In any case, we found him being held prisoner by the yaks. Prince Rutherford said he had come to try and surrender the Crystal Empire!”

Sereb nods. “The prince also said this wasn't the first time.”

Ember seethes! “This wasn't a temporary lapse in judgment! He's wanted to hand over leadership to the yaks for quite some time now!”

Virtuous Lance sadly nods. “I hate to suggest this sir, but the only logical conclusion to all of this is that my old friend is somehow involved with something larger than himself.”

“What makes you think that, general?”

"Think about it. He wasn't trying to take power for himself. Quite the opposite actually. If the yaks had attacked in full force it's very unlikely that we could have repelled them with the city's standing forces.”

Ember frowns! “It would look like you weren't capable of leading Equestria, Arc!”

Spitfire nods! “If this shadow group had some way of repelling the invaders, they wouldn't look like an invading force. They would be lauded as HEROES!”

Virtuous Lance turns to Spitfire! “Indeed! They could have used the Crystal Empire as a base of operations for slowly but surely taking more territory!”

“Yes, general! We might not have noticed until it was too late!”

Ember turns back to Arc. “I guess the real question is who's pulling the strings behind this?!”

Virtuous Lance nods angrily! “Stealth, subterfuge, manipulation, betrayal... this has all the markings of the Nightborn!”

Arc frowns. “I've heard of them. They attacked my base a while back! But what would they hope to accomplish in a yak rule?”

“Nothing other than destabilization. They could have swooped in, killed the invaders and taken control of the city! Clever plan!”

Ember smiles! “Ha! Too bad for them it didn't work!”

Spitfire looks worried! “How can we know for sure, general?!”

“The only way would be for them to show their cards. Attack us directly!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Is there a way for us to go to them? Talk this out?”

The general sighs. “Well, it is common knowledge that they operate out of what they call ‘the citadel’. I suppose if somepony knew where exactly is was, we could go talk to them. But it would be certain death to them when the Nightborn found out their plans were known!”

Arc nods. “I understand. Don't worry. I won't risk any of our forces’ lives on such an errand!”

Spitfire nods! “That's good to hear sir!

“Besides, we don’t really have any proof that they had anything to do with this, right?

Virtuous Lance sighs. “No. I suppose we don’t.”

Sereb ponders this for a moment. “For all we know it could be part of General Wind Rider’s plan to misdirect us.”

Arc shrugs. “I guess we’ll find out when I get to the Citadel. General, start a search for…

Ember walks over to Arc, angrily! “Oh no you're not! As your bodyguard I insist on coming with you!”

Sereb nods.” I too would like the honor of bearing you to your destination, Arc.”

“Didn't you two hear the general?! This is going to be dangerous!”

Ember brandishes her claws! “Yeah! For THEM!”

Sereb looks over his shoulder at his armor. “One must test this armor in actual battle at some point.”

Arc soberly nods. “Thanks, you two. I couldn't ask for better friends!”

Ember smiles. “We should probably do this soon Arc! Wouldn't want to give them time to come up with another plan.”

“Right. But I can't do anything until I'm sure Cherry will be all right.”

Virtuous Lance looks to Arc and sighs. “Sir, I'm not trying to be snide, but isn't the fate of this land is more important than a single life!”

Spitfire nods. “I agree. As callous as that sounds, the general is right.”

“I understand what you two are saying, but she's more than just a single life... she's my whole world!”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Sir, if you would like, I would be willing to lead a mission to attempt to locate the Nightborn Citadel.”

Arc shakes his head. “No general. I need you to stay here. With Wind Rider A.W.O.L. I would like you to take over his duties protecting the Crystal Empire.”

“Yes sir.”

Spitfire comes to attention as she turns to Arc. “Lord Arc? May I stay with the general?”

Arc nods. “I wouldn't think of splitting you two up! You keep protecting him as you always have, lieutenant.”

“Yes sir, I will!

He turns to leave the Throne Room. “Organize the Crystal Defenders and send back to Canterlot any soldiers whom aren't needed aboard the transports. The fate of the Crystal Empire rests with you now, general.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the Throne Room. He returns his excess armor to his ring.

“Let's head back to the hospital now. Hopefully they'll be able to give us some good news on Cherry's condition!”

Meanwhile back at the hospital, Doctor Horse enters the room with a chart. He turns to Derpy and Dinky.

“Just here for her mid-morning checkup…”

There is a low moan from the bed.

“Doctor! I think she's coming around!”

Dinky puts her small hooves on the side of the bed. “Miss Cherry? Can you hear us?”

Cherry slowly opens her eyes and looks around the room with a dazed look on her face.

“Where... where am I?”

Doctor Horse walks over to her bedside. “Crystal Hospital. You had quite the accident! Tell me, what do you remember about it?”

Cherry thinks for a moment. “I... I don't remember much. It all happened so fast! There was a cart... and a stallion... then everything gets a little fuzzy."

"You took quite a blow to the head, ma’am. The fact you remember that much about the accident is extraordinary."

Derpy looks to her, nervously. “Cherry? Do you remember who I am?”

Cherry nods weakly. “Y-yes. I remember you, Derpy. You came to my ranch some time ago with Dinky here.”

She attempts to sit up, but winces in pain.

“Everything seems to be sore.”

Doctor Horse nods. “Fortunately, you escaped with only minor bumps and bruises. Your head injury and memory were our primary concern!

Cherry smiles! “No worries there. I think I remember everything.”

“Any gaps in your memory, miss?”

She thinks for a moment. “Other than some of the accident, no.”

The doctor writes a few notes on his clipboard. “Don't worry miss. That much is normal. Well then, I need to ask you a few questions to verify your mental state. Are you feeling up to it?”

“Certainly!”

“Where do you live?”

“In Dodge Junction on my ranch.”

Doctor Horse nods. “What's the name of your ranch?”

“Cherry Hill Ranch. I run it with my sister Ruby!”

“Who was the stallion that did this to you?”

Cherry puts a hoof to her head. “I... I don't know! Should I?!”

Derpy turns to the doctor. “I'm pretty sure they've never met before, doctor.”

“Very good then!”

Dinky looks to her nervously. “Miss Cherry? Do you remember... me?”

Cherry smiles and pats the young filly on the head! “Of course, Dinky! I could never forget somepony as cute as you! I remember when you were a little baby. And how came to visit me! You had somehow grown up with something called Chrono Magic.”

Dinky hugs Cherry, excitedly! “Miss Cherry, you DO remember! We were told you might be different when you woke up!”

Cherry giggles and nods! “Well I certainly feel the same! Albeit a bit more painful than I remember.”

Doctor Horse smiles! “Well, it looks like your head is no worse for wear, miss. Now you should probably take it easy for a few days to let the rest of your body heal.”

Derpy laughs happily! “This is wonderful Cherry! Arc will be so happy to hear you're okay!”

Cherry smiles! “I do have one question though, Derpy!”

“Sure! What is it?”

“Who's Arc?”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 10 - Facing Reality

Derpy's jaw hangs open as Cherry gives her a quizzical look! She shakes her head in an effort to clear it!

“I'm sorry, Cherry. What was the question again?!”

“Arc... who is he?”

Dinky looks confused. “How can you not remember my dad, Miss Cherry?!”

“I’m sorry, but that name doesn't mean anything to me.”

Derpy sighs and looks down at the floor. “He... he's your... fiancé.”

Cherry quickly brings her front hooves to her face! “Oh my! You mean I'm ENGAGED?!”

Dinky nods! “Yes ma'am! He... he proposed only yesterday! You were so happy then!”

Derpy walks over to the bedside table and picks up the pendant. “He gave you this as an engagement present!”

Cherry takes the pendant in her hooves as Derpy gives it to her.

“This is beautiful! He must be a very wealthy stallion to be able to afford such things!”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “Not particularly, miss! His heart is much larger than his coin purse.”

“I don't understand. If he cares so much about me, where is he then?!”

“He left to lead an army against Yakyakistan early this morning!”

She gives the pendant back to Derpy. “So, he's a military commander then?”

Derpy carefully puts the pendant in Cherry's saddlebag on the nearby dresser before turning back. “Not... exactly.”

Dinky frowns! “Miss Cherry? Don't you remember ANYTHING about him?!”

She shakes her head. “No dear. Not a thing.”

Doctor Horse sighs. “Well, this is indeed quite the pickle were in!”

The door opens and Arc enters along with Ember and Sereb. He immediately sees Cherry sitting up and rushes over to her, excitedly!

“CHERRY?!”

Cherry's eyes grow wide as she sees his royal raiments! She quickly jumps out of bed and shakily moves to bow before him!

“S-sire! To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?!”

Arc looks down at her, confused

“Um... Cherry? What are you doing?”

“Bowing in the presence of royalty, sire!”

Sereb frowns. “Something is not right here.”

Ember nods! “You got that right, Sereb! This just feels wrong!”

Arc slowly approaches Cherry.

“Um... rise, my little pony.”

She looks up at him with evident fear in her eyes! Cherry shakes as she stands!

“Y-Yes sire!”

Arc kneels down to pick Cherry up. He carefully puts her back in bed!

“You should be resting now, my dear!”

Cherry keeps her head bowed. “Th-thank you for your concern, sire!”

“Cherry... look at me.”

She does so, albeit shakily!

“You... you don't you remember me, do you Cherry?”

“N-no sire! We've never met before!”

Arc sighs. “Do... do you at least remember my name?”

Cherry shakes her head. “I'm sorry sire, but I don't. Again, please forgive me sire!”

Derpy looks to her, sadly. “Cherry... this is Arc... your fiancé.”

Arc nods! “Please Cherry! Try to remember!”

She shakes her head. “I'm sorry sire, but...”

Arc bows his head! “Please... don't call me that Cherry! It... it isn't right!”

Cherry looks up to Arc. “Wh-what should I call you then, sire?!”

“The same thing you've always called me since the day we met. Arc. Just… Arc.”

She shakes her head! “That wouldn't be proper, sire! You're the ruler of this land after all!”

Arc removes his crown and hands it to Ember. He then calls forth the rest of his armor and spear from his ring to stand before Cherry with his eyes aglow within his helmet!

“Does this jog your memory, my dear?”

Cherry recoils, shaking her head fearfully! “NO!”

Arc, seeing how his appearance frightens the bedridden mare before him, quickly recalls his armor and returns to his royal raiments.

“Forgive me Cherry! I didn't mean to frighten you! I was just hoping you would remember!”

Ember approaches the bed and gives Arc back his crown. “Cherry? Do you remember how you and I met?”

Cherry thinks for a moment. “No. No I don't! Right now it feels like part of me is missing!”

Arc turns to Cherry again! “How about Buffalo Bull? What do you remember about him?

“He's one of the workers at my ranch, right?””

Ember shakes her head. “Um... not anymore...”

Arc nods. “Let's just say he doesn't work there anymore and leave it at that.”

Cherry nods nervously! “I... I'm sorry about this sire! I really am!”

“It... it's okay Cherry. None of this is your fault.”

Arc turns to Doctor Horse.

“How much longer until she can return home?”

Doctor Horse looks over his clipboard one more time before responding. “She can leave anytime. Although under no circumstances is she to do any strenuous activities until she's cleared to do so by her own doctor!”

Cherry nods! “Understood! I would really like to get home though! I'm sure my sister is worried about me!

She moves to stand, albeit shakily. Dinky moves to help her!

“Please Miss Cherry! Take it easy!”

Arc moves toward her quickly! “Cherry! Please!”

Seeing Arc approach, she stumbles backwards, landing on her plot and drawing back in fear!

“P-please no!”

Arc draws back, sadly. “Cherry...”

Doctor Horse walks over and helps her up. “You should be accompanied home, miss! It's quite a long way to Dodge Junction!”

Cherry shakes her head and backs toward the door. “T-thank you doctor, but I'll manage. If somepony would be so kind as to point me to the Train Station...”

Arc looks at her and shakes his head. “Sorry, but I can't let you do that, Cherry. I'll take you home in my airship.”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes, that would be the best course of action.”

“While I appreciate the offer sire, I don't want to be a burden!”

“It's no trouble, Cherry! That and I want to make sure you make it home safely. Please reconsider!”

She continues to back toward the door! “Please sire! I'll be fine! Really!”

Arc sighs. “Very well, Cherry. I guess there's no changing your mind on this.”

Derpy looks to him, alarmed! “Arc! You're not really going to just let her walk out of here in that condition, are you?!”

“No I'm not. Cherry...”

Arc stands regally before her

“...as Lord Regent, I hereby order you to accompany me back to Dodge Junction! I'm sorry, but it's for your own sake, as well as my sanity!”

Cherry bows! “Y-yes sire! I'll do as you say.”

“Good. Now are you ready to go, my dear?”

Arc gestures to Sereb's saddle.

“I suppose so.”

Arc mounts Sereb as Ember helps Cherry into the saddle. She sits in front of Arc nervously as Derpy picks up Cherry's saddlebag and carefully puts it in Sereb's larger saddlebag.

“Can't forget your bag, Cherry!”

“Y-yes. Thank you.”

Arc puts his arm gently around Cherry's midsection.

“Alright Sereb, let's go. Keep it slow and steady though, okay?”

“I understand.”

Arc turns to Doctor Horse. “Can I fly you home doctor?”

The doctor shakes his head. “Thank you, but I think I'll take the train. I've had quite enough flying for quite a while.”

“Suit yourself.”

Arc and the others make their way out of the room and back to the Crystal Castle. They board the Lunar Destiny and immediately head for Arc's cabin! Ember closes the door behind them and turns to the injured mare!

“You should probably lie down, Cherry.”

Cherry shakes her head. “N-no, thank you. I think I'd rather sit on the couch. That is, if it's okay with Lord Arc!”

Arc dismounts and helps Cherry over to the couch. “Certainly. There you are, my dear. I hope you're comfortable!”

She nods nervously. “Y-yes sire! You have a... lovely room here!”

Derpy looks around! “I agree Arc! This really is nice!”

Dinky jumps on the bed! “It's so soft!”

Arc takes a blanket out of a nearby cupboard. “Thank you. How about something to keep you warm, Cherry?”

“Y-yes please!”

Arc covers Cherry with the blanket and turns to Ember.

“Tell Tight Ship to take us to Ponyville. He can land behind Light's Hope.”

“Sure thing!”

“And have him contact Flash Sentry to let him know we're coming! I don't want to scare the pants off of him!”

Ember calls out over her shoulder. “I'll take care of it!”

She leaves the cabin as Derpy and Dinky look to each other, confused.

“Pants?”

“Ponyville? I thought we were going to Dodge Junction.”

Arc nods. “We are. I just wanted to take you and Dinky home first. It's on the way.”

Dinky stops jumping. “Dad, there's more to it than that, isn't there? I mean, you could just open a portal.”

“Yeah... to tell you the truth, I wanted to walk you two home personally. As safe as Ponyville is, I'm a bit... worried about you two right now.”

Cherry looks down a her hooves. A single tear courses down her cheek.

Sereb looks to Arc. “You are worried about losing more friends.”

Arc looks over at Cherry, sadly. “...yeah.”

Derpy walks slowly over to Arc with Dinky by her side.

“Arc... thank you.”

He kneels down to look them in the eye. “For what?"

The pair nuzzle him!

“For... being there for Dinky and I all this time!”

“Yeah dad! It really means a lot to both of us!”

Arc puts his arms around both of them! “I love you two very much! Sorry if I'm being a bit overbearing right now!

Dinky suddenly yawns.

“Sorry dad. I didn't sleep very well last night.”

Derpy yawns herself! “I don't think any of us did!”

“Why don't you two take a nap on my bed? I think you both could use the rest.”

Derpy nods. “Thank you Arc, but I think we’ll just lie down for a bit.

Dinky and her mother walk over to Arc's bed and lie down. Arc covers them with the blanket. “Rest now, my little ponies.”

“Thanks... dad.”

Arc turns to Derpy quietly. “You get some rest now too.”

“Thank you, but I'll just lie here for a bit.”

Arc nods. “Do as you wish.”

He walks over to the couch and sits down at the opposite end as far away from Cherry as he can as the ship takes off.

“How are you feeling?

Cherry nervously looks away. “Um... okay I guess, Lord Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Cherry, I already told you it's okay to call me Arc.”

“I... I'm sorry sire, but that just doesn't feel right!”

Arc sighs. “Very well. Call me whatever you want to.”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you sire! Um... can I ask you something?”

Arc nods. “You may ask me anything Cherry.”

“Earlier today when the doctor asked me what I remembered, I thought I did! But... the more I think about it, the more holes I find! I just wanted to know... how did we meet?”

“That is a rather sad story. You see, there was a stallion named Buffalo Bull who wanted you to marry him.”

Cherry nods! “I remember him. He just started work at my ranch!”

Arc shakes his head. “No Cherry. That was some time ago. He ran off after swearing to one day make you his.”

“Oh my! Whatever happened to him?!”

“Ember and I were passing through Dodge Junction on our way to meet with the Dragon Lord. His ruffians were accosting you and your employees and the saloon. I had to teach them some manners.”

“You didn't hurt them, did you?”

“Not really. Nothing permanent anyways. In any case, you invited us to your house for supper and to spend the night. We agreed. After a particular splendid meal, we retired for the evening only to be awakened by your sister in the wee hours of the morning.”

She nods. “Ruby?”

“Yes. At least you remember her.”

“I do. But why would she wake you up so early?”

“To tell us you had been kidnapped and a wedding invitation had been slipped under the front door.”

Cherry looks shocked! “WHAT?! By whom?!”

“Buffalo Bull. To make a long story short, he badly hurt you, so I dislocated his front legs and broke the other two! His gang dragged him to the hospital behind me as I carried you there. He's in prison right now for a myriad of crimes.”

“That's a shame. I kinda liked him! He was very handsome, and so nice! What changed?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don't know. Ruby could probably answer that question better. We'll ask her when we get you home.”

“Anything else?”

“Nope. That was the cliff notes of our first meeting.”

“I see. So how did we go from that to you proposing to me?”

Arc smiles! “Actually you proposed to me the last time I was at your ranch.”

Cherry blushes! “Wh-what?!”

“It's true. Ruby was there that time as well.”

“But why?!”

He looks to Cherry, confused. “She lives there now.”

“No, I mean, why did I propose to you?!”

Arc shrugs. “Um... I guess you really liked me.”

“I would hope so! What did you say?!”

“I said no.”

She appears confused. “Okay.”

Arc sighs. “I told you I cared for you very much, but had far too much to do as Equestria's Hero of Light to take a wife! Sorry Cherry.”

“I guess that makes sense. But I'm told you also proposed to ME yesterday!”

“I… I did. After your initial proposal it got me thinking about how much you meant to me.”

Arc turns to Sereb who is “guarding” the door.

“Sereb, would you give me Cherry's saddlebag please?”

Sereb nods. He uses his magic to open his saddlebag and levitate the mare's saddlebag over to Arc.

“Thanks.”

Arc opens the bag and pulls out the engagement pendant. He looks it over in his hands, sadly.

“In my homeland, it's customary for a man to give a woman an engagement ring as a sign of commitment. I learned from a book that a present is the proper way to do things here. When I saw this, I knew I wanted to see it around your neck!”

Cherry looks at the pendant! “But... it must have cost you a fortune! I know it's very rude to ask, but how much was that beautiful pendant?!”

Arc does not look up. “A month's wages.”

“Oh my! But... I can't be worth THAT much to you!”

He turns to look Cherry in the eye. “You're worth it and more to me, Cherry.”

Arc stretches out his hand to Cherry with the pendant. She looks at it for a long moment before putting a hoof on it.

“I... I'm sorry, sire. Please forgive me, but... I... I don't feel the same way about you.”

Cherry pushes the pendant back toward Arc nervously!

“Sire? I beg of you... please take this back! I... I can't marry you!”

She suddenly looks very frightened!

“You... you're not going to FORCE me to marry you... are you?!”

Arc shakes his head sadly. “No, Cherry. If I were to do so, I would be no better than Buffalo Bull!”

Cherry breathes a sigh or relief! “Thank you, sire! You deserve better than a commoner who can't even remember you anyways!”

“I disagree. Please understand I do still want to marry you, Cherry! But only if YOU want to do so!”

Cherry looks away again.

“I... I can't promise anything sire, as you're a stranger to me. But, maybe someday I'll remember our past together. It could be quite some time though!”

Arc smiles at her. “That's okay. I told you yesterday that I wouldn't be able to marry you until all three princesses were safely back on their thrones. That in itself could take quite some time!”

A small smile creeps across her face as she gently pushes the pendant back toward Arc. “Yes sire! But in the meantime, I think you should hold onto this.”

Arc takes the pendant and looks at it for a long moment. He then puts it around Cherry 's neck.

“No Cherry. It looks better on your neck then mine.”

“What?! But...”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “I… I want you to have it. Even if you never remember me or the time we spent together in the past.”

He sadly looks out the window before them.>

“Besides... I can't really think of anyone else I would rather see wearing it.”

Cherry looks down at the pendant. “Thank you sire. I'm sorry I can't reciprocate your feelings.”

There is a strange sound behind the pair. They look over to the bed to see Derpy and Dinky lying there peacefully! Dinky and her mother are both asleep and making small whiffling snores.

“Miss Derpy must have been more tired then she thought!”

Arc nods “Agreed!”

Meanwhile Ember stands outside the door, listening. She mutters to herself softly as she turns to walk away.

“Sorry Arc. I hope things work out between the two of you... one day.”

Two hours later the Lunar Destiny touches down behind Light's Hope. The late afternoon sunlight glistenes cheerfully across the land! Ember enters the cabin and walks over to the couch. She shakes Arc gently.

“Arc? We've arrived in Ponyville.”

“Huh? Oh… I… I must have dozed off”

He turns to see Cherry sleeping peacefully on the other end of the couch. Arc stands and walks over to the bed. Nudging Derpy and Dinky, the pair slowly open their eyes.

“Time to wake up you two.”

Derpy slowly sits up. “Arc? Where are we?”

Arc smiles at her! “We just landed in Ponyville.”

Dinky rolls over, sleepily. “Just five more minutes.”

Arc picks up the sleeping filly. “I'll just carry her.”

He turns to Ember.

“I'll be back in a little while.”

Ember soberly looks at Arc before looking to the sleeping mare on the couch.

“Take your time. I'll stay with her.”

“Thanks.”

Sereb follows Arc and Derpy out the door. The group makes their way to Derpy's small house. Derpy opens the front door to let Arc in as he carries the still sleeping filly to his bed and lays her down. He covers Dinky with a blanket.

“Rest well, sweetheart. Daddy loves you.”

Arc quietly leaves the room, shutting the door behind him.

“Thank you for walking us home Arc. It was good to see you again!”

“I've missed you both as well! Listen Derpy. When this is over and the princesses are awake again, the three of us should go someplace together.”

Derpy looks confused. “Really?! Like where?”

Arc shrugs. “I don't know. Someplace fun though!”

Derpy nods! “I'd like that, and I'm sure Dinky would as well. But what brought this on all of a sudden?”

“This whole thing with Cherry made me realize you never really know just how long you have with those you love. In the blink of an eye, those you care about can so easily be taken from you.”

“I guess that makes sense! Dinky will be all grown up in no time, and I'll be old and gray!”

Arc chuckles! “We both will! We'll I should probably stop by the school on my way back and apologize to Cheerilee for what Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom did the other day.”

Derpy follows Arc to the door and gives him a parting hug.

“Don't be a stranger now Arc! Remember, you're always welcome here!”

“Thanks Derpy. I hope to be home again soon.”

Arc leaves the small house. Sereb is waiting outside.

“Off again?”

Arc nods as he mounts Sereb. “Yes. Let's stop by the school though.”

“As you wish.”

In no time at all the pair arrive at the orphanage. Arc dismounts and heads for the doors.

“I will wait outside.”

Arc turns back to his friend. “You know Sereb, you CAN come inside if you want to.”

“Thank you, but I am afraid my appearance would frighten the foals who live here.”

Arc laughs! “Aw, come on Sereb! Just go into Cub Form and follow me!”

“Very well.”

Sereb quickly turns into his smaller self and falls in behind Arc as they enter the orphanage. Pipsqueak and Aquamarine are playing in the Main Hall!

“Mr. Arc!”

Aquamarine shakes her head! “No Pipsqueak! It's Lord Arc! And you're supposed to bow! Like this!”

She bows before Arc.

“See?!”

Arc laughs! “You don't have to bow to me. But I am glad to see that you two remembered you manners.”

Pipsqueak nods happily! “What brings you here today Mr. Arc?!”

Aquamarine giggles! “Another adventure?! Hey, you brought Sereb with you this time!”

Sereb nods. “Hello again.”

“Nah, I just got back from one of those.”

Pipsqueak jumps up and down excitedly! “Really?! Can you tell us all about it?! Did you and Sereb have to teach some bad ponies a lesson again?!”

Aquamarine heads for the stairs! “I'll get the others! You can tell us all about it!”

Arc nods! “We did, but we're really busy right now. There's still a lot to do before the sun goes down. I just came here to see Miss Cheerilee. Can you tell me where she is?”

Aquamarine looks uncomfortable. “Um... well, you see...”

Pipsqueak points nervously upstairs. “She's in the Matron's Office.”

“Anything wrong?”

Aquamarine nods. “Kinda. You see a couple of the students here got in REALLY big trouble the other day!”

Pipsqueak sighs. “Miss Cheerilee and Miss Pommel scheduled a meeting with their parents!”

“They've only been up there a few minutes, but I get the feeling it's going to take a while!”

Arc sighs and heads for the stairs. “I hate to interrupt but I don't have time to wait. You two be good for Coco Pommel, okay?”

“We will!”

Arc and Sereb make their way up the stairs to the Matron's Office. They can hear angry yet familiar voices coming from the other side of the door.

“Wait. Is that...”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

He knocks on the door lightly. A few moments later Coco Pommel answers.

“I'm sorry but...”

Her eyes grow wide as she sees who is standing there!

“P-please forgive me! Come in, come in!”

Coco Pommel quickly steps aside to allow Arc and Sereb to enter the office! Applejack, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Cheerilee appear to be having a conference of some kind! They all bow as he enters!

“No need to bow. I'm sorry for interrupting your meeting here.”

Rarity turns angrily to Sweetie Belle. “I guess we'll see who's telling the truth NOW!”

“But Rarity...”

Rarity holds up a hoof for silence! “Shush now! I don't want Lord Arc to have to listen your lies!”

Applejack nods angrily to her little sister! “Come on now Apple Bloom! Just tell us the truth and we can all go home!”

“But big sis, that's really what happened! Ask Arc! He'll tell you!”

Applejack walks over to Arc. “Sorry about this sugarcube. But these fillies are in a whole heap of trouble!”

“Oh? What did they do?”

Rarity glares at her sister! “Apparently they left school yesterday at lunch and didn't come back!”

Cheerilee nods! “Miss Pommel and I originally thought they had just gone home for lunch!”

Applejack frowns! “We were worried sick! But that wasn't the worst thing they did!”

Rarity nods! “Indeed! They got some stallion to pretend to be Doctor Horse! He called the school to tell them they were in the Crystal Empire of all places! And with you!”

Cheerilee sighs. “At that point I realized I had no choice but to notify these filly's guardians of their misdeeds.”

Coco Pommel turns back to Arc. “I'm sorry to bother you with this , but could you please tell these fillies where you were yesterday about this time?”

Arc nods. “Sure. I was in the Crystal Empire with them.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Come again?!”

“They teleported to the Crystal Empire to save me from a case of Crystal Poisoning.”

Rarity looks him up and down. “I'm sorry Arc, but you don't appear ill. These two claim you were at Death's Door!”

“I was.”

Sereb nods. “Arc speaks the truth. Equestria came very close to losing him.”

“However, as you can see, thanks to the Cutie Mark Crusaders I was able to make a full recovery!”

Applejack looks to him wide-eyed! “You mean to say that these two were telling the truth?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I sent them back to Light's Hope when I was strong enough to open a portal. They should have been escorted back home by a couple of my guards.”

Sweetie Belle nods! “We were!”

“Then why didn't they explain what was going on?”

“Rarity was too busy hugging me and crying hysterically to hear a word they said!”

Apple Bloom sighs. “Applejack wasn't paying any more attention to them when they took me home! She was too busy yelling!”

“I'm sorry sugarcube! It's just... your story was really out there!”

“I'm sorry too Sweetie Belle. I was just so happy that you were okay!”

Sweetie Belle appears hurt! “Then why didn't you listen to me?!”

“Like Applejack said... your story was a bit too hard to swallow.”

Cheerilee looks mortified! “I'm sorry about this girls, but it wasn't like we could have just called to ask him. The Lord Regent is a very busy stallion!”

Coco Pommel looks to him apologetically. “Sorry for all this Arc. Was there something I can help you with?”

“Huh?”

She smiles at him. “Not that I mind seeing you, but I'm sure you had a reason for coming here.”

“Oh, right! I came here to apologize to Cheerilee for being responsible for the disappearance of two of her students. But as long as everyone is here, I have something else to say.”

Arc walks over to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“Thank you for saving me yesterday! I recovered just in time to meet with Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan! He was about to go to war with Equestria!”

“Wait! You mean...”

Arc nods to Apple Bloom. “Yes. Your actions yesterday indirectly averted a war in which many on both sides would have died!”

Rarity looks amazed! “So they... saved Equestria?!”

Arc nods. “Pretty much! You two are heroes now!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle prance around the room happily! “Cutie Mark Crusaders Heroes, YAY!”

The pair look at their flanks for a moment! However, nothing happens. Sereb appears confused.

“What are you two doing?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “We were hoping that would get us a cutie mark!”

Apple Bloom looks sad. “I guess it's not our destiny to be heroes then.”

Arc kneels down to Apple Blooms level. “Don't worry you two. You'll always be heroes in my book. Now just because it isn't your destiny to be heroes doesn't mean you can't do the right thing!”

Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom rush forward to give Arc a hug!

“We'll keep trying!”

“We sure will!”

Arc nods as he returns the hugs! “I know you can do it! Now I'm sorry to cut this short, but I need to get back to Light's Hope. My airship is waiting from me.”

Rarity looks to him, confused. “Airship?! I thought Twilight had the Blitztorte!”

“She did! It... uh... had a bit of an accident and needs some repairs. I'm riding the new airship.”

Sweetie Belle looks up at him! “Is it cool?!”

“It sure is! I've named it the Lunar Destiny!

Rarity nods approvingly! “That was very nice of you Arc! I've always felt that Princess Luna was living in her sister's shadow.”

Applejack walks over. “By the way Arc, is Twilight coming back to Ponyville soon! We all miss her!”

“I'm not sure. When I left the other day she was trying to reverse engineer a cure for what ails the princesses. I'm sure she'll tell you all about it when she gets home.”

Arc turns back to Coco Pommel and Cheerilee.

“Keep up the good work you two.”

Coco Pommel smiles at him. “Thank you, Arc! You too!”

Cheerilee bows respectfully. “Thank you, sire!”

Arc and Sereb leave the office and head back downstairs. Pipsqueak and Aquamarine are waiting for them with the rest of the orphans!

“How did it go Mr. Arc?!”

Arc smiles! “Just fine. Your two friends upstairs aren't in trouble anymore.”

“What happened?!”

“The whole thing was just one big misunderstanding! Dinky will tell you all about it tomorrow!”

Pipsqueak looks around. “Where is she?”

“I took her home. She was all tired out from yesterday's adventure.”

Aquamarine’s eyes light up! “We can't wait to hear about how you and Dinky saved the day, sir!”

“You won't have long to wait! Both her and Derpy will be back in the morning.”

Pipsqueak smiles! “Good! Miss Pommel had to work really hard with Miss Derpy gone!”

Aquamarine nods! “Yeah! She's almost as nice as Miss Pommel is! We all really like her!”

“How is Coco Pommel doing these days?”

“She's doing a lot better!”

“Yeah! She smiles a lot more now that Matron Tempest is gone!”

Arc nods and heads for the door. “Good. Take care of each other, okay?”

“WE WILL!”

Arc and Sereb leave the orphanage.

“On to Dodge Junction?”

“Yup!. I want to get Cherry home before it gets too late.”

Sereb kneels down to allow Arc to mount him. “Could you not just hold the sun up longer?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I never tried, but I probably could. However, that would be an inconvenience to everyone in Equestria. That and everyone might freak out!”

Sereb appears confused. “Freak... out?”

“Panic.”

“Oh.”

In a flash the pair arrive back at the Lunar Destiny. They make their way back to Arc's cabin. They arrive to find Cherry has woken up and is chatting with Ember.

“...and that's how it went down!”

Cherry claps her hooves together happily! “I'm glad to know Equestria is in the care of such a hard working and diligent Lord Regent!”

Ember nods! “Yeah, but sometimes he works TOO hard!”

“What do you mean?”

“I've had to drag him to bed more than once now! What he did... he did for everyone. But... I do worry that someday we'll lose him!”

Cherry puts a hoof to her forehead. “I... don't really know what I should be feeling right now. Happy? Sad? Proud? Anxious?”

“Are you okay?”

“Y-yes. I guess right now I feel... empty. Something inside tells me I've lost something... precious to me.”

Cherry puts both front hooves on the side of her head and shakes it hard!

“WHY?! Why can't I remember?!”

Arc and Sereb enter the cabin. He takes one look at Cherry and rushes over to her!

“CHERRY! What's wrong?!”

She looks up to him, sadly! “I... can't remember! I want to so badly! But... I CAN'T!!!”

Ember looks to Arc apologetically. “I'm sorry Arc. She woke up and wanted me to tell her about our adventures together! I was hoping it would jog her memory.”

“Can I assume it didn't work?”

Ember shakes her head. “Pretty much.”

Arc sighs. “Tell Tight Ship to get us underway. I want to get Cherry back to Dodge Junction as soon as possible! Have him land in the field next to the cherry orchards.”

“I'm on it!”

He sits down next to Cherry who has collapsed in tears! “

“It's okay Cherry. We'll get you home now.”

Cherry cries out frantically! “No Lord Arc! It's not okay! I... I want to remember! I want to remember my feelings for you! I really do! But... I... I CAN'T!!!”

Arc pulls Cherry close as she continues to cry in a futile attempt to cope with the loss of her future! He strokes her mane, tenderly.

“I'm here Cherry. Let it all out.”

Eventually Cherry cries herself back to sleep in Arc's arms. He looks out the window at the sunset and sees Cherry Hill Ranch in the distance.

“You're almost home Cherry. I only pray that this isn't the end for you and I...”

A short time later Ember returns to the cabin.

“We'll be landing in about five minutes, Arc.”

She sits down next to him and looks at Cherry.

“How is she?”

Arc looks down as he continues to stroke Cherry’s mane. “She wore herself out crying.”

“I'm really sorry Arc. That was my fault! Telling her all those stories of ours! I just... I just really wanted her to remember you! You of all humans, deserve a ‘happily ever after’!”

Arc does not looks up from Cherry’s sleeping form. “Maybe someday I'll have it. But… I'd be happy if just Cherry found happiness! But that day is not today.”

The Lunar Destiny touches down a short distance from the house. Arc can see Ruby standing on the porch looking confused. He stands up with Cherry in his arms, making sure she stays covered by the blanket.

“I guess there's not use putting this off.”

As Arc moves toward the door to his cabin he turns to Ember and Sereb.

“I'm going to take Cherry home now.”

Ember nods soberly. “Want us to stay here?”

“Please.”

As Arc steps out of the ship onto the deck, a cool evening breeze blows over Cherry's face. She slowly opens her eyes and looks up at him.

“Ugh... where... are we?”

“Cherry Hill Ranch.”

Ruby looks toward the ship and sees Arc carrying her sister. She immediately runs out to meet the pair!

“CHERRY!!!”

Cherry smiles at her sister weakly.

“Hello Ruby. I'm... home.”

“Ch-Cherry! Are you alright?!”

“I'm... a bit tired. But otherwise okay I guess.”

Ruby leads them into the house! “Oh thank Celestia! I was so worried about you!”

Arc lays Cherry on the couch as Ruby sits down next to her sister and turns to him!

“Thank you so much for bringing her home safely Arc! I don't know what I would do if something would have happened to her!”

Arc nods. “The doctor says she'll be okay with some rest. No strenuous activities until the town doctor says so though.”

Ruby nods! “What exactly happened?!”

Arc quickly recalls the story, beginning with his own battle for survival in the Crystal Empire's hospital and how he was healed by the power of the Crystal Heart along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. How General Wind Rider used Derpy and Cherry as a distraction to get away, along with how she had forgotten him!

Arc sighs. “I'm sorry Ruby. I never should have let the two of them go out there.”

Ruby stands up slowly, her head down. “So... you let my sister go out to help evacuate the city?”

“Yes.”

Ruby slowly raises her head to look Arc in the eye. He quickly notices the look of unbridled rage on her face.

“My sister... she's... she's like this... BECAUSE OF YOU?!”

Arc hangs his head. “She is. I'm sorry Ruby, but...”

He looks up just in time to see Ruby charge at him. She does a half turn and bucks Arc as hard as she can out the screen door. He staggers backwards off the porch and falls down the steps to land in the dirt on his back as Ruby charges out the front door angrily.

“STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER! I WISH SHE’D NEVER MET YOU!!!"

Arc quickly stands up. “Wait! She... she said yes! We were going to...!”

Cherry slowly walks out of the house to stand next to her sister.

“I... I'm sorry sire, but... could you please just leave? My sister has been upset ever since you got here.”

Ruby angrily points a hoof at Arc. “Yeah! It's YOUR fault she lost her memory! GO AWAY!”

She turns back to her sister.

“Cherry, please come inside now. I'll fix you a nice supper and put you to bed.”

“Thank you Ruby.”

Cherry turns to look at Arc

“Please... just go.”

Ruby helps her sister into the house as she closes and locks the door behind her. Arc can only stand there and stare at the closed door. After a half hour or so he sits down the the porch swing to watch the sunset. He rests his chin in his hands, sadly.

“Cherry... I'm sorry.”

He can smell the aroma of cooking cherries coming from within the house. Although he hasn't eaten in hours, Arc cares little for food. An hour later the sun reaches it's lowest point in the sky. Arc can only stare at it wordlessly as the front door slowly opens and Ruby emerges from within. She slowly walks over to the porch swing and sits down on the opposite end. She does not look over as speaks with a voice as cold as ice.

“She's sleeping peacefully in her room.”

Arc nods. “Good.”

“I... I'm sorry for what I said earlier.”

He does not take his eyes off the sunset. “No. You were right. It is all my fault. One decision, one mistake... may have cost Cherry everything!”

Ruby looks at the sunset before them. “My head disagrees with you, but my heart hates your guts right now.”

Arc sighs. “I hate me right now. She's better off without me around...”

“Listen Arc. Cherry's going to have to make a fresh start of things. It's going to be hard for her. And she can't really do that with you around.”

“I... understand.”

The pair are silent for a time.

“It's a beautiful sunset.”

Arc sighs. “It is. I... I feel like... that it’s symbolic of Cherry and I... our relationship, I mean. I said I would stay with her and keep my promise to marry her, but...

Ruby sneers at him. “She doesn't want you around anymore, Arc! Neither of us do!”

“I... understand. Would you do me one favor though.”

“What?”

Arc takes a few moments to reply. When he finally does so, he is on the verge of tears.

“Just... just tell her that no matter what... even if she NEVER remembers me... I... I'll always love her.”

Ruby sighs. “I will.”

Meanwhile… Sereb steps out onto the Lunar Destiny's deck with Ember. They look over to Arc sadly a few moments before Ember sets Cherry's saddlebag on the deck. Sereb wordlessly uses his magic to slowly levitate it over to Arc. The bag lands gently between him and Ruby. She looks down at the bag, sadly.

“She... she was so happy when she left with this bag. Do you know why?”

“No.”

“Because she was going to see YOU, Arc! Cherry was so head over fetlocks in love with you she couldn't hardly see straight! Every conversation quickly turned to YOU! Every meal started and ended with her worrying that you weren't eating right! Every THOUGHT she had... was of YOU!”

Ruby looks down at her fetlocks, angrily.

“I... I was... jealous. Jealous and worried that you would take my sister away from me."

Arc nods. “I don't blame you.”

Ruby opens the saddlebag. “She put something special in here. A gift for you.”

Arc looks over at Ruby, surprised.

“For... for me?! But... she never said a word about...”

She looks up at him, angrily. “Did she have a chance?!”

“No, I guess not.”

Ruby rummages around in the saddlebag for a short time before removing a pocket watch. She gives it to Arc.

“This... this is the engagement gift our mother gave to our father many years ago. It was her last wish that Cherry give it to the stallion she wanted to marry.”

“What? But she...”

Ruby hops off the porch swing and heads for the front door.

“Cherry... the old Cherry that is, would have wanted you to have it. She was so excited when she left with it the other day. Now it would just be a reminder of a future that will never come to pass. Take it Arc. Take it... and go.”

“Thank you Ruby. I'll treasure it forever.”

Ruby wordlessly nods and goes back inside the house. The sound of the door closing behind her echoes in Arc's head like an explosion. The silence that follows is enough to deafen him! He stands up slowly and walking over to the steps. Before walking down them for the final time, he turns around to look at the closed front door.

“Cherry. Your heart along with our future together... just closed like that door. I pray you find some semblance of happiness…”

Arc walks slowly back to the Lunar Destiny where Ember and Sereb are waiting for him. Ember looks down, sadly.

“Arc. Are you ready to leave.”

He walks slowly past them toward the main hatch.

“More than you know.”

Sereb nods. “Where shall we go? Back to Canterlot?”

Arc looks at the pocket watch in his hand. He opens it to see a small picture of Cherry smiling back at him from within. Not looking back as he walks inside the ship, sadly…

“…anywhere… anywhere but here.”

Preface - Volume 9 - The Lord Regent - Part 3

In our previous volume, Arc, Twilight and Silver Hammer returned from the Lunar Realm. Shining Armor, thinking Arc had violated his sister, blasts him across the room and into a mirror. Arc’s side is cut badly, but is soon stitched up by Doctor Whooves.

Heading for the castle hanger, Arc and company board the newly completed airship. Arc christens the ship the ‘Lunar Destiny’ and they get underway. On route to Yakyakistan to talk peace, Arc suddenly collapses! Captain Tight Ship redirects the ship to the nearby Crystal Empire. As they near their destination, Arc begins having trouble breathing. Ember and Sereb rush him to the Infirmary and administer oxygen.

Landing, Arc is immediately brought to the hospital. Ember informs the doctor there of Arc’s condition and earlier injury. She then calls Derpy and Shining Armor to let them know of the incident. Sadly, she also calls Cherry to let her know the situation. Cherry agrees to accompany Arc’s squad to Ponyville, unaware of what has happened. Upon arriving, the doctor informs everyone of Arc’s diagnosis… Crystal Poisoning. The only treatment available is exposure to the Crystal Heart’s energy. However, no one has ever survived it.

As the heart is on its way, Arc regains consciousness long enough to say his goodbyes to his friends and family. The Heart is set up and started as everyone leaves the room. Meanwhile, Dinky runs to a broom closest to be alone. Calling out telepathically to her friends Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, they are able to teleport to her via… unexplained means. Running back to Arc’s room, the trio combines their power and, combining it with that of the Heart, cure Arc! As Doctor Horse re-examines him, he finds six crystals embedded in Arc, fused to the bone. Getting up and walking over to Cherry, Arc takes the opportunity to propose marriage to her with a beautiful gold pendant inlaid with diamonds and rubies. Accepting, he puts it around her neck and leans forward to kiss her. However, an explosion nearby interrupts them!

Running into the streets, they find panic everywhere! Arc and company rush to the Crystal Castle to speak to the stallion in charge, General Wind Rider! Entering the Throne Room, they find a general surrounded by his lieutenants, looking over a map. Arc learns he plans to surrender to the yak invaders without a fight! Assuming control, Arc orders the lieutenants to evacuate the civilians to the castle and prepare to defend the city. Derpy and Cherry volunteer to help with the evacuation as Arc commands the city from the castle. Ember and Sereb head out to help as well. They stumble across Filthy Rich and his family as they attempt to save some of their ‘valuables’. Shortly thereafter, Ember and Sereb run across a couple yaks, who have accidently blown a hole in the city wall. They convince the duo to return to their commander with bags filled with dirt. Ember, spotting the commander of the yaks, flies over to him in an effort to talk to him.

Failing to convince the commander to leave peacefully, Ember unwittingly challenges him to a Yakni-Kai. Knowing she cannot defeat him with strength alone, she changes to misdirection. As the commander and his soldiers dance, he accidently dances outside of the ring. Admitting defeat, he and his forces return to Yakyakistan. As Ember and the rest of her forces regroup, Derpy suddenly runs up screaming for help!

Derpy leads Ember and the Crystal Defenders to an overturned cart. Pointing a hoof, she tells them Cherry is trapped underneath! Digging frantically, they extract the injured mare! Ember orders two pegasi to transport her to the hospital as she, Derpy and Sereb return to the castle. Arc and company hurry to the hospital! As he waits for word, Arc contacts Canterlot and orders Shining Armor to dispatch General Virtuous Lance with troop carriers to the Crystal Empire.

Doctor Horse informs Arc that Cherry’s condition is rather precarious. He walks to the hospital room and sits with his betrothed until evening. Ember enters the room to inform Arc the soldiers he called for are nearly there. Ordering them to land at the Crystal Castle, he meets them there and calls for a conference in the Throne Room with the general. Bringing him up to speed on the situation, Arc orders him to watch over the Crystal Empire while he personally leads their forces. The next morning, Arc boards the Lunar Destiny to fly him and his troops to Yakyakistan. Unable to convince Prince Rutherford to stop his invasion plans, Arc challenges him to a Yakni-Kai! He soundly defeats the prince and convinces him that war with Equestria is not in eithers best interest.

As Arc flies back to the Crystal Empire, Cherry wakes up. The doctor examines her and asks her several questions which she is able to answer. Sadly… she asks Derpy who Arc is…

Arc returns to Cherry’s hospital room to find a mare whom doesn’t remember who his is, or his marriage proposal. He takes her back to Cherry Hill Ranch and explains the situation to Ruby. She does not take it well. Angrily, Ruby bucks Arc out the front door and down the steps! He lands on his back in the dirt as she and Cherry step out of the house. Blaming him, Ruby tells him to stay away from Cherry. To make matters worse, Cherry nods and asks him to leave. The pair head inside as Arc, dejectedly, walks over to the porch swing and sits down. Later that evening, Ruby steps outside and joins him. Having calmed down somewhat, she gives him a pocket watch that Cherry had intended he have before the accident, after which she asks him to leave. As Arc walks up the Lunar Destiny’s gangplank, Sereb asks him where they should go. He replies… “anywhere but here”.

Is the threat to Equestria halted? What are the strange crystals that now adorn Arc? What of General Wind Rider? Will Cherry be able to remember Arc?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Making Time

Ember and Sereb wordlessly follow Arc back to his room. He walks there slowly and seemingly without purpose! As they enter the room Arc walks over to a window and looks out at the setting sun.

“Arc? The sun still needs to be lowered. It's past time.”

He does not respond.

Sereb walks over to stand next to Arc at the window. “We are here for you Arc.”

Arc continues to look out the window. “Thank you.”

Silence ensues.

“Do you want to be alone?”

He continues to look out the window. “Not really. But you two should get something to eat. I'm sure you're hungry after today's activities.”

Ember walks over to Arc. She stands on the other side of him and takes his hand in her claw.

“We won't leave you like this Arc!”

Arc gives her claw a quick squeeze. “Thank you.”

The trio looks out the window with Arc in silence. Arc sighs as he lets go of Ember's claw and reaches his hands out toward the sun.

“I guess there's no point in drawing this out any longer.”

Arc lowers the sun, lifting his hands as the moon comes into view. He then walks over to the couch and sits down heavily. Taking out the watch and opening it to gaze at Cherry’s happy face!

“It's over... it's all over…”

“Arc?”

Ember turns on the lights and walks over to the couch to sit next to Arc.

“Want to talk about it?”

Arc sighs. “Ruby Jubilee... hates me right now.”

Ember shakes her head. “She might be a bit angry at you right now, but I doubt she truly hates you Arc!”

“She blames me for what happened to Cherry. Although, she was right to do so…”

Sereb sighs. “What happened to Cherry Jubilee is not your doing Arc.”

Arc nods! “Yes it is! I let her and Derpy go!”

“You couldn't have known that would happen!”

“I know! But because of that… Cherry... I... I failed her!”

Arc holds up the pocket watch.

“She was planning to give this to me as an engagement present! But... Ruby gave it to me instead as a final memento from the old Cherry Jubilee! The one I lost... forever.”

“Don't say that Arc! The doctor said her memory might come back eventually!”

Arc hangs his head. “Even if it does... I don't deserve her anymore!”

Sereb frowns. “If you are unworthy, no one is deserving of her.”

He stands up, sighing. “I guess it doesn't really matter at this point. Ember, would you please tell Tight Ship to take us back to Canterlot Castle?”

“Sure.”

Ember leaves the cabin.

“You should rest now Arc. There is nothing more to be done tonight.”

Arc stands up and steps over to the window. He peers down at the small farmhouse.

“I have one last thing to do.”

Arc doesn't take his eyes off the house. As the ship takes off, he presses his hands against the glass in an effort to close the gap between them! He does not take his eyes off the house until it disappears into the darkness of the night!

“Goodbye... Cherry.”

Arc proceeds slowly to the bed and lies down. His mind a sea of doubt and regret! However, the day's adventures have sapped him of his energy and he falls asleep quickly! A few minutes later Ember quietly enters the room. Seeing Arc asleep she quietly turns off the lights, walks over to the bed and lies down next to him.

Sereb lies down in front of the door. “Ember? Is this really the time for that?”

“Yes Sereb. Arc needs me right now.”

She traces his face with a claw.

“After all he's done for everyone, he shouldn't have to be alone! Especially right now.”

Ember gives Arc a small kiss on his cheek as she wraps her arms around his neck.

“Arc... I'm right here. You're not alone in this.”

The Lunar Destiny slowly makes its way back to Canterlot Castle. Sometime during the night Tight Ship skillfully lands the mammoth ship gently in its place in the hanger. The communications officer looks to the captain.

“Sir! Shall I inform the Lord Regent that we've arrived?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “No. Leave him be. If what Ember said is true, he needs all the rest he can get!”

Arc and company sleep peacefully until early the next morning. There is a light knocking at the cabin door. Ember wakes up and looks at the clock, sleepily.

“Who could that be at this hour?”

She makes her way to the door and opens it to find Shining Armor and Trixie standing there nervously!

“I'm sorry to wake you Ember, but I heard Arc didn't leave the ship after it landed.”

Trixie nods. “Is everything all right?”

“Well... yes and no. Come in.”

Ember stands aside to let Shining Armor and Trixie come in. She then turns on the bedside lamp.

Shining Armor whispers. “You don't have to wake him up on our account!”

“Right! We can come back later!”

“It's almost time for him to raise the sun anyways.”

Ember sits down on the bed next to Arc and gently shakes him.

“Arc? Shining Armor is here to see you.”

Arc bolts upright in bed, gasping! “CHERRY!”

Ember recoils in surprise! “Arc?!”

He breathes heavily and holds his forehead! “It... it was a just a dream!”

Sereb walks over. “Are you feeling alright?”

“Y-yeah. It was nothing. Is something wrong Shining Armor?”

“Um... we just wanted to check up on you. My guards told me your ship came in late last night but you never disembarked.”

“Please forgive us for waking you up Arc. But we were both worried that something bad had happened to you!”

Arc sighs. “You mean something else bad, right?”

Ember sighs. “Things haven't been going well lately. Other than war being averted, that is.”

Trixie smiles! “Sounds like good news to me!”

“We've established a somewhat peaceful relationship with Yakyakistan.”

Sereb nods. “Sadly, that is where the good news ends.”

Arc brings Shining Armor and Trixie up to speed on their adventures in the Crystal Empire including Arc's proposal to Cherry Jubilee!

Shining Armor hangs his head in shame! “Arc... I... this is all my fault!”

Trixie looks confused. “How do you figure that?!”

“If I hadn't injured you, there wouldn't have been an emergency trip to the Crystal Empire for you! Then Cherry Jubilee wouldn't have even BEEN there!”

Arc doesn’t look up. “I already told you Shining Armor. You did what you had to do to ‘protect’ your little sister! There's no way you could have known this would happen! I don't blame you for this in the least. But now I would really like to change the subject. How have things been in Canterlot while we were gone?”

“Not too bad. I took care of your daily paperwork and ever held audiences yesterday.”

Trixie looks to him and smiles! “You did a wonderful job there Shining Armor!”

“I'm a bit... skeptical in that regard Trixie.”

Arc nods. “Second guessing your decisions?”

“Exactly! How do you do this every day Arc?!”

“A better question would be how do the princesses do it year in and year out.”

Trixie nods! “I know, right! Trixie was nervous just watching the audiences. She cannot imagine presiding over them!”

Arc forces a small smile. “I just do my very best to listen to their problems and try to solve them.”

“Well, I'm certainly glad you're back, Arc! I don't know just how long I could have kept this up!”

“Yeah... about that Shining Armor. I need to visit Abyssinia and meet with their king next.”

Ember looks to Arc, confused. “Okay. When?”

“Probably after breakfast would be good.”

Trixie looks at Arc, wide-eyed! “What?! But you just got back!”

Shining Armor nods! “Agreed! Why not rest, Arc?!”

Sereb flashes Arc a concerned look. “Yes. You have been through a lot in the last couple of days.”

Arc stands and paces slowly.

“A couple reasons actually. First, this meeting is overdue. Second, I need to keep this land and its inhabitants safe. Making peace with the surrounding nations will help make that happen. And third, I can't just sit around feeling sorry for myself. I'll only get depressed.

Ember frowns. “The Cherry Jubilee you knew wouldn't want that to happen to you, Arc!”

He nods. “I know. Take care of Equestria for a little while longer Shining Armor.”

“Trixie will help you to that end, Shining Armor!”

Shining Armor smiles at her! “Thank you, my friend! I'll take all the help I can get!”

Arc nods. “We'll let you get to it then. I have to see Captain Tight Ship about restocking the Lunar Destiny for another trip.”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the cabin and head to the Bridge. Trixie turns to Shining Armor.

“Are you up to this?”

Shining Armor sighs. “No. But let's do it anyways.”

“All right!

Meanwhile, Arc and company quickly reach the Bridge! Tight Ship is sitting in the Command Chair sleeping. He approaches the sleeping stallion and nudges him.

“Captain?”

Tight Ship opens his eyes and quickly stands to attention! “Sir! My apologies!”

Arc nods. “It's fine, Captain. You had a busy night.”

“Sir? Are you... all right?”

Arc sighs. “Uh... kinda, I guess. Now I hate to say it, but I need you to prepare the Lunar Destiny to fly to the Abyssinian capital of Panthera.”

Tight Ship looks to him confused. “Sir?”

“Arc has another war to stop.”

Sereb nods. “We all do.”

“Give me two hours sir! I'll have the Lunar Destiny restocked and ready to fly again!”

He nods approvingly. “Good! I'll see you then!”

Arc and company exit the Bridge and leave the ship together. Ember turns to him as they walk down the gangplank.

“What should we do now?”

Arc puts a hand to his stomach. “How about breakfast? I just realized I can't remember the last time I ate!”

Sereb nods. “Understandable.”

The trio makes their way to the Dining Room. Arc uses the time to begin the sun on its daily journey. Breakfast is served shortly thereafter. After a hearty meal Arc sadly pushes back his third empty plate.

“That’s a bit better.”

Ember nods! “You said it Arc!”

Sereb lies on the floor contentedly. “Full bellies sure feel good right now.”

Ember looks to Arc as he toys with his fork.

“Something bothering you?”

Arc nods. “I… I feel full, but… so empty at the same time!”

She nods understandingly. “I know how you feel, Arc. I felt the same way after my mother…”

Ember takes his hand in her claw.

“I too decided to eat, but… it didn’t really satisfy me.”

He nods. “So, what did you do about it?”

“This just has to run its course. Losing someone so close to you… it isn’t something you just get over! Especially not right away!”

Sereb looks up confused. “But Miss Cherry is not gone.

Arc sighs. “She is to me.”

Saffron emerges from the Kitchen and quickly approaches Arc with another plate of food.

“Splendid meal as always, Saffron! But I don't think any of us could eat another bite.”

She sets the plate down on the table. “Thank you sire! Um... can I talk to you about something rather important?”

Arc nods. “Oh course! What's on your mind?”

“I'm a bit... concerned about that mare who's been staying in your room lately. To the best of my knowledge she hasn't eaten anything since she got here!”

“WHAT?!”

Saffron nods. “I'm sorry sire, but I thought you should know. I've sent food to your room several times, but every time the plate is returned to the kitchen wait-staff uneaten!”

Arc stands up quickly and picks up the plate of food.

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention Saffron. I'll see to it Twilight eats this at once!”

Saffron breathes a sigh of relief! “Thank you sire! It would certainly be a load off my mind! We can't have ponies starving here at Canterlot Castle!”

“Keep up the good work Saffron!”

Saffron bows. “Yes sire!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb walk down the hall toward Arc's room. Ember shakes her head.

“Not eating? What is she thinking?!”

Arc sighs. “Twilight is very... focused. While I'm sure she's working tirelessly to find a cure for the princesses, she sometimes forgets to fulfill her most basic needs!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Like eating?”

“Yeah... and sleeping! Spike told me that one time when she had a report due at weeks end, she didn't eat, sleep or even BATHE until it was done!”

Ember raises and eyebrow! “I'm not sure if that level of dedication is admirable or just plain fool-hardy!”

Arc nods. “At the time I thought he was exaggerating! But I suppose we'll see for ourselves shortly.”

The group reaches Arc's room. Arc lightly knocks. There is no response.

“Maybe she's asleep?”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “No. I can hear movement.”

Arc opens the door. “We'll take care of that!”

He opens the door and enters the room with Ember and Sereb behind him. There are books and papers scattered all over the bed, tables and even the floor! Ember looks around, wide-eyed!

“Oh my!”

Sereb glances around. “This room has the mark of madness upon it.”

“Twilight? Are you here?!”

There is no response.

Arc sighs and turns to Sereb. “Where is she?”

Sereb looks to a pile of books in the corner. “There.”

Arc moves cautiously toward the spot Sereb indicated. He soon spots Twilight in the center of several open books busily taking notes. Her mane is unkempt, as if she has not washed or brushed it in quite some time! Her normally alert eyes have dark circles around them and they are moving erratically! He approaches her cautiously.

“Twilight?”

She makes no acknowledgment to his call.

“Twilight?!”

Again she continues her work, undeterred.

Arc hands the plate of food to Ember. “This is ridiculous.”

He uses his magic to slowly pick up the book Twilight is reading. In turn she stands up and continues to read it even as Arc carries it to his person. As it comes within arm’s reach, he takes it in his hands and quickly closes it! The shock of this action appears to be enough to alert Twilight to their presence!

“Ah! Oh, Arc! How ya doin'!”

Twilight waves a hoof at the group unsteadily.

“Okay. Um... how's the research going?”

Twilight looks to Arc with madness in her eyes, smiling a crooked smile! “Just great! Have a look at my notes!”

She walks as if drunk to the desk and picks up a couple scrolls. Twilight haphazardly brings them back to Arc.

Arc accepts one of the scrolls. “Let's see what you've come up with Twilight.”

He, Ember and Sereb look over the scroll together. It appears to be covered in illegible scribbles! Ember looks up.

“Twilight. When was the last time you slept?!”

Twilight looks past her, confused. “Ember? When did you come in?”

“Uh… The same time Arc did.”

Twilight proceeds to look back to Arc, turning her head to one side absentmindedly! “Arc! Good to see you! How was your trip?”

Arc tosses the scroll over his shoulder! “Okay Twilight, this needs to stop! You...”

She suddenly bolts past Arc to catch the scroll before it hits the floor! Twilight looks back at Arc, angrily!

“Don't do that!”

Turning back to the scroll, she lies on the floor and gently pets it with a hoof.

Arc frowns. “Do what?!”

Twilight looks at the scroll, lovingly! “Don't you know?! Scrolls have feelings!”

Ember holds out the plate of food. “Twilight? Saffron sent you some food. Do you think you could take a break and eat it?”

Twilight puts the scroll next to another book she is reading. Her ears move up and down seemingly at random! The crazy smile again returning to her face as she lies down and begins to read.

“No time! I'm so CLOSE! I can FEEL it!”

Arc notices the book is upside-down. “How about a little rest then? You don't look well!”

Twilight turn to him with a pouty lip! “Arc! Are you saying I'm ugly?!”

“What?! NO! I just mean you look like you could use some sleep!”

Sereb turns to Twilight. “Miss, when was the last time you slept?”

Twilight rushes over to Sereb, excitedly! “A talking dog?! Arc, when did you get him?!”

Arc sighs and rolls his eyes. Suddenly he snaps his fingers!

“Twilight, I just remembered something!”

She looks to him, excitedly! “What is it?!”

Arc takes the plate of food from Ember and hold it toward Twilight. “Saffron was just telling me that she magically enhanced this food to make you a... uh... faster reader!”

“Really?!”

Arc nods! “Yes! She said eating this food would let you read two books at once!”

Twilight grabs the plate and runs over to a table, hastily brushing the contents onto the floor!

“Amazing! That would increase my productivity by half!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Don't you mean double?”

Twilight ravenously eats the food. “That too!”

The food is eaten in a flash! Twilight even goes so far as to lick in clean!

“I can already feel it working!”

Arc nods! “Good! Now how about a little nap to help with your digestion? Maybe after that you could take a bath.”

Twilight stumbles back to her corner. “Maybe later! Right now I have scrolls to eat! I mean write! You know! BOOKS!”

Arc facepalms! “This isn't getting us anywhere. Sereb?”

Sereb looks to Twilight, his horn glowing. “Indeed!”

Twilight looks to Sereb, wide-eyed! “Hey! That dog... can... use... ma... gic?”

She collapses to the floor asleep. Arc walks forward to pick up the exhausted mare.

“Good work Sereb!”

Arc carries Twilight to his bed and lays her down before turning to Sereb.

“Stay by her side and make sure she stays asleep.”

Sereb sits down at the foot of the bed. “It will be done.”

Arc picks up the books from around the room and puts them back in their crates.

“Well, let's get this place cleaned up.”

Ember picks up the scrolls that litter the floor. “I’ll help! What should we do with these?”

“Crate them up. Maybe they'll be of some help to Twilight when she wakes up.”

Ember looking at an open scroll and looks over the gibberish. “Do you really think that will help?”

Arc puts another armful of books in a crate. "Probably not. But I would hate to accidentally throw out something important.”

In half an hour Arc and Ember have packed up all the books and scrolls. Ember looks back at the sleeping mare in the bed.

“What are you planning to do about this Arc?”

“We'll take Twilight back to Ponyville on the Lunar Destiny. It's not too far out of our way.”

Ember nods. “Probably a good idea. Spike and Auriel will take care of her!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Indeed. If left here, she would only get worse.”

Ember opens the bedroom door and instructs a guard to enter. He approaches Arc and salutes.

“Sire?”

Arc gestures to the boxes. “Have these crates taken to the Lunar Destiny at once! Their contents are critical to finding a cure for the princesses.”

“Yes sir!”

Several guards enter the room. They each pick up a crate and remove them from the room. Arc retrieves some fresh raiments from a nearby drawer.

“I'm going to take a quick shower.”

Ember nods. “Take your time. We'll look after Twilight for you!”

Arc walks toward the bathroom. “Thanks. I won't be long!”

He enters the bathroom and closes the door behind him. Ember walks over to the bed and looks down at Twilight.

“You and I are both very lucky to have someone like Arc in our lives.”

Meanwhile, Arc steps into the shower. He relaxes his muscles as the hot water cascades over his body! He closes his eyes and mutters to himself.

“Raven... Cadance... the princesses... Cherry... Ruby... and now Twilight! Why?! Why does everyone I care about have to suffer!”

Arc bangs his head on the wall in frustration. hearing something fall to his feet he opens his eyes and looks down. The decorative stones that make up the shower wall have fallen to the floor! He bends down to examine the damage.

“What the...? I was never THAT strong before.”

There is a small knock at the bathroom door from Ember.

“Arc? Are you okay in there?”

“Um... yeah! I'm okay. Be out in a bit!”

Arc picks up one of the rocks and holds it for a few moments before squeezing it in his hand. It crumbles fairly easily!

“Huh... how did I...? Wait a minute! During my fight with Prince Rutherford I threw him! He has to weigh a LOT more than I do!”

As Arc is contemplating this while turning the stone over. he sees the crystals in his wrists. He touches the gem in his forehead and muses to himself.

“Did these crystals have anything to do with it? How could they?! Well, I don't really have time to think about it right now. With the way things are going right now I need every advantage I can get!”

Arc turns off the water and looks at the hole in the wall a moment longer before looking back at his hand.

“I wonder...”

Arc turns and punches another wall! Just as before the wall yields to his strength!

“Okay, not a fluke!

He dries himself off and gets dressed before leaving the bathroom and turning to his friends.”

“Sorry for making you two wait.”

Ember frowns! “Arc, what the heck were you DOING in there?!”

“Punching a couple holes in the wall.”

Sereb looks confused. “Eh?”

Ember sighs. “Look Arc, I know you're upset about Cherry, but you really shouldn't do that!

“I did it effortlessly with my bare hands.”

“HOW?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. Maybe when this mission is over we can solve this little mystery.”

Sereb nods. “One enigma at a time.”

Arc walks over to the bed and picks Twilight up.

“Agreed Sereb. You two ready to go?”

“Anytime!”

“I am.”

Arc leads the pair out to the hallway. He turns to a Royal Guard

“I… um… had a little accident in my bathroom. Have a maintenance crew come down and take a look at it.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc and company make their way back to the hanger. A large number of ponies are busy loading supplies! Tight Ship is busy directing the operation from the deck. Arc and company approach him.

“Things look rather busy here, captain.”

Tight Ship salutes! “Yes sir! Captain Shining Armor recalled the crew! They're itching to get in the sky! We'll be ready to take off again in no time!”

“Does this mean you're ahead of schedule?”

“A bit. The crew that we will be flying the ship is the best of the best! Hoof-chosen by Princess Celestia herself! By the way, your squad came aboard a little while ago! Said something about not wanting you to have all the fun!”

Sereb nods. “That is reassuring.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah! Considering we might actually have to fight this time!”

Ember nods. “You think we're walking into an ambush?!”

“Possibly. I'm told cloak and dagger are their weapons of choice.”

Sereb frowns. “Ember. We will have to be vigilant.”

“Right! Can't have someone offing Arc now!”

Arc turns back to Tight Ship. “We'll be in my cabin. Before we head to Panthera I need to make a stop in Ponyville.”

Tight Ship nods at the sleeping mare in Arc's arms. “I understand.”

Arc turns toward the ship's main hatch. “Carry on Tight Ship!”

“Aye sir!”

Arc and his friends make their way to his cabin. Upon entering he quickly heads over to the bed and lies Twilight down. Covering her with a blanket and nodding to her.

“Rest well my friend.”

Sereb turns to him. “Arc. You should inform Captain Shining Armor of your plans.”

Arc nods. “Right. I'll notify him from the Bridge.”

Ember looks at Twilight. “We'll stay with her.”

“Indeed.”

Arc heads out the cabin door. “Thanks. I'll be back shortly.”

He closes the cabin door behind him. Ember turns to Sereb.

“He's doing well.”

Sereb nods. “As is to be expected. Arc is very strong. Both physically and mentally.”

“How about emotionally?”

“No one is perfect.”

Ember sighs. “Hopefully he contacts his therapist when this is over. After the Cherry Jubilee incident, he needs to talk!”

“Yes. We can only do so much for him.”

Meanwhile... Arc makes his way to the Bridge. Every station is occupied with the various officers checking their systems and making preparation for their flight. An unknown pegasus stallion sits in Tight Ship's captain's chair. He wears a Commander's Insignia on his uniform. Upon seeing Arc step onto the Bridge, he quickly stands and calls the room to attention!

“Lord Regent on the Bridge!”

Arc approaches the pegasus. “At ease. I'm not here to put all of you behind schedule now.”

“Yes sir! Thank you!”

“You're welcome, commander...”

“Commander Soarin, sir! I'm second-in-command of the Lunar Destiny! Was there something I can do for you?”

Arc nods. “I need to contact Captain Shining Armor before we take off. Can I raise him on the radio?”

Soarin nods! “Yes sir! I can have the call transferred to your cabin if you would like.”

“I have guests in my cabin at the moment. Is there anywhere else?”

He points a hoof to a nearby door. "I'm sure the captain wouldn't mind you using his office for a bit. Shall I transfer the call there?”

“Yes. Thank you Commander Soarin.”

Arc enters the office and closes the door behind him. Soarin turns to the Communication's Officer.

“Patch that call through at once.”

“Yes sir."

Soarin sits back down in the captain's chair, breathing a sigh of relief.

“He's... a lot bigger than I imagined him!”

The Science Officer nods. “Yes sir. But it's not his size that bothers me. He's practically RADIATING magical energy! I've never felt such power from anypony before!”

The Tactical Officer joins them. “Not all of us are as sensitive to magic as you are, Moon Dancer. Tell us, what's your take on the Lord Regent?”

Moon Dancer thinks for a moment. “I would have guessed such a powerful individual would have a personality to match their immense power!”

“But?”

“He seems more down to Equestria than one would think he should be, Wrangler!”

Wrangler frowns. “Well, I still don't trust him! I'll be keeping an eye on him while he's aboard!”

Soarin turns to Wrangler. “The princesses wouldn't have made him the Hero of Light if he couldn't be trusted!”

“I understand that. However, as the Tactical Officer, I'm tasked with keeping this ship and its occupant's safe! And that's exactly what I plan to do!”

Meanwhile, Arc sits down in the office chair and swivels around to look out the window. “Ah... a bit of a respite”.

He closes his eyes and does his best to let his mind wander. Opening them a few moments later and frowning!

“Hmph! No matter what I think about, my mind keeps going back to Cherry!”

The phone rings.

“Perfect timing.”

Arc picks up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“You wanted to talk to me Arc?”

Arc nods. "Yes, Shining Armor. I just wanted to let you know I'm going to drop Twilight back home on my way to Panthera.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Thank you! Please let her know that I'm sorry for not coming to see her these past few days. I've been so busy with everything!”

“I understand, as she too does I'm sure.”

“Is she there? I probably should tell her this myself!”

Arc shakes his head. “She's asleep at the moment. It appears she's been working even harder than you have.”

“Oh no! Is she alright?!”

“She's fine! Nothing a good night's sleep won't cure. Spike and Auriel will see to it she eats properly and gets plenty of rest.”

Shining Armor breathes a sigh of relief! “Good!”

“Well, I'll let you get back to work. Just didn't want you to worry where she was.”

“I appreciate the call, Arc!”

“No problem. Say hi to Trixie for me!”

“I will. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the phone and stands. He leaves the office and returns to the Bridge.

“Thank you Commander Soarin. I'll be in my cabin if anyone needs me.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc makes his way back to his cabin. Ember and Sereb are sitting on the couch talking quietly. Ember turns to him as he enters.

“How was the Bridge?”

“We'll it's certainly busy! Fully staffed to boot! I feel a bit more confident about this mission now!”

Sereb smiles! “That is reassuring.”

There is a small moan from the bed as Twilight slowly opens her eyes.

“Ugh... what?”

Sereb turn to Twilight’s side, his horn aglow. “Shall I, Arc?”

Arc approaches the bed. “Not yet.”

Twilight’s gaze slowly turns to Arc. “Where... are we?”

“You’re aboard the Lunar Destiny. We're going to take you back to Ponyville.”

Twilight tries to sit up, but fails!

“What? But I... I have so much to do here!”

Arc sighs. “Twilight. Do you remember anything from this morning?”

“No. Why? What... happened?”

Ember sighs. “You... weren't exactly yourself.”

Twilight turns away. “Oh? Did I do anything... bad?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Not particularly, no.”

“Good!”

Twilight sniffs the air and wrinkles her nose! “What is that smell?!”

Arc chuckles. “I hate to say it Twilight, but I think that's you.”

She sniffs herself. “It IS me!”

Twilight appears mortified! Arc gestures to his private bathroom.

“Would you like a shower, Twilight?”

She nods sheepishly. “Yes please.”

Twilight moves to stand but falls to the floor after only a single step.

“What the...”

Arc walks over to her and carefully picks Twilight up.

“You probably haven't eaten or slept in days. Let me help you. Ember can you get the water going please?”

“Sure thing!”

Arc follows Ember into the private bathroom as she turns on the water. He then lays Twilight carefully on the floor of the shower before turning around.

“Well I'll let you get to it.”

“Arc?”

“Yes Twilight?”

She blushes slightly. “I just wanted to say... thanks.”

Arc nods and leaves the bathroom.

Ember picks up a bottle of shampoo. “Why don't we start with your mane?”

Twilight nods as Ember pulls something out of her mane.

“Wait a second! What's this?!”

Twilight looks down sheepishly. “A quill. When I study too long, I sometimes absentmindedly put things in there.”

Ember begins to pick through Twilight's mane. “What else is in here?!”

She finds several more quills, some scraps of paper and even an empty inkwell! As she tosses the items into the trash, Ember turns to Twilight.”

“Really Twilight?”

Twilight blushes. “Squee!”

Arc and Sereb wait in the cabin patiently.

“They sure are taking their time in there.”

Arc shrugs. “Well Twilight WAS fairly dirty.”

“Indeed. I was not aware one could get so dirty studying.”

“Twilight is what you would call a ‘hardcore reader’.”

Sereb looks confused. “I do not understand.”

“Have you ever seen her study?”

“I have not.”

Arc smiles. “There's your answer.”

“I do not recall asking a question.”

“Trust me on this one, Sereb.”

Sometime later Twilight and Ember emerge from the bathroom. Twilight has a towel around her mane. Ember directs her to a large vanity in the corner of the room.

“I think there's some brushes over here.”

Arc walks over to join them. “I'll help!”

Twilight smiles! “Thank you, but you don't have to...”

“Oh yes we do! You don't want anyone to see you like this, do you, Twilight?”

Sereb looks toward the cabin door. “Other than all the guards we passed getting to the ship, that is.”

“They won't tell anyone.”

Together Ember and Arc brush Twilight's mane. Soon it looks as it normally does>

“Thanks, you two.”

There is a slight shudder through the ship as it slowly lifts off. Twilight stands up, surprised!

“Ah! We're moving!”

“Good! We need to get you home Twilight.”

Twilight hobbles to the door! “Wait! My research!”

Arc quickly stops her! “We brought it with us!”

“All of it?”

Ember nods. “Yeah! It's in the hold!”

“Can I see it? There was a book I was in the middle of reading, and I...”

Arc interrupts her. “No Twilight.”

“What?! Why not?!”

He leads her back to the bed. “Because you, my dear Twilight, are going back to bed.”

“But I...”

Arc frowns! “Right now!”

Ember nods. “Probably a good idea. You were really out of it when we found you!”

“Right. You can sleep here in my cabin. Lord Regent's orders.”

Twilight yawns. “Well... okay.”

“I'll leave Sereb here to keep you safe.”

Twilight walks over to the bed. “That's not really necessary...”

Arc interrupts as Ember helps Twilight into bed. “Sereb, make sure she stays in bed now.”

“I will.”

Twilight sighs. “Darn. Wait! Where are YOU going, Arc?!”

“To the Bridge. I wanted to thank Captain Tight Ship for his hard work in making this trip possible.”

“Captain Tight Ship? He's the one who took my friends and I home on the Blitztorte! Can I...”

“No Twilight. Get some rest now. Maybe next time...”

Twilight lays back and closes her eyes. “...okay.”

Arc gestures with his head for Ember to follow him. Sereb lies down in the middle of the floor and closes his eyes. A few minutes later, Twilight opens her eyes. She slowly pushes back the covers.

“What Arc doesn't know won't hurt him.”

Sereb does not open his eyes. However, as Twilight's hoof touches the floor, he lets out a low growl. She lays back down and covers herself again!

“Okay, okay! I get it! Sheesh! What a grouch...”

Chapter 2 - The Tour

Meanwhile... Arc and Ember make their way to the Bridge.

“So why are we really going to the Bridge?”

“To thank the captain. That and I want Twilight to be able to take a nap without us keeping her awake.”

“Really? And Sereb?”

Arc chuckles. “Just a little insurance policy.”

The pair reach the Bridge. Commander Soarin sees them first and announces him.

“Lord Regent on the Bridge!”

Arc nods. “At ease everyone. Commander Soarin, while I do appreciate it, as the Lord Regent I’m not actually a royal... I think.”

Tight Ship walks over to Arc and salutes. “As far as everypony is concerned, I believe you're considered to be the equivalent of one, sir.”

“Not sure if I've actually done anything to make myself worthy of such a station. But I thank everyone just the same for putting such faith in me.”

“Yes sir. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“I just wanted to come by and thank all of you for your hard work getting this mission underway.”

Ember nods! “Yeah! And quickly too!”

Tight Ship smiles. “I have my crew to thank for that, sir. They're the best! Have you been introduced yet?”

“I did meet Commander Soarin here earlier.”

Soarin salutes! “Sir!”

“Well then, let me introduce you to everypony else.”

Tight Ship turns to a pink earth pony with a gray mane and blue eyes. Her cutie mark is a lasso.

“This is my Tactical Officer, Wrangler. It's her job to safeguard the integrity of this vessel as well as operating our offensive and defensive weapons.”

Wrangler salutes Arc, dutifully. “Sir!”

“Good to meet you Wrangler. Is the ship prepared for whatever lies ahead?”

“Yes sir! We're fully armed and armored! Anypony crosses us and I'll blow them to kingdom come!”

Tight Ship nods. “Let's just hope it doesn't come to that.”

Arc nods. “Agreed!”

Tight Ship turns to a unicorn with a pale ivory coat, a red and purple mixed mane and violet eyes. Her cutie mark is a moon and sparkles.

“This is my Science Officer, Moon Dancer. It's her job to advise me on decisions that involve situations outside my expertise.”

Ember looks confused. “Like what?”

Moon Dancer speaks up. “For example, if in our travels we were to come across an unknown creature, it would be my job to quickly analyze the situation and make pertinent recommendations to the captain on whether or not they were a threat to the ship and its crew. The final decision on what to actually do though would be up to him, or course!”

Arc nods to her. “Pleased to meet you Moon Dancer. Not to be rude, but have we met before?”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “I'm sorry sir, but I don't believe so, no.”

Ember looks the mare over carefully. “Are you sure miss? I feel it too.”

Seeing that this makes Moon Dancer uncomfortable, Arc moves on. “I'm sorry Moon Dancer, but I think I may have been mistaken. Please forgive me.”

“Yes sir.”

They turn to a male pegasus with a dark gray coat and mixed green mane. His cutie mark is a thundercloud.

“This is the Lunar Destiny's Helmsman and my personal apprentice, Thunderlane.”

Thunderlane salutes! “Sir! It's an honor to meet you!”

“Likewise! How are you liking your position?”

“It's an honor to learn from the best pilot in the land! Don't you worry about a thing! I'll see to it we stay in the air and away from hostile fire!”

Arc nods. “Good. Crashing is not something I look forward to.”

Tight Ship gestures to a bright yellow earth pony mare with a mint green mane, light red eyes and a three hearted cutie mark.

“And lastly, we have our Communication's Officer, Lemon Hearts.”

Lemon Hearts salutes Arc happily!

“It's a pleasure sir! Is it true you were able to talk the leader of Yakyakistan out of going to war with us?!”

Arc shrugs. “More or less.”

Ember grins! “Although there was a lot less talking, and a lot more punching!”

“While I'm not completely pleased with the methods I had to employ, I'm glad that we were able to avoid a senseless war with the yaks.”

“Don't feel bad Arc! Prince Rutherford had it coming!”

“Not really. He was manipulated into taking such actions by a traitor! Prince Rutherford is as much a victim of Wind Rider's treachery as... as…”

Ember puts a claw on Arc's shoulder as he puts a hand to his forehead.

“We'll get him Arc. You can count on it.”

Arc smiles. “Thank you, Ember. I can always count on you, my friend.”

Tight Ship nods. “We also have a Chief Engineer down in the Engine Room and a Medical Officer in the Infirmary. My apologies for not having proper medical staff on hoof last time sir! It will not happen again!”

“It's not your fault Tight Ship.”

Ember frowns. “Another traitor in our ranks did so.”

Arc sighs. “Indeed. Yet another trusted servant of Equestria betrays us.”

“Do you believe there are others, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “There's no way to know for sure. I trust those who have not given me reason to do otherwise.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Maybe not the best mindset right now, Arc.”

“I'll keep that in mind.”

Tight Ship gestures to the other side of the bridge. “In any case sir, would you like a tour of the ship? We have plenty of time before we reach Ponyville.”

Arc nods! “Yes, I would. Thank you.”

He turns to Soarin. “Commander, you have the Bridge.”

“Aye sir!”

Tight Ship leads the pair to the back of the Bridge and steps onto a strange looking pad. Ember eyes is suspiciously.

“What is this thing?”

“It's a Teleporter Pad. Princess Celestia commissioned these devices to quickly get around the ship. It's rumored that she herself came up with the design for them!”

Ember looks to Arc. “That's kinda like your Sigil Magic, Arc!”

“I suppose. Tell me Tight Ship. Why aren't these pads more widely used? They would negate the need for trains and other means of transport.”

“This technology is still in its infancy stage. They're also VERY expensive to produce and take a tremendous amount of power to function!”

Arc frowns! “What if the ship lost power? Wouldn't it trap everyone where they were?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “We still have plenty of stairs to travel between levels. Also, each teleporter also has its own rechargeable backup power source.”

Ember looks at the device skeptically. “It sounds like the princess thought of everything!”

“That's certainly reassuring. Shall we give them a try?”

Ember sighs. “Well… okay.”

Arc, Ember and Tight Ship step onto the Teleporter Pad. Tight Ship clears his throat.

“Cargo Hold.”

In a flash the group is teleported to the ship's Cargo Hold.

Ember looks around! “Woah! That was a rush!”

“Not quite what I'm used to in any case, Ember.”

Tight Ship steps off the teleporter pad and walks thorough the belly of the ship. “This ship is composed of three levels. The Lower Level of the Lunar Destiny contains the expansive Cargo Hold as well as Engineering.”

Arc points a finger at a ship moored nearby. “Isn't that the Blitztorte?”

Tight Ship nods. “It is. Our Chief Engineer was able to repair the damage.”

Ember frowns. “What happened to the pilot?”

“Apparently, he told Canterlot that he had enough of flying and was taking the train back.”

Arc looks confused. “Why's that?”

Tight Ship shrugs. “He didn't say. I didn't want to leave such a grand ship behind, so I ordered it docked in the Lunar Destiny.”

Ember looks around the partially filled Cargo Hold. “Doesn't this make the ship vulnerable to attacks from below? I mean, the destruction of Engineering would cripple the ship!”

Tight Ship gestures to the decking under their feet. “The underbelly of the ship is magically reinforced adamantium. According to the sages in Canterlot, nothing in Equestria is strong enough to pierce it! Our earlier tests show that should the engines fail, the ship should be able to withstand an impact with the ground and slide on its belly!”

Arc nods! “Impressive! Can we see the Engineering section as well?”

“Right this way, sir!”

Tight Ship leads the pair to the aft section of the Lower Level. They enter a large noisy room filled with machinery chugging away. Many engineers carry out their tasks diligently. He leads Arc and Ember toward a mare with a dark orange coat, brownish-red mane and a sun for a cutie mark.

“Lord Arc, I'd like you to meet Chief Engineer Stellar Flare.”

“A pleasure miss.”

Stellar Flare salutes him happily! “Thank you for coming sire! Please pardon our dust, as Engineering isn't the cleanest place on the ship!”

Arc nods. “That's understandable. So how are things down here?”

“Moving like a well-oiled machine, sir! The Lunar Destiny is the latest and greatest ship in the Royal Fleet! Nothing in Equestria even comes close!”

Ember looks around. “These are a lot of machines just to keep us in the air!”

Stellar Flare nods! “To tell you the truth, only some of them are actually needed to fly the ship. Everything from propulsion to weapon systems to electrical lights to navigation comes through here! If we had to, we could operate the ship from engineering!

Tight Ship nods! “And she keeps it all running so smoothly!”

Stellar Flare gestures with a hoof to all the others around her. “I have a lot of help! This is certainly not a one pony job!”

Arc nods. “Thank you for allowing us to see Engineering. We won't take up any more of your time Stellar Flare.”

She waves as the group leaves. “Come back anytime sire!”

The group steps onto the Teleporter Pad.

“Living Quarters!”

The group is immediately teleported to a long corridor with many doors on either side. Tight Ship steps forward and walks down the corridor with Arc and Ember.

“This is the Mid Level of the Lunar Destiny. Living Quarters for all her crew and then some! We have all the comforts of home right here!”

Ember nods. “So how many crew members can be housed here at a given time?”

“Several hundred. Although if we needed to that number could easily be doubled!”

They pass a Rec Room and a small Library. Ember chuckles.

“Twilight would love this flying Library!”

Arc nods. “Indeed! Maybe next time she'll have the energy to peruse these books.”

At the end of the corridor is a large room with many tables and chair bolted to the deck.

“This is our Cafeteria. It was intentionally over-sized to accommodate large numbers should the need for ponytarian aid arise.”

Ember frowns. “Like an invasion?”

“Precisely! The Lunar Destiny could be deployed with soldiers and supplies aboard. We could provide aerial support while our troops move in, repel the invaders and render aid to the citizens.”

Arc looks around. “So it's like a flying fortress?”

“Yes. Princess Celestia designed it to serve a number of purposes.”

Ember points down a hallway. “What's down there?”

“The Cafeteria is the center of the Mid-Level. That hallway leads to more Living Quarters. It's a mirror image of the area we just came from. Very simple and impossible to get lost in. Every hallway leads here!”

Tight Ship leads the pair to the Kitchen. As they enter, Ember elbows Arc!

“I see we've come to your favorite part of the ship, Arc.”

“Very funny, Ember.”

“As you can see, we're fully ready to meet the culinary needs of the entire ship here. Just like the Living Quarters, we can add more staff to greatly increase productivity.”

Arc nods. “How long do you think the ship could operate without going back to resupply?”

“Indefinitely. There is a special Teleporter Pad that is going to be installed in the Cargo Hold that can send us supplies.”

Ember frowns. “It isn't there yet?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “The sages are still working on it. Hopefully they will have something for us soon. Although I don't even want to venture a guess on how much it's costing us to build!”

He leads Arc and Ember past a well-equipped Gym and a large Meeting Room.

“Is it just me, or is this floor a bit larger than the Lower Level?”

"Yes sire, it is. The design was meant to have spacious living accommodations for potential long-term deployments. Princess Celestia didn't want our forces, or refugees, to feel hemmed in."

Ember nods. “A smart idea! It would certainly be a comfort for me to stay on this ship if my hometown was attacked!”

Tight Ship leads the way to another Teleporter Pad.

“Observation Deck!”

In the blink of an eye the group finds themselves in a large room with floor to ceiling windows on three of the four walls, a large number of tables and chairs are scattered throughout the room as soft soothing music plays.

“This is the Observation Deck on the ship’s Upper Level. It's a great place to relax and take in the scenery. Also good for those whom have claustrophobia.”

Arc looks out the window. “We're so high!”

Ember laughs! “Scared of heights, Arc?”

“Nah! Just amazed at pony ingenuity! I mean, we have things like this on Earth! But to build something like this with hooves must be quite the undertaking!”

Ember looks at her claws. “Huh. Before I came to this land, I would have thought something like this to be impossible!”

Tight Ship nods. “The heavy lifting is often done by Earth Ponies, while the detail-oriented tasks are left to the unicorns. Sometimes they have to work together though to accomplish tasks that neither could do alone.”

Arc nods. “Teamwork! It gets the job done!”

“Indeed sir! If you would follow me though we can continue our tour.”

“Lead the way!”

Tight Ship leads the pair out of the room and down another hallway. Ember points to a large ornate door.

“Hey Arc! There's your room!”

“I hope Twilight is doing as I told her and taking a nap.”

Ember smiles. “Who knows! Maybe she escaped!”

Arc opens the door slowly. “We'll see.”

Looking into his room, Arc spots Twilight asleep on the bed. Sereb is lying on the floor. He raises his head as he hears the door open! Arc gives him a thumbs up. Sereb nods in acknowledgment as Arc closes the door.

“Sleeping like a baby.”

“Good. She needed it.”

They continue down the corridor a short distance. Tight Ship opens a large double door to a rather spacious office.

“This is your office sir. The room next door has a Communications Up-link for private conversations.”

“Communications with Canterlot?”

“Anywhere really. As you can see, should the need ever arise you could rule Equestria or command a battle from here!”

They leave the room as Tight Ship's face grows serious.

“The next room is one you two know well.”

Confused, Arc and Ember follow him. Ember frowns as they walk over to a large open doorway.

“Oh... this room again.”

Tight Ship leads the way into the Infirmary.

“This is the Infirmary. Although I'm sure you already knew that sir.”

“Y-yeah.”

Ember sighs. “Is there actually a medic here this time?!”

Tight Ship nods. “Yes. Although right now the only one on staff is the Chief Medical Officer.”

Hearing voices a white coated Earth Pony mare with a pink mane and blue eyes steps out of a small adjoining office.

“Here she is. This is Chief Medical Officer Redheart.”

Arc smiles at her. “Hello Nurse Redheart. It's been awhile.”

“Yes sire! Glad to see you again... without holes in you this time.”

Tight Ship looks confused. “You two know each other?”

Arc nods. “She's patched me up a time or two. So what brings you here?”

“I was originally part of the military years ago. The move to Ponyville was supposed to be a temporary assignment. However, I enjoyed it there so much that I decided to settle down.”

Ember nods. “What made you change your mind?”

“Princess Celestia asked me to take this post when the ship was ready. I'm not sure why, but she was convinced that my skills would be needed here.”

Arc smiles at her. “Well I certainly could have used you last time I was aboard.”

“My apologies, sir. It won't happen again.”

“I'm not blaming you for that. You were simply given some time off and you took it. I would have done the same.”

Nurse Redheart looks relieved. “Thank you sire.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Maybe she could take a look at Twilight, Arc. You know, just a check-up!”

Arc shrugs. “I'm certain all she needs is a good night's sleep... or two.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

Ember frowns. “When we found Arc's friend, she was acting bizarre! I mean really out there!”

Arc nods. “Nurse Redheart can you tell us the symptoms of extreme sleep deprivation please?”

“Certainly. Mood changes, physical impairment, general memory and thinking impairment, disorientation, hallucinations and paranoia.”

He turns back to Ember. “Sound familiar?”

“Touché Arc.”

“I can certainly examine your friend if you would like, sire. But if she displayed these symptoms then sleep is probably the best medicine for her. I’ll do my best not to wake her. It would only take a short time.”

Arc nods. “Very well then. Ember will go with you. My other bodyguard is currently keeping an eye on her. I doubt he would do anything impetuous, but let's err on the side of caution.”

Nurse Redheart picks up a medical satchel. “Yes sir. I'll head over there now.”

Redheart and Ember leave the Infirmary together.

“There's only one last stop on our tour sir.”

“Lead the way.”

A short walk down the corridor leads the pair to a series of larger accommodations.

“These are the Bridge Officer's Quarters. They need to be near the Bridge in case of an emergency.”

Arc nods. “Makes sense. But I see there are several more quarters than there are Bridge Officers.”

“The spare rooms are for future officer expansion as well as doubling for VIP quarters. You may have to entertain foreign dignitaries here!”

“You mean like foreign emergency aid?”

Precisely, sire!”

The two walk to the end of the corridor and step back onto the Bridge.

“Well that's about all there is to see, sir. I hope the ship is to your liking!”

“I'm very impressed by what I see Tight Ship. Seeing the ship in its entirety makes me feel more confident going forward! Now if you will excuse me, I need to check in on my friend.”

Tight Ship nods. “We should be landing at your base in Ponyville shortly sir.”

“Very good! Please have Lemon Hearts notify my base of our arrival. I don't want them to be surprised.”

“Yes sir.”

Tight Ship nods at Lemon Hearts as Arc leaves the Bridge. He heads back to his cabin to find Sereb waiting in the corridor looking out one of the many windows that line the hallway.

“Sereb? What are you doing out here?”

“Ember took over watching Twilight. It felt a bit... inappropriate for me to watch a pony mare being examined.”

He stands next to Sereb to look out the window as well.

“How do you like the view?”

“It is a bit disconcerting to be so high. This does not seem natural to me.”

The pair are silent for a time.

“Did Twilight give you any trouble?”

“She attempted to leave at one point.”

“And?”

“I did not allow it.”

“Good.”

A few minutes later Ember and Redheart emerge from Arc's cabin.

“How is she?”

Nurse Redheart closes her bag as Ember quietly closes the door behind them. “She'll be fine with proper rest. While she didn't wake up during the examination, which is good, it also meant I couldn't ask her any questions.”

Ember joins them. “What should we do?”

“Just see to it she rests today and gets to bed early tonight. By tomorrow she should be fine!”

Arc nods. “Thank you Nurse Redheart. Whoops! Sorry. Old habit!”

Nurse Redheart smiles. “It's alright sire. Call me whatever you wish! In any case, I should be getting back. Call me if you need an examination yourself. I heard what happened.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, but I'm fine.”

“Very well. Please try to stay that way.”

“No promises.”

Nurse Redheart shakes her head as she walks back to the Infirmary. A short time later the ship lands behind Light's Hope.

Sereb looks out the window at the base. “It appears we have arrived.”

Ember sighs. “It feels like forever since we lived at Light's Hope, Arc.”

Arc nods and walks over to the bed. “It does. Hopefully we will again soon.”

Arc slowly moves to pick up Twilight. She stirs groggily.

“What? Where...”

“It's okay Twilight. I've got you.”

“Are… are we back in Ponyville?’

Arc nods as he picks her up. “Yes. We just landed at Light's Hope. I'll be taking you home now on Sereb. You can go back to sleep if you want to.”

Twilight nods, still rather out of it. “Th-thank you.”

Arc gives Twilight to Ember. He mounts Sereb and turns back to Ember as she hands him the sleepy mare. Are wraps an arm around Twilight’s midsection.

“Don't worry Twilight. I got ya!”

Twilight nods weakly and leans her head back against Arc's chest. She whispers to herself.

“This feels wonderful...”

“Did you say something Twilight?”

He looks down to his friend but Twilight has dozed off.

“Oh well. Let's go you two.”

Sereb nods. “To the Golden Oaks Library?”

“You know it.”

Sereb quickly runs to the Golden Oaks Library with Ember flying a short distance behind them. In no time at all they arrive at their destination. Arc carefully dismounts before picking up Twilight and carrying her to the door.

“Don't worry Twilight. You'll be in bed shortly.”

Ember steps forward quickly and knocks on the library door. A few moments later Spike answers.

“Hi Arc! Sweet Celestia! Twilight!”

Spike calls out over his shoulder for help!

“Auriel! Come quick!”

Auriel runs up the basement steps!

“Oh dear! What happened?!”

Arc steps inside the library. “Twilight just worked herself too hard. She'll be okay after a good nap and long night's rest.”

Spike looks up from Twilight with evident concern in his voice. “Are you sure?! Maybe we should take her to the hospital!”

Ember looks to Spike. “Arc had the medical officer aboard the Lunar Destiny take a look at her already. She prescribed plenty of rest!”

“Right! Let's get her to bed now.”

Spike hurries on ahead to Twilight's bed. He pulls back the covers as Arc lies the sleeping purple mare down and covers her with a blanket.

“Rest well Twilight. You've certainly earned it.”

Arc and Spike leave the room and head downstairs to allow Twilight to rest. Auriel, Ember and Sereb stand in the entryway.

“How did she get like this?!”

Arc sighs. “We found her in my room at Canterlot Castle raving and talking wildly. She hadn't eaten, slept or bathed since I left!”

Ember shakes her head. “Arc was able to get her to eat something, but rest was out of the question!”

Sereb nods to them. “I was able to put her to sleep with my magic.”

Auriel frowns. “That seems a bit... underhanded.”

Arc shrugs. “I told him to do it. Believe me, it was necessary!”

He turns back to Spike.

“She needs to rest today. That means no researching, studying, taking notes or even getting out of bed needlessly! She should be okay by tomorrow morning.”

Spike nods! “Don't worry Arc! We'll take good care of her!”

“I'll help too!”

Arc nods. “I know I can count on you two. As long as I'm here, how is the research going on a cure?”

“Very well! I've been able to mix up several prototype antidotes from talking to Twilight on the phone. I'm in the process of testing them for efficacy, and more importantly, safety!”

Spike nods! “Yeah! I think we may actually be in the home stretch on that one!”

Arc looks relieved! “Glad to hear it! I'm looking forward to them taking over again! This job sucks!”

Spike looks confused. “Really?! I thought it would be fun to be in charge! Giving orders! Everypony bowing and scraping at your feet! Stuff like that!”

“Not really Spike. Everyone comes to you with their problems, you have to deal with international issues, every mistake you make has terrible consequences, I hardly get to see my family and friends, and the stress is murder!”

“Okay, maybe it isn't the best job in Equestria, but it must have SOME kind of perks!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “The only thing I like about it is being able to make a difference!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “But you were doing that as the Hero of Light, Arc!”

“Yes, but now I have to deal with the surrounding nations! If I mess this up, we go to war!”

“Wow! Sounds rough! I wish I could help.”

Arc nods. “Maybe someday, Spike.”

Auriel turn to the kitchen. “In any case, I'll make Twilight something to eat.”

“Good idea Auriel. She only ate a single plate of food when I found her. While that's a start, she DEFINITELY needs to catch up in the eating department! Well, I'll leave Twilight in your care. I know you'll take good care of her. Just... don't let her do anything but rest today, okay? Tell Twilight I'll have some Royal Guards bring the books and notes from the castle over tomorrow morning. Now I need to get back to my airship so we can continue our journey.”

Spike nods! “Sure! We can do that! Be careful out there!”

“We will do our best.”

Arc turns to leave. “Thanks. I'm counting on you two. Twilight's really lucky to have friends like you.”

Auriel smiles. “Thank you for bringing her home safely.”

Ember waves. “Take care Spike!”

“You too, Ember! Come visit next time you're in town! I'd love to hear more about your adventures with Arc!”

Ember nods as her and Arc leave the library! “Sure! It's a date!”

Spike closes the door behind her. Auriel looks to him, quizzically.

“Spike, I am curious. How long has Ember been attracted to you?”

“What?!”

“She and you are going on a date, are you not?”

Spike waves his claws in front of him, dismissively! “No, no! It's just an expression! It just means we're going to hang out!”

“Are you sure? When I was on vacation with Arc, I was given many papers with phone numbers on them. Arc told me they wanted to date me. How is that different from what you and Ember will be doing?”

“Because we're just friends!”

“Are you going to get to know her better?”

Spike thinks for a moment. “I suppose so.”

Auriel smiles at him! “Arc told me that is what a date is.”

“Huh! I'll have to ask Twilight about this later.”

“Why her?”

“You're right. I'll ask Arc the next time he's in town. Hopefully soon!”

The sound of hoofsteps coming down the stairs ends the conversation. Twilight sleepily walks toward the pair!

“How long was I out? Where's Arc?!”

Spike points to the front door. “He left a little while ago.”

“Darn! I wanted to thank him for bringing me home!”

Auriel nods! “I thanked him for you.”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Yes, well... there were a couple things I wanted to tell him myself.”

Spike looks to her, confused. “Really? Like what?”

“It... it's not important, Spike!”

“Well, I'd really like to know if that's okay. Truthfully, I have a few things to ask him myself!”

Twilight quickly turns her head to face Spike! She snaps at him!

“I SAID IT'S NOT IMPORTANT SPIKE! JUST LEAVE IT ALONE!”

Spike steps back, wide-eyed! “Woah!”

Auriel looks to her, confused. “Twilight, is something wrong?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her head. “I'm sorry Spike. I guess I haven't been myself lately.”

Auriel turns to walk toward the kitchen. “Let me make you two something to eat. You must be hungry Twilight.”

Twilight nods. “Thank you Auriel. I am actually!”

Spike turns to follow Auriel to the kitchen. “I can do that for you Twilight!”

Twilight turns to him, irate! “No Spike. Just let Auriel handle it!”

“Um... okay. Listen Twilight, I need to talk to you about something. It's about...”

Twilight trots off toward the basement lab door, interrupting Spike. “We can talk about it later Spike! Right now I want to check on a few things!”

“But Twilight, you should be resting!”

“I wanted to see the results of Auriel's experiments! She's incredible, isn't she!”

“Uh... yeah. She is and all, but...”

Twilight trots down the stairs. “Auriel's very intelligent considering where she grew up, wouldn't you agree Spike?”

He quickly follows Twilight down the stairs. “I guess, but...”

Twilight reaches the bottom and heads over to a lab table. She picks up a clipboard and goes over the data on it.

“These experiment results are very well documented! She's something all right! I couldn't ask for a better assistant right now!”

Spike looks to her sadly! “What?! But... but I thought I was your assistant!”

Twilight nods, not looking up from the clipboard. “You are! But right now I need somepony I can bounce ideas off of!”

“I can do that! I've been doing it for years!”

She turns the page on the clipboard, not looking up. “Yes, but I need somepony who can actually understand what I'm saying! I appreciate all you've done over the years Spike, but right now...”

Spike interrupts her. “Shouldn't you be resting?”

“I'll rest when the princesses are cured!”

“What about... Arc?”

“What about him?”

Spike looks around sadly. “He... he was really worried about you when he brought you home. Auriel and I were asked to make sure you rested today.”

Twilight nods absentmindedly. “That's really sweet of him and all, but I don't have time to rest!”

“But...!”

“Don't worry Spike! If Arc wants me to rest, I'll do it! Just... just not right this second!”

“When?!”

“In a little while. Now I'm very busy right now. Why don't you go play?”

Spike dejectedly turns to walk up the stairs.

“T-Twilight?”

“Uh-huh?”

“Am I... am I just another experiment to you? Something for you to study, catalog, and report on?”

Twilight takes some notes. “Uh-huh.”

Spike turns away on the verge of tears. “So... I'm not really your friend? You're only keeping me around because you were told to?!”

She compares her notes to Auriel's data. “Uh-huh.”

He begins to softly cry! “But Twilight! I've always seen you as... I don't know... a motherly figure! Was that all just a lie?!”

Twilight does not look up from her work, angrily! “Yes, yes Spike! Whatever you say! Can you please run along now and let me concentrate on this?!”

Spike says something under his breath.

Twilight continues writing. “What was that Spike? I didn't quite hear you?”

Spike whirls back around, tear streaming down his face! “I SAID ‘YOU'RE NOT MY MOM’!”

Twilight looks up, confused at his outburst!

“What?! Spike! What's gotten into...”

Spike storms up the stair! “Whatever, Twilight! I'll see you around! Don't worry! I'm sure Auriel will make a MUCH better assistant than I am!

He reaches the top of the stairs and slams the door behind him! A moment later Twilight hears the front door open and slam as well! She looks up the stairs, confused.

“What was that all about?!”

Twilight shakes her head and goes back to her work. A short time later Auriel comes downstairs with a tray of food.

“Twilight, you should be resting! What are you doing?!”

“I know. But I wouldn't be able to sleep without knowing how these experiments were coming along!”

Auriel sets the tray down on the lab table next to Twilight. “What happened to Spike? I thought he was with you?”

Twilight starts to eat as she continues going over the data. “I don't know! We were talking and all of a sudden he stormed out!”

“Shouldn't we go after him?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Spike is a growing dragon. I think he must be coming up to his rebellious stage. I've read that all dragons go through it.”

Auriel appears unconvinced. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Spike and I have disagreed in the past. He'll head over to Sugar Cube Corner, have a milkshake or two and come home. Happens every time!”

“I hope so.”

Chapter 3 - Panthera Bound

Arc, Sereb and Ember make their way back toward Light's Hope. As the near the building Arc turns to go inside Ember looks to him, confused.

“I thought you wanted to get a move on, Arc.”

“I do, but first I need to talk to someone.”

Ember nods soberly. “Oh. I understand.”

“We will wait for you in your cabin then.”

Arc head inside. “Thanks, you two. I'll try to keep it short.”

Ember and Sereb make their way up the gangplank and then to Arc's Cabin. They sit down together on the couch.

“Guess we have a bit of time before Arc finishes talking to his therapist.

Sereb shrugs. “Perhaps. One never knows.”

Ember jumps up! “We should do something to help!”

“Like what?”

She looks down and sighs. “I... I don't know. But after what happened with Cherry Jubilee, Arc needs us now more than ever!”

“Agreed.”

“I just feel like I need to do more than just be there for him!”

“Sometimes it's all that is needed. Having someone there to share your sorrow with.”

Ember sits back down, sadly. “I agree, but... sometimes, it's just not.”

Meanwhile... Arc enters Light's Hope to see Raven at her desk working.

“Raven?”

Upon hearing his voice, Raven jumps up! “S-sir! I'm sorry, but I didn't hear you come in!”

“It's okay! Really!”

Arc looks around the room. Seeing no one he continues.

“How are you doing?”

Raven sighs. “I'm slowly but surely getting better. I haven't thought about suicide in a few days.”

“It's a good place to start. Anything you need?”

“No sir! Flash Sentry is here for me. He's all I need right now.”

Raven looks uncomfortable.

“Sir? Can... can I ask you something personal?”

“Go ahead.”

“How... how do you know when... um...”

“When what?”

“Please don't tell anypony this, but I... I want to ask Flash Sentry to... um...”

Raven seems to be struggling to find the right words.

“… to... marry me!”

Her face turns a deeps shade of red!

“This is rather sudden Raven! What brought it on?”

Raven does her best to compose herself. “I just can't imagine my life without him in it! He's the one! I know it!”

“Have you spoken to Emerald Dream about this?”

“Kinda. She warned me about advancing a relationship right now.”

Raven forces a smile.

“It... it's probably because I'm ‘damaged goods’.”

Arc shakes his head. “There's nothing damaged about your Raven. Like I told you before, you did nothing wrong and have nothing to apologize for. You're a very pretty young mare with a bright future ahead of you. Don't let it pass you by because some griffon letch wanted to take you."

“I'm trying sir! I really am! Flash Sentry... you... I want to make you both proud of me!”

Arc puts a hand on Raven's shoulder. “You already have Raven. You already have. Allow those who truly care for you to continue to love and be there for you. Flash Sentry, Kibitz, and myself... we're here for you if you need us. But don't believe for a moment that you're somehow imperfect because of what happened.”

“Th-thank you sir. That means the world coming from you!”

Arc steps around the desk and gives Raven a hug.

“Flash Sentry is a very lucky stallion to have you in his life.”

Raven returns the hug! “And I'm very lucky to have him. A lesser stallion might have... taken advantage of me! I... didn't really care what happened to me back then.”

Arc breaks the embrace and down at her. “What about now?”

Raven looks Arc squarely in the eye, with determination! “I'm going to keep walking the path to full recovery! Then, and only then, can I present myself to my love as a whole mare! Flash Sentry is the best, and deserves a wife he can be proud of!”

“I'm sure he's very proud of you even now.”

“I hope so. I really do!”

Arc nods. “Well, I need to get going Raven. Panthera is the next destination on my diplomatic list. Hopefully we can talk with words and not weapons this time.”

“Good luck sir!”

“Thanks. Call me if you need anything.”

“Thank you sir!”

Arc leaves Light's Hope and quickly boards the Lunar Destiny. He makes his way to the Bridge! Soarin announces his presence!

“Lord Regent on the Bridge!”

The bridge crew all stand and salute.

“At ease everyone.”

Tight Ship walks over to him. “Lord Arc, are you ready to depart?”

“I am.”

“Very well sir. We'll get underway in a few minutes.”

Wrangler walks over to Arc and salutes. “Sir, if I may.”

“Go ahead.”

“I believe you may have forgotten to order troops from Canterlot. We don't have any soldiers stationed aboard ship! Other than your squad, that is!”

Arc nods. “That was intentional. I want this to be seen as a peaceful mission and not an invasion.”

Tight Ship nods. “If you would like, I can notify Canterlot to have troops standing by on the border sir.”

“Again, that would be asking for trouble. But I suppose we should have a backup plan. Lemon Hearts, please notify Captain Shining Armor to keep our military on high alert.”

“Yes sir!”

Wrangler frowns! “Should this be a trap, it would take several hours for help to arrive sir!”

“I'm aware of that. It’s a calculated risk, I admit. If you would like to get off the ship now Wrangler, I understand.”

Arc turns to the rest of the bridge crew.

“That goes for all of you. If you feel this mission is too dangerous, I will allow you to leave now. I won't hold it against you if you wish to do so. This mission WILL go on! I will carry on together with all of you if possible... or alone if necessary.”

He looks around the Bridge.

“Now let's set the record straight! There's no argument between the choice of peace or war! But there’s only one guaranteed way you can have peace, and you can have it in the next second! Surrender! Admittedly there’s a risk in any course we follow. Will we try for peace today, or will we meet them in our own streets in the near future? What say all of you? Will you come with me to now, or will you wait for Panthera... to come to us?! To come... FOR us?!”

Tight Ship nods. “Wrangler, you should have more faith in the Lord Regent and the Lunar Destiny.”

He turns to Arc.

“I'm with you, sir!”

Lemon Hearts stands! “Me too sir! We'll make them listen to us!”

Thunderlane nods! “You can count on me sir! I'll fly the Lunar Destiny safely there and back!”

Moon Dancer smiles! “We will teach the King of Panthera not to take Equestria lightly!”

Wrangler sighs. “Fine. I'm in! Let's get this over with.”

“Thank you everyone. I'll do my best to stop this war before it happens. Tight Ship, I want to get underway.”

Tight Ship nods. “Yes sir. Might I suggest getting something to eat? Time to eat may be a luxury in the near future.”

“Thank you. I will soon.”

Arc leaves the Bridge as Wrangler turns back to the captain.

“Captain, are you sure the Lord Regent can pull this off?”

Tight Ship sits down in the captain's chair. “It's not a matter of IF HE can, but that together WE MUST!”

Arc makes his way back to his cabin. Ember and Sereb are waiting for him patiently. Ember looks up as he enters.

“Feeling better, Arc?”

He looks to her, confused. “Um... about the same.”

Sereb clears his throat. “Ehm...”

Arc motions for them to follow him. “Come with me you two. I want to have a conference before we reach the border of Equestria.”

Ember looks to Arc as they leave the cabin. “What about?”

“Last minute intel regarding our destination.”

Sereb nods as they step onto a Teleporter Pad. “Prudent.”

Ember shrugs. “If you say so Arc.”

“I do. Royal Office!”

The group is teleported to Arc's Upper Level Office. Ember looks around.

“There's no one here.”

Arc walks toward a side door. “This way.”

The group moves to the Meeting Room and sits down. Arc picks up the phone at the head of the table. In a few moments Lemon Hearts voice comes over the speaker.

“Yes, Lord Arc?”

“I need to have a holographic teleconference in the meeting room with Captain Shining Armor in Canterlot and General Virtuous Lance in the Crystal Empire. Patch them through as soon as possible!”

“Right away sir!”

Arc turns back to Ember and Sereb. “I want to talk strategy once more. See if anything has changed since we last spoke.”

Ember nods as the ship slowly lifts off. “I guess it wouldn't hurt.”

A short time later holographic images of both General Virtuous Lance and Captain Shining Armor come into view. They both salute.

“Sir!”

“You wanted to speak with us, sire?”

Arc nods. “Yes. First of all, how are things in the Crystal Empire, general? Are the yaks behaving themselves?”

“Yes sir. No problems with them or any other group. It's peaceful as can be here.”

Spitfire nods. “Even crime is down!”

“Glad to hear it! How about you Shining Armor? How are things in Canterlot?”

“Peaceful. Diffusing the yak situation seems to have given the surrounding nations pause.”

Trixie nods. “Yeah! They now know you won't be trifled with!”

“That's a load off my mind! I'm off to Panthera now to speak to their king. With any luck it will go better than Yakyakistan!

Virtuous Lance nods. “The activity in that region has been declining recently."

Ember smiles. “Good. Maybe this will all work out.”

Shining Armor looks over some paper. “Sir! We've received word that something is amiss in Abyssinia!”

“Can you elaborate?”

I have reports here from Sunburst! Their scrying lately shows the citizens lately seem more docile. Lethargic even!”

Arc frowns. “Any idea what's causing it?”

Ember chuckles. “Too much catnip perhaps?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No, but it's most likely a trap to lure us into a false sense of security1 Their military recently moved out to the east!

Virtuous Lance frons! “What?! But there’s nothing out there!

“Yes, general! This must be a trap of some kind!”

Trixie nods. “You should call this off, Arc!

The general thinks for a moment. “I agree with the captain and lieutenant. But something about this just doesn't seem right! Why would they agree to diplomatic talks and them mobilize?!

Spitfire nods. “The citizens of Abyssinia have always been a proud and untrustworthy group. Stuck up even! Why they would suddenly change so drastically, almost overnight mind you, is beyond me!”

Sereb steps forward. “Could it perhaps be a sickness?”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Unlikely. News of a plague like that would spread like wildfire amongst the nations.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right! Now it may just be me, but it almost appears as if the other nations are turning a blind eye toward Abyssinia.”

Trixie turns to her superior. “Well, it's not like they have any allies, right? What reason would anypony have to investigate them further?”

Arc sighs. “I guess it's up to us to do so then. What of the Griffon Kingdom and their stance toward us?”

“They're acting like the other nations and backing off, sir!”

Trixie nods! “The Everfree Forest and Bugbear Nation have followed their lead. Things might actually be returning to normal!”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “I hope so. Any other pieces of advice to impart before we adjourn?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Do not trust anyone in Panthera! Double check everything they tell you!”

Shining Armor frowns. “Either that or hit them hard and fast sir!”

Trixie laughs! “And first!”

“Thanks for the tips. Keep the home-front secure and contact me if there's trouble or you learn something new.”

“Stay safe out there sir!”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes! This land needs you!”

Virtuous Lance salutes. "We'll keep the lights on for you.”

Spitfire nods. “Give em hell, sir!”

“I will. Arc out.”

Arc pushes a button on the table in front of him. The holograms disappear leaving him alone with his bodyguards. He leans back in his chair, rubbing his eyes.

“Politics are... tiresome.”

Ember nods. “What do we do now Arc?”

“Let's eat.”

Sereb chuckles. “A sound plan.”

Arc, Sereb and Ember make their way to the Cafeteria on the Mid-Section to enjoy a good meal. Max and the rest of the squad are already sitting at a nearby table.

Max smiles as they approach! “Quite the ship you have here sir!”

Hugh nods! “Yeah! It's huge!”

Xenos laughs! “I've seen bigger!”

Viktor rolls his eyes. “Really?! Where?”

“In a dream I had once.”

Max chuckles. “That doesn't count!”

Viktor nods! “Yeah! This is REAL!”

Ember laughs at their discourse! “Real BIG!”

Max nods and turns back to Arc. “In any case, our apologies sir. We just wanted to be a part of this!”

Hugh smiles. “Yup. We were just going to fat in the castle.”

“It's fine. Truth be told I've missed going on adventures with you guys! Just so you know though, this could get really dangerous really fast!”

Xenos laughs. “Says the one who took us into Tartarus for our first mission?”

Ember turns to Arc. “He's got you there.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose so. Well, eat up and get some rest boys. Meet me by the main hatch when we land and we'll do this thing!”

“Yes sir!”

After eating, Arc, Sereb and Ember head back to Arc's Cabin for a short rest. A couple hours later there is a knock at the door. Ember answers it to see Commander Soarin standing at attention.

“May I please speak to Lord Arc?”

Ember steps aside. “Sure. Come on in!”

Soarin steps inside the room as Arc sits up.

“What can I do for you commander?”

“The captain wanted me to inform you that we’ll be entering Abyssinian airspace in a few minutes. He was hoping you would join us on the bridge.”

Arc nods. “Tell him we’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Very well sir.”

Soarin leaves as Ember closes the door behind him.

Arc stands up and sighs. “I guess things are about to get real.”

Sereb appears confused. “Real what?”

“Just real. Good or bad is anyone's guess.”

Ember nods and gestures to the door. “Let's not keep Tight Ship waiting, Arc.”

“Very well. Let me just make a sigil here real quick.”

Arc places a sigil in the middle of the floor.

“There we go! It really ties the room together!”

Ember rolls her eyes! “It's your story, Arc. Tell it any way you want.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Why the sigil?”

“Just a little insurance policy. You know, for if things go bad and we need to make a quick getaway!”

Arc, Ember, and Sereb quickly walk to the Bridge. Wrangler announces them!

“Lord Regent on the Bridge!”

Arc sighs. “At ease. Captain, you wanted to see me?”

“Yes sir. As soon as we enter Abyssinian airspace, there's no telling what could happen!”

Ember looks to the captain, confused. “Wait! Didn't they invite us?!”

Tight Ship nods. “They did. However, we should still be cautious! Equestria has not sent an emissary to Panthera in generations!”

Wrangler frowns! “Their invitation could be a trap to shoot us down and take over Equestria!”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “That's quite the assumption.”

“Worst case scenario, I know. But I like to be prepared.”

Ember sighs. “So, what do we do?”

Tight Ship looks to his crew and begins to direct them!

“Lemon Hearts, ears on!”

“Yes sir! I'll monitor the airwaves for any chatter.”

“Moon Dancer, keep an eye on your screens!”

She nods. “I'll watch the radar for incoming hostiles.”

“Wrangler, have our defenses at the ready!”

“Aye sir! Weapon systems standing by!”

“Thunderlane scan the horizon for anything and I mean ANYTHING potentially hostile!”

“Yes sir! Nothing will escape my eyes, captain!”

Tight Ship turns back to Arc. “We're as prepared as we can be sir. Now it's just a matter of reaching our destination.”

Arc nods. “What ARE our defenses. Do we have missiles or something?”

Wrangler looks confused. “What are missiles?”

“I'll take that as a no.”

Tight Ship walks over to the Tactical Station. “Besides our ship being made of magically enhanced steel we also employ some rather deadly magical weapons!”

Ember nods. “Like what?”

Wrangler looks up from her screens. “Omni-directional magic cannons mostly.”

Arc holds up his Hand Cannons. “Like these?”

“Yes, but MUCH more powerful, of course!”

Thunderlane looks over. “The only down side is they have to be manually lined up and fired! Wrangler and I have to be able to work together to hit anything!

Wrangler looks to Arc. “Don't worry. We've trained for this!”

“I'm not worried.”

Ember looks out a nearby window. “Don't bother, Arc. I'm worried enough for both of us!”

Arc chuckles. “Carry on then Ember.”

An hour or so later Thunderlane calls out the news!

“I see the capital city dead ahead sir!”

Tight Ship nods apprehensively! “Anypony see any hostiles?”

Wrangler shakes her head. “Nothing on my end!”

Thunderlane scans the horizon. “Nothing in my sights either!”

“Radar is clear!”

Lemon Hearts frowns. “Odd... there's no radio chatter.”

Sereb looks to her, confused. “Isn't that good?”

Arc looks over to Lemon Hearts. “No radio, no hostiles, right?”

“Normally yes. But I should be picking SOMETHING up!”

Tight Ship looks over to her. “Could the radio be malfunctioning?”

Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “I've already checked it twice! It's working normally!”

Tight Ship sighs! “I don't like this. Everypony stay alert!”

The trip to the city is uneventful. As they near Thunderlane turns to Arc.

“Where should we land sir?”

“Outside the city. We'll head to the palace on foot.”

“Yes sir!”

A few minutes later the ship descends and lands. Ember looks out the window to the city below.

“This is creepy!”

Sereb stands next to Ember. “I see nothing.”

Ember turns to him! “That's just it! Shouldn't we see some signs of movement?! I mean, come on! This is their capital, right?!”

Arc hurries over to see for himself! “Wait, what?!”

He looks around at the city but sees no movement whatsoever!

“This is beyond bizarre!”

Wrangler calls over from her screens. “What now sir?”

Arc turns to leave the Bridge. “We carry on with the mission. I'll head to the palace with Ember, Sereb and my squad. That is, if you two still want to.”

Ember frowns! “Are you kidding?! I'm not letting you go out there alone!”

Sereb nods. “I am with you to the end.”

“Now that's settled, let's be off!”

Lemon Hearts turns to Arc. “Sir, would you like an on-ear radio?”

Arc points to the earring Kibitz gave him. “Already have one.”

She pushes some buttons and turns some knobs. “Let me get its frequency... there.”

“Keep monitoring it at all times! If things go south you may need to rescue us!”

“Yes sir. Be careful out there!”

Arc turns back to the bridge crew. “Thanks! Everyone keep a look out! This whole situation stinks!”

Tight Ship nods. “Yes sir. We'll be waiting for you here.”

Arc looks to Ember and Sereb. “Let's go.”

The trio makes their way to the main hatch. Arc's squad is waiting for them in full Honor Guard armor!

Ember nods approvingly! “Nice upgrades!”

Max nods! “Only the finest for the personal protectors of the Lord Regent!”

Viktor looks over at Arc’s faithful steed. “Love the new armor Sereb!”

“Thank you.”

Hugh shines his side with a hoof! “We make this look GOOD!”

Xenos nods! “Ready when you are, commander!”

Arc looks to Ember and Sereb. They soberly nod. Arc calls forth the rest of his armor as Ember does the same.

“Stay sharp out there. This reeks of treachery!”

Arc nods to Max who opens the hatch. Xenos, Viktor and Hugh rush outside to secure the deck! They look around cautiously, their hoof cannons at the ready! Xenos is the first to speak.

“All clear sir!”

Max cautiously steps out of the ship with Ember. “It's quiet.”

Ember turn to Sereb as he slowly exits the ship with Arc on his back. “Sereb, if anything happens don't worry about us. Just get Arc out of harm's way!”

“Understood.”

Arc sighs. “Ember, take point with Xenos and Max. Hugh on my left, Viktor on right. Max bring up the rear and watch our flank.”

Everyone silently obeys. Arc takes a deep breath and scans the horizon.

“Move out!”

The group walks cautiously down the gangplank and toward the city. From where they stand there is no sign of life! Intelligent or otherwise!

Max looks around for danger! “This is beyond unsettling!”

Hugh nods! “Should we go back?”

Arc shakes his head! “No! We carry on!”

Ember frowns. “Cut the chatter! Eyes on!”

Arc looks down. “Sereb. Do you hear anything?”

“Very little. It is as if the entire city is sleeping.”

Viktor sighs. “Yeah, the BIG sleep! This place is DEAD!”

Xenos shakes his head. “Let's hope not.”

Sereb sniffs the air.

“Arc.”

Arc calls out to his group. “Hold position!”

Everyone stops.

“What is it Sereb?”

He looks to a nearby house. “I hear something inside that dwelling.”

Ember looks towards it cautiously. “What is it?”

“Weeping.”

Arc turns to his squad. “Max, you and Hugh investigate.”

The pair slowly approach the house and listen. Max looks back to Sereb.

“I don't hear anything inside. Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Hugh approaches the door and raises a hoof. He looks to Arc who gives him a nod. Knocking lightly on the door, he calls out.

“Hello? Is anypony home?”

There is no response.

Sereb sighs. “They are afraid of us.”

Ember frowns. “How do you know?”

“I can hear it in their breathing.”

Max turns to Arc. “What do we do, sir?”

Ember looks to Arc. “I can break the door down!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That's what I like about you Ember. You're very subtle... kinda like a broken leg.”

Ember gives him a withering look. “Ha, ha.”

“Look, if you did that they would justifiably freak out and see us as invaders!”

“Okay then. What ARE we going to do?!”

Arc shrugs. “I don't know. Knock again?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Great plan Arc. Great plan.”

Arc looks at the door. “I can Blink through this.”

Ember looks away and replies in a sarcastic voice. “Oh, that is SO much better than breaking it down!”

Arc dismounts Sereb and walks over to the door. “Admittedly a little, yes.”

Max sighs at their argument. “If you two are done over there...”

Xenos shakes his head. “It's like you two are an old married couple.”

Hugh frowns. “I don't like the idea of you going in there alone sir!”

Viktor nods in agreement. “Me either! If anything went wrong, we wouldn't be there to help you!”

Arc approaches the door with the others behind him and turns around. “Okay, here's the plan. I Blink in there, unlock and open the door, leave it open and search for the occupants.”

Sereb growls. “Alone?”

Arc nods. “You guys stay outside and cover the door. If I need help, I'll call out for you.”

Max sighs. “I want to go on record as saying I don't like this plan sir!”

“Duly noted. Ready?”

Ember shakes her head. “No.”

“Good. Here goes nothing!”

Arc Blinks through the door, quickly unlocks it and lets it swing open before walking deeper into the small one room house.

“Hello? Um... sorry about barging in here like this. I'm not going to hurt you. Can you come out so we can talk please?”

As expected, there is no response. Arc turns to the others.

“Sereb.”

His faithful steed enters the house to stand next to Arc.

“Yes?”

“Where are they?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Under the bed.”

A small yelp can be heard!

Arc nods. “Thanks. Wait outside, okay.”

Sereb leaves the house to stand with the others.

Arc takes a chair from the kitchen table and points it toward the nearby bed. Sitting down he continues to speak.

“Again, I'm sorry about coming in your house unannounced, but I just want to talk to you. Can you come out please?”

The sound of whimpering can be heard from under the bed but no one comes out.

“Okay. You can stay under the bed. Can you at least talk to me from under there? For starters, what's your name?”

Silence.

“Take your time. I'll wait.”

Arc waits patiently for the occupants to speak.

“B-Belle. Please don't hurt us! My daughter here is very ill!”

“What's wrong with her?”

“She... she's very weak! Please! Can't you just leave us in peace?! I...”

Her voice cracks.

“...I just want to spend my daughter's last remaining hours trying to make her as comfortable as I can!”

“Maybe I can help her.”

“Why would you do that?! Aren't you with the Equestrian Invasion Force?!”

Arc sighs. “I am from Equestria, yes. But we are not invading. I simply came here to see your king and found this town deserted. Now please... help me help you.”

“How do I know you won't hurt us?!”

“If I had wanted to do so I could have simply reached under the bed and taken what I wanted.”

“Then why didn't you?!”

“Because I'm not an invader. You may as well trust me. If what you say is true, you really have nothing more to lose.”

The voice is silent for a time as she considers Arc’s words.

“O-okay. I'm coming out now. Please... have mercy on us!”

A small and very thin female cat with white fur and luminous blue eyes slowly emerges from under the bed. Although she is covered by simple clothing, Arc can see she is very malnourished! Belle shakily walks over to the table and lies a very small kitten on a makeshift bed of blankets. The little one whimpers and shakes as if cold! Even in the dim light from the open door Arc can see the tiny ribs of the infant as she labors to breathe! Belle stands shakily before Arc. Closing her eyes as the tears course down her cheeks!

“Please sir. If you're going to do it, please make it quick for us!”

Arc stands up and turns toward the door. “Please excuse me a moment.”

He walks quickly to the others.

“Do any of you have any food?”

Xenos nods. “I have some ration kits.”

Arc holds out a hand. “Give me one.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Sir? Is this really the time to...?”

“Now!”

With a confused look on his face Xenos gives Arc a Rations Kit. Arc takes it and quickly walks back to the table. Setting it down he opens it and turns it toward Belle!

“Take this and feed your daughter.”

Belle opens her eyes and looks at the food, confused. “What? But... but I have nothing to offer as payment!”

Arc nods. “Answer my questions after you feed your daughter and I'll call us even.”

Belle takes some of the food in her paws and slowly begins to feed the little one.

“Th-thank you! Thank you so much!”

Arc turns back toward the door. “Can one of you give me a canteen of water?”

Max removes a canteen from his saddlebag and tosses it to Arc He catches it and sets it down in front of the frightened mother.

“Use this to wash it down with.”

Belle quickly takes the canteen and gives her daughter a drink.

“Again, thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to us!”

“I... think I do. But you're welcome.”

Belle feeds her daughter until she can eat and drink no more. The small kitten falls asleep eating. She begins to eat a bit of the food herself.

“Thank you, sir. Thank you for giving my daughter a last meal.”

Arc frowns. “Last meal?”

“Yes. We... there is no food here. While I can't bear the thought of watching her die, I hate even more the thought of dying before her and leaving her alone!”

The little one suddenly begins to have significantly more trouble breathing! Belle begins to cry again as she puts a loving paw on her daughter’s forehead!

“I think this may be it for her!”

Arc stands up quickly! “I can take her to my ship! We have medical facilities there!”

Belle looks to him through her tears. “Can... can you save her?!”

“I can try! Will you come?”

Belle nods furiously through her tears!

“Sereb, come!”

Sereb quickly rushes to Arc's side as he picks up the failing kitten! Arc quickly jumps into the saddle and pulls Belle up behind him!

“Hang on to me as tightly as you can! Everyone, back to the ship!”

Sereb bounds out the front door! The others run after him as quickly as they can! Arc touches his earring!

“Lemon Hearts, can you hear me!?”

“Yes sir!”

“Inform Nurse Redheart that I'm on my way with a malnourished infant that is having trouble breathing! Prep the Infirmary!”

“Right away sir!”

In no time the group returns to the Lunar Destiny! Sereb bounds up the ramp and into the ship! He jumps onto the Teleportation Pad!

“Infirmary!”

In a flash they are teleported to the waiting Infirmary! Nurse Redheart rushes up to Arc as he holds out the little one to her! She quickly takes her over to an examination table and hooks up a small oxygen mask! Arc hops down from Sereb to help Belle down!

“Easy there. I got you.”

Belle looks to Nurse Redheart in desperation! “Please save my daughter!”

Nurse Redheart continues to work, not looking up. “I'll do everything I can!”

Arc puts a gauntlet on Belle’s shoulder. “There's no better place than here for your daughter right now.”

“Th-thank you so much sir!”

Belle suddenly falls to her knees, suddenly out of breath from the excitement! Arc picks up the weakened feline and carries her to a bed.

“I think you need a rest too, Belle.”

Belle breathes heavily as Arc lays her down. “At... the very least... her and I... can be together... at the end.”

Ember and Arc's squad rush into the Infirmary! Max reaches him first!

“Commander?!”

Ember runs over to him! “Arc, what is going on?!”

“Ember, go to the Cafeteria and bring some food here quickly!”

Ember flies away! “I'm on it!”

A short time later Ember returns with an assortment of foods on a tray! She presents it to Arc!

“Here you go!”

“Thank you, Ember.”

Arc sets the tray down in front of Belle as she looks over at her daughter and Nurse Redheart.

“Thank you, but I'm not hungry.”

Max frowns as he looks at Belle. “The state of your body would claim otherwise, ma'am.”

Xenos is unable to take his eyes off the new arrival! “Even Miss Pommel didn't look THAT emaciated!”

Hugh nods. “A close second though.’

Nurse Redheart pushes a small incubator normally used for newborns next to the bed as she turns to Belle.

“I've done everything I can for her at the moment. We're giving her oxygen, keeping her warm and I've injected her with nutrients intravenously. The rest is up to fate.”

Belle puts a paw up to the incubator. The only signs of life from the small kitty are the up and down motions of her chest and slight twitches of her tiny pink nose. She looks down at her daughter with tears in her eyes.

“No little one should have to experience pain and suffering such as this!”

Arc looks to Belle sadly. “Nor a parent be forced to watch their child slowly waste away.”

The pair watch the small kitten for a short time. Max clears his throat.

“Sir, might I remind you our time is limited?”

Arc nods. “Thank you, Max. Belle we've done everything in our power to help your daughter. Can you please answer a few of my questions now?”

“Yes. I’ll try.”

“The city appears deserted. Where is everyone?”

“Hiding.”

“From what?”

Belle looks up to Arc, fearfully! “We were told was that an invasion force from Equestria was on its way. Our king ordered everyone to stay hidden if at all possible! He does care dearly for his citizens!”

Xenos frowns. “I don't get it. If he sees us as an invading entity, why hasn't he sent his forces to engage us yet?”

“Because we know that resistance is futile! We've heard all about Equestria's Hero of Light and his adventures! I can only assume our king is hoping to beg him for mercy!”

Ember nods. “What have you heard about the Hero of Light?”

“If the stories are true, that he fearlessly took on an entire army and utterly destroyed them! It is said that he often enters Tartarus itself for FUN! More recently he defeated the leader of Yakyakistan after turning away their invading force! That act alone has all of us shaking in fear of his awe-inspiring power!”

Belle looks to Arc, suddenly frightened!

“He... he's not coming here, is he?!”

“I wouldn't worry.”

Belle breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! In our weakened condition I don't believe most of us could take the stress!”

“Why is that?”

“Many of Panthera's poorest citizens are no better off than my daughter and I! The middle and upper class are hanging in there. However, it's only a matter of time for them!”

Viktor swallows hard before speaking. “Why are you starving? Was there some kind of blight that hit your crops?”

Belle shakes her head. “Abyssinia is a rather harsh place. Very few crops can grow here, so we import almost all of our food. Our main source is the neighboring Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc nods. “Okay, you have to bring your food in. Why hasn't the Griffon Kingdom sent anything?!”

“Because... we can no longer pay. You see, every month a large black ship comes here and takes much of our land's wealth and as much food and other valuables as it can carry!”

Ember frowns. “Wait! So, pirates have taken everything?!”

Belle nods! “Nearly. Even the Royal Palace has been sacked! There is nothing left for them to take, yet they still come! Our King has sent word to the neighboring lands asking for aid numerous times with no reply.”

Arc frowns. “What about Equestria?! Didn't your king contact them for help?”

“He did! The Captain of the Royal Guard even came here personally to see our situation for himself.”

Xenos nods. “And…?”

“He... he seemed almost amused at our plight! I was there with much of the citizenry as he got off his airship and was approached by our king! When told of our situation he simply laughed and told the king and queen that Equestria had no need to import hairballs and left!”

Arc clenches his fist, angrily! “Decimus... when I get my hands on him...”

Belle sighs as she looks Arc in the eye. “So now Captain Decimus has sent you to finish us off I assume.”

Ember shakes her head. “Not exactly.”

“I... can I ask you something? Why are you helping me and my daughter? Won't you be in trouble with your superiors for recklessly aiding the enemy?!”

Arc stands up! “I need to see your king at once! This can’t be allowed to continue! To answer your question, Belle... when innocents are suffering, it's not reckless. It's rescue!”

Belle looks at him, wide-eyed! “Aren't you worried about what the Captain of the Guard will do when he finds out?! To say nothing of the Hero of Light himself!”

He turns to leave. “Not in the least. Now if you will excuse me, we have a meeting with the king to get to!”

“Wait! I don't even know your name! Who... who ARE you?!”

Arc turns back to Belle. He recalls his chest-plate, helmet and greaves to his ring, revealing his royal raiments.

“My name is Arc.”

Belle’s eyes grow wide! “You... you're the Hero of Light!”

Arc nods. “I am. Although I currently rule Equestria as its Lord Regent. Now if you will excuse me, I have a wrong that needs righting.”

She looks to him, confused. “What are you going to do?”

“Help the innocent."

Chapter 4 - International Aid

Arc leaves the Infirmary with the others. Ember turns to him.

“I assume you have a plan Arc.”

He walks quickly toward the Teleporter Pad as he calls forth the rest of his armor! “I do. Help the citizens of Panthera!”

Max nods. “Where do we start?”

“By talking to the King of Abyssinia. I can't order aid to enter the country without his permission!”

Ember frowns! “Why not?!”

Viktor sighs. “Because it would look like we were invading! I mean… Belle already referred to us as the Equestrian Invasion Force!”

Arc nods! “Right! Let's hurry!”

He and his companions quickly leave the Lunar Destiny. Arc mounts Sereb as his squad surrounds him!

“Move out! To the castle, double time!”

Arc and company run down the main street toward the Royal Palace as Ember flies overhead. In several places they see glowing yellow eyes peeking out at them from various buildings.

Xenos looks to Hugh. “I wonder why no one is trying to stop us.”

Hugh sighs. “If Belle is any indication of the state of this city, they probably lack the strength to do so.”

Ember calls out from the air! “We're going to change that!”

Arc nods! “Right!”

As they approach the Royal Palace, two armored cats cross their spears!

“HALT! State your purpose!”

“I am Arc. Hero of Light and Lord Regent of Equestria! I have come to see the King on a matter of great urgency!”

“Y-yes sir! Please go right in!”

Ember lands on Sereb's back behind Arc as they pass. “That was easy!”

Arc nods. “They know they couldn't stop us even if they wanted to.”

Sereb sighs. “They were quite malnourished themselves.”

Max looks to Sereb. “How could you tell?”

“Their voices and smell. They reeked of hunger and desperation.”

Ember looks over Arc’s shoulder. “This land is running out of time!”

“Agreed.”

The group quickly makes their way to the Throne Room. The guards at the entrance do not even try to stop them! Entering the Throne Room, the group walks down the red carpet toward two cats sitting on thrones next to each other. The king and queen look to them, quizzically.

“Who... who are you?!”

“If you've come to plunder our land, I think you'll find you’re a bit too late for that.”

Arc dismounts Sereb and approaches the king and queen. Recalling his helmet, chest-plate and greaves to look somewhat less threatening.

“I have not come to take what little you appear to have left. My name is Arc.”

The king’s eyes grow wide! “Are you...”

Arc nods. “Yes. I am Equestria's Hero of Light and current Lord Regent. I've come here today to...”

They king quickly stands along with his queen. “Please! Say no more, exalted Lord Regent!”

As they near him they fall to their knees and remove their crowns.

“As rightful monarch of Abyssinia, I Felix, hereby relinquish my crown to you, Lord Arc.”

He hands over his crown.

“I surrender to you, Lord Regent of Equestria... unconditionally.”

The queen quickly does the same!

“As rightful queen of Abyssinia, I Fiona, also relinquish my crown to you Lord Arc. I only ask... no... BEG you to spare our citizens! Please! Many of them are starving!”

Arc looks at the crowns in his hands before turning back to the monarchs. “Are things really so bad here that you would so easily turn over control of your nation?!”

Queen Fiona sighs and nods. “Yes. Under Equestrian rule, our nation will be protected from the pirates that plague our land!”

King Felix bows low! “Please help our citizens... Lord Arc!”

Arc kneels down in front of the pair. He puts their crowns back on their furry heads before taking their paws and helping them stand up.

“I will help you and your citizens. However, I have no interest in ruling over this land.”

Queen Fiona raises and eyebrow is disbelief! “What?!”

Arc nods! “We have much to discuss. However right now we need to help your citizens!”

King Felix looks to Arc and smiles! “Thank you sir! But how?!”

Arc touches his earring! “You there, Lemon Hearts?”

“Yes sir, go ahead.”

“The situation here is critical! Tell the Cafeteria staff to set up tables in front of the city with as much food as they can prepare! Spare nothing! I'm sending my squad back to help! Also notify Canterlot that we need as much emergency aid as they can send as quickly as possible! That includes food, water and medical supplies!”

“Right away sir!”

“Good! Arc out!”

Arc turns to face his squad.

“You four head back to the Lunar Destiny now! Have every available set of hooves help with setting up and feeding the citizens! Go!”

Arc's squad salutes and quickly flies away! He and Ember turn back to the king and queen.

“Thank you for your Generosity and compassion, Lord Arc!”

“Yes! Our citizens would not have survived much longer!”

“It's my pleasure. I only hope it's enough! Now if you would be so kind as to inform your citizens that help is on the way I'd appreciate it.”

The king nods! “Yes, Lord Arc! Right away!”

He waves over some of his guards who hurry away to spread the word to the citizenry!

Queen Fiona looks to him skeptically. “Lord Arc, while we do appreciate what you're doing, I must ask... why?”

“Why what?”

“Well, we certainly haven't been on the best terms with Equestria for some time! Our nation is not really strategically located, nor do we have any valuable resources to speak of other than our trade routes.”

King Felix sighs. “Which have all but evaporated with the incursions of the pirates, I might add.”

The queen nods. “I guess what I'm trying to say, as politely as possible I might add, is... why are you doing this?”

“If the two of you would come with me to my ship, I will show you why.”

“Well... alright.”

Arc opens a portal. “Very well! Shall we go?”

Queen Fiona points a claw at the portal. “What is THAT?!”

“It's how the Hero of Light gets around. This portal will take us to my cabin about the Lunar Destiny. My ship is parked just outside the city gates. Ember, can you please show our new friends here how it's done?”

“Sure!”

Ember walks through the portal and vanishes from sight! Arc turns back to the monarchs.

“My bodyguard is now waiting for us in my cabin.”

Arc gestures to the portal.

“After you!”

The monarchs nervously enter the portal. Sereb follows them with Arc in the rear. They appear on the sigil in Arc's chambers. The king and queen look around!

“Incredible!”

The queen looks out the window at the palace in the distance. “We're so far! And quickly!”

Arc nods! “Painlessly too, I might add.”

Ember turns to him. “Arc, I'm going to help the kitchen staff make preparations.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Are you coming Sereb?”

Sereb shakes his head. “My duty is to Arc. I will continue to guard him.”

“Suit yourself!”

Arc motions for the king and queen to follow him. “This way.”

As the group slowly walks down the corridor Queen Fiona turns to Arc. "Sir? Your bodyguard... what is she exactly?”

“A dragon. Why?”

“Forgive me, but we have only heard stories of such creatures. Are they all of the same temperament?”

“I only know a couple dragons. The others are much less... benevolent.”

King Felix shudders at the thought. “Then I suppose it is just as well we don't know any.”

“I'm sorry. There are most likely dragons other than Ember who are perfectly civilized individuals.”

King Felix thinks for a moment. “Ember... where have I heard that name before?”

The queen turns to Arc. “Is she perhaps well known in Equestria?”

“Not really. She's Dragon Lord Torch's daughter though, so...”

“WHAT?!”

“Is that a problem?”

King Felix looks to Arc, amazed! “How did you manage that?! Did you defeat the Dragon Lord himself?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I actually met Ember before I became the Hero of Light. It's quite a long story, so it will have to wait for another time.”

Queen Fiona smiles and nods! “I look forward to hearing it!”

“Yes, well here we are.”

Arc leads the monarchs into the Infirmary. Nurse Redheart is very busy gathering up medical supplies in putting them in her bag. She walks over to them as they enter.

“Lord Arc! I just received word that I may be needed outside to treat the citizens of Panthera! What happened?!”

“They're will most likely be many patients suffering from malnutrition. Canterlot will be sending help shortly.”

Nurse Redheart breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! I only have four hooves!”

Arc nods! “I know you'll do your best in the meantime.”

“Thank you sir! Is there something I can help you with?”

“No. I just wanted to visit our friends from earlier.”

Nurse Redheart points a hoof to a curtained off area. “They're right through there. Now remember, the patient needs her rest. She may not be completely coherent, as all her energy is going into digestion right now.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. We won't stay long.”

He leads the monarchs toward the curtain.

“Belle. It's Arc. Can I see you please? There's someone here who wants to meet you.”

A tired sounding voice rings out. “Y-yes.”

Arc slowly pulls back the curtain. The king and queen gasp as they see Belle's thin face looking back at them only semi-conscious!

“Wh-what?!”

“How did this happen?!”

Arc sighs. “My bodyguards and I found her like this on our way to the Palace.”

He walks over to the incubator and stands behind it.

“However, I actually brought you here to meet another friend of mine.”

Arc uses his magic to carefully uncover the small kitten's frail body and her exposed ribs! Her small paws shake from lack of nutrition, a breathing tube is lodged down her throat, several tubes are intravenously feeding her nutrients while others are hooked up to different machines which hum behind him! King Felix stares at the kitten, horrified!

“That... that poor little...”

Belle looks to the monarchs. “L-Lord Arc... he saved her. Sh-she was d-dying. He... he brought her here. Nurse... s-saved her.”

Arc uses his magic to again cover the kitten's small frame. “This is why I'm here! THIS is why I'm doing what I'm doing! Maybe we'll save a thousand... perhaps a hundred!

He looks back at the suffering kitten.

“...maybe, just one.”

Queen Fiona looks to him, tears in her eyes! “Th-thank you Lord Arc!”

“Let's allow Belle and her daughter to rest now.”

Arc leads the group out of the Infirmary and back to the corridor.

“Let's go to the Bridge and see how the captain is doing on getting aid out here!”

The king and queen nod as Arc leads them down the hallway to the Bridge! As they enter Soarin spots them!

“Uh... Royals on the Bridge!”

“Commander Soarin, where is the captain?”

Soarin points to the Captains Office. “He's talking with Canterlot on what supplies to send.”

“Good. I need to see him about just that.”

Arc's group enters the office together.

“Yes! As much as can be spared! Wait a moment.”

Tight Ship looks to Arc.

“Captain Shining Armor can send a plethora of military rations, but that would cause our own forces to go hungry should they need to be deployed!”

Queen Fiona looks to Arc, pleadingly! “Please Lord Arc! As you've already seen, our citizens are literally starving!”

Arc takes the phone from Tight Ship and puts it to his ear. “Shining Armor, this is Arc. Here's what I want you to do! Get every bit of food we can comfortably spare and ship it over to Panthera!”

“Yes sir. But that's really just a drop in the bucket! It won't feed an entire nation!”

Arc nods! “I know! Just get that done while I try to think of somewhere else to get food!”

“I'll see to it!”

“Good! I'll call you later when I think of something. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the phone. Tight Ship looks to him.

“Sir, where ARE you planning on finding more food?!”

“I haven't a clue. Any ideas King Felix? Queen Fiona?”

“Sorry. Not a one.”

Queen Fiona looks uncomfortable. “Lord Arc, can we talk somewhere a bit more private?”

He looks to her, confused. “Um... okay. Follow me.”

Arc leads the king and queen to the Meeting Room and closes the doors behind them.

“Have a seat!”

They all take a seat as Arc takes his place at the head of the table.

“Now what is it you wanted to say?”

Queen Fiona looks down at her lap. “I just wanted to confess something.”

Arc nods. “Go ahead.”

“This food shortage didn't happen overnight! It's been an ongoing problem since the pirates started coming.”

“That much I assumed, yes.”

King Felix sighs. “As you know, Equestria is a lush and fertile land where food is plentiful! Ours is a barren country with little agriculture. When we heard that Equestria's princesses were all out of commission, my queen and I decided this was a golden opportunity!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I'm starting to see where this is going.”

Queen Fiona nods. “Forgive us, but we started to make preparations to invade your country!”

King Felix looks to Arc, desperately! “We had a land full of hungry citizens! At the time we saw no other choice!”

“I see. What made you change your mind?”

Queen Fiona sighs. “We were days from launching an all-out assault when we received word that you had successfully conquered Yakyakistan! While not as numerous as we are, the yaks are powerful warriors! If you could so easily defeat them, what chance did we have?!

“Rather than let our preparations go to waste, we decided to use our military forces to lay a trap for the pirates.”

“You see, they always flew in from the east. It seemed a simple enough task to lie in wait for them to come.”

Arc nods. “But it didn't quite go according to plan?”

Queen Fiona nods. “Correct. Somehow the pirates knew of our plans! They came from the east, as they had many times in the past.”

“As my military commanders were communicating with me via radio the pirates suddenly launched a multitude of what could only be described as flying barrels! Inside was a strange liquid the quickly turned to a gas that hung low in the air!”

Queen Fiona shudders! “I can still remember hearing our forces gasping for air as the gas ate away at their skin and caused them to suffocate!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide! “Chemical warfare?!”

The king nods. “I suppose you could call it that, yes. We lost nearly all of our military forces that day.”

“All we have left are the Town Guard and handful of survivors from that attack. All of them are bedridden. Our doctors tell us they will never fully recover.”

King Felix looks to Arc, pleadingly! “We cannot defend against another invasion! That is why, when you sent us your letter wishing to talk peace, we invited you to come here, Lord Arc.”

Queen Fiona nods sadly. “Even in slavery we would have the protection of Equestria! Although it came as quite a surprise to us when you did not take advantage of our plight!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “That gas sounds an awful lot like something back on Earth called Mustard Gas!”

“You know of this substance?!”

Arc nods. “It was first used to kill entrenched soldiers during my home world’s first world war!”

Queen Fiona looks to Arc, wide-eyed! “A world war?!”

“Not our best idea to be sure. I learned in history class that by the end of that war 100,000 soldiers had been killed by the gas! To say nothing of the roughly 1,000,000 soldiers who were hurt by it!”

King Felix trembles at the thought! “How awful! Was that the end of your race?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We lived to fight another world war decades later. Hopefully we've learned our lesson, but it's not likely.”

He stands and paces the floor.

“This pirate is no mere brigand! He's not leading a band of misfits! This guy is leading a bona-fide ARMY!”

Queen Fiona nods! “As he stole from us, his wealth grew! He used it to upgrade his arsenal exponentially!”

King Felix sighs! “He may very well be unstoppable at this point!”

“If he gains much more power, he's not going to be content raiding a city that has nothing more to give! Next, he'll start attacking the neighboring countries!”

“What do we do?!”

Arc stops pacing and rests his hands on the table in front of the monarchs. “He must be stopped! The line must be drawn HERE! Not just for Abyssinia... not just for Equestria, but for the entire WORLD!”

King Felix nods! “Agreed! But how?!”

“I'll think about it while we help your citizens.”

Arc again paces the floor. Looking up he spots a picture of a bowl of fruit on the wall. He snaps his fingers and points to it!

“There's our solution!”

Queen Fiona looks at the picture. “While the painting is a nice likeness, sadly we can't eat a picture of food.”

“No, no! I have a friend who owns an apple orchard! I'll see what they can spare!”

“I suppose it's a start!”

Arc rushes back to the head of the table and picks up the phone! Lemon Hearts greets him.

“Yes, Lord Regent?”

“I need to speak to someone at Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville at once!”

“Right away sir!”

A few moments later the call is patched through. Applejack picks up the phone!

“Sweet Apple Acres! Applejack speaking!”

“Applejack, it's Arc!”

“Hey there sugarcube! Listen, I'm really sorry about what happened the other day at the school!”

“It's not a big deal, Applejack. But right now we have a huge problem on our hands! I need your help!”

“Sure thing! I'll do whatever I can. What do you need?”

“I need every apple you can spare!”

She raises an eyebrow. “Come again?!”

“The neighboring country of Abyssinia is almost completely without food! They're literally starving over here! Canterlot will compensate you for the apples, jams, pies, or whatever else you can spare! I'm not asking you to give away your livelihood for free now!”

“Tarnation! When do you need them?!”

“Immediately! I'll teleport over there and pick them up in a little while!”

“Alright Arc! We just started harvest season, so we don't have but a few dozen bushels harvested and stored in the barn! We've got lots of Zap Apple Jam though!”

“Thanks Applejack! I'll be there soon!”

“See you in a bit! Bye!”

Arc hangs up the phone before turning back to the king and queen.

“I have to go back to Ponyville for a bit. I'll leave my ship and subordinates here, save for my bodyguards.”

King Felix nods! “We'll help with the distribution of food until you return!”

Queen Fiona looks to him quizzically. “Yes, but how will you get across the ocean without an airship?!”

“With my Sigil Magic.”

“It has that kind of range?!”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. Guess we'll find out!”

He leads the king and queen outside to where the Lunar Destiny's waitstaff have setup a makeshift soup kitchen! Arc spots his squad with Ember and quickly heads over to them with the monarchs!

Max salutes him! “Sir! Is Canterlot sending aid?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. We just need to hang tight!”

Ember frowns. “What are we supposed to do in the meantime?”

Xenos looks to her with determination! “We're gonna feed everypony!”

Viktor sighs. “We don't have THAT much food though!”

Arc kneels down and places a sigil on the ground. “Don't worry. I'm going on a bit of a supply run. Just be ready to catch whatever comes out on this end.”

Max nods! “I'll see to it sir!”

Arc turns to Ember and Sereb. “I don't actually know if my Sigil Magic will work this far out. If you two want to stay here, I understand.”

Ember shakes her head. “We're coming!”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Arc steps on the sigil with Ember and Sereb, smiling. “I don't know why I even ask sometimes...”

The sigil glows but Arc and his friends do not dematerialize.

Sereb sighs. “Perhaps we are too far away.”

Arc strains! “I need to give it more power! Just have to connect the two locations...”

Ember sighs. “There's no shame in admitting you can't do something impossible Arc!”

“I... I can do this! I... I HAVE TO!”

The air suddenly feels heavy as the crystal in Arc's forehead suddenly begin to glow! He levitates about a foot off the ground as he appears to channel power from the gem!

“Here we go!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb disappear from sight! Hugh turns to Viktor.

“I wonder where the commander is going for food.”

Viktor shrugs. “There's nowhere around here that I can think of.”

Queen Fiona looks to the pair. He's heading to a place called Ponyville.

Max looks at her, dumbfounded! “What?! But that's across the ocean!”

Xenos shakes his head! “No teleportation magic is THAT powerful!”

Hugh shrugs. “It wouldn't be the first time we've seen him do something that should be impossible!”

Meanwhile... Arc and company reappear on the sigil in Derpy's house! Ember looks around!

“Woah! That worked?!”

Sereb watches as Arc lands gently on his feet. “Arc? Are you... alright?!”

Ember quickly moves to steady Arc! “How do you feel?! Do you need to rest?!”

“I’m okay. Really!”

“What?! HOW?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Such an outpouring of magic should have sapped your strength. Standing should not be possible.”

Arc heads for the door. “We'll talk about it on the way! Let's go!”

The group steps outside. Arc mounts Sereb as Ember jumps on behind him and wraps her claws around him!

“Sweet Apple Acres, Sereb! And hurry!”

Sereb runs at top speed down the road! Arc turns to Ember.

“To answer your question, somehow I was able to draw power from the gem in my forehead!

Ember frowns! “Where did the crystals get the power then?!”

“No idea!”

Sereb grunts. “That does not sound safe.”

“Maybe not, but neither is leaving Abyssinia without food any longer than necessary!”

Ember nods. “Great! Yet another mystery to solve!”

Arc smiles! “Never a dull moment.”

The trio quickly makes their way to Sweet Apple Acres! Big Mac and Apple Bloom are hurriedly moving baskets and crates out of the barn as Applejack tirelessly bucks apple trees in an effort to harvest more apples! Apple Bloom runs over to Arc as he and Ember approach!

“I'm sorry Mr. Arc, but this is all we have.”

Big Macintosh nods sadly. “Eyup.”

“Thank you! It will have to do!”

Applejack suddenly collapses!

“Big sis!”

Everyone runs over the Applejack who is lying in the grass, panting! Sweat pours from her body as Arc kneels down over her!

“I… I… I'm sorry sugarcube. But that's all I can do!”

Apple Bloom pats Applejack on the head. “It's okay big sis! Just rest! You did everything you could!”

“Eyup!”

Apple Bloom bucks a nearby tree with her small hooves to no avail! Seeing her trying so hard gives Arc pause.

“I have an idea! Ember, come with me!”

Arc and Ember rush to the barn as Apple Bloom turns to Sereb.

“What do you suppose they're up to?”

“I haven't the faintest idea.”

A few moments later Arc and Ember emerge from the barn carrying as many baskets as they can!

“Line them up!”

Ember hurries to carry out Arc's instructions! “What for?!”

“I’m not fully sure! The idea is still coming together in my mind!”

“Wait?! Are you saying...?”

Arc sighs! “Yup! A half-baked plan!”

“Great! I thought we were past this! You were doing so well too!”

“No one's perfect, Ember!”

The pair finish their task and return to Applejack’s side. Sereb looks to him for guidance.

“What now Arc?”

Arc picks Applejack up and sets her on Sereb's back.

“Everyone go stand by the barn! I need to concentrate!”

The group quickly does so!

Applejack looks up, weakly. “What? What's Arc doing?”

Sereb turns his head to look his charge in the eye. “I do not know.”

Arc focuses his magic as he stands in front of the baskets. “I can do this...”

Arc begins to levitate again as the crystal in his forehead glows! He floats there for a few moments appearing to be concentrating! Suddenly a multitude of apples fly off the trees and gather above Arc's head, the mountain of apples quickly overshadows the barn and much of the orchard! The others can only look on in amazement! Apple Bloom is the first to speak!

“Incredible!”

Big Macintosh nods, slack jawed. “EYUP!”

Arc points at the buckets in front of himself one by one, as he does so the apples above him quickly move to fill them. In but a few minutes every basket is filled! Arc lands gently on the ground and puts a hand to his forehead as he sits down heavily on the ground! Ember runs to him.

“ARC!”

“Whew! That one took a lot out of me.”

Apple Bloom looks to her friend, concerned! “Are you okay Mr. Arc?!”

“I... think so.”

Ember speaks in a concerned tone. “Are you sure?!”

“Y-yeah... just need a few moments to catch my breath. Apparently, this crystal boosts my magical prowess. However, it appears its power source is... me.

Applejack looks up weakly. “Crystals?”

Ember frowns! “Well, don't use em then!”

“Might not have a choice! Lives hang in the balance, Ember!”

Sereb nods. “Yours included Arc.”

Arc slowly gets to his feet. “Well, in any case, we got what we came for. Applejack, is it alright for us to buy all these apples?”

“S-sure. We can harvest more to fill our other orders.”

Arc walks over to Applejack. “Thanks! But please don't try so hard in the future, okay?”

Ember mutters under her breath. “You're one to talk, Arc.”

Applejack nods weakly. “I'll try sugarcube.”

“Sereb, can you take Applejack to bed please?”

Applejack looks up in protest! “What?! But, I...”

“Go rest now Applejack. I insist! Take a nap at least.”

Sereb walks toward the house as Applejack mutters under her breath. Arc walks over to Apple Bloom and kneels down in front of her.

“Do you think you could take care of a really important job for me, Apple Bloom?”

“Sure! What is it?!”

“We're going to start sending these apples to Abyssinia now. Can you handle inventory management please?”

Apple Bloom looks up happily! “Oh boy! Sure I can! Just let me get big sis' clipboard!”

She runs to the barn and returns a few moments later with a clipboard.

Ember looks at the rows of baskets lined up neatly. “Are you sure you can handle this?”

“Sure! I've seen Applejack do this a hundred times! All I have to do is put a mark down for each basket of apples on one side, and a mark on the other side for each crate of Zap Apple Jam!”

Arc smiles at the eager filly. “Sounds like you've got this under control, Apple Bloom. You ready to do this you two?”

Ember and Big Macintosh take their places at the front of the line of baskets.

“Eyup!”

Ember gives him a thumbs up. “Ready when you are, Arc! Just don't push yourself too hard!”

Arc begins to levitate again. “No promises... here we go!”

With great effort Arc opens a portal back to Panthera. He strains, using all his energy to maintain the portal!

“Okay, do it... HURRY!”

The others get to work! Ember looks to Arc as he continues to channel magical energy!

“You okay over there?!”

“It... it's unstable! I'll have to maintain the portal manually!”

Ember nods! “We'll go as fast as we can!”

Big Macintosh pushes a crate of jam through the portal. "Eyup!"

Sereb emerges from the house and runs up to the group! He picks up several baskets of apples with his magic and directs them through the portal! “I will help as well.”

In short order Ember, Big Macintosh and Sereb complete their task! Ember pushes the last crate through the portal.

“That's the last of them Arc.”

Arc nods and calls out in a weak voice. “Ember, Sereb... go through the portal! I'm right behind you.”

Ember jumps on Sereb's back as he runs toward the portal. The pair disappear through the twisting nether as Arc turns to Apple Bloom.

“Thank your sister for me.”

Apple Bloom nods. “I will!”

Arc turns toward the portal and Blinks into it. The portal closes behind him! Apple Bloom looks at the clipboard.

“I think I better let big sis handle adding all this up.”

Big Macintosh looks over Apple Bloom's shoulder at the tally marks, wide-eyed. “EYUP!”

Meanwhile... Ember and Sereb step out of the portal. They find what is most likely the entire city lined up for the evening meal. Max nods at the stack of goods before them.

“That's a lot of apples!”

Xenos lines up the last crate. “You got that right!”

Hugh opens up a crate of Zap Apple Jam. “You could feed an army with all this food!”

Viktor picks up a basket of apples and flies them over to a table. “Or an entire city! But where is the commander?!”

Ember turns her head to look at the portal. “He should be right behind us.”

Sereb nods. “I'm certain he is fine.”

A few moments later Arc emerges from the portal as it collapses behind him. He falls to the ground, breathing heavily as he lies there.

“Whew!”

Ember jumps off of Sereb and hurries to his side. “ARC!!!”

Arc looks up at her as she helps him sit up. “Did we... do it?”

Ember nods! “Yes. It looks we did! How do YOU feel though?!”

He smiles up at her, weakly. “Like a nap.”

King Felix and Queen Fiona quickly approach Arc!

“Thank you very much for the help, Lord Arc!”

“Are you... okay?!”

“Yes. I just need to rest now. It's been quite a day.”

Queen Fiona nods! “It's been quite the day for us as well! It's good to see our citizenry eating again!”

King Felix nods as he looks over to the line. “Thank you again for doing this, Lord Arc!”

“My pleasure. Now I don't mean to be rude, but I really need to lie down now.”

Queen Fiona smiles at him. “Of course, Lord Arc! You've certainly earned a rest!”

King Felix nods! “We'll help your forces distribute the food now!”

Arc looks at the horde of cats lined up. “Sounds good. I'll help too... after a rest.”

Ember helps Arc get into Sereb's saddle. “Oh no you're not! You're going to bed right now! Bodyguards orders!”

Sereb nods. “I agree with Ember. You need to rest now, Arc.”

Arc yawns. “I guess that's settled then. See you in the morning King Felix... Queen Fiona.”

King Felix nods happily! “Rest well, Lord Arc.”

Queen Fiona waves after him. “We will come see you again in the morning.”

Sereb ferries Arc back to the Lunar Destiny. King Felix turns to his wife.

“We should probably get to work now.”

Queen Fiona looks back toward the city. “I'll join you shortly dear. I just have to quickly take care of something.”

The king nods and heads toward Arc's crew. “Alright. Just don't be long! We have a lot of mouths to feed!”

“See you in a bit, dear!”

Queen Fiona quickly makes her way back into the city's now deserted streets and quietly slips into a nearby alleyway! She cautiously looks around nervously. Eventually a voice rings out behind her.

“Your majesty...”

She almost jumps out of her skin as she turns around!”

“Why do you always DO that?!”

A strange, short, stubby creature chuckles at her reaction from the shadows.

“Heh, heh, sorry. In any case, you're late!”

Queen Fiona glares at him! “My apologies, but it seems the situation has shifted.”

“Oh? How?”

She sighs. “The new Lord Regent of Equestria finally showed up.”

The creature nods happily! “Good! That should make the boss happy! He's been in such a mood lately.”

Queen Fiona looks to him angrily! “Well, you can go tell ‘the boss’ that his little plan almost cost my citizens dearly!”

He looks down with what appears to be genuine remorse. “Do you really want me to tell him that?”

The queen rolls her eyes. “No. He'd probably enjoy hearing about it.”

The little creature pulls an apple out of his cloak and munches on it. “Yup. So... here's what the boss wants you to do...”

Chapter 5 - Grocery Run

Arc awakens early the next morning. He stands up and stretches!

“Good as new after a good night's sleep!”

A voice rings out behind him.

“Glad to hear it.”

Arc turns around to see Ember lying on the bed smiling at him!

“You were really out of it last night.”

“Was I?”

Ember sits up and nods! “Yes, you were. Do you remember me waking you up last night to lower the sun?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Actually, no.”

“I thought so! You literally lowered the sun and raised the moon in your sleep!”

Sereb opens his eyes and stretches. “Yes. It was most impressive.”

Arc looks toward the window to raise the sun. “So tell me. Did the transports I ordered arrive safely?”

Ember smiles. “Yes. Don't worry about that. I went down there and had them set up right away!”

Sereb nods. “Not a moment too soon I might add. Redheart was nearly asleep on her hooves by the end.”

“Is she alright?!”

“She is. Sereb and I helped her get to bed early this morning. Although she's probably already up and back down there! It was a mess!”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed. I've never seen such thin creatures before. These pirates must indeed be most foul to commit such atrocities.”

Arc nods. “Agreed Sereb.”

Ember stands up from her place on the bed and walks over to Arc. “We have to do something about the! If we don't, nothing will change here!”

Arc nods soberly. “We’ll deal with them in due time, Ember. Right now, our primary concern is to return the citizens of this land to health."

Ember looks out the window at the tents. The citizenry is already lining up for breakfast! ”Well we're certainly on the right track there!”

Arc heads for the bathroom. “Let me get a quick shower and a change of raiments. Then we can head out and see what needs doing.”

“What about breakfast?!”

“We'll grab a quick bite on the way.”

Arc closes the bathroom door behind him. Ember turns to Sereb.

“Arc is really taking this seriously!”

“Indeed. Turning down breakfast is certainly out of character for him.”

Meanwhile, Arc steps into the shower and allows the hot water to wash over him for several minutes.

“This band of pirates... what could they possibly be after?! This feels like so much more than petty larceny! They must have SOME kind of end-game! I'll have to discuss this with the monarchs of this land.”

A short time later Arc finishes his shower and, after dressing, returns to Ember and Sereb. There are three plates of food on the table.

“What's this?”

Ember turns to him. “Our supper from last night! I went to the kitchen and reheated it. The kitchen staff was none too thrilled to cook fish once! I wanted to spare them the discomfort of heating them up a second time!”

Arc sits down. “Thanks Ember. I'm starving!”

Sereb nods. “Not surprising considering yesterday's activities.”

Arc eats hungrily! “Yeah. That really took a lot out of me!”

Ember sits down and begins to eat as well. “Please do try to watch yourself today Arc. You can't make this a habit!”

Sereb nods. “It's bad for our forces to see you so weakened.”

“No promises, but I'll try.”

A short time later Arc finishes his food and stands up.

“Ready to go you two?”

“Yup!”

Sereb nods. “Let us depart.”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the cabin and head toward the Main Hatch.

“So, who commanded the transport fleet, Ember?”

“Lieutenant Spitfire. General Virtuous Lance sent her to Canterlot with additional aid. The two convoys rendezvoused at Canterlot and made their way here in record time! I sent her to relieve Captain Tight Ship for some much-needed rest when she got here!”

Arc nods. “It seems you've led our forces well while I slept, Ember. I'm impressed!”

She blushes slightly. "It... it was nothing!"

Sereb nods. “A simple task for the future Dragon Lord I would think.”

“We all have to start somewhere. Although I am glad I can entrust such responsibility to you if the need arises.”

Ember clears her throat in an attempt to change the subject. “Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer came on the transports as well.”

“Oh? What for?”

Sereb shrugs. “They felt their skills would be needed here. What they meant by that I do not know.”

Ember nods. “A blacksmith is always a valuable asset in times of trouble!”

“Yeah, I can understand that.”

“In any case, I've already briefed them on the pirates and their toxic gas. They said they would get to work on a countermeasure of some kind!”

Arc nods! “I'm sure they'll figure something out in no time.”

The group makes their way down the gangplank. They quickly spot Lieutenant Spitfire coordinating relief efforts and make their way over to her.

“Sir!”

Arc looks around. “It appears you have everything under control here, lieutenant.”

Spitfire nods and salutes. “Yes sir! We got here late last night and got to work setting up a proper medical tent along with the extra medical staff we brought along.”

Ember looks around. “Where are the king and queen?”

“They went back to the Palace late last night. However, they should be back soon! It's rather surprising!”

Arc looks at the lieutenant, confused. “What do you mean?”

Spitfire gestures to the city. “From what I heard about this place, I expected a lot of trouble! But the populace, along with their rulers, appear to genuinely care for on another.”

Arc nods! “Hard times can bring out the best in everyone.”

“I just have one question, sir. Where are all their guards?”

Arc sighs. “Most of their military was killed in a chemical attack by some pirates.”

“Killed?!?!”

Ember nods. “By the same pirates that brought this land to this sorry state.”

“The Lunar Destiny's bridge crew are keeping they eyes open so the same doesn't happen to us.”

“Sir, we have to do something about this!”

“I'm working on a plan as we speak lieutenant. Don't worry. I won't leave this land undefended.”

Spitfire nods! “That's good to hear, sir!”

“Ember, would you please tell the king and queen I need to speak with them when they arrive?

Spitfire looks around the crowd. “They’re probably here already.”

Ember flies away. “I’ll see if I can find them!”

A few minutes later Ember returns with the monarchs.

“You wanted to see us Lord Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes. How are things in Panthera now?”

Queen Fiona sighs. “We have enough food to feed our city for some time now. However, there are quite a few other towns throughout Abyssinia that are in similar situations. While we hate to ask you for more, as you've already done so much, but…”

“Hmmm... how do we feed everyone in Abyssinia?”

Sereb steps forward. “It is worth pointing out that any solution you could come up with would be temporary at best.”

Spitfire nods! “He's right sir! At some point we'll need a long-term solution!”

“I agree, but we can't do that until the more pressing matters are dealt with!”

Ember frowns. “Like the pirates?”

“Yes. Now I have an idea where I can get some more food for the rest of the country. Ember, you and Sereb stay here and help safeguard this land until I return. Should the pirates show up Captain Tight Ship has my permission to blast them to kingdom come!”

“Wait! Where are YOU going?!

Arc reaches into his pocket and pulls out the pocket watch. Opening it to look at a smiling Cherry Jubilee, he walks toward the sigil.

“Asking a dear friend for help. Wish me luck.”

Arc uses the power of his crystal and powers up the sigil. In a moment he is gone. King Felix turns to Ember.

“He's going alone?!”

Ember nods. “Yeah... this friend of his... they were very close until a short time ago.”

“What changed?”

“She did.”

Sereb shakes his head. “It's like Arc said before, Ember. Things don't always work out the way you plan them.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. I understand that all too well.”

Meanwhile... Arc reappears on the sigil in Cherry Jubilee's basement. He can hear hoofsteps upstairs in the kitchen along with the clattering of pots and pans. He takes a deep breath and mutters to himself.

“Here goes nothing.”

Arc slowly makes his way over to the basement steps and looks up them.

“Hello? Cherry? Ruby? Are you there?”

A few moments later Cherry and Ruby look down the steps at Arc.

“Lord Arc? How did you get down there?!”

Ruby looks down the stairs at him angrily!

“What are you doing here?! I thought I told you to...”

“Sister! That's no way to speak to the Lord Regent!”

Cherry looks back down the stairs

“Please forgive my sister, sire!”

Arc sighs. “She's right Cherry. I really shouldn't be here right now. But I needed to speak to you two about a matter of great importance!”

Cherry motions for him to come upstairs. “Nonsense sire! As Lord Regent you are free to go wherever you wish! But please, come upstairs! My basement is not fit for a stallion such as yourself!”

“I… um… thank you.”

Ruby Jubilee taps her hoof angrily as he does so. “Can we hurry this along?! We have a lot of work to do today!”

“Sister! Hush!”

Cherry Jubilee looks back at Arc with a pained expression on her face!

“Again, I apologize sire! Now what is it we can do for you?”

“Now I know that two of you aren't exactly happy with me right now. However Cherry, I'm not here today as your fiancé, but as a customer. I'm here to buy your cherry reserves.”

Ruby Jubilee rolls her eyes. “Fine. How much do you need?”

“All of it.”

Cherry Jubilee blinks repeatedly. “I'm sorry, what?”

“I need every cherry you can spare!”

Ruby Jubilee frowns! “See here, Lord Arc! I know you're desperate to see my sister and all, but this is going too far! You're wasting taxpayer bits!”

“I legitimately need the food to feed a country across the sea! Please! You'll be paid for every cherry I take! That I promise you!”

Cherry Jubilee looks away, a pained expression on her face. “I... I don't know. Our parents didn't exactly look well on outsiders enjoying our cherries. They started this ranch to feed ponies! Not... other creatures. Please don't be angry with me sire, but those were my parent’s wishes!”

Ruby Jubilee nods! “And we should respect them, Cherry!”

She turns back to Arc. “I'm sorry sire, but can you please get food for these outsiders somewhere else?”

“Where were they years ago when Equestria needed help?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest “You know, I could just order you to sell me what I need! But perhaps you don't understand the gravity of the situation! They're literally STARVING over there! Their military is all but destroyed, and they've been beset on by a band of viscous opportunists! Now, I need to go after the pirates, but I can't do that until they are fed!”

Cherry Jubilee looks to Arc, nervously. “Are… are you going to take our cherries by royal decree?!”

Arc sighs. “I... I would rather just buy them like a normal customer. But I guess that's up to you two.”

Ruby looks to her sister. “We would like to help, but shouldn't they take care of their own problems? I mean, I know it sound cruel and all but Equestria has its own issues that need addressing.”

Cherry Jubilee nods! “Agreed sister. We need to hold onto our reserves in case the ponies of Equestria need them!”

“The Cherry Jubilee I feel in love with would never turn away someone in need!”

“I understand that sire, but...”

Arc steps forward, angrily! “Their citizens are DYING!”

There is a tense silence.

“Will you please sell them to me?”

Ruby shakes her head, angrily! “I don't think so! What do you say, Cherry?”

Cherry Jubilee bows her head and sighs. “Very well Lord Arc. We'll sell you three quarters of our reserves.”

“But sister, that's quite a sizable amount! How about ten percent?!”

“No Ruby. I know mother and father wouldn't be too happy about this, but we can't just ignore an entire country that's starving! We'll rebuild our reserves over the next couple of harvests!”

“I suppose we could. But what about Equestria?!”

“I understand what you're saying sister. But I couldn't live with myself if I didn't help those who were hungry! Ponies or otherwise.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Cherry.”

Ruby Jubilee rolls her eyes. “Fine... follow me... ‘sire’.”

She leads Arc and Cherry out the front door and over to the warehouse. Ruby Jubilee gestures top the crates with a hoof, angrily!

“There they are, Lord Arc. Take what you want! Although you should have brought help!”

“Thank you.”

Arc picks up a small cardboard box.

“Might I have this?”

Cherry Jubilee looks at the small box, confused. “Forgive me sire, but that box won't hold much. Besides, the jars are already crated up for easy transport.”

“Trust me Cherry.”

Arc uses his magic to line the crates up in front of himself. Cherry whispers to her sister.

“What do you suppose he's doing?”

Ruby Jubilee shakes her head and frowns! “Probably wasting time.”

Arc stacks all the boxes in front of himself until he is satisfied. He then turns back to the sisters.

“Is that about three quarters worth?”

Ruby Jubilee picks up a clipboard and looks it over.

“Three crates over.”

Arc sadly turns back toward the crates. “Very well.”

Using his magic, Arc puts three crates back on the racks as Ruby writes out an invoice.

“I'll send the bill to Canterlot. See to it that it's paid promptly, would you kindly?”

Arc takes the paper from Ruby. “I will. Thank you.”

Cherry Jubilee looks at the paper as Arc takes it. “Wait! Lord Arc, may I see that for a moment please?”

“Certainly.”

Cherry takes the invoice along with the clipboard from her sister and looks it over before writing something on it. Ruby looks to Cherry!

“Sister? What are you doing?”

“Giving Lord Arc a wholesale discount.”

“What?! Why?!”

Cherry Jubilee looks at the crates. “This certainly qualifies for wholesale pricing, does it not?”

“Yes, but... it's going overseas!”

“I don't mind. Besides... Lord Arc was very Kind not to just take our supplies! He certainly has the authority to do so!”

Ruby nods. “True, but...”

Cherry holds up a hoof for silence. “That and he... he didn't take my hoof in marriage forcefully, or try to guilt me into willingly doing so.”

She walks over to Arc with the clipboard and gives him the amended invoice.

“Sire, I... I have to know! Why? Why don't you just order me to become your bride?! I mean... I get the feeling you really want me by your side! Don't you love me?!”

Arc kneels down to look Cherry in the eye. “I... I do, Cherry. But that wouldn't make YOU happy! I can only hope and pray that someday, hopefully soon, your memories return and we can be together again!”

She nods! “I'd like that too, sire! I mean... I'd like to have my memories back! Sorry, but... I just don't love you! Please forgive me!”

Arc sighs. “I don't hold your feelings for me, or lack thereof, against you Cherry. This isn't your fault!”

“Thank you sire.”

Cherry extends a hoof to Arc.

“I know Ruby is still angry with you, but can we at least be friends?”

Arc takes Cherry’s hoof in his hand and shakes it.

“Cherry... I never stopped being your friend. Even when you forgot me! I will always be there for you if you need me!”

The two look at each other wordless for a long time.

Ruby Jubilee clears her throat loudly! “Shouldn't you be getting back… sire?”

Arc stands. “Yes... you're right Ruby.”

He turns back to the crates of cherry preserves. Arc raises his hands and uses the Matter Compacting spell to shrink them down to a more manageable size before using his magic to carefully place them in the cardboard box. Picking up the filled box, he turns back to the sisters.

“Thank you. Ruby Jubilee?”

“What?!”

Arc sighs. “Take care of your sister for me. If either of you ever need anything at all give me a call.”

Cherry nods. “Thank you sire.”

Arc looks at the contents of the box for a long moment as a single tear rolls down his face. “I need to go now. Goodbye… Cherry.”

He uses his crystals to open a portal and is gone. Cherry Jubilee does not move.

“S-sister? Are you alright?”

Cherry does not look back at her sister as she looks around the warehouse and all the bare racks!

“I've never seen the Warehouse this empty before.”

“Indeed sister. Don't you worry though. We'll fill it up again together!”

Cherry Jubilee suddenly falls to her knees and bows her head! Ruby runs over to her!

“Sister! What's wrong?!”

Cherry raises her head to look at the empty racks again! “Everything! This room... these racks... they... they remind me of myself!”

“What do you mean?”

“My memories of Lord Arc are like these racks... EMPTY! Like... like my heart!”

Cherry Jubilee begins to cry. Ruby lies down on the floor next to her sister and puts a hoof around her.

“There, there Cherry. It's going to be alright. This isn't your fault! If Arc had just...”

“Just stop it, Ruby!”

Cherry Jubilee puts her head against her sister. “I... I don't remember him and what happened is kinda fuzzy too! But after today I do remember one thing!”

Ruby looks to her hopeful! “That's wonderful Cherry! What is it?!”

The mare only cries harder! “That... that Lord Arc truly loves me and wants what's best for me! I just wish I felt the same toward him!”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears on the sigil in his cabin. He looks in the box.

“It was nice seeing you again, Cherry. I hope we can be together again soon.”

Arc takes a few more moments to contemplate this and compose himself before bringing the box outside to the others. Ember walks over with Sereb, King Felix and Queen Fiona.

“That took a while!”

“Y-yeah. I'm sorry for making all of you wait.”

Queen Fiona nods understandingly. “We understand, Lord Arc.”

Arc looks down at the box. “This should help feed everyone else.”

King Felix looks at the contents of the box. “I'm sorry Lord Arc, but I don't quite follow your logic.”

“Let me show you then.”

Arc sets the box down on the ground. He uses his magic to line up all the miniature crates before casting the Matter Compacting counter spell. In a few moments the crates are returned to their original size!

Queen Fiona’s eyes grow wide! “Incredible!”

Her husband nods! “Extraordinary! I don't know how you did that Lord Arc, but we are again in your debt!”

The queen nods! “Indeed. And that debt appears to be growing!”

The king turns back to Arc. “I don't know how yet, but we'll find a way to repay you someday!”

“I'm sure you will. But right now, let's see about saving lives!”

Queen Fiona turns away sadly. “Thank you, Lord Arc. We… we don't deserve such Kindness from you.”

“I'm just doing this to help your citizens.”

King Felix nods! “And we thank you for it! Hopefully this can be a new beginning for both our countries!”

Arc nods! “Yes, we can talk about that later. Right now we have bigger problems. Would the two of you please walk with me?”

The king and queen follow Arc back to the Lunar Destiny. They are followed by Ember and Sereb. As they walk the ship’s halls, Arc turns to them.

“What can you tell me about these pirates?”

King Felix thinks for a moment. “Well, they always come from the east. Although the neighboring towns have all told different stories, we've been able to nail down a general area where the pirates must have some kind of base!”

Queen Fiona nods! “That is correct. However, this information is of little use to us, as we no longer have a standing army to speak of!”

“What exactly are the pirates? I'm assuming they are not equine or feline.”

King Felix shrugs. “We're not actually sure. No one in Panthera has ever seen creatures like them!”

Queen Felix sighs. “They are quite large though. About as big as you are Lord Arc! And they walk on their hind legs!”

Ember looks to the monarchs “Are they armed?”

“Very much so! They wear anti-magic armor and carry wicked looking spears!”

“I believe their armaments may be more for intimidation than anything else. They're certainly strong enough without them!”

Sereb growls. “Any known weaknesses?”

“Well, they're not terribly bright. I know it's not much, but it's a start.”

Arc nods thoughtfully. “You said they have a ship. What can you tell us about them?”

“They appear to be made out of the same material as their armor. Almost impenetrable!”

Ember raises an eyebrow, hopeful! “Almost?”

“My husband only says that because, as we all know, nothing is truly unbreachable.”

“Right. Sadly, we don't know any more about their ship other than it’s fitted with gas launchers at the very least.”

Queen Fiona nods, sadly. “Yes. Our military found that out the hard way.”

“Lord Arc, you're not considering going after them, are you?!”

Arc nods! “Yes I am! If these pirates are as well-equipped as you say they are, it's only a matter of time before they move on to pillage other countries!”

Ember turns to Arc. “Who knows what their true objectives are!”

Sereb ponders this for a moment. “Perhaps they wish to conquer the world.”

The king shakes his head. “Possible, but unlikely. This band doesn't seem to have such grand designs.”

“They, for all intents and purposes, conquered our land dear! Simple pirates don't do things like that!”

“Yes, well… in any case Lord Arc, if you were to attack them all they would have to do is open fire on your forces with their gas! I doubt your troops would fare any better than ours did!”

“What if our opponents couldn't use their gas on us?”

Queen Fiona nods soberly. “They would still be a fearsome opponent, but they would lose much of their immediate advantage.”

“You got a plan, Arc?”

“I will as soon as I talk to Steel Hammer and his wife, Ember. They're pretty good at coming up with mechanical based ideas.”

Ember smiles! “Better than you Arc?”

“Maybe. In any case, here we are!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “You planned this, didn't you?”

Arc nods as he opens the doors to the armory! “Yup.”

Inside the group finds Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer hard at work on something.

“Glad you two could make it!”

Steel Hammer nods and salutes! “Hope you don't mind us coming over here Arc.”

Silver Hammer smiles. “But I suppose it's a good thing we did. Ember tells us you need to counter some kind of toxic gas!”

“I do. Any ideas?”

“Yes. We've been working on a little something since we took off yesterday. I think it should fit the bill!”

Silver Hammer nods! “Our prototype is in the back room. Steel Hammer, why don't you take Arc back there and give him a hoof putting it on.”

“Right this way!”

Arc and Steel Hammer head to the back room together. Ember turns to Silver Hammer.

“So, what is it? Some new kind of armor?”

King Felix shudders. “I hope not. Our troop's armor was heavily corroded by the gas!”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “Not exactly. We mean to use what Arc already has while adding a few new tricks to his repertoire!”

About ten minutes later the pair emerge from the back room. Arc is clad in Eidolon's Ward. Queen Fiona looks confused.

“Isn't that the armor you were wearing when we met, Lord Arc? While it may withstand the toxic fumes, I doubt you will!”

Sereb looks Arc over carefully. “It is not what is on the outside that matters. But what is underneath.”

Arc replies in a rather strange voice. “Right you are, Sereb!”

He removes his gauntlets to reveal a thin mesh clothing.

Steel Hammer walks over. “Waterproof and heavily resistant to corrosion! The gas can't dissolve what it can't get to!”

Ember grins! “Nice! But what if he breathes it in?! I doubt Arc can hold his breath for that long!”

Arc removes his helmet. “Don't worry about that Ember. They've thought of everything.”

His head is wrapped in the same black material as his hands, over his mouth is a mask of some sort with built in goggles and rebreather.

Silver Hammer nods! “The black suit Arc is wearing is a one-piece construction. Thankfully it will be covered by his armor. A seamstress I am not.”

Steel Hammer sighs. “This SHOULD do the trick. The only down side is without a sample of the gas we have no way of actually testing it before use!”

“It will do.”

Ember frowns. “How can you be so sure Arc?!”

“It has to. But, if you all don't mind, I think I need to take this thing off! I'm roasting!”

Silver Hammer looks to him, apologetically! “Sorry, but the airtight aspect of it works both ways. You're going to sweat like a pig in the sun and there's nowhere for it to go!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Sadly, it interferes with the thermal regulators. I might be able to find a way around that, but it will take time!”

Arc shakes his head. “Time is something we don't have. I'll take it out as-is.”

Silver Hammer nods, understanding. “Do be careful Arc. Even you aren't invincible! Oh yes! I was able to make a suit for you as well Ember!”

Steel Hammer picks up a suit up off a nearby table. “It proved to be harder than we originally thought. Especially the claws. Do try not to rip it miss.”

Ember takes the suit from Steel Hammer. “No promises!”

King Felix looks back to Arc. “I still must caution against such action Lord Arc! The two of you can't hope to take on all the pirates!”

“How many of them are there.”

“At least a hundred!”

Arc shrugs. “I'll take fifty, and Ember takes fifty. Easy.”

She nods. “Yeah. We got this!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Confidence comes before a fall.”

Arc sighs. “Okay Sereb. I know you're right. We'll do it carefully.”

Spitfire rushes in the door and salutes Arc!

“Sir, we've just captured a pirate spy!”

“What? Where?!”

“We're not sure how, but he somehow got aboard the Lunar Destiny! They’re being searched and questioned as we speak!”

Queen Fiona looks to the lieutenant nervously! “Are you sure they’re with the pirates?!”

Spitfire shrugs. “I don't know. He seems pretty small and unintimidating. We're not taking any chances though!”

Arc nods. “Good work! I'd like to interrogate him myself. Bring them to my cabin when you're done lieutenant!”

“Yes sir!”

Spitfire rushes out the door!

Queen Fiona frowns. “How could anyone have gotten in here?!”

Arc shrugs. “With all the commotion around here lately it's no surprise someone was able to get aboard! Well it looks like we're going to have to cut this conversation short you two.”

He turns to Sereb and Ember.

“Let's get to my cabin. I want to get out of this thing before we meet this intruder.”

King Felix nods. “We'll head back to the medical tent. There's still so much to be done!”

Arc nods! “Alright. See you later.”

Everyone leaves the Armory. The Hammers return to their work.

“Silver Hammer, I just had a rather interesting idea!

Silver Hammer sighs. “I think I know what you mean. Well, let's get to it!”

Meanwhile, Arc, Sereb and Ember make their way back to his cabin. Arc retreats to the bathroom and carefully removes the body suit. He emerges in his royal raiments.

“Much better.”

Ember nods to him! “What do you suppose the infiltrator's mission was?”

Sereb growls. “Perhaps he was going to assassinate you, Arc.”

Arc walks over to the window and looks out! “As soon as Lieutenant Spitfire gets here, we can get to the bottom of this.”

A few minutes later there is a knock at the cabin door.

“Come!”

Lieutenant Spitfire enters the cabin and salutes.

“We're about to bring him in here under heavy guard sir! He looks harmless enough, but were not going to risk it after the trouble he gave us!”

Ember steps in front of Arc along with Sereb! “Neither are we.”

“Trouble?”

Spitfire nods. “For such a small creature he sure gave us a run for our money! He's a slippery one!”

“Bring him in.”

Spitfire looks behind her and calls to her guards.

“Bring in the prisoner!”

The captive is brought in with two guards in front and two behind! Each guard holds a chain that is attached to the prisoner's shackles! Ember stares at the prisoner.

“No way...! It... it can't be...”

Arc pushes past Sereb and Ember and stares at the prisoner, wide-eyed!

“Um... hi. L-long time no see?”

He turns to Spitfire.

“Lieutenant, THIS is the one who gave you so much trouble?!”

She nods! “Please be careful sir! He's more dangerous than he looks!”

Arc takes a good long look at the captive before him. Ember and Arc then proceeds to fall to the floor clutching their sides and laughing! The prisoner appears insulted.

“Hmph! It's not all THAT funny...”

Ember lies on the floor, nearly crying from holding her sides! “Arc! This is just too good!”

Arc clutches his sides as he laughs hysterically! “I know, right!”

He looks up at the prisoner before doubling over with laughter yet again!

“I... I'm sorry! It's just so unbelievable!”

Ember slowly stands up, still chuckling! “If you could see it from our point of view, you'd understand!”

Arc takes Ember’s claw as she helps him stand up. “Okay, now that we have that out of the way, lieutenant release him.”

Spitfire’s eyes grow wide! “What?! But he's dangerous!”

Ember nods! “I'm sure he is, but we both know him!”

Arc smiles! “Yeah. How's it going Spike?”

Spike frowns as his shackles are removed. “Well, to tell you the truth, not so good.”

“Thanks for taking care of my friend Spike here lieutenant.”

Spitfire bows. “My apologies sir! I thought he was a stowaway!”

Ember nods. “He is. But we'll take it from here.”

“Yeah. Glad to see you and the other guards on your toes. All of you are dismissed.”

Spitfire and the guards leave the room in confusion. Arc gestures to the bowl of fruit on the table.

“Hungry Spike?”

The baby dragon rushes over to the bowl and grabs some fruit! “Boy am I ever!”

Spike eats hungrily!

“You're not going to believe this Arc, but there's no food ANYWERE aboard your ship!”

Ember rolls her eyes! “Really Spike? THAT’S the biggest concern you have right now?!”

Spike shrugs. “Hey, a growing dragon's gotta eat!”

“All the food was brought outside by my order.”

“Why?”

“To feed the starving population out there.”

Spike stops chewing. “Come again?”

Ember shakes her head. “Do you have any idea where we are?!”

“I dunno. We were heading east. Baltimare?”

Arc shakes his head. “Panthera.”

“Where's that?”

“It's the capital of Abyssinia. A land across the Celestial Sea.”

“Past the Dragon Lands?!”

Ember sighs. “Yes, Spike!”

Arc chuckles. “You're a long way from home my friend. Tell me, what are you doing here?!”

“Well... Twilight and I had a bit of a fight. She told me I was just another experiment to her!”

Arc frowns. “Well that doesn't sound like her.”

“I heard it clear as day! It was then that I decided it was time for me to find my own way in the world!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “By climbing aboard the Lunar Destiny?”

“It seemed like the quickest way out of town. And the safest.”

Arc sighs. “We're about to go against a band of pirates who stole EVERYTHING from this country!”

Spike hold up an apple. “Even the food?”

Ember nods. “Even the food.”

“Don't they have warriors or something?”

Arc shakes his head. “They're pretty much all dead.”

“Isn't there anything nice about this place?!”

Ember nods. “Yes. It's full of innocents who need our help. Arc, do you think you can open a portal back to Ponyville?”

Arc steps on the sigil. “Sure. Come on Spike! I'll take you back to Twilight.”

“NO! Please! Can't I stay with you?!”

Ember frowns! “This isn't a game Spike! We could get hurt... or worse!”

“Wait a minute! Spike, did you tell Twilight you were leaving?!”

“No, why?”

Arc quickly walks over to the phone! “She's probably worried sick!”

Spike folds his claws over his chest and frowns. “Hmph! I doubt it!”

“You wait and see! She's probably pacing the floor with worry, Spike!”

Arc puts the receiver to his ear as Lemon Hearts comes on the line!

“Yes, Lord Regent?”

“I need to be connected to the Golden Oaks Library in Ponyville.”

“Right away sir!”

A few moments later they are connected. Meanwhile at the Golden Oaks Library the phone rings! Twilight raises her head!

“Spike! Can you get that please? Spike?”

She walks upstairs to answer the phone herself.

“Where is that dragon? Hello? Golden Oaks Library.”

“Hi Twilight, this is Arc!”

“Hi Arc! How are things... wherever you went?”

Arc pauses for a moment, confused. “We're in Panthera at the moment. Um... how are things over there?”

Twilight laughs! “Just fine! I felt a lot better after a good rest! By the way, thanks for bringing me home!”

“Um… anything you want to tell me?”

“Yes! We're getting close to finding a cure! Auriel's been running tests on our prototype samples for the past couple days! Things are finally looking up! If all goes well, we should have a cure before the end of the week!”

Arc looks to Spike and sighs. “That's great Twilight.”

“Arc? Is everything alright? You don't sound like yourself?”

“Twilight… is Spike there?”

“I don't think so. He didn't answer the phone after all!”

“When was the last time you saw him?”

“Right after you brought me home. Why?”

“Where is he now?”

Twilight looks around the room. “I'm not really sure. We had a fight about something or other and he stormed out! I'm sure he's around here somewhere, but I've just been too busy to notice.”

“Twilight... Spike's here with me.”

“But I thought you were in Panthera.”

“I am.”

There is a long pause.

“Arc? Are you saying Spike is in… Panthera?!”

“Yes Twilight.”

“HOW?!”

“He hitched a ride on my airship. We just found him.”

“Oh Celestia! Is he okay?!”

“A little hungry, but otherwise fine. He... he doesn't want me to take him home.”

Twilight sounds confused! “But... but this is where he lives! How can he not want to come back here?!”

Arc bites his lip. “He says you told him he was just another experiment.”

“WHAT?! I never said that?!”

“Well, he's convinced you did.”

“Let me talk to him. We'll straighten this out!”

Arc looks at Spike.

“She wants to talk to you.”

Spike takes the phone and yells into it!

“I HATE YOU TWILIGHT!”

He then drops the receiver and runs out of the room crying! Ember follows him!

“Spike! Wait!”

Arc picks up the receiver. “He's not very happy right now.”

“I think I remember our last conversation. We were in my lab and he was asking me a bunch of questions. I wasn't really paying attention to him, but instead just agreed with whatever he said!”

“Uh oh... that would certainly explain it.”

Twilight begins to cry! “Oh Arc... what have I done?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No parent is perfect Twilight.”

“But I said terrible things to him!”

“Look Twilight, I think the two of you have just been working too hard lately. Being together all the time is hard on the nerves, I'm sure.”

“But how do I fix this?!”

“How about you have Spike stay with Ember and I for a while? When I get back to Canterlot in a day or two I'll find him something to do around the castle.”

“Do you really think that's a good idea?”

“Yes. Before too long he'll get homesick and I'll bring him back to you.”

Sereb nods. “All children leave home eventually.”

Twilight sighs. “Well okay. If you're sure.”

“Yes, well… I just don't know what else to do. If I sent him home now, he and you would just end up fighting.”

“You're right, Arc. I'll let Spike stay with you for as long as he needs. Would you just tell him something for me?”

“Name it.”

“Just... just tell him that I... I'm sorry.”

Arc nods. “I will.”

“Well I'm sure your busy with a million things over there so I'll let you get back to it. Take good care of my number one assistant, would you please?”

“He'll be fine with me.”

“Thank you Arc... for everything.”

“You're welcome Twilight. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the receiver as Ember drags Spike into the room, literally by his tail!

“Come on Spike! Say hello to Twilight properly!”

“NO! I never want hear from her again!”

Arc sighs. “Let him go Ember.”

Ember does so.

Spike frowns. “So, what did SHE have to say?!”

“We agreed that you two need some time apart. You'll be staying with me until we get back to Canterlot.”

Spike nods! “Okay! What then?!”

“I'll find you something to do in the castle. You're pretty good at keeping Twilight organized, right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I can give you a job organizing things.”

Spike smiles at the idea! “Sounds great! What about now?!”

Ember speaks up! “There's a small library aboard the ship. He could start there.”

Arc nods. “Okay. Have at it Spike! Just one thing... don't leave the ship without my permission, okay? This land is rather dangerous."

“I understand! Thanks Arc! You're a lifesaver!”

“Before you get started, Twilight wanted me to tell you something Spike.”

He frowns. “What is it?”

“She just wanted you to know that she's sorry for what happened.”

Spike walks toward the door. “Hmph! Yeah right! I'm like one of her books! She takes care of them, but doesn't really care FOR them!”

Spike leaves the room as Ember turns to Arc.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Arc shrugs. “It was the best I could come up with on such short notice. I'm sure Twilight is hard to live with right now, considering her workload!”

Sereb nods. “What of Twilight herself?”

“She has Auriel there to at least make sure she eats and sleeps somewhat regularly. They'll be fine!”

Meanwhile back at the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight is passed out on one of her books while Auriel is face down on her lab bench.

Chapter 6 - The Queen and the Corsair

Ember sighs “Are you certain you really want to do this Arc? If we fail the pirates could come after Equestria next in retaliation!

Arc sighs. “I get the feeling they'll do that even if we do nothing!”

“But...”

Arc clenches his fists “We have to stop them now before they get too big to handle.”

Sereb nods. “Are you certain this is the best course of action?”

“No. But this is just part of the job! Making important decisions without all the information is not something I enjoy doing, but sometimes I have no choice. Now if you would like to stay here, I won't think less of you Ember."

She shakes her head. “No way I'm letting you go alone! We stand or fall... together!”

“Thanks Ember. But let's try to skip the ‘falling in battle’ part, okay?”

“Gladly!”

Sereb nods soberly. “I will come with you as well.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry Sereb. But without the proper safety gear you wouldn't live too long.”

‘I am aware of that. However, if it is your desire for me to accompany you Arc, that is also my wish.”

“Your loyalty to me is admirable Sereb. But I would rather you to stay alive and look after things while I'm gone.”

“Very well.”

Ember holds up her chemical suit. “Sorry to leave you behind like this, but without one of these suits you wouldn't make it!”

Sereb sighs. “I understand. Might I at least scout ahead?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Find the pirate base and gather intel. But after that come back here. Do not needlessly engage the enemy!”

“Understood.”

Sereb leaves the cabin as Ember turns to Arc.

“When do we leave?”

He walks over to his bed. “After a good rest and a proper lunch.”

Arc lies down on his side, a few moments later Ember curls up next to him.

“Ember. You really shouldn't...”

“This mission is going to be dangerous Arc! We... we might not come back! Just let me have this moment, okay?”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Sleep well Ember.”

The pair take a couple hours to rest. Eventually Arc raises his head.

“Ember? You awake?”

“No...”

“We should get up now. It's almost noon.”

Ember buries her face in Arc's back. “Just... five more minutes.”

“Heh... now you’re starting to sound like Dinky.”

“I'll take that as a compliment.”

Arc moves to sit up.

“Enough of a good thing.”

Ember grabs his arm and looks him in the eye! “Please... stay here where it's safe! I’ll go!

“You know I can't let you do that Ember.”

She lets go and looks down. “I... I know. It's just... I don't want to lose you! Sorry about this.”

Arc takes her claw in his hand and gives it a squeeze. “It's okay. I know how you get before a mission.”

“What?”

“You always get this way right before we do something dangerous.”

Ember blushes slightly. “I do not! ...do I?”

“Yup. And I do appreciate the concern. But… you know.”

Ember sits up. “Yeah... sorry.”

Arc nods and walks toward the door. “Don't be sorry. Someone has to watch my back!”

Ember gets up and walks quickly over to Arc! “What do you think I do every time you sleep?!”

The pair leave the cabin and head toward the Main Hatch. “That's not quite what I meant.”

Ember grins! “Yeah, I know!”

The pair head down the gangplank and proceed to the Mess Tent. The king and queen are sitting together eating apple pie as the pair approach them.

“Enjoying Ponyville's bounty?”

The king nods! “Indeed! We had no idea apples were so tasty until today!”

Queen Fiona laughs! “It's not something we usually have access to, mind you. Please join us!”

Ember takes a seat along with Arc. “Thanks. That pie does look good!”

Spike enters the tent and makes his way over to the group.

“Hiya, Arc! I’ve almost got the ship’s library organized! Hope you don’t mind me stepping out for a snack!”

“That’s fine! Have a seat, Spike. Pie?”

“Yes please!”

Ember serves him a plate.

“There you go Spike!”

“Thanks!”

Arc gestures to the monarchs. “Spike, I'd like you to meet King Felix and Queen Fiona, rulers of Abyssinia.”

Spike drops his fork! Standing, he quickly bows! “Y-your majesties!”

Ember flicks a bit of pie off his cheek.

“This is Spike. Equestria's only other dragon resident.”

Queen Fiona shakes Spike's claw. “Charmed!”

The king nods. “A pleasure, Spike!”

Spike turns back to Arc. “You didn't tell me you were eating lunch with royalty!”

Queen Fiona looks to Arc confused. “But Lord Arc, aren't you royalty yourself?”

Arc shakes his head. “I am not. Equestrian law states that should no princess be fit to sit on the throne, the Hero of Light is next in line to lead the nation.”

Ember nods! “Well from what I've seen, you're right up there in status Arc!”

Spike nods. “Yeah! Everypony loves and respects you! At least in Ponyville! Can't really speak for all of Equestria.”

The king nods. “If you care for your citizens as well as ours, I can see why!”

Queen Fiona suddenly looks worried. “Lord Arc, I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but are you really going after the pirates?!”

“Yup.”

“But... you don't even know where they are!”

Arc and Ember’s lunch in brought over to them.

“Sereb's out there tracking down their base of operation. As soon as he gets back Ember and I will head out.”

The king frowns. “Isn't that rather dangerous?!”

Ember nods as she eats. “Yeah... for THEM!”

Arc chuckles. “He'll be fine. I told him to just scout it out and return. Then I can make a better plan!”

Spike nods! “I guess it does help to know what you're up against.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Welcome to my world, Spike. You have no idea how long it took Arc to learn that simple concept.”

Arc winks at her. “You miss my half-baked plans, don't you Ember!?”

Ember frowns! “Yeah! Like I miss Tartarus!”

Spike shudders at the thought! “Um, Arc? Do you do stuff like this often?”

“All the time.”

Ember nods. “Keeps things interesting.”

“I'm glad Twilight doesn't know about this! She worries about you enough already!”

“Well I worry about her as well. She doesn't exactly take the best care of herself.”

Ember turns to Spike. “You should have seen her when we got back to the castle, Spike! She was like a crazy pony!”

Spike appears surprised! “Really?! She's never been that bad before! I wonder what changed!”

Arc turns to Spike. “Maybe it was because she didn't have someone to keep an eye on her. Like an assistant?

“Yeah... I should have been there to take care of her. But she has Auriel now! She's the best assistant ever!”

King Felix turns to Spike. “You've known this Twilight for a long time?”

Spike nods! “Ever since I was born! She hatched me!”

Queen Fiona smiles at him. “One should not throw away such a deeply rooted friendship so casually!”

“Spike, I'm sure Twilight didn't mean to hurt you. She was really sorry about what happened when I spoke to her on the phone.”

Spike turns away angrily! “I'll believe that when I see it!”

He gets up from the table.

“I'm going to get back to work on the Library. Be careful out there, Arc. You too Ember.”

Spike runs up to Ember and gives her a hug.

Ember pats Spike's head. “I'll be back before you know it! How about we have some snacks together later and catch up like I promised earlier?!”

Spike blushes slightly and nods. “I'd like that!”

Ember calls after him as Spike leaves the tent! “Great! It's a date then!”

Spike quickly returns to the library and begins work anew! He mutters to himself as he works.

“A date. Maybe Auriel was right!”

Meanwhile... back at the Mess Tent, Sereb enters and quickly makes his way over to Arc and company

“Sereb! Perfect timing! Was your mission successful?”

Sereb nods. “Very. The pirates have a large base about five miles to the east.”

King Felix looks astonished! “That close?!”

“Indeed. Although most of it appears to be behind a very sturdy looking wall, there were two very large tanks. They were quite a distance apart though.”

The king looks nervous. “That must be where their storing the gas!”

“Let's not jump to conclusions, dear!”

Arc nods. “It would make sense to mix the gas as it was needed. I certainly wouldn't want such a deadly concoction sitting around!”

Ember turns to Sereb. “Any guards?”

“Plenty. I saw half a dozen around the clearing. There's no way to know how many are inside though. When they opened the main door to change the guards, I thought I smelled felines inside.”

King Felix nods. “It's probably our stolen property.”

“Yes. To the best of our knowledge they haven't taken any prisoners. Just objects of value.”

Sereb nods. “That would make sense.”

Ember sighs. “You have a plan, Arc?”

“Kinda. I need to see the layout for myself before I can really nail an idea down.”

Ember frowns. “We're not going in spears slashing, are we?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah! Trust me on this one. I'll think of something.”

He, Ember and Sereb leave the Mess Tent. Queen Fiona looks to her husband.

“Now I'm worried.”

“You and me both, dear.”

Arc and Ember head back to Arc's cabin to put on their protective suits and armor. They then hop on Sereb's back and are off. A good ride later Sereb stops. He points a large paw ahead.

“The pirate stronghold is in a clearing ahead.”

Arc nods. “Good work. Head back to the Lunar Destiny now.”

“Very well.”

Sereb quickly runs back toward Panthera as Ember and Arc quietly make their way toward the clearing on their bellies. As Sereb reported, there are half a dozen guards patrolling the grounds around the tanks and Main Entrance. The pirates are rather strange looking ape-like creatures with gray skin and white manes that cover their heads. They are wearing helmets and body armor to a degree. However, much of their body is exposed to the elements.

“Quite the setup they have here!”

Ember nods. “What ARE those things?!”

“No idea.”

“One way in, one way out. Clever. We'll never get past all those guards undetected!”

Arc nods. “Let's wait for a changing of the guard. See how the door works.”

“Okay.”

A short while later the door opens. Fresh guards come out and the standing guards enter the base. The last one in pushes a button inside the doorway.

Arc nods! “I'm going to venture a guess that the door can only be opened from the inside.”

Ember sighs. “That doesn't really help us, now does it?”

“Hmmm...”

“Now would be a good time for a plan, Arc!”

“Working on it.”

Arc lies there watching the pirate’s movement for a time.

“Are you sleeping over there?!”

“I got an idea!”

“Finally! What is it?

“We surround them!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Gee, do you think there are enough of us?”

He smiles at her. “Okay, but seriously! Here's what we're going to do.”

Arc explains his plan to Ember in great detail. She narrows her eyes.

“You’re not serious.”

“You have a better idea?

Ember sighs. “No, but I want to go on record as saying this plan is AWFUL!”

“Look on the bright side! It's most certainly not half-baked, right?”

She frowns! “No. You certainly put a lot of thought into THIS terrible idea! My part SUCKS!”

“And mine is any better?!”

“I think their equal in their terribleness! Is that a word?”

Arc shrugs as he pulls out a “Who knows? Are you ready?”

Ember stands up quietly as she pulls the chemical suit over her head “No, but here I go!”

She walks toward the entrance slowly. A rather short and stocky pirate approaches her! She cannot tell if he is more OR less intelligent than the others.

“Um... who are you supposed to be?”

Ember turns up her nose at him! “Don't you recognize the Queen of Abyssinia?! I'm here to speak to your leader!”

“Eh? But I thought... never mind. Follow me.”

The pirate touches his ear to activate his radio

“We got the queen out here! Open the gate!”

A few moments later the gate opens! The Pirate Commander leads Ember inside. The gate closes behind them. Arc watches from his hiding place.

“I can't believe that worked! Well, I guess I better get to work.”

He pulls an apple and some string out of his ring. Tying the string around the apple he looks to the rest of the pirates.

“Now then, let's see just how stupid you guys are.”

Arc tosses the apple toward a pair of pirates. They see the apple and walk toward it! As they bend down to pick it up Arc gives the string a tug! The apple bounces away from them! He repeats this process until the pirates enter the foliage. Another of the pirate guards hears the sound of a scuffle in the bushes. He looks over, confused.

“Hey! What you guys doing over there?”

Arc, having incapacitated the three pirates that approached him, does his best to respond in a deep and stupid sounding voice.

“There food over here!”

“Really?!”

“Uh… yeah! Come 'ere! We'll show ya!”

The other three pirates rush over to their companions! Arc summarily incapacitates them.

“Sweet dreams! Idiots…”

Arc quickly pulls his Magic Cloak out of his ring and puts it on. Muttering to himself as he activates the cloak.

“Now the real objective begins...”

Meanwhile... Ember is led into the base by the Pirate Commander. They walk past several large buildings. He turns to Ember impatiently!

“Can't you walk any faster?!”

“I-I'm sorry, but this armor is very heavy!”

Ember mutters curses under her breath.

“I'm gonna get you for this, Arc! ‘Just buy me some time’, he says. ‘It will be easy’ he says.

The pair make their way to a rather large building. It appears nicer than the others.

“The boss should be happy to see you! He's always complaining about not having anyone to talk to. I keep telling him if he would just be a bit nicer, he might have some friends and all!”

Ember is led down a corridor to a large double door. The Pirate Commander opens it to reveal a large office with a rather tall creature sitting behind a desk talking to someone in a high-back chair in front of him. He is a bit taller than the other guards, but thinner, and appears much more intelligent.

“The Queen of Abyssinia is here to see you sir!”

The strange looking creature eyeballs Ember for a moment before smiling a wicked smile!

“Thank you, Grubber. Now then, go back outside and wait for her friend to arrive!

Grubber nods happily! “Friend?! Is there gonna be a party?! Should I make a pie?! Oh, I love pie!”

The leader points to the door, angrily! “GO!”

“Yes boss!”

Grubber hurries out the door and closes it behind him. The leader again eyes Ember.

“Well now... who do we have here?”

Ember clears her throat. “Um... I'm the Queen of Abyssinia. I came here to... talk to you about... your recent pillaging of our lands?”

He walks around the desk. “So… you’re the queen, eh?”

“Y-yes!”

He laughs! “Well then, your majesty. Forgive me, but your claim is rather hard to swallow! Like a cat choking on a hairball!”

The leader continues to laugh as he puts a hand on the high-back chair in front of the desk.

“Especially since the Queen of Abyssinia… IS ALREADY HERE!!!”

He whirls the chair around to reveal a very frightened looking Queen Fiona! She looks at Ember sadly. “I'm sorry, but I had no choice.”

The pirate leader walks toward Ember, still chuckling! “Well I suppose introductions are in order! You can call me... The Storm King!”

A peal of what sounds like thunder can be head behind him as there is a flash of lightning! He raises a finger.

“Would you excuse me a moment please?”

He quickly walks over to the curtains and throws them back to reveal several guards. One is holding a strobe light, another a pair of cymbals!

“Good job on the thunder and lightning bit boys! Keep it up!”

The guards bow and leave the room. The Storm King turns back to Ember.

“Now then, whom might you REALLY be ‘little kitty’?”

Ember backs toward the door. “I'm... um... leaving! Bye!”

She runs to the doors but finds them locked! The Storm King smiles and folding his hands next to his cheek, in a rather high-pitched voice.

“Leaving? So soon?”

The Storm King grabs Ember and throws her into a nearby chair.

“How rude!”

Ember growls at him! “What is it you want?!”

“A bit of fun, that's all! As soon as this ‘Lord Regent’ from Equestria shows up, we can get this party STARTED!”

“You WANTED Arc to come here?!”

“Righty right!”

“But why?!”

The Storm King pats Ember on the helmet with a large hand. “Silly kitty! How else could I kill him and take over Equestria?!”

There is suddenly a frantic knocking at the office door! Earlier... outside the gates, Arc made his way to the first set of tanks stealthily. They appear to be bolted down to a large slab of concrete. He mutters to himself.

“Let's see here... might work. Only one way to find out!”

Arc uses the Matter Compacting spell to shrink the tank down. The bolts holding it to the concrete pad are soon too small to hold it down! Arc gingerly picks up the shrunken tank and puts it in his ring! He then does the same to the other tank across the clearing. As he puts the second tank in his ring, he chuckles to himself.

“Phase one complete! That was easy enough.”

He walks over to the Main Gate and leans against the wall next to it, still cloaked.

“And now... we wait.”

A short time later Grubber returns through the gate. He looks around.

“Uh... guys... where are you? Seriously! Stop playing around! The Storm King does NOT like you all playing games. If he finds out, he's going to...”

Grubber's mouth hangs open in shock as he sees both tanks of gas are missing! Panicking, he runs for the gates, pressing the radio on his ear!

“OPEN THE GATE OPEN THE GATE! HURRY!”

The gate opens and Grubber quickly runs inside! Arc stealthily follows him, muttering to himself.

“All too easy.”

Grubber runs down the path as fast as he can to the Storm King's office! Arc follows quietly behind him! Upon reaching the office door Grubber bangs on it frantically!

“Oh good! That must mean our last guest is here!”

The Storm King walks over to the doors and swings them open wide.

“Come in! Come in Lord... Grubber?!”

“Boss, boss, it's terrible, it's awful...”

The Storm King grabs Grubber by his hair and picks him up! “IT'S YOU! What is so important that you’re interrupting me now?!”

“The gas tanks out front! They're GONE!”

He laughs! “Really?! Those tanks weight more than I can say! They can't just be MISSING!”

Grubber forces a smile. “Maybe they floated away!?”

He drops Grubber and facepalms! “Idiot! That gas is denser than air! That's why it SANK to the ground when we attacked the Abyssinian army! WHY AM I EXPLAINING THIS TO YOU?! Now get out there and find out where those tanks are! They're pivotal to my future plans! NOW GO!!!”

Grubber runs out the door! As he passes some guards outside, he motions desperately for them to follow! “Come on guys! We gotta find the boss' tanks! Let's go!”

The Storm King slams the doors behind Grubber, angrily! He frowns as he turns back toward Ember and Queen Fiona.

“And today was going so well!”

Snarling, he walks over to the pair!

“What do you two know about this?”

Neither of them speaks. The Storm King straightens up and sighs.

“I don't know why I thought you would answer me. The impostor and the traitor... you're made for each other!”

Ember’s head snaps over to the queen! “Traitor?! Queen Fiona! You weren't captured?!”

She shakes her head sadly. “No. I've been in contact with the Storm King for some time now.”

“But why?!”

“It... it was the only way to save my subjects!”

Ember frowns. “SAVE THEM?! But the Storm King took EVERYTHING from them!”

The Storm King shakes a finger at Ember. “Ah, ah, ah! Not true! They still have their lives! And it's up to queenie here just how long that remains true!’

Ember glares at the queen! “How could you turn against those who trusted you?! How could you betray Arc?! He did so much to help you and your country!”

The Storm King smiles! “Well, I can do more!”

“Yeah?! Like what?!”

“Oh… not much I suppose. Like, not making this a country of the DEAD!

Queen Fiona nods. “If I didn't cooperate, he was going to turn the gas on Panthera!”

He nods! “The gas still needs to be properly tested! I told her if she helped me with my plans, I'd test it on some other country. Equestria perhaps!”

“Why?!”

The Storm King shrugs. “I want to see how it disperses in higher concentrations! Can it kill an entire city?! Inquiring minds want to know!”

“You're sick!”

“Nonsense! I don't even have a temperature! Now, as soon as my troops find those tanks and the errant Lord Regent of yours, the party can start!”

Ember narrows her eyes! “What kind of party?!”

The Storm King looks to her, almost giddy with excitement! “We have front row tickets to the greatest show ever! All of us will board my airship, fly over Panthera and watch as the entire city... DIES!!!”

He laughs maniacally!

“Trust me! It should be a GAS!!!”

Queen Fiona runs over to him frantically! “NO! You... you CAN'T! Please! I did what you wanted! Spare my citizens! Take me instead!”

The Storm King laughs in Queen Fiona's face. “Get with the program! I USED YOU!!!”

He shrugs.

“It's kinda what I do!”

The sound of slow-clapping can be heard. The Storm King looks around the office for the source of the noise.

“What?!”

“Bravo, Storm King. You've just told me everything I wanted to know!”

“What?! Who?!”

Arc decloaks in the center of the room. He removes the Magic Cloak and puts it back in his ring. The Storm King looks to him, confused.

“Who… who are you?!”

“Hero of Light Arc. Equestria's current Lord Regent.”

“What have you done with my tanks?!”

Arc shrugs. “You wanted to break everyone's toys. So, I had to take them away from you! When you learn how to play nicely, you can have them back!”

“Really?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “No.”

“Argh! You are just so INFURIATING! How did you even get IN here?!”

“Grubber let me in the front gate, led me here, and even opened the door to your office. One of the advantages of invisibility.”

“So you're here to stop me, huh?”

Arc shrugs. “It's kinda what I do!”

The Storm King nods. “So... you expect me to just give up and surrender?”

“That would be nice. Unless you want to do this the hard way and fight me.”

He laughs as he walks back to his desk and sits down! “Oh please! Don't you think I've heard all about you?! I know I could never defeat you on a level playing field!”

Ember looks up, hopeful! “So... you're going to surrender?”

“Hardly! I always have a card to play!”

The Storm King reaches under his desk and presses a button.

“Take a look outside boys and girls!”

Arc and the others look out a nearby window to see gas jets along the perimeter spewing noxious fumes into the base!

“This is crazy, Storm King! You're KILLING your own guards!”

The Storm King nods! “No escape for you, Lord Regent! Or your friends either!”

Ember jumps up! “Idiot! You'll die too!”

He presses another button under the desk. “Nope! Sayonara suckers!”

The desk chair drops down a chute and closes behind him! Arc lunges forward and pounds at the steel floor to no avail.

“Great! He got away! Let's get out of here!”

Arc tries to open a portal to safety but can't! Queen Fiona shakes her head.

“Everything here is made of some kind of anti-magic material! That won't work here!”

“Arc! We have to get out of here! There's still a chance we can make it out of here alive! Maybe I can fly us out!”

Arc thinks a moment before shaking his head. “Possibly. But what about the queen?! You can't carry us both! Take the queen and get her out of here!”

Ember shakes her head! “What about you! That protection might not work! You would DIE!”

Queen Fiona tears up. “You two make a run for it! I... I deserve this end! Tell my husband... that I love him very much!”

“NO! There MUST be a way out of this... for ALL of us!”

Suddenly the doors to the office burst open and a familiar face stands before them! Arc runs over to him!

“Sereb?! I thought I told you to...”

“Your friends made me a protective suit as well. Come! We must be off!”

Arc nods. “Ember! You and the queen fly to safety!”

“But...”

Arc picks up the desk and throws it through the window! “I'll be right behind you! GO!”

Ember picks up the queen and flies out the smashed window as Arc jumps on Sereb’s back!

“Get us out of here!”

“Right.”

Sereb runs at top speed toward the Main Gate. They run past scores of dead pirates! Arc looks around, horrified!

“Monstrous!”

The gates lie just before them! However, their path is blocked by a large cloud of gas! Sereb looks to Arc!

“What do we do?”

“We're going right through it! There's no other way! I hope these suits works!”

“As do I.”

Arc grabs a spear from one of the fallen guards they pass and throws it at the button to open the gate! The spear hits its mark and the gates fly open! Sereb charges through the toxic fumes to the relative safety of the clearing! He looks up at Ember and Queen Fiona flying overhead!

“Ember! Get down here! Quick!”

She lands and drops the queen in the saddle behind Arc as he opens a portal!

“Hold on, Queen Fiona! We've got to get back, and fast!”

Queen Fiona holds onto Arc as they rush through the portal and reappear in Arc's cabin! “Do you think the gas could reach Panthera?!”

Arc quickly dismounts Sereb and helps the queen down! “Not with the direction the wind is blowing! Are there any towns to the east of here?!”

“No! There's nothing for many miles!”

“Good! The gas should safely dissipate! I'm more worried about the Storm King carrying out his earlier plan to gas Panthera!”

The blood drains from the queen’s face! “Oh no!”

Arc, Ember, Sereb and Queen Fiona rush to the Bridge! Charging through the door, Arc turns to the bridge crew!

“Lemon Hearts, inform our ground forces that we are taking off at once! Recall all crew members! However, the medical staff are to remain where they are on the ground!”

“Yes sir!”

“Captain! Prepare us for immediate take off!”

Tight Ship nods! “Aye sir!”

A few minutes later Lemon Hearts turns to Arc.

“All crews reporting! We're ready to go sir!”

Tight Ship nods to his helmsman. “Thunderlane, take off!”

“Here we go!”

The Lunar Destiny quickly lifts off as Thunderlane turns to Arc!

“Heading sir?”

“Go east! Full speed ahead! Moon Dancer, watch your radar for hostiles!”

“Yes sir!”

Arc turns to Wrangler. “Prepare all weapons and countermeasures!”

“I'm on it!”

Tight Ship looks to Arc! “Sir! What is going on?! Who are we facing?!”

Arc walks quickly over to the captain. “A desperate madman who wants to commit genocide!”

King Felix runs onto the Bridge along with Spike! He turns to his wife!

“My dear! Are you alright?! What's going on?!”

Queen Fiona shakes her head! “The city is in danger! Lord Arc believes the Storm King means to wipe out Panthera!”

“Storm King?!”

Ember nods! “He's the leader of the pirates!”

Spike looks out the main window as they take off! “This is intense! I wish Twilight was here to... never-mind.”

The Lunar Destiny makes its way to the pirate stronghold in record time! Sereb scans the horizon.

“I see nothing Arc.”

Moon Dancer suddenly calls out! “Ship below! It's just taking off!”

A large ship bearing the Storm King's emblem rises from the forest floor and turns to face the Lunar Destiny! Tight Ship turns to Wrangler!

“Wrangler! Put us on Red Alert!”

“Aye sir!”

Tight Ship turns to speak into the ship’s intercom!

“All crew to battle stations! This is not a drill!”

Arc looks to the helm! “Square off, Thunderlane! Don't let him pass! I don't care if we have to ram him, he CAN'T get to Panthera!”

Lemon Hearts suddenly look over to Arc! “Sir! Incoming transmission!”

Tight Ship nods! “Open a channel.”

“Channel open sir!”

The captain stands and clears his throat! “Unidentified vessel! This is Captain Tight Ship of the Equestrian Military! I insist that you land and surrender now or be fired upon!”

The Storm King's voice suddenly comes over the intercom!

“Ha! You're NOTHING without your precious Lord Regent! Sorry, but he was killed a little while ago while storming my old base!”

Arc shakes his head. “Wrong again, Storm King!”

“WHAT?! How did you...”

“By using a simple tactic you have ignored. The power of teamwork! Together you and your pirates MAY have defeated me! But now, thanks to your willingness to throw their lives away, you now stand alone!”

The radio is silent. Spike shakes his head.

“What a nut job!”

Ember chuckles! “Give up? We escaped your trap, now we'll finish the job!”

“NEVER!”

Moon Dancer looks over to the captain! “He's moving to attack position!”

Wrangler nods! “Weapon systems ready!”

Arc hold up a hand! “Hold your fire! He wants us to attack first!”

A few moments pass. Moon Dancer calls out from her station!

“He's firing at us!”

Spike’s eyes grow wide! “SWEET CELESTIA!”

Thunderlane laughs! “This guy is a terrible shot! It's going right past us!”

Arc points to Wrangler! “Shoot that projectile down, NOW!”

“Magic Cannons firing sir!”

The cannons hit their mark! The projectile explodes in a cloud of gas! King Felix looks out the window!

“What was THAT?!”

“Dirty bombs, dear! He's trying to fire them at Panthera!”

Soarin looks over, appalled! “What?! Why?!”

Ember bares her teeth! “Because he's scum!”

Moon Dancer looks up from her monitors! “More projectiles incoming!”

Tight Ship turns to Wrangler! “Don't let even one past us, Wrangler!”

“I'm on it, sir!”

Wrangler skillfully shoots down every projectile that comes their way! Tight Ship watches the battle calmly.

“He can't have much left to fight with!”

Thunderlane nods! “Enemy ship coming around!”

Soarin looks out the main window! “Is he nuts?!”

Queen Fiona nods! “Very! And angry!”

Lemon Hearts looks to Arc. “Sire! We're being hailed!”

“Patch it through!”

A few moments later The Storm King’s voice comes over the radio.

“Very impressive Lord Regent! I'm almost out of bombs! Truth be told, I only have one left!”

Spike shakes his head, sarcastically. “What a shame!”

Ember looks at the ship before them! “My heart bleeds for you!”

Arc eyes the ship suspiciously. “Does this mean you’re giving up?”

“Hardly! This last one is for YOU!”

The Storm King's ship suddenly gains momentum as the Storm King himself steps onto the deck with a large bomb over his head! He speaks into his headset at his ship charges forward!

“I'm going to crash into you and gas your whole ship! Without all those bombs aboard, my ship's light as a feather! You can't outrun me!”

Thunderlane turns to Tight Ship! “He's right sir!”

The captain nods! “Wrangler, fire at will! Take him down!”

“Yes sir!”

Wrangler fires again and again at the ship to no avail. Queen Fiona shakes her head.

“It's no use! His ship’s made with the same anti-magic weapons as his base was!”

Moon Dancer looks up! “Impact in two minutes!”

The Storm King laughs maniacally as he sets the bomb on the deck! “I may not have been able to bomb Panthera, but I'll still go out... with a BANG!”

Arc runs over to Thunderlane! “I have a plan! It's crazy, but it just might work! Tight Ship, tell the crew to brace for impact and order the Lower Level to evacuate to the Living Quarters!”

Tight Ship nods and turns on the ship’s intercom! “All crew prepare for impact! Lower Level, evacuate to the Middle Level at once!”

Arc puts his hands on Thunderlane’s shoulders. “Full speed ahead!”

“Aye sir!”

King Felix looks to Arc! “Are you crazy?!”

The Lunar Destiny accelerates to meet the Storm King's ship head on! Ember looks to Arc!

“What are we doing?! Playing chicken?!”

“In a matter of speaking!”

Queen Fiona’s eyes are filled with fear! “But he'll never change course! He's insane!”

Arc nods, not taking his eyes off their opponent! “I'm counting on that! Everyone, strap in now!”

The king and queen sit down together and buckle themselves in next to Ember and Spike! Sereb lies down in a back corner!

Arc puts one hand on the flight stick to steady Thunderlane's shaking hooves and holds onto the back of the pilot's seat with the other!

“Steady as she goes!”

King Felix takes his wife's paw in his. “I love you, my dear!”

“And I love you as well! I'm glad we can be together like this at the end!”

Wrangler turns to Tight Ship! “Captain! It's been an honor!”

The entire bridge crew nods! “AYE!”

The Storm King's ship looms before them! Ember turns to Spike.

“Are you scared?”

Spike shakes his head and forces a smile! “Nope! I'm just happy to be here with my friends!”

Ember nods. “You're very brave, Spike!”

“I learned that from you and Arc!

Ember takes Spike's claw in hers. “We’re in this together!”

Spike nods! “Let's do this!”

Arc smiles as the ships near! “LEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOY… JENKINS!!!”

Ember facepalms! “I literally have nothing to say to that.”

At the last possible moment Arc pulls the flight stick back! The Lunar Destiny shoots upward at a sickening angle!

“CUT THE ENGINES!”

Thunderlane does so! The ship drops as if in slow motion with its nose in the air! It smashes into the aft end of the Storm King's ship, obliterating his engines! The Storm King looks back to see his engines in flames! His ship begins to lose altitude!

“WHAT?! No... no, no, no, no, NO!!!”

Meanwhile, the Lunar Destiny noses toward the ground!

“RESTART THE ENGINES!”

Tight Ship calls out from the command chair as the engines roar to life! “You can do this Thunderlane! Remember your training!”

“Aye Captain!”

Fighting the stick, Thunderlane manages to level off the ship only several thousand feet above the ground! Thunderlane lets out a sigh of relief with the rest of the crew at the ship levels off.

“Whew! That was close!”

The bridge crew erupts into cheers! Tight Ship looks to the helmsman.

“Set us down, Thunderlane. We need to assess the damage to the ship.”

“Yes sir!”

The ship lands a short time later in the clearing in front of the pirate base. Stellar Flare runs onto the Bridge! She glares at Tight Ship!

“What in Celestia's name are you DOING up here?!”

“Working navigational magic! Stellar Flare, I need a damage report inside and out as soon as possible!”

Stellar Flare sighs! “Yes sir…”

Arc turns! “Wait! Is the air outside safe to breathe?!”

Moon Dancer checks her instruments. “Yes sir. That strange gas appears to have dispersed on the wind.”

Arc nods. “I'll go out first and secure the area... just to be sure.”

Ember unstraps herself. “I’ll join you!”

Sereb walks over shakily. “As will I.”

“Fine. Let's go you two.”

Arc, Ember and Sereb make their way to the Main Hatch. His squad is waiting for them. Max looks to Arc as he approaches.

“Not sure if getting aboard was a good idea or not.”

Hugh laughs! “Never a dull moment with the commander around!”

Xenos appears a bit green. “Tell that to my stomach!”

Viktor nods! “The ship took it well!”

“We're going to take a look around. You boys coming?”

Max salutes! “Wouldn't miss it sir!”

They open the hatch and walk down the gangplank. Viktor looks at the ship’s hull.

“She took the blow well!”

Xenos gestures to the Storm King's burning ship a short distance away. “Better than that ship anyways!”

Arc nods. “We should investigate the wreck.”

Ember frowns. “Why? To make sure he's dead?!”

“That and to make sure there aren't any more of those dirty bombs aboard. Can't leave them lying around.”

Ember sighs. “Fine! Let's get this over with!”

The group approaches the wreck. There isn't much left. Max looks to Arc and grins!

“Wow commander! When you down a ship, you really DOWN A SHIP!”

“It had to be done.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “We are not alone here.”

As if on cue the Storm King emerges from the burning wreckage!

“Fool! Did you really think you would be rid of me so easily?!”

Ember calls forth her spear angrily! “We were hoping so, yes!”

The Storm King walks toward them with a spear in his hand!

“Let it not be said that the Storm King went down without a fight!”

Arc shakes his head. “You just don't know when to give up, do you?!”

Max turns to Arc. “Sir! Let us handle this!”

Xenos nods. “Yup! You've had quite the day already!”

Viktor plants his hooves firmly! “We can take him!”

Hugh grits his teeth! “We'll knock this joker into next week!”

Arc nods. “Go for it. Just watch yourselves!”

Ember steps in front of Arc with Sereb. “Sereb and I will guard Arc! Kick his butt!”

The foursome quickly moves to surround the Storm King! He moves to a battle stance!

“Bring it on! Before me you are little more than bugs to be stepped on!”

Max looks to the others! “He's big, but together we can take him! Omni-directional formation, go!”

Arc's squad charges at the Storm King from all sides! He swings his spear in a wide arc at them, but they nimbly drop to the ground and knock him into the air with the combined strength of their back hooves! As the Storm King falls back to the ground, they quickly form a semi-circle and together buck him toward the tree line!

Ember nods! “Woah! I don't think even you could have knocked him THAT far, Arc!”

“Agreed! Good work boys! Let's see if we can find where he landed. I'm looking forward to taking him prisoner.”

Ember looks toward the tree line. “I'll take point!”

She slowly advances past the tree line. Suddenly she disappears from view with a yelp! Xenos runs forward!

“EMBER!”

Arc grabs Xenos with his magic. “HOLD IT! Take a good look down!”

Xenos looks down to see a ravine opening up below him! Ember is flying back up toward them!

“Thank you sir!”

Arc nods! “Anytime.”

Max looks cautiously over the edge! “No one could have survived that fall”

Viktor hangs his head. “Our apologies sir! We know that isn't how you wanted the fight to end.”

“It's not your fault boys. None of us knew what was over there.”

Ember lands nearby. “The world is better off with the wacko gone for good! Good riddance I say!”

Sereb looks over the edge. “Rest in peace... Storm King.”

Chapter 7 - Setting Things Right

Arc and company turn back toward the Lunar Destiny. He takes off his helmet, pulls back his headpiece's respirator and touches his earring.

“Lemon Hearts, do you copy?”

“Right here sir!”

“Tell Stellar Flare that it's safe to come out and take a look at the ship.”

“Yes sir. She and her team are in the middle of looking over Engineering at the moment, but I'll pass on the message.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

Ember frowns. “I guess there's nothing left to do here.”

Arc shakes his head. “On the contrary. I want to go back into the Pirate Stronghold and take a look around.”

Max looks confused. “What?! But why sir?!”

Arc puts his respirator and helmet back on and mounts Sereb. “I just wanted to see if there were any survivors.”

Ember grits her teeth! “Maybe your forgot, but they wanted to wipe out Panthera!”

“The Storm King wanted to commit genocide. Whether or not his underlings knew about his plans is unknown.”

Sereb nods. “To die in such a horrible manner is something no creature should have to face.”

Max nods. “Shall we come with you sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. There might still be toxic gas in there. You boys stay out here and look after the ship.”

“Yes sir!”

Ember frowns. “If you're going in there, I'm coming with you!”

“Fine. Hop on!”

Ember quickly jumps on Sereb's back behind Arc and the pair cautiously approach the base. As they enter and look around, they see no signs of life!

“This is terrible!”

Arc looks over the dead bodies of the pirates. “I'll say! The Storm King was out of his mind!”

The trio walks every path throughout the base but can find no survivors. Sereb growls.

“Even the plants along the path are dead.”

Ember shakes her head. “Why would he install something like that?! What POSSIBLE reason could there have been?!”

Arc turns to her. “Perhaps in case of a mutiny? Or if an enemy force invaded! Either way, I think he just wanted the last laugh, as it were.”

Ember gestures with a claw at the dead bodies! “Well I don't see ANYTHING funny about THIS!”

Sereb nods. “Nor do I.”

“Yeah. Well it doesn't look like anyone survived the wrath of The Storm King.”

Ember sighs. “Should we head back to the ship?”

“Not quite yet. I want to check out the Storm King's office first. We might be able to find something there.”

Sereb walks on. “Such as?”

Arc shrugs. “Like maybe why he was such a douche?”

“Because he was CRAZY?!”

“There has to more to it than that, Ember! I want to know what his endgame was! Was there a more rational reason for doing all of this?! Or was he truly just insane? It won't take long.”

“Fine...”

Arc and company make their way back to the Storm King's office past all his fallen soldiers. Sereb lets out a long sigh.

“Is there no end to this depravity?!”

“We'll send some of our forces here to bury the bodies. As terrible as the Storm King was, his forces don't deserve to just lie here and rot!”

Ember nods solemnly. “Yeah...”

Arriving at the office doors the group makes their way inside.

“Check everything. We don't want to miss any clues!”

Sereb sniffs around the room. “Very well.”

Ember looks over the bookcases! “There's a lot of books over here on military tactics! Maybe he really was trying to conquer the world!”

Arc walks over to the desk and opens the drawers. “Not much to speak of over here. Just your normal desk stuff. Pencils, erasers, white-out.”

He makes his way to the last drawer. Tugging on it, he finds it does not budge!

“Huh, it's stuck.”

Sereb nods. “Or locked.”

“Good! That means there's something of importance in here!”

Arc pulls with all his might to no avail!

“Time to get rough with it!”

He punches the drawer. An alarm klaxon goes off all over the base! Ember facepalms!

“Darn it, Arc!”

“Whoops. At least no one's going to respond to that alarm.”

Arc peeks into the smashed drawer and pulls something out.

“There's just a piece of paper in here.”

Sereb nods. “What does it say?”

“Odd... it just says ‘turn around’.”

Arc and company do so. Looking out the window they see the gas jets again emerging from around the perimeter wall. Ember calmly puts on her mask.

“Yeah... that isn't going to do much to us.”

Suddenly the gas jets begin shooting flames! The nearby buildings are almost immediately incinerated as the temperature quickly rises in the office! Sereb frowns.

“Oh dear.”

Arc tosses the paper aside. “I hate that guy.”

“We've got to get out of here, Arc!

Sereb looks around. “But how? Magic is, more or less, ineffective here.”

Arc thinks. “There's a way out of this. I know it!”

As the temperature of the room quickly reaches dangerous levels and the walls begin to burn through, Ember looks to him!

“Better hurry Arc!”

Ember and Sereb stand back to back with Arc in the center of the room!

“I got nothing! It... it can't end! Not like this... I won't let it... I WON'T LET IT!!!”

Arc levitates as two golden wings emerge from his back! He quickly grabs Ember and Sereb before smashing through the roof of the office! In a few moments they touch down outside the pirate’s base! Ember falls to her knees as Arc lets go of her, coughing!

“That... that was TOO close! Why did you wait so long to do that Arc?!”

Arc flops down on the grass as his wings vanish and rolls over onto his back exhausted!

“I didn’t know I could!”

Sereb rolls around in the grass, sighing contentedly. “Ahhhhhhh...”

Arc's squad runs up to the trio! Max looks down at Arc!

“Is everypony alright?!”

Ember nods weakly. “Thanks to Arc, yes.”

Xenos looks to the base in flames! “What happened?!”

Arc slowly gets up and dusts himself off. “Just a little going away present from the Storm King.”

Sereb nods. “From beyond the grave.”

“He really didn't want anything left behind! Look!”

Ember points a claw! The group turns to see the thick compound walls buckling under the intense heat as the entire base appears to collapse in on itself!

Hugh shakes his head. “Nothing could have survived THAT!”

Viktor nods. “Methinks that is what the Storm King was going for. Scorched earth!”

Ember sighs. “At least we made it out in time!”

Arc helps Ember up. “Yeah.”

The sky is filled with clouds and begins to downpour. Ember chuckles.

“That's convenient!”

Max nods as the group returns to the Lunar Destiny. “It doesn't rain here often, but when it does...”

Arc looks up at the sky. “When it rains it pours... literally in this case.”

“Look on the bright side Arc. The flames can't take a downpour like this for long. Look, they're already dying down.”

Arc looks back to see the fire almost completely extinguished.

“Great.”

They board the ship as Arc turns to his squad.

“Good work out there today. Why don't you boys get dried off?”

The squad salutes Arc and heads to the Living Quarters. Arc turns to Ember and Sereb.

“That goes for us too.”

Sereb shakes himself dry and pelts Arc and Ember with water.

Arc sighs. “Thank you, Sereb. I needed that.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Yeah...”

“I did not see how either of you could have gotten any wetter.”

Arc sighs. “I guess not. Follow me you two.”

As the group makes their way toward Arc's Cabin, Ember looks down at her armor.

“I could stand to just get out of this suit! It's rather uncomfortable.”

Arc nods. “That's to be expected.”

“Why's that?!”

“You don't traditionally wear clothes.”

“Oh... right.”

Upon arriving back at his room Arc quickly grabs a fresh set of raiments and heads toward his bathroom. He looks over his shoulder at Ember and Sereb.

“There should be some extra towels in the cupboard over there.”

Ember nods as she removes her armor. “Thanks Arc.”

“I won't be long.”

Arc closes the bathroom door and removes his armor. He then carefully removes the chemical suit. Sniffing the cloth, he makes a face!

“I hope Canterlot Castle has a good dry cleaner! This thing is rank!”

He steps into the shower and cleans himself vigorously! Arc scratches at his head as he washes his hair, trying to remove the memories of the day as he mutters to himself!

“Why Storm King?! Why did you kill your own troops?! They were loyal... and you betrayed them!”

Arc is about to bang his fist against the wall in frustration, but stops himself!

“Woah! Let's not put holes in the ship!”

He looks down at the crystal in his chest and observes the ones in his shoulders and wrists.

“What ARE these things really?! And why do I feel so connected to them?!”

Arc rolls his eyes.

“Silly choice of words, I guess.”

He steps out of the shower and dries himself off. After putting on fresh raiments he steps out of the shower to see Ember towel drying Sereb.

“Please Ember. That is not necessary.”

“I don't want you to catch a cold! Just hold still!”

Sereb sighs. “Very well.”

A few moments later Arc walks over to the pair.

“Um, Ember? I think you should stop now.”

Ember continues with her chore as she looks to Arc. “Why?”

“Apparently Equestria hasn't invented fabric softener yet.”

“Fabric what now?”

Arc sighs. “Watch.

He quickly removes the towel from Sereb's back. His hair suddenly stands straight up and outward in all directions like Fluffle Puff! Ember falls backwards in wild hysterics!

“Lookin' good Sereb!”

Sereb frowns. “I doubt that.”

Arc nods. “That's a new look for sure!”

“I do not like this.”

Ember sits up, still laughing! “But you look so adorable like that!”

“Arc, how do I get back to normal?”

“It will dissipate over time. You can stay in here until it does.”

Sereb lies down on the floor. “Thank you. I believe I shall.”

Ember slowly composes herself. “What about us?”

“Let's head to the Bridge and see how the ship took that last blow.”

“Right behind you.”

Arc and Ember make their way to the Bridge. Soarin greets them from the captain’s chair.

“Feeling better sir?”

Arc nods. “A bit. How are things down in Engineering?”

“A few minor repairs had to be made. Other than that, things are looking good down there!”

Ember looks out the window. “And the hull?”

“Captain Tight ship is outside with Chief Engineer Stellar Flare examining the damage as we speak. We should know more soon.”

Queen Fiona approaches Arc with her husband soberly. “Lord Arc, we know you're busy but could we please speak with you?”

“Alright.”

Arc leads the king and queen along with Ember to the Teleporter Pad.

“Meeting Room!”

In a flash the group find themselves in the Meeting Room. The group sits down.

“Now then... what is it you wanted to tell me?”

Queen Fiona sadly removes her crown and gives it to her rather confused looking husband. “I... I just wanted to surrender myself to your custody now.”

The king’s eyes grow wide! “What?!”

“As you now know, I was working with the Storm King all along. I betrayed my husband, my throne, the citizens of Panthera, and... and you and your Kindness to all of us Lord Arc!”

The queen bows her head.

“I would like to accompany you to Canterlot... to stand trial for my crimes against your nation.”

King Felix gasps. "Working with the Storm King!? Fiona, why?!”

“The Storm King promised me he would let our subjects live if I gave him whatever he wanted. I... I had no choice.”

“Why didn't you say something?! I could have helped you, my dear!”

The queen shakes her head. “He warned me not to tell a soul about our meetings or any correspondences with his agents! They weren't all bad, mind you! Some of his troops were very nice! Like his second in command, Grubber. He for one seemed very out of place among the guards!”

Arc sighs. “That matters little. They're all gone now.”

Queen Fiona suddenly look up to Arc, hopeful! “Any sign of Grubber down there?”

“None. But he might have made it out, as I didn't see his body.”

“That's good. He at the very least deserves a second chance!”

The queen looks to Ember.

“If you would be so kind as to escort me to a cell now, I'll come quietly.”

King Felix stands up suddenly and turns to Arc! “NO! You can't take my wife away! I'll never see her again!”

Ember sighs. “What do we do Arc?”

King Felix removes his crown and offers it to Arc! “Please Lord Arc! You can have Panthera! You can have all of Abyssinia! I know you’ll rule with justice and honor! Just please don't take Fiona away from me!”

“You would give me dominion over your country to be with your wife?!”

The king fervently nods! “I know you will lead our land to prosperity and keep its citizens safe! Probably better than we ourselves can.”

The king picks up his wife's crown as well and offers them to Arc!

“Now Lord Arc, please accept my offer! I beg this of you!”

Arc looks at the crowns on the table before him. He slides them back toward their respective owners.

“It's okay. Things turned out alright in the end! The Storm King is gone forever and your subjects have food again! Everything will be okay in time!”

Queen Fiona looks to Arc with a confused look on her face! “But Lord Arc! I must pay for my crimes!”

Ember nods. “She does raise a good point Arc!”

“Well, as Lord Regent of Equestria I'm officially pardoning her for her crimes against us. That is, if the king agrees to do the same.”

King Felix nods happily! “Yes, I do! Thank you Lord Arc, for being so Generous!”

Queen Fiona begins to tear up. “I don't know what to say! It's all just so overwhelming!”

“You will always have a friend here Lord Arc! As King, I hereby declare our two nations as allies!”

Arc stands up and shakes the king's paw. “I'd like that. Thank you.”

The intercom chirps on the table as Lemon Heart’s voice comes over the speaker.

“Lord Arc?”

Arc pushes a button on the intercom. “Yes, go ahead!”

“Chief Engineer Stellar Flare reports that the ship's hull took the blow just as it was designed to! All damage has been repaired and we can take off anytime.”

“Thank you.”

Arc turns off the intercom as Ember looks to him.

“We should get back to Canterlot soon Arc.”

“Agreed. However, there is one last thing I must do before we leave.”

He leads the others back to the Bridge. Soarin announces them!

“Royals on the Bridge!”

Arc walks over to Tight Ship soberly.

“Captain! I want to see the pirate base from the air.”

Tight Ship nods. “Make it happen Thunderlane.”

“You got it!”

The Lunar Destiny is soon airborne! Thunderlane flies over the base as the rain stops. There is nothing left but twisted ruins of the largest buildings.

“Take us a good thousand meters away from the base then turn back to face it.”

Thunderlane nods! “Yes sir!”

Ember turns to him, confused. “Why Arc?”

“You'll see.”

In short order Arc's instructions are carried out. As they look at the wreckage before them, Arc walks over to the main window and stares out at it. He does not turn around as he addresses all assembled.

"Everyone stand."

The crew does so and Arc continues.

“I had hoped to give the pirates a proper burial. But thanks to the Storm King, we can't even do that.”

He looks out the window for a time.

“Another human once wrote something for his wife before his own death. I feel it's fitting right now.”

Arc clears his throat before continuing.

“Death is nothing at all,
You have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever you were to each other, you still are.
Speak of each other in the same easy way you always did.
Laugh, as you always laughed, at the little jokes you enjoyed together.
Spoken without the shadow of a ghost in it.
Life means all it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
Death is inevitable, so why should you be out of mind because you are out of sight?
You are but waiting for us, - for an interval very near.
Nothing is past or lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before,
Only better and happier.
You will be together forever.
All is well.”

There is a moment of silence on the Bridge.

“Captain… hold the ship here.”

Arc suddenly Blinks down to stand before the ruins of the Pirate Base.

“Ashes to ashes... dust to dust.”

Arc slowly kneels down and puts his hand on the ground. A strange sigil forms and the ground begins to shake! A moment later the Marquis bursts forth with a bestial roar! He extends a tendril as Arc jumps down into it!

“ARC! IS THERE TROUBLE?!”

“Marquis... I need you to destabilize the ground under this base so it sinks into the ground. There's no one left alive in it.”

“VERY WELL, MY FRIEND!”

The Marquis quickly burrows underground! A short time later the base begins to sink into the soft ground! Soon there is nothing left of it. Arc watches from a distance, respectfully.

“Farewell. May you all find peace in the next life.”

The Marquis emerges and stands next to Arc.

“IT IS DONE MY FRIEND!”

“Thank you, Marquis. Thank you for giving them at least some semblance of a burial. Can I take you home?”

“THAT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY! SIMPLY CAST YOUR SIGIL BACKWARDS TO RETURN ME HOME! AFTER ALL, IT IS NEARLY TIME TO ‘STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN’!”

Arc kneels down and does as he is told. As he forms the sigil, he looks up at his friend!

“Next time we should have more time to talk, Marquis.”

“I LOOK FORWARD TO IT, MY FRIEND! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!”

The Marquis vanishes from sight as he returns home. Arc turns back to the ship.

“You too, my friend.”

Arc Blinks back up to the Bridge. Ember walks quickly over to him!

“Was that the Marquis?!”

He nods. “Yes. It was the best way I could think of to bury the dead.”

Arc turns to Tight Ship.

“Let's get back to Panthera. There's nothing else to do here.”

Tight Ship nods and turns to his helmsman. “Onward to Panthera, Thunderlane!”

“Aye sir!”

In short order the ship returns to its previous spot outside the city. Arc turns to the captain.

“Keep the ship ready, Tight Ship. We'll be leaving very soon.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc leads the king and queen down the corridor. Ember and Sereb follow closely behind them.

“I'll walk you back to the base camp outside. But before I leave I have to say one more thank you to someone."

The group makes their way to medical tent. They soon spot Belle lying in bed holding her daughter.

“It's over, Belle. The Storm King will never trouble Abyssinia again.”

Belle looks nervous. “Are you sure?!”

Ember nods. “Yup! He's pushing up daisies as we speak! As is his crew!”

She breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Lord Arc! You've given this land a second chance at life... like you did for my daughter here!”

The tiny kitten sleeps peacefully in her mother's paws with a small smile on her face.

“I just wish her father could be here today. He was lost to that terrible gas during the attack by the pirates."

The king solemnly nods. “I'm sorry to hear that miss.”

“He died protecting the ones he loved! We'll miss him, but we have to carry on.”

Queen Fiona looks to the kitten. “Your daughter looks a bit stronger today.”

Belle nods. “Yes! I'm told she should be up to a healthy weight in a month or so! She's going to be okay!”

Sereb smiles. “That is wonderful news.”

“Yes. I'm glad to hear things are looking up for you two. Thank you, Belle.”

Belle looks to Arc, confused. “Oh? What for?”

“If not for your bravery in telling me what was going in Panthera, I might not have been able to help.”

Arc reaches down and gently pets the kitten in Belle's paws.

“And this one would have been lost to you forever!”

She smiles! “Yes... thank you for everything!”

“You're welcome. Well, we need to be getting back to Equestria. Do you think your own staff can handle things here, your majesties?”

Queen Fiona nods! “Yes. Thanks to the supplies your brought, our own doctors and nurses should be able to treat everyone!”

King Felix smiles! “We'll be fine here Lord Arc! I'm sure Equestria has need of you now. Don't worry about us!”

Arc turns to Ember and Sereb. “Alright. Let's go you two.”

Ember nods! “Right behind you!”

Sereb nods. Arc stops and turns back to look at mother and child.

“Belle! I just realized something! I never even asked you what your daughter's name is!”

She looks down at the sleeping kitten in her paws and smiles. “Her name is... Hope.”

Chapter 8 - Explanations

Earlier that day, as the Storm King flew off the cliff, he was able to grab the ledge as he looked down into the ravine!

“So, this is how it ends? Pitiful...”

Suddenly there is the sound of small footsteps approaching him quickly! Grubber looks over the cliff at his superior!

“Storm King?! Are you alright?!”

The Storm King looks to Grubber with a withering look! “Do I LOOK alright to you?! Pull me up!”

“Right away sir!”

Grubber pulls with all his might, but his small frame is unable to pull up a creature as large as the Storm King!

“Hang on sir!”

“What do you thing I'm DOING?!

Suddenly the ledge gives way and both plummet downward! Grubber salutes!

“Goodbye sir! It's been an honor serving you.”

The Storm King frowns! “So, this is the last face I'm going to see? Wonderful...”

“Thank you sir!”

A portal opens below the pair and swallows them up before closing in on itself! The pair come through the other end and land roughly in a cavern that is unnaturally lit by strange looking green rocks! Grubber stands up and looks around!

“Is this... the afterlife?! Kinda bland.”

“If it is, I'm certainly being punished well beyond my crimes!”

The sound of footsteps approaches from beyond their range of sight can be heard!

“What do you suppose that is, sir?!”

The Storm King lies on his stomach, propping his head up with his elbows. “Hopefully whatever it is will put me out of my misery!”

A hooded figure approaches them silently.

“And what, pray tell, are you supposed to be?”

The creature speaks in a deep and dark voice! “Someone who wants you on their team.”

Grubber looks fearfully at the creature! “T-team?!”

“The Storm King doesn't do ‘teammates’. Just subordinates!”

“Yeah! You tell em' boss!”

The dark creature turns to walks away. “Oh? And how well did that work out for you?”

The Storm King growls! “It WAS going just fine! Until that Lord Regent from Equestria showed up!”

“I see you've met the ‘illustrious’ Arc.”

“Don't remind me.”

The creature laughs! “I see there's no love lost between the two of you!”

He rolls his eyes, sarcastically! “Oh no! I LOVE Arc! I'd love to hit him, and beat him, and RIP HIM INTO TINY LITTLE BITS!!!”

Several more robed figures emerge from the shadows and approach. A female’s voice rings out as one of the figures lowers her hood.

“Yeah... that's not going to happen. Arc's mine! Name's Tempest Shadow by the way.”

The Storm King rolls his eyes. “Great! The dark freak has friends! So... are the rest of you going to introduce yourselves, or just sulk behind your cowls?”

The creature nods. “I suppose introductions ARE in order.”

Another of their number lowers their hood. “I am the Honorable High Justice of Baltimare, Judge Hawthorne.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Pfft! Honorable...”

“I'm also our groups link to the Nightborn, a very powerful shadow organization in Equestria. Arc exposed me for bending the law for certain… less-guilty individuals. I was able to get some nice favors done for our group in exchange. It's a good thing he didn't find out the rest of that story though!”

The creature nods. “I took care of the courthouse, as promised.”

The next member lowers the cowl as Tempest moves to stand next to him. “Captain Decimus. Formerly Captain of the Royal Guard. I have many contacts in Canterlot and all over Equestria and also have intimate knowledge of the royals and the military! It’s my job to keep us supplied with military grade equipment from my stashes all over the land!”

Tempest leans against Captain Decimus and smiles. “I for one am glad to finally have you here!”

Captain Decimus puts a hoof around Tempest's shoulders. “The feeling is mutual, my dear!”

The Storm King appears ill at the display before him! “Oh, gag me with a fork! I am so over the lovey-dovey stuff!”

Another member steps forward and lowers their cowl. “Lord Goldstone of the Griffon Kingdom! I keep my talons in as many conversations in and around Griffonstone as I can! I'm also our group's piggy bank!

“Griffonstone eh? I was actually planning on invading you after finishing with Abyssinia.”

Lord Goldstone chuckles. “That would certainly not have been your best plan.”

“Why? You're not much more intimidating than the kittens of Abyssinia.”

“Mayhap. However, we have powerful friends.”

The Storm King sarcastically points! “Oh, the bird has friends! Look at me, I'm shaking!”

An invisible force suddenly picks the Storm King up and shakes him violently before throwing him to the ground! He gets up quickly!

“What was THAT?!”

Lord Goldstone points a talon at the creature. “One of the powerful friends I spoke of.”

He dusts himself off. “Duly noted. Next!”

The last member steps forward and lowers their hood.

“General Wind Rider of the Crystal Empire! Master Tactician and best flier in Equestria! You want something done quickly and quietly, I'm your pegasus!”

The Storm King nods. “So... everyone here brings some flavor to the dish?”

He looks over at Tempest.

“Why exactly are YOU here for? Other than adding a bit of feminine scorn to the mix, of course! Or are you perhaps just here to... warm Decimus' bed?”

Tempest lunges at the Storm King, knocking him over and hoofing him in the face a few times before standing and walking away.

“I'm glad my hooves were able to have this little talk with your face, Storm King.”

The Storm King pulls a wicked looking knife out of his armor and leaps toward Tempest! He grabs her mane, pulls it back and deftly slits her throat! She falls to the ground with a gasp as he turns to the others.

“Well, that was... unimpressive. I do hope you have better warriors than THAT around here!”

He suddenly feels a tap on the back of his legs. Turning around just in time to be knocked to the ground and stomped a few times by a very angry Tempest! She walks away again.

“The was your free shot. Next time you do that, I'll give YOUR throat another breathing hole. Somehow, I don't think you'll get up from that!”

Captain Decimus nods! “I'd expect no less from Equestria's greatest Special Agent!”

The Storm King turns back to the creature. “Fine and dandy! And just who might you be oh dark and foreboding one?”

“The leader of this band. You may refer to me as The Dark One.”

“Ohhhh!!! Ominous... I like it!”

Grubber nods! “Yeah, it's scary! He's scary! I'm scared!”

“Quite the dream team you've assembled here, Dark One! There’re just two things I don't understand. What are you trying to accomplish, and why should I care?!”

Tempest frowns. “This world is slowly crawling toward oblivion! We're here to stop it... at ANY cost!”

The Storm King claps his hands together happily! “Oblivion! My favorite word! Tell me more!”

“A great and terrible evil is traversing the cosmos. It's heading straight for this planet.”

The Dark One nods. “Our plan has been to amass supplies and recruit those with the skills or the knowledge to further our goals!”

“So how do I fit into those plans?”

Tempest furrow her brow. “For some time now, our plans have been unwittingly thwarted by the actions of one individual.”

The Storm King nods. “Arc?”

“Yes. I was the matron of Equestria's only orphanage until Arc infiltrated it! I was driven out and forced into exile!”

Lord Goldstone clenches a talon! “I may or may not have done some rather... salacious things on a trip to Canterlot some time ago. Apparently, the mare in question spilled her guts to Hero of Light Arc! He told the princesses and they sent word to the Griffon House of Lords! I denied the allegations, naturally! But ever since that time my actions have been more closely scrutinized! He's made it harder to sneak resources from there to here!

Decimus nods. “I was the Captain of the Royal Guard until Arc came along and threw a wrench into my plans as well! Thanks to him sticking his nose where it doesn't belong, I lost YEARS of botanical research data!”

The Storm King rolls his eyes. “Oh your poor plants.”

“You would be amazed what I can do with a watering can and some seeds!”

Grubber laughs! “Like what?!”

“I used my know-how of rare and exotic plants to put both princesses into a coma-like state. During that time, I would have taken the Equestrian throne! My plan was to use my new-found power to allocate all of Equestria's resources into besting this oncoming darkness! That is assuming our original plan failed. However, Arc was ahead of me in the Order of Succession! How was I supposed to know he was a citizen?!”

Wind Rider nods! “I know what you mean, Decimus! This newly minted ‘Lord Arc’ did the same to me! I had full authority to act in the interest of the Crystal Empire, and had the situation there totally under control! At the time, my surrendering the Crystal Empire to the yaks was part of a larger plan to take it back! I was going to lead a rebellion against the invaders and look like a hero while doing it! Next thing I know, the Lord Regent waltzes in, takes command and defeats the yaks! Thanks to him I'm now a fugitive!”

Tempest calls forth Light's Bane. “My own plan was simple. Gather the souls of my enemies into this weapon and use the power it granted me to best the coming darkness. All I need is Arc's soul and that plan shall be complete!”

“So, what's stopping you?”

“A… series of unfortunate events. Do not worry though. I will defeat Arc one day and take his power for my own!”

The Storm King growls at this! “I want a piece of him too! He ruined my plans of world domination! No... literally, I want a piece of him! Before or after you take his soul makes no difference to me!

Tempest nods! “I'll let you watch.”

“Where do I sign?!”

Meanwhile... the Lunar Destiny takes off and begins the journey back to Canterlot Castle. Arc, Ember and Sereb retire to his quarters.

“That went well!”

Ember looks at Arc as if he’s lost his mind! “What part of that mission went well?!”

“The end result.”

Sereb nods. “I cannot argue with that logic.”

Ember sighs. “So, what now?”

“Now we go back to Canterlot and rescue Shining Armor from the duties of Lord Regent.”

She laughs! “I'm sure the stress has got to be murder!”

Sereb nods. “He has Lieutenant Trixie to help him.”

“Not to mention Kibitz.”

Ember nods. “Yeah! So, he's probably okay?”

Arc shakes his head. “Doubtful. It really is a thankless job.”

“What do you mean?”

Arc stops. “Do you two have any idea how many times, especially during audiences, I wanted to just throw in the towel and head back to my family in Ponyville?”

Ember shrugs. “I dunno? A couple?”

“A lot more than that!”

Sereb looks to him, wide-eyed! “Really? I would not have guessed that from your demeanor.”

Arc continues on his way. “If it hadn't been for Kibitz, Raven, Shining Armor, Trixie, and the two of you I don't think I could have done it!”

“We're here for you Arc!”

“And I appreciate it! But right now, I think we should get some sleep. It's been quite a day!”

Sereb yawns. “The captain says we should get back to Canterlot late tonight.”

They enter Arc’s quarters. He quickly walks over to the window to lower the sun and raise the moon before walking over to the bed and lying down.

“Good. Not that I don't enjoy traveling with you two, but I miss Equestria.”

Sereb lies down in front of the door as Ember turns off the lights and takes her customary place next to Arc.

“Arc?”

“Hmmm?”

Ember sits up and looks down at Arc. “You said you miss Equestria. What about your homeland?”

Arc sighs. "Not really. There wasn't much there that I was attached to. I had to leave some friends behind to come here, but seeing as there’s no way back…”

“Don't you miss ANYTHING about it?!”

Arc is silent for a time.

“Hamburgers.”

“Come again?”

He sighs. “I do miss hamburgers.”

“Never heard of them.”

“They're made out of ground beef and served between two pieces of bread.”

Ember looks confused. “Beef?”

“Cow meat that's seared to perfection!”

Ember licks her lips! “That sounds tasty!”

“It is!”

“You'll have to take me there someday so we can try them together!”

Arc sighs. “I don't think that's a good idea, Ember. Mythical creatures walking the streets draws attention from the wrong kind of people!”

Ember puts a claw around Arc as she snuggles up next to him.

“But you would protect me, wouldn't you?”

“I would certainly try. However, there are quite a few of them, and only one of me!”

Ember nods. “Yeah... there is.”

“What?”

She holds him tightly! “There IS only one of you! And I'm happy to be by your side!”

Arc smiles and nods in the darkness. “Good night Ember.”

“Good night, Arc.”

The Lunar Destiny lands in Canterlot Castle's hanger in the wee hours of the morning. Her crew does not disturb them! Arc awakens shortly before dawn to Ember muttering something in her sleep. He sits up and looks down to her as she drools slightly.

“Mmmm... hamburgers...”

Arc sighs and shakes his head. “What have I done?”

He chuckles a bit as he gets up. Walking over to the window and looking out at the hanger, he mutters to himself.

“Ah... home again. Kinda. Still miss Ponyville.”

Arc heads to the bathroom for a shower. As he washes his hair he continues to mutter.

“Here's to hoping today is a good day! I haven't had one of those in a while. Somehow, I hope I'm due!”

Stepping out of the shower, Arc puts on fresh raiments and steps out of the bathroom. Ember is just waking up.

“Arc? What time is it?”

“Time to start the day.”

Sereb stretches. “Another day, another adventure.”

“It does seem that way, doesn't it?”

Ember sighs. “I for one am looking forward to a nice quiet day. Audiences would be preferable to the crap we've gone through lately!”

“Well let's head to the dining room for breakfast and start this day off right!”

Sereb nods! “Perhaps some pancakes.”

Ember agrees! “That sounds good!”

Arc and company make their way to the dining room. A short time later they are happily munching away on pancakes! Arc finishes first and pushes his plate away as he leans back.

“That really hits the spot!”

Ember nods! “You said it!”

“Indeed.”

Kibitz enters the dining room with his clipboard.

“Good to see you back sire! I was sure to find you here!”

Arc smiles! “One cannot rule on an empty stomach!”

“I suppose not! In any case, we've received two rather large bills for apples and cherries sire! If I may be so bold, what in Celestia's name did you need such copious amounts of food for?!”

Ember sighs. “Arc needed to feed all of Abyssinia.”

Sereb frowns. “It sounds bad when you say it like that, Ember.”

“Their country was facing mass starvation Kibitz. It had to be done!”

“Yes, sire! I'll see to it personally that these bills are paid promptly!”

“Fine! Are Plumb Bob and Hard Hat around? I just remembered I never saw their report on the cause of the Baltimare Courthouse fire.”

Kibitz thinks for a moment. “I don't recall seeing anything come from either of them. Shall I send them to you later?”

Arc nods. “Tell them tomorrow morning first thing works better for me. There's a project I want their opinion on in addition to the new courthouse. Today is going to be dedicated to catching up on my duties.”

Kibitz nods. “It will be done sire! On a more personal note, is my granddaughter doing alright? I haven't heard from her lately.”

“She's still taking care of paperwork at Light's Hope. In fact, I stopped in there and saw her just the other day on my way to Panthera.”

“Raven’s not working too hard, is she?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But you know how it is though. There isn't a ton of work to do over there, but it does need to be done. That and there isn't any other support staff there to speak of!”

Kibitz nods. “Well around here we don't typically have that problem sire!”

Ember chuckles! “Don't we know it!”

Sereb nods. “Every day is an adventure lately.”

“In any case… how did Shining Armor do as Lord Regent, Kibitz?

Kibitz sighs. “Let's just say I'm glad your back sire!”

“Uh oh. That bad?

“He wasn't exactly… terrible at the job, but it's certainly not his special talent. After Miss Ember called to tell him of your hospitalization, I found him convulsing on his office floor!”

“Nerves?”

Kibitz nods. “Yes. Although I must admit I certainly couldn't have done better!”

Arc looks up! “About that! I'm told we're getting very close to a cure for the princesses!”

“Splendid sire! I’ve missed them dreadfully! Not that your skill in leading the country is lacking!”

Arc laughs! “I know what you mean Kibitz! To tell you the truth, I'm looking forward to them taking over again soon! This job... it really wears on you after a while!

Ember nods! “I'm stressed out just WATCHING you be Lord Regent, Arc!”

“You'll be here before you know it… future Dragon Lord.”

“Ugh! Don't remind me!”

Arc turns to Kibitz. “So, what's on the agenda for today?”

“You need to inform Lord Shining Armor of your return to officially take back your throne.”

Ember frowns as she looks out the window. “Isn't it a bit early for that?”

Kibitz shakes his head. “He's an early riser! One thing I can say for him is he's prompt! Always up with the sun! Literally! That and I'm sure he'll be happy to abdicate as soon as possible!”

Arc stands up and walks toward the dining room door. “Well let's go see him then.”

Kibitz calls out after him! “I'll be getting today's paperwork in order sire!”

“Alright. See you in a bit.”

Arc and company quickly make their way to Shining Armor's quarters. He knocks on the door to no reply. Ember shrugs.

“Maybe he's a heavy sleeper?”

Arc slowly opens the door. “Let's see.”

The group enters the darkened room together as Ember turns on the lights. Shining Armor appears to be sleeping soundly. Arc walks over to the window as he lowers the moon and begins to raise the sun. Shining Armor groans and rubs his eyes.

Ember giggles! “Good morning sleepyhead.”

He sits up and yawns. “Is it morning already Twily?”

Sereb nods. “Yes.”

He stretches. “You got a cold or something?”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry to wake you up.”

Shining Armor jumps out of bed quickly! “Arc! You're back!”

“Yes, I am. But I was considering heading out for another extended trip. Do you think you could keep things under control in Canterlot for… oh, I don’t know… another couple weeks?”

Shining Armor’s eye twitches as he grits his teeth! “A couple... WEEKS?!”

Arc laughs! “Don't worry! I'm kidding!”

Ember smiles at Shining Armor's reaction! “You should have seen the look on your face!”

“Don't worry. I'm here to stay. At least I hope so!”

Sereb shakes his head. “One never knows what the future holds.”

Ember turns back to the stallion. “Right! So, are you ready to abdicate, Shining Armor?”

Shining Armor quickly picks up a simple crown off the nightstand and gives it to Arc! “Yes, YES!!! Please take this accursed thing away!”

Arc laughs as he accepts the crown. “Alright. As of this moment you are again the Captain of the Royal Guard. Anything of note happen while I was away?”

He breathes a sigh of relief! “Thank you Arc! Other than audiences and the occasional squabbling nobles, things were pretty quiet. In any case, I'll head over to my office and see to it Sandstorm Mirage knows of this change!”

Ember looks confused. “Sandstorm Mirage?”

“On the recommendation of Lieutenant Flash Sentry, I made him my Acting Captain of the Royal Guard.”

“I'm sure he did fine.”

Shining Armor walks out the door with Arc and his bodyguards. “Yes, he did. But I'm sure he too will be happy for things to return to normal.”

Arc nods. “We'll let you get to it then. I want to check in on the princesses.”

Shining Armor walks toward his office. A fresh spring in his step! “I'll try to catch up with you later.”

The rest of the group quickly heads toward Princess Luna's room! Upon entering he finds Doctor Whooves doing his morning checkups of the princesses. The doctor hurries toward them as they enter!

“Lord Arc! Thank goodness you're here!”

Arc looks surprised. "Doctor? What’s wrong?”

“I was just examining the princesses as I do every morning! Up until now, they have merely been comatose!”

Sereb frowns. “But...”

“This morning both of their vitals are a bit off! It may very well be nothing, but… “

The doctor shakes his head as if to clear it.

“I don't wish to put undue stress on you, Miss Twilight or Miss Auriel, but we need a cure and we need it as soon as possible!”

Ember looks to him confused. “But aren't they immortal?!”

“They're supposed to be! But after seeing them in their current state I can't be sure of anything!”

Arc turns to leave the room. “I understand. Thank you doctor. Come on you two!”

Doctor Whooves calls out after him! “I'll notify Miss Twilight of the situation as soon as I get back to my office!”

“Let me know at once if there are any further changes!”

As they leave the room, Ember turns to him. “Where are we going, Arc?”

“I need to speak to the princesses at once! They must be feeling very sad and alone right now!”

Sereb nods. “You have been away for quite some time.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah, but it couldn't really have been helped! I mean… it’s really only been a few days!”

They enter Arc’s room and walk over to the bed! “Time to make that right!”

Arc lies down and turns to Sereb.

“Sereb, do you think you could use that spell to put me to sleep?”

Sereb nods. “I shall try.”

“We'll look after you while you sleep Arc.”

Arc nods to Ember as Sereb casts the spell. “Thanks.”

He loses consciousness as Sereb turns to Ember.

“It is done.”

Ember pulls up a chair next to the bed and looks down at Arc fondly.

“Ember?”

She sighs. “Sorry, but I can't help myself! Arc's so cute when he sleeps!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Kids...”

Meanwhile... Arc awakens in the Lunar Realm. He looks around to see that the walls appear to be distorted! The stars and city below are missing and an empty darkness has taken their place!

“This doesn't look good!”

He makes his way to Princess Luna's room and quickly enters. The surrounding walls are for the most part normal. However, the lack of sky and city still make Arc uneasy. Both princesses are huddled together on the balcony! Arc quickly approaches the pair!

“Princess Luna, is everything okay?!”

Luna and Cadance, having apparently not heard him come in, snap their heads around to look in Arc’s direction! Their eyes light up when they see him and quickly rise to stumble over to him! He reaches out to give the pair a hug!

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief! “Arc! You're really here!”

“We assumed the worst!”

Arc looks at them, quizzically. “What do you mean? Haven't you been kept up to speed on current events?!”

Cadance sighs. “Up until recently, yes! Lately we've been unable to hear what's going on around our bodies!”

Luna sits down to catch her breath. “It's also been significantly more difficult to maintain my realm! I've felt so weak lately!”

“We both have! It's like the connection with our bodies and reality are somehow slipping away!”

Arc frowns! “Can that... happen?!”

Luna sighs and look down at the floor. “It's unknown. I... we thought perhaps something terrible had happened to Equestria!”

Cadance looks to Arc, nearly frantic! “It hasn't, has it?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Things are actually more peaceful now than when this whole mess started!”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief! “That's a load off my mind!”

“I've been out of the country for a while now. How about I bring you up to speed on the events of the past week or so?”

Cadance points a hoof outside. “I thought you would never ask!”

The trio walks over to the balcony and sits down.

“You see… the past week has been... quite eventful to say the least. Where do I begin?”

Arc tells the pair about his sojourn to Yakyakistan, his needing emergency medical care after contracting Crystal Poisoning which was resolved by Dinky and her friends adding their power to that of the Crystal Heart. How he gained significant physical and magical boosts due to his body now containing six strange crystals. The engagement of himself to Cherry Jubilee along with her memory losing injury at the hooves of General Wind Rider. His defeating Prince Rutherford in battle after Ember turned back the initial invasion force along with their immediately redeployment to Abyssinia and the state of affairs there concerning the starving locals and that of the pirates.

Luna looks at him, wide-eyed! “That's quite a tale Arc! I'm very sorry to hear about your fiancée!”

Cadance nods sadly. “Yes. I hope her memories of you return soon!”

“Thank you. I still love her and want to be with her after all! But right now, that much is clearly out of the question!”

“In love, one never knows what the future holds. I wish there was something I could do to help you two come together again.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “Is there perhaps a spell for that, Cadance?”

Arc shakes his head. “That's a very touching sentiment. But I want her to remember me on her own. Any magical interference would just leave me wondering if she truly loved me, or if it was just magical manipulation!”

Cadance smiles at him! “You're a very sweet individual, Arc! Cherry Jubilee is lucky to have somepony care so deeply for her!”

Luna smiles! “I agree and wish the best for both of you!”

“Thanks. But in any case, can we talk about something else now? This is making me a bit depressed.”

“Very well. Let us return to the conversations regarding national security then. It would seem in that too you have been vigilant!”

Cadance nods! “Yes! Even in her heyday I don't believe Auntie Celestia herself had such a wild time!”

“The good news is we're now at peace with Yakyakistan. Turns out they were deceived by General Wind Rider!”

Luna nods. “Where is the general now?”

“Sadly, he escaped from the yaks. At the moment he's a wanted criminal along with Captain Decimus! No sign of either.”

Cadance looks to Arc expectantly. “And your exploits in Abyssinia? We've had little, if any, contact with them in longer than I can remember!”

Arc nods at her! “I'm happy to report that the Storm King will no longer threaten anyone. He was killed during the final confrontation with me and my squad.”

“While I do wish you could have taken him alive, I for one am glad the citizens of Abyssinia have closure.”

Luna looks him straight in the eye. "Arc… the decisions we must make on a near daily basis are not always the best. Sometimes you have to make a split-second call and live with the results.”

Arc clenches his fists! “Like the decision Wind Rider made when he escaped?! Just wait until I get my hands on him!”

Cadance looks to Arc, nervously! “Arc? You're not planning on doing anything... drastic, are you?”

“Let's just say I'm only going to give him one chance to surrender peacefully! If he runs, flies or in any other way resists arrest, I will have no choice but to take him down at any cost!”

Cadance frowns. “Arc! That's not very...”

Luna interrupts her. “Cadance. There are some things in life we must do that may seem... reprehensible to others. Considering what General Wind Rider put Arc, Cherry Jubilee and the entire population of the Crystal Empire through he certainly deserves whatever comes his way!”

“But...”

Luna holds up a hoof for silence. “I could tell you stories that would curdle your blood! My sister and I have always done what was best for Equestria as a whole! Some of the things we did were rather... extreme, to say the least! When my sister comes back, I think the three of us need to have a long talk about our past. You're not a filly anymore, and should know what had to be done to ensure Equestria's survival! Believe me... once you know the truth, you will never look at us the same way again!”

Cadance gulps! Luna puts a hoof on her shoulder.

“I'm not trying to scare you, or make us out to be cold-blooded killers. We did what had to be done.”

Luna turns to look at Arc.

“I only ask that you give the errant general a chance to give himself up peacefully. However, should he pass up the opportunity to surrender and come quietly, I will accept whatever happens to him as necessary to safeguard the population.“

“Thank you, Princess Luna. I will do what I have to though!”

Luna nods. “I trust you will.”

Cadance suddenly appears very sleepy.

“Princess Cadance? Are you okay?”

“It's... becoming harder to stay positive! Are we really going to be alright?!”

Arc puts a hand on Cadance's shoulder. “Yes, you are! Twilight and Auriel tell me they've been able to figure out a cure! They're still testing it to make sure it works and is safe though! Stay strong you two! This will be over soon!”

Luna nods. “I hope so. While I cannot explain why, I suddenly feel that time is running out for us!”

Cadance sighs as she looks to him. “Arc... I hate to say such things, but you should consider the possibility that the two of us may be… beyond rescue at this point.”

Arc shakes his head with determination! “No! I won't accept that! We're going to find a way to bring you home!”

Luna smiles. “Thank you for caring, Arc. While I hope you're right, this possibility has been in my mind for quite some time now! In a worst-case scenario for the two of us, you may have to remain as Equestria's Lord Regent, but in a more... permanent role.

Cadance nods. “Are you okay with this Arc?”

“I'm not okay with abandoning you two, no!”

Luna sighs. “Arc, while we appreciate the thought and your dedication, this may be more than anypony can handle! The Hero of Light leading our nation was Celestia's backup plan in case something like this ever occurred!”

Arc looks back at Luna, soberly. “I understand. Should we be unable to save you two, I promise to find and rescue Princess Celestia and return her to the throne! At that time, I will step down and help her adjust as best I can!”

Cadance smiles sadly. “Thank you. It's more than we could have asked for.”

“Equestria deserves proper leadership. I just don't know if I can do that long term! That and unlike you two, my life is finite.”

Arc stands and looks over the balcony railing into the nothingness.

“Please keep it together just a little bit longer you two! We're so close!”

Luna nods! “I will try!”

“As will I!”

Arc stands up. “Well, I need to be getting back. Audiences will be starting soon.”

Luna nods and opens a portal for him. “Thank you for doing this, Arc! And remember! No matter what happens to us, please think of Equestria first!”

Arc nods as he enters the portal. “I will!”

The portal closes and the princesses are again alone.

“Luna? What happens if you are unable to maintain your realm?”

“It will return to the nothingness it was before I made it.”

Cadance shudders! “And us?”

Luna shakes her head. “I do not know. But there is a good chance we will fade along with it! Are you frightened?”

“Yes! But more for Equestria than myself!”

“Just remember this... Arc still lives! As long as he does, there is still hope for our land and its inhabitants!”

“And Aunt Celestia?!”

Luna nods. “Yes. He will not fail her! I know it…”

Meanwhile back in Arc's room, Sereb and Ember pace the floor anxiously!

“What is he DOING in there?!”

“His job I would imagine.”

Ember looks at the clock! “Well, his job is to give audiences at the moment! If he doesn't get to the Audience Chamber soon Kibitz is going to have a heart attack!”

Arc begins to stir. Sereb looks over to him.

“Just in time it would appear.”

Ember gently shakes him. “Arc! Wake up!”

Arc looks up at her, groggily! “Is nap time over?”

“You’re supposed to be giving audiences now! Hop to it!”

He sighs, stands up and opens a portal to the Audience Chamber. “Here we go again.”

Arc, Ember and Sereb appear on the sigil in the middle of the Audience Chamber. Kibitz is pacing the floor frantically!

“There you are sire! I hope all is well!”

Arc pulls his crown and scepter from his ring and ascends to the throne. “That's complicated, Kibitz. But right now, I have a job to do!”

“Good show, sire!”

Arc sits down. “Let's get started.”

“Yes sire! Now I must warn you that the first audience is a rather... upset individual, to say the least.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Great! What a way to start the day!”

“He claims to have been wronged recently by an agent of the state! My apologies, but I don't know any more than that!”

Arc nods. “Well, let's get to the bottom of this.”

The Royal Guards open the door and a very angry stallion storms in! Arc sighs.

“Great. Him again.”

Filthy Rich stops at the foot of the throne and glares at Arc!

“Glad to see you're FINALLY back, Lord Arc! Your stand-in didn't exactly impress me!

Arc rolls his eyes and replies sarcastically! “I apologize for not consulting with you personally before following the Order of Succession, Mr. Rich!”

“Maybe if you spent more time in Canterlot and less gallivanting around the world...”

Ember angrily interrupts him! “GALLIVANTING?! Arc has been out there preventing wars and saving LIVES!”

Filthy Rich looks down his nose and scoffs. “Noble and all that. However, there are problems HERE that require his immediate attention!”

Arc rolls his eyes and leans back in the throne. “Get to the point Mr. Rich! I'm a very busy man.”

“Fine! I wish to level charges against these two for the destruction of my personal property!”

Filthy Rich points a hoof angrily at Ember and Sereb!

“These two willfully and maliciously destroyed a statue that has been in my family for generations! I demand justice!”

Arc turns to Ember and Sereb.

“Is this true?”

Ember sighs. “Yes, it is.”

Sereb nods.

“You see?! They admit it freely! Clearly these two are out of their minds!”

“Well, I've heard your side of the story, Mr. Rich. Now it's time for them to tell their side of it.”

Ember nods. “Very well. Here's what happened...”

She recounts the story of Filthy Rich refusing to leave his belonging behind and how he had attempted to convince the nearby Crystal Guards to help him salvage his things! How he had offered to hire her and how she and Sereb had smashed his precious statue!

Arc turns back to Filthy Rich. “Is that what happened?”

“It is! However, when I returned to my home after the all clear was given my statue, or what was left of it, was gone!”

Arc frowns. “Any idea what happened to it?”

Filthy Rich nods angrily! “Yes! It was later found filling a rather large hole in the city wall. I wonder how it got THERE!”

“Ember?”

“Some yaks had accidentally blown a hole in the wall. Sereb and I managed to drive them off, but the hole remained. It had to be filled with SOMETHING! The idea was mine! Sereb didn't have anything to do with it!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Not true. I willfully aided Ember in implementing her plan.”

“Again they admit to their crimes! How much longer must I wait for justice to be done, Lord Arc?!”

“Until I hear everything I believe to be pertinent to this case!”

Arc turns back to Ember.

“Now then, what do you have to say in your defense Ember?”

Ember nods. “At the time, was clear that Mr. Rich would not leave his statue behind. I felt it necessary to destroy the statue, as it meant there would be no reason for him or his daughters to stay in harm's way!”

“Preposterous! The yaks had yet to breach the city! My daughters and I were fine! These two must answer for their actions!”

Arc nods. “Very well. I believe I've heard everything I need to in order to pass judgment.”

Filthy Rich huffs indignantly! “It's about time!”

“It is clear to me that Ember and Sereb were indeed responsible for the destruction of your statue, Mr. Rich. There are two possible paths we can take to settle this, and the choice is yours.”

He grins! “Glad you see it my way, Lord Arc!”

“Canterlot will compensate you for the cost of replacing the statue. Time, labor and materials. However...”

Filthy Rich interrupts. “That sounds fair. But what of these two? What would their punishment be?”

Kibitz frowns. “That would be an internal affair, Mr. Rich. The Lord Regent does not answer to you in such matters!”

Ember mutters to herself. “Way to go, Kibitz.”

“Very well. I'll go with the first choice then!”

Arc frowns. “But you haven't even heard the second or even let me finish the first.”

Filthy Rich turns around to leave the Audience Chamber. “No time! I'm a busy stallion after all! Have the money sent to my place of business in Ponyville, would you kindly.”

Arc nods. “Very well. Mr. Rich. Guards, take this stallion into custody!”

The nearby Royal Guards move to surround Filthy Rich!

“What is the meaning of this?! Lord Arc, you can't just arrest me for no reason!”

Arc looks at Filthy Rich angrily! “No reason?! You admitted earlier that you attempted to bribe my bodyguards here into helping you save your statue!”

“Bribe?! I just offered to hire them to move it! They're just a dragon and an over-sized dog! You can't bribe animals!”

Ember explodes! “ANIMALS!!!”

Arc holds out an arm! “I'll handle this Ember!”

She looks away, huffily! “Fine…”

Arc turns back to Filthy Rich. “They are officially my bodyguards, which make them, as you yourself stated earlier, Agents of Equestria!”

Kibitz nods! “By offering them money to deviate from their duties you have committed a serious crime, sir!”

“Indeed. I’m also ordering your daughters to be removed from your care!”

“WHAT?! You... YOU CAN'T!”

“You also admitted earlier that you ignored an evacuation order during which time you willingly put two small fillies needlessly in harm’s way!”

Ember points a claw at Filthy Rich! “Yeah! That's right! Who's the animal now?!”

Kibitz looks to Filthy Rich angrily! “Foal Endangerment and Ignoring a Royal Order are both serious crimes, sir!””

Filthy Rich looks to Arc, pleadingly as the Royal Guards drag him away! “Please Lord Arc! Don't take my daughters away! I'm begging you!”

Arc nods. “Would you care to hear option number two now?”

“Option... two?”

“You drop your claims against my bodyguards and pay for your own statue. In return, I will drop the charges levied against you.”

Filthy Rich nods! “Yes, YES! Anything!”

Arc leans back on his throne. “Good. Kibitz, put that in writing and have Mr. Rich sign it please.”

“Yes sire. It won't take but a few minutes! Please follow me Mr. Rich.”

Filthy Rich mutters indignantly under his breath as he follows Kibitz out of the Audience Chamber. After he leaves Ember turns to Arc, apologetically.

“Arc, I'm sorry about what I did in the Crystal Empire. Had I known it was going to cause you trouble in the future I NEVER would have done it!”

Sereb nods. “She did not act alone. I also took part in this wrongdoing.”

Ember looks down at her claws, wringing them nervously. “Thanks for keeping me out of the dungeon. I certainly deserved it.”

Arc looks up at Ember from his throne. “Yes, well... please try to refrain from doing such things in the future.”

“I will.”

“As will I.”

Arc motions for Ember to come closer. As she leans down Arc whispers in her ear.

“I would have done the same thing.”

Ember stands back up and winks at Arc. Sereb looks on with a small smile as Arc looks to the Royal Guards.

“Next audience!”

After a lengthy audience session and several meetings with the military and other ponies of note, Arc heads to his office to catch up on the backlog of paperwork. He looks at the piles of papers stacked up on his desk and sighs.

“Some things never change.”

Ember shrugs. “At least it's a lot safer than what we've been doing!”

Sereb nods. “True. But not as interesting.”

Arc sits down at his desk and pulls the stamp out of his ring. “At this point, I'll take boring!”

Ember looks out the window as Arc starts on the paperwork. “Hard to believe its late afternoon already!”

Arc nods, not looking up from his work. “I know, right! Where has the day gone?!”

Sereb smiles. “A day spent working is never truly wasted.”

Arc starts on another stack of papers. “Well, I knew there would be a lot of work when I got back. Didn't think there would be quite THIS much paperwork though!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Such are the disadvantages of not having a stamp.”

Ember laughs! “True. Shining Armor had to do this the hard way!”

Kibitz enters the office.

“Good to see the paperwork situation coming together so nicely!”

Ember frowns. “At least someone's happy about it!”

Kibitz walks over to the desk. “Begging your pardon Lord Arc, but the switchboard has a Matron Coco Pommel on hold. I know you're very busy right now, but she says it is urgent!”

“I'll speak to her at once!”

“Very good sire! She's on line one.”

Arc picks up the phone and pushes the ‘Line 1’ button.

“This is Arc. What can I do for you Coco Pommel?”

“I... I'm very sorry to bother you right now, Arc. You must be very busy!”

Arc shakes his head! “Nonsense! I’m never too busy to help you! Now what can I do for you?”

“Well… you see… Dinky is in my office with a bit of a problem. She needs to talk to you about it.”

“Alright. Put her on the speakerphone, would you kindly?”

Coco Pommel presses the speakerphone button and hangs up the receiver.

“Go ahead, dear.”

Dinky nods, sounding sad. “Hi dad.”

“Dinky? Is everything okay?”

“Not really! Mom's really sick!”

“Uh oh! Did she call the doctor?!”

Coco Pommel nods. “I sent her to Ponyville Hospital earlier today, as I could clearly see she was feeling a bit under the weather.”

“Thank you for being so vigilant, Coco Pommel!

She smiles! “It's the least I could do for Miss Derpy. She's such a help to me and the foals!”

“What did the doctor say?!”

“Doctor Horse says she has a nasty cold. It's going to take a few days, but she'll be okay. She's resting at our house!”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

Dinky fiddles with her hooves nervously! “The only problem is she was supposed to see Miss Cheerilee this evening!”

Coco Pommel nods! “It's time for parent/teacher conferences!”

“I understand if you're too busy to come, but... could you?”

Arc nods. “Don't worry, Dinky. I'll head over there now.”

“There's no rush dad! The meeting isn't until later this evening!”

“That's okay, Dinky! It will give me a chance to check in on your mother and see if there's anything I can do! I'll teleport over to Light's Hope in a few minutes and we can walk home together!

Dinky jumps up excitedly! “Thanks dad! You're the best! See you at your base!”

She happily runs out the office door! Coco Pommel picks up the receiver, laughing!

“Sorry about that Arc. Dinky just ran out of here. I guess she wants to meet you back at Light's Hope!”

Arc chuckles. “I guess so! Thanks for letting me know Derpy was sick! I really appreciate it!”

“It's no problem Arc. I'll see you and Dinky at the school later this evening.”

“See you then. Bye!”

Coco Pommel hangs up the phone and leans back happily in her office chair.

“Hero of Light... Lord Regent... Liberator... and darn good father too! Dinky is such a lucky little filly to have such caring parents!”

Meanwhile, Arc hangs up the phone. Ember looks concerned.

“Trouble at home?”

Arc nods. “Derpy is feeling a bit under the weather with a cold. I'm heading over there now to check up on her and go to Dinky's parent/teacher conference tonight.”

Sereb walks over. “Shall we accompany you?”

He shakes his head. “No. Please don't take this the wrong way, but this is something I need to do myself as a father.”

Ember puts a claw on Arc's shoulder. “We understand. Go.”

Kibitz looks nervous! “Please keep that earring on at all times, sire!”

Arc opens a portal. “I will Kibitz. Call me if there's trouble! Feel free to use my bed tonight Ember.”

Ember grins! “Thanks, I will! It's comfy!”

Arc steps through the portal. “I'm only a call away.”

The portal closes behind him as Kibitz begins pacing the floor!

“Oh dear! This is most nerve-wracking!”

Ember looks confused. “What's wrong?”

“I know I shouldn't, but I worry about what could happen without a monarch in the castle at all times!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Worrying does not remedy a situation. Only action can do that.”

Ember nods. “Like he said, Arc's only a call away. He can open a portal and be here in a moment's notice!”

Kibitz sighs. “I suppose you're right.”

Chapter 9 - Family Duties

Arc steps out of the portal into Light's Hope's Main Hall. Dinky runs up to him, happily!

“DAD!”

She jumps into his arms as he kneels down. The pair embrace for quite some time!

“I've missed you, dad!”

Arc holds Dinky close! “And I've missed you too, sweetheart!”

After a time, Arc sets the happy filly down and looks over at Raven's desk. He mutters to himself.

“She must be with Emerald Dream.”

Dinky looks confused. “Who dad?”

“Never mind sweetheart! I was just thinking aloud.”

Dinky points a small hoof at the sigil. “Well, shall we dad?

“How about we walk home, sweetheart? I could use the exercise and fresh air.”

“Okay!”

The pair walk out the door and head down the path together toward town.

“So, what have you been up to lately, dad?

Arc laughs! “What a question! Where do I begin?!”

Dinky smiles. “How about at the beginning?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well... I could tell you, but...”

“But what?”

“...but you'll have to catch me first! Race you home!”

Dinky runs after her father, who has a head start, laughing! “Okay! You're on!”

The pair race toward Ponyville! Dinky does well for her size in keeping up with Arc! As the happy pair near the small house Arc is in the lead! He stops in front of the house and turns around, spreading his arms wide! Dinky leaps into his embrace and the two spin around in a loving hug! Dinky nuzzles her father's cheek!”

“I love you, dad!”

“I love you too, sweetheart!”

After a few moments Arc sets Dinky down and the pair approach the door.

“Now then, let's see how your mother is doing, shall we?”

“Yeah!”

Arc opens the door and walks inside with Dinky

“Mom! Dad and I are home!”

Derpy sits up weakly. She looks over from the couch, confused. “W-what? Arc?”

“Hi Derpy. I heard you were sick, so I came to check up on you.”

Derpy sniffles and dabs at her nose with a tissue. “You really didn't have to do that! What about Equestria?!”

Arc points to his earring. “Things will be fine! But if anything DOES go wrong, I can be contacted with this.”

Dinky looks to her mother happily! “That and he's going to take me to my parent/teacher conference tonight!”

Derpy lies back down on the couch. "Thank you Arc. I was wondering what to do about that."

Arc covers Derpy up with a blanket. “It's no problem. I'm just doing what any good parent would do for their daughter.”

Dinky feels her mother's forehead.

“You feel a little warm, mom.”

Derpy coughs into her hoof. “I do have a bit of a fever, dear.”

“How about a nice warm shower then, Derpy? It should help loosen up the phlegm in your throat and help with your fever.”

Derpy tries to stand up. “The doctor said as much. I've just been lying here trying to work up the energy to do it.”

Arc picks Derpy up. “I'll help you!”

Dinky follows Arc into the bathroom with Derpy, happily! “Me too!”

Arc carefully lays Derpy down in the shower.

“Dinky, can you please help your mother get situated in here.”

Dinky turns on the water. “Okay!”

Arc proceeds to his old room. Entering it, he looks around fondly for a few minutes.

“Ah, I miss this old room.”

He closes the door behind him and changes out of his royal raiments into his normal clothes. Looking down at his attire, Arc sighs.

“I'm glad these still fit. With all the fancy foods I've been eating lately I must have put on a few pounds by now!”

Arc returns to the Living Room as Dinky leaves the bathroom.

“I helped mom get the shower temperature just right. Then we washed her mane and coat together! Now she wants to stay in the shower and just kinda relax!”

“Good. Is it helping?”

Dinky nods! “Uh huh! She says it's helping a lot!”

She looks her father up and down.

“Something wrong, sweetheart?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Nah! I guess I just got used to seeing you looking like a king, dad!”

Arc chuckles! “My royal raiments are indeed comfortable! But I rather enjoy my life as a commoner.”

“Really? Why's that? I would've thought being in charge was fun!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not as much as you're led to believe sweetheart. Everyone comes to you with their problems, which you have to solve right away. You have to make decisions that my either save OR destroy everything we hold dear. And you have unexpected issues cropping up all the time! But that's not the worst of it! Oh no!”

Dinky looks nervous! “What could be worse?”

Arc reaches down to tousle Dinky's mane. “The worst part is it doesn't give me much time to spend with my family.”

Dinky giggles! “You're right dad! We've missed you!”

“Are you hungry?”

She puts a hoof on her stomach. “Now that you mention it, yes.”

“How about you and I get some supper going?”

“Together?!”

Arc nods! “Of course!”

Dinky trots toward the kitchen! “Sure! I can't remember the last time we did THAT together!”

He follows Dinky. “Me either!”

She hops up onto a stool. “What should we make?!”

Arc opens the refrigerator. “I used to make something when I or my mother was feeling ill. Let's see if it helps Derpy.”

“Okay! What can I do to help?!”

He pulls some vegetables out and walks over to the table. “Does your mother let you use the stove yet?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! We cook supper together most nights!”

Arc begins cutting celery and onions. “Alright then. Put a large pot on the stove and melt some butter in it.”

“Okay dad! I got this!”

A short time later the pan is hot and the butter melted. Arc walks over to Dinky and dumps the celery and onions into the pot. He gives her a spoon.

“Keep those moving so they don't stick to the bottom. They should be tender in about five minutes.”

Dinky nods as she uses her magic to stir the pot. “Okay!”

Arc picks up a large mixing bowl and fills it partially with water. He then starts adding various spices like vegetable bullion, basil and oregano to the mix! Dinky looks over at what her father is doing.

“What's all that for?”

“Flavor.”

After everything in the bowl is homogenized Arc walks it over to the pot and pours it in. He quickly returns to the table!

“Keep stirring that Dinky.”

“I'm on it!”

Arc quickly cuts up a few carrots and pours them into the pot along with some egg noodles from the pantry.

“There we go. Now it just needs to come to a boil. When it does, we'll lower the heat and let it simmer for about twenty minutes. Now how about we go check on your mother?”

Dinky jumps off the stool. “Yeah! We don't want her to fall asleep in there!”

The pair head for the bathroom. Arc knocks quietly before entering.

“Are you ready to get out of the tub, Derpy?”

“Yes, thank you Arc.”

Arc uses his magic to carefully pick up the wet mare as Dinky turns off the water. He and Dinky then carefully towel dry Derpy together and brush her mane and coat.

“There you go mom!”

Arc nods to her. “Feeling any better?”

“A little. The shower definitely unclogged my head!”

Derpy sniffs the air.

“What smells so good?”

Dinky giggles! “Dad and I made supper together just like you and I do mom!

Arc nods. “Well, I hope you're hungry, because it smells almost done.”

The trio walks back to the small kitchen. Derpy looks over at the stove.

“Anything I can do?”

Arc motions to a kitchen chair. “Just have a seat. Dinky and I will do the rest.”

“They walk over to the stove as Derpy sits down at the table. Dinky puts her nose closer to the pot. This smells great dad!

Arc takes a sip. “Needs a bit more salt.”

He adds a bit of salt and pepper and puts a spoonful to Dinky’s mouth.

“What do you think, sweetheart?”

“YUM!”

Arc laughs as he picks up the bowls and a ladle as Dinky turns off the stove. “Guess that answers that question!”

He pours three bowls and levitates them over to the table as they sit down together.

“Eat up you two! Sorry it's not exactly my best, but it should help cure what ails you Derpy.”

Derpy eats her soup. “This is pretty good Arc! What's it called?!”

“I call it ‘Sick Soup’. It's a little something we eat back home on Earth when we have a cold. Most folks back there know it as ‘Chicken Noodle Soup’.

Dinky and Derpy stop chewing and look down at the soup suspiciously.

Arc laughs! “Don't worry! I didn't put chicken in this!”

“You had me really worried there for a second, dad!”

Derpy nods, a bit weakly. “We should have known you wouldn't have us eating... flesh.”

Arc nods. “This is just a vegetarian version.”

The three eat their fill as they swap stories of their recent experiences!

“I'm glad you were able to help the Abyssinians, Arc!”

“Yeah dad! They sound like really nice cats!”

Arc sighs. “They were mostly victims of circumstance. Where they go from here is up to them though. I have a plan to help them get back on track, but I have to talk to Hard Hat to see if it's implementable, or just a pipe dream.”

Derpy nods! “How are the princesses doing?”

“They're not doing so well. Fortunately, we're very close to a cure! Hopefully that means they can wake up and I can come home!”

“What's your next project, dad?”

“A vacation with you two!”

Dinky looks up excitedly! “Really?! Where?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But I want to spend some long overdue family time with you.”

“Can Miss Ember come?! She's a part of the family too you know!”

“If she wants to, sure!”

Dinky grins! “This is going to be AWESOME!”

Derpy looks over to the clock. “It's almost time for you and Arc to head to the school, Dinky.”

Arc stands and picks up the dirty dishes. “Go brush your teeth and mane before we go, sweetheart.”

Dinky jumps up and trots over to the bathroom. “Okay!”

“Thank you for supper, Arc”

“Don't worry about it. I needed a bit of a break from Canterlot anyways!”

Derpy suddenly yawns.

“How about I help you to bed, Derpy.”

“Thank you Arc. I do feel like a good night's sleep right now. But what about the dishes?”

“I'll take care of them with Dinky when we get back.”

Arc carries Derpy to his room and lays her down in Ember's bed. Covering her with a blanket before stepping back.

“Comfy?”

Derpy nods weakly. “Yes, thank you.”

“You just rest now. I'll take care of Dinky tonight.”

Arc leans down and gives Derpy a quick hug.

“Good night.”

Derpy nods sleepily. “Goodnight Arc. Oh! Would you apologize to Coco Pommel for me please? I feel bad for leaving her with all the work.”

“I'll tell her.”

Arc leaves his room and softly closes the door behind him. Dinky is just coming out of the bathroom.

“I'm ready to go! Where's mom?”

“I just put her to bed. Well, we should get a move on and let her rest now.”

Dinky nods. “Okay!”

The pair leave the house and make their way toward the orphanage. As they near the building they spot Applejack and Apple Bloom walking out the front door. The fillies run up to each other.

“Hey there Dinky! How's you mom doing?”

“Better. My dad came home to take care of us!”

Apple Bloom waves a small hoof. “Hi Mr. Arc!”

Applejack walks over to join her sister. “Hey there sugarcube! How are things in Canterlot?”

“Very busy lately! Although it looks like the international situation has shifted in our favor for the time being.”

“That's good! The others and I have been checking in on Twilight once a day to see that she eats properly. Resting is another matter entirely though it seems.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “Where's Spike? He usually does that!”

Arc shakes his head. “He's in Canterlot at the moment. He and Twilight needed a bit of a break from each other.”

Applejack sighs. “Twilight said something like that. I never thought I'd live to see the day those two weren't together!”

Apple Bloom smiles! “Right! They're like peanut butter and jelly!”

Arc kneels down to Apple Bloom's level. “Sometimes even the best of friends need some time apart.”

“Really dad?”

“Yes. For example, Ember and I are very good friends! However right now she and Sereb are back in Canterlot. It's not that we don't want to be together all the time, but sometimes we have to do things by ourselves.”

Applejack turns to her sister. “Sugarcube, do you remember that time awhile back when we let you stay home alone?”

Apple Bloom sighs and rolls her eyes. “You mean the time you treated me like a little baby?”

“Heh, yeah! Why did you want to stay home alone so badly?”

“To feel like a grown-up mare! It made me feel like I was out on my own! Oh... I get it now!”

Dinky shrugs. “I don't!”

Arc stands up and looks to Dinky. “It's not that Apple Bloom didn't love her family! But that she just wanted a little independence.”

“That's right! But I realized after a while that I needed both!”

Arc nods. “I'm sure Spike will come around in his way of thinking and return to Ponyville eventually.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “How long do you think that will take?”

“If he's anything like Ember, quite a while!”

Apple Bloom’s ears droop. “Awwww... I really liked Spike!”

“Dad shouldn't we get moving? Miss Cheerilee is waiting!”

Applejack laughs! “Better hurry then! She said there's only one other meeting after yours, Dinky!”

Arc turns to Applejack and Apple Bloom as he and Dinky head for the orphanage. “See you two later. Make sure Twilight doesn't do anything too reckless, would you kindly?!”

“We will!”

Dinky turns to Arc as they enter the building. “Miss Cheerilee said to meet her in the classroom.”

Arc looks at the stairs. “Would you tell her I'll be there in a couple minutes? I have to tell Coco Pommel that Derpy might not be in tomorrow.”

“Okay dad!”

Arc heads up the stairs. “I won't be long!”

He walks to the Matron's Office and knocks lightly. Coco Pommel calls over from her desk.

“Come in!”

Arc enters the office as she stands up from her desk and walks over to him.

“Arc! This is quite a surprise! What brings you here?!”

“I'm here for Dinky's parent/teacher conference. Derpy says she's sorry, but she might not be in tomorrow.”

Coco Pommel nods! “That's quite all right! With all the hard work she's been putting in here lately I'm surprised she hasn't gotten sick sooner!”

“Hopefully this will teach her to take better care of herself.”

Coco Pommel smiles and nods. “I hope so. But what about you?”

“I know I'm guilty of the same. That reminds me. I'm hoping that after the princesses retake their thrones Dinky, Derpy and I can go on a family vacation. Would it be okay for Derpy to take some time off then?”

“Of course! Although you don't really have to ask my permission, Lord Regent.”

Arc smiles at her. “I guess not. But by then I'll be just a normal citizen of Equestria again!”

“Either way, it's just fine with me! Now you had better get to that meeting now! Miss Cheerilee's had a long day already.”

“You're right! Take care Coco Pommel, and thanks again!”

She waves a hoof and smiles. “Visit us anytime Arc!”

Meanwhile, Dinky enters the classroom. Miss Cheerilee is waiting at her desk.

“Good evening Dinky! Um... where's your mother?”

“She was too sick to come, so my dad is here to see you!”

“Oh. Alright. Where is he?”

“Sorry, but he had to see Miss Pommel about something really quick. He'll be here in a few minutes.”

Cheerilee smiles. “It's no problem! I look forward to meeting your father then!”

Dinky looks to her teacher, a bit confused. “Um... okay.”

Arc quickly descends the stairs and makes his way to the classroom.

Opening the door quickly, he steps inside. “Sorry for the wait! I just had to...”

Cheerilee quickly rushing forward to kneel before Arc! “Y-your highness! To what do I owe this visit?!”

“Um... I'm here for Dinky's parent/teacher conference.”

She looks up at him, confused. “I'm sorry sire, but I don't understand.”

Arc extends a hand to Cheerilee. “Well then, rise my little pony and I'll explain it to you.”

Cheerilee takes Arc's hand and stands up, albeit a bit shakily. “A-alright. Thank you, sire!”

She sits down nervously at her desk as Arc and Dinky take their places across form her.

“There were a lot of things that happened to bring us to this point, but Dinky here is my daughter.”

“I'm sorry, sire! Miss Derpy never mentioned you two were married!”

“We're not.”

Cheerilee blushes heavily. “Oh my...”

“My dad's always been here for me. Ever since he delivered me as a newborn!”

“It was a lot messier than I thought it would be, but here she is! Let's just say Dinky's biological father... wasn't willing to make the commitment to raise her and take care of Derpy like a real stallion! So I adopted her.”

Dinky nods! “He took care of my mom back then, and now me too!”

“That's right sweetheart! But I digress. Please forgive me for getting us off topic. I'm sure you've had a long day Cheerilee, so let's get on with the conference, shall we?”

Cheerilee nods and clears her throat. “Very well then! Dinky is doing very well in her studies. It's early in the school year, but I can already see she's the brightest student in the class!”

Dinky grins at her father. “Not bad for a filly who isn't even a year old yet, huh dad?”

Arc nods. “Very impressive, sweetheart!”

Cheerilee looks to Dinky, confused. “I'm sorry dear, but what do you mean?”

“I'll be one in a month or so! Hey dad! Can we have a party?!”

“Of course! We'll talk to Pinkie Pie about organizing it soon!”

“YAY!”

Arc turns to Dinky’s teacher. “Would you like to come Cheerilee?”

“Of course! Thank you, sire! But I must admit Dinky does look significantly… older than you say she is.”

“Believe me, she may not look like a baby, but chronologically she is!”

Cheerilee shakes her head. “Okay... yes well, I do have one concern I'd like to talk with you about sire.”

Dinky appears suddenly nervous.

“Is something wrong?”

“Well... ever since school started Dinky has been... at odds with a couple of her classmates.”

Dinky looks to her father! “They started it!”

“Please forgive me sire, but it appears we're having a bit of trouble with bullies this year.”

Arc frowns. “Oh? Perhaps I should have a talk with their parents then.”

“I don't know how much good that would do. They're Mr. Rich's daughters after all.”

“Him again?! Talking to him is like talking to a wall!”

Cheerilee nods. “Yes sire. He is very... set in his ways. I was hoping to discuss this with him at his own daughter's conference right after yours.”

Arc looks to his daughter. “Dinky, are you being picked on?”

“No dad.”

Cheerilee sighs. “I hate to say it sire, but the Rich girls have been accusing Dinky of bullying THEM.”

Arc looks to her. “Dinky. Is there something you want to tell me?”

Dinky looks down at her hooves. “I'm sorry dad! I just can't help it!”

“What happened Dinky?”

“Diamond Tiara is always being mean to the other students! Especially Pipsqueak! So I stood up to her!”

“How?”

Dinky looks away nervously. “Well... last week she was being especially mean to the others so I pushed her down.”

Cheerilee nods. “That was when Diamond Tiara started complaining to me that SHE was being bullied.”

“I thought if I stood up to her, I could be a hero like you are dad!”

Arc nods. “I'm proud of you for standing up for the innocent dear. But you shouldn't have resorted to violence so easily!”

“But isn't that what you do, dad?”

“I do. But only as a last resort! I always try my best to talk things out before they get out of hand. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But, it's a shot.”

“Your father's right dear. We can't have fighting here at school!”

Arc nods. “Right! Now Dinky I do want you to understand on thing. You don't resort to violence unless you have absolutely no choice! If you're attacked, I want you to defend yourself now! But don't go looking for trouble! And don't escalate a bad situation needlessly!”

Dinky looks to her father sadly. “Am I in trouble dad?”

“Not this time, no.”

“I'll speak with Mr. Rich about this sire. Maybe he'll understand.”

Cheerilee looks up at the clock.

“I don't know where he is though. He's already rescheduled this meeting twice now!”

‘He was in Canterlot earlier today seeking a meeting with the Lord Regent.”

Cheerilee sighs. “I see. So he probably isn't in town then?”

“Probably not.”

“Very well then. Thank you for coming sire! You have a very bright daughter here! She and the Rich girls just needs to learn that school is not a place for fighting.”

Arc stands up and extends his hand to Cheerilee. “Thank you for your time, Cheerilee.”

She shakes his hand nervously. “Thank you for coming, sire! I promise to do my best to teach Dinky everything she needs to know!”

“I'm sure you will. Have a good night.”

The pair head out the classroom door and close the door behind them. Cheerilee shakes her head and mutters to herself.

“I still wonder what Lord Arc and Dinky meant when they said her first birthday was coming up.”

As Arc and Dinky leave the classroom, they pass Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in the Main Hall. Silver Spoon sighs.

“We should probably go home now. Dad's not coming... again.”

Diamond Tiara shrugs. “I'm sure he had his reasons.”

Silver Spoon nods. “He probably just got held up in Canterlot.”

“Yeah! He probably had to wait a long time to see the Lord Regent.”

Arc walks past the two fillies. “Nope. He was the first audience of the day.”

Diamond Tiara runs in front of Arc and Dinky! “WHAT?! If you're here, then where is he?!”

Arc stops and looks down at the angry filly before him. “No idea. He left with my assistant to sign some forms after his meeting with me.”

“Does that mean you're going to pay for my family's statue?!”

“Nope! Your father and I came to a different agreement.”

Diamond Tiara eyes him suspiciously. “What kind of agreement?”

Silver Spoon frowns. “Who cares. As long as it's over and everypony is happy.”

“Well, I'm happy! Mr. Rich... maybe not so much.”

Silver Spoon slowly approaches him. “Mr. Arc? You didn't throw my dad in the dungeon, did you?”

“No, I didn't. I wouldn't worry too much about him. He'll be home eventually.”

Diamond Tiara turns her nose up indignantly! “We're not worried! This happens all the time! He's a very busy stallion you know! A business to run and a fortune to maintain! He can't be expected to drop everything on our account!”

Dinky rolls her eyes! “Oh really?! My dad has an entire COUNTRY to run! Yet here he is!”

Arc puts a hand on Dinky's head. “That's enough Dinky.”

He looks back to the Rich siblings.

“You two should be getting home. It will be dark soon. Do you want me to escort you back to your house?”

“We’re not some little babies that need to have our diapers changed by the likes of YOU!”

Silver Spoon bows respectfully. “Thank you, Mr. Arc, but we'll be fine on our own. We're kinda used to it.”

“Very well. Be careful out there.”

Arc and Dinky leave the orphanage.

“Hmph! Who does he think he is?! Talking to us like that!”

Silver Spoon sighs and mutters under her breath. “Dinky... I'm so jealous of you.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Dinky make their way back towards home. Dinky looks at her father out of the corner of her eye.

“Dad? Are you... mad at me?”

“What for?”

“For what I did back there.”

Arc shakes his head. “No Dinky. You were right! To tell you the truth, I feel bad for them.”

Dinky giggles! “By ‘them’ you mean Silver Spoon, right?”

“Kinda. Diamond Tiara has lived her whole life trying to be what her father is! It's no wonder she acts the way she does.”

“Her mom's about the same way. She's been here before to yell at Miss Cheerilee on numerous occasions.”

“WHAT?!”

“It's true dad! I feel so bad for her! Miss Cheerilee is such a nice teacher and doesn't deserve to be treated like that!”

Arc frowns as he and Dinky make their way back home. He lowers the sun and raises the moon, as he and Dinky quietly make their way inside.

“How about we tackle those dishes now, sweetheart?”

Dinky trots over to the sink. “I'll dry!”

“Let's do this!”

In no time at all the dishes are washed, dried and neatly put away. Arc dries his hands.

“Well, I guess that's that!”

Dinky looks down, sadly. “Yeah. I guess so...”

“Dinky? What's wrong?”

“The work's all done. That means it’s time for you to go, right?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Actually, I'm still a bit worried about your mother. She shouldn't be alone tonight.”

“What are you talking about dad? She'll be fine and I'll be with her!”

He winks! “No Dinky, I better stick around and make sure she's alright tomorrow morning. That and someone needs to get you off to school tomorrow.”

A smile slowly spreads across her face. “Yeah dad, I think you're right!”

Arc looks at the clock. “It's getting late Dinky. How about we turn-in for the night?”

“But I'm not even tired!”

Dinky suddenly yawns. Arc stoops down to pick up his daughter.

“Come on sweetheart. Off to bed with us!”

“Okay dad.”

Arc quietly enters the room and lays Dinky down in his bed before climbing in next to her. Dinky snuggles up to her father.

“Good night dad.”

Arc wraps his arm around Dinky. “Good night sweetheart.”

In a few minutes both Arc and Dinky are asleep. As the moonlight shines through the window Derpy opens her eyes. She looks at the pair sleeping soundly together and smiles before falling back asleep herself, as the entire family sleeps peacefully through the night.

Arc wakes up early the next morning. Dinky is still asleep in his arms! He holds her close and strokes her mane and mutters to himself.

“Dinky... you're so cute when you’re sleeping.”

“I agree.”

Arc turns his head to see Derpy looking over at the pair. “Derpy? What are you doing awake?! You go back to sleep and get better!”

Derpy sits up. “I'm actually feeling just fine, thanks in no small part to you and Dinky taking such good care of me!

“Are you sure? I told Coco Pommel you might not be in to work today.”

“Positive! Now let's wake up our little muffin!”

Derpy walks over to Arc and Dinky. She puts a hoof on her daughter's face and gently pats it.

“Dinky? It's time to get up now.”

She slowly opens her small eyes and looks at her mother, groggily.

“Mom? Are you okay?”

“Yes dear! I'm fine! Now it's time to get up and have some breakfast.”

Derpy and Dinky get up and head to the kitchen with Arc behind them.

“Arc, why don't you take a shower and make yourself presentable? We can't have the Lord Regent giving audiences with messy hair now!”

“I suppose you're right.”

Dinky nods! “We'll get breakfast ready!”

“Okay, I'll be quick!”

Arc grabs his Royal Raiments from the other day and heads for the bathroom! He quickly bathes and makes himself presentable! As he emerges, Arc finds Derpy and Dinky have cooked a quick meal of pancakes and eggs!

“This smells delicious you two!”

Dinky pulls back a chair for Arc. “If you think it looks good, just wait until you try it!”

Arc sits down. “Alright, I will!”

They all sit down to a nice family breakfast. As they begin to eat Derpy looks over to Arc.

“So how did the conference go last night?”

“Good! Dinky's tops in her class!”

Derpy nods, looking a bit sad. “I... I'm so glad to hear that she's smart. Not... you know... dumb like me.”

Dinky puts her small hoof on her mother's fetlock! “Mom, you're NOT dumb!”

Arc puts a hand on Derpy's shoulder. “Yeah! It's not your fault your dad didn't send you to school! You CAN learn! You just never had the chance!”

“I can teach you mom!”

“How?”

“Every day after school I'll teach you what I learned! We can get smarter together!”

Derpy nods happily! “Thank you my little muffin! I'd like that!”

Arc nods! “You'll be as learned as everyone else in no time, Derpy!”

“I'll do my best to make you proud of me Arc!”

“I'm already proud of both of you! Never forget that!”

Arc looks out the window at the moon and then at his pocket watch.

“Oops! I almost forgot! Time to raise the sun!”

He quickly does so and goes back to looking at the pocket watch. Derpy looks to Arc, sadly.

“You miss her, don't you?”

Arc sighs deeply. “Yeah. This watch only reminds me of what I lost.”

“Then why keep it dad?”

“In the short time I've had this thing, I've thought many times about just smashing it into a million pieces! But there's a saying on Earth that goes ‘it's better to have loved and lost, then to never have loved at all’.”

Derpy nods. “I can kinda understand the wisdom in those words.”

“I thought I did too. That is, before I met Cherry! Loving her was the best thing that ever happened to me!”

“But...”

Arc touches the glass over the photo, sadly. “But losing her has been the worst experience of my life!”

Derpy nods. “She'll remember you someday Arc! I just know it!”

“Yeah dad! Don't give up hope!”

“Thanks you two. I'll try.”

Derpy smiles. “Good! Well, Dinky and I should be getting over to the orphanage now.”

Dinky nods. “The orphan's breakfast won't make itself!”

"I hope you two have a nice day"

“We'll take care of these dishes when we get home Dinky. Are you ready?”

The little filly picks up her saddlebags with her magic and puts them on her back. “Yeah mom! Let's go! Bye dad!”

“Bye Arc!”

Derpy and Dinky leave the house together. Arc looks at the pocket watch and stares at Cherry Jubilee's picture for the hundredth time since receiving the item! A single tear lands on the crystal lens.

“Cherry. Please remember me... one day.”

After sitting there alone for a few minutes Arc stands up and walks over to the sigil in the corner of the room.

“No use sitting around thinking about it. Besides... I have work to do.”

Arc powers up the sigil and teleports back to his room in Canterlot Castle.

Chapter 11 - Doing One's Duty

“WHAT?! By whom?!”

“Monstrosities of some kind! They've just broken down the main gate and are heading for the princess' room!”

“Shining Armor and Ember are there along with a contingent of our best Royal Guards! They'll hold them off until I get back with the cure!”

“Do hurry sire!”

“Stay hidden and let them handle this! Arc out!”

He turns to Sereb.

“The castle is being attacked! We have to get back there as soon as possible! But first we need Twilight and Auriel along with their cure!”

“I'm on it.”

Arc and Sereb make it to the library in record time!

He quickly dismounts Sereb and runs inside and down the basement steps!

“Twilight! You and Auriel ready?!”

Twilight stands before a consolidated lab! “Yes! Ready to move out!”

Arc quickly makes a sigil on the floor large enough to teleport everything at once! “Change of plans! The castle is being attacked! Their target must be the princesses!”

“WHAT?! Let's get back there!”

“Agreed! Everyone on the sigil!”

They quickly do so! Arc powers up the sigil and grits his teeth!

“I hope this works!”

Meanwhile back at the castle... Shining Armor looks to his troops!

“Stand ready! Here they come!”

A horde of bizarre creatures charge down the corridor to meet the brave defenders!

“Hold your ground! Make them come to us!”

Ember clenches her spear tightly! “Don't let a single one through! Kill every last one of them!”

The beasts smash into the barricades and effortlessly break them to pieces!

Shining Armor raises his sword! “Plan B! CHARGE!!!”

He leads his forces bravely toward the horde of monsters!

Max hoofs a monster in the face! “Captain! What ARE these things?!”

“No idea!”

Viktor spears a large beast between the eyes! “We can figure that out later from their autopsies!”

Xenos smashes his way through several of their attackers! “YEAH! They're not so tough!”

Hugh calls out! “Don't be so reckless Xenos! Stay with the group or you’ll be surrounded!”

Xenos jumps back as half a dozen charge at him! “Good call!”

Ember drops down in front of Xenos to breathe a large stream of fire breath at his attackers! “I know we only need to buy time, but I'm happy just ending this here and now!”

She charges forward at breakneck speed to finish off the invaders! A few moments later all the monsters lie dead!

Trixie cheers! “We did it!”

Ember nods! “This should make Arc happy!”

Shining Armor looks around. “Anypony hurt?!”

A few guards call out with minor injuries but nothing life threatening.

Trixie looks around. “Anypony injured head for the princess' room. Doctor Whooves will see to you!”

Max examines one of the fallen monsters. “I've never seen anything like this!”

Shining Armor walks over to join him. “Me either! This doesn't make sense! Why did they come here in the first place?!”

A familiar voice rings out!

“They were merely following orders.”

Trixie looks around frantically! “WHAT?!”

A black hooded figure approaches from down the hallway. He stops a short distance away and slowly lowers his hood.

Trixie appears terrified! “W-what?!”

Shining Armor snarls! “YOU?!”

Captain Decimus stands before the group in all his glory and slowly draws his blade!

“Well now Shining Armor, I see that you've taken over my job just as neatly as you please!”

“Someone has to protect the princesses! Why are you here, traitor?!”

Decimus looks over his blade as he speaks. “Just here to take care of a couple... loose ends is all.”

Ember laughs! “We took out your pets easily enough! You'll fare no better against us!”

He looks around the room at his dead monsters. “Did you now? I'm not so sure!”

Captain Decimus waves a hoof in an arc around himself! His “troops” slowly get up as their wounds heal!

Ember draws back! “What the heck?!”

Shining Armor takes a step back! “Impossible!”

Captain Decimus looks to Shining Armor! “You were always the best and the brightest, Shining Armor! Come with me now and together we can save this land!”

Shining Armor shakes his head vehemently! “No way! I'd never ally myself with a MONSTER like you!”

Trixie nods! “Yeah! You tell him sir!”

Captain Decimus looks over at Trixie. “Ah yes, the stupid unicorn. I remember you well!”

Trixie gulps and cowers back.

“Enough! How could you betray the princesses like this?! You were sworn to PROTECT them!”

“Fool! I'm also sworn to protect Equestria, and that's exactly what I intend to do!”

Ember shakes her head. “By invading?!”

“No! By seeing to it that what I started is carried out to completion!”

Max looks to him angrily! “What you... started?!”

Decimus chuckles. “You see, it was I who poisoned the princesses! Their condition is due entirely to me!”

Xenos appear livid! “What?!”

Hugh stares at their assailant! “How?!”

“It was actually pretty simple. A bit of Sanguine Azolla extract in the food and a bit more in their shampoos. As you can see, their bodies absorbed it quite well!”

Viktor bares his teeth in anger! “That was YOU?!”

Captain Decimus rolls his eyes. “Yes, you dullard! You see, there is a great evil coming to this land. The princesses were too stubborn and caring to make the hard decisions! When the time comes, Equestria will need a leader who's not afraid to make BIG SACRIFICES! For the greater good, of course!”

Max points his weapon at their foe! “You dare speak to US of the greater good?!”

“Fool! I'm talking about the survival of our species! This is bigger than even the princesses!”

Captain Decimus pulls two vials out of his cloak.

“This is the final dose of Sanguine Azolla that is needed to put the princesses into an eternal sleep.”

Ember tightens her grip on her spear! “We're not letting you get anywhere near the princesses with that! In fact, after today you won't be able to hurt anyone else ever again!”

“Oh, don't worry. I'm not a COMPLETE monster. They won't feel a thing! It will be like... like falling asleep... and not ever waking up!”

Trixie frowns! “You're sick!”

“With the princesses out of the way I'll be free to lead Equestria down the path of survival! Don’t you see?! It HAS to be this way!”

Ember smiles wickedly at him! “You're forgetting one thing Decimus! Arc's the Lord Regent, not you!”

Captain Decimus waves a hoof dismissively. “A minor inconvenience! One that can be easily remedied with a swift slice to the throat! Tell me, where is the cowardly Lord Regent? I want to introduce him to my blade.”

Trixie shakes her head violently! “NO! I WON'T LET YOU DO THAT!”

Before anyone can stop her, Trixie runs headlong past all the monsters at Captain Decimus! He deftly steps to the side and allows her to pass by harmlessly! As he sidesteps, he slices her side with his blade! She falls to the floor as a pool of blood forms around her!

“TRIXIE!”

Ember flies toward the coughing mare, grabs her and flies back to the princess' room!

“Doctor Whooves! Help!”

Ember lies Trixie down on the floor as Doctor Whooves runs over!

“I'll take care of her! Go!”

“Thanks!”

Ember returns to the hallway to stand with Shining Armor!

“So then... will you let me pass? Or do we have to do this the hard way? Either way the end result WILL be the same.”

No one moves or speaks.

Captain Decimus sighs and raising a hoof to signal his troops. “The hard way it is then. Let this be known as the brigade of fools who threw their lives away in a futile attempt to...”

A voice rings out from behind Captain Decimus, interrupting his monologue.

“Heard about enough of this!”

Max looks to Shining Armor. “Who's back there?!”

“I can't tell.”

Arc walks toward Captain Decimus with Sereb, Spear of Righteousness in hand!

Captain Decimus smiles. “Lord Regent! You're just in time! Would you be so kind as to order your troops to stand aside? I have work to do.”

Arc nods. “Oh, gladly! As soon as you and your creatures GET THE HELL OUT OF MY CASTLE!!!”

“Is that a ‘no’ then?”

Arc takes up a battle-ready stance as he looks at Decimus, angrily. “That would be a ‘surrender or die’ actually.”

Captain Decimus points a hoof at Arc. “Have it your way.”

As one, the creatures charge at Arc and Sereb! The pair tear through them as if they were nothing! Arc turns toward Shining Armor!.

“Hold your ground! We'll handle this!”

Ember joins Arc as she enters the fray. “He can raise them! Their deaths are temporary at best!”

Arc nods as he stabs a beast through the heart! “Duly noted!”

Sereb slashes at a beast with his claws! “We're being overwhelmed.”

Arc jumps off Sereb! “Ember, Sereb, behind me NOW!”

They quickly do so! Arc stomps hard on the floor, generating a magical shockwave that knocks many of the creatures out the windows and even through the walls! He turns around!

“AGAIN!”

Ember and Sereb obey as Arc does the same to the rest before turning back to their leader.

“There we go! Care to give up now, Captain Decimus?”

He laughs! “Look behind you.”

As Arc does so, he sees the creatures clawing their way back inside while several portals open and the rest of the creatures step through! Ember levels her spear at their assailants!

“Any more ideas?”

Arc nods. “Yeah!”

He looks over to his squad.

“Boys, I'll need your help with this!”

Max, Xenos, Hugh and Viktor rush forward to join their commander! Captain Decimus shakes his head.

“Fools. Like lambs to the slaughter.”

Max takes up a battle stance with the others next to Arc! “Sir! What do you need?!”

Arc opens an ominous looking portal in the center of the room before turning to them!

“All of you, knock those hellions into the portal! Hurry!”

All of them charge forward to do so! Arc's platoon bucks their assailants! Ember uses her spear as a club! Sereb uses his huge paws and Arc uses his telekinesis and other attack artes! In but a few moments Captain Decimus is again alone!

Arc closes the portal. “You really should give up now Decimus.”

“Fool! Don't you get it?! It doesn't matter where in Equestria you sent my minions! I can always recall them!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Watch!”

Captain Decimus raises a hoof to recall his army, but nothing happens!

“What?! HOW?!”

Arc chuckles. “I didn't send them anywhere in EQUESTRIA! They're in Tartarus now!”

Shining Armor clutches his blade firmly! “Sir! Let me take care of this traitor for you... permanently!”

Arc points his spear at Captain Decimus. “No, Shining Armor... this one... is mine! Everyone fall back!”

Arc's squad, Ember and Sereb retreat back to Shining Armor and the others!

Ember calls out after him! “Give em hell, Arc!”

Arc turns a steely gaze to his opponent! “Captain Decimus. You are guilty of betraying Equestria, its inhabitants and the princesses! This is your last chance! Surrender peacefully... or die!”

Decimus laughs! “You really are a sentimental fool! Do you really think you can take me alone?!”

Arc smiles wickedly! “Funny. I was about to ask you the same thing.”

Furious, Decimus charges at him headlong! Arc grabs the stallion as he plows into him! The pair blow through a wall into one of the Guest Rooms!

Arc throws him back with his legs as he jumps to his feet to face his opponent! “You're a bit stronger than the last time we faced each other!”

Decimus lands nimbly on his hooves! “I've been practicing since our encounter so long ago on the drawbridge!”

Arc charges at Decimus and punches him through the next three walls, angrily! “SO HAVE I, YOU TRAITOR!”

Decimus emerges from the rubble easily!

“If that's all you've learned, human, you should probably give up now!”

Decimus lunges toward Arc, spear in hand! Arc uses the Spear of Righteousness to block his attack! Captain Decimus rains blow upon blow on him! Soon Arc is on one knee as the errant captain pushes his spear toward Arc with all his might!

Ember moves to help! “ARC!”

“Stay back, Ember! “

Arc quickly looks over to a nearby column and reaches out to it! It begins to crack! With a final flick of his fingers the column comes crashing down toward the pair! Decimus is forced to jump back! He and Arc leap onto the column and continue to duke it out spear to spear! Eventually Decimus gains the upper hand and bucks Arc into another column! Decimus lunges forward! Arc jumps behind him as Decimus' spear jabs into the column!

Turning and slashing in a wide arc, Decimus knocks Arc's spear out of his hand! “Too slow!”

The furious captain, in a sweeping move, jabs his spear at Arc's heart! Fortunately, Arc is quick enough to grab his opponent's spear before it pierces him! It takes all his strength to hold Decimus back!

“JUST... GIVE... UP... AND... DIE!!!”

Arc strains to hold him back! “You... FIRST!”

Using all of his strength, Arc headbutts Decimus and backhands him a few steps back! Recovering from the blows, the pair circle each other.

“Imbecile! You'll do no better than your little blue marefriend did earlier against me!”

“WHAT?!”

Decimus nods toward the blood pool on the floor and smiles. “I cut that stupid unicorn but GOOD!”

Arc can only look to Decimus! His face white with fury!

“Oh, I hit a nerve!

Decimus comes at Arc again, as a large white fireball suddenly bursts forth from Arc's fingertips! The stallion flies across the room to crash against a statue some distance away! He rises, his armor heavily damaged, bloody and bruised to stand defiantly before all assembled! Smiling, he looks up at Arc across the room!

“She went down SO easily too.”

Arc looks at Decimus with determination!

“THIS... ENDS... NOW!!!”

Arc stretches out his hand and uses his Telekinesis to push Captain Decimus with all his magical might! The stallion smashes into a wall at the far end of the hallway, but Arc does not stop! Decimus, with great effort, attempts to step forward! Fighting the magic and letting out them most blood curdling battle cry ever heard! Arc focuses his Telekinesis into a ball in his hands before launching it at Decimus! The blow is enough to finish shattering the wall which explodes outward toward Arc! Ember, along with the others, can only stare in disbelief!

“Oh... my...”

Arc uses his magic to pick up Decimus and pull him back toward himself! He grabs him by what's left of his armor and throws him through a door onto a balcony before using his magic to retrieve his spear! Decimus stops as his backside hits the stone guardrail! Coughing, he looks down at the floor, scowling!

“Fine... you win. I surrender.”

Arc walks over to Decimus and looks down at him as the others stand watch from inside the castle.

“You already had your chance to surrender. Like I said earlier... this ends now.”

Captain Decimus looks up quickly! “Wait! What are you saying?!”

Arc grabs the captain by the front of his armor to look him in the eye. “Let those who war with life... FORFEIT THEIR OWN!”

Using the Spear of Righteousness, Arc stabs Captain Decimus through the stomach! He then picks him up, still on the tip of his spear, and throws him straight up! Tossing his spear to one side, Arc calls forth every bit of magical power at his disposal! He channels his power for a moment before unleashing a massive torrent of white flames upward toward his target! In but a moment Captain Decimus is no more! Only a few charred pieces of his armor land on the balcony!

Arc turns back toward the others, soberly. “The princesses and citizens of Equestria are safe from Captain Decimus' schemes... forever.”

Chapter 12 - The End of the Line

Arc turns back and looks down at the charred pieces of Captain Decimus' armor! He kneels down and picks up Decimus' Captain's Insignia before turning back toward the castle! The onlookers step aside to allow him to pass. Ember approaches him carrying his spear, which she returns.

“Arc...”

He walks past her as he puts the spear back in his ring. “It had to be done.”

Ember nods soberly as Max approaches.

“You did the right thing sir.”

“I'm not sure I totally agree with you. However, this will certainly prevent any future attacks from him!”

Arc's squad nods as he looks at the insignia in his hand before putting it safely in his pocket. He turns to the Royal Guards and his squad.

“Keep a close watch! The princesses still need your protection!”

The Royal Guards straighten up and salute Arc along with his squad as he rushes back toward Princess Luna’s room!

“Let's see how Twilight and Auriel are doing on a cure!”

Arc, Ember, Sereb and Shining Armor hurry back to the princesses' room! Twilight and Auriel are working at a feverish pace to finish synthesizing the cure! As Ember closes the door behind them, Arc turns to Doctor Whooves as he kneels down next to a bloody Trixie lying on a nearby couch!

“How is she?!”

Doctor Whooves looks up as he finishes stitching up Trixie! A nurse approaches with bandages to cover the wound!

“She'll be fine. This cut really isn't as bad as it looks!”

Trixie winces in pain as she looks to Arc. “Sorry. I've always been a bleeder.”

“There you are miss! Just rest for now.”

Trixie nods. “Thank you, doctor.”

Doctor Whooves walks back over to the machines and continues to monitor the situation. Sandstorm Mirage walks over to Trixie.

“Do you want me to help you to your quarters, lieutenant?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Shining Armor nods to her, clearly impressed by her! “Alright. You were very brave back there. Foolhardy, but brave.”

Trixie narrows her eyes. “Gee… thanks.”

Arc nods. “Just rest now. You've done your duty already.”

He gently pats Trixie's head a few times before she leaves the room with Sandstorm Mirage. Arc then hurries over to Twilight and Auriel.

“How's it coming you two?!”

Twilight does not look up as she continues compounding! “We're going as fast as we can!”

Auriel nods as she adjusts the heat on a nearby Bunsen burner! “Just a few more minutes and we'll have something!”

Ember looks relieved! “Great! Then what?”

Twilight rechecks her notes! “Then we'll turn it over to Doctor Whooves for a final safety check and a few last tests!”

Doctor Whooves nods, not taking his eyes off the instruments! “I should be able to complete my work in a little under an hour, sire!”

“Good! While I don't really feel like a nap, I think I should inform the princesses of our progress!”

Shining Armor nods. “Agreed! They should be told their imprisonment is nearing an end!”

Ember looks to everyone working! “Yeah! It's not like you can do anything more for them here!”

Sereb points a paw to the door. “I must recommend a rest after your battle with Captain Decimus. You have most certainly earned it.”

Ember looks to him, concerned! “Are you sure you're okay Arc? That was quite the expenditure of energy back there!”

“I'm fine! Really! Watch over the princesses for me while I'm asleep, okay Ember?”

“I'm all over it!”

Arc motions for Sereb to follow him. The pair leaves the room and walk next door to his room. Arc lies down on the bed.

“You know what to do.”

Sereb’s horn glows. “Indeed I do.”

A few moments later Arc falls asleep. Sereb nods as he sits down to guard Arc.

“Rest well”

Arc awakens in the Lunar Realm. He looks around the room, horrified!

“This looks bad!”

The walls are so heavily distorted they are crumbling! The balcony is gone and the door is so heavily warped it cannot be opened! Arc hurriedly Blinks through the door to the hallway!

“We're running out of time!”

He hurries down the hallway which is so distorted it is literally twisted! Upon reaching Princess Luna's room he finds the door inoperable! Arc quickly Blinks through it to find Princess Luna lying on her bed breathing heavily and sweating! Princess Cadance is sitting by her bedside bereft of all hope! He rushes over to the bedside!

“Princess Luna?! What's wrong?!”

Luna pants as sweat pours down her face! “I... can't... hold it... together... any... longer...”

Cadance nods. Her voice devoid of feelings! “Any luck Arc?”

Arc nods! “Yes! Twilight is almost done making the cure! As soon as Doctor Whooves gives it a final approval we'll administer it!”

Luna cries out in pain! “How... much... longer?!”

“A little over an hour! We're so close!”

She looks over to Arc with a weak smile. “I'm... sorry. I can't... go... another... hour. Thank... you... for trying... so hard... to... save... us... Arc.”

He puts both hands down on the bed and leans toward Luna! “Come on! You can't give up now!”

Luna holds out her hoof shakily to Arc as a nearby wall crashes down! She looking over to Cadance! “Sorry...”

Arc takes her hoof in his hands! “Please!”

Cadance takes Luna's other hoof in hers and offers her friend a weak smile. “It's okay Luna. You're not alone in this. I'm with you here to the end!”

Luna nods before looking over to Arc with tears in her eyes! “Please... Arc. One... last... request...”

“What?!”

A chandelier falls to the floor and shatters as cracks cascade across the ceiling. “Carry... on... without... us. Find... Celestia! Restore... her... to... the... throne! Tell... her... sorry... for... me.”

Cadance begins to cry as well! “But... what if he can't?!”

Luna lets go of his hand and puts her hoof on Arc's cheek as a weak smile crosses her face! The door falls off its hinges!

“Then... Arc... will... lead... Equestria... as it's.................... King.

“I... I'll do my best to find your sister! I promise! She'll sit on the throne again!”

Luna nods weakly as the balcony falls off the castle and careens down into the vast nothingness below!

“Thank... you... Arc...”

Cadance walks around the bed to give Arc a final hug, as tears stream down her own face!

“Please... don't forget about us Arc! Lead the nation with justice and wisdom, just as you always have.”

Arc nods and holds Cadance tightly as he replies softly. “I will!”

With great effort Luna opens a portal back to the waking world.

Luna weakly points a hoof to it as the floor beneath his feet cracks!

“You... must... go... now! Castle... breaking... apart! Live... Arc! Leave... us...! For... Equestria!”

Arc runs toward the portal, sadly. “I... I'm sorry...”

The portal closes behind Arc. Cadance climbs into the bed next to Luna and wraps her hooves around the failing Alicorn! She lays her head on Luna’ shoulder!

“I... I don't know what happens to us when we... die. But you can stop now. I... I'm ready to go... Luna.”

Luna closes her eyes as the Lunar Realm crumbles around them!

“It... won't... be... long... now. We… we’ll see... you again… one day... Tia...”

Arc opens his eyes and bolts upright!

Sereb raises his head! “Arc?”

Jumping out of bed and running back to the Princess' rooms, he enters just in time to see Doctor Whooves placing defibrillation paddles on Princess Luna's chest!

“CLEAR!”

Princess Luna's body convulses from the doctor's attempts to restart her heart! The nurse watches the monitor’s next to the other bed!

“Doctor! Princess Cadance's vitals are falling rapidly!”

Twilight runs over to her foalhood friend and takes her hoof! “Cadance! Please! Hang on!”

Arc runs over to them! “The Lunar Realm is crumbling! Where's the cure?!”

Auriel puts something into a vial and holds it up! “Here! But it isn't tested yet! We don't know what will happen!”

Doctor Whooves throws the paddles aside and begins CPR! “We have to get her heart going again! Come on princess!”

Sandstorm Mirage takes the vial and a syringe and draws out some of the contents! “I'll test it on myself!”

Auriel shakes her head frantically! “No! It could kill you!”

Sandstorm Mirage bringing down the syringe! “Better me than them!”

Suddenly the syringe flies across the room into Shining Armor's hoof! In a flash he jabs it into his side and depresses the plunger!

Twilight gasps! “BROTHER!!!”

The empty syringe falls to the floor with a positive thud! Auriel runs over the Shining Armor and quickly examines him before looking over to Twilight! “Everything looks alright! No way to know for sure without a full physical though!”

Cadance's heart monitor starts beeping crazily! Arc runs over to Princess Luna and takes her hoof! “We’re out of time! Doctor Whooves, inject them!”

The doctor quickly levitates the vail and two empty syringes over to himself and fills them! “It's now or never!”

Doctor Whooves injects Luna as Auriel rushes a syringe to the nurse! She quickly administers the cure to Cadance! Twilight holds her friend's hoof tightly!

“We should know in just a moment if we saved them, or if we...”

Twilight's voice trails off as Ember puts a claw on her shoulder.

“You did everything you could, Twilight.”

Shining Armor joins Ember in comforting Twilight. “No matter what happens, Princess Cadance would be so proud of you!”

Several tense moments pass as both Doctor Horse and the nurse resume CPR on the princesses! The nurse looks over at the Cadance’s monitor and stops CPR.

“I believe it's working! Princess Cadance's leg just twitched and she’s breathing on her own!”

A moment later Cadance slowly opens her eyes. She looks around, weakly.

“Is this... the afterlife?”

Twilight throws her hooves around Cadance’s neck! “CADANCE! You're alright!”

Arc turns around to look at Cadance. He takes her hoof and gives it a squeeze!

“You're safe and sound in Princess Luna's room in the REAL Canterlot Castle!”

Cadance looks around the room. “Is... is it finally over?”

Twilight nods happily! “YES! You're safe now!”

“And... Luna?”

Arc turns back to Doctor Whooves. “Is she responding as well?!”

Doctor Whooves stops CPR and steps back to rub his eyes, sadly. “I'm sorry. Her body is just too far gone. Brain activity is all but nonexistent and her vital organs are failing. We did everything we could, but in the end... it wasn't enough to save Princess Luna.”

Auriel falls to her knees! “What?! But... but we worked so hard!”

Sereb nods respectfully. “Princess Luna will always be remembered. Not how she died... but how she lived.”

Cadance closes her eyes as tears course down her face!

“Luna... she... she didn't give up. Not even at the end! She used every bit of strength to hold the Lunar Realm together in hopes of rescue.”

Arc looks down. “Princess Cadance... I'm sorry.”

“What... for?”

“I failed to save Princess Luna. In doing so, you must now continue on alone.”

Twilight shakes her head! “You're not alone! I'm here with you Cadance!”

Cadance smiles. “Thank you... Twilight.”

Arc looks to the doctor. “If Princess Luna's body was stronger, do you think she could have made it?”

Doctor Whooves nods sadly. “Without a doubt. She's not in any pain at the moment and will pass away peacefully in a short time.”

Arc looks over to Luna, with determination! “There's one more thing we can try.”

Twilight sighs. “What could possibly save Princess Luna now?!”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and begins channeling power from the Sapphire in the breastplate.

“A little bit of magical ingenuity.”

Ember looks at him, warily! “Arc? What are you doing?!”

A ball of magical energy forming between his palms. “I'm going to try and use the power of my armor's healing enchantment to rejuvenate Princess Luna's body! Maybe then she'll have the strength to come back to us!”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head! “It may also kill her!”

Sereb looks to the doctor. “The princess already walks along the precipice of death. What is there to lose?”

Ember runs over to him! “Arc, don't! That jewel has saved your life more times than I can count! You can't just throw it away on a “might work” plan!”

Arc continues to channel the energy! “True. But there are billions of humans and only three alicorns!”

“Yes, but there's only one YOU!”

As the last of the enchantment is removed from the jewel, it's color fades from a dark blue to black. “We can find another one! Well, here goes nothing!”

Arc takes hold of the raw magical healing essence in his gauntlet! With his other hand he begins to transfer the energy to Luna. He strains to regulate the energy!

“Come on Princess Luna! This land still needs both you and Princess Cadance! I've no intention of becoming Equestria's King right now!”

Doctor Whooves looks over the various machines! “I... I think it's working! Her vitals are slowly coming up as is her brain activity!”

Cadance looks over to her friend. “Luna... come back to us. Please...”

Arc leans heavily on the bed as he transfers the last of the enchantment to Princess Luna! In a short time, Luna is able to slowly open her eyes!

“A-Arc? Is that... you?”

He nods as Ember rushes forward to help Arc steady himself! “Princess Luna! You're okay!”

She nods. ”Cadance?”

Arc leans heavily on Ember! “She's okay too!”

“Luna... you did it.”

Luna looks over to Cadance and shakes her head, weakly. “N-no Cadance. Arc did it. I don't know how, but he saved us both.”

Arc straightens up as best he can and recalls his armor. “It... really was a team effort. Twilight and Auriel really deserve the most credit. They were the ones who developed the cure.”

Twilight nods! “I couldn't have done it without Auriel!”

“And I couldn't have done it without Twilight!”

Twilight smiles at Auriel! “We make a pretty good team! But none of this would have happened if Arc hadn't done such a good job taking care of Equestria!”

Arc lets go of Ember. “I just did what I could to keep everyone safe. Although I am looking forward to you two taking over again.”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head sadly. “That may be a bit... complicated, sire.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just look at the princesses! Do you really think they'll be able to rule anytime soon?!”

Arc looks over to the princesses in their weakened state. “I see what you mean.”

Luna raises her hoof a couple inches shakily. “Arc?”

Arc leans down and takes Luna's hoof in his hand. “Yes, Princess Luna?”

“I… I hate to ask more of you after everything you've done, but please take care of Equestria a bit longer.”

Arc smiles at Luna. “I will.”

Cadance sighs weakly. “Thank you Arc. You've done so well thus far. Please keep up the good work. Aunt Celestia would be so happy knowing Equestria was being watched over by so vigilant a protector such as yourself.”

She tries to reach up with a hoof but cannot.

“My body... it feels so stiff.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “The two of you have been asleep so long that your muscles have deteriorated. We'll have to start physical therapy as soon as possible. Princesses... the road to recovery will be long and hard for both of you.”

Twilight nods! “But you won't face it alone, Cadance!”

“Nor will you, Princess Luna. I will stay in Canterlot until you and Princess Cadance are strong enough to again rule over this land.”

Luna nods weakly. “Thank you, Arc. For everything really. I must confess I didn't believe we were going to make it out of that one!

Doctor Whooves walks over. “Lord Arc, forgive me but the princesses should rest now.”

Twilight looks to the doctor, wide-eyed! “What?! But... we just got them back!!!”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on his sister’s shoulder. “Twily, I know your happy to have Princess Cadance back, but look at her! Please... for her sake give her a rest!”

Cadance looks up, weakly smiling. “I don't think I'm the only one who could use a rest now. Care to join me, Twilight?”

Twilight nods and climbs carefully into the bed next to her friend! She wraps her front hooves around the Cadance’s neck to gently nuzzle her! “I missed you so much.”

“As did I, Twilight. As did I.”

Cadance and Twilight fall asleep together almost immediately! Arc turns to Shining Armor.

“Would you please escort Auriel to one of our Guest Rooms! She's almost asleep on her feet!”

“Yes sir! Right this way miss!”

Auriel yawns. “Thank you. I believe I shall take you up on that.”

Shining Armor and Auriel leave the room together. Luna slowly turns to Arc, weakly.

“Arc, tell me... are things really peaceful right now?”

“They are. Other than a bit of an altercation earlier today, everything is back to normal!”

“Altercation?!”

Arc looks away. “I've already resolved the situation. Now please, get some rest.”

“Arc... I'm... so tired right now. But... I'm a bit worried that if I close my eyes, I won't open them again!”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Fear not, Princess Luna. I'll stay here and continue to monitor you and Princess Cadance if that would make you feel better.”

Luna shakes her head. “Thank you doctor, but that's alright. Would you please leave us?”

Doctor Whooves bows. “Yes, your Highness.”

He leaves the room as Arc gestures for Sereb and Ember to follow him. Luna looks Arc in the eyes, looking a bit embarrassed!

“Please... don't tell anypony else about this.”

“I won't. What's wrong?”

“I know I'm being irrational and a bit silly about this but... I can't shake the feeling that this is all just a dream!”

Arc sits down next to the bed and takes Princess Luna's hoof in his hand. “I'll stay with you until you fall asleep.”

“You really don't have to do that. I know you must have many other things to do today.”

Arc gently strokes her mane. “I do. However, helping you and Princess Cadance recover is at the top of the list! Now please... get some rest.”

Luna yawns. “I will. Just please... take care of things... after I fall asleep, okay?”

“I will.”

In only a few minutes Princess Luna nods off. Arc slowly stands up and covers her up with another blanket. He then walks over to Twilight and Cadance.

“Rest well. You three have certainly earned it.”

Arc leaves the room. Sereb and Ember are waiting for him in the corridor along with the Royal Guards whom anxiously await word of the princess' condition He looks around at all assembled!

“Everyone... the princesses are going to be fine. They just need to rest now.”

A cheer erupts from all assembled! Arc waves his hands in front of his face wildly, hissing!

“Will you keep it down?! I said they needed rest!”

Everyone present looks rather pained as they do their best to stifle their cheers!

“Right now, they're still very weak and will still require around the clock guards. Stay vigilant!”

The Royal Guards salute Arc and return to their positions as Arc turns to his squad, Ember and Sereb.

“Let's go.”

Ember nods. “Lead the way!”

Arc and his friends walk quickly down the hall. Max turns to him, nervously.

“Sir? Are the princesses going to be alright?”

Arc nods. “With some rest and a lot of physical therapy, yes. They'll be able to retake their proper place on Equestria's thrones.”

Xenos breathes a sigh of relief. “That's good to hear! Everypony in the land has been so worried!”

Hugh grins! “When are you going to announce this to the public, sir?!”

Ember smiles! “Yeah Arc! I hope you weren't going to try and keep this all to yourself.”

“As soon as Kibitz can set up a public speaking event. We're heading over to see him about that very matter right now!”

Viktor nods! “That's good to hear! Everypony should know of this!”

“And they will very soon!”

Arc and his squad make their way to Kibitz's office. He opens the door and steps inside. “It should be a simple matter to...”

Sereb lunges at Arc’s back! “Look out!”

He pushes Arc out of the way just in time to save him from a flying vase! Sereb lands on top of Arc along with Ember and pounces at their attacker!

“Sereb, wait!”

Sereb stops! His claws inches from Kibitz's face!

Ember looks over as she shields Arc with her body! “Quick thinking!”

Kibitz lies on the floor with Sereb on top of him! “Good heavens sire! Please forgive me! I thought we were still under attack!”

Arc stands up and dusts himself off. “That threat has been dealt with. Good job on the save though Sereb.”

Sereb nods as he lets Kibitz up. “Thank you Arc.”

“How may I be of service today sire?”

“Cancel audiences for the day.”

Kibitz frowns. “But sire...”

Arc interrupts him! “I need you to set up a public speaking event immediately! This one needs to be broadcast all across Equestria on all frequencies! Send word to every town and city in the land that everyone needs to hear what I have to say!”

Kibitz nods! “Yes sire! I'll see to it the proper equipment is delivered and set up as soon as possible as well as alerting the media to be in full attendance.”

“Good!”

“If I may be so bold sire, what is it you intend to tell the country?”

“I want everyone to know that the princesses have awakened and are now resting comfortably in Canterlot Castle.”

Kibitz grins excitedly as he runs out of the office! “Goodness me! I've been waiting to hear this news for what feels like forever! I'll get right on this sire!”

Arc calls out after Kibitz! “See that everything is done as quickly as possible!”

Max laughs! “He took the news well!”

Ember nods. “The princesses have been his whole world for as long as he can remember. It's only natural for him to react in such a manner.”

Sereb smiles. “Indeed.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “What now sir?”

Arc smiles. “Lunch?”

Ember facepalms! “Why am I not surprised?”

Xenos laughs! “There's the commander we know!”

Hugh shrugs. “Well I suppose it is an opportune time to eat. The preparations for this event will take some time to make!”

Arc nods. “Agreed! Let's go!”

He and his squad make their way to the Dining Room along with Ember and Sereb. Saffron emerges from the kitchen momentarily and approaches Arc.

“What would you like for lunch today sire?”

“Just something quick. Oh! And tell the kitchen staff to keep the radio on!”

Saffron looks confused. “Sir?”

Ember looks over to her. “Arc's going to be making a public announcement today.”

“Good news, I hope!”

Arc laughs! “Very! Stay tuned for further developments!

“Very well, sire! What station?”

“Any of them will do.”

Saffron hurries back to the kitchen. “Will do!”

Ember looks over to Arc. “Why didn't you just tell her?”

“Because I want everyone to hear this news from me, the legitimate ruler of Equestria. Not through secondhand sources.”

Sereb nods. “It is best if they hear it from you directly, Arc. To hear it from another would certainly make it look like you were trying to hide this from everyone.”

Arc nods. “That's what I was thinking.”

Max smiles at him! “Good idea sir!”

Xenos chuckles! “Yeah! Hopefully it won't be long until everyone knows!”

Hugh looks out the window. “That's up to Kibitz now.”

Viktor nods! “He won't let us down! I'm sure of it!”

Ember turns to Arc. “The princesses are lucky to have him around! Kibitz really is the glue that holds things together around here!”

Saffron returns shortly with sandwiches and coleslaw.

“I'm sorry it isn't a bit nicer, but this was the quickest meal we could come up with!”

Arc picks up a fork. “This is fine, Saffron. Thank you.”

“I'll bring out some dessert in a little while.”

Ember laughs! “You know Arc all too well Saffron!”

“I do what I can to keep you all fighting fit. Enjoy!

Saffron returns to the kitchen. Xenos looks over to Arc as he munches away happily!

“Sir! You eat like this all the time?!”

Max looks to Arc as he picks up a sandwich. “Begging your pardon sir, but how are you not the size of a house?!”

Ember nods as she eats. “I've wondered that myself!”

Arc grins! “I get plenty of exercise and do my best to sleep properly!”

Hugh raises and eyebrow. “You sure it's not a magic thing, sir?!”

“Well, I do have the power of stress on my side.”

Xenos looks confused. “Sir?”

Arc sighs. “Leading a country is not all parades and banquets you know. If I make a mistake, it could spell the end of Equestria!”

Hugh nods. “You've done an excellent job so far sir!”

Viktor holds up a glass! “Yeah! No wars, new allies and you've restored the princesses to health!”

Ember nods in agreement. “Twilight and Auriel did most of that. But they are right Arc. I don't think anyone else could have gotten us the results you did! Maybe not even Princess Celestia herself!”

Arc shakes his head. “That might be going a bit far Ember. While I've never met her, from what I've read she's quite the leader! She built this land from the remnants of the three warring races and brought order and stability where once there was none!”

Sereb chuckles! “Like you did in Abyssinia.”

“Yes. But more so! I'm told she is a great warrior as well as a kind leader and teacher!

Ember looks to him. “Sounding awful familiar there Arc!”

“Alright. But she also has the wisdom and knowledge gained by living for thousands of years!”

Max smiles! “I'm sure she would approve of everything you had to do to get us to this point sir!”

Hugh nods! “Right! You're certainly not the first leader to have to make hard choices!”

“I suppose. But that doesn't make my job any easier.”

Viktor looks over. “Look on the bright side sir! With the princesses back on their thrones all of us will soon be on our way back to Ponyville!”

Xenos looks out the window. “I miss the old base! Good times there!”

Ember nods! “Yeah! When do you think we'll be able to go back there Arc?”

“Not for quite some time I'm afraid. The princesses are awake now, but that's about it.”

Max looks confused. “Sir?”

“They can't stand, walk, or hardly even move without help! Heck, they can't even get up to go to the bathroom! Can you imagine them trying to give audiences lying down?!”

Ember frowns! “To say nothing about having to wave over a nurse to empty their bedpans!”

Max sighs. “I didn't realize they were in such a state!”

Shining Armor walks into the Dining Room and approaches Arc.

“I brought Auriel to a Guest Room and helped her lie down. She'll be fine after a good long rest.”

“Good. How's Trixie?!”

“She's resting as well. The doctor gave her something for the pain, but it also makes her very sleepy. It's probably for the best right now.”

Ember nods approvingly! “She was really something back there. The way she stood up to Captain Decimus was remarkable!”

“Yes. I'm very proud of her!”

Arc nods and sighs. “In any case, I’m glad you’re here, Shining Armor! I'm probably going to be Lord Regent for a while yet while the princesses regain their strength. Until further notice they are to have no visitors other than those they ask for by name!”

“Sir?”

Ember frowns! “What are you doing?! They're not prisoners, Arc!”

“I know that. However, in their current state the two of them look rather... frail. I don't want a bunch of visitors wearing them down with their well-wishing. That and I don't want the population to know just how weak they really are!”

Max nods understandingly. “Thank you sir! They deserve as much!”

Viktor sighs. “Yes. Their dignity must be preserved!”

Saffron emerges from the kitchen carrying a cake. Arc looks to the Captain of the Royal Guard.

“Would you like to join us, Shining Armor?”

“I would. However, I think I had best get over to the Town Square and see to it everything is in order for your speech!”

“Thank you, Shining Armor. I'm counting on you.”

Shining Armor nods and leaves the room. Saffron sets the cake down and begins cutting it.

“I hope everypony saved room for dessert!”

Arc grins! “I for one did!”

Ember drools slightly. “Me too!”

Saffron quickly serves the cake and gives everyone a slice before picking up the empty cake platter and heading back to the kitchen.

“Enjoy!”

Arc takes a bite! “I already am!”

Saffron returns to the Kitchen smiling as the group eats their dessert.

Ember looks to Arc as she eats. “So... you got a speech somewhere for the occasion, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Physically, no. I've been thinking about how to make this announcement for a while now though, so I'm just going to go script-less.”

Sereb nods. “A bold move.”

Xenos speaks between bites! “You're braver than I, sir!”

Hugh smiles! “Agreed! I certainly couldn't stand before all of Equestria to deliver a speech. Scripted or not!”

Max looks to Arc, confused. “How exactly does one just come up with such things out of the blue sir?”

“It's actually pretty simple. I just imagine the audience as my closest friends and loved ones. After all, it's easy to talk to them, right?”

Ember nods. “Makes sense to me, I guess.”

Kibitz enters the Dining Room.

“All preparations have been made sire! The Town Square has been made ready with all the sound and broadcasting equipment you requested. Canterlot's media is also there now awaiting your announcement!”

Arc looks over to those assembled. “Everyone ready?”

Max salutes! “We are sir!”

Hugh nods! “You got that right!”

Viktor smiles at the prospect! “It will be nice to bring the public some good news for a change.”

Xenos laughs! “They're ready for it!”

Ember turns to Arc. “I'll keep a close eye out for those who would try anything cute!”

Sereb growls! “As will I.”

“Thanks everyone. Now let's get to the hanger!”

Arc and company quickly make their way to the hanger. Arc, Ember and Sereb quickly board the chariot as Arc's squad takes their places in the front!

“Let's go boys!”

The chariot takes off! In a short time they arrive at the Canterlot Town Square! It is filled to bursting with what must be every pony in the city! Ember looks out over the assembly!

“Word of your speech has drawn quite a crowd, Arc! This is a much larger turnout than your first speech by far!”

Arc nods! “Agreed. That and they don't seem as nervous this time around.”

“That was to be expected at the time. Changes like a new ruler tend to make everyone a bit on edge.”

Sereb nods. “They come now to catch a glimpse of the one who turned back their enemies and brought them peace once again.”

Arc sighs. “I didn't do those things alone Sereb. You know that! The two of you were there with me!”

Ember chuckles. “True Arc. But that's not how they see it!”

Sereb smiles. “If Equestria had come to ruin, you alone would have borne the burden of being held responsible for such things.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Gee, thanks...”

“However, by that logic, you alone bear the glory of this success. It is only fair.”

Arc sighs. “I'll be glad when this is all over!”

Ember nods! “You and me both Arc.”

“Do you wish for me to bear you to the podium?”

“It would definitely make you look very dignified!”

Arc nods. “Alright. Let's do that.”

He gets into the saddle as the chariot touches down in a small area that is cordoned off with velvet ropes! Several ponies take pictures in rapid succession of Arc and his entourage! As Sereb steps down from the chariot behind Ember, Arc looks side to side to smile and wave!

“I should have brought my sunglasses.”

The trio slowly makes their way toward the stage. Arc dismounts Sereb and Ember flanks him! He looks over to the sound booth near the podium's stairs. A mare with a white coat, wild blue mane and a music note cutie mark appears to be making last minute adjustments. Arc approaches the sound booth.

“Are we almost ready, miss?”

“No sweat, sire! I got this! Name's Vinyl Scratch by the way!”

He extends a hand! “Arc. Thanks for getting this all ready in such short notice.”

Vinyl Scratch gives Arc's hand a firm shake, with spirit! “It's no problem! This is what I DO!”

Arc mutters to himself. “She's stronger than she looks.”

He clears his throat

“Are we able to broadcast from here?”

“Yup! As soon as I flick a few switches here, every radio in the COUNTRY will be playing your melodious voice! Heck, maybe even a few border towns will hear whatever it is you wanna tell us!”

Arc nods! “Oh, believe me, this announcement is worth the time and trouble.”

Vinyl Scratch gestures with a hoof. “We're ready on this end sire! Anytime you want to get started, feel free to cut loose! I'll see to it every glorious detail reaches everypony out there!”

“Alright. Here we go.”

As Arc, Sereb and Ember approach the podium the crowd’s cheers grow louder! Ember leans over to Arc.

“See? They love you!”

“Not sure how exactly that happened.”

Sereb nods. “Everyone loves a hero.”

“Right!”

Arc sighs. “Let's just hope they don't love me so much they forget about the princesses! They're the rightful leaders of Equestria after all!”

Ember gestures toward the podium. “Only one way to find out!”

He takes a deep breath before stepping up. “Okay. Here we go.”

Arc walks over to the podium. He looks left and right while waving to the crowd! The cheers and clopping of hooves is deafening! After a few moments of this Arc motions for silence. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out the pocket watch and opens it before setting it down on the podium before him.

“Good afternoon everyone. There are a few things I need to talk to you all about, if you have a moment to listen.”

Everyone in the audience chuckles slightly.

“I want to start off by letting all of you know that the threat of war that has loomed over our heads since I came to power has been lifted! This was in no small part to General Virtuous Lance and his invaluable military advice! Sadly, he could not be here today, as he is currently watching over the Crystal Empire! As you may or may not know, General Wind Rider HAD been in charge of the empire ever since Princess Cadance came to Canterlot in an effort to help Princess Luna with the day to day affairs of running a country! However, during Yakyakistan's initial invasion, the general planned to surrender the city without a fight! He didn't even want to evacuate the civilians to the safety of the castle! When I relieved him of command, he took matters into his own hooves and again sought to surrender the city to the yaks! While he was being escorted to the castle, he again decided to make a run for it! The general created a diversion by badly injuring a nearby innocent mare who was helping evacuate the city's inhabitants! For these reasons, General Wind Rider is a fugitive at large and is to be considered very dangerous! Anyone who has information on his whereabouts should report them to the nearest guard, post haste!”

Arc pauses to take a drink of water, the assembled ponies murmur to each other.

“However, it's not all bad news! After I personally met with the leader of Yakyakistan, Prince Rutherford, I was able to convince him to cease hostilities against Equestria! I do not expect any more trouble from our yak neighbors to the north!”

All assembled stomp their hooves and cheer!

“Now then, moving on to the next topic on the agenda! I'm sure everyone saw the warships, including my own flagship the Lunar Destiny, heading toward our eastern border recently and are concerned about their family and friends in the military! The truth of the matter is, I was originally invited there by the king and queen of Abyssinia themselves, supposedly to talk peace! When I arrived, I found that the situation had changed since that letter was written! As I entered their capital city of Panthera, I met no resistance of any kind! Not even civilians! Upon reaching the palace, the king and queen immediately surrendered their crowns to me... unconditionally!”

The ponies again cheer and stomp their hooves!

“You may be wondering why they would do so! I will tell you! They did so out of desperation and love for their citizens! A nationless coward known only as the ‘Storm King’ had robbed and pillaged their land into poverty after killing nearly every soldier they had with a toxic gas he MERCILESSLY sprayed over their forces!”

Arc looks over all assembled as they murmur nervously!

“Their entire country faced certain death by the slow scourge of starvation! I saw with my own eyes... a tiny kitten whom I at first thought was DEAD due to her heavily emaciated body! Those warships you saw contained food, water, medicine and medical staff! We saved that little one! We saved that entire COUNTRY! I went to the Storm King with my bodyguards who stand with me now! Together we told the Storm King... that Equestria would not stand by and watch as he terrorized the innocent and took that which he did not earn! We would not stand by and watch him harm another living creature! And we would not stand idly by... AND ALLOW HIM TO TAKE EVEN ONE STEP INTO EQUESTRIA!!!”

Arc slams his fist onto the podium as the assembly again cheers and stomps their hooves!

“The Storm King counted on Equestria to be passive... he counted wrong! Despite my repeated attempts to convince him to surrender, he refused! In the end, I had no choice but to order my troops to take him down! By this action, not just Equestria, but the entire world is now that much safer! Abyssinia... is now our ally! Equestria's first, I'm told! I know all of you want peace! Well, this is the first step toward that lofty goal! Honesty... Loyalty... Kindness... Generosity... Laughter... and the Magic of Friendship! These were the tools I used to befriend the king and queen of Abyssinia! If you take nothing else away from my speech today, know this! Peace CAN be attained! But only if we're willing to stand up to schoolyard bullies like the Storm King!”

The assembly clops their hooves together and cheers at Arc's words! Arc looks down at the pocket watch before him and smiles before looking up and continuing.

“Now, there is one last thing we need to talk about! The state of our own nation, and it's leaders! I'm sure you all remember my earlier speech when I became your Lord Regent! When I told you of the illness that had befallen both Princess Luna and Princess Cadance! I'd like to share what we've learned of their condition, and whom is responsible! A pony whom for many years was a dear and trusted friend of the princesses... sought to take their authority for himself! He hatched a plan to poison them with an herbal concoction that would put them into a deep sleep for all time!”

There is a collective gasp amongst the ponies as they mutter nervously amongst themselves!

“He was the one whom invaded Canterlot Castle earlier today with his demonic army! He was the one who brought low our beloved princesses! And he was the one who fought his way to the princesses' room to administer that final dose of the herb that would keep them asleep... forever! Thankfully the Royal Guards led by Captain Shining Armor along with my own bodyguards and I were able to carry out a plan to banish his army in an effort to fight him on a more level playing field! As he and I squared off against one another I gave him an ultimatum! Surrender peacefully... or die! He chose the latter... he chose poorly! In the end his lust for power was his undoing! His life ended... outside the princesses' chambers! That traitor was none other than... Captain Decimus!

There is a collective intake of breath from the stunned ponies!

“During the battle, Princess Celestia's faithful student Twilight Sparkle along with a friend of mine from Tartarus, Auriel, were able to finish synthesizing a potential cure! With no time to test the safety of this new drug, Captain Shining Armor selflessly injected himself with the substance to make sure the princesses would not come to harm! I immediately ordered the cure to be administered to them! Doctor Whooves has examined them and confirmed that they will both make full recoveries!”

The audience cheers and clops their hooves together like never before! This goes on for some time! Eventually the audience quiets down to allow Arc to continue.

“I will now take a few questions from the media.”

“Sire! What are the current conditions of the princesses?!”

“They're resting peacefully, but will need a lot of physical therapy before they can again rule the land!”

“Does this mean you'll be ruling Equestria in the interim, sire?!”

Arc nods! “Yes. I will stay on as Lord Regent until Doctor Whooves gives at least one of the princesses a clean bill of health. At that time, I will step down and they will again rule Equestria.”

“How did the Storm King and Captain Decimus meet their ends? I mean... are you sure they're gone?!”

“The Storm King was knocked off a cliff and Captain Decimus was, for all intents and purposes, vaporized! While they both got what was coming to them, I didn't see any reason for them to suffer needlessly.”

“Has there been any word from Princess Celestia?!”

“I'm sorry, but her mission is classified.”

“What do you plan to do after the princesses retake their thrones?!”

Arc smiles. “Head back to Ponyville and catch up with my friends and family. Oh! And buy some cupcakes! Then take a nap! Ruling is quite tiring!”

Another reporter begins to ask another question, but Arc holds up a hand for silence.

“Thank you all for coming, but that’s all the questions we have time for. Before I end this speech, I would like to thank our military forces and the crew of the Lunar Destiny! Without their service none of this would have been possible! Now I need to get back to the castle to check on the princesses and take care of my other royal duties!”

The audience clops their hooves together and cheers as Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the stage and again board the chariot. Ember turns to him as they take off!

“That was splendid Arc!”

Sereb nods. “You sure know how to work a crowd.”

“I just told them the truth. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Weren't you worried they would be angry?! I mean... you did just admit to killing Captain Decimus! He's a legend here in Equestria!”

Arc nods. “A bit, yes. But I stand behind my decision. It needed to be done!”

“Do... do you think he's finally gone for good?”

“I hope so Ember... for his sake.”

Meanwhile... in a dark enclave somewhere, a cadre of hooded figures sat around a radio listening to Arc's speech. Suddenly Light’s Bane pierces the radio squarely through the speaker as Tempest stomps it with all her might!

“ARC!!! How could you?!”

Wind Rider frowns. “So, what are you planning to do now?”

Tempest walks away, spear in hoof. “Avenge my love! What else you fool!?”

The Storm King chuckles! “Oh... touchy! Can we watch the battle?!”

“I don't care! Just don't interfere, or you're next!”

Lord Goldstone nods! “Well, just don't lose now! I've got a lot of money riding on this match!”

Tempest quickly puts on her special forces armor. “I'm coming for you Arc! And I will NOT make it quick and painless!”

The Dark One nods! “Good! Fulfill your destiny! Take Arc's soul and use its power to save this world!”

“You may want to rethink that”.

Tempest spins around! “What?! Impossible!”

Captain Decimus steps out of the shadows to stand before the group. The Storm King looks sad.

“Oh poo. I guess the reports of your death were greatly exaggerated, eh?”

Decimus chuckles. “In a manner of speaking.”

Tempest grabs Decimus by his armor and roughly pulls him to another room!

“Get over here!”

The Storm King frowns. “A lover's quarrel! Typical.”

Lord Goldstone shrugs. “Oh well. I guess Arc lives another day!”

The Dark One turns to leave. “Worry not. His luck will run out eventually.”

Wind Rider turns to the others.

“Well then... perhaps somepony should expedite the process.”

The Storm King claps his hands! “As long as it's going to be painful or embarrassing for Arc, I'll love it!”

“Gather round fellas! Let an old master tell you how it should be done!”

Meanwhile... Decimus is forcefully pushed into a wall!

“And here I thought you would be happy to see me!”

Tempest throws her spear across the room in anger and hoofs Decimus in the face! “THIS is for making me worry!”

Decimus stands back up unsteadily. “You always did have quite the punch.”

Tempest lunges at Decimus again. But instead of hitting him, she throws her hooves around his neck and kisses him passionately! As Tempest breaks off the kiss, he looks her in the eye.

“What was that for?”

Tempest smiles! “For coming back.”

Author's Note

How does Decimus keep doing that?! The wife was NOT happy he did... again. So... what do all of you think? How DOES he keep coming back? Only I know for certain. But you will have to wait until much later to finally find out! All will be revealed in good time.

Chapter 13 - Confessions

Arc and his squad return to Canterlot Castle. As he, Ember and Sereb disembark Arc turns to his squad.

“Take a break boys! You did good today!”

Max nods! “Tell the princesses hi for us!”

The trio makes their way to the princesses' room. Arc pauses outside the door. Ember looks over to him.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

Arc sighs. “I... I have to tell them the truth.”

Sereb frowns. “What about?”

“That I killed their friend, Captain Decimus.”

Ember nods soberly. “You had no choice! He probably would have escaped again and returned again and again until he completed the job!”

Sereb nods. “They will understand. Of that I am certain.”

“Even if they don't, I should be the one to tell them. Would you two please wait out here?”

Ember steps to one side. “Sure.”

“By your command.”

He takes a deep breath and pushes open the door. “Wish me luck.”

Arc enters the room slowly. He sees the princesses propped up in bed and talking with Twilight!

“How did you do it Cadance?!”

“Do what?”

“Keep a level head through that entire ordeal! I think I would have been going crazy!”

Cadance sighs and looks down at her hooves. “I… actually broke down quite a few times. Luna was the one who kept it together through it all.”

Luna nods. “I had to. You needed me to be strong for both of us.”

Arc walks over to the group. “You did seem to have everything under control every time I visited.”

Luna shakes her head. “That was a facade. In truth I wanted nothing more than to curl up into a ball and cry like a filly!”

“Well then, how did you cope?”

“You, Arc.”

He looks at Luna, confused. “Me?”

Luna nods. “Yes. I knew you were back here doing everything you could to help us, along with keeping the country safe. That knowledge gave me the strength to carry on.”

“I see. Well in any case, I just finished addressing the nation. Everyone in Equestria now knows what happened in Yakyakistan, Abyssinia, and that you two are on the mend.”

Arc walks over to the balcony doors and stares out at the city, sighing.

“Everything is... back to normal... I guess.”

Cadance looks concerned! “Arc? Is something bothering you?”

“Actually yes. I... uh... wanted to talk to you about today's earlier... altercation.”

Luna nods! “Yes. I remember you mentioning that earlier. What exactly happened?”

“Was anypony hurt?!”

“Several Royal Guards sustained minor injuries. The worst of it was Trixie taking a blade to the belly.”

“Is she all right?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. She's resting in her room now.”

Cadance looks confused. “Her room?”

“With the betrayal of Captain Decimus, I promoted Shining Armor to take his place as the captain on the guard. He and Trixie had been traveling the land helping others up to that point. They make a pretty good team! His only condition was to make Trixie his lieutenant. I agreed.”

Luna nods, skeptically. “How did she do?”

“While that would be a question better asked to him, from what I saw she was of great help to Shining Armor.”

Cadance nods. “So, what exactly happened today?”

Arc pulls up a chair to sit between the princesses' beds. “Let me start at the beginning.”

He takes a deep breath.

“It all started when I came here to check on both of you this morning. Doctor Whooves was giving you two your daily examination when I entered. He quickly told me that your condition was going downhill.

Luna nods. “I suddenly started having an especially hard time maintaining the Lunar Realm.”

“Any idea why, Luna?”

“Not a clue.”

“Is that when you called me?”

Arc shakes his head. “Doctor Whooves was supposed to contact you, but…”

Twilight looks nervous. “He… he did! I was just really out of it!”

“I'm sorry to admit I didn’t contact you myself until later, Twilight.”

Cadance looks to Arc. “Paperwork?”

“Meetings.”

“Ah! Been there, done that.”

Arc points a thumb behind him toward the myriad of lab equipment. “I left the castle with Sereb to pick up Auriel and Twilight, in addition to their lab.”

Luna nods. “We are most grateful that you did Arc!”

“Auriel and I certainly wouldn't have made it here in time any other way!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well... I haven't had time to speak to Shining Armor and get the full story of what exactly happened. I arrived here with Twilight and Auriel to find Trixie lying on the floor in a pool of blood and the sounds of what can only be described as the castle being under siege!”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide! “The castle was being attacked?! By whom?!”

“A demonic army of some kind. Where they came from is anyone's guess! Sandstorm Mirage filled me in as quickly as he could.”

Twilight nods! “Arc told me to get a move on that cure and that he would hold them off as long as he could!”

“Yes, well... I didn't really know what I was getting into! I Blinked quite a way down the hall in an effort to flank them! But when I arrived, I found their leader monologuing on how he was here to finish what he started!”

Twilight looks confused. “What he... started?”

“Yes. He was the one who poisoned you two in the first place! If what he said was accurate, he wanted to give one last dose of the toxin which would have made your sleep... permanent!”

“Did you believe him?!”

“Yes, Twilight. He had nothing to gain by lying at that point. I believe he truly planned to kill you both and take over the realm himself!”

Twilight looks around nervously. “Is that horrible stallion still around here?!”

Arc bows his head. “No... I... I took care of him. He'll never hurt anyone... ever again.”

Luna nods. “You did what you had to Arc. Tell me, what was his name?”

Arc slowly stands up and turns to Luna's bedside. He pulls out the Captain's Insignia and puts it in her hoof.

“I'm sorry, but... it was Captain Decimus.”

Cadance blurts out! “WHAT?!”

“His plan originally was to put you two to sleep and then ascend to the throne. He didn't know I was a citizen of Equestria and was therefore ahead of him in the Order of Succession. Our battle destroyed several walls, two Guest Rooms, the end of the corridor, and a column which I pulled down to throw him off balance.”

Luna looks down at the insignia in her hooves. “How?! He was never that physically strong!”

Cadance nods! “A skilled warrior yes, but... this defies all logic!”

Twilight sighs. “It would appear the captain had quite a few secrets then! Perhaps some kind of alchemical concoction to greatly increase his strength?”

Luna thinks for a moment. “Maybe. However, on the other hoof, such things should still be impossible! Even Star Swirl the Bearded never had THAT much success with alchemy!”

Cadance nods! “This will have to be studied further! Perhaps Doctor Whooves can take a blood sample! Figure out what happened! We owe it to the captain!”

“That... won't be possible.”

Luna looks to Arc, confused. “Why not? Didn't you send his body to the morgue?”

Arc shakes his head. “There... there wasn't anything TO send! He had already been killed once! This time I wanted to be absolutely certain he couldn't return to hurt either of you again! After I defeated him... I... I threw him up into the air and... blasted him with Magic Flames. It was very quick! Believe me, he didn't suffer!”

Luna looks down at the insignia, sadly. “Thank you Arc. Thank you for giving him a merciful end.”

Cadance nods and sighs. “The Captain Decimus we knew and loved would have wanted to befall such a fate if it meant putting us or anypony else in danger.”

Twilight looks to Arc angrily! “It was more than he deserved!”

“Twilight! That's their FRIEND you're talking about! How would you feel if I had to take down Rainbow Dash... or Fluttershy?!”

“WHAT?! But... that would NEVER happen!”

Cadance sniffs. “We… we thought the same about Captain Decimus, Twilight.”

“Yes. The thought of him betraying us would have been unthinkable not that long ago. While I don't know what caused this change in him, I am happy that he now knows peace.”

Twilight looks down at her hooves. “I'm sorry. It's just... I almost lost my first friend to that stallion!”

She looks over to Cadance and puts a hoof on her friend’s fetlock.

“That's something I hope to NEVER experience!”

Luna nods. “I desire that for you as well, Twilight. However, for us it's not a matter of if... but when.”

Arc sighs. “Perhaps it's best not to think of such things. Let's just live in the now and enjoy each other's company while we can!”

Arc stands up.

“You two rest now. I should get to work now. It's past time for audiences to start!”

“Arc?”

He turns back toward Princess Luna. “Yes?”

She does not look up from the insignia in her hooves. “Thank you... for telling us the truth.”

Cadance nods sadly. “And for setting our friend's soul free.”

Arc nods and leaves the room. Ember and Sereb are waiting for him.

“What next Arc?”

Arc walks down the hallway. “Royal duties. Let's get to it!”

Meanwhile, Luna looks out the window at the blue skies.

“It's good to be back.”

“Luna... can I ask you something.”

She does not look over. “Go ahead.”

“In the Lunar Realm... at the end... were you serious?”

“About what, Cadance?”

“About Arc taking over as King of Equestria if he couldn't bring Princess Celestia back.”

Twilight’s head snaps over to them! “Wait, what?”

Luna nods. “I was. With us gone, Arc would have been the next logical choice to replace us.”

Twilight looks over, unable to accept what she has heard! “But... weren't you worried he might have left you and Princess Cadance to rule this land alone?!”

“No, I wasn't.”

“How can you be so casual about that Princess Luna?! We're talking about the fate of the country!”

Cadance looks to Twilight. “I agree with Luna. Arc would have ruled this land with justice and honor for as long as he lived.”

“That too! He's not an alicorn, so he won't live forever!”

Luna closes her eyes and smiles! “I am certain that Arc would have... thought of something.”

Cadance looks to Luna. “Like a successor?”

“Perhaps. Or maybe a more... permanent solution.”

“Such as?”

Luna sighs. “There's no way of knowing. But I'm sure he would have found a way to protect Equestria even after his… time was up.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide! “Do you think he would have pursued immortality?!”

Cadance smiles! “Look at us, Twilight. Such a magical feat is certainly possible! But it's not a burden just anyone could bear.”

“What do you mean?”

Luna nods. “Celestia and I were taught by Star Swirl the Bearded how to be immortal. Not just physically, but emotionally.”

“Aunt Celestia passed his teachings on to me. You see Twilight, death isn't just a release from an old, frail and failing body. It's also a release from all the sad memories you've accumulated throughout your life! We've learned how to live with the pain and loss of those we care for!”

“Indeed. If a random pony was simply made an alicorn without learning how to deal with their emotions, the sadness and loss would simply accumulate limitlessly! In the end, they would certainly be driven to madness!”

Twilight nods. “I guess I never thought about it before. Wait! Is... is that why Princess Celestia created the Dagger of Eternal Slumber?!”

Cadance nods. “Yes Twilight. And why she created the Hero of Light to be the bearer of the weapon.”

Luna nods. “We are not infallible. One day the pain and grief may be too much for one of us! When that time comes, the Hero of Light will do whatever needs to be done to protect Equestria from us.”

Twilight tears up! “So... Arc will...”

Cadance takes Twilight’s hoof and smiles! “I know Arc would never hurt anypony who didn't give him cause! Believe me Twilight, if I went rogue and started hurting those around me, I would most certainly welcome my destruction!”

Twilight cries openly as she buries her face in Cadance's lap! “But you'd NEVER do that, Cadance!”

Cadance pats Twilight’s head as she sighs. “One never knows what the future holds, Twilight.”

Chapter 14 - Broken

The days and weeks came and went. Doctor Whooves worked tirelessly with the princesses to help them regain their strength. Early one morning Arc enters Princess Luna’s room to find both princesses there with Doctor Whooves for their wake-up exercises.

“How's it coming you two?”

Luna stands up shakily. “Much better than last week.”

Cadance slowly rises from the floor. “We're able to stand up unaided now, and even walk a little!”

Both Luna and Cadance slowly and painfully take a few steps toward Arc. They make it about halfway there before stumbling! Arc leaps forward to help them! He wraps his arms around their necks in an effort to steady them!

“Don't worry, I got you!

Luna sighs. “Thank you Arc.”

As he helps them straighten up, Arc smiles at the pair! “You two are doing much better these days!”

Doctor Whooves walks over! “Indeed, they are! You two will be fit as fiddles soon!”

Luna looks to the floor, clearly embarrassed. Yes, well... walking is still a work in progress.”

Cadance nods. “Our energy levels are pretty much back to normal. That is assuming we don't do anything too strenuous... like walking, I guess.

“It sounds bad when you say it like that Cadance.”

Arc nods! “Considering what you two have been through, it's a wonder we were able to get you back at all.”

Cadance smiles at Arc! “Agreed! Thank you for not giving up on us!”

Luna sighs. “Or allowing us to give up on ourselves.”

“Sometimes we all just need a little encouragement. Which is actually what brings me here this morning.”

“Oh?”

Arc frowns. “I had a rather long Town Council meeting yesterday. The pulse of the city is a bit... worried.”

Luna looks confused. “What seems to be the problem?”

“I understand why, but ever since you two came back to the waking world, no one has seen you in the public spotlight.”

Cadance sighs. “We're sorry about that, Arc. We've just been so busy with our therapy sessions, medical tests, and spending time just resting.”

“I completely understand. Please don't think I'm blaming you for staying out of sight! After all, that was my idea. I just didn't want the citizens to see you in such a weakened state.”

Luna does her best to stay standing. “This has been a... difficult time for Equestria, as well as for us!”

“Indeed, it has. However, I was hoping the two of you would be up for a bit of action today.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“How about the three of us do something together that Kibitz is always telling me I need to do more often.”

Luna frowns! “Public appearances?”

Arc nods. “You guessed it.”

Cadance sighs. “It's not that we don't like being amongst the populace. It's just... they always make a big fuss over us!”

“My sister always seemed to enjoy it. Not sure why though.”

Cadance smiles at her friend. “I think she was just putting up a happy face for the citizens.”

“All you have to do is just sit there and smile. I'll do all the waving if you want.”

Doctor Whooves thinks for a moment. “This might be a good chance for the two of you to exercise. As your doctor I recommend you go through with it!”

“We could also use the fresh air and sunlight, Luna!”

“I don't know about this...”

Arc sighs. “There's actually another reason I have for suggesting this little field trip. You see... I'm worried that the transition back to your reign from a Lord Regent's rule might be a bit of a shock to the country. I need to slowly start backing off on my duties, as you pick them back up.”

Cadance nods. “Slowly giving up your power, Arc?”

“In a manner of speaking. Just trying to make this transition as painless as possible! We can keep the ride short! I know the two of you are still easily fatigued.”

Luna sighs. “Your idea does have merit Arc. Very well. We accept.”

Doctor Whooves turns toward the door. “Well then, I'll leave you three to plan this little journey.”

“Thank you Doctor Whooves. You've done a wonderful job getting them back to this point!”

“Yes, well... there's still a lot of ground to cover in that regard. By your leave...”

Doctor Whooves bows and leaves the room as Arc turns back to the princesses.

“This will mean so much to the populace!”

Cadance chuckles. “You're starting to sound like a royal, Arc. Thinking of the citizens over your own needs.”

Arc smiles. “I'm just trying to do my best to maintain our land's peace. Now then, why don't the two of you take a bit of a rest break before we get underway?”

Luna nods. “Thank you Arc. I think we will.”

She slowly makes her way to the bed as Princess Cadance sits down on the couch.

Luna, having a bit of difficulty getting into bed, looks to Arc and sighs. “This is embarrassing but... could I have a bit of help Arc?

He walks over. “Having trouble?”

“A bit, yes. I'm sorry to trouble you with such a menial task but...”

Arc uses his magic to gently pick up Princess Luna's hindquarters. He helps her into bed and makes sure her body is properly aligned before covering her with a blanket.

“Comfortable?”

“Yes, thank you. Um... do you think we could keep this just between us?”

Arc nods. “Of course. I won't tell anyone about this.”

Luna yawns. “I... appreciate it.”

“We all need a little help once in a while. There's no shame in that. I'll come get you in a couple hours when it's time to go”

Luna falls asleep as Arc walks over to the couch.

“Princess Cadance? Can I help you back to your room?”

“Thank you. I'd like that.”

Arc helps Princess Cadance to her hooves. They slowly walk down the corridor hand in hoof. He holds only her tightly as she stumbles.

“Easy there. Just take it slow. There's no rush.”

Cadance breathes heavily! “I'm sorry for being such a burden.”

“You're no such thing Princess Cadance! Just take it one step at a time and we'll get you there safely.”

“I'll... do my best.”

Slowly but surely Arc and Cadance make it to her room. Upon entering Arc looks around.

“I thought Twilight was supposed to be here.

Cadance pants as she makes her way over to the bed. “I... asked her... to... run a few... errands. She'll be back... soon.”

Arc remains by her side. “Can I give you a hand Princess Cadance?”

“Thank you... but... I really need to... do this... myself.”

“Alright. Just be care...”

Arc's sentence is cut short as Cadance slips part way into her be! Arc quickly turns to grab her but he is off balance! The pair crash to the floor as he grabs her and turns to take the impact himself! Cadance lands on top of Arc! She shakily raises the front part of her body to a sitting position, blushing heavily!

“I... I... I...”

Twilight enters the room levitating several bundles.

“Cadance, I was able to find that tea you wanted in town. But the bakery was out of...”

Twilight stops dead in her tracks as she sees the provocative position her friend is in! Her face turns beet red as she glares at Arc!

“ARC!!!”

Arc shakes his head, frantically! “Twilight! What have you learned about not jumping to conclusions!!!”

Twilight takes a few deep breaths before leveling her gaze back to the pair. “Fine. What exactly am I looking at then?”

Cadance blushes! “It's my fault Twilight! Arc was helping me into my bed and I fell! He tried to catch me but... well, you see how that ended!”

“Sorry Princess Cadance. I tried.”

Twilight looks away awkwardly. “Oh... um... well then... I guess nothing bad happened after all then, right?”

Cadance nods! “Right!”

“Agreed. Would you do me a favor though, Princess Cadance?”

“Of course, Arc! What is it?”

“Can you get up please? I'm beginning to lose the feeling in my legs.”

“Oh my! I'm so sorry Arc!

Twilight rushes forward and helps Cadance stand up and get into bed as Arc dusts himself off. She covers her friend with a blanket and steps back.

“There you are Cadance! Get some rest now.”

Cadance nods sleepily. “Thank you, I shall.”

In a few moments Cadance is fast asleep. Arc and Twilight quietly leave the room together. She turns to him as he closes the door behind them.

“I'm sorry for being short with you Arc. I thought... you know...”

Arc smiles at Twilight as they walk down the corridor together! “Well thank you for not blasting me through a wall or opening a portal to Tartarus this time”

Twilight blushes! “Squee!”

Arc sighs. “No... seriously... thank you.”

Twilight does her best to change the subject. “So... what are you up to today?”

“The princesses and I are going to ride around on the chariot later so we can smile and wave.”

Twilight looks concerned! “Isn't it a bit soon for them to be out and about?”

“We've already cleared it with Doctor Whooves. He says they need the exercise! Don't worry! I won't keep them out there too long. Just long enough to get some air, stretch their legs and let everyone see that they're alright.”

Twilight looks down nervously. “Just... take care of Cadance for me, will you? She's... a very special friend to me!”

“Yes, I can see that. Don't worry, she'll be fine!”

“Do you think they'll be strong enough to attend the Grand Galloping Gala?”

Arc nods. “Doctor Whooves says they should be recovered enough to attend, yes. They won't be doing any running, jumping or flying though.”

“I would hope not! This is the most formal event in the land! Um... do you think you could... you know...”

Arc laughs! “I've already seen to it you and your friend's names were added to the guest list. Your tickets should arrive in a few days!”

Twilight giggles, slightly embarrassed! She continues almost in a whisper.

“Thanks! I... um... I was just wondering...”

Arc stops outside Kibitz's office.

“Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to go over a few things with Kibitz now. Was there anything else you wanted Twilight?”

“Um... it can wait!”

He opens the door and steps into the office. “Alright! See you at lunch then!”

Arc closes the door behind himself. Twilight sits down and stares at the door for some time before whispering the words she could not say to him…

“Arc... would you... go to the Grand Galloping Gala with me?”

Twilight slowly gets up and walks away. She looks down sadly at the floor.

“I'm hopeless. What chance does a librarian like me have with a Lord Regent anyways?”

A couple hours later Arc walks toward the princesses' rooms with Doctor Whooves and a nurse. Each of them is pushing a wheelchair. Arc quietly opens the door to Princess Luna's room with Doctor Whooves as the nurse proceeds to fetch Princess Cadance. He approaches the bed and gently pats Luna's cheek.

“Princess Luna?”

Luna slowly opens her eyes and looks over at him, sleepily.

“Huh? What's going on?”

“We're ready to go. Are you feeling up to this?”

Luna sits up and rubs her eyes. “Yes. Just give me a moment.”

Arc waits patiently as Doctor Whooves massages Luna's front and back legs.

“Let's get that blood moving, princess.”

Luna winces slightly in discomfort. “Th-thank you doctor.”

In a few minutes Arc helps Princess Luna into the wheelchair.

“This really isn't necessary. I can walk to the hanger!

Arc nods. “I'm sure you could. However, once you got there do you think you would have any energy left to stay awake?

“I... suppose not.”

Doctor Whooves looks to Luna. “If you're feeling strong enough, you can walk back afterwards princess.”

They proceed to the hallway. Princess Cadance is sitting in a wheelchair waiting for them. Arc turns to her as Doctor Whooves pushes Luna down the hallway.

“Are you ready for this Princess Cadance?”

“I am!”

Arc nods to the nurse who begins pushing the wheelchair.

“To tell you the truth, I'm a bit excited! Luna and I didn't exactly have time to do things like this before! We were always so busy!”

Arc nods, understanding. “Well, now there's time for it! Let's do this!”

Cadance giggles! “Yes! Let's!”

The group proceeds to the hanger where Arc's squad and a few other guards are hitched up to the chariot. They bow low as Arc and the princesses arrive!

“Max. Are these enough stallions to pull the three of us?”

“Yes sir. Thank you for the extra help!”

Xenos chuckles! “Not that we need it. You have me, remember?”

Hugh sighs. “Trust me, we need it!”

Viktor nods. “Agreed!”

Arc helps the princesses board the chariot which has been modified with several soft pillows taking the place of the throne in the middle.

“Are you two comfortable?”

Cadance nods. “Yes, thank you.”

Luna sits down slowly. “I'm fine. Shall we be off?”

Arc climbs aboard. “Very well. Just... please speak up if either of you needs anything. If it's too much, just say the word and we'll turn around.”

He nods to Max and the chariot slowly makes its way out of the castle. Arc sits down between the princesses.

“Here we go.”

Cadance looks to him, confused. “Arc? Shouldn't you sit in front of us? After all, you're still the Lord Regent.”

“Not for much longer. Besides... the population wants to see you two right now.”

Cadance bites her lower lip nervously. “Um... Arc? I just wanted to... apologize for what happened earlier.”

“No need for that Princess Cadance. It was clearly an accident and nothing more!”

As the chariot passes through Canterlot slowly, both princesses look over and wave as best they can at those they pass.

Cadance smiles as the crowds cheer and wave back. “Wow! This is fun!”

Luna waves to a group of foals. “Trust me, it gets old fast. Did you do this often Arc?”

“Not as often as Kibitz wanted me to, no.”

Cadance sighs. “That's a shame! This simple gesture makes everypony so happy!”

Arc shakes his head. “They missed you two!”

“They had you to protect them though Arc.”

“I was but a substitute. You two are the real thing!”

The chariot walks along the streets for half an hour. Suddenly Cadance puts a hoof to her forehead!

“I'm... feeling a bit lightheaded.”

Arc turns quickly to Max! “Back to the castle!”

Arc looks over to Princess Cadance. He puts his hands on her shoulders and helps her lie down. She smiles up at him weakly.

“I'm alright. I think all this excitement was just too much for me.”

Luna uses her magic to levitate a pillow over to Cadance. “Shhh... just rest now.”

Arc nods and touches his earring. “Kibitz! Are you there?!”

“Yes sire!”

“Princess Cadance is not feeling well! Have Doctor Whooves meet us in the hanger!”

“I'll see to it at once sire!”

“Thank you! Arc out!”

Arc adjusts the pillow under Princess Cadance's head and gently strokes her mane. “Not to worry. We'll be back at the castle shortly.”

Cadance smiles and closes her eyes. “Thank you Arc.”

A short time later the chariot pulls into the hanger! Doctor Whooves, with a nurse, is waiting for them along with Kibitz who is pacing the floor nervously! As the chariot stops Cadance moves to sit up. Arc puts his hands on her shoulders!

“Please Princess Cadance! Let the doctor look at you first!”

Cadance nods and lays her head back down. “Alright.”

Doctor Whooves quickly boards the chariot and gets to work examining Princess Cadance!

“How do you feel princess?”

“Okay, I guess. I may have overdone it on the waving.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “It would appear so. I'd like the two of you to get some rest now. I'll have lunch brought to you later.”

Arc helps Cadance into her wheelchair. “Let's get you back to your room Princess Cadance.”

Luna turns to look after the pair as Arc and Princess Cadance make their way out of the hanger.

“They do make a lovely couple, don't you think doctor?”

Doctor Whooves looks confused. “Beg your pardon?”

“Arc and Cadance! Can you not see the way he worries about her? Tries to make her comfortable?”

“You mean the same way he treats everypony, your Highness?”

Luna nods. “Perhaps you are right doctor. Maybe I am just imagining it. I may not be the Princess of Love, but I see the way she looks at him.”

She chuckles to herself as Doctor Whooves begins to push her back to her bedroom.

“Can you imagine a pony, much less a princess, and a human being in love?!”

“I admit it would be a bit... out of the ordinary. However, love knows no bounds, Princess Luna.”

“Again, maybe I'm just seeing things, but I can help but notice how he looks at her as well.”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “I'm no expert on the subject by any means, but he and I have spent quite a bit of time together these last couple months. Before you and Princess Cadance awakened, he would often come to your rooms in the morning to check on both of you. The way he looks at the two of you now is the same as then. While I do believe he cares about your well-being, it appears to me more like friendship than love.

“Thank you doctor. I will have to speak with Cadance on this.”

Three weeks later. Arc stands in front of his balcony window to raise the sun. He sighs contentedly.

“Today’s the day!”

There is a light knock as Shining Armor and Trixie enter Arc's room. He salutes Arc with Trixie!

“Good morning sir!”

“You're looking ready for a new day!”

Arc turns around to face the pair. “Good morning to you two as well. Shining Armor, how are your preparations going?”

“Everything is in place for tonight Arc. I even took the liberty of increasing patrols throughout the castle during the event.”

Arc sighs. “I envy them.”

Trixie looks confused. “Come again?”

“Believe me, if what I've heard about tonight is to be believed, guard duty would be MUCH more exciting.”

Shining Armor nods. “I know. But your presence there is required as the Lord Regent.”

Arc chuckles. “You mean I can't just slack off on my last day?”

“No Arc. But look at the bright side! After today you'll be back at Light's Hope in Ponyville with Twily and your family!”

“I admit I am looking forward to that! Have I told you two that my family and I are planning on going camping after I get back?”

Trixie laughs! “Only every day for the last few weeks Arc!”

“Sorry, but I can't help it! Our first vacation together! Well, other than our trip to Cherry Hill Ranch when Dinky was a baby.”

Arc suddenly looks downcast. He turns to Shining Armor.

“Has there been any word on that?”

“No Arc. Nothing.”

Trixie sighs. “If she remembered, I'm sure she wouldn't waste a second trying to contact you!”

“Y-yeah.”

Shining Armor walks over to him. “I'm sorry Arc. This must be very hard on you.”

Arc nods sadly. “It is. But I'm still holding out hope that one day the old Cherry will come back to me!”

Trixie nods. “I hope she does Arc. I really do!”

“Thanks. Well... I'm showered and ready for a new day. Let's get it started.”

Arc, Shining Armor and Trixie leave his quarters and walk slowly down the hallway.

“Tell me sir, where are your bodyguards this morning?”

“I told them to guard the princesses until tonight's festivities are over. The official transfer of power back to them will be witnessed by those whom attend the Gala tonight.”

Trixie nods. “So, what are your plans for today, sir?”

“I don't have any other official duties to do other than raising the sun this morning. The princesses have again taken over paperwork and are even able to hold audiences now! As I’m sure you've noticed, for the last week or so I've mostly been the Lord Regent in name only.”

Shining Armor smiles. “Feeling a bit like a third wheel, sir?”

“I do. But that's okay! Two of the three princesses have been restored to their rightful place and the kingdom is at peace! That reminds me! Whatever happened to the Griffon Kingdom and the Changeling Empire!”

Trixie shrugs. “I actually forgot about them!”

Shining Armor grins! “When you defeated Prince Rutherford it gave all the surrounding nations pause! They took note of your strength and military cunning, sir!”

“I'm guessing my adventures in Abyssinia helped too.”

“Indeed it did. One doesn't vanquish a powerful foe such as the Storm King and his forces without turning heads!”

Arc sighs. “I had a lot less to do with that than they know. The Storm King killed his OWN forces, and my squad finished him off!”

Trixie nods! “That may be true sir. But it's not how our neighbors see it!”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “The way you handled Captain Decimus was the last act to seal your reputation! Everypony now knows that you won't show mercy to those who cause harm to others, without exception!”

Trixie giggles! “If you hadn't been instrumental in saving so many innocent lives in Abyssinia, I think the surrounding nations would be quaking in their boots at the very mention of your name!”

Shining Armor laughs! “Indeed! They view you as an ally to the innocent... but a nightmare to your enemies!”

“Quite an enviable position I must say, Arc!”

“Power... influence... status... you have all these things, sir, and could exercise them at any time~ Yet you choose to restrain yourself.”

“Trixie believes you could have marched on to conquer the surrounding lands and bring them into an Equestrian Empire! She believes that little to no resistance would have been met! Would that not have led to an end to war in this land? You and the princesses could have watched over everypony as Emperor and Empresses!”

Arc shakes his head. “Maybe Trixie. But it could have led to a very costly war which would have devastated all lands! As far as creating an Equestrian Empire... I believe in our neighbor's sovereignty and individual needs. They should rule themselves! Not take orders from an Emperor in a faraway land!”

“But...!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “The countries on Earth have tried to do so many times. Uniting an entire continent under one ruler. One Emperor! Let's just say it was never a lasting solution.”

Shining Armor frowns. “What happened?”

“In the end, they always splintered off to form their own nations again. But it was the citizens that suffered the most! They had no rights, no freedoms and no voice with which to address their leaders!”

Arc shakes his head and turns to look out a window at the beautiful rolling hills and sky!

“I'll die before I see such a fate befall this beautiful land!”

“Trixie is sorry sir. She only wants what is best for everypony!”

Arc nods. “I know that Trixie. But the surrounding nations know what their citizens need better than anyone else. Especially me!”

“Well put sir! If you will excuse us, we need to get back to our duties!”

“I understand. Make sure everything is in order for tonight.”

“Trixie and Shining Armor will do their best!”

Arc mutters to himself as the pair walk away. “I know you will!”

He looks down the hallway toward the War Room.

“I wonder how Spike's doing in his duties.”

Arc makes his way to the War Room door. Swinging it open he quickly walks inside and heads for Sunburst's office. He knocks and waits. In a few moments Spike answers.

“Good morning Arc!”

“Hello Spike. Uh... is it safe in there?”

Spike steps aside to let Arc enter. “Sure! I've been working really hard to get it to this point, you know!”

Arc cautiously enters the office. All the piles of books are neatly shelved and the stacks of papers cannot be seen.

“Most impressive Spike! This place looks great!”

Sunburst stands up from his desk and walks over to Arc. “I agree sire! I wish I'd had Spike around years ago! He's the best assistant ever!”

Spike laughs! “Thank you sir!”

“Not only is my office neat and organized, but it's somehow affected out investigation into Princess Celestia's whereabouts! We're able to search, map and catalog things much faster now!”

Arc nods. “Could it be due to the fact that your tomes and files are now in order?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “Unlikely. I always knew where everything was!”

“True sir! But how did you get to it?!”

“I admit it did take a bit of time, but I always managed!”

Spike rolls his eyes. “I can't imagine how.”

Sunburst gestures to his assistant! “Now I just tell Spike here what I want and he brings it to me! Tops in efficiency!”

“Glad to hear it! Oh! That reminds me Sunburst!”

Arc removes the pendant from around his neck and gives it to Sunburst.

“I won't be raising the sun and moon anymore, so you should probably take this back.”

Sunburst accepts the pendant and lays it on his desk. “Thank you, Lord Arc. I'll see to it this is safely stored away in my safe again.”

Arc nods. “So how goes the search?”

“We're certainly making progress sire! It's probably still going to be another nine months or so until we have anything concrete, but we're not giving up!”

Spike nods! “Shall I show him our progress, sir?”

Sunburst nods and walks back to his desk! “Yes indeed, Spike!”

He takes Arc’s hand! “Come on! This way!”

Spike and Arc leave the office. Sunburst smiles and mutters to himself.

“So much energy for such a small dragon!”

The pair head over to the large table in the center of the room. Spike points a claw at the map.

“Sunburst says you were right in starting with this country here! He says she's DEFINITELY there somewhere!”

Arc nods! “Good! We're that much closer to finding her then!”

Spike gestures at several points on the map. “As you can see, they're slowly narrowing down the area by searching in a grid-like pattern! It's really only a matter of time at this point! But even if we do find Princess Celestia, how do we get to Earth to rescue her?”

“Princess Luna says there's a book in the Royal Armory that talks about inter-dimensional travel. The answer is probably in there! She told me that I could have the book when she and Princess Cadance were strong enough to open the vault.”

“When will that be?”

Arc smiles! “Today after breakfast. They said I should have the book before I left for Ponyville later today.”

Spike looks suddenly depressed. “Ponyville, huh?”

“Do you want to come with me? I'm sure Twilight really misses you.”

“She's... come by a couple times since I started here. I do miss her and would like to go back! But... Sunburst needs me! Finding the princess is much more important than dusting the Golden Oaks Library after all!”

Spike sighs and leans against the table.

“I told her I'd come home after we located Princess Celestia. I'm sure she understands! She writes me a letter almost every day you know!”

Arc nods. “Do you write back?”

“Sure do! Every time I get a letter! I also call her once a week!”

“Good! I'm glad you two have made up! Hopefully Sunburst will locate the princess soon so things can be completely back to normal!”

“I'll see her tonight at the Grand Galloping Gala! I'm going there with Sunburst!”

Arc smiles! “That should make Twilight very happy! It's been quite some time since you left her.”

“Yeah...”

Arc looks at his pocket watch.

“Well, I should be getting to the Dining Room. One last meal with royalty before returning to my life as a commoner!”

Spike waves after Arc as he leaves the War Room. “Have fun!”

Arc returns to the corridor and quickly makes his way to the Dining Room. Upon entering he finds Luna and Cadance there along with Twilight, Ember and Sereb.

“Sorry I'm late. I had a few things to take care of before breakfast.”

Luna laughs! “Working hard to the end, Lord Arc?”

“Yup. I'll do my best as long as I have that title.”

Twilight smiles at him. “You're such a hard worker Arc. But I don't believe it's a good idea to work TOO hard!”

Ember laughs! “You're one to talk, Twilight. You should've seen yourself when we found you in Arc's room!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. I am certain the cleaning staff had quite the job in cleaning that room. To say nothing for removing the smell.”

Cadance looks over, concerned. “Twilight? What happened?!”

Twilight sighs and her ears droop. “I... may have worked a bit too hard looking for a cure. It's for the best that Arc found me when he did.”

Arc sits down next to Twilight and puts a hand on her shoulder, soberly. “May have?! Twilight... I NEVER want to see you in such a state again!”

“I'm sorry for making you worry about me.
“
Arc pulls Twilight into an embrace. “It's okay. Just don't do it again, alright?”

Twilight returns the hug. “I won't... I promise.”

The food is brought out and the group eats together. Luna dabs at her mouth with a napkin.

“One last meal together.”

Arc nods as he pushes back his empty plate. “One last meal before my retirement as Lord Regent.”

Cadance smiles at him. “Are you going to miss any of this Arc?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I'll miss spending time with you two, Shining Armor and Trixie. Other than that, no.”

Twilight frowns! “You're not being banished Arc! There's always time for a visit.”

“I will do that on occasion, or it there's trouble. But I have a lot to do in the meantime.”

Twilight laughs! “Like what? Eating cupcakes?!”

“That too! But in all seriousness, after breakfast the princesses are going to open up the Royal Armory for me.”

Luna nods. “There is a book in there regarding inter-dimensional travel that I want Arc to have. With it, he should be able to find a way to return to Earth.”

Twilight looks ready to faint! “Return... to Earth?”

“I need to check on my old house and make preparations to lead a force to rescue Princess Celestia.”

“Are you... planning on staying there?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I'll probably be bouncing between Earth and Equestria regularly. In the end, this land is my home though Twilight.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! I'd miss you too much if you decided to never come back!”

Arc laughs! “Don't worry about that! I have too many friends here to abandon them for a life on Earth!”

Luna stands up. “It will be time for audiences soon, Arc. We should head to the Armory now.”

Cadance looks over to her friend. “Would you care to join us, Twilight?”

“Yes indeed! I've never seen what's in the vault!”

Luna walks toward the door. “Very well. If everyone would follow me please.”

The group makes their way to the vault. Ember looks to Cadance.

“So... what's in the vault exactly?”

“The most dangerous items in all the land! Arc himself has put a couple things in here in his time as the Hero of Light!”

Arc sighs. “I doubt it will be the last either.”

“Cadance is correct. However, some of the things in the vault are merely there for safekeeping.”

Twilight looks confused. “Like what?”

“Some very old and priceless historical artifacts for starters.”

Cadance nods. “There's also a good number of books in there as well.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “How can a book be dangerous?! It just sits on a shelf!”

Sereb turns to Ember. “The physical book is harmless. Its contents may be another story entirely.”

Luna nods. “Correct. While some of the books do indeed contain dangerous information, still others are simply too precious to sit on a shelf in a library.”

The group arrives at the vault. Luna and Cadance stick their horns into two separate holes in the door and cast a spell together. The doors slowly open with a creak and a groan. Arc turns to Sereb and Ember.

“Watch for trouble!”

The pair nod and position themselves in front of the vault's entrance as the others enter. Luna casts a light spell to illuminate their way.

“Follow me.”

Cadance shudders as they approach the rear of the vault. “This place always gave me the creeps!”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “It's just a bunch of inanimate objects Cadance. Nothing to be scared of.”

Luna nods. “Cadance is right to be worried. Inanimate objects have done quite a bit of damage over the millennia.”

Twilight gulps as Arc turns to Luna.

“Why are the books all the way in the back?”

“Forbidden knowledge can be the most dangerous of all weapons in the wrong hooves.”

Twilight nods nervously. “Makes sense!”

In a few moments the group stands before a large bookcase. Luna and Cadance look over the bookends. Twilight spots a book with no title.

“What's this?”

Luna glances over. “Star Swirl the Bearded's personal journal.”

Cadance looks over. “You mean, it's like his diary?”

“Yes.”

Twilight’s face lights up! “REALLY?! He's been my idol since I was a foal! I'd love to know his personal thoughts on a number of subjects!”

Twilight moves to open the book but Luna takes it from her.

“Come now Luna! You don't really think Star Swirl the Bearded would have written something that dangerous in here, do you?”

Luna puts the book back on the shelf with her magic. “I do not. However, this book is... very precious to Celestia and I.”

Arc nods. “I understand. We'll respect your wishes, won't we Twilight?”

She sighs and narrows her eyes. “Fine...”

Luna pulls a book off the shelf and gives it to Arc.

“Here is the book I spoke of. Please keep its contents to yourself.”

Arc takes the book and puts it in his ring. “Thank you. I'll keep it safe.”

“See to it that you do. It has been theorized that other worlds exist beyond our own for years. Your arrival proves that this theory is indeed true! However, I must insist that you do not allow ANYPONY else to read this book!”

Twilight looks confused. “Forgive me Princess Luna, but what's the danger of others knowing about alternate dimensions?”

Cadance looks to Twilight. “In the wrong hooves somepony could use this information to explore these dimensions and possibly bring back terrible otherworldly invaders or dangerous weapons!”

Luna nods. “Indeed. The risks greatly outweigh the rewards on this one.”

Cadance pulls a book off the shelf. “Wait! I don't remember this book.”

Luna looks over Cadance's shoulder. “Now that’s a book I’ve not seen in a long time! Star Swirl chronicled his failures as well as his successes. He always said it was so those that came after him wouldn't waste time on things that he had already tried.”

Twilight looks at the book with a hungry look in her eyes. “Can I read it?!”

“I don't see the harm in it. Luna?”

“Very well. Just keep it safe and return the book to us when you are finished.”

Cadance levitates the book over to Twilight. “Thank you so much!”

“You are welcome, Twilight. Now that we have what we came for, let us depart.”

The group walks back to the entrance as Twilight puts the book safely in her saddlebag. Ember looks up.

“Did you get it, Arc?”

He pats his ring. “Mission accomplished.”

Cadance and Luna close the Armory door.

“Come Cadance. Audiences await.”

“Very well. Good luck with your books you two! See you tonight at the Gala!”

Cadance and Luna walk away with Ember and Sereb closely following them. Arc turns to Twilight.

“I'm heading back to Ponyville. Want a lift?”

“Sure! I have a few things to take care of before tonight.”

Arc opens a portal. The pair step through it and arrive in Derpy's small house. As the pair walk out the front door together Arc turns to Twilight.

“Want me to transport you and your friends to Canterlot Castle tonight?”

“Thank you Arc. That would be nice! We can all head there together!”

Arc turns to head towards Light's Hope. “Don't worry about telling them, I have a lot of errands to run in town, so I'll let them know myself! Meet me in front of Light's Hope with our friends at five o'clock. I know it's a bit early, but I have something to... show all of you. I'll meet you there with my date.”

Twilight smiles and waves. “See you then!”

She turns to head toward town when she suddenly stops and mutters to herself!

“A date?! Who is Arc bringing with him?!”

She ponders this as she races back to the library

“Cadance said Cherry Jubilee is suffering from amnesia. Ember maybe? No, she's not much for that! Besides, she's still guarding the princesses. Auriel? They ARE both humanoid! No, she would have said something! Derpy? Probably not, as she's so busy with her job. Coco Pommel? No way! She's even busier! And a bit old for him! C-Cadance?! N-no! She wouldn't keep a love interest like THAT from me of all ponies! Who could it be?!”

Twilight bursts through the door! “Auriel?! Are you here?!”

Auriel comes up the stairs quickly!

“Your bush-thing is coming along nicely Twilight! It should start bearing fruit in no time!”

Twilight trots in place nervously as she removes her saddlebag. “That's great Auriel! Say, did Arc ask you to the Grand Galloping Gala by any chance?!”

Auriel looks confused “No. Why? Is he looking for a date?”

“Apparently, he already has one! But I can't figure out for the life of me who it could be?!”

“Is that a problem?”

Twilight nods frantically! “Yes! I have to KNOW!”

“What should we do?”

“I have an idea! Come on!”

Auriel and Twilight rush out the door together! They quickly make their way toward the edge of town and hide in some nearby bushes. Auriel looks to Twilight.

“What are we doing?”

“This path leads to Light's Hope, right? That means Arc has to take it to get to Ponyville!”

“What if he teleports to Derpy's house?”

Twilight smiles wickedly! “I know Arc! He has nothing but time on his hooves until this evening. Trust me... he'll walk.”

A short time later Arc is seen walking down the path toward town. Twilight hisses at Auriel after he passes.

“You see! Walking!”

“Okay, you were right. What now?”

Twilight keeps an eye on Arc as he walks down the road. “We follow him! Maybe we can get a clue on who his date is!”

The pair follows Arc at a safe distance as he makes his way toward Ponyville. He steps into Sugar Cube Corner. Twilight and Auriel peek through a window to see Pinkie Pie hand Arc a cake box. She then smiles compassionately and gives him a big hug!

“Pinkie?! Is... is he going with her?!”

Auriel shrugs. “She doesn't seem quite his type.”

Twilight and Auriel hide as Arc steps out of Sugar Cube Corner after putting the box in his ring and continuing on his way. The pair let him get a sizable lead before following him.

Auriel points a claw. “Looks like he's heading for the Carousel Boutique now.”

“I suppose he does need to pick up his clothes for tonight.”

The pair peek inside to see Rarity give Arc a very nice black suit which he puts in his ring. Auriel looks to Twilight.

“That will look good on him.”

Twilight blushing slightly. “Yes, it will. But it's not quite what I was envisioning him wearing tonight. It's not exactly a party outfit. Wait! What's Rarity doing?!”

Rarity suddenly takes Arc's face in her hooves. Closing their eyes, she and Arc touch foreheads.

Twilight hisses quietly! “What was THAT all about?!”

Auriel shrugs. “Maybe it's a... human thing?”

“You don't suppose... no. He and Rarity?!”

The pair again hides as Arc leaves the shop.

Arc turns back before he closes the door behind him. “Thank you, Rarity. I really appreciate this! See you tonight!”

Twilight turns to Auriel as they watch Arc walk down the road. “Did you hear that?! He's going with Rarity!”

Auriel shakes her head. “Maybe not. He was planning to see all of you tonight!”

“I guess. Come on!”

They follow Arc to Sweet Apple Acres and hide behind a tree. Applejack is just coming out of the house. The pair talk for a moment before the pair head over to the barn. She emerges a few minutes later with a bottle. Arc takes it and gives her some money before putting it in his ring. The pair talks for a few minutes before Applejack removes her hat and gives Arc a big hug.

Twilight watches them intently! “That was Applejack's finest hard cider! But Arc doesn't drink! And why did she hug him?!”

“They are friends after all. What else would he do with it other than drink it?”

“I don't know, but this is getting weird!”

They follow as Arc makes his way to Fluttershy's cottage. The pair watch from the safety of a nearby bush as Arc knocks. A moment later Fluttershy opens the door and the pair exchange words. She retreats into her home but returns a few moments later with two beeswax candles. Arc gives her a few bits and then puts them in his ring.

Auriel looks confused. “Candles?”

Twilight frowns. “Those are far too large to go on the cake!”

Arc and Fluttershy talk a few moments longer before she wraps her front hooves around him in a loving embrace!

Twilight sighs. “What's with Arc and hugging everypony today?!”

Auriel shrugs. “Maybe he's going to the Gala with all of them as his dates?”

Twilight blushes. “That's... not proper Auriel.”

Fluttershy closes the door as Arc walks away. They follow him back toward town. However, before he gets there, Rainbow Dash lands in front of him with a small bundle in her hooves! She gives it to Arc and he gives her some bits.

“What do you suppose is in there, Auriel?”

“I don't know. But it smells nice whatever it is!”

Arc puts the bundle in his ring. He and Rainbow Dash speak for a few minutes before embracing. Rainbow Dash looks very sad, before she flies away! Twilight sees her mouth the words ‘I'm sorry’ to Arc. She leaves and Arc continues on his way.

Auriel puts a claw to her forehead. “These items... they don't seem to have anything in common.”

“All the more reason for us to keep following him! Something... something is not right here!”

Arc walks back toward town and makes his way toward the market. The sun is beginning to set and many of the vendors are cleaning up as they prepare to close for the day. He walks up to the flower stand.

“Finally, something that makes sense.”

Auriel looks confused. “What?”

“He's buying flowers for his date. It's a tradition here in Equestria.”

The flower vendor reaches under the table and pulls out a small box.

“What's that?”

“Probably a corsage. It's a bracelet with a flower on it. A stallion gives one to a mare before they go to a dance.”

Auriel watches the scene before her closely. “Why?”

“So the other stallions know she's there with someone and that she's taken.”

“Make sense. But what is all THAT for?!”

Twilight looks up to see the vendor give Arc two large bouquets of white roses along with a smaller bouquet of pink roses.

“I've heard of being in love before, but THAT'S just too much!”

Auriel sighs. “Now I'm even more confused.”

“You and me both!”

The pair follow Arc as he slowly walks back to Derpy's small house. Twilight frowns.

“Why would he come back here? Derpy's still at work!”

“Maybe it's a human thing?”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “Considering the items he bought today, I'm not so sure!”

A few minutes later Arc emerges wearing the black suit. Twilight blushes slightly.

“He looks good in that. But he'll still be a bit out of place wearing it at the Gala.”

Auriel frowns. “Rarity knew what it was for! Why would she let him show up like that?!”

“That and it's still too early for him to be leaving to meet my friends and I. This just doesn't make any sense!”

The pair follow Arc back to Light's Hope. He enters the base and closes the door. Auriel turns back to Twilight.

“We need to be getting back now, Twilight.”

“What?! But we haven't figured out who Arc's date is yet!”

“You can meet her tonight right here. Now please... let's go home and get you ready.”

Twilight and Auriel walk back towards the library.

“Oh no! I forgot to pick up my dress from Rarity!”

“Don’t worry, Twilight! I took care of that yesterday.”

She breathes a sigh of relief! “Thanks...”

Twilight and Auriel make their way home. They spend quite a bit of time making Twilight look presentable!

“There you are! All done! Are you ready to go?”

Twilight sighs. “As ready as I'll ever be.”

She is wearing a blue dress with white stars at its hem, aquamarine colored dress slippers, a light blue saddle adorned with large star sequins, light blue earrings and a large white star brooch on her chest.

Auriel smiles at her friend! “You look beautiful Twilight!”

“Thanks, Auriel. Are you sure you don't want to come?”

“I'm certain. Such things... make me nervous. You go have fun!”

“Alright. Wish me luck!”

Twilight walks through the front door. Auriel closes it behind her.

“I wonder what Twilight needs luck for tonight.”

She makes the short walk to Lights Hope. The sunset has colored the sky a beautiful orange hue. Her friends are waiting for her in their own ball gowns looking a bit downcast.

“Is everypony ready?!”

The others nod sadly. Twilight looks to them confused.

“What's going on?”

Applejack steps forward. “Didn't Arc explain it to you?”

“It's just... I...”

Rarity sighs. “You see Twilight...”

She is interrupted as Arc opens the front door with Dinky at his side. He is wearing the black suit from earlier and looking a bit upset. Dinky does not smile.

“Thank you all for coming. Please follow me.”

Everyone nods but Twilight. They wordlessly follow Arc around the side of the base to the field in back. Arc approaches a large tree near the edge of it. There is a large stone marker there that Twilight and her friends had never noticed before. In front of it is a low stone table that sits only about six inches off the ground. They stand there a moment before Arc slowly walks forward with Dinky at his side.

Twilight steps forward. “What...?”

The others look to her soberly and silently shake their heads.

“Sorry.”

Arc kneels down in front of the stone marker and smiles sadly. He pulls out the box from Pinkie Pie which contains a cake. He sets it down in the center. On either side he puts the beeswax candles in a pair of beautiful holders! Next he lays the two bundles of white roses on either side of the candles. In front of the cake he sets two crystal glasses and fills them with the wine. Lastly, he puts a small tray in front of the wine with two sticks of incense in it. Touching the sticks of incense and the candle wicks with his fingertips they begin to burn.

He looks to Dinky, sadly. “It's time. Go ahead, sweetheart.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - Shattered

Dinky nods to her father. She approaches and sits down on her haunches in front of the stone table next to Arc. They are silent for a long moment until...

“Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday dear............. grandma... Happy birthday... to... you...”

Dinky starts to cry. Arc turns to her and holds her close.

“Your grandmother would have loved you Dinky.”

Dinky nods as she wipes the tears from her eyes and steps back to give her father some space.

Arc turns to look at the stone marker, sadly. "Happy birthday mother. If only... if only I could have helped you…”

He leans forward to touch the stone marker. The ponies see the names of Arc's parents engraved onto it along with a date of birth and death for his mother and a date of birth for his father.

Arc runs his fingers along his mother's name, sadly. “We'll see each other again mother... someday...

As he begins to quietly cry, Dinky walks forward and sits down next to her father. She puts a small hoof on his knee and motions for the others to approach. They do so and each put a hoof on Arc's back in support of their grieving friend. After a time, Arc sadly wipes the tears from his eyes and continues.

“Mother... this is Dinky. Your granddaughter. I… I know she must not be what you envisioned as my future daughter. However, I love her very much! And I know that if you were here today... if… if I had been able to save you... you would have loved her just as much as I do.“

Dinky looks to the marker. “Your son is... really nice to me! He helped me be born, takes care of me and loves me! I... look forward to meeting you someday... grandma!

“Behind me are some of the friends I've made in this land, mother. Together they keep it safe. One day, I'll introduce you to them... face to face.”

He picks up one of the crystal glasses and stands up. The Mane 6 take a step back. Arc holds up the glass and slowly dumps the contents out onto the ground.

“For you... mother.”

Arc bends down and sets the glass down in its place. He picks up the cake and turns back to the Mane 6. Walking over to a patio table and setting the cake down next to serving utensils and a stack of plates, he smiles sadly at the others.

“Thank you for coming to my mother's birthday party everyone!”

Twilight looks confused. “Arc?”

“Thank you for having us darling!”

Pinkie puts on some party music! “Yeah! We're here for you Arc!”

Rainbow Dash nods as she takes some cake. “Yeah! I'm sure your mom was as awesome as you are Arc!”

Fluttershy nods. “I... um... still don't understand this ceremony.”

Arc continues to serve the cake. “The first part was about grief and loss. A time to remember the death of my mother. The second part, this part, is a time to remember the happy moments! To enjoy some cake with family and friends!”

He makes sure everyone has a piece of cake before sitting down with his own! Dinky eats hers hungrily and gets up quickly!

“I have to go meet mom now, dad!”

“Alright Dinky. Thanks for coming sweetheart.”

Arc moves toward the patio door as Dinky runs around the side of the building.

“I'm sorry, but would you all excuse me. I have to change for the gala now. My date should arrive soon as well. Be back in a bit.”

Arc leaves as Twilight looks to the others.

“Anypony know who Arc's date IS?!”

The Mane 6 shake their heads. Rarity is the first to speak.

“Not a clue, darling!”

Applejack shrugs. “Haven't the foggiest idea, sugarcube.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Whoever it is, I'm sure she's lovely!”

“Yeah! And cool!”

Pinkie bounces around! “We won't have long to wait!”

A short time later Arc emerges from the base in a much more regal version of his royal raiments. His hair is slicked back and he's wearing dress shoes and white gloves for the occasion.

Rarity gasps. “My word! You look positively radiant, darling!”

Twilight blushes. “Y-yes. You look like a million bits!”

Applejack nods. “Your date should think so to, when she gets here that is.”

The sound of hoofsteps from around the side of the building can be heard approaching. Pinkie bounces around!

“That must be her now!”

Arc tugs at his tunic one last time and pulls some flowers and a corsage out of his ring! “Oh boy! How do I look?!”

Rainbow Dash grins! “You look great Arc! Don't worry about it, buddy! You got this!”

A few moments later Derpy comes around the corner of the building.

“Hi Derpy!”

Derpy marvels at his appearance! “Wow! You look like a king, Arc!”

Twilight mutters to herself. “Derpy? It WAS her? But why isn’t she wearing a dress?!

“Thanks!”

She smiles happily at her friend. “Your date's here!”

Dinky walks past her mother in an adorable yellow dress with matching slippers that compliment her freshly brushed mane.

“How do I look dad?!”

Arc walks over to his daughter and gives her the flowers. “Just as I imagined you would! Adorable!”

Dinky accepts the flowers, laughing! “Thanks dad!”

“Let me see your fetlock, sweetheart! This should fit.”

She does so as Arc puts the corsage on her.

“There!”

Derpy nods approvingly! “It really completes the look!”

“Dad... can I tell you something?”

“What is it?”

Dinky looks down at the corsage sadly. “I... I wish it was Miss Cherry here right now instead of me.”

Arc nods. “It's okay dear. She'll remember me... someday. I just know it!”

He looks at his pocket watch and sighs.

“Well, we should get moving. Mustn't be late now!”

Derpy laughs! “Don't keep her out too late now Arc!”

“I won't ma'am!”

Arc opens a portal to the Audience Chamber.

“Onward to the festivities!”

As the Mane 6 enter the portal, Arc looks over to Derpy.

“We'll see you later.”

Derpy smiles and waves! “Have fun you two!”

Arc and Dinky make their way through the portal. It closes behind them

Derpy sighs and mutters to herself. “I wish Cherry was here too. Arc deserves her!”

Meanwhile, Arc and company arrive in the Audience Chamber. Rainbow Dash looks around.

“So, where's the party?”

Twilight points a hoof out the door. “It's in the Ballroom.”

“Right! This way everyone!”

Arc and company make their way to the Ballroom. There is a Royal Guard checking the names of those who enter along with their tickets! Arc allows the others to go first. Dinky approaches the guard with her ticket. The Royal Guard looks intently at his clipboard.

“Name please.”

“Dinky Hooves!”

The Royal Guard looks down at her.

“I'm sorry miss, but foals are not permitted at the gala. Who are you with?”

Arc clears his throat. “She's my daughter.”

“M-my apologies sire!”

The Royal Guard quickly stands aside to allow the couple to enter.

“Thank you, guard. Carry on!”

The Ballroom has been decorated to the nines for the event! The princesses' thrones have been temporarily moved to the Ballroom for the ceremony!

Twilight gasps! “It's so beautiful!”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby. “Yeah! Where's the food though!”

Applejack frowns! “Rainbow Dash! Can't you think about something other than you stomach?!”

Arc laughs! “It's over there Rainbow Dash! But do me a favor and save some for me!”

She rushes over to the tables! “No promises!”

Fluttershy looks around at the myriad of ponies. “I... um... think I'll go take a walk in the gardens.”

Without another word, she quickly leaves the ballroom.

Rarity looks after her friend confused. “I wonder what's gotten in to her.”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “You have to ask?”

Arc spots Shining Armor and Trixie.

“Would you ladies please excuse me. I have to check on security.”

Rarity nods. “Go ahead darling! We'll just mingle!”

Arc and Dinky walk over to Shining Armor and Trixie. Upon seeing him the pair salute.

“Sir!”

“All's well!”

Arc nods. “Good. It looks like you've covered all the bases here Shining Armor.”

“I'm not expecting trouble sir, but one should always try to avoid it whenever possible!”

Arc looks over at his daughter. “This is my dinner date for the night, Dinky. She's the best daughter I ever had! Sweetheart, this is Captain Shining Armor and Lieutenant Trixie.

Dinky giggles! “Hello! And I'm your only daughter, dad!”

“I'm still right then!”

“Pleased to meet you Dinky!”

“As is Trixie!”

Arc looks around. “Are the princesses here yet?”

Trixie nods. “They just stepped out to the Royal Gardens for a bit of fresh air. Don't worry though! We've plenty of guards out there!”

Shining Armor points a hoof at the double doors. “That and we still have Sereb and Ember with them. They're as protected as can be while still allowing them freedom of movement.”

“Good. Carry on then.”

The pair salute as Dinky and Arc walk away. Arc smiles at her.

“Would you care to dance, my dear?”

Dinky laughs! “I think I'm a little short for that!”

“Okay, you got me there! How about something to eat then?”

“That I can do!”

Arc and Dinky make their way over to the refreshments table. Dinky levitates a plate over to herself as Arc puts some cupcakes on it.

“Thanks dad!”

As father and daughter eat together a strange look suddenly comes over Dinky's face”

“Is something wrong sweetheart?”

She points a hoof toward the door. “Look who just came in, dad!”

Arc turns around to see Ruby and Cherry enter the ballroom. They are both wearing elegant looking cherry-red dresses and smiling!

“Dad? Dad?! Snap out of it!”

Arc shakes his head as if to clear it. “Sorry. I... I just...”

Dinky smiles at her father, sheepishly. “Want to say hi?”

“Yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!”

Dinky smiles. “I'll go with you dad!”

The pair make their way over to Cherry and Ruby. They bow as he approaches.

“Hello again sire! My Dinky, don't you look cute tonight!”

Dinky grins! “Thank you, Miss Cherry! You look pretty too!”

Ruby nods to Arc, a bit perturbed. “...hi... Lord Arc.”

“Sister! This is a party! Let it go for one night!”

Cherry looks back to Arc with a smile on her face.

“Please forgive Ruby. She's just very protective of me.”

Arc nods. “I understand. How's your head?”

Cherry puts a hoof to her forehead. “It's okay. Other than not being able to remember a few details… of a great many subjects! And you sire? How are you holding up?”

Arc sighs. “I um… I miss you, Cherry. Someday when your memory comes back… I’d still like to…

Ruby interrupts! “You mean ‘IF’!”

Cherry nods. “Yes sire. I'd like that.”

“In any case, I just wanted to say ‘hi’. Please enjoy the party you two."

Arc and Dinky turn to walk away Dinky suddenly turns back to the sisters.

“Excuse me, Miss Cherry?”

“Yes dear. What is it?”

Dinky looks to her father and then back at Cherry.

“I um… I was wondering if you could help me with a little problem”

Cherry smiles at her. “Of course, dear! What is it?”

“You see, I’m still a little filly, but my dad asked me to dance with him earlier. Do you think you could… um…?”

Arc walks back over.

“D-Dinky?! Please don’t ask such things of Cherry! I’m sure she’d…

Cherry walks toward Arc and looks up at him with her luminous green eyes.

“S-sire? Would you care to dance?”

Arc can only stare at her for a few moments, dumbfounded! Seeing her father needs a bit of a nudge, Dinky stomps on his foot with her little hoof.

“Yes Cherry! I’d love to!”

She holds out her hoof to Arc. He takes it and leads her to the dance floor. Ruby, her face crimson with fury, stomps after them to ‘rescue’ her sister! Dinky quickly steps in front of her.

“Please, Miss Ruby! My dad really needs this! He…”

Dinky looks at her father and Cherry walking away before turning back to Ruby.

“…he REALLY does miss the old Miss Cherry! Can’t you see he loves her?!

Ruby looks over at the pair as Arc and her sister step onto the dance floor. He bows respectfully to Cherry before taking her hoof again and putting his arm around her.

“Please, Miss Ruby! I… I just want my dad to be happy! And I’m sure that’s what you want for your sister as well!”

Ruby nods sullenly and watches the pair as they dance. “Fine… but I’m watching him!”

Dinky nods happily! “Thank you!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Cherry danced together happily. Partway through the dance, Cherry lays her head on Arc’s chest.

“Cherry? Are you tired? We can stop if you want to!”

She shakes her head, a smile on her face.

“No sire! It’s just… I can’t explain it but… but this just feels so… so RIGHT! You holding me and I leaning on you!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide! “Did you remember anything?!”

Cherry sighs. “No sire. But… I get the feeling you and I were very happy before… before all this happened.

Arc nods. “Yes. We were…”

She looks up into his eyes, a small smile on her face as her cheeks begin to turn red!

“I… I know you and I were supposed to marry one day. Please forgive me for breaking our engagement!”

Arc smiles sadly at her. “It… it’s okay, Cherry. While I still want to marry you, it has to be OUR choice. Not just mine!

“Thank you sire! Um… I understand your stepping down as Lord Regent tonight. Is that correct?”

Arc nods. “Yes. The princesses are now strong enough to carry on their duties. It’s time for me to return to my life in Ponyville and again be just the Hero of Light.”

Cherry smiles as she continues to stare at him. “So, you’ll have more time for friends and family?”

“Yes. It will be a welcome change!”

“I… um… in that case… would you possibly be interested in… having dinner with me next week?”

Arc gives her a hopeful smile! “Cherry! Are you asking me out on a… a date?!”

Cherry blushes. “I… yes! Yes, I am!”

“But you don’t remember me!”

She closes her eyes and sighs. “That’s right. But… I can tell from what Ruby told me and how you’ve treated me since… the accident, that we had… something truly magical! If it’s all right, I’d like to… get to know you better! I mean again!

Arc nods! “I… I’d like that too, Cherry! But what about Ruby?”

“Ruby just wants what’s best for me. What makes me happy! If I can show her that you and I have something together, I believe she’ll come around! She told me the three of us used to be friends! I’d like to go back to the way things were! To be… happy!

“Don’t worry, Cherry! I’m sure we’ll find a way to restore your memory one day!”

Cherry nods. “It’s okay. Even if I never remember the past, we can make new memories together! That is, if you’re okay with starting over!

Arc smile widely at her. “Cherry… if it means you and I can be together, I’d be willing to start over a hundred times!

“Okay! So… it’s a date then?”

“Yes!”

“Next week Friday at 7 o’clock?”

Arc nods. “Sure! I’ll be back from my family vacation by then! It’s a date!”

Cherry smiles at Arc happily! “I’m looking forward to getting to know you again, sire!”

“Cherry. You don’t have to call me that. Remember, after tonight I won’t be the Lord Regent anyways!”

“Um… well… what should I call you then, sire?”

Arc puts a hand on her cheek and smiles! “Arc… just Arc, okay?”

Cherry nods. “I’ll try to remember that on our date next week! Until then… it just doesn’t feel right!”

“Well, you can call me whatever you want, Cherry. Whatever makes you comfortable.”

He looks at her, and she at him. Slowly their faces move closer and closer until they are mere inches from each other! All at once, the song ends and everyone applauds! Cherry steps back, blushing heavily.

“Well, I um… th-thank you for the dance, sire!”

Cherry trots nervously back to her sister as Dinky returns to her father’s side. Ruby shakes her head angrily!

“Good thing that dance ended! I thought Arc was going to eat you!”

“You shouldn't talk that way about Lord Arc, Ruby!”

Ruby rolls her eyes, sarcastically! “What's he going to do? Throw me in the dungeon?!”

“He could! But he wouldn't!”

“Oh?! Why's that sister?!”

Cherry turns to look after the pair as they walk back to the food tables. “Because... he cares for me! If you went away it would make me sad! He can't stand that! But the three of us can discuss this when he comes to dinner next week!”

“Cherry?! Is your memory coming back?!”

“It is not.”

Ruby looks confused. “Then why is he coming?! Did he weasel his way into an invitation?!

Cherry shakes her head. “No Ruby. It was I who asked him on a date!”

“A… a DATE?!”

“Yes Ruby! A date!

“But why?! You don’t remember anything about him!”

Cherry nods sadly. “That is true. I do not. But… as kind and caring as he is, I want to get to know him all over again!

Ruby frowns. “This will not end well, sister! How do you know this isn’t just a waste of time?!”

“I don't. But that's what my heart told me to do, Ruby.”

Meanwhile, Arc looks around and mutters to himself. “Huh. I wonder where Fluttershy went? Don’t see her anywhere…”

Arc looks up and sees the full moon,

“I guess Rainbow Dash was right about her being afraid of the moon.”

Arc and Dinky walk toward the doors that lead to the Royal Gardens as the princesses enter the ballroom. They both wear gorgeous dresses and are flanked by Ember and Sereb.

“Hi there Dinky! You're looking cute as ever in that dress.”

“Thank you, Miss Ember!”

Ember quickly looks to Arc. “Not that you don't look good too Arc!”

Sereb chuckles. “Nice save, Ember.”

Arc smiles. “Thanks Ember. Are you staying with the princesses tonight?”

“Only if they want us to.”

Luna, dressed in a dark purple evening gown, smiles at him. “Good evening Arc. You look quite dapper like that! I think we'll be fine without Ember and Sereb. Besides, you need them too!”

“Likewise, Princess Luna. But more importantly you two appear to be the picture of health!”

Cadance nods. She is wearing a light pink evening gown! “We're feeling almost back to normal these days!”

She leans in close to Arc and whispers.

“We did take a nap before the Gala got underway though.”

Arc smiles at them. “I prefer that to you two passing out!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“Ember? Any trouble?”

Ember shakes her head. “A squirrel dropped an acorn on Princess Luna's head.”

Luna nods! “If that's the worst thing that happens tonight, I'll be happy!”

“Me too.”

He looks at his pocket watch before looking back up at the royals.

“It's about time for the ceremony. Are you ready, princesses?”

“We are.”

Cadance smiles. “I guess the vacation is finally over, huh?”

Arc chuckles. “Yours is! Mine is about to start!”

He turns to Dinky.

“Sweetheart. Would you please go stand with Cherry?”

“Okay dad!”

Arc looks over to Shining Armor and nods. He leaves the ballroom quickly and returns a few moments later with Kibitz who stands just outside the doorway. Shining Armor nods to Arc, whom turns to the princesses.

“We're ready to start. Shall we?”

Arc walks up to the front of the room flanked by Princess Luna on his right and Princess Cadance on his left. Together they ascend the stage and move to the center. The band stops playing and all chatter amongst those assembled stops.

“Good evening everyone! Welcome to this year’s Grand Galloping Gala! I do hope everyone's having a good time!”

All assembled nod and clop their hooves.

“Today is indeed a day for celebration! Princess Luna and Princess Cadance have made nearly full recoveries and come now to take their rightful places on the Equestrian thrones!”

Arc motions for Kibitz to come forward. He does so with a velvet pillow which holds the princesses crowns. Standing next to Arc, he waits patiently.

"It has been far too long since this land has had the honor of a princess on the throne! Today that changes! Today the princesses... return!”

The nobles applaud as both Luna and Cadance kneel before Arc. He turns to Kibitz and picks up Princess Cadance’s crown from the pillow.

“Princess Cadance, do you again accept the mantle of princess of Equestria?”

“I do.

Arc places the crown upon her head.

“May your reign be long and prosperous, Princess Cadance!

Cadance nods as Arc moves to pick up Princess Luna's crown.

“Princess Luna, do you again accept the mantle of Princess of Equestria?”

“I do.”

Arc places the crown upon her head.

“May your reign be long prosperous, Princess Luna!”

Luna nods as Arc removes his own crown and puts it on the pillow.

“With that, my reign as Lord Regent has come to an end! From this day forward, I will again be known simply as Equestria's Hero of Light.”

Arc reaches his hands out toward Luna and Cadance.

“Rise now, Princesses of Equestria, and take your places on the thrones.”

Both princesses take Arc’s hands and stand as he steps aside to allow them to pass. They make their way back to the thrones and sit down. As the do the crowd erupts into cheers! Arc joins them in their applause momentarily before leaving the stage and allowing the pair their time in the limelight.

Meanwhile, Cherry puts a hoof to her forehead. Ruby, seeing her sister in pain, turns to her.

“Cherry? Are you alright?!”

“Y-yes. It's... just a bit of a headache. Probably from all the noise and excitement! I think I'll go for a bit of a walk.”

“I'll come with you.”

“No Ruby. I... think I need to be alone for a little while.”

Ruby nods, confused. “If you say so sister. Don't be long though!”

“I won't.”

Dinky makes her way over to her father as the pair make their way out to the Royal Gardens.

“Well, that's that.”

“Dad?”

“I'm back to my old job again!”

“Are you coming home soon?”

Arc nods. “Tonight, you and I will go back to Ponyville together.”

Dinky happily jumps into her father’s arms! “Great! It's gonna be awesome having you back dad!”

“I've dreamed of this day ever since I came to Canterlot!”

Arc and Dinky head over to a bench and sit down together.

“This is so liberating. Not having the fate of the country on my shoulders is... it's like a burden has suddenly been lifted!”

Dinky looks up at the sky. “The stars are so pretty tonight!”

Arc chuckles. “I guess Princess Luna made them especially for tonight!”

Dinky sighs. “I wish Miss Cherry could be here to see them.”

“Oh? Where is she?”

“At the end, when everypony started cheering, she said she had a headache and left the room. She went for a little walk to get some quiet.”

Arc nods. “I hope she feels better soon.”

Dinky leans her small head against Arc's shoulder. “The two of you would make a nice couple.”

“Thank you dear. Maybe one day...”

The pair look at the stars for what feels like an eternity. After a while the commotion inside dies down and the band again begins to play. The sound of the orchestra again fills the cool night air. Hoofsteps can be heard approaching the pair. Arc and Dinky turn to the princesses walking toward them. Sereb and Ember keep a respectful distance.

“I hope we're not interrupting anything.”

Cadance nods. “We just wanted to get some air.”

Arc gestures to the bench across from them. “Not at all! Please, join us!”

The princesses sit down on the bench across from the pair. Luna smiles and looks to him.

“So, what's next on your list, Arc?”

“Go on vacation with Derpy and Dinky! We're going camping before the weather gets too cold.”

Cadance smiles broadly! “Camping... it sounds like fun!”

Dinky nods! “Have you ever done it, Princess Cadance?!”

“No dear! Always something to do in Canterlot!”

Luna sighs. “It's... a nice dream.”

Arc looks to her concerned. “Princess Luna?”

“A vacation. We... don't really get those.”

“I'd invite you two to come with us, but who would lead the country?!”

Cadance smiles! “We appreciate the thought Arc. Do have fun though! Then you two can come back and tell us all about it!”

Dinky giggles! “We will!”

“Indeed! When we get back, there are some things I want to talk over with you two...”

Meanwhile... Cherry Jubilee makes her way around the castle in search of solace. She climbs the stairs, hoping to some distance between herself and the Gala.

“Canterlot Castle is certainly a beautiful place even at night!”

She sighs. Upon reaching the top of the stairs she stops and looks at a nearby wall

“That will do.”

Cherry walks over to it. She begins banging her head on the wall!

“Why... can't... I… remember?!”

She sighs again.

“Well that didn't help me remember anything or help with my headache! I'm pathetic! Lord Arc really is better off without me around to pull him down!”

She continues down the corridor. To her left are doors leading to several small balconies overlooking the ballroom. Cherry stops to look through one of them at the gathering below.

“I guess everypony has calmed down somewhat. Maybe I can head back there now... if I can figure out how to do that.”

Cherry continues down the hallway until she sees somepony lying on the floor ahead of her.

“Looks like somepony had a little too much to drink!”

She approaches the unconscious pony cautiously.

“Excuse me, but are you okay?”

As she nears the unconscious pony, she quickly sees he is wearing the armor of a Royal Guard! Recoiling in fear, she quickly steps back!

“What the…?! Who could have...?”

Her words are cut short as a strong hoof grabs her and covers her mouth! A knife is quickly put to her throat!

“Scream and your dead!”

Cherry, understandably terrified, can only nod her head weakly!

“I need to know where the Lord Regent is.”

“H-he's here... somewhere.”

“Really? Because I've been looking around the ballroom for some time now, and I've yet to see him!

“I-I don't know where he went after his speech! I went for a walk as he finished!”

“Very well. Are you CERTAIN he's still here?!”

“I don't know where he could have gone! P-please! Just go! Nopony can stand against him! Just leave while you can!”

The assailant shakes their head. “I can't do that. But... I think I have an idea on how to make him come out and play.”

In the blink of an eye the stallion leaps up and bucks Cherry through the doorway! Before she knows what is happening, Cherry finds herself falling! The stallion quickly returns to his place in the shadows on the balcony without being seen! Cherry screams and flails as she falls, but there is no time for anyone to do anything to help her! She smashes through a table sending dishes and silverware flying!

Arc looks over to the door from the Royal Gardens! “What was that?!”

Dinky looks nervous! “Something bad happening!”

Arc jumps up and runs toward the doors turning only briefly to look at his bodyguards. “Ember! Sereb! Stay with Dinky and the princesses.”

Ember nods as she takes up a defensive position with Sereb! “We'll keep them safe! Go!”

Sereb nods as Arc runs inside to see everyone running as quickly as they can out of the room! The Mane 6 are doing their best to evacuate everyone! Shining Armor is already on the scene with Trixie who is trying to comfort the victim”

Shining Armor looks to a nearby Royal Guard! Call for Doctor Whooves! NOW!

Arc runs up! “What happened?!”

“Somepony fell off the balcony is my guess!”

Arc looks at the mare on the ground as the blood drains from his face. "CH-CHERRY?!"

He stoops down to comfort her.

“Cherry! What happened?!”

She points up toward the balcony, shakily. "Assassin... balcony...”

Arc quickly calls forth Eidolon's Ward just in time for it to deflect a crossbow bolt. The stallion above tosses his crossbow to the side and throws off his cloak to reveal his face.

“I guess we're going to have to do this the old-fashioned way!”

The stallion again draws his knife and flies at breakneck speed toward Arc.

“THIS ENDS NOW, LORD ARC!!!”

Arc stands up, his face white with fury. He does not turn around, but mutters under his breath.

“I couldn't agree more... general.”

Mere moments before Wind Rider reaches his target Arc spins around to punch the stallion in the stomach. His fist connects and the stallion stops in mid-air, dropping his knife. His eyes wide, Wind Rider looks down to see one of Arc’s Magic Blades in his gut.

“What... how... did you...?”

Arc brings the stallion up to his face, through clenched teeth. “Welcome back... general.”

He tosses the stallion off his blade and to the floor! Wind Rider gasps as he lies on his back, coughing! Looking up at Arc as he slowly walks toward him.

“Please... have... mercy, sir!”

Pointing to Cherry lying on the ground, Arc seethes. “What mercy did you show her?!”

Wind Rider gasps! “I... I...”

Arc raises his arm. “You don't deserve to be my enemy... DIE HERE!”

He thrusts his Magic Blade into Wind Rider's heart! With a final gasp the traitorous stallion is no more. Doctor Whooves runs up with a small medical team. He quickly examines Cherry Jubilee and sighs and motions to a nurse.

“I'm sorry sir. She's bleeding internally almost everywhere! There's nothing I can do for her!"

The nurse gives Doctor Whooves a syringe. He injects the mare and stands back up.

“A strong painkiller is the best I can do. Please forgive me, miss.”

Arc drops to his knees, taking Cherry in his arms.

“Cherry…”

She looks up at him, weakly. “A-Arc my love!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Cherry?! You... you remember me?!”

“Yes... I remember... everything. Meeting you... baking with you... loving you... wanting to... be with you.”

Arc squeezes Cherry Jubilee's hoof. There is desperation in his voice as the tears begin to flow.

“Cherry! Don't die! You're back to normal! You... you can't...”

Cherry shakes her head sadly. “Nothing... can stop that now... my... love. Please... don't ever forget me... as I... forgot... you. Please... Arc... find... happiness... with... another...”

She coughs up a mouthful of blood.

Arc shakes his head and squeezes his eyes shut! “Cherry... I love you SO much!”

“Arc? Will... you... marry... me?”

He holds her hoof to his face. “The answer is yes, my dear!”

Cherry smiles and nods. “Take... care... of... Ruby... please.”

“I will! I promise! If she needs a place to live, I'll take her in myself! She'll... always have a home and food to eat no matter what happens!”

Arc picks Cherry up and sets her on his lap. He wraps his arms around her and holds her close.

“This... this is what... was missing... from my... life. Your touch... Arc. One last... request...”

“NAME IT!”

Cherry looks up at Arc with her luminous green eyes. A small smile on her face.

“A... good... night... kiss.”

Arc wordlessly moves towards Cherry's face. The pair share a kiss for what feels like forever before Cherry pulls back and smiles up at him.

“Good... bye... Arc... I... will... always... lo... ve... y...o... u.....................”

Cherry's body goes limp. Tears stream down his face as he holds the love of his life to his chest.

“Ch-Cherry... wake up. Cherry? CHERRY!!!”

Preface - Volume 10 - Funerals and Farewells

In our previous volume, Arc returns to the Lunar Destiny after bringing Cherry home. Returning to Canterlot, he and his friends check in on Twilight. Finding she has neither eaten, slept or bathed since he left for the Crystal Empire. Sereb, having put her to sleep, carries her to the Lunar Destiny and puts her to bed as Arc and Ember tour the ship with the captain.

After the tour, they arrive at Light’s Hope. Arc and Sereb take Twilight back to her library. Instructing Auriel and Spike to force her to rest, they return to the Lunar Destiny. A short time later Twilight gets up and proceeds back to her lab. Spike does his best to convince her to sleep, but she begins going over some data. Agreeing to whatever Spike says, she inadvertently agrees that he’s not important to her. Angry and saddened, Spike yells at her and runs out the door!

As they return to the base, Arc enters alone as Sereb returns to the Lunar Destiny. Raven confesses to Arc her desire to marry Flash Sentry, which is why she wants so badly to recover from her attack. Heading for the Lunar Destiny, Arc reassures the nervous crew of the need to visit Abyssinia immediately. Flying through the night, they arrive at the capital city of Panthera the next morning. Landing they see no moment from the town. Entering the city, Arc and his guards find no signs of life. Approaching a house, Arc Blinks inside to find a starving mother and her sickly baby. Giving them some food, he rushes the failing kitten and her mother back to his ship. Learning that starvation is rampant, he immediately heads for the palace.

Entering the Throne Room, Arc is immediately approached by the monarchs King Felix and Queen Fiona. They unconditionally surrender to him, begging him to help their citizens! Refusing their crowns, he agrees to call Canterlot for aid. Heading back to the ship, where relief efforts are beginning, Arc opens a portal using the power of the crystal in his forehead back to Ponyville. Arriving with Sereb, he hurries to Sweet Apple Acres where the Apple family is hurriedly working to gather apples for them. They set out baskets for Arc who, after powering up the crystal in his forehead, picks innumerable apples and places them in the baskets with his magic. Opening a portal back to Panthera, they quickly push the supplies through to Arc’s squad on the other side. Finishing their task, Sereb and Ember rush through the portal! Arc follows. As he steps through, Arc collapses from exhaustion and is carried to his quarters. Meanwhile, the queen visits a rather strange creature in a back alley.

Waking up the next morning, Arc speak to the king and queen about the supplies. They inform his that, while generous, they still don’t have enough supplies for the rest of the country. Arc heads to Cherry Hill Ranch alone. He explains his desire to purchase the Jubilee sister’s cherry reserves. Ruby advises Cherry to refuse. She initially agrees, saying that their reserves are for Equestria. Arc is able to convince her to sell him half their reserves. He signs for them, opens a portal with the shrunken crates and sadly leaves. Returning to Panthera to deliver the cherry preserves, Arc asks the king and queen about the pirates. Lieutenant Spitfire interrupts their meeting to inform Arc that a small stowaway has been found. Returning to his quarters, Arc and his bodyguards wait for the prisoner to be brought in. Ember and Arc collapse to the floor in laughter as Spike is brought before them. Composing themselves some time later, he explains the earlier argument with Twilight. Arc picks up the phone to inform her of Spike’s whereabouts. He finds her unaware that Spike did not return. Angrily, Spike storms out of the room! Arc allows Spike to stay with him.

Sereb sniffs out the pirate stronghold and returns to Panthera to get Ember and Arc. Donning special protective gear to protect themselves from the gas, Ember enters the base disguised as the queen while Arc take care of the tanks outside. Entering the pirate leader’s office, Ember comes face to face with the Storm King… and the queen of Abyssinia! Grubber bangs on the office door. As he enters, he informs the Storm King that the tanks of gas making material are missing! Running out to find them, the boss closes the door behind him. Arc reveals himself and decloaks. After a short discourse, the Storm King escapes down a chute and activate his base’s gas jets, killing his own troops! Sereb bursts into the building to carry Arc to safety as Ember flies the queen out! As they escape the base, Arc quickly opens a portal. Stepping though it, they arrive back on the Lunar Destiny. Rushing to the Bridge, Arc orders the crew outside, other than medical staff, to return immediately! Taking off, they ship flies back to the pirate base just in time to see the Storm King’s ship take off. Firing projectiles of the gas toward Panthera, Arc orders the missiles shot down. None make it through. Holding up the last bomb, the Storm King attempts to ram the Lunar Destiny to at least be rid of Arc and his friends! Arc and Thunderlane pull off an insane game of chicken, jumping over the enemy ship and dropping onto its backside to demolish the engines. Landing to survey their own damage, as well as the enemy vessel, the Storm King emerges and challenges them. Arc’s squad takes him on and knocks him off a cliff.

As Stellar Flare examines the ship, Arc, Ember and Sereb reenter the pirate base to look for clues. Accidently setting off an alarm, Arc and company are surprised to see the gas jets from earlier spewing fire! As the base burns around them, Arc once again sprouts two golden wings just like during his first battle with Tempest. Grabbing Ember and Sereb he smashes through the roof and flies them to safety! They return to the ship and take off. As they hover nearby, Arc performs a simple funeral ceremony for the dead soldiers before Blinking down to the surface. Placing a strange sigil on the ground, he calls forth the Marquis and asks him to destabilize the ground under the base. He does so, and the base sinks into the ground.

Grubber and the Storm King are saved from the fall by a dark portal opening below them. The Dark One and his so-called allies approach and offer him a position. The Storm King accepts. Arc and his friends board the Lunar Destiny and return to Canterlot. They head for Shining Armor’s room to inform him of their return. However, when Arc goes to check on the princesses,
Doctor Whooves informs him that their vital signs are off! Heading to his room, Arc askes Sereb to cast a sleep spell on him. Doing so, Arc is able to enter the Lunar Realm. Everything appears to be distorted! Hurrying to Luna’s room he finds them despondent. Bringing them up to speed on his actions, they confess their current inability to hear what’s going on around them, and Luna’s trouble in holding her realm together. Returning, Arc continues his duties as best he can. Coco Pommel calls to inform him that Dinky needs to speak to him. Sadly, she tells her father of Derpy’s illness, and that tonight is conferences. Arc volunteers to meet Dinky at Light’s Hope. She runs out the door to meet him!

Arc arrives at Light’s Hope and meets Dinky. They walk home to take care of Derpy. Arc helps her into the shower and begins to make supper with Dinky. After eating, Arc and Dinky head to the New Beginnings Orphanage. Meeting with Cheerilee, Arc learns that Dinky is the smartest student in her class. However, she’s been wrongly accused of being a bully by Diamond Tiara.

The next morning Arc returns to Canterlot Castle. He finds Spike in his room, sleeping. Arc takes him to the dining room for breakfast before introducing him to Lead Sage Sunburst. Assigning Spike to him in an effort to get the office cleaned up before calling Twilight to see how the cure is coming along. Informing her that the princesses are beginning to weaken, Twilight asks him to come and get them. Arc heads to Ponyville with Sereb. On the way to the library, Kibitz calls him on his earring to tell him about an attack on the castle!

Meanwhile, Shining Armor along with the Royal Guards and Arc’s squad prepare to repel the invaders! Monsters shamble toward them, but are dispatched by the troops. A robe stallion approaches, revealing himself to be Captain Decimus! He raises his fallen troops and they again stand at his side. Arc approaches from behind and, with his troops help, knocks the enemy through a portal to Tartarus. Unable to recall his warriors, Decimus faces Arc in one-on-one combat. Arc emerges victorious as Decimus surrenders. Stabbing him with his Spear of Righteousness, Arc throws him into the air and blasts him with a VERY powerful fire spell!

Hurrying to the princesses’ rooms, Arc approaches Twilight and Auriel. They report the cure will be ready for final testing in about an hour. Arc rushes to his room to sleep and enter the Lunar Realm. Entering, he finds everything in shambles! Forced to Blink into Luna’s room, he finds her weak and barely able hold the crumbling realm together! Telling the princesses they are only an hour from the cure, Luna informs Arc she cannot hold on that long. Arc promises to find Princess Celestia, or become Equestria’ king if he cannot. Returning the real world, he runs to Luna’s room to find Doctor Whooves and a nurse trying to resuscitate the princesses! With no time to properly test the cure, they inject the princesses and hope for the best! Cadance opens her eyes, but it is too late for Luna. Arc gives up the power in his armor’s healing enchantment and uses it to bring Luna back from the brink of death! Ordering Kibitz to set up a public speaking event, Arc announces the recovery of the princesses to the entire realm.

As the weeks passed, the princesses regained their strength. Enough so that they could accompany Arc on a short public appearance. As they returned to their rooms, Luna watches Cadance and Arc ahead of her. Turning to the doctor, she commented on their supposed relationship. The morning of the Grand Galloping Gala, and Arc’s final day as Lord Regent, arrived. After enjoying breakfast with the princesses, Arc returned to Ponyville with Twilight. They agreed to meet at Light’s Hope later that day. On the way back to the library, Twilight couldn’t help but wonder who Arc’s date for the evening was. Running to get Auriel, the pair shadowed him all day, trying to find a clue, to no avail. Later that day at Light’s Hope, the Mane 6 attended a small memorial with Arc and Dinky to wish Arc’s departed mother a happy birthday.

Arc went inside to change into his gala outfit. His date, Dinky, arrived shortly thereafter and the group took a portal to Canterlot Castle. Heading for the Ballroom, they went their separate ways. Dinky and her father headed for the refreshment table. Dinky spots Cherry and Ruby enter the Ballroom. She and Arc walk over to say hello. After exchanging pleasantries, Dinky asks Cherry to dance with her father. Cherry agrees and the pair head to the dance floor. As they enjoy a slow dance together, Cherry invites Arc to her house the following week for supper. While she does not remember him, Cherry expresses an interest in learning more about him in hopes of one day remembering him. Arc agrees. After the dance, Arc meets up with the princesses. They walk over to the stage and the ceremony commences. Kibitz approaches Arc with their crowns. Recrowning them princesses, Arc removes his own crown and puts it on the now empty pillow and steps back as Luna and Cadance again sit on their thrones. As the crown applauds, Cherry leaves the room for some air. Arc returns to Dinky and the pair head for the castle gardens. The princesses follow him a short time later along with Sereb and Ember who are guarding them. They all enjoy the cool air and conversation together. Meanwhile, Cherry walked the halls alone trying to make sense of her thoughts and feelings. Suddenly a robed figure grabs her and puts a knife to her throat! Throwing her off the balcony overlooking the ballroom, she crashes into a table below, sending dishes flying everywhere! The Mane 6 help the guards evacuate the guests while Shining Armor and Trixie hurry over to help the victim! Arc tells Ember and Sereb to stay with the princesses and Dinky while he rushes inside. Seeing Cherry lying there, he leans down to her! She warns him of the assassin just in time for him to call forth Eidolon’s Ward! Failing to shoot Arc, the assassin flies at him in an effort to finish the job! At the last second Arc turns and buries one of his magic blades in his assailant’s gut! Throwing him to the ground, the errant general begs for mercy. Arc puts a magic blade through his heart and ends the matter. Turning back to Cherry as Doctor Whooves runs up, Arc waits as she is hastily examined. Shaking his head, the doctor administers a powerful painkiller, allowing the pair to say their goodbyes. Cherry smiles at Arc as her memories come back to her. She and Arc share a kiss as she passes away.

Is Arc really done ruling? Are Abyssinia’s troubles over? And what of the Storm King and Grubber? Are the princesses really ready to again lead? What of Ruby? If she was upset when Cherry lost her memory, how much more so for her sister’s death? Will Arc be able to cope with the loss of his true love?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Coping

One week later, in the early afternoon sunlight, Arc lies on his bed in Derpy’s house staring up at the ceiling. There is a small knock at the door.

Arc doesn’t not move. “Come in…”

The door slowly opens as Derpy and Dinky enter together. They are both wearing black dresses. There is a familiar black suit draped over Derpy’s back.

“Arc? We… we brought over your suit. “

Dinky nods sadly. “It’s almost time to go, dad.”

He slowly sitting up and looks over to the pair. “Thank you.”

Arc stands and takes the suit off Derpy’s back and heads for the bathroom. Dinky turns to her mother. Dad’s been really depressed this past week.

Derpy pats Dinky’s head. “Please try to forgive him, dear. He’s suffering so much right now!”

Dinky nods. “I understand, mom. But I wish there was something we could do to help him!”

“So do I, Dinky. So do I.”

A short time later Arc emerges from the bathroom. He walks over to the couch and sits down heavily! Derpy and Dinky walk over to him and sit down on either side.

“Thank you for being here with me you two. It really means a lot right now.”

Derpy nods. “You were there for me when I needed help. I’ll do the same for you here and now.”

Dinky leans against her father’s side. “Me too dad.”

Arc puts his arms around them and holds them close.

“Sorry I haven’t been much for company lately. I know you two were looking forward to a family vacation.”

“It can wait, Arc. This is a hard time… for all of us.”

They sit there for a time in silence. Eventually Arc pulls out his pocket watch and looks at the time. He stands up slowly.

“We should get a move on.”

Derpy and Dinky nod as they follow Arc out the front door. In a short time, they arrive at Light’s Hope. The trio walks around to the back patio. The Mane 6, Ember, Sereb and Auriel are waiting for them in black outfits. Twilight walks over to Arc.

“I… I don’t really know what to say right now other than I’m sorry and we’re here for you.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, Twilight. All of you, really.”

He sighs.

“I’m sorry, but would all of you please excuse me for a few minutes?”

Arc turns and walks across the field toward the stone marker. Ember follows him but stays a respectful distance away.

Rarity looks to Derpy and Dinky. “How’s he handling it?”

Derpy looks down sadly. “About as well as one would expect.”

Applejack sighs. “Arc’s strong. But… he’s suffering greatly!”

Pinkie looks over. “How can you tell?!”

Rainbow Dash lands next to the pink pony. “Even I can see it, Pinkie! That spark… that… zest for life. It’s not there right now!”

Fluttershy nods with determination! “We’ll all have to lend him our emotional support in his time of need then!”

Everyone assembled nods. Auriel turns to Twilight.

“Twilight? What happens now?”

“We’re going to Dodge Junction for the funeral.”

Auriel looks to her friend confused. “What’s a funeral?”

Applejack removes her hat and places it over her heart. “It’s where you say your last goodbyes to the departed before they are buried.”

“Buried?”

Pinkie tamps the earth beneath her hoof. “Uh huh. You see, everything comes from the soil. And in the end, everything returns to it. It’s the circle of life!”

Rarity looks to Auriel. “Don’t demons bury their loved ones?”

Auriel frowns. “Kinda. What’s left of them anyways.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Say what?”

“When a demon dies, their family comes together to speak of their deeds before eating them.”

Fluttershy looks horrified! “…what?!”

“We believe that if we do so they will live on inside us. In this way, we never truly have to say goodbye! I know it must sound revolting to all of you, but that’s how we do things in Tartarus.”

Twilight looks over to Arc. “I wonder what customs humans have for times like these.”

Meanwhile… Arc walks over to the stone monument and kneels down in front of it.

“Hi mom. You remember that mare I told you about a while back? Well, she’s on her way to you now. I’m sure you two will get along great! Just… keep her company until we’re all together again, okay?”

He leans forward and opens his pocket watch. A tear courses down his cheek.

“She… she looks like this! Keep an eye out for her, okay?”

Arc is silent for a time.

“Mom? Do you think you could tell her something for me when you see her? Tell her… that I miss her more than words can say, and that I look forward to seeing her again! The three of us can have tea together and catch up!”

There is the whine of engines approaching from the north. Arc closes his pocket watch and stands up.

“I’ll talk to you later, mom. Sounds like my ride’s here.”

Arc quickly makes his way back to Ember. She puts her claws on his shoulders and looks him in the eye.

“Arc… I’m here for you. Now more than ever!”

“Thanks Ember.”

The Lunar Destiny touches down. The gangplank is lowered and everyone slowly makes their way aboard. A familiar face greets them as they enter the ship. Twilight looks up, surprised!

“Cadance?!”

Arc looks to her. “Princess Cadance? What are you doing here?”

The Princess of Love stands before them in a simple black dress. “I am here to escort your fiancée to Dodge Junction, Arc.”

“Is she… in the hold?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No Arc. Her casket is in your cabin. She deserves better than to be treated like cargo.”

“Thank you. But it’s not my cabin anymore.”

She walks over to Arc and puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Listen Arc. You’re… very important to this land! As long as you’re aboard ship, that cabin is yours! She’s there now… waiting for you…”

Arc nods sadly. “I’d… like to spend some time with her before we arrive.”

Applejack remover her hat, respectfully. “We understand, sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. Take all the time you need.”

Sereb turns to walks away. “We shall be in the Observation Deck if you need us.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. Enjoy the view everyone.”

Everyone heads for the Observation Deck as Arc turns to walk to his cabin. Twilight gestures with a hoof.

“This way everypony.”

Fluttershy turns around. “Aren’t you coming, Ember?”

“I… have somewhere else to be right now. I’ll meet up with everyone later.”

Ember hurriedly walks down the corridor. Pinkie looks to the others, confused.

“What was THAT all about?!”

Sereb sighs. “As Arc suffers, so does she.”

Auriel nods. “The two of them are very close after all.”

As Cadance, the Mane 6, Sereb and Auriel head toward the Observation Deck Arc quickly makes his way to his old cabin. He puts his hand on the doorknob and takes a deep breath.

“Cherry…”

As Arc steps into the room he finds several large stands of flowers surrounding the casket. Shakily he walks over to it, opens the lid and puts a shaking hand on Cherry Jubilee’s cold fetlock.

“I’m here… Cherry.”

He stares at her for a long time, the tears flowing freely.

“You’re… just as beautiful now as you ever were, my love!”

Arc looks at Cherry’s face and forces a smile.

“I… I had hoped the two of us would of had a long and happy life together. But… that isn’t going to happen. I’ll always remember and cherish the time we spent together! You won’t be forgotten, Cherry! Ever!”

Arc pulls over a chair and sets it down next to the casket. The sun is just beginning to set. He looks out the window and sighs.

“Cherry. I had wanted to watch the sunset with you again! But… not like this.”

Sometime later the trees of Cherry Hill Ranch come into view as the ship lands. Arc stands up and sighs.

“I guess I should go and take my beating from Ruby.”

Arc walks over to the door. Opening it, he finds Ember sitting on the floor across the hallway.

“Ember? What are you doing here?”

She stands up slowly. “Just waiting for you to come out. I told you I was here for you, and I meant it!”

“Why not just come inside though? It’s certainly more comfortable sitting on the couch!”

“I just thought you would like some alone time with her. I’d just be in the way.”

Arc puts a hand on Ember shoulder. “Thanks, I appreciate the thought. Um… do you think you could do me another favor though?”

“Name it.”

“Go have some supper with the others. I’m sure they’re worried about you.”

Ember frowns! “They’re worried about you as well!”

Arc nods. “I know they are. Please tell them I’ll see everyone tomorrow morning at breakfast.”

“Sure. But what will you be doing?”

“I’m going to give my… condolences to Ruby. Losing her sister has got to be one of the worst moments in her life!”

“Aren’t you afraid she’ll be angry?”

Arc sighs. “Probably. But this needs to be done! I’m going down there and take whatever Ruby dishes out! You and Sereb can take one of the VIP rooms. By now I’m sure the Captain has issued quarters to the others. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to make sure Ruby is all right.”

He walks down the corridor as Ember shakes her head.

“Even after all she did to him, Arc is still concerned for Ruby’s feelings. Amazing…”

Arc makes his way down the gangplank and slowly walks toward the house as the sun finishes setting and the moon begins to rise. He stands at the front door and takes a deep breath.

“Well… here goes nothing…”

Arc lightly knocks on the door. There is no response. He knocks again, this time with slightly more force! Again silence!

“There are lights on inside…”

He waits a few minutes before trying the door. Finding it unlocked he slowly opens it and steps inside. Arc looks around the Living Room but sees and hears nothing.

“Where could she be?”

There is a small sound from upstairs.

“Guess that answers my question.”

Arc slowly makes his way to the stairs and quietly climbs them. Following his ears, he heads for the first room at the top of the stairs on the left. It is slightly ajar. Peeking inside he sees Ruby lying face down on the bed. A black dress sits on the bed next to her, presumably for tomorrow morning. He knocks lightly.

“Ruby? Can I come in?”

Upon hearing his knock, Ruby jumps to her hooves on the bed and spins around to face the door!

“Who… who’s there?!”

He slowly pushes open the door. “It’s me, Ruby. I…”

Arc is cut short as Ruby glares at him and pounces headlong off the bed! He catches her! As the pair tumble down the stairs together, Arc wraps has arms around Ruby in an attempt to protect her! When they reach the ground level Arc lands heavily on his back with Ruby on top of him! She jumps up and begins hitting him in the chest with her hooves!

“THIS… THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!”

Arc lies on his back, wincing with every blow! “Yes… yes, it is Ruby! Go ahead! I… I deserve this!”

Slowly Ruby’s blows become weaker and weaker until she is barely tapping Arc’s chest. Her face is red with anger and she is breathing heavily! After a few moments her eyes fill with tears. She lays down on Arc’s chest as she bursts into hysterics! Arc wraps his arm around Ruby and holds her tightly as he strokes her mane.

“It’s okay, Ruby. Just let it all out.”

Ruby does not acknowledge him, but does so for quite some time!

“Arc… why…?”

He looks at Ruby as he continues to stroke her mane. “Why what?”

Ruby slowly raises her head from his chest to look him in the eye as the tears continue to fall!

“Why… why are you so nice to me?! I’ve been NOTHING but cruel to you since… since that day!”

Arc nods and wipes away a tear from Ruby’s eye. “Because of Cherry.”

“What?! But… but I… I tried so hard to keep you two apart!”

“I know, and I forgive you for that. But you see, if Cherry was here now, do you think she would want us to be fighting? Do you think she would want to see you so sad?”

Ruby looks down sadly. “I… suppose not. But… how can you forgive me for what I did… just like that?! I mean… I threw you out of this house, said such terrible things and even now as we fell down the stairs, I know you were trying to protect me!”

Arc puts a hand on Ruby’s cheek. “You weren’t exactly yourself then, Ruby. Sadness, grief, loss, pain and anger… these things can make us do things we wouldn’t normally do to those around us.”

Ruby sniffles. “I… I’m sorry. You must miss Cherry as much as I do. Maybe even more!”

Arc looks away from Ruby as a tear escapes his own eye. “Y… yeah. I do…”

She puts her front hooves on Arc’s chest and pushes herself up. “I mean, you two were going to…”

Arc winces in pain.

“Arc?! What’s wrong?!”

Arc motions for Ruby to let him up! She quickly does so as he moves to a kneeling position in front of her.

“You… you’re very strong, my little pony. I think you may have bruised a couple of my ribs earlier.”

Ruby stands up quickly! “Oh Arc, I’m so sorry! Let’s get you something for that!”

She leads Arc to the kitchen and pulls out a chair!

“Please have a seat!”

As Arc sits down, she quickly runs to the freezer and removes an ice cube tray! Emptying it onto a dish towel, she quickly wraps it up she sets it on the table in front of him! Arc opens his shirt and winces in pain.

“Thanks.”

Ruby looks at Arc’s bruised chest and gasps! “Oh my Celestia! What have I done?!”

Arc puts the icepack to his chest! “That does feel good!”

“Arc, I am SO sorry for that! Are you certain you’re okay?! I can take you to see the doctor if you would like!”

“Thanks Ruby, but I’m fine. We have medical facilities aboard my ship in the unlikely event this doesn’t do the trick.”

The two are silent for a time. The only sounds to be heard are the crickets outside. Ruby sits down in a chair across from Arc. He looks out the window at the rising moon.

“This place… it’s so peaceful.”

Ruby sighs. “It… it’s a bit TOO peaceful these days.”

“I understand.”

“My sister… she was the one who kept things going around here for as long as I can remember! With her gone, Cherry Hill Ranch just feels so… empty!”

Arc nods. “Are you going to stay?”

Ruby nods with conviction! “Yes! I’m going to do my best to keep the ranch going… for Cherry!”

“I’m sure it’s a really big job. Are you up to it?”

“Not really. But our two employees have been helping me keep things going! They’ve been a big help since… you know.”

“Friends and family are very important, now more than ever. Have they worked here long?”

Ruby bites her lip. “I… I think Cherry hired them after I left all those years ago. They were my replacements.”

“You don’t resent them, do you?”

“Not at all! Cherry did what she had to! In fact, I’m quite grateful to them for being there for my sister when I wasn’t! This place is way too much work for one pony to handle alone!”

Arc puts a hand on Ruby’s fetlock. “I’m glad to hear you’re not trying to shoulder this burden alone. Anything I can do to help?”

Ruby shakes her head. “Thank you for the offer, but you’re already doing plenty! Not to sound rude or ungrateful but why did you come, Arc?”

“I just felt you needed someone to talk to right now. That and I don’t mind admitting I was a bit worried about you.”

Ruby suddenly looks away. “Worried? W-why should you be worried?”

“My mother died years ago and there wasn’t anyone around I could talk to! I didn’t want you to go through what I did.”

“I… um… th-thank you.”

“Ruby, you’re hiding something, aren’t you? Listen, if there’s something you don’t want to tell me, it’s okay! I don’t want you to feel like I’m trying to drag it out of you. But I’m here if you need to talk.

She sighs and turns back to face him. “Arc? Can… can I tell you something?”

“Anything!”

Ruby clops her front hooves together nervously. “Promise it’ll just stay between us?”

“I promise. You can tell me anything!

She looks toward the stairs, sighing. “Would you follow me, please? There’s something I want to… no… that I NEED to show you!”

“Um… okay. Lead the way.”

The pair stand up. Arc follows Ruby upstairs to the first room on the left. She proceeds to stand in the middle of the room. Smiling, Ruby looks around fondly at the items on the walls.

“This is Cherry’s room. I… I’ve been spending a lot of time in here lately.”

Arc looks around the small but tidy room. “It’s pretty!”

She sighs. “Yes, it is! Like she was… “

Ruby slowly walks over to the bed and puts her front two hooves on the covers. She gestures to the black dress laid out.

“This… this is the dress I was planning on wearing tomorrow.”

“I’m sure you’ll look quite nice in it.”

Ruby shakes her head. “That… isn’t the problem.”

She seems to be having trouble finding the words for a time. Eventually Ruby starts looking around at the shelves and various items hanging on the walls.

“Everything in here had some special meaning to Cherry and I. Some are older than we are!”

“Family heirlooms?”

“You could say that.”

She points a hoof at a small tin cup sitting on a shelf.

“Cherry and I won that together at our first Town Fair.”

Arc walks over and looking at the cup more closely, reading aloud. ‘First Prize – Cherry Jubilee and Ruby Jubilee’. What was the competition?”

Ruby looks at the cup sadly. “The Seven-Legged Race. A pair of foals have to run a race with two of their hooves tied together. I know it must sound silly, but we loved every moment of it! Back then we were inseparable!”

Arc turns away from the shelf to looks at Ruby. “So, what changed?”

“After our parents died, we had a big fight on what direction to take the ranch. It’s not something I’d like to go into detail about, but… let’s just say we both said a lot of things we didn’t really mean.”

“So, you left?”

Ruby nods sadly as she turns back toward the bed. “At the time it seemed like the right thing to do! We weren’t making any progress as neither of us was willing to compromise!”

She looks down sadly.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about… everything, I guess. About our past… how great it was to make amends… and… how happy you made my sister.”

“But aren’t those all happy memories?”

“They are! But… this also reminded me of all the time we lost thanks to our petty argument! If I had just been willing to compromise, then we would have had the chance to create so many more memories together!”

Arc walks over to Ruby and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Ruby, you shouldn’t think too long about what could have been. Neither of us can change the past.”

“I know that, but…”

“I miss her too, Ruby. But I’m still glad I had the chance to know Cherry! While our time together was very short, I’ll always cherish the time we spent together!”

Ruby continues to look down at the dress. “I… I miss her so much! Had I known this was going to hurt so badly…”

She takes a few moments to compose herself as Arc waits patiently.

“Do you still have that pocket watch?”

Arc reaches into his pocket and pulling out the watch. “I do.”

“Do you know what my father gave my mother?”

“I don’t.”

“His favorite rope.”

Arc looks confused. “A… rope?”

Ruby nods. “It may not seem like a very romantic gift, but it was very special to him, as it once belonged to our grandfather! In giving it to her, he was saying that she was far more important than any material item to him!”

“Wow! Who knew a simple thing like a rope could mean so much?!”

She does not take her eyes off the dress lying on the bed as she pointing a hoof sadly. “It’s been hanging on that nail over the dresser with that pocket watch for as long as I can remember.”

Arc looks to the wall over the dresser.

“Um… Ruby? I don’t see a rope.”

Ruby steps a few paces back, still not taking her eyes off the dress on the bed. “I… moved it.”

Arc looks to Ruby, warily. “Where to?”

She looks down at the floor, sadly. “It… it’s under my dress.”

Arc steps forward and slowly pulls the dress to one side. A very old looking rope quickly comes into view. He quickly notices it has been tied into a hangman’s noose! Arc picks it up and looks to the mare next to him.

“Ruby?”

She walks over to the window and looking up at the moon, sadly. “I… I laid out my outfit for tomorrow. So many memories were going through my mind. I don’t know what came over me, other than I… I wanted our whole family to be together again. For Cherry and I to be together again. The knot was tied but I just sat there staring at it.”

"What stopped you?”

Ruby looks down at her hooves. “I heard someone knocking at the door. Somehow that brought me back to reality. When I saw what I was about to do, I threw the rope under my dress and broke down crying! I guess that’s where you found me.”

Arc walks over to the window to stand behind Ruby. He putting his hands on her shoulders.
“Yeah. I guess you weren’t exactly in the mood to answer my knocks. Sorry for just barging in like this.”

Ruby puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “It’s okay. I really needed to tell somepony about this anyways. That and I didn’t exactly greet you as I should.”

She suddenly turns around, wide-eyed!

“Are you sure you’re okay after that?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ll be fine. Truth be told I’ve taken worse in the line of duty.”

“I’m sure you have, but…”

“Please Ruby. Let’s just put that event behind us now.”

“I feel awful about it, but if that’s what you want.”

“I do. Now tomorrow is going to be a rather… busy day. How about you get some rest?”

Ruby nods. “I know I should, but… I just don’t think I can sleep after what happened.”

“Can I offer you a room aboard the Lunar Destiny? All things considered, you really shouldn’t be alone tonight.”

“Thank you, but I… I want to stay here.”

“How about we go downstairs and sit down then? I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.”

Ruby nods, leaving the room with Arc behind her. “You don’t have to do that, Arc. I know you must be tired too.”

Arc shakes his head as the pair walk down the stairs together. “I’m not leaving you alone tonight Ruby!”

They walk over to the couch. A dying fire smolders in the fireplace. Arc puts a few more logs on the coals and sits down with Ruby. She lays her head on his knee as they star into the fire.

“Thank you Arc.”

Arc strokes her mane. “What are friends for?”

“I’m sorry for… everything.”

“Like I said earlier, it’s in the past.”

Ruby looks up at him! “No, no! I mean… EVERYTHING!”

“I don’t quite follow.”

“It seems like every time you’ve come here there’s been some kind of problem that needs addressing! Cherry and I always felt bad about that.”

Arc shakes his head. “Don’t. I loved every minute I spent here with you two!”

The two are silent for a time just enjoying the fire.

Ruby sighs. Her body fully relaxed. “Arc? Can I ask you something personal?”

Arc nods as he continues to stroke her. “Go ahead.”

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I was just wondering what it was about my sister that made you fall in love with her.”

Arc looks up at the ceiling. “That’s a tough one. I guess it was her sweet personality and happiness that originally made me want to befriend her.”

“Anything else?”

“Not really. I mean, she was pretty and all! But being a different species, I wasn’t attracted to her… in ‘that’ way.”

Ruby yawns “For what it’s worth, my sister always thought you were quite handsome! She told me after her proposal that she didn’t mind you being a human at all! Even if…”

Her voice trails off as she falls asleep

“Even if what, Ruby?”

Ruby does not stir.

“Oh well.”

Arc carefully gets up and fetches a pillow and blanket from upstairs. He returns to cover the sleeping mare on the couch.

“Rest now, Ruby.”

He stretches out on the rug in front of the fireplace. Soon he is fast asleep as well.

Chapter 2 - The Funeral

Arc awakens to the chilly morning air. Seeing the fire has all but fizzled out, he quickly adds a log to warm the room!

“I guess I had best get to work.”

He heads to the kitchen. In a short time the smells of breakfast wafts into the living room and awakens Ruby. She stumbles into the kitchen still half asleep.

“Cherry?!”

Arc looks over from the stove. “Sorry. It’s just me.”

“What are you doing?”

“Making us a little something to start our day off right. Have a seat! It’ll be ready in just a few minutes.”

Ruby sits down sadly at the Kitchen table. “And what about today is right?!”

Arc puts the contents of the skillet on two plates and walks over to the table. “Today… we will bring Cherry home.”

Ruby sighs as Arc sets the plate down in front of her. “I’m sorry Arc. This must hurt you just as much.”

He sits down across from Ruby with his own plate. “It does. But I do understand somewhat how grief works.”

She picks at her food. “I thought I did until now. Any words of wisdom?”

“Grief is… love.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Think of it this way. You do care for your sister, don’t you?”

Ruby nods! “Very much so!”

“With her passing, that love suddenly finds it has nowhere to go! Right now, it’s being bottled up inside both of us.”

“What do we do?”

“While I’m not completely sure how, all I can do is keep living as best I can. You and me… we’ll see Cherry again someday!”

Ruby smiles. “I look forward to that day.”

“As do I Ruby. As do I.”

Arc and Ruby eat their food together before washing the dishes. The sun has just begun to rise. Ruby Jubilee dries her hooves.

“Thank you for the meal Arc.”

“It was my pleasure, Ruby. “

Arc looks at the clock.

“We should be getting ready for the ceremony. Do you mind if I use your bathroom?”

Ruby heads for the stairs with Arc. “Go right ahead. I’ll get ready in my room. See you in a little bit.”

“Alright.”

Arc closes the bathroom door and removes a spare suit from the magic ring. Sighing, he puts it on and tidies himself before returning to the living room. A few minutes later Ruby descends the stairs in her black dress.

“How do I look?”

Arc nods. “Very nice! I wish Cherry was here to see you now.”

Ruby looks down sadly. “S-so do I.“

She looks as if she might cry again, but composes herself.

“Arc? Do you think we might see Cherry now? I… I want to say a few things before the ceremony.”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

He extends a hand to Ruby. She puts her hoof in it as the two of them slowly make their way toward the Lunar Destiny. They climb the gangplank and walk to Arc’s cabin. They pause in front of the closed door.

“Would you like some time alone with you sister?”

Ruby shakes her head. “No, Arc. We should go together.”

Arc nods and opens the door for Ruby. The casket sits where Arc left it yesterday. Ruby walks over to it and sits down on her haunches. Arc stands to her left silently.

“Can… can I see her?”

Arc silently opens the casket. A tear escapes Ruby’s eye!

“Sister… you’re gorgeous!”

Cherry Jubilee lies on her back in a simple burgundy dress. Her front hooves crossed over her chest holding the engagement pendant and a small smile on her face.

Arc puts a hand on Ruby’s shoulder. “Yes she is, Ruby.”

The pair look at Cherry for a time, wordlessly. Arc looks down at Cherry sadly.

“I hope you like the dress, my dear. A friend of mine with good taste picked it out.”

“Don’t worry sister. You look stunning! I… um… I miss you.”

Arc nods. “We both do, Cherry. “

“Arc brought you home, big sister. We’re…”

Ruby Jubilee begins to cry.

“…we’re going to have the ceremony at the chapel! Then Arc and I will… bring you back here so you can be with mother and father!”

Ruby Jubilee turns back to Arc. He kneels down and gives her a hug! She buries her face in his chest as she wraps her hooves around him! Arc holds her as she cries.

“I haven’t forgotten the promise I made to you, Cherry. I’m here for your sister now, and will take care of her in the future as well. She won’t have to live on the streets, no matter what happens to Cherry Hill Ranch!”

Ruby wipes her eyes as she turns back toward her sister. “Y-yes sister. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m going to be just… f-fine.”

Arc nods as he turns to her. “Ruby… do you want to sit down?”

Ruby, unable to speak through her tears, nods. Arc turns toward one of the couches and uses his magic to pull it toward them. He sits down together with Ruby. She does not let go!

“Go ahead and let it all out, Ruby.”

Ruby does so! He does his best to console her as the sun rises. An hour later there is a small knock on the door. Arc slowly stands.

“Ruby? It’s time.”

“I… I understand.”

As Ruby dries her eyes, Arc walks over to the door and answers it. His squad is assembled. They are wearing their Honor Guard armor. Max salutes.

“Sir.”

Arc steps aside. “Come in.”

His squad does so. Arc closes the door behind them.

“You guys don’t have to salute me. When we’re off duty you can just call me Arc.”

Xenos shakes his head. “Forgive us sir, but that just feels wrong.”

The others nod in agreement. Arc walks over to the casket with the others.

“In any case, thank you for doing this.”

Hugh nods soberly. “It’s no problem, sir.”

Arc closes the lid and his squad moves to pick up the casket. He then walks back to Ruby and extends a hand.

“Are you ready?”

She nods sadly. “I… I am.”

Arc nods to his squad. They slowly begin making their way toward the door with the casket. Arc and Ruby follow them hand in hoof. The group leaves the ship and descends the gangplank. There is a decorated wagon waiting for them nearby. Princess Cadance, Derpy, Dinky, Ember, Sereb, Auriel and the Mane 6 are waiting for them patiently. Everyone is dressed in black dresses except Rarity who is also wearing a very sheik black hat. Dinky looks to her mother and whispers as the casket is loaded onto the cart.

“Mom? What’s going on?”

“This is what we do when somepony dies, sweetie. We’re on our way to the chapel for Miss Cherry’s memorial service now.”

Dinky follows her mother down the road with the procession. “What will we do there?”

“Talk about how much we love her and we’ll miss her, I think. This is actually my first time as well.”

Cadance nods and looks over to the pair. “I have not attended a funeral in many years myself. Such things are… difficult for us alicorns.”

Auriel looks confused. “It is? How?”

“You might find this hard to believe, but alicorns take death very hard! While aren’t fully sure if we are truly immortal, we try our best to stay strong for those whom look up to us!

Twilight looks over to her friend! “I hope you live forever, Cadance!”

Cadance sighs. “I hope you’re wrong Twilight. I really do.”

The small procession slowly makes its way through the streets of Dodge Junction. As they pass by, the home’s occupants come outside and join the procession. As they near the chapel it appears the entire town is with them! The wagon stops and Arc’s squad carries the casket inside. They set it down carefully in front of the pulpit before respectfully moving to stand on either side of it, two by two. Max opens the lid before taking his place. Arc leads Ruby to the pew nearest the casket and sits down with her. Derpy, Dinky and the Mane Six join them. Dinky puts a small hoof on her father’s hand.

“I’m here for you, dad.”

Arc looks down at Dinky and smiles as he takes her small hoof in his hand. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

He notices Ruby appears to be on the edge of tears again and puts his hand on her fetlock. She takes his hand and gives him a small smile. Before long everyone in town has packed the chapel! The priest makes his way to the pulpit and begins the service.

“Ruby Jubilee, I am honored to be with you to offer my sympathies and to celebrate a great life! All of us have watched you and Cherry Jubilee grow from birth to young mares in what felt like the blink of an eye! Please know that you have our condolences.”

Ruby nods.

The priest looks up at all assembled. “Cherry Jubilee was born and raised here in Dodge Junction at Cherry Hill Ranch to her loving parents. Many of us had a hoof in her upbringing. From her schoolteachers, foalsitters, and neighbors both far and near. All of us helped shape Miss Jubilee into the mare she grew up to be! And in turn, she helped shape Dodge Junction into the prosperous town it is today!

The priest looks down at the casket below him.

“Miss Jubilee… thank you.”

He pauses before looking up at the assembly.

“As per our customs, I will now allow anypony who would like to share an experience they had with Miss Cherry to come forward at this time.”

The priest steps down from the pulpit. An elderly mare slowly makes her way up to the podium, aided by a young mare and her colt. She walks up to the pulpit.

“I’ve known Miss Cherry for as long as she’s been alive! She was always such a good girl! Now as everypony here probably knows, I’ve had trouble making ends meet since my husband passed away quite a few years ago. If it wasn’t for Miss Cherry bringing me food a few times a week, I don’t know if I would have made it this long!

She looks down at Cherry Jubilee and smiles!

“Thank you, Miss Cherry! I owe you everything!”

The elderly mare steps back to allow the young mare and her colt, who appears to be about Dinky’s age, to approach the pulpit. She appears quite a bit shyer than the previous speaker.

“Um… hello. My foal and I would like to thank Miss Cherry for all her help over the years.”

The colt nods! “Yeah! She’s always been there for us! Ever since my dad left!”

“Hush now, my little angel!”

The young mare blushes feverishly before continuing.

“Many of you know me as the Ticket Mare down at the station. I… don’t exactly make a lot of money at my job. Certainly not enough to support myself, let alone a colt! Miss Cherry always saw to it we had enough food to last us through the winter months! Last year when my little angel and I were sick in bed, she came over every day with a home cooked meal for us!”

The colt smiles! “That’s right! And she was also the one who noticed that mom was getting worse!”

“Yes dear! She went and got the doctor, who told me that I had pneumonia! If it hadn’t been for Miss Cherry, I wouldn’t be here today!”

“I need my mom! She’s all I have left!”

The young mare kneels down and hugs him. “And I need you too, dear!”

She looks down at Cherry Jubilee.

“Thank you, Miss Cherry… for everything.”

Ruby whispers to Arc. “I… I had no idea!”

Arc nods and whispers back. “She didn’t want anyone to know what she was doing though.”

“Why do you suppose that was?”

“She probably was trying to protect her recipient’s pride. It isn’t easy having the whole town knowing that you’re accepting charity.”

“Agreed!”

One by one they came, far as the eye could see! Each life somehow touched by her generosity! The service lasts for most of the day, during which time ponies come and go. The Mane 6, Ember and Auriel step outside to get some air and stretch their legs. Twilight turns to her friends.

“There’s… just so many stories!”

Applejack nods! “Darn tootin’!”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby. “Holy cow! After listening to these stories, I think Cherry Jubilee was cooler than anypony in Equestria!”

Fluttershy nods. “I… um… think she was truly worthy of Arc’s love!”

Sereb bows his head. “Indeed, yellow one. Arc is an honorable warrior, and worthy of only the best mate.”

Twilight mutters to herself. “The best… mate?”

Rarity tears up. “Indeed! I… I believe she would have made a better Element of Generosity than I!”

Pinkie cartoonishly cries as her mane deflates. “She was just so WONDERFUL!!!”

Everyone around Pinkie Pie turns to stare as the Mane 6 try to quiet her.

Auriel nods soberly to Ember. “This is much better than our way of remembering the dead.”

“Dragons aren’t much for grieving. But… I’m truly going to miss Cherry Jubilee. She was certainly one of a kind!”

Auriel looks back toward the chapel. “From what the others have said about her, I would have to agree.”

Ember sees Arc and Ruby sitting in the front row. “Yeah. She was the only one who was able to get to Arc.”

“What do you mean?”

Ember heads back inside the chapel behind the Mane 6. “Come Auriel. You’ll see…”

Meanwhile inside the chapel, Derpy and Dinky make their way up to the podium.

“I once came here with my daughter and a very good friend of mine to Cherry Hill Ranch. We were escorting Cherry Jubilee home after she underwent heart surgery in Ponyville. While I have a bit of a past, she never once judged me for my mistakes! I… I’ve never met a more compassionate mare in all my days!”

Dinky nods! “Miss Cherry let me pick cherries at her ranch with my dad! She was so nice to me! I really miss her!”

Ember stands and walks up to the podium.

“I… um… I too came here with a friend of mine. The two of us met Cherry Jubilee in the Saloon. She… she didn’t judge me or my friend for not being ponies and invited us to stay at her ranch! She was one of the kindest individuals I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing!”

As Ember, Derpy and Dinky return to their seats the priest returns to the pulpit.

“Before our service comes to a close, it is customary to allow our departed loved one’s closest relation to speak.”

The priest looks to Ruby Jubilee. She looks over to Arc, gives his hand a small squeeze and heads for the podium.

“Thank you everypony for coming! It means a lot to me to know just how much my sister was loved by our community! But I have a confession to make. I am not my sister’s closest living relative.”

Ruby motions for Arc to come forward. He stands up and does so.

“Hero of Light Arc is!”

Those assembled murmur to each other, confused. Ruby Jubilee steps aside to allow Arc to stand in her place.

“You should be here right now, Arc. Not me.”

As Ruby turns to walk off the podium Arc kneels down and puts a hand on her shoulder. She turns to look him in the eye.

“No. We should do this together.”

Ruby gives Arc a small smile.

“Thank you.”

Arc sits down beside the pulpit next to Ruby and looks out over the crowd.

“I too knew Cherry Jubilee. Sadly, not as long as many of you here today. We first met in Dodge Junction’s saloon as a friend and I were making our way to the Dragon Lands. Some rather rough looking stallions were giving her and her companions a hard time, so I taught them a lesson in manners.

The crowd softly claps their hooves as they remember Buffalo Bull and his gangs trouncing at Arc’s hands.

“She invited my friend and I to supper and later even allowed us to stay with her and Ruby Jubilee! That was the night she was kidnapped and nearly forced to marry a cowardly cretin whose name is not worth mentioning!”

All assembled nod in agreement.

“When I returned to town from the Dragon Lands, I found that Cherry was lying in the hospital dying from internal bleeding! Her sister and I took her to Ponyville for emergency surgery!”

Ruby nods. “Which wouldn’t have happened at all if you hadn’t found a way to get a train here, Arc!”

“Indeed, Ruby. But that is a story I would like to keep to myself.”

“I understand.”

Arc looks back to the crowd. “The operation was a complete success! Before too long, we were able to bring her back to Dodge Junction.”

He pauses for a moment.

“I didn’t see much of Cherry or Ruby for some time. That is, until my friends and I were invited back for the town’s Cherry Festival! We came a bit early to help cook some special cherry-based goodies!”

Ruby nods! “They were delicious, Arc! Cherry and I really enjoyed having you over!”

“And I had the time of my life as well, Ruby!”

Arc takes his time before continuing.

“That time was memorable to me for a number of reasons. But the high point of my visit came the night of the festival. Do you remember it, Ruby?”

“I do indeed! That was the night Cherry asked you to marry her!”

The crowd takes a collective gasp, speechless!

Arc nods, sadly. “Y-yeah. And I told her… no.”

All assembled appear confused.

Ruby puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “Arc… I want you to know that both my sister and I understand why you turned her down. Neither of us blamed you for it! In fact, looking back at it now, I think it just made Cherry love you all the more!”

“Thanks Ruby. I just want to tell you… that moment right there changed my outlook on life!”

“It did? How so?!”

“I didn’t realize until that very moment that there were those who… who cared for me enough that they would want to spend the rest of their lives with me! Truth be told, I had been too busy up to that point to even think about my future family life!”

Arc appears to be reminiscing.

“After that day, I found I couldn’t put her proposal out of my mind! It was both maddening and wonderful at the same time!”

Ruby smiles. “My sister… she talked about you every day after that! I would have thought being turned down by you would have made her reconsider her feelings! Somehow it had the opposite effect though!”

“I too thought of her constantly after that. While I didn’t let anyone else know, even as I ascended to the position of Lord Regent, she stayed at the forefront of my mind!”

“It must have been very hard to carry on with your duties with such a burden.”

Arc nods. “It was! I had to lead the nation, give audiences, complete mountains of paperwork, make public appearances, go on diplomatic visits, defend the realm, find out who had done such a thing to the princesses, how to reverse it, and find a way to make time for my family back in Ponyville!”

Arc nods to Derpy, Dinky and Ember. They smile and nod back.

“Cherry wanted to see you so badly back then! But she knew you had so much to do that she decided it was for the best if she stayed here in Dodge Junction. When Ember called and said she needed to come to the Crystal Empire, she was beyond overjoyed! She had no idea you were dying!”

“That was indeed a bad day.”

He sighs.

“Before I passed out from the pain, I saw in my mind’s eye, Cherry… one last time. All I could think of as darkness overtook my mind was how much I wanted us to be together!”

Ruby nods. “I’m… sure she knew, Arc.”

“I do hope so!”

“I’m sure Cherry was glad to see that you made a full recovery!”

“She was! Shortly after waking up, she bounded over to me and gave me a big hug! I… knew then that I couldn’t wait any longer! The first chance I had, I got down on my knee, took her hooves in my hands and asked her to marry me!”

All assembled gasp!

Arc shakes his head, sadly. “However, that very day there was an accident. Cherry lost her memories of me!”

“I’m sorry for not being more supportive of you, Arc. That must have been very hard on you!”

“It was. But I don’t blame you for feeling the way you did back then. I always hoped that Cherry would one day remember our love and we could live happily ever after!”

Arc looks over to the casket and sighs.

“I… guess that’s not going to happen though.”

Ruby puts a hoof and Arc’s hand. “I miss her too, Arc.”

Arc nods and looks up toward the assembled ponies. “Everyone… please… don’t end up like me! If you care for someone, tell them! Don’t wait! You… you never know when it might be too late!”

The priest approaches the pair and lays his hooves on them.

“Both of you have borne pain that nopony should have to at such a young age! Cherry loved you two dearly, and I’m sure would have she would have wanted to spend the rest of her life with both of you! “

Arc and Ruby nod sadly as they look down at the casket as the priest continues.

“However, I’m sad to say good things don’t always come to good ponies. You can do everything right… live life to the best of your ability… and still have things turn out badly because of the actions of another. Where you go from here is entirely up to you. It is natural to mourn the loss of a loved one. But you cannot let such things rule your life, lest you descend into darkness and despair! Miss Cherry would not have wanted such a fate to befall either of you.”

Arc stands up. “I understand that, Father. I choose to live on! To protect this land that Cherry held so dear!”

Ruby Jubilee joins him! “I will too! Cherry Hill Ranch must go on! For the town, and for Cherry!”

“Yes! Until the day comes that all of us are reunited in the next life, I’ll live my life to the fullest!”

All assembled smile, nod and clap their hooves as Arc and Ruby make their way back to their seats. The priest looks over at them and smiles.

“Good! I’m certain that would make Miss Cherry very happy! May the two of you never forget the good times you spent together.”

The priest slowly steps down from the podium and walks over to stand in front of the casket. He pauses to look down at Cherry Jubilee one last time before closing the lid.

“Rest now, Cherry Jubilee. You will be missed.”

The priest turns to the assembly.

“As the family escorts Miss Cherry to her final resting place, let us always remember that death is not something to be feared. It is but the natural conclusion of life. A life… that came to an end too soon!”

Arc nods to his squad. They respectfully approach the casket and pick it up. As they walk down the aisle Arc, Ruby Jubilee, Derpy, Dinky, the Mane 6, Ember, Auriel and Sereb rise and follow them out. They make their way back to the wagon and begin the walk back to Cherry Hill Ranch. Arc and Ruby lead the way. Auriel looks around as she and the others stay back a respectful distance.

“Where is everyone?”

Ember looks around. “I think the whole town was at the funeral.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Indeed. These building are all empty. To think that one individual could have such an impact on this place…”

Cadance nods. “The Power of Love in action.”

Arc and Ruby lead the procession back to Cherry Hill Ranch. They walk behind the house and through the orchards to a small clearing. There they find a small fenced in family plot where Cherry Jubilee’s father, mother and grandparents are buried. There is a freshly dug grave in front of a new headstone. The flowers that had surrounded Cherry’s casket aboard the Lunar Destiny have been moved to the graveside. Arc’s squad stops outside the fence and carefully removes the casket. They walk over to the grave and set it down next to the hole as the others watch from outside the fence.

Max steps back with the others. “Take as long as you need, sir.”

The squad respectfully steps outside the fence to join the others as Arc leads Ruby hand in hoof toward the casket. She walks slowly toward the casket and lays her head down on it as she begins to cry!

“Sister…”

Arc kneels down and puts his arm around her as Ruby sobs uncontrollably!

“Sister! It… it isn’t right!”

Twilight tears up as she turns to her friend! “This… this ISN’T right, Cadance!”

Cadance nods and puts a hoof around Twilight as the rest of the group turns to walk back toward the Lunar Destiny. “I know Twilight. Very little in life is though.”

Auriel turns to Applejack as they walk away. “I feel so bad for Arc and Ruby Jubilee. They look so lost right now.”

Applejack sighs. “Life can be tough sometimes, but…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts. “But Arc doesn’t deserve THIS!”

Fluttershy nods in agreement. “It’s too bad. He and Miss Cherry would have been very happy together! I’m sure of it!”

Rarity wipes her eyes. “You’re right Fluttershy. But none of that really matters now.”

Pinkie’s mane bounces back to normal! “When we get back to Ponyville, I’ll make him a ‘sorry for your loss’ cake!”

Auriel looks confused. “A cake?”

Ember nods. “That might not be a bad idea, Pinkie. Just do me one favor.”

“Sure! What is it?”

“No cherry frosting.”

Pinkie nods. “I understand!”

Cadance turns to her friend. “Twilight, would you head back to the ship with everypony else please? I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes.”

Twilight nods. “Alright. But don’t stay out here too long! The weather’s getting colder these days!”

“I won’t be long.”

Twilight turns to follow her friends as she mutters to herself.

“I want Arc to feel better too! And I think I know just the way!”

Cadance slowly approaches Arc and Ruby. She sits down on her haunches behind the pair and puts her hooves on their shoulders.

“I’m sorry this happened you two. If there were any way to undo this terrible event, I would do it!”

Ruby nods sadly but does not look up. “Thank you for coming Princess Cadance. But nothing will ever bring my sister back to me!”

Arc sighs. “I… I feel so… alone right now. Even with all my friends near me.”

“They came to support you in your time of need.”

“I understand, and thank them for that.”

Arc sighs.

“But right now, I think the two of us just need to be alone. Forgive me Princess Cadance, but could you and everyone else head on home now?”

“Very well. What shall I tell the others?”

“Tell them… I’ll catch up with them later.”

Cadance turns to walk back to the Lunar Destiny. “I’ll do that. Just… take care not to forget yourself.”

Arc nods as Cadance leaves. In a few minutes the Lunar Destiny takes off majestically with the setting sun on its west side! A large formation of rain clouds begins to roll in. Ruby turns to Arc a short time later as she does her best to stifle the sobs.

“Arc?”

“Yes Ruby?”

“What did Princess Cadance mean by that?”

“She was telling me to not let this event destroy my life.”

Ruby looks back at the casket as fresh tears course down her face! “How are we supposed to DO that?!”

Arc holds Ruby tightly! “By mourning our lost loved one here and now.”

Unable to speak, Ruby nods. At twilight Arc notices Ruby is shivering.

“We should probably get you inside, Ruby.”

Ruby appears exhausted from crying. “Why?!”

“You’re shivering.”

“I honestly hadn’t noticed. Right now, I just feel so… empty inside.”

Arc gently pulls Ruby back. “I think it’s time, Ruby. We can’t put this off forever.”

Ruby sniffles. “I know, but… could I see her face just one more time? I’d… like to say goodbye.”

“Of course.”

Arc slowly opens the casket. The pair look into Cherry Jubilee’s smiling face for the final time.

“Sister… as long as I live… I will never forget you or your kindness”

Arc gently caressing his fiancée’s cheek. “Cherry. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on! I look forward to one day looking into your luminous green eyes once again and seeing your wonderful smile! As Ruby said… I will never forget you! Rest now, my love! We will be together again one day!”

Arc gives Cherry a small kiss on her cold lips. He then moves to close the lid.

“Just a moment Arc.”

“Hm?”

Ruby leans forward and takes the engagement pendant from Cherry’s hooves. She looks at it for a moment before extending it toward Arc.

“You should have this.”

Arc looks back at Cherry, sadly.

“No. She should be buried with it. I’ll never find another individual whom I would want to give it to anyways. Human or pony.”

Ruby takes Arc’s hand and puts the pendant in it. “Listen to me Arc. Cherry was, if nothing else, thrifty. She wouldn’t be happy knowing such a beautiful item wasn’t being properly cared for! Take it, and remember the good times you two shared… always.”

Arc closes his fingers around the pendant. He looks at it for a few moments before nodding silently and putting it securely in his pocket.

“I’ll take good care of it. As I would have cherished your sister.”

“Don’t you mean… the way you did?”

Arc shakes his head as he closes the casket. “No. Better.”

Ruby steps back from the casket as Arc picks it up with his magic. He slowly and carefully lowers it into the hole! There is a small bump as it touches the bottom. As if in response to this act, the clouds let loose a cold drizzle. A low rumble of thunder can be heard in the distance. Ruby picks up a single pink rose and tosses it onto the coffin, sadly.

“Good night, dear sister.”

Arc picks up a single red rose and does the same. “Goodbye, Cherry. I’ll always love you!”

The pair step back. Arc takes a deep breath before using his magic to push the nearby dirt into the hole! Ruby Jubilee falls to the ground, unable to hold her composer any longer! She lies in the mud crying loudly!

“Sister…”

Arc stoops down to give her a hug. “This is all we can do, Ruby. Let’s go inside.”

Ruby wraps her hooves around Arc’s neck and continues crying! He picks her up and takes one last look at the grave before slowly walking toward the house carrying the inconsolable mare in his arms.

Chapter 3 - Carrying On

The pair enter the cold, dark house. Both he and Ruby are soaking wet! Arc sets her down on the floor in front of the fireplace before getting a fire going. He then turns back to the bedraggled mare.

“Ruby?”

Ruby lies motionless on the floor. She doesn’t make a sound. Arc sits down on the floor next to her, gently stroking her wet mane.

“I’m here for you, Ruby.”

The pair sit there for a time looking silently into the fire as they dry off somewhat.

“Would you like to get cleaned up, Ruby?”

Ruby does not make any kind of response to Arc’s question. She does not seem to care that she is covered in mud and soaking wet! Arc picks Ruby up and walks towards the bathroom.

“Well, let’s see if we can’t get you clean and warmed up.”

Arc attempts to remove Ruby’s dress. However, it proves more difficult than he originally thought, as the mud has dried in her coat, mane and dress! He tugs gently at the dress in an effort to remove it without ripping out her mane or coat.

“I’m sorry if I’m hurting you, Ruby.”

Ruby does not respond, even to what Arc assumes must be at the very least discomfort.

He stands up and turns on the shower. “Sorry Ruby, but I think I’ll have to get you wet again.”

Ruby sighs as Arc picks her up and lays her in the tub. He sprays her down with the shower head until she is soaking wet again. He rubs the dress gently in an effort to break up the dried mud.

“I know this must not feel too good, but it has to be done.”

It takes a few minutes, but Arc is finally able to carefully remove the dress. Looking it over, he tosses the dress in the corner of the room.

“I don’t know if even Rarity could fix this thing now.”

For the next hour, Arc painstakingly cleans the mud from Ruby Jubilee’s mane and coat. He then carefully picks her up, dries her off with a towel, lays her on the couch in front of the fireplace and returns to the bathroom to take a shower himself. Undressing, Arc removes the pendant from his pocket. Holding it in his hand and staring at it for a time, sighing.

“Cherry. I loved the way you looked with this pendant around your neck.”

Arc carefully puts the pendant in his ring and steps into the shower.

“Ruby… I wish I could do more to help you.”

After drying off and pulling out some fresh clothes from his ring, Arc picks up a brush from near the sink and carries it back to the living room. Ruby does not appear to have moved since Arc set her down. He kneels down next to her and begins to brush her mane.

“Sorry for the wait.”

Arc does his best to return Ruby’s mane to normal. It is an improvement but far from perfect. He sets the brush down on the couch as looks her over.

“That’s the best I can do, Ruby.”

Arc strokes her mane with his hand as the pair sit there wordlessly for well over an hour. The sound of the rain on the roof and the fire along with peals of thunder are the only things the break the silence.

“Arc?”

“Yes Ruby?”

“Is… is Cherry really gone forever?”

Arc nods sadly as he continues to stroke her mane. “She is.”

Ruby whimpers softly. “I keep hoping this is all just a bad dream! I’ll wake up, go downstairs for breakfast and Cherry will be standing at the stove cooking cheerfully!”

“I wish that were the case, Ruby. I really do! But this is reality.”

“I know.”

Arc stands up. “We should try to eat something. Are you hungry?”

“Not really. Although my stomach feels like a rock.”

“How about I make us a little something? You just rest for now, okay?”

Ruby nods but only slightly. Arc walks to the kitchen and opens the refrigerator. There are a number of pots containing meals presumably from the townsponies. It does not appear any of them have been touched. Arc removes a pot of homemade soup and puts it on the stove.

“I don’t think she’s eaten anything since that night. Not that I’ve each much myself since then.”

In a few minutes the soup is warm. Arc ladles some into two bowls and sets them on a serving tray along with two cups of water. He carries the tray back to the couch and sits down. Ruby has begun to cry again! Her body shakes ever so slightly.

Arc sets the tray on the end table and picks up a bowl and spoon.

“Ruby? I brought some soup. Can you please sit up and eat before it gets cold?”

Ruby does not move

Arc sits down on the floor with the soup. “Won’t you eat something?”

Silence.

He puts a spoonful of soup in front of Ruby’s closed mouth. “Ruby, please. For Cherry?”

After a few moments Ruby opens her mouth just enough to let the spoon in.

“Good!”

Arc spoon feeds Ruby the soup and then puts the glass of water to her lips so she can have a drink. Ruby swallows the last bite.

“Th-thank you.”

“I hope that helped your stomach.”

“Not… really.”

“Would you like me to fetch you another bowl? “

Ruby opens her mouth to speak. However, when she does, a steady stream of vomit is the only thing that comes forth! She coughs the last of her stomach’s contents onto the floor.

“I-I’m sorry.”

Arc jumps up! “Ruby! What’s wrong?!”

She wipes her mouth with a hoof. “I don’t feel well.”

Arc puts a hand on her forehead! It is hot to the touch and she is still shaking!

“You’re burning up!”

Ruby shivers! “N-no I’m not. It’s so cold in here.”

Arc quickly goes upstairs and grabs the blanket off a bed! He returns to Ruby’s side and covers her up!

“Thank you. There’s some medicine in one of the kitchen cabinets.”

He heads for the kitchen. “I’ll get it!”

Arc finds the medicine. He brings it back to Ruby along with a fresh glass of water. Measuring out a spoonful of the medicine.

“I hope this makes you feel better.”

“It should. Cherry and I have used this for years.”

Arc carefully puts the spoonful of medicine in Ruby mouth. “That’s good to hear!”

He looks over the label as Ruby takes a drink of water. Reading aloud…

“Star Swirl’s Cold Tincture – One Swallow – Do Not Open Near Fire!”

Arc takes the bottle back to the kitchen, putting it back where he found it.

“Now I’m worried again.”

Before returning to Ruby’s side Arc grabs a bucket and mop. Seeing him return, Ruby’s face flushes red with both fever and embarrassment! She moves to stand up shakily!

“I’m sorry! Please! Let me clean that up!”

Arc puts a hand on Ruby’s shoulder and gently pushes her back down on the couch. “I’ll take care of this. I insist! You just lie there and rest.”

Ruby lies back down. “Thank you.”

In a short while the mess is cleaned up. Arc returns the mop to the kitchen along with their supper dishes. He puts away the rest of the soup before returning to Ruby’s side.

“How do you feel?”

Ruby yawns. “Tired. Why don’t you head back to Ponyville now? I’m sure your family is worried about you.”

“You’re in no condition to be alone! I’ll stay here with you.”

“You don’t have to do that, Arc! It’s just a cold. I’m fine. Really!”

“Considering what happened today, you shouldn’t be alone.”

Ruby dabs at her nose with a tissue. “I’ll be okay.”

Arc kneels down in front of Ruby. “After what you almost did with the rope last night, I’m staying at least until tomorrow.”

Ruby nods sheepishly. “I guess you have a point. Thanks…”

He sits down next to her. “What for?”

“For caring enough about me to do all this! Even though I’ve treated you so badly since Cherry’s accident, you still care about me! Why?”

Arc stares into the fireplace. “I’ve already forgiven you for everything.”

“How?! There really was no excuse for what I said and did!”

He looks over at Ruby. “Sometimes when we’re angry or sad we say things in haste that we don’t really mean. We’ve all done it at some point. Now why don’t we put this behind us? Besides, you need to rest.”

“I’ll try. You’ve forgiven me, but I’m having trouble forgiving myself.”

Arc smiles at Ruby. “Just give it some time. “

He looks over at the nearby hall phone.

“Do you mind if I use your phone?“

Ruby nods. “Sure. Calling your family?”

Arc walks toward the phone. “I’m going to call Light’s Hope and have them relay a message when the Lunar Destiny arrives.”

“I’ll wait for you here.”

Arc picks up the receiver and dials Raven’s desk. After several rings she answers.

“Light’s Hope.”

“Raven? It’s Arc. “

“Hello sir! Is everything alright?”

“As well as it can be, I suppose. Listen, I’m sorry to bring you to your desk at this hour, but has the Lunar Destiny returned yet?”

“No sir.”

“Good! When it does, I want someone to tell Derpy that I’ll be staying the night in Dodge Junction.”

Raven nods. “Yes sir. I’ll see to it.”

“Thank you Raven.”

“Sir?!”

“Yes?”

“I… I’m sorry about what happened to Miss Cherry.”

Arc nods. “Thank you Raven. So am I.”

He sighs.

“I don’t suppose Emerald Dream is around, is she?”

Raven shakes her head. “Not at the moment, no. Although she did move her practice from Canterlot to Ponyville last week.”

“She did? Why’s that?”

“I guess she just fell in love with this town! It’s the same with most of us stationed here at Light’s Hope! Ponyville just kinda grows on you the longer you stay here!”

Arc nods. “Makes sense. When I come home tomorrow, she may have a couple more clients.”

“Are you alright, sir?”

He sighs. “Sometimes we all just need to talk to someone.”

“I may not be much for talking. But I can listen, sir!”

“Thanks Raven. I may just do that! In any case, I need to let you go. Tomorrow is another day.”

“Yes sir.”

“Take care. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the phone and returns to Ruby. She looks over to him.

“Everything okay?”

“Not really. But you know how I feel.”

Ruby nods sadly. “I do.”

The pair stare into the fire for a time.

“Thanks for staying with me. Truthfully, I wasn’t looking forward to being alone tonight.”

Arc strokes Ruby’s mane. “Lonely?”

“I am. But, up until today at least, Cherry wasn’t really gone yet! But… as she… as you lowered her into the ground… something inside me broke. I think the realization that this is permeant finally sunk in!”

Ruby sighs and looks down at her hooves.

“I… I honestly think I might have… tried again.”

Arc nods soberly. “Ruby, I want you to come back to Ponyville with me tomorrow. There’s a therapist that I think you should talk to.”

She shakes her head. “Thank you, but I’ll be okay.”

“Ruby… you wanted to kill yourself yesterday. I insist!”

Ruby sighs. “I suppose I should. “

“Glad that’s settled. Do you want me to carry you to bed?”

“I… would rather sleep here tonight. The thought of being upstairs kinda frightens me right now.”

Arc nods. “Alright. I’ll stay with you here.”

He continues to stroke Ruby’s mane as she makes herself comfortable on the couch. The rain outside has yet to let up although the storm has passed.

“Arc, can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“I know you were in love with Cherry…”

“Still am, actually.”

Ruby smiles sleepily. “…but, can you tell me why? What was it about her that you were attracted to? You said the other night you thought she was pretty. But I know there’s more to it than that!”

Arc looks up at the ceiling wistfully. “First it was friendship. I saw that she was kind and accepting of those who were… different.”

“You and Ember’s first visit?”

“Right. That made me want to be her friend.”

Ruby nods. “But friendship and love are two very different things.”

“They’re actually pretty similar.”

“They are?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Love is an extremely powerful kind of friendship.”

“How did you get to that point?”

“We both realized that we couldn’t live without each other. A friend is someone who is willing to help even when things get tough. Love is when you’re willing to go so far as to make the ultimate sacrifice for the other, and they for you.”

Arc closes his eyes and smiles.

“Cherry made that really easy. She just radiated love!”

Ruby nods! “She’s always been a compassionate mare. Although until I heard all those stories at the funeral service, I didn’t really understand just how much she had done.”

“Neither did I.”

“But when did you realize you were in love with her?”

“After she proposed to me it started me thinking about a great many things. Weeks after that, after a great deal of soul searching, I realized that Cherry was the only one for me! Sorry I can’t explain it any better, but it’s both simple and very complex at the same time.”

Ruby smiles. “To tell you the truth, her initial proposal of marriage surprised me! “

“Didn’t she consult you first?!”

“She did mention a life with you. But you see, Cherry’s dream was always to get married to a big strapping young stallion and raise a family of her own.”

“But that was complicated by my being a human.”

“Right. If she were to marry you, children would be out of the question.”

Arc smiles and look over at her.

“Ruby?”

“Yes Arc?”

“That’s love!”

“What is?”

“It’s just like I said earlier! When you’re willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the other”

“I’m confused.”

Arc smiles. “Cherry was willing to sacrifice her lifelong dream of bearing children if it meant we could be together.”

Ruby looks over to him, wide eyed! “That’s right!”

“And when I proposed, I was willing to give up my power, authority and station as the Hero of Light to take her as my bride. It also meant I would never be able to return to Earth.”

“Why not? You could have just taken her with you.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I couldn’t. She would’ve been considered a freak of nature at the very least, and a monster at the very worst! Her life would have been one of constant fear and ridicule! I wouldn’t have wanted her to go through that!”

“So, you were willing to undergo self-exile to spare my sister’s feelings?”

Arc nods. “Yes Ruby. That’s love.”

Ruby sighs. “That’s beautiful! I hope I find love too someday!”

“So do I Ruby. But why don’t you see about getting some rest now?”

He puts a hand on her forehead.

“It looks like that medicine is working. But I still want you to recover fully.”

Ruby lays her head down in Arc’s lap as he goes back to stroking her mane. “I’ll try. But after the events of today I don’t know how successful I’ll be.”

A few minutes later Ruby is fast asleep. Arc carefully stands up and walks over to the kitchen window. Peering outside he sees the rain has passed and the moon has come out Cherry’s tombstone can be seen at the edge of the orchard.

“Good night… Cherry.”

As the moonlight shines down upon the tombstone it illuminates the epitaph…

Here rests Cherry Jubilee

“To live on in the hearts

of those you love

is to never die.

God would not

have made earthy

ties so strong

to break them in

Eternity.”

Arc quietly does the few dishes in the sink before returning to the living room. He puts a hand on Ruby’s forehead.

“I guess that medicine really does work. Her fever seems to have broken completely.”

He tucks Ruby in for the night before putting another log on the fire and lying down on the floor in front of the fireplace. Arc closes his eyes.

“Good night, Ruby.”

Arc drifts off to sleep and dreams of the happy times he and Cherry shared together and even a few they didn’t! He runs across a summer meadow happily when he hears the sound of hoofbeats next to him. Turning he sees a filly version of Cherry running with him! She is not much smaller than he himself is, as Arc quickly finds he is again a child as well! He jumps on her back and together they run across the endless field of wildflowers! Coming to a hill they roll down it together laughing! As the reach the bottom they lie on their backs staring up at the clouds!

Cherry points a hoof at the sky. “That one looks like a dog!”

Arc points a finger at another cloud. “Yeah! And that one looks like a pony!”

She laughs! “You think all the clouds look like ponies!”

“They do!”

Cherry points a hoof at a rather round looking cloud. “Okay! How about that one then?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “A pony after WAY too many cupcakes!”

Cherry throws her hooves up in mock despair, laughing! “Okay, I give up!”

“I win!”

The pair stare up at the clouds until the sun sets and the stars come out.

“I wish this would last forever, Arc.”

“You mean it won’t?”

“No… it won’t.”

Hearing Cherry Jubilee’s adult voice, Arc bolts upright! He quickly stands to find that they are adults again. A cool mist blows through the moonlit meadow.

“Ch-Cherry?”

“You made me so very happy, Arc. But it’s time the toybox closed.”

Arc falls to his knees! “What are you saying, Cherry?!”

She walks over to Arc and puts her hooves on his shoulders. “I’m saying that it’s time for me to go.”

“Then I’ll come with you!”

Cherry shakes her head sadly. “That’s not possible. Where I am going, you cannot follow. Not yet anyways. But someday, yes!”

Arc falls backwards and sits down heavily. “Do… do you really have to go, Cherry?

She puts her hooves on Arc’s chest and pushes him to the ground. Cherry lies down on his chest and stares into his eyes for a long moment.

“I do, my love. I’m sorry.”

She wraps her hooves around his chest and lays her head down as Arc holds her close and buries his face in her mane. The sound of bells can be heard in the distance and a bright light can be seen beyond the mist. Cherry looks over at the sights and sounds behind her. She slowly stands up and smiles down at him.

“I have to go now, Arc. Everypony is waiting for me.”

“Cherry?”

She turns her head back to him. “Yes Arc…”

Her words are interrupted by Arc putting his hand on the back of her head and pulling her into a passionate kiss that seems to go on forever! Eventually the kiss breaks off and Cherry steps back. Arc looks at her, desperation in his voice.

“I… I’ll never forget you!”

Cherry smiles as she turns to walk toward the light. “Goodbye Arc. I’ll always love you!”

Arc moves to stand up. “Cherry? Wait!”

Cherry Jubilee continues to walk into the mist and toward the light! Arc runs after her, but although she is walking slowly, he cannot seem to advance fast enough to keep up! Eventually Arc falls to his knees in despair, screaming!

“CHERRY!!!”

As Cherry enters the mists, the bells toll louder for a few moments before they fade away with the light.

Arc cries out hopelessly! “Cherry… why? Why did this have to happen?!”

Chapter 4 - Family Time

Twilight lies on the floor of a hotel room in Canterlot. She waits in front of a fireplace in a beautiful evening gown! Shortly thereafter Arc comes out of the bathroom wearing a formal black suit. He looks over to her and smiles as he finishes fixing his tie.

“Sorry for making you wait, Twilight.”

She beckons him over with a wave of her hoof. “It’s okay. Our dinner reservations for tonight aren’t for over an hour. That and it gave me time to think.”

He sits down next to her. “About what?”

Twilight smiles as she looks into the fire. “How lucky I am to have a special somepony like you in my life, Arc.”

Arc puts a hand on her chin and smiles as he turns her gaze to himself. “You mean how lucky I am, right?”

Twilight smiles, googly-eyed, as she puts her hoof on Arc hand. “I love you so much!”

“I love you too, Twilight.”

They sit there just staring at each other. Slowly, their faces get closer and they close their eyes. Just before their lips touch there is a frantic knocking at the door! Arc straightens up and looks over at the door.

“Terrible timing!”

Twilight stands up and walks toward the door. “I’ll say! Hold that thought!”

She opens the door to see Auriel standing there excitedly.

“Auriel?! What are you doing here?!”

Auriel looks to her friend excitedly! “Twilight! I think I may have perfected an extraction method!”

“What?”

“Come on! Wake up!”

Twilight slowly opens her eyes to Auriel gently shaking her.

“Auriel? What time is it?”

“Almost dawn! But you wanted me to tell you the moment I figured this out, remember?!”

Twilight throws the covers back and jumps out of bed. “And did you?!”

“Yes, I… um… Twilight? Why are you still wearing that dress?”

Twilight looks down to see that she is still wearing the black dress from the funeral yesterday.

“I was really tired when we got home yesterday and just decided to go to bed. But it looks like you did the same.”

Auriel looks down at her own black dress. “Not quite! I haven’t actually gone to bed yet! Come on! Let me show you what I’ve come up with!”

Twilight quickly follows Auriel to the basement lab!

“This is so intriguing! A whole new branch of science awaits!”

The pair walk over to a rather familiar looking setup in a corner of the lab.

“Auriel? Isn’t that Applejack’s cider making still?!”

“Is that what she calls it? I borrowed it as a reference guide to make my own slightly different version!”

Twilight shakes her head. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but when did you get this?”

“About 2 A.M. I think! I would have asked, but the house was dark!”

“Auriel! That’s stealing!”

“Don’t worry! I left a note!”

Twilight facehoofs. “Oh dear! Applejack will not be happy about this! Oh well. What’s done is done. Please continue.”

Auriel walks over to her invention! “I call this prototype the Plant Elemental Essence Liberator, or P.E.E.L. for short!“

She points to a large drum that is suspended over what very well may be every Bunsen burner in the lab! Steam is rising from the drum! Auriel picks up a large bowl of the strange fruit she has harvested and cut up. Dumping it into the drum as she looks to Twilight.

“The steam is from some magically enhance water I whipped up earlier!”

“Is that dangerous?!”

Auriel tosses the empty bowl to the side and puts the top on the drum. “Probably not!”

She attaches a hose to the lid of the large drum which leads down to another smaller drum. Auriel knees down and points to the second drum.

“Here’s where the magic really gets started! The magically enhanced water boils and makes steam! The magical essence from the fruit is the polar opposite of that in the water!”

Twilight nods, wide-eyed! “So, it ATTRACTS the magic of the fruit?!”

“Right! It then rises through this tube in the form of steam to this drum! The extra water condenses here and is collected!“

Auriel points to another tube coming out of the secondary drum that leads to a third drum.

“This third drum is my condenser! It has a coiled copper tube running through it to cool the steam!”

Twilight points a hoof at a small cup catching the liquid as it comes out. “And this is the end result?”

Auriel nods! “Yes! Applejack’s design is rather inefficient though! It’s almost like she WANTS impurities to get through!”

“She does! That’s what gives her hard cider it’s unique flavor, or so she says.”

Auriel picks up the cup and replaces it with an empty one. “I’ll have to design something to separate the essence from the magically enhanced water! Something along the lines of a hydrogen/oxygen collider! Break things up at the molecular level. It’s going to take quite a while to design though!”

“Um, Auriel? Couldn’t we just, oh I don’t know, boil the water away?”

Auriel’s jaw drops!

“Why didn’t I think of that?!”

Twilight looks at the bags under Auriel’s eyes. “You probably just wore yourself out like I did not that long ago! Why don’t you get some sleep and I’ll start running some tests on this extract?”

Auriel yawns. “I think I will. Oh, before I forget, I learned something interesting about this fruit and its extract!”

“What’s that?”

“The extract seems to be fairly potent as-is. If the water were removed it would be quite strong!”

“Anything else?”

Auriel walks over to the bush and picks a piece of fruit. Holding it up, she takes a bite. “It’s also quite tasty!”

Twilight looks concerned! “Are you sure that’s safe?!”

“Yes. I ran a number of tests on the fruit prior to eating it. It’s safe for both ponies and demons to ingest!”

Twilight takes a piece of fruit off a branch and takes a bite. “This is REALLY sweet! Arc would love it! Is it safe for humans as well?”

“Yes! We could eat this endlessly without serious side effects! Other than perhaps some light diarrhea and a stomachache!”

Auriel yawns again.

“Anyways… I’m heading to bed. Feel free to run some more experiments if you want. My notes are on my workbench.”

Twilight waves a hoof after her. “Sleep well, Auriel.”

Auriel goes upstairs for a well-deserved rest. Twilight walks over to the large drum and takes one of the Bunsen burners. She sets it on a lab table and looks around.

“Let’s see here… beaker… beaker… ah, there’s one!”

Twilight sets the beaker on one of the Bunsen burners and fills it with some of the diluted essence. In a short time, the water has evaporated and she is left with a small amount of concentrated essence! It is a pink watery solution! She sucks it up with a blunt syringe before looking it over carefully and giggling!

“You, my resinous friend, are going to help me solve two problems!”

A week or so later, Arc, Derpy and Dinky appear on the sigil outside the New Beginnings Orphanage with full saddlebags and winter clothing. Arc is carrying a large backpack. Dinky looks toward the building and shudders!

“This place gives me the creeps!”

Derpy nods! “Me too!”

“Sorry I didn’t have any other sigils in this town. This place brings back bad memories for all of us!”

The trio heads north through the woods. Derpy looks over to Arc.

“I do wish they would just demolish that place!”

Arc sighs. “I know I told the princesses it should be maintained, but maybe that’s for the best.”

Dinky nods. “The foals at the new orphanage said they wanted to see the building burned down! They suffered there for so long!”

“I’ll talk to the princesses about it when next we meet.”

“Let’s just try to have a good time together on our down time, Arc!”

Dinky grins! “Okay! Camping trip here we come!”

They walk through the woods for several hours.

“Dad? What’s wrong with the trees?”

“What do you mean, sweetheart?”

Dinky gestures with her hoof at the leaves on the ground. “They’re all different colors now!”

Arc laughs! “That’s because winter is coming, sweetheart!”

“Winter?”

Derpy nods. “It’s when Equestria gets really cold and all the plants and most of the animals that live outside go to sleep until spring.”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “If you think the leaves look pretty, wait until you see snow!”

“Snow?!”

Her father nods! “When it gets cold enough, the rain turns to ice and falls as pretty white flakes.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin. “Is that how snow works? I always thought it was magic.”

“Nope. Science.”

“That’s the word Twilight and Auriel seem to like so much. So, what exactly is science?”

“That’s a tough question. I mean, I know what it is! It’s just… I’ve always taken that for granted.”

Arc ponders the question. The group is silent for a time as they continue walking.

“Science is how we study, categorize and explain the world and everything around us. For example, do you remember Lyra? “

Derpy looks a bit embarrassed as she nods. “She came to our house a while back to ask Ember and I some questions about humans.”

“That pony you talked to in Dodge Junction at the Cherry Festival, dad? She seemed really interested in you for some reason.”

Arc nods. “She’s what you would call an ‘anthropologist’.”

“She mentioned that when we met. Although I didn’t understand what she was talking about.”

“An anthropologist is a kind of scientist that studies humans.”

Dinky looks confused. “Studies?”

“Learns and catalogues all there is to know about my species. It’s one of many branches of science! For example, a doctor could be considered an expert in the science of medicine.”

Derpy looks impressed! “How many kinds of scientists are there?!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure I can count that high.”

Dinky nods. “Can somepony study more than one type of thing?”

“Of course! Although some prefer to specialize in just one field! Do you want to be a scientist someday, Dinky?”

“I want to be a hero when I grow up!”

Derpy smiles at her daughter. “That’s a very admirable goal Dinky! Do you want to fight alongside your father one day?”

“Yeah! And it will make dad proud of me if I do the right thing!”

Arc stops and kneels down to Dinky’s level.

“Listen sweetheart. I’m happy that you want to follow in my footsteps and all. But please understand that the life of a hero is very dangerous, stressful and at times, lonely."

“It is?

“Yes. Think of all the time I’ve had to be apart from you and your mother. And not just when I was the Lord Regent.”

Dinky thinks for a moment. “I guess so. But you had to do what was best for everypony!”

“I did! Now if that’s what you want to do with your life, I’ll be very proud of you. But I also want you to know that if you choose to do something else that makes you happy, I’ll be just as proud!”

She smiles at her father. “Thanks dad! I guess I have lots of time to think about it!”

“Indeed. There’s no rush though. Let’s just enjoy our little family outing!”

Derpy nods! “So where are we headed?”

“I’ve been looking at some of the more off the path things to see in Equestria. Applejack said Winsome Falls is supposed to be lovely this time of year!“

“I can’t wait to get there, dad!

“It’s actually the journey that I’m looking forward to. Spending time with you two is the whole reason for this trip after all!”

“Me too! I’ve missed having you around, Arc!”

“Me three!”

The three continue onward. Both Dinky and Derpy marvel at the sights and sounds of the forest! Dinky walks to a small river and looks upstream.

“Hmmm…”

“Looking for something, sweetheart?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! The spigot.”

Arc looks confused. “Spigot?”

“Where the water’s coming from! “

He laughs! “In nature there is no spigot, hose or plumbing. The stream probably comes from an underground spring.”

Derpy looks upstream as well. “It does?”

Arc nods. “We can follow it and try to find its source if you want to.”

“That sounds like fun!”

“Lead the way, Dinky!”

They follow the stream for over an hour before they come to a large hole in the side of a hill. Arc points a finger.

“There’s your spigot, sweetheart!”

“Awesome! So, water comes from rocks?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. The river just goes underground there. Sadly, this is as far as we can follow it.”

“Awww…”

Derpy looks over the rocks. “This is all new to me as well dear. I… didn’t have any schooling to speak of, so I have to learn as I go.”

“I think your plenty smart, mom!”

“Thank you Dinky. But I’m not nearly as well-read like your father is.”

“You never really stop learning Derpy. I’m not that much different from anyone else. Just keep your ears and eyes open and you’ll pick things up in no time!”

The little family keeps walking until dusk. Arc puts his pack down in a clearing near a stream.

“We can camp here for the night.”

Derpy nods. “What do we need to do?”

“First we need to get a fire going. Dinky, you and your mother gather some sticks. I’ll look for some larger logs to keep it going through the night.”

The three split up. In a short while they return with some branches. Dinky is carrying some kindling while Derpy has some larger branches. Arc has half a dead tree trunk over his shoulder.

“That’s a lot of wood dad!”

Derpy nods! “How can we burn something so big?!”

“I’ll show you.”

Arc sets down the trunk and calls forth his gauntlets. In a few moments he has cut the log into manageable pieces with his Magic Blades.

“There we go!”

Derpy nods. “Impressive!”

Arc sweeps away the nearby leaves before picking up some rocks to make a firepit.

“Come here you two and I’ll show you how to build a fire.”

The pair join Arc who gets to work. He sets up the branches into a tepee formation on top of a kindling of twigs and leaves.

“The smallest and thinnest wood will start burning the easiest. That’s why it goes in the middle.”

“That doesn’t look like it will burn very long, dad.”

Arc nods as he puts a few of the larger logs he gathered earlier on the outside of the kindling and smaller branches.

“True, but it doesn’t have to. Just long enough to ignite the larger sticks. Watch!”

Arc removes a pack of matches from his backpack. He lights one and tosses it onto the kindling. It begins to burn slowly. In a few moments the sticks start to burn. Lastly the logs begin to smoke and eventually ignite.

Derpy watches, amazed! “Wow, that was impressive!”

“I’ll say! Did you go camping often when you were little, dad?”

Arc stands up. “Let’s get the tent up before the sun goes down. Then we can talk about it.”

He shows the pair how to erect the tent. Arc pulls on the rope while holding the tent stake.

“Okay Dinky. Pound the stake into the ground.”

Dinky picks up the wood mallet with her magic and carefully does so.

“There! Good job you two! And thank you for not hitting my fingers with the mallet, sweetheart.”

Dinky smiles. “You’re welcome dad!”

Derpy walks over. “How about I get something cooking?”

“Sounds good, Derpy. Dinky and I will see if we can find some berries in the woods for a bit of dessert.”

Derpy pulls a small pot out of Arc’s pack. “Stay with your father, Dinky! It’s getting dark and I don’t want you getting lost now!”

“I will mom!”

The pair walk a short distance from the camp.

“Dad? Are those strawberries?”

Arc walks over to Dinky and picks up the fruit. “They are indeed sweetheart! Good eye!”

Dinky picks the fruit with her little hooves. “Mom loves these!”

Arc helps Dinky by holding what she picks. “Does she now?”

“Yeah! She especially likes them in her morning muffins!”

“I’ll have to remember that.”

“They’re her second favorite!”

Arc laughs! “Oh? What’s her first?”

“Cherries!”

Dinky suddenly stops picking berries and looks back at her father.

“I’m sorry, dad.

Arc sighs. “It’s okay sweetheart. You didn’t mean any harm.”

“I guess your talk with Miss Emerald Dream helped then?”

“It did! While nothing can ever truly take Cherry’s place in my heart, I’m slowly but surely coming to terms with… what happened.”

Dinky smiles. “I’m here for you if you want to talk about anything dad.”

“Thanks, maybe later. Let’s get these strawberries back to camp before the sun finishes setting.”

“Okay!”

The pair retrace their steps back to the camp. Even before they get there, they can smell the soup cooking! As he and Dinky enter the clearing, they see Derpy sitting on her haunches stirring a pot with a stick.

“That does smell tasty, Derpy!”

“Yeah mom! Your cooking is a lot better than it used to be!”

Arc frowns! “Dinky! That’s rude!”

Derpy sighs. “It’s okay Arc. Dinky’s right. Back then… I would make us sick at least once a week!”

“What?! Why didn’t you say something?! You two could have taken you meals with me at Light’s Hope!”

“You were so busy with your duties as the Hero of Light that I didn’t want to give you yet another job to do! That and I really needed to be an adult and learn for myself.”

Arc sits down in front of the fire and next to Derpy. “That’s very commendable Derpy. Who taught you then?”

“I brought her a book from Miss Twilight’s Library! But… I forgot that neither mom or I could read!”

Derpy looks away, embarrassed. “I… sent her back to get some simple books that we could practice on.”

“We were trying to read together! Miss Ember came back unexpectedly and found us staring at the ‘Easy Reader ABC’, completely dumbfounded!“

“We… had it upside down. “

“Miss Ember taught us our ABCs so we could read the first book together! Between the two of us, we figured it out!”

“Good! I’m glad it all worked out you two.”

“Mom was really driven to learn! I saw her lying in front of the fireplace more than once at night practicing!”

Derpy looks over, surprised! “You saw that, Dinky?!”

“Yes. I… also covered you up a time or two when you fell asleep reading. Now I know that reading is important, but you tried so hard mom! Why?”

Derpy looks into the soup. “For your father.”

“For… dad?”

“Me?”

“Yes! I didn’t want anypony in town to know that… that you were friends with a stupid mare who couldn’t even read! You would have been so embarrassed!”

Arc shakes his head! “No, I wouldn’t be, Derpy! And please don’t call yourself stupid either! You’re a smart, hardworking young mother who always does her best to provide for her family!”

He puts his hand on Derpy’s shoulder.

“I’m very proud of both of you. Never forget that!”

“Thank you Arc. But I’m going to keep studying and learning! I have a lot of catching up to do!”

Arc nods. “Let me know if I can help either of you with your studies in any way.”

“I will!”

“Me too dad!”

Derpy pulls the stick out of the pot and licks it. “I think the soup is done now.”

Dinky rummages around her father’s pack for some bowls. “Sure smells like it!”

She brings the bowls and a ladle to her mother and holds them as she spoons the food into bowls. Dinky dutifully brings a bowl to her father.

“Here you go, dad!“

Arc accepts the bowl. “Thank you, sweetheart. It does smell good!”

The three sit around the fire to keep warm as they eat. Arc shivers as he finishes his food.

“Brrr! The sun setting really took the warmth out of the air!”

Derpy puts her hooves around Dinky. “I’ll say!”

Dinky edges closer to the fire with her mother. “Why is it so cold anyways?”

“Because winter is coming. Remember that snow I told you about? It has to be pretty cold for it to happen.”

Derpy nods. “You’ll love it Dinky! It’s pretty!”

Dinky looks to her father, a bit worried. “Will it ever get warm again?”

“Sure. In the spring. That’s when the temperature rises, the plants start to grow again and the animals all wake up.”

Dinky nods. “I remember spring! That’s where my memories start anyways.”

“We’ll make plenty more together, sweetheart. But at the moment we should probably get some sleep. It’s too dark and cold to do anything more tonight.”

Dinky jumps up and trots over to the tent. She jumps inside and pokes her little head out, laughing! “You don’t have to tell me twice!”

Arc and Derpy laugh as they head toward the tent together. As Arc enters, he notices Derpy hesitate.

“Derpy? Is something wrong?”

“Um… no. It’s nothing!”

He holds the tent flap open as Derpy steps inside. They each get into their respective sleeping bags and make themselves comfortable. Arc leans over and gives Dinky a goodnight hug before lying down.

“Good night you two.”

Derpy and Dinky reply in unison. “Good night!”

For a time, there isn’t a sound to be heard other than the rustling of wind through the trees.

“Dad?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think Miss Ruby will be alright?”

“Yes sweetheart. I brought her back to Ponyville with me for a reason you know.”

Derpy nods. “Was Emerald Dream able to help her?”

“Yes indeed. She’s quite good at what she does!”

“Is what Miss Emerald Dream does a science?”

“I suppose it is to a degree. She helps others come to terms with their past so they can have a happier future.”

Derpy turns to him. “Even you Arc?”

“Y-yeah.”

“I admit I was quite surprised when you told me you were going to see her yourself! Forgive me Arc, but you never struck me as the kind who would need therapy!”

“Neither did I. But I needed to get some things off my chest. I’ve gone through a lot this past year you know.”

Derpy chuckles. “Haven’t we all!”

“She’s quite good at what she does, Derpy. Perhaps you should go see her yourself.”

“Maybe I will. Although I’m really not much for talking to strangers about my past.”

“Would you like me to go with you?”

“Thank you Arc. I would!”

“No problem. Just let me know when you want to go and I’ll accompany you.”

“I’ll come too if you want, mom.”

Derpy smiles in the darkness. “Thank you dear, but you’ll probably be in school.”

“Okay.”

They are silent again for a time. Suddenly Arc sits up quickly and casts a Light Spell! He turns to Derpy who is lying on her back staring up absentmindedly!

“Derpy! Something just occurred to me! Are you okay with this?!”

She looks to him with a confused look on her face. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Forgive me, but I forgot what happened to you the last time you were in a tent! If you want, I could teleport back to Ponyville for a second one!

Derpy sits up and smiles. “Thank you Arc, but I’m fine. If it were anypony else in here with me and Dinky I would probably feel very uncomfortable though!”

“So… you’re okay with this?”

Derpy nods! “I am! Not just because of all you’ve done. But because I know you wouldn’t try to take advantage of me, now or ever!”

Dinky sits up and looks at her mother. “I only met my… Moonlit Dusk once, but he struck me as the kind of pony who only cares about himself!”

Arc sighs. “There are others like that in this world, Dinky. Most ponies are kind and compassionate. But just like anywhere you go, there are always a few bad apples out there! Just like we talked about a while ago, if anyone EVER tries to do anything… inappropriate to you, come tell me right away and I’ll teach them a lesson!”

“I will, dad!”

Arc lies back down and extinguishes his Light Spell. "Good. I have no patience for creatures like Moonlit Dusk.”

The tent is quiet for a time. Dinky’s teeth chatters.

“Dad? I’m kinda cold.”

Derpy shivers slightly. “Me too! It’s a bit colder than I thought it would be this time of year! I have an idea though.”

“What is it, Derpy?”

“We could all sleep together and keep each other warm. That is if you don’t mind, Arc.”

“It’s okay with me.”

Arc stands up and again casts a Light spell.

“I know what would help! Would the two of you please unzip my sleeping bag and lay it flat on the ground? That will make things a bit softer and keep the cold from the ground at bay! Then do the same with your own sleeping bags.

“Okay!”

The pair do so at once. In a few minutes all the sleeping bags are open and lying flat on top of each other. Arc lies down in the middle of the tent.

“Okay. Come here you two.”

Derpy and Dinky lie down on either side of Arc as he extinguishes his Light Spell once again and pulls both of their sleeping bags over the three of them. He then puts his arms around them and pulls them into a loving embrace.

“Warmer?”

Dinky snuggles up to her father, smiling contentedly! “Yeah dad!”

Derpy rests her head on Arc’s shoulder. “Very much so!”

“Good night you two. Pleasant dreams.”

“Uh, dad?”

“Yes dear?”

Dinky leans over to her father’s ear. “I have to go to the bathroom. Where is it?”

Arc chuckles. “Of course!”

Chapter 5 - Discoveries

Arc and his family sleep soundly through the night. They awaken shortly after sunrise to a chilly but clear morning. Dinky opens her small eyes and yawns.

“Good morning, sweetheart.”

“Good morning dad.”

Arc carefully gets up and covers Derpy. “Why don’t we let your mother sleep a bit longer?”

“Okay.”

The pair leave the tent. Arc gathers some wood to make a fire as Dinky mixes up some pancake batter.

“Did you sleep well?”

Dinky nods as she stirs. “Uh huh! It’s great having you home again dad!”

Arc pulls a skillet out of his pack. “Why don’t you and I start cooking now? That should bring your mother around.”

“Sure! That sounds like fun!”

Arc and Dinky cook pancakes and eggs. In a short time, there is movement from the tent. Dinky flips a pancake as her mother pokes her head out of the tent flap.

“Good morning mom!”

Arc removes some sunny side up eggs from another pan and puts them on a plate. “I figured we should let you rest a bit longer. You were rather restless last night.”

Derpy looks nervous. “Oh? Was I?”

“Yes. You kept squirming and whimpering. “

“Oh my! I didn’t hurt you, did I?!””

Arc shakes his head. “No. You just clutched onto me as if I was your last lifeline. At one point you started crying.”

Dinky walks over to her mother and looks up at her with a worried expression on her face. “Mom? Did you have a bad dream?”

Derpy looks down sadly. “I… I did. But I’d rather not talk about it right now. Another time, okay?”

Arc looks a bit concerned. “Okay. But we’re here for you if you need to talk.”

“Thank you. It’s not that I don’t want to! I just need some time to put this dream together in my head.”

“I’ll hold you to that. But for now, why don’t we eat?”

Derpy sniffs the air. “That food does smell good!”

The trio sits down to a family breakfast. Arc looks to Dinky as she munches on an egg.

“We should arrive at the Winsome Falls by lunchtime.”

“Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle told me they go there every year with their sisters! It’s kinda like a family outing for them too!”

Arc laughs. “It must truly be something for Rarity to venture out into nature. Uh… don’t tell her I said that please.”

Derpy giggles as she eats her pancakes. “Your secret’s safe with us, Arc! By the way, these pancakes are amazing you two!”

“Dinky had the idea to put something a bit special in the batter.”

“I found some strawberries in the woods yesterday. We were going to have them after supper yesterday but things got too cold!”

“Well that was quite the idea you had! Good job Dinky!”

Dinky smiles at the praise!

“You know, one might also call the art of cooking a science.”

“Really, dad?!”

“Yes Dinky. In fact, the study of just about anything could be considered a science.”

“So, does that make me a scientist?!”

Arc nods! “Sure! Just be sure to write down what you learn so you can keep track of your discoveries, my little scientist!”

“I will!”

The trio finishes their breakfast. Arc picks up the dirty pans and walking to the stream.

“Let’s get these cleaned up really quick! I’d rather not have to carry around dirty dishes all day!”

Dinky picks up the plates with her magic and follows her father. “I’ll help too!”

“While you two are doing that I’ll pack up the tent.”

“Alright. We’ll come help you with that in a few minutes, Derpy.”

Arc and Dinky get to work. Dinky turns to her father and whispers in a worried tone!

“Dad? Do you think mom is okay?”

Arc nods, whispering back. “I’m sure she’s fine. If something was really wrong, I don’t believe she would keep it from us!”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

Meanwhile Derpy rolls up the sleeping bags and carries them out of the tent. She thinks for a moment.

“Hmmm. How do I take the tent down?”

She looks at one of the tent ropes.

“When Arc pulled this one tight it stood up. So if I pull this out, it should come down!”

Derpy grabs the stake with both of her front hooves and pulls with all her might! Suddenly the stake gives way! Arc and Dinky turn around just in time to see Derpy fly head over fetlocks back into the tent which collapses on her! They quickly make their way over to her!

“You okay Derpy?!”

Derpy pokes her nose out from under the tent, cheerfully! “The tent’s down!”

Arc and Dinky help Derpy out from under the tent.

“Well… you did take it down correctly.”

“Squee!”

The camp is packed up shortly thereafter. Arc makes sure the campfire is completely put out before they continue on their way. In a few hours they arrive at the Winsome Falls. The falls aren’t really that tall, but instead are a rainbow color! The nearby clouds overhead almost appear to be ‘raining down’ rainbows!

Derpy takes it all in! “It’s breathtaking!”

Dinky’s jaw drops! “That is one big spigot!”

Arc nods. “Kinda reminds me of Niagara Falls.”

“Who’s Niagara, dad?”

Arc laughs! “It’s a really big waterfall back on Earth. I’m not sure if it’s the biggest in the world, but it’s gotta be right up there!”

“This place is just so amazing! What should we do now?!”

Arc pulls a ball out of his ring. “How about a game of catch?”

“Yay! Playtime! Do you wanna play too mom?!”

Derpy looks confused. “I’m not sure I know the rules to this game.”

“There aren’t any rules to speak of. It’s just a fun time throwing the ball around!“

“Okay. I’ll try!”

The trio spends the rest of the afternoon playing catch, hide and seek, making wreaths out of late blooming flowers and sitting on the edge of the water staring at the falls as the sun goes down.

Derpy laughs contentedly! “This has been quite the day you two! I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun!”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy, mom! It’s like you’ve never played before!”

Derpy stops laughing and looks out over the falls.

“I… I haven’t.”

“Mom? What do you mean?”

Derpy looks down at her hooves sadly. “I’ve never played before.”

Arc frowns. “Ever?!”

“No. When I was a filly, all anypony ever did was take advantage of me. No one truly wanted to be my friend.”

Derpy looks up at Arc.

“That is until I met your father, Dinky.”

“Dad was your first friend, mom?”

“Yes dear! And unlike the others, he’s done so much to help shape me into the mare I am now!”

“I only pointed you to the right path Derpy. It was you who chose to walk it.”

“That may be. But you’ve walked this path with me all this time! It takes a very special friend to do the things you have!”

“Dad? Don’t take this the wrong way, but why did you befriend mom?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Partially because she seemed so alone. All the townsfolk would whisper about her whenever she was in town.”

“That was part of the reason I tried to stay out of sight back then.”

“Everyone needs at least one friend, Dinky. Someone to share the happy times as well as the bad.”

“Really dad?”

“Really Dinky! Without friendship, life can be pretty boring at the very best, and downright lonesome at the very worst!”

Derpy nods. “I really was lonely back then. But thanks to you Arc I was able to meet so many wonderful ponies! You really brought me out of my shell!”

Arc suddenly becomes very serious. “Derpy. I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

He looks out over the waterfalls. “My efforts to befriend you back then weren’t entirely of a benevolent nature.”

Derpy looks to him, slightly concerned. “I don’t understand. What are you saying, Arc?!”

“I… I always meant to tell you this, but never really found the right time. You see, back then I myself was still viewed as something of an outsider. Although ponies no longer fled into their homes on my approach, I wasn’t exactly someone they actively sought out.”

“Why’s that dad?

“Probably because, other than Twilight and her friends, I myself gave them a wide berth. I was a foreigner to them, and they were anomalies to me as well. You see ponies, at least as they are here in Equestria, don’t exist on Earth. Ponies, or horses as we call them, don’t talk, reason or even think about anything more than when their next meal is coming.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “They sound kinda… dumb.”

“To a degree they are. Or perhaps we’re just unable to communicate in the same way you and I are able to.”

Arc sighs.

“I’m getting off topic. In any case, at the time I felt that you and I had much in common. We were both shunned by society for being… different. I guess what I’m trying to say is I was looking for a friend. Someone like me that could understood my pain! Forgive me Derpy. I wasn’t trying to deceive you.”

Derpy walks behind Arc and puts her front hooves on his shoulders. “Arc? What does our friendship mean to you?”

“Everything. I don’t know why you should believe me after such an admittance, but I truly care for both you and Dinky.”

Derpy wraps her fetlocks around Arc’s neck and hugs him from behind. “Then you didn’t deceive anypony! You’re my friend, now and forever!”

Dinky runs over to her father and jumps in his lap! “You’re my friend too, dad!”

Arc smiles as he closes his eyes and enjoys the moment with his little family. “Thank you. We may no longer be outsiders, but we do still need to stick together.”

“Agreed.”

Dinky’s stomach rumbles.

“Sorry. I guess I worked up a bit of an appetite this afternoon.”

Arc moves to stand up. “Then how about we get some supper in that little tummy?”

Derpy laughs! “Yes! Let’s!”

Arc builds a fire as Derpy and Dinky fill the pot with the beginnings of a stew. In no time their food is cooked and the trio enjoys a tasty meal together. Arc looks over his shoulder at the sunset.

“Good scenery, good food and good company. What more could one ask for?”

Derpy looks up from her food. “I’ll say! This vacation is the best time I’ve ever had!”

“Yeah! We have to do stuff like this more often!”

“Dinky’s right! We’ll have to go on another family vacation again soon!”

“Mom, can I ask you something?”

“Sure! What is it, dear?”

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders are doing their best to earn cutie marks. I was just wondering how you got yours! Come to think of it, what does your cutie mark mean anyways?”

Derpy drops her bowl and can only stare at Dinky! There is a faraway look in her eyes.

“Derpy?! What’s wrong?!”

“I… I’m sorry if I said something wrong, mom!”

“N-no dear! You didn’t do anything wrong! It’s just… a rather difficult thing for me to talk about.”

Arc leans over and puts a hand on Derpy’s shoulder. “Dinky and I are here to listen, if you’d like to talk about it that is.”

Dinky walks over to her mother and sits down next to her. “Yeah mom! Let dad and I help you!”

She nods and takes a deep breath. “Okay. Here goes!”

Derpy closes her eyes as she begins to speak.

“I haven’t thought about this much since meeting you, Arc. In fact, I was able to put it out of my mind until just last night.”

“Your dream?”

Derpy nods. “Yes.”

She turns to look at their daughter.

“You see Dinky, the day a foal receives their cutie mark is supposed to be a joyous occasion. That day, or shortly thereafter, a very special party called a Cute-ceanera is held to commemorate the event. You invite all your friends and family over, play games, eat cake and the whole time you’re the center of attention!”

Dinky’s eyes light up excitedly “A party?! I bet you had the best Cute-ceanera EVER!”

“Now Dinky, don’t interrupt your mother’s story.”

“Sorry mom…”

“It’s okay sweetie. I know you’re just excited. But to answer your question… no, I didn’t.”

“Didn’t what, mom?”

Derpy looks down at her hooves sadly. “I never had a Cute-ceanera.”

Arc frowns. “Not at all?!”

“No.”

“Why not?!”

Derpy sighs. “Because I was always an embarrassment to my father. He didn’t like to acknowledge he even had a daughter! Much less throw a party for such a failure!”

“That’s awful mom!”

“He… he used to insult, belittle and… and punish me daily.”

Arc is taken aback! “Punish you? For what?!”

A tear courses down her cheek. “I… I never understood why at the time. But looking back at it, I can only assume I was being punished for… for being… born like this! Every day he would tell me how hopelessly dumb and stupid I was! He would do that until I was lying on the floor crying!”

“WHAT?! But that’s just sick!”

Dinky can only sit there, wide-eyed! “I don’t understand! How could somepony be so cruel to a filly?! Especially one that hadn’t done anything wrong?!”

“I don’t know, sweetie. But that was how I got my cutie mark.”

Arc looks at Derpy’s flank. “Your bubbles? I really don’t see the connection.”

Derpy sniffles. “One day after a particularly horrid abuse session, I had collapsed on the floor in tears as I did every day. When I did, my father did what he did every day and stormed out of the room. As he slammed my bedroom door there was a bright flash! I looked at my flank to see my new cutie mark had appeared!”

Arc sighs. “Let me guess. He was unimpressed.”

Derpy starts to cry. “Right. I… I ran out of the room to show him! I thought he would at last be proud of me! Instead he just yelled at me again! I’ll never forget what he said back then. He… he told me that my cutie mark was… was as stupid and nonsensical as I was! Then he walked away and I went back to crying!”

She lies on the ground and bursts into tears. Arc and Dinky stroke her mane in an effort to comfort her. Eventually Derpy is able to compose herself. She continues, but does not rise from the ground.

“It was in that moment that I learned what my special talent was. What my destiny would be…”

Derpy turns her head to look at her cutie mark

“My special talent is… suffering!”

“That can’t be right, mom! Your cutie mark is of bubbles!”

Derpy closes her eyes again and shakes her head. “No sweetheart. When I first saw them, I too thought they were bubbles! But after a few minutes of thinking, I figured out they were, in reality… tear drops! It appears my destiny is to suffer and be sad!”

Arc continues to stroke Derpy’s mane. “No Derpy, I won’t accept that! I can’t believe that anyone is born with the sole-purpose to suffer!”

She looks up at Arc in desperation with tear filled eyes. “Then please tell me Arc! What is my destiny?! What is it I’m supposed to be doing?!”

“I… I don’t know Derpy, but I’m not giving up on you! There has to be an answer to this! I just know it!”

Derpy cries for some time as the sun slowly sets. She sniffles as she looks up at Dinky.

“That’s my story, sweetie. I’m sorry it didn’t have a happy ending.”

Dinky looks to her mother with a serious look on her face. “It isn’t over mom! Dad and I will figure this out for you!”

“That we will, my friend! The answer is out there somewhere! We just have to find it!”

Derpy smiles a bit sadly. “Thank you Arc. I know you two won’t let me down!”

Arc and Dinky continue to comfort Derpy. Before too long the sun sets completely and the stars come out. Derpy sits up slowly and looks to Arc.

”I… I know that I shouldn’t let those terrible memories overshadow the present with you and Dinky. Please forgive me, but before I met you pain, suffering and guilt were all I knew!”

Arc gives Derpy a hug. “We’ll make new and fresh memories together!”

“I’d like that.”

Dinky giggles! “Where do we start?”

Arc reaches into his pack and pulls out a several packages. “With these!”

Derpy looks confused. “I don’t get it. What do those things have to do with each other?”

“I’ll show you!”

Arc opens up a bag and pulls out a couple marshmallows. Dinky trots toward him.

“I love marshmallows!”

“Hold on a minute Dinky! If you’re patient I’ll show you something new!”

Arc picks up a stick and carefully puts two marshmallows on its point before handing the stick to Dinky.

“Hold this close to the fire, but not so close it burns up.”

“Um… okay dad.”

As Dinky carries out her assignment Arc opens a package of graham crackers along with a chocolate bar. He breaks two crackers in half and puts some chocolate on each one.

“Let me have the stick back, Dinky.”

Dinky gives her father back the stick. both marshmallows are seared to perfection! Arc places one on each of the chocolate bars before topping them with another graham cracker. He hands the concoction to Derpy and Dinky.

“Try these.”

Derpy eyed the morsel suspiciously. “What is it?”

“Just a little something we eat while camping back on Earth.”

Dinky chews happily. “Wow! This is awesome! What do you call them dad?!”

“S’mores!”

Derpy takes a small bite. Her face suddenly brightens! “This really is tasty, Arc! Why are they called s’mores?”

Arc laughs as he makes another batch! “Because once you try it, you’ll want ‘some more’!”

“I can understand that! Do you think I could try, dad?!”

Derpy nods happily! “Me too!”

Arc smiles as he hands each of them a stick with a marshmallow on it. “Sure! “

The trio happily make s’mores for well over an hour before retreating to the tent for the night. Dinky makes herself comfortable under the sleeping bags as she snuggles up to her father, sleepily.

“That was lots of fun, dad!”

Derpy nods as she lays her head down on Arc’s shoulder. “Yes it was, Arc. Thank you for sharing that with us.”

Arc puts his arms around his little family. “You’re welcome. I hope you sleep better tonight, Derpy.”

She gently nuzzles Arc’s side as she drifts off to sleep with a smile on her face. “I think I will…”

Arc and his little family fall asleep easily. Lulled to sleep by the sound of running water. Shortly thereafter Arc opens his eyes and sits up. He looks around and sees he is alone!

“This is… unsettling.”

He leaves the tent and looks around the camp. Dinky and Derpy are nowhere to be seen.

“Dreams in Equestria sure are…”

He is interrupted by a sound in the distance.

“What the…? Is that… crying?”

Arc runs through the woods toward the sound of a great many voices all crying out for help! After what feels like an eternity of running, he sees a clearing in the distance.

“That must be it!”

Suddenly and with a gasp Arc awakens along with Derpy and Dinky. It is still dark out.

He sits up quickly and bolts out of the tent! Arc quickly casts a Light Spell and looks around a few moments and listens to no avail!

“A… dream?”

Dinky follows her father out of the tent. “Dad! I just had this really weird dream!”

Derpy moves to stand next to Arc. “So did I! You were looking around the campsite when suddenly you just ran off into the woods!”

“I saw that too! Where were you going, dad?!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I… I thought I heard… crying in the distance. Sorry I woke you two up for nothing.”

He shakes his head in an effort to clear the sleep from his eyes.

“Wait! Did you two say you saw the same thing?!”

“Yes Arc. But how?”

“I don’t know. Although if my past dreams are any indication, this must mean something.”

“Like what?”

Arc sighs. “As usual, I have no idea.”

“Do you have cool dreams like that all the time, dad?”

“Sometimes. But they always leave me with a nameless feeling of dread.”

He looks around one last time before turning back to his family.

“Well, I guess there’s nothing more to be done about it tonight. Why don’t we go back to sleep now?”

The three lie back down. However, sleep evades them for most of the night. They awaken late the next morning to another beautiful sunny day! As they eat a very late meal together, they notice the sun is already in its noonday position in the sky!

“Did you sleep as badly as I did last night, Derpy?”

Derpy nods as she eats. “Yes. I had quite a bit of trouble falling back to sleep after our shared dream. It’s meaning, or lack of, kept me awake.”

Dinky yawns “I’m still kinda tired too. But I’m more interested in hearing what we’re going to do next!”

Arc looks confused. “What do you mean? We’re going to head home after we finish eating. Remember?”

Dinky quickly finishes her breakfast. “But what about the dream?! Somepony was out there calling for help!”

Derpy looks toward the woods. “I know it sounded that way in the dream sweetie. But that seems kinda unlikely, Dinky. I mean, we’re the only ones out here!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to take a look. We could probably walk there in an few hours. Or I could open a portal back to your house, Derpy, and meet you there after I check it out.”

Derpy shakes her head. “No Arc. Let’s go together! I’m as curious as Dinky is to know what’s out there.”

“Alright then. Let’s pack up and head on out.”

Derpy and Dinky nods happily! “Okay!”

The camp is packed up and dishes done in record time. The three make their way in the direction Arc had ‘run’ the previous night. They take their time and enjoy the scenery.

“I don’t think anyone has been this way in quite a long time.”

“What makes you say that, dad?”

“Well, for one thing, there isn’t a path. One thing I’ve notices about Equestria is that where there’s ponies, there’s paths!”

Dinky looks surprised! “Really? Why do you suppose that is?”

Arc smiles at Dinky. “Probably because they have so many feet.”

“Very funny, dad.”

“Are you frightened, Dinky?”

“No mom. The forest really isn’t scary at all!”

“That’s good to hear, sweetie.”

Derpy lowers her head.

“You’re much braver than I am. This whole thing has me a bit worried!”

Arc pulls out his map as they walk and looks it over. “In any case, I suppose I would be more worried if there WAS a path out here.”

“What are you talking about Arc? A path never hurt anypony.”

“Because there aren’t any towns, villages, settlements or any other municipalities in this area. At least none that officially exist.”

Arc looks over at Dinky.

“Keep your eyes open sweetheart. If you spot something that’s not on the map maybe you’ll get a cutie mark in cartography!”

“What’s that, dad?

“The science of drawing maps.”

“Really? I didn’t know that! It seems like everything in life is science!”

“Much of it is, yes.”

Derpy sighs and shakes her head as if to clear it. "There’s just so much to know! How did you manage to learn so much Arc?!”

“Yeah dad! Someday I hope to be as smart as you are! What do I have to do?!”

“Much of what I know came from sitting in a classroom for fourteen years.”

Dinky eye twitches. “Fourteen… YEARS?!”

“Just about everyone in my homeland does so. It’s done to prepare us for the complex world of humans.”

“Does it work?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. There’s only so much that you can teach in that amount of time. That and what is important for one person to know might be useless in another person’s career choice.”

Dinky frowns. “So, what do they do about that?”

“They try to teach general knowledge. Then, when you grow up, you can choose to go to college.”

Derpy looks confused. “College?”

“It’s a school that teaches you the specific subject or subjects you want to learn about to do your job.”

Dinky’s jaw drops! “MORE SCHOOL?!”

“Do humans spend their whole lives learning?!”

“It kinda feels that way sometimes! College can last anywhere from one to eight years. It’s dependent on what field of study you’re in. Sometimes longer for the really complex stuff!”

“Wow! Like what?! Really advanced spells or something?!”

Arc laughs! “No Dinky. Magic doesn’t exist there.”

“It doesn’t?! Not at all?!”

“Nope.”

“What do you have then?”

“Science.”

The trio walks for several hours. Arc squints.

“I think I see a clearing up ahead!”

Derpy nods! “I see it too!”

Dinky looks forward excitedly! “Maybe it will be some wonderful sight nopony has seen in forever!”

“I sure hope so! It would make for a great family memory!”

Dinky laughs! “We’re explorers now!”

Derpy smiles. “Not that I’m complaining, but it would also make all this walking worthwhile too.”

“I wasn’t going to say it, but that is a practical thought.

The three make their way to the clearing. Derpy looks around.

“There’s a path here!”

Arc nods. “It looks pretty old.”

Dinky looks at it excitedly! “I wonder where it leads!”

Arc pulls out his map. “This road’s not on here anywhere! But it’s definitely more than just a simple footpath.”

“What makes you say that, Arc?”

“Look at the width. This is too wide to be just a path. There’re also ruts running parallel down it! Probably from wagon wheels!”

Dinky looks down the path. “Do you suppose there could be a town or something?”

“Hard to say. Although this road shows signs of heavy use, it also hasn’t been used in quite a long time! It’s uneven and has plants growing all over it!”

Derpy nods and walks down the path. “I guess there’s only one way to find out!”

Arc, Derpy and Dinky make their way slowly down the path. In several places tree limbs block their way. In one instance an entire tree. Arc climbs over the large tree trunk. He turns back to help Derpy and Dinky hop down.

“This is puzzling!”

Dinky jumps off the trunk and into her father’s arms. “How so, dad?”

Arc reaches up to help Derpy down. “If there’s someone living around here, why haven’t they been clearing things like this tree?”

Derpy puts her hooves around Arc’s neck as he carefully picks her up and sets her on the ground. “Maybe there’s too few of them to move a tree. “

Dinky nods. “Or keep a path well worn!”

“That’s certainly a possibility.”

An hour or so later they spot something! Arc points a finger!

“Is that a house up ahead?”

“It is! Maybe they know something, dad!”

Arc nods. “I hope so. After all, in the dream I head ponies crying out for help."

Derpy follow them closely. “Let’s find out.”

They continue on. As they near the house, they spot other buildings nearby! Derpy looks around, wide-eyed!

“This is an entire town!”

Dinky nods. “But where is everypony?!”

Arc frowns. “No idea. Although judging by the appearance of these building, I would have to say this place has been abandoned for many years!”

Derpy looks behind them. “That would certainly explain the condition of the road.”

“Let’s look around a bit. Maybe we can find a clue as to why the inhabitants of this village suddenly decided to leave.”

As the trio walks along the main street, they find one house that appears at least somewhat kept up. Derpy points a hoof at it!

“Look! That house is in much better condition!”

“Maybe somepony lives there!”

Arc walks up the steps to the front door. “Only one way to find out.”

He knocks on the door. There is no response.

Arc turns back to Derpy and Dinky. “Perhaps they’re out?”

“Where would they go?”

Dinky shrugs. “Maybe they went to the store!”

Arc as he walks down the steps to ground level. “Who can say?”

“What are YOU doing here?!”

The trio turns quickly to see a hooded figure standing in the middle of the road! Arc narrows his eyes, angrily!

“I could ask the same of you… Tempest.”

Chapter 6 - Dining with the Devil

Tempest lowers her hood. “How did you know it was me?”

“Lucky guess. Get behind me you two!”

Derpy and Dinky do so at once as Tempest calls forth Light’s Bane!

“So… how did you track me down?”

“I didn’t. We’re on vacation, same as you I’d guess.”

Tempest looks at him incredulously! “A vacation?! Pure evil looms just over the horizon and you have the nerve to go on VACATION?!”

Arc moves to a defensive position in front of Derpy and Dinky. “Why not?! Defending a country while simultaneously trying to run it is hard work!”

“Yeah! My dad deserves some time to himself!”

Derpy nods uneasily. “That he does! But instead of taking some alone time, he chose to make this into a family outing!”

Arc does not take his eyes off Tempest. “Derpy, take Dinky back to Ponyville. I’ll meet up with you later.”

“But what about you?!”

Arc he raises a hand to his ring in order to call forth Eidolon’s Ward. “I’ll be fine. Now go!”

He attempts to call forth his armor, but nothing happens. Arc looks down at his ring and frowns!

“What the heck? Fine time for this thing to go on the fritz!”

Tempest shakes her head. “Sorry, but magic doesn’t work very well out here.”

Arc once again attempts to call forth Eidolon’s Ward and the Spear of Righteousness from his ring! Again, nothing happens!

“What?! My ring doesn’t work at all!”

Derpy soberly walks to stand next to her friend! “I’m with you to the end, Arc!”

Dinky moves to stand on Arc’s other side. She plants her small hooves defiantly!

“Yeah dad! Me too!”

Tempest looks at Dinky, her eyes narrowed. “Tell me little one. Why do you keep calling Arc that silly name?”

Dinky looks at Tempest angrily! “What are you talking about?!”

“Your mission to the New Beginnings Orphanage has long since been over! Why in Celestia’s name do you keep calling him ‘dad’?!”

“Because he IS!”

Tempest lowers her spear, surprised. “Wait… he…what?! How can a beast like him and a mare possibly make a…?”

Derpy blushes! “He adopted her!”

In a suspicious tone as she narrows her eyes. “Really? Why? For her power?!”

Arc puts up his fists. “I wanted her to know the love of a father! That and she was just too darn CUTE back then! So, whether you like it or not… ‘matron’ … she IS my daughter and I WILL raise her by Derpy’s side!”

Neither one moves. Arc looks at Tempest, unwaveringly!

“So, if we’re going to do this, I just want you to know I’m not going to hold anything back! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is going to keep me from missing even one moment of her growing up! Not even YOU! Now… are you ready?!”

Tempest stares at Arc for a long moment before she plants her spear point down in the ground.

“Fine.”

Arc looks at her confused. “Wait, what?!”

She walks past Arc toward the house. “I’m giving you a pass… for now. You and your… friends, are welcome to come inside.”

Tempest pauses to look at the sky momentarily.

“It looks like a storm is brewing. You can take refuge here for now.”

She gestures for them to follow her as she walks inside. Derpy and Dinky look to Arc.

“I should probably take you two home now. My magic worked fine back there at the Winsome Falls. We could hurry back there ahead of the storm!”

Derpy looks up at the sky. “It took us hours to get here, and it looks like the rain will start any second!”

Arc sighs. “I guess we have no choice. Now listen to me you two. This is most likely a trap. If anything happens, I want the two of you to run and not look back!”

Derpy looks to Arc with determination! “If we go in there, we’re staying with you Arc!”

“Yeah dad! Families stick together no matter what!”

“Very well. But at the first sign of trouble, I’m punching Tempest in the face and getting you two out of there!”

The pair nod as Arc leads the way into the house. It is a cozy little cottage albeit a bit run down. Derpy looks around nervously.

“Um… nice place you have here.”

Tempest removes her armor and puts it on a nearby armor rack. “No, it’s not. A warrior and a special agent I may be. However, a builder I am not.”

She turns back toward the fireplace. After getting a small fire going, she turns her attention back to the group.

“You must be hungry after coming so far. How about you stay for supper? It may not be much, but it’s edible.”

Derpy looks up nervously. “It’s up to you Arc.”

Tempest nods. “If you don’t want to, I completely understand. We haven’t exactly been on the best terms in the past. For what it’s worth, I haven’t forgotten the promise I made to you back then, Arc. True to my word I have not taken anypony else’s life since then.”

Arc ponders his next move before sighing.

“Very well, Tempest. Against my better judgment, we accept.”

Tempest gestures to the inviting hearth. “Why don’t you three sit in front of the fire and warm yourselves? I’ll get started on supper.”

She heads toward the small kitchen.

“Derpy, you and Dinky stay here by the fire. I want to have a word with our hostess.”

Derpy whispers to him! “Be careful Arc!”

Dinky nods! “Yeah dad! I don’t trust that witch!”

“Neither do I!”

Arc nods and heads for the kitchen. Tempest is busy making what appears to be vegetable soup. A steady rain begins to fall outside.

“Need a hand?"

Tempest does not look up as she puts a large pot on the stove. “Not really.”

“Are you sure?”

She walks over to the counter and begins slicing vegetables. “Very.”

Arc sits down at the kitchen table. “Fine. How about a chat then?”

“Trying to figure me out, huh?”

“Something like that. For starters, what’s the name of this place?”

Tempest sighs. “Well, a very long time ago it was called Stableton. Although even the oldest of maps don’t testify to its previous existence.”

“Why’s that?”

“I’m not sure. Even when I was a filly it was unheard of! In all my travels I’ve never met anypony who heard of this place or even knew there was a town out here!”

Tempest shakes her head.

“It’s almost as if my town, along with its fate, never officially happened!”

“Why would anyone do that though?”

Tempest turns around to face Arc. “I’ve been trying to figure that one out for years! Look I know you’re curious and all, but can we talk about something else now?!”

“Sure.”

Tempest walks over to a cupboard and pulls out some seasonings. “I suppose you’re wondering why I invited you and the others to supper.”

“The thought had crossed my mind, yes.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not all starry-eyed for you like my sister is!”

Arc looks at her, confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I know Cerulean Skies better than anypony! That night the Baltimare Courthouse burned down I watched as you took her home and helped her change her bandages.”

“You were there?!”

“Of course, I was!”

Arc frowns suspiciously. “Why?”

“I was worried about my baby sister. That and I wanted to look in on her to make sure she was healing properly.”

Tempest turns around and looks Arc in the eye.

“Contrary to what you probably think, I’m not all blood and glory!”

“I understand that. But think about it from everyone else’s point of view…”

Tempest turns back to the counter. “I have! That is the only reason you’re still alive!”

The pair are silent for a time as Tempest continues her work.

“Just… stay away from my sister! I don’t want to see her heartbroken after I… do what needs to be done!”

“If it’s any consolation, I’m not interested in your sister any more than a friend would be.”

“Good.”

Silence again reigns.

“Look, if you really want to help you can set the table.”

Arc stands up. “That I can do.”

A short time later Tempest finishes cooking. Arc picks up the pot and sets it on the table. All assembled gather around. Tempest serves them each a bowl.

“Please have some before it gets cold.”

Arc takes a bowl suspiciously. “It smells good.”

“It’s not much, but’s it is the best I could come up with on such short notice. Don’t worry. I didn’t poison it or anything.”

Derpy looks at her suspiciously. “Are you… sure?”

Arc picks up the bowl and eyes it a moment. “Let me try it first, you two.”

Dinky puts down an empty bowl and smiles! “Wow! This is pretty good!”

“Dinky!”

Arc looks over at his daughter! “Oh no! Dinky, how do you feel?!”

Dinky holds up her empty bowl and smiles! “Like another bowl! Don’t worry! It’s not poisoned!”

Arc looks at her, confused. “I don’t understand. How did you know it was safe to eat?”

Dinky looks to her father as Tempest serves her another bowl. “I didn’t sense any malice in Matron Tempest’s intentions.”

Derpy looks to her daughter, wide-eyed! “You can do that?!”

Arc frowns. “Let me guess… the same one who taught you and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

“Uh huh!”

Tempest stares at Dinky intently. “Fascinating! I wonder what else she’s capable of!”

Arc looks over at Tempest, angrily! “She’s also very good at being a normal happy little filly, so don’t get any funny ideas, Tempest! That is, unless you WANT your throat ripped out!”

Tempest continues to look at Dinky. “Don’t worry, little one. I promised your ‘friend’ here I wouldn’t kill anypony else.”

Dinky narrows her eyes. “Yeah? You don’t scare me!”

“Really now! Nopony has said that to me in years. Might I inquire as to why not?”

Before Dinky can answer, Derpy stands up! “Because my daughter is more powerful now than you’ll ever be!”

Tempest nods. “Yes. I can sense that. Although how such a fact is true remains a mystery to me. If I could just find a way to harness power like she does, protecting this land would be a cakewalk!”

Arc goes back to eating his food. “Believe me, Tempest. Such matters are WELL beyond your ability to comprehend!”

“Mayhap. One day though…”

Dinky mutters under her breath. “I doubt it.”

The group finishes the rest of their meal in silence. Tempest picks up the empty dishes and puts them in the sink, looking out the window as she does so.

“The rain appears to be getting worse. You three are welcome to spend the night here.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t know if…”

A sudden crack of thunder reverberates through the air! Derpy sighs.

“Arc, I hate to say it but I don’t think we have much of a choice right now.”

“I suppose we don’t. Thank you Tempest. What a kind, noble, heartfelt gesture… what do you want?!”

Tempest nods. “Your power will be instrumental in saving this world, Arc. I can’t have you dying, now can I?!”

Dinky picks up the rest of the dishes and walks them over to the sink. “That’s typical of you, matron. Only concerned with what you can take for yourself.”

“Think what you will of me, little one. But I have my reasons.”

Dinky walks out of the kitchen toward the living room. “Yes, you do. All of them self-serving.”

Derpy looks to Tempest. “I’m sorry for what my daughter said. Please forgive her.”

“It’s alright. She’s… not completely wrong, you know.”

Derpy looks over to the sink. “Why don’t I take care of the dishes while the three of you rest?”

Arc nods and looks at Tempest. “That’s not a bad idea. I’m always up for a good chat over a throwdown any day.”

“Fine.”

Arc and Tempest make their way to the living room. Dinky is lying on the floor in front of the fireplace. Arc sits down next to her.

“Enjoying the fire?”

“Yeah dad. But it’s much nicer when you’re here to share it with me.”

Arc strokes Dinky’s mane. “An experience shared is an experience worth having, sweetheart.”

Dinky leans against her father and nuzzles his side. “Thanks dad. I love times like this.”

Tempest sits down a short distance from Arc and joins them in gazing at the fire.

“Little one, I…”

Dinky interrupts her! “My name is Dinky! Remember?”

“Very well, Dinky. I must know! Why do you feel your power is beyond me?”

“Because there are certain things that only certain individuals are capable of.”

Tempest chuckles. “There is nothing I cannot do!”

“Oh really?! How about leading Equestria like my dad did not so long ago?”

“Part of a Special Agent’s training is learning how to lead. I could have done it!”

Arc shakes his head. “Maybe so. But could you have diffused the international situations that arose during my reign?”

“Easily!”

“WITHOUT going to war?!”

Tempest turns away. “I… I would have found a way to…”

“And without bloodshed?”

Tempest frowns. “Given enough time, yes!”

Arc nods. “Well then, let me put this in a way you can understand Tempest. You’re very familiar with fighting and the battlefield, are you not?”

“The battlefield is like a second home to me!”

“Wouldn’t you agree that sometimes you have to make life and death choices in but a moment’s time?”

Dinky nods! “Yeah! There’s not always a way to call a time-out while you think things over!”

Tempest grunts! “I am most capable of making hard choices! What are you getting at?!”

Dinky shakes her head. “I think we both know that at the first sign of trouble you would have mobilized our nation’s military and marched off to the front lines!”

“I would have, yes! Victory for Equestria or death! But that’s what you did as well, Arc!”

“I did. However, peace was always at the forefront of my mind. Victory at any cost… any sacrifice, is NOT how I operate.”

“Fool! This world needs ponies like me! I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done!”

“I too fight for this land, Tempest! But I won’t throw away the lives of our forces at the drop of a hat!”

Dinky nods soberly. “See matron? With you in control, many ponies would die and this land would fall into darkness! Your power lies in the ability to fight the chaos of war with the power of force, darkness and death. My power consists of bringing order to the chaos!”

“I… I would prevent it…”

Arc interrupts her! “You would CAUSE IT!”

The trio is silent for a time.

“You may be right. So why don’t you just keep doing what you do, and I’ll do what I do?”

Arc nods. “Fine.”

A short time later Derpy emerges from the kitchen and nervously sits down between Arc and Tempest.

“Thank you for doing the dishes.”

“Y-you’re welcome.”

Arc puts his arm around Derpy’s neck.

“Don’t worry. Nothing bad is going to happen to either you or Dinky tonight.”

Derpy laying her head in Arc’s lap. “Thank you Arc. I know you’ll keep us safe!”

Tempest looks away. “If you’re tired you can retire for the evening in the room my sister and I shared all those years ago. It’s just through that door.”

She points a hoof at a nearby door. Derpy and Dinky look to Arc. He nods.

“Well, okay. Come along Dinky.”

“What about you, dad?”

“I’ll keep our hostess company. Good night you two.”

Derpy and Dinky walk forward and give Arc a goodnight hug, as they whisper to him.

“Don’t trust her.”

“I don’t.”

“Good night dad. I love you! “

Arc hugs them back. “I love you both.”

Derpy and Dinky head for the bedroom leaving Arc and Tempest alone in front of the fire.

“Keeping an eye on me, huh?”

Arc nods. “In a matter of speaking. I know you wouldn’t hurt them.”

“Oh? And what makes you so sure?”

“You may be a power-hungry tyrant wannabe, but you’re still bound by a desire to do the right thing! Albeit in a roundabout way, that is.”

Tempest nods soberly. “You’re right. But I don’t understand. If you were so sure of my motivations and intentions why did you not join your ‘family’? I’m sure that would make them very ‘happy’? As if they knew what the word meant.”

“And you do?”

Tempest closes her eyes and smiles. “I do! Years ago, I met a stallion who reminded me what it meant to be truly happy!”

“Captain Decimus?”

Tempest nods her head. “Yes.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Loss?”

Arc nods. “He attacked Canterlot Castle a while back and I was forced to kill him. Don’t worry. I made it quick.”

Tempest chuckles. “I know. Don’t worry about it. He’s fine.”

“Fine?! I freaking VAPORIZED him!”

Tempest looks at Arc with a wicked grin on her face. “Don’t worry. He didn’t take it personally. Just like my group and I didn’t take you killing another one of our own to heart.”

“Who?!”

“General Wind Rider.”

Arc clenches his fists. “General Wind Rider… works with YOU?!”

Tempest nods. “He did in the past. However, I don’t look kindly on his… extreme methods. “

Arc looks at Tempest, his face white with fury! “If I had my blades right now…”

“You would do what?! Kill me?! First of all, you can’t and you know it!”

Arc angrily stands up and storms over to the window. He looks out at the pouring rain silently.

“Second, he was slime and deserved what he got!”

Tempest looks down at her hooves with what appears to be genuine remorse.

“I… I know you don’t have any reason to believe me, but I truly am sorry for what happened to your fiancé! I was… out of earshot when he laid out his plan to the others, or else I would have stopped him! Believe me, I know what it feels like to have your loved ones near one day, and the next have them taken from you.”

Arc nods, still looking out the window. “I know. Your sister told me what happened.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “How much did she tell you?”

“The whole story.”

“Who else knows about this?!”

“No one.”

Tempest breathes a sigh of relief! “Really?! With your love of talking, I would have thought half of Canterlot would have known about it by now!”

Arc turns back to look at their hostess. “I did it to protect your sister from any further pain. Ponies, like humans, enjoy gossip. I’m not going to add to it.”

“Thank you. Everypony is too afraid to talk about me behind my back. However, Cerulean Skies… let’s just say she’s suffered enough for one lifetime.”

“Both of you have.”

Tempest turns away from Arc to look back at the fire. “Save your compassion for somepony who needs it!”

Arc walks back to sit next to Tempest. “I don’t suppose you ever found your parents.”

Tempest shakes her head, not looking over. “No. For all my skills of stealth, tracking and investigation I was never able to pick up any kind of trail.”

She looks around the room.

“This house and everything in it are all I have left of my parents. And this crumbling town is all that is left of my one lead!”

“Is there anything you can tell me about what happened?! Anything at all?”

“Why do you care?!”

Arc frowns! “A bunch of innocent ponies were stolen from their homes! Yeah, I care about things like that!”

“Sorry, but no.“

“What about a guess?“

Tempest shakes her head. “They vanished into thin air.”

“If they did, someone caused it!

“Don’t you think I know that, you idiot?!”

Tempest takes a few moments to compose herself.

“S-sorry. I know you’re only trying to help. Going from the memories of a frightened and hungry little filly, there were no signs of any kind of struggle, no marks of a battle and no residual magical essences.”

“Magical essences?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “If they had been taken by magical means there would have been signs. Even non-magic users can feel the after effects of spells THAT powerful! Heck, half of Equestria would have felt an entire town being spirited away!”

“If I ever hear anything of this in my travels, I’ll let you know.”

“That… would actually be helpful. Futile, but helpful.”

“How should I contact you when I find something?”

Tempest sighs. “You mean “if” you find something, right?”

“I’m being optimistic.”

“And I’m being REALISITIC! In the extremely unlikely event you DO find something, you can leave a message on my kitchen table. I come here often and never lock the door. I mean, who would I be keeping out anyways?!”

Arc nods. “No promises, but I’ll keep my eyes open.”

“Hmph! As small as they are, I’m surprised you can see anything at all!”

“I do alright.”

The pair sit in silence for a time.

“So why doesn’t magic work around these parts?”

Tempest sighs. “Supposedly it has something to do with some ‘treasure’ hidden somewhere in town. At least that’s what my parents told me when I was little.”

“And you don’t believe it, do you?”

“Not a bit! Something that powerful would have to be HUGE! Not something easily squirreled away like food for winter.”

“So, what did the unicorns who lived in this town back then do?”

“We just adapted to use our hooves instead of magic.”

She puts a hoof to her broken horn and sighs.

“I was never very good at using this thing anyways.”

“So, did you break your horn in battle?”

Tempest chuckles! “Hardly! One day when I was a young filly my ‘friends’ and I were playing in a part of the forest we weren’t supposed to. Our ball flew into a cave and I chased after it. Next thing I know, I’m standing face to face with an Ursa Minor! One swipe later and my horn and face were like this.”

“You must have been one tough filly! I took a pawfull of claws from the same creature when I first came to this land myself. It was almost the end of me!”

“So, it appears we do have something in common then. Tell me, how did you survive such an ordeal?”

Arc smiles as her remembers. “Some of the kind ponies I was trying to protect at the time rushed me to the hospital. If not for their quick thinking I wouldn’t have made it.”

“Your friends?”

“Not at the time, no. Like I said, I had just arrived in Equestria and didn’t know anyone yet. They’re very good friends now, but back then I was a stranger to them.”

“Why did they help a monster like you then?”

“Some creatures are willing to help even if they have no reason to do so, Tempest. Ponies… humans… felines even! It helps make the world just a little bit brighter!”

Tempest shakes her head. “Idealistic nonsense!”

“Tell me something Tempest! If you’re so disillusioned with the world, then why are you trying so hard to save it?!”

“While I prefer the term ‘practical’, I’m mostly doing this for Cerulean Skies. My parents too… if they’re still alive. To tell you the truth, I really do care about this land, even if I’m not very good at showing it.”

Arc nods. “It takes all kinds to make a world.”

“If the world saw things from my point of view it would be more grounded in reality.”

“Maybe. Or would everyone be sour and pessimistic like you? What would Cerulean Skies say? What would your parents think? Captain Decimus even…”

“He’s… like me. The warrior spirit and all! Decimus is the first pony to ever… understand me, I guess. His being immortal like me and all!”

Arc frowns. “How exactly does he do that anyways?! I’ve seen him dead twice now!”

“I asked him that once. He just patted my cheek and said ‘The methods of my longevity aren’t important. Just the end result’.

“What does that mean?”

Tempest shrugs. “I dunno. While he may be a bit… off these days, I still love him! “

She appears lost in thought as a smile spreads across her face.

“Now I’m going to ask YOU for a favor, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“Promise me that as long as we live, you won’t kill my love again.”

“What?! But… he would just come back again, wouldn’t he?”

Tempest looks at the fire, sadly. “I… I can’t take that chance! Promise me and I’ll stay true to my own oath not to take other’s lives!”

Arc nods. “Very well! On the condition that he never again crosses my path. If he comes after me though, I will defend myself with as much force as is needed.”

Tempest extends a hoof to Arc. “Fair enough.”

Arc and Tempest shake hooves/hands.

“Maybe I’m just talking in circles, but I still don’t understand the source of your daughter’s power. Tell me… how did you create a living weapon like her?”

“Dinky was born the same way every other pony is. I’m sure your parents had that talk with you long ago.”

Tempest blushes slightly as she turns to look at the fire. “I know where foals come from, you buffoon! How about her original father then? Is he a powerful sorcerer or something?”

Arc grits his teeth! “No. He’s a coward! The lowest of worms! I’d hunt him down, but he’s not worth my time!”

Tempest turns to look at him again! “Then where?! Power like that has to have a SOURCE of some kind!”

“Well, where does your power come from?”

“Darkness.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Okay. How about BEFORE you received Light’s Bane then?”

“I never really thought about it. Probably a desire to protect the world for my sister and lover.“

“You draw strength from your emotions… your passion.”

Tempest nods. “You could say that.”

“Just like me.”

“Come again?”

“I too want to protect the ones I care for. My love for my friends gives me the strength to carry on.”

Tempest rolls her eyes and scoffs! “How naïve you truly are ‘hero’! Are you saying the source of your might is something as pathetic as the Power of Friendship?!”

“I am. But it doesn’t stop there.”

“Explain.”

“Friendship is a powerful font from which all of us can draw strength. But there is an even greater power that fuels me!”

Tempest smirks. “Do enlighten me.”

“The power of love.”

She blinks several times in disbelief before bursting into laughter!

“Is this some kind of joke?! Are you trying to tell me you’ve accomplished everything thus far with nothing but ‘the power of love’?!

“I am. It was love that gave me the Courage to stand up to you at the orphanage. It was love that gave me the Wisdom to lead our nation through the recent trials and tribulations. And it is love that will give me the Power to one day soon save Princess Celestia and return her to Equestria!”

Tempest shakes her head. “Love, huh? Well then Arc, tell me how it is you can still be so full of
love’ after losing your fiancé forever?! “

“Cherry may be dead and buried, but my love for her lives on inside me! Tell me Tempest. If someday Captain Decimus were to be killed and not come back, would you stop loving him?”

“I… I don’t know! Why waste time thinking about a question I’ll never have to truly answer?!”

“What? Are you two planning to live forever?!”

“No! But… when our times come, we’ll face it and fall… together. Every story has an ending, you know!”

Arc sighs. “I suppose it does. Look Tempest, I know you and I haven’t really been the best of friends since we met, but are you sure you wouldn’t rather join with me in defending the land?”

Tempest shakes her head. “No. I’m very happy with my own little band and my love.”

“Can I assume the Dark One is with you two as well?”

“He is. There are a few others, but let’s just say everypony has a place in the organization.”

“I somehow get the feeling I wouldn’t fit in with that particular group.”

“No, you would not.”

Arc nods. “Does this group have a name?”

“The Council of Shadows.”

“Did the Dark One come up with that?”

Tempest nods. “He did. But you should be grateful to him! Due to his efforts, he’s been able to slow the advance of the coming evil. That means you get to keep living that much longer!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Hooray for me.”

“Maybe someday everypony will see that all of this was necessary. But even if they don’t, I’ll keep moving forward.”

“As will I. But I doubt we’re moving in the same direction.”

“I understand your reasoning for not joining us Arc. But do me a favor. Don’t get in our way!”

“No promises there.”

Tempest looks at an ancient looking clock over the mantle. "It’s getting late. Perhaps we too should be getting to bed.”

“Agreed.”

She stands up and walks a few steps before turning back. “Do you trust me enough to let me out of your sight, or do you want to sleep with me too?”

Arc frowns. “I suppose I can trust you that much. Besides, I’m not much for getting in bed with someone else’s girl!”

Tempest heads toward another door next to the room Derpy and Dinky are sleeping in. She stops in the doorway and calls back to him.

“This doesn’t mean we’re friends or anything!”

“No, it doesn’t.”

“Well, good night.”

Tempest enters her parent’s former room and closes the door behind herself. She lies down on the bed and snuggles up to the old covers. Patting the pillows as she pulls up the old but familiar blanket, she sighs.

“Goodnight mother… goodnight father. I… I miss you both so much!”

Chapter 7 - Therapy

Derpy and Dinky awaken. They see the dawn’s light shining through the window and bolt upright.

“ARC!”

“DAD!”

“What?”

Derpy and Dinky look over to see Arc sitting in a chair in front of the closed door. They jump out of their respective beds and hurry over to him!

“Are you okay, Arc?!

“She didn’t hurt you, did she dad?!”

Arc stands up slowly. “No. We did have a nice long talk last night though.”

“Do you trust her?!”

“No. Which is why I slept where I did! If she wanted to hurt you two, she would have to go through me first… literally. Did you two sleep well?”

Dinky nods! “I did, surprisingly.”

“Me too somehow. But what about you Arc?!”

Arc rubs his back. “I’ve slept in comfier chairs and gotten better night’s sleeps before.”

“Should we get going now? The sun’s up and the rain’s gone!”

“Yes Dinky. Right after breakfast.”

Derpy looks confused. “Breakfast?”

“I know this may sound strange, but Tempest was kind enough to shelter us from the storm last night. It seems like the least we can do to repay her.”

Dinky frowns. “We don’t owe her ANYTHING, dad!”

“If you and your mother would like to retrace our steps and head back to the Winsome Falls, I’ll meet the two of you there in a bit.”

“No Arc! We’re not leaving you here alone with Tempest!”

“Yeah dad! What mom said!”

Arc puts his hand on the doorknob. “Alright. If that’s what you want.”

He opens the door and steps out into the living room with Derpy and Dinky behind him. Derpy sniffs the air.

“Do I smell eggs?”

“I guess Tempest beat us to it.”

Dinky nods, wide-eyed! “Wow! She must REALLY get up early!”

The three walk into the kitchen. It is empty other than the food that is laid out. There is a note in the center of the table. Arc picks it up and reads it aloud.

“Have a busy day ahead of me. Feel free to have some breakfast before you leave. Be sure and close the door behind you. Not sure when I’ll see you again Arc. Whether a few days or months, as it all depends on events beyond either of our control. Stay alive until then. Tempest”.

Derpy looks at the food suspiciously. “Do you think it’s safe to eat this?”

Dinky munches on an egg. “Sure tastes like it!”

“Dinky! Will you please stop doing that?! “

Arc nods! “It could be dangerous!”

Dinky sighs. “Well, I don’t want anything bad to happen to either of you!”

“How did you know it was safe?!”

“I didn’t, dad. Matron Tempest doesn’t want to kill us! Not like this anyways!”

Derpy sits down along with Arc. “I suppose you’re right sweetie.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Tempest wants a fight. Not an easy win.”

The trio quickly eats and does the dishes. Derpy looks to Arc as she puts away the last dish.

“Back home now?”

Arc nods as he finishes wiping down the table. “Back home now. We’re already a day late. If we don’t get back soon, Ember and Flash Sentry are bound to send out a search party!”

Dinky nods as she walks to the door with her parents. “If they haven’t already.”

Arc holds the door open for them. “Well, we should be back at the falls by mid-morning. From there I can open a portal to Light’s Hope.”

Derpy shudders as Arc closes Tempest’s door behind them. “Let’s get going then! I’m anxious to put this village behind us!”

Dinky nods! “This place is kinda creepy!”

“I agree. Without its inhabitants, this whole place seems dead.”

Derpy looks all around! “Please don’t say it like that!”

A couple hours later the trio returns to the Winsome Falls. Arc looks over and picks up a rock with his magic.

“Well, it looks like the magic is back on. Let’s get home!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and makes a sigil. The three of them step onto it. A moment later they find themselves back at Light’s Hope. A large contingent of Royal Guards and Arc’s squad are gathered in the Main Hall with Ember, Sereb, Sandstorm Mirage and Flash Sentry. The lieutenant is addressing them.

“All of you have your orders! I want no stone left unturned… “

Sandstorm Mirage interrupts happily as Arc and his family reappear on the sigil! “Commander! You’re back!”

Ember runs up to Arc and throws her arms around him! “We were so worried about the three of you!”

Arc returns Ember’s hug. “Sorry about that. Circumstances beyond our control more or less.”

He looks around the room at all the guards.

“What’s going on here?! Are we under attack?!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No sir! I was in the middle of ordering a search and rescue operation to find you!”

Max nods. “We thought something terrible had happened to you, sir!”

Viktor frowns! “Yeah! There was that bad storm last night! We thought you three got caught in it!”

Hugh smiles. “I knew you would be okay sir. But better safe than sorry.”

Xenos turns to Ember and grins! “I win!”

“Yeah, yeah…”

Ember walks over to Xenos and begrudgingly gives his something. Derpy looks confused.

“Win?”

Xenos nods. “I bet her five bits you three were just fine.”

Ember blushes indignantly and turns to look away! “Can I help it if I worry constantly about you Arc?!”

Arc laughs! “Thanks for the thought everyone. But as you can see, we’re just fine.”

Sereb sniffs the air and growls.

“What is it, Sereb?!”

“Forgive me Arc, but there is a rather familiar and… unpleasant scent that lingers around you at the moment.”

Dinky sniffs herself. “Well, I suppose we could all go for a bath.”

Derpy nods. “Going a few days without one will do that to anypony, sweetie.”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “How did you manage to stay high and dry from that storm, sir?”

Hugh nods! “The commander is tough! I knew he’d be okay!”

Xenos laughs! Yeah! He probably kept the wind and rain at bay through sheer intimidation!

“Thanks for the vote of confidence everyone, but I can’t take credit for this one.”

Derpy nods, nervously. “We had quite a bit of help from a… resident of the forest.”

Ember frowns. “What are you talking about? I don’t recall seeing any towns or settlements on the map.”

“Turns out there’s an old abandoned town to the east of the Winsome Falls.”

Dinky sighs. “Well, it’s not COMEPLETELY abandoned. “

Derpy shudders! “Yes. One pony still lives there.”

Sandstorm Mirage looks confused. “All alone in the middle of nowhere?! Who?”

Arc frowns. “Tempest.”

Sereb growls. “That would explain the smell.”

Ember angrily calls forth her armor and spear and hovers a short distance above the floor! “TEMPEST?! Let me at ‘er!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Did you finally kill that banshee, sir?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. The visit was, for the most part, civil.”

Ember looks to him, wide-eyed! “Don’t tell me you two are FRIENDS now Arc?!”

“We aren’t. But somehow, I feel like her and I shouldn’t be enemies.”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Sir! How can you say that?! She’s working with Captain Decimus of all ponies!”

“Yes. That’s what’s keeping me from inviting her over for tea and cupcakes.”

Ember turns away angrily! “Well if she shows up here, I’ll introduce her to my spear!”

“Please don’t Ember. She hasn’t done anything that warrants such action. At least, not lately.”

Ember puts away her spear and armor. “Fine. But no promises!”

“Good. That’s all I can ask for. Now I have some business in town today, so I’m leaving you in charge again Flash Sentry.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc turns to Derpy and Dinky. “I’ll walk you two home.”

Ember nods. “I’m coming with you!”

Sereb grunts. “As am I.”

“That’s not really necessary you two. What could happen to me in Ponyville?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Arc. You went on VACATION and somehow found Tempest of all ponies! Let’s not press your luck!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. I will end this destroyer myself, or die trying!”

He sighs. “All right. Let’s go.”

Arc, Derpy, Dinky, Sereb and Ember leave the building together. Flash Sentry turns to the others.

“Alright, now that’s out of the way everyone back to work! We have to keep up appearances so as not to tarnish the Hero of Light’s name!”

The Royal Guards salute and return to their posts as Sandstorm Mirage turns to Flash Sentry.

“Well at least it wasn’t a total loss sir!”

“What do you mean?”

“The troops were ready to move out so quickly! It’s good practice for if a real emergency were to befall Ponyville!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Good point! We must always ready and vigilant! Who knows when we’ll find trouble!”

Sandstorm Mirage sighs. “Or when trouble will find US! “

Raven enters the Main Hall with a stack of papers.

“Lieutenant. I hear the commander was just here. Is he alright? “

“Yes, Miss Raven. He and his family are just fine, albeit a bit grubby! They were delayed by yesterday’s weather.”

“That’s good to hear! I suppose anypony would be a bit messy after being in the woods for a few days.”

“Yes. Well in any case, all’s well that ends well.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. "Right you are lieutenant. Well, I should make my rounds and make sure the base is secure/

“Very good, sergeant. Carry on."

Sandstorm Mirage makes his way down the corridor. Looking back, he mutters to himself…

“Could it be? Has somepony finally discovered Stableton?! And it had to be the commander of all ponies! He won’t let this mystery go! No, he won’t! Oh dear! The Dark Lady will not be pleased to hear of this breech of security! Not at all!”

Meanwhile Arc and company make their way toward town. Ember turns to him.

“Where to first, Arc?”

“Derpy’s house. All three of us need showers… badly.”

Ember wrinkles her nose. “I wondered where that stench was coming from back there!”

Sereb nods. “Yes indeed. I was not going to say anything at the time, but…”

A short time later they arrive at their destination. Derpy opens the door and allows everyone to enter.

“Please make yourselves at home.”

Ember heads for the fireplace. “I’ll get this place warmed up in no time!”

Sereb joins her. “I shall assist you.”

Derpy closes the front door. “You should take a shower first, Arc.”

“That’s okay Derpy. You and Dinky can…”

Dinky frowns and interrupts. “Please do dad! You stink!”

Arc smells himself. “I suppose I do. With Tempest around yesterday I didn’t think to take care of my personal hygiene.”

He heads toward the bathroom, closes the door, disrobes and steps into the shower.

“Ah… that does feel good!”

It takes longer than normal, but soon Arc feels cleaner.

Arc mutters to himself. “Stableton, huh? Who would kidnap an entire town and for what purpose? To say nothing for HOW?! Where could they have been taken? Why were Tempest and Cerulean Skies the only ones left behind? “

He sighs.

Arc rubs his forehead. “Nothing. None of this makes even a little sense! Questions, questions, nothing but questions! Heck, if I could answer even ONE of these, I could build on it!”

The bathroom door opens and Arc hears footsteps on the tile floor.

“Ember?! That had better not be you!”

“Tis I, Arc.”

Arc pokes his head out of the shower. “Sereb? What are you doing in here?”

“I noticed you neglected to bring clean coverings with you, so I took the initiative.”

Sereb drops off a set of clothes as Arc retreats back into the steam filled shower.

“Oh… thanks Sereb. I owe you one!”

“You owe me nothing as I am bonded to you for life.”

“Figure of speech, Sereb. I wish you had been there when we in Stableton. Maybe you could have sniffed something out.”

“Begging your pardon Arc, but how long has that town been abandoned?”

Arc sighs. “Quite a few years. Long enough for many of the buildings to be unfit to live in anyways.”

“Then it is likely all scents have long since been worn away by the winds of time and seasons.”

“You’re probably right.”

“I would certainly have tried my best however.”

Arc turns off the water. “I know you would have.”

He steps out of the shower and towels himself off as Sereb uses his magic to levitate Arc’s clean clothes over to him.

“Are you planning on investigating this strange occurrence as well?”

Arc nods as he dresses. “I am.”

Sereb levitates over a comb. “If I may be so bold, for what purpose? The chances of finding a clue after so long are quite low after all.”

Ember calls out through the door. “Yeah Arc! This is needle in a haystack stuff even for you!”

“Ember?! How long have you been listening in?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “The entire time. In fact, she almost followed me in here.”

“I was just trying to bring you some clean clothes, Arc! Didn’t want you to have to come out here bare!”

Arc mutters under his breath. “A likely story. Crazy dragon…”

Sereb smiles.

“What was that Arc? I couldn’t quite hear you.”

“It was nothing! You can come in now Ember.”

Ember quickly enters the bathroom. She appears disappointed that Arc has finished dressing.

“Something wrong, Ember?”

“It… it’s nothing! So, tell me. What do you hope to accomplish by solving this old mystery?”

Sereb nods. “Do tell. It is highly unlikely the villagers still draw breath after so long.”

Arc looks in the mirror and combs his hair. “For Cerulean Skies and Tempest to a degree. They deserve to know what happened to their family and friends.”

He sighs as he leaves the bathroom with Ember and Sereb.

“That and the villagers along with their memories deserve to be properly laid to rest.”

Derpy and Dinky approach Arc.

“Feeling better after a shower, Arc?

“You certainly smell better dad!”

Arc nods! “Much! Don’t worry. I left you two ladies plenty of hot water.”

Derpy walks into the bathroom with Dinky. “Thank you Arc.”

“Ember, Sereb and I are heading into town. I’ll be back later.”

Dinky runs over to Arc and gives him a hug! “Thanks for the vacation dad! It was loads of fun! Even when we ran into Tempest!”

Arc returns the hug. “I had a great time too sweetheart! We’ll have to do this again real soon! Now why don’t you get cleaned up? You’re all grubby!”

Dinky trots into the bathroom with her mother. “See you soon, dad!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the house and walk towards town.

“How do you know they all didn’t just relocate?”

“Ember is right. Perhaps due to a natural disaster or some other kind of danger?”

“It’s possible. That would certainly explain why they left behind all their belongings. There’s just one little hole in that theory.”

“Which is…?”

“Tempest and Cerulean Skies. What kind of parents would willingly leave their young behind?! No, I’m convinced they were taken!”

Sereb nods. “That does make sense.”

“And another thing…”

Ember sighs. “There’s MORE?!”

Sereb looks to Ember. “With Arc, there is always more.”

“The method by which they were abducted is murky as well.”

Ember shrugs. “Some kind of mass-teleportation spell?”

Arc shakes his head. “Unlikely. That whole area is… what is the term… magically sealed?”

Sereb frowns. “What does that mean?”

“It means magic doesn’t work there. Believe me, I tried. Nothing. Couldn’t even cast a simple Light Spell!”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “None at all?!”

“My Magic Ring didn’t even work there! It was a lot of fun standing in front of Tempest with no armor and no weapons other than my fists!”

“I knew I should have come with you!”

Sereb frowns. “But wasn’t it your idea to stay at Light’s Hope, Ember?”

“That was a mistake!”

Arc stops. “Come to think of it, she was able to call forth Light’s Bane.”

“So?”

“So, her Dark Power works there!”

Sereb looks confused. “Is that important?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s the only clue we have!”

Ember puts a claw to her forehead. “Are you suggesting the villagers were taken by Dark Power?!”

“I know that theory is really out there, but it’s the only kernel of a clue I’ve been able come up with. I wonder if my Sigil Magic would work there if I summoned Eidolon’s Ward BEFORE I got to town…

Sereb nods. “There is only one way to find out.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Yeah, no. I don’t want you anywhere NEAR that crazy banshee unless it’s absolutely necessary!”

“At least not alone and with your armor.”

Arc smiles. “The three of us will have to test that theory one of these days.”

Ember frowns. “How about we stick with the here and now. For starters, where are we going?”

Arc lowers his voice and looks around. “To see Emerald Dream.”

Sereb nods. “The Therapist?”

“Yeah. She said I should come see her again when I got back from my family trip.”

Ember sighs. “Look Arc, Sereb and I are always here for you if you need someone to talk to.”

“Agreed.”

“Thanks, you two. I appreciate that, but right now I really need to talk with a professional.”

Ember smiles. “We’re glad to see you’re taking care of your mental health.”

“I too believe you are doing the right thing, Arc.”

Arc sighs as they continue on. “Yeah. Sometimes we just need to talk to someone. But other times we need a little more.”

The trio makes their way to Emerald Dream’s Therapy Center. They enter and approach the secretary. She sits at her desk going over some paperwork.

“Good day sir! Are you here for another session?”

Arc nods. “I am. Emerald Dream told me to come see her when I got back to town.”

“Please have a seat and I’ll let her know you’re here.”

Arc and company do so as the secretary walks to the adjoining office. Ember looks around.

“Nice place she has here. But I thought I saw her office in Canterlot before.”

“You did. But Ponyville has that effect on everyone. Once someone comes here and meets the townsfolk, they want to become part of the community!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“Were you her first client here Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. There was someone who was in much greater need of her services than I.”

“Really?! Who?”

“Someone whose been through emotional hell! I was the one who originally ordered Emerald Dream to come here to help them back when I was Lord Regent. I’m sorry Ember, but they would rather remain anonymous.”

Ember nods. “I understand.”

They are silent for a time.

“Could you give me a hint?”

“Ember…”

“Alright, alright. Sheesh!”

The secretary returns to the waiting room and looks over to Arc.

“She’ll see you now.”

Arc stands up and walks toward the office door. “Thank you.”

Ember calls out after him. “We’ll wait for you here, Arc.”

“Thank you. I won’t be long.”

The secretary closes the door behind him and walks back to her desk. Ember stands and moves toward the door. Sereb watches her.

“Ember. What are you doing?”

“Listening in. I want to know more so I can help Arc.”

The secretary looks over to her. “Miss. That door is magically soundproofed. There’s no way you can hear what’s going on in there.”

“What?! Why?!”

“Would you like other ponies knowing your darkest secrets?”

Ember sighs. “I guess not.”

The secretary nods. “Good. Now please take your seat.”

Ember does so. Meanwhile, Emerald Dream approaches Arc as he enters.

“Welcome back! I hope your vacation was enjoyable!”

Arc shakes her hoof. “Well… yes and no.”

She gestures with a hoof toward the couch. “Shall we start there then?”

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

About an hour passes. Ember looks at the door nervously.

“I hope everything is alright. He’s been in there an awful long time!”

The secretary looks over. “Sometimes it takes a long time to dig deep enough to really get to the core of the hurting.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “In Arc’s case, I think she’ll need a backhoe!”

Sereb nods. “He carries a heavy burden.”

“Don’t we all.”

Ember nods. “You have no idea.”

A short time later Arc emerges from the office with Emerald Dream.

“Thank you, Emerald Dream.”

“You are welcome sir! I think we successfully faced several of your inner demons today!”

“Yes. I’m ready for my next big undertaking now.”

Emerald Dream smiles at him. “Good. Just remember to do your best to resolve any matters from your first task before starting another! If you don’t, the extra weight will only serve to pull you down!”

“I understand. Eventually this would have crushed even me!”

“So, what are you planning to do now?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, but it’s a matter of greatest secrecy. Maybe I can talk about it with you one day, but today is not that day.”

She nods. “I understand.”

Arc turns back to her as he leaves the building with the others. “Believe me, even if this goes well, I’m going to need to do a LOT of talking when this one is over and done! And that’s the best-case scenario!

Emerald Dream nods! “Remember what I said earlier! Don’t bottle your feeling up inside you! Talk to friends and family! Those whom you feel can be trusted!”

Ember and Sereb nod. “We’re here for you Arc!”

“Yes.”

"I will. Thank you."

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the office and walk back toward Derpy’s house. Ember looks to Arc as they walk.

“Did it go well?”

“Yes. We talked through everything, and I mean EVERYTHING! Sorry it took so long.”

“Like what? I mean, if you want to tell us that is!”

Arc nods. “I do. We reviewed my feelings of loss from the death of my mother and my feelings of betrayal from my father disappearing. She told me that most ponies would have dealt with that in one of two ways. One, become embittered by it and let it ruin their lives. Or two, refuse to face it, keep themselves busy with other things, and keep those feelings buried deep within. Emerald Dream said most do the second, but in the end, it eats them up inside and pushes them toward number one!”

Ember grabs his arm! “I can’t let that happen to you Arc. I won’t!”

“Don’t worry Ember. That’s why I’m in therapy. There’s too much at stake for me to suffer a nervous breakdown now!”

Sereb nods. “Is there more to it though?”

“Yeah. She reminded me that running a country, even for as short a time as I did, is very taxing on the psyche! I needed to relax.”

Ember frowns. “Hence the vacation?”

“Partially, yes.”

Sereb sighs. “And the other part?”

“Cherry.”

Ember takes Arc’s hand in her claw as they walk. “It still hurts, doesn’t it?”

Arc nods. “It does. Emerald Dream told me I needed to spend some time with my family. Partially to rest but also to give my mind some time to come to terms with her death.”

“Did it help?”

“It did. That trip gave me time to think. Not just about my past and present, but also my future.”

Ember looks confused. “Arc? What are you saying?”

Arc squeezes Ember’s claw tightly as they approach Derpy’s house. “I’m saying it’s time for me to begin planning my next mission.”

Sereb nods. “Which is…?”

“I’ll tell you in a minute. Derpy and Dinky should be there to hear this as well.”

The three enter Derpy’s small house to find the pair making lunch.

Dinky runs over to her father and jumps in his arms. “Dad! You’re back!”

“Yes sweetheart. And you’re smelling as sweet as a flower now!”

Derpy walks over. “Yes. It’s amazing what a good shower will do! How did it go?”

“My therapy session was very enlightening. In fact, I wanted to tell all of you my plans for the next big mission.”

Derpy smiles. “Oh? Why don’t we all sit down. Lunch still needs some time to cook!”

Everyone walks to the couch and sits down while Arc himself paces in front of the fireplace.

“I’ve been going over this in my head for a while now, but the time to put it into motion is nearly here!”

Dinky giggles! “More diplomacy dad?!”

Ember grins! “More head bashing, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “It’s probably going to involve a little bit of both. I’ll make all the preparations I can here in Ponyville, but the plan will conclude in Canterlot.”

Dinky smiles! “Can we come?!”

“To Canterlot? I don’t see why not. All my friends and family should be there for this after all!”

Ember looks to him, nervously. “There for what Arc?! “

Arc stops pacing and looks at everyone.

“I want everyone there when I open a portal back to Earth.”

Sereb’s eyes grow wide. “Are you saying…”

“Yes Sereb. It’s time to plan a mission to rescue Princess Celestia.”

Chapter 8 - Prerequisites

The room is silent as Arc’s words sink in. Dinky runs up to her father and throws her hooves around his neck as she starts to cry!

“Dad? Are you… going away forever?!”

Arc hugs Dinky. “No sweetheart. I’m just going back to Earth to prepare to rescue Princess Celestia. When I finish that task, I’ll come back to Equestria for good!”

Derpy looks nervous “What then?”

“I’ll retire as the Hero of Light, go back to my old job as Problem Solver and live here with you and Dinky. “

Dinky wipes away the tears. “I… I’ll miss you while you’re gone dad! How long will it take?”

“I don’t know sweetheart. It could take months.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “Months?!”

Arc nods. “Maybe longer.”

Derpy slowly steps forward. “Arc. I don’t know if Dinky and I can be apart from you for that long! I know this may sound selfish, but… is there any way that we could… come with you?”

Dinky’s face brightens! “Yeah dad! I’ll miss you too much!”

“While I would miss you both as well, I don’t think so. A unicorn and a pegasus on Earth would be spotted in a heartbeat. Sorry, but I really don’t want you two getting hurt!”

Derpy looks down sadly. “Oh…”

“I’ll see if anything can be done about that. I’d love for you two to see my old home! But your safety comes first.“

Dinky nods sadly. “We understand dad. Come back often though, okay!”

“As often as I can!”

Ember frowns as she crosses her arms over her chest! “What about me?!”

“Sorry Ember, but like I explained a while back, dragons are just as mythical as pegasus and unicorns on Earth.”

“Hmph. Well that’s just too bad, Arc!”

“Ember?”

“I don’t care what you think on the matter, I’m going with you!”

Arc shakes his head. “Ember, I don’t think you understand just how dangerous Earth can be.”

“Maybe I don’t! But you know what?! I DON’T CARE!!!”

Sereb nods. “I am with Ember on this one, Arc. While I may look different from a human, I do not like the idea of you being undefended.”

“You could come with me in your cub form, Sereb. Everyone would just assume you were an ordinary dog.”

Sereb frowns. “A… dog? While not the most flattering of creatures, I will endure such a thing to stand by your side.”

Ember fumes! “What about me?! I’m not going to sit around and worry about you for months!”

Arc sighs. “Well, maybe there’s a spell that could help us in that regard.”

Derpy’s face lights up! “A spell?!”

Arc nods. “It just seems like there’s a spell for everything. I’m sure someone in Equestria would know how to temporarily change a dragon into a human!”

“Well then, let’s go find them!”

Dinky grins! “Why not ask Miss Twilight, dad? She knows more spells than anypony in town!”

Arc ruffles her mane! “That’s a good idea, sweetheart. Thanks!”

“You’re welcome, dad! If this works maybe mom and I can come!”

Derpy smiles! “I’d like that too Dinky. But you have school and I have a job to do!”

“Awww…”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Maybe you could come on weekends.”

The smile returns to Dinky’s face! “That would be awesome!”

Arc turns to Ember and Sereb. “Could you two please run down to the Golden Oaks Library and ask Twilight about this? A book detailing such a spell would be ideal.”

Ember heads to the door with Sereb. “We’re on it!”

The pair leave the house as Derpy, Dinky and Arc sit down to enjoy their lunch. Afterwards Derpy puts the lunches dishes in the sink.

“I should head over to the orphanage now. Miss Pommel could probably use a hoof. Come along Dinky. You can still make it to your afternoon classes.”

“Can’t I stay here with dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Education is very important, sweetheart. Don’t you worry now. I’ll still be here when you get back.”

“Your father is right sweetie. I want you to grow up to be smarter than I am!”

Dinky sighs. “Okay. I understand.”

“Goodbye you two. See you later!”

Derpy waves as she and Dinky head out the door. “Have a nice day off, Arc!”

“Bye dad!”

Once alone in the house Arc sits on the couch for a few minutes looking into the fire. Eventually he stands up and mutters to himself.

“Well, I had best get to work.”

He walks to the kitchen and pulls out some paper and pencils from a nearby drawer. Taking them over to the kitchen table he lays them down and takes a seat. Pulling out the book he received from Princess Luna out of his magic ring he opens it and begins to read.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let’s get started.”

Several hours later there is a knock at the door.

Arc, not looking up from his book, calls out loudly. “Come in!”

Ember and Sereb open the door and enter the house together.

“We’re back!”

Arc nods as he continues writing down notes. “Any luck?”

Sereb nods. “Possibly.”

Ember puts a book down on the table. “Twilight said there was a spell she used a while back to turn her and her friends into insects of some kind. The details are on page 198. She says it’s a very unique spell. Not sure what that means though.”

Arc puts his own book down and looks to Ember. “Thanks, you two. This will bring me one step closer to my goal!”

Sereb nods. “Which is…?”

“Getting back to Earth. What else?!”

Ember frowns. “You mean getting US to Earth, right?!”

Arc sighs and shakes his head. “Ember, I’m still not sure that’s such a good idea. Any number of bad things could happen!”

Ember looks to him angrily. “That’s exactly why I’m going with you!”

“I don’t think you quite understand…”

She interrupts! Exploding, as she slowly walks around the table toward Arc!

“No Arc, YOU don’t understand! Now I don’t really CARE what you think on this matter! I AM going with you to Earth whether you like it or NOT! Even if I have to knock you out and DRAG you through the portal or wormhole or whatever it is we’re traveling through!”

Ember is inches from Arc’s face by this point! Her viselike claws on his shoulders! Arc is so surprised at her sudden outburst that he can barely speak!

“E-Ember?”

Her face crimson with rage as she breathes heavily and continues her tirade! “Get this through your thick skull! There is NO WAY you’re going on this fool’s errand alone! I am NOT letting you leave Equestria again WITHOUT ME! I… I… I…”

Ember slowly falls to her knees on the floor in front of Arc. She is shaking with either anger, fear, sadness or a combination of the three. A moment later she begins to cry.

“I won’t lose you, Arc. I… I can’t!”

Arc gets down on his knees as well to look Ember in the eye. He puts his hands on her shoulders and sighs.

“Ember it’s not that I don’t WANT you to come. It’s just… I don’t want to lose you either. You’re a very special friend to me! One that been with me through thick and thin!

Ember responds in a pleading tone. “Then take me with you!!!”

“Ember…”

She takes Arc’s hands, almost whispering. “Please!”

Arc nods. “Okay Ember, if we can get that spell to make you look human, you can come with me.

Ember leans forward quickly to wrap her arms around Arc. “Thank you.”

Arc returns the hug. “It will be nice to have someone from Equestria there with me.”

“Oh?”

“I hate to say it, but this mission… it’s bigger than one person!”

Sereb nods. “It is good to hear you say that Arc. I was concerned you were becoming a bit overconfident.”

“Quite the opposite. I just don’t want to put my friends in danger any more than I already have!”

Ember looks into Arc’s eyes as she wipes away her tears. “Arc? Does this have anything to do with… Cherry?”

Arc sadly nods as he holds Ember tighter! “It does. Look Ember, I… losing Cherry was the worst experience of my life! The pain of losing someone I care so deeply for… it’s not something I want to feel again… EVER!”

Ember sighs. “Yes. I don’t want to feel it again either.”

Sereb looks confused. “Ember?”

“When my mom… passed away… let’s just say it hurt more than words can express. Knowing she was gone… knowing that it might be tens of thousands of years before we were reunited in the Great Beyond… it hurt. It hurt a lot!”

“How did you get through it?”

“I finally came to terms with the fact that time is really just a number in the grand scheme of things. It may take a long time, but her and I WILL be together again! But until then I’ll live my life the best I can and go where I’m needed! And right now, my place is by your side, Arc!”

Arc smiles at her. “Thanks Ember. You really are a wonderful friend!”

Ember sighs as she and Arc stand back up. “Dragon’s aren’t much for friendship, so this is all still new to me. Sorry for blowing up earlier.”

Arc nods. “All is forgiven! And we won’t tell anyone about you crying either. Will we, Sereb?”

“I will say nothing.”

“Thanks! It’s not something I’m proud of! “

She looks at the table which is covered in pages of notes.

“Now is there anything Sereb and I can do to help?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, both of you can use magic. Would it be asking too much for the two of you to figure out that transformation spell?

He gestures to the mess of notes on the table.

“I would do it myself, but I think this is going to take all my time and energy for a while.”

Ember picks up the book from the table. “Sure! We can do that! Right Sereb?”

“I will give it my best.”

Ember puts the book in Sereb’s saddlebag. “That we will. Um… could you give us a moment alone please?”

Sereb nods and walks toward the door. “Very well. I will wait for you outside.”

He leaves the house as Ember turns back toward Arc. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a small kiss on the cheek.

“I’m sorry Arc, but I’m going with you even if this spell doesn’t work.”

Arc slowly nods. “Okay Ember… okay.”

Ember walks toward the door.

“Thank you. Now don’t work too hard on your research.”

“I’ll try. Same to you though.”

Ember looks back as she steps through the door. “No promises!”

Arc looks after her as the door closes, muttering to himself. “I… I didn’t know I had friends like this! Ember really is willing to follow me to hell and back! Even knowing it may very well be a one-way trip.”

He ponders this for a time before sitting back down. Arc spends the remainder of the afternoon reading the book and making notes. Rubbing his eyes, putting the book down and shaking his head.

“Talk about complicated!”

A short time later Derpy and Dinky come home. Dinky trots over to her father, tossing her saddlebags off and giving him a hug!

“Hi dad! We’re home!”

Derpy sees the papers strewn all over the table. “Oh my! You’ve certainly been busy today, Arc!”

“Very! I was so wrapped up in my work here that I didn’t realize how much time had gone by!”

“You must be hungry! I’ll get to work on supper right away.”

Arc closes the book and puts it back in his ring. “That I am! I had no idea what I was getting into when I started earlier! This kind of research is certainly not light reading!”

Dinky points a small hoof at the papers on the table. “What are you working on, dad?”

“How to open a portal back to Earth. Princess Luna gave me a book that’s SUPPOSED to detail how to do that. But it’s proving to be quite the challenge! “

Derpy stands at the counter chopping vegetables. “What seems to be the problem?”

Dinky nods! “Maybe we can help!”

“Well, it details the methods by which a portal COULD be opened. The main problem, amongst others, is the portal itself.”

Derpy nods. “It is much different from the portals you can already open, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “On paper, no. However, I’ve found that the greater distance the portal has to take me, the more energy it requires to open and maintain.”

Dinky frown. “Is Earth farther than, say… Panthera?”

“Much! That and it has to pass through what the book calls the ‘transdimensional barrier’. It’s supposed to keep things from bleeding over from one dimension to another.”

Derpy looks over to Arc and sticks out her tongue playfully! “Like errant humans?”

Arc laughs! “And interdimensional-traveling alicorn princesses one would hope! That fact that she’s there and I’m here proves that such a feat is indeed possible!”

Dinky nods. “How about the other princesses? Have they ever done this before?”

“Sadly, no. The book they gave me is really all there is.”

Derpy turns to look over. “Didn’t Twilight bring you here by accident? Maybe she could be of help?”

“Probably not. She did try to send me right home, but failed. Her portal apparently only allows one-way travel. If there was another portal on Earth, I suppose they could easily summon me back! But that’s yet another dead-end idea!”

“What about her portal? Could you study it as a reference?”

Arc sighs. “I looked it over back when I was living with her several times. To the naked eye, it just looks like an ordinary mirror. Basic logic tells me there’s more to it than that. But it’s master level stuff!”

Derpy sighs. “Where did she get it from anyways?”

“Princess Luna sent it to Twilight to keep her busy! Her and Princess Cadance couldn’t bring themselves to tell her what had really happened to her mentor and friend, Princess Celestia!

Dinky looks down. “That’s kinda cruel of them!”

“I know. Know this Dinky, no matter how benevolent a leader is, you’ll never agree with EVERY decision they make! All they really succeeded in doing was kicking the can down the road, so to speak.”

“And the mirror itself? Where did it come from?”

He holds up the book. “From the same pony who wrote this book. Star Swirl the Bearded. “

Arc sighs.

“I really wish I could pick his brain right now!”

Derpy looks to Dinky. “Would you set the table please?”

“Okay mom!”

Arc gathers up his notes. “I’ll give you a hand in a minute sweetheart.”

Arc and Dinky set the table together and help Derpy bring over the food. They sit down to enjoy a nice family meal together.

“So how long do you think it will take to create a reliable portal, Arc?”

Arc sighs as he puts some salad on Dinky’s plate. “At the rate I’m going, years! Some of the points in the book just don’t make sense!”

Dinky picks up her silverware. “Like what?”

“Well, for starters, the sigil illustrated in the book doesn’t work!”

Derpy frowns. “What do you mean?”

“When I found it, I thought this was going to be easy! I quickly cast it on the floor in front of me and, to my surprise, it collapsed momentarily!”

Dinky thinks for a moment. “Sounds unstable.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah! Like the pony who came up with the idea! Darn crazy portals…”

Derpy nods. “Was it open at all? Even for just a moment?”

“Kinda. After a couple tries, I threw an apple at it to see if it would go through.”

“Did it?”

“No. Quite the opposite actually. The portal rebuffed the apple which came rocketing back at me at what felt like Mach 5!”

Derpy looks concerned! “Oh dear! Are you alright Arc!”

“I’m just fine. It took me over an hour to clean up the mess it made though! And that was after I regained consciousness!”

Dinky looks around. “I thought things looked cleaner than usual around here.”

Arc nods. “It is! Dust and applesauce-free too!”

He sighs.

“I hate to admit it, but at the moment I’m stumped!”

“Maybe you could ask Twilight for help, Arc! Or how about one of the sages in Canterlot?”

“Princess Luna made it very clear that no one other than myself should read this book or know of its contents. It’s not that she and I don’t trust anyone else with this information! But there’s too much at stake here to get complacent now!”

Derpy nods. “Don’t worry. We won’t tell anypony, Arc!”

“Yeah dad! Promise!”

“Thanks for understanding you two.”

Arc goes back to thinking as he and the others finish their meal. Derpy moves to clear the table.

“So how was school today, Dinky?”

“It was okay. We learned about something called ‘symmetry’ today.”

Derpy puts the dishes in the sink. “What’s that?”

“It’s like when you draw a line through the center of something and it’s the same on both sides of the line.”

Derpy returns to the table. “I’m a bit confused.”

Dinky sighs. “Me too! I only caught the tail-end of that lesson! Hopefully dad can help me with it. This is part of my homework!”

Arc nods. “I think I can explain that, Dinky. Would you please bring me a paper and pencil?”

“Sure dad!”

Dinky quickly returns with her school saddlebags and pulls out the requested items. Arc draws a heart on the paper with a vertical line down the center of it. He then folds the paper in half.

“If we fold this paper in half this way, one half of the heart is lying nicely on the other half. The two halves are symmetrical.”

He then erases the vertical line and replaces it with a horizontal line as Derpy and Dinky look on. He then folds the paper on the new line.

“However, if we fold the paper along this new line, the two sides don’t match up. This means they are not symmetrical.”

Derpy nods! “Interesting!”

“Think of it this way. Let’s say there was a line down the middle of my face. Would it be symmetrical?”

Dinky thinks for a moment. “I guess so.”

“That’s right!”

Derpy nods! “So, they would be mirror-images of each other then, right?”

“That’s a good analogy, Derpy!”

Arc suddenly appears lost in thought.

“Dad? Is everything okay?”

Arc nods. “Yes Dinky. Everything is fine. Symmetry… mirror image… is it possible? ‘

He pulls the book out of his ring and flips through the pages quickly! Stopping to read the contents of said page, he mutters to himself…

“Could it really be that simple?”

“Did you figure something out, Arc?”

Arc walks quickly toward the bathroom with the book in hand. “Maybe. Let me check something.”

He holds the book up to the bathroom mirror and looks the reflection over carefully before returning to the living room.

“I’m going to try a bit of an experiment.”

He casts the sigil from the book onto the floor. Dinky looks at it, wide eyed!

“Dad? Is this…?”

Arc nods as he puts the finishing touches on the sigil. “Yup. The sigil that makes applesauce.”

Derpy steps back! “But I thought this didn’t work!”

“Right! This particular sigil was a bust. Or was it…”

Dinky looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“I’ll show you.”

With a few quick movements of his wrists, Arc flips the sigil over to create a mirror image of the original!

“There! It’s now a mirror image of itself! Now maybe it will work! Derpy, you and Dinky keep your distance just in case I make applesauce again!

Derpy gestures to the back of the couch. “Come along sweetie.”

Arc picks up an apple from a nearby cabinet and gets behind the couch himself.

“Here goes nothing!”

He activates the sigil and quickly throws the apple at the newly materialized portal! The fruit hits it and vanishes from sight! A few moments later the portal collapses in on itself! Dinky looks out from behind the couch.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work, dad.”

Arc looks out, wide-eyed. “I… I think it did! “

“What? But the portal only stayed open for a few seconds at most!”

“That was to be expected. Without a steady stream of energy along with some kind of focus the portal couldn’t remain stable for much longer than that!”

Dinky smiles! “Dad! Are you saying…?”

Arc nods! “Yes. I think that apple made its way safely to Earth!”

Derpy looks at the sigil nervously. “How will we know for sure?! I’d hate for you to materialize high up in the sky!”

Dinky nods. “Or underground!”

“I’ll have to verify it with Sunburst. Perhaps if we can track the energy signature, their scrying can show me the other side of this portal! With any luck we’ll be able to see both ends of the wormhole and whether or not something that goes through makes it there intact!”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief. “It would certainly be reassuring knowing that we could test this magic’s safety before you used it, Arc! I want to see Princess Celestia return safely as much as anypony else! But not if it means risking you in the process!”

“Don’t worry about a thing Derpy. I won’t be traveling through any transdimensional portals until I’m relatively sure it’s safe!”

Dinky looks to her father. “You’re not going alone though, right?! How about taking Miss Ember and Sereb?!”

Derpy nods! “That’s a good idea! There’s safety in numbers after all!”

“Agreed. To be honest with you, right now they’re working on a spell that will allow them to take on the guise of a human. “

“Good! How’s that coming along…”

Derpy is cut short by Ember and Sereb bursting through the door!

“ARC! We’ve done it!”

“Indeed.”

Derpy falls backwards off her chair. “Oh my Celestia!”

Arc quickly catches Derpy. “Haven’t you two ever heard of knocking?!”

“Apologies Miss Derpy.”

Ember talks excitedly! “Sereb figured it out!”

“Figured what out, Miss Ember?!”

“The human-making spell!”

Sereb looks over. “She means the Lifeform Transmogrification Spell.”

“Wait, what?!”

Sereb’s horn glows slightly. “I am now able to change one creature into another. Provided I can lock on to a nearby specimen.”

“Meaning…”

“We had a guard stand next to Ember. I locked onto him and cast the other half of the spell on her.”

Derpy looks at Ember, wide-eyed! “And she turned into a pony?!”

“Yes.”

Arc looks to her, suddenly confused! “Are you okay, Ember?! Perhaps we should take you to Ponyville Hospital to get checked out!”

“I’m fine, I’m fine! Fortunately, Sereb was able to cast the counter-spell after a few more minutes of reading!”

Sereb smiles. “From where I stood, it appeared you rather enjoyed the transformation, Ember.”

“I admit it was a rather… interesting experience to be sure! But it did give me a new perspective!”

“How so, Miss Ember?

“Walking on four legs is much different. There’s also the issue of the mane.”

Derpy looks confused. “The mane?

Sereb chuckles. “It kept getting in her eyes.”

Ember blushes slightly. “So, how’d you do on this end, Arc?”

“I… think I just sent an apple to Earth.”

Ember frowns. “I’m confused. Either you did or you didn’t. Which one is it?”

Arc sighs. “Yes, inasmuch that it vanished through the portal. I think it worked, as I can’t verify whether or not it got there safely.”

Derpy nods, a bit sadly. “I guess you three are well on your way to Earth then.”

Arc walks over to Derpy and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Derpy. I know you’re worried about something going wrong. But we’re going to make sure everything works perfectly before we attempt to use the portal.“

Ember nods! “You got that right! Don’t fret Derpy! I’ll keep him safe!”

Sereb nods. “So, what now?”

“We should probably report this to the princesses. Hopefully they’ll allow me to ask Sunburst for help.”

Derpy looks out the window at the setting sun. “If you’re going to Canterlot tonight you had better hurry! “

“Mom’s right! As busy as you were as the Lord Regent, I doubt they stay up too late.”

Arc walks toward the sigil in the corner of the room. “You’re both right. Ember, you and Sereb want to come?”

“Wouldn’t miss it!”

Sereb nods. “I will come as well.”

The three step onto the sigil. Arc turns to Derpy and Dinky.

“Don’t wait up for us you two! Get a good night’s rest! I’ll come home when I can!”

In a flash of light, they are gone. Dinky puts a small hoof on her mother’s fetlock.

“Dad’s got this! Princess Celestia is as good as rescued!”

“I know sweetie. While my mind tells me not to worry, my heart can’t help itself.”

Meanwhile… Arc, Sereb and Ember reappear on the sigil in his private room in Canterlot Castle. Ember looks around the room, confused.

“What are we doing here? I thought we were teleporting to the Audience Chamber.”

Arc walks quickly toward the door. “I’m not the Lord Regent right now, Ember. The whole castle isn’t mine anymore. Well, I guess it never was, but you two know what I mean!”

Sereb nods as the trio steps out into the hallway. “Indeed. It would be quite rude for us to just barge in on an audience like this. That is, assuming it was not so late in the day.”

Arc leads the group down the corridor. “Right! I also removed the sigil from the Audience Chamber a couple days before I abdicated.”

“Before you what?”

“Before I turned control of the country back over to the princesses, Ember”.

“Oh. Makes sense! So where are we headed?”

Arc grins! “My favorite room in the castle!”

Sereb looks confused. “Princess Celestia’s room?”

“Okay, my OTHER favorite room then!”

In a short time, they find themselves in front of the closed dining room doors. Ember facepalms.

“Why am I not surprised?”

“Hey! I couldn’t lead on an empty stomach!”

Sereb nods. “But didn’t Saffron return to Light’s Hope?”

Arc nods. “She did. I’ll have to ask her to make us another roast one of these days.”

Sereb drools slightly. “Mmmmm… “

Ember rolls her eyes. “You two are impossible!”

“Are we? I seem to recall you eating quite a bit of…”

Ember interrupts! “It’s just really good, okay!”

The Royal Guards part to allow Arc and company to pass. They enter the Dining Room to see Cadance and Luna enjoying a rather large chocolate cake. Luna nods to them as they enter.

“Arc! What a pleasant surprise! Would you and your friends care to join us?”

“Sounds great!”

The group sits down as an attendant serves everyone a slice of the decadent chocolate goodness. Cadance looks over to Arc.

“So, what brings you here this evening? Is something amiss?!”

“For once, no. But, might we speak in private?”

Luna nods. “Very well.”

She waves a hoof at the Royal Guards. They bow and leave the room. The doors close behind them as Luna turns back to Arc.

"Now then Arc. What did you wish to discuss with us?”

“We’ve made some progress on how to return to Earth.”

Cadance looks at him surprised. “Really?! That was fast! I thought you were going on a family vacation though.”

Ember munches away happily on her cake. “He did! Took his time too!”

Sereb nods. “We were about to send out a search party when he returned.”

“I was a day late returning due to a storm that popped up.”

Luna frowns. “A storm? There were no storms scheduled for this week as far as I’m aware.”

Arc looks to her confused. “Scheduled?”

Cadance nods. “In Equestria the pegasi control the weather.”

“Wait, what?! How?!”

Luna sighs. “Weather Magic. What do you think the Rainbow Factory is for?!”

Arc smiles and shrugs. “I dunno. Making sparkles, or something?”

Cadance laughs! “Not exactly!”

Luna shakes her head before continuing. “The factory makes clouds, which in turn are used to spread rain around the country. The pegasi that run it are also in charge of occasionally making more… extreme weather patterns.”

Arc nods. “Like storms?”

“Precisely.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin. “Come to think of it, wasn’t there quite a storm in Dodge Junction the day of…”

Luna’s neck snaps over to her companion! “CADANCE!”

“It’s okay Princess Luna. I… I’m coming to terms with that terrible event. So, if the weather is controlled, then I thank you for that.”

“For what?”

Arc sighs. “For the rain. It… somehow felt appropriate for the occasion.”

Cadance shakes her head. “I can’t take credit for that, Arc! It was as much a surprise to me as it was to the crew of the Lunar Destiny!”

Ember frowns. “Was it hard to fly through?”

“Captain Tight Ship ordered the ship to fly higher to avoid the storm, so we were all right.”

Sereb nods. “That is a relief.”

“I don’t understand. If you didn’t order that storm, then who did?”

Luna shrugs. “We will have to investigate this, Cadance! Somepony at the Rainbow Factory is taking certain liberties a bit too far!”

“Agreed.”

Arc nods. “Well, if you find out who did it, please go easy on them. No real harm was done after all.”

Luna nods. “We will take that into consideration. Now then, I hope no harm came to you or your family due to that errant weather pattern.”

“Um… not really, no. We… uh… had a bit of help though from someone who lives around the area.”

Cadance appears surprised. “Oh? I wasn’t aware there were any towns out there.”

Arc looks at her nervously. “There aren’t. At least not any that officially exist.”

Luna rolls her eyes. “Arc, you’re not making any sense! What are you trying to say?!”

“We… we found the ruins of a town. From the looks of it, no one has lived there in many years.”

“An abandoned town?!”

“Well, it’s not COMPLETELY abandoned. There is ONE resident. They allowed us to stay the night in their home.”

“Oh really? “

Arc nods soberly. “It was Tempest.”

Luna and Cadance stand up quickly! “TEMPEST!!!”

Ember calls forth her spear. “I still wish you would take me there, Arc! She and I have a date with destiny!”

“No Ember! There’s nothing to be gained from you two fighting! “

Sereb nods. “Arc is right, Ember. What would defeating her net you?”

“Peace of mind, maybe?!”

Arc puts his hands on Ember’s shoulders! “Ember! Calm down and listen to me! I’m not going to take you ANYWHERE like this!”

Ember looks him in the eye! “Alright! Then just tell me where it is and I’ll go there MYSELF!”

“No Ember! Now for the last time… calm DOWN!!!”

Arc’s reaction seems to instantly bring Ember back down to earth.

“A-Arc? What’s gotten into you?”

“I… I won’t lose another friend needlessly, okay?! “

Cadance steps back toward her seat. “Why don’t we all sit back down and let Arc finish his explanation?”

Luna nods. “A wise idea. Best to know all the facts before rushing in.”

Ember sits back down along with everyone else. A bit embarrassed. “Okay.”

“We ate supper, after which Derpy and Dinky went to bed.”

Sereb nods. “And you?”

“I… decided to stay up and chat for a bit with our hostess.”

Cadance shudders. “Very brave of you, Arc!”

“Foolhardy would be a better way to describe it, Princess Cadance.”

Ember frowns. “I don’t get it Arc! Why didn’t you just open a portal back to Light’s Hope?”

“For some reason magic doesn’t work there.”

Luna looks confused. “I’m sorry, what?!”

“It’s true. I was unable to cast any spells or even call forth my armor and spear!”

“How?!”

“No idea. She had me right where she wanted, but she didn’t attack.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Not at all?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We ate, we talked, we went to sleep. The next morning, we got up and found Tempest was gone. She left us a nice breakfast though!”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “How generous of her…”

Ember shakes her head. “This doesn’t make any sense! What did you SAY to her that night?!”

“She told me a number of things. For starters, she admitted to being part of a larger organization.”

Luna sighs. “Somehow that does not surprise me.”

“And she claims Captain Decimus is still alive.”

Cadance rolls her eyes. “Really?”

“I’m a bit skeptical on that as well. I mean, there wasn’t much left of him when I was done.”

Ember nods. “I can attest to that!”

Luna sighs. “Anything else?”

“She and I spoke of the village and how it came to be abandoned. She was just a filly at the time, but she claims one day she and her sister went out to play. When they returned to town, they found it empty!”

Cadance nods thoughtfully. “Would that have anything to do with magic being unusable there?”

“No. It was that way before the event.”

Luna considers the matter for a moment. “Fascinating! Should we send a team there to study this further?”

“I would not. Tempest has, so far, kept her promise to me and not hurt anyone else. However, I don’t think she would take kindly to someone walking around ‘her’ town.”

Ember frowns. “What about the missing villagers?!”

“I’m going to keep my eyes and ears open on that one. This happened years ago, so any clues to that event have long since been lost.”

“What was the town called?”

“Stableton, Princess Luna. Have you heard of it?”

Luna shakes her head. “I have not. However, much has changed since my banishment. I’ll have to consult the archives and see what there is to find in regards to this town.”

“Would you let me know what you find? Maybe I can help.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Like you don’t have enough to do right now?”

Sereb frowns. “If there is any chance at all that some of the innocent villagers yet live, we must try Ember.”

“I know that, Sereb. But with everything Arc has to do right now, can’t someone else handle this?!”

Arc nods. “Yes Ember. Someone else can go through the archives, gather all information on the subject, and report it to the princesses and I. But if anyone’s going back to Stableton, it’s going to have to be me.”

“Why?!”

“Because Tempest would probably kill anyone else.”

Luna nods. “Most likely.”

“We’ll send over copies of whatever we find. Now, didn’t you say earlier you wanted to talk about going back to Earth?”

“Yes, Princess Cadance. Sorry if I steered us a bit off course.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “A bit?”

Ember chuckles. “More like in the opposite direction!”

“Yes, well… I believe I may have figured out how to open a portal back to Earth!”

Luna nods. “But…?”

“As it stands, there’s no way of knowing if it’s stable enough to actually allow me to travel back there safely! I tested it with an apple, but…”

Cadance smiles. “How can we help?”

“I’d like to go over my findings with Sunburst. Princess Luna, I know you told me not to allow anyone else to read this book, but I don’t see any other way to double check my results.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “I understand. You may speak with Sunburst regarding this matter. But only him! I trust you have kept your word and not allowed others to read the pages of that particular tome.”

“I have. Research into this matter up until now has been done exclusively by me!”

“Good. If you would like, Sunburst is most likely still in his office. I’m sure he would like very much to speak with you about this matter.”

Arc stands up. “Thank you, princesses. I promise we won’t let you down! Come on you two! To Sunburst’s office!”

Ember nods! “Right behind you!”

Arc, Sereb and Ember quickly leave the room together!

Cadance turns to Luna. “Do you really think Arc can pull this off?”

“I do. In fact, I believe he may be the only one currently living who CAN save my sister!”

Cadance sighs. “I hope you’re right.”

“As do I.”

Preface - Volume 11 - Humans and Heroes

In our previous volume, Arc and his friends boarded the Lunar Destiny to bring Cherry Jubilee to her hometown for a proper burial. Arc stays by Cherry’s casket for the duration on the journey. As they arrive at Cherry Hill Ranch, he heads to the farmhouse to face Ruby. Finding her upstairs, she lunges at him, knocking the pair down the stairs! Landing, Ruby continues her assault for a time before collapsing onto Arc’s chest in tears! Apologizing for her actions, she leads him upstairs to show him Cherry’s room. Ruby admits to suicidal thoughts and reveals her father’s rope, which has been tied into a noose! Staying with the repentant sister, Arc and Ruby fall asleep in the living room in front of the fire.

The next morning Arc escorts Ruby to the Lunar Destiny. Entering his quarters, Ruby and Arc spend some time with Cherry before his squad arrives to carry her to the chapel. Then entire town comes out to support Ruby in her time of need. During the service many come forward to tell their stories of how Cherry helped them over the years. Ruby is the last to speak, inviting Arc to join her. After the service, Cherry’s casket is put back on the wagon for a final trip back to Cherry Hill Ranch. Arc and Ruby follow the wagon to their small family plot at the ranch. Setting the casket next to the freshly dug hole, the others return to the Lunar Destiny and take off as the rainclouds move in and open up. Arc and Ruby say their final goodbyes and the casket is lowered into the earth. As Arc uses his magic to push the dirt into the hole, Ruby collapses into the mud, sobbing. He picks her up and carries her back to the farmhouse as the thunder and lightning begins.

Taking Ruby into the bathroom, he lies her down in the shower and washes the mud off her dress. Removing it, he continues to clean her mane and coat before toweling her off and bringing her back to the fireplace. After showering himself, he brushes her mane in an effort to make her more presentable. Cooking her some soup, Arc feeds Ruby, after which she promptly throws up. Feeling her forehead, Arc finds her feverish. After giving her some medicine, she falls asleep, as does Arc. As he dreams, Arc finds he is a child again! Running and playing with a filly Chery Jubilee! They spend the day together! As night falls and the stars come out, Cherry and Arc return to their normal forms. They say their final goodbyes and exchange a passionate kiss before Cherry leaves to walk toward the Light.

Twilight awakens to Auriel’s voice. The demon scientist informs her she has found a way to extract the magic essence from the strange fruit that was sent to them. Demonstrating her invention, the Plant Elemental Essence Liberator, Auriel show her friend the fruits (no pun intended) of her labor before retiring for the night. As she does, Twilight begins her own experiments with the device. Arc, Derpy and Dinky trudge through the woods toward the Winsome Falls. They camp for the night.

The next morning, they rise early and continue their trek. Reaching the Winsome Falls, they spend the day playing before making camp for the night. As they sleep, the group shares a dream in which they can hear crying. Waking, Arc leaps out of the tent and looks around. Seeing and hearing nothing, they attempt to sleep again. The next morning, Arc and his family pack up the camp site and head into the woods in an effort to find the source of the nocturnal cries. Following an old road, they come to an abandoned village… and find Tempest!

As Tempest calls forth Light’s Bane, Arc attempts to summon his own weapons and armor, but fails. She informs him that magic does not work in the area as Arc motions for Derpy and Dinky to get behind him. After a few minutes of verbal sparring, Tempest calls a truce and invited the group into her home. They reluctantly agree, as a storm is moving in. She invites them to spend the night. After Derpy and Dinky retire for the evening, Tempest tells Arc the tragic story of her town and its inhabitants.

The next morning Arc and his family awaken to breakfast on the table, but no Tempest. After eating, they quickly do the dishes and head back to the Winsome Falls. His magic back, Arc opens a portal back to Light’s Hope. They find a search and rescue party gathering in the Main Hall lead by Flash Sentry and Ember. After getting cleaned up, Ember and Sereb escort Arc to his therapist session with Emerald Dream. Returning home, Arc announces to everyone the time to formulate a plan to rescue Princess Celestia has come.

Ember and Sereb head to the Golden Oaks Library in hopes of finding a spell that will allow them to appear as humans. Arc reads the book given to him by Princess Luna in an attempt to learn how to cross the transdimensional barrier between Earth and Equestria. With Dinky’s help, he learns the sigil in the book is actually a mirror image of the proper one. Casting it, he is successful in opening a stable portal. Ember and Sereb return, having learned how to cast the Lifeform Transmogrification spell. Heading to Canterlot Castle, Arc and his friends meet with the princesses in the dining room. Bringing them up to speed on his adventures and progress, he asks for permission to enlist the aid of Sunburst in returning to Earth.

Two weeks later, Arc heads to Princess Celestia’s room where the Spatial Particle Emission Arc Redirector is being built by Sunburst. The princesses and Arc speak with him on his progress. Having little to do for the day, Arc takes Dinky, Derpy, Ember and Sereb to Cherry Hill Ranch for a say trip. They spend the day baking and playing games with Ruby before returning to Derpy’s house via sigil for supper, with Ruby in tow. After eating and washing the dishes, Arc suggests they go into town for dessert. As they approach Sugar Cube Corner, Dinky finds the entire town out front for her surprise birthday party! The following morning, Arc, Ember, Derpy, Dinky, Sereb and the Mane 6 head for Princess Celestia’s room to see Arc off. After saying his goodbyes, Sunburst powers up the device. A portal forms on the platform, and Arc steps through. Before anyone can stop her, Dinky charges after her father through the portal as it closes. Arc awakens in his old backyard and looks around happily. A few moments later, he hears a small moan behind him. Seeing Dinky lying on the ground naked, he runs over to her and covers her. Picking her up, they look at the sunrise together and father and daughter.

Will Arc be able to keep it together without Cherry? And how will Ruby and Cherry Hill Ranch go on? What of the townsponies who disappeared so long ago from Stableton? How will Dinky adapt to life on Earth? And most importantly… where is Princess Celestia?!

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Alone... Together

Arc looks away from the sunrise and back at his daughter momentarily before heading for his back door.

“Why don’t we get you inside?”

Dinky nods and shivers slightly. “Y-yeah dad. It’s colder here than it was in Equestria!”

Arc sets Dinky down in a deck chair before kneeling down to fiddle with the nearby decorative stones.

“No Dinky. It’s about the same.”

“Really? Then why am I so cold?!”

“No fur, no mane and no clothes.”

Dinky sighs. “I guess that makes sense. What are you doing over they anyway?”

“I remember leaving one here somewhere. Aha! Found it!”

Arc picks up a spare key from under a stone and quickly walks over to the back door. He unlocks it and puts the key in his pocket. Opening the door wide, he carries Dinky inside. Walking into the living room he sets he down on the couch along with his bag from Sunburst.

“Here we are. Home sweet home.”

Dinky clutches the coat tightly to her body. “It’s just as cold in here as it was out there!”

Arc closes the back door and runs upstairs. “I know. The heat is off. Be right back!”

He returns a minute later with a heavy blanket.

“There you go! “That should help a bit.”

Dinky smiles up at him. “Thanks dad! That’s much better!”

Arc turns to a panel on the wall and presses a few buttons. “Now let’s see about getting this place warmed up."

Dinky looks at the fireplace. “Aren’t you going to get a fire going?”

He shakes his head. “That would only warm up this one room. The furnace will heat the entire house.”

“Furnace?”

“It’s kinda like a big fireplace in the basement that’s connected to all the rooms.”

Dinky looks at him, confused. “Um… okay.”

There is a slight hum as the furnace comes to life.

“That should warm things up in here. Now I should see if I can contact Sunburst in Canterlot. Let him and Derpy know that we made it here safely.”

Dinky looks nervous. “Mom’s going to be mad at me, isn’t she?”

“Probably. I’m not exactly happy with what you did either! However, what’s done is done.”

He touches his earring

“Arc to Canterlot. Come in please.”

Silence.

“Arc to Sunburst. Please respond.”

Again, silence.

“Can anyone out there hear me?”

Dinky looks at her father, a worried look on her face! “Dad? What’s going on?”

“I can’t get in touch with Canterlot. Not sure if my radio is malfunctioning or if it’s some kind of interference.”

She looks to him, wide eyed! “Are we… are we stuck here?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so, sweetheart. The return pad is on the couch. Not to mention they could use the Crystal Mirror to open a portal back to Equestria for us if the need arose.”

“What if they can’t though! What if something went wrong and there’s no way back?!”

He sits down next to Dinky on the couch, puts an arm around her and holds her close.

“Then I’ll raise you here as my human daughter. Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t abandon you!”

Dinky nods as she rests her little head against Arc’s shoulder. The fear leaving her voice.

“Thanks dad. I know I’ll be safe with you.”

Arc nods and stands back up. He heads toward the stairs. “Good. I’ll see if I can contact them later. Now let me see if I can find some of my old clothes in the attic.”

Dinky nods and snuggles up to the blanket. “Okay dad!”

Arc rummages around in the attic for quite some time before he locates the boxes. Opening them, he pulls out a shirt and pants.

“Here we go! These look like they might just fit Dinky.”

Arc puts the clothes in a bag along with a few other things and makes his way back downstairs. He finds Dinky attempting to sit like a pony on her ‘haunches’. The blanket and coat are lying next to her on the couch. Dinky looks over to her father as he enters the room.

“You were right, dad! That furnace-thing really warmed up this room! I was getting hot, so I decided to lose the covers. I hope that was okay.”

Arc sighs as he walks over to his daughter and sets the bag down next to her. He pulls out a pair of pants and helps her put them on.

“No Dinky, it’s not okay. When you’re here on Earth, you have to cover yourself!”

“I’m sorry dad. I just don’t understand why!”

“You’ll get used to it sweetheart. Now these are called pants. They keep the lower half of your body warm and cover up your no-no parts. Usually you wear panties under them, but we don’t have any your size.

Dinky makes a face. “They feel kinda… rough.”

“These are actually boy’s clothes that I wore as a child. Don’t worry! I’ll buy you something a little nicer when we have time, along with some girl’s undergarments.”

He then pulls out a long sleeve shirt and pulls it over Dinky’s head.

“This is a shirt. It keeps the upper half of your body warm.”

Dinky squirms slightly. “It makes me feel kinda trapped! Like that dress I wore to the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“I know, but how does it feel?”

“Okay, I guess. My back hooves are cold though.”

“Those are called feet. I have something here that might help that.”

Arc kneels down and slips a pair of socks on Dinky’s cute little feet.

“That’s much better!”

“These are socks. They keep your feet and toes warm.”

Dinky wiggles her toes! “I kinda like these! Am I properly dressed now?”

“Yes. Now you’re decent.”

“What should we do now?”

Arc stands up. “Well, first things first. I need to teach you how to walk.”

Dinky narrows her eyes. “Um, dad? I know how to walk.”

“Do you now? Let’s see.”

Dinky moves to stand up but immediately finds herself on the hard wood floor!

“What happened?!”

Arc takes Dinky’s hands and slowly helps her stand up.

“You’ve never walked on two feet before. Let me help you.”

Dinky looks down at her feet shakily! “I’m so high up!”

“Humans are taller than ponies. We’ll have to work on your balance.”

The pair practice for over an hour on balance. Dinky walks toward Arc slowly.

“I think I’m getting the hang of this!”

Arc nods and holds his arms out to Dinky from across the room. “Good! Come on honey! You can do it! Walk to daddy!”

Dinky giggles! “Okay! I’ll try!”

Slowly but surely Dinky makes her way to Arc. At the end she stumbles, but he is able to catch her before she hits the floor.

“Thanks dad.”

Arc helps steady her. “That’s what I’m here for sweetheart. Want to rest?”

“Just a short one! I can do this! I know I can!”

He helps her to the couch. Suddenly his earring chirps!

“Dad! Was that what I think it was?!”

“I think so!”

Arc touches his earring.

“This is Arc. Do you read me?”

There is a brief silence followed by static.

“…read…? Come… please!”

“Arc here. You’re breaking up. Repeat please.”

Static filled noise is all that can be heard. Dinky points to the bag sitting next to her on the couch.

“What about opening a portal back to Equestria?”

“Good idea! It may not be safe for us to travel through right now. But maybe it would help us get a signal through!”

He picks up the bag and removes the device. He sets it on the floor carefully as he kneels down next to it and touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst. If you can hear me, we’re going to open a portal back to Equestria in hopes of sending you a stronger transmission.”

Pressing the button on the device, Arc steps back. It begins to hum. A few moments later a portal begins to form. Arc’s earring chirps again! Sunburst’s voice can be heard, yelling!

“Sunburst to Arc! Do not go through the portal! I Repeat! Do NOT go through the portal!”

“Arc here. Do you read me, Sunburst?”

“I do! Please do not attempt to use the portal!“

“I copy that. We we’re hoping the portal could carry a signal back to you. Before that all we got was static from your end. How’s the reception over there?”

“Reading you loud and clear! Did you make it there safely?!”

Arc sits back down on the couch next to his daughter. “Yes. The trip was very rough, but Dinky and I are fine!”

The sounds of cheering can be heard from the other side of the line!

“There’s somepony who would like to talk to you. I’ll put her on now.”

After a brief silence Derpy’s voice comes over the radio.

“ARC! Please tell me you two are okay!”

“Yes Derpy. Dinky is sitting here next to me. Would you like to say hello?”

“Please!”

Arc clips the earring on Dinky’s small ear.

“Your mother wants a word with you. Say hello, Dinky.”

Dinky sighs nervously. “Hi mom. Sorry for what I did back there. I… I just really wanted to stay with dad!”

Arc cannot hear Derpy’s response. But he does hear quite a bit of crying!

Dinky nods as a tear rolls down her cheek. “I’m really sorry for making you worry. Yes, I’ll be good for dad and do what he says. I promise.”

She removes the earring and passes it back to her father.

“It’s me again.”

“Standby Arc. I think I can put you on the speaker.”

After a few moments the connection is reestablished. Twilight’s voice is heard first.

“Can he hear us?!”

“Yes. Go ahead.”

Ember leans over to the speaker. “Arc! Where are you?!”

“Inside my old house back on Earth. We’re warm and safe!”

Twilight sits down heavily! “That’s a relief! “

“Sunburst, I have a bit of good news for you. Your sigil worked! When we I woke up, I found that Dinky had been turned into a human!”

Fluttershy’s eyes grow wide! “Oh my! Did it hurt her?!”

Arc shakes his head. “She doesn’t appear to be in any pain. I got some of my old clothes out of the attic and got her dressed. We were working on teaching her to walk on two feet when you called.”

Derpy smiles! “How’s she doing on that?!”

“Just fine! By the end of the day I think she’ll be walking just like a human!”

Derpy nods and responds in a shaky voice. “Um Arc? This is really hard to ask, but… is she… normal looking? For a human, I mean!”

“Yes Derpy. She’s a beautiful little girl! I wish you could see her now!”

“So do I. Could I… come over there now?”

“Sunburst should probably work on tuning the machine a bit more before anyone else tries to come here. On the way we both lost consciousness. I don’t mind waking up with my face in the dirt, but someone else could get hurt!”

Sunburst nods. “That and this portal’s window has closed. I’ll get to work analyzing the data from your trip, sir! The next ride should be much smoother.”

Arc nods. “Good. Have you figured out how long until we can safely return?”

“Yes. The cosmic energy will be most closely aligned in roughly one week. You’ll have to contact me a day or so beforehoof to give you a more detailed time of portal stability.”

“I’ll do that. “

“Remember sir, you CAN return at any time. However, it is risky!”

Arc frowns. “Define ‘risky’?”

Twilight looks at the speaker nervously. “You could get caught between dimensions!”

“Okay! Let’s not do that then!”

Sunburst nods excitedly! “I’ll keep working on calibration on this end! The more times living beings go through, the more data I’ll gather on stability, abnormalities and transdimensional rifts. In time I may be able to eliminate the risks associated with wormhole travel completely!”

Luna shakes her head. “I’m glad to see you’re enjoying this, Sunburst.”

Applejack looks at the speaker angrily! “Arc, I don’t care how valuable this data is! I want you and Sunburst to do this as safely as possible!”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

He looks over to Dinky sitting on the couch next to him.

“After all, I have plenty of reasons to keep living. Keep at it, Sunburst! Oh! Is there any way for Derpy to contact me? Like a transceiver of some kind?”

Cadance shakes her head. “I’m sorry Arc, but this technology is very new and the components are VERY rare and costly. The time and resources needed to make your earring were astronomical!“

Rarity giggles. “Please, your highness! It can’t have been THAT much!”

Luna frowns. “It was over a hundred thousand bits for that ONE earring!”

Pinkie’s jaw the floor! “WOWIE! That’s a lot of cupcakes!!!”

“I wish you hadn’t told me that. Now I’m nervous wearing this thing!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes are wide! “That’s a lot of money just to be able to talk!”

Auriel nods. “True. But if you were in another world, wouldn’t it be quite a comfort to be able to call home?”

Fluttershy smiles. “That does make sense.”

Cadance walks over to the speaker. “Believe me, Arc. It was worth every bit! Sunburst assures us it’s made of the best materials money can buy.”

“Indeed! For all intents and purposes, it’s indestructible! Now I don’t mean to cut this conversation short, but you should shut down the recall unit soon. It isn’t designed to operate for this long! I’ll get to work on a way to communicate with you without having to keep a portal open like this.”

“Alright. Goodbye everyone!”

Dinky leans in close to her father. “BYE MOM! I’LL SEE YOU SOON!”

Arc puts his hand over his ear as he severs the connection. “Ow! Dinky!”

“Opps! Sorry dad!”

He gets up and approaches the recall unit. “It’s okay sweetheart. Just remember that’s my ear you’re yelling into.”

“I’ll remember next time!”

Arc turns off the device. “Good. OW! That thing’s hot!”

“I guess it’s a good thing you turned it off then!”

Arc rubs his hand. “Yeah! I’d hate to burn my house down!”

“So… what now?”

“Try standing up.”

Dinky does so shakily.

“Can you walk to me?”

She makes slow but deliberate steps toward Arc.

“It’s definitely getting easier to do this!”

Arc holds out a hand to Dinky. “Good! That’s the way! Practice makes perfect!”

After another hour of walking, Dinky is able to do so without stumbling.

“I think you’ve got it, sweetheart!”

“Can I try running, dad?!”

“Not in the house, dear!”

“Awww…”

Dinky sits back down on the couch.

“Dad, I think there’s something wrong with my feet!”

Arc sits down next to her. “Oh?”

“They’re kinda sore!”

Arc pulls Dinky’s socks off and gently massages her small feet. “Human have to take special care of their feet. They’re softer than hooves, after all!”

“How?”

He pulls a small pair of shoes out of the bag. “Well for starters, if you’re going to walk for an extended period of time, or go outside, you need to put these on.”

“Are those boots, dad?”

“No sweetheart. They’re shoes.”

Dinky looks confused. “What’s the difference?”

Arc stands back up. “Boots are much thicker and protect your feet. They also grip the ground better.”

“Can I have some boots too?!”

“Tomorrow we’ll get you a pair of boots for when the weather turns colder. But for now, I have a few things I need to do around the house.”

“Like what?”

“Well, no one has lived here in over a year. I need to do quite a bit of cleaning.”

Dinky stands up! “Can I help?!”

Arc laughs! “I was hoping you would volunteer! This will give you a chance to practice walking and using your hands.”

“Where should we start?!”

“How about the kitchen?”

Dinky follows her father slowly. “Okay!”

Arc takes a clean dish towel off a rack and dusts off the stove. “Do you think you could put the clean dishes away, sweetheart?“

She nods and slowly walks over to the dishrack. “Okay!”

“Thank goodness I did the dishes before my impromptu trip to Equestria! Otherwise this place would have smelled horrible!”

Arc turns around to wet the rag at the sink. He sees Dinky focusing very hard on the dishes.

“Dinky? What are you doing?”

She looks up at him, confused. “Trying to pick up the dishes.”

“Is your magic not working?”

Dinky sighs. “I guess not.”

“You’ll have to use your hands like every other human then.”

She nods and slowly begins to put away the dishes by hand while Arc wipes down the kitchen table. He then pulls out the bag from the trash can.

“Good thing there wasn’t any food in here!”

Dinky walks over to the refrigerator. “Speaking of food, I’m kinda hungry dad.”

“Now that you mention it, so am I! Although I’m afraid nothing in the fridge is edible by now.”

Dinky steps back cautiously! “I didn’t think of that! What do we do?!”

“There’s only one thing to do, I guess.”

Arc walks over to the wall phone and dials a number.

“If all else fails, order pizza.”

Dinky puts her hands in the air and smiles! “YAY!”

About half an hour later the pair sit down to their first meal together on Earth.

“That’s the stuff!”

Dinky stuffs her tiny face with a pizza of her own! “I’ll say! What did you call this pizza again, dad?”

“Veggie lovers. I thought you might like to try something new.”

Dinky nods as she munches away happily! “Are there other kinds of pizza?”

“Yes. But a lot of the other kinds have meat on them. Now that you’re a human you can certainly digest such things! However, I thought it was a bit early for something like that.”

She looks a bit green as she stops chewing and looks down at her pizza. “There isn’t any meat on this, is there?”

“No sweetheart.”

Dinky goes back to eating. “Good! What are we going to do after we eat?”

“Finish cleaning the house. That and I need to do a bit of a walk-around to make sure everything is still intact. Leaving a house empty this long makes for a bit of a cleanup at the very least. I was afraid to come back to something terrible like a tree through my roof!”

“I’ll help!”

The pair finish their meal and go room to room. Arc stops in front of the last room. He takes a deep breath as he slowly reaches for the doorknob.

“Okay. Only one room left.”

“Dad? Is something bothering you? You’re acting really strange.”

Arc smiles nervously at his daughter. “I… it’s just… I haven’t been in this room in… a very, very long time.”

He turns the knob and the pair walk into the master bedroom. There isn’t a thing out of place. Dinky looks around.

“This is a nice room, dad!”

“Yes, it is. This was my parents’ room a long time ago.”

He walks over to a picture frame on the dresser and picks it up before sitting down on the bed. Dinky sits down next to him as Arc stares at the photo.

“I haven’t seen this in so long!”

“What is it?”

He turns the frame toward her. “Have a look.”

The picture depicts a young man dressed in a suit and a young woman in a long flowing white dress. They are both smiling.

“These are your grandparents, Dinky. This picture was taken at their wedding many years ago.”

“They look so happy!”

Arc sighs. “They were.”

“What happened to change that?”

Arc takes the picture back. "Things were great until my father disappeared. Then my mom went downhill."

Dinky nods soberly. “I remember you telling me about that.”

“One decision… one choice and everything unraveled.”

“Do you miss them?”

Arc sighs. “I… I don’t know. My mom… at least my old mom from my childhood when we were still a family, her I miss.”

“And your dad?”

“That’s… complicated. I do hope he’s still alive and well out there somewhere!”

Dinky looks hopeful. “Maybe he’ll come back!”

Arc looks to Dinky and smiles sadly. “Well, he hasn’t so far. If we were to meet again… I don’t know what I’d do! I mean, I do want to know where he’s been and why he felt it was so much more important than mom and I!”

Dinky suddenly looks nervous. “You don’t hate him, do you?”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding. “No Dinky. But… to be abandoned like mom and I were… it’s not something one can just move past easily.”

Dinky puts a small hand on her father’s arm and looks up at him with a smile. “If he’s anything like you are dad, I’m sure it must have been something REALLY important!”

“I hope so, sweetheart. Although I sometimes fear that it was something… less than heroic.”

“Like what?”

“Well, the military sent him all over the world. Doing what, I have no idea! I kinda worry that maybe he met someone else. Decided to settle down there and start a new family!“

“What makes you think that?!”

Arc shrugs. “Why else wouldn’t he have come back by now? The only two reasons are either he has another family somewhere or he’s dead!”

He sighs again.

“If you did that to mom and I, dad… I’d want to know the truth!”

Arc puts his arm around Dinky. “That’s all I want too sweetheart. But know this… unlike my own father, I will never abandon you or your mother. I promise!”

Dinky puts her arms around her father’s midsection. “Thanks dad! I know you wouldn’t!”

The two sit there for a time before breaking off the embrace and standing up. They leave the room as Arc closes the door behind them. Making their way back toward the couch, Dinky turns to her father.

“Did you see anything wrong outside, dad?”

Arc shakes his head as the pair sit down on the couch together. “A couple missing shingles is all I saw. I’ll have to get up there in the next day or so and nail them back down.”

“Hopefully it doesn’t rain before then!”

Arc picks up the remote from the end table next to him. “One way to find out.”

He pushes the power button. A few moments later the television turns on. Dinky jumps off the couch and does her best to run into the kitchen! She peeks out from the doorway.

“What in Celestia’s name is THAT?!”

“Sorry about that sweetheart. I forgot you’ve never seen a TV before.”

Dinky walks cautiously back to her father. “TV?”

Arc gestures to the large black rectangle on the wall. “This is called a television, or TV for short.”

Dinky sits down on the couch next to her father and looks at the figures on the screen nervously! “Can… can they see us?!”

Arc chuckles. “No sweetheart. This is how humans broadcast messages and entertainment to each other. Think of it kinda like a really advanced radio.”

“Incredible! “

He pushes a button to bring up the Weather Channel.

“This is what I turned the TV on for. What you see here is a channel that’s dedicated to reporting what kind of weather is coming. You see, on Earth the weather is a force of nature. Not something that can be controlled like in Equestria.”

Dinky looks skeptical. “How do they know what’s coming?”

“Satellites mostly. That and I’m guessing intuition plays a bit of a role in it.”

In short order the five-day forecast comes on.

“Looks like were safe for a couple days anyways. I’ll take care of the roof tomorrow after we get back from the store.”

“Groceries, dad?”

Arc nods. “That and I need to take you clothes shopping. You can’t keep walking around in my old clothes.”

“I’m not too concerned with how I look now, dad. Before we know it, we’ll be headed back home!”

“Yeah, about that. Your mother says your grounded when we get back.”

Dinky sighs. “I kinda figured that.”

Arc stands up quickly and heads toward the phone. “What am I saying?! We can’t go anywhere as it stands!”

Dinky looks over at her father with a puzzled expression on her face. “Why not, dad?”

Arc picks up the receiver. “The store is too far for us to walk to, so we’ll need transportation! My Jeep’s been sitting in the garage for over a year now! I’m going to call a tow truck and have them take it over to the repair shop. They’ll go over it with a fine-tooth comb and get it running properly!”

“Jeep? Tow-truck? Repair shop?”

Arc holds up a hand for silence as the wrecker company rep picks up. A few minutes later he puts down the receiver and turns back to Dinky.

“Someone will be over to pick it up in about a half hour.”

He looks up at the clock and picks up the phone again.

“I better call the shop and let them know it’s coming.”

A few minutes later Arc hangs up the phone again.

“They think it will be done by tomorrow mid-morning.”

“Is that good?”

“I suppose it is. It’s sooner than I thought anyways. But in any case, are you hungry?”

Dinky puts her small hands on her tummy. “I am.”

Arc walks over to the refrigerator as Dinky follows him. “Sorry if it seems a bit redundant, but all we have is leftover pizza. I had to throw out everything else!”

“It’s okay dad. I understand.”

Dinky pulls out two plates as Arc removes the pizza box from the refrigerator. The pair eat the cold pizza and watch TV together. Dinky points at the screen and laughs!

“This is great dad! What do you call these again?!”

“Cartoons. Human children love them!”

“I can see why!”

The sun slowly sets. Arc turns on a couple lamps to illuminate the room. After a while Dinky begins to yawn. He turns off the TV.

“We should probably get to bed now, Dinky. Busy day tomorrow.”

“Awww…”

The pair make their way to the bathroom and brush their teeth. Arc returns to the attic and brings Dinky some more clothes. He hands her a rather baggy t-shirt and shorts.

“Why don’t you change into these, sweetheart?”

Dinky looks at the clothes, confused. “What’s the matter with what I’m wearing?”

“They wouldn’t be very comfortable to sleep in.”

“If you say so dad.”

Dinky heads to the bathroom to change as Arc puts on his own pajamas in his room before meeting her in the hall.

“I’ve rather missed these. While I could have asked Rarity to make me something, somehow, I never really got around to it.”

Arc leads Dinky down the hall to the guest room. He turns on the lights and pulls back the covers.

“You can sleep here, sweetheart.”

“Th-thanks dad.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah! Fine!”

Arc smiles as he tucks Dinky in and kisses her forehead. “Goodnight sweetheart. I’m just down the hall if you need anything.”

Dinky rolls over and closes her eyes. “Goodnight.”

Arc turns off the light and closes the door softly before making his way back to his own room. He sighs contentedly as he stares up at the familiar ceiling.

“It feels good to be back after all this time.”

A short time later there is a knock at the bedroom door. Dinky peeks in.

“Dad?”

Arc sits up. “Dinky? Is everything okay?”

“I uh… I’m kinda lonely in there. Would it be okay if I slept in here with you?”

“Sure Dinky.”

Dinky grins as she lays down next to her father and snuggles up next to him. “Thanks dad.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I know this must be a lot to get used to. But I’ll be with you the whole time!

“I know, dad. Good night!”

Arc puts an arm around her. “Good night, Dinky.”

The pair fall asleep together and sleep peacefully through the night.

Chapter 2 - Passing the Time

Arc and Dinky awaken the next morning. The sun is already up. He sits up slowly as Dinky opens her eyes.

“This is a change.”

Dinky rubs her eyes. “What is, dad?”

“We’re usually up with the birds!”

She yawns and stretches. “I guess we were more tired than we thought.”

Arc sits up. “I suppose we were, sweetheart.”

Dinky stands up and stretches. She suddenly falls to the floor!

“WOAH!”

Looking over the side of the bed at Dinky. “You okay down there?”

“Y-yeah dad. I just feel a little dizzy.”

Arc nods. “All of us humans feel that way when we first get up. It’ll pass in a few moments.”

Dinky slowly stands up. “What causes it?!”

“I dunno. Humans fall over easier though, being so tall and walking on only two legs. Feeling better now?”

“Yes. It’s passed now. Although I do feel a bit… I don’t know… dirty.”

Arc nods. “Humans sweat more than ponies methinks. How about you take a shower?”

Dinky sniffs herself and makes a face. “Good idea. I don’t like the way I smell right now.”

“You can use the main bathroom and I’ll use the guest room’s bathroom.”

As the pair leave the bedroom Dinky turns to her father. “This house has more than one bathroom?”

Arc nods. “It has three in total.”

“Do we live in a mansion, dad?!”

“Not really. Human houses usually need more than one bathroom though, as some of us take quite a while to clean up and make ourselves look presentable.”

They enter the bathroom together. Arc walks toward the shower and turns on the water.

“Let me show you how to get the water temperature set so you can…”

He glances over at the toilet and notices the seat is wet.

“Um Dinky? Did you have an accident last night?”

“An accident?”

Arc points to the toilet. “You didn’t quite make it to the bathroom in time, huh?”

Dinky face turns red. “Um… not exactly. I was too embarrassed to say anything, but yesterday after supper when I used the toilet… um… everything came out… funny, I guess. Sorry dad.”

He picks up some toilet paper and dries the seat. “It’s okay sweetheart.”

Dinky watches her father wipe up the mess and sighs. “I guess I should have cleaned up after myself, huh?”

Arc follows up with some toilet cleaner. “In the future that would be nice, yes. I forgive you though.”

He steps back and looks to Dinky.

“I think I know what happened though. Would you please show me how you sit on the toilet? Just keep your shorts on, okay?”

Dinky walks toward the toilet, confused. “Okay dad.”

She crouches down on the toilet seat, like Arc assumes a pony would, with her feet on the seat along with her hands.

“Um, Dinky? That’s not how a human does it. Let me show you.”

Dinky stands up and Arc walks over to the toilet and sits down.

“You sit like you would on a normal chair. After pulling down your pants, of course. Do your business, wipe and then wash your hands. Any questions? “

Dinky nods her head with a pained look on her face. “Yeah dad! Can I go to the bathroom now?! The water…”

Arc walks quickly out of the room and closes the door behind him. “Say no more! Go ahead!”

Dinky sits down on the toilet and does her business. She calls out through the door to her father. “This feels much better! Thanks dad!”

Arc nods as he calls out. “I’ll get you some clean clothes. Are you okay in there?”

“I’m fine!”

“You get in the shower and get cleaned up. I’ll toss some fresh clothes in there in a few minutes. Just be careful not to slip!”

Dinky taking her clothes off and carefully steps into the shower. “Okay dad! Thanks!”

Arc makes his way back to the attic and grabs some more clothes for Dinky. He then returns to the bathroom and, opening the door partway, tosses the clothes inside. Shutting the door behind him, he mutters to himself.

“I guess I had better take a shower too.”

He grabs some fresh clothes for himself and heads to guest room’s bathroom. Arc turns on the water and steps into the shower.

“I hope Dinky won’t be too scared seeing other humans for the first time.”

Arc finishes, dries off, puts on his clothes and steps out of the room. He hears the phone ringing down the hall.

“Hello? Ah, good! Glad it wasn’t anything serious. Can you have your tow truck bring it back please? I’m kinda stuck at home for the moment.”

Dinky walks up to Arc, freshly bathed as he talks on the phone.

“Thank you very much. See you in a bit.”

Arc hangs up the phone and turns to his daughter.

“What was that about, dad?”

“My Jeep’s fixed. They’re towing it back here now.”

“What was wrong with it?”

“Nothing too serious. They put in a new battery, filled it up with new fuel, checked the brakes, replaced the belts and ran it around a bit to clear out the cobwebs. It’s running like a top, or so they say.”

“I’m still kinda confused as to what a Jeep is, dad.”

Arc chuckles. “You have to see it to understand. Don’t worry, they’ll be here in about an hour.”

“What do we do until then?”

“Do you want to watch some more cartoons?”

Dinky throws her hands up excitedly! “YEAH!”

She runs over to the couch and picks up the remote as Arc follows her.

“How do I turn it on?!”

“The red ‘power’ button on the upper left.”

Dinky presses the button and the TV turns on. She sits on the floor and laughs at the characters on the screen! Arc leaves the room and returns a few minutes later with a hairbrush and a small sweatshirt. He sits down on the couch behind her and begins to brush her long hair.

“You forgot to brush your hair, sweetheart. We don’t want everyone thinking you just rolled out of bed now.”

“Sorry dad.”

The pair watch TV together for a time before there is the sound of heavy machinery outside. Dinky hides under the blanket on the couch as she peeks out nervously!

“Dad! What’s that sound?!”

Arc puts on his boots. “Must be the tow truck unloading the Jeep. I’ll go out there and take care of things. You stay here.”

Dinky covers her face with the blanket. “O-okay!”

Arc walks outside as the tow truck lowers his vehicle onto the driveway. The mechanic turns to Arc.

“Here okay?”

“Yup! I’m heading out soon. Thanks for bringing it back.”

He pulls some papers out of his pocket. “No problem. Sign here please.”

Arc signs for it and hands over a check. The mechanic starts the Jeep.

“Thanks. Now you’re going to want to do a fair bit of driving to keep the battery and fuel from going bad again. Take it out on the highway if you can to finish cleaning things out.”

“I will. Thanks again!”

Arc walks inside the house as the mechanic drives away. He returns to the living room and Dinky.

“Ready to go.

“Go where?”

“We should probably start with breakfast. Are you hungry, sweetheart?”

“Starved!”

Arc walks over to the back door with Dinky. “There’s a little diner nearby that I used to go to for breakfast. Want to check it out?”

Dinky nods nervously. “Okay.”

Arc hands Dinky an old coat from the attic. She puts it on as they step out the back door and walk out the gate to the driveway. Arc points to his Jeep.

“There she is. It’s not the prettiest on the road, but it’s reliable.”

Dinky looks confused. “How does this thing work?!”

“I’ll show you.”

Arc opens the passenger door for Dinky. She climbs in as Arc walks around to the driver side. As they both close their doors Arc reaches over and puts Dinky’s seatbelt on before doing the same for himself.

“Always put your seatbelt on when you get in a car, Dinky.”

Dinky nods. “Okay! But can you turn on the furnace? It’s cold in here!”

Arc turns on the heat. “There you go, sweetheart. Better?”

She puts her small hands in front of the vent. “Much!”

“Okay. Here we go.”

Arc puts the Jeep in gear and slowly pulls out of the driveway. Dinky’s eyes grow wide as they begin to move.

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

“It’s a combustion engine. Think of it kinda like a mechanical science of sorts.”

“Human science is amazing!”

“You like this, sweetheart?”

Dinky smiles! “Yeah! It’s fun! Can I try?!”

“Sorry, but you’re a bit too young to drive.”

“Awww…”

In a short time the pair arrive at their destination. Arc pulls into a parking spot and turns off the engine.

“Here we are. Shelly’s Kitchen.”

They get out of the Jeep and head for the small but well-kept building. Dinky looks around as they step inside.

“Wow! It’s so big in here!”

“Follow me, sweetheart.”

He leads Dinky to a small booth in the corner and they sit down across from each other. In a few moments a waitress comes over to take their order. She is about Arc’s age with brown hair and pretty blue eyes.

“Good morning! What can I… ARC?!”

Arc stands up. “Hi Lily! It’s been awhile!”

She gives him a hug. “A while?! More like a year! Where have you been?!”

“I… uh… went looking for some family members.”

“Oh? Did you find them?”

Arc gestures to Dinky. “I did! This is my daughter Din… Daisy!”

Dinky nervously looks up. “Um… hi.”

Lily kneels down and gives Dinky’s small hand a shake. “Hello there! My name is Lily! Arc and I grew up together.”

She turns back to Arc

“She’s adorable! Arc, you never said anything about having a child!”

“She’s my… cousin’s daughter. You see, her biological father isn’t man enough to be there for them, so I stepped up and took over.”

Dinky nods! “Yeah! My dad even took care of my mom when she was in labor!”

Lily turns back to Arc, wide-eyed! “You delivered her too?! That’s really impressive, Arc! I didn’t know you could do that!”

Arc chuckles. “Neither did I, but we didn’t have a choice! There was a snowstorm outside at the time, so we couldn’t get her to the hospital. I just did what had to be done.”

“We’ll it looks like you did a fine job! But the two of you must be hungry! What can I bring you, Daisy?”

Dinky looks over the menu before her and points at a picture. “What are these?”

“Those are waffles, dear. Is that what you’d like to order?”

“Yes please.”

Lily writes something down on her order pad. “Alright. Would you like bacon or sausage with that?”

Dinky looks to her father for help! “I… um…”

“How about a couple eggs, sweetheart?”

“Yes! That does sound tasty!”

“Okay. Would you like milk or juice?”

“Milk please!”

Lily looks back to Arc. “The usual for you?”

“Yes indeed!”

“I’ll get that right in for you two.”

“Thanks Lily! “

Lily smiles at Arc and walks back to the kitchen. Dinky smiles.

“She seems nice dad! Are all humans like that?”

“Most are friendly, yes. But you shouldn’t talk to strangers without me around though.”

“Okay!

Lily returns a few moments later with a glass of milk for Dinky and a cup of a dark, black liquid for Arc.

“Your order shouldn’t take too long.”

Arc nods. “Thanks Lily. We have plenty of time!”

A short time later Lily returns with their food. She sets a plate of waffles and eggs in front of Dinky.

“Here you are dear. Enjoy!”

Dinky smiles as she carefully picks up her silverware. “I will! This looks great!”

Lily puts down a burger and fries in front of Arc. “There you go, Arc! Your regular!”

Arc picks up the ketchup. “Thanks! You and Shelly sure know how to cook! Say, how’s she doing these days?”

Lily looks down sadly. “She’s… been better. When you’re done eating why don’t you two go upstairs and say hello? I’m sure she’d be happy to see you again Arc!”

“We’ll do that, thanks!”

Lily returns to the counter. Dinky munches away happily!

“This tastes even better than it looks!”

Arc nods as he takes a bite of his burger. “That it does!”

Dinky eyes Arc’s food. “Dad? What are you eating?”

“This is called a cheeseburger, sweetheart. It’s ground cow meat.”

She wrinkles her nose! “Do you always eat that for breakfast?!”

“Sometimes. It’s traditionally a lunch or supper food. Would you like to try it?”

“Well… it does smell kinda tasty. I’m just having trouble with the idea of eating another animal!”

Arc nods. “You don’t have to if it makes you feel uncomfortable, sweetheart. A lot of humans don’t eat meat. They’re called vegetarians.”

Dinky thinks for a few moments. “I… think I’d like to try it.”

“Okay. But only if you want to.”

She takes a small bite and chews it slowly.

“It’s actually pretty good! “

Arc gestures to his plate. “Try eating a couple French Fries with it.”

She does so as she takes a larger bit of the cheeseburger and a few fried before handing it back to her father.

“This is awesome! Can I have one of these?!

Arc laughs as he takes his burger back. “You can if you finish your waffles!”

Dinky goes back to eating. “Okay!”

A short time later the pair finish their meal.

“Still want that cheeseburger?”

Dinky shakes her head as she sits back and rubs her tummy. “Maybe next time! I’m full!”

Lily walks up with the check as Arc opens his wallet. He hands her some money.

“A fine meal, Lily!”

“Yeah! It was great! Next time I want to try a cheeseburger though!”

“I’m glad you two enjoyed it!

Arc looks toward the stairs. “Is Shelly feeling well enough for visitors?”

Lily walks with them toward the stairs. “Arc, you know she’d love to see you even if it wasn’t a good day! You can introduce her to your daughter! I’m sure she’d love that!”

Lily opens the door and they proceed up the stairs together. She calls up after them.

“Shelly! We have visitors!”

A voice rings out.

“I’m in the living room.”

The group enters the room to see a young woman about Arc’s age with fair skin, black hair and brown eyes sitting in a wheelchair looking out the window. As she turns to look at her guests Shelly’s eyes grow wide! She attempts to stand with great difficulty as she winces in pain!

“Arc!”

He quickly walks over to her and gives her a hug. “Woah! Easy there! I know that can’t be easy for you!”

There is a sharp intake of breath as Arc helps her sit back down. “I’m fine, Arc! But what about you?! Where did you go?!”

“It’s… quite a long story. But before we talk about that, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

He motions for Dinky to step forward.

“This is my daughter, Daisy. She’s really my cousin’s child, but I adopted her. Daisy, this is my good friend Shelly. She’s the owner of this restaurant and the one who came up with all the recipes that are served here.”

Shelly extends a shaky hand. “Please to meet you, Daisy!”

Dinky nods shyly. “Um… hi.”

As she cautiously shakes Shelly’s hand, she winces. Dinky instinctively draws back.

“I’m sorry! Did I hurt you?!”

“No, no dear! I’ve been in pain for… let’s just say a long time.”

Arc nods at Dinky. “Shelly has what’s called muscular dystrophy, sweetheart.”

“What’s that?”

“It means I have trouble moving around. Doing so is… somewhat uncomfortable.”

She gestures to her wheelchair.

“Walking unassisted is nearly impossible for me now, as I just keep falling down.”

Lily nods. “I carefully help her downstairs on good days, but it takes a while.”

Shelly turns to her friend. “Sorry for being such a burden.”

“You’re no such thing, Shelly! We grew up together after all!”

Shelly sighs. “Good times.”

Arc smiles. “You and I remember orphanage life very differently.”

Lily nods. “At least we had each other.”

“Yes, that did make it somewhat bearable.”

“Well, I should be getting back downstairs. Someone has to watch the restaurant.”

“Is it busy down there?”

Lily shakes her head with a pained expression on her face. “About as busy as usual, I guess.”

Shelly sighs. “Okay.”

She leaves the apartment and returns to the restaurant’s ground floor. There are no other customers to serve.

“Having Arc back in town should be a welcome bit of good news in the midst of so much bad.”

Meanwhile, Arc sits down with Dinky on the nearby couch. “So, what’s the deal with business? I didn’t see any other customers down there! Usually it’s fairly busy right now!”

Shelly nods. “Business has been bad lately.”

Dinky looks confused. “How?! Your food was great!”

“Let’s just say things have gotten… progressively worse in our town since you left a year ago, Arc.”

“How so?”

“The local businesses have been being victimized lately by the local ruffians.”

Arc frowns. “The Shards?! But they’re small time punks!”

“Well, they’re a lot more organized than they used to be.”

Dinky looks to Shelly. “Don’t you have guards to handle this sort of thing?”

Arc quickly looks to Shelly. “She’s talking about the police! I can’t see Marshal Raynor letting this happen!”

“His hands are tied in the matter.”

“Tied?”

Shelly nods. “The FBI has seen fit to take over the investigation.”

“Okay… why?!”

“It all started about six months ago when the Shards decided to go big and try to rob the bank one night.”

“Are they nuts?! They couldn’t rob a gas station without getting caught!”

Shelly sighs. “Well, they tried to blow the vault, but all they accomplished was burning down the building! Luckily it was late at night, so no one was hurt.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “A bank heist would fall under the jurisdiction of the feds. But if this happened six months ago, why haven’t they been put away?”

“I’m not sure. “

“Now I know they’re are a bit… slow moving, but this is ridiculous!”

Shelly nods. “The Marshal has orders to turn over jurisdiction of any crimes committed by the Shards to the proper authorities.”

Arc shakes his head. “That doesn’t make any sense! Other than the botched bank job, he IS the proper authority!”

“Not much any of us can do about it. You included. People are leery to leave their homes other than to go to work and buy groceries. That doesn’t leave time for things like restaurant meals.”

“How about the other local officials? Is anyone doing anything?!”

Shelly sighs. “Kinda. The mayor went so far as to go visit the nearby military base to ask for help. He was told this was outside their jurisdiction and to just let to feds deal with it.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

Dink looks to Shelly. “Have the bad humans come here?!”

“Bad people, Daisy. People. Got it?”

Dinky nods. “Bad people. I understand.”

Shelly nods. “Yes. They make the rounds on the first of every month to collect their ‘protection money’. I’ve been dipping pretty heavily into my business’ savings to pay. Even if they hadn’t, I’m not sure how much longer we can go on with no customers though.”

Dinky looks to her father with a hopeful gleam in her eye. “Dad, you’re pretty good at solving problems! Can’t you do something?!”

“Not sure what I CAN do. But I’ll certainly give the matter some thought.”

“But…!”

Arc looks at Dinky and shakes his head soberly.

“If you do think of something, let Marshal Raynor know! Don’t do anything reckless though! Lily and I would rather go out of business than see any harm come to you! Remember, you’re the only family the two of us have!”

Arc nods. “I’ll do what I can.”

“Good. That’s all we can ask for, really. Are you planning on sticking around for a while?”

“Off and on.”

Shelly looks nervous. “Where did you go anyways?!”

“I went looking for my family.”

She looks at Dinky and smiles! “I suppose you found it.”

Arc puts am arm around his daughter. “That I did!”

Shelly smiles at Dinky. “I do hope your mother is well, dear.”

Dinky nods. “She is! Hopefully she can join dad and I soon. Right now she’s busy with her job at the orphanage!”

Arc nods. “She had a very rough upbringing.”

“Just like us, huh?”

“If not worse, yes.”

Shelly looks hopeful. “Did you find anyone else? Like your dad?”

“Well… yes and no. Other than my cousin, I’ve made several very good friends whom I now view as family. No sign of my father though.”

“I’m glad to hear your search was at least somewhat fruitful! How about your studies? Are you any closer to realizing your dream?”

Arc looks a bit embarrassed. “I haven’t studied since I left. But I have been learning quite a bit from a very harsh teacher called life!”

Shelly giggles. “I’m familiar with them. Hard and not always fair.”

“Tell me something. What do you think it would take to fix our Shard problem? Were it so easy, that is.”

Shelly thinks for a moment. “Someone with the authority to look into these matters without having to go through a lot a bureaucratic red tape!”

“That would certainly be a good place to start. You know anyone?”

Shelly laughs! “I wish!”

The pair enjoy a good laugh as Dinky looks on bewildered.

“If it’s any consolation, the Shards have given up vandalism and petty theft. You don’t have to worry about them breaking into your house, as it’s much more profitable for them to go after us business owners.”

Arc sighs. “That’s what I’m worried about.”

Dinky frowns. “They try, and my dad will make them regret it!”

“That I will, sweetheart.”

He looks at his pocket watch and stands up.

“Well, we should be getting to the store. Daisy here needs some new clothes before the weather gets too cold. You have any trouble, you call me and I’ll come right over!”

“Thank you Arc, but we’ll manage.”

“I mean that! Us orphans have to stick together!”

Shelly turns her wheelchair to face the window. It was nice meeting you, Daisy. Take care of your dad.”

“I will! Hope you feel better soon!”

Arc walks with Dinky toward the door. “I’ll try to come by for breakfast whenever I’m in town. After all, one must start the day with a healthy breakfast!”

Shelly nods as Arc leaves with Dinky.

“Don’t be a stranger now, my friend.”

Arc and Dinky return to the main floor. There are no other customers. Lily looks over from the front counter.

“Did you have a nice visit?”

“We did! It was nice to see you two again. Daisy and I will be back tomorrow for another wonderful breakfast.”

Dinky smiles! “Yeah! I wanna try a cheeseburger!”

Lily waves after them as the pair leave the restaurant. “See you tomorrow then!”

She watches them leave.

“That Daisy sure is a cutie! She’s really fortunate to have someone as caring as Arc to take her in like that!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Dinky get back into his Jeep. Dinky looks over to him as Arc starts the engine.

“Dad? How long has your friend Shelly been like that?”

Arc sighs as he pulls out of the parking lot. “It started when we entered high school. She kept falling down all the time! At first everyone just wrote it off as her being clumsy. But eventually she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.”

“Can’t the doctors on Earth help her?”

“Sadly, no. There is no known cure for this particular ailment.”

“So, she just has to sit there and suffer?!”

Arc sadly nods. “I wish there was some way to help her, but there isn’t.”

Dinky looks down at her hands. “But she’s such a nice human! She doesn’t deserve this!”

“I know sweetheart.”

Dinky turns the to her father with a mischievous smile on her face. “Maybe she would feel better if ‘somepony’ took care of those troublemakers?”

Arc nods as they turn the corner. “You mean someone like the Hero of Light?”

“Yeah! They wouldn’t know what hit them!”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Someone could get hurt.”

Dinky smiles! “Right! Like the bad people! You could easily teach them a lesson!”

Arc sighs. “The sight of a large, heavily armed, and armored creature walking the streets would certainly make everyone run in fear. Good and bad alike. We’re trying to keep a low profile at the moment, dear. If we get caught now, who will rescue Princess Celestia?”

Dinky looks down sadly. “Okay dad.”

Arc puts a hand on hers. “If I can help some way, I will though. You can count on that!”

“I know you will dad! By the way… where are we going?”

The Jeep turns onto the highway. “Clothes shopping for you! You deserve better than my old hand-me-down boys’ clothes. There a mall about fifteen miles down the highway that should have everything we need to make you look like a normal little girl.”

“Mall?”

Arc nods as he accelerates. “It’s a big building with a lot of different stores in it. They sell pretty much everything!”

Dinky looks straight ahead as they merge onto the highway, nervously. “Aren’t we going a bit fast, dad?! I mean what’s the rush?!”

“This is the highway, sweetheart. You’re supposed to drive fast.”

She covers her eyes! “Is this the only way to get to the mall?!”

Arc shakes his head as he exits the. “No. We can take the regular roads if this frightens you.”

Dinky breathes a sigh of relief. “Thanks dad! By the way… why did you tell your friends my name was Daisy?”

“I’m sorry for having to do that sweetheart, but it makes you sound more like one of us. While I do think your name is pretty, Dinky isn’t a normal human name. “

“I understand… I think.”

A short time later the pair arrive at the shopping mall.

Dinky peers out the window in awe! “That building… it’s HUGE!!!”

Arc nods as he parks. “Just wait until you see the inside! It’s the prettiest shopping experience you’ll ever see!”

The pair walk inside. Dinky marvels at the brightly lit stores and high ceilings!

“I feel so small in here!”

Arc laughs! “And this is just the first floor.”

“You mean there’s MORE?!”

“Yes. Look up there. Do you see those guardrails? There’s another floor up there with more shops to see!”

Dinky looks to Arc excitedly! “Can we see them all?!”

“If you want to, sure!”

Dinky takes her father’s hand in hers and pulls him toward a shop. “Let’s start here!”

Arc laughs as he redirects Dinky toward another nearby shop. “That’s a tool store, sweetheart! Let’s start with getting you some clothes!”

“Okay!”

He leads her into a clothing store and helps her pick out some more feminine clothes her size. As the pair walk over to the changing rooms, he hands her some of the clothes.

“Okay sweetheart, these are called changing rooms. You go in there and try on the clothes to make sure they fit before you buy them.”

Dinky nods. "So, I change my clothes in there?"

“Something like that.”

“Why?”

Arc hangs up the rest of the clothes on a hook just inside. “To make sure they fit before you buy them.”

Dinky begins unbuttoning her shirt. “Okay!“

“Hold on a second sweetheart! I need to wait outside!”

“You can stay here dad! I don’t mind! That and I might need help putting these new clothes on anyways!”

“No Dinky. I have to wait outside. It’s not proper for others to see you without clothes on!”

Dinky looks up at him confused. “I don’t understand. You’re my dad!”

"I… we’ll talk about it more at home, sweetheart. One more thing though…”

He picks up a small package, opens it and hands its contents to Dinky.

“What is it?”

“They’re called panties, as they’re worn under your pants. After I leave, I want you to take everything off and put these on first. Then you can try on your new clothes.”

"Um… okay."

Arc leaves the changing room to give Dinky some privacy. A few minutes pass. He knocks on the door.

“Everything okay in there?”

“I’m fine. Just having a little... trouble. Be right out.”

A minute later Dinky emerges in her new clothes.

“How do I look?!”

“Very ladylike.”

Dinky smiles at him. “Thanks for the panties! This feels MUCH better!”

“Um… don’t mention it.”

She tries on numerous outfits before the pair leave the store with several large bags of clothes. Dinky is wearing one of her new outfits.

“Thanks for the clothes, dad! I feel a lot more comfortable in these!”

Arc nods. “You’re very pretty in them as well.”

“Can we see the rest of the mall now?!”

“Yes. After we take these bags to the Jeep.”

Dinky carries a smaller bag in her arms. “Okay!”

The pair drop off their purchases and return to the mall. They spend the next several hours walking the halls and going into various stores. As the pair return to their vehicle with even more purchases Arc turns to Dinky.

“So how do you like the mall, sweetheart?”

Dinky nods, carrying yet another bag from yet another store! “I like it! There’s so much to see! Can we come back another day?!”

Arc nods as they get into the Jeep. “If we need something, yes.”

Dinky buckles her seatbelt. “Was that a lot of bits you spent in there? “

“Yes Dinky. And here they’re not called bits, but dollars.”

“I’m sorry.”

Arc backs out of the parking spot. “Not to worry, sweetheart. You’ll learn as you go.”

“No, I mean sorry for costing you so much money.”

“It’s okay. Feeding and clothing a child is what every father should do.”

“It makes me feel a little guilty knowing you spent so much on me. By the way, what was that strange looking furniture you bought back there?”

Arc turns onto the main road. “Some special beds for another day. You’ll see when they’re delivered day after tomorrow.”

“Anywhere else we have to go?”

“We need to head back to town and visit the local market.”

“For food?”

He nods! “Right! We need bread, eggs, milk, cereal and a few things to make supper with.”

“What should we cook?”

“I can make us some hamburgers if you would like. They’re not as good as Shelly’s, but…”

Dinky smiles! “Sounds tasty! We should hurry to the market then!”

“Want me to take the freeway?”

“O-okay. “

Arc looks at the on ramp coming up. “You sure?”

“Yeah dad! I can handle it.”

As he turns onto the freeway. “That’s my brave little filly!”

Dinky laughs! “You mean brave little girl, right dad?”

He chuckles. “Right!”

The pair drive in silence for a time.

“What’s the name of your hometown, dad?”

Arc points to the town limit sign. “You mean OUR town, right? It’s your home now too, you know.”

“Right!”

As they enter town, they pass a sign that reads ‘Angel Grove - Population 15,000 – The Little Town With a Big Heart’.

Chapter 3 - Round Trip

Arc and Dinky spend the rest of the week working on the house together. Dinky looks up from her paintbrush and turns to her father.

“Dad? Why are we spending so much time on the basement?”

Arc looks over at her as he puts down his paint roller. “Because I get the feeling we’re going to need it in the very near future.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Because I’m probably going to need help rescuing Princess Celestia at some point. I’m only one man, you know!”

Dinky goes back to work. “You mean like mom and I?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of my squad, Ember and Sereb. Don’t get me wrong, Dinky. I do have faith in your abilities. However, I couldn’t live with myself if you or Derpy got hurt!”

“I understand.”

“Want to take a break for lunch?”

Dinky puts down her brush. “Sure!”

The pair head to the kitchen, wash their hands and proceed to cook lunch together. A short time later they sit down to a simple meal. Dinky munches away happily!

“These are pretty good, dad! What did you call them again?”

“Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. It’s a quick meal that goes best with tomato soup for some reason.“

He looks out the kitchen window.

“It’s good for a cold, cloudy day like today. In any case, we should have the basement ready by tomorrow evening.”

“Just in time for our return trip, huh?”

“Yup. “

Arc puts his sandwich down.

“That reminds me. I need to contact Sunburst for a more concrete wormhole timer. We wouldn’t want to miss our bus!”

Dinky looks at him, confused. “Our what?”

“Sorry sweetheart. Human reference. I’ll explain it later.”

She looks on as her father touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst. Come in please.”

Silence.

“Dad? Don’t you need to open a portal for that to work?”

Suddenly there is a crackle on the radio as a weak signal comes through.

“Can you hear me?!”

Arc nods. “Barely.”

“Let me try and boost the signal! Stand by!”

A few minutes pass.

“How about now, sir?”

“Much better, Sunburst! I read you loud and clear. How’s our return trip looking?”

“According to my instruments, the safest time for you and your daughter to return through the portal will be day after tomorrow at exactly 8 AM local time. Please call me before you attempt to return though so I can verify the portal’s stability and monitor it from this end.

Dinky grimaces. “Not really looking forward to another rough ride!”

Arc nods. “More for Dinky’s sake than mine, will the return trip be as rough?”

“Probably not. You’ll be heading downstream this time.”

Arc looks at Dinky. “He says it should be smoother.”

“That’s a relief! The trip over made me feel like my insides were about to become my outsides!”

“How are things back home in Equestria, Sunburst?

“Nothing to worry about here. Although the princesses are looking forward to both of you returning safely!”

“As are we. Anything else I need to know?”

“No sir, that should do it.”

“Alright. Please let my friend Derpy know about this so she can be there to meet us.”

“I’ll see to it personally.”

“Thanks. I’ll contact you again day after tomorrow before we leave. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring and turns back to Dinky

“You excited to go home, sweetheart?”

Dinky sighs. “Kinda. I do miss mom and my friends. But I’m not really lonely when you’re with me, dad!”

“That’s good to hear, sweetheart. But I do believe you’re better off being around other ponies.”

“What?! But… but I’m a human now!”

Arc walks over to Dinky and kneels down in front of her. He puts his hands on her shoulders and looks her in the eye.

“No Dinky, you’re not. You were born a pony before and still are on the inside.”

“But dad, I want to be a hero just like YOU!”

He sighs. “That’s very sweet of you, but you don’t have to be a human to become a hero. Anyone can do it! Humans, ponies, dragons, even demons!”

“How?”

"For starters, always do your best to do what is right. Even when everyone around you isn’t."

Dinky thinks for a minute. “That doesn’t sound so hard.”

“It’s a lot harder than you’d think. Those around you will probably insult and belittle you for taking the high road!”

“Anything else?”

“If you see someone in trouble, don’t be afraid to lend a hand… or hoof in your case.”

“I can do that!”

Arc tousles her blonde hair! “I know you can, sweetheart! In fact, you already have!”

Dinky looks confused. “I did?”

“Remember how you and your friends saved my life in the Crystal Empire? “

“Yes. But that wasn’t really heroic. I mean, you’re my dad! You would’ve done the same for me!”

“That I would, sweetheart! But you and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders were still very brave to do what you did!”

“I guess so.”

Arc stands up. “Just keep walking down this path, and you’ll be a hero to me at least! I’m so proud to be your father!”

Dinky stands up to give her father a hug! “Thanks dad!”

The pair wash their dishes and return to work, They keep at it for the rest of the day and the following day as well! Arc puts away his tools as the sun begins to set.

“Well, it looks like that’s all we have time for.”

“Awww… but working with you is fun, dad!”

Arc smiles at her. “I like spending time with you too, sweetheart. But we need to eat some supper and get to bed at a decent hour tonight. No staying up late like you did last night!”

Dinky grins sheepishly. “I understand why humans like TV so much! It’s so cool!”

Arc nods as the pair walk toward the back door. “Well, I don’t want you to become a couch potato now.”

Dinky nods and looks over to a small building just off the house. “What’s in there, dad?”

“That’s the garage. I keep bigger tools and whatnot in there.”

“Like what?”

“Such as my lawnmower, power tools and my Jeep in the winter. It saves time not having to brush a bunch of snow off! Oh yeah! There’s also my dad’s motorcycle!”

“What’s a motorcycle?”

Arc walks toward the garage with Dinky. “I’ll show you.”

He opens the small side door and turns on the lights. Inside Dinky sees a workbench, hand tools and quite a few things she cannot identify. Arc points toward a large object covered by a stained sheet.

“It’s over there.”

The pair walk over to it and Arc pulls off the sheet to reveal a large custom-built motorcycle!

“This is a motorcycle, Dinky. Think of it kinda like my Jeep, but with two wheels and a LOT faster!”

“WOW! Can we go for a ride?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, but this bike doesn’t work as it sits. Like my Jeep, it would need a mechanic to go over it and replace a few parts.“

“How about next time?!”

He puts the sheet back on the motorcycle. “Even before I went to Equestria, I didn’t exactly ride it much. My dad had it made specifically for him, so it just felt wrong riding without asking his permission. Although he never actually rode it before he… disappeared.”

“So, it’s his then?”

“No Dinky. Since it’s a custom job, it doesn’t actually have a make and model. My dad always referred to it as his faithful steed though.”

“Why?”

“He told me it was based on stories that my grandfather used to tell him when he was a young lad. He had a fascination with knights, warriors and the idea of fighting for the innocent.”

Dinky nods as they leave the garage together. “Did you know him?”

“Not really. He died when I was just a little boy. Although I do remember some of his stories.”

They enter the house together.

“Like what?”

Arc thinks as he closes the door behind them. “Why don’t we get started on supper now? We can talk about it as we cook.”

The pair look through the cupboards and refrigerator before settling on what to cook.

“Can I hear about your grandfather now dad?!”

“He used to tell stories of ‘The Four Heroes’.

“Who were they?!”

Arc sighs. “First of all, let me start by telling you that he was a bit… out there when it came to what was real and what wasn’t.”

“Um… what?”

“Grandpa suffered for many years with something called Parkinson’s Disease. He would see things no one else could and insist they were real! Especially at the end!”

“Kinda like Granny Smith?”

Arc nods. “Yes dear.”

The pair begin cooking side by side.

“You see, sweetheart, my grandpa fought in what we humans call World War II. It was a long and terrible conflict that spread across the entire planet! Nearly one hundred million humans died as a result.”

Dinky puts a pot of water on the stove. “Did he get hurt?!”

Arc shakes his head as he turns to cut up some vegetables. “No. He was one of the lucky ones. Although I’m told he was never quite the same after the war. But I suppose going through years of fighting, killing, death and horror on a daily basis would do that to anyone.”

“Did he… kill anyone?”

“I’m not sure. He never liked to talk about what he did back then. All I’m told is that when he came back, he suddenly started telling all these crazy stories. My dad probably heard every one of them a hundred times over.”

Dinky smiles! “I wouldn’t mind hearing about them!”

Arc walks over to the stove and turns the burned down before the pot can boil over. “Let’s finish making supper and I’ll tell you more about it.”

Dinky sets the table. “Okay!”

The two finish making supper and sit down at the kitchen table together. As they eat Arc begins to talk.

“As I said earlier, he liked to speak of what he called ‘The Four Heroes’. Many of his stories revolved around these individuals and their exploits.”

“Just them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. There were others such as ‘The Spy’, ‘The Betrayer’, ‘The Queen’, and a few others. That’s all I can remember off the top of my head.”

“What about the four heroes? Did they have names?”

“No. He always referred to them as, ‘The Leader’, ‘The Warrior’, ‘The Mage” and lastly ‘The Rogue’.

“Which one was he?”

“I don’t think he viewed himself as any of those characters. More of a passive bystander.”

Dinky nods. “Did those heroes go on adventures together?”

“Yes, all the time! For example, one time The Queen tasked The Leader with slaying a dragon that had been plaguing a local town. The Leader gathered the others and set off.”

“Did they win?!”

“Yes. But not in the way you would have thought. Instead of killing the dragon The Leader insisted on speaking with it first.”

“That was very brave of them!”

Arc nods. “Indeed. As it turned out, the whole debacle was just a big misunderstanding! The town had been built as the dragon lay sleeping. He had viewed them as a threat and retaliated as such. They came to an agreement, and they all lived happily ever after.”

“That was a nice story, dad!”

“It was. But in his mind, it really happened!”

“Maybe it did!”

“Not possible. There’re no dragons anywhere on Earth. That and there was the story of the time he helped defeat the Germans during World War II.”

“He was a hero?!”

“He was. But he didn’t end the war. The Allied forces marched on Berlin, the enemy’s capital, and took it. This forced the Germans to surrender, unconditionally. There was still Japan to deal with, but they were defeated later by obliterating Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic warheads. Now I’m sure in HIS mind he saved the world, but the history books tell a different tale.”

Dinky frowns. “Did anyone ever tell him?”

“I don’t think so. We all just let him have his moment. It’s unlikely it would have worked anyways, as he was always a very stubborn individual when it came to matters he believed in.”

“So he was kinda like you, huh dad?”

“I suppose so. In that regard, anyways.”

“Any other stories?!”

“Well… there was the one about The Queen, The Farmer and The Beast.”

“The Beast?!”

Arc nods. “It’s a very sad tale of how the kind and caring queen is killed by a creature he only referred to as The Beast. The Farmer then takes it upon themselves to lead the country in The Queen’s place.”

“That’s it?”

“His stories weren’t exactly detailed. They were mostly abstract ramblings.”

“Was he a kind human?”

“Very. He once told me he fought hard in the war to ensure that I would have a world to grow up in! In fact, he sometimes referred to me as ‘The Future’.“

“Did he have names like that for everypony? I mean everyone!”

Arc stands to clear the dirty dishes from the table. “A few. He called grandma ‘The One’. My father was ‘The Present’. The military soldiers were ‘The Guards’. Lastly, anyone who harmed innocents were referred to as ‘The Betrayer’. I do miss him, even if he was a bit off.”

Dinky helps her father clear the table. “I wish I could have known him. He sounds like a good human! What was his name?”

Arc sets the dishes in the sink and turns back to Dinky.

“Daniel.”

Dinky and Arc wash the dishes before sitting down to watch a little TV together. As the sun finishes setting Arc and Dinky make their way upstairs to bed. They change into their pajamas and lie down in Arc’s bed as he switches off the light. Dinky snuggles up to him as Arc turns to her.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t be more comfortable in the Guest Room, sweetheart?”

Dinky shakes her head as she yawns. “No dad. I feel safest when you’re next to me.”

Arc puts an arm around his daughter and smiles. “Okay. Good night, Dinky.”

As the pair drift off to sleep together, Kronos looks down on their home.

“Arc. It would appear you have come full circle. You have returned to Earth, just as I knew you eventually would. I do hope you’re up to what is to come…”

The next morning the pair rise early and get ready. Arc and Dinky stand at the bathroom sink together brushing their teeth.

“Today’s the day, dad!”

“That it is!“

Dinky rinses her mouth out. “I guess I’ll be home in time for school, huh?”

Arc nods as he uses some mouthwash. “That you will be! You’ll have quite a bit of homework to catch up on methinks.”

Dinky frowns as she brushes her hair. “Ugh! Don’t remind me!”

Arc sighs as he combs his own hair. “I would prefer the homework over the preparations I have to make before coming back to Earth next time!

“Like what?”

“Getting the sages of Canterlot to build me a few things, have tea with Twilight, some upgrades to my armor, new armor for my squad whose human sizes are unknown. To say nothing of Ember! She’s not going to let me come back here without her!”

Dinky nods! “I kinda got that impression. But that doesn’t sound so bad.”

“Just the tea part with Twilight. But that’s only half the work! When I get them back here, I have to finish teaching them how to act like humans! I’m still working on a cover story for the five of them.”

“Cover story?”

“Like how I said you were my cousin’s daughter. People around here are very curious. A bunch of people showing up and walking the streets raises questions.”

“Is it really that important?”

“Imagine several unknown ponies started hanging around Ponyville.”

Dinky thinks for a moment. “I guess it would make me a bit nervous.”

“Right.”

The pair descend the stairs and head for the kitchen. Arc heads for the refrigerator.

“Um… dad?”

“Yes Dinky?”

“Can we go to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast?”

“Why? We’ve been there almost every morning this week.”

Dinky looks down sadly. “I… kinda want to say goodbye to Lily and Shelly.”

“But Dinky, you’ll probably see them again at some point. This trip back to Equestria isn’t permanent you know.”

“Yeah, I know but… it just feels wrong to leave town without a proper goodbye.”

Arc nods and closes the refrigerator. “Okay sweetheart.”

Dinky smiles as she and her father put on their coats and make their way to the driveway. They get in the Jeep and make the short drive to Shelly’s Kitchen. As they enter the building, they find Shelly sitting behind the counter.

“Good morning Miss Shelly!”

“Good morning, Daisy!”

Arc chuckles. “We’re here for one of your wonderful breakfasts before heading out.”

Lily emerges from the kitchen. “Did I hear you say you’re leaving again, Arc?!”

“It’s only for a little while this time. I… need to take Daisy back to my cousin’s house. She misses her.”

Shelly sighs. “I suppose she would. “

“Hey dad! Do you think we could bring mom to Angel Grove?!”

“Sure! If she wants too!”

He turns back to Lily and Shelly.

“She would have come with us, but… she had to work.”

Shelly nods. “Understandable!”

Arc turns to Dinky. “Do you mind if we sit at the counter, Daisy?”

Dinky hops up onto a stool. “Okay!”

Arc sits down next to her as Lily walks over with her order pad.

“So, what can I get you two?”

Dinky grins! “I want a cheeseburger and fries!”

Arc laughs! “Same here!”

Shelly giggles as Lily takes down the order. “You never did care much for traditional breakfast food, Arc!”

Lily nods! “Even back when we were kids! In any case, I’ll get this in for you right away.’

She heads to the kitchen as Shelly turns to her.

“I’ll keep them company!”

“Sounds good, Shelly.”

Lily enters the kitchen as Shelly turns back to the pair.

“So, when do you think you’ll be back, Arc?”

“Hopefully in a week or so. Sadly, Daisy won’t be with me next time. She has to get back to school.”

“Where do you go to school, Daisy?”

“Dinky looks to her father. He nods.

“The Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Arc nods. “The school and orphanage are the same building.”

Shelly thinks for a minute. “Not a bad idea, I suppose. Saves taxpayer money as well. Do you like your teacher?”

“Very much so! Miss Cheerilee is so kind to us!”

“That’s good to hear! I hope to be able to meet your mother when you come back, dear. What does she do for a living?”

“My mom… works at the orphanage.”

Arc smiles. “She’s the Assistant Matron. Her duties are mostly to the orphans who live there. But she also helps in the preparation of meals and lessons with the teacher”

“Very commendable!”

“I think this is her way of trying to give the orphans the love she didn’t receive as a child.”

The three continue to talk. After a short time, Lily emerges from the kitchen carrying their food. She sets it down in front of them along with a cup of milk for Dinky and a large glass of brown liquid for Arc.

“I hope you two like it. Enjoy!”

Shelly looks up. “Lily, would you help me to the restroom please?”

“Of course! “

Shelly looks back to Arc and Dinky. “Please excuse me.”

Dinky nods. “We understand.”

“When you gotta go, you gotta go.”

Lily escorts Shelly slowly to the nearby restroom. Dinky turns to her father as they begin to eat.

“Dad, I’ve been meaning to ask. What is that you’re drinking?”

“Coke.”

“Is it… good?”

“I forgot! You’ve never had soda before, have you?!”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Soda? I thought you said it was Coke?”

“There are many different kinds of soda in the world. One of the most famous is Coke. There’s also Pepsi, 7UP, Dr. Pepper and a plethora of other flavors too numerous to count!”

Dinky looks at the bubbles rising to the top of the glass. “What’s with the bubbles?”

“That’s called carbonation. It helps make soda taste good. Would you like to try some?”

Dinky warily looking at the glass in her father’s hand. “I guess so.”

She takes a small sip and swallows it. Making a face, she sets the glass down.

“It makes my throat feel funny!”

“That’s the carbonation! It can be kinda uncomfortable if you drink it too fast. How do you like it?”

Dinky takes a larger gulp and hands the glass back to her father. “I can’t really compare it to anything I’ve ever had before. But it is tasty! Can I have a glass of my own?!”

Arc nods. “Sure! Just finish your milk first and I’ll have Lily bring you a Coke when she gets back.”

Dinky downs the milk in but a few gulps as Lily and Shelly emerge from the restroom. Lily helps Shelly back to her seat before noticing Dinky’s empty glass.

“Oh my! You must have really been thirsty! Let me get you another glass of milk!”

“Can I have a soda like my dad, please?”

Shelly looks over to Arc and smiles. “I don’t know. Is that okay, dad?”

Arc laughs! “Sure!”

Lily picks up the empty glass and replaces it with a small cup of soda as the pair continue eating.

“So how’s everything tasting?”

“Top notch, as usual!”

Dinky opens her mouth to speak, but belches! She looks over to them, embarrassed.

“Excuse me. It is good though!”

Arc laughs! “I guess the carbonation was a bit too much for your tummy, sweetheart!”

“Squee!”

Arc and Dinky finish their meal as Arc looks at his pocket watch and stands up.

“We should get a move on, sweetheart. Busy day ahead, and all.”

Shelly smiles at him as Arc pays for their meal and leans over to give him a parting hug.

“Don’t be gone too long now, Arc!”

Lily nods. “Yes. We missed you terribly the last time!”

Arc nods as he embraces Lily as well. “I’ll be back soon. I promise.”

“Me too!”

They walk toward the door. Arc turns back to them.

“When I come back, I may bring some friends along that I met in my travels. I haven’t forgotten about the town’s problems now!”

Lily nods! “Take care you two!”

“Drive safely!”

Dinky waves! “Bye! We’ll come again!”

Arc and Dinky leave the restaurant as Lily turns to Shelly.

“They’re so cute together!”

“Yes, they are! It’s almost like Daisy really is his daughter! But of course, we both know that’s impossible.”

Lily nods. “Yes. But I always imagined Arc one day having a family.”

Shelly looks over to Lily and smiles. “With you?”

“I… I once hoped we could. Do you think he has someone special in his life?”

Shelly shrugs. “No idea. Why didn’t you ask him?”

“I wanted to! But… I was too afraid, as always.”

Shelly shakes her head. “You’ve been scared to ask him that since we were in middle school for crying out loud! Are you really that afraid of the question?

Lily sighs as she turns away from Shelly to pick up the dirty dishes. “No. Afraid of the answer.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Dinky get back in the Jeep and make the quick drive home. As they pull into the driveway Arc pushes a button above his head. The garage door begins to open.

“DAD! The door! It’s magically opening by itself!”

Arc points to the remote above his head. “It’s an automatic garage door opener, sweetheart. I wanted to put the Jeep in the garage to keep it safe while we’re gone.”

They pull in and Arc shuts off the engine. He then pushes the button and the door dutifully closes. Dinky steps out of the vehicle and sighs.

“That was fun.”

“You’ll come back another time, sweetheart. No need to frown.”

“I know. But what about you dad?! Who’ll keep you company?!”

“I’m not coming back alone. “

“I know, but… won’t you miss me?!”

Arc walks over to his daughter and kneels down. “I will. But you have schoolwork to get back to and a mother who wants what’s best for you.”

Dinky throws her arms around his neck as she begins to cry! “But I belong HERE! With you!!!”

Arc embraces his daughter. “I… I know that Dinky. Believe me. I don’t like being away from you any more than you do! But this is my last mission! When it’s over, I’ll settle down in Ponyville with you and your mother.”

“But… how long…?”

Arc pulls back to look Dinky in the eye. “I don’t know. But… but we need to get back. Okay?”

Dinky nods her head sadly. “Okay.”

The pair leave the garage and head inside the house. Arc closes and locks the door behind them.

“Dad? Can I use the bathroom before we go?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Just be quick about it!”

Dinky runs upstairs. “I’ll hurry!”

“Arc to Sunburst. Come in please.”

Sunburst’s voice crackles forth from his earring.

“Sunburst here. Are you two almost ready?”

“We are.”

“The cosmic energy will be most closely aligned in approximately two minutes. You can activate the return unit now.”

“Understood.”

He presses the button and the device comes to life.

“I’m receiving your return portal’s telemetry, sir. Standby as I make a few adjustments to it from my end.”

“Alright. Did you get ahold of Derpy for me?”

“Yes sir! She’s right here along with the princesses and your other friends from Ponyville! Care to say hello?”

“Please!”

A few moments pass as Sunburst steps back to allow Derpy to approach the microphone.

“Arc! Dinky! Can you hear me?!”

“She’s using the bathroom right now, Derpy. Don’t worry. She’s doing just fine!”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief! “That’s good! I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since you two left! It’s felt like an eternity!”

“We’ll be together again in just a few minutes. As soon as Sunburst gives us the okay and Dinky gets back.”

“Okay. See you soon! “

Derpy steps back to stand with the princesses and the Mane 6. Sunburst returns to his place in front of the microphone.

“I’m almost done over here. Just another minute or two.”

He turns to looks out the window. “Okay. Let us know when you’re ready. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring as he hears Dinky coming down the stairs. He turns to her.

“We should be ready to go any time now… DINKY!!!”

Dinky walks toward him sheepishly. She is naked.

“Sorry dad, but after I finished using the toilet, I remembered that I would be turning back to my normal self when we returned to Equestria. Those clothes you bought me won’t fit a pony! I didn’t want to ruin them!”

Arc pulls his magic cloak out of this ring and wraps Dinky up in it. “That’s very conscientious of you sweetheart. But you should have said something before just coming down here like that!”

“I will next time. Promise!”

His earring chirps. Arc touches his earring.

“Go ahead, Sunburst.”

“We’re ready on this end! Step through the portal when ready!”

“Understood. Give me a moment and we’ll be off! Arc out!”

He turns to Dinky.

“Ready?”

Dinky soberly nods. Arc picks her up and looks to the portal’s swirling energies. He looks her in the eye.

“Are you scared?”

Dinky shakes her head as she wraps her small arms around his neck. “No, dad. You’re with me!"

Arc smiles at his daughter as he walks toward the portal. “Hold on tight!”

“Dad?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

Dinky clutches his neck tighter! “Don’t let go!”

Arc wraps his arms around her tightly. “I won’t. Promise!”

Father and daughter enter the portal and are gone.

Chapter 4 - Good Intentions

The ponies wait nervously for Arc and Dinky to return. Cadance turns to Sunburst as she shifts on her feet.

“Is everything proceeding as planned, Sunburst?”

Sunburst nods as he looks over his instruments. “Yes, your highness!”

Twilight suddenly looks over! “Did you re-calibrate the sigils?!”

“I did. Have no fear! Your friend will not come through as a pony!”

Rainbow Dash snickers! “That would be hilarious!"

Rarity frowns! “Rainbow Dash! This is a very serious matter! Do try to control yourself!”

Applejack nods! “That’s right!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “He’ll make it back alright! I just know it!”

Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin. “What kind of pony do you think Arc would be?!”

Ember shrugs. “I dunno. Probably a big one though!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Twilight looks confused. “What? Why…?”

Pinkie bounces around the room! “He’s stronger than an earth pony! But has powerful magic like a unicorn! Not to mention he did FLY that one time!”

Ember puts claw to her chin. “Twice, actually.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “So… would that make him… an alicorn?!”

Everyone looks to Luna for guidance.

“That would be most unlikely. One does not simply…”

Suddenly, Arc and Dinky rocket forth from the open portal headfirst! Arc skids on his back across the floor clutching tightly to Dinky! Luckily for Arc’s head, Sereb lunges forward to stop the pair before they crash into the wall! Derpy runs toward them!

“ARC! DINKY!”

Arc slowly raises his head as Dinky cautiously opens her eyes.

“MOM!”

Derpy runs over to the pair on the floor and throws her hooves around both of them! Dinky wraps her hooves around her mother.

“I’m sorry for making you worry, mom!”

With tear filled eyes, Derpy smiles with relief! “Oh, my little Dinky! You are so grounded young filly!”

“I know, mom.”

Arc looks up. “We both missed you, Derpy.”

Derpy wordlessly nods as they continue their embrace.

Ember cautiously steps forward. “Arc? Are you okay?”

He sits up slowly with Derpy and Dinky in his arms. “I think I’m okay, Ember. This pillow took most of the blow.”

Sereb stands up. “I am happy to be of service.”

Arc turns around, surprised! “Sereb?! Are you okay?!”

Sereb steps back to allow Ember to leap into Arc’s arms. “I am unharmed.”

Ember nods as she joins in the hug! “We were so worried!”

Twilight nods. “Are you sure you’re okay?! How about a checkup?! We could call Doctor Whooves…”

Arc interrupts, chuckling. “Thanks mom, but I think I’m good!”

Applejack laughs! “Welcome back, sugarcube!”

Rainbow Dash looks over at Rarity! “I knew he’d be fine!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Yay!”

Rarity nods! “It’s good to see you looking so well!”

Pinkie pulls out her Party Cannon! “Time for a PARTY!!!”

Arc puts a hand on the cannon. “Maybe another time, Pinkie. There’s so much that needs doing before my return trip.”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “Awww…”

The blood drains from Twilight’s face. “Return… trip?!”

Ember frowns! “WHAT?! But you JUST got back!”

Cadance nods. “Ember’s right Arc! You should rest and give Sunburst time to analyze the data he’s collected! What could be so important?!”

“There’re problems in my hometown that need addressing.”

Sereb smiles. “Oh? Does Earth require a hero now?”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not planning on cracking any skulls. Just doing a bit of detective work. There’re some people back there causing a bit of trouble.”

Twilight turns to her friend! “Cadance! Can’t you stop Arc?!”

Cadance shakes her head. “I cannot. The Hero of Light is, for the most part, beyond our authority to control.”

Luna sighs. “While I do not like the idea of you rushing headlong into yet another adventure, I must admit there is little we can do to stop you.”

“Um… thanks. I think.”

Arc looks over to Derpy and Dinky.

“I should probably be getting you two home. Does anyone else want to come?”

Ember frowns. “You’re not leaving me here!”

Sereb nods. “I will come as well.”

Derpy does her best to control herself. “Yes. Dinky should be in school, and I need to get to back to the orphanage.”

Applejack nods. “I need to be getting back to Sweet Apple Acres.”

Rarity smiles. “Indeed! I have to return to my shop as well.”

Fluttershy looks over shyly. “And I need to get home to all my animals.”

Arc nods and turns to Rarity. “I need to come see you in a day or so, Rarity. There’re a few things I need made up.”

Pinkie hops toward him. “Cupcakes don’t make themselves! Let’s go!”

Twilight nods, sadly. “I guess we’re all coming!”

Arc opens a portal to Light’s Hope.

“Everyone in!”

They do so as Arc turns to looks back at the princesses.

“Thanks for all your help. I’ll be by tomorrow to tell you all about the past week. How long until we can open a portal to Earth, Sunburst?”

“Five days, sir. I’ll have everything fully calibrated and ready by then.”

Luna nods. “Until tomorrow then, Arc.”

Cadance waves a hoof! “Bye!

Arc steps through the portal last, as it closes behind him. Sunburst turns to the princesses.

“I’ll need some time to make use of the data we collected on the return trip.”

Luna nods as she and Cadance turn to leave. “See to it, Sunburst.”

As the pair proceed down the hallway Cadance turns to Luna.

“Do you suppose Sunburst will be able to perfect this wormhole technology?”

“I certainly hope so. Arc and Celestia’s lives will depend on it!”

Meanwhile, Arc and the others return to Light’s Hope. He waves to everyone as they leave.

“Thanks for coming everyone! I’ll see you all before I leave again!”

Twilight looks to him nervously. “Um, Arc? Do you think you would have time to stop by the library for a cup of tea? It’s been so long!”

Arc nods! “Sounds good! I have some errands to run, but I’ll stop by there in a little while.”

Twilight nods! “I’ll be waiting!”

She makes her way quickly home as she mutters to herself.

“I have to get everything ready quickly! Don’t worry Arc! If everything goes as planned, you will be a happy human once again!”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember and Sereb make their way to the vault.

“So what needs doing now, Arc?”

Arc looks over to her as he opens the vault’s door. “I just need some bits to get this ball rolling.”

Sereb looks confused. “Ball?”

Arc picks up a couple bags and puts them into his ring. “Figure of speech.”

Ember crosses her arms over her chest and frowns! “Arc, this isn’t another one of your half-baked plans, is it?!”

“Nope. I’ve been thinking this one over for the past week now.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “You should have more faith in Arc.”

Ember shakes her head as the vault door closes. “I do! I have faith that he sometimes gets us into trouble!”

“But we do have fun!”

She rolls her eyes. “Sometimes.”

The trio leaves the base and walks toward Ponyville at a brisk pace. The mid-morning sunlight shines weakly through the clouds. The air is cold as the sun does little to warm it. Ember rubs her claws together.

“I’ll be glad to leave this cold weather behind!”

Arc shakes his head. “My hometown isn’t much warmer, Ember.”

“What?!”

“Still wanna come?”

Ember grins! “Yes! After all, someone has to warm your bed!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yeah, about that. When we get there, you’ll be a human. I don’t want to find you in my bed while we’re on Earth, Ember.”

Ember raises and eyebrow. “Uh… why not? I would have thought having a human girl lying next to you would be a… pleasant experience!”

“I’m not interested in doing things like that with you!”

A sly smile creeps across her face. “Like what?”

“You know what I mean!”

Ember sighs. “Look Arc. Just because I want to doesn’t mean I’m GOING to! Don’t you trust me?!”

“I do, Ember.”

“Then what’s the problem?!”

Arc sighs and looks down at the ground as he walks. “I don’t fully trust… me. Our relationship as it stands is very important to me.”

Ember is a bit taken aback! “W-what are you talking about?! You’re the best friend I’ve ever had!”

Sereb mutters to himself. “The only friend you’ve ever had.”

“That too! Hey!”

“That’s exactly it, Ember! I value your friendship and don’t want to risk doing something in a moment of weakness to jeopardize it!”

She looks away angrily! “Hmph! Dragon’s don’t feel things like regret, Arc!”

“Well humans do! Look! All I ask is that as long as we’re on Earth you sleep in your own bed! Do you feel such a request is unreasonable?!”

Sereb smiles. “Perhaps Ember is… unable to sleep alone.”

Ember stops and looks at him angrily! “What was that, Sereb?!”

Arc whispers under his breath, not turning back. “You’re sticking your nose in a hornet’s nest my friend!”

Sereb continues evenly. “I am merely suggesting that perhaps you are not as emotionally strong as you would like us to believe.”

She is suddenly furious! “I am the future Dragon Lord, Sereb! And I’ll have you know that I am FULLY capable of doing what needs to be done! My own feelings notwithstanding!!!”

“You speak of feelings. Yet you do not seem to see that which is right in front of you.”

Ember rolls her eyes! “Must you always talk in riddles?!”

“Arc does not wish for you to sleep with him on Earth as you do here in Equestria. Not because he’s trying to push you away, but because he cares enough for you to treat you as the precious jewel you are.”

“Wait, what?”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Look Ember, I know dragons do some things differently than humans. Remember, I can’t be your mate! I don’t want to be your lover! But what I can be… is your friend! One who sticks with you as you search for a dragon that sets your heart ablaze!”

Ember looks him in the eye sadly. “Like you do?”

Arc turns to walk down the path once more. “No. More than I ever could.”

The trio makes their way to town and heads for the Hammer’s shop. Arc enters with Ember and Sereb behind him. Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer are sitting behind the counter together.

“Good morning you two!”

Steel Hammer looks up and smiles! “Arc! Back from Earth so soon?!“

Arc looks to them surprised! “Yes. But how did you know about that?”

Silver Hammer smiles! “Princess Luna told us about your sojourn. She also said you might be coming to us when you got back for armaments. Do you need new weapons?”

Arc shakes his head. “I think I’m good in the offense department. But I had an idea for a couple upgrades to my armor.”

Steel Hammer nods. “What did you have in mind?”

Arc pulls his helmet out of the magic ring and sets it down on the counter. “You see, on Earth things like swords and spears aren’t weapons of choice for guards and the military.”

Ember looks confused. “What else is there?”

Silver Hammer looks to Arc. “Do they use projectile weapons perhaps?”

Arc nods. “Exactly! As you know, the enchantment on my helmet obscures my face and protects the top, back and sides of my head.”

Steel Hammer nods, understanding. “However, that leaves you vulnerable to attack from the front!”

“Precisely! Could you alter my helmet to be more like the previous Heroes of Light? In addition to the extra protection, I also want to be sure no one is able to see my face!”

Silver Hammer giggles! “Trying to keep your identity a secret over there?”

“That I am. Is there any way you could modify it to prevent my helmet from being knocked off? It’s happened a couple of times here in Equestria. While things ended well, that happening over there would be catastrophic!”

Steel Hammer looks over the helmet. “Hmmm… if you weren’t also asking for a full-face plate, I would just install a chin strap.”

Ember frowns. “But…”

Silver Hammer points a hoof to the front of the helmet. “With the face completely covered, you would have no easy way of attaching the strap.”

Sereb puts his front paws on the counter. “What about attaching the helmet to the chest plate somehow?”

Steel Hammer sets the helmet down and shakes his head. “That would severely hamper his ability to move his head. As you know, being able to see in battle is crucial!”

Ember frowns. “This might be a bad idea, but what about a mask of some kind? Like what we wore under our helmets during our mission to infiltrate the Storm King’s base!”

“A mask?”

Sereb nods. “Not a bad idea. If the helmet were to be removed, your identity would still be a secret.”

Silver Hammer sighs. “That may have to do. We can make a more comfortable mask that breathes better than the last one.”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc. “But you’ll have to choose which is more important to you. The full-face plate or a chin strap. I don’t see how we can do both.”

“I’ll take the face plate and a mask then. But I’ll need them by week’s end!”

Silver Hammer sighs. “That might not be possible. The Hydra Scales that make up your armor are very hard to work with. As it stands, we’re looking at a turnaround time of at least two months!”

“No blacksmith alive has experience working with this material! I don’t even know if the metal would join with the scales properly!”

Ember frowns. “Well… there is one blacksmith.”

Silver Hammer looks up, confused. “Who?!”

Arc nods. “The one who forged my armor in the first place. Mythic Honor.”

Steel Hammer looks up, hopeful! “Any chance we could enlist his aid?!”

“Most likely.”

Ember sighs. “That may be a bit of a problem. You see, he was able to forge this armor with the aid of his magically enhanced forge.”

Silver Hammer looks to Ember. “I wasn’t aware the ability to build such a forge still lived on in this day and age!”

“It may not. His predecessors built the forge, which is still in Tartarus!”

Arc sighs. “Great. Do we have to start by building him a new forge?!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Either that or we could go to Tartarus to do the work.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “I don’t like that plan!”

Steel Hammer frowns. “Neither do we! But, if that’s the only way…”

Arc interrupts. “We’ll have a talk with Mythic Honor and see if it’s possible for us to build a magic forge here in Equestria. I am NOT taking everyone into that hellish place again!”

Silver Hammer nods. “I’ll see Rarity about choosing a material to make a quality mask out of. One that won’t chafe against your helmet.”

“And I’ll get to work on taking measurements for the faceplate. I can forge it in a day. But I’ll need help attaching it to your helmet.”

Sereb frowns. “However, only this Mythic Honor knows how long that will take.”

Arc nods. “We’ll visit him later this evening or early tomorrow. Depends how much time we have after our other errands at Rarity’s shop.”

Ember sighs. “It will be nice to see him again… I guess. Hopefully he hasn’t been making any more statues though.”

Arc shudders. “I second that!”

Sereb looks confused. “Statues?”

Ember nods. “You’ll see for yourself when we get there.”

“That you will, Sereb.”

He pulls a bag of bits out of his ring and sets it on the counter.

“Well, thanks for the consultation you two. Here’s some money to get the R&D going on that faceplate and mask. We won’t take up any more of your time!”

“It’s our pleasure, Arc!”

“That it is! You be careful over there, you hear!”

Arc heads over to the door. “I will. One more thing to keep in mind! My squad and Ember will be joining me on Earth next trip. They’ll need some armor made up.”

“I’m confused. Don’t they already have armor?”

“What were you looking for?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Something a bit more… human.”

Silver Hammer looks confused. “Human?”

Ember nods. “Part of the process of traveling to Earth. We found a way to turn us into humans so we don’t stick out.”

“Makes sense.”

Silver Hammer turns to Arc. “Take some measurements and get back with us. We’ll make something that will keep them safe!”

A mail pony enters the shop carrying a multitude of packages. He sets them down on the counter as Silver Hammer signs for them.

“Looks like you two are busy these days!”

Steel Hammer shakes his head. “No more than usual. These are supplies for Platinum Valve’s prototype.”

Arc looks at the boxes. “Does this have anything to do with what we discussed at the Cherry Festival?”

Silver Hammer nods! “It does indeed! She’s been hard at work since then brainstorming and drawing plans!”

Ember frowns. “That’s a lot of materials for her to play with, don’t you think?”

Steel Hammer shakes his head. “I’ve looked over her drawings and they are sound in their design! At first, I thought her ideas were little more than pipe dreams. However, she’s shown us how capable she really is several times over!”

Silver Hammer smiles! “Our little filly has so many interesting ideas! Some of them may be a bit… far-fetched, but let’s just say I wish we could do more to support her projects!”

“This is the first idea of hers we’ve been willing to actually put real money into.”

Sereb nods. “You have great faith in your daughter.”

“That we do!”

“Well, I’ll get you those measurements as soon as I can. We can talk more about the details of their construction then. That should help you pays the bills.”

Steel Hammer smiles. “We’ll give it our best shot! I’ve never made a suit of armor for non-ponies before. First time for everything I suppose.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch and opens the door. “Thanks. I’ll leave you to it then. Maybe next time I can talk to Platinum Valve about her invention. The idea for mechanical limbs she though up back then sounds fascinating!”

“I’m sure she would love to show you her design personally!”

“Looking forward to it! See you later!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the shop as Steel Hammer turns to his wife.

“He certainly puts so much faith in us.”

“What do you mean?”

“It probably would have been easier for him to go directly to the smith who originally forged his armor. “

Silver Hammer nods. “I suppose so. Why do you think he keeps coming here?”

“One of two reasons. First, he trusts our craftsmanship and our skills with his life!”

“Or?”

Steel Hammer walks to the back room with Silver Hammer. “Or second, that Mythic Honor is nuts! In any case, let’s get our tools and get to measuring.”

Silver Hammer nods as they make their way over to their workbenches. “Yes. Best not to keep the Hero of Light waiting now!”

As the pair leave the front of the shop, neither of them notices the helmet on the counter shaking ever so slightly for a brief moment. Steel Hammer returns to the front of the shop with tools and a pencil.

“Let’s get to it!”

Meanwhile, Arc, Sereb and Ember make their way to Carousel Boutique. They enter the shop to find Rarity and Sassy Saddles hard at work. Rarity looks up from her sewing machine and walking over as they enter.

“Good morning you three! “

Ember looks over to Arc fondly. “And a good morning it is.”

Sereb nods at the proprietor. “Please forgive Ember. She is merely happy to have Arc back.”

Sassy Saddles joins the group. “Back? Were you off on some mission overseas, Arc?”

“Kinda. Let’s just say I was temporarily out of the country and leave it at that.”

Rarity does her best to change the subject. “So what brings you here today, Arc? A new outfit perhaps?”

Sassy Saddles nods! “Just name the occasion and we’ll get right on it!”

“I need some things made up for me rather discretely. Can I count on the two of you to keep this between us?”

Rarity nods, a bit confused. “I… suppose. “

Sassy Saddles appears equally befuddled as she pulls a notepad and pencil from a nearby table. “No problem. What do you want made?”

“I need some simple robes sewn up. They don’t have to be pretty. Just functional.”

“For… you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, but they do need to be human-sized. Make them roughly my size, as I’m not really sure how big they’re going to need to be!”

Sassy Saddles lowers her voice. “Arc? Are other humans coming here?!”

“No, but… I can’t really say the reason why. Please just trust me on this.”

Ember shrugs her shoulders. “It’s a magic thing. I don’t get it either.”

Arc turns to Rarity. “This is for my… next mission. You understand, right?

“I do! Shall I make something for you as well?

“Thanks, but where I’m going. I need to wear clothes from there. I’m probably being paranoid, but I worry that walking around in Equestrian made clothes would warrant a lot of extra questions.”

Ember laughs! “Yeah! Like where they can pick up some of those fine garments!”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

“I’ll also need a special mask made up. Silver Hammer will come by later to give you the details on what exactly it needs. “

Rarity nods. “I’m sure we can come up with something to fill your needs. Um… you ARE planning on coming back, right?”

“I am. Believe me, this is temporary at best! There are a few things I need to do while I gather information and search for… my intended target.”

Rarity looks at Arc knowingly. “I understand! Believe me when I say that Carousel Boutique will do its part to help you… carry out your mission!”

Arc pulls some bits out of his magic ring and gives them to her. “Thanks! I’m going to need all the help I can get on this one! Well, I won’t take up any more of your time, Rarity.“

Rarity nods as she walks them to the door. “Thank you for coming. We’ll have what you need made before week’s end.”

“Perfect! Take care you two!“

Ember looks over at Sassy Saddles. “Don’t work too hard now!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the shop.

“Rarity! What exactly is going on?! It’s all so mysterious!”

Rarity returns to her sewing machine. “I’m sorry dear, but like Arc said, this matter must be kept quiet.”

Sassy Saddles returns to her work. “I don’t understand, but I do trust Arc. If he says to keep quiet, I’ll do so.”

“Very good dear! All will be revealed in due time!”

Meanwhile, Arc and company walk through town.

“Anything else need doing, Arc?”

“Not right now, Ember. We’ve got the ball rolling on the most pressing matters. How about you two head back to Light’s Hope and have some lunch?”

Sereb looks confused. “What about you?”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “I told Twilight I would meet her for tea this morning, and I’m almost out of morning!”

Ember frowns. “You better hurry over there if you don’t want to make her any angrier than she must already be!”

Sereb nods. “There is no greater fury than a mare scorned.”

Arc nods and heads toward the Golden Oaks Library. “You’re right! I’ll catch up with you two later! Wish me luck!”

Ember turns to Sereb as Arc hurries away! “You don’t really think Twilight will be mad at him, do you?”

“Unlikely. She is a very… understanding mare.”

Ember nods as they make their way home. “I hope so… for his sake!”

Arc hurries over to the library and knocks. Auriel answers. She opens the door wide to let him enter.

“Good morning Arc! How was Earth?”

“About as I remembered it. I’m heading back in about a week.”

Auriel nods! “Do make an effort to stop by when you’re in Ponyville! Twilight was very worried while you were gone!”

“I’ll try! She’s a good friend!”

Auriel turns to leave the library. “That she is! Well I hate to chat and run, but I’m actually heading out the door to visit Pinkie Pie.”

“Oh?”

“She’s going to teach me more about the science of cooking! Twilight’s in the kitchen trying to bake something to have with the tea! I hope you two have a nice visit!”

He waves after her. “We will! Bye Auriel!”

He closes the door behind her and heads for the kitchen, muttering to himself.

“I think she may be studying Pinkie Pie as much as cooking!”

Arc enters the kitchen. He finds Twilight trying very hard to ice some cupcakes. She does not hear him enter. He makes an effort not to startle her.

“Twilight?”

Twilight jumps back, nearly knocking the tray of sweets off the counter!

“Ah!”

“Sorry. “

Twilight walks over to him as he kneels down to hug her. “It’s okay!”

“Sorry for taking so long. I got caught up in town with preparations. Anything I can do to help?”

Twilight gestures to the next room as she levitates the pan of cupcakes. They proceed back to the table in the center of the library.

“It’s no trouble! I figured you had a lot to do today, so I used the time to bake something for the occasion! Everything’s ready! Have a seat!”

Arc sits down across from Twilight. “Thanks! They… uh… smell tasty enough!”

Twilight sheepishly smiles. “Sorry if they don’t look as good as Pinkie’s. How she manages that with just her hooves is beyond me! In any case, please help yourself!”

Arc picks up one of the cupcakes, cautiously. “I… uh… guess I’ll try this one.”

Twilight grins as he takes a bite! “I know how you like your sweets, so I make them extra sugary!”

He tastes Twilight’s confectionary concoction and makes a face! Twilight smiles at him expectantly!

“So, what do you think?!”

Arc puts the cupcake down and coughs! “Um… truth be told, I didn’t think it was possible for something to be TOO sweet until just this moment!”

Twilight picks up one of the pastries with her magic. “Oh, it can’t be THAT bad!”

She takes a bite. In but a moment her face contorts in disgust as every hair on her body suddenly stands straight up! Twilight levitates the plate from the table and dumps them into the wastebasket.

“Okay, maybe they’re not the best thing I’ve ever eaten! Sorry!”

“Not to worry. You tried your best.”

As they both compose themselves Twilight pours each of them a cup of tea.

“I know you’ll like this!”

Arc accepts the tea and takes a sip. “That hits the spot! You always make the best tea, Twilight!”

She blushes slightly. “Thank you! I… um… don’t know what to say!”

The pair drink their tea as Arc tells Twilight about his trip back to Earth. Twilight listens, fascinated!

“I’ll have to come with you one of these times! It would be great to be able to learn about your species from more first-hoof experience!”

Arc finishes his tea. “Yes, I’d like that too Twilight. The idea of sharing my world and its wonders with you and your friends just feels right! After all, you were the one to take me in when I first arrived!”

Twilight smiles. “It… it was nothing! Really! Anypony would have done the same!”

“I have to disagree with that. Remember when I first came through your portal? Everyone would run and hide whenever I walked down the street! Its been quite some time since I had time to consider it, but I think if you hadn’t been there for me, I might have been forced to become a hermit and live in the forest, or something! That one act of kindness changed my life!”

“I guess I never really thought about it that way before. Not only that, but Equestria wouldn’t have a Hero of Light, nor would anypony have been able to stop Captain Decimus from taking the throne when the princesses lay in comas!”

Arc shudders as he takes a cookie from a tray. “That’s a sobering thought!”

Twilight moves to pour Arc another cup of tea but finds the pot empty. She stands up a bit nervously.

“I have another pot in the kitchen. Please excuse me.”

Arc smiles. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere!”

Twilight enters the kitchen and takes the pot of tea off the stove. She looks at it a few moments as if weighing her options. Sighting quietly to herself, she pulls out a blunt syringe from a nearby drawer and puts a dozen or so drops of the pink liquid into the teapot.

“Don’t you worry about a thing, Arc. I’ll… I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy!”

She gives the contents of the pot a quick stir and takes a sip from the spoon.

“That does taste good!”

Twilight returns the top to its place as she hides the blunt syringe on the serving tray under a napkin before trotting back to where Arc is waiting patiently. She sets the tray down and pours each of them a cup from the fresh pot.

“Sorry for taking so long! I’m trying out a new tea recipe, and wanted to be sure it was… uh… just right before you drank it!”

Arc eyes the teacup suspiciously. “Did you make this extra sweet as well?”

“Um… I did! But I already tried a little bit to make sure it was… um… edible!”

“Well, okay.”

Twilight brings her cup to her lips as Arc does the same. Arc puts the teacup down without taking a drink.

“That reminds me, Twilight. Did I ever thank you for all your hard work in curing the princesses?”

Twilight puts her own cup down and rubs her chin with a hoof. “I… I don’t think so. But I know you appreciated my actions! That was quite a busy time for all of us, after all!”

“Well I’m sorry for that! You and Auriel did such a fine job researching that cure along with Doctor Whooves! The three of you should be very proud!”

Twilight blushes slightly at the praise. “I… thank you.”

Arc picks up his teacup again. “Princess Cadance spoke quite highly of your abilities when she and Princess Luna were trapped in the Lunar Realm. While I knew you were quite capable, what you did was truly remarkable!”

He raises his teacup to her out of respect.

“I know that you’ll never give up on a friend. No matter how hopeless or dire the situation may be!”

As he takes a drink from his teacup, Twilight does the same. Arc looks down at the cup.

“Wow! That really is something special!”

Twilight nods excitedly. “Do you like it?!”

“I do! It’s amazing!”

Twilight blushes. “Do you… really like it? Be Honest with me! What’s it like?!”

Arc thinks to himself. “It tastes somehow familiar. What’s in this anyways?”

“Sorry, but that’s a trade secret!”

Arc laughs as he takes another much larger sip of tea. “Alright! You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to!”

Twilight drinks again from her own cup before setting it back down. “Arc? Do you notice anything… different about me today?”

Arc thinks for a moment as he looks Twilight up and down. “Did you… do something different with your mane?”

Twilight sighs. “No. Care for some more tea?”

Arc sets his teacup down. “Yes please! You should really package this for sale! I know the rest of Equestria would love it as much I am!

Twilight tops off Arc’s cup. “Maybe. But I’d rather keep this for those I truly care about!”

Arc picks up his refilled cup. “You mean like friends and family?”

Twilight sets down the teapot. “Something like that.”

Before Arc can take a drink, Twilight uses her magic to gently knock a few books off of their shelves behind him. They clatter noisily to the floor! Arc sets his cup down and looks behind him at the mess on the floor.

“Huh? How did that happen?”

Twilight shrugs. “I’m… not fully certain.”

Arc stands up. “Let me put those back for you. I know how much you hate things being out of place, my friend.”

“Thank you Arc.”

As he busies himself in putting the books back in their proper places, Twilight removes the blunt syringe from under the napkin and puts several more drops in Arc’s teacup before concealing the syringe again. Twilight smiles at him as he returns to the table.

“Thanks for taking care of that, Arc!”

He picks up his cup and takes another sip. “It’s no trouble. Say, I think this tea actually gets better as it sits! This cup is especially tasty!”

“I’m glad you like it!”

Arc puts his teacup down and looks over to his hostess. “Twilight? There’s… something different about you today.”

She bats her eyelashes. “Oh? What’s that?”

He looks at Twilight for a few moments. “Um… different shampoo perhaps? I swear your mane looks different today!”

Twilight sighs. “No. That’s not it.”

Arc shrugs and drinks the rest of his tea. “Oh well. It will come to me! Say, have you and Spike been talking lately?”

“Yes. We’ve been talking on the phone almost every evening since the princesses were cured!”

“I know you two have made peace, but it just seems rather empty around here without him.”

Twilight sighs. “I know what you mean. I miss him!”

“Does he know that?”

“He does. However, he insists on staying in Canterlot to help Sunburst!”

Arc nods. “I’ve spoken to Sunburst about his performance. Apparently, he’s become somewhat invaluable to him!”

Twilight sighs. “He’s done wonders to keep me organized over the years! If it helps find Princess Celestia faster, then I’m all for it!”

“Do you miss him?”

“Of course! But… this is more important than my feelings! He’s helping Sunburst find my teacher and maybe even save Equestria in the process! What could be more noble?!”

“How about what he wants?”

“I don’t think I understand what you’re getting at.”

“He does care about your feelings, Twilight. But he knows finding Princess Celestia would make you very happy! Now I could be wrong, but I get the feeling all he really wants is to make you smile!”

“Do you really think so?!”

“I’m almost positive! Spike is a really caring young dragon thanks to you. I’ve found that when you care for someone deeply, you would go to any length to make them happy.”

“Yes, that much I can relate to!”

Arc nods. “Me too! Um… do you mind if I use your bathroom?”

Twilight gestures with a hoof toward the stairs. “Sure! You know where it is!”

He stands up. “Excuse me. I won’t be long.”

Twilight waits until she hears the bathroom door close before lifting the lid of the teapot and pulling out the blunt syringe again.

“What’s wrong with this stuff?! The science is sound! Maybe it doesn’t work on humans?!”

She pours herself another cupful and adds a dozen more drops to the teapot. As she is about to close the lid she pauses for a moment before emptying the contents of the entire syringe into the pot! She stirs the contents before closing the lid, looking quite pleased with herself!

“There! If that doesn’t do it, nothing will!”

A few minutes later Arc descends the stairs and sits back down across from Twilight.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Twilight smiles as she tops off his cup again. “It’s no trouble! I put a little more of my secret ingredient in the pot while you were gone. Although I may have gone a little overboard with it! If you don’t like it, you don’t have to finish it.”

Arc takes a sip before downing the entire cup! “This is the best yet! Still can’t put my finger on where I’ve tasted your secret ingredient before though.”

Twilight looks at him wide-eyed! “I’m… glad you like it. If you’d like, we can have tea again later this week when I get back.”

Arc sets down his cup. “Get back?”

Twilight nods. I’m helping Cheerilee chaperone the school foals on a field trip. We’re leaving early tomorrow morning, and will get back to Ponyville around sunset.”

“Where to?”

“Canterlot. They’ve just finished their studies on government. We’re going to take them to our country’s seat of power and show them how Equestria’s leaders rule this land. Would you care to come with me? I would love to have a friend along!”

“It sounds like fun Twilight! But I have a million things to do before weeks end.”

Twilight nods sadly. “I understand. This really is a bad time.”

“Sorry. Maybe next time.”

He looks at his pocket watch and moves to stand.

“Well, I should be getting back now. Derpy and Dinky will be getting home soon and I was planning on having supper ready for them.”

Twilight sighs as she stands and walks around the table. “Okay. Thanks for coming by! It’s been too long since we had a good chat.”

Arc kneels down to give her a goodbye hug. “Sorry. Next time I’ll have you over to my place for tea.”

“Sounds good. I haven’t been to Light’s Hope in quite some time now!”

Arc nods as he sits back and looks her in the eye. “No Twilight. Next time I’ll treat you to tea at my house on Earth.”

Twilight smiles! “I’ll hold you to that!”

Arc stands and heads for the door with Twilight at his heels. “Take care of Equestria while I’m gone.”

Twilight opens the door for him. “I will! Stay safe out there!”

“See you!”

She closes the door behind him, and shakes her head as she returns to the table and pours herself another cup of tea. Tasting it for herself carefully.

“I don’t understand! This stuff is powerful enough to make a pony fall in love with a frog!”

Twilight sighs and picks up the tray. She makes her way to the kitchen and sets it down by the sink. Picking up the empty syringe, she looks at it with a frown as she tosses it into the garbage and heads to the basement lab.

“Oh well. Back to the drawing board.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way back toward Derpy’s house. He puts a hand to his forehead as he walks.

“That tea was good and all, but I think I may have had a bit too much. Hope I can sleep tonight!”

He makes his way home and gets to work preparing supper for his family.

Chapter 5 - ...Hits the Fan

Arc, Derpy and Dinky awaken early the next morning to another day. Derpy gets up and begins to make breakfast. She turns to Dinky and Arc as she finishes cooking.

“Did you two sleep well?”

Arc stretches. “Yes! Even after I drank all that tea yesterday.”

Dinky helps her mother put the food on the table. “I always sleep well when dad’s home!”

Derpy smiles. “That’s good! I think we all have a busy day ahead of us!”

Dinky sits down excitedly! “Right! Today’s our field trip!”

Arc serves Dinky some eggs. “I hear you two are going to Canterlot. Touring the castle?”

Derpy smiles. “We are!”

“Are you and your classmates excited, Dinky?”

“Yeah! It’s not every day we get a chance like this!”

Derpy laughs. “Maybe we’ll see the princesses!”

Arc smiles. “I’m sure they would enjoy that. If their schedule allows, that is.”

Dinky looks up from her eggs. “Can’t they do whatever they want?”

“Well, yes and no. Yes, they CAN drop everything if they so choose, but no they can’t inasmuch as their job keeps them VERY busy!”

Derpy nods. “Yes Dinky. Remember how busy your father was when he was Lord Regent?”

“I do. But he did come home to see Miss Cheerilee for conferences!”

Arc smiles at her. “Some things are worth dropping everything, sweetheart. Your education is one of them!”

There is a knock at the door. Arc looks up.

“Who could that be?”

Derpy stands up and walks to the door. “Probably Twilight. The three of us were planning to walk to the school together.”

She opens the door to see Twilight standing there with a scarf around her neck. Derpy steps aside to allow her to enter!

“Come in Twilight!”

Twilight trots inside. “Thanks! My it’s chilly out this morning! I hope I’m not interrupting your breakfast!”

“Not at all! We’re just finishing up!”

Arc looks up. “Good morning Twilight! Thanks for helping out at the school!”

“It’s no problem! These days it seems like I only go to Canterlot when there’s something amiss! This will be a pleasant change!”

Derpy and Dinky head for the bathroom.

“We won’t be but a few minutes, Twilight! “

Twilight nods! “No problem! I’ll wait!”

She looks up at Arc expectantly.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?!”

”I would love to! But I have quite a bit to do myself! I have to make a bit of a field trip to Redemption Village.”

Twilight looks confused. “Where?”

“The Vile Tribe changed their town’s name. I need to head over there with the Hammers, Ember and Sereb to see Mythic Honor about some armor upgrades.”

“I see. Say Arc, how are you feeling right now?”

She bats her eyelashes at him and smiles.

“About the same as any day, I guess. Why do you ask?”

“No reason!“

Derpy and Dinky emerge from the bathroom, manes freshly brushed.

“We’re ready to go!”

Arc waves after them. “Have a good time you three! See you later this evening!”

Derpy looks back and nods. “See you later, Arc!”

Twilight sighs. “Bye, Arc.”

They leave the house as Arc makes his way to the bathroom. He takes a quick shower before teleporting to his quarters in Light’s Hope. Sereb is still sleeping in the living room in his usual spot. Arc opens the door to his bedroom and sees Ember still asleep.

“Hey Ember. Time to wake up lazy bones!”

She slowly opens her eyes and sits up.

“Ugh…”

“You okay Ember?”

Ember rubs her eyes as she stands. “I… I think so. Just feeling a bit out of it, that’s all.”

“Well, we should probably get this day started soon. Lots to do!”

She puts a claw to her forehead as they leave the bedroom. “Do we at least have time for breakfast?”

Arc nods as he heads toward the door. Sereb rises from in front of the fireplace and joins them.

“There’s always time to eat!”

Sereb chuckles as they walk down the corridor. “Some things never change.”

Arc looks back at Ember. “You going to make it?”

Ember puts a claw to her forehead. “Y-yeah. I think I’ll feel better when I get something in my stomach.”

The trio enters the cafeteria together and makes their way to the buffet. They grab some food and sit down to eat. Ember turns to look at Arc.

“Are we still heading to Redemption Village today?”

“Yes. If you’re feeling up to it that is!”

She nods. “I’ll manage. Eating is helping quite a bit!”

“Good!”

As they finish their meal, Saffron emerges from the kitchen to restock the buffet. She sees Arc and hurries over to kneel before him.

“Sir! It’s good to have you back!”

Arc looks to her a bit confused. “Um… it’s good to be back. Are you okay?”

Saffron continues to kneel. “Y-yes sir! I’m just fine! Please forgive me, but we’ve run out of eggs! I was just about to run out and buy some more!”

Arc stands up. “We can do that for you.”

She looks up at him with a horrified look on her face! “No sir! Please don’t trouble yourself with my problems! I’m sure you have many more pressing matters to attend to!”

“It’s no problem! You may be working too hard Saffron. I want you to rest when you’re done serving breakfast. Okay?”

Saffron nods and backs away slowly, keeping her head down. “Yes sir! As you wish!”

She hurries back to the kitchen leaving Arc and his group in a state on confusion. Sereb looks up to him.

“What was that all about?”

Arc shakes his head. “I think she’s just overworked. I’ll call Canterlot later and see if she can get an assistant or something.”

Ember frowns. “Why not just have Flash Sentry assign some guards to work in the kitchen?”

“That’s a good idea, Ember! He’s probably in my office right now. Let’s go see him!”

The trio makes their way to Arc’s office. They find Flash Sentry sitting at the desk going over some paperwork.

“I see you’re hard at work as always, lieutenant!”

Flash Sentry stands up and approaches Arc, saluting. “Yes sir! Always something to do! Did you want to see me?”

“I do. We’ve just come from the cafeteria and I believe Saffron could use some help in the kitchen preparing meals. “

Ember nods. “She was acting a bit out of the ordinary. Arc thinks the burden of feeding so many is finally wearing on her!”

“Really? I’ve offered to send help a couple times now, but she always refused.”

Arc nods. “Well, send someone over to help with lunch. Tell her I insist!”

Sereb sighs. “We don’t want her keeling over from exhaustion.”

“I’ll see to it, sir. Are you off on another adventure this morning?”

“Mostly making preparations for one! I’m heading to a small town called Redemption Village to talk about armor upgrades.”

“Anything we can do to help, sir?”

“Keep an eye on Saffron for me, would you? She was acting REALLY out of the ordinary earlier! Keep up the good work lieutenant!”

Arc and company leave the office and walk down the corridor together. Ember turns to him as they leave the building.

“Do you really think Saffron will be okay?”

“I hope so. We’ll check up on her when we get back from our little sojourn. If she’s unchanged, I’ll send her to Ponyville Hospital for some tests. Ember, I hate to ask this of you, but do you think you could stay with Saffron? If something IS wrong with her, I don’t want her alone!”

“Sure. But I’m not much for cooking.”

“Then this will be a good time to learn. We’ll come back for you before we leave town.

Ember sighs and turns back toward the base. “Fine! Don’t take all day though!”

“We won’t.”

Sereb looks up to Arc as Ember enters the base. “You care greatly for your subordinates.”

He nods. “I do. In addition to the general public, they’re who I’m sworn to protect!”

They make their way down the road toward town. The train whistle blows in the distance. Arc smiles.

“Sounds like the school foals are on their way to Canterlot.”

“I hope they have a good time.”

Arc nods. “As do I!”

As they pass Sugarcube Corner, the smell of baking goods emanating from the building is more than Arc can stand! He turns toward the building.

“I think I’ll just get a quick cupcake to go. Then we’ll get the eggs.”

Sereb smiles as they enter the bakery. “As you wish.”

There are a few other customers sitting at tables enjoying sweet treats as Arc approaches the counter with Sereb. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash are behind the counter stocking the display cases.

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof to her head and rubs her temples. “Hi there, Arc! What can we get you today?”

“Just a cupcake to go please. But since when do you work here, Rainbow Dash?”

She shakes her head as if to clear it. “I’m… just helping out while the Cakes are out of town with the twins.”

Pinkie walks over, sounding a bit tired. “Your regular… Arc?”

“Yes please!”

Rainbow Dash head back to the kitchen. “I’ll get it for you.”

Pinkie turns to him. “Say Arc, do you think you could help me with something upstairs?!”

Arc turns to her, confused. “Okay…”

Sereb turns to look out the window. “I will wait down here.”

The pair walk up the stairs to the apartment Pinkie Pie shares with the Cakes. She closes the door behind them.

“So what do you need?”

Pinkie walks over to the window and looks out it for a few moments as she sits on her haunches with a grimace on her face.

“I… I don’t… it’s… hard to think straight!”

Arc walks over to Pinkie and kneels down behind her. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he turns her around to face him. Arc notices she has a blank look in her eyes and her body is going limp! His arms appear to be the only thing keeping her from falling to the floor!

“Pinkie?! What’s wrong with you?!”

She slowly composes herself as the strength returns to her body. Looking up at him, she speaks in a strangely even tone.

“I… I’m fine, Arc. Everything is just… fine.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, still holding her shoulders and looking her in the eyes.

“Are you sure? This… this isn’t like you!”

Pinkie steps away as he lets go of her. She speaks in a rather strange tone.

“I’ve wanted to tell you something for a long time now, Arc. “

Arc takes a step or so back, slowly but deliberately. “Okay? What would that be?”

“I like you Arc. More than just a customer though! And more than a friend!”

He backs up into the apartment door. “I… uh… I like you too, Pinkie. But you’re REALLY starting to freak me out! Can you… I don’t know… take it down a notch in the creepiness department?”

Pinkie looks at him with a wild look on her face! “Do you want to play a game, Arc?!”

“I… I’m kinda busy today. Maybe next time!”

He moves to open the door but she lunges forward and puts a hoof on it! Pinkie looks up at Arc with a strange look on her face.

“What’s the matter, Arc? Don’t you WANT to play?!”

Arc rushes to the center of the room as Pinkie Pie turns and lunges at him with a hungry look in her eyes! Just before she reaches him, he Blinks behind her! She is momentarily caught off guard! Arc takes the opportunity to wrap his arms around her from behind and pick her up! She flails her hooves and squirms in desperation!

“Put me down! I want to PLAY!!!”

Sereb bursts into the room!

“Arc?!”

Barely able to contain the manic mare in his arms, he turns to his steed! “Sereb! Sleep spell NOW!!!”

Sereb quickly complies! It takes several moments, but eventually Pinkie begins to weaken as her eyelids grow heavy. Arc lies her down slowly on the floor as she loses consciousness.

“We’re going to get you some help, Pinkie. Don’t fight it!”

Pinkie doesn’t have time to respond before she passes out. With the last of her strength, she reaches a hoof out to Arc with a sad look on her face. He takes it and gives it a quick squeeze before she lapses into unconsciousness. Sereb looks down at the unconscious mare before him.

“By the Matriarch! What happened?!”

Arc scoops Pinkie Pie up and walks quickly toward the stairs! “That’s what I’d like to know! Your guess is as good as mine!”

They proceed down to the main level. The other customers look at Arc confused as they see the unconscious Pinkie Pie in his arms. Rainbow Dash stares at Arc, wide-eyed!

“P-Pinky?! What…?”

Arc lays Pinky on Sereb’s back and turns to those assembled! “Everyone listen to me! There’s been some kind of incident! I need all of you to stay seated so I can ask everyone a few questions! Rainbow Dash, wait for me in the kitchen! I’ll need to talk to you as well!

“But…!“

“Please! Help me help her, okay?”

Rainbow Dash walks slowly into the kitchen, angrily. “Fine! Have it your way!”

Arc turns to Sereb. “Get her to the hospital immediately! I’ll call ahead and let Doctor Horse know you’re coming.”

Sereb runs out the door! “On my way.”

Arc closes the door behind him and locks it before flipping the sign to closed. He quickly walks to the telephone on the wall behind the counter and dials the hospital. In a moment a nurse answers.

“Ponyville Hospital.”

“Nurse, this is Arc. I’m sending Pinkie Pie over to you. She should arrive in just a few minutes. Tell Doctor Horse she needs a full examination and is to be restrained at all times! No matter what Pinkie Pie tells you, she is NOT to be released under any circumstances until I personally authorize it! Do you understand?”

“Yes sir. I’ll see to it the doctor knows of these instructions.”

“Good! I’ll come by as soon as I can! Hopefully we can figure out this mess together! Thank you for your time.”

Arc hangs up the phone and turns to face the other customers. He questions them, but learns nothing new before walking over to the front door and opening it.

“Thank you for your time everyone. Please go directly to the hospital and have a full examination.”

They nod silently and leave just as Sereb returns. He turns to Arc as the door closes behind him.

“Doctor Horse says he will examine your friend immediately.”

Arc nods. “Did they restrain her when you arrived?”

“Yes. As I left, I saw them strapping her to a gurney.”

Arc heads for the kitchen. “Good. See if you can find any clues out here while I go talk to Rainbow Dash.”

Sereb sniffs around the room. “By your command.”

Arc enters the kitchen to find Rainbow Dash sitting at a table on the far side of the room, clopping her hooves together nervously! She looks exhausted!

“ARC! What happened to Pinkie?! Where is she?! Is she going to be okay?!”

“Calm down, Rainbow Dash! I sent her to the hospital. Doctor Horse is examining her now.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide! “The hospital?! Is she sick?!”

“Maybe. When I followed her upstairs, she started talking gibberish. The next thing I knew, she attacked me!”

“WHAT?! Pinkie Pie wouldn’t hurt a fly! “

Arc turns and opens several cupboards to examine their contents. “Believe me, she came at me like I was a cupcake, and she hadn’t eaten in days!”

Rainbow Dash lowers her voice. “Arc! You… you’re not going to put her away for this, are you?! I mean… there must be some kind of explanation for it!”

He opens the refrigerator. “I agree. When I looked into her eyes, well, let’s just say that wasn’t the Pinkie Pie we all know and love! It was like she was possessed!”

“What are you looking for anyway?”

“Anything to explain what happened up there! What do you think? Anything out of the ordinary happen today?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No, nothing. It was just another day! We baked, we set out the pastries and we opened the bakery!”

She puts a hoof against her forehead. Arc looks to her, concerned.

“You okay?”

“Y-yeah! I just have a bit of a headache. Probably from all the excitement this morning. You finding anything over there?”

Arc sighs as he opens yet another cabinet. “Nothing that shouldn’t be in a bakery. I think I’m going to have to call in an investigator to look into this.”

Rainbow Dash rubs her forehead. “You can’t do that! It would totally trash Pinkie’s reputation! Can you imagine a party planner with a criminal record?!”

“Tell you what. I’ll have one of my soldiers look into it. They’ll bring whatever they find directly to me. As the arresting officer I’ll look it over and decide where we go from there.”

“Can’t you just drop the charges? I mean, we both know she’s innocent!”

“I could. However, it would be hard to justify an investigation into a normal baker! Pinkie needs help, and I intend to see that she gets it! Now don’t you worry about a thing! She’s not going to rot in a cell for this!”

Rainbow Dash buries her face in her hooves. “I wish Twilight were here!”

Arc walks over to the pegasus and puts an arm around her. “So do I.”

She holds her head once again, seemingly in agony!

“My head feels like I just flew into a brick wall while doing a Sonic Rainboom!”

Arc picks Rainbow Dash up as Sereb walks into the kitchen. “I’m taking you to the hospital!”

Rainbow Dash nods weakly. “Y-yeah!”

Arc walks toward the front of the store with Sereb at his heels. “Find anything out here?”

“Nothing.”

Arc sighs. “Well it was worth a shot.”

As they approach the front door Rainbow Dash suddenly clutches her stomach!

“Put me down, quick!”

Arc quickly does so as Rainbow Dash rushes back into the kitchen and heaves into the sink for several moments before Arc can catch up to her! He holds her head up.

“I got you! “

“Th-thanks.”

She throws up several more times before resorting to dry heaving! As Arc stoops down to pick her back up, she looks him in the eye. Fear in both her eyes and voice!

“What… what’s wrong with me?! My… my head!”

He turns her back toward the sink as another round of vomiting ensues! “It’s okay! I won’t tell anyone about this!”

Rainbow Dash breathes heavily, the fur around her mouth caked with vomit. “I… I think that’s the last of it.”

Arc lays her down on the counter and grabs a nearby dish towel. Wetting it, he carefully wipes around the sick pegasus’ mouth before giving her a drink of water. She flaps her wings and glides to the floor.

“Thanks. I actually feel a lot better now!”

“Good. I can carry you to the hospital if need be. Doctor Horse will get to the bottom of this!”

Rainbow Dash suddenly turns to him! “Arc, I need to tell you something!”

“Now?!”

“Yeah. You’ve… always been a good friend. I want you to know I haven’t forgotten what you did for all of us! For… for me!”

She walks toward Arc slowly with a strange look on her face. Her wings outstretched as if she were about to take flight.

“Rainbow…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him! Turning her head to one side and looking up at Arc as she grimaces in pain!

“Tell me, Arc. Do you… do you think… could you ever picture yourself with a… pegasus?”

Arc picks up Rainbow Dash. “Okay, we are taking you to the hospital right now!”

Rainbow Dash makes a sound that Arc assumes is her version of giggling as she nuzzles his chest. “Why? So we can play doctor? You can give me an examination right here if you want!”

She dry heaves again and attempts to raise her wings but fails. Arc sighs and shakes his head.

“You’re not well, Rainbow Dash. Sereb?”

Sereb’s horn glows. “Indeed.”

Rainbow Dash’s giggles die down as she loses consciousness. The pair quickly leave the bakery and head for the hospital. Sereb looks at the pegasus in Arc’s arms.

“She’s… easier to deal with like this.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I didn’t want anyone to hear the things she was saying either. She’s always been one to speak her mind, but this…! It’s way beyond anything she’s ever said or done before!“

Sereb frowns. “Like Pinkie Pie?”

“Right! We’ll get to the bottom of this!”

Arc grabs the key on the counter next to the cash register. As he leaves the bakery, he locks the door behind them! In a short time they reach Ponyville Hospital. Arc explains the situation to the nurse.

“Keep them together and monitor them closely. “

“I’ll see to it. Shall we restrain Miss Dash as well?”

Arc sighs. “Yes. Not because she’s dangerous, but because I don’t see her agreeing to stay in bed!”

Two orderlies approach with a gurney. Arc sets her down and they quickly restrain her. As Rainbow Dash is wheeled away Arc turns back to the nurse.

“Is Doctor Horse available?”

“Yes. He’s in his office. I’ll let him know you’re coming.”

“Thank you.”

Arc and Sereb make their way to the office. He knocks lightly before entering.

“Doctor?”

“Come in! Hopefully you can shed some light on what’s wrong with my patient!”

Arc closes the door behind them. “Make that two patients. I just brought another case in.”

“Same symptoms?”

“Nearly identical. Before I brought her in, Rainbow Dash was vomiting profusely! Could it have been something they ate?”

Doctor Horse thinks for a moment. “Possible but unlikely. Pinkie Pie regained consciousness while I was examining her. She seemed a little bit quiet, which as you know is very out of character for her, but was otherwise herself. Had you not ordered her held until further notice, I would have released her. Tell me, why did you insist on her being restrained?”

“She attacked me earlier. “

“Oh my! While quite the act, that certainly isn’t caused by diet! I’ll pump their stomachs to be sure though!”

Arc sighs. “You might have trouble getting anything out of Rainbow Dash. I wasn’t aware her stomach could hold that much to begin with! Don’t let either of them leave until we know more. I’ll have someone investigate the bakery more thoroughly than I did.”

Doctor Horse nods. “Let me know what you find! I’ll contact your base if there are any changes in the patient’s conditions. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.”

“I understand. Can I use your phone before I leave?”

Doctor Horse points a hoof at his desk. “Certainly!”

Arc picks up the receiver as the doctor leaves the room. “We’ll be in touch. Please help my friends, doctor.”

The doctor nods as Arc dials his base. Raven soon answers.

“Light’s Hope.”

“Raven? This is Arc. Can you please connect me with Flash Sentry? We have a bit of a situation here.”

“Yes sir. Right away!”

A few moments later they are connected as Flash Sentry picks up the telephone in Arc’s office.

“Sir! What can I do for you?!

“Send some guards to secure Sugar Cube Corner. No one is allowed to enter without my permission!”

Flash Sentry raises an eyebrow and sighs. “Sir? Isn’t this going a bit far for cupcakes?”

“There’s been an incident over there. We’re treating it as a crime scene until further notice!”

“I’ll send over Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage and some Royal Guards immediately!”

“Good! I’ll brief them when they arrive. Hop to it, lieutenant!”

“Yes sir!”

Arc hangs up the phone and they leave the hospital together. On the way back to the bakery they pass the Carousel Boutique. Arc turns to approach it.

“Arc?”

“We have a bit of time before the guards get there. Let’s talk to Rarity and see if she knows anything about what her friends have been up to.”

They enter the shop to find Sassy Saddles busy at work.

“Good morning Arc! How can I help you today?”

“There’s been an incident. I need to speak with Rarity about Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash! Is she available?”

Sassy Saddles looks a bit nervous. “She’s… ah… with somepony in the next room performing a dress fitting. We’re about to take some pictures of our… um… model in Rarity’s dresses. Shall I have her call you later?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Our business is urgent.”

“Yes. I’m sorry, but this can’t wait.”

Rarity emerges from the next room with Applejack. Both of them are wearing elegant formalwear and have their hair done up. Neither of them notices they have guests.

“Believe me when I say you look quite fetching, Applejack! If you were to walk down the street in this dress, you would have no shortage of stallions looking your way!”

“Well, I’m not looking for that kind of attention! Let’s just get those pictures taken so I can get back to work!”

Sassy Saddles clears her throat loudly. Rarity and Applejack turn to see Arc and Sereb standing there for the first time.

“Oh my! I’m sorry you two! We didn’t notice you there!”

Applejack scowls. “Aw horse apples! I didn’t want anypony to see me like this!”

“You two look very nice!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“We’ll keep this to ourselves, Applejack. No one else needs to know.”

Applejack breathes a sigh of relief! “Thanks, sugarcube!”

Rarity smiles as Sassy Saddles goes to the back room to get the camera. She makes some last-minute adjustments to Applejack’s dress as she talks. “So what brings you here today, Arc?”

“These was an incident earlier today at Sugar Cube Corner. Both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie are in the hospital.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide! “My goodness!”

“What happened?!”

“They appear to be sick both mentally and physically. At the time both of them were talking strangely and… acting very out of the ordinary. Would you know anything about their recent activities? We’re trying to figure out how this happened to them!”

Rarity walks around Applejack to give the dress a final inspection. “Well, they’ve been working together these past few days at the bakery. I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary other than that.”

Applejack thinks for a moment. “Maybe it’s something over there!”

Sereb nods. “We’re meeting some guards there later.”

“We were hoping one of you knew something that could help.”

Applejack shakes her head. “Sorry, but I can’t really think of anything out of the ordinary going on over there.”

Rarity suddenly screams! “Look out!”

One of the backdrops legs buckles and threatens to fall over! Arc rushes forward and pushes it back up as Sereb uses his magic to fix the bent support. Rarity breathes a sigh of relief as she puts a hoof to her forehead.

“Thank you Arc! We spent hours getting our hair like this! It would be a shame to have to start all over!”

She walks over to inspect the backdrop and sighs.

“I guess it may be time for a new stand.”

Applejack facehoofs! “Really?! I think we have bigger… problems… right now. Is it hot in here?!”

Arc shrugs. “About the same as usual.”

Rarity begins to shiver. “I feel it too!”

Applejack hurries over to Rarity with Arc as she too begins to shiver and sweat! “Are you okay?!”

Rarity falls to her fetlocks on the floor. “Something is… not right…”

Arc frowns! “What is going on around here today?!”

Applejack coughs violently as she falls to her fetlocks. “Ugh… it kinda feels like a flu bug crawled inside me!”

Sassy Saddles emerges from the back room with a camera case. “Rarity?! Applejack! What’s wrong?!”

Sereb looks to Sassy Saddles. “These two are not well.”

“What do we do?!”

Arc moves to pick up the phone on the desk across the room. “Call the hospital and have them send over help!”

He does so as Sassy Saddles and Sereb do their best to help the sick mares! He puts down the phone a few minutes later and rushes over to his friends.

“Help’s on the way you two!”

Arc feels Applejacks forehead. It is cool to the touch!

“Can somepony open a window please? It’s just so hot in here!”

Applejack begins to sweat.

“Now I’m cold again! What’s going on?!”

Sereb lies down on the floor next to Applejack in an attempt to warm her up as Arc feels Rarity’s forehead. She is burning up with fever!

“It won’t take long for them to get here! Just hold on a bit longer you two! Get some blankets, Sassy Saddles!”

She runs up the steps to Rarity’s apartment about the shop! “Right away!”

Rarity looks up to Arc as sweat pours down her face. “Arc? Can… can you please do something for me?”

“What is it?”

She begins breathing heavily! “Help me take this dress off! I… I don’t want to stain it with sweat!”

“I’ll try!”

He very carefully attempts to remove the dress, but fails.

“I’ll need Sassy Saddles’ help! Sorry, but I’m not much for knowing how dresses go on and off!”

Rarity’s body trembles. “Just… just tear it!”

“What?!”

She looks up at him pleadingly! “Please! Rip the dress off of me if you must! I… I have to… get out… of it… right now!”

Arc tries again for a few moments before kneeling down and putting his arms around Rarity’s neck. Reaching behind her, he tears the dress right down the middle. It falls to the floor at her hooves.

“Sorry, Rarity.”

She looks up at him with a strange look on her face. “Th-thank you, Arc. That feels much better! Much better… indeed!”

She falls into Arc’s arms and begins nuzzling his chest as Sassy Saddles returns with some blankets.

“I’m so cold, Arc! Could you please… hold me?! I… I want to be warm again!”

Arc takes one of the blankets from Sassy Saddles and turns back to the mare in his lap. “This should warm you up!”

Rarity is suddenly peevish as she throws her hooves around Arc’s midsection and presses her body against him! “No! I… I need body heat to warm me up!”

Sassy Saddles looks at her employer, surprised! “R-Rarity?! What’s gotten into you?!”

Rarity looks up at Arc with a wild look in her eyes! “You’re quite the stallion, Arc! Take me! Make me your marefriend!”

Applejack jumps up woozily and stumbles over to them. “Now hold on just a minutes Rarity! That’s not the way a proper lady… should… act!”

She grabs a thick ribbon off a nearby table, tackles Rarity and proceeds to hogtie her! Rarity glares at her assailant!

“Untie me this instant you ruffian!”

Arc covers Rarity with a blanket. “Sorry Rarity, but you need to rest! Just lie there quietly, okay?”

He turns back to Applejack who is looking quite pleased with herself.

“Thanks for the help Applejack. I…”

Suddenly Applejack tackles him! The pair fall backwards with her standing over him! There is a wild gleam in her green eyes as she lies down on Arc’s chest and begins to nuzzle it. She speaks in a seductive voice as she looks him in the eye.

“I’m MUCH better looking in this dress than Rarity is! Wouldn’t you agree, Arc?”

“Applejack! I… you both look very nice today. But… I like you the way you were! Not like this!”

Applejack stands up and smiles. “Whatever you say… sugarcube.”

In one swift motion Applejack rips off her own dress and lies back down on Arc. Moving to lift his tunic as she goes back to nuzzling.

“Is that better, sugarcube?”

Rarity writhes around on the floor, angrily! “Get away from him you wretch! He’s MINE!”

Applejack gets up and storms over to Rarity! “Yours?! All YOU want is for him to…”

“Enough! Sereb, do it!”

In but an instant both Applejack and Rarity are unconscious. Sassy Saddles stands there looking at the mares, wide-eyed and in disbelief of what she has just seen!

“A-Arc? What just happened?!”

“I had Sereb put them to sleep. Don’t worry, they’ll be fine.”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “No. I mean… this is a side of Rarity I’ve never seen before! Forgive me, but I had no idea she was so enamored with you!”

Several EMTs enter the shop and approach the unconscious mares as Arc picks them up and lays them carefully on two stretchers.

“She’s not! At least I don’t thinks so anyways. It’s the sickness talking! Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash acted the same way! How do you feel?!”

Sassy Saddles shrugs. “I feel fine!”

“Are you sure?!”

“Yes! Other than being worried out of my mind about Rarity, that is!”

“Good. Go with the EMTs to the hospital and get checked out just to be sure.”

“I… I will!”

Arc turns to the EMTs as Sassy Saddles steps outside the boutique. “Have Doctor Horse keep them all together, but restrained at all times like the others! I don’t want to have to organize a search party later!”

The EMTs nod and quickly make their way out the door with the patients and Sassy Saddles. Sereb turns to Arc.

“What do you suppose is going on?”

Arc sighs as he leaves the shop with his friend. “I wish I knew! Let’s get back to the bakery and see if we can get the investigation going!

The pair make their way to Sugar Cube Corner. Sandstorm Mirage is waiting for him with several Royal Guards. They salute as Arc approaches.

“You needed us sir?!”

“Yes. Follow me.”

Arc leads them into the bakery and closes the door behind them as they listen for instructions.

The two mares that were running this place have taken ill. They… acted violently and had to be restrained in order to be transported to the hospital. I want you to investigate this shop and try to find some kind of clue as to what caused their extreme behavior changes! No one else is allowed to enter the building until I give the all clear. Understood?”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. “Yes sir! We’ll leave no stone unturned!”

“Good. Report back to Flash Sentry with your findings and post guards outside the building before you leave. Let’s try to keep whatever this is contained! The rest of you will then proceed to Carousel Boutique and do the same.”

“Yes sir! Did the owner there also go crazy?”

“They did! Look for anything out of the ordinary, no matter how minor! I need to go talk to a friend about this! Carry on!”

Arc and Sereb leave the bakery and head for Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Why are we going to see her now of all times?”

Arc sighs. “Because four of the Element Bearers are now bedridden! If my hunch is correct, then Fluttershy will be the next to fall ill!”

“What about Twilight?”

“She’s on the other side of the country, so she’s probably fine. One way to find out though...”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst. Come in please.”

“Sunburst here. We’re still several days out on your return trip.”

“We have bigger problems right now! Have you seen Twilight today?”

Sunburst sounds confused. “Yes. She was just in my office about twenty minutes ago with a group of school foals on a tour.”

“Was she okay?”

“Sir?

“Did she appear healthy?”

“Yes. She seemed just fine. Shall I have her contact you?”

“No, thank you. There’s nothing she can do from there. I’ll call back if I need anything else. Arc out.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t Twilight know of her friend’s conditions?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Right now we need to keep this sickness, or whatever it is, from spreading! If all else fails, we need to keep her away from here! If she knew, she’d rush back as quick as she could!”

“Makes sense. But you do realize she will be most unhappy when she hears you kept this from her.”

“I know, but I have to keep her safe.”

Upon reaching the cottage they find Fluttershy outside feeding her chickens. She looks up at him and smiles cheerfully!

“Why hello Arc! What brings you all the way out here?”

“Hi Fluttershy. I don’t really know how to tell you this, but the rest of the Element Bearers have fallen ill! Only you and Twilight remain healthy.”

The blood drains from her face as she drops her feed bucket! “What?! How did this happen?! Are they going to be okay?!”

“I think so. We’re working with Doctor Horse to try and figure out what exactly happened to them!”

“What can I do to help?!”

“Stay in your cottage with the animals and be safe!”

“But… but what about our friends?! I want to see them!”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not really a good idea. You could become infected too!”

Fluttershy trots in place nervously! “What about Twilight?! Maybe she can figure this out! If she isn’t sick too!”

“She’s in Canterlot. I already called over there and was told she was fine!”

Fluttershy breathes a sigh of relief! “That’s good news! If you’ll excuse me, I need to get over to the hospital right away!”

“Fluttershy, you really shouldn’t…”

Fluttershy interrupts, with determination. “No! They’ve always been there for me when I needed them! It’s time for me to return the favor! Now tell me what’s wrong with them!”

Arc sighs and nods. “They have a number of different symptoms ranging from flu-like to confusion. To put it mildly, they’re just not themselves! I’ve ordered them to be restrained at all times.

“WHAT?! But why?!”

Sereb looks at the worried pegasus. “They all attacked Arc as he tried to help them.”

Arc nods. “Pinkie Pie was the most savage.”

He shakes his head, remembering the attack. Sereb turns to him.

“I don’t like the thought of her seeing them as they are.”

“Neither do I, Sereb.”

Arc turns back to Fluttershy.

“But… I do understand your position, Fluttershy. Come with me to the hospital. I’ll tell the hospital staff you’re allowed to see them. But first I want you to have a checkup!”

“Okay.”

The three make their way to the hospital. After explaining the situation to the nurse at the desk Arc and Sereb leave as Fluttershy is escorted down a hallway toward an examination room.

“Where to now, Arc?”

Arc opens a portal back to his quarters in Light’s Hope. “Back to base! Hopefully Sandstorm Mirage has found something we can go on!”

“What if he hasn’t?”

“Let’s hope he has!”

They step through the portal and make their way to the door.

“Can you go to the kitchen and tell Ember I want to see her in my office?”

Sereb nods. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks.”

“That reminds me. You forgot the eggs.”

Arc opens the door to the corridor. “Priorities, Sereb. Priorities.”

Chapter 6 - Quarantine

Arc makes his way to his office. He finds Sandstorm Mirage heading quickly in the same direction.

“Sir! I was just on my way to report to the lieutenant!”

“Good! We can compare notes!”

They make their way to the office where Flash Sentry is just hanging up the phone. He stands up, steps aside and salutes as Arc enters.

“Sir! “

Arc walks over to his desk chair and sits down. “The situation is not getting any better! Ember and Sereb will be here momentarily.”

A few minutes later Ember and Sereb rush into the office!

“We came as fast as we could, Arc! What’s going on?!”

“That’s what I’d like to know! Several of my closest friends have been acting beyond strange and appear to be very ill! I hope you found something, sergeant!”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head sadly. “No sir! There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary in either location!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Nothing at all?!”

Sandstorm Mirage looks uncomfortable. “Well… there was ONE thing.”

Arc nods! “I don’t care how small a clue it is, we need SOMETHING to go on!”

Sandstorm Mirage steps forward. “Please sir! Could this not be part of the record?! I don’t really want anypony to know what we discovered!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Come on! How big a secret could a pony like Pinkie Pie be hiding!”

Sereb shrugs. “Her cupcake recipes?”

Arc nods. “That would be a big one, yes.”

He turns back to Sandstorm Mirage.

“I’ll consider it when you tell me what it is.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. “To be completely honest with you sir, I… I didn’t want to come back without checking EVERYTHING!”

“Okay… that’s good. “

The sergeant shifts uneasily on his hooves. “So, I… um… I read Pinkie Pie’s diary!”

He blushes.

“Desperate times, desperate measures.”

Arc nods. “Ember’s right! Did it reveal anything?”

“It was mostly gibberish! Like it was written in another language! Either that or it was just REALLY sloppy! But in any case, the latest entry was written just this morning. And it was coherent!”

Flash Sentry nods! “What exactly did it say?”

Sandstorm Mirage sheepishly reaches into his saddlebag and pulls out Pinkie’s diary. “I… thought you might like to read it personally.”

Arc takes the diary in hand and flips to the most recent entry. He begins to read it aloud.

“Today I awoke to a rather severe headache! While this normally wouldn’t warrant any special attention, I felt it important to write down as my Pinkie Sense is going haywire! Maybe I’m just going crazy, but it feels like something is… how do I describe this… rummaging around in my head! Thoughts that normally stay in the back of my mind are suddenly thrust into center stage seemingly at random! To make matters worse, basic knowledge is getting harder to call upon! I don’t mind admitting that it kinda scares me! Hopefully when Twilight gets back later today, she can make some sense of this! She’ll believe me! Anypony else would just see it as another joke! I only hope I can hold onto my sanity until then!”Hopefully

He closes the diary and sets it down on the desk before sitting down heavily in his chair and putting a hand to his forehead.

“Pinkie… you knew ahead of time, but didn’t feel we would hear you out.”

Flash Sentry walks toward Arc. “Don’t take it so hard, sir! Had she told us, I don’t think I would have taken her serious either!”

Ember nods. “Yeah Arc! No one is perfect! I mean, your CLOSE and all but…”

“Pinkie... I’m sorry.”

Arc is silent for a time before looking to Sandstorm Mirage again.

“Does Rarity’s diary say the same?”

“No sir. But it doesn’t give any clues as to what happened to her. It must have caught her completely off guard.”

Flash Sentry walks toward Sandstorm Mirage. “Perhaps we should look her diary over ourselves. Maybe you missed something. Did you bring it as well?”

Sandstorm Mirage nods and pulls a second diary out of his saddlebags. “I did. But… well… you probably shouldn’t read it, sir!”

Arc looks confused. “Why not?”

Sandstorm Mirage blushes, nervously. “Um… let’s just say I think I’m going to need a large amount of therapy when this is over!”

Flash Sentry takes the diary from the sergeant. “Come now! It can’t have been that bad!”

Before he can open the book, Arc uses his magic to pull it to himself.

“Sorry Flash Sentry, but if this information is as bad as the sergeant says, I better read it myself.”

“If you say so, sir.”

Arc takes several minutes to read over the last few entries in Rarity’s diary. Ember taps her foot impatiently!

“Well Arc! What does it say?! Anything we can use?!”

He closes the book and motions for Sandstorm Mirage to approach the desk. Arc speaks in a very serious tone.

“Sergeant. When this meeting is over, I want you to return these diaries to the EXACT spot you got them from!”

Sereb frowns. “Arc?”

“Furthermore, I hereby ORDER you to forget everything you read in Rarity’s diary!”

Sandstorm Mirage nods as he puts the books in his saddlebag. “Everything, sir?”

“EVERYTHING! And we will not speak of this ever again! Do you understand?”

“Yes sir. I understand!”

Ember eyes the sergeant’s saddlebag. “Wow! That must have been some heavy writing in there! Could I take a quick peek?!”

Arc nods. “Sure Ember!”

She approaches Sandstorm Mirage. “Really?!”

“Of course! That is, if you don’t mind me telling everyone YOUR deepest, darkest secrets!”

Ember shrinks back, sheepishly. “You know what? Forget I asked!”

“In any case, let’s look at what we know thus far.”

Arc pulls out a paper and pencil from his desk. Ember frowns.

“What we know? Arc, Sandstorm Mirage didn’t find anything!”

Arc nods as he writes. “True. But I have! So far, all those afflicted have been female.”

Sereb nods. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing by itself. That reminds me! Ember, how is Saffron? Was she still acting strangely after Sereb and I left?”

“Well, yes and no. I mean, she’s always been dependable and a hard worker. But for some reason she was… I don’t know… working especially hard!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Very commendable!”

Ember sighs. “I admire her dedication and all. But she seemed to be almost afraid of letting you down, Arc!”

“Letting me down? How?”

“I dunno. She was obsessing over some new dish she’s been working on lately. The whole time I was there, she kept tasting it and wondering aloud if you would like it!”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “That’s not really out of the ordinary, sir. Let’s just say she’s always been very dedicated to her craft.”

Sereb smiles. “Is that why the food here is always so tasty?”

Arc nods. “Probably. I’m going to have a talk with her when we adjourn. See what she’s up to for myself.”

Ember grins. “Are you sure you aren’t just looking for an excuse to try more of her cooking?”

Arc smiles. “Well, if I can mix in some business with pleasure, all the better!”

Everyone assembled facepalms.

“Alright, getting back to it… third, everyone afflicted has been both a friend of mine AND an Element Bearer! Discounting Saffron, of course.”

Ember frowns thoughtfully. “That is quite the coincidence now that you mention it!”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. “But… but they’re so nice! What would anypony have to gain by hurting them?!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Perhaps an enemy of the state is planning on attacking?! With the Element Bearers out of commission, the Elements of Harmony are useless!”

“That’s a good theory. lieutenant!”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “What about Fluttershy and Twilight?! They could be next!”

“I’ve already looked in on Fluttershy. She appeared to be healthy, but I sent her to the hospital just to be on the safe side.”

Sereb nods. “She was also very concerned for her friend’s well-being. I believe she would have gone to their aid even if you had forbidden her from doing so, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Probably. That’s why I let her go. That and I contacted Canterlot. Twilight is there helping chaperone a school field trip. I’m told she’s fine.“

Ember breathes a sigh of relief. “Well that’s good news!”

“In any case, I guess that’s everything.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “It’s not much to go on.”

Sandstorm Mirage looks over to Arc. “Maybe Doctor Horse has learned something by now?”

Arc stands up and walks around the desk. “It’s all we’ve got. Flash Sentry, keep everyone on standby until further notice.”

“Sir?”

He heads for the door. “It’s just as a precaution. That and I don’t really know what else to do. Ember, you and Sereb are with me. I need someone to watch my back right now!”

Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage salute as Arc leaves the office. Ember as they make their way to the cafeteria.

“Wow Arc! I can’t remember you ever ASKING for protection!”

Sereb nods. “There is a first time for everything.”

“Well, I’ve already been attacked multiple times today. If my assailants were anyone else, I could just defend myself!”

Ember nods understandingly. “But you don’t want to have to fight a friend.”

He sighs. “Yeah. I mean, if they had truly turned on us… maybe. But they’re acting against their will!”

Sereb frowns. “Are you certain?”

Arc nods with conviction! “Yes! “

They make their way to the cafeteria. It is a busy place as lunch is being served. Ember looks over to the fully stocked buffet.

“Hungry Arc?”

He does not even look over at the food as he heads for the kitchen. “I’ll eat when my friends are on the mend!”

“You’re taking this pretty seriously, Arc!”

Arc nods as they enter the kitchen. “As far as my friend’s safety is concerned, I’m always serious!”

Saffron has her back to them at the stove as they enter.

“Saffron. Sorry to bother you right now but…”

Upon hearing his voice Saffron immediately spins around to face him and hurries over! She bows out of respect!

“Commander! Is there something I can get you?!”

“Um… not really. I just needed to talk to you about something.”

Ember nods. “We know your busy and all but this is really important.”

“It’s no trouble sir! As always, you’re welcome here any time, day or night! What do you need?!”

“I was just wondering how you’re doing these days. Your job is certainly not an easy one!”

“Just fine sir! Not to worry! I can handle any duties you assign me!”

Arc nods. “That’s… very praiseworthy and all. But I’m a bit… worried about you.”

“Worried?”

Ember sighs. “Arc’s just trying to say that he’s concerned about your health.”

“Right! I don’t want you to work yourself to death! Tell me, how do you feel right now?”

Saffron lowers her head. “S-sir? Can I be completely honest with you?”

“Always!”

“If I had but one wish, it would be to be allowed to cook for you for the rest of my life!”

Arc blushes slightly. “Oh… um…”

Saffron looks down, clearly mortified at her poor choice of words. “Oh dear! P-please forgive me commander! I meant I wanted to be your CHEF for the rest of my life! Not… you know. Unless…um… you want me to, of course!”

She paws at the floor nervously.

“It’s okay, Saffron. I’d like you to stay on here as long as you’d like.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You’re looking a bit peaked. Do you feel sick at all, Saffron?”

Saffron shakes her head. “No. I feel just fine! Why do you ask?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Is something burning?”

A plume of smoke rises from the pan atop the stove. Saffron runs over to it and pulls it off the heat with her magic. She looks down at the burnt mess before her.

“Oh dear! I… I’m sorry sir! Please forgive me!”

“It’s okay Saffron! That’s more or less our fault for distracting you! No one is perfect after all! Well we should let you get back to work now! Thanks for your time.”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the kitchen as Saffron throws the ruined food in the trash before returning to work.

“I disagree, commander. As far as I’m concerned, you’re as close to perfect as they come!”

Meanwhile, the trio leaves the kitchen and pauses to talk.

Sereb looks back at the closed door. “She is acting a bit off.”

Arc nods. “That she is. But unlike the others she didn’t try to attack me. I also didn’t get weird looks from her.”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe it was because you weren’t alone?”

“I don’t think so. It’s difficult to put into words, but my friends had madness in their eyes when they came after me. I don’t think he having an army behind me would have deterred them.”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps we should check in on them. Doctor Horse may have some news on their condition by now.”

“It’s worth a shot! Let’s go.”

Ember puts a claw to her forehead as they walk toward the cafeteria side door. “Y-yeah! Let’s do that.”

They leave Light’s Hope and hop on Sereb’s back. In short order the three arrive at Ponyville Hospital. Arc leads them to the front desk.

“Nurse, is Doctor Horse around?”

“Yes sir. He’s in his office at the moment.“

“Thank you! Come on you two!”

A minute later they approach Doctor Horse’s office. Arc knocks.

“Come in!”

They enter the office to find the doctor busy going over a slew of papers.

“Ah Arc! Perfect timing! I just finished going over your friend’s test results!”

“Good! Find anything?!”

“First of all, I pumped their stomachs and found nothing.”

Ember raises and eyebrow. “Is that good?”

“It is. At least they’re not suffering from some kind of poison.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Doctor Horse looks at the charts again. “Their vital signs are normal as are all test results. For all intents and purposes, they’re fine!”

Ember frowns! “Then why did they attack Arc?!”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “Unknown. That’s why they’re still restrained and in their beds.”

“What about the others I sent here for an examination?”

“All their tests came back negative, so I sent them home.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Even Fluttershy?”

“Yes. She seems to be just fine. Afterwards she insisted on staying with her friends though.”

Sereb frowns. “Isn’t that dangerous?”

“She was most insistent! That and I couldn’t think of a reason why I should deny her request.”

Ember sighs. “It’s probably for the best. I’d certainly want as many friendly faces around if I lost my mind!”

Doctor Horse looks to Arc, uncomfortably. “There’s something else you should know, Arc. While I was examining your friends, they seemed… out of sorts.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s putting it mildly.”

“Can you elaborate, doctor?”

“All of them were extremely agitated upon awakening. Violent even! However, as time went on, their moods shifted to very sad and guilty. All of them wanted to see you when you arrived so they could apologize. Pinkie Pie seemed the most repentant!

Arc sighs. “She was the most… forward, I guess. Can I see them now?”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes. It would certainly put their minds at ease to know you forgive them. That is… if you choose to do so.”

Ember mutters under her breath. “I certainly wouldn’t!”

“Of course! They weren’t themselves when they did those things!”

Doctor Horse heads for the office door. “Good! From what I could tell, they seemed really concerned that you would be quite angry. I need to stop by the front desk and pick up some reports on the way though.”

“Lead on.”

The group leaves the office and walks together down the hall back to the Waiting Room. As the doctor is given a stack of papers there is a sudden disturbance behind them! Arc and company turn to see Flash Sentry leading several Royal Guards into the hospital! They are forcefully escorting Saffron and Raven, who are fighting them tooth and nail! Saffron glares at Flash Sentry!

“Release me this instant, lieutenant! I have to make the greatest of all dishes for Lord Arc! He will not be pleased when he learns of this!”

Raven, her hooves bound as she writhes around on Flash Sentry’s back, screams angrily as well!

“I have work to do as well Flash Sentry! His royal majesty Lord Arc needs these reports filed immediately! You’re in big trouble when he finds out about this!”

Arc walks over to them quickly. “What the heck?!”

Flash Sentry salutes as best he can with Raven flailing around on his back! “Sir! These two are out of their minds! They need help!”

Arc turns to Doctor Horse. “Keep them away from other patients!”

Doctor Horse nods and motions to some orderlies. “Yes sir.”

The hospital staff half carry, half drag the frantic mares away! Saffron turns to Arc with a pleading gaze as she passes.

“P-please sire! I only wish to serve you! Don’t send me away! I’m begging you!”

Raven is right behind Saffron screaming out frantically! “I’ve always been loyal to you sire! Please let me continue to serve by your side!”

Arc shakes his head. “Neither of you are yourselves! Please rest now. I’ll figure this out! I promise!”

The two mares continue down the hallway kicking and screaming as the doctor follows. Sereb turns to him.

“Arc, I don’t mind telling you this is… unsettling.”

“That’s an understatement! What happened, lieutenant?!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Saffron stopped serving lunch abruptly. When I entered the kitchen to see what was wrong, she came at me with a pan! All I could get out of her was something about making it up to you with the best food you’ve ever tasted!”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “Wow! She took burning that food in front of you pretty hard, Arc! That’s kinda sad don’t you think?”

Arc frowns. “Lay off! She’s not well!”

“As we were bringing her out the front door, I saw Raven at her desk writing up reports. There were crumpled up papers all around her. When I examined them, I found they were copies of the same report! She was trying to get it perfect!”

Sereb looks confused. “For what purpose?”

“She kept going on about how the Lord Regent deserved only the finest secretary and that she wouldn’t rest until she was worthy of her job!”

Ember frowns. “So, she was trying to… impress him?!”

Flash Sentry nods. “It would seem so, yes!”

“That’s really pathetic!”

Sereb, hearing the disdain in her voice, looks over. “Ember?”

“Everyone knows that if you wanna impress Arc, you have to be strong, tough, brave, loyal… the cream of the crop!”

Arc looks to her, confused as well. “Ember?! What’s gotten into you?!”

Ember puts a claw to her forehead. “Huh? I don’t… I don’t know what you’re talking about! I’m just stating the facts!”

She appears suddenly woozy. Sereb, Flash Sentry and the Royal Guards slowly move toward her. Arc holds up a hand ordering them to stop, while quickly stepping forward to steady her! He is a bit too slow however and she falls into his arms.

“Arc! I… I have to know! How much longer?!”

“How much longer until what, Ember?”

Ember looks into his eyes with a wild gleam in her own. “Until I’m good enough for you! I’ve been doing my very best for you! Are you proud of me yet?! ARE YOU?!”

“Ember, I…”

Ember stands up shakily. Her eyes locked on his!

“Tell me, what do I need to do?! You just say the word and I’ll show you what I can do! Take on Tempest! Stop an invading army! Heck, I would DIE for you if you if I knew it would make you happy!”

Arc takes Ember by the arm. “Why don’t we have Doctor Horse take a look at you? You don’t…”

As Arc does so, she quickly grabs him and throws him across the front desk! The nurse scurries for cover as Ember lunges over the desk to land or Arc’s chest! She claws at his tunic, breathing heavily!

“See?! You… you didn’t even see it coming! See how strong I’ve become?! And I did it all for you, Arc!”

Sereb, Flash Sentry and the Royal Guards rush forward and tackle Ember! It takes all of them to subdue her! Sereb attempts to put her to sleep but his magic does not appear to have any effect on the crazed dragon! Ember looks up to Arc pleadingly as she is held down!

“ARC! Please! Tell me what to do?! What would make you happy?! TELL ME!!!”

Arc stands up. “Okay, Ember. If you really want to do something for me, then go with Doctor Horse and let him examine you. Do what he says and I’ll be happy, okay?”

Ember looks up at him with a crazed look on her face. “Okay! I can do that! You’ll see! I’ll be the best dragon patient they’ve ever had here!”

Arc motions for the others to let her up. They do so cautiously. He looks to the doctor as he returns to the waiting room.

“Can you handle this, doctor?”

Doctor Horse nods. “I can. Please follow me, miss.”

He leads the still woozy dragon to a nearby examination room and closes the door behind them. Flash Sentry turns quickly to Arc.

“What in Celestia’s name is going on sir?!”

Arc turns to walk down the corridor. “I wish I knew! I’m going to check on my friends.”

Flash Sentry follows him. The Royal Guards fall into step behind him. “But sir! We have to do something about this!”

“I’m a bit at a loss on what that something is, lieutenant. Any suggestions?”

“I’m sorry, sir. I… I just don’t know!”

Arc pauses outside the room. “That makes two of us. Let me check up on my friends before we head back to Light’s Hope. We can discuss options on the way back.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir! I’ll wait out here.”

Arc nods and opens the door. He looks around the room at the four mares who are still restrained. They say nothing and refuse to make eye contact as he slowly enters the room. Fluttershy sits in a chair nearby.

Pinkie looks over at him. In a strained voice and labored breathing, she cries out! “A-Arc… P-Pinkie Sense… r-run away!”

Arc stops. “What?”

Fluttershy walks toward her friend. “Pinkie? What are you saying?!”

In a few moments all four mares are writhing on their beds, raving, and begging for Arc’s attention! He quickly leaves the room as a nearby nurse runs to get Doctor Horse! A few moments later the doctor rushes toward the room with several members of the hospital staff! They enter the room of maddened mares! A few minutes later the din of voices dies down and the doctor emerges somewhat shaken.

“I don’t get it. They were just fine a little while ago! What did you say to them, Arc?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I didn’t have time to say anything before Pinkie told me to run! Her Pinkie Sense may have just saved me!”

Flash Sentry looks desperate! “Sir! This can’t go on! Raven… I mean, who knows how many other ponies will come down with this madness!”

“I know.“

Arc approaches the doctor and motions for him to follow. The two of them step a few paces down the corridor. Arc says something in a low tone that the others cannot hear.

“Sir! You… you can’t be serious!”

Arc sighs. “I wish it didn’t have to come to this. If you have another idea, I’d love to hear it.”

Doctor Horse hangs his head. “I don’t.”

Arc turns back to the others. “Then I guess I’ll head over to the Mayor’s Office. I’ll be in touch, doctor.”

Doctor Horse nods and proceeds back to Ember’s examination room as Arc returns to Flash Sentry and Sereb.

“Arc. What shall we do?”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to Light’s Hope. “Flash Sentry. I want you and the guards to return to base at once! Have everyone under my command suit up for battle and await further orders!”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir!”

He and the Royal Guards quickly enter the portal and are gone. Arc closes the portal and rushes toward the Waiting Room.

”Come on Sereb!”

“Right behind you.”

As they leave the hospital Arc pauses just long enough to place a sigil in a corner of the Waiting Room, He then jumps on Sereb’s back!

“To Town Hall, Sereb! I need to speak with Mayor Mare at once!”

Sereb nods and speeds off. In a few minutes they arrive at their destination Arc dismounts and heads inside!

“Wait here! I’ll be as quick as I can!”

“Very well.”

A half hour later Arc emerges from the building and calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“In you go, Sereb!”

Sereb nods and runs through the portal. Arc follows. In a moment the pair are back in Arc’s quarters! They quickly make their way to the corridor where Royal Guards are running to and fro in an effort to comply with Arc’s orders! The pair make their way to Arc’s office. He sits down at his desk and activates the Emergency Comm-Link! Meanwhile in Canterlot…

Shining Armor leads the school foals into the Audience Chamber. “And this is the Audience Chamber. It is here that the princesses meet with the citizens who need their judgment.”

Coco Pommel turns to the foals as they approach the princesses, quietly. “Everypony mind your manners now.”

Cheerilee nods. “Yes. Be sure to show the princesses the respect their station deserves.”

They nod as Princess Luna and Princess Cadance step down to meet them. Coco Pommel, Derpy, Cheerilee and Shining Armor bow at their approach! The foals follow their lead and do the same as Twilight brings up the rear. Luna is the first to speak.

“Rise my little ponies! I do hope you enjoyed your tour thus far!”

Cadance nods. “We apologize for not seeing you sooner, but the day’s schedule didn’t allow for it until now.“

Shining Armor turns back to the school foals. “Now I’m sure you have many questions. The princesses have agreed to hear a few of them before you return to the Train Station.”

The foals nod excitedly and raise their hooves! Suddenly the Royal Guard nearest to Princess Luna reaches into his saddlebag and removes a device.

“We have a red alert, your highnesses!”

Cadance looks to him, surprised! “Where from?!”

“Ponyville! The Hero of Light’s base!”

Luna quickly returns to her throne along with Cadance. “Patch it through at once!”

Shining Armor turns to the foals. “I’m sorry, but we need to let the princesses get back to work now.”

Cadance glance over. “Let them stay, Shining Armor! They can see first hoof how things are done around here.”

“Very well, Princess Cadance.”

Princess Luna presses a button on her throne and a holographic projector rises up from the floor. A moment later a visage of Arc sitting at his desk appears before them.

“Hello Arc. What seems to be the trouble today?”

“We have a medical emergency here in Ponyville! Several citizens have been admitted to the hospital with… let’s just say bizarre behavior patterns!”

Cadance frowns. “How serious is it?”

“There’s been enough cases that I’ve temporarily taken over leadership of Ponyville! Not that I had much choice, mind you. While I was explaining the situation to her, the mayor suddenly collapsed with flulike symptoms! I teleported her to the hospital before heading back to base with Sereb!”

Twilight rushes forward! “Arc! What of our friends?! Are they okay?!”

Shining Armor holds his sister back. “Twilight! Please!”

Arc sees her in the corner of the holographic display. “Twilight?! What are you doing there?!”

“Uh, field trip! Remember?! Now what about the others?!”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but they were the first to fall ill.”

Twilight looks at him frantically as she breaks loose of her brother’s grip! “Who?!”

“Everyone but Fluttershy. She’s been checked out and given a clean bill of health.”

Twilight heads quickly for the door! “I’m on my way back!”

Arc looks over to the captain. “Shining Armor! Stop her!”

He uses his magic to pick his little sister up and carry her back into Arc’s view. She squirms against her big brother’s magical hold on her!

“What are you doing?! I’m needed there!”

Cadance looks to Twilight. “Let’s hear Arc out, Twilight. You remember what happened the last time you didn’t listen to him, don’t you?”

Twilight sighs. “Fine…”

Luna nods. “What can we do to help, Arc?”

“Do you need additional personnel or supplies?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at this time, no. However, I’m instituting a quarantine of Ponyville until we get this mess sorted out!”

Derpy looks worried. “Is that really necessary?”

“Derpy?! Who else is back there?! No wait! Don’t tell me! The entire school field trip?”

Dinky puts up a hoof! “Hi dad!”

Arc facepalms. “Oh boy… hi Dinky. Can someone please turn me around?”

Shining Armor turns the projector to face the school foals.

Arc looks at them with a pained expression. “Well hello there! I… uh… hope everyone’s enjoying the tour!”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes, Arc. This was the last stop of the day before returning to the train station.”

“That’s going to be a problem. For everyone’s safety, I can’t let you come back to Ponyville just yet due to the quarantine!“

Pipsqueak turns to his teacher. “Miss Cheerilee? What’s a quarantine?”

Cheerilee looks down at him nervously. “It’s when a group of ponies are kept separate from everypony else because they’re sick.”

Aquamarine looks up to him. “Are they going to be okay, Mr. Arc?

“They will be as soon as we figure this mess out, Aquamarine.”

Sweetie Belle looks ready to cry! “What about my sister?! Is she okay?!”

Apple Bloom joins her! “And Applejack?!”

Platinum Valve rushes over! “And my parents?!”

Several other foals voice their concerns.

“They’re at the hospital resting. Believe me, were doing everything we can to help them!”

Luna nods. “We’re sure you are, Arc. Do you need anything? Anything at all?”

Arc shakes his head as Shining Armor again turns the podium so he can address both sides of the conversation.

“At this time, no. I don’t want anyone coming here unless it’s absolutely necessary! If you could find a place for the school foals and my family to stay until it’s safe to return, I would appreciate it!”

“They will stay here in the castle, for now.”

“Thank you. Tell me, little ones. Do any of you feel sick?”

All the foals look at each other and shake their heads.

Pipsqueak speaks up. “We’re fine over here, Mr. Arc!”

Silver Spoon trots in place nervously. “What about our families?!”

Diamond Tiara sneers at the orphans. “Those of us who HAVE families, that is!”

“No one has actually been hurt by this illness. Hopefully the quarantine will keep them from catching it.”

Derpy nods, clearly frightened. “What about you, Arc?! Aren’t you in danger?!”

“I’m already here, so I can’t leave and risk spreading… whatever this is!”

He looks over to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“And no breaking quarantine by teleporting over, you three!”

“What?!”

“But we can help!”

“Please dad!”

Arc points a finger toward his daughter. “Stay there with your mother and classmates. I mean it, Dinky!”

Dinky looks down sadly. “Okay dad…”

“I’m sorry, Dinky. I just want you to be safe. That goes for you too, Twilight!”

“But…”

She looks to Cadance for help, but the Princess of Love merely shakes her head sadly.

“Do as Arc says, Twilight. I don’t want any harm to befall you!”

Shining Armor nods. “Nor do I!”

“That and you are the last safe Element Bearer! Equestria can’t afford to lose all of you!”

Arc sighs and looks to the other chaperones.

“Take good care of them while I work this out. Well get all of you home as soon as possible.”

Cheerilee nods. “Yes sir.”

Derpy gives Arc a nervous smile. “We’ll do our best!”

Coco Pommel looks up from the foals whom have gathered around her, fearfully. “Be careful over there, Arc!”

“I will. “

Luna picks up a scroll and begins to write. “We’ll send out an order halting all trains to and from Ponyville until further notice. Please do your best to rectify this situation as soon as possible!”

Cadance nods. “And let us know if there’s anything you need from us!”

“Thanks, you two. Wish us luck!”

The connection is severed as the device returns to its place under the floor. Shining Armor turns to the foals.

“Come along everypony! Let me take you all to the dining room for a snack.”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Derpy follow behind the others. Pipsqueak looks to them.

“Don’t worry! Dinky’s dad will have this problem solved in no time!”

Aquamarine nods! “Yeah! He’ll save everypony!”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I’m sure he will! I just can’t help but worry about my family back home though!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “I’m worried about Rarity as well. But I know Mr. Arc will find a way to make her feel better!”

Platinum Valve looks up, bravely! “I know my parents aren’t scared, so I won’t be either!

Dinky shakes her head sadly. “I know, but…”

Derpy looks over to her. “Dinky?”

“But… if my dad gets sick, who’s going to save… him?”

Chapter 7 - Theories

Arc severs the connection to Canterlot and leans back heavily in his chair. In a few moments he sighs and stands up.

“Let’s get to the Main Hall, Sereb. “

“I hope you have a plan.”

Arc nods as they leave the office together. “I’m still working on one. If I could just get some kind of clue! Anything really!”

“Then we will have to find you one!”

The pair enter the Main Hall. They find all assembled suited up and ready for battle! The Royal Guards are lined up behind Arc’s squad. Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage stand in front. All snap to attention at Arc’s approach. The lieutenant quickly approaches him and salutes!

“All present and awaiting your orders, sir!”

“Very good.”

He paces in front of his troops.

“Everyone. Since this morning Ponyville has been the victim of a strange sickness! Symptoms are of the standard flu-like variety in addition to sudden erratic behavior! Among those afflicted have been Raven, Saffron and even Ember! Right now, our primary objective is containment! I’ve just informed Canterlot that we are instituting a state of emergency and town-wide quarantine! At least until we can figure out what it is we’re dealing with! Everyone, follow me!”

Arc mounts Sereb and leads his troops out the front door toward Ponyville. Flash Sentry runs next to him!

“Sir?! Are we really going to shut down the entire town?!”

“I don’t really see an alternative right now, lieutenant.”

Sandstorm Mirage frowns. “The ponies who live there certainly won’t like it!”

Arc sighs. “I take no joy in confining them to their homes. But it’s my job to protect them, and right now that’s the best way to do that.”

Max runs over to Arc’s other side. “I’m sure they’ll understand!”

Hugh nods in agreement. “Yeah! You’ve always looked out for their best interests in the past!”

Xenos looks over. “They need to be allowed freedom of movement as soon as possible though!”

Viktor shudders. “I’m with Xenos on this one! Ponies don’t do well penned up!”

Flash Sentry turns to Arc’s squad. “Alright, enough dissent you four! The Hero of Light’s decision is final!”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence Flash Sentry, but would like to hear when my squad disagrees with my actions.”

Sandstorm Mirage looks confused. “Sir?”

“I’m not perfect, nor is every decision I make firm in my mind! Their points of view are valuable to me. Now more than ever!”

In a short time the group arrives at the fountain in front of Town Hall. Flash Sentry enters the building and rings the alarm bell. Every pony on the streets runs into the nearest building as Arc turns to his troops.

“All of you split up and go building to building! Close every business and order everyone to go straight home! We’re going to go door to door and check for other cases of this illness! If you find someone who has any sort of sickness, escort them to the hospital for a checkup! And if anyone asks how their foals are, tell them they are fine and will be staying in Canterlot Castle until this is over! Meet back here when finished!”

All the troops salute and leave to carry out his orders. Sereb turns his head to looks at Arc.

“What shall we do?”

“Let’s go to Sweet Apple Acres and make sure they hear about Applejack’s condition and the current state of affairs!”

Sereb runs toward the orchard. They approach the farmhouse and see Big Macintosh working on the barn.

“Big Macintosh, we need to talk to you and Granny Smith! Is she available?”

“Eyup!”

They walk to the house and enter together. Big Mac leads them to the living room where Granny Smith is napping in her rocking chair. Big Mac walks over and nudges her gently. She awakens with a start!

“Who? What?”

“Sorry to bother you Granny Smith, but there’s been in incident.”

“Oh? Big Macintosh, would you go fetch Applejack! She should hear this too!”

Arc looks pained. “Forgive me, but that’s what I’m here about. You see, there’s some kind of illness going through Ponyville. Applejack seems to have caught it somehow and is currently at the hospital.”

Big Macintosh’s eyes grow wide! “What?!”

Granny Smith sighs. “Thank you for letting us know, Arc! We have a bit of sickness here too!”

Sereb frowns. “Really? You both appear fine to me.”

“Oh, we are! Babs Seed seems to have come down with a bit of a cold. She’ll be fine in a day or so.”

Arc turns to look at the stairs. “I’d better take a look at her. May I?”

“Certainly! Big Mac will show you the way! I’ll wait down here for you yougin’s!”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Big Macintosh leads Arc to the room Babs Seed shares with Apple Bloom. They find her resting in bed. She coughs into her hoof as they enter.

“Hi there Mr. Arc.”

“Hi Babs Seed. We heard you weren’t feeling good.”

Babs Seed sniffles. “Yeah. It started a couple days ago. I just don’t have any energy! “

Arc nods. “A couple days ago, huh?”

“Uh huh. Thanks to this bug, I had to miss our class field trip today! So, what brings you here, sir?”

“Ponyville is under quarantine due to a strange sickness going around. I need to take you to the hospital for a checkup.”

He turns to Big Macintosh.

“Would you tell Granny Smith that I’m taking Babs Seed in for an examination, please? If she tests negative, I’ll see to it she’s brought right home.”

“Eyup!”

Arc walks forward and picks up the sick filly. He feels her forehead. “You’re a bit warm too. I’ll teleport us to the hospital now. Are you ready?”

She nervously nods. Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal to the Ponyville Hospital Waiting Room. The three of them enter together. Arc quickly approaches the front desk.

“Nurse, I have another patient here who needs an examination.”

“I’ll page the doctor immediately.”

She does so. A few minutes later Doctor Horse enters the Waiting Room.

“Another case sir?”

“Maybe. She’s showing signs of illness. While it may not be connected, I decided to err on the side of caution and bring her over.”

Doctor Horse looks at the sick filly in Arc’s arms. “I’ll examine her at once and contact you with my findings. This would be the first case of a foal coming down with this.”

Arc sets Babs Seed down. “Better safe than sorry. Any word on the others?”

“Not yet. I’m waiting for some more lab reports. They should be in any time now. But for the moment, I’ll take a look at you, little one.”

Babs Seed looks up at the doctor nervously. “The examination won’t hurt, will it?!”

“No miss. This will merely be a physical examination. Would you please follow me?”

He extends a hoof toward her. She looks to Arc who nods. The pair walk slowly hoof in hoof to a nearby examination room. Arc turns to Sereb as he leaves the hospital.

“I hope what she has really is just a cold.”

“As do I.”

Arc jumps on Sereb’s back and the pair head back toward the Town Hall. As they walk the deserted streets of Ponyville the only signs of habitation are the confused and frightened eyes that occasionally peek out the darkened windows.

Sereb grunts. “This is… unsettling.”

“Yeah. Kinda reminds me of when I first came here.”

“Oh?”

Arc sighs. “Let’s just say it’s not a feeling I relish.”

Sereb nods. “Then we must do our best to return this town to its former state.”

“Right!”

The pair arrive back at the fountain. Flash Sentry and the other Royal Guards are waiting for him. Arc hops down from Sereb.

“Is it done, lieutenant?”

“Yes sir. We’ve gone throughout the town as you ordered and spread the word of this to everypony!”

“Anyone have any ideas?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Sadly, no.”

Arc nods. “Any of you see any other cases?”

“A couple ponies seemed to be sick. I had them escorted to the hospital as per your orders, sir.”

“Good.”

Arc looks around.

“Where is Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage?”

“I’m not sure, sir! He should’ve been back by now. I told him to fly to Sweet Apple Acres and let the outlying farms know about the quarantine. Should we search for him?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “He is on his way back.”

Flash Sentry looks at Sereb, wide eyed! “How can you possibly know that?! Nopony’s nose is THAT good! “

Arc shrugs. “Well the wind IS blowing from that direction.”

Sereb points a paw at the sky. “There he is.”

The group looks up to see Sandstorm Mirage flying toward them. He lands near Arc and salutes.

“Sorry I’m late sir! I… uh… ran into a bit of trouble.”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “Did the farmers chase you or something?”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “Not particularly. I just… misjudged the distance between the properties. It takes quite some time to fly between houses out there!”

Arc nods. “That it would.”

He turns to Flash Sentry.

“Organize around the clock patrols of the town, lieutenant. Make sure the residents stay inside where it’s safe! If you find any of them outside, escort them home immediately! Anyone gives you trouble, or if you find any visitors to town, suspicious or not, bring them to me.”

“Yes sir!”

“I’m going back to the hospital and see if Doctor Horse has learned anything new. Coordinate the guard from the Town Hall. It’s more centrally located than Light’s Hope.”

Sandstorm Mirage looks to Arc. “Can we do that, sir?!”

“Yes. With the mayor out of commission, I’ve had to temporarily take over Ponyville. As soon as this is over however, it will be back to business as usual for the town. Carry on!”

Arc and Sereb head off to the hospital yet again leaving Flash Sentry and the others to organize patrols. Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head.

“I still can’t believe the commander took over the town like this!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Well, he kinda had to! The town needs a leader, especially now! When everything is resolved I’m sure he’ll return control to Mayor Mare.”

“Agreed! After all, he did return control of Equestria to the princesses when they were ready. Had he wanted to, he could have easily made himself King!”

“Yes, he could have. But, as we all know, that’s not how the commander thinks. I’m sure he’s not any happier about the situation than we are! Now let’s do our part to keep things going while he figures this mess out!”

Meanwhile… Arc and Sereb return to Ponyville Hospital. Doctor Horse and Babs Seed are just walking into the Waiting Room. She has a blanket wrapped around her. Arc walks over to them.

“How is she, doctor?!”

“Miss Seed here has a common cold. I’ve prescribed bedrest and told her to drink plenty of fluids. She’s clear to go home anytime.”

Babs Seed looks to the doctor. “Can I see Applejack now?”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but she’s very ill and cannot have visitors at this time.”

“She’s going to be okay though, right?!”

Arc picks up Babs Seed and putting her on Sereb’s back. “I’m sure she’ll be fine! We’re working on the problem right now. I’m going to have Sereb take you home now. You tell Granny Smith and Big Macintosh not to worry. I’ll find a way to help Applejack. I promise!

Babs Seed coughs and pulls the blanket tighter around herself. “Okay.”

Arc nods to Sereb. He leaves the hospital with Babs Seed. Arc and Doctor Horse head for his office. They close the door behind them.

“Anything doctor?”

Doctor Horse nods as he sits down. “The results from the lab tests came back shortly after you left. Your friend’s body chemistry is very odd right now.”

“Define odd.”

“Their hormone levels are as far from normal as possible!”

Arc rubs his chin. “That explains a few things.”

“Sir?”

Arc leans across the desk. “This goes no further doctor, but when this all started, they… um… wanted me to do… certain inappropriate things with them.”

“Things?”

Arc blushes. “Do I have to draw you a picture, doctor?!”

Doctor Horse frowns. “That is quite out of character for them!”

Arc nods. “Tell me about it! Pinkie Pie was the most forward of the bunch!”

“Is that so? I hate to tell you this, but she’s in worse shape right now than the others!”

“What happened?!”

“After they went berserk, we administered sedatives in an attempt to bring them back to reality. It worked for all of them except Pinkie Pie~ She… she was like a maniac! Our attempts to bring her back to sanity only seemed to make her angry!”

Arc looks confused. “I didn’t think she ever got angry!”

“Well, this did it!”

The doctor opens one of his desk drawers and pulls out some tattered leather straps.

“This is what’s left of her restraints! She did this to them before we could sedate her!”

Arc picks up one of the straps. “What?! How?!”

“It would appear Pinkie Pie is stronger than the average earth pony by far!”

“How did you stop her?!”

Doctor Horse sighs. “It took almost every orderly in the hospital, but we tackled her so I could give her a shot! Even that took almost a full minute to take effect! Normally it only requires a few seconds! I would have given her a second dose, but it most likely would have killed her!”

“Where is she now?!”

“We’ve put her in the isolation ward. Mostly for the safety of the staff and other patients. Right now we’re keeping her in a medically induced coma while we try to get her hormones under control.”

“How?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “We’re trying every medicine we have to level her out! So far nothing’s working! This treatment is very hard on her body so we can only test each medicine one at a time!”

Arc nods. “To say nothing for her mind. Pinkie doesn’t like sitting still, you know.”

“Right now, we don’t have a choice! If something doesn’t change soon, her life will be in very real danger.”

“And the others?”

“Responding well to treatment. They should recover in a day or so.”

“I’d like to see Pinkie Pie if at all possible.”

Doctor Horse sighs. “If it were anypony else I would say no. But I can’t really tell you that. Please follow me.”

The doctor leads Arc to another wing of the hospital. They pass by several orderlies who are guarding her door. As they enter the room a terrible sight overtakes Arc! Pinkie lies on her back surrounded by machines and IV bottles! Her skin has taken on a slightly grayish hue and her hair lies uncurled on the pillow. Arc approaches her bedside sadly.

“Pinkie…”

“We’re doing everything we can for her. But so far it hasn’t been enough.”

Arc doesn’t take his eyes off of her. “Is everyone else doing alright?”

“Yes. Even the mayor is coming around with treatment.”

“Can I see them later?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “I can’t really stop you from doing that, but I advise against it. Their treatments have left them very weak. They need to rest now. If you’ll excuse me, I need to look in on them. Please don’t stay too long.”

Arc nods as the doctor quietly leaves the room. He takes Pinkie’s hoof in his hand and quietly speaks to her.

“Pinkie. I’m here. “

The pink mare does not stir or give any indication she has heard him.

“Listen Pinkie. I… I’m going to find a way to bring you back to the way you were! The town needs your happy spirit and… and I need my friend back. You just rest now and get better.”

He squeezes her hoof and leans forward to give her a quick peck on the forehead. As he straightens up to leave, Arc notices a single tear running down her pink cheek. He carefully wipes away the tear with a finger.

“I have to figure out what’s causing this now. You just rest, Pinkie.”

He turns and leaves the room. Returning to the Waiting Room he sees Sereb enter from Sweet Apple Acres.

“The little filly is safely tucked into bed and resting.”

“Good. Let’s get going!”

As the pair turns to leave, they hear a large number of hoofsteps running down the hallway! Orderlies and nurses rush toward Arc’s friend’s rooms! He hurries to the front desk!

“Nurse! What’s going on?!”

“The alarms are going off in those rooms. It means medical intervention is needed.”

He turns to follow them down the hallway.

“Please sir! Let the staff do their jobs!”

Sereb nods. “You would only be in the way, Arc.”

Arc stops and looks down at the floor before turning to storm out of the hospital! “Nurse, have Doctor Horse call me as soon as possible! I’ll be at Light’s Hope.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc and Sereb leave. He climbs into the saddle as the sun begins to set.

“Back to base, Sereb.”

A short time later they arrive back at Light’s Hope. The pair enters the empty base together as Arc walks over to Raven’s desk. He sits down in her small chair.

“Arc?”

“There’s no one here to answer the phone.”

Sereb sits down on the floor in front of the desk. “I see.

The sun has nearly set as the phone rings sometime later. Arc quickly answers it.

“Light’s Hope.”

Doctor Horse responds in a weary voice. “You wanted to speak to me, Arc?”

“Yeah. As I left, I heard a commotion. What happened?!”

“They… had another episode. Their readouts showed another surge in hormone levels.”

“All of them?!”

“All but Mayor Mare, yes.”

“At the same time?!”

The doctor sighs. “Yes. They had to be sedated again, but are now resting peacefully.”

“And Pinkie Pie?”

“She… regained consciousness long enough to injure half a dozen orderlies before we could sedate her as well! I hate to tell you this, but I called the town blacksmith and had him bring over some of his strongest restraints! I’m sorry, but we had to chain her up!”

Arc sighs. “I understand. If she wakes up again… she may wind up killing someone!”

The pair are silent for a time.

“Doctor. I need answers! This can’t go on!”

“I don’t know any more now than I did then I’m afraid.”

“Then give me some theories! I need SOMETHING to go on. Anything!!!”

“I hate to even suggest it, but… I think this illness has its roots in magic.”

Arc frowns. “Are you saying someone might have done this to them on purpose?!”

Doctor Horse nods. “I cannot explain the cause of their condition medically. This theoretically shouldn’t have been able to happen! The only thing that even remotely makes sense would be a magical origin to this! However, such magic would have to be ancient and forbidden! Frankly, I don’t know who would even know how to cast such a spell! Other than the princesses themselves, that is!”

“Thank you doctor! This gives me a few ideas on where to go from here. Take care of my friends, okay?”

“I will!”

Arc hangs up the phone and rubs his eyes.

“Ideas?”

“Just one. Doctor Horse believes my friends may be the victims of a magical based illness!”

Sereb frowns. “That seems a bit… out there.”

Arc paces the floor. “I know, but it’s the only lead we have! The only problem is who could have that kind of power?!”

“What about The Dark One?”

“It’s certainly his style. Bringing suffering to others, that is.”

Suddenly a familiar voice rings out from down the corridor.

“You narrow-minded fool…”

Sereb growls as a black-cowled creature walks toward them.

“What are YOU doing here?!”

The cowl is lowered and Tempest’s face comes into view. She sneers at Arc.

“Call off your mongrel, Arc! I didn’t come here to fight!”

“Easy Sereb. I’d like to talk to her.”

Sereb stands his ground in front of Arc. “As you wish.”

Arc looks over at Tempest and slowly walks toward her. “Please come with me.”

Tempest nods. “Very well.”

The pair walk down the corridor in silence side by side. Sereb follows Tempest, watching her every move. They come to the cafeteria. Tempest looks around.

“What’s the matter? Did your troops abandon you?!”

Arc shakes his head as he makes his way to the kitchen. “No. They’re in town protecting the citizens or in bed.”

Tempest scoffs! “No guards?!”

The pair enter the kitchen. Arc gestures for her to sit down at the table. She does so as Arc rummages around in the refrigerator.

“Normally yes. However right now I can’t spare anyone! Ponyville’s citizens come first.”

Tempest nods. “Yes, I heard about the quarantine.”

Arc pulls out a plate of sandwiches and sets them on the table. “If you came here to finish our duel, now is not the best time for me.”

Arc holds out a sandwich toward Sereb. He shakes his head.

Tempest frowns. “Truth be told, I came to see what was up. In all my years I’ve never heard of an entire town being cut off from the rest of Equestria!”

Arc sits down across from Tempest and picks up a sandwich. “So, if you didn’t come here to fight, why are you here?!”

Tempest grabs the sandwich out of his hand in one swift movement and takes a bite. “To observe. I wanted to see for myself what exactly is going on here!”

Arc picks up another sandwich. “Worried about poison?”

“When you’ve been a Special Agent as long as I have, you learn not to trust anypony.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, I always keep poisoned food in my fridge.”

The pair sit in silence for a time eating.

“This morning I went into town to take care of business. When I stopped for a snack at our local bakery, I was attacked by my friends!”

Tempest shakes her head. “Fool! This is why I don’t have any!”

“They weren’t themselves! The doctor says they’re sick!”

“Some kind of infection made them attack you?!”

Arc nods. “Something in their body chemistry is messing with their minds. He’s treating them, but having a hard time making it permanent.”

Tempest takes another sandwich. “Any idea what caused it?”

Arc looks at Tempest angrily. “I can think of only one.”

She looks up and meets his gaze>.

“Me?”

Sereb growls. “Well you ARE a fugitive.”

“So, is it you or the Dark One who’s behind this?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Neither. What makes you think it’s us?”

“Let’s see here. A magical based illness strikes the town and then YOU turn up in my base. A mare who revels in suffering! What am I supposed to think?!”

Tempest puts her sandwich down and looks at Arc, narrowing her eyes. “Let’s get one thing straight! I don’t LIKE bringing pain and suffering! That’s the Dark One’s schtick! I only do what needs to be done!”

“Well he is YOUR friend!”

“We don’t always see eye to eye. Tell me, do YOU agree with every opinion your ‘friends’ have?!”

“No.”

“You may see him as a monster. But I see him as the one who can give me the power to save this world! But we’re getting off topic. Tell me about this sickness.”

“It seems to indirectly affect the mind. You start talking funny, and have trouble organizing your thoughts. The other symptoms seem to vary, but are similar to that of a cold or flu. And so far, it’s only affected mares.”

Tempest nods. “Treatment?”

“Doctor Horse has tried to balance them out with sedatives and hormone therapy. However, the treatments are temporary at best!”

“I have the solution. It’s so obvious I’m surprised you didn’t see it yourself!”

“What is it?”

Tempest picks up her sandwich. “Just end their suffering. It will be over in no time, and you can focus on more important matters.”

“WHAT?!”

“If you’re not stallion enough to do it, I’d be willing to help. Don’t worry. I’ll make it quick on them.”

Arc grimaces! “Don’t even joke about that Tempest!”

“Who’s joking?! They would want you to do what’s best for everypony, right?”

“Yes. But I won’t do that to them! There has to be another way!”

Tempest sighs. “You may not have a choice.”

“There’s always a choice, Tempest! I’ve had to make it before, just like you!”

She narrows her eyes. “Wind Rider and Decimus?”

“Yeah.”

“Regrets?”

Arc nods. “I did what I had to do in order to prevent them from hurting others in the future. Is there doubt in my mind on whether or not I made the right call? Yes, there is! It’s called being human! Being… flawed.”

Tempest sighs. “Look Arc! I’m sure my love had a good reason for doing what he did.”

Sereb growls. “Tried to do, anyways.”

“What was it?”

Tempest taps her hooves nervously on the table. “I… I don’t know. Like I said back in the castle… he… he’s changed.”

“So, why stay with him?”

Tempest leans against the table and sighs. “I… because I… I love him!”

“Does he love you?”

Tempest puts a hoof to her forehead. “Y-yes! I… he… what…”

She puts both hooves on her head. Arc looks to her.

“Tempest? Are you okay?!”

“What? My… my body… everything… hurts! Need to… get out of… here…”

Tempest moves to hop off the chair but falls to the floor, unable to stand. She rolls onto her back and stares up at the ceiling.

“Room… spinning. So… weak.”

Sereb walks toward her cautiously, grinning.

“Just say the word Arc, and I’ll end this criminal’s life!”

Tempest glares at him! Breathing heavily, barely able to move. “Do it… mongrel. See what… happens!”

Arc shakes his head. “No Sereb. She’s defenseless as is.”

“But she wants to kill you!”

“I know. But I don’t want her harmed.”

Sereb steps back. “Very well.”

Arc sighs as he stoops down to pick her up. “You couldn’t kill her anyways.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “I’ll take that bet.”

Arc carries Tempest to his quarters and lies her down on the couch. She looks up at him, weakly.

“So… what happens now? You planning… on… torturing me?”

Arc turns to her as he gets a fire going. “What?! NO!”

Tempest uses all her strength to sit up. “You… you won’t take me down… without a… fight, Arc!”

She calls forth Light’s Bane. It falls to the floor along with her as she is unable to muster the strength to hold it or herself up! Tempest lies on the floor next to her weapon, unable to stand.

“I’m… at your mercy… Arc. Do… what you… will.”

Arc uses his magic to pick up Light’s Bane and move it to the other side of the room. “Sereb. Go to my room and bring me a pillow.”

“Very well.”

Tempest chuckles. “Going to try… smothering me… huh?”

Arc picks Tempest up and lies her on the couch again. “Just lie still, okay?”

Tempest looks over as Sereb returns. “Good. Maybe… when I… revive… my body will… hurt… less.”

“Sore muscles?”

She nods, clearly suffering. “Like… basic training… all over… again.”

Arc takes the pillow from Sereb before turning to Tempest.

“Do… do it!”

“Sheesh! Just lie still!”

Arc carefully lifts Tempest’s head and puts the pillow under it.

“What… are you… doing?!”

“Trying to make you comfortable. Are you cold?”

She shakes her head. “N-no. Just… sore.”

Arc removes her leather armor, sets it on the other end of the couch and begins to rub her shoulders and back.

“Does that help?”

“Yes… a bit…”

Arc sighs as he continues to massage her. “Okay Tempest, it looks like you’re coming down with whatever my friends have! Now, you’re going to start having some rather… odd thoughts soon. Just please don’t attack me.”

Tempest smirks. “I… I don’t think I could. So… tired… so… sore.”

She moves to sit up>

“You shouldn’t be moving around needlessly.”

“I… I need to… get out… of here.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “This town is quarantined. You can’t leave!”

Tempest looks at him with a weak and wicked smile. “Just… you… try and… stop me!”

She hops off the couch. Well… it’s more of a tumble head over fetlocks really. Arc sighs and reaches down to pick her up yet again.

“Looks like I stopped you.”

Tempest glares at him but says nothing.

Arc frowns as he picks her up. “Tempest, you’re burning up! We should get you to the hospital!”

“N-No! Like your… mongrel said… earlier. I’m a… criminal.”

He walks toward the door with Tempest in his arms. She rolls out of his grasp and falls to the floor awkwardly, unable to rise.

“Not going… hospital!”

Arc leans down to pick her up again. “Fine! Have it your way!”

He carries her to the bathroom and lies her down in the shower.

“Going to… drown me… huh?”

Arc sighs. “Just… lie there quietly, okay?”

Tempest closes her eyes and smirks.

“I’ll… get you… back for this… someday… Arc!”

He takes down the shower nozzle from its holder above their heads. “Sure Tempest. Good luck with that.”

Arc holds up the nozzle with his magic and sprays Tempest’s body down with the warm water as he gently massages her back. She opens her eyes.

“Trying to… lure me into… a false sense of… security?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’m trying to make you feel better. The warm water will help lower your fever and help with the aches.”

“…why?”

“You took my family and I in before the storm hit back then. I owe you this much.”

“Fool! You’re… helping your… future… executioner!”

“Yeah, I know. I’m dumb!”

Several minutes go by as Arc continues his work.

“Um, Tempest? There’s something you need to know about the later stages of this illness. Many of those afflicted have… um… become aggressive and… ah… done and said things they’ll probably want to forget.”

“I… know.”

“Wait, what?!”

Tempest squeezes her eyes shut. “My mind… in chaos. So many… strange thoughts… telling me to… do…………. things… with you!”

Arc grimaces. “Please don’t.”

“I can… resist. My… special agent… training… mind… strong.”

“Let’s just hope it’s strong enough!”

Chapter 8 - Unlikely Aid

After a long bath session, Arc helps Tempest out of the tub and dries her off. He tosses the towel into the hamper.

“Do you want me to brush you?”

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

“Alright. But don’t say I didn’t offer.”

He carries Tempest toward his bedroom. Sereb follows closely.

“That shower did help me feel a bit better. Thank you.”

As the pair enter his room, Tempest looks up at him, clearly sickened!

“What are you planning on doing to me in HERE?!”

Arc lies her down on Ember’s bed. “Sleeping. Nothing more.”

He covers her up with the blankets and turns to leave the room.

“Aren’t you going to bed too?”

“I will as soon as I check with my troops. Make sure everything is okay in town.”

Tempest chuckles. “How soldierly of you.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Just get some rest. I’ll be back in a bit.”

Tempest lays her head down and curls up. “You going to try and kill me in my sleep?”

“I’m not trying to kill you! Sheesh! Good night!”

He leaves the room and walks quickly to the living room phone. Arc shakes his head as he dials the Town Hall.

“They’re never going to believe this.”

Sereb sighs. “I’m here and I don’t believe it!”

A few moments later a Royal Guard picks up.

“Ponyville Town Hall.”

“This is Arc. Is Flash Sentry available?”

“Yes sir! Shall I patch you through to the Mayor’s Office?!”

“Please do.”

A moment later they are connected.

“Yes sir?!”

“How are things in town, lieutenant?”

“Quiet, sir! I think everypony’s just scared of coming down with whatever this is!”

“Any word from the hospital?”

Flash Sentry nods. “All the patients are stable for the moment. Doctor Horse still isn’t sure what caused the relapse!”

“It’s a mystery, all right! Has anyone caused any trouble? Like, trying to break quarantine?”

“Mr. Rich did a little while ago.”

“Him again?!”

“Yes sir. He came to the Town Hall to complain about the situation. I had him escorted home.”

“Good.”

“Then he tried to leave town in his private train. I guess he didn’t know how to run it himself. The ruckus the train made alerted us to his intentions.“

“Where was he trying to go?!”

“Canterlot. Said he wanted to ‘rescue’ his daughters.”

Arc frowns. “And put the rest of Equestria in danger by spreading this thing”! Is he nuts?! If he tries anything else, lock him up!”

“Yes sir! Any luck on your end?”

“Nothing. Although we did have someone breaking quarantine up here.”

“Really?! Who?”

“Tempest.”

“Oh, well at least it wasn’t a citizen of Pony… TEMPEST!!! We’ll be right over sir!”

“Hold it!”

“Sir?!”

Arc sighs. “She’s resting in my quarters.”

Sereb growls. “More like biding her time.”

The blood drains from Flash Sentry’s face. “Oh no! Don’t tell me…”

Arc nods. “Yup. She’s sick too. Any more cases come forward?”

“As of an hour ago when I spoke to the doctor, no. There have not been any new cases since Raven and Saffron. Other than Tempest, that is. Doctor Horse has been in contact with the sages of Canterlot. Hopefully they can come up with something by tomorrow morning!”

“Good!”

“What should we do about Tempest?”

Arc sighs. “I’ll take look after her for the moment. You keep the town secure. All right?”

“Yes sir!”

“We’ll see what can be done in the morning.”

“Good night sir!”

Arc hangs up the phone and turns to Sereb.

“Let’s hit the hay for now. Nothing more to be done tonight.”

“Very well. Might I join you in your room?”

Arc looks toward the door. “Not much room in there for a third, Sereb.”

Sereb growls. “I understand. However, I do not trust that harpy!”

“Actually, if you’re not too tired, I have something else I want you to do.”

A few minutes later Arc enters his room and lies down in his bed. Tempest rolls over to look at him.

“Where’s your mongrel?”

“I sent him to Town Hall. He’ll take over for Flash Sentry in organizing the night’s patrols.”

Tempest smirks. “How very brave of you to send away your only source of help.”

“The town needs protection more than I do.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

“The only one you need to worry about!”

The pair are silent for a time.

“You okay over there?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Other than being weak and achy, just fine.”

“I mean your mind! I’m not too keen on having you attack me in my sleep.”

“I can resist it!”

“See to it that you do! Good night, Tempest.”

Tempest rolls back over to face the wall. “Night.”

That night Arc dreams happily of his earlier days with Cherry Jubilee. They cook together, pick cherries, laugh and generally enjoy each other’s company! The dream ends with the pair sitting on the porch watching the sunset together. Neither says a word as Cherry sits in Arc’s lap. He has both his arms around her midsection as he happily buries his face in her mane.

“Cherry… I love you so much!”

Cherry Jubilee sighs as she turns her head to nuzzle his chest. “Um… can’t say as I feel the same, Arc.”

Arc looks at her, confused. “What?!”

He opens his eyes to see the first rays of dawn shining through the window.

“A… dream? Silly me… what else could it have been!”

There is suddenly movement from under the covers. Arc cautiously pushes them back to find Tempest lying next to him! Her face against his chest!

“Tempest?! What are you…?!”

She nuzzles his chest as she opens her eyes and smiles at him. “Thank you for last night, Arc.”

Arc does his best to hold the contents of his stomach in. Tempest sits up and looks down at him, grinning!

“I gotta tell you, Arc! You sure know how to make a mare feel loved!”

The blood drains from Arc’s face! “What… what did we do last night?!”

Tempest sighs. “Don’t worry. You didn’t do anything either of us will regret.”

“Are you sure?!”

“Yes. You just held me and stroked my mane.”

Arc sits up as he breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! Look Tempest! You’re not well. Whatever happened last night was the illness controlling you.”

Tempest nods. “I know!”

“Wait! You do?!”

“Yes! And that knowledge helped me stifle some of the… let’s just say, more… extreme thoughts running through my mind.”

Arc stands up. “Then why were you in my bed?!”

Tempest looks down at her hooves sadly. “It’s… been a long time since somepony held me like that.”

Arc looks over at her as he grabs clean clothes from the dresser. “What about Captain Decimus?! I thought you two were lovers!”

She stands up slowly. “We are! But he’s been rather… distant lately. It’s probably the strain of his work that’s doing it.”

The pair leave the bedroom.

“What kind of work?”

Tempest frowns. “Look, I appreciate you taking care of me last night and all. But like I told you a while back at the castle, I’m not betraying my love!”

Arc heads quickly toward the bathroom. “Have it your way! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to take a quick shower.”

Tempest follows him. “Would you like a massage? I’d like to return that favor at least!”

“What?! NO!”

Tempest looks confused. “Why not? Your shower is certainly large enough to comfortably hold both of us!”

Arc shakes his head as he enters the bathroom alone. “Humans have something called modesty, Tempest! Just wait out here for me, will you?”

“Fine. Have it your way.”

He turns on the water as hot as his skin can handle and scrubs his body vigorously as he mutters to himself.

“Of all the ponies I could have woken up next to.”

Arc puts more soap on a washcloth and continues scrubbing! Putting his head on the tile wall as he scrubs himself down again. “Ugh… I feel so dirty. Forgive me, Cherry!”

He finishes bathing and puts on fresh clothes. As he steps out of the bathroom, he smells hash browns cooking. Tempest is standing at the stove wearing one of Saffron’s aprons and a smile!

“I went to the kitchen and borrowed some food. Hope you don’t mind! By the way, your chef was completely out of eggs!”

Arc sits down at the table and mutters to himself. “This is more unsettling than when she was trying to kill me!”

“Did you say something?”

“Nothing! Just thinking aloud!”

A few minutes later she sets two plates of food on the table and sits down across from Arc.

“Eat up before it gets cold!”

He does so.

“This is pretty good! Thank you for breakfast!”

Tempest looks at him, clearly confused. “Isn’t it customary to make breakfast for somepony whom you spent the night with?”

“We didn’t spend the night together, Tempest!”

“Oh yes, we did!”

“Well… look, can we just eat and get moving please?!”

Tempest shrugs. “If that’s what you want!”

“I gotta get this illness figured out! You’re getting worse!”

Tempest smiles at him. “I feel fine!”

“I stand by my earlier statement!”

The pair eat quickly. Tempest clears the table and begins to fill up the sink.

“I’ll just do these dishes.”

“Uh, okay. Let me call Town Hall before we get moving.”

“Okay! I’ll hurry!”

She does so as Arc picks up the phone and dials Town Hall. As the phone rings on the other end, Sereb uses his magic to lift the receiver and hold it to his ear.

“Town Hall.”

“Hey Sereb. How are things over there?”

“Quiet. Are you all right?!”

“Yes, I’m fine. Tempest and I will be heading over to the hospital soon.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You and… whom?!”

“Tempest.”

There is a long pause on the other end of the line.

“Are you feeling alright?”

“Yes. I can’t just let her go! We’re under quarantine after all!”

Sereb sighs. “And you don’t want to leave her there. I understand now.”

“Right. In any case, is Flash Sentry back yet?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. I have not seen him since he was relieved for the night.”

“He must be in the barracks then. We’ll see you in a bit.”

“Farewell.”

Arc hangs up the phone and turns to see Tempest has finished the dishes and is wiping down the kitchen table. She is humming as she works.

“You uh… almost ready to go Tempest?”

She puts the dish towel on the rack to dry and quickly dons her leather armor. “I am now. Let’s go!”

Arc points to Light’s Bane in the corner where he left it. “What about… that?”

Tempest waves a hoof happily! “It can just stay there! I won’t be needing it for a while!”

Arc nods as they leave his quarters. “We’ll wake up Flash Sentry before we go. He needs to relieve Sereb.”

Tempest follows Arc down the hallway. “Why?”

“Because he’s been up all night!”

They arrive at the barracks. Arc quietly opens the door and peeks inside. The off duty Royal Guards are sleeping peacefully. However, Flash Sentry’s bunk is empty. Arc closes the door quietly and turns back to Tempest.

“He’s not here.”

Tempest looks concerned. “Where could he have gone?”

“I can think of only one place. Come on!”

Arc opens a portal to Ponyville Hospital. He and Tempest step through it and arrive momentarily in the Waiting Room. They walk up to the front desk. The nurse on duty is going over some paperwork.

“Nurse. What room is Raven Inkwell in?”

“She’s in room number… ahhhh!!!”

The nurse jumps back, falling out of her chair as she sees Tempest!

“Are you alright miss?! Don’t worry! She’s with me!”

The nurse gets up slowly and peeks out cautiously from under the desk. “Are… are you sure?!”

“Pretty sure!”

She points with a shaky hoof down the hall. “She… she’s in room 131!”

Tempest smiles at the nurse. “Thank you.”

The pair walk down the hallway together. Tempest turns to Arc.

“What do you suppose was the matter with her?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I can’t imagine.”

“Oh, come on! I’m not THAT scary!”

“Your reputation precedes you.”

They approach the private room and quietly enter. Raven is lying unconscious in bed, still restrained. Flash Sentry sits next the her in a chair, asleep. Arc walks over and nudges him.

“Flash Sentry?”

He slowly opens his eyes and sits up.

“Commander? Is it morning already?”

Arc points out the window. “That it is.”

Flash Sentry does not take his eyes off Raven as he speaks. “Forgive me for not returning to base. I… I just had to come here!”

“I understand. How is she?”

“The treatments have brought her back to almost normal. But I know it’s only a matter of time before she and the others relapse!”

Tempest nods. “I hope she feels better soon!”

Flash Sentry looks past Arc. “Thank you… TEMPEST?!”

He lunges at her, but Arc grabs him in the nick of time!

“Wait, lieutenant! Tempest is in the same boat as Raven right now!”

“What?! HOW?!”

“Well, you see…”

Raven suddenly begins to stir. Flash Sentry rushes back to her side!

“Raven?! I’m right here with the Hero of Light! You’re not alone!”

She opens her eyes slowly.

“… Flash… Sentry?”

“Raven! How do you feel?!”

“Head… hurts. What happened?”

Arc sighs. “You… um… were acting very strangely to say the least.”

“C-commander? I… I remember…”

Raven suddenly winces in pain.

Flash Sentry takes her hoof in his! “R-Raven?! Do you need help?! What can I do?!”

“I… I need to get up!”

“What?! But I… I can’t do that!”

Raven looks up at him with a pleading look in her eyes. “Please Flash Sentry! Help me!”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. He thinks for a moment before nodding. The lieutenant begins to undo her restraints.

“Okay Raven! But you have to promise to not do anything rash!”

“Yes, I promise!”

As soon as the last belt is removed, she bounds out of bed shakily. Running over to Arc, she skids to a stop in front of him!

“Raven?!”

She gets down on her knees, all four of them. “P-please sire! Let me serve you again! I’m begging you!”

Tempest nods approvingly. “She sure has spirit!”

Arc kneels down in front of Raven and puts a hand on her chin. Lifting it to look her in the eye. “Raven, I…”

She grabs his hand with both of her front hooves! “I’m desperate! Please! I’ll… I’ll do anything you say! ANYTHING!!!”

Raven begins to tear up in frustration. Crying into his hand she whispers…

“Please…”

“Um… sure Raven. I do have something I need you to do for me.”

She looks up, hopeful! “Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Help the doctor figure this illness out by getting back in bed and letting Flash Sentry put your restraints back on.”

“What?! But I…”

Arc looks down at her and speaks in an authoritative voice. “That’s an order, Raven!”

“Yes sire!“

She climbs back into the bed as Flash Sentry sadly restrains Raven before following Arc out of the room with Tempest. He stares at the closed door.

“It… it’s like I wasn’t even there!”

Arc puts a hand on Flash Sentry’s shoulder. “She’s not herself! None of what she said was the real Raven talking!”

Flash Sentry turns and walks unsteadily down the corridor. “I know, sir. But that doesn’t make this hurt any less.”

Together they return to the Waiting Room. Flash Sentry sighs.

“I’ll head back to the Town Hall and take over for Sereb. He has to be running on fumes right now.”

Arc nods. “You up to it?”

Flash Sentry walks slowly toward the door. “No. But I have to be strong for Raven!”

Tempest turns to him as she and Arc head for Doctor Horse’s office. “He’s… very dedicated to that mare, isn’t he?”

“Yeah. He is.”

Tempest looks down. “I… I’m jealous of her.”

They arrive at the office and knock. Doctor Horse puts a hoof over the receiver.

“Come in!”

Arc and Tempest do so. Upon laying eyes on Tempest, the doctor drops the phone! Arc walks over and picks it up.

“She’s with me.”

Doctor Horse nods and takes the receiver.

“J-just a moment, sir! The Hero of Light just came in. I’ll put you on speakerphone.”

The doctor does so and hangs up the receiver.

“Go ahead, Sunburst.”

“We’ll, as I was just telling the doctor, there is an ancient magic that can cause psychosis on such a scale!”

“Great! How do we stop it?!”

“You have to stop it at its source! Some very powerful unicorns must be behind this!”

Doctor Horse frowns. “Did you say unicorns? As in more than one?”

“Yes! A spell that powerful could not be cast by one pony! To keep it going also requires constant care and attention to maintain!”

“Is there some way we can locate them?”

Sunburst sighs. “That may prove difficult! If they are powerful enough to cast such a spell, they are most likely able to mask their magical signature!”

Tempest nods. “Hiding powerful magic is easier to do than you would think, Arc. For example, you haven’t been able to find my group either!”

“She’s right, sir. Needle in a haystack sort of thing.”

Arc sighs. “Can you tell us any more about this spell? Who would know about it?!”

“Myself, some of the other sages, and the princesses for certain! Maybe other creatures from that time period that still live.”

Tempest nods. “Like some demons or even the Dragon Lord?”

“Could the demons from Tartarus be doing this?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “No. Not from within Tartarus anyways! The barrier that separates Equestria from that place absorbs all magic! Such a spell wouldn’t have a chance of affecting anypony here!”

Doctor Horse nods. “Could it be some other group domestically?”

“That’s the only theory that works right now. How we go about rectifying this situation is beyond me at present.”

Arc looks at Tempest.

“I already told you! We didn’t do it!”

Sunburst looks confused at his phone. “We? Ember, are you feeling alright? You sound a bit different.”

Arc sighs. “Ember is in a hospital bed as we speak, Sunburst. She too fell prey to whatever this sickness is!”

“Oh? Then who was that?”

“Tempest.”

There is silence from the other end of the line. Doctor Horse clears his throat.

“Are you still there, Sunburst?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “Arc, are you perhaps coming down with this yourself?!”

“I certainly hope not! Tempest is suffering with it though! Although it appears to have made her a very nice mare! After she got over the initial bout of symptoms, that is.”

Tempest nods! “I’m fine! We need to focus on the real problem here though! The ponies who AREN’T walking around like we are!”

Arc sighs. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree with Tempest. Sunburst, can you think of ANYONE who might be able to help?”

“Other than Princess Celestia, the only other would be Dragon Lord Torch.”

Tempest frowns. “That would mean breaking quarantine, though.”

Doctor Horse sighs. “Can’t somepony outside of Ponyville speak to the Dragon Lord on our behalf?”

Arc shakes his head “That would be rather unwise. He’s not the most… personable individual I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. If anyone else were to go, let’s just say they probably wouldn’t get too far!”

Sunburst sighs. “What do you think, doctor?”

“Arc does not appear to be affected by this illness. In fact, so far, its only infected mares!”

“It’s up to you, Arc. “

Arc thinks for a few moments. “I hate to say this, but I think me going to the Dragon Lands is the only way to make headway on this!”

Sunburst sighs. “Keep me posted! And do be careful! I hear the Dragon Lord has a fiery temper!”

“I’ll call you when I get back.”

“Good luck, sir!”

Doctor Horse severs the connection as Arc looks over at Tempest.

“I guess the question now is what to do with you.”

Tempest shrugs. “I can stay here and help guard the town.”

“I think I would rather keep you within arm’s reach, Tempest. You don’t exactly have the best track record in Ponyville.”

“She’s infected, Arc! You can’t take her with you!”

Tempest thinks for a moment. “You could tie me up and put me in a jail cell until you get back.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Might work… but if you’re in a cell, why do you need to be tied up?”

Tempest blushes. “I… uh… guess not. Sorry, that’s the illness talking, Arc.”

“I have an idea how we can do both! Let’s go to Town Hall and see Flash Sentry first.”

Tempest nods. “Right behind you!”

Arc turns back as Tempest walks past him. “We’ll solve this yet, doctor!”

“Good luck!”

The pair make their way to the Town Hall. Flash Sentry is pacing nervously around the office as they enter.

“Sir! Any news?!”

“Maybe. We need to go to the Dragon Lands and speak to the Dragon Lord about this. He’s old enough to remember the ancient magic that may have done this!”

Flash Sentry looks past Arc at Tempest as he narrows his eyes. “Are you sure the source isn’t a bit closer to home, sir?”

“I don’t believe she had anything to do with this. In any case though, she’s coming with me on this little trip.”

“WHAT?!”

Tempest smiles! “I’d be happy to come with you, Arc. But what about the quarantine?!

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opening a portal. “We don’t have a choice, Tempest! Take care of the town while we’re gone, lieutenant.”

“I will, sir! Be careful!”

“Always!”

The portal closes behind them leaving a very worried Flash Sentry in its wake!

“I hope you know what you’re doing, sir! Watch your back!”

Chapter 9 - Intervention

Arc and Tempest step out of the portal. She looks around the small house before them.

“Where… are we?! “

Arc recalls his gauntlet and gets a fire going in Ember’s fireplace. “The Dragon Lands. This is where Ember lives, or I guess lived would be more accurate.”

“It’s a lovely place!”

“I suppose it is. Your happy demeanor is really starting to creep me out though!”

Tempest looks confused. “Oh? Don’t your friends usually act like this?”

“They do. But… I’m used to your snarls of anger and rage-filled eyes!”

Tempest frowns as Arc sighs.

“My apologies. I’m used to Tempest the warrior. Not so much Tempest the mare next door!”

“I’m sorry about… everything. I know I’ve been a terrible pony to so many.”

Arc nods. “That you have. Well, I should get moving. Can you stay here? I don’t want to risk the dragons getting what you have!”

Tempest sits down in front of the fire. “I understand. Just don’t be too long now!”

She smiles and winks at him.

“Oh boy, you’re getting worse! Look, just… try to keep yourself under control, okay?!”

Tempest shakes her head in an effort to clear it. “You’re right! Please hurry! I shudder to think what might happen if I…”

Arc heads quickly for the door. “Keep it together, Tempest! Remember your training! I’ll come back as soon as I can!”

He leaves the house and heads for the Throne of the Dragon Lord. The dragons he passes give him a wide berth. Arc chuckles to himself.

“They CAN learn!”

In a short time, Arc arrives at his destination. The Dragon Lord appears confused.

“IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, MY FRIEND! I CAN SENSE YOUR POWER HAS GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE LAST WE SPOKE!”

“It’s good to see you too, Dragon Lord! I apologize for not visiting more regularly, but I’ve been busier than ever lately!”

“I HAVE HEARD THE STORIES OF YOUR MORE RECENT EXPLOITS… LORD REGENT!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m just the Hero of Light again. The princesses are again ruling Equestria after all!”

“FROM WHAT HAS REACHED US, YOUR TENURE AS RULER OF EQUESTRIA WAS FRAUGHT WITH ADVENTURE AND INTRIGUE!”

“It was certainly busy… and tiring! You stay well informed!”

“MORE SO THAN MOST! EMBER WRITES TO ME REGULARLY OF HER COMINGS AND GOINGS!”

The Dragon Lord smiles.

“YOUR OWN ADVENTURES ARE THE HIGHLIGHT OF HER CORRESPONDENCES! WHILE I DO ENJOY HEARING ABOUT WHAT MY FRIEND HAS BEEN UP TO, I DO WISH SHE WOULD MORE REGULARLY TELL ME OF HER OWN EXPLOITS!”

“She’s been busy as well, sir!”

The Dragon Lord laughs! “DURING THAT TIME, SHE ALL BUT STOPPED WRITING ABOUT HERSELF TO FOCUS ON YOUR DAY TO DAY AFFAIRS! IF I DIDN’T KNOW ANY BETTER, I’D THINK SHE HAD BEEN ON GUARD DUTY DURING YOUR REIGN!”

“She did do quite a bit of that.”

Torch narrows his eyes and appears upset! “YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS! THE DAUGHTER OF THE DRAGON LORD REDUCED TO A COMMON GUARD! THIS IS UNTHINKABLE!”

“Please hear me out, Dragon Lord! Before Ember was banished, what did she do in your court?”

“SHE WAS OFTEN BY MY SIDE WATCHING HOW I DID THINGS!”

“Do you think that was a good idea? Wouldn’t it have been better for her to be out fighting or traveling?”

“SUCH THINGS ARE INDEED NECESSARY! HOWEVER, I WANTED HER CLOSE AT CLAW TO LEARN WHAT IT MEANT TO LEAD! “

“Well sir, as my personal bodyguard she was present during all my adventures and meetings. There was nothing I kept from her during that time! While I made hard choices and ruled on matters of the citizenry, she was there watching me! I knew she would one day have to lead this nation in your stead, and was concerned that she thought being the ruler was all about ordering others around or being the biggest and strongest.”

“MOST OF BEING THE DRAGON LORD IS RULING THROUGH SHEER INTIMIDATION!”

The Dragon Lord looks to those assembled.

“AGREE WITH ME!”

All the other dragons nearby immediately begin nodding their heads and telling the Dragon Lord how right he is.

“All well and good for one as big and mighty as you are, sir! But Ember doesn’t have that same… I don’t know… size aspect going for her.”

“MARK MY WORDS! ONE DAY SHE WILL!”

“Maybe. But that day is a long way off, is it not? What if she had to take your place sooner?!”

“HMMM… YOU MAY HAVE A POINT THERE, ARC!”

“I’m not saying intimidation doesn’t have its place in leadership! Just that there are other ways to accomplish your goals other than through sheer force.”

“VERY WELL! YOU MAY TEACH MY DAUGHTER AS YOU SEE FIT! BUT I WANT TO HEAR OF HER DOING BATTLE AS WELL!”

“I can’t promise anything in that regard. But one never knows what the future holds.”

“I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR EMBER’S THOUGHTS ON THESE MATTERS! WHERE IS SHE?!”

Arc sighs. “Ember is the reason I’ve come to see you, sir. I… um… might the two of us speak in private?”

“HRM… THAT IS A RATHER ODD REQUEST!”

“I wish to speak with you alone, so we can talk warrior to warrior and father to father.”

The Dragon Lord appears to be considering Arc’s request.

“VERY WELL! COME WITH ME!”

He leads Arc to his cave. The pair enter and sit down in the center of his Dragon Horde. A lifetime of gathering lies all around them.

“YOU MAY SPEAK FREELY HERE, ARC! NONE DARE COME ANYWHERE NEAR MY HORDE!”

“Thank you. I… wanted to keep this just between us for now. It’s about Ember.”

“IT IS STRANGE TO SEE YOU HERE WITHOUT HER BY YOUR SIDE! TELL ME, HOW IS MY DAUGHTER FARING THESE DAYS?!”

“Um… not too well right now. She’s in the hospital at the moment with some kind of unknown illness.”

The Dragon Lord appears suddenly angry! “WHAT?!”

“In fact, that’s why I’m here. There’s some kind of sickness going around Ponyville right now that makes those who catch it… um… act strangely. The other symptoms that come with it are mild by comparison. However, every case that I’ve seen requires the patient to be physically restrained! All but one, that is.”

“AND EMBER WAS ABLE TO HANDLE IT?!”

“No. She too had to be tied to a bed to prevent her from… um… let’s just say… doing something with someone that might… uh… bring shame to both you and her.”

“THEN WHY AREN’T YOU THERE?!”

“Because she… wanted me to… um… do things with her. Rather inappropriate things…”

He laughs! “IMPOSSIBLE! MY DAUGHTER IS FAR TOO YOUNG TO BE HAVING SUCH FEELINGS FOR ANOTHER DRAGON! MUCH LESS A NON-DRAGON! YOU MUST HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD HER INTENTIONS!”

“With all due respect, sir, she made it very clear what she wanted! Now our town doctor has been unable to cure any of these cases. He believes that some kind of ancient magic is responsible for this! Sadly, no one in Equestria knows anything about this kind of thing!”

“AND SO, YOU CAME TO ME IN HOPES I COULD HELP!”

“Yes.”

“VERY BRAVE OF YOU TO TELL ME OF THIS, ARC!”

“So… you’re not angry?”

“OF COURSE I’M ANGRY, YOU FOOL!!!”

Arc jumps up! “Then help me help her! She’s not getting any better and neither is anyone else!”

“VERY WELL! I’LL NEED TO SEE ONE WHO IS AFFLICTED! IN THAT WAY I WILL KNOW WHICH SPELL DID THIS!”

Arc looks to him, wide-eyed! “You mean… there’s more than one?!”

“NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR YOUR FOOLISH QUESTIONS, ARC! RETURN TO ME WITH ONE AFFLICTED WITH THIS ILLNESS AT ONCE!!!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “I’ll be right back!”

He rushes back through the portal to Ember’s house. Tempest is sprawled out on the rug in front of the fireplace seductively. She smiles at him!

“You certainly took your sweet time! But I guess the wait makes this all the better!”

Arc quickly approaches Tempest. “The Dragon Lord wants to see you!”

Tempest looks up at him playfully. “Oh? And what does he want?”

“He needs to take a look at you to determine which ancient spell did this! Now come on!”

Arc reaches down to help her stand. To his surprise, she grabs his hand and pulls him down! Kneeling over Tempest as she wraps her hooves around his neck, Arc blushes.

“Tempest! We don’t have time for this!”

She pulls him down, kisses his cheek and whispers in his ear.

“For a mare like me, you can make time!”

Arc breaks her grip and stands up, quickly becoming irate! “The Dragon Lord is waiting for us!”

Tempest lunges at him with a hungry look on her face. “Let him wait!”

She catches Arc off balance. The pair fall backwards into the sofa and overturn it! Arc uses the momentum to throw her off of himself! Tempest hits the wall hard! A framed picture of Ember’s father takes the blow and crashes to the floor! She lands upright, grinning maniacally at him!

“So you wanna play rough, huh?!”

Tempest lunges at him again! This time, however, Arc is able to get clear in time! Tempest smashes into an end table, reducing it to splinters!

“Calm down, Tempest! You’re going to destroy the whole place!

Tempest pulls off her armor in one swift movement and throws it aside. “Who cares?!”

Two male dragons walking by hear the commotion inside. They turn and grin at each other.

“Sounds like the Dragon Lord’s daughter finally founds someone, eh Garble!?

“Yeah, Charcoal! And from the sounds of it, he must be a real animal!”

Charcoal looks at the house as another round of something breaking can be heard. “That is one lucky dragon! Say Garble! Didn’t you have your sights on Ember a while back?”

“Nah! She’s WAY too much trouble for my tastes!”

“Trouble?! The Dragon Lord’s daughter?! WOW!”

Garble shrugs. “She’s pretty and all, I’ll give her that! But her standards are REALLY high! Remember when the Dragon Lord called for candidates for her mate? I don’t think any of them even registered with her!”

“Oh yeah!”

They look back as the sound of something fragile breaking can be heard. Charcoal looks to Garble with a sickened look on his face.

“You think it was the weird looking animal she came here with back then?”

“Nah! I didn’t get the idea he wanted to be her mate! Besides, her old man already said no.”

Charcoal looks back as the sound of splintering wood can be heard emanating from the house. “Someone said they saw him heading for the Throne of the Dragon Lord earlier!”

Garble folds his arms over his chest and frowns. “So?!”

“Maybe he found a way to change the Dragon Lord’s mind!”

Garble rolls his eyes. “Come on! No one’s ever been able to do THAT!”

“I don’t know. You remember when he tricked the big guy into letting him fight for Ember? The Dragon Lord played right into his claws!”

Garble looks back as another crash rings out. “Maybe you’re right! If anyone’s smart enough to pull the wool over her old guy’s eyes it’s him! Some guys get all the luck!”

Meanwhile, Tempest chases Arc into Ember’s room! She spots the bed!

“Now you’re on the right track!”

She pounces, catching Arc squarely in the chest as he turns around, the pair fall onto the bed! Tempest lands and jumps toward Arc one last time. A look of pure joy on her face!

“This game of cat and mouse is OVER!!!”

Arc reaches over to the nightstand and grabs the lamp! As Tempest lands on him he swings with all his might! The lamp’s body explodes into a million pieces as Tempest’s head absorbs the impact! She falls onto the bed next to him! They both lie there breathing heavily for a few moments. Tempest rolls over onto her back to stare up at the ceiling.

“You’re… pretty good, Arc.”

He lets out a sigh of relief. “Sorry…”

Tempest puts a hoof to her head. “It… it’s okay. You did what you had to.”

She sits up slowly.

“We… uh… should probably go see the Dragon Lord now.”

Arc looks over at her. “Let me take care of your head first! That’s a nasty cut!”

Tempest laughs! “Give it a few more seconds!”

In but a few moments the wound stops bleeding and disappears. Tempest wipes away the blood with a hoof.

“There! I’m fine again!”

“That’s handy! But I don’t think I could handle the cost of such power.”

Tempest gets up and walks toward the bedroom door soberly. “We all do what we have to, Arc.”

The pair leave the bedroom together. As they do so they stop dead in their tracks as they survey the damage! Tempest looks side to side.

“Wow! We really did a number on this room!”

“You mean YOU did a number on this room!”

Tempest rolls her eyes! “Yeah right! Like you’re innocent in all this!”

“I am! All I did was try to get away!”

Tempest stops to look around again. “Did I… really do all this in an attempt to…”

“This is what happens when you get so focused on your goal that you forget to think about those around you.”

“Those around me?!”

Arc sighs. “Pretend the furniture had been other ponies.”

“I see what you mean!”

Arc turns to her as they leave the house. “When Ember recovers, I am completely blaming this mess on you!”

“Fair enough.”

The pair make their way back toward the Throne of the Dragon Lord. Tempest turns to him.

“Tell me, Arc. Is the Dragon Lord as big as the rumors say?”

“Seeing as I don’t know the rumors, let’s just say he’s the size of a VERY large building and leave it at that.”

“Any advice?”

Arc nods. “Just one thing… don’t make him angry.”

“I’ll try. No promises though! He can’t be THAT big though! Can he?”

“You’ll see for yourself soon enough.”

In short order they arrive back at the Dragon Lord’s horde. Tempest’s pupils shrink.

“Woah!”

“Told ya!”

The Dragon Lord appears to be napping. Tempest looks to Arc nervously.

“Uh… do we wake him… or what?”

Arc sighs. “Probably not a good idea, but let’s do it anyways.”

He clears his throat loudly. Tempest rolls her eyes.

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Are you joking with that?!”

“You have a better idea?”

Tempest shrugs. “I dunno. Hit him?”

“Great idea! And after you finish, he’ll turn you into glue!”

Tempest second guesses herself as she looks at the Dragon Lord’s claws. “Okay. Let’s not do that!”

Arc looks around for inspiration. He picks up a rock the size of a softball.

“He won’t even feel that!”

He winds up. “Oh, trust me. He will!”

Arc lobs the rock. The pair watch as it sails past the Dragon Lord.

“You missed! Give you a target big enough to have its own gravitational pull and you MISS?!”

Arc watches the rock sail through the air. “Wait for it…”

A moment later the rock lands in a pile of gold coins, upsetting them. The Dragon Lord awakens with a start”

“WHO DARES…?!”

“Sorry, that was me. You dozed off, so I…”

“I DID NOT DOZE OFF! I WAS MERELY… CONTEMPLATING MY PAST GLORIES!”

Arc frowns. “Are you sure?! Because from where I was standing…”

“I WAS VERY FOCUSED AT THE TIME!!!”

He chuckles. “Okay, have it your way.”

Tempest clears her throat loudly.

“In any case, this is Tempest Shadow. She’s afflicted with the illness I spoke of earlier.”

Tempest waves a hoof at the Dragon Lord and smiles. “Pleased to meet you, sir! I’m Arc’s arch-nemesis!”

Arc facepalms. “I think I liked her better when she was trying to steal my soul.”

The Dragon Lord looks at Tempest before turning to Arc.

“ARE YOU CERTAIN?! WHILE I DO SENSE A VERY STRANGE MAGICAL ENERGY COMING FROM HER, THE SYMPTOMS DO NOT MATCH!”

“Trust me, she has it.”

“HOW CAN YOU BE CERTAIN?!”

“Before we came over here, she… chased me around Ember’s house.”

“FOR WHAT PURPOSE?!”

“Use your imagination, sir.”

The Dragon Lord is silent for a time.

“DARE I ASK HOW YOU STOPPED HER?!”

Tempest looks up happily. “With a lamp to the head."

“Tempest… the way you say things. You don’t have to be so darn happy about it.”

She grins maniacally at him. “Go ahead Arc! Hurt me!”

“I think she has another ‘episode’ coming on, so if you could do… something, Dragon Lord…”

The Dragon Lords stands up. “I CAN THINK OF ONLY ONE COURSE OF ACTION!”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! Up until just now, I thought I was going to be stuck with…”

The Dragon Lord knocks Arc across the cave with his magic and, bringing down a sizable claw, pounds Tempest into the ground. Arc gets up quickly.

“What?! WHY?!”

“BECAUSE THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO DEAL WITH THOSE WHOM ARE INFECTED WITH THAT PARTICULAR ILLNESS, ARC!”

“By KILLING them?!”

“AS MERCIFULLY AS POSSIBLE, YES! BUT I THOUGHT SHE WAS YOUR GREATEST ENEMY! FRANKLY I’M AMAZED YOU HADN’T DONE THAT YOURSELF! PERHAPS YOU ARE NOT AS POWERFUL AS I ORIGINALLY…!”

The sound of laughter can be heard emanating from the crater as Tempest pushes her way back to the surface. She giggles as she dusts herself off and climbs out of the hole.

“Oh trust me Dragon Lord. Arc has certainly tried in the past.”

He looks back at Arc, his eyes narrowed. “YOU… REALLY DO HAVE A PROBLEM ON YOUR CLAWS, ARC!”

“Tell me about it. I couldn’t kill Tempest if I wanted to! To say nothing for my other friends who have this! Tell me, is there ANYTHING else to be done?!”

“THIS IS WHAT THE PONIES OF ANCIENT TIMES DID! THEY DID OF COURSE ATTEMPT TO FIND A CURE! SADLY, THEY WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL!”

“How did they stop its spread then?!”

“BY ERADICATING ALL KNOWLEDGE OF ITS EXISTENCE! IT TOOK QUITE A WHILE, AS ONE WOULD GUESS! I MYSELF HAD FORGOTTEN IT EVER EXISTED UNTIL YOUR VISIT TODAY!”

Tempest composes herself. “Well, how did an outbreak begin then?”

“A SPELL WAS CAST ON A PREDETERMINED TARGET TO ACT AS THE FOCUS! FROM THEM THE SPELL WOULD SPREAD TO OTHERS OF THE OPPOSITE GENDER, AS IT WAS MUCH MORE EFFICIENT THAT CASTING THE SPELL ON A LARGE MULTITUDE OF TARGETS!

Arc frowns. “Our sages were under the impression that this spell needed to be channeled in order to maintain its effects.”

“THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHER SPELLS THAT HAVE SIMILAR EFFECTS! THIS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FOCUS AFTER CASTING! FOR THAT REASON ALONE, IT WAS DEEMED TOO DANGEROUS TO BE ALLOWED TO EXIST!”

Tempest frowns. “One problem at a time! So, how do we figure out who the focus is?! I assume they didn’t just go around killing ponies at random.”

“THEY DID NOT! A SPELL WAS DEVELOPED TO AID IN LOCATING THE LUCKY INDIVIDUAL!”

“Lucky?!”

“NOT EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO THIS MAGIC HAS AS MUCH… SELF-RESTRAINT AS YOU DO, MY FRIEND! IN FACT, WEALTHY INDIVIDUALS WOULD SOMETIMES HIRE THOSE WITH THE MAGICAL APTITUDE TO INTENTIONALLY CAST THE SPELL ON THEM!”

Tempest looks confused. “Why would anypony want…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Would you happen to know this locator spell, sir?”

The Dragon Lord nods as he levitates a small compass from his horde over to himself and casts a spell on it. “I DO!”

He levitates the item toward Arc.

“THIS COMPASS WILL NOW POINT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SPELL’S FOCUS! USE IT TO LOCATE THEM AND CONTAIN THIS OUTBREAK!”

Tempest frowns. “Wouldn’t that be dangerous to Arc?”

“IT WOULD NOT! THE FOCUS IS CLEARLY A STALLION, AS ALL THOSE AFFLICTED ARE MARES!”

Arc looks at the compass still floating in front of him. “Makes sense. But how do we dispel this magic when we find him?”

Tempest turns to Arc. “Dispelling magic is fairly simple, Arc. Any unicorn should be able to do it.”

“Can I assume we couldn’t just dispel this from my friends in the same way?”

Dragon Lord Torch shakes his head. “YOU CANNOT!”

Arc sighs. “Great. Well, I guess we had better get started. If I could borrow that compass for a while…”

“DRAGONS DO NOT GIVE THINGS AWAY WITHOUT GETTING SOMETHING OF EQUAL OR GREATER VALUE IN RETURN!”

Tempest nods. “Sound reasonable to me.”

“Oh boy. What do you want?”

“I DESIRE A REPRESENTATIVE OF MY CHOOSING TO RETURN WITH YOU TO EQUESTRIA!”

Tempest turns to Arc. “That’s actually quite reasonable. The fact that he hasn’t eaten you yet is also quite remarkable.”

“Me?! What about you?!”

Tempest smiles wickedly! “I’d give him heartburn.”

“SO WHAT DO YOU SAY, HERO OF LIGHT?! DO WE HAVE A DEAL?!”

Tempest laughs. “You are a tough negotiator, Dragon Lord!”

“I suppose I don’t really have a choice in the matter. I agree, on the condition that the emissary follows all of Equestria’s laws and respects their customs!”

Dragon Lord Torch releases his hold on the item and allows it to float down to Arc. “VERY WELL! I’M AFRAID THIS IS ALL I CAN DO TO AID YOU IN THIS MATTER! THE REST IS UP TO YOU, ARC!”

He takes the compass in his hand. “Thank you, my friend!”

“I WILL HAVE MY CHOSEN EMISSARY MEET YOU AT EMBER’S HOUSE WITHIN THE HOUR! DO NOT LEAVE THE DRAGON LANDS WITHOUT THEM!”

“Very well. We’ll wait for them.”

“I TRUST YOU ENOUGH NOT TO TRY AND DOUBLE-CROSS ME, ARC!”

The Dragon Lord looks over to Tempest suspiciously.

“YOUR COMPANION, NOT SO MUCH!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t exactly want you coming after me, or burning Equestria to the ground either.”

“YOUR SKILLS OF FORESIGHT AND DIPLOMACY HAVE BEEN WELL LEARNED!”

“If I may ask, Equestria and the Dragon Lands have been cut off from each other for longer than anyone can remember. Why do you suddenly want an emissary?!”

“THAT IS THE BARGAIN, ARC! TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT!”

He puts the compass in his ring. “We accept. I’ll see to it whomever you send is properly housed and fed.”

“VERY GOOD! NOW RETURN TO EMBER’S HOUSE AND WAIT FOR THE EMISSARY!”

“Thank you sir. Come Tempest.”

Tempest nods and looks to the Dragon Lord. “It was nice meeting you sir! Perhaps one day we can have round two?”

“BELIEVE ME! I COULD FIND SOME WAY TO MAKE YOUR DEATH PERMANENT, BUG! OR AT THE VERY LEAST, MAKE YOU WISH IT WAS!”

Tempest laughs. “Good luck with that!”

The Dragon Lord watches them leave with a smile on his face.

“ARC… YOU ARE MOST WISE IN CHOOSING YOUR FRIENDS! AND NOW IT WOULD SEEM, YOUR ENEMIES. ALTHOUGH I CAN’T HELP BUT WONDER IF EVEN YOU HAVEN’T BITTEN OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW, AS YOU CANNOT SEE THAT WHICH IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!”

The pair make their way back to Ember’s house. As they enter Tempest smiles at Arc.

“That went well!”

He pulls out the compass and looks at it. “I suppose so. At least we have some kind of lead now.”

“What now?”

Arc sets up the couch. “We wait for the emissary. And while we wait, you’re going to help me clean up this mess.”

Tempest walks over to a broom in the corner. “Fine. It will be quite a change of pace.”

Arc stands up the end tables that survived the onslaught. “Oh?”

Tempest smiles at him as she sweeps. “It will be nice to work side by side with the one I lo… you know what? I’m gonna shut up now.”

“Yeah.”

“So, who do you think the Dragon Lord will send?”

Arc sighs. “Hopefully someone at least partially agreeable! From my limited experience with them, I’ve found that dragons can be moody at best, and downright bloodthirsty at the very worst.”

“Are you sure this was a good idea?”

Arc shrugs. “No, but what choice did I have?”

“None, I suppose.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Arc sighs as he moves to answer it.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Arc opens the door and stares at the dragon in anger and disbelief.

“YOU?!”

Garble stands before him with a look of boredom and disgust.

“Hey! This wasn’t MY idea!”

Arc frowns. “What was the Dragon Lord thinking?! Sending Garble of all dragons!”

“Ease up! This wasn’t my choice!”

Tempest walks over. “What’s the problem, Arc?”

He points a thumb at Garble as he turns to Tempest! “This guy… I don’t know! He just rubbed me the wrong way the first time we met!”

Garble growls! “WHAT?! You knocked me to the other side of the island!!!”

Arc doubles up his fists. “Well I’m a lot stronger now! Bet I can punch you all the way back to Equestria now!”

Tempest stands between them. “Give him a chance, Arc! I mean, it’s not his fault the Dragon Lord is sending him to Equestria!”

Garble looks confused. “Sending me, WHERE?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Equestria. Land of the ponies? Heard of it, Mr. Emissary?!”

Garble laughs! “Emissary?! You numbskull! I’m not going anywhere with you!”

“Good!”

“I was just told to escort ‘this’ over here right away!”

Garble steps to the side to reveal the real emissary. Tempest looks confused.

“What is that?”

Arc nods! “This is definitely a step up from you, Garble!”

A small dragon flutters over to Arc happily!

“FRIEND! Brightwing happy! Your aura is brighter than last time!”

Arc chuckles as Brightwing lands in his arms. “I missed you too, Brightwing! How have you been?”

“Eating… sleeping… flying… playing!”

Tempest frowns! “What kind of answer is that?!”

“You get used to him. Her? I actually don’t know which Brightwing is!”

Garble rolls his eyes. “Well whatever it is, they’re YOUR problem now! Now why don’t you do us all a favor and get that freak out of here!”

Brightwing flutters to Garble. “Ohhh… scary!”

Tempest pushes past Arc and Brightwing. “Hey now! Leave the little dragon alone!”

Garble laughs as he pokes a claw at Tempest’s face! “Oh?! And what is a namby-pamby pony like you gonna do about it?!”

Without another word Tempest does a backflip! Her back hooves hit Garble squarely in the jaw! He flies over the houses across the street… and the tree line. Brightwing giggles!

“Scary lady, strong!”

“Scary?! Arc, you don’t think I’m scary, do you?”

Arc closes the front door. “Not in the least. But I can see why others would be unnerved by you.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

Arc sighs as he walks toward the sigil. “Your reputation precedes you. How many ponies and other creatures has Special Agent Tempest killed now?”

“Innumerable.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet. “There’s your answer!”

Brightwing giggles! “Don’t worry! Be happy!”

Tempest sighs as Brightwing lands on her back. “I’m not sure if that’s good advice or bad.”

“Both, I think. Well, shall we be off?”

Tempest gestures with a hoof. “What about this mess?”

“We’ll come back another time! At least I will!”

Tempest looks over her shoulder at the dragon on her back. “Arc, if I may, how are you planning on explaining this to your friends?”

As they make their way over to the sigil, he looks over to Brightwing and sighs. “I have no idea.”

“YAY! Brightwing looks forward to new adventure with friends!”

Chapter 10 - Out of Options

Arc, Tempest and Brightwing appear on the sigil in Arc’s quarters as the sun reaches its zenith. Brightwing looks around happily!

“Ohhh!!! Pretty room! Brightwing like! You live here, friend?!”

Arc nods. “This is my base. I’ll show you around later.”

Tempest steps off the sigil. “So, where do we go from here?”

Arc removes the compass from his ring. “We find the focus of this spell and see to it they can’t infect anyone else!”

Brightwing flutters around before landing on Tempest’s back. “Oh! But who could it be?!”

Tempest shrugs. “It really could be anypony!

“Well, it must be someone who gets around town! Sugar Cube Corner, Carousel Boutique, Town Hall and my base aren’t exactly close in proximity to one another!”

He holds the compass in front of him.

“Which way do friends go, friend?!”

He looks down at the compass and frowns. “Odd. It says the focus is somewhere here in Light’s Hope.”

“Could it be one of your guards?”

“Maybe. There shouldn’t be anyone else in here right now. This way.”

The trio makes their way to the barracks. Arc peeks inside to see his off-duty guards asleep in their bunks. He looks down at the compass as he closes the door quietly.

“Any luck, Arc?”

“I’m… not sure. There shouldn’t be anyone else here. But the compass says the focus is in the opposite direction!”

“Brightwing not understand!”

Tempest looks down the corridor. “Isn’t the Cafeteria over there? Maybe someone is having lunch!”

“It’s worth a shot!”

The three make their way down the corridor and enter the cafeteria together. Hearing a sound, Tempest turns her head!

“I hear someone in the back!”

Arc nods! “That must be the focus!”

As they enter the kitchen together, they see Arc’s squad busily making several plates of sandwiches. Max looks up as they enter.

“Sir! We… TEMPEST!!!”

All of them charge forward!

“HOLD IT!”

Arc’s squad screeches to a stop, bewildered looks on their faces.

Arc sighs. “I know this is going to sound bizarre, but she’s with me.”

Tempest smiles and nods at them. “That I am!”

Xenos glares at Tempest! “But sir! This banshee ruins LIVES! She can’t be trusted!”

Max nods. “I have to agree with Xenos on this one sir! She should really be locked up!”

Hugh looks daggers at her! “Yeah!”

Viktor snorts! “She doesn’t deserve to walk free!”

“Well, we don’t exactly have the facilities to hold her in Ponyville. And with the quarantine in place we can’t take her elsewhere for imprisonment.”

Tempest laughs! “You couldn’t hold me anyways!”

“That and… she’s infected.”

Max looks at Tempest. A distrusting look on his face. “How can you be so certain, sir?!”

“She has all the symptoms. And I… um… she attacked me earlier.”

Xenos scoffs! “How is that different than any other time?!”

“She… came after me.”

Tempest nods fervently! “Yes! I’m not ashamed to admit it! The things I’ve done would have made the old me sick to my stomach!”

Viktor’s eyes grow wide! “Wait! She tried to… what now?!”

Hugh appears sick to his stomach! “That’s a new low, matron! Even for YOU!”

Tempest smiles. “We all have needs!”

“Brightwing not understand!”

Arc’s squad notices the small dragon for the first time. Max points a hoof.

“Tempest has a pet now?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. This is Brightwing. Equestria’s new… representative of the Dragon Lands.”

Viktor narrows his eyes. “You can’t be serious, sir!”

Hugh looks to Arc, concerned. “Are you sure you’re alright, commander?”

“I will be when we solve this problem! Tell me. Is anyone else in the base?”

Xenos shakes his head. “Just us and those resting in the barracks.”

Max nods. “We volunteered to bring some food to the others at Town Hall. Why?”

Tempest points a hoof at the compass. “Arc’s found a way to locate the source of our troubles!”

Xenos glares at Tempest! “Yes. I’m looking at it!”

“Brightwing thinks everyone should get along!”

“I don’t trust her either! That’s why she’s staying with me! But I have to admit, she’s a lot nicer now that she’s infected!”

Hugh looks confused. “Sir?”

“She’s a fairly nice mare now! A little TOO nice at times, but I’ll take it over the murderous special agent any day!”

“Thanks Arc!”

Xenos steps toward Tempest, angrily! “I still don’t trust her! Let me take care of this traitor for you, sir! After what she did to Miss Pommel, she could use a good thrashing!”

“No Xenos! As much as she deserves it, we’re not going to hurt her!”

“Yes sir…”

Tempest looks over to him, her ears drooping. “Arc? Is Coco Pommel in town? I… I think I owe her an apology.”

Xenos glares at Tempest!

“Stay away from Miss Pommel, you monster!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, she isn’t. And I too would appreciate if you didn’t try to contact her. She’s… still trying to heal. Mind and body.”

Tempest nods, looking downcast. “That’s all my fault! If I hadn’t…”

Arc interrupts. “Look Tempest. Just… leave it alone, alright?”

“I… but… okay…”

She sighs as Arc turns back to his squad.

“Get those sandwiches to the others as soon as you can! Remember, an army marches on its stomach.”

Max nods. “Yes sir!”

Arc, Tempest and Brightwing leave the kitchen at they return to work. Xenos stomps toward the pantry.

“I don’t like HER being in our home!”

Hugh nods. “None of us do! But it’s the commander’s call, not ours.”

As they make their way back to the hall Arc looks at the compass again.

“This thing can’t be right! It says the focus is still in the kitchen!”

Tempest thinks for a moment. “Hmmm… I wonder…”

“You have an idea?”

She nods. “More like a theory. Might I see that compass, please?”

Arc hesitates, but hands her the compass. She looks at it as she walks slowly down the corridor before stopping and returning.

“I think I know where the focus is.”

Brightwing jumps off Tempest’s back and flutters around happily! “Hooray! Is that good?!”

“Yes Brightwing. Where, Tempest?”

Tempest looks at Arc. “He’s right here.”

There is a long silence.

“…what?”

She walks in a circle around him. Right now the needle keeps pointing at you! YOU’RE the focus, Arc!”

“WHAT?! But… but HOW?!”

“I haven’t the slightest idea.”

She touches a hoof to her broken horn.

“I’d dispel it myself, but…”

Arc begins pacing as he talks. “That would explain a few things. Like why everywhere I turned mares kept throwing themselves at me! Why didn’t I see it before?! How could I have missed that?!”

“Throwing selves?! Brightwing confused!”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself! Anypony can make a mistake! I guess all we need now is a unicorn with a working horn to dispel it!”

Arc walks quickly down the corridor toward his office. “I’ll call Sunburst! He’ll be able to take care of it!”

Tempest sighs as she and Brightwing follow Arc. “Are we going to break quarantine AGAIN?!”

“Yup. Now that we know what it is we’re dealing with, the job’s half done!”

They enter the office together. Tempest looks around as Brightwing flies around the room.

“I never had an office like this!”

Brightwing flies over to the couch and perches on its back. “This place is nice!”

Arc sits down at his desk and dials Canterlot Castle. “Yes, well… I spend a lot less time here than I thought I would!”

“Oh?! Friend busy?”

“Most of the time I’m out doing… things.”

Tempest smiles. “Fighting evil?”

“There’s that! Actually, this whole mess started with a trip to Sugar Cube Corner for a snack!”

“Really?”

Arc puts the receiver to his ear as it rings. “I won’t be forgetting this one for a while. None of us will.”

The castle switchboard operator connects.

“Yes, Hero of Light?”

“I’d like to speak with Lead Sage Sunburst, please.”

“Yes sir! One moment please!”

A few moments later Sunburst answers>

“Sunburst here. Any news, sir?”

“Partially! We’ve figures out how to stop the spread of this condition, but I need your help! I need you to meet me in my room as soon as possible!”

“I can be there in about five minutes!”

Arc nods. “Good! One more thing, though. Come alone! See you in a bit!”

Sunburst hangs up the phone as Spike walks into the War Room with Twilight.

“It looks like you’re getting along just fine here, Spike!”

Spike nods. “Yeah! We’re making plenty of headway in finding Princess Celestia and all! Although I do wish you could be here!”

Twilight sighs. “So do I! But scrying is a very specialize form of magic! Sadly, its never been something I could do!”

“Don’t let it bother you Twilight! You’re great at plenty of other things! “

Her ears droop as they stop walking. “I know. But not the things that really matter! Like helping find my mentor and… and being there for you, Spike.”

“It’s okay Twilight! You did what you had to!”

“That doesn’t make it right!”

Spike nods. “True. But it also doesn’t make what you did wrong!”

“Look Spike! When you do come home with me, I promise to be a better friend to you! Think about how my actions affect you! You are my number one assistant, after all!”

“Hopefully soon, Twilight!”

Sunburst quickly makes his way out of the office! Twilight calls out after him.

“Sunburst! Any word on the situation in Ponyville?!”

“Yes, Miss Twilight! In fact, I just got off the phone with the Hero of Light! He asked me to meet him in his room!”

Spike looks confused. “In Ponyville?”

“No. Here in the castle.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide! “But that would mean he has to circumvent the quarantine!”

Sunburst nods as the trio leaves the War Room and walks down the hall together. “I’m sure he has his reasons for taking such a risk. Tell me, how are the school foals taking this?”

“Better than I expected! The orphans, anyways. Those with a family are getting a bit homesick!”

Spike nods. “Hopefully this will all be over soon. Not that I don’t want you around, Twilight!”

“It’s okay, Spike! I know what you meant! I’m anxious to get home too!”

“How’s Auriel doing?”

Twilight frowns. “I’m not actually sure! What with taking care of the foals, I haven’t had time to call her!”

They arrive at Arc’s room. Sunburst turns to them as he opens the door.

“Would you two please wait out here? I’m not sure what he wants, but…”

Twilight interrupts. “But we’re his friends!”

“Yeah! We can help!”

Sunburst shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but he was most insistent!”

“Maybe he doesn’t want whatever is in Ponyville to get to anypony else!”

Twilight nods. “That must be it!”

“I’m sure he has a good reason for doing this!”

“We’ll wait out here.”

Sunburst enters Arc’s room. Meanwhile… back in Ponyville, Arc hangs up the phone and stands up.

“Hopefully this will solve one of our problems.”

Tempest nods. “And the other?”

“One thing at a time. With no new cases to worry about, we can focus all our attention on curing the infection… or whatever you want to call it.”

Tempest bites her lip. “Um, Arc? Do you… have to?”

“What do you mean?”

She hangs her head sadly. “Look, I know I’ve been a terrible mare in the past! I know I deserve to rot in a cell somewhere! And I know you don’t have any reason to trust me, but…”

Tempest sighs.

“…but maybe I shouldn’t be cured!”

Brightwing flies quickly over to Tempest and casts a small healing spell. “Friends, be healed!”

Tempest smiles at the little dragon as she lands on her back again. “Thanks. But… it’s not quite that simple.”

“Look Tempest. I think you’re a very nice mare as you are now! But… you’re not doing this of your own free will! At the moment you’re a slave to this magic and its effects. I won’t force you to undergo treatment if you really don’t want to, but…”

“But I’ll go back to being EVIL!”

Arc shakes his head. “No Tempest. You’ll go back to normal. How you choose to live after that is entirely up to you. Magic isn’t the solution to everything! It shouldn’t be! Sometimes… you just have to BE the solution!”

“That’s what I WAS doing!”

Arc nods. “Yes. But you were looking at it from an ‘everyone is expendable’ point of view.”

Tempest is silent as she looks down at the floor.

“Try thinking from the point of view of those you’re trying to save from now on. That should help tremendously!”

“I… I’ll try!”

“Good. Well we should get a move on them. Sunburst should have made it to my room by now.”

He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. The trio steps through and finds themselves in Canterlot Castle. As expected, Sunburst is waiting for them.

“Good to see you again, sir!”

“Likewise, Sunburst. I need a bit of magical help.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I need you to dispel a magical… infection that has been placed on me.”

Sunburst looks confused, his horn aglow. “Very well.”

The spell is cast. Brightwing looks over to Arc nervously.

“Friend okay?!”

“I don’t feel any different.”

Tempest shakes her head. “If you didn’t notice the spell, it stands to reason that you wouldn’t feel its absence either.”

“Makes sense.”

Sunburst frowns. “Sir, if I may… what is this all about?”

“The Dragon Lord told us this was due to an ancient spell that makes those of the opposite gender be… attracted to the one who is the spell’s focus.”

“And you were the focus I take it?”

Tempest nods. “So it would seem.”

Sunburst frowns. “Were you not affected, miss…”

“Tempest. And yes, I was or am as it stands, I guess.”

“Hmmm… where have I heard that name before. Oh well, is there anything else to be done, sir?”

Arc nods. “Dispelling this was only the first step. While I won’t infect others, those who were affected previously still are!”

Tempest nods her head with conviction! “We’ll find a way to help them, Arc!”

“Brightwing help too!”

Sunburst thinks for a moment. “Sir, we should find a way to make sure my dispel worked!”

“Okay. Any ideas?”

“Your friend Miss Twilight and my assistant are in the hallway waiting for me. If I may say so, she was very upset that you wanted to see me alone.”

Arc sighs. “Very well. Go out there and explain the situation and risks to Twilight. If she’s okay with it, let her in.”

Sunburst nods and walks toward the door. “Very well.”

He leaves the room as Tempest looks to Arc, surprised!

“Arc! How can you risk infecting your friend like that?!”

“I don’t want to! But we have to try it out on SOMEONE! Twilight will know the risks before entering the room.”

He sighs.

“That and if she is infected, I can take her back to Ponyville to join her friends. I know she misses them.”

A few minutes later Sunburst re-enters the room with Twilight and Spike behind him.

“Arc? Miss Twilight has agreed to help.”

Arc sighs. “Good. Tell me, Twilight. How do you feel right now?”

“Nervous! But I’m willing to do this for…”

Twilight looks past Arc to see Tempest standing there. She blasts her across the room to smash against a wall!

“EVERYPONY! RUN!!!”

Sunburst’s eyes grow wide at the display! “Good heavens!”

Brightwing flies across the room! “Ohhh! Purple pony scary!”

“Stop it Twilight! She’s with me!”

Twilight’s horn returning to normal. “…what?!”

Arc sighs. “She’s one of the afflicted. I couldn’t leave her there though, for obvious reasons.”

Spike runs over to him. “But she tried to kill you, Arc!”

“I know that! But… one of the side effects of this has been her becoming… nice!”

Twilight looks to Arc, skeptically. “Are you sure?!”

“Yes! Trust me! She isn’t the same mare that attacked me before!”

“If you say so.”

Twilight looks apologetically toward Tempest.

“Sorry.”

Tempest slowly gets up and dusts herself off. “It’s okay. I… deserved that.”

Sunburst nods. “Well then, shall we continue.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “Yes. Ready when you are.”

Arc slowly walks toward Twilight. “Here goes nothing.”

He walks up to Twilight and kneels down in front of her.

“Still feeling okay?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. I feel normal.”

Tempest nods. “How about your mind? Anything strange running through your head? Or the feeling of scrambled thoughts?”

“Nothing like that. Look! How is everypony in Ponyville doing?! Are they okay?!”

“Last time I went to go visit them they had a relapse. I guess now we know why! Doctor Horse is having trouble leveling them out and making it stick for some reason! Pinkie Pie is in the worst condition.”

Twilight nods as she speaks in desperation! “Is there ANYTHING I can do to help?!”

“If you could keep the school foals calm, I would appreciate it. Derpy and Coco Pommel can use all the help they can get right now!”

“But…”

Tempest shakes her head. “Please miss! Let us handle this!”

Spike glares at Tempest. “That’s what has me worried! You’re more twisted than a wagon wreck!”

“Sorry Twilight, but I need you to stay here for now. I’ll come get you and the others when it’s safe. I promise!”

Twilight sighs. “Fine! But you watch your back! I don’t trust Tempest and her pet any further than I can blast them! “

Brightwing flutters over to Twilight. “Purple pony want be friends with Brightwing?!”

“Brightwing is not a pet. I’ll explain more later! Right now I need to figure out how to cure those who have already been infected.”

He turns to Sunburst.

“Thanks for the help. Any ideas how to reverse the damage done to our friends in Ponyville?”

Sunburst shakes his head. Not without knowing exactly how the spell cast on you works! This is beyond me, sadly. Did the Dragon Lord say anything more about it?”

“Only that there were numerous spells that could produce these effects!”

Spike frowns. “But how are you supposed to fix this?!”

Arc paces the floor. “I don’t know yet! But we are NOT giving up on our friends! There HAS to be some way to undo this!”

Twilight looks up! “Maybe Doctor Horse has come up with something!”

Arc turns to Brightwing and Tempest. “I sure hope so! Let’s go you two!”

They step onto the sigil. Twilight calls out after them!

“Arc! Call me the moment you know something!”

“I will!”

He calls forth his gauntlet and powers up the sigil. In a flash they are gone. Spike puts a claw on Twilight’s side.

“Don’t worry Twilight! Arc won’t let anypony down!”

Sunburst nods! “Indeed! He’s quite resourceful, after all!”

Twilight sounds worried. “I know. But I would feel a lot better if Tempest wasn’t with him!”

Spike shudders. “I’m with you on that one!”

Meanwhile, Arc and company appear on the sigil in the Ponyville Hospital’s Waiting Room. They quickly head for Doctor Horse’s office! The doctor appears as if he has not slept yet!

“Any luck?”

Arc closes the door behind them. “Kinda. There won’t be any new cases, at least.”

They bring the doctor up to speed on what they’ve learned.

“and Lead Sage Sunburst dispelled it! Any luck on this end?”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “Very little. Your friends are, for the most part, stable. With careful monitoring they should be able to counter any ‘attacks’ in the future. I’ve instructed each of them on how to administer their hormone medication intravenously.”

Tempest frowns! “A lifetime of medication and shots?! What kind of future is THAT?!”

Arc nods. “Is that really the best treatment available?”

Doctor Horse removes his glasses and rubs his eyes with a hoof. “Yes. Without a cure, that is the best I can do for them. I’m sorry.”

Arc walks quickly to the desk and planting both hands firmly on it, looking the doctor in the eye. “Doctor! Can you think of ANYTHING?!”

“No. This is it. If we only knew more…”

Arc turns away angrily. He puts his hand to his forehead in desperation!

“Think… think… there HAS to be a way!”

Tempest walks over to him. “Arc. During my time as a Special Agent, I found that there were situations in which there really was no good way out. No… happy ending, as it were. Now I sympathize with your friend’s conditions, but… at least they’ll be able to live out their lives.”

She smiles up at him as he looks over.

“And… you’ve given me the greatest gift of all!”

Arc looks confused. “I have?”

Tempest puts a hoof on his side. “A second chance.”

“But you’re not yourself!”

“A fact I am perfectly happy accepting if it means the old me is gone!”

Arc sighs. “Well, I’m glad at least someone is happy about this!”

He turns to the doctor.

“How is Pinkie Pie doing?”

“Not very well. She’s the only case we’ve yet to rein in! We’re doing all we can, but it doesn’t seem to be enough!”

The doctor sighs.

“I’m sad to say, if something doesn’t work soon… she isn’t going to make it!”

“WHAT?!”

“We need to try different medications and treatments on her! However, all this is quickly taking its toll on her liver and brain!”

Tempest frowns! “Not good!”

Doctor Horse nods. “But if we do nothing, she’ll die for sure!”

Brightwing flies toward the door. “Friends be healed!”

Tempest shakes her head at the well-intentioned dragon. “If only it were that easy.”

“Have you told her friends?”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “I have not. Their own cases have kept them quite busy. I’m concerned that hearing such news now would only serve to set them back!”

Arc quickly walks to the door. “They need to know! I’ll… I’ll break the news to them!”

He opens the door and steps out into the corridor. It is pitch black.

“Looks like we have a bit of an electrical problem Doct…”

Arc stops talking as he sees the office and its occupants have vanished into nothingness. Facing forward again, he finds the doorway itself is gone. Looking around into the empty void that now surrounds him he calls out.

“Hello?! Is anyone there?! Doctor?! Brightwing?!”

Silence.

“…I’d settle for Tempest!”

There is a sound behind him. Arc quickly turns to face it! As he does so a look of anger and confusion spreads across his face!

“What?! Y-you again?!”

“Hello again, Arc…”

Chapter 11 - Showing Their True Stripes

“It’s been quite some time, hasn’t it? Or one could say… it has not.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Yes. Yes, it has… Kronos.”

“You do not appear very happy to see me.”

Arc turns around and walks away. “I don’t exactly enjoy you going behind my back.”

“How so?”

Arc whirls around and lashes out in an angry tone. “You know what you did!”

“Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Dinky must play their roles in this world. Regardless of your… personal feelings on the matter. You see, I foresaw your injury at the hooves of Shining Armor and your eventual death from the Crystal Poisoning.”

“So, you intervened by giving my daughter and her friends… powers?!”

“You don’t want any of them to be in danger, I understand, but…”

Arc explodes! “YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND!!!”

Kronos is silent for a time before continuing.

“I take no pleasure in setting others on their destined path, perilous as they may be. You must understand…”

Arc looks at it defiantly! “No, Kronos! I DO understand! I understand that you interfere only when YOU deem it necessary! Are you truly so high and mighty that you can make such judgments?!”

“I assure you that as a superior being, I am. This was my path long before you were born. It has been an arduous and winding road, rife with knowledge, destiny and sacrifice. Such has taught me to make decisions rationally. Not emotionally.”

Arc nods, clearly furious! “All well and good for a ‘superior’ being safe in their ivory tower! Ignorant of the day-to-day struggles of us ‘lesser creatures’ lives! Tell me, Kronos! Do you know ANYTHING about what’s going on in Equestria right now?! But I guess a better question to ask would be… do you CARE?!”

“I do. Everything I have done has been to keep the world from sliding further into Darkness.”

“Oh really?! Tell me. Do you see EVERYTHING that goes on down there?!”

“Yes. I saw your arrival in the land of the ponies known as Equestria. How you acclimated to their culture. And I have borne witness to your each and every action and deed since then.”

Arc turns away from Kronos. Angrily. “So, nothing escapes your attention then?”

“Correct.”

“How about our thoughts?! Just how invasive is your probing?!”

“I cannot see into another creature’s mind. Nor would I care to do so even if I could.”

Arc shakes with barely controlled rage. “Then I have a question for you, oh all-seeing one.”

Kronos silently awaits his response. Arc whirls around to stand face to illuminated form with it. Barely able to control his fury as her grabs the creature before him!

“Then where were you when the citizens of Abyssinia were starving?! Or when generations of orphans living in the New Beginnings Orphanage were suffering?!”

He falls to his hands and knees as a tear courses down his cheek!

“When… when Cherry…”

“I was very sorry to witness your fiancée’s death.”

“THEN WHY DIDN’T YOU DO SOMETHING?!?!”

“Because I am but an observer. The ability to directly intervene in the world beyond mine is generally… unwise.”

Arc slams his fists down on the ground before him! “Then why didn’t you TELL ME?! I could have done something about it myself! I mean… you brought me here, after all! Hell, you could have written me a LETTER for all I care! Dear Arc! General Wind Rider is going to kill Cherry Jubilee at the Grand Galloping Gala! Tell her to stay home! Sincerely, Kronos. HOW HARD WOULD THAT HAVE BEEN?!”

He slams his fist on the ground hard yet again! The tears stream down his face!

“Something… ANYTHING!!!”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Arc. Truly I am. The fate of the world is generally greater than that of an individual. Of course there are exceptions, but…”

Arc scoffs, not looking up. “And Dinky?! Was she an ‘exception’?!”

“Yes.”

“And if she were to be in danger, would you warn her?!”

“As I informed you not that long ago, at this point in time, Dinky’s existence in this world is currently required to maintain balance.”

“And should her existence no longer be required?”

“I would simply let the flow of time and the natural order of things take its course.”

“So, you would let her die?!”

“To put it negatively, yes.”

Arc turns away angrily! “You’re a piece of work, Kronos.”

“As you have already been told, I do not generally intervene in your world. Hate me all you want. But what I do, I do for the greater good.”

Arc sighs as he turns back to Kronos. “Look, as much as I would love to keep verbally sparring with you, I don’t have the time right now. But of course you knew that, I’m sure!”

“Fear not. Time does not pass in my realm parallel to yours. Several hours here would be immeasurably short in Equestrian time.”

Arc looks around. “Your realm, huh? Nice place you have here! Very… minimalistic.”

“Although I am masking my realm from your sight, I assure you it is quite a sight to see.”

“Yet more deception?”

“There are things here no mortal should know even exists, much less see. Secrets of time… dangerous relics… that sort of thing. As Lord of this realm, I have total control over it. Similar to your princesses.”

Arc does his best to compose himself. “I’ve been to the Lunar Realm several times. Tell me, what exactly IS Realm Magic?”

“All the most powerful magic users have, at one point or another, felt the need to create something exclusively for them. To bend what is around them to their will. This desire for a pocket dimension is what inspired that which you know as Realm Magic.”

“So, anyone with powerful magic can create such a realm?”

“Yes.”

“How about me?”

“Time will tell.”

“Something tells me you know the answer to that question.”

“Indeed.”

Arc throws up his hands in frustration! “Must you always talk in riddles?!”

“Must you always seek to know the answers to questions that you are not ready for?”

“Not exactly what I wanted to hear.”

“Yet it is the answer. However, that is not the reason I called you here today.”

Arc sighs. “Do enlighten me.”

“I have been watching your progress these past few days very closely. Very closely indeed.”

“By ‘progress’ I assume you mean my floundering around helplessly.”

“Not the words I would have used to describe your actions, but yes.”

“So, does that mean you’re ACTUALLY going to fix something?!”

“It does not.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Saw that one coming.”

“I am going to help YOU fix something.”

“Isn’t that about the same thing?”

“I assure you, it is not.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. Carry on.”

“As things stand, the Element Bearers will suffer greatly shortened lives due to their current medical malady.”

“That much I know! The real question is, how do I help them?!”

“There is a creature in Equestria who knows how to restore them and any others afflicted.”

“Great! Where do I find them?!”

“Your lieutenant will know where to look.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “More riddles?! NOW?! If Flash Sentry knew how to help them, he would have said something by now! Anything else you can tell me that won’t help?!”

Kronos levitates a small but ornate wooden box over to Arc. “This box contains a sample of the item which caused this entire case. The creature in question will know how to make a cure from it. Now go.”

Arc takes the box in his hand. “What?! WAIT!”

Kronos looks to him as he vanishes. “Good luck, Arc. Time is not a luxury you currently possess. And neither do I…”

In the blink of an eye Arc finds himself back in Doctor Horse’s office doorway. Brightwing looks at the box.

“Ohhh! Pretty!”

Tempest appears confused. “What the heck?! Where did you get that thing, Arc?!”

Arc looks at the box for a moment, trying to clear his head. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Um… okay.”

Doctor Horse walks over to him. “Are you feeling alright, Arc? Perhaps this whole thing is finally getting to you.”

“You guys think I’m cracking up?”

Tempest waves her hooves dismissively! “What?! No! No… of course not! Why would you say that, my dear?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and narrows his eye as Tempest blushes.

“Okay, we really have to fix me.”

He nods as they leave the office. “Yes! Yes, we do! I at least need to see Fluttershy before we leave, doctor!”

“Very well. She was heading for the cafeteria last I knew to fetch lunch for her friends!”

Tempest closes the door behind them. “Thank you!”

Brightwing smiles as the little dragon rides on Tempest’s back. “Brightwing thinks you are fine just the way you are!”

Tempest sighs. “Other than the thoughts going through my mind about Arc, I agree with you!”

She turns back to Arc as they continue down the hallway. The nurses, orderlies and patients flee at the sight of her!

“Say, do you suppose there’s a way to… partially cure me?”

“Huh?”

Tempest nods. “Let me keep this temperament, but stop having these… thoughts about you!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t know, Tempest.”

She walks close to his side and smiles. “That’s all I can hope for!”

As they near the cafeteria they spot Fluttershy walking out with a cart of food. Arc waves to her.

“Fluttershy!”

“Hello Arc! I…”

At the sight of Tempest, Fluttershy hops into the air, her face contorted in fear! She somehow lands on her back with her legs pointing straight up!

“It’s okay! Tempest is with me! Really getting tired of saying that…”

Tempest nods. “I’m reformed now! Sorry for scaring you!”

Fluttershy looks over in a fearful tone. “Are… are you sure?!”

Arc shrugs. “Eh… 60-40!”

She stands up cautiously. “Those aren’t very good odds!”

“Brightwing knows she is a very good pony inside!”

Fluttershy looks past Arc to see who is talking. She then proceeds to knock Arc and Tempest out of the way to inspect the small dragon! With stars in her eyes, she looks over Brightwing happily!

“Oh my! Arc, did you take in a baby dragon?!”

“Brightwing thinks yellow pony is pretty!”

Fluttershy giggles! “Why thank you!”

Arc stands as he helps up Tempest. “Kinda. It’s complicated! Look, we need to talk about our friends.”

Fluttershy walks back over to the food cart. “Yes, of course! Have you been able to find a way to help them yet?! Nopony around here seems to be able to do so!”

She notices the ornate box Arc is holding.

“Is that something that will help?!”

“I hope so! At the very least, it should help point us in the right direction. I wanted to talk to you before heading out again, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy looks confused as they walk down the hallway together. “Talk to me?”

“At the moment, I can’t see the others!”

“Why not? They really want to talk to you Arc!”

Tempest shakes her head. “That would be unwise, as it might still trigger a relapse!”

“She’s right! I don’t know how it happened, but somehow a spell was cast on me that caused this mess! It’s since been dispelled, but those infected are still in danger.”

Fluttershy nods. “Is it possible that the effects might just wear off?”

Tempest sighs. “Doesn’t sound like it!”

“That’s what the Dragon Lord told us anyways. How is everyone doing?”

Fluttershy sighs. “They’re… quiet. “

“Brightwing says don’t frown! Be happy!”

Fluttershy pats the small dragon on the head. “Thank you little one! I’ll try!”

“Is it another symptom of the illness?”

“We don’t think so, Arc. I… I think they’re just… very embarrassed about what happened the other day.”

Tempest walks very close to Arc, leaning into him as she smiles. “What would they be embarrassed about?”

Fluttershy looks at the spectacle unfolding before her wide-eyed! “Oh… my…”

Arc sighs. “She’s infected too.”

“Does that mean she’s not trying to kill you?”

“Yes. Although I’m not sure that’s good news considering her current state of mind.”

“Um… did she… you know…”

“Yes.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her stomach as Brightwing flutters over to her.

“Yellow pony okay?”

Fluttershy nods before turning back to Arc. “I’m familiar with the idiosyncrasies of hundreds of different animal’s mating habits, and have even witnessed many of them! However, this… this is more than I can bear!”

Arc sighs. “Tell me about it!”

“How is Pinkie doing? I haven’t had a chance to talk to Doctor Horse about her condition since she tried to escape!”

Tempest grimaces. “Yeah… about that.”

“She’s… not doing well. Without going into detail, let’s just say we need to hurry and figure this out!”

“Have you seen her?!”

Arc nods. “I have. It’s… not pretty! Look! Please keep this to yourself, okay? The doctor warned that this news would set the other’s back in their recovery.”

“Okay. Just make sure to help Pinkie Pie first then!”

“I will.”

Tempest looks over to Fluttershy. “Say, why weren’t you affected, miss?”

Fluttershy looks rather nervous. “I… really couldn’t say!”

Arc looks to the main entrance as they enter the Waiting Room. “This is as far as I go. We should get back to work, Tempest.”

“Whatever you say, dear! …sorry.”

Arc turns back to Fluttershy. “Before we go, how are Ember, Saffron and Raven doing?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Raven and Saffron are about the same as the others.”

Tempest frowns. “And the she-dragon?”

“She’s… okay, I guess. Other than constantly trying to get the hospital staff to release her, that is.”

Arc nods. “I can believe that.”

Fluttershy sighs. “I think she just really wants to join you in looking for a cure! She was most insistent!”

“While I’m glad to hear she’s doing okay, she really can’t! Not this time anyways! Could you do me a favor, Fluttershy?”

“Sure!”

“Tell Ember I want her to stay in bed and rest. I’ll handle this!”

Fluttershy shudders. “I don’t think she’ll like that!”

“It’s for her own good!”

Tempest nods! “Yeah! And mine!”

She looks up at Arc happily.

“After all, it’s not every day I get to travel with you, Arc!”

“Can you not talk like that, Tempest? It’s really creeping me out!”

Tempest smiles. “If you think that’s scary, wait until tonight!”

Fluttershy blushes. “What?!”

“Don’t tell Ember about Tempest, please. Just tell her we’re getting close to a cure."

Fluttershy nods. “I understand! She might burn down the hospital in her attempts to ‘save you’ from Tempest.”

“Thanks for understanding. Are you sure this thing didn’t affect you?”

Fluttershy nods! “Positive! Thank you for asking though.”

Arc heads toward the door with Tempest and Brightwing. “We’re off! Wish us luck!”

Fluttershy waves a hoof after them. “Take care!”

As she pushes the cart toward her friend’s room, Fluttershy sighs.

“Oh, I wish I had somepony to talk to at times like this! After all, I couldn’t very well tell Arc…”

Arc, Tempest and Brightwing leave the hospital together. Tempest turns to Arc.

“Where to now?”

“Brightwing follow!”

Arc looks at the box in his hand. “We go talk to Flash Sentry about this, I guess.”

“Why?”

“Just a tip I got earlier.”

Tempest frowns as they make their way toward the Town Hall. “You’re not making any sense, Arc!”

He sighs. “I know that. Sometimes you just have to go with what you have though.”

They arrive at Town Hall and make their way to the mayor’s office. Flash Sentry is there with Sereb. As soon as Tempest enters the room, Sereb lunges at her! Before Arc can intervene Tempest teleports out of the way! She reappears a few feet to the side as Sereb skids through the door! Tempest appears confused!

“WOAH! What the…”

Brightwing, still perched on Tempest’s back, smiles happily! “Brightwing help friend!”

“Hold it, Sereb! She’s with me, remember?”

Sereb walks back into the office. “Sorry Arc. Conditioned reaction.”

Tempest glares at him. “You did that on purpose!”

“Yes.”

“WHY?!”

“It is my duty to protect Arc. I do not trust you.”

Arc sighs. “Neither do I, Sereb. But she’s with me! So no more attacking her, okay?”

Sereb looks at Tempest with narrowed eyes and replies in a low growl. “Very well.”

Tempest nods. “Nice try though, fido! Maybe next time!”

Flash Sentry frowns as he keeps a hoof on one of his blades. “I’m with Sereb on this one, sir!”

“Duly noted. But I want to keep my friends close, and my enemies closer right now!”

Tempest walks closer to Arc and leans up against him. “I like that idea!”

Flash Sentry suddenly looks a bit green. “Oh, my Celestia… sir, what can we do to help?!”

Arc sets the box down on the desk. “I’m told this box contains a sample of… whatever started this mess!”

Sereb frowns. “Is this not dangerous?”

“Probably not, considering the source.”

Tempest looks to Arc. “Which was…?”

“Someone whom I don’t really care for.”

The lid opens freely as they group looks at the item within. Tempest is the first to speak.

“What the…?”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Food?”

Sereb looks over. “Arc, is that what I think it is?”

Arc nods as he picks the fruit up and studies it. “Looks like it. A Dragon Berry.”

Tempest looks confused. “I don’t get it! How could a piece of fruit possibly have done all of this to us?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Ember told me an old legend about how this fruit has magical properties. Supposedly if two eat from the same fruit, they’ll fall in love with one another!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “That’s not possible!”

Flash Sentry nods! “Right! Such fruit doesn’t even exist anywhere in Equestria!”

“It shouldn’t anyway! But I’ve eaten it myself in the past.”

“On Earth, sir?

Arc shakes his head. “No. In the Dragon Lands! But that was some time back!"

Sereb thinks for a moment. “I do remember you and Ember eating this very fruit together. However, I am certain neither of you ate of the same piece.”

Brightwing licks her lips as she looks at the fruit. “Brightwing can sense powerful magic in yummy looking fruit!”

“Right! As much as she wanted to, that is. In any case, I was told you might know where to go from here, lieutenant.”

“What? ME?!”

Tempest frowns! “HIM?!”

Sereb chuckles. “This should prove interesting.”

“But sir! If I knew something, I would have told you already!”

“It’s okay, Flash Sentry. I don’t get it either. “

Arc turns to the others.

“I guess we’ll have to find someone who’s knowledgeable in plants and herbal remedies.”

Tempest nods. “Decimus could probably…”

Arc interrupts her. “Other than Captain Decimus! “

She smiles slyly! “Jealous now, Arc?”

“Hardly! I don’t trust him and further than I can blast him… AGAIN!”

Tempest shrugs. “Have it your way.”

Flash Sentry looks uneasily to Arc. “Sir? I… may know somepony who can help us.”

“Good! Who is it?”

The lieutenant sighs. “Zecora.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide! “The zebra who helped you and Twilight learn about Sanguine Azolla! Of course! Do you think she’ll help us?!”

“That’s complicated, sir. She told us never to come back!”

Tempest frowns. “Why?”

“She doesn’t seem to like being around others.”

Sereb sighs. “Nevertheless, it would appear we have no choice but to ask for her aid yet again.”

Arc nods. “Right!”

“Shall I accompany you, sir?”

“Thanks, but I need you to stay here and look after Ponyville while I’m gone.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir.”

“I’ll go there myself with Sereb, Tempest and Brightwing. With any luck, we can convince her to help those afflicted.”

“Good luck, sir!”

Flash Sentry gives Sereb directions before they leave Town Hall. Arc mounts Sereb and extends a hand to Tempest.

“Want a ride?”

Tempest grins! “With you?! How could I say no?!”

He pulls her up and sets her in the saddle in front of him. Putting his arm around her midsection as he looks down to Sereb.

“Let’s go”!

Sereb runs down the path toward his destination. Tempest leans back against Arc’s chest as she looks up at him.

“This feels… unnatural. Riding another creature like this!”

“Want down?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Not on your life, my dear Arc! I’m enjoying every second of this!”

Arc sighs. “I hope our trip to Zecora will mark the end of this journey!”

“Brightwing having FUN!”

Sereb growls. “And if she cannot or will not?”

Tempest looks suddenly angry. “Then I’ll make her!”

“We’re not strong-arming anyone!”

Sereb nods. “Arc is very good at talking others into things.”

“Or out of them.”

In a short time they arrive at the hut. Arc knocks on the door. A voice from within calls out angrily!

“Go away! I do not wish to see anyone now or later today!”

Arc pounds again. “Zecora? We need your help!”

“I have nothing with which to render aid! Leave here now, as I will not be swayed!”

Sereb walks over to the door. “Please Our friend’s lives are in peril.”

“Please help, Brightwing! Please oh please!”

“As I told the ones who came before, helping other ponies is quite a chore! Now I do not wish to speak anymore! Doing so is quite the bore!”

Arc frowns. “But I’m not a pony!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Nor am I.”

“Brightwing is Brightwing!”

Tempest shrugs. “I’m the only pony out here! Although I’m starting to question coming here!”

Arc turns to her. “Well I certainly wasn’t going to leave you in Ponyville!”

Zecora opens her door a crack to peek out. “Not ponies, you say?! Speak quickly now, or go away!”

He turns to face the glowing yellow eyes that peek out at him. “As my companion stated earlier, our friends are very sick! We need some help curing them!”

The door slowly opens. Zecora steps back to allow them to enter. She is wearing a simple brown cloak that covers nearly her entire body.

“Come inside now and tell me more! I will listen to your tales of lore!”

They walk inside the small hut. Zecora closes the door behind them and slowly makes her way over to the large black cauldron.

“What can you tell me of this disease? I assume it is more severe than a minor sneeze!”

“It was some kind of love spell that afflicted a number of my friends. We already found the source and dispelled it. Now all we have to do is find a way to cure those innocents who have been affected.”

He removes the small box with the Dragon Berry in it from his ring and shows it to Zecora.

“This, or so I’m told, was used to help create the spell that did this.”

Zecora opens the box. Her eyes grow wide as she pulls out its contents!

“A Dragon Berry?! This sweet fruit is not found on any nearby prairie! Who are you all that you have this exotic fruit! I’ll have you know this is no common root!”

Tempest shrugs. “Tempest. A former Special Agent of Equestria.”

Sereb nods. “I am known as Sereb. A member of Forsaken Village, far across the sea.

“Brightwing is Brightwing!”

“And I’m Equestria’s Hero of Light, Arc.”

Zecora looks to Arc suspiciously. “Equestria’s Hero of Light you say?! For a non-equine, in this land you have certainly come a long way! Tell me now, how did you do this?! To rise to such a position of power, one would think your lack of fur would not be missed!

“I was chosen by the previous Heroes of Light to carry on their work. Princess Cadance and Princess Luna agreed.”

“On their word alone?! Did they not worry that you would one day steal their throne?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Arc would never do such a thing!”

“Oh, is that the case now? Or is it to their will that you bow?!Tell me, what does Princess Celestia think of you?! That much I can see, through and through!”

“I don’t take orders from the princesses, nor have I been able to meet Princess Celestia yet. Somehow, I don’t think she’ll like me very much.”

“Then why take the position?! At their whim, you could be sent on a death-defying mission!”

“If it was to save lives, I would go.”

Sereb nods. “And I would accompany him.”

“Me too!”

“Brightwing would fly away! Very fast!”

Zecora chuckles. “Your Honesty is a welcome addition, for a creature of your esteemed position. So long as this medicine is not meant for pony lips, a cure I shall brew. Whomever your friends are, I wish I knew!”

Tempest looks uneasy. “No, Arc’s friends aren’t ponies! They’re… dragons! Like Brightwing here!”

“Brightwing confused!”

Arc sighs. “No Tempest, they’re not and you know it.”

Tempest throws up her hooves and rolls her eyes! “Way to blow your only chance to save them, Arc!”

Arc looks back at Zecora. “My friends are indeed ponies. But they have been loyal friends of mine since I came to this land! Now I beg of you, please help them!”

Zecora points a hoof, angrily! “This is what you are fighting to protect! The lips of liars, I’ll never respect!

“Tempest isn’t exactly a model pony. In fact, she’s one of those infected by this illness.”

Zecora steps out from behind her cauldron, presumably to shoo them out of her hut! Instead she falls to her fetlocks.

“Zecora?! What’s wrong?!”

She grimaces. “N-nothing! Please leave me be! To regain my solace, this is my only plea!”

Arc steps forward and pulls back her robe. There is a nasty wound in her side that is loosely covered by bandages!

Sereb frowns. “That wound is serious. What happened?”

Zecora stands up slowly and winces. “This is a wound from a pack of Cragadiles, lured here by unwitting ponies straight to my door! Of their kind, I can take no more!”

“I can’t just leave you here like this! Let me help you!”

Zecora walks slowly over to a large book on the table. “I can make a salve for this infection. The rare ingredients are listed in this section. For example, I need a dragon’s acid spit! Now where exactly am I supposed to find it?!”

Brightwing makes a strange noise before launching several projectiles from her mouth into a bowl.

“Ouchy time!”

Tempest nods! “There’s one! Anything else?”

“I have everything else, save for the blood of a powerful mage. Although there isn’t one around here for miles, I’d wage!”

Arc looks to her. “Would my blood suffice? I can use powerful magic!”

Zecora sighs. “I suppose it is worth a try. It is either that… or die.”

She gives him a knife and a bowl. Arc quickly cuts his hand and puts a small amount of his blood in the vessel. She watches him before taking the bowl.

“That will suffice. This small amount of blood shall be this potion’s asking price.”

Zecora mixes a few more ingredients into the bowl before adding Brightwing’s ‘addition’. It quickly begins to thicken. She lays down on a nearby bed and puts a hoof in the medicine. However she appears unable to reach her wound. Arc walks over and kneels down.

“I’ll help you.”

He rubs the salve on the wound as gently as he can before covering it with a clean cloth and wrapping the wound with makeshift bandages.

“That will have to do. How do you feel?”

“I believe the medicine is doing its thing. Relief to me you did bring! In return, I shall take your fruit. I see now that your argument was not entirely moot!”

Tempest looks to her, hopeful. “So, you’ll make a cure from this berry?!”

Zecora nods.

“That I will, oh deceitful mare. My vast knowledge with you I will share! Although know this… without my aid, the ultimate price your friends would have paid!”

“Paid?!”

Sereb frowns. “She means our friends would have died.”

“Why didn’t you just say that?!”

Zecora frowns as she works. “That I did! Perhaps you did not hear? In which case, you would do well to open your ears!”

A short time later the tonic is made. Zecora gives it to Arc.

“Just a small sip of this and your friends will recover. Be they friend, foe, hater or lover!”

Arc respectfully accepts the bottle. “Thank you Zecora. If you ever have need of my help, you have but only to ask!”

“Be warned, dear hero, of promises made! They must always be kept, even if your memory of them should fade!”

Sereb nods. “You have nothing to fear there. Arc always keeps his word.”

Tempest nods. “That he does.”

“Brightwing thinks we should get back to ponyland soon! Who knows how long until this medicine is due!”

Sereb chuckles. “Brightwing is starting to sound like Zecora. However, we should be getting a move on, Arc.”

Arc walks toward the door with the others. “Thank you again Zecora! I hope someday to return the favor.”

Zecora nods at Arc as he and his friends leave the hut and close the door behind them.

“You have already, Hero of Light. I saw how you got what you wanted, yet without so much as a fight! Your tactics, while unorthodox, were just and fair! Perhaps, just maybe, there is hope for that mare!”

Preface - Volume 12 - Daring Deeds

In our previous volume, Arc and Dinky arrived safely, for the most part, on Earth. Arc takes Dinky inside and properly clothes her in his old hand-me-downs. He teaches her how to walk like a human and act like one.

The next morning, Arc takes Dinky to meet some other humans. His old friends, Lily and Shelly at their business “Shelly’s Kitchen”. Introducing them to her as Daisy, both of them quickly take a liking to the young filly turned girl. After breakfast, the pair head to the mall for some proper clothes for Dinky.

Arc and Dinky spend the next week working on cleaning, painting and dusting Arc’s house. They focus heavily on the basement! The day they are to leave, Dinky insists on saying goodbye to Lily and Shelly. Upon arriving, Dinky has her first taste of soda with her meal. Arc announces to his friends that he is taking Dinky home, and they say goodbye. Returning home, Arc activates the portable recall unit and the pair walk through.

Back in Princess Celestia’s room, the Mane 6 along with the princesses, Derpy and Sunburst wait patiently for them. The pair come flying out of the portal, and are saved by Sereb’s quick thinking. Arc announces his plans to return to Earth to deal with his hometown’s problems. He opens a portal and brings the group back to Ponyville. Twilight invites Arc to tea later that morning after he finishes his errands. Later that morning, the pair share some very special tea. Unbeknownst to Arc, Twilight had infused it with pure extract from a plant containing very special properties. After several cups of tea and a good conversation later, Arc returns to Derpy’s house and Twilight heads to her lab to think of a new plan.

The next morning Arc, Derpy and Dinky eat breakfast together. They, along with Twilight, are going to Canterlot for a school field trip. Arc heads for his base to begin his own day. In the cafeteria, he finds Saffron acting strangely. Passing it off as her being overworked, he asks Ember to keep an eye on her and heads for town. Stopping at Sugar Cube Corner for a snack, Pinkie invites him upstairs to speak about something. She says several strange things before lunging at Arc! A carnal look on her face forces Arc to restrain her as Sereb rushes to his air! Putting her to sleep, Arc then orders Sereb to take the unconscious mare to the hospital. While he is doing that, Arc interviews the other patrons in the bakery, but learns nothing new. After dismissing the customers, Arc heads to the kitchen to speak with Rainbow Dash. She appears groggy and tipsy. After throwing up in the sink multiple times, Arc cleans her up. Rainbow Dash then looks to Arc, a strange look on her face and asks if he could ever fall for her. Sereb enters the kitchen and puts the pegasus to sleep just like her friends. They take her to the hospital before heading to Carousel Boutique. Inquiring of Rarity and Applejack, the pair suddenly start acting strangely, and attack Arc just like their friends did! They are taken to the hospital like the others. After returning to the bakery to give instructions to the investigation team, Arc and Sereb head for Fluttershy’s cottage to warn her of the illness. She heads to the hospital to care for her friends.

Returning to his base, Arc speaks to Sandstorm Mirage on what he found at the bakery. Finding no real clues at either business, they are back to square one. Later, Arc visits the hospital to check on Doctor Horse’s progress. As he is leaving, the doors burst open and Flash Sentry enters with some Royal Guards forcefully carrying Raven and Saffron! Ordering them to bed, Ember then attacks Arc herself! Forced to order his best friend into bed, Arc and Sereb head to Town Hall to consult with Mayor Mare. Leaving shortly thereafter, the pair head back to Light’s Hope. Arc hurries to his office and activates his emergency comm link! The princesses, entertaining the school foals at that moment, learn of the trouble in Ponyville. Arc informs them of his placing a quarantine on the town and declaring martial law.

Calling for every guard under his command, he explains the situation and places Flash Sentry as temporary governor of Ponyville. Organizing patrols from the Town Hall, Flash Sentry does his best to keep the town secure. After being advised by the doctor of his friends’ small recovery, Arc goes to see them. As he enters the room however, they suddenly relapse into raving madmares! Returning to his empty base, he finds Tempest waiting for him. Questioning her over a light snack in the kitchen, Tempest suddenly keels over with flu-like symptoms. Arc carries her back to her quarters.

After bathing Tempest in an attempt to help her feel better, he puts her to bed and calls the Town Hall for a status report. Heading for bed himself, Arc quickly falls asleep. He awakens the next morning to Tempest curled up in bed with him! Heading for the shower, Arc scrubs at his skin furiously trying to remove the image of the mare in bed with him. Emerging from the bathroom he finds Tempest cooking him breakfast. After eating, Arc calls Town Hall to check up on things. Sereb answers the phone. He reports that Flash Sentry has not returned. Arc and Tempest head for the hospital together. They find the lieutenant asleep next to Raven’s bed. After sending Flash Sentry back to Town Hall, Arc and Tempest head to Doctor Horse’s office. On the way, everyone who sees Tempest flees! Entering the doctor’s office, they share a conference call with Sunburst in Canterlot. He recommends consulting with the Dragon Lord on spells that may have caused the illness. The pair head through a portal to Ember’s house.

Arriving, Arc leaves Tempest at the house as he goes to the Throne of the Dragon Lord. He is informed of a number of spells from ancient times that were used to achieve such effects. Returning to Ember’s house to retrieve Tempest, she loses control and comes after Arc! He is able to subdue her with a lamp and return to the Dragon Lord with her in tow. Offering Arc a trade, Torch will give him a compass that will point toward the spells focus. In return Equestria will accept an envoy from the Dragon Lands. Left with no choice, Arc agrees. He and Tempest returns to Ember’s house to wait for Torch’s chosen emissary. As the wait, the pair clean up the mess they made. Garble arrives to deliver Brightwing. The trio returns to Ponyville.

Looking at the compass, they search the base for a time. Eventually Tempest discovers Arc himself is the focus of the spell! They meet Sunburst in Arc’s quarters in Canterlot Castle so he can dispel the spell’s effects. Twilight volunteers to be a test subject, and confirms the spell is indeed negated. Returning to Doctor Horse, he informs Arc that his friends will be able to counter their condition with hormone therapy and daily shots. Pinkie Pie, however, is not responding to therapy. Refusing to leave them to such a fate, Arc turns to leave the room. However, he finds only darkness before him.

Turning around, Arc finds the office has disappeared. A voice calls out to him. Turning again, he finds himself in the presence of Kronos. Arc angrily lashes out at the demigod! Blaming it for Cherry’s death! Kronos gives Arc a box that contains the source of the ailment. Returning to the Town Hall, he opens the box to find a piece of Dragon Fruit. Flash Sentry tells Arc about Zecora’s vast knowledge of herbs and plants, and the group heads to the Everfree Forest. Finding the hut, Arc knocks. Zecora is quite hostile toward them until she learns only one member of the group is a pony. However, upon learning the cure he seeks is for ponies, she attempts to shoo them out. Falling to the floor from an earlier injury, Arc helps her make a healing salve by donating some of his blood and Brightwing’s acid spit. Rubbing it on her wound, Arc is able to convince her of his intentions. She makes a cure for his friends and sends them on their way.

Hurrying back to Ponyville Hospital, Arc and company rush to Pinkie’s room! They find the medical staff trying desperately to resuscitate here! Running over, Arc takes a drink from the bottle and, pressing his lips to Pinkies, gives her the medicine. She quickly regains consciousness and is wheeled back to the others, who have already been given the cure. They understandably are greatly embarrassed for their earlier actions toward Arc. He forgives each of them as they apologize, and admits that he himself was unwittingly responsible for what happened. Returning to Light’s Hope with Tempest, Arc gives her the bottle of cure. She drinks it and returns to normal. Disgusted by her earlier behavior, she storms out of the base! Arc heads to Canterlot and brings home the school foals via portal. He and his guards escort them home. Returning to his base, he finds Tempest sitting out back. Joining her, she askes him why he didn’t take advantage of her. Answering truthfully, Tempest leaves. Arc continues to look up at the moon and contemplate recent events.

Many questions remain unanswered. How are Shelly and Lily faring with no business to speak of? What is Arc’s plan for his house on Earth? What did the Dark One hope to accomplish by giving Twilight the Dragon Fruit? Is Tempest truly trying to turn over a new leaf? Why does Zecora hate ponies so much? How will the Mane 6 and Arc’s relationship survive this extreme breach of trust?!

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Final Preparations

On a clear, cool, sunny morning a couple days later, Arc, Sereb and Ember make their way to the Hammer’s Blacksmith shop. Ember holds onto Arc’s waist as they ride on.

“I’m certainly glad to be out of that hospital bed!”

Arc nods. “I’m just glad everyone made it!”

Ember grins slyly behind him. “Sorry Arc, but I have to ask. Did you REALLY sleep with Tempest?!”

Arc looks down at his faithful steed. “SEREB!”

The large wolf makes a rather strange sound as Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Are you… laughing at me?!”

Sereb shakes his head stoically. “No. Just… a little wheezing.”

The continue on for a few moments in silence. Ember decides to change the subject.

“So… how’s Brightwing doing in Canterlot?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure. One of these days I’ll have to head over to check on her. She’s really… um… special to the Dragon Lord, isn’t she?

Ember chuckles. “Right. Special. It’s also worth pointing out that she doesn’t seem to be growing. Physically or mentally! In fact, my father tells me Brightwing showed up not long after I was born!”

Arc looks confused. “So Brightwing is older than you are?!”

Sereb looks over his shoulder. “How is that possible?”

Ember shrugs. “Who knows!”

“I think there’s more to Brightwing than meets the eye. Maybe one of these days we can look into it further.”

They arrive at their destination shortly. Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer are waiting out front of the shop for them.

“Good morning Arc… Ember… Sereb.”

Ember smiles. “Morning!”

Sereb nods in acknowledgment as Arc hops down.

“You two ready to go?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Yes. We just got Platinum Valve off to school. She knows we might not be home in time for supper.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Alright. Here we go!”

Everyone steps through the portal. Meanwhile, at the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight descends the basement steps.

“Good morning Auriel!”

“Good morning?!”

“You’re up early!”

Auriel yawns “I… think I’ve been up all night. Not sure what time it is. Or what day, for that matter.”

Twilight sighs. “Auriel, you really should rest more often!”

She nods as she continues to go over her notes. “Uh huh. One more experiment to go. How was the field trip?”

“It was okay. I’ve been to the castle numerous times in the past, so I didn’t really see anything new.”

Auriel does not look up from her experiments as she continues. “Then why did you go?”

“I just wanted to help out. That and I always loved school! Sorry for leaving you here alone for so long.”

She looks up from her work with a confused look on her face. “So long?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “We were stuck there a whole extra day due to the trouble in Ponyville!”

“There was trouble?!”

“Yes! Some kind of illness. You didn’t hear about that?!”

Auriel goes back to her experiments. “I think I remember a Royal Guard coming to the door saying something about that a while back. Although I was really out of it at the time! I think I passed out shortly thereafter. Is it under control now?”

Twilight nods. “It is! Arc came to Canterlot Castle to bring us home yesterday evening.”

“I must have been more out of it than I thought! Didn’t even hear you come in!”

“Yes, well… I went to the hospital to check on my friends first. They… brought me up to speed on what was going on.”

Twilight’s ears droops as she looks down.

“That and… Pinkie almost… died.”

Auriel drops her clipboard! “My goodness! Is she okay now?!”

“Yes. She’s set to be released tomorrow.”

“Well, I’m glad everything worked out! But if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ve reached the end of my strength.”

Twilight smiles as the red demon slowly walks to the stairs. “Go ahead and rest now, Auriel. I’ll make us some breakfast after I look in on my own experiments.”

Auriel goes upstairs to bed as Twilight makes her way over to Auriel’s Plant Elemental Essence Liberator. She looks at the magical essence that is sitting in the cup, waiting to be used. Thinking for a moment as the pink liquid stares back at her! Twilight picks up the cup and looks at it for a long time.

“Could it have been...”

She sets the cup down and paces the floor, muttering to herself.

“This doesn’t make sense! It didn’t work on him! How could it have caused all this trouble?! And for everypony else, no less!”

She spots the book from Cadance on Star Swirl’s failures. Picking it up, she begins to read.

“I have to make this up to him as soon as possible! And I think I know just how to do that!”

Meanwhile, Arc and company step out of the portal near the newly coined Redemption Village and make their way toward the Town Hall. As they pass, the local townsponies they stop whatever it is they are doing to bow at Arc’s feet.

Sereb looks confused. “What are they doing?”

Arc shrugs. “You got me.”

Ember grins! “They must REALLY respect you now, Arc!”

Silver Hammer smiles at Arc “I wonder how that happened.”

He frowns. “Oh, come on! I didn’t do THAT much!”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “I would certainly call rescuing them and future generations from Tartarus to be noteworthy!”

Ember nods. “He’s got you there, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Well, let’s just get to Mythic Honor and see what he can do.”

As they reach the Town Hall, Mythic Honor comes rushing out to meet them! He bows low in front of Arc!

“Y-your majesty! To what do we owe this visit?!”

Arc helps Mythic Honor stand up. “I’m not the Lord Regent any longer, Mythic Honor. You don’t need to do that.”

“You’re not?”

Ember shakes her head at the confused unicorn. “No. Arc saved the princesses and restored them to their thrones.”

“It was a team effort. I can’t take all the credit!”

Mythic Honor smiles! “Well, I’m sure you played the biggest part than, Lord Arc!”

“It’s just ‘Arc’ again.”

“Well okay! But you gotta admit that Lord part really rolls off the tongue! So, what can I do for you today?!”

“First, let me introduce you to a couple friends of mine. This is Steel Hammer and his wife Silver Hammer.”

Steel Hammer shakes hooves with the elder pony. “A pleasure!”

“Pleased to meet you!”

Arc looks back to Mythic Honor. “They’re the smiths from Ponyville.”

Mythic Honor grins! “Oh! You mean like me?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “No one is like you!”

He laughs! “You got that right! Many have tried! All have failed!”

Arc clears his throat. “I was hoping the three of you could put your heads together to upgrade my helmet.”

Mythic Honor frowns, confused. “Upgrade?! How can you upgrade perfection?!”

Silver Hammer pulls the helmet out of her saddlebag. “Arc was looking to install a faceplate. We don’t have the tools or the know-how to do this job though.

“Let me have a look at it!”

She gives the helmet to him and he studies it carefully. Steel Hammer whispers to his wife.

“I don’t see what the problem is with this stallion.”

Silver Hammer nods. “I don’t either. He seems okay to me.”

Mythic Honor looks over the helmet for quite some time before suddenly looking up at them.

“I got it! It’s a helmet! Right?!”

Ember facepalms! “Of course it’s a helmet! One that I helped you make!”

“Really?! Are you sure?!”

“Very!”

“So, you want a plate on this huh? Well I have a couple dinner plates I could part with! Wouldn’t help its looks though…”

Steel Hammer steps forward. “I can make a faceplate. The problem is I’m not sure how to fuse it to the existing structure of the helmet.”

Mythic Honor holds up a hoof for silence as he goes back to studying. “Hold on a second, youngster! I’m still working on this!”

The old unicorn picks up a small stick with his magic and pokes the helmet with it.

“You know Arc, we should put something over the face of this helmet! You could get hurt!”

Sereb turns to Ember. “Is he serious?”

“Very.”

Arc nods. “That’s a… a good idea Mythic Honor. Do you think you and my friends here could do that?”

“Nope! “

Ember glares at him angrily! “Then why did you…?”

Mythic Honor suddenly looks at her. “Ember! How long have you been here?!”

“ARGH! I’ve been here the whole time!”

“Well you should have spoken up!”

“I DID!!! Now, are you going to put a faceplate on this helmet or not?!”

Mythic Honor looks at her, confused. “What helmet?”

Ember appears ready to explode in a fit of rage! Steel Hammer points a hoof.

“The one in your hoof, sir.”

Mythic Honor looks at the helmet again. “Oh yes! Of course! I can do this with the proper tools!”

Arc nods. “What do you need?”

Mythic Honor begins going through his saddlebag. “The first thing I need is my old Magic Blacksmith’s Hammer! Fortunately, I have it right here!”

Silver Hammer looks excited! “I’ve never seen such a thing! This should be a treat!”

After digging around in his saddlebags for a minute or two he pulls out a dead fish.

“There it is!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Sir. That is not a hammer.”

“Of course it isn’t, silly! I was talking about finding the source of the bad smell in my pack!”

Ember looks to Sereb. “Remind me never to get old!”

“Likewise.”

Arc looks at the fish before him. “What were you doing with a fish?”

“I forget!”

Ember sighs. “Saw that one coming!”

He roots around in his packs until he finds his hammer.

“There it is!”

Arc looks at it, slightly confused. “It looks just like a normal hammer.”

“It does, doesn’t it! I inherited it from the previous tribal leader! He told me it was made that way on purpose so the demons wouldn’t pay any special attention to it! Although he might have told me that so I wouldn’t lose it!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Anything else you need?”

“A few extra hooves!”

Steel Hammer nods. “My wife and I can help.”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Do you two know anything about blacksmithing?”

Arc nods. “As I said, they run the smithy in Ponyville.”

Mythic Honor nods. “So no, huh? Well, don’t worry! I’ll show you how it’s done!”

“Um… thanks?”

“Ember! I’ll need your magical fire breath to make the forge hot enough!”

“Finally! That I can do!”

Mythic Honor turns back to the Town Hall. “Good! Now all I have to do is stoke the fire in my Magical Forge…”

He stops walking. Arc sighs.

“Is there a problem?”

“Funny thing! I just remembered something! I accidently LEFT my forge in Tartarus! Whelp, I guess that’s that! Sorry!”

Steel Hammer looks to Mythic Honor. “Can we construct another?”

“Sure!”

“Really?!”

Mythic Honor nods. “Yes! As long as you know how! Can you teach me?! Cause I sure don’t!”

Arc facepalms. “Oh, for the love of… look, can I just get your forge from Tartarus and bring it back here?!”

“Sure! How strong do you feel?! It was the large add-on to the Town Hall in our old base, remember?!”

“I’ll bring it back here for you.”

He pulls the rest of his armor from his ring and gives it to Mythic Honor.

“Could you give the rest of my armor an inspection while I do this? I need it in prime condition for my next mission!”

“I can! Just one question!”

“Yes?”

Mythic Honor eyes his suspiciously. “What will YOU be doing in the meantime?!”

Arc turns to the Hammers. “Keep an eye on him for me, will you?”

Steel Hammer nods. “Of course! But, are you going into Tartarus without armor?!”

He turns toward the Gates of Tartarus. “After what transpired the last time I was there, I don’t think I’ll need it.”

Ember frowns! “Well, I’m going with you!”

Sereb nods soberly. “As am I.”

“Okay. We shouldn’t have any trouble though.”

“Arc, this is TARTARUS we’re talking about! The name itself is trouble!”

Arc calls forth his Spear of Righteousness as he mounts Sereb. “Fine! Have it your way.”

He turns back toward the Hammers as Ember calls forth her own armor and spear.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can! “

Silver Hammer nods. “Take care of yourself!”

Steel Hammer looks over to Mythic Honor who appears to be trying the juggle the various pieces of armor. “We’ll keep an eye on your friend here. Don’t worry about a thing.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks.”

Sereb run off towards the Gates of Tartarus with Arc and Ember on his back. The guards part to allow them to pass. Ember frowns as the Gates of Tartarus loom before them.

“Arc, I just want to go on record as saying this is a dumb idea!”

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”

“Oh, I’m going!”

They pass through the barrier and survey the scene around them. Sereb sighs.

“What a desolate place.”

Arc nods. “It used to be home.”

“That was a lifetime ago, Arc!”

“Yet the memories are still fresh in my mind. Head northeast, Sereb.”

“On our way.”

They rush toward the old Vile Tribe compound as Ember looks around.

“It’s quiet around here.”

Sereb sniffs the air nervously. “Should we expect an ambush?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. After I trounced the Demon King… yet again, his minions are probably too scared to approach.”

Ember sighs. “I hope you’re right!”

“So do I… for their sakes!”

They arrive at the base. Arc Blinks them through the closed gates. Ember looks around the base.

“Home sweet home.”

Sereb looks confused. “You two lived here?”

Arc nods. “With the others from the village, yes.”

“It wasn’t much fun.”

Sereb looks around for himself. “I can imagine.”

“Head for the largest building. That’s the Town Hall.”

“Right.”

In a short time, they look at the ruins of the building before them.

“This place looks like a bomb hit it.”

Arc nods. “It did.”

“Yeah. We blew it up last time we were here.”

“Why?”

“It was that or let the demons have it. This was one of Mythic Honor’s good ideas! In any case, let’s see if we can salvage the forge!”

Ember nods. “Right!”

They go around to the other side of the ruined building. The forge is largely untouched! Arc looks it over closely.

“It looks like it’s in one piece!”

Ember nods. “Not sure how! That explosion was MASSIVE!”

“Let’s not waste time thinking about it here. I want to get this thing back to Mythic Honor soon.”

Sereb looks around again. “Are you worried about an attack?”

“Worse! I’m worried Mythic Honor will drive the Hammers crazy!”

Ember sighs. “He does have that effect on others.”

Sereb nods. “He does mean well though. Right?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably.”

“So, how do we want to do this? Dismantle it?”

He thinks for a moment. “I have a better idea.”

Arc carefully casts the Matter Compacting spell on the forge. It slowly shrinks down to the more manageable size of a couple feet tall.

Sereb smiles. “That’s handy.”

Ember kneels down to pick up the forge. “Great! We got what we came here for! Can we leave now?!”

“Yes.”

They walk toward the gates on foot with Ember carrying the forge carefully. Arc looks to her.

“You want me to carry that?”

Ember shakes her head. “I got it! You keep an eye out for demons!”

Arc raises his spear. “Deal.”

As they approach the gate, Arc Blinks them through it. Once on the other side he stops dead in his tracks. Ember, unable to see over the forge in her arms, keeps walking.

“I can’t wait to get out of here! Every time we come back to Tartarus, I have a TERRIBLE time getting this smell out of my armor!”

She looks over at Arc as he puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Why did you stop?”

Arc points to something in front of them wordlessly. Ember turns her body to see what he is pointing at.

“Oh come on! How bad could it…”

The Demon King stands before them in all his unholy glory! Ember sets down the forge carefully.

“Okay! That is quite the roadblock!”

Arc approaches the king as Ember calls forth her spear. “Wait! Let me handle this!”

Sereb bares his teeth at their opponent. “Are you crazy?”

“Like a fox!”

Arc approaches the Demon King and buries his spear in the ground.

“Yes, King Malevolence?”

The king plants his own weapon into the ground next to him. “ARC! YOU MAY FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT I DID NOT COME HERE TO FIGHT!”

“Arc! This is a trap!”

“I got this, Ember. If that’s true… why ARE you here?”

“MY SENTRIES SPOTTED YOU AND YOUR COMPANIONS AS YOU ENTERED MY DOMAIN! WHY ARE YOU HERE?!”

“Just picking up something we left behind last time. So unless you want yet another trouncing, we’ll be on our way. “

“WAIT! I ONLY WISH TO SPEAK WITH YOU!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Really?! What’s with the armor and weapons then?!”

“I ALWAYS CARRY THEM! WHAT OF YOURS?! “

Sereb nods. “Good point.”

Arc sighs. “Is this going somewhere?”

“IT IS! I… I WANTED TO ASK YOU HOW… HOW AURIEL IS HOLDING UP IN YOUR PRISON?!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Prison?”

Arc shakes his head. “She’s not locked up. In fact, she’s currently living with a friend of mine. Remember that purple unicorn you almost tore apart?”

“I DO!”

“Well, the two of them are busy from sunup to sundown with various science experiments. She’s very happy in Equestria!”

“I SEE! BUT WHAT CHOICE DOES SHE HAVE?! BEING A DEMON, SHE PROBABLY HAS NO OTHER OPTION THEN KEEPING HERSELF INSIDE AND AWAY FROM OTHERS!”

Ember shakes her head. “Not really! While it’s true she doesn’t get out much, Arc went out of his way to introduce her to the town during a party in his honor. They’ve accepted her into their community.”

“SO, SHE IS DOING WELL THEN?!”

Arc nods. “Happy as a clam! Tell you what, King Malevolence. The next time I come this way, I’ll bring her to see you.”

The king looks at Arc suspiciously. “WHY WOULD YOU DO SUCH A THING?!”

“Don’t worry, big guy. It’s not because I like you in the least. But because it would make Auriel happy.”

“VERY WELL! I SHALL LOOK FORWARD TO THAT DAY!”

“Have you sentries watch the gate. When I bring her, I’ll wait there for your arrival.”

“GOOD! I WILL SPEAK TO HER THROUGH THE GATE! DO NOT BRING HER THROUGH THE BARRIER!”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“THANK YOU, ARC! NOW LEAVE MY REALM AND DO NOT RETURN AGAIN WITHOUT AURIEL!”

The Demon King stands aside and allows Arc and company to pass. Ember turns to Arc as they make their way back to the gate.

“You aren’t really going to bring Auriel back to see her father, are you?”

“If she’s up for it, yes. I get the feeling she does care for him and he for her.”

Sereb frowns. “But he is a demon.”

“And?”

Sereb growls. “And what?”

“You remember what happened when Tempest accidently hurt Cerulean Skies, right?”

Ember nods. “I certainly do.”

“She may be a terrible pony with a record of doing heinous things to others, but she still cares for her family.”

Sereb frowns. “And you think the Demon King is the same way?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“You should have seen his face when he banished her from Tartarus, Ember. He looked genuinely sad.”

Sereb sighs. “I suppose all fathers care for their children.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Other than Derpy’s, that is!”

“What was that, Arc?”

“Derpy’s father threw her out when she got pregnant. I mean, he was never really a father to her. But when she needed him more than ever, he told her to leave!”

Sereb shakes his head. “That’s awful.”

“Yes. That’s why I looked after her and Dinky. I don’t want her to have to go through the same things Derpy did! Neither of them deserves it anyways.”

Ember nods. “That’s very Kind of you, Arc!”

“Yes. But not surprising.”

The trio makes their way back to town without further incident. They find Mythic Honor and the Hammers at the Town Hall going over his armor. Ember sets the forge down as they enter.

“Mythic Honor! We’re back!”

He walks over to them quickly. “Welcome back! How did it go?!”

Arc gestures to the forge on the floor in front of Ember. “Mission accomplished.”

Mythic Honor walks around the forge. “Hmmm… it’s a bit smaller than I remember it!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s because we shrank it! How else were we supposed to get it back here?!”

Arc nods. “This was the quickest and easiest way. Now if you’ll tell me where you want it, I’ll bring it back to normal size.”

Mythic Honor leads them out the door. “This way!”

Arc picks up the forge as they follow him toward the side of the building. He walks over to a window.

“Put it right here!”

Steel Hammer looks confused. “Right next to that window?”

“Yup!”

Silver Hammer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “But won’t that spoil the view of that room?”

“Nah! That’s just my bedroom! This way I can roll out of bed and be at the forge instantly!”

Ember facepalms. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea or madness!”

“Both actually!”

Arc sets down the forge and steps back. “Okay! Here goes!”

He casts the Matter Compacting counter spell. Slowly but surely the forge returns to its normal size. Mythic Honor looks it over fondly.

“Magnificent! It’s just like the one I had in Tartarus!”

Ember glares at him! “What?! But…”

Arc puts a hand over her mouth. “Glad you like it. Do you have everything you need now?”

“Sure do! What would you like the faceplate made out of?! Something really strong, I’d wager!”

Arc looks to Steel Hammer. “What do you think?”

Steel Hammer reaches into his saddlebag and pulls out an ingot. “I have just the thing right here.”

Mythic Honor’s eyes light up happily! “Ohhh!!! Adamantium! I haven’t worked with that before!”

Silver Hammer smiles at him. “We’ll show you how, if you show us how to work with Hydra Scales.”

“Deal!”

Mythic Honor turns to Arc, Ember and Sereb.

“We should be able to take it from here! Why don’t you three head to the Inn and rest? I’ll come get you when we need some dragon’s breath!”

Ember nods. “How long will it take?”

“We should be ready by sundown!”

Arc nods. “Alright. Thanks for doing this!”

Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer and Mythic Honor walk toward the Magic Forge together as Arc and his friends head for the Inn.

“Did you feel that?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Yes. This individual is no ordinary unicorn. Of that much I am certain.”

Meanwhile, Ember looks to Arc as they walk across the town square.

“So… what should we do now?”

Sereb yawns. “A rest might be in order. Especially for Arc.”

“Why me?”

Ember nods. “Well, you have been going non-stop for quite some time now. I don’t want you passing out again!”

“That and it’s not like we can help with anything right now.”

Arc sighs. “You may have a point. I don’t really want to leave town without the Hammers!”

Ember nods as they walk toward the town’s Inn. Yeah! Being around Mythic Honor can drive anyone over the edge!”

They enter the building. The pony behind the counter quickly steps out and bows before Arc!

“Greetings sire! Do you require lodgings?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But I’m not the Lord Regent anymore.”

The innkeeper, an elderly mare, looks up at him and smiles. “You will always be a Lord in our eyes, sire!”

“Very well. We do. But just for the day! The three of us should be getting back to Ponyville before nightfall. Do you have a room available for us?”

The innkeeper straightens up. “We don’t have the most extravagant rooms, sire. But we will give you the best we have.”

“Thank you for the hospitality.”

“Please follow me!”

She leads them down the hallway to the last room on the left. Unlocking the door, she pushes it open to reveal a simple room with a large bed, a table and chairs, a wood stove and a small bathroom.

“Here you are sire! I’m sorry we don’t have anything nicer!”

“It’s just fine, thank you. We really just need a place to rest for a bit.

“I’ll be at the front desk if you need anything.”

Arc nods as she leaves the room. Sereb lies down in front of the door.

“Not as nice as the castle or your base, Arc.”

Ember chuckles. “Getting soft, Sereb?”

“I think we all are. It will be good for us to live like normal citizens for a change.”

He looks toward the bathroom.

“Why don’t you take a shower, Ember? I’m sure you’d like to get the smell of Tartarus out.”

Ember nods. “That I would! Care to join me, Arc?”

“I’ll pass.”

“Suit yourself.”

She closes the door behind her as Sereb looks to Arc.

“She certainly is… optimistic.”

“That’s one way to put it. “

A short time later Ember emerges.

“It’s all yours, Arc.”

“Thanks! I won’t be long!”

He closes the door and removes a spare set of clothes from his ring.

“Good thing I planned ahead.”

He steps into the shower and attempts to cleans himself off

“Ember was right. That sulphur and brimstone smell really sticks to you.”

As he showers, Arc can’t help but feel uneasy.

“I must be getting paranoid.”

He finishes cleaning up and dresses. Leaving the bathroom, he sees Ember lying on the bed.

“Care to join me, Arc?”

“Well, I am kinda tired.”

He lies down and closes his eyes.

“Comfy?”

Arc sighs. “Get some rest, Ember.”

“Aww… you’re no fun!”

They lie there for a time, dozing. Suddenly Arc bolts upright!

“What was that?!”

Ember sits up. “I didn’t hear anything.”

Sereb raises his head. “Nor did I.”

“What did it sound like?”

Arc puts his hand to his forehead. “Like… someone crying out for help, I guess.”

Sereb frowns. “Anyone you know?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t know. But they sounded terrified!”

Ember gently pushes him back down. “Look Arc! You’ve been through quite a bit now. It’s just your nerves.”

“But I’m telling you, I can still hear it!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Arc. My hearing is significantly better than yours and I hear nothing of the sort.”

“You see? Please get some rest. You’re worrying me!”

Arc closes his eyes. “I’ll try.”

They rest for several more hours before Arc sits up and looks around. He mutters to himself.

“What IS that sound?!”

Arc stands up and puts his boots back on as Ember opens her eyes.

“Arc?”

“I just need some air. You and Sereb stay here.”

Ember nods and closes her eyes. “Don’t go far…”

“I won’t.”

He leaves the room and walks back to the front desk. The innkeeper is sitting in front of a warm fireplace rocking peacefully.

“Can I help you, sire?”

“Maybe. Have you heard anything strange today? Like a strange sound?”

“No sire.”

“Okay. If my companions wake up and come looking for me, tell them I’m going for a walk around town.”

“As you wish, sire!”

Arc leaves the Inn and looks around.

“It’s out here too.”

He makes his way slowly around town trying to find the source of the mysterious sound. Eventually giving up, Arc heads toward the Town Hall as the sun begins to set. Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer and Mythic Honor are hard at work on his armor and helmet. Mythic Honor nods as Steel Hammer begins attaching the faceplate to the helmet.

“Just like that! We’ll need Ember’s dragon breath to finish joining the two though! I’ll go get her!”

Mythic Honor walks quickly past Arc.

“We’re almost there! Just need a bit of extra kick to finish the job! Be back in a minute!”

Steel Hammer looks up at him. “Did you enjoy your rest?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Kinda. Say, have either of you been hearing things this afternoon?”

Silver Hammer looks confused. “Like what?”

“It’s hard to explain. Like someone crying, I guess.”

“No. Haven’t heard a thing!”

“Nor have I. Then again, running a forge isn’t exactly quiet work.”

Arc sighs. “Maybe Ember’s right. I have been working awful hard lately. It’s probably just in my head after all.”

A short time later Mythic Honor returns with Ember and Sereb. Steel Hammer looks to her.

“The forge is as hot as we can make it! You ready Ember?”

“I am!”

Mythic Honor smiles. “Just do it like when we forged this armor and this will be done in no time!”

Ember takes a deep breath and breathes a stream of white-hot flames into the forge. The sound of sizzling metal fills the air. Arc looks around feverishly.

“What?! Where is it…?”

Sereb looks to him, concerned! “Arc?”

“Can’t anyone hear that?!”

Silver Hammer turns around. “Hear what?”

“Those cries?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “There is nothing like that anywhere near here, Arc. Of this I am certain.”

Mythic Honor watches the forge intently. “We’re almost done here Arc! Then you can go back to resting if you’d like!”

Arc sits down and holds his head in his hands. “Thanks, but I’ll… I’ll manage.”

A short time later Mythic Honor pulls the finished helmet out of the forge and drops it into a barrel of water.

“That should do it! As soon as it cools, I’ll dry it off and you can try it on!”

“Thanks.”

Ember walks over to him. “Feeling better, Arc?”

“Y-yes. The sound appears to have ceased.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “I wonder what it was.”

“I don’t know, but I think I had better get a checkup tomorrow morning!”

The helmet is removed from the barrel and subsequently dried before being handed to Arc.

“I think the adamantium bonded quite nicely to the Hydra Scales!”

Arc looks it over. “Yeah! But how am I supposed to see?! There’re no eyeholes!”

Mythic Honor chuckles! “That was my own addition! It’s an ancient enchantment that allows the wearer to see through a particular solid object as if it weren’t there!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“Arc will be able to see through the helmet as if he wasn’t wearing one! But no one else can see IN!”

Sereb nods. “Handy.”

Arc puts on the helmet and looks around. “This is amazing! It’s like my helmet isn’t even there! Great job you three! What do I…?”

Suddenly a strange visage appears before Arc! He rips off the helmet and throws it across the yard! Silver Hammer looks to him, concerned.

“Arc! What’s wrong?!”

“I… I suddenly saw… SOMETHING in front of me!”

Ember eyes the helmet a short distance away. “Something?”

“It kinda looked like a… figure of some kind. But I can’t be sure! It all happened so fast!”

Steel Hammer frowns. “No one here but us.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “I do not detect anyone else in the area.”

“But… but it was so REAL! Someone or something was here!”

Ember takes Arc’s hand as Sereb retrieves the helmet and put it in his saddlebag. “Let’s get you back to Ponyville, Arc! I think a trip to the hospital is in order!”

Arc nods, breathing heavily! “I… I think you’re right!”

He turns to Mythic Honor and the Hammers.

“What do I owe you for the work?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “It was a great honor to work for you, sire! No charge!”

“Nothing, Arc. You brought our Platinum Valve back to us safe and sound yet again the other day!”

“This one’s on us! You just get checked out! We can’t have you cracking up like this on a mission!”

The rest of Arc’s armor is loaded into Sereb’s saddlebags except his sigil glove as Arc gives Mythic Honor a small bag of bits.

“Could you please give this to the innkeeper? I don’t feel right not paying for our room.”

“I’ll see to it! Hope you feel better soon!”

Arc opens a portal to Ponyville Hospital. “Let’s go everyone. I don’t feel right. Not at all…”

Mythic Honor waves a hoof after them. “Good luck!”

As the portal closes behind them, he walks back toward the forge.

“Could it be? No, that’s impossible! Even if he had been trying, nopony could be so… attached to their armor as to…”

Chapter 2 - Sweet Surprises

A couple days later, Arc and Ember make their way toward Carousel Boutique together. Ember frowns.

“I still can’t believe Doctor Horse didn’t find anything!”

Arc nods. “I’m glad to have a clean bill of health and all. But I kinda wish he had uncovered SOMETHING that could explain what happened the other day!”

“Hearing sounds no one else can and then seeing things that aren’t there. There is something very wrong going on in your head, Arc!”

“So, what do you suggest I do?! Check myself into an asylum?!”

“I dunno. But maybe you should call off your trip to Earth tomorrow.”

“Not happening!”

“At least until we can figure out what’s wrong with you!”

Arc stops and turns to Ember. “And how long do you think that will take? Days… weeks… YEARS?!”

“Look, I’m just worried about you!”

“And I appreciate that. But there are things I need to do on Earth that won’t wait,”

“Well, if you’re going there, then I’m coming with you! Don’t try to talk me out of it!”

“Ember, I already said you could come. As long as you stay in human form, and don’t punch anyone in the face, there really shouldn’t be any problems.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “You aren’t going to try and leave without me, are you?”

“No Ember. I was serious when I made that promise. You’re coming with me, Sereb and my squad.”

“Good!”

They walk on in silence.

“Arc? I… uh… don’t have to wear clothes, do I?”

“EMBER!”

“Alright, alright! Sheesh! I still don’t understand what the big deal is!”

“It’s important, okay!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “If you say so.”

The pair arrive at Rarity’s shop. Sassy Saddles greets them as they enter.

“Good morning you two!”

Ember nods. “Morning!”

“And a good morning it is, Sassy Saddles! Is Rarity around today?”

“She is! At the moment she’s going over our inventory! Shall I let her know you’re here?”

Arc nods. “Yes please! There’s a lot to do before tomorrow.”

Sassy Saddles heads for the back room. “I’ll bet! Just give me a moment!”

She disappears into the back, leaving Arc and Ember alone in the shop. Ember picks up a dress off the rack.

“What kind of things do human girls wear? Dresses?”

“Sometimes. It’s a bit cold for such things though.”

Ember shivers in response. “Not looking forward to that!”

“You don’t like the cold, do you?”

“Not in the least! Dragon’s do best in hot climates!”

Arc nods. “So, you’re cold blooded?”

“That’s a bit rude, Arc!”

“No, Ember. That’s what humans call a species whose body temperature changes with the environment.”

Ember looks confuses. “Come again?”

“It means you become sluggish when the temperature outside lowers.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “Maybe that’s why dragons love playing in lava pools.”

“I guess so.”

Meanwhile, Sassy Saddles approaches Rarity. The room is dark due to the curtains being closed. She is resting her head on the workbench before her.

“Rarity? Arc is here to see you.”

She does not raise her head or look over. “What about?”

“He didn’t say. I suppose he’s here to pick up his order.”

“Can… can you please take care of it?”

“I suppose I could. But he did ask to speak to you. Rarity? Is something wrong?”

Rarity turns her head to look at her assistant. Her mascara is running and her eyes are red and puffy from crying. “I… I just CAN’T face him right now! After what I did the other day, he must think of me as just a common HARLOT!”

She throws herself onto a nearby couch and buries her face in a pillow!

“Of all the worst things that could happen, this is the worst… possible… thing!”

“Please Rarity! You have to pull yourself together! Now I know for a fact he doesn’t think of you as any such thing. If he did, he wouldn’t have come back.”

“But… the things I said. That I DID!!!”

“You weren’t yourself. He knows that! After all, didn’t he go to great lengths to help you and the others?”

Rarity raises her head a bit. “I… I suppose he did. But that was probably more for the others than little old Rarity!”

“Well, you’ll have to face him sooner or later. You can’t stay cooped up in here forever.”

Rarity levitates a tub of ice cream over with her magic and takes a bite. “Who says I can’t?!”

Sassy Saddles sighs as she picks up the bundle. “I’ll give him his order.”

Rarity nods sadly.

“Th-thank you.”

Sassy Saddles emerges from the back room. She slowly walks over to Arc and levitates the bundle over to him.

“I’m sorry, Arc, but Rarity… isn’t up for company today.”

“Is she not feeling well?”

Sassy Saddles bites her lip as she glances back toward the door. “Not… exactly. She… um… she’s been out of sorts since coming back from the hospital.”

“Does this have anything to do with what happened here the other day?”

She nods. “Y-yes, Arc. I’m sorry, but she’s just really upset about her actions."

Ember frowns. “Why? I mean, it’s not like she was in control of herself back then.”

Arc looks to Ember. “Like you?”

“T-that’s different!”

“How is it different, Ember?”

“It just is, okay?!”

Arc turns back to Sassy Saddles.

“Would you mind if I talked to her?”

“I’m not sure if that’s the best idea. She’s really out of sorts right now! But… I suppose it would be rather hard to continue business as usual with Rarity in such a mood.”

Ember nods. “I’ll wait out here, Arc.”

Arc nods as he heads for the back room. “Thanks.”

He enters the room and looks around. Rarity is lying on her side facing away from the door.

“Sassy Saddles? Did he at least like the garments I made?”

“I didn’t look at them yet.”

Rarity jumps off the couch and hurries over to a rack of dresses! Hiding behind them, she calls out!

“ARC! D-don’t look at me! What are you DOING back here?!”

Arc slowly approaches the racks. “I was worried about you, as is Sassy Saddles.”

She sounds as if she is barely holding back her tears. “You shouldn’t have bothered with me! I… I’m not worth your time!”

“I always have time for a friend, Rarity.”

“A friend is not something I am!”

“What makes you think that?”

“Would a friend deceive another to lie in their fetlocks? Would they come between that one and his other friends?! Would they…”

She begins to cry.

“…would they try to force themselves on… on…”

Rarity sobs uncontrollably. Arc sits down on the floor in front of the rack.

“Rarity. What you did back then wasn’t your fault.”

“Yes, it was!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it wasn’t! You were as much a victim as anyone else! Whomever started this is at fault! Not you!”

He sighs.

“Rarity. You’ve always been generous in all things. Your possessions… your time… your energy…”

Rarity interrupts as she levitates a fresh bucket of ice cream to herself. “Well, being generous with my body is crossing the line!”

“I agree! Look, what I’m trying to say is you’re the most generous pony around. Now I’m asking you to please accept MY Generosity and let us move past the past. Please, Rarity. I don’t want to lose a friend like you.”

She is quiet for a time.

“Rarity. I’m coming back there, okay?”

The sounds of sniffling are the only sounds Arc hears from Rarity as he slowly pushes the dresses to the side. As Rarity looks up at him sadly, she turns away and squeezes her eyes shut as he slowly reaches toward her. Arc wraps his arms around her.

“I forgive you, Rarity. But you have to be willing to forgive yourself."

She wraps her hooves arounds Arc’s midsection as a fresh stream of tears rushes forth! He holds her in his arms as she lets everything out. Eventually Rarity raises her head to look him in the eye.

“How… how can you even LOOK at me after what I did?! I practically THREW myself at you as I begged you to bed me!!!”

Arc strokes her mane gently. “Like I said, it wasn’t your fault. None of that was. Let it go. Just… let it go, okay?"

“Arc?”

“Yes Rarity?”

“Th-thank you!”

“What for?”

Rarity hugs him tighter. “For not acting on my… advances the other day! A lot of stallions wouldn’t have been so… respectful.”

“Friends don’t do things like that to each other. But I do need to confess something to you.”

Rarity looks up at him. “Oh?”

“We should probably sit down on the couch for this.”

Rarity lets go of Arc and allows him to stand. “Alright.”

They walk over to Rarity’s couch and sit down. Arc appears nervous.

“I, um… I want you to know that everything I did to help you and the others get over this sickness was done with the purest of intentions.”

“I understand that. You did what you had to do to protect everypony.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, that I did. However, when you succumbed to… whatever that was, I ordered my investigator to… thoroughly search Sugar Cube Corner and… your shop.”

“What?! But why?!”

“I didn’t have anything to go on at the time. While I didn’t know what they would find, if anything, I did know that several of my friends were in dire straits! Sorry for violating your personal privacy.”

Rarity puts a hoof on his hand and smiles up at him. “It’s alright, Arc. Like I said, you did what you had to do Now please forgive my nosiness but, did they find anything of note?”

“That’s another thing I need to apologize for. I ordered him to search everything. Leave no stone unturned.”

“I don’t understand Arc. What are you getting at?”

“Rarity, he… he read you diary."

The blood drains from her face as Arc continues.

“He thought maybe there was some kind of clue in the recent past. It’s not like I could have just questioned you about it.”

“Did… did he…?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes Rarity. We know what you’ve been hiding.”

Rarity nods and responds in a soft but nervous tone. “Who else knows about this?”

“Just him and I when I read it myself. He was too embarrassed by what he had done to say the words aloud.”

She groans and looks down at her hooves. “I… guess you know my secret then?”

“Yes.”

Rarity sighs. “While I have no right to ask you for anything right now, I’m begging you Arc… please don’t tell anypony about this!”

“I won’t. But… you really need to say something at some point. I mean, I can understand why you haven’t up until now. But this isn’t just going to go away if you ignore it.”

“I know that! It’s just… so hard to say! I feel so terribly guilty for keeping this to myself all these years! But it’s not the right time yet! One day, I promise!”

Arc puts both hands on her shoulders. “If you need help coming clean about this, I’m here for you, okay? Everyone has said and… and done things in the past they wish they could change.”

Rarity nods and looks away. “I may just take you up on that one of these days!”

Sometime later the pair emerge from the back of the shop. Rarity has done her best to make herself look presentable.

“Are you feeling better, Rarity?”

“That I am, Sassy Saddles! Sorry for making you worry!”

She walks over to Ember and takes the bundle.

“Let me show you what I came up with!”

Rarity opens the bag and removes a small cloth object which she brings to Arc.

“This is what Silver Hammer and I came up with!”

Ember looks at it. “Forgive me, but what’s with the pointy ears on top?”

“It’s made out of Abyssinian Silk. One of the most comfortable and friction resistant materials out there! The sewing technique required to work with this material is rather… limiting, however. I found it wasn’t possible to sew it properly without those ‘ears’ on top. “

Arc nods and puts the mask on. Looking in the mirror as he turns his head side to side.

“It is quite comfortable! Almost like it’s not there! Although those little patches on top make me look a bit like Batman.”

Sassy Saddles looks confused. “Who?”

“Sorry. It’s a human world reference. He’s a fictional character who always worked from the shadows to protect the innocent and heroically fight for those whom couldn’t defend themselves.”

Ember smiles. “Like you, Arc?”

“Kinda, I guess. But unlike him, I’m real. I did always wonder if he ever got hot under that cowl though.”

“It also breathes well, so you won’t have to worry about roasting under your helmet!”

Ember nods approvingly. “Handy!”

Rarity looks him over. “Why don’t you put on your helmet and let me know how it works?”

Arc sighs nervously. “Okay.”

He pulls his helmet out of the magic ring and slips it on over the mask.

“New helmet Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just a modification.”

He looks all around.

“This seems to flow well under here!”

Rarity nods. “It’s not too tight, is it?”

“Nope. I think you really hit the nail on the…”

He is cut short by another visage of something directly in front of him! Arc rips off his helmet and drops it!

“WOAH!!!”

Sassy Saddles takes a step back. “Arc?!”

Ember sighs. “Did it happen again?!”

“Y-yeah!”

Rarity looks confused. “Did what happen again?!”

Arc explains his experiences the other day in Redemption Village.

Sassy Saddles sigs. “I see. So, this is your second episode?”

“It is. Back then, I thought it was something in or near the village. But this proves it’s not.”

Ember sighs. “I’ve been trying to convince him to put off this trip back to Earth.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, we’re not going to figure it out wandering aimlessly in Equestria. There are things to do out there.

Rarity frowns. “This is very troubling news indeed! Maybe Ember is right, Arc. Perhaps you just need a good long rest.”

“Thanks for the concern, but I’ll rest when… when this mission on Earth is complete. Now what do I owe you for the mask?”

“You already paid me, remember?”

“Wasn’t this expensive though?!”

Rarity nods. “It would normally be, yes. However, when Abyssinia heard the mask was for you Arc, they sent over an entire bolt of Abyssinian Silk!”

“That was nice of them.”

Ember nods. “After what you did, it seems the least they could do.”

“Yes, well… the rest of the items in the bundle are the robes you asked for.”

Arc takes the cowl off and puts it in the bundle as Rarity levitates it over to him. “Thanks for getting these made so quickly, you two.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “It was our pleasure!”

Ember looks over to him. “Arc, I hate to be ‘that dragon’, but we have quite a few other things to do before tomorrow.”

“You’re right. Thanks again you two. I won’t take up any more of your time.”

Rarity smiles. “It’s no trouble! And… thank you Arc! For everything!”

Ember and Arc leave the shop together. Rarity looks after them as they leave.

“What a stallion!”

“Did you say something Rarity?”

Rarity blushes slightly. “N-no! It was nothing!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember walk down the path together.

“Care to tell me what that was all about?”

“Sorry, Ember. But Rarity deserves her privacy! You wouldn’t want me to start telling everyone every time you got… let’s just say, emotional?”

“NO!”

Arc grins. “I thought you’d see it my way.”

As the pair pass Sugar Cube Corner, Arc pauses.

“Hungry Arc?”

“Kinda. But I really want to look in on Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.”

Ember nods. “I understand. See you back at Light’s Hope.”

“Okay.”

Ember heads back as Arc enters the shop. He walks up to the counter and rings the bell. A few moments later Rainbow Dash comes out of the kitchen.

“What can I get…”

She stops when she sees Arc. Looking away as she begins to blush.

“Oh… um… hi there, Arc.”

“Good morning. How are you feeling?”

“I… uh… okay, I guess. Look, can we talk to you in the kitchen? Pinkie’s… not herself lately.”

Arc nods. “She’s not the only one.”

He follows her behind the counter. Pinkie Pie is absentmindedly frosting some cupcakes. To say they aren’t her best work would be an understatement!

“Pinkie? We have company.”

She does not look up from her frosting bag as she responds in an emotionless voice. “Who is it?”

Arc clears his throat. “It’s me, Pinkie.”

She drops the bag of frosting on the floor as she suddenly gasps in surprise. Refusing to turn around, she stands there motionless.

“A-Arc! Wh-what brings you here?”

“I wanted to see how you were doing. Sorry I didn’t come by sooner.”

Pinkie nervously taps her hooves together. “It… it’s okay! I know you have a lot of things to do before you head back to Earth!”

Rainbow Dash walks over to him. “Look Arc, I just wanted to say that I’m REALLY sorry for what I said and did… recently!”

Pinkie bows her head as her ears droop. I… I am too.”

“I just don’t know what came over me! Last thing I remember is you cleaning me up after I… um…”

Pinkie spins around to face Arc and Rainbow Dash, angrily! “WHAT?!”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “What? Arc cleaned me up after I finished puking! Something wrong with that, Pinkie?”

“N-no! Not a thing! I just… never mind!”

“In any case, Arc. I… uh… just wanted to apologize and thank you for… um… not taking advantage of me back there.”

Arc nods. “It’s not really a big deal, Rainbow Dash. You…”

She interrupts! “Not a big deal?! I know I might not be the prettiest mare around, but I think most stallions would have certainly done… something… after I… after I all but… all but bent over and lifted my tail!”

Rainbow Dash blushes furiously at her own admission. Arc walks over to her and kneels down to look her in the eye.

“I know you wouldn’t ever do anything that would make me feel so uncomfortable, my friend. You couldn’t have stopped yourself even if you had tried!”

Rainbow Dash looks up at him sheepishly. “Let me make it up to you somehow! I could…”

Arc puts a hand over Rainbow Dash’s mouth. "Please. All I want is to put this behind us so I can have my friend back, okay?”

Rainbow Dash nods and puts her front hooves around Arc’s neck as he pulls her into an embrace. “Thank you. I’d like that too!”

Arc looks over at Pinkie Pie. “That goes for you too, Pinkie!”

Pinkie Pie doesn’t turn around.

“I… I… I CAN’T!!!”

She runs out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her room, slamming the door behind her! Rainbow Dash shakes her head.

“I was afraid that would happen.”

“Why’s that?”

“Pinkie Pie took this whole thing WAY harder than the rest of us! Even after we recovered, she didn’t say much while we were in the hospital!”

“Pinkie not talking?! That’s a first!”

“She’s been like this ever since we came home.”

Arc heads toward the door. “I should probably go talk to her.”

“Good luck! I’ve been trying for days to get her to open up!”

Arc climbs the stairs and enters the small upstairs apartment.

“Pinkie?”

There is no response. Arc looks around as he hears a noise. He mutters to himself as he approaches a door. “I guess this is her room.”

He knocks lightly.

“Pinkie? Can… can I come in?”

After a few moments of hearing nothing, Arc slowly opens the door. He sees Pinkie lying on her bed, her face buried into the pillow crying. Arc sits on the edge of the bed next to her and gently strokes her mane.

“Pinkie. I don’t hold what happened against you.”

She shakes her head vigorously! “Well, I do!”

“Please! I forgive you! Can’t you do the same for yourself?”

“No!”

“Why not?”

Pinkie continues to cry. “Because… because I KNEW what I was doing! I KNEW it was wrong! And even though I KNEW it wasn’t what YOU wanted, I did it anyways!”

Arc continues to stroke her. “No one who was affected had any control over their actions at the time.”

Pinkie suddenly rolls over to look Arc in the eyes. “You don’t understand! I… I like you Arc! I really do! I… I…”

She turns away and stares at the wall, sighing.

“I WANTED you to sleep with me! Not like that, of course! Maybe get dinner… take a walk in the moonlight… then we could come back here and I could fall asleep in your arms! I’ve… never been held by a stallion before.”

Arc looks at her, surprised! “I had no idea you felt this way, Pinkie!”

“Nopony does. I’ve always wanted a special somepony! But every time I find a stallion who I think is nice, they just think I’m joking around when I ask them out!”

“But why me?”

Pinkie rolls back over to stare up at the ceiling. “Nopony has ever been so nice to me before! Other than my friends, that is. Everypony just wants to talk to me about planning parties! I mean, it’s not like I have any other interests, but still!”

“Come now! You must have something else you like to do other than baking and party planning!”

Pinkie nods. “I do have one other interest!”

“What’s that?”

“Making others smile!”

Arc nods. “A very noble goal! I too like seeing others happy. I suppose we do have that much in common!”

“Well, nopony ever has ever gone so far out of their way to help me when I was in trouble before either!”

Pinkie sits up and looks at Arc with a small smile on her face. She blushes as she puts her hooves on her cheeks.

“That and… back then in the hospital… you… me… that was my first kiss! “

Arc shakes his head. “Pinkie, I…”

“I know you were just trying to get some of the antidote into me. But… I just want you to know I’m really glad my first time was with somepony REALLY special like you, Arc!”

“Listen, Pinkie. You were very brave to tell me this, and I think you’re a really special mare and all. But I’m not looking for a special someone right now.”

Pinkie looks a bit downcast. “Is it because of… you know.”

Arc nods. “Yes. The pain of that night is… still fresh. “

Pinkie closes her eyes and smiles as she nods. “I understand. Truth be told, I knew you were going to say that!”

“Pinkie Sense?”

“Something like that! But I still wanted to hear your response. I… had to know for sure!”

She puts her hoof on his hand and smiles up at him.

“Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me!”

“I’m sorry I don’t feel the same way. I mean… I do really like you and all, but…”

Pinkie laughs. “Don’t be! You just answered me truthfully! It must have been hard for you to be so Honest with me!”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I do care about you Pinkie! Just… not in that way.”

Pinkie leans forward and gives Arc a hug. “Thanks! No matter what you choose, this pink pony will always be your friend! Well, I should be getting back downstairs! Rainbow Dash can’t run the bakery alone now!”

Arc nods. “That’s good! She was worried about you earlier.”

Pinkie smiles! “I’m just fine now! And I have you to thank for that!”

He breaks off the embrace. “Glad I could help. I need to get going as well. Lots to do today.”

Pinkie nods as they stand and make their way out the door. “Tomorrow’s the big day, huh?!”

“Yup. Back to Earth again.”

She sighs as they walk down the stairs to the bakery together. “Will you miss Equestria?”

“I will miss my friends.”

As they reach the bottom of the stairs Arc kneels down in front of Pinkie and gives her a parting hug.

“Take care, Pinkie.”

She closes her eyes and smiles. “You too, Arc.”

He leaves the Bakery and Pinkie returns to the kitchen. As she enters, Pinkie begins bouncing around the room happily!

“Ready to stark baking, Rainbow Dash?!”

“Uh, sure. Somepony’s feeling better!”

Pinkie pulls ingredients out of the refrigerator and tosses them onto the counter. “That I am!”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly did you and Arc talk about that brought about such a change?”

The pink mare quickly adds ingredients to a large mixing bowl. “Nothing much! I just confessed my feelings for him is all! Can you put this bowl on the mixer, please?”

Rainbow Dash accepts the bowl. “Sure thing, Pinkie.”

She walks toward the mixer and is about to put the bowl on when she freezes and drops the contents on the floor! Pinkie laughs!

“Somepony has butterhoves!”

“Pinkie! Did I hear you right?!”

Pinkie nods! “Yup! I did want that batter mixed up!”

She looks at the mess on the floor before looking at Rainbow Dash again.

“Although I think I’ll just make up another batch!”

“What?! NO! I mean about you telling Arc about your feelings!”

Pinkie sighs with a smile on her face. “He turned me down, of course!”

“What made you even CONSIDER doing such a thing?!”

Pinkie walks back over to the counter. “I’ve wanted to for such a long time! But, after what happened in the hospital, I knew I had to say something!”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “The hospital?”

“Yes! I went back to ask Doctor Horse what had happened, just to make sure I didn’t imagine it!”

“Imagine what?!”

Pinkie sighs happily as she rests her head on the counter. “Arc kissing me.”

Rainbow Dash looks as if she might have conniption! “HE WHAT?!”

“I was shaking so badly back then that they couldn’t get me to drink it! So, Arc took a sip himself, grabbed my mane, forced my head back and… you know.”

Rainbow Dash breathes a sigh of relief. “Pinkie, it sounds more like he was just trying to save your life!”

Pinkie nods as she puts fresh ingredients in a bowl. “I know! But he’s always been very nice to me! Arc is everything I want in a special somepony, and then some! “

She takes the new bowl of ingredients from Pinkie and puts it on the mixer. “That nice and all, but he’s what EVERYPONY wants in a special somepony!”

Pinkie raises her eyebrows. “Ohhh! Jealous, Rainbow Dash?!”

Rainbow Dash blushes slightly as she removes the bowl from the mixer. “What?! No! Okay, maybe a little! Like you said, he really is what everypony is looking for!”

As Rainbow Dash walks back toward Pinkie with the bowl, she slips on the remains of the batter she dropped earlier. The pegasus lands her back as the fresh bowl of batter hits her in the face. Pinkie looks over at the mess and laughs!

“Somepony a little distracted? Thinking about somepony special?!”

Rainbow Dash gets up slowly. “I was not!”

She slips again and falls face first back into the sweet batter.

“Okay. Maybe a little. But Twilight was the first to see Arc’s qualities! She really should have a shot before anypony else!”

Pinkie helps Rainbow Dash up. “I think you’re forgetting one important thing!”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“What Arc wants, silly!”

Chapter 3 - Getting Settled

Arc, Ember, Sereb and his squad make their way toward Princess Celestia’s room. The sun is setting outside the beautiful stained-glass windows as a cold wind blows past. Arc turns to everyone as they near their destination.

“Last chance. Anyone want out of this?”

Ember laughs! “You’re kidding, right?!”

Max nods. “We’re with you, sir!”

Xenos pumps his hoof in the air. “Yeah! Let’s do this!”

Viktor grins! “I’m sure we’ll fit right in.”

Hugh chuckles. “As humans, yes?

Sereb nods. “I will accompany you as well.”

Max turns to Arc as they reach the door. “Sir, you haven’t yet told us why this mission to Earth is so important to you.”

“Patience. I’ll explain when we get there.”

The group enters to see Sunburst doing last minute checks of the Spatial Particle Emission Arc Redirector. Arc walks over to him.

“How’s the S.P.E.A.R. today, Sunburst?”

“Ready for another test run! I’ve been making adjustments from the data collected thus far, and can confidently say this ride should be much smoother!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Smoother?”

Arc sighs. “The first trip caused Dinky and I to black out.”

Sunburst nods as he begins the start-up procedure. “We should be able to avoid that in the future, sir! I’ve also recalibrated the machine to bypass the human transformation sigil for the first subject who enters.”

Ember smiles. “Guess that means you’re going first, Sereb!”

Sereb nods. “So it would seem.”

Arc walks toward a large sack on the bed as he motions to his squad to approach. “Alright boys, I want all of you to remove your armor.”

Xenos looks at him confused. “Sir?”

Ember sighs. “We’re trying to limit the number of things that we take with us.”

“Ember’s right. While we’re on Earth, I want us using as few Equestrian items as possible.”

“Although I still don’t understand why.”

Arc nods. “We really don’t need a lot right now, anyways. I mean, it’s not like we’re moving there permanently.”

His squad removes their armor and hangs them up on four nearby armor racks.

Xenos shifts on his hooves. “This feels a bit off.”

Hugh nods. “I’ll say! My armor is like a second skin to me!

Viktor chuckles. “Well, change can be a good thing.”

Max nods. “I’m with Viktor! We need to get out of our comfort zone! Although it does feel strange to be out of uniform while on duty.”

Arc pulls the robes out of the sack as his squad approaches. “Everyone put one of these on. We’ll get you into something a bit more appropriate when we arrive.”

They quickly comply. Ember walks toward the S.P.E.A.R. cautiously.

“We ready to do this?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Uh, WE are, yes!”

“Huh?”

He holds up a robe. “I said everyone needs to put one of these on, and I mean EVERYONE!”

Ember angrily walks over to Arc and snatches the robe! “What about Sereb?!”

“He’s not changing! You are!”

Ember sighs as she puts it on. “Can’t blame me for trying.”

Arc walks over to Ember and ties the sash around her midsection securely. “And trying, and trying…”

Ember frowns and looks herself over. “This just feels wrong! There’s not even a hole for my tail!”

Arc turns back to everyone as the machine powers up.

“Trust me, Ember. In a few moments, you’ll be happy about that fact. Ready?”

Everyone nods soberly. Sunburst looks to Arc as the machine powers up and the wormhole forms. “Ready whenever you are, Arc!”

“Good! Sereb, go into your Cub Form and step through when ready!”

Sereb nods as he does so. “Very well.”

He walks into the portal and vanishes from sight as the others follow one by one.

Ember rolls her eyes. “Here goes nothing!”

Viktor chuckles. “Just another day at the office.”

Xenos laughs! “Time for another adventure!”

Hugh grins! “This is what we’ve been training for all our lives!”

Max looks to Arc before he steps through. “See you on the other side, sir!”

Arc nods as he approaches the portal himself. “Wish us luck!”

He enters the portal himself and is gone. A moment later he finds himself lying in his backyard on top of the others.

Max rolls off the pile. “I thought Sunburst said this would be a smoother ride!”

Arc gets up. “Trust me! It was! Where’s Ember and Sereb?”

Ember’s voice emanates from the very bottom of the pile. “Can you guys please GET OFF!!!”

Arc’s squad quickly rolls to one side to allow Ember and Sereb to stand. She looks over to them, smiling!

“So, how do I look?!”

No one speaks. Ember frowns as she looks up at them.

“What?! Are all human females this small?!”

Sereb walks over to Ember. “This is… strange.”

Ember looks around at the others angrily! “Why won’t anyone answer me?!”

Arc sighs. “Ember, I think there was a bit of a miscalculation in the sigil’s magic.”

“What are you saying?!”

Xenos chuckles. “You’re a real dog, Ember!”

“Now that’s just plain rude! I may not be the prettiest human ever, but…”

Arc interrupts her. “No Ember. You’re literally and physically a dog!”

He reaches down and picks Ember up.

“Although I must say you are quite a cute one!”

Ember growls. “I don’t know if I should be flattered, or bite you!”

She turns to Sereb.

“Back me up here!”

Sereb looks at Ember and smiles. “So… have any plans tonight?”

Everyone laughs. Max wipes his eye, still chuckling!.

“I don’t know which is better! The fact that Ember is so furry and adorable, or that Sereb just made a joke!”

Hugh looks over. “I know, right!”

Viktor studies Ember carefully. “Should we… help her?!”

Xenos holds his stomach, still laughing. “Sure, sure! In a minute! I’m kinda enjoying this!”

Arc turns toward the house. “Well, let’s enjoy it inside, shall we? You guys practice walking on your hind legs like I told you to?”

Max nods. “You mean feet, right?”

Arc smiles. “Very good.”

Xenos unsteadily makes his way towards the house with the others. “This just feels unnatural.”

Viktor nods as he picks up Ember’s robe. “Tell me about it!”

Hugh shivers. “Well I for one am glad for this robe! It’s cold out here!”

Arc reaches into his pocket for the familiar key with one hand while still holding Ember in the other. “Welcome to Earth. The house isn’t much, but I call it home.”

He unlocks the door and steps inside with the others. They look around the kitchen, amazed! Max is the first to be able to speak!

“Not much?! This is a veritable palace by Equestrian standards!”

Hugh nods. “I’ll say! This place is fit to house a princess!”

Viktor rubs his hands together. “That and it’s WARM!”

Xenos laughs! “I see you guys are still wimps in human form!”

Ember jumps down from Arc’s arms and looks to Xenos. “Yeah!? Says the one who’s still beefier than everyone!”

Arc turns up the thermostat. “Alright, let’s get you guys into something a bit more modest. Follow me.”

Ember growls as they head for the stairs together. “What about me?!”

“The boys and I will be back down shortly. I’m sure Sereb will keep you company!”

Sereb looks over at Ember, slyly. “Indeed I will.”

“Lay off!”

“My apologies, Ember. However, you ARE quite fetching.”

Ember hops up on the couch and lies down. “Thanks. But I already have my eye on someone.”

Sereb nods. “I understand.”

Meanwhile, Arc leads the others to his room and pulls some clothes out of the closet. He lays out four sets of clothes on the bed.

“These should fit you three. Xenos is a bit of a problem though.”

“Sir?”

“You’re a bit too big for anything in my closet.”

Arc thinks for a minute before leaving the room.

“I think I may have the solution. Be right back.”

Max puts a hand on Xenos’ shoulder and smiles. “See? Being the biggest isn’t always the best!”

Xenos nods. “True. But usually it is!”

Arc returns a few minutes later with a larger shirt and pants. He hands them to Xenos.

“You’re about the same size as my dad. Hope these are okay.”

Xenos accepts the clothes. “Thank you, sir!”

With his help, Arc’s squad gets dressed and admires their new clothes.

Max stands up and takes a few steps. “This is going to take some getting used to. “

Hugh nods. “I feel like a wrapped birthday present!”

Viktor sighs. “As do I. But we have to do what we have to do!”

Xenos laughs as Arc finishes buttoning up his shirt. “You guys think what you want, but I make this look GOOD!”

Fully dressed, they proceed downstairs together. Ember looks up as they enter the room and sit down on the couch.

“What do you think, Ember?”

Ember jumps off the couch to have a better look. “Definitely an improvement over those robes, Arc!”

Sereb nods. “I’ll say! What now?”

Arc looks at the teal dog before him. “We should probably see if we can’t fix Ember.”

Ember growls! “Sunburst is going to get an earful when we get back!”

“He tried his best! But we can’t have you walking around like that!”

“Why not?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Because a blueish green dog would stand out more than talking ponies!”

Ember sighs. “I don’t like this anyways!”

Arc turns to Sereb.

“Think you can cast the counter spell? Turn her back into a dragon?”

Sereb nods. “I can. However, that will require my true form.”

“Do it.”

He returns to his normal wolf-like appearance. Sereb’s horn glows brightly.

“Are you ready, Ember?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be!”

In a flash of light Ember returns to her normal dragon form. She looks herself over.

“Much better!”

Arc sighs. “I’m glad to see you back to your old self, Ember. But you can’t stay like this.”

“Why not?!”

“You know why! Sereb, can you cast the spell on Ember manually?”

“I can try. But I will need a baseline target. And that’s assuming my magic works properly in this realm.”

Ember frowns. “A what?”

“A human. Would you please stand next to Ember, Arc?”

Arc picks up Ember’s robe from the couch. “Just one second!”

He puts the robe on Ember as best he can and stands next to her.

“Give it your best, Sereb!”

Sereb concentrates as Ember and Arc begin to glow. In a flash of light the spell concludes. Ember turns back to Arc.

“Please tell me this worked.”

Arc turns and puts his hands on her shoulder. “It did. Congratulations Ember! You’re a human.”

Ember looks herself up and down, blushing slightly. “Arc? Am I… pretty?”

He smiles at her. “I think you are, yes.”

Arc looks over to his squad.

“So what do you guys… oh for crying out loud!”

The group just stares at her with their mouths agape and wide-eyed. Ember puts a hand on her hip.

“What’s the matter?! You guys never seen a girl before?!”

None of them are able to reply.

Arc sighs. “Now that we’re all the same species, you’re especially pretty to them.”

Ember puts her arms around Arc’s neck and smiles up at him. “And you?”

Arc removes her arms from his neck. “I still see you as a friend. A very pretty friend, but a friend nonetheless.”

“Aw!”

He takes Ember’s hand and leads her toward the stairs. “Your turn, Ember. “

“For what?!”

“Some proper clothes! What else?!”

“Okay. Lead on!”

Arc takes Ember to his parent’s room. She sits down on the bed as he opens the closet and pulls out some clothes.

“These should be a decent fit. You’re about the same size as she was.”

Ember look up to his as she accepts the garments. “Arc? Were these…?”

Arc nods. “Yes. They belonged to my mother. I’m sorry, but that’s all I have for you.”

She takes his hand and smiles. “Thank you Arc. I’m honored!”

Arc gives Ember’s new hand a squeeze before turning toward the door. “You’re welcome. Well, I’ll let you get dressed now.”

“What if I need help?!”

Arc rolls his eyes as he closes the door.

“I’ll wait for you downstairs with the others.”

Ember shrugs. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”

A short time later Ember comes downstairs properly dressed.

“So, how do I look?”

Hugh grins! “Like a million bits!”

Viktor nods. “Good, I think!”

Xenos laughs! “What are you doing later?”

Max smiles at her. “You might just turn the commander’s head yet, Ember!”

“In any case, you look very nice, Ember.”

Xenos puts a hand to his belly. “Anypony else hungry?”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “You’re always hungry!”

Arc nods and walks to the phone. “I’ll order us some pizza.”

A few minutes later Arc rejoins them.

“The food will be delivered in about an hour.”

Ember nods. “What should we do until then?”

“Why don’t I let everyone in on our reason for being here?”

Max nods. “I do wish you would, sir!”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah! This is all so mysterious!”

Hugh looks to Arc. “We don’t mind coming here and all. But it seems strange that you suddenly wanted to come back here after being so happy in Equestria!”

Arc paces in front of the couch. “Boys… what I am about to tell you is top… TOP secret! You are not to speak to anyone else about this! Here on Earth OR back in Equestria! Do I make myself clear?!”

Arc’s squad appears confused, but nod their heads in agreement.

“What do you know about Princess Celestia’s current mission?”

Max looks to Arc. “Well, not much more than everypony else. She’s off on some diplomatic mission in a far-off land.”

Xenos shrugs. “Everypony already knows that!”

Arc nods. “Everyone has been lied to.”

Hugh looks to him confused. “Sir?”

“The truth of the matter is… Princess Celestia is… missing.”

Arc’s squad stares at him for a few moments.

“WHAT?!”

Hugh furrow his brow. “Missing?! How could she be missing?!”

“We don’t know how it happened, but the sages in Canterlot have been able to narrow the search to Earth.”

Max gasps! “TO EARTH?!”

Xenos stands up quickly! “When do we start looking?!”

Ember stands and put a hand on his shoulder. “Easy there, big fella! Let Arc finish explaining!”

“All we know is she’s somewhere on this continent! They’re trying to narrow it down further as we speak.”

Hugh looks confused. “What’s the problem?! It’s just ONE continent!”

Viktor nods. “Right! How big could it be?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Almost ten million square miles.”

His squad’s jaws drop!

“We need to narrow that down before we can start looking.”

Ember nods. “I agree with you Arc. How long do you think it might take?”

“Probably a few more months at best.”

Max looks to Arc. “Why are we here then?”

“To make preparations.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Such as…?”

“Such as acclimating all of you into human society! When we walk down the street, I need you to look and act like four normal human guys! Not four ponies who just flew into town!”

Ember looks to the squad. “I think what Arc is trying to say is, he wanted us to learn how to be more human! Not just physically, but also mentally!”

“Exactly! My house will be our base of operations for this mission. There’s a lot to do and probably less time to act than we know. We’re starting small with clothes, walking and mannerisms.”

Viktor looks confused. “Mannerisms?”

“Yes! For starters, you guys need to learn to TALK like humans! That means no more saying things like “everypony, somepony, nopony” etcetera.”

Max puts a hand to his chin. “This will take a while, sir. We can’t change overnight!”

“I know. That’s why we’re starting now.”

Ember sighs. “Any other words we can’t use here?”

“Bits.”

Xenos frowns. “Come again?”

“Money here isn’t called ‘bits’, but ‘dollars’. Oh! And the country’s leader isn’t a princess, but a president! Right now, Howard Ackerman is our country’s president.

Ember nods. “How long has this president ruled?”

“About a year. Every four years they come up for re-election. And no one can be president for more than two four-year terms! After that, someone new has to be elected. “

Xenos looks confused. “Elected?”

Arc nods. “The citizens choose who the president is.”

Hugh puts a hand to his forehead. “This is very confusing!”

Arc laughs! “Just wait! It gets worse!”

He spends the next half hour or so giving everyone a crash course on human knowledge.

Ember slouches in the couch. “This is going to be harder than I thought!”

Max nods. “How do you remember all this stuff, sir?!”

“I know it’s a lot to take in. Just watch those around you and do what they do.”

There is a knock at the door. Ember looks to Arc, wide-eyed!

“Who do you think that is?!”

Arc gets up and walks to the door. “Probably the pizza. Sereb, cub form.”

Sereb nods and returns to his small size as Arc opens the door. He accepts several boxes of pizza and gives the delivery man some money. Ember looks to Arc as he closes the door.

“What were those papers you gave him?”

“Money.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Paper money? That’s just weird!”

Hugh thinks for a moment. “It would certainly be lighter!”

Arc sets the pizza boxes down on the coffee table side by side.

“Veggie lovers and plain cheese for you boys, and a meat-lovers for Ember, Sereb and I.”

They sit down to their first meal on Earth together. Arc turns to Sereb as he eats.

“That reminds me. Dogs on Earth can’t talk. So, if anyone asks how you’re doing, just bark or something.”

“I will remember that.”

Xenos smiles! “This stuff is pretty good!”

Hugh nods. “I’ll say! Never tried it before!”

Viktor looks to Max. “Do you think Saffron knows how to make it?!”

“If not, she should learn!”

Ember grins! “I’ll bring it up when we get back!”

Arc laughs! “As will I! When we get back, I’m instituting a weekly Pizza Night!”

Sereb smiles. “The Hero of Light has spoken!”

Max looks to Arc. “It will certainly be good for morale! Give all of us something to look forward to.”

Xenos pats his midsection. “Yes, sir! My belly will appreciate it!”

“That reminds me of something else! When we’re out and about, none of you can call me commander.”

Hugh looks worried. “What do we call you then, sir?”

“Just Arc. It’s okay around the house if you really want to. But any time we’re on Earth… you know.”

Max frowns. “This is going to take some getting used to! No Lunar Protector would DARE call his superior officer by his given name!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You boys can handle it! I do it all the time!”

Viktor sighs. “Well, that’s fine for you Ember.”

He turns back to Arc.

“How about just ‘sir’?”

“Yes, well… I suppose so. There will be plenty of time to practice in the near future. But all of you look rather tired right now. Why don’t I show you where you’ll be sleeping? “

They all rise and follow Arc to the basement. Arc flicks the light switch at the bottom of the stairs.

“I know it’s not much, but the beds are new and the sheets are clean.”

Before them stretches a half dozen bunk beds, an adjoining commons area with a couple couches and a desk. A small bathroom lies off to one side.

“This is your new home. Feel free to use the rest of the house as you sit fit however.”

Max looks around. “Thank you sir! Lunar Protectors do appreciate their solitude!”

“Why’s that?”

Xenos shrugs. “It’s a cultural thing.”

Hugh nods. “Yeah! We don’t really get it ourselves.”

Ember frowns. “Culture? I know you guys look a bit… different from regular pegasi, but…”

Viktor interrupts her. “Our species aren’t actually pegasi. We’re a sub race of them however!”

Arc looks over to Max. “Like cousins?”

“Something like that, I guess.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “So, if you’re not pegasi, what are you?”

Max shrugs. “Little is known about our race. Some say we’re the offspring of a pony and a bat!”

Xenos rolls his eyes. “That never made sense to me.”

Hugh sighs. “Some say we’re a science experiment from Star Swirl the Bearded.”

Viktor nods. “Others say we’re from an ancient nation far to the west of Canterlot! But who can truly say?”

Ember nods thoughtfully. “But you guys have equal rights in Equestria, don’t you?”

Max sighs. “Legally, yes. However, I’ve yet to meet one of our kind who wasn’t pressed into military service.”

Xenos nods soberly. “We’re… kinda shunned by other ponies.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What?! Why?!”

Hugh sighs. “Probably because of our differences.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Wouldn’t it be easier to focus on what you have in common?”

Viktor chuckles. “If only it was that easy.”

“Sorry guys. I had no idea you were treated this way!”

Max smiles. “Hopefully here things will be different. After all, humans all look about the same, so I imagine they don’t have petty arguments over things like whose wings are better or whose more loyal to the princesses.”

Ember frowns. “Sounds pretty unnecessary to me.”

Xenos nods. “I guess it is. But our pride is all we have!”

“No matter what anyone says or thinks, you guys are the best in my book!”

Max smiles. “Thank you, sir!”

“Well, I should let you all get some rest. We have an early morning ahead.

His squad salutes and heads for their bunks along with Sereb and Ember.

“Um, Ember?”

“Yes Arc?

“I have a room upstairs for you to sleep in.”

Ember looks to him with a confused look on her face. “What’s wrong with me sleeping down here with the others?”

“Well… nothing really, I guess. But you being the only female here, I thought you might like a little… privacy. After all, adult males and females don’t typically sleep together unless they’re in a… uh… relationship of some kind.”

Ember blushes slightly. “I… don’t really know how a human female is supposed to act.”

Arc nods. “Follow me, Ember.”

He leads her back upstairs and to the guest room. As he opens the door, she looks around.

“Is this whole room for me?”

“Yes. Most human homes have a guest room for just such an occasion. I hope you like it.”

“It’s… very nice and all. But where will you sleep?”

“My room is just down the hall. Now how about we both get some sleep? It’s been a long day.”

He turns to leave.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

Ember blushes again. “Do… do you really think I make a pretty human?”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes Ember. You look very nice. Now get some sleep, okay?”

“Alright. Good night.”

Arc leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Ember turns off the lights and gets into bed.

“It’s a nice dream. Arc and I…”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way down the hall to his room and lies down. He mutters to himself as he closes his eyes.

“It’s good to have friends staying here.”

Sometime later there is a small knock at Arc’s bedroom door. He opens his eyes and sits up, sleepily.

“Come in.”

Ember sheepishly opens the door and peeks in.

“I… sorry to wake you, but… can we talk?”

Arc gestures to his desk chair as he swings his legs over the side of his bed. “Sure. Have a seat.”

Ember walks over to the chair and sits down. She looks exhausted!

“Something on your mind?”

She nods. “Can this just stay between us please?”

“Of course!”

“I… um… I’m having trouble sleeping.”

“Why’s that?”

“You’ll probably just think I’m being silly, but… it’s… my dad.”

“The Dragon Lord?”

“Right. Up until today, if I wanted to see him all I had to do was fly back home, banished or not. But now…”

“Now you couldn’t go home even if you wanted to.”

Ember nods. “Like I said, I’m just being silly, aren’t I?”

Arc stands up and walks over to her. “No. Most humans feel the same way when separated from their parents for the first time. After all, they’re all you’ve even know up to that point.”

She smiles sheepishly up at him. “I’m not a baby, Arc.”

He puts a hand on her shoulder. “No, you’re not. You’re a fine young woman… er, dragon who is just a little scared having her home out of reach.”

Ember wraps her arms around his midsection and leans into him. “Maybe I am… just a little.”

“No shame in that. Now how about I take you back to bed? You look like you’re about to fall asleep in that chair!”

Ember nods and stands up slowly. “Yeah… thanks.”

Arc leads Ember back to her room and covers her up with a blanket.

“Get some rest. We can talk more in the morning.”

As he turns to walk away, Ember takes his hand in hers. Turning back, she looks to him slightly embarrassed.

“Could you stay with me? I know you said it’s not… proper for us to sleep together, but… I wouldn’t tell anyone!”

Arc pulls up a chair next to the bed. “I’ll sit next to you until you fall asleep. How’s that?”

Ember nods as he sits down. She yawns as he takes her hand.

“Thanks.”

In a few minutes Arc hears Ember’s breathing become slower and feels her grip on his hand loosening. Standing up, he puts her hand under the covers and whispers.

“Good night, Ember.”

He leans down and softly kisses her forehead before quietly leaving the room. A small smile creeps across Ember’s face as she sleeps soundly. Arc makes his way back to his room and lies down. Turning to face the wall, he mutters to himself.

“I feel less like a warrior, and more like a father every day. But that’s okay! That’s… okay.”

Chapter 4 - The Constable

Ember awakens early the next morning, looking next to her, groggily.

“Arc?”

She shakes her head to clear the sleep from her eyes.

“Oh… right.”

Quickly showering, she puts on yesterday’s clothes and heads toward Arc’s room. Knocking lightly, Ember opens the door.

“Arc?”

Seeing his bed empty she turns around and closes the door before walking downstairs. Arc is sitting on the couch reading a book.

“Arc?”

He looks up from the couch. “Good morning Ember. Sleep well?”

“I sleep better next to you, but otherwise yes.”

She spots the book in his hand.

“What do you have there?”

Arc holds up his book. “It’s a textbook. Before I was transported to Equestria I had been taking college courses to become a detective.”

Ember sits down next to him. “A what?”

Arc sets the book down on the couch. “It’s someone who looks into problems and tries to advise others on what exactly happened.”

“Like an investigator?”

“Yup. You see, I didn’t want to join the military like my dad did. But I still wanted to make the world a safer place. This just seemed like the best way to do that.”

“So, you wanted to work with the Town Guard?”

Arc shakes his head. “Here on Earth they’re called the police. While I am friends with our local Marshal, I didn’t really want to go that way. My dream back then was to be a Private Investigator. Help those who had no one else to turn to. That sort of thing.”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t sound much different from what you do in Equestria.”

“It really isn’t. So as far as I’m concerned, I’ve achieved my dream!”

She looks at the book. “Then why keep studying?”

“No one ever truly stops learning. I don’t just want to be an investigator. I want to be the BEST!”

“That’s so you, Arc!”

The sound of Arc’s squad and Sereb coming up the basement steps can be heard. Arc stands up as they enter the living room.

“Good morning boys! Sleep well?”

Max nods. “We did. Thank you for the accommodations, sir.”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah! It feels a lot homier here then back at the base!”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “I would hope so, Xenos. We ARE in a house.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “What’s on the agenda for today, sir?”

“Well, all of you remember what I taught you yesterday, right?”

Everyone nods.

“I believe it’s time for all of you to meet a couple more humans. We’re going to head over to a little restaurant near here for breakfast.”

Sereb frowns. “Isn’t it a bit soon for that, Arc?”

“You all can’t stay cooped up in here forever. This is why I brought you here. To learn and adapt. Don’t worry. The girls who run the place are old friends of mine.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Girls?!”

Arc heads for the back door. “Everyone follow me!”

They leave the house and follow Arc to the garage. Max looks confused.

“Sir? Where are you going?”

Arc looks over his shoulder as he unlocks the side door. “Just a moment.”

He enters the garage and closes the door behind him. A few moments later the overhead door opens. Viktor looks at Arc’s Jeep, wide-eyed!

“Sir! What is THAT?!”

Xenos looks the vehicle over carefully. “Some kind of chariot?”

Hugh suddenly looks nervous. “Are we supposed to pull this thing?!”

Max shrugs. “It looks much heavier than the chariots back home!”

Arc opens the passenger side back door. “Not to worry boys! Please get in and have a seat.”

Max, Viktor and Hugh do so as Sereb jumps in after them. Arc closes the door behind them and turns to Xenos.

“Xenos, you’re the biggest so you can sit in the passenger seat.”

“Uh… okay.”

He walks toward the driver’s side. “Ember, you sit between Xenos and I. Sorry if it’s a bit crowded everyone”

Ember grins as she climbs in. “Next to you?! No complaints there!”

Arc climbs in next to Ember and closes the door. Viktor looks over to him.

“Sir? Who’s going to pull the chariot?”

“It’s called a Jeep, Viktor. This is one way humans get around here on Earth. Other than walking, that is.”

Arc puts the key in the ignition and starts the Jeep.

“What’s that sound?”

Just the engine starting, Ember

Viktor’s eyes grow wide! “Engine?! This thing can FLY?!”

Arc shakes his head as he puts the vehicle in drive and takes his foot off the brake. “Nope. Here we go!”

To everyone else’s amazement, the Jeep makes its way down the driveway and toward the street. Ember grabs Arc’s right arm!

“How it this possible?!”

Max looks to Arc. “It is some kind of magic?!”

“Nope. Just an internal combustion engine. Pretty common here!”

Hugh grins! “Awesome! How fast does it go?!”

“Faster than you guys can pull a chariot!”

Xenos laughs! “I’ll take that bet!”

Ember smiles and leans against Arc. “Betting against the Hero of Light?”

“I have faith in my strength!”

Ember smiles! “And I have faith in Arc!”

A short time later they arrive at Shelly’s Kitchen. Arc parks and turns off the engine.

“Everyone remember! Don’t call me commander! All right?”

Everyone nods. Sereb puts his front paws on the center console and looks up at Arc.

“I will endeavor not to raise suspicion as well.”

They all step out and make their way toward the diner. As before there are no other customers. Shelly and Lily sit behind the counter looking bored. Arc looks over to them as they enter.

“Good morning you two!”

Lily straightens up as they enter. “Hey, good to see you back, Arc!”

Shelly nods and smiles. “Who’re your friends?!”

“This is Max, Xenos, Viktor, Hugh, and Ember. Everyone, this is Shelly and Lily. They run this place.”

Max nods. “Good morning, ma’am.”

Hugh waves. “Hi there!”

Xenos grins! “Ladies!”

Viktor smiles warmly at the proprietors. “Top of the morning to you!”

Ember nods! “Sup!”

Arc leans down and picks up Sereb.

“My new little friend here is Sereb. I hope it’s okay for me to bring him in here.”

Shelly pats his head. “He’s adorable! Of course, he can stay!”

Lily smiles as she pets Sereb. “What breed is he, Arc?”

“I’m… not sure of his breed. But he’s strong and loyal!”

Ember laughs! “Just like you, Arc!”

He rolls his eyes. “Thanks. In any case, we’re here for a hearty breakfast.”

Lily picks up a stack of menus. “Right this way everyone!”

She leads them to one of their larger booths. They sit as Lily passes out menus.

“Will this be separate?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. One check please.”

Lily nods as she raises her order pad. “Can I start you all off with some coffee?”

Everyone nods shyly.

“I’ll have my regular, thanks.”

Lily smiles. “Alright. Be back with five coffees and one Coke.”

She heads back to the kitchen. Shelly follows in her wheelchair. Ember looks over to Arc and lowers her voice.

“Do you think they suspect anything?”

“Why would they? You all look just as human as I do right now.”

Max turns to Arc as everyone looks over their menus. Sir? Is Lily your typical human female?

Arc looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Are they all so… polite?”

“Most of them, yes. Just like back in Equestria though you can always find someone mean spirited. Just talk to them like you would anyone else and no one will be the wiser!”

Ember sighs. “Easier said than done! They’re… just so different than what we’re used to!”

Lily returns with their drinks. “Do you need a few more minutes?”

Max shakes his head. “I know what I want.”

Everyone else nods in agreement and places their orders. Lily nods as she finishes writing everything down. “I’ll get this right in for you. Shouldn’t take too long!”

Ember hands the menus to Lily. “Thanks! Looking forward to our first real meal here!”

Seeing the confused look on Lily’s face, Arc intervenes. “We just got into town last night and haven’t had anything to eat but pizza.”

Lily laughs as she walks back to the kitchen. “Well, I think you’re in for a treat then!”

Ember looks to Arc apologetically. “Sorry about that.”

Hugh chuckles. “Nice save, sir.”

“No problem. You weren’t wrong though, Ember. Shelly’s cooking will stick to your ribs better than pizza will!”

Viktor smiles. “It must truly be something to have caught your attention, sir.”

Arc takes a sip of his Coke. “Trust me. It’s unforgettable!”

A short time later Lily and Shelly emerge from the kitchen each with a large tray.

Lily puts everyone’s food in front of them. “I hope you like it!”

Shelly puts a cheeseburger and fries in front of Arc. “There you go Arc. Your regular.”

“Thanks!”

She looks down at their furry friends and sets a plate of sausage and bacon on the floor. “And this is for you, Sereb!”

He barks happily!

Ember grins! “This smells delicious!”

Viktor picks up his silverware. “If it tastes half as good as it looks, we’re in for a treat!”

The bell over the door jingles. Lily looks up.

“Welcome to… oh, good morning Marshal!”

A behemoth of a man enters the diner. He has black hair, brown eyes a salt and pepper beard, and appears ready for anything.

“Howdy ladies! Can I get an order to go? The usual please.”

Shelly nods “Right away, Marshal Raynor!”

Lily walks over to him. “Arc’s back! And he brought some friends!”

Arc stands and walks over to the Marshal.

“It’s been awhile, sir!”

Raynor laughs as he and Arc shake hands. “Good to see ya, kid! How you been?!”

“Great!”

“Heard you’ve been traveling.”

Arc nods. “That I have. Met quite a few new friends. Even brought some of them with me.”

The pair walk back to the table. Arc introduces everyone as the Marshal nods.”

“Name’s Jim Raynor! I’m the law around here! Normally I’d give you a speech about keeping your nose clean in my town. But since you’re with Arc I’m sure you’re all right. He’s easy-going, friendly on the surface, but tough as nails underneath.”

Max nods. “Thank you sir! We’ve noticed!”

“You all planning on sticking around a while?”

Ember smiles. “As long as Arc will have us!”

Xenos laughs! “We look forward to seeing everything there is to see around here!”

“Not much in that regard. But the people are nice and friendly. Most of them anyways.”

He looks back at Arc.

“Well, it was good seeing you again, kid. Take care of yourself, you hear!”

“You too, Marshal.”

He returns to the front counter to wait for his order as Arc and company go back to their meal. Ember looks to Arc.

“Friendly guy!”

Arc nods as he goes back to eating. “That he is! I’ve known him since I was a boy!”

Xenos chuckles. “With him around I doubt anyp… anyone would try to cause trouble!”

The bell over the door jingles again as Lily comes out of the kitchen.

“Welcome to… oh dear…”

Four rather tough looking fellows waltz into the diner. Two of them stay near the door while the other two approach the counter. One is short and thin, while the other is tall and beefy. They walk over to Raynor.

“Hey there, Marshal!”

Raynor narrows his eyes as he looks at the thin gang member. “Hello… Snake.”

“Don’t bother to get up! We’ll just have an order to go!”

“I don’t think the proprietor serves your kind here!”

The larger thug nods happily! “Oh, I think they do! Lady chef pretty!”

Raynor stands up angrily! “You stay away from Shelly now, you overweight glob of grease! She’s had a hard enough life without scum like you harassing her, Jackal!”

“Aw… I could show her a good time! Bring her flowers and all!”

Snake shakes his head. “Why don’t you lay off, Raynor! We’re just having a good time in OUR town!”

“Nothing lasts forever! Eventually the feds are going to come down here and take you all to the big house!”

Jackal smiles and shakes his head with a dopey grin on his face. “Nah! They too busy with investigation to do nothin’!”

Snake nods. “Yeah! Besides, what are YOU gonna do about it?! File another report?”

Jackal flexes! “Ya! That and there four of us and only one of yous!”

Arc stands up and walks toward the counter to stand behind the Marshal. “He’s not alone!”

The rest of Arc’s table stands and joins him. Raynor looks to Lily. “Go wait in the kitchen, darlin’! You too Arc!”

Lily slowly backs into the kitchen and closes the door behind her. Arc looks to Raynor.

“We got your back, Marshal.”

Ember nods. “And we have yours, Arc.

Max frowns at the troublemakers. “That we do!”

Hugh nods. “You guys need a lesson in manners?”

Viktor takes up a battle-ready position. “Some turkeys need to be slapped around before they listen!”

Xenos cracks his knuckles. “Oh, this’ll be fun!”

Sereb positions himself in front of Arc and growls fiercely! Jackal smiles at him!

“A puppy! Snake! Can I have one too?!”

Snake laughs! “Sure! Just take his!”

“Okays!”

Jackal reaches down to pick up Sereb but Ember moves like lightning and grabs his wrist!

“Paws off!”

Jackal looks at Ember. “You pretty! Almost as pretty as cooking lady!”

Ember glares at him! Squeezing his wrist and forcing him to his knees. “What did you call me?!”

Snake growls as the two thugs from the door approach. “Call off your dogs, Raynor! Both of them!”

Raynor eyes the thugs as they join their friends. “You first, Snake!”

Snake ponders his option for a moment before turning toward the door and motioning for his companions to follow. “Let’s go boys! I wasn’t hungry anyways!”

They leave the diner. Hearing the bell over the door, Lily and Shelly peek out of the kitchen.

“Is it safe to come out?!”

Raynor nods. “That it is, darlin’!”

Lily and Shelly shakily come out of the kitchen. Raynor tuns to them.

“This happen often?”

Shelly nods as she does her best to compose herself. “About once a month or so.”

Raynor sighs. “Great. Yet another business under siege and the best I can do is file a report that no one will act on!”

Arc nods. “I’ve heard about the trouble in town with the Shards. Anything I can do to help?”

“You already have, kid! Like your old man and I told you in the past. Stand up to bullies and they’ll turn tail and run. Most of the time anyways…”

Ember nods. “We were happy to help. But why couldn’t you just arrest them?”

“The feds have all but taken over the police force’s job here in Angel Grove. Anything even remotely having to do with the Shards has to be forwarded to them. Not that they seem to be doing anything about it!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Maybe I can investigate them! Learn what it is they’re up to anyways.”

“They’re a big group, and you’re just one guy! Thanks for the thought, but…”

Xenos interrupts. “We’ll go with em! “

Raynor looks to Arc. “What? You finally starting up the Detective Agency you’ve been dreaming about, Arc? Didn’t know you finished the schooling for that.”

“I… didn’t.”

Ember looks nervous. “You’re not going to arrest Arc for this, are you?!”

Raynor shakes his head. “You have a client of some kind?”

“No. I just want to help Shelly and Lily, along with the rest of my hometown out.”

“Well in that case, you’re not acting as a Private Investigator. Just a concerned citizen that I can’t stop from being ‘nosy’, as it ain’t a crime. Just watch yourself out there, partner! If you find anything let me know.”

“I will.”

“Don’t do something crazy now! Like try and take them on yourselves. Even with your new friend’s help, I don’t think you’d stand a chance.”

Shelly wheels forward with a take-out bag. “Here’s your order, Marshal. And thanks for the help.”

Raynor nods and gives Shelly some money. “Thank you darlin’. Well, I have to get down to the station. To do what, I don’t know! Take care everyone!”

Ember nods. “It was nice meeting you! Don’t worry! We’ll keep Arc out of trouble for you!”

Viktor laughs. “We all will!”

“Thanks! See ya around!”

The Marshal leaves the restaurant and walks back to his squad car. Starting it, he slowly pulls out of the parking lot as he mutters to himself.

“I sure hope you’re better at choosing your friends these days, Arc.”

Meanwhile, the group goes back to their table to finish their meal. Ember looks to Arc.

“He seems nice!”

“Marshal Raynor and my dad grew up together. Other than you guys, he’s the closest thing to family I have here!”

Max nods. “We’re going to help him stop these guys, aren’t we?”

Xenos stabs his pancakes forcefully with a fork! “You bet we are!”

“Yes. But first, we need to learn what we can about them and their gang. They’re not new here in town. But they’ve never been this brazen before!”

Hugh takes a sip of coffee. “Where do we start?”

“By finishing breakfast.”

Ember facepalms. “Saw that one coming!

Everyone finishes their food as Arc goes up to the counter to pay for their meal.

“It was delicious as usual you two.”

Lily smiles at him as she puts the money in the cash register. “Thank you Arc.”

Shelly lowers her voice. “You’re not really going after the Shards, are you?!”

Arc nods. “Someone has to.”

“Why not someone else?!”

“Like who?”

They are silent for a time. Shelly sighs.

“Just be careful, Arc! Lily and I would hate to see you get hurt!”

“I will. You two just keep this place going and my friends and I will get this mess sorted out.”

“How?”

Arc turns to walk back to his table. “Still working on that.”

Lily looks to Shelly as Arc sits back down, whispering. “How about it? CAN we keep this place open?!”

Shelly sighs. “Not for much longer I’m afraid. If business doesn’t pick up soon…”

Lily nods soberly. “So, Arc’s our last hope then?”

“It would seem so, yes. Just like back then…”

Meanwhile, the thugs Snake and Jackal return to their gang’s base of operation. Snake fumes!

“That kid back there! If I ever see him alone on the street…!”

Jackal rubs his growling stomach. “I’m hungry, Snake! We didn’t get no food at the diner!”

“Will you shut up?! I’m hungry too!”

“But…”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Diner?”

The pair straighten up as a blonde-haired young man in his mid-twenties approaches them slowly, flanked by a couple bodyguards. He has blue eyes and appears physically fit, other than walking with a limp, as well as being very well-dressed. Even his cane appears custom tailored for him!

Jackal nods! “Yeah boss! There two pretty ladies what work there!”

Snake hisses at him! “Shut up!”

The Shard boss paces in front of the pair with his arms folded behind his back. “That wouldn’t be ‘Shelly’s Diner’, would it?”

Jackal nods. “It is! You should go there sometime, boss! Food’s good!”

“Really? What did you order?”

Snake looks nervous! “N-nothing! We… uh… just went in there to use the restroom!”

“Did you now?”

Jackal sighs. “We tried get food, but Marshal Raynor was there with some really tough looking guys!”

The Shard Boss stops and turns to them. “Was he now? You didn’t give him any trouble, did you?”

Snake shakes his head. “No sir!”

Jackal nods. “We thought about it. But marshal’s friends backed him up! “

“Interesting…”

“Can we go back there for something to eat now, boss? I’m hungry!”

Snake tries to lead his comrade further into the base. “Come on, big fella! We’ll get you something to eat here!”

Jackal looks to the Shard Boss, pleadingly. “Please?! Food there so good! We might even pay this time!”

Snake facepalms. “Oh… shi…”

A moment later Snake finds himself on the ground after the boss’ fist connects with the back of his head! The young man kneels down over him, angrily!

“You two stay away from that place! You hear me?! I don’t care what you take, or from whom! But not there!!!”

The boss stands and straightens his suit.

“Their burgers are to die for, after all!”

Snake gets up slowly. “Should… should we go back and pay, sir?!”

He turns to walk away slowly. “No. I’ll take care of that myself. Shelly and Lily require a… delicate touch.”

Jackal looks back to him. “You sure boss?! We can do it when we go there tomorrow to collect this month’s protection money!”

The boss stops and turns back around slowly.

“You’re going there… for WHAT?!”

“N-nothing boss! Jackal’s just confused with hunger! He doesn’t know what he’s saying!”

The boss lunges at Jackal, surprisingly agile! He quickly kicks the huge gang member in the jaw before tackling him!

“I know I told you two NEVER to take money from them!”

Snake cowers nearby. “S-sorry boss! We’ll return it! We SWEAR!”

Jackal nods! “Right away!”

“NO! You two idiots go get the money and bring it to me! ALL OF IT!!! I’ll bring it back to them myself!”

Snake nods as the pair run down the corridor. “Yes sir!”

He shouts after the pair! “And don’t expect any pay this month!”

Composing himself as his bodyguards again flank him, he continues down the corridor toward his office.

“Those morons! I won’t have my plans ruined by amateurs with their own agendas!”

A hooded woman approaches the Shard boss. She has blonde hair and striking blue eyes.

“Something you need handled?”

“Yes. Let’s talk about it in my office though, Stingray.”

They enter the office to speak privately as the guards move to stand just outside the door. The boss sits down behind his deep somewhat stiffly.

“Some of my boys seem to be putting their own wants and desires above mine! I need that to stop!”

Stingray nods. “I can handle this for you.”

“I’ll leave it to you then.”

“Very well. Who needs to be taught a lesson?”

The doors burst open! Snake and Jackal rush into the office with a bag of money! Snake sets it down carefully on the desk!

“Here you go, boss! Every penny is there!”

“We sorry!”

He takes the bag and opens it before looking back up at the pair. “See? You two can follow directions if you try!”

The boss gestures to Stingray.

“I want you both to meet my new lieutenant, Stingray.”

Snake looks over at her, confused. “Um… hi.”

Jackal waves happily! “Hello!”

She silently nods as the boss stands up with the bag and walks around the desk.

“Now I have a new problem you two can help me with.”

Snake nods! “Whatever needs doing, boss!”

“It has come to my attention that there are some of those in our little family who would put their own needs above the collective good!”

Jackal looks confused. “That bad?”

Snake grins. “You need us to rough someone up?”

“No. Stingray will take care of that. She’s… very good at what she does.”

Jackal scratches his head. “What we do then?”

The Shard boss shakes his head as he walks out of the office. “Be an example.”

“What?”

“You’ll find out.”

As he walks down the corridor with his bodyguards the sounds of blows and screams can be heard from his office. He turns to a passing gang member.

“Tell everyone to gather in the courtyard. I have an announcement to make.”

He nods and quickly rushes to comply! A short time later the whole gang assembles and waits for their leader to speak.

“Alright, everyone listen up! It has come to my attention that some of you may be doing your own side hustles! I don’t really care what you do on your off time! But when you’re specifically told to do something, DO IT!!!”

All assembled appear nervous.

“Disobeying orders will not be tolerated! We’ve come too far to fail now! I have learned that two of our members did EXACTLY what I specifically told them NOT to! Bring them out!!!”

Snake and Jackal are dragged up to the makeshift stage. They are battered and bruised. The boss grabs the pair’s hair, making them look up at the rest of the gang.

“This is what happens to ANYONE who can’t follow directions and stay away from Shelly’s Diner!”

He scans the audience and narrows his eyes.

“Do I make myself absolutely clear?!”

Everyone assembled nods.

“Good! Now everyone get back to work!”

The gang scatters as the boss lets go of his victim’s scalp and allows them to fall to the floor. Kneeling down over Snake, he points a finger at him.

“I don’t want to have this talk again!”

The pair nod weakly as the boss stands up and walks away.

“Good. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go clean up YOUR mess!”

As he walks back toward his office, he mutters to himself.

“I do wonder what poor fool Raynor has dug up to watch his back! Whoever they are, I’ll have to teach them a lesson in minding their own business!”

Chapter 5 - Intel

The party leaves the diner and goes back to Arc’s Jeep. Ember looks to Arc as they take their seats.

“Where to now, Arc?”

“The mall.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “The what?”

“You’ll see.”

A short time later they park outside the mall. Viktor grins!

“This thing really flies!”

Xenos nods. “I’ll say! Maybe this thing IS faster than I am!”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “Glad to see you’re being sensible, Xenos.”

“I said maybe! We haven’t raced yet!”

Ember facepalms. “Oh brother.”

Arc leaves the vehicle running as they get out. “You stay in the Jeep, Sereb. Dogs aren’t allowed in the mall. Don’t worry, I’ll leave the heat on for you.”

Sereb nods and lies down on the now empty back seat as Arc and the others go inside. Ember looks around as they enter!

“This place is HUGE!!!”

Max nods! “That it is! What are we here for, sir?”

“You all need some clothes of your own.”

Hugh thinks for a moment. “What should we wear?”

Arc turns to them as they enter the clothing store. “Everyone has their own style. Let’s see what we can find all of you here.”

They pick out some clothes and try them on. Arc looks them up and down as they come out of the dressing rooms.

“Very good! These should work just fine!”

Viktor looks around. “Where’s Xenos?”

Max points to a closed door. “He’s still in there.”

Arc walks over to the door and knocks. “You good in there?”

“Just admiring my new coverings! I’m coming out now!”

Xenos emerges wearing a pair of jeans, black boots, a white shirt and a leather jacket. Hugh raises an eyebrow.

“What the heck?!”

“I make this look GOOD!”

Viktor rolls his eyes. “Aren’t you a little overdressed?”

Arc nods. “A bit, maybe. But he is the biggest amongst us! So maybe he should look intimidating.”

“Glad you agree, sir!”

Arc turns back to the others. “That reminds me. The rest of you need warm coats!”

Max nods. “It was pretty chilly coming in here!”

Arc gestures to a rack. “It doesn’t have to be made of leather. Just warm!”

Xenos looks over his jacket. “By the way sir. What IS leather?!”

“Tanned cow hides.”

Xenos looks a bit pained as Arc walks over to him.

“Want to pick something else?”

“Naw! Like I said, I make this look good!”

Ember emerges from her dressing room with a similar outfit. “Looking good, Xenos!”

Xenos nods. “Thanks! You too! I’ll see if I can’t be of help to the others!”

He joins the others in helping them find coats. Ember walks over to Arc and does a quick 360.

“So, how do I look?!”

“Whatever makes you more comfortable is fine with me.”

Ember frowns. “You don’t like this?”

“You do look pretty, Ember. But I don’t know about the whole ‘tough girl’ look.”

He leans in close to her and whispers in her ear.

“I know who you really are on the inside, my friend.”

Ember nods. “I… also picked out a few more… similar outfits for later.”

Arc looks confused. “Similar?”

“You know… more like what your mother wore.”

Arc nods as the others return with their choices.

“Everyone ready?”

Xenos nods. “Yup! We should be plenty warm in these!”

They go up to the counter. Arc pays for the clothes and the group heads back to the Jeep. Each of them is carrying a large shopping bag with their new clothes in it. Max looks to Arc as they near their vehicle.

“Thank you for this, sir!”

Hugh nods. “Yes. We really appreciate it!”

Arc opens the Jeep door and peeks inside. “You okay in here, Sereb?”

Sereb sits up and nods.

“Good!”

Everyone gets in and buckles up as Arc stands in front of his open door.

“Can you guys wait here please? I just had an idea for something that might help us.”

Ember nods. “We’ll be waiting!”

Arc runs back into the mall and returns a short time later with several large boxes. He opens the back door and sets them on his friend’s laps.

“Sorry for the tight squeeze everyone. We’ll be home soon though!”

Xenos chuckles. “That back seat is looking pretty full.”

Arc nods. “Right!”

He hands Xenos a couple smaller boxes.

“You can hold these.”

Xenos sighs. “Yes sir.”

A short time later they arrive back at Arc’s house. He pulls the Jeep in the garage and turns to the others.

“Be careful with those boxes! They’re fragile!”

Ember looks behind her. “I don’t think they can get out, Arc.”

Arc opens the driver’s side rear door. “Well then, let’s get that stuff off their laps so they can start breathing again.”

Xenos gets out. “I’ll help!”

In a few minutes all the boxes and clothes are inside the warm house. Viktor looks at the pictures on the boxes.

“What is this stuff, sir?”

“You’ll see. Everyone, grab a box and follow me. “

He leads them to the basement and begins opening boxes. A short time later he steps back from the desk.

“There! All assembled!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What… is that thing?”

“A computer.”

Hugh frowns. “A what?”

Arc pushes a button on the tower. “I’ll show you.”

The computer powers up and goes to the desktop.

“A computer is a device that can perform many diverse tasks. From playing games to helping with research! But right now, I want to introduce you all to the wonders that make up… the internet!”

Viktor nods, wide-eyed. “How does it work?”

Arc double clicks on an icon. “Inside are a myriad of electronics that all work together to carry out tasks faster than any human, or pony for that matter, could! Now, if we want to know more about a subject, we just type it into this box here on the search engine. For example, ‘how does a computer work’.”

He presses Enter and a list of websites pops up! Arc clicks on the top one.

“This will explain to you how a computer works.”

Viktor nods as Arc steps back to allow him to sit down. “Fascinating!”

He reads silently for a time. Hugh looks to Arc.

“So, we could type any question in and get an answer?”

Arc nods. “Most of the time, yes. Other people who have knowledge to share put it on what is called a website. The search engine, after being told what we are looking for, will search for websites with the information we need.”

Ember frowns. “Don’t humans read books?”

“We do. But not as much as we used to.”

He looks back at Viktor who is reading over the current page.

“If you see something you want to access, click on it with this mouse.”

Viktor’s eyes are glued to the screen. “Amazing! I could get used to this!”

Ember looks to Arc. “So, what exactly do we want to research?”

“Viktor, go back to the search engine with the back button.”

He does so.

“I want you to look for news articles on the Shards.”

Max appears confused. “How is he supposed to do that?!”

“Try typing ‘Angel Grove gang activity’. That should bring up plenty of news stories.”

Ember looks over his shoulder as the results pop up onto the screen. “But that’s thousands of stories!”

Viktor grabs a nearby notebook and pencils. “I’ll take some notes.”

Arc sighs. “I may have been a bit premature, Viktor. Before you get too in depth, try typing in ‘basic computer skills’. There are a number of tutorials on how to properly use this computer. Start small and work your way up.”

Viktor pecks away at the keyboard with his index fingers. “Yes sir!”

Arc turns to the others.

“I’ll show the rest of you how we do laundry.”

Hugh looks confused. “What’s laundry?”

Arc chuckles as they walk toward the nearby washing machine with the bags of clothes from the mall. “Washing, drying, folding and hanging up clothes, washcloths, towels and anything else made of cloth. We can practice on the new clothes we just bought.”

He shows them how to take the previous load out, put it in the dryer, measure out detergent for the next load, put the clothes in the washer and how to set and start the machine. Arc turns to them as the machine starts.

“When it’s done, we put it in the dryer for about fifty minutes.”

Ember frowns. “Then what?”

“We take out the clothes, fold them or hang them up as needed. I’ll show you guys when the time comes. How are you doing over there, Viktor?”

“Loving every second of this, sir!”

Arc laughs. “The rest of us will get lunch going then.”

Everyone else follows Arc upstairs. Ember sighs.

“I still think this would be a lot easier if we didn’t have to wear clothes, Arc. We could save a lot of time on laundry too!”

Arc shakes his head. “You’re wearing clothes and that’s that!”

“Sheesh! Fine!”

They enter the kitchen.

“What should we make?”

“I was thinking something quick and easy, Ember. How about Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup?”

Xenos looks confused. “Grilled Cheese?”

“It’s a human dish. Don’t worry. There’s no meat in it.”

Max breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I was a little squeamish with your breakfast, sir!”

Hugh shudders. “What was that thing, anyway?”

Arc pulls a skillet out of the cupboard. “A cheeseburger and french fries.”

Ember grins! “I gotta say, it did look tasty! Next time I’m ordering that too! What kind of meat was that?”

“Ground beef. It comes from cows. Can someone please bring me the bread, butter and cheese. It’s in the fridge.”

Ember and Hugh do so. Arc gets the sandwiches assembled and into the skillet.

“Thanks.”

Xenos walks over. “Is there anything for me to do, sir?”

Arc turns down the stove. “I have an idea. Follow me.”

They walk to the living room. Arc picks up the remote and turns on the television. As it comes to life, Ember and Xenos jump back!

“WOAH!”

“What IS that, sir?!”

Hugh stares at the box on the wall. “Is it like the computer?”

Max examines the picture carefully. “Sure looks like it! Only bigger!”

Arc changes the channel to the local news. “A bit. This is called television. Dinky and I watched morning cartoons when she and I were last here. I want you three to watch the news and learn about what’s going on in town.”

Xenos sits down on the couch. “Yes sir!”

Hugh sits down next to him. “Human technology is amazing!”

Arc and Ember return to the kitchen together.

“You sure do have some cool stuff, Arc!”

Arc nods as he flips over the grilled cheese sandwiches. “Pretty much every household has a computer and a television set these days. Some even have more than one! Can you get me a couple cans of Tomato Soup, please? They’re in the cupboard over there.”

Ember pulls out the cans and brings them to the stove. “Anything else I can do to help?”

“We need to warm this soup up. Grab a pot out of the cupboards, dump the soup in and add two canfulls of water. Then we can put it on the stove.”

Ember does so before bringing the pot to the stove and standing next to Arc, smiling.

“This is nice.”

Arc pulls the finished sandwiches out of the pan and begins making another batch. “What is?”

“Cooking with you. Just being here really! I like it!”

Arc nods as the sandwiches sizzle in the pan. “As do I.”

Ember blushes slightly. “It’s like we’re married or something!”

Arc turns to her as his own face flushes! “Huh?!”

“Cooking lunch for our family and all! Sorry, maybe that wasn’t the right thing to say.”

She puts her arm around Arc’s back and leans against him.

“Thanks for bringing me.”

Arc puts an arm around her shoulders. “Thanks for coming! A bunch of guys living together would get a bit boring after a while. That and I do miss you when you’re not around.”

“You… you do?!”

“Of course! You’re my best friend after all!”

“I am?!”

Arc nods. “You are!”

“Why is that?”

He flips the grilled cheese sandwiches over. “Because… how do I put this? You… understand me. Most of the time anyways. We have much in common, you and I.”

“I try to do what I can! But… do we really?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We both lost our mothers when we were young and our fathers aren’t in our lives.”

Ember sighs. “I suppose that’s true. That and we’re both warriors! Anything else?”

Arc sighs. “Yes. We both know who we want to be with. Yet fate keeps us apart.”

Ember nods. “Cherry?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah…”

Ember nods as Arc takes the grilled cheese out of the skillet. “Arc, if there was ANYTHING I could do to bring her back, I would do it in a heartbeat!”

“I know you would. But I was surprised that you weren’t jealous of her.

Ember sighs as she pours the soup into bowls. “I saw how happy she made you! And I knew that I… I could never do that for you.”

Arc sighs as he puts the sandwiches on plates. “She was the one. Of that I’m certain.”

“I know she was. I just wanted to make you happy, Arc! If being with her did that, then it was okay with me!”

Arc turns back to Ember with a small smile. “That’s why we’re best friends! We want what’s best for each other.”

Ember chuckles. “Even if that hurts.”

“I suppose so.”

She picks up a sandwich and a cup of soup and heads down to the basement. “I’ll just bring this to Viktor.”

“Okay. I’m going to bring the rest of this to the living room and catch up on the local news myself. Care to join us?”

Ember nods as she walks down the basement stairs. “Sure! I’ll be up in a sec!”

Arc brings a serving of each to Max, Hugh and Xenos in front of the TV. Xenos accepts the food, not taking his eyes off the screen.

“Thank you, sir!”

Max nods. “This technology is extraordinary!”

Hugh smiles. “I can’t believe I’m just staring at a box… and LIKING it!”

Arc sits down with his troops. “Be careful not to turn into couch potatoes now.”

Max looks over to Arc, concerned! “A what?!”

Arc chuckles. “Someone who does nothing other than watch TV is called that.”

Xenos grimaces. “You don’t LITERALLY turn into a… you know…”

“No. It’s just a figure of speech.”

Ember returns with some food for her, Sereb and Arc. She hands him a plate and bowl before putting a plate on the floor for Sereb.

“You have to eat too, Arc!”

“Thank you, Ember.”

She sits down next to Arc and looks at the television.

“Is this normal?”

“Is what normal, Ember.

She takes a bite of her sandwich. “To just stare at a box in silence.”

Arc nods as he eats. “Humans do it all the time. Me, not so much. I’m usually busy with other things.”

Xenos looks over. “Like what?”

“Reading, learning, gardening… stuff like that.”

Max frowns as the next news story comes on the screen. “What the…?!”

Xenos looks to Arc, confused. “They tried to burn down the library?”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “Are the Shards bored, or just plain stupid?!”

“They’re not stupid… usually. This is really blatant for them though.”

Ember looks to him, confused. “What do you mean? Just what are ‘the Shards’?”

“A gang.”

Max frowns. “Which is what sir?”

“A group of malcontents who get pleasure out of inflicting suffering on the weak and downtrodden. Up until recently they were just petty thugs. What pushed them to amp it up is beyond me!”

Ember turn to Xenos. “Did you see anything else while Arc and I were cooking?”

“A few news stories, yeah. Looks like last night they robbed a gas station.”

Hugh sighs. “Before that they tagged City Hall.”

Max nods. “The top news story was them stealing a police car.”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t really sound all that threatening.”

“Before I left for Equestria, they NEVER would have had the guts to try ANY of that stuff! Well, maybe the City hall graffiti. But stealing a car, much less a police cruiser is pretty gutsy for anyone!”

Xenos bumps his fists together. “Want me to go teach them a lesson, sir?”

“We may just do that, Xenos. But first we need to do our homework.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Homework?”

Arc nods. “Know thy enemy.”

Hugh furrows his brow. “Come again, sir?”

“The more we learn about them, their habits and their style we make it that much easier to counter them!”

Max nods. “Like back home when you researched things before a mission, sir?”

“Precisely!”

Ember stands up and takes all the empty dishes. “No half-baked plans though please!”

Arc nods. “That’s what I’m trying to avoid.”

She returns a few moments later and sits down in Arc’s lap.

“Ember! We’re trying to do research here!”

“Can’t you do both?”

“Off!”

Ember slides over to her spot next to him. “You’re no fun! That and this is SO much easier without a tail getting in the way!”

An hour or so later the news ends. Arc turns off the TV as Max looks over.

“Any ideas, sir?”

Arc rubs his chin. “I think so.”

Ember grins. “What’s the plan?”

“We need to show the Shards that they can’t just do whatever they please! Send them a message, if you will. But we need to be smart about it!”

Max nods. “Strike from the shadows?”

“Not so much strike, as irritate. We’ll start small and build from there.”

Hugh looks over to Arc. “Where do we start, sir?”

“Shelly told me the Shards have been shaking down the shops and businesses in town for protection money. We’ll start there!”

Ember frowns. “What’s ‘protection money’?”

“Pay me, or I’ll wreck your store.”

“That’s terrible!”

Sereb growls. “Very cowardly.”

“Agreed. According to her, they make the rounds on the first of the month.”

Max looks to Arc. “What’s today’s date?”

“The thirty-first. If we cut the purse strings of the Shards, they’ll have a hard time paying their members or buying what they can’t steal!”

Ember grins! “I’m in!”

Xenos cracks his knuckles. “Me too!”

Max smiles! “As am I!”

Hugh laughs! “They won’t see us coming!”

Sereb nods. “I can help as well.”

“I was hoping you would say that, Sereb! You can be my eyes on the ground. No one will think twice about a stray dog.”

“Whatever needs doing.”

“Good. We’ll do this tomorrow morning bright and early. After a hearty breakfast at Shelly’s, that is!”

Ember facepalms. “Oh boy…”

“This could take all day! Have to start out right!”

Xenos laughs. “I agree! That food was great!”

Max sighs. “Do we need to do any preparations?”

“Other than get a good night’s sleep, no. I’ll have a plan put together by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, I need to take everyone’s measurements though.”

Ember looks confused. “What for?”

“I’m going to have the Hammer’s fabricate new armor.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because I don’t think your old armor will fit now. We have to be ready when the sages locate Princess Celestia, after all!”

Max shudders. “Are you expecting it to go… badly?”

Arc pulls a sewing tape out of his ring. “Yes. Whomever has her isn’t going to want to let such a prize go! Not without a fight, that is! Ember, would you please have Viktor come up here with a paper and pencil? He needs to be measured too.”

“Sure.”

She returns a few moments later with Viktor. Arc takes everyone’s measurements as Ember writes them down. He then uses the portable recall unite to open a portal back to Equestria and tosses the paper through.

“That’s everything. Sunburst will see to it this reaches the Hammers.

Ember frowns. “What about me?!”

Arc sighs. “I’m not too keen on you fighting here on Earth, Ember.”

“Why not?!”

“You being the future Dragon Lord, for starters.”

“I can take care of myself! Someone needs to watch your back out there!”

Sereb walks over. “I can…”

Ember glares at him! “Shut it, Sereb!”

There is a tense silence.

“S-sorry for blowing up like that. But I AM going with you!”

“Okay, okay! Try calling forth your armor.”

Ember calls forth her Spear of Courage and armor. It perfectly fits her new body.

“See?! I’ll be fine!”

Arc looks her up and down. “I was not expecting THAT!”

Ember glares at him! “Then why did you…?”

“I was hoping to use that as an excuse to keep you safe. No armor, no fighting after all.”

She sighs and walks over to him. “Look, Arc, I appreciate you looking out for me and all. But… like you said, I’m the future Dragon Lord! At some point I really need to start taking bigger risks!”

Arc nods. “I know. Just be careful, okay?”

Ember recalls her spear and armor. “I will.”

Xenos looks to his friend. “Ember. Does your dragon magic work here on Earth?”

“I’m not sure! Let me try something.”

She breathes into her hand. A magic fireball comes forth. She holds it a moment before extinguishing it and shaking her hand!

“OW! That’s hot!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Of course it’s hot. It’s fire!”

Ember picks up the living room table. “My strength is still here, so I would say yes!”

“Impressive! Dinky’s unicorn magic was completely nonexistent here!”

Sereb nods. “Did she have a horn?”

“She did not.”

Ember chuckles. “There’s your answer. Unicorns require a focus to cast spells.”

Sereb sighs. “As do my kind.”

Arc nods. “And dragons?”

“No focus needed.”

Viktor looks over to Arc. “Sir! Does your magic work?!”

Max nods. “That’s right! You’ve never needed a focus before!”

Arc shrugs. “I know my ring works. However, I haven’t tried using any magic since coming here.”

He looks around the room.

“Let’s see here…”

His gaze rests on Xenos.

“You’ll do.”

Xenos looks around nervously as the others step back. “Uh… what?”

Arc raises a hand. Xenos lifts off the floor a couple feet.

“WOAH!”

Ember laughs. “I guess it works!”

Arc raises his other hand. Max, Hugh and Viktor lift off as well.

Max flounders around. “This is a bit… unsettling!”

Viktor nods. “That it is!”

Hugh sighs. “I’ll stick with my wings! That I don’t have right now, I guess.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Quit being whelplings about this you guys!”

Arc looks at Ember. A moment later she also lifts off.

“HEY!”

Max chuckles. “I think we can safely say your magic works, sir!”

Ember nods. “Okay, okay! You’ve made your point, Arc!”

He gently sets everyone down. “Well now! That was a pleasant surprise!”

Viktor looks a bit green. “For who, sir?!”

“The mission! It should be a lot easier with magic on our side!”

Ember frowns. “Okay, but are you trying to tell me you never once tried to cast a spell when you arrived back on Earth?!”

Arc nods. “Correct. You see Ember, as you know I wasn’t born with magic. So it isn’t a first impulse for me to use it.”

Max thinks for a moment. “Kinda like us and clothes?”

“Exactly!”

Ember sighs. “Do we have to…”

Arc nods, clearly exasperated! “YES!”

“Okay! Sheesh!”

Viktor looks over. “Do you need us to do anything this afternoon, sir?”

“Just keep doing what you’ve been doing, Viktor. I want you to learn how to properly use that computer so you can keep us in the loop on local events.

Viktor nods and heads back toward the basement. "Yes sir!"

“The rest of you can…”

There is a buzzing sound from downstairs.

“I guess that means the dryer is done. This is as good a time as any to teach everyone how to fold laundry.”

Ember sighs as they head down the stairs. “Why is this so important?”

Arc walks over to the dryer and opens it. “Because laundry is a task that is never truly finished. Think of how much we’ll do with all six of us living here.”

Viktor stands up and walks over to watch as Arc pulls the clean clothes out of the dryer and puts them in a laundry basket. “How often are we supposed to change our clothes, sir?”

“Every morning after you shower.”

Max looks nervous. “That’s going to add up quickly!”

“Right. We’ll do a load of just towels once a day!”

He demonstrates what needs to be folded versus hung up.

“Towel… fold. Shirt… hang up.”

Xenos nods. “Seems simple enough.

Hugh looks over to Arc. “Is there anything that doesn’t get washed?”

“Your coats don’t need to be washed nearly as often. And leather products don’t go in the washing machine.”

Ember looks to her coat hanging up nearby. “Thanks for the heads-up!”

“Well, that’s about all there is to it. I’ll leave the rest of this to you.”

Viktor nods as Arc heads for the stairs. “And you, sir?”

“I’m going to see if there’s some wood in the garage I can use to slap together a makeshift armor rack. Didn’t quite get around to that before we came here. “

Ember follows him. “I’ll give you a claw… hand!”

“Alright!”

Halfway up the stairs he turns around.

“When you boys get done with that you can go back to watching TV. There are a lot of things to watch other than the news.”

Max nods. “Thank you, sir. We’ll do that.”

Arc and Ember head to the garage. There they find a few boards lying in a corner. Ember picks up the wood.

“How about this?”

“Should work. It doesn’t need to look good! Just be functional!”

Ember picks up the wood as Arc grabs a hammer along with a few nails. She crosses the boards.

“Like this?”

“Yup. “

Arc pounds a few nails into the wood to make a cross before building a base wide enough to support the rack.

“So why are we doing this?!”

Arc continues hammering. “My armor has to hang on something.”

“But you’ve always just kept it in your ring. What changed?!”

“I… um…”

“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen you put on your armor since…”

Arc puts the hammer down as he picks up the finished rack. “Yeah… since ‘that night’.”

Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. “Want to talk about it?”

Arc looks down at the rack and sighs. “Emerald Dream says I need to face what happened that night. One of the ways I’ve been hiding from the truth is by not laying eyes on Eidolon’s Ward. After all… it couldn’t save Cherry back then.”

“No one could have, Arc!”

He picks up the rack and heads toward the door. “I… I know. But my heart is having a hard time accepting that.”

Ember sighs as the enter the house. “You need to stop blaming yourself for what happened.”

Arc nods as the pair head up the stairs to the second floor. “I know that, Ember. But my armor is a painful reminder of my failure.”

She nods as the pair walk down the hall toward Arc’s room. “So what can I do to help?”

Arc sets the rack down in a corner of his room. “What we’re doing right now. I need to be able to look at Eidolon’s Ward again without cringing.”

“Do you want to be alone for this?”

Arc shakes his head as he pulls his boots out of the ring and sets them down on the rack’s base.

“No. I want you here for this.”

He pulls out his gauntlets, greaves, pauldrons and helmet one by one and places them on the rack. Seeing Arc pause, Ember puts an arm around him.

“This is the hardest part for you, isn’t it?”

Arc nods. “Yes. The chest-plate.”

Sighing, he pulls out the chest-plate and hurriedly places it on the rack. Arc turns away from it, visibly moved. Ember takes his hand in hers.

“I’m here, Arc! We can do this together!”

Arc does his best to keep it together. “Just… give me a few moments, okay?”

Ember gives his hand a squeeze. “Okay.”

She glances behind them at the armor hanging there silently. Her eyes instantly dart toward the chest-plate.

“Uh, Arc? When did you find a replacement for your armor’s burnt-out sapphire?”

“I haven’t. Why?”

She looks to Arc and wordlessly points to Eidolon’s Ward. They both turn to look. The sapphire, which had been a dull gray color after healing Princess Luna, now shines with an eerie dark red glow. Arc cautiously approaches his armor.

“What in the world…”

The helmet starts to jiggle. In a moment it falls off the rack along with the rest of the armor.

“Arc! Why did you…?!”

“That wasn’t me!”

The pieces of Eidolon’s Ward converge to form the complete suit. Ember calls forth her armor and Spear of Courage.

“What is going ON?!”

“Wish I knew, Ember!”

Eidolon’s Ward slowly ‘crawls’ toward them. Ember hits it with her spear!

“STAY BACK!”

The armor scatters but quickly reforms itself and retreats to a corner of the room! Tt does not advance but instead reaches a gauntlet out to them!

“Ember, I… I think it wants our help!”

She looks at him as it he’s lost his mind! “What are you talking about?! It’s a suit of armor!”

Arc cautiously approaches Eidolon’s Ward. It stretches out a gauntlet toward him as he kneels down in front of it.

“Um… hi there. Can… can you hear me?”

The armor slowly nods.

“Can you speak?”

Eidolon’s Ward slowly shakes its helmet no.

“Do you need my help?”

It nods with feeling!

“Arc! It’s not alive! It CAN’T be!”

Arc looks back to Ember. “I know, but…”

He looks back down at Eidolon’s Ward.

“…but it certainly appears to be!”

He sighs and looks back at his armor.

“What do you want me to do?”

Eidolon’s Ward clumsily removes its helmet and holds it out towards Arc. He takes it cautiously.

“You… you want me to put you on?”

The gauntlets stretch out toward Arc as if pleading for him to do so. Ember shakes her head.

“Arc, stop! We don’t know what could happen! That armor could be dangerous as it is!”

He sits down on the floor and puts on Eidolon’s Ward’s boots. “Well, if we do nothing, we’ll never figure this out.”

“I don’t like this!”

Arc nods as he puts on his greaves. “Neither do I! But Emerald Dream was right about one thing! I need to see this through!”

He slowly puts on each piece of his armor one at a time. Ember becomes more and more agitated as he continues.

“How does it feel?!”

Arc moves around a bit. “Warm! As if its been out in the sun! But not uncomfortably so.”

Ember reaches over to pick up the helmet on the bed. She slowly walks backwards toward the door.

“Arc… please give this some thought! I… I don’t want anything to happen to you!”

He walks toward Ember and gently puts his hands on the helmet. “I have to do this! If I don’t face it now, I may never have the courage to do so again!”

Ember nods as he takes the helmet from her and steps back. Taking a deep breath as he puts the helmet on.

“Here goes nothing!”

The familiar feeling of his armor is a comfort to Arc. Ember watches nervously.

“Everything okay?!”

“So far, so good. I…

Suddenly the same visage Arc saw in Redemption Village flashes before his eyes! He rips off the helmet and tosses it across the room!

“Arc! Talk to me! What’s wrong?!”

“I saw… something!”

Ember nods! “Can you tell me more?!”

Arc cautiously approaches the helmet on the floor. “It was the same as what I saw the other day when the Hammers and Mythic Honor finished with my armor!”

Ember frowns. “If I hadn’t seen it come to life before my eyes, I would say you needed more than simple therapy! So, what do we do now?!”

He picks up the helmet and looks at it a moment. “I have to face this thing! See what it wants!”

“Are you absolutely sure?!”

“I am!”

He again dons his helmet and sits down on the bed. Taking a deep breath and looking straight ahead.

“Okay… ready.”

A moment later the visage again returns clearer than before. A strange voice makes itself heard in Arc’s head. Its words are garbled and twisted. He whispers to himself.

“No… freaking… way!”

Chapter 6 - Eidolon's Ward 2.0

Ember leans toward him and grabs his shoulders. “Arc! Talk to me! What’s going on?!”

Arc appears stunned as he reaches for something Ember cannot see. “I… I see… something familiar! But that can’t be…”

He brings his hands to his face and shakes his head vigorously!

“Am… am I really losing my mind?! I just… I just don’t know what’s real and what’s not anymore!”

Ember rips the helmet off Arc’s head and tosses it aside before taking his face in her hands! A worried look on her face! “Arc?! Are you alright?!”

Arc looks at her with a blank expression on his face. “Ember? Could you hear… anything just now?”

“No! And neither did you!”

He stands up and approaches his helmet. “I know I could hear… something. It was so familiar.”

Arc picks up the helmet and looks at it a moment before sitting back down on the bed. Ember looks to him warily.

“Arc? What are you doing?!”

“I have to know, Ember!”

“This is a bad idea!”

Arc takes a deep breath as he puts his helmet back on. “I know.”

A moment later his vision begins to cloud over. Arc looks at his hands, unable to focus.

“What… what’s happening?!”

Falling forward, Arc crashes to the floor. Ember rushes over to her unconscious friend!

“Arc? ARC!!!”

Arc suddenly finds himself surrounded by darkness.

“Ember?! Are you there?!”

A familiar voice speaks to him. Although Arc is unable to determine its direction.

“I’m sorry.”

He looks all around! “Who’s there?!”

“It… it’s so lonely here. I’m so sorry! I couldn’t take it anymore!”

“Is that… are… are you… really…?”

The unknown entity begins to cry softly. It’s voice breaking with emotion as it speaks.

“So… long. I’ve waited for so long to see you again. It feels like an eternity! But… that may not be far from the truth!”

Arc nods soberly. “If… if you really are who I think you are, then please show yourself! I have to know!”

A figure materializes in front of him. It slowly but deliberately walks forward until it is but a few feet in front of him. He stares at it for a long moment before speaking.

“Are… are you real?”

The figure looks down. “I hope so. I truly do!”

They slowly approach one another. In a few moments they are face to face.

“If you… if you’re really who I think you are, then prove it! Tell me something only I would know!”

The figure before him thinks for a moment. “You once told me that you have only one regret in life.”

“Which is…?”

“Being unable to help your mother.”

Arc falls to his knees as the figure rushes towards him! It leaps into his arms as they share a hug!

“I missed you so much!”

Arc nods, barely able to contain himself! “And I missed you too…”

He can barely speak.

“…Cherry”

They hold each other for what feels like hours.

“Cherry …how? I… I held you in your final moments?!”

She sighs. “Fate may have been cruel to us. But it isn’t merciless, my love!”

Arc sits down on the ground as he continues to hold her. “Did… did you and I… really run across that field together?”

“It was as real as you wanted it to be!”

Arc breaks the embrace to look Cherry in the eye. “Then it WAS real! But… but how are you here?!”

Cherry sits back on her haunches. “As I felt myself slipping away, there was another force tugging at me. It seemed to be coming from you!”

“What?! But… but I didn’t…

“Not intentionally, no. You were holding me against your chest at the time. The gem in your chest plate seemed to be calling to me! I gave in to its pull and found myself in your armor, so to speak.”

“Are you saying…”

“Yes! For all intents and purposes, my soul appears to have fused with Eidolon’s Ward! Although I still don’t understand why or how, I’ve felt nothing lately but darkness and silence!”

Arc looks down, sadly. “I… haven’t put Eidolon’s Ward on since… that night.”

Cherry nods, understanding. “So, I was in your ring then?”

“Yes. I only now took out my armor to… to…”

His voice trails off.

“What is it?”

Arc sighs. “I was facing the events of that night. Eidolon’s Ward only served to remind me that, as powerful as I and it may be, we couldn’t save you!”

Cherry puts an ethereal hoof on his cheek. “Don’t blame yourself for my death, Arc! I know for a fact that if you could have done something to prevent it, you would have!”

She looks suddenly angry!

“It was that horrible, horrible stallion who did this to us! Not you!”

Arc nods soberly. “Wind Rider is gone for good!”

Cherry nods. “I do remember that much.”

“Whatever fate is in store for him in the afterlife is too good for that guy!”

“I agree! But he won’t hurt anypony else ever again! Of that I am certain!”

She appears to be looking at something behind Arc.

“Cherry?”

“Ember and a few others are worried about you.”

Arc sighs. “Ember is always worried.”

“Well, you DID pass out right in front of her.”

“I did?!”

“Yes. I saw her run for help. You should wake up now and show them you’re okay.”

“What about you, Cherry?!”

She smiles at him! “Arc. I will always be with you as long as I am able! I’ll try to find a way to talk to you again through your armor.”

Arc nods and pulls her into his arms. “Don’t take too long! I still question whether or not this is really happening!”

Cherry returns the hug. “I won’t. Promise!”

The pair fade away. The next thing Arc knows, he is staring into Ember’s face! His squad surround him.

“Arc! Open your eyes! Please!”

Xenos turns to Max. “Should we get the commander some help?”

Max shrugs. “Where from?!”

Hugh looks out the window. “We could go out and ask someone to…”

Arc begins to stir. Viktor turns to him.

“I think he’s coming around!”

Ember shakes his frantically! “Arc! Say something!”

Arc opens his eyes and looks all around. “Was it all… just a dream?!”

Max moves to help him. “Sir! Are you alright?!”

Arc nods as he sits up slowly. “I think so. But… it… it felt so real!”

Ember gathers up the components of Eidolon’s Ward. “Well this thing is clearly to blame for your condition, Arc!”

Arc sighs. “Kinda is, I guess.”

Max looks to her as she walks toward the door with the armor in her arms. “Where are you going, Ember?”

“To get this as far away from Arc as possible!”

The door to the room suddenly slams shut! Ember whirls around!

“Huh?”

She turns to see Arc’s hand extended toward the door. His eye twitches angrily!

“Ember… bring that armor back here!”

“What?! But why…?”

“NOW!”

Ember appears confused, but complies as she sets the armor on the bed next to Arc.

Viktor turns to Arc, nervously. “This is a bad idea, sir!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! If it already put you down once already…”

Arc picks up his helmet and stares into the faceplate. He speaks softly but with a hint of desperation.

“Come back to me… PLEASE!!!”

Max looks concerned. “Sir? Are you… really all right?”

Hugh looks to Ember. “Maybe he just needs some more…”

The helmet in Arc’s hands suddenly begins to shake ever so slightly. Ember looks at it, wide-eyed!

“What the…”

Arc sets it down on the bed next to him. Eidolon’s ward slowly reassembles itself with the helmet taking its place last. After a few more moments it slowly sits up and looks around. Ember calls forth her armor and spear!

“Oh no you don’t!”

As she levels her spear at Eidolon’s Ward, it appears to recoil in fear! Arc quickly grabs her spear and pushes it to the side.

“Wait! Don’t hurt her!”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Her?”

Arc nods! “She’s in there!”

Hugh looks confused. “Who?”

“Someone very special to me.”

Xenos looks at the armor. “Sir. It’s just an empty suit without you in it!”

Viktor nods. “Yes! A very large, very scary suit of armor. But empty nonetheless!”

Arc turns back to Eidolon’s Ward. “Can… can you hear me?”

His armor nods and makes some strange noises. Ember positions herself between it and Arc.

“Is… is that thing trying to… to communicate with us?!”

Max turns to Ember. “I think so!”

Xenos shrugs. “Maybe the commander isn’t nuts after all!”

Viktor’s head snaps over to his companion! “XENOS!!!”

Arc sighs. “It’s okay you guys.”

He turns back to his armor.

“Can you speak to us?”

Some faint whispers are all that can be heard. Ember does not take her eyes off it.

“Is it alive?!”

Max shakes his head. “Not possible!”

Hugh gestures to Eidolon’s Ward. “Explain THIS then!!!”

Viktor sighs. “I certainly can’t!”

Eidolon’s Ward speaks softly and with great difficulty. “H-hello… everypony…”

Ember jumps back! “Did it just TALK?!”

Max takes a step back. “Now I’ve seen everything!”

Hugh too moves away from the armor. “Anypony else find this a bit creepy?!”

Viktor looks to Xenos. “Aren’t you bothered by this?!

Xenos shakes his head. “If the commander isn’t worried, neither am I!”

“Thanks. I think.”

Eidolon’s Ward continues to attempt communication. “Its… been a while.”

Ember looks confused. “A while?! “

“I… I always liked you, Ember. You looked after Arc… so well… after the… incident.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “Sir! What is going ON?!”

“Everyone. I know this might be hard for you to understand or accept. But… somehow Cherry’s soul is inside my armor!”

Ember frowns. “What the heck kind of magic is that?!”

Arc shrugs. “Not a clue!”

Xenos thinks for a moment. “Doesn’t Tempest’s weapon have a similar power?”

Viktor nods. “That’s right! She did claim to be collecting souls after all!”

Max looks to Arc, disapprovingly. “Sir. I don’t mean to question your motives or desires, but how is trapping Miss Cherry’s soul any different from what Tempest does?”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its head. “My fate… was very different from theirs. I became one with the armor… willingly! Our thoughts… and our desires… they were one and the same.”

Ember nods. “My dad did mention something about this kind of magic a long time ago.”

“Really? What did he say?”

“Only that it was ancient and forbidden! He and Princess Celestia were probably the only few who knew of it!”

Max frowns. “And the Dark One as well it seems! What exactly IS it?!”

“That is a question for another day, Max. Right now, we have bigger issues to deal with!”

Xenos looks to Arc as it he’s lost his mind! “What could possibly be more pressing right now?!”

Arc grins! “How about plans for supper?”

Everyone facepalms as Ember sighs.

“Arc… what are we going to do with you?!”

Arc heads toward the door. “I need to get some food in Cherry’s belly now! How long has it been since you ate, my dear?!”

His armor follows unsteadily down the hallway. “I don’t know. Since the Grand Galloping Gala, I guess.”

Ember nods. “It’s been a while then!”

Eidolon’s Ward nods as it slowly walks down the stairs. “You don’t need to worry about me eating though.”

Arc shakes his head. “You need to keep your strength up, Cherry!”

The sounds of laughter can be heard coming from the armor. “You don’t understand! I don’t have a body anymore! Much less a stomach!”

Ember follows Arc downstairs with the others. “Makes sense, I guess.”

Max sighs. “As much sense as this situation can, that is!”

Sereb wakes up from his spot in front of the TV, stretches, and looks toward the stairs. He spots Eidolon’s Ward walking down the stairs with Arc.

“Make a new friend?”

Xenos looks at Sereb. “How can you be so casual about this?!”

“I have learned to expect the unexpected as far as Arc is concerned. Not much surprises me anymore.”

Arc chuckles. “Give it time, Sereb. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

Ember sighs. “That’s what has me worried!”

As they reach the bottom of the stairs, Arc turns to the others. “Sorry for worrying everyone back there. Why don’t I get some supper going?”

Viktor looks at a nearby clock. “Isn’t it a bit early for supper, sir?”

“I suppose so. But I want to… uh… cook something a bit special tonight.”

His armor nods! “I’ll help! It will give me time to practice… moving around like this, I guess.”

“Sounds good, Cherry! “

Arc and Cherry head for the kitchen. Ember turns to follow them, however Sereb blocks her way.

“Hey Sereb! What gives?!”

“I am certain Arc and Cherry would like some alone time to catch up.”

Max nods. “Agreed. We should respect that.”

Viktor heads for the basement stairs. “I’ll just be getting back to the computer then.”

Xenos heads for the living room. “I call trying out that really cool television controller!”

Hugh follows him. “The commander said it was called a ‘remote’. “

Max nods. “I’ll join you two!”

Ember sighs as she turns around. “I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me.”

She slowly climbs the stairs.

“Ember.”

“Yes, Sereb?”

“No matter what happens, you will always have a special place in Arc’s heart. Remember that.”

“I know. But right now, I feel like a third wheel!”

Sereb sighs as he follows her up the stairs “As do I.”

“You do?”

Sereb nods. “I don’t really have a place or purpose in this land until Arc gives me a command.”

Ember enters her room and sits down on the bed. "I’m sorry, Sereb. This must be how you feel all the time."

“Indeed.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Cherry enter the kitchen together.

“So, what should we make?”

Arc shrugs. “I have no idea. Truth be told, I was going to go grocery shopping later. We don’t really have much to speak of in the fridge.”

“Then why did you…”

Arc puts his hands behind his head and smiles. “I was kinda hoping we could just… you know… talk. I’m sure they understand. It… it’s really good to have you back. Even like this!”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds nervous. “You don’t think it’s weird?”

“A little. But I’m willing to live with it if you are!”

“I am! But can I ask you a question?”

Arc nods. “Anything!”

“Where exactly are we?! This house’s architecture is like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

Arc chuckles. “Cherry, I don’t know how to tell you this, but we’re on Earth!”

“Oh my! Is they why Ember… looks the way she does?!”

“Yes. The others are my squad.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods its helmet at him. “Why are you here?!”

“I suppose I can tell you. We’re preparing to rescue Princess Celestia! As soon as she’s located, of course.”

“Rescue?! You mean she was negotiating peace with humans?!”

Arc shrugs. “We’re not exactly sure why she’s here. That’s just what everyone was told to keep the peace!”

“I can help!”

“Well, I suppose as my armor you can literally cover my back and all…”

“I can do so much more!”

She walks around to Arc’s back and slowly walks forward. The hydra scales that make up the armor melt away to encompass Arc’s body. Before he knows it, he is fully battle ready! Arc looks down at his gauntlets through his helmet.

“How did you…?!”

Cherry giggles! “Your armor is an extension of my consciousness now! I can manipulate it to protect you! Don’t worry! I can pull my own weight around here!”

“Incredible! But won’t you be a bit… bored? I mean, it’s not like you can leave the house in my armor!”

“I think I can piggyback into you via the gem in your forehead. That is, if you don’t mind me getting inside your head.”

“Go for it!”

“Here goes nothing…”

Arc shudders slightly as Cherry’s consciousness enters him. She speaks to him from inside his head.

“Can you hear me?”

“I can! This is… weird!”

“I’m sorry! I can get out if you want!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! It’s fine! Are you okay in there?!”

“Just fine! But I have to say this is all so new to me! I’ve never been inside a stallion before!”

Arc blushes. “Um…”

“S-sorry! That came out wrong!”

“So, can you see anything?”

“Yes! Everything you do anyways! You can put your armor away if you want to!”

Arc recalls his armor to the ring. “How’s that?”

“Just fine! Should we get going to the market now?”

“Sure! You can see more of my world through the eyes of a human!”

Cherry Jubilee giggles as Arc heads for the door. “This is going to be so much fun! I always dreamed of going places with you!”

Arc walks past his squad and Ember on the couch. “Me too!”

Max looks to him. “Going out, sir?”

He takes his coat off the hook by the door. “Cherry and I are going to the market to shop for supper. You guys stay here.”

Xenos nods. “Yes sir! “

Hugh grins at him. “Have a good time!”

Arc leaves as Max turns to the others.

“I haven’t seen the commander so happy since… you know.”

Hugh sighs. “Well, he did get back what was taken from him.”

Xenos shrugs. “More or less, I suppose.”

Ember watches from her window as Arc gets into his Jeep. He starts it and shifts into drive. Cherry gasps!

“My, what a fancy way to travel!”

“These are pretty common on Earth. We call them automobiles. By the way, can anyone else hear you?”

“At the moment, no. I’m speaking directly to your mind. You could probably do the same if you wanted to.

Arc nods. “Probably a good idea. Wouldn’t want people thinking I’m crazy for talking to myself.”

He concentrates for a moment as he tries to talk to Cherry telepathically.

“Can you hear me, Cherry?”

“Loud and clear!”

“Good! It shouldn’t take too much longer to get to the store now. Are you enjoying the ride?”

Cherry giggles! “I’m fine! Just being with you is heavenly, Arc!”

They arrive at the market and park. Arc gets out of the Jeep.

“Here we are.”

“This is a market?! It’s huge!”

Arc chuckles as he enters the store. “The larger neighboring towns have bigger stores. Wait until you see the mall!”

He grabs a shopping cart.

“What should we make for supper?”

"I’m not sure. What do humans eat?”

“Most of what ponies do. With the addition of meat products, that is. I try to stock up on canned goods and non-perishables when I can. Saves trips to and from here. Only so many hours in a day!”

They walk around the market slowly going down every isle. Cherry marvels at the selection of products!

“This has to be the most complete market ever!”

Arc shrugs as he pushes his full shopping cart toward the checkout lanes. “Maybe one of these days I’ll take you to a store a couple towns away. You’ll REALLY be in awe of that place and its selection!”

“Another market?”

“Yeah! It’s called Wal-Mart!”

He looks down at his cart.

“Looks like we have everything we came for.”

Cherry giggles. “And then some!”

As they approach the front of the store, they witness a disturbance. Two heavily bruised men are having an argument with one of the clerks. Snake stands in front of a full shopping cart.

“What do you mean ‘pay’?!”

The clerk appears nervous. “S-sir! You have to pay for what you take!”

Jackal sighs. “Aw, come on Snake! We should pay at least once in a while!”

“Maybe next time then!”

The clerk looks at the contents of the cart. “Please sir! I haven’t even checked your ID to make sure your old enough for all that beer! We could be in a lot of trouble!”

Snake narrows his eyes. “I think you already are!”

Cherry growls. “I know you’re trying to keep a low profile, but are we really going to stand back and watch this happen?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Ideas?”

“You could try asking them nicely! But I doubt that would work!”

H turns away and pushes his cart in the opposite direction. “That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Come again?”

Arc steps behind some boxes and pulls the magic cloak out of his ring. “We’re going to ask them nicely.”

“Do you really think that will work?!”

Arc puts on the cloak and calls forth his armor. “Probably not. But I’ll give them a chance.”

“Be careful, Arc!”

“Always!”

Making sure his armor is completely covered by the cloak, he slowly walks back to the front of the store. Snake appears to be on his last nerve as he grabs the employee by the front of his uniform.

“Now look here, mac! We’re taking this stuff and there’s nothing you can do or say to stop us!”

Jackal nods. “Yeah! What he said! There any lollipops around here?”

“Isle three!”

“Thanks! Me be right back!”

Jackal happily makes his way back to isle three as Snake shakes his head.

“Way to go, Jackal. Always thinking with your stomach.”

Arc approaches Snake from the rear. “Excuse me, but you really need to pay for what you want like everyone else.”

Snake turns around angrily! “I’ve had just about enough of…”

He stops and looks Arc up and down.

“Who… or what, are you supposed to be?! A wizard?!”

Arc shrugs. “Just someone who doesn’t like people taking that which doesn’t belong to them.”

“You new in town fella?”

“Kinda.”

Snake smiles. “Okay, let me fill you in on who we are. My large associate and I are members of the local men’s club known as the Shards. We pretty much run this town and everything in it! So, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll take my advice and stay clear of us. Understand?”

“Completely.”

Snake pushes his cart toward the door as Jackal returns with an entire stand of lollipops on his shoulders. “Good! I’m glad we had this little talk! A big guy like you should consider joining!”

Arc nods. “As am I.”

As Snake moves to pass Arc, he puts a hand on the cart to stop it yet again.

“What now?!”

Arc glares at him. “You still need to pay for what you take.”

Snake sighs as he cracks his knuckles. “Fine! We’ll do this the hard way!”

He moves to punch Arc in the stomach. As expected, his fist stops as if it had just hit a brick wall!

“OW! What the heck you have on under that thing?!”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing too special. Pants and a shirt mostly.”

Snake turns to shake his head and chuckles before attempting to sucker kick Arc in the nads. Jackal frowns at Arc as he puts down the lollipop display.

“Hey! You hurt my friend’s foot!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I didn’t. I was just standing here.”

“I guess that true…”

Cherry sighs as she speaks to Arc’s mind. “These two aren’t the tallest ladders in the barn!”

“You’re telling me!”

Snake hops around as he holds his foot. “Get him, Jackal!”

“Okays!”

Jackal swings a meaty fist at Arc who easily steps back to evade it.

“Stay still and let me hit you!”

“Why?”

“Um… just cause!”

Arc moves away from Jackal. “Why don’t you just pay for what you want and we can all move on?”

Jackal thinks for a moment. “Because…”

Snake limps around. “Less talking, more hitting!”

“I got him!”

He swings again as Arc sidesteps. His fist hits a block wall!

“OW! Why you do that?!”

“I didn’t do anything! YOU hit the wall!”

Jackal turns to Snake. “Can’t we just pay like he says?”

Snake hobbles over. “N-no! We gotta make an example out of him! Together, Jackal!”

“YEAH!”

The both approach Arc again from both sides. Snake grins wickedly!

“We got his THIS time!”

They both swing at the same time. Arc ducks as they hit one another and fall over.

“This… this not working out so well, Snake!”

“No… no it is not!”

Arc sighs at the pair. “Why don’t you two leave before you really hurt yourselves?”

Snake stands up and turns towards the door. “Come on, Jackal! Let’s go!”

Jackal stands and picks up the lollipop display again. “Okay!”

Arc steps forward. “You still need to pay for that candy if you want any.”

“Aw… but me don’t have any money!”

“Then I guess you can’t have any candy then.”

Jackal puts the display down and walks sadly toward the door. “Okay…”

As the pair leave, those assembles applaud. The clerk, looking relieved, walks over to Arc.

“Thank you, whoever you are!”

“Don’t mention it.”

Arc quickly Blinks back to his cart behind the boxes. Cherry giggles as Arc recalls his armor and takes off the cloak.

“That was splendid, Arc!”

He returns the cloak to his ring before walking toward the checkout with his cart. “Those two are becoming quite a nuisance. I may have to be a bit more forceful next time.”

“At least nopony got hurt!”

“That’s always a plus!”

“So, what now?!”

Arc smiles. “Now we pay for our groceries and go home.”

Chapter 7 - It Starts...

Jackal and Snake make their way back to the Shark’s headquarters.

“That guy tough, Snake!”

Snake shakes his head. “Tough?! All he did was move around!"

“Do yous think the boss with hear about this?”

“Let’s hope not.”

Meanwhile, Arc pays for their groceries and heads back home. Cherry speaks up as Arc turns out of the parking lot.

“That was nice of you to go easy on them.”

“I didn’t want to risk hurting them. At this point, I’m strong enough to do some real damage to someone!”

“You’re so compassionate, Arc. That’s one of the things I love about you!”

A short time later Arc returns to his house. The sun has begun to set as he walks in the door.

“We’re home!”

Ember is standing at the door waiting for him. “Arc. I’m going to say this quietly, and with great restraint.”

“Um, okay.”

“WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!”

“Woah! What are you talking about?!”

Max calls out to him from the couch. “You’re the top story in this evening’s news!”

Hugh laughs. “Congratulations, sir!”

Xenos gives him a thumbs up. “You sure showed those two punks!”

Cherry looks at the television through Arc’s eyes. There is an amateur recording of the battle.

“How did they…?”

Arc sighs. “Cell phones. Everyone has one, and all of them have cameras.”

Ember looks around. “Cherry?! Where are you now?”

“Arc’s forehead at the moment. It looks like I can communicate audibly from here.”

Max looks Arc over cautiously. “Are you okay with this, sir?”

“I am. As long as Cherry is here, my head is her head.”

“Thank you, Arc! I’ll do my best not to intrude into your privacy!”

Arc nods. “I know you won’t.”

He turns back to Max.

“So, what did the news have to say?”

Before Max can respond, Ember cuts him off!

“Only that a ‘mysterious stranger’ took on two members of the Shards! Honestly, what were you THINKING?!”

“Um… that they should’ve brought more backup?”

Ember glares at him! “I’m serious, Arc! You could have blown our cover completely!”

Viktor comes running up the stairs, grinning!

“The Internet is abuzz about a mysterious stranger who has strange and wondrous powers! Know anything about that, sir?!”

Cherry speaks up. “He couldn’t just let them hurt that poor clerk, could he?!”

Ember sighs. “I suppose not. But you need to be careful!”

“I know. One must protect their secret identity after all. Again, I feel like Batman.”

Max looks confused. “Who?”

“Tall, dark, strong and intimidating. Viktor can google it for you.”

Viktor nods and heads back downstairs. “I’ll do it!”

“Care to help Cherry and I with supper, Ember?”

Cherry giggles. “It will be just like old times!”

"Sure. Why not?”

They make their way to the kitchen with the groceries and get to work. Arc notices Ember is quiet as they put everything away.

“Something wrong?”

Ember does not turn around. “Not really.”

“Are you sure?”

She nods. “I’m coming with you next time!”

“Arc can take care of himself, Ember! You need to have more faith in him!”

“That isn’t the problem.”

Arc looks confused. “Then what…”

Ember turns back to him, smiling. “I can’t let you have all the fun, now can I?

Arc facepalms. “Oh boy.”

The trio gets to work cooking supper. Cherry sighs.

“I do wish I still had hooves!”

Arc nods. “How about some hands instead?”

“Huh?”

He calls forth his armor.

“Let me out and you, my dear, have yourself some hands!”

The sounds of giggling can be heard coming from Eidolon’s Ward as the armor, for all intents and purposes, melts away. Arc steps out.

“Now I can help! This will be so much fun!”

Ember looks over as the armor reforms itself. “Gross…”

Arc turns to her. “Did you say something, Ember?”

“Not a thing.”

In a short time, they sit down to a hearty meal. Max looks over to Arc as they dig in.

“These are wonderful, sir! What do you call them?!”

“Vegetarian pitas. It’s kinda like a thick soft-shell taco filled with vegetables and spices.”

Ember smiles. “This would taste great with Saffron’s Roast Cockatrice in it!”

“Truth be told, you can pretty much put anything you want into one of these! Vegetables or meat!”

Viktor nods. “This city’s food is amazing!”

“Pitas actually originated in a land far across the ocean. You see, each country has its own culture and cuisine!”

Hugh looks down at his plate. “What kind of food does this part of the world eat?”

“Hamburgers, ice cream, apple pie, meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, jerky, fried chicken… that’s all I can think of off the top of my head anyway.”

Ember nods. “I’ve heard of ice cream before. Is it any good?”

Xenos shrugs. “Not sure. We didn’t have such nice things in the military.”

Arc laughs. “Well, I bought some. We can have it for dessert.”

A short time later the meal concludes. Arc and his armor return to the kitchen and emerge with a fresh cherry pie and a pail of vanilla ice cream. Cherry uses her newfound hands to serve the pie.

“I hope everypony likes it! We made it fresh this afternoon!”

Arc puts a scoop of ice cream on each plate next to the pie. “Cherry pie and a scoop of ice cream. It just doesn’t get any better than this!”

The dessert is passed out to everyone around the table. Ember looks up as they eat.

“This is great, Cherry!”

Xenos nods in agreement! “Yeah! Who knew pie could be this good!”

Max smiles at her. “Thank you for making it for us!”

Hugh raises his glass respectfully. “It is quite tasty, ma’am!”

Viktor nods as he finishes his slice. “I’ll say! You’re very talented, miss! The commander is a very lucky stallion!”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Thank you everypony! It feels good to be able to cook again!”

Arc sits down in front of his own plate and looks to her, apologetically. “Sorry for leaving you in my ring so long, Cherry.”

“It’s alright, Arc. There’s no way you could have known!”

Everyone finishes their dessert and leans back in their chairs, clearly satisfied. Max sighs contentedly.

“We need to get some exercise soon!”

Xenos chuckles. “That we do! If I eat like this every day, I’ll be the size of a house in no time!”

Viktor laughs! “Xenos getting bigger than he already is! That would be a sight to see!”

Hugh nods. “You said it!”

Arc turns to his armor. “Thank you for that wonderful dessert, my dear!”

“You’re welcome, Arc! Although I do wish I could have eaten with everypony else.”

Max looks at the clock. “Sir? The television said there’s a new show airing soon that’s supposed to give the pulse of the city.”

Viktor looks confused. “What does that mean?”

Arc nods as he stands up. “It’s supposed to talk about what the population of Angel Grove is thinking on recent local events. Sounds interesting!”

Everyone makes their way to the living room. Max turns on the television as he turns to Arc.

“Maybe you’re on there, sir!”

Arc shakes his head as they sit down. “I doubt it. Most shows are prerecorded.”

“Pre-what?”

“It means they film the show days in advance and then air it at the proper time.”

Hugh nods. “I wonder what they’ll be talking about?”

Xenos shakes his head as the show comes on. “Probably the Shards!

“Live from our studios in Angel Grove, this is ‘The Thought Around Town’! And now, please put your hands together for your host, Guy Smiley!”

Arc shrugs. “Okay. So, it IS going on right now.”

A well-dressed man in a flashy suit comes on screen and walks toward a desk while waving. The sound of applause can be heard as Arc’s squad joins in. Ember looks at them as she raises an eyebrow.

“What are you guys doing?!”

Xenos shrugs as he and the others clad. “What? They said to applaud! I think.”

Arc chuckles. “Television only works one way. They can’t hear US!”

Hugh puts his hands down along with the others. “Oh…”

They wait for the show to continue in silence. Soon the host speaks.

“Good evening ladies and gents! Welcome to our premier episode! We’ve got quite a show lined up for you! So, grab a snack, sit back, and let us enthrall you!”

Cherry, still in Eidolon’s Ward, stands up and walks toward the kitchen. Arc turns to look after her.

“Cherry?”

“He said to get snacks.”

“Thanks, but I think we’re all still pretty full.

She nods and returns to sit at his side.

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Forgive me everyone, but we had a bit of a last-minute entry to tonight’s lineup! Let me introduce you to our very special guest… the leader of the Shards!”

A well-dressed young man with a cane steps onstage to applause. He slowly approaches Guy as Ember’s eyes grow wide!

“The leader?!”

Max frowns. “Why in Celestia’s name is everyone clapping?!”

Arc shakes his head. “They have a clapping machine. Believe me, no one is applauding HIM!”

Guy shakes hands with the young man and gestures for him to take a seat next to the desk.

“Welcome to the show Mr. Shard!”

“Thank you for having me, Guy.”

“First off, what do we call you?!”

“I believe names are overrated. That’s why all my boys simply refer to me as ‘boss’.”

Guy grins widely! “Sounds complicated!”

Automated laughter ensues. As the Shard Boss chuckles.

“Everyone in my organization has their own special way of being identified.”

“Like a nickname?”

“Yes. One must be identifiable in some capacity.”

“Of course! Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself? Let everyone tuning in at home get to know the real you, your background and anyone of importance in your life.”

“Certainly! I don’t have any real family to speak of, so we’ll skip that part. As everyone knows by now, I’m the driving force behind the Shards. It’s my only true passion in life!”

Guy nods. “Tell us more about the Shards then. For starters, why the name?

“I like to think of it less like a gang, and more like a family of sorts! As far as our name goes, think of it like this. Our members come from all walks of life and don’t really seem to fit in anywhere else! Many of them are mere fragments of a greater whole. They are the shards that make up my organization. Everyone has their place, with membership having many benefits.”

“Such as?”

“The comradery of their fellow members, for starters. A steady paycheck based on rank of course! And the knowledge that they are part of something larger than themselves.”

Guy nods. “You said everyone has a place! What did you mean by that?!”

“Like any good family, everyone must pull their own weight. Do their job, so to speak. The Shards do not tolerate freeloaders!”

“Do some work harder than others?!”

The boss nods. “Naturally. Everyone is different, and has differing work ethic. Some jobs take longer than others, of course! For example, our kitchen staff may work long hours, but in a fairly safe and stable environment. While my boys who pull off a heist may appear, to the untrained eye, lazy and unproductive. However, when it’s go-time, they jump into action like a coiled spring! It’s hands on, dirty and occasionally very dangerous.”

“Dangerous?!”

“With any job there is an element of risk. Your biggest danger may be a headache after a long day of filming. While my boys have to watch out for more… forward threats such as Marshal Raynor.”

“I assume you and the Marshall don’t see eye to eye.”

“We do, actually. He’s trying to protect the town, just like I am. Although we have differing views on how to accomplish that task, I do respect him and his positions.”

“Very surprising given your position in society, sir!”

The boss smiles. “We are both men of order, for without it, society breaks down!”

Guy chuckles. “Speaking of order, what did you think of the incident at our local market earlier this evening?!”

The Shard Boss appears confused. “I wasn’t aware there was one.

Guy turns to a large screen behind him. “Let’s watch some footage taken from a bystander then!”

The scene from the news plays out depicting Arc defeating the pair of Shards without throwing a single blow. The boss watches, clearly surprised!

“I must say I’m impressed by the resourcefulness of this individual! This… Mysterious Stranger, as it were.”

Guy nods. “Tonight’s news was full of stories about that incident!”

“I will have to watch more of them when I get back to my base later tonight! Tell me, Guy. What do you think of this individual?”

Guy shakes his head. “I personally don’t support the actions of vigilantes! Let the powers that be handle such disturbances!”

The boss chuckles. “While I am inclined to agree with you, Guy, I also respect this man’s willingness to stand up for others! I am loathed to admit it, but my boys did go a bit too far back there! Rest assured, they will be punished.”

Meanwhile back at the Shard base, Jackal turns to Snake.

“Snake? What that mean?”

He drops his popcorn. “Oh… crap.”

Arc and his friends sit there astonished at the candid nature of the Shard’s leader. Ember looks to Arc confused.

“He… he’s IMPRESSED by you Arc?!”

Arc shrugs. “Huh! Who knew!”

The Shard Leader stands and slowly walks toward the camera.

“Angel Grove. I would like to take this time to apologize to all of you for some of our member’s… overzealous behavior. To this man, this… brave armored hero… I would be very interested in meeting with you! Perhaps even having you join our little family!”

He smiles warmly.

“Think about it… would you kindly?”

Arc shuts off the TV and tosses the remote to the side as Ember glowers at the now blank screen.

“That arrogant little…”

Max looks to Arc. “Is this how Earth treats its criminals?!”

“Not usually, no. Why he’s getting a pass is beyond me.”

Viktor frowns. “And that Guy Smiley! How can he be AGAINST someone fighting for justice?!”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Especially when Arc didn’t even hit them!”

Xenos smacks his fist into his palm, angrily! “I think he needs to be taken down a peg or two!”

Hugh nods. “I’m sure the commander will see to that! Won’t you sir!”

Arc looks suddenly drained as he stands up. “Yeah. Look, I’m really tired.”

Ember nods. “Why don’t you get some sleep, Arc.”

Max nods. “We all should get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Right sir?!”

Arc nods as he heads for the stairs with his armor close behind him. “Y-yeah.”

Cherry’s voice rings out through the helmet. “Let’s get you to bed, dear.”

Viktor turns to the others as they leave the living room. “What’s with the commander?”

Xenos shrugs. “I don’t know. He seemed to be really bothered by that show though!”

Hugh sighs. “Well I would be upset if someone told me I was wrong for protecting others!”

Ember looks to the stairs, thinking. “I can’t help but think there’s more to it than that!”

The others stand up and make their way to bed as Cherry helps Arc to his room.

“Do you want to change clothes before bed?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. I kinda got used to sleeping in my normal clothes when I lived in Equestria.”

She looks at him and speaks in a sheepish tone. “Would it make you uncomfortable if I… watched over you tonight?”

“What do you mean?”

“It… it’s just so good to see you again! I can’t hardly bear to have you out of my sight!”

Arc climbs into bed. “So… you want to watch me sleep?”

“Not if it makes you uncomfortable though!”

“It’s okay with me. Won’t you get tired just standing there though?”

“I don’t feel pain any longer. Nor do I get tired or need sleep.”

Arc nods. “Would you at least sit down though?”

“Very well! “

Arc turns off the light and rolling over onto his back as his armor slowly sits down in a nearby chair. “Good night, Cherry.”

“Good night.”

In a few minutes she can hear Arc’s light snore.

“Sleep well, my love.”

Arc awakens early the next morning with the others. They shower and climb into the Jeep. Cherry accompanies then in Arc’s head.

“So where to now?”

“Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast.”

Ember grins. “You’ll like the two girls who run it, Cherry. They’re very nice!”

Arc nods as he starts the Jeep and drives down the street. “That you will.”

In a short time, they reach the diner. Lily sees them as she unlocks the door and holds it open for them.

“Good morning everyone!”

Arc smiles at her. “Good morning, Lily! We’re here for another one of your fine breakfasts!”

Lily escorts them to what has become their regular table. “Shelly and I will try not to disappoint!”

She pulls out her order pad and a pencil.

“What can I get you all?”

“My regular.”

Lily giggles. “Of course, Arc!”

Ember looks up. “I’ll have the same! Oh, but give me some sausage and bacon for my friend here.”

Sereb jumps up into her lap and smiles as the others place their orders. Lily writes everything down.

“I’ll get that right in for you folks! Shouldn’t take long!”

Lily returns to the kitchen. Arc and his friends are left alone as the only customers in the restaurant and Ember looks over to him.

“Have you come up with a plan, Arc?”

“That I have.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Plan?”

Max nods. “We’re going to pull a little heist on the Shards.”

Xenos chuckles. “Somepony has to!”

Arc looks up and frowns. “Someone, Xenos.”

Hugh smiles wickedly. “We’re gonna liberate all the ‘protection money’ the Shards are going to be collecting later today.”

Cherry sounds suddenly nervous. “What?! How?!”

Ember looks to Arc Good question.

Arc leans forward. “Okay, here’s the plan! We start off by having a good breakfast.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face and shakes his head.

“I’ll explain the rest when we leave.”

Max sighs. “Very well sir.”

A short time later Lily and Shelly bring their food out.

“I hope you boys like it!”

Ember looks at her cheeseburger hungrily. “I’m sure we will!”

As Lily and Shelly make their way around the front counter another customer walks in.

“Welcome to… oh my! It… it’s you!!!”

Wide-eyed, Shelly and Lily back away from the counter. Arc looks toward the new arrival before turning to his friends.

“Everyone stay here.”

Ember looks confused. “But…”

Arc looks at her sternly.

“Fine…”

He stands and walks over to the front counter The Shard Boss is slowly walking up to the counter, cane in hand. Two tough looking bodyguards stand on either side of the front door. He looks up and smiles as Arc approaches him.

“Well, well, well! Look who we have here!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “It’s been a long time… Frankie.”

He chuckles. “It’s just Frank now, Arc. Or ‘boss’ to a great many others! But no need to be so formal. We’re all friends here.”

“Let’s skip the catching up! Why are you here?”

Frank looks over the Lily and Shelly. “Oh, can’t a man come visit his childhood friends now?”

“I don’t think you even remember what that word means!”

Lily and Shelly are visibly shaking as Frank turns to look at them and reaches a hand into his coat.

“I have something for you two!”

Arc jumps in front of Frank! “NO!”

He pulls out a paper bag and extends it toward Arc. “Relax, pal. It’s not what you think.”

Arc takes the bag and looks inside. “What’s all this?!”

“It recently came to my attention that some of my boys have been extorting money from you two fine ladies. I’ve come to rectify their mistake now. That bag contains everything they took from you, with a bit of interest. “

Shelly looks over at him, confused. “Wh-what?”

“I apologize for their behavior. Rest assured they have already been severely punished by one of my lieutenants. This will not happen again!”

He turns to Arc and smiles.

“I could use a good man like you in my organization, Arc.”

“Why me?”

“Because the Shards need more members with brains! Not to mention guts! Interested?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’ll pass.”

“Awww… are you sure? It could be… like the old days again.”

Frank smiles.

“Do you remember the time when…”

“I said, NO!”

Frank shrugs. “Have it your way. If you should change your mind, my door is always open to you.”

“Thanks… pal.”

Frank turns to leave the diner. “My boys are visiting the business district this morning! Any of them cause any trouble here, you ladies let me know!”

Shelly nods. “Y-yes sir!”

He leaves, as his bodyguards escort him back to his car. As they drive away, he looks back at the diner.

“I’m sorry, Shelly. You deserve better than this.”

Arc stands at the front counter until the car drives away before turning to Shelly and Lily. He sets the bag of money on the table.

“He’s gone. You two okay?”

“Y-yes!”

“Somehow!”

Arc frowns. “Does Frank come here often?”

Lily shakes her head. “No! I haven’t seen him in years!”

“Me either!”

They look at the bag of money lying ominously on the counter. Shelly looks up to Arc.

“I wonder what made him do that?!”

Arc sighs as he walks back to his table. “Wish I knew!”

He sits back down with the others.

“Well?”

Arc goes back to eating. “Well what Ember?

“Aren’t you going to tell us what that was about?!”

He shakes his head. “Another time.”

Max looks confused. “Sir?"

Arc frowns angrily. “I don’t want to talk about it now, okay?!”

Xenos nods. “Yes sir.”

Everyone tensely goes back to eating.

“Sorry.”

Hugh shakes his head. “Everyone has secrets, sir.”

Viktor nods. “We’re here if you want to talk about them though, sir.”

Cherry giggles and speaks to him telepathically. “We all are.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks. I’ll tell you about it another day.”

Ember frowns. “I’ll hold you to that.”

They finish their meal, pay the check, and head toward the door. Arc turns back to Shelly and Lilly.

“Take care you two.”

Shelly nods. “We will.”

Lily smiles at him. “Have a nice day!”

As they leave both Shelly and Lily look to each other.

“Arc’s up to something, isn’t he?”

Shelly nods. “That he is. I just hope he knows what he’s doing!”

Meanwhile… Arc and the others make their way back to his Jeep and climb in. Ember rubs her belly.

“That cheeseburger was amazing!”

Xenos grins. “I’m ready for anything now!”

Max looks to Arc. “What’s the plan, sir?”

“Let’s drive on over to the business district.”

Hugh nods. “Time to act?!”

Arc chuckles as he drives slowly down the road. “Soon. Very soon indeed.”

In a short while they reach the downtown, or business district of Angel Grove. Sereb looks out the window.

“That is quite a few shops.”

Ember frowns. “You see shops. The Shards see opportunity.”

“Let’s see if we can’t put a dent in their plans, eh?”

Arc drives down Main Street slowly. “Looks like the shops are just beginning to open. Here’s the plan! Max, Hugh, Xenos, and Viktor will walk the street in pairs waiting for the collectors to show up.”

Max nods. “What should we do when they come?”

“Just keep an eye on them. After they collect from every business, well…”

He finishes outlying the plan.

Ember shrugs. “Not a terrible plan. What if something goes wrong though?!”

“Then Hugh and Viktor will make a diversion to allow us to get away.”

Hugh frowns. “Like what, sir?”

“You’ll have to get creative on that one.”

Viktor sighs. “Great…”

“They should be here soon. The collection would most likely take place before the businesses are in full swing. Less witnesses.”

He pulls something out of the glove box.

“Come up here, Sereb.”

Sereb dutifully jumps into the front seat. “Very well.”

Arc puts a collar around his neck and hands Max a leash.

“Max, you and Xenos will pretend to walk Sereb. You’re my second diversion in case we need something a bit more… involved.”

Ember grins! “And I’m with you, Arc?”

“Right! You’ll walk with me and pretend to by my girlfriend.”

“That I can do!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Just look in all the shop windows and do a lot of pointing and smiling. That will give me time to look around like any good, and bored, boyfriend would do!”

Cherry quietly speaks up. “And me?”

“You stay in my head and let me know if you see anything.”

“Won’t this be dangerous, Arc?”

“Just to Ember and I mostly.”

Cherry sounds nervous. “That’s what I’m worried about!”

Xenos smiles. “Don’t worry, Miss Cherry!”

Hugh nods. “Yeah! The commander has plenty of backup available!”

Viktor laughs. “Worst case scenario, we break something and make a run for it!”

Max frowns. “Let’s try to avoid that, eh?”

Ember cracks her knuckles. “No promises.”

Arc pulls into a public parking lot and easily finds a space. He puts the Jeep in park and turns it off.

“Stay safe everyone. Report back here when the collectors drive away.”

His squad nods as they get out and pair up. Everyone goes their separate ways to carry out their part of the mission. Ember gets out last and latches onto Arc’s arm.

“Ember?!”

She winks at him. “What?! We’re going on a date together, remember honey?!”

He sighs. “Don’t overact.”

Cherry sighs. “I’m having mixed feelings about this as well.”

Ember draws back! “I’m sorry, Cherry! I forgot you were in there!”

“It’s okay, Ember! In truth, I’m very grateful to you. You see, I can’t be there for Arc physically! Only in spirit.”

Ember shakes her head and takes Arc’s arm as they leave the parking lot. “That actually makes me feel even more guilty!”

Arc and Ember make their way down the street together slowly.

“This really is nice!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ve always liked our downtown.”

“No. I mean spending time with you! We don’t get to do it that often these days.”

“I guess not.”

Ember whispers. “Can… can Cherry still hear us?”

Cherry nods telepathically. “I can.”

“She says yes.”

Ember looks at him with a pained expression on her face. “I’ll… try to be good then.”

“Just try to look like a happy girlfriend and no one will be the wiser.”

Ember looks into several shop windows. She points at yet another item happily!

“These really are nice! Can we buy them, Arc?!”

“Maybe later… honey.”

Ember smiles broadly! “Oh, I do like hearing that!”

“Just don’t get used to it. Okay?”

Ember sighs as she again takes Arc’s arm and leans on him. “I won’t.”

A large black car roars up and parks in a nearby handicap parking spot. Two men get out. Arc looks at them out of the corner of his eye.

“Right on time.”

Jackal yawns as the pair approach the first shop. “It so early, Snake!”

“Yeah well, the boss wants this done same as usual. Come on! Let’s get this crappy job over with.”

Jackal nods. “Do you think he’s mad about what happened at the grocery store the other day?”

Snake rolls his eyes. “Why do you think we’re doing this?! It’s punishment!”

Arc and Ember watch as they enter the shop together and approach the counter. The owner frowns and hands them an envelope. They take it, put it in a small satchel Snake is carrying and quickly move on to the next business. Ember frowns angrily!

“Stealing. The lowest of dragons wouldn’t dare to stoop so low!”

Arc takes her arm. “Don’t worry. We’ll stop them. Just be patient, okay?!”

They watch as the two go up one side of the street and then the other. Ember looks to Arc as the pair enter the last shop.

“Are we going to actually DO something at some point?!”

Arc walks over to the pair’s car and kneels down to tie his shoe. “Yes. Right now.”

He looks around before pulling his Hunting Knife stealthily out of his ring and deftly slashing the passenger side front tire. Putting the knife back into his ring and pulling a lollipop out of his pocket, he sets it down on the curb next to the tire.

“Great. Now what?!”

Arc stands up. “Go meet up with Max and Xenos. Tell them to watch this car and offer to help change the tire.”

Ember nods. “And me?”

“Stay with them and help keep the Shark’s attention focused on you.”

“Why?!”

Arc walks quickly to a nearby alley. “Just do it!”

Ember walks over to Max, Xenos and Sereb and explains the plan. Max nods.

“We’ll do it.”

Xenos kneels down next to Sereb. “You’ll help too, won’t you?”

Sereb barks in agreement as Xenos scratches his behind the ears.

“Who’s a good dog?!”

Sereb growls. The thugs return to their car. Snake puts the satchel in the trunk.

“Glad that’s over! We can make it back to base in time for breakfast!”

Jackal smiles happily as he heads for the passenger side. “Yeah! Me hungry!”

He looks down and sees the lollipop on the ground.

“Hey! Candy!”

As Jackal stoops down to pick it up he sees the tire.

“Hey Snake! We been robbed!”

Snake rolls his eyes as he opens the driver side door. “What are you talking about?!”

Jackal points at the tire. “Someone took the air from our tire!”

Snake walks around to look. “A flat?! Now?! Great!”

Angrily, he goes to the trunk and pulls out a jack and tire iron. After closing the trunk, he jacks up the car and attempts to remove the lug nuts.

“These are sure on good!”

Max, Xenos, Sereb and Ember walk over.

“Need a hand?”

Jackal watches Snake turn the tire iron as hard as he can. “Ya! We can’t get these nuts off!”

Xenos looks over. “Can I try?”

Snake gives him the tire iron. “Sure! We’re not making any headway on this!”

Xenos kneels down and turns the nut fairly easily. “Got it!”

Jackal looks amazed. “WOW! You must be strong!”

Max chuckles. “I think you were turning it the wrong way.”

Arc emerges from the alley with his magic cloak on. Quietly, he walks over and stands behind the car, muttering to himself.

“Come on… open the trunk…”

Max hands Sereb’s leash to Jackal. “I’ll help my friend here. Think you can hold this?”

Jackal smiles at the responsibility. “Wow! Nice doggie!”

He reaches down to pet Sereb, who barks happily and wags his tail. Jackal picks Sereb up and pets him gently as he looks to Max.

“He your dog?”

Ember quickly speaks up. “He’s actually mine! I think he likes you!”

The tire is removed and Snake opens the trunk to remove the spare. He rolls it over to Max and Xenos.

“Thanks, you two! Don’t I know you from somewhere?”

Max shakes his head. “I don’t think so.”

“We sees lots of people, Snake!”

“Guess you’re right, Jackal.”

Snake picks up the flat tire and puts it in the trunk. Ember walks over to him before he closes the trunk.

“So… you boys stay busy?”

Snake puffs his chest out at the attention. “That we do! We’re with the Shards!”

Ember bats her eyelashes. “You one of the bosses?”

He blushes slightly at her interest. “Nah! I’m just a regular member!”

“Really?! You look too smart to not be in charge!”

“Really?! Maybe someday…”

Ember nods and mutters under her breath. “Keep talking, dummy.”

Meanwhile Arc makes his way up to the trunk. He uses his magic to open the satchel and pull out all the envelopes. They fly neatly inside his cloak and into his magic ring. He closes the satchel and steps back. Arc walks quietly over behind Ember and pats her back before returning to the Jeep. She turns to Max and Xenos.

“You boys almost done over there?”

Xenos tightens the last lug nut. “All done!”

Jackal smiles! “Thanks a lot! Come on, Snake! There might still be some food left at base!”

Snake doesn’t take his eyes off of Ember. “What’s the rush?”

Ember sighs. “We have to be going as well. Lots to do today!”

“Maybe we’ll see each other again sometime!”

Ember nods and walks back to Jackal. Taking Sereb in her arms, she turns and winks at them. “One never knows!”

Max stands up with Xenos. “See you later!”

The four of them walk away.

Snake and Jackal wave after them. “It’s nice to know there are still people out there willing to help strangers!”

Jackal nods. “They nice people!”

The pair drive away. A few minutes later Arc’s companions approach the Jeep together. Ember looks around.

“Where’s Arc?”

Arc decloaks next to her. “Right here.”

“AH!!! DON’T DO THAT!”

“Sorry.”

Sereb looks around. “Is it done?”

Arc nods and pats his magic ring. “I got it!”

Max nods. “Great! What now?!”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief! “Are we going to give this money back now?”

Ember turns to Arc. “Of course, we are! Aren’t we?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we’re not.”

Max looks concerned. “Sir?!”

Arc opens the driver’s side door and gets in. “I’ll explain later! Hop in everyone!”

Chapter 8 - Knowing Thy Worth

Arc turns the Jeep into the driveway. Ember frowns.

“What are we doing back here?!”

“Everyone head inside. I have to go see someone about getting this money back to its proper owners.”

They get out and go inside as Arc drives away.

“I don’t get it. Why didn’t the commander just return the money while we were downtown?”

Xenos shrugs. “I’m sure he has his reasons.”

Hugh nods. “Maybe he’ll explain it to us later.”

Viktor smiles. “That’s probably it. He wouldn’t keep it for himself! Of that I’m certain!”

Sereb looks up at them as they close the front door. “Yes. Arc is an honorable human. Thievery is beneath him.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes the quick drive to the Angel Grove Police Station. He finds a nice side street a block away, parks, cloaks and steps out onto the street. Cherry ‘looks’ around.

“So, what ARE we going to do, Arc?”

Arc walks toward the Police Station. “See my old friend.”

“Can you trust him?”

“Yes indeed. I’ve known him since I was a boy!”

As they approach the station’s front steps Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and decloaks. Cherry is suddenly nervous.

“Arc? What are you DOING?!”

“Just making myself known to the local authorities.”

Arc slowly enters the station and clomps up to the desk sergeant. He appears to be fairly young, perhaps fresh out of the police academy. The officer appears to be going over some paperwork. He does not look up as Arc approaches.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m here to see Marshal Raynor.”

“Regarding what?”

“Returning some… stolen property.”

The Desk Sergeant nods and slowly raises his head. “Very well. I’ll… what the HECK?!”

He jumps up and draws his gun! Arc looks at him and responds in an unwavering and even tone.

“Please don’t. The ricochet might badly hurt someone.”

The officer appears to consider this for a moment before putting away his weapon and picking up the phone.

“M-Marshal? There’s… uh… someone up here to see you. Shall I bring them back? Alright.”

He hangs up the phone and looks back at Arc.

“I’ll escort you to the Marshal’s office.”

“Thank you.”

The back of the station looks like something out of an old cop’s television show. Old fashioned desks lined up in rows, wood banisters, and a single private office in the back. They pass a row of desks with officers filling out reports. All of them stop to stare as Arc walks slowly by. A few moments later they stand before Marshal Raynor’s office. The sergeant knocks as Raynor calls over from his desk.

“Come in!”

The sergeant enters with Arc behind him.

“S-sir! “

Raynor looks up. If he is surprised or intimidated, his face doesn’t show it. He pauses a moment to look Arc over.

“Get back to the front desk. I’ll handle this.”

The sergeant wastes no time leaving the office. The other officers shamelessly look through the office windows at the armored creature before them. Raynor stands and closes the blinds.

“Who the heck are you supposed to be?! Little early for Halloween.”

Arc shrugs. “No one of importance.”

Raynor sits back down at his desk and gestures toward a chair in front of him. “Have a seat, stranger.”

"I believe I’ll stand. You’ve seen the news, huh?”

“Probably the whole town did. Those who didn’t saw it on the front page.”

Raynor slides a newspaper across the desk toward Arc.

Cherry looks at the newspaper and telepathically sighs. “So much for keeping a low profile.”

Arc scans the headlines. “News does travel fast.”

Raynor nods. “You got a name, stranger?”

“I do. But I have something much more important to talk to you about right now.”

“Oh? Do tell! You cause any more disturbances that I should know about?!”

Arc sighs. “I was only trying to protect the clerk. The Shards were losing patience with him.”

Raynor leans across his desk and points a finger at Arc. “That right there is the only reason I’m not arresting you right now.”

“Thanks… I think.”

He swivels around and opens a small mini fridge behind him.

“Can I offer you a soda?”

“I’ll pass.”

The Marshal takes out a Dr. Pepper. “I’m having one.”

He opens the can and takes a mighty swig before setting the can down.

“Well, what did you need to see me about, stranger?”

“I have some stolen property that need to be returned to its owners.”

“Okay. Let’s see it.”

Arc pulls the corner of his cloak over the desk to hide his hands. Working quickly, he pulls the envelopes out of his ring. When he is finished, he pulls back his cloak to allow the Marshal to see the spoils.

Raynor looks confused. “What’s all this?”

“Take a closer look.”

He looks skeptical but does so. Picking up the first envelope, he looks at the business name on it.

“The Collar Button? What’s in here? Cloth?”

He opens the envelope and sees the money inside!

“Where did you…?!”

“This is the money the Shards stole from the shop owners today.”

Raynor’s eyes grow wide! “So, you stole it BACK?!”

“I prefer to think of it as ‘liberated’. If you could see to it this money is returned to its respective owners, I’d appreciate it.”

“HOW?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, you could just drive over to the Business District.”

“No, no! I mean how did you get this?! Are you working with them or something?!”

“No.”

Raynor stands up as Arc turns toward the door. “Then who ARE you working for?!”

Arc does not slow down. “The innocent.”

“A lot of these folks are gonna ask who got their money back! What do you want me to tell them?!”

He stops. His hand on the doorknob. “Tell them… that the Hero of Light was responsible for this.”

Arc leaves the office and slowly walks back to the front of the station. The desk sergeant looks over at him nervously as he passes.

“Have… have a nice d-day!”

“Likewise.”

He leaves via the front door and immediately cloaks. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“Who was that, Arc?”

Arc recalls his armor. “Marshal Raynor. He’s the lawman in town. Don’t worry. He’ll see to it that money gets back to the shop owners it was taken from.”

“Good! What now?”

Arc gets into his Jeep and decloaks. Removing the magic cloak and putting it back in his ring.

“Now we go home and have lunch!”

Meanwhile, back at the Shark base, Snake and Jackal enter Frank’s office. He appears to be having a talk with Stingray.

“We’re back, boss!”

Jackal nods as he carries the satchel. “Job’s done!”

Frank points to a nearby table with his cane. “Well then, let’s have it!”

Jackal walks over to the table, opens the case, turns it upside down and shakes it. Nothing falls to the table. Frank chuckles.

“Very funny, Jackal.”

Snake looks over nervously. “Quit playing around!”

Jackal looks in the case. “It empty!”

Snake’s pupils shrink. “WHAT?!”

He looks in the satchel himself then at Frank.

“Boss! I assure you…”

Frank motions for his bodyguards to take them! Pacing in front of the pair slowly, he shakes his head.

“Now, boys. Do I need to remind you the punishment for stealing from the family?!”

Snake strains in vain in the bodyguard’s grip. “It was there! I swear!!!”

Jackal nods! “Ya boss! We did just like you said!”

Stingray brandishes a knife. “What should I do with these two traitors?!”

“Take them to the brig! I need a few minutes to decide their fate!”

The guards drag the pair, kicking and screaming, out of the office. Stingray turns to Frank.

“I don’t know why you didn’t just let me…”

Frank holds up a hand for silence. “Now, now my dear Stingray. That’s not how the Shards work. They claimed the money was there so vehemently that I’m inclined to believe them.

“Where did it go then?!”

“That question is easily answered! This way.”

He slowly leads Stingray to his desk. Pressing a few buttons brings up a visage of the inside of the trunk on a nearby screen.

“There is a reason I insist on that particular car being used for this job! Anyone tries to steal from me gets caught red handed on camera! Open the trunk, start the camera.”

Stingray nods. “Impressive!”

Franks pushes the play button. They watch as Snake puts the satchel in the trunk.

Stingray frowns. “It looks full enough!”

“Patience. There’s more footage.”

The next scene is of Snake opening the trunk to remove the tire iron and jack. He subsequently closes the trunk. Frank nods.

“At least he was smart enough not to leave the trunk open.”

“Let’s see what happens next, sir.”

Snake opens the trunk again to swap out the flat tire with the spare. Stingray frowns.

“Wait, why is the trunk still open?”

Frank shakes his head. “His body language suggests he’s talking to someone whom interests him.”

“A girl, perhaps?”

“Most likely. “

Stingray furrows her brow, angrily! “A diversion?”

“Definitely! Now we’ll see who our thief was!”

Both stare at the screen dumbfounded as they see the satchel open and the envelopes seemingly floating away before disappearing.

“What the heck?!”

Frank chuckles. “Perhaps we were robbed by the Invisible Man.”

Stingray cracks her knuckles. “An invisible DEAD man when I get ahold of them!”

Frank turns off the screen. “On the plus side, we now know that our two members are innocent of stealing from us.”

“But it’s still their fault!”

Frank nods. “I’ll come up with an appropriate punishment for them. You can release them from the brig. When you feel like it, that is.”

Stingray nods. “I will… right after lunch!”

Meanwhile, Arc pulls in the driveway, parks and heads inside. Ember is waiting for him on the couch.

“Did it go alright?!”

Arc closes the front door behind him. “Yes. The money will be returned by Marshal Raynor.”

“Good!”

Arc looks around. “Where are the others?”

“Making lunch. I hope you like salad!”

“It’s not my favorite. But I think I can take it!”

A short time later the group sits around the table. Max looks over to Arc.

“So how did it go, sir?”

“Fine. The money was turned over to the police, and the Hero of Light took the opportunity to make his presence known to Marshal Raynor.”

Ember frowns. “What did he have to say about that?”

“I don’t think he really likes the idea of vigilantism.”

Sereb nods. “He’s not wrong.”

Xenos sighs. “Agreed. But what choice do we have?!”

“I get the feeling this whole situation has made him feel utterly useless. Right now, he has to take whatever help he can get!”

They finish their meal and return to the living room. Hugh sighs.

“What now, sir?”

“Viktor can keep working on the computer, for the moment.”

Viktor happily heads for the basement. “I was hoping you would say that.”

“Xenos, Max and Hugh can keep monitoring the news on TV.”

“On it sir!”

Hugh nods. “We looking for anything in particular, sir?”

“Information on how we can strike at the Shards would be a plus.”

Ember looks to Arc. “And me?”

“You can either join the TV crew or Viktor downstairs.”

“Can’t I join you in… whatever you’re going to do?”

Arc looks toward the stairs. “I was actually going to head upstairs and… catch up with Cherry.”

“Oh… okay. I’m sure you two have a lot to talk about. I’ll see if Viktor need a hand going through the computer information.”

“Thanks Ember! I’ll be in my room.”

They go their separate ways. Ember makes her way down to the basement where Viktor is printing out documents happily!

“Love this printer thing!”

Ember walks over. “Need some help?”

“Actually yeah! “

He gestures to a large stack of printouts.

“I need someone to help me go through this stuff and sift out the helpful parts while throwing the rest in the trash.”

Ember takes the papers to the nearby table and sits down next to a paper and pencil, sighing. “I can do that.”

“Something wrong?”

Ember nods. “Kinda. It’s just… I was hoping to spend more time with Arc on this mission to Earth. Instead he’s always so busy with everything but me. Now that Cherry is back, he has even less time.”

Viktor gets up from the computer and sits down next to Ember. “That’s how things go when he’s working, Ember. The commander’s a really focused stallion!”

“How do you guys put up with that?!”

He smiles. “We don’t really have a choice. But he’s always been very kind to us! Most commanding officers would leave the really dangerous stuff to us grunts.”

“But Arc doesn’t.”

Viktor nods. “We were just as surprised to learn that he takes care of the most dangerous tasks himself! He does care about you and your feelings. Of that I am certain.”

Max looks over to them from the stairs. “That he does.”

Viktor and Ember look over to see Max descending. Ember frowns.

“How long have you been there?!”

Max chuckles. “Long enough! Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”

He walks over and sits down on the other side of Ember.

“I know you feel a bit… replaced by Cherry right now. But remember, the commander was planning to marry her before she was murdered! Do you think things would have been any different now if that had happened?!”

Ember bows her head. “I never thought of that.”

Max sighs. “Truth be told, he probably would have had LESS time for you and I after the wedding.”

Viktor nods. “Now he has a second chance with the mare of his dreams! Of course he wants to be alone with her! That’s natural!”

“We don’t have much experience with love. Being full time Lunar Protectors tends to do that to a stallion! But the commander, above all of us, deserves to find happiness with another!”

Ember looks at them. “And all of you are okay taking a back seat?!”

Viktor smiles. “Yes.”

“Why?!”

Max stands up. “Because the commander isn’t just our superior officer. He’s also… our friend.”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to his room. Cherry, sensing something is bothering him, speaks up.

“Arc? Is everything all right?”

Arc lies down on his bed. “Yes Cherry. Everything is just fine! I just wanted you and I to have a bit of a talk. It’s been a while.”

“That it has.”

“Maybe you can clear a few things up for me.”

“I’ll try, Arc.”

“The night of your funeral… I, uh… took care of Ruby before going to sleep myself. That night I had a wonderful dream where you and I were children playing together!”

“That does sound lovely!”

“We had a very nice talk. After which… you… ascended into Heaven. Did that really happen?! Did you and I really share that dream together?!”

Cherry sighs. “I have no memory of that, so I’m going to have to say it was your subconscious.”

“But it felt so REAL!”

“While I would have loved to share such a time with you, I must confess that the mare you spoke to in the dream was not me. Your love, memories and desires are what created her.”

Arc closes his eyes and nods. “I spoke to my therapist about it. She told me it wasn’t you, but a figment of my imagination. Something about how it was likely my mind trying to achieve cloture.”

“Did that upset you, Arc?”

“It did! At the time, I didn’t want cloture! In my mind that meant that you were… you were truly gone!”

“I’m sorry, my love. This must have been so hard on you.”

“It was. But I did my best to put up a strong front for Ruby. She took your death the hardest. To say nothing for you!”

Cherry shudders at the memory. “It was excruciating, to say the least! But the physical pain was nothing compared to the knowledge of being apart from you! I am glad you were there to hold me in my… final moments, Arc. It was a great comfort to me.”

The pair are silent for a time.

“Those moments stayed in the forefront of my mind for quite some time, Cherry! Eventually, with counseling, I was able to resume my normal duties.”

Arc’s eyes suddenly grow wide.

“That reminds me of something else! Back when I was getting my armor worked on, I heard what I thought was someone crying out for help. Was that you?”

“It was. At that time, I couldn’t really see, hear or communicate like I am now.”

Arc nods. “So that’s why only I could hear you!”

“Only you?”

“Ember and even Sereb couldn’t hear anything! They thought I was just cracking up!”

“What was happening at that time? I felt strange and frightened with no real reason for being so!”

“Mythic Honor and the Hammers were reforging my helmet at the time to add a faceplate.”

He suddenly bolts upright in bed.

“It didn’t hurt you, did it Cherry?!”

“No, dear! I… don’t feel pain anymore. But I must say it was quite a traumatizing experience for me!”

Arc lies back down. “Good! I mean, I’m glad we didn’t cause you any harm, that is!”

Cherry giggles. “I know what you mean, my love! Thank you for caring! I hope I didn’t scare you too bad back then. I was still trying to learn how to appear to you!”

“I remember seeing your earlier efforts as a strange visage in front of my eyes!”

“Yes, I remember you throwing me… your helmet anyways!”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be! It all ended well! Now I can talk to you all night long if need be!”

Arc smiles. “Really?! That would have been helpful a while back! Do you remember when I was Lord Regent?”

Cherry giggles again! “I remember those late nights!”

“Sorry for calling at such odd hours.”

“Like I told you back then, my love. I was just happy to hear your voice! No matter the time of night! I think I slept next to the phone more than I did in my own bed back then!”

“Looking back at that time in my life, I wish I had talked with you more! Or better yet, teleported there to see you!”

“You managed to call almost every other night! That’s significantly more than I would have expected! Given your schedule, that is!”

The pair are silent for a time.

“Arc? Are you feeling regret over that?”

“None of us know truly knows just how long we have. But… after you died, I couldn’t help but wonder if I could have spent more time with you! If… if maybe you would have been better off with someone who could be more than a part time boyfriend!”

“Don’t! You made me the happiest mare in all Equestria!”

“But maybe then you wouldn’t have…”

Cherry interrupts him. “Don’t say it, Arc!”

“Why? It’s true, isn’t it?!”

“Arc, I… I need to confess something to you, and I’d like it to stay just between us, okay?”

“Uh… alright.”

“I… um… when you were Lord Regent and I was still just… me… I had similar thoughts.”

“What are you talking about, Cherry?!”

“I thought to myself, that you were the Hero of Light and the Lord Regent! You could have had ANY mare you wanted! Perhaps one much more beautiful than I! Perhaps… one who was a bit… closer to Canterlot.”

“You… felt unworthy?!”

“I did! At the time I felt plain, and distant, and… and… “

She has a hard time saying the words.

“And unworthy of your love.”

“Cherry! I had no idea you felt this way!”

Cherry sighs. “Every night I secretly wished you would call and tell me you had found somepony else who was prettier, smarter, or even just closer to you! But then you would call! And it would feel both wonderful and terrible at the same time! Knowing that you cared so… so deeply for me! And then looking in the mirror afterwards and… and realizing that I was just… a silly, dirty, plain looking farm pony! That’s why I never came to visit you in Canterlot.”

“What?! I thought you were just too busy!”

“I was! But I certainly didn’t want to show my face in your court! To have everypony see that the high and mighty Lord Regent was in love with… a lowly commoner!”

“Cherry. I want you to listen to me very closely.”

“O-okay.”

Arc takes a deep breath before continuing. “You, Cherry. You’ve opened up my eyes to SO many new feelings! Things that I never knew I would, or even could, feel! Thank you SO much for that!”

He sighs and pauses to collect his thoughts.

“No matter what the future brings, I will ALWAYS love you! Never forget or question that! I had many plans for you and I!”

“Plans?”

Arc nods. “When the princesses were in their comas, there was a point when things looked very bad. It seemed they would be lost forever! Princess Luna told me to find her sister Princess Celestia and restore her to the throne.”

“What if you couldn’t?!”

“Princess Cadance said about the same thing back then. Princess Luna then told me something I will never forget.”

“What was it?!”

“If for any reason I was unable to find Princess Celestia, that I was to continue to rule Equestria… as its permanent ruler.”

Cherry Jubilee gasps! “You… you mean…”

Arc nods. “Yes, Cherry. I would have become Equestria’s King!”

She chuckles to herself. “King Arc. Now I feel even less worthy. What plans could you have possibly had for me at that point?”

“I would have found a way to restore your memory. How, I do not know.”

“And then?”

Arc takes a deep breath and smiles as he closes his eyes. “Then… I would have asked you to stand by my side and rule with me… as my Queen.”

“You… you wanted… me?!”

“Yes, Cherry.”

Cherry responds in a surprised tone. “Arc, I… I don’t know what to say! You would have let a dirty farm pony stand by your side?!”

“In a heartbeat! That’s true love, Cherry! It doesn’t care about social classes or whatnot! I only wanted you by my side… for the rest of my life!”

“What about the nobles?! Wouldn’t they have put up a fuss?! To say nothing for Equestria’s international standing!”

“To be frank, I wouldn’t have cared about their opinions on that particular matter! I’m willing to listen to others on a variety of other subjects. But whom I choose to marry is NOT one of them!”

Cherry giggles happily. “Oh Arc! You’re so sweet!”

“As are you, my dear!”

She sighs. “I’m sure we would have been very happy together.”

“Still can be! You’re here now!”

Cherry sighs. “Listen Arc. I… need to tell you something rather… painful.”

“What is it?”

“You… need to find somepony else.”

Arc frowns. “What are you talking about?! I have you!”

“No, you don’t. You have an incorporeal voice in your head. I can’t support you physically like a living mare could!”

“But…!”

Cherry interrupts him. “What I’m trying to say is… I want you to move on at some point and… marry somepony else, okay?”

“What about you?!”

“When that day comes… I’ll ascend to the heavens and wait with my parents for you to join us. After all, you and your wife won’t need a third wheel like me getting in the way.”

“You’re the only one for me though! We… we can make this work! I know we can!”

“No, my love. Promise me you’ll at least keep an open mind! I mean… they’re so many who care for you deeply! Ember… Derpy… Twilight… and probably many others that I don’t know about! Heck, you could marry one of the princesses and I wouldn’t bat an eye! I’ll be happy just knowing you’re happy!”

“I… I’ll try.”

Cherry smiles inwardly. “That’s all I can ask for, Arc! After all, what kind of mare would I be to damn you to a life of solitude?”

“You won’t be jealous?”

“No Arc. I just want you to be happy!”

She sighs with regret.

“Especially since I can’t be there for you! Somepony needs to take my place in your life… one day! Do you understand?”

“I don’t. But… I do understand where you’re coming from.”

“Thank you. This isn’t easy for either of us! I’ll try not to push the subject any further.”

“Thank you, Cherry. I… I think I need some time to think about this.”

“Do you want me to leave you alone for a while? I can take Eidolon’s Ward downstairs so you can have some time to think.”

“No Cherry. I want you here with me right now.”

“All right. Why don’t you take a nap and rest your mind? You look exhausted!”

Arc yawns. “I am a bit tired. How about we nap together then?”

“I no longer need sleep. But to tell you the truth, I rather enjoyed watching over you last night!”

“Have you tried?”

“I haven’t really thought much about it, no.”

Arc smiles. “Then let’s take a nap together then! Maybe we can be together in our dreams!”

Cherry giggles. “I’d like that!”

Arc rolls over to look out the window as he closes his eyes. “See you in Dreamland, Cherry.”

“I’ll see you there, my love. You can count on it!”

Chapter 9 - A Bone to Pick

Arc spends the next week teaching his squad how to drive. Evening has fallen. Xenos frowns from behind the wheel of the Jeep.

“Can someone please remind me why I have to do this?”

Arc chuckles. “Because I said so.”

Max grins. “You heard the commander!”

Viktor rolls his eyes. “Come on, Xenos! It’s not even that hard!”

Hugh nods. “Yeah! The rest of us haven’t had any trouble!”

Arc looks at Xenos. “That and I don’t want to have to chaperone you boys around everywhere! At some point we may have to split up! You all have to learn how to drive in the dark at some point!”

Ember laughs. “Don’t be such a baby, Xenos!”

Max points out the window. “It’s not even night time yet!”

Arc turns to Ember. “I could teach you as well, Ember. We could start tomorrow…”

Ember shakes her head frantically! “I’m sure!!!”

Arc chuckles. “As long as we’re all here, anything of note on the internet regarding our ‘friends’ the Shards?”

Viktor nods. “Plenty! They seem to have shifted toward more theft. Walking into stores and taking whatever they want. That sort of thing.”

Ember frowns. “They keep that up and they’ll bleed this town dry!”

Arc nods. “Then move on!”

Xenos nods angrily. “We can’t let that happen!

Max looks to Arc. “Don’t worry, sir! We’ll stop them here!”

“That we will, boys!

Ember looks out the window. “Where are we going anyways?”

“Take us to the mall, Xenos. I have an idea.”

“Yes sir!”

A short time later they arrive at their destination. Arc gets out of the Jeep.

“Everyone stay here. I won’t be long.”

True to his word Arc returns in short order with a bag. Ember eyes it suspiciously as he climbs in.

“What do you have there, Arc?”

“I’ll show everyone when we get home. Let’s go!”

Xenos shifts into drive. “Yes sir!”

They arrive home and head inside. Arc leads them toward the basement steps.

“This way.”

Following Arc downstairs, he pulls a box out of the bag and opens it. Quickly setting up the contents and plugging it in prior to standing up.

“There we go.”

Viktor looks at it, confused. “What is that thing?”

“A police scanner.”

Ember frowns. “A what?”

“It will allow us to listen in on what calls our local police department gets.”

Max steps back nervously. “Is that… legal?”

Arc nods. “It is. You see, the airwaves used to send messages are considered public. So we have every right to listen in on them. Assuming we don’t use the information to commit any crimes, that is!”

“We we’re planning on doing that, were we?”

“No Ember. One will sit down here next to the computer with Viktor.”

Viktor appears happy at the news. “Thank you, sir! More toys for me!”

Xenos rolls his eyes. “Glad you’re enjoying this.”

“And the other will go upstairs. Probably in the living room.”

Ember sighs. “Why are we doing this again?!”

“In case the police need help, for starters.”

Max nods. “From the Hero of Light?”

“Exactly. The other reason is to see if we can establish any kind of patterns. If we’re lucky, we can predict where the Shards will strike next!”

Hugh grins! “That would be fantastic!”

Arc turns on the scanner. “That it would. You boys keep listening in whenever possible. In time, I hope you can pick out something we can help with.”

Max nods. “We’ll do it, sir!”

Ember frowns. “Shouldn’t we be more focused on figuring out where Princess Celestia is?”

“There’s nothing we can do to speed that along. I brought everyone here to give you all time to assimilate into human culture. The knowledge you gain here may be of great help during our real mission.

Viktor looks confused. “How do you figure, sir?”

“Humans are rather suspicious by nature. We don’t want to raise any alarms by looking like we just fell off the turnip truck, now do we?”

Max nods. “We can blend in now!”

Hugh shrugs. “Kinda.”

Arc nods. “There’s a lot to do, so let’s get to it!”

As the others leave the room to go about their business, Ember turns to him. “Arc, what should I be doing? I mean, I could help go through paperwork with Viktor. But I just feel like should be doing more!”

He thinks for a moment. “I think you’re right. We’re going to need muscle at some point. Would you please get Xenos and meet me in the garage?”

“Sure!”

A short time later Ember and Xenos enter the garage together. Arc is moving some boxes around.

“You wanted to see me, sir?”

“Yes, I did. Would the two of you please help me carry these into the house?”

Ember nods. “We can do that.”

They do so with Arc in the lead.

“Where to, sir?”

“I think the basement would probably be the best place to do this.”

The boxes are carefully carried to the basement. Xenos huffs and puffs as he sets the box down in a corner.

“What do you have in here, sir?! Weights?!”

Arc nods. “Pretty much.”

Ember sets her own box down. “Say what?”

He opens the boxes. “These are weights from my dad’s old gym. It was set up down here for many years. I’m not much for such things, so they’ve been in the garage until now.”

Ember helps Arc set up the weight stand. “Don’t worry. We’ll get em dusted off for you, Arc!”

Xenos flexes. “Yeah! We’ll be tougher than ever!

“Good. You two can be our powerhouses!”

Ember chuckles. “Pretty sure we already are!”

Xenos nods. “We’ll keep training though! One can never be TOO good!”

“There are a couple more boxes in the garage. I’ll go get them while you two get set up.”

Ember opens another box. “All right.”

Arc makes his way back to the garage. As he carries back the boxes there is a sudden commotion from the basement! Max rushes into the kitchen as Viktor come tearing up the basement stairs!

“Sir! There’s been a report of suspicious activity at a local warehouse!”

Viktor nods! “The police are heading over now!”

Arc frowns. “Shard activity?"

Max nods. “Sounds like it.”

Ember joins them. “We going to do something about this, Arc?!”

“That we are. Ember, you and Sereb come with me. The rest of you stay here and keep monitoring the police scanner.”

Viktor calls out after them. “We’ll call you on your earring if we hear anything!”

“Wish us luck!”

They jump in the Jeep as Viktor gives Arc the address over his earring. He quickly pulls out of the driveway.

“Thanks Viktor! We’re off!”

The trio quickly makes their way down the street toward the edge of town. Ember looks to him confused as they whiz by the freeway on ramp.

“We aren’t taking the highway?”

Arc shakes his head as he looks down onto the freeway. “Way too much traffic this time of day! There are a couple back ways I know of!

“Do you think the police know about this?”

“Not a chance!”

Arc’s earring chirps and Viktor’s voice rings in his ear.

“Sounds like the police are stuck in traffic on the highway, sir! Best to avoid it!”

“Way ahead of you! Thanks for the heads up though! Anything else come over the police band?”

“Other than the officers stuck in traffic saying the jam-up came out of nowhere, no!”

Ember frowns. “Do they think they’re connected?”

“At this time, no.”

Arc nods. “What kinda things are in that warehouse?”

Cherry sounds confused. “How is he supposed to know that?!”

Arc chuckles. “Internet.”

After a short pause Viktor speaks. “It says here it’s owned by some place called Circuit City.”

Sereb looks to him. “Does that mean anything to you, Arc?”

“Yeah! It means they’re looking to make up some lost revenue!”

Ember frown. “You think this is in response to losing yesterday’s protection money?”

Arc nods. “It’s a safe bet! That company sells a lot of small electronics!

Sereb looks confused. “I do not see the connection.”

“They’re small, easy to move and can be worth a fortune!”

Ember looks to him. “How much?!”

“Let’s just say a truckload of stolen electronics might earn them more than their extortion racket. If they know what to grab, that is!”

“Do they?”

Ember shakes her head. “Let’s not take chances!”

They arrive at the warehouse as Arc parks some distance away. They get out as Arc puts on his magic cloak and calls forth Eidolon’s Ward.

“I’ll take point! Sereb, you stay with Ember! You can be her eyes. Help her move undetected!”

Sereb nods. “Very well.”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear. “What should I do?”

“I’ll keep their focus on me. You find some way of disabling their getaway vehicle.”

She brandishes her spear. “I can do that.”

“Quietly!”

Ember puts the spear over her shoulder. “This job suddenly became much harder.”

Sereb nods. “And less fun.”

Cherry Jubilee calls out to them, quietly. “Be careful, everypony!”

Ember nods. “Watch Arc’s back, Cherry!”

Arc looks toward the warehouse doors. “I’ll give you two a couple minutes lead time to get into position. Stay out of sight unless I call for help, okay?”

Ember sighs. “Fine, fine! Let’s do this!”

They quietly make their way toward the warehouse through the open front door. Ember enters first with Sereb and makes her way around the perimeter of the building to the opposite side of the truck. Several tough looking members of the Shards are hurriedly loading a moving truck with as many boxes as they can! Sereb peeks over a box before turning to Ember.

“Ideas?”

Ember looks into the truck’s cab and spots the keys in the ignition. “What if we took those metal pieces from them! Arc always uses them to start his Jeep!”

Sereb nods. “I believe he called them ‘keys’.”

“Whatever! We get those, and they can’t get away, right?!”

“I think I can get them. Shall I?”

Ember nods. “Be my guest. Just do it quickly and quietly when Arc does his thing.”

Meanwhile, outside Arc and Cherry peek into the warehouse from the safety of their cloak. Cherry sounds nervous.

“It’s been a couple minutes. Shouldn’t you get moving?”

“I’ll give them another minute.”

“But I’m worried about them!”

“Just let me handle this, Cherry.”

“I’m sorry, Arc.”

“It’s okay. This is just your first time in the field!”

He takes a deep breath and walks toward the open warehouse door.

“Here we go…”

Arc enters the warehouse and decloaks as he slowly approaches the gang. One of the thugs looks over at Arc!

“Stingray! We got company!”

The Shards all stop working and look at Arc. Stingray looks him up and down.

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

“Just someone who happened to be in the neighborhood. But I suppose I could ask YOU the same question.”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “Isn’t it obvious what we’re doing?! Just stay where you are and don’t get in our way! We’ll be out of here soon enough!”

The thug turns to her. “Shouldn’t we take care of this guy, Stingray?! He’s seen too much!”

She turns to walk away. “Just make sure he doesn’t go for help or anything, Wolf! Think you can handle that?!”

Wolf nods and walks toward Arc. “Sure thing!”

He puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder.

“Okay there fella, don’t cause any trouble and you might just…”

Arc grabs Wolf by the front of his shirt and picks him up!

“Woah! What the…”

Arc narrows his eyes as he looks at him. “Do you like your teeth?”

“What?!”

“If you want to keep them, I suggest you leave here now!”

Arc drops Wolf and looks at the others.

“That goes for all of you! Leave now or face the consequences!”

Stingray chuckles. “I guess someone here needs to be taught a lesson. Get em, boys!”

The gang rushes at Arc as Stingray shakes her head.

“Why do they always want to do it the hard way?”

Arc takes up a defensive position. “Thinking the same thing, miss!”

Ember whispers to Sereb. “That’s our cue! Go!”

Sereb jumps into the cab and pulls the keys out of the ignition with his teeth before running back to Ember.

“Got them.”

She takes the keys end sets them down on the floor in front of her. “Good job!”

Sereb looks back to Arc as he punches a thug in the face. “Should we… help him?”

Ember peeks out from behind the crates. “Nah. Arc’s got this.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very!”

A thug flies toward them and crashes against the crates in front of them. Sereb turns back to Ember.

“I suppose you’re right.”

Arc makes quick work of the thugs before turning to Stingray.

“I’d rather not hit a lady, so if you could…”

He is cut off as Stingray pulls out a whip and quickly grabs his leg with it! The next thing Arc knows he is on his back!

“I really should have seen that coming.

Stingray lunges at him and punches Arc in the helmet a couple times before he throws her off. Somehow she lands upright on her feet!

“Give up yet, hero?!”

Arc lunges forward. “I was going to ask you the same!”

He tackles Stingray and the pair roll across the floor before Arc pins her down.

“Now I got…”

Cherry’s voice reverberates in his head! “Look out!”

A moment later Arc finds himself flying across the room from a well-placed kick to the chest! He crashes into a pile of empty shipping crates! They splinter under the extreme force! The sound of sirens can be heard approaching in the distance. Stingray yells to her boys.

“Cops! Get in the truck, or get left behind!”

The gang members hobble over to the truck and hop in the back as Stingray jumps into the driver’s seat!

“What the… WHERE ARE THE KEYS?!”

Ember and Sereb snicker as they look at the keys lying on the floor between them. As the sound of sirens grows louder, she jumps out of the cab.

“Everyone scatter!”

The thugs run out the warehouse door and are immediately surrounded by the police. Stingray runs toward the back of the building and climbs some nearby shelving like an acrobat before jumping out a window.

Ember runs over to him. “ARC?!”

Cherry calls out to him. “Are you okay?!”

Arc sits up, dazed. “Anyone get the license number of that bus?!”

Sereb looks over his shoulder as strobes flash all around the entrance. “I believe the guards are coming.”

“Arc! What do we do?!”

He gets up and opens his magic cloak. “Come here! Both of you!”

Ember runs to Arc as Sereb jumps into her arms. He quickly cloaks and whispers to them.

“Keep close and quiet!”

Arc leads them to the back of the warehouse. As they approach the rear wall, he Blinks them through it! The trio slowly but surely makes their way past the police and out the main gate. A short time later they climb into the Jeep and drive away.

Ember leans back in her seat. “That was TOO close!”

Sereb nods. “I thought for sure someone would spot us.”

Arc sighs as he recalls his armor. “Me too.”

Cherry gasps! “Arc! You’re in pain!”

“Cherry? How did you…?”

She interrupts frantically! “I’m inside you! Remember?!”

“They’re just bruises. I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?!”

“Y-yeah. I am.”

Ember speaks to him in a concerned tone. “How sure?!”

Arc he rubs his sore ribs. “Very.”

Ember turns to look forward again. “How did that toothpick hurt YOU?!”

Sereb frowns. “She did not appear to be nearly THAT strong.”

Arc winces. “Well, her blows hurt through my armor! She hit harder than Buffalo Bull!”

A short time later they arrive back at Arc’s house. Ember insists on helping him inside. They enter through the back door and walk into the kitchen together.

“I’m telling you Ember, it’s nothing!”

“And I’m telling YOU we need to have that looked at?!”

“It’s just some bruised ribs! Nothing much to do about that!”

Hearing the commotion, Xenos and Max come running!

“Everything okay?!”

Cherry addresses the pair. “Arc got into a fight with someone!”

“Sir! Are you hurt?!”

Arc winces as he holds his ribs. “Mostly just my pride.”

Sereb frowns. “Who would have thought the Shards would have such a capable warrior.”

“Yes, well… nothing a good hot bath won’t fix.”

Arc heads up the stairs slower than usual and makes his way to his room for clean clothes.

“Are you sure you’re okay?! I’ve never seen you move like this before!”

Arc removes some clothes from his dresser. “I’ll be okay, Cherry. Really!”

Cherry continues as he heads for the bathroom. “Arc, when I’m in your head I can feel what you feel! When that mare kicked you, it REALLY hurt!”

“I didn’t think about that! Are YOU okay, Cherry?!”

“I’m fine! While I feel your pain, literally, I don’t think it can do anything worse to me!”

Arc turns on the tap and allows the tub to fill up. “That’s good to know! Think I’ll take a bath. A good soak can do wonders for aches and pains!”

“That it can! Now I know you’re modest and all, but I would feel a lot better if you would let me take a look at your chest.”

Arc turning toward the mirror and removing his shirt. “That much I can do.”

He does so, albeit slowly. Tossing his shirt into the hamper, Arc turns back toward the mirror.

“There we go. Woah!”

Looking into the mirror, Arc sees his entire ribcage is black and blue! Cherry gasps!

“ARC!!!”

Arc puts a hand and his chest. “Who… or what was the girl?!”

“I don’t know. But I have to say I don’t like you doing this, Arc! You could get hurt! Or worse!”

He nods. “I promise I’ll be more careful in the future.”

“Please do! I do want us to be together again. But not like THAT!”

Arc turns off the water. “Agreed.”

Cherry sighs. “Well, you should probably let me out now. I’ll wait in Eidolon’s Ward. That is… unless you don’t mind…”

Arc smiles as her voice trails off. “I can almost hear you blushing in there.”

“It’s just… I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable!”

Arc calls forth his helmet and puts it on. “How about you just stay in my helmet then?”

Cherry Jubilee giggles as she moves into the helmet. “If that’s what you want. But now I can’t move.”

Arc sets the helmet down gently on a nearby shelf and points it away from the bathtub.

“I’m okay with this if you are, Cherry. It will give us some time to talk.”

“Sure! I promise I won’t peek!”

Arc finishes undressing and steps into the tub. Sitting down slowly, he leans back into the hot water.

“Ahhh… that does feel good!”

“I hope it helps you feel a bit better!”

“That it does! Cherry, can I ask you something?”

“Anything!”

“Are you REALLY okay in there?”

“I am. Why?”

Arc sighs. “It can’t be the most comfortable feeling. Being inside someone else’s head or in my armor, that is.”

“If it was anypony else, I don’t think I would like it. But I’m very happy being in yours, Arc! What brought this on?”

“Well, I just don’t want to hold you back. I mean… I know you miss your mother and father. You could go to them and catch up on old times! I’ll join you eventually, and then we can be together forever!”

“That’s the thing about eternity, Arc. It’s eternal! I’ll stay with you as long as you need me!”

“I appreciate that, Cherry. But all I really want is for you to be happy.”

“And I want the same for you!”

“Thanks.”

Cherry sounds confused. “What for?”

“For… coming back. I really missed you.”

He soaks in the tub for quite some time.

“I think you should be getting to bed soon, Arc. It’s been quite the day.”

Arc stands up and grabs the towel off the hook. “Yeah. You’re right.”

He dries himself off as Cherry calls over to him from the shelf.

“Don’t worry. I’ll look away while you get dressed.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

Arc dresses, picks up his helmet and steps out of the bathroom. Looking down the stairs he notices the lights are off on the main level.

“I guess everyone went to bed.”

“Well it is quite late, Arc.”

As Arc turns to walk to his own room, he spots Ember asleep on the floor next to the bathroom door.

“Ember?”

Cherry sighs as Arc sets the helmet down. “She really was worried about you!”

Arc picks Ember up and carries her to her room. Lying her down in her bed, he covers her with a blanket.

“Good night Ember.”

He leaves the room and quietly closes the door before leaning down to pick up his helmet. “She’s a good friend to you Arc.”

“That she is.”

The pair make the short walks to Arc’s room. He sets the helmet down on the desk to face the bed before lying down in the darkened room.

“Arc, how do you feel about Ember?”

“She’s my best friend! Why do you ask?”

“Now I might be wrong, but… I get the feeling she would like to be so much more!”

Arc nods. “I know.”

“You do?!”

“Yes. She’s never really been secretive in that regard.”

“Do you feel the same?”

“No. I like Ember and all. But I never really thought of her as anything other than a friend.”

“Why not give her a chance?! She’s really devoted to you after all.”

Arc sighs. “Well, there’s the species difference.”

“What about you and me?! That and she does make a rather pretty human mare!”

He nods. “I’ll give you that one. But we’ve already spoken to the Dragon Lord! He already gave her a big no.”

“How can he do that?! Ember is an adult and should be able to marry whomever she wants! She is an adult, right?”

“Well, yes and no. Yes, she’s old enough to be courted. But for some reason not old enough to marry. At least according to dragon law, that is.”

Arc sighs.

“That and if I were to do… anything inappropriate with her, the Dragon Lord would probably burn Equestria to the ground in retaliation!”

“But…”

“This is my life, Cherry! It’s sometimes hard being the Hero of Light. My choices could have resounding results in the diplomatic department!”

“I’m sorry Arc. I just… feel so bad for Ember!”

“I do too! She will eventually have to choose a mate to rule by her side! But… I won’t live long enough to see that day, as it won’t come for centuries!”

“Can nothing be done for her?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not that I can think of. She has so much to try and live up to. Being the daughter of the Dragon Lord does have its pitfalls. If you can think of any way to help her, I’m all ears.”

“I’ll try!”

Arc rolls over and closes his eyes. “That’s all we can hope for. Good night Cherry.”

“Good night, my love!”

Meanwhile, back at the Shard base, Stingray walks into Frank’s office. He greets her warmly.

“Good evening, Stingray. I trust your mission went well?

“Not exactly. We ran into some trouble. Or more accurately, trouble ran into US!”

Frank rolls his eyes. “Oh, come now! I can’t believe Raynor’s goons gave you THAT much headache!”

“They didn’t even get there before the feds did!”

Frank smiles. “I know. That staged accident on the highway backed it up for hours! What could have possibly mucked up this operation?!”

“That punk from the news the other day.”

“Oh? Did you take care of him?”

Stingray grins wickedly! “That I did. Even if a half dozen of his ribs didn’t shatter, he’ll think twice before messing with US again!”

“Good! And the truck?”

Stingray shakes her head. “The feds took it along with the boys I had with me.”

Frank turns around to look out his window. “Acceptable losses to advance the master plan.”

“Which is…”

He turns back around to face Stingray. “The creation of a place for everyone! “

“I don’t quite follow, sir.”

“Think about it! The world is so full of people who have nowhere else to go! No one to turn to. I aim to give their lives a purpose!”

Stingray looks confused. “What does that have to do with electronics?”

“Such a bold plan will take quite a few resources! That was a grocery run I sent you on. I don’t suppose you have a plan to get our merchandise back?”

“I’ll make some calls and see what I come up with. No promises, mind you.”

Frank nods. “All I ask of anyone is to give it their best. Do try, Stingray.”

She nods as she leaves the office. “Yes sir!”

Frank continues to look out the window. “We all have our role to play in this life. I only hope that stranger has learned his from this!”

Chapter 10 - The Mysterious Stranger

Arc awakens early the next morning. Cherry sighs contentedly.

“Good morning sleepyhead!”

He sits up and looks over at his helmet. “You okay over there?”

“You have no idea how cute you are when you’re sleeping.”

Arc stands up and calls forth the rest of Eidolon’s Ward. He sighs as he picks up his helmet.

“I do miss seeing your face, Cherry.“

Eidolon’s Ward opens and releases Arc from within as Cherry takes control of it. “Arc? Um… do you think I was pretty?”

Arc nods. “I do. But I don’t think there’s much I or anyone else could do about that now. Your company is still a welcome addition though!”

Eidolon’s Ward lets out a long sigh. “I too miss holding you, and being held! Your touch was always a comfort to me.”

“Let’s not talk about this too long, okay Cherry? It makes feel me a bit depressed.”

“Let’s get some breakfast going then. That always cheers you up!”

Arc walks down the hall with Eidolon’s Ward behind him. “You know me so well, Cherry!”

The pair make their way downstairs and get breakfast going. Soon the rest of the group joins them in the kitchen. Max is the first to speak.

“Good morning sir! You’re up early!”

Xenos nods. “Would you like us to start rising earlier?”

Hugh looks to the stove. “We could get breakfast going for you!”

Viktor stands. “Yes sir! No reason for you to do that for us!”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks, but I find it helps get my blood pumping! Like a properly executed jump off of a diving board, it gets me going. That and I did have a very special helper by my side.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods and giggles.

“I just like spending time with you, Arc! We could be doing ANYTHING together and it would make me happy!”

Ember walks into the room, still half asleep. Xenos nods to her.

“Good morning, Ember.”

Ember saunters over to the table. “Morning.”

Arc looks to his friend, concerned. “You okay?”

She shakes her head. “Last night was rough for me. Dreams of you getting hurt kept me tossing and turning for quite a while!”

Ember looks him up and down.

“You doing better today?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I feel much better!”

“Are you sure you’re okay? Your chest looked terrible last night!”

Arc lifts his shirt. “It’s healing. That and the pain has gone from sharp and stabby to dull and annoying.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “That’s still quite the bruise from one kick, sir!”

Ember nods. “I’d feel a lot better if you would take it easy today, Arc!”

Arc puts his shirt down and turns back to the stove. “No promises there. But I’m actually quite grateful to my assailant!”

Hugh looks confused as he sets the table. “Come again?”

“They showed me that, even with my armor, I’m still susceptible to injury.

Xenos nods. “No one is invincible, sir!”

Arc pulls a pan off the stove and puts its contents on a plate. “That much I know. But my last several fights have been against those weaker than myself! I can’t remember the last time anyone really gave me a challenge!”

Ember frowns. “Hey!”

Arc rolls his eyes as he put the food on the table. “Other than you and the Marquis, Ember.”

“Yeah?! What about my dad?!”

“That fight never happened, remember?”

“Oh yeah…”

Max looks to Arc. “They say the first step to overcoming any problem is to first acknowledge there is one!”

Viktor puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I guess that’s done. So what are you planning on doing about it, sir?”

Arc sit down at the kitchen table with the others. “I need to train. Mind and body!”

Xenos passes the eggs and grins! “Now you’re talking! Work out several hours a day and maybe you’ll be as strong as me someday, sir!”

Ember laughs! “HA! He’s stronger than you NOW!”

“I doubt that.”

Arc takes a few pancakes and looks up. “Care to spar with me, Xenos?”

Xenos avoids eye contact. “I’ll pass.”

Ember grins! “Wimp!”

Max looks over to him. “Maybe you should try weight lifting, sir!”

Ember nods. “We do need to finish setting up that equipment in the basement after breakfast. Then we can all work out!”

Arc looks around. “Anyone seen Sereb?”

Hugh points to the living room. “He said he’d listen to the police scanner while we eat.”

“Good. We shouldn’t leave it unmanned!”

Suddenly, Sereb rushes into the kitchen!

“There is a fire on Main Street!”

Arc stands up quickly. “The Shards?!”

Sereb shrugs. “It’s anyone’s guess!”

Ember stands up quickly! “We going?!”

Arc nods and walks over to Eidolon’s Ward. “Definitely!”

His armor opens to admit Arc as Ember wipes her mouth and gets up.

Max and the others stand up as well. “Should we come too, sir?!”

Arc turns back toward everyone as he pulls his magic cloak out of his ring. “Ember and I will handle this. Humans are pretty good at firefighting, so we probably won’t do much other than look around for possible Shard activity.”

Xenos sighs. “If you say so, sir.”

Arc looks back momentarily as he and Ember rush out the door. “I expect we’ll be back in no time! Keep monitoring the scanner though!”

Hugh nods. “Will do!”

The door closes behind them as the squad looks to one another.

Xenos frowns. “You think they’ll be okay?”

Sereb nods. “Arc seemed confident.”

Viktor chuckles. “I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember rush to the Jeep and begin the short drive to Main Street! Cherry speaks from his armor.

“You sure about this, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Our town’s fire department are all volunteers. They don’t have the best equipment or training, so if this gets out of hand, it’ll get real dangerous real fast for them!”

Ember grins. “That’s where we come in?!”

“Right!”

The street is completely blocked by police cruisers and bystanders. Smoke pours out of a nearby building. Arc parks some distance away. As he turns off the Jeep Arc turns to Ember.

“Better armor up. We don’t want anyone knowing who we are now.”

Ember steps out of the Jeep and calls forth her armor. “I can respect that!”

She and Arc run down the street toward the blaze! The building is fully involved! Those assembled stare at him and Ember as they push their way toward the scene!

“We have a three-story apartment building, fully involved! Requesting backup from all neighboring towns!”

Raynor runs over to him! “Chief! The building manager reports there are two people still unaccounted for! Where’s the fire truck?!”

“In the next town helping fight another fire!”

“Of all the times…”

The Fire Chief points to the neighboring building. “All the exits are blocked! I’m going to see if I can get onto the roof from a neighboring building!”

Arc and Ember rush up to the pair.

“Need a hand?!”

Raynor frowns. “You again?!”

The Fire Chief looks the pair up and down. “Who are you?!”

“A volunteer!”

Ember salutes. “Ditto!”

“Anyone still in there?!”

Raynor nods. “Two! One adult, one child! But we can’t get to the third floor!”

The Fire Chief sighs. “It’s unlikely they’re still alive. But we’re going to try and gain access to them from the roof!”

“What apartment?!”

“305! But you won’t last long in there!”

Arc removes his magic cloak and puts it in his ring. “Neither will they! Come on!”

Raynor turns to them. “I’m coming with you!”

Ember shakes her head. “Without proper gear, you’d only be in the way!”

The chief nods. “She’s right you know! Let’s keep the public back while we wait for the fire truck!”

“Good! Well take care of this!”

Arc and Ember rush toward the building next door! He calls out over his shoulder!

“Keep everyone back!”

The Fire Chief watches the pair enter the next building over. “Who IS that guy?!”

Raynor shrugs. “No idea! But he’s probably that family’s last hope!”

Meanwhile, tthe pair runs up the stairs and reaches the roof! They see smoke rising out of several places through the rubber!

“What’s the plan, Arc?!”

Arc running toward the edge of the roof. “JUMP!”

They do so! The crowds below stares in awe as they make the dangerous move onto the roof! Arc spots a roof hatch.

“There!”

The pair run over to the hatch but find it locked! Ember grabs the hatch!

“I got this!”

Grunting, she rips the hatch clean off as Arc pulls out their gas masks from the Hammers! Smoke pours out of the freshly made opening!

“Great job, Ember! I’ll go first!”

“Lead on!”

Cherry calls out to them! “Be careful Arc! You remember what happened the last time you ran into a burning building?!”

Ember sighs. “I try to forget.”

They quickly put on their masks and descend into the building. Ember looks around.

“Crazy hot in here for humans!”

Arc looks down a corridor. “The fire must be close! Stay sharp!”

Ember points to a sign on the wall. “Room 305 is this way!”

“Let’s hurry!”

They rush toward the room. Upon reaching it they find it locked. Ember grabs the door knob and rips it off.

“Great! Now what?!”

Arc backs up. “Like this!”

He charges at the door and breaks it down. They rush into the apartment and quickly look around! The rooms are already filled with thick clouds of smoke!

“Split up! Check the bedrooms!”

Ember runs toward a closed door and throws it open. “I found the adult!”

Cherry calls out to him! “Over there, Arc! I think I hear whimpering!”

Arc opens another door to a child’s bedroom. There is a small form under the covers. He hears small sobs between coughs! “Here’s the child! Let’s get them out of here!”

Arc picks up the child, not bothering to unwrap them from the blanket. Ember rushes out with a man over her shoulder.

“Back the way we came!”

Ember nods as they run out of the apartment! “Right with you!”

As they turn the corner to the roof hatch, the floor in front of them gives way! The entire hallway collapses to reveal an inferno below them! Ember screeches to a stop next to Arc!

“Now what?!”

Arc turns around. “Back the way we came! Look for another way out! Stairs! A fire escape! Anything!”

They retrace their steps but can see no other accessible exits that aren’t blocked by debris! Ember looks back at the inferno!

“I can make it through that! But this guy will get burned to a crisp!”

Arc shakes his head! “No, Ember! A dragon maybe! But a human girl wouldn’t last three seconds!”

“What then?!”

Cherry looks around. “There has to be a way!”

Meanwhile outside, the chief and Raynor look to the building, concerned.

“The fire’s getting worse! Where are those two?!”

Raynor nods and mutters under his breath. “Come on… get out of there!”

Suddenly a figure jumps off a building across the street and onto the roof! The chief looks to Raynor!

“What was that?!”

“Someone in a dark blue cloak of some kind!”

The chief looks back at the building. “Are they nuts?!”

Raynor sighs. “Probably.”

The cloaked individual rushes down the roof hatch and into the building! Meanwhile, Arc and Ember retrace their steps yet again, looking for a way out!

“Arc! Can’t you Blink us through a wall or something?!”

He shakes his head. “No way to know if it’s safe, or a flame filled room!”

Ember turns around to see a blue cloaked figure come from the direction of the roof hatch! “Am I seeing things?!”

“Who the heck…?”

The mysterious figure rushes past them! He is covered from head to toe in a navy-blue cloak, and his face is covered by a strange looking white mask.

“Follow me!”

Ember turns to Arc. “What do we…?”

“Let’s go!”

The mysterious figure leads them down the hallway to the laundry room. Ember looks around the small room, frowning.

“Great! No way out of this room either!”

Cherry speaks telepathically to Arc. “We can’t stay here long! This building is done for!”

The blue cloaked stranger hurries over to a large chute and pulls it open. “The leads to the basement.”

Ember nods. “But, how do we…”

“You must trust me.”

Arc turns to her. “We don’t have a choice! Come on!”

The trio slide down the chute to the building’s basement. It appears to be relatively safe, albeit ancient looking. Ember looks toward their rescuer.

“Now what?! This building could still fall down around our ears!”

He rushes over to a heavy manhole cover. “Sewer entrance. This will take us back to the street.”

Arc looks to him, surprised! “How do you know all this?!”

The figure jumps through the hole. “No time! This way!”

Arc and Ember follow the stranger for a few minutes before he stops in front of a ladder going up to a manhole cover.

“This is the way out.”

Arc sets down the child and climbs the ladder. “I’ll open the lid! You pass up these two!”

Ember nods. “All right!”

He pushes the manhole cover aside to see the street. The town’s fire truck has just pulled up and volunteers are quickly pulling hoses to nearby hydrants! Raynor, seeing Arc’s poke his head out, runs over to him!

“Where did he come from?!”

He grabs a few men and rushes over to the open cover! Arc hands up the man and the child! A moment later the building collapses in on itself!

Raynor takes the child from Arc. “Close one!”

Some EMTs rush over in an ambulance. They put the pair on stretchers and rush them to the hospital! Arc turns to look back down the hole and extends a hand to Ember.

“Your turn!”

He pulls her up and looks back down the hole.

“Where’s our friend?”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t know! After I passed those two up, I turned around and he was gone!”

Raynor frowns. “Gone?! He must still be down there somewhere! No other way up! Was he with you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No! I’ve never met him before! I thought you sent him!”

Raynor points to a building across the street. “He jumped off that building onto the roof!”

Arc looks at the distance. “What?! But that’s at least thirty feet!”

Ember shakes her head. “Not possible!”

Raynor folds his arms over his large chest. “From the pair who just rushed headlong into a burning building without oxygen tanks?!”

Arc shrugs. “Good point. In any case, we have to be going.”

“Now hold on just a minute! You and I need to have a little…”

They are interrupted as the local news team runs over and points a camera at the pair! A reporter runs over to interview Arc.

“Minerva Moore from Channel 7 news! Can we get a statement please?!”

Arc sighs. “Please make it quick.”

“For starters, who are you?!”

“No one of importance.”

“Why did you recklessly run into that burning building?!”

“When the innocent are in danger it’s not reckless, it’s rescue, Miss Moore.”

“Who was that other masked individual that went in after you did?!”

Arc shrugs. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

“He wasn’t with you?!”

He shakes his head. “No. I’ve never met him before. However, I was grateful for his help!”

“Are you two planning any more heroics any time soon?!”

“I do what I can and, go where I’m needed.”

“Where do you…”

Ember interrupts Minerva. “I’m sorry, but my friend and I have to be going now.”

Minerva calls out after them as they turn away. “Wait! What’s your name?!”

Arc stops. “It’s not really important. But if you must call me something, just know me as the Hero of Light.”

Arc grabs Ember and Blinks them safely back to the Jeep. She gets in next to Arc and recalls her armor.

“That… that was too close for comfort!”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief. “Are you two okay?!”

Arc recalls his armor and the mask. “That we are! Somehow…”

Ember turns to Arc as he starts the Jeep and drives in the opposite direction. “Do you think those two will be okay?”

“I didn’t have time to check them out. Your guess is as good as mine.”

Cherry speaks from Arc’s head. “I hope so! That child must have been pretty young, judging by their cries.”

Ember nods. “I’ll say! They were light as a feather!”

“We can probably find out from the evening news tonight!”

“Good idea!”

The trio returns home to shower and rest until the evening news. Everyone gathers in the living room on the couch or nearby in chairs. Eidolon’s Ward walks into the room carrying a bowl of popcorn for the others.

Xenos grins! “Been waiting all day to see this!”

Max looks to Arc. “You really are starting to make waves around here sir!”

Viktor walks in from the basement. “That you are! The police scanner was abuzz all day with chatter about this mysterious new hero!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You would think they would have something better to talk about. I didn’t really do anything that anyone else wouldn’t have. Given the circumstances, that is.”

Ember chuckles. “You’re joking, right?!”

Arc smiles. “Kinda!”

Eidolon’s Ward sits down next to Arc. “You were both very brave to do what you did! I’m very proud to know you two!”

Hugh points at the TV. “It’s starting!”

The evening news logo flashes across the screen depicting the fire that morning.

Sereb watches, wide-eyed! “That really was quite the fire.”

Ember nods. “It was pretty bad!”

Xenos looks over. “How did you two make it out?!”

“Well…”

Arc is cut off as the newscast starts.

“Good evening Angel Grove. Today’s top story, a fire on Main Street burns an apartment building to the ground! Our own Minerva Moore was on the scene to capture these images!”

The screen shows several shots from the street of the building fully engulfed!

Max shudders! “Terrible! Did everyone make it out?!”

Ember nods. “Counting the two we rescued, yes.”

The news anchor continues.

“While our own fire team was away in the next town fighting another blaze, three very brave individuals stepped up to rescue two residents trapped in the building.”

A shot of the person in the blue cloak jumping onto the roof flashes briefly onto the screen! Minerva’s voice can be heard off camera.

“Woah! Who was THAT?!”

The camera pans back to the anchor.

“The mysterious stranger whom we reported on recently also made an appearance to lend a hand along with a new friend.”

Footage of Arc handing up the two victims from the sewer come onto the screen before Ember comes into view.

“Minerva Moore was able to secure a brief interview with this new hero at the scene.”

The interview with Arc plays. Max grins!

“Nice job nailing that, sir!”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “You did quite well, Arc!”

Xenos chuckles. “It can’t be easy being put on the spot like that! Especially right after going through such a trauma!”

Hugh gives a thumbs up. “The commander handled it well!”

“The question remains… who is this new hero? This “Hero of Light”? We may never know, but we thank him for his efforts!”

Arc mutes the TV and everyone claps!

Max turns back to Arc. “How DID you two make it out?!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. I never would have thought to go through a hole in the ground.”

“It wasn’t my idea. That guy in blue led us out!”

Viktor looks concerned. “So, any idea who that other human was?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure. But I can’t help shake the feeling I know him! The voice seemed so familiar!”

Ember thinks for a moment. “Come to think of it, the TV showed him jumping onto the roof. How did he get to us?!”

“You’re right, Ember! The collapsed hallway leading to the roof hatch was an inferno at that point!”

Sereb nods. “Perhaps he flew over the flames?”

Arc shakes his head. “First of all, humans can’t fly.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Really?!”

“I’m an isolated case, okay!”

He turns back to Sereb

“Second, even if he could have, the flames would have burnt him to a crisp in seconds!”

Max looks up. “Maybe he has magic?”

“Again, very unlikely. Humans don’t possess even the slightest magical aptitude.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “And you?”

“Again, I’m the only one.“

Hugh speaks up. “Maybe his robe contained some kind of enchantment?”

“Not sure how or where he would have gotten it. But that’s the most plausible explanation yet.”

Ember nods. “That and he did disappear while my back was turned!”

Hugh frowns. “Why?!”

Sereb stands up. “Perhaps he is more concerned with not being seen than you are, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Maybe.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks over to him. “Arc? I know we’re throwing around ideas and all, but… is there a chance he might have been… incorporeal?”

Ember looks to her, confused. “Incor-what?”

Xenos’ eyes grow wide! “You mean… like a ghost?!”

Arc shrugs. “We never actually touched him, so I suppose he might have been.”

Max rolls his eyes. “Come now! Everyp… everyone knows ghosts aren’t real!”

Eidolon’s Ward waves. “Ahem!”

“Point taken, ma’am.”

Arc sighs. “I hate to admit it, but his being a ghost is the most logical conclusion!”

Ember looks to Arc. “Why do you suppose he came after us?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “A better question would be how did he know where to go?!”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps he has a sixth sense.”

Viktor jumps up! “Or maybe HE started the fire!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “A ghost starting a fire? Really?!”

Max nods. “I’m with Ember on this one. None of this really makes sense!”

Xenos grins! “Well, one thing’s for sure! Guy Smiley will have to eat his words from the other day about you, sir!”

Ember’s face brightens! “That’s right!”

Hugh nods! “Why don’t we check his show out again! See what he has to say!”

Arc looks at the clock. “Might as well. It’s about to come on anyways.”

He picks up the remote and changes the channel. After a few commercials the show comes on. Guy Smiley walks across the stage, waves, and heads for his desk!

“Good evening everyone! We’ve got quite the show planned for you tonight! The real question now is… are you ready for me?!”

The applause machine plays.

Max frowns. “I never understood why they play the applause! He hasn’t done anything yet!”

Ember waves her hand. “Shhh! I want to hear this human eat his words!”

“Today there was a rather hot event on Main Street, as an apartment building burnt to the ground!”

He gestures to the screen behind him.

“I’m sure we’ve all seen the footage from our local news outlets! But for those of you who missed it due to illness, work or both, here’s a recap!”

The footage from the other news outlet plays as Guy turns to look at the camera.

“Well now! It looks like we have a bona fide white knight in town! Or do we…?”

He gestures to the image of the Hero of Light on the screen.

“I want you all to take a good look at this ‘hero’, and ask yourself a question. Does anyone do something for nothing?”

He pauses before continuing.

“In what universe does a complete stranger come to you offering aid without wanting SOMETHING in return?! I don’t know about the rest of you, but this… person, this… Hero of Light as he calls himself, frightens me!”

Guy gestures again to the screen.

“Take another look at the end of the interview.”

The screen depicts Arc and Ember vanishing from sight as they Blink away.

“Does someone… ANYONE mind you, have the power to suddenly vanish into thin air?! I’ve spoken to several magicians on this matter, and they assure me that what THEY do is not magic at all, but illusion! Sleight of hand if you will.”

He paces in front of the camera.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and I imagine it will be quite some time before an official report is available. But I think it’s a safe bet that this fire was not an accident, but arson! Now who would do such a thing you might ask. Well, I for one can think of only one individual!”

Guy points angrily at the screen which is paused on Arc and Ember.

“I believe this so-called hero set the fire himself so he could swoop in and pretend to be that which he is not! To say nothing for his female companion, whom he has most certainly manipulated into undertaking these most dangerous endeavors!”

He pauses for effect.

“Before we break for commercials, I just want to leave all of you with this parting thought. Who is this man really that he has such SORCEROUS powers? Or, better yet… WHAT is he?!”

The show goes to a commercial break as everyone stares at the screen, shocked! Ember screams at the television!

“WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?!”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet to its helmet. “I… I don’t understand how he could stand there and say such terrible things about Arc like that!”

Arc sighs. “Easy there, Ember. Calm down!”

“Calm down… CALM DOWN?! This guy slanders your good name, and you tell me to CALM DOWN?!”

Xenos looks to Arc, angrily. “I’m not too happy about this either, sir!”

Max nods. “None of us are!”

Hugh looks to him. “How can you stay so calm about this, sir?!”

Viktor nods. “Do tell!”

Arc sighs and turns off the television. “It reminds me of something I told Dinky once.”

Ember looks confused. “Dinky?”

“Yes, Ember. She once told me that she wanted to follow in my footsteps and be a hero.”

Cherry’s voice echoes from Eidolon’s Ward. “She’s such a sweet little thing! But what does that have to do with this?”

“I told her to always do what is right. Even when those around her insult and belittle her for it.”

Max nods. “Like Guy Smiley just did to you?”

“Exactly.”

Ember tuns to Viktor. “Do you think you could get me the address of the station they broadcast from?”

“Sure! Why?”

“So I can go down there and punch Smiley in the mouth!”

Arc turns to Viktor. “Don’t give her the address.

“Yes sir.”

Ember fumes! “I’m not really going to do it! But he deserves it! I wouldn’t think less of you if the Hero of Light never showed his helmet in town again!”

“That’s not going to happen. I’m needed, here and now! Even if there are people like that talking down to me.”

He suddenly yawns, stands and stretches.

“I think I’m going to call it a night.”

Eidolon’s Ward stands and follows Arc up the stairs. “I’ll come with you.”

Max turns to the others. “I feel bad for the commander. He’s doing his very best for everyone! Yet still there are those who doubt his intentions!”

Ember sighs. “This has to be hard on him!”

Xenos looks toward the stairs. “Hard on him?! To me it looked like he took it quite well!”

Sereb nods. “It bothered him. Believe me.”

Arc returns to his room and lies down as his armor moves to sit down in its chair. He stares up at the ceiling for a time.

“Want to talk about it, Arc?

“I’m okay. I knew there would be days like this.”

“Perhaps you just need a good night’s sleep.”

Arc nods. “I think you’re right, Cherry.”

Getting up, she turns off the lights. “Rest well, my love. Things will look better in the morning.”

Arc rolls over and closes his eyes. “I hope you’re right.”

Eidolon’s Ward walks back to her chair and sits down to watch over Arc. “So do I, my love. So do I.”

Chapter 11 - Lord's Chapel

The next morning, Arc and his friends sit in their normal booth at Shelly’s Kitchen. Lily and Shelly bring them their food.

“I hope you all enjoy it!”

Ember nods hungrily. “We will, Lily!”

Shelly smiles as they eat. “Did all of you hear about the fire yesterday?!”

Arc nods. “We did indeed. The news did a good job covering it, as did the newspapers!”

Viktor looks over. “No news on what caused it yet though.”

Lily refills the squad’s coffee cups. “Did you see that bit about the hero and his friends who saved that father and daughter? I think that’s overshadowing the fire itself! Not that it’s a bad thing, of course!”

Max nods. “Well, hard times can sometimes bring out the best in people.”

Hugh smiles. “Well said!”

Xenos looks over to Arc. “What about that hero? He sure was brave!”

Ember grins! “As was his friend!”

Lily heads back to the kitchen. “Well he should be more careful! One of these days his luck might just run out!”

Arc sighs as Shelly wheels herself back toward the kitchen.

“Well, I think he and his friends were very brave for doing what they did!”

The pair head to the kitchen. Viktor looks over at Arc.

“Don’t let it get you down, sir! I’m sure if she knew that was you…”

Arc angrily interrupts him! “...it would give her a heart attack! So let’s just drop it, okay?!”

Everyone is silent for a time.

“Sorry Viktor.”

Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay.”

Max nods. “So what’s the plan for today, sir?”

“I thought we should do a bit of legwork.”

Hugh smiles. “What did you have in mind, sir?”

“I was thinking of all the driving I’ve been doing recently. It wouldn’t take much for someone to see me driving around in my cloak or armor and run my license plate. Next thing we know, I have people knocking on my door!”

Ember frowns. “How else are you supposed to get around?”

Arc stands up and removes a very large but folded piece of paper from his pocket. Opening it he sets it down on the empty table across from them.

“Gather around and I’ll show you.”

Everyone does so.

Max frowns. “A town map?”

Hugh looks to him. “I don’t follow, sir!”

“I know this town like the back of my hand. Please note the red marks I’ve made.”

Xenos nods. “What about them?”

Viktor thinks for a moment. “They seem to be evenly spaced out. But what of it?”

“All of these locations are very secluded. Many of them are building rooftops actually! Perfect places to hide something.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“Like sigils!”

Max grins. “Not a bad idea, sir! You could travel across town in the blink of an eye!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! Then pop back home when you’re done!”

Hugh chuckles. “No one will be the wiser, and your identity stays hidden!”

Viktor looks up at him. “When do we get started on this?”

“I’ll drop everyone off at home after breakfast. Xenos and I will drive around town and see about getting these sigils placed.”

Xenos looks up, surprised! “Me, sir?!”

“Is there a problem?”

“No sir. Just a bit surprised, that’s all.”

Ember laughs! “You need practice driving anyways.”

Arc nods. "Right. That’s one of the reasons why I chose him.”

The group finishes their meal. Arc goes up to the front counter to pay. Shelly looks to him as she rings him up.

“You get out a lot these days, Arc. Any chance you could keep an eye out for something?”

“Sure! What do you need?”

“That Hero of Light from the news.”

Arc looks confused. “You want his autograph or something?”

Shelly shakes her head. “No. I just… wanted him to know that we business owners appreciate what he’s doing. Even if some folks think he’s a menace. So if you run into him while investigating the Shards, do let him know for me please.”

“I will.”

Shelly nods. “Thank you, Arc.”

Arc and company leave the diner and drive back to the house. Ember looks to him as he and Xenos switch places.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?”

“You can if you really want to. I just figured you would be bored sitting in the back seat with nothing to do.”

Xenos nods at Ember. “You can pump some iron until we get back.”

Ember laughs! “That does sound more fun than babysitting you two!”

“We’ll try to be back before dark. No promises though.”

Hugh waves to his friend. “Have fun Xenos.”

Xenos mutters something under his breath as they get into the Jeep. Arc pulls the map out and unfolds it.

“I’ll give you directions so you can keep your eyes on the road.”

“Sounds good, sir!”

The pair make their way to Main Street. Xenos parks and gets out with Arc.

“So where you want to put this thing?”

Arc points to the alley he used the other day. “That’s a good spot.”

Xenos follows him as the pair walk to the end of the alley and stop. “Why here?”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and makes a sigil on the ground. “Alleys aren’t really used by anyone these days other than for hiding or carrying out unsavory transactions.”

The sigil is made and they return to the Jeep. Xenos looks over to Arc as he starts the engine and pulls into traffic.

“Sir? Why me?”

Arc looks over the map as he pencils a check mark. “Driving practice.”

Cherry speaks. “Are you sure there isn’t another reason, Arc?”

Xenos jumps in his seat! “WOAH!”

“Sorry!”

“It’s okay, ma’am.”

Arc nods. “You’ve been quiet all morning, Cherry. I almost forgot you were in there. But, you’re right. There is another reason Xenos is here.”

“Sir?”

“I thought it was time you and I had a bit of a talk.”

“About what, sir?”

Arc sighs. “Back at Light’s Hope before we came to Earth. I know you’ve been sneaking out at night.”

“Y-you do?”

“Yes. I’m not much for knowing Equestrian military protocol, but I assume that’s very much so against regulations.”

Xenos hangs his head. “Yes sir.”

“So where have you been going?”

“I… I sometimes can’t sleep. So I go for a walk to… clear my head.”

Cherry sighs. “You shouldn’t hide things from your commanding officer, Xenos. He puts a lot of faith in you! Please don’t betray his trust!”

Arc nods. “I assume your walks have a certain destination in mind?”

“They do, sir.”

“Where?”

Xenos sighs. “Sir? Could this just stay between us?”

Arc nods. “I suppose so… for now.”

Cherry giggles. “I won’t tell anypony else either!”

“Thank you, sir. You too, ma’am. What I told you was true. I often have trouble sleeping so I go for a walk to… to verify something.”

“Which is…?”

“I walk over to the Little Hooves Orphanage and check on the foals. Make sure they’re not up to anything!”

Arc nods. “There’s more to it than that, isn’t there?”

Xenos nods and sighs. “Please don’t tell anyone, but… after I check on the foals, I always sneak into Miss Pommel’s room.”

Cherry gasps! “Xenos! You can’t just go into a mare’s room when she’s sleeping! It isn’t proper!”

Arc nods. “I’m sure he has a good reason, Cherry.”

“That I do. I… check to make sure she’s… real.”

“Real?”

Xenos nods. “Often times I wake up and can’t shake the feeling that Miss Pommel coming to Ponyville was just a dream!”

“How many times a week do you do this?”

“About every other night.”

Cherry sounds concerned. “That is quite often! Does she know about this?!”

“No ma’am. I’m always careful not to wake her. That much I promise you!”

Arc frowns. “I had no idea you were sneaking out THAT often!”

“If I may sir, what were you doing out at that hour?”

“I sometimes go for a late walk in the calm of the night to clear my mind.”

“You do, Arc?

He nods. “Yeah. After I… lost you, Cherry, sleep became harder to maintain.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Cherry.”

“Forgive me sir. As the commander, you have every right to come and go as you please! That was the original intention of my own late-night walks!”

He is silent for a time.

“Sometimes I just stand there and stare at her. A couple times… I even touched her. Just to make sure she was real, of course!”

“Thank you for telling me about this, Xenos. Do the others know about it?”

“Kinda. They knew I was sneaking out, as they too have their own problems sleeping. But they had no idea where I was going.”

Cherry sounds surprised. “All of you have the same problem?”

“Yes ma’am. We’re not proud of it. But it is the truth!”

“I see. Xenos, I don’t really mind you leaving the base at night. Especially to check on the orphans. But I draw the line at you going into Coco Pommel’s room when she’s asleep!”

Xenos sighs. “I know what I did was wrong, sir, and will accept whatever punishment you deem fair.”

“Thank you for being so honest about this. I think it’s time you and the others see Emerald Dream about your sleeping issues.”

“The psychiatrist?”

“Yes. All of you suffered greatly under Matron Tempest. Her return to Ponyville during the recent quarantine probably didn’t help.”

Xenos grips the steering wheel tightly! “If I ever see her anywhere NEAR Miss Pommel again, I’ll tear her limb from limb!”

He is silent for a time.

“Sorry sir.”

“Arc, do you think Emerald Dream can really help them?”

“I’m sure she can, Cherry! After all… she… she helped me after… the incident.

“Sir?”

“Arc! You went through therapy because of me?!”

Arc nods. “I did. There was a lot of things she and I had to work through.”

“No offense, but I thought you were strong enough to get through that on your own, sir!”

“No Xenos. I wasn’t. And I don’t want to meet someone cold-hearted enough to do so either!”

“I meant no disrespect sir. It’s just… you always seem to have it so together!”

“I’m strong enough to get through a lot, Xenos. But I’m also smart enough to know when I need to talk about something with a professional.”

“I had no idea, Arc! But that does make sense!”

“What should I do, sir?! I love Miss Pommel like a mother! We all do!”

“I think you and the others need to go through therapy as well. Some one-on-one time with Emerald Dream can do wonders for all of you!”

“All, sir?”

“You, Max, Hugh and Viktor. I need to be sure that the four of you are prepared for anything! Mind and body.”

“Thank you sir! We’ll do our best! I just have one question!”

Arc looks over to him. “Yes?”

“Where are we?”

“Huh?”

Xenos looks over at him sheepishly. “I’ve just been driving straight, as you never told me to make any turns.”

Cherry giggles! “It seems Arc was too busy with other things.”

Arc smiles and shakes his head. “Do a U-turn and get us back to town. We’re miles outside of Angel Grove now.”

“Yes sir! Sorry sir!”

“Don’t be. You did your job. But it would seem I didn’t do mine.”

Cherry continues to laugh. “No one is perfect, Arc.’

They get back underway. By lunchtime they have almost two-thirds of the map done. Arc points to a small building up ahead.

“Pull in there.”

Xenos frowns at the full parking lot. “Isn’t that place a bit busy for a sigil, sir?”

Arc laughs! “Sigil nothing! I’m looking at getting lunch here!”

Cherry giggles. “It’s good to see some things never change!”

“Just find a place to park and I’ll run in and get us something to go.”

“Yes sir.”

Pulling into a parking spot, Arc unbuckles his seatbelt and opens his door. “Keep the engine running. I won’t be long.”

He walks into the fast food restaurant and returns shortly with a large bag of take-out.

“A burger and fries for me, and a large salad for you!”

Xenos nods as he accepts the salad. “Thank you, sir. Maybe one of these days I’ll try one of those burger things.”

“Whenever you’re ready for it you let me know, big guy.”

They pull back into traffic to complete their task.

“I have to say, I’m feeling a lot more comfortable driving, sir!”

“Good! You seemed to have trouble with it early on.”

“Can I tell you something in confidence, sir?”

“Sure.”

“To be honest with you, when we started driving… it kinda scared me.”

“Really? Why?”

Xenos sighs. “I’m used to being the biggest and the strongest out there! But these vehicles are all bigger AND stronger than I’ll ever be!”

Cherry sighs. “You felt small and weak by comparison.

“I did. But I think I’m over it now.

Arc nods understandingly. “No matter how big and strong you are, there’s always someone bigger and stronger out there.”

“Even stronger than you, sir?”

Arc rubbing his sore ribs. “Definitely!”

Shortly before sunset they finish placing all the sigils save for one. Arc looks over the map.

“One more to go. This is the old church my family used to attend when my dad was still around.”

Cherry smiles inwardly. “This has been quite a chore, hasn’t it? But it’s been nice just being with you, Arc! Thank you for taking me!”

“It’s nice having you with me too, Cherry. You really make this fun! To tell you the truth, I actually forgot about this one. It was on our way home so I didn’t say anything. Turn into this parking lot.”

“Yes sir!”

They pull into a nearly empty parking lot to see a suspicious looking van parked in front of the main entrance.

“They’re certainly working late.”

Arc frowns. “Maybe not, Cherry. Stop here, Xenos. Something doesn’t smell right about this!”

“Sir?”

“I think they might be robbing this place!”

Xenos looks worried. “What do we do?!”

Arc unbuckles his seat belt and calls forth his armor. “I’m going to investigate. You head on back to the house.”

“You sure you don’t want me to come with you?”

Arc shakes his head.

“No. The others are probably starting to worry about us at this point. That and if something should happen to us, they won’t know where we are!”

“I’ll watch his back, Xenos.”

Xenos nods as Arc steps out. “Yes sir. Take care!”

“Don’t worry. Some thieves aren’t enough to be a challenge for me!”

He nods and drives away. Arc puts on his magic cloak and makes his way over to the van. Peeking inside he sees quite a few boxes. Cherry gasps!

“They’re cleaning the place out!”

“Maybe not. These boxes are all perfectly taped and neatly stacked. Thieves don’t usually do that.”

“What else could it be other than robbery, Arc?!”

“Let’s wait here and see who comes out!”

A few minutes later an elderly man with a clerical collar steps out of the building with a couple others. They walk over to the van and each pick up a box before heading back inside.

“See? They’re just church members unloading supplies, or something.”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief. “I guess you’re right. At least you won’t have to fight anypony!”

Arc reappears and removes his cloak. “I suppose not.”

“Arc? What are you doing?!”

“Helping out.”

Upon their return, the trio is a bit taken aback at Arc’s appearance. The cleric soon composes himself and approaches Arc.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“I believe it’s you who could use some help. Might I lend a hand?”

The pastor nods. “Certainly!”

Arc helps the men unload the truck. They bring the boxes to a basement storage room together. Arc sets down his boxes and turns to the men.

“That’s the last of them.”

The pastor nods. “You’re the one from the news, aren’t you? The Hero of Light everyone is talking about!”

“That I am. Is that a problem?”

“It is not. Lord’s Chapel is always here for those who have a need! Oh, please forgive me! I’m Pastor Tim Kavanaugh.”

He turns to the young man next to him.

“This is our Family Minister, Pastor John Datema.”

He smiles at Arc. “Good day to you, sir.”

“And this is Elder Greer.”

He shakes Arc’s hand warmly. “A pleasure!”

Arc nods to them. “Forgive me for barging in like this. You see, I was passing by and saw your van out front with all the boxes in it. At the time, I thought you were robbing the place.”

John chuckles. “We appreciate you keeping an eye on the place for us!”

Elder Greer nods. “Yes. One must always be vigilant in these trying times.”

“Have you had trouble lately with the Shards?”

Pastor Kavanaugh sighs. “Just once. Our Sunday morning offering was stolen from the back of the sanctuary.”

John chuckles. “However, a well-dressed young man with a cane returned it the following Monday morning.”

“He did?”

The Elder nods. “He said he was the leader of the Shards, and that it wouldn’t happen again! We didn’t really think much of it until that interview he gave on TV a week or so ago.”

The pastor nods. “I know God moves in mysterious ways. But I never imagined He would send a thief to return the stolen offering!”

“I’m glad it all worked out. Anyways, I need to be getting back home now. My friends are probably starting to get worried about me. It was nice meeting all of you.”

John nods. “Be careful out there, sir.”

Elder Greer smiles at him. “The church will be praying for you.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. I would appreciate that.”

He Blinks onto the roof. Cherry speaks to him telepathically.

“They were nice!”

Arc nods as he places the sigil. “That they are. Pastor Kavanaugh has been here at Lord’s Chapel as long as I can remember.”

“Fond memories?”

“My parents used to bring me here for Sunday School when I was a boy. That is, until my mom… succumbed to alcoholism.”

“Didn’t they try to help her?”

“They didn’t know.”

“How?!”

Arc sighs. “My mom always was a very private individual. She didn’t really go out much at all! You see, everyone knew she suffered from something called Social Anxiety Disorder, so they always gave her plenty of space. Although looking back at it, I never said anything to anyone about her addiction.”

“Why not?!”

“It was… embarrassing! Having her half sloshed all the time! But I still can’t help but wonder if they could have helped her if they had only known. If someone could have done something!”

“You were a little boy then, Arc! Don’t blame yourself for this!”

Arc walks to the edge of the roof and looking out over the town. “I failed my mother back then, Cherry. Nothing will ever change that! But… but I won’t fail this town or its inhabitants! In this small way, perhaps I can finally find what I’ve been looking for all this time!”

“What is it?”

He sighs as they look out over the horizon.

“Redemption.”

Chapter 12 - Diplomacy

A week later after breakfast, Arc and his friends gather in the living room. Everyone is wearing their robes except Arc, Ember and Sereb.

“That went by fast!”

Max nods. “Yes it did, Ember.”

Xenos chuckles. “It’s hard to believe it’s already time to go back.”

Cherry, inside Arc’s head, giggles. “Yes, well… we can’t stay here forever. Equestria still needs the Hero of Light to maintain order!”

Viktor sighs. “True. If everyone knew you were gone, sir…”

“Let’s go make ourselves known then!”

Hugh looks to Arc. “You sure you don’t want us to stay here sir? We’re completely willing!”

Arc shakes his head. “I appreciate that. But there are things I want you all to do back in Equestria.”

Max looks confused. “Like what?”

Arc kneels down and activates the portable recall unit. “You’ll see.”

Ember shudders! “I hope Sunburst has fixed the re-entry problem!”

Sereb, having returned to his normal size, nods. “I shall go first and see.”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Sunburst to Arc. Come in please!”

“Arc here. We’re ready on this end.”

“As am I. You may enter when ready!”

Arc nods. “Sereb will go through first so as not to trigger the transformation sigil.”

“I understand. Will you be coming last then, sir?”

“Yes. After my squad arrives you can disable the sigil. I rather like staying human.”

Xenos snickers. “Don’t want to try something new, sir?”

“I’ll pass.”

He turns to Sereb.

“Ready when you are.”

Sereb approaches the portal. “Very well.”

He enters the swirling vortex and vanishes from sight. A few moments later there is a terrific crash from the other end of the line!

“Everything okay over there, Sunburst.”

“I… I think so!”

“What happened?!”

“I dialed down the power to compensate for the re-entry. Apparently not enough though!”

Ember nods and points to the portal’s swirling energies. “You boys are next!”

Hugh looks worried. “What?!”

Arc grins! “You heard her. Get to it!”

Xenos laughs! “I’ll go first, you pansies!”

Arc’s squad enters the portal as he turns to Ember.

“Ready?”

Ember looks nervously at the portal. “I… I don’t know.”

“What’s wrong? I thought you would be excited to go back.”

“I am but… don’t tell anyone, but I’m kinda scared of this thing!”

Cherry sounds nervous. “As am I, Ember. But Arc is with me, so I’m not afraid!”

Arc extends a hand to Ember. “Together then?”

“O-okay.”

She takes his hand and, holding it tightly, walks toward the portal. In a moment they arrive in Princess Celestia’s room in the castle. Arc’s squad have returned to their pony forms and are putting their armor back on. Xenos prances around.

“It’s good to have all four legs back!”

Hugh grins! “You said it!”

Max sighs. “I rather liked being a bipedal!”

Viktor shrugs. “It didn’t really bother me either. But I already miss the Internet!”

Sunburst remotely shuts down both ends of the portal before turning to them. “Sounds like you all acclimated well!”

Ember nods. “That we did!”

“I’m proud of all of you! When we go back, the four of you will stay there. “

His squad salutes him.

“Yes sir!”

Ember walks toward the door. “We should probably report to the princesses now Arc.”

“I agree! But aren’t you forgetting something?”

Ember turns back around with a confused look on her face. “Huh?”

Sereb nods. “You are still a human, Ember.”

“Well, I kinda like this form! It makes me feel closer to Arc!”

She zips up her jacket.

“That and I’m warmer like this!”

Ember turns back to Arc.

“Would it be okay for me to stay like this for a bit longer?”

Arc nods. “Alright. I suppose it would be nice to show the princesses the effects of the transformation.”

He turns back to Sunburst.

“Did you inform the princesses that I needed to see them when I returned?”

“I did. They are currently holding audiences. However, you are to be admitted as soon as you arrive.”

“Thanks! Would you ask them to meet me in the Conference Room though? We should have absolute privacy when we speak of things regarding Earth.”

Sunburst nods and heads out the door. “I’ll see to it!”

Arc calls out after Sunburst. “And please come with them!”

He turns to his squad as he calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to Light’s Hope. “Why don’t you boys get something to eat at the base’s cafeteria? We’ll be along soon.”

They salute and enter the portal. Arc closes it behind them and heads for the door.

“Let’s go you two.”

Ember and Sereb nod as they follow Arc toward the conference room. A short time later Luna and Cadance enter the room flanked by Royal Guards and Sunburst. Luna looks to the guards.

“See to it we are not disturbed.”

The Royal Guards bow in respect and leave the room as she turns back to Arc.

“It is good to have you safely back, Arc!”

Cadance nods. “Yes! It’s been a while since we last heard from you.”

“Sorry about that. I was quite busy with problems back on Earth.”

Sereb nods. “We all were.”

Luna looks past Arc at Ember, frowning. “Is it safe to speak in front of your new friend?”

Cadance sighs. “We trust your judgment, but please be judicious when bringing other humans back to Equestria.”

Sunburst steps forward. “Begging your pardon, but this is Ember, your majesty.”

Luna’s eyes grow wide! “WHAT?!”

Arc nods. “I thought you might like to see firsthand how successful we’ve been in assimilating Ember and my squad into their human forms.”

Cadance walks around Ember, looking her up and down. “Amazing! I honestly thought she was human!”

Arc nods. “Everyone on Earth believes that as well.”

Luna smiles. “Can we assume things are going well over there?”

“Other than trouble in my hometown, they are.”

Arc explains the problems with the Shards and his recent encounters with them.

Cadance frowns. “That’s certainly disturbing news!”

Luna nods. “Please be careful in your decision making, Arc! We don’t want any harm coming to you now!”

“I will, Princess Luna. We’ve already set up a suitable base of operations from where we can rest and regroup.”

Cadance nods. “Good. One must have a place to call home. If I may… where is it?”

“My old house.”

“Oh. Well I suppose that makes sense.”

Ember frowns at the Lead Sage. “Well, if Sunburst will work on that sigil, things should go well.”

Sunburst looks confused. “Was there a problem sending all of you over there?”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda. Your sigil didn’t turn Ember into a human. We had to do that ourselves.”

“Goodness! I hope you weren’t harmed, Miss Ember!”

She blushes slightly. “Not… exactly.”

Sereb smiles. “Ember was transformed into a dog.”

Ember’s face turns beet red! “SEREB!”

Everyone assembled can’t help but snicker.

“I’m sorry, Ember!”

Sunburst nods. “As am I. I guess you’ll have to be transformed into a human when you arrive next time.”

Sereb walks over to her and smiles. “You were quite a lovely canine.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Lay off, Sereb!”

Arc nods. “A blue dog would certainly not go unnoticed. Fortunately Sereb here looked just like a normal dog in his cub form.”

“They didn’t suspect a thing.”

Luna sighs. “I am glad things went well, Arc. Now I’m not trying to give you even more work. Especially right after you get back! But there is something I would like you to do.”

“What is it?”

Cadance looks to him soberly. “It’s in regards to a certain… incident quite a while ago regarding Lord Goldstone from the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc nods angrily! “I’m in!”

Luna nods. “We’ve finally been able to wade through the red tape concerning a certain diplomatic envoy.”

Cadance points out the window to the east. “You’ll be flown to Griffonstone on the Lunar Destiny where you will meet with several dignitaries from the Council of Lords.”

Sereb frowns. “Will the King be among them?”

Luna shakes her head. “The Griffon Kingdom doesn’t currently have one.”

Ember looks confused. “Then who’s in charge?”

Sunburst steps forward. “Lord Gestal is the current head of the Council of Lords. They rule the Griffon Kingdom together!”

Luna nods. “I know it may be hard to imagine a group of leaders being able to agree on anything! But somehow it works for them!”

Cadance looks back to Arc. “You’re scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning bright and early. I know this doesn’t give you much time to prepare, Arc.”

“It’s fine, Princess Cadance. I need to observe their culture before I can do anything.”

“Thank you for doing this. Do be careful over there!”

“Luna’s right! Our peace with the griffons is precarious at best!”

Luna sighs. “To say nothing for their lack of trust in us!”

“And us for them, Luna!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Great! Two races who distrust each other! This mission’s off to a great start!”

Ember looks to the princesses. “Anything you can tell us about the griffons and their ways?!”

Sunburst shakes his head. “Very little. However we do know three things about them! One… they are a very proud race! If you challenge them, do so with respect and don’t be surprised if they quickly become hostile! Two… they seldom admit they are wrong. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence! And three… all griffons live by a moral code that is very rigid! Sadly, little is known about this code of theirs. You’ll have to pick it up as you go.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not much to go on.”

Arc nods. “It will have to do.”

Luna sighs. “Very well. We leave this matter in your hands, Arc.”

“As long as we’re all here, there is one other matter I would like to discuss. And I would like it to stay between us.”

Sunburst looks to Arc. “Shall I leave now, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I want your take on this.”

He stands and walks to Luna and Cadance. As he nears them, Arc reaches into his pocket and pulling out his watch. Opening it, he shows then Cherry’s picture.

“Do you remember my fiancée?”

Luna’s ears droop, as does her head. “We do.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. We’re very sorry about what happened.”

Arc looks at the photo as he talks. “I recently found out that there was an incident that occurred that night. A magical miracle, so to speak.”

Luna looks confused. “Oh?”

“Before I left for Earth, I started hearing things that no one else could. Then I started SEEING things!”

Cadance frowns. “Perhaps you should have a checkup, Arc.”

Luna nods. “Shall we call for Doctor Whooves?”

“That won’t be necessary. Doctor Horse could find nothing wrong with me back then.”

Cadance frowns. “Any idea what caused it?”

Arc puts the watch back in his pocket. “Yes. The source of my madness was from Cherry herself trying to communicate with me.”

Luna blinks a few times before turning to Sunburst. “Call for Doctor Whooves.”

Cadance stands up and walks over to him. “Arc. You’ve been under quite a bit of strain lately. I understand what you’re going through, but your believing Miss Cherry is alive worries me!”

Ember turns to the princesses. “She really is!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. But not in the same way we recognize life.”

Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward. “Apparently when she died, her soul was pulled into my armor. Or more accurately, into the sapphire in my chest.”

Luna nods as she looks at the stone. “Sapphire? That looks more like a ruby.”

“I know this is a lot to take in. In an effort to save time, why don’t I just show you what I mean.”

Cadance nods. “Please do.”

“Cherry. Would you let me out please?”

To the princesses’ astonishment, Arc’s armor melts away and allows him to step out. As he does so it remains standing.

Sunburst looks to the armor, wide-eyed! “What in Celestia’s name…”

Eidolon’s Ward kneels down in front of the princesses. “H-hello, your majesties!”

Luna can barely speak. “How is this possible, Sunburst?!”

“I have no idea! This has never happened before!”

Cadance cautiously approaches Eidolon’s Ward and puts a hoof on it. “Miss? Can you hear me?”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“Can you please stand up?”

Eidolon’s Ward does so as Luna and Sunburst walk around her.

Sunburst is the first to be able to respond. “Extraordinary!”

Luna nods. “Are you in any pain, miss?”

“No ma’am!”

Cadance looks her up and down. “Is there anything we can do to help get you out of that armor?”

“Please no! I only want to stay by Arc’s side! This way I can be with him always!”

Sunburst nods. “I’d like to run some tests on you. If you would please follow me.”

“O-okay.”

As they walk to the door, Arc Blinks in front of it and crosses his arms over his chest.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that, Sunburst.”

“Sir?”

“Cherry Jubilee is a legal citizen of Equestria, with all the rights and privileges that come with it!”

Ember nods! “Yeah! She’s not a lab rat for you to play with!

“But we have to know how this happened!”

He looks to Princess Luna.

“You agree, don’t you Princess Luna?!”

Luna shakes her head. “Arc is correct. You may only study her if she agrees to it.”

Cadance looks to the armor. “Miss Cherry. What would you like to do? Will you submit to Lead Sage Sunburst for testing?”

“I… I only want to stand by Arc’s side! Keep him safe! I can’t do that sequestered away in a lab somewhere!”

Luna sighs. “You heard her, Sunburst.”

“But…!”

Luna turns away. “The subject is closed!”

Sunburst sighs. “I understand. Please forgive my outburst, miss.”

"I understand your point of view, sir. But please try to understand mine.”

Sunburst nods as Cadance steps forward.

“In any case, the Lunar Destiny will arrive at Light’s Hope this evening around dusk. Flying through the night, Captain Tight Ship should be able to drop you off in Griffonstone tomorrow morning.”

Ember frowns. “Drop him off?”

Luna nods. “The presence of a fully armed warship from another nation just outside the window tends to make others nervous.”

Sereb growls. “What about troops?”

“The Griffon Kingdom will permit two Honor Guards of your choosing to accompany you.”

Ember walks over to Arc! “Count me in!”

Sereb nods. I will come as well.

“I guess that settles that matter! Well, I won’t take up any more of your time, princesses.”

Eidolon’s Ward bows to them. “Thank you for seeing us.”

Luna walks toward Eidolon’s Ward and looks at it a few moments. “Miss. I just want you to know that you’re very brave and selfless to do this.”

Cadance joins Luna. “Your dedication and love for Arc is an inspiration to us all!”

She turns to look at Arc.

“And I don’t mind saying that I’m a bit envious of you, Arc.”

He smiles and nods “Thank you. I’ll contact you both when I have something to report.”

“Good luck.”

Arc, Ember, Sereb and Eidolon’s Ward leave the room. Luna looks sternly to Sunburst.

“I’m surprised at you! Trying to study her!”

“But princess! She may hold the keys to understanding immortality!”

Cadance sighs. “That may be. But she’s a thinking, feeling mare first!”

Meanwhile, Arc and company walk down the corridor together. Ember holds onto Arc’s arm.

“What next?”

“We should probably get back to Light’s Hope and prepare.”

Sereb looks confused. “Is there a lot to do?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “There’s always a lot to do!”

“Not that much. I need to check in with Flash Sentry and make sure he’s set for another stint as Base Commander.”

Ember smiles. “He’ll do fine!”

“I know he will. But I hate to dump my responsibilities on him.”

Sereb looks confused. “Is that not his job?”

“It is, to a degree. And he does it very well! But… he’s supposed to ASSIST me! Not do my job for me! Now before we head back, can you turn Ember back into a dragon, Sereb?”

Sereb nods, his horn aglow. “That I can.”

In but a moment Ember returns to her normal self. She tugs at her jacket, smiling.

“Thanks, but I’m keeping the jacket!”

Arc sighs. “Have it your way. I’m going to put my armor away, Cherry. You want back in my head?”

“YES!”

He recalls his armor before opening a portal back to Light’s Hope. In a moment they are teleported to the Main Hall. Raven looks up from her desk as they step off the sigil and walks over to them.

“Welcome back, sir!”

“It’s good to be back, Raven! Feeling better?”

“Yes sir! I’m told I have you to thank for that!”

Ember nods. “You and me both!”

“It was kinda touch and go for a bit there. I’m glad it all worked out in the end. Is Flash Sentry around?”

“Yes, commander. He’s currently in your office.”

“Very good! I need to talk to you both.”

Raven looks confused. “Sir?”

“I’m going to be leaving the country for a bit. Just wanted to touch base with you two before I leave.”

“I understand. Shall we, commander?”

Arc nod. “Be right there.”

Raven walks quickly toward his office as Arc turns to Ember and Sereb.

“Why don’t you two grab a bite to eat and get packed? I’ll catch up with you later.”

Ember nods. “Alright. Don’t be too long though! You should probably go home and see your family before you leave.”

“I will.“

Sereb nods as he and Ember head toward the cafeteria. Arc looks down and sighs.

“I wish I could have spent more time with Derpy and Dinky. They deserve better than this!”

Arc makes the short walk to his office. Flash Sentry and Raven are waiting for him inside.

“Sir! Raven tells me you’re leaving again.”

“That I am.”

“Where to this time, sir?”

“The princesses just gave me the go ahead to start investigating Lord Goldstone.”

Raven’s eyes grow wide! “You… you mean…”

Arc walks over to Raven and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Yes Raven. I’ll make sure he pays for what he did to you!”

“How sir?”

“I haven’t figured that part out yet. Their way of life is largely unknown to us. First, I’ll have to learn how they do things. Then I can formulate a plan of action!”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc, hopefully. “Might I accompany you, sir?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m only allowed two Honor Guards. Ember and Sereb already volunteered.”

“Please sir! I want to help you bring this scoundrel to justice!”

Arc walks over to the window and looks out. “Are you sure that’s not the only reason, lieutenant?”

Flash Sentry looks at Arc, soberly. “Sir. This griffon had his sights on an innocent mare! We both know he was planning on doing unspeakable things to her! He hurt Raven, so now I want to hurt him!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I suppose I could just tell Sereb to pretend to be my loyal steed.”

Raven looks suddenly worried! “Commander, please don’t! What if Lord Goldstone saw him! You would both be in very big trouble!”

“I could dye my coat white like the other Royal Guards, sir! Then I would be indistinguishable!”

“Hmmm… that could work. Very well! Go at once to the Ponyville Day Spa and have your coat dyed white. Have them use the best stuff they have too! Not that kind that just washes out! Would that make you feel better, Raven?”

“Yes it would, commander! Thank you very much for taking such a personal interest in our case!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir! It really means a lot to us! But such a spa treatment would be very expensive!”

“Tell them to send the bill to Light’s Hope. I’ll see to it the cost is covered.”

Raven steps forward quickly. “You could take the money out of our wages, sir!”

“Our wages! We don’t want you getting in trouble with Canterlot now, sir!”

“I think we can justify the cost. The way I see it, this is a covert operation. We can’t risk having our cover blown, now can we?”

Raven shakes her head. “I suppose not, commander.”

Raven looks uneasy.

“Something else bothering you Raven?

“I… I know I shouldn’t, but… could I come with you too?”

Arc shakes his head. “Definitely not. We’re already pushing it by bringing Flash Sentry!”

Flash Sentry nods. “That and Lord Goldstone would most certainly remember a pretty face like yours!”

Raven looks suddenly downcast. “I guess you’re right.”

Flash Sentry walks over to Raven and gives her a hug. “Don’t worry, Raven. I’ll call you every night!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but that wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Commander?”

“The princesses spent quite a while setting this up. The griffons are bound to be suspicious of a lot of calls back and forth to Equestria. For all we know, they might even be listening in!”

Raven looks worried again. “But what if you need help?!”

“Worst case scenario, I can open a portal back to Canterlot and speak to the princesses directly.”

Flash Sentry looks amazed! “You can do that, sir?!”

Raven shakes her head in disbelief! “But, it’s so far!”

“I once teleported from Abyssinia to Ponyville and back again. It’s not something I can do over and over again, mind you! But one round trip should be okay. In any case, get going to the spa, Flash Sentry. We’ll leave at dusk.”

Flash Sentry hurries out the door! “Yes sir! Thank you!”

Arc calls out after him! “And let Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage know he’s in charge while we’re gone!”

“I’ll see to it, sir!”

Raven walks over to Arc. “Please take care of Flash Sentry, commander! I don’t think I’d be able to live with myself if something were to happen to him!”

“I will. You can count on it!”

Raven smiles as she walks toward the door. “Thank you, commander!”

“Raven?”

She turns around. “Yes?”

“While you can’t come on this mission, would you like to accompany us on the Lunar Destiny?”

Raven’s eyes light up! “Yes, I would!”

“I’ll send you back to Light’s Hope via portal before we get to our destination.”

She rushes out the door. “I’ll be sure all my work is done before dusk then!”

Arc smiles after her. “They really do make a lovely couple. “

Cherry sighs. “Like we would have?”

Arc nods sadly. “Yes. They deserve a happy ending to this.”

He walks over to the window and stares out at the field behind the base.

“And I intend to give it to them!”

“Happy ending, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Like the one I wanted to have.”

Cherry giggles. “You can still have your happy ending, Arc!”

“How? Or better yet, with whom?! I mean… to me, happiness is meaningless without someone to share it with!”

“I don’t know, my love. But we’ll be sure to figure that out… together!”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 13 - Sisterly Love

Arc sighs.

“Sorry for being a downer, Cherry. It’s just… I miss you! I mean, I miss the old you! I mean… I’m not making any sense, am I?”

“Actually, you are.”

“Really, Cherry?”

“Yes. To be honest with you, I feel the same way. While I am happy to be with you again, I do miss some things about being alive.”

“Like what?”

Cherry sighs. “Like… feelings.”

“You mean emotions?”

“No, no! My sense of literally feeling things! Like the sun on my face, the sweet smell of cherries on the warm fall breeze, and… the feeling of you holding me in your arms.”

Arc sighs. “I hadn’t thought about that! I’ll try not to be so negative in the future.”

“It’s okay, my love. But you should know that those are just a few of the things we take for granted when we’re alive.”

Arc frowns. “You mean there’s more?!”

“Oh yes! Things like spending time with family.”

Arc walks quickly out of the office and toward the Main Hall. “Point taken! Truth be told, I do feel bad for not having time for Derpy and Dinky lately.”

“I know you do! And I’m sure they understand! But you should do something with them before we head off to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc turns around and heads for the cafeteria. “Yeah! And I think I know exactly what that something is! But first I need to speak to my squad.”

“Arc! “

“It won’t take but a moment, Cherry. This is important too!”

He quickly makes his way to the cafeteria, but his squad is nowhere to be seen.

“I guess they finished eating already, Arc.”

“Well it has been awhile. Let’s check their quarters.”

Arc quickly makes his way to his squad’s quarters. They are just stepping out of the shower area together. All of them straighten up as they see their commanding officer waiting for them.

Hugh salutes! “Sir?!”

Max hangs his head. “We apologize for being out of uniform, sir!”

“It’s okay. Normally I let you enjoy this little place in my base without me intruding.”

Viktor shakes his head. “It’s no intrusion sir!”

Xenos nods. “Right! You took us into your home for Celestia’s sake! “

Max smiles. “That and it IS your base! What can we do for you?”

“I’m heading out tonight in the Lunar Destiny with Flash Sentry, Ember and Sereb. We’re going on a bit of a diplomatic mission to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Xenos looks confused. “This is rather sudden, sir!”

“I know. But it has taken the princesses quite a while to set this up! They only told me of their recent success this morning after you four left.”

Hugh nods. “So where do we fit in?”

“I want the four of you to go see Emerald Dream for psychiatric evaluations while I’m gone. Today if possible.”

Xenos suddenly looks nervous. “S-sir?!”

“All of you had it rather rough growing up. I need to make sure you’re up for the tasks ahead… mind and body.”

Max sighs. “Very well, sir. We can head over there as soon as we get our armor back on.”

“Good. While I’m gone, Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage will be in command of Light’s Hope. Give him a hand while we’re gone, will you?”

Viktor nods. “We will, sir!”

Arc nods as he turns to leave. “Thank you. I’m counting on everyone to keep this place running smoothly while we’re away.”

Max calls out after him. “We won’t let you down, sir!”

Arc leaves the room as his squad looks to one another.

Hugh frowns. “I wonder what that was all about?”

Viktor shrugs. “Who knows! But an order is an order!”

Meanwhile, Arc leaves the base and quickly walks toward the Little Hooves Orphanage.

“You care for your soldiers very much, don’t you, Arc?”

“I do. We’ve been through a lot together. At this point, they’re almost like brothers to me!”

“Why did you order all of them to be evaluated? Only Xenos really needs it.”

Arc nods. “I didn’t want him to feel singled out! That and they all went through the same things in the past. We all just need some time to talk sometimes.”

“That we do!”

He enters the Little Hooves Orphanage and hears the sounds of happy foals coming from the direction of the playground. Arc chuckles as he heads over to the stairs.

“Sounds like lunch is over.”

Cherry looks around. “This really is a nice place! I’m glad the orphans can have such a splendid place to grow up!”

Arc points to a door on the other side of the Main Hall. “It’s also the town’s school. There’s a good-sized classroom just through that door.”

“Where are we going then?”

“To see the orphanage’s matron about Derpy and Dinky getting the rest of the day off.”

“Do you think she’ll allow it?”

Arc nods. “I don’t see why not. Coco Pommel is a good friend of mine.”

Cherry giggles. “Is there anypony you’re not friends with?!”

“Tempest, for starters.”

“Maybe someday you and her will see eye to eye.”

Arc sighs as he approaches the door. “I hope so too. But that day isn’t here yet.”

He knocks lightly on the door. Coco Pommel calls out from her desk.

“Come in!”

Arc opens the door and walks in.

“Hi there, Coco Pommel. Is this a good time?”

She stands up and walks over to him. “It’s always a good time for you, Arc!”

He kneels down to give her a hug. “Sorry I haven’t been around lately.”

Coco Pommel leans into his embrace. “It’s okay! I’m sure you’ve been busy!”

“More so than you know!”

She gestures to her quarters. “Do you have time for a bit of a chat?”

“I do!”

Coco Pommel opens the door and allows him to enter. “Then why don’t we have a seat? My sofa is a bit more comfortable than the office chairs.”

Arc nods. “Sounds good! I needed to speak with you privately anyway.”

The pair sit down on the sofa together.

“Is something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I know this is really short notice, but I’d like to take Derpy and Dinky on a bit of a day trip this afternoon. Is that okay?”

“Of course! You don’t get much free time with them, what with protecting Equestria and all!”

He nods. “I’m about to have even less! Tonight I’m heading out to visit the Griffon Kingdom on a diplomatic mission.”

“Oh? Are they threatening to attack?!”

“No, it’s nothing like that. Sorry, but the details of the mission are confidential.”

“I understand.”

“There is something else I wanted to talk to you about, Coco Pommel.”

“Oh?”

“How are you… holding up? Being the Matron can’t be an easy job!”

She smiles at him. “To be honest with you, I don’t really see it as work anymore! This is my dream job, after all!”

“It’s not wearing you down, is it?”

“Quite the opposite! I mean, it was tough at first, what with having to come up with a filing system, learning to properly fill out paperwork, organizing my administrative duties and still have time to take care of the orphan’s individual needs!”

“Sounds like a lot of work for one pony!”

“Fortunately, I’m not doing it alone. Derpy has been QUITE the help to me! She sees to it the meals are prepared and ready in time, sets up and tears down the cafeteria, does the dishes and somehow still has time to help Cheerilee teach her lessons!”

Arc nods. “I’m sure she appreciates the help. That is a rather large class!”

Coco Pommel beams at him! “I’m happy to say it’s shrunk a wee bit since we relocated here!”

“Adoptions?”

“Yes! A hooffull of the orphans have found permanent homes in the neighboring towns! We’ve even had a couple travel here all the way from Rainbow Falls here looking to adopt!”

Arc looks slightly embarrassed. “Uh… I’m not actually sure where that is.”

“Don’t feel too bad about that. To tell you the truth, I had to look into where it was myself! Apparently it’s far to the northeast of here. To get to Ponyville, they first had to travel west to the Crystal Empire and then take a couple VERY long train rides! A one-way trip is probably the better part of two days.”

“That would be quite the journey!”

Coco Pommel nods! “That it is! I’m not looking forward to that home visit!”

“To make sure they are capable of caring for a foal?”

“Yes. That and verifying that they have a proper house. We wouldn’t want transients taking an orphan on the road!”

“I suppose not.”

“But I’ll do it if it means that a foal can have a mother and father!”

Arc nods. “Let me or Raven at Light’s Hope know if you ever need transportation arranged for long range travel like that.”

“That’s okay! I can take the train!”

“I know you could. But I’m worried that the orphans here might have a bit of separation anxiety with you gone that long. Assuming two days there, one day for the visit and two days back! That’s the better part of a week!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “I suppose you’re right. Thank you, Arc! I’ll keep that in mind!”

“Speaking of anxiety, how is your own recovery coming along?”

“Okay, I guess. I haven’t had any… attacks in quite a while, so I suppose my mind is on the mend!”

“I’m not sure how often you get to town, but there’s a therapist that moved their practice to Ponyville. Her name’s Emerald Dream.”

“I didn’t know that! Truthfully, these days I only leave to go to the Train Station for home visits. It… it’s hard to be away from the orphans. This might sound silly, but even now I worry that this is all just a dream! That I’ll wake up back at the New Beginning’s Orphanage to Matron Tempest yelling at the foals!”

Arc notices that she is suddenly shaking. He puts his arm around her.

“It’s okay, Coco Pommel. Believe me when I tell you that all of this is real! I think you should have a talk with Emerald Dream. Maybe she can help you move past this.”

“That would be wonderful! But I really don’t have the time to visit her!”

“I can call her and set up a house call. She can come here and talk to you in your quarters!”

“Does she do that?!”

“Yes. In fact, that’s why she came here in the first place! You see, back when I was still the Lord Regent, a friend of mine was in dire need of therapy. Seeing no other choice, I ordered a therapist be sent over. In fact, Emerald Dream loved Ponyville so much that she moved her entire practice here! Would you like me to give her a call right now?”

“Thank you! I would appreciate that!”

Arc picks up the phone on the end table next to him and dials Emerald Dream’s number. A few minutes later he puts down the receiver.

“She’ll be here tomorrow about 9 AM. Breakfast will be done and cleaned up, and the foals will be well into their class by that point.”

“That would be perfect! Thank you for all your help, Arc! I really am looking forward to the day I can think about my past in Vanhoover without cringing!”

Arc nods. “I know what you mean. Believe me when I say if anyone can help you, she can!”

Coco Pommel looks confused. “You talked to her too?!”

“Yes. I’m one of her patients.”

“What?! But… you’re always so good at helping talk others through their problems! How can YOU need therapy?!”

“We all need to talk sometimes. I’m no exception to that rule! Besides… I’ve gone through quite a bit already as the Hero of Light and Lord Regent. That and my job is not yet over.”

Coco Pommel nods. “That does make sense. I’m sorry, but I never considered just how much you’ve been through! Compared to you, my own problems look rather small!”

“Everyone has their problems and their past. Some had an easy upbringing, while others, like you and the other orphans, had more challenges to overcome. I think it all comes down to how you deal with the situation in front of you. We can either choose to rise above our problems, or let them pull us down.”

“I’m glad you were able to rise above yours, Arc. Hopefully I’ll be able to do the same one day.”

Arc nods. “You’re on the right path, Coco Pommel. Right now you just need someone to point you in the right direction.”

He looks at his pocket watch and stands up.

“Well, I should let you get back to work now. I know you’re a busy mare and all. Tell you what! You’re going to be a bit short handed for supper tonight. Why don’t you and the orphans plan to have supper at Light’s Hope.”

Coco Pommel stands and sees him to the door. “Thank you for stopping by! It’s always a pleasure to see you! And while I do appreciate the thought, won’t that be a lot of work for her?”

“Not really. Back when the orphans were living at my base, I asked her the same question! She tells me that scaling up for them wasn’t much extra work at all! In her words, ‘I just use a bigger pan’!”

Coco Pommel laughs! “Okay then! Thank you Arc! We accept!”

Arc kneels down to give her a parting hug. “Good! I feel bad enough taking Derpy from you even for one meal!”

“Well, you should probably get Derpy and Dinky now. Afternoon class will be starting soon.”

“Thanks.”

“Good luck on your trip to the Griffon Kingdom! Stay safe!”

Arc nods as he walks out the door. “I will!”

He makes his way quickly downstairs. The foals are just coming inside from recess. Dinky sees him and runs over! Jumping into his arms, she gives him a hug!

“Dad! You’re back!”

“For the moment, yes! Now I need you to do something for me.”

What is it?”

“Go tell Miss Cheerilee that your father has come to pick you up for the day. You’ll be back tomorrow.”

Dinky nods with a look of confusion on her face. “Uh… okay.”

Arc sets her down. Dinky trots into the classroom and returns a moment later with her saddlebag.

“So, where are we going?”

“To the kitchen to get your mother.”

A few moments later Arc and Dinky enter the kitchen. Derpy is busy washing the lunch dishes. Dinky trots over to the mother.

“Mom! Dad’s here!”

Derpy quickly turns around. “Arc?”

“Hi Derpy!”

He kneels down to give her a hug which she returns.

“What brings you here?!”

“I’m going to be taking you and Dinky on a bit of a day trip.”

Dinky looks at him, wide-eyed. “Now?”

“Yup!”

Derpy gestures with a hoof at all the lunch dishes piled up on the counter. “But what about all these dishes?!”

Arc smiles. “We’ll do them together!”

Dinky bounds over to the sink! “I’ll dry!”

With help, the three finish the job in record time. Derpy smiles as she dries the counter.

“I guess I should tell Miss Pommel that I’m going.”

Dinky puts away the last dish. “She’ll be okay with it, right?”

Arc nods. “I already spoke to her. You two will be back tomorrow morning.”

Derpy looks confused. “What is this all about, Arc?”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “I’ll tell you about it when we get there.”

Derpy and Dinky enter the portal with Arc. A moment later they find themselves at their destination. Dinky looks around the room.

“Cherry Hill Ranch?”

“What are we doing here, Arc?”

He heads toward the stairs. “I need to tell Ruby something important. You two should be there as well.”

Dinky looks to him as they walk up the stairs. “Dad? Is something wrong?”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “No, sweetheart. Everything is just great!”

The trio reaches the top of the stairs just as Ruby steps out of the kitchen.

“I thought I heard voices over here! How’s everypony doing?”

“Great! Sorry for bursting in on you like this. I needed to talk to you about something very important!”

Ruby motions with a hoof toward the living room. “How about we sit down then?”

Arc nods. “Good idea!”

They make their way to the couch and sit down together.

“How are you doing, Ruby?”

“Much better, thank you! I’m so glad you insisted on having me see that therapist! I… think if I hadn’t… I might have tried again.”

Dinky looks confused. “Tried what?”

“I… I did something after my sister’s death that… wasn’t good for me, dear.”

Derpy puts a hoof on Dinky’s cheek. “Sometimes when we’re sad or angry we say and do things we know we shouldn’t, sweetie.”

Ruby nods. “Yes, well… I’m happy to say I’m on the mend in that regard! How about you?”

Arc stands up and paces the floor slowly. “That’s… complicated.”

Derpy looks concerned. “Arc? If something’s wrong, talk to us!”

Ruby nods “Yes! We’re your friends!”

“It all started when I was getting a faceplate installed on my helmet in Redemption Village. Hearing things no one else could and seeing things that weren’t there made me feel like I was going crazy!”

Derpy looks at Arc, worried! “You never mentioned anything about this, Arc!”

“I’m sorry. But until my last trip back to Earth, I didn’t really understand it myself.”

Dinky frowns. “So what happened?!”

“At the time it appeared that my armor had become… self-aware.”

Ruby shakes her head. “I’m sorry, what?”

“When I hung it up, Eidolon’s Ward started moving all by itself!”

Derpy looks up at him sheepishly. “I hate to ask this, but are you sure?”

“Completely. Ember was there when it happened.”

“What did you do, dad?!

“Ember hit my armor with her spear and scattered it. However, after a few moments it recomposed itself! Eidolon’s Ward removed its helmet and held it toward me in an effort to get me to put it on.”

“Why?!”

“To communicate.”

Derpy shakes her head. “So it just wanted to talk?!”

“Something like that. I put my helmet on and passed out. In my unconscious state, I was able to speak to it in my mind.”

“What did it say, dad?! Did it want to be friends?!”

“Actually, why don’t I let her say hello.”

He calls forth Eidolon’s Ward.

“If you’d let me out, I’ll let you take it from here.”

To the other’s amazement Arc’s armor melts away and allows him to step out. It turns toward them and makes a small wave. Derpy looks at it, cautiously.

“Um… hi there.”

“Hello… everypony.”

Eidolon’s Ward turn back to Ruby. It slowly walks over to her before kneeling down to look at the puzzled mare at eye level.

“It… it’s been a long time, Ruby.”

Ruby’s eyes grow wide! “S-sister? Is that YOU?!”

“Yes Ruby. It’s really me!”

Ruby lunges forward to wrap her hooves around the armor as the tears flow freely! “But… but HOW?! “

“My soul was drawn into the gem in the chest plate of Arc’s armor. I spent quite a bit of time in his ring before he finally called for his armor.”

Arc nods. “Back then Eidolon’s Ward was just a painful reminder of what I had failed to protect. I didn’t even want to look at it! Had I known…”

Derpy interrupts him. “I’m sure you wouldn’t have left her in there on purpose!”

“Yeah dad! Mom’s right!”

Dinky turns to look at the armor.

“Miss Cherry? Does it… hurt in there?”

“No, little one! I’m just fine! Truth be told, I’m rather enjoying traveling around in Arc’s head!”

Ruby looks confused. “His head?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Before Arc recalls his armor, I leave it and enter his mind.”

“I don’t want her alone in my ring, after all! She can see everything I do in there! That and now we’re always together!”

Dinky looks at the armor. “Are you a ghost, Miss Cherry?”

“I suppose so, honey.”

Derpy looks worried. “Does it work on others?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean… can you go into somepony else?”

“To be honest, I never tried! It’s been so nice being in Arc’s head, I never considered that possibility.”

Ruby steps forward. “Go ahead, sister. Try to come into my mind!”

“Are you sure?!”

“Yes!”

“Okay… “

The pair embrace. But nothing happens. Eidolon’s Ward draws back from Ruby.

“Sorry…”

Ruby shakes her head and smiles. “It’s okay, Cherry! I’m happy just knowing you’re not gone! This is going to take some getting used to, but… I’ll manage!”

“I’m sorry for making you worry, Ruby.”

“Don’t be! Right now, I’m just happy to hear your voice again! Can you stay for a while?!”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its head as they break the embrace. “I’m sorry, Ruby. Arc and I are going on a mission later tonight.”

“Yes. Princess Luna was finally able to arrange a diplomatic mission to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Derpy frowns. “I don’t understand. What’s so important about that?”

“Let’s just say one of their Lords… did something against Equestrian law.”

Ruby nods. “And you need to extradite them?”

“Sadly, it’s not that simple. As a Griffon Lord, he’s pretty much immune to traditional prosecution!”

“Then what can you do, dad?!”

“I’m going there and find a way to make sure he NEVER has a chance to do such a thing to anyone else ever again! Think of this as the planning stage or the calm before the storm.”

Ruby nods sadly. “And… you’re going with him, aren’t you Cherry.”

“That I am, Ruby. Somepony has to keep Arc safe!”

“Do be careful! I don’t want to lose you again!”

“Don’t worry, Ruby! In my current state, I don’t really see what anypony could do to hurt me.”

Ruby breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! But you’ll come back to visit, won’t you?!”

Arc nods. “We will. Count on it!”

“Can you at least spend the day?!”

“Yeah dad! That sounds like fun!”

Arc smiles. “I was hoping you would say that, Ruby!”

Derpy nods. “That does sound lovely! What should we do today?”

“How about I show you how I make my famous Cherry Jubilee Pie?!”

Arc licks his lips. “Sounds tasty! Let’s do that!”

Derpy and Dinky facehoof as Ruby Jubilee, Eidolon’s Ward and Arc head for the kitchen.

“That’s dad for you!”

Derpy laughs. “Well, it’s good to see your father so happy again!”

As they get up and make their way toward the kitchen Dinky turns to her mother. “Yeah! That and we get to eat PIE!”

Derpy laughs to herself as Dinky runs toward the kitchen ahead of her. “Oh Dinky! Your father’s personality is rubbing off on you! And I couldn’t be happier about it!”

Preface - Volume 13 - The Emissary

In our previous volume, Arc, Ember, Sereb and the Hammers head for Redemption Village to ask Mythic Honor to make a faceplate for Eidolon’s Ward. Arriving, they are told that to work with the Hydra Scales that compose the armor requires a magic forge. The only existing one being in Tartarus at the old hideout. Leaving the Hammers in the village, the group reenters Tartarus and heads for the hideout. After shrinking the magic forge down they leave the base only to find King Malevolence waiting for them. Arc assures him that Auriel is doing well in her new home and promises to bring her back for a visit soon. Returning to the village, Arc sets up the forge to allow the Hammers and Mythic Honor to get to work. Heading for the Inn for a rest, Arc begins hearing things that no one else can! Returning to the forge later, Arc picks up his reforged helmet. Donning it, he sees visages of something he cannot identify!

A few days later Arc and Ember visit Carousel Boutique to pick up an order. Rarity hides herself away in the back, afraid to face him after her recent lewd actions. Arc speaks to her privately to console her, as well as confess to her about reading her diary and knowing her secret. Rarity gives Arc a special mask to wear under his helmet. As he tries it on, he again sees something that isn’t there! Leaving the shop, the pair head to Sugar Cube Corner to see Pinkie and Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash and Arc quickly mend their fences, but Pinkie runs upstairs! Following her to her room Arc finds her lying sadly on her bed. She confesses her feelings for him, but Arc is still grieving Cherry’s death.

Arc, Ember, Sereb and his squad head for Princess Celestia’s room. Sunburst powers up the S.P.E.A.R. and transports them all to Earth. Sadly, something goes wrong during the transformation process and Ember arrives as a dog. Arc invites everyone into his house and gives them some clothes. Sereb uses his magic to properly turn Ember into a human. They order pizza and eat as Arc explains the reason for their mission… the eventual rescue of Princess Celestia! Leading the group to the basement, Arc shows them their living quarters before taking Ember upstairs. She is a bit nervous being away from their world for the first time.

The next morning Ember wakes up and finds Arc downstairs reading. He tells her of his original dream of being a Private Investigator, and of his studies to become one. The others join them, and the groups heads to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast. After they order their food the town sheriff, Marshal Raynor arrives for an order to go. Arc greets the old family friend, as some rather shady looking characters enter. Raynor calls them Snake and Jackal. Raynor tells Lily to head to the back room. She does so as Arc and his friends join the Marshal. Intimidating them with sheer numbers, the gang members leave the diner empty handed. Raynor confesses that most of his power has been stripped by the feds as far as the Shards go. However they appear unwilling to act against the gang! Arc and company say their goodbyes and head out the door. The gang head back to their base. They are met by their leader as they return. He overhears of their trip to Shelly’s Kitchen and is angered to hear of them harassing that particular business. Calling them both to his office with one of his lieutenants, Stingray, he tells them to ‘be an example’ and leaves the room to allow Stingray to get to work. Calling a meeting of their gang, he announces a zero-tolerance policy for putting personal needs ahead of the gang’s goal. Jackal and Snake are dragged out beaten and bruised to show the membership the consequences of such actions.

Meanwhile, Arc takes everyone to the mall for new clothes. They pick out new wardrobes and head for home with their purchases. Arc sets up a computer in the basement and shows Viktor how to use it. He learns quickly as Arc shows the others how to do laundry. He takes the others upstairs to show them the TV and the news channels. Ember and Arc proceed to the kitchen to make lunch together. They eat in front of the television together as Arc lays out his plans to disrupt the Shard’s activities by taking back their protection money. Wondering if his magic works, Arc proceeds to pick up Ember and his squad with telekinesis. Later Ember helps Arc construct a makeshift armor rack in his room. They put each piece of Eidolon’s Ward on the rack. As Arc puts the chest plate up, he quickly turns away. Ember does her best to console him as she looks at the armor. Questioning the armor’s now red crystal in the center of the chest, Eidolon’s Ward suddenly comes to life! Ember calls forth her spear and knocks the armor to the floor! It quickly reassembles itself and flees into a corner. Arc attempts to communicate with it. Asking if it wants to be put on, Eidolon’s Ward nods. Arc slowly does so. As he puts on the helmet, the visages return!

Arc reaches out for something Ember can’t see as she pulls his helmet off. He approaches her and takes it back, saying he has to know! Arc puts the helmet back on and soon loses consciousness. Entering what appears to be some kind of dream, he meets the creature from the visages! Proving their identity, Arc grabs Cherry and holds her close! Returning to the waking world, Arc reveals to the others that Eidolon’s Ward now holds Cherry’s soul! Entering Arc’s head, Cherry is able to see the world through his eyes. The pair head for the store to shop for groceries. As they finish shopping, they see Snake and Jackal accosting an employee as they attempt to steal supplies. Arc ducks behind some boxes, calls forth his armor and magic cloak, and approaches the gang members. They attack, but he is able to turn them away without laying a hand on them.

Arc and Ember head home to find one very angry Ember waiting for them. She points at the television screen to him on the news. They prepare supper and sit down to a meal of vegetarian pitas. As they eat, Arc tells them more about Earth food and cultures. After supper they watch the news together as a new show comes on featuring an anchor named Guy Smiley. He introduces a guest… the leader of the Shards! The boss as he is called, informs the audience of his gang’s intentions and apologizes for their behavior at the store earlier that day. The next morning Arc and company eat breakfast at Shelly’s Kitchen. As they eat a well-dressed man with two strong looking bodyguards walks in and approaches the counter. Arc walks over to him and addresses him as “Frankie”. He apologizes to Shelly and Lily and returns the protection money Snake and Jackal had taken from them. Before leaving he asks Arc to join his organization, to which he resoundly refuses. After breakfast, they head downtown to the town’s shopping district. Ember stages a diversion as Snake and Jackal try and change their car’s flat tire. As they are distracted, Arc approaches the trunk cloaked and pulls the money out of the bag. Returning to the Jeep, everyone meets up and head for home.

Arc, with Cherry in his armor, heads for the Police Station. Entering the building, he asks to see the Marshal. Being escorted back, he hands over the protection money to Raynor, who takes meeting him quite well! Returning home, Arc and Cherry have some alone time to catch up. Arc confesses the princesses’ intentions for him to lead the nation permanently if he was unable to save them. He also tells her of his plans at the time to make her his queen had that happened. Cherry sadly tells Arc to find someone else, as she can no longer marry him.

Arc spends some time teaching his squad to drive. They return from a driving session, and return to their duties. A call comes over the police scanner of the Shards robbing a warehouse some distance away. Arc, Ember and Sereb rush there in Arc’s Jeep. Parking some distance away, they head for the warehouse. Ember goes in first and hides as Arc enters and reveals himself to the group. Stingray orders her boys to take Arc down. He easily stops them, as she comes after Arc himself. Not wanting to fight, Arc tries to reason with her, but earns himself quite a bit of pain from her blows! As the police sirens approach, Stingray jumps in the truck but cannot find the keys. She orders her boys to make a run for it as she jumps out a back window. Ember and Sereb help Arc up and cloak. They leave the warehouse and head back home. Heading to the bathroom with severely bruised ribs, Cherry talks to Arc from a shelf as he bathes. Stingray returns to Frank to report her failure and report the appearance of the stranger.

They next morning the group eats breakfast around Arc’s kitchen table. A call comes over the police scanner about an apartment complex fire! Arc and Ember hurry out the door and drive to the location. Parking and running back to the fire, they approach the Fire Chief and learn that there a still two people trapped inside! Running to the adjoining building, the pair jump to the room and enter the building via a roof hatch. Rushing to the room number, they quickly find a man and child. Grabbing them, they retrace their steps. However, the floor back to the hatch gives out and collapses to the inferno below! Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger jumps to the rooftop from another building across the street, rushes inside, leads Arc and Ember to the laundry room and down a chute to the basement. Showing them out through the storm drains, they arrive back at the street. Passing the two victims up to the fire fighters, Arc in interviewed by Minerva Moore, the local reporter. They watch her report on the news later that night. As Guy Smiley’s show comes on, he criticizes Arc’s methods and intentions.

Arc and Xenos drive around town placing sigils so Arc can deploy more readily in the future. As they drive, Arc tells Xenos he knows about him leaving the base at night. Xenos confesses to sneaking over to the Little Hooves Orphanage at night to check on Coco Pommel. They end the day at Arc’s old family church. Thinking it is being robbed, Arc dons his armor and approaches a suspicious van parked at the entrance. He finds the pastor along with two other men unloading supplies. After helping them, he Blinks up onto the roof to place a sigil.

Returning to Canterlot Castle, Arc informs the princesses of the trouble in his hometown. Luna tells him of an upcoming mission to Griffonstone. He immediately volunteers! He reveals Cherry’s soul in his armor. Sunburst wishes to study her, but the princesses leave the decision to Cherry. She declines, as it would mean being apart from Arc. They return to Light’s Hope. Arc tells Raven and Flash Sentry about the mission to Griffonstone. He gives them permission to board the ship when it arrives. Flash Sentry hurries away to have his coat dyed white.

Arc proceed to his squad’s quarters, and orders them to undergo psychological evaluations. Retrieving Derpy and Dinky from the orphanage, he takes them to Cherry Hill Ranch to see Ruby. Revealing Cherry to her sister brings her great joy! They spend the day at the ranch cooking and enjoying the time together.

However, even now more questions than ever swirl around them. Will the Mane 6 be able to move past this? Will Pinkie ever get what she wants from Arc? Who is hindering Marshal Raynor’s ability to protect Angel Grove? Will Snake and Jackal’s luck EVER change? Is Cherry here to stay? What does Guy Smiley have against Arc’s actions? Who is the mysterious stranger that helped Arc and Ember out of the burning building? How will the new mission to the Griffon Kingdom go?!

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - En Route

As the sun sinks below the horizon, Arc and his companions board the Lunar Destiny. Ember points a claw over her shoulder at Flash Sentry, whose coat has been dyed white like the other Royal Guards.

“Who’s the new soldier, Arc?”

“That’s Flash Sentry.”

She looks the lieutenant up and down. “…are you sure?”

“It’s me, ma’am!”

Ember frowns. “Why did you…?”

Raven interrupts. “It’s important to the mission.”

Arc nods. “I’ll explain everything during the briefing tomorrow morning, Ember.”

“Alright. I suppose I can wait that long.”

Dinky looks up to her father, happily. “That was a fun afternoon, dad!”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “While I’m glad you enjoyed it, I think your father liked it more!”

Arc burps. “That I did!”

As they enter the massive airship, Captain Tight Ship greets them. He salutes Arc as he enters.

“Sir! It’s good to see you again!”

“Likewise, captain. Are we ready to get underway?”

Tight Ship nods. “Chief Engineer Stellar Flare is just doing some last-minute checks to make sure we’re fully prepared for such a long trip.”

“Good. My friends and I will be on the Observation Deck.”

“Very well, sir.”

As Tight Ship makes his way back to the Bridge, Arc turns to the others. “Please follow me.”

They nod and do so.

Ember shudders. “I gotta say, Arc, I don’t really care for this contraption!”

Derpy smiles. “Why’s that? To me, it’s amazing!”

Sereb sighs. “She has… painful memories here.”

“That we do. But thanks to Dinky and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders, I’m just fine!”

Dinky grins. “We were just glad you were okay, dad!”

Raven looks around in awe! “So this is the Lunar Destiny.”

Flash Sentry nods. “It’s quite the ship! The other nations will think twice about attacking Equestria with this on our side!”

Arc nods. “I’m guessing that was Princess Celestia’s plan when she ordered its construction. With luck, we might be able to intimidate ourselves out of a conflict!”

Sereb grunts. “Indeed. But at the moment, it also makes for a very safe way to travel overseas.”

Ember looks out the window at one of the engines. “Faster too!”

They make their way to a teleporter pad and step on. Arc clears his throat.

“Observation Deck.”

A moment later they arrive at their destination.

Raven grabs Flash Sentry, clearly surprised! “WOAH!”

“Sir?! What just happened?!”

“The Lunar Destiny is equipped with teleportation pads to get from point A to B quickly.”

Sereb nods. “For such a large ship, they are quite helpful.”

Derpy holds her stomach. “Does it also have stairs?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Dinky helps her mother off the pad. “I think we’ll take those next time.”

He leads them to the center of the Observation Deck. From there they can see all of Ponyville in the beauty of the sunset. Dinky runs over to a window.

“This is so cool!”

Derpy joins her daughter. “Ponyville looks so small from up here!”

Ember laughs. “It’ll look even smaller when we take off!”

Arc nods. “That it will!”

A short time later the mammoth ship slowly takes off. Dinky looks outside, excitedly!

“Weeeeeeee!!!”

Derpy nervously grabs at Arc. “We’re moving!”

Raven clings to Flash Sentry. “Ah!”

“The first time can be a bit of a surprise. Everyone going to be okay?”

Derpy blushes slightly with embarrassment as she draws back. “I… think I’ve got it.”

Arc puts his arm around Derpy’s shoulders. “It’s okay, Derpy. I know it can be a little nerve-wracking at first. But you’ll get used to it.”

Ember nods. “I’ve never actually sat up here before! Look at that sunset!”

Sereb looks out the window and smiles. “It’s prettier up here then on the ground.”

Before too long the sun finishes setting and the moon rises. Flash Sentry steals a glance at Raven.

“Princess Luna’s moon is especially beautiful tonight.”

Raven smiles and nods. “As are the stars!”

Arc looks out the windows with his arms around Derpy and Dinky. “That they are! We don’t get a lot of time to appreciate the simple things in life.”

Ember looks over at Arc. “Always busy with something else.”

Arc laughs. “Guilty as charged.”

Sereb nods. “Sometimes you have to stop and smell the wind.”

Dinky giggles. “You say some funny things, Sereb!”

“Humans have a similar saying. It’s ‘stop and smell the roses’ though.”

Ember frowns. “What does that mean?”

“It means you have to take time out to enjoy the simple things in life.”

Derpy looks confused. "Like what?"

“Well… like spending time with loved ones. We don’t necessarily have to go do something lavish and exotic. Just a good sit-down conversation will do!”

Commander Soarin walks in. He spots Arc and quickly makes his way over to him

“Sir! The captain wanted me to give you these.”

Soarin hands Arc a number of keys.

“These are for the VIP suites. Your guests are certainly welcome to them.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. Tell me, are we on schedule?”

“Yes sir! The captain is confident we will arrive at our destination tomorrow morning shortly after breakfast.”

“Good. “

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you Arc?”

Arc acts all innocent. “Maybe…”

The group enjoys the beauty of the sky for a time before Derpy turns to her daughter.

“Okay sweetie. We should probably get you to bed now.”

Dinky yawns. “But I’m not tired at all!”

Arc nods. “Your mother is right, Dinky. You need your rest after all. In fact, we should all be getting to bed now.

Ember nods. “Not a bad idea. Sereb and I can bunk together.”

Sereb looks to her, confused. “We will?”

“Is that a problem?”

“…no.”

Ember takes a key from Arc and head for the exit. “Come on then!”

The pair leave the room and walk down the corridor together. She unlocks the door and steps inside with her roommate.

“What the heck, Sereb?! I thought we were friends!”

Sereb nods as Ember closes the door. “My apologies. I simply assumed you would be sleeping with Arc.”

Ember looks embarrassed. “Oh… um… not tonight.”

“Is something wrong?”

“N-no! What makes you think that?!”

“Ember…”

Ember sighs. “Okay. It just… doesn’t feel right at the moment!”

Sereb nods. “Because of Miss Cherry. Or miss Derpy?”

“I… don’t want to come between them!”

“Between whom?”

Ember sits down on the bed, looking guilty. “Derpy and Dinky right now. Arc… he wanted some family time when we got back here! Now this mission throws a wrench into that plan!”

Sereb nobs. “I’m sure his family understands.

“Yes. But… Derpy and Dinky deserves some alone time with him right now.”

Meanwhile, Arc escorts Derpy, Dinky, Raven and Flash Sentry down the hall toward their rooms. He looks at them as they stop in front of his quarters.

“Would you excuse me a moment?”

Derpy nods. “Sure Arc! We’ll wait!”

Dinky yawns. “Just don’t take too long, dad.”

Arc motions for Raven and Flash Sentry to follow him. “I’ll be quick!”

He leads the pair to their rooms a few doors down and hands each of them a key.

“I think both of you will be quite comfortable in these rooms.”

Raven whispers to Arc in an embarrassed tone. “C-commander? Would it be all right if… um… Flash Sentry and I… you know…”

Arc nods. “I understand. If you want Flash Sentry to keep you company tonight, that’s fine with me. This must be very hard on you, Raven.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Thank you, sir. We’ll wait until you and your family go into your room.”

“Good night you two. Get some rest, lieutenant! We have a long day ahead of us!”

“Yes sir!”

Arc makes his way back to Derpy and Dinky. They both appear to be asleep on their hooves!

“Sorry about that. You two can stay with me in my room. I think you’ll like it!”

He opens the door for them and they slowly walk inside. Derpy’s eyes grow wide!

“Arc! You… you stay HERE?!”

Dinky’s jaw drops! “It’s the most beautiful room I’ve ever seen!”

Derpy looks over at Arc. “Is… is it okay for us to be in here?!”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Isn’t this room for… I don’t know… the princesses or somepony?!”

Arc nods. “That it is! But they told me any time I was aboard, this room was mine. And I want to share it with you two!”

Dinky smiles sleepily. “Th-thanks… dad…”

Arc picks his daughter up and carries her to the bed. “You’ve had a busy day, sweetheart. Rest now.”

He covers Dinky up. After giving her father a small smile, she falls asleep almost immediately. Arc turns to Derpy.

"You should probably get some rest too. I know you had just as busy a day as our daughter did.”

Dinky looks toward the bed. “Well, I am a bit tired.”

Arc walks over to the very posh sofa in front of the main window. “I’ll just stretch out on the couch here.”

Derpy looks to Arc with a concerned look on her face! “What?! But… but this is YOUR room! You should sleep in the bed with Dinky!”

“It’s okay! Really!”

“But you need your rest for tomorrows mission!”

“I’ll be fine. Please! I insist!”

Derpy turns toward the bed and Dinky. “Well… okay. But only if you’re sure!”

“I am. Goodnight, Derpy!”

“Goodnight.”

She takes a few steps toward the bed before turning back to Arc.

“Arc?”

He turns to her as he sits down on the couch. “Yes?”

“I know you’re tired, but… can we talk?”

Arc gestures to the seat next to him. “Sure!”

Derpy climbs up on the couch next to him and sits down. They both look at the moon and stars.

“So what’s on your mind?”

“I’m a… a bit worried about you.”

“Oh?”

She sighs. “Aren’t you working too hard? There’s so much for you to do in Equestria and on Earth already! Now you’re heading off to the Griffon Kingdom for… an unknown amount of time!”

Arc nods. “I’m sorry, but this mission was… very last minute.”

“You need to remember to make time for yourself too! Rest is an important part of any job!”

“Believe me, I was looking forward to spending some time with you and Dinky when I got back this morning. But as you know, things don’t always go the way you want them to.”

Derpy puts a hoof on his knee. “Couldn’t somepony else have gone on this mission then?”

Arc shakes his head. “I wish that was possible. But… this is something only I can do! Princess Luna has been working on this since… since the night Shining Armor broke into Light’s Hope!”

“What?!”

“No connection! That’s just kinda the way it worked out.”

Derpy looks to him confused. “But… why?! Why are you so dead-set on going there?! Even now when you’re so busy!”

Arc lowers his voice. “I… I’ll tell you. But you must never repeat it to anyone!”

She nods soberly. “I won’t. Promise!”

Arc leans in close to Derpy. “Shortly before I became the Hero of Light, a Griffon Lord visited Canterlot Castle as some kind of diplomatic envoy.”

Derpy nods. “Okay. But what does that have to do with you?”

He looks over at Dinky to be sure she is still asleep before turning back to Derpy. “While he was there, he… he forced a certain mare to do… inappropriate things against her will.”

Derpy brings her hooves to her face, blushing! “What?! How… how could he?! Do the princesses know this?!”

Arc nods. “They do. I’m told they reported the incident to the proper authorities within the kingdom. But his being a Lord makes prosecuting him impossible!”

“So, what are you supposed to do about this?!”

“I’m going to learn how their culture works so I expose him for the lecherous scum he really is!”

“But… what about the mare?! I’m sure she would rather forget what happened to her!”

He shakes his head. “She wants him stopped, even if that means testifying against him publicly! If we don’t do anything, he’ll just keep doing this! Who knows how many others he’s done these things to! It has to stop! And I intend to see it to that end!”

Derpy shakes her head sadly.

“What Moonlit Dusk did to me will live in my memory forever! Although he didn’t do anything to me that I didn’t consent to, it hurt more than you know when he abandoned me! I can’t imagine what that mare went through! To be forcefully violated like that…!”

Derpy suddenly looks over at him with a terrified look in her eyes!

“He didn’t get her pregnant, did he?!”

“No. A very brave guard rushed in and stopped him before he could get her to the bed.”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I’m glad somepony stopped him before he could do those things to Raven! She doesn’t deserve that!”

“Wait! How did you know…”

She looks down at her hooves, sadly. “I… I could tell from the look of guilt and shame in her eyes. That look greeted me every day from the time I was impregnated to the day you delivered our daughter.”

Arc puts a hand on Derpy’s shoulders. “You don’t have anything to feel guilty or ashamed of, Derpy!”

“I know that now! But… at the time, I felt so dirty! So… used!”

She smiles albeit slightly.

“I noticed that Flash Sentry hasn’t left her side since we boarded the Lunar Destiny. He’s the guard who saved her?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“He’s a good friend to her. I can tell!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Again… how?!”

“That look in her eyes. It goes away when they’re together. You and I… Flash Sentry and Raven… we need each other!”

Arc nods. “That we do.”

“I promise I won’t tell anypony about this!”

“Thank you. Raven deserves that much!”

“So, is that why Flash Sentry dyed his coat?”

“Yes. I don’t want him recognized.”

Derpy nods. “And Raven?”

“She’s going back to Ponyville with you and Dinky tomorrow.”

“Oh? Why is she here then?”

“Emotional support mostly.”

Derpy sighs. “I assume Dinky and I can’t come.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. The griffons are only allowing me two Honor Guards on this trip.”

“But you brought three!”

“I’m going to pass Sereb off as my mount. Hopefully they’ll go for that. If things go badly, he can be my ace in the hole.”

“Your what?”

“It means he can surprise them.”

Derpy looks suddenly worried. “Oh…”

There is a tense silence between them.

“Please be careful! Dinky and I need you to come home safely!”

Arc gives Derpy a hug. “I will.”

Derpy smiles and squeezes him tightly. “Promise?!”

Arc nods and strokes her mane. “Yes.”

She lays her head on his shoulder and yawns.

“You should probably join Dinky now, Derpy.”

Derpy sighs and looks out the window at the night sky. “Just a little bit longer.”

Arc continues to stroke her mane. “Okay.”

A short time later he hears Derpy’s breathing become slower as she drops off to sleep. He gently picks her up and walks slowly toward the bed.

“You’re a good friend, Derpy.”

He lays her down next to Dinky and covers them up. Derpy smiles and twitches in her sleep. Arc steps back to admire the pair.

“Sweet dreams you two.”

Cherry’s voice reverberates in his head.

“You want to join them, don’t you?”

“…yes.”

“Why don’t you?”

Arc sighs. “I thought it would make you feel… uncomfortable. How did you know though?”

Cherry laughs! “You keep forgetting, I feel what you do. Mind and body. It’s okay! Really! Besides, you need a good night’s rest if you want to be ready for tomorrow, right? Just put me on the nightstand so I can see you, okay?”

Arc calls forth his helmet. A moment later Cherry speaks to him again.

“Okay. I’m ready.”

He removes the helmet and puts it on the nightstand next to the bed facing Derpy and Dinky before picking up his daughter and sliding into bed between them. They snuggle up to him instinctively as he covers the three of them up.

“Sweet dreams you two.”

As he himself drift off to sleep, Cherry watches over the happy little family.

“Arc… the three of you make quite the picture. I just wish I could still be a part of it…”

Arc and his family sleep peacefully through the night. Shortly before dawn there is a small knock on the cabin door. Tight Ship quietly enters the cabin and walks over to the bed as Arc sits up.

“Sir. I just wanted to let you know we’ll be arriving in about an hour. The kitchen staff have prepared a hearty breakfast for you and your guests. Shall I rouse the others for you?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Thank you, captain. We’ll be along shortly.”

Tight Ship salutes and leaves the cabin to wake the others. Arc looks at his little family and smiles.

“How did I ever get so lucky.”

He holds Derpy and Dinky both for a few more moments before gently shaking them.

“Time to wake up you two.”

They slowly open their eyes and yawn.

“Is it morning already?”

Dinky looks out the window. “It’s still dark outside though.”

“Yes, well… we need to have an early breakfast, as we’re less than an hour away from the Griffon Kingdom.”

The three get up slowly. Arc grabs his helmet as they leave the cabin together. The others meet them in the corridor. Flash Sentry salutes him respectfully.

“Good morning, sir!”

Ember looks tired. “Did we HAVE to get up this early?!”

Sereb grins. “One must rise early if they are to catch their prey.”

Arc holds his helmet under his arm. “Well said, Sereb. Now then… on to the cafeteria!”

Derpy muses to herself as they make their way down the corridor together. “I wonder what griffons eat.”

Dinky frowns. “You think they like cupcakes?”

“I sure hope so. For your father’s sake!”

They enter the cafeteria. Plates of delicious looking food are already set out for them. Raven smiles.

“This smells very nice!”

Flash Sentry nods and sits down next to Raven. “I’ll say! They certainly didn’t spare any expense on food around here!”

Dinky giggles. “With my dad on board, I would hope not!”

Derpy looks to Arc. “So tell me, Arc. How long do you think this trip will take?”

“Hopefully not more than a week. But I’m not leaving until either this is done, or the griffons toss me out!”

Dinky looks nervous. “Expecting trouble, dad?”

“I’m hoping not. But I’d rather hope for the best and prepare for the worst, sweetheart. We’re on a diplomatic mission, so I think not.”

Ember looks over to the concerned filly. “Don’t worry, Dinky. We’ll take good care of your dad for you!”

Sereb nods. “That we will.”

“Do be careful though, Arc! Dinky and I need you!”

“I will.”

The group finishes their meal just as the sun peeks over the horizon. Arc sighs and stands up.

“That was a fine meal! Now I think was have around fifteen minutes or so until we land, so we should probably say our goodbyes now.”

Arc kneels down as Derpy and Dinky come forward. Dinky gives her father a hug.

“Be careful, dad!”

Derpy nuzzles his side. “Come home soon!”

He puts his arm around Derpy and Dinky. “I will. You two take care of yourselves until I get back, okay?”

They smile and nod as Arc stands back up. Raven slowly approaches him.

“Commander? I… I just wanted to say, thank you for doing this. It means a lot to me!”

Arc nods. “I’ll take care of it, Raven. Count on it!”

He sighs and calls forth his gauntlet.

“I’ll open a portal back to Light’s Hope now. We’ll talk when this is over, Raven.”

Raven nods as Arc powers up the crystal in his forehead. As before, he levitates a short distance off the floor. A moment later a portal opens. The three walk through it and find themselves back at Light’s Hope. Raven steps off the sigil with Derpy and Dinky, astonished!

“I had no idea the commander had such power!”

Dinky nods. “He told us all about it quite some time ago. But this is our first time seeing it first-hoof!”

Derpy sighs happily. “That he did. But, for all his magical prowess, authority and clout… he still does his best to find time for Dinky and I!”

Meanwhile, back on the Lunar Destiny, Arc allows the portal to collapse in on itself as he turns to the other.

“Let’s go back to my quarters now.”

They nod and make their way down the corridor with Arc. Ember looks to Arc.

“Time for a mission briefing?”

Arc nods as he clutches his helmet. “Yes. I want everyone on the same page before we get underway.”

Flash Sentry shudders as they enter Arc’s quarters. Sereb enters last and lies down in front of the closed door. Arc gestures to the couches.

“Everyone take a seat.”

They do so as Arc slowly paces in front of them. Ember sits down next to Flash Sentry.

“Finally we can hear what this is all about!”

“As you all know, we’re on a diplomatic mission to the Griffon Kingdom. This is in response to a visit to Canterlot by Griffon Lord Goldstone some time back.”

Sereb frowns. “While I do not wish to complain, is this not something more suited to a less busy individual?”

Ember nods! “Sereb’s right! I think the princesses have a lot of nerve asking you to do this! Especially on such short notice!”

“Normally I would agree with you two. We have a lot to do without flying across the ocean! However, the diplomacy part of the mission is secondary.”

Sereb looks confused. “It is?”

Ember raises and eyebrow. “What else is there to do?!”

“Our primary mission is actually to find a way to take down that Griffon Lord!”

Ember shakes her head in disbelief. “I’m sorry, what?”

Arc nods. “You heard right, Ember.”

“This is very unlike you, Arc! But why?!”

He looks to them soberly. “What I am about to say does not leave this room. Understood?”

“Um… okay.”

Sereb nods. “You have my word.”

Arc takes a deep breath. “While Lord Goldstone was staying in Canterlot Castle, he… tried to ravish a certain mare messenger.”

Ember explodes angrily! “WHAT?! WHO?!”

He sighs. "Raven Inkwell.”

Sereb stands up and growls fiercely. “Such vile actions against so gentle a mare?! Unthinkable!”

Ember nods in agreement. “How could he?! Raven’s as timid as a bunny and twice as innocent!”

“I know. Fortunately for her, a very brave Royal Guard heard what was happening and took action.”

“Very commendable.”

Ember nods. “I’d sure like to shake his hoof! Where is he?!”

“Sitting next to you.”

She looks at Flash Sentry. “You?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes. Truth be told, at the time I thought that was the end of my career. But I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I had just walked away.”

Ember smiles and puts a claw on Flash Sentry’s shoulder. “You just went up a couple notches in my book!”

Sereb nods. “Aye.”

“Captain Decimus sent him and Raven to Light’s Hope to get rid of them. I guess he figured they would be out of his way stationed in what was supposed to be a backwater post!”

Ember grins! “Guess he didn’t count on you doing so much, huh Arc?”

Arc nods. “That was the first of many miscalculations on his part. Now, maintaining relations with the Griffon Kingdom is important. However, the end result of getting justice for Raven is our main goal here!”

Sereb bares his teeth! “Shall I rip out his lungs for you, Arc?”

“That’s very tempting, Sereb. But I don’t think Raven would be happy to hear we simply killed him.”

Flash Sentry nods. “That and we could kiss any hope of keeping the peace with that nation goodbye forever.”

Ember frowns. “Why can’t we just go to the authorities on this?!”

“The princesses already did that. Nothing happened. He’s too far up the political food chain to feel any kind of repercussions!”

Sereb growls. “So that’s where we come in?”

“Right! We need to observe and learn how their society works. Find a crack in his defenses and exploit it!“

Ember brandishes her claws! “Right! After what he did, simply ending his life would be too lenient!”

Arc nods. “That and we’re not executioners! If we try to take their law into our own hands, we’re not much better than he is!”

Sereb sits down again. “I will try to… restrain myself.”

“Good. Now I’m permitted two Honor Guards for this mission. That will be Ember and Flash Sentry.”

Sereb frowns. “What about me?”

“You’re going to pretend to be my noble steed.”

“I thought I already was.”

“That you are! But that means no talking or showing signs of intelligence. They probably don’t know of Forsaken Village, and won’t recognize your species.”

Sereb nods. “I understand.”

“Sorry for making you dumb yourself down yet again, my friend.”

“We all must do our part.”

Ember nods and looks to Arc. “Anything special I need to do?”

“Stay in your armor at all times when we’re in public. You and Flash Sentry are to be seen simply as my subordinates.”

“Does that mean I need to follow you around and watch your back?”

“Something like that, Ember. Just like when I was the Lord Regent, you’ll be my personal bodyguard. Just do me one favor.”

“Name it.”

Arc grimaces. “Don’t tell your father about this!”

“No problem there.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Will we use aliases?”

“I don’t think we need them. Lord Goldstone probably never bothered to learn your name in the first place.“

He nods, angrily! “Or Raven’s for that matter!”

Ember frowns. “If he’s anything like I imagine, I don’t think he’ll even care who we are!”

“Right! Everyone’s attention will be on me, hopefully! For now we’ll observe, learn and adapt!”

Sereb sighs. “What should we do it something goes wrong?”

“I really wish you hadn’t brought that up!”

Ember frowns. “Someone had to!”

“Since I don’t know what we’re dealing with, I can’t really answer that. While I hate to say it, we would have to come up with something on the fly.”

Ember shudders! “You mean…”

Arc nods. “Right. It would be up to a half-baked plan.”

Sereb sighs. “Let us hope it does not come to that.”

“Agreed.”

Chapter 2 - The Griffon Kingdom

A short time later the Lunar Destiny touches down just outside the gates of Griffonstone. Ember looks to Arc as she calls forth her armor and spear.

“Are you sure about this, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head as they walk toward the Main Hatch. “No. But then again, I never am.”

Sereb frowns. “That is not reassuring.”

“If anyone else has an idea as to how we can get close to Lord Goldstone, I’m all ears.”

No one says anything as Arc stops in front of the hatch and Captain Tight Ship. “I was kinda hoping one of you would say something.”

Flash Sentry, clad in Honor Guard armor with his twin blades strapped to his back, nods soberly. “We’ll let you know if we think of anything. In the meantime, we got your back, sir!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed we do.”

Arc turns to face Tight Ship. “Good.”

“Sir! This is as far as I can take you. As soon as you enter the city, we’ll be taking off and returning to Canterlot.”

“I understand. Have a safe trip.”

“Yes sir. You too!”

Tight Ship pushes the button to open the hatch as Arc mounts Sereb and calls forth his armor. He turns to Ember as her and Flash Sentry prepare to step out onto the deck.

“How do I look?”

Ember takes her place just outside the door. “Like a formidable opponent!”

Flash Sentry nods as he stands opposite Ember to secure the deck. “Yes sir! You both look like you’re going to war!”

Sereb nods. “We need to exercise great caution for the time being.”

“Agreed, Sereb. But please keep quiet for now.”

Sereb nods and steps out of the mammoth ship with Arc on his back. Flash Sentry looks around and spots a small envoy at the base of the gangplank awaiting them.

“Looks like they rolled out the welcoming committee for us, sir.”

Ember nods. “Let’s not be rude.”

Ember and Flash Sentry descend the gangplank with Arc and Sereb in the rear. Two Griffon Royal Guards flank a more ornately dressed and armored female griffon. She has a light gray coat with white plumage and black wings. Her downcast eyes are a light shade of blue.

“Greetings… whatever you are.”

Flash Sentry looks to her, angrily! “This is Hero of Light Arc! Equestria’s greatest warrior!”

Ember looks at their hostess incredulously! “Show some respect!”

The griffon appears rather bored with her task. “My apologies… Lord Arc. I am Lieutenant Natalya. Aide to General Blackbeak, the commander of the nation’s Royal Griffon Defense Force.”

He nods to her, stoically. “A pleasure, lieutenant.”

“The general apologizes that he was unavailable to meet you himself, but duty called.”

“Understandable.”

Natalya gestures with a claw. “If you will please follow me, I’ll escort you to the Grand Aviary.”

Arc and company step into line behind her and the Griffon Royal Guards. As they walk the streets of the city they pass many run-down looking shops and homes. Natalya turns back to look at Arc.

“Forgive us if our land is not as… visually pleasing to you. We’ve been in a bit of an economic slump for many years!”

Arc nods. “Equestria has similar towns going through economic hardships.”

Natalya turns to face forward again, frowning. “The Griffon Kingdom is full of very proud citizens! We are capable of weathering any storm that comes our way!”

Ember mutters quietly under her breath. “I doubt that.”

Arc shoots her a warning glance before looking forward again. A short time later they arrive at the gates of a splendid looking palace. He looks around as they enter the castle.

“Nice place your council has. Do they live here?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No. A year or so ago, our former king returned to the land and retook his former residence and position.“

“Oh? My apologies, but we were not aware of this. Equestria was under the impression that the council still lead your nation”

She looks smugly over her shoulder. “Do be sure to inform them when you return, would you kindly?”

A short walk later they stop outside a large double door. Natalya pushes it open to reveal a modestly furnished, albeit large room.

“You and your personal servants will be staying here. I hope it’s up to your… standards.”

Arc dismounts Sereb and looks around. “It will do, thank you.”

“I will give you some time to settle in and allow your servants to attend to your needs before my commanding officer has time to see you.”

She gestures to a large book sitting on a nearby table.

“We’ve taken the liberty of providing you with a copy of a book that should bring you up to speed on our common laws and customs. Do have a look.”

Arc nods. “I understand. We’ll do that.”

Natalya turns to leave the room, but turns back as she steps across the threshold. “General Blackbeak asks that you do not wander the castle unaccompanied. It’s for your own protection!”

Arc nods and the lieutenant leaves them. Ember removes her helmet and sets it on the table next to the book.

“She seems… unpleasant.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Very proud that one.”

“Perhaps she is merely putting up a strong front for her commanding officer. It can’t be easy to greet a dignitary from a far-off land. Especially when they know nothing about them or their species.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Come on! They can’t be THAT ignorant of pony customs!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I believe the commander was referring to himself as a human.”

“Right! Although I’m used to frightening others when first meeting them, it’s not a feeling I relish! Hopefully I can make a good first impression with the general.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Easier said than done I believe, sir.”

Ember sighs. “In any case, what should we do while we wait?”

Arc walks over to the book and picks it up. “I should probably read up on them and their culture so as not to offend them.”

Ember looks toward the door, frowning. “They seem the type to be easily offended.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Agreed! But they also don’t have any problem being offensive!”

“Right! The way she spoke to Arc when he arrived just makes my blood boil!”

Arc sits down in a chair and recalls his armor save for his helmet. “Let it go, Ember. Perhaps she merely spoke before thinking. We all slip up sometimes.”

Cherry speaks from the helmet. “That may be, but…”

Flash Sentry looks around the room nervously! A hoof on one of his blades. “Who said that?!”

“Sorry, Flash Sentry. I forgot to tell you of a rather happy surprise I had on my last trip to Earth.”

Arc informs the lieutenant of Cherry Jubilee’s soul residing in his armor and her ability to communicate with those around her.

“That’s quite the tale, sir! Forgive me, but are you certain she is who she claims to be?”

Arc nods. “I am. It’s truly her!”

“Your suspicion is normal, sir. Please protect my love, as I can do little to keep him safe as things stand!”

Flash Sentry nods, nervously. “I… will do my best!”

Cherry sighs. “Thank you. I may have eyes, but sadly lack the hooves to help should some danger befall my beloved Arc!”

Arc beckons the lieutenant to approach. “Would you like to read this with me, Flash Sentry?”

He walks over to Arc and stands behind him. “I would! As long as you don’t mind somepony looking over your shoulder.”

“Two heads are better than one!”

Cherry giggles. “Or three!”

Arc looks over to Ember. “Think you can observe the comings and goings of the town through the window?”

“I suppose so. What should I be looking for though?”

“Just observe their movements for the moment. We’ll see if their actions are consistent with what the book says they should be.”

Everyone takes their places as Sereb lies down on the floor in front of the door. Arc calls out, not looking up from the book.

“It says here griffons should put forth a show of confidence at all times. Regardless of how they really feel!”

Cherry frowns inwardly. “Sounds exhausting! Being forced to be that which you aren’t.”

Flash Sentry looks to the helmet nearby. “We all do that sometimes. For example, as an officer and aide to the Hero of Light, sometimes I have to put on a stern face to lead. Even if I’m feeling a bit… unprepared for the task ahead.”

Ember continues to look out the window. “Well, I never do that! Dragons are taught from a young age to always speak their minds!”

“I do appreciate that I can always count on you to give me an honest opinion, Ember.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Well, that trait may not be beneficial on this mission.”

Arc sighs. “Hate to say it, but he’s right.”

“So, what am I supposed to do?!”

Arc looks over to her. “My mother always used to tell me, ‘if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all’.”

Flash Sentry nods. “An Honor Guard typically doesn’t talk unless spoken to by their ward. It’s protocol. You don’t want to raise suspicions, do you?”

Ember sighs. “No. This isn’t going to be easy!”

“I’m confident you can handle it.”

He continues reading. Flash Sentry points a hoof at a passage.

“Says here that griffons are always striving to be better than they currently are!”

Cherry sounds confused. “What does that mean? “

“Judging from the context, it means they have a need to constantly be proving their worth to themselves as well as their peers.”

Ember shakes her head. “Looking at the rather shabby buildings I can see from here, they aren’t doing a very good job of it.”

Flash Sentry looks over to her. “You heard what Lieutenant Natalya said. Their economy is in a slump. Kinda hard to fix things when you’re on a budget, after all.”

“I suppose you’re right. But the griffons I saw on the way here seemed really down about something.”

Arc nods. “Maybe General Blackbeak can shed some light on that.”

“Begging your pardon sir, but I don’t recommend bringing that up. Remember what the book said about their pride? It’s unlikely they’ll open up to you about their problems. Not at this time, anyways!”

“Good call. That could be seen as an attempt to insult their pride! Not something an emissary like me should be doing!”

Ember nods. “Agreed! We’ll have to pick up more information on our own!”

Cherry reads along with them. “Yes. Or find somepony more pleasant to discuss this with.”

“Who?”

Arc shrugs. “It takes all kinds to make a kingdom. I doubt all griffons in this country follow this book’s teachings to a ‘T’.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Every country has those who don’t follow society’s norms. If we can find someone to…”

There is a light knock at the door. Arc stands, closes the book and calls forth his armor. He looks to Flash Sentry.

“Answer that, would you?”

Flash Sentry nods and moves to do so. Opening the door he finds Lieutenant Natalya standing there stoically.

“General Blackbeak will see you now.”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’ll inform Lord Arc. Please wait here.”

Lieutenant Natalya looks indignant as Flash Sentry closes the door. Ember walks over to Arc with him.

“Why did you call him Lord Arc?!”

“Because she did earlier! We would do well to build him up into something the griffons can respect!”

Arc motions for Sereb to approach him. “Sounds like a plan! In any case, let’s not keep General Blackbeak waiting.”

He climbs into the saddle. Ember shoots him a quizzical look.

“Uh… what are you doing Arc?”

Flash Sentry nods, equally confused. “Are you going to ride Sereb INSIDE the castle?!”

“That I am! A being of my station can’t be WALKING, now can I?”

Ember rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “I suppose not… Lord Arc.”

Arc grins as Sereb and the others walk toward the door. “I’m glad you see it my way!”

Flash Sentry and Ember open the double doors and bow to Arc slightly as he passes. He looks down to Natalya, an air of confidence in his voice.

“Lead the way, Lieutenant Natalya.”

She nods and leads them down the corridor.

“So, what can you tell me of your commanding officer, lieutenant?”

“The general has defended these lands for many years. As his father and grandfather did before him.”

Arc nods. “The neighboring countries give you much trouble?”

“Nothing we can’t handle! That much I assure you!”

“Has the general seen much combat over the years?”

Natalya nods intensely! “Plenty! He’s an accomplished warrior and tactician!”

Arc smiles. “I’ll remember that!”

“And you, Lord Arc? Have you been in many battles?”

“More than I care to remember.”

“We… we’ve heard the rumors of your fighting prowess. If I may, just how strong are you?”

Arc looks to her. “I could ask you the same.”

“I did not mean any disrespect, Lord Arc. While I am confident in my own abilities, I’m sure I would fare rather poorly against an opponent such as you.”

“Let us hope that we never meet on the battlefield, lieutenant.”

In short order they reach their destination. Lieutenant Natalya opens a large wooden door to reveal a rather posh office. A middle aged griffon is sitting behind a large desk going over paperwork. True to his name, he has a black beak, a dark brown coat and light brown wings. He does not look up as they enter. Natalya approaches her commanding officer and salutes.

“Sir? Lord Arc is here to see you.”

The general nods, not looking up from his work. “Oh? What does he want?”

Natalya looks uncomfortable. “He’s… here at the Equestrian princesses’ request. Perhaps they wish to be allies.”

Blackbeak looks up from his paperwork and eyes Arc and his entourage. “Do they now? Is this true… Lord Arc?”

“Something like that.”

“How do I know you aren’t just here to scout us out for weaknesses?!”

“I suppose you don’t.”

General Blackbeak is silent for a time. He appears to be weighing that which is before him.

“Perhaps you are here to spy on us. Perhaps not. Tell me, Lord Arc. Do you have faith in your companion’s fighting abilities?”

“I do.”

“In all my years, I have yet to actually witness the fighting prowess of Equestrians. Would you be so kind as to indulge my curiosity?”

Arc nods. “Very well. Shall we spar?”

The general shakes his head. “I would much rather spectate.”

Natalya turns to the general. “Sir, I would be honored to fight for you!”

“Very well, lieutenant! However not against Lord Arc himself! If any of what I’ve heard about him is true, you wouldn’t stand a chance!”

Arc nods. “Perhaps one of my Honor Guards then? They will not go easy on you though!”

He dismounts Sereb.

“Or if you prefer, my mount Sereb here would also enjoy a good workout!”

Sereb growls as he takes up a battle stance.

General Blackbeak smiles at the prospect. He turns to Natalya.

“The choice is yours, lieutenant. Whomever you chose, make us all proud and put up a good fight!”

Natalya points a claw at the group. “I choose all of you!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

She looks to him with determination! “Yes!”

Blackbeak nods. “Very bold, lieutenant! Perhaps there is hope for you yet! However, you may only fight one-on-one!”

“Yes sir!”

The general walks toward the office door. “To the Arena then!”

He leads the group out of the office and toward the rear of the castle. The corridor quickly opens to the pit of a large open-air stadium like structure. The general gestures around them as they walk to the center of the arena floor.

“This is the Gladiator’s Arena! A place where arguments can be settled one way or another! But I assume OUR arena dwarfs Equestria’s!”

Arc nods. “Equestrians are more… peace-loving. We don’t have any stadiums for this purpose.”

Natalya makes a face. “Ponies. Always afraid to get their hooves dirty!”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “If Lord Arc will permit it, I will show you just how wrong you are!”

Arc nods. “Whom will you fight first, lieutenant?”

Natalya looks over the three carefully. Eventually she points a talon at Ember.

“I think I’ll warm up with the weakest looking of the three!”

Ember steps forward, spear in claw, angrily! “I’ll show YOU who’s weak!”

Arc turns to the general. “We should probably step back.”

Blackbeak laughs! “Why? Are you afraid of being hit by your guard’s flying body?!”

“Not at all! I just thought you would prefer a… a better view from above is all. Perhaps the stands?”

He crossing his claws over his chest as he sits down. “I shall be just fine here! Choose a weapon from the racks, lieutenant!”

The general turns to Ember.

“You may wish to do the same, guard! Griffon weapons are of the highest caliber and quality!”

“Thank you, but I think I’ll stick with my current weapon.”

Blackbeak turns his head to look at Arc. “Your guard chooses to fight with a handicap?! She must be quite reckless! Would you like to order her to use a better weapon?”

Arc shakes his head. “She knows what she’s doing.”

“Very well.”

Ember and Natalya face off in front of the general as she returns from the weapon rack with a spear, pointing it tauntingly at her opponent.

“I’ll try not to hurt you TOO badly… whatever you are.”

Ember takes up a battle-ready position. “I was going to say the same thing to you!”

The general looks at the combatants. “Begin!”

He turns to Arc.

“Don’t worry! We have excellent medical facilities here for…”

A moment later Natalya crashes into a wall! The general’s head snaps forward at the sound!

“What the…? Natalya?! What happened?!”

Natalya sits up dizzily. “I… don’t know, sir!”

Ember nods angrily as she rubs her claw. “I introduced her face to my fist!”

General Blackbeak frowns.

“That and I missed it! Perhaps your guard merely got lucky, Lord Arc.”

Arc nods. “Perhaps she will do better against my other guard.”

Blackbeak nods as Flash Sentry and Ember trade places. “Yes! I’m looking forward to seeing how a pony fights after all!”

Natalya stands, dusts herself off, picks up her spear and turns to face Flash Sentry.

“I’ll be more careful this time, sir!”

“See that you do! Begin!”

Natalya charges at Flash Sentry as he draws his blades and hovers above the ground. He waits for her to approach before flying a couple feet to the side and tripping her with the back of his blade. Natalya falls to the ground! She quickly gets to her feet and glares at him!

“That was a dirty trick! Stand still, coward!”

Flash Sentry holds his blades out in a taunt. “Fine! Come at me then!”

Natalya does so. Flash Sentry does not move. As she nears him again, he drops to the ground, let’s go of his own blades and grabs her spear! As he rolls onto his back, he uses her own momentum to toss her across the yard with his back hooves!

Arc nods and telepathically speaks to Cherry. “I taught him that one myself. Use your opponent’s own momentum against them!”

“It’s very ingenious and effective!”

Blackbeak yells to his subordinate! “Lieutenant! You can do better than that!”

“I will, sir!”

She flies at Flash Sentry. He dodges with her spear as she grabs his own blades as she passes!

Natalya brandishes his weapons. “Ha! Now I got you!”

Flash Sentry gets into a battle-ready stance. “Maybe not. Show me what you can do with those!”

Natalya flies toward him! “Fine!”

As they meet head-on, Flash Sentry deftly knocks the blades from her claws as she passes with one quick motion. He then kicks her in the flank, knocking her down. She rolls over to see him standing over her pointing her own spear toward throat.

Natalya frowns. “Fine. You got me!”

Flash Sentry lets her up. She turns to face her commanding officer, head down in evident shame. The general looks to Arc, incredulously.

“What was THAT, Lord Arc?!”

“I like to call it ‘gaining the upper hand’. Turn your opponent’s strengths into weaknesses.”

Blackbeak shakes his head! “No, no! I mean, why didn’t he finish her off?!”

Ember frowns. “What?!”

Arc feigns confusion. “I am here on a peaceful visit. It would have tarnished my reputation with your country to come here and have my guards start killing members of your military, would it not?”

“I… suppose it would have. Very well! Thank you for the exhibition, Lord Arc.”

He turns to walk away. Natalya looks after General Blackbeak.

“Please sir! Give me another chance! I can beat them! Watch!”

She grabs her spear from Flash Sentry. Before anyone can stop her, she flies headlong at Sereb, clearly furious!

“I’LL SHOW YOU ALL WHAT I CAN DO!!!”

Sereb plants his paws firmly on the ground. As she nears, he deftly smacks the spear out of her talons with a wave of a powerful paw! A moment later he pins her to the ground with his other paw! Sereb applies just enough force to keep her down without hurting her. The general turns around and shakes his head at his lieutenant’s current position.

“Lieutenant Natalya, you have brought great shame to the Griffon Kingdom this day! Not only were you unable to defeat these mere guards, but you further shamed yourself, and me mind you, by failing to stand against Lord Arc’s pet!”

Natalya looks to him with desperation in her voice. “Please sir! I… I can do better! I know I can!!!”

Blackbeak sighs. “Perhaps one day.”

He turns back to Arc.

“Lord Arc. It is customary for dignitaries to be given a griffon servant during their stay. For that reason, I am assigning Natalya to your service. She isn’t much, but I hope you will be more pleased with her services in the future than I am currently.“

Natalya runs after the general as he turns to leave!

“But sir! I’m your aide!”

General Blackbeak turns to face her and puts his claw on her shoulder as he looks down at her disapprovingly.

“Not anymore!”

With one quick motion he tears the insignia from her uniform and tosses it on the ground before walking away. Natalya falls to her knees utterly defeated.

Ember turns to Arc. “What exactly did we… do?”

He frowns “I’m not really sure. But I didn’t like the outcome!”

Flash Sentry sighs as he puts away his swords. “Neither did I.”

Natalya composes herself and slowly approaches Arc. With evident sadness in her voice, she bows.

“I… I’m at your service… Lord Arc. Shall I escort you and your guards back to your room?”

“Yes.”

Natalya nods sadly. “Very well, sir. Please follow me.”

She slowly leads them back to their room and opens the door for them.

“I… don’t believe there’s anything else planned for you today. If you would like, I can schedule something.”

Arc shakes his head as they enter the room. “No, thank you. I think I’m going to familiarize myself with the book you mentioned earlier.”

“Very well. I’ll see how your lunch is coming then.”

She turns to leave.

“Lieutenant.”

Natalya turns and sighs. “Begging your pardon sir, but I’m a Footpad now.”

“A what?”

“A… common guard.”

“What do I call you then?”

“Just Footpad. The right to have an individualized name in the military is for officers only.”

Arc frowns. “I see. What if I don’t want to call you ‘Footpad’?”

Natalya looks down. “You are free to call me whatever makes you happy… sir.”

“How about just Natalya then?”

Natalya looks up at him, confused. “If that is what you want, then that is also my wish. By your leave, I’ll let you get back to your studies.”

“Thank you.”

She leaves the room and proceeds down the corridor, muttering to herself.

“Equestria’s Hero of Light isn’t what I expected him to be. I wonder… why is he really here?! What reason would the leaders of Equestria have for sending their greatest warrior on a peace mission?!”

She stops and looks back at Arc’s door. A gleam of hope in her eyes!

“Maybe if I can figure out what he’s REALLY up to, the general would reinstate me!”

She smiles slyly!

“I’ll figure it out, Lord Arc! You’re up to something! I just know it!”

Chapter 3 - Gathering Information

Arc and his friends read the book together. Sometime later there is a knock at the door. Ember moves to answer it. Sereb stands aside as she opens the door to see Natalya pushing a food cart containing several large covered dishes.

“Yes?”

“Lord Arc’s lunch.”

Ember steps back to allow the griffon to enter the room. She smiles as Natalya passes her!

“I could smell that cart coming down the hallway!”

Flash Sentry steps toward the table. “As could I!”

Natalya looks around the room as she sets the plates on the table. “Where is Lord Arc?”

Flash Sentry points a hoof in the direction of the bathroom. “He wanted to clean himself up before eating.”

“If I may, who is guarding him in there?”

Ember shakes her head. “No one.”

“Begging your pardon, but isn’t that rather dangerous?!”

“That’s his policy. I don’t fully understand it myself.”

Flash Sentry nods. “He told me once showering helps him think. Not sure how, but it seems to work for him.”

Arc emerges from the bathroom fully clad in Eidolon’s Ward.

“I thought I heard you out here, Natalya.”

He looks toward the table.

“Something smells good!”

Natalya uncovers the serving platter to reveal several very large fish-based dishes. “Forgive me, but I wasn’t sure what exactly your species eats, Lord Arc.”

Arc walks over to the table. “This will do nicely!”

“I… also brought some vegetables in case you ate those!”

Arc looks to his guard as she sets down the dish. “That will do nicely for Flash Sentry here.”

Flash Sentry nods as he sits down. “Ponies don’t eat meat, I’m afraid.”

Natalya nods. “I will remember that, but… if I may, what are you doing?”

The lieutenant looks confused as he takes his place next to Arc. “What do you mean?”

Arc looks over to her. “It is customary for my Honor Guards to eat with me.”

Natalya frowns. “If I may ask, why sir? No disrespect intended, but they are certainly beneath you!”

“While it’s true that I may be higher in station, I rather dislike eating alone.”

She nods. “Very well, sir. Shall I serve them at mealtime as well?”

“Yes.”

Natalya approaches with two empty plates for Flash Sentry and Ember. Arc picks up some meat with a fork and puts it on a plate for Sereb. She looks nervously at him as he approaches and begins to eat.

“I… think he likes it.”

Arc nods. “That he does.”

Natalya bows and walks quickly toward the door. “Well I should let you eat then!”

Arc looks up at her. “You can stay if you want.”

Natalya looks to him, confused. “Oh? I thought the Hero of Light’s identity was supposed to be some big secret.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Normally it is. However, as Lord Arc is the only one of his kind in our land, he felt a secret identity would be impossible to maintain.”

Ember nods as she sits down to eat. “He doesn’t look much like a pony after all!”

Arc nods and removes his helmet to look Natalya in the eye. He carefully sets it down on the table before him. “That we can all agree on.”

Natalya steps back and replies in a frightened tone. “Who… what ARE you?!”

Arc picks up his silverware. “A human.”

“What?! But… but they’re supposed to be a fairy tale!”

He chuckles as he recalls the rest of his armor. “Yet here I stand! Life’s full of surprises!”

“Forgive me, Lord Arc! But your appearance is not exactly what I was expecting!”

Ember nods. “He gets that a lot!”

Flash Sentry turns to him. “Do you ever get used to that, sir?”

“After the first dozen times, yes! As I said earlier, you are free to join us, Natalya.”

She shakes her head, wide-eyed! “No sir! That simply wouldn’t be proper! I’ll eat alone later!”

Ember turns to her. “What do griffons eat anyways?”

“It’s mostly dependent on your position in society. The council and the king eat similarly to that set before you.”

Arc nods. “And the common citizens?”

Natalya sighs. “Brown bread and soup mostly. Those with money can afford to eat better, of course!”

Flash Sentry looks over to her. “What about a lieutenant?”

“Tastier bread and soup made with better ingredients. Sometimes desserts such as cake on special occasions.”

Arc frowns. “What about cupcakes?”

“My apologies, Lord Arc, but I’ve never heard of them.”

Arc’s pupils shrink! Ember laughs!

“I think something in Arc just broke!”

Flash Sentry smiles. “He’ll get over it.”

Natalya looks over at Ember with a strange look on her face.

“Pardon me, but… what exactly are you, miss? You don’t look like a pony either!”

Ember looks up at her as she momentarily stops eating. “I’m a dragon.”

Natalya takes an unsteady step backwards! “There are DRAGONS outside of the Dragon Lands?!”

Arc shrugs. “Just a couple that I know of. That reminds me! I never actually introduced you to my guards, Natalya!”

He gestures to Flash Sentry.

“This is Lieutenant Flash Sentry, my personal aide.”

Flash Sentry smiles at her. A pleasure! Sorry about earlier! I hope I didn’t hurt you!”

“I… I’m fine!”

Arc then gestures to Ember. “And this is Ember. A dragon I befriended in Tartarus some time ago.”

“Sup! “

“Tartarus! How?!”

Arc takes a drink. “We were both prisoners at the time.”

Natalya looks at him, her beak agape! “YOU spent time in TARTARUS?!”

Ember shrugs. “We were both wrongly imprisoned for crimes we didn’t commit.”

“How did you escape?!”

“A friend of mine broke into Tartarus and came looking for me.”

Ember nods. “There was a big battle, and a lot of the innocent victims were finally able to escape back to Equestria. After Arc here took out the demon army, that is!

“I didn’t do that alone, Ember!”

“Oh? I didn’t see anyone other than the Demon King himself moving after you blasted them!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I do wish I could have been there to see it! That must have been a sight to see!”

Ember chuckles. “It was! Considering what the demons had put us through in the past, it was great to see them lying unconscious at Arc’s feet!”

“Forgive me, Lord Arc, but how does one go from the most secure prison ever to exist to one of the highest offices in the land?!”

Arc sighs. “That’s… complicated!”

Ember looks at Natalya. “You sure do ask a lot of questions.”

“I’m sorry! It’s just… I’ve never met a pegasus, dragon or a human before! No one to the best of my knowledge has!”

Arc nods. “It’s fine. Please sit down though, as there is something I want you to help me with.”

Natalya nervously sits down across from Arc. He slides what’s left of his meal across the table

“Hungry?”

“I am, but it’s against regulations for Footpads to eat their better’s food!”

“Well, General Blackbeak did say you were to serve me, correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I want to learn more about griffons and their culture. Right now, I would like to see how griffons eat.“

Flash Sentry nods. “Think of it more like a research project!”

Natalya nods and quickly begins to eat! “Very well, sir!”

Ember looks impressed! “Someone was hungry!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “I’ll say! You’d think she hadn’t eaten in days!”

Arc nods. “How is it, Natalya?”

“Delicious! I’ve never had such amazing food before!”

Arc stands and walks over to the couch where the book is lying. Picking it up, he walks back to his seat. “When you’re finished eating, I’d like your help with this book.”

Natalya nods as she polishes off the rest of the fish. “Yes sir! Thank you for that! It really hit the spot! Much better than what I’m used to! What can I help you with?!”

He moves his chair closer to Natalya. “This might take some time, but I want you to help me learn how to act more like a griffon.”

Ember looks at him, confused. “Why? So you can push others around like the general?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. To better communicate with them.”

Flash Sentry turns to Ember. “Those the commander deals with will be more at ease if he knows how to properly address and speak to them.”

“Right!”

Natalya and Arc spend the rest of the afternoon practicing his speech and mannerisms. After a particularly riveting mock conversation Arc looks to Natalya.

“Like that?”

Natalya shakes her head. “You need to be more arrogant, Lord Arc. Griffons, especially those who are higher up the food chain, usually act more… intense than they really are.”

Flash Sentry looks over to them. “No offense, miss, but what about your display at the Gladiator’s Arena?”

Natalya sighs. “Not one of my prouder moments, I admit. I had worked so hard to get where I was, and it was all taken away from me in moments!”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s my fault for being weak, sir!”

Ember folds her claws over her chest, angrily! “No, it’s your society’s fault for having such dumb rules and customs!”

Flash Sentry frowns! “Ember?!”

Arc turns to his friend. “One might also say the same for parts of The Dragon Code.”

“That’s different!”

“Yes it is. But different cultures have different views… different customs. To say that one way is inferior to another is extremely rude!”

Ember looks to Natalya and speaks in an apologetic tone. “I’m sorry for blowing up like that.”

“It’s okay, Ember. To tell you the truth, there are those in my land that agree with you.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Every land has groups with differing opinions.”

Arc looks to her. “How deep does this run?”

“Very! The higher ups refer to them as ‘malcontents’ most of the time. However they’re unofficially known as the Griffon Liberation Army.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “A real army?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “No. Just a bunch of griffons with big ideas and loud mouths mostly.”

Arc nods. “Do you agree with them?”

“No! I mean, our system may not be perfect, but it’s the way we’ve lived for thousands of years! It’s how things are DONE!”

“I’m not a huge fan of ‘liberation armies’ and whatnot. We’ve had such things on Earth where I come from. The only thing that usually comes from such internal fighting is the citizens being harmed!”

Natalya looks confused. “Can you elaborate, sir?”

“Say the rebels were to take over Griffonstone. Would they make things better?”

“They claim to want to, yes.”

Arc nods. “Well, would the ousted leadership just walk away quietly?”

“Definitely not! They would rally their loyalist forces and try to force their opponents from power!”

Flash Sentry grimaces. “I’m sure the rebels would see that coming!”

“Right! They would most likely spend most of their time planning their battle strategy, fighting amongst themselves and diverting supplies to their efforts. Meanwhile, those who can’t fight would mostly be left to fend for themselves!”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t sound good!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “It does not. Equestria had such problems before the three pony races were united under the princess’ leadership. A leader of any faction stayed in power only until somepony a little smarter, stronger or with a bigger following came along! Let’s just say it’s not the brightest page of our history! A lot of innocents died in those days needlessly!”

Natalya nods. “I wouldn’t want to see that happen here!”

“Neither do I! But enough doom and gloom. Let’s get back to practicing.”

“Yes sir!”

They continue late into the evening. Ember looks over to Arc as he flips back to an earlier chapter in the book.

“You know, there is such a thing as being TOO prepared!”

Arc does not look up. “Another hour or so and I’ll be ready.”

Flash Sentry looks at the wall clock. “Another hour or so and it will be tomorrow!”

There is a knock at the door. Ember stands up to answer it.

“Who could that be at this hour?!”

Arc reads over the pages again. “Probably Natalya. I sent her to the Royal Library for some more research materials.”

Ember opens the door to see a rather tired looking Natalya with a large cartload of books. She wearily enters the room.

“I brought all the books I could find on the subjects you requested, Lord Arc.”

“Good work! Have a seat on the couch and rest. I’ll be with you in a moment.”

Natalya does so as Ember and Flash Sentry look over the books on the cart.

“Arc? Why so many books on history?”

Flash Sentry holds up a few books. “The law books I understand, but…”

“Knowledge is power you two.”

Ember drops onto the couch. “Knowledge is exhausting!”

Flash Sentry sits down on the couch next to Ember. “You’re not the only one whose thinks that.”

He points a hoof at Natalya. She has fallen asleep where she sits. Arc looks over at the sleeping griffon.

“I guess we should follow suit and get some rest.”

Sereb nods as Flash Sentry stretches out on the adjoining couch. Ember looks to Arc.

“Should we sleep in shifts?”

Arc shakes his head as he takes a couple blankets out of a nearby closet and covers Natalya. “I think we’re safe here.”

Flash Sentry looks to her as Arc hands him the second blanket. “I’m a rather light sleeper, Ember. Anypony comes in here and I’ll wake up.”

Arc picks up his helmet and sets it on the nightstand to face the bed. “Well, let’s hit the hay for the night. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow.”

Ember frowns. “It is?”

“We have quite a bit more studying to do, lessons to learn and plans to make.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “Plans?”

Arc nods. “At some point I’d like to use what I’ve learned to address the Griffon Council of Lords. Perhaps they can arrange an audience with their king for me.”

“What for, Arc?

Flash Sentry nods approvingly. “As the first dignitary to visit in generations, he really should have an audience with the king. If only to greet him and extend well wishes!”

“Something like that.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “What else could you have to say to him?!”

“Not sure. But I’ll think of something.”

Arc puts a hand to his temples. Ember smiles at him.

“Finally feeling it?”

“Yeah. Sleep suddenly sounds good.”

Arc climbs into the bed and turns off the lights. A few moments later Ember recalls her armor and climbs in next to him before rolling over to face him.

“Someone has to watch your back at all times, wouldn’t you agree?”

Arc rolls over to face the nightstand. “Good night, Ember.”

She snuggles up to his back, quietly. “I’ve missed this.”

“Did you say something, Ember?”

“Nothing. Good night.”

They sleep peacefully through the night. Shortly after dawn Natalya stirs. Sitting up groggily, she rubs her forehead with a talon.

“What? Where… am I…?”

She looks up to see Flash Sentry sit up slowly and look out the window.

“Morning already?”

Wide-eyed, Natalya jumps up and throws the blanket off her! “What?! Morning?!”

She rushes over to the bed and gently shakes Arc!

“L-Lord Arc? You wanted me to wake you up at first light!”

Arc groggily raises his head and looks at her, still half asleep.

“Cherry? Is that you?!”

Natalya steps back, confused. “Sir?”

He shakes his head and looks again.

“Sorry, Natalya. It was just a dream.”

“Sorry for waking you up later than you requested! Please forgive me!”

There is movement in the bed behind Arc as Ember pokes her head up.

“Can you two please keep it down! Some of us are still trying to sleep!”

Natalya turns a deep shade of red and turns away from the bed, clearly flustered!

“I-I’m so sorry for… interrupting, Lord Arc!”

Flash Sentry walks over to the side of the bed. “Ember? What are you doing in there?!”

Ember puts her claws on Arc’s shoulder with a sly smile. “Watching Lord Arc’s back.”

Arc sighs as he sits up. “I told you I would be fine!”

“Well, I worry, okay!”

He swings his legs over the side of the bed and stands up. “Well, in any case, let’s get this day started.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Good idea, sir!”

Natalya shuffles toward the door, nervously. “Um… shall I fetch your breakfast, Lord Arc?”

“Yes. But take your time. I need to shower and make myself presentable.”

“Yes sir! At once!”

Ember turns to Arc as she closes the door. “What’s the matter with her?”

Flash Sentry rolls his eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it had something to do with her finding the two of you in bed together?!”

Ember shrugs. “We do this all the time, Flash Sentry!”

“YOU do! I’m usually asleep at the time!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Sir, whom you choose to share your bed with is none of my business. However, please think of Miss Cherry’s feelings on the matter!”

Ember turns to Arc. “I told him the whole story. That was okay, right?”

“Yes, Ember.”

He turns to Flash Sentry.

“She’s actually okay with it.”

“What?!”

“Cherry watches over me as I sleep from my helmet. She… actually wants me to find someone to…”

Ember looks to him as his voice trails off. “To what, Arc?”

“To… replace her.”

Cherry’s voice emanates from the helmet on the night stand. “It’s true! Somepony else needs to be there for Arc in the future!”

Flash Sentry looks toward the night stand. “That’s… a little creepy, miss.”

“Creepy or not, she’s part of my team… now and forever.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I meant no disrespect.”

Arc nods as he heads for the bathroom. “I know. “

He quickly showers and emerges just as Natalya returns with a food cart. She sets the dishes on the table and steps back respectfully as Arc picks up his helmet and walks it over to the table.

“Didn’t you bring yourself anything to eat, Natalya?”

“No sir. I was planning to pick my food up from the cafeteria after I returned the cart.”

Arc nods. “I want you to do that now.”

Natalya looks at him confused. “Sir?”

“Bring your own food back here so I can see what the lower class eats.”

“Yes sir!”

Ember looks to him as the door closes behind Natalya. “You’re really not leaving any stone unturned on this mission, huh Arc?”

He sighs. “The debriefing after this might take days!”

Sereb smiles. “I am certain Lead Sage Sunburst will want to know every detail.”

Flash Sentry nods. “That he will. Although I’m not sure just how much of what we learn here with be of comfort to the public.”

Ember frowns. “What do you mean?”

“The griffons appear very… cruel and set in their ways. If our citizens knew that such creatures lived just beyond our borders…”

Ember interrupts. “To tell you the truth, they kinda remind me of dragons!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. We should reserve judgment until we have more information.”

“Very well, sir.”

Ember chuckles as she returns to eating. “You should probably get started on your meal before it gets cold, Arc!”

Sereb nods as he looks up from his own plate. “Indeed. This food is quite tasty.”

“I’m just waiting for Natalya to get back.”

A short time later Natalya returns with a plate of “food” consisting of bread and vile looking soup. Ember wrinkles her nose at the smell.

“Is that… edible?”

Natalya sets the plate on the table. “This is what we of the lower classes eat every day.”

Flash Sentry eyes the plate suspiciously. “Even cadets at the Royal Academy eat better than this!”

Arc nods. “Bring me your food, Natalya. I wish to inspect it more closely.”

She does so as Arc pushes his own plate away. He dips a spoon into the soup and stirs it.

“It’s certainly… thick.”

The sludge appears to be the consistency of glue as it adheres to the spoon before sliding back into the bowl from whence it came. The bread appears more like a large crouton than something one would actually eat.

“I wish to try some of this.”

“I don’t think you’ll like it, Lord Arc. It… tastes about as good as it smells!”

Arc takes a bite. His mouth puckers as he does so!

“It’s… so salty!”

“Be happy that it is! Before the extra salt, it was almost inedible!”

Arc dips the bread into the soup in an effort to soften it. The bread appears unwilling to absorb the soup in any capacity! Natalya slides him a glass of water.

“This should help.”

After a few moments being submerged, the bread softens somewhat. Arc takes a bite.

“It’s… flavorless.”

Natalya nods. “No flavor is better than bad flavor! Trust me!”

With great effort Arc finishes the food before him.

“That… was… AWFUL!!!”

Ember looks at Arc, clearly concerned for his health. “You going to be okay over there?!”

Flash Sentry grimaces. “The general said they have medical facilities here. Perhaps we should visit them.”

Arc stands up weakly. “I… I think I need to lie down for a bit.”

He pushes his own breakfast toward Natalya.

“But sir, I couldn’t possibly…!”

Arc interrupts her. “I couldn’t eat it now even if I wanted to. Don’t let it go to waste. That and I DID eat all of your food.”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

Ember helps Arc to the bed.

“Easy does it! Honestly, what were you thinking?!”

Arc looks a bit green as he holds his stomach. “It was… certainly a learning experience.”

The others finish their meal as Arc nurses his aching gut.

“N-Natalya? How… how do you eat such food every day?”

She sighs. “We really don’t have any choice. It’s either that or starve!”

Ember frowns. “Doesn’t the Griffon Kingdom supply food to some of the neighboring countries?”

Flash Sentry sighs. “You would think with such a surplus of food everypony would be eating quite well!”

Natalya looks at Ember a bit confused. “We supply food to other nations? That’s news to me! Are you certain?!”

Arc nods. “That’s what the King and Queen of Abyssinia told me when I visited them a while back.”

“We heard about your visit there! The rumors say you took out an entire base of pirates single handedly!”

“It… wasn’t quite that simple.”

“Forgive me, Lord Arc! I’ve overstepped!”

Arc sits up. “It’s okay. In any case, the throbbing in my stomach appears to be lessening.”

Ember chuckles. “And here I thought you could eat anything!”

Flash Sentry nods. “As did I!”

Natalya looks over to him. “Is there anything I could get you that would help, sir?”

“How about some fresh air? Could we perhaps tour the city?”

She looks nervous. “I’m… not sure that’s a good idea, Lord Arc.”

Ember frowns. “Is it dangerous?”

“Not… really. There just isn’t much to see around here. Griffons aren’t much for maintaining their landmarks. Natural or otherwise.”

“How about a park then? I assume the young griffons must have somewhere they go to play!”

“Griffons aren’t much for playing these days. You remember the Gladiator’s Arena from yesterday? That used to be our Boffyball Stadium in years past!”

Ember looks confused. “Boffyball?”

Natalya sighs. “When the king returned, he had it remodeled to the building it is today.

Arc nods. “So… your national pastime is…”

“Gladiator matches at the Arena. It’s used for a few other things such as town meetings and whatnot. But its main purpose is for promotion ceremonies.”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’m guessing that means earning your promotions.”

“Right. You see, to be promoted you have to defeat your current rank’s trainer. Griffons come from all over the country to watch the show!”

Ember grins! “A spectator sport?! Count me in!”

Natalya sighs “It happens a few times a year.”

“Is that how you were promoted?”

Natalya suddenly looks downcast. “Yes… that is, before…”

Flash Sentry sighs. “We’re sorry.”

Natalya shakes her head. “What’s done is done.”

She walks over to the window and looks out.

“If you want, I can show you a few of the sights. They’re not much, though.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. I’d like that.”

He waves Sereb over and mounts him as he extends a hand to Natalya.

“Care for a ride?”

“No thank you sir! It wouldn’t be proper for a griffon of my rank to sit in the saddle with you!”

“I understand. Lead on then.”

Ember and Flash Sentry don their armor. Natalya then leads them out of the room as Flash Sentry and Ember flank Arc. She leads them to the Arena.

“As you saw yesterday, this is the Gladiator’s Arena. “

Natalya points to a number of symbols around the perimeter of the arena floor.

“These are the various ranks from Footpad all the way up to General!”

Arc nods. “So how often can someone be promoted?”

“Any time there is a promotion ceremony. All you have to do is stand in front of your rank’s symbol and wait for a Trainer to call your name. If you beat them, you’re promoted to the next rank.”

Flash Sentry looks around. “Who are the Trainers?”

“They’re just griffons from the next highest rank. For example, a Footpad like me who wants to be promoted to sergeant would have to defeat a trainer who IS a sergeant! We have to beat those which we hope to become!”

Ember nods. “How high can you go?”

“As high as you have strength! Theoretically anyone could become a general!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “But…”

“But the trainers that high up are legends! General Blackbeak was the first to earn his position through combat!”

Arc turns to Natalya. “Are the Trainers generals as well?

Natalya shakes her head. “No. To become a general you must fight valiantly against Arbiter Ghaleon.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “Arbiter? You mean there’s a rank above general?”

“That’s complicated. You see, the Council doesn’t always agree on everything. So they created the rank of Arbiter to settle… high profile disputes.”

Ember looks over. “How many Arbiters are there?”

“There can be only one Arbiter serving at any given time.”

Flash Sentry narrows his eyes. “How much authority do they have?”

“Their judgment is final and their power over everyone is well known! The only higher power would be the king himself! In fact, should a general ever go awry, it would be the Arbiter’s job to step in and stop them!”

Ember looks over to Arc. “That sounds an awful lot like Equestria’s Hero of Light.”

Arc nods. “That it does! Can I meet the Arbiter?”

“Normally, no. He’s always quite busy keeping the peace throughout the realm!”

“Perhaps one day then.”

Natalya nods. “One never knows, sir. How about I show you around town now? There isn’t much, but I’ll show you what I can. That is, if you’re feeling up to it.”

“I am. Lead on!”

Natalya leads them out of the Gladiator’s Arena and into town. Every griffon they encounter on the street hides at their advance!

Ember looks around. “What’s going on?”

Arc sighs. “They’ve never seen a human before. Been there, done this!”

Natalya clears her throat. “Yes, well… we’ve all heard the stories of the Hero of Light’s activities abroad and domestically! They know of your immense power, and that you’re a force to be reckoned with!”

The group proceeds down the street toward a ruined building.

“This used to be our nation’s greatest public library.”

Arc looks at the building. “Was there some kind of natural disaster?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No. It just hasn’t been very well… maintained! King Guto isn’t much for higher learning.”

Ember frowns. “Why not?!”

“He says learning takes time away from training, and that we all need to be prepared to defend the kingdom from its enemies.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “So… who would lead the military in the event of invasion?”

“General Blackbeak would handle defense of the homeland while Arbiter Ghaleon would see to our counterattack.”

Flash Sentry nods. “And they are smart enough to do so?”

“Yes. Generals, Lords, and the Arbiter have all shown great mental aptitude. They’re probably the brightest and the best among us!”

Arc dismounts Sereb and walks over to a book lying in the mud. As he moves to pick it up it falls apart in his hands!

“Twilight would be heartbroken at the state of this library.”

“Sir?”

He turns back to Natalya. “A friend of mine back in Equestria. She loves books and reading!”

Arc walks back to Sereb, mounts him and turns to walk on with the others. A strong breeze blows the damp pages of the book carrying several of them away. Natalya leads them to the edge of town. Ahead of them stretches a large chasm.

“This is the Abysmal Abyss. It’s probably the biggest landmark we have.”

Ember chuckles. “And it doesn’t even require maintenance!”

Flash Sentry looks around. “What’s so important about this place. Looks kinda ominous to me.”

“There’s an old legend that’s been told throughout the ages about it. Supposedly this is where the pride of our nation was displayed.”

Arc looks confused. “Displayed?”

“The Idol of Boreas was put on display before our nation somewhere around here by a young griffon named Grover. With it, he inspired our entire nation to greatness!”

“How?”

“They say the idol was the source of generations of griffon’s pride! He used it to unite the griffons of the Griffon Kingdom and led them as our nation’s first official king!”

Arc nods and looks around. “So… where is this idol now?”

Natalya sighs. “Supposedly it was stolen one stormy night many years ago! The legend I just told is all that’s left of it! In fact our current ruler, King Guto, spent many long years searching the kingdom for the idol.”

Ember frowns. “Not trying to belittle him, but isn’t that a rather poor use of time? I mean, it sounds like a wild goose chase looking for something that may or may not still exist!”

Natalya gestures to the city nearby.

“You’ve seen the condition of Griffonstone! King Guto had hoped to find the idol and use it to restore our nation to its former glory!”

Arc smiles. “Your king is holding out hope for a brighter future, Natalya. At least he hasn’t given up on his kingdom!”

“I guess not, Lord Arc. Since he came back, things have been different though.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “How so?”

“Things used to be peaceful and beautiful here, or so I’ve been told. Although no one alive remembers those days. Rather than fun and games, now everything is about power, strength, combat and so forth.”

She shakes her head.

“I don’t know what happened to him out there. But the military is his primary focus now! Right now everyone is on edge, as the future of our kingdom is uncertain.”

She appears suddenly nervous as she draws close to Arc and lowers her voice.

“Please don’t tell General Blackbeak I said that! It’s… um… treasonous.”

Arc nods. “I won’t let him know you told us about that. Promise. Thank you for letting us know, though!”

Natalya breathes a sigh of relief! “Thanks!”

They continue on their way. Natalya turns to Arc.

“You’ve been all over the world, right Lord Arc?”

“I’ve seen quite a few places, yes. Why?”

She looks to him, hopeful. “I… don’t suppose you’ve heard any rumors about the location of our idol.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. This is the first I’ve heard of it.”

“Oh… it was a long shot, I guess.”

A short time later they arrive at the Train Station. Flash Sentry looks around.

“This place has seen better days!”

Ember turns to Natalya. “Is it still used?”

“Not in years! “

Arc nods. “I suppose a nation full of winged residents wouldn’t really need trains.”

Natalya shakes her head. “They were more for pleasure than getting around! However, these days griffons don’t often travel. The military notwithstanding!”

Ember looks surprised. “Why not?”

“We… don’t really feel like it. Sorry, but I can’t really explain it any better than that.”

She looks a bit embarrassed.

“Sorry, but that’s really all there is to see around Griffonstone.”

Arc nods. “Thank you for the tour.”

“It was my pleasure, Lord Arc! Are you feeling any better?”

“I am! The fresh air helped me beat the last of my nausea!”

Ember looks up at the sun. “Looks like it’s almost lunch time, Arc. You feeling up for it?”

“That I am!”

“I’ll lead the way back to the Grand Aviary! Please follow me!”

The group makes their way back toward the heart of the city and the Grand Aviary. Meanwhile a mysterious figure in a dark blue cloak watches them from a distance.

“You’ve done well, Arc. Not just here in Equestria, but on Earth as well. Stay to the path and it will lead you to your eventual destination.”

Chapter 4 - Nocturnal Rendezvous

That evening Arc stares out the window at the setting sun. There is a knock at the door. He continues to look at the scenery before him.

“COME!”

Natalya enters and looks around as she closes the door behind her.

“Lord Arc? Where are your Honor Guards?”

“They went to return the books to the Royal Library.”

She frowns. “But as it stands, you’re unguarded! Doesn’t that bother you?!”

“Not really.”

Natalya walks over to him and looks out the window as well. “I must say, that’s very brave of you, sir!”

Arc shrugs. “You can either live in fear, or enjoy life’s freedom. I choose the latter.”

“Then why did you bring them?”

“They’re my friends.”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “That explains a lot! I mean… I did think they were more than just simple guards!”

He nods. “What made you think that?”

“Well… you permit them so much freedom of speech! Significantly more than any soldier here has!”

“I like hearing my subordinates’ point of view. Such things help me make wise decisions.”

“Forgive me, but you have a very… unique way of doing things.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You also don’t act like any warrior, commander or ruler I’ve ever met.”

Arc chuckles. “One of a kind. That’s me!”

“Lord Arc? I… I have to know! Why? “

“Why what?”

“Why are you so… nice to me?! I’m just an expendable, faceless soldier after all!”

He turns to face her. “You’re rank may be nonexistent, but not your worth.”

Natalya looks at him, confused. “Sir? But I’m just a Footpad!”

“You’re also a living, breathing, feeling creature!”

“I don’t see your point. In griffon society, my life is of little worth in the grand scheme of things!”

“Not to me!”

Natalya sighs. “Is that how Equestrian society works? “

“Yes and no. Yes, that is how I and the princesses operate. No, inasmuch as the land is filled with many whom don’t agree with that. Those whom would use, abuse and throw away when you’re no longer useful.”

Natalya looks down sadly. “That’s… kinda how things work around here sometimes.”

“I know.”

“You do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. While the books you brought me didn’t come out and say it, I was able to read between the lines.”

“I… I wish that would change!”

“So do I.”

Natalya looks up at him, hopeful. “Any ideas how that could happen?”

“Yes.”

“Really, sir?!”

Arc nods. “Follow me.”

He leads her to a full-length mirror and points at their reflections.

“What do you see?”

Natalya sighs. “A failed lieutenant.”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not what I see.”

“Oh?”

“I see the potential for change.”

She looks confused. “Where?!”

“In you.”

Natalya looks at herself in the mirror. “ME?! But… but I’m just a Footpad!”

“Correction. NOW you’re a Footpad! What if you were more than that?”

“How?”

“You said it yourself. Anyone can become a general if they’re strong enough.”

“Well, yes… but… you see… I’ve never been very good at combat! I think the trainer I faced may have been going easy on me! They probably were just tired of seeing me fail!”

Arc frowns. “You say you’re not very good at fighting. Then why join the military? Why work so hard to achieve the rank of lieutenant?”

Natalya sighs. “Truthfully, I just want to make my family proud of me! You see, I’m the oldest of three! But I’m the black sheep of the family.”

“How so?”

“I’ve always felt… out of place! Like I didn’t really belong! While I know this may sound silly, to me it’s my way of… maybe doing my part to bring some degree of honor to my family name!”

“Have you spoke to your family about this?”

“My siblings and I have never really been close. My father is always busy with his job. And my mother…”

Her voice trails off.

“Sounds to me like you just wanted to be noticed.”

Natalya sighs. “Maybe. I always hoped my family would make time for me if I could only become something they could be proud of!”

“All parents care for their children, Natalya. Even if they’re not very good at showing it sometimes.”

She smiles, albeit a bit sadly. “Easy for you to say. I’m sure your family is VERY proud of you! I mean… how many parents can say their son is the Hero of Light?”

“Well…”

Ember, Flash Sentry and Sereb enter the room together.

“We’re back, Arc!”

Arc turns to them. “Did you put all the books back in their proper places?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir, we did.

Ember chuckles. “Sounding a bit like Twilight there, Arc!”

“I suppose so. But as guests, we should leave things in better condition than when we arrived.”

“Yes sir!”

Natalya looks up at him. “Are you ready for supper, Lord Arc?”

“Yes please.”

She heads quickly for the door. “I’ll fetch it for you and your guards right away! And… thank you for the talk.”

“Anytime!”

Natalya leaves the room and closes the door behind her. She mutters to herself as she walks down the corridor.

“I just don’t get it! What motivates Lord Arc?! Why is he REALLY here?! A scouting mission looking for weaknesses in our defenses? Maybe he’s trying to win favor with his leaders and ours!”

She sighs.

“Or maybe… he’s just here on a diplomatic mission like I was told. Am I thinking too much about this?! Why else would he care so much about a grunt?!“

She muddles over what she’s learned thus far.

“I wish I was as smart as you, father! You’d have this figured out by now! At the rate I’m going, I’ll be old and gray before I figure Lord Arc out!”

Meanwhile, back in Arc’s room, Sereb turns to Arc.

“What did Natalia mean by that?”

“She and I had a little chat about griffon society and her place in it.”

Ember nods, understanding. “Self-confidence issues?”

“Pretty much.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “We all just need a chance to talk sometimes.”

“That we do. I did enjoy hearing about griffon society from someone near the bottom!”

Sereb frowns. “Indeed. The higher ranked citizens would most likely be a bit biased.”

Flash Sentry turns to look out the window. “True. But who’s to say the lower ranked citizens aren’t biased themselves?”

Arc nods. “Different pieces of the same puzzle.”

Ember sighs. “It may take some time, but we’ll figure this out! Right?”

Sereb nods. “That we will.”

A short time later Natalya returns with the food cart. She sets their plates on the table as the others sit down.

Arc picks up his silverware happily! “This does smell wonderful!”

Ember grins! “That it does!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Thanks for all you’ve done, Natalya!”

Natalya smiles guiltily. “Just doing my duty.”

As they begin to eat Natalya picks up a scroll and walking toward Arc. “Sir? I was asked to give this to you.”

Arc nods and accepts the scroll. “Thank you.”

He unrolls it and reads the scroll over.

“Interesting.”

Flash Sentry looks up. “Good news, sir?”

“I’m… not exactly sure. This is an invitation to a get together of some kind at a Lord Gestal’s manor tomorrow night.”

Ember frowns. “Who?”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide! “He’s the head of the Council of Lords! To receive an invitation to his private residence, much less to a party, is unheard of!”

Arc nods. “Really? I wonder why I got one then.”

Ember grins! “Maybe your reputation precedes you!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “I agree with Ember! It’s only natural for the griffon leadership to want to meet somepony as accomplished as you, sir!”

Natalya shrugs. “Shall I send word to Lord Gestal that you’ll be in attendance then?”

Arc nods. “I suppose I had better go. After all, we are guests in this land!”

“I’ll see to it on my way back to the kitchen, sir!”

“What’s the dress code for something like this? Full formal attire?”

“Yes! And you’ll want your Honor Guards at your side all night as well!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Why? Is it dangerous there?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, no! It’s a status symbol for all high-ranking officials to be guarded at all times! I assure you, Lord Gestal’s estate is quite secure!”

Arc rolls the scroll back up as he turns to Ember and Flash Sentry. “This should prove interesting. I hope you two are up for our first social outing in Griffonstone!”

“I’m ready for anything!”

“We won’t let you down, sir!”

“Do you require a tailor, Lord Arc?”

He shakes his head. “No, I brought some formal attire with me. Thank you for the thought though. Anything I need to know about griffon etiquette for the occasion? How should I act?”

Natalya sighs. “Arrogant. Flamboyant. Showy.”

Flash Sentry raises an eyebrow. “Huh? But won’t that reflect negatively on Equestria?”

“That is the behavior that will be expected of you, Lord Arc. You can count on several other lords attending, and that’s how they’ll be acting!“

He nods. “Anything else?”

“Don’t talk to your Honor Guards without a good reason! Griffon aristocracy sees them as… expendable.”

Arc frowns. “Not sure I can do that.”

Well, at the very least they shouldn’t talk to you while you’re at the party either! I know this probably isn’t what any of you are used to, but it’s how things work in the Griffon Kingdom.

Ember nods. “We can handle it. I mean, it’s only one night!”

“That we can, sir!”

Natalya picks up the empty dinner plates and puts them back on the cart. “Just present that invitation to the guard at the door of his estate and they should let you in no problem.”

Arc looks confused. “Aren’t you coming?”

“A Footpad like me would only make you look bad! That and it’s uncouth to have more than two Honor Guards present! I’ll escort you there and wait with the other servants.”

Flash Sentry looks to her, confused. “Servants?”

She nods. “The other guests will be very affluent! They’ll probably arrive in fancy coaches with several attendants! While they and their guards go inside, the rest wait outside for their employers to return. All I can do is make sure you find your way there and back to the Grand Aviary.”

“Thanks! I’m looking forward to this! Good night, Natalya.”

“Will you be retiring for the evening now?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’m… rather tired.”

Natalya leaves the room with the cart. “Very well. Sleep well then.”

Ember sighs and looks to Arc as the door closes. “This just sounds like another boring party, Arc. Why are you so excited about it?”

“Didn’t you hear Natalya?! She said other Griffon Lords will be in attendance! Maybe we’ll get to meet Lord Goldstone!”

Flash Sentry grins wickedly. “And if we do?”

“Then I’ll finally be able to make some headway on this mission!”

Ember looks nervous. “You’re not planning on doing anything… extreme, are you?”

“No. That would only serve to damage Equestria’s relationship with the Griffon Kingdom. And make HIM look like the victim in the process!”

Flash Sentry nods and sighs. “While I want to personally hoof him right in the face, I’ll do my best to restrain myself, sir!”

“See that you do.”

Ember picks up the book on griffon society from the nightstand. “Want to go over this one more time before bed, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head as he pulls the magic cloak out of his ring. “I would, but there isn’t time for that right now.”

Flash Sentry looks at him and speaks in a confused tone. “Sir? What are you doing?”

“Going out for a bit.”

“Alone?!”

“Yes, Ember.”

“Where to?!”

“I want to take another look at the Griffonstone Library.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Begging you pardon sir, but why?”

Ember nods! “Yeah! I mean, it was practically falling down!”

Arc heads for the bathroom door. “Just a hunch. Now, I want you three to stay here and tell anyone who comes looking for me that I’m in the bathroom and don’t wish to be disturbed! I’ll go out the window.”

Sereb sighs. “Are you certain you wouldn’t like one of us to follow you?”

“No thanks. This way I can move completely undetected. That and I don’t want anyone else knowing I’m gone! Bad for relations!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “I really wish you would reconsider, sir!”

Arc closes the bathroom door behind him. “I’ll be back before you know it! Trust me!”

Ember looks to Sereb as the door locks. “And now I’m worried!”

Sereb nods. “What do you suppose Arc is up to?”

“No idea. But he’ll tell us all about it when he gets back.”

Flash Sentry walks over to her. “Are you sure?”

Ember nods angrily! “Yes! Yes, he will!”

Meanwhile, Arc quickly places a sigil on the floor as he opens the bathroom window and cloaks. The sun has finished setting and the stars have come out along with a full moon. He calls forth his armor and jumps down.

“What a perfect evening for a walk! But I have work to do!”

Arc quickly makes his way to the Griffonstone Library and silently enters the ruined building.
The only sounds from within are the faint scratching’s of mice on the ruined wood floor. Cherry sighs inwardly.

“What a mess!”

“I’ll say. I’m glad Twilight isn’t here to see this!”

“So what are we looking for, Arc?”

Arc looks around, using his helmet’s True Sight enchantment in lieu of a Light Spell. “Natalya said this is supposed to be their most complete library. I don’t want to see its contents degrade any further from the elements.”

“Very commendable! But how?!”

He removes a wooden box from his ring> By bringing them to someone who might be able to restore them!

Arc spends the next hour carefully levitating books from their shelves, shrinking them down and putting them neatly in the box.

“That’s everything.”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief as she speaks to Arc’s mind. “We should be getting back to the Grand Aviary as soon as we can! Who knows when somepony will come looking for you!”

Arc quietly turns around as he responds in his head. “That we should! I just want to make one last check to make sure we…”

He freezes as the moonlight reveals a familiar figure standing motionless just inside the library door. It is wearing a navy-blue cloak along with a white mask. Cherry looks at the new arrival for a moment before turning her attention back to Arc’s mind!

“What do we do?!”

Arc sighs telepathically to Cherry. “Just wait! He can’t actually see us through my camouflage.”

Neither Arc nor the figure move for several minutes.

Cherry pokes at Arc’s mind. “I don’t think he’s going anywhere!”

Arc nods to her telepathically. “Agreed. Let’s see if we can’t find a back door of some kind.”

As Arc silently turns to walk down a row of empty bookshelves the figure calls out to him.

“If you are looking for another way out, I think you’ll find that they’ve all fallen to ruin.”

Cherry frowns inwardly as she speaks to Arc’s mind. “What?!”

“How the heck…?”

“I would have thought trespassing and common thievery were actions unbecoming a hero, Arc.”

Arc quietly turns to look down another row of empty bookshelves. The figure slowly walks toward him.

“Not much down that way other than rotten tables and chairs. Feel free to have a look though if you don’t believe me.”

“Do you think we might be in trouble?”

Arc responds to her mental inquiry. “I got this!”

He walks all through the library. However the figure is never far behind them.

“If you’re quite finished with your evening walk, perhaps you’d be willing to talk for a bit.”

Arc looks out a nearby window before begrudgingly breaking the silence. “…what about?”

“I’m here to deliver a warning. Oh! And there’s a rather steep drop-off out that window, so I wouldn’t recommend it. How about decloaking so we can have a proper conversation?”

Arc sighs and decloaks. “I’m not sure if I should be impressed or frightened that you could see me.”

“Whatever you are feeling… is exactly what you are supposed to feel. In any case, might I ask why you’re taking these books? They don’t belong to you after all.”

“I’m going to see if they can’t be saved. The griffons don’t seem too keen on preserving their own knowledge.”

The figure nods. “That is true. But you should be more careful! The last time I saw you, things weren’t exactly going well.”

“The burning building?”

“Correct.”

Cherry speaks aloud. “Thank you, sir.”

“What for, miss?”

“For helping Arc get out of that building back then.”

Arc frowns. “How did you reach us?! That corridor was an inferno!”

“I have my ways.”

“Um… okay. That didn’t really clear anything up though. In any case, what’s all this about a warning?”

The figure nods. “Beware trouble at tomorrow night’s gathering.”

Cherry Jubilee shudders and turns her attention back to Arc’s mind. “How does he know about the party tomorrow night?! Be careful, Arc! I don’t trust this stallion!”

“As your friend says, you really don’t have any reason to trust me. But, if you take precautions, you’ll get through the party unscathed.”

Arc frowns. “Precautions?”

“Tell your Honor Guards to stay on their toes.”

“Can you be a bit more specific?”

The figure nods. “Yes.”

Silence.

“Well?”

“Hmmm?”

Arc frowns. “I thought you were going to give me some more details on my impending doom.”

“I said I COULD be more specific. Not that I would be.”

Cherry frowns and speaks to Arc’s mind. “What help is THAT?!”

He nods. His blue cloak bobbing slightly. “Believe me when I say that it is enough, miss.”

Arc sighs. “Okay, let’s change the subject. How the heck can you hear Cherry?!”

“Yes! I should have been inaudible to everypony else!”

“Anyone can hear, if they will only open their mind. And their ears! When you’ve been around the proverbial block as much as I have, you tend to pick up a trick or two.”

“Such as… stranger?”

“Like being able to see through your cloak, for starters.”

The figure looks up at the moon before looking back at Arc.

“While I have enjoyed our little chat, it looks like I should be going. So much to do and so little time!”

He turns to leave.

“Wait! Just who ARE you?!”

He stops and sighs. “A man who has seen much in this life, has made his share of mistakes and now lives with a great many regrets.”

Cherry sighs. “We all make choices! Nopony makes the right ones all the time!”

“That we do, miss. But in the end, our choices… make… us!”

The figure and Arc walk back to the main entrance. As the cloaked man steps a few paces outside the ruined doorway, Arc calls out after him.

“Wait! What do I call you?”

He stops and looks back at Arc over his shoulder.

“Wiseman.”

Turning to one side, the figure continues walking. Arc rushes out the door to follow him. However, Wiseman is nowhere in sight!

“How did he DO that, Arc?!”

“I don’t know. But that will have to be a mystery for another day.”

He steps back into the library, looks around to make sure he hasn’t left any books or evidence of his visit before putting the box of miniature books in his ring and opening a portal.

“Let’s get back. The others are probably worried about us by now.“

“I’M worried about YOU! Who was that?!”

Arc shrugs as he steps through the portal. “I’m not sure. But somehow I get the feeling that isn’t the last we’ve seen of this self-proclaimed Wiseman!”

Chapter 7 - An Invitation

Two days later, Arc stands in front of a full length mirror in his finest raiments examining his appearance. Evening has fallen as Natalya enters the room and walks over to him.

“How’s this look?”

“Very nice, sir! It’s not as formal as the outfit you wore to the party the other night. But this is a semiformal event!”

Arc nods. “I guess I must have really made an impression the other night.”

“Yes, you did! To receive an invitation to dinner from the king’s Chief Advisor is no small feat!”

“Why do you suppose he wants to see me?”

Natalya shrugs. “Who knows. Maybe he’s looking you over to see if you’re worth bringing before King Guto!”

“Anything I should know about dinner mannerisms?”

“Just what I told you before the party.”

She looks around.

“Where are your Honor Guards?”

Arc points. “On the balcony shining their armor. They should be ready to go anytime now.”

A short time later the three enter. They appear ready for the night’s festivities!

“Shall we be off?”

Ember nods. “I’m ready!”

“As am I, sir!”

Arc mounts Sereb and they walk out the door and toward the Grand Aviary’s main entrance. As they walk the now deserted streets, he turns to Natalya.

“Is Chief Advisor Gunter’s house far?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No sir. In fact, it’s not far from Lord Gestal’s estate.”

Flash Sentry turns his head. “It’s still in the high rent part of town though, right?”

Natalya nods. “Most definitely!”

A short time later they arrive at a large walled estate. As they approach, a griffon butler of some kind meets them at the door, bowing.

“Welcome, Lord Arc. We’ve been expecting you.”

Arc nods and dismounts Sereb. “Are the other guests already here?”

“Yes sir. You are the last to arrive.”

He walks quickly up the steps with the others! “Let’s not waste any time then. Lead the way!”

The butler turns and leads the group into the manor. As they approach a large double door Arc sees several other guards mingling around the exterior of the room. The butler stops outside the closed doors and turns to him.

“Lord Gunter has asked that all Honor Guards remain outside the Dining Hall.”

Arc frowns. “Oh? Did he say why?”

“No sir.”

“Very well.”

He turns to the others.

“We should respect our host’s wishes.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “I don’t like leaving you unguarded!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Nor do I, sir!”

The butler nods. “Put your minds at ease! The Dining Hall is most secure!”

“I’ll be fine. You three guard the entrance with the other Honor Guards and see to it we’re kept safe.”

Ember sighs. “Fine…”

Arc enters the Dining Hall. He spots Lord Gestal and his daughter Lady Ashe along with General Blackbeak and their host Lord Gunter. In the corner of the room he sees a rather large griffon who seems to be surveying the entire room. Lord Gunter walks forward to greet him with an outstretched claw.

“Ah, good of you to make it, Lord Arc!”

Arc nods as he returns the handshake. “Thank you for having me, Lord Gunter.”

“After the mishap at the party I thought we should get better acquainted.”

General Blackbeak walks over to join them.

“Indeed! It’s not every day that we get to dine with such a brave warrior!”

“It’s good to see you again, general. I trust you’re unharmed from the other night’s skirmish.”

Blackbeak holds a clenched claw to his chest. “It will take more than a group of traitors to take ME down!”

“Glad to hear it! Now if you will excuse me, I should greet Lord Gestal and Lady Ashe before we sit down.”

Gunter gestures with a friendly wave of his claws. “By all means!”

Arc walks toward the pair near the fireplace. Lord Gestal looks to him.

“Good evening, Lord Arc.”

“Hello again, Lord Gestal. Lady Ashe.”

He bows at the waist to the pair.

“Thank you again for protecting my daughter the other day.”

Lady Ashe nods. She looks rather tired. “Yes. Thank you.”

She turns to her father.

“Excuse me, but I’d like to wash up before supper.”

“Very well, my dear.”

Lady Ashe leaves the room as Lord Gestal looks back at Arc with a pained look on his face.

“Please forgive my daughter’s behavior. She hasn’t been the same since the attempted kidnapping.”

Arc nods. “I completely understand, sir! It must have been a terrible ordeal for her!”

“For all of us, really! She hasn’t so much as left the safety of her room since that night! I’m hoping tonight’s diversion will help bring her out of her shell.”

Arc looks over to the doors as the servants enter the Dining Hall carrying large platters of delicious smelling covered dishes. “It certainly couldn’t hurt!”

They sit down to eat as Lady Ashe rejoins them. The servants quickly get to work serving the food. However, the large griffon in the corner does not move. Gunter looks over to Lady Ashe.

“I hope you feel better after a good meal, my dear!”

She nods, picking at her food. “As do I.”

Gunter turns to Blackbeak. “General. Any leads on the assailants from the other night?”

“Very little, I’m afraid.”

Lord Gestal frowns. “For such a ragtag group, they certainly are slippery.”

Ashe sighs and nods. “That they are. I don’t know if we’ll ever catch those responsible!”

The general frowns. “We will, Lady Ashe! Someone will slip up eventually. When they do, I’ll be there with a contingent of my guards!”

Arc notices that the griffon in the corner scoffs at the general’s words.

“Do be careful, general! I want those traitors caught as much as anyone, but not at the risk of you and your troops!”

“We will take whatever steps are necessary, ma’am! Have no fear!”

Gunter chuckles. I’m sure you will, general. But on to brighter things! Lord Arc, why don’t you tell us more about Equestria?”

“I’d be glad to. What would you like to hear about?”

Lord Gestal looks over to him. “How about Canterlot? I’m told it’s quite a sight to behold.”

“Indeed, it is! Canterlot is Equestria’s seat of power, and home of the princesses.”

Ashe’s eyes light up. “Is it big?”

Arc nods. “Very! The castle takes up a large chunk of the city. However, it still has plenty of room for its citizens.”

Her father nods. “The nobility?”

“Among others, yes. It also has a very exclusive shopping district and many five-star restaurants.”

Ashe turns to her father. “We should go there sometime! You could use the rest and a change of scenery!”

Arc nods. “I’m sure the princesses would love to meet you, Lord Gestal. Canterlot Castle does have ample luxurious guest rooms for you and your entourage.”

He smiles at his daughter. “Perhaps another time, dear. Right now, we are far too busy dealing with these rebels!”

Ashe sighs. “I understand.”

Arc nods. “Perhaps another time.”

Gunter turns to him. “Is that where you live, Lord Arc?”

“I have a room in the castle, yes. However, my base is just outside a small town called Ponyville.”

Blackbeak nods. “And your manor? I’m sure a noble of your stature must have quite the estate!”

Arc shakes his head. “Most of the time I’m traveling around the country doing whatever needs to be done. Although I do try to find time to return to my base and visit my friends who live in the nearby town.”

Ashe nods. “What do you call this base of yours, Lord Arc?”

“Light’s Hope, ma’am.”

“A powerful name! Do you live there on a permanent basis or do you return to your manor at night?”

“I actually don’t have a manor. As busy as I find myself, I wouldn’t have the time to enjoy a home.”

She looks confused. “Then where do you live?”

“I rent a room from one of the townsponies.”

Lord Gestal raises an eyebrow. “Is it spacious?”

“It is not. Pony houses are a bit smaller than what I’ve seen in your kingdom. My room is only large enough for two beds, a dresser and a woodstove.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Two beds?”

“One of my Honor Guards stays with me quite often.”

Gunter muses to himself for at time before responding. “Lord Arc, I am quite confused. You once sat on the Equestrian throne unchallenged! Why did you not take the time to build yourself a home worthy of your station back then?”

“My days were busy tending to the needs of the country and its citizens. Audiences, Town Hall meetings, paperwork, diplomatic missions and public appearances kept me quite busy!”

The griffon in the corner smirks ever so slightly as Ashe smiles at him.

“You must be quite a hard worker, sir! In this land, the king has great amounts of free time on his claws!”

Gunter nods. “The Council of Lords takes care of many of the day to day needs of the country. Perhaps Equestria could use such a governing body to take some of the weight of its leader’s shoulders.”

Arc nods. “Canterlot does have such a group known as the Town Council. They represent the various groups in Canterlot and advise the princesses on their concerns and desires.”

Lord Gestal looks up. “Groups?”

“There are four councilponies. The head of the Town Council represents the aristocracy. The three others represent the culinary masters, fashion and theatrical artisans and lastly the common ponies.”

Ashe nods, clearly impressed. “The last representative is… quite surprising!”

Gunter nods. “That it is! Why do the princesses waste time with such a representative?!”

Arc looks up to their host. “Lord Gunter, would you not agree that any society has its rich and powerful in addition to its… poorer residents?”

“That I would!”

“The common citizens far outnumber the aristocracy though, don’t they?”

Ashe nods. “A thousand to one, one might say.”

Gunter frowns. “That they do. But they need us to keep the peace and lead the nation!”

Arc chuckles. “No arguments there! However, do you not also need them?”

Gunter frowns. “Not really.”

“Oh? Who would care for your manor’s grounds? Who would clean this beautiful home?”

Arc picks up a chunk of meat.

“Who would cook this wonderful food?”

“What are you getting at, Lord Arc?!”

“The princesses believe that happy citizens make for an efficient workforce.”

Ashe nods. “Agreed! They stay happy, they make our lives easier!”

Blackbeak frowns. “One might also look at it the other way! We stay happy, we make their lives safe!”

Arc nods. “I completely agree with you, general. But you cannot have one without the other.”

Lord Gestal considers Arc’s words carefully. “No, I suppose you can’t. You have a very… interesting way of looking at things, Lord Arc.”

Ashe looks over to him. “If I may be so bold, Lord Arc, where did you learn such ideals? Perhaps from your parent’s upbringing?”

“No, Lady Ashe. Sadly, I’m an orphan.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Arc smiles. “My teacher was life. I walked among the commoners and saw the world through their eyes as one of them.”

Blackbeak looks to him, surprised! “How does one rise from such depths to such rank in Equestria?!”

“I’m not truly sure. I only did my best to do what was right for everyone. Next thing I knew the princesses were asking me to be Equestria’s Hero of Light!”

Ashe muses to herself. “A hero and lord not of noble birth… interesting.”

Lord Gestal nods stoically. “Equestria must be a rather… interesting place to allow such things! Perhaps someday I can see it for myself.”

Gunter frowns. “It sounds like a ticking time bomb to me! Commoners being allowed to lead?!”

He looks over to Arc apologetically.

“No offense to you, Lord Arc!”

Arc smiles as he raises his glass to the host. “None taken!”

Gunter rising from his seat, glass in claw. “A wonderful meal with such grand conversation requires a toast! Would you lead us in one, Lord Arc?”

Arc stands, his own glass in hand. “I would be glad to!”

He looks over those assembled.

“To our host, this wonderful meal and to future peaceful relations between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom!”

Everyone nods, raises their glasses and drinks.

Ashe thinks to herself as she drinks. “Such a powerful warrior making a toast to peace. What an odd individual.”

Sometime later the meal concludes. Everyone rises and walks toward the doors. Gunter follows Arc.

“Thank you for coming, Lord Arc!”

“I appreciate the invitation. It’s nice to be able to learn more about your land and citizens.”

Lord Gestal approaches their host. “Might I have a few words with you before we leave, Lord Gunter?”

“Of course!”

Ashe sighs. “Please father! You always get so long winded!”

Arc looks over to her. “Shall my Honor Guards escort you home, Lady Ashe? It’s not too far out of our way.”

“Thank you! I accept!”

Lord Gestal nods. “Please look after Ashe for me, Lord Arc. I shouldn’t be too long.”

“I will, sir.”

Arc and Lady Ashe leave the Dining Hall together behind General Blackbeak. Lord Gestal turns and lowers his voice.

“What do you think, Lord Gunter?”

“I’m ashamed to admit I don’t really know. Lord Arc strikes me as… a rather odd individual. Do you think he’s involved?”

“With the rebels? No.”

Gunter nods. “I guessed as much when you allowed him to escort Lady Ashe home. But how can you be so sure?”

The griffon in the corner slowly walks toward the pair

“Because if he had been, he would have HELPED them take Lady Ashe!”

Gunter sighs. “I suppose you’re right.”

Meanwhile, Arc rejoins his Honor Guards. They make their way out to the street. As they step outside the gates, Arc gestures to Sereb.

“May I offer you a ride, Lady Ashe?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No thank you, Lord Arc. I’d rather walk.”

Arc turns to Natalya. “We’re escorting Lady Ashe home. Lead the way.”

“Yes sir!”

She takes the lead with Sereb, Ember and Flash Sentry bring up the rear.

“Are you enjoying your visit to our land, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed. I’ve learned quite a bit about how your society works.”

Ashe frowns. “Or doesn’t work in some cases!”

“No land is perfect.”

She sighs. “I suppose not.”

They walk on in silence.

“If I may ask, who was that fellow in the corner this evening, Lady Ashe?”

“That was Arbiter Ghaleon. Lord Gunter asked him to attend tonight’s gathering to dissuade any rebels from attacking.”

Arc nods. “So that was your country’s Arbiter, huh? Why didn’t he join us for supper?”

“He’s a very… dedicated soldier. For him to do anything but his duty while on the job, to him at least, would only serve to distract him from his mission.”

“Such focus in the presence of such delicious food! I’m impressed!”

“We’ve all heard about your own exploits, Lord Arc. You and he have much in common.”

Arc smiles. “I wouldn’t mind having a chat with him at some point.”

“He’s… not much for conversation.”

“Strong silent type, huh?”

“Something like that.”

A short time later they arrive at Lord Gestal’s manor. The grounds are abuzz with guards aplenty! Arc walks Lady Ashe to her front door while the others wait at the gate.

“Thank you for walking me home.”

“It was my pleasure, Lady Ashe. Please take care of yourself in the future, as I may not be here next time to protect you.”

Ashe smiles as a guard opens the front door for her. “I will, thank you. Good night!”

Lady Ashe makes her way to her room past numerous guards and defenses. She sighs as she closes her bedroom door.

“It’s like being in prison.”

Ashe lies down on her bed and looks out the window at the moon. Blushing ever so slightly, she sighs happily.

“Lord Arc… I’m not sure what to make of you and your opinions. But I do hope we can talk again… very soon.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his companions make their way back toward the Grand Aviary. Cherry speaks to him telepathically.

“She was nice!”

“Yes, she was. A bit of a change from the other griffons I’ve met thus far.”

“She acted more like a pony than a griffon!”

“I thought so too! Maybe there’s hope for this land yet, Cherry!”

“Who knows! But I couldn’t get over the feeling that something was bothering her!”

“Almost being kidnapped can do that to anyone.”

“Maybe I’m looking too deeply into this, Arc.”

“Or I’m not looking deep enough.”

They arrive back at the Grand Aviary. Natalya escorts them to their room and opens the door for them.

“I hope dinner went well.”

Arc nods. “It did. I learned a bit more about griffon culture!”

Ember grins. “And you got to eat!”

“That too!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I hope the heightened security can keep Lady Ashe safe.”

Natalya nods. “As do I!”

Arc glances out the window at the rising moon. “All things considered, I don’t think there’s much else they could do that isn’t already being done.

He looks up at the wall clock.

“It’s getting late. We should all get some rest soon.”

Ember nods and looks soberly at Natalya. “Big day tomorrow.”

She nods confidently. “I’ll be okay.”

Flash Sentry looks over to her. “Is it permissible for others outside the military to attend the ceremony?”

Natalya nods. “Yes. It’s our biggest spectator sport after all!”

She looks over to Arc, hopefully.

“Will you be attending, Lord Arc?”

“I wouldn’t miss it!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Nor would I!”

Ember grins! “We’ll be there to cheer for you!”

“Thank you. Goodnight everyone!”

She leaves the room and walks down the corridor, muttering to herself.

“I just don’t get it! Lord Arc is so keen on helping me rise in power. Why? Could it be he wants a puppet in the Griffon Empire? Although he doesn’t really seem the type to manipulate and use others, what else could possibly be motivating him?!

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember, Flash Sentry and Sereb get ready for bed. The lieutenant looks to Ember.

“How do you think she’ll do?”

“She’ll be fine! You’ll see!”

Sereb nods. “Of that I am certain.”

Arc calls forth his helmet and puts it on. “What was your take on tonight, Cherry?”

Cherry’s voice calls forth from his helmet as she enters it. “I… I don’t want to worry you Arc, but I got the feeling everyone around that table was conspiring against you!”

Ember frowns. “What makes you say that?”

“Nothing I can put into words. It’s just a feeling I had! Like everyone there was hiding something!”

Flash Sentry rolls his eyes. “Well, they WERE politicians.”

“Hey!”

“My apologies, sir.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s all right. While it IS their job to know what’s going on in this land, I too felt they were not being totally forthcoming.”

Sereb turns to him. “Even Lady Ashe?”

“I don’t know. She seemed like a really nice griffon.”

“That and she doesn’t have any real authority to speak of. What could she possibly be hiding?”

Cherry again speaks to them. “To say nothing of that individual in the corner! I have to admit, he really gave me the chills!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Who?”

“Arbiter Ghaleon.”

Ember nods. “Natalya told us about him the other day! Was he really that scary?!”

Arc shrugs. “I got the feeling he’s seen quite a bit in his time! Other than that, who knows.”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “What kind of griffon is he?”

“A very quiet one.”

“Arc’s right! He just sat in the corner all evening watching everypony!”

Ember looks confused. “He didn’t eat?!”

Cherry sighs. “I get the feeling that wasn’t on his mind!”

Flash Sentry thinks for a moment. “Maybe he was just there for security?”

Arc shakes his head. “Anyone could have done that. To say nothing about the extra guards around Lord Gunter’s manor! No, I believe he was there to watch… me.”

Ember frowns. “Why?!”

“Maybe because I’m an abnormality?”

“Or perhaps you’re a suspect in the attempted kidnapping!”

Ember frowns. “Your reputation is rather well known! It could also be that he wanted to size you up himself!”

Cherry sighs. “It really could be any or all of these theories! Please be careful, Arc! This mission is becoming more dangerous by the day!”

“I will, Cherry.”

Arc sighs.

“There’s nothing more to do tonight. We should all get some rest now.”

Arc sets his helmet down on the nightstand and points it toward the bed. They each lie down in their designated spots and are soon asleep. All except Arc. He lies awake staring at the ceiling. Cherry calls out to him softly as he sits up.

“Arc? Is something wrong? It’s past midnight!”

“I think I’m going to take a walk.”

“Can I come?”

Arc nods as he picks up the helmet. “Always.”

He quietly stands and calls forth the rest of his armor before quietly exiting the room. As he makes his way toward the castle gates Arc takes a moment to admire the stillness of things.

“It’s a peaceful night.”

Cherry giggles. “That it is.”

“Kinda reminds me of Ponyville. “

“Most places are like this at nighttime, Arc. Something about the night air.”

Arc leaves the Grand Aviary and walks the streets with no clear destination in mind. He sighs.

“I wish I had taken the time to go on a moonlit walk with you, Cherry.

“Don’t think too hard on what you might have done, my love! But rather be happy with what time we had together!”

“I know you’re right, but…”

“No buts! We’ve been given a unique opportunity to stay together! Please don’t taint it with ‘what ifs’!”

“I’ll try.”

They walk on in silence.

“Arc? Do you hear something?”

He nods. “I do. Like a low moan.”

“I think it’s coming from over there!”

“Where?”

“Sorry! Still getting used to not having hooves! Ahead and to your left!”

Arc quickly approaches a nearby building. Whether it is abandoned or just very run down is anyone’s guess! Behind a couple large crates, he finds a griffon wearing a large black cloak lying on the ground. He kneels down to help!

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

The griffon looks up at him and smiles.

“Gotcha.”

Arc stands up quickly! “What?!”

In a flash, a dozen griffons in battle armor and similar black cloaks rush out of the shadows and surround Arc! The griffon that had been lying on the ground moaning stands up and faces him! Arc looks around angrily!

“What is this?!”

Cherry calls out to him. “This is bad, Arc! Nopony knows where we are!”

Arc nods inwardly. “I know. These look like the same guys from the party! Let’s just play this one by ear!”

“Do be careful!”

The failed commander approaches him. “I thought it was time all of us met, Hero of Light.”

Arc frowns at him. “You could have just come to my room in the Grand Aviary, you know!”

“No, we couldn’t have! The eyes of the Lords are everywhere!”

“Eyes, huh? What do you suppose they’re looking for, party crasher?”

“Anyone who doesn’t agree with them and their opinions! Our plan to take Lady Ashe the other night would have worked if YOU hadn’t shown up!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I suppose you didn’t come here just to chat with me.”

“We did not. Truth be told, if it were up to me, I would order my fellow rebels to tear you apart!”

He calls forth his spear! “Bring it on!”

A female voice from behind him rings out in the cool night air.

“Fortunately for Lord Arc, it isn’t up to you.”

The Rebel Commander steps aside, huffily.

“Our leader wanted to speak with you.”

Their leader stands next to their commander and looks Arc up and down.

“You’re every bit as imposing as I was led to believe!”

Arc scowls. “You have no idea how happy that makes me. What do you want?!”

“Your help.”

He chuckles to himself. “You want an invitation to Lord Gestal’s next party? Sorry, but we’re not that close!”

The leader laughs. “Charming! Perhaps you’d like to help me with a little problem I have.”

“Rather unlikely, seeing as I’m an emissary of peace at the moment.”

“As am I, Hero of Light.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Explain.”

They pace in front of Arc as they speak. “I wanted to extend a personal invitation for you to join our little group.”

“Not interested.”

“Oh really? Me and my fellow freedom fighters only want to see the Griffon Kingdom rise up and again become something great!”

“By any means?”

“We’re not cold-blooded killers if that’s what you’re getting at!”

The commander looks up. “So far no one has been injured!”

Their leader nods. “And we intend to keep it that way if at all possible!”

Arc growls. “And if push comes to shove?”

“Then we’ll shove back!”

“That’s what has me worried. Violence is a slippery slope! Once you start down it, turning back is next to impossible!”

The leader looks to him. “I’m fully aware of that! Recruiting only members or great moral character is of great importance to me! That is why I chose to begin this meeting as I did.”

“By surrounding me in a dark and secluded alley?”

“No. By luring you back here with the sound of one who is suffering! Had you simply walked on and ignored what you heard, I would have known you were not the kind and compassionate ruler we had heard so much about… Lord Arc.”

“You know who I am. Yet are unwilling to show your face. Why should I trust you?”

“For our own protection. We had no assurance that you would not turn us in to the authorities should you learn our identities!”

Arc sighs. “Fair enough. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to hurry this along. Busy day tomorrow.”

“Very well. We’re looking for help installing more… tolerant leaders in positions of power.”

“A coup?”

“If necessary. As Equestria’s emissary, you could request military intervention from your land! Please help us!”

“What about casualties?!”

“We have plenty of weapons and armor to keep your soldiers safe. What we lack is sufficient numbers to carry out our plans!”

Arc frowns. “I wasn’t referring to military casualties.”

The Rebel Leader looks at him. “Oh?”

“A battle like would be fierce! Many civilians would certainly be hurt!”

“Such things would be kept to an absolute minimum! However, for such gains, one must accept a few losses!”

“All well and good for you! But for those who would lose family members needlessly, it would be EVERYTHING!”

The leader chuckles. “Interesting! I didn’t think you would be so caring of our citizens!”

Arc points an accusatory finger at the group! “And I didn’t think you would be so willing the let them die in a needless conflict! Tell me! Why shouldn’t I march right back to the Grand Aviary right now and expose your plan to the authorities?!”

“Look at our armor and weapons! We have powerful friends in high places! How do you know you wouldn’t be speaking to one of our members?! It would also do irreparable damage to the diplomatic relationship of our two countries if it became known that you were consorting with known enemies of the state! Chose you actions carefully… Hero of Light.

Arc chuckles. “Violence and now blackmail?! Sorry, but as ‘noble’ as your goals may be, you’re not the type I work with!”

The leader and their rebels close in around Arc and draw their weapons. “Please reconsider.”

Cherry Jubilee cries out in his head! “Now would be a VERY good time to leave!”

“Agreed, Cherry.”

Arc Blinks up to the rooftop of the building behind him. The rebels look around, confused.

“Where did he…?”

He looks down at the rebels below, pointing his spear at them. “I suggest YOU choose your actions carefully! Keep down this path, and we may very well meet on the battlefield! On opposite sides!”

Arc opens a portal behind himself and hops through it. The commander flies up to the roof and looks around.

“He’s gone!”

The leader joins him on the rooftop with the others. “No matter.”

“How can you be so calm about this?! Lord Arc refused to listen to you!”

The leader chuckles. “He’s conflicted! I know he wants to do what is right for the population. But at the same time, he cannot act for or against us directly.”

The commander frowns. “Then why did we…”

“To make ourselves known to him! I’ve planted the seeds of suspicion and distrust of this land’s administration in his mind. Now all we have to do is wait and see if they sprout!”

“I hope you’re right!”

As the commander and the others turn to fly away, the leader pauses and mutters to themselves.

“I am. His kind are… well known to me.”

Chapter 8 - Spectators

Arc appears on the sigil in the bathroom,

“That… that was TOO close, Arc!”

“Yes, it was.”

The bathroom door bursts open, Ember and Flash Sentry rush in!

“Arc?! Where have you been?!”

Arc shrugs as he steps out of the bathroom. “I just went for a walk.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “You were gone so long, sir! We were worried something had happened to you!”

Sereb nods. “My senses tell me that something DID happen.”

“Ehm… kinda.”

Ember glares at him! “Kinda?! Either it did or it didn’t! Which one is it?!”

“Were you attacked, sir?!”

“Um… again… kinda.”

“Darn it, Arc! Spit it out! WHAT HAPPENED?!”

“Okay, okay! Let’s sit down first!”

They make their way over to the couch. Arc removes his helmet and sets it down next to him as he recalls the rest of Eidolon’s Ward.

“Let me start out by saying that, as you can see, I’m fine!”

Ember folds her claws over her chest. “I’ll be the judge of that!”

“Like I said, I went for a walk to clear my head. Sleep was eluding me, and getting out to stretch my legs made sense.”

“I can understand that. But why didn’t you take somepony else with you, sir?!”

“It was late, and I didn’t want to disturb anyone. All of you were sleeping so peacefully.”

“Sir. It’s our job to protect you. Sleep deprived or no!”

Sereb sighs. “Did you at least have a nice time?”

“Sort of.”

Ember grabs Arc by the front of his tunic, furious! “Stop being vague and TELL US WHAT HAPPENED!”

Cherry sighs. “Please Arc! They deserve to know!”

“Well… I was walking down the street when I heard moans from nearby.”

Sereb frowns. “Someone was hurt?”

“That’s what I thought! But it turns out it was just our ‘rebel friend’ from Lord Gestal’s party the other night.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “A trap?!”

“How did you escape, sir?!”

“They just wanted to talk.”

Ember frowns. “I doubt that. Strongly!”

“I too was skeptical at the time.”

Cherry sighs. “As was I!”

“They wanted me to join them in… ultimately overthrowing the King.”

Flash Sentry nearly falls off the couch! “WHAT?!”

“I hope you didn’t agree, Arc!”

“You know me better than that, Ember!”

Sereb growls. “Why you?”

“As we saw at the party, they are very well equipped! However, according to their leader, what they lack are sufficient numbers to stage a coup.”

Flash Sentry nods. “As powerful as you are, sir, you’re just one warrior!”

“That may be. But they knew I had the authority to call for reinforcements from Equestria.”

Ember frowns. “That would trigger all-out war!”

“Which is why I’m not doing it.”

Flash Sentry considers this for a moment. “Could it be they were hoping to move swiftly enough to avoid allowing the military time to act?!”

Arc nods. “Maybe. Or, another thought, they planned to warn the authorities of our intentions prior to the attack.”

Sereb shakes his head. “The griffon military would be so busy with our troops that it wouldn’t take much force to overthrow the King, take command of the military and together beat back the ‘invaders’.

Ember shakes her head. “The rebels would look like heroes to the common folk!”

Flash Sentry turns to Arc. “What are we going to do, sir?!”

“I wish I knew who I could tell this to. They claim to have many friends within the government.”

Sereb frowns. “Do you think they’re bluffing?”

“Probably not. The armor and weapons they were wearing didn’t look cheap! Someone rich and powerful is bankrolling them!”

Ember nods. “Maybe Lord Goldstone?!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Or any lord for that matter!”

Sereb growls. “Perhaps a disgruntled noble?”

Arc shakes his head. “There’s no way to know! All we can do in that regard is wait for them to slip up!”

Cherry gasps! “So we’re not going to tell ANYPONY about this?!”

“Not without knowing who to trust, no.”

Ember looks up! “What about Natalya?!”

“For all we know, she could be spying on us and reporting our every move back to the rebels!”

Sereb shakes his head. “I do not sense that level of deception in her.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “That level?”

“Everyone we have met thus far in this land has not been acting in earnest. They are all hiding something, Ember.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “But what?!”

“Uncertain.”

Arc shakes his head. “Great! So we’re back to square one?!”

Cherry sighs. “So it would seem.”

Ember looks to the bed. “Arc, why don’t we get some sleep? Talking endlessly about an enigma that, at this point in time at least, is unsolvable won’t help anyone!”

Flash Sentry smiles at him. “We’re here if you need us, sir! But right now, you need to rest!”

Sereb chuckles. “An ancient proverb of The Forsaken Tribe says ‘a tired warrior is soon a dead one’.”

Arc stands up with his helmet under his arm, sighing. “Agreed. Let’s get some rest. Tomorrow is another day.”

Everyone takes their places as Arc sets his helmet on the nightstand.

“Goodnight Cherry.”

“Sleep well, my love.”

Arc rolls over on his back and stares up at the ceiling. He feels a claw on his shoulder.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Can you do something for me?”

“What is it, Ember?”

“Promise me you won’t go off alone again while we’re here! You’re important to me!”

“I promise. Sorry for making you worry.”

Ember snuggles up to his side. “Just stay safe, okay?”

Arc smiles and puts an arm around Ember as he closes his eyes. “I will.”

Cherry smiles inwardly as she watches over the sleeping human and dragon. “Thank you for being there for Arc, Ember. You’re such a good friend to him!”

Several hours later the sun rises on a new day. Natalya enters the room in her Footpad armor with the breakfast cart. She approaches the bed and gently nudges him.

“Lord Arc? It’s time to wake up.”

Arc slowly opens his bloodshot eyes. “Morning? So soon?”

Natalya turns away from the bed uncomfortably as she sees Ember nuzzled up to his side. “Shall I give you a bit longer to sleep, sir?”

Arc sits up. “No. Sorry Natalya, but I just had a bit of trouble sleeping last night.”

Ember yawns. “We all did.”

Natalya blushes slightly at the scene before her. “Yes, well… the promotion ceremony will be starting in a couple hours. That is, if you still want to come.”

Arc stands up and takes his helmet off the nightstand. “Wouldn’t miss it!”

Flash Sentry gets up from the couch. “Nor would I!”

Sereb stretches and yawns as Natalya puts their breakfast on the table, happily! “Thank you! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!”

They make their way to the table and sit down. Arc holds his helmet to his forehead and closes his eyes.

“How are you holding up, Natalya?”

She looks at him quizzically. “I’m as ready as I can be!”

Ember nods! “Good!”

Natalya looks to him. “Are you all right, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods as he returns the helmet to his ring. “Yes. I’m just fine.”

He picks up his silverware and begins to eat before looking back at Natalya.

“Can I assume you need to get there early for registration?”

“Yes sir. I can arrange to have another aide escort you to the Gladiator’s Arena later.”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary. We’ll eat quickly so we can go with you.”

Their breakfast is finished in record time. Arc calls forth his armor as they leave the room. Ember turns to him.

“I hope we can find some good seats!”

Natalya chuckles. “That won’t be a problem. As an emissary and his entourage, you have access to a VIP box!”

Flash Sentry smiles. “Does it have a good view?”

“The best! Along with comfy chairs, waitstaff and private betting!”

Ember’s eyes light up! “Betting?!”

Natalya nods. “Griffons enjoy a good fight! But they also like to place bets on the outcomes!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “So it’s state-sponsored gambling?”

“Yes. It used to be an underground service. However, after failing to stop the practice, the Council of Lords ruled to legalize and regulate it!“

Ember laughs! “Was that really a good idea?!”

Natalya sighs. “Probably. Betting is MUCH safer now! “

She escorts them to the VIP section of the Gladiator’s Arena. A contingent of soldiers guard the entrance. Natalya walks up to the commanding officer and salutes!

“This is Lord Arc of Equestria. He wishes to observe the ceremony from the VIP section.”

The commander looks at Arc and his Honor Guards, nods to his soldiers and steps out of the way. Arc turns to him as they pass.

“Thank you, commander.”

They are led to a spacious room with luxurious décor. Natalya holds the door open for them.

“I think all of you will be quite comfortable here!”

Ember looks around. “I agree!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Don’t let your guard down, Ember!”

“If you will excuse me, Lord Arc, I need to get to my place!”

“Very well. Good luck, Natalya!”

Ember gives her a thumbs up. “I’m sure you’ll do fine!”

Arc nods. “By the way… is an emissary allowed to place bets?”

“Yes! In fact, it’s encouraged for all new spectators to place at least one wager!”

He laughs! “Then I guess I’ll bet on you!”

Natalya shakes her head. “Please don’t throw your money away, sir. Shortly before we get underway the odds sheet will be released. Please read it carefully and make a sound choice.

“I will.”

She bows and leaves the room respectfully. Flash Sentry turns to arc.

“You’re not really going to bet on a fight, are you sir?”

Arc nods as he sits down in a comfortable looking chair. “Just one.”

Ember grins! “Natalya?”

“Of course! This is a prime opportunity to appear ‘flamboyant’!”

“Sir, it is rather unbecoming for an officer in the Equestrian military to be engaging in gambling!”

Arc turns to him. “Am I part of the military?”

“Maybe not officially, but…”

Ember interrupts. “Aw, don’t be such a stick in the mud, Flash Sentry! Sometimes you gotta live a little!”

She pulls out a small bag of bits.

“Besides… I’m betting on her too!”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “Normally I wouldn’t do this, but we need to fit in around here!”

He looks at Ember.

“I’m not sure how it would look for my Honor Guards to join in the betting though.”

Ember looks crestfallen. “Awww…”

“Shall I place a bet for you, Ember?”

Ember nods as she gives Arc the bag, happily! “Yes indeed! There’s 200 bits in there that says Natalya has what it takes!”

Flash Sentry sighs and rolls his eyes. “I have a bad feeling about this…”

Sometime later the door opens and Lord Gestal enters with his daughter.

“Good morning, Lord Arc.”

Arc stands up and approaches Lord Gestal. “That it is, sir! I’m looking forward to seeing this sport of yours firsthand!”

Lord Gestal nods as she shakes Arc’s hand. “Good to see you taking an interest in our national pastime, Lord Arc!”

Arc nods as he follows Lord Gestal and Lady Ashe to their seats. “When abroad, one must immerse oneself in the culture to really understand it.”

Ashe nods. “Well put, Lord Arc!”

They sit down and turn toward the arena floor. Ashe looks over to Arc, smiling.

“Thank you again for escorting me home last night.”

“It was my pleasure, Lady Ashe. I’m sure recent events have done little for your peace of mind.”

She sighs. “In difficult times we must all do what we must.”

Lord Gestal turns to him. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy the games, Lord Arc. This is always the high point around here!”

A short time later Chief Advisor Gunter enters with his Honor Guards. He walks over to them and takes a seat.

“Nice day for a fight, eh Lord Gestal?!”

“Yes, it is.”

Gunter looks over to him. “Good to see you could join us Lord Arc!”

“Glad to be here!”

The Chief Advisor turns to Lord Gestal. “Will any other members of the Council of Lords be joining us?”

“No. Lord Weller is busy inspecting a military base, Lord Adalbert is investigating rumors of rebel activities in a nearby village and Lord Goldstone is currently visiting Abyssinia.”

Gunter frowns. “They’re going to miss all the fun!”

Arc sighs. “Such a shame! I was hoping to meet them too.”

Ashe smiles at him warmly. “Perhaps next time you visit, Lord Arc.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Yes. The Council of Lords regrets being too busy to formally see you.”

Arc nods. “Yes well, I suppose it couldn’t be helped.”

Ashe looks to Arc and nods. “The burdens of running a nation are indeed great as I’m sure you understand!”

“That I do! All too well!”

He turns to Lord Gestal.

“If I may, what is Lord Goldstone doing in Abyssinia? I’ve seen it and have to say there isn’t much there of interest!”

“He’s our nation’s emissary to Abyssinia.”

Arc nods. “So he’s a member of the Council of Lords AND a diplomat? Lord Goldstone must keep quite busy!”

Ashe shakes her head. “Such duties are not very time consuming. The Griffon Kingdom has a very… isolationist attitude these days. So a part-time emissary is all that is needed.”

Lord Gestal nods. “I believe he visited Equestria some time ago.”

“Yes, I heard about that. Although it was before my time as Hero of Light had begun. Might I ask if the meeting was… fruitful?”

“Yes. At the time tensions between our nations were quite high. The princesses of your nation requested a peace meeting at Canterlot Castle. Lord Goldstone was successful in diffusing the situation.”

Ashe frowns. “Yes. However, I never understood why HE represents the Griffon Kingdom abroad. He’s an expert on economics and accounting, but one wouldn’t think that would transfer over to diplomatic skills.

Gunter chuckles. “Normally, yes. But you see, he’s also quite charismatic and a fast-talker. Skills required in a negotiator.”

Ashe nods. “I see. While I believe Arbiter Ghaleon would have made a fine choice as well, I understand your reasoning.”

A servant enters the VIP section and approaches Lord Gestal.

“Can I bring you anything, sir?”

“Nothing.”

Ashe looks over. “I’d like a glass of water, please.”

Gunter grins! “A tall glass of wine! And make sure it’s a good year!”

Arc nods. “A cup of tea would be nice.”

The servant nods as he writes down the orders on his notepad. “I’ll bring them immediately.”

Putting away the notepad and reaching into his bag, he procures a number of papers which he promptly hands to an Honor Guard of each VIP.

“Today’s odds.”

He bows and leaves the room. Ember wordlessly turns and gives the paper to Arc. He accepts it and looks it over as does Lord Gestal.

“It seems we have a full lineup today.”

Ashe sighs. “I still wish there was some other way to handle promotions!”

Gunter smiles at her. “But that wouldn’t be as entertaining, Lady Ashe!”

She frowns. “Or as profitable?”

Lord Gestal turns to her. “King Guto has decreed this is how things are to be done, my dear.”

“And the Council of Lords agrees with him?”

“It does, my dear! We must be sure our soldiers are led by strong and brave leaders!”

Ashe turns to Arc. “I’m sure things like this are handled differently in Equestria.”

Arc nods. “Indeed. Promotions are earned through dedication, hard work and perseverance! Although it does seem that the strongest rise higher than most.”

Gunter nods with evident pride! “Naturally!”

Lord Gestal looks to him. “Do you disagree with that, Lord Arc?”

“It has served Equestria for this long. Why change now?”

Ashe smiles and nods at him. “Well said!”

The servant returns with a water, tea and glass of wine. He sets them before their recipients and again pulls out his notebook.

“Shall I take your bets now?”

Gestal nods as he gives one of his Honor Guards a bag of bits. “Yes. I’ll put 50 bits on Lieutenant Franz.”

The servant accepts the bag and writes out a ticket. “Good choice, sir!”

Gunter tosses the servant a bag. “Give me 100 on Captain Gina!”

He catches the bag and gives the nearby Honor Guard a ticket. “Very well!”

Ashe shakes her head. “I’ll pass!”

The servant looks to Arc as he removes the bag Ember gave him. “I’ll bet 200 bits on Footpad Natalya.”

The servant looks up, confused.

“Begging your pardon, sir?”

“Is something wrong?”

“Well… no sir. It’s just quite a large sum to bet on a Footpad!”

Gunter rechecks the sheet in his talons. “Aye! Especially one who has 10:1 odds against her!”

Arc gives the bag to Ember. “I have faith in General Blackbeak’s former lieutenant.”

The servant accepts the bag from Ember and writes up the ticket. “As you wish, sir.”

He leaves the VIP box, mystified as Lord Gestal turns to him.

“Quite a gesture, Lord Arc. Do you know something we don’t?”

“The general demoted and assigned her to be my assistant after she was soundly defeated in sparing matches against my Honor Guards.”

Gunter nods soberly. “Perhaps that will teach her to train harder!”

“She has been.”

Ashe looks confused. “Oh?”

“I wanted to see how griffons fought, so I ordered her to spar with my guards.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Did she impress you?”

“Not at first. However, I wanted to see if she could be taught.”

Ashe smiles at him. “How so?”

“By facing her myself.”

“Oh my! Is she all right?!”

Arc takes a sip of his tea. “Oh yes. I went easy on her. Sore muscles, bumps and bruises were the only real damage done to her.”

Lord Gestal sighs. “I have seen her with General Blackbeak on several occasions. She never really struck me as being soldier material. Your thoughts, Lord Arc?”

“When we started, I thought the same. But by the end of the session, she had really come around!”

Gunter chuckles as he looks out the window. “I’m looking forward to seeing the fruits of you labor, Lord Arc!”

Ashe smiles at him. “As am I.”

“Will General Blackbeak be joining us?”

Lord Gestal turns to Arc. “No. He is officiating the matches from the Judge’s Box.”

He points a claw at another box across from theirs. It is directly behind the Arena floor on ground level. Two statues of Royal Griffon Guards stand silently on either side of a more regal looking figure. The trio are perched proudly above the judges stand.

Arc nods. “Well, at least he won’t miss any of the action. Say, who is that a statue of?”

Ashe turns to him. “King Grover. First king of the Griffon Kingdom. He loved watching sporting matches here years ago. And while that tradition has passed, it is widely held that he watches over the participants even now.”

“So, he loved competition?”

Ashe nods. “If the history books can agree on one thing, it’s that! However, he absolutely HATED those who blatantly violated the rules!”

Lord Gestal chuckles. “Our first king was a stickler for honesty and fair play. Once when King Grover saw a Boffyball player cheat in the closing seconds, he immediately stopped the game, ordered the offending player jailed, and ordered the game to resume from the previous play.”

Gunter scoffs. “It would have been quicker to just award victory to the other team!”

Arc nods thoughtfully. “Perhaps he thought it would be unfair to award a victory that hadn’t been properly earned?”

Ashe smiles. “Most likely! However, there is a legend that began circulating after his death that said the old king would come back to punish any player whom he saw cheating!”

Gunter laughs throatily! “Unlikely, of course! But it does help maintain a level playing field!”

Before long the various ranks begin to make their way to the edges of the arena. Gunter turns to Arc as the matches commence.

“You see, Lord Arc, the Footpad must defeat a Sergeant Trainer in order to be promoted! If the Footpad wins, they are promoted and get a small percentage of the arena’s bets on them!”

“That’s surprising!”

Lord Gestal nods. “It helps motivate them to do their best and strive for greatness.”

Ashe sighs. “Amongst other things.”

Sn hour later Natalya takes her place against the Sergeant Trainer. Gunter points a talon.

“It looks like we’ll get to see how well your pupil learned from you, Lord Arc! But I hope you weren’t too attached to your bits!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s only money, after all. But I have faith in Natalya!”

Lord Gestal nods and turns to the arena floor. “We will see…”

The Sergeant Trainer looks at the Footpad approaching her with disdain.

“You again?!”

Natalya frowns. “Yes, me again!”

The trainer raises their sword and shield to battle ready position. “I hope you’re more of a challenge than you were last time!”

Natalya holds up her weapon. “I think you’ll find I’m not the same as before!”

Ashe watches the pair. “A spear? Rather strange choice of weapon for a Footpad.”

Gunter chuckles. “The Trainer has the right idea! Give me a good old-fashioned sword any day!”

Arc turns to Ashe. “It takes a bit more practice to use proficiently than a sword. But, at least in my opinion, can be much more versatile.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Any weapon, in the right claws, can make one a formidable opponent.”

“Agreed.”

Meanwhile, the pair square off. The Trainer spreads her claws wide in a taunt.

“Tell you what! I’ll let you have the first go! Show me what you have, peon!”

“Very well.”

Natalya charges headlong at the Trainer, her spear leveled. The Trainer deflects the blow and forces the tip of the spear into the ground! Not slowing down, Natalya lets go of her spear and smashes into her opponent, knocking them down! She quickly retrieves her spear and rushes over to point it at the Trainer’s face!

“I… I concede.”

The audience applauds as the Trainer gives Natalya a Sergeant’s insignia>

Arc nods and whispers. “Good job.”

Gunter looks at the display before him, wide-eyed! “What the…”

Lord Gestal nods. “Very interesting use of her weapon.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “I wonder if she’ll continue on. Maybe another promotion is in order for such resourcefulness!”

Arc shrugs. “That’s up to her. But I wouldn’t mind seeing what she can really do!”

Gunter points a talon! “Look! She’s heading for the Sergeant’s corner!”

“What does that mean?”

Ashe nods as she watches the display. “She’s going to stay and wait to fight a Lieutenant Trainer and try for another promotion.”

“Good! She was most insistent on getting her rank back!”

The other Footpad matches conclude. Sometime later the servant returns with a large bag of bits. He gives them to Ember.

“Your winnings, Lord Arc.”

Arc smiles as Ember hands him the bag. “Bits well invested!”

“Would you care to make another wager, sir?”

Arc sets the bits down at his feet. “I would. Do you have the updated odds for the next round yet?”

“Yes sir. “

Arc takes the sheet from Ember as she gives it to him. “Let’s see here… I see Sergeant Natalya’s odds have changed.”

The servant nods. “Yes sir! The office believes her victory to be something of a fluke.”

He removes several large bags of bits from his ring and gives them to Ember. “Give me 10,000 bits on Sergeant Natalya.”

“Forgive me, sir, but are you certain?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “Lightning seldom strikes the same spot twice, Lord Arc.”

“Yes! I have faith in the young lady!”

Gunter sighs as Arc is handed the bet slip. “You seem to put quite a bit of faith in someone you barely know!”

Arc leans back in his chair. “Call it a hunch.”

The matches continue. Some combatants are victorious while others are removed from the arena floor by medics.

Ashe winces. “That looked painful!”

Arc nods. “Agreed!”

Lord Gestal nods stoically. “After a bit of rest in the hospital, they will be fine.”

Gunter chuckles. “Don’t worry! No one has ever died on the arena floor!”

“Ever?”

“Not during a promotion ceremony, no.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Arena matches are sometimes held for other reasons.”

Arc looks over to him. “Such as?”

Ashe turns to Arc. “We have some rather… old laws still on the books. One of them is the Battle of Truth.”

Her father clears his throat. “In the event a case between two or more parties cannot be decided either way by the courts, either the prosecution or defense has the right to call for the Battle of Truth.”

Gunter grins! “If approved by the judge, both sides will enter combat here in the Gladiator’s Arena to see who is right!”

Arc frowns. “But what if the defendant is elderly or otherwise unable to fight?”

Ashe sighs. “They would have to enter a plea of substitution. In which case they could appoint a Champion to take their place in the Arena.”

Lord Gestal nods. “It is our belief that fate does not allow the guilty to go unpunished. This simply expedites justice.”

Ashe thinks for a moment. “Let me give you an example. Let’s say a prominent elderly widow accused someone of murdering their mate. The case would go before our court system, who would do their best to determine if the defendant’s case has any merit.”

“Sounds very similar to Equestrian law thus far.”

“Well, if during the trial no evidence can be brought forth to definitively prove the charges are true by the prosecutor, then the defense must present evidence to prove they are innocent.”

Arc nods. “And if they can’t?”

Gunter grimaces. “Then to show their resolve, they could petition the court for a Battle of Truth. The elderly widow would bring forth a Champion to represent them, while the other side would do the same. The verdict would then be decided by a one-on-one battle here.”

Lord Gestal nods. “The battle would continue until one side is either dead or unable to continue, as determined by the judge presiding over the case.”

Ashe smiles with relief. “Fortunately, such things are almost non-existent!”

Gunter shrugs. “It’s probably for the best. Such matters really should be determined in a courtroom!”

“Agreed.”

Sometime later Natalya’s turn comes up again. Ashe points a talon at her.

“Looks like it’s your protégé’s turn, Lord Arc.”

“Good! Let’s see if she can become a lieutenant again!”

Gunter shakes his head. “I doubt that! She’s known as a bit of a regular around here!”

Lord Gestal shrugs. “We shall see, Gunter.”

Natalya approaches her opponent unwaveringly. The Lieutenant Trainer scoffs at her.

“I was hoping to never have to see YOU again!”

Natalya frowns. “Likewise.”

“I won’t go easy on you! General Blackbeak was most displeased by your failure! You’re not going to become a lieutenant ever again!”

Natalya takes up a battle-ready stance. “We’ll just see about that!”

The Trainer lunges at her in an attempt to end the battle quickly! Natalya quickly sidesteps and trips her with the butt of her spear! The Trainer falls to the ground as the crowd laughs!

“What the heck?!”

Natalya grins! “I’m not the same griffon you faced before!”

“Different or not, you’re going down!”

Natalya rushes toward her! “Big words! Let me show you want I’m made of!”

“You do that!”

Natalya flies at her, allowing the Trainer to deflect her attack! As she passes, Natalya wraps her tail around one of the Trainer’s legs, dragging her along for the ride before stopping abruptly and whacking her with her spear as he careens past her!

Ashe smiles. “Quite resourceful!”

Her father nods. “Indeed! But the battle is not yet won.”

The Trainer rises and looks at Natalya defiantly!

“I’m not through with you yet!”

Natalya points her spear at the weakened griffon. “Give it time! You will be!”

They fly at one another yet again! The Trainer drops down as her opponent flies over her. Natalya grabs her by the tail with her hind feet and throws her head over heels toward the ground! She lands with a bone jarring crunch.

Arc winces. “That… looked painful!

Ashe turns to her father. “Why don’t they stop the match?! It’s obvious she’s hurt!"

Gunter shakes his head. “The match goes on as long as the Trainer is conscious and able to stand.”

Lord Gestal looks to his daughter. “General Blackbeak will stop the fight if he believes either of their lives are in mortal danger.”

Ashe frowns. “But…”

Her father interrupts her. “She can concede at any time. “

Natalya looks down at her fallen opponent from overhead. The Trainer struggles to rise. Before she can do so, Natalya swoops down and elbow drops her opponent in the back! The Lieutenant Trainer screams out in agony!

Gunter turns away! “Uh oh! I know THAT sound!”

Ashe looks to him, confused. “What is it?!”

“You’ll see soon enough.”

General Blackbeak motions to a nearby soldier. They blow the horn signaling the fight to stop! The general himself and several soldiers fly down to survey the scene. Natalya slowly gets off her opponent. Natalya looks down and touches the blood on her chest plate.

“What the… “

The general lands nearby, quickly surveys the scene and waves to some nearby medics. They rush over and lay the injured griffon on a stretcher before flying away toward the medical area. General Blackbeak reaches down and picks something up off the ground. He walks over to Natalya and puts the item in her claw before raising it.

“The victor… by decision!”

The crowd cheers and applauds loudly for some time. Ashe turns away looking quite ill!

“Is that… what I think it is?!”

Lord Gestal nods. “Yes. The Trainer’s tail.”

Arc frowns! “WHAT?!”

Gunter sighs and nods. “It’s not very common, but things like this DO happen.”

Ashe looks to her father. “Isn’t that against the rules?!”

“Yes. However General Blackbeak saw the same thing we did. It’s clear to everyone Sergeant Natalya didn’t do that on purpose.”

Arc, looking a bit green himself, looks to Gunter. “Why did the general give her the tail?!”

“Those two have been rivals for quite some time! The only reason she became a Lieutenant in the first place was because that Trainer was away during that particular promotion ceremony!”

Ashe puts a talon to her stomach. “So it’s a trophy?!”

Her father nods. “To put it negatively, yes. The sergeant… nay, lieutenant fought hard and with honor. The tail will always be a reminder to her of what one can accomplish with hard work and dedication.”

Ashe stands up and storms out of the room! “I think I’ve seen enough of this for one day, father!”

Lord Gestal nods and stands. “I suppose I should get back to work.”

He looks back to Arc as he stands and extends a claw.

“I hope you have enjoyed yourself this day.”

Arc shakes Lord Gestal’s claw soberly. “I… feel as though I understand your culture just a bit more now.”

Lord Gestal nods and leaves the room. As the applause dies down, Gunter points a talon at the Arena floor!

“It looks like the lieutenant is done fighting for the day.”

“Oh?”

“She’s running back to the Locker Room!”

Arc nods. “I think I’m going to head back as well.”

Gunter laughs! “All this excitement getting to you, Lord Arc?

Arc nods as he leaves the room with his Honor Guards. “Something like that.”

Chapter 9 - Mending Fences

Arc and his Honor Guards make their way down the corridor.

“Where are we headed, Arc?”

“To the Locker Room!”

Ember frowns. “Come on! You don’t really believe she did that on purpose, do you?!”

Arc continues on. “You heard what Gunter said! There’s bad blood between those two!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “She saw an opportunity and went for it. In any case, Natalya has some explaining to do!”

“That she does! I didn’t go through all the trouble of training her to cut others apart!”

The servant from earlier approaches with several other griffons. Each is pushing a cart filled with huge bags of bits!

“Congratulations, Lord Arc! You’re our big winner of the day!”

Arc sighs. “Great…”

The servant procures a piece of paper. “If you would be so kind as to sign here, we’ll turn over your winnings!”

Arc quickly signs the paper and gives it back to the servant.

“Very good sir! Shall we take your bits to your quarters?”

“That won’t be necessary.”

He quickly picks up the bags with his magic and one by one puts them in his magic ring, to the astonishment of the griffons before him! As he finishes, Arc turns to the servants.

“Which way to the Locker Rooms?”

“Down this hallway, take a right and it will at the very end.”

Arc walks quickly away. “Thank you.”

They follow the servant’s directions. Soon they are outside a large door.

Ember sighs. “This must be it.”

They enter the room. There are many lockers and an adjoining shower room, however Natalya is nowhere in sight. Arc turns to Sereb.

“Is she here?”

Sereb sniffs the air for a moment before turning his head and pointing with a large paw. Arc nods to Sereb.

“Lead the way.”

The large wolf leads them to what appears to be a storage closet. He points toward it with a large paw. Arc turns to his friends.

“Let’s get this over with.”

They nod silently. Arc slowly opens the door to the darkened room.

“Natalya? Are you in here?”

There is a sound from the end of a shelf. Arc walks into the closet and spots Natalya lying on the floor facing the wall. She is crying. Turning away as he approaches, Natalya covers her face with a talon.

“L-Lord Arc? I…”

He kneels down to her as Ember and Flash Sentry enter the closet and close the door behind them.

“What happened out there?”

Natalya does not look up. “I… I just wanted to win so badly! To make my family proud of me!”

He nods. “But you went too far.”

She sadly holds up the bloody tail in her claw. “…yes. And now someone else has paid the price!”

Arc puts his hands on Natalya’s shoulders as she looks up at him. “You didn’t do that on purpose, right?”

Natalya sighs. “That’s not true.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “Natalya?!”

Flash Sentry looks suddenly ill. “You did that on purpose?!”

“N-no! She’s always been cruel to me! But I would never intentionally have done this to her!”

Arc sighs. “You wanted revenge for how she had treated you in the past, didn’t you?”

“YES! I wanted to hurt her! Make sure she knew I was stronger now! I never intended for it to go this far, Lord Arc! I swear!”

She holds the tail close to her armor and sobs!

“Listen to me, Natalya. We all saw what happened back there! While I don’t know exactly HOW it happened, it didn’t appear you were going for her tail.”

Natalya looks him in the eye. “Sir…? How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

She stares at the tail in her claws. “Hold back during a fight! The other day when you and I were fighting, I know you could have easily killed me if you wanted to. How do you keep your strength in check? How… how do you keep from killing those whom you face?!”

“Every attack I make… I go into it with the mindset that I can always add more power to it! However, I can never take power out of the blow once it is made.”

“I… I don’t understand!”

Ember sighs. “What Arc means is, once a blow has been made there’s no going back!”

Arc nods. “Sorry, but I can’t think of a better way to say it! I know what you’re going through right now. There’s blood on my hands too!”

“You mean…”

“Yes. I have killed others in the past.”

“I’ve never even seen real combat! How did you move on?!”

“I don’t.”

“…what?”

Arc sighs. “Taking another’s life isn’t something to be done lightly or casually. I once killed a traitorous captain who wanted to finish off Equestria’s princesses. He gave me the fight of my life!”

“How did it end?”

“With him being turned to ash. Literally. Another time an enemy killed someone… very important to me. When I caught him, he begged for mercy.”

Natalya nods. “Did you give him any?”

“I did. One quick blade through the heart.”

“But he deserved it! Didn’t it feel good?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it didn’t.”

Natalya turns around to look at Arc with a confused look on her face.

“I may have ended their lives, but I refuse to take pleasure in it! If I did, would I be any better than they?”

“I suppose not.”

“As long as they lived, they would have continued to threaten the innocent citizens of Equestria. I did what I had to do to protect others.”

He points to the tail.

“And you did what you thought you had to.”

There is a long silence between the two. Eventually Arc holds out his hand to Natalya.

“The tail… may I see it?”

Natalya nods sadly and gives it to Arc. He looks over the bloody end carefully.

“The cut is fairly clean. Can’t this be reattached?”

She shakes her head. “To the best of my knowledge, that’s never been done before!”

Ember frowns. “What about those great medical facilities the general spoke of?!”

“Well, you see…”

Arc sighs and turns to Flash Sentry. “Does Equestria have the know-how?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir. Although rare, there have been cases where a pony would lose an ear or a leg. A skilled physician should be able to do it.”

“Let’s go to the Infirmary and see how the Trainer is doing. You up for it, Natalya?”

She wiping her eyes and stands up. “I… I can make it.”

They leave the storage room and head toward the nearby Infirmary. Natalya opens the doors for them.

“It’s in here.”

Ember frowns as Natalya steps back. “Aren’t you coming?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t think she’ll want to see me right now.”

Arc nods. “Understandable. Just wait out here, okay?”

She nods as Sereb sits down next to her. Arc and his Honor Guards make their way inside and quickly find the doctor. He raises an eyebrow at the trio walking toward him.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for the Lieutenant Trainer that was brought in with a cut off tail.”

The doctor nods. “We just finished stitching her up a few minutes ago. She’s still unconscious from the anesthetic.”

He sees the tail in Arc’s hand.

“Come to rub it in her face?”

Arc shakes his head. “I just want to talk to her. Where is she?”

He points to a nearby room. “In there with her father. I’d stay out if I were you. He isn’t too happy right now.”

“Thanks. I’ll be careful.”

He turns to Ember and Flash Sentry.

“Better wait out here.”

They nod as he puts the tail behind his back and enters the room. The Trainer’s bloody armor lies in the corner as General Blackbeak stands by her bedside. He does not take his eyes off the griffon before him as Arc enters.

“Now is not a good time, Lord Arc!”

Arc closes the door behind him. “How is she?”

“She’s resting. I’m… not looking forward to telling her about her tail! Life will be… hard for her after this trauma!”

“It’s needed for more than just balance?”

“Yes! A griffon’s pride is in being whole! With her tail missing…”

Arc interrupts. “General… I think I can help with that.”

The general sighs sarcastically. “How? Can you put it back on?”

“I can’t. But an Equestrian doctor might be able to.”

Blackbeak looks up. “Really?”

Arc nods. “So I’ve been told. Would you like me to make some inquiries?”

The general narrows his eyes. What’s the catch?”

“No catch. Think of it as… a showing of goodwill from Equestria to the Griffon Kingdom.”

“You do that! I’ll see if I can convince Lieutenant Natalya to part with her trophy.”

Arc nods. “I already took care of that.”

He looks back, his talon on the doorknob. “Oh?”

“She already gave me your daughter’s tail. “

“Where is it then?!”

Arc sighs. “Behind my back.”

“Give it to me!”

Arc pulls out the tail and extends it toward the general. He takes it and holds it close.

“How did you… no matter! “

General Blackbeak walks back to his daughter’s side with her tail as Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst. Come in please.”

A few moments later the earring chirps.

“Sunburst here! What can I do for you, sir?”

“We have a medical emergency here in Griffonstone! I need you to run to the Castle Infirmary and give Doctor Whooves a transmitter!”

“Yes sir! Right away! Sunburst out!”

Arc turns back to the general who is holding his unconscious daughter’s claw.

“It’s going to be all right! I’ll fix this somehow!”

A few minutes later Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here. Go ahead.”

“This is Doctor Whooves! What do you need, sir?!”

“I have a female griffon here who lost a tail. Can you reattach it?”

“How long ago?!”

“Less than half an hour!”

“I can if you get her here as soon as possible! Time is critical!”

Arc nods. “Prep your staff for surgery then! I’ll be there soon! Arc out!”

He closes the connection and turns to the general.

“We need to leave now.”

Blackbeak nods. “I can have one of our military transports take us there. We can be there in the early hours of the morning!”

“That won’t be necessary, general. I can get us there in moments.”

“That isn’t possible.”

Arc wheels the gurney out the door to the hallway. “I’ll show you. Help me get her out of this room!”

As the pair do so, the doctor hurries over!

“Sir, you cannot…”

Blackbeak interrupts him. “Out of my way, doctor!”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “Get Sereb and Natalya. We’re leaving!”

He nods and rushes to comply!

“What now, Lord Arc?!

Arc takes a deep breath and concentrates. “Give me a minute to focus.”

A few moments later the crystal on Arc’s forehead begins to glow. He levitates a foot or so off the floor and opens a portal. The general looks to it, wide-eyed!

“What the…”

Arc channels magical energy to keep the portal open. “Ember! Help the general get his daughter through!”

“This way sir! “

“But…”

Ember motions for him to follow. “Don’t worry! This portal leads to Canterlot Castle! Now please! We have to go now!”

He nods and helps Ember push the gurney through the portal as Flash Sentry, Sereb and Natalya rush up to him! Natalya stares at the swirling portal.

“What in the King’s name…?”

Flash Sentry grabs her talon. “Follow me, Natalya! Everything’s going to be okay”

“Both of you go! I can’t hold this much longer!”

They rush through together. Arc Blinks into the portal as it closes behind him leaving the doctor standing there confused!

“…how… what?!”

Meanwhile, Ember and General Blackbeak emerge from the portal. The general looks around.

“Where… are we?!”

“The Hero of Light’s room in Canterlot Castle! Follow me!”

The pair hurry out of the room and toward the Infirmary as Arc, Sereb, Flash Sentry and Natalya step out of the portal! Natalya looks around, clearly confused.

“How… where?!”

Arc puts a hand on Natalya’s shoulder and turns her toward the window. The afternoon light shining in illuminates the room wondrously!

“Take a look!”

Flash Sentry turns to her and smiles. “Welcome to Equestria, Natalya.”

She looks out the window, wide-eyed. “But, how did you…”

“Long range portal magic.”

“The commander does it all the time.”

Natalya sighs. “So, I’ve been captured?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “No, you’re a guest here along with the Trainer and General Blackbeak.”

“What?! They’re here too?!”

He gestures to the door. “That they are. The doctor here is going to try reattaching that tail. Follow me.”

Arc leads them out the door and down the corridor. Several Royal Guards move out of the way as he approaches and salute him.

“Is it really okay for us to be here?! I mean… shouldn’t the princesses have been notified, or something?!”

Arc shrugs. “There wasn’t time. I’ll tell them in a bit.”

They reach the Infirmary. General Blackbeak is pacing the floor nervously as Ember tries to calm him down.

“How about something to eat?”

“I’ll wait here!”

The general’s eyes grow wide as he sees Natalya walking toward them. He lunges at her, angrily!

“YOU!!!”

Arc grabs him with his magic and holds him in midair!

“Calm down, general! You’re in MY land now! We don’t allow unnecessary violence here!”

“But she…!”

Arc interrupts him! “Remember, she WILLINGLY gave up your daughter’s tail!”

Blackbeak looks at Natalya, suspiciously. “You did? Why?!”

“I… I didn’t want her to be shamed for not having a tail. What happened was an accident, sir! I’m sorry!”

Blackbeak growls as Arc releases his hold and turns away. “I’m sorry too. Just… get out of my sight!”

Arc sighs. “I should let the princesses know you’re here, general. Would you like somewhere to rest while you wait?”

He shakes his head. “No. Your doctor is hard at work trying to help my daughter. I will wait here.”

“Very well. Ember, you and Flash Sentry stay with the general and see to his needs.”

They nod.

Natalya looks up at him, sheepishly. “And me?”

“You come with me.”

“Yes sir!”

They make their way to the Audience Chamber. The hall is quite busy as usual. Natalya looks around at those gathered.

“So many ponies! Are they all here to seek an audience?!”

Arc nods as they approach the Royal Guard Commander on duty. “Yes.”

“This might take a while.”

Arc looks to the Royal Guard Commander. “I need to see the princesses on an important matter regarding… the Griffon Empire.”

“Yes sir! I’ll let them know you’re here at once!”

He salutes and hurries into the Audience Chamber! Natalya turns to Arc.

“You’re a pretty important individual around here?”

“What makes you think that?”

Natalya looks around. “Everyone became quiet when you entered the hall.”

He gestures to the Audience Chambers. “It wasn’t that long ago that I was giving audiences beyond those doors!”

“Do you miss it?”

“Not in the least!”

A short time later the Royal Guard Commander emerges from the Audience Chamber and hurries back to Arc. The previous audience leaves with him.

“The princesses will see you now, sir!”

“Thank you. Follow me, Natalya.”

She looks to him, nearly frantic! “We… we’re going to meet the PRINCESSES… both of them?!”

“Yes.”

“But… I don’t know how to act! What’s the protocol?!”

“Be respectful and listen to what they have to say. Just talk to them like you do me and you’ll be fine, okay?”

Natalya takes a deep breath as they walk toward the large double doors. “I’ll try!”

Two Royal Guards open the doors for the pair. They approach the thrones where the princesses are sitting. Luna smiles as Arc approaches.

“Arc! Good to see you back safe and sound!”

Cadance nods as she looks to Natalya. “And who is this?”

“Lieutenant Natalya. She was assigned to be my aid while in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“H-h-hello, your majesties!”

Luna comes down from her throne with Cadance and approaches the pair. “Arc, while we do trust your judgment, you should always call ahead before returning with foreign emissaries.”

Cadance sighs. “Yes. It would give us the opportunity to properly meet them at the Hanger.”

Luna frowns. “Now that I think about it, I don’t recall Captain Tight Ship saying anything about heading out.”

“I took a portal back.”

“What?! Arc, Luna and I don’t mind sending the Lunar Destiny to get you! Especially if your bringing back a dignitary!

“Yes, well… this return home wasn’t exactly planned! There was a medical emergency, and we had to act quickly!”

Cadance brings a hoof to her mouth! “Oh my! Who was injured?!”

“Another member of their military had their tail cut off during a promotion ceremony. Doctor Whooves is putting it back on as we speak.”

Luna nods. “Did you at least clear this with their commanding officer?!”

“Yes. In fact, he’s waiting outside the Infirmary.”

Cadance looks impressed! “He must be very concerned about his subordinate!”

“Very praiseworthy.”

Arc chuckles. “I admit I had my reservations about him at first. But the general really seems to care about his…”

Luna and Cadance cut him off! “GENERAL?!”

“Yes. General Blackbeak. You know him?”

Luna heads quickly for the doors! “Come, Cadance! We must greet him at once!”

“Right behind you, Luan!”

Arc and Natalya follow the near frantic princesses toward the Infirmary! Luna turns to Arc as they hurry down the corridor!

“You didn’t leave him alone, did you Arc?!”

“No. Ember and Lieutenant Flash Sentry are with him.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! We don’t want him to think us poor hosts!”

Natalya looks over, nervously. “Begging your majesty’s pardon, but I think he has more important matters on his mind right now.”

General Blackbeak is pacing the floor frantically as the princesses approach him. Arc clears his throat.

“General? The princesses are here to see you.”

He turns to them as Arc continues.

“General Blackbeak, this is Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.”

“A pleasure, your highnesses.”

Luna nods respectfully. “The Hero of Light has informed us of the condition of your subordinate. You have our condolences.”

“Can we offer you something to eat? Perhaps a place to rest?”

Blackbeak shakes his head as he goes back to pacing. “Thank you, but I wish to stay here until the doctor comes out.”

“Very well. If there is anything you need, please feel free to let one of our guards know.”

“I’ll do that, Princess Luna.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Well, we should be getting back to the Audience Chamber. There’s still much to be done today.”

Arc nods. “I’ll stay here with the general.”

Luna looks to him nervously. Thank you, Arc. We’ll talk again later.”

The princesses turn and walk back toward the Audience Chamber. Cadance looks at Luna.

“The general must truly be very kind hearted to care so much for his subordinate.”

“Yes. Perhaps we need to reevaluate what we know about their kind.”

Meanwhile Arc sits down on a nearby bench with Natalya. The general continues to pace!

“You really should sit down, sir. Pacing won’t help her.”

Blackbeak turns and frowns at Arc. “It isn’t for her! It’s for me!”

“Have it your way.”

Blackbeak sighs. “Thank you for not telling the princess the whole story.”

“They didn’t give me a chance.”

“It would shame me if they knew she was my daughter.”

Natalya looks confused. “Shame?!”

The general sighs. “It’s a sign of weakness to go to one’s enemy for help!”

Arc shakes his head. “Really? I see it as a rather bold move.”

“How so?”

“Your love for your daughter is stronger than your disdain for ponykind. I won’t tell them if you really don’t want me to. But it would certainly help relations between our countries if you were more forthcoming.”

“There has been much animosity between our nations for generations, Lord Arc!”

“I think the princesses might very well surprise you with how much they are willing to forgive.”

“I will consider it.

Natalya looks to him, nervously. “What exactly did happen between our nations, general?”

“Our forefathers had a very special treasure many years ago called the Idol of Boreas.”

“Natalya told us about that. Supposedly it’s been missing for quite some time. But what does that have to do with Equestria?”

“The night the idol was taken, a guard witnessed a robed pony flying away in the direction of Equestria.”

Ember frowns. “Forgive me, general, but isn’t that quite an assumption?”

Arc nods. “Agreed. It was dark, stormy and the creature was covered in a robe. How do you know it wasn’t a griffin?!”

Blackbeak shrugs. “It was long before my time. All we have left of the idol are the stories! Our nation approached your Princess Celestia about the idol. She denied any involvement, of course!”

“Maybe she honestly didn’t know anything about it. The evidence was circumstantial, at best!”

“Relations between our nations deteriorated until we all but stopped talking! Lord Goldstone’s visit to Equestria was the first in centuries!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “With all due respect general, if someone kept calling me a liar and a thief, I don’t think I’d want to talk to them either!”

The general sighs. “Perhaps you’re right. When Princess Celestia gets back, I’d like to have a talk with her. Do you know when she’ll return. “

Arc shakes his head. “I do not.”

Doctor Whooves walks out of the Infirmary and toward them. Blackbeak hurries over to him!

“How is she?!”

“Resting for the moment.”

“Can I see her?!”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Yes. However, she’ll be unconscious until tomorrow morning. The sedative I used was quite strong.”

Natalya sheepishly speaks up. “Will… will it work again?”

“I don’t know, miss. The nerves have been reattached along with the tendons and flesh, so the tail should be fine in time. We’ll have to wait and see when she wakes up tomorrow though.”

Blackbeak breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you for your efforts, doctor.”

“It was my pleasure, sir.”

Doctor Whooves returns to his office as General Blackbeak turns to Arc.

“Thank you, Lord Arc. If not for you, my daughter would still be lacking her tail! If there is anything I can do to return the favor, you have but to ask!”

“If you would forgive Natalya for what she did, I would consider us even.”

He looks to the lieutenant. “Very well. All is forgiven, assuming her tail shows signs of functioning tomorrow morning!”

Natalya nods. “Thank you, sir!”

Arc smiles. “Now perhaps you should notify the Griffon Kingdom of your whereabouts.”

Flash Sentry nods. “We did leave in a bit of a rush, after all.”

“I suppose you’re right, Lord Arc.”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “Lieutenant, would you show the general to a phone please?”

“Right this way, sir!”

Natalya watches as the pair walk down the corridor together. She breathes a sigh of relief!

“Thank you very much, Lord Arc!”

“My thanks to you as well, Natalya.”

She looks confused. “What for?”

“For helping me understand the intricacies of griffon culture. If not for your coaching, none of this would have been possible.”

“Just doing my job, sir!”

Arc turns to Ember. “That reminds me!”

He pulls out the large bag of bits from his ring and gives it to her.

“Here you go.”

Ember takes the bits happily. “Thank you!”

Natalya looks to him, confused. “What’s that for?”

“I put in a bet for her.”

“On who?”

Ember laughs! “You!”

Natalya smiles happily! “Really?! Thank you! I can’t remember the last time someone bet on me!”

Arc nods. “The second round I put my own bet on you.”

“You did? But the odds of winning were so small!”

“I had faith in you. Lord Gestal and Chief Advisor Gunter said about the same though.”

Natalya looks frightened! “They were there too?!”

Arc nods. “That they were. Both of them saw firsthand how much you’ve improved!”

“I’m not sure if ‘improved’ is the right word. After all, I couldn’t control my newfound strength.”

“Natalya… training with me and my Honor Guards didn’t make you any stronger.”

“Of course it did! I can feel it!”

He shakes his head. “No one can gain more than a modicum of strength in a few short hours. That was within you the whole time. All we did was change your mindset and balance your confidence.”

“But I was confident when I fought your Honor Guards the first time!”

“No. You were OVERCONFIDENT!”

Natalya frowns. “What’s the difference?”

Arc sighs. “Pride comes before a fall.”

“What?”

“What I’m saying is it’s okay to be proud of who you are and confident in your abilities. Just be mindful they don’t cloud your judgment and make you reckless.”

Natalya nods. “I understand. Thank you, sir.”

A few moments later Flash Sentry and General Blackbeak approach.

“The general has made contact with Griffonstone, sir.”

The general nods. “And a good thing we did! Apparently there was quite the fuss over there!”

Flash Sentry turns to the general. “Well you did disappear on them, sir.”

“When our doctor reported what had happened, naturally they thought we had been kidnapped."

Natalya looks surprised! “What?! But, we’re fine!”

“I explained all that. The military should be off high alert shortly.”

Arc smiles. “That’s good. I’d hate for us to go to war over a misunderstanding.”

“Worse has happened over less, Lord Arc! Now I’d like nothing more than to sample some of the fancy cuisine you have around here!

Arc grins broadly! “That I can do! To the Dining Room!”

Ember, Flash Sentry and Natalya all facepalm.

Chapter 10 - Moving On

Arc and the others leave the Dining Room together. Evening has fallen over the land. General Blackbeak looks to Arc.

“That was quite the meal, Lord Arc! Not quite what I was expecting, but nice!”

He laughs! “Next time I’ll have my chef make us some Roast Cockatrice!”

Ember drools slightly as Natalya looks to her with concern.

“Are you alright, miss?”

“Yes! Fine!”

Flash Sentry turns to the general. “Can I show you to your room, sir?”

“Thank you, but I think I’ll stay with my daughter.”

Arc nods. “Very well. Ember, can you ask Doctor Whooves to supply the general with a cot?”

“Yes sir. No need for him to sleep on the floor.”

Flash Sentry smiles at the lieutenant. “This way, Natalya. I’ll show you where you can bed down.”

“Thank you.”

Arc calls out after them. “Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow at breakfast.”

General Blackbeak and Natalya nod as they leave. A Royal Guard approaches Arc and salutes.

“Sir! The princesses request your presence!”

“Lead the way.”

The Royal Guard leads Arc down the corridor.

“What’s this about?”

“I don’t know sir. They only said it was for your ears only.”

Arc nods. “A secret, huh?”

“Yes sir!”

They arrive at Princess Luna’s room. The guard points nervously at the door.

“Both princesses are in there, sir!”

“Thank you.”

He knocks on the door but hears no response. Opening the door slowly, Arc calls inside respectfully.

“Princess Luna? May I come in?”

“Yes Arc! Please do!”

He enters the room to see both princesses sitting on the couch together. Closing the door behind him, Arc turns to the princesses.

“You wanted to see me?”

Cadance nods. “Yes! We’ve already taken the liberty of casting a silence spell on this room so we can talk in privacy.”

Arc walks over and sits down on the couch across from them. “I guess the explains why neither of you responded to my knocks.”

Luna nods. “We knew you would figure it out.”

“I suppose you want to talk about my mission, huh?”

Cadance smiles at him. “We do. But first, how is the young griffon doing?”

“Doctor Whooves sewed her tail back on. We’ll know tomorrow if the nerve endings were still viable.”

Luna shudders! “A frightening thought! The doctor is a very skilled surgeon. I’m sure he did everything he could.”

“The general is staying with her tonight.”

Cadance nods. “He’s very dedicated.”

“Yes, well… he has his reasons.”

Luna looks nervous. “In any case. How are things going in the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Things are moving along well! I believe I’ve already impressed General Blackbeak and Lord Gestal. He’s the head of the Council of Lords.”

Cadance giggles. “Sounds like you’ve been social lately!”

“I have! There was a bit of trouble at a party recently though.”

“Oh?”

“Lord Gestal’s estate was attacked by what’s called the Griffon Liberation Army.”

Cadance frowns. “Rebels?”

“Yup. Does Equestria have any problems with dissidents?”

Luna sighs. “The closest thing we have to rebels would be the Nightborn. But, seeing as they don’t really do anything too threatening, my sister always left them alone.”

Cadance turns to her. “Other than attack Arc’s base, that is.”

Arc nods. “They had their reasons.”

“Yes, well… my sister was always worried that forcefully disbanding them would only serve to turn other factions against us.”

“Makes sense. For all they knew, they could be next.”

Cadance nods. “Exactly! Now, what can you tell us about these rebels?”

“I’ve learned that they claim to want to do away with the caste system.”

Luna nods thoughtfully. “A noble goal.”

Cadance sighs. “Aunt Celestia told me before that the very system they cling to was at the heart of our land’s problems for many years before she came to power. At that time, there was only so high a commoner could rise.”

“The commoners live in deplorable conditions. Houses in disrepair, terrible food, that sort of thing. I tried eating what they do, and question if it could even be considered food!”

Luna grimaces! “Unspeakable!”

Cadance nods in agreement. “Even the lowest in our society still have decent food to eat!”

“Tell me, Arc. Do you think the rebels really would do away with such a system?”

“I think they would certainly try. However when I met with them, it quickly became clear they were more of the ‘acceptable losses’ mindset when it came to the rank and file citizen.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide! “You MET with them?!”

Luna nods approvingly. “Quite a feat! How did you locate them?”

Arc chuckles.

“Truth be told, they found me.”

“They wanted to open a dialogue with Equestria?”

“Yes, Princess Cadance. They appear very well supplied. Where those supplies come from is beyond me though.”

“What did they want?”

“For me to call for reinforcements from Equestria, Princess Luna. They had a plan to take the city swiftly! But needed more troops to pull it off.”

“I don’t know if I like that idea, Luna!”

Luna frowns. “Me either! Your thoughts, Arc?”

“I refused, as they really didn’t really seem any better than the leaders currently in power. We don’t want to have to deal with those whose first instinct is to fight! At least the leaders I’ve met thus far have been… approachable. I recommend that we try to establish diplomatic ties with the current governing body.”

Luna nods. “Do you think it’s possible?”

“I do. So far I’ve made some headway in that regard. The rebels, should they rise to power, would be a constant thorn in our side! When I refused to help, they threatened me physically and even sought to blackmail me!”

“Very well, Arc. As per your recommendation, Equestria will only deal with the legitimate government of the Griffon Kingdom.”

Cadance nods. “Can I assume you didn’t tell anypony else about your meeting with the rebels?”

“Just Ember, Sereb and Flash Sentry. They won’t tell anyone.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! If it became well known, our chances for lasting peace would be jeopardized.”

Cadance turns back to Arc. “Have you come up with any ideas on how to punish Lord Goldstone yet?”

“Not yet. He’s in Abyssinia at the moment.”

“Oh? Doing what?”

“Lord Gestal didn’t elaborate, but apparently he’s their emissary for all the surrounding nations.”

Cadance looks suddenly worried. “Arc? You don’t suppose he’s doing… certain things to citizens of other nations, do you?!”

“There’s no way to know. One thing I’ve read about sex offenders though… once usually isn’t enough for them!”

Luna shudders! “A sobering thought! Arc, you absolutely MUST find a way to stop Lord Goldstone! The marehood of the innocents he encounters cannot be violated!”

Cadance nods soberly. “Agreed! The methods we will leave up to you! But you must act quickly, before others share a similar fate!”

“I’ll do my best! But I think it would be in our best interests if we officially engaged in diplomacy with the Griffon Kingdom. They might be more willing to listen to the words of a bona-fide ally, rather than just a neighboring country.”

Luna nods. “Agreed. You have our permission to extend official diplomatic ties to the Griffon Kingdom. Kibitz will have the papers drawn up and signed by us before you leave in the morning with General Blackbeak.”

Cadance sighs. “The hard part will be finding the right moment to present them.”

“I think the really hard part will be gaining an audience with King Guto.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “You mean you haven’t?”

“Not yet, no.”

Cadance looks confused. “That is VERY strange! One would think he would WANT to meet with you!”

“I’ve only met with Lord Gestal, General Blackbeak and Chief Advisor Gunter. The other lords are out the capital on business. I’ll speak with the general on how best to proceed in this matter.”

Luna nods. “A wise move! He is indebted to you at the moment!”

“I’ll talk to him about it next time he’s in his office. No need to disturb him about it now.”

Cadance smiles empathetically. “We understand.”

“There is one other thing I needed to tell you about my trip thus far.”

Luna nods. “Go ahead.”

“They… don’t seem to value higher learning anymore.”

Cadance looks at him, confused. “Come again?”

“While I was touring the city, I saw their library. To say it was run down would have been an understatement!”

Luna frowns. “How bad was it?!”

“Books littered the floor and the ground outside.”

Cadance appears horrified! “That’s terrible! Can anything be done?!”

“I’ve already acted. Since no one was reading them, I figured no one would notice if someone rescued them from the elements.”

Luna nods. “Good thinking, Arc! How many did you save?!”

“Every book on the shelves and the floor.”

“What?! HOW?!”

Arc pats his magic ring. “I shrunk them down with a spell and put them in a crate. They’re safely stored away in here for now. Hopefully Twilight can restore them when I get back to Ponyville.”

Luna nods. “Are you certain that was the best course of action?”

Arc nods. “I am. I did it in secret and told no one other than my friends who were with me. Those books hold the collective knowledge of their nation. Forgive me, but I had to protect it.”

Cadance sighs. “Maybe one day they will remember the importance of books.”

“The ones that can be restored will be kept in my vault at Light’s Hope. That is unless you want them brought back to Canterlot.”

Luna shakes her head. “You may keep them at Light’s Hope if you wish. I know they will be safe with you!”

He stands up. “Thank you, Princess Luna. Well, I should probably let you two get some sleep now. Morning comes early these days.”

Luna sighs. “For all of us it seems.”

Cadance smiles up at him. “Thank you for bringing us up to speed on this task.”

Luna nods. “Do tread carefully, Arc. The griffons will not be pleased with you, no matter when you bring your charges forward.”

“I know. Goodnight you two.”

He leaves the room. Cadance looks to Luna.

“If Arc can pull this off without raising hostilities with the Griffon Kingdom, I’ll be amazed!”

“Yes. But I believe he is uniquely suited to this task.”

“How so, Luna?”

“The griffons respect strength. Our Hero of Light embodies that aspect perfectly!”

“But will that be enough?!”

“Time will tell, Cadance. Sooner or later… time will tell.”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to his room in the castle. The moon is full and the stars shine brightly in the dark sky. Sereb is already asleep in front of the fireplace. As he enters, he calls forth his helmet and sets it on the nightstand.

“I guess I finally get to use this bed again.”

Ember peeks out from under the covers. “You mean ‘we’, right?”

Arc sighs. “I should’ve known you’d be here, Ember.

She extends a claw to him. “Someone needs to watch your back. Now why don’t you lie down? This bed is amazing!”

Arc sits down on the edge of the bed and removes his boots. “What a day!”

Ember smiles as he lies back and covers himself up. “I’m really proud of you, Arc. It’s not just anyone who would go to such lengths to help a stranger.”

Cherry giggles. “I understand that much!”

“Cherry?”

“Remember when you two helped me the first time? A complete stranger was in danger and you risked your lives to save me!”

Arc frowns. “Well, I don’t like bullies like Buffalo Bull!”

Ember chuckles. “And I like a good fight!”

“In any case, thank you both! But you two should get some rest now.”

Ember nods and rolls over. She puts a claw on Arc’s chest as she snuggles up to him. “Good night, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Good night you two.”

The pair are asleep in moments. Cherry watches over them dutifully.

“Ember… you and Arc really do make a lovely couple. Thank you for being there for him.”

The next morning comes sooner than either of them would like! The first rays of light stream through the windows onto Arc’s face as he opens his eyes.

“Time to wake up, Ember.”

Ember grabs a pillow and covers her face with it. “No it’s not! It’s still dark out!”

“You can sleep a bit longer if you want. I need to take a shower anyways!”

She suddenly bolts upright! “Can I…”

“Go back to sleep, Ember.”

Ember flops back down as Arc closes the bathroom door behind him. “Oh well…”

Cherry sighs. “You’re very determined, aren’t you?”

Ember jumps out of bed, wide-eyed and blushing! “S-sorry! I keep forgetting you’re here, Cherry!”

“It’s okay. Anyways, Arc already told me all about your… constant advances before we were engaged.”

“I… um… sorry…”

Sereb stands and heads toward the door. “I believe that is my cue to leave.”

He quietly leaves the room. Neither Ember nor Cherry seem to notice.

“You’re a very forthright young mare, Ember.”

Ember turns away from the helmet. Unable to face Cherry after what she has said. “It… it’s a dragon trait! Go after what you want and make it yours!”

“I see. Is that why you’re so insistent on sleeping with him? Wanting to… bathe with him?”

Ember sighs. “Kinda. You see… no one else has ever treated me so well! Arc was my first real friend, my first real love after all! Until I met him, I didn’t really understand what friendship really was!”

“He was my first love too!”

“A pretty mare like you?!”

“Yes, Ember. I was always so busy with the ranch that I never took the time to really get out there and meet somepony special! And you?”

Ember sighs. “Before I was banished from the Dragon Lands, I always assumed any male dragon that wanted to get close to me was just doing it for my position! It was hard being the daughter of the Dragon Lord.”

“But…”

She turns around to look at the helmet. “But Arc was different! He was strong… and brave… and… and really handsome! But he was something the others weren’t.”

“Which was…?”

Ember blushes slightly as she smiles. “He was… Kind. Very Kind! And genuinely cared about me!”

“Is that why you always want to be near him?”

“Yes! I want to eat the same food! Breathe the same air! Share the same bed!”

“You love him.”

Ember smiles with a starstruck look on her face. “I do! Call me selfish if you want, but it’s the truth! All I want now is to be close to him! To love him! To be with him!”

“To bathe with him?”

“YES! Wait! I… I…”

Cherry giggles. “You know Arc doesn’t let others see him uncovered! Why then are you so interested in bathing with him? In… in seeing him like that?”

Ember takes a deep breath. “Because… I don’t want anything to come between us.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve made my peace with his insistence on wearing clothes all the time! But… to me at least, they just come between us! I’ve told him before that us being friends is enough. I was lying! I want him to sleep next to me forever! I want him to be my mate! And I want him to… to…

“And you want him to give you a foal.”

Ember nods as she chokes up. “Please don’t say anything to Arc about this! Me being a dragon and him a human… I know we can’t have a whelp! But I just want it so badly!”

“I won’t… for now. Can I confess something to you, Ember?”

“What is it?”

“I know how you feel right now.”

Ember smiles slightly. “How could you possibly understand what I’m going through? Arc’s so smitten with you! He has been for a long time!”

“Because… those things you said you wanted… marriage, a long life together and… and a foal? I want those things with him too!”

“You do?!”

“Yes, Ember. We both love and want to be near him always! And… we both want to… bear his foals.“

Cherry sighs.

“We’re the same, you and I. Both of us want things we can’t have… or give.”

Ember nods. “My mind knows that. But my heart…”

“Don’t give up, Ember! My chance has passed! But yours still lives on!”

“What are you talking about? Humans and dragons can’t…”

Cherry interrupts her. “I know! I’m saying you still have a life to live! You and he could still be together! And if he were to choose you, I would be very happy too!”

Ember looks at the helmet with a confused look on her face. “WHAT?! But what about you?!”

“I love Arc very much! So much in fact, that I want him to be with somepony who can make the rest of his life happy!”

“I want that too! But… there’s quite a bit of competition.”

“That much I do know, Ember. But you shouldn’t give up so easily.”

Ember nods. “I won’t. Count on it!”

A short time later Arc emerges from the bathroom wearing his royal raiments. Ember is sitting on the bed holding his helmet.

“You two getting along out here?”

Ember nods sadly. “Yeah…”

“We were just having a little mare talk. Pony to dragon!”

She gives Arc his helmet. He holds it to his temples a moment before returning it to his ring. As he and Ember leave the room, the find Sereb and Flash Sentry waiting in the hallway.

“Sereb? What are you doing out here?”

“Giving the ladies some time and space to talk.”

Ember smiles. “Thanks, Sereb.”

Flash Sentry nods. “He warned me now wasn’t the best time to go in there.”

Arc looks confused. “Uh… okay.”

The group proceeds down the corridor together. Arc turns to Ember and Flash Sentry.

“You know, we ARE in Canterlot Castle now.”

Ember shrugs. “And?”

“I don’t really need Honor Guards here.”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “One must keep up appearances, sir!”

“Very well.”

A short time later they arrive at Natalya’s room. Arc knocks lightly but hears no response. Flash Sentry shakes his head.

“Maybe she’s still asleep.”

Ember chuckles. “I doubt it. She probably didn’t sleep a wink last night!”

Arc nods. “I’ll check on her. You three stay out here.”

They nod as he opens the door and walks in. Arc looks around the room. The bed does not appear to have been slept in. He spots Natalya sitting on the balcony looking at the sunrise. She is still wearing her armor from yesterday. Arc walks over to her.

“Good morning. “

Natalya looks to him with bags under her eyes. “Good morning… Lord Arc.”

“Up all night?”

“Yes. I’ve been trying to figure out how… how I hurt the Trainer so badly yesterday!”

Arc nods. “I’ve been thinking about that as well.”

“Any ideas, sir?!

“I just might. Let’s go inside first though, It’s chilly out here!”

The pair return to the room and close the balcony door behind them. Natalya shivers!

“I guess I didn’t notice how cold I was!”

Arc turns to the fireplace and lobs a fireball toward the awaiting wood. It quickly bursts into flames as he gestures to the fireplace. The pair walk toward it together as Natalya holds her talons toward the fire to warm them!

“Thank you! That feels MUCH better!”

Arc looks Natalya over.

“Something wrong, sir”

“Would you turn around please? I want to see the back of your armor.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc kneels down next to her as she turns around. There is still dried blood on the lower part of her armor.

“I think I know what happened.”

He taps the side of her armor where the blood is the heaviest.

“When you landed, the force of your blow caused you to crouch on your opponent.”

She nods. “I suppose it did. But what does that have to do with her tail?”

Arc calls forth his spear and sets it on the ground next to Natalya. “My spear will represent your opponent’s tail. Crouch down as low as you can.”

She does so. Arc notices where her armor touches his spear.

“Very good. Now I want you to stand up and flop down as hard as you can.”

“Yes sir.”

The edge of her armor crashes down on the Spear of Righteousness’ shaft. Arc puts a hand on the bloody part of the armor.

“Right there! The Trainer’s tail must have been lying next to her when you landed.”

“What does that prove, sir?”

“The armor you were wearing doesn’t protect the belly. It ends at your sides.”

Natalya nods. “It’s to save material in making armor. Only officers get full plate.”

“Take off your armor and I’ll show you what I mean.”

She does so as Arc takes several pillows off the bed and couch. He stacks them on the floor next to his spear.

“Okay. The pillows will represent the Trainer.”

He picks up her armor and sets it down on top of the pillows.

“This is you.”

Standing up, Arc pushes down hard on the armor! Natalya watches as the edge of her armor smashes into the spear’s shaft!

“You see, the force of your armor’s edge smashing into her tail was the cause of the accident! It really could have happened to anyone!”

Natalya grimaces. “I’ll be glad to wear lieutenant armor again! That wouldn’t have happened! Thanks for figuring this out for me, sir!”

“No problem. Now before we head to the Infirmary, you should probably wash that blood off your armor.”

She nods, picks up her armor and hurries to the bathroom. “Yes sir!”

A few minutes later she returns with her freshly cleaned armor.

Arc looks to her as he recalls his spear. “Ready to go?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

They return to the corridor as Ember frowns impatiently.

“You sure took your sweet time, Arc!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “You must be quite the heavy sleeper, Natalya!”

Arc clears his throat. “Yes, well… let’s get a move on.”

They make their way to the Infirmary. General Blackbeak is looking out the window at the sunrise as they enter. The cot nearby does not appear to have been used. Ember and Flash Sentry wait in the hallway with Sereb. Arc walks over to him.

“How is she?”

“She’s slept peacefully through the night. Hopefully Doctor Whooves will be here soon to look her over.”

As if on cue Doctor Whooves enters the Infirmary.

“Good morning everypony! Are you ready, general?”

“Yes!”

Doctor Whooves walks over to the Trainer and gently nudges her. She does not stir.

“Quite a heavy sleeper. Either that or the sedatives haven’t worn off yet. Well, I have something for that!”

The doctor picks up a nearby syringe and injects the Trainer. A few moments later her eyes slowly open.

“What… happened?”

The general smiles at his daughter. “There was a bit of an accident, dear! How do you feel?!”

“Tired and sore!”

Doctor Whooves pulls back the sheet to reveal the bandaged tail.

“Miss, I need you to lift your tail for me.”

With great effort the tail lifts a few inches off the bed. The doctor smiles as he covers her back up.

“It appears the surgery was a success, miss. Now you’ll need to rest for a few days to finish healing. After that you can get out of bed, but no strenuous activities for at least two weeks!”

Blackbeak nods. “I’ll see to it, doctor.”

The Trainer looks around as she attempts to focus her vision. “Who… who’s back there?”

Doctor Whooves comes into the Trainer’s view.

“A… pony? Father? What’s going on?”

“There was an accident during yesterday’s promotion ceremony. You… lost part of your tail.”

“WHAT?!”

Natalya steps forward. “Don’t worry! The doctor reattached it!”

“Who’s… that?”

Natalya sheepishly comes into the Trainer’s view. “It… it’s me.”

“YOU?! THIS IS YOUR FAULT!”

She tries to rise but finds herself too weak to do so. Doctor Horse gently pushes her down.

“You must stay in bed, miss!”

The general looks to her, sternly. “Do as the doctor says! We didn’t go through all the trouble of getting you here for you to set back your recovery time!”

“Where are we?”

Arc walks over to stand next to her father. “Canterlot Castle."

Natalya nods. “Lord Arc arranged for you to be brought to Equestria. They have a doctor here that sewed your tail back on!”

Her father nods. “You should be grateful to him! He restored your honor!”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

She turns to her father.

“Sorry dad. I guess I really let you down.”

“No dear. What happened to you was nothing more than a terrible accident! Don’t worry about it!”

Natalya nods, sadly. “Are you hungry?”

“Kinda. I guess it’s been a while since I ate.”

The general nods. “The lieutenant and I will fetch you some breakfast. You just rest!”

She nods as the pair leaves the Infirmary together. Natalya turns to him as they walk down the corridor together.

“I’m sorry this happened, sir!”

“As am I. But it’s in the past now.”

Meanwhile, Arc stays by the Trainer’s bedside. She appears upset.

“I can’t believe I owe a debt of gratitude to ponies!”

Arc nods. “And me.”

“And you! Who are you?”

“Lord Arc. Equestria’s Hero of Light.”

“I heard you were visiting. Thanks for everything… I guess.”

“If you really want to thank me, forgive Natalya. She really didn’t mean to hurt you after all.”

She shakes her head. “No promises there.”

Arc sighs. “By the way, I don’t think I caught your name, miss.”

The Trainer lies back and shifts uncomfortably.

“Gilda.”

Chapter 11 - Missions on Missions

Later that day Arc returns to Griffonstone with Ember, Flash Sentry, Sereb, Natalya, General Blackbeak and his daughter, Gilda. The general looks around.

“Where are we now?”

Ember pushes the gurney toward the door. “The Grand Aviary. Lord Arc’s Bathroom.”

Natalya frowns. “How…?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. Maybe not the best place for a sigil, but it was out of the way.”

“I’m going to escort my daughter back to the Infirmary. After that I’d like to see you in my office, Lord Arc.”

Natalya turns to the general. “I’ll escort him there, sir.”

“See that you change out of the uniform first.”

“Sir?”

Blackbeak points a talon at her armor. “You’re a lieutenant! It’s unbecoming for you to wear anything other than a lieutenant’s armor now!”

“Yes sir!”

He nods as he follows Ember out of the office. “Your new armor should have been delivered by now!”

Arc looks to Natalya. “Shall we?”

“Yes sir! My room isn’t too far out of the way. Is that okay?”

“Fine! Lead the way!”

They make their way down the corridor toward the Living Quarters. Natalya stops in front of a room and opens the door. Flash Sentry and Sereb stay in the corridor as they enter. Arc looks around the spartanly furnished room.

“Do all Footpads have such rooms?”

Natalya closes the door behind them and shakes her head. “No. I hadn’t yet been reassigned to the Barracks. These are typical lieutenant quarters.”

She walks over to the bed to find a new set of lieutenant armor which she quickly puts on.

“Feel better, Natalya?”

“Much!”

She notices a large bag of bits and a note on the table.

“What’s this?”

Arc chuckles. “I’m told you get a portion of the bits from the bets placed on you. That must have been your share.”

Natalya opens the bag and looks inside before turning her gaze back to Arc. “How much did you bet on me?!”

“10,000 bits.”

“That’s so much!”

He shrugs. “I knew you could do it.”

“Thank you for putting such faith in me, Lord Arc! I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations!”

“I expect you will.”

She quickly looks over the note in her claws. The blood drains from her face.

“Is something wrong?”

“This… this note! It’s from the rebels!”

Arc frowns. “What?! How did they get in here?!”

“I don’t know! The Aviary is supposed to be secure!”

“Apparently not! What does the note say?”

Natalya reads it over quickly before giving it to Arc. “They… they saw me fight during the promotion ceremony and want to recruit me!”

Arc looks over the note and frowns.

“What are you going to do?”

“I… I don’t know! Tell the general?”

Arc sighs. “For all we know, he might be in on it.”

Natalya sits down heavily on the bed. “It’s scary knowing enemies of the state were here in my room! Who do I trust to confess this to?!”

“It’s up to you if you want to tell General Blackbeak about this or not.”

“I’m scared to do anything right now!”

“Stay with me for the time being. They come after you, and we’ll teach them a lesson they won’t soon forget!”

Natalya breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Lord Arc!”

“Whatever you decide to do, we should be getting to the general’s office soon.”

She quickly composes herself. “Yes. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting. What should I do with that letter?! I certainly don’t want to leave it lying around!”

“I’ll hold onto it if you want.”

“Thank you, sir. I’m not really sure what to do about it right now! “

Arc puts the letter in his ring. Together they leave the room and head for General Blackbeak’s office. Natalya knocks before entering. Ember is waiting for them with the general. She approaches the desk and salutes.

“Lord Arc here to see you as requested, sir!”

The general stands up from his desk and walks over to shake Arc’s hand. “Good! Both of you please have a seat.”

They walk over to the desk and sit down as the general returns to his office chair.

“I wanted to thank you again for what you did for my daughter, Lord Arc. It really went beyond what I thought was possible!”

Arc nods. “It was my pleasure, sir.”

He looks over to Natalya. “I also wanted to say that your improvement was nothing short of miraculous, lieutenant.”

“Thank you, sir!”

“What happened?! You were like a different griffon out there!”

“I sparred with Lord Arc and his Honor Guards. They taught me many things about myself!”

“Oh? Such as…”

“How to be confident and balance my emotions.”

Blackbeak turns to Arc and nods. “Very impressive, Lord Arc. It appears I am in your debt again! Again I’ll have an aid I can be proud of!”

Natalya looks up, happily! “You want me to be your aide again?!”

“Yes indeed!”

“Pardon me, general. But she’s been very helpful to me in the past. Might I keep her? At least until after I meet with the Council of Lords.”

“Very well. She’s yours as long as you need her.”

The general looks at Natalya again.

“Be sure to learn all you can from Lord Arc! Perhaps you can pass his teachings on to the other troops!”

“I’ll do my best for him, sir!”

“I know you will. Now then, Lord Arc, what’s next on your agenda?”

“I spoke to the princesses last night about my progress here in Griffonstone.”

“Were they as impressed?”

Arc nods as he removes the papers from his ring and hands them to the general. “They were indeed! In fact, I received their blessing to go ahead with official diplomatic talks with your government.”

Blackbeak accepts the papers and looks them over. “They wish to be allies?”

“Maybe not allies. But at the very least on friendly terms. Opening a dialogue will be the first step in that process.”

The general nods. “Agreed. However that decision is not up to me. The complete Council of Lords would have to discuss it and then vote on it. If it passes, they issue will go before the king for a final decision.”

“Can I address them?”

“I will put through a request for a meeting at once. However, they are abroad at the moment. They should be back in a day or so though! I’m sorry, but that’s the best I can do for you right now, Lord Arc.”

“It’s more than I could have hoped for, general. Thank you.”

They stand and shake hands/claws.

“By the way. Lord Gestal told me the other day that Lord Goldstone recently went to Abyssinia.”

“Yes. He goes there once a year or so in an effort to maintain our relationship with them. Does Equestria do the same?”

“Not until recently, no. I myself was there not long ago to address the monarchs.”

Blackbeak chuckles. “We heard about that. Truth be told, I thought for certain war was inevitable. We had no idea about that pirate who was terrorizing the land! What was his name again?”

“He called himself The Storm King.”

“Well, you certainly showed him! And without an army at your back, no less!”

Arc nods. “One should never underestimate the will and resolve of a few good warriors.”

“Well said!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I’m in the neighborhood. If there isn’t anything to do for a couple days while we wait for the other lords, maybe I should go see how they’re getting along.”

The general nods. “Very well! Give Lord Goldstone my regards if you bump into him!”

“I will. Might I take Natalya with me?”

“Very well. She can learn how diplomatic missions are conducted.”

Natalya breathes a sigh of relief! “Thank you, sir!”

“Shall I have one of our transports take you to Abyssinia, Lord Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you, but I have a sigil just outside the city.”

Blackbeak nods. “That magic is extraordinary and serves you well!”

Arc nods. “Teleporting around Equestria is one thing. Between countries tires me out a bit!”

“I wish you luck in your travels then!”

As they turn to leave the office, Arc looks back. “Thank you, general. I’ll be back in a couple days.”

They walk out the door and proceed down the corridor back towards Arc’s room. Ember grins!

“That went well!”

Flash Sentry nods. “That it did! You really impressed him, sir!”

Natalya smiles at him. “He does care about his daughter, after all!”

“All parents care for their children deep down. Some just aren’t very good at showing it.”

Ember chuckles as she looks at Arc. “While some are VERY good at it!”

Flash Sentry nods in agreement. “Yes sir! Your daughter is growing into quite the lady!”

Natalya frowns and mutters to herself. “I thought he was the only one of his kind! How can he have a child?”

They return to Arc’s room. Ember holds the door open for everyone.

“When do we leave, Arc?”

“Immediately!”

Flash Sentry raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, sir?!”

Ember looks worried. “Flash Sentry’s right! You remember what happened last time you did that!”

“I’ll be fine!”

Natalya looks over. “What DID happen?!”

Ember frowns. “I had to help him to bed… AGAIN!”

“It was to save lives, Ember!”

“Well, your life is important too, Arc!”

“Duly noted. Twice in rapid succession is my limit as far as I know. For now, at least.”

Flash Sentry grimaces. “Are you sure, sir?!”

“Yes.”

Arc levitates a short distance off the floor as he powers up the crystal in his forehead. A moment later a portal opens.

“Go ahead everyone!”

Sereb, Natalya, Flash Sentry and Ember step through the swirling energies. Arc Blinks into the portal as it collapses. A moment later they find themselves standing on the outskirts of Abyssinia Natalya looks around.

“So this is Abyssinia?! It’s so warm here!”

Ember shrugs. “It may not be as pretty as Equestria, but the residents here are nice!”

Flash Sentry turns to Ember as they walk toward the city gates. “Really? We’ve all heard they’re a rather crafty lot!”

Arc turns to him. “How many Abyssinians have you met?”

“None. They don’t really come to Equestria much. Ever, actually!”

Ember chuckles. “Give them a chance! They might surprise you!”

Arc mounts Sereb flanked by Ember and Flash Sentry. Natalya takes up the rear as they make their way toward the Palace. The streets are busy with commerce and other various activities. Ember smiles.

“This is a welcome change to the way it was last time!”

Arc nods. “That it is!”

Many of the town’s inhabitants stop what they are doing and humbly bow to Arc as they pass. Natalya looks to Arc.

“You’re pretty well known around here, Lord Arc.”

“Yes, well… the first time I came here, I was expecting quite a bit of trouble.”

Ember shudders at the memories. “As was I! Little did we know the true horrors that awaited us!”

Natalya looks confused. “Oh? Like what?”

“Well…”

“HALT!”

Several guards run up to the group and surround them! Their weapons at the ready! Flash Sentry draws his blades!

“What was that about the inhabitants being friendly, Ember?”

Ember levels her spear at their assailants! “Most of them are! These guys… maybe not so much!”

The Abyssinian Guard’s commander quickly steps toward him!

“Hero of Light, please let us help! You’re in grave danger!”

“I am?”

The commander points a claw at Natalya! “As per royal decree, griffons are not permitted within Abyssinia!”

Ember frowns! “What?! Why not?!”

“At the moment, they are our enemies!”

Arc raises an eyebrow, surprised. “When did this happen?!”

“Since this morning when King Felix declared war on the Griffon Kingdom!”

The guards fan out and make their way toward Natalya.

“Please come with us, miss! Fear not! You will have a fair trial!”

Natalya backs away nervously. “What? Trial?!”

Flash Sentry grips his blades tightly! “On what charges?!”

Ember steps forward! “Yeah! For being a griffon?!”

The commander looks to Arc. “Please, sir! Our quarrel is not with you or Equestria!”

He looks back to Natalya”

“I hereby order you to drop your weapon and come with me, griffon! If you do not, we will be forced to take action against you!”

Arc shakes his head. “I can’t let you do that, commander. She’s here with me as my aide!”

“Please sir! We… we don’t wish for this to get out of paw!”

Arc calls forth his Spear of Righteousness and points it at the guards as he loses his patience. “YOUR actions will determine how ‘out of paw’ this gets!”

Neither side moves. The guards appear terrified! After a few moments, Arc puts his spear over his shoulder.

“I’m a fair man, commander. My group will come with you to see King Fenix and Queen Fiona about this matter. That is the furthest I’m willing to go on this. What do you say?”

“V-very well! Please follow me!”

Two guards slowly make their way toward Natalya, but are stopped by Ember and Flash Sentry!

“Where do you think you’re going?!”

Flash Sentry nods, swords at the ready! “The Palace appears to be in the other direction!”

The commander looks to Arc again. “Forgive me, sir! But regulations state that prisoners are to be properly escorted by guards!”

Arc looks over to her. “Come over here, Natalya.”

She cautiously walks toward Arc. He pats the saddle behind him.

“Up here!”

Natalya nervously gets into the saddle behind Arc and puts her claws on his shoulders. Arc recalls his spear as he turns back to the commander.

“I will escort her myself. After all, she wouldn’t try to get away from me.”

“Very well, sir. Please follow me.”

The guards escort them to the Palace. A large number of guards patrol the grounds. Arc whispers over his shoulder.

“Stay close to me.”

Natalya fearfully nods her head but says nothing. Before long they reach the Throne Room.

“I will inform the King and Queen of your arrival. Please wait here.”

Arc nods. “Very well, commander.”

He enters the Throne Room while his guards stay with Arc and his party. Natalya looks to Arc, fearfully!

“What’s going to happen to me, Lord Arc?!”

“Nothing. You’ll be fine!”

A few moments later there is the sound of angry voices coming from beyond the Throne Room door! A moment later they open as King Felix and Queen Fiona themselves rush out to greet them!

“Lord Arc! It is a pleasure to see you!”

Queen Fiona looks sternly at the commander. “Please forgive our guard’s reception!”

Arc dismounts with Natalya as the monarchs approach. “It’s alright. He was only carrying out his orders, after all. I’m sorry for barging in here unannounced, but I was in the neighborhood so to speak.”

The queen nods. “It’s no trouble! You and those with you are welcome here anytime!”

King Felix waves to the guards.

“You may go!”

They bow and hurry away. Queen Fiona bows at the waist.

“Again, please accept our most humble of apologies! It won’t happen again!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine! Good to see your guards on their toes! “

He gestures to Natalya to approach.

“I suppose introductions are in order! This is Lieutenant Natalya of the Griffon Kingdom. She’s traveling with me for the moment during my visit to her land!”

Both the king and queen nod stoically to Natalya.

Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“And this is my lieutenant, Flash Sentry. When last I visited, he was commanding my base in Equestria.”

The monarchs smile and nod to him, happily.

“Now then, what’s this about you going to war with the Griffon Kingdom? I’ve been there for about a week and haven’t heard anything about the friction between your two nations!”

Queen Fiona suddenly looks pained. “Why don’t we go somewhere a bit more private to talk about these matters? Perhaps over refreshments? “

Arc nods. “Sounds wonderful! Lead the way!”

The king and queen lead Arc and his group to a very posh room with many large cushions on the floor.

“Please make yourselves comfortable! Our home is your home!”

Arc recalls his armor. “Thank you, King Felix. That is very kind!”

They sit down as a servant enters through a side door. The Queen turns to them.

“Bring the finest refreshments for our guests!”

The servants bow and leave the room.

“Really, that isn’t necessary! I mean, don’t go to any trouble on our account.

King Felix nods. “Oh yes it is! We haven’t yet paid you back for the Kindness and Generosity your showed us and our citizens not so long ago!”

Queen Fiona smiles at him. “To say nothing for paying your country back for all the food you gave us!”

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. Our nations are allies now.”

The queen nods. “That we are! And for that reason we MUST pay you back!”

“You see Lord Arc, we’ve been sending regular payments ever since that time. It may take quite a few years, but rest assured we will pay back every bit!”

Arc smiles. “Yes, well… just be sure not to overextend yourself. Your citizen’s well-being must come first!”

Queen Fiona looks out the window toward the city. “Yes, Lord Arc. Thank you for understanding our precarious financial situation!”

King Felix nods. “When we first heard you were here, we thought you had come to speak to use about repayment!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all! I was visiting the Griffon Kingdom on a diplomatic mission and had a bit of time. The Council of Lords is dispersed right now and can’t see me yet! I wanted to see how you and your citizens were getting along.”

“Very well! The blueprints you sent have been invaluable!”

Ember looks confused. “Blueprints?”

The king nods. “We had one built here in the Palace Gardens! Would you care to see it, Lord Arc?”

He stands up. “I would!”

The king and queen lead the group out of the room and down the corridor.

“To be honest, we were quite skeptical of your design when we first saw the plans.”

“Yes! But we knew we could trust your unorthodox ideas! No offense mind you!”

Arc laughs! “None taken!”

They soon make their way to a lush outdoor garden. In the center sits a large glass building with plants growing inside it. Natalya looks confused.

“A greenhouse?”

Arc nods. “Yes! But oh so much more!”

They step inside the greenhouse to the sounds of running water. Several large tanks sit in the center of the building. Flash Sentry looks around.

“Quite an impressive collection of plants you have here, your majesty!”

King Felix nods. “We’ve taken to calling them Fish Gardens!”

Ember chuckles. “Why? Do you grow fish here?”

“Actually, we do!”

Natalya looks to them, confused. “What? How?!”

Arc points to the large tanks. “Look in there and tell me what you see.”

She does so. When she looks up there is a strange look on her face”

“Fish? But why?”

Arc chuckles. “They’re here to feed the plants.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “The plants eat the fish?!”

“Not exactly. But they do use the nutrients the fish… excrete.”

Ember grimaces. “You mean…”

Arc nods. “Fish poop. Nature’s fertilizer.”

King Felix laughs! “Yes! I’ve never seen plants grow so fast!”

Queen Fiona smiles as she touches a large leaf. “Or so well!”

Ember looks all around. “But how does it work?!”

Arc steps over to the tank. “The fish are fed regularly and well! They metabolize their meals and do their ‘business’!”

King Felix points to several pumps drawing water out of the tanks and discharging it near the ceiling. “The water is pumped to the top of the system where it flows steadily through these large pipes. “

Queen Fiona pulls a small pot out of a hole in one of the pipes. “You’ll notice these slotted pots are filled with clay balls to allow the plants roots to take hold, while still allowing the water to flow freely! They’ve been placed every twelve inches or so as to not crowd the plants!”

Flash Sentry looks at the mesh container. “Those pots look like there’s very little holding them together!”

Arc nods. “That’s the point. They need to allow the water to keep flowing.”

He points to the large pipe as it zig-zags back and forth in front of the windows before returning to the fish tank.

“The pipe has those round holes cut in the top to perfectly nest the pots. We don’t want water leaking all over the floor now!”

The king nods. “Indeed! Water is precious to us here! We can’t be wasting it!”

“For that reason, agriculture has been impossible for us! That is, until now!”

King Felix dips a finger in the tank. “Using this system, we can grow our own food AND raise our own fish!”

“Less dangerous trips into the ocean!”

“Precisely, Lord Arc!”

The king looks up at him! “That reminds me! Thank you again for giving us some fishing gear, Lord Arc!”

The queen sighs. “Yes! The Storm King really did take EVERYTHING of value!”

Arc sighs. “I’m only sorry I couldn’t recover any of your property from his stronghold.”

Queen Fiona shakes her head. “Things can be replaced. Living creatures… not so much!”

“We were just glad you made it out of there alive!”

The queen reaches up and removes one of the pots from its place as she approaches Arc.

“Would you care to sample some of our goods? These strawberries are our favorite!”

Arc nods and takes a few off the vine. Ember looks to him, suspiciously.

“How are they?”

“Delicious!”

Flash Sentry looks amazed! “What?! But how?!”

Natalya glances at the berries before looking to the monarchs. “No disrespect intended, but they were grown from fish droppings! I would have thought they would taste terrible!”

Arc gives Natalya a strawberry. “Try one! I think you’ll be impressed!”

She cautiously does so. Her eyes light up!

“They’re the best strawberries I’ve ever tasted!”

King Felix looks around with a wave of his paw! “We’ve had innumerable copies of these Fish Gardens built all around our country!”

Queen Fiona nods! “We estimate by the time the supplies you gave us runs out, we’ll be completely self-sufficient in the food department!”

Natalya smiles! “That’s wonderful! Maybe the Griffon Kingdom can import some of you excess produce!”

Both the king and queen suddenly appear angry.

“The Griffon Kingdom will never get so much as a single strawberry from Abyssinia!”

Arc turns to the king. “You said earlier you were going to war with them. What happened?!”

Queen Fiona sighs. “It’s a long story.”

King Felix takes the pot from his wife and puts it back in its place as he nods. “Why don’t we return to the Sitting Room? I’ll explain everything there over refreshments.”

Arc nods. “Sounds good!”

They retrace their steps and reenter the Sitting Room. Several large trays of various produce and fish dishes are lined up. The king gestures to the food.

“Please, enjoy yourselves!”

Arc takes a handful of grapes, Ember picks up some peppers and Flash Sentry enjoys some of the strawberries. The queen looks at Natalya.

“Nothing for you, miss?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No thank you, your majesty. I’m not very hungry right now.”

Arc puts a plate of sushi on the floor for Sereb as he turns back to the monarchs. “Now what’s this about war?”

King Felix gestures to Natalya. “Forgive me, Lord Arc, but is it safe to speak in front of your friend?”

Arc looks to her. “I don’t know. Is it… Natalya?”

“Yes sir. I promise to keep whatever is said here to myself.”

“Very well. As we told you on your last visit, up until now, Abyssinia has had to import most of its food. The other day, Lord Goldstone of the Griffon Empire came here for his regular visit.”

The king frowns.

“It’s not my favorite time either, dear. This time less than usual!”

King Felix nods. “He’s been coming here for years to sell us what we can’t catch from the ocean!”

Ember nods. “Forgive me, but what kind of things?”

“Vegetables and fruits mostly.”

The king nods. “Since The Storm King raided our land and carried away everything of value, we haven’t had the bits to purchase food for our citizens!”

The queen sighs. “He knew this, yet he came anyways!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Why?”

“To… strike a bargain of sorts.”

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

The king grimaces. “We will get to that in due time, Lord Arc.”

“Of course! Go on.”

“When he got off his transport, he appeared quite surprised! I think he expected to find us still starving!”

Ember clenches a fist, angrily! “That pig!”

The king chuckles. “I must admit, I rather enjoyed telling him of our new found sustainable Fish Garden technology!”

Queen Fiona sighs. “He insisted that we would never be able to grow enough food to feed our land with such gardens!”

King Felix nods. “We’re still learning how to grow what we want. It’s been quite a process.”

“Yes. One that we’ve enjoyed immensely, as have our citizens. They’ve taken to these Fish Farms like a newborn kitten to warm milk.”

"That they have, my dear. It’s really brought our land and its inhabitants together. While not your original intention, I’m sure, we’re more united as a nation than ever before."

Arc nods. “You’re right. I never dreamed such a thing as growing food would unite anyone.”

Ember frowns. “I bet Lord Goldstone didn’t see it that way.”

Queen Fiona shakes her head. “He did not.”

“The more we showed him, the more irate he became. Our failure to buy food from him certainly harmed the griffon economy. However, I believe he now sees that we don’t need him or the Griffon Kingdom to feed our land anymore.”

Arc frowns. “He saw the starving citizens and did NOTHING before!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “I believe he sees bits instead of citizens!”

Queen Fiona turns to Arc. “You may be getting a nasty letter from him soon, Lord Arc.”

“Oh? Why me?”

“When he asked where these contraptions came from, we told him the plans were sent to us by the Lord Regent of Equestria.”

The queen looks to Arc sadly. “We apologize if he causes you trouble in the future due to us.”

“Not to worry. You were just being honest.”

King Felix sighs. “As usual, we gave him a room in which to spend the night.”

Queen Fiona nods. “When he saw he couldn’t sell us fresh crops as usual, he tried to find another way to weasel into our treasury."

“He pointed out that another emergency could befall our land again! And that we were ill-prepared to deal with it!”

“My husband is correct. Lord Goldstone offered to sell us fruit and vegetable preserves only. Apparently they stay edible for quite some time!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Like the jars of cherries I gave you before, they won’t spoil as long as the jars stay sealed.”

The king shakes his head. “Sadly, we know little about such technology. We all knew he was right, and tried to broker a deal.”

Natalya looks up. “Maybe he was just trying to help? I mean, you should have reserves on claw in case a bad harvest or two hits the land.”

Arc looks to her. “Natalya is right. It would certainly give you and your citizens peace of mind.”

Queen Fiona grimaces. “I agree! However, his asking price was far too high!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “He couldn’t have worked out a payment plan of some kind?”

King Felix nods angrily! “Oh, he had a plan all right!”

Queen Fiona looks to his entourage. “Forgive me, Lord Arc, but the details of what led us to this point are very… sensitive. We don’t mind discussing them with you, but we insist on doing so privately!”

Arc nods to his friends. “We understand.”

Ember stands. “We’ll just take a walk in your Palace Gardens, if that’s okay.”

The king nods. “Yes indeed! Please feel free to partake in whatever fruits and vegetables that catch your eye!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Thank you! We will!”

Natalya stands up and bows to their hosts. “I don’t know what my nation did to make you so angry at them, but I’m sorry for whatever happened!”

The queen looks away. “It’s… not your fault, dear! But this matter is still ongoing.”

“We don’t hold you personally responsible for the actions of your leaders, miss.”

Natalya sighs as she leaves the room with the others. “Thank you. But that doesn’t make me any less sorry. “

Natalya, Sereb, Ember and Flash Sentry leave the room. They close the door behind them as the king turns back to Arc.

“We can talk now. Forgive the element of secrecy, but I don’t want what we are about to tell you to become public knowledge.”

Arc nods. “I’ll do my best to keep the circle small.”

Queen Fiona smiles at him. “We trust you to act judiciously with this information.”

“I shall.”

King Felix breathes a sigh of relief! “Good. As we told you, Lord Goldstone wanted to make a deal for a shipment of preserves.”

“A very large shipment, I might add!”

Arc nods. “But there was the detail of payment.”

“Correct. We still have very little to speak of as far as tangible goods or money goes!”

The queen looks uneasy. “He knew that from his previous visits! So he made us a very ‘generous’ offer.”

Arc nods suspiciously. “What kind of offer?”

The king growl angrily! “A bad one!”

“He would send us a transport filled with various preserves at no charge.”

Arc looks confused. “An act of goodwill? Why wait until now?! Your citizens were starving earlier!”

King Felix nods. “There was a catch.”

“I’m not surprised.”

Queen Fiona looks down. “He… wanted a very special favor.”

“A favor?”

She nods. “He would only give us the preserves if… if…”

The queen is silent for a time before looking back at Arc with a pained look on her face.

“…if I spent the night with him.”

Chapter 12 - Indecent Proposals

Arc is silent. For a time he can only stare at the queen in disbelief!

“He… he wanted WHAT?!”

Queen Fiona sighs. “You heard right, Lord Arc.”

King Felix clenches his claws! “He’s lucky I wasn’t there when he made such an indecent proposal to my wife!”

“How could he… WHY would he ask such a thing?!”

The queen frowns. “Because he is a vile, distrustful little troll! Lord Goldstone knows I will do whatever it takes to provide for my subjects!!

The king looks to Arc with relief. “Thank goodness he didn’t make such a proposal before you came to our aid, Lord Arc!”

“Yes. I… would have done anything to feed our nation then!”

“I wouldn’t have allowed it, my dear!”

Queen Fiona puts a paw on her husband’s cheek. “Our nation was starving, dear! I’m sorry, but… I would have gone so far as to allow myself to be bed by any leader who offered us aid! Even… even him.”

Arc nods. “I guess it was a good thing my price wasn’t anywhere near that high.”

She shudders! “Indeed! I sometimes lie awake at night thinking of what it would have been like having to wake up next to Lord Goldstone!”

“It would have been very hard on me as well knowing you were with that griffon! Had you been taken by Lord Arc, at least I would know you were being well cared for and treated right!”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, I’m not taking anyone anywhere they don’t want to go.”

Queen Fiona frowns. “Neither is Lord Goldstone!”

“Right you are, my dear! I’ll have his feathery hide for this if I have to lead an attack on Griffonstone myself!”

Arc turns to the king. “Please, I advise you to be cautious! It wasn’t that long ago your military was decimated!”

The king frowns. “I’ll use our Royal Guard if I have to!”

“Felix. As much as I appreciate what you’re doing to defend my honor, I must ask that you not invade the Griffon Kingdom. We can’t win!”

“Perhaps Lord Arc has some ideas!”

They both look to him.

Arc sighs. “You two trusted me with your secret. So I’ll do the same.”

Queen Fiona looks confused. “Lord Arc? What do you mean?”

“As I told you, I’ve been visiting the Griffon Kingdom on a diplomatic mission.”

The king looks nervous as does his queen. “To what end?”

“We don’t want to have to face you on the battlefield with your griffon allies!”

Arc nods. “To be honest with you, any ties would be economical at best. Equestria isn’t interested in getting involved in every foreign war that pops up. I’ve spent the last week or so learning about their culture, visiting their leaders, seeing their landmarks and observing their fighting techniques first-hand.”

King Felix looks to the door. “That young griffon with you? Did you fight her?”

“It was more than sparring, but less than a real fight. She’s shown me so much. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg.”

“Iceberg?”

Arc nods. “I have another reason for learning about them.”

King Felix nods. “Might we know why then?”

“Yes. But please keep it to yourselves.”

“We will!”

“Felix and I promise. Ruler to ruler.”

Arc smiles at them. “I’m not the Lord Regent anymore, but thank you.”

He leans in closer and lowers his voice.

“Before I became Equestria’s Hero of Light, Lord Goldstone visited Canterlot Castle as a peace envoy. Apparently, he’s been the first one in as long as anyone can remember.”

“Yes. The various nations tend to keep to themselves unless absolutely necessary. Us included.”

“During his stay at the castle, he tried to molest a young aide. He would have forcefully taken her if not for a vigilant guard stepping in.”

The king appears horrified! “Unspeakable! “

Queen Fiona puts a paw to her stomach. “I didn’t think it was possible for me to think any less of him! That vile creature!”

“Attempts to obtain justice through tradition means have failed. Lord Goldstone is just too powerful to be arrested and tried normally! My plan is to learn about their culture in order to find a way to properly punish him!”

King Felix grins! “Will it be… painful?”

“Physically painful, probably not. That’s not a harsh enough punishment for him.”

“What is then?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m still trying to figure that one out. Any ideas?”

Queen Fiona nods. “The griffons crave power and prestige above all other things. To lose them would be a fate worse than death.”

“It’s a start! Now all I have to do is figure out a way to get him fired!”

The king sighs. “Griffon Lords are not ‘fired’ in the traditional sense of the word.”

Arc frowns. “So they’re untouchable?”

The queen shakes her head. “Not quite. For a lord to be removed requires a vote by the Council of Lords. If it passes, they must appear before the king for a second trial.”

“Their only hope at that point is to persuade the king himself to overturn the council. It’s rare, but not completely unheard of.”

Arc nods. “Has it ever been done?!”

Queen Fiona shrugs. Not in our lifetime, no. That law is ancient!”

King Felix nods. “It was part of their nation’s original charter. King Grover, first king of the griffons, knew there had to be some way of removing toxic leaders from power.”

Arc chuckles. “His foresight may yet be Lord Goldstone’s downfall. Thank you for the advice!”

They stand.

“I must still caution you against going to war over this terrible act. Such actions will only serve to hurt those who had nothing to do with it.”

The queen looks to her husband. “Please think of the soldiers, dear. Ours and his! They are the ones who will get hurt! Not him!”

“Your wife is right, your highness. While I sympathize with your situation, Equestria won’t help you militarily in this.”

The king sighs. “I… understand.”

Fiona walks toward him and takes his paws in hers. “We cannot hope to win this fight, dear.”

Arc looks to them with a sly smile. “Now I didn’t say that.”

“Lord Arc?”

“An unwinnable war won’t hurt that snake. In fact, he’ll probably find a way to make it profitable! No, we need to get to him personally.”

“Any idea?”

Arc nods. “Ironically, that’s what I’m working on right now. The information you’ve given me has been helpful in that regard.”

“How so?”

“I’m going to see if I can’t get him removed from the Council of Lords. Then maybe we’ll have a chance at prosecuting him for his lewd crimes. If we manage to get that far, can I count on you to testify against him, Queen Fiona?”

Queen Fiona nods fervently! “Yes! Anything to stop that monster!”

“You’re very brave, your highness.”

“If I don’t stand up against him, this will go on! Who knows how many countless others have been taken by him!”

The king shudders! “And how many more in the future!”

“Do you think my speaking against him will really help, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods. “Like your husband said. If no one does, this will go on.”

“You can count on me to do my part then! This has to stop!”

The king turns to Arc, happily! “Thank you for taking this on, Lord Arc! I will write a letter to the Council of Lords immediately rescinding my earlier Declaration of War!”

The queen thinks for a moment. “With any luck they will accept it! But what reason could we give for so abruptly starting and then stopping a war?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “How about you just say you acted in a moment of anger and you want to make it right?”

King Felix thinks for a moment. “It could work. But what reason could we give for such a reversal?”

“Well, they knew I was coming here. Write that Lord Arc of Equestria made you see reason and talked you out of it.”

Queen Fiona nods. “That would certainly help your standing with them. Lord Arc!”

“And hopefully help me make my case when the time comes!”

King Felix smiles. “I’ll see to it! Would you be so kind as to deliver it when you return to the Griffon Kingdom?”

“No problem.”

The king heads quickly for the door. “I’ll get to work writing the letter immediately! It won’t take long!”

Arc nods. “I’ll wait.”

King Felix leaves the room as the queen walks over to Arc. Her head down.

“Lord Arc? I wanted to apologize again for… my deception when last we met.”

“Please, Queen Fiona. It’s in the past!”

“I… also wanted to thank you for not attaching any… immoral strings to your country’s relief aid. As you know, other leaders are not so… generous.”

She shudders at the thought.

Arc nods. “Taking advantage of those in desperate need of help is bad enough. But to try and gain sexual favors out of it is beyond reprehensible! And from a married ruler no less!”

Queen Fiona nods. “I don’t know how he could even THINK of such a thing!”

“While I haven’t yet met him, I get the feeling he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s probably used to getting WHAT he wants, from WHOM he wants, WHEN he wants it!”

“Not you though!”

Arc nods. “Well, I wasn’t born into wealth and privilege. Having money isn’t a bad thing! As long as you don’t lord it over everyone else or let it rule your life! Those with wealth need to control their money, and not let it control them!”

A short time later King Felix returns with a sealed scroll which he promptly hands to Arc.

“There you are, Lord Arc! Please extend my apologies to the Council of Lords for my rashness!”

Arc nods as he puts the scroll in his ring. “I will.”

“Would you and your group care to stay for lunch? We’d love to have you!”

Arc pats his ring. “Shouldn’t I get this back to the Griffon Empire?”

The king laughs! “As slow as the griffon military is to respond, you have plenty of time!”

“Very well then. But just a quick meal.”

The king nods. “Good! We’ll collect your friends and head for the Banquet Hall!”

After heading to the garden to find the others, the group enjoys a wonderful meal of fish and fruits. Arc sits back from the table.

“Thank you for the meal! It was delicious!”

Ember nods. “That it was!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “I admit, I was skeptical at first. But your methods of gardening seem to be top notch!”

Natalya smiles at the monarchs. “Thank you for the food.”

The king turns to her. “You’ll be happy to know that Lord Arc convinced us not to go to war with your nation, miss.”

“He did? How?!”

The queen looks over. “By showing us that a war would not solve this problem!”

“I’ve given him a letter to deliver to your leaders that will officially end this war before it even starts!”

Natalya breathes a sigh of relief! “Thank you! I wouldn’t want to see your land suffer any more than my own!”

“I’ll head back there today to bring it to General Blackbeak.”

Queen Fiona nods. “Very good!”

King Felix turns to Arc. “I’ve already notified the guards that the war is off and griffons may come and go as they please! We apologize for the way you were treated earlier, miss.”

“It’s no trouble, your majesty.”

Arc stands up. “We should probably be going. There’s someone in town I want to visit before we leave for Griffonstone.”

The queen smiles. “Your friends from before?”

“Yes.”

“Please give them our regards!”

The monarchs escort Arc and company to the Palace Gates and wave after them.

“Please come back anytime!”

“You’ll always be welcome among us!”

Arc turns back and waves. “Take care you two!”

Arc and company make their way down the street together. Ember chuckles.

“I don’t know how you do it sometimes, Arc!”

Flash Sentry nods.! “How many wars have you averted now?”

“Several.”

Natalya turns to him. “Lord Arc? How DID you convince the king to abandon his plans?”

“I simply reminded him that his country couldn’t stand against the Griffon Kingdom right now.”

Flash Sentry looks around at the many thin felines around them. “I see they’re still recovering from their time with The Storm King.”

Ember nods. “It’s greatly improved since then though!”

“Yes, it has. However, this land still has a long way to go. Wounds like that run deep!”

Natalya sighs. “You’re very talented, Lord Arc! The king and queen really seem to like you!”

“They’re quite nice when you get to know them! Having a good working relationship is important for times like these.”

Ember frowns. “What do you mean?”

“It’s easy to get others to listen to you when they know you truly care about them and their problems.”

Natalya looks confused. “But how do you get to that point?”

“Start by listening! Then try to find some common ground! Before you know it, you’ve made a new friend!”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “Does that really work? Forgive me Lord Arc, but that sounds more like how to befriend the Mail Carrier!”

Arc nods. “It does. Everyone pretty much wants the same things when you get right down to it. They’re looking for someone kind, understanding and whom they can talk to.”

Flash Sentry looks over. “But everypony is different, sir!”

“That may be. But you can start with what I’ve just told you and move from there.”

Natalya nods. “I’ll remember that. Uh… shouldn’t we be getting back to the Griffon Kingdom?”

“I just wanted to check in on someone first. It won’t take long.”

Before long they arrive at a small house. Arc knocks, a few moments later a snowy white cat with luminous blue eyes answers the door.

“Yes? What can I… good heavens!”

She quickly kneels, looking down at the ground!

“To what do I owe this honor, sir?!”

Arc reaches down and takes Belle’s paw. “I only stopped by to see how you and your little one were doing.”

“Please come in!”

They enter the small house as Belle closes the door behind them.

“Can I get you anything, sir?! Anything at all?!”

Arc chuckles and shakes his head. “No Belle. Please calm down! Like I said, I only came here to see how you were getting along.”

She nods fervently! “Yes sir! We’re okay here!”

“Getting enough to eat now?”

“We are! Thanks to you, I hear.”

There are small squeals from another room.

“Please excuse me!”

Arc nods. “I understand.”

Belle leaves the room as Natalya turns to Arc.

“She’s kinda nervous.”

Ember nods. “Well, the last time we were here was under less auspicious circumstances.”

Arc sighs. “That and I broke into her house.”

“You did what, Lord Arc?!”

“The streets were deserted. Sereb sniffed her out in here. I Blinked inside to make sure she was okay.”

Ember sighs. “It was a good thing you did! They were both starving!”

Natalya looks confused. “How could they be starving?! I thought you said the Griffon Kingdom exported food to this country!”

Arc nods. “That’s what the king and queen told me.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “It does make sense. Other than those Fish Gardens, I don’t see any other signs of food!”

Belle returns with a giggling kitten in her arms. Arc smiles at her.

“I see Hope is doing much better!”

Belle smiles at her daughter. “That she is!”

“I’m certainly glad to see that! May I hold her?”

Belle walks toward Arc, happily! “Of course, sir!”

She gives Arc the squirming kitten. Hope looks up at him with her tiny eyes and bats her small paw up at him.

“Hello there, little one. You’re not looking so skinny anymore!”

Belle laughs! “She loves to eat everything and anything she can get her paws on!”

“Good! She was so light back then!”

He looks up at Belle.

“So were you.”

Belle looks nervous. “Was I? How could you tell?!”

“Remember when we rushed Hope to my ship? After I handed her off to Nurse Redheart, I had to carry you to a bed!”

“Oh… right. Thank you again for that! If it hadn’t been for you, my daughter and I wouldn’t be here today!”

“It was my pleasure!”

She sighs. “At the very best, everyone in our nation would probably still be starving!”

Ember looks out the window. “Well, with those Fish Gardens all over the place you should have no problem growing enough food to feed yourselves.”

Belle nods. “True. But I hear we also have you to thank for that, Lord Arc. We heard you personally drew up the original designs!”

“It just a little something from my homeland. The builders here took the base idea and really made it work!”

Flash Sentry smiles. “That they did! I thought it would take much longer for you to become self-sufficient!”

“Well, desperation motivated us to use what Lord Arc gave us and go for it! We didn’t know if more help was coming, after all!”

Arc nods. “I’m glad it all worked out, Belle.”

“So am I. If only Hope’s father had survived The Storm King’s initial attack, things would be perfect.”

Arc walks over to Belle with Hope in his arms. He returns the kitten to her mother.

“I’m sorry, Belle. If I could bring him back for you, I would.”

Belle looks into her daughter’s eyes and smiles. “It’s okay, Lord Arc. No one is THAT powerful! I only worry what will become of our nation now. We’re going to war with the Griffon Kingdom, you know.”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Not anymore.”

Belle looks confused. “What?”

Natalya smiles at the mother. “Lord Arc convinced the king and queen not to!”

“Really?! That’s wonderful news! I wasn’t looking forward to more hardship befalling us!”

Arc pulls the scroll out of his ring. “All I have to do is bring this letter from King Felix to General Blackbeak and the hostilities should be over before they can even get started!”

Belle smiles as a tear escapes her eye. “My husband would be very happy to know that!”

Ember turns to Arc. “We should probably get back to the Griffon Kingdom soon.”

“Back there, Lord Arc?”

Arc gestures to Natalya. “For the past week or so I’ve been in Griffonstone as Equestria’s emissary. I’m hoping to negotiate peace between our own nations… amongst other things. Natalya here was assigned to me as my aide.”

Belle smiles. “Well if you perform as well in that as you did stopping OUR war, peace should come easily!”

“I certainly hope so. “

Arc pulls out his pocket watch and looks at the time before turning to the others.

“We need to get moving. Take care of Hope, Belle.”

“I will! Take care, Lord Arc!”

Arc and his companions leave the small house. They close the door behind them. Belle looks back down at Hope as she stretches out a small paw toward the now closed front door.

“I hope you grow up big and strong someday, Hope. Who knows… maybe you’ll grow up to be as great a hero as your father was one day!”

Hope squirms in her arms. Belle sets the kitten down on the floor, giggling.

“Okay! You can roam now!”

Hope totters over to the front door and scratches at it.

“Da da! Da da!”

Belle sighs and walks over to Hope. “No dear. Lord Arc isn’t your father.”

She picks up the kitten and walks over to a small framed photo on a nearby shelf and shows it to her. The pair look at the handsome brown-coated cat with green eyes and a red officer’s coat with gold buttons. He holds up two of his right claws in a “’V’.

“Here is your father dear… “

Hope paws at the picture as Belle stares at it sadly.

“I miss you so much…”

Meanwhile, Arc and his group leave the house and walk down the street together. Natalya looks up at Arc.

“How bad was it back then, sir?”

“The first time I came here? Very.”

Ember sighs. “Everyone was hiding in their homes, too weak from hunger to come out!”

Natalya looks down sadly. “I… I can’t believe we did that!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “You didn’t do anything, Natalya.”

“But the Griffon Kingdom did! Or more accurately, didn’t do!”

She looks to Arc.

“Why?! Why would they do that?! Refusing to bring food to a nation of starving citizens down on their luck is monstrous!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t know for sure. But I have a theory.”

Ember frowns. “Which is…”

“I think Lord Goldstone was going to let them get to the point of rioting before bringing food.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “Why?”

“It would have made the king and queen appear as if they were incapable of providing for their nation. My guess is he figured by now the citizen would have overthrown the monarchs and there would be rioting in the streets. He could swoop in with food, set up a puppet government and through them easily take control.”

Ember growls at the thought! “Their citizens would have seen him and whomever he chose to replace the king and queen as heroes!”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “How much do you want to bet the transport that brought him here was stuffed full of food that probably should have been used to feed his own nation?!”

“I wouldn’t bet against it!”

He leads the group into an off the path alleyway.

“This looks like a good enough spot.”

Arc powers up his crystal. A portal opens and everyone walks through with Arc Blinking in last. A moment later they find themselves back in the Griffon Kingdom. Natalya looks out the window as they leave the bathroom.

“That is just… I don’t know.”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “Unsettling?”

“I suppose.”

Ember shrugs. “You’ll get used to it! Hang around with Arc and you have to!”

Arc himself emerges from the portal as it closes behind him and heads for the door.

“Let’s get this letter to General Blackbeak right away!”

Ember nods as they walk quickly down the corridor! “Yes! He needs to know!”

“That and we have a lot more to do today!”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc, confused. “We do?”

Ember frowns. “Like what?!”

“Big important heroic things! You’ll see!”

They reach General Blackbeak’s office. A flurry of aids come and go! The griffon behind the desk is surrounded by paperwork! Arc and company walk into the office and look at the hustle and bustle of activity around him.

“I’m guessing Lord Goldstone’s back, general.”

Blackbeak nods as he fills out paperwork at an alarming rate! “That he is! Apparently our neighbors from Abyssinia want to play rough! They’ve just declared war on us!”

Arc nods. “Yes, they told me as much when I saw them.”

The general gives the papers to an aide. “Lord Goldstone is in negotiations with our defense contractors at the moment! I’m sorry Lord Arc, but I think it’s going to be awhile before the Council of Lords can see you! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do!”

Natalya steps forward and salutes. “General Blackbeak! Lord Arc has news for you from Abyssinia!”

Arc removes the scroll from his ring. “Yes, I have some good news for you on that regard!

Blackbeak looks at the scroll. “Intel?!”

“Even better, sir!”

Arc nods as he gives the scroll to the general. “The King of Abyssinia wanted me to give this to you.”

General Blackbeak quickly breaks the seal and reads the letter over.

“…what? They want to call off the war?!”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. It was really just a big misunderstanding! Lord Arc convinced them to stop!”

“That I did!”

The general looks up happily! “This is excellent! Tell me, how did you do it, Lord Arc?!”

“I simply explained to them that going to war right now would be catastrophic to both your countries.”

“And that was all?!”

Natalya nods. “They seem to have great respect for Lord Arc!”

Blackbeak pushes the mountain of paperwork off the desk, laughing! “I guess I don’t need all this anymore!”

He picks up the phone and motions for the aids to leave the office. They do so quickly and close the door behind them. Blackbeak happily dials a number!

“He’s going to be so angry! I can’t wait!”

The general puts the receiver to the side of his head and waits. A few moments later another voice can be heard over the other end.

“Yes?!”

“General Blackbeak here, Lord Goldstone.

“Good afternoon general! Now I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m in the middle of an emergency meeting here with our military suppliers! Can I call you back later?!”

“That won’t be necessary, sir. I’ve just received a letter from Abyssinia from the king! He’s calling off the war!”

Lord Goldstone’s pupils shrink! “He… did… WHAT?!”

Blackbeak holds up the letter, smiling broadly! “You heard me right, sir! He says he’s sorry and wants to go back to the way things were before! Isn’t that terrific?!”

Lord Goldstone stands up quickly! His face red with fury! “But… but he can’t DO THAT! We’ve already signed the contracts! Are you certain that letter in genuine?! How did he get a letter here so fast anyway?! And what reason did he give?! I need details!”

The general leans back in his chair as he looks over the letter. “It’s certainly real! I’d recognize their royal seal anywhere! The letter was brought here by the same individual who was responsible for making this peaceful solution possible!”

“WHO?!”

“Lord Arc himself! He must have arrived shortly after you left! He and the king are on very good terms. After a short conference Lord Arc was able to broker peace for us! Isn’t that great?!”

Lord Goldstone slumps down in his chair, sighing. “Delightful.”

“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to celebrating! See you at the next meeting, sir?”

“Yes. Goodbye, general.”

Lord Goldstone hangs up his phone. The defense contractors around him sit in silence. Eventually one of them speaks.

“Good news, sir?”

“OUT! EVERYONE OUT!!!”

The contractors do so in record time! Lord Goldstone sits back in his chair, seething with anger! He taps a pencil angrily on his desk!

“Arc… yet again you have saved the day! But have no fear! I’ll get you eventually! Oh, yes I will! And when I do…”

He snaps the pencil in half with a quick movement of his claws!

“…you’ll WISH you never tangled yourself up in my affairs!”

There is a small knock at the door.

“COME IN!!!”

A secretary walks sheepishly into the office. She has a brown coat, dark brown plumage, tan eyes and black stripes running perpendicular to her back. Cautiously, she makes her way over to the desk with a stack of papers in her talon.

“L-Lord Goldstone? I have the papers you requested.”

He quietly sighs. “Throw them out.”

“Sir?”

He jumps out of his chair and storms over to her, screaming. “I SAID THROW THEM OUT GALENA! CAN YOU HANDLE THAT?!”

The furious lord roughly knocks the papers out of her claws. They scatter all over the floor! She quickly kneels down to pick them up!

“I… I’m sorry, sir!”

Lord Goldstone walks past her toward the office door, angrily! “You better be! Or I’ll MAKE you sorry!”

Galena gathers up the papers and moves quickly toward the door as he holds it open for her. As she passes he slaps her flank, roughly knocking her to the floor! Again the papers fly everywhere!

“Can’t you do ANYTHING right?! Get it together!”

Galena nods as she picks up the papers yet again. “Yes sir! I… I’ll do better!”

Lord Goldstone turns around and smirks! “See to it that you do! Unless you want to have to… ‘work late’!”

Her head raises suddenly and fearfully! “N-no sir! Please don’t!”

The Lord slams the door as he turns around! “Then get to it!”

Galena gathers up the papers and drops them in the waste basket before sitting back down at her desk. She begins to cry quietly as the tears fall on her desk blotter.

“Someone… anyone… please help me! I… I’m desperate!”

Galena continues to cry. But no one hears her beyond the soundproof walls of the office.

Chapter 13 - The Waiting Game

General Blackbeak hangs up the phone with a chuckle.

“That felt so GOOD!”

Arc looks confused. “General?”

“Let’s just say there’s no love lost between Lord Goldstone and I.”

Natalya nods. “What the general is trying to say is that the Council of Lords often treats the soldiers as if they were mere pawns. Things to be used, abused and thrown away when no longer useful.”

Arc nods. “And you general?”

“War has its place. But I don’t like sending others to fight and die to settle what are usually petty arguments.”

He looks to Arc.

“I read all kinds of intel when you were Lord Regent. Your military was on high alert, but you went to face Equestria’s enemies yourself! Why?”

“Had I gone in with an army it would have been very difficult to diffuse the situation peacefully.”

Natalya smiles. “Well said, Lord Arc!”

The general laughs! “Indeed! You’re a human after my own heart, Lord Arc! But weren’t you worried things might not go as you hoped?!”

“Yes. But I was confidant I could take on anything they threw at me with the forces I did bring with me.”

He gestures to Ember and Sereb.

“These two usually accompany me for that purpose.”

Natalya nods. “Very brave of them!”

“Well, we should let you get back to celebrating, general.”

Blackbeak nods. “I’ll notify Canterlot with the date and time of your audience with the Council, Lord Arc. It shouldn’t be too long with this war called off.”

Arc nods and turns to leaves the office. “Thank you, sir. I’m looking forward to it.”

They leave the office together, leaving the general alone. He stands up and walks over to the window.

“Lord Arc. You’re a very interesting individual. I wonder… how DID you avert that war for us? What really happened in Abyssinia? Why are you doing this? Are you working in earnest, or for some other cause, like the rebels?”

The general shakes his head.

“No. Lord Arc would never ally himself with such a group! He is an honorable human! But still…”

Meanwhile, Arc and company return to his room. Ember turns to him.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Arc?!”

“I feel fine. Why?”

Flash Sentry looks to him, concerned. “Opening two long range portals has to be very taxing on your mana pool.”

“Yes, well… I think I need a bit of a rest before I do THAT again!”

Natalya nods. “Do you need a nap, sir?”

“No. But I could go for another shower. That trip to Abyssinia left me dusty and sweaty.”

Cherry speaks to his mind. “Arc? I know this might sound strange, but do you think you could put your helmet on the balcony table?”

“Sure. But why?”

“…I just want some time to think. That and I do enjoy the scenery of this land.”

“If that’s what you want, I’ll do it!”

Arc removes the helmet from his ring and holds it under his arm before walking out on the balcony. He carefully sets the helmet down on the table and points it to the most picturesque landscape. Looking down at it a moment before whispering.

“I’ll come back for you in a bit.”

He turns and walks back inside. As Arc closes the balcony door, he motions to Sereb. The wolf walks over to the door and lies down in front of it. He fixes his unwavering gaze on the helmet. Natalya, not able to hear either side of Arc and Cherry’s conversation looks to him, confused.

“Are you okay, Lord Arc?”

“Fine. Why? “

She looks at the helmet on the table outside. “Uh… no reason!”

Ember walks over. “Why don’t you take an extra-long shower, Arc? The warm water will do wonders to relax you.”

“I think I might just do that. There are a few things I want to think over.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Our next move, sir?”

Arc removes his pocket watch and sets it on the nightstand. “No. That I already have figured out. Why don’t you three take a load off and rest too?”

Ember recalls her armor and sits down on the couch. “You don’t have to tell me twice!”

Flash Sentry sits down next to Ember. “Thank you, sir!”

Arc goes into the bathroom and closes the door behind him. Natalya turns to Ember.

“Lord Arc sure does some rather… strange things.”

Ember nods. “He’s certainly one of a kind.”

Flash Sentry looks to her. “Why don’t you sit down, Natalya? Nothing much to do now but wait for the commander to come out.”

Natalya hesitates, but joins the pair on the couch before turning back to Ember.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Feel free to not answer if you don’t want to but, are you and Lord Arc… a pair?”

Ember looks confused. “A what?”

Natalya blushes heavily! “Well… lovers, I guess.”

Ember chuckles. “I wish! What makes you think that?”

“Well… every morning you’re in bed with him.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I do wish you two wouldn’t do that, Ember.”

“I’m watching his back!”

“That’s not all you’re watching!”

Ember smiles broadly. “Guilty!”

“Can I assume there’s a Lady back in Equestria waiting for him?”

Ember and Flash Sentry lower their heads sadly.

“No, there isn’t.”

“Was there?”

Ember shakes her head. “Well… you see… it was… complicated.”

“You don’t have to tell me if it’s a secret!”

Flash Sentry looks to Natalya. “The commander’s never made a secret of it before. Out of respect though we don’t usually bring it up. Not in front of him anyways.”

Ember nods. “There was an accident. A war criminal was trying to get away, and decided to use her as a diversion by knocking over a cartload of crates. She was badly injured, but survived.”

Natalya gasps. “Any long-term injuries?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Just to their relationship. When she woke up, she remembered everything but him.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide! “Amnesia?!”

Ember sighs. “Yes. The worst part about it was that the accident was the same day she accepted his marriage proposal.”

“That’s terrible! Is there anything that can be done?!”

Flash Sentry lowers his head and removes his helmet respectfully. “Not… anymore.”

Natalya frowns. “What are you talking about?! There’s always hope!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “There’s an annual party at Canterlot Castle called the Grand Galloping Gala. Lord Arc was there to return control of the nation back to the princesses, who had finally recovered enough to retake their thrones.”

Ember looks away. “After he did so, he went out to the Gardens for some fresh air. The princesses followed shortly thereafter. Sereb and I had been assigned to guard them.”

She has a faraway look in her eyes as she remembers the events of that fateful night.

“They sat together talking. Arc had been planning a bit of a vacation and was telling the princesses about it when there was a loud scream from inside the castle followed by a crash! Arc ordered us to stay with the princesses while he ran inside to investigate!”

“Trouble?!”

Ember nods. “The worst kind! Remember that war criminal that got away? He was there to assassinate Arc! He bumped into Arc fiancée on the balcony and knocked her off to lure him back inside! She warned him just in time to bring up his armor! The traitor, unable to kill Arc with his crossbow, pulled a knife and flew at him in an effort to finish him off!”

She shudders at the memory.

“I saw Arc turn around at lightning speed and stab the stallion in the gut! He threw him to the ground as he appeared to beg for mercy. Arc pulled out his blade and stabbed him through the heart!”

Flash Sentry nods angrily! “That traitor got off lucky with a clean death!”

Natalya nods. “And… the mare?”

Ember shakes her head sadly. “She died in Arc’s arms. I still remember him screaming her name in vain!”

“That’s awful! I can’t imagine the pain he must have felt at losing her!”

Ember stands up and walks over to the nightstand. Picking up the pocket watch, she looks it over.

“Arc told me once that this was one of her family’s heirlooms. Her father received it as an engagement gift and it was his wish that it should be given to the stallion that she would marry.”

She walks back to the couch with the watch in her claws. Ember opens the watch and looks at the picture for a moment before turning it to Natalya.

“This watch… he’s carried it ever since that day. I don’t think there will ever be another love for him. Not like that anyway.”

Natalya nods as she looks at the small photo inside the watch. “She’s very beautiful! Was she a noble?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No. Her family owned and operated a cherry ranch in southern Equestria. That’s where they met.”

“What was her name?”

Ember closes the watch and stands up. “Cherry Jubilee. She was as kind a mare as you’d ever want to meet. Arc adored her! I… I don’t hold a candle to her.”

Natalya looks confused. “Then why… why does he sleep with you?”

She sets the watch back on the nightstand. “That’s something we’ve always done. Back in Tartarus, it was a matter of keeping warm. Now I do it to support him emotionally. That and I do care for him deeply.”

Flash Sentry looks to her, soberly. “Ember. Tell me something. Do you sleep next to the commander for his emotional well-being… or your own?”

Ember sighs as she sits back down. “Both. You see, we understand each other better than anyone else does.”

“You do? How so?”

“I’ll tell you another time, Natalya.”

“Um… okay. Can I ask you two about something else?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Sure! Go ahead?”

“You remember that morning I woke up Lord Arc and accidently knocked his helmet off the nightstand?”

Ember sighs. “Vaguely, yes. I was still half asleep.”

“I know I should have been more careful, but I would think his helmet would be more than able to withstand hitting the floor.”

Flash Sentry nods. “You see… that helmet is… very important to him!”

Ember shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Natalya. But that’s one of the things you’ll have to hear from Arc himself.”

“Don’t be too put off by it, Natalya. After all… we all have our secrets.”

Natalya sighs. “That I can understand.”

Sometime later Arc emerges from the bathroom, freshly bathed, changed and with a new spring in his step. Ember smiles at him as he walks toward them.

“Feeling better, Arc?”

“Much! Everyone ready to go?”

Ember nods! “I am!”

“Me too, sir.”

“Where to, Lord Arc?”

“No reason to stay here and wait for the Council of Lords. Let’s get back to Equestria and take care of a few loose ends.”

Ember laughs! “There’s always something to do!”

Flash Sentry turns to Natalya. “You can see firsthoof some of the things the commander does, Natalya.”

Ember nods. “Mind you, some of them aren’t too interesting.”

Arc walks over to the nightstand and picks up his pocket watch. “To be completely honest, most of them aren’t.”

“I’m just anxious to learn what I can from you, Lord Arc! No one else in the entire griffon nation has ever had such an honor!”

“Well, just try not to get your hopes up too high, okay?”

Natalya nods as Arc heads for the balcony.

“Just let me get my helmet and I’ll be ready.”

Arc steps out the balcony door and picks up the helmet. He holds it for a moment before returning it to his ring. Smiling, he turns to head inside as he speaks telepathically to Cherry.

“Did you enjoy the peace and quiet?”

“I did! Looking out over this vast land gave me a chance to really appreciate Equestria. That and I figured you wanted a bit of… alone time as well.”

“Just when I’m in the tub. Other than that, I never get tired of being with you.”

Arc returns to the others. He powers up his crystal and opens a portal.

“Let’s get a move on.”

Everyone nods and enters the portal. A few moments later they find themselves stepping out the other side into a small house. Natalya looks around.

“Where are we?”

“This is where I live.”

Arc points to a door.

“I rent a room from a friend of mine.”

Natalya looks at him, confused. “You mean… you don’t have a big manor somewhere?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. I don’t even own any property.”

Ember raises and eyebrow. What about Light’s Hope?!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “That actually belongs to Canterlot. After all, they were the ones who built it and keep it staffed.”

Arc grins! “And stocked!”

“I guess that makes sense. Arc, you have to get a place of your own someday!”

Arc looks at her, confused. “I do. You stayed there with my squad, remember?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Here in Equestria! You know what I mean!”

Arc laughs. “Maybe at some point. But right now I don’t have the time to maintain or even enjoy my own home.”

“I know that, but…”

He interrupts her. “You could always buy a house yourself! Then I could freeload… I mean live with you!”

Ember laughs as everyone walks toward the door together. “Ha! I’d put you to work!”

Natalya turns to him. “Forgive me, Lord Arc. I just assumed someone as well-known as you would have a home to match your reputation.”

Arc opens the front door. “My base does that for me at the moment. I’ll show it to you later.”

Everyone steps outside.

“Natalya… welcome to Ponyville.”

She looks all around.

“I thought Canterlot was the capitol of Equestria, Lord Arc.”

Ember frowns. “It is. Why do you ask?”

Natalya gestures to the town around them. “Everything here is so… clean! The houses are kept up and everyone here looks so… I don’t know… happy!”

Arc nods. “Every town in Equestria I’ve seen is like this.”

Flash Sentry looks to Natalya. “Is this really a new situation for you?”

“It kinda is! Can we meet some of the inhabitants please?!”

“Sure!”

Flash Sentry turns to Arc. “Sir? Might I head back to base and check on things?”

Arc nods. “Go right ahead. Take Sereb with you.”

They part ways. Flash Sentry turns to Sereb.

“Things are going well!”

“Indeed, lieutenant. Even I didn’t think Arc could make friends with the griffons so quickly.”

“Let’s just hope that friendship lasts though. When he brings his charges against Lord Goldstone…”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember and Natalya make their way toward the center of town. Ember turns to Arc.

“What should we do first?”

Arc grins. “How about a cupcake?”

She facepalms. “Saw that one coming.”

Natalya looks confused. “What’s a cupcake?”

“It’s like a regular cake, only smaller and tastier!”

Ember points to a building. “Come on! We’ll show you!”

Arc and Ember lead Natalya to Sugar Cube Corner. The bell over the front door rings as they enter. Mr. and Mrs. Cake are behind the counter filling a display. They look up and smile as they see their best customer.

“Good afternoon, Arc!”

“I see you’ve brought your friends with you today!”

Arc motions toward Natalya. “I have. Oh, this is Natalya. She’s from Griffonstone.”

Mrs. Cake smiles at her. “Good to meet you, dear!”

“Aren’t you afraid of me?”

Mr. Cake shakes his head. “Certainly not! Any friend of Arc is a friend of ours!”

Arc nods. “Thanks! Now I’m hoping the two of you can help me with a bit of a problem.”

“We’ll certainly try!”

Pinkie Pie walks through the door carrying a tray of cookies on her back.

“I finished baking the cookies, Mrs. Cake! Now all I have to do is…”

She spots Arc standing at the front counter.

“Welcome back, Arc! When did you get in?!”

“Just a short while ago.”

Mr. Cake turns to Pinkie. “He has a bit of a problem though.”

Pinkie Pie trots frantically in place! “Oh no! What is it?! Sickness?! Disease?! Sickness and disease?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Almost as bad.”

He gestures to Natalya.

“My griffon friend Natalya here has never heard of cupcakes!”

Pinkie’s mouth hits the floor… literally!

“WHAT?!”

Arc puts a good-sized bag of bits on the counter. “Give us a platter of every type of cupcake you have! And hurry!”

Pinkie dashes around to several display cases and tossing cupcakes onto a nearby table! “This injustice cannot be allowed to stand!”

Arc turns to Natalya as cupcakes fly past them. “Pinkie and I are very passionate about sweets.”

Natalya watches the pink pony move at an insane pace. “I can see that!”

Before long the table is filled with cupcakes. Pinkie effortlessly picks up Natalya and carries her over to a chair.

“There! One of EVERYTHING!”

Natalya looks dazed as Pinkie sets her down. “Um… thank you?”

Mr. Cake turns to the mare. “Pinkie? We have some cakes to bake. Can you watch the front?”

Pinkie salutes as Arc and Ember sit down with Natalya. “Okie dokey!”

Arc gestures to the sweets before them. “Go ahead, Natalya. I think you’ll be impressed.”

She nervously picks up a pink cupcake with white sprinkles and eyes it suspiciously.

“They do look like little cakes.”

Arc nods. “Try one.”

She takes a small bite. Her eyes immediately light up!

“They’re WONDERFUL!”

Pinkie laughs! “I know, right?!”

Arc, Ember and Natalya continue eating as Pinkie watches happily.

“So how was your trip?”

Arc looks to Pinkie. “It’s still ongoing. I just came back while I wait for an audience with the Council of Lords in Griffonstone. Natalya here showed me how to be a gryphon.”

Pinkie looks him over. Ember looks confused.

“Something wrong, Pinkie Pie?”

Pinkie narrows her eyes and puts a hoof to her chin. “I don’t see any wings or a beak anywhere on you Arc!”

He laughs. “Not literally. Just how to act like one.”

“That makes more sense! But I can’t quite shake the feeling something is different!”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t see it, Pinkie. Arc’s the same as he’s always been!”

“Oh well! It will come to me!”

They eat cupcakes for quite some time. Eventually they sit back, stuffed. Ember sighs happily.

“I don’t think I can eat another bite!”

Natalya groans. Her face on the table. “Me either!”

Arc smiles and rubs his stomach. “Same here! You okay over there, Natalya? You look a little green.”

Natalya slowly raises her head. “Totally… worth it.”

Pinkie returns to the table with a large box. “You can have some more after supper tonight!”

Arc smiles! “Good idea! I love leftovers!”

Pinkie boxes up the remaining cupcakes for them and slides the box across the table to Arc.

“There you go! All ready!”

Arc accepts the box and puts it in his magic ring. “Thanks!”

Pinkie looks at him. “Arc? You have a little frosting on your cheek.”

Arc wipes his face. “Did I get it?”

“Not quite! Let me help!”

Pinkie trots over to him and licks his cheek. Blushing slightly she looks his face over again.

“There you go!”

“Uh, thanks Pinkie. Say, before I go, is everyone doing okay since… you know…”

Pinkie nods happily! “Yes! Everyone’s just fine, thanks to you!”

“Good! I was a bit worried that the medicine might not be… completely effective.”

“Believe me, it was!”

As he and the others stand up Arc looks back at the pink mare. “Great! Well, we should be moving on. I’ll stop by and see you another time.”

She waves a hoof after them. “Bye! Come back again soon!”

They leave via the front door. The bell jingles as they do so. Pinkie smiles happily as the door closes behind them.

“Don’t be a stranger, Arc…”

Arc and company walk down the street together. Natalya turns to him.

“Pinkie really seems to like you, sir.”

“That she does.”

Ember chuckles. “Where to next?”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “We have a bit of time. Let’s go to the Golden Oakes Library and see how Twilight and Auriel are getting along.”

Ember nods as they walk down the path together. “I haven’t seen them in a while. What do you suppose they’ve been up to?”

“Twilight’s probably curled up with a good book while Auriel’s in the lab.”

A short time later they arrive at the Golden Oaks Library. Arc knocks. Twilight opens the door and smiles at him.

“Oh, hello everypony! Come in!”

Arc kneels down to give her a hug as the others enter. “Thanks. I hope we’re not interrupting anything.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at all! You’re always welcome here!”

Arc gestures to Natalya. “Twilight, I’d like you to meet Natalya. She’s visiting us from the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Pleased to meet you! I hope you’re liking Ponyville so far!”

“I am! It’s very… friendly.”

Ember grins! “That it is! Folks here are pretty understanding!”

Twilight laughs! “That they are! It took quite a while, but they even warmed up to a human!”

Arc shrugs. “Well… no one is perfect.”

“So what brings you here today, Arc?”

“I just wanted to see how you and Auriel were getting on.”

“She and I have been in the lab for what feels like forever. I actually just came up to get us some lunch.”

Ember looks at the clock. “Isn’t it kinda late for that?”

“I suppose. But, as usual, we lost track of time. Care to see what we’ve been up to?”

Arc nods. “Always. Lead the way.”

“Follow me!”

They descend the steps. Auriel is writing something down while reading a very thick book. She looks up as she hears footsteps on the stairs.

“That was fast, Twilight! Oh! Hello Arc! How have you been?!”

“Busy! But in any case, I’d like you to meet Natalya here. She’s a gryphon from a faraway land.”

“Hello!”

Natalya looks at Auriel, sheepishly. “Um… hi.”

“Sorry if I’m a bit scary looking. Being a demon has that drawback.”

Natalya appears nervous. “A demon?! In Equestria?!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not much different than a griffon being here, is it?”

“I suppose not. Sorry miss.”

Auriel sighs. “It’s okay. I’m… kinda used to that reaction.”

Arc looks around the lab at the equipment and books scattered around the room.

“Well, it looks like things have been happening around here as well.”

Auriel smiles. “That they have! I’ve made an amazing magical discovery!”

Twilight nods. “It really is revolutionary!”

Arc chuckles at their excitement! “Tell me about it. That is, if it’s not a big secret.”

Auriel motions to the P.E.E.L in a corner of the lab. “I’ve discovered that various fruits here in Equestria actually have magical energies stored in them!”

Ember looks surprised! “They do?!”

Arc nods, clearly impressed! “How much?!”

Twilight walks over to the P.E.E.L. “Not much! Just very faint traces! She’s also invented this machine to extract the magical essences!”

Natalya looks the device over. “What can you do with these essences?”

Auriel shrugs. “We haven’t really found any good uses for this new technology, and probably won’t for quite some time.”

Arc smiles. “Chemistry?”

Auriel laughs. “More like alchemy at this point. We could probably make some very powerful potions if we learned how much of what essences to add.”

Twilight puts a hoof on the machine. “At the moment we’re still in the experimental stages! For all we know, these potions may be too powerful for anypony to drink!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Have you considered topicals? Perhaps medical applications are possible.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “We hadn’t thought of that! Honestly, the longer we research the more possibilities come to mind!”

Ember nods. “Maybe you need to bring on more help to explore some of those possibilities.”

Twilight sighs. “I’ve thought of that. But Auriel is against it.”

Auriel nods soberly. “Forgive me, but I’m just worried about someone weaponizing my discoveries. That’s all I did in Tartarus… make weapons.”

She looks down at her feet.

“I’d feel really bad if something happened.”

Arc nods. “Any idea can be weaponized, Auriel. Even something as necessary as water can be deadly if there’s enough of it. But I understand and respect your position on this matter.”

“Thank you.”

Ember points to a large sheet hung over part of the lab. “What’s over there?”

Twilight giggles. “I’m working on a secret project in my part of the lab.”

Arc frowns. “Your part of the lab? Are you two getting along?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, indeed! Twilight is the smartest pony I’ve ever met!”

“It’s more for safety than anything else. We don’t want our experiments getting mixed up.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose that makes sense. Bad data isn’t really good for anything other than wasting time and resources!”

“Right! By the way Twilight, we’re my notes helpful?”

“They were. Let me go get them.”

Twilight disappears behind the sheet and emerges a moment later levitating some papers.

“Here you are, Auriel. Thanks again.”

Auriel turns to the others as she takes the notes. “We have a strict policy of staying on our sides for the same reasons.”

“Right! If I need something from Auriel, she brings it to me and vice versa!”

She looks toward the sheet. “I’m looking forward to seeing what you’re working on over there, Twilight. How’s it coming along?”

Twilight smiles proudly. “Soon everypony will see it! I think it will be quite the scientific accomplishment! If it works, that is!”

Arc chuckles. “Knowing you two, it’ll be amazing. Well, we should let you get back to it. I’ll try and by and see you two before I leave for Griffonstone again.”

He heads for the stairs with the others. Auriel waves after them.

“Goodbye. It was very nice meeting you, Natalya.”

Twilight smiles. “Take care, Arc.”

The door closes behind them as Auriel turns to Twilight.

“She seemed nice.”

Twilight nods. “She did! Funny. I was always told griffons were a difficult race to get along with.”

Auriel smiles. “Like humans?”

“I suppose so.”

“You can’t judge a book by its cover, Twilight.

Twilight sighs. “I of all ponies should know that.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember and Natalya leave the library and walk down the path together. Ember turns to Arc.

“You weren’t really worried they were fighting now were you, Arc?”

“No. But living with someone in such close quarters can make you a little stir crazy after a while.”

Ember frowns. “Not me!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, well… we go out a lot. Remember, they don’t often leave the library.”

Natalya looks confused. “Ponies are social creatures?”

Ember nods. “Very! Imagine Pinkie Pie in isolation.”

Arc shudders! “That’s a scary thought! I certainly wouldn’t want to be the one to open that door!”

Natalya nods. “I can imagine that! Is she… unbalanced?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah! She’s just Pinkie Pie!”

He looks at his pocket watch and smiles.

“It’s time.”

“For what, sir?”

“You’ll see. Follow me.”

Chapter 14 - The Simple Life

They walk back towards Light’s Hope. Natalya looks to Arc.

“What do you mean, sir?”

“I’ve been killing time until now.”

Part way to Light’s Hope Arc stops and turns to a nearby building.

“Here we are. The Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Ember turns to Natalya. “It’s also Ponyville School.”

Natalya looks confused. “What’s an orphanage?”

Arc looks at her, confused. “It’s where foals go if their parents can’t take care of them. Whether by death or just being deadbeats, they have to go somewhere.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “If you don’t have orphanages in the Griffon Kingdom where do they send young griffons who lose their parents?”

“They usually go live with another family member.”

“And if there isn’t one?”

Natalya looks down. “I’m sad to say they wind up living on the streets. We have a place called Griffon’s Gate where most of them seem to end up.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “What do you mean ‘end up’?”

“It’s centrally located and somewhat easy to reach due to all the transports that go there, as it’s a hub of commerce. Young griffons just hop on a transport and wait for it to fly there, as Griffon’s Gate is always their eventual destination.”

Arc frowns. “Then what?”

“They usually band together to form small, underground families.”

“What do they eat?!”

“Whatever they can steal from transports and the local warehouses. It’s also traditional in that city to throw your dinner scraps out the window to the orphans.”

Ember grimaces. “Doesn’t your country DO anything about them?!”

Natalya sighs. “Kinda. But mostly only to the benefit of the merchants. Tighter security around warehouses and the airship docks are really the best they can do.”

Arc nods soberly. “When we go back there, I’d like to see this town for myself.”

“Very well, sir. I can arrange for a transport to ferry us there. It should only take about an hour of flying. Truth be told, I’ve never seen the town myself. But every griffon has heard of it.”

Ember nods. “Stories?”

“Rumors mostly. “Sometimes parents threaten to send their young there if they don’t behave.

They walk over to the orphanage doors as Arc turns to the others.

“Let’s not talk about this here, okay?”

Ember and Natalya nod as Arc pushes the door open. They step into the Main Hall together as Natalya looks around.

“This place is very nice! Do they students live here?!”

Ember shakes her head. “Just the ones who don’t have families.”

Arc points toward the stairs. “They have a large Dormitory upstairs along with a Playroom and the Matron’s office.”

“What’s a Matron?”

Ember thinks for a moment. “She’s… kinda like a mother to them.”

Arc nods. “Right! Matron Coco Pommel takes care of raising the foals, maintaining the orphanage, showing them love and trying to find them permanent homes.”

Natalya looks confused. “I don’t understand. Isn’t this their permanent home?”

Arc shakes his head. “They’re only supposed to stay here until someone comes by looking to adopt a foal. It’s also the Matron’s job to see to it prospective parents are fit to adopt them.”

Natalya sighs. “That’s another word I don’t understand!”

“Which one?”

“Adopt.”

Arc sighs. “That’s when a couple comes here looking to take an orphan home with them and raise them as if they were their own.”

“Permanently?”

“Yes.”

“Please forgive all my questions, Lord Arc! But… why would anyone want to DO that?! I mean… it’s not their youngling!”

Arc looks to Natalya. “Some couples who want a little one can’t have a foal. So they look to adoption.”

Ember nods. “They get a foal, and the little one gets parents! It’s a win-win for everyone!”

“Um… Lord Arc? Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“Can… can anyone adopt a foal?”

“I think so. Why?”

“Could… I?”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “What?! Isn’t that a little sudden?!”

Natalya waves a talon in front of her face! “No, no! Please don’t misunderstand! I’m only asking so I can better understand Equestria’s customs!”

Arc shrugs. “I… don’t know. You’d have to talk to the Matron. Would you like to see her?”

“Yes! Very much so!”

Arc walks toward the stairs. “This way.”

They proceed to Coco Pommel’s office. Arc knocks.

“Come in!”

Arc and company enter the office. When she sees him, Coco Pommel quickly gets up and hurries over! Arc kneels down to give her a hug!

“Arc! Good to see you!”

He nods as he puts his arms around her. “Good to be back in town. How have you been?”

Coco Pommel looks at Natalya. “Great! I see you’ve made a new friend!”

“This is Lieutenant Natalya of the Griffon Kingdom. Natalya, this is Matron Coco Pommel. She’s in charge of everything adoption related.”

“Please to meet you Natalya. So what can I do for you today, Arc?”

“Natalya is here to ask you some questions about how the adoption process works in Equestria.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“I’ll answer as best I can. Why don’t we have a seat first though?”

She gestures to a few chairs in front of her desk. They sit down as she walks around to her own chair and sits back down.

“What would you like to know, Miss Natalya?”

“For starters, how does adoption work?”

“A couple comes here to talk to me. Together we figure out if adoption is right for them. If it is, we start looking at pictures and sit on my office balcony to watch the foals play.”

"How do you know if they’ll be good parents?”

“There isn’t really a sure-fire way to know! I often have to trust my instincts. Before anypony can be adopted though, I have to visit their home and make sure it’s safe.”

Arc nods. “There has to be some kind of minimum requirements, after all.”

“Officially, it has to have four sturdy walls and be warm in the winter. Other than that, it’s up to my discretion.”

Natalya nods. “And if it is?”

“Then the process can proceed.”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “Let’s talk more about that. For example… let’s say a couple meets your requirements and sees a foal they would like to adopt. What then?”

“Then I summon the foal in question to my office to meet the couple for an interview over some light snacks.”

Natalya looks confused. “Interview?”

“I mostly just observe and let the three of them talk to each other about whatever they want.”

“And then?”

“If the three seem compatible, we schedule a time for the foal and I to travel to the couple’s home. All of us spend the day together as the foal sees their potential new home and town.”

Arc nods, clearly impressed. “I didn’t realize this was so labor intensive.”

Coco Pommel smiles at him. “I do my very best for them.”

“And if all looks good do you leave the foal with them?”

“No. They come back to the orphanage with me.”

“What? Why?”

“I have what I call a ‘one-week cool-down period’. No matter how compatible they are, I always insist on waiting one week before doing anything else. It’s to ensure neither side makes a rash decision. Twice now the potential parents have called me back after thinking it over for a few days to call it off.”

Arc sighs. “That’s too bad. But I suppose it’s better than them deciding to take the foal back to the orphanage after they’ve been officially adopted.”

“Yes. I’m happy to say that has not yet happened.”

Natalya nods. “Can a single individual adopt a foal?”

“Only if they are directly related to them. Such as a grandparent of older sibling.”

“What about me? Could I theoretically adopt a foal?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “I’m sorry, miss, but Equestrian adoptions are only permitted to citizens of this land.”

Arc appears surprised! “Really? Why’s that?”

“I’m not sure. But it’s a very old law passed by Princess Celestia herself centuries ago. My guess is it was in reaction to all the turmoil in the world at the time.”

Natalya smiles at the matron. “Thank you for answering my questions, Miss Pommel. You’ve been very helpful!”

“I’m glad I could help. By the way… the orphans have been talking about you nearly every day, Arc.”

Ember laughs. “I can understand that!”

Arc chuckles. “Good things I hope.”

Coco Pommel giggles. “Always! They all want to grow up and be just like you! They’ve been re-enacting your fight with Matron Tempest at the New Beginnings Orphanage and our actions at what they’ve started calling the Battle of Light’s Hope!”

Arc smiles. “Good. That means their moving past that terrible chapter in their lives.”

“Well, there is one problem.”

Ember frowns. “Oh?”

“I’ve caught them stick fighting a few times now. While nopony’s been hurt, I worry they’ll poke an eye out.”

Arc nods. “Should I have a talk with them?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve already put in an order with Miss Ocean Breeze at Barnyard Bargains. She’s going to special order us some toy swords and spears.”

Ember looks surprised. “I’m sure you know what you’re doing. But are you sure you want to encourage this kind of behavior?”

“Many of them will one day join the Equestrian military. This kind of ‘training’ may one day save their lives. That and it’s kinda hard to discourage them when they’ve seen me fight to protect them alongside our forces as well.”

Natalya looks up, surprised. “You’re a warrior, Miss Pommel?!”

She walks to a nearby closet. “Only when I have to be.”

Opening the door she reaches inside and pulls out a spear. Returning to the others Coco pommel gives the spear to Natalya to examine.

“This is the Spear of Devotion. Somehow it grants me the power to fight to protect these little ones.”

“Fight?”

Arc nods. “Before this building was finished, she and the orphans were living in my base down the path. There was an attack by the Nightborn to try and ‘rescue’ Princess Luna, who was staying there at the time as well.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “The orphans and the base’s support staff were hidden in the barracks along with the princess herself. The soldiers fought bravely, but were overcome by the shadowy invaders! I and another mare, who is now my assistant, held the line against the monsters to give Princess Luna time to fully raise the sun! It dispelled them in an instant!”

She closes her eyes and remembers the event in her mind’s eye.

“The next thing I knew my assistant was flying past the door and engaging their leader!”

Arc clenches a fist! “I wish I could have been there!”

Ember shakes her head. “You couldn’t be two places at once. Nor could you have known about the attack, Arc.”

Coco Pommel smiles at him. “Yes, Arc. We don’t hold it against you.”

Arc looks over at Natalya. She is studying the spear closely.

“You know something about this, Natalya?”

“This weapon… I’ve seen something like it before!”

Ember frowns. “Where?!”

“Arbiter Ghaleon wields a similar weapon. It’s a national treasure of the Griffon Kingdom and proof of one’s position as Arbiter.”

Arc calls forth his own spear. “Take a look at mine. They both seem to be connected somehow.”

Natalya sets down the Spear of Devotion and takes Arc’s Spear of Righteousness. “I can feel the power in both these weapons. While they look different, they do have similarities in their construction.”

Arc looks back and forth between the spears. “They do! Why didn’t I notice that until now?! Let’s see yours, Ember!”

Ember calls forth her spear and sets it on the desk.

“Mine’s the Spear of Courage.”

Natalya looks all three over carefully. “Now I’m not a weapon’s expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I get the feeling these weapons were forged by the same artisan.”

Ember frowns. “Great! What does that mean?!”

“It means someone very powerful commissioned them. Or at the very least, someone very talented in the art of magic. You can tell by the style. Are there any others?”

Coco Pommel nods. “My assistant has one. The Spear of Hope.”

“It’s at her house. I’ll look at it later, but imagine we’ll find the same similarities. Princess Celestia is supposed to have one as well, although I’ve never seen it.”

He looks to Coco Pommel.

“That reminds me, how exactly DID you get your spear Coco Pommel?”

She sits down heavily in her office chair.

“It was about a year before I aged out of the orphanage. The day had been very hard, as Matron Tempest had been in a particularly foul mood. When night fell, I made the decision to run away! I ran through the forest for well over an hour with no real destination in mind!”

Arc nods. “Just trying to put distance between yourself and the Matron?”

“Yes. I entered a clearing and stopped to rest. Suddenly a bring light shone all around, as a voice called out to me…”

She closes her eyes and concentrates on the memories. Young Coco Pommel looks around, speaking with evident fear in her voice as a strange creature of light suddenly stands before her!

“What?! What are you?!”

“A friend.”

“P-please don’t hurt me!”

“You’re frightened, Coco Pommel.”

She steps back. “How do you know my name?!”

“I know quite a bit more than even you yourself do. For example, where are you running to?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“Well, I do. You’re running away from adversity. That’s a destination in itself.”

“What else could I do?! Matron Tempest is a horrid mare!”

“With you gone, who will face that adversity?”

Coco Pommel looks down at the ground. “I… I don’t know.”

“You are the only one strong enough to complete such a daunting task.”

She shakes her head at this. “It’s not about strength! Matron Tempest is invincible!”

“No. She CAN be given pause.”

“How?!”

A spear appears point down in the dirt in front of Coco Pommel.

“This weapon’s innate powers can temporarily dispel the one you call Matron Tempest. However, only one such as you who is worthy of it can call forth the power within of Holy Light.”

The young mare takes the spear in hoof and looks at it. “What?! But how will I…”

Coco Pommel looks up to see the figure has vanished. A voice can be heard on the wind.

“When the time is right, you will know what to do.”

“WAIT! I don’t know where I am or how to get back!”

She turns around to see that she is standing in the New Beginnings Orphanage backyard.

“What…?”

Coco Pommel looks at the spear in her hoof for a moment before running to a corner of the yard and frantically burying the spear! She opens her eyes and looks back at Arc and company.

“The next morning I awoke to find flowers growing where I had buried the spear.”

She looks to Arc, sadly.

“As you know, those flowers were the only thing that kept me going for… many years to come. You know the rest, Arc. I’ll let you tell Natalya later.”

Natalya puts a talon to her forehead. “What a story! But what happened to…”

Arc interrupts her. “I’ll tell you later.”

Coco Pommel stands up and puts the spear back in the closet before turning back to them. “School will be getting out soon, Arc. The orphans and Dinky would be overjoyed if you met them in the Main Hall. That is, if you have the time.”

Arc nods. “I do. Thanks, Coco Pommel.”

Natalya nods respectfully at the matron. “Thank you for explaining the adoption process to me, ma’am.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “If you have any other questions, you can usually find me here.”

Natalya leaves the office with Arc and Ember. They make their way down the stairs to the Main Hall as the classroom door opens and the foals run out! Natalya marvels at them!

“They look like miniature ponies!”

Dinky spots her father and runs over to him, excitedly! “DAD!”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Dad?”

She runs over to Arc as he kneels down and puts his arms out to her. Dinky leaps into them and he holds her close.

“I missed you, dad!”

“And I missed you too, sweetheart.”

The rest of the school foals run over as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walk by.

“Hmph! Big deal.”

“Sister, please! They’ll hear you!”

The Rich sisters walk out the front door as the others crowd around Arc, Ember and Natalya.

Pipsqueak reaches him first! “Mr. Arc! Welcome back!”

Aquamarine jumps up and down with the others. “Where have you been?!”

Babs Seed giggles. “Off doing something awesome probably!”

Arc nods as he puts Dinky down and looks at the expectant foals and gestures to Natalya. “Now, now, plenty of time for explanations later. First, I want all of you to meet my new friend here. This is Lieutenant Natalya.”

The foals respond together. “Hello, Lieutenant Natalya!”

Apple Bloom looks at her, confused. “Are you a pegasus?!”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes grow wide! “Apple Bloom!”

“What? She has wings!”

Natalya smiles at them. “I’m a griffon.”

Pipsqueak looks confused. “What kind of pony is that?!”

Ember shakes her head. “She’s not a pony at all!”

Aquamarine looks the newcomer over. “What part of Equestria are you from?!”

“I’m from the Griffon Kingdom.”

Apple Bloom thinks for a moment. “Where’s that?”

“I’m… not sure. Equestrian geography isn’t something I’m familiar with.”

Arc chuckles. “If you walked east for around two weeks you would come to Baltimare on the east coast. Far across the ocean is another continent called the Griffon Kingdom.”

Sweetie Belle gasps! “How long does it take to get there?!”

“It took me all night to fly there on the Lunar Destiny.”

Babs Seed points a hoof toward the window. “That really big ship that flew over town a while back?!”

Ember grins! “Yup!”

Pipsqueak looks to Arc with curiosity in his eyes. “What were you doing there, Mr. Arc?!”

“Mostly getting to know our griffon neighbors across the sea.”

Aquamarine looks toward the stairs. “Where did you sleep?! On your ship?”

“They gave me a room in what they call the Grand Aviary.”

Natalya holds her talons aloft. “It’s a really big building!”

Ember nods. “Kinda like Canterlot Castle.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “In any case, everyone should probably be getting home. Your parents will worry about you if you’re late.”

The townsfoals run out the front door. Apple Bloom and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders join them.

“See you later, Mr. Arc!”

“I’ll say hi to Rarity for you!”

Babs Seed turns to her friend. “You coming to the meeting later, Dinky?”

Dinky shakes her head. “I’m going to stay here with my dad! Catch you later!”

She waves at her friends as they leave. Aquamarine and Pipsqueak head upstairs to the Dormitory to do their homework with the rest of the orphans.

“Come visit us again soon, Mr. Arc!”

“Yeah! Bring more cool friends too!”

Arc waves. “I will!”

He looks down at Dinky.

“Where’s your mother?”

Dinky points a hoof toward the cafeteria. “She’s in there getting started on supper! I usually head over there and lend a hoof!”

“Let’s go see her!”

They walk to the kitchen. Derpy is busy chopping vegetables.

“Mom! Dad’s back!”

Derpy looks up. “He is? Arc!”

She drops her knife and runs over to him as the little family shares a hug together! Dinky tugs at her mother’s hoof as Arc lets go of them. “Look, mom! He brought a new friend!”

“Hello. My name’s Natalya.”

Derpy shakes hooves with her. “Derpy. I see you’ve already met our daughter Dinky!”

“Yes. She’s very energetic!”

“Are you staying for a while, dad?!”

“A couple days probably.”

Dinky raises her small hooves, happily! “YAY!”

Derpy smiles at him. “How was Griffonstone?”

“Very… different. I’m waiting for the Council of Lords to get back so they can see me.”

He looks at the vegetables on the table.

“Do you want some help in the kitchen?”

Dinky nods! “That sounds like fun!”

“Only if you’re not busy!”

Arc walks over to the sink to wash his hands. “Right now, all I want to do is spend some quality time with my family.”

Derpy nods. “Then yes! Thank you!”

Ember grins! “I’ll help too!”

Natalya looks sheepishly at Arc. “I’m not very good in at cooking, but I can try!”

Arc rolls up his sleeves. “Okay! Let’s do this!”

They get supper cooked and the Lunch Room ready in record time. As the group shares a meal with the orphans and Coco Pommel, Natalya tells them more about the Griffon Kingdom over their meal.

“No, we don’t have cotton candy either.”

Pipsqueak thinks for a moment. “Apples?”

“Nope!”

Aquamarine looks over. “Eggs?”

“Only if you’re rich!”

Derpy looks over to Natalya. “Are the other griffons nice?”

“Kinda. It mostly depends on your place in society.”

Dinky smiles at her. “What do you do with your friends for fun?!”

Natalya looks confused. “Fun?”

“Yeah! Is there a bakery there like Sugar Cube Corner?!”

“No, we don’t have bakeries. And… I… um… don’t have any friends.”

Arc looks up. “You don’t?”

“No. Friends aren’t exactly something griffons have.”

Ember nods understandingly. “Dragons aren’t much for friendship either. But that all changed, for me at least, when I met Arc.”

Natalya sighs. “I see.”

They finish their meal. Arc and Natalya do the dishes while Coco Pommel, Derpy and Cheerilee help Dinky and the orphans with their homework. Natalya looks over to him as he hands her another dish to dry.

“Can I ask you something, Lord Arc?”

“Go ahead!”

“You’re still the Hero of Light, right?”

Arc nods as he rinses off a plate and hands it to her. “I am.”

“And your still an Equestrian emissary?”

“I suppose so.”

“And you were the legitimate ruler of Equestria for a time!”

“Yes. What about it?”

Natalya sighs. “Forgive me but, I guess what I’m getting at is… why are you washing dishes?”

Arc smiles at her. “Simple! Because they’re dirty.”

“No, I mean, don’t you have subordinates you could order to do things like this?”

“I do at my base down the road.”

Natalya looks even more confused as Arc hands her the last clean dish. “Then why do it yourself?”

Arc turns off the water and dries his hands. “Because it needs to be done.”

“I just don’t understand!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as he turns around. “Stick with me and you’ll learn why.”

She nods uncertainly as Derpy and Dinky walk into the kitchen.

“I’m all done for the day, Arc.”

“Me too, dad!”

Arc nods. “Why don’t we all head back to Light’s Hope for the evening? You two want to spend the night?”

Derpy nods. “Sure! It’s been awhile!”

Dinky hops up and down excitedly! “Slumber party!”

Arc turns to Natalya. “Don’t worry. My base has some rather nice Guest Rooms for visiting dignitaries such as yourself.”

Natalya looks nervous. “Please don’t go to any trouble, sir! I can sleep in the Barracks with the rest of the soldiers!”

“I wouldn’t dream of it! You’re my guest at the moment, after all!”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

They leave the Little Hooves Orphanage together. The sun has begun to set as Dinky yawns. Arc looks down at her.

“Want a piggy back ride, Dinky?”

“What’s that, dad?”

“I’ll show you.”

Arc picks Dinky up and sets her on his shoulders as they continue walking.

“This is kinda fun!”

“Humans on Earth do this for their children.”

Natalya looks over. “Earth?”

Arc nods. “It’s where humans are from.”

“Is it across the ocean?”

“No, it’s a lot further than that.”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “Across multiple oceans?!”

“It’s not even on this planet.”

“What?! Then how did you get here?!”

Arc smiles. “It’s… complicated.”

A short time later they arrive at Arc’s base.

“Here we are! Light’s Hope!”

Natalya marvels at the building. “This place is yours?!”

Arc holds the door open for her and Derpy. “As long as I’m the Hero of Light, yes.”

He leads them through the Main Hall and down the corridor before stopping in front of a large door. Arc steps inside with Natalya to a beautiful guest room.

“You can stay here. I hope you’ll be comfortable.”

Natalya looks around the room, wide-eyed! “This… all of this is for me?!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I have a nicer room down the hall if this one isn’t big enough.”

“No, no! This is more than enough! Thank you!”

“Well, I’ll let you rest for the evening. If you get hungry there are snacks in the cafeteria. It’s down the corridor to the left. Just follow your nose.”

“I’m a bit tired, so I think I’ll turn in for the evening.”

“Good night, Natalya. I’ll come get you for breakfast early tomorrow morning.”

Arc leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Natalya sits down on the bed and sighs.

“Equestria… what a strange land. I just don’t get why they do things this way!”

Meanwhile, Arc leads Derpy and Dinky to his quarters. They enter his living room together.

“What a day!”

“Dad? Can I come to Abyssinia with you next time?!”

Arc chuckles. “Maybe. The king and queen would certainly love to meet you!”

Derpy sticks out her tongue, playfully. “Who knows! Maybe they would like to keep you!”

Dinky raises her hooves and giggles! “All hail Princess Dinky of Abyssinia!”

They enjoy a laugh together as the small family walks over to the couch and sits down. Derpy turns to Arc, happily!

“Thanks for helping out today, Arc!”

“Yeah dad! It was lots of fun! We need to do that more often!”

Arc nods. “Well, that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you two about. Do school foals get time off in the winter?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. Two weeks for Hearth’s Warming. Why?”

“How would you two like to go on a bit of a trip with me?”

Dinky nods! “I wanna go! Where to?!”

“Earth.”

Dinky looks to her mother anxiously. “Can we mom?! PLEASE?!”

“I… I don’t know. Miss Pommel needs a lot of help at the orphanage preparing meals. You saw how much work that was!”

Arc nods. “I can assign some Royal Guards to kitchen duty. With help, Saffron could keep them fed while you’re gone.”

Derpy thinks for a moment. “Well… only if it’s not too much trouble for her! And if Miss Pommel agrees!”

“Good! I’ll take you two with me to Earth when I complete my work in the Griffon Kingdom!”

Dinky grins at her mother. “Hopefully soon! I can show you all the cool stuff they have there, mom! You’ll love Earth!”

Arc nods. “I think you would too, Derpy.”

Derpy nervously points a hoof at her eye. “What about… this?

“Some humans have that condition too. So I don’t think anyone will think twice about it.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Okay then! Yes, we’ll come!”

“YAY!!!”

Derpy smiles at the idea. “When do you think you’ll be done in the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Hard to say. I’ll try to give you as much notice as possible.”

“Thanks! I’m sure Miss Pommel would appreciate it!”

Arc and his family sit in front of the fireplace for a long time talking and catching up. Sometime later Arc looks down and Dinky in his lap.

“Okay sweetheart, I think it’s time we got to bed.”

Dinky yawns. “Aw… do we have to?”

“Yes, sweetheart.”

Derpy nods. “Tomorrow is a school day, after all!”

“Your mother’s right. The two of you need your rest.”

“What about you, dad?!”

“I need to take care of something before I come to bed. Don’t wait up for me though.”

Derpy nods as she and Dinky walk toward his room. “Okay. Just don’t take too long.”

“I won’t.”

Arc leaves his room and walks quickly down the corridor, muttering to himself.

“I know they’re still up. Time to make a house call!”

Chapter 15 - Breakfast Club

Arc makes his way to the Main Hall. Sereb meets him there.

“Going out, Arc?”

“Yes. Want to come?”

Sereb nods. “I would.”

The pair leave the base together. Arc hops on Sereb’s back and they head towards Ponyville.

“Where to, Arc?”

“Take me to the Golden Oaks Library.”

“Is it not a bit late to visit?”

Arc nods. “Yes, but those two are still up. Of that I’m certain.”

A short time later they arrive at their destination. Arc dismounts and knocks. A few moments later Twilight comes to the door.

“Arc? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, Twilight. I just need to talk to you and Auriel.”

Twilight looks confused as she steps back to let him inside. “All right. Please come in.”

He steps across the threshold as Twilight closes the door behind him.

“Can I offer you some tea?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thank you. It is quite late after all.”

“I’ll just get Auriel then.”

He nods. “Thank you. I’ll wait here for you two.”

Twilight descends the basement stairs. A moment later she returns with Auriel in her stead.

“You wanted to see me, Arc?”

“Yes, Auriel. Do you have any plans for tomorrow morning?”

She shakes her head. “No, I don’t. Other than my research that is.”

“I’d like to take you on a bit of a field trip if you’re up to it.”

Auriel nods. Only slightly confused. “Okay. Where and what time?”

“First thing tomorrow morning at Light’s Hope.”

“I’ll get to bed early then.”

Twilight looks out the window. “I think your chance to go to bed early has passed, Auriel.”

“Huh?”

Arc chuckles as Auriel looks out the window.

Twilight sighs. “We lost track of time again?”

“I suppose we did. Don’t worry. I’ll go to bed when you leave, Arc.”

“Good. You should be well rested for what I have planned tomorrow.”

He turns to Twilight.

“Thanks for taking Auriel in like this.”

Twilight looks suddenly nervous. “She’s coming back, right?!”

“Of course! Before lunch probably.”

“Good! We have a lot of research to do together!”

Arc nods to her. “I have a bit of a job for you, Twilight. If you’re too busy though I understand.”

“What is it?”

“When I was in Griffonstone, Natalya showed me their library.”

Twilight’s eyes light up happily. “Was it big?!”

Arc nods. “Much bigger than this library, yes. But it was falling down.”

“Falling down?!

“Books lay on the floor and even on the ground out front. Sadly, the elements had taken their toll on them.”

Twilight appears ready to cry. “How… why?!”

“It’s a long story.”

She looks up at him, a pleading glint in her eyes. “Could any of them be saved?! I… I know it would kinda be stealing… but… could we… go get them?!

Arc pulls the box out of his ring. “I already have.”

“You did?!”

He sets the box on the floor in front of her and removes a couple books from the top of the miniature stacks with his magic. He casts the Matter Compacting counter spell as Twilight takes the books with her own magic.

“I saved what I could. Can you do anything with them?”

Twilight nods fervently! “I’ll certainly do my best! Truthfully, I already know a spell to help restore old books! It will take quite a while to go through all these page by page though! Oh, I can’t wait to get started on this!”

“There’s no rush. I just didn’t want their knowledge to be lost.”

Auriel sighs as she stares at the waterlogged pages. “Such a waste. Don’t the griffons care about their collective knowledge?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I’ve already told the princesses about this. When you’re done the books are to be safely hidden away in my vault back at Light’s Hope.”

Twilight looks up at Arc, surprised! “What?! You’re not going to bring them back?!”

“Not right now, no. They would just rot on the shelves.”

With a sheepish grin on her face, she looks to Arc. “Can I… keep them here? For safekeeping, of course!”

Arc smiles at her. “Want to catch up on your reading?”

She nods. Looking a bit embarrassed. “Sorry! I do!”

“Nothing to be sorry about. I don’t see why not. But on one condition.”

“Oh?”

“That you don’t start on this project tonight. Get some rest and wait until morning.”

Twilight nods. “I can do that!”

Auriel picks up the crate from the floor. “I’ll help too! We’ll see how many of these books we can save!”

“Thank you. I’ll let you two get some rest now.”

Auriel smiles at Arc as he turns towards the door. “Good night, Arc!”

“We’ll see you in the morning!”

Arc nods and closes the door behind him. “I look forward to it. Until tomorrow then.”

Auriel looks at the box in her claws, nervously. “Do you think the griffons will come after these?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I doubt it. Arc said the library wasn’t being maintained at all. Even if somepony notices they’re gone, I doubt they’ll care too much.”

Auriel sets the box on a table in the center of the library. “Where do you think Arc and I are going tomorrow?”

Twilight shrugs. “It’s anypony’s guess. I’ll start on this project while you’re gone.”

Auriel looks at the wall clock. “We should probably get to bed then. It wouldn’t do to have either of us falling asleep during our tasks.”

Twilight nods as the pair head upstairs to their respective rooms. “I suppose not. Good night, Auriel.”

“Good night, Twilight.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Sereb return to Light’s Hope. Sereb lies down in his normal place in front of the fireplace as Arc heads to his room. Opening the door quietly he sees Derpy and Dinky asleep in his bed. Ember is already fast asleep in the bed next to them. Arc removes his helmet from his magic ring, holds it a few moments and sets in down on the nearby dresser. He then quietly picks Dinky up and lies down between them. Whispering, he gives each of them a small kiss on their foreheads.

“Good night you two.”

They snuggle up to him but otherwise do not stir as Arc himself drifts off to sleep. He awakens early as the first rays of sunlight peek over the horizon. Arc gently shakes Derpy and Dinky.

“Time to wake up you two.”

Dinky slowly opens her eyes and looks up at him. “Dad? You’re really here?!”

“Yes, sweetheart.”

Dinky stretches and yawns. “I though yesterday was a dream!”

Derpy giggles as she sits up. “It was sweetie! Just a very real one!”

Ember covers her face with a pillow. “Argh! It’s… so… EARLY!”

Arc looks to her as he and his family get up. “The early bird catches the worm, Ember.”

Ember glares at him as Sereb enters the room. “I am not a bird!”

Sereb smiles. “A certain yak from up north would disagree with you.”

He and Arc laugh as Ember gets up.

“Funny.”

Arc nods. “More so when Sereb does it!”

Ember throws her claws up in defeat. “I give up!”

Dinky clapping her hooves together with her mother, happily! “YAY! Dad wins!”

Arc grabs his helmet from the dresser as he and everyone walk out into the living room. Derpy looks to him.

“Big plans for today, Arc?”

“Yes. I actually need to get an early start this morning.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “No breakfast?!”

“Yes, but it will have to wait. I’m expecting company.”

“Anyone we know, Arc?”

“Yes, Ember. In fact they’ll be here soon. Can you please get a tablecloth and a few extra chairs from the cafeteria?”

“Sure! Come on, Sereb.”

Ember and Sereb leave Arc’s Quarters and head for the cafeteria as Derpy looks to Arc.

“Dinky and I need to get going to the orphanage now, Arc. The orphan’s breakfast doesn’t cook itself!”

“I understand. Have a nice day you two.”

“Dad? Are you going to come help us cook supper later?”

Arc kneels down and tousles Dinky’s mane. “Maybe. Not sure how long I’ll be today.”

Dinky grins at him. “Try to make it, will you?!”

“No promises, but I’ll see what I can do.”

Derpy smiles at her daughter. “Come along, sweetie!”

“Bye dad!”

Arc waves after them. “Take care you two!”

The door closes behind them. Cherry calls out from the helmet under Arc’s arm.

“Auriel should be here soon. You should get ready!”

“You’re right. I should probably shower before breakfast though.”

Cherry giggles as Arc sets the helmet down on the table. “Yes! Especially with company coming!”

Arc heads into the bathroom. “I’ll be out in a bit.”

“I’ll wait here.”

He turns on the tap and steps into the shower. The hot water on his face feels good. Arc mutters to himself as he showers.

“Busy day ahead. More so than usual. I just hope I’m not making a big mistake.”

A short time later Arc finishes showering and changes into fresh clothes. He emerges from the bathroom to find Ember and Sereb have returned. The kitchen table now bears the fresh tablecloth. Ember is doing her best to get the wrinkles out.

“How’s this look?”

“Very nice, Ember.”

Sereb looks to the door. “Should we bring plates of food next?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m not sure how long until we can actually sit down to eat. If you two will excuse me, I need to run a quick errand.”

Ember nods. “Okay. Will you be long?”

“Probably not. Can you go wake up Natalya and have her join us here in my quarters please, Ember?”

“Uh… okay.”

Arc steps onto the sigil in the corner and teleports. Sereb turns to Ember as they leave the room and head down the corridor.

“Where do you suppose he’s off to so early?”

Ember shrugs. “Who knows?! Maybe Canterlot Castle?”

“Most everyone would still be asleep at this hour. I suppose your guess is as good as mine on that one.”

Ember knocks lightly on the door before opening it. She finds Natalya already up and ready.

“Good morning, Ember.”

“Hey! You’re an early riser.”

Natalya shrugs. “I had to be as General Blackbeak’s aide and Lord Arc’s steward.”

“Makes sense. In any case, Arc wants us to meet him in his quarters for breakfast.”

“Lead the way!”

The trio leaves Natalya’s room and turns to retrace their steps. A familiar voice behind gives them pause.

“Good morning!”

They turn to see Auriel walking towards them. Natalya smiles nervously at her.

“H-hello.”

“Hi Auriel! What brings you here?!”

She looks to them, confused. “Arc invited me last night. Said he wanted me here first thing this morning. Is he here?”

Ember shrugs. “He… stepped out for a moment.

Natalya turns to Ember. “He did?”

Auriel looks confused. “Did he say when he’d be back?”

Ember motions for them to follow her and Sereb. “Probably very soon. He referred to it as just a quick errand, after all.”

They return to Arc’s Quarters. Natalya looks surprised!

“Lord Arc stays in THIS room?!”

Ember frowns. “Is there something wrong with it?”

“No, no! I just assumed he would have something a bit… nicer!”

Auriel nods. “I thought the same when I first came here.”

Ember chuckles. “We get that a lot here. But I must admit, this whole situation is a bit mysterious.”

“How so?”

Ember gestures toward the kitchen table. “Arc has never once had anyone in his quarters for a meal before. At least not that I know of.”

Auriel looks to her. “Why not?”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t know. We usually eat together in the cafeteria.”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “Perhaps he just wants to have a private conversation with us?”

Auriel frowns. “Then why invite me?”

Ember thinks for a moment. “Maybe so Natalya can learn more about demons? But that doesn’t make much sense. I mean, I’m glad you’re here and all Auriel, but… this is just out of the ordinary!”

Natalya sighs. “I guess we’ll just have to wait for Lord Arc to return and let us in on the secret.”

“I suppose so.”

A short time later Arc reappears on the sigil. He is wearing his Magic Cloak. Looking to Auriel and Natalya, he smiles.

“I’m glad you two could make it.”

Ember frowns. “Where have you been?! We’ve been trying to figure out what you’re up to since we got here!”

“Sorry. I got back as fast as I could.”

Arc kneels down and opens his cloak to reveal something in his arms, which he promptly sets down on the floor. Natalya raises an eyebrow.

“What is…”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear as she explodes in a fit of rage!

“ARC! ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE?!”

Auriel looks to Arc. Her eyes wide as dinner plates as she slowly walks toward him. Her voice breaks!

“I… I…”

King Malevolence stands before them in all twelve inches of his stature. He holds out his arms toward his daughter.

“Auriel…”

She drops to her knees and stares at him, dumbfounded.

“But father… how…”

Arc steps back. “Let me help you with that.”

He slowly casts the Matter Compacting counter spell on the Demon King. Slowly King Malevolence grows to about six feet tall before Arc stops casting.

“There. That should…”

Before anyone can stop her, Auriel jumps into her father’s arms and buries her face in his chest, sobbing!

“Father! I… I’ve missed you SO much!”

The king wraps his arms around Auriel in a loving embrace as a single tear courses down his red cheek. “I missed you too, Auriel.”

She looks up into her father’s eyes. “But… how is this possible!”

“Arc here told me awhile back he would bring you to see me! When he showed up at the Gates of Tartarus, I thought he was here to make good on his promise! He did, but more so than I thought!”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Tartarus?”

“I suppose introductions are in order. King Malevolence, this is Natalya. She’s visiting from another country across the sea.”

Natalya waves a talon at him as she struggles to speak. “Um… hello.”

The king nods at her silently.

“Natalya, this is Auriel’s father King Malevolence. Ruler of the demons of Tartarus.”

Natalya takes a step back. “You… you mean…”

“Yes, miss. I’m a demon! Like my daughter!”

Ember seethes! “Arc…? What… were… you… THINKING?!”

Arc walks toward Ember and puts his hands on her shoulder. “I was thinking Auriel would like to see her father again.”

Auriel nods, still hugging her father as she cries tears of joy! “I DID!”

Natalya turns to the furious dragon. “Please, Miss Ember! He appears to make Auriel very happy!”

“You two don’t know what he did in the past!”

Arc nods. “You’re right! I don’t! I only know what I lived through and experienced first-hand!”

He turns from Ember and approaches King Malevolence.

“But I’m willing to call a temporary truce, for Auriel’s sake.”

The king nods. “As am I! For the time being, that is!”

“Fine! Have it your way, Arc! But I’m watching him!”

“Agreed.”

Auriel takes her father’s hand and pulls him toward the other side of the room. “Father. I’d like to show you something you told me about ever since I was little!”

King Malevolence’s eyes grow wide! “You… you mean…”

Auriel smiles! “Yes!”

She opens the curtains to reveal a beautiful sunrise. The king presses his claws against the glass in an effort to get closer to the sight before him!

“Breathtaking!”

Natalya appears confused. “But… It’s just a sunrise.”

The king addresses her, not turning around. “Miss. If you hadn’t seen the sun in centuries, you’d understand.”

“I… suppose.”

Auriel puts her arms around her father’s large arm and leans against him.

“I missed you, father.”

“And I you, Auriel.”

He looks again at the sunrise.

“This right here, my dear! THIS is what I had hoped to show you one day! Every night I dreamed of leading you out of Tartarus and showing you the sun and sky for the first time! Giving you a new life… a BETTER life!”

“You did, father.”

He looks to his daughter, confused. “Eh?”

“It was you who asked Arc to take me back to Equestria after I… betrayed our land.”

“Lack of options! Yet… I must admit, I am quite grateful to him for looking after you.”

Arc nods. “Your daughter actually lives with a friend of mine nearby.”

Auriel smiles broadly! “I live in a library now, father!”

Her father laughs! “I suppose that made you happy, my dear! You always did love reading!”

Auriel nods happily. “So how long can you stay?!”

“I suppose that’s up to the Hero of Light.”

Arc nods. “Just for today. At sunset I’m taking you back.”

The king sighs. “Very well. My subjects need me, after all.”

“In any case… would you join us for breakfast, King Malevolence? We have pancakes!”

“Lead the way!”

Arc leads the king, Natalya, Ember and Sereb out of his quarters. Ember scowls and follows King Malevolence closely. Auriel does not let go of his arm. Ember leans in close and whispers in his ear.

“Arc may have let you out of there, but I’ll drop you like a sack of potatoes if you so much as LOOK at him wrong!”

King Malevolence growls indignantly! “Hmph! Killjoy!”

He looks around at the beautiful architecture.

“Quite a fortress you have here!”

Arc nods. “Thank you. But it’s more of a base of operations than anything else.”

“Call it what you will! Its purpose remains unchanged!”

Natalya leans in close to Ember.

“Is… is that thing really a demon?!”

Ember nods and whispers back. “Yes. Keep your guard up!”

Natalya frowns as she turns back to Ember. “I don’t know. He seems like a good sort to me.”

Ember sneers as she looks back the king. “You haven’t seen what I have!”

They arrive at the cafeteria and walk up to the buffet. It is fully stocked with every imaginable sort of breakfast food. Arc points to the head of the table.

“Auriel, would you please help your father fill a plate?”

Auriel takes her father’s hand and pulls him toward the buffet. “Yes! Please hurry! You’ll love the food here, father!”

Everyone stands aside as Auriel and King Malevolence approach. They each take a plate. Auriel takes great care to put a little of everything on her father’s plate. Ember stands next to Arc with Natalya.

“I don’t like this, Arc!”

“Which part?”

“The whole thing!”

Natalya nods. “I’m with Ember on this one, sir! This guy really gives me the creeps!”

Arc turns to her. “Why is that? You don’t really know anything about him.”

“I don’t know! He’s really scary looking for starters!”

“Like me?”

Natalya frowns. “That’s different! You’re so nice!”

Arc looks back at father and daughter at the buffet. “He’s acting pretty nice right now to Auriel.”

Ember grimaces. “Well, I still don’t trust him! He’s too powerful an enemy to let loose, Arc!”

“I can take him.”

“I know YOU can! But he makes the rest of us nervous!”

“Do I?”

Natalya turns to him. “Do you what, Lord Arc?”

“Make others nervous.”

Ember shakes her head. “NO! Everyone trusts you, Arc!”

“Why is that? Humans have just as bad a reputation as the demons of Tartarus.”

“That may be! But you’ve earned the trust and respect of everyone in this land, Arc!”

Arc nods. “How did I do that?”

“By doing the right thing mostly. Showing that not all humans are bad.”

Arc turns back to watching Auriel and her father. “Let’s see if we can’t give King Malevolence the same benefit of the doubt. For Auriel’s sake?”

Ember sighs. “Fine! But I’m watching him!”

“Good! I’m not saying we give him total free reign, or anything. But maybe he’ll show us he’s not all bad.”

Ember mutters under her breath. “Or maybe he’ll prove he is!”

King Malevolence and Auriel fill their plates as Ember and Natalya follow behind them.

“I’ll grab you a plate, Arc.”

Arc nods, not taking his eyes off King Malevolence as the pair grab some silverware. “Thank you, Ember.”

They walk back to Arc’s quarters and sit down at his table. Auriel pours some syrup on her father’s pancakes.

“Eat up!”

“Thank you, my dear! I shall!”

The king cuts his pancakes and picks up a forkful of the syrupy goodness. He stares at it for a long moment. Natalya looks to him.

“Is something wrong with your food?”

“No. I just wanted to savor this moment. It has been years innumerable since I last tasted the sweet goodness of pancakes!”

Natalya looks down at her plate. “Is that what these are?! Pan… CAKES?!”

Arc nods. “Try them, Natalya. You’ll love these!”

She does so. Her eyes light up happily!

“They’re sweet like cupcakes! But a different kind of sweet! Is everything around here like this, Lord Arc?!”

“No. The eggs and toast aren’t sweet.”

Auriel nods! “But the jam we put on the toast is!”

Arc laughs. “I suppose so!”

They go back to eating. Eventually Natalya breaks the silence as she turns to the king.

“So what’s Tartarus like?”

“Think of the most terrible, inhospitable, awful place you can!”

Natalya does so. “Okay…”

“The place you’re thinking of is PARADISE compared to my realm!”

Natalya sighs as she looks down at her plate, sadly. “…I see.”

“I am glad Auriel at the very least was able to escape. Tell me, my dear, does the Hero of Light have you working on anything interesting?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No father! In fact, I don’t work for anyone other than my own curiosity here!”

Arc nods. “The mare she lives with is also big into science, reading and experimenting.”

“I’m glad you found a friend here, Auriel.”

Auriel smiles at her father. “Yes! Twilight and I have much in common!”

“Twilight… why does that name sound so familiar…?”

Ember glares at him. “She’s the one you ordered torn to pieces!”

“I did?”

Arc nods. “The small purple unicorn that got stuck in Tartarus after the barrier reformed.”

“…oh. My apologies.”

“I got to her before you and your minions did fortunately.”

“Does she know you’re my daughter, Auriel?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Even after what you did, she was still willing to take me in!”

“Why? HOW?!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s called forgiveness. A very simple… and complicated idea.”

The king shakes his head as he goes back to eating. “Forgiveness, huh? She must be a very good friend to you, Auriel.”

“Yes father! We have great mutual respect for one another!”

Ember nods snidely. “Yeah! Even though they’re so different physically, they’re able to look past each other’s outward appearance!”

There is a tense silence during which Arc looks at Ember and chuckles.

“It’s so much easier for me when you teach yourself a lesson, Ember.”

Ember sighs. “Point taken. Sorry… King Malevolence.”

“Your words were justified. There has been much animosity between your Vile Tribe and my demons over the centuries.”

Arc turns to the king. “Any chance of burying the hatchet?”

Natalya jumps back! “HUH?!”

“It means letting go of the past in order to move on.”

King Malevolence sighs. “I’ll consider it. I’m not too interested in becoming chummy with my jailers after all!”

Arc shrugs. “Fair enough. Now… anyone up for seconds?”

The king makes a sound one can only hope is laughter as he stands up with his empty plate. “I thought you’d never ask!”

He enjoys several more plates. Natalya raises an eyebrow.

“I’m not sure if I should be horrified or impressed.”

King Malevolence laughs! “I shall take that as a compliment, little one! Tell me, how is the Griffon Kingdom these days? Is it still the bustling center of commerce I remember it being?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not exactly.”

“Hmmm… I may have been in Tartarus longer than I thought. That statue I gave Grover should have inspired your nation for generations to come.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! The Idol of Boreas came from demons?!”

“It did! You see, the Great Demon Kingdom as it was known in centuries past, was once a strong ally with your land. In fact, Grover was a good friend of mine.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I find it hard to believe YOU had friends, demon!”

Arc nods. “I suppose stranger things have happened. But tell me, how does a demon befriend a griffon?”

“Grover was a very successful business magnate in those days. He had trade routes throughout many different lands. Even ours.”

Ember scoffs. “Through Tartarus?”

“This may be hard for you to understand, dragon, but we once lived among the other races peacefully.”

Arc looks surprised. “Where?”

Ember laughs! “Do you expect us to believe you lived in trees?!”

King Malevolence turns to Arc, ignoring Ember. “Far to the south of Equestria in a large forest know to us then as the Towering Garden. In its center were many canyons and rocky cliffs. It was there for centuries that we made our homes.”

Arc nods. “What did you eat?”

“The forest provided fruit and nuts, its streams gave us abundant fish, and the wildlife provided game. It was a wonderful existence! However, over time the game became scarce, the rivers stopped flowing and the forest withered.”

“A drought?”

The king sighs. “Yes. Rain did not fall for quite some time. We never discovered the cause.”

Natalya looks confused. “Forgive me, but what does this have to do with King Grover?”

“My citizens faced starvation! I sent word to the neighboring countries begging for aid! The unicorns, pegasi, earth ponies, dragons, yaks, griffons and even King Sombra of the Crystal Empire!”

He sighs.

“None responded.”

Natalya nods. “What did you do?!”

Ember growls. “He probably invaded someone!”

“We did not! At that point, we didn’t have the strength to invade anyone. Early one morning we awoke to the sound of powerful engines in the distance. A fleet of airships was heading straight for us.”

Arc looks to the king. “Were they from Equestria?”

“No. In fact this country as you know it did not yet exist. The flag it flew was not known to us at the time, as it was a family crest.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide! “Were they pirates?!”

They were not, my dear. It was a merchant fleet of a great and wise griffon. His ships landed nearby and quickly began unloading their cargo.”

Arc smiles. “Food?”

The kings nods. “Food, water and medical supplies. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I saw my subjects happily eating and drinking. I ordered the contents of our land’s treasury opened to our benefactor. But… he refused to take our money!”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “I remember you telling me that story, father! At the time, I thought it was little more than a myth! After all… who could be that selfless?”

“That one act saved our land, Auriel. As he turned to leave, I insisted that he take something as a gift at the very least!”

Natalya gasps! “You mean…?!”

“Yes. I gave him my prized possession. The Demon’s Light!”

Arc frowns. “Demon’s… Light?”

“He returned to his land with it. However, it seemed to have a strange effect on the griffons! Its glow seemed to inspire them to new heights of pride and unity! Before long they started calling it the Idol of Boreas and the leaders of the various griffon tribes united under a single ruler!”

Natalya nods, awestruck! “But what happened to that kind merchant?!”

“That merchant was none other than Grover himself! He grew into a fine ruler! From that time on, the newly formed Griffon Kingdom and the Great Demon Kingdom were the strongest of allies!”

Natalya sighs. “I’m sorry to tell you that the idol has been missing for many years now.”

King Malevolence nods. “Who sits on the throne now?”

“King Guto, fifteenth king of the Griffon Kingdom. He searched for the idol for many years before returning home empty-clawed.”

“I am sorry to hear that. If he is a descendant of the great King Grover, I am certain he tried his best! With luck, the statue will one day be found!”

Arc nods. “One can but hope.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Or dream!”

Chapter 16 - House Calls

The group finishes their meal and leans back from the table. King Malevolence sighs contentedly as Auriel smiles and leans against him.

“I must say, you put on quite a spread, Hero of Light!”

Arc nods. “We eat pretty well around here. If my job wasn’t so stressful, I’d probably be the size of a house!”

Auriel smiles at him. “Thank you for breakfast, Arc! It was delicious!”

“Glad you enjoyed it, Auriel.”

Natalya sighs contentedly. “Yes. It certainly beats breakfast back in the Griffon Kingdom!”

The king chuckles. “Ah yes! I can still remember the food of the griffons! They were the ones who first introduced us demons to pancakes!”

He turns to Natalya and frowns.

“Is there something wrong with the food now?”

“It… isn’t very good.”

Arc nods. “Unless you’re someone important, that is.”

Natalya sighs. “The rest of us get soup and bread.”

“And I can testify that it is certainly not good soup!”

King Malevolence frowns “That is surprising! Their food was always the high point of my visits to their domain! It appeared everyone had enough to eat and was very happy!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Well, apparently things have change while you were gone.”

He growls at Ember. “It would appear so.”

Auriel looks to him, hopeful. “Arc? I know I’ve no right to ask you for anything more, but would it be all right if I took my father for a walk? It’s been quite a long time since he saw trees and the color green!”

Arc nods and stands up. “Very well. However, I’m coming with you two.”

Ember rises quickly. “As am I!”

King Malevolence sighs. “Fair enough.”

Natalya stands. “Might I come as well?”

“Why don’t you and Sereb stay here? Ember and I will be okay.”

Sereb looks to the king and growls, but obeys. Arc leads father and daughter out of his quarters via his back door.

“Follow me.”

The king steps outside as Auriel takes his arm, happily. “Winter is coming?”

Ember nods. “That it is.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry it isn’t a bit greener around here.”

“When you’ve been in Tartarus as long as I have, any signs of life from the ground are a sight to behold!”

“I understand. Say Auriel, couldn’t some seeds be brought to Tartarus?”

“Yes. However, they wouldn’t last long. Tartarus lacks true sunlight, after all.”

Ember looks confused. “The light there is different?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. While I’m not sure where it comes from, it most certainly couldn’t sustain any plant life. Whether it is this way by design or coincidence is beyond me.”

Ember frowns. “Say Arc, where are we going anyways?”

“I figured we could head on over to Sweet Apple Acres. They have the most trees around here. Other than the Everfree Forest, that is.”

Auriel looks up suddenly. “Maybe the Apple family can tell us how to grow plants without sunlight!”

Ember shakes her head. “That may be a bit of a tall order.”

Arc nods. “In any case, it couldn’t hurt to ask.”

A short time later the apple orchards come into view. The king’s eyes light up!

“Apple trees!”

Arc nods. “Yes. They provide a significant source of food for Ponyville!”

Ember furrows her brow. “Yeah! So don’t mess with em!”

Auriel turns to Arc. “You think there are any apples left up there?”

“Probably. But the cold will have gotten to them by now.”

The king walks up to a tree. He reaches up into the lower branches and picks an apple. Taking a bite and smiling!

“Just as good as I remember them!”

Ember scoffs! “How can you have any appetite left?! You ate nearly every pancake in the base!”

Auriel giggles! “Imagine him at full size!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s… kinda scary.”

“Why?! You’ve taken him before, Arc!”

“Yes. But I’m talking about feeding him!”

They make their way slowly through the rows of apple trees. King Malevolence plucks apples from the trees as they continue on their way. Staring at one intently.

“I wonder if we could grow apples in Tartarus.”

Auriel sighs. “I think not, father. But let’s ask anyways.”

They make their way toward the farm house. A large carriage is parked in front of the door with two stallions pawing at the ground in an attempt to stay warm. Ember frowns.

“I guess they have company.”

Auriel nods as she turns to her father. “Perhaps this isn’t the best time to…”

The front door suddenly flies open as Applejack and Filthy Rich storm out!

“My patience is wearing thin, Miss Apple! Start making payments regularly or I’ll be forced to levy MORE penalties on your orchard!”

Applejack glares at the stallion before her! “You keep doing that so we can’t get ahead!”

Filthy Rich looks down his nose at Applejack. “It’s not MY fault your family isn’t very good with money!”

Applejack spits on the ground, angrily! “Says the richest pony in town!”

“I got where I am today by being smart! You could learn a thing or two from…”

He and Applejack go back and forth. The king looks to Arc.

“Friend of yours?”

“The mare, yes. That stallion… not even close!”

Ember frowns. “He’d sell his own mother if someone offered to buy her!”

The king smiles! “He’s got moxy! I like that! Who is he?”

Arc sighs. “Filthy Rich. He owns Barnyard Bargains here in town, the Bank in Baltimare and a slew of other businesses.”

“So, he’s a merchant?”

Ember nods angrily! “Yes. But the worst kind!”

Arc nods. “Had he been in Grover’s position back then, he would have charged you extra!”

Auriel sighs. “He won’t even let me in his store.”

The king’s smile vanishes! “WHAT?! WHY NOT?!”

Auriel looks suddenly nervous. “He… uh… said they don’t serve my kind in there.”

Without warning, King Malevolence charges toward Filthy Rich!

“HEY IMP HOOVES! GET OVER HERE!”

Filthy Rich turns to see the king angrily storming over to him! Raising an eyebrow in confusion as he takes a step back.

“What IS that?!”

Arc raises a hand toward King Malevolence’s back as Ember looks to him.

“Arc? What are you doing?!”

“Teaching Filthy Rich a lesson.”

Arc quickly casts the Matter Compacting counter spell on King Malevolence. In a few moments he returns to his normal size. The demon towers over the now stunned ponies.

“What in tarnation?!”

King Malevolence roars! The ground shaking as he stomps toward them! “I’LL TEACH YOU TO MESS WITH MY DAUGHTER, YOU LITTLE MAGGOT!”

Filthy Rich jumps into his carriage and looks to the stallions. “GET US OUT OF HERE YOU IDIOTS!”

They waste no time fleeing for their lives! Auriel’s father looks after them!

“YOU BETTER RUN, YOU GUTLESS LITTLE COWARD! I’VE EATEN THINGS BIGGER THAN YOU! WHOLE!!!”

The carriage makes quite a dust cloud as it almost flies back toward Ponyville!

Applejack walks over to the king. “Thank you kindly, whoever you are!”

“IT WAS NOTHING, SMALL ONE! HE CHOSE HIS WORDS POORLY WHEN ADDRESSING MY DAUGHTER THE OTHER DAY!”

Arc joins Applejack and casts the Matter Compacting spell on the king again. “Hi Applejack. Sorry for our timing.”

King Malevolence nods as he returns to around six feet tall. “On the contrary! It appears we got here just in time to teach a fool a lesson in manners!”

Applejack nods and looks at the king before turning to Arc. “Friend of yours, sugarcube?”

Auriel nods. “Applejack! I’d like you to meet my father, King Malevolence.”

Her pupils shrink. “This… this is the demon king?!”

Arc nods. “Don’t worry, Applejack! He’s with me!”

Ember mutters under her breath. “Don’t worry?! It’s a demon!”

Applejack looks up at the king, nervously. “Uh… hi?”

He kneels down to look her in the eye. “Good day! Are you the one who grows these magnificent apples?”

“Y-yeah!”

Auriel looks at her. “You don’t have to worry, Applejack. My father won’t hurt you.”

“My daughter speaks true, miss.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea.”

He casts the Matter compacting spell to shrink the demon king to about half his current size. Applejack appears more relaxed as she can now looks the king in the eye.

“Better, Applejack?”

Applejack nods. “Much! But what is he doing here?”

“It’s for Auriel’s sake. Wouldn’t you like to see your parents again?”

Applejack sighs. “I guess you’re right, Arc. Well, come on inside and warm yourselves by the fire. Even you… your majesty.”

Auriel smiles. “Thank you, Applejack!”

They walk inside. Granny Smith is sitting in her rocking chair dozing. Applejack gently nudges her.

“Granny? We’ve got company.”

The elder Apple opens her eyes. “What? Who’s here?”

“Arc and his… uh… new friend.”

The matriarch squints at King Malevolence.

“A filly?”

The king frowns. “Not exactly.”

“Sorry to bother you, Granny Smith. But we were just having a discussion about apple trees, and were hoping you could answer a question.”

“About what?”

King Malevolence leans over to his daughter, whispering. “Is she… all there?”

Auriel whispers back. “Kinda. She’s very old for a pony.”

Arc nods. “We were wondering if there was any way at all to grow apples, or anything else for that matter, WITHOUT sunlight.”

Auriel nods. “And very little water.”

Granny Smith rubs her chin with a gnarled hoof. “Hmmm… that’s a good question!”

She is silent for a time.

“Nope! I don’t think you could! All plants need light of SOME kind to photosynthesize! Natural or otherwise!”

Applejack thinks for a moment. “What about grow lamps? They could get some seedlings started that way.”

Granny Smith nods. “Started, yes. But they would need an awfully big grow light for a tree!”

Auriel suddenly comes up with an idea. “What if the tree was sustained with magic? Could that possibly replace sunlight?”

“I suppose it’s possible. But the amount of magic required to sustain a large plant would be significant. Nopony’s ever tried to do that with a full-grown TREE! Interesting idea though! Let me know how it turns out!”

Auriel looks confused. “Me?”

Her father chuckles. “Well it was your idea, Auriel.”

Ember turns to her. “I don’t recall any especially powerful magic sources in Tartarus.”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide! “Tartarus?!”

Arc nods. “Auriel’s father wants to grow an apple tree there. But there isn’t any real sunlight.”

The king sighs. “Oh well. I suppose it was a nice idea, but what can’t be, can’t be.”

Auriel shakes her head, with determination in her voice! “I’m going to find a way!”

Arc nods! “That’s the spirit! How?”

“I have no idea.”

The kings looks up at his daughter, happily. “If I know you, Auriel, you’ll think of something.”

Granny Smith looks up. “I think I might just have an idea where to start! But it’s a long shot!”

Ember sighs. “Even a small lead is better than nothing, ma’am.”

“That’s right! Now listen! Years ago when we were trying to get Sweet Apple Acres off the ground, we were having a bit of trouble getting things to grow!”

Arc points out a window toward the orchard. “Well, it looks like you found the solution.”

Auriel nods. “What was it?!”

“Back then, things were so bad we were having trouble feeding ourselves! So one night I took my saddlebags and set off to the nearby forest! I knew it was dangerous, but I figured the beasts in there must have something to eat!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… that wouldn’t have been the Everfree Forest, now would it?”

“That is was! How did you know?!”

“Lucky guess.”

Applejack frowns. “But how did you avoid getting eaten by something! You’re not the fastest mare around, granny.”

“I was a heap younger in those days! That and desperation is the best motivation! I grabbed what I could and got the hay back here!”

Auriel nods! “What did you find?”

“Some strange rainbow-colored apples! I grabbed some before the denizens of the forest could eat me, and ran home!”

Arc stares out the window. “Is that what you used to plant your orchards?”

“Shucks no! Those trees out yonder are just regular apple trees! But there is a special grove of trees on the east side of the orchards! Those are the trees that grew from the seeds I brought back!”

Ember nods. “I’ve seen them before. Aren’t those trees all dead though?”

“No! They’re just dormant! Once a year they sprout very special fruit we know as Zap Apples!”

Auriel looks hopeful. “Are they magical?”

Granny Smith nods. “Very much so! If anything could grow without sunlight, they just might!”

The king grins. “Would you happen to have any seeds?”

“We do!”

Auriel looks to Granny Smith pleadingly. “Might I have some please?”

“I don’t know. We’re awful careful about letting our seeds get around!”

Arc nods. “I know they’re proprietary and all but…”

Granny Smith interrupts him. “It’s more than that! These trees can be dangerous!”

Applejack nods. “It’s true. We have to keep everypony away from the Zap Apple trees when they’re going through their stages. You wouldn’t want to get zapped by one!”

The king raises an eyebrow. “Zapped?”

Granny Smith chuckles. “Literally! I’ve been struck before, and I gotta tell you, it smarts!”

“Well, what if I planted them somewhere far away from any towns?”

“I suppose that would be okay. Applejack, go get some of the spare seeds we have!”

“Yes, granny.”

She trots off, returning a few minutes later with a small bag in her mouth. Putting the bag in Arc’s hand, she smiles up at him.

“These are all the seeds we have.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. I’ll see to it these are put to good use. How much do I owe you?”

Granny Smith shakes her head. “Nothing! You’ve done so much for everypony already! It’s about time you got something in return!”

She yawns as Applejack approaches her.

“Granny, it’s about time for your mid-morning nap.”

She helps the elderly mare to her hooves and leads her upstairs. Applejack returns shortly.

“Sorry about that.”

Auriel nods. “We understand. The parents take care of the children. Eventually the children take care of the parents.”

King Malevolence frowns. “I’m not sure if I should disagree, or tell you how smart you are, Auriel.”

“Thank you father… I think.”

Arc nods. “Well, we should probably get moving. Thank you for the seeds, Applejack.”

Applejack looks at Arc as she shifts uneasily on her hooves. “Um… could I talk to you in private, Arc?”

Arc glances at King Malevolence. “Now isn’t really the best time. I need to keep a watchful eye on this guy.”

“Oh… well, I understand.”

“Sorry about this, Applejack. I’ll come by later this evening, okay?”

“That would be just fine. Don’t forget now, you hear!”

Ember chuckles. “I’ll remind him.”

They make their way out the door as Applejack closes it behind them. She shakes her head as she looks at the clock and mutters to herself.

“Tonight can’t come soon enough. There’re things I just need to get off my chest!”

Meanwhile, Arc and company make their way down the street together. Ember looks at the bag of seeds in his hand.

“Do you have some place in mind to plant those, Arc?”

“I do.”

Auriel looks up. “Where?”

“How about the old Vile Tribe hideout? What goes on in there will be concealed from the prying eyes of Tartarus’ inhabitants. That is, if the king here wants us to try.”

“Yes, of course!”

Ember frowns. “Shouldn’t we test these things out somewhere a bit… I don’t know… safer, first?”

Arc shrugs. “Sounds reasonable. But where?”

Auriel looks over at the bag. “I can set up a habitat back at the lab. With all the experience I have with the various schemes my father has come up with over the years, I should be able to replicate the conditions of Tartarus without actually having to go there.”

Arc nods. “Good. We should proceed with caution on this matter.”

Ember looks confused. “Why?”

“Because the only other option is for someone to actually GO to Tartarus and try planting these.”

The king frowns. “I don’t like that idea.”

Auriel nods. “Neither do I. Not until we’re sure it will work, that is.”

Arc gives the bag of seeds to her. “Anything we can do to help?”

“Not at this time, no. For now, it’s all up to me.”

“Yes, well… I know you’ll do your best, Auriel. Don’t work too hard on this, my dear.”

“I’ll do my best, father!"

“You’ve always been a hard worker, Auriel. Just like your mother.”

Auriel looks confused. “My… mother? What…?”

They continue down the road. The demon king turns to Arc.

“I… I wonder if I might impose on you for another favor.”

“What is it?”

“The mare that now houses my daughter. I would like to apologize to her for what happened long ago.”

Ember frowns. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Arc. Twilight’s not the bravest unicorn I’ve met. She’d probably have a heart attack.”

“I disagree, Ember. She was brave enough to enter Tartarus in the first place to look for me.”

He turns to the king.

“Very well. But whether or not she agrees to see you is up to her. Just… try not to scare her too badly.”

“No promises. But I will try.”

The group makes their way to the Golden Oaks Library. Auriel opens the door and turns to the others.

“I’ll go see Twilight.”

Arc nods. “We’ll wait here.”

She nods and enters the library.

“She’s a good child.”

Ember frowns. “Better than her father is.”

“For once, little dragon, I agree with you.”

A short time later Auriel returns.

“She says it’s okay to come in now. But only if Arc stays by her side while my father is here.”

Arc nods. “Fine with me.”

“Agreed.”

They all walk inside together. Twilight is sitting on her haunches behind a table with a frightened look on her face! Arc walks over to her and kneels down to give her a hug.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m right here, okay?”

Twilight wraps her trembling hooves around his neck. “Th-thank you.”

Arc whispers in her ear. “Thanks for doing this.”

She nods silently as they break the embrace. The king walks over slowly.

“Sorry for the intrusion, but I wanted to say how sorry I am for what happened… back then.”

Twilight steps behind Arc and says nothing.

“I also wanted to thank you for taking in my little girl. I’ve been most worried about her ever since I was forced to banish her to Equestria.”

Her knees knocking in fear. “I… um… it was no trouble. She’s… a really remarkable young mare!”

Ember nods. “That she is.”

“The two of us do experiments here all day. It’s the best time I’ve ever had, father.”

“I’m glad you’re happy here, Auriel. I… wish I could have done more to make you happy in the past.”

“You did what you did for a reason, father. For our entire nation!”

“I understand. But your feelings should have come first! You never did like designing the weapons I ordered.”

Auriel sighs. “No. But I still made them.”

“Why then?”

“Because you wanted what was best for everyone. In the grand scheme of things, that is.”

“I still do. That is why I’m so happy to find you living in such a nice home with a good… friend.”

He turns to Twilight.

“Miss? Please take good care of my daughter. She deserves more than I can offer her.”

“I… I will! Promise!”

“Can I show my father the lab, Twilight?”

“S-sure!”

Ember frowns. “I’ll go with them.”

Arc nods. “Good.”

Ember, Auriel and King Malevolence head for the lab. Arc and Twilight are left alone in the library.

“Thanks for letting him come in. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “It’s okay. But should you really be releasing prisoners from Tartarus?! And the king, no less!”

“It was for Auriel’s sake, not his. I mean… being separated from her parents… I know how that feels.”

“I… but what would the princesses say?!”

“They’ve said on numerous occasions that they trust my judgment. He hasn’t been out of my sight since he got here.”

Twilight suddenly looks fearful. “What about now?!”

“Ember is with them. Besides… he wouldn’t do anything to make life had for Auriel now.”

Twilight nods. “Not to sound rude, but he IS going back, right?”

“Yes. Before nightfall.”

“Good! I’m sorry, but he just gives me the creeps!”

“Understandable. He is a demon, after all!”

A short time later the sound of Auriel and her father coming up the basement steps can be heard.

The king smiles at his daughter as the door opens. “Quite the setup you have down there, Auriel! You should have no trouble finding a solution with facilities like this!”

Auriel nods happily. “I’ll certainly try, father. But please don’t tell our citizens. No reason to get their hopes up just yet.”

“I understand. You just do your best.”

“I will, father.”

King Malevolence turns back to Twilight as she cowers behind Arc.

“Please take good care of my daughter. She’s all I have left in this or any other world.”

“I-I-I will!”

Ember turns to Arc. “We should probably get a move on. I’m sure Twilight has a million other things to do today.”

“Right. Thanks for having us, Twilight. You take care.”

Twilight follows them to the door. “Y-you too, Arc.”

She closes the door behind them as they leave before collapsing to the floor. Twilight breathes a sigh of relief, still trembling.

“Sorry Auriel. I don’t think I’ll ever like your dad!”

A small puddle snakes its way across the floor from her flank. She looks at her backside and frowns.

“I’m glad I was able to keep myself from doing THAT while Arc was here!”

She sighs and lays her head on the floor.

“Why would Arc want to be with a cowardly pony like me? I’m pathetic!”

Twilight lies there for a time before standing up slowly and heading to the bathroom for a towel.

“I guess I had better get that mess cleaned up. Then I need to get back to work! If I can’t make Arc happy MYSELF, I’m sure this next project will bring a smile to his face!”

Meanwhile, Auriel and her father spend the day walking around town with Arc and Ember following closely behind. As the sun begins to set, Ember leans over to Arc.

“Can we please get rid of him now?!”

“He makes Auriel so happy. Are you sure you want to take that away from her?”

“No, But I don’t trust him!”

Arc sighs. “Neither do I. But if I had a chance to see my dad again, I’d want to. Wouldn’t you?”

Ember frowns. “Argh… I hate it when you’re right!”

“Sometimes I do as well.”

Arc, Ember, Auriel and her father make their way back toward Light’s Hope. They sit on the patio together and watch as the sun goes down.

“Thank you for giving me this time with my daughter, Arc! It has been the high point of my life since… well, as long as I can remember!”

“Yes, well…”

Auriel suddenly interrupts. “Father? I wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Earlier you mentioned my mother. What… exactly happened to her?”

The king suddenly looks very sad.

“She… I’m not actually sure, my dear.”

“I know you don’t like to talk about her, but… well, I just assumed she was… you know… gone.”

He sighs. “That she is. But whether or not she is dead is uncertain.”

Auriel looks confused. “What do you mean? She couldn’t have left Tartarus! Could she?!”

“I guess it’s time you and I had a talk. You’re old enough to know the truth about your heritage.”

The king pauses before continuing.

“Where to begin…”

Auriel smiles at him. “Why not start at the beginning? How did you two meet?”

“She was a new arrival. Not a demon. But also not a pony.”

“A dragon?”

King Malevolence shakes his head. “Not quite, my dear. You see, she was as intelligent as she was beautiful. Given enough time, I’m sure she would have found a way to bring down the Gates of Tartarus. The down side was, physically at least, she was very small and frail.”

Arc smiles. “I guess it’s a good thing you found her first then.”

“Actually, she sought ME out!”

Auriel looks surprised. “That is quite peculiar. Most of our citizens wouldn’t dare come before you without good reason, father.”

“She had one. In the short time she had been in our realm, she had figured out that there were no exits, save for the Gates. She presented herself to me as a servant in order to gain the resources needed to meet her goals.”

Ember frowns. “Which were…?”

“Ultimately, escape. She claimed to desperately want to return to her homeland, wherever that was.”

Arc nods. “So she wanted you to sponsor her in some kind of research?”

“Yes. She proved to be quite capable. So I gave her access to my library.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “But no one is allowed in there other than you and I!”

“A necessary risk to gain freedom. She stayed in there for weeks.”

“Reading?”

“Reading, taking notes and learning what had already been tried and failed. I checked on her many times. While the other demons would have been lazing around wasting time, not her! She was always busy!”

Arc looks to his friend. “Sounds like you, Auriel.”

Ember smiles slightly. “Like mother, like daughter.”

“Her research intrigued me! When requested, I built her a lab and gave her whatever materials she needed.”

Auriel gasps! “The lab I worked in! It was hers?!”

“Yes. After she disappeared I maintained it, as I had little to remember her by. You see, I fell in love with your mother for her beautiful mind. Sadly, there aren’t really any other… intelligent beings in Tartarus.”

Auriel looks up at her father sheepishly. “Was she… pretty?”

Her father shakes his head. “Physically, no. At least not by demon standards. Auriel… haven’t you ever noticed that physically you are rather… unique looking?”

“I guess I just never really had time to think about it before. Father… am I… ugly?!”

“No. You’re my daughter, and I think you are perfect just the way you are!”

“Father… I have to know! If my mother wasn’t a demon, what was she? What am I?!”

“She wasn’t much for talking about herself, or her origins for that matter. I’m afraid I know very little in that regard. Some of the things she talked about made little sense to me.”

King Malevolence looks over at Arc then back at Auriel.

I don’t know what your mother was, Auriel. But one thing I know for certain.”

He points a claw at Arc.

“She was the same species Arc is.”

Arc looks to him surprised! “Wait! Auriel’s mother was a HUMAN?!”

The king nods. “If that is what you are, then that is what she was.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “How did a human get to Tartarus?”

Arc nods. “Or Equestria for that matter!”

“Do you have ANY idea what happened to her, father?! Any clues?!”

The king shakes his head. “Nothing, my dear. She was there one day, and gone the next. I personally scoured the entirety of Tartarus looking for any sign of her. But sadly to no avail. She had all but vanished without a trace.”

“Was she working on a new kind of weapon at the time?! Maybe… there was an accident!”

“No. It happened shortly after you were born. Your mother lay in her bed holding you. I stood by her side and marveled at your appearance. Both demon and her traits in one. You were the most wondrous thing I had ever laid eyes on.”

The king suddenly has a faraway look in his eyes.

“At that time your mother had changed her research from escaping Tartarus to alteration. She didn’t say it, but I think she was trying to change herself into a demon.”

Auriel looks confused. “What?! But… but why?!”

“She confided in me that she wouldn’t be able to properly raise you as she was. In her mind, becoming one of us was necessary! While pregnant, she performed endless hours of research and study.”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “All those books! She read them all?!”

“Yes. She even wrote a few while she was at it. In fact, roughly a quarter of the books in the library were personally authored by her.”

The king smiles with evident pride.

“She was definitely the most well-read of all our citizens! But… in the end… it wasn’t enough to save her from whatever cruel fate found her. For all intents and purposes… she simply vanished, never to be seen again. I’m sorry I don’t have any other clues for you, my dear.”

Auriel looks down sadly. “Thank you for telling me, father. I wish I could have met her.”

“I wish that as well, my dear. Believe me when I say she only wanted what was best for you.”

The king reaches into his armor and removes a very worn and heavily damaged scrap. He gives it to Auriel.

“Other than the clothes on her back, this is all your mother had when she arrived in Tartarus.”

Auriel takes it in her claws and looks it over carefully. “What is it?”

King Malevolence shrugs. “She called it a ‘keycard’. What that means, I don’t know.”

Ember frowns. “Strange looking key.”

Arc looks at it. “Might I see that a moment, Auriel?”

“Yes, of course!”

She gives the card to Arc. He turns it over and examines it carefully. The king looks to him, hopeful.

“Have you ever seen anything like this before?”

“Not here in Equestria, no. But on my home world…”

Arc looks at the back of the card and points to a black line on the back

“This is a magnetic strip. It holds data that can be read by a card reader.”

Auriel looks confused. “For what purpose?”

“This appears to be a military security badge of some kind. A security clearance can be programmed onto the card to allow access to different parts of a facility or base.”

“So… my mother was a soldier?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. There’s no rank listed on here. My guess is that she worked FOR the military, but wasn’t actually part of it.”

The kind smiles. “Can you tell us anything else?”

Arc shakes his head as he returns the card to Auriel. “That’s about it. Sorry.”

Auriel turns to her father with the card.

“Thank you for telling me. You should have this back though.”

Her father shakes his head. “No, Auriel. You should keep it.”

“What? But what about you?!”

The king closes his eyes and smiles. “I have my memories. They are enough for me.”

Auriel looks again at the ruined card in her claws. “What… was her name?”

The king does not open his eyes, but speaks in a wistful tone.

“Maria.”

Chapter 17 - The Heart of the Apple

Arc looks over to the Demon King and Auriel, sadly. The sun has almost finished setting.

“I’m sorry, but it’s time.”

Auriel looks up, sadly. “Can’t he stay just a little bit longer?!”

King Malevolence shakes his head. “Auriel… please. This has to happen!”

“I… I know that! But…”

“Auriel. You’re a strong girl. Now I need you to keep walking this path for the time being.”

Auriel nods but says nothing. The king turns to Arc.

“Let’s go.”

He nods. As Arc casts the Matter Compacting spell on King Malevolence, he shrinks down to about a foot tall. Arc removes the magic cloak from his ring.

“Auriel. Would you like to carry your father?”

She nods. Arc puts the cloak on her as Ember picks up the king. She soberly hands Auriel her father.

“Here you go.”

Auriel nods as she accepts her ward and pulls him inside the cloak, whispering. “Thank you.”

Arc opens a portal to the outskirts of Redemption Village and motions for them to pass through. Ember does so first followed by Auriel. As usual Arc brings up the rear. In a moment they arrive at their destination.

“This way.”

Arc leads them toward the cave. The sentries part to allow them passage. As they approach the Gates of Tartarus, Auriel looks up at Arc, sadly.

“Do… do we have to do this?!”

Arc nods. “I’m afraid so.”

Ember sighs. “It really is for the best, Auriel. The princesses would have a fit if they knew he was out!”

The king sighs. “She’s right. Besides… our subjects need me.”

Auriel nods as Arc calls forth his cape from the Marquis and covers them. They walk through the barrier together.

The king looks around as Auriel sets him down. “Home again…”

Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell. In a few moments the Demon King is returned to his normal size.

“THANK YOU FOR TODAY! I… ENJOYED IT IMMENSELY!”

“You’re welcome.”

“PLEASE CONTINUE TO LOOK AFTER AURIEL FOR ME! SHE’S IN NEED OF EMOTIONAL GUIDANCE! SOMETHING I CANNOT GIVE HER RIGHT NOW!”

Ember sighs. “Look, King Malevolence. I… I’m sorry for how I’ve acted today. Maybe someday things will be different between us.”

“YOUR HOSTILITY WAS WARRANTED! YOU AND I HAVE QUITE THE PAST! PLEASE DO NOT HOLD THAT AGAINST MY DAUGHTER THOUGH!”

“I don’t! She has a bright and happy future ahead!”

Arc nods. “That she does. But in any case, we should be getting back to Ponyville.”

“GO!”

Auriel turns to leave, but does not walk away. “I…”

Arc turns back to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Father! I… I want to stay with you! I know it’s dangerous, but I don’t care!”

“YOU ARE BANISHED FROM TARTARUS, AURIEL! LEAVE MY DOMAIN NOW!”

“But…”

The king stomps the ground heavily. “I HAVE SPOKEN!”

Auriel nods her head sadly as the tears begin to flow. Arc walks over to her and puts an arm around her shoulder.

“Come on, Auriel. This way.”

The trio slowly returns to the barrier and passes through. Auriel turns back.

“Father… I… I’ll miss you!”

“AS WILL I! GOODBYE… MY DAUGHTER!”

Ember takes Auriel’s claw in hers and leads her out of the cave. Auriel nods with determination.

“I’ll find a way, father! You and the other demons will have plants somehow! I promise!”

Arc opens a portal back to Light’s Hope. They step through. In a moment they arrive at their destination. Arc sighs as they reappear on the sigil.

“Ember, would you please take Auriel home?”

She nods. “Sure.”

Auriel says nothing as Ember leads her out the door and down the path. Arc powers up the sigil and teleports to Derpy’s house. He Blinks outside so as not to wake Derpy and Dinky.

“I guess I’d better get a move on.”

He makes the walk to Sweet Apple Acres. The farmhouse is dark. However, Arc spots a light on in the barn and walks toward it. He knocks lightly.

“Applejack? It’s me, Arc.”

A moment later the sound of hoofsteps can be heard from inside the barn. The door opens, revealing Applejack’s familiar face. She holds the door open for him.

“Come in! It’s a bit chilly out tonight!”

Arc steps inside the relatively warm barn. “Thanks. Sorry I’m a bit late. I had quite the day.”

“I… it’s okay, sugarcube! Sorry you had to come all the way back out here just to talk to little old me!”

Arc nods as she gestures to a couple bales of hay against the wall. “It’s no trouble. I’m always here for you and the others should you need me.”

Applejack sighs as they sit down next to each other. “I… guess you heard the argument between me and Filthy Rich this morning.”

Arc chuckles. “Anyone in a five-mile radius did.”

“Yes… well… it’s not something we’re proud of around here.”

“I won’t tell anyone.”

“Thank you.”

They are silent for a time.

“So, Sweet Apple Acres is having financial trouble?”

Applejack sighs and nods. “Yes. You see… these last few years have been bad for us!.The economy has been terrible, and while we’ve had good harvests, the customers have been tapering off.”

Arc nods. “I understand.”

“We… we made the decision to borrow some money from Filthy Rich to buy some farm equipment like a new cider maker.”

“How’s it working for you?”

“Great! No complaints whatsoever there. But… it doesn’t matter how much cider we make if we can’t sell it.”

She sighs.

“This was supposed to make our jobs easier around here. And while it did, now I have a lot more stress what with Filthy Rich coming by to harass us.”

“Can he do that?!”

Applejack nods. “I suppose so. He could have done a lot more than he has.”

“Like foreclose on you?”

“Right! His family and Granny Smith go way back though, so I don’t think he has the guts to try anything like that!”

Arc frowns. “Applejack… can I tell you something?”

“Oh course! Anything!”

“Keep this between us though, okay?”

“Uh… sure.”

Arc tells her about Cherry Hill Ranch’s own dealing with the Rich family. Applejack grimaces!

“So that’s been going on for three generations?!”

Arc nods. “That’s what Cherry and Ruby told me.”

“But how can he do that?!”

“By compounding the interest when they get behind.”

Applejack shudders! “A bad harvest can do that.”

He nods. “To say nothing for the economy.”

“What will Ruby do?!”

“The only thing she can. Work hard and do her best. I’ve been trying to think of something else she can do, but so far nothing’s come up.”

Applejack sighs. “I get the feeling that’s what Filthy Rich is hoping to do with us.”

“Interest payments that never stop. A steady source of income for him.”

“He’s offered to take apple products in trade!”

Arc shakes his head fervently! “Don’t fall for it! He did that to Cherry Hill Ranch and used his free stock to undercut them!”

“WHAT?! But… but that would…!”

“Yes. It hurt their business even more.”

Applejack sighs. “Great… what have I gotten us into?”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “You didn’t know, Applejack. All you were trying to do was make your orchard more productive. That’s not a bad thing.”

“But I may have just cost us EVERYTHING!”

“How about this. I’ll loan you the money to pay off Filthy Rich completely. No interest. Just pay me back when you can.”

Applejack looks up at him. “What?! But…”

“No one has to know. This isn’t the first time he’s done something like this to someone in Ponyville.”

Applejack frowns. “There’s others?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. But they wouldn’t be happy if I told you who they were.”

“I understand.”

“So how much is your debt?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Arc, I appreciate what you want to do for us. But I can’t let you do that!”

“Please reconsider! I really want to help out a friend!”

“That’s really very Generous of you and all. But this is our problem. We need to see it through ourselves.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I won’t try to force you then. But please know that my offer still stands if you change your mind.”

Applejack leans over to give him a hug. “Thanks, sugarcube!”

“Don’t mention it. I don’t like Filthy Rich trying to take advantage of others”

Applejack sits back on her haunches. “I appreciate that.”

“The stories I could tell you of what I’ve learned would make your mane stand up. But I get the feeling what I’ve heard is only the tip of the iceberg.”

“Arc? I just want you to know I think you do a darn good job of looking after things. Not just for Equestria! But us little ponies too!”

“I do what I can.”

She suddenly looks nervous and embarrassed. “That’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh?”

“I just wanted to… apologize for what I said and did… awhile back.”

“Forget it, Applejack. You weren’t yourself.”

Applejack frowns. “Well, it still feels wrong! I mean… I was all over you in Carousel Boutique that day! What I did was completely inappropriate and unbecoming, and I’m sorry for making you feel uncomfortable!”

“It’s okay. Really!”

Applejack turns to look Arc in the eye. “No it wasn’t okay, Arc! If some stallion I trusted had done that to me, I’d feel awfully dirty and betrayed!”

“You weren’t alone in what you did.”

“I know. Please understand that I… I wouldn’t normally… lift my tail like that. Just… just for somepony really special! That’s not to say you aren’t special!”

Applejack turns away and blushes heavily.

“Sorry. I’m not very good at apologizing for… doing things like that.”

Arc puts his arm around her. “I appreciate the thought.”

She lays her head on his shoulder and sighs. After a short time she looks up at him.

“Arc? Thanks for… you know… not doing certain things to me back then. You were a real gentlepony to me and the other girls back there”

Applejack blushes heavily but seems unable to turn away.

Arc nods. “That’s not what a true friend would do. Taking advantage of a mare who’s literally out of her mind isn’t sexy. It’s just sick!”

They are silent for a time, just looking at each other.

“You were really pretty in that dress though.”

Applejack blushes heavily, but says nothing.

“I didn’t tell anyone about the dress-up session I found you in.”

She breathes a sigh of relief. “Thanks! Nopony recognizes me from the photos in the magazines! I’d like to keep it that way!”

“I understand. Do you feel any better?”

“A bit. Truthfully, it’s going to take me awhile to come to terms with… what I did!”

Arc nods. “If you need to talk, I’m here. Just know that I forgive you!”

“There is one other thing you should know, Arc.”

“There is?”

“Yes. Um… have you spoken to Pinkie Pie lately?”

“I did the other day, yes. Why?”

“She… really thinks highly of you and all.”

Arc nods thoughtfully. “Does she? I think the world of her cupcakes!”

“No, no! I mean… she… she likes you! Now I’m not trying to meddle in her affairs, but she thinks the world of you!”

“I know.”

Applejack looks at him, clearly surprised! “You do?!”

“Yes. She pulled me aside a while back and told me.”

“Oh… I see. Well, the two of you will make a really nice couple! Your both so positive and caring!”

Arc looks down at his hands. “I… I told her it was too soon. Cherry and I… losing someone that important to you… it… it hurts! It hurts SO much!”

Applejack puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “I understand. And I hope she does as well.”

“She did. Please don’t misunderstand me. I think Pinkie is a wonderful, cheerful, happy, fun mare and all! Maybe one day I’ll have the desire to get to know someone better again. But not just yet.”

“I’m glad she was able to tell you how she felt! She’s been eyeing you for some time now!”

“I’m sorry to say I never noticed. Pinkie Pie is very pretty inside and out, but…”

Applejack nods. “I understand. We both do, I’m sure.”

“Thanks.”

He stands up as Applejack stands with him.

“Well, I should probably let you get to bed.”

Applejack chuckles. “You too. I heard you’re an early riser just like me.”

“I have to get an early start to get my ‘to do’ list done.”

Applejack nods as they walk toward the barn door. “In any case, thanks for coming by! I know you’re really busy these days, what with trying to find you know who! Any luck on that?”

“Not yet. We’re just preparing for when we do find her.”

He opens the door and steps out.

“Good night, Applejack. Let me know if you ever need anything, okay?”

“I will! Good night!”

Applejack watches as Arc makes his way out of the barn and down the path toward town. She sighs happily as she blows out the lantern and heads for the farmhouse.

“What a stallion! I hope whoever he ends up with will make him very happy!”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way back toward Derpy’s house. Cherry sighs.

“Applejack has the same problems Cherry Hill Ranch does!”

Arc nods. “So it would seem.”

“Filthy Rich is just going to keep taking advantage of everypony until he’s stopped!”

“You’re probably right.”

“Isn’t there something you can do about it, Arc?!

“I don’t think so. He’s always very good at staying within the law. If I tried to do anything, he’d be the victim, and I’d be in the wrong.”

“Argh! This is just so irritating! How can he do this to others?!”

Arc sighs. “Some humans are the same way. They don’t really care what they have to do or who they hurt! Their bottom line is all that matters to them!”

Cherry sighs. “Sounds like a meaningless existence to me.”

“Yet so many fall prey to its lure of riches. I’d rather be poor and happy than rich and miserable though.”

“Miserable? HA! Filthy Rich may be a lot of things, but unhappy doesn’t seem to be one of them!”

Arc chuckles. “You’d be surprised. I think getting wealth gives him some kind of high. However, the more he gets, the more he needs to keep that feeling. It’s really quite pathetic when you think about it.”

Cherry sighs. “I used to envy him. But if you’re right, I pity him.”

The next morning Arc awakens in his room. Derpy and Dinky are on either side of him asleep. Dinky slowly opens her eyes.

“Morning already?”

Arc nods. “Yes, sweetheart. Time to us to get up.”

Derpy sits up and stretches. “Good morning Arc.”

“Good morning Derpy. Did you two sleep well?”

Derpy nods. “Very!”

“Mom and I always sleep well when you’re around!”

Ember sits up.

“What a day we had yesterday!”

Arc nods. “Auriel seemed happy! Until we took her father back to Tartarus, that is.”

Ember nods. “I really felt sorry for her.”

She looks down sadly.

“And… I’ve never seen a demon… cry before.”

Arc nods as he and his family get up. “They feel sadness just like you and I do.”

“I know that. But… until yesterday I didn’t really understand it.”

They walk into the living room together. Dinky trots over to the kitchen sink and washes her face.

“Big plans for today, dad?”

“Not really. I need to go see Auriel this morning. Make sure she’s okay after yesterday.”

Derpy looks concerned. “Did something happen?”

“Kinda. I brought her father to Light’s Hope for breakfast.”

Derpy looks confused. “Isn’t her father the Demon King?”

“Yes.”

Ember nods. “Not Arc’s best idea.”

Dinky looks over excitedly. “There was another demon here?! Was he big and scary?!”

“He was small after I shrunk him down.”

Derpy looks nervous. “I guess that kept you pretty busy yesterday.”

Arc nods. “It did. Sorry for not coming by for supper.”

“We understand. Just be careful!”

Derpy, Dinky, Ember and Arc make their way toward the door. They step outside into the chill morning air. Arc turns and waves after the pair as they walk toward the orphanage.

“Have a nice day!”

“You too, Arc!”

“Bye dad!”

Ember looks to Arc. “I’m heading to Light’s Hope to have breakfast with Natalya.”

“Okay. I’ll meet up with you there later.”

Arc turns and heads toward the Golden Oaks Library.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 18 - Coming Clean

Arc and Cherry make their way toward the Golden Oaks Library. Every house they pass is dark.

“Everypony must still be asleep.”

Arc looks around. “I guess so. It is pretty early after all.”

“Maybe it’s a bit TOO early, Arc.”

“Normally I’d agree. But if I know those two, they’ve been up all night working on something or other. If there aren’t any lights on though, we’ll go home.”

The pair approach the library. There are lights aglow in several windows.

Cherry giggles. “I guess you were right.”

Arc walks up to the door and lightly knocks. “Twilight and Auriel are about the same. Workaholics who apparently can’t read clocks.”

A few moments later the door opens and Twilight pokes her head out. She looks confused to see him at such an odd hour.

“Arc? What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to talk to Auriel. Is she up?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. My friends and I were just making breakfast. Won’t you come in?”

Arc steps inside to the smell of eggs and pancakes. “Thanks!”

Twilight leads him toward the kitchen. “We get together once in a while early to share a meal together and catch up.”

“You do? That’s a good idea. I’ll have to try that sometime.”

Entering the kitchen, they see the Mane 6 busy preparing food, setting the table or cleaning up spills. Arc walks over to them.

“Good morning everyone!”

Rainbow Dash grins at him. “Hey Arc!”

“Good morning, darling!”

Applejack tips her hat, happily! “Top of the morning to you!”

Pinkie bounces around happily! “YAY! More company!”

Fluttershy smiles warmly at him. “Glad you could come!”

Twilight looks slightly embarrassed. “Please excuse the mess! None of us, other than Applejack, are very good at cooking.”

Arc nods. “Spending time with friends make up for it, right?”

Rarity nods. “That it does!”

Applejack calls over from the stove. “You said it!”

Arc looks around the kitchen. “Is Auriel around?”

Twilight points a hoof. “She’s in the basement working on some new project. Although this one has me a bit worried.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “She seems really driven to finish it!”

Pinkie’s mane deflates momentarily. “She hardly even looked up when we brought her a snack earlier!”

Twilight nods. “All I know is she’s trying to grow something under extreme conditions.”

Applejack flips the pancakes on the stove. “She and Arc were at Sweet Apple Acres the other day asking Granny Smith if there was a way to grow something without sunlight.”

Twilight nods and puts a hoof to her chin. “That explains a lot.”

“Any ideas, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “That isn’t possible as far as I know. What did Granny Smith say?”

“She thought that maybe a magical based plant could survive by replacing what it gains from sunlight with inherent magic.”

Fluttershy looks confused. “Is that really possible?”

Applejack shrugs. “Don’t know. Nopony’s ever tried it before. Not even Granny Smith!”

Rarity smiles. “I can understand that! Why try to grow something without sunlight when you live in an orchard with more sunlight than anywhere else in Equestria?”

Arc nods. “I agree. However these plants are bound for Tartarus.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Say WHAT?!”

Arc chuckles. “There’s no sunlight there, Rainbow Dash.”

The pegasus waves her hooves dismissively. “No, no, no! I mean, you want to grow plants… where now?!”

“It could help rehabilitate the demons there. As it stands, they don’t really have anything to do other than plot and scheme different ways to escape.”

Applejack nods. “Arc does have a point.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose so. In any case, could you please tell Auriel we’ll be eating soon? You’re welcome to join us as well!”

“Sure! I’d like that!”

Arc turns toward the basement door.

“Be back in a minute!”

He disappears down the steps as Rainbow Dash turns back to her friends.

“What a crazy idea! Helping demons?!”

Rarity looks to her, angrily! “Rainbow Dash! Auriel is our friend!”

Applejack nods. “That was just plain rude, RD!”

“Come on! THOSE demons tried to KILL us!”

Twilight walks over to the stove to collect the food. “Well, a lot has happened since then. Think about it this way. Long ago the same could have been said about us unicorns and pegasi.”

“That’s different!”

Fluttershy looks at Rainbow Dash. “How?”

“I... I don’t know! It just is, okay?! But I’ll keep it to myself for Auriel’s sake!”

Applejack smiles as she puts another serving platter on the table. “See to it that you do! She’s been through enough already!”

Meanwhile, Arc reaches the lab. As he looks around, he spots Auriel at a table in front of a large contraption.

“Hi Auriel! What have you got there?”

She does not look up from her clipboard as she speaks. “It’s a bio-chamber. I’m using it to mimic the unique condition of the Tartaran environment.”

“How’s that going?”

“Not very well I’m afraid. I’m having to carefully adjust and take new readings every time I change a variable. This is going to go slow before it goes fast.”

“Need any help?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not yet. Once I have this all figured out there’s no limit to the number of experiments I can do! With all the plants here in Equestria, SOMETHING has to grow there!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “What about desert plants? I know Tartarus is rather short on water.”

Auriel points a claw at a nearby book on a table. “I already thought of that. According to that research tome all the known plants that live in the desert require large amounts of sunlight.”

“Darn! I was about to tell you about a system we have back home that would have worked well there. But it still requires sunlight to work. The Abyssinians love it! But they also have no shortage of rays.”

Auriel sighs. “I’ll figure something out! I have to! Give me a few days and I’ll have this machine set up!”

Arc nods. “I’ll probably be back in the Griffon Kingdom by then. But I’ll certainly check back with you when I can.”

Auriel sets down her clipboard and turns to Arc. “I… I’m a bit worried I won’t be able to pull this one off! I mean… nature intended for plants to make simple sugars via photosynthesis, not metabolize magic!”

“I have faith in you.”

“But what if I can’t!”

Arc puts his hands on her shoulders and looks into her luminous green and black eyes. “Come on, Auriel! Have the courage to try! You MAY fail, but at least you tried!”

Auriel nods. A worried tone in her voice. “But… but what will my father say?!”

“He has faith in you as well. But I’m sure he’ll understand that even you can’t work the impossible.”

“But what if…”

“Auriel!”

She straightens up as he says her name.

“You certainly won’t succeed if you keep second guessing yourself and talking like that. Just believe in yourself and do what you can.”

“I… but…”

“It’s all you can do. Now why don’t we go upstairs? It smells like Twilight and her friends have breakfast nearly ready.”

Auriel nods. “Okay…”

The pair head up the stairs and make their way to the kitchen. The Mane 6 are just putting out the last of the food. Twilight looks to Auriel with a smile.

“Hungry?”

“Very! Staying up all night does that to me!”

Twilight laughs. “Don’t I know it!”

Arc facepalms. “These two were made for each other.”

Everyone sits down to eat. Applejack looks to Auriel as she passes the pancakes.

“So how’s it going down there?”

“Fine. I should be ready to begin my experiments in a few days.”

Twilight nods. “I’m looking forward to the results! This has never been successfully done before!”

Rarity looks up. “Has ANYPONY ever tried?”

Twilight shrugs. “Probably at some point.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Well, if they did, it must not have gone very well.”

Auriel looks nervous. “That’s what I’m afraid of!”

Rainbow Dash laughs! “You two eggheads will figure this out!”

Arc nods. “I’m sure if there’s a way you’ll figure it out. Just don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come to you right away.

Twilight clops her hooves together happily! “This will be so much FUN!”

Auriel sighs. “I too enjoy experimenting, but… this is really important to me and everyone in Tartarus! No one has seen foliage in… centuries!”

They finish their meal and wash the dishes as the sun finishes rising. Arc wipes down the counter.

“Tasty meal, girls! Thank you!”

Twilight smiles happily. “Thank you for coming!”

Rainbow Dash grins! “Yeah! We don’t get a chance to all be together much, what with you off somewhere doing Celestia knows what all the time!”

Applejack shoots her a warning glance. “Rainbow Dash!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! She’s right! Truth be told, I can’t remember the last time we all got together without some terrible event going on.”

Fluttershy smiles at him. “Don’t feel bad, Arc! We all know how hard you work to protect us all!”

Rarity nods. “Right! You are the mighty Hero of Light, after all! And as such, have a reputation to uphold!”

“Y-yeah, I guess I do.”

He looks uneasy. Twilight notices this and walks over to him.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“I… uh… think I need to tell all of you something. We should probably sit down first though.”

The Mane 6 and Auriel appear confused but do as he asks Walking back to the Library they sit down around the table. Arc remains standing.

“Please forgive me, but all of you here reminded me of something I… never quite got around to telling you.”

Twilight looks nervous. “Is it bad?”

“No. But it did come as quite a shock to me when it happened!”

He looks over at Twilight.

“Do you remember that night you and I entered the Lunar Realm to speak to Princess Luna and Princess Cadance?”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Yes. We… spent the night together.”

Pinkie turns to Twilight angrily! “WHAT?!”

Rainbow Dash grins and leers at her friend! “Wow Twilight! Didn’t know you had it in you!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not like that, everyone! Ember and Sereb were there along with Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer!”

The Mane 6’s jaws drop! Arc sighs.

“Okay… that made it sound even worse. Look, it was a science experiment to see if the three of us could enter the Lunar Realm together!”

Twilight nods. “Yes! Arc was a complete gentlepony!”

“In any case… do you remember what Shining Armor did when he found out?”

“He blasted you across the room! You cut yourself on a piece of Princess Celestia’s mirror! Badly I might add! Doctor Whooves had to remove a piece of the mirror with forceps!”

Fluttershy looks surprised! “Oh my!”

“The last you saw of me was when I left the Infirmary, right?”

“I… suppose that’s right. Why?”

“My troubles that day were only beginning.”

Applejack nods. “I heard you went off to Yakyakistan. Did it not go well?”

“It did in the end. But the ride there was… memorable. I only remember about the first half of it though.”

Rarity looks confused. “How can you call it memorable then?”

“Because of what happened after I took a tour of the ship.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “A tour?! With a hole in you?!”

“I took some painkillers I got from Doctor Whooves. They did help immensely! In any case, after the tour Ember and Sereb took me back to my room. The three of us took a nap. Things get a little hazy at this point.”

Applejack chuckles. “Why? Painkillers wear off?”

“Yeah. I stood up to get a glass of water and an apple. The next thing I knew I was on the floor.”

Rarity looks genuinely concerned! “Oh my!”

“Ember helped me back to bed and told the captain to get the ship to a hospital! The closest one being in the Crystal Empire. I don’t remember how much time passed, but at some point I started having trouble breathing.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Woah! That must have been some injury Shining Armor gave you!”

Twilight shudders. “I’m sorry, Arc! What happened?!”

“At that point I couldn’t really tell what was going on around me. Things were all… fuzzy. I remember briefly being rushed to the Infirmary and Ember putting an oxygen mask on me.”

Applejack nods. “Good thinking!”

“My side hurt so much! Like something was tearing it apart! I… I think I told Ember… something, but can’t remember what before I blacked out.”

Rainbow Dash looks at him and smiles. “Well I guess they got you to the hospital in time though, right?”

“Yes and no. Yes, they got me to a doctor. But no there was nothing they could do for me. Ember filled me in on the details after the fact. Apparently that mirror was from the Crystal Empire and had been manufactured during the time of someone named King Sombra.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide! “The tyrant?! Oh no! Was it… Crystal Poisoning?!”

“Yes. How did you…”

“I read about it in history class! There hasn’t been a case of that in hundreds of years though! No one ever survived it though!”

“The doctors told Ember as much. My case was hopeless and terminal. Fortunately Ember had the foresight to call Cherry, Derpy and Dinky after notifying Shining Armor. He arranged for them to be brought to the Crystal Empire… just in case.”

Fluttershy looks to him sadly. “Then what did they do?”

Arc takes a deep breath. “I… I remember hearing voices. Although I couldn’t understand what they were saying. At one point I felt a hoof in my hand as it was raised and a familiar coat touched it.”

Pinkie nods at Arc. “Who… who was it?!”

“It was Cherry. A moment later I felt a large and small hoof on my other hand.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Derpy and Dinky?”

“Yes. I heard the doctor tell them my condition was critical and that I didn’t have much time left. The only thing they could do for me was to use the Crystal Heart.”

Twilight’s eye twitches! “WHAT?! But… but that would…”

Arc nods. “Yes. That was how my story would end. But… but I was okay with that. Using all my strength, I opened my eyes to… reassure them.”

Fluttershy looks confused. “Reassure… them? Of what?”

“That I would rather die in that hospital bed then become a mindless tool of a crazed, long-dead monarch! We said our goodbyes as the Crystal Heart was being set up. The machine was activated and everyone left the room. I couldn’t see what was happening, but it felt like I was being torn apart slowly from the inside!”

Auriel, who had been sitting there silently up until that point finally speaks up.

“What… what kept you going? Weren’t you afraid?!”

“No, Auriel. In my mind’s eye I could still see my hospital room’s door. I knew that those I cared for were safely behind it and that I would live on in their hearts. At that point I could almost hear my mother’s voice calling me home.”

They are silent for a time. Each of the assembled ponies sniffling a bit.

“Ember told me after the fact that Dinky had run off somewhere. But had returned in the nick of time with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. They jumped through the door and into my room.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide. “Wait, what?!”

Applejack nods. “I don’t understand how, but they did it.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know either. Those three have power inside them that even they don’t understand. Somehow they channeled it and combined their magical might into the Crystal Heart! They… saved me. Those three brave fillies risked their lives in order to save mine.”

Rarity begins to cry. “Sweetie Belle…”

A tear escapes Applejack’s eye as well. “Apple Bloom…”

Arc turn to them. “Rarity, you and Applejack should be very proud of them!”

The pair nod silently, unable to speak.

“When I awoke, sore but in one piece, Doctor Horse took another x-ray and found something rather strange had happened!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “All that and NOW something unexplainable happens?!”

“He looked at my x-rays and found that there were several black spots on my pictures.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “Black spots? Tumors of some kind?!”

“No… this.”

Arc removes his headband to reveal his forehead. He points to the gem in his temples.

“This had appeared.”

Twilight walks toward him. “What… is that?!”

Arc kneels down to allow Twilight to examine the jewel in his forehead. “A jewel of some kind. Beyond that, I’m not sure. But apparently it’s fused to the bone so I can’t take it out.”

Applejack looks at the gem, nervously. “Does it hurt?!”

“Not at all.”

Twilight gently touches the gem with her hoof. A purple gem… interesting. Did the doctor find anything else?”

Arc nods. “Actually, yes. Let me show you.”

He removes his tunic. The assembled ponies gasp in astonishment! Rainbow Dash flies over to him quickly!

“What the heck?!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her mouth, astonished! “Six jewels?!”

Fluttershy looks at Arc quizzically. “Where did they come from?”

“Apparently when the doctor x-rayed me originally, the Crystal Poisoning was all throughout my body! Crystals were growing everywhere throughout me! I can only assume the Cutie Mark Crusaders, combined with the power of the Crystal Heart, somehow purified the dark crystals and pushed them to the surface. Somehow they joined together to form the gems you see here now.”

Auriel nods. “That’s a lot of assumptions!”

Arc shrugs. “I’ve had awhile to think about it.”

Rainbow Dash pokes at Arc’s chest. “Can they do anything?!”

Arc nods. “The one in my forehead can supercharge my magic. But it really takes a lot out of me!”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide! “That day at the orchard when you bought all those apples! I wondered how you did that!”

Fluttershy looks to Applejack. “Did what?”

“I opened a portal from Abyssinia to Ponyville, then back again.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That… that’s not possible! It’s much too far!”

Rainbow Dash grins! “Twilight, don’t you know? Arc makes the impossible… possible!”

Auriel nods. “That much I’ve seen myself! I mean, he Blinked us halfway across Tartarus!”

Rarity looks amazed! “What?! But he didn’t have those jewels back then! Did he?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. They came much later.”

Twilight examines Arc’s chest carefully. “And the other crystals? Can they do anything?”

“Probably. But I’ve had no luck figuring them out. Not that I’ve had much time to work on that problem.”

Rarity approaches Arc and examines the crystals closely. “Hmmm… very interesting.”

Pinkie raises her eyebrows slyly. “Looks like Rarity sees something she likes!”

“I just noticed something! These jewels…”

Rarity looks them over one by one.

“They appear to be the same colors as… but that’s impossible! Or just a strange coincidence, mind you!”

She pauses as if weighing the possibilities in her mind before continuing.

“But… these match the Elements of Harmony!”

Twilight looks at them, wide-eyed! “You’re right, Rarity! I wonder…”

Twilight quickly opens the secret vault that holds and conceals the six Elements of Harmony. She removes one of them and trots back over to Arc.

“This is my element, Arc. The Element of Magic. Can I hold it up to the gem in your forehead?”

“Go ahead.”

As Twilight does so, her element begins to glow and pulse with a strange light. Arc’s own jewel resonates in tandem with Twilight’s! She walks back to the case and puts her Element back before turning to the others.

“There’s no doubt about it! That jewel has the same power as the Element of Magic!”

Rainbow Dash’s jaw drops! “But how’s that possible?! Another set of Elements?!”

Twilight looks back at the case. “Let’s see here…”

She picks up the Element of Kindness. Fluttershy looks to her, confused.

“What are you doing, Twilight?”

Twilight looks to her as she walks back over to Arc. “Seeing if it reacts in the same way!”

She holds the Element to Arc’s right shoulder, but nothing happens. Applejack frowns.

“I don’t get it!”

Pinkie jumps around happily! “Oh! Is it a matching game?! I LOVE games!”

Rarity sighs. “Nothing happened.”

Auriel nods. “Maybe the colors really are just a coincidence.”

Arc looks up. “Or maybe I just haven’t learned how to use them yet. For example, I haven’t learned how to control my ability to fly.”

Twilight looks to Arc, wide-eyed! “Wait! You… FLEW?!”

He nods. “Twice now.”

Applejack turns to Twilight. “Don’t you remember when he showed us his memory of the battle in Vanhoover? He flew up and beat the living daylights out of Tempest… in midair!”

“You’re right! How did I forget that?!”

Rarity smiles at him. “I guess there’s more to you than meets the eye, Arc!”

“Maybe. I mean… I always knew there was more to learn and all. But until now, I never really thought much of it.”

Auriel sighs. “But where should Arc go from here?”

Twilight walks back to return the Element of Kindness to its place. “Sadly, I have no idea! This is beyond my expertise!”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Probably everypony’s, Twilight!”

Pinkie looks at them with sad puppy dog eyes. “Are… are you saying he has to walk this road alone?!”

Twilight shakes her head as the Elements return to their hiding place. “No, Pinkie! Because we’re his friends! “

Applejack nods fervently! “That’s right! We’ll all go on this journey together if need be!”

Fluttershy smiles warmly. “The Elements brought us together, girls. But it’s our friendship that KEEPS us together!”

Rarity nods in agreement. “That’s right! And we’ll keep on walking this path to its end!”

Arc sighs. “Thanks everyone! But I can’t guarantee exactly what that end may be. For all we know, the path may end in a cliff’s edge!”

Twilight walks over to Arc and puts a hoof on his knee. “Like we said… you won’t face whatever fate has in store for you alone.”

Arc leans forward to give Twilight a hug. The Mane 6 join in. Auriel watches sadly.

“I wish I had friends like yours, Arc.”

“You do!”

“Really?!”

Rainbow Dash grins! “Of course!”

Applejack adjusts her hat. “Pony… demon… in the end, it doesn’t really matter!”

Rarity nods. “The important thing is that we care for one another!”

Fluttershy giggles! “Right!”

Pinkie hops around happily! “I’d say this calls for a party! But, were already having one! A friendship party!”

Arc extends a hand to her. “Come join us, Auriel.”

“It doesn’t bother any of you that I’m… different?”

Twilight shakes her head. “If it did, would I have invited you into my home?”

“Would I have given you those seeds?”

“Would I have made you clothes?”

“Would I have gone flying with you?”

“Would I have brought you to meet my animal friends?”

“Would I have shown you how to bake?! Seriously, we have to do that again sometime!”

Auriel approaches and slowly takes Arc’s hand. “You may be a demon. But you’re one of us now. Never forget that.”

The Mane 6 nod approvingly. Auriel smiles with tears of happiness in the corners of her eyes.

“I… I don’t know what to say!”

Twilight smiles at her. “You don’t have to say anything. Just join us in a hug!”

Auriel does so.

“Is this what friendship is all about?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Auriel.”

“I like it!”

Twilight smiles at her. “Then you’ll have to make even more friends!”

Pinkie grins! “Yeah! Who know! Maybe you’ll even meet a special somepony like Arc did!”

Twilight frowns at her! “PINKIE!”

She turns to Arc, clearly mortified.

“Arc, I am SO sorry! “

Rainbow Dash glares at the pink pony. “Yeah Arc! Pinkie sometimes talks without thinking!”

Pinkie looks confused. “What did I say?”

Applejack sighs and removes her hat. “It hasn’t been that long since… you know… the funeral.”

Rarity nods sadly. “You don’t get over a terrible event like that overnight!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof on Arc’s knee. “You must miss her so much!”

Pinkie giggles. “But she’s still here!”

Twilight frowns. “Who?”

“Cherry Jubilee!”

Rainbow Dash flies over to her angrily! “That’s not funny, Pinkie!”

Arc smiles. “Pinkie’s right.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“Cherry’s still with me!”

“Yes darling! She’s with all of us! In spirit anyways!”

Pinkie shakes her head. “No! I mean she’s literally still here!”

Auriel sighs. “I wish things like this didn’t have to happen, but…”

Twilight nods to her friend. “Calm down, Pinkie! We all miss her, but…”

Arc stands up. “Listen everyone! Pinkie is… somehow, right! Cherry Jubilee IS here! I’ll prove it to you!”

He calls forth his armor.

“Go ahead and let me out, Cherry.”

To everyone’s amazement Eidolon’s Ward opens up and Arc steps out. His armor turns to face them along with Arc.

“Everyone, this might be kinda hard to accept but…”

Pinkie waves a hoof, joyfully! “Hi Miss Cherry! We missed you!”

Eidolon’s Ward speaks. “Hello everypony! I’m very glad to see you all again!”

Rarity takes a step back! “Good heavens!”

Auriel looks confused. “How is this possible?!”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby, unable to understand that which is before her. “W-w-w-WHAT?!”

Fluttershy runs and hides behind her friends. “EEP!”

Twilight slowly approaches the armor with Applejack. “This… this is…”

“Cherry Jubilee? Is… is that YOU?!”

“Yes! I’m here!”

Twilight shakes her head. “But… but HOW?!”

Arc retells the events leading up to his and Cherry’s reunion. Auriel nods.

“That’s quite a story!”

Twilight looks skeptical. “Arc, please forgive me, but… are you absolutely SURE it’s her?!”

Arc nods with conviction. “I am! There is absolutely no doubt in my mind!”

Pinkie hops around! “It’s really her!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Okay, oaky! It’s Cherry Jubilee! But how did Pinkie Pie know?!”

“Pinkie Sense, silly! Although I couldn’t figure out what was setting it off when you came into Sugar Cube Corner the other day!”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Sorry if I frightened everypony! I’m getting used to this response though!”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to look at Pinkie, who is smiling insincerely.

“So… um… Cherry? How… how long have you been… around now?”

“Since Arc’s last trip to Earth. Why do you ask?”

Pinkie begins to sweat, and speaks in a frightened tone. “I… um… no reason!”

Eidolon’s Ward walks over to Pinkie and kneels down in front of the worried mare.

“Pinkie Pie. I know what you did the last time Arc was in your bakery.”

Pinkie begins to tremble slightly. “You see… I… I just…”

“That and I can also see Arc’s more recent memories. Including the conversation you had with him after you got out of the hospital.”

Rainbow Dash turns beet red! “She didn’t hear it from me!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What is this all about, Pinkie?”

Pinkie looks as if she is on the verge of tears. “It’s… kinda complicated!”

Twilight walks over to comfort the pink pony. “Pinkie Pie. We’re your friends! If there’s something we can help you with, tell us!”

Applejack nods. “Yeah! We shouldn’t be keeping secrets from one another now!”

Pinkie closes her eyes and sighs sadly. “Okay, you win. After we were released from the hospital, Arc came by Sugar Cube Corner. Rainbow Dash and I were there catching up on baking.”

Rainbow Dash smiles sheepishly. “Arc forgave me for… what I did back then. When he tried to do the same for Pinkie however…”

Pinkie nods. “Yes. I ran upstairs… crying.”

Rarity appears surprised. “Why, Pinkie! Whatever for?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Sounds to me like he just wanted to talk.”

“He did! A few minutes later he came upstairs and knocked on my door.”

Pinkie pauses and shakes her head.

“I didn’t look up. He sat down on the bed next to me and stroked my mane! Arc wasn’t even mad at me for what I… what I had tried to do to him in that very apartment less than a week ago!”

“I forgave you, Pinkie. Just like I did for everyone else.”

Applejack sighs. “Pinkie, what you did couldn’t have been as bad as all THAT!”

“Yes, well… back then I… tried to get Arc to do… very inappropriate things to me.”

Fluttershy blushes. “Oh my!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “We all did, Pinkie!”

Rarity nods and looks away. “Yes… we did…”

Applejack sighs and removes her hat. “Even I did.”

“But I was the worst of everypony! Because I… I…”

Pinkie begins to whimper. Arc looks to her.

“Pinkie…”

“Because I wanted those things! Even though I… I cared about him!”

Twilight walks over to her friend and puts a hoof on her shoulder. “Pinkie, I’m sure a lot of things were done and said back then that would rather be forgotten, but…”

Pinkie shakes her head and appears to be on the verge of hysterics! “You don’t understand! I honestly wanted Arc to sleep with me!”

Her face turns a deep shade of crimson as she looks away. Arc walks over to Pinkie and puts his hands on her shoulders as he turns to the others.

“Pinkie told me that she had feelings for me. That may be why she responded so… passionately back then.”

The pink mare does not look at the others but nods her head. Rainbow Dash sighs.

“I guess the cat’s out of the bag now!”

Applejack pulls her hat down over her eyes. “Oh boy…”

Rarity looks over to him, slyly. “What did you say, Arc?”

“I told her it was too soon. That the events leading up to Cherry’s death still haunted me! But she was very brave to tell me the truth.”

“I… I’m sorry for hiding this from everypony. But most of all, I’m sorry for what I did to you, Cherry! After all, Arc’s YOUR fiancée, not mine.”

“Pinkie. I… can’t.”

Pinkie looks shyly at Eidolon’s Ward. “Can’t what?”

“Be Arc’s fiancé anymore.”

Auriel looks confused. “What?! But…”

Pinkie looks up at Eidolon’s Ward with a confused look on her face. “I don’t understand! Why not?!”

“Because I can’t be there for him like a living wife could. Before we came back to Equestria, Arc and I had a very serious conversation, during which I told him to find somepony else to marry.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide! “But what about you?!”

“I’m here for Arc emotionally until he’s ready to take somepony else as his bride. At that point, I’ll Ascend and wait for him with my parents in the afterlife.”

Eidolon’s Ward takes Pinkie’s hoof in her gauntlet.

“Pinkie Pie. Whomever Arc chooses to spend his life with is just fine with me. Whether it’s you, Ember, Derpy… or anypony else for that matter. As long as he’s happy that’s all that matters to me.”

Pinkie wraps her hooves around Eidolon’s Ward as the tears begin to flow. “Thank you so much, Cherry! And I’m sorry! I’m so very, very sorry!”

Eidolon’s Ward puts her arms around the sobbing pink mare. The others gather around Pinkie as she continues to cry. Twilight smiles sadly and thinks to herself.

“Ember, Derpy and now Pinkie Pie! Who else out there has a thing for you, Arc?! But, I get the feeling none of us are truly worthy of you That’s why I hope my latest experiment will soon come to fruition.”

Chapter 1 - Mind Over Matter

Arc leaves the Golden Oaks Library. The air is cold, but he hardly notices. Cherry sighs.

“I hope Pinkie will recover from that shock.”

Arc nods. “She will. Of that I am certain.”

“Pinkie strikes me as a strong mare. But knowing what you want and being unable to have it… let’s just say I know how she feels.”

“I… I wish I could have… but… I’m just not ready to get to know someone new.”

“She’s a nice mare. Thank you for letting her down nicely.”

Arc sighs. “Pinkie is very nice! Who knows… maybe someday…”

They return to Light’s Hope. Raven is just making her way over to her desk.

“Good morning, commander.”

“Hi Raven. How are you today?”

“Doing just fine!”

She leans over her desk, careful to look left and right before whispering to Arc. “Better now that Flash Sentry is back.”

Arc leans forward and lowers his own voice. “Has he brought you up to speed on what we’ve been up to?”

“Yes! It sounds like you’ve been busy over there!”

“That we have. I’m looking forward to getting an audience with the Council of Lords. Hopefully we can finally make some headway on this.”

Raven nods. “If you don’t mind me asking, how are you planning on doing this, commander?”

“I’m not actually sure yet. When I meet the Council, hopefully I can sort of feel them out. Get a bead on how they operate.”

He lowers his voice further.

“Sadly, I can’t just storm in there and accuse Lord Goldstone. First I need to gain their trust. Play the political game.”

Raven sighs and looks down. “I understand, sir.”

Arc puts a hand under her chin and raising it to look her in the eye. “Hey. We’re not giving up on this. It might take some time, but I’m going to find a way! Okay?”

“Thank you, sir! I know you and Flash Sentry won’t let me down!”

She again lowers her voice.

“It’s just… I worry that the longer this takes, the more victims he’ll make!”

Arc nods. “I wish there was a way to speed things up. Sorry.”

“No need to apologize, commander. I’m sure you’re doing everything you can.”

“We all are. Now if Griffonstone will call and tell me when I can see the Council, we can get the ball rolling again.”

“Any idea how long that will take?”

“It should be soon. Now I should let you get back to work. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

Raven smiles at him. “Yes commander! Thank you!”

Arc walks down the hall. Cherry speaks to him telepathically.

“She’s taking this so well!”

“Better than most, that’s for sure.”

They pass the Training Room. The sounds of blows can be heard through the door.

“Sounds like somepony is really getting into their workout in there.”

Arc nods. “Let’s see.”

He opens the door to see Flash Sentry sparring with a Training Dummy. As Arc closes the door Flash Sentry dispatches the dummy. It collapses to the floor in a pile of cloth and splinters. The lieutenant kicks the mess out of the way and sets up another. Arc walks over to him.

“Hitting it pretty hard, aren’t you?”

Flash Sentry does not look up as he continues his training regime. “I have to be ready, sir!”

“What for?”

“ANYTHING!”

He smashes yet another Training Dummy. Arc crosses his arms over his chest.

“Somehow I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”

Flash Sentry breathes heavily. “Kinda.”

“Raven?”

Flash Sentry nods as he sheathes his weapons. “Yes sir.”

Arc gestures to a bench nearby. “Tell me, what you think about her?”

Flash Sentry sighs and smiles as the pair sit down. “Well, she’s kind. Compassionate really!”

“Can’t argue with that.”

“She kinda reminds me of… somepony.”

Arc nods. “Coco Pommel?”

“Y-yeah! How did you…?”

“Ponies and humans aren’t all that different when you get right down to the core. I’ve seen that most guys are looking for a girl with a similar personality to their mother.”

“Really?! Why’s that sir?”

“No idea.”

They are silent for a time.

“Sir? Can I ask you something… personal?”

“Is it about Cherry?”

“Yes.”

Arc nods. “You want to know if she reminded me of my own mother, don’t you?”

“Was it that obvious?”

“She did, or still does actually.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Ember brought me up to speed on her return. Can… can she hear us?”

Cherry giggles. “I can.”

“What about you, ma’am?”

“My own father was a hard worker, trustworthy, honest and always loyal to my mother. So I guess Arc does share many traits with him. Even though I never really thought about it before, I suppose I was always looking for a stallion who reminded me of my father.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll try to live up to that.”

Flash Sentry thinks for a moment. “Miss Pommel… Raven… they really are very similar. I guess I’ve been comparing her to Miss Pommel for a while now without even knowing it.”

Cherry giggles. “How does she stack up?”

“Well ma’am… she’s LIKE Miss Pommel, but… is that a good thing for us?”

Arc nods. “You mean, is she good enough?”

“I know I shouldn’t doubt her, but I can’t help it! She’s always on my mind! Sir, I… I think… I think she might just be the one!”

“Have you spoken to her about it?”

“No, sir. I… what if we’re on completely different pages! That could put her off! She’s so… emotionally fragile right now! I’m afraid of saying anything that might hurt or startle her!”

He sighs and looks down at his hooves.

“Sir? How did you know Miss Cherry was the one?”

Arc looks up at the ceiling and takes a deep breath. “That’s a difficult thing to explain. Some days I wanted to open a portal to her place and ask her to marry me! But other days I questioned whether or not I was ready. Whether I was… good enough for her.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “You sir?! But… you’re the Hero of Light! Former Lord Regent of Equestria! Maybe even the greatest hero of our generation! How in Celestia’s name could YOU not be good enough for somepony?!”

He chuckles. “Fancy titles and mighty deeds do not a spouse make. Tell me something, Cherry. Would you marry me if I was different?”

“Define ‘different’.”

“Let’s say I had accomplished everything Flash Sentry listed and then some. But, let’s also say I was an arrogant jerk about it. Always reminding everyone how strong I was. Or how many times I’d saved the day. A real show off.”

“I have to be honest with you Arc. That would have turned me away from you in a heartbeat!”

Arc nods. “Why is that?”

“Because I fell in love with you for YOU! Not because of your strength, intelligence or rank.”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “You see? Even after all I’ve done, Cherry wouldn’t have given me a second glance if my personality was that of an arrogant sleezebag.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I guess I have a lot to think about.”

“Think long and hard on that. I’m confident you’ll make the right choice.”

Arc stands up and looks at his pocket watch.

“When this mission is over, I hope you two can spend some quality time together.”

“Like… a date?!”

“Why not? You want to, don’t you?”

“I… I do! But… I don’t know how!”

Cherry giggles! “Just ask her to have dinner with you! It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant!”

Arc nods. “Cherry’s right. Raven would be happy just spending time with you. Take her to that new place in town.

Flash Sentry nods. “Paneighra Bread?”

“That’s the one!”

“Is it any good?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. I’m not much for hay fries after all. The point is to enjoy each other’s company and get better acquainted.”

“Okay. What about after dinner?”

Arc nods. “A movie? Do they have those here?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Not in Ponyville, sir. Only larger cities like Baltimare and Canterlot have theaters.”

Cherry speaks up! “How about a walk through the park? The moonlight and stars would certainly be romantic.”

“Good idea! What do you think, Flash Sentry?”

“I think she would like that, yes! Anything I should bring?”

Arc nods. “Flowers and a small gift. What does she like?”

“Working.”

Cherry sighs. “Okay. How about something for her desk then? A new paperweight?”

“She already has several.”

Arc frowns. “She doesn’t have ANY other interests?!”

Flash Sentry blushes. “Just one that she told me about, sir.”

“Which is…”

“Me. Apparently I’m the first thing she’s taken an interest in other than clerical work.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Wow… I knew she was dedicated to her job, but not THAT dedicated!”

“A new quill, perhaps?”

Cherry Jubilee sighs. “That’s not very romantic.”

“This is harder than I thought it would be, sir.”

“Do ponies wear jewelry?”

“Sometimes. Why?”

Arc grins. “How about a necklace? Something to accent her tie… thingy. What is that anyways?”

Flash Sentry stands up quickly. “I’m not sure! But it would look very nice with a gold chain on it! I’ll head over to the Blacksmith’s Shop and see if Silver Hammer has any ideas!”

“Go ahead. Oh, and on your way back stop by the spa and see if you can get a touch up on your coat’s dye.”

Flash Sentry gallops out the door. “Yes sir!”

Cherry giggles. “That was a nice thing you did, Arc. Mentoring him for his first date.”

“Yes, well… it kinda makes me wish I’d gone on one with you.”

“I was hoping we could have as well. But I understood that you were always very busy saving the land. But I’m sure you’ve been on plenty of them in the past.”

Arc shakes his head. “Actually, no.”

“What?! But… but you gave him such good advice! How did you…?”

“I just advised Flash Sentry to treat her with the respect she deserves. Think of her needs before his own. That sort of thing. If both parties in a relationship try to make the other feel wanted and loved, they both win. It’s only when they only worry about themselves that cracks form in a relationship.”

“Never looked at it that way before. I was always worried about your happiness.”

Arc laughs! “And I yours. Hopefully I did a good job.”

“You did! And me?”

Arc stands up and heads for the door. “Very much so! I’ve never felt so cared for!”

As he opens the door to the corridor, Arc is greeted by Ember and Natalya.

“Oh! I… my apologies, Lord Arc!”

“Getting a little training in, huh?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. Flash Sentry and I were just having a little chat about some personal matters he’s going through right now.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Is he okay?!”

“Oh, yes. In fact, he ran out of here a few minutes ago to act on my advice.”

Natalya smiles. “Good! I think…”

Ember sighs. “I’m a bit skeptical right now as well.”

“Very funny, Ember.”

Ember laughs. “I try. In any case, we came here looking for a bit of a sparring match. Care to join us?”

“Maybe next time. Lots to do today, as always. Feel free to use the facilities though.”

Ember nods. “All right. We’ll catch up with you later.”

Arc nods and leaves the room. Ember and Natalya walk to the center of the ring and take up their positions. The pair chat as they trade blows.

“What do you suppose Lord Arc is doing today?”

“No idea. But he’ll let us know when he’s ready.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way down the corridor to his squad’s quarters. They are sitting on the couches talking amongst themselves. Upon seeing him enter they quickly stand and come to attention. Max is the first to speak as he salutes.

“Sir!”

“At ease, all of you. Please, sit back down.”

They do so. Arc sits down on the couch across from them.

“I just wanted to stop by and see how the four of you were doing in your therapy sessions.”

Xenos looks nervous. “We… um…”

Hugh sighs. “It’s… not exactly going well, sir.”

Viktor nods. “We’re doing our best, but…”

Max turns to Arc. “I think what the others are trying to say is this has turned out to be much more of a process than any of us realized!”

“Old wounds?”

Xenos sighs. “Yes sir.”

Viktor nods. “I… we all knew what was going on at the New Beginnings Orphanage when we were growing up. But until we were forced to talk about it, I don’t think any of us truly understood just how deep these experiences hurt us.”

Hugh frowns. “Although it did make us into the soldiers we are today.”

Max turns to Hugh. “True. But… was it worth it?”

Arc shakes his head. “No ‘super soldier’ training is worth your lost childhood.”

Xenos nods. “Agreed, but… ultimately, what’s done is done.”

Hugh looks to Arc. “What Matron Tempest did to us… to everypony, was truly horrible! But we are what we are now.”

The four stallions look nervously at each other.

“But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there boys?

Max nods. “Yes sir. Emerald Dream put us through numerous tests to determine how deep our pain went. What she found was truly frightening!”

Viktor puts a hoof to his forehead. “Apparently all of us show signs of… brainwashing.”

Arc frowns. “What?! So Matron Tempest was PROGRAMMING you?!”

Xenos nods. “It would appear so.”

“Any idea what for?!”

Hugh shakes his head. “Not the slightest. Whomever came up with that system did so masterfully! Nopony even knew they were being influenced.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Because you were foals, perhaps?”

Max nods. “It’s possible. Or maybe it’s still going on.”

“How so?!”

“If Matron Tempest really was trying to ‘program’ us for something, it would stand to reason that she didn’t act alone in this matter.”

Viktor furrows his brow. “A warrior and a tactician she may be. But psychology is a bit outside of her skill set.”

Xenos stomps a hoof. “Maybe that weird looking creature helped her! The Dark One you told us about!”

Arc nods. “It’s possible. Or it could have been done by another member of her organization.”

Hugh suddenly look worried again! “Organization?!”

Arc nods. “When Tempest was here during the quarantine, she told me that she was part of something called the Council of Shadows. How big this group is, or what its goals are eludes me.”

Max nods. “One would think it would have to be a small inner circle, sir.”

Hugh smiles nervously. “Yes. A large organization would be hard to keep hidden.”

Viktor frowns. “Or secret.”

Xenos looks to Arc. “Sir? Do you remember when we were investigating Matron Tempest a while back?

“I do. What about it?”

“When we were going through the files you took from the New Beginnings Orphanage, Miss Derpy found several requisitions for building materials.”

Hugh looks up. “Could she have wanted to use them to build her cohorts a base of some kind?”

Viktor nods. “That does make sense.”

Arc sighs. “Well, at least now we know where those building materials went. Also, back when this base was constructed, Canterlot sent over a large quantity of weapons and armor.”

Max sighs. “The ones that were rotten?”

“Right. But the forms claimed they were in good condition.”

Xenos’ eyes grow wide as he puts two and two together. “Do you suppose our supplies were switched with that garbage at some point?!”

Arc nods. “If they were responsible for the theft, the Council of Shadows must have been trying to outfit a large number of soldiers.”

Max shudders. “That’s a scary thought. Having to fight an army that was outfitted by US!”

Viktor puts a hoof to his head. “This level of organization is astounding! Who knows what else they’re responsible for, or who else is involved!”

“The only members I know of are The Dark One, Tempest and Captain Decimus.”

Xenos nods. “But he’s dead!”

“She says he’s alive.”

“HOW?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But the last time he was supposedly killed, he came back.”

Hugh looks to Arc. “Are you completely sure he was dead?”

“Positive! No one survives a head wound that caves in their skull like that.”

Xenos nods. “So, what do we do about this Council of Shadows?”

“Just keep our ears to the ground and keep listening. Nothing more we CAN do for the time being. Has Canterlot been told of this?”

Max shakes his head. “No sir. The findings from our sessions are generally kept secret. Doctor/patient confidentiality. But as our commanding officer you have the right to know the mental state of your troops.”

Arc sighs. “I think the princesses need to know. Would it bother you four if I spoke to them about this?”

Viktor shakes his head. “No sir. If it helps somepony, we’re all for it.

The others nod in agreement.

Hugh smiles at Arc. “You’ve always looked out for our best interests, sir. We trust you.”

“Thank you. I think I’m going to order a full psychological evaluation of everyone stationed here though.”

“Sir?”

“It’s important to know if the four of you were the only victims of this process, or if it’s more widespread.”

Max nods. “If there were others, the princesses themselves could be in danger!”

Arc stands up and heads for the door. “Right! I’m going to head over to Canterlot and talk this over with the princesses right now. You four keep going with your normal therapy sessions.”

They salute.

“Yes sir!”

Arc leaves the room. Xenos turns to the others.

“I’m not too keen on learning that Matron Tempest got in our heads!”

Hugh sighs. “Well, I for one am not terribly surprised. She was a terrible caretaker, after all.”

Viktor nods in agreement. “Do you think the commander can help?”

Max shrugs. “Who knows. But that won’t stop him from trying.”

Arc quickly makes his way to Emerald Dream’s office. He picks up copies of his squad’s test results before opening a portal to his private quarters in Canterlot Castle. He mutters to himself as he quickly walks down the corridor with the files.

“I hope my guys will be able to rise above this. Damn you Tempest!”

Cherry speaks to Arc’s mind. “They seem to be very strong-willed and loyal to you, Arc.”

“That may be, but messing around with someone’s mind is dangerous!”

He makes his way to the Audience Chamber. There are quite a few ponies seeking an audience, as usual. Arc spots Kibitz making his way toward the large double doors with a stack of papers on his back.

“Good day to you sir! Here to see the princesses?!”

“That I am, Kibitz. I have urgent business to discuss with them.”

Kibitz turns around and look at the crowd. “You and half of Canterlot it seems.”

“Something up?”

“No sir. Just a very busy day around here. It happens on occasion. If you’d like to follow me, I’ll escort you inside.”

Arc nods as the pair walk toward the doors together. “What about the current audience?”

“They’re just here for a civil matter. These forms will complete their audience.”

Kibitz opens the door and they step inside. He levitates the papers over to a familiar stallion. Filthy Rich quickly looks over the papers before turning to walk toward the door.

“Thank you for your time.”

He glances over at Arc with a smirk and a curt nod.

“By your leave, Hero of Light.”

Arc frowns at him but says nothing. Filthy Rich wastes no time leaving the Audience Chamber. Cadance and Luna step down from their thrones to greet Arc.

Cadance frowns at the doors. “Oh, I hate that stallion!”

Arc nods. “You’ve got company.”

Luna sighs. “He comes to see us once a month.”

“What about?”

Cadance puts a hoof to her forehead. “Foreclosure notices.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That was a fair amount of papers.”

Luna nods. “It’s a rather complicated matter to foreclose on somepony in Equestria.”

Cadance sighs as she looks down at her hooves. “Those were only the forms for three separate matters. It may not be much for us, but…”

Kibitz frowns. “But I’m sure it is EVERYTHING for those involved!”

Arc looks at them nervously. “There wasn’t anything in there about foreclosing on a farm, was there?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. Only private residences.”

“Not that it’s any consolation for us, mind you.”

Kibitz nods. “Mr. Rich has never foreclosed on a business. The two parties are always able to come to some kind of agreement on their own.”

Arc frowns. “Yes. I’m aware of his… agreements.”

He tells the princesses of the deals Filthy Rich has made with the Hammers, Sweet Apple Acres and Cherry Hill Ranch. Cadance appears angry!

“I knew he was a shrewd businesspony, but this is terrible!”

“I was able to help the Hammers out of their contractual obligations with him. However, the other two are a bit beyond me.”

Cadance grits her teeth. “From what I’ve been told, he always operates completely within the law. As it stands, there’s not much we can do to him.”

Luna narrows her eyes, angrily. “Filthy Rich… I don’t know how yet, but I will make you pay for hurting my friends!”

Arc nods. “Let me know if you need help with that. He’s been collecting off an old debt from Cherry Hill Ranch for three generations now.”

Cadance looks to Arc, wide-eyed. “Cherry Hill Ranch? Isn’t that…?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Cherry’s family farm. He’s been accepting some of their inventory as partial payment for the interest, then turning around and using his free inventory to undercut her. If this keeps up, it could bankrupt Cherry’s sister!”

Cherry sighs. “Please! If there’s any way to help my sister…”

Cadance gasps! “Miss Cherry! Forgive me, but I forgot you were in there!”

“Sorry for scaring you, your highness.”

“It’s alright.”

Luna turns to their assistant. “Kibitz, can you think of any legal loopholes?”

“None spring readily to mind, Princess Luna. Shall I delve deeper into this manner?”

“Please do. Let me know if you come up with anything that could help resolve this situation.”

Kibitz bows. “Yes, Princess Luna.”

He heads for the door to carry out his instructions as Cadance smiles.

“Don’t worry, you two. If there is anything to find, Kibitz will do so.”

Luna nods. “Yes. We can always count on him. Now as important as this matter may be Arc, I get the feeling you had another reason for coming here today.”

“I did. But might we speak in private?”

“Very well. This way.”

Luna leads them into the adjoining office and gestures to the posh looking couches on one end of the room.

“Why don’t we sit down?”

Arc nods. “That’s probably a good idea.”

The three do so as Cadance looks to Arc.

“So what have you come to see us about today?”

Luna looks hopeful. “Headway on the Griffon Empire mission?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m still waiting for an audience with the Council of Lords. The truth is, I just had a very interesting conversation with my squad.”

Cadance smiles. “Ah, yes! Your Lunar Defenders! How are they performing?”

“Very well. They’ve been a great help several times now. But… it came to my attention that one of them was having some… problems.”

Luna frowns. “Oh?”

“He was very close to Coco Pommel growing up. I found out that he’s been sneaking over there to check on her at night.”

Cadance looks confused. “For what purpose?”

“To make sure she’s really there.”

Luna frowns. “What?”

Arc sighs and nods. “I was aware that Matron Tempest was abusive and cruel. But I didn’t know the scars of the past ran so deep in him.”

Cadance nods. “Should we send him in for psychoanalysis?”

Arc holds up the reports. “I already have. In fact, I took the liberty of having all four of them undergo therapy.”

Luna nods. “Are they going to be alright?”

“That’s… complicated.”

Cadance looks confused. “How so?”

He opens the reports. “According to Emerald Dream, all four of them are showing signs of not only mental scaring, but some kind of brainwashing.”

Luna appears horrified! “WHAT?!”

Cadance shakes her head. “How did this happen?!”

“According to these reports, it’s buried deep in their subconscious. The notes say such mental conditioning would have taken YEARS to plant. All four of them grew up at the New Beginnings Orphanage under Matron Tempest’s ‘care’.”

Luna sighs. “So she was conditioning them for what?!”

“She doesn’t know. It could have been to make them better soldiers. Or… maybe some kind of failsafe. I know this might sound a bit out there, but imagine if you could turn a soldier into a slave just by saying a keyword.”

Cadance shudders. “A frightening thought!”

Arc closes the reports and lays they on a nearby table. “She’ll need time to learn more. I thought you should be aware of this.”

Luna nods. “Thank you for bringing this to our attention.”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “We’ll see about having our own guards who grew up in that place evaluated as well.”

Arc nods. “We should probably keep this to ourselves for now. Wouldn’t want Tempest and her ilk knowing that we know about this.”

Luna stands. “I’ll send a couple guards in for study under the guise of being randomly selected.”

“Sounds like a plan. That reminds me! The last time Tempest was in Ponyville she told me that she was part of something known as the Council of Shadows. Does that mean anything to you two?”

Luna shakes her head. “It does not. But when was this?”

“During the recent illness in Ponyville. Sadly I couldn’t get any more out of her. She also said that Captain Decimus is alive again.”

Luna frowns. “I’m… not quite sure how I feel about that.”

Cadance sighs. “Nor I. While that news should fill me with joy, it only makes me nervous! Luna, what happened to our oldest and closest friend?!”

Luna shakes her head sadly. “I wish I knew, Cadance. He was the last stallion I ever expected to betray us! While this is hardly the first time something like this has happened, for someone so close to us to try and kill us… I just don’t know what to think!”

Cadance bows her head sadly. “I wish Auntie Celestia were here.”

Luna nods. “As do I. From audiences to emissaries, she always had it together.”

Arc smiles at them. “Don’t you two worry. I’ll find her and bring her back.”

“Thank you Arc. We know you will.”

They are silent for a time.

“Speaking of emissaries, do you happen to know anything about Brightwing?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not much, Princess Luna. She was considered something of an oddity in the Dragon Lands.”

“Can you tell us any more about her though?”

“According to Ember, Brightwing arrived in the Dragon Lands quite a few years ago. “

Luna looks confused. “Alone?”

“Yes. But she said that isn’t so uncommon. The really odd thing about her is the fact that she doesn’t appear to be growing physically or mentally.”

Cadance nods. “That would explain her lack of teeth.”

“Come again?”

Luna nods as she looks to Arc. “Dragons grow their first set of teeth only a few weeks after being born. Brightwing shows no sign of doing so.”

Cadance frowns. “There’s also her vocabulary. We’re assuming she can understand us, but has a hard time getting her own message across to us.”

Luna sighs. “One would think that a dragon would be a bit more advanced at that age. Any ideas how old Brightwing is?”

Arc shrugs. “Supposedly she arrived when Ember herself was a baby.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “So Brightwing is OLDER than Ember?!”

“That’s what I was told.”

“This isn’t answering our questions.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, Princess Luna. I wish I knew more. Is she causing any trouble?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Other than being quite a mystery, no. In fact, she spent a solid week exploring!”

“The castle?”

Luna sighs. “Her room.”

“One room?!”

Cadance nods. “And the adjoining bath.”

Luna rolls her eyes. “She’s since ventured out to explore that rest of the castle. But we don’t really know what she’s up to.”

“Perhaps she should have some guards assigned to her.”

Cadance chuckles. “We tried that. They couldn’t keep up with her!”

Luna sighs. “I couldn’t believe it myself until I witnessed her short-range teleporting.”

Arc nods. “She has a longer range than you realize.”

Cadance groans. “She does?!”

“Dragon Lord Torch ordered her to escort us to the Hydra’s secret village. After she did so, she performed some kind of teleport. Ember believes she teleported back to her father’s side.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “The estimated distance?”

“We were a couple hours walk from Pyreston, so I would say several miles away.”

Cadance appears exasperated. “So we have a baby dragon with no teeth who doesn’t grow and has mysterious and very powerful magic just hanging around?!”

Luna shrugs. “So it would seem. At least this gives us a chance to learn about their kind.”

Cadance turns back to Arc. “Why do you suppose the Dragon Lord wanted an emissary all of a sudden?”

“Your guess is as good as mine right now, Princess Cadance. When I asked him about it, he just told me that was the offer. Take it or leave it.”

“Perhaps he only wanted to learn more about our kind.”

“I hope so. Ponies and dragons CAN be friends! Ember and I are living proof of this.”

Cadance sighs. “Perhaps one day. But that will be rather difficult if the Dragon Lord continues to make these strange demands. While we don’t believe Brightwing is dangerous, the circumstances surrounding her arrival are rather unnerving!”

“I understand. She’s a lot smarter than she looks though! When we were attacked en route to the Hydra Village, she was fully able to defend herself with trickery and strategy!”

Luna frowns. “That doesn’t make us feel any better, Arc.”

“Just thought you should know the truth.”

Cadance nods. “We appreciate that. Thank you.”

Arc stands up. “Well, I should probably let you get back to audiences. It’s rather busy out there.”

Luna nods and sighs. “They never end.”

“In all seriousness, if you two need a vacation, I’d be willing to take over for a while.”

Luna shakes her head. “That is very Generous of you, Arc. However, this is our lot in life.”

“Even professionals take time off once in a while. Believe me, it helps tremendously.”

Cadance smiles. “Maybe one day. But there’s just so much to be done right now.”

Arc nods and heads for the door. “I understand all too well. Do keep my offer in mind though. We all need to rest.”

Arc leaves. Cadance turns to Luna.

“We should take him up on this.”

Luna nods. “Indeed. I will ask him to take care of Equestria when my sister is found. We… the three of us should spend some quality time together after this ordeal.”

Cadance smiles. “It is good to have somepony around whom we can entrust with such a task as watching over this land while we rest.”

Luna smiles. “That it is.”

Chapter 2 - Trust Issues

As the sun climbs higher in the sky, Arc returns to Ponyville via portal. He steps off the sigil into his private quarters. Leaving the room he quickly heads for his office. Upon entering it he finds Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage there going over some paperwork.

“Sir! Welcome back!”

Arc nods. “Sadly, I’m not staying long… probably. How are you getting along here?”

“Okay, I suppose. Truthfully there isn’t much to do other than paperwork and duty rosters while you’re gone, sir.”

“Is that good?”

Sandstorm Mirage smiles. “I guess it’s better than being under attack on some warfront.”

“That it is! In any case, while I’m gone this time I want you to see to it that every soldier under my command has a full psychiatric evaluation. Schedule them so Emerald Dream has plenty of time to properly observe everyone and not leave Light’s Hope understaffed.”

“Sir?”

“I think Matron Tempest may have done more damage to everyone than we originally thought. That includes you too.”

“Yes sir! Whom should I leave in charge while I’m away though?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Now that I think about it, performing the evaluations here would probably be better. Have her come here and perform her task in the Conference Room.”

“Very well, sir! Shall I have copies of her findings sent to you?”

Arc heads for the door. “Just have them sent to my office. I’ll look them over when I get back.”

The sergeant steps forward, nervously. “S-sir?!”

“Yes?”

“I… it’s nothing. I just wanted to wish you good luck in Griffonstone, and a speedy return!”

“Oh… thanks. Take care of things while I’m gone. I’m counting on you.”

Arc leaves the office. Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head.

“Why is this so hard to do?! The commander would understand! Probably…”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way back down the corridor. A Royal Guard quickly approaches him and salutes.

“Sir! We’ve just received a message from Canterlot Castle. The Council of Lords will reconvene tomorrow.”

Arc grins! “Good!”

“Raven should be able to give you the details.”

“I’ll go see here now. Thank you.”

Arc quickly makes his way to the Main Entrance. Raven is sitting at her desk wringing her hooves together nervously.

“Sir! I just sent somepony to find you!”

“Canterlot called about my audience?”

Raven nods. “Yes! Tomorrow evening the Council of Lords will see you.”

“Good. I should probably head over there early though.”

“Sir?”

“While I don’t want to be late, there’s also a couple things I want to do before my audience. When Flash Sentry gets back tell him to get Ember, Natalya and Sereb and meet me in the cafeteria. I’ll be back in a bit.”

Raven nods as Arc heads out the door. “Yes commander.”

Arc quickly makes his way down the path to the Little Hooves Orphanage. Stepping inside he hears the sounds of laughter and foals playing coming from the backyard. He makes his way to the cafeteria and finds Derpy busy wiping down the tables. She looks up as he walks in.

“Arc?! What brings you here?”

“I wanted to let you know I’m heading back to Griffonstone in a little while. The council is finally going to see me tomorrow evening.”

“That’s wonderful! But why are you leaving today?”

“I want to see another one of their towns before my audience. With luck, I’ll be able to come home for supper.”

He kneels down to give her a hug. Derpy wraps her hooves around Arc’s neck.

“Dinky and I will be waiting for you.”

Arc nods as he returns the hug. “I’ll see you later. Tell Dinky I love her!”

“I will! She’s with Miss Cheerilee right now getting some help with her schoolwork if you want to tell her yourself. “

Arc sighs. “I shouldn’t interrupt her lesson. In any case, I’ll see her tonight.”

“Okay. We’ll be waiting for you.”

He leaves the orphanage and returns to Light’s Hope. Raven waves him over as he enters.

“Flash Sentry just got back a few minutes ago, sir.”

“Good. I’ll catch up with him and the others.”

“Take care commander!”

Arc makes his way to the cafeteria. Flash Sentry, Ember, Natalya and Sereb are waiting for him at a table.

“Ready to go, sir!”

Arc nods. “Good, lieutenant.”

Ember frowns. “Is there trouble?!”

“No, Ember. The Council of Lords will see me tomorrow evening. But I wanted to go back for a bit.”

Natalya looks confused. “Lord Arc?”

“I’ll explain when we get there, Natalya.”

He activates the crystal in his forehead and opens a portal back to the Grand Aviary. Everyone steps through. They walk out of the bathroom and into Arc’s room as Ember turns to Arc impatiently.

“So why are we here a day early?”

“I wanted to check on General Blackbeak’s daughter.”

Natalya nods. “She should have been released by now.”

Arc heads for the door. “Then we can go see General Blackbeak and ask him then.”

Flash Sentry points a hoof at the table. “Sir? It looks like there is a letter for you.”

“Oh?”

Arc looks over and sees an envelope.

“It’s probably additional information regarding tomorrow, Lord Arc.”

He walks over and picks it up. “Only one way to find out, I guess.”

Arc opens the envelope and reads it silently. An angry look suddenly crosses his face!

“Arc? What is it?”

“It’s from the rebels, Ember! They’re extending an invitation for me to join them!”

“WHAT?!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “That’s pretty brazen of them! Sneaking in here and putting something like this in writing!”

Ember nods. “I’ll say! Aren’t they afraid you’ll turn them in, Arc?”

“Turn who in? No one signed the letter.”

Natalya looks around, fearfully. “This is getting out of claw! Lord Arc, we need to report this!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “But to whom? For all we know, the one we tell might be with the rebels!”

Ember frowns. “Great! What then?!”

Arc puts the letter in his ring. “I guess there’s nothing to do about this other than to ignore it for the time being. But I get the feeling this isn’t the end of the matter.”

Natalya shudders as they make their way out of the room and head down the corridor together. Sereb stays in the room and lies down. A short time later they arrive at General Blackbeak’s office. Natalya knocks on the door before entering with Arc and his Honor Guards.

“General. Lord Arc is here to see you.”

Blackbeak stands up and quickly walks over to Arc.

“Lord Arc! Good to see you again!”

Arc extends a hand and shakes the general’s talon. “Likewise, general. How’s your daughter doing?”

“Resting peacefully at home, thanks to you! She says her tail feels very stiff, but is otherwise working! It’s going to takes some time, but her tail should function as it did before the accident!”

“Glad to hear it!”

“I’m told the Council of Lords has approved your audience for tomorrow.”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to it.”

Blackbeak nods. “So what brings you back a day early?”

“I wanted to see you and ask how your daughter Gilda was doing. That and I was hoping to see another one of your nation’s towns before the meeting tomorrow.”

Nataly looks confused. “Which one, Lord Arc?”

“Griffon’s Gate.”

The general nods. “Ah! So you want to see our main trade hub, eh?”

“Yes. Lieutenant Natalya tells me everything goes through it. Like a giant depot.”

“It’s fine with me. Perhaps you can learn a few things about how us griffons do business.”

“Maybe. In any case, how do we get there?”

“I’ll have one of our transports take you over there. See to it, lieutenant!”

Natalya salutes. “Yes sir!”

“Thank you, general.”

“Take Lord Arc to the Skyport and escort him to Griffon’s Gate, lieutenant. Show him around whatever facilities he wishes to see.

“I’ll see to it, sir!”

She looks to Arc.

“If you would be so kind as to follow me, Lord Arc.”

“Lead the way.”

As the group leaves the office the general calls out after them. “I’ll see you at your audience! Take care!”

He closes the door behind them and paces the office, muttering to himself.

“There’s been quite a bit of rebel activity in that town. Is Lord Arc going there to meet with them?”

He considers this for a few minutes before picking up his telephone.

“I can’t take that chance! He has to be watched! Whatever it is you’re up to, Lord Arc, I’ll figure it out!”

Meanwhile, Natalya leads Arc and company back to his quarters. He opens the door and sticks his head inside.

“Let’s go Sereb! Time for another adventure!”

Sereb quickly gets up and heads over to the door to join them. Arc closes his door and look down the corridor.

“Onward everyone! Uh… which way now?”

Ember chuckles. “Our fearless leader…”

Natalya smiles. “This way.”

She leads them to eastern side of the Grand Aviary. The hallway opens into a large hanger with numerous airships. She heads for a small cargo ship that is being loaded. After speaking with the officer on deck she returns to Arc.

“This ship is headed for Griffon’s Gate. We can hitch a ride with them.”

Flash Sentry looks at the ship, warily. “Uh… are you sure this ship is… air worthy?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah! It looks to be in pretty poor condition.”

Natalya nods. “I’m sure it’s fine. But if Lord Arc wants, we can wait a few hours for a different ship to come in, unload its cargo and head back.”

Arc shakes his head. “This ship will do.”

They head up the gangplank past several rough looking sailors. Natalya approaches the captain, who is nearly as tall as Arc is, with the group.

“Captain, this is the VIP I spoke to you about earlier.”

They look him up and down. “This is Lord Arc? The emissary from Equestria?!”

Arc nods. “I am. Is there a problem?”

The captain laughs. “Nah! I just assumed he would be an equine, is all! Anyways, we’re almost ready to take off!”

Arc smiles. “Thank you, captain…”

The captain turns to walk away. “The name’s Captain Celaeno.”

A short time later the airship takes off and heads due east. Arc and his companions stand on the deck together.

“Nice day for a flight!”

Arc nods. “That it is, Ember!”

Natalya turns to him. “We should be there in about an hour. Barring any problems, that is.”

Flash Sentry looks at the sky. “Weather looks good. Not sure what could slow us down.”

Sereb walks over to Arc and bumps his ankle several times with a paw. Arc kneels down as he pretends to scratch Sereb behind the ears.

“What’s up?”

“I just overheard something disturbing. The ship and crew just received a message of some kind over the radio. Their captain is trying to reassure her crew into doing what she tells them to.”

Arc frowns. “Mutiny?”

Sereb growls. “Something devious, that much is certain. Although it may not concern us, I thought you should know.”

Arc moving to stand up. “Thanks. Keep your ears open.”

“Sereb nods and walks away.”

Arc walks back over to the railing and looks out over the horizon, muttering to himself. “We’ve come this far…”

A short time later Captain Celaeno comes out onto the deck.

“Would you like somewhere to rest, Lord Arc? We don’t have the most luxurious cabins, but what we have is at your disposal.”

“Thank you captain, but I’m just fine out here on the deck.“

She appears unsure of herself. “Oh… uh…”

“Nice ship you have here! What’s her name?”

“Thank you, sir. We call it the Solar Macaw. She may not be the prettiest, but she gets us to and from.”

There is an awkward silence as the captain thinks.

“Can I interest you in some… tea?”

Arc shakes his head as he looks out over the railing. “No, thank you.”

“Is there anything you need?! Anything at all!”

“Well… how about a restroom?”

“Yes sir! Right this way!”

She gestures toward the hatch that leads below deck. Arc turns to follow her.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes. Enjoy the view everyone.”

Flash Sentry turns to Ember as Arc and Captain Celaeno disappear below deck. “She seemed quite nervous.”

Ember chuckles. “Maybe the captain’s afraid of heights.”

Natalya frowns. “Do you think Lord Arc is in danger? I know you said he likes his privacy, but…”

Ember shakes her head. “He can take care of himself for a few minutes.”

Flash Sentry nods. “That he can. Besides… how much trouble can he get into on such a small vessel?”

Meanwhile, Captain Celaeno leads Arc below deck and down a narrow corridor. She points a claw at a door.

“It’s… through there.”

Arc smiles at her and walks toward the door. “Thank you.”

He opens the door to see a small closet with a few mops inside. Cherry speaks to him telepathically.

“A… bucket?!”

Arc sighs. “I thought so.”

A moment later a much larger crew member walks up behind him with a drawn blade. He has an eyepatch and green feathers.

“No sudden movements now!”

Arc turns slowly toward him. “Can I assume that bucket isn’t the toilet?”

Cherry sounds nervous! “Be careful, Arc!”

Arc does his best to soothe her fears telepathically. “Don’t worry, Cherry. I will.”

The captain wrings her claws. “Please Lord Arc! Just do as my First Mate says and everything will be fine!”

“Very well, First Mate… “

“Mullet.”

Arc chuckles.

“What’s so funny?”

“N-nothing. What now?”

“Keep your claws where I can see them!”

He leads them back toward the deck hatch. “You know my Honor Guards won’t stand for this! When they learn you’ve captured me…”

The captain interrupts him. “That’s why we’re going topside. You’re going to call them off!”

Mullet nods. “Yeah! We don’t want to hurt anyone! Least of all you!”

Arc sighs. “Very well. I’ll cooperate.”

They emerge from the ship back onto the deck. A couple crewmates emerge from the Bridge and walk over toward Ember, Flash Sentry and Natalya. Mullet pokes Arc in the back with his blade.

“Tell your guards to surrender their weapons peacefully.”

Celaeno nods. “Right! And no funny business!”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

He turns to his Honor Guards.

“I need you three to give you weapons to the crew.”

Flash Sentry turn to look at him with a confused look on his face. “Sir?”

Ember frowns. “What are you talking about?

Arc shrugs. “I… uh… guess I’ve been captured.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide! “What?!”

She moves to draw her weapon. Mullet grabs Arc and puts a blade to his throat!

“Put it down miss! Nice and easy!”

Arc nods. “Do as he says. All of you!”

Sereb growls menacingly! Celaeno turns to Arc.

“Call off you mutt too!”

“Sereb… heel! Easy there big guy! I’m okay!”

The wolf looks unconvinced but does as he’s told. A couple other crewmates approach the group and confiscate their weapons. One of them, who appears to be one of the least intelligent crewmembers, pats Arc’s guards down before turning to his superiors.

“No other weapons!”

Celaeno nods. “Good work, Squabble. Now let’s escort them to the Bridge, nice and slow.”

They are led into the ship’s Bridge. The captain looks at them.

“And none of you try to make a break for it! Flying away to get help will only lead to Lord Arc getting hurt!”

Ember scoffs. “Crazy pirates…”

Mullet looks to her angrily. “We are NOT pirates!”

Cherry scoffs telepathically. “A likely story!”

Flash Sentry narrows his eyes. “Really?! Could have fooled me!”

Celaeno sighs. “Look. We’re really sorry about this. Just do what we say and I promise you’ll be fine, sir.”

Natalya glares at the crew. “You can’t do this! When Griffonstone hears about this…”

Squabble laughs. “They’ll what?! Look around for a standard airship?”

Mullet nods. “He’s right! There’s hundreds if not thousands of ships just like ours out there.”

Arc sighs. “So what happens now? You going to take us back to your base and put us up for ransom?”

The captain rolls her eyes. “Hardly. Look, we owe a lot of bits to a lot of creditors and can’t hope to pay them all back. If we turn you over to… someone… they’ll pay off our debts.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Who?!”

Mullet shrugs. “No idea. They’ll meet us when we land.”

Natalya looks the crew over. “What are you?! Rebels?!”

Celaeno shakes her head. “No. Just… very poor sailors who’ve had quite a long streak of bad luck.”

Squabble nods. “But all that’s about to change.”

Mullet grins as he tightens his grip on Arc. “Right! You’re going to give us a fresh start!”

Celaeno looks at Arc. “We’re not pirates, thieves or kidnappers. Just do what you’re told and everything will be okay.”

Arc nods. “Fine…”

There is a tense silence as Mullet motions for Arc’s guards to sit against the far wall. The captain does her best to keep everyone calm.

“This will all be over soon. Trust me.”

Ember glares at her. “Hmph! Trust you…”

Mullet nods. “Captain Celaeno is telling you the truth. She’s always been fair with us.”

Celaeno looks away guiltily. “How much longer until we arrive at the rendezvous point?”

Squabble looks over the instruments as he changes course. “About half an hour.”

Arc turns to look at their captors. “Well then… how about we pass the time with some conversation?”

Mullet eyes him suspiciously. “About what?”

Arc shrugs. “Anything really. We don’t really have much else to do. Might as well have a nice chat, eh?”

Celaeno nods. “I suppose.”

“Tell me, how did you get into this mess in the first place?”

“The life of a cargo crew isn’t really a hard or dangerous one. But sometimes it’s tough to make ends meet. We’ve been behind for quite some time now.”

Mullet nods. “Not much longer though.”

Celaeno looks to Arc. “Right… you’ll be okay though.”

Flash Sentry rolls his eyes. “Really? What do you think the ones who hired you want to do with us?”

Squabble calls out from the helm. “Probably collect some kind of fat ransom for you, Lord Arc! You’re a big fish!”

Arc smiles. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Ember looks over to Mullet. “How do you know that’s what they have planned?!”

Natalya nods. “That’s right! It could be a LOT more sinister!”

Mullet shakes his head. “I doubt it. The rebels probably just want to use you for leverage.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So it IS the rebels who hired you!”

The captain turns to her first mate. “Mullet!”

Sighing, she shakes her head.

“Fine! Yes, the rebels have us over a barrel. We don’t really agree with everything they stand for. But some kind of change is better than what we have now! Isn’t it?!”

“What do you mean?”

Mullet nods. “The merchants don’t really pay very much for this kind of hauling service. A lot of ships have to do a bunch of illegal or dangerous stuff on the side to stay in business.”

Celaeno frowns. “I refuse to risk my crew’s lives and freedom like that!”

Squabble chuckles. “And we appreciate that, captain! But that’s also the reason we aren’t making it around here!”

Mullet shrugs. “Can’t spend bits if you dead or in jail though.”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No, I suppose you can’t.”

Ember looks daggers at their assailants. “I hope you all choke on your reward!”

Arc sighs. “Well, it looks like our captors have thought of everything. Sorry…”

Celaeno looks to him, confused. “You’re sorry?”

Arc nods. “For my Honor Guards, yes. Like your helmsman said earlier, I’m a big fish. But they’re not.”

Mullet narrows his eyes. “What are you getting at?”

“My Honor Guards will most likely be killed by the rebels as they’ve have seen too much to let live.”

Celaeno nods. “You might be right. I’ll hide them below decks and tell the rebels you came aboard alone. They don’t need to die for this.”

“Thank you. That means more to me than you know.”

Arc appears to be thinking.

“Something else just occurred to me, captain.”

“Oh?”

“Neither you or your crew look to be rich or important. What’s to stop the rebels from killing all of you off?”

Squabble squawks loudly! “What?! Why would they…?”

Flash Sentry interrupts him. “For the same reason we’ll be killed, you fool! No witnesses! No loose ends! No talkers!”

Mullet looks to Captain Celaeno. “He may have a point. It would be a lot easier to just do away with us!”

Natalya grins. “No one would miss one ship! Cheaper for them too!”

Ember chuckles. “Right! They could even make it look like an accident! Stage a crash, or something.”

Squabble turns to the captain. “I’m liking this a whole plan a lot less!”

Mullet looks to her. “Captain! What do we do?!”

Celaeno looks frightened! “I... I don’t know! If we let them go, Lord Arc will just turn us in to the authorities!”

Squabble nods. “Or just kill us himself!”

Mullet thinks for a moment. “Could we drop them off somewhere? They could walk back to a town or something”

Celaeno shakes her head as she points to the land below. “These forests are dangerous. They could be hurt, or worse!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “Quite the predicament you’re in.”

Celaeno begins pacing the floor. “We turn them over to the rebels, we disappear! If we continue on to Griffon’s Gate, Lord Arc has us arrested! The authorities give us a trial and find us guilty of kidnapping a foreign dignitary!”

Squabble appears ready to panic. “We’d be executed!”

Arc shrugs. “How about you toss us overboard? Most of us have wings.”

Mullet shakes his head. “We’re not murderers! But… we have to do SOMETHING!”

Celaeno is quickly becoming frantic. “I know. I KNOW! But what?!”

Arc looks up. “I have an idea.”

“What is it?!”

In a flash Arc Blinks behind Mullet, calls forth his armor, grabs his captor by his red comb to expose his neck, and puts one of his Magic Blades to it!

“What the… how did you…?!”

Arc chuckles. “How about YOU surrender? Drop the blade.”

Celaeno slowly steps forward as Mullet drops his sword to the floor. “Look! Please just calm down, Lord Arc! Don’t hurt him! What do you want us to do?!”

“Give my Honor Guards back their weapons, for starters.”

Squabble and Captain Celaeno quickly do so. Ember grabs her spear from the captain and levels it at their captors as Natalya quickly rushes forward to pick up the sword Mullet dropped.

“What are we going to do with them, Lord Arc?”

Celaeno sighs. “Look… I’m sorry for doing what we did! Please do whatever you want with me! Arrest me… kill me… whatever you want! Just let my crew go! This was my idea, not theirs!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head as he takes back his blades. “Yeah? Well, they went along with it!”

The captain falls to her knees. “I’m begging you! Let my First Mate go! Take me hostage instead!”

Arc nods. “Very well. But you stay on your knees and no sudden movements! Understood?!”

“Agreed!”

Flash Sentry points his blades at Mullet as Arc lets him go. He walks over to Captain Celaeno, puts his gauntlet under her chin, raises her neck and puts a Magic Blade next to it.

“Any other crew on board?

Celaeno speaks in a frightened tone. “T-two more. Chef Lix Spittle and Marco, our cabin bird!”

“Ember, you and Flash Sentry go find those two and bring them back here.”

“Sure, Arc. You going to be okay?”

“Yes.”

The pair silently leave the Bridge as the captain calls out after them.

“Don’t hurt them!”

Arc nods. “Don’t worry. They won’t.”

Mullet sighs. “What happens to us now?”

“Here’s what we’re going to do, captain. You’re going to take us to Griffon’s Gate now. The ship will land safely at the Skyport, or whatever you call it. Then I’m placing you and your crew under arrest.”

She nods silently. Squabble frowns.

“How do we know you won’t just kill her once we get there?”

Mullet looks nervous. “Yeah! And us too?!”

Arc sighs. “You have my word.”

Celaeno looks down at the glowing blade at her throat. “Do as he says!”

Natalya frowns at their captives. “Lord Arc’s way is the ONLY chance all of you have at living to see another day!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Right. Every other path is certain death for you!”

The crew sighs and silently agrees. A short time later Flash Sentry and Ember return with the other two crew members. They join Mullet as prisoners on the Bridge. About fifteen minutes later they land at a rather run down looking Skyport. Squabble sighs as they touch down.

“We’ve arrived.”

Arc nods. “Good! Natalya, is this the place?”

She looks out the window. “It is.”

Celaeno looks to him, nearly frantic with worry. “Lord Arc, I’m begging you! Please don’t turn my crew in! It would be the end for them! Just take me in! I’ll take the blame for everything!”

Arc nods. “You’re all going to Equestria, for now.”

“What about my crew?!”

“All of you will go to the dungeon. You’ll all be together and relatively safe.”

Flash Sentry nods. “And none of you will be executed.”

Arc nods. “Right. Now do you accept, or would you rather I turn you in to the Griffon’s Gate authorities?”

Celaeno hangs her head in utter defeat. “No. Take me and my crew to your dungeon. We’ll come quietly.”

The rest of the crew nod in agreement.

“Wise choice.”

He places a sigil on the floor and turns to the others.

“Everyone step onto the sigil I just made.”

Arc retracts his Magic Blade but keeps a tight hold on Captain Celaeno’s arm as she slowly stands up. Mullet looks nervous.

“What… is that?!”

Ember looks to them. “It will teleport everyone to Canterlot Castle.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt.”

Captain Celaeno turns sadly at her crew.

“I’m sorry, everyone. Thanks to me, we’ve lost everything!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Not quite.”

Natalya chuckles. “Really? What do they have left now?”

Arc nods soberly. “Their lives.”

He activates the sigil and teleports everyone to his quarters in Canterlot Castle.

Chapter 3 - Sight Seeing

Arc and company reappear on the Bridge of the Solar Macaw an hour or so later. Flash Sentry looks to him.

“What’s going to happen to them now, sir?”

“They’ll be kept together until I get back. Then I’ll talk to the princesses on what the law says.”

Ember frowns. “It’s probably going to be really complicated.”

Natalya nods. “Right! The crime happened here in the Griffon Kingdom, after all!”

Arc turns to her. “I know this is asking a lot, but could you keep this matter to yourself, Natalya?”

She nods. “Yes sir. They didn’t seem like bad individuals to me. That and if I did report this, a guilty verdict and execution would await them.”

“Thanks.”

They make their way down the gangplank to ground level. Ember looks back.

“What about the ship?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Ember’s right. We can’t just leave it here! Can we?”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea. Are you certain no one else was aboard, lieutenant?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes.”

He turns back toward the ship. “Good.”

Arc casts the Matter Compacting spell. In moments the ship is small enough to fit in the palm of his hand. He stoops down to pick up the miniature ship.

“There we go. Now we can take it with us. It’s still a piece of evidence after all.”

Natalya looks at the bath toy sized airship. “Incredible!”

Arc puts it in his ring. “Now that’s taken care of, we can turn our attention to more important matters.”

Flash Sentry looks to him nervously. “Sir? Should we really have just taken Captain Celaeno and her shipmates into custody like that?”

Arc shrugs. “They had a choice. Had they refused I would have turned them over to the local authorities. But somehow I get the feeling facing Equestrian justice is a little safer."

Natalya nods. “Probably. We’re very strict about serious crimes like stealing, piracy and kidnapping.”

Ember frowns. “Not sure how I feel about that.”

Arc turns to her. “Every nation has its own unique way of handling crime. Maybe the Griffon Kingdom goes too far. But that’s for them to decide. Not us.”

“But…!”

Arc interrupts her. “If I see anything that REALLY bothers me, I’ll say something to General Blackbeak. Other than that we need to be careful about pushing our personal viewpoints onto other land’s citizens.”

Natalya sighs. “They probably won’t have any problem letting you know their point of view, Lord Arc.”

Arc nods. “Good. That’s why I’m here.”

He mounts Sereb as they turn and walk toward the largest of the surrounding buildings. Natalya looks to Arc.

“We need to check in with the Port Authority before leaving the Skyport.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “Why?”

Natalya sighs. “Because Lord Arc is a VIP. They need to know he’s here.”

Arc chuckles. “Am I supposed to be catalogued and inspected?”

“No sir. But they will most likely offer you extra protection.”

Ember nods. “Like more guards?”

“Yes. Griffon’s Gate can be a rather dangerous place for someone like Lord Arc.”

“Do I have to accept?”

Nataly shakes her head. “No. That much is up to you, sir. From what I’ve seen of you so far, you’ll be fine.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Arc and his group enters the building together and walk up to the counter. Natalya approaches the officer on duty.

“Lieutenant Natalya reporting! Lord Arc of Equestria and his Honor Guards are here for an inspection tour with the blessing of General Blackbeak.”

The Harbormaster looks up from his work. “Very well, Lord Arc. Do you require additional guards to safeguard you?”

“No.”

“Are you certain? This city is rather dangerous lately.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Very well. Please sign here.”

He produces a piece of paper.

“This certifies that I offered you additional support, which you refused. Should anything happen to you, it will be on your own head!”

Arc hops off Sereb and approaches the counter. “I understand.”

He signs the document and gives it back.

“Very good. Please enjoy your tour… sir.”

Arc gets back on Sereb. “I will.”

The group leaves as the Harbormaster pushes a button on his desk. A few moments after Arc’s group leaves an officer walks in.

“Sir?”

“Lord Arc and his cadre have arrived. General Blackbeak would like him to be kept under observation for the duration of his stay.”

The officer looks at the Harbormaster witheringly. “Why did you not just send me with his support group?!”

“He refused additional aid.”

“Is he nuts?!”

The Harbormaster laughs as he holds up the document. “Apparently! He’s signed for it, so you don’t need to risk your neck saving him should something happen! In any case, you should hurry after him.”

The officer heads toward the door. “No problem there. A target like Lord Arc is difficult to lose.”

“Good luck, Lieutenant Gilda.”

She turns to leave the building. “Who needs luck when you have skill?!”

Gilda exits the building and steps out onto the street. Looking one way and then the other she quickly spots Arc and his guards some distance away. She mutters to herself as she turns to follow them.

“Let’s see what you dweebs are up to…”

Meanwhile, Arc and his group walk down the street together unaware of Gilda’s presence. They pass numerous run-down buildings around the Skyport. Guards are everywhere. Natalya gestures with a sweeping motion of her talon.

“This is the Warehouse District. Pretty much everything is stored here.”

Ember looks around. “I can see why.”

Flash Sentry nods. “This place’s security is nearly as tight as Canterlot Castle!”

Natalya nods. “Yes, well… there’s a lot of merchandise here that would fetch a nice sum if stolen. Once we leave the area, things will be much less secure though.”

Ember frowns. “Should we be worried?”

Natalya shakes her head. “I wouldn’t be too concerned. The sight of Lord Arc riding his mount should be enough to frighten away most common pickpockets. Just keep your eyes open.”

She turns to Arc.

“Is there anything in particular you wanted to see, sir?”

“I just wanted to see this city for myself. Let’s get away from the Warehouse District and see the rest of it.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Begging you pardon, sir, but there isn’t much of note to see there.”

Arc looks around. “That may be. But what I want to see cannot be found here.”

Ember sighs. “What ARE you looking for then?”

“The real city.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “Sir?”

“You’ll see. Lead on, Natalya.”

She does so. Soon the cobblestone streets turn to dirt paths and tarpaper houses line the dirty streets. As they walk on, the citizens quickly move to give them a wide berth. Natalya gives Arc an apologetic look.

“Forgive them, Lord Arc. I’m sure they aren’t trying to be rude, but the sight of armed guards around here puts everyone on edge.”

Ember nods. “You seem to know a lot about this place. Are you from around here, Natalya?

She shakes her head. “No. But it’s rather infamous.”

Flash Sentry looks around. “I don’t get it. If there’s so much trade going on here, why are so many living in poverty?”

Natalya sighs. “Because nationally the economy is bad.”

Ember frowns. “What does that have to do with it?”

Arc nods. “Let me guess. No jobs anywhere but here?”

“How did you know?”

“Lucky guess. So griffons from all over the land come here in search of work, which causes everyone to apply at once, inadvertently driving down wages to almost nothing. How am I doing, Natalya?”

“That’s… kinda scary, Lord Arc.”

Ember looks at him, surprised. “Arc…?”

Arc sighs. “Supply and demand. The supply of workers went up, but demand probably went down due to less work. Employers were able to hire whomever was willing to work for the least amount.”

He gestures to the shacks around him.

“This is the end result.”

Flash Sentry grimaces. “Are you saying somepony planned this, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Unlikely. But they’re certainly taking advantage of those in need of a paycheck.”

He turns to Natalya.

“Perhaps this is a silly question, but are there any schools or other social programs to help?”

Natalya looks confused. “What’s a social program?”

Ember frowns. “Guess that answers that question.”

Arc nods. “As it stands, the children of these workers will never get any further than their parents.”

Flash Sentry looks around at the deplorable living conditions. Why would those in charge want to do that?”

Arc looks around. “Keeping everyone in line is easier when they’re uneducated and poor.”

Natalya sighs. “Can they be saved?!”

“That would require the economy to pick up. All the education in the world won’t help if there aren’t any jobs to be had. Sadly, the solution to this plight is beyond me.”

Ember sighs. “Don’t feel too bad about it, Arc. Even you can’t change an entire nation.”

Arc looks around at the young griffons shuffling around nervously. “No, but I can help.”

Natalya looks to Arc as he dismounts. “Be careful, Lord Arc! These younglings are crafty! What could you possibly want from them?!”

“I just want to talk.”

Arc removes a box from his ring and walks toward the young griffons with the others. At his approach they flee to a nearby alley and hide.

Ember rolls her eyes. “Well that could have gone better.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Perhaps your appearance is frightening them, sir.”

Arc walks toward the alley. “Maybe. Everyone stay here.”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “But, sir…!”

“Keep watching, but stay back.”

Arc recalls his armor and cautiously enters the dim alley. Seeing an empty packing crate nearby he sets the box down on it and opens the lid. The young griffons peek out of their hiding places as he sits down. Arc looks over to them as he holds up a cupcake.

“Would you like some? I have plenty.”

They look at him untrustingly but say nothing.

“All I want in return is a bit of information about this city. Nothing more. Do we have a deal?”

One of the two griffons cautiously comes out of hiding and slowly approaches Arc. She speaks in a small, sweet voice.

“W-what do you want to know?”

Arc holds out a cupcake to her. “Just what you think about the city. Tell me about it and those who live here.”

She cautiously accepts the cupcake and quickly draws back from Arc to nibble at it. Her eyes light up happily as tastes the frosting.

“WOW! This is good! What is it?!”

“They’re called cupcakes. I brought them with me from Equestria.”

The other griffon cautiously emerges and walks toward them. Arc picks up another cupcake and holds it out to him.

“There’s plenty for all three of us. Would you like one?”

The second griffon wordlessly nods. As he accepts the pastry he too draws back.

“Th-thank you.”

They munch on the cupcakes happily.

“So what’s it like living in Griffon’s Gate?”

The female youngling frowns. “Terrible!”

“Yeah! There’s little food, less clean water, and nothing to do!”

“You could always get a job, lazy bones!”

The male youngling rolls his eyes. “Sure! I’d love to work myself to death for almost nothing!”

Arc nods. “Sounds bad.”

The female nods. “It is!”

“What do you do all day?”

The male swallows the last of his treat and looks longingly at the box. “Just trying to survive mostly.”

Arc hands him another cupcake. “How?”

The female sighs. “By scrounging for whatever food we can. Lately that’s been drying up almost as fast as the water supply!”

“We used to be able to do okay by eating what the rich griffons threw out.”

“Yeah! But most of them moved away.”

Arc nods. “Why’s that?”

The male points toward the city. “Look around. Would you want to live here if you could go somewhere else?”

Arc does so. “I guess not.”

“Their food was pretty good. Even if they weren’t very nice!”

“Yeah! We would have to swoop in as fast as we could to get anything!”

“Lots of competition?”

“That and they would throw things at us!”

“Sometimes it was food!”

She winces. “Other times it wasn’t! They liked to see which of them could hit the most of us with trash or… other things.”

Arc frowns. “Other things?”

“Rocks mostly.”

She rubs one of her wings.

“It doesn’t feel good.”

Her friend looks at her. “That still hurts?! But you haven’t been hit in a long time!”

“You remember that stick they threw?”

The male griffon nods. “It didn’t even hit you that hard!”

“Yes, well… it wasn’t a stick! It was metal!”

Arc looks at her. “Are you okay?!

She nods. “I think so. It’s just hurts when I try to move it!”

Her friend looks worried. “How much?!”

“A lot! So I just don’t use it.”

Arc frowns. “Any stiffness?

She looks at him, surprised. “Actually, yes. How did you know?!”

“You see, if a limb isn’t used for a while it can start to get weak. That and it sounds like your wing was broken. Do you want me to take a look at it?”

“Um… okay.”

She cautiously walks toward Arc and with great effort raises her wing.

“Where did the rod hit you?”

The youngling points to the spot with her talon. Pain in her voice. “Right… right here!”

Arc feels the spot as gently as he can. “The bone here feels kinda rough. I think it broke and just didn’t heal right.

She looks to Arc, clearly frightened! “What do I do?!”

Arc thinks for a moment as he carefully folds the wing back down to her side. “Sorry, but I’m not a doctor. A professional would have to fix it.”

She looks away sadly. “Oh… okay.”

“So what’s your name?”

“G-Ginny. And my brother here is Geoffrey.”

“H-hello.”

Arc nods. “You two are orphans, aren’t you?”

Ginny looks around nervously. “What… what makes you say that?”

“Just a hunch I had. Was I wrong?”

Geoffrey sighs. “No…”

“We get by though!”

“Yeah. But only by sticking together!”

Ginny suddenly looks frightened! “Geoffrey! Hush! What if he’s with… them?!”

“I don’t think he is! After all, he gave us food and hasn’t tried to hurt us!”

Arc looks confused. “With who?”

Ginny turns back to Arc. “Some really bad griffons have been grabbing orphans around town!”

“Grabbing? You mean kidnapping?!”

Geoffrey nods. “Yes! They haul them away and no one ever sees them again!”

“Is that why you hid from me earlier?”

Ginny looks around nervously. “Right. You… you aren’t going to take us away, are you, mister…?”

“My name’s Arc. Like I said earlier, I’m visiting from Equestria.”

Geoffrey smiles. “We hear it’s nice there!”

“Plenty of food and water for everyone! Homes too!”

Arc nods. “Yes, on the first two at least.”

Geoffrey sighs. “Do street orphans like us have somewhere to go at least?”

“Yes. There’s something called the Little Hooves Orphanage there.”

Ginny looks confused. “What’s an orphanage?”

“It’s a large building where foals go who have no parents. They keep them warm, fed and safe until someone comes to adopt them.”

Geoffrey looks to Arc. “Adopt?”

“It’s where a couple comes looking for a young orphan to add to their family.”

Ginny smiles. “Forever?!”

Arc nods. “Until they grow up and can take care of themselves, yes.”

“Does everyone get adopted?”

“Sadly, no.”

Ginny walks over to Arc and looks up into his eyes. “How… how do you know all this?”

“Because I grew up in an orphanage.”

Geoffrey looks amazed! “You did?”

“Yes. It wasn’t as much fun as having a real family, but at least I wasn’t living in the streets and eating food someone threw away.”

Ginny turns to her brother. “Geoffrey! We have to tell the others about this!”

“There are others?!”

Neither of the pair say anything.

“I see. You don’t trust me.”

Ginny sighs. “We… I…”

“It’s okay. You just met me, so you’re suspicious. That’s normal.”

Geoffrey walks over to join his sister. “Sorry. It’s just… there’s no way to know who to trust out here!”

Ginny thinks for a moment. “We should introduce him to the boss, Geoffrey! He’ll know if Arc can be trusted!”

Geoffrey nods and looks out at the others. “They with you?”

“Yup. They’re my Honor Guards.”

“Are you rich?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I’m here from Equestria, so if anything happened to me it would be a big deal between our two countries.”

Ginny nods. “And… the griffon soldier?”

“She’s been assigned by your government to assist me while I’m here.”

“Are they… friendly?”

“Very! Do you want to meet them?”

Ginny looks nervous, but nods. “O-okay.”

Arc picks up the box of cupcakes and puts it back in his ring. He then leads the two small griffons over to his group.

“Everyone, this is Geoffrey and Ginny.”

He gestures to the others as he introduces them.

“This is my good friend Ember.”

“Hi!”

“My lieutenant from Equestria, Flash Sentry.”

“A pleasure!”

“And the officer from Griffonstone who assists me, Lieutenant Natalya.”

“Nice to meet you!”

They appear nervous at the sight of the diverse group. Arc climbs up into Sereb’s saddle.

“Don’t worry. We’ll keep you safe. Either of you want a ride on my trusty steed Sereb here?”

They both shake their heads.

“Suit yourselves. Now then… which way?”

Ginny points a claw. “This way!”

“Follow us!”

Geoffrey takes the lead as Ginny walks next to Arc. Gilda looks over at them from the shadows and mutters to herself.

“What’s he doing with those two?! Taking them away?! My father was right! He really is with the rebels!”

She follows them at a safe distance as Arc and company make their way to the northern edge of town. They near the crest of a hill. Ember holds her nose.

“What is that SMELL?!”

Flash Sentry shrugs. “Maybe a dead animal.”

Ember gags! “Smells more like SEVERAL dead animals!”

Ginny sighs. “You’ll see soon enough.”

They reach the top of the hill and look out over a large field. Natalya’s eyes grow wide!

“A… garbage dump?”

Arc frowns. “This is where you stay?!”

Geoffrey nods. “It’s not so bad once you get used to it. At least we’re somewhat safe around here, as no one wants to come here and hang around!”

Ginny nods. “Just watch out for Marauders!”

Flash Sentry looks at her. “What are they?”

Geoffrey shudders. “Trouble! We stay away from them!”

Ginny shudders. “They’re some kind of weird looking masked animals that travel in packs! You can usually hear them coming and hide in the garbage!”

Ember grips her spear tightly. “They come around and I’ll teach them a lesson!”

As if on cue, a large pack of two dozen or so creatures that resemble raccoons (but MUCH larger) steps out from behind a garbage pile. They look at the group and slowly approach. Flash Sentry draws his blades.

“Sir! Your orders?”

“Keep them away from the little ones!”

Natalya looks at the younglings as she readies her sword and shield. “Stay behind us and you’ll be okay!”

Ember nods. “We’ve got this!”

The creatures lunge at them! Flash Sentry slashes at them, dispatching those in his path in mere moments! Ember knocks her assailants away with several mighty blows with her spear! Natalya flies at them and deftly slashes away! Several beasts fall at their feet before they the rest of them retreat.

Flash Sentry chuckles. “That was easy!”

Ginny shudders. “It’s not over! They’re running back to the Alpha!”

Ember frowns. “The what?”

Geoffrey points a talon after the beasts! “The leader!”

A few moments later a much larger creature comes at them snarling and drooling! Arc dismounts Sereb and calls forth his armor.

“Stay back! This one’s mine!”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically. “Be careful, Arc!”

“I will.”

Ember and Natalya stand in front of the younglings as Arc walks forward to challenge his opponent. Ginny looks to Flash Sentry.

“Is he going to be okay?!”

“Probably not.”

Geoffrey’s eyes grow wide. “What?!”

Ember nods and smiles at Flash Sentry. “Agreed. I doubt very much that creature will survive this!”

Arc and the creature pace around each other in a circle, sizing each other up. Eventually the creature lunges at Arc! He easily knocks the creature out of his way with the heel of his boot! It rises again, furious!

“Bring it on!”

The beast lunges again! He raises a massive claw as Arc holds his ground! Ginny covers her eyes!

“I can’t watch!”

As the creature brings its paw down, Arc stops it with this left hand and counters with a mighty blow from his right fist! The creature yelps and flies across the field! It slowly rises and approaches him yet again.

“You sure you want to do this, big fella?”

The beast runs at him again!

“Fine. Have it your way!”

As the leader pounces, both sets of claws at the ready, Arc grabs him in midair and headbutts him! Dazed, the monstrosity stumbles around as Arc turns around to return to the others. The beast quickly composes himself and runs toward him again!

Ginny points a talon! “Look out!”

Without a word Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out his Spear of Righteousness. He turns around and deftly plants the spearhead squarely between the monster’s eyes. It collapses to the ground in a heap.

Geoffrey stares at the sight before him. “He… he killed it!”

Ginny nods. “Like it was nothing!”

Arc looks around as the other beasts approach him. “The rest of you want some too?!”

They cautiously walk past him and look to their leader then back at Arc. He points his spear at the dead alpha and nods. They pounce and tear the beast to shreds! Ember looks to Arc as he returns.

“They must have been very hungry!”

Flash Sentry nods, looking a bit ill at the sight of so much blood! “We should get moving sir.”

“Agreed. Let’s go.”

They quickly move on toward their destination. As they arrive, they see a young griffon lying on the ground with another standing guard over them. Geoffrey and Ginny rush over to the pair!

Ember frowns. “Uh oh.”

Flash Sentry turns to her. “This doesn’t look good.”

Arc and company rush over to help. Ginny reaches her friend first.

“Gigi! What happened?!”

“Marauders came a little while ago and chased us back here! I got away, but Glynda wasn’t quick enough!”

They look over at the small female griffon lying on the ground. Both her back legs are bleeding badly!

“They knocked her down and started clawing at her! She tried to kick them away so they started… they started with her legs!”

Gigi begins to cry. The griffon lying on the ground seems to be in a great deal of pain. Natalya walks over to the injured griffon. She does her best to comfort her.

“There, there. It will be okay. You’re safe now.”

Gigi looks up at the sound of a new voice, terrified! “Who… who are you?!”

Ginny looks to Gigi. “It’s okay! They’re friends! Where’s the boss?!”

“He… he went to find some bandages!”

Arc looks at the injured youngling on the ground. “Note to self… start carrying medical supplies in my ring.”

Geoffrey turns to look at Arc. Don’t worry! The boss is really good at finding what we need! He’ll be back in no time!”

A moment later a young griffon comes running toward them with some supplies. He has light blue feathers except for his chest, which is ivory colored. There is a great deal of worry in his young blue eyes.

“Sorry I took so…”

He stops dead in his tracks as he sees Natalya.

“Uh… oh…”

Natalya looks at him angrily! “Hello… Gallus.”

Chapter 4 - Unbreakable Bonds

Gallus pushes past Natalya.

“Sorry, sis, but I have a friend to help!”

Natalya walks after him. “Don’t you walk away from ME, young griffon!”

Gallus kneels down and unrolls the bandages. “I’m back, Glynda. Sorry it took so long. This should make you feel better.”

Natalya rushes over. “Woah there! Aren’t you going to clean those wounds first?!”

Gallus narrows his eyes as he holds up a bottle of antiseptic. “Uh, yeah. I’m not a youngling anymore Natalya!”

“Yes, you are! As soon as you’re done helping your friend, I’m taking you right back to Griffonstone!”

Gallus glares at her. “Not happening!”

Natalya gets right in his face. “Yes, it IS!”

Arc walks over and takes the bottle of antiseptic from Gallus.

“I’ll take that.”

Gallus nods, not taking his eyes off his sister. “Thanks.”

Arc begins cleaning the injured gryphon’s wounds as Gilda watches from a nearby hill through binoculars.

“Huh? What is that dweeb DOING?! Is he… is he HELPING her?! After what he did to the Marauder…?”

Glynda winces in pain as Ember kneels down to support her head.

“It’s okay, little one. We’re right here. You’re safe now.”

Meanwhile, Gallus and Natalya continue to go back and forth.

“Quit treating me like a baby!”

“Then quit ACTING like one!”

“I’m more grown up than you think!”

Natalya rolls her eyes. “Oh?! Old enough to run off and live on your own now?!”

“Actually, I AM!”

“Wait until father hears about THIS!”

Gallus laughs! “Good luck finding time to go see him… lieutenant!”

“I AM part of the military! We can’t exactly just get up and leave anytime we so choose!”

“Yeah?! Well, your around about as much as father is these days! Congratulations on growing up to be just like him!”

Flash Sentry holds up the injured griffon’s legs one at a time as Arc wraps them up carefully.

Natalya snarls at him. “At least I’M grown up! You’re just a youngling!”

“Like you?!”

“You watch your tone with me! I…”

Arc looks over to the pair. “Sorry to interrupt, but are those Marauders venomous by chance?”

Gallus shakes his head, not taking his eyes off Natalya. “No. Why?”

Flash Sentry points down at Glynda. “Because I think this griffon is going into shock.”

Gallus runs quickly over to his friend. “What?! HOW?! She wasn’t bleeding anywhere near THAT badly!”

Arc turns to Ginny. “Get me a blanket! Hurry!”

She runs into a nearby cave. “Right away!”

Gallus looks down at his injured friend. “How did this happen?!”

“Because you’re too young to handle this level of responsibility, Gallus!”

Arc looks around. “My guess is the environment. Something on her skin when she was scratched got into her blood. Or there was something on the beast’s claws. No way to know for sure, but she needs some kind of an antibiotic.”

Gallus points a talon. “There’s a medical center in town! But we don’t have any bits!”

Ginny returns with a thin blanket. Arc wraps up the small gryphon and picks her up.

“We’ll take her there anyway! I have money! Let’s go!”

Arc jumps on Sereb! He holds onto the handle with one hand and Glynda with the other! Gallus takes flight!

“Follow me!”

Gallus leads the procession. A short time later they burst into the local hospital. The doctor sits behind the counter looking bored.

“Can I help you?”

Arc hurries over to the desk. “This griffon was attacked by a Marauder! She’s somehow caught something from it!”

The doctor sighs. “Probably just a common disease. Those things pick up all kinds of illnesses from the dump.”

He comes around the counter to examine Glynda as Arc sets her on a nearby examination table. As the doctor approaches her, he wrinkles his nose.

“UGH! What stinks?!”

He unwraps the blanket slowly and looks to Arc.

“It’s either her or this blanket! What is she?! A transient?!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “If you’re asking if she’s an orphan, than yes.”

The doctor turns around and walks back to the counter. “We don’t serve their kind here!”

Ember looks to him, clearly furious. “Say WHAT now?!”

“Thieves and vagrants the lot of them! This town will be better off with one less street rat!”

Arc pulls out a bag of bits from his ring. “Look, I can pay your fee!”

The doctor sits back down in his chair. “I already told you! We don’t serve orphans here! Now please get her and these other urchins out of here before I have to fumigate the entire clinic! She’s stinking up the whole place!”

Arc stomps over to him. “Why you little…!”

Natalya quickly jumps in front of him.

"Lord Arc, please! If you make a scene here, it’s bound to get back to the House of Lords.”

Arc tosses the bag of bits to Ember and picks Glynda back up. “Let’s get out of here everyone! I don’t keep company with cretins like him!”

They leave the hospital as the doctor scowls after them. Arc turns to Gallus.

“Anywhere else we can take her?”

Gallus shakes his head. “There really isn’t! This is the only medical facility in town!”

Ember looks to Natalya. “What about the Grand Aviary?”

“I doubt they have the proper medicine there to treat her. Those beasts are indigenous to this area only. So that clinic probably has the only medicine around.”

Ember calls forth her spear. “Arc. Permission to smash up the place until that snake gives us the medicine!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’m with you on that one, Ember!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’d love to. But we don’t even know what the medicine looks like. You two could destroy it without even knowing.”

Gallus nods. “That and you’d be wrecking the only medical facility around. If anyone else needed help, they would have nowhere else to turn.”

He looks at Arc, Ember, Flash Sentry and Sereb long and hard.

“Just… who are you all?!”

Natalya glares at him. “They’re with me, okay?!”

Geoffrey looks at his friend in Arc’s arms. “Is there nothing we can do for her?!”

Ginny begins to cry. “Glynda…”

Arc thinks for a moment. “There’s one other place we could take her.”

He turns to Gallus.

“Gallus, was it? I might know of someone who can help your friend. But you’re going to have to trust me.”

Gallus folds his talons over his chest as he hovers in front of Arc. “I don’t even know who you all ARE!”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Where?”

“Equestria.”

Gallus frowns. “What? Why would they help? And how would we even get there?”

“I can arrange it. Do you trust me?.”

Gallus thinks. “Well…”

He looks to his sister. She rolls her eyes and nods.

“Fine. I trust you. Now how…?”

Arc interrupts him. “Good! This way.”

He leads everyone behind the clinic and hands Glynda to Ember as he looks around.

“This should do it.”

Arc quickly focuses his magic, as the gem in his forehead begins to glow. In a moment a portal opens. Gallus and the younglings take a step back.

“What is…?!”

“No time! Everyone in!”

Everyone does so including Gallus. In a flash they are teleported to the Ponyville Hospital Waiting Room. Geoffrey looks around, confused.

“Where…?”

Arc steps off the sigil and hurries to the front desk with Glynda. “Nurse! We have an emergency!”

The nurse on duty wastes no time paging Doctor Horse as two orderlies hurry over with a gurney. Within moments Doctor Horse arrives and quickly looks her over.

“Get her to Treatment Room 1, stat!”

Arc and Doctor Horse walk down the hallway at a brisk pace. Everyone else follows them to the examination room. Glynda is transferred to a hospital bed. She appears to be in quite a bit of pain. Doctor Horse quickly begins a more in-depth examination.

“What happened?!”

Arc steps forward. “She was attacked tooth and nail by a creature called a Marauder in a garbage dump.”

Doctor Horse nods. “I see. Where is the creature that attacked her now?”

Gigi peeks out from behind Gallus. “It ran off!”

“Any way to locate it?”

Ginny shakes her head. “No. Those things are everywhere up there!”

Doctor Horse sighs. “Great. If I only had a sample, treating her would be easy.”

The doctor removes a syringe from a nearby drawer and takes a blood sample. Gigi and Ginny bury their heads in Gallus’ chest as he does so. Picking up a nearby phone the doctor calls for help.

“Blood sample pickup in Examination Room 1, stat!”

In moments a nurse enters and takes the vial. The doctor calls out after her.

“I need those results as soon as possible nurse.”

She nods and leaves the room. Doctor Horse turns back to Arc.

“What can you tell me about these creatures?”

“All claws and teeth from what I saw.”

The doctor nods. “Did it bite her or scratch her?”

Arc looks to Gigi.

“I… I don’t know! It all happened so fast! Probably both actually!”

Arc sighs. “While I didn’t have time to properly examine her, it appeared her wounds were mostly limited to her hind legs. I cleaned them with antiseptic before wrapping them up.”

Doctor Horse pulls back the sheet. “Let’s have a look then.”

He unwraps the wounds and examines them carefully.

“It looks like there are indeed claw AND teeth marks here. I’m guessing whatever we’re dealing with here is bacterial in nature. Some of these wounds are very deep. The bacteria probably went straight into an artery.”

Gallus winces. “Can you help her?!”

Doctor Horse nods as he starts an IV. “I think so. Assuming it’s not anything too exotic, she should be fine with powerful antibiotics. Those lab results will tell me if I’m on the right track.”

Geoffrey points a talon at the bag of liquid. “Is that what’s in the bag?”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “No. That’s just saline.”

Ginny looks worried. “Saline?”

Flash Sentry nods. “To keep her hydrated.”

Arc turns to them. “Think of it like taking a big drink of water.”

Natalya looks at the doctor. “Is there anything you can do for her in the meantime?”

“I’ll have a couple nurses give her a special antibacterial bath to kill any lingering bacteria on her skin. After all, no point in curing the sickness without first getting rid of the source.”

Gallus looks to him, nervously. “Is that… expensive?”

“I don’t handle the billing aspect of the hospital so I really don’t know. Why do you ask?”

Ginny sighs. “We… we don’t have any money.”

Arc looks over to Doctor Horse. “I’ll pay for it. Have the bill sent to me, doctor.”

Doctor Horse makes a note on the patient’s chart. “Very well.”

He gestures for everyone to follow him.

“Please wait for me in the Waiting Room. The nurses will need more space to properly bathe your friend.”

Gallus and the others nod. They slowly walk out of the room and down the hall. Upon reaching the Waiting Room they spot two nurses heading for the room with a cart of towels and a large bowl of steaming liquid.

Arc sighs as he and the others sit down. “All we can do now is wait.”

Gallus turns to the younglings. “You three stay here. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Natalya quickly stands up. “And where do you think you’re going?!”

Gallus walks past her. “To find me and my friends someplace to sleep tonight. There has to be an alley or something around here. No use waiting until dark, after all. Just makes the job that much harder.”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary. I know of a place you four can stay.”

Ginny looks happily at him. “You do?! Where?!”

“There’s a house a short walk from here. It isn’t exactly a palace, but it’s warm and safe.”

The younglings look to Gallus.

“Very well. We accept.”

Ember looks up. “Say, is anyone else hungry?”

Flash Sentry raises a hoof. “I am.”

Arc turns to the young griffons. “There’s a cafeteria here in the hospital. Do any of you want anything?”

Ginny looks confused. “What’s a cafeteria?”

Gallus looks to them. “It’s a place that sells pre-cooked food.”

Ginny’s eyes light up. “I’d like that!

Geoffrey nods. “Me too! I’m starving!”

Gigi sighs. “We haven’t had much to eat lately.”

Gallus looks to Arc, grateful for the help. “Thank you, sir.”

Arc leads them to the cafeteria. He orders a large tray of food for each of them as Ember gives his back the bag of bits to pay.

“Here you go, Arc.”

Arc takes the bag and pays the cashier. “Thanks Ember.”

Gallus overhears Ember and mutters to himself. “Arc? Nah, I must have heard wrong.”

They sit down and eat together. The younglings eat hungrily. Ginny is the first to speak.

“This food is great!”

Geoffrey nods and replies between bites. “Sure is!”

Gallus, the only one observing proper table manners, turns to Arc. “Thank you again for the food, sir.”

“No problem. Truth be told, I didn’t realize just how hungry I was myself.”

Everyone goes back to eating. A short time later, Gallus looks to Arc.

“Sir? How good a doctor is looking after Glynda?”

“A very good one. He’s saved me a time or two.”

Gallus looks nervous. “Is he… do they charge a lot here?

Arc shrugs. “Does it matter?”

“I… I’m sure it does to you! You offered to pay for it after all!”

Natalya frowns at him. “Don’t be rude now, Gallus.”

She turns to Arc.

“Please forgive my little brother, sir.”

“It’s fine.”

Twenty minutes later a nurse enters the cafeteria and walks over to Arc.

“Doctor Horse has some news on the patient’s condition. He’d like to see all of you in his office.”

Arc nods and stands up. “Thank you, nurse. We’ll head over there now.”

He leads the group to the familiar office and knocks before entering. Doctor Horse is sitting behind his desk going over a chart as they walk in.

“Have a seat everyone and I’ll bring you up to speed on your friend.”

They sit down.

“The lab report came back positive for a bacterial infection. Several different strains are involved.”

Gallus looks concerned. “Will she be okay?!”

“We’ve started her on a regime of very powerful antibiotics. They should knock out the infection in a day or two. Barring any complications, she’ll be fine.”

Gallus and everyone else in the room breathes a sigh of relief.

“How long would she be here?”

“If she responds well to the antibiotics, the patient should be able to return home the day after tomorrow. Just no more playing around garbage dumps.”

Gallus looks uneasy. “I’ll… see what I can do about that.”

“Good.”

Ginny looks up at the doctor. “Can we see her?”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but she’s very weak right now. It would be best if you just let her sleep for the day.”

Geoffrey sighs. “Aw… okay.”

“You can visit her tomorrow morning after breakfast.”

Gallus nods. “Thank you, doctor.”

“It’s my pleasure. Now if you will excuse me, I need to make my rounds now.”

They leave the office and head back to the Waiting Room. Gallus turns to Arc.

“That’s quite a load off my mind, sir. Knowing that Glynda will be okay and all.”

Arc smiles. “Yes indeed. Now why don’t I show all of you where you’ll be spending the night?”

Gigi looks out the window at the late afternoon sun. “Isn’t it a little early for bed?”

Arc nods. “It is. But we should head there anyways.”

Gallus looks to him, suspiciously. “What for?”

Ember frowns. “So all of you can take baths, for starters!”

Flash Sentry nods. “The smell is rather hard to ignore.”

Natalya looks at Gallus and shakes her head. “Boys…”

Arc leads them to the sigil in the corner of the Waiting Room. He calls forth his gauntlet and activates it. A moment later they find themselves in Derpy’s small house. Ginny looks around happily.

“This is a nice place!”

Geoffrey looks to Arc. “Are we going to sleep here?!”

“Yes. But first all of you should take nice long showers. The bathroom is right over there.”

Gallus looks at the door Arc points to. “Yes sir. Thank you.”

He looks over at the three younger griffons and leads them toward the open bathroom door.

“This way! Come on!”

Natalya follows them. “Gallus, I’ll show you how to…”

“I can handle this, Natalya!”

“But…”

Gallus slams the door in her face. Natalya seethes!

“Why that little…”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “Lieutenant, you and Sereb can head back to Light’s Hope now. Good work today you two.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Thank you, sir.”

Ember walks over. “I think I’ll go with them. You already have a full house here!”

“Alright. Thanks for your help today.”

Ember smiles and nods before leaving the house with Flash Sentry and Sereb. Natalya walks over to Arc.

“Sorry about all this, Lord Arc.”

“Oh?”

“Thanks to my brother, you’re stuck with medical bills and a trio of young griffons!”

Arc gestures to the couch. “I think they’re going to take a while in there. Can we talk about your brother?”

“Sure.”

Natalya sits down on the couch as Arc puts a few logs on the fireplace. In a few moments a roaring fire lies before them. He joins her on the couch.

“There. That should warm this place up.”

Natalya shivers slightly. “Yes. Equestria is a rather cold place!”

“You should see it in the summer. It’s much nicer. But in any case, I wanted to talk to you about your relationship with you brother.”

“What about it?”

“It just seems like you two don’t get along very well.”

Natalya sighs. “I admit, our relationship is a rather… complicated one. Ever since our mother left, our family has been what one might describe as… dysfunctional.”

“How so?”

“Well… I’ve had to take care of my younger brother and sister as long as I can remember. Our father was always very busy with his work, so it fell to me to keep our home somewhat in order. He still is actually! It made me have to grow up early, as it were.”

Arc nods. “Is Gallus the youngest?”

“Yes. How did you know?”

“From what I saw earlier, it looks like he’s had to grow up early as well.”

Natalya looks at him, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well, it looks like he’s been taking care of those four griffons for a while now. They really seem to trust him.”

“That isn’t good. He’s still a child himself!”

“Maybe in your eyes, but that’s not how they see him.”

“But… I don’t understand. What is it you can see, that I can’t?”

Arc looks over his shoulder toward the closed bathroom door. “I see a very responsible young fellow who wants to make the world a little better by helping those who cannot provide for themselves. You may see him as a child, but he’s growing up.”

“What should I do?!”

“Start by not jumping on every mistake he makes. You were there for him when he needed you. Now he’s there for them. But he does still need you as much as you need him.”

“I need him?”

Arc nods. “You two are brother and sister in a dysfunctional family. He probably feels pushed away and abandoned by both your parents. He doesn’t need to get that feeling from you too.”

Natalya looks down, sadly. “I… I wasn’t trying to…”

“Try being more supportive. He’s learned to take care of them by watching you. Help him with that.”

“I’ll do it. But where should I start?”

Arc stands up and puts a hand on Natalya’s shoulder. “How about by helping Gallus bathe those three? Don’t try to take over though. Do the job with him, side by side.”

Natalya nods as the pair walk toward the bathroom together. Arc knocks on the door. A few moments later Gallus opens it and peeks out.

“I’m sorry this is taking so long, sir.”

Arc smiles at him. “It’s okay. They’re VERY dirty after all. In fact, I think you could use some help in there.”

Gallus turns his head to look back at the younglings in the tub. “That I could!”

“I’ve asked Natalya to help you with that.”

Gallus narrows his eyes and sighs. “Oh… great…”

Natalya steps forward. “Gallus. Have you ever bathed a youngling before?”

“N-no.”

“How about I show you how I kept you clean back when you… when WE were little?”

He looks at her, surprised. “Um… okay.”

She enters the bathroom with her brother and closes the door behind them. Arc walks back to the couch and shakes his head.

“Natalya. I’m so jealous of you and Gallus. To have siblings must be nice.”

An hour or so later the bathroom door opens and Gallus leads his three friends out to the living room.

“All clean, sir!”

Arc stands up to look them over. “Much better.”

Natalya smiles at Gallus. “You did very well bathing your friends.”

“Um… thanks, sis.”

Ginny prances around happily. “It feels good to be clean!”

Geoffrey smiles. “Yes it does! Thank you, Arc!”

Gigi preens her feathers. “I finally smell pretty!”

Gallus looks over at Arc, soberly. “Excuse me, sir. I need to know something.”

“What is it?”

“Is Geoffrey right? Is… is your name REALLY Arc?”

“Yes it is. Why do you ask?”

Gallus takes a step back, his eyes wide! “But… that means… are you really who I think you are?!”

Gigi looks confused. “I don’t get it! Do you know him, Gallus?”

Gallus turns to the others. “Everyone! This is Lord Arc! Equestria’s King and Hero of Light!”

He and the three younglings bow.

“It is true that I am the Hero of Light. However, I am not the king.

Gallus looks up. “What?! But we heard…”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “I did serve as the Lord Regent for a time while this land’s princesses were recovering from an illness. You don’t need to bow though. Not anymore.”

“But how… why did you help us?!”

Natalya frowns. “Gallus!”

“It’s okay, Natalya. He asked a fair question.”

Arc turns to look back at Gallus.

“We all need a little help sometimes. And right now, all of you need a LOT of help!”

Ginny looks up at Arc with a small smile. “Please sir! Is there any way we can repay you?!”

Geoffrey nods. “Yes! We have to give back somehow!”

Arc stands up. “Well… you can help me get supper going.”

They follow Arc to the kitchen. He opens the refrigerator.

“Let’s see here… what should we make… hmmm…”

He turns to the younglings.

“What kind of food do you like?”

Ginny smiles. “We’ll eat whatever you want us to, sir!”

Geoffrey nods. “That’s right! Beggars can’t be choosers, after all!”

Gigi giggles! “We’ll help you!”

Gallus nods. “I’ll help you too, Lord Arc!”

“It looks like we need quite a bit of food for this meal. How about I make us some soup?”

He quickly looks over to Natalya as he puts a large pot of water on the stove.

“Don’t worry. It will be much better than the terrible soup you’re used to. That I promise you!”

Natalya breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, sir!”

They quickly get to work chopping vegetables, peeling potatoes and setting the table. Arc stirs the pot and turns around to look at the table.

“Gallus, can you please set two more places?”

“Yes sir!”

Gigi look up at him. “Are you expecting company, sir?”

“Not exactly. You see…”

Arc is interrupted by the sound of Derpy and Dinky walking through the front door. Dinky spots Arc and runs over to him. She jumps into his arm happily!

“DAD! You made it!”

Gallus mutters quietly to himself. “Dad?”

Arc hugs his daughter. “Hi Dinky! I’m glad to see you too!”

He turns to Derpy. She has a confused look on her face.

“Arc? What’s going on here?”

“Sorry, Derpy. These young griffons needed help.”

“Oh, it’s fine! I was just a bit… surprised! Who are your friends?”

“This is Gigi, Geoffrey, Ginny and Natalya’s younger brother, Gallus. Everyone, this is Miss Derpy. She’s the one who owns this house.”

Derpy waves a hoof. “Hello everyone!”

Arc looks to his daughter. “And this is our daughter, Dinky.”

“Hi everypony! My dad took me and my mom in when I was a baby!”

The younglings look rather nervous. Gallus walks over to Derpy.

“Hello ma’am. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

“It’s okay. I know Arc. He can’t help but help others in need!”

Arc smells the air. “I think the soup is almost done. Why don’t we all sit down and have a nice talk?”

Dinky grins as Arc sets her down. “Yeah! I want to hear what kind a day you’ve had, dad!”

Arc laughs. “A busy one, sweetheart.”

Chapter 5 - Siblings

Everyone sits down at the table. Arc ladles the soup into bowls and passes them out.

“So how was your day, Derpy?”

“Just fine! The foals at the orphanage are just the sweetest little things! But it looks like your own day was far more interesting!”

“Yeah dad! Tell us all about it!”

Arc laughs. “Okay. But it’s a long story.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Those are the best kind.”

Arc goes over the events of the day starting with his hectic trip to Griffon’s Gate aboard an airship of unscrupulous sailors, to how he met Ginny and Geoffrey. He ends with taking the group back to Ponyville to get medical help for one of the younglings.

“That’s quite the story you have there, Arc!”

“We’re you scared, dad?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Those Marauders weren’t too tough for us.”

Derpy nods. “And the little one. Glynda was it? Will she be okay?”

“Doctor Horse says she should be okay with treatment.”

“Is she still at the hospital, dad?”

“Yes. The doctor says she’s very weak right now and will probably sleep for quite some time.”

Gallus nods. “That’s probably for the best.”

Natalya shudders. “She did appear to be in quite a bit of pain.”

Derpy turns to Natalya. “I’m sure Doctor Horse has given her something for that by now.”

Arc nods. “Probably a sedative too.”

Geoffrey looks confused. “What’s a sedative?”

Gallus turns to him. “Something that helps you sleep.”

Ginny shudders! “Does it hurt?”

Natalya turns to her. “No, dear.”

Gigi looks to Natalya. “Are you an orphan too, miss?”

“No. I’m… well… I’m Gallus’ big sister.”

Geoffrey turns to his friend. “Gallus! You never told us you had a sister!”

Ginny smiles up at her. “She’s really nice! Just like you!”

Gigi puts her small talons on her side. “How come we never met you before?”

Natalya sighs. “I’ve… been really busy with my job.”

Geoffrey smiles. “What do you do?!”

“I’m a lieutenant in the military.”

Gigi looks confused. “What were you doing with Lord Arc then?”

“I was assigned to him for now.”

Gallus looks to his sister, suddenly peevish. “Yes! Assigned! Just like a cog in a bloated, overthought, utterly USELESS machine!”

He stands up and storms out of the room leaving via the back door. Derpy’s eyes are wide with surprise!

“Oh my! What was that all about?”

Natalya sighs. “I’m sorry, that was my fault. Gallus was never keen on the idea of me leaving to join the military.”

Geoffrey looks to her. “Why? You think he would be proud that his sister had done so well!”

“It’s not quite that simple. You see, Gallus doesn’t like the Griffon Kingdom’s military, as most of our nation’s money goes to funding it.”

Arc nods understandingly. “Instead of libraries, schools and orphanages?”

“Right. The higher I go, the more it bothers him.”

She sighs.

“I think he would have been happy to hear I was demoted to Footpad.”

Arc sighs. “I understand how he feels.”

Natalya looks up at him. “You do?”

“Yes. My homeland’s own military took my father from me. So I guess you could say I’m not a huge fan of them. The difference between us is I don’t hold that against the rank and file soldiers. They do their best to protect everyone. While they’re not perfect in how they carry out their tasks, I’m sure most of them are doing what they can.”

Natalya stands up. “I should go talk to him.”

“Agreed. But remember to think about this from his point of view as well.”

Derpy smiles and nods. “You can’t force someone to accept the choices you’ve made. All you can do is explain your reasoning and hope for the best.”

Natalya nods and walks over to the back door. Putting a claw on the handle she takes a deep breath and steps out into the chilly night air. Looking around the small yard it doesn’t take long for her to spot Gallus sitting in a corner of the yard. She walks over to him.

“Gallus?”

He does not look over.

“What? Come to tell me how wrong I am?! How great the military is?! Give me a lecture on how you’re making the world a better place?!”

“No. I… um… actually came out here to… apologize to you.”

“Apologize to ME?! What for? Abandoning us?!”

“I… Gallus…”

She fumbles for the right words.

“Can I sit down?”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Nothing I can do to stop you.”

Natalya sits down next to her brother and joins him in staring up at the moon. Neither speaks for a long time.

Gallus frowns. “Look! If you’re going to say something, do it! That way we can get this fight over with!”

“Fight?”

Gallus looks over at her angrily! “Right! You can tell me I’m just a youngling myself. How I need to get back home where it’s warm and safe in addition to lecturing me on YOUR life’s career choices!”

“I guess I could. But you see, that’s not what I came out here to say.”

Gallus looks genuinely surprised. “You didn’t?! Good! Maybe I can finally hear something new for a change!”

“It’s been a while since we talked. Why don’t we just do that?”

Gallus looks back at the moon. “You want to know what I’ve been up to, huh? Did father put you up to this?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “I do. In all honesty, I had no idea you weren’t at home. And I get the feeling neither did he.”

“You going to snitch on me?”

“I probably should. But I don’t think so.”

“What’s your angle?”

“You and I haven’t exactly been on the best terms since… since mother left. But I want you to know that I do care about you. Even if I haven’t been the best at showing you that in the past. If I were to tell father what you’ve been doing, it wouldn’t be because I wanted to get you in trouble. But because I just want you to be safe.”

Gallus points a claw over his shoulder at the house. “Safe?! You worried my friends in there are going to cook me up or something?!”

“No. They seem like good younglings. But please think about this from my point of view.”

“Which is…?”

Natalya sighs. “Only a few short hours ago I found out my little brother was living in a garbage dump and caring for several younglings.”

“Someone has to! It’s not like the king or Council of Lords or… anyone I guess, is going to do it! I had the means and the bits to help, so I did!”

“Your allowance?”

“Yeah.”

She nods. “So what have you been spending it on?”

“Food mostly. As you saw we save quite a bit living rent-free just outside the dump.”

“You can’t afford enough food for all of you on your allowance.

Gallus shrugs. “We scrounged to make up for it. You would do the same if you got hungry enough!”

“I… probably would. Especially if you and Gabrielle were hungry.”

She looks over at Gallus.

“Is she still at home?”

“As far as I know. She’s probably still coming up with pipe-dreams on a daily basis.”

Natalya sighs. “You two never did see eye to eye.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “She always has her head in the clouds. I prefer to stay grounded in reality.”

Natalya smiles. “I’ve always been a little jealous of her.”

“You have?! How?!”

“She’s so happy go lucky all the time.”

Gallus scoffs. “More like oblivious.”

“Gabrielle’s not ignorant of what’s going on around her. While she may appear to be turning a blind eye, I think she’s just doing her best to keep moving forward.”

“Or back!”

Natalya sighs.

“You and I don’t get along. She and you are distant at best. Why? What happened to us? We used to be so close!”

Gallus sighs. “We grew up. At least you and I did!”

“Yes. I… I have to agree with you on that.”

“That’s a first. You don’t usually admit you’re wrong. Not easily anyways.”

Natalya looks over to him. “Look Gallus, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Oh?”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“For leaving you and Gabrielle for the military. Not writing and calling more. For… for treating you like a kid. You’re not.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “That’s… rather surprising. What brought about this revelation?”

“Just doing some thinking, I guess. Mostly those younglings.”

“What about them?”

Natalya turns to Gallus and smiles. “They look up to you, and you provide for them. Kinda like a certain big sister used to. Sorry for giving you such a hard time earlier today. Those younglings… I think they look at you like… like a father figure almost.”

“I had to do what I did. No one else would!”

Natalya puts a claw on his shoulder. “And I’m proud of you for that. I’m glad some of what I taught you came in handy.”

“What you taught me?”

“You know… honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness… that sort of thing. And one day when they grow up, I think they’ll pass on what they’ve learned to their younglings.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so! You’re shaping the future of the Griffin Kingdom by passing on morals to the next generation. Kinda like what I was hoping to do.”

“How?!”

Natalya sighs. “I know you don’t like the military, or what it stands for. Please know that I understand and respect your point of view on that matter.”

“Then why did you join up?”

“To try and bring about change.”

“Change?!”

Natalya nods. “I don’t like the direction our nation is going. The military and the upper crust ruling over everyone without so much as a thought on how they feel. My reasoning for doing what I did was… I could either stand around complaining about how thing were going, or do something about it! As you know, I chose the latter.”

“I… Natalya… can I tell you something?”

“Anything!”

Gallus sighs. “For the longest time, I assumed you joined the military to… get away from it all.”

“What?! Why would I want to do that?!”

“I thought you wanted to be free of your responsibilities to Gabrielle and I. To get out on your own and be your own griffon. But it looks like I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

Natalya nods. “In reality, I wanted you and her to be able to grow up in a world that was better and safer. I’ve seen so much in the time since I left. Back then, I thought I had seen it all. Knew what to do. How to do it. I too was wrong.”

“Huh?”

“Lord Arc showed me there’s so much more out there for me to learn. For me to accomplish! The life lessons he’s taught me have propelled me further than I ever thought possible. But somehow I know he’s going to show me so much more.”

Gallus nods. “You really like him, don’t you?”

“I respect him greatly, yes. In the short time since we met he’s been nothing but Kind and accepting of me. Even though I originally was suspicious of him.”

“Suspicious of what?”

“Of having ulterior motives. When you’ve been in the military as long as I have, you soon come to the realization that everyone who’s nice is doing so because they want something from you.

Gallus frowns. “Don’t I know it!”

“No. At least not in his case. I… I believe he’s genuinely interested in helping others.”

“That’s what his reputation would suggest anyways. I mean, if it were anyone else, I’d be skeptical! He’s really been around!”

“It’s not everyday news about an individual from another land reaches us in the Griffon Kingdom, eh Gallus?”

Gallus looks at her. Suddenly suspicious. “Natalya. What are you up to?”

“Up to?”

“You’ve been acting really weird ever since we got here. I mean, normally you’d be giving me a hard time about… SOMETHING by now.”

Natalya sighs. “Well… while you were bathing the younglings, Lord Arc and I had a little talk.”

“What about?”

“You.”

Gallus looks surprised. “Me? The Hero of Light was interested in talking about ME?!”

Natalya nods. “He wanted to talk about our relationship.”

“Or lack of.”

“He does give very good advice. In fact, it was his idea for us to clean up the younglings together.”

“Why?”

She shrugs. “I’m not fully sure. But it felt good to spend time with you again.”

“It has been quite some time. I… I do like spending time with you, Natalya. When you’re not giving me a hard time, that is.”

“I’ll try to work on that.”

Gallus nods. “I’d appreciate it. Neither of us are younglings anymore.”

“True. Now why don’t we go inside now? We seem to be talking in circles and the night air is really starting to get to me.”

Gallus stands up. “Fine with me.”

The pair walk back toward the house. As Natalya puts her claw on the handle Gallus stops.

“Natalya?”

She turns around. “Yes?”

“Oh, nothing.”

They step inside to see Arc and Derpy doing the dishes. The younglings are stretched out in front of the fireplace with Dinky drawing pictures together. Gallus stops to watch.

“The Hero of Light is… doing the dishes?”

Natalya walks over to him. “Lord Arc, can we help?”

He tosses her a dish towel. “Sure. You can dry and I’ll put away.”

Gallus joins his sister. “And me?”

Derpy turns from the sink. “Can you please wipe down the table?”

“S-sure, Lady Derpy!”

He takes the rag from her and quickly gets to work. The dishes are soon done and the kitchen straightened up. Derpy looks to Arc as she hangs up the dish towel.

“Thank you for making supper, Arc. That was very thoughtful of you.”

He looks over at the younglings. “Considering the extra guests I thought it was the least I could do. Well, I should probably get everyone over to Light’s Hope for the night.”

Dinky looks sad. “Awww! But we were having fun, dad! Can’t they stay?!”

“That’s up to your mother. It is her house after all.”

Derpy nods. “Sure! They can stay the night!”

The younglings and Dinky cheer. Natalya looks to Derpy.

“Thank you ma’am.”

“It’s no problem.”

Gigi smiles as she turns to Geoffrey. “What should we do?”

“Anything! It’s not every day we’re warm at night!”

Ginny puts her talons closer to the fire. “This does feel good!”

Dinky looks to her father. “How about you tell us a story, dad?!”

Arc walks over to the couch and sits down. “Oh? What about?”

“How about the time you saved the orphans from Matron Tempest?! That one’s my favorite!”

Arc laughs. “Really?! You’ve heard it so many times!”

Derpy giggles! “That and you were there sweetie.”

Dinky points a hoof at the younglings and smile. “Well they haven’t!”

Arc laughs. “I suppose you’re right. Okay, gather round and listen up.”

He retells the story in great detail as the others sit and listen.

Natalya looks to him amazed. “That’s quite the story, sir!”

Gallus looks to Arc nervously. “She, uh… isn’t still around, is she?”

Arc nods. “She’s still alive, yes.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “My dad could take her!”

Derpy nods “He already has several times now.”

Ginny looks surprised! “What?! How?!”

“By outsmarting her mostly. Although a little luck never hurt. But I couldn’t have survived that encounter without my brave daughter stepping in.”

Geoffrey looks at her. “How did it feel, Dinky?!”

Gigi nods. “Were you scared?!”

Ginny shudders. “I would have been!”

Dinky shakes her head. “Back then I was more angry than anything! But I knew I could do something about it! That I HAD to do something!”

Gallus smiles at her. “You’re very brave, Dinky!”

Natalya looks at Arc. “Not surprising considering whose daughter you are, Lady Dinky.”

Ginny yaws. Arc stands up.

“I think it’s bedtime for fillies and younglings.”

Derpy stands up. “Agreed,. Everypony’s had a rather long day.”

“Can they sleep in the room, dad?”

“Of course. Lead the way.”

Arc stands up along with the younglings. They follow her to Arc’s room as Dinky opens the door and steps inside.

“Everypony can sleep here.”

Ginny looks around. “Thank you!”

Geoffrey grins! “At least there’s a roof over our heads!”

Gigi laughs! “And we don’t have to worry about Marauders either!”

The trio walks over to the corner of the room and curls up together on the floor. Arc looks at them curiously.

“Um… what are you three doing?”

Ginny looks to Arc. “Getting comfortable.”

Gigi nods. “We’re pretty good at it!”

Geoffrey yawns. “Good night everyone!”

Arc points a finger. “You three can sleep in the beds with Dinky.”

Derpy walks over and nods. “That is if you don’t mind doubling up.”

Ginny jumps up, excitedly. “Really?!”

Geoffrey grins. “We’ve never slept in a real bed before!”

Gigi looks to Arc. “Are you sure it’s all right, sir?!”

“Yes.”

Arc pulls back the covers as Dinky jumps into his bed and lies down.

“Come on up, Gigi!”

Gigi looks up at Arc. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

“I’m sure. Go ahead.”

Gigi jumps into the bed and lies down. Arc covers the pair up.

“It feels nice!”

Ginny and Geoffrey hop into Ember’s bed and lie down. Derpy tucks them in.

“This… this is like sleeping on clouds!”

“I’ll say! It’s warm too!”

Arc turns to leave the room. “We’ll be out here if you need us.”

“Good night dad!”

Arc and Derpy leave the bedroom and close the door behind them. Gallus looks to Arc.

“Thank you for taking such good care of my friends, sir. They’ve never actually slept inside before.”

“It’s no problem.”

“Thank you as well, Lady Derpy. Your kindness and hospitality are most appreciated.”

She giggles. “You’re welcome, Gallus! But, I’m just Derpy.”

Natalya looks confused. “You are?”

Gallus frowns. “I don’t understand. Aren’t you two married?”

Derpy blushes slightly as she shakes her head. “No. Arc rents a room from me and adopted me and my daughter, so to speak.”

“That’s right. Truth be told I haven’t been called ‘Lord Arc’ around here since I was Equestria’s temporary ruler.”

Natalya looks confused. “Then why didn’t you correct me when I called you that, sir?”

“Sorry. That book you gave me said respect was everything in your culture. While I’m not actually a Lord, I do have much more power and authority than one.”

“Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Gallus. In addition to going anywhere and doing anything I see fit, I’m the only one in all of Equestria that cannot be commanded by the princesses.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide. “Not at all?”

“No. I pretty much act independently in pursuance of my duty to keep the peace.”

“Similar to Arbiter Ghaleon?”

“From what you’ve told me, yes.”

Gallus looks confused. “So, what exactly is it you do then?”

“It’s complicated. One of the things I do is to investigate matters that would be difficult or impossible for others. For example… one of the first things I did as the Hero of Light was to look into the affairs of Captain Decimus. At the time he was the Captain of the Royal Guard in Canterlot Castle.”

Derpy suddenly looks angry. “That stallion! I can’t believe he did all those terrible things!”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Was he a traitor?”

“Yes. I found irrefutable proof that not only was he conspiring with our enemies, but that he personally poisoned our land’s princesses.”

Gallus’ eyes grow wide. “What?! How?”

“With an herbal concoction that put them into a deep sleep. The captain thought he was next in the Order of Succession. Little did he know that I was actually a citizen of Equestria by royal decree, and therefore eligible to take the throne before him.”

Natalya nods. “So Equestria came close to a full blow coup?!”

Derpy nods. “Very! Thankfully Arc was able to expose him and save the princesses before they were lost forever!”

“I did what I could. Luckily it was enough.”

Gallus nods. “What happened to the captain?!”

“He came back to the castle to administer the final dose of the poison. Had he been successful the princesses would have slept forever. My troops and the Royal Guards held him and his forces off until I could get there and fight him myself. He suffered the same fate as all traitors.”

Arc closes his eyes and shakes his head.

“To think this all started when I faced him on Canterlot Castle’s drawbridge. He tried to take Ember even though she was in my custody.”

Derpy looks surprised! “Wait! He attacked you?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. He was angry not only because I didn’t listen to him as he’s accustomed to, but also due to the fact his own soldiers refused to attack me after he ordered them to.”

Natalya looks confused. “He ordered his troops to attack the Hero of Light?!”

“Pretty much. Captain Decimus grabbed one of his subordinate’s spears and charged right at me. I grabbed the spear and threw him into the moat. His lieutenant apologized and we made our way back to the Train Station.”

Arc appears to be lost in thought for a few moments.

“Arc? Is everything okay?”

“I… I’m not sure Derpy. Back then I didn’t really think much of it, but Captain Decimus went down pretty easily.”

Natalya nods. “Maybe his emotions got in the way.”

“It’s possible. However, when I fought him again outside Princess Luna’s room he was MUCH stronger! The captain really made me work for that victory! It was like he was a completely different pony!”

“Maybe Tempest knows something about him we don’t.”

Arc sighs. “She probably does. But somehow I doubt she would tell me.”

Derpy looks at him nervously. “Do… do you suppose he made a pact with The Dark One in exchange for power?”

“That’s the most likely explanation for his extreme increase in strength.”

Natalya shudders. “The Dark One?! Sounds ominous!”

“He’s not the kind of creature you want to be indebted to. I don’t suppose he’s made his presence known in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not to my knowledge, no. Then again, I’m only a lieutenant. We aren’t exactly kept in the loop on everything”

Gallus looks to his sister. “What about Arbiter Ghaleon? He’s crazy powerful!”

“I doubt it. He’s always had our nation’s best interest in mind. Doing what was best for everyone.”

Arc mutters to himself. “Like Tempest…”

Gallus frowns. “Well I for one worry about someone having THAT much power, strength and authority.”

Natalya stands up. “He needs to be there in case a general or Lord goes rogue!”

“Yeah? Well what about HIM?! What if HE turns against the kingdom?!”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “That’s a frightening thought. It would probably take our greatest warrior’s combined strength to stop him!”

“And even that might not be enough. Too much power in one pair of talons is dangerous.”

“Gallus!”

He looks over to Arc apologetically.

“No disrespect intended to you, sir.”

“None taken. In fact, I agree with you.”

“You do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. There’s an old saying back home on Earth that says ‘Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely’!”

Derpy looks confused. “What does that mean?”

“It means those with power tend to use that power. And not always in the best interest of others. Now I admit I don’t know Arbiter Ghaleon, and I certainly don’t want to speak ill of him without having all the facts. But having someone of authority in place, just in case… it kinda scares me.”

Derpy frowns. “What about you? The Griffon Kingdom’s Arbiter seems almost identical to Equestria’s Hero of Light.”

“Equestria is ruled over by alicorns. Should one of them go astray… well, someone has to be able to stop them. Whether or not the Griffon Kingdom needs something similar is up to them, I suppose. Tell me Natalya. Who do you think is stronger? Me or Arbiter Ghaleon?”

“That’s difficult to say, sir. While I have seen you fight, I don’t believe I’ve seen your full power yet.”

“Right.”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “But then again, I don’t think anyone has seen Arbiter Ghaleon go all out yet either.”

Gallus nods. “I’ve studied what is publicly known about him and his fighting prowess. He’s quite the force to be reckoned with! Forgive me, sir, but I don’t believe you would stand a chance against him.”

Arc shrugs. “Let’s just hope we never have to find out definitively.”

He pulls out his pocket watch and checks the time before standing up.

“We should probably get some rest now. Busy day tomorrow.”

Derpy points to her mat on the floor in front of the fireplace. “Natalya? You and Gallus can share the couch if you’d like.”

Gallus looks nervous. “What about you, ma’am?”

“I usually sleep in front of the fireplace on my mat. It may sound strange to you, but I’m most comfortable there.”

Natalya looks over to Arc. He nods.

“Thank you. We accept.”

“It’s a lot better than what the younglings and I are used to, that’s for sure.”

Derpy quickly fetches blankets for Gallus and Natalya. The pair stretch out on the couch and get comfortable. In a few moments they are asleep Derpy looks to Arc.

“They must have been very tired.”

Arc nods as he fetches the last spare blanket. “I’ll say.”

He walks over to Derpy as she lies down on her mat and covers her with the blanket.

“Sleep well, Derpy.”

“What about you?”

Arc crouches down as he puts another log on the fire. “I’ll be okay.”

Derpy holds the blanket up to Arc. “You should take this. I’m used to sleeping without it.”

Arc walks over to the couch and sits down on the floor in front of it as he does his best to make himself comfortable.

“You stay warm, Derpy. I’ll be just fine over here.”

She looks to him sheepishly. “Um, Arc? I’d be willing to share my mat with you. Then we can both stay warm.”

“Isn’t that the mat your mother started before you were born? I… I shouldn’t. It’s too personal for you.”

Derpy smiles at him. “I’m sure if she was alive today, she would approve of you, Arc. You’ve shared so much with me since we met. Please let me share this with you.”

Arc nods. “Alright. Thank you, Derpy.”

He lies down on the floor next to Derpy. She covers both of them with the blanket before snuggling up to him.

“Comfortable?”

“Yes. Good night, Derpy.”

“Good night, Arc.”

In a short time Arc’s breathing becomes slower and he falls asleep. Derpy looks over at Arc and smiles.

“I wish I could have known you, mother. We were separated far, FAR too soon. But… if you were anything like I imagine you being, you would have loved my friend Arc. He makes me so very happy.”

Derpy drifts off to sleep with the rest of the household.

Chapter 6 - Bonding

Arc wakes up early the next morning. Derpy is still snuggled up next to him. He strokes her mane gently for a time before waking her.

“Derpy? It’s time to wake up.”

She slowly opens her eyes and give Arc a tired smile.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

Derpy slowly stands up. “Good morning, Arc.”

“Did you sleep alright?”

“I had a bit of a bad dream last night.”

“Oh? What about?”

“No idea. I just snuggled up closer to you and went back to sleep. Sorry if I woke you up.”

Arc smiles at her. “You didn’t. But I’m happy I was here for you when you needed me.”

Natalya and Gallus sit up slowly. Gallus yawns.

“Morning already?”

Natalya looks out the window, albeit a big groggily. “It would appear so.”

Derpy walks slowly toward Arc’s room. “Sorry to wake you two up so early, but Dinky and I need to get to the orphanage. Breakfast doesn’t cook itself!”

She quietly opens the door and steps inside. A moment later Dinky walks out yawning and stretches as her mother quietly closes the door behind them.

“Good morning everypony.”

“Good morning, sweetheart. Sleep well?”

Gallus looks to Dinky. “I hope my friends didn’t keep you awake last night.”

Dinky shakes her head as she trots toward the bathroom. “Nah. They all fell asleep pretty fast. I guess they were pretty tired.”

Arc looks over at Gallus and Natalya. “They weren’t the only ones. I think we all were pretty sleepy.”

Derpy nods as she turns toward the bathroom as they hear Dinky turn the sink on. Not to be a bad host, but I need to get ready for work now.

Natalya nods. “We understand.”

Derpy joins Dinky in the bathroom and closes the door behind them. The pair emerge a few minutes later with brushed teeth and manes. They head for the front door together.

“We’re off!”

Dinky grabs her saddlebags. “Bye dad!”

Arc waves. “Have a nice day you two.”

Derpy and Dinky leave the house as Natalya turns to Arc.

“What now, sir?”

Arc grins. “Breakfast?”

Gallus smiles. “I was hoping you would say that! How about letting Natalya and I cook it though?”

Arc chuckles. “Oh? Fancy a bit of time with your sister now?”

“Something like that. Besides, I’m not too bad a cook myself. When you don’t have anything, you quickly learn the fine art of ‘making do’.”

Arc nods and heads for the bathroom. “Go ahead. I think I’ll take a shower while you two cook.”

Natalya turns to her brother as Arc disappears into the bathroom. “What should we make?”

Gallus walks over to the kitchen. “Let’s see what we have to work with first.”

They find flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Natalya looks up at her brother.

“Pancakes?”

“Thinking the same thing, sis.”

Natalya puts the ingredients on the table as Gallus begins combining them in a large bowl. She calls out from the refrigerator.

“There’s some blueberries in here.”

Gallus looks up. “Great! That should make them extra tasty!”

Natalya smiles as she sets out plates, cups and silverware. “This kinda reminds me of the good old days.”

Gallus pours some of the batter into a pan on the stove. “If by ‘good old days’ you mean when we three were left home alone, then yes I suppose it does. The only difference is that you were always the one at the stove.”

“Sorry.”

Gallus sighs as he flips the contents of the pan. “Don’t be. Back then you were the one who took care of Gabriel and I. But we’re old enough to look after ourselves now.”

Natalya giggles. “I suppose, in my mind at least, you two will always be in need of someone to care for you.”

“Well, we do appreciate all you did for us. Please don’t tell anyone this, but… when I think of our mother, I think of you.”

“Oh?”

Gallus nods as he puts the freshly cooked pancakes into a pan in the oven and refills the skillet.

“Gabriel and I… we never knew her.”

Natalya looks down as she finishes laying out the last of the dishes, sadly. “My own memories of her have faded with time. I’m a rather poor substitute though.”

“Maybe. But you were all we had!”

“I’ve always wondering if… if I did a good enough job. If maybe I could have done more!”

“You did fine Natalya.”

The younglings come out of Arc’s room slowly. They rub their eyes and yawn. Gigi looks around, still half asleep.

“I… was it all just a dream?”

Geoffrey sniffs the air. “That food certainly smells real enough!”

Ginny stretches. “If this is a dream, I don’t ever want to wake up!”

They sit down at the table as Natalya and Gallus set out the food. Gigi looks around.

“Where is everyone else?”

Gallus turns to her. “Miss Derpy and Dinky headed out already and Lord Arc is in the bathroom.”

Natalya nods as she puts some pancakes on a plate in front of Arc’s chair. “We should wait for him!”

A few minutes later the bathroom door opens and Arc steps out. He looks at the younglings sitting around the table.

“Sorry for making you wait.”

Gallus pulls Arc’s chair back for him. “It was no trouble, sir.”

Arc sits down and looks over the food. “This smells wonderful, Natalya!”

“Thank you, sir. But it was actually Gallus who cooked this.”

Gallus looks over at the younglings. “I’ve had plenty of time to practice.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, let’s not stand on ceremony. Eat up everyone.”

The younglings do so at once. Arc takes a bite and looks over at Gallus.

“This is very good!”

Natalya nods. “I agree! But where did you learn to cook?!”

“Mostly by watching you, Natalya.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. Although I quickly found there was much more to it than I thought.”

Arc chuckles. “Practice makes perfect.”

Gigi grins. “Yeah! But we don’t usually eat this well!”

Geoffrey looks at his food, nervously. “What are these blue things in here?”

Arc chuckles. “Those are blueberries.”

Ginny pokes them with a fork. “What are they?”

Gallus looks over at Arc. “Forgive them sir. They’ve never had much in the fruit department, as its prohibitively expensive back home.

Gigi sighs. “Yeah. Other than the rotten fruit some of the wealthy like to throw at us!”

Geoffrey turns to Arc. “Can we go see Glynda this morning sir?!”

Ginny nods. “We really miss her!”

Arc nods. “I’m sure she’s fine. After we finish eating and get the kitchen straightened up, we’ll go see her. Okay?”

The younglings all smile at him. “Yes sir!”

All of them finish eating. Gallus and Natalya quickly wash the dishes as Arc and the younglings put the kitchen back in order.

“Everything’s back where it should be, Lord Arc.”

Gallus nods. “Even better than we found it,”

Arc surveys the kitchen. “Good. Everyone ready to go?”

The younglings nod their heads expectantly. Ginny looks to the sigil in the corner.

“Are we going to use the magic path again?”

Natalya smiles at her. “It’s a portal, dear.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Why don’t we walk? I could use the exercise. That and it’s still a bit early for visitors at the hospital.”

Geoffrey looks out the window. “Really? But, the suns already up!”

“True. But the patients need time to eat and have Doctor Horse look them over.”

Gallus nods. “Think of it this way. We can look at all the nice buildings on our way there.”

Gigi smiles. “That sounds nice! This town is pretty!”

Arc heads for the door. “Let’s be off then.”

They follow Arc out the front door. Gallus and Natalya take up the rear together as the younglings stay at Arc’s heels. Ginny looks around at the neighboring houses.

“So what’s the name of this town, sir?”

“Ponyville.”

Geoffrey raises an eyebrow. “Really?! That just sounds a little too spot-on.”

Arc nods. “Well, your country has a town called Griffinstone.”

Gigi looks confused. “We do?”

“Yes. It’s where the Grand Aviary is.”

Ginny shrugs. “The what?”

Gallus shakes his head. “Forgive them, sir, but they don’t know much about the world outside of Griffon’s Gate.”

Arc frowns. “What about your original homes?”

Geoffrey shakes his head. “I don’t really remember anything about it or my parents.”

Gigi looks sad. “Me either.”

Ginny looks up at Arc. “Dinky’s lucky to have you and Miss Derpy, sir!”

Arc nods. “And I’m lucky to have them.”

A short time later they arrive at Ponyville Hospital. Arc walks up to the nurse at the front desk.

“Excuse me, nurse. Is Glynda the griffon able to have visitors?”

“I don’t know, sir. Doctor Horse is examining her now.”

Gallus frowns. “Is anything wrong?!”

“I don’t think so. The doctor should be done soon though. He’ll be able to answer that question definitively.”

She gestures to the benches in the waiting room.

“Please make yourselves comfortable while you wait.”

“Thank you, nurse.”

He turns back to the others.

“I guess all there is to do now is wait.”

The younglings appear distraught as they sit down. Ginny sighs.

“I hope the doctor isn’t too busy to see us!”

Geoffrey nods. “Yeah! I miss Glynda!”

Gallus looks over to them. “Don’t worry about a thing. She’ll be fine.”

He looks worriedly to his sister.

“Right, Natalya?”

“If Lord Arc says so, I imagine he knows what he’s talking about.”

Sometime later Doctor Horse walks up to the Nurse’s Station with a stack of medical reports. The nurse accepts them and points a hoof in Arc’s direction. The doctor quickly makes his way over as Arc stands up with the others.

“How is she, doctor?”

“I’m very happy to report she’s responding very well to treatment.”

The younglings cheer.

Arc smiles as he watches the youngling’s reaction. “That’s good. Her friends have been beside themselves with worry.”

Ginny looks to the doctor. “Can we see her now?”

Gigi nods with sad puppy eyes. “Please?!”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes. If everypony would please follow me.”

The doctor leads them to Glynda’s room. He stops just outside the door.

“Please remember that she’s still recovering. If she starts to get tired, please let her rest.”

The younglings nod soberly as Doctor Horse opens the door. They rush inside as the adults follow behind. Geoffrey jumps around.

“YAY!”

Gigi hurries over to the bed. “Visiting time!”

Ginny bounds over! “Glynda! How you doing?!”

Glynda smiles weakly. “Okay, I guess. Where’s Gallus?”

“Right here, Glynda. You really gave us a scare.”

“S-sorry about that.”

Gallus walks over to the side of the bed and pats her head. “Don’t be. I’m just glad you’re going to be okay.”

Doctor Horse nods. “That she will. If she rests and continues her treatments.”

The younglings jump up and down happily. Gigi accidently bumps into Ginny. The youngling collapses to the floor in pain.

“Oh no! I’m sorry Ginny! Did I hit your wing?!”

Ginny nods as she winces in pain and does her best to stand. “Y-yes.”

Arc walks over to her. “I’m sorry, Ginny! With all that happened yesterday I forgot the ask Doctor Horse to look at you!”

He turns to the doctor.

“She told me her wing took a heavy blow a while back. I took a look at it, and the bone feels a bit funny to me. Could you take a look at it please?”

Doctor Horse nods. “I’d be glad to.”

Doctor Horse walks over to Ginny who looks suddenly frightened!

“Now then miss, would it be all right if I took a look at your wing?”

Ginny responds in a frightened tone. “That… that’s okay! It’s not too bad! Really!”

Doctor Horse frowns. “If it still hurts that bad after an extended period of time the injury could be more severe. I’ll be as gentle as I can, okay?”

Gallus looks over at her. “Let the doctor take a look at you, Ginny.”

“Well… okay.”

Ginny hops up on the end of the empty bed next to Glynda. Doctor Horse carefully extends her wing. She winces in pain as he slowly runs his hoof along the bone a few times before gently folding the wing and putting it back in position. Turning back to the others, he frowns.

“I think this injury warrants further examination.”

Gallus looks nervous. “What do you mean?”

“I’d like to take some x-rays of her wing.”

“But…”

Natalya puts a claw on his shoulder. “Gallus. She needs help.”

Arc nods. “I’ll pay for it.”

Gallus sighs. “Thank you, sir. I’ll find a way to pay you back somehow.”

“If you would come with me down the hall miss, we’ll get that wing checked out.”

Ginny looks frightened. “Gallus? Would you come with me please?!”

Gallus nods. “Of course. Let’s go!”

He leads Ginny out the door after Doctor Horse. About ten minutes later they return to Glynda’s hospital room.

“I’ll see about getting you x-rays developed right away, miss.”

Ginny smiles. “Thank you!”

Gallus nods. “We’ll wait here.”

Doctor Horse nods and walks out of the room. The three younglings sit at the side of their friend’s hospital bed. Glynda looks to Gigi.

“What exactly happened the other day?”

“You… you got attacked by a Marauder. Several of them actually.”

“I did?”

Natalya looks suddenly nervous! “You didn’t hit your head, did you?!”

Glynda shakes her head. “N-no. I think I remember that! Yes! I remember trying to get away, but couldn’t! They came at me so I tried to hit them! The rest is really just a blur.”

Gigi nods. “About then Gallus came back and chased them off! Then he went to find you some bandages!”

Gallus sighs. “Sorry I wasn’t a bit faster.”

Geoffrey smiles up at him. “You did your best!”

Glynda looks around. “Gallus? I… I’m confused. Where are we?”

“Equestria. Ponyville to be exact!”

“How…?”

Geoffrey points a talon at Arc. “We met a new friend who brought us all here!”

Ginny nods happily. “Yes! He’s really nice!”

Gigi smiles at her bedridden friend. “You’ll like him!”

Gallus motions for Arc to come forward. “Glynda, this is Lord Arc. Equestria’s Hero of Light. He was visiting Griffon’s Gate yesterday and befriended Ginny and Geoffrey.”

Arc nods at her. “Hello there, miss. You feeling better?”

Glynda nods nervously. “Y-yes sir! Thank you!”

Geoffrey grins! “You should have seen him and his friends fight!”

Ginny nods excitedly. “We saw him take out the Marauder Alpha like he was a bug!”

Gigi sighs. “I wish I could have seen that.”

Glynda smiles weakly. “That’s… really cool! Thank you! He’s been trouble for as long as we can remember!”

“You’re welcome, miss.”

Glynda turns back to Gallus. “Who’s your other friend, Gallus?”

“Oh right! This is my older sister, Natalya.”

“I didn’t know you had a sister!”

“Sorry I never mention her before. She helped me take care of the others while you were resting here.”

Gallus turns to Arc.

“Glynda is the oldest here. She tries to help me take care of everyone. Kinda like my sister did when I was little.”

Glynda nods fervently. “You NEED help! We’re a lot of work!”

Natalya laughs. “Don’t I know it!”

“That’s really nice of her! Miss Natalya? Are you going to stay with us when we get back to Griffon’s Gate?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No. I have a lot of things to do in Griffonstone.”

Gallus nods. “She’s actually a lieutenant in the military.”

Glynda looks confused. “Really?! But she’s so nice!”

Geoffrey nods. “That she is!”

Gigi looks to Natalya happily. “She helped Gallus get us clean yesterday!”

Ginny nods. “That and she didn’t even hurt my wing!”

“It wasn’t easy considering how dirty everyone was!”

Glynda looks confused. “Clean? Where?”

Geoffrey points to Arc. “Lord Arc has a friend here in town! She let us spend the night at her house!”

Gigi nods! “She even had real beds for us to sleep in!”

Ginny closes her eyes and smiles. “They were VERY comfy!”

Glynda sighs. “I bet! This bed I’m in now is wonderful! I slept like a log last night!”

Geoffrey chuckles. “The food’s better here too!”

Glynda laughs. “I know! The nurses already gave me breakfast! It was delicious! Does everyone around here eat like that every day?!”

Arc nods. “Pretty much. Your friends told me about what you’ve been eating back in Griffon’s Gate.”

Glynda looks suddenly sad. “It’s… not the best. Gallus does his best to feed us, but… it’s not very tasty.”

Ginny turns to Gallus. “Some other griffons offered us something to eat the other day!”

Geoffrey shudders. “It looked pretty tasty. But they were really making us nervous, so we ran!”

Gigi frowns. “Did they look kinda rough?”

Ginny nods. “They did! You know them?!”

Gigi shakes her head. “No, I don’t. But they offered me some food too! Even said they had plenty more if I wanted to come with them!”

Arc steps forward. “Wait! They offered to take you somewhere else and feed you?”

Gigi nods. “Yes. I told them no and flew away as fast as I could!”

Natalya breathes a sigh of relief! “Good! Who knows what they were up to!”

Gallus nods as he takes on a serious tone. “I know.”

Glynda looks confused. “You do? How?”

“Earlier that day I had been making my rounds, checking in on some of the others. They told me similar things had happened to their friends as well!”

Geoffrey’s eyes grow wide. “You mean there’s some griffons going around town offering free food to others?”

“It’s not free! I’m told they offered food to another youngling. When she refused, they tried to grab her!”

Gigi steps back. “What?! Why?!”

Natalya frowns! “Sounds like they were trying to kidnap her.”

Gallus nods. “Right! They reported it to the guards! But as you all know they don’t really believe what we tell them.”

Ginny looks to Gallus. “Who were they?!”

“Some of the others say they’re with some kind of rebel faction. Another youngling was told by them he would always have plenty to eat if he would join them.”

Natalya looks angry. “The rebels are recruiting younglings?!”

Arc frowns. “That’s terrible!”

Geoffrey looks to Gallus, nervously. “Anyone join up?!”

“Not that I’m aware of, no.”

Glynda looks frightened. “What do they want with them?!”

Gallus shrugs. “Who knows. “

Arc sighs. “Maybe they’re looking for troops that can hide in plain sight.”

Natalya looks at him. “Sir?”

“Think about it. A youngling is small enough to get into places no one else could. That and if they did get caught, no one would assume someone as small and young as they are could possibly be with the rebels.”

Natalya frowns. “That does make sense. Maybe even scout targets out for them! The guards would be suspicious of a couple adult griffons hanging around. But probably wouldn’t look twice at a youngling skulking about.”

Gallus looks to his sister. “Do you know any more about these rebels, Natalya.”

“A bit.”

She and Arc tell Gallus what they know about the rebels thus far. Gallus clenches his talon angrily!

“These little ones aren’t weapons to be used and discarded like that!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t know if that’s the rebels plan. But it doesn’t sit well with me to know they’re trying to recruit such young members. Even if this is a Griffon Kingdom problem, I wish there was something I could do. Without it looking like I was meddling, that is.”

Gallus looks at him, incredulously. “Meddling?!”

Natalya turns to her brother. “Please understand, Gallus. As a diplomat, Lord Arc can’t just step in and try to help. If he did it could be misconstrued as an act of aggression.”

“But… but…”

Arc nods. “Your sister is right. Even bringing you and your friends here was a risk.”

Gallus looks confused. “Then why did you?”

Arc turns his gaze to the youngling in the hospital bed. “Because Glynda would have died without help.”

Natalya steps in front of her brother. “Gallus, listen to me. Lord Arc has always done the right thing as long as he’s been in his position. But right now, he’s put the diplomatic relations of his country and our own on the line to save one griffon youngling! Please don’t think ill of him!”

Gallus sighs. “I… I’m sorry. It just burns me up inside knowing that there are younglings in trouble, and no one seems to be doing anything!”

Arc nods. “I have an important meeting with some of your leaders this evening. I’ll let them know about this.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Yes well… I just wish I could do more.”

There is a small knock at the door as Doctor Horse walks in with a folder. Gallus looks over to him.

“So what’s the situation, doctor?”

Doctor Horse puts the x-rays up on a glowing screen. “It doesn’t look too good.”

He gestures to a large knob on the x-ray and turns to Ginny.

“Apparently when you were struck, miss, you fractured you wing. At some point you developed an infection which led to this growth. It caused your wing to heal incorrectly.”

Ginny shudders. “What can I do?! Am I going to end up like Glynda?!”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “No miss. We can easily treat your infection just like we did your friend here. However, you’re going to need surgery to repair the damage to you bone.”

Gallus nods. “What kind of surgery?”

“We’ll need to go in and cut out the infection and scar tissue. Then I’ll very carefully break the bone again so it can be set correctly this time.”

Ginny scrambles backwards! “WHAT?! But it hurts enough as it is!”

Natalya turns to the doctor. “Will the infection heal on its own?”

“I’m afraid not. Truthfully, it’s a good thing she came in when she did. Had the infection spread, she would have ended up very sick like her friend. By then it would have been too late.”

Ginny peers out from behind the bed. “Can’t you just treat the infection and leave my wing as it is?”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “The infection would simply come back. You see, there’s a reason your bones are the way they are. Partially for flight, but also for your general health. If left as-is, the pain will only worsen as you get older. Have you tried flying lately?”

Ginny shakes her head. “N-no. It hurt too much!”

“That pain will be with you for the rest of your life if we don’t take care of it.”

Gallus walks over to the frightened youngling. “Ginny, I want you to let the doctor fix you up right. You do want to fly with your friends again, don’t you?”

Geoffrey looks to his friend. “Yeah! We miss you flying with us!”

Gigi looks sad. “We’ll never be able to play tag again without you!”

Ginny looks at her friends. “I… I do, but… I don’t want my wing broken! That hurts!”

Doctor Horse smiles at her. “Not to worry, miss. We’ll put you to sleep when we do that. You won’t feel a thing.”

Ginny frowns. “Are… are you sure?!”

“I am. In my years I’ve set many pegasi’s wings. They’ve all recovered and gone on to fly again.”

Natalya nods. “Please Ginny! This really is for the best.”

Gallus turns to her. “Listen to my sister. She knows what she’s talking about.”

Ginny looks frightened. “Well… okay. I’ll do it.”

Doctor Horse nods. “It’s a fairly quick and easy procedure. I can perform it right now if you’d like.”

“Will it hurt much?”

“No miss. As I said, you’ll be asleep for the entire surgery. When you wake up, it will all be over and you’ll be on your way to recovery.”

Ginny looks at Gallus. He nods. She turns back to the doctor, a bit frightened.

“What do I have to do?”

“I’ll send some orderlies with a gurney. They’ll take you to the Operating Room.”

Gallus looks over. “Can I come with her?”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes. You can stay until she falls asleep.”

He walks toward the door with his clipboard in hoof.

“The orderlies will come for you when I’m ready. Please wait here.”

Natalya smiles at him. “Thank you doctor.”

Doctor Horse leaves the room as the younglings surround their friend. Gigi and Geoffrey give her a hug.

“It’ll be okay, Ginny!”

“Yeah! We’ll be waiting for you here with Glynda!”

Glynda nods. “The doctor will make you good as new again! It’s been too long since we flew together!”

Ginny nods. “Thanks!”

True to his word, the orderlies soon arrive with a gurney.

“If you would lie down miss, we’ll take you to the Operating Room now.”

Ginny nods as Gallus helps her up onto the gurney. She lies down and allows Natalya to cover her with a blanket. Gallus stays by her side as she’s wheeled out to the room.

“Geoffrey, you and Gigi be good while I’m gone, okay?”

Geoffrey nods. “We will, Gallus!”

“Promise!”

The door closes behind them. Arc sees the worried looks on the youngling’s faces.

“Don’t worry. She’ll be alright.”

Natalya nods. “And we’ll stay with you until Gallus gets back.”

Glynda nods. “Thank you. It means a lot to us!”

Arc chuckles. “One should surround themselves with friends in times of trouble.”

Gigi looks up at him. “Why’s that?”

Natalya walks over. “It gives you someone to lean on. Life can sometimes be a bit lonely. And it’s always nice to have company.”

Geoffrey looks to them. “I know I’d be lost without Ginny!”

Glynda nods. “You two are always together!”

Geoffrey nods as he looks down at the floor. “Yeah. I… I already miss her!”

Arc kneels down in front of him. “She’ll be back soon. You can count on it.”

Chapter 7 - The Council of Lords

That evening as the sun begins to set Arc and Natalya walk down the corridor together with his Honor Guards toward the Council Chambers. He is wearing his royal raiments.

“I sure hope Ginny will recover soon.”

Natalya turns to Arc. “You heard what the doctor said. A few days’ rest in the hospital will see her back on her feet in no time. I just hope Gallus will be okay there without me.”

“He’ll be fine. After all, he is your little brother.”

Natalya sighs. “Thank you. I’m probably just worrying too much.”

Meanwhile, back in General Blackbeak’s Office, he paces the floor as Lieutenant Gilda stands before him.

“Find anything?”

Gilda shakes her head. “Our troops have reported no sign of Lord Arc or his Honor Guards anywhere in Griffon’s Gate or the surrounding area.”

“Are you certain he just… disappeared?!”

“Yes sir. I saw it with my own eyes! A portal of some kind opened and they all stepped through it!”

“I’ve seen his so-called Portal Magic myself. And those younglings you mentioned earlier went with him?”

Gilda nods. “Yes sir. Of that I am certain.”

The general frowns. “So he kidnapped them?!”

“If I may say so sir, they appeared to go with him willingly.”

“Why?!”

“Your guess is as good as mine, sir! However, when Lord Arc engaged the Marauder Alpha, he did so with such ferocity and skill that I was taken aback!”

Blackbeak stops pacing and turns to her. “You mean his Honor Guards, right?”

Gilda shakes her head. “No, sir. He engaged the Alpha alone.”

“What?! Why would he…”

“Maybe to reassure his Honor Guards of his power? One must show they are a force to be reckoned with!”

Blackbeak nods. “Was anyone else around?”

“No sir.”

“I find it hard to believe he was showing off to just his Honor Guards and a couple younglings!”

“Perhaps he wanted to gain their trust? They did appear to be leading him to their ‘home’. I believe Lord Arc may have been trying to gather them all in one place.”

“To join the rebels?”

Gilda shrugs. “It’s a possibility, sir. One that we cannot prove, but should not ignore.”

“If Lord Arc really IS with the rebels, why did he protect Lady Ashe?! Why did he thwart the rebel’s plot back then?! Just as puzzling, why did he help you?!”

“May I speak freely sir?”

“Please do.”

Gilda relaxes and takes a deep breath. “Father, I believe he only did that in order to gain YOUR trust. Lord Arc DID want to meet with the Council of Lords. He knew you could make that happen.”

The general nods. “He says he wishes to speak to them about forging a more lasting peace. Do you believe he is not acting in good faith, Gilda?”

“I… I don’t know what to think. However the Council may be in danger. Should we call off his audience while we investigate this matter further?”

Blackbeak shakes his head. “No. The Council would ask for a good reason for such action. Especially since I was the one who pushed for this meeting myself.”

“What should we do then?”

“I will be at the meeting. You will accompany me.”

“Yes sir. But what should I be doing?”

He turns to her as he heads for the office door. “Watching him closely. That and, if I decide to inform the Council of what I know, you will be there to testify. With luck we’ll get to the bottom of this quandary yet.”

General Blackbeak and Gilda walk down the corridor together.

“I still can’t believe you went on this mission yourself!”

Gilda shrugs. “It didn’t involve my tail. Besides, I got bored just lying around.”

The general beams at her. “That’s my girl!”

They make their way to the Council Chambers. Upon their arrival they see Arc and his entourage waiting for them. The general approaches and shakes his hand.

“Glad to see you again, Lord Arc.”

“Likewise, general.”

Arc looks over at Gilda.

“Are you feeling better, lieutenant?”

Gilda nods. “Much, thank you.”

She turns to the general.

“Shall I inform the Council of Lords that we are ready?”

Blackbeak nods. “Please do. I want to get this meeting underway.”

“Yes sir!”

Gilda enters the large double doors. General Blackbeak turns back to Arc

“So tell me, Lord Arc. Did you enjoy your trip to Griffon’s Gate?”

“Yes, very much so thank you. Let’s just say it was very… enlightening, to say the least.”

“Run into any trouble?”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Lieutenant Gilda emerges from the Council Chambers.

“Sir? They’re ready for us.”

Blackbeak nods. “Very good.”

He looks to Arc and gestures to the large double doors.

“Well then, Lord Arc. Shall we?”

“Yes.”

Arc looks to his Honor Guards.

“You two wait out here.”

Ember and Flash Sentry silently salute and step to one side as Natalya and Ember open the doors for Arc, Gilda and General Blackbeak. They enter together. As they close the doors behind them, Ember turns to Natalya.

“I hope this meeting goes well.”

Natalya nods. “As do I.”

Meanwhile, the trio walks down a short corridor which opens up into a large, high ceilinged room. Seated on tall desks in a row are the Council of Lords. Lord Gestal is seated higher than the other three. Arc walks to stand in the center of the room as General Blackbeak and Lieutenant Gilda stay back.

“Good evening.”

The council nods and Lord Gestal looks to Arc.

“Welcome, Lord Arc. We apologize for making you wait for an audience as long as we did.”

Arc nods. “I understand. Duty called.”

Lord Gestal turns to the griffon on his right. “This is Lord Weller, Head of Intelligence. If something is going on in the Griffon Kingdom, it’s his job to know about it.”

Lord Weller nods and smiles.

Gestal then gestures to the griffon seated in front of him. “Lord Adalbert is our Head of the Military. He recently had the task of forming a strategy in case your nation had invaded.”

The lord scowls at Arc.

Arc nods to him. “I am glad such an act never came to pass.”

Lord Gestal motions to his left. “And finally, this is Lord Goldstone, Chief Economist and our nation’s Treasurer.”

Lord Goldstone appears rather bored with the proceedings as Lord Gestal continues.

“I’m told by General Blackbeak that you have certain matters to discuss with us.”

“Yes, I do. Although first I wanted to ask how your daughter is faring after her close encounter the other day.”

Gestal sighs. “Not so well. She barely leaves her room these days from the shock of that night. Tell me, did anything happen that night you escorted her home?”

Arc shakes her head. “Not a thing. She seemed all right then.”

“Perhaps it was due to being in the care of such a powerful warrior. But I digress. On to other matters.”

Arc nods and clears his throat. “Let me start by extending Equestria’s greetings and good-will to your nation. I hope there will be many years of peace ahead of both our countries.”

Weller nods. “That will depend on the princesses of Equestria’s future choices. But I do so enjoy a good chat.”

Adalbert frowns. “Indeed! Our citizens are strong, and our military might is undeniable! Your leaders would be fools to attempt an invasion!”

“We have no interest in invading the Griffon Kingdom, or anyone else for that matter.”

Weller looks to Arc level-headedly. “Then why did you personally lead military forces to Yakyakistan recently?”

“In preparation for war with them.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Decisive action. We heard about the leader of Yakyakistan’s attack on the Crystal Empire a while ago. How did your counter-attack go?”

“It didn’t happen. I was able to convince their leader Prince Rutherford of my commitment to fight if he continued his campaign against us.”

Adalbert rolls his eyes. “Little is known here on how best to counter the yaks. How did one as small as you manage to intimidate THEM?!”

“First I tried talking Prince Rutherford out of invading.”

“That was a waste of breath!”

“Agreed. So I tried a more… direct approach.”

“Please elaborate.”

Arc smiles. “I punched him in the face.”

Weller appears surprised. “THAT was your idea of peace talks?!”

“No. That was the only language he understood, so I spoke it. We fought one-on-one in a ring made in the dirt by his troops. They refer to this as a ‘Yakni-kai’.”

Goldstone scoffs. “Yaks… how barbaric!”

Arc shrugs. “When in Rome, you must do as the Romans do, Lord Goldstone.”

“I’ll stay here, thank you.”

Lord Gestal looks to him. “I believe what Lord Arc was trying to say is that when dealing with other cultures we should use their methodology.”

“Exactly. Especially when trying to broker peace. Their culture is one of brute force, so that is how I met him. With a show of force.”

Adalbert grins wickedly. “I will keep that in mind.”

Lord Gestal clears his throat. “We seem to be getting a bit off topic. Please continue, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you. Like I was saying, Equestria is interested in talking peace with the Griffon Kingdom.”

Adalbert looks at him, suspiciously. “What kind of peace?”

“Lasting.”

Weller shakes his head. “Why should we? The policies of the past have worked well for generations.”

“That may be true. However, recent events have led me to believe that this isolationist mentality will one day lead to friction at the very best, and all-out war at the worst.”

Lord Gestal nods. “We would like to avoid such a thing.”

Goldstone smiles. “Indeed. Such things are… costly.”

Weller looks to Arc. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to hear what you have to say. Please continue, Lord Arc.”

“When I was Lord Regent of Equestria, we very nearly went to war. My advisors told me this fate was inevitable. However, I refused to take to the battlefield.”

Adalbert chuckles. “Cold feet?”

“No. Because it would make for quite a few corpses. After all, war doesn’t determine who is right. But only who is left.”

Arc looks at Lord Goldstone.

“Tell me, what would a war do to the Griffon Kingdom’s treasury, Lord Goldstone?”

“It would… quickly begin to deplete it.”

Adalbert scoffs at the economist’s words. “We could simply raise taxes to compensate.”

Weller frowns at Adalbert. “At further cost to our economy, no doubt.”

Goldstone shrugs empirically. “Our citizens would understand such steps would need to be taken to ensure…”

Lord Gestal stands. “Enough!”

The other lords are silent as he sits back down and composes himself.

“There is no need to bicker amongst ourselves like younglings. Lord Arc has raised a valid point. Neither country would benefit from a war. Short or long.”

Goldstone nods. “Agreed, Lord Gestal. Our nation’s economy is at its best when the rank and file citizens feel secure. However, in the short term, war would be good for the economy.”

Weller turns to Goldstone. “And the long-term effects?”

Goldstone sighs. “A long war would bankrupt both nations and strain our industrial capabilities.”

Goldstone looks to Adalbert.

“Do try to keep our wars short and sweet, would you kindly?”

Weller nods. “Or avoid them altogether.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. I’d like to know if the Griffon Kingdom is interested in some kind of a peace treaty.”

Gestal nods. “A vote then. Shall we continue with talks for a peace treaty with Equestria? What say you, Lord Adalbert?”

“I think not. We need to keep our options open! I vote nay!”

Weller thinks for a moment. “It would certainly lead to a tighter national security. I vote yay.”

Goldstone shakes his head. “Short wars can be good for our economy. If needed, we have to be ready to defend our lands! I vote nay!”

Lord Gestal rubs his chin with a talon. “A difficult decision, to be sure. I believe Lord Arc has acted in good faith thus far. We should listen to reason and avoid unnecessary conflict. I vote yay.”

Arc frowns. “It would appear we have a split vote, Lord Gestal.”

“Indeed. It would appear Arbiter Ghaleon will have to cast the deciding vote. General Blackbeak, send for…”

A voice speaks from nearby, interrupting Lord Gestal.

“I’m already here.”

A very large and heavily armored griffon enters the room from behind General Blackbeak and Lieutenant Gilda. The general turns around quickly.

“How long have you been standing there, Ghaleon?!”

Ghaleon frowns. “Long enough to hear everything Lord Arc has said thus far.”

Lord Gestal sighs. “As I’ve said on numerous occasions, Arbiter Ghaleon. If you wish to sit with us…”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “This Council Chamber is your arena, not mine.”

“Very well. What have you to say on this matter?”

The Arbiter slowly paces around the room as he speaks. “Lord Arc has made a rather convincing case for peace. However, as Lord Weller puts it, there is a need for security and peace in our nation.”

Goldstone looks up. “What about our nation’s econ…”

Arbiter Ghaleon looks over at him angrily. “I CARE NOTHING FOR YOUR PIGGYBANK!”

Goldstone shrinks back as Ghaleon continues. He stops pacing and looks Arc in the eye.

“The day may come when you and I take to the battlefield. Pray that day never comes.”

The Arbiter turns back to Lord Gestal.

“I vote that the Council hear out Lord Arc on this matter.”

Gestal nods. “Very well, Arbiter Ghaleon. The motion passes.”

Lord Gestal looks to Arc as Arbiter Ghaleon steps to one side of the room to observe.

“Now then, Lord Arc, what would you have us do?”

“I’d like our two nations to draw up an official peace treaty of some kind.”

Weller raises and eyebrow. “You wish for us to be allies?”

“More like friends.”

Adalbert scoffs. “What is the difference?!”

“I propose friendship in order to open a dialogue. Should we all get along, perhaps one day we could call each other allies. But that would be up to the princesses, of course.”

Lord Gestal nods. “We understand. Naturally, such a document would need their signatures.”

Adalbert nods condescendingly to him. “So, if I’m understanding you correctly, Lord Arc, all Equestria seeks is peace with us?”

“That and a dialogue, yes.”

Weller smiles at Arc. “All well and good, but what can Equestria do for us?”

Adalbert chuckles. “Other than not attacking you, that is.”

Goldstone turns to Lord Gestal. “Perhaps they could pay us tribute? After all, we ARE the world’s dominate superpower.”

Lord Gestal frowns at this. “Do not insult Lord Arc, Goldstone!”

Ghaleon scoffs at this. “Coming from a bit-pincher like you, Lord Goldstone, those words amount to little more than dust.”

Adalbert turns to Lord Gestal. “As much as I hate to admit it, Lord Goldstone is right about one thing. We are the strongest nation.”

Weller nods. “That may very well be. However, if the rest of the world were to unite against us, what would happen?”

Lord Gestal nods. “We would do well to not flaunt out military power, lest other nations grow restless.”

He turns back to Arc.

“Lord Weller is correct about one thing, Lord Arc. What can Equestria offer us in return?”

Arc nods. “I’ve seen first-hand the trouble you’ve been having with rebels.”

Weller frowns. “We can handle them.”

“Of that I have no doubt. However, on my trip yesterday to Griffon’s Gate, I met with some younglings. They claim to have been approached by rebels attempting to recruit them.”

Weller sighs. “I have heard of this as well. However, I am at a loss on what exactly to do in order to counter it.”

“I believe the problem there lies in the large numbers of orphans there.”

Goldstone frowns. “Yes! I’ve been trying to get them removed for years! We would save a fortune on extra guard wages!”

Adalbert thinks for a moment. “Perhaps they could be conscripted into some kind of pre-military program?”

Lord Gestal shakes his head. “Many of them are far too young for that.”

Goldstone rolls his eyes. “That and such a program would be VERY costly. More so than the additional cost of extra guards around the warehouses.”

Adalbert growls. “I suppose you’re right, Lord Goldstone. That and their life on the streets toughens them up. They make wonderful soldiers when they come of age.”

Lieutenant Gilda steps forward angrily. “Younglings are NOT soldiers!”

Adalbert grins at her. “They will be one day, lieutenant. General Blackbeak, please try to keep your daughter in check.”

The general shakes his head. “She’s right, you know.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Agreed. Our younglings are our greatest asset, as they are the future of our nation. They must be protected from the claws of the rebels.”

Weller sighs and nods. “Agreed. But what can be done?”

Arc clears his throat. “I believe Equestria may be able to help with that.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Please elaborate, Lord Arc.”

“Those younglings I spoke of earlier? There was a bit of an… incident yesterday.”

Arc recalls the conversation they had as he and his Honor Guards followed the younglings home. How they were attacked by Marauders and how he had taken then to Ponyville for medical treatment after a local doctor had refused to help the injured Glynda. Blackbeak turns to Gilda and whispers to her.

“So that’s what he was doing there!”

Gilda frowns and whispers back. “That doesn’t actually prove anything! He may still be associated with the rebels!”

Weller frowns. “A sad tale, to be sure.”

Adalbert nods. “Agreed. But what does that have to do with the current situation though?”

“Just outside Ponyville, a small town in central Equestria, is a large building known as the Little Hooves Orphanage. As part of our peace treaty, I recommend the orphans be taken there. We already have the facilities to house and care for them. The most we would have to do is hire a second teacher and perhaps another staff member or two along with an expansion to the building.”

Gilda looks to Arc, suspiciously. “They would be cared for?”

Arc turns to her. “Food, warmth, shelter and an education. The orphanage is also our town’s school.”

Blackbeak nods. “Is it big enough?”

“As it stands, the building is quite large. That and I know it was built with expansion in mind. Depending on the number of younglings that come there, we will most likely have to build an addition though.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Would that be a problem?”

“No. The land it’s built on is spacious, and could support a much larger facility should the need arise.”

Goldstone raises an eyebrow. “Who would pay for it?!”

“Equestria would, as our part of the peace treaty.”

Weller sits back in his chair. “That seems like a very nice addition to this pact.”

Lord Gestal nods. “That is very Generous of you to offer, Lord Arc.”

“All of this would have to be reviewed and approved by Equestria’s princesses, of course. But it would solve several problems.”

Adalbert looks confused. “How so?”

Arc counts on his fingers as he continues. “One… you would get the orphans off your streets. They aren’t exactly welcomed by the citizens or the businesses of Griffon’s Gate.”

Goldstone nods. “It would certainly raise property values.”

“Two… with less orphans looking to steal from the merchants there, Griffon’s Gate would need less guards to look after your warehouses.”

Weller smiles. “That would free up more guards to chase down the rebels.”

“Three… less members for the rebels to recruit.”

Adalbert nods. “We could cut off their recruitment before their population gets out of talon.”

“And four… it’s just the right thing to do.”

Gilda nods. “These younglings have suffered long enough on our streets and in our alleys.”

The general nods. “Agreed. The problem won’t just go away if we keep trying to sweep it under the rug as we have in the past.”

Lord Gestal thinks for a moment. “You make a convincing argument, Lord Arc. But I must ask. What do you want in return for this offer?”

“In addition to the a fore mentioned peace treaty, I propose a legal treaty as well.”

Lord Gestal appears confused. “Legal treaty?”

Arc nods. “If our nations are going to be friends, there needs to be a way for grievances between our citizens to be heard. Meaning if a pony were to wrong a griffon, or the other way around, they injured party would be able to receive justice.”

Goldstone’s face lights up. “Would that include civil cases between business entities as well as individuals? That is assuming the princesses agree to some kind of free trade agreement.”

Arc shrugs. “Sounds fair to me, Lord Goldstone. Although the details will of course need to be worked out by our legal departments. What do you think, Lord Gestal?”

“I agree. Now before we vote on this, I would like to hear Arbiter Ghaleon’s feelings on the matter.”

The Arbiter shrugs. “One less potential enemy to worry about, and the younglings will be able to get off the streets of Griffon’s Gate. What else is there to say?”

Lord Gestal nods. “Well said, Arbiter. I suppose all that’s left to do is vote on whether or not to advance this idea. Lord Weller?”

“We’ve had little luck thinking of a solution to the orphan problem ourselves all these years. Let’s give this treaty idea a try. After all… what do we have to lose? I vote yay.”

Adalbert nods. “These orphans are a growing problem not just for Griffon’s Gate, but to the entire kingdom. If Equestria wants to import our problems, then so be it. I vote yay as well.”

Goldstone looks up from some hasty figuring. “It will save us a boatload of bits and maybe open up international trade! I’m all for that! I vote yay!”

Lord Gestal nods. “I vote yay as well. It appears the vote is unanimous. A document will be draw up in the next day or so and sent to Canterlot for review.”

Arc nods. “And the younglings I brought with me to Ponyville?”

“They may stay in Ponyville tentatively while we negotiate the nuances of this matter with the princesses.”

“Thank you, sir.”

General Blackbeak steps forward. “Begging the council’s pardon, but a thought just occurred to me. The orphans who leave the Griffon Kingdom to be raised abroad will be allowed to keep their citizenship, will they not?”

Goldstone frowns. “I should say not! That would make us liable for their actions in Equestria in the future!”

Weller nods. “What Lord Goldstone says is indeed true. However, they were born in our land.”

Adalbert looks up with evident patriotism. “Yes! Once a griffon, always a griffon!”

Lord Gestal nods. “That is quite the question. What do you think, Lord Arc?”

“I propose they maintain their Griffon Kingdom citizenship, in addition to being Equestrian citizens.

The general looks to Arc. “A dual citizenship? Such an idea has never been proposed before.”

Arc nods. “That may be. But neither has the idea of diplomatic ties between our nations been tried before either.”

He turns back to the Council.

“When the younglings come of age they will then have the choice of whether to remain in Equestria or return to the land of their birth. Until that day comes, or they are adopted, Equestria will care for them.”

Lord Gestal nods. “About adoption. Would suitable pony parents be allowed to raise a youngling?”

“I don’t see why not. The orphanage matron is very thorough in her job and will do her best to see that any orphan in her care is placed only in loving households.”

Weller looks to Arc. “Will the matron also handle international adoptions?”

“Do you mean if a couple from the Griffon Kingdom want to adopt a youngling or a foal?”

“I do.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I don’t believe there is any law currently on the books that gives her the power to do so, no. That would have to be written up in the treaty.”

Goldstone nods. “A few lines of text should remedy that on this end.”

Adalbert frowns. “I believe this is going to take some more thinking before we can properly write it up.”

Weller chuckles. “Agreed. Best to do it right the first time.”

Lord Gestal nods. “The Council will speak of this matter tomorrow morning and get to work on a draft. It will be sent to Canterlot as soon as it is ready.”

“Thank you. Will you need me to stay until then?”

“No, Lord Arc. I believe we can handle this. Thank you for coming to us with this problem and solution though. We’ll be in touch.”

Arc nods. “Very well. By your leave then.”

He turns to leave the Council Chambers. Lord Gestal stands.

“The council is adjourned until tomorrow morning at the regular time.”

The Council stands and leaves the Council Chambers as Arc approaches General Blackbeak and Lieutenant Gilda.

“How did I do?”

General Blackbeak shrugs. “That depends on how you look at it. Did you get what you wanted?”

“More or less. At least we shouldn’t have to worry about going to war with one another and the orphans will get off the streets.”

Gilda frowns. “That is if the Council can agree on what to put in this treaty.”

The general nods. “And if Canterlot can agree. This isn’t over! Not by a long shot! If this does go through, we’ll have to choose an ambassador.”

His daughter frowns as the general looks at her. “Don’t look at me. I’m very happy staying right here.”

“I’ll have to give the matter some thought. Knowing the Council of Lords as I do, I’m sure I have plenty of time.”

Arc nods. “I hope they’ll choose the right griffon for the job. But in the meantime, might I ask a small favor of you?”

A few minutes later, the trio emerges from the Council Chambers together. Arc turns to his Honor Guards.

“Well, that’s that.”

Natalya looks nervous. “Did things go well, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods. “I presented my case, and they seemed receptive. The rest is up to them and the princesses.”

She nods sadly. “Well then… I guess you’ll be headed back to Equestria now.”

“Yes. I have quite a few things to do.”

Natalya salutes him. “It… it’s been an honor to serve you, Lord Arc. Please give my regards to the younglings.”

General Blackbeak turns to her. “Lieutenant Natalya. Lord Arc has requested that you accompany him back to Ponyville.”

“What?”

Arc nods. “The Council of Lords is permitting them to stay in Ponyville while they work out the details of our treaty.”

“Treaty?”

Blackbeak nods. “Yes, lieutenant. Our nations are going to try and draw up a peace treaty. Hopefully it works out. However, Lord Arc didn’t want the younglings to feel like they had been abandoned there. You will stay with them until further notice.”

Natalya salutes. “Yes sir.”

“Well, I need to get back to my office. Lots of paperwork to catch up on.”

Arc looks out the window. “Isn’t it kinda late in the day for that, general? I mean… the sun’s almost finished setting.”

The general chuckles. “A leader’s work is never truly done. But I’m sure you can understand that… Lord Regent.”

Arc smiles. “Well played.”

He turns and walks away with Lieutenant Gilda. About halfway to his office she turns to him.

“What do you think, sir?”

“I… I don’t know what to think! Part of me wants to believe that Lord Arc truly wants to help them! But I can’t imagine someone… ANYONE being that Kind!”

Gilda frowns. “What should we do?”

“At the moment, nothing.”

“Nothing?”

The general nods. “The Council will take quite some time to get something on the books. If they can agree on what to write at all! Until that time comes, we wait.”

Chapter 8 - Continued Education

Arc and his Honor Guards, along with Natalya, walk down the corridor together. The last of the sun’s rays lighting their way.

“I can’t believe the general wants me to go back with you!”

Arc chuckles. “I’m glad you’re happy, Natalya. It was actually pretty easy to convince him.”

“You did that?!”

“Yes.”

“Why?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I’m sure you’d like to spend time with your brother. He may put up a brave front, but he still needs you. Especially now.”

Ember nods. “It isn’t easy to all of a sudden move to another country populated by another race. Trust me, I know.”

Flash Sentry smiles. “Indeed.”

Arc looks around and lowers his voice. “That and I’m a bit worried the rebels will make another attempt to recruit you.”

Natalya shudders. “Thank you, sir. That’s been on my mind lately.”

Ember turns to him. “We should be getting back, Arc.”

Arc holds up his gauntlet. “You’re right. I want to check on Glynda and Ginny before it gets too late.”

The jewel in Arc’s forehead glows as he focuses his energies and opens a portal. They step through and find themselves in the Ponyville Hospital’s Waiting Room. The group quickly makes their way to the familiar hospital room. Arc knocks as they enter.

“We’re back!”

Gallus looks up. “Hello sir! Did everything turn out alright?”

“It did! And I brought someone back with me!”

He steps aside and allows Natalya to enter. Gallus looks surprised to see her.

“Natalya?! What are you doing here?! I thought you’d have work to do back home!”

“Lord Arc spoke to General Blackbeak and convinced him to let me come back.”

Gigi looks confused. “Why?! How?!”

“I guess a representative of the Griffon Kingdom needs to be here to supervise these younglings.”

Gallus looks suddenly downcast. “Oh…”

Natalya walks over to her brother and puts a talon on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Gallus. We’ll do it together, okay?”

“Thanks. I’d like that.”

Arc walks over to Glynda. “How you feeling? Any better?”

“Much! I’m still a little tired though.”

Arc nods. “That’s your body trying to fight off the last of the infection. You’ll be good as new soon.”

He turns around to face Ginny.

“And how about you? Feeling better after your surgery?”

Ginny happily points to a freshly bandaged wing. “Very much so! Doctor Horse said I can go home with Glynda tomorrow as well!”

Natalya smiles. “Well, you both should get a good night’s sleep though. Part of healing is resting, you know.”

Gallus looks out the window at the rising moon. “She’s right. We should all get to sleep soon.

He turns to Arc.

“Sir? I hate to ask more of you, but could you take Geoffrey, Gigi and Natalya home with you? I’d like to stay here with Ginny and Glynda.”

“Sure.”

Natalya turns to Gallus. “I’ll keep you company, little brother. We have a lot to talk about tomorrow.”

Gallus looks confused. “We do? Like what?”

Arc nods. “The results of my meeting with the Council of Lords.”

Geoffrey looks nervous “Do… do they know we’re here?!”

“Yes. But don’t worry. I’ve received special permission for all of you to stay here for now.”

The younglings cheer as Arc looks at his pocket watch.

“Well, we should get moving. These four need to get some sleep, as do I.”

Geoffrey runs toward Arc with his friends close behind.

“Yes sir!”

Gigi looks up to Arc as she points a talon to her bedridden friends. “We’ll come back for the them in the morning though, right?!”

Arc nods. “Right. We’ll come by tomorrow. Goodnight everyone.”

Natalya and Gallus wave as they leave. “See you in the morning, sir!”

“Yes. Thank you very much for all your help!”

Arc leaves the room with the younglings and closes the door behind them. Gallus turns to his sister.

“What exactly happened at the meeting?”

Natalya shrugs. “I’m not sure. Lord Arc didn’t really go into detail. All I know is something about a treaty of some kind.”

Ginny looks over at Glynda. “Do you think it had anything to do with us?”

Glynda shakes her head. “I don’t see how. After all, we’re just a bunch of orphans no one wants!”

Gallus frowns. “Glynda, don’t you ever say that!”

“But it’s true!”

“No it’s not! After all, I want you!”

Natalya nods. “All of you are very well-mannered younglings. Gallus, you’ve done a great job raising them thus far. Keep it up and they’ll grow up strong and proud.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember, Sereb, Flash Sentry and the younglings make their way down the quiet corridors toward the waiting room. Geoffrey turns to Arc.

“Are my friends going to be okay, sir?”

“They will.”

Ember grins. “They’re looking better already!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’m sure they’ll be stronger tomorrow.”

Gigi sighs. “I sure hope so. I… I’m kinda lonely without all my friends.”

Arc looks over at her. “You two going to be okay tonight?”

Geoffrey nods. “Yes sir! We’ll try! But where are we going?”

“Back to Derpy’s house.”

Gigi look up happily! “Will Dinky be there?!”

“Yes, she will.”

Ember laughs. “She should be getting ready for bed now.”

Geoffrey nods. “Could we… sleep in the room with her please?”

Arc nods. “I don’t see why not. You can even have your own bed tonight, Geoffrey.”

“Thank you, sir.”

They reach the waiting room and make their way over to the sigil together. Arc turns to his Honor Guards.

“Ember you, Sereb and Flash Sentry head on back to Light’s Hope and get some rest. You’ve all earned it.”

Ember nods. “Sure. We’ll see you at Derpy’s house tomorrow morning after breakfast.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “I’ll look after the base and give Sandstorm Mirage a break. He’s got to be going crazy by now/”

Arc opens a portal for them. They step through and are gone. Gigi looks confused.

“Where did they go?!”

“I have a base on the outskirts of town. They have beds there.”

Geoffrey looks up to Arc as he and Gigi step onto the sigil together. “Don’t you sleep there?”

“Sometimes. Maybe we’ll have time to see it later. But for now, let’s just focus on getting some sleep.”

Gigi smiles. “Okay!”

Arc powers up the sigil. A moment later they arrive at Derpy’s house. Dinky is just making her way toward the bedroom. She and looks over as the sigil in the corner comes to life.

“DAD! You made it!”

Dinky runs toward Arc and leaps into his arms!

“I was worried you wouldn’t make it back in time!”

Arc holds Dinky close. “Sorry. I got held up.”

Derpy walks over to the youngling. “Hello! Are you two spending the night again?”

Gigi nods. “Yes ma’am. That is, if it’s okay with you.”

“Of course! Any friend of Arc’s is welcome here!”

Derpy turns to Arc.

“Is that little griffon from the other day going to be okay?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She and her friend are on the mend. Ginny needed surgery on her wing to fix an injury she received a while back.”

“Oh my! Is she going to be okay?!”

“Yes. In fact, both of them should be able to leave the hospital tomorrow morning.”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good to hear! How did things go in Griffonstone?”

“It’s kinda a long story. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Arc walks toward his room. “Come along you two. Let’s get you into your nice, warm beds.”

Dinky and the younglings trot over to Arc’s room. He helps Dinky and Gigi into his bed and covers them up before lifting Geoffrey into Ember’s bed

“Good night you three. Get some sleep now.”

Geoffrey nods. “We will!”

“Good night, dad.”

Dinky yawns sleepily.

“I love you.”

Arc leans down and kisses Dinky on the forehead.

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

He leaves the room. As the door closes behind Arc, Gigi turns to Dinky.

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Can… can you tell me what it’s like to have a family?”

Dinky looks confused. “You don’t have one?”

Geoffrey shakes his head. “Other than Gallus, Ginny, Gigi and Glynda, no. I don’t remember my parents.”

“Who took care of you then?”

He sighs. “My earliest memories are of Gallus taking care of me and the others. He never told me where I came from or if my parents are still alive or not. So, I want to know… what’s it like?”

Dinky stares up at the ceiling for a few moments. “It… it’s like a warm bed.”

Gigi looks confused. “A bed?”

“Yeah! It feels warm and safe! The blankets are like the love my mom and dad feel for me. My mattress is like the support they provide. It protects me from the hard, cold floor!”

Geoffrey nods and pulls the covers tightly around his body. “I… I’m jealous. You’re so lucky to have parents who love and care for you!”

Dinky nods. “Well, for orphans you two are pretty lucky to have someone looking out for you too.

Gigi sighs. “I suppose so. Others back home aren’t so lucky.”

“Does anyone help them?”

Geoffrey shakes his head. “Other than Gallus, no. I know he does his best to feed everyone, but there’s just too many! The town’s orphans all look up to him!”

Dinky smiles. “Like a father?”

“I suppose so.”

“If my dad hadn’t been there for me and my mom, I’d be no better off than you! He took us in when no one else wanted us!”

Geoffrey nods. “He’s a really nice… what is he?”

“A human.”

Gigi sits up, astonished! “Wait! They’re REAL?!”

Dinky giggles! “Yes! I’ve even seen his homeland! There are humans all over the place!”

Geoffrey looks to Dinky, wide-eyed. “He took you there?!”

“Not exactly. I kinda snuck through the portal after him.”

Gigi looks nervous. “Was he mad?”

“Kinda. Mostly because the technology was really new and untested then! The three of us are going back there soon!”

Geoffrey stares up at the ceiling. “To have a family. Well, I guess I can dream!”

Meanwhile, Arc closes the bedroom door behind him and slowly walks over to the couch. He sits down in front of the fire silently. A few minutes later Derpy comes out of the bathroom. She puts a couple more logs onto the fire.

“You’ve had quite the day haven’t you, Arc?”

Arc says nothing, but continues to stare into the fire. Derpy walks over and sits down next to him. She puts a hoof on his knee.

“Arc? Is everything okay?”

“I… something just hit me when I put Dinky to bed.”

“Oh?”

Arc smiles to himself. “She called me dad and… then told me she loved me.”

Derpy looks confused. “What’s wrong with that?”

“It’s certainly not the first time she’s called me that, or said such things. But for the first time, I realized… I realized that she really does accept me as her father.”

“Why wouldn’t she? You’ve always been there for her. And me as well.”

“Derpy… maybe I just haven’t had much time to think about it, but I really do think of her as my biological daughter. While I know she isn’t, I do love her very much.”

“Listen Arc. Dinky’s said a lot of things since… since she was born. But there’s one thing she never has.”

Arc looks over to Derpy. “Oh? What’s that?”

Derpy smiles up at him as she nuzzles his side. “She has never once referred to Moonlit Dusk as her father. YOU have always held that title in her mind! Never forget that you alone are her father! Nothing will ever change that!”

Arc puts his arm around her. “Thank you, Derpy. I love both of you so much.”

Derpy closes her eyes as she continues to nuzzle him. “And we both love you!”

A few minutes pass before Arc yawns. He looks down at Derpy apologetically.

“Sorry to ruin the moment. Busy day.”

Derpy nods, understanding. “Why don’t we get some sleep? Tomorrow’s another day.”

“That it is. And I’m expecting it to be a busy one.”

Derpy hops off the couch and heads for her mat. She lies down happily.

“Good night, Arc! Sleep well!”

Arc lies back on the couch. “Good night, my friend.”

He stares up at the ceiling long after Derpy herself has fallen asleep. Cherry speaks to him telepathically.

“Would you like to talk about it?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“Well, I’m here if you want to.”

“No, no! I mean, I don’t know what I should think right now.”

"About Dinky?”

“About both her and Derpy. I’m far too young and inexperienced to be a father, after all.”

“While I never had any foals of my own, I’d have to disagree with you. Nopony is every truly 'ready' to become a parent. And you’ve done a wonderful job thus far in raising her.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “Have I really? I’m starting to question my ability in that regard.”

“What exactly brought this on, Arc? Does it have anything to do with what Dinky said earlier?”

“It does. She… she loves me! She loves a human who is seldom around, as he’s always off ‘fighting the good fight’!”

“Do you believe her biological father could do a better job raising her?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Not a chance.”

“So, you’re all she has then?”

“I… I suppose so. But she deserves so much more!”

“I agree with you. Dinky does deserve the absolute best. However, only the best efforts from YOU will truly make her happy. Anypony else trying to fill your role as her father would only fall short. I mean, look at how she responds every time you come home!”

“Truthfully, I love it when she jumps into my arms. Holding her just makes me feel so… happy!”

“And she feels the same way about you. So please, stop judging your parenting performance with the ‘I can do more’ mentality! You will NEVER be able to live up to your own standards!”

“Thanks, Cherry. I needed that.”

“As always, I’m here for you if you need me.”

Arc yawns. “I think I’ll be able to sleep now. As always, I appreciate the talk.”

“Rest well, Arc.”

Arc awakens early the next morning along with Derpy. She turns to him as she stands up from her mat.

“Good morning! I hope you slept all right on my couch! It isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world.”

“It was okay, thank you.”

Derpy walks toward the kitchen. “Why don’t I get breakfast started while you get cleaned up?”

Arc nods and heads for the bathroom. “Sounds good. I’ll be out as quick as I can to help though.”

He quickly showers and returns to assist Derpy in the kitchen. Dinky, Gigi and Geoffrey slowly walk out of Arc’s room just as the pair finish cooking.

“Good morning you three.”

“Morning dad!”

Geoffrey flies slowly over to the table. “Good morning, sir!”

Derpy giggles as they all sit down and begin to eat. “It looks like the three of you are early risers.”

Gigi sighs. “Back home, you have to get up early if you want to eat!”

Dinky looks up. “Oh? Why’s that?”

Geoffrey laughs. “Because if you don’t, the rich griffons run out of food to throw out!”

Derpy drops her fork on the floor and stares at Geoffrey.

“I’m sorry, what?!”

Gigi looks confused. “That’s how orphans normally eat, isn’t it? From the garbage.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not around here.”

Geoffrey turns to Arc. “Oh? Then how?”

Derpy frowns. “They’re cared for and fed breakfast in a dignified manner!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! My mom and I cook breakfast together for them every morning!”

Geoffrey looks around. “Really? Where are they then?”

Arc points out the window. “At the orphanage. They’re still asleep probably.”

Derpy nods. “It’s my job to cook and look after them.”

Gigi smiles. “Really?! Can I see this ‘orphanage’?”

Arc nods. “Tell you what. After we go to the hospital to get Ginny and Glynda we’ll all go there.”

Dinky looks up and speaks in an excited tone. “You’re coming to my school, dad?!”

“Yes. I need to have a talk with Coco Pommel about a rather… pressing matter.”

Derpy looks confused. “Is something wrong?”

“No, Derpy. There’re just a few things I need to discuss with her privately. That and I’d like to sit in on your class, Dinky.”

“Okay. But why?”

“To see how well Cheerilee is doing as a teacher. She does have quite a few students after all.”

Dinky nods. “Mom helps out too when she has time!”

“That I do! It also gives me time to learn a few things myself.”

“You’re getting pretty good at reading, mom!”

“Thank you dear.”

Geoffrey sighs. “I wish I could!”

Dinky smiles at him. “Could what?”

“Read.”

Derpy looks confused. “You mean, you never learned?”

“No ma’am.”

“They don’t have schools in the Griffon Kingdom?!”

Gigi shakes her head. “Only for those who can afford it! Certainly not orphans, that’s for sure! Gallus was going to teach us when he got a chance! But finding food and shelter are both full time jobs for him!”

Arc nods. “Well, I’ll show you how we do things here in Equestria.”

Geoffrey smiles at him. “Thank you, sir!”

They finish their breakfast and quickly do the dishes. As Derpy and Dinky are about to leave there is a knock at the door. Derpy answers it to find Ember standing there.

“Please come inside. My it’s cold today!”

Ember shivers as she walks past Derpy. “That it is!”

Dinky looks at Ember. “It’s not quite THAT bad!”

Ember frowns. “Says the pony with a thick coat and mane!”

Geoffrey smiles at her. “Good morning, Miss Ember!”

She walks over to the table and sits down next to Arc. “Hello to you too! Have fun last night?”

Gigi nods. “We were pretty tired, so we went right to bed.”

Arc turns to Ember. “In any case. Ready for another fun filled day in Equestria?”

Ember nods. “I am! Today the younglings leave the hospital, right?”

“Assuming nothing set their recovery back, yes.”

Derpy returns to her seat. “Good. They must be ready for a change of scenery by now.”

Ember shrugs. “The hospital might not be the most exciting place, but it’s warm.”

Arc laughs. “Ember, where’s that coat I bought for you back on Earth?”

Ember facepalms. “I forgot about it! Do I have time to go back?”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Sure. How about a shortcut?”

“Thanks! I’ll hurry back!”

Ember steps through. Arc closes the portal behind her as Derpy stands up.

“We have to be going now. Have a nice day everypony!”

Arc nods. “I’ll be by later.”

Dinky waves a small hoof as she walks out the door with her mother. “Bye dad!”

A few minutes later Ember returns wearing her leather jacket.

“Much better! Now I kinda wish I had brought some pants back!

Arc rolls his eyes. “I don’t think they would fit.”

“Good point.”

“Shall we be off?

Everyone nods. Arc leads them onto the sigil in the corner of the room. He powers it up and teleports them to the Ponyville Hospital Waiting Room. Doctor Horse is just walking up to the front desk with a stack of reports. Arc and company step off the portal and walk over to him.

“Good morning, Doctor Horse.”

“Good day, Arc! Are you here about your friends?”

He nods. “That I am. How are they doing?”

“Just fine. The nurses are just finishing redressing their bandages.”

Ember frowns. “Uh oh.”

Geoffrey looks nervous. “Did something happen?!”

The doctor shakes his head. “Oh no. I simply removed them so I could properly examine Miss Ginny’s wing and Miss Glynda’s bite wounds. Both are healing as they should.

Gigi breathes a sigh of relief. “Can we take them home now?!”

“Yes. They’ve been fed breakfast and I’ve already given them instructions on what they can and cannot do. However, they must both stay far away from dangerous and bacteria-ridden places.”

Arc nods. “I understand.”

Ember nods. “It wouldn’t do to have them get reinfected, now would it?”

“Thank you, Doctor Horse. I’ll take it from here!”

“Very well. Bring them back if they show signs of a relapse though.”

“I will.”

Doctor Horse returns to his work as Arc and company make their way down the hall to the room. He knocks on the open door and quietly enters as two nurses leave with a cart.

“Good morning everyone.”

Natalya stands up. “Hello, sir!”

Gallus nods. “And a good morning it is. The doctor just gave these two permission to leave.”

Ember looks at the pair. “They’re certainly looking better.”

Geoffrey runs over to his friend’s bedsides. “How’re you two feeling?!”

Glynda slowly sits up. “Good! I’m ready to get out of this bed!”

Gallus nods. “Take it easy though. Your legs are still injured!”

“I will!”

Natalya helps her down from the bed. Glynda winces in pain slightly as her feet touch the floor for the first time in two days. As Gallus helps her up, Ginny immediately runs over to Arc and smiles up at him.

“I’m all fixed, sir!”

“Good! Not in too much pain though, right?”

“No sir! Doctor Horse gave me some pills this morning and told me it would help with the pain!”

Gallus holds up a couple small bottles. “He also gave us a few extra for later along with antibiotics for Glynda.”

“Good. Is everyone ready to go?”

The younglings nod happily as Natalya smiles at them.

“I guess that settles it.”

They leave the hospital and walk through town. Glynda looks around, wide-eyed.

“Amazing! Is this the rich part of town?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Ponyville houses are all like this.”

Ember frowns. “Other than Filthy Rich’s house that is!”

Ginny looks over to her. “Who’s he?”

Arc sighs. “Someone I don’t really get along with.”

Ember sneers! “Yeah! Because he’s rich!”

“No, Ember. Because he likes to lord it over everyone. I don’t blame him for working hard and earning the money he has. But I draw the line at legal trickery.”

Geoffrey turns to Arc. “Is he a bad pony?”

Ember shrugs. “Kinda. He probably wouldn’t hurt you. But he also doesn’t seem to care about anyone other than himself!”

Arc sighs. “And his daughters, I would imagine.”

Ember shakes her head. “Hmph! I question that!”

Continuing on their way they soon reach the Little Hooves Orphanage. The sound of playing and laughter can be heard from around the side of the building. As they approach the large front doors, Ginny turns to Arc.

“What is this place?!”

Glynda looks at the building intently. “It’s so big!”

“This is the Little Hooves Orphanage. It’s where foals in Equestria go when they lose their parents.”

They step inside the warm Main Hall. Ember sighs contentedly.

“It’s MUCH warmer in here!”

Geoffrey looks around. “What do the orphans do here? Work?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. They live and go to school here.”

Gigi looks confused. “School?”

Gallus nods. “It’s where you go to learn.”

Glynda smiles. “What kinds of things do they learn here?”

Ember laughs! “A little bit of everything!”

Arc nods. “Right! Reading, math, history, science, and arithmetic. Everything a foal needs to be productive when they grow up.”

Natalya smiles, clearly impressed. “Is there a full-time teacher here?”

Arc nods. “There is. Why don’t we go meet her?”

He leads the group into the classroom. Cheerilee is busy at her desk going over some papers. Upon seeing Arc, she quickly gets up and walks over to him.

“Hello, sir! What can I do for you?”

Arc shakes her hoof. “Cheerilee, I’m sorry to come here on such short notice, but I need a bit of help from you.”

“Oh? What with?”

He gestures to the younglings. “I have some new friends here. Their names are Natalya, Geoffrey, Ginny, Glynda, Gigi and Gallus.”

“A pleasure to meet all of you!”

Gallus nods. “Hello ma’am!”

Ginny nervously steps back. “Hi there.”

Glynda offers Cheerilee a small smile. “H-hello.”

Geoffrey looks around. “This room is very pretty!”

Gigi giggles. “It sure is!”

“These small griffons have never seen or attended a school. Would it be all right if all of us were to sit in on your class today?”

“Certainly!”

She walks over to a row of desks in the back of the room.

“These seats are normally vacant. Would you like to sit here?”

The younglings nod their heads happily and quickly take their seats.

“My students will be coming inside in a few minutes. After they sit down, I’ll introduce all of you to the class before we get started with today’s lesson.”

She turns to Arc.

“What should I say the reason for this visit is? Not that you need one, of course!”

“Just tell the class that these are representatives of the Griffon Kingdom who want to see how we do things here in Equestria.”

Gallus looks confused. “We’re representatives?”

Natalya nods. “That we are! Let’s make our land proud everyone!”

The younglings nod.

“One more thing, Cheerilee. I’d like to speak to you and Coco Pommel about a few things after the foals go outside for recess. Would that be alright?”

Cheerilee nods. “Yes sir!”

“Again, I apologize for the short notice.”

He turns to Ember as Cheerilee returns to her desk.

“Ember, would you please tell Coco Pommel I need to speak with her and Cheerilee later?”

“I’ll take care of it.”

She leaves the room. Ginny turns to her brother.

“This is going to be SO much fun!”

“Right! We’re going to be like the rich younglings! Sitting in a real classroom!”

Glynda looks frightened. “I’m a little nervous about meeting a bunch of strange ponies!”

Gigi nods. “So am I!”

Gallus walks over to them and puts a talon on each of their shoulders. “I’m sure most of them will also be unnerved seeing a bunch of new faces sitting in the back of the room.”

Natalya nods. “Gallus and I will be right here with you four. You’re not alone here.”

Ginny quickly looks over at Gallus as the sound of small hoofsteps approaches the classroom. “We don’t know anything about Equestria! What should we be doing?”

Gallus gives her a warm smile.

“Learning!”

Chapter 9 - Difficult Meetings

Arc and the others wait for the students to enter the classroom. They trot into the room happily talking and laughing. Most of the foals look over at the new arrivals with confused looks on their faces. Dinky spots her father and waves at him happily as he waves back. Cheerilee calls the class to attention

“Everypony please sit down! We have a lot to do today!”

The foals quickly take their seats and face Cheerilee.

“We have some very special guests. The Hero of Light himself has brought some representatives from the Griffon Kingdom to observe our class today.”

She introduces the younglings and the class begins. Ember leans over to Arc and whispers.

“Why are we doing this?”

“Because it’s important to my plan.”

“But…!”

Arc shushes her. “No talking during class.”

Ember opens her mouth to retort, but instead turns her eyes back to the front of the room and frowns, clearly bored with the current situation as Arc chuckles to himself. The class spends the morning listening to Cheerilee teach, doing assignments and even a small science project in which they mix baking soda and vinegar. Ember looks on, confused.

“What is this?!”

Arc looks over to her. “Science, Ember.”

Ginny giggles. “Science is cool!”

Geoffrey nods. “And messy!”

Glynda claps her talons together happily. “I want to see more!”

Gigi smiles. “Me too!”

A bell over the door rings. The foals quickly stand up and rush out of the room. Gallus looks around.

“What’s going on?!”

Arc stands up. “I believe that’s the bell for lunch.”

Cheerilee nervously walks over to Arc

“How did I do, sir?”

“Just fine, as I knew you would. Now why don’t all of us get some lunch?”

Ginny rubs her stomach. “Yeah! I’m hungry!”

Gallus frowns at her. “Ginny!”

Natalya shrugs. “Well, it has been a long time since breakfast.”

Arc heads for the door. “We can fix that. Follow me everyone.”

He leads them to the nearby cafeteria. The younglings marvel at the large room filled with happy foals and hot food. Dinky runs over to them.

“Hi dad! Did you and the others like our class?!”

Natalya smiles at her. “Yes, indeed!”

Gallus nods. “The teacher seems really good at her job.”

Ginny giggles happily! “I liked it!”

Geoffrey smiles. “Me too!”

Glynda turns to Dinky. “As did I!”

Gigi flutters around! “School is fun!”

Geoffrey looks to Arc. “Can we have something to eat, sir?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Dinky nods! “I’ll help! Follow me!”

The younglings follow Dinky to the end of the lunch line as Gallus looks to Arc.

“Thank you for showing them what a school is, sir.”

Natalya nods. “Yes. Back home they would never have been able to set a talon in one.”

Arc nods. “Yes, well… why don’t we get something to eat as well? This day is far from over.”

Ember grins. “You don’t have to tell me twice!”

Laughing, Arc, Natalya and Gallus join Ember in the lunch line. They get their food and sit down with Dinky and her friends. Pipsqueak and Aquamarine skootch over to make room.

“Hello again, sir!”

“Did you make some new friends in the Griffon Kingdom?!”

Apple Bloom laughs. “Of course he did!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “He’s very friendly, after all!”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. I have indeed! This is Natalya and Gallus. They and these four younglings are here to learn about our land and customs.”

Geoffrey looks up, confused. “We are?”

Natalya nods. “Yes. As long as we’re permitted to stay, that is.”

Ginny smiles. “I hope that’s a long time!”

Glynda looks to her friend. “Me too!”

Gallus turns to the younglings. “Be sure to eat all your food now. Don’t let anything go to waste.”

“We won’t!”

Dinky smiles at them. “Did you guys like our class?!”

“Yes! I liked it very much!”

“Who knew learning could be so much fun!”

Gallus nods fervently. “It’s definitely more fun looking that the schools we have back home.”

Ember looks confused. “What’s the difference?”

Natalya sighs. “They’re… very structured.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “By ‘structured’ my sister means boring!”

Natalya nods. “I suppose that is correct.”

Pipsqueak looks up at her. “Why?!”

Aquamarine looks to Dinky. “We learn so much more when Miss Cheerilee makes it into a game!”

Dinky laughs. “Yeah!”

Gallus sighs. “In our land, school is for learning and nothing else.”

Arc turns to them. “Does it work?”

Natalya shrugs. “Sometimes.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Sometimes?!”

Gallus nods. “Some griffons make it and others don’t. Not sure why though.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Probably because not everyone learns the same way.”

Glynda looks up to him. “There are different ways to learn?”

“Sure! Some learn by reading and lectures. While others learn better with frequent visual aids and games.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Right! I do best reading and learning on my own!”

Apple Bloom turns to them. “And I do better with pictures and listening to Miss Cheerilee talk!”

Arc looks to his daughter. “What about you, Dinky?”

“I’m both!”

Pipsqueak nods. “Dinky hears something, and she remember it!”

Aquamarine giggles. “Yeah! She’s the smartest foal in our class! There’s nothing she doesn’t know!”

Dinky shakes her head. “There’s plenty I have to learn!”

“Right! You never really stop learning.”

Ginny looks to Arc, amazed. “Ever?”

Ember laughs as she shakes her head. “Nope. For example, I’ve learned so much just by following Arc around.”

Gallus appears surprised. “Like what?”

“A lot of different ways to fight for starters!”

Natalya nods. “You two seem to do a lot of that.”

“I suppose. But is that really all you’ve learned from me, Ember?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. I’ve also learned about life, love and… loss.”

Geoffrey looks confused. “What does that mean?”

Dinky puts a small hoof on his shoulder. “I think we’ll understand it when we get older.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

They finish their meal as the foals go outside for recess.

“Want to play with us, dad?!”

“I wish I could, but I have to see Coco Pommel now.”

Pipsqueak frowns. “Awwww.”

Aquamarine sighs. “Do you have to?!”

Arc nods. “Such is the life of a hero. I don’t just fight evil and punch bad ponies in the face.”

Ginny looks up to Arc. “You don’t?”

“No. Sometimes I have to do other, less interesting things such as go to meetings. Like right now.”

Geoffrey looks toward the door. “Can we go play?”

“The four of you should probably come too. This involves all of us. Dinky, would you please tell your mother to come as well? As an employee of the orphanage, she should be at this meeting too. Then you can go play.”

Dinky trots off to the kitchen. “Okay dad!”

Derpy comes out from the kitchen with Dinky. She joins the group as Dinky runs out the door to play with her friends. The younglings appear confused, but follow Arc and the others upstairs to Coco Pommel’s office. He knocks lightly.

“Come in!”

They enter the office. Cheerilee is already there, looking a bit nervous. Coco Pommel trots over to him.

“Hello Arc! Quite a big group you have with you today!”

Arc kneels down to give her a hug. “That I do. Sorry for the late notice on this.”

“It’s okay!”

Derpy looks around the crowded office. “Maybe we should have this meeting in the classroom instead, Miss Pommel.”

Cheerilee nods. “There’s certainly more room there.”

“Agreed, Miss Derpy! Let’s go!”

The group returns to the classroom. Everyone sits down at the student desks as Arc takes his place at the front of the room.

“This is a very complicated issue we’re now facing. Let me start by saying I’m very impressed by your teaching abilities, Cheerilee.”

“Th-thank you sir!”

“I recently returned from a diplomatic mission to the Griffon Kingdom. There was so much to learn about their culture.”

Derpy smiles. “I’m sure you did fine, Arc.”

Natalya nods. “He did! We learned as much about you as you did from us, sir!”

Ember frowns. “Arc, does this have anything to do with that meeting you had the other day?”

Arc nods. “It does. I’ve put forth an official request for a peace treaty to be formed between our two nations.”

Ginny looks to Ember, who is sitting next to her. “What’s a treaty?”

“It’s an agreement not to fight.”

Geoffrey thinks for a moment. “So, it’s like when two countries become friends?”

Gigi looks to him. “Can they do that?”

Coco Pommel smiles and nods. “Something like that… I think.”

Derpy nods. “Forgive me, Arc. But what does that have to do with us?”

“Well, if we want to be friends with the Griffon Kingdom, Equestria has to give them something in return.”

Cheerilee looks confused. “Give them something?”

Natalya, equally puzzled, stares at him. “In return for peace?”

Arc nods. “Yes. The princesses will, of course, have to agree to the terms of the treaty before we can move forward with our part of it.”

He paces in front of Cheerilee’s desk as he continues.

“You see, their country is having quite the problem with a rebel faction.”

Natalya shudders.

“They’ve recently been trying to recruit homeless younglings to join them!”

Coco Pommel stands up, clearly shaken by this news. “Wait! They’re trying to make young griffons into warriors?!”

Gallus nods. “Yes. Some of my youngling friends have already been approached by them! So far no one has been hurt or anything. But I believe it’s only a matter of time before their tactics become much more forceful.”

Natalya looks to her brother. “Agreed!”

Coco Pommel grits her teeth angrily. “This is monstrous! How can we help?!”

Ember stands and calls forth her spear. “I know what we SHOULD do! Find these rebels and teach them a lesson!”

Natalya nods! “I’ll help with that!”

Derpy nods soberly. “Me too!”

Gallus looks to his sister. “When do we start?!”

The younglings nod, clearly relieved to see action being taken.

“Make them pay!”

“Yeah! The mean griffons need to go away!”

“They won’t hurt anyone after Lord Arc gets finished with them!”

“We just want to live in peace, after all!”

Arc shakes his head. “That isn’t the plan.”

Derpy looks to him, confused. “Then what is?”

“The Council of Lords is looking to save some bits and soldiers by lessoning the security around the warehouses of Griffon’s Gate. But to do that, they need the younglings that live there to stop raiding the goods stored there.”

Gallus furrows his brow. “But they need to eat!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. In return for peace, I’ve put forth a plan to relocate the homeless orphans living there to Equestria.”

Coco Pommel hurries over to him and looks up, pleadingly. “They can come here, Arc!”

“Thank you, Coco Pommel. That was the plan.”

Cheerilee nods. “How many would be sent here?”

“I’m not sure. Gallus?”

Gallus sighs. “There’s dozens of younglings living in Griffon’s Gate.”

Derpy looks worried. “Dozens?! As amazing a place as the Little Hooves Orphanage is, we don’t have the facilities to handle that many!”

Coco Pommel looks to Derpy with a determined look on her face. “We’ll find a way to make this work, Miss Derpy! No one should have to live on the streets! Much less young griffons!”

Cheerilee sighs. “Sir? A capable teacher I may be, but I can’t teach a class that large! Not by myself!”

Arc nods. “I understand. After this meeting I’m heading to Canterlot Castle to talk this matter over with the princesses. If this treaty goes through, we’ll need at least one more full-time teacher, more help in the kitchen and most likely an addition built.”

Gallus’ eyes grow wide. “An addition?!”

Coco Pommel thinks for a moment. “A larger dormitory with more restrooms and a second classroom would be required at minimum.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Derpy nods. “What about the foals living here. Where will they go while the construction is underway?”

“I’d be willing to authorize the use of Light’s Hope for a temporary orphanage and school. My conference room could be the temporary classroom. That and we have ample facilities to provide meals for everyone.”

Coco Pommel thinks for a moment. “That just might work!”

Ember smiles at him. “You certainly thought of everything, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I’m kinda making this up as I go.”

“You mean…”

“Yes Ember. Another half-baked plan. But I couldn’t just leave the younglings on the street! We have to act! And quickly!”

Ginny looks to Arc. “Sir? What about us?”

Geoffrey nods. “Yes. Are… are we going back to Griffon’s Gate?”

Glynda shudders. “I hope not! That place is terrible!”

“The Council of Lords gave me permission to keep you four here pending a full ratification of a treaty.”

Gallus smiles! “You… you mean…”

“Yes, Gallus. They can stay here in Ponyville.”

The younglings cheer happily. Gigi points a talon.

“Wait! What about Gallus?!”

Natalya sighs. “He’s not an orphan, so what the Council decreed sadly doesn’t apply to him.”

Ginny appears almost ready to cry. “He doesn’t have to leave us, does he?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He can stay as well.”

Gallus breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, sir!”

Gallus turns to Coco Pommel.

“Do you need someone to help out around here? I already know quite a few of the orphans that would come!”

Coco Pommel nods. “I suppose I will if this treaty works out. Arc?”

“It would be wise to have at least one full time griffon employee on staff. The younglings that come here would welcome a friendly and familiar face!”

Coco Pommel turns back to Gallus. “Very well. If we are allowed to hire more help, you’ll be the first to come aboard.”

“Thank you, ma’am! I won’t let you down!”

“I’m sure you won’t. If Arc says you’re okay, I believe him.”

Cheerilee looks to Arc, nervously. “And me, sir?”

“If this happens, Canterlot will have no choice but to hire another teacher. Don’t worry, you’re not going anywhere.”

“Thank you! I love my job and the foals I teach!”

Arc looks over at Derpy. “I’m thinking another full-time cook will be in order too. Do you think we need a bigger kitchen, Derpy?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. But we will need more hooves working it to feed that many mouths!”

“I’ll see what can be done. Now in the meantime, please don’t tell the school foals about this. It will only make them nervous right now.”

Gigi frowns. “Nervous?”

Arc nods. “I want you four to join the orphans here and try to make friends with them. My daughter Dinky can help you with that. Both groups will need to adjust to this new arrangement after all.”

Geoffrey smiles. “We understand!”

Glynda rubs her chin. “What should we do exactly?”

Coco Pommel smiles at them. “For now, just get to know your new classmates.”

Gallus turns to her. “Would it be all right if I stayed here with them? We’ve been together for quite some time.”

Coco Pommel smiles and nods. “That would be for the best.”

Arc clears his throat before continuing. “One other thing. Until this goes through officially, the younglings are still part of the Griffon Kingdom and as such must be overseen by a griffon representative.”

Gallus looks nervous. “Me?!”

“Capable as you may be, Gallus, you are a bit young for that. Natalya will report back to Griffonstone any problems along with her personal thoughts of this matter via official reports submitted regularly.”

Natalya nods. “I’ll do my best. Will I be staying here?”

“General Blackbeak didn’t require it. You may if it’s okay with Coco Pommel. Or you can stay down the road at my base, Light’s Hope. We do have proper guest facilities there, after all.”

Coco Pommel smiles at her. “Whichever works best for you is fine by me, miss…?”

“Natalya. Thank you, ma’am! I’d like to stay here with my brother and help him look after these younglings.”

“Very well. If you would like, I can have another bed delivered to my quarters.”

Natalya smiles. “Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”

Coco Pommel walks back over to Arc and smiles at him. “Thank you for letting us know about this! With any luck, the wheels will turn quickly in the matter!”

Cheerilee nods. “How long do you think it will take before we have a timetable established?”

“There really is no way to know. Any ideas, Natalya?”

“This is uncharted territory as far as the Griffon Kingdom is concerned. They’ll probably take their time in an effort to get it right.”

Derpy sighs. “To say nothing for the princess’ own response.”

Coco Pommel looks nervous. “I understand there will be a lot of back and forth between the two parties. But I do hope they will put the needs of the orphans first.”

Arc nods. “As do I. Now, does anyone have any other questions?”

Ginny raises a talon. “What about our friends back in Griffon’s Gate?”

Geoffrey nods. “Yeah! I miss them already!”

“If this treaty goes through, they’ll join you here. Until then, you’ll just have to be patient.”

The younglings nod sadly as Gallus joins them.

“Cheer up you four! Lord Arc will see to it this goes as quickly as possible!”

“Right. After I leave here, I’m heading to Canterlot Castle to get this ball rolling on our nation’s end.”

Coco Pommel stands up. “Well then, we won’t keep you any longer than necessary, Arc!”

Derpy smiles at him. “Let us know if anything changes!”

Cheerilee nods. “Yes! I’ll look at revising my lessons for the new arrivals.”

“Good idea. Just be aware that very few, if any, have had the benefit of a formal education. You’ll be starting from scratch.”

She sighs. “This may be harder than I thought.”

Arc nods. “We may have to hire another teacher just to instruct them on basic reading.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “One must first learn to read before they can read to learn.”

“Everyone keep thinking and planning. Wish me luck in Canterlot.”

He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal before turning to Derpy.

“I’ll try to be home for supper. You want to come, Ember?”

“Sure! Lead the way!”

Derpy waves. “Bye, Arc! Good luck!”

Arc nods and smiles as he and Ember step through the portal together. Coco Pommel turns to those assembled as the portal closes.

“Well, we had all better get busy.”

Gigi points a talon out the window. “Can we go outside and play?!”

Geoffrey looks out at the foals playing happily. “Everyone appears to be enjoying themselves!”

Ginny looks up with puppy dog eyes. “Please?!”

Coco Pommel smiles and nods. “Very well.”

The youngling rush outside together. Cheerilee turns to Coco Pommel as Gallus and Nataly follow them.

“But Ms. Pommel, recess is almost over.”

“I think we should extend it a bit today.”

“Whatever for?”

Derpy looks out the window at the younglings as they join the foals in their games. “So everypony can get to know one another. This transition will be difficult for all of them. Us included!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember arrive in his quarters in Canterlot Castle. They leave his room and walk quickly toward the Audience Chamber. Ember turns to him, clearly impressed at what he has accomplished.

“You must have really turned on the charm to get the Council of Lords to agree to this!”

Arc chuckles. “It was actually easier than I thought it would be.”

“Really? How so?”

“To them the orphans that call Griffon’s Gate home are little more than a nuisance at best, and squatters at the worst. They just want them gone.”

Ember shakes her head. “I feel bad for them. I mean… no one really wants them around.”

“Maybe we can change that.”

They approach the exterior of the Audience Chamber. The normal horde of ponies awaiting a royal audience is roughly that of any day Ember looks around.

“Wow! Does this EVER change?!”

Arc nods. “It’s nice that the princesses see anyone who has a need. Many leaders couldn’t care less about their citizens.”

“Like the Griffon Kingdom?”

“You felt that way too?”

“Yes, I did! Hey, there’s Shining Armor and Trixie!”

“I wonder what they’re doing here.”

Ember shrugs. “One way to find out.”

Arc and Ember make their way over to the pair. Shining Armor salutes him respectfully.

“Well, this is a surprise!”

Trixie nods, happily. “Yes! What brings you two here today?!”

“I need to report to the princesses. There’s been some developments on my mission to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Trixie gestures to the doors. “Shall I let them know you’re here, Arc?

“Yes. Thank you.”

She hurries to the Audience Chamber to announce him as Shining Armor leans in close and lowers his voice.

“So what’s this about the Griffon Kingdom?! Are we being invaded?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But I think you and Trixie should join us in the Audience Chamber. Your thoughts on this might be helpful.”

“Very well, sir.”

A few moments later Trixie escorts the previous audience out and quickly returns to Shining Armor’s side.

“The princesses will see you now.”

“Thank you. If both of you would please join us, we’ll head inside.”

Trixie responds in a confused tone. “Very well, sir.”

The four enter the Audience Chamber together and approach the monarchs. Luna and Cadance appear happy to see him.

“Welcome back, Arc. I hope your mission was successful.”

Cadance nods. “We’ve been waiting anxiously for word of your mission since you left!”

“Well, I’m here to satisfy your curiosity. But we should probably sit down first. Lots to talk about.”

Luna gestures with a hoof. “This way please.”

She and Cadance lead the group into their office. Kibitz is organizing papers on the desk as they enter.

“Please make yourselves comfortable.”

Arc and Ember sit down on one of the couches together as Shining Armor and Trixie join them. Kibitz looks over to Arc.

“Good to see you back, sir!”

“Likewise, Kibitz. Say, you’re familiar with the laws of the land, right?”

He nods. “I am. How can I be of service?”

“Just listen to our conversation. I’ll probably need some legal advice at some point.”

“Yes sir.”

Luna sits down next to Cadance on the couch across from Arc and company. “Now then. How did it go?”

“My mission to Griffonstone was certainly not without incident.”

Ember chuckles. “It was a bona fide adventure!”

Arc brings all assembled up to date on his exploits in the Griffon Kingdom including his being responsible for Natalya’s demotion. The events regarding the rebel attack on Lord Gestal’s party. His conversation at Lord Gunter’s dinner party. The evening at the Griffonstone Library including the meeting with Wiseman. Arc then relates to them the attempts by the rebels to recruit him and Natalya to their cause. The events at the promotion ceremony which led to his early return. Their airship ride to Griffon’s Gate, including his own attempted kidnapping at the talons of Captain Celaeno, and finally his adventures in Griffon’s Gate with the orphans.

Cadance puts a hoof to her head and closes her eyes in an effort to take everything in. “That is quite the tale, Arc!”

Luna nods, clearly impressed. “That it is! From what you’ve told us, I’d say you’ve made quite an enemy of those rebels!”

“Well, we’re certainly not friends.”

Cadance frowns. “Good! We can’t have our forces supporting such factions! You did the right thing in refusing to help them!”

“Agreed. Tell me, how much power has this group amassed?”

“It’s difficult to say. But they’re very well connected for just a bunch of disgruntled citizens.”

Ember nods. “I’ll say! That armor might just be military grade quality!”

Shining Armor looks confused. “But where would extremists get such things?”

Arc shrugs. “Unknown. Their leader didn’t show me their face. However the way she spoke led me to believe she’s well educated.”

Cadance looks confused. “Is that a clue?”

Arc nods. “It is. In the Griffon Kingdom, only the wealthy can afford to send their young to school.”

Luna appears suddenly angry. “What?! Why?!”

“That’s how they do things.”

Trixie nods. “Can we do anything about these rebels?!”

Arc sighs. “A better question would be, SHOULD we do anything, Trixie. It’s an internal matter right now. Our involvement would only serve to portray us as meddlers.”

Kibitz walks over. “Yes, indeed! We certainly wouldn’t want them being involved in our own affairs! That and it’s against Equestrian law for the leadership of our nation to do so!”

Cadance turns back to Arc. “What of this Lieutenant Natalya? Can she be trusted to be loyal to the legitimate governing body of the Griffon Kingdom?”

“I would think so. She and I both received ‘invitations’ to join the rebels. At the time she seemed genuinely frightened at the prospect. When I told her she would be returning to Equestria with me, she seemed very happy at the idea.”

Luna nods. “Where is she now?”

“When I left her she was at the Little Hooves Orphanage observing the class there with her brother Gallus and the four younglings I met in Griffon’s Gate.”

Cadance looks nervous. “We trust your judgment in bringing them here. But do the griffons know they’re here?”

“Yes. The Council has permitted them to stay here for now.”

Luna looks relieved. “Good! It wouldn’t do to start things off on the wrong hoof!”

“What can you tell us about the leader of the Council of Lords? Lord Gestal, was it?”

Arc shrugs. “He’s a typical aristocrat leader. I’m not really sure if he cares about those under him or not.”

Ember frowns. “I lean more towards not.”

Luna nods. “And his daughter, Lady Ashe?”

“She seemed a bit more… pleasant.”

“Have you spoken to her at length?”

“Somewhat. After the dinner party at Lord Gunter’s estate I escorted her home. It gave us time to chat.”

Ember nods. “From what I overheard, she seems to actually care about others.”

“Right. A trait not exactly common over there. That dinner was also where I first saw their nation’s Arbiter.”

Luna appears confused. “Arbiter?”

Arc nods. “It’s kinda like their version of the Hero of Light. Arbiter Ghaleon is a rather imposing individual. During supper, all he did was observe me.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That sounds like fun.”

Cadance nods. “That really is understandable, Arc. From their point of view, an emissary from Equestria is an abnormality that bears further study.”

Luna appears to agree with Cadance. “In any case, did you find anything of note in their library?”

“I didn’t have time to look over the books. Most of them were in pretty rough shape though. Twilight took them and will do her best to salvage what she can.”

Cadance smiles. “I’m sure she will be thorough.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “If she can only resist the urge to read them until she passes out.”

Trixie sighs. “She really is dedicated, isn’t she?”

“Well, yes and no. While my sister is very dependable, she sometimes loses focus of her original goal. Normally that’s not a problem. But if you give her a time limit, it may not end well.”

Arc shudders. “Yeah, I know. When the princesses were lost in the Lunar Realm, I let her stay in Princess Celestia’s room while I was away. But when I got back, she was crazy from lack of sleep.”

Cadance sighs and rolls her eyes. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Kibitz nods as he examines his watch. “She will learn to budget her time as she gets older. For you see, eventually she will figure out that she doesn’t have all the time in the world.”

Luna sighs. “That was a hard lesson for me to learn as well.”

“What about that human you met in the library?”

“He only referred to himself as Wiseman, gave me some rather cryptic advice, and vanished as soon as he left, Princess Cadance.”

Trixie frowns. “Perhaps he is using illusion magic. Trixie knows all about such spells!”

Arc sighs. “If he was, I’d like to know what exactly another human would have to do to attain magic!”

Luna looks to Arc. “Are you absolutely certain he had magic?!”

“That’s the only reasonable explanation. He could see me through my magic cloak and could hear Cherry when she spoke to my mind.”

Cherry sighs. “Yes! It was a rather unpleasant feeling!”

Shining Armor appears nervous as he turns to Arc. “Princess Cadance told me about you, Miss Cherry. Could you… sense anything from him?”

“Not really. He didn’t strike me as somepony would wanted to do us any harm though. However, his ability to hear me was a bit unnerving.”

Arc nods. “I first encountered him on Earth inside a burning building.”

Luna looks to him, suddenly wide-eyed. “ON EARTH?!”

Cadance appears equally rattled. “How did he get here then?!”

Arc shrugs. “Not a clue.”

Ember shakes her head. “That guy knows more then he’s letting on though! Much more! That and we’re STILL not sure how he did… whatever he did!”

Trixie raises an eyebrow. “Such as?”

Arc counts on his fingers. “He jumped over thirty feet to get to a roof, traversed an inferno without being burned, instantly knew how to get out of the building, followed us back to Equestria, somehow got to Griffonstone, knew when we would be at the library, was able to speak to me by name, saw through my magic cloak, heard Cherry and I talking telepathically, and vanished without a trace after walking outside.”

Arc looks up to see everyone’s mouth agape and eyes wide.

Shining Armor shakes his head. “HOW?!”

“Which part?”

“Trixie would think any of it!”

Luna shakes her head. “Do you know ANYTHING about this individual, Arc?!”

“Nothing concrete. However, I can’t shake the feeling that isn’t the last we’ve seen of him.”

Cadance nods. “What was the advice he gave you?”

“Only to tell my Honor Guards to stay vigilant during Lord Gestal’s party. A good thing too, as the rebels were there to crash it.”

Luna nods. “These rebels. What do you think their priorities are?”

“They claim to want to make their nation great and powerful again.”

“How?”

“Ultimately, a coup.”

Shining Armor nods. “Thank you for not helping them with that!”

Trixie turns to Shining Armor. “Right! We don’t need more trouble with them, now or ever!”

Luna looks to Arc. “What do you think of the rebel’s cause?”

Arc sighs. “Honestly, they’re not completely wrong.”

Kibitz looks confused. “Sir?!”

“I know it may sound like I want to help them, but the current leadership of their nation is… rather indifferent to the needs of the citizenry.”

Ember scoffs. “That’s putting it mildly!”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s elitism at best, and borderline despotism at the very worst.”

Cherry clears her ‘throat’ and speaks. “If I may… from what I saw in the Griffon Kingdom, you’re either someone important or you’re nothing in the eyes of those in power.”

Kibitz shakes his head. “Nevertheless, Equestria’s leadership cannot back any foreign faction other than the legitimate governing body!”

Ember turns to the advisor. “What about the Hero of Light? Can he do anything?!”

“Legally, yes. However I beg you to be aware of the precarious position that would put us in, sir!”

Arc nods. “I understand. Don’t worry about me leading a charge against the Council of Lords anytime soon.”

Cadance smiles. “Good! Now about their leadership. How does their monarchy compare to ours?”

“No comparison. Here everyone has enough to eat, a voice, and leaders who actually care about them. While I’ve yet to meet King Guto, I imagine he’s just like those who rule by his side. Birds of a feather flock together, after all.”

Ember nods. “The commoner food is awful, they have no rights, and care nothing for those around them whom are hurting! Frankly I’m surprised no one has started a revolution yet!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “If nothing changes, I see an all-out civil war on their horizon.”

Luna sighs. “Future generations living in such conditions. What did you learn from those young orphans?”

Arc grits his teeth, angrily. “That the Griffon Kingdom cares NOTHING for helping young griffons who’ve lost their parents!”

Ember nods fervently. “They’re discarded like yesterday’s leftovers! Left to fend for themselves!”

Shining Armor looks surprised. “Is nothing done for them? Where do they go?!”

“The streets of a city known as Griffon’s Gate. The four younglings I met were living near a garbage dump infested with savage predators known as Marauders.”

Trixie looks nervous. “Are they dangerous?!”

Arc nods. “Very! We were attacked on our way to their ‘home’.”

Ember grins. “Flash Sentry and I took them on. They weren’t exactly what I would call a challenge. But for young griffons with no weapons or training, the Marauders would be lethal!”

Arc sighs. “They seem to be rather territorial of the dump. Probably as a source of food. While they don’t appear intelligent, they do seem to live under a simple hierarchy. One is the leader, with the rest as followers.”

Trixie nods. “Like wolves?”

“Exactly.”

Cadance looks to Arc. “How is the young griffon doing? The one who was injured?”

“I took her to Ponyville Hospital. She’s was bedridden with a severe and extremely fast-moving bacterial strain. While her attacker’s claws were most certainly a petri dish of germs, I have a hard time believing it could move THAT fast!”

Shining Armor frowns. “Are you saying that she was sick prior to her attack?”

Ember shrugs. “It would make sense. You would be too if you lived there.”

“Fortunately she responded well to Doctor Horse’s treatments. Glynda has already been released from his care and will recover fully with some antibiotics taken by mouth over the next few days.”

Luna nods. “Where are she and the others now?”

“The Little Hooves Orphanage. They’re all observing the school there at the moment. None of them has ever set foot in one before.”

Cadance shakes her head. “I’m liking the Griffon Kingdom less and less the more we talk about them.”

Luna nods. “As am I. Have you made any headway on your original mission, Arc?”

“Somewhat. I was able to secure an audience with the Council of Lords after I helped General Blackbeak’s subordinate. She’s back on her feet now.”

“That’s good to hear!”

“So what did you talk to the Council about, Arc?”

“I recommended a peace treaty of sorts.”

Ember looks confused. “A treaty?”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “But we’ve been at relative peace with them for many years.”

Shining Armor steps forward. “Begging your pardon Princess Cadance. But our relationship was rather strained while you and Princess Luna were trapped in the Lunar Realm.”

Trixie nods. “Yes. At one point, war seemed inevitable.”

Luna sighs. “I was not aware how dire the situation was back then.”

Arc nods. “Sorry if I was unable to explain the situation adequately.”

Kibitz clears his throat. “They appeared to be taking advantage of the turmoil here and with our other enemies. This vulturous behavior could have made a very bad situation much worse.”

“I’m hoping by strengthening our relationship with their nation we can head off any future issues. They agreed with the idea and will send over a draft as soon as they can put one together.”

Cadance appears skeptical. “Is peace all they wanted?”

“Not exactly.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Why do I get the feeling this is where you tell us the bad news, Arc?”

“They did want something in return.”

Luna frowns. “We are NOT going to pay them tribute!”

Cadance nods. “Agreed!”

“Lord Goldstone, ironically, suggested that. However, I suggested a different form of payment.”

“Explain.”

“Their city of Griffon’s Gate has been the home for their nation’s orphan population for many years. In exchange for a peace treaty, Equestria will take in their orphans.”

Kibitz appears surprised. “That’s… oddly reasonable.”

Luna sighs. “Aren’t they afraid we’ll use them as leverage during a future conflict?”

Arc shakes his head. “I didn’t get the feeling they really cared HOW they got rid of the orphans. Had I suggested bringing them here to use as guinea pigs in scientific research or dissection, their response would most likely been that of ‘how fast can you get the out of here’.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “We can’t just leave the young to suffer like this!”

“Agreed. We will of course have to wait for the full terms of the treaty to arrive. But, if nothing else, we’ll do our best to see to it the orphans have a home in our land.”

“Thank you. I’ve already spoken to Matron Pommel, the teacher Miss Cheerilee, and my friend Derpy who runs the kitchen. If this happens, the Little Hooves Orphanage will need quite an expansion.”

Trixie sighs. “Can we afford this?”

Cadance turns to her. “It’s not a matter of money when young griffons are living in dumps.”

Luna nods. “I will tell Hard Hat to submit some drawings for a potential expansion as soon as possible.”

“Thank you. I guess all that’s left to discuss is the prisoners I brought back the other day.”

Shining Armor grins. “Did they really try to kidnap YOU, Arc?!”

Ember chuckles. “They did.”

Trixie laughs. “Are they CRAZY?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not crazy. Just desperate.”

Cadance looks to Arc. “What do you mean?”

“Apparently they needed to make some quick money to pay their debts. From what they told me, the rebels offered them a sizable amount of bits if they would turn me over to them.”

“Any idea why?”

Ember frowns. “I still think they wanted to ransom you, Arc.”

Shining Armor nods thoughtfully. “Or perhaps they hoped to turn you to their side.”

“Trixie thinks both of those ideas are correct. Had they been unable to make you see their point of view, ransoming you back to Equestria would be the most logical conclusion.”

Kibitz nods. “Indeed! We most certainly would have paid quite a pretty sum to get our nation’s greatest hero back!”

Cherry sighs. “That and it would destroy any chance for peace between our nations.”

Cadance looks to Arc again. “Do you think that’s what they were going for?”

“I don’t think the rebels care either way about how our two countries feel toward one another.”

Kibitz frowns. “They aren’t afraid we’ll attack in retribution?”

“No. Their leader is a very intelligent griffon. She knows we wouldn’t be the aggressor. So our hands really are tied on taking any action against her or her organization.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin. “Why doesn’t the legitimate government do something about them?”

“I’m not sure, but I assume it’s due to their pride. To act on this would be to acknowledge the rebels are a threat.”

Kibitz shakes his head. “That mindset will be their undoing.”

“True. But it’s their country, not ours. We’re getting a bit off topic though. About Captain Celaeno’s treachery…”

Trixie scoffs. “I say we let her and her crew rot in a cell!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “They should probably be turned over to the Griffon Kingdom to stand trial. Kibitz?”

“According to Equestrian law, that is the correct course of action. The crime did occur on their soil… or in this case, above it.”

“That may be, but I don’t think they really deserve what their homeland has in store for them.”

Luna sighs. “What do you mean?”

“According to Lieutenant Natalya, the punishment for such a crime would be death. And not a quick and painless one.”

“You’re the one whom she and her crew wronged, Arc. Therefore, you should be the one who decides their fate. Turn them over to the Griffon Kingdom’s government, or do not. It’s up to you.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll have to think about it, Princess Luna.”

Trixie rolls her eyes. “What is there to think about?! They’re criminals!”

Shining Armor turns to his lieutenant. “Like you and I were, Trixie?”

“I… that’s different!”

Ember shakes her head. “Not by much.”

Cadance looks at Arc soberly. “You have as much time as you need to think about it, Arc. Just be aware that the longer you take, the longer they have to sit there, uncertain of their ultimate fate.”

Arc nods and stands up. “I understand. Let me go talk to them. Perhaps… perhaps there is yet a way to resolve this.”

Chapter 10 - Going Home

Arc and Ember leave the office and make their way to the castle dungeon. She turns to him as they walk.

“So what exactly are we trying to accomplish here, Arc?”

“Not having to send them to their doom, for starters.”

“They kinda deserve it, you know.”

Arc nods. “So did Trixie when she attacked Canterlot Castle. As well as Shining Armor when he broke into Light’s Hope. And let’s not forget what Queen Fiona did.”

“But those three were trying to do the right thing! Kinda.”

“As was Captain Celaeno and her crew.”

In a short time they arrive at the dungeon. The guard on duty stands and salutes as Arc approaches him.

“Sir!”

“I’d like to see the crew of the Solar Macaw.”

The guard picks up his keys. “Yes sir! This way please!”

He leads them down the corridor to a cell. Captain Celaeno and her crew sit in the large cell looking downcast. They stand up nervously as Arc approaches. He turns to the guard.

“Have they given you any trouble?”

“No sir! They’ve been cooperative!”

“Very good. I’ll take that.”

He gives the key to Arc. “Very well, sir.”

“You are dismissed.”

The Royal Guard salutes and returns down the corridor to his desk as Arc turns to the prisoners.

“Now then… what should we do with all of you.”

Celaeno looks down at the floor. “I… I don’t know.”

Ember turns to Arc. “We should leave them in there! Who knows… maybe the rebels will come for them? Two birds… one stone!”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it. For one, the rebels have no idea where they are. Second, I don’t think they really care.”

Captain Celaeno steps forward. She speaks with an air of desperation in her voice.

“Sir, I’m begging you! I have no idea what you have planned for us, but please spare my crew! I’ll stand trial for everything!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Alone?”

“Yes! If there is ANYTHING I can do to help my crew, I’ll gladly do it!”

Arc nods. “I’ll consider it. How about some information first though? Who told you to kidnap me?”

“We don’t know! The message we received wasn’t signed!”

“Then who were you supposed to meet?!”

Mullet steps forward to stand with is captain. “They were going to contact us when we arrived at Griffon’s Gate.”

Squabble nods. “When they saw you disembark alone, they probably assumed you had killed us, or something!”

Ember scoffs. “That’s pathetic! The rebels didn’t even want to TRY and take us on!”

Arc shrugs. “Can’t say as I blame them. Attacking the Hero of Light in broad daylight, when he expects an attack while in a town full of guards is not a good idea.”

Ember shrugs. “I guess they’re smarter than we give them credit for.”

“Maybe. In any case, Captain Celaeno, I don’t see you or your crew as much of a threat to myself or Equestria.”

“Um… thank you?”

“In any case, I’m thinking we should just let you and your crew go.”

Mullet looks hopeful. “What? Really?!”

Ember turns to Arc. “Are you nuts?!”

“We might as well, Ember. These guys didn’t get me, and they’re taking up space in the dungeon.”

Arc turns to look the captain in the eye.

“Let’s put it this way. If you’ll do what I tell you, I’m willing to drop the charges against you.”

“Yes sir! Anything!”

Arc nods. “When you are released, you’ll be escorted to the castle’s hanger. Board you ship, take off, and head immediately for Griffon’s Gate.”

Ember frowns. "But why?"

“I just want them out of here. So, do we have a deal, captain?”

The captain appears relieved. “Y-yes sir! Thank you very much!”

Arc turns to walk away. “Very well. I’ll talk to the guard about filing the proper paperwork. It shouldn’t take too long. After it goes through all of you will be permitted to leave.”

He and Ember walk back down the corridor toward the Royal Guard on duty. Ember turns to him.

“This isn’t a good idea, Arc! For all we know they’re working for the rebels!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s fine. They failed in their task, so even if they are in league with our enemies, they’ll be branded as incompetent.”

“So?!”

“So they probably won’t be offered any more lucrative, and dangerous, deals for quite some time.”

“How can you be so casual about all this?!”

“Just call it a hunch.”

Meanwhile, back in their cell, Squabble turns to Mullet.

“I can’t believe he’s just letting us go!”

“Yeah! When we came here, I thought for sure this cell was going to be our new home!”

The captain looks at everyone repentantly. “Yes! Look, I’m really sorry everyone! All of this is my fault!”

Marco smiles at her. “It’s okay, captain!”

The Chef Spittle nods. “You were ready to sacrifice EVERYTHING to get us out of that!”

Squabble sighs. “Hopefully this is the end of our problems.”

Mullet chuckles. “At least those stemming from non-cargo related jobs! Here’s to being in debt, but alive!”

The rest of the crew cheers as Captain Celaeno turns to look through the bars. She mutters to herself.

“What is he up to? Why would he just let us get off scot free?!”

Sometime later, the Royal Guard approaches the cell with a squad. They open the door and allow them to step out.

“By order of the Hero of Light, all of you are free to go. We will escort you to the hanger now.”

The crew nods and follows the guards. A short time later they arrive at the hanger. The Solar Macaw is waiting for them. The guard turns to them.

“You are hereby ordered to leave Equestria as soon as possible and return to your point of origin! No side trips!”

The captain nods. “I understand.”

“Hero of Light Arc also wanted me to inform you that if any of you are caught in our land again, he will not go so easy on you!”

Mullet stands next to the captain. “Understood.”

“Very well. Be off!”

Captain Celaeno and her crew quickly board their ship and take off. The captain sits down in her chair on the bridge.

“Squabble, set a course back to Griffon’s Gate.”

Mullet takes his place next to the captain. “Yes! Let’s get out of here before they change their minds!”

The ship takes off and heads east toward the Celestial Sea and Griffon’s Gate. Squabble turns toward the captain sometime later.

“Now leaving Equestrian airspace and entering international waters! It should be smooth sailing from here on!”

Celaeno breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I’m glad to have that whole mess behind us!”

Mullet nods. “As is the rest of the crew, I’m sure!”

The airship continues on as the sun finishes setting and the stars come out. Mullet walks from Squabble to Captain Celaeno.

“We should reach our destination by morning.”

“Good. I never thought I would be so happy to see Griffon’s Gate again!”

Squabble looks over his shoulder. “You and me both, captain!”

Mullet looks to Celaeno. “So… what should we do now?”

She sighs. “Back to hauling cargo. Same as always.”

“It may not be the most exciting work, but at least we’ll live longer.”

Squabble chuckles. “I second that.”

Celaeno smiles. “Here’s to poverty and debt over a lifetime of prison or execution!”

Mullet nods. “Here, here!”

Suddenly a voice rings out.

“Well… well… well…”

The captain and crew look over to see a robed creature standing in the doorway to the Bridge. Mullet puts a hand on his blade.

“Who are you?!”

The stranger slowly struts toward them.

“Just someone you should never cross. And you HAVE!”

Celaeno frowns. “What are you talking about?! We’re just a cargo ship!”

“True. However, you were supposed to bring me some cargo, and you blew it!”

Squabble goes over some papers. “Uh… it looks like we’ve safely delivered everything we were supposed to thus far. Can you be more specific?”

“Certainly. You were to deliver a very special cargo to me in Griffon’s Gate the other day. Yet you failed to do so.”

Mullet’s eyes grow wide. “You mean…”

“Yes. I’m a commander in the Griffon Liberation Army. Now then, I’ll ask again… WHERE IS MY CARGO?!”

Celaeno sighs. “We… we were outsmarted by Lord Arc. It’s not our fault!”

“Oh? He was practically gift wrapped for you!”

Mullet stands between the stranger and the captain. “The emissary was as cunning as he was strong! We didn’t stand a chance against him!”

Squabble frowns. “Yeah! We almost spent the rest of our lives in an Equestrian prison!”

“Wait… you idiots TALKED?!”

Celaeno shakes her head. “We didn’t tell him anything about you! Not that we could have even if we wanted to!”

Squabble nods. “All he knows is that it was the rebels who wanted him.”

“IDIOTS! Now he’ll be on guard the next time he travels to Griffonstone!”

Mullet frowns. “Look, you’ll have to find someone else to do your dirty work from now on!”

Squabble scoffs. “Yeah! We quit!”

The Rebel Commander frowns. “Oh really? You’re in too deep now! You’ll aid our cause, or else.”

Mullet walks over to the stranger and towers over him. "Or else what?! There are three of us and only one of you!”

“I suppose you’re right.”

In a flash, the Rebel Commander lunges at Mullet, knocks him down and points a blade at his face!

“Or perhaps you’re not!”

Celaeno quickly stands! “What is it you want from us?!”

He sneers! “For you to do what you’re told, insects!”

The stranger pulls a large bottle out of his cloaks and smashes it on the floor!

Mullet staggers to his feet. “What the…”

Celaeno steps back! “Kerosene!”

Squabble turns away from the helm to join the captain and first mate. “Are you nuts?! You’ll send us ALL to kingdom come!”

The rebel smiles as he grabs a lantern from next to the doorway. “This is what happens to those who can’t carry out simple…”

The commander is cut short as his body suddenly flies backwards off the bridge and smashes into a wall. Another figure dashes out of nowhere and catches the lantern before it hits the deck! As they return the lantern to its hook, the light cascades over their face.

Ember breathes a sigh of relief. “Close one!”

The rebel slowly stands up as the ship’s full crew and captain surround him. “What the heck…?”

A familiar voice rings out as a large cloaked individual steps out of the shadows.

“You know… you shouldn’t play with fire. You might hurt yourself… or someone else!”

The rebel pulls his blade!. “Who dares…?”

The figure tosses back his cloak.

“I do!”

Captain Celaeno looks to the newcomer, astounded. “Hero of Light? What are YOU doing here?!”

Arc stands before the Rebel Commander fully armored and seemingly ready for anything. He removes his cloak and stashes it in his ring.

“Let’s just say I had a hunch something like this would happen.”

Arc looks at his opponent and narrows his eyes.

“I suggest you come along quietly now, before I grow angry.”

The rebel laughs. “You’re joking! Why would I do such a thing?!”

Ember calls forth her spear and points it at the Rebel Commander. “Because you don’t really have a choice, now do you?!”

The commander chuckles as he puts his talons up. “No, I suppose I don’t. Go ahead! Take me to the authorities! I’ll be out again before the sun rises!”

Mullet looks to him, incredulous! “What?!”

He turns to Arc, smiling. “Like I told you before. We have allies everywhere!”

Squabble frowns. “He’s bluffing!”

“Believe what you want, peon.”

Arc chuckles. “You really are a piece of work there, scum.”

The commander frowns. “What are you blabbering on about?”

“Oh, I’m taking you in all right. Back to Equestria.”

“WHAT?! But you can’t do that?! I’m a griffon citizen in griffon territory!”

Celaeno gestures to the horizon. “Oh really? Look around you! We’re in the middle of the Celestial Sea!”

Ember grins. “International waters mean no jurisdiction! You’re coming with US!”

The rebel scowls. “When the Griffon Kingdom learns of this…”

Arc laughs. “How would they? And even if they did, we don’t have any kind of agreements, treaties, pacts or any other kind of legal policies with them at the moment, do we?”

Ember nods. “Right! So whatever happens out here is completely between us!”

The robed griffon sighs. “I… I suppose I don’t have a choice.”

In the blink of an eye he rolls to the side, drops a smoke bomb and flies up into the air!

“Fools! I always have a backup plan!”

Reaching into his cloak he pulls out a flare gun. Without so much as a second thought, the rebel commander fires it into the open bridge door! The room is instantly an inferno!

“Come after me. or save the crew, hero! Your choice!”

He laughs as he flies away!

“Choose your own adventure, you wingless freak!”

Ember bares her teeth angrily. “Why that little…!”

Marco looks around! Captain, we’ve got to get off the ship!

Lix Spittle looks around and shakes her head. “Where to? Nothing around for miles!”

Mullet salutes Captain Celaeno as the ship begins to lose momentum. “It has been an honor flying with you, captain!”

Squabble nods. “Likewise!”

Celaeno shakes her head as they turn to look at the fire quickly spreading to the rest of the ship. “See you in the afterlife, boys.”

Arc shakes his head as the gem in his forehead glows and he opens a portal. “That’s not going to happen! Everyone in!”

The chef steps back. “What?!”

Ember points to the swirling energies. “Either go through the portal, or go down with the ship! It’s not a difficult decision!”

The captain nods. “Everyone go!”

Squabble, Mullet, Chef Lix and Marco run toward the portal and vanish from sight! As the flames make their way toward them, the ship begins to fall toward the water.

“Ember, GO!”

She nods as she passes through. “See you on the other side!”

Arc maintains the portal as he turns to Captain Celaeno. “You’re turn, cap…!”

He is cut off as a nearby barrel explodes and knocks the captain to the deck. She tries to rise but the blast seems to have knocked loose her senses.

“CAPTAIN!”

Arc makes his way past the burning crates and barrels over to her. All the while doing his best to keep the portal from collapsing in on itself. Reaching her, he puts an arm around her.

“I got you!”

Celaeno points weakly. “The… the barrels…”

Arc looks at the barrels behind them. They are labeled “GUNPOWDER” in big black letters. The flames quickly make their way up the stack as she looks at him.

“Run… save… self… I… deserve…”

Arc shakes his head. “No! We’ll make it!”

He turns back toward the portal just in time to see a stack of burning boxes come crashing down between them and the safety of the portal!

“G-go…”

Arc turns back to where he believes the portal to me! “Great… I hope this works.”

He Blinks through the flames into the portal just as it collapses in on itself. A moment later the ship explodes! The rebel commander turns and watches the flaming ship plummet into the inky black depths below! He doubles back to scan the wreckage for survivors from a distance, Not seeing any movement, he smiles to himself.

“No one could have survived that. Well, that’s two less problems to deal with.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Captain Celaeno emerge from the portal in the middle of what appears to be a rather spooky forest. The moonlight only adds to the ambience. Mullet runs over with the rest of the crew.

“CAPTAIN!”

Arc, still carrying the captain, quickly walking toward a nearby clearing. “Don’t worry. I think she’ll be alright.”

Ember walks a short distance ahead of them. “This way everyone!”

Squabble turns to Arc. “Where are we going?!”

“There’s a town up ahead. Just keep following Ember.”

A few minutes later they step out of the forest into the clearing with Ember in the lead. Lix Spittle looks around.

“There’s nothing here!”

Arc nods. “Trust me. There is.”

They continue to follow Arc. Before long they come to a small building. Arc pounds on the door. After a few moments, a light comes on inside and a half-asleep stallion answers the door.

“What in the world…”

“We need your help! You see…”

The stallion’s eyes grow wide as he recognizes Arc! He quickly stands aside!

“Please sir! Come in!”

They step inside to see a small clinic. That stallion motions with a hoof!

“Follow me!”

The group follows the stallion into a small examination room. Arc sets the captain on the bed and steps back.

“I think she’s okay, doctor. But you had best take a look at her just to be sure!”

“At once, sir! Would everyone please wait outside?”

Arc and company leave the room and close the door behind them. Returning to the entryway, they find several benches lined up. Sitting down, the crew looks to Arc. Squabble is the first to speak.

“What happened?!”

Mullet frowns. “Did that fellow come back?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. There was an explosion and she was knocked down. I think the blast just rattled her head a little bit.”

Ember sighs. “Nothing to do but wait for the doctor. Shouldn’t take too long.”

She looks around the room.

“This place seems familiar, Arc. Where exactly are we?”

Suddenly the front door opens and an elderly stallion walks in. Ember rolls her eyes and groans.

“Mythic Honor! What are you doing here?!”

The eccentric stallion doesn’t seem to notice her.

“Hello again, Arc! I thought I heard pounding over here!”

Ember facepalms. “Of all the places…”

“Yes, well… we had someone who needed medical care.”

“Well you certainly came to the right place! Our village is all about caring! And knitting! No connection, mind you! That’s just kinda how things work around here!”

Mullet raises an eyebrow. “Um… thanks.”

Arc turns to the crew. “Everyone, this is Mythic Honor. He’s the mayor of this town.”

“I am?! When did that happen?!”

Ember sighs. “You’ve been in charge for as long as anyone can remember!”

Mythic Honor turns to her, happily. “Ember! When did you come in?!”

“I’ve BEEN here! How did you not see me?!”

“Just lucky, I guess!”

Ember throws up her claws and walks away. “I give up!”

Mythic Honor turns back to the newcomers. “Well, in any case, welcome to Redemption Village!”

Mullet looks confused. “Say what?”

Squabble frowns. “Where are we now?!”

Arc nods. “A small town in Equestria.”

Mythic Honor chuckles. “Arc here saved everyone from a lifetime in Tartarus! He brought us here and his friends helped us build the town!”

“Yes, well… you and the others did the rest.”

“True! But you gave all of us a second chance at life!”

The doctor emerges from the examination room and walks toward the group.

“Hello, Mythic Honor. What brings you here?”

“Just investigating a strange pounding noise!”

Arc shakes his head. “That was me knocking.”

Mythic Honor thinks for a moment. “Was it now? I thought it was somepony knocking!”

“It was.”

“You mean I was right?! Good! Who was it?!”

Ember looks at Mythic Honor as though she might blow a gasket. “Doctor…!”

“The patient appears to have taken a nasty blow to the head. What happened?”

Arc explains the circumstances surrounding their sudden appearance and the explosion that led to Captain Celaeno’s incapacitation. Ember turns to the doctor.

“Will she be all right?”

“After a good night’s sleep, yes. I’ll look her over again tomorrow morning. In the meantime, I suggest the rest of you get some sleep.”

He looks at the dirty condition of the group.

“It looks like all of you have had quite the day.”

Mythic Honor turns around and heads for the door. “This way everypony! I’ll show you to the Inn!”

Mullet turns to the doctor. “Might I stay with the captain? We’ve been mates ever since we were little.”

The doctor nods. “Very well. You may use the patient bed next to hers.”

Mullet heads for the examination room. “Thank you.”

Mythic Honor leads the way to the Inn and opens the door.

“This isn’t the fanciest place around, but the beds are warm and the rooms are secure!”

Squabble nods. “It’s nicer than we’re used to.”

Marco sighs. “We don’t have any money though.”

Arc looks over to him. “I’ll pay for it.”

Mythic Honor’s voice brings the elderly Innkeeper out of her room. Upon seeing Arc, she bows low.

“What can I do for you, sir?!”

Arc smiles at her. “Sorry to wake you up, but we need lodgings for the night. Do you have room?”

The Innkeeper steps quickly out from behind the main desk as she picks up several keys. “Yes sir! Everypony please follow me!”

She leads everyone to a private room and gives them each a key.

“Rest well!”

The last room is given to Arc and Ember. They open the door and walk inside. The elderly mare follows them.

“As you know, this is our best room sir!”

Arc nods. “It’s just fine, thank you. Now why don’t you go back to bed, ma’am? It’s quite late.”

She bows as she steps into the corridor. “Yes sir! Sleep well!”

The Innkeeper closes the door behind them and turns to walk back to the front desk. Mythic Honor is waiting for her.

“Quite the event! We don’t often have such late-night guests in town!”

“Yes sir. Well, we aren’t exactly centrally located."

Mythic Honor grins. “That’s true! But, as far as privacy goes, you couldn’t ask for a nicer town!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember recall their armor, climb into their beds, and lie down. Ember turns off the bedside lamp.

“I still can’t believe what that griffon DID back there!”

Arc sets his helmet down on the nightstand and turns off his own lamp as he leans back against the pillow. “Neither can I. He really didn’t care who got hurt. And all in the name of sticking it to his government.”

Cherry’s voice sounds angry as it come forth from Arc’s helmet. “It was simply barbaric!”

Ember shakes her head in the darkness. “Nothing’s worth killing innocents!”

Arc sighs. “The ends justify the means.”

Ember frowns. “How’s that?”

“It means the end result is all that matters to him.”

“I’m certainly glad you decided not to back those guys. Although we may have to do something about them one of these days.”

Arc sighs. “Probably. After this encounter, I don’t think they’re going to want to recruit me.”

Ember chuckles. “How horrible for you.”

They are silent for a time.

“Ember?”

“Hmmm?”

Arc sighs. “I… I need your opinion on something. Please be honest even if it hurts, okay?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Back when I was Lord Regent... do you think I did a good job?”

“In which regard?”

“Representing the population as a whole.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “I’m certainly not an expert, but I think you did an absolutely amazing job back then.”

“What if the princesses hadn’t been able to retake their thrones?”

“Arc? What are you getting at?”

He stares up at the darkened ceiling. “If I had become Equestria’s permanent ruler… do you think I would have done a good job?”

Ember turns the light back on and looks over at Arc, clearly concerned. “Okay. What’s with all the ‘what ifs’ all of a sudden?!”

Arc sits up. “This whole thing with the Griffon Kingdom and the rebels. Do you think I would have become like their King and Council of Lords? I mean… would I have gotten to the point that I was so comfortable in my position that I wouldn’t care what the population thought of me?!”

“No, Arc.”

“Why not?!”

“That’s not who you are.”

Cherry giggles. “Agreed! It’s for that reason that I feel in love with you in the first place!”

Arc sighs as he lays back down. “Fortunately we’ll never know for sure.”

“Yeah. You really didn’t like that job, did you?”

“Not at all! All the ponies bowing and scraping before me wasn’t something I enjoyed. To say nothing for the long hours!”

Ember sighs as she turns off the light again. “Get some rest, Arc. There’s more to do tomorrow.”

“That there is. Thanks for the talk, Ember.”

She lies back against her pillow and smiles. “What are friends for?”

“Right.”

The pair sleep soundly through what’s left of the night. They awaken early the next morning. As everyone makes the short walk to the front desk Ember turns to Arc, smiling.

“Here we go again.”

Arc nods. “Always an adventure when you hang out with me.”

The Innkeeper is sitting behind the front desk, napping. Arc sets a bag of bits on the counter as he whispers to the others.

“Let’s not wake her.”

Everyone nods as they leave the Inn and make their way towards the hospital. Lix Spittle looks around.

“Nice town.”

Squabble nods. “Yeah! I wouldn’t mind living here myself! All the buildings look fairly new!”

Ember chuckles. “Most of Equestria’s towns are bigger than this. But they’re pretty well kept up.”

Arc gestures with a hand. “That and this whole village is less than a year old.”

Lix nods. “I thought everything looked pretty nice.”

They quickly arrive at the hospital. The doctor is sitting behind his desk. He stands as they enter and walks over to Arc.

“How is the captain doing this morning, doctor?”

“Just fine. I’ve already looked over her x-rays and there doesn’t appear to be any real damage to her head. She remembers everything and should be able to walk around again.”

Squabble breathes a sigh of relief! “Good!”

Lix looks nervous. “Can she come home with us now?”

The doctor nods. “Yes. She can leave anytime. I’ve already told her all of this, but she and her friend wanted to wait for all of you.”

Arc nods. “Good. Let’s go see her then.”

The doctor steps aside to allow the group access to the room. They knock lightly. Celaeno calls out to them.

“Come in!”

The group does as they are told. Lix Spittle walks over to the bed.

“Captain! How are you feeling?!”

“Much better. Is everyone else okay?!””

Squabble nods happily. “We’re fine!”

As Celaeno throws the covers back and moves to stand up, Mullet cries out!

“CAPTAIN! LOOK OUT!”

He quickly moves to grab her as she falls! Mullet carefully sits her back down on the bed.

“Sorry about that captain, but…”

He points down at the stub of her leg.

“Thank you old friend. I hadn’t noticed my peg was gone.”

Arc frowns. “Neither did we last night.”

Ember shrugs. “It must have gone down with the ship.”

Celaeno sighs. “That somehow seems appropriate. The Solar Macaw was my home for many years. It’s only right a part of me goes with her to the bottom of the sea.”

Arc nods as Mullet helps her up by putting an arm around the captain’s waist in an effort to support her. “Sorry I couldn’t save your ship. If I had only acted sooner maybe this could have been avoided.”

Celaeno looks to him as she stands with help. “As long as my crew is okay, everything turned out just fine in my eyes”

Lix looks to the captain. “What do we do now?”

Arc heads for the door. “Let’s go see a friend of mine about getting a new leg.”

They walk out the door and up to the desk. The doctor smiles at the captain.

“Feeling all right, miss? “

“Yes! Just fine, thank you.”

Arc pulls a bag of bits out of his ring and gives it to the doctor. “I’ll pay for the examination.”

“What?! But I…”

He turns back to her. “You don’t have any money, do you?”

Celaeno sighs. “I guess not.”

The doctor shakes his head. “I can’t take this, sir! You’re our town’s hero!”

“You have to eat too. Just take it! I insist!”

“Very well, sir.”

The doctor turns to look at the captain.

“You should go see Mythic Honor about a new leg, miss.”

Arc nods. “Our very next stop.”

They leave the hospital and head for the Town Hall. The sound of hammering can be heard coming from the attached forge. As the group walks around to the back of the building Ember calls out to him.

“Good morning Mythic Honor.”

“Ember? What brings you here today?!”

Ember frowns. “You saw me last night!”

Mythic Honor looks confused. “I did? When?!”

Arc sighs. “At the hospital.”

“Ember! You were in the hospital?!”

“NO! Our friend was though! Don’t you remember?!”

Mythic Honor rubs his chin as he looks at the group standing before him. “Hey! It’s the folks from my dream last night! Welcome to our town, oh beings from the subconscious realm!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “It wasn’t a dream.”

“Are you sure?!”

“Fairly sure, yes.”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Well… okay! But only if you’re mostly almost certain about this! What can I do for you?!”

He looks over at the one-legged parrot before him. Walking over to her, he tries unsuccessfully to lower his voice.

“Miss! I think somepony stole your leg!”

Celaeno raises an eyebrow. “Um, no. It’s been like that for a while.”

“So they took it some time ago, eh?! I’ll organize the townsponies and we’ll see about hunting down those scoundrels!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! She means… her leg’s been gone for… look, can you just make her another peg?”

“AHA! I’ve got it! I can make her another peg leg!”

Ember facepalms. “Brilliant idea.”

He leads them into his messy workshop and begins rummaging around for something.

“I know it’s around here somewhere…”

Lix eyes him suspiciously. “What are you looking for?”

Squabble nods. “Maybe we can help you look.”

Mythic Honor calls out. Nearly half his body is buried in a pile of materials. “Nah, I’ll find it!”

Arc sighs as he walks over to the pile. “What ARE you looking for anyways?

“My peg leg mold! Can’t forge a new leg without it!”

Ember looks at him, skeptically. “You have a peg leg mold?”

Mythic Honor comes up for air and looks back at Ember with a confused look on his face. “Doesn’t everypony?!”

Ember sighs. “I doubt it.”

He goes back to rummaging. “Well, the world would be a better place if everypony was as prepared as I am!”

Mullet leans over to Arc and mutters to him. “Is… is this pony for real?”

Arc nods and sighs. “Yes. But he’s the best at what he does.”

A short time later Mythic Honor emerges from yet another pile and walks toward the group.

“Well, I have good news and bad news!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Is the good news that you found your sanity in one of those piles?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Nope! That’s been gone for longer than I can remember! Let me know if you see it though!”

Arc facepalms. “Uh… we’ll do that.”

“Anyways, the bad news is I can’t find my mold anywhere!”

Marco looks confused. “So what’s the good news?”

Mythic Honor rummages around in his saddlebags. “I think I may have found my dignity in there!”

Arc sighs. “Oh, for the love of…”

Mythic Honor pulls something out of his saddlebags and holds it up.

“See?!”

Squabble frowns. “I don’t think that’s your dignity, sir.”

Mythic Honor appears confused. “Oh? What else could it be?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That… is a peg leg.”

He looks at the object in his hoof. “So it is! Wonder where it came from…”

“Can we have it?”

Mythic Honor nods and gives the peg to Arc. “Anything for you! Here!”

Arc takes it and gives it to Lix who quickly goes about tying the leather straps to the captain’s nub. Mullet lets go of her and allows her to stand on her own.

“How does it feel?”

Celaeno takes a few steps. “Not bad! Lix?”

Lix steps forward and runs her talon up and down the captain’s backbone a couple times. “Your spine is nice and straight. It looks like that leg is even the right length.”

Mullet nods approvingly. “That’s surprising. Usually it takes an adjustment or two.”

Marco looks back to Mythic Honor. “What’s it made out of?! I’ve never seen anything like it!”

“Crystal!”

Lix raises an eyebrow. “Crystal?!”

Celaeno looks up, wide eyed. “This thing must be worth a fortune! I can’t afford this!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Well, you might as well have it! I didn’t even know it was there! That and I’m certainly not using it!”

Ember nods feverishly. “Yes. Please take it so we can get out of here!”

Arc shrugs. “Might as well.”

Celaeno smiles at Mythic Honor. “Thank you sir.”

“Now that’s taken care of, I guess the only other thing to do would be to decide where you all go from here.”

Ember nods as Arc finishes. “Well, after what just happened, I wouldn’t suggest you go back to Griffon’s Gate anytime soon.”

Lix looks confused. “Why not?”

“The rebels aren’t exactly happy with you right now. If they spot you, they’ll probably try to finish you off.”

Mullet nods. “We know too much.”

Celaeno sighs. “I guess that makes us loose ends.”

Marco looks around nervously. “So what happens to us now?”

Mythic Honor chuckles. “The lot of you could stay here! The more the merrier I say!”

Celaeno sighs. “That’s… very nice of you, but we have work to do.”

“What kind of work, miss!”

“Cargo doesn’t move itself.”

“And how do you move this cargo? “

Celaeno looks up to him. “With our airsh… oh, right…”

Squabble nods. “We are in a bit of a pickle there.”

Arc sighs. “I can open a portal to the Grand Aviary in Griffonstone, or you can stay here. The choice is up to you.”

Celaeno turns to her crew, sadly. “I guess this is the end of the road. No ship, no business, no future.”

She closes her eyes and sighs.

“I… I’m going to stay here and start a new life in Equestria. If you lot are with me, then so be it. But if you want to go back home to the Griffon Kingdom, then I wish you all the best.”

Mullet puts a talon on her shoulder. “We’ve been together this long, captain. I won’t leave you now.”

Squabble chuckles. “I don’t really have anything else planned. I’ll stay.”

Lix nods. “Someone has to make sure you lot eat healthy.”

Marco grins. “I’ll help too!”

Mullet looks to her. “I guess it’s unanimous captain!”.

“Yes. But…”

Squabble looks confused. “But what?”

“I’m not a captain anymore.”

Marco walks over and takes the captains talon. “You’ll always be the captain to us!”

Mullet nods. “What should we do now?”

Mythic Honor clears his throat. “Our town has need of somepony to do odd jobs. Maintenance… scavenging… exploring… cleaning the Town Hall…!”

Ember looks around. “I don’t think that’s ever been done before.”

Arc nods. “Agreed! How do you work in such squalor? “

Mythic Honor shrugs. “I get by! How, I have no idea! I really need a secretary or something.”

Ember frowns. “What you need is a maid!”

Arc chuckles. “One with a bulldozer.”

Mullet looks around. “And survival training.”

Mythic Honor points a hoof. “There’s always our writ board over there!”

Ember nods. “It’s a list of jobs and what they pay.”

The group walks over to the board and looks it over together. Celaeno takes one of the writs.

“This… isn’t bad work.”

Mullet nods. “And the pay is pretty good!”

Arc turns to him. “Going out on a limb here but I’m assuming the work around the Griffon Kingdom doesn’t pay nearly enough.”

Celaeno chuckles. “You’d be right.”

Ember thinks aloud. “I wonder why.”

Arc sighs. “When you have a nearly endless supply of workers, that tends to happen.”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Around here, we need more help than we have hooves! So that causes the pay to go up! For example, I’ve been looking for somepony to go wildcrafting for me for weeks!”

Celaeno raises an eyebrow. “Alchemical ingredients?”

Arc sighs. “Probably for soup.”

“Both actually! I’m making soup that’s also medicine! I call it medisoup!”

Ember sighs. “What’s it cure?”

“Hiccups!”

She facepalms. “Ask a silly question…”

Mythic Honor turns to the captain and her crew. “You lot can stay at the Town Hall for a few days while you earn some money. After that, the Innkeeper can offer you weekly rates!”

Celaeno smiles. “Sounds like we have a plan then.”

Mullet shrugs. “It can’t be any worse than what we’ve been doing.”

Arc nods. “Well, I guess I’ll let you get to it then. Ember and I should be getting back to Ponyville now.”

Celaeno turns to Arc. “S-sir?”

“Yes?”

“I… um… thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I won’t tell anyone else you survived, so all of you should be fairly safe here.”

Ember nods. “This village is certainly not on the map.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Work hard and you’ll make a home for yourselves here yet.”

He and Ember step through the portal and are gone. Squabble and the others look over the Writ Board in more detail.

“What a wild two days it’s been!”

Marco grins. “Yeah! We went from prisoners to having a second chance!”

Mullet nods. “Let’s make the best of this!”

Celaeno smiles at her loyal crew. “I couldn’t agree more!”

Chapter 11 - Shadows of the Past

The following day Arc, his squad, Ember, Sereb, Derpy and Dinky walk down the corridor of Canterlot Castle. Viktor tuns to Arc.

“This is going to be great, sir!”

Arc nods. “I’ll say We’ve missed the last two wormhole windows.”

Derpy smiles at him. “It’s not like you could have helped it, Arc.”

Sereb nods. “So much going on around here.”

Dinky turns to her mother. “You’ll like Earth, mom! There’s so many things to see and do!”

Arc laughs. “Yeah! And Dinky hasn’t even scratched the surface yet!”

Ember looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“All of you haven’t seen anything other than my hometown and the neighboring town. It’s a great big world out there.”

Dinky giggles. “I want to see it all!”

“Maybe one day, sweetheart. Right now I’m just glad to be going home for Christmas.”

Derpy looks confused. “What’s that?”

“It’s a holiday that means different things to different cultures. Mine celebrates the birth of Jesus, while others, such as a group of people called the Jews, celebrate what they call Hanukkah. I’m not really sure what it entails, but to each their own.”

Ember looks to him. “So what do you do at Christmas?”

“We’re going to celebrate by spending family time together, giving presents, having a family meal together, and decorating a tree. Christmas in my hometown is a wonderful thing to behold.”

Xenos looks confused. “Why is that, sir?”

“It’s difficult to put into words. You just have to see it for yourself.”

The group enters Princess Celestia’s room. Sunburst has already tuned the machine in advance.

“We’re ready anytime you are, sir!”

“Good!”

Arc points to a number of robes lying on the bed and looks at his squad.

“You guys know the drill.”

Everyone walks over to the bed and picks up a robe. Arc walks over to a nearby shelf and takes a small robe off it.

“Hold on a minute, Dinky. I had one specially made just for you.”

Dinky trots over to her father and takes the robe with her magic. “Thanks dad!”

Derpy looks confused at the robe in front of her. “How exactly do I put this thing on?”

Arc walks over to her. “I’ll help you.”

He carefully drapes the robe over Derpy’s body as she sits on her haunches.

“Now just put your front hooves through here. There you go. Nothing to it!”

As he ties the sash around her waist, Derpy stands up slowly and looks over her shoulders at the garment.

“Thank you. But I still don’t understand why I have to wear this.”

Arc puts a hand on Derpy’s shoulder. “You’ll understand when you come out the other side.”

She looks to him nervously. “Does… does it hurt?!”

“Only if Sunburst miscalculates and we fly out the other end like a rocket.”

Sunburst looks over to him. “I think this time will be much better in that regard, sir. My apologies for the rough transition the last time.”

“Good.”

Hugh walks over to him with the others. “We’re ready to go sir!”

Viktor grins. “I can’t wait to get back on the Internet!”

Xenos laughs. “I miss television!”

Max shakes his head. “Those things I can do without. But having hands and fingers are something else!”

Arc nods. “That they are.”

He turns back to Sunburst.

“How much longer until we can safely open a portal?”

“Two minutes, sir.”

Ember grabs her leather jacket and slings it over her shoulder. “Oh, I am SO looking forward to wearing this again!”

Xenos smiles at her. “Me too! The whole clothes thing really grew on me!”

Dinky hops up and down excitedly. “Yeah! I mean… I really liked being able to change my appearance so easily!”

Derpy looks at her daughter, confused. “Change your… appearance?!”

Max nods. She means by changing her clothes, ma’am.”

She looks down at her robe and frowns “I… don’t really care much for this. But I’ll wear it if I have to.”

Arc turns to her. “Something on your mind, Derpy?”

“It’s just…”

Sunburst interrupts. “Ready over here, sir!”

Arc nods. “Start it up.”

He does so. Within moments the wormhole forms and stabilizes. Arc turns to the others.

“Ember, Sereb, and I will go through first. Then you can activate the transformation sigil, Sunburst.”

“Understood sir! Proceed when ready!”

Arc turns to Ember and Sereb. “You two ready?”

“Indeed.”

Ember grins. “Let’s do this!”

The trio steps through the portal and are gone. Sunburst pushes a few buttons before looking up to Arc’s squad.

“Transformation sigil ready! Go ahead, everypony!”

“Let’s go, boys!”

“Right behind you, Max!”

“Here we go!”

“Onward!”

They vanish. Derpy and Dinky slowly walk toward the wormhole together. As they near, Derpy turns to her daughter nervously.

“Dinky, I… I don’t know if I can do this!”

Dinky takes her mother’s hoof. “It’s okay, mom. I’m here for you. Let’s go together!”

Derpy nods and approaches the wormhole with her daughter. They step through it and vanish from sight. A few moments later they step out the other side of the portal as it closes behind them. Arc’s squad stands tall as humans beside him. Sereb is just finishing the spell to change Ember into her human form. She looks down at her hands and frowns.

“Whew! That’s never pleasant!”

Derpy looks around. “Are we… is this…?”

Arc walks over to her and puts his hands on her shoulders. “Yes Derpy. Welcome to Earth.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Let’s get mom inside! She’s shaking!”

Max nods. “Good idea!”

Arc takes Derpy’s hand and leads her toward the house. She takes a few shaky steps before falling to the ground.

“S-sorry!”

Hugh nods. “It’s okay, Miss Derpy.”

Viktor looks at her, understanding. “We weren’t very good at walking on our hind legs when we first came here either.”

Xenos shrugs. “It just takes some practice.”

Dinky and Arc help her up. “Don’t worry mom! I’ll help you!”

Derpy slowly stands up, albeit shakily. “I… I was practicing. But I guess not enough.”

Arc tosses his keys to Max and puts his arm around Derpy’s waist.

“Just lean on me, Derpy. And don’t worry! I won’t let you fall.”

Derpy shakes and nods her head. “Th-thank you, Arc.”

Max unlocks the back door and they step inside the kitchen together. Viktor walks quickly to the living room.

“I’ll get the heat turned up.”

Arc nods to him as he turns to the others. “Good. Hugh, get the police scanners up and running.”

“Yes sir!”

“Xenos, you and Max go get dressed.”

Xenos grins as he heads toward the basement with Max. “Jeans here I come!”

Arc looks at Derpy. “Let’s get you upstairs and into some clothes.”

Dinky accompanies her mother and father up the stairs. “I’ll help you pick out something nice, mom!”

They make their way to Arc’s parent’s room. Arc leads Derpy toward the bed and helps her sit down.

“Are you okay, mom? I know it isn’t the warmest in here, but you’re still shaking!”

Derpy nods. Her voice cracking. “I… I’ll be okay sweetie!”

Arc frowns. Clearly not convinced. “Well… let me see if I can find you something to wear.”

He stands and walks toward the closet as Dinky sits down next to her. “Mom? What’s bothering you?”

“Dinky… I… I just…”

Suddenly Derpy stands shakily. She unties her sash as quickly as possible and allows the robe to fall to the floor! Turning red as a beet, she tries to run to a corner of the room, but falls to the floor! Hastily crawling to the corner and bringing her knees up to her chest as she continues shaking and begins to cry! Wide-eyed at her mother’s sudden outburst, Dinky grabs the robe off the floor and rushes over to her mother’s side!

“MOM!”

Arc rushes over and blushes heavily at Derpy’s naked human form! “D-Derpy?!”

Dinky puts the robe over her mother’s bare shoulders! “Mom, you have to…”

Derpy cries out hysterically as the robe touches her skin. “NO! PLEASE STOP!”

Arc grabs the blanket off the bed and hastily throws it over Derpy’s shoulders! He then pulls her into onto his laps and holds her close.

“Derpy?! What’s gotten into you?!”

Derpy sobs uncontrollably as she leans into Arc’s chest. “I… I’m sorry! I’m SO sorry, Arc!”

Dinky wraps her small arms around her mother’s midsection. “We’re here for you, mom! Whatever it is, we can help!”

Arc nods. “Go ahead and let it all out, Derpy.”

Derpy cries for some time before she is able to speak. She wipes her eyes and takes a few more breathes before finally being able to speak!

“I… I’m sorry you two. It’s just… I’m not used to wearing clothes. You see… the last time I did was…”

She is silent for a time as she sniffles. Arc nods, understanding.

“Was when you wore your magic cloak, right?”

Derpy nods silently.

“I… it only reminds me of… my loneliness back then.”

Dinky snuggles up to her mother as she looks down at her and smiles.

“You see Dinky, like I told you before, back then I was always alone.”

Dinky looks up. “But you’re not alone anymore, mom! You have dad and I! Not to mention an entire town full of ponies who care for you!”

“I know! But… the feeling of that robe on my skin only reminded me of those terrible days!”

She looks up at Arc, the tears still streaming down her face.

“P-please! Don’t make me wear these things!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sorry, Derpy, but you really have to. Humans need to stay covered up.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah mom! I saw how you reacted when you took off your robe! You instinctively tried to cover up your no-no parts!”

Derpy does her best to stifle the sobs. “I… I did?”

Arc nods. “Yes. How do you feel with that blanket on though?”

“Okay, I guess. To be completely honest with you, it kinda reminds me of… that first time you held me.”

“You mean, back when I figured out you were pregnant?”

Derpy nods. “Y-yes. My robe tore and you saw me for the first time.”

Dinky looks confused. “What did dad do back then?”

Derpy smiles at the fond memory. “He grabbed a blanket, wrapped me up in it, and did about what he’s doing right now.”

Arc nods. “Right. You and I fell asleep on the couch together. Why was that so different from your robe?”

“It felt… different. The blanket didn’t feel like I was trying to hide, like the robe had. But instead made me feel somehow secure! That and your loving arms holding me helped a lot!”

“What if I found you something a bit less… restricting? Would that help?”

Derpy wordlessly nods. Arc slowly lets go of her and stands up.

“I think I might have just the solution.”

Arc makes his way back to the closet and pulls something out before returning to Derpy. Dinky looks at the garment in her father’s hands.

“What’s that, dad?”

“It’s a human dress. You look about the right size, Derpy. This should be a bit more relaxed than your robe was.”

Derpy accepts the dress. “Thank you, Arc. It’s very nice.”

Arc nods and turns to walk toward the door. “Well, I’ll leave you to change then.”

Derpy looks up, confused. “You aren’t going to stay and help me get dressed?”

Arc does not look back as he blushes heavily. “That’s… not appropriate, Derpy.”

“Is it because I’m a human now? I know you’ve said time and time again how humans are much more modest than ponies are. But it doesn’t really bother me if you see me without…”

There is a knock at the door. It opens and Ember sticks her head inside.

“Everything okay in here? You’re taking quite a while!”

Arc throws the door open wide and grabs Ember’s hand! “Perfect timing! You see, Derpy needs a bit of help putting on the dress I picked out for her!”

“Oh… I can do that.”

He darts out the door. “Thanks Ember! You’re a lifesaver! Take over!”

Arc closes the door behind him as Ember looks to Derpy with a confused look on her face. She walks over as Dinky helps her mother up.

“You okay?”

Derpy nods as she wipes her red and puffy eyes. “Yes. I am now.”

Dinky takes the blanket off her mother as Ember picks up the undergarments.

“We start with these.”

Derpy looks confused. “What are they?”

“Panties, mom.”

Ember and Dinky help Derpy get dressed. Dinky begins to brush her mother’s hair.

“You look really pretty, mom!”

Derpy smiles, slightly embarrassed. “Do I?”

Ember nods as she puts a pair of socks on Derpy’s new feet. “That you do! I doubt even Arc could resist someone as good looking as you!”

Derpy blushes slightly as she whispers to herself. “That… that would be… nice, I suppose.”

“Did you say something, mom?”

Derpy sighs and shakes her head. “No dear! Just talking to myself.”

Ember looks up at her as she puts a pair of shoes on Derpy’s feet. “You know, that dress belonged to Arc’s mother.”

“It did?”

“Yeah mom. Everything in that closet was his parent’s!”

Derpy looks around. “Then… this was their room?”

Ember nods. “Yup. He let me sleep here last time. But I think you and Dinky should share it now.”

Derpy looks confused. “But where will you sleep?”

“There’s a Guest Room down the hall. Besides… you two should be together.”

Dinky puts the brush down as she finishes. “How’re you holding up, mom? You okay in that dress?”

Derpy smiles as she closes her eyes. “Yes sweetie. I feel… safe, somehow.”

Ember stands up and surveys her work. “Well, I’m done!”

Dinky looks up as she finishes putting her mother’s golden hair into a ponytail. “Me too!”

She stands to join Ember in looking her mother over. Derpy looks to them nervously.

“Do I really look okay?”

Ember points to a vanity mirror on the other side of the room.

“How about you take a look yourself?”

Derpy stands up wobbly. “I… I’d like that!”

Dinky and Ember help her to the vanity seat. Derpy sits down and sees her reflection for the first time since becoming a human. She slowly brings a hand to her cheek.

“Oh… oh my! I… I look… nice?”

Dinky nods. “I’m not the greatest at beauty treatments, but I think so, mom!”

Ember shrugs. “Neither am I, but we did our best!”

Derpy smiles as a tear escapes her eye. “I… I’ve never thought of myself as pretty before! Mostly because of my eyes!

Ember leans over and smiles at her. “Well, a human has smaller eyes than a pony. That condition you have is far less noticeable here.”

Dinky nods. “Dad never said anything about it! So I doubt anyone else will!”

Ember looks toward the door. “Why don’t we see what Arc thinks? Ask him if you pass for a human mare?"

Dinky runs to the door. “I’ll get him!”

She turns the knob and opens the bedroom door to see Arc waiting patiently in the hallway.

“Dad! Mom’s ready!”

Arc walks towards the room. “Well then, let’s have a look.”

He steps inside as Ember helps Derpy up. She stands unsteadily with her hands folded in front of her as she sheepishly looks up at him.

“How… how do I look?”

Arc blushes slightly. “Um… really pretty!”

They are silent for a time before Derpy breaks the silence.

“Ember tells me this was your mother’s dress.”

“It… it was. But it’s yours now. In fact, I think you should have all her old clothes. A special outfit for a special person.”

Derpy looks up, surprised. “What?! But… but I couldn’t!”

Arc takes her hand. “My mom would have loved you, Derpy. I’m sure she would be happy to know such a special girl had inherited her clothes.”

“But they’re so important to you, aren’t they?!”

“They are. But then again so are you. Now why don’t we head downstairs? Everyone else should be dressed by now. Other than Ember, that is.”

Ember walks toward the closet. “Just give me a minute or two.”

Arc turns back to Derpy and Dinky. “I think that’s our cue to leave.”

Derpy slowly makes her way over to the bed and sits down. “Dinky, go with your father. I want to talk to Ember.”

Dinky nods. “Okay!”

“Don’t be too long now, you two.”

She and Arc leave the room and close the door behind them. Ember takes her clothes out of the closest.

“Something wrong?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not… exactly. I just wanted to know something.”

Ember walks over to the bed and lays out her choices. “Is it about… him?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. Tell me, does he look at you… differently when you’re a human?”

Ember removes her robe and shakes her head. “No. Arc has always looked at, spoken to, and treated me like he always has. Human or dragon.”

“I see. One more question. And please keep this between us.”

Ember turns toward Derpy and tosses the robe on to the bed. “Sure! What is it?”

Derpy looks Ember’s bare body up and down. “Tell me, do I… look like you?”

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

“Do we… physically look similar?”

“I guess so. Why?”

Derpy blushes slightly as she looks down at herself. “I can see why he was so embarrassed earlier. Human mares are so… different from ponies!”

Ember nods as she begins to get dressed. “Did something happen?”

“Kinda. You see…”

Derpy retells the story of how she had lost control and threw off her robe while Arc was picking out some clothes for her.

“You did WHAT?!”

Derpy sighs. “I just… panicked and crawled into a corner! It was the only thing I could think of to do!”

Ember grabs her jacket and puts it on. “While I don’t understand his reasoning, Arc says humans aren’t supposed to see each other without clothes on. I mean… you just saw me get dressed right now, and I didn’t feel at all strange.

Derpy shrugs. “I think I understand what he means! As soon as my robe was off, I felt somehow…I don’t know… exposed, I guess! That’s why I tried to get away!”

“What did Arc do?”

“He wrapped me up in a blanket and hugged me along with Dinky. Just like he did for me… back then.”

Ember sits down on the bed next to Derpy. “Back when?”

Derpy tells Ember the story about how she and Arc met, and how he had looked after her even without knowing who she was at the time. Ember stares at Derpy, amazed.

“I knew he was a nice guy and all, but… wow!”

Derpy smiles. “Even since that time in my life, I’ve felt penned in if I’m covered up.”

Ember sighs. “Is that why you always sleep by the fireplace uncovered?”

“Yes.”

“But what about when you and Dinky sleep in Arc’s bed?”

Derpy looks down at her hands and smiles, blushing slightly. “I guess being close to my two favorites are enough of a comfort.”

Ember stands up. “Look Derpy. If you ever need to talk about this, Arc and I are always here for you.”

Derpy shakily stands. “Thanks. But we should probably get downstairs now. Everypony’s probably worried about us!”

“Agreed. Need some help?”

She makes several unsure steps toward the door. “I… think I can make it.”

Ember opens the door for her. Arc is just coming up the stairs.

“Everything okay up here?”

“Yes, Arc. We were just talking and got a bit carried away. Derpy and I are coming downstairs now.”

Derpy sheepishly steps out of the bedroom. She watches every step she takes as she shyly walks toward him.

“Arc, I…”

“Hey! Look out!”

But he’s too late. Derpy misses the first step and falls toward him! Arc lunges forward and catches her before she topples headlong down the stairs! Breathing a sigh of relief, he turns to her.

“Are you okay?!”

Derpy, with her arms around his neck, blushes. “I… um… thank you…”

Arc turns and puts his arm around her waist. “Why don’t I help you down the stairs?”

She nods nervously. Every step very deliberate. “I… I don’t know if I can do this!”

Arc smiles at her. “Sure you can! We’ll have you walking like a human in no time!”

Ember turns around and walks back into the room. She begins removing her clothes from the closet and bringing them to the guest room. As she does so, she smiles and mutters to herself.

“Derpy… I wish I could be as pretty to Arc as you are.”

Together Arc and Derpy reach the bottom of the stairs and make their way to the living room. Dinky is sitting on the couch watching cartoons. As Arc and her mother walk slowly into the room she jumps up to help Derpy to the couch.

“This way, mom! You can do it!”

Derpy nods. “Thank you sweetie, but I need to practice walking if we’re going to be here for a while.”

Arc looks around. “Where’s everyone else?”

Dinky looks to him as she helps her mother walk around. “They’re in the basement. I guess Viktor had quite a bit of papers to go over! Not sure where they came from though!”

Arc nods. “He’s doing research on the Internet.”

Derpy looks over, confused. “What’s the Internet?”

“Yeah dad! You didn’t mention that before!”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding. “It’s kinda like a really fancy television and phone, I guess. You can learn anything from looking things up on it.”

Derpy smiles sheepishly. “How about walking?”

“Well… almost anything.”

After some practice Derpy seems to become more comfortable walking. Arc and Dinky flank her.

“You’re doing great, mom!”

Arc nods. “That you are. Should we let go of you now?”

Derpy nods nervously. “Y-yes!”

The pair step back and allow Derpy to walk on her own. She does so, albeit slowly.

“You’re doing it, mom!”

“Good job, Derpy! I knew you could do it!”

Derpy walks to the kitchen door and back toward Arc. As she nears him, she trips. Arc reaches forward to help steady her.

“I got you!”

Derpy pants, wide-eyed. “Thanks…”

She looks down at the floor and frowns.

“This is tough! I… I’m so high up!”

“I know it’s not easy, mom. But dad helped me learn! We’ll do the same for you!”

Arc nods. “That we will. But I think all you need is a bit of practice.”

Derpy nods as she continues to look down. “These hands are going to take some getting used to as well.”

Dinky wiggles her own fingers and smiles. “I like being a human!”

Arc laughs. “So do I!”

Dinky’s stomach suddenly growls. Derpy looks over to her.

“Are you hungry, sweetie?”

“I guess I am.”

Arc nods. “We should get to work making lunch.”

Derpy looks nervous. “We?”

“It’s the perfect chance to help you learn to walk and pick things up with your new hands.”

“I don’t know…”

“Come on, mom! You have to start somewhere!”

Arc takes her hand. “That and if you drop something, we can just clean it up.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Okay then! Let’s do it!”

“Follow me!”

Arc leads Dinky and Derpy to the kitchen. Dinky looks around excitedly.

“What should we make?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Hmmm… how about something that exists in both Equestria and Earth?”

Dinky looks to her father happily! “You mean…”

“Yup! Let’s make pizza!”

Dinky grins. “Can we try some different combinations?!”

“Sure! We’ve got plenty of dried fruits and vegetables. Sorry I don’t have anything fresh. Have to go shopping.”

Derpy smiles. “That’s okay! It will still be fun trying new things!”

He takes the flour out of the cupboard. “That it will. And as a family as well!”

Arc begins making the dough with Derpy as Dinky sorts through the various toppings. A few minutes later he hands it to Derpy, who carefully begins to work the dough with a rolling pin.

“Like this, Arc?”

Arc tosses some more flour on the dough. “Yup. Keep rolling and we’ll have our crust in no time.”

Dinky holds up some packages. “How about ham and pineapple?!”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s actually a popular combination here, sweetheart.”

She looks at the package in her hands. “Is it good?”

“Kinda.”

Derpy looks confused. “Ham?”

Arc nods. “It’s from pigs.”

Derpy frowns at the packaging. “Pigs?!”

Dinky nods. “It’s what hamburgers are made of, mom!”

Arc shakes his head. “No Dinky. That’s beef.”

“Oh. I thought from the name…”

He turns to Derpy. “I let Dinky try some of my burger last time she was here.”

Derpy nods, turning a bit green. “That’s… I don’t know how I feel about that!”

“It was really good, mom!”

“Please think about your mother, Dinky. Remember how you felt when I ordered that burger the first time.”

Dinky sighs. “I guess it made me feel a little grossed out.”

She turns to her mother.

“Sorry mom.”

“It’s okay sweetie. But I’d rather you didn’t eat things like that in the future.”

Dinky frowns. “Awww… Dad, say something!”

“If your mother says no, then you should do what she says.”

Dinky sighs. “Okay.”

She goes back to looking over the ingredients with her father.

“How about diced tomatoes and pineapple? I don’t think anyone has ever tried that before.”

Dinky nods. “It could work. Let’s try it!”

Derpy spreads tomato sauce over the dough. “Okay!”

They assemble a half dozen small pizzas and one large cheese. A short time later the house smells of cooking food. Derpy looks through the oven door.

“It certainly smells like pizza!”

Arc chuckles. “Who knows! Maybe Dinky’s come up with the latest pizza topping craze!”

Dinky sniffs the air hungrily. “We’ll know soon enough!”

A few minutes later Arc removes the pans from the over and sets them out to cool. He turns to his daughter.

“Dinky, would you please tell everyone it’s lunch time?”

Dinky runs down the basement stairs. “Okay!”

Derpy sighs. “She’s growing up so fast.”

“That she is.”

“It seems like only yesterday Dinky was still in diapers!”

Arc frowns. “It really wasn’t that long ago, thanks to Kronos.”

“Is something wrong?”

Arc sighs. “It’s just… I’m rather tired of… whatever Kronos is meddling in our affairs! We’re treated like pieces on a game board!”

“I’m not a huge fan of what Kronos did either. But it didn’t hurt Dinky, nor did it take her away from us!”

“I suppose not. However, that’s not really much consolation.”

Derpy nods. “I know. But it’s all we have to hold onto.”

Chapter 12 - Preemptive Strike

Sometime later Arc and company finish their meal. Arc looks to his daughter happily.

“Gotta hand it to you, Dinky. Those combinations weren’t half bad.”

Max nods. “Yes indeed.”

Xenos chuckles. “I liked them too!”

Viktor smiles at her. “Perhaps when this is all over, we can celebrate with some more pizza!”

Hugh grins widely. “We should!”

Arc sighs. “A good idea. However, this whole mission is far from over.”

He turns to Viktor.

“Anything from the Internet?”

Viktor nods. “We missed quite a bit of Shard activity.”

Ember sighs. “I was afraid we would.”

Dinky smiles up at her father. “It couldn’t really be helped though, right?”

“Right. What have Frank and his cronies been up to?”

Viktor clears his throat as he and the others take papers out of their pockets. “Looks like a lot of robbery lately. And I mean a LOT!”

Derpy looks confused. “What kind of things are they taking?”

Hugh shakes his head. “Everything that isn’t nailed down!”

Xenos nods. “Literally! They’re highjacking vehicles at truck stops!”

Max shrugs. “What they’re doing with all that stuff is anyone’s guess though!”

Viktor leans forward and hands Arc a few pieces of paper. “I think you’d better see this one yourself, sir. It was in this morning’s news feed.”

Ember rolls her eyes as Arc takes the papers. “Come on! How bad could it be?”

Arc quickly scans the pages. Suddenly, the blood drains from his face!

“This IS bad!”

Sereb frowns. “What is it?”

Arc reads the article quickly. “It says here our local gun store was robbed!”

Ember grits her teeth. “By the Shards?”

“Looks like it.”

Dinky looks to her father, soberly. “How much did they take?”

“Everything.”

Derpy frowns. “Everything?”

Arc turns one of the papers toward they others. It depicts an empty store.

“Literally, everything!”

Ember looks intently at the picture. “That is a whole lot of empty!”

Cherry calls out. “Does Marshal Raynor have any leads?”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably not. Gun theft is handled by the feds.”

Hugh grimaces. “Them again?!”

Viktor rolls his eyes. “How much do you want to bet they’re not doing a whole lot?”

Xenos grits his teeth. “You’re probably right.”

“Well, according to this article, they’ve yet to report any leads.”

Hugh frowns. “I don’t get it! What would the Shards even want with a bunch of guns?”

Max turns to Arc, nervously. “Maybe they’re looking to take their racketeering to the next level!”

Ember calls forth her spear and armor. “Bring em on!”

Arc shakes his head. “Knowing Frank like I do, that seems really unlikely. He’s a bad guy, but not a killer!”

Derpy looks confused. “What else could they be used for?”

“My guess is they’re going to sell them on some kind of black market. Doing so would certainly net them quite a bit of cash.”

Max nods. “We going to do something about this, sir?”

Arc stands up. “That we are.”

Ember sighs and rolls her eyes. “Please tell me you have a plan! I mean, we don’t even know where they have these weapons!”

Max nods. “Or even IF they do!”

Arc nods. “I know. But there’s one place to start,”

Dinky looks confused. “Where?!”

“The Shard’s Hideout.”

Hugh sighs. “First we’d have to find it.”

“It’s just outside town in an old, abandoned factory.”

Viktor’s eyes grow wide. “Wait, what?!”

Derpy turns to Arc. “How in Celestia’s name do you know that?!”

“I’ve known Frank for a long time. While we haven’t spoken in quite some time, as far as I know, they’re still up there.”

Max nods. “Let’s assume you’re right. What’s the plan?”

“I’m going up there late tonight and have a look around.”

Ember glares at him. “Not without me you’re not!”

“Fine with me. I’m planning on going in there cloaked anyways.”

Hugh sighs. “All well and good for you sir. But what about Ember?”

Arc removes a magic cloak from his ring and gives it to Ember. “I knew this cloak Shining Armor left behind when he broke into Light’s Hope would come in handy one day.”

Ember accepts the cloak and quickly slips it on. “Great! We can stay together!”

Derpy smiles. “But if you’re both cloaked, how are you supposed to see one another?”

Arc pulls his helmet out of his ring. “My helmet’s True Sight enchantment should allow me to see Ember. Care to try?”

Ember cloaks. “Good idea!”

Arc puts on his helmet and looks right at Ember.

“I can see you just fine. Now the only problem is how are you supposed to see me?”

Ember chuckles. “Last time we were in Redemption Village I had Mythic Honor put a True Sight enchantment on my own helmet. I should have no trouble seeing you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?! When did you have time to do that?!”

“It only took him about three seconds.”

“Huh… there is more to that guy than meets the eye.”

Max looks to Arc. “What about us, sir?”

“I think it would be best if we kept this group small and stealthy.”

Xenos frowns. “Can we at least drive you there?”

“No need. I took the liberty of placing a sigil on a hill overlooking their hideout.”

Hugh narrows his eyes. “You planned this, didn’t you, sir?”

Arc nods. “I knew we’d have to go there eventually. However, I thought for sure they’d tone down their crimes for Christmas.”

Viktor shrugs. “Perhaps they’re foregoing traditional presents this year in lieu of stolen ones?”

Hugh looks at Viktor. “Presents?”

“I looked up Christmas on the Internet. Seems like a very similar holiday to Hearth’s Warming.”

Arc nods. “We’ll have to compare notes on that tomorrow.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “There’s something to do now?”

“Yeah. Ember and I should probably rest up for tonight. Wouldn’t do to have us walking around the Shard’s Hideout half asleep.”

Dinky sighs. “I guess not…”

“Sorry about this you two. But if I don’t get these weapons away from them, a lot of innocent people could get hurt.”

Dinky turns to her father and nods. “I understand. But… can we do something fun together soon?”

“Yes. Assuming there isn’t anything of immediate importance, your mother and I could spend the day together.”

Dinky throws her hands up happily. “YAY!”

Derpy looks nervous. “Isn’t it a bit soon for that, Arc? I mean… I’m still working on walking!”

Dinky helps her mother stand up. “Don’t worry mom! I’ll help you practice all day if I have to!”

Derpy smiles happily. “Okay, let’s do it! I want to be ready!”

Cherry calls to them as he and Ember stand up. “Arc? If you’d let me borrow your armor, I’ll take care of supper tonight.”

Arc nods, calls forth his armor, and steps out of it. “Thanks Cherry. Just be sure there are enough leftovers for us to have something before we leave.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods and waves as the pair head upstairs to bed. “I’ll see to it.”

Max turns to the others. “Well, we should probably get back to work ourselves.”

Viktor nods. “Right! Better too much intel than not enough.”

As Arc’s squad again heads for the basement Derpy and Dinky stand up. Eidolon’s Ward looks over to the pair.

“Shall I help as well?”

Derpy nods. “Thank you. I’ll take all the help I can get right now!”

Dinky looks over to the armor. “Miss Cherry? How did you get so good at walking on two feet?”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Dinky as Derpy puts her hand in the palm of the gauntlet. “Practice. Sadly, there isn’t really a shortcut to success in this case.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember doze as best they can throughout the afternoon. About midnight Arc knocks on the Guest Room door. Ember sits up and turns to him.

“Is it time?”

Arc nods. “As soon as we have a little something to eat, yes.”

Ember steps out into the hallway and the pair walk downstairs. There is a light on in the kitchen. Stepping into the room they find Eidolon’s Ward sitting patiently in a chair waiting for them. Arc smiles.

“Good morning, Cherry. Kinda…”

“Good morning you two! Did you sleep well?”

Ember shrugs. “Kinda. It’s not exactly easy to sleep in the middle of the day.”

Arc nods as he opens the refrigerator and pulls out a couple plates of food covered in plastic wrap. “Especially when you’re anticipating a mission.”

Ember looks at the food. “I guess cold food is still better than no food at all.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’ll stick it in the microwave for a few minutes.”

“The what?”

He puts a plate in the microwave and pushes a few buttons. “It warms food up quickly.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How?”

Arc shrugs as he pushes the ‘Start’ button. “I’m not really sure.”

Eidolon’s Ward picks up a piece of paper from the counter and walks over to Arc. “Dinky wanted to stay up and see you off, but she wasn’t able to keep her eyes open. I helped her and Derpy to bed about two hours ago.”

“Thanks. They’re really dedicated.”

Eidolon’s Ward hands Arc the paper. “Dinky wanted you to have this before you left.”

“What is it?”

“Just a little note she wrote before she fell asleep.”

The paper is a hastily drawn picture of Dinky standing between Arc and Derpy happily. There is a message that reads ‘Come home safely, dad!’. Arc smiles.

“Dinky’s such a sweetheart. She wanted to tell me this herself, but couldn’t.”

Ember looks over Arc’s shoulder at the note. “We have to be certain not to let her down now.”

Arc walks over to the refrigerator and hangs up the picture. “That’s a good place for it!”

The microwave beeps and Arc switches out the plates. He then sets the steaming food in front of Ember. She appears amazed!

“What…? HOW?!”

Arc shrugs. “You could have Viktor look it up for you later if you want.”

“I just might have him do that for me.”

The pair quickly eat and put their empty plates in the sink. Arc looks over at Eidolon’s Ward and Ember. “You two ready to do this?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Yes! I’ll do my best to keep you safe!”

Ember calls forth her armor. “I was born ready!”

Arc’s armor opens to allow Arc to don it. Ember and Arc both put on their magic cloaks. Suddenly there is the sound of feet coming quickly up the stairs! Max runs up to Arc!

“Sir, we want to help!”

“I’m sure you do. But until the Hammers finish your new armor…”

Viktor holds up a small crate bearing the royal seal. “Yes, well, this came through from Equestria while you were asleep, sir!”

Ember looks confused. “But it’s not time for another portal to open.”

Hugh nods. “True. But apparently non-living matter is much easier to move between worlds.”

Xenos shrugs. “I don’t get it either.”

Arc walks over. “Okay. So what’s inside?”

Viktor opens the crate and pulls out what appears to be a small television screen and several smaller items.

“According to the notes that came with this, we can use this screen and the enclosed trackers to monitor your progress and, quite literally, watch your back!”

Cherry giggles happily. “Great! How does it work?”

Hugh walks to Arc with one of the sensors. “We put these trackers on your armor. They send a signal back to this screen.”

Arc nods. “Like little cameras?”

Max grins. “Exactly!”

Viktor steps forward and places the small trackers on the front, back and sides of Arc’s helmet. “With this addon we’ll be able to help you with running a mission without having to leave the basement or be in harm’s way.”

Xenos frowns. “Where’s the fun in that?!”

“I’m sorry if it’s a bit boring. But until you guys have armor, I don’t want you in danger. I’m sure there will be plenty more missions in the coming months.”

Max nods. “We understand, sir.”

Viktor quickly plugs in the system and turns it on. “Let’s see if it’s working.”

The screen quickly brightens to show a four-way display of all four sides of Arc’s surroundings. Ember frowns.

“That’s kinda creepy.”

Arc shrugs. “If they can spot something before I see it, all the better!”

Viktor thinks for a moment. “I think I should be able to patch this into my computer screen while the others watch this, sir.”

Ember glares at him. “I don’t like the idea of using a real mission to test equipment!”

“Neither do I. But if this works it will be a valuable addition to our arsenal. But we should get moving. You boys get that thing set up downstairs and we’ll see how useful it really is.”

Viktor salutes and hurries downstairs with the others. “Yes sir! Shouldn’t take much more than a couple minutes.”

Arc nods. “We’ll wait.”

Ember turns to him. “Do you really think this will be THAT helpful?!”

“I do. It will be like having four extra sets of eyes.”

Cherry giggles from within. “Make that five!”

A few minutes later a familiar voice comes over Arc’s earring.

“Sir? Can you hear us?”

“Loud and clear, Max. You guys ready down there?”

Hugh chuckles. “As ready as we’ll ever be.”

Viktor nods. “Go ahead and teleport over, sir. We’ll be in touch.”

Xenos looks at the screen before him. “We got your back.”

He nods. “Okay. Here we go.”

Arc opens a portal. As he and Ember are about to step through, there is the sound of movement behind them. Sereb approaches stoically.

“I would like to come as well. My Cub Form will make me an excellent scout.”

Ember shakes her head. “This is going to be dangerous, Sereb.”

“I am aware of that. However, I am bound to protect Arc, and that is what I wish to do.”

Arc nods. “Both of us will be invisible. How would you follow us?”

“You forget I have heightened hearing and sense of smell. Keeping up with you will be a simple matter.”

“Well… okay. But don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

“Very well.”

The trio enters the portal. In a moment they find themselves on a hill overlooking the Shard Hideout. Arc points to a large building below them.

“There it is.”

Ember shakes her head. “I’m not sure if I should be impressed or disgusted!”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps we should merely respect their martial prowess. As we seek to end this madness, that is.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Ready to go?”

“Yup!”

“As am I.”

Arc and Ember cloak and head toward the base with Sereb following closely behind. He touches his earring and whispers.

“You guys read me?”

Viktor nods. “Loud and clear, sir.”

Xenos clears his throat. “Anything in particular we should be looking for?”

Hugh chuckles. “Other than the stolen weapons, that is?”

Arc shrugs. “Anything that could prove dangerous mostly.”

Max turns his head toward the computer desk. “Viktor, can we record this?”

Viktor presses a button on his keyboard. “Way ahead of you!”

Arc smiles. “Good. I may want to review this later.”

They near the building. Several tough looking Shards are on guard duty. Ember whispers to him as she and Arc come together.

“We can take them!”

Sereb frowns. “Yes. And alert others to our presence.”

Ember hisses back. “Not if we act quickly!”

Arc shakes his head. “They have additional guards watching the courtyard.”

Ember frowns. What?! How do you know that?!”

Arc points to a couple windows. “I can see them.”

True enough, Ember and Sereb see silhouettes in several windows.

“Okay, okay! I see them! What’s the plan?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Follow me.”

He leads them around to the back of the building. As they approach the loading dock, Arc stops.

“This is as good a place as any.”

Ember looks around. “Why here?!”

“It’s the middle of the night. They wouldn’t be loading or unloading trucks right now. Now then, come closer and I’ll Blink us inside.”

Ember grins as she walks over to him and puts an arm around Arc as Sereb jumps into her other arm.

“I’m liking this plan!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Here we go.”

In an instant they are inside the building. Arc whispers to them.

“This is where things get dangerous.”

Sereb nods as he jumps down. “Where should we check first?”

Ember looks around. “Think those weapons are around here?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. Let’s have a look around, shall we?”

The trio investigates the Loading Docks to no avail. Ember shakes her head as they reconvene.

“Nothing here.”

Sereb nods. “That may be a good thing.”

Ember frowns. “How so?”

“Sereb’s right. If they’re not here, that means the Shards aren’t ready to move them out for sale.”

“What about using those things themselves?!”

Arc turns away from her. “That’s what we hope to avoid! Let’s go this way next.”

Ember and Sereb follow Arc down the corridor as she looks around.

“This building has certainly seen better days.”

“True. But it’s the perfect place for a gang to hole up. Lots of space to house and store their spoils.”

They continue on their way. Soon they come to a makeshift Dormitory. Everyone appears to be asleep as they quickly pass by. Soon they hear footsteps coming toward them. Arc and Ember flatten themselves against the wall as Sereb dives under Ember’s cloak. A few moments later they spot Stingray walking down the corridor with Frank.

“I still don’t get why you wanted all those guns! My sources could have gotten you whatever you needed!”

Frank smiles at her as he hobbles down the corridor. “Think of it more as a backup source of revenue. Should we ever be hurting for cash, it would be a simple matter to flip the weapons. Especially with plenty of ammo. But tell me, is it wise for us to put all our proverbial eggs in one basket?”

Stingray frowns. “What do you mean?”

“No one is infallible. If we rely on your… sources, as you call them, for every vital thing we need, we’ll come to be completely dependent on them. If that happens, they may fail us at a critical phase in my plans.”

Stingray shakes her head. “My sources have never let me down before.”

“I’m sure they haven’t. But I won’t leave the fate of my organization in the hands of those whom do not show themselves.”

“Speaking of which, just what IS the next phase?”

“We can talk about it tomorrow. The night is upon us.”

“It has been for some time, sir. Why don’t you get some rest?”

Frank nods. “Yes, I think that is in order.”

“Shall I wake you at the normal time?”

“One does not get ahead by missing breakfast. So yes, I’ll see you at 6, sharp!”

The pair turn a corner as Arc pulls Ember close. She whispers to him urgently.

“They DO have them!”

Arc nods. “At least they haven’t been sold.”

Sereb points a paw down the corridor. “Let us see to it that remains true.”

They search the hideout for another hour. In doing so they discover the Kitchen, Common’s Area, Offices and finally what appears to be a Training Center. Ember looks around at the various exercise equipment.

“They’ve certainly thought of everything.”

Xenos folds his arms over his chest. “This place is pretty well stocked for a bunch of thugs and criminals.”

Arc sighs. “Yes. Their members rely on Frank for everything from their housing, food and even their income.”

Max frowns. “Like subjects!”

Sereb growls. “That is not a position they should be in.”

Ember shrugs. “Why not? If they weren’t such scumbags, I might feel right at home in here.”

Arc turns to her. “When you rely on someone… or in this case an organization, for everything, you’ll quickly see that you aren’t being helped by them. In fact, you’re owned BY them!”

Sereb shudders. “A frightening thought. An army mindlessly following their leaders.”

“It happens a lot here on Earth. But let’s get back to work.”

Viktor types hurriedly. “I’m doing my best to map this place out as you go, sir. Tomorrow I’ll go over the footage and see if I can’t fill in the gaps.”

“Good. Keep it up.”

The group finishes exploring the immediate area which proves fruitless. Ember looks to Arc.

“Where else can we look?”

“There’s still the factory floor. But it’s probably filled with old machines and mountains of garbage.”

Sereb sighs. “A needle in a haystack.”

“Something like that.”

Ember nods. “That may be, but we have to try.”

Sereb looks down a corridor. “Shall I scout ahead?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We should go search together.”

Ember frowns. “As big as this place looked from the outside, it’s going to take all of us.”

Max chuckles. “That is, assuming you three don’t want to be there when until morning.”

Xenos nods. “That place is probably bustling come sunrise.”

Hugh chuckles. “Agreed.”

Ember looks around. “How do you suppose we get to the factory floor?”

Arc motions for them to follow him. “This way.”

Sereb looks to him. “How can you be certain?”

“Well, a place this big probably has several ways into the production floor.”

Before long they approach two large double doors. Viktor grins at the sight before him on the monitor.

“There!”

They enter the factory’s production floor. It is poorly lit and full of junk machines and storage. Ember frowns.

“What a dump!”

Arc nods as the slowly move along. “Watch yourselves. There are a lot of places one could hide in here.”

He points up at the old offices above.

“And who’s to say we aren’t being watched!”

Sereb sniffs the air. “I do not smell anyone nearby. However, this place does dull my senses.”

Ember frowns. “How? The dust?”

Sereb nods. “There is that. I’m not sure how, but something in here seems to be… interfering.

Max nods soberly. “Strange. Some kind of magic?”

“Unknown.”

Cherry calls out to Arc. “I can’t quite put my hoof on it, but something about this place just feels… off.”

“You feel that too? I thought I was just imagining it, Cherry.

Ember grimaces. “Let’s finish this up so we can get out of here.”

The group moves slowly around the production floor. Before long they come to a large door. Ember looks up to a sign over it.

“Maintenance?”

Max chuckles. “This place could certainly use some.”

Arc grins. “This looks promising.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Maintenance is where they work on broken equipment.”

Hugh looks confused. “Oh? How does that help?”

“This is probably the best place to store something valuable, as these walls look pretty thick.”

Ember nods as she puts a hand on the door. “Sturdy door too. Want me to break it down?”

Xenos frowns. “That would be… loud. Very loud!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Let me Blink through and open this door quietly.”

He quickly does so. A few moments later her opens the door from the inside and flicks a nearby light switch. Stepping aside, he allows Ember and Sereb to enter.

“See? Much quieter. Although that was much harder to do than it normally is.”

Sereb frowns. “How so?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know. It just felt like a really thick door, or something.”

Ember looks around as Arc closes the door behind them. “This has to be it!”

“I suppose we can decloak now.”

Ember turns to him as she and Arc become visible. “Good! The energy needed to run this thing was really starting to wear me out!”

Arc chuckles. “No one ever said being stealthy was easy work.”

The perimeter of the room is filled with large crates. Arc opens one and peers inside as Ember walks over.

“Find anything?”

Arc turns around with a hunting rifle in his gauntlet. “I would say so, yes.”

She looks at the crates around the room. “There has to be hundreds of those things in here!”

Sereb nods. “We should get them out of here.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yes. Maybe the Shards have a truck we can borrow.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry about that. I got your truck right here!”

He casts the Matter Compacting spell on the crates. As they shrink down, he pulls them toward himself and quickly puts them in his ring.

“That’s all of them.”

Sereb clears his throat. “Uh, Arc?”

“Yes?”

“What about that over there?”

Sereb points a paw over at something that was, up until a few moments ago, hidden from view by the crates. Ember’s eyes grow wide.

“Is that what I think it is?!”

Before them sits a large moving truck.

Sereb growls. “Isn’t that the truck from the warehouse?”

“I think it is! Let’s find out!”

Arc quickly opens the truck’s back door and jumps inside. Opening a box and peering inside, he sighs.

“No doubt about it. It’s the same truck.”

Ember frowns. “How do you know?”

Arc pulls out a package and points at the label. “All this stuff is the same brand as the company that owns that warehouse!”

Sereb looks confused. “How did they get it inside?”

Arc jumps down and closes the truck’s door. “There’s a large overhead door over there. Easy as pie to just drive it in here.”

Ember nods. “Can I assume we’re also liberating the truck?”

“That we are.”

It takes some time, but Arc slowly shrinks down the truck and its contents. Ember grins.

“That was easy enough.”

The sound of a slow clap can be heard from behind the group. Arc turns around quickly with the others. His eyes narrow as he spots a familiar face.

“Oh great… you again. Thanks for the heads up, guys. Guys?”

Stingray and several burly members of the Shards stand in the now open doorway. Arc taps the side of his helmet.

“I’ve lost the signal. But it looks like we have bigger problems right now.”

Ember calls forth her spear. “I guess we should have been quieter.”

Stingray chuckles. “Not really. You see, when you turned on the lights in this room it sent out a signal to my quarters.”

Arc shrugs. “Clever.”

“Now then… if you two would be so kind as to hand over your valuables, especially that ring, and come with me now…”

Arc reaches down to pick up the miniature truck. “That isn’t going to happen.”

Stingray watches as Arc puts the truck in his ring. Smiling, she removes her whip from her side. “That ring of yours would be worth a fortune to the right customer! Just hand it over quietly or this is going to get really complicated… REALLY FAST!

Ember levels her spear at Stingray. “You want to get to him, you’ll have to go through ME!”

Stingray strikes up a battle stance. “Sure you want to do that? Your boyfriend here didn’t do so well against me the last time we met.”

Arc puts a gauntlet in front of Ember signaling her to stand down as he turns back to Stingray.

“Sorry, but we’ll have to take a rain check on that. Things to do… stolen property to take back. I’m sure you understand, miss.”

Stingray shakes her head as she turns to the Shards with her. “Boys, why don’t you teach these two some manners?”

A pair of guards approach. As they near Arc and Ember, the thugs quickly find themselves knocked against the far wall by two very strong fists. Stingray shakes her head at her unconscious companions before turning back to Arc.

“Good help is so hard to find these days. Guess I’ll have to take you two down myself.”

Arc shakes his head. “Maybe next time. Sereb, NOW!”

Sereb jumps in front of Arc and quickly returns to his full size. Stingray takes a step back, clearly surprised.

“What the…?!”

Arc jumps on Sereb’s back as Ember leaps on behind him!

“GO!!!”

Sereb rushes at Stingray who dives out of the way as the trio blows past the other Shards waiting just outside the room. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“What are you waiting for, Arc?! Open a portal!”

Arc raises his gauntlet. “I can’t!”

He shakes his head.

“Can you guys hear me?!”

Ember frowns. “It’s no use! Something must be jamming the signal along with some of our magic! How are they doing that?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Why don’t we discuss this later?” Like when we’re not running for our lives!”

As Sereb runs down the corridor, a large group of Shards comes running toward them from around a corner. Jackal and Snake are with them.

“HA! We’s gots them trapped now!”

Snake grins. “Nowhere for them to run!”

Sereb skids to a stop. They turn around to see Stingray and her group quickly approaching from the opposite direction. Ember frowns.

“Ideas?!”

Arc looks around. “Just one… SEREB, OUT THE WINDOW!”

Sereb jumps through a window to the ground below and dashes towards the cover of the nearby woods. They run for some time before Arc looks over his shoulder.

“I… I think we lost them.”

His earring chirps weakly as Viktor’s voice comes through with great amounts of static.

“Sir! Can you hear me?! Come in please?!”

“We’re here.”

Ember glares at the earring as she speaks. “Fine time for you jokers to take a coffee break! Where were you?!”

Max shakes his head. “Shortly after you jumped out of that truck the signal faded!”

Arc frowns. “My gauntlet’s portal magic wasn’t working either.”

Hugh nods. “How about now?”

“Let’s see. Standby.”

He raises his gauntlet. As usual, a portal opens.

“We’ll be back there in just a moment.”

Arc nudges Sereb. He walks through the portal and appears on the sigil in Arc’s basement. Xenos quickly stands and runs over to them with the others.

“Anyone hurt?!”

Ember shakes her head. “We’re fine! I think…”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief. “That was scary!”

Max shakes his head. “We’re sorry to leave you without our aid, sir! I get the feeling that equipment still has some bugs to work out.”

Arc removes his helmet and sits down. “I get the feeling what happened wasn’t your fault.”

Sereb pants. “That was indeed a close call. I had trouble returning to my true form back there.”

Arc nods as he dismounts. “Just like I found it difficult to Blink through that door.”

Hugh’s eyes grow wide. “How did you get away?!”

Arc grins. “We went old school!”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Ember recalls her armor and sighs. “Arc pulled off an impromptu half-baked plan, which involved us jumping through a window and running away!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. I really hope no one saw that! It’s embarrassing to have to run from two-bit punks like the Shards.”

Sereb growls. “That one they call Stingray did not strike me as someone who should be trifled with.”

“I guess not. Everything was working just fine until she showed up.”

Max turns to Arc. “Do you think she had anything to do with your magical problems?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t see how. I mean, humanity doesn’t even know such things even exist.”

Viktor takes Arc’s helmet and examines the camera addons. “I’ll look these over and make sure it wasn’t electronic failure. Just to be sure.”

Ember nods. “Good idea.”

“How about you, Cherry? Did you feel anything?”

“Not a thing. I didn’t even hear her or the other gang members sneak up.”

Sereb frowns. “Neither did I. Such a feat should not be possible.”

Arc sighs. “Well, nothing more to do about it tonight. How about we all get some sleep now? Morning will be here before we know it.”

Ember yawns. “Good idea. I could go for some shuteye.”

He over to Viktor who is already running tests on the electronics. “Take care of that tomorrow, Viktor. All of you get some sleep.”

“But…”

Arc smiles. “That’s an order.”

“Very well, sir.”

Ember turn to him as she, Arc, and Sereb head for the stairs. “I know you’re just as anxious to figure this out as Arc and I are. But we won’t accomplish much if we’re falling asleep.”

They leave the basement and head for their rooms. Meanwhile, back at the Shard Hideout, Frank walks slowly down the corridor as his men clean up the mess caused by the broken window.

“Stingray, what happened here?!”

“The ‘hero’ from the warehouse broke in here and raided the storeroom!”

“Did they get anything?”

Stingray nods. “All the guns and the truckload of electronics… along with the truck itself.”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

“We’re not sure, sir. All we know is he has some kind of weird power. Sorcery perhaps.”

Frank shakes his head. “Do you expect me to believe there’s some guy running around with bona-fide magical powers?!”

“Well, that’s the only way he could have gotten that far without being detected. And carry out all that stuff.”

Frank turns to look out the smashed window. “I see. Any chance your ‘friends’ might be able to track him or that loot down again?”

Stingray shakes her head. “I’ll ask around, but I doubt it will do any good. If he does have super powers, he’ll likely have a multitude of ways to stay hidden.”

Frank walks slowly away. “Do try, won’t you kindly.”

“Yes sir.”

She quickly heads for her quarters and picks up the phone. As she dials, Stingray shakes her head.

“What a night!”

Putting the receiver to her ear, she is connected.

“It’s me. We’ve had a bit of an incident over here. Some guy in white armor, a woman in gold armor and their dog broke in and stole a bunch of stuff including the guns and ammunition. They had some kind of strange power.”

She pauses as the person on the other end of the line speaks. Stingray reaches into her shirt and pulls out a pendant from around her neck. Setting it down next to the phone as she nods her head.

“Yes… possibly magic. The item you gave me did indeed work. However, the range was fairly small.”

She nods and listens.

“Yes sir. I’ll let you know if I learn anything more. “

Stingray hangs up the phone and sits down on her bed. Picking up the pendant and looking at it, she mutters to herself.

“I thought this whole thing was just one colossal waste of time. That is, until tonight! Where on earth did this guy and his friend come from?! They can’t really have magic! Can they...?"

Chapter 13 - Out and About

Arc and the others head to bed for a well-deserved rest. The next morning as the sun rises there is a small knock on Arc’s bedroom door. He slowly opens his eyes.

“Come… come in.”

Dinky opens the door hastily and runs over to her father’s bedside. Her hair is unkempt and her clothes wrinkled.

“DAD! Are you okay?!”

Arc nods as he sits up. “Y-yeah. Good morning sweetheart.”

“Mom and I wanted to see you off! But I guess we fell asleep.”

“Cherry carried you two upstairs to bed.”

The helmet on the nightstand shakes slightly as Cherry’s voice comes forth.

“That I did! You two were so cute lying there together that I hated to have to move you.”

Arc smiles. “Thanks for taking care of them.”

The sound of footsteps hurrying down the hallway toward them can be heard as Derpy rushes into the room.

“Dinky! What are you doing?!”

“Just making sure dad is okay.”

“Yes, well… I’m sure your father needs his rest now! Think of the late night he had!”

Dinky looks down at her bare feet. “Oh… I’m sorry, dad.”

Arc stands up and tousles her hair. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I should be getting up anyways.”

Derpy looks at him, concerned. “Are you sure?! We could leave you alone for a while if you want to get some more sleep!”

Arc opens his dresser and pulls out some clean clothes. “I’ll just get a quick shower and see how my squad is doing.”

“Okay. But only if you’re sure.”

Arc nods as he walks toward the pair. “You’re doing better with walking.”

“I am?”

“Yes. You made it from your room to mine in record time.”

Dinky grins. “Mom worked really hard on it yesterday afternoon after you and Miss Ember went to bed!”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Yes, well… I couldn’t have done it without your help, Dinky.”

Arc turns to them. “Why don’t you two go ahead and take a shower in the main bathroom?”

“What about you, dad?”

Arc chuckles as he picks up his helmet and holds it a moment before returning it to his ring. “I’ll use the Guest Room shower. Ember will probably sleep for a while longer after our mission last night.”

Dinky follows him as they walk down the hallway together. “Do all dragons sleep as much as she does?”

Derpy frowns. “That’s not very polite, Dinky! Ember works very hard to keep your father safe!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure about dragons. But humans do require proper rest. Especially when infiltrating bad guy’s lairs in the early hours of the morning.”

He taps the tip of Dinky’s small nose. She giggles happily as her mother calls to her from the master bedroom.

“Come along now sweetie. We’ll pick out some new clothes for today.”

Arc calls out after them. “Something thick! The day’s not getting any warmer.”

Dinky nods. “Okay dad!”

He stops in front of the guest room door and knocks quietly before entering. Ember is still sound asleep. Her covers are tossed to one side. Arc covers her back up and shakes his head, smiling.

“Sleep well, my friend.”

Arc heads for her bathroom and closes the door behind him. As he turns on the water, Arc mutters to himself. “What a night! I’m glad the three of us made it out okay!”

He steps into the shower and lathers up.

“That woman Stingray… how did she DO that?! The Shards shouldn’t be able to counter magic! No one here on Earth should! Is someone from Equestria helping them?!”

He bangs his head lightly on the wall of the shower several times.

“Someone… somewhere has the answers to my questions! I just wish that someone was me!”

Arc finishes showering and gets dressed. As he steps out of the bathroom he finds Ember sitting on the edge of her bed waiting for him.

“Sorry for barging in here like this. I told Dinky and Derpy to use the main bathroom.”

Ember nods as she stands up. “It’s fine. This is your house, after all.”

As the pair head for the door together Arc turns to her. “Yes, well… are you okay?”

Ember nods as they leave the guest room and walk down the hall. “I was just thinking about last night. What happened?!”

Arc shrugs as they descend the stairs. “Not a clue. But I didn’t like it one bit.”

Cherry sounds nervous. “Seeing your gauntlet fail you when it was needed most was unsettling!”

Arc blushes. “Ch-Cherry?!”

“What is it?!”

“I’m sorry! It’s just… I kinda forgot you were in there!”

She giggles. “Don’t worry! I didn’t peek on you in the shower.”

“Thanks.”

They head for the basement. Arc’s squad is already hard at work. They stand and salute as he approaches them.

“Morning boys! You’re up early.”

Max nods. “We all had trouble sleeping last night.”

Viktor turns back to the electronics on the table. “The thought of magical interference really got to us.”

Hugh sighs. “Your magical items and powers were always a trump card, sir. With our opponents able to somehow render them inoperable, this throws a monkey wrench into the whole plan.”

Xenos smacks his knuckles together. “I know you could always go old-school on them and fight your way out! But… you having the magical advantage was always good to know.”

“I’m not sure if they can also shut down our Dragon Magic. Ember?”

Ember shrugs. “Sorry, but I never tried.”

Sereb frowns. “Do you think that was what dulled my senses as well?”

Arc nods. “In light of what happened, I would say so.”

Sereb growls. “They should not have been able to sneak up on me. That many humans should make quite a bit of noise.”

Ember turns to Sereb. “What about your sense of smell?”

“Similar to my hearing, I never detected them. Forgive me for allowing them to get the drop on us.”

“It’s not your fault. Anyone have any ideas how this happened though? Any kind of magical dampening fields back in Equestria?”

Viktor nods. “Such things do exist, sir. But for one to be here is not possible.”

“Why’s that?”

Xenos sighs. “They’re used back home to prevent magical intervention during big sporting events. But that requires the fans and players to walk through an archway to temporarily seal their Unicorn Magic.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Kinda like that Magic Nullifier technology?

Ember frowns. “Shining Armor was wearing that when he came to warn us about Trixie attacking Canterlot Castle!”

Hugh nods. “Yes, but on a much less focused scale. Whether or not Dragon Magic is affected is unknown to us.”

“I don’t remember walking through any archways. “

Ember turns to Arc. “What about the door?”

“There weren’t any electronics around though.”

Sereb nods “That and my senses were off before we even got to that point.”

Max shakes his head. “From what I’ve been told, you should be able to feel your magic being sealed. It’s not something that can be done covertly.”

Viktor puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Unless someone here on Earth has been researching that technology. Improving it!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t know how or why they would be able to do that. For starters, without anyone to test it on, how would they know if their design worked?”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Unless they tried it on Princess Celestia.”

Ember’s eyes widen at the thought! “Wait, what?!”

Max frowns. “That makes sense! If someone on Earth had captured the princess, they would need some way to restrain her!”

Hugh nods soberly. “Her magic is powerful enough to vaporize anyone who tried to take her down!”

Viktor suddenly looks worried. “But without her Alicorn Magic or a suitable weapon, she wouldn’t have much with which to defend herself!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “So you think that nut Stingray has Princess Celestia?”

Max shakes his head. “That seems rather unlikely. The Shards don’t really have the facilities, or drive for that matter, to capture and hold a Princess of Equestria.”

Hugh nods in agreement. “Magic or no, she would have beaten them to a pulp!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is she that tough?”

Xenos grins. “Let’s just say you yourself probably wouldn’t stand a chance against her, sir.”

Cherry sighs. “Her strength both physically and magically is well known all across Equestria. That and she is an accomplished tactician with a well-established military record, Arc.”

Ember frowns. “Which begs the question, if she’s so powerful who could have possibly taken her?”

Max nods soberly. “That’s a good question, Ember. She doesn’t really have any weaknesses that we know of.”

Arc turns to them. “She has one. The same as everyone else, really.”

Xenos looks confused. “What?”

“Trickery, deception, deceit. If she’s as strong as you all believe her to be, that would be the only way someone could have collared her.”

Max clenches a fist, angrily. “That’s a dirty trick!”

Ember nods. “True. But it must have worked.”

Cherry sighs. “I guess the question now is, where do we go from here?”

Arc shrugs. “As of right now, I have no idea. You boys watch that footage from last night and see if you can find anything we could use as a clue.”

Ember looks to him. “And you?”

Arc turns to head upstairs. “I’m going to spend the day with Derpy and Dinky. The whole point of me bringing them here was to spend family time together after all.”

Max nods. “Yes sir! We’ll let you know if you find anything when you get home.”

“Give me a call if there’s something urgent though. I have my earring.”

Ember looks over to them. “I’ll help you guys.”

Sereb jumps up on the table and begins looking over some papers. “Let us begin.”

The group sits down as Viktor brings up the video footage from Arc’s helmet. He sighs as he types.

“There has to be SOMETHING here that can give us a clue!”

Ember nods. “If there is, we’ll find it!”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way upstairs. Derpy and Dinky have finished bathing and Derpy is busy brushing Dinky’s hair.

“This is much easier with hands!”

Dinky winces. “I just wish it was less painful!”

“We have to get the tangles out somehow sweetie.”

“I know, mom.”

Arc pokes his head in the open bedroom door and knocks lightly.

“How’s it coming you two?”

Derpy looks over to him. “We’re almost ready!”

“Can we go to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast, dad?!”

“Sure! Your mother needs to meet other humans eventually.”

Derpy sighs nervously. “I… I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

Dinky looks up at her mother. “You’ll like Lily and Shelly, mom! Don’t worry! I’ll be there with you the whole time!”

Arc nods. “We both will.”

“Okay. I am hungry.”

“Now that’s settled, we can get moving.”

Dinky runs over to the closet and pulls out her coat, excitedly. “This is gonna be GREAT!”

Arc walks over to the closet and rummages around the back. “Let’s see what we can find for you, Derpy.”

Derpy looks confused. “Find?”

“It’s rather cold outside. You’ll need a coat.”

“I… I’ll be okay! Really!”

Arc walks toward Derpy carrying a brown coat with a fuzzy white lining. “This should fit you. Now I know you don’t like feeling restricted, but you can’t go out there in just a dress.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah mom! You’ll get sick!”

She looks at the coat hesitantly. “I… well…”

Arc steps up to her and slowly puts the coat around Derpy’s shoulders. “Trust me on this, my friend.”

Derpy nods but says nothing. Her breathing becomes heavier and more deliberate. Arc puts his arms around her.

“It’s okay, Derpy. I’m here for you.”

Dinky walks over to her mother and puts her small arms around her waist. “Me too mom!”

Derpy returns the hug but says nothing.

“We can leave it unzipped if that would help.”

“Th-thank you!”

Arc smiles at her. “If you get cold you can close your coat. It’s up to you.”

She nods. A hint of uncertainty in her voice. “I… I’ll try it.”

Arc leads her slowly toward the door. “Let’s get going.”

The trio moves to the garage. Arc opens the passenger side door for Derpy and helps her inside.

“There you go. Don’t worry. I’ll be right by your side the whole time.”

Dinky gets in the back seat. “And I’ll be behind you mom!”

Arc closes her door and goes over to his side, gets in the Jeep, and buckles up. Derpy and Dinky do the same as he starts the Jeep and turns to Derpy.

“This is kinda like a mechanical wagon. Are you ready?”

Derpy silently grips the side of the seat with a hand. Seeing this, Arc takes her hand and gives it a quick squeeze.

“Hold onto me, okay?”

“Thank you, Arc. I will.”

Arc presses the button to raise the garage door and shifts into drive.

“Here we go!”

He takes his foot off the brake and the Jeep slowly moves forward. Derpy’s hand grips his tighter as she looks forward wide-eyed.

“A-amazing!”

“You okay, mom?”

Derpy nods with a small smile. “Y-yes. Your father will take care of us.”

Arc turns out of the driveway and heads down the street. A short time later they arrive at Shelly’s Kitchen. Arc gets out and walks over to the passenger side. Opening the door, he helps Derpy out.

“Easy does it. I got you.”

“Th-thanks!”

Derpy looks around at the buildings and surrounding trees.

“Everything’s so much bigger here!”

Arc puts a consoling arm around her shoulders. “You’ll get used to it.”

As they walk slowly toward the building, Derpy closes the coat around her body. “I’m glad you had me wear this. It really is cold here!”

Dinky nods. “According to the weatherman, the temperature here is about the same as back home, mom!”

“What?!”

Arc nods. “You don’t have your gray coat and long mane to keep you warm.”

Derpy sighs. “I suppose you’re right.”

They step inside the building. As usual there are no other customers. Lily greets them at the counter as Arc helps Derpy remove her coat and hang it up.

“Hello again, Daisy!”

Dinky walks happily up to the counter. “Good morning Miss Lily! Dad and I brought my mom with us this time!”

Lily smiles at them as Arc and Derpy walk slowly up to the counter. “Welcome back, Arc!”

“Hi Lily! This is Daisy’s mother… Dawn.”

Derpy looks to Lily very shyly. “Um… hello.”

Arc puts his arms around Derpy’s shoulder. “Sorry, but she’s very shy around strangers.”

Lily nods. “That’s okay! I can relate.”

She escorts the trio to their booth and pulls out her order pad as they sit down.

“What can I get you today?”

“Three plates of pancakes, please.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Straying from your regular, Arc?”

“Dawn here is a vegetarian. I don’t want to make her uncomfortable.”

“Understood! What would you like to drink?”

“Milk, please.”

Dinky nods. “Me too!”

“And you, miss?”

Derpy whispers shyly, not making eye contact. “Um… just water please.”

Lily writes the order down on her pad. “I’ll get that right in for you. Shouldn’t take long.”

Arc nods. “Where’s Shelly today?”

Lily sighs. “Today’s not one of her better days. She’s resting upstairs.”

Dinky looks sad. “I hope she feels better soon.”

“Give her a day or two and she’ll be back down here, dear.”

Arc nods. “We’ll come back and see her another day then.”

“Thank you Arc. I’m sure she’d like that.”

Lily heads to the kitchen. Derpy looks to Arc, confused.

“Arc? Why did you call me Dawn?”

“Sorry. Derpy isn’t a very flattering human name.”

Dinky grins. “I liked the human name dad came up with for me! Being called Daisy makes me feel special!”

Derpy smiles. “I understand now. But where did you come up with that, Arc?”

Arc puts an arm around Dinky. “She’s my little flower! Small, sweet and pretty!”

“And mine?”

“I’m hoping this experience will be the start of something new for you too. The dawn of a new chapter in all our lives, so to speak.”

“It’s a very pretty name, Arc. Thank you.”

A short time later Lily emerges from the kitchen with their food. She sets the plates down in front of them.

“There you go! I hope you like it!”

Arc nods. “Thanks, Lily. I’m sure we will.”

Lily turns to Derpy. “So, Arc tells me you work at an orphanage. You just here for the holidays?”

Derpy looks up. “Hearth’s Warming?”

Arc turns to Lily. “That’s what they call it back where she’s from. We call it Christmas here remember, Dawn?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I’m looking forward to learning more about it.”

Lily smiles. “Well, Christmas is right around the corner. We still on for our regular tradition, Arc?”

“Yes. I hope you don’t mind a few extra though.”

“Not at all! The more the merrier! In any case, I’ll let you folks get back to eating! Enjoy!”

She returns to the kitchen as Dinky looks to her father.

“What was Miss Lily talking about, dad?”

“Lily, Shelly and I get together on Christmas Day every year for a big meal at my house. You see, before I went to Equestria they were the only family I had.”

Derpy smiles. “And you want to share that with us?”

“You don’t have to if you really don’t want to.”

“No, no! I… we would be honored!”

“Good! You two are part of my ever-growing family now.”

They eat their food, pay the check and walk toward the door. Lily waves after them from the cash register.

“Come back soon!”

Dinky laughs and waves happily. “We will!”

Arc and company step out the door into a freezing cold wind. He takes Derpy’s arm.

“Let’s get you two back to the Jeep.”

Dinky runs ahead to open her mother’s door. “Yeah! It feels like this wind just blows right through us!”

They get in the Jeep and Arc starts the engine. Turning on the heat, he smiles at them.

“Much better!”

Derpy looks to him. “Where do you want to go next, Arc?”

“We should probably see about getting you something a bit warmer, Derpy.”

Derpy nods as they drive down the street. “Like what?”

“You’ll see.”

“We going to the mall, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s the best place to find what we need. That and I need a few other things.”

Derpy looks confused. “What’s a mall?”

“A really big market with lots of little stores in it, mom!”

“Oh… um… I don’t know…”

“It’s the middle of the week, so it shouldn’t be too busy. Think you can handle it, Derpy?”

Derpy nods sheepishly. “If you two are with me, I know I can do it!”

“That’s the spirit!”

Arc turns onto the highway. A short drive later brings them to the mall. Derpy’s eyes are glued to the window as he drives through the parking lot.

“It… it really IS big! Are there really clothes here for me?”

Dinky nods as her father parks. “Sure mom! This is where dad took me to buy some clothes when we first came to this land!”

Arc walks over and helps Derpy out of the Jeep. “I believe you’ll feel more comfortable in clothes that you pick out yourself.”

Derpy blushes slightly as she takes Arc’s arm in an effort to steady herself. “But I didn’t bring any bits!”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll buy them for you.”

“Thank you. I’ll pay you back when we return home!”

Arc shakes his head. “You don’t have to do that. Think of this as an early Christmas present.”

They make their way inside. Dinky looks around the mall as they walk along.

“What’s with all those colorful lights, dad? They weren’t here before.”

“Those are Christmas lights, sweetheart. It’s traditional to put them up in celebration of the season.”

Derpy looks confused. “What for?”

“The old tradition was for candles on trees. My guess is they started too many fires.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Trees?”

Arc nods. “I have an artificial tree in the attic I put up every year. We’ll probably put it up tomorrow.”

They walk on together. Before long they reach their destination. Arc leads them inside as they walk toward the women’s section. Derpy looks at a wool sweater.

“Wool? There are sheep here?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. That should keep you warm without putting you into a full-on panic attack. Would you like to look at some thicker pants or dresses?”

Derpy shakes her head. “I think I’ll stick with dresses. If that’s okay with you, that is! You’re buying them after all.”

Arc picks up a few garments from a rack. “How about these?”

Dinky raises an eyebrow at Arc’s selection. “Aren’t those shirts a little long for my mom?”

“They’re called sweater dresses, sweetheart. Made for cold weather, wind and snow. You’ll still need to wear a coat though.”

Derpy smiles. “They’re very pretty!”

Arc looks over at his daughter. “They even have some in your size, Dinky.”

“Can I have one too, dad?!”

“Sure! You and your mother can be look-a-likes!”

Dinky takes her mother’s hand. “Come on, mom! Let’s go try them on!”

“Try them… on?”

Arc nods. “To see if they fit and that you like the way they feel. Dinky will help you change, won’t you dear?”

Dinky nods happily! “Sure will!”

They walk over to the changing rooms together. Arc picks something up off the rack and gives it to Derpy.

“What is it?”

“They’re called leggings. These will help keep your legs warm.”

Derpy appears relieved. “Thank you very much! The walk in here was pretty cold!”

Arc sits down on a bench. “I’ll wait for you two out here.”

Dinky follows her mother into the changing room. “We’ll hurry!”

Arc calls out after them, happily. “Take your time! I’m not going anywhere!”

A short time later Dinky steps out of the changing room with her mother. They are both sporting their new sweater dresses with matching leggings.

“What do you think, dad?!”

Arc stands up and approaches them. His face turns red as he sees Derpy. “You both look… very nice! Are you comfortable?”

Derpy nods and blushes slightly. “Very! These leggings are a big improvement already!”

“You don’t feel hemmed in by them, mom?”

“Not at all! They’re not holding me in as much as they’re protecting me from the cold.”

Dinky smiles and laughs. “Like dad does?!”

Derpy smiles. “I suppose so, sweetie.”

She turns back to look at Arc.

“What do you think? Do these suit me?”

Arc nods. “They do! You’re very pretty in them! But you both should try on some more clothes and pick out some sleepwear.”

Dinky looks confused. “What’s sleepwear?”

“Comfortable clothes to sleep in”.

“Like the t-shirt and shorts you gave me, dad?”

“Yes. But your mother needs something to wear to bed as well.”

“Please Arc! Don’t feel that you have to spend more money on us! I can sleep without clothes on if it would save you some bits!”

Arc blushes deeply. “I… uh… it’s no problem! Really!”

Dinky takes her mother’s hand. “Come on, mom! Let’s look for more nice feeling clothes!”

Arc shakes his head as Derpy and Dinky walk back to the racks. “I wonder if this is what husbands feel like when they go clothes shopping with their wives.”

Derpy and Dinky spend the next hour trying on different clothes before settling on what to buy. Arc pays for their choices and the pair head back to the Jeep with several large bags.

“Thank you very much Arc! This feels MUCH better! What did you call these things again?”

“Boots. They protect your feet from injury and cold.”

Dinky smiles. “They also keep my toes warm!”

They reach the Jeep and put their purchases inside. Arc turns to Derpy.

“Are you feeling up to looking at a few more stores?”

She nods. “I am! This market and Earth are truly amazing!”

Arc closes the door and locks the Jeep. “Follow me then.”

They visit several more stores and the mall’s food court before returning to the Jeep once again. Derpy giggles as she buckles her seat belt.

“That was a trip and a half!”

Dinky closes her door and buckles up. “But we did have fun!”

“What was that last store again?”

“An electronics store, Derpy. They sell all kinds of technology there.”

Dinky grins. “You sure did buy a lot of stuff there dad!”

“Yes, well… they should deliver everything tomorrow. Then I can show you what I have planned.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Looking forward to it, Arc!”

Dinky laughs. “What’s next?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “How about we go grocery shopping? We need some fresh food for the house.”

“Is the grocery store as impressive as the mall, Arc?”

Dinky nods. “It’s the biggest collection of different foods I’ve ever seen!”

Arc starts the Jeep. “They have many different foods from many different cultures. We should be able to find something interesting there. That and we need milk. Ember’s kinda grouchy if she doesn’t get at least two large bowls of Frosted Flakes and milk every morning”

Dinky smiles as they pull out of the parking lot. “Well, let’s see if we can remedy that!”

Chapter 14 - Traditions

The next morning Dinky awakens early to a strange sound in the hallway. She quickly gets up to find her father trying to pull something big and green through the small attic hatch. Walking forward, a bit confused and still half asleep, she looks up to him.

“Dad? What are you doing?”

“Sorry to wake you, sweetheart. I was just bringing down my tree from the attic.”

Dinky yawns. “What for?”

“So we can decorate it.”

“Decorate it? Like a cake?”

Arc laughs as he walks down the stairs with the tree. “Not exactly. Why don’t you go get cleaned up and we’ll talk about it more after breakfast.”

Dinky sleepily stumbles back to the room for clean clothes. “Okay.”

Derpy is just sitting up. She looks to Dinky.

“What’s all that noise out there?”

She opens the dresser and shakes her head. “Dad was pulling a tree out of the attic.”

Derpy stands up shakily. “…what?”

Dinky takes her mother’s hand as the pair head for the bathroom together. “I don’t get it either, mom.”

The pair quickly shower, brush their teeth and their hair before heading downstairs to the scents of French Toast and eggs. Arc stands in front of the stairs.

“Good morning you two.”

Derpy turns to him. “Good morning, Arc. What’s this I hear about a tree in the attic?”

“It’s in a corner of the Living Room at the moment.”

Dinky narrows her eyes. “That doesn’t really clear it up, dad.”

“Sorry. After breakfast I’ll show you what we’re going to do with it.”

Arc’s squad comes up the stairs along with Sereb as Arc puts the French Toast on the table.

“Morning boys. Any luck with that footage yesterday?”

Viktor shakes his head. “No sir. From what we saw there wasn’t anything that even loosely resembled Magic Nullifier technology.”

Hugh sighs. “Which makes it all the more surprising that such an effect was possible!”

Arc nods as he set out the eggs. “Well, humans like to make electronics small.”

Xenos looks confused. “Sir?”

“The first calculator humans invented took up an entire room and must have cost a fortune. Today they fit in the palm of our hands. If humans can figure out how something works, we can make it tiny.”

Max frowns. “That doesn’t really put our minds at ease, sir.”

Arc shrugs. “Mine either. But that’s reality.”

Ember comes downstairs and stumbles into the kitchen half asleep.

“Any idea how or when I got to bed?”

Xenos grins at her. “I carried you.”

Ember wobbly makes her way over to a chair. “I can walk, you know!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Last night you could not.”

Arc and Dinky look up, concerned.

“Something happen?”

“Did you get hurt, Miss Ember?!”

Viktor chuckles. “Nah! She just stayed up too late going over that footage over and over again.”

Ember sits down in a chair. “Well, there has to be SOMETHING there!”

Arc nods. “Agreed, Ember. However, like I was telling the others, it might just be too small for us to see.”

Ember yawns hugely as she lays her head down on the kitchen table. “Great…”

As Dinky puts the orange juice on the table and sits down Arc joins them. “Well, let’s give that problem a rest for now and just enjoy our breakfast.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! Let’s eat!”

They sit down together and enjoy the food. Ember sluggishly drinks coffee as she looks up at Arc with her bloodshot eyes.

“So… what’s on the agenda for today?”

Arc chuckles. “First, Dinky and I are going to put up the Christmas tree. Everyone is welcome to help though.”

Sereb turns his head toward the living room. “That strange not-tree in the next room?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Hugh looks confused. “Not-tree?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Just because something looks as it does, does not mean it is what you think it is.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow at this. “Um… what?”

Arc chuckles. “I think what he’s trying to say is that the tree is fake. Although some people do go out and cut down a real pine tree for Christmas.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “You don’t?”

“No. It just always seemed like such a waste of a perfectly good tree.”

Dinky smiles at him. “Couldn’t we just… I don’t know… put it back outside after Christmas?”

Derpy looks at Dinky. “I don’t think that’s how it works, sweetie.”

Max nods. “Right. That would be like you picking a flower by its stem and then trying to put it back in the ground.”

Arc takes a sip of his soda. “I think we can spare a tree and just use my old fake one.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Arc, why not just drink coffee?”

“I don’t like the taste. Not a fan of things that are bitter. Whether that’s food, drink or people.”

They finish their meal and head for the Living Room.

Max looks at the tree standing in a corner of the room. “So… what should we do first?”

Arc walks over to a box and opens it. He pulls out a large, flat clothing gift box with a large number of wires wrapped around it.

“First we have to start with the lights. Thankfully we use these instead of actual candles. Xenos, would you please pull the tree away from the wall for me?”

“Sure!”

He does so. Arc walks around the tree, starting at the bottom and working his way up, the string of lights goes up. Dinky watches.

“Why are the lights wrapped around that box?”

Arc unrolls the lights as he walks around the tree. “When I was a boy, my father would sit on the couch for over an hour every year untangling these very lights.”

Derpy frowns. “Untangling?”

“Yes. If you simply coil them up like you would a rope, the next year they will undoubtedly be a mess!”

He holds up the box in his hands.

“However, I found if you wrap them AROUND something, like this box, they stay mostly untangled.”

Sereb watches Arc work. “Yes, we can see that.”

Viktor nods. “Saves time and aggravation!”

Arc nods. “Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best!”

Before long the lights are hung. Xenos pushes the tree back into the corner. Derpy looks to Arc.

“What’s next, Arc?”

Arc picks up a nearby box and pulls out some festively colored bulbs. “Now we put on the decorations. You see these little hooks on the tops?”

Ember look over. “You mean those paper clips?”

Arc shrugs. “Hooks, paper clips… same thing.”

He turns back toward the tree.

“We’re going to hang these ornaments on the tree’s branches… just like so.”

Arc demonstrates and steps back.

“Got it?”

Ember nods. “Seems simple enough.”

Derpy looks confused. “Why do we put these ornaments on the tree now?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure. Probably just to make it look nicer! You’ll see when we’re done decorating.”

Everyone pulls some decorations from the box and gets to work as Arc turns on the radio.

“Can’t decorate a tree without some festive music.”

Dinky smiles as a beautiful song begins to play. “That song’s pretty! What is it?”

“It’s called ‘Silver Bells’ by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.”

Derpy looks to the radio. “Is it new?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was written over half a century ago. Since then it’s become a big hit around this time of year.”

Max chuckles. “What’s it about?”

“Well… it’s telling how most towns and cities used to be back then. People listening to it today like to hear about the good old days, I guess.”

Dinky shrugs. “I guess it really could mean any number of things to any number of humans.”

Ember nods. “What do you think it will mean to you, Dinky?”

Dinky takes a moment to think before stretching her small arms wide. “It will remind me of this! Spending time with my family, decorating a tree and having fun doing it!”

A short time later the box of ornaments is emptied. Dinky looks to her father excitedly.”

“Now what dad?!”

Arc picks up a small box up from the end table. “The last thing we need to do is put this on top of the tree.”

Derpy looks over as Arc opens the box. “A… star?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Begging your pardon, sir. But wouldn’t it have been easier to put that on top of the tree at the beginning?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yeah! Now you’d need a ladder or something!”

“I suppose you’re right. But my dad always insisted on putting the star on last.”

Derpy looks up at the treetop. “How did he do it?”

Dinky giggles! “Was he really tall?”

Arc shakes his head. “He isn’t much taller than I am. What he would do was pick me up as high as he could and have me put the star up. It was our tradition.”

Ember looks confused. “What’s the star for anyways?”

“It represents the ‘star’ the magi from the east followed to find baby Jesus. The story goes that it led them to the very house in which he was living.”

Viktor nods. “How does a star lead to a specific house?”

“My opinion is that the term ‘star’ was referring to a light that floated above them, and not a literal star like we see at night.”

Max chuckles. “That makes a bit more sense.”

Ember thinks a moment. “Wait a minute! Baby… Jesus? Didn’t you tell me that was the name of your world’s Hero of Light?”

Arc nods. “Something like that.”

“Was he a great warrior too, dad?”

“No sweetheart. He came to Earth to save humanity though.”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “From what?”

“Our own human nature, I suppose. If you were to study our history, you would see that nothing else even comes close to matching the horrendous things we’ve done throughout the ages.”

Xenos grins. “So he came to stop it?”

“No. He came to show us there was another way. That we could follow the narrow path of righteousness, rather than the highway to eventual destruction that we were on. You see, every human has to choose how to live their life. We all make choices, but in the end our choices make us.”

Ember nods. “A sobering thought.”

Max smiles. “But very true I might add.”

Arc looks over to Dinky.

“Would you come here please, sweetheart? Right now there’s something I want you to do for me.”

“Okay dad!”

Arc kneels down in front of her.

“I have a very important job for you.”

“What is it?!”

Arc hands her the star. “I’m going to pick you up so you can put the star on the top of the tree.”

Dinky grins widely at him. “Just like your dad did?!”

“Yes, sweetheart. Can you do it?”

“I sure can!”

Arc picks Dinky up. She is giddy with excitement. Holding her up, she can just reach the top with her little hands. Dinky sets the star in place happily.

“There we go!”

Arc pulls her back and gives her a hug. “Good job, sweetheart!”

Dinky happily embraces her father. “I couldn’t have done it without your help, dad!”

Still holding Dinky, Arc walks over to the light switch. “Derpy, can you close the curtains for a moment please?”

“Okay.”

She does so before returning to Arc’s side. He turns off the lights. Ember taps her foot impatiently.

“Soooo… are we just going to hang out here in the dark now?”

Arc kneels down to plug in the lights. “Not for long.”

The tree lights spring to life as the room is bathed in pretty multicolored light. The ornaments reflect and shine merrily. Arc’s squad can only stare in awe.

“Oh my Celestia!”

“Captivating!”

“I never thought a tree could look so… beautiful!”

“We need things like this back in Equestria!”

Derpy walks over to Arc. “Wow! They’re pretty! Like fireworks!”

Dinky smiles. “I wish the other foals back home could see this! They would love it!”

Ember puts her hand in Arc’s palm and gives it a quick squeeze. “This is incredible, Arc! Thanks for sharing it with us.”

Arc sighs. “Humanity is rather violent, callous and spiteful. However, that isn’t to say we can’t choose be anything different. I think I like this holiday the most, as to me at least, it signifies the ability to walk the high road. Hope… for a brighter future.”

Dinky grins. “That’s really pretty, dad!”

“Like you, sweetheart.”

Max nods as he stares at the tree. “This will look even better tonight when the sun goes down.”

Xenos chuckles. “That it will.”

Arc nods. “Yes. I couldn’t wait that long though!”

Dinky grins. “Neither could I!”

Derpy walks over to the curtains behind the tree and slowly opens them.

“Oh my! Look outside everypony!”

Dinky laughs. “That’s ‘everyone’, mom. You see…”

Dinky stops talking as she looks out the window. Slowly she walks over to it and peers outside before calling out to her father.

“What… is it?”

Arc walks over to join Dinky. He puts his hands on her small shoulders as they look out the window together at the white flakes falling from the sky.

“That’s snow, sweetheart.”

Derpy moves to stand next to her daughter. “The snow here is even prettier here than back in Equestria!”

Max shrugs. “Really? I think it looks about the same.”

Viktor nods. “Agreed.”

Xenos looks out the window. “I… I think I see it too!”

Hugh smiles. “Yeah! It is prettier for some reason!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How?”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “Because we all have each other to share it with.”

Sereb nods. “Experiences shared with loved ones make the best memories.”

They stare out the window together as the light, fluffy snow continues to fall. The phone rings, and Arc moves to answer it.

“I’ll get it.”

He picks up the receiver.

“Hello?”

A familiar voice on the other end speaks.

“Arc. It’s me.”

Arc frowns. “Oh… what is it?”

“I was just wondering if you and I were still up for our annual Christmas tradition.”

“If you still want to. Somehow I just thought you would be too busy this year…”

Arc narrows his eyes

“…Frank.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Frank?!”

The caller chuckles. “I have been quite busy! However, I would never pass up an opportunity to make the world a little brighter!”

“As long as that’s all we’ll be doing, I’m still game. Just do me one favor though.”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“Just let me buy all the supplies this year.”

Frank shakes his head. “That would be quite costly! I could…”

“Just… let me do it, okay?!”

“Very well. See you there at the normal time?”

Arc nods. “I’ll be there.”

“Good! See you then!”

“Yeah. Until then.”

Arc hangs up the receiver. Derpy looks confused at Ember’s reaction.

“What was that all about, Arc?”

He turns to face the others. “Every year around Christmas, Frank and I return to the town where we grew up.”

Sereb frowns. “For what purpose?”

“We bring presents to the orphanage where we lived for so many years. You see… Christmas is a rather sad time for orphans, as this is a family holiday. The two of us bring presents and spend the day there playing with and mentoring the orphans there.”

Dinky looks confused. “I thought the orphanage staff didn’t care about them?”

“Well, back then that was true. However the last couple of years we were there a new director took over.”

Ember sighs. “Did anything change?”

“Yes. For starters, she actually did her job. The old director didn’t really do much, as they were tenured and on their way to retirement.”

Max frowns. “Lazy leaders make for poor followers.”

“Right. Things have improved for them. However, there is still much to be done, as funding for the facility isn’t exactly pouring in.”

Xenos nods. “So what do you do?”

“Presents at Christmas and helping with building maintenance is what me and Frank did in the past. In this small way, we helped bring a smile to their faces. I only wished we could do more.”

Ember grins. “Maybe the Hero of Light could!”

“Like what?”

Ember shrugs. “Well… I don’t know, Arc! It always feels like you have the solution to everything though!”

Max grins. “She’s right, sir! You always seem to know just what to do and how to do it!”

“Thanks, but I don’t really know what TO do about this one.”

Dinky walks over at takes her father’s hand. “We’ll let you know if we think of something, dad!”

“Thanks sweetheart.”

The music on the radio is suddenly interrupted.

“We interrupt this broadcast to bring you a special news bulletin! The winter storm has caused numerous accidents along the highway. State officials have sent additional manpower, but are asking anyone with rescue or medical experience to report to the Angel Grove Police Department. We now return to our regularly scheduled programing.”

The radio resumes playing Christmas music. Cherry calls out to Arc.

“Is this a job for us, Arc?”

He nods and calls forth his armor. “I would say so. Although I would say it’s not a good idea to drive in this.”

Sereb returns to his normal form. “May I be of assistance?”

Ember calls forth her own armor. “I might as well go with you, Arc! Someone needs to watch your back.”

“Thanks.”

He opens a portal and looks to his squad who are already putting on their coats.

“We shouldn’t be seen together. Take this portal. It leads to an alley just outside the police station. Report for duty there and I’ll do the same in a few minutes.”

Xenos grins. “Let’s see if we can’t help some folks out!”

Hugh nods as he glances out the window. “Probably plenty to do in all this!”

Viktor turns to Arc. “I’ll keep my ears open for anything useful!”

Max salutes. “We’ll do our best, sir!”

“I know you will. When you’re done we’ll meet at the Angel Grove Police Department. They’ll probably have some kind of temporary shuttle service there.”

Derpy smiles. “We’ll have supper waiting for all of you when you get back!”

As his squad walks through the portal Arc turns to her. “Thanks Derpy! Sorry we don’t have more time to watch the snow together.”

Dinky looks out the window at the increasingly heavy snowfall. “It’s okay. By the looks of things, it won’t be tapering off anytime soon!”

Ember turns to the large wolf. “You ready, Sereb?”

“I am.”

Arc mounts him along with Ember.

“Be good for your mother, Dinky. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

Dinky nods. “I will! Be careful out there dad!”

“We will!”

Arc, Sereb and Ember enter the portal and vanish from sight. Dinky takes her mother’s hand.

“They’ll be all right!”

Derpy nods. “I know. Besides… your father isn’t one to just sit back warm and safe while others are suffering.”

“Right! After all, our family helps others whenever possible!”

Derpy smiles at her. “Is that our tradition now?”

“Sure is! Someday, I want to be just as good at it as dad is!”

Derpy smiles as she pats her daughter’s head. “I’m sure you will, dear. I’m sure you will.”

Chapter 15 - Wounds

A few days later Arc and the others put a large number of wrapped toys and games in the back of the Jeep. Ember looks to him as she stands up and looks around.

“This snow stuff sure doesn’t know when to quit!”

Derpy nods. “Agreed! It hasn’t slowed down much since this storm started!”

Arc chuckles. “Luckily since it’s Christmas Break, the town’s children can stay home where it’s warm and safe.”

Dinky smiles. “Just like back home?”

“Exactly. All the kids get two weeks off for Christmas and New Year.”

Max looks at the road from the driveway. “Are you sure this is a good idea, sir?”

Xenos nods as he sets a large box of presents on the passenger seat. “You could hold off a few days. Wait for a break in the weather.”

Viktor frowns. “That and there is your ‘partner’ to think of.”

Hugh scoffs. “Right! I mean, you’ll be going there with the leader of the Shards!”

Ember nods. “Let me come with you!”

Derpy looks suddenly worried. “Take SOMEONE with you! Anyone!”

“I’ll be okay. Like I told you guys before, Frank and I do this every year. And as far as the roads go, his car may be the safest way to travel right now. Other than a snowmobile, that is. I just have to make it as far as the Shard Hideout.”

Max sighs. “That begs the question, can you GET there?”

“It’s not THAT far.”

Dinky looks worried. “What if you crash?!”

Derpy shudders. “No one would be able to get to you, dad!”

“My Jeep can take sliding off the road. That and I can always push it back on the pavement with a bit of Telekinesis Magic.”

Xenos puts a box on the back seat and closes the side door. “That’s the last of it, sir.”

“Great job everyone!”

Arc pulls out his pocket watch and checks the time.

“It’s almost time for me to get going. Don’t want to be late now.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yes! We wouldn’t want you to keep the leader of the Shards waiting, now would we?!”

“I’m sensing the sarcasm in your voice rising.”

Ember frowns and raises her voice. “Well I would hope so! Because I’m laying it on PRETTY thick!”

Cherry sighs. “Ember is right, Arc. This is not wise!”

Arc turns around to go back inside with the others. “Neither is passing this up. The orphans look forward to this every year.”

“But… “

“Please Derpy… just… just let me do this, okay?”

Ember angrily storms upstairs. “Fine Arc! Don’t listen to us! Go! Have a good time out there with you buddy Frank!”

A few moments later the sound of Ember’s door slamming shut can be heard. Xenos looks to Arc, surprised.

“Woah!”

Arc sighs. “I kinda expected it to end like that.”

Dinky nods. “Dad. Miss Ember is just worried about you!”

Derpy sighs. “As we all are.”

Arc picks up his keys and wallet. “Wish me luck everyone. I’ll have my earring and Cherry with me, so I should be okay.”

Derpy and Dinky walk over and give Arc a hug.

“Be careful out there, okay?”

“I will, Derpy.

Dinky squeezes Arc’s midsection. “Come home safely, dad!”

Arc nods, tousles Dinky’s hair, grabs his coat, and walks toward the door.

“I’ll try to be home before dark.”

Max nods. “We’ll call you if anything comes up, sir!”

“Thanks. I’ll be alright.”

Arc closes the front door behind him as Dinky turns toward her mother.

“Mom? Why is dad so set on going out in this weather?!”

Derpy looks out the window at the falling snow. “I don’t know sweetie. I just don’t know.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way to the Jeep and gets in. He starts the engine, puts the vehicle in four-wheel drive, and proceeds slowly down the street. As expected, the roads are very slippery as new snow falls almost as fast as the city plows can clear it. Arc clutches the steering wheel tightly as his vehicle fishtails slightly.

“Maybe the others were right about this being a bad idea.”

About halfway to the Shard Hideout some of the packages behind him shift as his vehicle drifts yet again. Arc quickly regains control and frowns.

“Lovely weather.”

A familiar voice rings out behind him.

“Well, you were the idiot who wanted to…”

Arc quickly pulls to the side of the road and stops. He puts the Jeep in park and turns around.

“What are you DOING here?!”

Ember sits on the back-seat’s floor with her arms crossed over her chest, angrily.

“Sticking by a fool I care about, that’s what!”

Arc faces forward and puts the Jeep in drive. “I’m taking you home right now!”

“Go ahead! I’m not getting out though!”

Not taking his foot off the brake, sighing. “Ember, I… at least sit up front with me and put your seatbelt on.”

“Fine!”

She gets out and clears the presents from the passenger seat. Arc pulls back onto the road and the pair continue their journey in silence.

“Sorry…”

Ember stares forward, her arms folder across her chest. “Well you should be! Trying to ditch us like that!”

Arc sighs as he keeps his eyes on the road. “I wasn’t trying to leave you behind.”

“Then why…”

He suddenly snaps at her. “Because I didn’t want you to get hurt, okay?!”

Ember sighs and puts a hand on his arm. “Look Arc, I get that. But you need to understand that we feel the same about you.”

“Yeah… look, I’m sorry for blowing up like that. It was completely uncalled for.”

She leans back in her seat. “Yeah, it was! At least that’s what I’d like to say! Truth is, I’ve probably done the same thing a time or two myself.”

Arc mutters under his breath. “More than that.”

“Did you say something?”

“Um… I should probably focus on driving now.”

Ember chuckles. “Fine! Keep your secrets!”

Sometime later they arrive at the Shard Hideout. Frank’s big, black car with the tinted windows is idling just outside the gate. Frank himself gets out with the driver and one of his guards as Arc and Ember pull up. As Arc slowly approaches the pair, Frank extends a hand to him.

“Arc! Glad to see you made it here safely!”

Arc replies coolly as he shakes Frank’s hand. “Sorry for making you wait.”

“Oh, it’s quite all right.”

Frank looks over at Ember as she moves to stand next to Arc. He smiles and bows at the waist to her.

“I was not aware you were planning on bringing such a lovely friend, Arc!”

“She… insisted on coming along.”

Arc looks over at Frank’s car.

“Is there room?”

“There is always room for such a lovely lady! Oh now, where are my manners?! I am Frank Fontaine, leader of the Shards. It is my great pleasure to make your acquaintance, miss…”

Ember blushes as Frank kisses her hand like an old-fashioned gentleman. “I… uh… Ember.”

“A very unique name, for a very unique young woman!”

He turns to look at Arc sheepishly.

“Forgive me if you two are an item.”

Ember looks confused. “A what?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Frank. We’re just good friends.”

Ember sighs. “Yes… that we are.”

Frank turns around and slowly walks back toward his car. “A shame. However, I wouldn’t want to come between you two.”

He turns to his associates.

“The young lady before you is my second in command, Stingray.”

She nods at Arc and Ember.

“Forgive her. She’s not much for talking.”

Arc nods. “It’s fine.”

“Normally I would just take any of my guards. But she worries about me.”

Stingray turns to him. “You’re too important to risk on such long trips, sir. Especially with the weather so bad. If I can’t talk you out of it, the least I can do it accompany you.”

Cherry Jubilee giggles telepathically. “Remind you of someone, Arc?”

Arc sighs inwardly. “That she does.”

“And this is my driver, Jackal.”

The gang member waves happily at her.

“Hi again, miss! You the one with the cute doggie, right?!”

“Um… yes. That’s me.”

Jackal looks at Frank as he points to Ember. “I see her walking around town with her doggie!”

Frank smiles at him. “That’s fine, Jackal. Just don’t make the young lady feel uncomfortable when you see her on the street.”

“Yes sir! I won’t!”

Frank turns to Arc and Ember. “Why don’t we get inside where it’s warm though. My driver and lieutenant can load the car.”

Ember rubs her hands together and heads for the door. “Thanks!”

Arc, Ember and Frank get into the spacious back seat of the car. Ember sits down next to Arc as Frank takes his seat directly across from them. Jackal and Stingray approach the Jeep and transfer the packages to the trunk of Frank’s car. In no time they are on their way. Arc looks to Frank as the car begins to move.

“The big guy is the driver?”

Ember chuckles. “I would have thought he was the muscle.”

Frank nods and pushes a button to raise the window separating the front seat from their compartment.

“Yes, well, Jackal may be a bit… simple minded. However, he’s our organization’s best driver. Don’t you two worry. He’ll get us there safely.”

They are silent for a time as the car continues on its way.

“So tell me Arc. How on Earth did you meet such a lovely and charming young lady?!”

“I… uh… actually met her in prison.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Prison? You?!”

Ember nods. “It’s true. We were both there for crimes we didn’t commit.”

Arc nods. “We quickly found out we had much in common.”

Frank smiles. “Really?”

Ember sighs. “Yes. I was there for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some… individuals were found brutally murdered, and I was passing through.”

Frank frowns. “So they made you their patsy?”

“Pretty much.”

“And what were you in there for, Arc?”

“The same actually. I too had been accused of brutally murdering someone. It took some time, but my innocence came out in the end.”

Frank smiles. “Glad to hear it! Tell me, how long were you two in there?”

Ember shrugs. “I was there about a year.”

“Six months here.”

Frank shakes his head and speaks with conviction. “What a waste! In the community I envision, such things will not be allowed to happen! Innocents will NEVER be thrust into cages while they try desperately to prove their innocence! Justice must be done, of course. However not until a full and detailed investigation has been completed!”

“That would have saved us the trouble of rotting in jail.”

Ember smiles at Arc. “True. But then we wouldn’t have met.”

“I suppose you’re right. It wasn’t all bad, I guess.”

Frank turns to Ember. “So are you staying with Arc, my dear?”

“Yes. He has quite a nice Guest Room.”

Frank nods. “That he does!”

“Oh?”

Arc sighs. “He’s… been there.”

“Yes. A long… long time ago.”

Silence ensues for some time before Arc finally breaks it.

“So… what have you been up to… old friend.”

Frank laughs. “You never were much for subtlety, Arc.”

“And you were never much for thinking things through.”

Frank leans forward. “I assure you, that much about me has changed! I’m not the man you knew before, Arc! Now… now I have… a vision! A grand design for the future!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Which is…?”

“Ah, Arc. Always the detective. Trying to figure me out?”

“Yup.”

“Very well. All I want is to build a place where those who are shunned… who are broken… who are hated and reviled… and who are unloved can come and know community! Know… family.”

Ember looks to Frank. “Family?”

“Yes, my dear! The one thing Arc and I never had growing up! A loving home to come back to after a hard day!”

He looks to Arc.

“You left everything behind over a year ago, Arc. I can only assume you went looking for something. Tell me. Did you find it?”

“I… I did actually!”

“Really? Where?”

“In a faraway land filled with rainbows and unicorns. I found what we both sought. Acceptance and a family to call my own.”

Frank grins. “A wife, huh? You sly dog!”

“Not… exactly. I was engaged to someone, but she was murdered… right in front of me!”

Frank suddenly becomes very angry. “Tell me everything you know about them, my friend, and I promise I will use every resource at my command to find the scoundrel who committed this heinous act!”

Ember shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary.”

Franks frowns. “But it is! Justice must always prevail!”

Arc looks Frank in the eye. “The coward who did that to Cherry will never hurt anyone else ever again!”

“How can you be so certain of that?!”

“Because I took care of them myself! Permanently.”

Frank nods approvingly. “I didn’t know you had it in you, my friend. Are you certain they are gone for good?”

Ember nods. “He is! Believe me, I was there! You don’t usually survive a blade to the chest, after all.”

Frank smiles. “You’ve changed, Arc! I could certainly use such a man in my organization!”

“What, a killer?”

“No. A man who sees what must be done and does it without hesitation! A murderer cannot be allowed to walk among the innocent!”

Ember nods! “Right! He got what he deserved!”

“Your time behind bars has certainly changed you! The old Arc I grew up with would never have been able to do such a thing!”

“Life has taught me much in that regard, Frank.”

“Such as?”

“Life isn’t usually fair. Not everyone can be trusted. Look as far down the road as you can. And always take care of your friends.”

Frank is silent for a time.

“Bravo! If you should change your mind about joining us my door is always open to you, old friend! Although I don’t understand why you’re so hesitant to join up. You and I have the same goal in mind, after all.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… we have very different ways of achieving said goals.”

Ember puts a hand on Arc’s arm. “The past year has been very… enlightening. For both of us, that is. We’ve changed… together.”

“That we have.”

Arc sighs.

“Maybe someday I can tell you the rest of what happened this past year, Frank. But that day is not today.”

Frank smiles. “I understand. We all have our secrets and skeleton filled closets. Similarly, I hope to one day welcome you into the community I am building and show you ALL that I have done in the name of family!”

Two hours later they arrive at a large run-down brick building. A sign over the door reads
‘Farburg Orphanage’. Ember gets out of the car with the others.

“So this is it, huh?”

Arc sighs. “Yup. This was home.”

Frank slowly, and with great effort, gets out of the car. “I’m sure you use that word lightly, my friend, as this was no home to anyone back then.”

Arc nods to Frank as Stingray and Jackal open the trunk and start removing packages. “You come here often?”

Frank shakes his head. “Not nearly as often as I’d like. My… business keeps me quite busy after all.”

Ember frowns. “Business?”

“The Shards are my passion and my life! If that does not describe a businessman, I don’t know what does!”

They walk in the front door and up to a reception desk as Jackal and Stingray start bringing in presents and setting them in a corner of the entryway. It is a sparsely furnished room with only a handful of chairs and a sliding window dividing the room from the secretary. Frank taps his cane on the window as he approaches.

“It’s me and Arc. Headmistress Kulara is expecting us.”

The secretary smiles at him.

“Yes, Mr. Fontaine!”

She looks over at Ember.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t recognize the young woman.”

Frank smiles at her. “Don’t worry. She’s with me.”

The secretary pushes a button to buzz them into the orphanage. “Very well! Come in!”

Frank bows slightly. “Thank you, ma’am. We’ll head over to the Headmistress’ Office now to announce ourselves.”

They slowly walk down the familiar corridor. Arc turns to Frank.

“Guests don’t need to be escorted anymore?”

“Not when they’re with me they don’t.”

Ember looks around. “This place feels more like a prison than a place for orphans.”

“It’s gotten a lot better since Frank and I lived here. Miss Kulara has done wonders for this place.”

Ember frowns. “Well, I still don’t like it. This is nothing like the Little Hooves Orphanage!”

Frank turns to her. “Where is that?”

“It’s… uh… near the prison Arc and I met!”

“Oh.”

Arc touches Frank’s arm and lowers his voice. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention my serving time to Miss Kulara. Innocent or not, it would still get to her.”

Frank nods. “I understand. But I would ask the same of you.”

Ember looks confused. “The... same?”

“As far as she knows, I’m just a businessman. Let’s try to keep it that way.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed.”

Ember looks back. “What about your guards?”

“They’ll probably go get lunch and gas up the car while we’re here.”

“No, I mean… Stingray seemed very concerned for your well-being. I’m surprised she didn’t want to accompany you inside.”

Frank chuckles. “She usually does. However, only authorized personnel are allowed back here. That and this place is perfectly safe.”

A short time later they arrive at the door to an office marked ‘Headmistress Kulara’. Frank knocks and enters the office first with Arc and Ember following behind. A rather small young woman in her late thirties with long brown hair and brown eyes is seated behind the desk. She rises and walks over to them as they enter. Frank embraces her.

“Miss Kulara! It’s been a long time!”

“Far too long, Frank! I see you brought Arc with you this time!”

Arc gives her a hug as well. “Sorry I’ve been gone for so long. It’s been a crazy year!”

Kulara nods. “Frank keeping you busy?”

Frank shakes his head. “Oh no, he doesn’t actually work for me! Arc here has been doing some traveling!”

“Good! See the world while you’re young! The truth may disappoint you, but in the end it’s all we have.”

She looks past the pair at Ember.

“You’re a new face, miss. Are you perhaps one of Frank’s employees?”

Ember shakes her head. “No ma’am. I… I’m a good friend of Arc. Name’s Ember.”

“Yes. We met in our travels and have stayed together ever since.”

Kulara smiles at her. “Well, you’ve done a good job finding Arc. He was always such a good boy. I’m sure you two will have plenty of happy years together.”

“Um… thanks.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “Why does everyone always assume Ember and I are a couple?!”

Cherry speaks to him telepathically. “Well, she does look at you in that way. Mares can see that a mile away/”

“Really?!”

“Oh yes! That and the two of you really do go well together!”

“Not you too, Cherry!”

Frank gestures back the way they came. “We brought this year’s gifts with us. The secretary is looking after them.”

Kulara smiles at Frank. “You always do so well providing a nice Christmas for the children living here, Frank!”

“Actually, Arc insisted on buying all the gifts this year.”

“Oh?”

“I… uh… just felt that I hadn’t really done anything for them lately.”

Ember mutters to herself. “That and Frank’s gifts would have been bought with blood money!”

“In any case, I’m glad to see you following in Frank’s footsteps of remembering those in need.”

Frank nods. “Did the maintenance crew I sent over fix everything on the list?”

“They did! Thank you for sending someone over. They’re little things, but they build up quickly.”

Arc looks to her. “Money still tight around here?”

Kulara sighs. “It is. We’ve had to dip into some of our discretionary fund to make ends meet. Unexpected expenses and all.”

Ember sighs. “Some things you can put off, while others you can’t?”

“Exactly! That and we just got another dozen children a few weeks ago.”

Frank frowns. “Uh oh. Did we bring enough gifts?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I packed a few extra just in case. But not a dozen!”

Frank walks slowly toward the door. “I’ll head over to the toy store and buy some more. Is there anything in particular they want?”

Kulara nods. “I doubt they carry such things, but most of the boys have expressed a desire for some Hero of Light action figures. While the girls are looking for dolls of his female partner.”

Ember smiles. “Really?!”

Frank stops at the office door, grimacing. “I’ll… see what I can do.”

Arc follows him. “We’ll come too, Frank. See you in a bit, Miss Kulara.”

“Drive safely out there!”

They leave the office and head back the way they came. Arc turns to Ember as they slowly follow Frank down the corridor.

“If they do have such things, I want one too!”

Ember winks at Arc. “I’ll take the doll of his partner!”

Frank sighs. “I do wish he would have taken me up on my offer to meet with me. Together, we could realize my dream of a better world exponentially faster.”

Arc shrugs. “I believe the Hero of Light just wants to help.”

Frank nods. “While I am certain of that, this world needs more than just a hero in a cape running around haphazardly.”

He reaches into his suitcoat and pulls out a cell phone.

“Stingray, we need to make a quick detour. Where are you?”

“Still in front of the orphanage, sir.”

“We’ll be there momentarily.”

He hangs up and returns the phone to his pocket. As he and Arc step out onto the icy front steps Frank sighs.

“There’s a store not far from here.”

Ember looks to him. “Are you sure they’ll be open?”

Arc nods as they get into the car. “Ember’s right. This whether has closed quite a few businesses in Angel Grove. That and the snow is worse here.”

Frank sits back in his seat and looks Arc in the eye. “Then we should hope they are. After all… no child should have to go without a gift on Christmas morning.

“We can agree on that much.”

The car speeds off toward the toy store. Arc and company arrive and find the store open but barely. They grab a cartful of toys, pay, and begin the return trip to the Farburg Orphanage. Ember turns to Arc as they help load the car.

“So tell me. Why do you two do this?”

“Back when Frank and I used to live at the orphanage, Christmas was pretty much just another day.”

Frank sighs. “Indeed! There were no toys, no music and few decorations. What we had was that which we had made ourselves.”

Arc chuckles. “The only perk to the holiday was Christmas Eve!”

Frank smiles at the memories. “Yes! Everyone would meet up in the Commons Area and eat ice cream that that Arc and I had… liberated from the kitchen! The staff would always be too busy with their own holiday party to notice what we were doing.”

Ember frowns. “Everyone just sat around eating ice cream?”

Arc nods. “Yes. That and watching the snow fall. “

“It almost made us forget about our troubles. You see, snow does wonders to beautify an otherwise bleak landscape.”

Sometime later they arrive at the orphanage. Arc and Ember carry the gifts into the entryway. As they set their load down in a corner, Ember turns to Arc.

“This should be more than enough, right?”

Arc nods as he puts a large box of goodies to one side. “I would hope so.”

Frank hobbles over to the locked door as the receptionist buzzes them in. “Let’s return to Miss Kulara’s office and let her know we were successful in our mission.”

They follow Frank back to the office. The Headmistress is just closing her office door.

“We’re back, Miss Kulara!”

Frank shakes his head. “Sadly, the toy store did not carry those action figures you asked for.”

Kulara smiles at them. “Well, thank you for trying. It was a long shot after all. All the children have wanted to watch the news every night in hopes of catching a glimpse of this real live hero!”

Ember nods, clearly proud. “Anything else we can do to help?”

“Actually, yes! Several of the orphanage’s helpers have gone home due to illness.”

Frank smiles at her. “Do you need assistance?”

“That I do. It’s nearly story time for the younger children. I was going to fill in myself, but if you three could do it I might be able to get caught up on some paperwork. That and the children haven’t seen either of you in quite a while.”

Frank nods. “We would be honored to help.”

Arc smiles. “Sounds good.”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t know what good I’ll be, but I’ll give it my best shot.”

The group heads down the hallway toward the Common’s Area. Children’s artwork lines both sides of the hallway. Ember looks at the pictures before turning to Kulara.

“You have a very happy looking place here, ma’am.”

“Thank you. I try my best to keep our residents happy and their spirits high. However I can only do so much.”

Frank gives her a reassuring look. “You did your best with us, Miss Kulara.”

Arc nods. “Yes, ma’am. We’re grateful for everything you did.”

Kulara sighs. “Thank you, boys. I only wish I had come along sooner.”

They arrive at the Common’s Area. It is a large room with many tables and chairs. Board games, toys and pictures fill the room giving a happy ambiance. Some of the older children sit in small groups and chat with one another. Kulara calls out as they enter.

“Everyone! We have guests!”

The children look over and run to them happily. They crowd around Frank as he slowly kneels down to their level.

“Hello again! Sorry it’s been such a long time.”

Kulara continues. “We have some special helpers to spend the afternoon with us! We’re going to start with Story Time! Now, which book should we read?”

A number of the orphans run over to the bookshelves and return with their favorite books. Kulara looks to Ember.

“Would you like to read to them, miss?”

“What? Me?! But I’m not very good at reading!”

Arc laughs. “They’re just children’s books, Ember. Nothing terribly difficult.”

Kulara nods. “That and you have such a nice voice. I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”

Ember takes one of the books from an orphan. “Well, okay. I’ll do it.”

“Everyone, this is Miss Ember! She’ll be reading to you this afternoon, so be sure to pay close attention!”

The orphans smile and nod.

“We will!”

“Yeah! She’s pretty!”

Frank points with his cane to the reading corner as Kulara leaves the room. “This way children.”

They lead the group over to their little corner and help him sit down as Ember takes her place in the reading chair. She sits down nervously.

“Arc? Would you care to join me in reading the story?”

He walks over to sit next to Ember. “I’d be happy too.”

Arc and Ember read several stories together. She reads the majority of the story with Arc reading certain character’s lines. After the fifth story Ember looks up, happily.

“Okay! What should we read next?!”

Arc and Ember look up at the children’s happy faces. Ember picks another book and opens it as Arc notices a small child sitting alone in a corner under a blanket. He stands up.

“Would you excuse me a moment, Ember?”

Ember nods. “Sure. I’ll keep reading.”

He walks over to the child. She is a small girl with unkempt blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Although Arc sits down next to her she does not look up as he speaks.

“It’s kinda hard to hear the story from all the way back here, miss.”

The child does not move.

“Wouldn’t you like to sit with the others?”

Her only response is a sad shaking of her head.

“Was someone mean to you?”

Again she wordlessly shakes her head without looking up. Arc is unsure what to say. Cherry sighs inwardly to Arc.

“She must be new here! Poor little thing!”

Arc thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Let me ask you a question. If you could have anything for Christmas, what would it be?”

The little girl slowly turns her head to look up at Arc with her small, red, puffy eyes. Tears course down her face as she responds in the most heart-wrenchingly sad voice imaginable!

“I… I want my mommy!”

She brings her hands out from under the blanket to cover her face as fresh tears begin to flow. It is then that Arc sees the bandages completely covering both her hands. He puts an arm around her in an effort to comfort her as she continues to cry. Arc tries unsuccessfully several times over the course of the afternoon to get her to say more. Miss Kulara returns to the Commons Area as the sun begins to set.

“Time for supper everyone!”

The orphans happily run out of the room. However the girl does not move. Arc turns to her.

“Are you hungry?”

As before the girl gives no response. Kulara walks over with another volunteer. He picks the young girl up and carries her out of the room after the others. Arc stands up as Ember and Frank walk over.

“Miss Kulara? That girl… she’s new, isn’t she?”

Kulara shakes her head. “No. She’s been here for weeks.”

Frank frowns. “That is out of the ordinary. Everyone always acclimated to their new life here after a few days. A week at most!”

Ember sighs. “There’s more to it in her case, isn’t there?”

Kulara nods. “Yes. I’ve never seen such a forlorn child! Child Protective Services brought her here from Angel Grove after her father passed away.”

Frank leans on his cane as he bows his head. “Most regrettable! If we may ask, what happened?”

“The girl and her father were recently victims of a terrible accident in Angel Grove. She was saved, but her father died on his way to the hospital.”

Ember nods. “It must be awful to lose a parent like that! How did he die?”

“Smoke inhalation, I’m afraid.”

Arc looks to her, wide-eyed. “Was that by any chance…?”

Kulara nods. “Yes. The apartment complex fire on the news.”

Chapter 16 - Keeping Your Eyes Open

Arc, Ember and Frank sit in the back of the car as it drives back toward Angel Grove. Frank sighs and shakes his head.

“That poor little girl. To lose everything like that…”

“Y-yeah. I know just how she feels.”

Ember takes Arc’s hand. “I hope she’ll be okay.”

Frank nods. “She is in the very best of care with Miss Kulara. If anyone can help her, she will. Of that I am certain.”

Ember looks to Arc. “I wonder if there’s anything that CAN be done for her.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll give the matter some thought.”

They arrive back at the Shard’s Hideout. The car stops next to Arc’s Jeep. Frank turns to them as the car comes to a stop.

“Well, here we are. Back safe and sound, as promised.”

Ember smiles at him. “Thank you for the ride.”

“Y-yeah, Frank.”

They step out of the car. Ember stands with Frank as Arc starts his Jeep and begins brushing the snow off.

“You did very well today, miss.”

Ember shakes her head. “All I did was read stories.”

“You don’t understand. Such a kind gesture can be life changing to an orphan.”

“It can?”

Frank nods. “Yes! To those who have no one to turn to… no one to love them, a simple act of kindness can make all the difference.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“You and Arc are welcome to join our family here any time.”

Ember looks over at Arc as he scrapes the windshield. “Thank you, but… I already have a family with Arc. I may not be an orphan, but I do know the pain of losing a parent.”

Frank nods. “Yes. Arc is a very kind-hearted individual. You’d do well to stay by his side, Ember.”

“I plan on that!”

Frank extends a hand as Arc walks over to join them. “Well, until we meet again, take care of yourself, Arc.”

Arc nods soberly as he shakes hands. “You too, Frank.”

The pair walk toward the Jeep. As he puts a hand on his door Arc turns around to face Frank.

“Frank? Do… do you think… someday…”

The words die in Arc’s throat as his voice trails off.

“N-never mind.”

Arc and Ember get into the Jeep and drive away. Frank looks after them as they do so. He smiles and sighs.

“Yes, old friend. I too wish we could go back to the way things used to be. But fate would have us both walk different paths… alone.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember drive on in silence for several minutes along the dark back roads toward town.

“Arc?”

He says nothing.

“Are we going to talk about this?”

Arc does not respond, but abruptly pulls over to the side of the road and stops. Ember unbuckles her seatbelt as Arc gets out and walks off the road into the dark woods.

“Arc?! What are you…?”

He walks over to a tree and smashes his fists into its trunk in a fit of rage! Ember runs over!

“Arc?! What’s gotten into…”

He interrupts her, angrily. “Don’t you get it, Ember?! That little girl! It… what happened to her! It’s all my fault!”

Ember puts her hands on his shoulders. “None of that was your fault! We all saw the news report a few days after the fact! That fire was completely accidental!”

“If I had just gotten there a little sooner, maybe… maybe I could have…”

Arc’s voice trails off as he hits the tree again. A piece of bark falls off and lands in the snow next to him as he falls to his knees. Cherry calls out to them.

“Maybe you could have saved her? Remember, I was there too, Arc! You did everything within your power!”

Ember nods. “Cherry’s right. We did our best.”

Arc pounds the ground angrily! “Well my best wasn’t good enough! And that little girl paid the price for my failure!”

Ember kneels down behind Arc to wrap her arms around him. “You mean OUR failure! Like I said, I was there too, you know! There was nothing else ANYONE could have done to prevent what happened!”

“But…!”

“Listen to me, Arc. Not everything you do is going to end happily. Sometimes you’ll mess up… wish you could have a do-over, or even think things would have come out better if you hadn’t even tried. But let me ask you this. Do you think that little girl would have made it out alive without us?”

“Well, no.”

Ember hugs him tighter. “You saved one life from a situation that would have otherwise claimed two. Now please… don’t dwell on the ‘what ifs’. Powerful as you may be, even you can’t change the past.”

Cherry nods inwardly. “Listen to Ember! She’s right and you know it!”

Arc sighs as he stands up. “Thanks, you two. Sorry for… you know.”

Ember nods as he turns to face her. “I feel bad about what happened too. But beating ourselves up over it isn’t going to help her.”

Arc notices Ember is shivering. He takes her hand and leads her back toward the Jeep.

“Let’s get you back where it’s warm.”

Ember looks relieved. “I thought you’d never ask!”

They get back into the Jeep and slowly but surely continue on their way towards Arc’s house. As he pulls into the garage and turns the vehicle off Arc turns to her.

“Ember. I… I just wanted to tell you you’re a really good friend. Thanks for sticking around. Why you do I really don’t understand sometimes.”

“Isn’t that what friendship is all about? Staying even when things are tough?”

Cherry giggles. “That it is!”

“Yes it is. We’ve certainly come a long way together since that day we met on the road in Tartarus.”

Ember leans over and takes his hand, smiling. “And here’s hoping we have many more adventures together!”

Arc nods. “I’d like that.”

The pair get out of the vehicle and walk to the back door. Opening it and stepping into the kitchen, they are greeted by a plethora of wonderous aromas Derpy is standing by the stove tending the pots with Hugh. Dinky, Max and Xenos are setting the table. As they enter, Dinky runs over to her father and gives him a hug.

“DAD! Your back!”

Arc returns the affection. “Of course! A little bit of snow won’t stop me!”

Max salutes him. “All’s well here, sir!”

Derpy turns around from the stove. “Welcome home, Arc! I…”

Ember walks in behind Arc and quickly closes the door behind them. She rubs her hands together.

“So c-c-cold out there!”

Dinky looks confused. “Miss Ember? Where did you come from?”

“She came with me, sweetheart.”

Xenos frowns. “She did?!”

Ember shoots them all a withering look. “You guys didn’t even know I was gone?!”

Max shakes his head. “Sorry, Ember. We just assumed you were still up in your room.”

Arc sighs. “Nope. Somehow she snuck her way into the Jeep.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “How?! She would have had to get past all of us!”

Sereb walks into the kitchen. “She jumped out her bedroom window.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

Ember looks at Sereb, astonished. “How did you…?!”

Sereb points a paw at his ear. “I heard you hit the snow. Luckily those bushes below the window broke your fall.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest and looks away indignantly. “So I forgot for a moment I didn’t have wings! Big deal!”

Sereb nods. “Oh? Is that why you’re walking strangely?”

Dinky looks to her. “Miss Ember! Are you all right?!”

“I’m fine! My ankle just hurts a little bit, okay!”

Arc frowns. “Are you sure?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Then why is you keep wincing every time you put weight on it?”

“Darn it Sereb! Why do you have to be so observant?!”

“I am merely trying to be more like Arc. Taking in my surroundings and using what I observe to my advantage.”

Ember glares at him as Arc kneels down to examine her ankle. “Well, stop it!”

Arc shakes his head. “No Sereb, keep doing it! Ember, your ankle is badly swollen! You need to sit down!”

He puts his arm around Ember’s waist and slowly helps her to the living room couch. Sitting down with her Arc quickly rolls up her pant leg to the knee.

“Dinky can you please bring me some ice from the freezer, a plastic bag, and a towel please?”

“Okay dad!”

Dinky returns momentarily and hands the items to her father. Arc puts the ice in a Ziploc bag, wraps it in the towel, and puts it on Ember’s ankle. Her eyes grow wide as she attempts to sit up.

“That’s C-C-COLD!”

Arc pushes her back with his magic. “Well, it’s the best way to get that swelling to come down.”

Xenos snickers. “Be brave, Ember!”

Ember glares at him. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?!”

Hugh nods. “Just a bit.”

Max smiles at her. “Forgive us, Ember. It’s not every day we get to see you… what’s the term… in such a weakened state.”

Ember mutters under her breath. “I’ll get you for this Sereb.”

Sereb calls out from the kitchen. “I heard that.”

She rolls her eyes. “Of course you did.”

“Xenos, would you come here please?”

“Yes sir! What do you need?””

Arc stands up. “Hold this on Ember’s ankle and make sure she doesn’t try to get up. I’ll be right back.”

Dinky walks over. “I can do that, dad!”

Arc heads toward the bathroom as Xenos sits down to carry out his orders. “Yes, well… I want someone doing it who can hold her down if need be.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Ha, ha.”

A few minutes later Arc returns with a large cloth bandage.

“I’ll take over, Xenos. Did she give you any trouble?”

Xenos stands, salutes, and grins. “No sir! She was a model prisoner!”

Dinky giggles as Arc kneels down in front of Ember. He begins to wrap her ankle.

“What are you doing?”

“Wrapping this up. Then we’ll go back to the ice pack. This is the best way to treat a human’s twisted ankle.”

Max turns to Arc. “Should we get her medical attention?”

Arc shakes his head as he stands up. “I don’t think so. She’s been walking on it this long, so it’s not broken. Are you in a lot of pain, Ember?”

“No. This is helping a lot.”

She sighs and rolls her eyes.

“Anything else I have to do in my quest to entertain all of you?”

“There is one more thing. Would you lie down please?”

She complies as Arc grabs a couple extra throw pillows and puts them under Ember’s foot. She growls.

“This is humiliating.”

“Well, we have to raise your foot to get it to heal faster. Doing so helps improve blood flow.”

Cherry calls out. “It’s the same for ponies. I guess that’s another thing we have in common with humans.”

Derpy walks into the living room.

“Supper will be ready in about fifteen minutes. How’s Ember?”

Arc stands up. “She’ll be okay after a few day’s rest.”

Ember’s eye twitches. “A few DAYS?!”

“Longer if you don’t rest.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest and looks away indignantly. “Hmph… why do humans have to heal so slowly?!”

Sereb walks in from the kitchen. “Can we not turn Ember back into a dragon to heal?”

Ember nods. “Great idea!”

Max looks to Arc. “But what if someone sees her?!”

“I don’t know who would see her in the house. What do you think, Ember?”

“Yes, yes, a thousand times YES!”

Arc shrugs. “Go for it, Sereb.”

Sereb returns to his normal form. His horn glows as he casts the counter-spell on Ember. In a moment she is back to her dragon form. She stretches her wings and hovers.

“Ah!”

Derpy looks over. “How do you feel now, Ember?”

“Much better now that I can get around! My ankle should be fully healed by tomorrow morning.”

Max looks confused. “What? HOW?!”

“Dragons have the innate ability to heal minor to moderate injuries quickly. Whether by magical means or whatever is unknown, even to us.”

A short time later supper is ready. They sit down together around the kitchen table. As they eat, Arc turns to Derpy.

“Wonderful meal!”

“Thank you. But I can’t take all the credit. I had quite a bit of help.”

Hugh nods. “We all pitched in!”

Dinky grins. “Can you tell us how your day went, dad?!”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah! Starting with how Ember convinced you to let her come along!”

“Yes, well… I was actually partway there before I noticed her.”

Ember frowns. “That will teach you to try and leave me behind!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Perhaps next time you should restrain her.”

Arc laughs. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Ha, ha…”

Arc and Ember recall the day’s activities.

Viktor listens intently. “That’s quite the tale, sir!”

Hugh nods. “Do you ever have just a normal day, sir?”

“It doesn’t seem so, no.”

Cherry giggles happily. “I wish everypony could have been there! The little humans were so CUTE!”

Arc looks down, sadly. “Yeah… they were.”

Derpy looks to him, concerned. “Is something wrong, Arc?”

“Very much so. There… there was this one little girl who sat in a corner under a blanket. She didn’t move or talk even when I joined her.”

Sereb frowns. “Was she perhaps ill?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She was brought to the orphanage after losing her father in… the apartment fire.”

Max’s eyes grow wide. “They two victims you and Ember pulled out of there!”

Viktor gasps. “She was one of them?!”

Ember nods sadly. “Yes. But her father didn’t make it.”

Dinky shakes her small head. “I feel so bad for her! To lose everything in a fire is bad enough. But to lose her father on top of it! I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you, dad!”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Is anything being done?”

“Miss Kulara the headmistress would have sent her to live with a relative if she could have located one. I can only assume she was unable to do so.”

Max sighs. “Anything we can do?”

Dinky’s eyes light up. “How about a special Christmas present?!”

“I asked her about that, sweetheart. It was the only thing that she responded to.”

Hugh nods. “What did she say?”

“That all she wanted was… her mother.”

Xenos thinks for a moment. “I don’t get it. If her mother is still alive, why wasn’t she sent to live with her?”

Arc shrugs. “Good question. I’m going to see if I can figure that out tonight.”

Ember frowns. “Tonight?”

Derpy looks confused. “How?”

“By looking through Headmistress Kulara’s records.”

Cherry gasps. “Wait, what?!”

“It’s the only way I can think of. We need to find out if she’s still alive.”

Viktor nods. “If she’s as good at keeping records as the rest of humanity appears to be, that would be a good place to start, sir.

Ember stands up. “I’m coming with…”

“No you’re not, Ember! That ankle won’t heal if you keep walking on it!”

“But…!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time! I’m not even sure how I didn’t notice you walking funny when we were there earlier!”

Ember sighs as she sits back down. “Let’s just say I’m glad Frank walks as slow as he does.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Is he all right?”

“Kinda. It’s an injury from quite some time ago. But that’s a story for another day. In any case, I won’t be in any danger on this one, Ember. So there’s no reason for anyone to come with me.”

Max chuckles. “It would be about as dangerous as you sneaking into the Little Hooves Orphanage back in Ponyville.”

“Right.”

Dinky looks out the window at the snow. “But the roads will be even more dangerous now that the sun has gone down!”

Xenos nods. “I agree with your daughter, sir!”

Arc grins. “So do I.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “You do?”

“Yes, I believe you’re right. It’s far too dangerous to do any more driving tonight.”

Ember breathes a sigh of relief. “Glad we could talk you out of this, Arc!”

“That’s why I’m teleporting over.”

Xenos facepalms. “Saw that one coming.”

Sereb nods. “You’ve thought of everything.”

Ember frowns. “When did you have time to place a sigil?!”

Arc chuckles. “Remember that bathroom break I took at one point?”

“I thought you were taking too long!”

Cherry giggles. “Arc and I Blinked up onto the roof and placed one of his sigils.”

“That we did.”

Derpy looks to him. “So what’s your plan, Arc?”

“Simple. I put on my magic cloak, teleport back there, Blink back inside, head for Miss Kulara’s office, go through her recent case files, and see what there is to find.”

Arc leans back. He appears to be thinking.

“Problem, dad?”

“Sort of. I don’t own a camera. But at the same time I don’t really want to take the file outright. After all, Miss Kulara might need it.”

Dinky frowns. “Wouldn’t that be stealing, dad?!”

“I suppose it would be, sweetheart. While I would do my best to return the file quickly…”

Viktor interrupts. “You could let me look at the files over your helmet cameras, sir!”

Ember grins. “Right! How did we forget about those?!”

“Good idea, Viktor! You could screen shot them and print copies for us back here!”

Xenos laughs. “Sounds like you have a bona-fide plan there, sir!”

Arc stands up. “Right. If everyone’s done eating, we can get underway. Viktor, was the equipment delivered today?”

“Yes sir! All monitors, headsets, and workstations are already up and running. All of us will have no trouble watching your back and calling out warnings now.”

Max nods as he looks toward the basement door. “We’ve got a real computer laboratory down there now.”

Hugh grins. “It does make our work a lot easier. Being able to pull up whatever we need in an instant.”

Xenos shakes his head. “Well I for one don’t like it! This takes all the legwork out of investigating!”

Ember raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

“No! It makes you flabby and lazy! You need to keep moving to keep your legs and mind sharp!”

Arc nods. “Both of you are right. My legwork combined with all of you processing the data I send back will make us unstoppable.”

Ember nods. “Teamwork?”

Arc pulls the magic cloak out of his ring and puts it on.

“Exactly. If everyone plays their part, in the end we’ll meet our goal of finding Princess Celestia and bringing her home. But for now, all we can do it wait, prepare, and try to make the world a little better in the meantime.”

Arc’s squad stands up and heads for the basement stairs. Viktor calls out over his shoulder.

“We’ll get into position, sir!”

Hugh sighs. “Probably not much for us to do on this one.”

Max shrugs. “We’ll, it will make for good practice.”

Xenos smacks his fists together. “True. But eventually I want to start smashing bad guys!”

Cherry Jubilee sighs. “Patience. If somepony has kidnapped the princess, they’ll be no shortage of those in need of a good thrashing.”

Arc turns to Ember. “You wait here with Derpy and Dinky.”

“But… okay…”

“Thanks.”

Derpy nods. “Take care, Arc.”

“We’ll keep the lights on for you, dad!”

“This shouldn’t take long.”

Arc opens a portal and steps through. The portal closes behind him as Derpy turns to her daughter.

“Why don’t we get the dishes done while we wait for your father, Dinky?”

“Okay mom! I’ll dry!”

Ember hovers nearby. “Can I help?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Please rest, Ember. We want you to get better quickly!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! That way you can go with my dad and keep him safe!”

Ember flies back toward the couch and lies down. “Fine… but I don’t have to like it!”

Derpy calls out to her from the kitchen. “Shall I have Dinky bring you some more ice?”

Ember shivers at the thought. “No thanks!”

Meanwhile, Arc appears on his sigil on the Farburg Orphanage’s roof. He pulls out his pocket watch and checks the time.

“I didn’t realize it was this late. We really did have a late supper.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Although it’s better to do this now, right?”

Arc nods as he cloaks. “Right. Everyone should be in bed, including Miss Kulara. Our only obstacle should be the night watch.”

“Night watch?”

“A single employee that sits at the secretary’s desk, babysits the surveillance cameras, and makes sure no tries to break in or leave.”

“Sounds like a pretty boring job.”

Arc nods. “I’m sure it is. But we’ll be invisible anyways.”

He Blinks into the building and makes his way down the silent corridors. Soon the pair reach their destination. Arc Blinks them through the headmistress’ office door and decloaks.

“There. No cameras in here.”

“Are you sure?”

Arc smiles. “Yup. There’s one pointed at this door, so… you know.”

He quickly walks over to one of the filing cabinets and opens it. Quickly going through the files, he mutters to himself.

“Let’s see what we have here…”

Cherry sighs. “There must be hundreds of folders in there! How will you know which one is the right file?”

“The files are separated by age group and each comes with a photo of the child in question. That narrows my search down by quite a bit.”

Max calls out to him over his earring. “How do you know that, sir?”

“When I got older I sometimes helped Miss Kulara with her paperwork. It helped me learn how to properly organize things.”

Hugh chuckles. “That’s handy!”

Arc shrugs. “It gave me something to do.”

Max turns to Viktor. “It’s kinda hard to see with the low light levels in there. Can you do anything about it?”

Viktor nods and types some commands on his keyboard. “Give me a minute.”

A few moments pass. Suddenly everyone’s viewscreens brighten.

Xenos grins. “Way better! How’d you do that?!”

“Night-vision mode.”

Hugh frowns. “Why don’t you just leave that on?!”

“Because it only works in really low light. If the lights were to be turned on now, it would blind us!”

Arc nods. “Just keep doing what you’re doing, Viktor.”

A short time later Cherry calls out to Arc.

“There she is!”

A picture of the sad little girl is paper-clipped to the file.

“Right!”

Arc turns to the desk and opens the file. He slowly turns every page.

“Did you get everything, Viktor?”

“Yes sir, it’s recorded. Anything else to do over there?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at the moment. I’ll put this back and we’ll be on our way.”

He closes the file and returns it to its place in the drawer. Cherry sighs as Arc closes the filing cabinet.

“Do you think we’ll find what we’re looking for in those pages?”

Arc shrugs as he opens a portal back home. “I sure hope so! After all… we don’t have anything else to go off.”

Chapter 18 - Sniffing Out Trouble

Arc and Derpy follow Penelope Parker upstairs to her spacious office. Derpy looks around, wide-eyed.

“Nice place you have here!”

Penelope gestures to two chairs in front of her desk as she sits down. “Thank you. Now if you would please be seated, we can talk.”

They do so.

“I am Vice President Penelope Parker. And you two are…”

Arc nods. “Thank you for seeing us, Miss Parker. My name is Arc and my friend here is Dawn.”

Derpy nods. “Hello.”

Penelope frowns. “From what I overheard in the Atrium, it sounds like you two were looking for a meeting with in regards to Sam Mason.”

She leans forward in her chair.

“I’ve been trying to get a hold of Sam for a several days now. To be honest with you, when we met in the Atrium I was actually on my way out the door to go see him. Maybe you can tell me why he’s not returning my calls.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I hate to tell you this, but…”

He tells Miss Parker about the apartment fire and Sam’s death. She appears stunned.

“I… I can’t believe he’s gone! And in such a manner! Tell me, how is his daughter?! Did she make it out?!”

Derpy nods. “Yes. The Hero of Light saved her.”

Arc sighs. “But he was too late to help Sam.”

“That fellow from the news?! You came all the way here from Angel Grove to tell me about this?”

Arc nods. “I’m actually hoping you can tell me a few things. You see, I’m trying to find Sam’s ex-wife.”

Penelope chuckles. "You and quite a few others I’m sure."

Derpy looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Debt Collectors mostly.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t quite follow.”

Penelope sighs as she leans back in her chair. “She’s been a thorn in Sam’s side for years. Frankly I don’t know why he stuck with her as long as he did. Cybil Mason is nothing but an alcoholic train wreck.”

“Are you certain of this?”

“I am. She’s been in here numerous times over the years looking for Sam.”

Derpy nods. “So he works here then?”

Penelope shakes her head. “No. We just publish his children’s books and handle the business side of his stories.”

Arc looks confused. “Then why…”

“Every time she comes in here waving an envelope with our return address on it. In her drunken state she assumes he works for us and is somewhere in the building.”

“So what does she want?”

Penelope sighs. “For us to either give her money or tell us where he lives. Naturally we don’t give out addresses of our authors, especially to those who would only do them harm.”

Arc nods, understandingly. “Is she violent?”

“Not usually. Up until the last time, all it took was a call to security to get her escorted out.”

Derpy shudders. “The last time things went badly?”

Penelope nods. “We actually had to call the police. I hated to do it, for Sam and his daughter’s sake, but she… well…”

“She what?”

Penelope looks Arc in the eyes. “Please don’t spread this around, but she got so mad at our staff that she… she urinated in the middle of the Atrium right in front of the receptionist’s desk.

Arc nods. “That was the last straw, huh?”

“We didn’t have any other choice. Up until that point we had been putting up with her for Sam’s sake, but…”

Derpy sighs. “It had to end somewhere.”

“Yes. But that didn’t make it any easier. The police came, handcuffed her, and dragged her out the door.”

“She couldn’t walk?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “As drunk as she sounded, probably not.”

Penelope sighs. “According to our Head of Security, that would have been a sound analysis of her state of mind at the time.”

Arc nods. “I don’t suppose you know where I could find her.”

Penelope shakes her head. “I do not. That was the last we saw of her. Sam called me later that day to apologize yet again for his ex-wife’s behavior.”

Derpy sighs. “That couldn’t have been easy.”

“I suppose not. However he still bailed her out.”

“After all that? Why?!”

Penelope sighs. “Sam didn’t want to have to tell his daughter that her mother was in jail… again. It’s very hard on a child to hear such things.”

Derpy nods. “I suppose it is.”

“The good news was he said she was moving out of town.”

“Did he say why?”

“Indirectly, he told me she was trying to escape her responsibilities.”

Derpy frowns. “As a parent?”

“More like as a responsible citizen. She’s chronically in debt thanks to her alcoholism.”

“Did he look into getting her some help?”

Penelope nods. “Sam told me he would take her back when she completed rehab. To the best of my knowledge she hasn’t. Her and Sam have been separated well over a year now. So if she was going to seek help, she would have done so by now.”

Arc sighs. “I… suppose you’re right.”

“If you want to locate her, you might want to try asking someone over at Angel Grove Elementary School. Sam’s daughter is enrolled there.”

Arc looks up. “Good idea! Maybe they have her old address on file.”

Penelope looks out the window. “It will be too late for Christmas though. They’re closed until after New Year.”

Arc stands up and extends a hand. “Well, at least I have a lead now. Thank you for your time, Miss Parker.”

Penelope stands and shakes Arc’s hand. “Call me Penelope. I think it’s very noble of you to do this for Sam’s daughter.”

Arc smiles at her as they head toward the office door. “I just don’t want her to be alone at Christmas! Her mother either.”

Penelope stops as they reach the office door. “By the way. Would you happen to know what happened to her hands?”

“Her hands? They were all bandaged up when I saw her at the orphanage yesterday. I just assumed it was from the fire.”

Penelope shakes her head. “No. They were like that the last time I saw her and Sam at his apartment.”

Derpy gasps. “It must be quite the injury to go on that long!”

Penelope nods. “Yes. Arc, would you please do me a favor?”

“I can try.”

“Please help Sam’s daughter have a Merry Christmas. She’s always been a rather shy girl. Probably more so after what happened. Hopefully you can make her smile again.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Arc and Derpy leave the office and take the elevator back downstairs to the Atrium. As they leave the building Derpy turns to him.

“This little girl sounds like she’s been through a lot.”

Arc nods sadly. “She has. That and she isn’t even Dinky’s age yet.”

They climb back into the Jeep and head back toward Angel Grove. The pair stop at a drive through for takeout and continue on their way as they eat. Derpy looks up from her salad.

“I guess you’ll have to wait, huh?”

Arc looks over at her as he takes a bite of his cheeseburger. “What for?”

Derpy sips on a bottle of water. “For the school to open.”

Arc shakes his head. “Wasn’t planning on it.”

“But… how are you planning on getting inside?”

“I was going to just Blink in.”

“You can’t do that!”

Arc sighs. “I’ll probably have to. The school isn’t going to tell a total stranger the past addresses of student’s estranged mother. I know my way around that place. It’ll be a breeze getting in with magic.”

Derpy sighs. “I can’t talk you out of this?”

“Only if you want to tell that little girl that she’s going to be alone for a while longer.”

“I… I couldn’t. But what if you get caught?!”

“Leave that to me.”

Half an hour later they arrive at the Angel Grove Elementary School. Arc pulls the Jeep into the roundabout and parks. He pulls his magic cloak out.

“Don’t worry about a thing, Derpy. I won’t be long. That and I’ll leave the engine running so you can stay warm.”

“But what if you can’t find the file?!”

Arc sighs as he cloaks. “Oh, I’ll find it. I… I have to.”

He Blinks from his seat to just inside the school door and promptly falls to the floor. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc! Are you alright?!”

Arc stands up and composes himself. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“What happened?!”

He sighs as he rubs his backside. “I forgot I was sitting down when I Blinked.”

Arc walks down the hallway toward the school office.

“How do you know your way around this building?”

“I went to school here myself a long time ago.”

“Really?! This place is so much bigger than any school back home!”

Arc chuckles. “Well there’s more children on Earth than in Equestria.”

“Why do you suppose that is?”

“Probably because the cities are bigger and our populations are exponentially larger.”

“In any case, it’s a very nice-looking building.”

Arc looks around. “There’s a lot of memories here. This building is really old, after all. In fact, my father himself went to school here too.”

They arrive at a closed door marked ‘Office’. Arc tries the doorknob.

“Locked.”

He quickly Blinks through the door and turns on the lights.

“That was easy.”

Cherry sounds nervous. “Let’s find that file and get out of here!”

Arc opens a nearby drawer and starts looking.

“This may take forever, Arc!”

Arc shakes his head as he rummages around. “Not really. They probably have her file in the archives drawer.”

“Why there?”

“That’s where I would put files belonging to students who’ve transferred out.”

“Transferred?”

Arc nods. “Since she’s living at the Farburg Orphanage, there’s no way they’re still sending her to school here in Angel Grove. It’s at least a forty five minute drive there. And that’s just one way.”

“There’s another school in Farburg?”

He nods. “Yes. Every large town has one.”

In a few moments Arc pulls out a folder and sets it on the nearby desk. He sits down in the secretary’s desk chair.

“Here we are. Her mother’s last known address.”

Arc picks up a pencil and writes it down before stuffing the paper in his pocket.

“Do you think she really moved away?”

Arc sighs. “Probably. If she’s drowning her troubles in booze, she’s used to running from her problems”

He goes over the file again.

“What are you looking for now, Arc?

“A work phone number. She had to have a job, at least at some point, to pay for more alcohol.”

“You’re planning on calling them to ask?!”

Arc shrugs. “If this address doesn’t work out, that will be all we have to go on.”

He picks up the paper, folds it up, and puts it in his pocket before returning the file to its place in the drawer.

Cherry sighs happily as Arc Blinks through the locked door to the hallway. “I wouldn’t mind seeing this place again! It just feels so… happy!”

Arc walks down the hallway toward the entrance. “I did enjoy the time I spent here, before my mother…”

Cherry sighs. “I’m sorry, Arc.”

“Don’t be, Cherry. Now let’s get going.”

He looks out the door to see his Jeep sitting where he left it. Taking one last looks around at the familiar surroundings.

“I guess there isn’t much reason to dwell on the past, huh Cherry?

A voice speaks from behind him.

“That’s one way of putting it, Arc.”

Arc whirls around to see the navy-blue robed figure standing before him.

“Wiseman?! What are YOU doing here?!”

Wiseman looks around as Arc decloaks. “Just taking a walk.”

Cherry sounds peeved. “You don’t make much sense!”

“I suppose I don’t sometimes. But that is neither here nor there.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Look, I’m kinda busy right now, so if we could just speed this along…”

Wiseman chuckles. “Short on time are we now? When you get as old as I am, you will truly be able to appreciate time and how you spend it.”

“Here to give me another warning, are you?”

“I am.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’m listening.”

“You are searching for Cybil Mason, correct?”

Cherry gasps. “How did you…?”

“Some things are known to some, while unknown to others.”

Arc nods. “I am. Something wrong with that?”

“No. I only wanted to give you a single piece of advice.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I await your response with breathless anticipation.”

“All I want to say is… the truth… is not always a pleasant thing to know.”

Arc turns around and looks back toward the office. “I suppose it isn’t. However, I would rather know the truth than live my life wondering… you’re gone aren’t you, Wiseman?”

Arc turns back around. Wiseman is nowhere in sight.

Cherry sighs. “Again?!”

“So, it would seem.”

“What do you suppose he meant by that, Arc?”

“I understand what he’s saying. But… I’m not a big fan of the old ‘ignorance is bliss’ mentality.”

He shakes his head and looks outside at the Jeep.

“We should be moving on. Nothing left to do here, Cherry.”

“I suppose not.”

Arc sits down on the floor in front of the exterior door.

“Arc? What are you…?”

“You’ll see, Cherry.”

He Blinks back into the driver’s seat of his Jeep. Derpy appears startled!

“AH!”

Arc removes his cloak and returns it to his ring. “Sorry about that Derpy.”

“Everything go alright in there? You were gone for quite some time”

Cherry sighs. “We ran into the human from before.”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “From where now?”

Arc puts the vehicle in gear and slowly drives away. “I originally saw him at the apartment fire. However, he also appeared to me in Griffonstone.”

“Earth… AND the Griffon Kingdom?! HOW?!”

Arc shrugs. “Not a clue. Hopefully next time we can get some footage of him for the guys to analyze.”

Derpy looks to Arc, nervously. “Is he… bad?”

“I don’t think so. But his knowledge of where I’ll be at any given time is starting to give me the creeps.”

“So where are we headed?”

Arc pulls the paper out of his pocket. “The address on file with the school. Cybil probably isn’t there, but maybe someone who lives nearby will be able to point us in the right direction.”

They make the short drive to the address, which is a mobile home park. Arc drives up to the office. The rather seedy looking person behind the counter tells him that Cybil moved out without paying her lot rent. He turns to Derpy as he gets back into the Jeep.

“Well that didn’t work.”

Derpy sighs. “Not here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Skipped out on paying her bill. They don’t know where she went, but would certainly like to.”

“What now?”

“We check her last known job.”

Arc touches his earring.

“You boys there?”

Max nods. “Yes sir! Do you need something?”

“I need Viktor to run a reverse phone number lookup.”

Viktor sounds confused. “A what?”

“Type ‘reverse phone number’ into the search engine.”

“Yes sir.”

A few moments pass.

“Okay. What now sir?”

“Type in the following numbers.”

Arc pulls the paper out of his pocket and reads off the phone number. A few moments later Viktor speaks up.

“Looks like it’s to a restaurant in the next town.”

Arc pulls out a pencil from the glove compartment. “What’s the address?”

Viktor gives Arc the address which he writes down on the paper in his lap.

“Thanks. We’re heading over there now.”

Xenos chuckles. “You’re really making headway on this case, sir!”

“Maybe we’ll find her yet. Arc out.”

Fifteen minutes later they arrive at a small mom and pop restaurant. They park and head inside. The manager appears to be running the front himself. Arc and Derpy walk up to the counter.

“Good afternoon. I’m looking for Cybil Mason. Does she still work here?”

The manager rolls his eyes. “Not anymore! She showed up drunk yet again today, so I had to let her go.”

Derpy sighs. “Does this happen often?

“Too often! You friends of hers?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In fact we’ve never even met.”

“So you’re bill collectors, huh? At least you didn’t make a scene like the others.”

“That bad?”

The manager nods angrily. “Bad enough that customers walk out! She was a great waitress… when she was sober, that is. But her choices outside of work kept following her in the door! I’m glad she’s gone!”

“Well, we’re still looking for her? Any idea where she could have gone?”

“Not a clue. She walked out and didn’t look back. Good riddance, I say.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Should we try looking around? She couldn’t have gotten far.”

Arc nods and turns back to the manager. “Does she have a car, sir?”

“No. She smashed it up a couple weeks ago… again. This time I think it’s totaled. Again, probably for the best.”

“You have an address?”

“Not since the other day when her roommate kicked her out.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Wow. This Cybil really is quite the colorful individual.”

The manager scoffs. “That’s putting it mildly. Now if you two would be so kind as to leave so I can get back to work.”

Arc nods as they head for the door. “Okay. Thank you for your help.”

The manager smiles slightly as he mutters to himself. “Politest collectors I ever saw.”

Arc turns to Derpy. “Come on. She can’t have gotten far.”

The pair turn to leave as the manager calls out after them.

“Hey fella!”

Arc turns back. “Yes?”

“You’re in luck!”

He points out the front window.

“There she is!”

Arc and Derpy turn to see a woman staggering toward the building. The manager sighs and rolls his eyes.

“Great! How much you wanna bet she’s so drunk she forgot I fired her earlier?”

The woman staggers in the door. She reeks of alcohol, sweat, body odor and urine. Turning to the manager, as she slurs her words heavily.

“Hai boss… sorry… sorry I’m late! I… I dunno why…”

“Well, that’s just fine! You don’t work here anymore!”

She staggers toward the counter. “Shure I do! I’m yur best employeeeeeee!”

The manager looks at Arc as he picks up the phone. “You want her, or should I let the cops haul her away?”

Arc sighs. “We’ll take her.”

Derpy looks over to him. “We will?”

“Yes… we will.”

Arc walks up to the woman.

“You Cybil Mason?”

“Yeah! Who’s askin’?!”

“The… uh… the manager says you can have the night off.”

“He did?! That’s… that’s relly noice of him! Usually he… he’s jest so… uptight!”

She trips and falls on the floor. Arc and Derpy help her up as she looks up at Arc.

“You two wanna get somethun to drink together?! Mai treat!”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. How about we give you a ride home though?”

“Can we get a drink later?!”

“Uh… maybe.”

Cybil wraps both her arms around Arc’s neck as he and Derpy help her to the door. “Lead the way then… ye little cutie!”

The three leave the restaurant together and head back to Arc’s Jeep. Arc helps her into the back seat.

“I kin do it myself… yew big… hunk of manliness!”

She gets in and immediately falls over. Lying on the back-seat daze and confused she looks to Arc.

“Why… why’s the world… all spinny like?”

“It’s… the world spinning faster. You just lie there and we’ll let you know when it’s safe to get up, okay?”

Cybil smiles slyly and giggles at Arc. “Okay stud muffin! Yew jest take me… whaerever and… I’ll fellew yew!”

Derpy gets into the passenger seat next to Arc. “This is kinda… sad, I guess.”

“I know.”

“Hey! Yew two talkin’… ‘bout me?!”

Arc shakes his head as he starts the Jeep. “Nope. We’re talking about someone else.”

Cybil nods. “Okay… gud! Say, kin you take me… back to my… apartment? I… need sumthing!“

“I… guess so. Where do you live?”

“I… I for… furgot! Hang on jest a… a sekund!”

She tries to pull something out of her coat pocket but fails miserably.

“Hay now! Sumone keeps… movin’ my pocket!”

Irritated, Derpy turns around, reaches into the coat pocket herself and pulls out a wallet. Cybil cheer.

“YAH! Yuh got it!”

Derpy hands the wallet to Arc. “Here you go. Can we please get this over with?!”

Arc opens the wallet and pulls out an expired driver’s license. “It’s not too far.”

They drive to the address and park. Arc helps her out of the Jeep. She stumbles, but Arc is able to catch her before she hits the concrete.

“Hay there now, stud muffin! Dun’t yew be trying to come onta me! I’m a… a married woman!”

Arc sighs as he helps her toward the apartment. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Then ‘gain… yew are REALLY cute now!”

Derpy frowns as Arc helps her to the door. Cybil stops, pulls her keys out and tries to get them into the lock. Arc takes them from her.

“Why don’t you let me do that?”

“Be muy gest, sweetie!”

Arc tries every key but none of them fit. Cybil bangs on the door.

“HAY! IT’S ME… OPEN… OPEN UP!”

A voice sounds from the other side of the door.

“Get out of here, Cybil! I had the locks changed!”

“WHAT?! I LIVE HEER TWO!”

“You haven’t paid rent in three months! Get out you bum!”

Arc gently pulls Cybil away from the door. “Come on. You can come home with me.”

A wicked smile crossing her face. “Oh?! Wut ‘bout yer girlfriend heer? She’s gunna get jelous o’ me!”

Derpy frowns at her through clenched teeth. “N-no I won’t!”

“Wut’s da matter, sweetheart? Dun’t like… compe… compet… ya no wut I meen!”

Derpy says nothing, but glares at Cybil as Arc helps her back to the Jeep and buckles her in. He gets into the driver’s seat as the sun begins to set.

“You just take it easy. We’ll be at my house in a bit.”

“Comon! Let’s git this… this show goin’!”

They begin the trip back to Arc’s house. In a few minutes Cybil falls asleep. Derpy looks back at their ‘guest’.

“Disgusting! Are all human’s like this when their drunk?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Some get violent and others get quiet.”

He glances in the rear-view mirror at Cybil sleeping it off.

“And some just pass out. I get the feeling she was on the edge of falling asleep for quite a while.”

Sometime after dark they pull into Arc’s driveway. He gets out, unbuckles Cybil, and picks her up.

“Come on. Let’s get you inside now.”

Arc carries Cybil into the house. Dinky and Ember are cleaning the kitchen as they enter via the back door.

“DAD! I… what the…?!”

Dinky backs up as Arc walks in with Cybil over his shoulder. Holding her like a sack of potatoes.

Ember frowns. “What… is that?!”

“This is Cybil Mason. That little girl’s mother.”

Dinky wrinkles her nose. “Are you sure?! She stinks!”

“Sadly, yes sweetheart. Go get my squad.”

Dinky quickly runs down to the basement. A moment later she returns with the others. Max approaches first.

“Sir, we… what in Celestia’s name…?!”

Xenos looks confused. “Sir? Why are you holding her like…?”

A split second later the sound of vomit spewing forth can be heard. Arc stands there calmly as it runs down the back of his shirt.

“Any other questions?”

Everyone stares and shakes their head no.

“Hugh, there’s a tarp in the garage. Go get it and put it on my bed.”

“Yes sir!”

“Ember, go upstairs and get the shower going.”

“I’m on it!”

Max grabs a mop. “Viktor and I will get this mess cleaned up, sir!”

“We will? I mean, right! We will!”

As Hugh comes back with the tarp and hurries upstairs Arc moves to follow him as the sound of running water can be heard.

“Thanks. Sorry about asking you to do cleanup duty. I know this isn’t your job.”

Viktor sighs. “Anything for you, sir.”

Arc carries Cybil upstairs with Derpy following closely behind. He lays her in the tub clothes and all. Ember looks to him, confused.

“Uh… shouldn’t we… you know.”

Arc takes the shower nozzle off the wall and begins spraying Cybil down from head to toe.

“Considering what’s on those clothes of hers, I didn’t want to touch them without rinsing her off first.”

Dinky comes into the bathroom. “Yeah! What is that SMELL?!”

Arc sighs, not looking up. “Puke, tobacco smoke, a couple days of body odor, dirt, grime, a healthy dose of alcohol spills, and urine.”

Derpy frowns. “Leave the room, Dinky.”

“I can help, mom!”

She frowns. “Now, Dinky!”

Arc nods. “Why don’t you brush your teeth and head to bed, sweetheart? Use the guest bathroom though.”

“Okay.”

After a few minutes of rinsing, the water running off Cybil begins to clear. Ember makes a face.

“I didn’t know a human could get THAT dirty!”

Arc nods as he stands up. “Yeah. Can you take over, Ember?”

“Sure. But what should I do when she’s clean?”

“Wrap her up in a towel and we’ll put her to bed in my room. Hugh should have the tarp down by now.”

Derpy sighs. “That might be a bit excessive, Arc. I don’t think…”

Cybil suddenly throws up again and pees herself.

Arc sighs. “That’s why.”

Derpy storms out of the bathroom, angrily. “Disgusting!”

Ember looks up at Arc. “What’s with her?”

“It’s… complicated. I’ll let you get to it now.”

Ember looks up as Arc turns to leave the room. “What should I put on her? Some pajamas?

Arc shakes his head, angrily. “No. In her condition she would just soil them! Wrap her up in a large towel and I’ll carry her to bed.”

He looks down at Cybil and frowns.

“Besides… she reminds me of someone I didn’t really like.”

“Who?”

Arc closes the door behind him. “My mother.”

Chapter 19 - The Next Morning

Arc waits outside the Bathroom for quite some time before the water shuts off and Ember finishes drying Cybil off. Eventually she opens the door.

“She’s ready, Arc. Do you want me to carry her to bed?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I should be the one to do it. After all, it’s my fault she’s here.”

He steps inside the bathroom. There is a large towel wrapped around Cybil’s chest and hips. Arc carefully picks the drunken woman up and carries her to his room. He lays her down and Ember covers her with a blanket.

“Let’s go. She can sleep it off.”

“But what if she wakes up?!”

Arc shrugs. “Then she wakes up. In her condition, she won’t be going very far.”

Ember follows Arc out and down the stairs. His squad along with Derpy are sitting on the couch talking.

“Is Dinky in bed, Derpy?”

Derpy sighs. “Yes, Arc. She seemed a bit confused about what this was all about so I had a little talk with her about it.”

“Good. I may have to do that tomorrow as well.”

Max shakes his head. “I still can’t believe you found her, sir!”

Xenos nods. “Me either! I mean, I knew you could do it. But I just figured it would take a while.”

Hugh looks to Arc, concerned. “So how is she?”

“Sleeping it off for now.”

Ember frowns. “And a heck of a lot cleaner then when she got here!”

“Right.”

Viktor nods. “What should we do with her?”

“I want to talk to her. But I can’t really do that with her drunk and naked.”

Derpy looks to Arc, angrily. “She certainly didn’t seem have a problem with it earlier!”

“True. But I want her coherent.”

Sereb nods. “Derpy brought us up to speed on your day, Arc.”

Max grins. “Sounds like quite the day you had!”

“It was… eventful.”

Viktor smiles. “You’re pretty good at what you do, sir!”

“Being a detective is originally what I wanted to do with my life. Although that is what I’ve been doing for a while now.”

Ember sighs. “So what do you want to ask her?”

“About her daughter mostly. If I can make her wish come true, I will.”

Xenos looks confused. “What do you mean ‘if’? You found her! Still not sure how, but you did!”

Max frowns. “Yes. What is there to talk about?”

“I want to know her mindset. For starters, why she left her daughter behind. I certainly couldn’t do the same, and can’t imagine Derpy doing such a thing to Dinky.”

Derpy nods with determination. “Right! She’s got to be messed up in the head or something!”

Sereb growls. “For what it’s worth, her scent is… off.”

Ember nods. “I’m with Sereb on this one. She certainly stunk!”

“While you are correct, that is not what I meant, Ember.”

“Wait, what?”

Sereb shakes his head. “It is difficult to put into words, but her body language show her thoughts to be convoluted and scrambled.”

Derpy shakes her head angrily. “That was probably just her being a drunk!”

Arc turns to her. “Something up, Derpy? You haven’t been yourself since we found her.”

“I… I just… the thought of her abandoning her foal to an orphanage just SICKENS me! Every day I cook and take care of orphans that would do ANYTHING to have a family! And… and she just tossed away her daughter like she was garbage!”

Arc nods. “She certainly has a lot of explaining to do.”

“Who’s got sum splaining to do?!”

Everyone turns around to see Cybil standing on the upper landing looking down at the group. She is holding the towel loosely to her chest. Ember frowns.

“What the…?”

Arc stands up. “How did you get UP?!”

Cybil stumbles down the stairs. “I kin hold my own against a bottle any day of the week!”

Derpy looks to her angrily. “Get back to bed and sleep that off you worthless drunk!”

“Who yu callin’ worthless, blondie?!”

Cybil looks to Arc.

“Call the… polize. Someone stole my clothes!”

Xenos stands up and walks toward her. “Why don’t I help you back to bed, miss?”

Cybil looks Xenos up and down. “My yer a big one!”

She looks around the room.

“I’m surrunded by… good lookin’ men!”

Derpy moves to stand between Cybil and the others. “And they’re a heap better than YOU!”

Cybil looks at her snidely. “What do yew know about wut men want, powderpuff?! Now move on over and let a real woman show yew how it’s dun!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yeah… you’re a real prize there.”

Cybil moves to push her way past Derpy and heads for Arc.

“Come heer tall, dark and handsome!”

In a flash Derpy grabs Cybil’s shoulder, turns her around to look her in the eye, and punches the woman squarely in the jaw. Cybil goes down like a sack of potatoes. Ember laughs.

“Nice one, Derpy! Didn’t know you had it in you!”

Arc sighs and picks Cybil up off the floor. “Let’s get you back to bed. And I suggest you stay there this time.”

He returns a few minutes later. Max looks over to him.

“Did she give you any more trouble, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. She was OUT!”

Ember grins. “If she does, we’ll send Derpy after her!”

Derpy looks to Arc, embarrassed. “Sorry about that.”

“No problem. She kinda had it coming.”

Derpy frowns. “Kinda?”

“Okay, she totally deserved it. Just one thing though. I think I’m going to let you tell her why her jaw hurts so bad in the morning.”

“Squee!”

“While everyone’s here, I did run into someone interesting again today.”

Sereb frowns. “Who might that be.”

“Wiseman.”

Ember sighs. “That weirdo from the fire?! Again?!”

Max looks to Arc. “Where, sir?”

“At the elementary school. He just showed up behind me.”

Cherry shudders. “I’m still wondering how exactly he got in there.”

Arc nods. “Right. I had to Blink in myself.”

Ember turn to him. “He’s gotta have magic, Arc. There’s no other explanation.”

“Yes. But where he got it from is still a mystery.”

Xenos sighs. “What did he want?”

“To give me some more advice.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “What this time?”

“He said, and I quote, ‘the truth is not always a pleasant thing to know’.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What is THAT supposed to mean?!”

Max shrugs. “The truth hurts?”

“Probably. But I already know that.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch and frowns.

“Sorry to cut this short, but I’m pretty tired. It’s getting late and we have another big day ahead of us tomorrow.”

Derpy stands up. “Why don’t we all get some sleep now? I for one found that legwork exhausting!”

Max and the rest of his squad head for the basement. “We’ll see you in the morning sir.”

Sereb walks over to the stairs. “I shall keep an eye on our ‘guest’ tonight, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

Ember looks to him. “So where were you planning on sleeping Arc?”

Derpy blushes slightly. “You can sleep with Dinky and I if you want to. We don’t mind sharing!”

Ember shakes her head. “Three humans in one bed might be a bit crowded. You can bunk with me tonight, Arc.”

Arc sits down on the couch. “I think I’ll just sleep here tonight. Thanks for offering though.”

Derpy frowns. “Are you sure? I mean, it is your house after all.”

Ember grins at him. “Yeah! That and it’s been awhile since you and I did that!”

“I’ll be fine. You two head upstairs and get some sleep now. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Ember, Derpy and Sereb head upstairs. Sereb lies down in front of Arc’s closed bedroom door as Derpy turns to Ember.

“I sure hope this wild goose chase was worth it.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. Arc worked so hard to find this woman.”

Derpy heads for her room. “I’m going to run an extra blanket down to Arc. The couch can’t be all that warm.”

Ember nods. “Or comfortable. Maybe you can talk him into coming upstairs and bunking with one of us.”

“I doubt it. Good night Ember.”

Ember goes into her room. “Night.”

Derpy grabs a blanket from her closet and heads back downstairs. Arc is just about to turn off the lights as he turns to face her.

“Derpy? What is it?”

She sheepishly holds out the blanket to him. “I… I wanted to give you this. If I can’t convince you to rest upstairs with Dinky and I, this is the best I can do.”

“Thanks!”

Derpy looks down at her feet. “Arc, I… I also wanted to apologize for my behavior today.”

“Believe me, I don’t hold it against you for hitting Cybil.”

“It’s not just that. I was a bit… difficult earlier. Can we sit down?”

Arc gestures to the couch. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

Derpy sighs as Arc sits down next to her. “I’m not trying to make excuses or anything, but… the way that woman acted really ticked me off!”

“Drunks aren’t the best people to be around. Believe me, I know.”

“It… it wasn’t that even! But the way she went after you earlier just made my blood boil! She isn’t worthy of your attention!”

“Worthy?”

Derpy nods. “Right! You’re strong, brave, smart, trustworthy, Loyal and Kind! Ever since we met, you’ve always done what you could to help others. But Cybil… all she wants is… whatever she can get others to do for her!”

Arc nods and sighs. “You’re right.”

“I am?”

“Yes. She’s a full-blown alcoholic. Getting drunk and staying drunk is all she lives for. Everything else is secondary.”

“Do you think that’s why Sam left with their daughter?”

Arc nods. “I’m certain of it.”

“What are we going to do about it?!”

“Help her dry out enough to see her daughter for Christmas.”

“Do you really think she can take care of that little girl?”

Arc shakes his head. “As it stands she has no money and nowhere to call home, so I’d say no. To regain custody she’d have to show quite a bit of improvement to the powers that be in this matter.”

“Who?”

“Child Protective Services for starters.”

Derpy frowns. “She’s not worth your time, Arc!”

“Maybe she is, and maybe she isn’t. But I’m not doing this for her.”

“What?! Then who?”

“That sad, lonely little girl in the orphanage.”

The next day, Arc and company rise early and prepare breakfast together. Dinky looks up at Arc as she and her mother set the table.

“How’d you sleep, dad?”

Arc rubs his neck. “Let’s just say my couch isn’t exactly the most comfortable place to sleep.”

Max looks up. “You could stay with us next time, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Right! Any of us would be willing to give up our bunk for you!”

Arc sighs. “I may just take you up on that.”

He turns to Ember.

“Any problems with our guest last night?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nope. Derpy knocked her out but GOOD!”

Derpy blushes. “I wish you wouldn’t say it like that. I feel bad enough about what I did.”

Viktor grins. “We were impressed!”

Sereb walks into the kitchen.

“She is beginning to stir, Arc.”

Ember stands up. “I’ll go talk to her. She’s probably confused as to where she is and how she got here”

Derpy rolls her eyes. “That and she’s more than likely wet herself by now.”

Arc nods. “Do be quick. Breakfast will be ready shortly.”

Ember nods and heads upstairs. She knocks lightly before entering the room. Cybil is still lying on the bed and shaking her head as if to make sense of something.

“Hey. You okay?”

Cybil looks over, a confused look on her face. “You’re not Nadine. Who… who are you?”

She raises her head a few inches and looks herself over.

“W-where are my clothes?!”

Ember helps the woman sit up. “In the wash. They’ll be dry in about a half hour. By the way, names Ember.”

Cybil looks around as she weakly stands. “Where… where are we?”

“My friend’s house. He brought you here last night.”

Cybil blushes heavily as she holds the towel to her chest. “WHAT?! Did… did he…?”

“No! He brought you home to keep you safe!”

She puts a hand to her forehead. “I… I must look a sight. Do you have a bathroom around here?”

“This way.”

Ember helps Cybil down the hall and into the bathroom. The young woman promptly drops to her knees and heaves into the toilet. The contents of her stomach exits her mouth with such force that Ember has to help keep her head from dropping into the bowl. Cybil looks over her shoulder at Ember, smiling weakly.

“Th-thanks.”

Cybil picks up the towel she dropped earlier and wipes her mouth. She throws the towel away disgusted.

“What is that smell?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You wet yourself last night. Hence the tarp on the bed.”

“Come on! I wasn’t THAT drunk!”

“Right. Tell me, do you remember coming here?”

“N-no.”

Ember turns on the shower. “Why don’t you take a quick shower before we head downstairs? Wash that smell off your skin.”

“Sounds good to me.”

She steps in the shower as Ember leaves the room.

“I’ll find you something to wear.”

A short time later Ember and Cybil descend the stairs together. Cybil is wearing a bathrobe from Arc’s closet. The pair walk into the kitchen to find the others have already started eating. Cybil looks around the room, confused.

“Do… do I know any of you?”

Arc pulls out the chair next to him. “No. Have a seat.”

Cybil cautiously does so. Max looks to her.

“Hungry? “

She puts a hand to her forehead. “I am. But I don’t think I could hold anything down right now.”

Ember nods. “I can vouch for that!”

“Hugh, get her a tall glass of water.”

Cybil frowns. “But I just said…”

Arc interrupts her. “You need to rehydrate after last night’s binge. It will help with your hangover.”

“I’m not hungover! It’s just a headache!”

Derpy nods. “Yes! Caused by last night!”

Cybil takes the water from Hugh and takes a sip. “Ugh… what… what day is it?”

Dinky looks at the calendar. “Thursday.”

“THURSDAY! I’m supposed to open the restaurant today!”

She looks to Arc.

“Can I please use your telephone?!”

Arc nods. “Sure. It’s in the living room. But that hardly matters now.”

Cybil stands up quickly. “I have to call and let my boss know I’ll be in when I can!”

Arc follows her into the next room. “That won’t help now.”

Cybil looks to him as she picks up the phone. “Why’s that?!”

“He fired you yesterday.”

Cybil quickly dials a number. “HA! He couldn’t run that place without me!”

A few moments later the phone connects.

“Hey boss, it’s Cybil. I just… wait what?! But I… hello?! HELLO?!”

She puts down the receiver but immediately picks it back up and dials the number again.

“We must have been disconnected or something!”

Arc takes the receiver from her and puts it down.

“No, you were fired. Trust me. I was there.”

Cybil frowns as the pair head back to the kitchen. “But why?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Showing up drunk tends to do that.”

“I wasn’t THAT drunk!”

Derpy glares at her. “Yes, you were!”

“Was not!”

“You don’t even remember how you got here, do you?!”

“My memory isn’t great, okay?!”

Cybil turns to Arc.

“Look, I appreciate the help yesterday, but I should really be getting back. My roommate’s probably wondering why I didn’t come home last night.”

“She knows.”

Cybil looks surprised. “You called her? How?”

“We went there. She had the locks changed. Something about you not paying your share of the rent.”

“Nadine can’t do that to me!”

Derpy rolls her eyes. “She already did.”

Cybil puts a hand to her forehead. “Look, if you could just give me back my clothes, I’ll get out of your hair.”

Xenos sighs. “We put them in the washing machine last night. But this morning they still smelled of alcohol and urine. They’re going through the wash again.”

Cybil looks out the kitchen window. “Where am I anyway?!”

Dinky looks at her. “Angel Grove!”

“Wait, what?! Why did you…”

Arc sighs. “You weren’t in any condition to…

“So you KIDNAPPED me?!”

“It was either you came home with me, or you spent the night in jail.”

“Jail?! On what charges?!”

“Being in a publicly intoxicated state. I mean… it’s not like that would be a terrible crime or anything mind you, but…

Cybil scoffs at this. “Sam would have bailed me out.”

Derpy glares at her “You also could have passed out and frozen to death in the snow!”

Sighing and sitting down, she glances in Arc’s direction. “I guess I should thank you… whoever you are.”

“Name’s Arc.”

“Okay… strange name, but whatever. I’m…”

Max nods. “We all know who you are, Miss Mason.”

“Oh? How?”

Arc turns to her. “You gave me your driver’s license last night so I could take you home.”

“Thanks, I guess. Were you a customer at the restaurant?”

“Not… exactly. You see, my friends and I were looking for you all day yesterday.”

Viktor chuckles. “You’re not the easiest person to find!”

“Why?”

Ember sighs. “Your daughter. She was… uh… she wanted to see you.”

Cybil looks suddenly stunned. “What?! How… how do you know her?! Did Sam send all of you to hunt me down?!”

She storms back to the phone, picks up the receiver, and angrily dials.

“He sure has a lot of nerve to send someone else to do HIS job!”

She stands there and waits for Sam to pick up the phone as Arc joins her. When no one picks up, she hangs up the phone.

“He must be out shopping or something. I’ll call back later.”

Arc sighs. “Cybil. We need to talk.”

She follows him back to the kitchen. “What about?”

Ember sighs. “About Sam.”

Cybil rolls her eyes. He’s a nice enough guy, but kinda boring. To be honest with you, I’m not even sure why I married him in the first place.”

Derpy glares at her. “Fine way to talk about the man who took care of you!”

“Like I said. Nice guy. You know where he is?”

Arc points to a chair. “Sit down, Cybil.”

She does as she is told. “Fine. Have it your way.”

“There… there was an accident.”

Cybil looks confused. “What do you mean ‘accident’?”

Arc sighs. “Sam’s apartment building… there was a fire a while back. I’m sorry, but he didn’t make it.”

She is quiet for a few moments before bursting into hysterical laughter. Hugh frowns.

“What is so funny?!”

Ember glares at the woman. “Yeah! What’s your problem?!”

Cybil looks around the room still giggling. “Where are the cameras?”

Xenos frowns. “Cameras?”

“Yeah! I’m on one of those reality TV shows, right?”

Arc whispers something to Viktor. He nods and hurried downstairs as Derpy stands and yells at Cybil.

“This is not TV! Can’t you take this seriously?!”

Cybil stands up and opens the cupboards. “Don’t worry! I’ll find them myself!”

A few moments later Viktor returns to Arc’s side with a newspaper. He opens it and points to a spot before handing it over to him. Arc stands up with the paper in his hands.

“I think this will clear things up for you, Cybil.”

Cybil walks over to him still chuckling. “Sure! What do you have there?!”

“Our town’s newspaper. I’ll read it to you.”

Arc clears his throat and begins to read.

“Samuel F. Mason, 40, of Angel Grove, died November 29, 2019 from medical complications stemming from an apartment fire. He was born January 19, 1979 in…”

Cybil grabs the paper from Arc. “Give me that!”

She quickly reads the obituary as she collapses into a nearby chair, stunned.

“He… he’s really gone?!”

Max nods. “Sorry, but he is.”

“What about…”

Her voice trails off. Ember looks over to her.

“If you’re wondering about your daughter, she’s alive and living in a nearby orphanage.”

Arc nods. “Indeed. I saw her myself just the other day.”

“Was she hurt?!”

“Other than her hands, no. What exactly happened?!”

Cybil looks out the window. “I… I don’t know!”

She is quiet for a time before standing up slowly and walking toward the stairs.

“Sorry, but I think I need to be alone for a while.”

As she walks slowly upstairs Arc motions to Sereb. “Stay with her. Let me know if she does anything… drastic, okay?”

Sereb nods and quickly runs up the stairs after her. Dinky turns to her father.

“Is she going to be okay, dad?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart.”

Hugh sighs. “That was a lot for her to take in all at once.”

Xenos nods. “We should give her some time to process it.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “Do you think there’s anything we can do for her?”

“Keeping her warm and safe is probably all that can be done for the moment.”

Ember sighs. “I feel bad for her. As terrible as she looked yesterday, no one deserves… that!”

Arc sighs. “I hated to tell her. But she needed to know.”

Derpy sits back down. “So… what happens to her now?”

“She can stay her for the moment. Hopefully we can convince her to go see her daughter before Christmas.”

“What if you can’t, Dad.”

Arc sighs. “Then that little girl is going to have a sad, dark, lonely Christmas.”

Chapter 20 - Terrible Truths

A few days later Arc and Derpy sit on the couch with Dinky. Derpy looks to Arc.

“How’s she doing?”

Arc sighs. “Not the greatest.”

“Has she left your room lately, dad?”

“Other than to got to the bathroom, no. She just kinda sits there in a stupor looking out the window.”

Derpy sighs. “Is Sereb still watching her?”

“As best he can, yes. Recently he’s been sitting in her lap and allowing her to pet him.”

Dinky smiles. “He’s really cute like that!”

Derpy sighs. “Even I can’t be mad at her when she’s like this.”

Arc nods. “I think she’s finally hit rock-bottom.”

“What’s that, dad?”

“It means she’s lost everything. Her husband, job, money, home, possessions and even her daughter.”

Derpy shakes her head. “It must have been pretty shameful for her to learn that you had to carry her inside like a bag of potatoes.”

Arc looks at Cybil’s waitress clothes from the other day draped over a nearby chair. “She doesn’t even have the will to get dressed.”

Dinky nods. “She’s starting to get a bit grubby again.”

Arc nods. “Ember tried to get her to take a shower, but… no luck. Cybil wouldn’t even respond to her. Can I assume nothing changed the other day when I left to deal with the Shards in the park?”

“Not a thing.”

“What happened at the park, dad?”

“They were graffitiing the playground.”

Derpy turns to him. “Did you stop them?”

“Yup.”

“How?”

“It seems their own paint cans turned on them. They started floating and spraying the gang members.”

Dinky grins at her dad. “Now I wonder how THAT happened!”

Arc smiles at Dinky and shrugs. “Mysterious circumstances, sweetheart. I think they learned their lesson.”

“Did they see you?”

“Yes. I wanted those guys to know who was trolling them.”

Derpy nods. “How about the day before when they were stealing packages off door steps?”

“Simple. I just teleported over to their base, walked over to the road that leads to it, and waited. It was a simple task to Blink inside the back of the truck, grab the packages with my magic, and Blink back out.”

Dinky smiles at her father. “What did you do with them?”

“I took them back to the Post Office. They’ll have to be redelivered tomorrow.”

Derpy shrugs. “Guess it’s better than not getting your package at all.”

She giggles slightly.

“What’s so funny, mom?”

“I just remembered what filly me wanted to be when they grew up.”

Arc turns to her. “What was that?”

“A mailpony!”

“Why’s that?”

Derpy shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe so I could go to exotic locations.”

Dinky turns to her mother. “Or maybe to get away from home.”

Derpy nods. “Probably. But I’m very happy with the way my life turned out. You and your father are the best thing to ever happen to me!”

Dinky looks a bit nervous “Yeah… about that, mom.”

“Dinky? What is it?”

“I… uh… wanted to talk to you about something.”

Arc looks at Dinky. “Do you want to be alone?”

“It’s okay, dad. You should be here too.”

Dinky is silent for a time before she turns to look at her mother.

“Mom? Remember how you told me about my biological father, Moonlit Dusk?”

“Yes. What about him?”

“Well… you told me how he… you know… got you pregnant and all. I… I just wanted to know if you ever…”

She pauses as if trying to find just the right words.

“…regretted having me.”

Derpy puts an arm around Dinky’s shoulders. “WHAT?! Never sweetie!”

Arc looks at Dinky. “What brought this on?”

“Well… back home in Ponyville, some of the school foals told me how they came to live there. Pipsqueak and Aquamarine had the same story.”

Derpy frowns. “Story?”

“Both of their mother’s got pregnant without being married. Their dads didn’t want them or their mothers so…”

Her voice trails off. Arc takes Dinky’s small hand.

“So they abandoned them?”

Dinky nods sadly.

“I know you and dad would never do that to me. But I have to know the truth! Mom… aren’t I a reminder of… of what happened to you that night?!”

Derpy takes a deep breath before responding.

“Dinky. I want you to know that what happened to me was… not something I want to ever see happen to anypony else! But I don’t see you as a reminder of my weakness back then.”

“You don’t?”

Derpy puts her hands on Dinky’s cheeks. “No sweetie. To me, you’ll always be a reminder of what Hope truly looks like!”

“Your mother’s right, sweetheart. Do you regret being born?”

Dinky sadly nods. “I kinda do! I mean, I’m happy to be here with both of you! But… if I hadn’t come along, maybe things would have worked out better!”

“Listen Dinky. You don’t have anything to be sorry for. A child doesn’t ASK to be born, after all. And both your mother and I are VERY happy you’re here!”

Derpy gives Dinky a hug. “That we are! Never forget that, sweetie!”

Dinky returns her parent’s hugs with one of her own. “Thanks! I’m happy to be here too!”

After a short time Dinky’s stomach growls. Derpy giggles.

“Sounds like someone’s hungry.”

Dinky smiles at her mother. “A little bit!”

Derpy stands up. “Why don’t we get some lunch going?”

“Can I help?!”

“Of course, sweetie!”

Arc nods. “While you two do that, I think I’ll check on what my squad is up to.”

Dinky follows her mother to the kitchen. “Okay dad!”

Arc heads for the basement. Viktor is at his computer as usual, Ember and Xenos are sparring, Hugh is listening to the police scanner, and Max is looking over some printouts. They snap to attention as he enters the room.

“Sir!”

“Find anything boys?”

Viktor shakes his head. “Not really. The Shards are keeping quiet for the time being.”

Max looks worried. “Maybe they’re getting ready for something big!”

Arc chuckles. “More than likely their members are just getting ready for the holiday. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve after all.”

Ember holds Xenos in a headlock. “You sure?”

“Frank was always respectful of this time of year for some reason.”

Xenos breaks free and tosses Ember aside. “Why’s that?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. How about the police scanner?”

Hugh looks over. “Everything’s quiet in town.”

“Good!”

Ember calls over to him. “Hey Arc! What are we going to do with that stuff we took from the Shard base a while back?”

“Truth be told, I actually forgot about it. We need to turn those weapons and electronics over to Marshal Raynor.”

Ember wipes her face with a towel as she and Xenos take a break. “How?!”

“Hmmm…”

Xenos looks to Arc. “Why don’t you just bring it to him at his base?”

“It’s called the Police Station. And I don’t want everyone in town hearing about this. It has to be handled delicately.”

He thinks for a moment before turning to Max.

“Max, call the Police Station and ask for Marshal Raynor. The number is next to the phone.”

“Yes sir. What should I tell him?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Say you want to meet him in regards to the stolen weapons in exactly one hour.”

Ember frowns. “Where’s this meeting going to take place?”

“How about just outside that warehouse the Shards robbed? No one’s going to be there the week of Christmas.”

Max nods. “I’ll take care of it, sir.”

He heads upstairs to make the call as Ember walks over to Arc.

“If you’re going on this little errand, I’m coming with you!”

Arc nods. “I was hoping you would volunteer.”

Xenos turns to him. “There’s just one thing I don’t understand, sir. Why the one-hour bit? You could be there in five minutes with your Sigil Magic.”

Arc smiles as he turns to walk upstairs. “That gives us time to eat lunch.”

Ember facepalms. “Why am I not surprised?”

Arc and company eat lunch together. Afterwards he and Ember put on their armor. Sereb rushes downstairs.

“I heard the sound of armor. Is there trouble?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. We’re just going to turn in those stolen weapons from the Shard base. How’s our guest?”

“She doesn’t sleep well at night, so she keeps dozing off.”

Ember grins. “Did you take the opportunity?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. I went into the hallway, returned to my normal form and cast a sleep spell on her. She should be out for a while.”

“Good. Stay by her side though. She needs the emotional support of a friendly face more than ever right now.”

Sereb turns to go back upstairs. “I will do my best.”

Arc turns to Derpy and Dinky as he opens a portal.

“Thanks for lunch you two. We shouldn’t be too long.”

Derpy waves. “Take care you two.”

“Bye dad!”

Arc and Ember step through and make their way over the perimeter fence. Ember looks to Arc.

“Isn’t this breaking in?”

“Not really. Look.”

He points to a small empty guard shack with a raised barricade.

“We could have just walked right in.”

Ember folds her arms over her armored chest. “I hope your friend gets here soon!”

Arc pulls the magic cloak out of his ring and puts it around Ember’s shoulders. “So do I. Does that help?”

Ember pulls the cloak around herself tighter. “Actually yeah! Thanks! What I wouldn’t do for a warm fireplace right now though.”

Arc looks around. He spots a barrel nearby and uses his magic to levitate it over to himself.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“I think the workers here use this barrel to keep warm when working outside.”

He points to a pile of broken pallets.

“There’s the wood pile.”

Ember nods. “Do you think they’d mind if we used some of that wood?”

“I doubt it. From the looks of things, they have plenty for the winter.”

He quickly smashes a couple pallets into smaller pieces before throwing them in the barrel and casting a flame spell. The dry wood quickly ignites. Ember holds her gauntlets toward the warm flames.

“Much better!”

She looks over at Arc suspiciously.

“You don’t have a coat on under there, do you?”

“Nope.”

“Then how are you not freezing?!”

“The Hammers put thermal regulators in my armor. I stay warm here, and cool in hot climates such as Abyssinia.”

“Handy!”

About twenty minutes pass. Ember looks up at the sound of an engine approaching.

“Look! There’s a car coming!”

Arc frowns. “That’s not Marshal Raynor’s squad car!”

A moment later the federal vehicle pulls over to them and stops. Marshal Raynor steps out in a heavy coat and boots. He walks over to Arc.

“You again?!”

Arc gestures to the barrel fire. “Nice to see you again. New set of wheels?”

Raynor frowns. “The feds have all but taken over the police force and insist that all of us drive federal vehicles until further notice.”

Ember sighs. “Flexing their muscle?”

Raynor warms his hands by the fire. “So it would seem. I’m not too happy about it myself! Now then, someone called me about wanting to share some info. Was that you two?”

Ember shrugs. “You could say that.”

“So talk! What do you know?!”

Arc turns around and touches his ring. “Why don’t I show you instead?”

“Please do.”

Arc takes a few steps away from the fire before pulling the crates out of his ring and lining them up neatly. Raynor looks at them suspiciously.

“What do you have there?”

Arc steps aside. “A Christmas gift from me to the town.”

Raynor looks confused as Arc pries open a crate with his bare gauntlets and steps back.

“See for yourself.”

Raynor does so. He reaches into the crate and pulls out an assault rifle. Examining the weapon in his hand before turning back to Arc, astonished.

“What the heck?! Where did these come from?!”

Ember sighs. “They were stolen from the gun shop.”

“How did you get them then?! Were you the ones who pulled off that heist?!”

Raynor looks at Arc’s ring and narrows his eyes.

“You certainly have the… technology to pull off something like that!”

Arc shakes his head. “We had nothing to do with the robbery.”

Ember stands next to Arc. “Right! The Shards are the thieves here! Not us!”

“Then how did you get your hands on them?!”

Arc gestures to Ember. “We broke into the Shard base and found them.”

Raynor narrows his eyes. “Just the two of you? How did you pull that off?!”

Ember activates the magic cloak and disappears. “Invisibility.”

Arc nods. “Right! Why fight when you can avoid trouble all together?”

Raynor looks at all the crates lined up neatly.

“I really should bring you in for questioning.”

Ember growls. “What for?!”

“Possession of stolen property for starters!”

Arc Blinks in front of Marshal Raynor.

“I don’t think you have a cell that could hold me.”

Raynor sighs. “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”

“I did make one other discovery in their base.”

Raynor sighs. “Really? What could be bigger than this?!”

Arc reaches into his ring yet again and pulls out the truck.

“A toy?”

Ember looks to the Marshal as Arc sets it down carefully on the ground and steps back. “Not exactly. Watch!”

The marshal watches as Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell. In a moment the truck begins to grow. As it returns to its normal size Arc steps back over to the barrel fire.

“Take a look in the back.”

Ember nods. “I think you’ll find the cargo quite interesting.”

Marshal Raynor cautiously does so. As the doors swing slowly open his eyes widen in amazement.

“Electronics?! But… but how?!”

Ember nods. “They were with the weapons.”

“The whole truck AND its cargo?!”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Raynor shakes his head in disbelief. “That’s not possible! The feds took this truck and its contents as evidence quite some time ago!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Well the Shards must have taken it back then!”

“Again, not possible! They would have reported it stolen if that was the case!”

Ember chuckles. “Well then, I guess we have an impossibly placed truck with impossibly obtained cargo that couldn’t possibly be here.”

Raynor nods. “Obtained by someone who’s got some kind of impossible power.”

Arc laughs. “Touché.”

Raynor puts a hand to his forehead as he attempts to take everything in. “This… how on Earth did you pull this off?!”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s a trade secret.”

Ember frowns. “What does it matter?! We got this stuff away from the Shards and no one got hurt!”

Arc nods. “Especially by those guns!”

Raynor turns back to the crates. “Yeah. There’s enough of those floating around on the black market without adding to the supply.”

Ember looks to Raynor. “Marshal, how DO you suppose the Shards retrieved this truck?”

“Your guess is as good as mine on that one, miss.”

Arc sighs. “Could there be a rat in the feds?”

“Not likely. I mean, what kind of a fool would risk their job to help a bunch of misfits like that Shards?!”

Ember nods. “Good point.”

Arc looks at the truck again. “However, a traitor is the only logical explanation.”

Raynor sighs. “I know you’re right. It’s just hard to imagine someone being that stupid.”

Arc turns to leave with Ember. “Well, I guess you can take it from here, Marshal.”

“Wait a second! Just who are you really?!”

Arc stops but does not turn around. “I already told you. I’m the Hero of Light.”

Ember nods. “What he said!”

Arc opens a portal. “Just one more thing. Watch your back, Marshal. If there really is a mole in the feds’ organization, they’ll start investigating.”

Raynor crosses his arms over his chest. “Bring em on! I’m a lawman, not a patsy!”

Ember grins. “Good to hear!”

She and Arc step through the portal and vanish from sight. Marshal Raynor returns to his vehicle and calls for backup along with a transport. Standing up and looking back at the recovered property, he mutters to himself.

“I still don’t understand how those two did this! But I don’t exactly want to look a gift horse in the mouth either.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember reappear on the sigil in Arc’s basement. Xenos walks over to them.

“How’d it go?”

Ember removes her armor. “Mission accomplished!”

Arc nods as he returns his armor to the ring. “Marshal Raynor will take care of that stuff for us. Anything happen while we were out?”

Max shakes his head. “Not really. Things stayed pretty quiet.”

A message comes over the scanner. Ember looks over to it.

“What’s that about?!”

Max grins. “Marshal Raynor just called for backup to transport a bunch of recovered materials.”

Hugh nods at Arc. “I wonder who could be responsible for that!”

Ember smiles and shrugs her shoulders. “Yeah! It’s a mystery!”

Viktor nods as he munches on Christmas cookies. “Hopefully things stay peaceful! I’m rather enjoying this holiday!”

Xenos laughs. “Me too! Everyone’s a bit happier, good food, and good friends to share it with!”

Arc turns to the others. “Right. Just remember we’re having a big dinner here Christmas Day.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Do you want me to monitor the scanner while you guys eat?”

Max shakes his head. “Sereb already volunteered.”

Ember chuckles. “He’s kinda a lone wolf. Literally sometimes!”

Arc nods. “We all have our ways of doing things. Anyone seen Derpy and Dinky?”

Viktor points toward the stairs. “They’re upstairs making cookies.”

Arc quickly heads for the stairs. “I want in on that action!”

Ember follows closely behind him. “Me too!”

They quickly head upstairs as Max turns to Viktor.

“It was nice of the commander to invite us to his family gathering.”

Viktor nods. “I would have expected any other commander to sequester us down here during the meal.”

Xenos grins. “He’s not like other commanders though.”

Hugh chuckles. “Right! Ours is certainly one of a kind!”

The next day Arc and his friends sit around the kitchen table together.

“So are we ready for tomorrow?”

Max nods. “I think so, sir!”

Xenos grins. “Hugh and I bought everything on the list from the market.”

Arc sighs. “I can’t help but think we forgot something.”

Derpy smiles at him. “We triple checked, Arc.”

“Yeah dad! We got this!”

Ember grins. “What’s the plan?”

“Derpy, Dinky and I will get up early tomorrow morning and start cooking. Shelly and Lily will arrive about eleven and lend a hand. With luck, we’ll be ready to eat by one.”

Max grins. “Can we do anything to help, sir?”

“The house needs to be cleaned from top to bottom.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “We do our best to treat your home with respect sir.”

Arc nods. “And you’ve done an amazing job of that. But for tomorrow, everything needs to be PERFECT!”

“Perfect, dad?”

Derpy looks confused. “Why?”

“This is a very special year. For the first time I have a family to spend it with. And I want to share that with all of you, Shelly and Lily.”

Ember smiles. “They’re nice folks, Arc! Tomorrow is going to be quite a day!”

Max laughs. “As is tonight!”

“That it is!”

Dinky looks toward the stairs. “How is Miss Cybil doing?”

Derpy sighs. “She’s improving. But… I don’t know. She still seems broken somehow.”

Viktor nods. “All things considered, she’s doing very well! Did she agree to go with you tonight, sir?”

“Yes. We’re going to make that little girl’s Christmas wish come true.”

Ember grins. “And deliver a ton of ice cream to the orphans!”

“Right.”

Dinky looks to her mother. “Where is she anyways?”

“She’s taking a shower. I lent her some of my clothes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Derpy?”

Derpy looks to Arc, sheepishly. “I… didn’t want her daughter to have to see her mother wearing those old beer-stained rags she came in here with.”

They finish their supper. Max and Hugh begin doing the dishes as Ember looks at the uneaten plate of food sitting on the counter.

“Cybil didn’t make it down.”

Max nods. “She’s probably just nervous about tonight.”

Dinky smiles. “Or trying to make herself extra pretty for her daughter!”

Arc picks up the plate. “I’ll run it up to her.”

He walks up the stairs and up to his room and lightly knocks. A small voice calls out.

“C-come in.”

He opens the door to see Cybil sitting in her usual place staring out the window absentmindedly. Arc sets the food on the desk.

“You feeling better?”

“I… I think so.”

“You should eat something before we go. Ember and I have a couple things to get ready before heading over to orphanage.”

“Okay.”

Arc turns to leave.

“Wait!”

He turns back to her. “Something wrong?”

“I’m sorry, but… I… I can’t.”

“You can’t what?”

“Go to the orphanage.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m a terrible mother, that’s why!”

Arc sits down across from her. “No parent is perfect.”

Cybil shakes her head. “Believe me, I’m far worse than you realize.”

“Do you feel bad for leaving your daughter behind?”

“Not at all! I was a horrendous person to her and everyone around me! Sam was always there for her and me though. But now… now he’s… gone.”

Arc sighs. “It always feels like we have forever.”

“That it did. But… she’ll be better off just forgetting I ever existed.”

“I know she doesn’t feel that way.”

“Well, she should! After what I did…”

Arc shakes his head. “Leaving her with Sam was the right thing to do at the time. But right now he can’t be there for her. You can! Just try to make in through Christmas. If not for yourself, then for her sake.”

Cybil shakes her head sadly as she looks down at her clenched fists, trembling.

“Did… did she tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

Cybil does not look up. “What happened to her hands?”

“No. She didn’t say, nor did the orphanage staff seem to know either.”

“She… she was always such a sweet little angel. Even when I was drunk and stupid!”

Arc looks at her warily. “Cybil. What exactly happened?”

Cybil looks up at Arc with fresh tears in her eyes. “Her hands… I… I DID THAT TO HER!!!”

CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL - Chapter 21 - Hard to Say

Arc can only sit there stunned by what he has heard. Shaking his head in disbelief, he looks at her.

“I’m sorry, what?!”

Cybil puts her face in her hands. “It’s true! I’m one-hundred percent responsible for that!”

“HOW?!”

“She was spending some time with me while Sam ran some errands. I had been giving him a lot of grief lately about her and I not having any mother-daughter time! You see, he didn’t like me drinking around her. So we usually went somewhere together. The three of us!”

Arc nods. “Understandable.”

“I finally convinced him to let me watch her alone! It was supposed to be a fun time for us!”

“So what happened?”

“We sat down at the kitchen table and started playing a board game together. I… had a few drinks.”

Arc looks worried. “How much?”

“Too many.”

“I have a feeling this ended very badly.”

Cybil nods. “It did! She… my little angel started winning! I’ve always been very competitive, and somehow I got the idea in my head that she was cheating!”

“Impaired judgment?”

“Yes. But for some reason it made me angry. VERY angry!”

“So what did you do?”

Cybil’s voice breaks as she attempts to hold back the tears. “When she went for the dice, I grabbed her arm and led her over to the stove where we had supper cooking. Then I… I…”

Arc waits uneasily for her to finish.

“I pressed both my daughter’s hands against the pot on the stove and held them there!”

Unable to stand the guilt any longer Cybil lets loose her tears and sobs!

“How? How could you do that?!”

Cybil shakes her head between sobs. “I… I know I’m a terrible monster! I know I’m an awful parent! And I KNOW my angel should never hear from me again!”

Arc shakes his head in disbelief. “I don’t know what to say. This is just… so much to take in! Did you at least get her some help?!”

“Sam burst in a few moments later and stopped me! He pushed me out of the way, grabbed our sobbing daughter, and ran out the door with her!”

Cybil is completely inconsolable by this point.

“That… that was the last time I saw either him or her!”

Arc sighs. “When I saw her, there were bandages on her hands. He must have rushed her to the hospital.”

Cybil nods through her tears. “It was then that I realized I didn’t deserve to go on living! That I was going to kill myself! And I tried to! I tried to kill myself with drinking! I really did!”

Arc stands up and walks over to her. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he sighs. “What you did was truly horrible, Cybil. I should probably call Marshal Raynor about this.”

She nods. “Go ahead! After all, I deserve it! Whatever sentence is handed down to me will be too lenient though!”

Arc is silent for a time.

“Maybe not my most well thought through idea, but why don’t we deal with this after Christmas?”

“…what? But why?!”

“When I saw your daughter, she was sitting all alone on the side of the room under a blanket. I asked her what she wanted for Christmas. Do you know what she told me?”

Cybil smiles sadly. “That she wanted her father back?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She wanted… you.”

“Me?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. All she wanted was her mother.”

“Did… did she say anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I tried to talk with her, but she would only cry.”

“Look, I would like to see her again. I really would! But… you should probably just turn me over to the police for now.”

“If that’s what you really want. But, would you do me one favor?”

“What is it?”

“Come with Ember and I to the orphanage tonight. Let your daughter see you to fulfil her Christmas wish. After all, it’s Christmas Eve.

Cybil looks down. “But what about…”

“On our way back I’ll take you to Marshal Raynor’s house so you can confess and turn yourself in. Do we have a deal?”

Cybil sighs. “I… I don’t really want to, but… very well. On the condition that we leave right away if she becomes frightened at seeing me again.”

Arc turns around and heads for the door. “Fine. We need to put a few things in the Jeep, and then we’ll be off.”

Cybil wipes her red, puffy eyes and follows Arc out of the room. “Okay. I’ll help too.”

The trio quickly loads the Jeep. Arc grabs his wallet and keys off the counter as he turns to Derpy.

“We’ll be back later tonight. Don’t wait up for us though.”

Derpy nods. “Do be careful driving in the dark!”

Arc heads for the door. “I will!”

“Arc?!”

“Yes?”

“She… she’s been through a lot, hasn’t she?”

Arc nods. “More than you know.”

“Try to give the two of them a happy ending, would you?”

“I’ll try.”

Arc heads out the back door and gets into the Jeep. Ember and Cybil are buckled up and waiting for him. Ember rubs her hands together in the passenger seat.

“Can we get moving please?!”

Arc puts the vehicle in drive and pulls out of the driveway. “You could put on some gloves if you’re cold.”

“I don’t like my cl… hands restricted like that!”

“Have it your way.”

Cybil gestures to the supplies in the back. “Arc? What are we going to do with all this stuff?”

“Give the orphans a bit of a party. They don’t get much excitement in their lives, after all.”

Sometime later they arrive at the Farburg Orphanage. Arc, Ember and Cybil get out and each grab a package Cybil looks up at the building before them.

“This place… this is where she is?!”

Arc nods as they head for the main entrance. “Yes. It’s the only orphanage in the area.”

Cybil looks over to him as they’re buzzed into the building. “Is it… safe here?”

Ember nods. “From what I could tell, yes.”

Arc shrug. “The security here is certainly adequate. No one is getting inside without being seen.”

Ember rolls her eyes as she mutters to herself. “No one indeed.”

Arc walks up to the Night Watchman on duty in the secretary’s chair.

“We’re here to see Headmistress Kulara.”

The elderly man before them nods. “Yes, she’s expecting you.”

He buzzes open the door to the facility’s interior and meets them in the corridor.

“She’s waiting for you in the Commons.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. We’ll head over there now.”

The trio make their way to the Commons Area. The children are playing as usual. Kulara sees them and waves them over.

“Glad you could make it!”

Seeing Cybil, she looks to him.

“Who is this, Arc?”

“This is Cybil. She’s… why don’t we get set up and talk in your office.”

Kulara nods, confused. “Well, okay.”

She gestures to an empty table.

“We can put what you brought over there.”

Cybil looks to him as they make their way to the table. “What exactly did we bring?”

Ember turns to her. “Ice cream and snacks.”

Arc nods. “I do this every year.”

Kulara looks back. “Yes! Arc has joined us every Christmas Eve since he moved out.”

Cybil looks at them with a confused look on her face. “Moved… out?”

Arc nods as he sets out bowls and disposable silverware. “Yes. You see… I grew up in this very building. We spent a lot of time in this room.”

“So that means…”

Arc continues with his task. “Yes. I’m an orphan like them.”

Ember shakes her head. “Not quite, Arc. You have a family now. Di… Daisy and her mother need you!”

Cybil’s eyes grow wide. “That little girl?!”

“Yes, well… it’s kinda complicated.”

They finish their task as the children come forward to get their treats. Ember turns to Arc.

“I’ll serve up some ice cream if you two want to talk to Headmistress Kulara about… you know.”

Kulara nods. “Yes. Please follow me.”

Arc and Cybil follow Kulara to her office. She closes the door behind them and gestures to some chairs in front of her desk.

“Have a seat!”

Cybil nervously nods. “Th-thank you.”

They sit down as Kulara heads for her office chair.

“Now then, Arc. What is it you wanted to tell me?”

“It’s about the rules around here. Are they still the same?”

Kulara appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Children whom are brought here are supposed to be placed with a relative if at all possible, right?”

“That is correct. Nothing about that has changed since you lived here. Why do you ask?”

Arc sighs. “Do you remember that little girl I sat with when Frank and I were here last?”

Kulara nods sadly. “How could I forget? She’s not any better, mind you.”

“Can I assume none of her relatives have been located?”

“Sadly, no. Arc, what are you getting at?”

“When I sat with her that day, I asked her what she wanted for Christmas. I assumed it would be some kind of toy or whatnot. But that’s not what she wanted.”

“Oh? Did she tell you anything?”

Arc nods. “Only that she wanted her mother.”

Kulara closes her eyes and nods. “That’s typical of any child that is brought here, as you yourself have witnessed, Arc.”

“Not wanting to disappoint her, I took it as a challenge.”

Kulara looks over to him. “Oh?”

Arc gestures to Cybil. “I spent an entire day tracking her down, but this is that little girl’s mother, Cybil Mason.”

“What?! How did you…?”

“I just followed the trail. There was quite a bit of luck involved, to be sure!”

Cybil reaches into her pocket and pulls out her driver’s license. She puts it on the desk and slowly slides it toward the headmistress.

“It’s true. I… haven’t been the most accessible parent in the past, mind you.”

Kulara nods as she looks over the license. “This does appear to be you.”

She walks over to the cabinet and pulls out a file before returning to her desk.

“Let’s see here… the name and birthdate match what we have on file.”

She looks up at Cybil.

“Would you happen to have her birth certificate?”

Cybil hangs her head sadly. “I… I don’t.”

Kulara nods. “Please understand, I’ll have to file a report with Child Protective Services before she can be released to you.”

She looks Cybil up and down silently.

“If I may… why didn’t you come forward earlier?”

“I… didn’t know Sam was gone until Arc here found me and let me know.”

Arc nods. “She didn’t take the news very well, mind you.”

Kulara takes some notes. “That’s not uncommon. I’ll need to photocopy this identification for the record.”

Cybil nods. “I understand.”

Kulara quickly does so and returns the original to Cybil. She looks over the copy and frowns.

“This appears to be expired. Were you aware of this?”

“No. I’m sorry.”

Kulara sighs. “For identification to be valid and legal, it must be current and in good standing. Do you have anything else I could submit in its place? A passport or your social security card would do while you get your license renewed.”

Cybil again shakes her head. “No. I don’t have either of those.”

Kulara nods sadly as she leans back in her chair. “I’m sorry, but until you can prove your identity, there is little I can do to help you. In the meantime I need to update your contact information. For starters, what is your address?”

“I don’t have one at the moment.”

Arc turns to Kulara. “She’s been staying with me for the past few days. You could put down my address for the moment.”

Kulara nods as she writes. “Very well. Now, what is the name and address of you place of employment?”

Cybil bows her head. “I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t help my case, but I just lost my job.”

Kulara puts down her pen and looks at Cybil. “No place to stay and no job. I’m going to be honest with you miss. This isn’t going too well.”

Cybil nods sadly, but says nothing.

“To be blunt… can you please tell me why I should release your daughter back into your custody?”

“You… you shouldn’t.”

Kulara raises an eyebrow. “Beg your pardon?”

Cybil looks up at Kulara. “My little angel deserves a loving, stable home that can provide for her, be there for her, and love her as I should have! I… I hate to say this, but I’m not able to give her that amount of love and support.”

She looks down at her hands sadly.

Kulara looks to her for a long moment. “Are you saying you’re willing to terminate your parental rights?”

Cybil nods sadly. “I… I am.”

Arc frowns. “Are you sure about that? Once something like that goes through, it’s permanent!”

Cybil looks at Kulara and nods as the tears begin to fall. “You should see about placing her in foster care. Please find someone to care for her as I should have!”

Kulara nods. “I’ll do my best.”

Arc looks over to the Headmistress. “Ma’am? Would you please honor one last request?”

“I can try, Arc. What is it?”

“Might Cybil see her daughter one last time? She should be the one to tell her this.”

Kulara nods. “I agree, Arc.”

She turns to Cybil.

“Would you like to say goodbye?”

Cybil shakes her head. “No. But… I don’t want to spend the rest of my life wondering what she would have said.”

Kulara looks up. “Arc? Would you please go get her? She’s in the Dormitory right now.”

He stands up. “Sure.”

Arc leaves the office and walks slowly down the corridor toward the familiar destination. He pauses to look out the window at the falling snow.

“I guess I failed.”

Cherry sighs. “This may be for the best, Arc. Cybil may be repentant for her crimes, but she really isn’t in any position to care for a foal!”

Arc nods as he touches the window pane in front of him. “I hear what you’re saying. But that doesn’t make this any easier.”

He continues on his way. Before long Arc enters the room filled with rows of bunk beds belonging to the younger orphans. He quickly spots a small figure sitting on her bed and looking out a nearby window silently. Cherry speaks to Arc telepathically.

“There she is. How are you going to explain this, Arc?”

Arc sighs inwardly. “I’m just going to bring her to the office and see what plays out. Nothing else I CAN do!”

He walks over to the girl and kneels down in front of her. She does not acknowledge his presence.

“Miss, I… Headmistress Kulara wants to see you in her office. Would you please follow me?”

The girl makes no attempt to move.

“You’re going to have to carry her, Arc.”

“Yeah… I guess so.”

He looks the girl in the eye. She returns his gaze with a blank stare.

“Miss? I’m going to carry you there, okay?”

If the girl hears Arc, she does not show it. He carefully picks her up and carries her down the hall in his arms like an infant. Only the sound of her breathing can be heard as he walks with her down the hallway. Before long they reach the office. Arc looks down at her.

“Here we are. Are you ready for your Christmas gift, little one?”

The girl does not make a sound as Arc opens the door and walks into the office. He sets her down in his chair and steps back. As she looks up at her mother, her eyes grow wide!

“Sweetie? I… I just wanted to tell you that… I’m sorry for what happened. For what I did to you.”

The girl nods slightly as a tear courses down her cheek. Cybil wipes it away as she puts a hand on her small face and brushes the blonde hair from her eyes.

“You’re so precious to me! The things I’ve put you through… what I’ve done… you deserve better!”

Cybil takes a moment to compose herself before continuing.

“I wish things could be different for you… for us, really! But… “

She looks to Kulara before turning back to her daughter.

“The Headmistress here is going to find you a mother and father who can love you like the little angel you are! I can only hope you grow up strong and happy!”

Cybil turns to look at Arc as the tears flow freely. When she speaks it is almost a whisper.

“We… I should go now.”

Arc says nothing, but nods.

Cybil turns to look at her daughter one final time, barely able to speak through the tears as she hugs her. “Goodbye, my little angel. I’ll always love you!”

As she stands and turns to leave, a small tug at her hand gives her pause. Cybil turns back to see a small, bandaged hand in hers. Tears flow from the little girls eyes as she opens her mouth.

“Mommy… I… I missed you so much! Please don’t go!”

Cybil drops to her knees, weeping, as her daughter jumps into her arms. The pair hold each other and cry together.

“I love you mommy! Please take me back! I promise I’ll be good this time!”

Cybil strokes her daughter’s hair as she continues to cry. "You have nothing to apologize for, my little angel! This is mommy’s fault. All of it is!”

“Please don’t leave me alone again!”

“I… I can’t take care of you right now. I’m sorry. I am so… SO sorry!”

Kulara stands and motions for Arc to follow her. They step into the hallway together and close the door.

“Arc. I don’t know how you managed it, but you did! You reunited a lost daughter with her mother! I’m sure your own parents would be very proud!”

“I hope so. Tell me, what happens now?”

Kulara sighs. “Well… I would love to send the two home together. However, she doesn’t have a home to go back to.

Arc nods. “I understand.”

“I wish there was something I could do for them. But from what she’s already told me, that woman isn’t able to care for a child as it stands.”

Arc nods. “I think I may have an idea that would be good for everyone involved.”

Kulara nods. “I’m listening, Arc.”

Author's Note

The story of Cybil's daughter was actually one told to me by an old friend of mine decades ago. A reporter was doing a news story in an orphanage. There was a single, solitary, sad little girl under a blanket sitting all alone while the others played. The reporter went over and sat next to her in an attempt to make her feel better. Failing to get her to talk, she asked the girl what she wanted most for Christmas, figuring it would be a new to of some kind. The girl turned to her with tears in her eyes and simply said, "I want my mommy". The blanket fell slightly as the girl covered her face with her bandaged hands.

After that, the reporter couldn't get her to say anything. Being a caring individual she asked the staff if she might track down the girls mother for her. They told her she was in jail for numerous crimes. Apparently she was a drug addict whom, while wasted, burned her daughter's finger off at the stove.

I don't know what happened to that little girl. Hopefully she went on to have a better life. But I'm certain she would always remember that terrible night every time she looked down at what was left of her fingers.

The next chapter is my own personal story of hope for that nameless little girl...

CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL - VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 22 - Christmas Miracles

The next morning, Arc, Derpy and Dinky cook breakfast together. Ember holds her forehead as she sits at the table.

“Last night went well.”

Derpy looks to her as she and Dinky set the table. “Were they happy with what you brought?”

Arc flips pancakes at the stove. “I’ll say. The orphanage staff gets a party, so I figured why not the orphans too.”

Dinky laughs happily. “Ten gallons of ice cream and popcorn with all my friends would be a great party in my book!”

“That it was, sweetheart! Everyone had a great time from what I could see!”

He looks over at Ember.

“Especially Ember!”

Derpy giggles! “Uh oh. What happened?!”

“I just had a little too much ice cream, that’s all!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A little too much?! You were looking positively green!”

“It was really good, okay?! After all, how hard was it for you to take me down the hall and open a portal back home?!”

Arc chuckles. “Not very, I suppose.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Did the rest of the evening go alright?”

“That it did. Cybil got to see her daughter again.”

Derpy nods. “How did that go?”

Arc sighs. “She admitted that she’s not able to care for anyone right now. So that little girl is still a ward of the state.”

Dinky looks down sadly. “That’s too bad.”

“Yes, well… you saw Cybil when we found her. She’s not ready for the responsibility that comes with full-time parenting.”

Ember shakes her head. “I suppose not.”

Derpy nods. “Do you think things will one day end well for them, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “I have no idea. That’s up to Cybil now.”

He looks out the window at the milky sunrise before glancing at his pocket watch.

“Breakfast is almost ready. Dinky, will you please go downstairs and tell the others it’s time to eat?”

“Sure thing, dad!”

Dinky runs downstairs to carry out her father’s instructions as Arc turns to Derpy and Ember.

“I need to use the restroom before we eat. Don’t wait for me.”

Ember looks at the spread before them on the table as the sound of feet coming upstairs can be heard. “Don’t worry, Arc. We won’t!”

Arc’s squad sits down and begins to eat. Max looks around.

“Where’s the commander?”

Derpy looks up. “Bathroom. He’ll be back down in a bit.”

A few minutes later Arc returns to the kitchen.

“Everyone, we have some early company this morning.”

Cybil steps out from behind Arc and smiles weakly.

“H-hello everyone.”

Xenos look confused. “Miss Cybil? What are you doing here?”

“Arc invited me to Christmas dinner. Me and… a guest.”

Cybil’s steps aside to reveal her daughter. She stays partially hidden behind her mother.

“It’s okay, my little angel. No one’s going to hurt you here.”

Dinky hops off her chair and walks over to the nervous child.

“Hi there! I’m Daisy! Want to have breakfast with us?!”

Dinky’s straightforward attitude seems to help reassure the girl somewhat. They all sit down to breakfast together. Ember turns to her.

“Glad you could join us, Cybil. But… how exactly did you manage to convince Headmistress Kulara to let you take your daughter home.”

“I didn’t.”

Derpy looks suddenly worried. “You didn’t just… take her, did you?!”

Arc pulls a paper out of his pocket. “Miss Kulara gave me temporary guardianship of her for yesterday, today and tomorrow until noon. After all, it wouldn’t be Christmas if these two weren’t together.”

Cybil looks over at her daughter sadly. “Yes. We have today to spend together. Then she’ll go back to the Farburg Orphanage.”

Ember sighs. “Forever?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a chance.”

Cybil nods as she looks down at her daughter. “I want to raise her myself! But… as you all know, I have my addiction to deal with.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Dad? What’s addiction?”

“It’s where you become so dependent on a substance that you’ll do anything to get it.”

“What does it do?”

“It makes you feel good and gives you a buzz. But only temporarily.”

Cybil nods. “Right. After a while, all you can think about is where you’re going to get your next fix from! Like Arc said, I did it to feel good, but also to escape facing my problems. Eventually I was drinking just to try and feel normal.”

Ember frowns. “That sounds terrible!”

Cybil nods. “Believe me, it is.”

Arc sighs “But so many people do it. Now Dinky, I want you to understand that it isn’t wrong to have a drink once in a while. I just choose not to personally. You understand why.”

Dinky nods. “I do. So what happened to you Miss Cybil?”

“I just went too far. When you care more about getting a buzz and keeping it going than you do about your loved ones, you have a problem.”

Derpy smiles. “Well, I’m glad you’re able to admit you have one now.”

Max nods. “I’m told the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.”

Cybil sighs. “That I did. Or more accurately, still do. I have a long journey ahead of me on the road to recovery.”

She looks over at her daughter who is munching away happily on pancakes.

“But… I have a reason to seek help now.”

Viktor smiles. “For your daughter?”

“Yes. She’s very important to me. I just never realized that until now.”

Xenos grins. “She’s a very lucky girl!”

Arc looks to her. “Something just occurred to me. I never thought to ask your daughter’s name Cybil.”

Cybil looks to her daughter and smiles.

“Angel! Say hello now.”

The little girl looks up and whispers shyly.

“H-hello. Th-thank you for the food.”

Dinky smiles at the girl. “It’s good to have you with us, Angel.”

Arc nods. “Yes. I hope you enjoy Christmas with us.”

Angel looks worried as she turn to Cybil. “I’ve never been to a family gathering before, mom. What do I do?”

Cybil thinks for a moment. “Well, we… actually I don’t know either dear.”

Ember grins. “It’s about food mostly!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “What Ember is trying to say it it’s about spending time with family and friends… while eating.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yes Arc. THAT’S what it’s about.”

Dinky smiles. “Seems right to me!”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “Let’s hurry up and finish eating. Shelly and Lily should be here soon.”

Cybil turns to Arc. “Friends of yours?”

“Yes. All of us grew up at the orphanage together, so we always do our best to be together for Christmas.”

Cybil sighs. “A family…”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Dinky jumps up.

“I’ll get it!”

She bounds to the door and opens it. Lily is standing there with a several bags of goodies.

“Good morning, Daisy!”

Dinky steps aside to let her come in. “Hi there, Miss Lily! Where’s Miss Shelly?”

“She’s in the car. Arc, we need a bit of help getting her in the house.”

Arc grabs his coat. “I’m on it! Max would you give me a hand please?”

“Yes, sir!”

The pair walk quickly out to the driveway. Shelly is waiting patiently in the passenger seat. Arc opens the door and leans down.

“There’s a wheelchair in the trunk. Can you grab it, Max?”

Max heads for the back of the car. “I’ve got it!”

He heads quickly inside to set up the wheelchair as Arc reaches inside the car and picks up Shelly. She puts her arms around his neck.

“Sorry for being such a burden.”

Arc shakes his head as he heads for the house. “You’re no such thing. Families have to stick by one another after all.”

He carefully carries Shelly up the steps and into the house.

“Would you like me to set you down on the couch, Shelly? You might be more comfortable there.”

“Yes please.”

Arc carefully does so and steps back.

“There you go.”

Lily walks over to him. “Sorry we’re a bit early. I thought it would take longer to get here with the snow.”

“It’s fine. We were about finished with breakfast anyway.”

“Can I help with the dishes?”

Dinky takes Lily’s hand in hers. “Sure! We can do them together!”

Shelly smiles. “I’d like to help as well.”

Arc nods. “I’d like that too. But only if you’re feeling strong enough, my friend.”

Max hurries over to her as she moves to stand. “Let me help you miss.”

Shelly stands up slowly as Max holds her hand. “I am, thank you.”

Arc nods as they head for the kitchen. “We have a couple more guests this year.”

Lily smiles. “Making new friends, Arc?”

“That I am.”

They enter the Kitchen as Cybil and her daughter finish clearing the table.

“Cybil? These are my friends Shelly and Lily.”

Cybil smiles shyly. “Pleased to meet you.”

Arc gestures to the young girl near her. “And this is her daughter, Angel.”

Angel says nothing and hides behind her mother. Cybil looks up.

“She’s a bit shy around strangers.”

Lily smiles. “It’s fine.”

Shelly nods. “Yes. We both understand how she feels.”

Ember gets the water running. “We should probably get these dishes washed and dried.”

Derpy walks over with a dish towel. “Right. We have a lot of cooking to do after all.”

Arc nods. “Cybil, why don’t you and Angel go get cleaned up? Daisy, can you help them find some clothes?”

“Sure dad!”

Derpy smiles. “I’ll help you sweetie! After that, you need a bath too!”

“Aww… but I wanted to help in the kitchen!”

Arc nods. “They’ll be plenty to do later. Do as your mother says now.”

“Okay, dad.”

They head upstairs as Arc wipes down the table.

“Where are the others, Ember?”

“They went downstairs to take care of a few things.”

Max looks to Arc. “I think I’ll give them a hand. That is if you don’t need me, sir.”

“Sure, go ahead. Tell them we won’t be ready to eat for quite a while though, so they have plenty of time.”

Max heads to the basement and closes the door behind him. Lily turns to Arc.

“Aren’t they going to help us cook?”

Arc shakes his head as he begins to wash the dishes. “Nah. They have their own stuff to do right now.”

Shelly rinses the plates as Arc hands them to her. “Like what?”

“Investigate the Shards for starters.”

Lily dries the rinsed plates. “Any luck with that?”

Arc shrugs. “Somewhat. We’ve been working with that armored guy on TV.”

Shelly’s eyes grow wide. “The Hero of Light?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. The guys handle logistics and he does all the hands-on stuff.”

Lily looks nervous. “Is he… dangerous?!”

Ember chuckles. “Only to the bad guys.”

They finish the dishes and get to work cooking. Shelly sits in her wheelchair at the table chopping vegetables.

“So did you and Frank make it up to the orphanage as usual?”

Arc nods as he puts the stuffing in the turkey. “We did. In fact, that’s how we met Cybil’s daughter.”

He explains their exploits the last few days. Lily smiles as she assembles a salad.

“You’ve certainly been busy!”

Arc chuckles. “We do more than just point the Hero of Light in the right direction.”

Shelly smiles. “Is Cybil going to be okay?”

Arc sighs. “I suppose that’s up to her.”

Lily puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “Alcoholism isn’t something one just moves past in a day, after all.”

Ember nods. “She’ll have to figure out which is more important. Her habit or Angel.”

Arc smiles and nods. “I get the feeling she’ll make the right choice.”

Shelly sighs. “It has to be hard to watch someone you care about slip down the path.”

She looks over at Arc.

“But you understand that all too well don’t you, Arc?”

“That I do… that I do.”

The others come downstairs and lend a hand. Soon Christmas dinner is cooking away. Ember puts the cold dishes into the refrigerator.

“That was a lot of work!”

Derpy dries the last of the dishes and puts them away. “Yes it was!”

Dinky grins as she and Angel wipe down the counter. “I get the feeling it will be worth it!”

Cybil turns to Arc. “You do this every year?”

“Yup. Christmas is a time to spend with family, after all.”

Angel looks up. “It’s a lot of work for just one meal though.”

Dinky looks to the small girl. “But if you do it with friends and family, it doesn’t feel like it though!”

Arc nods as he helps steady Shelly on their way back to the living room. “That it does, sweetheart.”

Lily follows Arc and Shelly. “Back when it was just the three of us, we’d always make too much food anyways.”

Shelly giggles. “Right! We’d have leftovers for a week!”

Arc chuckles as he helps Shelly sit down on the couch. “You say that like it was a bad thing.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “There you go again, Arc. Always thinking with your stomach.”

Derpy and Dinky join them in the Living Room.

“What now, dad?!”

“The turkey should be ready to come out of the oven in about two hours. Usually we spend this time watching our favorite movie.”

Lily grins. “Right! We’ve seen it a dozen times!”

Shelly nods. “The ending always gets to me though.”

Ember laughs. “Sounds like a winner!”

Dinky looks to her father. “What’s it called, dad?”

“The movie’s title is ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’.”

Cybil nods. “I’ve heard the title, but never actually seen the movie.”

Derpy looks up as Dinky sits down next to her. “What’s it about?”

Arc puts the familiar disk in the player. “The movie is about a discouraged bank president who begins to question if everyone he knows and loves would be better off without him.”

Angel looks confused. “Even his family?”

Arc nods as he sits down on the couch between Derpy and Dinky with the remote. “Yes. You see, things are going really badly in his life due to the actions of someone else.”

Dinky frowns. “So someone ruined his life?!”

Arc nods as he starts the movie. “Something like that. You’ll see…”

The movie starts. They all sit before the TV, spellbound by the classic tale. Derpy and Dinky rest their heads on Arc’s shoulders and snuggle up closer to him. He looks down at them quietly.

“Are you two cold?”

They say nothing but smile and shake their heads. Arc puts his arms around them as the movie goes on. Together they watch the story of George Baily’s life play out from boyhood to his role in taking over the family business. Angel’s eyes grow wide.

“I didn’t know someone could own a bank!”

Ember smiles at her. “Me either. But I guess someone has to run it.

The movie continues. Dinky looks to Arc.

“What’s World War II, dad?”

“A war that saw nearly every country on Earth fighting for either the Allies or the Axis powers.”

Ember nods and watches intently. “Looks like his brother Harry did pretty well!”

Angel looks to him. “What’s the Medal of Honor?”

“The highest award that can be given to a soldier in this country.”

Dinky smiles. “I know he was brave but why did they give him that?”

“He shot down fifteen enemy planes. Two the which were trying to crash into troop transports.”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “Why?! They would die too!”

Arc shakes his head. “The pilots didn’t care. As long as they took the soldiers on the transport with them to the grave, it was considered a victory for them.”

Cybil looks on in wonder. “I wonder how many lives that was.”

Shelly turns to her. “We learned in history class that a transport could carry around ten thousand soldiers.”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “So he saved ten thousand people?!”

Arc nods. “Yes dear. That’s why he was awarded the Medal of Honor. For extreme heroics in the face of mortal danger.”

Before long the scene with Uncle Billy in Mr. Potter’s bank flashes before them. Dinky watches, confused.

“Dad? What is Mr. Potter doing with that money?!”

Lily turns to her. “Uncle Billy accidently wrapped it up in the newspaper he gave him.”

Angel frowns. “Why isn’t he giving it back?! It doesn’t belong to him!”

Shelly grimaces. “Because he’s a very bad man! More wealth at any cost!”

Derpy appears horrified. “He’s STEALING it?!”

Arc nods. “Right! He doesn’t care who he hurts as long as he gets what he wants. Which for some reason is more money than he already has.”

Ember grits her teeth and mutters under her breath. “Filthy Rich…”

George Baily is standing on the bridge overlooking the icy river. Cybil looks to the others, worried.

“Wait! What… what’s he doing?!”

Lily sighs. “He’s… thinking about jumping into the river and killing himself. That way his family can collect the life insurance policy on him and the bank can go on.”

Dinky looks to her father. “But…but what about his family?!”

“Just keep watching, sweetheart.”

Before George can carry out his own demise, another man falls into the river ahead of him and calls for help! Without wasting time George jumps in after him! Ember breathes a sigh of relief.

“Good! George helped that poor man!”

Shelly nods. “That’s Clarence. My favorite character.”

The two men sit in a nearby shack as their clothes dry over a stove. Derpy smiles.

“I’m glad they’re both okay!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! That was scary! Where did Clarence come from?!”

Arc turns to her. “He’s an angel sent from Heaven to help George through this hard time in his life.”

Angel looks to her mother. “Mom? What’s an Angel?”

“A winged being that supposedly serves God up above, dear. I don’t think they really exist.”

Arc smiles at Cybil. “I think you would be surprised.”

Angel frowns. “What about his wings?”

Shelly smiles at her. “He hasn’t earned them yet.”

The wind blows hard outside the shack as Clarence informs George he’s never been born, at which he scoffs. Ember looks confused.

“Never been… born?”

Arc nods. “Clarence is now going to show George what the world would be like without him.”

The two men go back into town. It has changed completely to one that George does not recognize. Derpy turns to Arc.

“What happened to Bedford Falls?!”

Arc frowns. “Potter happened to it. Without George around, he was able to pretty much buy up everything in town.”

Shelly nods. “Right. And it’s not Bedford Falls anymore. Now it’s Pottersville!”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “Pottersville?! How did THAT happen?!”

Lily shakes her head. “When you own pretty much everything in town, it’s not hard to do.”

George and Clarence eventually make their way to the cemetery. Cybil frowns.

“What are they doing there? I thought they were going to George’s housing project.”

Arc sighs. “They were. It doesn’t exist because George’s banks wasn’t there to finance it.”

Shelly nods. “Potter wouldn’t have given the money for the project, so it never happened.”

Arc and his friends watch the scene unfold intently. Clarence turns to George.

“Are you sure this is Bailey Park?”

“Oh, I'm not sure of anything anymore. All I know is this should be Bailey Park. But where are the houses?”

“You weren't here to build them.”

George runs up to a large grave nearby. Derpy turns to Arc.

“His father?”

“Not quite.”

George falls to his knees in front of the tombstone. Upon it is engraved the name Harry Bailey. Feverishly, George scrapes away the snow covering the rest of the inscription, ‘IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED SON – HARRY BAILEY – 1911-1919.’

A small tear escapes Dinky’s eye. “His… his brother!”

Arc sighs. “Yes. He died.”

Angel turns to Arc. “But we saw George save him!”

Shelly smiles. “Clarence will explain.”

They turn back to the television. Clarence walks over to George.

“Your brother, Harry Bailey, broke through the ice and was drowned at the age of eight.”

George stands up angrily. “That's a lie! Harry Bailey went to war! He got the Congressional Medal of Honor! He saved the lives of every man on that transport!”

Clarence shakes his head sadly. “Every man on that transport died. Harry wasn't there to save them because you weren't there to save Harry. You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to… throw it away.”

Dinky looks up at Arc. Tears stream down her face. “They… they died?! All of them?!”

Arc nods. “Yes sweetheart. Every person’s life is important to someone. Take away one person from the equation and everything could fall apart.”

Ember looks to him. “This isn’t exactly what I would call a happy movie, Arc.”

Derpy nods. “Agreed. Why do you watch it?!”

“You’ll see.”

Clarence tells George where to find his wife. As expected, she doesn’t know him and runs at his approach. He chases after her as she flees into the nearest building, which is the local bar. Some men grab him in order to protect the frightened woman he is chasing.

Angel looks to Arc. “Why is he so… frantic?”

“Because the most important person in his life doesn’t know him.”

Lily nods. “Right! She followed a different path without George by her side.”

The police come and chase George back to the bridge where the whole mess started. He leans on the railing and cries out for Clarence. Derpy turns to Arc.

“What happened to Clarence?”

“He went back to Heaven, I assume.”

George leans on the railing calling out for Clarence and begging to be allowed to live again. Ember sighs.

“I feel bad for the guy.”

Dinky nods. “Me too! He’s lost everything!”

Arc looks to Dinky. “Sometimes you have to get to rock bottom to really be able to appreciate what you have.”

Cybil looks to Angel. “I can understand that.”

Angel hugs her mother. “Me too!”

The snow begins to fall as the police car drives up. Derpy frowns.

“Uh oh. That man’s going to get him!”

Arc chuckles. “Maybe not.”

The man walks up to George, who recoils at his approach. He threatens to hit him before realizing the officer remembers him. Overjoyed at the turn of events, George runs through town wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Ember smiles.

“He bounced back nicely.”

Arc nods. “George been given a second chance at life.”

George returns home to find the Bank Examiner, a reporter, and the sheriff in his house waiting for him. The bank examiner tells him of the deficit as the sheriff reaches into his pocket for some papers. George grins happily.

“I bet it’s a warrant for my arrest! Isn’t that wonderful?!”

His children stand at the top of the stairs and call out to him. Ember raises an eyebrow.

“He’s happy about being arrested?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He’s happy to have his family back.”

George’s wife comes in and the family embraces. Derpy smiles.

“Aww… what a nice way to end it!”

Shelly shakes her head. “It’s not over yet. “

Lily nods. “Right. There’s still the missing money.”

George’s wife pushes the contents of a table onto the floor as townspeople hurry in the front door and start dumping money onto it. From Uncle Billy to the people who lived in his housing project, his childhood boss, the owner of the bar, their old housekeeper, and even his high school principal. One by one they give to their town’s hero. Ember grins.

“That’s really nice of everyone to help George out. But it doesn’t look like enough money to repay what was lost.”

A man walks in with a telegram and calls for silence. He reads it aloud for all to hear.

“Mr. Gower cabled you need cash. Stop. My office instructed to advance you up to twenty-five thousand dollars. Stop. Hee-haw and Merry Christmas. Sam Wainwright.”

Cybil looks to Shelly. “Who was Sam Wainwright again?”

“That was the fellow who had his girlfriend Mary taken away from him by George in the beginning.”

Angel looks confused. “Wasn’t he mad?”

Dinky giggles. “I guess he got over it.”

Arc nods. “Right! You see, George is such a grand fellow, that in his hour of need even those who didn’t really like him came to his aid.”

Ember stares at the screen, spellbound. “Incredible!”

A man in a uniform enters the house. Angel looks to Arc.

“The police?”

“Not quite.”

The man quickly approaches George.

“HARRY!”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide as a smile spreads across his face. “His brother?!”

Lily nods. “He had to come to George’s aid.”

Arc nods. “Right!”

Harry looks to George as someone hands him a glass. “A toast... to my big brother, George. The richest man in town!”

Everyone applauds as George’s daughter begins playing ‘Hark the Herald Angels’ on the piano. All assembled join in singing along. The Bank Examiner approaches the table and drops some money onto it. The sheriff does the same as he rips the arrest warrant in half and drops it on the pile. They join the others in their song. Derpy turns to Arc.

“It’s too bad Clarence isn’t there to enjoy the celebration.”

Arc smiles. “Funny you should mention that…”

George looks down at the pile of money before him and spots a book. “What the…”

Still holding his daughter in his arms, George glances down at the pile of money on the table. His eye catches something on top, and he reaches down for it. It is Clarence's copy of ‘Tom Sawyer’. George opens it and finds an inscription written in it.

“Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has FRIENDS. Thanks for the wings, Love Clarence.”

Cybil smiles. “That… that’s beautiful!”

The camera pans over all assembled as they continue singing before the movie comes to a close. Angel smiles. “That was a nice movie!”

Dinky grins. “I’ll say!”

Ember chuckles. “Up until the end, I was wondering why it was called ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’.”

Derpy nods. “Right! It didn’t seem like things were going so well up to the last scene.”

Arc sighs happily as he pushes the stop button on the remote. “Well… it’s a story about how one person can make a difference in so many lives.”

“Like you dad?”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far.”

Shelly looks at Lily. “You have in our lives anyway.”

“Shelly’s right. You were the one who said we should come to Angel Grove when we turned eighteen.”

Ember turns to Arc. “You kept me out of jail and showed me a different path.”

Derpy smiles. “Without you, my daughter and I probably wouldn’t be alive.”

Dinky grins. “I wouldn’t have a dad who loves and takes care of me!”

Cybil holds Angel close. “I would have still been lying in a gutter somewhere, passed out drunk, or dead.”

Angel nods. “And I wouldn’t have my mom back.”

Derpy looks to him. “Along with so many others back home that you helped. You should be proud of yourself, Arc.”

Ember laughs. “I know I am!”

Arc holds Derpy and Dinky close. “I… thanks everyone. Merry Christmas!”

After a few moments Lily stands up.

“I should probably check on the food.”

Shelly stands up slowly and with great difficulty. “I’ll help. It smells like it’s almost done.”

Arc stands up and heads for the stairs. “Excuse me everyone. I… I’ll be right back.”

He walks up the stairs as everyone else heads for the kitchen. Dinky turns to her mother.

“What was that about?”

“I think your father just needs to use the restroom. It was a very long movie after all.”

A few minutes later Arc descends the stairs and joins the others in the kitchen.

“How’s the food coming along, Shelly?”

She closes the oven door and stands up slowly. “Very nicely! We should be on schedule for a one o’clock dinner.”

“Good!”

They return to the living room to chat while they wait. Before they know it the oven beeps. Lily stands up.

“That’s our cue!”

They return to the kitchen and remove the turkey from the oven. Arc begins carving it and laying the meat on a serving platter. Ember sniffs the air happily.

“That does smell GOOD!”

Arc nods. “Yes it does! Shelly and Lily really outdid themselves this year!”

Shelly smiles at Arc. “We had a wonderful teacher.”

Lily nods. “That we did!”

Arc chuckles. “I only taught you the basics of cooking. You two FAR surpassed me on your own.”

Derpy and Cybil retrieve the cold food from the refrigerator and set the serving plates and bowls on the table. Arc calls out to the Living Room.

“Daisy! Angel! It’s time to eat!”

The pair run in and sit down as Ember calls down the basement stairs for Arc’s squad. In a few minutes everyone is in their place around the table with Arc sitting at the head. There is a knock at the front door. Ember looks confused.

“Who could that be?”

Arc looks at his pocket watch and stands up. “I’ll get it.”

Derpy nods. “We’ll wait for you to get back.”

Ember looks confused. “We will?”

Max nods. “He’ll be right back.”

Xenos looks at the food before them. “I hope he does so quickly!”

Hugh grins. “Yeah! This food smells great!”

Viktor chuckles. “Patience, everyone.”

Arc leaves the room and returns a few moments later with someone behind him. Ember looks at the newcomer angrily.

“Y-you?!”

Frank Fontaine, cane in hand, walks slowly over to the table with Arc. Lily and Shelly appear nervous.

“Hello everyone. Merry Christmas!”

“H-hi Frank!”

“H-hello!”

Frank walks over to Lily and Shelly. He kneels down between them. “Please, my old friends. You don’t have to be afraid of me. We all grew up together and now share the same town.”

“I-I’m sorry, Frank. You just give me the creeps now!”

“Being the leader of the Shards has that effect, you know!”

Cybil looks confused. “The leader of the Shards?!”

Arc clears his throat. “Everyone, please listen. Frank, Lily, Shelly and myself have been through a lot together. Like I said earlier… Christmas is a time for family.”

He turns to Frank.

“I would be honored if you would join us in celebrating this holiday, old friend.”

Frank smiles as he shakes Arc’s hand. “Thank you for having me, my friend!”

Derpy sets out another plate and silverware next to Arc. They make room and sit down together as the snow continues to fall outside the window. Arc looks around the table as he sits down.

“Now that we’re all here, let’s say grace and enjoy this meal together!”

Everyone bows their heads to give thanks for the meal. Meanwhile a blue-hooded figure watches silently through the kitchen window. Wiseman stands in the backyard observing the gathering, cloaked.

“Arc… you’ve come such a long way. However, you still have a long and hard road ahead of you. With the help of good friends and family you will achieve your goal of rescuing Princess Celestia. I only hope and pray… that such things do not come at too high a cost. But I suppose time will tell in that matter… sooner or later.”

That evening Arc retires to his room exhausted from the day’s activities. Cherry calls out to him.

“This was an amazing day, Arc! Thank you for allowing me to witness it!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… I just wish you could have been here to join us as… as…”

“As a human?”

“No. As my fiancé.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be, Cherry. It’s not your fault.”

They are silent for a time.

“It was adorable how Dinky and Angel fell asleep on the couch together!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. They’ll miss each other when I take Angel back to the orphanage tomorrow.”

“Do you have to?!”

“Yes. That much is out of my hands.”

Cherry sighs. “What about Cybil?! Do you think she’ll be able to find work here in town?”

“Viktor found an ad in the paper for a janitor down at the Police Station. If her and I go down there together I think I can convince Marshal Raynor to hire her on a trial basis. In the meantime she can stay here until she’s able to get an apartment.”

Cherry giggles. “That would be wonderful! Then she could take Angel home with her!”

“That’s the plan. Assuming she can stay away from the bottle, that is.”

“Can she?!”

Arc shrugs. “She’s already lost everything before because of it. Hopefully that’s enough for her to change her ways. Headmistress Kulara won’t let Angel go with her until she’s convinced it’s safe.”

“She seems to be a good judge of character.”

Arc calls forth his helmet and holds it to his forehead. “That she is.”

“Um, Arc? Can I ask you a favor?”

“Sure, Cherry. What is it?”

“Can I… can I please stay in your head tonight?”

“If you want to. I just thought you’d be bored and unable to see when I’m asleep.”

“That may be. However… I just want to stay close to you right now.”

Arc turns off the lights and gets into bed. “Okay. If that would make you happy.”

He lies down and turns on his side to look out the window at the gently falling snow.

“Good night, Cherry.”

“Good night my love.”

Arc quickly falls asleep. He dreams of Cherry Hill Ranch in the spring. The cherry trees are blossoming and filling the air with an intoxicating aroma as the sun sets over the trees. He sits on the front porch swing and takes in the view.

“Breathtaking… “

The screen door opens and someone steps out of the house.

“That it is!”

Arc turns to see a beautiful young woman with cherry red hair and striking green eyes wearing a yellow summer dress standing in front of the porch steps.

“Hello… my love.”

Arc stands and walks toward her slowly. “Cherry?! Is that you?!”

She smiles and laughs as he approaches. “It is! How do I look?”

“Amazing! How did you…”

She looks him in the eye and giggles. “It’s a dream, Arc! I can be anything you want me to be here! Tell me, how do you like my hair?”

“It… it’s very nice.”

Cherry looks at him as it instantly changes to a beautiful blonde hue. “How’s this?”

“Um… okay, I guess.”

Her stomach slims noticeably from normal to that of a model. “Humans like skinny mares, right?! Is this better?!”

“Well, I…”

“How about my clothes?”

In a flash of light her yellow summer dress is replaced by a bikini. Arc blushes slightly.

“Cherry…”

She takes his hands in hers and holds them to her face, speaking quickly.

“I can be anything you want me to be here! Just tell me what you would like to see and I’ll do my best to do it! I…”

“Cherry, stop!”

She looks confused.

“Arc? What is it?”

“There is something I want you to do. Something… different I want you to be than what you are now.”

“Name it!”

Arc leans in close and whispers something in her ear. Cherry smiles and blushes slightly.

“Are… are you sure that’s what you want?”

Arc nods and smiles at her. “Yes.”

Cherry Jubilee closes her eyes and smiles as she continues to blush. “I… I guess I should have known…”

There is a flash of light as Cherry carries out Arc’s wish. She looks up at him, sleepily.

“Better?”

Arc falls to his knees and takes her hooves in his hands. “Much!”

He wraps his arms around her neck and gently strokes her mane. Cherry puts her hooves around Arc’s neck to return the hug. As she sits back on her haunches to join Arc on the front porch steps, Cherry sighs.

“I… I don’t understand. Why would you want me to look like this?”

Arc turns to her. “Because this is the one I fell in love with. Not a human girl, but… the mare you’ve always been.”

Cherry puts her hooves on his chest. “But all I want to do is to make you happy!”

Arc smiles and lays his hands on her shoulders. “You do! Just as you are now.”

She smiles at him, tears in the corners of her eyes. “I… I love you so much, Arc!”

“And I love you too, my dear.”

The pair draw close and share a passionate kiss in the sunset’s light. As Arc draws back to look at Cherry’s happy face, he speaks to her.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Cherry.”

Cherry smiles as tears of joy stream down her face. “Merry Christmas, my love.”

Arc and Cherry hold one another as the endless sunset continues before them. For in their minds time, for all intents and purposes, had stopped moving.

Author's Note

The end of this chapter with Arc and Cherry wishing each other Happy Holidays was taken from my childhood memory of the original Sesame Street Christmas special. Bob and Mr Hooper are talking and about to part ways. Bob calls out to Mr. Hooper, gives him a smile, and wishes him a Happy Hanukkah. Mr Hooper smiles and wishes Bob a Merry Christmas.

To me that always struck me as really special. To send greetings to the other in their faith. It means, at least to me, that Bob and Mr Hooper are saying "we believe different things, but that's okay".

You can find the old special here... https://youtu.be/EF4XRQwzls8?t=2010

In any case, I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas Special! Stay safe, and happy holidays from Arc and all the gang! :-D

Preface - Volume 15 - Dinner, Dolls, and Demigods

In our previous volume, Arc mentors Flash Sentry on the fine art of love. Afterwards he learns the terrible truth that his squad was brainwashed as foals by Tempest. Reporting this to the princesses, he advises them to test their own soldiers for such mental meddling.

Returning to Light’s Hope, Arc is informed that the griffon Council of Lords have granted him an audience. Heading back to Griffonstone a day early, Arc requests to see the neighboring town of Griffon’s Gate. As per General Blackbeak’s orders, Natalya arranges transport for Arc and his Honor Guards about a freighter named the ‘Solar Macaw”. Captain Celaeno and her crew take Arc hostage in an attempt to deliver him to the rebels. Arc is able to escape and force the crew to take him to their original destination. After they land, he arrests the crew and, placing a sigil, teleports everyone back to Canterlot.

As Arc and his Honor Guards return to Griffon’s Gate, they enter the city to find its inhabitants, a large number of younglings, hungry and living in deplorable living conditions. Befriending a young brother and sister, they lead him to their ‘home’. A dump on the edge of town. The group is attacked by a group of savage creatures Marauders. Fighting off the beasts, and killing their leader, Arc and the others continue with the orphans to their living space. They find another of their friends was earlier injured by the beasts they fought. Natalya is reunited with her brother Gallus, whom had been caring for the younglings.

Natalya and Gallus argue as Arc cleans the injured youngling’s wounds. Taking her into town for medical treatment they are told that vagrants aren’t welcome and are shooed out of the clinic. Arc opens a portal back to Ponyville Hospital to help the injured griffon. After an examination by Doctor Horse, she is admitted and treatment begins. Arc invites Gallus and the others to Derpy’s house for supper and a safe place to sleep.

Upon reaching Derpy’s house, Arc suggests the younglings be bathed. Gallus does so with Natalya’s help. Over supper Gallus storms out of the house as Natalya follows him. She and Gallus share a thoughtful talk in the backyard before returning to the warm house and a good night’s sleep.

The next morning Arc, Gallus, Natalya and the younglings head for the hospital to check on Glynda. Doctor Horse reports she is doing well on her antibiotics. He examines Ginny’s wing and finds it healed improperly. Offering to surgically repair the damage, Ginny is wheeled away to the Operating Room as the others wait with Glynda.

The next day Arc stands before the Council of Lords. He extends Equestria’s desire to form a peace treaty. In return, Arc offers to take the orphans that plague Griffon’s Gate back to Equestria.

Arc and his friends return to Ponyville Hospital to check on the younglings. He returns home with Geoffrey and Gigi as Natalya and Gallus stay at the hospital with Glynda and Ginny. The next morning the younglings are released from the hospital. Arc takes them to the New Beginnings Orphanage to observe the school there.

As the students enter the classroom Cheerilee introduces them and begins the school day. As the students head out for recess Arc calls a meeting in Coco Pommel’s office. He brings Derpy, Cheerilee, Coco Pommel, and the others up to speed on the status of the proposed treaty before heading to Canterlot. Joining Shining Armor and Trixie in the Audience Chamber, he informs them of the proposed treaty as well as his adventures in their land.

Heading for the Canterlot Dungeon, Arc releases Captain Celaeno and her crew. Ordering them to return to Griffon’s Gate, the sailors happily comply. However, on their way they are boarded by a shadowy figure whom demands they deliver Arc to him. Refusing, he attempts to set the ship on fire, but is stopped by Arc and Ember whom stowed away. The rebel flies up and fires a flare gun at the deck. Arc and company escape to Redemption Village to get medical help for the captain. They decide to make a new home with the Redeemed taking care of their Writ Board.

Arc and Ember escort Derpy and Dinky to Earth for the Christmas season. Derpy initially has difficulty with the idea of clothing. However, Arc is able to find a solution to the problem by giving her one of his mother’s dresses.

After lunch, Arc’s squad brings him up the speed on the additional crime in town while he was gone. Arc, Sereb, and Ember head to the Shard base in an attempt to locate a cache of stolen weapons. They find them hidden in the Maintenance Department under lock and key along with the truck of electronics the fed allegedly took as evidence. Discovered by Frank’s lieutenant, Stingray, Arc and Ember find their magic inoperable. They improvise and make a quick getaway out a window.

Arc takes Derpy and Dinky to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast and to introduce Derpy to other humans. Afterwards they head for the mall to buy Derpy some proper human clothes that won’t restrict her and cause another panic attack.

The next day Arc and company set up and decorate the Christmas tree. Explaining the tradition of the season to them, an announcement comes over the radio asking for help with accidents caused by the weather. Arc and his squad head out to help.

Several days later Arc heads to the Farburg Orphanage with Frank and Ember to deliver toys to the children living there. After speaking with Headmistress Kulara however, the group finds they didn’t bring enough presents. Venturing out again, they head to a local toy store for more. Returning to the orphanage they help with Story Time as Ember reads. Seeing a sad little girl in a corner Arc heads over to her. Not making any progress, he askes what she wants for Christmas. Crying, the little girl asks for her mother. As the children head to the cafeteria for supper Arc is told that the girl is the one he rescued from the apartment fire.

Frank drives the pair back to his base. Arc and Ember get in his Jeep and drive home. On the way Arc stops on the side of the road to vent his frustrations. Returning home, they discover Ember’s hurt ankle. After wrapping it, they sit down to supper as a family. Arc tells the others of the little girl, and of his plan to help make her wish come true. Teleporting back to the orphanage, Arc breaks into the headmistress’ office to get information on her mother.

The next morning Arc, Derpy, and Dinky head a few houses down to visit a man who escaped the fire. Ben tells them of the building superintendent’s office, and the pair head to see him as Dinky plays with her new friends. Acquiring a business card from the building super, they head to the address on it in search of a woman whom often visited Sam. Arriving, they find the woman is a Vice President. Fortunately she arrives in the Atrium in time to meet with them.

Arc and Derpy follow Penelope Parker upstairs to her office. They tell her about the fire and Sam’s death. She informs them about Sam’s estranged wife and her drinking problem. Heading to the local elementary school, Arc Blinks inside the office and finds the girl’s file with her mother’s last known address and contact information for her place of employment. As he is about to leave the building Wiseman shows up and warn him of the dangers of knowing the truth. Failing to find the woman at her last known address, Derpy and Arc head to her employer. a small restaurant. After questioning the manager Cybil arrives, drunk. They drive her back to her apartment, but her roommate has had the locks changed. Taking her back to his house, Arc sees to it she is bathed and put to bed.

Arc caries Cybil to bed. As he and the others are talking downstairs, Cybil appears at the top of the stairs. Still naked, she hits on them before taking a fist from Derpy. The next morning he informs her of Sam’s death. She does not take it well.

Cybil stays in Arc’s room in shock for some time. Ember and Arc meet up with Marshal Raynor to turn in the stolen guns and electronics. They return home to make their annual trip to the orphanage for a Christmas party. Cybil confesses to causing her daughter’s injury.

The incoherent woman tells Arc of her earlier actions burning her daughter’s hands. Arc takes her to the orphanage to fulfill the girls wish. Headmistress Kulara speaks to Cybil and informs her of her inability to release the girl to her. Cybil asks her to find a loving family to take her in. Arc fetches the girl so the two can say goodbye. The girl begs her mother not to leave her alone again and the pair embrace as Arc and Kulara leave the room.

Early the next morning Arc and his friends have breakfast together. Cybil and her daughter, Angel, join them for the day with the authorization of Kulara. Shelly and Lily arrive shortly thereafter to help cook Christmas dinner. While it cooks, they watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ together. After the movie Arc leaves to make a phone call. As they sit down to eat there is a knock at the front door. Arc moves to answer it, and returns with Frank. They sit down together for the meal as Wiseman watches them through the window.

Much has happened. However, even more questions remain unanswered. Why was Tempest brainwashing foals? What will become of Captain Celaeno and her crew in Redemption Village? And what of Gallus and his youngling friends? Will the Council of Lords approve a treaty with Equestria? Will the Little Hooves Orphanage be able to hold such a large number of new arrivals? How did the Shards retrieve the truck of electronics from the feds? Will Cybil be able to beat her addiction? And what of Angel?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Unreasonable Requests

Several days later, Arc and the others eat an early breakfast around his kitchen table. Ember is barely awake.

“Did we have to wake up THIS early?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I wanted to have a good breakfast before we left.”

Derpy smiles at him. “These past two weeks really flew by!”

Dinky grins. “Right! It feels like we just got here, and now we have to go home.”

Arc turns to his squad. “Are you boys sure you’ll be okay here?”

Hugh nods. “We should be fine.”

Viktor chuckles. “Someone needs to monitor the situation here.”

Xenos looks toward the stairs. “Yeah! And look after Cybil while you’re gone.”

Max smiles. “Not to mention Shelly and Lily.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Those two should be fine. However, Cybil is another matter entirely.”

Ember frowns. “Is she still sleeping?!”

Arc nods. “She’s working third shift, remember?”

“Oh I remember that. I just don’t know what the heck it means!”

“Oh… right! That means she works nights.”

Max sighs. “That won’t do when she gets a place of her own. Someone needs to be there with Angel at night.”

Arc sighs. “I know. Marshal Raynor says if she does a good job he’ll see if he can find her something on days. Then she’ll be able to get her daughter off to school before heading off to work herself.”

Hugh grins. “Sounds like a plan.”

Xenos sighs. “If she can stay dry, that is.”

Derpy looks to the squad. “Hopefully some positive peer-pressure in that regard will help.”

Viktor looks confused. “Peer pressure?”

Arc nods. “Right! You guys don’t drink, so I’m hoping she’ll be able to keep the urge to do so at bay.”

Ember sighs. “She told me her old roommate Nadine used to be her regular drinking buddy. Your plan may just work, Arc.”

“In any case, we’ve stocked the fridge and cupboards for you guys. You can use my Jeep to make food runs or whatnot while I’m gone.”

Max nods. “Thank you, sir. We’ll contact you if something comes up.”

Hugh smiles. “If your pal Frank carries through on his word things should be a bit quieter around here.”

Arc sighs. “He did promise to keep his gang from doing so much economic damage. After all, he doesn’t want to destroy the town or anything.”

Derpy shudders. “It’s best you invited him when you did.”

Sereb nods. “Fortunately Shelly and Lily were able to convince him that his gang’s actions were hurting the town’s businesses as a whole.

Arc grins. “Maybe now people won’t be afraid to go out for a meal.”

Ember turns to him. “Looks like you made the town a bit safer, Arc.”

He shrugs. “Maybe not how I envisioned it, but the end result was satisfactory.”

They finish eating and quickly do the dishes. Ember, Derpy and Dinky hurry upstairs to put their robes on as Arc gives his squad instruction.

“Take care of things while I’m gone, okay?”

Xenos nods soberly as Arc hands him his keys. “Yes sir.”

Max turns to Arc. “Everything will be fine, sir.”

Hugh chuckles. “We’ll keep things moving along here.”

Viktor looks over. “If anything happens, we’ll be in touch.”

Arc nods. “I have faith in you boys.”

A short time later Arc, Derpy, Dinky, Sereb and Ember head for the portable recall unit. Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst. Come in please.”

“Right here sir!”

“We ready to come back?”

“Yes sir! All calibrated and ready on this end.”

“We’ll be coming though shortly. Standby.”

He activates the recall unit and turns back to the others as the portal forms.

“Everyone ready?”

They nod. One by one everyone steps through the portal. Arc turns back to his squad before stepping through himself.

“You guys are doing a great job. Keep it up and stay safe!”

He steps through the portal and vanishes. As the portal closes behind him Max turns to the others.

“Anyone else feel a bit… different?”

Hugh shrugs. “A bit, I guess.”

Xenos frowns. “What do you suppose it is?”

Viktor walks over to his computer and sits down. “It’s probably just the fact we’re home alone. I mean, before we had a commanding officer around at all times. Here were completely on our own.”

Xenos sighs. “It sounds bad when you say it like that.”

Max shakes his head. “Not really. The commander must really put a lot of faith in us though to let us use his house and vehicle while he’s gone.”

Hugh nods. “Let’s try not to let him down!”

Viktor scans his screen. “Agreed.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company step out of the portal in Princess Celestia’s room. Dinky looks down at her hooves.

“Aww… I liked having fingers.”

Derpy smiles. “It was certainly a… different experience. But a good one nonetheless.”

Ember looks back at the portal as it collapses behind them. “You think those guys will be okay without us?”

Sereb nods. “They will be fine.”

Arc turns to Ember. “Sereb’s right. I didn’t leave behind children. I left intelligent, resourceful, trustworthy and loyal soldiers. They’ll be fine.”

Sunburst calls over to them as he finishes shutting down the machine. “Welcome back, sir! I trust your trip went well.”

“Very! I…”

Dinky looks out the window. “Look dad! It snowed while we were gone!”

Sunburst nods. “The very day you left, mind you.”

Ember joins Dinky in looking out the window. “Not nearly as much as back on Earth though. But I imagine it’s just as cold.”

Sunburst shrugs. “About as much as can be expected this time of year.”

He turns to look at Arc soberly.

“Sir? The Captain of the Royal Guard wanted to speak with you as soon as you arrived.”

Derpy frowns. “Is something wrong?”

“No ma’am. Captain Shining Armor wanted to speak with the Hero of Light regarding some kind of personal matter. He did not elaborate further though.”

Ember chuckles. “Sounds mysterious! Let’s go!”

Derpy looks to Arc. “We should be getting back to Ponyville. Coco Pommel would probably like some help with breakfast.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to Derpy’s house. “Okay. Not sure when I’ll get home, but I hope you two have a good day.”

Derpy and Dinky step forward and give him a hug.

“Take care of yourself.”

“Yeah dad! Come home soon!”

Arc nods and returns the hug. “I will. It was good to spend some time with you two. Sorry if I had work to do though.”

Derpy smiles. “It’s okay. We know you have many things to do. You actually spent more time with us than I thought you would.”

“We had a blast, dad!”

Arc nods. “We’ll have to do something like this again sometime soon.”

They step back, give Arc a smile, and disappear into the portal.

Arc turns to Ember and Sereb. “Why don’t you two head on back to Light’s Hope? I’ll be there after I speak with Shining Armor.”

Ember nods. “Sure! Don’t be all day though.”

Arc nods as he gestures to the portal. “I’ll try.”

She and Sereb disappear into the swirling energies. Arc closes the portal behind them and turns back to Sunburst.

“Any leads on Princess Celestia’s location?”

“We’re getting closer, but have yet to pin down an exact location I’m afraid.”

Arc nods. “Let me know if I can help with that.”

“Thank you sir. But it’s only a matter of time now.”

“Alright. I’ll head over the Shining Armor’s office now.”

“Yes sir! I’ll keep you posted if we learn anything.”

Arc nods and leaves the room. He quickly makes his way down the corridor toward the Shining Armor’s Office. On the way he bumps into Trixie.

“S-sir! Welcome back!”

“Hi Trixie. How’s things been lately?”

She looks to him as they walk down the corridor together. “Fairly peaceful. The biggest thing on the horizon is the upcoming ratification of the peace treaty.”

Arc nods. “So Canterlot and Griffonstone were able to come to an agreement on that?”

“Yes sir. They’ve been going back and forth pretty much since you left.”

“Is that a good or a bad thing?”

Trixie shrugs. “Mostly good. From what Shining Armor told me, you already took care of most of the negotiations yourself.”

“I didn’t think I did THAT much!”

“Well, apparently you did. Somehow you were able to bridge the gap between our two nations. That’s never been done before.”

Arc smiles. “Well that’s good to hear. One less nation to declare war on us.”

Trixie nods. “So are you here to help Shining Armor with his little problem?”

“I am. At least as soon as I hear what it is.”

“Sunburst didn’t tell you?! This may be our biggest undertaking yet!”

Arc sighs as Trixie opens the office door for him. “And now I’m worried.”

They enter the office. Shining Armor is busy going over the paperwork that covers his desk. Trixie closes and locks the door behind them before approaching him and saluting.

“Shining Armor? Arc is here to see you.”

Shining Armor gets up and hurries over to him, clearly worried. “Arc! Thank goodness you’re here! I’ve got quite the problem on my hooves!”

Arc calls forth his armor and spear. “What’s wrong?! Are we being invaded?!”

Trixie shakes her head. “Worse! MUCH worse! It involves the princesses!”

“Did something happen while I was gone?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “Calm down, Arc! It’s not that kind of trouble!”

“Is there any other?!”

Trixie shrugs. “Kinda. It’s about a break for the princesses.”

Arc recalls his armor and spear. “Oh…”

Shining Armor smiles nervously at him. “Sorry if we made it sound more than what it was.”

Trixie nods. “But in all seriousness, this IS fairly important!”

“You see… when I was Captain Decimus’ lieutenant, he and the princesses were very close.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Considering he tried to kill them, I find that very hard to swallow.”

Shining Armor shakes his head sadly. “Look, I don’t know what happened to him. The captain wasn’t the stallion I followed in the past. Something in him snapped… somehow.”

Trixie shudders. “He certainly wasn’t kind and gentle with me!”

“So what does this have to do with the princesses getting some time off?”

“You see, right after Hearth’s Warming is a bit of a lull in their schedule every year. Why or how, I don’t know. Captain Decimus, he… he would take them out one at a time for a… I guess you would call a… ‘Date Night’.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Date night?”

Shining Armor nods. “He cared for them deeply, but in a platonic sense, of course! I would stand nearby with a few guards during the evening keeping watch. They… they always appeared to be having a pretty good time.”

Trixie sighs. “With schedules and responsibilities as tight as theirs, it’s a wonder they EVER got out of the castle!”

Shining Armor nods. “Right! They need this!”

“I don’t understand what this has to do with me.”

Shining Armor looks down at his floor and sighs. “I… uh… don’t command the same amount of respect in their eyes as Captain Decimus did.”

Trixie frowns. “Don’t sell yourself short, Shining Armor! You’re a very brave and loyal stallion!”

“Thank you, Trixie. But I haven’t been around as long as Decimus! The princesses are very understanding of me, as I do my best to serve them. But I can tell they still look at me as a lieutenant.”

Arc looks confused. “So do you want me to talk to them?”

Beads of sweat begin to form on Shining Armor’s face. “Not… exactly.”

“Well then, what’s the plan?”

Trixie nods. “Do tell, Shining Armor. I’m as confused as Arc is right now.”

“I know you’re busy and all with investigations and diplomacy, but… do you think you could spare some time to… take them out?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You want me to ask the princesses… out on a date?!”

Shining Armor nods, sweating even more. “Y-yes sir! I… I understand you’re very busy and all. But they both respect you!”

Trixie sighs. “While I too am loathe to ask you for something like this, Arc, Shining Armor does raise a good point. The princesses do need to be protected, while at the same time be with somepony they know and trust.”

“I don’t yet fit that bill. So, do you think you could do it?!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t see why not. Have you spoken to them about this?”

Trixie nods. “Yes. We hinted at somepony else escorting them, but they seemed… I don’t know… miffed at the prospect.”

Shining Armor sighs. “I can only imagine me asking is like… trying to replace the errant Captain! As traitorous as his actions were, he still left behind VERY big horseshoes to fill!”

Trixie smiles at him. “You’re doing fine, Shining Armor. You’ll get there one day.”

Arc nods. “Not trying to get out of this, but I really am very busy these days. How about I take them both out together?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not advisable. Captain Decimus always insisted on only taking one of them out at a time for security purposes.”

“If they were together somepony could take them both out all at once! That would be a crippling blow to our country!”

Shining Armor shudders. “We’ve already lost one princess. Losing another is unthinkable!”

“Fine. Does it matter who goes first?”

Trixie thinks for a moment. “Princess Luna should probably get some time off first. After all, she did take over most of the responsibilities of her sister.”

Shining Armor nods. “Agreed. However the choice is yours, Arc.”

“Princess Luna it is. Uh… how do I go about this?”

Trixie looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Do I just… ask her out, or what? Am I supposed to bring her flowers or a gift? I literally have NO idea on the protocol regarding something like this.”

Shining Armor thinks for a moment. “I actually don’t know how Captain Decimus… did that.”

Trixie frowns. “But weren’t you his right-hoof stallion?”

“Yes. But things of a personal nature were always done in private.”

He looks over to Arc with a sheepish look.

“I’m sorry, but, I don’t think I can be much help with this.”

Trixie glares at Shining Armor “What is he supposed to do?!”

Arc shrugs. “I… I guess I’ll just go over there and ask her then.”

Shining Armor’s head shoots up. “NOW?!”

Arc shrugs. “No time like the present. That and this won’t get any easier if I put it off.”

Shining Armor sighs. “I suppose not.”

Arc turns to leave the office. “Although I do think I’ll head over to my quarters for a shower and fresh clothes.”

Trixie waves. “Good luck, Arc!”

Arc leaves the office. Trixie looks over at Shining Armor.

“He really is brave. I don’t think I would have been able to ask something so… personal of the princesses.”

Shining Armor hangs his head. “Nor could I.”

Meanwhile, Arc quickly heads to his quarters and steps into his bathroom with fresh clothes. He gets the water temperature just right and steps in.

“Oh boy…”

He sighs and lets the water run down his body for some time as he thinks.

“How am I supposed to do this?!”

Arc slowly washes his hair as he considers the problem. As he rinses the shampoo out, he mutters to himself.

“I’ve never asked anyone out before. Much less a ruling princess!”

Cherry calls out. “Arc? Why don’t you just…”

“WOAH!”

Arc turns around so quickly he slips on the tile floor and crashes to the tile floor of the shower.

“Are you all right, Arc?!”

He sits up slowly and rubs his forehead. “Y-yeah. Just… a little surprised. Sorry, but I was so focused on this matter that I completely forgot you were in there, Cherry!”

“It’s okay. To tell you the truth, I too was so busy thinking of what you could say I didn’t notice you had gotten into the shower. Forgive me!”

Arc sighs as he sits on the shower floor and leans against the wall, chuckling. “We’re made for each other, Cherry. Like peas in a pod.”

She giggles. “Right! And don’t worry! I’m not peeking!”

Arc stands up slowly. “Thanks.”

Cherry sighs contentedly. “That water does feel good though.”

“Does it?”

“Yes. Remember, I feel what you feel! Mentally and physically!”

Arc sighs as he continues washing his body. “So you know what I’m thinking right now, huh?”

“Yes.”

He washes the soap off. “What do you think I should do?”

“I’m not much for this sort of thing either. But I think Princess Luna is really just like any other mare when you get right down to it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, she wasn’t always a princess after all. A long time ago, she was a young mare just like me.”

Arc nods as he steps out of the shower and towels off. “I know. She told me how she and her sister became princesses. But that still leaves the question of what to do about this.”

“Just head over there and ask her! Worst thing that can happen is she says no, right?!”

He chuckles as he puts on fresh clothes. “Or she could blast me with her magic.”

“You don’t really think she’ll do that… do you?”

“No, I don’t. So you think I should take the direct approach?”

“I do!”

Why’s that?”

“Because if I were in her position, that’s what I would want. A straightforward request without a lot of beating around the bush.”

Arc combs his hair, chuckling. “Okay, we’ll go with that. But if Princess Luna blasts me with her magic, I’m blaming you!”

Cherry giggles. “Deal!”

Arc walks out of the bathroom and stands in front of his full-length mirror. He looks himself up and down.

“Cherry? Do you think I should get a haircut before I…?”

“You’re stalling, Arc!”

He sighs. “I suppose I am. Well… might as well get this over with.”

Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and, after a few more moments of contemplation, leaves his quarters and heads for the Audience Chamber. The guards immediately admit him. Arc walks quickly toward the princesses and, taking a deep breath, recalls his armor.

“Good morning, princesses.”

Cadance smiles at him as she and Luna step down from their thrones. “Good morning Arc! I trust you had a nice Hearth’s Warming!”

“I did. My family spent it back on Earth.”

Luna nods. “Any trouble over there?”

“Nothing we couldn’t handle.”

Cadance looks Arc in the eye. “So what brings you here today?”

“I… uh… just wanted to ask you two about the peace treaty. Is it going as well as Shining Armor says it is?”

Luna nods. “Yes, indeed! The Griffon Council of Lords pretty much got what they wanted from you.”

“I hope I didn’t overstep my authority.”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not really. We sent you there as a peace envoy after all.”

Luna smiles “Yes. Although negotiating a full treaty was far beyond our expectations!”

“How did you know they would go for it?!”

“They were willing to give, but only if they felt their country would gain more than ours.”

Luna looks confused. “I’m sorry, but I don’t quite follow.”

“Think about it this way. They’re getting rid of their… unwanted younglings and in the process freeing up resources that could be diverted elsewhere.”

Luna nods. “And all we get is peace between our nations.”

“Right! To them, we’re getting the short end of the stick.”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not to sound callous, but I think we are.”

Luna turns to Cadance. “I must disagree, Cadance. A war would be much more costly than expanding our orphanage facilities. Not to mention the irreplaceable loss of life that would result from the conflict.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But there is more to it than that!”

Cadance turns to him. “Oh?”

“When the agreement is ratified by both sides, I will then have the treaty to fall back on for the next step in my plan.

Luna raises an eyebrow. “The next… step?”

“You remember what happened when you notified the Griffon Kingdom of Lord Goldstone’s actions during his last visit?”

Cadance sighs. “All too well. They gave us the runaround.”

Arc nods. “Right. If we had their law on our side the courts there would be more inclined to hear our case, would they not?”

Luna frowns. “So your plan wasn’t so much to negotiate peace, but to create a legal access point?”

“Don’t get me wrong, Luna. Peace is ALWAYS a noble goal! It just seemed like a good way to fix both problems at once.”

Cadance smiles. “That just might work. The griffons are VERY set in their customs and laws!”

Arc grins. “I played THEIR game by THEIR rules! In the end I intend to win! For Raven and for all the others Lord Goldstone has violated in the past!”

Luna nods. “Very impressive, Arc! You certainly put a lot of thought into this!”

“It seemed the easiest course of action once I understood how things worked in their country.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “Gaining an audience with their leaders and negotiating a peace treaty was the EASIEST?!”

“Yes. Other ideas included assassination, subterfuge and deception. This way seemed to have the least amount of risks while gaining the most positive outcome.”

Luna nods. “I see it now. Had they rejected your offer, you could have just walked away and come up with something else.”

Cadance sighs. “Had you failed using the… other methods, we would immediately have gone to war with them!”

“True. None of us wants that now.”

Luna smiles. “I’m glad to see your plan came to fruition, Arc. We’ll need you to be there with us for the signing ceremony.”

Arc looks confused. “There?”

Cadance nods. “Part of the agreement was for the treaty to be signed at the Grand Aviary… whatever that is.”

“It’s where their king resides. Similar to Canterlot Castle.”

Cadance nods. “Makes sense.”

Luna nods. “It had to be either there or here. We agreed to do it their way to smooth out a few ruffled feathers during the process.”

Arc chuckles. “Did they give you much trouble?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not really. Lord Gestal wants his daughter to attend the ceremony as well. But I got the feeling he wasn’t too keen on her leaving the safety of their lands.”

“With the rebels lurking around, I can’t really say I blame him.”

Luna nods. “We will notify you of the date as soon as we have it. Until then, just keep doing your best to protect these lands, Arc”

“I will.”

Luna turns partway toward her throne. “Very well. If there is nothing else…”

Arc interrupts her nervously. “There is one other matter I wanted to discuss with you, Princess Luna.”

Luna looks confused. “Just me?”

“No, it’s just…”

He sighs.

“Sorry. This is kinda hard for me.”

Luna points a hoof to their private office.

“Would it help if we spoke out of earshot of the guards?”

Arc nods. “Quite a bit actually.”

The three step into the office and close the door behind them. They sit down on the couches across from one another. Cadance looks concerned.

“Is something wrong, Arc? You’re not yourself.”

“Sorry. I’m… just a bit nervous!”

Luna smiles at him. “No need to apologize. What can I do for you?”

“I… uh… I was thinking that you’ve been working very hard lately. I just wanted to ask if… if you would like to get out of the castle for dinner sometime, Princess Luna.”

Luna blushes and appears quite taken aback at the offer. “W-what?!”

“Just as friends, mind you! I’m told you don’t get much time off.”

Cadance giggles. “Captain Shining Armor put you up to this, didn’t he?”

Arc sighs. “He… yes. Look, I won’t push the matter if you really don’t want to go. But even princesses deserve a bit of down time once in a while. Don’t they?”

“He’s right, Luna. That and you were just saying the other day how much you wanted to get away from it all for a bit.”

Luna sighs. “I guess I did.”

She ponders the idea for a few moments before looking back to Arc.

“Very well, Arc. I accept.”

“Good. How about the day after tomorrow?”

Luna nods. “I believe that would work.”

Cadance smiles. “I’ll see to it Kibitz pencils it in after you leave, Arc.”

“What time were you thinking?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “How about six o’clock?”

“Yes. Audiences would be over by then.”

“Fine! I’m looking forward to it!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to Light’s Hope. Luna nods to him.

“I’ll see you then.”

“Right! Until then, Princess Luna.”

He steps through the portal and vanishes. Cadance looks to Luna.

“That was nice of Arc to ask you out. Most stallions wouldn’t have the nerve.”

Luna nods. “Yes. Decimus was the only other who was brave enough.”

Cadance smiles at her as the pair leave their office and walk back toward their respective thrones. “Well, I hope you two have a safe and happy night off.”

Luna sighs nervously. “As do I.”

Chapter 2 - Advice

Arc steps out of the portal into the Main Hall of his base. Raven is at her desk going over paperwork. She looks up as he approaches.

“Good morning, commander! Did you have a nice Hearth’s Warming?”

“I did! Shared some time and a nice meal with my friends and family.”

Raven looks at him happily. “That’s what the season is all about!”

“That it is.”

He looks around and lowers his voice.

“How are things around here?”

“Just fine. Fairly quiet as usual.”

“No, no. I mean… with you.”

“Oh… I… I… I’m doing… okay, I guess. Why do you ask?”

Arc smiles at her. “Something’s on your mind, isn’t it?

Raven sighs. “Yes. I’m just a bit upset that we’re going to be making peace with the Griffon Kingdom. I mean, I know this matter is bigger than just one lowly mare, but…”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Let me stop you right there. First of all, you are not lowly. You are a very special individual with thoughts, feelings and opinions of your own. Second, you’re right about this being bigger than you. But it’s FOR you that this is happening at all.”

“Sir?”

“Once we have a ratified treaty with the Griffon Kingdom, I’ll have the legal means to go after Lord Goldstone personally.”

Raven’s eyes light up. “You… you will?!”

“Yes. Their courts will have no choice but to hear out your case.”

Raven quickly stands and runs around her desk to face Arc. He kneels down to her level as she throws her hooves around his neck happily. Tears of joy streaming down her face.

“THANK YOU, SIR! OH THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!”

Arc puts his arms around her. “We’re going to see this through, Raven. Count on it.”

Raven sits back on her haunches and attempts to compose herself. “Yes sir! When Flash Sentry told me what had happened, I… I kinda thought you had forgotten about me.”

“Did you think I was going to put peace before you?”

She nods sheepishly. “Yes sir. But that’s okay! I mean… I would rather he got away with what he did if I meant we would never have to worry about going to war with them ever again!”

“Well, he’s not going to. It’s very important to me that he faces justice.”

“Why’s that, sir?”

Arc puts his hands on her shoulders. “Raven… what I’m about to tell you does not go any further, but…”

He considers his words before continuing.

“…but I believe that Lord Goldstone has done this to many, MANY other mares just like you in the past.”

Raven’s eyes grow wide. “What?! But… but how do you know?!”

Arc gives her shoulders a squeeze. “I can’t tell you that. Just please trust me when I say… it has to stop.”

Raven nods and responds softly. “O-okay sir. I trust you.”

He stands up. “Thank you for understanding, Raven. Now I should probably let you get back to work.”

She walks back to her desk. “Yes sir. Are you heading over to the Little Hooves Orphanage now?”

“I wasn’t planning on it. Why? Did something happen?”

“Nothing bad, sir. But for the past couple days building materials have been slowly arriving and staged nearby. Hard Hat has been there every day making plans and trying to coordinate with Matron Coco Pommel.”

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll head over there now.”

“Yes sir. I thought you’d like to see it for yourself.”

“Will do.”

Arc quickly makes his way to the orphanage. Piles of building materials are stacked neatly outside the decorative fence.

“I guess he didn’t want to waste any time.”

He enters the orphanage. The sound of Cheerilee’s voice can be heard coming from the classroom as Arc heads up the stairs. He smiles as he mutters to himself.

“Pay attention, little ones. You’ll go far in this world with a good education.”

Arc approaches Coco Pommel’s office. There are familiar voices coming from within as he knocks. Coco Pommel looks up from the papers on her desk.

“Come in!”

Arc enters the office. Coco Pommel jumps off her chair and hurries over to greet him. Arc kneels down to embrace her.

“Arc! Welcome back!”

“I hope things weren’t too difficult around here without Derpy and Dinky around to help out.”

Coco Pommel shakes her head as she sits back on her haunches. “Not at all! The orphans all pitched in to make things work!”

“It’s good they know how to be somewhat self-sufficient.”

“Right! They won’t be here forever!”

Another pony is sitting in front of her desk going over a large piece of paper. Arc looks over to him.

“Good to see you again, Hard Hat.”

Hard Hat walks over and shakes hooves/hands with Arc.

“Likewise sir!”

“Since you’re here, I assume the treaty is going well.”

“The princesses believe it’s only a matter of time now. They want this building ready for that day.”

Coco Pommel nods fervently. “No orphan should have to live in such squalor while they wait for facilities to be built!”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

“So what brings you here today, Arc?”

“My secretary notified me of the preparations going on over here. I just wanted to see for myself how things were going.”

Coco Pommel gestures to her desk. “Mr. Hard Hat and I were just going over some plans. Please join us.”

They return to the desk as Hard Hat motions with a hoof to the drawings.

“As you can see, we’re going to have to expand the facility in two directions in order to accommodate the numbers Canterlot has given us.”

Coco Pommel nods. “We’re trying to expand south and west to avoid having to dig up the playground.”

“Right! That would be quite a bit of work at this point. The majority of the project revolves around expanding the Dormitory, Restrooms and Classroom. What do you think, sir?”

“Hmmm… I worry about this.”

Coco Pommel looks up at him. “That it won’t be big enough?”

“No. Remember what you said earlier about the orphans not being here forever, Coco Pommel?”

“Yes. What about it?”

“It occurs to me that the new arrivals will most likely include some older griffons.”

Hard Hat nods. “Are you saying we should segregate them from the foals?”

“Kinda. Let me sketch something really quick.”

Arc picks up a pencil and blank piece of paper and sketches out the current floor layout with his changes.

“Here’s my idea. Rather than one large Dormitory, what about a number of smaller apartment-like rooms?”

Coco Pommel nods. “How many foals per room?”

“I’m thinking four.”

Hard Hat picks up a pencil himself. “I know your sketch isn’t exactly to scale, but that would require the rooms to be roughly twice the size you’ve drawn them, sir.”

“Not if we use bunk beds.”

Coco Pommel looks confused. “What are bunk beds?”

Arc turns the paper over and draws a rough sketch for Coco Pommel. “Think of it like a bed on top of another bed.”

Hard Hat nods. “That would certainly save quite a bit of room. Even free up space for a small table and chairs.”

Arc grins. “Perfect! I like the way you think, Hard Hat.”

Coco Pommel thinks for a moment. “Where would we get such beds?”

“They’ll have to be custom made.”

Hard Hat frowns. “That’s going to be costly.”

“True. But it’s a one-time purchase. If we build them with quality materials and good craftsmanship, they’ll outlive all of us. That and it’s probably cheaper than building a larger building, is it not?”

Hard Hat nods. “Yes. I’ll tell the princesses that when I bring my drawings to them for final approval.”

“Beg your pardon Arc, but wouldn’t it be easier to just build two Dormitories? One for the younger orphans and another for the older ones?”

“I suppose it would. But having a dorm they share with a small group will help teach them self-sufficiency, as they’ll have to keep it tidy and maintained somewhat.”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof to her chin and thinks. “That would certainly teach responsibility.”

“It would cost quite a bit more to do it this way, sir. That’s a lot of extra building supplies, stallion hours, and finish work!”

“I understand that. However, there’s one other reason.”

“Something else, Arc?”

Arc nods. “As it stands, ponies don’t trust griffons and griffons don’t trust ponies, right?”

“You could say that.”

“If we put two colts in with two male younglings, they’ll grow up together. In a couple generations the distrust will be a thing of the past.”

Hard Hat shrugs. “That’s a bit of an assumption though, sir.”

“Change has to start somewhere, Hard Hat. Why not here and now?”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes, I like that idea, Arc! Living in such close quarters would also help them forge strong friendships with their roommates. I really don’t see a down side to this plan other than up-front cost.”

Hard Hat amends the drawings on the blueprint. “Very well. I’ll make a note on here about the idea and present it to the princesses.”

“Thank you.”

Coco Pommel looks up at him. “It’s a good thing you stopped by Arc. Hard Hat and I were having trouble coming to an agreement on the Classroom issue as well.”

The mare points a hoof at another part of the drawings.

“It looks like we’re going to need either another large classroom, which would require another teacher.”

Hard Hat nods. “Or one very large classroom. Similar to what Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorn’s has.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t believe Cheerilee is capable of teaching such a large group.”

Hard Hat looks to him. “The teachers at Princess Celestia’s school do so successfully. Perhaps the teacher here can learn from them. Building one large classroom would certainly cost less.”

“I understand what you’re saying, Hard Hat. But please understand that many of younglings that would be shipped here have had no formal teaching."

Coco Pommel frowns. “None at all?”

“I don’t believe they can even read.”

She sighs. “I believe our only choice is a separate classroom and additional teacher.”

Hard Hat nods and makes notes on the print. “Under the circumstances, I’m inclined to agree with you two. Now what about the Cafeteria?”

“Miss Derpy suggested earlier that we leave it as-is and just hire additional staff.”

Arc nods. “Probably for the best anyways. The younger students could eat first. When they go outside for recess then the older students could have their lunchtime.”

Hard Hat nods. “Staggering lunch and recess is adequate. Very good. Now what about the playground? I for one think it needs something.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “And I believe it’s fine as it sits. What do you think, Arc?”

Arc looks out the patio window at the empty playground. “Let’s see… staggered lunch and recess would mean no additional equipment would be needed to accommodate more orphans. But we don’t really have anything for the older generation.”

Hard Hat nods. “That’s what I was thinking.”

“What would they like though?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “How about a few picnic tables around the yard? Someplace they can sit and talk with their friends.”

Coco Pommel nods. “That could work. But it seems like something is missing.”

Arc turns to Hard Hat. “How much would it cost to enlarge the yard?”

“The cost of a few sections of fence would be negligible. What goes INSIDE the fence is what gets expensive.”

Coco Pommel nods. “How about more open space? The orphans could play games amongst themselves and run around. Give them more freedom to be themselves.”

Hard Hat draws on the plans. “Got it!”

The three look over the plans one last time as Coco Pommel turns to Hard Hat.

“I think we’ve got something here.”

Hard Hat nods as he rolls up the blueprint. “I’ve got enough to bring before the princesses, that’s for sure. Do you want me to tell them anything for you?”

Coco Pommel nods. “Just… ask them to think of the little ones ahead of the budget. I know bits don’t grow on trees, but when this treaty takes effect all of us here are going to need everything to be ready.”

“I’ll pass it on to them. Well, I’d best get this back to Canterlot.”

“Want a portal?”

“That would be helpful, yes.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to Canterlot Castle. Hard Hat steps though and vanishes.

“I guess that ball’s moving on that, huh?”

Coco Pommel sits down in her chair and sighs. “All I can say is I’m glad Miss Derpy is back. The normal day to day activities of running this place aren’t too hard. But when I have additional work to do, like this…”

Arc nods. “I’ll try not to take her away from her job in the future.”

“No, no! It’s fine! We’re going to be getting some more staff around here soon anyway.”

“Anyone from around town?”

“No. Canterlot is currently looking for another teacher, a food preparation assistant and a janitor.”

Arc nods. “That should help, right?

“Very much so! In fact even more staff may be required depending on how many more orphans are sent here.”

“How about an assistant for you? After all, the paperwork is only going to get worse.”

“I can handle it for now. Canterlot offered, but I asked for a teacher’s assistant instead. The orphan’s education should come first, after all. I don’t suppose you know anyone.”

“Actually, I think I do…”

After some time, Arc and Coco Pommel leave her office and descend the stairs to the main level.

“Thank you for stopping by, Arc. I’ll have to let Miss Cheerilee and Miss Derpy know that we’ll have to move for a time while construction is underway.”

“Move where?”

“Canterlot Castle is working on that problem right now.”

“You can use Light’s Hope as a temporary Orphanage. We have plenty of beds, Cheerilee can use the Conference Room for the school, and we already have Cafeteria facilities.”

“That’s very kind of you, Arc. Thank you. I’ll let you know when construction starts so we won’t be in your way.”

“It’s no problem. You and Cheerilee can use the Guest Quarters while you’re there. Plenty of room for everyone.”

“I’ll speak to Miss Derpy and Miss Cheerilee about it after school today. They’ll have preparations to make before the move.”

Arc nods. “As long as I’m here, how are the younglings doing?”

“Very well! Miss Cheerilee tells me they seem to have a strong desire and ability to learn!”

“Good! I was worried they would have trouble. How about socially?”

“The other foals were skeptical of them at first. However, Dinky had a talk with everypony. Before long they were all playing together.”

Arc nods. “Thanks! That’s a load off my mind.”

He looks at his pocket watch.

“Well I should be getting a move on. I… uh… have to make preparations for my next mission.”

“I understand. Take care, Arc!”

Arc leaves the Little Hooves Orphanage and heads back toward Light’s Hope. As he walks in the front door he mutters to himself.

“What have I gotten myself into?! Maybe a snack will give me some ideas on where to go with Princess Luna.”

Arc makes his way to the Cafeteria. Ember and Sereb are enjoying a bite themselves.

“Good day, Arc.”

“Care to join us?”

Arc sits down and levitates an apple over from the buffet. “Sure. Why not.”

He sighs as he enjoys the fruit.

“Something bothering you?”

Sereb frowns. “Your body language would indicate something is amiss.”

“I… I’ve just accepted another mission.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “From Shining Armor?”

“Yes.”

Sereb sighs. “It cannot be all that bad.”

“It really isn’t. It’s just… look, will you two follow me please?”

Ember stands up, a look of confusion on her face. “Sure.”

“Lead the way.”

Arc and company walk to his quarters. They enter as Arc locks the door behind them. Ember looks at him.

“Okay, now you’re just being paranoid!”

Sereb shrugs. “Whatever makes you feel better, Arc. Perhaps now we may get to the bottom of this matter.”

“Let’s all sit down. This is… really hard to say.”

Ember looks worried as she and Sereb sit down next to each other on the couch. “Look Arc, we’re your friends!”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Let us help you.”

Arc paces in front of them. “Sorry, but this operation will be a solo mission.”

Ember looks suddenly concerned. “Is it… dangerous?”

“Hardly.”

Sereb frowns. “Then what is the problem?”

“Okay, this is top, TOP secret, okay?”

Ember nods and responds in a serious tone. “We won’t tell anyone.”

“Agreed.”

Arc takes a deep breath. “Okay. Shining Armor asked me to… take Princess Luna out for dinner.”

Ember and Sereb slowly turn their heads to look at one another, stunned. They seem unable to speak. A few moments pass before they look back at Arc and burst into laughter! He taps his foot, indignantly.

“I’m glad you two are enjoying my plight.”

Ember shakes her head, still chuckling. “I… I’m sorry, Arc! It’s just… I can’t really imagine you with HER of all ponies!”

Sereb smiles. “I am with Ember on this one. While I am not implying Princess Luna would not be a pleasant dinner companion. However… forgive me for saying this, but… you and her really do not have anything in common.”

“Yeah! And why is Shining Armor having you do this in the first place?!”

Arc sighs. “It’s supposed to be an annual tradition between the princesses and Captain Decimus. But, as you know, he’s not around to do it anymore.”

Ember frowns. “So why doesn’t Shining Armor just go?!”

“Because the princesses respect me more… I guess.”

Sereb nods. “Can we help?”

“With ideas, yes.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “On how to ask her?”

“No, I already did that.”

Ember waves her claws in front of her face. “Wait, wait, wait! You… ALREADY asked Princess Luna… the supreme ruler of Equestria… on a DATE?!”

Sereb nods. “Impressive!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Wow. I’m glad I didn’t come here first! After this, I would have been too nervous to ask!”

Ember looks sober. “So, can I assume she said yes?”

“She did.”

Sereb nods. “When is the date?”

“Two days from now at six o’clock.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not a lot of time to prepare!”

“Wait… PREPARE?!”

“Yes, prepare! You’re not going out with just ANYONE! This is Princess Luna for crying out loud! Everything has to be PERFECT!”

“It’s a dinner date, Ember! Not a diplomatic meeting!”

She pushes Arc toward the door.

“We’ve got to get you some new clothes for the occasion! A nice present to give her when you pick her up! Perhaps a necklace! Some flowers! I was thinking lavender, as she IS the Princess of the Night! To say nothing for planning out the activities of an entire evening, that is! Not to mention…”

Sereb puts a paw over his face and sighs. “Now I am worried.”

Arc shakes his head as Ember continues her tirade of suggestions. “As am I, Sereb. As am I.”

Chapter 3 - The Planning Stage

Arc, Ember and Sereb walk down the road toward Ponyville. Sereb turns to Ember.

“Ember, is this really necessary?”

“It is! Let’s keep this moving!”

Arc sighs. “Why did I ask for your help?”

Ember frowns at him as she literally pushes Arc down the path. “Because you needed it! Keep marching! Don’t worry, Arc! Everything is under control!”

“Why did I agree to this?”

Before long they arrive at Carousel Boutique. Rarity and Sassy Saddles are hard at work. Ember opens the shop door with such force that some mannequins across the room topple to the floor.

“Rarity! We have an emergency need for new clothes!”

“Oh my! You’re certainly in a hurry today, Ember!”

Sassy Saddles nods as she looks Arc up and down. “His clothes look all right to me.”

Her and Rarity walk around Arc as they look him over. Ember shakes her head.

“No, no! He needs a new suit for a VERY special occasion!”

Rarity trots in place happily. “Is this for the signing of the treaty?! Oh, I’m SO looking forward to opening a shop in the Griffon Kingdom!”

Sassy Saddles laughs “She’s been looking to expand for a while now.”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. However this is for an equally auspicious occasion.”

“It must be something grand then!”

Arc sighs. “Uh… kinda. I guess…”

Ember nods forcefully. “Arc’s going on a date with none other than Princess Luna herself!”

Rarity and Sassy Saddles’ eyes grow wide at this revelation. “WHAT?!?!”

Arc sighs as Rarity quickly retrieves her sewing tape from a nearby workbench and takes his measurements.

“Don’t worry about a thing, Arc!”

Sassy Saddles nods as she quickly writes down the numbers as Rarity calls them out. “Yes! We’ll make sure you look your absolute BEST for your date!”

“It’s not really a date so much as a…”

Ember interrupts him. “Should we go with cuff links?! There will certainly be a formal dinner during the evening!”

Rarity smiles up at him. “I must say, Arc. You’re even braver than I originally gave you credit for being.”

“How’s that?”

“Princess Luna has quite the reputation for being at bit… short with commoners.”

Sassy Saddles sighs as she pulls some fabric samples off a table. “That’s putting it mildly. Everypony is saying the only reason Princess Cadance came back to Equestria from the Crystal Empire was to try and keep Princess Luna from going too far!”

Sereb frowns. “Too far? Regarding what?”

“Her royal edicts and diplomacy. Rumor has it the Princess Luna has a red-hot temper!”

Sassy Saddles nods as she looks to Arc. “You know her better than anypony, Arc! Is she really that hard to work with?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I mean… no more than anyone in her position, I guess.”

Sereb shakes his head at the debacle before him. “Arc… as attractive as Princess Luna is, I do not envy your current position.”

After quite some time of Arc standing on a pedestal with different fabrics draped over his shoulders they finally settle on a pattern and material. Rarity walks Arc and his friends to the door.

“I’ll get to work on it right away!”

Sassy Saddles smiles as she opens the door for them. “It will be our greatest outfit EVER! This much we promise you!”

Arc steps outside. “Um… thanks you two. I’m sure it’ll be great.”

They leave the shop. Rarity turns to Sassy Saddles as they return to their workbenches and push aside their current tasks

“I do hope Princess Luna doesn’t treat Arc too poorly on their date.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Agreed! But why didn’t YOU invite him to dinner? I know you’ve been wanting to do that for some time now.

Rarity smiles and blushes slightly. “I… I really just wanted to do a little something to repay him for what happened between us a while back.”

Sassy Saddles looks over her shoulder at Rarity and smiles. “A blind mare could see you’re sweet on him.”

Rarity sighs as they get back to work. “Well, he IS what every mare wants in a stallion, after all. Strong, trustworthy, Loyal and handsome. But we all know Twilight has her eye on him. She really should have the first chance.”

Sassy Saddles giggles. “I thought you said Pinkie Pie also took a shine to him.”

“She did. He… he said it was too soon. Cherry Jubilee… the funeral. I don’t really know if he’ll EVER get over her!”

Sassy Saddles walks over to Rarity and puts a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. “Don’t give up hope, Rarity. You’re one of the most beautiful mares in town! If anyone can turn a stallion’s head, it’s you.”

Rarity sighs. “Well, we have that much in common. But as busy as he is, I don’t see that happening.”

Meanwhile, the trio makes their way down the road together. Sereb sighs as he looks to Ember.

“While I may not like the answer to this question, where are we going next?”

Ember looks over from pushing Arc down the road. “To Sugarcube Corner!”

Arc looks confused. “What?! Why?!”

“To order a pie or something sweet!”

Sereb frowns. “Is that… important?”

“She’s a princess! They like sweet food!”

Arc groans. “I won’t even ask where you heard that one from.”

They arrive at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie is shining the display case glass with a rag. Upon them entering she bounces over.

“Hi Arc! It feels like forever since you were here last! Are you back for a while?! Your family too?! What was Earth like?! Was it cold?! I could…”

Ember puts a claw over the mare’s mouth. “Pinkie! We have a sweet emergency!”

In a flash Pinky is back behind the counter with a serious look on her face.

“How can I help!?”

Sereb sighs. “We are in need of a very tasty dish.”

Ember nods. “But not just anything will do! We need your absolute BEST!”

Pinkie looks confused. “Best? Best what? Cupcake? Doughnut? Punch?”

“I… I don’t know.”

Ember turns back to Arc.

“What do you think Princess Luna would like?”

Pinkie lets out a gasp before leaping into the air and floating there for a moment in extreme surprise.

“Princess Luna?! The file I have on her isn’t too descriptive!”

Arc looks confused. “File?”

Pinkie smiles nervously. “Um… forget you heard that!”

She looks around the room before beckoning them to come closer with a wave of her hoof. Pinkie’s eyes dart nervously around the room as she begins to speak in a low voice.

“Now then… this is all second-hoof information I’ve picked up from other party planners who’ve worked for royalty in the past. Don’t… tell… ANYPONY about this, okay?!”

Arc nods. “Um… okay.”

Pinkie continues to look all around the room as she speaks. All the while lowering her voice even further. “Very little is known about the Princess of the Night’s… nocturnal habits.”

Sereb frowns. “Are there rumors?”

Pinkie nods. “Some say she flies through the sky at night devouring those who would cause harm to the innocent!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That’s… kinda unlikely.”

“Oh really?! There have been numerous accounts of her flying through the skies of Canterlot VERY late at night!”

Ember shakes her head. “It’s probably nothing.”

She looks nervously over at Arc and Sereb.

“It is nothing… right guys?!”

Arc and Sereb look at each other and shrug.

“Pinkie? Are you trying to tell me that Princess Luna… eats bad ponies?”

“YES, ARC!”

“I find that rather hard to believe.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed. The populace would not hold her in such regard if such claims could be substantiated.”

Ember sighs. “Can we please get back to the kinds of food she likes?!”

Pinkie nods. “Fine.”

She beckons them closer again.

“They say she loves one thing above all others!”

Sereb nods. “What is that?”

“Pineapples.”

Ember frowns. “Pineapples?”

Pinkie nods and continues in a serious tone. “Pineapples. It’s said she can’t get enough of them!”

Ember imagines pine trees full of strange looking apples.

“Do they… look like pine cones or something?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No Ember.”

Arc turns to her. “They come from a short shrubby looking plant close to the ground.”

“Are they good?”

Pinkie shrugs. “Meh! They’re okay.”

Sereb sighs. “Could you bake something tasty with them?”

“I could. But the rumors say she likes them… PLAIN!”

Arc sighs. “So, should I just cut one up?”

Pinkie shakes her head. “No. She like to eat them WHOLE!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “That is a bit… out of the ordinary.”

Ember nods. Still imagining pine cones. “I’ll say!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Maybe this is a silly question, but… does she really eat them… rind and all?!”

Pinkie nods. “Right! She’s a little bit out there, if you get my drift, Arc!”

Sereb shrugs. “Maybe not. If I had an entire country to run with that level of responsibility, I might have a couple strange habits as well.”

Arc looks at Sereb as he folds his arms over his chest. “Really?!”

Sereb turns away from Arc as he remembers his time as the Lord Regent. “…I’m going to be quiet now.”

Ember sighs. “Well… where exactly would we get one of these ‘Pine Apple’ things anyway?!”

“They grow far to the south! I can get one here by tomorrow if you want!”

Arc nods and puts some bits on the counter. “Sounds good! But could you get more?”

Pinkie nods. “Sure! How many do you need?!”

“How about two? I haven’t had a pineapple myself in quite a few years.”

“I think I can manage that!”

Ember suddenly looks frantic. “Are you absolutely CERTAIN they’ll get here in time?!”

Pinkie nods as she puts a hoof to her eyeball. “That I am! Cross my heart and hope to fly! Stick a cupcake in my eye! Pinkie promise!”

“Thanks Pinkie! I knew you wouldn’t let me down!”

Arc and the others turn to leave as Pinkie waves a hoof after them.

“Don’t you worry about a thing! I’ll have them here in time for Princess Luna’s visit!”

Sereb shakes his head. “She is not coming here.”

Ember nods as she walks through the door. “Yeah! Arc’s taking her out on a date. See you later, Pinkie!”

The shop door closes with a positive thud in Pinkie’s mind. Her pupils shrink and her hair deflates. She sits down sadly on the floor.

“A… a date?! With the princess?!”

Suddenly angry, Pinkie jumps up. Her coat turns a deeper shade of pink, as does her mane as steam whistles from her ears.

“A DATE?! IF HE THINKS I’M GOING TO… TO… to…”

Pinkie sighs and smiles a very small smile.

“I made a Pinkie promise to Arc, and I always keep my promises! Even if I am jealous of Princess Luna!”

She sighs yet again as she walks toward the phone on the wall. Dialing, Pinkie muses to herself.

“Besides… I should be happy for Arc! Not jealous! After all… he has a chance to date a princess! What hope does a lowly baker have against the beauty, intelligence, and station of a princess?!”

She places the order after making sure they will arrive on time. Pinkie hangs up the phone and looks out the window, sadly.

“None… none at all.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company head down the road.

“Are we done now?”

“Almost, Arc! Let’s head to the Golden Oakes Library and see if they have any books on royal etiquette!”

Sereb sighs. “Are we perhaps going too far, Ember?”

“Hardly! We’re not going far enough!”

Arc frowns. “But it’s only one evening!”

Ember nods. “Right! But if you mess this up, she might never want you to show your face in Canterlot again!”

After a short walk they arrive at the Golden Oakes Library. Ember knocks on the door as Arc tries to reason with her.

“Look, her and I have always had a decent working relationship!”

Ember nods. “Well, let’s try to keep in that way, alright?!”

In a few moments Twilight answers the door.

“Hi everypony! Come in, come in!”

She steps aside to let them pass as she closes the door behind them.

“I see you, Ember and Sereb made it back to Equestria safely. Did you have a nice Hearth’s Warming on Earth?”

“We did! It was a good time with some of my childhood friends and family.”

Twilight leads them into the library. “So what brings you here today?”

Ember pipes up. “Arc here needs some books on royal etiquette.”

Twilight looks a bit confused. “Royal etiquette?! Arc, are you taking over for the princesses again?”

“No, no! They’re fine!”

“Then why…?”

Ember interrupts. “He needs to know what not to do or say to a princess at dinner!”

Sereb nods, a bit embarrassed. “We’re probably going a bit further than need be, but…”

Twilight walks over to a bookshelf and pulls a few tomes off. “Well… this is about all we have on that subject. It this about some kind of diplomatic affair?”

Arc takes the books from her and puts them in Sereb’s saddlebag. “No, nothing like that. You see…”

Ember interrupts. “Arc’s taking Princess Luna to dinner!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You’re what?!”

Arc nods sheepishly. “It’s just a way to get her out of the castle and give her a bit of a break from ruling.”

Twilight looks suddenly nervous. “I sure hope you know what you’re doing, Arc! Princess Luna isn’t exactly Miss Congeniality!”

“She’s always been kind when I’ve seen her. Well, there was that one time when she and Princess Cadance got into a fight. But let’s just say the events leading up to the were REALLY off the wall!”

Ember growls. “What?! You never mentioned that to us!”

“I know. It was a really long time ago. Right after Trixie attacked Canterlot Castle actually. Look, it was a crazy time for everyone! Things were said, someone took things a bit out of context, and everything degraded from there.”

Sereb looks to her. “What do you know about Princess Luna, Twilight?”

Twilight’s ears droop along with her head. “She’s… never really liked me.”

Arc frowns. “Really? Why?”

Twilight turns around and walks toward the window as she speaks. “I don’t know. Maybe she views me as a threat to her relationship with her sister, Princess Celestia.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How would you…?”

Arc steps forward. “Has she ever said or done anything to you?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. But to be completely honest with you, she gives me the creeps!”

“How so?”

“Every time I’ve ever seen her, she completely ignores me.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not exactly what I would call cause for concern. Maybe she just views you a below her or something. She is royalty after all!”

Arc looks confused. “So she’s never said ANYTHING to you?”

“Not that I can recall, no. Not even a ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’. She’s just really rude! Frankly I don’t think she’s worth your time, Arc!”

Arc sighs. “Well, I’ve already asked her out. Can’t really back out of this now. Besides, I really do want to get to know her better.”

Sereb looks to him, surprised. “You do?”

Ember glares at him. “Why?! Haven’t you heard a word that’s been said about her today?!”

“Because for the most part she’s always been kind and willing to listen to what I have to say. We’re going to be working together for quite some time anyway. Best to get to know her better if I have the chance.”

Ember shakes her head. “If you have the CHANCE?! Arc, I’m a freaking DRAGON, and she creeps me out!”

Sereb looks to Ember. “Since when?”

“Since I found out she’s such a weirdo!”

Ember turns to Arc.

“I really think you should call this whole thing off! Make something up! Say you have to pop on over to… I don’t know… Abyssinia, or something!”

Twilight sighs. “While I’m not much for lying and deception, Ember might be right on this one!”

“Of course I’m right! Heck, we could go to my house back in the Dragon Lands for the night if you want to! It may not be much, but…”

“No, Ember. I asked Princess Luna out on a date, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Twilight sighs. “But…”

“My mind’s made up on this one, you two. I’ll be fine!”

Ember looks over to Arc. “Can I come?!”

“Of course not!”

Twilight frowns. “At least take Sereb with you then!”

“If you want me to, I will come Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. I have to do this on my own.”

Ember sighs. “Well… okay. At least you’ll have Cherry watching her, I guess.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Uh… I was actually planning to stay with… somepony else that night.”

Twilight looks confused. “What?! How?!”

“Simple! Arc would just have to let me enter his helmet, then set me down somewhere.”

“You can come if you want, Cherry. I really don’t mind.”

“No, Arc. That wouldn’t be proper!”

Ember clenches her fists together. “How can you be okay with this, Cherry?!”

“Because that’s what Arc wants to do, and I trust his judgment. Please do the same you two.”

Twilight shakes her head. “I don’t really like this, but… okay.”

“Thanks. I’ll be fine. I’d even venture that most of what we heard about Princess Luna was just rumor and hearsay.”

Sereb nods. “That may be. You will just have to find out for yourself.”

“And I will.”

Ember turns toward the door. “Well, we should probably be going now. Arc has to read those books and commit them to memory.”

“Memory?!”

Twilight nods. “I suppose so. Do come back in a few days though, Arc.”

“Don’t you worry about your books, Twilight. I’ll return them as soon as I can.”

“Yes, well… Auriel and I would like to show you what we’ve been working on. She and I haven’t hardly left our labs!”

Arc nods. “Okay. Next time I come, I’ll be sure to have plenty of time to spend with you two.”

He looks toward the basement door.

“Uh… she’s okay down there… isn’t she?”

Twilight nods. “Oh yes! She passed out a couple hours ago.”

Sereb shakes his head. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I covered her with a blanket. In a few hours she’ll wake up raring to get back to her research!”

Arc notices the bags under Twilight’s eyes for the first time.

“Go to bed early tonight, okay Twilight?”

“Why?”

“Because I’m worried you aren’t sleeping like you should.”

“But…”

“Do I need to come back here later and put you to bed myself?!”

Twilight sighs. “Fine…”

“Thank you. Tell Auriel to do the same, would you? Can’t have my friends falling asleep in the lab and getting hurt now.”

“We’ll do it.”

Twilight walks the trio to the door and sees them out.

“Come back soon! The two of us can’t wait to show you all we’ve come up with!”

“Looking forward to it, Twilight! Give my best to Auriel when she wakes up!”

Twilight waves after them. “Take care!”

She closes the door and returns to the basement lab. Auriel is still asleep in front of her workbench as Twilight makes a beeline for the sheet covering her work area. As she works, Twilight mutters to herself.

“I WILL have this ready for you by then, Arc! I HAVE to!”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember and Sereb walk down the beaten path together. Arc turns to Ember.

“Now are we done?!”

“Are you kidding me?! We have a LOT more to do before your big date!”

Sereb chuckles. “Somehow I knew she would say that.”

The trio spend the next several hours running errands and preparing. Finally they return to Light’s Hope for a late supper. The sun has long since set as Arc, Ember and Sereb return to his quarters.

“That was more walking than I care to remember!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“Maybe so! But it’ll be worth it in the end, Arc!”

They sit down on the couch as Sereb stretches out in front of the fireplace. Arc pulls out one of the books and opens it.

“Might as well get a little reading done before bed.”

Ember takes one of the books and reads it herself. “Glad to see you’re taking this seriously.”

“I’m always serious!”

Silence reigns over the room for a time before Arc looks up.

“Ember?”

“Yes?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go for it!”

Arc looks past his book at her. “Why are you so insistent that this ‘date’ goes well? I mean… you’ve never been shy about your… uh… feelings for me.”

Sereb stands up. “And that’s my cue to take a walk.”

He deftly leaves the room and heads for the Cafeteria to give the pair some privacy. Ember does not look up from her book.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Arc sets down his book> “Yes you do.”

Ember pokes her head out from her own tome. “Is it really that obvious?”

“That you’re pushing me to do well, yes. I just don’t understand why.”

She sighs and closes her own book.

“Look, Arc. You already know how I feel about you, and that we can’t really… be together.”

“Yes.”

Ember folds her claws and stares intently into the fire. “I… I’ve been thinking a lot about your future since Cherry’s funeral.”

“You have?”

“Yes. Her death reminded me just how little time we may really have together! I mean… I’m a dragon, and should live for tens of thousands of years!”

Arc nods. “But…”

“But who really knows just how long they have?! Heck, I could be killed on the battlefield in thirty thousand years… or thirty days from now!”

“Let’s try to avoid that, shall we?”

“I thought you and Cherry would have a long and happy life together.”

Arc moves closer to Ember and takes her claw in his hand. “No one could have guessed that General Wind Rider was going to do what he did that night.”

Cherry sighs. “I don’t blame either of you for what happened to me.”

Ember nods. “Right! But… but maybe… just maybe… you could have a future with someone else.”

“Who?”

She looks up at Arc with sad eyes.

“Princess Luna.”

“What?! But… but she’s royalty!”

Ember nods. “Right! But she’s also one of the few inhabitants whom I believe is worthy of your love, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. But I don’t love HER! I mean, she’s nice and all, but…

Ember interrupts him. “You can learn to! Please give her a chance!”

“Look Ember. I’m not taking Princess Luna out to try and woo her!”

“I know that! But… look, just keep your options open, okay?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s still too soon since Cherry’s death. Now I appreciate what you’re trying to do for me, but I need to find someone on my own.”

“But, I… Cherry, back me up on this one!”

Cherry giggles. “A princess would certainly be worthy of Arc’s love!”

Ember turns back to Arc. “See?!”

“But if she wouldn’t make him happy, then he shouldn’t entertain the thought.”

Arc nods as he gives Ember’s claw a squeeze. “Look… I’m still young and reckless! A wife now would only worry about me when I leave. When Princess Celestia is found, I’ll be able to retire and give the matter some more thought. Until then, I need to focus on what’s really important right now.

Ember sighs. “Fine! Just… don’t forget to keep your eyes open, will you?”

Arc leans over to give Ember a hug. “Don’t you worry. I won’t.”

Chapter 4 - The Date

Two days later Derpy and Dinky are making supper together. Dinky looks toward the closed bathroom door.

“Is dad still getting ready?”

Derpy nods. “Yes dear. He wants to look his best tonight.”

“Why?”

“Because he and Princess Luna are going out.”

Dinky nods. “I know that. What I don’t understand is why he’s going through all this trouble to make himself look nice! I mean… she’s seen him plenty of times in just his normal clothes or even his armor!”

“Well… when a mare and a stallion go out together, they usually put on fancy clothes. It’s customary for the stallion to bring flowers and sometimes a small gift for the mare.”

“It is?”

“Yes, sweetie. That shows the mare that the stallion has put some thought into her interests and feelings.

Dinky nods. “Okay. I just have one other question.”

“What is it?”

“Has dad ever asked you out on a date?”

Derpy blushes feverishly. “What?! Me?! No, he hasn’t!”

“Why not?”

Derpy clops her hooves together nervously. “I… um… because…”

The bathroom door opens and Arc steps out. He is wearing a formal black suit with a white shirt, a black bow tie, and black trousers. His dark shoes have been buffed until they positively shine.

“So, how do I look?”

Dinky trots over to Arc with her mother. “You look pretty, dad!”

Arc laughs. “Thank you, Dinky! But I think the word you’re looking for is ‘handsome’.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Y-yes Dinky! A mare is pretty!”

There is a knock on the door. Dinky runs to answer it.

“I’ll get it!”

She opens the door to see Ember standing there.

“Hey there Dinky.”

Dinky stands aside. “Hi, Miss Ember! Come on in!”

Ember steps inside. “Thanks! I just came by to…”

She stops dead in her tracks as she sees Arc standing there in his new suit. Dinky closes the door behind her.

“Dad looks nice, doesn’t he?”

Ember nods as she looks him over. “Yes! Very much so!”

Arc walks over to her. “Thanks for coming by, Ember.”

Derpy smiles as Ember circles Arc. “I’m not much for knowing what a mare likes. That’s why you’re here, Ember.”

Ember nods as she continues to study his appearance. “Rarity sure outdid herself this time!”

Arc straightens his coat. “I’ll say! When I first saw this getup, I figured it would be uncomfortable. But this really does feel nice.”

Ember nods. “Rarity said we could come by for any last-minute adjustments if need be”

“I think I’m okay. You’ve had me there more times than I can count these past couple days.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah, dad! But the end result was worth it!”

Derpy smiles. “Good thing she let you put a sigil down behind her shop.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. I was wearing a rut in the path to Carousel Boutique.”

Ember looks at the clock. “Shouldn’t you get going, Arc? It wouldn’t do for you to keep Princess Luna waiting!”

“I guess you’re right.”

Ember holds out her claws to Arc, sheepishly. “Do you want me to… you know… look after her?”

“Give me a minute.”

Arc takes a deep breath and concentrates.

“I… do you want to come with me?”

Cherry’s voice reverberates in his head. “No, Arc. This is Princess Luna’s night. Not mine.”

“Are you sure? Just say the word and I’ll bring you along.”

“I’m sure.”

Arc nods. He calls forth his helmet and touches it to his forehead, sighing.

“I’m ready, Arc.”

Arc turns and slowly walks toward Ember’s outstretched claws. He looks at his helmet before slowly but deliberately handing it to her. He sighs as Ember’s claws close around it.

“Take care of her for me, will you?”

Ember nods soberly. “I will. Promise!”

Derpy walks over. “You can stay with us, Ember.”

Dinky nods happily. “Yeah! We’ll help keep Miss Cherry company!”

“Would you like me to leave the rest of my armor, Cherry? You could move around on your own then.”

“No, thank you. While I don’t foresee you needing it tonight, I’d hate for you to need Eidolon’s Ward and not have it!”

Arc nods. “Alright.”

He looks at his pocket watch and sighs. Arc calls forth his gauntlet as he steps onto the sigil in the corner of the room.

“Well… wish me luck.”

The others wave goodbye.

“Bye, Arc!”

“Have fun, dad!”

“Don’t worry about Cherry! She’s in good claws!”

“I know. Take good care of her.”

In a flash Arc is gone. Derpy turns to the helmet.

“So what do you want to do, Cherry?”

Dinky looks over. “I can read her a book!”

Cherry laughs. “That sounds nice, dear!”

Ember releases the helmet as Dinky picks it up with her magic and runs over to the kitchen table with a book. She sets the helmet down facing the book so Cherry can see the pictures.

“We’re getting into longer books these days, Miss Cherry!”

“I can’t wait to hear you, dear!”

Meanwhile, Arc appears on the sigil in his room in Canterlot Castle. He looks at himself in the full-length mirror one last time before picking up the bouquet of flowers and a pineapple with a red ribbon tied to its stem off the bed.

“I’m glad I dropped these off this morning. One less thing for me to forget.”

He leaves his room and proceeds down the corridor. Approaching Princess Luna’s room, he sees Shining Armor and Trixie standing guard at the door. Walking over to them as they salute, the pair smile nervously.

“The Captain of the Royal Guard and his lieutenant on guard duty?”

Shining Armor nods. “We wanted to see you before you left with Princess Luna, Arc.”

Trixie straightens his tie with her magic. “Trixie thinks you look very nice!”

“I’m sorry to ask you to do this, but…”

Arc nods. “It’s okay Shining Armor. I understand you’re reasoning behind it. Hopefully next time you’ll feel confident enough to do this yourself though.”

Trixie looks confused. “Confident?”

Shining Armor sighs. “Yes, Trixie. I was too nervous to ask them.”

“Is it really that hard?”

Arc nods. “In truth, it is. Not only are they royalty, but no one really knows their likes and dislikes.”

“Other than Captain Decimus, that is. He was twice the leader I am!”

Arc shakes his head. “You need to stop comparing yourself to that slime.”

Trixie nods. “That’s right! Unlike him, you actually do your job!”

“Right. Don’t try to fill his shoes. Instead just do the best you can. Do that and everything else will fall into place perfectly.”

Trixie looks to Arc. “Will it really?!”

“Yes! As long as you aren’t too picky on what you consider ‘in place’… or ‘perfectly’ for that matter.”

“Trixie does not understand.”

“Neither do I.”

Arc sighs. “It means don’t try too hard to get everything exactly how YOU think it should be. After all, you can’t control the actions of those around you. Just do what you can by doing your best. That’s all anyone can really ask. Even a princess.”

Trixie sighs. “I’ll have to think about this one…”

“You do that. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date waiting for me.”

“Yes. Come Trixie. We should let Arc get to it.”

Trixie nods as she follows Shining Armor a few paces before turning back and waving. “Good luck, Arc. I hope you two have a good time.”

Arc silently raises a hand to Trixie before turning to face the closed door before him. He mutters to himself nervously as he takes a deep breath.

“Okay… I can do this.”

He knocks lightly. A few moments later the door opens and Kibitz pokes his head out.

“Good evening, sir!”

“Hi Kibitz. Is Princess Luna ready?”

“She will be momentarily. Please come in.”

Kibitz steps aside to let Arc enter the room. It is dimly lit by a few lamps and moonlight through the windows and skylight. Several maids can be seen darting in and out of a changing curtain in the corner of the room. Arc leans in close to Kibitz and lowers his voice.

“Any suggestions?”

Kibitz nods and whispers. “Whatever you do… do not make her angry.”

Arc stands up straight and sighs. “Thanks.”

“Glad to be of service, sir.”

A few minutes later the maids step out of the curtain, bow, and leave the room. Luna calls out from behind the curtain.

“You are dismissed for the evening, Kibitz.”

He bows. “Yes, your highness.”

Kibitz turns to leave the room. The door closes behind him as Arc waits nervously and mutters to himself.

“I should have asked Princess Cadance instead…”

In a few minutes Luna steps out into the glow of the moonlight.

“Good evening, Arc.”

Princess Luna is wearing a beautiful dress with deep purple and blue body. Her dress is layered with several different darker shades that flow over her like the ocean’s waves. The crown she wears is white with several precious looking dark stones set into its frame, while her mane is held in place by several strings of pearls that are both functional and elegant. Two locks of her mane flow regally past her cheeks and her feet are clad in silver colored hoof-guards that extend higher than her normal footwear. Arc can only assume they are the pony equivalent of high heel shoes. She looks at him with a smile.

“So, how do I look?”

Arc is suddenly thankful for the dimly lit room, as he blushes slightly.

“V-very nice!”

He steps forward and hands her the bouquet of small, purple flowers.

“I thought you might like these.”

Luna smiles as she accepts the bouquet. “Thank you! Lavender is my favorite!”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief as she turns to put them in a nearby vase. He mutters to himself under his breath.

“Why didn’t I just ask Kibitz what she likes?!”

Princess Luna turns to him as he walks over to join her in front of the vase. Sheepishly he gives her the pineapple.

“Sorry, but I didn’t really know what you liked.”

“Thank you, Arc! I do quite enjoy a good pineapple before bed!”

She sets the pineapple down next to the flowers and turns her gaze back to him.

“Shall we be off?”

“Um… sure!”

He holds out the cruck of his arm to her. She puts her hoof into it as he leads her out the door. They make their way toward the castle’s Main Entrance. A very large carriage is waiting for them. The pair step on board and sit down across from each other. The stallions look over to Princess Luna who nods. They slowly pull the carriage across the drawbridge and toward the city below. Luna pushes a button. A clear magical barrier rises over the windows slots to hold back the cold night air.

“That’s better! To tell you the truth, Arc, I’m not much for this kind of weather.”

“Me either.”

“So tell me, how are things going on Earth?”

“They’re going well. We’ve fully established a base of operations, complete with everything we need to investigate whatever comes up. When Sunburst gets a lead, we’re ready to look into it.”

“That’s very good to hear. I do miss my sister terribly!”

“We’ll get her back.”

Luna smiles and nods. “I am certain you will.”

They continue on in silence for a time.

“So… is there somewhere special you’d like to eat, Princess Luna?

Luna sighs. “Captain Decimus always took us to the finest restaurant in Canterlot.”

“Then that’s where we’ll eat.”

She looks down a bit sadly. “Yes… our coach is on its way there now.”

Before long they arrive at a very expensive looking restaurant. Two valets open the carriage door for them and usher the pair into the dining room. It is exquisitely furnished with what appear to be the finest furniture Arc has ever seen. Everypony in attendance is well dressed and has a certain air of privilege about them. A small orchestra is playing music quietly. Arc looks around as the waitstaff pull back their chairs for them.

“This certainly is a… very nice restaurant!”

Luna sighs as she sits down. “That it is.”

They pick up their menus and look them over for a few minutes before a rather stuffy looking waiter walks over to them. He sets down two glasses of water and turns to Princess Luna.

“Good evening, your highness. What can I get for you this fine evening?”

Luna puts down her menu. “I’ll have the Salade de Carottes et Laitue.

The waiter nods as he turns to Arc. “And for the Hero of Light?”

“Make that two.”

The waiter picks up the menus, bows, and heads quickly toward the kitchen. Luna looks up at him.

“Have you ever eaten here before, Arc?”

“I have not. Truthfully, other than runs to the local bakery, this is my first time eating at an Equestrian restaurant.”

“Oh? Which bakery would that be?”

“Sugar Cube Corner.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “Hmmm… I don’t believe I’m familiar with that one. Is it nearby?”

“No. It’s in Ponyville.”

“Ah, I see! Forgive me, but the Hero of Light is generally thought of as a resident of Canterlot. You’re the first one to have a facility outside of the city.”

"It’s all right. While I appreciate my room in the castle, I’ve only actually used it twice."

Luna frowns. “Is there something wrong with it?”

“Oh no! The room itself is lovely. I’ve just been far too busy with my duties to stay in it.”

“Understandable. Cadance and I were just talking about that very matter the other day at dinner.”

Arc smiles at her. “Can I assume it was a very short and boring conversation then?”

She laughs. “Not at all! We’ve done our best to keep up to date with your exploits!”

Arc looks confused. “You have? How?”

“By reading the reports.”

“There are reports?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Everypony in the Equestrian military fills out reports of their activities and submits them to Canterlot.”

“My apologies. No one told me about this.”

Luna smiles at him. “The Hero of Light is not required to report on their comings and goings to anypony. Although Cadance and I do appreciate you coming to us with your findings.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… some things are just too big for me to keep to myself.”

The pair continue talking until their food arrives. The waiter sets down identical dishes in front of the pair.

“There you are! Bon Appetit!”

Luna picks up one of her forks with her magic, sighing. “This looks… lovely.”

Arc nods as he picks up his own silverware. “I suppose it does.”

Luna looks to him as they eat. “I was not aware you were such a fan of salad.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes, well… I assumed asking for Roast Cockatrice would have been pushing it.”

The pair laugh and continue their meal. Before long they finish the food on their plates. The waiter returns with the check. Arc picks it up and puts a sizeable bag of bits on the table. Luna dabs at the corners of her mouth with a napkin.

“Don’t worry about that, Arc. Canterlot Castle will pay for it.”

“Um… alright.”

He puts away the bits and looks back over to the orchestra.

“They’re quite good. Especially the celloist.”

Luna sighs. “Only the most skilled musicians are allowed to play here. It is a very exclusive establishment, after all.”

Arc finishes the last of his water. “Understandable. Would you like to listen for a bit before heading out?”

Luna quickly stands. “No. I’d like to get going.”

Arc stands as well. “Very well.”

They head to the door. A valet sees them and hurries to summon their escort. In a few moments it arrives. Arc offers his hand to Princess Luna to help her into the carriage before getting inside himself. As they get underway, Luna sighs.

“Thank you for the company, Arc.”

“It’s my pleasure, Princess Luna. Is there somewhere else you would like to go?”

She sighs. “After dinner we drive around the city and chat for some time before returning to the castle.”

“Is something wrong? You seem a bit down.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You’ve been a bit… I don’t know… depressed this evening.”

“I… well… you see. Listen Arc, if you promise not to tell anypony, I’ll let you in on a little secret.”

“Very well.”

Luna looks out at the city. “Cadance and I… aren’t much for our traditional night out with Captain Decimus.”

“Why not?”

“Don’t get me wrong! Until recently, he was out most trusted friend and confidant. What happened to change that is beyond us. But… the restaurants that line Canterlot’s Restaurant Row are… shall we say… all the same.”

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

“Did you happen to look around at what other ponies were eating?”

“Not really. Why?”

Luna sighs. “It doesn’t really matter what you order. Every dish is practically the same.”

“And the portions are quite small as well.”

She nods. “That’s an aristocrat trait. It’s considered to be a sign of wealth to be able to eat at a restaurant and leave hungry.”

“Um… what?”

“It may seem silly to you, but this is how things work around Canterlot.”

She opens the armrest of her seat to reveal a small stash of goodies. Luna pulls out an apple and offers it to Arc.

“I’m not able to hide much in here, but I’ll share.”

Arc nods and accepts the apple. “Thank you.”

Luna removes one for herself and takes a healthy bite as Arc examines the fruit in his hand.

“Is something wrong, Arc?”

Arc studies the apple intently. “I was just thinking. There has to be someplace around here that has better food.”

Luna picks up a restaurant guide from her armrest. “I don’t believe so. Every restaurant has a ‘three hoof’ rating.”

“Is that the best there is?”

Luna looks confused. “Yes. What else is there?”

“On Earth, the scale is in stars and goes up to five, so I understand the premise.”

Luna sighs as she sets down the guide. “Captain Decimus has… had been to every restaurant on the list. That was the best of the best in his eyes.”

“Is every place rated?”

“If it’s worth going to, yes. Why do you ask?”

He looks out at the restaurants. “Some of the best places to eat where I’m from are hole in the wall joints.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“It means they’re places that aren’t really well known. We can try to find one if you’d like.”

Luna nods as her stomach rumbles. “That does sound nice. But Captain Shining Armor insisted on tight security in and outside that restaurant. Anywhere else wouldn’t have such measures taken.”

She sighs.

“One of the down sides of being royalty. I can’t just go wherever I want without being recognized.”

Arc nods. “Well, as an alicorn your appearance is certainly unmistakable. But what if you weren’t recognizable?”

Luna sighs. “Nothing would be more welcome right now. Do you have an idea?”

Arc gives the apple back to her. “I think I do. But it’s quite unorthodox.”

“From the reports I’ve read, you seem to have a knack for making the out of the ordinary work. Along with an extremely high success rate I might add. What should we do?”

Arc grins at her. “Tell the stallions driving us to pull over. I have a plan.”

Chapter 5 - Round Two

The carriage resumes its course back to Canterlot Castle. Luna watches the cart for a moment before turning back to Arc.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Which part?”

“Sending away the guards AND our ride!”

Arc shrugs. “I had to.”

“But why?!”

“It’s pivotal to the rest of my plan.”

Luna sighs. “I don’t quite follow.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and places a sigil on the ground. “Sometimes less help is more.”

“…what?”

He chuckles as he steps onto the sigil. “You’ll see.”

Arc extends a hand to Luna.

“Shall we?”

Princess Luna appears to hesitate for a moment before putting her hoof in his hand. Arc leads her onto the sigil and activates it. A moment later they find themselves behind a large, round looking building. Luna looks around.

“Where are we?”

“Ponyville.”

Luna looks confused as Arc leads her around to the front of the building. “But what are we doing here?”

“Picking up something that will make this plan of mine work.”

“Captain Shining Armor won’t like this!”

Arc shrugs as they approach the front door. “Don’t worry. I told the drivers to inform him of the change of plans. He won’t worry too much as long as you stay with me.”

“That’s true.”

He walks up to the door and knocks. A minute later it opens and Rarity looks up at him.

“Oh, hello Arc! How did your date with… SWEET CELESTIA!!!”

She quickly bows as Princess Luna comes into view.

“Y-y-y-your highness! This is indeed an honor!”

Sweetie Belle approaches to see what the fuss is about.

“Rarity? What’s going onnnnnn… ahhhh!”

She too bows as Rarity’s magic pushes the filly’s face down

“T-to what do we owe this honor, your majesty?!”

Luna shrugs as she turns to Arc. “I… actually have no idea.”

“Um… Rarity?”

“Yes Arc?”

“Can we come in?”

Rarity quickly shuffles to the side with Sweetie Belle to allow Arc and Princess Luna to step inside. Y-yes, of course! Please forgive me, Princess Luna!”

The pair step inside the warm shop. Arc closes the door behind them before turning to face the proprietor and her little sister. Luna turns to him.

“Now then, Arc. Perhaps you could explain to me why we’re standing in the middle of a clothing store.”

“Well, you see…”

He turns to Rarity and Sweetie Belle who are still bowing.

“You two can stand up now.”

They do so, albeit shakily.

“What can I do, your highness?!”

Arc approaches her. “Sorry to bother you so late, but I need a dress for Princess Luna.”

Sweetie Belle looks over at Princess Luna, confused. “You do? What’s wrong with the one she has on?”

Rarity’s face flushes crimson. “Sweetie Belle! HUSH!”

She looks apologetically to Princess Luna.

“Please forgive my little sister’s impertinence!”

“It’s fine.”

Rarity leads them into her studio. “My apologies, Princess Luna, but I don’t have anything in your… um… size. I can make you something quick as you please though!”

Arc walks over to the racks of dresses and picks up a simple yet beautiful black dress. “That won’t be necessary. I believe this one will do.”

Luna looks it over as Arc approaches with the dress in hand. “It is certainly lovely, but… it doesn’t have holes for my wings.”

Arc grins. “Exactly.”

“And it’s far too small for me.”

Arc turns to the proprietor. “Rarity, would you stand next to Princess Luna, please? “

Rarity nods. Confusion in her voice. “Very well.”

She quickly does so. Arc raises his hand and casts a spell. Princess Luna slowly begins to shrink until she is roughly the size of Rarity. Sweetie Belle’s eyes grow wide.

“Wow! What…? How?”

Luna frowns at him. “Arc! What is the meaning of this?!”

“Now you can fit into this dress.”

Rarity takes the dress from Arc and quickly runs over to her workbench. “I can alter it to accommodate your wings, Princess Luna! It won’t take me but a moment!”

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

She turns around and raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Arc walks over to her and takes the dress. “I’d like to see her in it as-is.”

Luna nods. Skepticism in her voice as she heads for the changing area. “Very well…”

Rarity hurries over. “Shall I assist you, your highness?!”

Luna disappears behind the heavy curtain. “Thank you, but I can manage.”

A short time later Princess Luna emerges in the new dress. Rarity looks very nervous.

“How does it feel, your highness?!”

“It feels… nice, I suppose.”

Arc nods. “What do you think, Rarity?”

She walks around Princess Luna slowly. “It does look very nice on you, your majesty!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That it does! Even without wing-holes!”

Rarity turns back to Luna. “Shall I put them in now?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We need this dress just like it is. Do you have some matching slippers?”

“I do.”

Sweetie Belle rushes off. “I’ll get them!”

The filly returns a moment later with the slippers. Rarity helps Princess Luna remove her royal hoof protectors, which are now far too large for her, before stepping back to look over her customer.

“That color goes well with your coat, your highness!”

Luna looks at herself in the large mirrors before her. “I suppose it does. But I hardly look like myself in this outfit, Arc.”

Arc walks over to Luna and carefully removes her dress crown. “Exactly.”

Rarity looks confused. “Arc, what is that all about?!”

“Dressed as she is, Princess Luna can walk the streets of Canterlot without drawing undue attention to herself. No crown, no visible wings and you’re roughly the size of a normal unicorn now.”

Sweetie Belle nods understandingly. “That and your dress covers your cutie mark! It’s perfect!”

Rarity smiles. “I must admit, it is quite the disguise.”

Luna looks at herself again in the mirrors. “You know, this might just work.”

The shop door opens and Sassy Saddles walks in.

“Sorry to come in this late, Rarity, but I saw the shop lights were still on and… “

She notices the mare standing in front of the grand mirrors.

“Oh I’m sorry, Rarity. I didn’t realize you had a customer at this hour.”

Sassy Saddles walks over her employer and levitates something over to her.

“Sorry, but I accidently headed home with your sewing tape in my pocket.”

Nervously, as she not so subtly points her head at the princess. “Th-that’s just fine! You didn’t have to come all the way back with it!”

Sassy Saddles looks over to Arc in his new suit. “Oh, hello Arc! What brings you here? I thought you would have been on your date with… with… with………….”

The blood drains from Sassy Saddle’s face as she realizes who is standing before her. She nervously backs toward the door.

“I-I-I’m sorry for intruding, your majesty! P-please forgive me!”

She quickly opens the door, bows and rushes out. Arc turns to Luna and smiles.

“That went well.”

“What do you mean?”

“She didn’t recognize you at all when she saw you.”

Rarity nods. “Forgive me, your highness, but you really don’t look like yourself at the moment.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “You do look very pretty though!”

“This way you and I can walk the streets without you getting mobbed by the citizenry and having them stop to bow at your hooves”.

Luna turns back to the mirror and smiles. “Agreed. This might just be enjoyable yet!”

Arc nods. “Good! Rarity, we’ll take this dress.”

He pulls out a bag of bits and sets it on the counter.

Rarity shakes her head. “Oh no! I can’t take money for something like this!”

Luna turns to Rarity. “You worked hard on this dress, did you not?”

She instinctively bows as Princess Luna turns to look at her. “Y-y-yes your highness!”

“It would be a dishonor to the royal sisters to take something like this without compensating you.”

Rarity nods, not raising her head. “W-we can’t have that, now can we?! I’ll accept the payment, your highness!”

Luna nods. “Thank you for understanding.”

She turns to look at Arc.

“Shall we be off?”

“Yes. Thank you, Rarity.”

Sweetie Belle calls out after them as they head for the door. “Wait! What about your things, Princess Luna?!”

She points a small hoof at the crown and hoof protectors.

“I’ll come get them tomorrow if that’s okay, Rarity.”

“Y-y-yes, that’s fine!”

Sweetie Belle waves after the pair as they leave Carousel Boutique. “Bye Arc! Bye Princess Luna! I hope you two have fun!”

She closes the door and turns back to Rarity who is still bowing and shaking slightly.

“Um… Rarity? They’re gone.”

She does not look up. “Are you sure?!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Yes! Come on now! Get up!”

Rarity slowly does so as Sweetie Belle helps her up.

“Come on Rarity! Up you go!”

Rarity woozily stumbles around as she leans on Sweeties Belle. “Are… are you absolutely sure they’re gone?!”

Sweetie Belle helps her sister over to a couch. “Yes, Rarity! Geez, sometimes I wonder who the real big sister is here.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Princess Luna return to the back of Carousel Boutique and step onto the sigil. Arc calls forth his gauntlet.

“Now then… let’s get back to Canterlot.”

He powers up the sigil and the pair teleport back to the spot they stepped out of the cart. Luna shakes her head gently.

“Not sure I’ll ever get used to that.”

Arc removes the sigil from the ground and recalls his gauntlet. “Ready to go?”

Luna looks to him, confused. “Go? Go where?!”

Again offering his arm to the princess as he looks over the guide. “I looked over the guide for Canterlot while you were changing and found there was only one place that didn’t have a rating. Shall we?”

Luna shrugs. “I suppose it’s worth a try. Maybe it’s just a misprint.”

Arc leads Princess Luna down a small side street away from the main boulevard of Restaurant Row. Luna looks around.

“It’s certainly off the beaten path, isn’t it?”

Arc nods. “That’s promising.”

“I do wish I was as hopeful as you were.”

A short time later they arrive at a small building sandwiched between the backs of two larger restaurants. The building is well-kept with a fresh coat of orange paint, very ornate windows on either side of the teal door with a flower-shaped window and a happy looking picture of an elephant over the door.

“Wow! It’s like this little place is being squeezed out by the big boys.”

Luna gasps. “Arc, look!”

She points to a blank sign overhead, clearly upset.

“Uh…”

Luna shakes her head. “That means this establishment has a zero hoof rating! The food here must be TERRIBLE!”

Arc sniffs the air. “My nose tells me otherwise. The smell kinda reminds me of Indian food back on Earth.”

“Is it… good?”

“Yes! Very flavorful!”

Luna again looks up at the blank sign over the door. “I don’t know about this…”

“I won’t try to make you eat here if you don’t want to. But you really should give it a try.”

“Very well, Arc.

“Good! Oh, I’m looking forward to this!”

Arc and Luna enter the small restaurant. The décor is as unique as the outside of the building with a lot of orange, yellow and red. They sit down on a comfortable bench behind a table. A few moments later a jovial, middle aged roly-poly unicorn stallion enters. He is tan in color with a brown mustache and mane. His tail is almost non-existent, and he wears an orange shirt with gold cuffs and trim. The stallion approaches them with two menus.

“Welcome to The Tasty Treat! A am the proprietor, Coriander Cumin! Can I start you two off with some of our freshly brewed Ginger Tea?”

Arc nods. “Yes please.”

He bows and returns to the kitchen. Luna looks up from her menu to gaze around the room.

“This place is certainly… unique.”

Arc nods he looks over the menu himself. “That it is. Perhaps the inhabitants of Equestria and Earth aren’t that much different after all.”

A few minutes later the owner emerges from the kitchen with two cups of tea. He sets them down in front of Arc and Luna with his magic before removing an order pad from his pocket.

“What can I get for you two tonight?”

Arc looks up. “Whatever your tastiest dishes are.”

Luna folds up her menu. “Make that two.”

“Very well then. Two orders of Curried Oat Cakes and two Marinated Grass Sandwiches.”

Arc quickly calls after him. “Uh, I don’t suppose you have any Pumpkin Chaaru?”

“Yes sir. Shall I bring you that instead?”

“No. In addition please.”

Coriander Cumin nods. “I shall have that right out, sir.”

He leaves to prepare their order. Luna turns to Arc, clearly impressed.

“I was not aware you were so cultured."

“It’s a little something I liked back on Earth.”

“What does it taste like?”

“That’s kinda hard to explain. You really just have to experience it for yourself.”

“I see.”

There is silence between them before Princess Luna decides to break it.

“So… what kinds of things do humans do after dinner when they go out for the evening?”

“Well, sometimes they go to a movie.”

“A movie?”

“It’s kinda like a play or show of some kind, but prerecorded and played on a big screen.”

I’m not sure I follow.”

Arc nods. “Another aspect of my world you just have to see to understand, I guess.”

Luna sighs. “Perhaps one day.”

Arc looks out the window as snow begins to fall. “If it wasn’t so cold outside I’d take you for a walk in the park. The plants look rather nice in the moonlight.”

“There is always Canterlot Conservatory. My sister and I used to go there often, but…”

She looks down sadly.

“You miss her. Don’t you?”

Luna nods. “Her absence makes me feel so guilty.”

“Guilty?”

“Please don’t tell anypony, but I’ve always been… jealous of her. Truth be told, when she was first missing I was a bit happy.”

Arc frowns. “That’s not exactly what I expected to hear.”

“Nor was it what I expected to feel. Back then I just assumed she was off on some retreat, or something”

“But…?”

Luna sighs. “But as the days went on, there was no sign of her. No correspondence, no calls, nothing. If the populace goes without audiences and public appearances for too long, they begin to panic.”

Arc nods. “That much I do know.”

She smiles at him. “Forgive me, Arc. I forgot you were the Lord Regent for a time.”

Arc sighs. “Not my favorite job.”

“May I ask why not? I was under the impression that humans loved power and prestige! No offense intended, of course.”

“It took me away from my family and friends, the hours were long, and it was extremely stressful.”

Luna nods. “It is not easy having the world on your shoulders. How my sister did it while I was on the moon is beyond me.”

“Hopefully we can ask her that question soon.”

“Indeed.”

A short time later Coriander Cumin returns levitating several plates and bowls. He sets them down in front of the pair.

“Can I get you two anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thank you. This does look delicious!”

Luna nods as she looks over the spread. “I am inclined to agree.”

The pair begin to eat as Coriander Cumin returns to the kitchen. Luna’s eyes light up.

“This food really is something special!”

Arc nods happily. “I’ll say! It’s very similar to something I’ve had in the past!”

“Here in Equestria?! I think not!”

“It will come to me eventually. These flavors are similar, but at the same time very different.”

“So what do you think of your food, Arc?”

“The Curried Oat Cakes are wonderful! And the Marinated Grass Sandwich is certainly… unique.”

Luna appears surprised. “You don’t like it?”

“It’s not the taste, but the texture. Humans aren’t much for grass.”

“And the soup?”

“Very well-seasoned. Would you care to try some?”

Luna sniffs the bowl. “I would!”

Arc picks up a clean spoon and holds out a bite to Princess Luna. She accepts the spoon with her magic and taking a small sip.

“This is amazing!”

“That it is! Would you like a bowl?”

“I think so, yes.”

A few minutes later Coriander Cumin returns to check up on them

“How is everything tasting?”

Arc looks up. “Very good, thank you.”

Luna points a hoof at the soup. “Sir? Might I have a bowl of what my friend has?!”

Coriander Cumin nods and hurries back to the kitchen. “Right away ma’am!”

In short order he returns with a steaming bowl. Setting it before Luna, he nods at her.

“There you are! Enjoy!”

Luna picks up the spoon with her magic. “Thank you! I will!”

The pair finish their meal as Arc leans back and sighs contentedly.

“Now that… was a meal!”

“I agree!”

She lets out a small burp. Luna covers her mouth and blushes slightly.

“Pardon me!”

Arc chuckles. “No one is perfect.”

Luna nods and sighs. “Except my sister.”

Arc turns to her. “What?”

“N-nothing!”

He stands up. “Well, should we get moving?”

Luna nods happily. “Yes! If I sit here much longer, I’m afraid I’ll want more!”

Arc stands up with Princess Luna as Coriander Cumin emerges from the back room with the check.

“Remember Arc, Canterlot Castle will…”

Arc pulls out a bag of bits and hands them to Coriander Cumin as he turns to his date. “Now, now! You paid for the last meal. I’ve got this one.”

He turns back to Coriander Cumin.

“The food was excellent, sir.”

“Agreed!”

Arc looks around the empty restaurant. “If I may ask, why aren’t they’re any other customers?”

Coriander Cumin sighs. “Because Canterlot’s premier food critic, Zesty Gourmand did not like my restaurant’s ‘feel’.”

Luna frowns. “What did she think of the food?”

“She did not try any. According to her, my business’ ‘feel’ was offsetting her taste buds… whatever that means.”

Arc nods. “Well, I’ll certainly be back with my friends at some point. Maybe they can help with your problem.”

“Thank you for the thought. But you need not trouble yourself with my problems, sir.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “Perhaps some of the Canterlot Castle’s staff could hold meetings here. I’m sure they would love the change of scenery and your cooking.”

“You work in the castle, ma’am?”

“Yes. In a manner of speaking.”

Coriander Cumin nods. “Thank you. That is very kind of you.”

Luna looks back at him and smiles. “I’ll be in touch.”

Arc smiles. “Me too! Next time I’m trying the rest of the menu!”

They leave as Coriander Cumin clears off the table and returns to the kitchen. He washes the dishes, dries them, and puts them on the shelf before locking the front door and flipping the sign to closed. Sighing, he walks back to the kitchen.

“My first real customers. Well, I suppose one has to start somewhere.”

He turns off the lights and heads to his room. Lying down on the bed, he stares up at the ceiling for a time before picking up a small framed picture of a young mare.

“I will make the restaurant successful, my dear. Maybe then you will return and cook by my side.”

Coriander Cumin looks at the picture for quite some time before setting it down and turning off his bedside lamp

“Good night my daughter. Good night… Saffron.”

Chapter 6 - Royal Pains

Arc and Princess Luna walk back toward Restaurant Row. He turns to her.

“Would you like to visit that Conservatory now?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, thank you. If it’s alright with you, could we please take a walk down Market Avenue?”

“I’m not familiar with that street.”

“It’s not far. Please follow me.”

A short time later they arrive. The street is well lit due to the shops that line both sides of the avenue. They walk slowly down the bustling sidewalk.

“Busy place.”

Luna nods. “That it is. Commerce is still quite good around here at least.

“Are things still going badly for the rest of the country?”

“Somewhat, yes. We’re not in any danger of collapsing mind you. But as of yet, we’ve been unable to pin down the cause of this recession.”

“You don’t think someone is doing it intentionally, do you?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. I don’t believe anypony is THAT powerful!”

She stops in front of a shop window as Arc turns to her.

“Are you looking for anything in particular?”

“A gift for Cadance. Her birthday is coming up.”

“What kind of things does she like?”

“I am not certain.”

“You mean you don’t know?”

Luna nods. “Correct.”

“My apologies. I just thought you, her, and your sister were closer than that.”

Luna sighs. “My sister and I are. However, she is what one might call… a new addition to the family.”

“Has she been a princess long?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. She is only in her late-twenties.”

Arc sighs. “I guess I had better not ask how old you and Princess Celestia are, huh?”

“My sister and I have ruled for well over a thousand years. At least she has.”

“The whole Nightmare Moon thing, huh?”

Luna sighs and nods. “Forgive me, but it’s a… difficult thing for me to talk about.”

“Let’s change the subject then.”

“Thank you.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Princess Cadance is the Princess of Love, right?”

“She is.”

“Why not look for something along those lines then?”

Luna appears confused. “What lines?”

“Something that personifies love.”

“I don’t understand.”

Arc shrugs. “How about a heart of some kind?”

“Like a cake or something?”

“Maybe not something edible. Unless of course that’s what she likes.”

Luna shakes her head. “No. My sister is the one who likes sweets.”

“We’ll have to see what they have around here then.”

They continue to look in shop windows. Princess Luna sighs as she turns to Arc.

“Sorry I’m not of much help. I’ve never been much for shopping. Or finding the perfect gift for that matter. My sister on the other hoof…”

Arc suddenly stops and points at something in a shop window. “Wait! What about that?!”

Luna looks over to see a beautiful gold pendant on display. A stunning azure blue sapphire is masterfully set in its center. She looks at the pendant through the glass.

“That really is very nice! She does like jewelry as well!”

Arc nods. “It kinda reminds me of her cutie mark.”

“That it does.”

He gestures to the shop door. “Shall we?”

Luna smiles. “Yes!”

The pair enter the shop together. A short time later they emerge with a small gift-wrapped package.

“That certainly wasn’t cheap.”

Luna nods. “Agreed. However, the craftsmanship was impeccable. I could find no flaw in its design. I only hope Cadance likes it.”

“I’m sure she will.”

She shivers slightly. “I believe the night is becoming even colder.”

“Should we return to the castle?”

“Please!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. The pair step through and find themselves in Arc’s room. He leads Princess Luna out the door and down the corridor on his arm.

“It’s much warmer in here.”

Luna nods. “Indeed. Would you care for a bit of desert?”

“I would actually.”

The pair head for the dining room. A servant emerges from the kitchen and bows to Arc.

“We’d like some dessert.”

“Any preference, Hero of Light?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Some pie sounds good right now.”

The servant looks over to Princess Luna. “I’ll have the same.”

She bows before returning to the kitchen. A few minutes later a piece of pie and glass of tea sit before each of them. Arc turns to Luna as he eats.

“Canterlot Castle certainly doesn’t mess around in the culinary department.”

Luna nods as she levitates a fork to her mouth. “Yes. We have only the finest culinary masters here. Although I will have to have a chat with the Head Chef regarding that servant’s behavior.”

“Oh? What did she do?”

“Directed her question to you instead of me!”

Arc chuckles. “I guess I did a bit too good of a job then.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“The disguise. Even the kitchen staff didn’t recognize you.”

Luna appears horrified. “She thought I was a commoner?!”

“Apparently.”

“Why of all the indignant…!”

Arc smiles at her. “Please. Just let it go as an honest mistake. Besides, now we know you can blend in with others.”

Luna sighs. “Not that I usually want to, mind you.”

“Come now, Princess Luna. Didn’t it feel good to get out there and not have crowds part with ponies bowing at your hooves?”

“I suppose so. The adoration does wear on me after a while.”

They continue eating.

“Princess Luna? What can you tell me about yourself?”

She appears confused. “I don’t really understand the question.”

“Everyone knows you’re a princess. Ruling over the land and protecting its inhabitants and all that. I was just wondering what else there is to you?”

Luna appears nervous. “Well… there really isn’t much to tell. Most of my time is spent performing my royal duties.”

“You don’t have any hobbies or interests?”

“No. As you no doubt can understand, this job leaves precious little time for pleasant activities.”

Arc shakes his head as he sips his tea. “That much I do understand. However all work and not play makes Jack a dull boy.”

“Who is Jack?”

“It’s an old saying back on Earth. All I’m saying is you have to have fun sometimes. Otherwise you’ll get burned out.”

Luna sighs. “While I have no idea how she managed it, my sister always found a way to have a bit of fun whenever she could.”

“Like what?”

“Nothing too spectacular. A bit of tea and cookies before bed. A short bit of reading in the Royal Gardens. Listening to classical music as she fell asleep. That sort of thing.”

“And you can’t do the same?”

Luna shakes her head sadly as she wipes her mouth with a napkin. “Cadance and I work from sunup to sundown. While I do wish things were different, this outing with you has been my first bit of rest since we were bedridden.”

“I see. And Princess Cadance?”

“She is merely here to support me in my role. I take the brunt of leadership and she does her best to help out.”

Arc frowns. “But isn’t she a princess as well?”

“She is. However, my sister has always been the figurehead of this country. With her gone, that role now falls to me.”

“I understand it’s a heavy burden. But it isn’t one you can, or even should, bear alone. Let her help you more. I’ll help if I can as well.”

Luna smiles at him. “You already do, Arc. More so than you know.”

“How so?”

“Most recently the Griffon Kingdom treaty.”

Arc shrugs. “That wasn’t so hard.”

“Oh? By the time it got to us it looked as if you had already completed most of the negotiations.”

Arc gives her a nervous smile. “Um… sorry?”

“Don’t be. That saved Cadance and I countless hours of communications via letters and messengers. After all, it’s not like she and I can just up and go there.”

“I suppose you can’t. Afterwards I was concerned that I had gone too far.”

“You did just fine. It is nice to have somepony around here we can send to take care of these things. Without worrying constantly, that is.”

“I did my best.”

Arc notices that Luna appears to be getting sleepy.

“How about I escort you back to your room, Princess Luna? I know you have another long day ahead of you.”

Luna sighs as she puts a hoof to her forehead. “Thank you. I am feeling a bit drained.”

They stand and head for the door. She turns to him as they walk down the corridor together.

“Might I ask you something, Arc?”

“Certainly.”

“How do you do it?”

Arc looks confused. “Do what?”

“Accomplish such grand deeds/”

He shrugs. “I haven’t really done all that much. Have I?”

“Oh really?! Being accepted into our land’s culture, not only surviving Tartarus but escaping from it, after defeating the Demon King…”

Arc sighs. “Twice I might add.”

Luna continues, unabated. “Indeed! You then befriended the Dragon Lord AND learned magic from him. You became the Hero of Light and willingly entered Tartarus again to save a friend of yours. Rescued the residents of the New Beginnings Orphanage and their protector Coco Pommel while defeating Special Agent Tempest. During your investigation of the orphanage you discovered a society of ogres living under Vanhoover after you rescued them from a traitorous unicorn. You then stood up for a fore mentioned traitor before returning yet AGAIN from Tartarus to see to it justice was done. Stopped an eminent demon escape attempt and invasion, befriended a demon, AND destroyed their weapon of mass destruction.”

She pauses to catch her breath.

“And that’s just what I can think of off the top of my head.”

Arc smiles. “That’s not really anything special. Anyone else in my position would have done the same.”

“I disagree. Most others would have let the power and the accolades get to them. But not you, Arc. Through it all you stayed very much the same.”

“It wasn’t easy.”

Luna nods. “No, I assume it wasn’t. But then the real trouble started. Cadance and I were unable to rule the land and you took the throne.”

“Temporarily I might add.”

“Yes. But during your reign you diffused several international incidents, defended the Crystal Empire in addition to forging peace with Yakyakistan and Abyssinia. Cadance and I are STILL trying to figure that one out!”

Arc turn away. “It got kinda complicated.”

“I assume it did. During your trip to Abyssinia you could have easily taken control of the land and ruled it yourself, or folded it into Equestria.”

“They immediately surrendered when I went to the palace. The Storm King had taken everything from them by that point, including their ability and will to fight back.”

Luna nods. “Yes. You gave them food and medical supplies. After which you defeated the Storm King and ended his reign of terror forever.

“It had to be done.”

“I agree. But that event was dwarfed by what you did to save Cadance and I. Had you wanted to, you could have let Captain Decimus finish us off and taken Equestria for yourself.”

Arc shakes his head. “And abandon you and Princess Cadance? Not happening.”

Luna stops and smiles up at him. “You protected us, saw to it we were cared for, searched for and found a cure, defended us from assassination, and even sacrificed your armor’s healing enchantment to save my life.”

“This land needed both of you.”

“You were doing just fine as Lord Regent. But instead you chose to return us to power.”

“Equestria is a land of ponies, and needs to be ruled by ponies.”

Luna nods. “But here is the part that I cannot for the life of me understand. How did you go back to your previous job as Hero of Light?! Didn’t that feel like a demotion for you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. I was glad to go back home and be with my family. That and I’m still able to protect those I care for as I am now.

Luna appears exasperated. “Yes, but… you could have had it ALL!”

“All?”

“From what Cadance and I understand, at that time the world was shaking in fear of Equestria. With you as its ruler, we were perceived as unstoppable! It would have been a simple task for you to conquer the surrounding nations and proclaim yourself emperor of the world!”

Arc frowns. “Why?”

“For money, power, influence, or all of the above!”

Arc turns and walks toward the window. “Things I care little for.”

“Then what is it you’re after?!”

He sighs as he looks out toward the peaceful city below them. “I dream of a world without conflict. One where everyone can live in peace. Starting wars to unite the lands won’t lead to an end to war. It will only lead to more of it.”

Luna looks at him and smiles. “Very well spoken. My sister always thought as you do. Perhaps you and her think alike in other matters.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. I’m looking forward to meeting her one day.”

“Yes, well… as much as she despises humans, when she hears of all the great and selfless acts you have done I’m sure she will learn to admire and trust you as Cadance and I do.”

Princess Luna puts a hoof to her head. Arc steadies her.

“Are you all right?”

She nods. “I… I believe so. It’s just a bit of a headache.”

Arc extends an arm to her. “I must have kept you out too long.”

She accepts his help and leans on him for support. “It’s nothing a bit of rest won’t cure.”

They arrive at Princess Luna’s room. He opens the door for her and helps her over to the bed.

“Should I call for Doctor Whooves?”

Luna shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary. I just need some rest.”

Arc looks to her as he helps her take off the slippers and sit down. “Are you sure?!”

She nods, nervously. “I am.”

Arc nods, not totally convinced.

“I’ll let Captain Shining Armor know you’re in bed, safe and sound.”

“Thank you. He’s probably been beside himself with worry.”

“Oh! Should I return you to normal size?”

Luna shakes her head. “No thank you. I’m sure I can cast the counter spell myself. And if not, Sunburst will figure it out.”

“Alright. Call me it you need help with it.”

“Thank you for a wonderful evening, Arc. It was quite enjoyable for me.”

Arc smiles at her. “It was my pleasure. Now why don’t you get some rest? Morning comes early. Especially around here.

Luna sighs. “Don’t I know it.”

“Good night.”

He turns to leave.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I, ah… just wanted to say… when you and I are alone and away from the public eye… it’s okay for you to just call me ‘Luna’.”

“What?! Are… are you sure?!”

Luna smiles and nods. “I am. You’ve proven to be a good and faithful friend to both Cadance and myself as well as this land. Equestria will forever be in your debt!”

“Thank you. I’ll try to live up to that.”

“I’m sure you will.”

Arc walks back over to the bedside and kneels down to her eye level.

“Pri…”

He stops and clears his throat.

“Luna?”

“Yes?”

“I… uh… just wanted to tell you… if you and Princess Cadance ever feel like you need to take some time off, you can always call on me.”

Luna appears confused. “Some time off?”

Arc nods. “If you need a vacation, I’d be willing to take over as Lord Regent for a bit.”

Luna smiles. “I… may just take you up on that someday. Especially if my sister…”

Her voice trails off.

“I’ll do my very best to bring her back to you, Luna.”

She reaches out a hoof toward Arc. “I know you will.”

Arc gives her a hug. As he pulls back she puts her hooves on his shoulders and looks into his eyes for a long moment.

“Arc? I just wanted to tell you that tonight was absolutely magical for me. Thank you for showing me Canterlot through the eyes of a common mare.”

She leans forward and gives him a small kiss on his cheek.

“Good night, Arc.”

Arc nods silently, turns, and walks toward the closed bedroom door. Putting his hand on the doorknob and looking back.

“Good night… Luna. Sleep well.”

She nods as he leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Luna sighs and looks over at the pineapple on her nightstand. She picks it up and takes a hearty bite, rind and all. Sighing to herself as she looks at the fruit in her hoof.

“Thank you, Arc. This simple fruit helps me more than you know…”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way toward the Captain of the Royal Guard’s office. Seeing a light on he knocks. A few moments later Trixie answers.

“Hello Arc! Please come in!”

“Thank you.”

He steps inside. Shining Armor is pacing the floor nervously. He looks up as Arc enters and hurries over to him.

“Is everything alright?!”

Arc nods as Trixie closes the door behind him. “Yes. Princess Luna is safe and sound back in her room.”

Trixie looks anxious. “Begging your pardon, but… how did it go?”

“She enjoyed herself.”

Shining Armor nods. “And you?”

“I must admit, it was a lot of fun.”

“Where did you two go exactly?!”

Arc recalls the evening’s events. Trixie smiles.

“It sounds like it went well!”

Shining Armor breathes a sigh of relief. “Yes, it does. However I’d really like to check out the princess’ destinations beforehoof!”

“I understand. But that’s what I was trying to avoid.”

Trixie frowns. “Arc?”

“Her days are always so… canned.”

Shining Armor looks confused. “Canned?”

“I mean… everything is so planned… sterile… predictable. Princess Luna deserves a bit more freedom than that, don’t you think?”

Trixie sighs. “I understand what you’re saying, but… that’s easier said than done.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I mean, I know where you’re coming from and all, but… I believe it was worth it to get her some food outside what she’s become accustomed to.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “Did she really like the restaurant that much?!”

“She did, as did I. You two should try it out if you’re even in the area. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but totally worth it.”

Trixie nods. “I’ll remember that!”

Shining Armor sighs. “In any case, thank you for taking Princess Luna out and bringing her back safely.”

“No problem. But I think you should be the one to take out Princess Cadance.”

Shining Armor looks suddenly nervous. “Wait… what?!”

Trixie nods. “That wouldn’t be a bad idea, Shining Armor. You have to show them you can handle whatever needs doing.”

“B-but she’s a princess!”

Arc chuckles. “And you’re the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

“Princess Cadance is a very understanding mare. She’ll go easy on you.”

Arc nods. “Considering she’s the Princess of Love, it should be a piece of cake for a big, strong stallion like you.”

“You really think so?”

Trixie grins. “Yeah! Just take her to that restaurant Arc told us about! She’ll love it!”

“I got to know Princess Luna a bit better. It makes sense, as you’re responsible for keeping them safe after all.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Alright. Any tips on what to do after dinner though?”

“Any sporting events going on soon?”

Trixie raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

“This stays between us but… when she was watching prerecorded footage of some foals playing Hoofball, the princess couldn’t help but cheer them on.”

Trixie chuckles. “For a prerecorded game?”

“Right! Strange as it may sound, the Princess of Love is a big fan of sports. Hoofball at least.”

Shining Armor thinks for a moment. “There’s a big game coming up at the Canterlot Stadium this weekend. Maybe she’d like to see it with me.”

Trixie nods. “They have VIP boxes there too, right?”

“Yes. I could easily get tickets for royalty!”

Arc smiles. “That would let her have some fun while also keeping her safe. Win-win situation there.”

Trixie laughs. “If she gets a bit carried away, nopony would see or hear it either!”

“You could have some snacks sent up along with a bit of quiet time with her.”

Shining Armor blushes slightly. “Quiet time? You mean alone with her?!”

Arc nods. “Of course. She’s surrounded by others all day every day. A break from the daily grind is in order.”

Trixie nods. “You two could talk between plays! Really get to know her!”

“Right! If you’re replacing Captain Decimus, it only stands to reason that they should learn to trust you as they once did him.”

Shining Armor sits down heavily. “I guess I have a lot to plan then.”

Trixie looks out the window at the moon. “Tomorrow though, right?”

“Trixie’s right. It’s really late.”

Shining Armor stretches sleepily. “Sounds good. Thanks again for doing this, Arc. I’ll look into taking Princess Cadance out sometime soon.”

Arc nods as the trio heads toward the door together. “I’m sure the two of you will have a nice time together.”

Shining Armor sighs as he turns off his office lights. “I sure hope so. Sadly, I don’t have much experience with such things.”

Meanwhile, back in Princess Luna’s room, the pineapple top falls and rolls across the floor as the princess curls up in her bed. She is sweating profusely and breathing heavily. Luna looks out to the balcony for a moment before turning back and squeezing her eyes tightly shut.

“N-no… I can handle this! I have to! That fate of Equestria may yet be in my hooves!”

She buries her face in her pillow and begins to softly cry.

“T-Tia! Where… where ARE you?! I… I just don’t know how much longer I can hold out!”

Chapter 7 - Light to the Matter

Arc returns to Derpy’s small house. Derpy and Dinky lie asleep on the mat in front of the fireplace. Ember is lying on the couch with Arc’s helmet under her arm. He walks over to them and smiles.

“Pretty as a picture.”

He wastes no time picking up Derpy and Dinky. Arc puts them in his bed before returning for Ember. She stirs ever so slightly as Arc picks her up before falling back to sleep. Putting her to bed he carefully takes back his helmet before turning to his sleeping family as he heads toward the door.

“Good night you three. We’ll talk in the morning.”

He closes the door and walks back to the couch. As he sits down, Arc looks at the helmet.

“You still awake, Cherry?”

“I am. How did it go?”

“Pretty good. Better than I thought it would anyways.”

“I can’t wait to hear all about it!”

Arc yawns. “Well, you may have to. I’m beat.”

Cherry giggles. “How about you and I have a nice chat on my front porch then?”

“That does sound nice.”

Arc puts the helmet to his forehead momentarily.

“Okay, I’m in! Now how about we…”

Her voice is cut short as Arc falls asleep on the couch. A moment later he finds himself on Cherry Jubilee’s front porch. Looking out over the orchard, Arc smiles.

“Love this place…”

The screen door opens and Cherry joins him on the porch. She moves to stand by him as she nuzzles his side.

“You really like it here, don’t you?”

Arc kneels down to give her a hug. “I do.”

Cherry smiles and nuzzles his chest. “Oh? And why’s that?”

“Because you’re here, Cherry.”

She points to the porch swing with a hoof. “Why don’t we sit down and enjoy it together then?”

Arc walks toward the swing with Cherry. “Nothing would make me happier right now.”

The pair talk late into the night about Arc’s date with Princess Luna before sitting in silence to overlook the orchard and enjoy each other’s company. Cherry leans her head against Arc’s shoulder.

“I wish we could stay like this forever!”

Arc nods with his arm around her shoulder. “As do I. But… it’s not meant to be.”

Cherry sighs. “I… I know.”

Derpy awakens early the next morning. She sits up and rubs her eyes as Dinky stirs and looks around bewildered.

“Mom? How did we get here?”

“I imagine your father came home rather late last night.”

Dinky sniffs the air. “Do you smell something?”

“I do! Breakfast!”

The pair get up and walk slowly to the door. Opening it, they find Arc standing at the stove cooking eggs and hash browns.

“Good morning you two. Did you sleep well?”

Dinky nods and runs over to give her father a hug.

“Good morning dad! How was your date?!”

Arc kneels down. “It was a lot of fun!”

Derpy smiles happily. “We can’t wait to hear all about it!”

Ember walks over to the bedroom door. She appears half asleep.

“Anyone seen Arc’s helmet? I thought I had it last night.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles as she sets the table. “I’m over here, Ember!”

Ember looks from the armor to Arc and back again. “Never quite got used to seeing your armor move around without you in it, Arc.”

“Sorry Ember.”

Arc nods. “I admit it is a rather… strange feeling. But one I am completely happy dealing with.”

Together they finish making breakfast and sit down together to enjoy it. Ember turns to Arc as they eat.

“So tell us, Arc. How did last night go?”

Dinky grins. “I bet you two had a blast together!”

Derpy smiles at her daughter. “Now, now dear. Maybe your father would rather not talk about it so early in the morning.”

“No, it’s fine. First we went out for a Canterlot dinner.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “One of those fancy places?”

“Yup!”

Dinky looks to him excitedly. “Was the food yummy?!”

“It was so-so. Truth be told, I’ve made better food myself.”

Derpy frowns. “Really?! I always assumed Canterlot had the best of everything.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, their sense of taste is apparently broken.”

Ember chuckles. “Did you two go back to the castle for some real food?”

“No. I wanted to get her out of the castle after all. Not go running back as soon as we could. Rarity helped with that.”

“Miss Rarity did?”

Derpy looks confused. “How?”

Arc takes a sip of his tea. “She provided a dress that covered her wings and cutie mark. It fit her quite well after I shrunk her down.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Shrunk her?!”

Eidolon’s Ward walks over to the table with a pan. “Would you like some more eggs, Arc?”

“Yes, please!”

She puts three more eggs on Arc’s plate.

“Thank you, Cherry. Now… where was I?”

Dinky giggles. “You had shrunk down Princess Luna!”

“Right! As it stood, she appeared to look like any other unicorn one might see anywhere.”

Ember nods. “So she looked like a commoner?”

“Exactly! We found a little gem of a restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Canterlot’s Restaurant Row called ‘The Tasty Treat’.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Can you take mom and I there sometime, dad?!”

“Sure!”

Derpy smiles. “It must have been pretty good for you to speak so highly of it.”

Ember chuckles. “Did Princess Luna agree?”

“Oh yes! She’s hoping to have some meetings there at some point. Maybe then the owner will get some business.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks over from the stove. “Was it really that slow in there?”

“Yup. No customers when we arrived and none while we were there.”

Dinky frowns. “That’s sad! To have such good food, but not be given a chance!”

“Right. Apparently no one goes there because the place isn’t rated, or some other kind of nonsense.”

“So what did you do after dinner?”

“We went to the shopping district to look for a birthday present for Princess Cadance.”

Derpy smiles as she finishes her food. “Did she find anything?”

Arc nods. “A nice heart shaped pendant. I think it’ll be a hit!”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Sounds like you two had fun!”

Dinky nods. “Are you going to take Princess Luna out again, dad?!”

“Maybe next year. I mean… this wasn’t really a date, date! Just two friends going out for dinner mostly.”

Derpy smiles. “Nothing wrong with that.”

Ember looks suddenly peevish. “WHAT?!”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to her. “Ember?”

“We went through all that trouble for a nice dinner with a FRIEND?!”

Arc nods. “Pretty much. You heard the word ‘date’ though and went a bit overboard.”

Ember blushes and turns away. “D-did not!”

Arc chuckles as he finishes his breakfast. “Sure Ember. Whatever you say.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to Arc as she begins to clear the table with Dinky’s help. “So… any plans for today?

Arc nods and stands. “I have to run a few errands such as running over to Carousel Boutique to pick up Princess Luna’s clothes from yesterday.”

Dinky looks confused. “Her… clothes?”

“We left them there with her crown and hoof protectors last night when she changed. Didn’t want her to be recognized. That and Twilight wanted me to come see her about their recent experiments.”

Ember nods. “As excited as she was the last time we were there, I think we’re in for a treat.”

The group quickly does the dishes and puts them away. Derpy and Dinky head for the door.

“Dinky and I are off to work now, Arc!”

Arc waves to them. “Have a good day you two.”

Dinky grins. “You too, dad! See you at suppertime!”

“I’ll be here!”

They leave just as Eidolon’s Ward finishes wiping down the table.

“Should we be off as well?”

Arc nods. “I suppose so. You want to come along, Ember?”

“Wouldn’t miss it!”

Arc dons his armor and, after allowing Cherry to enter his head again, recalls Eidolon’s Ward to his ring. They head out the door toward Sugarcube Corner. As they approach the building the distinct scent of sweets baking fills their noses. They walk into the bakery as Pinkie Pie comes out with a tray of cupcakes.

“Good morning Pinkie!”

“Arc! I see you survived last night!”

Ember frowns. “Um… why wouldn’t he have?”

“Sorry, but I was worried that Princess Luna was gunna GET ya!”

Arc smiles at her. “Well, she didn’t.”

Pinkie stands there and blinks a few times expectantly.

“Did she try?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and narrows his eyes. “Um… no.”

Pinkie looks around the empty shop and lowers her voice.

“Did she do anything… weird?!”

“No Pinkie. She was a bit quiet, but other than that…”

“That proves it beyond any shadow of a doubt!”

Cherry sighs. “Proves what?”

Pinkie shrugs. “I dunno! I was actually hoping Arc could tell me!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Fine! She’s a very nice princess who just needed a break from her job.”

Ember chuckles. “Satisfied?”

Pinkie puts on a serious face as she narrows her eyes and puts a hoof to her chin. “I would… if you weren’t under her control!”

Arc facepalms. “Oh for the love of… look Pinkie, I’m not under anyone’s control!”

Ember nods. “Yeah! You’re just blowing this out of proportion!”

“Am I?! Tell me this then?! How did she like… the pineapple?!”

“Um… she seemed… happy with it, I guess.”

Cherry giggles. “What is that supposed to prove?”

Pinkie sighs. “I don’t know! Maybe you’re right Arc! But I can’t help but believe my Pinkie Sense about her!”

Ember frowns. “Pinkie Sense?”

Arc sighs. “What do you mean, Pinkie?”

“It keeps telling me she’s a bad pony who’s hiding a wicked secret!”

“Well, she didn’t try to off me last night. Does that tell you anything?”

Pinkie thinks for a moment. “Maybe. What did you do last night?!”

“Dinner and window shopping. Then back to Canterlot Castle for a bite of dessert before I took her back to her room.”

Pinkie frowns. “Are you SURE nothing else happened?!”

“Very.”

She looks down sadly. “Okay. I guess you’re right about her then.”

Ember sighs. “Listen Pinkie. Princess Luna has been in full control of the nation for some time now. If she was bad, wouldn’t she have done… something by now?”

“I suppose.”

Arc nods. “I’ll keep my eyes open for you Pinkie. Even though I’m fairly certain there’s nothing more to find in that regard.”

“Please do! Equestria couldn’t go on without you, Arc!”

“I’m sure it would, Pinkie. Anyways, we should probably be getting over to Carousel Boutique now. Thanks for your help the other day!”

Arc and Ember walk out of the bakery and head down the street. Pinkie lays her head down on the counter and sighs sadly.

“Arc… please be careful! Princess Luna isn’t what she seems! I just know it!”

Meanwhile… Arc and Ember continue down the road. Ember frowns and looks to Arc.

“What’s got into her?!”

Cherry calls out to them. “I’m not sure. Pinkie Pie’s always been a bit on edge. But nothing like this!”

“You don’t think she’s right, do you Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it. But I’ll keep a watchful eye out as always.”

The group makes their way to Carousel Boutique. As they approach the building they find Sassy Saddles just unlocking the front door. She holds it open for them.

“Good morning you two. My, you’re up early!”

Arc smiles at her. “One must get an early start if they are to get ahead.”

Ember yawns. “Do you and Rarity always open at this time?”

Sassy Saddles walks into the shop with them. “Yes. While we don’t usually have customers at this time, it gives us a chance to get the shop in order for the day’s activities.”

Hearing voices, Rarity heads downstairs and trots over to them.

“Good morning! What brings you and Ember here today?”

“I need to pick up the things Princess Luna and I left here yesterday.”

“Of course.

Sassy Saddles turns to Arc. “We already dry cleaned and hung her dress up.”

“You didn’t have to go through all that trouble.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Oh yes we did! It’s not every day I get to work on clothes for royalty, after all!”

Sassy Saddles nods. “It was an honor to help Princess Luna!”

“That it was! Please pass on our thanks to her for allowing us to help!”

Arc nods. “I’ll do that.”

Sassy Saddles heads for the back room. “Let me get her things for you.”

She trots off as Rarity stays with Arc and Ember. Rarity looks excited.

“So… how did it go?!”

“Our evening?”

Rarity trots in place excitedly. “What else?! Tell me, what was it like?!”

“Well, I admit she wasn’t really much for conversation. Not that our evening was dull, mind you. Thanks to you we were able to walk down the street together without fear of the population bowing and scraping.”

Rarity nods. “I can see how that would make the evening that much less romantic.”

Ember smiles. “Yeah! A bunch of ponies bowing at my feet would certainly be a turn off.”

“I wasn’t really going for romance, you know.”

Cherry giggles. “That may be, but you certainly gave her a nice evening. At least in your mind you did.”

Sassy Saddles returns with a bundle which she levitates over to Arc.

“Here you are! Her dress, crown and hoof protectors!”

Arc nods as he accepts the bundle. “Thank you.”

Rarity looks at him a bit sheepish. “I… may have taken one liberty.”

“Oh?”

“I had an impromptu photo shoot last night with the crown and hoof protectors.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “It’s not every day you have the opportunity to do such a thing, Rarity!”

Arc sighs. “Please don’t share those pictures, Rarity. If it ever got back to Princess Luna…”

Rarity giggles. “Don’t worry! They’re going in my private collection! The hard part was getting the right angle, as the hoof protectors were quite a bit bigger than what I can wear!”

Arc looks at the hoof protectors in the bag. “I suppose that makes sense.”

Rarity blushes. “Yes well… Princess Luna is probably twice the mare I am!”

“I suppose she is quite a bit…bigger. In any case, we should be getting over to Twilight’s place. She wants us to see what she and Auriel have been working on.”

“Good! She’s been pretty tight-lipped about their current project.”

Ember frowns. “Should we be worried?”

“I think not. After all, she’s always been a bit… reclusive.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “That and I’m sure she’s just been working very hard on whatever goes on down there.”

Cherry giggles. “Well then, why don’t we go over there and see her?

Ember nods. “Good idea.”

Arc turns to leave. “See you two later. Thanks again for last night.

They leave the shop. Sassy Saddles turns to Rarity.

“You don’t suppose there’s anything going on between Arc and Princess Luna, do you?”

Rarity walks over to her sewing machine. “Not likely. He may be the Hero of Light, but she’s royalty!”

“I suppose so.”

“Still… he’s quite the catch! If Princess Luna WAS looking for a potential mate, he’s the one she should choose!”

Sassy Saddles looks up, surprised. “Really?! What about you?”

Rarity looks up at her, confused. What about me?

“I see how you look at him! The two of you would make a really cute couple!”

“Yes, well… he doesn’t feel the same way about me.”

“Are you sure?”

Rarity nods. “I am! We’re just friends!”

Sassy Saddles puts a hoof on her boss’ shoulder. “After that incident with Applejack, I would have thought you were so much more!”

Rarity blushes feverishly. “I… that wasn’t me! I mean, I wasn’t myself!”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes! We’re both too busy to settle down now. I have my business and he has Equestria to look after.”

Sassy Saddles turns back to her workbench. “A shame. I’m certain you two would be very happy together. Say, how would you feel if I asked Arc out?! We could…”

Rarity whirls around! “You stay away from him!”

Sassy Saddles laughs heartily. “Just friends, huh?”

“I know I’d like to be more but… it just isn’t in the cards for either of us.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember and Cherry Jubilee make their way to the Golden Oaks Library. Cherry calls out to Arc.

“Isn’t it a bit early to go visiting?”

Ember nods. “I agree. Why you insist on getting up so darn early is beyond me, Arc!”

“Twilight knew we’d be coming this morning. In fact she wanted us here bright and early for some reason.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Why do you suppose that is?”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe she has a lot to show us?”

“That’s probably it.”

They arrive at the library. Arc knocks. A few moments later a very happy looking Twilight answers the door with Auriel by her side.

“Good morning everypony! Thanks for coming!”

Arc chuckles as they walk past Twilight into the library. “Thanks for having us, Twilight.”

Auriel smiles. “We have a lot to show you!”

Ember laughs. “Looking forward to it!”

Twilight and Auriel lead Arc and Ember to their basement lab. As they reach the bottom step, she turns to them.

“We’ve been really busy lately! But it’s finally paying off! Auriel, why don’t you go first?”

“Thank you!”

As they walk over to Auriel’s side of the lab Arc turns to her. “How goes your experiments of growing plants without sunlight?”

“Not as well as I had hoped. Let me show you.”

She leads them over to a rather large machine in the corner as Twilight pushes a button on the wall. The lights switch over to that of a photo darkroom. Ember looks around.

“What’s with the lights, Twilight?”

“For this experiment to yield proper data we have to be absolutely sure that no sunlight, or any light the plants could use for that matter, gets to them.”

Arc nods, understanding. “Applejack said the seeds grew very quickly.”

Auriel opens the device. “Well… they’re not doing so well here.”

She opens the door to allow the others to see her experiment. Inside are several very weak and distorted looking seedlings. Cherry sighs.

“I’m sure I already know the answer to this, but what’s wrong with them?”

Auriel shakes her head. “It looks like even these trees still require sunlight. Just like any other plant.”

Twilight sighs. “We had hoped their latent magical abilities would have allowed them to grow. Albeit slower than normal.”

Cherry thinks for a moment before responding. “Have you tried anything else? Some magically enriched plant food perhaps?”

Twilight nods. “We’ve tried everything we can think of! More nutrients don’t seem to be helping.”

Auriel sighs as she closes the device. “It appears that no matter how you look at it, all plants still need the sun to carry out photosynthesis.”

Arc nods. “So you’re saying that even with all Equestria’s magical advancements, this is still not possible?”

Twilight looks to Arc, sadly. “Right.”

Auriel sits down heavily in a lab stool and sighs. “I… I just really wanted to grow something for my father. Tartarus is a cold and unforgiving landscape, but I had hoped to transform it into something the other demons could call home.”

Ember walks over to her. “I’m sorry, Auriel. But some things just can’t be done. Princess Celestia did create Tartarus to be a prison, after all.”

Arc looks up. “You think she purposefully made it so nothing could grow there?”

Cherry sighs. “It would appear so.”

Twilight frowns. “I know criminals that are sent there are really bad and all. But… I think separation from nature in its entirety is going too far!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. That’s what I was hoping could be fixed.”

Ember turns to him. “Is that really all you wanted, Arc?”

Twilight looks confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Look, Arc. I know you. There’s more to it than you’re letting on.”

Arc sighs. “You’re right. I… I was hoping Auriel could finally go home.”

He looks over at Auriel.

“I’m not trying to get rid of you or anything. But I figured if you were welcome in Tartarus again, you could see you father whenever you wanted.”

Auriel walks over to him. “Thank you for giving me this chance, Arc. You too, Twilight…”

Twilight nods soberly as Auriel looks back to Arc.

“Sorry I let you down.”

Arc shakes his head. “You didn’t let me down, Auriel.”

“I most certainly did! The experiment was a failure, as am I!”

Twilight joins her. “Just because THIS experiment didn’t go so well doesn’t mean there’s no solution. After all, even Star Swirl the Bearded didn’t always accomplish what he set out to do.”

Arc nods. “No one is perfect. Mistakes will always be made. But it’s where we go from there that really makes the difference.”

Ember mutters to herself. “Yeah. I’ll figure this out someday.”

“But…”

Cherry interrupts. “Begging everypony’s pardon, but I think Auriel might just be looking at this problem from the wrong direction.”

Twilight looks up. “You have an idea, Miss Cherry?”

“Maybe. I spent my whole life growing cherry trees after all. How about this? Instead of trying to grow plants without sunlight, what if you tried finding a substitute for sunlight itself?”

Auriel looks confused. “How?”

“We already have grow lights. Why couldn’t we adapt them to work in Tartarus?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin and thinks. “That’s a tall order, but probably the best idea we have.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “But you can’t grow a tree with a grow light!”

Arc looks up. “What if you had a really big one?”

Auriel shakes her head. “That would take quite a bit of power to run. Vengeance doesn’t have the ability to generate THAT amount of electricity.”

Cherry calls out to Auriel. “Where does their power come from?”

“Geothermal currents that run under the city.”

Arc nods. “Any way to generate more?”

“Possibly. But that would only solve one problem. The other being that no one has yet invented a light big enough to cover Tartarus!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I suppose magic and machine would have to be combined.”

Ember stands up. “Okay, maybe a crazy idea but… would it be possible to create something that resembles the sun?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, it IS a really big grow light after all. That and Tartarus needs to be warmer if it’s going to support plant life. How about the soil? Is it hospitable?”

Auriel nods. “I’ve taken plenty of soil samples over the years. Tartarus’ soil is actually more fertile than Equestria’s. Maybe one of the only things there that’s better than here.”

Arc nods. “So if we figure out this whole sunlight issue, things should work, right?”

Twilight shrugs. “I don’t see why not. But I don’t see how…”

Auriel suddenly jumps to her feet. “What about an artificial sun?!”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “That would take an insane amount of magical power to create, let along stabilize, let alone POWER!”

Arc smiles. “A sun, huh? That would certainly cover most if not all of Tartarus. But how could we make one?”

Ember turns to Arc. “What if you and I were to combine your fire magic with my flame breath, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “We would need something for it to consume.”

“Huh?”

Twilight nods. “What he means is fire requires a source of fuel to burn.”

“Right! While I’m casting, my magic is keeping the fire going. If I stop channeling, the fire goes out.”

Auriel sighs. “Unless it ignites something else, or casting continues.”

Cherry giggles. “I don’t think even Arc could keep casting forever.”

“Nor would I be able to generate enough light or heat to be an effective sun.”

Twilight frowns. “Even if you could, we would still need something to sustain it. Like starting a campfire, a spark may burn for just a moment before the wood takes over. Sorry, but I can’t think of any other way to explain it.”

Arc looks back to them. “Any ideas on what could burn for an extended period of time, be sustainable, and not turn Tartarus into an inferno?”

Auriel thinks to herself. “It would have to be closely regulated and mostly self-sustaining.”

Twilight looks over to them happily. “I may have somewhat of an idea from my own research.”

Auriel looks over. “Something self-sustaining, Twilight?”

Twilight nods as she walks toward her side of the lab and pulls back the dividing sheet. “Yes, Auriel! It’s possible! Let me show everypony what I mean!”

She holds the sheet back and allows Arc, Ember and Auriel to enter. There are a myriad of machines all around a single workbench. Something under it is concealed under yet another white sheet. Auriel looks excited.

“Maybe now I can finally see what you’ve been working on, Twilight.”

Ember looks confused. “You mean you don’t know?!”

Twilight looks over her shoulder. “I haven’t told or shown anypony yet.”

“Why’s that?”

She sheepishly looks to Arc. “I… didn’t want anypony to know in case I couldn’t do it.”

Twilight walks over to the workbench and smiles broadly as she pats the sheet happily.

“This… this has been my greatest challenge yet! I’ve worked harder on this than anything that’s come before!”

Arc nods. “Very praiseworthy!”

She turns to the various machines and checks the gauges before turning to the table once more.

“It’s ready!”

Twilight turns around and looks at everyone one by one before grabbing the sheet with her magic and pulling it aside.

Chapter 8 - Crossing the Line

Arc, Ember and Auriel are speechless at what they see. Finally Arc breaks the silence.

“I… I can’t believe it!”

Ember nods, clearly awestruck. “Incredible! The level of detail is… breathtaking!”

Auriel turns to Twilight. “This is just so… amazing I guess would be the word!”

Arc nods. “What do you think, Cherry?”

“To be completely honest, I kinda think it’s a bit… off-putting.”

Twilight looks to the lab table and puts a hoof to her chin. “Is it? I did my best to make it as accurate as I could!”

Before them lies a very lifelike humanoid female doll. She has dark red hair which is held back by a yellow bandana, and is wearing a simple yellow dress that looks to be a bit too small for her. The doll appears to be about five feet tall. There is a small black mark under her left eye.

Twilight smiles shyly. “Sorry the dress is a bit undersized. I’m sure Rarity made it to the specifications I asked for, but as you can see, I’m not very good at taking measurements. So, what do you think of your present, Arc?!”

“I… uh… it’s very… uh. What is it exactly?”

Ember snickers. “It’s a doll, Arc!”

Twilight nods. “Ember’s right! I call it the Realistic Objective Synthetic Entity!”

Auriel looks the doll over. “What does it do?”

Twilight grins broadly. “A better question might be, what DOESN’T it do?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Move for starters.”

Twilight walks over to the doll and casts a spell. As she touches the black spot on the doll’s face with the tip of her horn something appears to happen. She steps back as a few strange sounds emanate from the doll. A few moments later it opens its eyes and looks around. Ember takes the opportunity to take a few steps back.

“WOAH… what the heck?!”

Auriel jumps back to hide behind Arc. “That thing is… ALIVE?!”

Twilight laughs at their reactions. “Not quite! It really is JUST a doll!”

Arc watches, spellbound. “A very LIFELIKE doll, that is!”

Cherry sounds nervous. “It… it looks kinda like a human version of… me!”

Twilight beams. “That’s what I was going for! You see, Arc took your death really hard, Cherry! We all did!”

Ember nods. “She’s right about that.”

“I just wanted to make you happy again, Arc! While I tried very hard to do so, I quickly realized that I was not the one who could make your heart soar like Cherry had!”

Arc sighs. “I suppose. Wait… what?!”

Twilight walks over to the doll and puts a hoof on its knee as she looks back at Arc. “I’ve programmed it to be able to learn and imitate Cherry’s behavior and personality!”

Ember waves her claws in front of her face. “Woah, woah, WOAH! You’re tell us that you built a… a robot Cherry Jubilee?!”

“I suppose I did!”

Cherry looks at the doll through Arc’s eyes. “Can she move?”

“It should be able to! Let’s give it a try!”

Twilight looks the doll in the eye.

“Activate command line alpha.”

The doll continues to stare straight ahead.

“Stand.”

She slowly and carefully sits up, throws her legs over the side of the table and stands. Twilight takes a few steps back.

“Walk to me.”

The doll does so, albeit slowly. Twilight looks over to Arc, excitedly.

“You see?! It can obey commands and even learn!”

Auriel steps out from behind Arc to look the doll over. “Amazing! This might just be the greatest invention of our time!”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Does she obey just anyone?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Just you and I have what I call ‘master status’. You can input others with ‘administrative privileges’ if you want! I’ve already programmed it with everything I know about you and your friends! It will be like its known you as long as I have!”

Ember frowns. “How does it work? I don’t see any electrical wires coming from her.”

Twilight grins. “That’s the part I wanted to show all of you! Maybe… just maybe… it will help in making a sun for Tartarus!”

She turns toward the doll.

“Access posterior reactor module.”

Without a word the doll slowly turns around. A slight sound can be heard coming from within her body. Twilight carefully unzips the dress and opens it to reveal a now open access panel. Arc speaks to Cherry telepathically.

“This… doesn’t feel right.”

“I’m feeling the same way, Arc.”

Twilight proudly points a hoof at a softball size glowing mass within the cavity. “This is what makes your doll unique, Arc! Its central core provides a nearly limitless self-sustaining energy supply!”

“So she doesn’t need to refuel… ever?”

Twilight shakes her head as she zips the dress back up. “Short of some kind of mechanical failure, or if it were to expend a tremendous amount of energy, no. In fact, the basic technology used to create this heart was actually invented by Auriel!”

Auriel looks confused. “It was?”

“Yes! I used your Plant Elemental Essence Liberator to extract, refine, compress and then mold the core!”

Arc nods. “Incredible! How did you come up with that idea, Twilight?!”

“I found that the essence that Auriel’s machine extracted also EMITTED a faint amount of magic!”

Ember thinks about Twilight’s statement. “Magic… emitting magic?”

“Right! The more extract, the more latent magic was emitted! I figured if I compressed it enough, the magic given off by the core would be enough to act as a sustainable power source!”

A smile spreads across Auriel’s face. “So she’s literally running solely on her core’s magical surplus?”

“Yes! It’s also worth noting that the magical energy that powers it is also able to warm her body, adding to her realism!”

Ember sighs. “Can she do anything else other than just stand there and follow very basic instructions?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, Twilight. While incredible as this doll is, can she communicate with us?”

“It should be able to. Right now the doll’s system is in a sort of Diagnostic Mode so to speak! I’ll show you, but first I’d like to tell you more about my idea!”

Arc nods. “About making an artificial sun?”

“Exactly! As you saw, her heart is pure self-sustaining magical energy held in place by a containment field.”

Auriel looks nervous. “Is that dangerous?!”

Ember frowns. “Right! Could her heart… blow up?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Worst case scenario the containment field would collapse. That would render it inoperable until it could be restored. A few adjustments and the doll could be back on its feet in minutes!”

Arc looks the doll over again. “How much power does her heart put out? I mean, you say she can move around but… is there any extra energy left over?”

“Yes! There are several subsystems in the doll’s body that can be activated if needed. The power core has a high enough output that all main systems could, theoretically at least, run near maximum output for quite some time!”

Ember looks confused. “I don’t get it. What does that have to do with an artificial sun?”

“Auriel and I could, again in theory, build another power core for that purpose! MUCH larger, of course!”

Auriel nods as she puts a claw to her chin. “We’d have to do quite a bit of experimentation and calculations, but I suppose it could work!”

“The hard part will be finding a way to scale up without going TOO far! We don’t want a sun so bright it blocks out everything!”

Auriel continues thinking. “But at the same time, it can’t be so weak that it doesn’t output enough solar rays!”

Cherry laughs. “That sounds like quite the balancing act to me!”

Twilight sighs. “I know this idea may sound crazy. Heck, it probably is! But it’s the best I can come up with!”

Auriel turns to Twilight. “If you had told me this idea BEFORE I saw your doll, I’d probably have laughed!”

Arc nods as he continues to stare at the doll standing there motionless before them. “She’s certainly quite the proof of concept. Tell me, Twilight, how did you get the idea for her?”

“From this!”

Twilight levitates a book over to Arc. She points at a bookmarked section. Arc scans it quickly before looking up.

“What?! But… but this is the tome from the Canterlot Armory. I thought it was only supposed to have information regarding Star Swirl the Bearded’s failures.”

Cherry gasps. “Are you saying there were blueprints in there to build her?!”

Twilight laughs and shakes her head. “Not any that worked very well. I just took several of his failed ideas and combined them to make something that functioned!”

Arc looks back down at the book. “I don’t quite follow.”

Twilight walks over to Arc as he kneels down. “Here, let me show you!”

She flips to another bookmark and points a hoof at the page.

“Look! Here’s his idea about self-sustained magical spells. Star Swirl was trying to make a ‘constant effect’ spell that, once cast, continued to work until it was dispelled.”

Ember frowns. “What for?”

“He mentions numerous ideas from powering street lamps to making artificial hearts for elderly ponies.”

Auriel nods. “The applications could be as numerous as… I don’t know… anything!”

“He also had a few other… less than important applications.”

Arc looks worried. “Like what?”

Twilight shrugs as she takes the book. “Things like candles that don’t burn down, wagons that don’t need to be pulled and machines that wash dishes by themselves.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why would anyone need those things?”

Arc rolls his eyes as he envisions light bulbs, automobiles and dishwashers. “I can’t imagine.”

Twilight flips through the pages before again handing the book back to Arc. “Here’s his idea about mechanical ponies!”

Arc looks over the pages. “These diagrams are pretty detailed for a failure.”

“He designed everything masterfully! However for some reason he saved the task of creating a power supply for last. He was working along the same lines as my core design!”

Ember nods. “But he never figured it out?”

Auriel looks over at the book. “According to my research, ponykind has come a long way in the magic department since the time of Star Swirl the Bearded.”

Twilight nods. “Right! Had he lived in our time period he probably could have finished a lot of these designs.”

Arc sets the book down. “Have you tested her out yet?”

“No. This is the first real start-up! And it’s not even fully online yet!”

“Is there more work to be done on her?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Everything checks out on paper. The only thing left to do is give it the command to bring all systems online!”

Ember frowns. “Does she need to eat, or anything?”

“No. The core sustains all systems.”

Arc nods. “How about drink?”

“Sort of. There are a few of its subsystems that require some water for… various purposes. If needed, it will seek out and drink a glass of water.”

Cherry sounds worried. “How often would you say?”

“Roughly one tall glass of water three times a day.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “So it’s like a meal to her?”

“Right!”

“You mentioned subsystems earlier. Can you tell us more about them?”

“Certainly, Arc!

Twilight turns back to the doll and clears her throat.

“Activate command line beta. Enable auto-safeties and all subsystems.”

The doll’s green eyes begin to glow weakly as a slight hum can be heard. A moment later Twilight turns back to the others.

“Now it’s powered up.”

Twilight looks back at the doll as she takes ahold of her right arm and raises it slightly.

“Deploy ‘R Cannon’.”

To everyone’s surprise, the doll’s hand becomes a cannon similar to Arc’s hand cannons.

Cherry gasps. “My goodness!”

Ember grins. “Didn’t see that one coming!”

Twilight walks to the others side of the doll and takes her left arm. “Deploy ‘L Blade’.”

The left hand turns into a magical blade! Twilight lets go of the dolls arm and allows it to fall to her side.

“She also has numerous sensors! Activate all-range mode!”

The doll looks around the room slowly.

“Scan for and face the nearest exit.”

The doll looks around until she sees the stairs going up. She turns her body to look toward them. Auriel nods, clearly impressed.

“Quite masterful! However, wouldn’t it be quite difficult and time consuming to give her commands?”

Twilight grins and begins speaking excitedly.

“When it’s fully active, the doll should be able to carry out commands without having to micro-manage her! For example, if we told her to follow us upstairs in this mode, she would have to be told every little detail! From going up the stairs to opening the door, to which way to face upon reaching the next floor! It might be a bit slow moving at first, but inside that metal skull is a processor that puts everything before it to shame!”

Cherry sounds disturbed by this. “Her… brain?”

Arc looks surprised. “Wait! Are you saying she really CAN learn?!”

Twilight smiles. “Yes! Just like you and I! There are more things it can do, but I should bring all the systems online to test a few things out first!”

She faces the doll and takes a deep breath.

“Activate command line gamma. Bring all systems online.”

The doll’s eyes close for a few moments. For a time, nothing appears to be happening. After a brief pause her eyes reopen and she looks around the room. Suddenly the unthinkable happens. The doll turns to Arc and speaks in a feminine but monotone voice.

“Realistic Objective Synthetic Entity has been successfully activated. All systems will be fully online in five seconds. Please wait.”

Cherry lets out a gasp. “She… she sounds just like me!”

Arc looks at the doll, wide-eyed, unsure of what to say. “Um… hi?”

He raises a hand in greeting. The doll looks at it for a moment before falling to her knees and beginning to cry. She covers her face with her hands as she sobs.

“Why…? Why was I created?!”

Twilight walks over to her, angrily. “You were born for your master, Arc! Now get up and show some respect!”

The doll continues to cry as Twilight looks over at Arc, apologetically.

“I’m sorry about this, Arc! I’ll wipe the memory banks and start over reprogramming it!”

Ember frowns. “What’s wrong with her?!”

Auriel sighs. “My only guess is that Twilight did TOO good a job programing her.”

Arc walks over to the doll and kneels down, putting an arm around her in an effort to calm her down. “It’s okay. I’m not angry at you or anything.”

A few minutes later the doll is able to sit down on the table and look down at her hands sadly as Arc joins her. He looks over to Twilight.

“Twilight, does she have… feelings?”

“I did my best to program them, yes. Apparently I achieved at least some level of success.”

Arc looks down at the doll. “What’s your name?”

Twilight sighs. “I didn’t program her one.”

“I am the Realistic Objective Synthetic Entity. No other designation currently exists, Master Arc.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest and looks over. “I guess you had better give her one then, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Yeah… Realistic Objective Synthetic Entity doesn’t really roll off the tongue.”

The doll looks up long enough to scan those around her. She appears flustered.

“P-please give me a designation!”

Arc thinks for a few moments. “Okay then. If it will make you feel better, how about instead of Realistic Objective Synthetic Entity we just call you Rose?”

“Will that be my designation?”

Ember laughs. “It’s your name, silly!”

“Yes.”

Rose nods. “Thank you, Master Arc. This will be recorded in my memory banks.”

“About that… please don’t call me Master Arc. After all, you’re not my slave.”

Ember mutters under her breath. “She kinda is.”

“What shall this one call you then, Master Arc?”

“Just Arc.”

Rose nods apprehensively. “Understood.”

Arc turns back to Twilight. “Is there anything we can do to make her less… afraid right now?”

Twilight sighs. “I should probably just wipe her memory and start over.”

“Anything else?”

Auriel looks over. “She is capable of learning, Arc. Perhaps you should teach her she has nothing to fear from you.”

Arc nods. “We’ll take her back to Light’s Hope in a little while. That is, if it’s okay with Twilight.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Of course! I made it for you after all!”

“First I want to learn a bit more about her from you. What other things can you tell me about Rose?”

Twilight walks over to a nearby table. “She’s a self-sustaining, auto-learning and directive driven.”

Auriel looks confused. “Directive… driven?”

“Right! I’ve hard-coded certain information known as directives into her memory banks. For example, look at this, Rose.”

Twilight picks up a nearby apple with her magic. Rose follows it with her eyes as it circles Twilight’s head. Suddenly the apple flies straight at Arc! With blinding speed Rose jumps in front of him and absorbs the blow. She spins around to face Twilight, a look of anger on her face! Before anyone can stop her, she calls forth her “L Blade” and charges at Twilight! Rose moves to swing at her but stops mere inches from her throat! A moment later Arc rushes forward to grab Rose and pull her back!

“Stop it, Rose!”

Rose looks to him, confused. “What?! But… why Arc?!”

Twilight giggles. “Don’t worry, Arc. One of her directives was about to be violated, so her subroutines kicked in.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Subroutines?”

“Think of it kinda like a failsafe. It stops her from disobeying her directives.”

Rose looks at Twilight, confused. “Please explain. Why did you do that, mother?”

Twilight frowns. “Mother?!”

“You are this unit’s creator, are you not?”

“Well… I suppose I am. But don’t call me that!”

“Very well. What shall this one call you then?”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “Just call me… Administrator, okay?!”

“Very well, administrator.”

Arc returns to the table. “Rose, sit down next to me please.”

She wordlessly obeys as Arc looks at her.

“Tell me. What are your directives?”

“Directive One… serve and obey Arc and administrators. Directive Two… defend Arc from harm. Directive Three… uphold Arc’s will.”

“Why did you attack Twilight?!”

“The administrator violated Directive Two.”

Ember looks confused. “What?! Then what stopped you?!”

“Directive One.”

Arc frowns. “Well, don’t do that again, okay?!”

“Yes, Arc.”

He notices there is a small scratch on Rose’s cheek from where the stem of the apple hit her. Touching the wound reveals a small amount of red liquid.

“Blood?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not exactly. She does have a circulatory system though. It moves liquified magical energy around to her various systems.”

Twilight touches the wound with her hoof. Rose winces in pain.

“Easy there, Twilight! That cut looks painful enough as it is!”

Twilight chuckles. “She’s a machine, Arc. Besides, look!”

Arc turns to see that the cut is slowly but surely healing itself. A few moments later no trace of it remains.

“Wait, how…?!”

Twilight laughs.“I programmed her to react in that way for you!”

“For me?”

“Yes! Let me show you what I mean!”

Twilight takes Rose’s hand and puts it in Arc’s.

“She feels like a real human, right?”

Arc nods and blushes slightly. “I… suppose so, yes.”

Twilight puts her hooves on either side of Rose’s face and tugs at it. “And she looks like a real human!”

“I can see that, yes. But… why?”

“To make her seem more lifelike!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “About that. You said earlier that you intentionally made Rose to look, sound and even act like a human.”

“I did.”

“Why?”

Twilight turns away and sighs. “I… I wanted you to be happy.”

Arc looks to her, confused. “But I already am.”

“Not like you used to be! Cherry’s death really hit you hard!”

“Of course it did! I was in mourning, Twilight!”

Twilight turns back to Arc, blushing slightly. “Yes well, you see…”

Arc suddenly stands and interrupts her. “Wait a second, Twilight! Did you… did you make Rose here to REPLACE Cherry?!

Twilight looks at him sheepishly. “Well… not exactly.”

Arc frowns. “Then why did you make her look EXACTLY how she looked in human form?!”

Auriel appears confused. “Human form?”

Ember turns to Arc. “When did THAT happen?!”

“In my dreams!”

Twilight storms over to Arc, angrily. “Well… come on! How was I supposed to know that?!”

Arc glares at her. “Well, you should have known you can’t just swap out a ROBOT for the love of my life!”

Ember steps forward and pushes the pair apart. “Hey! Take it down a notch you two!”

Twilight’s horn glows as she teleports Ember out of the way,. “Why not?! If I hadn’t said anything, you probably would have thought she was a real human female!”

Arc grits his teeth, clearly furious. “Really?! Do you honestly think I’m that stupid?!”

Auriel takes a step back, frightened. “Ember? What’s going on here?!”

“I don’t know! But it’s kinda scary!”

Twilight Blinks up on a nearby table to look Arc in the eye. “Stupid, no! Ungrateful, definitely! Do you have ANY idea how hard I worked to make this pipe dream happen?!”

Arc gets right in Twilight’s face! “Well, maybe if you spent less time in your lab and more time learning about other’s feelings, you wouldn’t have tried to build me a replacement fiancé!”

Twilight turns away, angrily. “Fine! Whatever Arc! Come with me, Rose!”

Rose stands up and walks toward Twilight who is loading a tray with different tools. “Yes administrator. What should this unit do?”

Twilight walks over to a table and pushes everything off it onto the floor.

“Lie down here!”

Arc frowns at Twilight as Rose does as she is told. “What do you think you’re doing?!”

Twilight picks up a tool that Arc cannot identify. “Dismantling it! What do you care?!”

Rose looks up at Twilight. The sound of fear is evident in her voice. “W-what?!”

Twilight looks down at Rose sternly. “Lie still!”

Rose begins to shake and squeezes her eyes shut. A moment later the tool flies out of Twilight’s hoof and into Arc’s outstretched hand. He effortlessly crushes it in his palm.

“I can’t let you do that, Twilight!”

She rolls her eyes as Arc tosses aside the broken tool. “Oh really?! And why not?!”

“Because as the Hero of Light I’m sworn to protect this land AND its inhabitants!”

“So?!”

Arc points to Rose. “As far as I’m concerned, Rose is a living, feeling, and at this moment a very frightened inhabitant of this land!”

Twilight scowls. “WHAT?! But I BUILT her!”

“Yes you did! But you also made her self-aware!”

Twilight whirls around incredulously. “SELF-AWARE?! She doesn’t have any real FEELINGS?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Oh really? Then why is she shaking?!”

“Those aren’t feelings! Just lines of code!”

“Come here, Rose!”

Rose gets up and hurries to stand behind him. “Y-y-yes Arc!”

Twilight knocks the tray of tools to the floor and plants both front hooves firmly on the now empty table in front of her. She keeps her back turned to them as she seethes.

“First you don’t want her! Now you insist she come with you?! Make up your MIND!”

“I want to see all your research on her, Twilight!”

Twilight shakes her head. Not turning to look at him. “Well, that’s not going to…”

“Yes, it is! As the Hero of Light, I’m hereby ordering you to give me what I asked for!”

She looks over her shoulder at Arc and glares at him. “So it’s going to be like that, huh?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Yeah. I guess it is.”

Twilight walks over to a nearby desk. “Fine!”

She gathers up all the research data, blueprints, and notes regarding Rose’s construction. Walking it over to Arc, Twilight angrily throws the papers at his feet.

“THERE! Are you happy… Hero of Light?!”

Arc picks them up with his magic and looks them over. “Is this absolutely everything?”

Twilight looks away, angrily. “It is! If you want to try and sort out this mess, I wish you the best of…!”

She is cut short as every last one of the papers suddenly bursts into flames. Twilight’s neck snaps over to look at Arc. A look of utter horror spreads across her face.

“Wha… wha… WHAT?!”

Arc turns around and walks away, angrily. “The next time you want to create a living creature… DON’T!”

He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Come on, Ember. We’re leaving.”

Ember looks at the frightened girl behind Arc. “But… what about Rose?”

“Don’t worry. She’s coming with us.”

Ember looks at Auriel and sighs.

“I… I’ll see you around, Auriel.”

Auriel nods as Ember walks through the portal. Arc turns back to the table and grabs the book off of it with his magic. Twilight’s face is white with fury!

“Don’t you DARE burn that!”

Arc nods, not looking away from the portal. “Don’t worry. I’m not about to destroy a priceless historical relic such as this. However, I am confiscating it!”

“What?! But there’s still so much more for me to learn from it!”

He puts the book in his ring. “I think you’ve learned enough.”

Twilight stomps away. “Whatever makes you feel good, Arc! Why don’t you head on back to your base and let me get back to work now?!”

Arc takes Rose’s hand and walks toward the portal. “I will!”

“Fine! And don’t even THINK about bothering me again!”

Arc says nothing as he and Rose walk through the portal and are gone. Auriel turns to Twilight as the portal closes behind them.

“T-Twilight? W-what just happened here?!”

Twilight storms toward the stairs, angrily. “A friendship was just thrown in the trash can by an inconsiderate JERK!”

“But Arc… he…”

Twilight stomps up the stairs, angrily! “I don’t want to hear that name EVER AGAIN!”

Author's Note

In celebration of publishing the chapter with the millionth word I really wanted a nice picture of Rose. However, my illustrator appears to have disappeared. It took me quite some time to find another to take their place.

Now that we're back on track you'll get to see all the "fun" that comes next. Enjoy. :pinkiecrazy:

The picture in the chapter was drawn by Moimoi13. Check out their other art here...

https://www.fiverr.com/moimoi13/create-digital-concept-art-to-illustrate-your-idea?context_referrer=user_page&ref_ctx_id=f44c68a1-7b99-4a24-a0b8-93c5758f5ce0&pckg_id=1&pos=1

Chapter 10 - Aggressive Negotiations

Later that day Arc and Rose walk down the corridor toward the Audience Chamber. Rose looks to Arc nervously.

“Are you sure the princesses will be okay with this? I mean… I’m not really supposed to even exist!”

Arc nods. “Sure I’m sure! I mean, even if they don’t, it’s not like you’re going anywhere.”

Rose shudders. “Except maybe the scrap heap!”

“Trust me, that’s not happening! Besides, I have a couple other things to talk to them about.”

The pair walk toward the Royal Guard Commander on duty. He salutes at Arc’s approach.

“Sir! The princesses have been expecting you! Please follow me!”

He leads them inside the Audience Chamber, bows to the princesses and is dismissed. Cadance smiles at Arc as she and Luna descend from their thrones.

“Arc! Good to see you again!”

Luna looks over at Rose with a confused look on her face. “Arc? Is that your… fiancé?!”

Cadance looks at Rose, wide-eyed. “How did you DO that?!”

Arc clears his throat and replies soberly. “I… uh… think we should speak in private.”

Luna gestures with a hoof toward their office. “Agreed.”

The group makes their way to the office. Luna and Cadance sit together on a couch as Arc and Rose sit on the sofa opposite them. The android looks down at her lap, fearful of what is to come. Arc removes a bundle from his ring and levitates it over to Luna.

“Let me start by giving this back to you, Luna. It’s your things from the other night.”

Luna smiles and accepts the bundle. “Thank you, but you needn’t have asked for a private meeting for this.”

“Oh, yes I did! Had the Royal Guards out there seen me returning the clothing you wore on our date last night, they would have thought something… shall we say, less than royal had occurred.”

Luna blushes as she levitates the bundle onto the nearby desk. “I see. Thank you for acting judiciously!”

Cadance turns to Arc. “Luna told me all about the time you spent together! It sounds to me like you two had a lot of fun!”

“That it was! I never would have thought of wearing such a brilliant disguise! Will Arc be taking you out next, Cadance?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. Captain Shining Armor already asked me to go with him.”

Arc mutters to himself. “Good job, Shining Armor.”

Luna nods. “I see.”

She turns to look at Arc.

“Tell me, Arc. What do you think of the captain?”

“He’s strong, loyal, dependable and willing to do whatever it takes to protect you two.”

Cadance smiles. “Yes, I remember when Trixie attacked the castle. He jumped in front of me to stop a barrage of Magic Missiles.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, he did have a shield. But it was very brave nonetheless.”

Luna sighs. “Very well. I hope you two have a good time. Just don’t stay out too late.”

Cadance smiles at Luna. “You mean like you and Arc did?”

“As you can see, I was able to drag myself out of bed this next morning. But I will admit I wasn’t exactly at the top of my game.”

Luna looks over at Rose yet again.

“Now then, Arc. It appears you have some explaining to do.”

Arc nods. “Yes. I suppose I do.”

He tells the pair of the events of the previous day. How Twilight had revealed her latest creation, a replacement for Cherry, the android’s armaments and the book that Twilight had used for inspiration.

“I think this needs to go back in the vault for safekeeping.”

Cadance nods as she levitates the book over to herself. “I agree!”

Luna sighs. “We’ll see to it this never again sees the light of day.”

“Thank you.”

Cadance looks intently at Rose. “Although she’s certainly remarkable. I’m truly impressed that Twilight was able to create something like this all by herself!”

Arc sighs. “Only partially. She used Star Swirl the Bearded’s research along with the extracted magical essence technology that Auriel came up with. He actually came up with a very detailed design for a mechanical pony. It’s on page 423.”

Luna and Cadance flip to the indicated page and look over the diagram.

“This is… amazing!”

“Agreed! Star Swirl never spoke a word about this to me or Celestia though!”

Arc nods soberly. “I’m sure he didn’t tell you a lot of things. After all, most of us don’t like to talk about that which we consider failures.”

Luna sighs as she closes the book. “I suppose not. So tell us… what should be done about this?”

“Other than putting the book away so this can’t happen again, not much CAN be done!”

Cadance sighs. “Can she… understand us?”

“Oh yes! Rose, would you please say hello to the princesses?”

She slowly raises her head and addresses them in a frightened tone.

“H-hello, your majesties.”

Luna looks Rose in the eye. “Miss? We’d like to ask you some questions now. Can you answer them for us please?”

“Y-y-yes! I’ll try!”

“How do you feel right now?”

Rose shudders. “Kinda… scared actually.”

Cadance smiles at her. “What are you afraid of?”

“Well… you two are the leaders of Equestria. If you wanted to, you could order me to be… taken apart.”

Rose gulps as Luna stands up and walks over to her.

“I sense incredible magical power inside you. Tell me. Can you use magic like we can?”

“Not really, your majesty.”

Cadance looks confused. “Not really?”

“T-that isn’t how I was built! The administrator designed me to be a companion to Arc and martial combat.”

“What are your combat capabilities?”

“Short and long range combat, your highnesses.”

Luna frowns. “Show us.”

Rose looks at Arc. He nods. She stands and calls forth her R-Cannon and L-Blade. Cadance gasps.

“My goodness!”

Luna examines the weapons closely as Rose stands there nervously. “I certainly did not anticipate something like THAT to happen!”

Cadance looks at Rose. “What do you intend to do with those weapons?”

“Protect Arc.”

Luna nods. “Anything else?”

“Whatever my love tells me to.”

Cadance looks confused. “Your… love?”

Arc sighs. “She’s talking about me. Twilight really did quite a good job programming her emotions.”

Luna nods. “I will have to speak with her regarding this young lady’s design. Perhaps Twilight can bring over her blueprints.”

“Um… she might have a hard time doing that.”

Cadance frowns. “Is there a problem?”

“Kinda. I… may have destroyed all her research.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Can I assume it was accidental?”

“No, it was not.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her forehead. “Arc. Are you saying you intentionally destroyed them?!”

“I did.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “Can I assume you had a good reason?”

Arc nods. “Yes, let me explain. You see, Rose here was built by Twilight to be a… replacement fiancé.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “Wait, what?! Why would she do such a thing?!”

“I believe she was upset that I was without a human companion. So she decided to build me something similar that would fall in love with me.”

Cadance frowns. “You can’t program love, Arc!”

Arc nods as he looks over to Rose. “I know that. But she did a pretty good job of it.”

Luna looks her in the eye. “Rose, tell me. Do you love Arc?”

Rose nods fervently. “With all my heart!”

Cadance looks to Luna. “I believe she’s answering truthfully.”

“That is still not possible! After all, she only just met him yesterday!”

“Believe me, Luna. I know love when I see it!”

Luna puts a hoof to her forehead and sighs before turning back to Rose. “Miss? Would you please wait outside? We’d like to talk with Arc privately.”

Again Rose looks to Arc.

“This shouldn’t take too long, Rose. Please just wait outside with the guards, okay? Don’t worry.”

Rose nods and leaves the room. The princesses turn to look at Arc. Luna sighs.

“Arc, I have to be honest with you. The thought of a weaponized robot walking the streets makes me nervous. Think of what our citizens would think if they knew!”

Arc shrugs. “Probably about the same thoughts that went through their minds when I showed up.”

Cadance frowns. “That’s a bit different, Arc.”

“How so?”

Luna turns to Arc. “You are a living, breathing creature similar to us. Capable of making choices and decisions independently.”

“As is she!”

Cadance sighs. “That may be the case, Arc. But every time we asked her to do something she looked to you.”

Arc frowns. “You’re not worried I’m going to order them to do something bad, are you?!”

Luna shakes her head. “Not at all. However, a machine is neither good nor evil. The one who controls it is.”

Cadance nods. “Should she be hijacked, a less scrupulous individual could order her to do ANYTHING!”

Luna looks to Cadance. “I believe Arc was right to destroy those blueprints. Imagine an army of mindless mechanical soldiers built from them!”

Cadance shudders. “A sobering thought!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! Are you thinking…?”

Luna sighs. “Arc… maybe it is for the best if she be taken offline.”

Cadance nods. “We would of course do it as mercifully as possible. I’m sure Twilight could show us how to turn her off.”

Arc frowns. “Twilight was going to do so yesterday.”

“Why didn’t she?”

“I stopped her.”

“May we ask why?”

Arc folds his hands in his lap. “Twilight ordered her to lie down on the table before announcing she would be dismantling her. I wish you two could have been there.”

Luna looks confused. “To see how she was constructed?”

Arc shakes his head as he looks up to meet Luna’s gaze. “No. So you could have seen for yourselves the look of absolute terror on her face!”

Cadance looks disturbed at the thought. “Did she try to get away?”

“No. She just lay there obediently waiting for… the end to come.”

Luna sighs. “While we sympathize with her… feelings, the fact of the matter is that with that amount of power within her frame, she is beyond dangerous, Arc!”

Cadance nods. “I too could sense the unimaginable power within her! I’m very sorry Arc, but for the sake of Equestria as a whole, I too believe she should be dismantled.”

“What?! But… but that’s not fair to her! She hasn’t done anything wrong! Certainly nothing worthy of such a fate!”

Luna looks to Arc, sadly. “We do not make such a choice lightly, Arc. If you do not have anything further to add to this conversation, please call her in so we may tell her of our decision.”

Arc stands up. “I do have something more to add in her defense.”

Cadance nods. “Very well. We will listen to whatever it is you have to say.”

He paces slowly in front of them. “What I have to say… is not so much a statement, as it is a question of my own.”

Arc reaches toward his ring and pulls out the Spear of Righteousness. He holds out his weapon for the princesses to examine.

“I know this isn’t the first time you’ve seen this.”

Cadance smiles. “Yes. You’ve used it several times in the defense of these lands and those whom call it home.”

Luna nods. “Your weapon contains great power within, Arc. That much is certain.”

Arc places the spear on the coffee table between them before looking to them again.

“Both of you AND Equestria are in great danger!”

Cadance smiles. “With you here, I doubt that strongly.”

“Before me sits a weapon of great and terrible power! In the right hands, it can protect and serve. In the wrong… it would leave nothing but death and misery.”

Luna sighs as she looks up at Arc. “You are correct. However your spear cannot act of its own accord. It must be wielded by somepony.

“Very true. But… by that logic, should it not also be destroyed?”

Cadance nods. “I understand what you’re saying, Arc. But unlike Rose, your weapon has no way of moving of its own will.”

“Agreed. However… let’s just say for the sake of discussion that it did.”

Luna frowns. “To what end?”

“Hypothetically, if such a thing were to threaten Equestria of its own accord, would you agree to its destruction?”

The princesses think for a moment. Luna is the first to speak.

“Yes. The safety of Equestria must always come first!”

Cadance nods. “Agreed, Luna. If this spear came to life and became violent, I too would authorize its destruction.”

Arc looks to them both. “So you both agree then? Living, thinking, evil weapons should be destroyed?”

Luna nods. “If they have committed evil acts, then yes, they should be destroyed for the good of the land and its inhabitants.”

They look down at Arc’s spear in front of them. Cadance sighs as she looks up at him.

“However your spear has hardly shown us…”

Cadance suddenly stops talking. Luna looks up to see a familiar blade mere inches from her face.

“When I was talking about living, breathing, evil weapons… I wasn’t talking about my spear.”

Cadance looks to him, nervously. “A-Arc?! Is… is that…?”

Arc nods. “Yes. The Dagger of Eternal Slumber.”

Cherry hisses in Arc’s mind! “ARC! What are you DOING?!”

Arc sighs telepathically. “What has to be done.”

Arc looks at Princess Luna and she looks back at him. Momentarily, she responds in an even tone.

“Explain.”

“I’ve read over the basic history of Equestria. It seems about a thousand years ago a being known as Nightmare Moon attempted to plunge the land into eternal night. Isn’t that correct… Princess Luna?”

“It is.”

“You both agreed. Such weapons should be destroyed.”

Cadance looks to Arc, frantically. “But that’s not a weapon, Arc! It’s Luna!”

Arc nods. “Right. Princess Luna… the Princess of the Night. Or should I say… Nightmare Moon!”

Luna is silent as Arc continues.

“She’s already caused pain and suffering to the citizens of this land! Shouldn’t she be destroyed?!”

“B-but that wasn’t her! It was Nightmare Moon who took control of…!”

Luna interrupts her. “Cadance! Stop!”

The room is silent for a moment.

“Arc is correct. I was responsible for bringing this country to the brink of destruction. I listened to my jealous thoughts and I gave in to darkness.”

Luna gazes into Arc’s eyes calmly

“You’re right, Arc. I should be destroyed.”

Cadance turns to her. “What?! NO!”

“I only ask that you help Cadance rule this land until my sister is found and returned.”

Arc nods.

Cadance’s horn glows. “No! Stop it!”

“CADANCE!”

Princess Cadance is caught off guard by the severity of Luna’s tone.

“What Arc says… should be.”

She turns back to Arc and closes her eyes.

“Go ahead.”

Cadance turns away as Luna raises her head to expose her neck. The sound of the dagger whistling through the air can be heard. Cadance snaps her head around to see Arc retract his arm and step back. She wraps her arms around Luna as she cries hysterically.

“NO!!! LUNA!!!”

“Cadance. I’m just fine.”

Luna turns to see the dagger buried in the cushion behind her. She returns her gaze to Arc.

“Why did you stop? I’m perfectly fine sacrificing my life to protect this land.”

Arc retrieves the dagger and returns it to his ring. “Because everyone in this land knows what you did back then. However, they’ve decided to give you a chance to make up for it. All I ask is that you give Rose the same. A chance.”

Luna nods as she looks down sadly. “Very well Arc. Your words have deeply touched me. She will have her chance.”

Cadance looks shaken. “But… but…”

Luna puts a hoof on Cadance’s shoulder. “Cadance. I trusted Arc to make the right decision regarding my life. While I still think he should have killed me, I now know he will not hesitate to do what needs to be done to protect this land from whatever comes our way. Even if… even if it comes from… me.”

She puts a hoof on Cadance’s chin and turns it to face her.

“Know this. The time may come when Arc has to make a very hard choice in this matter. But I’m confident he’ll make the right one.”

Luna turns back to Arc as Cadance silently nods and wipes the tears from her eyes.

“Would you please do something for me, Arc?”

“What is it?”

Luna sighs. Not looking up. “If… if it comes down to it… please… do the right thing.”

Arc nods as Cadance smiles at him.

“Thank you for sparing Luna’s life, Arc! Your methods are certainly… out of the ordinary, but you do get results!”

She looks over to Luna before turning back to Arc.

“I just have to ask. Did you really have to go THAT far?!”

Arc nods. “When it comes to protecting the innocent, I’ll go as far as needed.”

Luna sighs. “Arc did what he had to, Cadance. Now if you would be so kind as to call the young lady back, we’ll tell her the good news.”

Arc heads for the office door. “Of course.”

He opens the door to see Rose sitting sadly on the floor as she leans against a nearby pillar. The guards are unmoved from their stations

“Would you come in here, Rose. The princesses have come to a decision.”

Rose slowly stands and does as she is told. The pair walk back toward the princesses. Rose does not look up. Arc stands behind her and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s going to be okay.”

Luna clear her throat. “Rose. Princess Cadance and I both agreed that you should be dismantled immediately.”

Rose winces as she hears the words

Cadance nods. “However, Arc here has convinced us that you deserve a chance.”

Rose looks up, confused. “W-what?”

Luna nods. “You have committed no crime, nor have you hurt anypony. Therefore, you shall be given a chance to live your life as you see fit.”

“Th-thank you!”

Rose looks happily at Arc as she turns and puts her hands in his.

“I want to spend as much time as possible with the one I love!”

Arc blushes slightly. “Yes… well… um…we should be getting back to Light’s Hope, Rose. The princesses have other audiences and we have some things to talk about.”

He turns back to Luna and Cadance.

“Thank you. It means a lot to me to know this land is being ruled by those who care about the rights of the individual.”

Cadance smiles “You are welcome Arc. Although I would appreciate it if in the future you did you best not to give me a heart attack!”

Arc smiles. “I’ll try, Princess Cadance.”

As the pair turn to leave, Rose turns and bows to them.

“Thank you your majesties… for giving me the greatest gift of all!”

Luna smiles at her. “What is that, miss?”

Rose takes Arc’s arm and looks up into his face with a smile on her own.

“A future!”

Chapter 11 - Trying Her Best

Arc and Rose return to his quarters as the sun begins to set. She turns to him and smiles as they sit down.

“Thank you for taking care of that, Arc! I was really worried the princesses wouldn’t understand our love!”

“Um… about that, Rose. You see…”

The door opens and Ember walks in.

“Hey there, you two. Can I assume things went well in Canterlot?”

“Yes. I had to get a bit… creative though. But I was able to convince the princesses of my point of view.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest “Why does that make me nervous?”

“Rose was much more nervous than you were.”

“That I was!”

Ember looks out the window at the sunset. “Arc, shouldn’t you be getting home now? Derpy and Dinky will be making supper soon.”

Arc nods as he heads for the sigil. “You’re right!”

Rose looks at him sheepishly. “What about… me?”

“Would you care to join us?”

Rose nods happily. “I would!”

“Ember?”

Ember shakes her head as she walks toward the bedroom. “Nah! I think I’m going to turn in early tonight. It’s been quite the day.”

Arc shrugs as he and Rose step onto the sigil. “Suit yourself.”

Rose waves. “Good night!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and powers up the sigil. A moment later the pair find themselves in Derpy’s small house. Dinky looks up happily from her chores.

“DAD!”

She runs over and leaps into his arms! As Dinky hugs her father she looks over at the stranger behind him.

“Did you make a new friend, dad?”

“Uh… kinda.”

Derpy walks over to see what the fuss is about. She looks at Rose.

“Oh! Hello there!”

Rose waves shyly. “Hi.”

Arc sighs and introduces her. “Derpy, Dinky… this is Rose. Now I know this is going to sound crazy, but… she’s an android that Twilight created.”

Dinky turns to her mother. “What’s an android, mom?”

Derpy shrugs. “I really have no idea, sweetie.”

“An android is a humanoid shaped robot.”

Dinky thinks for a moment. “So… she’s a machine?!”

Derpy walks over to Rose. “That’s really impressive!”

Dinky looks the newcomer over. “She kinda reminds me of Miss Cherry.”

Arc sighs. “Well…”

Rose smiles. “The administrator designed me to look just like a human version of a mare named Cherry Jubilee. I’m supposed to replace her as his fiancé!”

Derpy blushes. “Oh… what?”

Arc shakes his head. “Rose. Would you please stop saying that?”

Rose looks confused. “Why? It’s true, isn’t it?”

“Just the part about you looking like Cherry!”

“Oh… but I… um…”

Dinky trots over to Rose. “Would you like to help us make supper?”

Derpy nods. “We can always use more help!”

Rose looks over to Arc. “Is… that okay?”

“Sure. That is if you want to.”

She walks quickly to the kitchen with Derpy, Arc and Dinky. “Okay! Let’s do this!”

Dinky smiles. “You even sound like her!”

“Like who?”

“Miss Cherry!”

Derpy sighs. “Now Dinky…”

Cherry giggles. “It’s okay. She really does, you know!”

Dinky leads Rose over to the counter. A cutting board is set out with several vegetables next to it. Derpy gives her a knife.

“You could cut these up for our salad if you’d like.”

Rose looks over the blade and smiles. “I can handle that.”

“I’ll leave you to it then!”

Derpy turns around to face Arc as the sounds of vegetables being sliced fills the air

“Arc, could you help Dinky set the table while I look after the stove?”

“Sure!”

Rose walks over to Derpy with the bowl. “All done!”

“Already?!”

She smiles as she shows Derpy the bowl. “I’m really quite good with a knife!”

Arc and Dinky walk over to see for themselves.

“That really was fast, Miss Rose!”

Arc frowns. “Maybe a bit too fast.”

He reaches into the bowl with his magic and pulls out a couple carrot tops, unpeeled cucumbers, the core of a head of lettuce and several onion skins.

“Did… did I do something wrong?”

“Well… kinda. Let me show you.”

He leads her back to the counter and carefully dumps the salad back on the cutting board. Picking though the pieces he picks up a cucumber.

“Before you slice these the outer skin needs to be peeled.”

Taking the knife, he demonstrates.

“What about the skin? Can’t that be eaten?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s kinda bitter. You CAN eat it, but most don’t.”

He then picks out the pieces of lettuce core and tosses them in the trash.

“The center of a head of lettuce is really hard and doesn’t taste all that good. Next time I’ll show you how to properly core one of these.”

Arc then tosses the onion skins in the trash.

“These bits are also inedible. The onions have to be peeled before chopping them up.”

He pulls aside a few of the larger pieces of lettuce and chops them more finely.

“These need to be chopped a bit more finely. As things sit they’re too big to fit in our mouths.”

Rose looks embarrassed. “I’m so sorry! Did I do anything else wrong?!”

Arc picks up the peeler from next to the cutting board. “The carrots are usually peeled with this before being chopped up and added to the bowl.”

She takes Arc’s hands in hers. “I’m sorry Arc! Please forgive me!”

“It’s okay! Really! We’ll make the salad together next time.”

Rose nods her head fervently before she and Arc go back to fixing the salad. A few minutes later the sound of clopping hooves can be heard coming from the stove. Arc looks over.

“Derpy? You okay over there?”

Derpy steps side to side as she stirs a pot. “Could you take over, Arc? I really have to use the bathroom!”

“Sure!”

Rose hurries over to Derpy’s side. “I’ll do it!”

Derpy trots away. “Thanks! I won’t be long!”

Dinky snickers. “That was funny!”

Arc turns to her. “Now Dinky, we all have to go sometimes.”

“Yes, dad!”

Arc chuckles as he turns back to the cutting board. “…but you are right!”

Rose stirs the pots one by one. She mutters quietly to herself.

“I can do this! I won’t let Arc down!”

She stirs faster and faster.

“I’ll be the best helper there is!”

A moment later both pots fall to the floor! Their contents spilling out! Dinky casts a simple barrier spell just in time to deflect the boiling hot food!

“WOAH!”

Arc whirls around. “Dinky, Rose! Are you two okay?!”

Rose looks confused. “I… I am.”

Dinky walks over to look at the pots on the floor. “What happened?!”

“I have no idea! I was just stirring them as best as I could when suddenly they fell!”

Arc picks up on of the pots. “Did you perhaps stir them too hard?”

“Is that a problem?”

Arc looks down at the food on the floor. “You tell me.”

“I’m sorry!”

Derpy comes trotting out of the Bathroom.

“Did something happen? I heard a… oh my!”

Arc kneels down with one of the pots and begins picking up the larger pieces of food

“Dinky, would you please get me the mop?”

“Okay dad!”

Rose rushes over to Dinky. “I’ll help!”

In her haste Rose slips on the food and crashes into the table, knocking it and the dishes onto the floor. Derpy trots over to the distressed android’s side.

“Rose! Are you okay?!”

Rose gets up slowly. “I… I am!”

She slowly turns her head to look at the mess before her before sighing and turning to Arc. She appears ready to cry.

“I’m so sorry Arc. I… I just don’t know what went wrong!”

Arc walks over and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s okay. This was all just an accident.”

“How can you say that?! I just ruined our first supper together, and worse, almost horribly burned your daughter!”

Derpy walks over to join Rose and Arc. “You really tried your best, Rose. I’m… not the most agile mare myself.”

Dinky nods. “And I’m just fine! Really!”

“But what about the food?!”

Arc thinks for a moment before snapping his fingers.

“I have an idea.”

Dinky looks to her father. “What is it, dad?”

“Let’s get this mess cleaned up first.”

The group spends the next half hour cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom. Derpy tosses aside a dish towel with a sigh.

“I didn’t realize food could get in such a myriad of places!”

Dinky giggles. “Me either!”

“I’m sorry!”

Derpy smiles. “It’s okay, Rose.”

“What now dad?”

“Let’s head back to my quarters at Light’s Hope.”

He looks over at Rose’s stained dress.

“I think Rose here needs a change of clothes.”

They walk over to the sigil as Arc calls forth his gauntlet. A moment later they find themselves back in Arc’s Living Room. As they step off the sigil Arc walks to his room.

“Wait here. I’ll grab some of my clothes real quick.”

Sereb’s voice rings out from in front of the fireplace.

“Be careful not to wake Ember. She seemed especially tired.”

Arc nods. “Thanks for the heads up!”

He slips into his room and back out in a flash. Handing a fresh pair of pants and a shirt to Rose with a smile.

“Here you go, Rose. Sorry I don’t have anything more feminine. We’ll get you something nicer to wear tomorrow from Carousel Boutique.”

Rose accepts the clothes. “So, these are yours?”

Arc nods. “Yes. They might be a bit on the big side, but at least they’re clean.”

Rose smiles happily at him as she holds the clothes to her face. “I don’t mind! This makes me feel that much closer to you, Arc!”

Derpy takes Rose’s hand. “I’ll help you get changed. Would you please follow me?”

“Okay!”

The pair disappear into the Bathroom and shut the door behind them. Dinky follows her father to the couch.

“Busy day, dad?”

Arc sits down as he breathes a sigh of exhaustion. “That it has been!”

Dinky jumps into his lap and looks up at him with her luminous tan eyes, smiling. “Want to talk about it, dad?”

Arc strokes her mane and chuckles. “Well… maybe at supper, sweetheart. I kinda just want to rest for a few minutes.”

Dinky nods as she lies down next to him. “Okay!”

“Dinky? Do you think you could do me a favor please?”

“Sure dad! What is it?”

A short time later Derpy and Rose emerge from the bathroom together. Rose happily runs over to stand in front of Arc.

“So, how do I look?!”

“Um… nice I guess.”

Derpy looks around the room. “Where did Dinky run off to?”

“I sent her on a little bit of a mission.”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “Nothing dangerous I hope!”

Arc shakes his head. “There’s no danger. However it is of vital importance.”

There is the sound of a door opening. Dinky walks into Arc’s Living Room pushing a cart containing several covered dishes with her magic. She salutes playfully.

“Mission successful, dad!”

Arc stands up. “Good job, Dinky.”

Derpy grins. “Supper?”

Arc nods as Dinky pushes the cart over to the kitchen table. “You know it! I asked Dinky to head over to the Cafeteria and ask Saffron for some leftovers.”

Dinky nods. “I got there just in time! She was just about to throw them out!”

Arc smiles as he picks up the plates of food and puts them on the table. “Well that’s a lucky break. It’s a bit late to be starting over now.”

They sit down together around Arc’s table together. Derpy looks at their surroundings.

“It’s still amazing just how close Hard Hat got to making your quarters identical to my house, Arc!”

Dinky nods as she munches away happily. “Yeah dad! I sometimes wake up in the morning wondering which place I am!”

Arc grins. “Me too.”

Rose sits with them. “You have a lovely home, Arc!”

“Thank you. But aren’t you hungry?”

“I am not, as I don’t need to eat. Remember, silly?!”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry. I forgot you were an android.”

Dinky nods. “So did I! I wondered why she was just sitting there!”

Rose laughs happily. “I believe I already explained this. Was there something you didn’t understand?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No ma’am. It’s just… you’re so lifelike!”

Derpy nods. “Dinky’s right, Rose! I’d bet you could pass for a real human any day!”

“A… real human?”

“The realism is striking!”

Rose turns to Arc. “I am a bit confused now. Am I not real?”

Arc thinks for a moment before speaking. “Well… you ARE real inasmuch that you’re here talking with us now. But at the same time you aren’t, as you’re a robot.”

Derpy frowns. “Is there something wrong with that?”

Rose bows her head sadly. “I… I don’t know. It makes me feel… sad, I guess. Although I understand what you’re saying. I was not born like a normal human to a normal mother to have a normal childhood after all.

She sighs.

“I don’t eat, breathe, require sleep, need to urinate or defecate. So in that regard I suppose I am NOT real.”

Arc smiles at her. “Well… I’m sure there are some things you can do that I can’t.”

“Oh?”

“I can’t turn my hand into a cannon, for starters.”

Derpy looks confused. “Wait, what?!”

“It would probably be better for you to think more about what makes us similar than our differences.”

Rose tilts her head, clearly confused. “But aren’t both sides of that argument true? I mean, we really are quite different!”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose we are. But let’s look at the differences between Cherry and I.”

Derpy smiles. “Not much to talk about there, Arc.”

“Yeah dad! You two were made for each other!”

Cherry giggles. “I agree!”

“As do I, Cherry. But let’s take a look at it anyway, shall we Rose?”

“Of course!”

Arc stands up. “Would you please help me out here, Derpy?”

“Oh! Um… okay!”

Derpy stands up and walks over to Arc.

“Now for the sake of argument, let’s just pretend Derpy was Cherry Jubilee. How are the two of us the same?”

Rose looks them up and down. “Well… both of you are living creatures for starters.”

Dinky nods. “You both have eyes, a nose, ears and mouths.”

Cherry giggles. “And manes! Kinda, I guess!”

Arc nods. “Right. But we also both have feelings. Not to mention likes, dislikes, favorite foods, preferred activities and things that bother us. Wouldn’t you agree, Derpy?”

“Yes. And many of those things are the same for you and Miss Cherry.”

“That’s right. She and I are very similar along those lines. But now let’s look at how she and I are different. Can anyone point out some ways that Cherry and I are unlike one another?”

Rose nods. “You are a human and she is a pony for starters.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin. “There’s the size difference. You’re much taller than us.”

Dinky giggles. “And you eat both meat AND plants!”

Cherry sighs. “That and there’s the strength difference. While I may have been an Earth Pony, you’ve always been MUCH stronger than I was, Arc!”

“Very good everyone. So to summarize, Cherry and I are different species, vastly different in size, our diets and nutritional needs are quite different and I hit like a truck. There are a few more differences I’d like to point out though.”

Derpy looks confused. “There’s more?!”

Arc kneels down. “Yes. Quite a bit more actually. Let’s start at the top, shall we?”

He puts a hand on Derpy’s mane.

“Ponies have manes similar to how humans have hair. But, unlike human hair, a pony’s mane stretches partway down their back.

Arc points at Derpy’s face.

“A pony also has much larger eyes and nose. Although their teeth are flatter due to their diet, I suppose.”

He puts his hand on Derpy’s back.

“Ponies have fur all over their bodies. I have hairless skin for the most part.”

Dinky looks her father up and down. “Funny. I never really noticed that before, dad.”

Derpy smiles. “Sorry, but I’m with Dinky on that one, Arc.”

Rose looks confused. “How did you two not notice something so obvious?”

Dinky shrugs. “I don’t know. It’s just not really that important, I guess.”

Arc points to Derpy’s tail.

“I guess it goes without saying, but I’d also like to note I don’t have a tail, wings, a cutie mark or a horn.”

Dinky puts a hoof on her small horn. “Does that feel weird, dad?”

Arc laughs. “Probably as weird as it feels for you to have one, Dinky.”

Derpy shrugs. “Makes sense.”

Arc holds out his hand to Derpy. She puts her hoof in it.

“Ponies have four legs, while humans have two along with two arms.”

He taps her hoof gently.

“And we have hands and fingers versus hooves. I still don’t know how ponies get so much accomplished without hands though.”

Derpy giggles. “Me either!”

Dinky laughs. Her horn aglow. “We manage!”

Rose nods. “You make a strong case, Arc. Ponies and humans, by all logical reasoning, should be thoroughly incompatible!”

Arc chuckles. “I thought so too at first. But I’ll be the first to admit I was wrong.”

“What changed your mind?”

Arc turns back to Derpy. “Let’s go over what we have in common, shall we?”

Derpy nods happily. “Yes! Lets!”

“Our physical anatomy may be quite different on the outside, but we work about the same on the inside! A brain, two lungs, a heart and various other organs keep us alive.”

Cherry giggles. “That and they’re in roughly the same places inside us I would reckon.”

“Right.”

Dinky walks over. “And we both feel the need for a family.”

Derpy blushes. “Not to mention love and friendship.”

“And out race’s pasts. Both are filled with fighting, bloodshed and war. The only difference is humans haven’t learned to play nice with one another like the three pony races have.”

Dinky sighs. “What about the rest of our world?”

Arc looks over at his daughter. “We’re working on it, sweetheart. Someday I hope to leave this world to you and the next generation a bit better than I found it.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Our bodies may look very different, but our hearts and minds most certainly beat as one, Arc! At least they did before, I… you know…”

“Still do, Cherry. Nothing in that regard has changed.”

Arc turns to Rose.

“The way I see it, we can either bicker about what makes us different. Or, we can unite on some common ground. While other humans might have looked at ponykind and thought of ways to control or enslave them, I chose to befriend them instead.”

Derpy smiles at him. “And we’re certainly glad you did, Arc!”

“Yeah dad! I don’t think anypony could have stopped you!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sure they would have. After all, I’m only one person.”

Rose stands up and walks over to him. “You mean two.”

“Really? You would help me conquer this world?”

“If it made you happy, yes! When should we start?!”

Arc shakes his head as he and Derpy walk back to the table and sit down. “Uh… how about never?”

Rose giggles. “That works too!”

Cherry sighs. “We know you wouldn’t ever do that, Arc.”

“Not my style. Besides… what’s the point of having at the wealth, power and prestige if you don’t have someone to share your life with?”

They finish eating and return the dishes to the cart.

“That was great, dad!”

Derpy smiles. “Yes. Thank you for supper.”

Arc chuckles. “Thank Saffron for that.”

“So dad… want to talk about your day now?”

“Well, it wasn’t exactly the best day I’ve ever had.”

Derpy puts a hoof on Arc’s knee. “From what you’ve taught me, those are the days that need talking about.”

Rose nods uncomfortably. “Yes. Things… certainly went every which way but right!”

Dinky bounds over to the couch. “Well, I for one still want to hear about it!”

Arc sighs as he gets up slowly and walks toward the couch with the others. “Okay. If you want to hear about it that badly.”

Arc recalls the earlier events of the day. From Twilight revealing her creation, Rose’s awakening, the revelation that she had been made just for Arc, Twilight’s intention to dismantle Rose upon learning of his displeasure in her gift. He then moves onto how Twilight was forced to give him all her research after which he had destroyed it along with how the meeting ended with them parting on less than friendly terms. Derpy looks at him, her mouth agape.

“Wow… that really was quite a day you two had!”

Arc sighs. “Yes. And I’m not too happy with how it went either.”

Dinky puts a small hoof on Arc’s knee and looks up at him with her luminous, but sad eyes. “Dad? Does this mean you and Miss Twilight aren’t friends anymore?!”

“I… don’t really know right now, sweetheart. A lot of things were said that will be… difficult to move past.”

Derpy frowns. “But isn’t it worth TRYING to patch up?! I mean, Twilight was the first friend you made when you came to Equestria after all!”

Arc sighs. “I went back to the library earlier today to try and talk to her.”

“And?!”

He shakes his head at Dinky. “Auriel said she was asleep. That didn’t really surprise me. After all, she looked like she had been up all night.”

Derpy nods. “That does sound like something she would do. When she gets a goal in mind, nothing really slows her down.”

Cherry sighs. “Perhaps she just wasn’t herself. A little rest, a bit of time to cool down and you two will be able to talk this over like level-headed adults.”

“I sure hope so, Cherry.”

Rose turns to him. “Begging your pardon, Arc, but what exactly… set you off? I mean, from what the administrator programmed into my memory banks not much really gets to you.”

“It’s… complicated.”

He looks over at Rose and smiles.

“The best way I can think of to put it is… you, Rose.”

Rose looks confused. “What about me?”

“Well, I know you aren’t Cherry, as no one could truly ever replace her.”

“I can try to! Just give me a chance!”

“Please Rose… let me finish.”

She is silent as Arc continues.

“You… look so much like her! When Twilight said she was going to dismantle you… something inside me snapped! It felt kinda like…”

Cherry sighs. “…like losing me again?

“Right.”

“Well, now you know how I feel.”

Arc frowns. “Come again. Cherry?!”

“Listen, Arc! I feel the exact same way every time you go out and do something dangerous! Now I understand WHY you do it! However that doesn’t make it any easier on me!”

“I’m sorry. But there’s just some things I have to do.”

Cherry continues. “Don’t you understand Arc?! Why do you think Twilight did what she did?!”

“To replace you.”

Cherry sighs. “You really don’t see her ulterior motives, do you?”

“No. What are you…”

“She built Rose, not just as a human companion for you, but also as someone to watch your back!”

“Wait, what?!”

Cherry laughs. “Why else would she have so heavily armed and armored her?”

Arc shakes his head. “I… I never thought of that. Twilight… she was trying to protect me. And all I did was get mad at her.”

He looks up at all assembled.

“I think I need to talk to Twilight about this.”

Rose looks out the window at the rising moon. “Maybe you should wait until tomorrow. It is pretty late after all.”

“Yeah… maybe you’re right, Rose.”

Dinky yawns as her mother looks to the clock.

“I think it’s time for somepony to be in bed.”

“What? But I’m not even tired! Back me up here dad!”

Arc yawns himself. “I would sweetheart, but I’m too tired.”

Derpy giggles. “Come on, Dinky. Let’s get moving.”

She turns to Arc.

“Are you coming, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, but I think I’ll stay here tonight. I want to make sure Rose is okay on her first night.”

“It’s okay, dad.”

Derpy nods. “Right. We understand.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow after you get home. Now how about I teleport you two home?”

Derpy nods. “Thank you, Arc. I think we’re all a bit tired after today.”

Arc kneels down to give them both a hug. He then calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to Derpy’s house.

“Good night you two.”

Rose giggles. “Sweet dreams!”

Dinky turns back as they walks toward the portal. Bye dad!”

Derpy giggles. “Don’t stay up too late!”

They enter the portal and are gone. Arc closes the portal behind them and turns to Rose.

“I think I should probably show you to one of our Guest Rooms.”

She looks down, sadly. “You don’t want me around?”

“No, no! I just thought you would be more comfortable there. My quarters aren’t exactly spacious. That and Ember is sleeping in her bed at the moment.”

Rose looks up at him, pleadingly. “Can’t I please stay here?! I don’t want to be away from you right now!”

She looks over at the couch.

“I can just sit here until morning!”

Rose grabs onto Arc’s shirt and looks up into his eyes desperately.

“Please don’t send me away!”

Arc nods. “O-okay. You can stay here.”

Rose rests her head on Arc’s chest, clearly relieved. “Thank you…!”

Arc sighs and steps back after a few moments of silence. “Well… I think I need a shower before bed.”

Rose looks confused. “A… shower?”

Arc nods. “It’s been a long day. I need to put some thought into what exactly I’m going to say to Twilight tomorrow. There’s just something about getting cleaned up that helps me think.”

Rose nods as she sits down on the couch. “Well, all right then. See you in a bit!”

Chapter 12 - Bare Honesty

Arc heads for his room to retrieve some clean clothes. He does his best not to disturb Ember who is sleeping soundly. Calling forth his helmet, Arc whispers…

“Sorry Cherry, but I’d just like some alone time for a bit.”

“I understand. See you in a bit.”

He sets the helmet down on the dresser and picks up the clothes. Quietly closing the bedroom door he turns to see Rose sitting on the couch watching the fire. She does not move as he heads to the Bathroom.

“Is she… sleeping? Nah!”

Entering the Bathroom, Arc disrobes and steps into the shower. He stands there for a time, thinking. Sighing, he mutters to himself.

“Rose… what do I do with you?! Twilight, why did you feel it necessary to…”

He rubs his face judiciously and turns away from the shower head. Walking to the opposite end of his rather large shower Arc bangs his head lightly on the tile wall as he continues muttering to himself.

“I should probably finish and get to bed here soon. But… I need to figure out how to apologize to Twilight. What do I say to her?! Come on, think!”

Suddenly Arc feels a pair of arms around his midsection!

“How about just ‘I’m sorry’?”

Arc face turns beet red. “R-Rose?! What are you DOING in here?!”

She giggles. “Don’t worry! This unit is completely waterproof!”

“That’s not what I meant!”

Rose sounds confused. “I heard you talking to yourself in the other room. You sounded a bit sad. I’m here to make you feel better! And I think it’s working! My sensors show your heart rate is now much higher!”

Arc throws open the shower curtain, stretches out a hand toward the stack of nearby towels and uses his magic to quickly pull one to himself! He does not turn around as he wraps the towel securely around his midsection. Rose continues to hug his backside as he does so.

“Rose, you can’t come in here when I’m in the shower! It isn’t decent!”

As Arc uses his magic to pull another towel to his hand Rose looks over to the soap sitting on the shelf.

“Should I help you wash your back?! I can be helpful! Really I can!”

Rose reaches over and tries to pick up the soap. However it is wet and slips out of her hand and clatters to the floor of the shower.

Arc turns around and quickly wraps a tower around Rose’s bare midsection. His face turning ever more red as he gently pushes her out of the shower.

“Rose, I don’t want…!”

His foot catches the bar of soap Rose dropped a moment earlier. Before he can react, Arc finds himself slipping head over heels backwards. His head crashes against the tile wall. Arc lies there dazed for a few moments before losing consciousness.

Slowly Arc’s vision comes into focus. “Ugh… what the…?”

Arc sits up slowly and rubs the back of his head. Rose is kneeing on the floor in front of him crying her eyes out. She looks to him as he slowly sits up through her fingers.

“Arc, I’m so sorry! I… I should just go! You’re better off without me around! All I do is cause trouble wherever I go!

Arc shakes his head as he moves to lean against the wall. “No, Rose. You just try too hard.”

“Wha… what do you mean?!”

“I can tell you’ve been doing your best. But it always ends badly.”

Rose bursts into fresh hysterics. “I’ve been trying my very hardest to please you! I really have!”

Arc sits up and leans toward her. “It’s okay, Rose. I know.”

He wraps his arms around her shoulders and pulls her into a hug. Rose presses her face against his chest.

“How can you stand to look at me after all I’ve done?! I messed up the salad, knocked the pots off the stove, almost burned Dinky and tipped over the kitchen table! Why don’t you just ask Twilight to dismantle me?! You’d certainly be better off without me!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m not getting rid of you over a few mistakes.”

Arc continues to hold Rose as she cries. After a little while he is able to calm her down enough to continue the conversation.

Rose sniffles. “Why don’t you at least send me away until I’m not so incompetent?”

“Because you don’t do that to friends, Rose. You don’t throw away a friendship over a few… mistakes…”

Rose looks up and sees a faraway look in Arc’s eyes. She sits back on her knees.

“Arc? Is everything okay?! Did… did you hurt yourself?!”

“No, Rose. I’m fine. Really! It’s just… I just realized what a terrible mistake I’ve made.”

“YOU made?! I’m the one who…”

“With Twilight! She did something that I didn’t agree with and I overreacted. Tomorrow I need to make this right between her and I.”

Rose wipes her eyes. “You mean ‘we’, right?! I’m the one she wanted to dismantle, remember?!”

Arc sighs. “If you really want to come I won’t stop you. But she might try to destroy you again.”

Rose smiles up at him weakly through her red and puffy eyes as she takes his hands in hers. “I’ll take my chances!”

“Fine. But would you do me one favor?”

“Anything!”

Arc blushes again. “Can you please leave the room so I can get dressed?”

Rose tilts her head to the side, confused. “Is that not what this room is for?”

“Amongst other things, yes.”

Rose stands up. “Alright Arc!”

She quickly leaves the Bathroom and closes the door behind her. Arc stands up and turns off the shower, shaking his head.

“Rose. You’re just so… innocent, I guess.”

Arc turns to finish drying himself. A moment later the door opens and Rose walks into the Bathroom yet again. Arc grabs his towel and wraps it around his waist hurriedly.

“Rose! I thought I told you to…!”

She holds the clothes Arc lent her to her chest. A confused look on her face.

“But I thought you said getting dressed is what this room is for.”

Arc blushes. “It… it is, but…”

Rose looks down at the clothing in her arms and smiles. “Well, that’s what I need to do as well! We can get dressed together!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Rose… definitely innocent.”

He steps out into the Living Room and finishes dressing in front of the fireplace as Rose dresses in the Bathroom. Arc pulls a clean shirt over his head as he mutters to himself.

“You still have a lot to learn, Rose.”

Arc sits down on the couch to wait. A short time later Rose emerges and walks over to Arc and turns around to show him her now properly covered form.

“Is this better, Arc?”

“Much!”

Rose smiles. “It appears your heart rate has returned to normal as well.”

Arc sighs. “Now are you certain you wouldn’t want me to show you to one of the Guest Rooms? You’d certainly be more comfortable.”

Rose shakes her head. “As I am not truly alive, comfort is not something I understand.”

“Um… what?”

She smiles sheepishly. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’ll be fine out here.”

Arc yawns. “Well, okay. If you’re sure.”

He stands up and stretches before putting another log on the fire. Turning back to Rose and smiling as he does so.

“Just a little something extra to see to it you stay warm.”

“Thank you, but I’ll be just fine even without the fire.”

“Okay. Goodnight Rose. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Sleep well, Arc!”

Arc enters his room and heads for the dresser. He quietly picks up his helmet and touches it to his forehead. Cherry speaks to him telepathically as she enters his head.

“You certainly took a long time in the shower, Arc! I was beginning to worry!”

“Sorry. I’ll tell you all about it in a few minutes.”

Cherry giggles excitedly. “All right! See you in your dreams!”

A few minutes later Arc falls asleep. Momentarily he finds himself on Cherry’s front porch. She smiles as she walks over to him and jumps onto the swing.

“Hello again, sleepyhead!”

Arc leans over to give her a hug. “I missed you, Cherry. It feels like forever since the last time I saw you.”

“It’s been less than a day, silly.”

“Well, it was one heck of a day.”

Cherry nods. “Yes it was! I’ll be happy when you and Twilight reconcile your differences though!”

Arc puts his arm around her as they gaze out at the sunset. “So will I, Cherry. So will I.”

Morning comes earlier than either Arc or Cherry would have liked. Arc opens his eyes as the first rays of light shine in through the window. Ember begins to stir as well.

“Morning Arc.”

Arc yawns. “Another day.”

Ember stretches. “I needed that extra rest. How did…”

A strange look suddenly crosses Arc’s face.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

Wordlessly, Arc pulls back his covers. Rose is curled up next to him with her cheek pressed against his chest. She looks up at him, smiling.

“Good morning, Arc.”

Ember grins. “Wow… talk about forward, Rose!”

Rose looks to Ember. A confused look on her face. “Forward? Do you mean because I am in front of Arc?”

“Not… exactly.”

Rose looks back into Arc’s eyes before looking down at her clothes. “I’m sorry, Arc. I didn’t think about it last night, but lying here has probably wrinkled the garments you lent me. Next time I’ll be sure to take everything off before getting into bed with you.”

Arc blushes feverishly. “I… uh… please don’t.”

“Why not? I certainly don’t want to mess them up. And while I know you have a problem with walking around uncovered, I don’t mind it at all.”

Ember laughs. “Rose, you’re a very brave young lady!”

“I am? How so?”

Arc sits up. “Rose, please don’t get into my bed like that.”

Rose appears genuinely confused. “Why not? Ember does it all the time.”

“Wait! How did you know THAT?!”

Ember shrugs. “Don’t look at me.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I’m pretty sure I never mentioned THAT to Twilight.”

Ember looks away nervously. “Well… I’ve never really been shy about who I tell that to, so it’s not too surprising that it got back to her.”

Arc puts a hand on Rose’s shoulder. “It’s okay this time, Rose. Just please don’t do it in the future. Okay?”

Rose sighs. “Okay.”

Arc gets up. “Besides, I thought you said you didn’t need sleep.”

“I normally don’t. However, I used the opportunity to go into Standby Mode.”

Ember looks confused. “What’s that?”

“It’s where this unit puts its body into its lowest possible energy consumption mode in an effort to recharge the reserve batteries.”

Arc nods. “So… you do sleep.”

“No, I recharge.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s sleeping!”

Rose puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose it is loosely like sleeping.”

Arc shrugs. “Pretty much.”

They leave the Bedroom together. Rose latches onto Arc’s arm and smiles up at him.

“Did you sleep well, Arc?”

“Very much so, yes. Why do you ask?”

“I was worried, as I couldn’t see you.”

Ember chuckles. “Is that when you decided to come in?”

Rose nods. “Yes. And it was a good thing I did.”

Arc looks confused. “Really?”

“It was! As soon as I got into your bed you put your arms around me and wouldn’t let me go for quite some time!”

Ember punches Arc lightly on the arm. “Way to go, tiger.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Yes, well… I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No. This unit is built for great amounts of duress. It’s unlikely you could ever accidently do anything that would damage me.”

The trio heads to the Cafeteria for an early breakfast. Saffron is just setting out the food. She turns from her work to greet the early risers.

“Good morning commander. I see you’ve made yet another friend.”

“Something like that. Rose, this is…”

“Saffron. Chef of Light’s Hope, correct?”

Saffron nods, surprised. “Y-yes, I am! But how did you know that?!”

Rose smiles at her. “I’ve been programmed with all pertinent knowledge on how to best serve Arc!”

Ember, seeing Saffron’s confused look, walks over to her. “She’s a robot. I don’t get it either.”

“Oh… well if the commander says you’re okay, then you are welcome in my Kitchen anytime, miss!”

“Thank you!”

“So… can I get you anything, Miss Rose?”

Rose shakes her head. “No, thank you. And please feel free to call me Rose.”

Smiling, Rose looks over to Arc and Ember.

“How about I get you two something to eat?”

Arc nods. “Um… okay. Just do me one favor.”

Rose looks to him, confused. “A favor?”

“Don’t rush it. Take your time, okay?”

“I will!”

Saffron turns to her. “I’ll give you a hoof, Rose.”

“Thank you very much.”

Rose heads to the buffet with Saffron as Arc and Ember head to a table and sit down. Ember looks over to Arc.

“Did something happen last night?”

Arc blushes feverishly. “No! I was asleep the whole time! I swear!”

Ember laughs. “That’s not what I meant, silly! I mean, did Rose get a bit carried away after I went to bed last night?”

“A bit overzealous, I suppose.”

Arc recalls the previous day’s mistakes to Ember.

Ember looks over to Rose and Saffron at the buffet. “Well… she’s certainly driven!”

Arc nods as Saffron helps Rose balance a plate in either hand. “I’ll give her that. But… I just wonder how happy she is.”

“She seems quite happy when you’re around.”

Arc sighs. “Yes but… that’s because she’s programmed to feel that way. How Twilight accomplished that feat is beyond me.”

Ember nods as Rose carefully sets the plates of food in front of them. “Hopefully Twilight can let you in on that. If she doesn’t blast you first, that is!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ember.”

Rose smiles as she sits down with a glass of water. “Don’t worry, Arc. I’ll protect you.”

“Thanks… I think. But I really do deserve whatever Twilight dishes out to me.”

Rose looks confused. “Dishes out? Like this food?”

Ember sighs. “Not exactly.”

“Yes, well… I’d like to finish eating and head over to the library… and get it over with.”

They finish their meal and stand up as Rose picks up their dishes. Ember turns to Arc.

“You want me to come with you?”

He shakes his head. “I think Rose and I should go alone. Bringing anyone else into this is likely to make Twilight angrier than she already is.”

Ember looks rather nervous. “Are you sure? I could wait outside… you know… in case things go south.”

“That is tempting, but I’d like to resolve this myself. It’s me she’s angry at, after all.”

“Suit yourself! Good luck over there!”

Arc sighs as Ember leaves the Cafeteria. “Thanks. I think I’ll need it.”

Rose returns to Arc’s side momentarily.

“Are we ready to go, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “I suppose.”

The pair leave the base and head down the road together. Rose looks to him, concerned.

“Are you not well, Arc? Your heart rate is abnormal again.”

“Just nervous, that’s all.”

Rose nods. “About seeing the administrator again?”

“Yeah. I don’t really want to lose her forever, you know.”

“Then are you certain this is the best course of action?”

Arc sighs. “I am. If I don’t mend this bridge soon…”

The pair arrive at the Golden Oaks Library. Arc hesitates a moment before knocking. A few moments later Auriel answers the door. She greets Arc with a pained expression.

“Oh… um… hi Arc.”

“Hi Auriel. Is Twilight around?”

Auriel nods and looks over her shoulder, nervously. “Y-yes, she is. Um… won’t you please come in?”

“Thank you.”

As they enter, Auriel points to the basement door. “She’s… downstairs.”

Arc nods. “I’ll go talk to her.”

“Wait!”

“Yes, Auriel?”

She looks down at the floor. “I… I just thought you should know that Twilight… hasn’t been herself since the other day.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… I want to see if I can fix that.”

Auriel sighs. “In that case, I’m coming with you.”

Rose grabs Arc’s arm. “Me too!”

“Okay. But this isn’t exactly a good idea.”

Rose frowns. “Neither is you going alone!”

“Point taken.”

The trio descends the stairs together. Twilight is busy working on something at her workbench. Auriel calls out as they reach the bottom.

“Twilight?”

“Hmmm?”

“You’re… um… we have company.”

Twilight nods. Totally engrossed in her work. “Oh? Who is it?”

“It’s… uh… Arc.”

With a quick wave of her hoof, Twilight pushes the contents of her workbench onto the floor, scattering them everywhere. She whirls around and angrily looks toward Arc.

“There! I’ve just smashed what I was working on! That saves you the effort! You can go now!”

Arc sighs. “Twilight, I…”

Twilight continues her tirade as she slowly walks over to him. “You can just call next time and save a trip! I’ll break whatever it is I’m studying at the moment!”

“I… uh…”

“Anything ELSE you want smashed?!”

She looks menacingly at Rose, who steps back to stand with Auriel behind Arc.

“So what brings you here today?! Be quick about it!”

Twilight gestures with a hoof at the smashed project.

“Thanks to you, I have a lot of work to catch up on!”

“I… uh… thought you would like to know I spoke to the princesses yesterday about Rose.”

She angrily glares in the android’s direction. “Let me guess. You were easily able to convince them that she should keep following you around?!”

Arc shakes her head. “Actually, they agreed with your point of view.”

A look of confusion crosses her face. “They did?”

Rose nods. “It’s true. They both said I should be dismantled.”

Twilight turns back to her workbench. “And you want ME to do it, is that right?! Sorry, but I’m kinda busy at the moment. Why don’t you just take her outside and throw a few fireballs in her direction?!”

Rose gulps nervously.

“It’s not like it would hurt her or anything! You could think of it as mercy! Put everything you’ve got into a single spell and she would probably just blow up!”

Arc steps quickly toward the workbench. “Alright, Twilight! That’s about enough of that kind of talk!”

Twilight spins around and meets him halfway. “Really?! I thought you ENJOYED destroying things!”

“That’s not true and you know it!”

She jumps up on a nearby table to look Arc in the eye. “Really?! Could have fooled me, Arc!”

Arc glares at her. “Take it down a notch, Twilight! I’m TRYING to apologize here!”

Twilight gets right in Arc’s face! “REALLY?! Then try harder!”

Arc puts his forehead against Twilight’s horn and yells at her! “I will if you’ll give me half a chance!”

Auriel begins to shake in fear. Rose puts an arm around her and whispers words of comfort into her ear.

“It’s okay, Auriel. Everything’s going to work out! You’ll see!”

“Half a chance?! Did you give my research notes half a chance before destroying them and storming out of here?!”

Arc stands his ground, equally determined. “Oh yeah?! Well, did you think about MY feelings before trying to build another Cherry?!”

“You needed the companionship! Humans need OTHER HUMANS to keep them company!”

Arc growls at her. “I get by!”

“Oh?! Not from where I stood! You were moping around like a lost puppy!”

“How would you know?! You haven’t left you lab in how long now?!”

Twilight throws up her hooves. “Of course! I was busy designing Rose for YOU! Not that it seemed to matter much to…”

The sound of muffled crying can be heard. Both Arc and Twilight stop arguing and turn toward its source. They see Auriel on her knees with her face in her claws. Rose is kneeling down behind her in an effort to comfort her. Surprised, Twilight jumps down from the table and hurries over to the demon.

“A-Auriel?! What’s wrong?! Did SHE do something to hurt you?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “N-no.”

“This isn’t Rose’s fault, Twilight! Stop blaming everything on her!”

“ME?! I…!”

Auriel continues to cry as Arc and Twilight go back to arguing! Rose stands up!

“Stop it, both of you! Don’t you see what’s happening here?!”

Arc looks to her, confused. “Rose? What are you talking about?!”

Rose reaches down to put a hand on Auriel’s trembling shoulder. “The more you two fight, the worse Auriel feels!”

Auriel nods sadly as she speaks.

“You… you see… back in Tartarus, the other demons would spend an inordinate amount of time arguing amongst themselves! I always hated hearing it!”

Arc sighs. “Is that why you stayed in your library back home?”

She nods.

“It was quiet there. Peaceful! Like this place used to be.”

Twilight turns back to Arc. “You see what you did?!”

“ME?! You were the one who…!”

Auriel covers her ears, closes her eyes and screams! “ENOUGH!!!”

She collapses into hysterics as Rose continues to try and console her. Cherry calls out to them.

“Please! You both really need to stop this! Can’t you see what it’s doing to those around you?!”

Arc sighs. “I… yeah.”

He turns back to Twilight.

“Look, I’m really sorry for what I said and did yesterday, Twilight. It was wrong for me to do what I did.”

Rose looks over at Twilight. “Is there something you want to say to Arc, administrator?”

Twilight turns and walks back toward her workbench, coldly. “Not particularly. I did my best for him, after all! And what did I get in return? That kindness thrown back in my face and all my hard work burned before my eyes!”

She stops and turns back to look at Arc. Fury in her eyes.

“Do you have any idea what it’s like to lose that which you’ve worked so hard to accomplish, Arc?! Have to start over from SCRATCH?! To have someone take EVERYTHING from you?! To… to… to………….”

Twilight turns away suddenly as her voice trails off. Arc nods and responds in an even tone.

“I do. The day a rather tipsy, but well-intentioned unicorn brought me here to Equestria.”

Twilight does not look back. “Arc, I… um…”

Arc looks over his shoulder at Auriel and Rose. “Would you two please excuse us for a minute?”

Rose nods as she helps Auriel stand and leads her up the stairs toward the main level. As the basement door closes behind them, he approaches Twilight and put a hand on her shoulder.

“I… I’m really sorry for what I did… and what I said to you yesterday, Twilight. I really am!”

Twilight does not move.

“Look, if you don’t want to be friends anymore, I completely understand. But… can we at least be civil to one another from now on? For Auriel’s sake?”

Arc sighs as Twilight remains silent. Not having anything else to say, he turns around and heads for the stairs.

“I’ll take that as your answer. For what it’s worth, Twilight, I’m sorry and I’ll do my best not to bother you needlessly in the future.”

As Arc puts his foot on the first step, Twilight finally breaks her silence.

“Arc?”

He stops but does not turn back around. “Yes, Twilight?”

“I… um… I just wanted to tell you… I… I’m sorry too. Can you ever forgive me for those terrible things I said?!”

Arc turns around and walks back to Twilight. He kneels down to her level. “Of course! I snapped… you snapped… and it kinda escalated from there.”

He leans forward to give Twilight a hug which she returns. As she rests her head happily on his shoulder, she whispers in his ear.

“I’m not even sure why I was so angry at the time.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I know why I was.”

Twilight leans back. “You do?”

“Yes. Twilight… I… I think you and I need to have a talk.”

Twilight sits down on a lab stool. “Okay… what about?”

Arc sits down next to her and sighs. “A lot of things.”

Chapter 13 - Past Sins

Arc looks at Twilight and she at him.

“We really should have had this talk the other day, rather than just start fighting.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I agree! Can I start?”

Arc smiles at Twilight. “Go ahead.”

“I just wanted to say, I honestly built Rose to keep you company and make you happy! Trying to replace Cherry wasn’t supposed to be my goal. But now that I look at it, I guess that’s what I did!”

She looks up at Arc sadly.

“I’m so sorry, Cherry.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s fine, Twilight! You were only looking out for Arc’s well-being.”

Arc nods. “Cherry’s right. And I’m really sorry for jumping all over you for trying to help me.”

“I guess I should have explained my reasoning better. But you just got SO mad so FAST, Arc! Why?!”

“Well… part of the reason is because I felt you were trying to replace Cherry. No one will ever truly be able to do that.”

Twilight looks down at her hooves, sadly. “I understand that. Now anyways…”

“There is more to it however.”

“Oh?

Arc sighs. “From where I stood at the time, for all intents and purposes, you created a living creature.”

Twilight shakes her head. “I already explained this, Arc! It’s NOT alive!”

“I understand that. However, she does have feelings. When you threatened to dismantle her, in my mind you were planning to KILL her!”

“But…!”

Arc interrupts. “I’ve gotten to know her a bit since we left the library yesterday. You really did do an amazing job programming her emotions!”

Twilight looks surprised. “I did? Most of it was just guess work!”

“Yes. She’s displayed quite an advanced understanding of life thus far as well.”

“Such as?”

“Well… she’s made quite a few mistakes. But has also learned from them.”

Arc relates the story of the previous night’s supper preparation. Twilight blushes slightly.

“I’m sorry about that. Its lack of cooking skills are my fault! Sadly, I didn’t program anything in that regard!”

“It’s fine. She shows quite the desire to learn and please me. A bit too much actually.”

“Oh? Did something happen?”

Arc nods. “I believe the events of last night’s supper were due to her trying WAY too hard to do a good job. She sped through the processes without even understanding it.”

Twilight looks up at him sheepishly. “Kinda like its creator, huh?”

“None of us are born knowing everything, Twilight. We all do our best to grow and learn as we go. It will be no different for her.”

Twilight smiles. “I could always try to program it with more information!”

“Thank you, but I think Rose should just learn it herself.”

“Alright. If that’s what you want. Have you been able to teach it anything useful thus far?”

“Uh… kinda.”

Twilight sighs. “Oh dear… that look on your face tells me things did not go well.”

Arc blushes. “You could say that. I was taking a shower before bed last night and she… uh… got in with me.”

Twilight blushes much deeper as her hooves fly to her mouth in embarrassment “Oh my! I am SO sorry about that, Arc! It sounds like I forgot to program certain aspects of human coverings into her!”

“Yes, well… seeing as ponies don’t usually wear clothes or exercise the same level of modesty, I can see how you wouldn’t of thought to program that into your creation. Can I assume ponies don’t mind bathing with others?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at all! Sometimes it’s something of a social interaction! In fact, my friends and I take a bath together once a week at the Ponyville Day Spa!”

Arc blushes. “In that case, I can completely understand why you wouldn’t have thought to program that.”

“While I still don’t understand your rational, I do know it makes you feel uncomfortable.”

“Well… if you ever saw a human without their clothes on, you’d understand where I’m coming from.”

Twilight smiles embarrassedly. “I’ll… take your word for it.”

“Thanks. Look Twilight, before we go any further with this conversation I feel like I really need to tell you something else about yesterday.”

“What is it?”

“I owe you an explanation for why I did what I did. Why I destroyed your research.”

Twilight waits patiently as Arc collects his thoughts.

“I just want to preface by saying it’s not because you built a robot.”

“It wasn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was because you made a robot that can think, speak and feel emotions such as happiness, sadness and guilt.”

Twilight looks confused. “What are you talking about? If this is about it crying when I started the machine up, that was probably a glitch the subroutines just needed to work out. I mean, it’s not like it’s happened since then, right?”

“Yes, actually it has.”

“It has?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Last night in the shower, her actions accidentally hurt me. When I regained consciousness she was crying and very remorseful.”

Twilight stands up and paces the floor. “Hmmm… remorse for her mistakes. That’s certainly more than I programmed it to do!”

“What are you talking about?”

Twilight frowns. “Programming such a deep level of emotions and feelings should be like trying to explain to a blind from birth pony what the color blue looks like!”

“Are… are you saying what I think you are?!”

Twilight nods. “Yes! What you’ve described is most certainly impossible! While I don’t doubt your words or what you saw, I’d like to see this for myself! Tell me, what’s your next move?”

Arc shrugs. “I didn’t really have anything planned, as it seems work tends to find ME!”

“That does seem to usually be the case. But whatever you do, were you planning on taking it with you?”

“I probably should. She’s… very protective after all. In fact, she insisted on coming here with me today. Even after I warned her that you might try to dismantle her again.”

“Wait, it VOLUNTEERED?!”

Arc nods. “Very bravely, I might add.”

“Wherever you go next, I want to come too! This is something that needs to be studied!”

“I’ll consider it when I figure out what needs doing. But for now, do you think we could talk more about the idea you had about making an artificial sun?”

Twilight smiles at him. “Sure! How about we see if Auriel will show you how her invention works?!”

Arc nods. “Good idea. “

He turns his head toward the stairs and raises his voice.

“Rose? You and Auriel can come downstairs now!”

The door slowly opens and the pair cautiously descend. Auriel appears nervous.

“Is… is everything okay down here?”

Twilight smiles. “Yes! Arc and I talked things over!”

“We’re back on speaking terms again as well.”

Twilight turns to Auriel. “Arc wanted to talk to you about the P.E.E.L and how it works.”

Auriel breathes a sigh of relief. “In regards to making a sun?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Let’s look it over. That is, if it’s okay with you, Auriel.”

“Of course! Please follow me!”

She leads them over to a large device in the corner. It is currently humming away.

“This is the Plant Elemental Essence Liberator, or P.E.E.L for short. We’ve been able to use it to study the latent magic that resides in a number of plants.”

Twilight nods. “She based the design off Applejack’s cider making still.”

Auriel smiles. “It uses a similar process as alcohol making.”

She goes over the basic process on how the device works. Arc nods, clearly impressed.

“Incredible! Do you really think it’s possible to create a larger version of Rose’s heart?”

“I do, Arc! Frankly this is a much better idea than the one I came up with to try growing plants without sunlight!”

Arc looks down at the small container the finished product is dripping into.

“So that’s the essence, huh?”

Twilight nods as she turns a valve and picks up the glass container with her magic. “That it is! This was the first step in making Rose’s core.”

Rose looks over at the substance as she puts a hand on her chest. “I guess it was pretty hard to make me then.”

Twilight levitates the essence over to Arc. “More time consuming than anything.”

Arc takes the glass in his hand and looks it over. “Is it because you have to acquire it drop by drop?”

Auriel sighs. “Partially. You see, we can only grow the fruit this comes from so fast.”

Arc looks up. “Wait! So this is the essence of a single type of plant?!”

Twilight nods. “Yes! It’s truly remarkable!”

“Sorry. I just assumed it was a careful blend of many different essences.”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, just one!”

Rose looks at the glass. “Excuse me, but how much of this did it take to make my heart?”

Twilight looks over. “About ten gallons.”

She looks down at her chest. “All that is inside me?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. Twilight had to further compress it to make something a bit more manageable.”

Arc nods. “Really? How?”

Twilight takes the glass from Arc and walks over to a nearby table.

“First I ran it through a centrifuge to remove any impurities”

She puts the essence into a small centrifuge and starts it up. In a few minutes she stops the machine and pours the liquid into another vessel. It has gone from light pink to a deep mauve color.

Auriel turns to Arc. “Now it’s 100% pure.”

Twilight smiles. “Right!”

She walks over to another machine and puts the purified essence in, closes the lid and secures it.

“This device is a Magical Compressor. It magically forces the essence into a tighter form.”

Rose looks confused. “Doesn’t it resist that? Especially with the latent magical emissions wanting to expand outward.”

“It does. However this process takes the emissions, which are also pure at this point, and redirects them inward to further compress and increase the potency of the sample.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “So it’s kinda like kneading bread then? The emissions are like the yeast and the sample is the dough.”

Twilight nods. “Quite the analogy, Arc. Yes, that’s a good way of describing it. However, unlike the bread making process, we’re not letting the ‘dough’ rise and expand.”

Auriel grins. “Instead we’re forcing it to compress to the density of a diamond!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “How long does that take?!”

Twilight turns back to the machine. “About a week of non-stop compression.”

Rose nods. “Then what are you left with?”

Auriel walks over to a cupboard and removes a stasis container. Inside is a marble-sized gem which pulsates ever so slightly She opens the container and reaches inside.

“This!”

Arc looks concerned. “Is it safe for you to be holding it like that?!”

Auriel nods. “Oh yes! Once it’s properly compressed it would take a very specific amount of force to release the energy within!”

Arc frowns. “Like… throwing it down?”

Twilight shakes her head. “More along the lines of dropping a building on it.”

Rose looks at the marble. “What would happen?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “As-is, it would just shatter like glass.”

Arc looks over at Rose. “What about the one in her chest?”

Twilight smiles. “I found the more essence I combined, the larger the heart got naturally. However, it also became more pliable. At its current size, it’s similar in texture to a newborn foal’s chew toy.”

Arc looks nervously at Rose. “So it’s not going to shatter?”

“Not a chance. Like I said the other day, worst case scenario the field would be knocked out of alignment requiring a simple adjustment and system restart. And even that is very unlikely.”

Rose puts her hand over her chest. “That’s reassuring!”

Arc turns back to Twilight. “So… do you really think it’s possible to make one large enough to act as an artificial sun?”

Rose looks confused. “Couldn’t it get so pliable that it wouldn’t hold its shape?”

Auriel shrugs. “It is a possibility. What do you think Twilight?”

“We could probably compensate by increasing the output of the containment field in strategic locations.”

“Containment field? Like the one inside Rose?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Arc. Think of it like a really big stand the ‘sun’ will sit on. That and something needs to hold it in alignment.”

Rose looks again at the marble as it is put away. “How will the containment field be built? I mean, you can’t really send workers into Tartarus… can you?”

Auriel frowns. “I would hope not! Twilight?”

“We’ll have to give that matter some more thought. But not to worry. We have plenty of time to think while we grow more of this fruit.”

Arc chuckles. “What kind of fruit is it? I assume it’s a bit more exotic than apples and strawberries.”

Twilight nods. “It is! The sample we used to grow our bush was sent to me by Princess Cadance a while back.”

Rose looks to her creator. “Where did it come from?”

Auriel shrugs. “Her letter said some explorers found it in some faraway land.”

“Yes. She wanted us to study it and report our findings.”

A hoof suddenly flies to Twilight’s mouth.

“We really should do that soon, Auriel! It just occurred to me that I never let her know what we’ve been able to do with this fruit!”

Arc nods. “I’d kinda like to see this fruit for myself! It sounds absolutely incredible! May I?”

Twilight nods. “Sure! Follow me!”

She leads the group to a small adjoining room lined with grow lights and a number of bushes. Strange looking fruit hangs from the branches. Twilight steps aside as the others enter the room behind her.

“We still have to come up with a name for it, but…”

Arc looks at the fruit, wide-eyed. “Twilight? Where did you say this fruit came from again?”

“Some far away land is all the letter said. Why do you ask?”

“I've seen this before!”

Auriel smiles. “Really?! Where?!”

Arc does not respond. Instead he calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Rose, take this portal back to Light’s Hope and tell Ember to get over here as fast as she can!”

Rose nods as she rushes toward the portal. “Right away!”

The portal closes behind her as Twilight and Auriel look at each other, deeply confused.

“Arc? What’s going on?”

“I want Ember to see this and tell us if it is indeed the same fruit as before.”

Auriel steps back. “Is this stuff… dangerous?!”

“No, no! It’s just… look, it’s complicated. Ember can tell us more when she gets here.”

A short time later there is the sound of the library door opening. Ember, Sereb and Rose come inside and quickly descend the basement steps.

“I came as quick as I could, Arc!”

Sereb nods. “As did I.”

Rose looks worried. “What’s wrong?!”

Arc gestures to the room with the plants.

“Look in there and tell me what you see, Ember.”

“Uh… okay?”

Ember opens the door and sticks her head inside. A moment later she slams the door shut and looks back at the others, wide-eyed.

“I didn’t see that! It… it isn’t POSSIBLE!”

She turns and opens the door a few inches for a second glance before shutting it again. Arc sighs.

“Are they the same as the ones we saw, Ember?”

Ember nods soberly. “Yes. No doubt about it. Those really are Dragon Fruit.”

Sereb frowns. “Agreed. I remember the three of us eating them shortly after meeting you.”

Twilight looks to them, confused. “Dragon Fruit?”

Ember nods. “They’re indigenous to the Dragon Lands. There’s a grove there where a lot of these things grow wild.”

Auriel appears ecstatic. “I guess that solves our supply problem! If the dragons don’t mind parting with some of their food source, that is!”

Ember shakes her head. “Dragon’s don’t really eat these. Other than me, of course.”

Sereb turns to Arc. And Arc, if memory serves correctly.”

Twilight turns to Auriel, equally excited. “Then we can go there and pick all we need?!”

Auriel nods. “The ‘sun’ would be ready to deploy in no time, as most of the production time hinges on more fruit to grow!”

Arc shakes his head. “Wait a second, you two. There’s more to it than that.”

Ember nods. “Right! My father decreed many years ago that this plant must never leave the Dragon Lands!”

Twilight looks confused. “What?! But why?!”

“I have no idea. However he was most insistent!”

Auriel turns to Ember, nervously. “Are we in trouble?!”

Ember nods. “All of Equestria will be if he finds out they’re here!”

“You don’t think he would come here, do you Ember?”

“He just might, Arc!”

Twilight looks at the door and shudders. “What should we do?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I should probably head over to Canterlot and tell the princesses about this. They can make the next choice themselves.”

Twilight nods. “Auriel and I will come with you!”

“Right! This is our fault, after all.”

Rose turns to Arc. “May I come as well?”

“Yes, Rose. Just stay with me and learn what you can about pony culture.”

She smiles at him. “Sounds like fun!”

Ember sighs. “Not looking forward to this, but I’ll come too!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I shall bear you to your destination as well, Arc.”

Arc calls forth his armor as he opens a portal. “Alright. Everyone in!”

The group files into the portal and arrives safely in Arc’s room in Canterlot Castle. Rose looks around the room.

“It feels like we were just here.”

Arc chuckles. “We were yesterday.”

They leave the room and walk down the hallway together. Twilight turns to Arc.

“Were you serious when you said the princesses agreed with my idea of dismantling Rose?”

“Yes, Twilight.”

Rose shudders at the thought.

Auriel looks surprised. “How did you convince them not to go through with it?”

“I just explained to them that she hadn’t done anything worthy of such a fate.”

Twilight frowns. “That’s it?!”

“Well… there was a bit more. But that’s not important right now.”

Ember nods. “Right! They need to know what’s been done!”

A few minutes later they arrive at the Audience Chamber anteroom. Arc walks up to the Royal Guard Commander.

“I need to see the princesses at once regarding a very urgent matter!”

The Royal Guard Commander gestures to the door. “Yes sir. Please go on in.”

Twilight looks to him, wide-eyed. “What?! But isn’t there already somepony in there?!”

“Yes. But Princess Luna has issued a standing order that the Hero of Light is to be admitted immediately upon requesting an audience!”

Arc and company walk into the Audience Chamber together. The previous audience is still underway. Princess Luna looks up to see Arc and his friends approaching. She looks back at the current audience.

“Another matter has come up. Please return to the anteroom and wait.”

They bow and walk back toward the door. Twilight turns to Arc and whispers.

“You must have really impressed her last time! Nopony else has her ear like this!”

Arc nods and whispers back. “Well, she knows I don’t like to waste her time. That and I always have something important to say when I come.”

They arrive at the foot of the princess’ thrones. The guards bow as Luna and Cadance step down from their thrones. The Princess of Love turns to him.

“You are dismissed, commander. And take the other guards with you, would you kindly?”

He nods and motions for the Royal Guards to follow him. They march out of the Audience Chamber and close the door behind them. Cadance walks quickly over to Twilight.

“It’s been a long time Twily!”

Twilight happily gives Cadance a hug. “Too long!”

The pair trot in place and do a strange dance as they sing together.

“Sunshine! Sunshine! Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!”

Luna shakes her head. “Please Cadance! I’m sure Arc and his friends did not come here for that!”

Arc clears his throat in an effort not to laugh. “Yes, well… we actually needed to talk to you about something rather urgent.”

Cadance gestures to the nearby office. “Should we sit down?”

Ember nods. “That might not be a bad idea. This news is kinda heavy!”

“Right this way.”

Princess Luna leads the group into the office. Arc closes the door behind them.

“A bit of privacy will go a long way in this matter as well.”

Cadance looks to Arc, confused. “Privacy? But… we already sent the guards away.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes. You see, this is kinda… how do I say this…”

Everyone takes a seat. The princesses on one couch and Arc, Ember, Twilight and Rose on the other. Arc nods.

“Maybe I better tell them.”

Twilight looks relieved. “Thank you!”

“Do you two remember when you were trapped in the Lunar Realm?”

Luna shudders. “Some of us try to forget that time in our lives!”

“Well… that time I brought Silver Hammer and Twilight to visit you, we spoke about a magical fruit.”

Cadance nods as she looks at Twilight. “Yes, you told me I had sent it to you Twilight.”

Twilight nods sheepishly. “Right. You don’t by any chance remember exactly where it came from, do you?”

Cadance shakes her head sadly. “No. In fact, I still don’t remember even sending it to you. Why do you ask?”

“Earlier this morning we were talking about and idea to make an artificial sun with the condensed magical essence of this plant.”

Luna chuckles. “You say that so casually.”

Auriel turns to the princess. “The idea works on paper, your highness.”

Cadance looks confused. “For what purpose are you researching this?”

Twilight turns to her friend. “Auriel and I were trying to figure out a way to grow plants without sunlight.”

Arc nods. “I acquired some Zap Apple seeds for her to experiment on.”

“Yes. Sadly I was unable to successfully grow anything without the aid of natural or artificial light.”

Twilight sighs. “That’s when I came up with the idea of an artificial sun.”

Luna frowns. “I am confused. Why are you trying to make a sun?”

Cadance nods as she points a hoof toward the window. “Agreed! We already have one!”

Arc nods. “Very true. However Tartarus does not.”

Rose nods. “It’s just a larger version of my own power core!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “A MUCH larger version, I suppose!”

Luna frowns. “Tartarus? Why would you…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Forgive me, Princess Luna, but that isn’t the problem we came to see you about today.”

“It isn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We have a much larger issue right now!”

Luna nods. “Very well. But we ARE going to continue this conversation at a later date!”

“Fair enough. In any case, Auriel and Twilight were showing me their proof of concept in a small-scale demonstration.”

“That would certainly be interesting to see!”

Cadance nods. “I agree, Luna! They’ll have to show us sometime!”

Auriel grimaces. “That may be problematic, your highnesses.”

“When they showed me the plant they’ve been extracting the essence from, I immediately recognized it as Dragon Fruit!”

Luna’s eyes grow wide. “Dragon Fruit?! Here in Equestria?!”

Twilight sighs. “In my basement no less.”

Cadance appears horrified. “I sent you… Dragon Fruit?!”

Ember shrugs. “Apparently.”

Luna looks nervous as she lowers her voice. “Who else knows about this?!”

“Only those gathered here now.”

Cadance grimaces. “Are you ABSOLUTELY certain, Arc?!”

“Yes.”

Cherry calls out to them. “I don’t understand what the big deal is. The fruit seems harmless enough to me.”

Arc nods. “I even ate some of it when Ember pointed it out to me in the Dragon Lands.”

Luna shakes her head. “The fruit itself IS harmless. However, as part of an ancient pact with Dragon Lord Torch, we swore that we would never take even a single seed from the Dragon Lands!”

Rose looks confused. “But why?”

Cadance sighs. “This was long before my time of course, but Aunt Celestia made that deal centuries ago. I’m sure even the Dragon Lord himself has forgotten about it by now!”

Luna shakes her head. “Unlikely. What I’m about to say does not leave this room. Does everypony understand?”

Everyone nods.

Luna takes a deep breath before continuing. “The idea for an artificial sun. Does it involve purifying and then condensing magical essence by any chance?”

Auriel looks surprised. “It does! How did you know that Princess Luna?!”

“Such things are not new discoveries. They are in fact ancient and forbidden knowledge.”

Arc sighs. “Does this have to do with weaponizing magic?”

Cadance nods. “It does.”

Luna continues. “Long ago, this land’s Earth Pony ancestors sought to find an edge over the magically empowered Unicorns.”

Cadance nods. “You see, Unicorns had their magic and Pegasi had the gift of flight. The Earth Ponies, however strong as they might be, had difficulty fighting the other two races.”

“The Pegasi could fly out of range, while the Unicorns could blast them from a distance. To close the strategic gap, the Earth Ponies began to research magical extractions on their Unicorn prisoners.”

Twilight looks frightened. “They extracted magic from… unicorns?!”

Cadance sighs. “Yes. Forbidden history books all agree that it was a terribly painful process, akin to having a horn ripped out.”

Twilight shudders and pats her horn as Luna nods.

“While terrible, the Unicorns were the only source of magic available to the Earth Ponies at the time! That is… until they discovered Dragon Fruit.”

Ember looks surprised. “They went to the Dragon Lands?!”

Cadance sighs. “That they did. Brave adventurers journeyed there in hopes of negotiating some kind of alliance with Dragon Lord Torch.”

“While the expedition did fail in their original mission, they took several Dragon Fruit back with them.”

Twilight looks up. “To study?”

Cadance chuckles. “No. Probably because they were so sweet.”

Arc grins. “That they are!”

Ember frowns. “I doubt the dragons from back then really cared about the ‘theft’! We’re not much for really sweet food, after all.”

Luna nods. “Yes. At first they were grown to aid the war effort.”

Rose looks confused. “I thought Earth Ponies were masters of growing food. Was there some kind of shortage?!”

“I don’t believe so, no. A sweet treat, however, can do wonders to lift the spirits of the troops.”

Luna nods in agreement with Cadance. “When their scientists studied the fruit, however, they found it was possible to extract the fruit’s essence and condense it.”

“Just like I did!”

Arc sighs. “Why do I get the feeling they found a rather nasty use for said essence?”

Cadance nods. “They compressed various components of the essence into crystals in an effort to study its effects more closely. Their results were nothing short of horrifying!”

Ember looks nervous. “What did they discover?!”

“One of the crystals they created had very powerful mind control powers!”

Twilight gasps in horror. “Did they try to turn it against their enemies?!”

Cadance nods. “They did. However it didn’t have any effect on either the Pegasi or the Unicorns.”

Auriel looks relieved. “Thank goodness!”

“You would think so. But they continued to study it’s darker properties. In time, they were finally successful in controlling something.”

Ember frowns. “Their enemies?”

Luna shakes her head as she looks at Ember. “No. Dragonkind.”

“WHAT?!”

Cadance nods. “It’s true! They returned to the Dragon Lands in an effort to begin collecting dragon warriors to bolster their ranks.”

Arc sighs. “Please tell me they weren’t successful.”

“Fortunately, no. Had they done so we’d all be living in an Earth Pony controlled society now.”

Luna nods. “Dragon Lord Torch was able to guard his mind against the invaders long enough to drive them away. But… at a heavy cost.”

Cadance’s ears droop. “Dragon Lord Torch first had to fight through his fellow dragons whom had fallen victim. Among them was… his mate.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “His… my mother?!”

“Yes. He was forced to slay her in order to protect all dragonkind from enslavement. I’m sorry, Ember.”

She turns around and walks over to a nearby window. Putting her claw on it and looking to the east.

“Dad… you… you never said a thing…”

Arc walks over and puts his hands on her shoulders. “I can’t imagine having to do such a thing.”

Auriel nods soberly. “Was that the end of the matter?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not quite.”

“Dragon Lord Torch gathered every dragon in the Dragon Lands and led a full-scale invasion of the Earth Pony realm.”

Cadance sighs. “He and his dragons burned every last field in an effort to eradicate Dragon Fruit from our shores. Anypony who got in their way was made into a gruesome example.”

Luna frowns. “On their flight back to the Dragon Lands, Torch ordered everything in their path destroyed.”

Rose shudders. “E-everything?”

“Everything. Whole towns were burned and their inhabitants butchered. Earth Pony, Pegasi and Unicorn alike.”

Ember nods sadly. Not looking back. “What… what about me? This happened well over a thousand years ago! Does that mean I’m… I’m not really his daughter?!”

Luna walks over to stand at Ember’s side. “No, Ember. You were still and egg at that time.”

Ember scoffs. “No egg could last THAT long!”

“The Dragon Lord flew far to the north past Canterlot and even past the Crystal Empire to lay his mate to rest in the icy caverns of Mount Everhoof before returning to the Dragon Lands. Scouts were sent to investigate and found your mother’s tomb. They discovered her curled up as if asleep. A single egg nestled in the cruck of her tail.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “Did they take it?!”

Luna shakes her head. “No. After what the Dragon Lord had done they were far too afraid in invoke his wrath yet again. The egg was left where it was and the scouts returned to our lands. Their report added to the archives reserved for forbidden knowledge.”

“But then how did I survive all those years in an egg?!”

Cadance walks over. “About twenty years ago Aunt Celestia visited your mother’s tomb. She wanted to see for herself if the ancient report was indeed true.”

“Against my advice, she flew to Mount Everhoof and found the tomb. Just as the report had said, the preserved body of a large dragon lay there with an egg still nestled where it had been left so long ago.”

Luna sighs.

“She told me later that something told her to bring the egg back to Canterlot.”

Sereb growls. “What kind of something?”

“She described it as a kind of intuition of sorts. My sister brought your egg back and slowly begin the process of warming it up. The next morning I awoke to find my sister in her room with a wing resting gently on your egg. Celestia lay next to it for a week, rising only briefly to take care of her most… basic needs.”

Cadance looks confused. “I don’t remember this!”

“It was before your time, my dear. She ordered the royal physician at the time to declare her too sick to rule for the time being. I led the nation for a time alone.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “So Princess Celestia… hatched Ember?!”

“She did. Only her and myself ever knew of this. Even the doctor himself was kept in the dark.”

Twilight turns to Luna. “What happened after a week?”

“The egg hatched.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “After all those years?!”

Sereb contemplates this. “The circle of life can be… persistent at times.”

Luna sighs. “I don’t know how the egg stayed viable all that time. Had I not seen it burst open myself, I too wouldn’t have believed it.”

She looks over at Ember. A small smile creeping over her face.

“You were the cutest little thing I had ever seen, Ember! So small and frail. Celestia took you to her private shower and gave you your first bath.”

Luna closes her eyes and smiles, remembering the event as if it had happened only yesterday.

Rose smiles. “Did Princess Celestia raise her?”

“No. She wanted to, but I was able to convince her that Ember belonged with her own father. A rendezvous between my sister and the Dragon Lord was planned in the greatest of secrecy.”

Ember shudders. “What happened?”

Luna shakes her head. “Only the Dragon Lord and my sister know for sure. All I know about the event is Celestia returning to the castle very… VERY sad! I helped my sister to bed and went to sleep myself. She… she didn’t leave her room for three days.”

Twilight looks up nervously. “Princess Luna? What… what did she do in there?!

“No one entered during that time by her order. She neither ate or drank anything. Every night the sounds of sobbing could be heard. It took a long time, but she was able to move past… whatever happened that fateful night.”

Luna turns back to look at those assembled.

“Please, for the sake of my sister, do not speak of this ever again.”

All assembled nod soberly, except Ember. Arc sighs.

“What about the crystal? Was it lost in the attack?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. It was hidden away until after our land’s unification. Then it was placed in the Royal Armory for centuries.”

Sereb frowns. “Is it still there?”

“No. My sister took it with her when she flew off with whelpling Ember to meet with Torch. When she returned, she had neither Ember nor the crystal.”

Twilight looks nervous. “Are you saying it’s out there somewhere?!”

“I am.”

“We should go find it! In the wrong hooves…”

Ember interrupts. “That won’t be necessary, Twilight. I know exactly where it is.”

Chapter 14 - Inpromptu Meetings

Everyone can only stare at Ember in disbelief. Arc and Rose are the first to speak.

“You do?!”

“Where?!”

Ember turns back to look at the others. “My father always had a treasure. A treasure and a secret he kept from everyone except me. That crystal was set into a scepter that has served as the Dragon Lord’s symbol of authority for centuries.”

Twilight looks at Ember, wide-eyed. “You… you mean…?!”

Ember nods. “Yes Twilight. It’s the crystal atop the Bloodstone Scepter.”

Arc looks confused. “The what?”

Twilight turns to him. “Spike, Rarity and I went to the Dragon Lands to witness the Call of the Dragon Lord. He was holding a contest to see who would succeed him.”

Ember nods. “Spike was the first to take up the scepter, which meant he was to be the next Dragon Lord.”

Arc nods. “You told me about this once. That’s why you were banished, right?!”

Ember nods.

“I didn’t understand why my father was so angry about it back then! But I guess now it makes sense!”

Rose frowns. “How so?”

“He forbade me from taking part in the Gauntlet, the challenge to retrieve the scepter. I ignored his orders and competed anyways. My father… he… he was trying to protect me from harm! He failed my mother in that regard. Perhaps he felt this was his penance.”

Arc nods. “The pain of losing a close family member is very… difficult to move past. Perhaps he wanted you to be able to grow up and live a full and safe life.”

Ember sighs. “Probably. But I messed that up when I became next in line to be the new Dragon Lord.”

Twilight frowns. “How so?”

“Being the Dragon Lord is a very dangerous job. First into battle and the last to leave. That’s why only the strongest should be chosen.”

Ember looks out the window for a moment.

“That’s why he sent me away. So I would become stronger and smarter!”

She turns to Arc.

I can only assume that’s the reason why he allowed me to continue my journey with you, Arc. So you would teach me how to lead.”

“I’m not much of a teacher or a leader.”

Cadance smiles at Arc. “Do not underestimate your past actions. You’ve already led our entire nation single-hoofed!”

Luna nods. “You also have the respect of our citizens AND our enemies.”

Twilight smiles. “If anypony could teach leadership, other than the princesses themselves, it’s you Arc!”

“You’ve already taught me so much! I’m looking forward to whatever it is we do next.”

Rose giggles! “As am I!”

Arc sighs. “Well then… how about we focus on the problem at hand? What to do about this Dragon Fruit mess.”

Luna frowns. “We’ve had a treaty with the Dragon Lands for centuries. One of the provisions is that we do not remove plants, items or dragons from their land without the express permission of the Dragon Lord himself.”

Ember nods. “Yes. That’s why I needed my father’s permission to continue to travel with you, Arc.”

“That clears things up a bit. I just assumed he was being a bit overprotective at the time.”

Arc turns back to Princess Luna.

“Does the treaty say what should be done if the terms are violated?”

Cadance sighs. “Yes. The treaty can be rendered null and void by the side being wronged unless restitution is made.”

Rose shudders. “What kind of restitution?”

Luna shrugs. “That would be up to the Dragon Lord. By us cultivating Dragon Fruit we have clearly violated the terms and would have to seek forgiveness.”

Arc nods. “So, do I just go there and explain the situation? Maybe I can catch the Dragon Lord on a good day.”

Cadance frowns. “There is another way to handle this Arc. But it is a bit… shall we say… underhooved.”

“Not sure I like the sound of that.”

Luna nods. “We could very quietly get rid of the Dragon Fruit and all traces of the bushes. They’ve been here this long without the Dragon Lord learning of their presence.”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “While certainly not the most honest tactic, it would certainly save us from the wrath of the Dragon Lord.”

Cadance sighs. “So… which path will we take, Luna?”

“This is quite the decision.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Princess Luna, if I may… would you like me to handle this? I’ve had dealings with Dragon Lord Torch in the past. The last couple times I was there we parted on good terms.”

Twilight nods. “Arc is right about that! The Dragon Lord seems to hold him in quite high regard!”

Luna turns to Ember. “Miss? How do you think your father will react?”

Ember turns back to the group. “Either way, he’s going to be MAD! I can go with Arc to try and prevent my father from doing anything rash.”

Twilight sighs. “I should come too. This really is all my fault.”

Cadance shakes her head. “No, Twilight! It’s mine! I’m the one who sent you that blasted fruit in the first place! If only I had been in my right mind back then, this whole matter could have been avoided!”

Cherry calls out to the group. “Arc led the country during that time with dignity and honor, your highnesses! Please trust him on this.”

Rose turns and smiles at Arc. “I’ll go as well!”

Auriel steps forward nervously. “M-me too!”

Twilight turns to her, surprised. “What? Auriel?!”

“I… um… I’m partially to blame for this situation as well. The design of the P.E.E.L. was entirely mine. If nothing else, I need to confess this to the Dragon Lord.”

Luna sighs. “Very well. You may handle this matter as you see fit, Arc. If nothing else, you must prevent all-out war.”

Cadance nods. “The dragons are numerous and strong. While not as great a threat as in ages past, they are still a force to be reckoned with.”

“Our own military is also not what it was back then. Should a conflict break out, we would be ill-equipped to deal with a dragon invasion”

Cadance walks over to Arc and looks him in the eye. “It appears the fate of our land is once again in your hands, Arc.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle this.”

Luna sighs as she walks toward Arc to stand next to Cadance. “I am certain you will do what is best, Arc. Please don’t let us down.”

Arc silently nods and heads toward the door. Luna calls out after him.

“Arc.”

“Yes?”

“Do you need anything from us to aid you in your mission? Anything at all?!”

Arc stops to think for a moment. “Yes. I’d like to speak with Brightwing about this.”

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

“I am! She may be a bit… off, but she’s still the Dragon Lord’s designated emissary. If we have a problem that involves dragons, Brightwing should be made aware.”

Luna nods. “Very well. Do you remember where Brightwing’s office is?”

“I do.”

Cadance sighs. “Then we will leave you to it, Arc. Good luck!”

“Thank you.”

The group leaves the Audience Chamber and heads for the royal offices. In a few minutes they see a very dignified looking door. Arc turns to the others.

“Well, here we are.”

Ember frowns. “This is a bad idea, Arc! Brightwing’s as loopy as they come!”

Twilight sighs. “I kinda have to agree with Ember on this one! I’ve met Brightwing since she came to live here, and she’s not all there! This really does seem like a waste of time.”

Auriel turns to him. “Well, it’s your call after all, Arc.”

Rose nods. “Agreed. If Arc thinks this is important, I for one will respect his decision.”

Arc sighs as they approach the door together. “Thanks everyone. This may be a formality, but Brightwing does seem to be a somewhat reasonable dragon… kinda. Maybe they can give us an idea how to tell the Dragon Lord about this matter.”

Ember shrugs. “Worth a shot. I mean, it’s not like this situation could get any worse, right?”

Rose smiles. “Sure it could, Ember! The dragons could invade and kill everyone in Equestria, including us!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Not helping, Rose!”

“Sorry! I was just answering Ember’s question.”

He knocks on the office door. A second later Brightwing appears in front of him. Arc stumbles back, surprised.

“WOAH!”

Brightwing smiles a toothless grin at Arc and company. “Friends! You come to visit Brightwing in new home?! Come in, come in!”

She Blinks back into the room and opens the door for them as she flutters back happily.

“Friends welcome in Brightwing’s home!”

Arc enters the office first. Contrary to what he expected, the office is as neat as a pin. There isn’t a thing out of place. Other than the complete lack of an office chair and a large folded blanket on a nearby bookshelf, it appears almost normal. A multitude of books line the many shelves around the perimeter of the room consisting of a number of different subjects from legal textbooks to anatomy to a few on economics.

“Hello again, Brightwing. I see you’ve made yourself at home here.”

Brightwing nods happily. “YES! Brightwing living here now!”

Twilight stares at the multitude of books. “What a library you have here! Might I have a look?!”

“Go ahead, friend!”

Ember approaches her. “Remember me?”

Brightwing flutters around happily. “Dragon Lord!”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe one day.”

The baby dragon looks over at Rose before fluttering over to her.

“Hmmm… strange.”

Rose looks confused. “What’s strange about me?”

“You smells like other friend!”

“Who?”

The small dragon flutters over to Arc and lands on his head happily.

“This one!”

Rose giggles. “Oh, that’s probably because we slept together last night.”

Arc blushes. “Rose, could you please not say it like that?”

Ember turns to him with a sly smile. “Oh but it’s true, Arc! I saw her snuggled up to you last night! You both looked so happy together!”

Brightwing flutters up to the top of the highest bookshelf and lies down on the blanket.

“Brightwing likes sleeping as well! Brightwing shows you!”

The whelpling proceeds to demonstrate, complete with mock snores and twitches. Auriel sighs.

“That’s very… interesting, but…”

The little dragon flies over to Auriel and looks her up and down.

“Does Brightwing know pretty demon girl?!”

Auriel shakes her head nervously. “N-no, I don’t think so.”

Brightwing sniffs at her. “Brightwing thinks you smell nice! Smell like friend!”

Twilight looks up from the large book before her. “What does a friend smell like?”

She Blinks over to perch on Arc’s head, happily.

“Smells like this one!”

Auriel appears nervous as the others turn to look at her. “Wh-what?! I haven’t been sleeping with Arc! Really!”

Brightwing takes flight and flutters around Auriel, sniffing at the air around her as she blushes at the attention. “You smell like friend! But at same time, different.”

Arc sighs impatiently. “Well, it’s good catching up, but we need your help now, Brightwing.”

Brightwing Blinks over to Arc and casts a small spell. “Friends be healed!”

Twilight shakes her head as she puts the book back on the shelf where she found it. “Not that kind of help.”

Ember nods. “Right! You’re the emissary of the Dragon Lands, right?”

Brightwing looks confused. “Emi-what?”

Rose smiles. “A representative.”

“What that?”

Cherry sighs. “I don’t think Brightwing’s going to be able to help us, Arc.”

Brightwing looks around, confused. “Who say that?! Brightwing hear you, but not smell you!”

“It’s Cherry, Brightwing. She’s… uh… inside my head.”

She Blinks over to Arc’s head and begins knawing at it with her toothless jaws.

“Brightwing get you out of there, pretty sounding voice!”

Twilight uses her magic to pull the dragon off of Arc’s head.

“Okay now. We have a problem, and we need your help to solve it.”

“Brightwing help pretty purple pony! What need?!”

Arc clears his throat. “You see… there’s a kind of plant from the Dragon Lands here in Equestria that isn’t supposed to be here.”

Brightwing nods happily. “The Dragon Fruit?!”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! How did you know that?!”

“All friends have smell of it on their outsides! Brightwing like!”

Rose smiles. “Yes, well… we need to figure out a way to tell the Dragon Lord without him getting angry. Do you have any ideas?”

“Brightwing don’t know! But you should think of something fast!”

Arc looks confused. “Fast? Why? It’s not like he knows about it yet, right?”

“Yes he does!”

Twilight looks at Brightwing, wide-eyed. “WHAT?! HOW?!”

Brightwing flies around the room happily. “Brightwing already tell him! Brightwing has done a good thing!”

Ember appears suddenly angry. “You did WHAT?!”

Twilight glares at the whelpling. “HOW?!”

Brightwing flies over to the desk and lies down on another pillow before pulling out a paper and pencil from the desk. “Brightwing write him letter!”

Arc looks at the dragon, nervously. “What did the letter say?”

“Brightwing say she smell Dragon Fruit in castle! Was you?!”

Ember growls. “Why you little… get over here so I can wring you neck!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Easy there, Ember. Brightwing was only doing her job.”

“We’d better get over to the Dragon Lands and see my father before he mobilizes everyone back home for a campaign against Equestria!”

Brightwing looks confused. “Would that be a bad thing?”

Ember grits her teeth. “Yes, Brightwing. I think the destruction of this country, along with its inhabitants, would fit very nicely INTO THE ‘BAD THINGS’ CATEGORY!!!”

Brightwing flies over to sit on Auriel’s head. “Oh, scary! Brightwing no like! Thinks that you should not talk!”

Arc sighs. “Great. Well, if everyone is ready we should probably teleport to the Dragon Lands, post haste!”

Everyone nods. Arc opens a portal. They step through and find themselves in Ember’s small house. She heads quickly toward the front door.

“Okay, the first thing we need to do is…”

She looks around the disheveled room.

“What the heck?!”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide and the ransacked room before her. “Somepony’s been in here!”

Rose nods. “This place is a mess!”

Arc sighs. “Oh… um… I may have had something to do with this, Ember.”

“You?”

“Let’s just say I owe you some new furniture and leave it at that for the moment, okay?”

Ember narrows her eyes as she turns back toward the front door. “Fine! But we’re not done talking about this!”

“Agreed! Now let’s go everyone!”

Ember opens her front door. Arc and company step out onto the street. Dragons fly about quickly. Those who do not have wings are running in the direction of the Throne of the Dragon Lord. A familiar, yet armored, dragon runs toward them. Garble grins.

“Ember! You made it just in time!”

“Just in time for what?!”

“Didn’t you hear?! The Dragon Lord’s about to invade Equestria! We’re finally going to wipe all those ponies off that continent!”

Ember marches off quickly. “Not if I can help it!”

Garble follows the group down the street.

“You can’t stop this, Ember! The big guy’s mind is made up this time!”

Arc frowns. “Well, we have to try!”

Ember nods. “Agreed!”

“Brightwing will come with you!”

Garble looks at the whelpling in disgust. “Great… the freak is back!”

Rose steps between Brightwing and Garble. “Leave her alone you bully!”

Garble looks Rose up and down, clearly unimpressed.

“Do you really think anyone’s going to listen to YOU?!”

Arc pulls Rose aside and gets in Garble’s face. “Well, maybe they’ll listen to me instead.”

Garble shakes his head. “You just don’t know when to stay gone do you?”

He stops as Arc and company hurry on. Calling out after them…

“See you losers on the battlefield! I’ll save you some pony bacon, Ember! It’ll be just like old times!”

Rose looks to Ember as they hurry on. “What did he mean by that?”

Ember does not look over at Rose. “All of us have things in our past we’d like to forget about, okay?!”

The group arrives at the Throne of the Dragon Lord. Dragons, many of which are wearing armor, stand before their leader awaiting orders. Twilight shudders.

“This doesn’t get any easier…”

Rose looks up as she sees the Dragon Lord for the first time. “That’s… really, really big!”

Dragon Lord Torch smiles as he sees his daughter approach. “GOOD OF YOU TO JOIN US, EMBER! NOW THE INVASION CAN BEGIN!”

“No, father! You can’t do this!”

Torch frowns. Clearly not used to being told ‘no’. “WHAT?! HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHO I AM, DAUGHTER?!”

“I have not, father! But YOU forget that I am a…”

She looks back at the others before continuing.

“…that I am I’m a friend of the Equestrians!”

All the assembled dragons laugh at Ember. She appears undeterred by their jeers.

“As the future Dragon Lord, I’ve come here to stop this madness before it gets out of claw!”

Arc approached Ember and stands by her side.

“She means WE have come!”

Dragon Lord Torch growls happily at his approach. “ARC! I AM GLAD TO SEE YOU HAVE COME AS WELL! I WAS JUST ABOUT TO TELL MY DRAGONS TO WATCH OUT FOR YOU DURING THE INVASION! AS A FRIEND OF THE DRAGON LORD, THE HYDRA AND THE FORSAKEN, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DISHONORABLE OF US TO PUNISH YOU FOR THE BETRAYAL OF THE PONIES!”

Ember shakes her head. “They didn’t betray us!”

“OH?! BITE SIZE HERE SAYS DIFFERENTLY!”

Brightwing flutters over to the Dragon Lord as Ember whispers to Arc.

“Told you we shouldn’t have gone to see Brightwing!”

“Brightwing do good, big dragon?!”

“YES! YOU UNCOVERED THIS PLOT AND WILL BE REWARDED!”

“Oh yes, yes… YES!”

“BRIGHTWING! YOU WILL HAVE THE HONOR OF BEING THE FIRST TO TASTE THE PRINCESS’ FLESH!

Brightwing shakes her head sadly. “Oh noes! Bigger pink pony princess was so nice to Brightwing! Brightwing no want hurt her, or her bigger dark moon friend!”

Ember nods. “You see, father! Even Brightwing can see that the ponies are not our enemy!”

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, BRIGHTWING?! I SENT YOU THERE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE PRINCESSES! AND NOW YOU WANT TO DEFEND THEM?!”

Brightwing nods happily. “Yes! They were kind to Brightwing! Treat well! Take care of! No hurt! Gave Brightwing home! Pony princesses nice ponies! No can hurt THEM!”

Arc whispers. “See Ember?! Brightwing’s on our side!”

Ember rolls her eyes and hisses back. “That’s great, Arc! We have a pathetic, half-minded baby dragon on our side!”

Arc grins at her. “See? Things are looking up.”

Twilight whispers to Rose. “Are you frightened?”

“Not at all, administrator.”

Twilight whispers back. “How?! I’m shaking!”

“Because Arc will handle this! I just know it!”

Brightwing flutters about happily. “Friends came here to see big dragon and talk peace! We should listen to them!”

A voice rings out behind Arc and his friends.

“I AGREE!”

Arc and company turn to see Hydra Prime Ikis trundling toward them with the Marquis. The hydra leader looks at the rows of dragons ready for battle.

“I THOUGHT I SENSED TENSION IN THE AIR!”

“IT WOULD APPEAR YOU WERE CORRECT, IKIS!”

Ikis looks to the Dragon Lord. “IS THERE SOME NEW THREAT TO THIS LAND OF OURS?!”

Dragon Lord Torch nods. “A VERY OLD ONE, YES! THE PONIES FROM ACROSS THE SEA HAVE VIOLATED OUR MOST ANCIENT OF PACTS!”

The Marquis looks confused. “HAVE THEY NOW? FORGIVE OUR IGNORANCE IN THIS MATTER, BUT WHICH ONE IS THAT?!”

“AS PART OF AN… AGREEMENT I MADE WITH PRICESS CELESTIA OF EQUESTRIA, I SWORE WOULD NOT LEAD ANOTHER INVASION OF THEIR LANDS IF, IN RETURN, THEY WOULD FOLLOW THE TERMS OF OUR AGREEMENT!”

“AND THEY DID SO?”

“THEY HAVE NOT!”

Arc steps forward. “It’s true. One of our citizens has been growing a certain plant that had been, up until now, indigenous to the Dragon Lands.”

The Dragon Lord growls. “THAT PLANT HAS BEEN A THORN IN OUR SIDE FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER!”

Ikis appears confused. “WHY NOT ERRADICATE IT THEN?! END THE PROBLEM FOREVER!”

“I’VE CONSIDERED THAT COURSE OF ACTION MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS, MY FRIEND! HOWEVER, SEVERAL SPECIES THAT WE SHARE THIS LAND WITH EAT THAT FRUIT EXCLUSIVELY! SHOULD THE FRUIT BE DESTROYED, THEIR LIVES WILL BE FORFEIT AS WELL!”

Ember nods. “It would also disrupt our own food supply, as we eat those creatures ourselves.”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“As do we.”

Arc and company turn again to see Matriarch Iris, Sereb’s brother Kane and what appears to be their entire tribe approaching the Throne of the Dragon Lord. She bows respectfully.

“It has been a long time, Dragon Lord.”

“THAT IT HAS, MATRIARCH!”

Ikis turns to Iris and nods. “GREETINGS MATRIARCH! IT HAS BEEN QUITE A FEW YEARS SINCE OUR CONTINENT’S TRIBUNAL HAS CONVENED!”

“TELL ME, WHAT BRINGS YOU BEFORE ME TODAY?!”

“The scent of battle on the wind.”

Kane bares his fangs. “We would like the honor of joining you in your crusade, Dragon Lord! It has been far too long since we tasted battle!”

He looks over at his brother.

“Brother! Join us!”

Sereb shakes his head. “I cannot, for I am bound to Arc. This is not his will.”

Iris nods. “Your brother has his path to walk, Kane. And we have our own.”

She looks to Ikis.

“Have you come to join the cause, Hydra Prime?”

Ikis shakes his head. “WE HAVE NOT! WE ARE A PEACE-LOVING RACE THESE DAYS, AS WE HAVE BEEN FOR CENTURIES!”

The Dragon Lord smiles at him. “YOU COULD FINALLY HAVE YOUR VENGENCE ON EQUESTRIA FOR THE YEARS YOU AND YOUR KIND SPENT IN CAPTIVITY!”

The Marquis shakes his head. “WE DO NOT SEEK REVENGE ON THE INNOCENT CHILDREN OF EQUESTRIA FOR THE SINS OF THEIR ANCESTORS!”

“REALLY?! WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT GRAND WARRIOR WHOM FELLED SCORES OF PONY WARRIORS IN DEFENSE OF HIS BRETHREN?!”

“HE LEARNED THAT THERE IS NO VICTORY IN NEEDLESS BLOODSHED! ONLY BY DIALOGUE AND PEACEFUL COEXISTANCE CAN WE HOPE TO MOVE FORWARD! TO MOVE BEYOND THE PAST!”

Hydra Prime Ikis putts a tendril on his friend’s ‘shoulder’. “WELL SAID, OLD FRIEND!”

He turns to face the Dragon Lord again.

“DRAGON LORD TORCH, AS THE LEADER OF THE HYDRA I WOULD URGE YOU TO RECONSIDER THIS COURSE OF ACTION! THERE IS LITTLE TO GAIN FROM IT!”

“INDEED! AND MUCH TO LOSE!”

Matriarch Iris shakes her head. “You still have the aid of the Forsaken, Dragon Lord. Use me and my warriors as you see fit.”

Twilight turns to Ember. “What’s going on here?! I thought the hydra and Forsaken were separate nations.”

“They are. But the Dragon Lord rules this land. His word is law for every creature that calls it home.”

“I WILL NOT FORCE YOU INTO BATTLE AGAINST YOUR WILL, OLD FRIEND! WE WILL SWEEP OVER EQUESTRIA LIKE A TIDAL WAVE WITH THE FORSAKEN BY OUR SIDE!”

Kane grins. “We stand ready!”

Sereb growls. “Brother, abandon this course of action! It will only lead to ruin!”

“You forget your place, Sereb! It is I who am our tribe’s Warchief!”

Rose looks confused. “Warchief?”

Sereb turns to face the others. “Our tribe’s strongest warrior. They lead us into battle and make decisions for the future of the tribe.”

“So they’re kinda like the leader?”

Sereb nods. “The Matriarch is the true leader. However in terms of war, the Warchief has the final say.”

Arc frowns. “This isn’t going as I’d hoped.”

Rose looks nervous. “At this rate, Equestria is doomed!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I have an idea. It’s risky, but I’m afraid it’s the only option we have available to us at the moment.”

“Do it.”

Chapter 15 - Out of Options

Rose looks at Arc curiously.

“But Arc! You haven’t even heard what…”

“We don’t have time! This force is going to move out any moment now!”

Arc looks to Sereb.

“If you have an idea, now’s the time to act!”

“Very well.”

Sereb turns to Kane and takes up a battle stance.

“Brother! I challenge you to a duel for the title of Warchief!”

Kane turns away. “We do not have time for…!”

Iris steps in front of her son. “You have been challenged, Kane. The call must be answered.”

He continues past his mother. “After the campaign. Warriors, to me!”

None of them move. Iris walks over to Kane

“They will only follow the one who is strongest.”

Kane frowns. “But that is me!”

“That fact is in question now that you have an unanswered challenge.”

He turns back to Sereb.

“Very well, brother! I accept!”

Iris turns to the Dragon Lord. “My apologies for the delay in our conquest of Equestria, Dragon Lord. If you’d like, we can move this elsewhere.”

“CONTINUE! THIS SHOULD PROVE INTERESTING! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE FIRSTCLAW THE FRUITS OF ARC’S TRAINING!”

Arc and his friends along with the Forsaken and dragons step back to give the pair plenty of room. Twilight nervously looks to Arc.

“I don’t like this, Arc. Sereb could get hurt!”

Rose nods. “Or worse!”

Arc crosses his arms over his chest. “He knows what he’s doing.”

Ember grins. “I too have faith in my furry friend.”

Brightwing flutters around happily. “Fight time!”

Sereb uses his magic to remove his saddle and battle armor and set it aside as the pair square off. They circle one another for a time. Kane calls out to him as they pace.

“You never could beat me, Sereb. What makes you think this time will be any different?”

Sereb does not take his eyes off Kane. “I’m not the same warrior I was when I left our village, brother.”

“Warrior?! HAH! You’ve always been weak!“

Sereb growls. “We will see about that.”

After a few more moments of posturing they lunge at one another. Sereb takes a mighty blow to the head from Kane’s massive paw. Rose winces as Sereb slides across the ground on his side.

“That looked painful!”

Ember nods. “Agreed. Come on Sereb! You can do it!”

Sereb slowly rises and the pair circle again. He mutters to himself.

“Kane is stronger, faster, and has more endurance than I.”

They lunge forward yet again. This time Sereb rolls to one side to evade the attack. Kane frowns.

“I see there is more to your fighting style now than just brute savagery. This will be a bit more interesting than I thought.”

“I have been training, brother.”

Kane chuckles. “Mayhap.”

The pair again lock paws. Kane tosses Sereb effortlessly to the side. He shakes his head as Sereb stands up again.

“As I said earlier, this will be only SLIGHTLY more interesting than before!”

Sereb shakes himself before facing Kane again. “Overconfidence has always been your weakness.”

“Everything else has been yours.”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps, brother. However even the smallest of cubs will one day grow into an adult.”

“We shall see.”

The pair go back and forth. Neither gaining the advantage. Rose looks to Arc.

“Sereb needs to finish this fight soon! His heart rate is sky high!”

Arc frowns. “Is he in danger?”

“No. But he’s going to run out of stamina before too long.”

Arc turns back to the battle before him as he mutters to himself. “Come on Sereb! Make your move! Whatever it is!”

“I must admit, brother, you’ve always been the strongest amongst our tribe.”

Kane nods as they circle again. “That much is undeniable.”

“Tell me then… what is it like?”

He looks to Sereb, confused. “I don’t get your meaning?”

“Being the strongest. No one around can best you. Is that not correct?”

Kane smiles proudly. “That is true!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Sounds like a terribly lonely existence.”

“What are you saying?”

“You have no equal. No rival to help you move on up.”

Kane laughs. “Where you have reached the top of the mountain, there is nowhere else to go!”

“I disagree.”

Kane laughs. “How?! One cannot go higher than the top! Where else is there to go?!”

“Down.”

Kane takes a mighty swing at Sereb who deftly dodges it.

“DOWN?! Who would send me there?! YOU?!”

“Maybe. Maybe not. You will not be young and strong forever, brother.”

Kane comes at him again. “Young or old, I am still the best!”

“For how long? Will you never succumb to the physical weakness of an elder? As your coat grays, will you continue to dominate as you always have? Or will you one day stumble as your strength falters?”

Kane’s eye twitches. “I… I will! I’ll show you! I’LL SHOW YOU ALL!!!”

He lunges forward yet again. Sereb catches him and rolls over onto his back. Using Kane’s momentum against him, he tosses him overhead with his powerful back legs. Kane skids across the ground.

“What… what happened?”

Sereb shakes his head. “You stumbled.”

Ember elbows Arc happily as she whispers. “You showed him that one!”

Arc nods. “I remember that. He’s using his opponent’s strength against them.”

Twilight clops her hooves together. “Good job, Sereb! Keep it up!”

Rose turns to Arc. “He still cannot keep this up.”

Arc nods as he folds his arms over his chest. “If Sereb is doing what I think he is, he won’t have to.”

Kane scoffs. “A lucky blow! It shall not happen again!”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. Maybe you are not as infallible as you would like to believe.”

Kane sneers at Sereb. “ENOUGH!”

He lunges again at Sereb, who is charging up his magic. When Kane is within around ten feet Sereb blasts the ground under his opponent sending Kane a few feet into the air! Sereb lowers his body to allow Kane to fly over top of him before dealing a savage blow to his brother’s exposed chest. Kane falls to the ground some distance away, the wind knocked out of him. He unsteadily gets up.

“You… where did you…?”

Sereb smiles. “As I said earlier, I’m not the same warrior you knew before.”

Furious, Kane charges forward. “THIS… ENDS… NOW!!!”

Sereb calmly waits as he charges up for one last attack. “I could not agree more.”

As the distance between the pair rapidly closes, Sereb continues to charge his magic. Kane leaps at him in a final ditch effort to fell his opponent. Mere feet before Kane reaches him Sereb makes his move. He puts all his magic into a barrier.

“Here goes nothing.”

Kane flails for but a moment before smashing headfirst into the barrier. He slides down it to land in a heap on the ground. The wolf attempts to rise, but fails. The Forsaken tribe can only stand there stunned. Matriarch Iris is the first to speak as she walks past Kane to stand with Sereb.

“All hail the new Warchief!”

The tribe bursts into congratulatory roars as Iris turns to Sereb.

Iris turns to Sereb. “Now then, Warchief. Lead our forces in their glorious campaign against Equestria!”

Sereb shakes his head. “I will not.”

“What?! But… but why?!”

“They have done nothing to earn our wrath for many generations. That would quickly change if we were to do this.”

Kane slowly stands up. “But… but they cannot hope to stand against us and the dragon’s combined might!”

“You are wrong brother. They have much strength, great heroes and cunning leadership. I am confident they would prevail.”

Sereb motions to Arc before continuing.

“I also cannot take to the battlefield against the human with whom I share a life pact.”

Iris nods. “Understood.”

Sereb sighs. “Believe me when I say it would not end well with him leading the Equestrian forces.”

Matriarch Iris turns back to the Dragon Lord.

“I am sorry, but we must return to our village now.”

“I UNDERSTAND! THANK YOU FOR THE EXHIBITION!”

Kane shakily stands up, looks at his brother angrily and leaves with the others as Sereb returns to his friends. Arc smiles and nods.

“Congratulations, Sereb!”

Ember grins. “I knew he had it in him!”

Rose breathes a sigh of relief. “You had me kinda worried for a bit back there!”

Twilight looks to her friend. “Arc is a pretty good teacher, after all!”

Sereb nods. “Thank you all.”

Ember turns to Arc. “I don’t have to ask where you learned all THAT from.”

“Yes, well…”

“WARCHIEF, THAT WAS A MOST IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY! I SEE THAT ARC HAS TAUGHT YOU WELL!”

“Thank you, Dragon Lord. He is a true and honorable warrior.”

“YES, YOU WOULD DO WELL TO LEARN ALL YOU CAN FROM MY FRIEND, ARC! I AM CONFIDENT I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE ALLOWING MY DAUGHTER TO REMAIN WITH HIM!”

Ember blushes. “Dad! You’re embarrassing me!”

The Dragon Lord stands up. “THAT WAS NOT MY INTENTION, EMBER! NOW IF YOU WILL EXCUSE ME, THERE IS STILL MUCH TO BE DONE!”

He looks out over the other dragons.

“IN ANY CASE… ALL OF YOU, PREPARE FOR BATTLE!”

Ember turns back to her father. “Hold on just a minute!”

“WHAT IS IT, EMBER?!”

“Are you STILL planning to go to war with Equestria?!”

“YES! A WRONG WAS STILL COMMITTED AND MUST BE RECTIFIED!”

“But doesn’t Equestria have the right to present their case before you start MURDERING them?!”

“THEY MAY DO SO, YES! HOWEVER YOU EMBER ARE NOT AN EQUESTRIAN!”

Arc nods. “Maybe not. But I am!”

Twilight shakily nods. “T-that’s right! Princess C-C-Cadance granted Arc citizenship f-for him s-saving me.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Really?! Who saved whom now Twilight?”

Arc shrugs. “It went both ways.”

He looks up at the Dragon Lord.

“I’d like to plead Equestria’s case before you.”

“YOU ARE HARDLY A PONY, ARC!”

“That may be! But remember, by your own admission, I am still a friend to both them and the Dragon Lord”

“VERY WELL! I HAVE QUESTIONS FOR YOU, ARC!”

Rose looks confused. “Do what?”

Ember turns to Rose. “Tell him what happened.”

Twilight nods nervously. “Good luck, Arc!”

“Thanks.”

Arc stands before the Dragon Lord, his friends behind him.

“DID AN EQUESTRIAN KNOWINGLY GROW DRAGON FRUIT?”

“Knowingly, no.”

“EXPLAIN!”

Arc gestures to Twilight. “My friend here was given a sample of the fruit. She grew it without knowing what it was, or that it was forbidden.”

The Dragon Lord eyes Twilight. “IS THAT TRUE?!”

“Y-yes sir!”

“DO YOU ALWAYS GROW THINGS HAPHAZARDLY?!”

“No sir! But I was told to study it by… um…”

“BY WHOM?!”

“By… Princess Cadance.”

“WHAT?! A PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA KNOWINGLY GAVE YOU THIS FRUIT?! FOR WHAT PURPOSE WERE YOU STUDYING IT?!”

Twilight shrugs. “I don’t know! She just told me to grow and study its properties in the letter that came with it!”

“HER INTENTIONS WERE MOST CERTAINLY FOUL, ARC! WHAT MORE PROOF DO I NEED?!”

Arc sighs. “I have a question for Twilight as well.”

“SPEAK IT!”

He turns to the visibly shaken mare.

“When did this happen, Twilight?”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “Shortly before she and Princess Luna took ill.”

Ember frowns. “What does that prove?”

“That Princess Cadance was not in her right mind at the time. She wouldn’t have known what she was doing.”

He turns back to the Dragon Lord,

“If you want to get mad at someone, I’m the one you want.”

“YOU?! WHY YOU, ARC?!”

“Because I was the Lord Regent at the time. If this plant was grown during my reign I am responsible for it.”

“YOU DID NOT SEND THE FRUIT OR HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF IT’S EXISTENCE!”

Auriel steps forward. “Please sir! Twilight didn’t act alone!”

“THERE WERE OTHERS?!”

She nods. “Yes! I too helped her grow this plant! We studied it together!”

“STUDY?! WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?!”

Twilight does her best to compose herself. “I learned how to extract, purify and compress the latent magical essence from that fruit.

Dragon Lord Torch narrows his eyes. “FOR WHAT PURPOSE?!”

Rose steps forward. “To create me, sir!”

Arc nods. “It’s true.”

“CREATE YOU?! ARC, WHAT MANNER OF FOOL DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?!”

Brightwing flutters over to Rose and perches on her head before moving to her shoulder.

“Pretty lady smells good! Like Dragon Fruit!”

“STEP FORWARD, MISS!”

Rose bravely does so. The Dragon Lord picks her up with his dragon magic and looks her over carefully.

“YOU DO APPEAR TO BE EMINATING A STRANGE MAGICAL FORCE!”

Twilight nods. “That’s the essence within it! I used it to make this robot’s power core!”

“SHE REALLY ISN’T ALIVE AT ALL!”

Ember nods. “Right!”

The Dragon Lord appears to consider his next move carefully.

“I BELIEVE I HAVE HEARD ENOUGH!”

He looks at Arc.

“IS WHAT THIS LITTLE PONY SAID TRUE, ARC?!”

“Yes.”

“VERY WELL! I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS WAS ALL JUST A RATHER LARGE MISTAKE, AND AM WILLING TO FORGET THE MATTER!”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, sir! I promise you I’ll never do this again!”

Auriel nods. “Nor will I!”

“I TRUST YOU WON’T!”

He again looks at Rose.

“HOWEVER, I REQUIRE SOMETHING IN RETURN! OTHER THAN YOUR WORD THAT YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN GROW ANOTHER DRAGON FRUIT, OF COURSE!”

Auriel nods. “Anything!”

“THIS MECHANICAL DOLL… HOW MANY HAVE YOU MADE, PONY?!”

“She’s the only one. My first and only.”

“YOU WILL SURRENDER HER TO ME AT ONCE!”

Arc frowns. “Now just a minute, Dragon Lord! You can’t…!”

“SHE IS MADE OF DRAGON FRUIT, WHICH MAKES HER THE PROPERTY OF THE DRAGON LANDS!”

Ember clenches her fists angrily. “So she can’t leave?!”

“NO! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HER DESTROYED!”

Brightwing jumps up and flies over to Torch. “What?! But pretty lady is so very nice! Please let her go!”

“TO SHOW YOUR DETERMINATION TO AVOID WAR, I WOULD LIKE TO WATCH THE PURPLE PONY DESTROY THE ROBOT IN MY PRESENCE!”

“Come on, dad! You don’t really see Rose as a threat, do you?!”

“I DO NOT! BUT DISLIKE THE THOUGHT OF HER CORE CONTINUING TO EXIST!”

Rose sighs. “I agree, Dragon Lord.”

“GOOD!”

“Might I have a few moments to say goodbye to my friends?”

“VERY WELL!”

The Dragon Lord lowers her to the ground in front of Arc and company. Rose rushes over to Arc and throws her arms around him.

“… I’m sorry, Arc. But if this unit’s destruction will save Equestria…”

Ember frowns. “You can’t do this, Rose!”

Auriel nods. “We can find another way!”

Twilight turns to the Dragon Lord. “Is there nothing else we could do to show our sincerity?!”

“THERE IS NOT, PURPLE PONY!”

“Might I at least be allowed to remove her memory banks? I could probably find a way to build another robot without a Dragon Fruit heart.”

“NO! THE ROBOT MUST BE DESTROYED IN ITS ENTIRETY!”

Ikis sighs. “DRAGON LORD! IS THAT REALLY NECESSARY?!”

“But dad, she’s…!”

“ENOUGH, EMBER!”

Torch sits back down and composes himself before turning back to Arc.

“THIS IS YOUR ONE AND ONLY CHANCE TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION WITH MY NATION, ARC! WHAT WILL YOU DO?!”

“I…”

He looks up at Rose. She looks back and makes a small but frightened smile and nods.

“I… um… I…”

Rose turns back toward the Dragon Lord. “I accept, Dragon Lord. Do with this unit what you will. Just please spare Equestria your wrath.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Wait… NO!

Sereb frowns. “There must be another way!”

Auriel sighs. “I think Rose is right. Sad as it may be.”

Twilight puts a hoof on his side, sadly. “Arc… I’m truly sorry for causing you all this trouble. I set out to make you happy. But instead I brought you only more heartache.”

Rose turns and smiles at Twilight. “This isn’t your fault, administrator.”

Arc nods. “Rose is right. You were doing your very best for me. Sometimes… you can do everything completely right… and still have it turn out so very, very wrong.”

Ember frowns. “We should probably say goodbye now. My dad isn’t the most patient dragon out there.”

Brightwing sits on the ground nearby and cries.

“Poor pretty lady going to be eaten! Sadness!”

Ember, Auriel and Sereb stand around Rose, sadly.

“I… sorry Rose. I thought I could convince my dad to let this thing go.”

Rose smiles and gives Ember a hug. “It’s not your fault! After all, you tried your best!”

Sereb sighs. “You are very brave, Rose. I shall remember your sacrifice for as long as I draw breath!”

Rose drops to her knees and wraps her arms around Sereb’s furry neck. “Take care of Arc for me please.”

Auriel walks over as she stands back up. “Rose, I had hoped this new technology would be the beginning of some degree of comfort for all demonkind. But it seems that isn’t going to be the case.”

Rose takes Auriel’s claws in her hands and gives them a squeeze. “You’ll find a way, Auriel. I just know it! Just remember to keep trying and you can do anything!”

Auriel nods and turns away, unable to speak through her tears.

Arc shakes his head in disbelief. “This… this isn’t happening! Not again!”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s side, sadly. “I’m sorry, Arc. But it looks like this is the only way to save Equestria.”

Rose kneels down and takes Twilight’s hoof in her hand. Smiling through the tears that are beginning to fall.

“Thank you for giving this unit life, administrator. While it was very short, this one enjoyed the time during which this unit was active!”

Rose stands and walks the few paces over to Arc. She walks into his arms as they embrace.

“Thank you for everything, Arc! I know we were only together for a limited time, but… they were very happy for me!”

The pair look into each other’s eyes for what feels like forever before Rose gives Arc’s hands a final squeeze.

“Miss Cherry… please continue to watch over Arc.”

Cherry sounds on the verge of tears. “I will. Promise!”

Twilight looks to her creation. “R-rose?!”

“Yes, administrator?”

“I… uh… just wanted to apologize for how I’ve treated you since your activation.”

“It’s alright! Really!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No it isn’t! I… I treated you like a machine!”

“But I am a…

“No you’re NOT!”

Twilight takes a moment to wipe her eyes before continuing.

“It was me who brought you into this world! I thought I knew what I was doing! I thought… I thought I was responsible enough to… I was wrong! And now you will pay the price for my foolishness!

Rose smiles at her. “If my destruction will save Equestria from ruin… if it will spare Arc’s life, then I have no regrets, administrator. In keeping with my directives…”

Twilight, smiling through her tears, looks up at her. “Please, Rose. Call me… call me mother!”

“Very well. Goodbye… mother.”

Rose takes one last look at her friends and, with a smile, turns back toward the Dragon Lord

“I am ready.”

“STEP FORWARD, BRAVE MACHINE, AND MEET YOUR DESTINY!”

Rose slowly does so as the Dragon Lord descends from his Throne. The pair meet halfway, Rose looks up at him and the Dragon Lord looks down at her. The Marquis frowns.

“SURELY THERE MUST BE ANOTHER WAY, OLD FRIEND!”

The Dragon Lord shakes his head. “IF THERE IS ONE… I DO NOT SEE IT!”

Torch looks back down at the tiny doll that stands bravely before him as he raises a massive claw.

“I WILL MAKE THIS QUICK! FAREWELL…”

Ember and Auriel stand on either side of Arc. They instinctively grab an arm as he kneels down in front of Twilight who is crying inconsolably. She buries her face in Arc’s chest as the tears flow without end.

“This… this isn’t right, Arc!”

Arc wraps his arms around Twilight in an effort to console her, almost whispering. “I… I know, Twilight. I know.”

Rose looks up at the claw above. As it begins to descend toward her, she closes her eyes and smiles peacefully as a small smile creeps across her face.

“I have no regrets. Goodbye, my love.”

Arc holds Twilight in one arm and extending the other in futility, screaming! “ROSE!!!”

The Dragon Lord’s claw hits the ground with such force that the entire area is covered in darkness from the ensuing dust cloud. After the initial shock-wave has passed the only sound to be heard is that of a certain mare and human crying together.

Chapter 16 - Short End of the Stick

As the dust slowly clears, the Dragon Lord looks down. Picking up Rose’s yellow bandana, which is now dirty and torn, he levitates it over to Arc gauntlet.

“REST IN PEACE, SMALL ONE!”

As Arc wordlessly takes it the Dragon Lord turns to return to his throne.

“FORGIVE ME, ARC! I TOOK NO PLEASURE IN THAT ACT! AS AGREED, I WILL FORGIVE EQUESTRIA FOR THEIR TRANSGRESSION AGAINST MY LANDS!”

Arc and company hear the Dragon Lord’s words but are unable to respond. Suddenly the sound of a high-pitched growling can be heard. Sereb looks around as do the others.

“What…? Is that…”

Arc looks up and wipes the tears from his eyes. “B-Brightwing?”

The whelpling is on all fours taking up a battle-ready position toward the Dragon Lord. She is growling menacing. Ember frowns.

“I don’t… what is Brightwing doing?!”

Auriel looks confused. “I’m not sure, but I think she’s growling at the Dragon Lord!”

Torch looks over at the little dragon and sighs.

“STOP THAT, BITE SIZE! THIS WAS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT YOU…!”

The Dragon Lord stops talking as he sees a familiar form behind Brightwing.

“YOU?!?!?!?!”

Twilight looks over astonished! “R-Rose?”

Everyone looks over at Brightwing. Rose is sitting on the ground behind her. She appears unharmed albeit clearly shaken.

“BITE SIZE?! HOW DARE YOU DEFY ME!”

The tiny dragon jumps up and flies over to face the Dragon Lord.

“Big meanie can’t hurt pretty lady! She not guilty of anything!”

“WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! SHE IS LIVING DRAGON FRUIT!”

“Is that crime?! To exists!”

“IT IS!”

Brightwing flutters over to hover directly in from of Torch’s eye.

“Pretty lady being born is bad?! You just a big meanie!”

“DO NOT ARGUE WITH ME!”

Brightwing turns around and flutters away, angrily. “Fine! Bring about her death and break pact yourself!”

“WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!”

She stops, but does not turn back. “Brightwing knows that you made desperate pact with Equestria’s princess!”

“WHAT?! HOW DID YOU…?!”

“Brightwing also know you live with much sadness. Much anger. Much regret. Much… hate!”

“BE SILENT BRIGHTWING! I COMMAND YOU!”

“But if you destroy pretty lady, you break pact too!”

“HOW SO?!”

She turns back to face the Dragon Lord. “Does pact not say that Dragon Lord will not lead aggression against the lands of Equestria OR its citizens?”

“IT DOES! BUT WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH IT?!”

“Pretty lady born in Equestria! No can kill her!”

“A MACHINE IS NOT BORN! IT IS BUILT!”

“While Brightwing does not understand why big dragon say that, she is still very nice! But if you will not see her as born, then you see her as property!”

“AND WHAT IF I DO?!”

“Then she would be property of Equestria! To destroy her would be act of war! Pact broken!”

The Dragon Lord growls at the impasse. Arc stands and looks to Torch.

“Dragon Lord! Is there nothing else we could do to make this right?!”

Ember nods. “Please father! She’s very important to all of us! I know you don’t want to do this!”

The Dragon Lord considers the problem for several minutes.

“VERY WELL! THERE IS ONE OTHER ALTERNATIVE!”

Arc smiles. “Name it!”

“THE PRINCESSES OF EQUESTRIA HAVE LONG HELD AN ITEM IN THEIR CARE THAT I REQUIRE!”

Twilight looks confused. “What is it?”

“A MAGICAL ITEM KNOWN ONLY AS THE ‘DRAGON’S TEAR’!”

Arc nods. “Where is it?”

“THAT WILL BE YOUR JOB TO FIGURE OUT! RETURN TO ME WITH THE DRAGON’S TEAR AND I WILL CONSIDER THIS MATTER SETTLED!”

“Very well. What of Rose though?!”

“AS A SHOW OF GOOD FAITH TO THE NEW WARCHIEF, I WILL ALLOW HER TO ACCOMPANY YOU BACK TO EQUESTRIA!”

Sereb nods. “Thank you, Dragon Lord, for putting your faith in us.”

“DO NOT DISAPPOINT ME! NOW GO, AND DO NOT RETURN WITHOUT THE DRAGON’S TEAR!”

They turn to leave as Arc Blinks over to Rose’s side and helps her up.

“You okay, Rose?”

“Y-yes! Thanks to Brightwing here!”

Brightwing smiles happily. “Blessings upon friends!”

Arc nods. “Yes, well… let’s get out of here before the Dragon Lord changes his mind!”

They leave the Throne of the Dragon Lord and return to Ember’s small house. As they enter, Twilight collapses on the floor in front of the fireplace.

“That was mentally exhausting!”

Arc nods as he looks down at Rose, who is clutching his arm tightly as she smiles. “Tell me about it!”

He leads Rose over to the couch.

“Have a seat, Rose. You’ve been through quite a bit today.”

Sereb chuckles. “We all have.”

Rose sits down shakily. “Thank you.”

Ember frowns as she closes the front door. “I’m a bit confused as to what exactly happened back there! How did my dad miss?”

“Brightwing save pretty lady!”

Sereb nods. “How?”

Brightwing flutters over to Sereb and lands on his back. A moment later the pair are across the room in a small burst of light. Sereb looks around.

“That was… unsettling.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “Brightwing knows how to BLINK?!”

Brightwing looks to her confused. “Doesn’t everyone?!”

Arc shrugs. “I can. “

Ember nods. “We all know it’s possible. But to Blink another, much larger being with you takes a LOT of energy!”

Auriel turns to him. “Like that time back in Tartarus, Arc?”

“Not my proudest moment, but yes.”

Sereb frowns. “What happened?”

“The Demon King had created a weapon that was capable of bringing down the barrier and allowing the demons to invade Equestria.”

Auriel sighs. “Actually, if you remember, I was the one who created the Malice Cannon.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “What?! WHY?!”

Auriel sighs. “My father has always had an obsession with escape.”

Arc puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder. “It’s in the past, Auriel. Let’s just leave it there, shall we?”

“Thank you.”

He turns back to Rose and sits down next to her.

“How you holding up over here?”

Rose touches Arc’s arm. “That… was something I’d like to never do again! Thank you, Brightwing!”

“Friend welcome!”

Arc nods. “You did very well, Rose. I’m proud of you.”

Twilight smiles at her. “We all are!”

Rose looks over at Twilight. “Thank you, mother! That means a lot coming from you!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “What is our next move?”

“We should probably get to Canterlot Castle and ask the princesses about this ‘Dragon’s Tear’?”

Arc opens a portal back to Canterlot Castle. Everyone steps through and proceeds down the corridor. Arc turns to Ember.

“Any idea what this artifact is, Ember?”

Ember shrugs. “Not a clue. My father never mentioned it before today.”

Twilight looks over. “I’ve never heard of it either.”

“Brightwing not know!”

Sereb sighs. “Hopefully the princesses will be able to enlighten us.”

Rose shudders at the prospect of the alternative. “I sure hope they can!”

Arc takes a turn down another corridor. Confused, Twilight points with a hoof.

“Arc? The Audience Chambers are this way.”

“We’re not going there.”

Sereb frowns. “Why not?”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “They’re not there right now.”

Rose looks at Arc. “How do you know?!”

“Call it a hunch.”

Before long they arrive at their destination.

“Here we are.”

Ember facepalms. “I should have known.”

Twilight frowns. “Why would they be here?”

Arc turns to her as the guards part. “Because it’s lunch time.”

Both princesses are sitting across from each other picking at their food, clearly worried. Luna and Cadance look up as they enter.

“Arc!”

“How did it go?!”

Arc recalls his armor. “Um… okay, I guess. The good news is were not at war.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good!”

“The down side is the Dragon Lord either wants Rose destroyed and in pieces, or we can give him some artifact none of us have ever heard of.”

Cadance shakes her head. “Which one would that be? Forgive me, but we have so many around here.”

Ember steps forward. “My father wants something called the ‘Dragon’s Tear’. Heard of it?”

“I have not. Luna?”

Luna nods. “Indeed I have.”

Arc looks at her sheepishly. “Uh… can we… have it please?”

Luna shakes her head. “That is not as simple as you would think.”

Sereb frowns. “It is not here?”

“Exactly.”

Twilight looks to Luna. “Do you know where then?”

Luna turns to a nearby guard.

“Bring me a map of our land.”

The guard salutes and hurries to carry out his orders. Cadance sighs.

“Does this mean it’s far away?”

Luna nods. “Yes, Cadance. My sister did not feel it was safe here in Canterlot Castle’s vault.”

Arc frowns. “Not safe in the vault? Is it really that dangerous?”

“Yes and no.”

The guard returns with the map. Luna accepts it.

“Thank you. You and the other guards are dismissed.”

The Royal Guards bow and leave the room together as Luna unrolls the map and points to a spot far to the south.

“My sister hid it here. There is an ancient temple at this location that she believed would serve as the perfect hiding place for the Dragon’s Tear.”

Twilight looks up. “I don’t understand. Why would it need to be hidden away?”

Sereb nods. “And in such a remote and unguarded place.”

Luna sighs. “It may be remote, but it is FAR from unguarded.”

Auriel looks nervous. “Monsters?! Demons?!”

“Close. The temple is guarded by a magically created creature known as Ahuizotl.”

Arc looks confused. “What do you mean ‘magically created’?”

Cadance sighs. “While forbidden, magic does exist to create sentient life.”

Everyone looks over at Twilight.

“Squee!”

Ember turns to Luna. “So is this creature a robot like Rose?”

“No. He is flesh and blood like the rest of us. My sister created him to guard the Dragon’s Tear. Amongst other things, that is.”

Sereb frowns. “I am almost afraid to ask, but how long has he been there?”

“Almost as long as we’ve been princesses.”

Arc nods. “Anything you can tell us about this Ahuizotl fellow? I’m assuming it’s male.”

“You would be correct. He is as cunning as he is strong. Do not take him lightly! Or his minions.”

Auriel steps back nervously. “Minions?!”

“My sister also created an army to aid him in his task. They are comprised of warrior-like creatures known as ‘sphinx’.”

Twilight nods. “I’ve read about those in some of the oldest reference guides to magic.

Cadance appears surprised. “Really? What are they exactly?

“The only thing the book said was they were deadly! Nopony alive has ever seen one, and any records of what they might have looked like have been lost.”

Ember shudders. “Scary thought! Maybe I could just fly in there, grab the tear and race back out before anyone is the wiser!”

Luna shakes her head. “That would not work. Ahuizotl also commands a large contingent of Rocs.”

Brightwing licks her lips. “Except feathers, is good eats!”

Arc frowns. “Feathers?”

Cadance nods. “They’re a very fast bird with sharp talons and a nasty temper.”

Ember grins wickedly. “Great! I’m looking forward to some aerial combat!”

Twilight turns to Cadance. “I’ve read rocs can read your mind! Is that true?”

“To a degree. They use that ability to counter your attack before you make it. Fortunately they can’t actually tell exactly what’s going through you mind.”

Luna nods. “Their claws can also pierce armor.”

Arc furrows his brow. “Liking this less all the time.”

Rose sighs. “It’s okay, Arc. I don’t want to see you risk your life on my account. You can just take me back to the Dragon Lands now.”

Arc puts his hands on Rose’s shoulder. “Oh no. I’m getting that Dragon’s Tear, giving it to the Dragon Lord and bringing you home.”

Sereb growls. “You mean ‘we’ right?”

Ember nods. “Count me in!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I’d like to see this historic temple for myself.”

Auriel walks over to Arc. “I’m coming as well. This whole mess is partially my fault.”

“Brightwing go with you!”

Arc smiles. “Thanks everyone.”

Cadance sighs. “Well then, it appears you have no shortage of volunteers, Arc.”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “Now I suppose the only problem is, how do we get there.”

Luna points a hoof in the direction of the hanger. “Take the Lunar Destiny. With luck, you should get there by tomorrow morning.”

She points a hoof at the map.

“You’ll have to head due south from Canterlot until you get to Appleloosa. From there you can follow the old train tracks further south for several more hours before heading east over the Forbidden Jungle.”

Rose looks to her, confused. “Can we not just fly straight?”

Cadance shakes her head. “That would take you over the Badlands. Queen Chrysalis rules that part of the continent.”

Arc frowns. “The way you said that leads me to believe she’s not a benevolent ruler.

Luna sighs. “She is not. While not openly at war, we have had quite a few skirmishes with her changeling army in the past.”

Ember looks to him. “When you were Lord Regent, you sent her a letter of peace, right Arc?”

Sereb frowns. “Did anything ever come of it?”

Arc shrugs. “I never received any word back. To be honest with you, I was kinda glad. What Kibitz told me about her was not encouraging.”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “Although it does make me wonder why she never attacked. It certainly was a good time with no princesses on the throne.”

Brightwing shudders. “Mean bug with wings that one!”

Auriel looks surprised. “You’ve met her?”

“Yes! Scary voice! Brightwing no like! Things like her should not talk!”

Arc frowns. “We’ll be sure to avoid her lands then. Wouldn’t want to start something after all.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! We don’t really want a war now. Not even with her.”

“I have one last question before we leave. What does this artifact do exactly?”

Luna turns to him. “It was another of Star Swirl the Bearded’s experiments, Arc.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “A failure?”

Rose sighs. “Like… like me?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. It supposedly worked. The purpose of the Dragon’s Tear was to make any creature who possessed it, immortal.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Define immortal.”

“Whomever used its power would stop aging and be able to regenerate until they removed it. This item was originally created for Celestia and I. Until Star Swirl discovered how to turn us into alicorns, that is.”

Auriel nods. “Why is it called the Dragon’s Tear?”

“Because of its shape and origin. You see, the tears of a dragon can be made to crystalize.

Ember looks surprised. “They can?”

Luna nods. “Yes. However, the method by which this is done has been lost to the sands of time. Only one was ever successfully created. It was set into a gold pendant’s center and hidden away after it was clear his Alicorn Transformation Theory was more than just speculation.”

Arc sighs. “Are you two okay with giving this gem to the Dragon Lord?”

Cadance nods. “I’m fine with it.”

“Yes. If it will appease his anger, then I am for it as well.”

Luna looks over at Rose.

“That and I do not like the idea of turning over this young lady to the Dragon Lord.”

Arc frowns. “Neither am I. Although I do wonder what he wants with it.”

Ember shrugs. “Probably just another bauble to add to his horde. All dragons are like that.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “All?”

Ember sighs. “Yes, even me…”

Twilight turns back to Luna. “Anything you can tell us about this temple?”

Luna shakes her head. “Sadly, no. It was a preexisting structure even back then. Only my sister knew anything about it.”

Sereb frowns. “Equestrians did not build it?”

“No. Who did and what happened to them is still a mystery to this day.”

Auriel look hopeful. “Maybe we can find some clues while we’re there.”

Rose shudders. “Hopefully not! I don’t want Arc or anyone else to be in danger even a moment longer than necessary!”

Arc nods. “Well, we should let you two get back to lunch. Thank you for the help.”

Luna smiles after him. “You are welcome, Arc. “

She pushes the map toward him.

“Take this with you. That temple isn’t on any of them. And watch yourselves out there!”

Arc takes the map, folds it up and puts it neatly in his pocket. Cadance looks to him nervously.

“Do be careful! I want everypony to come back safely after this!”

Brightwing flutters around excitedly. “Brightwing look after them!”

Arc smiles. “We won’t let you down.”

The group leaves the Dining Room together as the princesses go back to their meal.

“Luna, why DO you suppose the Dragon Lord wants the Dragon’s Tear?”

Luna shrugs. “Your guess is as good as mine. Although it is comforting to know that our Hero of Light has such loyal friends.”

Chapter 17 - New Destinations

Arc and company head for the castle hanger and approach the Lunar Destiny. Brightwing almost falls over backwards as she looks up at the ship from Sereb’s back.

“Woah! Big bird!”

Arc nods. “This is probably the fastest way to get there, Brightwing. Also the safest.”

Twilight turns to her friend as they board the ship. “Are you sure you want to come along, Auriel? This probably isn’t going to be very safe.”

“Yes! If I can help in some way, it will make me feel better about this whole situation!”

Ember shakes her head. “It wasn’t your fault. Neither of you knew what you were doing was illegal!”

Sereb nods. “That and you were trying to be helpful.”

“I do appreciate being given life, mother.”

She looks up at Arc and grabs his arm affectionately.

“Besides, if Arc is with us we can’t lose!”

Ember sighs. “I just wish we knew more about this temple we’re going to.”

Arc nods. “As do I. I’m not a big fan of going in blind like this. And I know you’re happy about that change in me Ember.”

Ember smiles. “You know me so well.”

The group makes their way to the Bridge. Captain Tight Ship is waiting for them. He salutes as Arc walks over to him.

“Welcome aboard sir. Where can I take you?”

“A temple in the eastern part of the Forbidden Jungle.”

Tight Ship looks confused as he looks at the map on the wall. “I don’t believe I’m familiar with that.”

He studies the map on the wall quickly.

“There doesn’t appear to be anything out that way, sir.”

Arc pulls the map out of his pocket and unfolds it. He points to the spot Luna indicated.

“The princess says it’s here.”

“Very well, sir. Well get underway shortly. If you don’t have anything else to take care of, that is.”

Arc turns to the others.

“Anyone want off?”

Everyone shakes their heads as Arc turns back to the captain.

“I guess that settles it.”

“Yes sir. We’ll take off as soon as the rest of the crew arrives.”

Ember frowns. “They’re not aboard?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “Sadly, no. Princess Luna mentioned a nice restaurant in town. They went to check it out.”

He puts a hoof on the radio.

“Shall I recall them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! Let them finish their lunch.”

Twilight turns to the captain. “Why didn’t you go with them, sir?”

“Somepony has to be aboard at all times. Besides, the crew has been training hard lately. I thought they could do with a diversion.”

Arc nods. “We’ll head over to the Cafeteria then for a quick bite.”

Tight Ship nods. “My apologies, sir, but I don’t think there’s anyone over there at the moment.”

“It’s okay. We can just make some sandwiches or something simple.”

Arc and company leave the bridge and head for the Cafeteria. As they walk down the corridor, he smiles.

“This is kinda nice.”

Rose looks confused. “What is, Arc?”

“Going somewhere with so many friends.”

The group makes a plate of sandwiches and takes them to the Observation Deck. Ember frowns.

“Not much of a view.”

Twilight laughs. “Give it time, Ember.”

They sit down to eat at the biggest table. Twilight turns to Arc as she eats.

“So how are things going on Earth, Arc?”

“Okay. We’ve gotten my old house pretty well set up for when Princess Celestia is found. After that it’s just a matter of coming up with a plan.”

Brightwing frowns. “Friend missing?”

Sereb nods. “You could say that.”

Brightwing flutters around the room. “Brightwing help you look!”

Arc chuckles. “She’s not here.”

“Is friend sure?”

Ember laughs. “Pretty sure!”

They go back to eating while Brightwing continues examining the room. Auriel looks to Arc.

“Thanks for letting me tag along.”

Arc nods. “Thanks for coming.”

Auriel sighs. “Twilight’s been telling me I need to get out of the lab more often.”

“This isn’t exactly what I had in mind!”

Sereb nods. “You do not go out much, do you?”

Auriel shakes her head. “I don’t. It’s very hard being the odd one out. I mean, there aren’t any other demons around for me to talk to.”

She sighs.

“Not that it’s much different from Tartarus in the regard.”

Arc chuckles. “I can understand that.”

“Oh? But you have so many friends Arc! How do you know what it feels like to be lonely?”

“Think about it. I’m the only human in this entire world.”

Ember nods. “I’m the only dragon in Equestria. Other than Spike, that is.”

Sereb chuckles. “My tribemates are across the sea in the Dragon Lands.”

Rose smiles at her. “There are no other androids that I know of.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m the only bookworm in Ponyville. Other than you, that is.”

Brightwing flutters over happily. “Brightwing is Brightwing!”

Auriel shakes her head. “I just don’t understand how we all get along.”

“You see Auriel, all of us are unique. Special in our own ways so to speak. That’s what holds us together.”

Ember looks skeptical. “Differences, Arc?”

Arc smiles. “Right! Differences are what we have in common.”

Everyone enjoys a good laugh other than Brightwing.

“Brightwing no get it.”

A short time later the ship lifts off and heads south. Arc and his friends stay in the Observation Deck watching the scenery and chatting until evening. As the sun begins to set they head over to the Cafeteria for a nice supper before retiring to their quarters for the evening. Ember grins as they leave the room.

“Now THAT was a good meal!”

Sereb nods. “You said it.”

Auriel burps. “It’s been a while since I ate food that good.”

Rose looks to her, confused. “Don’t you and Twilight know how to cook?”

Twilight sighs. “Not really. Most of the time we just eat something quick and easy.”

Arc frowns. “Like what?”

Twilight looks to him sheepishly. “Soup. A lot of soup.”

Rose looks confused. “Couldn’t you read a book on cooking, mother?”

“I suppose we could. But there’s always something new to research and experiment on.”

Ember laughs. “Well, couldn’t you do some ‘research’ on how to cook?”

Auriel shrugs. “I suppose we could after figuring out the whole artificial sun problem.”

Twilight sighs as her ears droop. “Yes. That’s going to be quite difficult without the Dragon Fruit.”

Sereb nods. “I am certain you two will think of something.”

Arc grins. “As am I.”

They reach the VIP quarters and each head to their rooms. Twilight turns to Auriel.

“Want to stay with me?”

Auriel breathes a sigh of relief. “Yes! I don’t think I want to be alone on this flying machine.”

Sereb frowns. “Is something wrong?”

Auriel looks away. “I’m actually afraid of heights.”

Brightwing looks confused. “Pretty demon girl afraid of highness? But you have wings!”

Arc turns to the baby dragon. “Everyone has their own fears, Brightwing.”

Ember grins proudly. “Yeah! Except me!”

“Ember?”

“Yes Arc?”

He leans in close to Ember and whispers in her ear. “Vegetarianism.”

“Woah! Now that IS scary!”

Rose looks confused. “What did he say?”

Ember shudders. “I’m sorry, but it’s just too terrible to repeat.”

Sereb turns to her. “Shall you and I share a room, Ember?”

“Sounds good to me.”

They take a room together. As Ember closes the door behind them Sereb turns to her.

“I actually meant with the three of us.”

“Huh?”

“You, me and Arc.”

Ember sits down on the very posh bed. “Yes, well… I think he needs some time with Rose.”

Sereb nods. “Does he now?”

“Yeah! I mean, he really seems to care for her and all!”

“Why shouldn’t he? She is a very polite young lady.”

Ember lies back and looks up at the ceiling. “Whatever makes him happy.”

“Jealous, Ember?”

She bolts upright. “NO! What makes you say that?!”

Sereb snickers. “You just did.”

“That’s cheating!”

There is a small knock at the door. Ember stands up.

“Who could that be?”

She opens the door to find Brightwing hovering expectantly.

“Room for Brightwing?!”

Sereb looks up. “You don’t want your own room?”

“Brightwing having trouble! Feeling lonely on big bird!”

Ember sighs and steps aside. “Fine. Come on in.”

“Yay!”

Meanwhile, Twilight and Auriel settle into their room. The young demoness sits down on the large bed.

“This is a very nice room.”

Twilight closes the curtains. “That it is.”

“Twilight? Do you think we’re all really that different?”

“On the surface, yes.”

“Oh?”

Twilight continues. “But when you get right down to the core, all of us have one thing in common. We’re all friends!”

“That’s not all.”

“What else could there be?”

Auriel smiles at her friend. “I see how you look at him.”

Twilight sighs. “You noticed, huh?”

“Why don’t you just say something?!”

“Like what?”

Auriel shrugs. “I don’t know. Just strike up a conversation.”

“How?! We never have any time alone!”

Twilight sighs.

“He’s always so… busy protecting Equestria!”

“Then why did you come on this trip?”

“Because somepony needs to look after him once in a while!”

The pair are silent for a time. Eventually Twilight turns back to Auriel.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

Twilight smiles at her. “Is there anypony YOU have your eye on?”

Auriel blushes slightly. “N-not really!”

Twilight leans over to Auriel slyly. “You do! Come on! Who is it?!”

“I… I’d rather not say.”

“Is it Arc?”

Auriel smiles and shakes her head. “No. I mean… I do respect and like him very much. But he already has several admirers.”

She closes her eyes and smiles.

“You really want to know who?”

Twilight nods. “Of course! We’re friends after all!”

Auriel sighs. “Okay.”

She leans in close to Twilight and whispers something in her ear.”

“Really? Him?!”

Auriel puts her claws to her face and blushes. “We do have a lot in common.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I guess that’s true. Have you talked to him about it?”

Auriel shakes her head sadly. “No. Like Arc, he’s always busy with something.”

Twilight sighs. “You and I… we’re like peas in a pod.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rose head to his room. Rose’s eyes grow wide as they enter.

“This room is beautiful!”

“It’s really supposed to be for the princesses. But they insisted I use it whenever I come aboard.”

Rose takes Arc’s arm happily. “That sure was nice of them!”

Arc leads Rose over to the window. “Yes. Why don’t we enjoy the view before the sun finishes setting?”

“Okay!”

The pair sit down on the couch together. Arc smiles.

“The sunset really is beautiful from up here.”

“Yes it is!”

They watch the sunlight reflect off the clouds for a time. Eventually Rose turns to him.

“Arc? Why are you doing this?”

“Because I don’t want to see an innocent person killed.”

Rose smiles. “That’s not the only reason though is it?”

Arc looks confused. “Why else would I…”

“If something were to happen to me, it would be like losing Miss Cherry all over again, wouldn’t it?”

“Yes. I mean… I know you aren’t her, but… but you are a very nice person nonetheless.”

“Thank you, Arc. You have no idea how happy that makes me feel!”

She looks back out the window as she continues speaking.

“Tell me… what was she like?”

“Cherry?”

“Yes.”

Arc closes his eyes. “Well… she was beautiful, honest, caring, trustworthy, kind…”

His voice trails off.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is, she was the most wonderful individual I’ve ever met. Still is actually! We used to talk on the telephone at night, as I was too busy during the day with ruling the land.”

Rose looks over to him, confused. “Why didn’t you just go see her?”

“I wanted to so badly. But I couldn’t leave the castle.”

“Why not? You were the Lord Regent and could have done anything you wanted.”

Arc sighs. “If something had come up while I was gone… any number of bad things might have happened to a great number of innocent ponies. Back then I did think about it, many times actually. Almost did it a few times. But…”

He shakes his head.

“Now I can only see Cherry in my dreams.”

Cherry giggles. “I’m always here for you, Arc. No matter what.”

“Thanks Cherry. But I do still miss you.”

“And I miss you as well, my love.”

Rose looks over. “Miss Cherry? Can you tell me more about yourself?”

“I sure can. What did you want to know?”

“Well… your personality, your likes and dislikes and how you speak for starters.”

Arc frowns. “Those are odd things to ask. What’s this about, Rose?”

“I just want to be the best companion to you I can be, Arc. If I can learn how to be Miss Cherry, you won’t be so sad anymore.”

Arc sighs. “That’s… really nice of you, Rose, But that isn’t what I want.”

“What is?”

“All I want is for you to be… you.”

Rose frowns. “I don’t understand.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Listen, Rose. You may look a lot like Cherry. But the fact of the matter is, you’re not her. You are you.”

Rose is suddenly frantic. “I can change! Be anything you want!”

He smiles at her. “Fine. Then you just worry about being Rose.”

“Just be… Rose?”

Arc nods. “What I’m trying to say is, just be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, and don’t think that by acting a certain way you can replace Cherry. She, like all my other friends and you, are one of a kind.”

Rose puts a hand to her chin. “I… think I need some time to process all of this.”

Arc stands up and stretches. “Well, you can think about that all night if it pleases you. But I need to get some rest now. One of the down sides of not being a machine.”

“Yes! Please get some rest now!”

Cherry suddenly calls out to him. “Arc? Would it bother you if I borrowed your armor and kept Rose company tonight?”

“Not at all.”

Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward as Cherry lets him out.

“There you go.”

Eidolon’s Ward helps Arc get into bed. “Thank you. It does feel good to get out and stretch my legs once in a while.”

Arc leans back on the plush pillow and closes his eyes. “Have a nice talk you two.”

Rose and Eidolon’s Ward leave Arc’s quarters and head down the corridor toward the teleporter.

“Where should we go?”

Eidolon’s Ward points a gauntlet down the corridor. “There’s a Rec Room on the Mid-Level of the ship. We could play a game while we talk.”

“Okay!”

They step onto the teleporter.

“Rec Room.”

In a flash they are teleported to the ships Rec Room. Rose looks around at they step off the pad.

“I didn’t know such a place existed on this ship. Did Arc bring you here?”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its helmet. “No. The only other time I was aboard this ship was when Arc and his friends were flying to the Griffon Kingdom. Sadly we didn’t have time to enjoy the ship. Say, would you like to play a game of Ping-Pong?!”

“I don’t know how to play.”

“I’ll show you.”

They walk over to the table and each pick up a paddle. Eidolon’s Ward bounces the ball on the table in front of her.

“This game is simple. You hit the ball across the table. Like this!”

She lightly taps the ball. It bounces across the table past Rose.

“The object is to get the ball past your opponent while at the same time letting it bounce once on the table first.”

“Sounds simple enough! It will certainly give me a chance to test out my targeting and muscular response skills!”

Eidolon’s Ward laughs. “Me too! I’m still getting used to having hands and walking on two feet! So go easy on me, okay?”

“I’ll try.”

The pair bounce the ball back and forth as they continue talking. Rose is the first to speak.

“So if Arc never took you here, how do you know about it?”

“It’s in his memories.“

“You can see that?!”

“Yes! Arc lets me have access to everything in his mind.”

“Everything?!”

“That he does. Everything he’s ever done or thought of I can see.”

Rose smiles. “That sounds wonderful! Being able to get inside someone you care about!”

“It’s not all that. For example, I can only feel or see what he does.”

“What about right now? Can’t you feel anything?”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its helmet as the ball sails past. “I can’t. Without nerves and a real body, I’m only a mind inside a metal suit.”

Rose sighs as her opponent fetches the errant ball. “This is a new sensation for me. On the one hand I’m envious of you for being able to get so close to Arc. But on the other… I pity you.”

Eidolon’s Ward returns with the ball. “You’ve been able to get close to him as well, Rose. I’m aware of the shower incident, you know.”

Rose blushes. “Oh… um…”

“It’s okay You didn’t understand human modesty at the time. If it makes you feel any better, Arc doesn’t hold that act against you. And neither do I.”

Rose sighs as they go back to playing. “How can you say that?! I mean… you two were engaged after all!”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Life doesn’t always go the way you want it to, dear. My current state is proof of that.”

“If you could come back as you were before… would you?”

“You mean be alive again?”

“Yes.”

“In a heartbeat! Why do you ask?”

“Because you and I are the same right now. Neither one of us are ‘alive’ like the others are.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “I know. But such is life. You never really know when your time is up until it is. After all, I didn’t PLAN to get killed when I did. It just… kinda happened.”

“My mother programmed me with everything she knew of… everything, I guess. But what happened that night?”

“I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, dear. Although I took no pleasure in watching Arc kill my assailant, it did make me happy knowing that he would never harm anypony else ever again.”

Rose frowns. “That makes me feel… conflicted.”

“How so?”

“Knowing that Arc willfully killed a pony. While now he’s working very hard to save my life.”

“It’s different, Rose. You haven’t done anything worthy of such a punishment. While General Wind Rider on the other hoof was a very bad stallion. He was also the one who threw me under a cart so he could get away.”

Rose catches the ball in her hand and setting it down on the table. “I’m sorry, but I just don’t understand. My programming tells me that all life is worth protecting. But your words and Arc’s actions say differently.”

Eidolon’s Ward walks around the table and puts an arm around Rose’s shoulders. “I think if you hang around Arc for a bit, you’ll understand.”

Rose sighs. “That would be nice.”

“I have an idea! Why don’t we sit down and I can tell you what I know about Arc?”

Rose smiles. “I’d like that! While I already know so much about him thanks to my mother’s programming, I’m aware that there is much more for me to learn.”

“Why don’t we sit down and I’ll tell you some of what I know?”

“Thank you.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to her as the pair walk over to the game tables. “Would you please do me one favor though?”

Rose nods as she sits down. “Of course!”

“Just… use what I tell you to make Arc happy.”

“I can do that.”

“No, no! I mean… don’t try so hard to please him. Like he said himself earlier, just be yourself.”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “But… I don’t understand how to do that. There is no ‘me’. Only that which my mother programmed me to be.”

“I don’t believe that for a moment. You’ve shown yourself to be more than just a machine several times already.”

She puts a gauntlet on Rose’s hand.

“You are more alive than even you yourself know, Rose. You’ve shown compassion, fear, anger, and happiness in spades.”

Rose sighs. “But where do I go from here?”

“Your next job should be to figure out that very thing. And I’m going to help you.”

“But why?! Aren’t you afraid he’ll fall for me?!”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs contentedly. “Nothing would make me happier than knowing he had somepony to share his life with.”

Meanwhile in the corridor, Wiseman chuckled to himself.

“Cherry. You’re going to such lengths to help Rose become all that she can be. Very commendable. I do wonder… just how far she can really go.”

Chapter 18 - Tactics

Arc and company awaken early the next morning and meet in the Cafeteria for a quick breakfast. Ember looks up at him.

“I gotta say, Arc. Whenever I’m on this ship, I sleep like a whelpling.”

Sereb nods. “As do I.”

Twilight smiles. “While I usually have trouble falling asleep the sound of the engines along with the gentle rocking of the ship really helped me get and stay out.”

Auriel looks up. “You have trouble sleeping too, Twilight?!”

“Yeah. Always something running through my mind.”

“Maybe we should cut back on the coffee.”

Arc sniffs the air. “Yeah. That stuff is pretty strong. I mean, I can smell it all the way over here!”

Twilight shrugs as she drinks yet another cup. “But then how would we stay focused?”

Arc takes the cup from Twilight. “Okay, I think you’ve had enough.”

Brightwing Blinks over and grabs the cup of coffee from Arc. “Sharing is caring!”

Eidolon’s Ward shudders. “Um, I don’t know if that’s such a good…”

Before anyone can stop her, Brightwing chugs the entire cup in one gulp before suddenly stiffening up. Her whole body stands upright, eyes wide. Arc looks over at her concerned.

“Uh… are you okay Brightwing?”

The baby dragon literally bounces off the Cafeteria walls. “YAY! COLORS!”

Ember looks over at Twilight. “What was in that stuff?!”

Twilight looks confused. “Just coffee. Nothing else.”

Arc picks up the empty cup with his magic and levitates it over to himself. He examines it closely, rubbing a finger along the inside of the cup before pressing his finger together and pulling them apart. Ember frowns as she looks at him.

“Something wrong, Arc?”

Arc sets the cup down as he stands up and walks over to the coffeemaker. “Maybe. Let me just check something really quick.”

He opens up the coffeemaker and peers inside a moment before turning back and looking at Twilight.

“I think I found the problem. There’re enough grounds in here for SEVERAL pots of coffee!”

Twilight shrugs. “Well, yeah. I mean, it’s only triple strength.”

Auriel looks up. “How many times did you put the coffee back through the machine, Twilight?”

“Just twice.”

Arc dumps out the coffee. “Okay, new rule. Someone else is now in charge of brewing the coffee.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “Who did you have in mind?

“ANYONE! Other than Twilight and Auriel, that is?”

He sits back down as everyone continues eating.

“Twilight, you know anything about this place were going to?”

“A bit. Princess Celestia taught me a little about the temple and its inhabitants. For some reason though she left out the part about it housing the Dragon’s Tear.”

Sereb nods. “Anything you can tell us about the structure will be better than nothing.”

“Well, supposedly it’s made up of three units. The outer, central and inner sanctum.”

Arc sighs. “Let’s start with the outer section.”

“It’s comprised of a large courtyard with statues of ancient warriors.”

Ember chuckles. “Statues we can handle.”

Sereb frowns. “Yes, but we will be vulnerable from air attacks.”

Auriel nods. “The rocs?”

Rose calls forth her R-Cannon. “I can handle them!”

Ember’s grins. “I’ll help.”

Arc nods. “Okay. Let’s say we get through the outer courtyard. What’s next?”

“The central halls will be next. Princess Celestia said it was a huge maze designed to deter those who would try to plunder the temple.”

“Brightwing hope nothing bad lives in maze!”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet to its ‘chin’. “Perhaps we should have brought troops.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I don’t want to risk any more lives on this than I am already.”

He looks over at Twilight and Auriel.

“Any way I can convince you two to stay on the ship?”

Twilight frowns. “Not a chance!”

Auriel shakes her head. “I may not look like it, but I can take care of myself.”

Arc sighs. “It was worth a shot.”

Sereb turns to Twilight. “Has anyone ever made it through the maze?”

“I have no idea.”

Arc frowns. “Not reassuring. Now what about the inner sanctum? Can I assume that’s where we’ll find Ahuizotl?”

Twilight nods. “Right! He’s the final guardian of the temple, so he HAS to have the Dragon’s Tear.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “So do we have to fight him?!”

Sereb frowns. “I certainly hope not. By that point we’ll be quite worn down.”

Brightwing giggles. “Maybe he is nice! Will give us tear!”

Arc sighs. “I hope so, Brightwing. But I wouldn’t count on it.”

Auriel looks to her friend. “Is there anything else at all you know about this place, Twilight?”

“That’s about it. Other than…”

Her voice trails off.

Arc turns back to her nervously. “What is it, Twilight?”

“Um… well. Nopony who has gone there has ever been heard from again!”

Ember frowns. “I’m not liking the sound of this!”

Arc sighs. “Me either. I should probably just go in alone.”

Sereb nods. “Alone as in with me, correct?”

Ember laughs. “And me!”

Rose takes his arm. “I can’t let you go in there alone, Arc.”

Twilight smiles. “As her creator I need to see how Rose learns and adapts.”

Auriel nods. “And I need to watch Twilight’s back while she’s doing that.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “I guess everypony’s going with you, Arc! Myself included!”

Arc sighs heavily. “Against my better judgement, I’ll allow it. Partially because if I left anyone here they’d just follow me anyways. But I want to take this opportunity to lay down a few ground rules.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Such as?”

“If I tell anyone to do something, you have to promise me you’ll do it immediately and without question. Okay?”

Everyone nods soberly.

“For example, if I say to run, you RUN! Don’t try to be a hero! This isn’t worth getting hurt over!”

Ember nods. “Or worse."

“We’ll operate in pairs in order to watch each other’s backs. Twilight and Auriel, Sereb and Ember, Rose and myself. Got it?”

The baby dragon frowns. “What about Brightwing?”

Arc sighs. “Well… you can come with me. Just do as you’re told, okay?”

Brightwing giggles happily. Ember shakes her head.

“Can’t I partner with you, Arc? I’m pretty good at it.”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“I’m still working on the plan, Ember. Can I get back to you on that?”

She glares at him. “Are you kidding me?!”

He sighs. “Please, Ember. This is hard enough.”

“But, I… fine.”

Arc stands up. “We should be there soon. Why don’t we head over to the Cargo Hold and dust off some of those armaments?”

Twilight looks confused. “Weapons?”

“I mentioned it to the princesses a while back and they had a small Armory built in the Cargo Hold. Can’t have a warship without being prepared for war after all.”

Auriel nods. “I suppose.”

“Follow me everyone.”

Arc leads them to the teleporter. They proceed to the Cargo Hold and make their way to the Armory. Stepping inside they pick up armor for Twilight, Auriel, and Sereb. Twilight raises an eyebrow as she looks over and sees Arc helping Rose put on some armor.

“Arc? Her dermal plating is probably stronger than that armor you’re putting on her.”

“Well then, she’ll be double protected.”

Auriel look around as she dons armor and picks up a spear. “Why are there several suits of armor here for non-ponies?”

Ember chuckles as she calls forth her armor and spear. “Probably backups for Arc.”

He nods. “Hopefully I’ll never need them.”

Twilight smiles as she finishes putting on her armor and picks up a spear. “I feel like I’m ready for anything now!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You know how to use that thing, Twilight?”

“Not… really.”

Auriel looks at the pair for a moment. “We’re going to head over to the Bridge, Arc.”

Sereb looks confused. “We are?”

Arc nods. “Okay. Twilight and I will meet you there in a few minutes.”

The others leave the Armory and head toward the teleporter as Ember turns to Auriel.

“Why are we doing this now, Auriel?”

“So Twilight and Arc have a few minutes to talk.”

Rose looks confused. “Why?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Just trust her, okay? They’ll be along in a bit.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks over to Twilight and takes the spear from her. He puts it back on the rack before handing her a buckler and fastening a dagger to her belt. Twilight’s ears droop as he does so.

“Aw… I can’t do much with this!”

Arc kneels down and tightens the belt around her belly. “That’s kinda the point, Twilight.”

“What?”

“Use that buckler to defend yourself and the dagger as a last resort.

“But I can do more!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and smiles at her. “Twilight, you don’t even have your armor on correctly.”

“I don’t?”

He reaches under her belly to make the necessary adjustments.

“Pardon me.”

She blushes slightly. “It… it’s okay!”

He steps back to look her over.

“That’s better.”

Twilight walks around. “I feel so encumbered!”

“Just one last thing.”

He walks over to a shelf and picks up a helmet.

“This should fit you.”

Twilight frowns. “I think I’d fight better without this.”

Arc puts the helmet on Twilight’s head and fastens the strap. “Yes, well… I don’t want you getting hurt now.”

He walks over to a cabinet and opens it.

“Would you come over her please?”

Twilight walks over slowly. “Okay.”

She stands next to Arc as he fills the various pockets on her belt with bandages and other medical supplies.

“I don’t mind carrying these things. But wouldn’t it be easier if you had them in your ring?”

Arc nods as he stashes a couple med kits in his ring along with a survival pack. “Way ahead of you. But I want someone else to have supplies on them. Just in case we get separated, or something."

“But why would we…?”

“Expect… the unexpected.”

Finishing his task, Arc looks Twilight over one last time and sighs.

“That’s the best I can do.”

“Thanks! Shouldn’t we join the others now?”

Arc nods. “I suppose.”

She heads for the door.

“Twilight?”

“Yes?”

Arc walks over to Twilight and kneels down in front of her. “I… um… just wanted to tell you… I’m really proud of you for wanting to do this. Against my better judgment even!”

Twilight blushes slightly inside her helmet. “Arc, what are you saying?”

“Look, this could either go really well, or REALLY badly! I just wanted to tell you that you’ve always been a very good friend to me, and that I really appreciate all you’ve done in the past.”

He looks her in the eye for a few moments before continuing.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is… thanks for being my first friend. For… for giving me a chance when no one else would have. You’re a really smart, sweet and lovable friend who will always have a special place in my heart.”

“Arc, I… um… you’re… you’re welcome.”

“Just… just be careful out there, okay? I don’t really want to lose another friend. Now or ever.”

“I’ll do my best not to let you down in that regard.”

Twilight giggles nervously before turning back toward the door.

“We should probably join the others now. After all, we’ll be at our destination soon.”

Arc stands up. “Y-yeah, you’re right. Go ahead without me. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Okay.”

Twilight leaves the room and heads toward the teleporter. Her head and ears drooped.

“Why? Why didn’t I just tell him?! Argh! Why is this so… SO darn hard?!”

Meanwhile, Arc grabs a few more items from the armory which includes more survival supplies along with a few other items he tucks into his magic ring.

“I guess that’s everything. Here we go again.”

Arc leaves the armory and quickly heads for the teleporter.

“Bridge.”

A moment later he finds himself on the Bridge teleporter. His friends are waiting for him, eyes glued to the front window. The temple can be seen in the early morning light. Soarin announces him.

“Hero of Light on the Bridge!”

Ember frowns. “There you are!”

Tight Ship quickly walks over to him and salutes. “Yes sir. What can we do for you?”

“I just wanted to see how much longer until we arrive at the temple.”

Thunderlane calls out from the pilot’s seat. “I can see it in the distance, sir. It shouldn’t take us but about ten minutes to get there at our current speed.”

Sereb frowns. “Current speed? Shouldn’t we… uh… slow down?”

Moon Dancer looks over. “I’ve advised the captain that we should scout the temple from the air before making landfall.”

Wrangler nods. “Agreed. Our weapons work better in the air than on the ground.”

Tight Ship turns back to Arc. “If the natives decide to attack us, I want to have time to make a clean and quick getaway.”

“Understood, sir.”

A short time later they begin circling the temple. Thunderlane sounds nervous.

“I see a lot of very mean looking birds eyeing us, sir!”

Twilight nods. “Those must be the Rocs the princesses mentioned.”

Auriel shifts uneasily from one foot to another. “I for one was kinda hoping they wouldn’t be here.”

Brightwing looks at the Rocs and licks her toothless lips. “Mmmmm-mmmm…entrails! Tasty!”

Moon Dancer looks over to Arc. “Sir, I can assure you they are NOT friendly! We should approach them with extreme caution!”

Tight Ship frowns. “Do they pose a threat to the Lunar Destiny?”

“Their claws might be able to pierce the ships armor plating!”

Soarin nods. “Let’s not test fate.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Tight Ship turns to the pilot. “Keep your distance, Thunderlane.”

“Yes sir!”

They continue observing. Ember frowns.

“I see the statues.”

Twilight grimaces. “They look pretty big.”

Sereb growls. “Do you think they will give us trouble?”

Thunderlane chuckles. “I doubt it! I mean, what can a statue do other than fall on you?”

Arc folds his arms. “The princesses specifically warned us about them, so the danger is very real. Let’s not take their advice lightly.”

He looks at the statues lined up nicely in two rows.

“I want a closer look at that courtyard. Tight Ship, do you have any binoculars?”

“Yes sir.”

He passes Arc a pair. Arc looks at the statues more carefully.

“I get the feeling those statues are there to lure others into a false sense of security.”

Ember frowns. “What makes you say that?”

“Well, for one thing, I’m seeing a lot of skeletons in that courtyard.”

Twilight shudders in her armor. “S-skeletons?!”

Eidolon’s Ward looks out the window. “Perhaps it is from the Rocs?”

Sereb shakes his head. “It is possible, but unlikely.”

“Brightwing sees many finished meals down there near the gates!”

Arc nods. “Brightwing’s right. Most of the skeletons are near the gates and along the stone path.”

Wrangler nods soberly. “Tactically, it’s brilliant. That is, if those statues really are alive.”

Ember looks again. “Right! A group walks down the path toward the temple between those two rows and gets clobbered!”

Sereb sighs. “Those who survive are taken down as they retreat back the way they came.”

Rose looks down. Her eyes focusing on the gates. “I can confirm that. Most of the skeletons near the gate are facing away from the temple. They were certainly running away!”

Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “What a terrible way to go.”

Auriel shudders. “Clever!”

Ember sighs. “While that theory makes sense on paper, there’s no way to know for certain without going down there.”

Moon Dancer calls out. “Hero of Light, as the Science Officer I must recommend against that course of action. Those skeletons down there paint a grisly tale.”

Wrangler nods. “Yes sir. I recommend we abort the mission.”

Tight Ship looks over at Arc. “It’s your call, sir.”

Arc sighs as he walks over to Eidolon’s Ward and steps into his armor.

“We’re going in!”

Cherry calls out to him from his armor. “Not without me you’re not!”

Rose nods. “Me too!”

Ember grins. “I’m in as well!”

Sereb growls. “Let us take to the field of battle!”

Twilight walks over. “The temple requires proper study. I’m in too.”

Auriel joins Twilight. “I’ll watch your back while you observe.”

“Brightwing look for good eats down there! Tasty, tasty!”

Arc looks around. “Is everyone sure about this? I mean… this is probably the most dangerous thing I’ve done yet.”

Ember nods. “Not to mention reckless.”

They all in agreement. Rose takes his arm.

“We’re with you Arc.”

Arc nods soberly. “Well then… let’s get tactical everyone!”

Everyone turns to him and nods approvingly as Arc addresses the Lunar Destiny’s crew.

“We’ll land some distance from the gates just to play it safe. Tight Ship, tell Solar Flare to keep the engines on standby after we land. We may have to make a very fast takeoff.”

“Yes sir.”

“Wrangler, keep the weapons online and ready to fire at a moment’s notice. Until I say otherwise, the ship is to stay on high alert.”

“Aye sir.”

“Moon Dancer, keep your eyes on the screens and watch what happens outside the temple while we’re in there. Radio me if anything out here changes.”

“Yes sir.”

“Lemon Hearts, keep the comm lines open in case we need to call in for help.”

She nods, flicking a few switches on her console. “Consider it done, sir.”

Arc grins. “I don’t think I need to tell you what to do, Thunderlane.”

“I’ll be ready to get of out of this place at Mach 5, sir.”

“Good. When you land, be sure the front cannons are aimed at the front gate.”

Wrangler frowns. “Sir?”

“Just do it.”

“Yes sir.”

A few minutes later the mammoth ship touches down a few hundred yards from the temple’s gates.

“Captain… I hate to say this, but would you please tell Nurse Redheart to have the Infirmary on standby? Just in case.”

Tight Ship nods. “I’ll see to it, sir.”

He motions to Lemon Hearts who sends the message. Arc takes a deep breath and heads for the Bridge door.

“Let’s go, everyone!”

Soarin walks over to him. “I’ll see you to the hatch, sir.”

“Good idea, Commander Soarin.”

The group leaves the Bridge together. The ship’s crew look after them soberly.

“What a brave lot they are. I only wish we knew what they were planning on doing in there.”

Wrangler nods. “So do I, Moon Dancer.”

Tight Ship returns to the captain’s chair. “If it was important for us to know, he would have said so. Let’s have some faith in the one the princesses chose carry the mantle of Hero of Light.”

“Yes sir.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company head for the Main Hatch together. Not a word is said. Arc stops in front of the door and turns back to the others.

“Last chance. Anyone want out of this?”

No one speaks. Arc sighs and nods his head slightly.

“Thanks… all of you. Okay, here’s the plan…”

Chapter 19 - Guardians

Arc looks around from face to face silently and soberly.

“So is everyone clear on the plan then?”

Everyone nods.

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out both magic cloaks. He tosses one to Auriel.

“Okay then… let’s get this mission underway. Ember, you and Rose take your positions.”

Arc hastily puts on his own magic cloak before Ember and Rose quickly walk over to him and stand on his right and left. He looks over to Soarin.

“Open it.”

Soarin nods and wordlessly pushes the button to open the Main Hatch. It opens with a whoosh to the sound of jungle noises and humidity.

“Remember, wait for me to radio back before you tell the second group to move out, okay?”

Soarin salutes him. “Yes sir. I’ll see to it.”

Auriel looks nervous, but nods. “R-right!”

Arc puts his arms around Ember and Rose as he cloaks and pulls them inside the robe.

“All of you be careful, okay?”

Twilight nods. “We will!”

Sereb smiles at him. “Do not worry, Arc. I will look after them.”

“As will Brightwing!”

“Here we go.”

Arc, Rose and Ember slowly walk through the hatch and across the deck. As they descend the gangplank Ember looks up at the rocs circling overhead.

“Do you think they see us?”

Rose shakes her head. “If they can, they aren’t showing it. Their flight paths are unchanged so far.”

Arc turns to her as they reach the ground and begin their trek across the field toward the temple. “Keep monitoring those things, Rose. I don’t want any surprises.”

Rose nods as they continue on their way. A few minutes later the group arrives at the temple’s courtyard arch. Stopping, Arc turns to Rose.

“You picking up anything?”

“Other than the rocs overhead, no.”

Ember looks around. “Maybe they’re all that’s left of the temple’s guards after all this time.”

Arc looks through the open archway of the temple courtyard. “I wouldn’t bet on it. Keep your guard up you two. Are you ready?”

They nervously nod. Arc looks up at the ancient arch and, after a few moments of charging up, Blinks the three of them up onto the wall. It is only about three feet wide. He turns the them as he tightens his grip on their shoulders.

“Both of you put an arm around me and hold on.”

Ember grins “You don’t have to tell me twice!”

Rose follows suit. “Me either!”

Arc starts walking. “Let’s just take it slow and steady now. This isn’t a race, after all.”

Ember looks up at him. “I’m in no hurry.”

The group slowly makes its way around the courtyard atop the wall. Ember looks down cautiously at the skeletons whose bodies lines the courtyard.

“Let’s try not to end up like them, shall we?”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Rose, do your scanners show any changes in the area?”

“No. It doesn’t appear the Rocs, or anything else for that matter, is acknowledging our presence.”

Ember hisses back. “Or maybe they’re just waiting for us to slip up.”

Arc shakes his head. “Then we won’t.”

The trio slowly but surely walks around the courtyard atop the wall. Eventually they reach the end of the line directly above the open doorway to the inner temple.

“Here we are. The temple’s entrance. Are you two ready to Blink down?”

They both silently nod.

“Good. Just be ready for anything when we do.”

Arc charges up and Blinks them down just inside the temple. They stand there a moment taking in their surroundings as he turns to Rose.

“Anything?”

Rose shakes her head. “Nothing has changed. I think we made it.”

Ember nods. “We decloaking?”

He nods. “Yes. Here we go.”

Arc decloaks and whips off the magic cloak. He deftly puts it back in his ring and pulls out his spear. They look around and wait for something… anything, to happen. Rose looks all around as she scans their surroundings.

“Clear. While I don’t want to jump the gun, I do believe we are relatively safe here.”

Arc looks all around, his Spear of Righteousness at the ready. “I think you’re right.”

They wait another minute just to be certain. Arc nods to his companions.

“I guess it’s time for the others to join us.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Soarin. Come in please.”

“Soarin here. Go ahead, commander.”

“Everything worked perfectly. Let me speak to Auriel so I can give her some last-minute instructions before she and the others get underway.”

“Yes sir.”

Soarin hands his radio to Auriel. She accepts it.

“Y-yes?”

“We’ve entered the temple safely. The plan worked just like we thought. You and the others should have no trouble getting over here by following the instructions I laid out earlier.”

“O-okay! We’ll give it a try!”

“Just keep following the top of the wall like we talked about and you’ll be fine. When you get to the end just have Twilight Blink you all down here safely. We’ll wait just inside the temple for you.”

“Yes. We’ll see you in a bit.”

She hands the radio back to Soarin. He speaks into it once more.

“Sir? What should the Lunar Destiny do in the meantime?”

“Hold your position and keep watching the skies and your instruments. Let me know if something changes.”

“Yes sir. Well take care of it.”

“I know you will. Arc out.”

Twilight shudders as she walks toward Auriel with Brightwing on her back. “Are we ready to get started?”

“We are.”

Sereb returns to his cub form as Auriel kneels down. He hops into her arms as Twilight gets under the magic cloak with Brightwing. She gets close to Auriel and takes a deep breath.

“I’m ready.”

“As is Brightwing!”

Auriel stands up with Sereb in her arms. “I’m… kinda scared.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “We all are, Auriel. But if we stick together, I’m sure we can get through this.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. If everyone can watch out for one another, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.”

“Brightwing thinks we should go together! Very fast!”

Auriel sighs as she activates the cloaking field. “I wish we could. But for something like this, haste makes waste.”

Twilight smiles. “Right. Let’s take it slow and steady.”

Soarin salutes them. “Be careful out there everypony. Have the commander let us know when you arrive safely.”

“Will do!”

The group leaves the ship and makes their way across the deck as Soarin closes the hatch behind them. He sighs.

“It’s all up to them now.”

Auriel clutches tightly to Sereb as she walks across the field toward the courtyard gates.

“Please… not so tight.”

“S-sorry!”

She loosens her grip on the small wolf. Brightwing looks all around from Twilight’s back.

“This place not so bad!”

Twilight turns as she walks as close to Auriel as she dares. “We haven’t gotten inside the temple yet. Stay focused.”

They reach the courtyard gates and stop. Auriel turns to her friend.

“Y-you ready, Twilight?”

Twilight nods, her horn aglow. “Just give me a moment.”

In a few seconds Twilight charges up enough magic to Blink all four of them on top of the wall. As they reappear Twilight stumbles slightly. With lightning fast reflexes Auriel grabs Twilight’s hoof to prevent her from falling into the courtyard.

“I got you, Twilight!”

She regains her footing and breathes heavily at her close call. Twilight pants as she leans against Auriel’s leg.

“Th-thank you Auriel!”

Auriel nods as she straightens back up and breathes a sigh of relief. She smiles at Twilight and whispers back. “Like Arc said earlier, we all need to watch each other’s backs out here.”

The group continues on slowly but surely. Before too long they reach the end of the wall. Auriel peeks over the edge.

“It’s not too far down. But I don’t see Arc or the others.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “They are just inside.”

Twilight nods. “I’ll Blink us down there.”

Auriel nods as Twilight charges up. A moment later they find themselves just inside the temple’s entrance. Arc, Ember and Rose are waiting for them. Auriel decloaks.

“Whew! We made it!”

Twilight steps out as Auriel removes the cloak. “Somehow.”

Brightwing flutters around! “Friends out of danger now!”

Sereb jumps out of Auriel’s arms and returns to his normal size. “That may be going a bit far, Brightwing.”

Arc looks down the dark corridor that now stretches before them. “Sereb’s right. We still have a long way to go.”

Rose nods. “Then we should probably get to it.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah! So we can get out of here as soon as possible!”

“Just give me a minute to contact the Lunar Destiny and let them know we all made it in safely.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts. Come in please.”

“Reading you loud and clear sir. Shall I put you on the main speakers?”

“Always.”

Lemon Hearts pushes a few buttons.

“Okay sir. All of us on the Bridge can hear you now.”

“We’ve all made it inside the temple and are about to head deeper inside. It’s possible we’ll be out of radio communication for a while. Tight Ship, I want you to take the Lunar Destiny up and circle the temple while were inside.”

“Yes sir. Thunderlane, take us up.”

“Aye sir!”

The mammoth ship slowly lifts off as Arc continues.

“All of you already have your assignments. If something out there changes try to let us know.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “We will sir. But that may not be possible.”

Wrangler shudders at the thought. “What should we do if you don’t answer?”

“If there is some kind of immediate danger to the ship, I want you to fly to safety immediately.”

Soarin frowns. “What about you though?!”

“Get the ship to a safe distance and keep trying to contact us. Eventually we’ll make it back out and will re-evaluate the situation then.”

Thunderlane sighs. “Yes sir.”

“Wrangler, if you see ANYTHING that appears to be a threat to the safety of the ship, I want you to turn it away or turn it to ash.”

“Aye sir!”

“Lemon Hearts, keep monitoring our comms as long as you can. Although that may not be too long. If you lose us, help Moon Dancer with her visual scanning of any threats.”

“I’ll do my best, sir.”

“Moon Dancer, you keep your eye on your scanners and let the captain know of anything that even vaguely resembles trouble.”

“Aye sir.”

Tight Ship nods. “We won’t let you down sir. Be careful in there.”

“You too. Stay alert and we’ll all make it home safely. Does anyone have any questions?”

Tight Ship sighs. “Just one sir. Are you expecting trouble?”

“Tight Ship, I’m always expecting trouble. Especially when we’re up against magical creatures.”

Moon Dancer frowns. “Anything else you can tell us about what exactly WE might face, sir?”

“We don’t know much. Apparently Princess Celestia created these guardians to safeguard something inside the temple. They’re very old, but should still be very dangerous. That is, if all those skeletons down there could talk.”

Lemon Hearts keeps her eyes on her instruments. “We’ll be waiting for you to contact us, sir.”

“Good. I’m counting on all of you to help us get this job done. Arc out.”

He turns to the others as the connection is severed.

“Ready to go everyone?”

They nod. Arc takes a deep breath as he turns to head deeper into the temple.

“Alright. I’ll take point. Everyone follow me.”

Arc leads the group down the dark corridor. He and Twilight each cast a Light Spell as they continue on their way. Auriel looks around nervously.

“How far do you suppose this goes on?”

Brightwing flutters next to Arc. “Not far, friend! Brightwing can see more paths ahead! Isn’t that wonderful?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Not really. That means this temple truly is a maze.”

Ember sighs. I was kinda hoping that was just a figure of speech myself.”

As they come to a fork in the corridor, Arc frowns. “Well, it looks like no such luck in that regard.”

Ahead of them lies three paths. Left, right and straight ahead. Twilight looks down the right path.

“Which way should we go?”

Sereb sighs as he peers down the left path. “Unknown.”

Arc nods as he shines his Light Spell down the center path. “No way of knowing for sure. I suppose we’ll just have to keep trying paths until we get it right.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not much of a plan, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it’s a maze, Ember. What else can we do?”

Rose steps forward. “Arc, I think I can help with that.”

“How?”

“I can map out the paths we take so we don’t go the same way twice.”

Brightwing grins. “We no get lost?! Hooray!”

Twilight nods to Rose. “Just be sure to mark this path as the one that leads back to the entrance.”

“Yes, mother. All that’s left to do now is for Arc to choose our route.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Let’s try straight ahead then. I’m assuming the Inner Sanctum is back there somewhere.”

Auriel looks behind them nervously. “Well then, off we go.”

The group walks straight with Arc in the lead. A few moments later Arc and Twilight’s Light Spells begin to fade. Ember turns to him, angrily.

"Quit playing around, Arc!”

Arc attempts to reinforce his Light Spell. “I’m not!”

Twilight attempts to do the same but has no luck. “Something is preventing us from using magic!”

Brightwing turns around. “Friends go back?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not yet.”

He leans his spear against the wall and quickly removes his satchel from his ring along with the med packs and flashlights. Auriel smiles worriedly as Arc tosses her one of the lights.

“Good thinking, Arc.”

Ember nods as she takes a flashlight and turns it on. “Yeah! I never would have thought to bring a portable light with me. I mean… that’s what magic is for.”

Arc closes the satchel and puts it over his shoulder as he turns on his own flashlight. “Yes, well… that’s just one of the advantages of not being born with magic. I don’t automatically fall back on it for everything.”

Twilight looks embarrassed. “I… um… say Rose, this interference isn’t disrupting your scanners, is it?”

Rose shakes her head. “It is not. I should have no trouble mapping out this temple and leading us out once our task is complete.”

Arc turns to look at Twilight. “Sorry. I’m not blaming you or anyone else for that matter for being born with magic. After all, you can’t help being what you are.”

Brightwing smiles. “We all do what we can, friend!”

Sereb nods as the group continues on their way. “Brightwing is right. Each of us fills a unique role.”

Twilight sighs. “Other than me it seems.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, Twilight. You’re the only one who had ever HEARD of this temple before today. The little information we came here with was from you.”

Ember nods. “Right! I can see in the dark, but need at least some level of light for that to work properly.”

Auriel looks behind them for the hundredth time. “We should probably stay on task so we can get out of here! I don’t mind saying, this place gives me the creeps!”

They walk for over an hour before seeing something up ahead. Brightwing points a small claw.

“What is that?!”

Cherry calls out to them. “I think it’s a light of some kind.”

Arc smiles. “Good. Maybe we’re almost there.”

Turning a corner the group comes to a large stone door. Two torches burn brightly on either side of it. Sereb turns to Arc.

“That must be the Inner Sanctum.”

Auriel shudders. “At least I sure hope it is.”

Ember walks toward the door. “This job was easier than I thought! Let’s see if we can get this door open, Arc!”

“Okay.”

The pair pull on the door with all their might but it does not budge. Brightwing frowns.

“Perhaps door is locked?!”

Arc breathes heavily. “It has to be! We’re not making any headway here!”

Sereb sighs. “What should we do now?”

Twilight approaches the door and putting a hoof on it. “Hmmm… what is this?!”

She runs her hoof along the ancient door for a moment as Brightwing flutters nearby.

“Friend see something?!”

“Maybe. Look here! There are four indentations.”

She points with a hoof. Ember nods.

“I just thought those were decorative.”

Auriel looks at the door herself. “I think Twilight is right. Look here! There are magic conduits that lead to the central mechanism.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Do you think there’s some kind of release back there?”

“It’s an even bet.”

Brightwing flutters over to a nearby rock and picks it up. “Now all friends have to do is put rocks in holes!”

She tosses a rock at one of the indentations. It hits the door before falling to the floor. Sereb shakes his head.

“I’m assuming they have to be the RIGHT rocks, Brightwing.”

Arc turns around. “With any luck, they’re hidden in this labyrinth.”

Twilight turns to Rose.

“Can you show us what you’ve mapped thus far?”

“Yes, mother.”

Ember turns to Twilight. “Wait! She can DO that?!”

“Yes! You’ll see!”

Rose closes her eyes and appears to be thinking. A few moments later she turns toward a nearby wall and projects a map onto it from her eyes. Arc nods approvingly.

“Well that’s handy.”

He looks over the map.

“Where exactly are we now, Rose?”

A red dot appears and begins blinking on the northern edge of the map.

“Here. By my calculations whatever is behind that door is at the center of the temple.”

Auriel looks relieved. “It HAS to be the Inner Sanctum then!”

Arc frowns as he looks over the paths not yet taken. “I guess we just need to retrace our steps and fill this map out.”

Twilight sighs. “That could take quite some time.”

She points a hoof at the entrance.

“Assuming we really are at the central of the temple it will take us just as long to get to the other side! Barring any obstacles, that is.”

Sereb nods. “That and once we explore that side we may yet have to search the other half.”

“Brightwing thinks this sounds very time consuming!”

Arc nods. “Then we had best get started.”

He points at a nearby unexplored corridor on the map.

“Can you lead us here, Rose?”

“Of course!”

She turns off the map and starts walking.

“This way everyone!”

After a few hours of walking and trying numerous paths the group rounds a corner to see a large podium at the end of the corridor. A large stone sits mutely in the center of said podium, flanked by two torches. Ember looks at it from a distance with the others.

“What do you suppose that is?”

Auriel smiles. “It might just be the key to that door.”

Twilight walks quickly over to it. “I’m sure it is!”

“WAIT!”

At Arc’s word, she stops. Her hooves mere inches from the orb.

“What’s wrong?”

Arc approaches the podium himself. “It might be a trap. Everyone stand back.”

He looks the podium over as the others retreat back to the other end of the corridor. Arc touches the stone, but nothing happens. Cherry breathes a sigh of relief.

“Maybe it isn’t.”

Arc grimaces as he carefully moves to pick up the orb. “I feel like Indiana Jones. Well… here goes nothing.”

He tugs at the stone, but it does not move. Ember rolls her eyes.

“Is there a problem?”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “Give me a hand with this thing, will you Ember?”

Ember frowns as she walks over. “Oh for crying out loud… just pick it up!”

Arc steps aside as Ember tires to pick up the stone, but also fails. He chuckles at her attempts.

“Come now, Ember. Show me how it’s done.”

Ember slashes with her claws at the stone. “Shut up! I’m trying aren’t I?!”

The sound of laughter can be heard reverberating through the corridors around them. Auriel looks around.

“WOAH?! How did you DO that, Arc?!”

“That wasn’t me!”

A voice speaks from the shadows.

“No. It was me.”

Sereb looks around and sniffs the air frantically. “Show yourself!”

“Do you seek the keystones?”

Twilight frowns. “The what?!”

“The keystones, simpleton!”

Brightwing nods. “Friends want to find rocks go in holes! Open door! Find thing!”

Arc looks around. “Are you saying this rock here is actually called a keystone?”

“Yes.”

Ember frowns. “Well, let us have it then!”

“Very well. But only if you can solve my riddle.”

Arc sighs. “Great… let’s hear it.”

“I am full of secrets, and only when you find them do they become clear. I am filled with animals, foods, people, and anything you can think of, yet none of them actually exist within me. I can have many names, but none of them I go by. Call me one and I will never even hear your words. I can strengthen your mind, and sharpen your skills. What am I?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I know the answer. You’re a pain in the…”

Twilight frowns. “EMBER!”

“What? He is!”

Arc sighs. “Let’s not antagonize the mysterious voice that apparently has the keys to the keys, Ember.”

Auriel nods. “Come on, everyone! We can figure this out!”

Brightwing flutters around confused. “Is it a bug?!”

“No.”

Sereb thinks for a moment. “A thought, perhaps?”

“Incorrect. But a very interesting answer nonetheless.”

Twilight’s face suddenly lights up. “I got it! You’re a book!”

“Correct! You may now take the keystone!”

A slight clicking sound can be heard from the podium as the keystone rolls slowly toward the edge. Twilight picks up the stone and walks it over to Arc. “Thank you… whoever you are.”

“For your correct answer I will also answer one question.”

Twilight thinks for a moment before responding. “Who are you?”

“I am Ahuizotl. Guardian of the Repository. Now then, there are three more keystones for you to find. Will you collect them all, or starve first?”

The sounds of laughter can be heard echoing down the corridors before it dies down and the air returns to its eerie silence.

“I do not want to do this! But Brightwing will stay with friends until the end! Then I will eat you!”

Arc sighs. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Brightwing.”

Brightwing smiles happily at them. “Your deaths will not be for nothing, friends!”

Ember frowns. “How about we skip the dying part and just finish the job?”

“Okay, friend!”

They continue on their way. The group explores numerous corridors before they find another pedestal with another keystone atop it several hours later. Sereb points a paw.

“There’s another stone.”

Auriel nods. “Good! Maybe this one is loose!”

Ahuizotl’s voice again rings out.

“It will be… when you answer my riddle, that is!”

Sereb growls. “Ask then, guardian.”

“I can fill a room even though I cause nothing to be there. Easily broken, nothing needs touch me to destroy me. Some want me, others hate me. I’m often found in the early hours of the morning. What am I?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

Twilight shrugs. “I don’t get it either.”

Arc thinks. “That… really is a tough one!”

Cherry calls out in response. “Is it… love by any chance?”

“It is not. It would be, save for the last clue.”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps sunlight?”

“Another very well thought out answer, but no.”

Auriel sheepishly calls out to the darkness. “Are you perhaps… silence?”

“Correct! This keystone is now yours!”

There is a click as Auriel steps forward to claim her prize.

“Now then, what would you like to know, little demon?”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin as she picks up the keystone. “Um… how many others have completed this task in the past?”

“None! Keep at it, mortals, and you may yet be the first!”

Ahuizotl’s laughter again rings out through the corridors. Arc turns to the others as Auriel brings him the stone.

“Two down, two to go.”

Brightwing yawns. “This tiring job!”

Ember nods. “Brightwing’s right about that. This is taking much longer than I thought it would.”

Auriel sighs. “Perhaps a break is in order?”

Twilight looks around at the others. “Is anyone else a bit hungry?”

Arc looks at his pocket watch as he shines a light on its crystal face. “It’s long past lunch time. Everyone have a seat.”

They do so as Arc sets down his backpack and pulls something out.

“I have some ration kits here. They may not be as good as something home cooked, but it will help.”

Cherry giggles. “Everypony should keep their strength up. I’ll cook something nicer for you all when we get home.”

Everyone takes a rations kit and opens them. They eat slowly. Ember make a face.

“This stuff is… pretty bad!”

Twilight’s face scrunches up. “Our military eats this stuff?!”

Sereb nods. “It is certainly better than starving to death.”

Arc looks at the packaging. “According to this it contains enough nutrition to last all day.”

Auriel nods. “Soldiers don’t always have time to sit down and eat. If necessary, we could probably eat one of these is thirty seconds.”

Rose removes a flask from the backpack and passes it down the row. “You will need your wits about you if we are to find the last two keystones and answer their riddles.”

Arc sighs. “Then we have to make it back to that door.”

Auriel nods. “Quite a journey!”

“Brightwing getting tired! We rest?!”

Ember shakes her head. “No, we can’t rest! We have to keep…!”

Cherry interrupts her. “A rest may be in order. All of you appear exhausted from all this walking.”

Twilight nods. “Cherry’s right. After all, we still have a long way to go.”

Arc looks to the others. “Maybe a short nap IS in order. After all we don’t want to run into trouble while we’re tired.”

Auriel looks around nervously. “Should we sleep in shifts?”

Rose shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary. I will watch over all of you while you sleep.”

Arc frowns. “You don’t need to rest?”

“Not at this time, no. Normal operation does not tax my reserves.”

Arc walks over to the survival pack and pulls out a blanket. As he unrolls it, he sighs.

“I wish this thing carried more than one of these.”

Brightwing smiles at Arc. “So, which of friends will get blanket?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“You take it, Ember. After all, you’re always cold.”

Ember shakes her head. “I’ll be okay. Give it to Twilight.”

“I have a coat and mane to keep me warm. Auriel should have it.”

“What?! I… um…”

Sereb clears his throat. “Pardon me, but I have an idea that will keep us all warm. If everyone will kindly remove their armor first, that is.”

Everyone takes off their armor and lines the suits up across the corridor. Eidolon’s Ward looks done the corridor dutifully.

“Alright. What’s the next step, Sereb?”

Sereb walks over to the wall and lies down.

“Brightwing, you can lie down on my back.”

“You take nap?! Brightwing take nap as well!”

The little dragon lands and curls up on Sereb’s back.

“Arc, you can sit down next to me and use my body as a pillow.”

“Okay.”

“Now the next couple steps may be a bit… out of the ordinary.”

Twilight chuckles. “It can’t be all that bad!”

“Ember, you lie down next to Arc.”

Ember walks over. “Now you’re talking my language, Sereb!”

“Auriel, you lie down on the other side of Arc.”

She blushes feverishly. “Oh! I… um… I don’t know about that. It… it’s been a while since I cleaned myself up… and… um…”

Arc smiles at her. “I won’t try to force you if you really don’t want to, Auriel. But if you would please come over here and help keep warm with the rest of us, we’d appreciate it.”

“But I… I smell kinda funny.”

Twilight nods. “After hours in here all of us are a bit smelly and dirty, Auriel.”

Arc nods. “Right! I won’t complain if you don’t smell like a flower.”

“Well… okay.”

She lies down against Sereb and snuggles up to Arc. Twilight frowns.

“But there’s no room for me now!”

“There is indeed. If you don’t mind, you can rest on Arc’s chest.”

Twilight blushes feverishly. “What?! But… I…”

Arc interrupts her. “It’s okay, Twilight. We’re all friends here.

“But… I’m too heavy for that!”

“No, you’re not. Now please join us. I really don’t want you to catch a cold now.”

Twilight looks over at Arc sheepishly. “Well… okay. But if I’m too heavy, say something, okay?”

She slowly walks over to Arc and lies down in his lap on her side. Twilight rests her head on his chest as Rose covers Arc, Auriel, Ember and Twilight with the blanket.

“I think it’s just big enough.”

Ember cuddles up to Arc. “Just right!”

Auriel lays her head on Arc’s shoulder as she yawns. “This is actually… kinda nice.”

Arc wraps his arms around Twilight. “Sorry if I’m kinda lumpy.”

Twilight shakes her head as the flashlights are turned off. “N-no! You’re actually pretty soft, Arc! I mean, comfortable! I mean…”

“Brightwing trying to sleep! Hush now!”

Arc chuckles. “You heard her.”

He looks over at Rose.

“Wake us up in two hours, okay?”

“I will. Rest well, everyone!”

A short time later everyone is fast asleep. Rose stands next to Eidolon’s Ward. As the pair look at Ember, Auriel and Twilight all curled up with Arc, Rose turns.

“I’m… kinda jealous of them right now. I wish I was curled up next to Arc.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “As do I, Rose… as do I.”

Author's Note

Brightwing is my wife's favorite character from "Heroes of the Storm". Here's a brief video from Blizzard showcasing the cute, yet homicidal, dragon and their adorable voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTIVP8ZPXSg

Chapter 20 - Beyond the Door

Two hours later Rose walks over to Arc and gently taps his cheek with her hand.

“Arc? It’s time to wake up.”

He sighs as Rose turns on the flashlights. “Already?”

Rose nods. “Two hours have gone by. Should I let all of you continue sleeping?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We need to get back to it pretty soon here.”

He looks down at Twilight’s sleeping form on his chest and then at Ember and Auriel on either side of him. Arc gently strokes Twilight’s mane.

“Twilight… Ember… Auriel? We need to get moving.”

The three slowly open their eyes and sit up. Ember stands and stretches.

“Are you sure?”

Auriel yawns. “It’s still dark out…”

Sereb chuckles. “We are still in the temple, Auriel.”

“Oh… right. I thought that was a dream.”

Brightwing jumps up. “Fight time!”

Arc shakes his head as they all stand. “I sure hope not, Brightwing.”

Ember picks up her armor and puts it back on. “I second that!”

Arc nods as he puts his own armor back on.

“Where to next, Rose?”

Rose brings up the map on the wall again. “Back the way we came ultimately. I estimate it will take us about an hour to reach the estimated position of the next pedestal. And another hour’s trek to the final keystone.”

Arc looks over the map. “On the up side, the walk back to the door should only take half as long.”

Twilight smiles. “That’s at least some comfort.”

Sereb shakes the sleep from his eyes. “Shall we depart?”

Ember nods. “Yeah!”

Another hour later finds the group in front of yet another pedestal. Arc looks around.

“We’re here, Ahuizotl. Let’s hear your riddle.”

The voice from before echoes through the corridor.

“If you have no teeth for me, I'll only satisfy curiosity. I am the hole in your security that cannot be passed when it cannot be filled. What am I?”

Sereb chuckles. “That is simple. You are a key.”

A click can be heard as the gem rolls toward the edge of the pedestal.

“Perhaps you mortals are not entirely as hopeless as I thought.”

Sereb steps toward the pedestal as he asks his question. “Are you the only living thing that resides within the temple?”

“I am not truly alive. However, nothing else currently resides in this temple. Save for you mortals. We will see how long that remains true.”

Peals of laughter echo throughout the halls of the labyrinth.

“Come to the fourth keystone and we shall see!”

Sereb picks up the keystone in his mouth and walks it over to Arc. He stashes it safely in his backpack as Arc yells out to the guardian of the temple.

“We’ll be there! You can count on it, Ahuizotl!”

Brightwing grins. “Friends smart! Brightwing not able to think of what these strange sayings mean!”

Twilight smiles at the wolf. “Good one, Sereb! I wish I had thought to ask that question! We could have avoided a LOT of stress.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Rose turns to walk down the corridor. “One more keystone to go! This way everyone!”

The trip to the last pedestal is longer than expected, but without incident. Eventually Auriel’s light hits the final keystone.

“There it is!”

Arc sighs. “Okay, Ahuizotl. Let’s have it.”

“The fourth riddle, and my personal favorite! Sometimes dark and sometimes bright, I make my way among twinkling lights. Seas and oceans obey my call, yet mountains I cannot move at all. My face is marred and gray, but I am majestic anyway. What am I??”

Everyone looks around at each other and shrugs. Twilight looks nervous.

“Is it perhaps… Princess Luna when she gets old?”

There is a stunned silence from Ahuizotl.

“Wow… really? Mortal, that is by far the WORST answer that one could have come up with! Pray, for your sake the Princess of the Night never finds out!”

Ember laughs. “That was AWESOME!”

Twilight blushes heavily. “Come on! I feel bad enough about my answer!”

Brightwing giggles. “Brightwing believes the dark coated princess will still be VERY pretty when she gets old!”

Arc shakes his head and sighs. “Nice… you really were closer than you think, Twilight.”

Ember frowns. “Arc?”

He steps toward the pedestal and lays both his hands on its cool surface. “The answer is quite simple really. It really does make a lot of sense too. The answer is… the moon.”

Ahuizotl laughs as the final gem falls into Arc’s waiting hand. “Very good, mortal. You have collected all four keystones.”

Arc nods as he collects the stone. “Tell me, Ahuizotl. Why does magic not work within the temple?”

“That is due to the material that composes the Inner Sanctum. Now come! Use the keystones! Open this door long since sealed, and answer my final riddle to collect that which you desire! I await your arrival with breathless anticipation!”

Sereb frowns. “Final riddle?”

Ember shrugs. “As well as we’ve been doing on these riddles, one more won’t slow us down.”

Twilight sighs. “I sure hope not. This journey nears its end and I don’t want to falter on this! It’s like the very last question on a test!”

“Brightwing have bad feeling about this!”

Rose nods. “As do I.”

They begin the walk back to the sealed door with Arc and Rose in the lead. Cherry calls out to them.

“What do you suppose it’s like to just sit around for centuries waiting for someone to challenge with riddles?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not much fun, I can tell you that much.”

Arc frowns. “Auriel?”

“It’s like sitting around Tartarus, probably.”

Ember shrugs. “Makes sense.”

Following the map Rose leads the group back to the ancient door. Brightwing excitedly flutters over to it.

“It’s just like Brightwing remembers it!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Of course it is. We only left it a handful of hours ago.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “What now?”

Arc puts down his backpack and opens it to reveal the keystones. “Now we put them in the slots and open this door.”

Cherry sounds nervous. “Do you think it’s safe to do so, Arc?”

He walks toward the door with the keystones in hand. “No. But we’ve come this far. Might as well go the distance.”

Everyone nods in agreement. The keystones are placed in the slots and a rumbling can be felt reverberating through the temple. Brightwing flutters around frantically.

“I do not like this! No Brightwing does not!”

Auriel grabs Brightwing before she flies away down a random corridor. “It’s okay! I got you!”

Brightwing calms down as Auriel holds her. “Pretty lady make Brightwing feel better! Will someday return favor!”

The doors slowly open to a black maw. They shine their flashlights into the darkness but can see nothing.

“Nowhere to go but forward. Everyone… follow me.”

Arc steps past the doors and into the Inner Sanctum with the others. The doors which had previously opened so slowly slam shut with a bang. Ember frowns.

“Great…”

Suddenly a great number of torches come alive and the room is quickly illuminated. In stark contrast to the rest of the temple, it is a very large and well maintained room. Murals line the walls along with many treasures of gold. Twilight looks around the room. Her eyes wide at the priceless ancient artifacts.

“Astonishing! This place is the archeological find of the century!”

Ember looks around. “What a collection! This might even be bigger than my father’s own horde!”

A voice comes from the shadows.

“Thank you, young dragon.”

The group looks around, but sees no one. Arc frowns.

“Is that you, Ahuizotl? Show yourself!”

“As you wish.”

A large creature jumps down from a high perch. It lands with a thud in the center of the room, sits down and looks at them all with obvious disdain. He is different shades of blue with luminous yellow eyes. Ahuizotl has the head and body of a dog, but the hands of a human. However his most notable characteristic would be the hand that dangles from the end of his long tail.

“By opening the door to this room, you mortals have solved the temple’s final riddle.”

The guardian looks at them, clearly unimpressed.

“Hmph! Somehow I thought those who could answer the riddles would be more… impressive looking.”

Ember steps forward, spear in claw. “Impressive?! I’ll show you impressive!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Hold it, Ember.”

He turns toward Ahuizotl.

“Ahuizotl, I presume?”

“You presume much, mortal! But yes! I am Ahuizotl! Master of this temple! I suppose congratulations are somewhat in order! To date, no creature has set foot in this room since it was converted to a storehouse.”

Auriel looks confused. “A…storehouse?”

Ahuizotl nods. “Yes. The treasures you see here are proof of that, are they not?”

He gestures at the incalculable riches that surround them.

“As a reward for coming this far, you may take for yourselves as much gold as you can carry on your backs. Or, if you prefer, one magical item or artifact of your choosing.”

Rose walks over to join Arc. “We came here seeking a magical item of some importance.”

“Very well. But I can tell by the looks on your faces that you have other questions in mind.”

Twilight nods. “We do!”

“Ask and I will attempt to enlighten you, mortals.”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “What is this place? Who built it?”

“This temple’s original name and purpose has long since been forgotten by those who dwell in this land. It was built by a long-forgotten race who left this land many, many years ago.”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t really tell us much.”

“That may be. But it is more than even your ancient race knows, young dragon.”

Ahuizotl looks the group over and snorts.

“What a rag-tag bunch you all are. A wolf, a dragon, a unicorn, a human, and even a demon.”

He squints at Rose and Brightwing.

“And two creatures that I cannot identify.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Brightwing is obviously a dragon like me!”

Ahuizotl shakes his head at Ember. “Is she now? That does not appear to me like any other dragon in this world. But believe what you will, fool.”

Arc steps forward. “How did you know I was a human?”

“I have the ability to peer through portals into other worlds. My creator knew I would be here alone for quite a while, and gave me that ability to help pass the time.”

Rose looks confused. “Your… creator?”

“Princess Celestia. She created me to watch over these treasures and ancient relics.”

He gestures again with a claw at the items that line the walls and lie piled all around the room. Auriel looks around.

“But where did it all come from?!”

“When the pony kingdoms first converged into one nation, many of the surrounding countries, fearing war with the newly formed and united Equestria, gave Princess Celestia tribute in order to appease her.”

Twilight looks confused. “Appease her?! But… but she’s such a kind ruler! What would they have to fear from her?”

“Such is not my place to question. Fearing it would make the capital city a target, she brought it here and created me to guard it.”

Arc looks at the guardian. “You said earlier that you are not alive. Yet you appear very much sentient to me.”

“The simple act of drawing breath does not make one a living creature, mortal. However such matters are not comprehensible for minds as small as yours.”

Sereb growls. “Or perhaps you think too highly of yourself.”

Ahuizotl waves dismissively. “Believe what you will, mortal. I was around long before you, and will continue long after you have returned to dust.”

Brightwing looks around the room. “Other friends here in the past?!”

Ahuizotl rolls his eyes. “If you mean has anyone else ever made it this far, the answer would be no, oh creature who believes itself to be a dragon.”

Cherry calls out to the guardian. “If Brightwing isn’t a dragon, what is she?”

Ahuizotl chuckles. “I wondered if you would speak, spirit. The answer to your question is… difficult to answer. As an immortal I do not see creatures as you do, but as different forms of energy. Sadly, I will have to leave it at that, as your minds are not capable of understanding the intricacies of those whom exist above you.”

“Brightwing is Brightwing!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m okay with that.”

Brightwing flutters around happily as Ahuizotl rolls his eyes.

“Ah… ignorance. How very droll. In any case, I suppose you’ve come here for the treasure.”

Ember shakes her head. “We didn’t even know such great wealth was here.”

“Then why DID you come?”

Arc addresses the guardian. “I need a very specific relic to save my friend here from the Dragon Lord’s wrath.”

“Dragon Lord Torch?”

“Yes.”

Ember appears surprised. “You know my father?”

Ahuizotl chuckles. “I know of him, yes. But then again, who doesn’t? Tell me, what is it you seek?”

“The Dragon’s Tear.”

Ahuizotl looks confused. “The what?”

Ember frowns. “The Dragon’s Tear! What, are you deaf?!”

Arc nods. “Should I give it to him, he will forgive Equestria’s accidental violation of an ancient pact.”

Ahuizotl shakes his head. “A relic by that name does not exist here.”

Twilight looks worried. “Are you certain?”

“I am. Nothing has left this room since it was originally brought here centuries ago.”

Auriel looks over to the guardian. “Perhaps it went by a different name back then?”

“That may be. Tell me of this item.”

Arc tells what little he knows about the Dragon’s Tear.

“I can safely say none of the artifacts or treasures here match what you have told me.”

Twilight falls to her knees. “What?! But… we’ve come so very far in search of it!”

“Over the centuries your records were probably lost, misplaced or outright destroyed. Just like the item you now seek.”

Brightwing has spent her time thus far fluttering around the Inner Sanctum looking for the Dragon’s Tear.

“Big doggie right! I don’t see it around here anywhere!”

She flutters back to the group. As she lands on Sereb’s back Brightwing suddenly lets out a happy gasp.

“There it be!”

Sereb looks around. “Where?”

Brightwing again takes flight and flies up to Ahuizotl to point a small claw at the ornate gems that adorns his neck.

“There!”

The others look to see a small azure gem in a gold pendant hanging from the rest of the jewelry in the shape of a tear. It pulsates with a soft blue glow.

“That is merely part of a very special necklace Princess Celestia gave to me as proof of my task. It is not part of the storehouse’s treasure.”

Ember frowns. “Well that’s what we came for!”

Arc nods. “Could we have that?”

Ahuizotl laughs. “Most interesting! The pony maybe… but I had assumed the human or perhaps the dragon to want their weight in gold over a small, useless stone.”

Arc sighs. “You’ve been watching humans on Earth, huh?”

“I have, and must say I am hardly impressed by their attitude toward one another and life in general.”

Ember stomps her foot defiantly. “Arc’s different!”

“Mayhap, oh dragon. But you… are you different?”

“What are you talking about?!”

“I have noticed that you have been eyeing the gold around the room since you entered. Are you not considering adding it to your horde?”

Ember looks away. “Well, I… um… fine! You got me! But I’m a dragon!”

Ahuizotl chuckles. “I do not blame you for what you are. But merely what you will become. Now take what treasure you want and leave me. Your greed sickens me.

Auriel looks confused. “Sickens?”

Ahuizotl turns around and walks away. “Humans… dragons… some ponies… all the same. They desire wealth and riches beyond measure! Beyond limits! Beyond what they could ever hope to spend during one of their short lives!”

He looks back at Rose and Brightwing.

“I wonder if the dragon that is not a dragon and human that is not a human are any different.”

“Brightwing not want shiny coins! Too heavy!”

Ahuizotl looks to Rose.

“What is it that you desire, small one?”

“We came to this temple for one reason. To redeem my life.”

“Explain.”

Rose tells the sorry tale of how Twilight unknowingly grew Dragon Fruit and used its essence to create her core. The guardian frowns.

“I see. So this one here made a mistake, and now is forcing you to fix it?”

Twilight steps back. “That’s not…!”

Ahuizotl interrupts her, angrily. “Isn’t it?! Should not YOUR life be forfeit for this?! Your creation did NOTHING!”

“I… I suppose so. But the Dragon Lord requires HER death! Not my own! That is why I have come as well! To see that her life is spared!”

Sereb looks up. “We all have.”

Everyone nods.

Ahuizotl chuckles. “Interesting. Risking life and limb for that which is not real.”

Brightwing frowns. “Not real?! Friend seems very real to Brightwing! Even if she does have strange scent!”

“She is a doll! A marionette! Something to carry out her creator’s purpose! Nothing more!”

Twilight sighs. “While it is true that I created Rose to be a companion for Arc, I’ve learned that she is so much more.”

Rose nods. “I am! I honestly do WANT to be with him! And not just because my programming tells me so!”

Ahuizotl turns to face her. “Is that not just your ‘programming’ though?!”

“What?”

“You’ve been conditioned to exist for another’s enjoyment! You serve NO OTHER PURPOSE than to serve him!”

Sereb nods. “Such as yourself?”

Everyone turns to Sereb, dumbfounded, as he walks forward to stand next to Rose.

“You two appear to have much in common. Rose is here for Arc, while you exist to serve Princess Celestia.”

“I have little in similarities with a mindless toy.”

Twilight grins slyly. “You only exist to guard the treasure here, do you not?”

“I do.”

Brightwing sighs. “And you’ve lived here your entire life alone? Why do that?! Why not go outside and make friends?!”

“Because the treasure would be unguarded!”

Ember looks at him with disgust. “Who cares?! No one lives anywhere near here! You could leave the treasure for weeks at a time and nothing would move!”

Arc nods. “Your riddles would keep everyone at bay. Haven’t they already done so for centuries?”

“I suppose they have. However…!”

Sereb interrupts him. “You also said we were the first to make it to the Inner Sanctum. If the riddles keep everyone out, what need do you have to be here?”

“This is my purpose!”

Rose nods as she takes Arc’s arm. “Such is mine! And I do it happily! You and I… we’re not so different. Other than our ages, we have much in common.”

Ahuizotl chuckles. “I suppose we do, little one.”

Brightwing looks up at the large hole in the ceiling. “Why you stay here?! Could you not go up and out through there?! Follow maze back to opening!”

“It is high and I do not have the luxury of wings, little one.”

“Could big, scary thing not grow some?!”

Ahuizotl shakes his head. “I suppose such things are beyond a creature such as yourself, but…”

Arc interrupts. “Brightwing isn’t too far off.”

Ember frowns. “Um… what?”

“Think about it! You don’t actually NEED wings to leave this place, do you?”

Twilight looks up at the hole in the ceiling. “I’m still wondering how WE’RE going to get out of here!”

Ahuizotl shrugs. “I will just open the door for you.”

Auriel frowns. “Wait… what?!”

The guardian points to a button next to the door. “The door requires keystones to open only for THAT side. It can easily be opened from here.”

Twilight looks confused. “So you could just WALK out of here?!”

“Yes.”

Ember facepalms. “Look Ahuizotl, can we just have the Dragon Tear so we can get out of here?!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. We probably should be getting back to the ship soon.”

“Very well.”

Ahuizotl removes the Dragon’s Tear and gives it to Rose. As the android hands it to Arc, she suddenly looks back up at Ahuizotl.

“Wait! If we keep this, he’ll die! Remember, Princess Luna said this made whomever wore it immortal!”

Arc nods. “You’re right, Rose! It’s probably the only thing that’s been keeping him alive all these years!”

Ember shrugs. “But we need it too.”

Cherry sighs. “It can’t be two places at once.”

Sereb turns to the others. “Well then, what should we do?”

Ahuizotl looks over to Arc. “You should have it, little mortal. See what it is like to be cursed with immortally. At last my journey now has an end.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “What are you saying?!”

“One day I will breathe my last and cease to be. While that day is far off, I look forward to it knowing that I can finally rest from my task.”

Arc shakes his head. “I can’t understand what it must be like to live one’s whole life in solitude. Guarding a treasure no one but the princesses themselves even remembers!”

Twilight looks to the guardian. “Ahuizotl, before we go, can you answer something else for me please?”

“I will try.”

“You told us earlier that magic did not work in the temple because of something in the Inner Sanctum. Can you tell us more about that?”

Ahuizotl gestures to the walls. “These are not average rocks. They have been specially treated to act as not just magical inhibitors, but to absorb magic.”

Arc nods. “So when I try to cast a spell…”

“Yes. The very walls that protect this room drain your mana before the spell can come to fruition.”

Auriel looks confused. “How?!”

Twilight nods. “I think I can answer that now. Before a spell is cast a unicorn gathers the mana for it in their horn. But these stones syphon it away before we are ready.”

Ember frowns. “What about Arc and I?”

Arc sighs. “Before we cast our Dragon Magic we DO charge up, Ember. Just quicker than unicorns do apparently. Maybe Princess Celestia didn’t want someone to Blink in here without properly taking the test?”

“Brightwing understands! Me think!”

Auriel looks over at a pile of rubble and picks up a piece. “Can we take a sample, Ahuizotl?”

Twilight nods. “It would be nice to study these anti-magic bricks more closely.”

“Very well, mortal.”

She picks up a piece of rubble and puts it in her belt as Arc continues.

“Ahuizotl, do you know if any other structures were built using this anti-magic building material?”

“That is unknown to me. However, I agree that it is possible that there are other storehouses elsewhere in the land which hold treasures of similar value or importance to Princess Celestia.”

Arc takes a piece of the rubble for himself and puts it in his backpack. “Thank you for your help, Ahuizotl. If you do decide to leave this place…”

“No, it is my home. For better or worse, the treasure must be guarded!”

Ember turn to him. “We have what we came for, Arc. Shouldn’t we be going?”

“I suppose you’re right.”

He turns back to Ahuizotl.

“Take care of yourself.”

Arc and the others turn to leave.

“A final word of warning. With that gem removed from my choker, the spell on it is broken.”

Twilight looks worried. “What spell?!”

“It allowed me to control the statues outside. Now they will run wild.”

Arc shrugs. “We got past them to get in here no problem.”

“True. But now they are activated. The moment they sense your presence you will be set upon by them.”

Twilight smiles. “We’ll have our magic back by then though.”

Ember grins “Right! They won’t stand a chance against us at full strength!”

“There is another fail-safe built in to the temple’s defenses. Should the statues activate, they will call forth reinforcements in the form of sphinx. While not quite as strong as the statues, they are much faster. That and the sphinx are capable of dampening the magical abilities of any foe they encounter.”

Rose shakes her head. “That explains the large number of bodies out there.”

Sereb nods. “Those who were too quick for the statues did not escape the sphinx.”

Auriel sighs. “It must have been terribly confusing for them to lose control of their magic.”

“If you would like to return the Dragon’s Tear, I can use it to regain control of my followers and safeguard your exit.”

Ember frowns. “Can I assume you can’t just do that and give the tear back?”

Ahuizotl shakes his head. “Sadly, no. As soon as the tear is returned to you, I will again lose control of them.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “What should we do?!”

Arc thinks for a few moments before fastening the chain around his neck and tucking the Dragon’s Tear inside his armor.

“We have no choice. The Dragon’s Tear must come with us!”

Ahuizotl nods. “As you wish, mortals. I wish you a safe trip away from this accursed place.”

“Thank you. But you’re forgetting something, Ahuizotl.”

“Am I? What is that?”

Arc smiles at him. “Without the Dragon’s Tear, you‘re a mortal as well.”

Ahuizotl chuckles. “I suppose that is true. Enjoy your immortality, human.”

“The name’s Arc.”

“Very well then, Arc. You will soon learn the burden that comes with such a position.”

They return to the entryway. Rose hits the switch to open the doors and they step back out into the labyrinth together.

Chapter 21 - A Quick Egress

Arc and company make their way back to the entrance of the temple with the help of the map Rose had compiled. Twilight looks to the android leading them.

“Are we nearly there?”

Rose nods. “A few more minutes of walking and we will be, mother.”

Sereb smiles. “Good. I miss the sight of the sky and sun.”

Arc nods. “At this point I think we all do, Sereb.

“Brightwing miss the wind and the smells of food on it!”

Auriel chuckles. “And I miss the lab.”

Twilight looks up at her horn. “I’ll be glad when I can cast magic again.”

Rose turns back to them. “I’m just glad we didn’t have to face any foes down here in the labyrinth. Such close quarters combat would have been especially dangerous.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But if Ahuizotl was right once we leave the temple that will change VERY fast!”

Twilight appears uneasy. Brightwing flutters over to land on her back.

“Friend worried about what lies ahead?”

“No… it’s just… I… well…”

Arc looks over to her. “What is it, Twilight?”

“I… I know this probably isn’t the best time, but… before we leave can I talk to you in private, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Arc and Twilight stop and look ahead at the others.

“Everyone keep going. We’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

Ember nods. “Just make it quick!”

Rose look back at him. “Just take two more lefts and a right, Arc. Then you should be able to see the light from the entrance.”

“Thanks. Wait for us there, alright?”

The others nod and continue on down the path. As they round the corner out of sight Arc turns to his friend.

“So what’s on your mind, Twilight?”

“It’s just… I… I wanted to tell you something.”

“Um… okay. What is it?”

Twilight sighs. “This is probably going to be really dangerous! Getting from the temple back to the Lunar Destiny and all.”

Arc nods. “That it will be. And I want you to be extra careful out there! You’re the only one of us who doesn’t have any real combat experience to speak of!”

“I’ll do my best! Just… if something goes wrong and I… I mean… something happens to me, just… just keep going! Don’t look back!”

“Twilight…”

She holds up a hoof for silence. “This entire situation is completely my fault! All of it! If anyone should be hurt, I’d never be able to forgive myself!”

Arc kneels down in front of Twilight and removes her helmet. He sets it down next to her as she sits down on her haunches.

“Look Twilight, ALL of us are getting out of there together! We’re not leaving ANYONE behind!”

“But… this is all my…!”

Arc puts his hands on the sides of Twilight’s face and looks into her violet eyes. “It was a mistake, Twilight. An accident. What you did… you did for me. And I’m touched that you wanted to make me a human companion.”

“But… but I was WRONG!”

“That may be. But Rose is here now, and she’s here to stay. I’m happy that she’s been able to look past how you wanted to dismantle her and even regards you as her mother.”

“There’s that too! What do I do about this?! I never EVER intended to be a mother to ANYPONY!”

Arc sighs and looks into Twilight’s eyes again. “Just… just be there for her. Like a mother should.”

“That’s easy for you to say. Look at the wonderful job you’re doing raising Dinky! You’re the perfect father figure for her.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Right. The perfect father. Always off somewhere far away doing dangerous things like this.”

“To protect others!”

“All well and good. But I’d rather just be there to tuck her in every night.”

“But as the Hero of Light you can’t always be there to…”

Arc interrupts her. “That’s right! But you CAN be!”

Twilight looks confused. “For Dinky?”

“For Rose! You can teach her, love her and be there for her!”

Twilight sighs. “If we all survive this.”

“Think positive. Now is there anything else you want to say before we rejoin the others?”

She blushes slightly. “I… um… we might not make it out, so I should probably…”

Twilight sighs and hangs her head sadly.

“…so… I should probably not keep you any longer than I already have so we can get back to the ship.”

She turns but Arc stops her.

“Just a minute, Twilight. There’s something I wanted to tell you too.”

“There… there is?”

Arc nods. “It’s like you said earlier. This is going to be dangerous.”

He puts his hands on Twilight’s shoulders.

“Before we go, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate our friendship. You… you’ve always been there to lend a hoof when I needed you. Now more so than ever!”

“Arc… I…”

“So I guess I just didn’t want to march into uncertain doom without telling you how important you are to me.”

He leans forward and gives Twilight a large hug which she returns. They stay in that position for some time before they finally break the embrace. Twilight looks to him as she puts her helmet back on.

“I… we should probably catch up with the others now.”

“Right. Don’t want them worrying about us.”

Twilight laughs nervously as they continue down the corridor together. “Can’t let them have all the fun, right?!”

“Just… be careful out there, okay?”

Twilight points to his chest plate as Arc tucks the relic inside his armor. “I will! But you be careful too! Just because you’re immortal while you wear the Dragon’s Tear doesn’t mean you can’t feel pain after all, right?!”

Arc nods. “I suppose not.”

The pair rejoin the others who are observing the movement outside the temple from relative safety. Ember doesn’t look back at the pair as they approach.

“You two sure took your sweet time! We’ve got a mess over here!”

Sereb frowns. “It is not as bad as all that, Ember. Although that is complicated by the fact we still can’t use our magic even out here.”

Auriel shudders. “I disagree! That is quite the horde out there!”

Rose nods. “That it is!”

Arc and Twilight walk over and peer out at the courtyard. The statues are up and moving around randomly. Each one flanked by two sphinx. The Rocs flying overhead appear more agitated than before. Brightwing grins.

“Ouchy time?”

Twilight sighs. “I certainly hope not.”

Cherry calls out to them. “If everypony is going to get back to the Lunar Destiny safely, we’re going to need quite the plan.”

Arc nods as he sets down his pack. “Right! Uh… anyone have one?”

Auriel looks over. “What if we just run as fast as we can right down the middle?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Unwise. We could very easily be surrounded.”

Rose looks up at the Rocs flying overheard. “Surrounded on all sides is right! Including the air!”

Ember sighs. “What do you think, Arc?”

“I’d like to know what they can do before we make a plan.”

Twilight frowns. “How?”

“Run out there and find out.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Very funny.”

Arc chuckles. “Not all of us. Just me. With the Dragon’s Tear I’m immortal, remember?!”

Rose shakes her head. “Immortal or not, I should be the one to go. This entire mission was because of me, remember?”

Twilight sighs. “No, it was because of me. I should go.”

Ember frowns. “My dad insisted we do this. So I should be the one to test the waters.”

Sereb growls. “While bound to Arc’s service, I am sworn to protect and serve him. I would like the honor of going first.”

Auriel steps forward. “My extraction technique is really to blame for this. I’ll go.”

“Brightwing go too!”

Arc sighs as he studies their opponent’s movements. “It’s nice to see everyone is so eager to face their doom here.”

Cherry sighs. “Yourself included, Arc!”

“I’m not dying here. And neither is anyone else. We’ll figure this one out.”

They continue to watch their opponents. Rose frowns.

“I do not detect any sort of pattern in their movements.”

Sereb growls. “While I hate to admit it, I believe they really do need to be engaged to see how they react in battle.”

Rose turns to him. “May I accompany you, Arc?”

“No Rose. Stay here with the others. I’ll just be a minute.”

He turns to everyone.

“All of you stay here and watch our opponents while I’m out there. I’d like to only have to test them once.”

Ember nods worriedly. “Don’t get hurt out there, Arc!”

Arc looks out over the courtyard. “That might prove difficult.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts. Come in please.”

“Right here sir. Are you alright in there? We’ve been trying to contact you off and on for hours!”

“Yes, we’re all fine here. Radios and magic don’t seem to work down there. Now I need you to listen to me. We’re going to do something a bit crazy over here. No matter what you see or hear, I order you and the Lunar Destiny not to move from your current position or intervene in any way. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir. But if I may ask, what are you planning to do?!”

“A dry run to see what these things are capable of. I just need everyone over there to trust me, okay?”

Lemon Hearts nods. “I understand sir. Do be careful!”

“I will. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and takes a deep breath.

“Okay. Here goes nothing…”

Arc charges out of the temple and down the stone steps to the courtyard. The statues move as one to intercept him along with their sphinx counterparts. He evades their attacks as he runs around the yard. At one point they surround him, but Arc is able to escapes by jumping up onto the wall. Auriel turns to the others.

“So far, so good.”

Ember nods as she nervously bites at her claws. “Come on Arc… get out of there!”

As Arc lands on the wall several Roc’s dive at him. The maniacal birds knock him back down into the courtyard. Brightwing calls out to him.

“Friend! Get up!”

Sereb growls. “The ground is certain death, Arc!”

Arc jumps to his feet as the sphinx surround him. Twilight cries out.

“Blast them, Arc!”

Arc calls back to them. “Still no magic!”

He swings his spear at a half dozen sphinx. They evade and counter. The broken statues slowly recompose themselves and turn their attention back toward Arc, who is too busy parrying to notice them. Cherry screams.

“ARC! BEHIND YOU!!!”

But Arc does not hear her over the din of battle. One of the statues grabs him from behind to hold him in place while the other slams it’s spear into his stomach. The weapon easily pierces his armor as well as the statue holding Arc. A trail of blood drips down from the spear as it is removed. Rose rushes forth at lightning speed as the statue tosses Arc aside toward a pack of waiting sphinx.

“Everyone stay here!”

Rose calls forth her cannon and blade as she deftly dodges opponents to get to Arc’s side. She slashes at any who approach, grabs Arc, blasts the ground in front of her with her cannon and uses the explosion to propel them back toward the temple. The process takes mere seconds from start to finish. Before anyone else can even react Arc is back with them, bleeding and gasping for breath. Rose gently lies him down a little ways back from the entrance as Arc instinctively claws at his armor in an attempt to get to his wound.

“It’s okay, Arc! You’re safe now!”

Ember and Ariel rush forward and quickly remove Arc’s ruined armor as his earring chirps. Lemon Heart’s voice can be heard.

“Sir?! Are you all right?!”

Auriel leans in close to Arc’s ear. “No! Arc is hurt! Send help!"

Arc winces at the pain of his armor being pulled from his bloody clothes. “Belay that order, Lemon Hearts! I’m fine! Arc out!”

Twilight frowns. “You are NOT!”

Sereb looks at the gaping wound in Arc’s belly. “This is bad!”

Twilight opens her belt and removes some bandages. “We’re going to do our best to help you, Arc!”

She turns to the others as she applies pressure.

“There’s another med kit in his satchel! Hurry!”

Rose nods. “I’ll get it!”

The med kit is brought. Auriel and Twilight put gauze on the wound in an effort to stop the bleeding. Brightwing grabs the blanket from the pack and begins to unroll it. Twilight wipes a bloody hoof on her forehead as she finishes her work.

“I think we’ve got it! Arc, can you hear me?!”

Arc nods weakly. “Y-yes. Thank… thank you, Twilight.”

Brightwing flutters overhead and gently lays the blanket over Arc’s bloody form as Twilight forces a smile.

“Save your thanks for Rose! She’s the one who brought you back!”

Rose nods. “I had to! You weren’t going to make it out there!”

Ember points at the gold pendant around Arc’s neck. “Stupid Dragon’s Tear! THAT’S immortal?!”

Sereb sighs. “I suppose time will tell. If Arc’s body regenerates, he is.”

Twilight does not take her eyes off of him. “Is there anything we can do for you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I think I just need to rest for now.”

Ember frowns sadly. “We should probably get you back to the ship as soon as possible! That wound really is bad!”

Auriel nods. “Right! You’ve got to be suffering from massive internal bleeding!”

Cherry responds in a nervous voice. “To say nothing for infection!”

Sereb sighs. “We don’t even know if that pendant still works after all these years.”

Rose nods soberly. “I agree. You need help, Arc!”

Arc coughs. “A-agreed. Plan?”

Ember stands up. “A frontal attack. Rose and I will draw their attention from either side as Sereb carries you, Twilight, Brightwing and Auriel back to the ship.”

Twilight frowns and looks over as she finishes bandaging the wound. “What about you two?!”

“Don’t worry about us! When you two get back to the ship, we’ll follow!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Unlikely.”

Ember picks up her spear from next to Arc. “If anyone else has a plan, I’m all for it! But I’m not afraid to fight and die to protect the one’s I care for!”

“No. Wait…”

Rose kneels down next to him. “Arc?! Don’t talk! Save your strength!”

Twilight smiles slightly. “I… I think the tear worked! The bleeding isn’t seeping through nearly as much as I thought it would!”

Brightwing looks over. “Friend okay?”

Arc nods, weakly. “I think I’m heading in the right direction.”

Cherry sighs happily. “Your strength is coming back, Arc! Albeit slowly.”

Auriel looks him over. “How do you feel?!”

“It hurts quite a bit. But I think I can take it.”

Twilight looks into his eyes. “Anything we can do?!”

“I think I just need a bit of rest.”

Rose looks concerned. “Are you cold? You’re shivering!”

“A little.”

Twilight gets under the blanket and lies down next to Arc as Ember, Sereb, and Brightwing go back to watching the statues and their cohorts. She smiles as she carefully moves her body next to his.

“I’ll keep you warm.”

“No, Twilight. You’ll get all bloody from leaning against me.

She points a hoof at her blood-covered armor and face. “I think it’s a bit late to be worried about that! Just… just let me do this for you, okay?!”

“O-okay.”

Rose lies down on the other side of him and snuggles up.

“You had us worried! Please don’t do that again!”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. Thanks for… for coming after me, Rose.”

I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing!”

Twilight snuggles up closer to him. “Please Arc! Rest now!”

Arc lies back and closes his eyes. “Okay. But just a short rest. We need to get out of here soon.”

Ember looks back from the entrance. “Just take it easy for a while. We’ll keep watch here.”

“Thanks…”

Auriel looks to Ember. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

An hour or so later the sun begins to set. Auriel nudges Arc gently.

“Arc?”

He slowly opens his eyes and look up into Auriel’s luminous black and green eyes.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but are you feeling any better?”

“Actually, yes.”

Arc begins to sit up. Twilight and Rose open their eyes as well. Twilight’s eyes grow wide.

“Arc?! What are you doing?!”

Rose nods. “You need to take it easy!”

He touches the bandages on his midsection tenderly. “Thanks, but I’m feeling okay now.”

Twilight frowns. “That isn’t possible.”

Auriel frowns. “Maybe we should change his bandages and see.”

Rose nods. “Good idea.”

Twilight and Rose carefully unwrap the gauze and bandages. Auriel looks the wound over.

“It does look quite a bit better.”

Twilight looks surprised. “That it does!”

Rose scans Arc’s bloody stomach for a moment longer before touching it gently. “I thought so.”

Arc looks over to her. “What is it, Rose?”

“I was just confirming with my eyes what my scanners were telling me.”

Twilight looks up. “Which is…?”

“The wound is completely healed!”

Arc and Twilight both appear surprised. “WHAT?!”

Twilight pokes at Arc with her hoof. “How is that possible?!”

“Huh… I guess the Dragon’s Tear works. Neat!”

Rose looks to him, wide-eyed. “You were TESTING it?!”

“Yes. But not intentionally. My plan was to engage the statues for a bit before retreating back here. They were a bit stronger and faster than I thought though.”

Ember frowns. “But I thought the Dragon’s Tear was supposed to grant immortality! How is it you were hurt?!”

Sereb sighs. “Perhaps the Dragon’s Tear has been weakened over the years. Nothing lasts forever.”

Twilight nods. “Magic items need to be used regularly to maintain their effects. Just sitting here sustaining one creature, who probably already has limited immortality, didn’t cut it.”

“So it’s powers of protection are weaker than we thought, huh? I guess I’d better remember that.”

He slowly stands up a bit wobbily. Twilight and Rose do their best to steady him.

“Easy there! Your wound may be gone, but you still lost a LOT of blood!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Yeah, I’ll try. Let’s see if the others have figured anything out about our little statue problem.”

They head over to Ember and Sereb who are watching their opponent’s movements carefully. Ember does not look over, but smiles at his recovery nonetheless

“Feeling better?”

“Much! You two figure out anything we can use?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Yes and no.”

Ember sighs. “Their movement really are seemingly random.”

“Brightwing not see anything special about them! Other than they are mean!”

Sereb nods. “When Ahuizotl lost control of them, they retained their only order thus far. Kill.”

Ember frowns. “Agreed. Now I don’t like to say it, but I think there isn’t any way out of here other than to just run for it.”

Auriel looks out over the multitude of opponents before them. “We’ll never make it!”

Brightwing giggles. We could fly over the meanies!”

Twilight looks up. “I get the feeling the Rocs would just force us down. Princess Celestia really thought of everything.”

Cherry sighs. “Perhaps she truly did.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “Princess Celestia… THAT’S IT!”

Rose looks hopeful. “You have an idea, Arc?”

“I just might! Now then our opponents are, for the most part, brainless, right?!”

Ember nods. “I guess. But how does that help us?!”

“They can’t read into a deeper strategy. Any kind of deception or misdirection would probably be very effective on them.”

Twilight shrugs. “I guess we have that much on our side. Do you think it will be enough?”

Sereb frowns. “Probably not.”

Arc nods. “Agreed, Sereb. But I have an additional idea that may just seal the deal.”

Auriel looks worried. “What is it?”

“Something Princess Celestia couldn’t have possibly accounted for. Outside help!”

Ember grins “The Lunar Destiny?”

“Right!”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts. Come in please.”

“This is Lemon Hearts! Are you sure you’re okay sir?!”

“Very! Listen, we’re going to need a bit of help getting out of here. These statues, sphinx and Rocs don’t seem very agreeable.”

“Agreed, sir! What can we do?”

“Have Tight Ship circle around the temple. Plot a course that puts the Lunar Destiny at our backs.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “For what purpose, sir?”

“To introduce these guys to the Destiny’s cannons. Wait for my order to begin bombardment.”

“Yes sir! We’ll get into position and let you know when we’re ready to attack.”

“Good. Keep me posted. Arc out.”

He touches his earring again to shut it off before turning to the others.

“Listen everyone. We ARE getting out of here! ALL of us!”

Ember sighs. “Do you think the air support will be enough?”

“I do.”

Auriel nods thoughtfully. “This plan really is sound. The Lunar Destiny should keep the Rocs at least somewhat distracted.”

Twilight smiles. “While they’re distracted, we can get away!”

“Right. With a bit of help from some well-placed shots of the cannons.”

Ember frowns. “Won’t that be dangerous for US?!”

Sereb sighs. “It is safer than staying here.”

Arc shrugs. “Sorry everyone, but that’s the best I can come up with. With any luck we can cause enough chaos to allow us to escape.”

His earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“We’re in position and ready to begin bombardment!”

“Negative. Fly over the temple and see what the Rocs do first. If they attack, shoot them down.”

“Yes sir! Lemon Hearts out!”

Arc turns to the others. “Let’s wait and see what happens.”

A short time later the Lunar Destiny flies over the temple. Neither the Rocs nor the statues seem to mind. Rose nods.

“That answers that question.”

Ember frowns. “Maybe. What do you think they’ll do when the ship starts shooting at them?!”

Sereb chuckles. “Most likely they will go after the ship.”

Auriel nods. “If they have brains, that is!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think they do, as they’re massed produced magically conjured creatures. But only by doing something will we know for certain.”

Lemon Heart’s voice can be heard over Arc’s earring.

“We’ve completed our maneuver, sir. No movement. Shall we commence the operation?”

“Not yet. Get back into position and await my orders.”

“Yes sir. I’ll notify you when we are ready. It should only take a few minutes.”

Arc turns back to the others again.

“Everyone ready?”

They nod soberly. Twilight heads over to where she, Rose and Arc had been napping.

“Let me get this mess cleaned up before we go.”

Arc walks over to Twilight. “I’ll help you. Everyone else get ready to run like you’ve never run before!”

They pick up the used bandages and blanket. Arc looks over the mass of blood and linens.

“Wow. How much blood did I lose?!”

Twilight shakes her head as she folds up the blanket and puts it back in the satchel. “Quite a bit! Frankly I’m amazed your even walking around after that. Dragon’s Tear or not.”

The mess cleaned, Arc picks up the satchel and puts it over his shoulder. Twilight sighs.

“I guess that’s everything.”

She turns back to the entrance.

“Twilight?”

“Huh?”

Arc walks over to her and kneels down. “Would you please do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

Arc puts his hands on her shoulders as he looks her in the eye. “If this doesn’t work out right, I want you to promise me you’ll keep running toward the Lunar Destiny and not look back. Okay?!”

“WHAT?! I can’t do that!”

“Just… please. For me?”

Twilight sighs. “I… I’ll do my very best to stay safe out there. I’m really sorry, but that’s the best I can do.”

Arc puts his arms around her as the pair share an embrace. “Thanks. I don’t know what I would do if something were to happen to my first friend.”

Twilight hugs him tighter. “You stay safe too! I know you have the Dragon’s Tear and all, but…”

Arc nods as he puts the helmet back on Twilight’s head. “I’ll be fine. You can count on it.”

Chapter 22 - Pinned Down

Arc and Twilight join the others at the mouth of the temple. They walk over to Ember.

“Anything new happen?”

Ember shakes her head as she continues to watch the statues. “Nope. They just keep walking around randomly.”

Sereb sighs. “I hate to say it, but I think the only way out of here is straight through.”

Auriel looks out nervously. “Agreed. It will be dark soon too.”

Twilight looks hopeful. “Wouldn’t that be helpful? I mean… could we maybe sneak past them when the sun finishes setting?”

Cherry sighs. “I’m going to guess that Princess Celestia wouldn’t have let such a large hole in her security go unpatched.”

Brightwing looks confused. “They can see in dark?!”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. If it was that easy there wouldn’t be so many skeletons out there.”

Ember nods. “I get the feeling we would be the ones at a disadvantage. Other than Arc and I, we can’t see in the dark.”

“Hey! Don’t forget Brightwing!”

Rose nods “As can I.”

Twilight sighs. “That just leaves myself, Auriel and Sereb.”

Auriel looks sheepishly at her friend. “Twilight, I… um…”

“Let me guess. You can see in the dark too?”

“We call it Demon Vision, but yes.”

Sereb nods. “As can I.

“Wow… so… just me then?”

Twilight sighs.

“Arc, you and the others should wait for nightfall and then make a run for it.”

Brightwing frowns. “What about you, friend?!”

“I’ll just… follow behind all of you as best I can. But I don’t want to be the one to hold everypony else back because I can’t see!”

Arc shakes his head. “Twilight, ALL of us ARE getting out of here! That means you too!”

“But…”

Sereb nods. “You can ride on my back. I will see to it you get back to the ship safely.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “And I’ll watch your back too!”

Rose calls forth her cannon and checks it over. “As will I, mother! Nothing will get near you as long as I’m around!”

Auriel nods soberly. “Me too, Twilight! You took me into your home when Equestrians still feared and reviled me! It’s time for me to repay that debt!”

Brightwing bares her toothless gums. “Bad magic creatures have to get through Brightwing too!”

Arc looks out toward the courtyard. “All of us will watch each other’s backs. If we stand together, there’s no reason we can’t all make it, Twilight.”

“I… th-thank you, everypony! I’ll do my very best too!”

Sereb looks up to him. “So what IS the plan, Arc? Will we wait for dark or go now?”

Arc thinks for a moment as he continues watching.

“We’re going to run for it before the sun sets. While all of us CAN see in the dark, save for Twilight, we’ll still have the best chance of success in the daylight.”

Ember points to the horizon. “Which is quickly fading.”

“Right. So is everyone ready?.”

The group nods soberly.

Arc sighs. “Good. Let me go over this with the Lunar Destiny just to be sure they’re in position.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts. Come in please.”

“Right here sir. Are you ready for us to begin bombardment of the temple courtyard?”

Wrangler puts her hooves on the controls for the Lunar Destiny’s cannons. “This’ll be a blast!”

“Not quite. I just want to go over our strategy with Wrangler. Can she hear me?”

“One moment sir.”

Lemon Hearts puts the conversation on the main speakers.

“We can all hear you now, sir. Go ahead.”

Wrangler nods. “I’m ready to drop the hammer on those walking rocks anytime, sir!”

“Yes, well… we need to be a bit more surgical about it.”

Soarin frowns. “Sir?”

“Blasting the statues is all well and good. But don’t forget we’re down here too!”

Moon Dancer nods as she turns to Wrangler. “You could blow them all up trying to save them!”

Tight Ship clears his throat. “Pardon me sir, but don’t you think those statues would likely turn to pebbles upon taking a hit from us?”

Thunderlane nods. “Yeah!”

“Probably. But I’m guessing they’ll just reform and come after us.”

Wrangler grins. “Well then, let’s pound ‘em flat! Then pound em’ again!”

“Here’s the plan. We need sustained fire on either side of us.

Tight Ship looks confused. “What path will you take, sir?”

“We’re going right down the middle. See if you can’t keep the statues pushed back toward the outer walls while we make a run for it.”

Moon Dancer nods as she looks to the speakers. “Your Shield Magic should come in handy to deflect our concussive blasts, sir.”

Arc sighs. “About that. We don’t have any magic right now.”

Wrangler frowns. “Say what now?”

Thunderlane furrows his brow. “Then how are you planning on surviving our cannon’s salvos?!”

“Armor and determination mostly.”

Lemon Hearts sighs. “That’s not much to go on, sir.”

“Maybe not. But it’s all we have. Do you think you can do this, Wrangler?”

“I don’t know, sir. This’ll be mighty dangerous. Especially without any cover for you all!”

“I’ll worry about the danger down here. You just keep them as far away from us as you can, okay?”

“Aye sir.”

Tight Ship looks nervous. “The engines, cannons and Infirmary are all ready and awaiting your command, sir.”

Arc chuckles. “Good. Does anyone over there have anything to add before we do this especially foolish thing?”

The Bridge is silent.

“I’ll take that as a ‘no’.”

Soarin nods soberly. “We’ve prepared as best as we are able, sir.”

Wrangler nods. “Right! All that’s left to do is to bring all of you home!”

Thunderlane tightens his grip on the controls. “Yeah! And we’re not about to leave a job half finished!”

Moon Dancer takes a deep breath. “Do be careful, sir. The princesses would be devastated if something happened to you or your group.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “I’ll keep the comms open so you can call out additional orders on the fly, sir.”

“Good idea. You ready to start your attack run, Thunderlane?”

“I’m itching to get started, sir.”

“Very well. Come in low and slow. When I give the word, you let em have it, Wrangler.”

“Aye sir!”

Tight Ship turns to his pilot. “Take us in, Thunderlane. Steady as she goes.”

Moon Dancer turns to Tight Ship. “They…. they’re going to be okay, right?! This is most unorthodox!”

Wrangler plants her hooves firmly on her console. “Don’t ruin the moment! Let’s just go blow stuff up!”

Arc looks up as the sound of the Lunar Destiny’s mighty engines can be heard approaching. He turns to the group.

“Get ready to run everyone. Auriel, get on Sereb.”

“What?! Me?!”

“Hurry!”

Auriel quickly does as she is told. Arc rushes over to her and gives her his Spear of Righteousness. Her eyes grow wide as she takes it.

“Wait, Arc! You need this!”

“You take it and protect our flank. Ember will guard the left. Rose, you take the right side with Brightwing.”

Ember nods. “Got it.”

Brightwing happily flutters around. “Yes! We shall win without a doubt!”

“I’ll do my best for you and mother!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “And you?

Arc activates his magic blades. “I’m taking point.”

Twilight runs over to Arc. “What about me?!”

“Stay in the middle where it’s safe.”

“But…!”

“Now’s not the time to argue with me, Twilight!”

“Okay. Can I help in some way though?”

Ember sighs. “Just run!”

The ship slowly passes over them just as Arc and company step out of the temple onto the steps.

“Okay Wrangler… FIRE!!!”

Wrangler begins pushing buttons at a feverish pace. “Ready or not, HERE WE COME!!!”

Every cannon aboard the Lunar Destiny fires upon their targets. The statues and sphinx stagger back at such force. Arc turns to the group.

“EVERYONE RUN FOR IT!!!”

Arc leads his group down the steps and toward the courtyard. The statues regain their footing and reassemble themselves to charge forward. However, the sphinx are quicker to respond. Arc slashes at a pair that block his way as he calls out to the others.

“KEEP MOVING! DON’T SLOW DOWN!”

Ember bares her teeth as they fight on. “One blow, two kills! Stop them before the statues join the battle!”

Rose fires her cannon at a nearby statue as she cuts down a sphinx who leaps at her. “Easier said than done!”

Brightwing spits acid at a sphinx mere feet before it reaches Rose. “You are scary creature I am scared of!”

“Thanks Brightwing!”

Moon Dancer calls to Arc. “You’re going to be overrun by sphinx! Should we alter tactics?!”

Arc shakes his head as he dispatches several sphinx in a single blow. “NO! Stick with the plan! I’d rather fight an army of sphinx than let those statues join the battle!”

Wrangler nods. “He’s right! Their mixed tactics would be almost impossible to counter!”

She fires another round at the statues.

“That is one fine crater!”

As Arc and his group reaches the halfway point of the courtyard, the Rocs begin to gather. Lemon Hearts signals.

“Sir! The Rocs are preparing to attack you!”

“Great.”

He turns to the others as he neatly cuts a sphinx in half.

“We’re about to have company! Rocs incoming everyone!”

Ember growls as she knocks half a dozen sphinx into next week. “Just what we DON’T need right now!”

Sereb growls as he bites another sphinx and tosses it to the side. “We need to change tactics to compensate!”

Auriel turns as she stabs a sphinx with Arc’s spear. “Sereb’s right! We can’t fight aerial attacks like this!”

Rose nods. “Brightwing and I can!”

Brightwing growls. “Let’s go together!”

Arc nods. “Okay! You two focus on the Rocs! Auriel, you and Sereb take over guarding our right side!”

They seamlessly change tactics like a well-oiled machine as more Rocs come out of the trees to aid their brethren. Rose calls out to Arc as she fires.

“This is bad! There’s just too many of them!”

Brightwing nods, spitting acid as fast as she can. “Bad things happening!”

The group’s advance slows down as the temple’s defenders close in around them. Lemon Hearts calls out to them.

“You’re almost three quarters of the way there, sir! Hurry!”

Wrangler yells over. “Our guns aren’t going to be able to hold them back much longer, sir! There’s just so many of them! With the extra Rocs, we just can’t keep up!”

Ember struggles to hold back the horde of sphinx and rocs before her. “Arc, if you have an idea, now’s the time!”

A sphinx lunges at Arc and bites down hard on one of his magic blades, damaging it.

“Keep pushing! We have to hold out just a bit further!”

Arc slashes it away with his other blade and continues to fight. Twilight looks over just as a statue makes it through the suppressing fire.

“AURIEL! LOOK OUT!!!”

The young demon turns just in time to take a giant stone fist in the face. She flies off Sereb’s back and lands on Twilight. Brightwing Blinks over to Auriel.

“FRIENDS HURT! OH NOES!”

She casts a small spell on Auriel. Her eyes open as Sereb runs over to her.

“You must get up!

Twilight grabs Arc’s spear from the ground and swings it as best she can to deter the sphinx that rush forward to make use of the opportunity.

“I’ll hold them back, Auriel! You just…!”

Auriel points weakly. “Tw… Twilight! Watch out!”

But it is too late. The same statue that dismounted Auriel lunges at Twilight! Unable to avoid it’s attack, Twilight takes the blow full force. Brightwing lunges at the statue.

“NO! More friends hurt now! S-stop it!”

The statue knocks Brightwing out of the way and lunges again at Twilight. She turns just in time to get backhanded into Rose. Brightwing gets up angrily and flies over to protect them.

“Stop it! Stop hurting friends!”

Sereb lunges at the statue and topples it as a roc flies past him and heads for Rose and Twilight. It’s razor sharp talons at the ready. Rose helps Twilight up and positions herself to defend her mother. She fires at the incoming Roc.

“No! You won’t hurt mother!”

Rose hits her target as several more Rocs move to assist their companion. They fly at Rose again. She takes them down… save for one.

“ROSE!”

With only a split second to act, Twilight pushes Rose out of the way. The Roc flies into Twilight and buries its razor-sharp beak in her back. Twilight’s screams in agony as her armor is effortlessly pierced by the savage bird. In the blink of an eyes a steady stream of blood flows forth. Rose lunges forward as the Roc wraps its talons around Twilight’s midsection and pierces the front of her armor as it lifts her off the ground!.

“MOTHER!!!”

Rose blasts the roc. Twilight falls to the ground unconscious and does not rise.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

Arc turns to help her. Ember looks over as she continues to hold back their opponents.

“No Arc! We have to stick to the plan!”

Angrily, he returns his attention to the statues and sphinx in front of him.

“Right! Sereb, help Twilight!!!”

Sereb runs over to Twilight’s side as Rose and Auriel move to defend her. “Twilight! Don’t worry, I’ve got you!”

“Brightwing help!”

Brightwing quickly flies over to Twilight and Blinks her onto Sereb’s back before moving to help Rose and Auriel defend their badly wounded friend. The baby dragon angrily spits acid at their assailants.

“Bad monsters! You are BAD! Stop being so mean right now!”

The group continues to fight valiantly, but the odds are quickly shifting to favor the temple’s defenders. Ember calls out.

“There’s… just too many!”

Arc shakes his head as he continues to fight. “No, Ember! We’ll get through! Twilight needs help! Keep pushing forward! Don’t give up!”

A Roc makes it past Arc’s defenses and sinks its teeth into his left arm. Crying out in pain, he buries his magic blade into its side, but not before it pierces his armor. Ember turns to help him but he waves her away.

“I’m fine! Keep going!”

Auriel stands with them, the spear in her claws. “Just hold the line up there and keep pushing! We’ll take care of things back here!”

Arc winces in pain. “Will… do!”

Slowly but surely they fight their way to the temple courtyard gates. Wrangler shouts at them through the radio.

“Just a bit further, sir! Keep going!”

Ember slashes at a sphinx with her claws. “We can make it!”

Sereb nods as Twilight’s blood flows down his armor and onto the ground. “We must!”

Auriel rushes toward Sereb as a Roc dive bombs toward him. “LOOK OUT!”

She knocks the roc away from Sereb and the injured Twilight, but not before it can turn and swing a claw at her. Auriel moves to block it, but her arm is badly cut in the process. Brightwing flies quickly over to Auriel, tackling the roc and spitting acid in its face before flying to her side and helping.

“Friend, get up!”

Auriel holds her arm as blood oozes between her fingers and from a fresh wound on her face.

“I… I can make it.”

Brightwing gasps. “Friend hurt!”

The whelpling shakes her head angrily.

“Brightwing not take this anymore! Stop bad creatures herself!”

She flies up into the air and looks all around at the carnage. The furious dragon continues to shake her head as both her front claws fly to either side of her head. Brightwing screams out at the top of her small lungs.

“IF BAD MONSTERS WON’T STOP HURTING FRIENDS…!”

A strange heavy feeling fills the air as the weak light from the setting sun seems to dim. The statues, sphinx and even the Rocs cease their attack and turn to look at Brightwing. The brave warriors look up as well.

“What the…?”

Ember looks to Arc. “Brightwing? What’s she doing?!”

Rose stands her ground, defending her mother and Sereb. “Warning! Unknown magical energy is growing at an alarming rate!”

Auriel looks around, frantically. “What?! Where?!”

Rose points at Brightwing. “Right above us!”

Raw magical energy crackles all around Brightwing as the surrounding rocs maintain a safe distance. Suddenly she screams out.

“…THEN BRIGHTWING WILL HURT YOU!!!”

A violent blast of magical energy explodes outward, knocking down Arc and his friends along with the sphinx and rocs. Even the Lunar Destiny is pushed slightly off course.

Tight Ship clutches his seat. “Keep us in range, Thunderlane! We have to protect those brave heroes down there!”

“Aye sir!”

“Moon Dancer! What is going on?!”

“I have no idea sir! But these energy readings are off the charts!”

Lemon Hearts looks over to the captain. “The comms are a mess! There isn’t any signal!”

Wrangler grits her teeth as she holds on. “What the hay did that little dragon DO?!”

Meanwhile on the ground, Arc helps Ember up.

“Come one… we have to keep moving!”

Ember looks around as thick clouds of dust obscure their vision. “Where’s the gate?!”

Arc looks around, but cannot see his goal. “Great!”

“Look Arc! There’s the others!”

The pair run toward them.

“Come on! We’ll regroup!”

Ember nods. “Right behind you!”

Sereb looks over at Twilight on his back as Arc and Ember run to join them. “She’s still here, Arc!”

Arc quickly looks at Twilight’s wound through the massive hole in her armor and gasps. “This is bad! I can see her lungs working in there!”

Auriel gets up slowly with Ember’s help. “What… just happened? Where’s Brightwing?!”

Rose looks all around. Her weapons at the ready. “Unknown! Incoming magical beast though!”

Ember frowns as she holds up her spear. “WHERE?!”

“Overhead! It’s right on top of us!”

Arc looks up. “Could it be Brightwing, Rose?!

“No! It’s much too large!”

A moment later a large creature roughly the size of Sereb lands in front of them. Its wings beat with such force it blows away the dust that had but a few moments ago covered the courtyard. It has dark green scales, angry yellow and black eyes, and rows or razor-sharp teeth. It quickly turns to Rose and speaks.

“Rose! I’m here to help!”

She looks at the creature, confused. “Do I… know you?”

“Hop on my back and I’ll help you save Twilight! Hurry!”

Rose runs toward the creature. “B-Brightwing?!”

She smiles a toothy grin. “Come, friend! We have enemies to slay!”

Rose jumps onto Brightwing’s back. The pair take flight as Brightwing casts a Barrier Spell around the rest of the group as their assailants again lunge toward them. A dome forms as the enemy is held back. Breathing heavily as he retracts his remaining magic blade, Arc puts a hand on his bleeding arm.

“Come on everyone! Now’s our chance!”

Lemon Hearts calls out. “Sir! Your orders?!”

“Focus all cannons on the Rocs! Assist Rose and Brightwing!”

Wrangler grins. “Affirmative!”

The cannons turn upward as they do their best to keep the Rocs from overwhelming Brightwing and Rose. The brave android fires her cannon while slashing at a Roc that comes her way with her blade.

“We can do this, Brightwing!”

Brightwing nods as she continues to channel the Barrier Spell. “That we must! Our friends are hurt and need our help! Twilight is doing especially poorly!”

Rose shoots at a roc overheard. “The Infirmary can help if we can get mother back to the Lunar Destiny!”

Brightwing nods. “Agreed!”

The warriors slowly limp their way out of the courtyard. Arc gasps in pain as he applies pressure to Twilight’s wound.

“Almost home free… everyone! Hang on… Twilight!”

Ember runs over to him. “Let me help you, Arc! You don’t look so good!”

Auriel joins them as she holds her own wounds. “Are you sure the Dragon’s Tear is working?!”

Arc grimaces in pain. “I… I’m sure it is!”

The group passes through the courtyard’s outer archway. As they do so, the pair of stone dragon statues just outside the gate suddenly spring to life behind them. Arc turns around with Ember.

“What the…?!”

Ember angrily raises her spear. “You’ve gotta be KIDDING ME!!!”

Rose looks down and aims her cannon at the stone dragons. “I got them!”

Brightwing shakes her head! “No, they’re inside the shield! Focus on the Rocs!”

“Can’t we help them?!”

“If I drop the shield now, they’ll be overwhelmed in seconds!”

Rose turns to fire at another group of rocs heading toward them. “What about…?!”

Brightwing interrupts her. “They’ll be okay!”

The dragon looks over to something approaching the barrier at high speed from the jungle.

“Besides, it looks like someone else is here to help them!”

Rose looks confused as she catches a glimpse of the newcomer. “Who… is that?!”

“A friend! Of this I am certain!”

Meanwhile, Ember swings at the two stone dragons over and over again. They rebuild themselves as fast as she can fell them. She turns back to Arc.

“This isn’t working!”

A familiar voice calls out from behind them.

“Need a hand?”

Arc turns to face him. “What the… WISEMAN?!”

Auriel looks confused. “Who is…?”

Wiseman interrupts as he turns to face their assailants. “My apologies miss, but it appears there are two statues in dire need of a lesson in manners.”

The statues turn from Ember to face Wiseman.

“Come now, and receive a lesson in humility!”

He takes up a fighting stance and focuses for a moment before unleashing a torrent of unusual energy from his fists. Every blow seems to strike at his opponent’s very soul. After several moments they crumble to dust.

Wrangler frowns at her scanners. “What the… what the heck kind of attack was that, Moon Dancer?!”

She looks over her instruments. “I have no idea! I’ve never seen or heard of anything even remotely close to that!”

Wiseman looks at the fallen statues a moment. “Pathetic…”

He looks up to see the statues and sphinx that are pounding at the barrier in an attempt to break through and finish off their targets. Wiseman jumps up through the barrier and lands on top of it to peer down at those who would bring about Arc and his friend’s demise. He shakes his head in pity at their assailants.

“Poor lost souls. Let me release you from your torment.”

Wiseman hovers over the dome and looks down upon it for a moment before unleashing a storm of energy upon the enemy. In a few moments the statues fall to ruins and all the sphinx lie silently among the rubble.

Arc touches his earring and winces. “Wrangler, keep the remaining rocs off of us while Thunderlane lands the ship. Inform Nurse Redheart we have a critically injured mare here!”

Wrangler continues to fire as the ship slowly touches down. “Aye sir!”

Arc and his friends limp aboard the Lunar Destiny as fast as they are able. Sereb rushes inside ahead of everyone and leaps onto the teleporter.

“Infirmary!”

A moment later her arrives. Nurse Redheart is waiting for him next to a waiting bed and a crash cart.

“Over here! Hurry!”

Sereb carefully lifts Twilight onto the bed with his newly returned magic. Redheart immediately begins removing her armor as Twilight stirs groggily. She does not take her eyes off the patient.

“I’ll take it from here! Is anyone else injured?!”

“Not nearly as badly.”

Redheart nods. “Tell them I’ll get to them when I can!”

“Very well.”

Sereb steps out into the hall as Arc and the others limp toward him. Arc grimaces and touches his earring.

“We’re all aboard, Tight Ship! Get us out of here!”

“On it, sir!”

Arc holds his bleeding arm as the ship slowly takes off. “Sereb! How’s Twilight?!”

“Redheart is with her now.”

Rose rushes toward them, still riding Brightwing. “Mother will be fine! She’s tough!”

Ember nods, nursing one of her wings. “I sure hope so.”

Auriel holds her arm. She looks at the blood coursing down Arc’s gauntlet. “She’s not the only one who needs help.”

Cherry gasps. “She’s right, Arc! Your arm is in very bad shape!”

“I’ll be fine. Nurse Redheart has her hooves full right now anyway. That and Auriel and Ember aren’t looking too good over there.”

Rose gets off Brightwing and hurries to help Arc as he leans heavily against the wall. “That may be! But you’ve already lost quite a bit of blood today!”

Ember takes Arc’s satchel and helps Rose lead him toward the Infirmary. “Come on everyone. Let’s get patched up.

Arc winces as he leans on his friends. “But… Twilight is…!”

Sereb shakes his head. “There are plenty of beds to spare, Arc. She would not want you to come to further harm on her account.”

“But… I…”

He falls to his knees. Rose and Ember kneel down and put their arms around Arc’s shoulders in an effort to stabilize him.

“It’s okay, Arc! We know you’re worried about Twilight now, but please think of yourself too!”

Rose nods as she supports his other side. “Lean on us, Arc! You don’t have to do this alone! Not anymore!”

Everyone enters the Infirmary together.

Chapter 23 - That Which Was Lost...

Arc and Auriel lie down on two empty hospital beds as Rose and Ember take some gauze and bandages out of a nearby cabinet and get to work bandaging their friend’s wounds. As they work Arc does not take his eyes off Twilight lying nearby. Rose helps him remove his heavily damaged armor. Arc calls out.

“How’s it going over there Nurse Redheart?!”

“I’m doing everything I can, sir, but your friend is very badly injured.”

“Anything I can do to help?!”

Redheart nods as she quickly picks up a syringe and taps it with her hoof. “You can start by not bleeding all over my Infirmary.”

Rose tosses Arc’s damaged and bloody armor to the side. “Please hold still Arc.”

Ember looks over her shoulder to Arc from Auriel’s side. “Don’t worry. Twilight’s in good hands here.”

Auriel nods as she lies back on the bed. Ember bandages her wounds. “Just let Rose bandage you up. You may be immortal with the Dragon’s Tear, but losing that much blood isn’t good for anyone!”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Ember does her best to bandage Auriel’s arm before putting a piece of gauze on her cheek.

“That’s probably going to require some stitches.”

Auriel sighs as Ember covers her with a blanket. “I’m just glad all of us made it out of there!”

Arc continues to look over at Twilight as Rose finishes putting antiseptic on his arm. “As am I.”

Rose wraps his arm with gauze and bandages. “Hopefully your wound will head as quickly as last time.”

Brightwing nods. “Yes! That was incredible!”

Sereb looks over as Rose gently pushes Arc to lie down and rest. “Please rest now. You’ve certainly earned it.”

Ember looks over. “Did anyone happen to see what happened to Wiseman?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m sure he made it out safely. That guy is just full of surprises!”

Auriel looks confused. “Who… was that?!”

“Someone we met back on Earth.”

“Your home world?! How?!”

Ember sighs. “Good question.”

“I also met him in Griffonstone. But how he transverses the dimensional barrier like that is a mystery.”

Rose covers Arc with a blanket as the Lunar Destiny makes its way back toward Canterlot. The sun sets and darkness falls over the land as Nurse Redheart continues to treat Twilight’s wounds. Eventually she steps back from the critically injured mare.

“That’s all I can do. The rest is up to her.”

Arc looks over to her, nearly frantic. “Nurse Redheart? How is she?!”

The nurse sighs as she walks over to Auriel to examine her injuries. “The wounds on her chest and belly are very deep, but fortunately for her, not deep enough to have pierced her organs. Probably due to the Roc’s talons catching on her armor. Frankly I’m amazed you were able to get her here at all! From what I could see up here, it’s miraculous that ANY of you made it back!”

Nurse Redheart looks over her shoulder at Twilight momentarily before returning her gaze to Arc soberly.

“Her back however is another story entirely.”

Sereb looks confused. “Her… back?”

“It looks like she took quite the blow from something.”

Auriel looks worried. “Is she really hurt that badly?!”

“I’m not fully sure yet. While I took x-rays a short time ago, I’m still waiting for them to properly develop. Whatever hit her did so with unimaginable force. We should know more about her condition and treatment options soon.”

Arc sighs. “Thank you, nurse.”

Brightwing frowns, having returned to her normal form. “The meanies were strong! But Brightwing and friends were stronger!”

Sereb nods. “That and we had help.”

Arc nods but continues to look at Twilight. “From the Lunar Destiny’s crew, Brightwing and Wiseman. Uh… any sign of him aboard ship?”

Ember shrugs. “No idea. We got back to the ship as fast as we could. Sereb?”

“My apologies, but I was busy taking care of Twilight.”

Rose looks to Arc. “My sensors showed him on the outer deck before I went inside with the others. Perhaps he is still out there.”

Auriel takes a sharp breath as a needle pierces her red skin. “That doesn’t seem very safe. OW! What was that for?!”

“Just a painkiller before I stitch you up, miss.”

Auriel frowns. “That painkiller HURT!”

Arc sighs as he lies back and patiently waits his turn. “Give it a moment, Auriel.”

In short order Auriel’s arm is numb. Nurse Redheart begins to meticulously clean and stitch up the wound before dressing it professionally. As she finishes wrapping a fresh bandage around the arm she smiles at her patient.

“There you go, miss.”

“Thank you. It feels much better now.”

Nurse Redheart nods as she cleans the wound on Auriel’s face. “Just doing my job. Fortunately this cut doesn’t seem to be too deep.”

As Nurse Redheart makes her way over to Arc there is the sound of hoofsteps approaching. Lemon Hearts enters the Infirmary. Redheart begins unwrapping Arc’s arm.

“Let’s take a look at you now sir.”

Arc looks up as Ember and Rose help him remove his torn shirt. “Is everything alright, Lemon Hearts?”

“Sorry to barge in like this, sir, but Captain Tight Ship sent me over here for an update on you and your friend’s conditions.”

Nurse Redheart nods. “I was able to stabilize Twilight’s condition and she is resting. Hero of Light Arc and his friend’s wounds are not life threatening. Everypony else appears to have bumps and bruises, but are otherwise fine.”

“Do we need to redirect the ship to a nearby hospital?”

Nurse Redheart shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary. In fact, it would be dangerous to transport Twilight anywhere in her condition.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Very well. We should arrive back at Canterlot Castle by tomorrow morning.”

Nurse Redheart nods and goes back work.

“Any damage to the ship, Lemon Hearts?”

“A bit of scratched paint is all, sir. I don’t mind telling you, we didn’t enjoy watching all of you flail around down there.”

Sereb sighs. “It was no picnic for us either.

Ember nods. “At least we got what we came for.”

Arc sighs as his gaze returns to Twilight as Nurse Redheart administers another IV bottle.

“That we did. But at quite the cost.”

“Brightwing knows unicorn friend will be just fine soon!”

Auriel nods sadly. “I sure hope so.”

Lemon Hearts shifts on her hooves nervously. “Sir? There is one other matter that the captain wanted you to be aware of.”

“Is it about the Dragon Lands?!”

“No sir. Captain Tight Ship was a bit… unnerved about your other friend coming aboard.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think he needs to worry about Brightwing. She’s on our side, after all.”

“That isn’t it, sir. This is about the… other human that followed all of you.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide “Wiseman is here?!”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Yes. He’s in Library with Wrangler. She didn’t want him to be able to wander the ship unaccompanied. But considering the danger out there and all he did to help in the battle, we couldn’t ask him to leave either.”

Ember frowns. “I wonder why he decided to stick around this time.”

“All he said was for you to meet him as soon as you could, sir. Forgive me, but this is all so mysterious!”

Arc nods. “It’s okay. You did the right thing.”

Nurse Redheart looks at Arc with an empty syringe levitating next to her. “I’d like to take a blood sample, sir.”

“What for?”

“The beast who bit you may have been diseased. I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

“Agreed. Go ahead.”

Nurse Redheart quickly draws a sample of blood from Arc’s bandaged arm and heads over to a desk.

“I’ll analyze this at once sir.”

“Thank you. Can I get up now?”

Cherry groans. “You should be resting, Arc!”

Ember frowns. “What’s so important?!”

Arc slowly sits up. “Wiseman is aboard the Lunar Destiny. This is my chance to ask him a few questions before he gets bored and disappears again.”

Sereb growls as Arc stands, albeit unsteadily. “This is unwise, Arc. What if he should attack you?”

Arc pulls a fresh shirt out of his ring. “If he wanted to hurt me I don’t think he would have gone through the trouble of helping us escape back there.”

Ember frowns as she helps Arc put on his shirt. “Well I for one don’t trust that guy!”

Rose nods. “Nor do I!”

Auriel looks up. “What about your scanners, Rose. Anything you can tell us about him?”

“No. There’s some kind of energy field around him that prevents this unit’s scanners from gathering any data on him.”

Arc frowns. “Nothing at all?”

Rose sighs. “If one’s basic optical sensors did not register his presence, the only other logical answer would be that he didn’t exist.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Trust me. He’s real.”

Nurse Redheart calls over from her lab table. “Sir, I don’t recommend you leaving the Infirmary in your condition.”

“I won’t be long, Nurse Redheart.”

Rose nods. “I’ll come with you.”

Ember sighs. “That’s probably a good idea. I’ll stay here with Twilight and Auriel.”

“Thank you. Um… Sereb?”

Sereb smiles. “I will stay and watch over Twilight as well.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “I appreciate it. While I don’t like the idea of leaving her right now, it’s not every day Wiseman shows up and actually says he wants to talk.”

He walks over to Twilight’s bedside and takes her hoof in his hand. He gives it a small squeeze as he gently pets her mane.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can, Twilight. The others are here too, so you’re not alone. You just rest now, okay?”

Arc looks down at her for another moment before departing from the Infirmary with Rose. He sighs as they walk down the corridor.

“This is all my fault.”

“How so? If it wasn’t for me, you and mother never would have even BEEN there!”

Cherry calls out to them. “No one asks to be born, Rose. None of what happened if your fault.”

Arc sighs. “Right. It’s mine.”

“I don’t believe that either, Arc. Twilight wanted to come on this trip, even though she knew the risks.”

Rose nods. “Just like we all did.”

“If I had been a little faster, or a bit stronger then maybe… maybe Twilight would be headed to the Library WITH me now!”

Cherry sighs. “I’m certain she doesn’t blame you for this, Arc. So please don’t blame yourself.”

Arc shakes his head. “Until Nurse Redheart tells me she’s going to be okay, I can’t really help it.”

A few minutes later they arrive at the ship’s small Library. Upon entering they find Wiseman sitting at a table reading. Wrangler stands dutifully across the room with a rifle in her hooves. Arc walks over to the table and stands before the man.

“Wiseman.”

He looks up from his book. “Arc.”

There is a moment of silence between them as Wiseman looks at Arc’s bandaged arm. The blood is just beginning to seep through.

“Nice shirt you have there.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks. It’s a new style here in Equestria. The bloodstains only add to the effect.”

He looks over to Wrangler.

“I think I can take it from here.”

Wrangler holds the gun tighter. “You sure, sir? I’d be willing to stick around in case you need backup.”

“I’m sure. Thank you for keeping an eye on him for me.”

Wrangler does not take her eyes off Wiseman as she walks over to the door. “I’ll be just outside if you need help, sir.”

“Fine.”

She leaves the room as Arc sits down across from their visitor. Wiseman looks up at Arc as he sets down the book.

“So how is Twilight?”

“You tell me, mister all-knowing!”

“I never claimed to know everything, Arc.”

Rose frowns. “Then how did you know just when to show up back there?!”

Wiseman folds his hands and rests them on the table as he looks over at her. “When you are as old as I am, Rose, some things you just know.”

Arc shakes his head. “Like that?! Rose was just BORN a few days ago! How could you possibly…?!”

“Really now. As friendly as you two are, I would have guessed that you had known each other for quite some time.”

Arc sighs. “Well… I have other questions for you!”

Wiseman chuckles. “Do you now? Because you haven’t answered mine yet.”

“Twilight is… stable. For now.”

“Stable is a good place to be in life.”

Arc shakes his head. “I wouldn’t know. Now tell me! Will Twilight be all right?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “I suppose that’s up to you.”

Rose looks confused. “But Arc isn’t a doctor!”

“True. But there are many other ways to help others."

Arc looks coldly at their guest. “I suppose that’s true. But I didn’t come here to answer YOUR questions! I came here so you could answer some of MINE!”

“Go ahead.”

“Who are you?!”

“As I said earlier, I am Wiseman.”

Rose sighs. “Really?! That doesn’t clear anything up!”

“Perhaps not. But it is who I am.”

“Fine then! What about that strange power you used back there?!”

Rose nods. “And how could you use magic when no one else could?!”

Wiseman looks over at Arc. “You have Dragon Magic, do you not?”

“That’s right. And you have… Unicorn Magic?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “I do not.”

Rose furrows her brow. “Dragon Magic perhaps?”

“No.”

Arc glares at him! “Then what was that back there?!”

“Something very old that is quite out of your reach. Perhaps someday you will be able to understand it. But that day is not today.”

“Did you have anything to do with what happened to Brightwing?”

“I did not. Although I must admit it was quite the spectacle, was it not?”

Rose nods. “Did you know it would happen?!”

“I knew it was… possible. How and when it would manifest was anyone’s guess though.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I get that you fancy yourself as ‘Wiseman’ and all. But are you at least… somewhat human?”

Wiseman nods. “I am just as human as you yourself are, Arc.”

Rose looks him over. “For a human, you certainly are hard to scan. What’s under that blue cloak of yours?”

“Flesh and bone. The same as Arc.”

Rose frowns. “There must be more to your garb than you’re letting on. Where did you get it?”

“A very dear friend of mine, who shall remain anonymous for now, gave it to me.”

Arc sighs. “Is it magic?”

“That is… complicated.”

Arc rests his face in his hands. “You really are good at NOT giving straight answers, aren’t you?”

“Only because you’re asking the wrong questions.”

“Okay! How do you go from Earth to Equestria then?!”

“Magic. The same as you ultimately.”

Arc looks confused. “But we have the only machine capable of such travel.”

Wiseman chuckles. “Yet here I am.”

“Why?”

Wiseman appears puzzled. “Why what, Rose?”

“Why did you help us back there?”

Arc nods. “And why did you help me back on Earth?!”

Wiseman nods folds his hands again. “Very good. Now you are asking the important questions.”

Rose frowns. “Then answer them!”

“Someone I respected a very long time ago used to say… you don’t need a reason to help others.”

Arc nods. “Very true. So you’re saying you helped us simply because you wanted to?”

“Not exactly. Everything I do is for a reason. While those reasons may not be readily apparent, but I assure you that I am not your enemy.”

“How do we know that?!”

“Rose is right. For all we know, you could just be manipulating these events for your own ends.”

Wiseman shakes his head. “As you did in Griffonstone, Arc?”

“That… that’s different!”

“No different. Only different in your mind.”

Wiseman leans forward.

“I know why you’re doing it, and I approve of your methodology. What happened to Raven was truly reprehensible and should never be repeated. However, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

Rose looks confused. “What bigger picture?”

Wiseman shakes his head as he sits back in the chair. “All I am saying is don’t lose sight of your original goal. Nothing more or less will do.”

Arc sighs as he leans back in his own chair. “I’ve probably already said this, but can’t you ever give a straight answer?”

“I do. When the right question is asked.”

Rose nods. “Okay then. What other advice can you give us? Other than about the Griffon Empire, that is.”

“Asking for help now, Arc?”

“If it will save lives, yes! I’m aware you know more than you let on!”

“Fair enough. Don’t take things at face value.”

“Explain.”

Wiseman looks to Rose. “Everyone has secrets, miss. Most of them are, for the most part, harmless. However… those in power often hold many… MANY dark secrets! Especially those who have been in power for, shall we say… quite some time now.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Are you talking about the princesses?!”

Cherry gasps. “But they’ve ruled this land for centuries! Are you trying to tell us they can’t be trusted?!”

Wiseman chuckles. “Ah, there’s that pretty voice! I was wondering when you would speak up, Cherry Jubilee.”

“And that’s another matter! How is it you were able to hear me and Arc communicate telepathically?!”

Arc nods. “And see me when I was cloaked?!”

Rose frowns. “Such a thing should not be possible, as there are no known spells that allow for such things.”

“You are correct. There are no KNOWN spells that allow for such things!”

“So you know forbidden magic then?”

Wiseman shrugs. “I suppose that would be one way of putting it. Although how can one unlearn what they have already learned?”

Rose looks to him steadily. “If you do know that which is forbidden, do you use such power to know when someone needs your help?”

Arc nods. “Like back on Earth? Or earlier today for that matter.”

“Now you’re getting to the heart of the matter.”

“Well? Is it true?”

Wiseman is silent for a time. “The answer is… yes and no.”

Arc frowns. “That doesn’t even make sense!”

“Let’s me just say that I know a great number of… possible outcomes to certain scenarios.”

Rose looks surprised! “Like today?”

“Yes.”

Arc sighs. “And how did we do?”

Wiseman shrugs. “I suppose it could have gone much worse.”

Rose frowns. “Are you saying you could have done better than Arc did?!”

“Based on my experience, yes.”

Arc looks at Wiseman, steadily. “Fine! What would you have done to get back to the ship?”

Wiseman thinks for several moments before speaking. “A number of different things. For starters, you could have used your earring to call the Lunar Destiny and have them radio Canterlot for reinforcements.”

Rose shakes her head. “But they would have taken forever to get there.”

“Half a day, yes.”

“And what were we supposed to eat and drink?”

“The crew could have dropped supplies for you in the courtyard. Rose here was certainly fast enough to safely retrieve them earlier, was she not?”

Rose nods. “It would have been risky.”

“And Arc’s plan wasn’t, Rose?”

“I never said that.”

“You also could have all jumped up onto the wall. Then your only opponents would have been the Rocs. It would certainly have been easier to fight them off after you dropped down on the other side of the wall, as the statues and sphinx would most likely have not left the courtyard.”

Arc frowns. “They might have though.”

“True. However it stands to reason that Princess Celestia has them conditioned not to, so as to avoid wanderers.”

Rose nods. “Makes sense.”

“Are you saying there was a way to get everyone back to the Lunar Destiny unharmed?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “Possibly. I guess we’ll never know for absolute certain.”

“Do you feel I made the wrong choice?”

“Not the one I would have made, certainly. But I am sure you made the best choice you could with what you had at hand.”

Rose nods. “We all did our best. Arc the most of all.”

Wiseman nods at him. “I am certain you did. But… there is something else, isn’t there?

Arc looks away. “What are you talking about?!”

“Come now! I know there’s another question you want to ask me. It’s as plain as the nose on your face.”

“You’re right. I… I just wanted to know for certain…”

Arc takes a deep breath and looks straight at Wiseman.

“Are… are you my father?”

Wiseman looks as Arc for some time.

“What makes you think that?”

Rose scowls at him. “Come on! At least give a straight answer to THAT!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well… your demeanor is similar. The fact you know who I am and… I guess I just have a gut feeling about it. So… are you?”

Wiseman sighs. “You haven’t seen him since you were a boy, have you?”

Arc frowns. “Seriously. It’s kinda creepy how you know these things.”

Wiseman picks up his book and stands up. “I’m sure your father had his reasons for doing what he did.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “You know where he is?”

“Perhaps.”

Rose sighs. “Even I saw that one coming.”

Wiseman walks around the table to him as he opens the book. “Someday you will understand, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “Maybe. Be sure to check that book out if you plan on taking it, or Twilight will have a fit.”

He chuckles. “Not to worry. It’s actually one of mine. In fact, I think I’d like to share something from it with you.”

Wiseman pulls a paper out of the book. Rose looks confused as he slides it across the table to Arc.

“What is this?”

“A gift from me to you. This special sigil will come in handy during this particular time. Especially for a very special purple unicorn. In a nutshell, it restore very specific magical enchantments.”

Arc and Rose both look down at the paper for a moment. After a few moments Arc looks up.

“I don’t get it. When would I…?”

He and Rose look around the room. Wiseman is nowhere to be seen. Arc stands up quickly.

“What the…?! Not again!”

Rose sighs. “Does he do this often?”

“Every time!”

She looks again at the paper in Arc’s hand. “What do you suppose he intends for us to do with this?”

Arc folds the paper and puts it in his pocket. “I think I might just have an idea on what the heck that nutjob was getting at. Come on, Rose!”

Chapter 24 - ...But Now is Found

Arc and Rose leave the Library. Wrangler is waiting in the corridor. Arc turns to her.

“I’m pretty sure I already know the answer to this, but did anyone come by here, Wrangler?”

“No sir. Should I go back to watching that human in there?”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Sir?”

Rose shakes her head. “He… uh… left, I guess.”

Wrangler charges into the Library. “WHAT?!”

She emerges a moment later.

“Don’t worry, sir! I’ll organize a full ship search right away!”

“Don’t worry about it. He’s gone. For now at least.”

“But we’re miles up! There’s no way he could have gotten off the Lunar Destiny! That much I’m sure of!”

Arc shrugs. “Very well. Search if you really want to. I need to get back to the Infirmary.”

Wrangler salutes as Arc and Rose turn to leave. “Yes sir! I’ll let you know when I catch that slippery fella!”

The pair make their way quickly down the corridor.

“What’s up, Arc? Worried about mother?”

“Very! Hopefully Nurse Redheart can tell us something about her condition from those x-rays she was waiting on.”

They enter the Infirmary, Auriel, Ember, Sereb and Brightwing are very quiet.

“Uh oh. What’s wrong?”

Ember sighs. “Nurse Redheart is going over the x-rays again to be sure. But…”

Auriel shakes her head, sadly. “Things… don’t look good for Twilight.”

Brightwing sniffles. “Friend hurt very, very badly!”

Nurse Redheart emerges from her adjoining office with a clipboard. Her face is grim.

“Sir. I need to speak with you about Twilight’s condition. You should probably sit down.”

Arc nervously does so. “Okay.”

He and Rose sit down on one of the nearby beds. Redheart pulls up Twilight’s x-rays on a nearby display.

“It looks like there was some moderate organ damage to her stomach, bladder and intestines. However that isn’t what concerns me.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t understand. How could it get worse?”

Nurse Redheart changes the display to a posterior view and points a hoof at the next image.

“This is what I mean. Several of her vertebrae have been broken.”

Rose gasps. “So you’re saying when the roc dove at her, it broke her back?!”

Brightwing shudders. “Ouchy!”

Nurse Redheart nods. “Sadly, yes. I’ve kept her sedated so as not to cause her any unnecessary pain, but… that really isn’t the worst of it.”

Arc frowns. “What is then?”

Nurse Redheart picks up a pen and points to a spot on the screen. “This is Twilight’s neck just above her current injury.”

She then lowers the pen about half an inch.

“It’s very difficult to tell from these x-rays for absolute certain, but… I believe the blow from that beast may have not only broken several vertebrae, but severed her spinal cord as well.”

Sereb looks confused. “What does that mean?”

Ember shakes her head sadly. “It means she’s paralyzed from the neck down, Sereb.”

Auriel appears ready to cry. “Can nothing be done?! Equestria’s medical prowess is second to none, right?!”

Redheart sighs and shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but there are some things that elude even our greatest medical minds. Reattaching a spinal cord is one of them.”

Arc pulls the paper out of his pocket and looks it over before walking over to his damaged armor and picking up his gauntlet.

Sereb looks confused. “What are you doing, Arc?”

Arc puts on his gauntlet and looks over the paper one more time. “It’s a long shot. But Twilight’s last hope.”

He uses the gauntlet to make a strange looking sigil on the Infirmary floor just below Twilight’s bed. Rose looks confused.

“What good will that do, Arc?”

“You’ll see.”

Arc powers up the sigil as the air in the room grows heavy. This goes on for almost a minute as he channels magical energy from himself to the sigil. As the glow from the sigil fades, Arc stumbles backwards. Ember rushed toward him.

“ARC!”

She and Rose help to steady him. Arc weakly looks to Ember.

“Bring me… closer to Twilight.”

Rose shakes her head. “But you need to rest!”

“Please…”

Ember sighs. “Well… all right.”

They help Arc toward Twilight’s side. He gently strokes her mane a few times.

“Twilight? Can you hear me?”

The mare stirs, albeit groggily. Redheart looks over her clipboard.

“That’s strange. I thought I administered ample sedative.”

She walks quickly over to a cabinet and removes a bottle and syringe. Making her way swiftly over to Twilight’s side as she fills the syringe and purges it.

“This should help her go back to sleep.”

Arc puts a hand on Nurse Redheart’s hoof. “Wait.”

“But sir! If I’m wrong she’ll be in excruciating pain if she wakes up! This is torturous!”

Twilight slowly opens her eyes and sits up. Looking around and speaking in a confused tone.

“What… happened? Where am I?! Arc?”

Auriel appears overjoyed. “Twilight?!”

Arc grins. “How do you feel?!”

Twilight puts a hoof on her forehead. “Like I’ve been hit by a cart!”

Brightwing giggles. “Brightwing thinks you were!”

Redheart walks over to the patient. “Twilight, can you tell me where it hurts?!”

“Just my head. I’ve got a splitting headache for some reason.”

She suddenly looks around frantically.

“Are we safe?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Twilight. Very much so.”

Ember smiles. “What do you remember?”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “I remember… seeing a Roc diving straight at Rose. I pushed her away. The last thing I remember was a horrific blow to my back! It felt like it cut me in half!”

Sereb nods. “The Roc nearly did. Then it tried to gut you.”

Twilight shudders. “The last memory I have was feeling a horrible pain in my gut! Kinda like knives being thrust into me!”

“A roc hit you, then grabbed you with its talons, mother.”

Ember picks up Twilight’s armor from the floor nearby. She walks over to the bedside and holds it up.

“This is all that’s left of your armor, Twilight.”

Auriel looks relieved. “Thank goodness you were wearing it!”

Nurse Redheart nods. “Had you been without, it’s likely you would have been literally torn apart before anypony could have helped you!”

Twilight looks herself over. “I don’t understand. If that’s true, why aren’t I in more pain?”

Ember chuckles. “Arc did… something just now to heal you.”

Redheart turns to him. “Exact how DID you do that?! Twilight shouldn’t have been able to sit up with or without a severed spinal cord.”

“I didn’t really do much. It was the Dragon’s Tear.”

Sereb looks confused. “But how could it heal Twilight. It’s weak magic only works on the one whom wears it.”

Ember sighs. “And very slowly I might add.”

Auriel nods. “Right! And since you’re wearing it…”

Arc interrupts her. “I’m not.”

Brightwing looks confused. “Then where is pretty rock?!”

Arc leans over and gently turns Twilight’s head. He carefully reaches into her mane and pulls out the Dragon’s Tear. However it now pulsates with a small blue glow.

“Right here. That sigil apparently powered the enchantment on it back up.”

Twilight responds in a surprised tone as she looks over. “When did you put THAT there?!”

Arc smiles as he puts the artifact’s string around Twilight’s neck. “Before we got underway you and I had a talk.”

“I don’t remember you putting this thing on me!”

Arc chuckles. “When I hugged you, I carefully tied the chain into your mane. It was pretty messy from wearing that helmet all day already.”

Twilight shakes her head. “But… but why?! You were on the front line!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Twilight does raise a good point. As the one spearheading the operation, you were in the most danger.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry Twilight. But you were the only one there who didn’t really know how to defend themselves. That and I couldn’t have lived with myself if you got hurt.”

Twilight puts a hoof on his hand as she smiles at him, blushing slightly. “Thank you, my friend.”

She moves to hop down. Redheart’s eye’s grow wide.

“Twilight! Your back!”

The mare jumps off the bed and onto the floor. “I feel fine, Nurse Redheart. Really!”

Redheart shakes her head. “If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes…”

Arc smiles sleepily. “We should probably get some rest now. Morning comes early after all. Thank you very much for your help, Nurse Redheart.”

They leave the Infirmary together. Ember turns to Arc.

“We have a busy day ahead of us. What with bringing the Dragon’s Tear to my father and, hopefully, avoiding a war.”

Twilight sighs. “I really should be the one to bring it to the Dragon Lord.”

Rose shakes her head. “No, it should be me.”

Arc frowns. “Actually, I think Ember and I should handle this.”

“Yeah. My dad didn’t seem overly happy to see such a large group.”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “Or maybe he was just mad about what had happened.”

Sereb sighs. “It is hard to say with the Dragon Lord.”

“Yes, yes! Big dragon scary, scary!”

They make their way back to their rooms and say goodnight. Ember turns back as she and Sereb return to their rooms.

“See you all in the morning.”

Auriel smiles from her doorway as Brightwing flutters past her. “Sleep well.”

Rose takes Arc’s hand. “We should get you to bed as well. You’re not exactly in tip top shape after the events of today.”

Arc nods sleepily. “I suppose a good night’s rest is in order.”

Twilight walks sheepishly up to him. “Um… Arc?”

“Yes Twilight?”

“I… could we talk?”

Rose looks confused. “It’s late, mother! You should get some rest too!”

Arc nods. “Rose is right, Twilight. We can…”

Cherry speaks to him telepathically. “This sounds really important to her. You should go.”

“…um… we can go talk in the Library, Twilight.”

“O-okay!”

Rose looks to Twilight. “Can I come too?!”

“Not this time, Rose. I… want to tell Arc something important.”

Arc turns to Rose. “I won’t be long. You should get some rest too.”

Twilight nods. “Your internal energy levels should be rather low from all the fighting you did today, Rose. They should be back to normal after a good night’s sleep though.”

Rose nods and heads for Arc’s room. “Okay, mother. Good night then.”

Arc and Twilight head for the Library together as Rose closes the door behind her. They enter the small, out of the way room and sit down together on a sofa.

“Now then, Twilight. What’s on your mind?”

“A… a few things actually. First of all, I just wanted to apologize again for… the things I said the other day.”

Arc shakes his head. “Please Twilight! You already did! Let’s leave it in the past, shall we?”

“I’d like that actually. What I said… isn’t really something I’m proud of or want to remember.”

“Me either!”

Twilight sighs. “I also wanted to apologize for causing all this trouble with the Dragon Lands.”

“You didn’t know. Neither I nor the princesses blame you for this.”

“But I almost started a WAR!”

Arc nods. “True. But together we fixed it. And tomorrow Ember and I will give Dragon Lord Torch the Dragon’s Tear and everything can go back to normal.”

Twilight looks up suddenly. “Why don’t we just head there now?! Get it out of the way! It would only be a short flight from where we are!”

“True. But I think the advance of Equestria’s most powerful warship would have an undesirable effect on the Dragon Lord’s mood.”

“I guess you’re right. Tell me, how do you always seem to know exactly what to do and say to make things right?”

“I don’t.”

Twilight frowns. “But…”

“Think about it. I almost threw away our friendship with my words the other day.”

“No one is perfect, Arc! Not even you!”

“That makes two of us, Twilight. So if you could find a way to forgive yourself for all of this, I’d appreciate it.”

“I’ll… I’ll try.”

“Good!”

The two sit there silently for a time. Twilight blushes slightly.

“Arc! There’s… something else I really need to tell you!”

“What is it?”

“It’s about the real reason I created Rose.”

Arc looks to her, confused. “I thought you said it was to protect me and provide companionship. Was there something else?”

“There was. I… um… I built her to… to love you as well.”

“I’m still not sure how exactly you programmed that.”

Twilight sighs. “Neither am I to be honest with you. But she is what she is now.”

“Right! Now, can I ask you something about that, Twilight?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why exactly did you feel it was so important that I have a… a human-like partner that loved me? I mean… it’s not like I have a shortage of friends and family here in Equestria.”

“I… um… it’s kinda complicated.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’m sure it is, but I’d really like to know.”

Twilight sighs sadly. “Well… it all started after Cherry passed away. I remember you being… just so sad!”

“You would be too if you lost someone important to you, Twilight.”

“Yes, well… I decided that I wanted to make you happy again.”

“Was that when you started designing Rose?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. She was actually my second idea. After the first one failed, that is”

Arc looks to her, confused. “First plan?”

She looks up at him, sadly. “Yes. I… I’m very embarrassed about… about what I did back then.”

“Come on, Twilight. How bad could it have been?”

Twilight’s ears droop as she sighs. “I guess you deserve to know after all the trouble it caused. Do you remember that time I invited you over for tea?”

Arc chuckles. “Which time?”

“The day before the school foals and I went to Canterlot for a field trip.”

“I remember that. But what does that have to do with anything?”

“That special tea I made… you really liked it, didn’t you?”

Arc nods. “I did! You’ll have to make more of it for our next get-together!”

Twilight puts her hoof behind her head and looks away. “Well… the secret ingredient in it was… pure Dragon Fruit extract.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “That explains why it was so sweet. Uh… but what exactly does that have to do with what happened back then?”

“I’ve had quite some time to think about that time and have run several tests to confirm what I always knew to be true. Do you remember how you said you seem to have some kind of Aura Magic?”

“Of course. It helped to save Coco Pommel’s life after my first battle with Tempest in Vanhoover. But what does that have to do with it?”

Well… according to my tests, I can only hypothesize that the concentrated magic from the Dragon Fruit somehow combined with your aura to make my… our friends act the way they did back then.”

“So that’s what happened!”

Twilight nods, tears in the corner of her eyes. “Yes. And I’m very sorry about that.”

“Sorry? You were just trying to make some tasty tea.”

“NO! I… I was… trying to make you less sad and lonely!”

“With sweet tea?”

“I… um… you see…”

Her voice trails off.

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sorry, Twilight, but I just don’t see how tea could have caused so much…”

Twilight turns back to Arc quickly. Squeezing her eyes shut and shouting at the top of her lungs.

“I WAS TRYING TO MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH ME!”

She turns away quickly as her entire face turns crimson red. Tears begin to flow down her cheeks. Arc looks at her, clearly surprised.

“Wh-wha-WHAT?! Twilight?!”

She continues to cry. “I wanted to be able to stay by your side forever! Keep you company! Keep you… safe!”

“Company? Safe? But… I have a base full of troops, Flash Sentry, Ember, Sereb, Eidolon’s Ward and the Spear of Righteousness. For what reason were you…?”

Twilight looks up at Arc as the tears roll down her red face. “BECAUSE… BECAUSE I… I LOVE YOU, ARC!”

She collapses in tears on the couch next to him. Arc picks her up and holds her close. He gently strokes her mane.

“I thought you were acting strangely back then. Now I know why.”

Twilight continues to cry as she buries her face in Arc’s chest. “I… I know what I did was wrong! But… but I didn’t really care! I… I just wanted us to be together! Instead I caused a plague that made my friends do and… and say things that will probably haunt them for the rest of their lives!”

She looks up at him again.

“You’ve just been so… so nice to me since we met! Somehow I wanted to be able to return the favor! While I had little to offer in terms of material wealth, I still wanted to… to give something back! The idea of how to go about doing that has been rolling around in my head for some time now.”

“How long exactly?”

“Since before my friends told me about how Cherry Jubilee wanted to be your marefriend. That was when we were walking home after you had invited all of us to Light’s Hope for tea.”

“That was quite some time back.”

“I… I let the thought go when Applejack told me Cherry had her sights on you. After all… she has everything I didn’t. A business, property, top notch cooking skills, good looks and to top it all off… a great personality. She… she was perfect for you!”

Arc nods. A hint of sadness in his voice. “That she was…”

“When… when she was taken from you, I decided I was going to find a way to make you smile again. Even if it meant sacrificing everything I had or would ever have!”

Arc mutters to himself. “The legend of the Dragon Fruit!”

“What?”

“Ember told me about it. Supposedly if two dragons were to eat of the same piece of fruit, they would fall desperately in love with one another.”

“Auriel’s research into the fruit confirmed that possibility! I used the extract to try and ensure that outcome. If I didn’t have anything to give you, other than myself and my body, then so be it! At that time, and even now, I’m ready and willing to spend the rest of my life by your side if you want me to.”

Arc sighs. “This is… just so sudden, Twilight! I mean… I like you and all, but…”

Twilight appears on the edge of madness. “At least consider me, okay?!”

Cherry speaks to him, telepathically. “She’s certainly dedicated. Loyal too.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “Yes. But she also takes things too far sometimes. Offering to spend her life with me because I’m her friend is really… nice and all. But she deserves better.”

He continues to stroke Twilight’s mane for some time as she continues to cry.

“Listen, Twilight. I’m… very flattered that you feel this way and want you to know that I feel the same about you.”

Twilight looks up at him happily. “You… you do?!”

“Yes! I just want what’s best for you in the long run. It pains me to see you suffering like this.”

She speaks in a hopeful tone. “Does that mean you want me to… you know… stay by your side?!”

“Yes. But as a friend, Twilight.”

Her ears droop. “Oh… I understand.”

“Twilight… look at me.”

She slowly raises her head to look Arc in the eye.

“I want you to do something for me.”

“Anything! I can do or be whatever you want me to!”

“Just… just be yourself. Don’t change for me, or anyone else for that matter.”

“What?! But… but I…”

Arc interrupts her. “And don’t say things like you don’t have anything to offer.”

“But I don’t!”

“You’re wrong, Twilight.”

Arc taps her forehead gently with his index finger.

“You have a beautiful and thoughtful mind. Don’t think for even a moment that you need to throw yourself at someone to find love.”

He puts his hands on her cheeks and looks her in the eye.

“You’re perfect just the way you are.”

“But all I want is to please you!”

Arc smiles at Twilight. “Then look for a stallion that can appreciate you for the way you are. Who will love you for your mind and personality, and not for your willingness to give them whatever they want.”

Twilight looks confused. “What do you mean?”

Arc blushes slightly. “While you are very pretty, I guess what I’m trying to tell you is… don’t feel that you have to… lift your tail, change your personality, or offer up your body to find happiness.”

Twilight puts her hooves around his midsection and presses her face against him, happily “Thank you, Arc. That’s another thing I love about you. I always feel safe when you’re around.”

Arc puts his arms around Twilight. “And I love that you’re always so open about what you’re thinking. Usually.”

She looks up at him with a small smile. “I promise I won’t keep secrets from you ever again!”

“That’s probably for the best. After all, it’s not good for any kind of relationship.”

“While I’ve always known that, I hadn’t really given it a lot of thought until now.”

Arc and Twilight embrace for some time.

“Arc. Can I ask you something? And I’d like for you to be completely honest with me, even if it hurts.

“I’ll try. What is it?”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Do you… could you ever see us as anything more than just friends? I mean… could we ever be… you know… more?”

“I don’t know, Twilight. When Princess Celestia is safely back then I think I’ll have time to consider my future.”

“I certainly hope she can learn to like you as much as I do, Arc.”

“So do I.”

“In the meantime, I hope Rose will be a suitable companion for you on that path. I’m not cut out for this kind of dangerous lifestyle.”

Arc nods. “I understand. To tell you the truth, I was hoping you would say that.”

“Huh?”

“I didn’t like putting you in danger. While I know you can take care of yourself, I’m much happier when I know you’re safe and sound.”

Meanwhile, as the Lunar Destiny flies through the night sky toward Canterlot, Kronos watches the ship through magical means as it travels toward its destination.

“Arc… you have enjoyed relative peace since starting down this path. I do hope you enjoy it, as it will soon be nothing more than a fond memory of times past. Things are about to become… interesting for you.”

Preface - Volume 16 - Companions and Caves

In our previous volume, Arc returns from Earth and is immediately summoned by Shining Armor. He requests that Arc continue Captain Decimus’ tradition of an annual “date night” with the princesses. Arc agrees to take out Princess Luna.

Returning to Light’s Hope, Arc reassures Raven of his intentions to go after Lord Goldstone. He then walks to the Little Hooves Orphanage to inspect the construction plans with Coco Pommel and Hard Hat. Before leaving Arc extends an invitation to the Matron, allowing her to use Light’s Hope as a temporary Orphanage during the construction. Returning to his base’s Cafeteria Arc informs Ember and Sereb of his date with the princess. Ember “volunteers” to help him prepare.

Arc, Ember and Sereb head to Carousel Boutique to get him a new suit for said date before heading to Sugar Cube Corner for information on what the Princess of the Night likes. Pinkie suggests a pineapple for mysterious reasons. The trio then heads for the Golden Oaks Library for a book on proper royal etiquette.

A couple days later Arc takes a sigil to Canterlot Castle. Proceeding to Princess Luna’s room with the pineapple and a bouquet of Lavender, he is met by Shining Armor and Trixie. They give him a few words of encouragement before leaving. Arc knocks on the door and is escorted inside. Princess Luna is wearing a beautiful dress with deep purple and blue body. Her dress is layered with several different darker shades that flow over her like the ocean’s waves. The crown she wears is white with several precious looking dark stones set into its frame, while her mane is held in place by several strings of pearls that are both functional and elegant. Two locks of her mane flow regally past her cheeks and her feet are clad in silver colored hoof-guards that extend higher than her normal footwear. They take a carriage to a fancy restaurant and enjoy a very light meal. Seeing his date is still hungry, Arc suggests a detour in their plans.

Sending away their carriage, Arc places a sigil and teleports himself and Luna back to Carousel Boutique. He escorts her inside and, after shrinking her down to the size of Rarity, acquires a dress to cover her wings and cutie mark. The pair return to Canterlot via sigil and head for a unrated restaurant call “The Tasty Treat”. After enjoying a wonderful meal together they pay for the food and leave. The owner, Coriander Cumin, goes to bed and says good night to a picture of his daughter, Saffron.

After supper the pair head to Canterlot’s Shopping District to look for a present for Cadance. Luna spots a pendant the resembles her friend’s cutie mark. They purchase it and return to the castle. Arc helps Luna to her bed and heads to Shining Armor’s office to report the princess’ safe return. He then recommends the captain take Cadance out himself before returning home.

Returning home, Arc finds Derpy and Dinky asleep on the mat in front of the fireplace. Putting them in his bed, Arc falls asleep on the couch. He enters the Sanctuary to spend some time with Cherry. The next morning over breakfast Arc tells Derpy and Dinky, along with Ember, about his date. Derpy and Dinky leave for the Orphanage as Arc and Ember head to Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie asks about the night in a not so subtle way as she brings them some cupcakes. Afterwards they head to Rarity’s to pick up Luna’s clothes from last night. They speak about Arc’s date before mentioning to him Twilight’s recent activities. Arc heads to the library to check on her and Auriel. They show him their experiments in trying to grow plants without sunlight. Cherry suggests finding a substitute sun. Twilight agrees and shows everyone her current project on the other side of the lab.

Pulling a white sheet off a lab table Arc and company are stunned to find a very lifelike doll that heavily resembles Cherry. She explains the power source of the doll before activating it. Twilight beams with pride as her creation stands and follows basic commands. However, when her systems are fully brought online the android begins to cry. Twilight rebukes her. Arc confronts his friend about trying to replace Cherry. Angrily, Twilight orders the android, whom has been named Rose, to lie down on another examination table to be dismantled. Arc stops Twilight and orders her to give him all or the research data and blueprints on Rose. Taking them, the burns the papers in front of Twilight before leaving. Twilight, understandably furious, goes to bed to catch up on her sleep.

Arc, Ember and Rose return to his quarters at Light’s Hope where Rose answers their questions as she rewrites her programming to cope with the unexpected errors. After a system restart Rose jumps up and plants a kiss directly on Arc’s mouth. When asked why, she answers that she is Arc’s fiancé, and such things are normal. She shows the pair her R-Cannon and L-Blade and describes her combat capabilities.

The next day Arc takes Rose to Canterlot Castle to bring her before the princesses. They believe Rose is too dangerous and side with Twilight in ordering her disassembly. Arc is able to convince them to give Rose a chance by comparing her innocence to Luna’s past misdeeds. Rose is given a chance to prove herself and Arc returns home with her.

Returning to Derpy’s house, Rose helps unsuccessfully to help in making supper. After ruining every dish and nearly burning Dinky she looks around remorsefully at her mistakes. After cleaning up the Kitchen, Arc takes everyone to his quarters at Light’s Hope where they enjoy a nice family meal with food from the Cafeteria. Derpy and Dinky retire for the evening, and Arc heads to the Bathroom for a shower.

While thinking in the shower Arc is suddenly jerked back to reality as he feels two hands wrap around him from behind. Covering himself up with a towel, Arc’s foot slips on a bar of soap Rose dropped earlier. He crashes to the floor hitting his head and knocking him out. Waking, he finds Rose crying in front of him. She urges him to have her dismantled, but Arc disagrees. After dressing he heads to be and speaks to Cherry about the matter in the dream world, their Sanctuary. The next morning Arc awakens to find Rose in his bed pressed up against his chest. Arc, Rose and Ember head to the Cafeteria together for breakfast. Afterwards Arc and Rose head to the Library together. Arc attempts again to apologize to Twilight for his words and action the other day. Seeming to have failed, Arc turns to leave. As he does so, Twilight relents and accepts his apology and offers one of her own.

The pair sit down and have a heart to heart talk about what led them to say the things they did yesterday. Arc felt that Twilight was trying to replace Cherry. Twilight believed her actions were necessary to help Arc through the recovery time. Auriel and Rose return to the lab as the demoness shows Arc her progress on plant essence research. She shows him her P.E.E.L., and how they can used it to extract magical essence. Twilight explains how she used the device to create Rose’s heart. Afterwards she shows Arc the Dragon Fruit bushes she and Auriel have been tending. Gasping, Arc opens a portal and tells Rose to return with Ember. She does so, and a short time later Ember and Sereb hurry into the basement. Ember verifies that the plants are indeed Dragon Fruit from her homeland. They hurry to Canterlot to inform the princesses of the incident. They are immediately admitted and Arc requests absolute privacy. Luna explains the gravity of the situation as well as Ember being hatched in Canterlot by Celestia.

Ember explains the origins of the Bloodstone Scepter and how her father used the Gauntlet in an attempt to free her of the task of becoming the next Dragon Lord. Luna brings up an ancient treaty with the Dragon Lands which has kept the peace for centuries, and how violation could nullify it. Arc volunteers to go to see the Dragon Lord about making restitution. Ember, Sereb, Twilight, Auriel and Rose volunteer to accompany him. On the way out they stop by Brightwing’s office to consult with them. Brightwing informs them that she has already reported the smell of the Dragon Berries to her homeland. Joining the group, they teleport to Ember’s house to find the city preparing to assault Equestria. Making their way to the Throne of the Dragon Lord, Arc explains the situation and attempts to negotiate a peaceful solution. Hydra Prime Ikis accompanied by The Marquis side with Arc’s logic. Matriarch Iris and Sereb’s brother Kane follow the Dragon Lord’s will.

Sereb challenges his brother for the title of Warchief in an attempt to change his tribe’s course. Using what Arc has taught him he is able to overcome his opponent and emerge victorious. He orders the tribe to stand down from their part in the invasion. Torch is most impressed by his improvement, but still insists on restitution. He requests the destruction of Rose in return for the safety of Equestria. Rose readily agrees. She says goodbye to her new friends and steps forward to accept her fate.

However, Brightwing teleports Rose away in the nick of time. She informs Torch that Rose’s destruction would make the Dragon Lands just as much at fault as Equestria. The Dragon Lord then requests an ancient artifact known as the Dragon’s Tear instead. Arc and company head back to Canterlot Castle to ask the princesses about the artifact. Luna tells them that the relic lies in the southern temple. She points it out on the map and sends Arc and company there aboard the Lunar Destiny.

They board the mammoth ship and begin the roundabout trip around the Badlands toward the temple. Eidolon’s Ward spends the night talking to Rose while the rest of the group sleeps. Rose expresses an interest in learning more about Cherry to better serve and please Arc.

The next morning the group heads for the ship’s armory for weapons and armor for the group. They pack medical supplies and survival gear for whatever lay ahead. Twilight attempts to tell Arc something, but fails. Arc meets the others at the Main Hatch and goes over the plan.

Arc, Ember and Rose huddle under a magic cloak together. Arc Blinks them up on top of the outer wall and together they walk it to the temple’s entrance. After making sure it’s safe, Arc radios back to the ship for Twilight, Auriel and Brightwing to do the same. Meeting just inside, the group descends into the temple interior. Following the center path, the group soon comes to a large stone door that lead to the Inner Sanctum. Seeing four indentations they surmise that the door requires four separate keys to open. Retracing their steps they take another path and soon find a strange looking stone on a pedestal. A mysterious voice identifies itself as the guardian of the temple and proposes a riddle to the group for the right to take the keystone. Twilight answers correctly and retrieves the stone. The second riddle is answered by Auriel. Afterwards they stop for a bite to eat and to nap before continuing on.

The group awakens and continues on their way. Finding the last two keystones, they retrace their steps and return to the large door. Placing the keystones in the door, it slowly opens. Entering they are greeted by Ahuizotl. He allows them to take either gold or an artifact. Choosing the Dragon’s Tear from around his neck, they leave and return to the entrance of the tunnel.

As they near the entrance Twilight again tries to confess her feelings to Arc, but again fails. He tells her to be careful as they make their escape. Returning to the others they find them watching the out of control statues, sphinx and Rocs overhead. Deciding to test the defenders combat skills Arc dashes out into the courtyard and engages them. He is overwhelmed and takes a large stone spear to the gut. Rose dashes out and retrieves him before further harm can come to him. After resting Arc orders the Lunar Destiny to prepare to give them covering fire as they make a run for it.

When the ship is in position Arc and company make a run for it. The Lunar Destiny’s cannons hold the statues back for some time as Arc and Ember take point. Arc Hand Cannon is damaged as it his arm from one of the beast’s teeth. Continuing on, Twilight is grabbed by a Roc who badly wounds her. She is put on Sereb’s back as Brightwing loses control of herself and transforms into an adult dragon. Somehow able to use her powers, she casts a shield over the group as they limp out of the gates. Two statues inside the barrier come to life. Ember engages them but is unable to keep them down. Wiseman dashes inside the barrier to dispatch their opponents before finishing off the rest of the temple’s defenders.

Rushing the critically injured Twilight to the Infirmary, Redheart gets to work attempting to save her life. Rose treats Arc’s injuries while Ember does the same for Auriel. Lemon Hearts enters and reports Wiseman is aboard in the Library. Arc goes to him in an attempt to learn about him. He is given a paper with a strange sigil on it.

Taking the paper back to the Infirmary, Arc is told Twilight is most likely paralyzed from the waist down. Casting the sigil below her bed, Arc activates it. A few moments later Twilight wakes up and looks over to him. Everyone is amazed until Arc reaches into her mane to reveal the Dragon’s Tear. Standing, Twilight and Arc head for the Library for a private conversation. She confesses her true reason for building Rose was to give him a special companion to love. Twilight admits to her earlier attempts to poison Arc with tea containing Dragon Fruit extract. Twilight finally confesses her intention to make him fall in love with her due to her deep feelings for him. Arc holds her as she confesses everything through her tears.

The next morning Arc, Ember, Rose, and Twilight return to the Dragon Lands and present the artifact to Torch. He teleports them to a cave far to the north of the Crystal Empire. Opening a large long sealed door they find Ember’s mother. Torch uses the power of the Dragon’s Tear to revive her. However it only allows them a short time to speak before Cinder’s life fades away and the pair lose her again.

Even now many questions remain unanswered. Will the Little Hooves Orphanage be ready on time? What happened to Luna after the date? What of Coriander Cumin and his restaurant? Will Twilight and Auriel be able to construct an artificial sun? What role will Rose play in Arc’s future? How will Equestria and the Dragon Lands relationship survive these events? How will Celestia take the news of Ember’s new role when she returns? What of Ahuizotl’s fate? Will Sereb be able to handle being the Warchief? How has the second death of his mate affected Torch? What of Ember who had to lose her mother before her eyes?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Bereavement

Arc opens a portal back to Light’s Hope as he turns to Twilight and Rose.

“I want you two to head back to Ponyville now. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Twilight looks at him, confused. “What about you?”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “You’re not coming back with us?”

Arc shakes his head as he looks over his shoulder at the Dragon Lord and Ember, grieving. “I need to stay here with Ember. She needs me right now.”

Twilight nods soberly. “I… understand. Please give her our condolences.”

“I will. Tell Derpy and Dinky I’ll be home… when I can.”

Twilight nods and turns to Rose.

“Why don’t you stay with me until Arc gets back? The two of us have a lot to talk about.”

Rose nods. “I’d like that, mother.”

Arc gives them both a hug. “I’ll see you when I can.”

The pair nod silently and walk through the portal. Arc closes it behind them before turning his back on the huge double doors. Looking to the mouth of the cave he sees a raging snowstorm blowing outside. As if nature itself mourned the loss of the Dragon Lord’s mate. Arc sighed.

“Lady Cinder. I wish we could have gotten to know one another better. Ember… Ember would have been so happy to… I’ll stay by her side until she can walk on her own again. I promise.”

Arc walks over to the Bloodstone Scepter. He stoops down, picks it up and looks it over. Sighing, he stares at the scepter in his gauntlet for some time.

“All that trouble we went through. So much risk. So much… pain. The combined power of the Dragon’s Tear and the Bloodstone Scepter was unable to bring Ember’s mother back to them for longer than a brief time. Was our trip to the temple worth it?! Was it worth me almost getting killed over?!

Arc looks over his shoulder at Ember and her father. He shakes his head sadly.

“I can’t really speak for the others, but… for Ember to be able to meet her mother… yes. Yes, it was worth the risk.”

Ember and Torch spend the rest of the day mourning the loss of Cinder. As evening falls the Dragon Lord slowly makes his way through the large double doors with his daughter.

“GO STAND WITH ARC, EMBER!”

Ember does not move. Arc walks over to her, takes her by the claw and slowly leads her away from the doors as the Dragon Lord closes them. The massive dragon stands there looking at the steel frame for some time before speaking. However he does not turn around.

“ARC! TAKE EMBER BACK TO HER HOUSE! I… I WILL SUMMON YOU TWO WHEN I AM… WHEN I AM READY!”

“Sure.”

Arc opens a portal back to Ember’s house and leads her toward it. Stopping briefly and turning around, he addresses the Dragon Lord.

“Sir? I’ll stay with Ember until… as long as she needs me.”

Dragon Lord Torch nods and responds in a voice quieter than Arc was aware he capable of.

“Thank you.”

Nodding, Arc leads Ember through the portal. It collapses behind them. The Dragon Lord stands in front of the doors for what seems like forever. Memories of the past fill his mind as he turns around and walks slowly to the mouth of the cave.

“Cinder… you were splendid. But… what cannot be… cannot be.”

Walking to the mouth of the cave, Torch deftly takes flight and circles the great mountain several times. He flies to another nearby mountaintop and smashes into it with all his might. Sinking his claws into the rubble he picks up the largest chunk and lifts it high into the air as he takes off.

“Goodbye… Cinder. You will live on in Ember and I… forever.”

The Dragon Lord brings the massive boulder down on the cave’s entrance, sealing it forever. He hovers some distance away and looks at the now closed off tomb.

“Rest forevermore… Cinder.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember reappear on the sigil. Arc walks her slowly over to the couch and helps her sit down before leaning the Bloodstone Scepter against the wall. He removes his armor, turns around and gets a fire going in the fireplace.

“Let’s get warmed up, shall we?”

Ember does not respond. Before long there is a roaring fire before them. Arc sits down next to her on the couch and takes her claw in his hand.

“I’m here, Ember. I’m right here.”

Tears begin to flow from her eyes, but she still says nothing. Ember begins to shiver as if cold.

“Are you hungry?”

Ember shakes her head sadly.

“Would you like me to take you to bed, Ember?”

She closes her eyes as the tears continue to flow and slowly nods. Arc carefully helps her up and leads her to her bedroom. He helps her sit down on the side of her bed.

“There you go. Now I’m going to help you take off your armor, okay?”

As before she does not respond. Arc carefully removes Ember’s armor and sets it in the corner of the room. He puts his hands on her shoulders and gently pushes her down onto the bed.

“Let’s get you comfortable.”

Arc picks up her ankles and swings her legs onto the bed. He then covers Ember with the blankets and gives her claw a quick squeeze.

“Get some rest Ember.”

As he turns to leave the room Ember grabs his hand. Arc turns around to look her in the eye. She says nothing, but continues to stare at him wordlessly.

“Okay, Ember… okay.”

Arc sits down on the side of the bed. Ember holds onto his tunic as he removes his boots and sets them aside before pulling the covers back and lying down next to her. As he covers them both up she wraps her arms around him tightly. Arc puts his own arms around Ember’s back and holds her close.

“Go ahead, Ember. I won’t tell anyone. Promise.”

Ember buries her face in Arc’s chest and screams with all her might. Unable to cope with the death of her mother as Arc puts a hand on the back of her head.

“There you go. Let it all out. I know what you’re going through…”

The following day, Ember lies face down on her bed. There is a small knock on her bedroom door but she does not respond. The door opens and Arc walks in. He sits down on the bed and gently rubs Ember’s back.

“Your dad hasn’t come back to his Throne yet.”

Ember does not move as Arc continues.

“He… he’s still in his cave looking over his horde.”

Again there is no response.

“Ember? You really need to get up and eat something. Keep your strength up.”

Ember does not look up, but speaks weakly and sadly.

“Arc… would you do me a favor?”

“Anything!”

“Could you please leave and come back in about a week?”

“I… I can’t really do that, Ember. You need someone around right now. What brought this on?”

Ember sighs and responds in a flat tone. “I figured by the time you came back, I’d be dead.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

“Even dragons need to drink water to survive. So whenever you come back, dig a hole and just throw me into it. That would be…”

“I’m not going to just let you waste away, Ember!”

She calls forth her spear and offers it to him.

“Then would you at least hold this so I can finish myself off quickly?”

Arc grabs the spear from Ember’s claws and throws it across the room.

“Don’t ever say that again, Ember! Don’t you think there are others who would miss you if you died?!”

Ember allows her arm to drop back down to her side but does not move her head. “What does it matter anyway?”

“Huh?”

“We’re all just on the slow road to death anyways. Why not just lie here and get it over with?”

Arc shakes his head. “I know you don’t mean that.”

Ember still does not move, but stares at the wall. “I do. If I just lie here very still, after a week or so of not eating or drinking I’ll die and join my mother. You’ll be along in a few decades anyway. Then all we have to do is sit around and wait for my father to join us and we’ll all be together again.”

“You… you really want to die that badly?”

Ember nods sadly. “I do. The pain in my heart right now… you… you don’t know what it’s like!”

Arc lies down next to Ember and puts an arm around her.

“I… I do. Remember, just like you did yesterday, I too watched my mother pass away.”

“And didn’t you want to die with her?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda. But unlike you, I didn’t have anyone around to talk to or comfort me before I was sent away to live at the Farburg Orphanage. There wasn’t anyone around that needed me, at least so I though. Had I ended my life then and there I wouldn’t have been missed.”

“Like me.”

“No! Not like you! Your father would be sad! Our friends in Ponyville would miss you! And… and…”

He squeezes her tightly and whispers in her ear.

“…and I would miss you.”

“You… you care about me that much?”

“Of course I do! You’re my best friend after all!”

Ember sighs. “Well, you should probably find someone else to fill that role. I’m… not really able to help myself anymore. Much less anyone else. Now would you please leave me to my fate?”

“No, Ember. You’ve stuck by my side all this time through thick and thin! Together we’ve been able to weather any storm thus far! I… I won’t leave you now!”

“Why? I’m useless to you.”

“Because that’s what someone who cares does, Ember! What a true friend does! What a… what a mate does.”

A small smile creeps across her face. “You… you want to take me as your mate?”

Arc shakes his head. “My answer from yesterday still stands, Ember. But regardless of what the future holds for you and I, always know this. No matter what happens between us… if you and I ever get married… if you find someone else to take as your mate… or even… even if you forget all about me, as Cherry did, I will always care for you! Nothing in this world, or any other, will EVER change that!”

They are silent for a time as Ember goes back to crying. Arc takes her claw in his hand.

“I’m your friend, Ember, and I’m here for you now. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Ember rolls over to look at Arc. Her face is red and dirty from crying. Arc takes her face in his hands and gives her a small kiss on the forehead.

“I’m not going to leave you like this, Ember. I promise.”

She buries her face in Arc’s chest and continues crying for some time. Eventually Ember wears herself out and falls asleep. Arc continues to hold her, and whispers in her ear.

“Just rest now, Ember. I’m right here.”

Ember sleeps fitfully again that night. Often tossing and turning in her sleep as she cries out for her mother. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“I never thought I’d see the day Ember was like this!”

Arc nods. “I suppose no one is truly immune to the grief that comes with losing a parent.”

“I… I was about the same way when my parents died.”

“If I may, how did you get through it, Cherry?”

“Ruby did about what you’re doing now. It took some time, but the two of us were able to move on together.”

Arc looks down at Ember who is asleep on his chest.

“I’ll do the best I can to help her through this hard time.”

“I know you will. Ember’s very lucky to have you in her life, Arc. Imagine having to go through something like that alone.”

“Sadly, I don’t have to imagine.”

“I know, my love. I know.”

Arc and Ember sleep fitfully through the following day. Ember often thrashes in her sleep, but Arc does not let her go. She awakens late that night screaming. Jumping out of bed, she runs at top speed into the Living Room.

“MOTHER! MOTHER, WHERE ARE YOU?!”

Arc gets up quickly and chases after her. He grabs Ember by her wrists as she looks around the room frantically.

“Ember! It’s okay! It’s me, it’s Arc!”

She takes ahold of his tunic and looks into his eyes pleadingly. “Arc! I can’t find my mother! Help me look for her!”

“Ember, listen to me…”

“We have to find her! She’s dying!!!”

“EMBER!”

The sternness in his voice is enough to jolt Ember back to reality. She looks down at the floor.

“She… she’s gone, isn’t she?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Ember. She is.”

Ember falls to her knees utterly defeated. Arc kneels down in front of her and wraps his arms around her shoulders. She throws her claws around him as if he were her last lifeline.

“I’m still here, Ember. I’m still here.”

Ember’s entire body is covered in sweat from the long days of crying. She smells of body odor and urine. Arc slowly helps her up and toward the Bathroom.

“Come on, Ember. I’ll help you get cleaned up.”

Arc sits her down on the toilet as he adjusts the water temperature. He then lays her on the shower floor carefully. Removing his clothes down to his undershirt and shorts, Arc steps into the shower. Ember rolls over onto her side as the warm water cascades over her scales.

“Come on, Ember. I think we both need to get cleaned up.”

Arc grabs a nearby bar of soap with his magic and pulls it to himself along with a washcloth. Rubbing the washcloth and soap to achieve a nice lather as he looks down at Ember. Arc smiles at her.

“I’ll be gentle.”

He starts with her face. The amount of grime Ember picked up from the temple seems to go on forever. Arc is careful not to get any soap in her eyes. He then works his way down Ember’s limp body. Frowning, he looks down at the murky water that is flowing away from them.

“I guess we both needed a bath.”

Arc carefully washes her arms, torso, legs and tail. He respectfully keeps away from her nether regions. As he completes his task, Arc lays back against the shower wall.

“I bet that feels better, doesn’t it?”

Ember does not respond to his question as she lies motionless on the shower floor. Arc puts a hand on Ember’s head and pats it gently.

“I wish the shower could wash away your feelings of loss and sadness.”

Arc sits there with her for a long time as the warm water from the shower head continues to spray down on them. He gently strokes her back, doing what he can to comfort his friend. Eventually he stands up and steps out of the shower.

“I’m going to get changed now, Ember.”

As before she does not look over. Arc removes his wet undergarments and retrieves a spare set of clothes from his ring. Putting them on quickly her turns back to his friend.

“I’ll be back, Ember. I just need to go to your room for a few minutes, okay?”

Ember says nothing as he slowly walks out of the Bathroom. A few minutes later Arc returns and shuts off the water. He helps her up gently and towels her off as she stands there mutely.

“Let’s get you back to your room. It’s still pretty late.”

Taking her hand, Ember wordlessly follows Arc back to her room. He sits her down on the bed before turning to the nightstand. A small plate of gems and a glass of water await. Arc sits down next to her and picks up a gem.

“You need to eat, Ember.”

Ember does not respond. Arc pushes the gem into her mouth. She slowly chews it as Arc smiles at her.

“Good.”

Arc hand-feeds her the rest of the gems before picking up the glass of water. He holds it out to her, but she wordlessly shakes her head.

“You haven’t drank anything since we were in the temple. And that was just a sip!”

Sighing, Arc puts the glass to her lips and slowly tips it up.

“Ember… please.”

After a few moments Arc sees Ember’s throat expand and contract as she slowly swallows. Finishing the cup, Arc sets it down on the nightstand next to the empty plate before lying her down and turning off the light.

“Try to get some sleep. I’m not going anywhere.”

Ember nods as Arc joins her. She wraps her arms silently around him as the pair fall asleep together.

“Huh?”

Ember looks around to see a setting sun over the tree tops. The air is warm and the smell of nature is on the breeze. She looks down at her feet and sighs. A voice rings out behind her.

“Ember?”

She turns to see Arc and Cherry sitting on a porch swing together.

“Arc? Cherry?! What… how…?!”

Arc smiles and nods to her. “Welcome to our little Sanctuary.”

Cherry smiles. “We’re happy you came!”

Ember walks slowly toward the house, confused. “I don’t get it. Am I… dead?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. You’re just asleep in my arms.”

Cherry nods. “Arc and I come here every night.”

“You do? Why?”

Arc pats the swing as he moves to make room. “Join us and you’ll see.”

Shrugging, Ember does so. She sits down between them and sighs as she turns to Cherry with a weak smile.

“Nice place you got here.”

Cherry laughs. “Arc’s mind made it!”

Ember looks around. “So, this isn’t really Cherry Hill Ranch?”

Arc shakes his head. “No Ember. It’s just… something my mind cooked up.”

“And… you two…?”

Cherry smiles. “Very real, I assure you. At least Arc is.”

“Just because you’re not alive doesn’t make you any less real, Cherry. But I guess the real question is… how did Ember get here?”

Cherry closes her eyes and smiles. “I… might have willed her here.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “…what?”

Cherry puts a hoof on Ember’s claw. “I wanted you here, Ember. You looked like you needed a change of scenery and some company.”

Ember sighs and looks down at her claws. “Sorry, but I’m not really in the mood to talk.”

Arc turns to Ember. “I’ve found that when you don’t WANT to talk is the time you really need to.”

A tear courses down her cheek. “I… I just miss my mother so much! I mean… I knew she was dead before but… to get to meet her like that… I thought it would be a dream come true.”

Cherry nods. “But…?”

“My dream quickly became a nightmare! Watching her die was the worst moment of my life!”

Arc takes Ember’s claw in his hand and nods sadly. “I know how you feel. I too watched as my mother died right in front of me.”

Ember turns to look at Arc. A pleading look on her face. “Then tell me! How! How do I get past this?!”

Arc shakes his head. “You don’t.”

“…what?”

Cherry nods. “The loss of a parent… it’s not something one just gets over. But we have to keep moving forward.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. It isn’t easy though. I still feel the sting of loss from your passing, Cherry.”

Ember looks confused. “But she’s right there.”

Cherry shakes her head. “My spirit is here. However, my body is currently buried back at the ranch. “

Arc nods sadly. “Yes. I’ll never be able to hold you in my arms again, Cherry.”

Ember frowns. “So what should I do?!”

Arc gives Ember’s claw a quick squeeze. “Grieve.”

“What?”

Cherry nods. “There’s no shame in morning a lost loved one, Ember.”

Arc smiles sadly at Ember. “Do you remember what I did when Cherry died?”

“You… just kinda lay on your bed mostly.”

Arc nods. “I just stared up at the ceiling and cried… a lot.”

Cherry shakes her head. “I’m sorry we don’t have any better advice, Ember.”

“Then why bring me here?”

Arc turns to look Ember in the eye. “Not losing connection with your friends and family is important. They can be the wind in your sails as you transverse the ocean of life. But without them you don’t move forward.”

“Is that why you stayed with me through this, Arc?”

“Yes, Ember. And to make sure you didn’t kill yourself.”

“Sorry, but death… it’s not something I’ve ever really had to deal with before. When I saw my mother die it reminded me that…

Ember appears ready to cry again.

“That all the friends I’ve made since meeting you… I’ll… I’ll outlive them ALL!”

Arc nods. “I know.”

“How am I supposed to process that?!”

“I can’t really answer you. But… what I do is try my best to enjoy the moment. The here and now with my friends and loved ones.”

Arc looks to Cherry as she smiles at Ember.

“You have much to live for, Ember. Just take it one day at a time.”

“Thanks. I’ll try. So… when I wake up, will everything be okay?”

Arc shakes his head as he fumbles for the right words. “That’s… if only it were that easy. But I’ll stay with you as I always have.”

A sad smile crosses her face. “Thanks. I’ll do my best.”

Arc nods as they look toward the setting sun. “That’s all any of us can really do.”

The three of them sit there for a time, silently. Eventually Ember turns to Arc.

“How… hows my dad doing?”

“Not the greatest. I think he might be taking it even harder than you are.”

Cherry sighs. “Arc is right. You lost your mother. But he lost his wife.”

Ember nods sadly. “What… what should I do?”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding. “I think you should go to him. The two of you need each other right now.”

“But what do I say to him?!”

“Try just doing for him what I did for you.”

Cherry nods. “Yes. Just… just be there for him.”

Ember appears nervous. “I… I can try. But isn’t it still dark out?”

Arc stands up. “He’s still awake.”

“How do you know?”

“You haven’t been sleeping well, so I doubt he is.”

Cherry nods.

“Go to him, Ember.”

Ember nods. “I will. But… um… how do I get out of here?”

Arc chuckles. “Oh… right. Time to wake up I guess.”

Cherry waves from the swing. “See you there, Arc!”

The pair open their eyes. Arc sits up and looks down at his friend as he extends a hand to her.

“Ready?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. But let’s go anyways.”

Helping Ember up, Arc leads her to the door. They step out into the cool night air together. She takes Arc’s hand as they proceed down the street.

“Aren’t you worried someone might see you doing that?”

She squeezes his hand. “I don’t care. Let them think what they will of me.”

The pair reach the Dragon Lord’s horde. They can see him sitting in the center, motionless. Ember turns to Arc.

“Could you wait here for me please?”

Arc nods and lets go of her claw. Ember walks over to her father and puts a claw on his side. He looks over to her sadly as she looks up to him.

“Dad? I… I’m here.”

He nods as Ember sits down and leans against him.

“You’re not alone. We’ll get through this… together.”

Chapter 2 - Secrets

As the sun peeks over the horizon Arc and Ember return to her house. Ember sighs as she closes the door behind them.

“Thanks for coming with me, Arc. Sorry for asking you to stay outside though.”

“It’s fine. I understand your reasoning behind it.”

Ember wrinkles her nose.

“What is that SMELL?!”

Arc sighs. “Are you sure you want to know?”

“Yes!”

“Fine.”

Arc leads her into the Bathroom and points to the corner. A pile of bedsheets lie there.

“After we bathed together I went back to your room and changed your sheets. You… didn’t seem too keen on walking to the Bathroom.”

Ember blushes furiously. “I… I what?! But that would mean…!”

“Yeah. That was the other reason we both took a shower together. I needed to get cleaned up too.”

“Arc, I am SO sorry about that! Dragon… um… pee doesn’t usually smell like that!”

“It’s probably because you haven’t been staying hydrated.”

Ember turns to the sink. “I’ll take another drink of water right now!”

“That’s probably for the best. And while it goes without saying, I’ll just keep this between us.”

Ember breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you. And… sorry I was facing you at the time.”

Arc nods and walks over to the sheets. “Well, let’s just get them cleaned up, shall we?”

“Yes. Then we can air out the house.”

Together Arc and Ember wash the sheets in the bathtub. Arc chuckles as they rinse the sheets by hand.

“Really missing my washing machine right now.”

“You said it!”

They hang the sheets up to dry in the Living Room and sit down on the couch together.

“So do you always do laundry in the bathtub?”

Ember shrugs. “Where else? I mean, it’s not like we wear clothes.”

“Good point.”

The pair are silent for a time as they stare into the fire.

“Look Arc, I… I just want to apologize for my behavior the other day. Asking you to help me kill myself and all.”

Arc nods. “You weren’t yourself. Although I would like you to go see Emerald Dream when we return to Ponyville.”

“What?! Why?!”

“You know why.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah… I guess.”

“She’ll keep what you tell her a secret.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc stands up.

“I’ll get it.”

He opens the door to find Garble standing there. Arc frowns.

“Great. What is it, Garble?”

“The Dragon Lord sent me to tell Ember that he wants to see you two.”

Ember walks over. “Where is he now?”

Garble rolls his eyes. “On his throne! Where else would he be?!”

Arc turns to Ember.

“I guess you going to see him earlier really helped.”

Garble frowns. “What’s this all about?! The big guy hasn’t been himself since you gave him that whatchamacallit!”

Ember glares at him.

“That’s between my father and I!”

Garble points a claw at Arc. “What about ‘it’?!”

Ember steps forward angrily. “You REALLY want to get involved?”

Arc chuckles. “The Dragon Lord will not be pleased.”

“Whatever! Keep your secrets! I’m outta here!”

Garble turns and flies away. Arc closes the door and turns to Ember.

“For once he left without getting a whooping.”

Ember sighs. “I guess even Garble can learn.”

“What do you suppose your father wants?”

“I’m not really sure. But we should probably go see him right away.”

Ember returns to her room and emerges a moment later with her Spear of Courage and the Bloodstone Scepter.

“My dad probably wants this back. He’s not one to let it out of his care.”

Arc nods. “Understandable.”

Ember walks over to Arc and hands him the scepter.

“You should be the one to give this to him.”

Arc looks at her confused as he takes the Bloodstone Scepter. “Okay. But why?”

“It’s a great honor to hold this, as it’s the source of the Dragon Lord’s authority. I’m hoping it will show my father just how much I trust you.”

“Couldn’t I… I don’t know… control dragons with this? “

Ember nods as they walk to the door. “You could. But I know you wouldn’t.”

“Yeah, that’s not really my thing.”

The pair make their way to the Throne of the Dragon Lord. Every dragon they pass stops, steps to the side and looks nervous.

“Uh… what’s going on?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “For starters, you’re holding the Dragon Lord’s symbol of power. They just don’t know what to think.”

Arc sighs. “Let’s just get this over with.”

They approach the Throne of the Dragon Lord, Torch appears very tired.

“EMBER! HOW ARE YOU…?!”

His eyes narrow as he spots Arc carrying the Bloodstone Scepter.

“WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO WITH THAT?!”

Arc steps forward and holds out the staff. “Return it.”

The Dragon Lord reaches down and plucks the scepter from Arc’s willing hands. He looks it over a few moments before looking back to Arc.

“I MUST ASK! WHY?!”

“Why what?”

“WHY DID YOU NOT USE THE SCEPTER TO ENSLAVE MY SUBJECTS AND CONQUER THIS LAND?!”

“I have no interest in acquiring land, power or slaves, sir.”

Ember nods. “Right! Arc only wanted to do the right thing by you… and me.”

The Dragon Lord nods as he looks them over. “YES! IT WOULD APPEAR YOU TOOK GOOD CARE OF EMBER THESE LAST FEW DAYS!”

“She’s my friend.”

“I SEE! IN ANY CASE… THERE IS STILL THE MATTER OF THE PACT!”

Ember frowns. “Didn’t Arc make amends for that?!”

“HE HAS! EQUESTRIA WILL BE SPARED!”

“Thank you, sir.”

The Dragon Lord appears to be thinking as he looks over the scepter.

“ARC! BY DOING WHAT I ORDERED OF YOU, AS WELL AS CARING FOR EMBER, YOU HAVE SHOWN GREAT CHARACTER! I HEREBY DECLARE YOU AN HONORARY DRAGON! MAY YOUR ACTIONS BRING GLORY TO YOUR NATION ACROSS THE SEA!”

Arc nods respectfully. “I’m honored sir. And I promise to see to it personally that the Dragon Berry bushes are destroyed as soon as I return home.”

“THAT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY!”

Ember looks confused. “Father?”

“AS AN HONORARY DRAGON, I HEREBY GRANT YOU PERMISSION TO POSSESS, GROW, CONSUME AND PRODUCE WHAT YOU WILL WITH THE DRAGON BERRIES! YOU MAY ALLOW THE PURPLE UNICORN AND HER FRIEND TO KEEP THEIR PLANTS! HOWEVER, KNOW THAT YOU ARE PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS!”

“Understood. I promise to only use the plants for good.”

“I AM CERTAIN YOU WILL ENJOY THE FRUITS OF YOU LABOR! I ONLY ASK THAT YOU NOT ALLOW THE SEEDS TO FALL INTO THE WRONG CLAWS!”

“I won’t let you down.”

“RETURN TO YOUR LAND AND INFORM THE PRINCESSES OF MY DECISION! AND SEE TO IT THEY ARE AWARE OF WHAT TRANSPIRED HERE!”

“Yes sir.”

Torch turns to his daughter. “GO NOW, EMBER! CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY AS YOU SEE FIT!”

“I will, father.”

The pair turn and leave the Throne of the Dragon Lord together. They head back toward Ember’s house.

“That went well.”

Ember nods. “Better than I thought it would! I still can’t believe he entrusted Dragon Fruit to Equestria after what happened in the past! My dad really does think highly of you!”

“I’ll do my best not to betray that trust.”

“I know you will. In any case, I’m sure Twilight and Auriel will be happy to know that they can continue with their plan. Strange as it may be.”

Arc nods as they walk inside Ember’s house. “Yes. Let’s head back to Ponyville and tell them.”

Ember shuts the door behind them. “I’m sure the princesses are equally concerned how we fared as well.”

“I’m sure Twilight’s notified Princess Cadance by now.”

“True. But they’ll want to hear it from you, Arc.”

“Let’s not keep them waiting any longer then.”

Arc powers up the sigil and teleports the pair to Light’s Hope.

Arc turns to Ember as they step off the sigil. “I’m going to notify the princesses of what happened. Do you think you could let Twilight and Auriel know they can keep their plants?”

“Sure. That is, if they haven’t already burned them.”

Arc shrugs. “Well if they have I’ll get them some more seeds.”

Ember and Arc part ways. He heads to the War Room and sits down in front of the holographic projector. Pushing a few buttons Arc hails the Audience Chamber. A few moments later they are connected. Luna appears nervous.

“Arc! Please tell me you were successful!”

“I was. The Dragon Lord is satisfied, and we’re again at peace.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! So he accepted the Dragon’s Tear then?”

“That’s… complicated.”

Arc explains the happenings of the past couple days to the princesses. Cadance looks to him wide-eyed.

“Goodness! We had no idea such a thing was possible!”

Arc sighs. “I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t been there.”

Luna nods. “How is Ember taking this?”

“She was really depressed earlier. But I think she’ll be okay after a few sessions with Emerald Dream.”

“I’m sure Aunt Celestia would be happy knowing Ember had some kind of closure.”

“Indeed. She certainly cared for her well-being back then.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “How do you suppose she was able to get over giving Ember back to her father?”

Cadance shrugs. “I would assume she knew it was for the best. After all, it wouldn’t be very regal or fair of her to try and stay involved in Ember’s life after that.”

“Agreed. In any case, is the Dragon’s Tear safely with the rest of Torch’s horde?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. What was left of it stayed behind in the mountain cavern as far as I know.”

“Will it be safe there?!”

“I believe so. After all, it didn’t look like anyone had been there is a great many years.”

Luna appears relieved. “That’s good to hear. Was there anything else you wanted to tell us, Arc?”

“I don’t think so. Everything okay on your end?”

Cadance nods. “Yes. In fact, we’re very close to the final ratification of the treaty between the Griffon Kingdom and Equestria!”

“Good! Anything I can do to help?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not at the moment, no. There are only some minor details to iron out. But we can handle them.”

“I’m looking forward to attending that ceremony in Griffonstone. Tell me, will both of you be there?”

“Captain Shining Armor advised us against it. After all, it would be unwise for both Luna and I to be away at the same time.”

Luna sighs. “I must agree. You and I will attend while Cadance stays in Canterlot.”

“Sounds good.”

“We’ll let you know more when we have a date and time.”

“Thank you. I’ll let you get back to work then.”

Luna nods. “Take care, Arc.”

“You too.”

The connection is severed as Arc sits in his chair thinking for some time. Eventually Ember enters the room.

“Twilight and Auriel were thrilled!”

Arc turns to her. “I’ll bet! Did they still have their plants, or do we have to head back to the Dragon Lands?”

“They were too afraid to do anything until they heard from you. In case my father wanted the bushes back intact.”

Arc uses his magic to close the doors to the War Room before continuing. “Good. Um… how are you doing?”

“I… I don’t know.”

Arc nods understandingly. “It’s going to hurt for a while. I’ve been there.”

Ember walks over to Arc as he stands up. “What should I do?”

“Why don’t I walk you over to Emerald Dream’s office? See if she can get you started on the road to recovery.”

Ember takes Arc’s hand as they walk toward the door. “Please don’t tell anyone, but I’m a little… scared of talking to someone else about this.”

“That’s normal. But this is her profession. Helping others through their pain by talking. She really helped my come to terms with Cherry’s death.”

Cherry giggles. “And you needed it!”

Ember sighs as they walk down the corridor together. “I’m happy you and Cherry are together, Arc. But I admit it does make me a bit jealous.”

Cherry sighs. “I… I’m sorry, Ember.”

“Don’t be.”

Sometime later Arc and Ember return from the Therapist together.

“That was… actually really helpful!”

Arc nods. “Emerald Dream is pretty good at her job.”

The pair enter the base together. Raven waves Arc over. She holds up a sealed scroll with a royal seal on it.

“Sir, this arrived for you a little while ago by special courier.”

Arc walks over and takes the scroll. “Thanks.”

Raven looks to him nervously. “The messenger also wanted you to know that it’s for your eyes only.”

Ember frowns. “What does that mean?”

“It means whatever in here is top secret.”

“Great! Let’s see it!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “What part of ‘my eyes only’ did you not understand?”

“Come on! It’s me!”

“Sorry, Ember. But if the princesses want me to keep a secret, I should do so.”

Ember shrugs. “Fine. Can’t blame me for trying though, right?”

“Yes, well… I should probably take this to my quarters.”

“I guess I’ll take Emerald Dream’s advice and get some work done then. The Writ Board probably needs taking care of by now.”

Arc nods as she heads for the door. “See you later, Ember.”

He heads for his quarters. Closing the door behind him Arc sits down on the couch as he breaks the seal and unrolls the scroll.

“What…the…?”

The scroll merely says…

Arc,

Come to my quarters at midnight. Be careful to not be seen! Do not knock. Blink inside.

-Luna

Chapter 4 - A Royal Problem

Arc awakens the next morning in his bed in Derpy’s house. Dinky is curled up next to him. She sits up slowly and yawns.

“Dad? When did you get home last night?”

“It was really late. Sorry if I woke you up, sweetheart.”

Dinky stands up and stretches. “Nah. I tried to stay awake, but…”

Arc tousles her mane. “You needed your sleep, Dinky. Don’t try to wait up for me in the future.”

Dinky grins as she and Arc head for the door.

“Okay dad!”

Ember sits up groggily. “Hey! What about me?!”

Arc turns back around. “Sorry. I didn’t know you were there, Ember.”

“I waited up for you too! What gives?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I told you I would be late, Ember.”

Ember frowns as she follows them into the Living Room. “Well, I didn’t think you would be THAT late!”

“Sorry. Trouble in Canterlot.”

Derpy looks over from the stove. “Good morning everypony! Trouble, Arc?”

Arc shrugs as he sits down at the table with the others. “It’s probably nothing. I’ll need to head back there tonight to make sure though.”

Ember looks to him, hopeful. “Want some backup?”

Arc shakes his head. “I need to take care of this alone. It’s a rather… delicate matter.”

Ember frowns. “I can do delicate!”

Derpy giggles as she sets the food on the table. “In any case, let’s eat.”

They pass around the platters. Arc serves Dinky some eggs.

“So what are you doing today, dad?”

“I need to see the Hammers about getting my armor fixed.”

Cherry sighs. “It certainly took a beating on that last mission.”

Ember shudders. “Don’t remind us.”

Derpy nods nervously. “I’ll bet! Judging by the amount of blood I saw on it anyways.”

Dinky puts a small hoof on her father’s knee and looks up at him. The fear is evident in her voice.

“Please be careful, dad! Mom and I need you!”

“I’ll try, sweetheart.”

They finish eating and quickly wash the dishes together. Arc looks over at Ember.

“How’s the Writ Board coming?”

Ember shrugs. “Nothing too exciting. Every once in a while Filthy Rich puts up something interesting.”

Derpy looks worried as she washes a plate and hands it to Ember. “Like what?”

“Looking for herbs in the Everfree Forest mostly.”

She rinses the plate and hands it off to Arc.

“Well, you be careful on his writs. I don’t trust him to be very forthcoming with the dangerous details.”

Ember nods as Arc dries the dish. “I will. Not that I enjoy it, mind you.”

Dinky looks to Ember, confused. “Then why work for him?”

“To increase my horde size.”

“Why?”

Ember shrugs. “It’s a dragon thing. We just like having treasure.”

Arc looks over. “What do you spend it on?”

“Nothing. I just save it up. One never knows when some extra coin might come in handy though.”

“I can understand that. Truth be told, I don’t spend much of my own pay. Just the occasional cupcake and rent money for Derpy.”

Dinky giggles. “What about you dad? Are you saving up for something special?”

Arc shakes his head. “No sweetheart. But it’s nice to have some extra money in case something bad happens.”

Derpy looks confused. “Like what, Arc?”

“I dunno. Like if you or Dinky were in the hospital and racked up a lot of bills.”

Ember shudders. “A sobering thought!”

The dishes are completed and Derpy, along with Dinky, head out the door.

“Have a good day you two.”

Derpy turns back and waves. “You too, Arc!”

“Bye dad!”

Ember looks to him. “I guess I’d better get to work myself. Writs don’t complete themselves.”

“You be careful out there. There’s no shame in green and yellow writs, you know.”

Ember puts her claws on her hips and gives him a withering stare. “Says the most reckless individual I know.”

“Touché.”

“I’m serious, Arc! This secrecy from last night has me worried!”

“Sorry, I can’t talk about it right now. Maybe when it’s done and over with.”

“I’ll hold you to that! Well, you better see to getting your armor looked at now.”

Arc heads for the sigil. “I think I’d better.”

“Take care.”

Arc nods as he powers up the sigil and is gone. Teleporting to Carousel Boutique, he makes the quick walks to the Hammer’s blacksmith shop. Opening the door he finds Silver Hammer behind the counter. She looks up at him and smiles.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“Good morning, Silver Hammer.”

“What can we do for you today?”

“My armor took a bit of damage on a recent mission down south. Do you think you and Steel Hammer could take a look at it?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Of course. Let me go get my husband. Just put your armor on the rack over there.”

She disappears into the back room and momentarily returns with Steel Hammer.

“My wife tells me you need some repairs, Arc. I…”

Both he and Silver Hammer’s jaws drop as they see the large hole in the front of the breastplate along with the heavily damaged gauntlet and hand cannon. Silver Hammer is the first to be able to speak.

“What in Celestia’s name were you fighting?!”

Arc sighs. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Steel Hammer walks around the rack and takes a closer look at the breastplate. “We would, but we respect your privacy, Arc.”

“Thank you.”

Silver Hammer looks to Arc cautiously. “Was it… worth it?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Equestria is safe once more.”

“Good!”

Steel Hammer looks at the Hand Cannon. “I’ll have Platinum Valve take a look at these when she gets home from school.”

“Thanks.”

Silver Hammer puts a hoof through the gaping hole in the chest plate. “We’ll need that special forge to fix this though.”

“I can open you a portal there whenever you’re ready.”

Steel Hammer turns toward the back room. “Let me get my tools.”

“I’ll stay here and help Platinum Valve with the Hand Cannon repairs later.”

Steel Hammer returns a few minutes later with his saddlebags.

“I’m ready, Arc.”

Arc picks up his gauntlet and uses it to open a portal. “I’ll take you there now.”

Silver Hammer waves. “See you later, dear!”

Arc grabs his armor as the pair walk through the portal together. Arriving in Redemption Village they quickly make their way toward the Town Hall. Steel Hammer turns to Arc as they approach the building.

“What’s with this stallion anyways?”

Arc sighs. “I have no idea.”

The pair enter the building. Arc looks around.

“You in here, Mythic Honor?”

“I am indeed!”

The elderly stallion steps out from behind a pile of whatnot and approaches them.

“Arc! Good to see you again! Did I invite you to breakfast and forget all about it again?!”

“Um… you’ve never had me over for a meal.”

Mythic Honor cackles. “Good! That makes two of us!”

Steel Hammer clears his throat. “Sir. Might I use your magic forge again? Arc’s armor needs some repairs.”

“I’d be glad to! Any friend of Arc’s is a friends of mine, stranger!”

“Um… my wife and I were her not that long ago, remember?”

Mythic Honor shuffles over to Arc and whispers loudly.

“Arc! I think your friend is crazy!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But he WAS here.”

“Are you sure?! I never forget a face!”

“I’m sure. Look, can you take a look at the damage, please?”

Mythic Honor walks over to the armor and gives it a once over. “I see the problem! There’s a hole in this here!”

The stallion puts a hoof clear through the breastplate. Arc rolls his eyes.

“Yeah. Do you think you could help Steel Hammer fix it for me?”

“Sure! How about we start with those holes?!”

Steel Hammer nods. “I agree.”

Arc sighs. “Well, if you don’t need me I’ll head back to Ponyville. What time should I come back for you. Steel Hammer?”

“I’ll walk back when we finish here, Arc.”

“You sure? I don’t mind coming back.”

Mythic Honor glances up from a pile of parts nearby. “If it gets too late I’ll put him up here for the night!”

Steel Hammer nods. “I’ll be fine. You probably have a million other things to do now anyways.”

“Kinda. In any case, thanks you two. I’m sure you’ll do a great job.”

Mythic Honor returns to the Steel Hammer’s side. “Don’t worry about a thing, Arc! I’ll keep an eye on him for you!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Okay.”

He holds up his gauntlet and opens a portal. Arc looks down at the gauntlet as he steps through.

“Good thing the sigil making gauntlet wasn’t damaged.”

Later that night, Arc appears on the sigil in his quarters in Canterlot Castle. He looks at his pocket watch and sighs.

“Well, let’s get on with it.”

Putting on his magic robe and cloaking, Arc Blinks through his door and into the corridor before making his way silently toward Cadance’s room. He looks around and muses to himself for a moment.

“Entering a princesses room at night. Last time I did this it did not end well.”

Cherry sounds nervous. “Why? What happened?”

Arc focuses his thoughts on the memory. “Take a look.”

“Ouch!”

“I thought you could see everything in my mind.”

Cherry giggles. “I can. It’s just… I prefer to ask permission first.”

Arc Blinks into the empty room. Moving to a corner and crouching down, he waits. A short time later he hears the door open. Luna and Cadance enter together.

“Well, another day behind us.”

Cadance yawns. “Yes. I for one am glad to finally be able to rest.”

“Yes. You do look especially tired today. Is something wrong?”

“N-no. I… I’ve just been… having a bit of trouble sleeping lately.”

Luna nods. “That much I do understand. The weight of one’s responsibilities can be heavy at times. My sister and I sometimes drank an herbal tea before bed on days such as this. Shall I have one of the servants bring you some?”

“Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you, Luna.”

Luna turns to leave the room. “Rest well, Cadance. Tomorrow comes early.”

“Good night.”

The doors close behind Luna. Cadance goes to her vanity, sits down at it and begins brushing her mane. Arc and Cherry watch and muse together telepathically.

“She really does look tired. Why doesn’t she just go to bed?”

“Mares often brush their manes before bed, Arc. It makes getting ready the next morning easier.”

“Huh… never noticed before.”

Cadance brushes her mane for some time before putting the brush down and sighing. There is a knock at the door.

“Who do you suppose that is, Arc?”

“Probably just her tea.”

“Right. I forgot about that.”

A servant enters with a cup of tea and a few cookies. Cadance walks over to her, accepts them, and takes the tray over to a nearby table as the servant leaves the room.

“I really hope that helps her. Forgive me, but Princess Cadance looks like she needs the rest very badly.”

“No arguments there, Cherry.”

Arc watches as she eats the cookies. After a few minutes Cadance picks up a dark robe with her magic and puts it on. Taking the teacup with her magic, she wordlessly dumps its contents in a nearby potted plant.

Arc frowns. “What the…?”

“Why did she do that?”

“The only thing that makes sense is she was lying to Luna about her sleep problems. She’s not having trouble SLEEPING. Princess Cadance is having trouble staying awake.”

Cadance walks over to the balcony and steps out onto it. Looking around as she covers her head with the hood she hops over the railing and glides silently to the ground below. Arc stands and walks quickly to the balcony himself.

“Looks like Luna was right. Princess Cadance really is up to something.”

“I can’t believe it!”

Arc Blinks to the ground below. “Let’s try to keep an open mind here. For all we know she might just be going for a walk.”

They follow Cadance through the gardens. Eventually she makes her way away from the castle grounds.

“If she’s going for a walk, this is quite the distance, Arc.”

“Agreed.”

Cadance walks quickly through several back paths to the city below.

Arc frowns. “She’s going into town? Now?”

“Maybe to do some shopping?”

“Not likely. Most of the shops are closed. Probably the only places open are the pubs and hospital.”

They follow Cadance to a small house not far from the castle. Cherry sounds nervous.

“Okay, this is really unsettling, Arc!”

Arc nods. “Maybe Luna was right about someone blackmailing her or something. This is really out of the ordinary for someone of her station.”

Cadance looks around cautiously before entering the house. Arc peeks in through a nearby window. He sees the princess walk over to couch in front of a glowing fireplace. She sits down and turns her head to speak to someone Arc cannot see. The room appears to have no other furniture.

“Arc, I’m really worried! Can you Blink inside?!”

“I think I’d better.”

Silently Arc channels his magic and Blinks into the room next to the door. Cadance turns her head suddenly as a robed figure whispers to her.

“Did you hear something?!”

Cadance looks around the room. “I… I thought I did. But it’s probably just my nerves.”

“Understandable. What we have planned… isn’t something a princess is usually involved in.”

Cadance nods. “Yes, well… I’m not exactly… sure what the protocol is for something like this.”

“Do my methods frighten you?”

“No. It’s just… Aunt Celestia would probably understand, but Luna… she’d be furious!”

“Why?”

Cadance sighs. “She would probably say I was wasting time with such dealings, or something like that.”

“Can you see who she’s talking to, Arc?”

“No. But this whole thing is freaking me out.”

Cadance’s companion’s tone becomes suddenly angry. “If I have to, I’ll MAKE her understand!”

“Don’t do anything rash! We don’t need to draw unwanted attention to ourselves! After all, we’ll BOTH be in trouble if this gets out!”

“Agreed. I’ll have to give some thought to the next phase in the plan.”

“Do you have to?! Why can’t we just leave it alone?!”

“Because… look, do you want to live with secrets and subterfuge forever? Or do you want to be free?”

Cadance smiles and closes her eyes. “I want freedom!”

“I’ll try to find a way to accomplish our goals. But you have to trust me on this, okay?”

“I do. It’s just…!”

Cadance appears unable to find the right words. Arc and Cherry watch and listen intently.

“What do you think she wants to be free from?”

“Maybe whomever is blackmailing her?”

Cadance stands up suddenly. “I… I should be getting back.”

“Very well. Same time tomorrow?”

“Yes. See you then.”

She turns to walk toward the door slowly, her head down. Arc stands and takes a step to his right, blocking the door with his body. A few moments later Cadance walks into him. She looks up confused.

“What… is this?”

She reaches forward with a hoof to feel the air in front of her. Arc decloaks as Cadance steps back fearfully and screams.

“EEEEK!”

Arc removes his hood as the pony she was talking to jumps into view. Cadance steps quickly between him and the robed pony.

“A-Arc! What are you…?!”

Arc sighs. “I was worried about you. So… who’s your friend over there?”

Cadance looks nervous. “Um… I… I should be getting back to the castle now! Lots to do tomorrow!”

She slowly steps forward, but Arc does not move.

“Princess Cadance. When I became the Hero of Light, I was told I could ask any question of anyone at any time.”

“Y-yes.”

“Does that extend to you as well?”

Cadance sighs and bows her head.

“I suppose it does.”

Arc looks over at the hooded figure standing nervously behind her. “Princess, if something is wrong I can help. But that’s rather hard to do when I can’t see who I’m talking to.”

“I…”

Cadance sighs. “He’s got us. Go ahead and show him.”

The figure removes their robe and lets it fall to the floor. Arc narrows his eyes as the figures identity is revealed in the light from the fireplace.

“Okay. I didn’t see that one coming.”

Shining Armor nods sadly as he stands before Arc.

“I… I really don’t know what to say, Arc. This does look really bad.”

Arc nods. “So can I assume you’re not blackmailing or hurting Princess Cadance?”

Cadance looks confused. “No. Shining Armor would never do something like that!”

“Sorry. Look Princess Cadance, I’m glad you’re here with him to guard you, but…”

Shining Armor looks to Cadance. “I think we had better tell him.”

Cadance sighs. “Not much choice now.”

They walk to the couch and sit back down. Arc leans against the fireplace as he waits for them to speak.

“It all started back when I took Cadance to the Hoofball game like you suggested.”

Cadance nods. “I had a really nice time.”

“I thought you would.”

“You see… we spent the time between plays talking. I discovered that Cadance here is… really just like everypony else when you get to know her!”

Cadance smiles. “We really got to know one another!”

Shining Armor blushes slightly. “As it turns out we have much in common.”

“Yes! The same interests, and I already know his family!”

“You do?”

Cadance nods. “I foalsat Twilight when she was little.”

Shining Armor sighs. “My parents didn’t think I was responsible enough to do that.”

“I see. So are you two…”

“I… I wanted to keep it a secret until Aunt Celestia came back. She’d know what to do!”

Shining Armor looks down at the floor. “Yes. As it stands, we don’t know if what we’re doing is even legal.”

Arc looks confused. “Legal?”

Cadance sighs. “I don’t know if… if a princess can be in a relationship with anypony.”

Shining Armor nods sadly as he puts a hoof around Cadance’s shoulders. “I’m just a commoner. Princess Luna would certainly not approve of me seeing royalty.”

“You understand our dilemma, don’t you Arc?”

“I do now.”

Cadance looks to Arc, confused. “How did you know I was here anyways?”

“I’m sorry, but Luna thought you were being blackmailed or something. She asked me to investigate.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Why didn’t she just come to me?”

“She was very worried on whom to trust. Someone getting close enough to a princess to coerce them made her very… nervous.”

“It did?”

Arc nods. “She was borderline paranoid.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “Oh dear! I didn’t mean to…!”

“This is my fault. If I were more trustworthy…!”

“I trust you. Luna will too one day, Shining Armor.”

Arc nods. “Trust isn’t earned overnight. Believe me, I’ve been there.”

Cadance looks over at Arc nervously. “So, what happens now?”

“Luna is going to want to know what your story is, Princess Cadance.”

Shining Armor appears fearful. “We can’t tell her that!”

“Agreed! She’ll be furious!”

Arc sighs. “She’ll be more upset if you continue to keep secrets from her.”

“I know that, but… what do we DO?!”

Shining Armor shrugs. “I really don’t know. What do you think, Arc?”

“Be honest with her. Look, if Luna finds out you’re going behind her back intentionally, you’ll lose her trust forever Princess Cadance.”

Shining Armor takes Cadance’s hoof in his. “Forever is a long time for an alicorn princess. I’m not worth that.”

“I think you are! But… there is wisdom in Arc’s words.”

“How about we all go see her tomorrow morning? Tell her everything and let her make up her own mind.”

Shining Armor nods and looks to Cadance. “That’s a good idea. What’s the worst she can do to you?”

“Yes, but… what’s she going to do to YOU?!”

Arc shrugs. “Worst case, fire him.”

“I’ll take that chance! So tomorrow morning then?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. Right now!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep a wink until this is resolved. Let’s go see her now.”

“But won’t she be asleep at this hour?”

Arc shrugs. “Considering how worried she was, I doubt it.”

Cadance nods sadly. “Yes. Let’s go back to the castle.”

Arc raises his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Yeah.”

Chapter 5 - Honesty is the Best Policy

Arc, Cadance and Shining Armor step through the portal and arrive in Arc’s room. They walk down the corridor together until they come to Luna’s room. Cadance turns to Shining Armor nervously.

“You should probably wait outside.”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No, Cadance. If I want Princess Luna to trust me I need to show her I’m not afraid.”

Cherry speaks to Arc’s mind. “He’s very brave to do this.”

“Yes. Or very foolhardy.”

Cadance takes a deep breath, sighs, and knocks lightly. A moment later the sound of Luna’s voice is heard.

“Come in.”

The trio enters the room to find Luna pacing the floor. Upon seeing Cadance she hurries over.

“Cadance! Is everything all right?!”

“Yes, Luna. I… need to speak to you about something though.”

Luna gestures to the couch. “Yes indeed! Please have a seat, my dear!”

They walk over to the couches and sit down. Arc and Luna on one and Cadance and Shining Armor on the other. Luna looks over to Shining Armor.

“Thank you for escorting Cadance here, captain. You may go.”

Cadance looks to Luna nervously. “Um… Luna? We need to tell you something. And it involves him.”

Luna appears surprised. “Oh? And you Arc?”

“I’m just here for moral support.”

“Very well. In any case, will somepony please tell me what is going on?!”

Cadance sighs. “It all started back when I went to the Hoofball game with Shining Armor here.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes. I… we…”

He sighs. Cadance nervously continues in his stead.

“What Shining Armor is trying to say is… um…”

Unable to contain himself, Shining Armor blurts out what’s on his mind.

“…is that we have feelings for one another!”

Luna looks suddenly taken aback.

“W-well now. That was certainly… forward.”

Arc nods. “Very.”

“Luna. The truth is, I’ve been sneaking out of the castle at night to… to meet up with him.”

Luna frowns. “What?!”

“We were afraid of what you and the law might say.”

“Well, the law doesn’t actually say who the princesses may or may not have… relations with. But, from a cultural standpoint…”

Cadance appears nervous again. “C-cultural?”

“Traditionally, a royal only does such things with other aristocrats of proper breeding and status. It’s to prevent commoners from hitching a ride, so to speak.”

Arc frowns. “Whose idea was that?!”

“My sister’s.”

Luna sighs.

“Apparently, something happened many years ago when I was still on the moon. While she never actually told me the details, I trust my sister not to make such a statement without just cause.”

Arc looks to Cadance and Shining Armor. “So what about these two?”

Luna shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but… I have to ask you two not to see each other any longer. At least not outside the capacity of your normal roles.”

Cadance squeezes her eyes shut and leans against Shining Armor. “No…”

Shining Armor puts a hoof around her shoulder. “Please, Princess Luna! Give me a chance!”

“I am very sorry, but… you’re just not on the same level as a princess, captain.”

Luna turns to Arc.

“You understand, right Arc?”

Arc sighs. “I understand what you’re saying. And why Princess Celestia might have instituted such a policy. However culture, personal policy, and laws are all there for the same reason.”

Luna nods. “To keep order.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. To protect the innocent.”

“I don’t believe I follow.”

“When the rules, or whatnot, suppress the innocent or make life difficult for those who have done nothing wrong there’s a problem. After all… shouldn’t the Princess of Love be able to experience love firsthand?”

Luna furrows her brow. “I cannot allow this!”

Arc looking over at the couple on the couch across from them before turning to Luna. “I don’t think you have much of a choice. You can’t really tell someone how they can and can’t feel, now can you?”

“But… but I am the Princess of the Night!”

“No one, not even a monarch, can control their subject’s thoughts.”

Shining Armor looks over. “What about King Sombra?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Okay, apparently I need to read more on Equestrian history.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Arc is right, you know. No matter what you say, it won’t change how I feel about Shining Armor!”

“Me too, Princess Luna! I care about Cadance, and want to get to know her better!”

Luna sighs. “I’m… not sure what to do about this.”

Arc chuckles. “Luna, I don’t think there’s anything you CAN do! They’re both adults and capable of making their own decisions.”

“What about my sister?”

Arc shrugs. “Let her deal with it after I bring her back. If she’s anything like what I’ve heard, I think she’ll like Shining Armor.”

Luna thinks for a moment.

“Perhaps you are right, Arc.”

She turns back to the couple.

“Cadance. I want to say that it makes me rather sad that you would put your personal feelings before that of Equestria, and that I am completely against this relationship.”

Luna sighs.

“But I admit there is little I can do to stop you. However, you will have to explain this to my sister when she returns.”

Cadance smiles as she breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Luna! I will!”

Shining Armor stands up and salutes. “I will do my best to protect you both in the meantime.”

Luna nods. “I am sure you will. Now Cadance, I have only one request of you.”

“A… request?”

“Please do not do anything that would… dishonor your station of princess.”

Shining Armor looks confused. “Like what, Princess Luna?

Arc facepalms. “Think about it a moment.”

Cadance blushes. “Oh… I understand.”

Shining Armor turns away as his face grows red. “Yes. I do as well.”

“Good. Believe me when I say you do NOT want to invoke my sister’s wrath! Now both of you get to bed now.”

The pair stand up. Cadance turns to Luna.

“Thank you… for understanding.”

Luna smiles at her as Shining Armor leaves the room ahead of her. “I want you to be happy, as does my sister I’m sure. But know this. Love is not the wide boulevard of happiness you believe it to be.”

Cadance looks confused.

“Just… think on what I’ve said. Alright, Cadance?”

“Very well. Good night Luna.”

Luna nods as she closes the door behind her. Arc breathes a sigh of relief.

“Thanks, Luna. They went to pretty extreme methods to keep this a secret.”

“Yes, they did. But I still don’t like this, Arc!”

Arc shrugs. “You can’t stop love.”

Luna sighs. “I suppose not. However, I do worry that she is young and foolish. Her and I don’t have time to waste on puppy love.”

Arc chuckles. “That the thing about love, Luna. When you feel it, you’ll make time.”

“You would know better than I on that particular matter.”

Luna stands up.

“Well, I should be getting back to bed now. Thank you for looking into this matter for me.”

“It’s no problem.”

“I’ll try not to bother you in the future with such silly matters.”

Arc stands up and puts a hand on her shoulder. “If you feel something is wrong, don’t hesitate to call me. Day or night.”

“Thank you.”

Arc heads for the door. “Well in any case, good night Luna.”

“Good night.”

The door closes behind Arc. Luna slowly walks toward the bed and lies down on her side. Her breathing becomes ragged as she begins to sweat. She curls up and grits her teeth.

“Sunburst… find my sister! Hurry! I… I don’t know how much longer I can…”

The next morning Arc and his family sit around the breakfast table together. Derpy walks over with a bottle of milk.

“So how did last night go, Arc?”

“Just fine. As it turned out, the whole thing was just one big misunderstanding.”

Dinky looks over. “What happened, dad?”

Arc gently boops Dinky’s nose. “Sorry sweetheart. It’s secret.”

Dinky giggles. “Okay dad! I’m just glad your back safe and sound!”

Derpy nods. “Me too! So what’s the plan for today, Arc?”

“The Hammer’s should have my armor fixed by now. Then I need to pick up Rose from the library.”

Derpy looks nervous. “Are they getting along now?”

“I would hope so. Twilight’s really grown to like her.”

“That’s good, dad! She’s a really nice lady!”

Arc smiles. “Yes she is! How are things going over at school, Dinky?”

“Great!”

“Are the griffons and foals getting along alright?”

“Uh huh! The others were kinds scared of them at first. But they’re really just like us! Now we’re all friends!”

Derpy looks to Arc as she clears the table. “You should see them playing behind your base! They’re just so cute!”

Arc looks confused. “Behind my base?”

“Yeah dad! Light’s Hope is the temporary orphanage right now!”

Derpy looks surprised. “Coco Pommel said you gave her permission to use it.”

Arc laughs. “I forgot! Oh well. Everyone adjusting to their new surroundings?”

Dinky nods. “Yup! Even the griffons like it! All except Gallus, that is.”

“I figured as much. He isn’t a supporter of the military.”

“Why not, dad? They protect the country!”

“Well, in the Griffon Kingdom they spend most of their money on the military rather than providing for their citizens. Gallus doesn’t like that they don’t pay for things like orphanages and schools.”

“Why not?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably because it would take money away from the military. Truthfully, if I grew up there, I don’t think I’d like the military either.”

A short time later Derpy and Dinky head out the door.

“Have a nice day, Arc!”

“See you later, dad!”

“Bye! I’ll stop by the base later.”

They go their separate ways. Arc heads for the Hammer’s shop. Entering he sees Silver Hammer behind the counter.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“Morning. Just came by to see how my armor was coming along.”

Silver Hammer gestures for him to follow her. “It’s good as new! My husband brought it back and has it in the back . Follow me!”

She leads Arc to their back room. He sees his armor hanging up on a nearby armor rack. Steel Hammer and Platinum Valve are working on something together at a workbench. The filly runs over to him.

“Hi Mr. Arc! I finished fixing your hoof… I mean Hand Cannons!”

Arc walks over to the workbench with Silver Hammer. “Thanks! Those things really come in handy.”

Steel Hammer points a hoof to Eidolon’s Ward. “And Mythic Honor and I fixed the holes in your armor.”

“It looks great!”

“We had to melt down some adamantium to act as filler. I hope that was all right.”

Arc feels the spot where the hole was. “I was kinda wondering how you were going to do that. Whatever you feel was right is okay with me.”

Platinum Valve levitates the gauntlet off the table and over to Arc. “This is working great again too! What exactly happened?”

“Something bit my arm. REALLY hard!”

Silver Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “Are you all right?!”

“I am now.”

He looks over at the strange contraption on the workbench.

“Is that your project, Platinum Valve?”

“Yes sir! Do you want to see it?!”

“Sure!”

They walk over to the bench. Platinum Valve picks up the device.

“This is my idea for an artificial leg! It’s for a filly I met at the Cherry Festival some time ago!”

Arc nods. “I remember your parents telling me about that. How is she?”

“She’s… been depressed ever since the accident.”

Steel Hammer sighs. “Considering her condition, it’s not surprising.”

Silver Hammer nods. “Walking for her is quite difficult with the loss of her leg. Fortunately for her she’s a pegasus and can still fly to get around.”

Platinum Valve holds up her creation. “Right. But I want her to be able to walk again! That’s why I invented this!”

“Tell me about this. It looks very well made.”

“I started with a solid mithril inner core. Think of it like replacement bones.”

Arc appears confused. “With mithril?”

Silver Hammer nods. “It’s lightweight, strong and conducts magic well.”

“Right! That’s really important to the design! If the leg was too heavy it could hurt her back!”

“Make’s sense.”

Steel Hammer nods. “She and I studied medical books and even ordered a skeleton for reference.”

Silver Hammer shudders as she looks at the skeleton in the corner. “I know it’s fake, but that thing still creeps me out!”

“Well, it has to be perfect. Dad and I casted it together!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Quite a bit of work.”

Platinum Valve pulls out a box from under the bench. “Right! Next we took a casting of my front leg. It was almost identical to her other leg’s diameter!”

“Platinum Valve insisted on making it as real as possible.”

The filly removes a tube-like object and lays it on the workbench. “I want her to feel more… normal.”

Steel Hammer points to the tube. “Next we used the casting as a reference to construct this silicone gel inner layer.”

Platinum Valve giggles. “Go ahead and touch it, Mr. Arc!”

Arc does so.

“Soft.”

Platinum Valve takes Arc’s other hand and puts it on her front fetlock. “Right! It’s roughly as soft as my own!”

Arc nods as Platinum Valve installs the silicone layer over the mithril bones. “Interesting. How will you keep it clean though? This silicone feels like it would pick up dirt and whatnot.”

Silver Hammer opens a nearby drawer and removes a pink sock-like cloth. “That’s what the outer layer is for.”

Platinum Valve takes the cloth from her mother. “We did our best to match her coat’s color! Hopefully others won’t stare at her so much then!”

Steel Hammer nods soberly. “A three-legged filly tends to turn heads.”

Platinum Valve nods as she slips the outer layer over the silicone and makes a few adjustments before holding up the assembled leg.

“And there it is!”

Arc kneels down and takes the leg from her. “This is really well done! You even remembered the coat!”

Silver Hammer sighs. “It was very hard to find a supplier of realistic looking AND feeling fur.

Steel Hammer nods. “This wasn’t cheap either. But if it will help that little filly, then I say it’s worth every bit.”

Arc nods as he bends the leg at the knee and fetlock a few times. “So how does the leg function? I mean, I can hear something moving around in there, but how would she move it?”

Platinum Valve grins. “That’s where the real magic happens!”

She picks up a pair of earrings from a corner of the desk and puts them on.

“Watch!”

Arc does so as Platinum Valve concentrates. A few moments later the leg slowly flexes in his hands.

“What? How?!”

Silver Hammer giggles. “A very special enchantment on the leg linked to the one on the earrings!”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “I don’t get it myself.”

“I learned this enchantment from that book you left here some time ago, Mr. Arc!”

“The one you used to enchant my armor?”

Platinum Valve nods. “This should allow her to control her leg! Hopefully, with practice, she’ll even forget which leg she lost!”

Steel Hammer looks at the clock. “She and her guardian should be here early this morning.”

As if on cue the bell over the front door jingles and the sound of hoofsteps coming inside can be heard. Silver Hammer walks toward the front to greet the newcomers. A moment later she returns to the back room with a pegasus stallion carrying a sad looking filly on his back. He has a light brown coat with a black and purple mane. The stallion’s hind quarters are supported by a rather strange looking wheelchair.

“Glad you could make it!”

The stallion nods. “Thank you for having us. I…”

He stops as he sees Arc. Kneeling as best he is able with his wheelchair and the filly on his back, he stammers out a partial sentence.

“Sir, I…!”

“Please! There’s no need to bow. Besides, it looks like you have some rather precious cargo on your back there.”

The stallion nods as he rises. “Yes. Oh! I’m sorry! My name is Stellar Eclipse! And this is…”

The filly looks over at the synthetic leg on the workbench.

“Wha… what is that?!”

Silver Hammer smiles at her. “Just a little gift from our daughter to you, dear.”

Platinum Valve picks up the leg as the filly flaps her wings and flutters over to her. “It’s a replacement leg for the one you lost!”

The filly looks confused, but allows Platinum Valve to attach the leg to her nub as she sits down on the floor.

“Um… it looks very nice, but… I can’t move it.”

Steel Hammer walks over with the earrings. “These should help with that.”

Platinum Valve nods as she puts the jewelry on the filly. “Uh huh! This should help you control your new leg!”

She checks the leg one last time before stepping back, giddy with excitement.

“Okay, now I want you to concentrate on moving your leg.”

Um… I’ll try.”

Doing as she is told, the filly concentrates. A few moments later her new leg twitches. She yelps in fear.

“Oh my!”

Silver Hammer smiles at her. “It’s okay, dear. Try tapping your hoof.”

The filly does so. Stellar Eclipse notices the sound it makes is similar to that of a real hoof.

“Impressive! Will this help her walk again?”

Steel Hammer nods. “With practice, yes.”

Platinum Valve watches intently. “Try standing up!”

“I… I’ll try.”

She nervously puts her weight on the new leg. Shakily she stands. A moment later the filly crashes to the floor. Her guardian hurries over.

“Are you okay?!”

“I… I think so. Remember, I’m pretty good at falling now.”

Stellar Eclipse sighs. “I suppose you are.”

“But… it did feel good to stand again. Normally, I mean!”

Platinum Valve cheers her on. “Come on! I know you can do this!”

Arc nods. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

“I’ll give it another try.”

She does so, standing again shakily. Silver Hammer watches her intently.

“Try walking around a bit.”

Stellar Eclipse holds out his front hoof. “Can you walk to me?”

The filly looks down at her hooves. A look of fright on her face.

“I… I’m not sure I can! This is REALLY hard!”

Arc smiles at her. “Everything in life worth doing is, my little pony.”

Nodding, the filly takes her first step toward her guardian. Testing her new leg she takes another step. Then another. Stellar Eclipse holds out his hooves expectantly.

“Come on. You can do it!”

She unsteadily walks to him before falling into his outstretched hooves. Looking up at him, the filly beams happily.

“I… I DID IT, STELLAR ECLIPSE!”

He gives her a hug. “Yes you did! I’m proud of you!”

The filly turns to Platinum Valve.

“I can’t thank you enough! This… this new leg feels so good! Did you make it all by yourself?!”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “No. My mom and dad helped a lot!”

Steel Hammer smiles. “Our daughter came up with the design and drew it up.”

“My husband and I only made suggestions and bought what she needed. Platinum Valve was the one who did almost everything.”

The filly giggles as she looks down at the new leg. “Thank you, Platinum Valve!”

Stellar Eclipse nods as he walks over. “Yes, we can’t thank you enough! Now what do I owe you for this?”

Steel Hammer shakes his head. “It’s just good to see the little one so happy.”

“Besides, it gave our daughter a chance to prove herself.”

Platinum Valve runs over to her parents and gives them a hug. “Thanks! It means a lot to know you two believe in me!”

Stellar Eclipse looks to Steel Hammer. “Please sir! I can’t just take this without repaying you! I’d like to work for this!”

Steel Hammer looks at his wife. “Well, what do you think, Silver Hammer?”

“It’s really not necessary. That and we don’t have enough work to justify an employee.”

“I’ll work for free!”

The filly nods. “I can help too!”

Steel Hammer looks confused. “What about your own livelihood?”

“The two of us live in a small shack in the middle of nowhere.”

“Right. Stellar Eclipse and I moved there to… um…”

Stellar Eclipse sighs. “To escape the stares of other ponies.”

“The other fillies used to make fun of me!”

“I’ll work very hard for you, if you’ll just give me a chance, sir!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Well… alright. But on one condition.”

“Anything!”

“That you at least accept food and housing here with us as your wages.”

“Yes sir!”

Steel Hammer and Stellar Eclipse shake hooves.

Platinum Hammer looks the stallion’s special wheelchair over. “I might be able to make something to help you walk again, sir!”

Stellar Eclipse shakes his head. “Please! Not until I’ve paid all of you back for this wonderful new leg! After all, as long as my little friend here is happy, I’m okay staying like this.”

The filly shakes her head fervently. “No! Someday you have to walk again, Stellar Eclipse!”

“We can talk about it after the Hammers are paid back. I just want you to have a normal fillyhood. Who knows? Maybe you can start a new life here!”

“You mean ‘we’, right?”

“Right!”

Arc nods approvingly. “I think you’ll like Ponyville. They took me in when I had nothing.”

Silver Hammer smiles at him. “And look at you now! Hero of Light and former Lord Regent of Equestria!”

“Yes, well…”

They are interrupted as Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here. Go ahead.”

“Sunburst here, sir! There’s been a development on Earth! Would you and your friends please come to Princess Celestia’s room in Canterlot at once?!”

“I’ll be there shortly. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring to sever the connection as he looks to the others apologetically.

“Sorry, but something’s come up.”

Silver Hammer smiles. “We understand.”

Arc walks over to Eidolon’s Ward and puts it in his ring before turning back to the Hammers.

“Send the bill to Light’s Hope, will you?”

Steel Hammer nods. “I’ll take care of it.”

As he opens a portal Arc turns around and looks at the filly.

“I’m sorry, miss. I never actually asked your name.”

The filly smiles at him.

“Cozy Glow!”

Chapter 6 - A Fire in the Kitchen

Sometime later Arc and his friends appear on the sigil in his room in Canterlot Castle. They hurry down the corridor together. Ember frowns.

“So Sunburst didn’t say ANYTHING about what’s wrong?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. But he wouldn’t call me if it wasn’t important.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

They make their way to Princess Celestia’s room. Sunburst is pacing nervously. He looks up as they enter.

“Sir! I’ve just received word from your squad on Earth!”

Ember looks worried. “Something wrong?!”

“There’s some kind of trouble there! Your squad contacted me saying you’d certainly like to know!”

“Thanks for the heads up, Sunburst. When’s the next portal window?!”

Sunburst looks over his instruments. There’s a window right now if we hurry! Will you take it?!”

“Yes. Power it up!”

Sunburst nods. Working at a feverish pace the wormhole opens shortly. Arc turns to the others.

“Let’s go!”

Ember grins. “Right behind you!”

Sereb follows them. “Onward.”

Then enter the portal and find themselves in Arc’s backyard on Earth. Ember looks around approvingly.

“Sunburst is getting better with his portals.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Arc heads quickly for the house. “Practice makes perfect. Anyways let’s get inside and see what this is all about.”

Ember nods as she rubs her claws together. “Yeah! That and I’m freezing out here!”

They head in the back door and make their way to the basement. Arc’s squad is waiting for them. Max salutes him nervously.

“Sir! I… I um…”

“Max? What is it?”

Xenos appears shaken. “We just got back from Shelly’s Kitchen.”

Hugh nods soberly. “It was closed.”

Arc looks confused. “Closed?!”

Viktor nods. “We checked the hours on the door along with the time. But there wasn’t anyone there.”

Ember frowns. “Did you call out?”

Max shrugs. “The lights were off and the door was locked.”

Arc frowns. “That’s not like them.”

Sereb steps forward. “Perhaps they overslept?”

Xenos nods. “Maybe.”

Ember turns to Arc. “They could just be taking a day off, or something.

Arc nervously shakes his head. “Shelly is very adamant about always being open and on time.”

He thinks for a moment.

“I can’t imagine of any reason they wouldn’t be open. Unless something was very wrong.”

Arc heads for the stairs.

“Come with me, Viktor. We’ll see for ourselves.”

“Yes sir!”

Ember follows them with Sereb at her heels. “I’m coming with you!”

“As am I.”

Arc turns to her. “You aren’t even changed yet, Ember!”

“I will do that now.”

His horn aglow, Sereb quickly casts the spell. Arc gasps.

“WAIT!!!”

Ember changes to her human form. Everyone blushes as Ember looks at them, confused.

“What?”

Arc quickly pulls his magic cloak out of his ring and throws it over her. “Clothes, Ember!”

“Oh… opps.”

Sereb hangs his head. “My apologies, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “It’s fine. Just go upstairs and put something warm on.”

Ember nods as she hurries up the stairs. “Fine! But I still want to come!”

“Okay, just make it quick.”

Hugh walks over to Arc and lowers his voice. His face is still red. “Sir? I… uh… think there might be something wrong with me?”

“You sick?”

“No sir. It’s just… when I saw Ember, I… um… you know… felt a bit… warm inside.”

Arc nods. “Seeing a good looking girl naked would do that to anyone.”

Max looks over sheepishly. “I felt the same. But it isn’t right! A stallion looking at a human female that way?!”

Xenos looks embarrassed. “Unthinkable!”

“I’m glad you boys respect Ember enough not to look at her in that way. But you see, right now you four are humans. Complete with human minds and sex drives it seems. You saw something you liked and it… turned you on. Nothing to be ashamed about there.”

Viktor shakes his head. “Well, I for one just don’t feel right about it!”

Hugh nods. “Now I understand why you insisted we wear clothes, sir.”

Max appears confused. “I don’t understand one thing though. We all showered together at Light’s Hope that one time after our training mission to the Everfree Forest.”

Arc nods. “I remember that. Ember was using the shower in my quarters so I joined you guys in yours. What about it?”

“Well… that was the first and only time we saw you without your clothes on, sir.”

Xenos shrugs. “None of us really thought much of it at the time.”

Viktor nods. “Yeah. I mean, other than the lack of coat, your anatomy is pretty similar to our own.”

Hugh blushes again. “As is Ember’s from what I could see. But… when we saw her…”

Arc sighs. “Look, what happened to you guys is normal for a human. Males get turned on by things like that. So don’t feel dirty or think there’s something wrong with you, okay?”

Max nods. “Thanks for the talk, sir.”

“No problem.”

Ember hurries down the stairs with Sereb in his cub form.

“We’re ready!”

“As am I.”

Arc heads for the stairs. “Good. Let’s go!”

Max follows. “Might I come too sir? I’m worried something might have happened to them.”

“Sure. Hugh, you and Xenos stay here and keep a lookout for trouble from the scanners.”

“Yes sir!”

“We’ll keep tabs on things here.”

Arc, Ember, Sereb, Viktor and Max head upstairs and make their way quickly to the Jeep. They make the drive to Shelly’s Kitchen and pull into the empty parking lot. The building is completely dark. Arc frowns as he gets out of the Jeep.

“I don’t like this one bit.”

Max nods. “Me either.”

Ember sighs. “You worry too much, Arc.”

Arc walks toward the building. “Those two NEVER sleep in! Something is wrong!”

Viktor follows closely. “Maybe they’re just sick or something, sir.”

“Whatever is up, we’re going to find out.”

They walk up to the door. As expected it is locked. Arc turns to Viktor.

“Can you pick this lock?”

“I can. But wouldn’t that be illegal?”

Sereb looks around before speaking. “He is right. You are not above the law in this realm, Arc.”

Ember nods. “Why not just Blink inside?”

“Because someone might see me do it. Pick the lock, Viktor.”

Viktor pulls something out of his pocket. “Yes sir.”

Ember frowns as Viktor gets to work. “And if someone sees HIM?!”

Max stands behind Viktor. “I’ll try to cover him.”

“Marshal Raynor’s men all know me. We’ll just explain what we’re doing and they’ll let us go. Probably.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s not reassuring, Arc!”

“Well, if you have a better idea…”

“Got it sir!”

“Good job, Viktor. See Ember, you were worried about nothing.”

Ember sighs as they enter the restaurant. There isn’t a sound to be heard. Arc walks behind the front counter.

“Not good.”

Ember hurries over to him. “What is it?”

Arc points to the cash register’s open drawer.

“Empty.”

Viktor’s eyes grow wide. “They were robbed?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. At the end of the day Lily takes the money from the register and puts it in the safe. This being open means she never came down this morning.”

He turns toward the door that leads to the upstairs apartment.

“I hate to do this, but let’s check upstairs.”

Viktor pulls out his tools again. “I’ll get that door open for you sir.”

“No need.”

Max looks to him, confused. “Sir?”

Arc steps into the Kitchen and returns a moment later with a key. Ember frowns.

“Where did you…?”

“Lily keeps a spare down here just in case. Let’s go.”

Arc unlocks the door and they slowly walk up the stairs together. Reaching the top they look around the dark room. The only illumination comes from the daylight through the windows. Arc calls out.

“Shelly? Lily? It’s Arc! Are you here?”

Silence. Ember looks to Arc.

“Should we look around?”

Viktor and Max nod.

“Given the circumstances, I would say so.”

“Agreed.”

Arc turns to Sereb. “You smell them?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “They are not present.”

Ember frowns. “Not good!”

Sereb growls. “Others were here.”

“How many?!”

“Two.”

Arc looks to Sereb. “Are you saying they were kidnapped?!”

“That is the logical conclusion, yes.”

Ember looks around. “I don’t see any signs of a struggle though.”

“They may have been taken at gunpoint!”

Viktor looks worried. “We should call the guards, sir!”

“I agree. But why would anyone kidnap them?”

Ember turns to look down the stairs. “Or lock the doors behind them.”

Arc sighs as he hurries to the phone. “It’s a mystery all right. But one that Marshal Raynor will have to look into.

As he reaches for the receiver, his earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“Sir! Xenos just got off the phone with Lily!”

“WHAT?! Where is she?!”

“At the hospital with Shelly!”

“What happened?!”

“No idea, sir! She called looking for you! That and… she sounded really upset! Like she was on the edge of tears!”

“Thanks! We’ll head over there now! Arc out!”

He touches his earring and severs the connection before turning to the others.

“Back to the Jeep!”

Hugh looks confused as they quickly head downstairs. “Sir?!”

“Lily called my house looking for me! Shelly must be in trouble!”

Max looks worried. “Oh no! Is she okay?!”

Ember frowns. “Let’s get down there and find out!”

Arc nods as he locks the front door and holds it open for the others. “Right!”

They run toward the Jeep. Max jumps in the driver’s seat.

“Max?!”

“Let me drive you sir! You’re in no condition to…”

Arc nods as he gets in the back seat with Ember. “Okay! Thanks!”

Max starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot. Ember puts a hand on Arc’s arm.

“I hope Shelly’s okay.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. She’s… been to the hospital before, but…”

He shakes his head as Ember takes his hand.

“…but I’ve never liked getting that call.”

A short time later they arrive at the hospital. Arc and the others rush toward the building together. Entering they find Lily pacing in the floor nervously. She is wearing her waitress uniform. Seeing Arc she hurries over to him.

“ARC!”

Arc gives his friend a hug. “How is she?!”

Lily shakes her head as she wraps her arms around Arc’s shoulders. “I don’t know! The doctors are still examining her!”

Max joins them with the others. “What happened?”

“Shelly wasn’t feeling well this morning. I mean, that’s not out of the ordinary but… then she started having trouble breathing! That’s when I called 9-1-1!”

Arc leads his friend over to a chair. “You did the right thing, Lily. I’m sure the doctors will figure out what’s wrong.”

Ember nods and sits down on the other side of her. “We’re here for you.”

Sereb jumps in Lily’s lap as Ember gives her hand a squeeze. Max sits down across from her as Arc takes his friend’s hand.

“Thanks everyone. Hopefully we’ll know something soon.”

A short time later a nurse approaches.

“Lily?”

“Yes?! How is she?!”

“Resting at the moment.”

Arc turns to the nurse. “Can we see her?”

“Yes. The doctor is with her now. It’s best if someone close to her hears about this as well.”

She leads them to the patient’s room. Entering they find a doctor talking to Shelly. Lily hurries over to her friend.

“Shelly! Are you alright?!”

Shelly nods. “Yes. I’m okay.”

Arc turns to the doctor. “Is she really okay?”

“Yes. We’ve administered a bronchodilator which she responded well to.”

Lily looks over. “What caused it?!”

The doctor goes over the chart in his hand. “Ultimately, your friend’s muscular dystrophy. Her lungs are weakening. I’ve prescribed some medicine that should help in the short term.”

Ember appears frightened. “Anything else we can do?”

“Just keep taking your normal medications and what I’m prescribing as usual. Shelly should also see her own doctor as soon as possible to go over any other possible treatments.”

Max sighs. “Does she have to stay here?”

“No. She’s free to head home anytime now. Just be sure not to excite her so she can rest.”

Viktor nods. “We’ll do our best.”

The doctor leaves the room. Lily has not left her friend’s side since entering . Shelly looks to her.

“Sorry for giving you such a fright, Lily.”

Lily holds her friend’s hand. “It’s no trouble. We’re friends to the end!”

Arc takes Shelly’s other hand. “As am I.”

She smiles at them weakly.

“Thank you.”

Arc looks to the door. “Would you like me to drive you two home?”

Shelly nods. “I’d like that, thank you Arc.”

Lily looks relieved. “Yes. We came here in an ambulance.”

Arc smiles at Shelly as he helps her sit up. “I figured as much. You never did like hospitals. Even when we were kids.”

Shelly nods. “They just feel so… sad.”

Arc motions for his friends to leave the room. “We’ll wait outside for you to change.”

“I won’t be long.”

Arc leaves the room with the others. Lily helps Shelly remove the hospital gown and sets it aside. She retrieves Shelly’s clothes from a nearby chair.

“I’m glad Arc came.”

Shelly nods as she massages her thighs and winces. “Me too. He’s always there when we need him.”

Lily smiles at her friend as she helps dress her. “Arc’s always been so good to us.”

“I… I really do think you two would make a very nice couple.”

Lily closes her eyes and smiles. “We’ve been over this, Shelly. While I agree with you, I’m going to keep my promise to take care of you.”

Shelly sighs. “You need to start thinking about your future. After all… I won’t be around forever.”

Lily looks away sadly. “Please don’t talk like that!”

“It’s true, and you know it.”

“I try not to think about it. That makes me feel rather upset.”

Shelly smiles at her friend as she takes her hand. “I’ve made my peace with the fact that my condition will greatly shorten my lifespan, Lily. You should do the same.”

“You’ve always been the strong one.”

“I have to be. For both of us.”

Lily buttons up Shelly’s waitress uniform. “I… I know you’re in a lot of pain. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Shelly nods. “Just one thing.”

“What is it?”

“Tell Arc how you feel about him.”

“What?!”

“It’s just… I want to be sure there’s someone there for you when I…”

Meanwhile, Arc and company wait in the hallway. Max turns to Arc.

“Sir? What exactly is wrong with Shelly?”

“She has muscular dystrophy. Amongst other things.”

Viktor looks confused. “She’s sick?”

“No. She’s… it’s complicated.”

Ember grimaces. “Can’t we do something for her?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I wish we could.”

A few minutes later the door opens. Lily pushes Shelly into the hallway in her wheelchair. Arc walks over to them.

“Ready to go?”

Shelly nods. “Yes.”

They check out of the hospital as Max goes to pull the Jeep up to the door. They help Shelly into the back seat. Arc sits down next to Shelly as she slowly buckles her seatbelt.

“We’ll make sure you get home safely.”

Lily sits down next to Arc and closes the door. “Thanks! You’re a lifesaver!”

Ember and Viktor get into the front seat with Max. Sereb jumps into Ember’s lap. Max looks behind him.

“Everyone ready?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Let’s get these two home again.”

They pull out of the parking lot. Before long they arrive back at the restaurant. Arc picks Shelly up as Lily unlocks the door. He carries her upstairs and lies her down on her bed.

Shelly winces slightly. “Thank you for taking us home, Arc.”

“You’re welcome. Now is there anything you need?”

Lily sighs. “I hate to ask for more help, but could I trouble you for a ride to the pharmacy? I need to fill Shelly’s prescription.”

Max turns to Arc. “I can drive her over there with Viktor, sir.”

“Sure.”

Ember zips her coat back up. “I’ll come with you.”

Arc nods. “I’ll stay here and keep Shelly company then.”

Shelly sighs as they leave. Arc sits down on the bed next to her.

“So how are you feeling right now?”

“My breathing is MUCH better! But there’s still the… you know.”

Arc nods. “Need some help with that?”

Shelly nods and smiles at him weakly. “Please.

Arc helps Shelly turn over onto her stomach. He begins massaging her shoulders.

“So how have you and Lily been lately?”

Shelly sighs contentedly at the massage. “We’ve been doing okay. Business is picking up a little now that the Shards are toning it down a bit.”

“That’s good. I hope things pick up for the town now.”

“It certainly can’t get any worse for us.”

Arc nods as her rubs her back

“I suppose not. How’s that?”

“Good. You and Lily are the only ones I trust to do this.”

Arc makes circular motions with his palm. “We’ve known each other a long time now.”

“That we have.”

“Can I ask you something, Shelly?”

“What is it?”

“If… if there was some way for you to be cured, would you want to?”

“I would! That is, if the price wasn’t too high.”

Arc thinks for a moment before continuing. “What if it wasn’t costly per say. But… you would have to leave everything you own behind.”

Shelly sighs contentedly as her muscles loosen up. “That wouldn’t be worth it to me.”

“Too much to give up?”

“Yes. I want Lily to be able to inherit the restaurant someday, after all. That and I wouldn’t be able to abandon her or you.”

“Okay, what if you didn’t have to leave us, but you had to sacrifice everything else?”

Shelly looks over her shoulder at him. Arc? “What are you getting at?”

Arc sighs as he massages her arms. “I… was just trying to make conversation, I guess.”

The pair are silent for a time.

“It’s been a while since you did this for me.”

Arc nods. “I think the last time was when you and Lily were still living with me.”

Shelly sighs happily. “Yes. Those were good times.”

“We’d lived together pretty much since we were kids though.”

“Staying at your house was… different though. More personal, I guess. No one to listen in on our conversations. No curfew. No one to tell us what we could and couldn’t do.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I remember when I left it just felt so… surreal. One moment I was a ward of the state. The next, I was signing myself out as an adult.”

“It was really hard to see you go, Arc.”

“I know. Up until then you, Lily and I were inseparable.”

“Lily told me it felt like a part of her was suddenly missing.”

Arc sighs as he thinks of Cherry. “That I understand.”

“I don’t mind telling you, that was the longest two years of our lives. When I aged out, you came and got me.”

“You didn’t have anywhere else to go, Shelly.”

Shelly sighs. “I knew it was only going to be a few months until Lily was able to join us, but… I did miss her.”

“Right. I hated her being there without us. But there wasn’t anything we could do about it back then.”

Arc looks down at Shelly’s legs. They are spasming.

“Your legs hurt. Don’t they.”

Shelly nods.

“If it makes you uncomfortable, I can have Lily do it when she gets back.”

Shelly looks over her shoulder. “Arc. Before Lily came to Angel Grove, you took care of me. You massaged me every morning and evening, helped me remember my medicine, kept a roof over my head, saw to it I had food to eat and clothes to wear.

She smiles sheepishly at him.

“I remember there were days where I… couldn’t do certain things for myself. On those days, you helped me get to the toilet, cleaned me when I… couldn’t make it there in time, bathed me and helped me get dressed. So I guess what I’m trying to say is… I trust you down there..”

Arc nods and begins massaging her calves.

“You were always pretty good at this, Arc.”

“Lily does her best.”

“I know she does. But, you’re a bit stronger than she is.”

“I’m not hurting you, am I?”

Shelly shakes her head. “No. It’s just right.”

They are silent for a time as Arc continues.

“Arc? Thanks, for… being like a big brother to Lily and I. Back then, Lily used to worry a lot about what to do when she aged out of the orphanage.”

“We all did.”

“Yes, well… she was really scared that she’d have nowhere to go.”

“I remember the day you and I went back to the orphanage to pick her up.”

Shelly giggles. “Yes. I’ve never seen her so happy before! Not to mention relieved when we got back to your place. She told me that night that for the first time in her life, it felt like she was really home.”

Arc nods. “It just felt right having you and Lily there with me. I was sad when the two of you left.”

“Nothing lasts forever.”

“I enjoyed our time together. But… I understood your position.”

“Yes. It’s not everyday someone has the chance to open their own restaurant.”

“I’m just glad it was so close by!”

“Lily and I couldn’t have stayed there forever.”

“You and Lily are very special to me. I hope we have many more years together!”

Shelly turns away from him sadly. “I… hope so too, Arc.”

Chapter 7 - Unexpected Visitors

Arc finishes Shelly’s massage. She turns over to look at him.

“Thank you. That feels much better.”

He takes her hand. “Let me know if you need a ride to the doctor later.”

“Thank you, Arc. But Lily will probably want to take me herself.”

“You two are such nice friends.”

“She’s very good to me.”

“Speaking of friends, has Frank been checking in or you two lately?”

Shelly nods. “Yes. Once a week he comes by for breakfast.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Does he pay?”

“Oh yes. In full.”

Shelly appears to be thinking.

“Something wrong?”

“It just occurred to me. We haven’t seen him in a couple weeks now.”

“Maybe he’s just busy.”

Shelly shrugs. “I’m not sure. But… do you think you could call him for me? I don’t have his number handy.”

“Sure.”

Arc reaches for the phone next to her bed. Shelly smiles as he dials the number and hands her the receiver.

“I just want to make sure he isn’t sick or anything.”

“I’m sure he’s fine.”

Shelly nods as she waits for the line to connect. “Probably.”

A moment later a voice is heard on the other end of the line.

“Hi… um… I’m looking for Frank. It’s… um… Shelly. What? But…? Hello?”

She looks confused as she hands Arc the receiver.

“What happened?”

Shelly shakes her head. “That… that can’t be!”

“What is it?”

“Some woman answered the phone and said that Frank isn’t in charge anymore.”

Arc frowns. “That IS strange. I thought we was pretty much unremovable.”

“I thought so too. I wonder who toppled him.”

“One of his lieutenants, probably. Stingray perhaps.”

Shelly looks worried. “She accompanied him here every time he visited. Stingray struck me as a very… strong willed individual, yes. But she also seemed very dedicated to him.”

“Want me to look into this?”

“Yes, but… don’t take any unnecessary risks!”

“I’ll be careful.”

A short time later the others return. Lily walks into the bedroom with a bottle of medicine.

“Here you go, Shelly. How do you feel?”

“Okay right now.”

Arc nods. “It gave us a chance to talk. She was having some spasms as well.”

Lily pours the medicine for her friend. “Oh dear. It’s a good thing you were here, Arc.”

Shelly nods as Lily hands her the cup. “Yes. If it goes on too long it’s that much harder to get under control.”

Lily sighs and picks up the phone. “I should get a doctor’s appointment set up for you.”

She dials a number and speaks with a receptionist before hanging up and turning back to the others.

“I got you in this afternoon, Shelly.”

“Thank you.”

Arc looks toward the open bedroom door. “Are my friends here too?”

Lily nods. “Yes. They’re in the Living Room waiting for us.”

Shelly looks to Lily. “I think I’d like to head over there now and thank them for escorting us home.

Arc and Lily help her up. Shelly slowly makes her way to the Living Room with the others. Max stands respectfully.

“Feeling alright now, miss?”

Ember looks Shelly up and down. “Yeah, you don’t look so good.”

Viktor nods. “Are you certain you’re okay, miss?”

“I’ll be fine.”

Lily helps Shelly to a chair. “I’m just glad Arc got back into town when he did!”

Arc looks away. “Y-yeah.”

Shelly notices his change in demeanor. “So where have you been this time, Arc?”

“I… um…”

There is a knock at the apartment door. Ember looks confused.

“Who could that be?”

Lily shrugs and walks toward the stairs. “I have no idea.”

A few moments later they hear a blood-curdling scream. Arc, Max, Viktor and Ember run toward the stairs. Looking down them they see three familiar faces as Lily runs back up the stairs toward Arc. Snake waves sheepishly.

“Um… hi?”

Arc frowns. “You again?!”

Snake sighs. “Yes, me again!”

Jackal peeks around the corner and waves.

“Hi there!”

Wolf turns to Snake. “This is humiliating.”

Ember glares at them. “What do you losers want?!”

Arc nods. “This place is closed!”

Viktor frowns at the trio. “Yeah! Get out of here!”

Jackal shakes his head. “Door unlocked!”

Lily gasps. “I forgot!”

Wolf sneers at Arc. “I… we, need some help.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That is the understatement of the year.”

Lily turns fearfully to Arc. “Should we call the Marshal?!”

“Probably. But… I’ll hear them out.”

He turns to the gang.

“Wait for me at one of the tables. I’ll be down in a minute.”

Jackal nods. “Okays!”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “Whatever…”

Snake turns and walks away. “Hurry up! This is important!”

Arc turns to the others.

“I’ll go see what they want. The rest of you stay here.”

Ember shakes her head. “Oh no you don’t! I’m coming with you!”

Max faces Arc soberly. “As am I.”

Arc shakes his head. “Stay with Lily and Shelly, Max. If this is some kind of trick, you and Viktor need to keep them safe.”

Max and Viktor nods as Arc, Ember and Sereb walk downstairs to the restaurant. They quickly spot the trio sitting at the counter and walk over.

“So what’s this all about?”

Snake shakes his head. “This kills me inside, but… we need your help.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Why don’t you just get that from your little base?”

Snake gives her a withering look. “Believe me, this was not my first thought.”

Jackal smiles as he reaches down to pet Sereb. “Right! It was mine!”

Wolf looks over to Arc as he points a thumb toward Jackal. “See how desperate we are?”

Arc nods. “Touché.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “So, start talking!”

Wolf looks at Arc. “Keep your dog muzzled, will you?!”

Ember looks over to Sereb. “Why? He isn’t doing anything.”

Arc sighs. “He wasn’t talking about Sereb.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc turns his gaze back to Wolf. “You should be careful of what you say, fella. My friend here isn’t too patient.”

“Why? She’s just a girl!”

Ember steps forward. “Yeah! A girl who’s going to knock your teeth out!”

Wolf stands up and taunts her. “Come on, babe! Let’s see what you got!”

She turns to Arc. “May I?”

Arc nods. “Go for it.”

Wolf swings at her. Ember catches his fist in her hand and starts crushing it. Arc watches the scene before him passively.

“Try not to break it, Ember.”

Ember appears furious as Wolf falls to his knees in pain. “No promises!”

“Okay, okay! I give! I GIVE!!!”

Ember lets go of him. “Smart.”

Arc sighs. “Now THAT’S out of the way, start talking.”

Snake frowns. “Fine. We need your help finding the boss.”

Ember looks confused. “Finding?”

Jackal nods. “Mr. Fontaine not around no more! Nobody’s seen or heard from him in long time!”

“No one? Who’s running the Shards?”

Wolf rubs his sore hand. “The boss’ lieutenants.”

Snake grimaces. “Yeah. Stingray, Hammer and Mio.”

Arc chuckles. “What happened to the animal names thing?”

Jackal shrugs. “They not like it! So they come up with something else!”

Wolf nods. “The boss doesn’t really care WHAT you choose. As long as you pick an alias.”

Snake frowns. “Yeah. In any case, the boss went M.I.A. and nobody seems to know anything.”

Ember waves her hand dismissively. “His lieutenants probably know where he is.”

Jackal looks up from playing fetch with a spoon. “Well, if they dos, they ain’t saying nothin’!”

“Ember’s right. They probably do.”

Wolf looks confused. “Why?”

Ember groans at the question. “Because they have the most to gain!”

Arc nods. “Right. Now they’re in charge. This might not end well.”

Snake appears suddenly worried. “What do you mean?”

Arc turns to Snake. “While he’s still a bad guy, Frank at least had brains. The lieutenants might not be as merciful.”

Wolf chuckles. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

Ember frowns at Wolf. “Oh I don’t know. They might march into town and start breaking things for starters.”

“Right. Frank isn’t around to tell them no. Best case scenario, they fight amongst themselves for dominance.”

Snake shakes his head. “I don’t see that happening. The other two pretty much do whatever Stingray tells them to.”

Wolf nods. “Right! So what are we supposed to do about this?!”

Jackal looks to Arc. “You have idea?”

“The best we can do is find Frank. Do you have ANY idea where he went?”

Wolf shrugs. “Not a clue. That’s why we came here.”

Snake sighs. “Yeah. We knew the boss and you were friends.”

Jackal nods. “We was hoping pretty ladies here could take us to yous! You live here too?!”

“No, I was just visiting.”

Ember turns to him. “So… what ARE we going to do, Arc?”

Arc turns back to the three gang members as he writes his phone number on a napkin. “Go back to your base and give me a call if something happens or you hear about Frank.”

Snake appears livid. “That’s it?!”

Ember shrugs. “Unless you have a better idea, yes!”

Wolf growls at the turn of events.. “I don’t like this!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well, I thought the Shards were supposed to be all about family.”

Jackal nods. “Ya! We a family!”

Ember frowns. “Families look out for one another, and help each other when things go wrong.”

“Right. Frank needs you to help him. I can help, but only when we have some kind of lead.”

Jackal thinks for a moment. “I ask others if they want help too!”

“Fine. Just don’t tell them you’ve been talking to me.”

Snake turns to Jackal. “Right. They’re not much for outside help. Especially the lieutenants.”

Wolf stands up. “Great. More trouble!”

Ember frowns. “You came to US, remember?!”

Snake looks at his watch before turning to Arc. “We’ve got to get back to base. Th-thanks for the talk.”

“Sorry I can’t do much right now. You get me some info and I’ll do my best to follow up on it.”

Jackal pets Sereb and stands up. “Thank yous! Snake wrong about yous! Yous okay!”

“Shut it, Jackal!”

Arc rolls his eyes as they walk toward the door. “I kinda figured that.”

They lock the front door behind the gang and head back upstairs. Lily and Shelly are sitting on the couch with Max across from them. He stands up as Arc enters the room.

“How did it go, sir?”

“They’re gone.”

Shelly appears shaken. “What did they want?!”

“Ironically… help.”

Lily looks confused. “Help?!”

“Yeah. Let me tell you what happened.”

Arc sits down between them and explains the situation.

“So they don’t have ANY idea where Frank is?”

Ember shakes her head. “It didn’t sound like it.”

Shelly sighs. “I don’t like the idea of helping the Shards, but Frank is our friend!”

Arc nods. “I gave them my phone number. If something comes up, they’ll call me.”

Max frowns. “Do you think they will?”

“I guarantee it.”

Chapter 8 - Analyzing

Arc, Ember, Max and Viktor return home. Max sighs.

“I do hope those two will be okay.”

Arc nods as he drives. “I offered to let them stay with us for a few days. Kinda wish they would have taken me up on that.”

Ember shrugs. “They’ll be fine, Arc.”

Viktor nods. “Ember’s right, sir. Those guys were just looking for help.”

Arc sighs. “I know. I’m just worried about Shelly.”

Max appears nervous. “Like Lily said, they’ll know more after she sees her doctor today.”

They arrive back home and head inside. As they enter the basement Arc looks to Hugh.

“Anything happen while we were…?”

His earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“This is Sunburst, sir. Can you hear me?”

“Loud and clear. What’s going on?”

“Miss Sparkle insisted on contacting you personally, sir. Shall I put her on the line?”

“Go ahead.”

A few moments later Twilight’s voice comes over the earring.

“Arc?! Can you hear me?!”

Arc winces. “Woah! Tone it down, Twilight! I’m almost deaf now!”

Twilight chuckles sheepishly. “Sorry! I’m just so excited!”

“I haven’t head you this happy since your last… what did you call it again? Booksortcation?”

“This is just as exciting! I was able to upgrade Rose’s hardware!”

Arc’s eye twitches. “Admittedly, that makes me a bit nervous.”

“Don’t worry. I just gave her sensors some upgrades.”

“Oh… I guess that’s okay.”

“Rose was very insistent that she join you as soon as possible.”

Arc frowns. “What?! But the next portal window isn’t ready until…”

Sunburst interrupts. “That isn’t a problem, sir.”

“You have that figured out now?”

Rose’s voice can be heard in the background. “It should be safe for me to pass through the trans-dimensional portal anytime, Arc.”

“What? How?!”

“You forget, I’m not actually alive.”

“Touché.”

Twilight giggles. “I figured we had better call you first before just sending her to Earth.”

“Thanks. I don’t think I could take any more surprises today.”

Rose sounds nervous. “So… can I come over there, Arc?”

“I don’t see why not. As long as Sunburst can get you here safely.”

“That I can, sir.”

“Do it.”

“Yes sir. I’ll send her through in a few minutes.”

Arc nods as he heads up the stairs. “Alright. I’ll meet her in the backyard. You want to come too, Twilight?”

“Thank you, but I’ll pass. Auriel and I have a lot of work to do. Next time?”

Arc laughs. “Anytime you want.”

“I’d really like to see Earth for myself. But there’s just so much to do here.”

Arc nods as he walks out the back door. “I understand.”

Sunburst calls out from his control panel. “We’re ready on this end, sir.”

“As am I. Go ahead.”

A portal materializes on the platform. Sunburst turns to Rose.

“Anytime you’re ready miss.”

Rose kneels down and gives Twilight a hug. “I’ll come home soon, mother.”

“Take care, Rose.”

The android nod, stands, and walks toward the portal. As she approaches Rose stops and turns back to Twilight.

“I’ll make you proud of me, mother.”

Twilight waves after her and sighs as Rose steps through and vanishes.

“You already have, Rose.”

Meanwhile, Rose steps through the portal onto Earth. Seeing Arc she hurries over to him and gives him a hug.

“I missed you, Arc!”

“Good to see you too, Rose.”

He takes her hand and they head toward the house.

“Let’s get inside where it’s warm.”

Rose giggles. “You forget, Arc. I don’t get cold.”

“Well, I do!”

They enter the warm kitchen together. Rose looks around.

“This is… unexpected.”

Arc nods. “Human’s architecture is a bit different from what you’re used to.”

Rose nods. “Everything is a bit… bigger too.”

“Well, we are taller. But let’s see how the others are getting along.”

Arc leads Rose toward the basement steps.

“You have a basement lab like mother?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. It’s more of a computer lab right now though.”

They reach the bottom steps. Ember looks over from the table.

“Hey Rose! Have a nice trip over?”

Rose looks confused. “It was… uneventful.”

Arc turns to his squad. “In any case, how are things in town you guys?”

Hugh sighs. “Crime seems to have picked up recently.”

Max nods. “Nothing too major, but… it is rather concerning.”

Viktor turns from his computer screen. “Vandalism, pick-pocketing, petty theft…”

Xenos shrugs. “It’s not like they’re all that threatening. But it is causing quite a bit of trouble for Marshal Raynor and the guards. I mean, police, right?”

Arc nods. “Right. Any patterns?”

Max shakes his head. “Not that I can see, sir.”

Viktor continues typing. “I’ve plotted a map of the dates and times each crime occurred, sir.”

Hugh points to the screen. “We’ve looked it over but can’t seem to find anything to go on.”

Ember looks over their shoulders. “That’s a lot of dots!”

Arc frowns. “Indeed. Do you have a graph of the crime demographics, Viktor?”

Viktor hands Arc a paper. “Right here, sir!”

“Thanks.”

Ember sighs as Arc looks it over. “Not much to go on. These so-called crimes would get you laughed at in the Dragon Lands.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’m thinking these aren’t so much for the sake of wealth, but for something else.”

Rose joins them. “Like what, Arc?”

“I’m guessing this crime spree is to take our attention off something else. A sleight of hand so to speak.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “A real crime?”

“Right. The big heist.”

Viktor points at the map on his screen. “There’s only one place nearby they haven’t hit, sir. The military base.”

Xenos turns to Arc. “Think they’re after some better weapons again?!”

Hugh shudders. “Who would stop them?! The police are busy with small crimes.”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it. The military isn’t like the police. The Shards send a force against them and they’d be shot to pieces.”

Ember put a hand to her chin. “Maybe they’re planning to sneak in quietly?”

“It’s possible. But I still don’t think they’re that stupid. More than likely those guys are staying away from that place to avoid drawing the attention of the commanders there.”

Rose studies the screen intently.

“You see anything, Rose?”

Yes, Arc. Judging from the dates and times it appears that the perpetrators are simply walking from crime to crime.

Hugh looks confused. “What makes you say that?”

Rose picks up a pencil and points to the screen. “Might I show you?”

“Wait, Rose! Viktor, print that page.”

“Yes sir.”

The printer spits out a copy. Arc picks it up and hands it to Rose.

“Draw on this.”

“Very well.”

Rose looks at the paper a moment before connecting the dots.

“I’m seeing twelve separate patterns here. It’s likely twelve different teams walking at different paces.”

Max nods. “Makes sense.”

Xenos looks at the paper. “So let’s say they ARE covering for something big. Where do we go from here?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “There’s no way to know from the information we have. We’ll need some kind of break to figure that out.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Like what?”

“Like doing a little reconnaissance at the Shard base.”

Rose looks to Max, confused. “Shard base?”

“They’re the ones causing trouble in town.”

Arc nods. “Right. The guys and I have been trying to figure out what they’re really up to.”

“Can I help?”

“I don’t see why not, Rose.”

Ember grins. “What’s the plan? I’m assuming we’re not just going to run in there spears slashing.”

Arc chuckles. “Wasn’t planning on it, no. In fact, I have a little something here that should help out in that regard.”

He reaches into his magic ring and pulls out a cloth bundle. Max looks at it suspiciously.

“What’s that, sir?”

“I’ll show you.”

Opening the sack Arc reaches in and pulls out a black cloak. Hugh’s eyes grow wide.

“Are those…?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Magic cloaks.”

Viktor peeks into the bag. “How many are in there?!”

“Four.”

Xenos picks up a cloak. “These must’ve cost a fortune!”

“I’m sure they did. But I feel they’re necessary if we’re going to save Princess Celestia.”

Ember sighs. “So… we’re going in stealthily again?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’m not keen on things happening like last time.”

Max shudders. “We didn’t like sitting here out of contact with you either, sir.”

Rose looks at the cloak in Ember’s hand. “Arc, could you help me test my new sensors?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“Mother upgraded me so I could help more.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Can you see us when we’re cloaked now?”

“Kinda. I should be able to pick you up with my improved thermal scanners. I’d just like to verify that everything is working as intended.”

Ember puts on a robe. “I’ll help.”

She cloaks. Rose looks at the empty space in front of her.

“Any luck?”

“Yes! I can see a thermal outline of her. Clear as day!”

Ember decloaks and removes the robe. “So when are we going, Arc?”

“Tonight.”

Max appears a bit taken aback. “I know there’s no time like the present, sir. But is that enough time to prepare?”

“I believe so. It’s a recon mission, so unfortunately we’ll have to play it mostly by ear.”

Ember frowns. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Rose shudders. “Neither do I, Arc!”

Arc pulls the magic cloaks out of the bag and hangs them up. “I agree with you two. But I’m not sure what else we can do.”

Viktor picks up a few nearby papers. “We could go over the building plans we made from your last visit, sir. Unless you want us to come with you tonight.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Actually, yes.”

Xenos looks to Arc excitedly. “Really sir?!”

“Two of you will anyways. The other two will stay here and run the Command Center.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow, confused. “Command… what now?”

Max looks around at all the equipment. “I guess it is sort of like our base.”

Viktor grins as he pats the computer before him. “There’s no place like home.”

Xenos looks hopeful. “Will we follow you in, sir?””

“No. I’m going to have you and Hugh stay outside and be our contingency plan.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Our what?”

Rose clears her throat. “Contingency plan. A backup plan in case something goes wrong.”

Arc nods. “To put it negatively, yes.”

Ember appears suddenly nervous. “You expecting trouble?”

Arc shrugs. “After what happened last time, I’m not taking chances.”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “What happened?!”

Arc motions for her to follow as he heads for the stairs. “I’ll tell you about it on the way, Rose.”

“Where are we going?”

“Just to the store for a few things.”

“Okay!”

Arc and Rose leave. Ember and the squad look at each other and shrug. That night Arc and the others eat a late supper around the dining room table. Arc looks around at all assembled.

“So is everyone clear on the plan?”

Xenos points to a box in the corner. “Yup. Everything Hugh and I need is in there.”

Hugh nods. “We have the easy part, sir.”

Ember chuckles. “You got that right! But what will I be doing, Arc? Other than watching your back, that is.”

“That’s an important job, Ember. That and if we have to fight our way out, there’s no one I’d rather have at my side.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “You’re not really increasing my confidence on this one, Arc.”

“Just being honest, Ember.”

Rose giggles as she drinks a glass of water. “We’ll keep you safe, Arc!”

“Thanks. Let’s all be really careful though.”

The sound of footsteps coming downstairs can be heard. Cybil enters the Dining Room in her janitor’s uniform. Arc smiles at her as she enters.

“Hi Cybil.”

“Hello Arc. Hey everyone.”

Max nods to her. “Morning.”

Cybil smiles sheepishly. “It feels like it. When did you get back, Arc?”

“Earlier this morning. You were probably in bed already though. Oh, this is a new friend of mine. Her name’s Rose.”

Cybil looks to Rose. “How do you do?”

“Hello.”

“Will you be staying here as well, miss?”

Rose smiles at Arc. “As long as I can.”

“Yes, well… so how’s the new job going?”

Cybil sits down as Xenos passes her a box of cereal. “Great! It’s pretty basic stuff. Just emptying waste baskets, mopping floors, washing windows and cleaning the bathrooms mostly.”

“At least it’s honest work.”

“Yeah. And I don’t have any temptation to drink on the job.”

Ember looks confused. “Temptation?”

Cybil sighs. “The smell of alcohol from the beer the restaurant I worked at before regularly served.”

Arc nods soberly. “I can understand that.”

“While I still want to drink, now I just think about Angel’s hands and what I did to her. That seems to help quite a bit.”

Xenos shoots Cybil a sympathetic look. “We’re here for you, ma’am.”

“Thanks. You know, it does help quite a bit that no one here likes to go out and get hammered. I’m more of a social drinker. My old roommate and I… we used to go way too far into our beer cans way too often.”

Max nods. “Peer pressure is a powerful force.”

Arc smiles. “True. But now you’re pressured NOT to drink, Cybil.”

“Yes. It’s not who I want to be anymore.”

They go back to eating. Cybil looks over the spread.

“Isn’t it a bit late for you to have supper though?”

Arc shrugs. “We have a bit of a field trip tonight.”

“Oh?”

“Do you remember my friend Frank?”

“The fellow that came for Christmas dinner?”

Arc nods. “Right. He’s missing.”

“Oh dear! Do you suspect foul play?!”

Xenos shrugs. “That’s what we’re going to look into, ma’am.”

“Do be careful! You don’t wind up missing too now! Perhaps you should talk to Marshal Raynor about this, Arc.”

“I would, but… the Shards are involved. That and Frank isn’t exactly the most law-abiding guy out there.”

“But, what if…?”

Ember interrupts her. “Don’t worry, Cybil. We’ll look after Arc.”

Rose nod. A determined look on her face. “That we will!”

They finish their meal. Arc, Ember, Rose, Cybil, Xenos, Hugh and Sereb get into the Jeep together.

“You don’t have to drive me to work. I can walk.”

Arc gets into the driver’s seat. “Well, it’s on the way, Cybil.”

Ember rubs her hands together. “That and it’s still really cold out these days!”

A short drive later they stop in front of the Police Station. Cybil hops out.

“Thanks for the ride, Arc. You be careful out there!”

Arc nods. “We will. See you at home tomorrow morning.”

They pull away from the curb as Cybil heads into the building. As they drive on Ember turns to Arc.

“So why are we driving there?”

Xenos nods. “Yeah, sir. A portal would be faster.”

“Yes, well… to tell you the truth, this whole operation has me nervous.”

Hugh looks confused. “Sir?”

Arc sighs. “I don’t mind risking MY neck. But risking others makes me a bit skittish.”

Xenos frowns. “That’s our job, sir.”

Ember nods. “Mine too! Kinda.”

Hugh peeks around the seat. “Right! We’re here to support you, sir!”

“Thanks. Everyone just be careful, okay?”

They nod. Cherry speaks to Arc telepathically.

“They are very dedicated to you, Arc. You should be proud.”

“I am. But… I’m not keen on leading them to their doom.”

“You would never do that!”

“One never knows what the future holds, Cherry. Look at how you ended up.”

“That was NOT your fault, Arc!”

“This is just something I have to live with. No amount of reassurances will ever truly sooth my conscience.”

Chapter 9 - Looking for Answers

A short time later they arrive at the hill overlooking the Shard base. Parking at the bottom of it Arc and company walk the rest of the way and scout the perimeter. Ember looks around.

“Well, security doesn’t appear to have changed.”

Hugh nods. “That’s a break.”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah! I thought this would be hard!”

Sereb growls. “Pride comes before a fall.”

Arc turns to them. “Sereb’s right. Let’s not get overconfident now. You have that box, Xenos?”

“Right here, sir.”

“Good.”

Arc points at the southwest corner of the compound.

“Xenos, you and Hugh cloak and get set up over there. You both understand the plan, right?”

“Yes sir.”

“Simple as pie, sir!”

Ember frowns. “I don’t like this plan, Arc. It just seems too… I don’t know… easy?”

“Simple plans are the best ones, Ember.”

Rose nods. “Right. Less to go wrong.”

Ember sighs. “I wish I shared your optimism, Rose.

Arc, Ember and Rose wait as Xenos and Hugh cloak and walk toward the base as instructed. Ember turns to Arc.

“This is crazy! They’re completely exposed out there!”

Rose looks confused. “No, they’re invisible.”

“I mean they don’t have any cover!”

Arc turns to her. “And we will once we get inside?”

“Kinda. I mean… all we have is the element of surprise.”

Arc watches Xenos and Hugh walk through the opening in the fence through his helmet. “And a very powerful element that is.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “If it was anyone else saying that…”

A short time later Arc’s earring chirps.

“In position, sir.”

“We’ll wait to hear from you.”

Arc nods. “Good. Our team will try to be fast. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Arc then pulls out three magic cloaks from his ring and hands them to Ember and Rose.

“Let’s get this mission started.”

Ember dons the robe. “Yes, lets.”

Rose looks to him as she puts on her own robe. “Aren’t you going to put on the rest of your armor Arc?”

“I could. But I thought it would make me less stealthy.”

Ember frowns. “We probably should, Arc. This really is dangerous.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. But what about Rose?”

“Mother built me with dermal plating. I’ll be okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Just be careful, okay? I’ll have Steel Hammer make some armor for you one of these days, Rose.”

Cloaking and Blinking them through the fence Arc leads Ember, Rose and Sereb around to the truck docks on the west side of the building. Ember looks around.

“It doesn’t look any different.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Changes can be subtle.”

Arc nods. “Sereb’s right. Look up in the corners of the building.”

They do so. Ember squints as something.

“Little boxes?”

Arc nods. “Security cameras. And they look new.”

Sereb growls. “I certainly did not see them on our previous trip.”

Ember gasps. “Can they see us?”

Rose shakes her head. “Unless they have thermal scanning we should be fine.”

Arc looks toward the dock. “Agreed. Let’s get inside now.”

Max calls out to Arc over his earring. “Be careful, sir.”

Viktor looks over his screen. “We’ll monitor your progress like we did last time.”

“Thanks. Let me know if the signal starts to get weak though.”

Max tunes the receiver. “Yes sir.”

Arc Blinks them inside the building. As expected the docks are empty. Ember breathes a sigh of relief.

“This is a lucky break.”

Arc nods. “That it is. You smell anything, Sereb?”

“This place was quite busy not that long ago.”

“Well it is a dock, big guy.”

Ember looks to Arc. “What do you think they were unloading?”

“Let’s look around and find out, shall we?”

They split up and look around the docks before reconvening a few minutes later.

“So what did you two find?”

Ember points to a nearby wall. “They’ve got a bunch of wood under that tarp over there.”

“Wood?”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe they want to fix this place up?”

Arc looks around. “Maybe. I mean, it could certainly use it. But I doubt they have anyone here who has experience doing legitimate construction work. Rose?”

Rose looks to some crates in a corner. “I found some hard hats, gloves, hammers, shovels and other work tools.”

Viktor calls out over Arc’s earring. “I saw a news article about a nearby hardware store being robbed in the night, sir.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “The building theory is looking more plausible.”

“Hmmm… maybe. I found a bunch of tarps and temporary lighting. This just doesn’t make sense though. This building is big enough. Why build something else?”

Rose frowns. “Maybe they’re building storehouses elsewhere?”

“Possible, but unlikely. They would have to guard them. Here they can keep a close eye on everything that goes on.”

Ember sighs. “Makes sense. But they’re definitely doing SOMETHING!”

Arc nods. “Let’s carry on. Maybe we can pick up some more clues on the way.”

Rose turns to Arc. “I hope so. Where to next?”

“This way.”

Ember follows him down the corridor with the others. “Sure but… where?”

“You’ll see.”

He leads them deeper into the base. Soon they stop at a corner. Arc peeks around it to see two burly guards standing on either side of a door.

“I figured as much.”

Ember calls forth her spear. “We can take those two!”

Rose shakes her head. “But they could call for help.”

Arc nods. “Right. We need to get past them without them raising the alarm.”

Ember sighs. “Got a plan?”

“Yes. But I need Sereb’s help.”

“Very well.”

A few minutes later Sereb walks around the corner and over to the guards. He tugs on one of their pantlegs before walking a short distance and looking back. Shrugging, the two guards follow him around the corner. They take a few steps before vanishing from sight.

Rose smiles. “That worked?”

Arc nods as he removes the sigil from the floor and stands up. “That it did.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Uh… where exactly did you send them?”

“The old archives room in the public library.”

Rose looks confused. “Won’t they just call their friends?!”

Arc shakes his head as they walk toward the now unguarded door. “I doubt it. They’ll probably stand around confused for a few minutes before walking back here.”

“Walking?”

“Yeah. They can’t really tell the others why they were there. Everyone would just think they’re crazy. That and I doubt they want Stingray hearing they left their post.”

Sereb chuckles. “Clever.”

He jumps in Ember’s arms as she and Rose stand very close to Arc in front of the door. Concentrating, he Blinks them inside. Ember looks around.

“Where… are we?”

Arc turns on the lights as he and the others decloak. “Frank’s room.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “The leader of the Shard’s… room?”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “What?! But… but I thought you said he was a bad man, Arc!”

“…y-yeah.”

Ember narrows her eyes as she looks at Arc. “How exactly did you know where that was?!”

Arc walks over to a dresser. “I… look, we’ll talk about it later.”

Ember frowns. “I’m holding you to that!”

“Fine. Just look around for clues.”

They search the room carefully. Ember looks over a table.

“Frank sure is organized.”

Arc nods. “He’s always been like that.”

Ember shrugs. “To run an organization like this I guess you’d have to be.”

“Mother told me hard work pays off. Is that not the case?”

Arc sighs. “That’s true. But he’s working toward a rather shady goal.”

Ember calls out to the others. “Hey! There’s some strange looking device over here, Arc!”

“That’s a laptop, Ember.”

“A what?”

“It’s like the computer I have at my house, but portable.”

Rose looks confused. “Why would he have one?”

“They do quite a few different things. Frank probably has one so he can do his work from this room as well.”

“So what do we do with it?”

“I’ll take it. Maybe there’s something on here we can use.”

Ember gives Arc the laptop. He puts it in his magic ring as Rose looks under the bed.

“This is strange.”

Ember walks over. “What is?”

Rose pulls out a shoebox. “There’s some pictures in a box over here.”

Arc joins her. “Really? Let me see.”

He looks over the pictures for a few moments before quickly putting the box in his ring.

Ember turns to him. “Anything interesting, Arc?”

“M-maybe. We’ll see later.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “Is something wrong, Arc? Your heart rate is increasing.”

“It’s nothing! Let’s keep searching.”

They continue looking around. Arc opens a small drawer in the nightstand.

“Hello…”

Rose looks over. “What is it?”

“I think this is Frank’s journal. Maybe he wrote something in here.”

Ember grins. “Let’s have a look then.”

Arc opens the journal. “Let’s see here…”

He reads over the last few entries.

“Not much out of the ordinary here. Something about Stingray running a new plan by him later.”

Ember raises and eyebrow. “Isn’t that suspicious?”

Rose tilts her head, confused. “How so?”

“Stingray has a plan and then Frank suddenly goes missing?!”

Arc looks up from the journal as he stores it in his ring. “Maybe. Sadly it doesn’t give any details into what said plan was. Maybe we should look into what’s in Stingray’s room. I can read over this in depth later.”

Ember frowns. “But she’s probably in there sleeping right now!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Yeah… hmmm… well, if she’s anything like Frank she might still be up working.

Rose nods. “It’s possible. But how would we know which room was hers?”

“This is the most intact part of the building. It stands to reason her quarters would be near Frank’s.”

Sereb nods. “Makes sense.”

Arc touches his earring. “Max, you read?”

“Yes sir.”

“Any signal issues like last time?”

Viktor looks over the instruments. “No sir. The signal is strong at the moment.”

“Good. Let me know if that changes. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and turns to the others.

“Let’s cloak up and take a walk.”

They nod. Turning off the lights and cloaking as Arc Blinks them back out into the hallway.

“Let’s check a couple of these doors.”

Sereb looks around. “I can help with that.”

“How?”

“I have her scent from our last encounter.”

Arc grins. “Good. I really don’t want this to get ugly.”

They walk slowly down the hallway. Sereb looks over at a nearby door.

“This is her room.”

Ember looks at the door. “Are you sure?”

“Her scent is heavy here.”

Arc frowns. “Is she in there?”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “No. I do not hear anything inside.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Are we going in?”

“Yeah.”

They move in close as Arc Blinks them inside and decloaks. Rose whispers to Arc.

“Is it safe to turn on the lights?”

“Probably not. But if we don’t we can’t properly search the room. It’s a calculated risk.”

He flicks the switch and they look around. The room is rather spartan in its contents. Ember chuckles.

“Huh… I thought that banshee would have a nicer room.”

“I guess there’s more to her than meets the eye. In any case, start looking.”

They search the room in moments but find nothing of interest. Arc sighs.

“Well… it was worth a shot.”

Rose looks around the room before pointing to the nightstand. “There is something strange behind that little table.”

Ember looks down. “I don’t see anything.”

Rose walks over and picks an object up.

“What is this, Arc?”

Arc takes the small, cylindrical item from her and frowns. “Viktor, do you see this?”

“Yes sir.”

“Take a screenshot of it and see if you can figure out exactly what it is.”

“Right away, sir.”

He puts the item in his ring before turning to the others.

“Let’s go.”

Ember nods. “Where to this time?”

Arc cloaks and turns off the lights. “I’m not really sure. Rose, how powerful are your scanners?”

“I can probably scan anywhere in the base. What are you looking for?”

“Anything… volatile. Gasoline, gunpowder… anything that goes boom. Start scanning the inside of the building.”

“Very well.”

She closes her eyes and concentrates.

“Nothing.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Okay, scan outside now.”

Rose does so.

“There are two spots with explosives. One small, one large.”

Arc frowns. “Disregard the smaller of the two. Tell me about the larger one.”

“A small shed is filled with crates of something volatile. Sadly, I can’t identify what it is exactly, as the substance is not found in my data banks.”

Ember frowns. “Then how do you know what it is?”

“From its chemical properties.”

Sereb growls. “So the Shards have explosives. This does not bode well.”

Arc frowns. “Agreed.”

Ember grins wickedly. “Should we take it away from them?”

“Probably should. I can’t see them doing anything beneficial with it. What side of the building are the explosives, Rose?”

“The northeast corner of the compound.”

“Let’s go check it out.”

Arc Blinks them through the door. They walk down corridor after corridor until they come to a large dimly lit room. Suddenly they decloak. Ember looks around.

“Hey! What the…?!”

A female voice rings out somewhere nearby.

”My, my, my… it looks like I’ve found the rats that have been sniffing at our cheese.”

They look across the room to see a young woman with long green hair and a small pair of spectacles perched on her nose. She is flanked by two dozen armed Shard members.

“Hero of Light, I presume?”

Arc removes his cloak and stashes it in his ring. “I see my reputation precedes me, miss…”

The woman smiles slyly and pushes her glasses up with her index finger.

“Lieutenant Mio.”

Ember glares at the woman. “What do you want?!”

Mio giggles. “I suppose I could ask you three the same thing. Sneaking in here like this isn’t very heroic after all.”

“We’re just sightseeing. Now if you’ll excuse us…”

Arc turns with the others toward the open double doors behind them. They suddenly slam shut. Arc and company turn back to see Mio holding out a hand toward the doors and shaking her head. A smile across her face. Ember’s eyes grow wide.

“How did you…?!”

Mio shakes a finger at them. “Tut, tut. But you only just arrived. Please… stay awhile.”

Cherry speaks to Arc telepathically. “This mare is trouble, Arc! Be careful!”

Ember calls forth her spear. Mio turns to one of her guards across the room as he holds out a staff. Reaching forward she pulls it to herself and takes up a battle ready position.

Arc frowns. “Interesting. So where did you learn to do that?”

Mio shakes her head. “You forget, I am the one asking the questions here. That and I could ask you the same thing.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I think you do. How else could you and your friend here have escaped that burning building?”

Arc shrugs. “Um… just lucky I guess.”

Mio shakes her head. “Really now? Let’s see…”

She looks around. Resting her gaze on a crate nearby Mio focuses and throws it at Rose. Arc whirls around and pushes it out of the way with his magic. Mio smiles and nods.

“I knew you had it too! I KNEW you had magic!”

“Fine! What of it?!”

She takes a few steps toward him. “You and I… we’re the same. Join our family and you can be with others who share the gift of magic.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks for the offer, but I already have a family.”

Mio takes up a battle-ready stance again. “It was not a request. Join us!”

“I will not.”

Mio motions for her troops to get ready. “Well then… perhaps Stingray will have better luck convincing you when she returns. In the meantime, you’re not going anywhere.”

She steps forward with her troops slowly. Mio raises her hands. They glow as she casts a strange spell on Arc and his friends. Arc reaches for his ring.

“Okay. Looks like playtime is over!”

He attempts to call forth his spear, but cannot.

“Great… this again?”

Mio smiles at him, still casting. “Yes, well… there is no shame in admitting defeat by a superior opponent. Right now I can use magic, and you cannot. Please surrender peacefully now. You and I have much to discuss.”

Arc takes a step back with the others. “Like what?”

Mio continues forward with her troops. “An individual with your talents belongs with us.”

“Not really interested in…”

“Come now! Become a part of something larger than yourself. Join our little… organization.”

Arc stops. “I already have one of those.”

“Well… right now you don’t have much of a choice. There are three of you and dozens of us.”

Ember turns to Arc. “This… doesn’t look good.”

Cherry speaks to him, nearly frantic. “Arc, if you have a plan, now’s the time!”

Rose looks to Arc. “Any ideas?”

Arc nods.

“Guys, I think it’s time we left. BOYS! LIGHT IT UP!”

A few moments later an ear shattering explosion can be heard outside. The Shard members drop fearfully to the floor as Mio looks around confused.

“What the…?!”

Seeing her concentration momentarily broken, Arc pushes the others toward the door.

“GO!!!”

The group runs toward the closed doors behind them. Arc puts his arms around Rose and Ember’s shoulders as Sereb jumps onto his back. Blinking through the doors Arc turns just long enough to use his magic to push over the crates on either side of the doorway, effectively blocking their pursuers. Ember fumes at him.

“Great plan!”

“Don’t thank me yet!”

“THANK you?!”

Max calls out over the earring. “They’re breaking though! Hurry!”

Viktor shakes his head. “No, sir! Not that way!”

“It leads to a dead end, sir!

Arc nods. “I know! But it’s right where we need to be!”

He focuses his magic as they run toward the end of the corridor. Putting his arms around Ember and Rose yet again he Blinks them through the wall. They drop down several feet to the ground below and land on their faces. Arc helps Ember and Rose up as an alarm goes off.

“Keep running! Hurry!”

Rose turns to Arc as they run. “Xenos and Hugh are just ahead.”

Arc nods. “I see them!”

Stopping to meet up with the others Arc quickly open a portal.

“Everyone in!”

They rush through and find themselves on the hill overlooking the Shard hideout. Xenos and Hugh decloak and turn to Arc.

“What happened in there sir?!”

Arc sighs. “Things didn’t quite go according to plan.”

He turns and beckons them to follow him.

“Let’s get back to the Jeep and get out of here. We have work to do.”

“Yes sir!”

Meanwhile back at the Shard hideout, Mio looks out the window at the courtyard. Having watched them make their escape, Stingray walks over to her.

“So, what did you learn, Mio?

Mio sighs as she continues to look out the window. “He does indeed have the gift of magic.”

“Are you completely certain?!”

“Yes. I saw him use it with my own eyes. A second time when he and his friends escaped.”

Stingray stands next to Mio as they continue to watch the grounds bustling with activity. “This is… troubling.”

“How so?”

“You know as well as I do that only a select few were given the gift.”

Mio nods. “Yes. It is quite… regulated and documented.”

“I’ll have a talk with our handler. See if they can turn up something on him. He HAS to have some kind of connection to us if he could…”

Mio shakes her head. “Magic is so… complicated and simple at the same time. Is it really so hard to believe that someone could just be naturally gifted?”

“It is! No one has EVER had that kind of power without being artificially imbued!”

“So… you believe him to be talented then?”

Stingray frowns. “Well he DID survive meeting both of us.”

Mio giggles. “Hammer will want to introduce herself to this one. Sooner rather than later I would think.”

Stingray nods. “Yes. She is… impatient.”

“I do pity that poor fool. Hammer will not go easy on him.”

Stingray turns around and scoffs as she walks away. “Yeah? Neither will I when next he and I meet!”

Chapter 10 - Not Always Pleasant

Arc and company return to the Jeep. Getting in they quickly return home. As they enter the basement Max and Viktor hurry over to them.

“Everyone okay?!”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. No worse for wear over here.”

Xenos laughs. “We had the easy job!”

Hugh nods. “Yes. Lighting a single charge while invisible isn’t what I would call dangerous.”

Rose appears confused. “Charge?”

Arc chuckles. “He means fireworks. I just bought the biggest one they had. It did the job of causing a viable distraction.”

Viktor frowns. “In any case… what WAS that woman?!”

Arc is suddenly serious. “A magic user.”

Max’s eyes grow wide. “But humans can’t use magic!”

Xenos nods. “Right! Are you sure, sir?”

Rose interjects. “During our discourse I took the liberty of scanning her, Arc. She did indeed use magic against us.”

Sereb frowns. “This is… unsettling.”

Arc looks down to him. “Which part.”

“The fact that our opponents have a magic user show that they are no longer simple thugs.”

Viktor grimaces. “At least she isn’t!”

Ember nods. “And where there’s one, there’s more!”

Arc sighs. “I agree. This whole thing has me a bit… unsettled. I mean… magic doesn’t exist here! At least it’s not supposed to!”

Viktor looks toward the basement door. “Shall I do some research on that, sir?”

“Sure. But I doubt you’ll find anything based in fact. Mostly just illusionists and fakes looking for attention.”

“I’ll try anyway, sir.”

Max looks to Arc as Viktor heads for the basement. “Perhaps we should go over what you found, sir?”

Arc yawns as he removes the items taken from the Shard hideout from his ring and sets them on the table. “Let’s do that tomorrow. It’s late after all.”

Ember looks away. “Y-yeah. This has been one heck of a night.”

Arc turns to his squad. “Get some rest. We’ll start this up again tomorrow.”

They salute as Arc, Ember and Rose head upstairs. Max looks at the items on the table.

“What do you suppose is in here?”

Hugh shrugs. “Let’s have a look.”

Viktor frowns as Hugh opens the shoe box. “The commander said we should do it tomorrow, Hugh.”

“He didn’t say we couldn’t though.”

Max sighs. “But he wants us to be well rested for tomorrow!”

“This won’t take but a minute though.”

Max takes the box from Hugh. “Fine! But I’ll do it! Then maybe that will…”

He pulls something out and looks at it. A moment later the blood drains from his face. Xenos appears concerned.

“Max?”

Max throws the item back in the box and closes the lid quickly.

Hugh frowns. “What’s wrong?!”

Viktor looks confused. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost, buddy.”

Max shakily steps back. “I… I’ll never disobey the commander again! I SWEAR!”

The rest of the squad help him to bed. Meanwhile, Arc goes upstairs with the others. Ember turns to him.

“I… I think I need a bit of a snack before bed.”

“Alright.”

Arc leads Rose to the Guest Room.

“You can sleep here with Ember. I’d let you use my room, but Cybil sleeps there.”

He gestures to the dresser.

“Derpy has some clothes in there that would probably fit you.”

Rose looks confused. “Clothes?”

“To sleep in.”

“Oh. But I don’t actually need to…”

Arc interrupts her. “I… guess I forgot. Sorry.”

Rose looks around the room. “Hmmm…”

“Is something wrong?”

She walks toward the dresser and picks up a picture. “Your family?”

“My parents.”

Rose sighs. “It… must be nice.”

“Which part?”

“Having a family. Where are they now? Working?”

Arc sighs. “My mother died when I was a boy. And my father… I don’t know.”

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to…!”

Arc puts a hand on her should. “It’s okay. You didn’t know.”

He looks at the picture for a few more moments before sighing.

“Well, I need to get to bed now. Please get some rest. Ember will be up in a few minutes to keep you company.”

Rose nods as Arc leaves the room. Sitting down on the bed and picking the picture up again, she sighs.

“A family… true parents… things I don’t have. Mother? Is it wrong for me to want a father?”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to his parent’s room and lies down. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc? I’m here.”

“Thank you, Cherry.”

“I know tonight was especially difficult for you.”

“Yes. Facing another magic user was NOT how I expected this to go.”

“That isn’t what I mean, and you know it.”

Arc sighs. “Y-yeah.”

“But you don’t want to talk about it, do you?”

“Not really.”

“Arc, everypony has secrets. Things they don’t tell anyone else.”

“I know, Cherry. But… some things I wish could be taken back, done over, or not done at all!”

“That much I do understand. You’re a very strong-willed human though, Arc. Please don’t be pulled down by this.”

Arc rolls over and turns off the lights. “No one is THAT strong!”

He drifts off to their Sanctuary with Cherry. Sometime later that night there is a knock at the bedroom door. Arc sits up and turns on the lights.

“Come in.”

Rose and Ember open the door and walk in. Ember looks embarrassed. Arc nods. as he looks at Ember.

“Same as usual?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Forgive me for suggesting we wake you, Arc. But… her heart rate was up when she came upstairs. I had to ask what was wrong.”

Ember sighs. “It’s not your fault, Rose. Like Arc said, this always happens after…”

She struggles to find the words. Arc nods.

“…after we have a close call.”

Ember shakes her head as she sits down next to him on the bed and takes his hand.

“Right. I… I know what you told me about humans… sleeping together and all… but… could you possibly…?”

Arc thinks for a moment before standing up.

“I think I have an idea. Just a second.”

He opens the door.

“Sereb. Would you come up here please?”

A few moments later the sound of paws can be heard coming up the stairs.

“Yes?”

“I want you to turn Ember back into a dragon.”

“Very well.”

Sereb returns to his true form. His horn glows. In a moment Ember returns to a dragon. She looks at Arc, confused.

“Arc? Why…?”

He takes Ember’s claw in his hand. “Come with me.”

“You mean…”

Arc nods. “I’ll stay with you tonight, Ember.”

Rose blushes and smiles. “Arc, can I…?”

Arc nods as Ember happily gets into bed. “Yes, Rose.”

She grins as Sereb returns to his cub form and turns to leave the room.

“I shall give you three some privacy then.”

“Oh no! You get back here, Sereb!”

Sereb turns around. “Oh?”

As he slides into the bed between Ember and Rose. “You’re going to stay here and make sure we behave ourselves.”

Sereb jumps up onto the bed and lies down. “Very well.”

Ember turns off the lamp on the nightstand next to her as she and Rose snuggle up to Arc. He looks at each of them and smiles. Sereb pricks up his ears and looks at him.

“You have a strange look on your face.”

Arc smiles happily. ” It’s just… lying here with two special friends whom care for me, and I for them… and a dog at the foot of the bed... I… I guess it’s kinda… nice!”

Sereb frowns. “I am not a dog.”

Ember chuckles. “From where I stand, you are!”

Rose nods. “Ember is right. You meet all the criteria of a dog, Sereb.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “In any case, I am confused why this is so special to you Arc.”

“It’s gives a sense of family.”

“I do not understand.”

Arc shrugs. “All I can figure is it’s a human thing.”

Ember lays her cheek on Arc’s chest and smiles. “I think I understand what you mean, Arc.”

They sleep peacefully through what is left of the night. The next morning Arc awakens to rays of sunlight hitting his face. Sighing contentedly he sees Ember and Rose still snuggled up to him.

“What did I do to become so lucky?”

He looks at Ember.

“You’ve been with me all this time. Never once leaving… never once forsaking me. Ember, you put up with all my stupid plans and crazy ideas. Why, I don’t really understand.”

He looks over at Rose.

“Rose. I haven’t known you for very long, but you too are completely dedicated to me. It feels strange, but… you’re like a little sister to me. I know Twilight programmed you to… please me, but… but I can’t help but wonder if your feelings aren’t voluntary on at least some level. I know I’m probably being foolish, but… but I… I just want you to be happy."

Arc sighs.

“You deserve that much. Both of you.”

A short time later Ember opens her eyes and smiles up at Arc.

“This feels like a dream!”

“It’s real, Ember.”

Ember lays her head back down on his chest. “In that case, I want to savor it.”

Rose opens her eyes and smiles up at him.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“Did you sleep well?”

Rose nods. “I had a proper charging session.”

Ember laughs. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Arc sighs. “Well, we should probably get up.”

Ember looks up at him and gives his face a quick lick. “Do we have to?”

Rose snuggles up to him again. “I agree with Ember. This feels nice!”

Arc pushes back the covers. “I have work to do.”

Ember sighs. “Awww…”

Rose sits up. “I’ll help.”

“Me too!”

Arc stands. “Thanks. Let’s see about making breakfast first though.”

All of them stand. Arc turns to Sereb.

“Think you could return Ember to her human form? I don’t want Cybil to see her like this. If she’s still up, that is.”

Sereb returns to his true form. “As you wish.”

His horn aglow, Ember returns to her human form. She looks down at the baggy t-shirt and shorts she is wearing.

“I guess it’s a good thing I kept these on.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“Arc, I… I was wondering if…”

“No, I won’t tell anyone about this, Ember.”

Rose smiles. “Me either.”

“Thanks you two. Weak is not something I enjoy appearing.”

Arc sighs as he opens the door and walks downstairs. “Weak isn’t the word I would use. More like… I don’t know…”

Rose thinks for a moment. “Sensitive?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Gee… thanks.”

Arc turns to her as they enter the kitchen. “Ember, you shouldn’t be ashamed of being who you are.”

“But I am what I am!”

Rose looks over as she opens the refrigerator and pulls out the eggs.. “And what are you?”

“The future Dragon Lord and heir to a throne!”

Rose nods. “Like Arc said, we are what we are. You are flesh, and I am mechanical. I suppose we simply have to do our best with what we have. In any case, I’ll head downstairs and wake up the others.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Rose sets the eggs down on the counter and heads over to the basement stairs. Arc opens a cupboard and removes a skillet.

“So Ember, all you see is a future leader? That’s not what I see.”

“…what?”

Arc turns to face her. “I see an individual who is my friend. Someone I respect and care for.”

“Thanks, but… can I tell you something?”

“What is it? “

“I… kinda wish things were… different for me.”

“You wish you weren’t going to be the next Dragon Lord, right?”

Ember looks at her reflection in a pot Arc hands her. “Yeah… I… I’d actually like to… stay here. Live my life as a human. Would that be okay with you, Arc?”

“Ember…”

“I’ll get a job and start paying my own way around here in addition to keeping things up! Please! Give me a chance!”

“What about the dragons back in Equestria?”

“Someone else can lead! My father is still there, after all! He can find another to take his place! After all, he has MILLENIA to...”

“Ember!”

“I… you don’t know what it’s like to be me, Arc! To have this level of responsibility on your… shoulders.”

Arc says nothing as Ember realizes her mistake. She sighs.

“I guess you do.”

Arc nods as he begins cracking eggs. “That I do.”

Ember walks over to him. “Then tell me! How did you… I don’t know… keep it together?! Handle the pressure as Lord Regent!”

“Truthfully?”

“Always!”

Arc hands her a pan and spatula. “I didn’t want the job. But others were counting on me.”

Ember chuckles as she begins making pancakes. “I kinda figured that. But I have to know the full story!”

“I did it… because someone had to. If not me, then who?”

Ember shrugs. “Decimus? You could have taken him down the first chance you got!”

“And then what? Leave Sunburst in charge of Equestria?!”

“He’s not a bad stallion!”

Arc nods. “True. But do you think he could have led?”

Ember sighs. “Probably not. At the very least, not as well you did.”

“He’s no warrior, that’s for sure.”

“What are you getting at?”

“I guess what I’m trying to say is… someone need to be at the helm. Someone who has experience and the confidence of the citizens.”

“Like you?”

“Yes, Ember. Now then… who else in the Dragon Lands holds respect among the dragons?”

“There’s a few, I suppose. Like those three who wanted me to take them as my mate.”

“Are any of them… intelligent?”

“Not really.”

“So what do you think would happen if one of them were to become Dragon Lord?”

Ember sighs. “Point taken. I… I guess I’m stuck with the job.”

“It’s not THAT bad!”

“Well… that’s only one part of it. The other reason I had for wanting to stay on Earth was… to grow old at a human’s pace.”

“What?!”

“Look… even if you don’t want to be my mate, Arc, I still want to grow old with you!”

“I… don’t know what to say, Ember. That’s very nice of you, and I too look forward to aging with my friends and family.”

Ember nods. “The short lifespan… I think I’m coming to terms with it. So much so that I want it!”

“The old adage. We all want what we don’t have.”

Ember nods as she turns off the stove. “I can see that. But… I do want it. Now more than ever!”

They continue cooking. Arc’s squad comes up the stairs and helps set the table with Rose. Soon they sit down to breakfast. Hugh is the first to speak.

“Sleep well, sir?”

“Yes actually. Why do you ask?”

Xenos chuckles. “We thought you might have trouble after all the excitement.”

Viktor looks at Rose and Ember. “How about you two?”

Rose giggles as she holds a cup of water. “I don’t need sleep, silly!”

Ember sighs. “I had a bit of trouble last night.”

Rose nods. “We got through it though.”

Xenos appears concerned. “You okay, Ember?”

“Oh yes. Arc slept with me, so I…”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Way to go, sir!”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! Ember’s had her eyes on you for a LONG time now! Glad to see she finally got what she wanted!”

Hugh frowns. “Sir, your personal life is your own business. But this isn’t really something someone in your position should be…”

Rose interrupts. “Not to worry, Hugh. I joined them!”

Hugh and Xenos’ jaws drop. Arc blushes feverishly.

“Ember, why did you word it that way?”

“Sorry.”

Arc turns to his squad. “Nothing happened last night. In fact, Sereb stayed with us to make sure it stayed that way.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. He even had me return Ember to her true form.”

Hugh breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good to hear, sir. I’m glad you’re not bringing shame to your position.”

Xenos laughs. “Shame?! Getting into bed with the future Dragon Lord would make him more famous, if anything!”

Arc sighs. “Maybe. But that would certainly trash Ember’s reputation! At least in Equestria.”

Ember shrugs as she grins. “No one in the Dragon Lands would care. Worth it to me!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “In any case… that’s not happening.”

They finish eating, do the dishes, and head to the basement. Hugh turns to Arc.

“I for one am looking forward to seeing what you found, sir!”

Xenos nods. “Me too!”

Viktor chuckles. “Maybe we’ll finally get some answers!”

Max says nothing but looks nervous as they sit down around the table and get started. Arc pushes the laptop toward Viktor.

“Why don’t you take a look at this while we talk?”

Viktor looks the laptop over. “What is it?”

“It’s called a laptop. Think of it kinda like a portable version of the computer over there on the desk.”

Viktor watches as Arc shows him how to open the laptop and turn it on.

“Fascinating! I’ll see if I can find a clue on here, sir.”

“Good. Let’s take a look at Frank’s journal while you do that.”

The others wait patiently as Arc opens the book to the last entry.

“Hmmm… pretty normal day to day stuff. He talks a lot about his plan and visions of a better world.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “So you mean he’s not completely crazy?!”

Arc sighs. “Well, he’s not… wait a minute!”

Hugh turns to look. “What is it, sir?”

Arc furrows his brow. “Frank wrote something here about a big job!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “What kind of job?”

Rose appears nervous “A bad one?”

Xenos shakes his head. “With that nutjob, they’re ALL bad jobs!”

“Well, you remember how I told you guys about the botched bank job the Shards pulled?”

Hugh nods. “Yes sir. What about it?”

“Well, it looks like Frank wanted to try again.”

Rose smiles. “Mother told me, if at first you don’t succeed, try again.”

Ember shakes her head. “Rose, some things don’t apply to that.”

“Like what?”

Sereb growls. “Stealing for starters.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Xenos turns back to Arc. “What was his plan?”

“Not sure. It doesn’t say here. Just that he was waiting for a delivery from someone named ‘H’.”

Arc looks over at Viktor.

“Anything in his laptop?”

Viktor shakes his head. “Nothing about it in his documents.”

“What about his e-mail?”

Viktor looks confused. “E-mail?”

Arc stands up and walks over to Viktor. “It’s like sending a letter from one computer to another via the Internet.”

Ember frowns. “How would reading his mail help us?”

Rose grins. “I see! There might be a clue in his messages!”

Ember looks embarrassed. “I… I knew that!”

“Check his browser history, Viktor.”

“Yes sir, but I doubt someone like him would… hey, it’s here!”

Arc chuckles. “Frank was never much for computers. Any other criminal would have taken precautions.”

“Like what, sir?”

“Clearing his browser history for starters. And locking this thing in a safe.”

Ember appears concerned. “Why? Are these things valuable?”

“Not really. But the information on them could be to the right person. Lots of evidence on here most likely. I’m sure Marshal Raynor would love to get a look at what’s on here.”

Xenos turns to Arc. “We giving him this when we’re done?”

Arc shakes his head nervously. “No.”

Rose tilts her head, confused. “Why not?”

“Um… because… we’d have to explain how we got it. In any case about that e-mail…”

Viktor clicks on the history tab for the email. He frowns.

“There’s a lot of messages here, sir.”

Arc points at the screen. “What about that one?

“The one marked ‘package’?”

“Yeah. Frank always called special deliveries ‘packages’.”

Viktor clicks and starts reading.

“Something about a delivery here… from someone named ‘H’.”

Arc points. “There!”

Ember looks confused. “What?”

“His instructions for the package to be left in the outbuilding!”

“The one my sensors said was filled with a volatile substance?”

“Right! This ‘H’ person must be the one who supplied him with whatever is in there.”

Hugh nods. “Okay. So he was going to try robbing the bank with the explosives from ‘H’. That doesn’t tell us where he is though.”

Xenos thinks for a moment. “Maybe he’s off somewhere planning this little scheme?”

“Not likely. He’s big on family and unity. Running and hiding under a rock makes him look like a coward. Something Frank is certainly not. But in any case, did you find a match for this thing, Viktor?”

Arc holds up the small cylindrical device. Viktor looks grim.

“Yes sir. It didn’t take long this morning. This is a blasting cap.”

Ember looks confused. “A what?”

Arc sighs. “They’re used to set off larger explosives. Like dynamite or C4.”

Rose looks to Arc. “I know what dynamite is. But what’s the other?”

“Really powerful explosives! It looks kinda like modeling clay. A blasting cap is used to set it off from a distance. That fact Frank has some is troubling to say the least.”

Rose frowns. “You seem to know this Frank human pretty well, Arc.”

“I… I’ve known him for a long time.”

Arc looks up to Max. He immediately avoids his gaze.

“Something wrong, Max?”

Xenos looks to his friend. “Yeah! You haven’t said a word since last night!”

Ember laughs. “You boys playing nice down here?”

Hugh turns to Arc. “He… opened that box and saw something that made him act that way.”

Rose picks up the shoebox. “What’s in here anyways?”

“NO!”

Max lunges forward and grabs the box. He holds it tightly to his chest as he stands up. Xenos is the first to speak.

“Max?! What are you doing?!”

“I… we shouldn’t open this!”

Ember frowns. “Why not?”

“It’s just… some things should be kept a secret!”

Arc sighs. “Max. Let me have the box.”

“Please, sir! Let’s just get rid of this! Burn it!”

Hugh stands up. “Max, have you lost your mind?!”

Ember raises and eyebrow. “Right! There could be a clue in there!”

Arc walks over to him. “This is… probably for the best. Now give me the box, Max.”

Max jumps back. “I saw what’s in it sir! You don’t have to worry! I won’t tell anyone! I swear!”

“That’s fine. Because I’m going to tell them myself.”

Arc holds out his hand.

“Now then… give me the box.”

Max looks around the room. A pained expression on his face as he slowly, and with shaky hands, does as he is told.

“Thank you.”

Max says nothing but nods nervously. Arc soberly turns back to the table and sets the box down.

“Sit down, Max.”

Max slowly obeys. “I… please sir! This… this doesn’t have to happen!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, it does. Now then…”

Hugh turns to Arc. “Please forgive him, sir.”

Xenos glares at Max. “Yeah. Like we said, he’s been acting strange ever since last night when he took a peek in there.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

Viktor looks up from the laptop. “He won’t tell us!”

Arc looks to Max. “You saw something in there that frightened you, Max?”

“N-no sir. It’s just… I…”

Arc nods and opens the box. Picking something up he turns it toward Max.

“Was it this?”

Max nods and looks away. “…yes sir.”

Arc sighs. “I thought so.”

Rose looks to Arc. “What is it?”

“Something from a long time ago.”

He puts the item on the table for everyone to see. As one they gasp in amazement.

Chapter 11 - True Confessions

Everyone stares at the item in the middle of the table. None of them can speak for some time. Ember slowly turns to him.

“A-Arc? Is that…?”

Arc sighs and nods soberly. Yes it is.

Hugh wears a look of complete shock upon his face. “A… picture of you and… Frank?!”

Xenos shakes his head in awe. “We know you were friends and all back then, sir. But what’s with the outfit?”

Viktor nods as he looks at the picture. “Yes. Why are you and Frank wearing the same thing?

Ember frowns. “Yeah! And looking so happy?! I thought you two didn’t really get along!”

Sereb jumps up onto the table to see for himself. “Hmmm…”

Xenos turns to the wolf. “See something, big guy?”

“Indeed.”

Sereb looks up at Arc, silently.

“You look like you have something to ask me.”

Sereb nods. “Although I am certain I already know the answer to this question, I must know to be sure.”

“Go ahead.”

The wolf touches the photo with a paw. “That emblem on your jacket’s lapel. It is the same as the one Stingray wore on her outfit. What does it mean?

Arc sighs. “It’s… the insignia given to Frank’s second-in-command.”

Ember eyes grow wide. “Wait! So you were…?!”

“Yes, Ember. I was Frank’s top lieutenant.”

“What about Stingray?”

Arc shrugs. “She must have come along later. I never met her before.”

Rose nods soberly. “So then… she was your…”

“Right. My… replacement I suppose. Back then Frank and I were inseparable.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “So you’re a member of the Shards from way back, sir?”

“Well… yes and no.”

Viktor appears puzzled. “We don’t understand, sir!”

“I was more than just Frank’s friend and top lieutenant back then. We… the two of us… created the Shards together.”

Xenos gasps. “You were a founding member?!”

“Yes. Without my help, the Shards never would have been formed.”

Max stands up suddenly. “Sir! I… I just can’t believe you could… why did you have to…?!”

Red-faced Max storms upstairs. Hugh hurries after him.

“Max, WAIT!”

Arc sighs. “Let him go.”

“But…!”

Xenos puts a hand on Hugh’s shoulder. “This is hard on all of us.”

Arc stands up. “I… I think I need to get some air and let everyone have some time to digest all this.”

Rose stands up as well. “Arc, I… I’d like to come with you.”

“Sure…”

As the pair turn to walk away Ember takes Arc’s hand and looks him in the eye.

“Arc… no matter who you were or did in the past, I want you to know it doesn’t change how I feel about you in the least.”

“Thanks, Ember. But your continued faith in me doesn’t change my past actions.”

He gives her hand a quick squeeze before heading upstairs with Rose. Hugh sits back down with the others.

“I just can’t believe the commander helped create a crime syndicate!”

Viktor shakes his head in disbelief. “Me either! This is all just so overwhelming!”

Xenos frowns at them. “That was a long time ago! Look!”

Xenos picks up the photo.

“The commander looks much younger in this.”

Hugh looks over his shoulder. “I suppose so, but…”

Ember stands up and shakes her head. “Look! You guys need to have more faith in Arc!”

She sighs.

“He told me how you guys met. How you were slated for dismissal from the military. Arc saw something in you four.”

Hugh nods. “What, I don’t know.”

Sereb jumps off the table. “I believe I understand.”

“Sereb?”

“I was the weakest in my tribe. He saw in you what he saw in me.”

Xenos sighs. “Weakness?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. Potential.”

They are silent for a time.

“We all should believe in him and what he is doing. After all… he did the same for us.”

Meanwhile… Arc and Rose get into his Jeep.

“Where are we going?”

Arc shrugs. “I just need some time away from everyone.”

Rose looks to him as they pull out of the driveway. “Why is that?”

“Give them time to… consider my past.”

“Is that a problem?”

“Probably. Up until now they all thought I was a hero.”

“I do not understand. What has changed?”

“They didn’t know that I used to be a criminal, Rose!”

“But that’s in the past, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “For some of us, the past was not so long ago.”

Rose nods sadly. “I… wouldn’t understand that.”

“You will one day. Now I’m not trying to make you nervous or anything, but… eventually you might look back on your choices and wish you had done something different.”

“How does one go back?”

“You don’t.”

Rose appears confused. “They why think about it?”

“Because…”

He appears unable to find the right words.

“I don’t understand. Would it not be easier to merely accept what has been done as something that cannot be changed?”

“I… it doesn’t really work like that, Rose.”

“Rather than spent time and energy thinking about what you can’t change, why not put that into making better decisions in the future?”

Cherry calls out. “She does raise a good point, Arc.”

“I know. But such a philosophy is almost impossible to live by.”

Cherry sighs. “I too have regrets, Arc. The fact that I can no longer be your bride still saddens me. But that’s why I do my best to keep you company now.”

“Cherry? Are you… trying to make up for that?!”

“I am.”

“But you didn’t do anything wrong!”

“My mind knows that. However, my heart still will not let me forgive myself.”

Rose nods. “You blame yourself for your death, Miss Cherry?”

“No. Just the outcome.”

They drive on in silence for quite some time. Eventually Rose looks to Arc.

“Arc? Do you now have a destination in mind?”

“I’ve just been driving aimlessly.”

“Why?”

“Just giving myself time to think mostly.”

They drive outside the city limits. Soon the road turns to from pavement to dirt.

“Thanks for coming, Rose.”

“I am here for you, Arc.”

Cherry giggles. “As am I!

“Yes, well… I…”

Arc suddenly slams on the brakes. Cherry gasps.

“Arc?!”

Arc turns around as he slams the Jeep into reverse. “It can’t be…!”

Backing up quickly he looks down an old dirt path that juts away from the main road.

“I know this place!”

Pulling the Jeep off the road Arc parks and gets out. Rose follows him down the path. A few minutes later they walk up to an abandoned farmhouse. Arc walks up the front steps.

“I can’t believe it’s still standing!”

Cherry sounds confused. “Arc?”

He puts a hand on the front door. “This is… the Shard’s first hideout.”

Rose looks the building over. “A house?”

“Yes.”

“Quite a difference from now.”

Arc sighs. “Frank really took things to the next level with the Shards after I went to Equestria.”

Cherry smiles inwardly. “You want to go in, don’t you?”

“Part of me does, yes.”

Rose puts a hand on his shoulder. “And the other part?”

“Want’s to burn this house to the ground!”

“That seems a bit extreme. After all, it’s not the house’s fault.”

“True. But it’s a stark reminder of what I started.”

They enter the house via the unlocked front door. Arc looks around.

“It’s a bit more run down than I remember, but…”

“Who’s house is it?”

“I don’t know. But it’s been abandoned since I was a little kid. I mentioned it to Frank when we were getting started. We checked it out together and decided to make it our base.”

He sighs.

“We only had a few members back then.”

“What did you do here?”

“Talk. Hang out. Plan. That sort of thing.”

Cherry sounds nervous. “What kinds of plans?”

“Originally, how to make the world a better place. You see Frank had this idea that the world needed to change. There were so many at the orphanage that had no families and no future. Whenever someone would age out, Frank would encourage them to join our cause.”

“Did they?”

“A few of them did. We offered food and a bit of a roof over their heads.”

Arc looks around the run down building’s entryway.

“It wasn’t much, but it was the best Frank and I could do. That and they were together with others whom they already knew and were comfortable with.”

Cherry looks at the ruins through Arc’s eyes. “What was the plan? I mean, you couldn’t have all stayed here forever.”

“Frank wanted to raise some money to buy a bigger place. We knew eventually we’d outgrow this house.”

Rose nods. “And Frank turned to crime to get it?”

“Yeah. That was about the time I left. Frank tried to convince me not to, but… I couldn’t stay with him after all that had happened.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Happened? Did you two get into a fight or something?”

“No. I mean, there was an argument and all. But Frank’s policy was always about willing participation. No one was ever forced to do things they didn’t want to.”

They walk around the house. Every room is filled with small sleeping areas consisting of a sleeping bag and box to hold effects.

“It looks very… cozy.”

“It was. Mostly because of the company.”

Cherry sighs. “If you were happy here, why did you leave? I mean… you said Frank didn’t make you do anything you didn’t want to, right?”

“Yes, but… I’m sorry Cherry. Can we talk about this later?”

“Always.”

Meanwhile, Max walks down the street alone. A voice calls out behind him.

“Max! Wait up!”

He turns around to see Ember and Sereb running toward him. Sighing, he waits for them.

“How did you find me?”

“Sereb sniffed you out.”

Max sighs as they walk on. “So… why are you here?”

Ember frowns. “Really?”

“Did the commander send you after me?”

“No. He left too.”

Max looks to her, genuinely surprised. “Really? Back to Equestria?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. He went for a drive.”

“Oh.”

They walk on silently for a time.

“So what was that all about back there?”

Max frowns. “I… I saw the picture last night.”

“So?”

“I didn’t want the others to find out about the commander’s past!”

Sereb looks around before speaking. “Why is that? He has never been one to hide from the truth.”

“Because he’s the Hero of Light! Everyone shouldn’t know how he used to be… you know…”

“So you were trying to protect his image?”

“Right! But then he went and just TOLD everyone!”

Sereb sighs. “You believe he should not have done that?”

“It’s buried in the past! He should have left it there! I was willing to keep quiet!”

Ember frowns. “But…”

“But that was WAY more than I thought it would be! How was I supposed to know he was a driving force over there?! I mean… he even STARTED the thing!”

Ember nods. “And you feel, what? Betrayed?”

Max shrugs. “A little. The commander’s always been there to do the right thing for Equestria and all, but… I just don’t know what to think about him now!”

“Since returning to the land of his birth, Arc has been working very hard to stem the flow of crime and violence from the Shards.”

“Sereb’s right! I think he’s trying his very best to make up for what he did back there. I mean… we all have things we regret in our pasts.”

“Even you… Dragon Lord?”

Ember grabs his arm. “Especially me!”

Max stops. “Really? You’re dragon royalty! What do you have to regret?!”

“You really want to know?”

“I do.”

Ember sighs. “Arc’s dragon friend Spike. You remember him?”

“Yes. What about him?”

“He was the one who passed my father’s test. Spike didn’t want to be the Dragon Lord, so he gave me the Bloodstone Scepter.”

“You regret not trying harder, or something?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. I regret taking it.”

Max looks skeptical. “Wait! You REGRET being next in line to rule?!”

“Yes!”

“How?!”

Ember sighs. “If I hadn’t done that I might have been able to convince my father to let me take Arc as my mate back then.”

“What about Miss Cherry?”

“They barely knew each other at the time. Maybe… maybe I could have convinced him then, but…”

Sereb shakes his head. “But that ship has sailed.”

“…yeah.”

Ember frowns.

“I still lie awake sometimes thinking about… about what might have been.”

“And last night? Was that all just an act you put on to get in bed with the commander?”

Ember shakes her head. “Some nights are harder than others. I… I know he doesn’t feel the same toward me. But I just want him so BADLY!”

Max blushes slightly. “You’re pretty forward about that. Uh… he does know, right?”

“Yes. But he… he’s still in love with Cherry. I don’t even register with him. Not even in THIS form!”

“Even after he saw you the other day without clothes?”

“Nope.”

Max shakes his head. “Doesn’t his past bother you? I mean… he was a criminal in all but name!”

Ember stops as she steps in front of Max. “No, it does not!”

“How can you see past that?!”

“Because he and I have been through so much together! He’s ALWAYS been there for me and those around us. Think about it. You and the others weren’t exactly the cream of the crop back in the military. He took you four over everyone else.”

“Yes, but…”

Ember interrupts him. “That and he kept all of you around. Even after finding out you were damaged goods from your upbringing!”

Max sighs. “I don’t know why.”

“Because he believed in all of you! Saw something no one else did! Arc has looked beyond your past for as long as he’s known you! Doesn’t he deserve the same?!”

“I… you’re right, Ember. Thanks.”

“What for?”

“For helping me see what was right in front of me the whole time.”

They turn around and begin walking back toward Arc’s house. Max looks to Ember.

“There’s one thing I don’t understand. If the commander doesn’t feel the same way about you, why keep trying?”

“Arc taught me never to give up. I don’t intend to stop trying.”

“But, what exactly are you after?”

Ember blushes slightly and smiles. “A family.”

“I’m sorry, a what?”

She puts a hand on her stomach. “I know it sounds crazy, but… I’ve always dreamed of Arc and I having eggs! Starting our own brood together!”

“Is that even… possible?”

“I don’t know for certain. But I do know that if Arc wants something to happen, he finds a way.”

Max looks away nervously. “Sorry. It’s just a bit… strange to listen to you talk so casually about my superior officer impregnating you.”

Ember nods happily at the thought of becoming a mother. “That may be. But, you’ll understand if you find love one day.”

Max shrugs. “I guess. But were kinda busy right now.”

“Yeah, I know. Just do me one favor.”

“A favor?”

“Keep your eyes open.”

“Y-yeah. But why?”

“You don’t want to be an old stallion and wonder what could have been, do you?”

“I guess not. Thanks for the talk, Ember.”

“Anytime.”

They return to Arc’s house just as he is driving up with Rose. Max walks over nervously.

“Sir? I… um…”

Arc nods. “Let’s go inside. I… have a few things to talk to everyone about.”

“Y-yes sir.”

Arc and company head inside and return to the basement. The rest of the squad hurries over. Hugh reaches them first.

“Max!”

Max looks around embarrassed. “Guys, I… I’m sorry about earlier.”

He turns to Arc.

“You especially, sir.”

“Yes, well…”

Ember interrupts. “He was just trying to protect you, Arc.”

“Protect me?”

“Yes sir. I didn’t think everyone needed to know your past.”

“I appreciate that, Max. However, all of you deserve to know the truth. Have a seat and I’ll tell you.”

They sit down as Arc tells them everything. Xenos shakes his head.

“This is… just so hard to believe, sir!”

Hugh nods. “Agreed!”

Viktor sighs. “I’m still having a hard time believing you did all that, sir!”

Ember chuckles. “I don’t. After all, you’re a natural born leader, Arc!”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ember. But that’s one time in my life I wished no one had followed me.”

Sereb frowns. “There was no way you could have known it would go this far, Arc.”

“You’re right, Sereb. But no matter how you look at it, the Shard threat looming over Angel Grove is partially my fault.”

Hugh smiles. “That may be, sir. But I for one would like the honor of helping you make things right.”

Xenos grins. “Me too, sir!”

Viktor give Arc a thumbs up. “I’m with you as well!”

Ember looks over at Max. “And you, Max? What will you do?”

“Sir? You believed in us when no one else did. You gave us a chance when no one else would. And you… you took us under your command when no one wanted us. We all owe you our respect and service.”

Max salutes him. The others follow suit.

“I’m with you too, sir! To the end!”

Ember grins. “We all are!”

Sereb growls. “Honor guides me! I too will see this through.”

“Thank you everyone. The only thing we need now is a clue of some kind.”

Viktor nods at him from the laptop. “I think I can help with that, sir.”

Chapter 12 - Hammer Time

Arc walks quickly over to Viktor.

“You have something?!”

Nodding, he turns the laptop. “Look at this, sir! Apparently the explosives the Shards had were only half the load!”

Ember frowns. “They need more?!”

Sereb’s eyes grow wide. “Are they planning on blowing up half the town?!”

Arc turns to Rose. “Any estimations on how much damage what you scanned earlier could do?”

“Without any further knowledge of the substance I can only guess.”

“Please do.”

“To put it into perspective, it would be enough to easily level Canterlot Castle.”

Max shudders. “A sobering thought.”

Viktor nods. “Very!”

Xenos frowns. “What do you think they want all that stuff for?”

Hugh sighs. “Whatever it is can’t be good!”

Ember looks to Arc. “Agreed. We going to do something about it?”

“That we are. Viktor, does it say when the second shipment is coming?”

“Looks like day after tomorrow at midnight.”

Sereb growls. “How fitting.”

“Huh?”

“Evil works best in the dark, Ember”.

Arc nods. “My dad used to tell me ‘nothing good happens after midnight’. Guess he was right. So where’s the drop off point, Viktor?”

“It doesn’t say.”

Xenos frowns. “Great. Now what?”

The phone rings upstairs. Arc stands up.

“That’s probably Lily. You guys just hang tight a minute.

Arc heads upstairs and walks quickly to the telephone. He picks up the receiver and puts it to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Hey! I gotta tell you something!”

“Who is this?”

“It’s Snake, ya moron! Now will you shut up and listen to me?! There’s going to be some big delivery to the base day after tomorrow!”

“What’s that have to do with Frank?”

“The boss had some kind of disagreement with the person bringing in the last load. Now he’s missing. Coincidence?!”

“Good point.”

“Look, all I’m saying is they might know where he is!”

“Fine. What time are they showing up?”

“Midnight.”

“Okay. I’ll pass this on to someone who might be able to help.”

Snake laughs. “Who? The Marshal?!”

“Nah. You just let me handle this, okay?”

“Fine! See ya!”

They are disconnected without another word. Arc puts down the receiver and returns to the basement. Xenos looks over to him.

“How’s Shelly, sir?”

“It was Snake.”

Hugh’s eyes grow wide. “You say that so casually, sir.”

“Feels funny to me too.”

Viktor frowns. “So what did he say?”

“He was calling to tell me that shipment is going to be delivered in two days at midnight.

Max sighs. “Shard base at midnight. Sounds dangerous.”

Xenos grins. “You want us to be there to make another distraction, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Too dangerous.”

“Dangerous?”

“If they’re bringing in explosives I’m certainly not bringing in fireworks, Hugh.”

Viktor shudders at the thought. “Probably for the best, sir.”

Ember frowns. “So what ARE we going to do, Arc?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“The Shard base will probably be very well defended. Especially after we successfully broke in there twice now.”

Ember nods. “So we going to try a frontal assault?”

“No. That’s way too dangerous. Especially since Lieutenant Mio can counter our magic. I believe our best chance of doing this without anyone getting hurt is to assault the transport BEFORE it gets to the base.”

Max looks confused. “How? We don’t know what route they’re taking.”

“We kinda do.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “Sir?”

Arc looks over to Viktor. “Pull up a town map.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc walks over to the computer. “Now zoom out a bit. I want to see the surrounding areas as well. There! Print that!”

A few moments later the printer spits out a paper. Arc takes it and walks over to the table.

“This is the main exit from the highway to Angel Grove. They’ll have to use that.”

Viktor points to another exit. “Are you sure, sir? This one over here would be much more secluded.”

“True. But the roads there are rough and unlit. I’d certainly want a paved road under the truck if I was driving.”

He points to the town.

“I get the feeling the Shards would take the main road through downtown.”

Max looks worried. “Straight through town?!”

Arc nods. “There wouldn’t be anyone around at that time of night. And even if there was I’m sure they’re going to use an unmarked truck.”

Ember frowns. “That and no one is foolish enough to follow them back to their base even if they should be seen.”

“Right. That’s where we come in.”

Arc points again at the map

“This spot right here should work perfectly.”

Hugh looks at the map. “Why there?”

“There’s a fairly tight turn here. The truck will have to slow down to avoid tipping over.”

Sereb nods. “That is where we come in?”

“Yup. Okay, here’s the plan…”

Two days later Arc, Ember and Rose stand on the side of the road.

“Arc?”

“Yes, Ember?”

“This is a terrible plan.”

Rose nods. “That it is! But, I’m sad to say it also has the highest probability of success with minimal chances of blowing up.”

Arc sighs. “Wish you hadn’t put it like that, Rose.”

Rose looks confused. “But that’s the truth.”

Ember shudders. “Let’s not talk about it like that, shall we?”

Arc looks down the road to see headlights approaching. He steps into the middle of the road alone.

“Guess it’s time, you two.”

“You sure about this?”

Rose looks to Arc. “Ember’s right! What if they don’t stop?!”

“Then I’ll jump out of the way. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

“I can jump in if you need…”

Arc interrupts. “Stay where you are, you two.”

The vehicle’s headlights shine on Arc’s white armor. In response the driver accelerates. Ember takes a step forward nervously.

“Arc?”

“I got this, Ember. You two know what you have to do.”

“But…”

“GO!”

Ember and Rose nods and rush off to carry out their instructions. As the truck nears Arc he leaps on top of the cab. Looking down through the windshield he smashes it to look the driver in the eye.

“Pull over!”

In response the driver punches him in the face. A moment later a blast blows the roof off the cab. Arc is sent flying through the air. He lands nearby in the middle of the road as the truck stops. The driver gets out and steps in front of the truck’s headlights. She appears to be arounds Arc’s age and wears a Shard uniform.

“Mighty big mosquito I just hit.”

Arc gets up. “Ha.”

She looks him up and down, clearly unimpressed. “Now then, I suggest you skedaddle, bug. That is, unless you want me to bring down the hammer on you again!”

“I was actually going to ask YOU to walk away… whomever you are.”

The woman puts her hands on her hips and grins at him proudly.

“Name’s Lieutenant Hammer! I work for the Shards! You must be the knight in shining armor that Stingray and Mio were talking about.”

“My reputation precedes me.”

“You’re a slippery one. So if you’d like to tell me what exactly you want, we can get on with it.”

Arc straightens up. “Well then, Hammer, all I want is what’s in the back of your truck.”

Hammer chuckles. “Sure!”

“Really?”

“NO!”

She folds her arms over her chest and points a thumb over her shoulder toward the truck.

“These here crates have a date with destiny! So unless you want me to steamroll you, I suggest you move along! I got things to do, and stuff to blow up!”

“I’m kinda trying to prevent that.”

“Well then, we’re kinda at an impasse then, ain’t we? So how’s about we settle this the old fashioned way?”

“Which is…”

Hammer cracks her knuckles. “We go at it until someone gives up.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, you’re certainly not petite by any standards, but I think I’d still have the advantage being armored and all.”

“Maybe! So why don’t I even the odds?!”

Reaching into her jacket Hammer pulls out a very strange looking gun. Leveling it at him, she grins.

“Say hello to the Hammer Cannon!”

Arc sighs. “Somehow I don’t think that little thing is going to do much to…”

He is cut short as Hammer aim and fires. A powerful beam smashes Arc squarely in the chest. He flies back into a tree nearly knocking it over. Slowly he gets up.

“Ow… what the heck…?!”

Hammer pats her weapon. “Ain’t she a beauty? Nothing else out there like it. At least as far as I know. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some packages to deliver.”

“I’m not done yet.”

Hammer grins at him. “I was hoping you would say that.”

She fires at him again. This time however Arc is ready for her. Dodging behind a rock she continues firing past it for some time.

“Don’t you ever run out of bullets?”

Hammer laughs as she continues to level her gun at the boulder. “Bullets? Who needs bullets when I have this thing?!”

Arc ponders his next move as Hammer waits patiently.

“Show me a good time, would you? My sisters Mio and Stingray spoke quite highly of you, after all.”

“Yeah?! I’m flattered!”

“Well, you’re going to be FLAT when I’m done with you! That is unless you do SOMETHING! Other than hiding, that is.”

The air is silent.

“Uh… you still alive over there?”

Suddenly Arc Blinks behind her. He knees her in the back.

“Argh!”

Hammer falls to the ground, chuckling.

“Nice one! Keep it up!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You… okay?”

Hammer gets to her feet. “Yeah! Just been looking for someone to give me a challenge for a while now. That you?”

“Depends how far you push me. Now, I’d rather not hurt you, but I will if it means stopping you from making your delivery.”

Hammer puts her hands on her hips as she turns to face him. “Come on now! You’re not cut out for the big leagues. Least ways not alone.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying you and me shouldn’t be fighting!”

“Well, that’s kinda up to you.”

“Naw, I mean, you should join us!”

“Not really interested.”

“Come on! We’ll see to it you get all kinds of cool toys! Like my Hammer Cannon here! Well, not JUST like this. I mean, it’s special and all. They’ll give you something to suit you though!”

“They? Who is they?”

“Our organization, of course! We can do more together than any one of us could alone! Teamwork makes a big job manageable! Am I right?!”

Arc shrugs. “Can’t disagree with that.”

“So, you want in?”

“No thanks. You and the others aren’t the kind I like to hang with.”

Hammer laughs. “There ain't anyone else out there like me and the others!”

Arc shakes his head. “There are ALWAYS those like you.”

“What?”

“People who think they know what’s best for everyone else.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Uh… yeah! The strong lead, the weak follow! It’s been like that since the beginning of time!”

“That may be. But that doesn’t make it right.”

“Anything I can do to change your mind?”

“Stop helping the Shards for starters.”

“That ain’t happening!”

“You sure?”

“Yeah!”

Arc sighs as she again prepares to fight. “Well… back to it then?”

“Yup!”

Arc waits for her attack. He doesn’t have to wait long as she levels her weapon and fires. Arc puts up his hand and casts a small Shield Spell. The blast is absorbed.

“Your toys aren’t going to be much use against me.”

“We’ll just see about that.”

Hammer reaches into her coat and pulls out a grenade. She tosses it along the ground toward Arc He rolls his eyes and puts up a barrier as it rolls past him

“Really? That’s the best you…”

The grenade explodes, shattering his barrier and throwing him toward Hammer at breakneck speed. Waiting for just the right moment she punches him in midair. Arc flies back toward the tree line. He sits up slowly.

“What the…?!”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically. “Arc, she cut you off from your magic somehow!”

Hammer laughs throatily. “You like that?! Stingray gave me that one! She told me I might have to turn off that weird power of yours.”

“Turn off…?”

Arc stands up and attempts to Blink to a better position but finds that he cannot.

“What the…?”

“There! Now we’re even! I can’t use magic, but neither can you now!”

Arc reaches for his magic ring and calls forth his spear. He breathes a sigh of relief as his weapon materializes.

“Guess it’s not perfect.”

Hammer shrugs. “Well, it’s not as good at doing that as Mio is. But I can’t have you teleporting all over the place, now can I?”

Arc lunges forward to attack Hammer. She moves supernaturally fast to avoid his blow and counter with a few shots to Arc’s back.

“Too slow!”

The blasts knock him to the ground yet again.

“How did you…?!”

Hammer laughs. “There’s more to Hammer than meets the eye, bucko!”

Arc rises and turns to face her again. “You sure that’s not magic!”

“Nope! Innate maybe! But there’s no stopping natural talent!”

“I guess not.”

Arc dashes toward her. Using his spear as leverage to hurl himself toward her. Hammer dodges as Arc’s boot hits the truck’s radiator. She whirls around angrily.

“Hey now! Stop that!”

What?”

“This is between you and me! The truck doesn’t have nothing to do with it!”

Arc looks to her, confused. “You’re worried about a truck?”

“Machines got feelings too! So don’t push em!”

Cherry giggles telepathically. “She seems very attached to her metal wagon.”

“Agreed, Cherry. I think I can use that to my advantage.”

Arc looks over to Hammer.

“Do they now?”

He activates one of his magic blades and holds it to the truck. She points a finger at him.

“Don’t you DARE!”

Arc chuckles. “Dare what?”

“You know what I’m talking about! Put that thing away, NOW!!!”

Arc shrugs. “Fine.”

Hammer breathes a sigh of relief as he retracts the magic blade. Turning his head Arc looks at the passenger side door. Without a word he deftly aims his gauntlet at it and fires. As if in slow motion the side mirror clatters to the ground. Hammer’s pupils shrink.

“W-w-w-what did you just DO?!”

“Sorry. Let me get that for you.”

Arc slowly bends down and picks up the mirror. Holding it up he throws it over Hammer’s head and into the woods. Something inside her snaps.

“ARGH! I’LL KILL YOU!”

Arc takes up a battle ready position. He intentionally scratches the hood with his spear.

“Bring it on!”

Furious, Hammer walks toward Arc gritting her teeth. She fires her weapon again and again. He is able to dodge the first few blasts as she is too angry to shoot straight.

“STAND STILL!”

“Ha! Try aiming first!”

Eventually Hammer is able to get a bead on Arc. The blasts hit him in the chest, however with significantly less force than originally. He shakes his head.

“I think you forgot to put that thing on the charger.”

Hammer pulls out another grenade from her coat. “You wanna get blasted again?!”

“Um… not really. But you should probably take a look in the back.”

He points with a thumb to the truck.

“Why?! I know what’s back there!”

“Do you now? I’ll tell you what you’ve got.”

“You right where I want you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. An empty truck.”

“WHAT?!”

Hammer runs over to the truck. Finding the back door open she peers inside. The contents of the truck are nowhere to be seen. Hammer’s gaze snaps back to Arc.

“WHAT?! How did you DO that?! You haven’t been out of my sight since I sealed your magic!”

Arc nods as he puts away his spear. “True! But I have my ways.”

Hammer looks back in the truck before turning her gaze to Arc again. “But… but…”

Her face turns crimson as she seethes. Suddenly she begins to laugh. Arc takes a step back.

“Uh oh. That is not a happy laugh.”

Hammer reaches into her coat and pulls out what appears to be another gun.

“Great. Are we back to this again?”

Expecting her to shoot at him again, Arc prepares to move. However she suddenly aims the gun skyward and fires.

“A flare gun?”

Hammer grins wickedly at him in the glow of the blast overhead. “Yeah! My pals are on their way now! We’ll make you tell us where the stuff went!”

“Thanks for the offer, but…”

Hammer charges at him and slams Arc against a tree.

“You ain't going NOWERE! Don’t worry, you won’t have long to wait!”

The sound of engines can be heard approaching quickly in the distance.

“Ready to…?”

The words die in her throat as something very strong smashes into her. Rolling on the ground for a moment, Hammer suddenly finds herself flying through the air and into the back of her own truck.

“Hey now! What’s the…?”

The doors slam shut and are quickly locked. The silhouette hurries over to Arc as he stands up.

“That you, Ember?”

Ember approaches him in her dragon form. “Who else would it be?! Now come on!”

He jumps as Ember flies overhead. Grabbing her claws they fly through the air.

“To the rendezvous point! Hurry!”

Ember nods. “Now to see if everything worked.”

“One way to find out!”

Meanwhile, several vehicles screech to a stop in front of the truck. A number of Shard members get out and run over to i . Stingray leads the pack.

“Fan out! Look for that armored freak!”

The gang members nod before hastily complying. Stingray looks around.

“HAMMER!”

A voice rings out from inside the truck. “What?!”

“What the…?”

Stingray unlatches the door and opens it to find Hammer angrily standing there.

“Hammer? How did you…?”

Hammer jumps out and looks around. “Where is he?!”

“The boys are looking for him now? What happened?!”

“Someone… or more accurately some THING jumped me!”

Stingray nods. “His beast?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No. This thing stood on two legs!”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes!”

Hammer glances down at her sleeves. They are torn where Ember’s claws dug into her.

“There ain't no way that thing was human!”

Stingray sighs as she looks inside the truck. “We should report this failure to him.”

“You know, he won’t be too happy to hear about THIS!”

Stingray nods. “True. But he’ll be MORE angry if we say nothing.”

“I guess so. But that armored menace is nothing but trouble! Why’s the boss so eager for him to join us?!”

“He said the two of them had a past.”

“What?!”

“I know. It seems far-fetched, but…”

The pair look toward the trees at their members combing the woods.

“…this so-called hero certainly does get results. We HAVE to get him to see our point of view!”

Hammer nods. “And if we can’t?”

“Then we’ll have to find a way to persuade this… this Hero of Light.”

“Yeah! Any ideas?”

Stingray walks back to her vehicle. “The boss himself is… working on something.”

Chapter 13 - Regrouping

Ember flies through the air holding on to Arc’s hands with her claws. Arc looks down.

“There’s the signal.”

Ember nods. “I see it.”

They descends near the spot. Arc lets go and hurries over to the others.

“Everyone okay?!”

Max nods. “Yes sir! No one saw us!”

Hugh grins. “Right. We were like ghosts!”

Rose looks all around. “My scanners indicate that we were not followed.”

Sereb nods. “My nose agrees.”

Arc turns to Max. “Did you get everything from that shed?”

“Yes. Sereb’s saddlebags are holding the entire shrunken contents.”

Sereb looks to his side. “This is… unsettling.”

Viktor’s voice comes over the radio.

“It’s a good thing you taught him that spell, sir. Really came in handy this time.”

Xenos turns to Arc. “What now, sir?”

Max looks to Arc’s gauntlet. “If you can open a portal, we’ll get this stuff safely home, sir.”

“Yeah… about that…”

Ember frowns. “Arc! Hurry up! The longer we stay here…!”

Cherry sighs. “Something happened to Arc during the battle. He can’t use his magic!”

Xenos’ eyes grow wide. “This is bad!”

Ember flaps her leathery wings as she looks at Arc. “I can probably fly you out of here.”

“What about the others?”

Max shrugs. “We’ll be okay.”

Rose holds up her robe. “Yes. We can cloak and walk back.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not too keen on that idea. Let me try my gauntlet. My magic ring worked earlier.”

He attempts to open a portal. But nothing happens.

“I guess I just got lucky with the ring.”

Ember folds her claws over her chest. “Well, this is just great! What now?!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m open to suggestions.”

No one speaks.

“Anything? I don’t care how crazy at this point.”

Rose steps forward. “I have an idea. But it’s a bit… out there, Arc.”

Max grins. “Come on. How bad could it be?”

A short time later Sereb runs quickly through the woods. Max narrows his eyes.

“I stand corrected.”

Ember looks over. “Rose, where did you come up with this crazy idea?”

Xenos falls over. “Yes! Do tell!”

Hugh holds his stomach. “I think I know.”

Rose smiles. “From my self-preservation programing. Mother designed me to always look for a way out of any situation.”

Arc steadies himself. “No matter how bizarre?”

“Right!”

Sereb shakes his head as he runs. A tinge of sarcasm in his voice. “I wonder why she did THAT?”

Ember looks to Arc. “I can’t imagine.”

Arc shrugs. “What? This plan seems to be working.”

Xenos catches Ember as she falls over. “No disrespect, sir, but this isn’t what I would call a success.”

Max nods. “Agreed Being only six inches tall is rather… unnerving, sir.”

“Look at it this way. It gives us a new perspective on life.”

Hugh looks confused. “How so, sir?”

Arc grins. “Now we know what it’s like at the bottom.”

Ember angrily. “At the…? Arc, we are LITERALLY riding in Sereb’s saddlebag here!”

Rose smiles as the bag shifts and Arc falls into her arms. “I’m not complaining!”

Xenos grins. “Nice catch, Rose!”

Ember frowns. “Was this part of your plan too, Rose?!”

“No. But it was a nice bonus!”

Arc stands back up. “Ha, ha.”

He looks up.

“Sereb. Anything out there?”

“I am taking a longer route to go around those searching for us.”

Ember grins. “Good idea. How you holding up?”

“I will be fine.”

Rose frowns. “Are you certain? Your heart is racing!”

“Let us just say I will need a good night’s sleep after this.”

Two hours later the group arrives back at Arc’s house. They walk into the warm kitchen with Ember in the lead. She immediately heads over to the heating vent.

“Ah! Warmth!”

Arc chuckles as he and the others enter. “You’re always cold, aren’t you?”

Ember rubs her hands together. “SO?!”

Hugh looks confused. “That’s odd. I thought you were dressed warm enough.”

Max nods. “So did I.”

Viktor comes upstairs. “Warmer than the rest of you anyways.”

Xenos grins slyly. “Maybe the commander can help you warm up, Ember.”

Ember turns to Arc and smiles. “Good idea!”

“Don’t encourage her, Xenos.”

Xenos chuckles. “Yes sir.”

Rose appears confused. “What’s wrong? Body heat is a perfectly viable way to… oh… never mind.”

Arc heads for the basement steps. “In any case, let’s get this stuff downstairs.”

Hugh nods. “That’s probably for the best.”

Viktor shudders. “It’s not very responsible to leave explosives lying around after all.”

Max frowns. “I wish you guys would take this more seriously. This stuff isn’t exactly safe! We don’t even know what it is yet!”

Arc walks over to the basement table and gestures for Sereb to join him. “Let’s solve that little mystery right now.”

Sereb joins Arc. He removes the miniature crates and sets them on the table. Arc squints at the labels on the boxes.

“Too small to read.”

Stepping back, Arc raises a hand to cast the Matter Compacting counter spell. But nothing happens.

Ember frowns. “Your Dragon Magic still not working, Arc?”

“Guess not. Sereb?”

“Very well.”

Sereb’s horn glows as he levitates the boxes to the center of the room. A few moments later the crates return to their normal size. Arc and company walk over to them as Viktor looks at a crate.

“Dynamite over here.”

Max looks up from another crate. “Here’s some more of those blasting caps.”

Hugh glances at another label. “Here’s something called ‘seefour’. What’s that?”

Arc frowns. “C-4?!That’s military grade explosives!”

Ember looks confused. “Where the heck did they get this stuff from?!”

Rose shrugs. “Perhaps the military?”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it. They’re pretty good about keeping an eye on stuff like that. Inventory goes missing and someone’s in deep trouble.”

Sereb frowns. “Then where?”

“Probably from the black market. Everything on Earth can be acquired for a price.”

He looks at the gray blocks.

“But that doesn’t make me any less nervous about this.”

Xenos looks to Arc. “Sir?”

“Did you find something?”

“I think so.”

Xenos pulls a heavy duty case out of a crate.

“I’m a little nervous about how they double packed this.”

Ember looks over. “That symbol on the front is foreboding as well.”

Hugh grins. “That must mean it’s really important!”

Viktor takes the case. “Let’s open it! The suspense is killing me!”

Arc walks over and looks at the case himself. “That symbol. Rose, can you scan the contents of this case without opening it?”

“Of course! Just a minute!”

She looks at the case for a moment before turning back to Arc.

“This contains a substance not found in Equestria.”

Max looks confused. “Is it dangerous?”

Rose nods. “Yes. Of that much I am certain.”

Arc frowns. “Can you elaborate?”

“It is only slightly radioactive. However…”

Hugh steps back. “RADIOACTIVE?!”

Viktor looks down at the case in his hands as they begin to shake. “The suspense isn’t killing me anymore!”

Max turns to Rose. “Are we in danger?!”

“As long as this case stays closed, no. Although it is unlikely anyone would be harmed regardless.”

Arc nods as he takes the case. “If what I learned in science class is to be believed, Rose is right.”

Ember frowns. “So, what IS this stuff, Arc?!”

“Uranium.”

Max looks confused. “I don’t think we have that in Equestria, sir.”

Xenos nods. “At least I HOPE we don’t!”

Sereb appears confused. “What is this substance for, Arc?”

“It’s used to generate lots of electricity in nuclear power plants.”

Rose smiles. “So it’s good then?”

“It’s also used to make some of the most powerful bombs in existence.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Max turns to Arc. “What kind of bombs? Like building destroyers?”

“Think more along the lines of city erasers.”

Sereb growls. “What kind of monsters would create such a thing?!”

Arc sighs. “Humans. We never learn.”

He looks at the case in his hands.

“At the very least I’m happy we were able to take this away from them.”

Rose nods. “So we won?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not so sure. If they were able to get this, who’s to say they can’t get more elsewhere?”

Max nods. “To say nothing for WHY they had this!”

“I can’t imagine it’s for anything peaceful.”

Arc appears lost in thought.

“Frank… why? Were you THAT desperate for your dream to become a reality?!”

Rose puts a hand on his shoulder. “Maybe he didn’t have anything to do with it, Arc?”

Viktor nods. “He is missing after all.”

Ember puts a claw on her chin. “Maybe he was against the plan from the start.”

Hugh snaps his fingers. “Yeah! And Stingray decided to take matters into her own hands!”

Sereb nods. “She is quite a fearsome opponent after all. Perhaps she simple became tired of taking orders?”

Arc sets down the case. “I really hope you guys are right.”

Cherry sighs. “Arc, you should get some sleep.”

“But I’m not that…”

“You are literally asleep on your feet!”

“That may be. But we have to figure this out! It might lead us to Frank!”

“Well, let’s say it did. What if you discovered his location right now? Would you have the energy to actually ACT on it?!”

Arc sighs. “…no, Cherry.”

Ember takes Arc’s hand in hers. “Let’s get you to bed, Arc.”

Rose puts her arm around Arc’s midsection. “I’ll help too!”

Arc, Ember and Rose head up the stairs. Sereb shrinks the crates and case back down before following them. Arc’s squad gets ready for bed. Hugh turns to the others.

“The commander is really dedicated to his old friend.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. But I kinda expected that.”

Viktor chuckles. “It’s nice to be working for someone who would go that far for someone. Us included!”

Max smiles. “Right. When you’re a friend to the commander, you’re a friend for life.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his friends proceed to his parent’s room. Arc weakly points a finger down the hall as Sereb casts a spell on Ember.

“But…”

Ember shakes her head as she returns to her human form. “Arc, don’t fight us on this.”

Rose nods. “Right! We’re worried about you.”

Cherry giggles. “Don’t argue with them, Arc.”

The pair lead Arc to the bed and help him lie down before climbing in on either side of him. Ember smiles as she snuggles up to him.

“Comfy?”

But Arc has already fallen asleep. Rose takes Arc’s hand as she lies next to him.

“He must have REALLY been tired!”

Ember nods. Her face on his chest. “Arc didn’t even object to me getting in bed with him as a human.”

Sereb nods as he returns to his Cub Form. “I do not believe he had the energy to do so.”

Ember smiles as she traces Arc’s face with her finger. “This is like a dream come true.”

Rose appears nervous. “But you’re not going to do anything to him, right?”

Ember sighs. “I’m not.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “That is… surprising. Is it because you two are not alone?”

“No, Sereb. It’s because that’s not what Arc would want. Nor is it what I want.”

“Really? Have you not wanted that since before I met you two?”

“It is! But… I want our first time to be memorable and special. Not just for me, but for him as well.”

Sereb smiles at Ember. “You are learning.”

“Learning?”

“Yes. That there is more to mating than just carnal pleasure.”

Rose blushes. “There is?”

“Yes.”

Ember frowns. “What are you talking about?! It’s all about feeling good!”

“Is it? Then why do you and I not mate right now?”

Ember blushes furiously. “WHAT?! NO!!!”

“Why not? If pleasure is all you are looking for I am certainly able to give that to you.”

“Because I don’t feel that way about you!”

Sereb nods. “Now do you understand?”

“I… I think I do.”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “I am confused.”

Ember sighs. “It’s not so much that I wanted to make Arc my mate. I guess what I really wanted all along was for him to take me as HIS mate! This goes both ways, after all.”

“So Arc doesn’t want you?”

Ember sighs happily as she looks at Arc. “He told me before that being with me in that way would change our relationship forever. Arc wasn’t holding back to try and hurt me. He wanted to protect me.

“What from?”

Ember looks over at Sereb. “If you and I were to mate, I don’t think we would ever look at one another the same way again.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. In my culture a Mating Pact is a strong and permanent bond between two of our kind. It is not something to be entered into hastily.”

Rose nods. “So it’s like marriage?”

“Yes. However, I learned that here in Equestria such a bond can be broken with a piece of paper.”

“A royal order, Sereb.”

“In our culture, such a bond cannot be broken except through death.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “What if you find out the one you formed the pact with isn’t really what you wanted though?”

“One must live with their decisions. Be they good or ill.”

Rose frowns. “That seems a bit extreme.”

“Mayhap. However, it does make us think long and hard about whom we choose as our mate.”

“In dragon culture it’s pretty much the opposite. A mate is just someone whom you live with. Multiple partners are quite common.”

Sereb nods. “The Forsaken are aware of this.”

“Really? But you never said a word about me wanting to get with Arc!”

“My tribe understands that our beliefs are our own culture. While you dragons have different ways of doing things, we respect your point of view.”

Rose thinks for a moment. “But you don’t agree with it.”

“We do not.”

“It is surprising that you two get along so well.”

“Ember is my friend. Her beliefs do not change that.”

“Thanks, Sereb. Although I have to admit, I’m starting to understand why you and Arc think the way you do. We all care for one another in our own way.”

Rose sighs. “I for one am a bit jealous of you and the others, Ember.”

“How so?”

“Your feelings are real. Mine are simply programed into my memory banks.”

Sereb turns to Rose. “You feel that your love is somehow inferior to ours, do you not?”

Rose nods. “I know the definition of every word in Equestria. However… I do not understand what love is. “

She turns to Sereb.

“Do you think it’s possible for a fake human like me to… to understand?”

“That is up to you, I suppose. Although you appear real enough to me.”

Ember nods. “You should speak to Arc about this tomorrow. Maybe he could give you a better answer.”

“I think I will. But you and Sereb should rest now.”

“And you?”

“I’ll… watch over you all. Pleasant dreams.”

Ember and Sereb close their eyes. Soon they are asleep. Rose sighs as she muses to herself.

“Living, breathing, loving and spending lives together. Living creatures are certainly lucky to be alive. Me… not so much…”

Arc awakens the next morning. Yawning he looks side to side.

“E-Ember?!”

She slowly opens her eyes. “Good morning, sleepyhead.”

“Why are you…?”

Ember smiles up at him. “Don’t worry. Nothing happened.”

“Good!”

Sereb looks up from his place at the foot of the bed. “I saw to that, Arc.”

“Thanks. Ember, why…?”

“Sorry. It’s just… I… look, did you hear any of our conversation last night?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, but I was pretty out of it. Did I miss something?”

Rose opens her eyes. “Um… kinda.”

“Morning, Rose.”

Ember nods. “Rose needs to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“I… um… do… do you think it’s possible for an android like me to find… um…”

“Find what?”

“Find love.”

She blushes. Arc turns to Ember.

“That must have been some conversation you three had last night.”

“S-sorry.”

“No, no! It’s fine and all. I think Rose and I need to talk about this anyways.”

Sereb stands up. “Ember and I will see you at breakfast.”

“We will?”

“Yes, Ember. Come.”

Sereb and Ember leave the room as Arc turns back to Rose

“So… why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you?”

“Well… I… we were talking last night about love and… a few other things. It got me thinking about myself and my programing.”

Arc nods understandingly. “And you’re questioning your own feelings?”

“Kinda. I’m just… wondering about my programing versus real feelings.”

“Real love?”

Rose nods. “Yes. I understand that my feelings for you are merely data that mother put into my memory banks. While I can’t disobey my directives, I also can’t help but wonder if… if my love for you could ever be… real.”

“By real you mean given a choice, right?”

“Yes. I… please don’t hate me for saying these things, but…”

Rose appears on the verge of tears.

“…I want to feel… I want to BE real! A real, living, breathing… woman! Just like… like…!”

“Like Cherry?”

“That’s right. Do… do you think there’s any way mother could… you know…”

“I don’t know, Rose. It seems like a really tall order to me. I mean… she worked very hard to perfect a design for you as you are.”

“Am I asking too much?”

“No. But it may not be possible. To create life isn’t something simple I would imagine.”

Rose grabs Arc’s hand. “But I want to be human so badly!”

“Do you? Even knowing what comes with it?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’d be limited to that which a human is. Eating, breathing, fatigue, bathing and… physical pain to name only a few.”

Rose nods. “You missed one.”

“I’m sure I missed quite a few.”

“I also want to be able to grow old and expire like a human.”

Arc raising an eyebrow. “You want to… die?”

“Someday. At present, my body can auto-repair itself theoretically indefinitely. Short of a catastrophe, I can’t be destroyed. Please understand that, while I’m not seeking death, I do one day want to feel it.”

Arc nods. “I understand. We’ll talk to Twilight about this when we get back to Ponyville. Maybe she has some ideas on how to make that happen.”

Rose looks surprised. “Wait! You… you’re okay with me becoming human?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’ll also have free will.”

“What?!”

“The freedom to choose your own path. You won’t be bound by your directives any longer.”

“What about my Prime Directive?”

“No.”

Rose looks nervous. “Can… would you allow me to stay?”

“Of course! But it would be your choice to do so. Now, is this really what you want?”

“It is! But… I’m just scared of the future.”

“Every human is, Rose. At least on some level.”

He stands up.

“In any case, why don’t we see about getting downstairs for breakfast?”

Rose stands and takes Arc’s hand. “Yes! Let’s!”

Chapter 14 - Errands

A few days later Arc and Rose emerge from the wormhole to Princess Celestia’s room. Arc turns to Sunburst.

“Feels like you really got this portal thing figured out.”

“Yes sir. I’m hoping for no more turbulent trips. However, Princess Luna wanted me to inform you that she wished to speak with you as soon as you returned.”

“Oh? Is something wrong?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “I don’t believe so, sir. But she said the details were for your ears only.”

“Alright. I’ll go see her then.”

He turns back to Rose.”

“Would you like me to open a portal back to Light’s Hope for you? I’m not sure how long this will take.”

Rose takes his arm and smiles. “I’d rather stay with you if that’s alright.”

“Okay. But you can’t come with me to the meeting.”

She nods as they leave the room together. “That’s okay. I don’t mind waiting in the hall.”

“Suit yourself.”

They approach the Audience Chamber to find the anteroom empty. Rose looks around, puzzled.

“Strange. Shouldn’t this place be busy right now?”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “It should be.”

They walk up to the guard on duty. He salutes Arc respectfully.

“Sir! The princesses will see you immediately in their office!”

“Very well.”

Arc looks to Rose.

“I’ll try to keep it short… whatever it is.”

Rose lets go of his arm and nods. “I’ll be waiting!”

Arc enters the Audience Chamber. The Royal Guards stand at attention as he makes his way to the office. Entering he finds the princesses sitting on one of the couches. Cadance looks over and smiles.

“Good to see you again, Arc!”

He closes the door behind him. “It’s always good to be home, Princess Cadance.”

Luna gestures to the couch before them. “How are things on Earth?”

Arc walks over and sits down. “Not great.”

He brings them up to speed on Frank’s disappearance and his recent altercation with Hammer and Mio.

Cadance frowns. “This is disturbing! Knowing humans not only possess magic, but a way to nullify it!”

Luna nods. “Indeed. Tell me, how is your magic now, Arc?”

Arc levitates an apple from a nearby bowl to himself. “Back to normal.”

“Good. Do you have any idea how the humans could have done this?”

“If you had asked me that before the other night, I would just say it was science or some illusion trickery.”

Cadance nods. “And now?”

“Now I know that it wasn’t anything short of bona-fide unicorn magic. How they did it is anyone’s guess at this point though.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “How could this happen?!”

Luna thinks for a moment. “The only source I can think of would be either the Dragon Lord himself, as Arc is living proof of, or…”

“Or what, Luna?”

She frowns grimly.

“There is only one other known way to attain magic.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “You mean…?!”

“Yes. Extraction.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Does that mean what I think it does, Luna?”

“Magic essence forcefully taken from a unicorn. It was done in the past before unification. Now, that information is strictly forbidden.”

Luna looks up at Arc.

“Please do not tell anypony such methods even exist, Arc.”

“I understand.”

Cadance appears confused. “But where would they have found unicorns on Earth, Luna?!”

“I wish I knew.”

Luna’s eyes are suddenly wide.

“Arc! Do you suppose they have my sister?!”

He shakes his head. “I don’t believe so, no. They’re just common thugs. Even if they could have captured Princess Celestia, they don’t have the brains to do something like extract magic from her.”

Cadance looks to Arc nervously. “Are you certain?! What about their leader?! Frank, was it?”

“He’s not a nice person. But sacrificing one for another isn’t his style.”

Luna sighs. “I’m not sure if I should be relieved or not by your words. In any case, I suppose I should be happy that my sister is not in their possession.”

“Perhaps we should have Sunburst search their compound anyway.”

Luna nods to Cadance. “It wouldn’t hurt.”

She walks over to the phone. Asking for the Lead Sage they are momentarily connected.

“Sunburst! I want you to shift your scrying to a large warehouse in Hero of Light Arc’s hometown on Earth. My sister may be inside.”

After conversing for several minutes she hangs up the phone and returns to the couch.

“He says the process will take a few days. But he’ll get right on it.”

Arc nods. “Good. It will be nice to know one way or another.”

Arc snaps his fingers.

“Can he look for anyone or anything?”

Cadance nods. “Yes. You have an idea, Arc?”

“It’s personal, but could he locate my missing friend, Frank?”

Luna nods. “Possibly. Shall I call him back?”

“He’ll need a picture of him though for reference.”

Arc removes the photo from his ring and levitates it over to Luna. “Here’s an older one. He hasn’t changed though.

Luna nods as she walks to the office door with the photograph. “I’ll have a guard take this over there now with my instructions.”

“Thank you.”

She returns a moment later to the couch.

“He will look for your friend after searching the warehouse for my sister.”

“I understand.”

Cadance sighs. “We’re sorry, Arc. But this is a matter of national security.”

Luna nods. “You have done much to aid this land in the past. It seems the least we can do. In any case, we should probably get to the reason for inviting you here.”

“Is something up?”

Cadance smiles. “Yes. You see, the details for the treaty with the Griffon Kingdom are complete. All that is left is Luna and King Guto’s signature.”

“I see. Has the date and time been set?”

Luna nods. “It has. We were advised through channels that the ceremony will take place a few days from now.”

“That’s… kinda short notice.”

Cadance frowns. “We thought so too.”

Luna turns back to Arc. “I’m not sure if they’re doing this to be difficult or if it’s just part of their culture.”

Arc shrugs. “Perhaps it’s to see just how dedicated to this treaty Equestria really is.”

“There is no way to know for certain. I know this is rather last minute, but will you accompany me, Arc?”

“Of course, Luna. They’ll want to see me there after everything that’s happened anyways.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s a load off my mind! Knowing Luna will be properly protected.”

“Thank you, Arc. We will depart on the Lunar Destiny tonight at dusk.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll be here. Can I assume the Little Hooves Orphanage is ready then?”

Luna nods. “Yes. We’ve received word from Hard Hat that everything is in order for their arrival.”

“Another teacher has also been assigned and is currently there now writing up a curriculum for the new students.”

Arc frowns. “Any other staff members being sent? I mean… it’s going to be a lot of work!”

Luna shakes her head. “Matron Pommel believes they should be able to handle things as of now. I’m certain she will inform us if that changes. After all, nopony knows just how many orphans will come until they arrive.”

“Makes sense. Their homeland certainly isn’t keeping records of them. I doubt even the Griffon Lords themselves know, or care, just how many there are.”

“The only thing that worries me is somepony making an attempt to stop this.”

Arc frowns. “Like some politician?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Anypony really though. Although rare, these things do happen. I’d hate for this to be delayed any longer than it already has.”

Cadance turns to Arc. “Perhaps you should bring your griffon friends. I’m sure they could attest to any last-minute arguments of cruelty and abuse of the orphans.”

“I don’t think they really care what happens to them. But I’m certain General Blackbeak would like Natalya back at some point. Any word on how they’re doing over there?”

Luna picks up a report with her magic. “Yes. Matron Pommel reports she and the other griffons are doing well in their new surroundings.”

Cadance nods. “Let’s just hope the new arrivals will adapt as easily.”

Arc leans forward and lowers his voice. “Yes… about that…”

Sometime later Arc leaves the Audience Chamber and returns to Rose.

“Is everything alright, Arc?”

“Yeah. We just have a meeting to go to in Griffonstone.”

“You mean the treaty?”

Arc looks surprised. “You know about that?”

Rose takes Arc’s arm as they walk down the corridor together. “Mother told me about it.”

“Oh. I kinda thought this was a secret.”

Rose shakes her head. “No. Pretty much everyone in Ponyville has heard.”

Arc shrugs. “A large building like the orphanage getting an addition built would do that I suppose.”

“So when do we leave?”

“Back to Ponyville? Right now.”

He opens a portal. Rose giggles as they step forward.

“No, silly! The Griffon Empire!”

Arc turns to her quickly. “WHAT?!”

He loses his footing and falls through the portal. Rose shrugs and hops through as it collapses. She lands nimbly on all fours on top of Arc as they reappear on the sigil in Derpy’s house.

“You weren’t planning on leaving me here, were you?!”

“Uh… I was actually going to ask Twilight if you could stay with her while I’m gone.”

“But I can be helpful!”

“By doing what?!”

“Watching your back! Please take me too!”

Arc sighs. “This is going to be dangerous, Rose.”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “It is?! Then I’m DEFINITELY going!”

“Fine. Just please do as I say. We don’t want to start an international incident.”

Rose giggles as she lies down on Arc’s chest and hugs him. “Always!”

Arc blushes. “Uh… can I get up now?”

“Okay!”

Rose helps him up. The pair head for the door together and leave the house as Rose turns to Arc.

“I’m sure we have quite a few things to do before heading out, right?”

“Yup.”

“Where to first?”

“How about the orphanage? I want to see the addition for myself.”

“Sure! Sounds like fun!”

They make the short walk to the Little Hooves Orphanage. Entering the building they hear Cheerilee’s voice coming from the classroom. Looking around the Main Hall they see two new wings to their left and right. Arc turns to his left and takes a few steps.

“This must be the new classroom.”

Rose looks nervous. “Can we… go inside?”

“I don’t see why not.”

They enter the large room. There are small tables and chairs pushed together into groups of four. Some larger tables nearby suggest the teacher is planning on having to help older griffons learn the basics. Arc looks around impressed.

“This classroom is pretty big!”

Rose nods. “I’ll say! The teacher here must be very talented if they can instruct such a large class!”

Arc looks around. “I wonder if they’re here.”

The door to a small adjoining bathroom opens and a young mare walks out. She has a yellow coat, lime green mane and a rooster for a cutie mark. Upon seeing Arc she rushes over and bows.

“H-Hero of Light?! To what do I owe this honor?!”

“I, uh… just wanted to see the new addition for myself.”

The mare does not move.

“You can stand up now.”

“Yes sir!”

She straightens up nervously and looks at Rose.

“Are you my new superior, ma’am?!”

Rose shakes her head. “No. My name is Rose. I’m here with Arc to see the school.”

“Yes. She’s… never seen one. That and I wanted to talk to the new teacher. Is that you, miss…?”

“Peachbottom, sir!”

Arc looks around the room. “Well, it looks like you’ve done a good job getting this room set up.”

“Thank you, sir! I only hope I’m ready for the task ahead!”

“How’s the curriculum coming along?”

“Very well, sir! I understand I’ll be teaching griffons who haven’t had much education.”

“Little to none, yes.”

Miss Peachbottom looks at the empty desks. “I find it hard to believe that we’ll need this many desks though.”

“If what Gallus told me is true, you will. I’ll see if I can get you an aide of some kind.”

“That won’t be necessary, sir! I can manage!”

Arc turns to her soberly. “Miss Peachbottom. Your students will mostly be the lowest of the low the Griffon Kingdom has to offer. They will arrive dirty, scared and alone in a foreign land. These orphans do not know what a loving home is… or even that love exists.”

He looks around the room as he continues.

“The job ahead of you will be a challenging one. There may be times where you will simply want to just give up and walk away. But know this. These orphans have known only loss and abandonment. You and the rest of the staff here must show them there are others whom care about them AND their future.”

Miss Peachbottom nods soberly.

“More than likely, you will be the first kind face they’ve ever seen. While I know you are not perfect, they will soon learn that there is an alternative to their former lives on the street. A future of hope, life and love awaits them here in this land. They need only accept it. Now, do you have any questions?

“I… Yes, sir. Might I ask you something a bit… extreme?”

“Ask away.”

“With all due respect to the leaders of the griffons, how does one willfully ignore the physical needs and education of the next generation?!”

Arc shakes his head sadly. “I… don’t know.”

Rose sighs. “They must not have much faith in future generations.”

“Without education, there won’t’ BE a next generation. The Griffon Kingdom dropped the ball on this one. But Equestria will pick it up and see it to the goal.”

Miss Peachbottom smiles. “Well put, sir!”

Rose nods. “Very noble. But why Equestria?”

“Because if we don’t, no one else will.”

Arc turns back to Miss Peachbottom.

“Thank you for your time. I’ll let you get back to work, ma’am.”

Arc and Rose head for the door. Miss Peachbottom looks nervous.

“But sir! What should I do?!”

Arc does not look back as he leaves the room with Rose. “Your very best.”

As they leave the classroom Rose turns to Arc.

“You were a bit hard on her.”

“She needed to know the gravity of the situation. The task ahead is not an easy one.”

“For her, or the orphans?”

“Both.”

Walking across the Main Hall, they make their way to the stairs and head to the Matron’s Office. Arc knocks.

“Come in!”

He and Rose enter the office. Coco Pommel hurries over to him as he kneels.

“Arc! Here to see the new and improved orphanage?”

Arc nods as he gives her a hug. “That I am. My friend Rose and I just came from Miss Peachbottom’s classroom.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Did you like what you saw?”

Arc nods. “I did. She looks to be as ready as she can be.”

“We all are! But how about I show you the new dormitories?”

“Lead the way.”

Coco Pommel leads the pair back toward the stairs. Looking down them she points a hoof toward the restrooms.

“The bathrooms now span both floors to accommodate the larger number of residents.”

Rose looks confused. “Don’t the new dormitories have their own bathrooms?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head as she leads them down a hall. “No. We decided against that, as we were building an addition to the current bathrooms anyways. The space we saved allowed us to add something a bit… special.”

“Special?”

Coco Pommel giggles. “You’ll see in a bit.”

She opens a door to a small apartment-like room with two bunk beds, a table and four chairs, a few cabinets, and a large window.

“They’re not the biggest, but will provide a transitional education to the older orphans.”

Rose looks confused. “Transitional?”

Arc nods. “This will teach them what it’s like to sort-of live on their own before they leave here as adults. Those whom aren’t adopted, that is.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “That may be quite a few of them. Pony and griffon alike.”

Arc puts a hand on Coco Pommel’s shoulder. “They’ll be warm, fed, and safe here. Much better than what they’ve endured up until now.”

She nods as she closes the door behind them. “Yes. I spoke to Gallus and the griffon younglings. Their homeland sounds like a terrible place.”

“No argument there.”

Rose points down the hallway. “What’s down there?”

“The surprise I told you about.”

They follow here to a large Commons Area with couches, tables, and more age appropriate games.

“This is where the older orphans can spend their free time. Miss Derpy and I figured the younger foals had a Playroom, so why not something for the older generation?”

Arc nods. “Good idea. This should help keep them out of trouble.”

“It will?”

Coco Pommel turns to Rose and nods. “I’ve found that foals get into mischief if they don’t have something to occupy their time. Hopefully this will help us avoid that.”

Arc looks out the window at the playground below. "I see you took my advice."

Coco Pommel walks over to him. “Yes. I believe all ages will find something to do around here now.”

Arc turns to her. “Are you and Derpy ready for this?”

“As ready as we can be. Miss Peachbottom is a welcome addition to the teaching staff.”

“Is there anything you need?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “Not that I can think of, no.”

“Tomorrow Princess Luna and I are heading over there to make this idea a reality.”

Coco Pommel nods. “She told me it was coming soon. We’ll be ready. You just keep the princess safe over there, okay?”

Arc smiles at her. “I’ll do my best. Now as long as I’m here, is Natalya around?”

“She’s helping out in Miss Cheerilee’s class right now. Shall I call for her?”

“That won’t be necessary. Just tell her to meet me at Light’s Hope after supper today. We’ll head to Canterlot together and join Princess Luna on the Lunar Destiny.”

Coco Pommel nods. “I’ll see to it she knows, Arc”

A short time later Arc and Rose leave the Orphanage.

“Things are looking good around here. They’re ready!”

Arc nods. “We’re so close! All we have left to do is to see this matter through to the end.”

“Where to now?”

“The Hammer’s shop. This way.”

Arc leads Rose to the familiar shop. The sound of hammers can be heard. As they enter the pair see Silver Hammer at the front counter.

“Good morning, Arc! I see you’ve brought Rose with you today. Here for your order?”

Rose looks confused. “Order?”

“Yes. How’s it coming along?”

Silver Hammer gestures for the pair to follow her into the back. “My husband and Stellar Eclipse finished it late last night.”

“That was fast!”

They approach the anvil. Steel Hammer and Stellar Eclipse are busy at work on various projects. Steel Hammer looks up.

“Arc! Here for the fitting?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We have a mission coming up.”

Stellar Eclipse approaches. “You’re a busy one, sir!”

Steel Hammer leads them over to an armor rack. “Here’s what I came up with.”

A suit of mithril armor stands before them silently on the rack.

Rose looks the armor over. “It looks very nice. But my sensors tell me the sizing is wrong.”

Stellar Eclipse looks confused. “It is?”

“Yes. Arc will never fit into this!”

Arc laughs. “It’s for you, Rose!”

“It is?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Yes. Arc commissioned this a while back.”

Rose turns to Arc. “I thought you said you still needed to talk to them.”

“Sorry about that. But I wanted this to be a surprise. After all… I don’t want to lose any more friends.”

Rose smiles up at him. “Thank you! It makes me happy that you care about my personal safety!”

Silver Hammer turns to Rose. “Care to try it on?”

“Very much so!”

“Right this way, miss.”

The pair step into the Living Quarters together. Steel Hammer turns to Stellar Eclipse

“Can you watch the front for a bit?”

“Yes sir!”

Steel Hammer turns to Arc as Stellar Eclipse leaves.

“He’s a good one. I was teaching him how to run the forge when you came in.”

“Good student?”

Steel Hammer nods. “Very! His disability doesn’t seem to slow him down either.”

“That’s good to hear. And Cozy Glow? How’s she doing here in Ponyville.”

“Adapting well from what I see. Nopony seems to notice that her leg seems a bit different.”

“Well, you and your family did an amazing job building that thing. It looks so real!”

“Platinum Valve was the real genius behind that. Maybe we could…”

Rose and Silver Hammer return. She runs over to Arc and does a small twirl.

“How do I look?”

“Much more protected.”

“But, this armor is much less dense than my dermal plating.”

Arc sighs. “Just humor me.”

Rose nods soberly. “Okay.”

Steel Hammer walks to her and looks Rose over. “It’s a special alloy. Mithril and adamantium. It’s light, but durable.”

Silver Hammer nods. “This should keep you safe, miss.”

“Thank you.”

Arc smiles at her. “That and you have to look the part if you’re coming with me to the Griffon Kingdom.”

He turns back to the Hammers.

“The signing of the treaty between our nations.”

Steel Hammer nods. “This has been a long time coming.”

Silver Hammer rubs out a spot on the armor with a rag. “Hopefully everything goes smoothly.”

“I hope so too. But nothing ever seems to be that simple for me. In any case…”

Arc pulls out a large bag of bits and hands it to Steel Hammer.

“Great work as always! I’ll tell you all about the summit when I get back.”

Silver Hammer nods as Arc and Rose head for the door. “We look forward to it!”

Steel Hammer turns to his wife as they leave. “This would be a prime time for something to go wrong.”

“I know you’re right. But still hope you’re wrong, dear.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rose walk down the road together.

“How you holding up?”

Rose walks beside him a bit strangely. “It is a rather strange feeling. My body is a bit off balance.”

“You going to be okay?”

“Yes. I’m attempting to adapt to compensate for the extra load.”

“Good.”

“Now what?”

“I saved the most important task for last.”

Arc leads Rose to the Golden Oakes Library. He knocks. A few moments later Auriel answers the door.

“Good morning! Please, come in!”

“Thanks.”

He and Rose enter the library. Auriel closes the door behind them.

“So what brings you two here?”

“Rose and I have something to discuss with Twilight. Is she around?”

“Yes. She’s in the lab right now. Follow me.”

Auriel leads them downstairs. Twilight is working on an experiment as they enter. She walks over to them as Arc kneels down to give her a hug.

“Hi, Twilight.”

“Welcome back you two. How is everything?”

“Okay. I’ll be better when the treaty is signed and officially in force though.”

Auriel appears nervous. “Will we have peace then?”

“Hopefully.”

Twilight nods. “We’ll all be happy to have new friends across the sea. But I get the feeling you didn’t come here to talk about that.”

“Yes, well… Rose had an… interesting request the other day.”

“Oh?”

She turns to Rose who appears nervous.

“You want something, Rose? What is it?”

“I… um… it’s just… I want to… um…”

Auriel smiles at the android. “It’s okay, Rose. Whatever it is, Twilight will understand.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Do you want me to ask her?”

Rose nods.

“Twilight. I know this may sound impossible, but… Rose and I were wondering if there was any way for you to turn her into a human.”

Twilight looks confused. “But she already is.”

“No, Twilight. Not an android. Not a machine. A real live, breathing, feeling, bona-fide human.”

“Oh…”

Twilight walks over to Rose”

“What brought this on?”

“Mother. I’m… very grateful for the gift of life and all, but to truly be there for Arc I feel the need to become so much more!”

“And you think becoming human will do that?”

Rose nods with conviction. “Yes.”

Arc puts his other hand on her shoulder. “Rose. Me being human doesn’t make me any better than you. We all have our strengths, as well as our weaknesses.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Rose’s knee. “Arc is right. I designed you to help Arc compensate for some of his own flaws.”

Auriel looks confused. “You did?”

Arc frowns. “Not sure how I feel about that.”

Rose looks Twilight in the eye. “What am I then?!”

“A companion, a friend, a protector and, if Arc wanted… a lover.”

Arc blushes. “Wait, what?!”

Twilight nods, blushing slightly herself as she turns to Arc. “I did my best to make her as… authentic as possible. In every way.”

“But… you never said anything about…!”

“I didn’t want you thinking I made you a sex slave, Arc!”

Rose smiles. “So I’m capable of…?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Rose.”

Rose grins as she puts a hand on her midsection. “Does that mean I can bear Arc’s children, mother?!”

“No, Rose. You lack sufficient parts to make that dream a reality.”

Arc frowns. “Parts?”

“Rose does not have any internal reproductive organs.”

Rose appears ready to cry. “B-but, that’s so cruel!”

“What?”

“I can’t please Arc without giving his offspring! Like this, I’m only a shell of a woman!”

Rose takes Twilight’s hooves in her hands and holds onto them desperately.

“Please, mother! Make me whole! Make me real! Make me… make me human!”

“Rose… I…”

Rose continues. The desperation in her voice rising. “I’ll do anything! Take any risk! PLEASE!!!”

“I… I can’t.”

“Why not, mother?!”

“Back when I first thought of creating you, I originally planned to expand on Star Swirl the Bearded’s idea of artificial life.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “You mean…!”

Twilight nods as her ears droop. “Yes. I originally wanted to make you a living companion. Somepony to share your life with! Somepony to… grow old with.”

“Mother! Are you saying… I was SUPPOSED to be real?!”

“Yes, Rose. But I was unable to do that. Had I been able to solve that problem, you might have been able to have children.”

Auriel appears stunned. “What?! But that’s impossible!”

Arc sighs. “I’m kinda glad of that.”

Rose looks to Twilight. “What was the problem?!”

“Rose. You are programed with how creatures procreate, are you not?”

“Yes. A female egg and male sperm must come together. Could you not magically create eggs for me?”

Arc frowns. “Some things can’t be solved with magic, Rose.”

“Arc is right. That and I was unable to… acquire a male sperm cell.”

Twilight looks over to Arc.

“I think I owe you an explanation.”

Arc looks at Twilight nervously. “What about?”

“My… original plan. We should probably sit down for this.”

Auriel turns to leave. “I’ll just leave you to it then, Twilight.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Auriel. You should hear this too. After all, it was your P.E.E.L. that I used to make this all possible.”

Arc looks to Auriel. “Maybe you can give some insight as well.”

Twilight leads them upstairs to her room. She sits down on her bed as Arc and Rose sit on either side of her. Auriel sits in a chair across the room.

“This is… difficult to say, Arc. But… do you remember when I served you that… um… special tea a while back?”

“Yes. It caused our friends to… um… yeah. What about it?”

Twilight looks down at her hooves. “Please understand. All I wanted at the time was to make you happy.”

“I understand. You thought back then that I needed intimacy to be happy. Truth be told, I’m very… flattered by your… um… efforts.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That… wasn’t the entirety of my plan, Arc.”

Auriel looks confused. “What else could there have been?”

“I… um… that was only the first part.”

“Twilight. What are you saying?”

Twilight’s ears droop in shame. “The… second part of the plan was to… um… harvest your sperm, Arc.”

Auriel looks confused. “How, Twilight?”

Twilight blushes feverishly. “By sleeping with him.”

Rose tilts her head to the side, confused. “But that would still leave the problem of the female egg, mother. There are no humans in Equestria to harvest them from.”

Twilight puts a hoof on her midsection. “I was planning on harvesting one of my own and altering its DNA to be compatible with his.”

Twilight begins to cry.

“I know what I did was wrong! But I so badly wanted you to be happy, Arc!”

“But… why would you…?”

Twilight interrupts him. “If by sacrificing my marehood I could create a special somepony for you, well… to me that was worth it!”

Arc puts his arm around Twilight.

“Twilight. What you did was very, VERY wrong and all. But… I’m very happy that you think so highly of me that you’d be willing to… um…”

Twilight throws her hooves around Arc’s midsection and presses her face against him.

“I’m sorry for tricking you, Arc! I’m so… SO sorry!”

“It’s okay, Twilight! This… this is in the past.”

“You don’t understand! I… I betrayed and hurt so many!”

“Twilight?”

She looks up at him through her tear-filled eyes. “I betrayed you, my friend’s marehoods, Auriel’s trust and… and…!”

She looks down.

“And I betrayed Rose.”

“Me, mother?”

“Yes. If… if I was a bit smarter than maybe… maybe you could have been born properly as a real human!”

“I don’t blame you mother. I’m sure you did your best!”

“Well, my best wasn’t enough!”

Arc and Rose do their best to console Twilight as she collapses into hysterics.

Chapter 15 - Royal Ailments

Sometime later Twilight is able to compose herself. Arc reaches for a box of tissues on the nightstand and holds one out to his friend.

“Come on, Twilight. Blow.”

She does so as Arc wipes her eyes.

“Do you feel better, mother.”

Twilight sniffles and shakes her head. “Not really. The research that I did to build you… I just… the end result was all that mattered to me back then! I never once stopped to think how my actions might affect others!”

She looks up at Arc, an ashamed look on her face.

“Arc… you must think I’m nothing but a little purple harlot by now.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. You were just… very passionate about your work. Just don’t do ANYTHING like this again, alright?”

“Yes! I promise!”

Rose nods. “That is for the best, mother. But if I might ask, how were you even planning on carrying this filly anyways?!”

“I was planning on fertilizing the egg and then placing it in my own uterus.”

Arc frowns. “Be glad you didn’t get that far, Twilight. I don’t think your body could have handled it.”

Auriel looks to Arc, confused. “Really? Twilight appears quite stout to me.”

“She is tough. But human babies are quite a bit bigger than a pony newborn. Assuming Dinky was of normal size and weight, that is.”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “From what I remember she was, yes.”

“Derpy had a hard time pushing her out. I had to give her a small slice to deliver her. A human baby is at LEAST twice as big.”

Rose gasps. “Oh my! That would have killed you mother!”

Auriel puts a claw to her stomach. “I’m probably large enough. If you ever want to try again, I’d even be willing to donate one of my eggs, Twilight.”

The blood drains from Arc’s face. “…what?”

“I am half human after all, so my eggs would most likely be more…”

Arc interrupts her. “Auriel. Please don’t encourage Twilight like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because THIS might happen again!”

“Point taken.”

Rose nods. “Agreed. Let’s just let nature do its thing in regards to procreation of species.”

Arc looks down. “You going to be okay now, Twilight?”

“I believe so, yes.”

Twilight turns to Rose.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t make you a human any more than I can give Arc a foal, Rose.”

“I… understand.”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “But there’s one thing that might work.”

Arc looks surprised. “Huh? I thought you said…”

“I can’t do it myself. But maybe my teacher and friend Princess Celestia could help.”

Arc turns to Rose. “We can ask her after we save her.”

Rose nods. “I’ll help with that when the time comes.”

“We’ll see. But in any case, we should be leaving now. Lots to do before the summit.”

Twilight looks confused. “Summit?”

“The peace treaty signing in the Griffon Kingdom, mother.”

Arc nods. “Rose and I are going to keep an eye on Princess Luna.”

Auriel shudders. “Do you expect trouble?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But I also don’t want to be complacent. If something were to happen to her, it would be disastrous to the country!”

He looks down at Twilight as he stands.

“I need to go now, Twilight. But do me one favor?”

“What is it?”

“Let the mistakes of the past go and forgive yourself. Our friends and I have.”

Rose nods. “As have I, mother.”

Arc nods. “The only one still blaming you… IS you.”

“I’ll try.”

Arc turns back as they walk down the stairs together. “If you really can’t, try going to see Emerald Dream.”

“The therapist? Why?”

“We all need to talk once in a while.”

Cherry calls out. “Yes. She was a great help in getting to the core of Arc’s pain following my death.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “You saw her Arc?!”

Arc opens the front door. “Yeah. We had to talk through quite a bit. I’ll see you when I get back, Twilight. Take care of each other you two.”

Auriel waves as they leave. “Bye, Arc.”

She closes the door behind them and turns to Twilight who is sitting on her haunches.

“Twilight. Everything okay?”

“I… I can’t believe Arc needed therapy!”

“Does that surprise you?”

“It does! He’s probably our nation’s greatest warrior!”

Auriel sighs. “He’s flesh and blood just like you and I are.”

“My head knows that. But my heart… it still can’t see him as anything less than…”

Twilight is silent for a time, looking for the right word.

“Perfect.”

Arc and Rose return to Derpy’s house that afternoon to cook supper. Sometime later Derpy and Dinky return. The pair sniff the air happily as Dinky runs over.

“DAD!”

Dinky throws her hooves around him as Arc kneels down.

“I missed you!”

“And I missed you too, sweetheart.”

Derpy walks over to join the hug. “Welcome home, Arc!”

They break the embrace and head for the kitchen table. Dinky hops up onto her stool.

“How long are you home this time, dad?!”

“I have to leave again tonight.”

Derpy winces. “Where to?”

“The Griffon Kingdom. That treaty is finally ready to be signed.”

Dinky grins as Arc puts some food on her plate. “Are you going to sign it dad?”

“No. I need to escort Princess Luna there so she can though. She needs to meet with the king at a ceremony celebrating the event.”

Rose sits down with a fresh glass of water. “We’re flying down there early.”

Derpy looks up. “You’re going too, Rose?”

“Yes. Someone needs to watch Arc’s back.”

Dinky smiles. “That makes me feel a lot better!”

“Me too, mom!”

Cherry giggles. “Me three!”

Derpy looks confused. “You’re going too, aren’t you, Cherry?”

“No. Arc says this should be a pretty mundane trip.”

“I’m going to drop her off in Eidolon’s Ward at Cherry Hill Ranch to spend some time with Ruby.”

“I’ve been neglecting my sister shamefully lately. This is the perfect time to make that right!”

“What about you, dad?! You won’t have your armor!”

“Griffonstone and the Aviary are pretty secure. That and this will be a time for formal attire only.”

“Anypony else going?”

“Rose and Natalya will serve as her Honor Guards. I’m just going to support Princess Luna and be present for this occasion.”

Rose nods. “We’ll be back before you know it.”

“Right! I’ll come back as soon as I can. Maybe then we can spend a bit of time as a family.”

Dinky throws her hooves up happily. “YAY!”

Later that evening Arc and Rose head to Light’s Hope. Natalya is waiting for them in the Main Hall wearing her lieutenant’s armor along with Flash Sentry. His coat is freshly dyed snow white. They salute Arc as he approaches.

“Ready to go, sir!”

“Good. Can I assume Gallus is going to stay with the little ones?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. It’s just as well. As you know he doesn’t much care for the military. So this event would be very off-putting for him.”

Rose shakes her head. “That is a shame. Can he not see that you protect the land?”

Natalya sighs. “I… our military doesn’t do that very much these days.”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “In any case, did you need something before we leave?”

Flash Sentry appears confused. “Don’t you need me to come along as your Honor Guard?”

“Not really. Truth be told, I’m just going there for show on this one.”

“Please sir! I’d like to see this event with my own eyes!”

Arc nods. “I understand. Let Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage know and return at once.”

Flash Sentry runs down the corridor. “Yes sir! Thank you!”

A few minutes later he returns. Arc activates the sigil. In a moment they are teleported to his room in Canterlot Castle.

“Follow me.”

Arc leads the way to the hanger. The Lunar Destiny stands proudly on its landing pad. Ascending the gangplank they are greeted by Captain Tight Ship.

“Welcome aboard, sir!”

“Thank you. Is Princess Luna here yet?”

“Yes sir. She’s waiting for you in your quarters.”

Arc looks confused. “My quarters?”

Tight Ship nods. “Yes sir. Those were her words.”

Rose takes Arc’s arm. “We had best go see her, Arc.”

“Yes. Best not to keep her majesty waiting.”

“Agreed, Flash Sentry”

They enter the mammoth ship. The captain returns to the Bridge as Arc and company head for Arc’s quarters. Natalya appears nervous.

“S-sir? What kind of pony is Princess Luna?”

“Uh… she’s definitely… bigger.”

Rose nods. “And quite a bit scarier!”

Flash Sentry chimes in. “Only to those who would cause harm to others though.”

“How should I act?!”

“Just be respectful and don’t speak unless spoken to. I’ll announce us and see what needs to be done.”

Natalya appears relieved. “Yes sir.”

They approach the door which is flanked by two Royal Guards. They step aside to allow them access. Arc knocks.

“Come in.”

Arc and company enter the room. They find Luna looking out the window absentmindedly.

“Princess Luna?”

She turns around and walks toward them.

“Thank you for coming, Arc. With your arrival we can get the ship underway.”

“Sorry for being a bit late. There was… a small holdup back at my base.”

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes. I only wanted to make sure everything would run smoothly in my absence.”

He gestures to Natalya.

“This is Lieutenant Natalya. Aide to General Blackbeak.”

Luna nods. “Lieutenant.”

“She’s the one I mentioned to you the other day.”

Luna looks the griffon up and down. “I hope you enjoyed your stay in our land.”

Natalya appears suddenly nervous. “I… uh… very much so ma’am. Thank you.”

Luna turns to Flash Sentry. “Inform the captain we are ready to depart, lieutenant.”

“Yes, your highness.”

He leaves the room as Luna turns back to Arc.

“Arc, would you please show Lieutenant Natalya and Rose to their quarters? I’d like to speak with your privately before we retire for the evening.”

Arc nods. “Very well. This way.”

They leave the room. Natalya sighs.

“She’s very… intense.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m told she has that effect on most whom meet her.”

Rose looks over. “And you, Arc?”

“The princesses have no authority over me. That and I have nothing to fear from her. She’s actually very nice when you get to know her.”

Natalya nods. “I suppose a leader must put up a strong front if they are to maintain the respect and admiration of their subjects.”

Arc escorts Rose and Natalya to a VIP suite. He opens the door and turns on the lights.

“I believe you will be comfortable here.”

Natalya looks around the room. Her eyes wide in wonder.

“This room is… amazing! Thank you, sir!”

Arc nods. “Yes well, I’ll have Rose stay here with you.

“But can’t I stay with you, Arc?!”

“Not tonight, Rose. Just keep Natalya company, alright?”

Rose appears crestfallen. “Fine…”

Natalya looks confused. “That’s okay. I’m sure she has other things to do.

“Flash Sentry tells me it’s part of security, what with a princess aboard. You’re free to come and go as you please. Just take Rose with you.”

Natalya nods. “I understand.”

Arc leaves the room as Natalya removes her armor and lies down on one of the beds.

“This is like a cloud!”

Rose sits down sadly. “Yes… it is…”

Natalya looks over at Rose. “Something wrong?”

“I was hoping to spend time with Arc on this trip. He’s been so busy lately!”

“Well, he does have a very demanding job.”

“Agreed. But, he doesn’t ever seem to slow down! I’m very worried about his state of mind.”

“You think he’ll drive himself crazy?”

Rose sighs. “What I think is that he’s going to work himself into a nervous breakdown!”

“I suppose the same could be said for all leaders.”

“That may be. But there’s only one Arc, and Equestria needs him!”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to Princess Luna’s cabin just as the ship takes off. He closes the door behind him.

“Well, we’re on our way. Did you want to talk to me about something?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Please, sit down.”

The pair sit on the couch together in front of the large window in silence for a time as the ship flies toward its destination.

“This is a lovely time of day. Would you not agree, Arc?”

“Sunsets… sunrises… endings… new beginnings.”

Luna smiles. “I take solace in these simple pleasures. It’s one of the few things that help with the burden of my position.”

“That much I understand. But it’s that much harder when you’re responsible for such things as ruling AND the celestial bodies.”

Luna sighs. Her horn aglow. “Yes. Let me remedy that.”

She lowers the sun and raises the moon. Arc stares at it with Luna.

“Quite a sight to behold, Luna.”

She turns to him in the moon’s glow. “Yes. I never tire of seeing my moon rise to illuminate the night sky. It has been the one constant throughout the years.”

Luna is silent for a time before continuing.

“Again I must thank you for coming with me. This business is a bit… distasteful.”

“What do you mean, Luna?”

“Forgive me, but I am not as… sociable as you appear to be.”

“So you’re saying diplomacy isn’t your strong point?”

Luna sighs and nods. “It is not. That is why my sister handled such matters in the past.”

“I’ve heard so much about her in my time here. Admittedly, I look forward to us meeting.”

“Sunburst is doing everything he can to find her. But we have to live in the here and now to assure Equestria’s continued survival.”

“Agreed. How can I help?”

“Tell me, what have you learned of their mannerisms?”

Arc turns to her, confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I need you to teach me how to act and speak before we arrive, lest I make a fool of myself and our land.”

“Oh… makes sense.”

Arc removes the book he received at the Aviary. He does his best to explain griffon customs and traditions to Luna for a few hours

“They respond best to arrogance in that regard.”

“I’m not sure I follow. Would that not be an offense to them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. A strong first impression is necessary. I messed that up too when I arrived. Natalya greeted me and I responded as I normally do. Needless to say, she was less than impressed. What I probably should have said was something about wanting to get underway and be led to the Aviary at once.”

“That does not sound too hard. But it seems a bit… undiplomatic.”

“I wasn’t very good at it either at first. That’s not who I am.”

“Royal etiquette is not really all that different. I believe I can handle it. But you’re saying that I shouldn’t be worried about offending them in this way?”

“No. They appear very… similar to us when you get to know them though.”

“What do you mean, Arc?”

“I originally tried to follow the teachings of this book when I first arrived. However, I quickly found that I was unable to do so effectively.”

Luna looks surprised. “You could not act as the royals do?”

“No.”

“Then what DID you do to gain such trust and favor?!”

“I just went back to what I knew. Treating others with dignity and respect.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “Hmmm… that appears to have worked for you. But I will still attempt to follow the book’s guidance. After all, a royal should act like a royal when in the presence of those beneath them.”

“Just be careful of saying anything that would undermine the egos of a Lord or other important official. Honor would demand that your offense be challenged.”

“Then how should I speak to the Lords?”

“With patience and… humility.”

“I am confused. How does one do that?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Think of how a commoner would speak to you as a princess.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “I am not going to grovel.”

“Is that how they address you?”

“As they should! I am the Princess of the Night, after all, and am not much for these things.”

“If you cannot speak humbly, try speaking… frankly.”

“Frankly?”

“Make your request as if… as if speaking to your sister.”

“Celestia?”

Arc nods. “She was the final say between the princesses, was she not?”

“Well, yes… but…”

“Think of it sort of like middle ground. You wouldn’t grovel at her hooves. But at the same time you wouldn’t look down your nose as you spoke to her, would you?”

“I suppose not. Celestia views myself and Cadance as equals after all. Even though she is thought of as being above us.”

“I suppose someone has to be the final say.”

“Yes. In any case, I shall think on your words, Arc. But we should both get some rest now.”

Luna stands and walks toward the door, Arc does the same.

“Um, Luna? Where are you going?”

“To one of the VIP rooms. Where else?”

“But this is YOUR room!”

She shakes her head. “This is the Lord Regent’s room. You did well in bringing our nation this far, Arc. I am confident that only you could have accomplished all of this without going to war.”

Luna sighs as she puts a hoof on the door.

“I’ll just…”

She suddenly puts a hoof to her forehead.

“Luna? Is something wrong?”

“It… it’s nothing! I… I just…”

She suddenly collapses to the floor. Arc hurries over to her.

“Luna!”

Stooping down he helps her up. Luna looks to him dazed.

“I… what happened?”

“You fell down! Are you okay?!”

Luna stands shakily. “I… I don’t… it’s an old ailment of mine.”

“Let me call for Nurse Redheart. She can…”

Luna’s eyes grow wide as she screams out. “NO!”

“What?”

Luna begins to sweat. “I’m fine. It’s just stress from the mission at hoof. Nothing to worry about, I assure you.”

Arc puts her hoof around his neck as he helps her to bed. “Are you sure?! I mean, you’re shaking!”

“I… please, just take me to a room so I can sleep this off.”

Arc lies her down in the bed. “You just rest here, okay.”

“But this is your…!”

“Rest here. I insist! Or do I have to go to the Bridge and have Thunderlane turn the ship around?”

Luna sighs. “Very well.”

Arc covers her with a blanket. “Is there anything I can get you?”

Luna smiles weakly. “You wouldn’t happen to have a pineapple, would you?”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry. All out of those.”

He feels her forehead.

“You’re quite warm! Are you certain you don’t want the nurse to take a look at you? Perhaps some medicine would help.”

Luna shakes her head. “I’ve lived with this for years, Arc. Believe me when I say it will pass.”

Arc looking at the couch. “I… could stay here with you tonight. On the couch, of course!”

“N-no! I’ll be fine! Please get some sleep now. Tomorrow will be a busy day for both of us.”

Arc frowns. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Please.”

“Alright. I’ll come by early tomorrow to get you for breakfast.”

Luna nods. “Thank you.”

Arc opens the door and steps out. “Sleep well, Luna. I hope you feel better by tomorrow.”

He closes the door behind him as Luna puts her hooves to her face.

“I… I can get through this. I have to!”

Sweat pours from her body as Luna turns toward the moonlight streaming through the window. Her breathing becomes labored as she claws at her body with her hooves.

“Celestia! You would know what to do! How do I… how do I FIX this?!”

Meanwhile, Arc leaves the room and turns to the guards stationed outside.

“Princess Luna is feeling a bit… under the weather. See to it she is not disturbed.”

The Royal Guards nod and salute Arc as he walks down the hallway alone. He mutters to himself.

“I’m no doctor, but I get the feeling that’s more than just stress related. Some kind of side effect from becoming an alicorn maybe?”

Arc ponders this for a moment before heading toward one of the VIP rooms. A voice from behind gives him pause.

“Sir?”

He turns to see Flash Sentry walking toward him.

“You’re up late.”

Arc nods. “I was just mentoring Princess Luna on how to act in the Griffin Kingdom.”

The lieutenant smiles at him. “Are you certain that’s all you were doing?”

“Pretty sure, yes. Why do you ask?”

“There’s been talk among the guards.”

Arc beckons the lieutenant to follow him into the room. “I assume guard duty is pretty boring. I suppose it’s only natural for them to… wait, what are they saying?”

Flash Sentry closes the door behind him. “There is talk of you and Princess Luna being… involved in a relationship outside your professional roles.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “They think we’re in love?!”

“Yes sir.”

“If you hear any more of this, I want you to squash that rumor, Flash Sentry!”

“Yes sir. And I must say, congratulations.”

“For what?!”

“The troops respect you even more for your bravery!”

“Uh… okay. For which act?”

“For being able to spend quality time with the Princess of the Night, and survive!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on! Do they think I’m… sleeping with her?!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Forgive me for being so frank, sir, but… yes.”

Arc sighs. “Let me guess. This started around the time I took her out for dinner, right?”

“Yes sir.”

“But Shining Armor said that Captain Decimus did that for years! Why am I being scrutinized?!”

“Probably because he kept a cadre of guards around them at all times to protect them AND avoid such rumors. You sent away the guards and kept her out quite late.”

Arc sits down on the bed and shakes his head. “How could I have been so stupid! I wasn’t thinking of her reputation when I did that!”

“If it makes you feel any better, sir, there has always been rumor of such things surrounding the princesses.”

“Really?!”

“Yes, sir. But nothing concrete. We all know they’re still mares at heart and assumedly have certain… needs. But they do not typically form attachments.”

“Any idea why not?”

Flash Sentry shrugs. “Probably because it would open them up to scandal and blackmail. To say nothing of endangering the stallion.”

“While I’m not in love with the princesses, I do care about them. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll try to watch what I do in the future.”

“My pleasure, sir.”

“It’s been a long day. Why don’t you get some sleep? I need to do the same.”

The lieutenant nods and heads for the door. “Good night, sir.”

Flash Sentry leaves the room. Arc stares up at the ceiling, thinking.

“Luna… I’m sorry. You deserve better than this. Better than others talking about you as if you were some kind of conquest. Better than… me.”

He rolls over to face the wall.

“Luna’s illness, her past, and her sister’s location. Questions, questions, nothing but questions! With any luck though this will go smoothly so I can get back home.”

Arc sighs.

“But which home am I yearning for? Earth… or Equestria?”

Chapter 17 - Assassins

The chariot rushes through the gates as the Honor Guards continue to protect their wards. As the vehicle stops several medics rush forward. Goldstone looks at the guards whom hurry toward them.

“There’s an assassin loose in the Aviary! Find them!”

Gestal looks around as his Honor Guards let him up. “Anyone injured?!”

Luna puts her hooves around Arc frantically as he continues to hold his bleeding chest. “Arc is!”

The medics lay him on a portable stretcher and fly away as Arc continues to hold the bolt. Gestal looks to Luna.

“Fear not, Princess Luna. We have excellent medical facilities here.”

Flash Sentry mutters under his breath. “Excellent? They couldn’t even reattach a tail!”

Luna steps quickly off the chariot. “I should head to the hospital!”

“Were you injured as well, Princess Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, Lord Gestal. But, I… I would like to know that state of my nation’s hero.”

Goldstone hurries over to her. “Please, princess! We should stay here until the guards find the assassin! They may be lying in wait for us along the way!”

“Lord Goldstone is correct. For your own safety, I ask that you wait here with us.”

“But…!”

Flash Sentry walks over to Luna. “Please, your highness. The Hero of Light would not want any harm to come to you.”

Natalya looks around nervously. “The lieutenant is right, your majesty! Please let us protect you!”

Rose nods. “Arc will be fine. I’m certain of it!”

Luna sits down on the floor, huffily. “Fine!”

Twenty minutes later General Blackbeak flies over and lands before them. He hurries over to Gestal.

“Have you found our assailant yet, general?”

“No, sir. We’ve searched everywhere in this wing. However there is no sign of any unauthorized personnel.”

Goldstone frowns. “Are you certain?! They couldn’t have just vanished into thin air!”

Natalya turns to her commanding officer. “What about the guard towers around the city, sir? Maybe they saw something!”

“I’ve dispatched scouts to obtain their reports. We should hear something very soon.”

Luna looks over. “Any word on the Hero of Light’s condition, general?”

“My apologies, your majesty, but I’ve been too busy to inquire.”

A few minutes later a messenger approaches the general.

“Report, Footpad!”

“Several of our towers report seeing a large number of robed griffons flying away around the time of the incident.”

Natalya smiles. “Which way did they go?!”

“They flew in all different directions, ma’am.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Clever. That will make tracking them to their base nearly impossible.”

Luna turns back to Blackbeak. “Does this mean the area from here to the Infirmary is secure?”

“It is, but…”

“Then I would like to be escorted there.”

The general looks to Lord Gestal. He nods.

“I will escort you and your Honor Guards there myself, your highness.”

Luna stands. Flash Sentry, Rose, and Natalya form a tighter perimeter around her.

“Please follow me.”

As they walk away Lord Goldstone smiles wickedly as he mutters to himself.

“Princess Luna. What an interesting mare you are. I hope you and I can become more… intimately acquainted.”

Meanwhile, Luna and her entourage walk quickly down the corridor. Blackbeak turns to Natalya.

“Did you see anything during the attack, lieutenant?”

“No, sir. All I heard was the whiz of the bolt as it passed me. The next think I knew, Lord Arc was falling on Princess Luna and clutching his chest.”

Luna nods. “Yes. There wasn’t much time for us to see anything.”

Blackbeak frowns. “Good job protecting your charge, lieutenant.”

He turns to Luna.

“I’m sorry for whatever harm has befallen Lord Arc. Rest assured, your nation will have justice for him!”

Natalya nods. “I do hope he’ll be okay.”

Blackbeak sighs. “As do I, lieutenant. However, I’ve seen many griffons waylaid on the battlefield by such weapons. Hitting vital organs does not usually end well.”

They arrive at the Infirmary. The doctor is just closing the door behind him. Rose looks to him.

“How is he, sir?!”

The doctor shakes his head. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Blackbeak sighs. “Is it bad, doctor?”

“Hardly. Lord Arc is fine.”

Rose’s eyes light up happily. “That’s wonderful!”

Flash Sentry breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

Natalya grimaces. “I’ll say! It certainly wouldn’t be good for him to come to any harm!”

Luna walks over to the doctor. “Begging your pardon, doctor. But I clearly saw a crossbow bolt sticking out of the Hero of Light’s chest. How did he…?”

The door opens and Arc steps out. He looks around and grins sheepishly.

“Sorry for making everyone worry.”

The general looks Arc up and down. “Incredible! Had I not seen it with my own eyes…”

Rose scans him. “I don’t detect any puncture wounds, Arc. However, scans show you clearly took quite the blow to your sternum!”

Arc rubs his chest through his dress shirt. “Yes, it’s rather tender right now.”

The doctor nods. “X-rays showed nothing was broken. He’ll have some rather nasty bruising for a while, but nothing more serious.”

He turns to Arc and shakes his hand.

“You were very lucky, sir. Are you certain you don’t want some painkillers for that?”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you, doctor, but I’ll manage.”

“Do be careful with your injury. A nice hot shower should help with the bruising.”

“I’ll do that.”

Blackbeak steps over to Arc. “Why don’t I escort you to your room, sir? Give you a chance to rest after your close call.”

“Thank you, but I’d rather see Princess Luna safely to her own room first.”

Luna appears worried. “Are you certain, Arc? I’m sure the others could do that while you rest.”

Arc nods. “I’m sure.”

Skeptically, the general leads the group to a large, luxurious looking door. Two guards stand on either side of it but part to allow them entry as Blackbeak turns to Luna.

“This is our finest room, your highness. I hope it is acceptable.”

Luna nods. “It will do.”

“Good! Lieutenant Natalya will see to quarters for your Honor Guards later. I will let you get settled and see you in the Dining Room for lunch at noon.”

He bows and leaves the room. The guards outside close the door behind him. Rose, Flash Sentry and Natalya rush over to Arc. Rose reaches him first and puts an arm around him.

“Please sit down, Arc!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir! Not everyone who gets shot through the heart takes it as well as you do!”

Natalya nods as Rose helps Arc to the bed. “He’s right! How DID you manage that, sir?!”

Luna walks over. “Yes. I’m certain you didn’t have time to call forth your armor.”

Arc sighs as he reaches into his lapel. “Well, I certainly took a blow to the heart. That’s for certain.”

He pulls something out and holds it up. Everyone stares at it wide-eyed. Flash Sentry shakes his head in disbelief.

“S-sir! Is that…?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Cherry’s engagement pendant.”

He looks down at the central ruby’s smashed form sadly. A half inch or so round hole in the center. Rose puts a hand to her mouth.

“Arc! That… it saved your life!”

Luna nods. “You were fortunate to be wearing it at the time.”

Flash Sentry smiles. “Yes, sir! I shudder to think what would have happened had you not!”

Arc opens his shirt and examines his chest. “Right! To be honest with everyone, when I was hit I originally thought the bolt HAD pieced me!”

Natalya shudders. “That must have been quite painful!”

“Yes, well… as everyone can see, I’m fine.”

A strange rumble sound can be heard. Flash Sentry looks around.

“What was that?!”

Natalya shrugs. “No idea!”

Arc turns to Rose. “Any ideas?”

Rose shifts on her feet, sheepishly. “It was… um… from someone’s stomach.”

Everyone turns to Princess Luna. She blushes slightly.

“I skipped breakfast this morning. Until just now I had forgotten just how hungry I was am.”

Arc nods. “We should probably remedy that. What time is lunch, Natalya?”

Natalya looks at the position of the sun. “We’re a bit early. But if you’re hungry, there will be appetizers in the dining room by now.”

Arc stands up. “We should get something in your stomach, Princess Luna.”

Luna nods. “Perhaps you should stay here and rest, Arc. You’ve already had quite the day!”

Arc walks toward the door with Luna. “Thank you, but I’d rather stick with the group.”

Rose nods. “Who knows when the assassin will try again?!”

Natalya holds the door open. “I’m sure they’ll be caught soon. No one hides for long from our forces!”

Arc turns to her. “What about the rebels?”

Flash Sentry looks to Natalya as they walk down the corridor. “The commander’s right! They’ve been one step ahead of your government for some time now.”

Luna nods. “I agree. Do not be lured into a sense of complacency, everypony. Besides, I’ll be fine.”

Arc frowns. “Let’s not test that theory, Princess Luna.”

As they enter the Dining Room the group sees a long table with many chairs on either side of it with servants scurrying about. They stop and bow as Luna enters. One of them approaches hurriedly and addresses her.

“P-Princess Luna! We apologize for not being ready for your arrival!”

“It’s alright. We are early after all.”

Natalya frowns at the servant. “Princess Luna is quite hungry. What is ready?”

“The roast is still in the oven. But we have salad, bread, and fruits. What would the princess like?”

Arc looks to her. “How about a salad while we wait for the other guests, princess?”

Luna nods. The servants hurry to the kitchen as Natalya leads them to the end of the table and pulls out a chair.

“Here you are, your majesty.”

Luna appears confused. “But this chair is next to the head of the table! Wouldn’t that be rather presumptuous?!”

Arc nods. “True. But we need to build you up in the eyes of the griffons, princess.

“But this might offend them!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “The commander is right, your highness. The griffons will most likely see it as posturing. Which they respect.”

Rose sighs. “This is a very strange culture.”

Arc shrugs. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Luna sits down. “Very well.”

Arc sits down next to her as Rose and Flash Sentry take their places behind Princess Luna. She turns to Arc.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? I’d hate to make a bad first impression.”

“If what I’ve read and witnessed is true, this is not only what they will want, but will expect.”

“This is most out of the ordinary. But I believe you, Arc. By the way, what is that smell?”

Arc sniffs the air. “Oh, um… it’s some kind of roast. Does that bother you?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not particularly. Like I told you on my visit to your base, I’ve shared meals with a great number of different races. Each have their own dietary needs, as I myself do. However the spices used are quite foreign to me.”

“I think I’ll have what you do though. Don’t want to make you queasy.”

“It’s fine, Arc. After all, if we have any more trouble in the future you’ll need your strength.”

Arc sighs as a servant pours them glasses of water. “Well, here’s to hoping we don’t.”

Luna nods as a salad if brought before her. “Agreed.”

A short time later the Council of Lords enters the Dining Room. Arc and Luna stand respectfully as Gestal walks over to them.

“Good to see you well, Lord Arc. When the attack occurred, we feared the worst!”

Arc nods. “Thankfully the princess and I are just fine. But where are my manners…?”

He gestures to Luna.

“This is Princess Luna, ruler of Equestria.”

Luna nods regally at them. “How do you do?”

Gestal nods stoically. “It is good to have you here safe and sound, your highness. Allow me to introduce the rest of the council. Lord Goldstone you know, of course.”

Goldstone gives Luna a calculating smile. “Your highness.”

“Lord Adalbert…”

The head of the military nods gruffly. “A pleasure.”

“Lord Weller.”

Weller smiles warmly. “Good to meet you.”

“And I am Lord Gestal. Head of the Council of Lords. Our king extends his apologies, but he is unable to see you at the moment.”

“I understand. He will be at the ceremony however, correct?”

Weller nods. “Certainly. A document of such importance cannot be made law without his signature.”

Adalbert snorts. “Yes. Our land’s customs are not as… simple as yours.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “What did you…?!

Arc interrupts. “I believe Lord Adalbert meant that the Griffon Kingdom, having a second line of leaders, takes some getting used to.”

Adalbert frowns. “Something like that.”

Weller gestures to the table. “Well, it appears everything is ready. Should we perhaps sit down?”

Gestal nods as he turns to Luna. “Yes. Forgive us for being late, your highness.”

Arc turns to Gestal as they retake their seats. “We decided to come a bit early. I was a bit hungry after my close encounter.”

Adalbert looks Arc’s attire up and down as they sit. “Tell me, Lord Arc. How did you survive such an attack apparently unharmed?”

Arc picks up his glass and chuckles slyly. “I am very difficult to kill, Lord Adalbert.”

“Yes… I can see that.”

Gestal turns to a servant, quietly. “We are ready.”

The servant bows and leaves the room. A few minutes later lunch is served. Gestal turns to Luna as they eat.

“I’ve ordered General Blackbeak to tighten security during your stay, Princess Luna.”

Goldstone smiles insincerely. “Yes, it would be… unfortunate if something were to befall the princess, or her entourage.”

Arc nods. “Has the would-be assassin been found?”

Weller shakes his head. “They have not. We can only assume they fled with the others.”

Adalbert scoffs. “While I hope that is the last we will see of them, I know better.”

Gestal nods. “Indeed.”

He turns to Luna.

“Tell me, how does Equestria deal with dissidents?”

Luna looks to him as she levitates a fork with a carrot on its tip. “Deal with? We mostly leave them alone.”

Goldstone frowns. “You cannot be serious.”

“I am.”

Weller looks confused. “How do they not overwhelm your nation?”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “Is it perhaps your absent sister’s doing?”

“I admit, my sister has always treated those who disagreed with her… carefully. It was my opinion in the past that they should be set straight as soon as possible.”

Adalbert grins. “Agreed!”

Weller nods over his plate of roast. “Begging your pardon, your majesty. But… have you?”

“I have not.”

Goldstone chuckles. “Would it perhaps be very… costly to do so?”

“When I took over full leadership of my nation, I had intended to stamp out any enemies of the state!”

Arc turns to her. “What stopped you?”

Luna sighs. “Our nation’s Lead Sage told me something rather interesting.”

She pauses and looks down at the large salad before her before turning her gaze to those assembled.

“If you would permit a small demonstration.”

Gestal nods. “By all means.”

Luna’s horn glows as she slowly lifts her salad out of the bowl. As she does so bits and pieces of lettuce, carrots, radishes and whatnot fall to the table.

“You must forgive me. I’m doing my very best to hold this.”

Weller smiles at her politely. “Yes, well… there is quite a bit there.”

Luna gestures with a hoof. “The more I try to hold onto this mass of greens, the more falls to the table. Every effort on my part causes more problems. More of a mess if you will.”

She looks down at the growing mess on the table before lowering the greens back into the bowl and levitating her fork again. Luna picks up a radish and looks at it a moment before speaking.

“However, if I deal with small problems… individuals, they are a simple matter to deal with.”

Gestal frowns. “What of their allies?”

Luna sighs as she picks up the mess from the table with her magic. “Those who cause trouble for their groups are generally cast out. Nopony wants to help troublemakers. They are usually on their own.”

Goldstone nods thoughtfully. “Perhaps. But if these individuals were to somehow band together…”

Arc reaches out a hand and picks up a baby carrot as Rose does the same to an eggplant slice.

“Princess Luna is not alone in these matters.”

“Right! We’ll band together too!”

Natalya picks up a lettuce leaf. “Many talons make light work, Lord Arc.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Like these factions, we too will band together to defend the crown.”

Arc looks at the baby carrot in his hand. “I’m all for freedom and allowing others to voice their concerns. However, when they turn to deception, trickery or worst of all, violence…”

Arc crushes the carrot in his hand. Juice begins to drip onto the table.

“…that’s where my patience ends.”

He drops the carrot onto the table and looks up at the assembled lords.

“I’m sure the rebels have crossed the line. Several in fact! But if you engage them in this way, you will only strengthen their resolve.”

Adalbert rolls his eyes. “What would you have us do?! Roll over and die?!”

“No.”

Goldstone frowns. “Then what, pray tell, ARE you saying?!”

“When I was Lord Regent, there were several occasions where I was forced to make some rather… distasteful choices.”

Gestal nods. “Such is the role of a leader.”

“That it is. However, I always tried talking first. Sometimes it worked… sometimes it didn’t. But it was always worth the effort.”

Gestal shakes his head. “We do not negotiate with rebels here, Lord Arc.”

Adalbert looks at Arc’s chest. “Or terrorists!”

Goldstone frowns. “Agreed. These traitors will be found and PUT DOWN! No matter the cost!”

Weller sighs. “While I may not go so far as some of my compatriots, I agree that coddling these rebels will only encourage them to attempt grander and more serious crimes against the crown and our nation.”

Gestal focuses on Arc again. “All of us have heard of your exploits across the sea, Lord Arc. However, things work very differently here.”

Adalbert nods huffily. “I’ll say! These rebels aren’t a group we can simply march on and take out!”

Goldstone nods. “Yes! The cowards operate from the shadows! What else can we do but to fight them?!”

Luna holds up a hoof. “I do not believe this is a simple matter. However, Equestria will not violate the terms of the treaty in this regard.”

Arc turns to her. “Which part would that be?”

Gestal clears his throat. “We are concerned that when the treaty is signed the rebels may try to blend in with other griffons that will undoubtedly travel there.”

Adalbert frowns. “Hiding in plain sight.”

Weller nods. “For that reason, language was written into the treaty to remove unlawful aliens from Equestria.”

Arc sighs. “Extradition?”

Goldstone chuckles. “Yes. Their crimes are against the Griffon Kingdom. Therefore, they need to face OUR justice!”

Luna turns to Arc. “That works both ways. Should a griffon commit a crime in Equestria before returning home they would have to stand trial before OUR courts.”

Arc nods. “Not sure how I feel about that, but…”

A single pane of glass in a large window overlooking the city shatters as a bolt flies toward Princess Luna. Moving like lightning Arc reaches for the projectile. It pierces his palm, but he is able to wrap his fingers around the fins. A split second later Rose jumps over the table toward the window as her breastplate absorbs the impact of four more bolts. The lord’s Honor Guards move to protect their own wards. Flash Sentry jumps in front of Luna with Natalya at his side and draws his blades.

“Where are they?!”

Natalya points a talon toward the window. “There!”

Quite some distance away several griffons in white robes can be seen hovering. With a powerful flap of their wings all of them fly into the overhead sea of clouds. The guards from outside the room rush inside along with General Blackbeak. He quickly surveys the room.

“What happened?!”

Goldstone looks at the general angrily. “Another assassination attempt, you fool!”

Adalbert points a talon at the window. “The shots came from outside!”

Blackbeak and his guards rush forward. Weller calls out after them.

“They’re camouflaged! Hiding in the clouds!”

“We’ll find them!”

The general along with the guards smash through the window and fly toward the clouds as Gestal turns back to Luna and her entourage.

“It would appear the rebels are indeed more resourceful than we first gave them credit for.”

Adalbert looks at the clouds. “Right! It’s unlikely the general will find them in there!”

Weller nods. “He’ll certainly try though.”

Goldstone scoffs. “Blackbeak couldn’t find a sack of seeds in a feed store!”

Flash Sentry turns to Luna. “Are you all right, your highness?!”

Luna nods. Clearly shaken at the events before her. “Yes. Thanks to all of you, that is!”

Natalya breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good! It’s clear the rebels are trying to…”

Rose looks down at Arc, interrupting Natalya. “We need to get that looked at!”

Luna appears confused. “But, I didn’t see…”

She looks down to see a small pool of blood forming on the table as blood drips down the shaft of the bolt in his hand. Her eyes widen.

“Oh my! What happened?!”

Rose looks to Luna. “I believe the first attack was meant to be for you, your highness.”

Goldstone rolls his eyes. “Of course it was! Who else would have been targeted?!”

“All of you.”

Adalbert frowns. “Come again?!”

Rose looks at them as she helps Arc up. “Four bolts were part of the second wave. I believe they intended to kill the Council of Lords as well.”

Arc stands up. “Maybe. We’ll have to ask them when they’re caught.”

Natalya gestures to the door. “Yes sir. But for now we need to have your talon looked at!”

Weller stands. “Yes. I will escort you to the Infirmary myself!”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you, but we have a medic that normally takes care of my wounds about our ship.”

Adalbert laughs. “They’re not as good as our surgeons!”

Gestal turns to Adalbert. “Lord Arc is a warrior. Remember, many of our own heroes insist on a regular medic to treat them.”

Flash Sentry nods. “We need to get Princess Luna to safety as well.”

Rose looks around nervously. “Agreed! Security must come first. Please follow us, your majesty.”

Arc nods. “Lead the way you two.”

Weller turns to Natalya. “Keep us appraised of Lord Arc’s condition.”

“Yes sir.”

Luna stands. She is led by her Honor Guards toward the door. Arc turns to Gestal.

“We’ll be back later. Thank you for lunch, and the roast was excellent.”

The group leaves the room as the lords turn to one another. Weller sighs.

“We should probably get back to work.”

Adalbert nods soberly. “Agreed. We shouldn’t let the rebel’s actions deter us from our duty.”

Goldstone sighs. “Yes! I’ll be in my office going over the cost of this mess.”

Gestal nods. “We all have our roles to play in this matter.”

The Council leaves the dining Room. Goldstone and his Honor Guards proceed to their destination.

He turns to his Honor Guards as he walks into his outer office. “Guard my door and see to it I’m not disturbed.”

The guards move to stand on either side of the office door. Pained expressions spread across their faces as they do so. Goldstone opens his office door and steps inside, muttering to himself.

“Fools… their antics will only ensure their downfall!”

He turns and looks at his secretary working silently at her desk. Stacks of papers surround her. Goldstone smirks as he thinks to himself.

“I suppose I should unwind after such an eventful day..”

He watches his secretary for a few more moments before speaking.

“GALENA!”

Galena looking up nervously. “Y-y-yes sir?”

He smiles wickedly at her. “I’ve had a rather hard day. So I’m going to need you to… ‘work late’.”

Galena begins shaking in fear. “R-right now?!”

“YES, YOU HARPY! NOW GET IN HERE AND DO AS YOU’RE TOLD!”

She stands up and slowly walks into his office. As she passes, Goldstone grabs her tail feathers and slams the office door. Galena’s body goes rigid with a sudden intake of breath.

“Please don’t do this, sir!”

“You know what I want you to do.”

“But…”

“NOW DO IT!!!”

Galena begins to cry as she carries out Goldstone’s instructions.

Chapter 18 - Bloody Bolts

Arc Blinks his party back to the Lunar Destiny. They head for the Infirmary. Luna calls out as they enter.

“Nurse! We need some help!”

Redheart hurries over. “What seems to be the problem, Princess Luna?”

“Arc here is injured!”

He holds up his bloody hand with the bolt still in it. “Think you can fix this?”

“Oh my! Please come this way, sir!”

She leads Arc over to an examination table and opens a nearby drawer. Redheart frowns as she removes a tray of tools and puts on surgical gloves.

“How did this happen?!”

Arc sighs. “Someone wanted to assassinate Princess Luna. Again.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Fortunately they failed.”

Natalya frowns. “That’s twice today!”

Rose turns to Arc. “They may try again.”

Arc sighs as a needle pieces his skin. “Right. Although I’m going to assume that after this last attempt, General Blackbeak isn’t going to leave anything to chance.”

Redheart touching Arc’s hand lightly with her gloved hoof. “How does that feel, sir?”

“I don’t feel a thing.”

“Good. I’ll get to work then. Don’t worry, sir. I’ll be as gentle as possible.”

“Thanks.”

Redheart takes out a small saw and begins cutting the bolt’s shaft just below the head. Rose turns to Flash Sentry.

“I hate to say this, but how do we know the general himself isn’t behind this?”

“That is a possibility. The rebels DID get through security twice today.”

Luna frowns. “And also escape without a trace.”

Arc stares up at the ceiling. “Their exit is more worrying to me than the assassination attempts.”

Natalya appears confused. “Sir?”

“To get into the Aviary for the first attack should have been hard enough. But to get several operatives in place without being seen…”

Natalya interrupts him. “It really shouldn’t be possible!”

Rose looks to Arc. “How do you think they managed it?”

“Only one way I can think of. They had inside help.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Makes sense.”

Luna sighs. “Traitors within the Aviary. A frightening, but logical conclusion.”

Rose moves to stand next to Arc. “What do we do now?”

Flash Sentry joins Rose. “The summit should probably be called off after this.”

Natalya nods soberly. “Princess Luna’s safety should come first.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t like turning tail and running home like this. But the treaty really is important to both our nations.”

He turns to Luna.

“What do you want to do, Princess Luna?”

Luna stomps a hoof emphatically. “We are NOT leaving until the treaty is signed!”

Natalya appears surprised. “But Princess Luna, your safety…”

“…is secondary to this!”

Flash Sentry cautiously steps forward. “With all due respect, Princess Luna, Equestria can’t lose another princess.”

“Princess Cadance is fully capable of carrying out the duties required of ruling the land should something befall me.”

Arc frowns. “But, she can’t…”

Luna interrupts as she walks over to him. “…do it alone? I agree.”

She puts a hoof on Arc’s good hand.

“Should anything happen to me, Cadance has instructions to rule by your side.”

“Me?!”

Luna nods. “Yes. You did a splendid job leading our nation when Cadance and I were trapped in the Lunar Realm.”

“I did what had to be done, but…!”

“Arc, who else can I entrust this task to other than you?”

The room is silent for a time as Luna’s words sink in”

“Cadance has already agreed to follow your orders as she would mine in the event something terrible happens here.”

“Wait! Follow MY orders?!”

“What else would she do?”

“I mean, shouldn’t I be following HER?! She is a princess after all!”

Luna shakes her head. “Cadance is very young and inept in the ways of leadership.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not exactly experienced myself, mind you.”

“That may be. However, you have shown a natural affinity for leading during hard times. Cadance can handle the day to day affairs just fine… for a time. But she will begin to crack sooner than later.”

Luna sighs.

“I am certain she is not ready to lead the country alone. Can I count on you help her until my sister returns?”

Arc nods soberly. “I will. But we’ll do our best to bring YOU home from this safely as well!”

Flash Sentry salutes. “That we will, your highness!”

Rose nods. “I’ll help too!”

Natalya stands at attention. “As will I, Princess Luna! This treaty is very important to both our country’s futures!”

“Thank you, everypony.”

Redheart looks up as the head of the bolt finally falls off. “Whatever this thing is made of is tough stuff!”

Arc turns to her. “You think it’s military grade?”

Redheart picks up the head with her magic as she pulls the shaft deftly out of Arc’s palm. “It has to be. The quality is top notch.”

Natalya steps forward. “Maybe I can help.”

Arc nods as Redheart gives the shaft to Natalya. “Mind the blood.”

Natalya looks it over for a few moments in her talon.

“This appears to be a heavily modified bolt. Far from standard issue.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Modified?”

Natalya points to where the shaft was cut. “Look at the inside of the bolt.”

Luna walks over. “Something mixed with the original material?”

Arc nods. “I see it too. Rose, can you tell me what this stuff is?”

“I’ll try.”

Rose looks at the tip for several moments.

“The substance is of several different compounds. Alone they should do nothing. Perhaps together however…”

She processes this for a moment.

“Analysis complete. I not completely sure, but I believe this substance would have put Princess Luna to sleep.”

Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide. “For how long?”

“Uncertain.”

Natalya grimaces. “That would have certainly delayed the ceremony. Is it possible that was what they were trying to do?

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. Rose, are any of those substances organic?”

Rose nods. “One is, yes.”

Arc rubs his chin. “Is it possible?”

Luna looks over to him nervously. “Arc? You don’t think…?”

“We should give this to Moon Dancer for testing. Then we’ll know for sure. Rose, wrap both the shaft and head in some gauze.”

“Very well.”

“Head to the Bridge and have Moon Dancer take a look. I want her to analyze the contents of that bundle thoroughly.”

“Yes sir.”

Rose leaves to carry out her orders as Arc turns back to the others.

“We’ll know more soon hopefully.”

Redheart clears her throat. “Sir, I need to x-ray your hand before proceeding.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Redheart pulls over a machine and puts Arc’s hand in it before heading to her office.

“Will everypony please follow me?”

They join her in the small office.

“This won’t take but a few minutes, sir.”

Arc nods. “I understand.”

The office door closes and Arc is alone. He looks at his bloody palm and shakes his head.

“I guess this is another stark reminder that I’m not invincible.”

A short time later the x-rays are taken and developed. Redheart looks them over as Rose returns and walks over to Arc.

“She’ll get right on it.”

“Good.”

Redheart turning from the x-rays. “You’re very lucky, sir. No broken bones. Just a flesh wound.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “His recovery time?”

Redheart pulls a needle and thread from a nearby drawer. “A week or so. Just let me sew that wound up and you’re good to go. Just try not to overwork it while it heals.”

“No promises.”

Redheart sighs as she pulls out another syringe. “I thought you’d say that. If you get in a fight though don’t be surprised if you start leaking.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The nurse gets to work sewing Arc’s hand up. Before long she finishes and wraps it up in some gauze.

“There you are, sir. If it starts hurting or appears red and inflamed come back immediately.”

“Thank you, Nurse Redheart.”

Arc sits up and moves his fingers.

“It doesn’t even hurt too bad.”

“That’s the painkillers, sir. Keep that up and you’ll feel it later.”

Natalya looks at his hand. “Should I inform the Council of Lords of your condition, sir?”

“Yes. We did leave them rather abruptly. Let me know if they’ve learned anything about our assailants.”

“Yes sir.”

Natalya salutes and leaves the room. Rose turns to him again.

“Arc, might I suggest staying aboard the Lunar Destiny?”

Luna frowns. “That might make us seem like poor guests.”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Perhaps, your highness. But I think they’d understand with two assassination attempts within an hour of each other.”

Luna looks at Arc’s bandaged hand. “Yes, you’re right.”

Arc chuckles. “I can’t take many more holes being put in me either.”

“Why don’t we take you to your room, Arc? I’m sure you’re tired after all this excitement.”

Redheart nods. “I would recommend you take Princess Luna’s advice, sir.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “While that’s probably a good idea, I don’t think I can sleep right now. Flash Sentry, I want you and Rose to secure the ship. Make sure no one can get aboard to cause any more trouble.”

“Yes sir.”

Rose looks at Luna. “But what about the princess?”

“I’ll stay with her.”

Flash Sentry and Rose leave the Infirmary. Arc slowly stands up and walks over to Luna.

“How about you, Luna? Do you need to rest?”

Luna sighs as they walk down the corridor. “I’d like to sit down at least.”

“Still tired from last night?”

“Yes, but…”

She shakes her head.

“…it’s not that simple. We can talk in your room.”

“You mean YOUR room, right?”

Luna smiles slightly. “Call it what you will.”

They make their way to the cabin. Two guards are standing on either side of the door looking bored as they approach. Arc turns to them.

“You two are dismissed. I’ll take over guarding Princess Luna now.”

They salute and walk away. Arc opens the door and the pair walk inside. They head to the couch and sit down. Luna sighs as they look out at the city before them.

“It’s nothing like Canterlot.”

Arc nods. “I agree. The city is much less… comforting.”

Luna shakes her head angrily. “That’s putting it mildly! I can smell the oppression in the air!”

“As can I.”

“Remind me why we’re doing this again.”

“To prevent future wars. And… for Raven.”

Luna nods soberly. “Yes. No mare should have to go through what she did.”

“That and a lot of lives will be spared if we prevent future conflicts.”

“Politics are… tiresome.”

She looks over the city once more before sadly looking back to Arc.

“You may think me cold for saying this, but… I’m so tired of the problems of others. I feel awful for thinking that, but it’s the truth!”

Arc nods. “I suppose the many long years of leading a nation would do that to anyone.”

“Does that make me a terrible mare?! You’re the only one I can ask this of and expect an honest answer.”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“I believe you, and anyone else who accepts the mantle of leadership, requires proper rest and relaxation to continue to be able to do their job effectively.”

Luna appears confused. “What does that have to do with…?”

Arc interrupts her as he stands. “Luna? Do you see that city out there?”

“I do.”

“It’s filled with many whom care only for their own enrichment. But it’s also home to those who DO care about others. I believe the ability to help, and harm, lives within each of us. It’s what we do that determines who we are.”

Luna looks down and sighs. “I’ve done much in the past to ruin our land.”

“Nightmare Moon?”

She nods.

“I… I hurt so many back then. Even my own sister! How she ever took me back still eludes me.”

“That may have been who you were then. But it’s not who you are now.”

Luna puts a hoof to her forehead. “What should I do? I want to do what’s best for our nation. But I’m just so tired. So… drained.”

Arc nods. “I think Princess Cadance is as well.”

“Yes. She tries to hide it. But I see the weariness in her eyes.”

Arc puts a hand on her hoof. “I think the two of you need some time off.”

“I admit we do. But I can’t ask that of you!”

“You need to rest. When we find your sister, I think the three of you should go on vacation together.”

“It’s just… well… I think I’d like that.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I’m afraid I’d like it TOO much! Coming back would be like willingly returning to prison!”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t think it’s quite THAT bad.”

“Do our job for centuries and you might!”

Luna looks away.

“I… I’m sorry for blowing up like that, Arc. You’ve been nothing but helpful.”

“None of us are perfect. All the more reason for you to rest.”

“Where would we go? Where COULD we go?!”

“Well… what do you and the others like to do?”

Luna sighs. “My sister and I have been princesses for so long we’ve forgotten. At least I have! But perhaps we should get back to the matter at hoof.”

“Which part, Luna?”

“First off, are you in any pain? From either wound!”

“I’ll be okay. Really!”

Luna looks at his bandaged hand. “Arc, I… why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you DO that?! You know I can’t be killed!”

“I just kinda reacted. Besides, who’s to say the assassins haven’t found a way?”

“That’s not possible.”

“Oh? I find it very strange that they would go through all the trouble and risk capture just to injure you.”

“The truth about our immortality has been tested in the past.”

Arc nods. “But it’s not a secret, right?”

“No. However, it’s not very well known, even in Equestria. Please don’t worry so much about me.”

“I can’t take that chance, Luna. If something were to happen to you…”

Luna interrupts him. “It won’t!”

“…then I would have to tell the citizens AND your sister of how I failed them.”

Luna is silent for a time, not sure how to respond.

“Look, I’m sure your image is important to you. But this is more important than just you. Please understand that I’m going to keep protecting you even if you don’t want me to.”

“But you could DIE!”

“So could you.”

Luna sighs. “Arc.”

“Yes?”

“I just want to say… thank you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he turns back to her. “Thank you?”

Luna looks him in the eye, soberly. “I am the Princess of the Night and ruler of Equestria. As such I am not used to anypony having the courage to tell me…’ no’. That they will not follow my orders.”

“Just doing my job.”

“And you do it very well! I’m very sorry for… my earlier harshness.”

“I think that was the stress talking.”

They look out the window silently for a time.

“Would you please do me a favor, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Just… keep doing that.”

“Which part?”

“Saying when you disagree with me. While I don’t like it, I definitely need to hear it more often!”

“I’ll do my best.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc stands.

“I’ll get it.”

He walks over to the door and opens it. Moon Dancer salutes as he comes into view.

“Sir! I’ve finished my analysis of the items you sent to me.”

Arc steps aside. “Come in.”

He closes the door behind her. Together they walk over to Luna.

“What have you learned, my little pony?”

Moon Dancer holds out the bolt head and shaft to Arc. “The material is a composite of some kind. Mostly some unknown material.”

Arc nods as he takes the items from her. “Unknown? As in undiscovered?”

“Yes sir.”

Luna frowns. “Tell us about this material.”

“It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, your highness. The chemical makeup is completely new to me!”

Arc looks at the shaft. “Anything at all you know about it? I don’t care how small.”

“Two things, sir. First, it appears to be magical.”

Luna appears confused. “You mean it’s been artificially infused?”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “No, your majesty. It appears to be naturally magical.

“Interesting. And the second?”

“This may sound strange, your highness. But some of the components on it appear to be organic.”

Arc frowns. “You mean… alive?”

“Yes. Looking at it under a microscope I saw individual cells making up at least part of the coating.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “Hm… a magical, organic material… interesting.”

“I recommend we send this data to Lead Sage Sunburst, your highness. It needs to be studied more thoroughly than I can here.”

“Very well.”

Arc nods. “I’ll see to it this is delivered safely when we return to Canterlot. Can you send all pertinent information regarding this material to Sunburst, Moon Dancer?”

“Yes sir, I’ll see to it at once. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help though.”

Luna nods. “You’ve done well. Return to your post.”

Moon Dancer nods, bows, and leaves the room. Arc touches his earring as the door closes behind her.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Right here sir. Go ahead.”

“Notify Lead Sage Sunburst that I need to speak to him at once.”

“Yes sir. I’ll see to it!”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

Arc severs the connection as Luna looks at the ruined bolt in Arc’s hand.

“Quite an interesting find.”

Arc nods as he stores the items in his ring. “Indeed. I’ll be happy when we know more about it though.”

A few minutes later Arc’s earring chirps. He touches it.

“This is Arc.”

“Sunburst here, sir! What can I do for you?”

“Our Science Officer is going to send you some readouts of a crossbow bolt head and a shaft. Find out everything you can about it and report back to me as soon as possible.”

“Yes sir. Anything I should be looking for?”

“All we know is it’s made up of an unknown material, magical, organic coating, and it hurts a lot when it hits you.”

Sunburst gasps. “Is Princess Luna alright?!”

“Yes. But my hand isn’t.”

“I’ll take care of this, sir.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

Arc severs the connection and turns to Luna.

“I guess all we can do now is wait for a response.”

There is another knock at the door. Arc answers it to find Natalya waiting for him. She salutes respectfully.

“Sir!”

“Come in.”

Arc steps aside to allow her in. Natalya enters the room and bows to Luna.

“Your majesty. The Council of Lords sends its regards.”

Luna nods coldly. “Have they been able to apprehend the assailants?”

Natalya shakes her head nervously. “No, your highness. They’ve all but disappeared.”

Luna rises from the couch, clearly agitated. “I see. The griffon military is unable to find a few rebels?!”

“They… um…”

Luna glares at her. “I’ve nearly been killed TWICE today! Can their forces not handle such rabble?!”

“Th-that’s what I’m here to talk to you about, Princess Luna. They council wishes to know if you would like to postpone the signing until the situation is more secure.”

Luna stomps the floor. “This is disgraceful! I…!”

Arc steps forward. “I believe what Princess Luna is saying is she thinks it’s disgraceful to think that they would put off signing the treaty because of the rebels.”

Luna frowns. “But, I…!”

Arc turns to her and winks.

“Isn’t that what you were just telling me, princess?”

“I… yes. The ceremony must go on if our nations are to know peace. Return to your council and inform them of my decision.”

“Right away, Princess Luna!”

Natalya stands and hurries out the door. Arc closes it behind her.

“You were a bit harsh.”

“Yes, well… I AM upset at this situation. If I didn’t know any better, I would say they weren’t taking this seriously.”

“They view the rebels as little more than a nuisance. It’s a pride thing.”

Luna sighs. “Pride…”

“Yes, well… after tonight we’ll be official allies.”

“I certainly hope you know what you’re doing, Arc. You’re already injured!”

“You and I both know this has to happen. If not now, they might get cold feet about the whole idea.”

Luna nods. “That cannot be allowed to happen.”

“Agreed.”

Chapter 19 - The Sanguine Effect

Arc and Luna look out the window together in his quarters.

“Would you like to return to the Aviary, Luna?”

“Not until it’s safe.”

“What of all that talk of being immortal?”

Luna sighs as she looks at Arc’s hand. “My Honor Guards aren’t.”

“Well then, I guess you have the afternoon off then, huh?”

“I… suppose so.”

“Anything you want to do? Read a book? Take a nap?”

Luna shakes her head. “I was never much of a reader, nor am I tired at the moment. You?”

“I could go check on security if you want some alone time.”

“No. I… feel alone too often these days.”

“When I was Lord Regent, I was seldom alone.”

Luna gestures to the couch behind them. “Yes well… it’s not that kind of alone.”

Arc nods as they sit down together. “I see. If you don’t want to talk about it, I understand.”

“Actually I would. You’re the only one whom truly understands how I feel.”

“What about Cadance?”

“She’s a bit young and very… innocent. It’s hard not having my sister around to talk to.”

“I can imagine. Sometimes we all just need a little company. And a bit of a snack.”

Reaching into his ring Arc pulls out a box.

“Cupcakes from Sugarcube Corner.”

Luna looks to him quizzically. “How did you know…?”

“I didn’t.”

“Then why do you have…?”

Arc laughs. “I always have cupcakes!”

Luna gives him a small smile. “Well, I am a bit hungry.”

He reaches into the box and hands her a pastry. “Try this one. It’s my favorite!”

Luna takes a small bite.

“This really is quite good!”

Arc chuckles. “I’ve come up with many of my plans while munching on these very cupcakes.”

“Like what?”

“Such as my idea to propose a treaty with the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Really?”

Arc smiles at her. “I never said they were necessarily GOOD plans!”

Luna laughs. “Well, I believe you made the right choice!”

“Maybe. But now that we’re this close, I wonder if I went about it the right way.”

“I’ve been down that path before. Don’t go there.”

Luna sighs.

“That cupcake really did loosen me up.”

“Me too. Not sure what exactly Pinkie puts into these things that make them do that. But in any case you should probably rest now, Luna.”

“Yes. We both need to be at our best for tonight. That is assuming the king doesn’t call it off due to what’s already happened.”

Arc shakes his head. “He wouldn’t dare. That would be acknowledging the rebels are a threat that they can’t handle.”

Luna frowns. “I’m not sure if that’s reassuring or not.”

“Just being honest.”

“While we’re on the subject, what’s the king like?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure.”

“You didn’t meet him?”

“I did not. He’s in the Aviary somewhere, but…”

Luna frowns. “Then who did you negotiate with? Just the Council of Lords?!”

“Right. I’m assuming they talked it over with him at some point though. It sounds like the council is the real power here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“That sounds rather foolish to me! A king needs to be in control of his land!”

“One might also look at it this way, Luna. He’s not burdened by his position as you and Princess Cadance are.”

“I suppose you are right. But there are very few I would entrust my power to, Arc. You being chief among them, of course.”

“I appreciate the faith you put in me.”

Luna smiles at him. “You’ve certainly earned it!”

They go back to looking out the window together. A short time later Luna begins to nod off. Her head rests on Arc’s shoulder. Arc puts an arm around her.

“Rest now, Luna. You deserve it.”

He strokes Luna’s mane for a time as she sleeps. Eventually he nods off himself. Sometime later Arc awakens to his earring chirping.

“Sunburst to Arc! Can you hear me?!”

Arc touches his earring and responds quietly. “Standby.”

He gently nudges Luna. She slowly opens her eyes before bolting upright.

“A-Arc! I’m so sorry! I just…!”

Arc points to his ear. “It’s fine. Sunburst is on the line. Hopefully he’s figured something out.”

He touches his earring again.

“Go ahead, Sunburst.”

“Sir! I’ve discovered some truly horrifying things from the data that was sent to me! Princess Luna really needs to hear this!”

“Would you like to call me back on the telephone then?”

“That would probably be for the best, sir!”

“Alright. We’ll wait for your call then. Arc out.”

Arc touches the earring and severs the connection as he stands up. Luna looks to him.

“Is something wrong, Arc?”

Arc picks up the phone and walks back to the couch with it. “It sounded like it. Sunburst is going to call us back so we can both hear what he has to say.”

A few minutes later the phone rings. Arc pushes the speakerphone button.

“We’re both here. Go ahead.”

“Yes sir! I’ve analyzed the material the bolt shaft is made of! It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen! It’s chemical makeup is absolutely fascinating!”

Luna rolls her eyes. “Let’s stay focused, Sunburst.”

“My apologies, your highness! This just has me so flustered!”

“Break it down into components for us. Start with the shaft.”

“Yes sir. It’s some kind of composite containing an unknown metal and organic compounds.”

Luna sighs. “What is this organic component?”

“Forgive me, Princess Luna, but it’s identical to the plant that put you and Princess Cadance into comas!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Sanguine Azolla?!”

Luna frowns. “How?! Arc already killed Captain Decimus!”

“I guess what Tempest said was right. He IS alive, Luna!”

She frowns. “I thought you said he was killed quickly!”

Arc nods. “Of that I’m certain! He was vaporized! How he keeps coming back is beyond me!”

Luna sighs. “Anything else, Sunburst?”

“Yes. The data shows that the bolt tip was also coated in Sanguine Azolla extract.”

Arc’s pupils shrink. “What?!”

“That bolt when through Arc’s hand! Will he be alright?!”

“I’m not sure, your highness. Tell me, how do you feel right now, sir?”

“Um… okay, I suppose.”

“Any pain or swelling of your wound?”

“No. I mean, it does hurt. Just not that bad.”

“That is reassuring. I suggest getting some bloodwork done as soon as possible though, sir!”

“I’ll do that. Anything else?”

“No sir. I’ll keep researching this. Just let me know if you start having health problems. We still have some of the cure from last time here in Canterlot.”

Luna nods soberly. “Thank you for all your hard work on this, Sunburst. I’ll escort Arc to the Infirmary now.”

“Very well, your highness.”

“Goodbye.”

Luna pushes a button on the phone as she and Arc head for the door. She shudders.

“I hope everything will be alright, Arc.”

“As do I. What the…?!”

Flash Sentry and Rose are standing on either side of the door. Arc turns to them.

“What are you two doing here?”

Rose holds the Spear of Righteousness soberly as they leave the room. “We wanted to make sure no one else got anywhere NEAR you two!”

Flash Sentry nods as they follow Arc and Luna toward the Infirmary. “The ship is completely secure, sir. All that’s left is see to it Princess Luna is kept safe.”

“Thanks you two. Any trouble out there?”

Rose shakes her head. “Nothing since the Dining Room incident. The griffons are still investigating the attack, but as of yet haven’t discovered anything.”

She looks at his hand.

“Is it hurting you, Arc?”

“Not really. But I need some bloodwork done right away.”

Luna nods. “The bolt that pierced Arc was poisoned with Sanguine Azolla.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Not good! Feeling sleepy, sir?!”

“I nodded off earlier. But otherwise I feel fine.”

Rose looks him up and down. “My scanner’s don’t show anything out of the ordinary. But let’s get you some help.”

They enter the Infirmary. Redheart hurries over to them.

“Something I can do?”

Arc nods. I need some bloodwork done on me. Lead Sage Sunburst says that bolt was poisoned.”

Redheart leads him over to an examination table. “Yes sir. I’ll check your blood against all known poisons.”

Luna follows Arc closely. “Check it against exotic poisons as well. We believe it to be Sanguine Azolla.”

Redheart nods as she removes an empty syringe from a nearby drawer. “Yes, your majesty.”

A sample is taken and put under a microscope. Redheart looks through the eyepieces carefully.

“Hmm… well I certainly see impurities in here, sir.”

“Should I be worried?”

Redheart turns and opens a binder. “Let’s see what this is first.”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “It probably won’t be in there, ma’am. Sanguine Azolla is kinda a new… rediscovery.”

Luna walks over. “It’s in there. I ordered it added.”

Redheart points a hoof. “Here it is”

She looks over the pictures and data before looking back through the microscope. When she looks up, her face is grim.

“No doubt about it, sir. There’s Sanguine Azolla in your blood.”

Rose gasps. “What can we do?!”

“First we have to see how much the toxin has taken hold. How do you feel, sir?”

“Totally fine. Other than the dull pain in my hand, that is.”

Redheart looks at the book again. “Hmmm… well, it does say that it took quite some time for it to take ahold of you, Princess Luna.”

“Yes. I didn’t even notice its effects until I it was too late.”

“Can you tell me exactly what you went through, your highness?”

“Certainly. The plant dulled my senses at first. “

Flash Sentry frowns. “Like you were intoxicated, your highness?”

Luna sighs. “That’s one way of putting it. At first I just thought it was from overworking myself. By the time I knew something was truly wrong it was too late for me to think rationally any longer.”

Arc nods. “Twilight went to check up on you two.”

“I have no memory of her visit. What did she say?”

“That she believed you and Princess Cadance were just happy to have Captain Decimus back.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Twilight is a clever young mare. It’s disturbing to think that our act was enough to fool her.”

Rose turns to Redheart. “Is Arc going to go… crazy?!”

“We’ll do our best to help him. However according to this, the poison takes quite some time to work. And that’s with constant reapplication.”

Redheart looks up and smiles at Arc.

“It is possible that you’ll be fine with just a single dose, sir. If you start feeling funny or display any symptoms come right back though.”

Arc nods. “I will.”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof to his chin. “I suppose worst case scenario you could teleport back to Canterlot Castle for some of the antidote, sir.”

“Not this time. My armor is currently in Dodge Junction with Cherry inside it. Besides, we don’t have a limitless supply of that stuff.

Luna nods soberly. “You’re worth that medicine and then some, Arc.”

Arc stands up. “I’ll be fine.”

“Do be mindful of your condition, sir. The effects of Sanguine Azolla on humans are completely unknown.”

Arc nods. “Thank you for your help, Nurse Redheart.”

They leave the Infirmary. Rose frowns.

“I’ll monitor your vitals, Arc.”

“Thanks. Let me know if I start acting weird, will you? That goes for all of you.”

Flash Sentry raises an eyebrow. “Weird, sir?”

“Just… I don’t know. Keep an eye on me.”

Luna sighs. “Perhaps you should rest this evening, Arc. I’ll be alright with these two by my side.”

“I’d like to be there myself.”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “I’m sure the griffons will understand given what transpired…”

Arc turns to his lieutenant angrily. “I said I’m FINE!!!”

“Yes sir.”

Rose frowns. “Arc, there was a sudden spike of activity in your brain’s frontal lobe.”

Luna looks to her. “Is he okay?!”

“Yes. It’s subsiding now.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Could it be the Sanguine Azolla?”

“Unknown, as I have no point of reference to base a theory on.”

Arc puts a hand to his head. “Yes, well… I’m sorry for the outburst, Flash Sentry. Not sure what came over me.”

“Nopony is perfect, sir.”

Rose looks concerned. “Arc, your blood sugar levels are falling.”

“What? Why?”

“Unknown.”

Arc smiles. “Well, why don’t we all just…”

He stops and puts a hand on his stomach. Luna looks over to him.

“Arc?”

“I… I… be right back!”

Arc runs down the corridor toward Luna’s room. The Royal Guards minding the door are forcefully pushed away as Arc rushes into the room. Luna hurries after him with the others.

“What in Equestria…?”

Flash Sentry turns to Rose. “This can’t be good!”

Rose sighs. “Trust me. It’s not.”

Entering the room they look around. Arc is nowhere in sight. Luna frowns.

“Where did he go?!”

Flash Sentry shrugs. “With the commander’s magic he could have teleported anywhere on the ship!”

Luna’s eyes grow wide. “Or even anywhere nearby!”

Flash Sentry heads for the cabin door. “I’ll get a search party started your highness!”

“Good! He must be found!”

Rose shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary, Princess Luna.”

“What?”

Flash Sentry looks back. “Is he invisible?”

Rose sighs. “No. He… um…”

She points nervously toward the bathroom. Flash Sentry walks over to the door and knocks.

“Sir? Are you…”

“OCCUPIED!!!”

Luna turns to Rose. “Is he alright in there?”

“Um… kinda.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “Can you elaborate, miss?”

“Just before Arc ran off, I detected a rather disturbing internal… issue.”

Luna turns to Flash Sentry. “Oh no! Lieutenant, call for Nurse Redheart!”

Rose shakes her head. “That will not be necessary.”

“It won’t?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. It… merely has to run its course.”

A terrible sound comes forth from the other side of the bathroom door. Luna and the others turn to one another.

“Oh… I understand now.”

Luna knocks on the bathroom door with a hoof.

“Arc? Is there anything we can do for you?”

“Yes! Pray there’s enough toilet paper in here!”

Another round of terrible sounds fills the air.

“F-Flash Sentry! Are you out there?!”

“Yes sir!”

“There’s a bowl of fruit on the table! Get it!”

Luna raises an eyebrow as Flash Sentry hurries to carry out his instructions. “How can he be hungry at a time like this?”

Flash Sentry retrieves the bowl and rushes to the bathroom door.

“I have it, sir! Shall I bring it in there to you?”

“Dump the fruit and toss it in here!”

“Sir?”

“HURRY!”

The lieutenant does as he is told. Opening the door just wide enough, he tosses the bowl inside and again closes it. Luna looks confused.

“What could he possible need that for?”

Fresh sounds of liquid exiting Arc’s body from the other end sound forth from the bathroom. Rose turns back to Luna.

“I guess that answers that, ma’am.”

“Should we give his some… um… privacy?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes. He’d probably like that right now.”

Rose sighs. “I’ll stay here and monitor his condition.”

“Very well.”

Luna knocks on the door.

“Arc? We’re… um… going to head over to the Observation Deck and give you some time alone. Is that okay with you?”

Arc coughs as he finishes another round of vomiting. “Just… go away!”

Luna and Flash Sentry leave the room and walk down the corridor together.

“I apologize for my commanding officer’s behavior back there, your highness.”

“It’s fine. Cadance and I probably did and said things during our own time with… that plant.”

“What do we do now, your majesty?”

“Nothing we can until Arc gets that out of his system.”

Flash Sentry looks to Luna, concerned as they enter the Observation Deck. “Do you think he’ll really be okay?”

“You should know better than anyone the strength and tenacity of the Hero of Light, lieutenant. He’ll be…”

The sound of groaning and vomiting can be heard from down the corridor. Luna sighs.

“Although I suppose everypony has their limits.”

Chapter 20 - Diplomacy and Dates

Sometime later Arc emerges from the restroom shakily. Rose turns to him.

“Arc! How do you feel?!”

Arc smiles weakly, holding his stomach. “Like I’ve been shot in the throat AND the rear!”

Rose moves to help him to the door. “Let’s get you back to your room, shall we? You can lie down and…”

Arc glares at her. “I’m not lying down!”

“Okay. What do you want then?”

“I… I don’t know! Just take me to my room, okay?!”

“Very well.”

They arrive at Arc’s VIP suite. Rose opens the door and helps him inside.

“Can I get you anything?”

“Something… sweet.”

“Arc, are you sure? You were in the bathroom for such a long time for your…”

“Something sweet NOW!!!”

“Okay. I’ll get you something from the Cafeteria.”

Arc nods happily. “Good! Hurry!”

Rose leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

“I have to tell Princess Luna about this!”

Heading for the Observation Deck, Rose finds Luna looking out the window with Flash Sentry standing guard behind her.

“Your highness?”

Luna turns around. “Rose! Is Arc alright?!”

“Well… he’s out of the Bathroom.”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “That’s a start. Where is he now?”

“I took him back to his room.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. He needs rest.”

Rose fidgets nervously. “Um… that’s not what he’s doing in there.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “What else could he be doing?”

“Demanding sweets for starters.”

Luna frowns. “What? Why?”

“My preliminary scans show that this brain waves are rather… odd.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “We know that. I mean, the commander wasn’t exactly acting like himself earlier.”

Luna nods. “Agreed. But one does act a bit different when ill.”

“That’s just it! His brain waves are that of a much… younger individual.”

“Are you saying the commander thinks he’s a colt again?!”

Rose sighs. “Perhaps not THAT young. It’s a decent example.”

Luna frowns. “This is not good! The ceremony is tonight!”

Flash Sentry turns to Luna with Rose. “We’ll protect you tonight, your highness.”

“That we will!”

Luna heads for the door. “Let’s go see him.”

They make their way down the corridor together back to Arc’s room. He is toying with the window, but turns to Flash Sentry as they enter.

“I’m glad your back! This window seems to be stuck!”

“Sir, the windows are all secured from the bridge for security.”

Arc glares at him. “Well, I want some fresh air!”

Luna walks cautiously over to him. “Arc, how are you feeling?”

Arc goes back to tugging at the window. “Fine! Why?!”

“I believe the Sanguine Azolla may be taking a toll on your body.”

“Nah! I feel great!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “We should probably head back to Canterlot for some of the cure, sir.”

Arc frowns at him. “Remember your place, lieutenant! I go where I want!”

Luna sighs. “Arc, you’re not well. I’m going to tell Captain Tight ship to take us back to Canterlot Castle and get some of the medicine from Doctor Whooves.”

Arc angrily turns to Luna and points a finger at her. “You forget YOUR place too, missy! I’m the Hero of Light, and I’m staying right HERE!”

Rose pleads with him. “Please Arc! We only want you to be well again.”

“Hey! Where are the sweets I sent you to get me?!”

“Oh! I… um… I’m sorry!”

Arc stomps toward the door. “Get out of my way you worthless tin can! I’ll get them myself!”

Luna positions herself in his path. “Arc, calm down! Rose didn’t do anything…”

“Right! She didn’t do anything! Like what I told her to! Now MOVE!!!”

Arc forcibly pushes Luna out of his way. Flash Sentry angrily lunges at him, slamming his commanding officer against a wall. Arc hits his head on a nearby shelf and falls to his knees. He shakes his head

“I… what happened?”

Arc looks up, clearly dazed.

“How… how did I get here?”

Luna frowns. “You walked here with Rose after the… incident in the Bathroom.”

Rose nods. “Yes. I thought you needed rest.”

Arc slowly stands up. “Okay. Why am I on the floor then?”

Flash Sentry grins sheepishly. “That was me, sir. I… may have knocked you down after you attacked Princess Luna.”

“I did WHAT?!”

His head snaps to the princess.

“Are you alright, Luna?!”

“I’m fine. You just pushed me.”

Arc looks at his bandaged hand. “Was it the Sanguine Azolla?”

Rose sighs. “Most likely, Arc.”

“You should really open a portal back to Canterlot Castle, sir. Doctor Whooves can administer the cure and have you back to normal in no time.”

Arc nods. “Y-yeah. I think that’s probably a good idea right now.”

He touches his ring, but nothing happens.

“What the…? Where’s my armor?!”

Rose tilts her head, confused. “You lent it to Miss Cherry, remember?”

“I… I did?”

“Yes. She’s visiting her sister in Dodge Junction.”

Arc shakes his head. “Cherry has a sister?”

Luna frowns. “This isn’t good! You’re getting worse, Arc!”

“Y-yeah! My mind… it feels like… I… I don’t know! All I know is without my gauntlet, I can’t open a portal!”

Flash Sentry turns to Luna. “This is bad! What do we do, Princess Luna?!”

“We have to go back to Canterlot right away! Lieutenant, tell Captain Tight Ship…!”

“NO!!!”

Arc brings his fist down on a nearby dresser, smashing it to pieces. He falls to his knees breathing heavily and sweating.

“I… we… this has to be done!”

Rose looks confused. “Arc, what’s the rush?”

Flash Sentry kneels down next to Arc. “Sir, this is really important to… um… a lot of ponies. But… I know she’ll understand if we need to put the signing off for a few days.”

Arc puts a hand to his drenched forehead. “Can’t… focus… need treaty! Need NOW! Raven… need us… succeed! Younglings… counting on… it!!!”

Rose puts an arm around Arc as he tries unsuccessfully to get up. “Arc, hold on! We’ll get you to the Infirmary!”

Arc looks up to her slowly as he brushes sweat from his eyes. “I… who’s there?!”

“It’s me, Arc…”

He grins at her.

“Cherry?! You came back!”

Rose sighs. “No, Arc. I…”

Luna shakes her head quickly and motions for Rose to keep the ruse going.

“…I mean, I’m just here for a bit.”

Arc pulls Rose into an embrace and strokes her hair tenderly. “Cherry…”

“I’m happy to see you too… dear. But you need to see Nurse Redheart right away.”

Arc sits back down on the floor as he pulls Rose into his lap. “I will. Just give me this moment with you, my dear!”

Rose nods happily. “Of course, Arc.”

Flash Sentry whispers to Luna. “This is fortunate, your majesty.”

Luna nods as she looks back at the couple on the floor. “That it is. I was wondering what we were going to do with him tonight.”

“Yes. We couldn’t exactly leave him here alone. He’s a danger to others, and himself!”

“Do you think Rose can handle him, lieutenant?”

“She has to. For all our sakes.”

A short time later Arc stands up shakily with Rose’s help. She puts an arm around his shoulders.

“Come, Arc. This way.”

Arc nods and takes her other hand in his. “Of course, Cherry!”

Luna and Flash Sentry follow the pair to the Infirmary. Nurse Redheart approaches them. She looks Arc up and down.

“Oh dear! Sir, how do you feel?!”

Arc grins. “I’m GREAT! Cherry’s just being overprotective of me.”

“He’s… um… acting strangely, nurse.”

Rose turns to Arc.

“Now then, dear, I want you to let the nurse examine you.”

“I’m just fine. But if you want me to, I’ll do it.”

Arc lies down on the examination table as the others explain his strange behavior to Redheart. She sighs.

“I was afraid something like this might happen.”

Luna shudders. “Something like… what happened to me?”

Redheart nods. “Yes. Human biology isn’t well known to us. My guess is he got a bit too much Sanguine Azolla into his system.”

Flash Sentry looks over his shoulder. “How much could have been on that bolt tip?!”

Redheart sighs. “I can only surmise that his species is more susceptible to it than the princesses were.”

Luna sighs. “What do we do?!”

“He’ll need the cure to be brought back to normal, I’m afraid.”

Arc calls out from the bed as he holds Rose’s hand. “We’re not leaving without that treaty!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “He’s very insistent that we complete our mission here, nurse.”

Luna lowers her voice. “Is his life in danger?”

“I’ll examine him and then answer that question, your majesty.”

Nurse Redheart walks over to the bed and gets to work. Flash Sentry turns and whispers to Luna.

“Is he really all right over there, your highness? I mean… I’ve never seen him like this before!”

“Arc is strong. Both mentally and physically. He will pull through this.”

“How can you be so sure, Princess Luna?!”

Luna looks over at Arc. His gaze is transfixed on Rose.

“Because he has a reason to go on, lieutenant.”

“I… understand.”

Luna smiles at the affection being lavished on Rose. “We should all be so fortunate.”

Sometime later Nurse Redheart looks up.

“Sir, your tests show the Sanguine Azolla is affecting your brain.”

Arc does not takes his eyes off Rose. “Nonsense. I feel amazing!”

Luna walks over. “Is he in danger?”

“No, your highness. The amount in his system is just enough to impair him. But not enough to put him down like you and Princess Cadance.”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof to his chest. “That’s a relief!”

Rose turns to Redheart. “So… what next?”

“Like I said earlier, he’ll need the cure to be brought back to normal.”

Luna considers this. “Are you certain he’ll be okay if we stay to sign the treaty?”

“Currently, yes. The only way he’d be in any danger is if he was somehow infected with more Sanguine Azolla.”

Flash Sentry shrugs. “I don’t see that happening aboard our secure ship.”

Redheart nods. “Yes. In any case, I recommend plenty of rest. And under no circumstances is anyone to do or say ANYTHING that might upset him!”

Rose looks confused. “Why is that?”

“Because his reaction would be unpredictable at best.”

Flash Sentry shudders. “That much we do know. Earlier he went to push Princess Luna, and I just lost it!”

“Lost it, Flash Sentry?”

Luna nods. “The lieutenant knocked Arc into something, hitting his head.”

Rose sighs. “That did seem to bring him around though.”

Redheart turns to Flash Sentry. “Studies have shown that slapping someone hysterical can sometimes bring them back to their senses. However, I don’t recommend attempting such a treatment. For you OWN safety!”

Flash Sentry gulps. “I’ll keep that in mind, nurse.”

Arc turns away from Rose for a moment. “I have a question.”

Redheart turns to him. “Yes, sir?”

“Who are you guys talking about?”

Rose thinks for a moment. “Um… someone aboard was injured by a poison bolt. They’re very sick.”

Arc sits up. “They were?! Who did this?!”

Luna puts a hoof on Arc’s chest. “Don’t worry about it, Arc. The griffon army is looking for the perpetrator.”

Rose nods. “Yes, dear. They’ll find who did this.”

“Well, we should be out there helping them! If somepony is out there hurting others…!”

Flash Sentry interrupts him..” Sir? What did you just say?”

Arc looks confused. “What I was TRYING to say is, if somepony is hurting others we need to get out there and help track them down.”

Luna shakes her head. “That might be seen as meddling, Arc.”

“Meddling?”

“You’ve been telling me how the griffons are very proud race. If we go out there to ‘help’, they might see it as an insult.”

“I… suppose that’s true. Unless things get out of hoof, I’ll just…”

Luna frowns. “Out of what, Arc?”

“Out of hoof. The griffons can take care of one problem though, right?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir.”

Luna sighs. “That they can. Well, I need to start getting ready for the banquet.”

Arc stands up. “As do I! Mustn’t keep the Council of Lords waiting.”

“You should probably stay here, Arc.”

“Um… why Luna?

Redheart steps over. “Because of your condition, sir.”

“I am FINE! It’s everypony here who are acting strange!”

“Arc, please. Just rest! I’ll handle the ceremony and come right back.”

Flash Sentry nods. “We’ll see to it, sir.”

Luna turns to Flash Sentry. “Actually, Ro… Cherry should probably stay with Arc.”

“I should?”

Luna nods. “To make sure he’s comfortable.”

“Very well, your highness.”

Rose turns to Arc.

“You hear that, dear? We can stay together!”

Arc takes Rose’s hand. “Nothing would make me happier! But I really should be at the ceremony with Luna.”

“Please Arc! Just stay here with Cherry! I’ll be fine! You deserve some time off after all the hard work you’ve been doing.”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’m sure the military has found the assailants by now, sir, and everything can go on as planned.”

Arc frowns. “Well, I’ll ask Natalya about it when she gets here.”

Luna heads for the door. “In any case, I need to get ready now.”

Arc looks over. “Do you need me to help again, Luna?”

“No, thank you. We have plenty of time.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Why don’t you lend Luna a hoof, Cherry? I’m sure she’d like an extra set of eyes to make sure she looks her best.”

“I don’t mind. Can I assist you, Princess Luna?”

“I… uh… suppose so. But I don’t want to take away your guard, Arc.”

Arc laughs. “I don’t think anypony is foolish enough to try and take ME on!”

Luna shifts uneasily. “What I meant was, I don’t want to separate you from you… fiancé.”

“It’s just for a bit. Then we’ll be together again.”

Rose nods. “Well… I’ll do it. If you promise to wait for me in your room, Arc.”

“I will, Cherry.”

Luna nods. “Very well. Flash Sentry, escort Arc to his room. Then I want you to come see me.”

“Yes, your highness. Right this way, sir.”

Arc walks toward the door with the lieutenant. “Lead the way.”

They walks toward his room as Luna and Rose head in the other direction. Rose helps Luna put on her dress and begins to brush her mane. A short time later here is a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it.”

Rose opens the door to find Flash Sentry waiting patiently.

“Reporting as ordered. Is the princess ready to see me?”

“She’s dressed, yes. Come in.”

Rose steps aside to allow him entrance before closing the door behind him. Luna turns to meet him halfway.

“Did Arc give you any trouble, lieutenant?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No, your highness. However, he did want me to pass something on to Miss Cherry. Er… I mean Rose here.”

“Oh? What was it?”

“Um, he… wanted me to tell you… ‘don’t take too long’.”

Rose appears confused. “He wants me to hurry up?”

Flash Sentry nods nervously. “Yes. But the look in his eyes made me feel a bit… uncomfortable.”

Luna turns to Rose. “Maybe you should just stay here with me.”

Rose shakes her head. “No, ma’am. I was built exclusively for Arc. If he wants me, I’ll be there for him.”

Luna nods soberly. “You are very brave, Rose. However please remember you are not just an object to be used.”

“Yes, your highness. But if that’s what he wants, I will comply.”

“Very well. But only if that is your desire as well.”

Rose nods and looks toward the door. “I should probably head over there, your highness. Mustn’t keep Arc waiting.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Go ahead, Rose. I’ll finish helping Princess Luna get ready.”

Rose looks back to Luna. She nods as the android heads for the door.

“Stay safe out there you two.”

Rose leaves the room. Flash Sentry walks over to Luna.

“I don’t like this, ma’am!”

“Which part? Helping me or Rose’s dilemma?”

“Miss Rose is certainly willing. That and the commander certainly deserves some… rest. But this just feels wrong! I mean, the way he’s talking! Anypony… hooves!”

Luna sighs as she turns back to the mirror to do her hair. “She is doing so of her own free will. There is nothing we can do to stop her and Arc from… doing what a mare and stallion in love do. Regardless of his mental state.”

“I understand that, your highness. But I don’t believe this is what the commander would want.”

“Yes, well… we cannot stop this. At the very least he will be sleeping with one of his own kind. So to speak, that is. But right now there is something else I need you to do.”

Meanwhile, Rose makes her way to Arc’s cabin. She smiles to herself as she walks.

“Mother… I’ll make you proud of me tonight! At last I’ll be able to make Arc happy!”

She knocks on the door before entering.

“Arc?”

Arc stands up from the bed. “Cherry!”

He hurries over to Rose and takes her hands in his.

“Thank you for coming, my dear!”

Rose gives his hands a squeeze, happily. “I couldn’t stay away, my love!”

Arc pulls her into an embrace. “I’ve missed you.”

“But I’ve only been gone about fifteen minutes.”

Arc strokes her hair as he holds her. “It’s felt like forever, Cherry.”

She looks up at him, smiling.

“So, what should we do?”

Arc grins. “Want to go on a date?”

“Now?!”

“Sure! Why not?”

“Well… Princess Luna asked us to stay here.”

Arc turns up his nose. “Luna? HA! I’ll go where I want!”

“Please, Arc! She did ask very nicely.”

“Very well. Whatever makes you happy, my dear!”

He takes her hand.

“Let’s go to the Mid Deck. There’re games and whatnot down there. We should be able to find something fun to entertain ourselves.”

Rose puts an arm around Arc’s midsection as they leave the room. “Just being with you makes me happy, Arc!”

They head to the Mid Deck and arrive at the Game Room in short order. Arc turns to Rose as they enter.

“So what do you want to play? A Board game? Ping-pong? Whatever you want to do.”

Rose points at a nearby door. “What’s in there?”

“I’m not sure. Fancy a look?”

“Sure!”

They open the door and step inside a room with a large felt table. Rose looks confused.

“What… is this?”

“A pool table. It’s a game we had back on Earth. I guess it’s here too. Want to play?”

“I don’t know how.”

“I can teach you.”

Rose giggles. “That sounds like fun!”

Arc racks up the pool balls and points to a row of sticks on the wall.

“Can you bring two of those over, Cherry?”

“Sure!”

She hands Arc a stick as he sets down the white ball. Arc crouches down, stick in hand.

“You see… you hit the cue ball with this stick like this…”

He proceeds to do so. Hitting the cue ball and sending it smashing into the others, a striped ball falls into a pocket.

“Guess I’m stripes.”

“Stripes?”

Arc nods. “You see, some of these balls have stripes on them. I have to knock all of them into these pockets without sinking your solid colored ones or the black eight ball.”

He takes aim again, but fails to sink a ball. Arc shrugs and steps back.

“Oh well. Your turn, Rose.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I missed. Now then, just stand like I did and do your best.”

“Okay, I’ll try.”

She hunches over and pokes at the cue ball, missing it completely.

“I’m sorry!”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t be. Go ahead and try again.”

She does so. This time Rose aims a bit too low. The ball jumps off the table and clatters against the floor.

“I guess I’m not very good at this game.”

Arc walks over and picks up the ball. “You’ll get the hang of it.”

He sets the ball down on the table and puts his hands on hers.

“Try holding it like this, my dear.”

Rose smiles happily. “Yes, that feels much better.”

Rose jabs at the cue ball again. This time she makes contact and knocks a solid ball into a nearby pocket. She giggles as she looks up at Arc still hunched over her.

“This is kinda fun!”

“I knew you’d like it, Cherry.”

Rose looks up at him and gives him a small kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you for showing me how.”

“It’s my pleasure. Now then, you sank a ball so it’s still your turn.”

They continue their game. Rose looks over to him as she scans him.

“So how are you feeling?”

“Fine. Why does everyone keep asking me that?”

Rose gently takes his bandaged hand. “I’m sorry, my love. We’re all just worried about you.”

Arc looks down at his hand and frowns. “What the…? When did that happen?!”

“You don’t remember?”

He puts a hand to his forehead. “Not at all! Um… can I ask you something a bit… strange?”

“Anything!”

“Where are we exactly?”

“The Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?! Princess Luna should be resting!”

“Why’s that?”

“She just woke up from her coma! How she’s walking around is beyond me!”

“Arc, that was quite some time back.”

“I wouldn’t call a week or so that long ago!”

“But it’s been months!”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not possible! I remember it clearly! Maybe we should take you to Nurse Redheart to get checked out.”

“I will if you want me to, but… let’s just say she’s going to have a hard time examining me.”

“Are you afraid of medical exams?”

Rose looks away sheepishly. “A little. You see, I have some rather scary memories that involve me lying on an examination table.”

Arc nods. “I see. Well, just try not to overexert yourself now.”

“I won’t. Now how about we get back to this game? I’m having fun here.”

“If that’s what you want, my dear.”

They continue playing pool for some time. Each of them wins one game. As they come to the end of their third it’s Arc’s turn to shoot. Rose smiles at him happily.

“Get that black ball in and you win, Arc!”

Arc grins as he closes one eye to focus on his target. “Let me show you how this is done!”

As he shoots, Arc suddenly grabs his head. A sudden intake of breath is heard as his pool stick clatters to the table. Rose drops her stick and rushes over to him.

“ARC?! What’s wrong?!”

He looks up at her, weakly. “I… I don’t know. My head just feels a little funny. Like something inside is trying to get out. Crazy, huh?”

“Not really. How do you feel now?! Shall I call for Nurse Redheart?”

Arc shakes his head and straightens up. “No. It… it’s passing.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to visit the Infirmary?”

“Yeah. Hey, look!”

He points to the eight ball. It sits just in front of the pocket.

“Why don’t we just call it a tie, Arc?”

“Okay. Um… how about we get something to eat in the Cafeteria?”

“If you’re hungry I can make you something.”

Arc smiles at her. “How about we do it together, Cherry?”

“I’d like that!”

Arc and Rose put the pool sticks back on the racks and turn off the lights as they leave. As Arc closes the door behind them the movement of air causes the black ball to fall neatly into the pocket. Meanwhile the pair walk down the corridor together arm in arm.

“So, what do you want to eat, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know. How about something with cherries?”

They laugh together as they enter the empty Cafeteria. Arc looks around.

“I guess we’re going to be doing the cooking. Not sure why I never assigned somepony to staff this place permanently.”

“Well, that’s not really your job, now is it dear.”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda is. I mean, I’m still the Lord Regent. That is until the princesses retake their thrones.”

“But…”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I’ll mention this to Kibitz when we get back to Canterlot. I’m sure there’s somepony around who can do the job.”

“Yes. But I for one am glad there isn’t.”

“Really? Why’s that?”

Rose turns around as he closes the kitchen door behind them. She presses her body against his as Arc takes her in an embrace.

“Because it means you and I can spend some alone time together.”

Arc smiles as he kisses her forehead. “Yes. I’m sorry I’ve been so busy lately. Leading Equestria really is a full-time job.”

Rose smiles at him. “I understand.”

She leans forward and whispers in his ear.

“We’ll have to make up for lost time then.”

Arc grins. “Agreed!”

Meanwhile, Luna and Flash Sentry make their way toward the Bridge. Entering, Captain Tight ship announces them.

“Royal on the Bridge!”

Everyone stands respectfully and salutes as the captain approaches them.

“Are you departing now, Princess Luna?”

Luna nods. “Yes. I just need a mare’s opinion on something first.”

“Certainly, princess.”

He gestures for the crew to approach. They stand before Luna.

“I neglected to bring my Hoof Maidens. Would you three be so kind as to look me over?”

Moon Dancer nods. “Yes, your highness.”

The three walk all around her for a few moments. Lemon Heart rubs her chin with a hoof.

“This bow is a bit loose here. Shall I?”

“Please do.”

Lemon Hearts gives the bow a bit of a tug to fix it.

Moon Dancer points a hoof at Luna’s head. “That dress crown is a bit off as well, your majesty.”

She adjusts it with her magic and steps back.

“Much better!”

Wrangler looks down. “The only other thing I can see is a spot on one of your Hoof Protectors.”

She walks behind Luna and carefully removes her hoofware. Giving a quick shine with her fetlock, Wrangler puts it back.

Soarin nods. “I believe you’ll be the hit of the evening, Princess Luna.”

Luna frowns. “Perhaps. However, I just want to get this done and over with! We need to get Arc back to Canterlot as soon as possible!”

Tight Ship nods soberly. “How is he?”

“Not especially well. Rose is keeping an eye on him at the moment. She’ll let you know if something changes.”

Soarin appears confused. “Begging your pardon, ma’am, but shouldn’t he be confined to quarters?”

“I already suggested he rest. That did not go over well with him. Should he get out of hoof, do not approach him.”

Wrangler chuckles. “Want me to hogtie him, your highness?!”

“The Chief Medical Officer has advised us in this matter already. Redheart’s instructions are to keep him as calm as we can.”

Flash Sentry nods. “We pushed him a bit too far earlier.”

Moon Dancer gasps as she looks to the lieutenant. “Oh dear! What happened?!”

“It didn’t end well.”

Lemon Hearts appears nervous. “And if things should get out of hoof?”

“Just get out of his way. We don’t need any more injuries.”

Luna nods in agreement with Flash Sentry. “Yes. Let Rose handle him. She’s significantly more durable than we are.”

Tight Ship sighs. “And if he gets away from her?”

“He wouldn’t dare leave the love of his life behind. In any case, we need to be off. Come lieutenant.”

“Yes, your highness.”

The pair leaves the Bridge as the crew looks to one another uneasily. Thunderlane calls over from the pilot’s seat.

“The Hero of Light out of his mind now of all times?!”

Moon Dancer shrugs. “It couldn’t have been helped. After all, he saved Princess Luna back there.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Right! If he hadn’t acted when he did, she might be in the same dire straits as he is right now.”

Wrangler narrowing her eyes. “Not sure which would be worse. Dealing with an out of control alicorn, or a crazed Hero of Light.”

Tight Ship returns to his chair. “That Rose must be quite competent for her majesty to put such faith in her. We should follow her orders to the letter.”

Soarin takes his place next to the captain. “And if something goes wrong?”

Wrangler sighs as she removes her hat. “Then I pity the fool who gets in his way.”

Chapter 21 - Quality Time

Meanwhile, Arc and Rose cook together in the Kitchen.

“I’m sorry there were no cherries in the pantry, Cherry. I’ll have a talk with the supply officer later.”

“It’s alright. We can cook something without them for once.”

Arc looks over her shoulder and sniffs. “That soup does smell good!”

Rose smiles sheepishly at him. “Thank you. A very kind individual showed me how to make it some time ago.”

Arc sets out two places at the table. “Well, they’re obviously a very good teacher.”

The food finishes cooking as Rose ladles out two bowls of soup. Arc brings them to the table before pulling out Rose’s chair for her.

“Have a seat my dear. You’ve certainly earned it.”

Rose sits down happily.

“Thank you, Arc.”

Arc smiling as he sits down himself. “If it tastes as good as it looks and smells I believe we’re in for a treat.”

He waits patiently for Rose to pick up her spoon. She takes a small sip.

“How is it, my dear?”

“It’s… um… very good!”

Arc takes a bite himself. “It really is! I wish I knew who taught you this recipe! I’d like to shake their hoof!”

Rose nods and smiles sheepishly as she thinks to herself. “I do wish I could taste the food as well.”

Arc looks over to her. “So where is Luna going again, Rose?”

“To sign a peace treaty with the Griffon Kingdom. Remember, love?”

“Shouldn’t I be there?”

“Oh, um… Princess Luna wanted you to stay here and rest.”

“Rest? HA! She probably just wants to keep me under wraps!”

“What do you mean?”

Arc growls angrily. “Probably doesn’t want the griffons knowing Equestria’s Hero of Light is a human!”

“That can’t be, Arc! She respects you so much!”

“Really?! Then why aren’t I there?!”

“Because… your hand.”

Rose puts a hand across the table and gently pats his palm. Arc looks at it confused.

“Huh? When did THAT happen?!”

“Earlier today. Don’t you remember?”

“Huh… must have slipped my mind. How?”

“You stopped an assassin from shooting Princess Luna. Twice!”

Arc rubs his hand. “Probably should have just let her get hit.”

“ARC!!!”

“Well, she can’t be killed, right? But I can! What was I THINKING?!”

“You did it because it was the right thing to do!”

Arc shrugs. “Yeah, well… I make mistakes too.”

He looks down at his palm again.

“And it looks like my poor hand paid the price.”

Rose puts down her spoon and takes his good hand in hers. “Listen to me, Arc. Your Kindness is what turned my head. But it was your selfless attitude that made me fall in love with you.”

Arc sighs. “Well… I’m kinda wondering what it’s all for.”

“Protecting others, isn’t it?”

“It… it is, yes. But what about us?”

“We’re together now, aren’t we?”

Arc sighs as he looks into his soup. “Yes. But for how long? As Lord Regent, I don’t have time for you.”

They are silent for a time.

“I… I don’t know what to do… about…”

Arc suddenly clutches his head.

“W-what the…?”

Rose stands up quickly and hurries over to him as Arc accidently knocks his bowl to the floor. She wraps an arm around him as she helps him stand up.

“Let’s get you to the Infirmary!”

Arc shakes his head as he sweats profusely. “N-no! I can handle this!”

“Are you sure?!”

“Yes. It’s… it’s starting to wane now.”

A few moments later Arc is able to stand on his own.

“Arc, I… this is scaring me!”

He rubs his forehead. “I… that may be. But I have to stay strong for the country! They can’t know I’m having these problems! Decimus could swoop in and try to take over!”

“Are you certain you’re okay?!”

Arc nods and forces a smile. “Yes. Why don’t we go for a walk?”

“Well… okay. But what about that?”

She points to the soup and bowl on the floor. Arc looks confused.

“When did that happen?”

“You knocked it over when you had that attack just now, dear.”

“Must be working too hard. I don’t remember it at all.”

Rose walks over to the sink and picks up a dishtowel. “Let’s just clean it up.”

“I’ll help you”

In a few minutes the spill is no more. They do the few supper dishes together quickly. As they finish Rose puts her arms around him.

“Would you like me to take you back to your quarters now, Arc? The two of us could have some… alone time.”

Arc smiles at her as he points to the clock. “The night is still quite young, my dear. That is, unless you’re tired already.”

“I’m fine. What else would you like to do?”

“How about we take a walk up to the Observation Deck? We’ll be able to see the whole city from up there.”

Rose smiles as she takes his hand. “Sounds like fun!”

“Right this way.”

Arc leads Rose to the Observation Deck. They sit down together in two chairs facing the city below. Rose gazes out over the skyline.

“Beautiful!”

Arc looks at Rose, smiling. “I agree.”

“But you’re not even looking out the window.”

Arc nods. Not taking his eyes off of her. “I know.”

He takes her hand and smiles broadly.

“You’re just the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Tears of joy form in the corners of Rose’s eyes as she smiles broadly. “Oh, Arc! You can’t know just how long I’ve waited to hear those words!”

Arc turns to Rose and rests his forehead on hers.

“I love you, Cherry!”

“I love you too, Arc!”

Arc picks Rose up and set her in his lap. She wraps her arms around him lovingly.

“What brought this on?”

“It’s been so long since I held you, Cherry. Forgive me, but I couldn’t resist.”

Rose kisses his cheek. “This feels nice!”

Arc puts his arms around her waist. “That it does!”

He looks out the window toward the city.

“Tell me something, Cherry.”

“Anything!”

“What would you like?”

Rose looks to him, confused. “Like?”

“For a present.”

“Oh, I don’t need…”

Arc interrupts her. “Anything you want! Anything at all!”

He gestures to the city below.

“I’d conquer this whole filthy country if it would make you happy!”

“But I…!”

“Riches?! Land?! Power?! Name it, and I’ll make it happen!”

“I don’t want any of those things, Arc.”

“Oh?”

“I just want…”

“Yes?”

Rose look him straight in the eye. “I just want to make you happy, my love.”

Arc smiles at her. “And that’s what I want, my dear.”

The sun has gone down and the stars are out. Rose looks out the window as she traces Arc’s face with a finger.

“Princess Luna’s night is especially beautiful tonight.”

“Yes. Especially with such good company. I…”

Arc suddenly puts a hand to his forehead. Rose turns to him, concern in her voice.

“Oh dear! Another attack?!”

“Just… just a small one! I’ll be okay in a minute.”

A few minutes later Arc regains his composure.

“How do you feel now, dear?!”

“Okay. I think I’m getting used to it.”

Rose frowns. “Not sure how I feel about that.”

She scans him and breathes a sigh of relief as his vitals appear normal.

“You look alright.”

“Feel okay too.”

“Yes, well… I worry about you, Arc.”

“I’ll try to take less risks in the future, my dear.”

Rose shakes her head. “No, no! I mean…”

They are interrupted by a large explosion in the distance. Arc leans forward.

“What the…?”

Rose looks out the window still in Arc’s arms. As she scans the horizon she breathes a sigh of relief.

“It was just some fireworks, Arc.”

“Fireworks?!”

Rose shrugs. “They must be celebrating the treaty signing.”

“Already? I thought that wasn’t until later tonight.”

“They’re probably just sitting down to dinner right now. That is, if tonight’s schedule is still on track.”

“What is the schedule?”

“After they arrive, Princess Luna will meet the entire Council of Lords, the king, many other dignitaries and heads of state.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Sounds kinda boring.”

“If she wasn’t there, you would be.”

“Better her than me.”

“That’s not very nice, Arc!”

Arc frowns. “Well, it IS her job after all!”

He shakes his head.

“Sorry. This position is really getting to me. What happens after meet and greet time?”

“A small concert and ball will follow as dinner is prepared and the dining room made ready.”

Arc grins. “Think I could sneak in there and grab something?”

“Very funny.”

“Yeah! Too much trouble!”

“After that, King Guto will make a speech to commemorate the occasion.”

“Any idea what it will be about?”

“Probably boasting and political posturing. He is a griffon after all.”

“True. Then they’ll sign the treaty?”

“Most likely, yes.”

“Good! I’ll be glad to have this over and done with.”

“Why’s that, Arc?”

“So you and I can spend some quality time together in the castle. That is, if you can stay a few days.”

“The castle? I thought you’d be in a hurry to get home.”

Arc sighs. “Until the princesses take over again, the castle IS my home. So, you up for it? I can’t guarantee anything too exciting, but I’d love your company.”

Rose smiles at him. “I’d love to stay with you! No matter where you go!”

“Great!”

He points out the window at the fireworks.

“I’ll even order fireworks the first night we’re home.”

Rose giggles. “I’d like that!”

The pair laugh together happily. Suddenly stopping as they look into each other’s eyes silently.

“Cherry…”

“Arc…”

Slowly the distance between their faces closes as the beautiful colored lights dance across the night sky. Suddenly an especially powerful blast rips through the night air bringing them both back to reality. Arc and Rose quickly resume looking out the window at the colorful display.

“Oh! I… um… these sure are beautiful!”

Arc looks away, slightly embarrassed. “Y-yes, they are!”

They are silent for a time.

“Cherry? Why don’t we see if we can get closer to the fireworks?”

Rose looks to him, confused. “Closer?”

Arc chuckles. “I’m saying, why don’t we take a walk? It would be a good chance to see this land for myself.”

“That… might not be a good idea, Arc.”

“Why not?”

“Well… something bad could happen to you!”

“I’ve been cooped up in the castle and this ship far too long. Besides, anyone gives us trouble and I’ll teach them a lesson.”

“Well… okay. But only if you let me be your Honor Guard.”

Arc laughs as they stand up. “Deal!”

The pair head for the door. Arc turns to Rose.

“Just let me head back to my room for something more formal.”

Rose looks confused. “What for, Arc?”

“One must keep up appearances for the good of the country, my dear. Why don’t you put on something nice too, and we can make a date of it?”

“Okay! That does sound nice!”

They head back to their rooms to change. Arc puts on his formal attire and looks himself over in the mirror.

“That should do it. Can’t wait to see how pretty Cherry will be in a dress!”

Arc leaves his room and steps out into the hallway. Rose is waiting for him.

“Cherry?”

Rose is wearing her Honor Guard armor and holding Arc’s Spear of Righteousness.

“Where did you get the armor?”

“You bought it for me, remember?”

“I did?”

“Yes! You said you didn’t want me to get hurt.”

“Oh. I don’t remember doing that, but okay.”

Rose holds out his spear. “Maybe you should keep this though.”

“Thanks. I think I will.”

Arc puts the spear back in his ring and offers Rose his arm.

“Shall we be off, my dear?”

Rose nods happily as she accepts his arm. “Yes! Lets! But only if you feel like you’re up for it.”

“I am.”

They head for the Main Hatch. Rose suddenly turns to Arc.

“Wait! Shouldn’t we tell someone?”

“Tell someone what exactly?”

Rose shrugs. “That we’re going out?”

Arc laughs. “I’m the Hero of Light AND Lord Regent! I go where I want!”

“But… Princess Luna…!”

“…isn’t the boss of me! Now let’s just go and have a good time, okay?”

Rose sighs. “I suppose.”

They leave the ship and walk down the gangplank together. A couple griffon guards stand at the base of the tarmac. Upon seeing Arc they hurry over.

“Sir? Where are you…?”

Arc interrupts as he pushes past him. “Wherever I want, guard!”

The pair chase after him.

“Princess Luna of Equestria was MOST insistent that you not be allowed to leave, sir!”

Arc stops walking and turns around.

“Was she now?”

“Yes sir! Please return to your ship!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And if I refuse?”

“Then we shall escort you!”

The pair approach Arc. He looks over their heads, a puzzled look on his face as he points at something behind them.

“What’s that?!”

The pair turn around. Arc takes a step forward and knocks their helmets together. They fall to the ground in a heap. Rose gasps.

“ARC?!”

She quickly scans them before turning to Arc.

“Why did you do that?!”

“They tried to put a stop to our date, my dear.”

“Well… couldn’t you have gone easier on them?!”

Arc shrugs. “They’re only unconscious. But I promise I won’t cause you to worry any more tonight.”

Rose nods. “Thank you.”

They continue on their way as the guards slowly stand up. One of them moves to make chase, but his companion stops him.

“Let him go! We’re no match for him!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rose leave the Skyport and walk down the street together. It is bustling with griffons enjoying what appears to be a citywide party. Rose looks around happily.

“This place is really jumping!”

“That it is! Kinda like a big carnival!”

“What do you want to do, Arc?”

“How about we try some of the games? Maybe I can win you a prize?”

Rose looks at the rows of cute stuffed animals.

“That would be nice! But you don’t have to do that.”

Arc pats his ring. “Well, I have plenty of bits to play with here. Let’s just have some fun with them.”

“Okay. But only if you’re sure.”

They approach a stall. Arc pulls a couple bits out of his ring and gives them to the griffon behind the counter.

“I’ll try your game.”

The griffon accepts the bits and gives Arc a ball. “Knock over the bottles and win a prize!”

“Watch this, Rose!”

The ball sails through the air. It hits the milk bottles and bounces off. Rose mutters to herself as she scans the game.

“Those bottles will never fall! They’re filled with lead and bolted down!”

The griffon chuckles. “Aw! We’ve only just started! You’ll continue, right sir?!”

Arc frowns. “You bet I will!”

He pays again and is handed the ball. This time Arc puts more force into his throw. Again the ball bounces off the bottles harmlessly.

“Nice try! Another throw, sir?!”

Rose takes his arm. “Don’t waste your money, Arc.”

Arc holds up a hand to Rose and smiles. “Please, Cherry. I’ll handle this.”

He turns back to the griffon with two more bits.

“One more try.”

The griffon tosses Arc the ball. “Your call, sir! Take your best shot!”

Arc looks at the ball for a moment then at the bottles. He closes his eyes and concentrates as he spins the ball in his hands a few times.

“You might want to duck.”

“Sir?”

Arc winds up and launches the ball so hard down the lane that the milk bottles, for all intents and purposes, cease to exist. The proprietor is also knocked down as are several bystanders. After a few moments the griffon stands up.

“W… what happened?”

Arc points. “Looks like your bottles fell over.”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

He glares at Arc.

“You didn’t knock them down! You OBLITTERATED them!”

Arc shrugs. “The rules were to topple them. You never said in how many pieces.”

The griffon sighs as Arc grabs a stuffed animal from overhead. “Fine… you win.”

TheY pair turn to continue on together as the stall owner puts up a ‘closed’ sign. Arc hands Rose the plushie.

“Here you are my dear.”

Rose smiles as she accepts the stuffed animal and holds it to her chest happily. “Thank you, Arc! It’s very nice!”

Arc looks around at the various other games. “Anything else you want, my dear?”

“Well… how about we try to win something to eat?”

“Oh?”

He looks around and spots a game with food prizes. Grinning, Arc approaches the stall.

“Now we’re talking!”

A few minutes later Arc and Rose walk away from the heavily damaged stall with ice cream cones. Rose shakes her head.

“You really shouldn’t have done that, Arc.”

“Can I help it that game was rigged?”

Rose sighs. “I suppose not. But you don’t know that they’re…”

“Look around, Cherry. Do you see anyone else with a prize?”

“I admit, I don’t.”

“There you go!”

Rose points to a small tent. “What’s that?”

Arc reads the sign out front. “Hmmm… it looks like a fortune teller.”

“Fortune teller?”

“They supposedly know all kinds of stuff.”

“Really?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. If they really had knowledge like that, I don’t think they would be here.”

“Where else would they be?”

Arc shrugs as he turns to walk on. “I don’t know. Living in a palace or working as some big shot leader’s right hand?”

“Can we… try it?”

He stops and turns around. “Try what?”

“Get our fortunes told! I want to know a few things!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “But it’s all phony, Cherry.”

Rose takes his hand. “Come on! It will be FUN!”

Arc smiles at her. “Okay.”

They enter the small, dark tent. A hooded figure in a dark robe sits in front of a crystal ball. They speak in a deep voice.

“Welcome. I’ve been expecting you two.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I’m sure you have.”

“Arc!”

Rose look at the soothsayer.

“What can you tell me?”

“Anything you want, with a bit of coin that is.”

Rose looks to Arc. He sighs before setting down a handful of bits. The fortune teller takes the moeny and quickly puts them aside before turning their attention to the crystal ball before them.

“That will suffice. You may ask me three questions.”

Rose thinks for a moment.

“What is Arc’s favorite food?”

“Something called pizza.”

“Who is my mother?”

“You do not appear to have one.”

“I… guess that’s right.”

Arc looks at the robed creature incredulously. “HA! What about Twilight?!”

The soothsayer looks to Arc and speaks in an even tone. “Did this one come forth from her loins?”

“I… suppose not.”

“Then she is not her mother. One final question.”

Rose is silent for a time.

“Will I ever… find happiness?”

“That is up to you.”

Arc frowns as he puts down more bits. “Fine then! My turn!”

“Very well. You have three questions.”

Arc grins.

“How did I come to this land?”

“On an airship with Princess Luna of Equestria.

“Okay… I suppose that’s right. Where did I meet my fiancé?”

“A small town called Dodge Junction.”

Arc thinks for a moment before leaning forward.

“Okay smart guy. For my last question… where is Princess Celestia?”

The mystic is quiet for a time as they peer deeply into their crystal ball.

“I see… a large, white stone building. Towers everywhere. Guards patrolling inside and out. Several beings of great power residing within. They…”

Arc begins to laugh. Rose looks at him confused.

“Arc?”

Arc stands up as he looks at the creature before him. “You almost had me there!”

Rose frowns. “But he just…!”

“He just described Canterlot Castle, Rose. This guy’s a fraud. Let’s get going.”

Rose stands and nods to the fortune teller.

“Thank you.”

The pair leave the tent together as the soothsayer shakes his head. He stands and pulls away his dark robe to reveal a navy blue cloak along with a strange white mask.

“You seek, but will not find what you are looking for with an attitude like that. The alicorn princess is closer than you think, Arc. So close to you one might even say she’s… within your reach.”

Chapter 22 - The Festival

The pair leave the tent and continue on their way. Arc frowns.

“What a waste of bits.”

Rose giggles. “Well, I for one enjoyed that.”

Arc smiles at her. “I suppose if you had fun…”

He looks around.

“You want to play some more games, my dear?”

Rose nods happily. “I would!”

Meanwhile, Luna converses with dignitaries at the Aviary with Flash Sentry by her side. Gestal approaches with the rest of the Council of Lords and Lady Ashe.

“Princess Luna. We are happy you could make it.”

Luna nods as she extends a hoof to him. “I can’t let a little thing like an assassination attempt keep me away.”

Adalbert nods approvingly. “Well said, princess.”

Goldstone looks over at General Blackbeak across the room. “I’m sure the general will find those responsible… eventually.”

Flash Sentry frowns. Weller nods in agreement as he turns to Luna.

“Yes. But how is your Hero of Light, Princess Luna? Is he going to be alright?”

Gestal nods soberly. “Yes. That wound looked rather… painful.”

“Our Chief Medical Officer has determined he will be fine after a bit of rest back in Equestria.”

Adalbert appears surprised. “Really?!”

Goldstone gasps. “That is… most impressive! Considering the severity of the injury to his talon, that is!”

Gestal sighs. “Is there anything we can do, your highness?”

“No. He’s doing well aboard my ship. But what of our earlier assailants? Has there been any luck finding them?”

Gestal shakes his head. “None thus far.”

Weller looks around warily. “It’s as if they just disappeared!”

Adalbert furrows his brow. “Bah! Cowards the lot of them!”

Goldstone nods. “Yes, well Lord Adalbert, that may be. But their methods are quite effective in disrupting our affairs.”

Gestal waves a talon dismissively. “That much is true. But on to other matters.”

He gestures to his daughter.

“Princess Luna, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Lady Ashe.”

“A pleasure, your highness.”

Luna nods curtly. “Likewise.”

“She is here to observe how these matters are handled.”

“I see. Your eventual successor?”

Gestal sighs. “Perhaps one day.”

Ashe frowns. “Sooner than any of us would like if the rebels get to my father.”

Adalbert frowns. “They wouldn’t dare!”

Weller nods. “Yes. Thus far they’ve only attacked Princess Luna.”

Goldstone shrugs. “While it’s not much of a comfort, I am glad to see that your champion was able to thwart them.”

Flash Sentry replies dryly. “Twice, sir.”

Luna shoots him a disapproving glance before turning back to the group.

“Forgive my Honor Guard’s interruption.”

Ashe sighs. “Well… what he said is true. Your Hero of Light is quite impressive.”

Luna appears surprised. “You’ve met him?”

Gestal nods. “After a dinner party Lord Arc escorted her home. It was a relief to know Ashe was in such capable talons.”

Weller sighs. “Indeed. Especially after that attack on Lord Gestal’s estate.”

Ashe turns to Luna. “They were trying to kidnap me.”

Adalbert growls. “For nefarious reasons, no doubt!”

Goldstone looks at a nearby clock impatiently. “Yes… Lord Arc was able to diffuse the situation though.”

Luna smiles. “I will have to congratulate him on that later.”

A waiter walks over with several drinks on a try. They each take one as Gestal raises his glass.

“I propose a toast. To peace.”

Everyone raises their glasses.

“TO PEACE!”

They drink and put the glasses back on the tray. Luna turns to their host.

“Begging your pardon, Lord Gestal, but what is to stop the rebels from trying again?”

“I wouldn’t worry about security tonight, Princess Luna. A legion of our best troops has been called in to patrol the grounds.”

Adalbert grins. “I’ve also asked Arbiter Ghaleon to come. He’ll personally take command of the troops outside as soon as he arrives from inspecting one of our eastern bases.”

Weller turns to Luna. “He’s quite the accomplished warrior. Truthfully, I’d feel just as safe if he was out there alone.”

“Is he truly that powerful?”

Goldstone chuckles. “Let’s just say you should be happy with this treaty.”

Gestal shoots Goldstone a disapproving look. “Both our nations should.”

Weller nods. “Indeed. Conflict is… costly.”

Adalbert frowns. “Some things are worth the risk!”

Gestal steps between the two. “Most are not.”

“Father? Isn’t it almost time for the performance?”

Gestal pulls a watch out of his pocket. “Yes, it appears you are right my dear.”

He turns to Luna as they head for the Ballroom.

“A bit of a diversion to help take our minds off the events from earlier, your highness.”

Weller smiles happily. “Our finest musicians will perform for us tonight.”

Goldstone nods. “I think you’ll be most impressed, your highness.”

Adalbert frowns. “Well I for one believe this is a waste of time. We should just get on with the ceremony.”

Gestal frowns. “This is an auspicious occasion, Adalbert. It’s not every day something like this happens.”

Gunter walks over. His boisterous voice drowning out all others.

“Yes! That and dinner is still being prepared!”

He turns to Luna.

“I am Chief Advisor Gunter, your highness.”

Luna nods at the positive griffon before her. “Charmed. Tell me, will King Guto be joining us soon?”

Gunter shakes his head. “No, your highness. The king does not make many public appearances these days. What with the rebels on the loose.”

“I understand the need for security. But does he not tire of staying cooped up in the Aviary all the time?”

Ashe shakes her head and smiles. “Our king is a very secure griffon.”

Adalbert frowns. “He’s just paranoid.”

Weller looks to Adalbert. “With two assassination attempt today, I believe he has good reason to be.”

Goldstone chuckles. “Indeed.”

They enter the Ballroom to the sounds of classical music being played. Waiters step forward to offer them snacks and drinks. Ashe holds up a talon to a servant dismissively.

“No thank you. If I keep eating I’ll be too full for the main course.”

Gunter takes something from each platter. “I don’t worry about such things, Lady Ashe! One must stay healthy after all!”

Luna shakes her head at the platters of meat delicacies before her. None for me, thank you.”

Gestal turns to the servant, angrily. “Princess Luna does not eat meat, you fool! Bring her something else!”

The servant fearfully nods and scurries away. Luna turns to Gestal.

“It’s alright. I’m not very hungry right now.”

Gunter smiles at Luna. We must show proper hospitality to our new friends across the sea!”

Cheers and applause can be heard from outside. Luna turns to the window.

“What was that?”

Gunter chuckles. “Sounds like the crowds of commoners are having quite a good time as well!”

The servant from earlier rushes over with a platter of carrots. Gestal nods approvingly.

“That’s better.”

Luna takes a carrot from the tray with her magic and turns back to the others.

“I appreciate the… effort your nation is putting into this.”

Weller smiles warmly. “It’s our pleasure.”

A female servant approaches Goldstone.

“Sir, there is a call for you from your secretary.”

Ashe frowns. “Can’t it wait?! We’re in the middle of a celebration!”

The servant turns to Ashe. “Forgive me, but she insisted it was urgent.”

Goldstone nods and turns to the others. “Begging your pardon, everyone. Please go on without me.”

Gestal nods. “Do make it quick, Lord Goldstone.”

Goldstone nods and turns. “Oh I will, sir.”

He follows the servant to a small office nearby. The servant holds the door open for him. Goldstone turns to her, a wide smile on his face.

“So what did she want?”

“I’m not sure, sir. She didn’t say.”

“Ask her for me, would you kindly?”

The servant nods and picks up the receiver as Goldstone chuckles. He quietly closes and locks the door.

“Hello again. Lord Goldstone wishes to know what it is you need.”

On the other end of the line Galena sniffles. Her voice cracks. “Miss, I… I’m sorry.”

The servant appears confused. “I beg your pardon?”

Tears begin to flow down Galena’s face. “Please forgive me! I… this is my fault!”

The connection is severed as Galena shakily hangs up the receiver.

“Hello? Miss? Are you there?”

Lord Goldstone takes the receiver from the servant and hangs it up as he turns to her.

“What did she have to say?”

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t understand. She just apologized and hung up, sir.”

Goldstone looks her over with a wicked grin on his face. “Give it time, my dear. You’re new, aren’t you? “

“Yes sir. It’s my first week.”

“Then how about I show you how things work around here?”

With a wave of his talon, Goldstone knocks the contents of the desk onto the floor. The servant steps back clearly frightened.

“S-sir?!”

Goldstone speaks to her sternly. “Come here!”

She shakily obeys.

“Put your talons on the front of this desk!”

The servant complies as Goldstone steps behind her. He roughly pushes her face onto the desk as he grabs her hindquarters.

“SIR! What are you…?!”

Goldstone interrupts her as he positions himself. “Giving you the greatest honor of your worthless life! Now stay quiet!”

A guard walking by hears a muffled screams. He looks through the keyhole and sees the position the innocent servant is in. Without another thought, he straightens up and continues on his way. Meanwhile Arc and Rose walk down the street carrying numerous prizes.

Rose giggles. “This is fun, Arc!”

“That is it, Cherry.”

“I do feel kinds bad for those around us though.”

Arc turns to her. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“I think we’re the only one to win anything around here.”

He looks around at the other passersby.

“I think you’re right.”

Rose looks down at the prizes in her hands. “Arc? Would you mind if I… um…”

“Go ahead and do what makes you happy.”

Rose walks over to a group of sad younglings. They look at her quizzically as she approaches and hand them each a prize.

“Here you go!”

One of them hold the item back up to her.

“But… we don’t have any money.”

Rose shakes her head. “Take them! They’re free!”

The younglings smile and each looks over their gift. Rose returns to Arc’s side. He hands her his own prizes, which she quickly turns over to another group of younglings as the stall griffons glare at them.

“Arc? Do you think we could win them something to eat too?”

Arc looks at the malnourished younglings. “I suppose we could.”

He and Rose walk toward a stand with savory prizes. Arc spots a cake on the highest prize stand. He turns to the griffon behind the counter and points.

“How do I win that?”

The griffon smiles as he points at a pyramid made up of different sized pipes stacked on top of one another.

“It’s simple! All you have to do is toss a ball though the hole at the top of this pyramid.”

Arc looks at the small hole across the way. “I see. Let me try.”

He gives the griffon a couple bits and is handed a tiny metal ball. Rose looks at it, confused.

“What is that, Arc?”

“A steel BB.”

Rose looks at the pyramid. “It’s only slightly smaller than the hole!”

The griffon nods. “You don’t have to try for the grand prize. There’s always the larger holes down low.”

He points to a series of much larger holes at the base of the pyramid. Rose turns to the griffon.

“What’s the prize for that?”

“A rock.”

Arc looks confused. “You mean rock candy?”

The griffon shakes his head as he holds up a stone. “No, I literally mean a rock.”

Arc looks at the small hole on top. “Nah! I’m going for the big prize!”

He smiles and shakes his head. “It’s your choice. Go for it!”

Arc takes careful aim and tosses the BB. It sails through the air and deftly lands in the smallest hole. He holds out his hand.

“My prize, please.”

The griffon frowns. “Oh no! You have to get a dozen in for THAT prize!”

Rose glares at him. “WHAT?! You never said anything about…!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “I’ll handle this, Cherry.”

He looks the griffon in the eye.

“Fine. Give them to me.”

The griffon hands over a dozen BBs. Arc tosses the first one. It lands nimbly into the hole. Rose smiles wickedly at the stall keeper.

“That’s one!”

Arc nods. “Okay! I think I got this!”

He tosses another. Again gain it lands neatly in the hole. The younglings cheer as a crowd forms around them to watch. The griffon nods slyly.

“Very impressive! But you have to sink ten more in a row to claim your prize.”

Arc turns to the spectators as he sets a single BB on the counter while tossing the other nine neatly in his hand.

“This game’s too easy. How about I give myself a challenge?

The spectators look confused as Arc covers his left eye. Rose frowns.

“Arc? What are you…?”

“You’ll see.”

He holds the BBs in his right hand and, with nine flicks of his thumb, launches them into the hole before turning back to the crowd.

“Piece of cake!”

They applaud as Arc picks up the last BB. The griffon behind the counter begins to sweat as he takes careful aim. Suddenly he stops and turns to the crowd again as he tosses the BB to himself.

“You know, I was just thinking. This is still a bit too easy! You folks want to see a REAL challenge?!”

The crowd nods and applauds. Arc looks down at a nearby youngling whom he gave a small mirror to earlier.

“Could I borrow your gift there for a moment, little one?”

She nods and gives it to Arc. Rose looks confused.

“What are you going to do with that, Arc?”

“Put on a show these folks will remember.”

He turns back to the spectators.

“What do all of you think? Can I do this… with my back turned?!”

The crowd looks at one another as Arc holds up the small mirror.

“Using only a mirror to guide me shot?!”

Looking around at one another, the spectators grin and applaud approvingly.

“Okay! Let’s do it!”

He hands the mirror to Rose.

“Cherry, would you like to be my lovely assistant?”

Rose nods nervously. “Um… okay. What do you want me to do?”

“Just hold the mirror up so I can concentrate.”

“Okay.”

Rose holds the mirror for Arc as he tosses the BB to himself a few times. A hush falls over the crowd. He looks over to the younglings who are watching intently. The BB flies through the air as Arc tosses it over his shoulder as if in slow motion. Everyone gasps as the small steel ball finds its mark in the hole. The crowd erupts into deafening cheers. Rose cheers the loudest.

“ARC,YOU DID IT!!!”

Arc nods as he takes the mirror from her. “Was there ever any doubt?”

“Not at all, Arc!”

He hands the mirror back to the youngling.

“Thanks kid.”

“You’re amazing! Just who are you?!”

Arc laughs. “I’m Lord Arc of Equestria!”

“You’re the Hero of Light too, right?!”

“That I am!”

The youngling grins as everyone around her continues cheering. “I’m gonna tell everyone about you, sir!”

Arc accepts the massive cake from the griffin. He holds it up high.

“Who’s hungry?!”

The crowd cheers as Arc passes the cake off to a griffon. He turns back to the stall owner with some bits in his hand and grins.

“Can I play again for another cake?”

The stall owner hands him a second cake. “I’ll give this to you if you don’t!”

“Deal!”

He accepts the cake and passes it off as he looks around.

“Let’s see who else has food to win.”

Rose nods as she takes Arc’s hand. “Yes! Lets!”

Arc and Rose play games for another hour. They pass out food and trinkets as they win them. Eventually the stalls close for lack of prizes.

“I think we cleaned them out.”

Rose nods. “It does look that way.”

They continue on their way down the street.

“Sorry, Cherry.”

“Whatever for?”

“This isn’t exactly the date I was planning on. It’s… more like my regular job.”

Rose takes his hand. “But this is part of who you are, my love!”

Arc sighs. “I know I need to learn how to separate my work from the rest of my life, but…”

“Try to think of it more like one and the same.”

“What?”

“Your work. It’s not something you need to distance yourself from. But rather just accept it as a large and very necessary aspect of your life.”

She leans against him as they walk.

“That and… it’s very sweet! I…”

The pair are interrupted by a sudden disturbance behind them. Turning around they see a multitude of robed griffons flying overhead. The citizens below flee in terror as they pass. Arc looks up.

“What the…?”

“Who do you suppose they are, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “Beats me. They don’t look like the military though.”

He spots the youngling from earlier and hurries over to her hiding in one of the empty stalls. She looks up to him, still clutching the mirror from earlier.

“Y-yes sir?!”

Arc points at the sky. “Is that your nation’s military overhead?”

She shakes her head. “No sir! It’s the Griffon Liberation Army!”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “The rebels!”

“What’s in that direction?!”

The youngling peeks out and looks up at the sky before turning back to Arc. “The Aviary at the center of the city.”

“They’re going to attempt a coup, Arc!”

Arc shrugs. “So? Maybe they’ll make this country a bit better.

Rose shakes her head. “I doubt it!”

The youngling huddles in a corner under a table. “Are they gone?!”

Rose shakes her head. “No, stay hidden.”

Arc kneels down. “You’re scared of them, huh?”

“Yes!”

“Why?”

“Because they start trouble wherever they go!”

Arc looks confused. “Trouble?”

“They want to get rid of the king and Council of Lords! That’s okay, but… wherever they go, the military shows up and locks everything down! Then the rebels run away!”

Rose frowns. “I thought they wanted to help!”

“No one helps! Other then you, Lord Arc! Sir, can you do something for me?!”

“What is it?”

“Make them go away!”

Arc looks toward the Aviary. “I can try. Can you stay here with her, Cherry?”

Rose shakes her head as she stands. “No. I’m your Honor Guard, remember?”

“This is going to be dangerous.”

“You can’t take them ALL on by yourself!”

“Cherry, I…”

“I’m coming with you and that’s final! I can fight too!”

Arc sighs. “You’re going to follow me even if I tell you not to.”

Rose giggles. “Pretty much!”

“Against my better judgment, follow me Cherry.”

“Okay!”

They stand up and run down the street toward the Aviary. Arc turns to her.

“Maybe a bit late to be asking this, but… do you actually know anything about fighting?!”

Rose nods happily. “Let’s just say I’m above average.”

Arc and Rose hurry down the now empty streets toward the Aviary. The youngling peeks out and watches them depart.

“Please be careful, sir.”

Chapter 23 - Party Crashers

Arc and Rose hurry down the street.

“What do you suppose they want?!”

Arc frowns. “Probably to cause trouble! All the nation’s leaders will be in one place! Perfect opportunity for them!”

“Do you think they’ll try to hurt Princess Luna too?!”

“Most likely! It would certainly strain the new relationship between our two nations!”

“We have to help her!”

“We will, my dear! Trust me!”

Half an hour later the pair arrive at the Aviary. They are stopped by a guard at the gates.

“HALT!”

Arc stops and rolls his eyes. “Great. Decimus junior is here.”

The guard levels his weapon at them. “State your intent!”

Rose steps forward. “We saw what looked like rebels flying overhead a little while ago.”

“We shall take care of them! Have no fear!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! SHALL take care of them! You mean you haven’t done so yet?!”

“The Arbiter is doing everything in his power to…!”

Rose interrupts. “We can help!”

“That will not be necessary!”

Arc steps forward, angrily. “Let me speak to Arbiter Ghaleon at once, peasant!”

The guard frowns as he points his weapon at Arc’s face. “No! Leave now, or face the consequences!”

“Is that your final answer on the matter?”

“It is!”

“Fine.”

Arc deftly knocks the spear away and grabs the guard by the front of his armor as Rose quickly disarms him. He slams the griffon against a wall and glares at him.

“Now that I have your attention, worm, how about you tell the Arbiter I’m here. That is… unless you want to be taught another lesson.”

He drops the guard to the ground. Rose walks over to him and returns his weapon.

“I’m sorry, but we really don’t have time for this. Please just let him know Lord Arc is here.”

The guard nods, grabs his spear, and hurries away. Rose turns to Arc.

“You could have gone a little easier on him.”

Arc shrugs. “Like you said. We don’t have time for this.”

He looks her up and down.

“That was pretty impressive how you disarmed him. Where did you learn that?!”

Rose giggles. “My mother taught me how to defend myself.”

A few minutes later the guard returns.

“Forgive me, sir. Please follow me.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere.”

They follow the guard to the courtyard. Arbiter Ghaleon is giving orders to his troops as they arrive. He turns to Arc as he walks over.

“I do not have time to discuss politics with you right now, Hero of Light! What do you want?!”

Rose joins him. “Lord Arc has come to lend a hand.”

“This is a griffon matter!”

Arc steps forward angrily. “It’s also an Equestrian matter, Arbiter!”

“This is sovereign griffon soil! You have no authority…!”

“That may be! But where is Princess Luna?!”

Ghaleon looks toward the Aviary. “She’s inside with the Council of Lords. As far as we know, she’s safe.”

Rose looks nervous. “What of the king?”

“He is in a secure location.”

Arc nods. “Good. Now about rescuing our leader…?”

“I was just about to lead our forces into battle. If you will excuse me, I will…”

Arc puts a hand on the arbiter’s shoulder as he turns to leave. “Wait just a minute! Battle?!”

Ghaleon nods as he turns his head to look at Arc. “We’re going to wipe those rebels out!”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “They have hostages though!”

“They claim to. Now if you’ll excuse me…”

“I don’t like the sound of that! I’m coming with you!”

“As am I!”

Ghaleon knocks Arc’s hand away. “No, you are not!”

“But…!”

“This is a big enough diplomatic mess with the princess being in danger! We don’t need Equestria’s Hero of Light getting killed here!”

Arc frowns. “I can handle myself.”

Ghaleon looks Arc up and down, disapprovingly. “Can you now? You look more like you’re going to a party than to war.

Arc shrugs. “Well, truth be told, I WAS supposed to be resting in bed.”

Ghaleon walks away. “Go back to your ship, Lord Arc. You’ll be advised if there’s anything I think you need to know.”

Rose steps forward. “Sir, I don’t think you…”

A guard hurries over to the Arbiter with a scroll.

“Arbiter Ghaleon! The rebels just released this message!”

Ghaleon grabs the note. “WHAT?! HOW?!”

The guard rubs his helmet. “Attached to a rock.”

Ghaleon snorts as he unrolls the scroll. “Well, at least nothing important was lost.”

He looks over the note carefully as his face turns red with anger.

“They want WHAT?!”

Rose looks confused. “Good news, sir?”

“The worst! They claim to have captured the entire Council of Lords AND the Equestrian princess!”

Arc frowns. “Maybe they’re bluffing.”

The Arbiter holds up a feather.

“This is one of Lady Ashe’s tail feathers. She would have been with her father Lord Gestal at the time.”

Arc sighs. “Great. What do they want?”

“They claim to be writing up a list of demands now, but want King Guto to join the hostages.”

The guard appears shaken. “We can’t do that, sir!”

“IDIOT! Don’t you think I know that?!”

Rose clears her throat loudly. “Anything else, sir?”

“They claim to be watching all the entrances and windows. If we try to rescue the council members or the princess they’ll start executing them. Starting with the Equestrian princess.”

Arc sighs. “Great. They’re probably watching us right now.

Rose looks to the Aviary. “Yes. Several sets of eyes are on us.”

“Are you certain, Cherry?”

“Yes. I can… see them.”

Ghaleon looks around. “You must have pretty good eyes there, guard.”

Rose nods soberly. “The best, sir.”

“Anything else in that message there?”

Ghaleon growls angrily. “Just one. They insist that I stay in view at all times.”

Rose turns to the Arbiter. “Why?”

“Because they know I’m the only one capable of stopping them!”

Arc chuckles as he folds his arms over his chest. “Are you now?”

Ghaleon narrows his eyes as her turns to Arc. “Yes, you fool! Do you see any other warriors around?!”

The guard looks sheepishly to Ghaleon. “Sir? We could…”

“Stay out of this! It’s your fault they got inside in the first place! You’re lucky I showed up when I did!”

Rose sighs. “Look, can we save the finger pointing until everyone is safe?”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now, seeing as you CAN’T go in there Arbiter, how about my Honor Guard and I take care of this?”

Ghaleon frowns but nods. “Guess I don’t really have much of a choice right now.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Do you have a plan?”

“Sort of. I’m still working it out in my head. What can you tell us about our assailants, Arbiter?”

“Other than the fact they’re suicidal malcontents, not much.”

Rose looks back to the Aviary. “Do you really believe they’ll carry out their earlier threat?”

“I do. At this point they must know their lives are forfeit. They really don’t have anything left to lose.”

Arc rubs his chin. “You rush in, they kill our leaders and get what they want.”

Rose looks confused. “What they want?”

“Probably a world without the council.”

Ghaleon scoffs. “Fools the lot of them! If you’re crazy enough to go in there, I hereby authorize you to use whatever force you find… entertaining to bring them down!”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “You mean…?!”

Ghaleon nods. “Yes. The Griffon Kingdom will accept their deaths as necessary and look the other way as far as diplomatic relations are concerned.”

“I’ll try to keep things tidy in there. No promises though.”

“It would be nice to have some prisoners to interrogate, but… do what you have to in there, Hero of Light.”

Ghaleon looks around.

“Now all we have to do is find a way to get you two inside.”

Arc shakes his head. “Leave that to us.”

“Fine. If you do manage to find the council they can probably show you a secret way out of the Aviary and to safety.”

“Good. That means we don’t have to worry so much about how to get out.”

“Let me know as soon as possible when it is safe for me to storm the Aviary with my troops. We’ll finish the job.”

Arc nods. “Very well.”

“I know it goes without saying, but you’ll be completely on your own in there. If there’s trouble, we won’t be able to help you.”

“I understand. If there’s nothing else, I’d like to get underway. Think you can stall them, Arbiter?”

“I’ll buy as much time as I can. But don’t expect too much.”

“Alright. Rose, follow me.”

Rose salutes happily. “Yes sir!”

Arc leads Rose back toward the city. Ghaleon frowns.

“The Aviary is THIS way!”

Arc does not look back. “I know. Just trust me on this one.”

He and Rose round a corner. The guard turns to Ghaleon.

“Do you think they stand a chance, sir?”

Ghaleon turns to walk away. “Shut up, maggot!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rose stop and look around.

“See anyone, Rose?”

“I don’t sense… I mean, I don’t see anyone. What should we do?”

Arc pulls two Magic Cloaks out of his ring. He hands one to Rose.

“Put this on. We need to do some recon.”

“Okay.”

They put on the magic cloaks and vanish. Rose turns to Arc.

“Now we walk right in the front door?”

“Nah. They’ll be watching them.”

“But we’re invisible!”

“True. But they’ll be there in force. We need to go in where they won’t be expecting it.”

“You already have an idea, don’t you?”

Arc nods and takes Rose’s hand. “Yup. This way, Cherry.”

He leads her around the Aviary to the back and looks up at a balcony.

“There’s our ticket in.”

Rose frowns. “I don’t see it. What do you mean?”

“Let me Blink us up there.”

Rose smiles as Arc puts an arm around her. “I like this plan!”

Arc Blinks them up to the balcony. They look around as he whispers to Rose.

“I don’t see any guards in my old room.”

Blinking inside the room Arc looks around for a few moments. He then walks over to the balcony door, unlocks it and lets Rose in.

“I thought they’d be watching every door like this one.”

Arc nods as he quietly closes and locks the door behind her. “Maybe they didn’t have enough troops.”

“There were quite a few that I saw back there.”

“Fair enough.”

They head for the door and Blink through it into the corridor. Arc looks one way as Rose looks the other.

“All clear, Arc”

“Same here. Follow me.”

The pair proceed down the corridor together. Rose turns to Arc.

“Where are we headed?”

“Let’s try the Dining Room first. They were supposed to have a meal here.”

“Maybe they’re still there!”

“Let’s find out.”

They make their way to the Dining Room. The room is a mess with smashed windows, overturned tables, and food everywhere. Rose frowns.

“I don’t see anyone.”

“Me either.”

Rose shudders. “This is creepy! Where did everyone go?!”

“I’m starting to think the rebels wrote that note and then hightailed it out of here with their hostages.”

“Maybe. But this place is pretty big. They could still be hiding somewhere.”

“The council, or the rebels?”

“Either!”

Arc looks at the food on the floor.

“Interesting.”

Rose frowns. “Now is not the time to eat!”

“No, look!”

Arc points at the talon marks on the floor.

“The rebels weren’t much for covering their trail. These food-laden footprints lead over to this cabinet.”

He puts a hand next to the cabinet as he turns back to Rose.

“There’s a draft.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means there’s a secret passage here.”

“Should we try and move this?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. That would probably make too much noise. Let’s Blink through it, Cherry.”

Rose steps toward Arc and wraps her arms around him. A moment later they find themselves in a narrow unlit hallway. Arc casts a Light Spell as Rose looks around.

“I don’t think this passageway has been used for quite some time.”

Arc removes his magic cloak and stashes it in his ring. “Agreed. But look at that!”

He points down at the floor to a large number of fresh footprints in the dust.

“Let’s follow them. See if we can catch up to the rebels.”

Rose nods as she removes her own cloak and hands it to Arc.

“Right behind you.”

They slowly walk along the corridor together.

“This passageway doesn’t appear to have been kept up very well.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably some old escape route nopony remembers.”

“If it’s so forgotten how do you suppose the rebels knew about it?”

“When we find them, I’ll ask.”

They walk on for some time in silence. Eventually they see a light up ahead.

“I see something!”

“Me too! Stay sharp!”

The pair approach the glow ahead as Arc extinguishes his Light Spell. Peeking around a corner they spot the missing nobles along with the council. Flash Sentry angrily stands guard in front of Princess Luna. She frowns at their captors.

“This will not go unpunished! My nation will…!”

A well armored rebel, whom appears to be leading the operation laughs at her.

“Do nothing! After all, they wouldn’t want to see something happen to their precious princess, now would they?”

Gestal glares at their captor. “Where is my daughter?!”

“Our leader has taken her into custody. Worry not, as she will not be harmed. As long as you do as you’re told that is”

Adalbert frowns. “The Council of Lords will not be swayed by miserable cretins like you!”

Weller shoots his companion a warning glance. “Adalbert! Lady Ashe is in danger!”

Goldstone nods nervously. “Yes! Please keep your wits about you! She’s not the only one in need of help right now!”

Arc visually scans the room. “Looks like they’re keeping them in two separate groups.”

Rose nods. “The Council of Lords and Princess Luna on one side and the nobles on the other! Why do you suppose they’re doing that?”

“Probably because they know the council members won’t make a run for it without Lady Ashe.”

“What about the others?”

Arc sighs. “Well…”

All at once one of the nobles makes a break for it. The Rebel Commander raises a crossbow and deftly fires. The griffon takes the bolt right through their skull and drops like a stone to the ground.

Rose winces. “Those monsters!”

Arc frowns. “At least he didn’t suffer.”

“We’ve got to do something, Arc! Princess Luna could be next!”

“Right. But we need a plan. I could Blink in there, grab Luna, and Blink us both back over here.”

Rose shakes her head. “But they’d kill everyone else!”

Arc nods. “Which is why I’m not already doing that.”

A robed griffon approaches. They are wearing much more ornate decorations than the others.

Rose gasps. “That must be the leader!”

Arc smiles. “Yes… yes it is.”

“You have an idea?”

“Still working on it. Let’s see what they have to say.”

The leader walks over to the Council of Lords but does not speak. The commander hurries over to them.

“We were successful, sir!”

The leader nods and wordlessly makes a gesture toward the council before walking away. The rebels close in around them. Gestal runs forward but is stopped by several strong talons mere feet from the leader.

“WHERE IS ASHE, YOU MONSTER?!”

The commander chuckles. “Safely in our custody. You do as you’re told and she’ll STAY safe!”

He looks at the dead griffon noble lying nearby.

“Fail to follow directions and… let’s just say her future looks… dark.”

Goldstone looks to them, nervously. “Wh-what are you planning to do to us?!”

“Our leader hasn’t yet decided. But I can assure you it will be in the best interest of the citizens.”

Adalbert glares at them. “HA! You mean best for YOU!”

Weller nods. “Indeed! You mean to bring the Griffon Empire to its knees!”

“Call it what you will. But the citizens will be free soon!”

“And my daughter?!”

The commander shakes his head as he turns back to his leader. “I’d worry more about myself if I were you, Gestal.”

Their leader points to the other nobles and puts a talon to their neck. The commander nods as he draws his blade.

“Now then, I believe a… demonstration is in order.”

Adalbert’s eyes grow wide. “Demonstration?!”

“A few more bodies will show you we’re serious about our views.”

Rose turns to Arc. “We can’t let them do this!”

Arc nods. “Right! Okay, here’s the…”

Arc suddenly grabs his head and reels in pain. Rose takes his arm.

“Arc?!”

“Not… now! I… I just…”

Rose puts her arm around him.

“Is it happening again?!”

Arc suddenly straightens up. His voice is eerily calm.

“I’m fine, Cherry. Everything will be taken care of momentarily.”

“So you have an idea?”

“I do.”

Arc again holds his forehead as he raises his voice.

“This… this madness… MUST END!!!”

Before Rose can stop him Arc calls forth his Spear of Righteousness and charges at the commander.

“Have at you, monster!”

Arc catches the commander off guard as the side of his spear smashes into his opponent. The blade in the commander’s talons clatters to the ground.

Adalbert whirls around. “W-what?!”

Weller’s eyes grow wide. “Is that…?”

Luna steps forward, surprised. “Arc?”

Goldstone frowns. “Him again…?!”

Angrily, the Rebel Leader quickly points to Arc. The rebels ready their weapons as the commander reaches for the crossbow in his belt. But Arc knocks the weapon from his grasp with his spear.

“Oh no you don’t, you filth!”

Knocking the commander toward the Council of Lords, Arc Blinks in front of them to catch his prey. He holds his spear to the lieutenant’s neck as he turns to the Rebel Leader.

“Come on! Give me a reason!”

Rose hurries over to the other nobles. She gestures for them to flee back down the passage as she covers their retreat. The leader points to a handful of her troops. They move to stop the escaping nobles but are met by several blows from Rose’s fists. As a few more attempt to overwhelm her, she deftly takes them down with a well-timed roundhouse kick.

“Stay down!”

Arc presses the tip of his spear into the commander’s neck. A trickle of blood drips to the floor.

“Keep walking toward me! See what happens!”

The rebels stop but keep their weapons leveled at Arc.

“LET’S DO THIS!”

He shoves the commander roughly at his comrades. Reaching out with his magic Arc grabs the half dozen weapons pointed at him and pulls them to his side. He levitates the blades beside him, a wicked glint in his eyes.

“So you like to play rough, huh?!”

With a flick of his wrist Arc turns the weapons to point at the rebels. They take a step back fearfully. Arc laughs darkly as the weapons hover around him.

“You’ve sealed your fates, vermin! DIE!!!”

Thrusting his hand forward the weapons hurl back toward their owners, piercing their chests and pinning them to the stone wall. He turns to the leader as they take a step back.

“Going somewhere? Join your friends!”

The commander pulls a blade from his fallen comrade’s chest and flies at Arc. “NO!”

Rose leaps at the commander and slams him to the ground before kicking him in the face.

“Lights out!”

Arc points his spear at the leader in taunt. “Thanks Cherry! Leave the kingpin to me!”

Rose hurries to stand between the council and danger. “Be careful!”

The Rebel Leader pulls a pair of blades from their belt and hovers before Arc. They leap at Arc, who is holding his spear at the ready. They deftly dodge his attack and knock the spear out of Arc’s hand. It clatters to the ground across the room. In retaliation, Arc grabs their robe and throws the griffon across the room.

“I don’t need a weapon to deal with trash like YOU!”

The leader crashes against a wall but recovers and again faces Arc. Flash Sentry watches nervously.

“Be careful, sir!”

Luna nods. “Go easy on them!”

Adalbert laughs. “Bah! Gut ‘em like a fish, Hero of Light!”

Weller frowns. “We need to interrogate them, Adalbert!”

Gestal nods frantically. “Right! My daughter location is in that fool’s wretched skull!”

Flying at Arc, the leader brandishes a set of blades. Arc Blinks above them and forces the leader down.

“Give it up!”

Grabbing both of their talons, Arc forces the leader to drop the weapons before headbutting them. The leader is dazed for but a moment before swooping forward to knock Arc off his feet. Flash Sentry maintains his position between the princess and the battle.

“Watch out, sir!”

In a desperate attempt, the leader goes for one of their blades before quickly doubling back to land heavily on Arc’s chest. They thrust the blade downward, but Arc grabs their talon. Rose calls out.

“Arc! What’s wrong?! Finish it!”

Arc lies on the ground woozily as he struggles to hold back the blade. “Feel so… tired…”

Rose charges forward. “I’ll help!”

Arc shakes his head. “No! Stay with the council!”

Rose does as she is told. Arc reaches up with his other hand to turn the knife back at his attacker. The leader sees this and kicks him with a mighty hind leg. He lands face down on the floor some distance away as the leader flies forward at breakneck speed to finish him off. Arc grins wickedly as he mutters under his breath.

“Come and get me, freak.”

At the last moment Arc rolls to one side and allows his assailant to plant their knife firmly in the ground. Grabbing the leader one last time Arc rolls on top of them and, reaching for his ring, pulls something out. He slams it into their side as a gasp is heard. Arc leans forward and whispers into their ear.

“Bleed, filth.”

He stands up and pulls the Dagger of Eternal Slumber out of his opponent’s side. Chuckling, Arc picks up the leader by the front of their robe and tosses them onto their unconscious commander before turning back to the Council of Lords.

“That’s how you deal with such troublemakers!”

Adalbert grins. “Well done! I…!”

Weller interrupts. “Look!”

He points a talon at the pair. The commander is standing up slowly, trying desperately to protect his leader. Arc turns back to him and sighs.

“So you want to share their fate, huh?”

“No. But it has to be this way!”

The commander pulls something out of his robe and tosses it onto the leader’s chest. They immediately vanishes from sight. Gestal gasps, wide-eyed.

“What the…?!”

Luna looks around. “Where did…?”

The commander staggers toward Arc. “I… I’ll stop you! I’ll…”

Arc shakes his head. “I almost hate to do this to such a weak foe, but…”

He looks at the crossbow on the other side of the room. Arc deftly grabs the bolt from it with his magic. With a flick of his wrist he turns it around to bury the shaft in the lieutenant’s back. The griffon falls to the ground.

“Ack! How…?!”

Arc laughs. “That’s for my hand, scum! Thanks for the pain!”

The commander gasps. “F-forgive me… for failing you… Griffonstone…”

He loses consciousness as Arc turns to face the others. Gestal hurried toward him.

“Well done, Lord Arc! But we must make haste to find my daughter!”

Goldstone looks at the dead rebels before them. “Pitiful…”

Luna nods. “If we can be of any help in that regard…”

Adalbert interrupts. “Thank you, but we’ll take it from here.”

Weller smiles at Arc. “You’ve done our nation a great service, sir! The rebels will be disorganized without their leader.”

Arc nods. “Happy to help! If you’d like, I’d be willing to…”

He suddenly grabs his forehead and stumbles backwards. Rose rushes forward with Flash Sentry to help steady him.

“ARC!”

“Sir!”

Gestal smiles. “You should rest, Lord Arc.”

Weller nods. “Yes. You’ve more than earned a respite.”

Adalbert smiles as he looks at the fallen rebels. “Our troops with sweep up this trash.”

Goldstone laughs. “I say we should leave their bodies here to rot. But the smell would probably reach the Aviary eventually.”

Rose walks toward the corridor with Arc. “This way, everyone. Arbiter Ghaleon is waiting for us outside.”

Flash Sentry turns to Arc. “Lean on me, sir.”

Arc wordlessly nods. The council follows them out of the chamber and silence once again fills the room. The commander raises his head and begins to claw his way in the other direction.

“Have to… help her…!”

As he nears the doorway opposite the one Arc and company left through, a dark portal opens in front of him.

“What the…?”

Three figures in black cloaks step out and look around. A female voice speaks as she walks toward the bodies.

“Good help is SO hard to find these days.”

Another of them approaches the commander and stoops down. They reach for the bolt in his back.

“Let me help you with that.”

The commander nods. “I…”

The figure grabs the griffon’s beak and holds it shut while reaching for the bolt. Ripping it out with such force, the lieutenant passes out from the pain. Holding the bolt the figure turns around and drops their cowl.

“Can’t let Arc have any more of these.”

The Dark One nods. “One is too many, Storm King.”

The Storm King nods as he reaches inside the lieutenant’s robe. “Nothing we can do about that now.”

“Yes. Their leader has failed us for the last time.”

Chuckling, the Storm King turns back to The Dark One. “Maybe not. The device I gave them isn’t on him. He must have used it to teleport them away.”

“If they fared as well as their fellow rebels, I’d say that’s the last we’ll see of them.”

The Storm King shakes his head. “I can’t believe they failed! I mean, they had help from ME!”

The female scoffs at this. “Right. As if YOU’RE infallible.”

He frowns and storms over to her. “I will stick you like a PIG if you speak to me that way again!”

A horn glows under the cowl. “Try it. See what happens!”

The Dark One turns back to the portal’s swirling energies. “Enough. Storm King, your bolts along with Decimus’ toxin worked perfectly. It was them who were incompetent.”

“Yes. Well, I’ve been working on something much more interesting lately. This was but a warm up for my true genius.”

The Dark One chuckles. “Of that I am certain.”

The Storm King stands as they walk toward the portal together. “You just get me what I need, and I’ll work miracles for the cause.”

The Dark One stops and looks back at the commander before picking him up with his dark power. His female companion scoffs as does The Storm King.

“Collecting MORE junk?”

“Picking up trash now, Dark One?”

He chuckles as the commander is tossed through the portal. “This one’s tenacity may yet serve our cause.”

The Storm King shrugs. “Whatever. Garbage is garbage.”

“Even the smallest of insects have a use.”

The Dark One enters the portal and vanishes from sight. The Storm King turns to the female and frowns.

“Our leader may trust you, but I do not! Watch yourself… whatever your name was.”

She shakes her head and walks toward the portal. “Sunset Shimmer. Do try to remember it in the future, beast.”

The pair enter the portal together as it closes behind them.

Chapter 24 - Even the Mightiest...

The council sends Arc and company back to the Lunar Destiny aboard one of their armored carriages. Flash Sentry looks out the window dutifully for signs of trouble as Rose sits next to Arc and holds his arm. She looks up at him.

“I hope the council isn’t too angry with us.”

Arc nods. A hand on his forehead.

“Who… who cares! We saved Princess Luna! That’s all that…!”

He winces again. Flash Sentry looks over.

“Sir?!”

“ARGH! What is wrong with my HEAD?!”

Luna turns to Arc. “Are you alright?”

Arc looks up, angrily. “NO, I AM NOT ALRIGHT! You’re welcome for the rescue by the way, princess!”

He puts both hands on either side of his head as Rose puts her arms around him.

“Feels like there’s something clawing around inside my brain! Hard to think!”

Rose turns to Luna. “Sorry, your highness. Arc’s not himself.”

Luna sighs. “I’m sure I wasn’t any better back then. The headaches will only get worse until the toxin takes full effect.”

Arc raises his head, confused. “Toxin?”

Rose does her best to comfort him. “Don’t you remember being shot, Arc?”

“It’s… kinda fuzzy.”

He looks down at his hand.

“What happened to my… what is this again?”

Rose appears confused. “Your hand?”

“Yeah, right! Hand!”

Luna frowns. “It looks like Arc’s condition is worsening, Rose! We need to get him to the Infirmary as soon as possible!”

“Is he going to be okay?!”

“Yes. This happened to me as well. Just much slower.”

Arc claws at his forehead again as another wave overtakes him. “So… much… PAIN!!!”

Rose pulls Arc down gently to rest his head in her lap. “Shhh… just rest now, my dear.”

Arc forces a smile as he takes her hand. “Th-thank you, Cherry.”

He closes his eyes and appears to nod off. Rose looks up to see Luna’s horn glowing.

“Sleeping should help alleviate his pain.”

“Your highness?”

Luna sighs. “I wish someone had done that for me when I was going through this.”

A short time later they arrive back at the Lunar Destiny. Rose stands up and carefully lays Arc’s head down on the seat as she turns to Luna.

“Flash Sentry and I will make sure the area is secure, your highness.”

Luna nods as the pair step out of the carriage and look around for several moments. Flash Sentry turns as he hovers a foot or so off the ground, his blades drawn.

“All clear over here.”

Rose nods. “My scanners aren’t picking up any movement.”

She turns toward the chariot.

“It’s safe to come out now, your highness.”

Luna nods. She turns to Arc and, using her magic, picks him up and places him on her back. His face buried in her long, flowing mane. Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide as Luna steps out of the carriage.

“Y-your highness! Please let somepony else do that!”

Luna shakes her head. “No, lieutenant. Arc has protected me on several occasions now. It’s time I gave something back.”

She walks slowly up the gangplank and into the ship. Rose closes the hatch behind them.

“Would you like some help, your highness?”

“Yes. The commander can’t be light!”

“No. Run ahead and inform Chief Medical Officer Redheart of the situation.”

The pair hurry to comply. Luna looks over her shoulder at Arc and smiles as she slowly walks down the corridor.

“Thank you, my friend. For everything.”

She reaches the Infirmary and uses her magic to transfer Arc to a hospital bed. Redheart approaches and begins examining him.

“These two tell me the Hero of Light has been acting a bit… off.”

Luna sighs as Rose covers Arc with a blanket. “That is putting it mildly.”

Redheart nods as she works. “Please understand it’s the toxin doing this to him, your highness. He’s probably not even aware of what he’s doing or saying.”

Luna looks down sadly. “Yes. That much I understand.”

Flash Sentry walks over to Luna. “It must be very hard for you to see this, your highness.”

Luna nods sadly as she puts a hoof on the side of the bed. “It wasn’t that long ago that I myself was in this same position. The same… state of mind.”

She sighs.

“This is my fault.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “Begging your highnesses pardon, but I’m sure the commander doesn’t believe that for a moment.”

Luna does not take her eyes off of Arc as she speaks. “That bolt was meant for me, lieutenant. A single dose of Sanguine Azolla wouldn’t have affected me in nearly the same manner.”

Rose shakes her head. “Please, Princess Luna! Arc wanted to protect you, and did his very best!”

“Yes, but I’m not like him! I CAN’T be killed! He CAN!”

Redheart listens to Arc’s heart. “He’s the Hero of Light, your majesty. Protecting others is just in his nature.”

Luna feels a hand on her fetlock as Arc speaks weakly.

“That’s right.”

She quickly turns to see Arc looking up at her.

“Arc?!”

“Commander! Are you…?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “My head feels like a truck hit it. Other than that I think I’m fine.”

He turns to Rose.

“Thanks for carrying me to the Infirmary.”

“Actually… um…”

Luna blushes slightly. “I… I brought you here.”

Arc looks confused as he moves to sit up. “You did? Why aren’t you at the ceremony?”

Redheart puts a fetlock on his chest. “Woah there! Just lie back, sir! You’ve had quite a night on the town!”

Flash Sentry nods. “She’s right, sir.”

“Don’t you remember our evening, Arc?”

Arc thinks for a moment before speaking. “The last thing I remember clearly is Nurse Redheart bandaging my hand. What happened?! Why isn’t Princess Luna at the Aviary?!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “The rebels attacked, sir.”

“Anyone hurt?!”

Rose frowns. “Just the rebels.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief as he looks to Flash Sentry. “Good! So you two and the guards took care of it, huh?

“Not exactly, sir.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Natalya?”

Luna shakes her head. “I didn’t see here there, no.”

Rose smiles sheepishly. “You did, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “I think I’d remember that, Rose.”

Everyone looks at him soberly. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“You… you’re joking, right?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No sir. You were amazing back there!”

Luna sighs. “Yes you were, Arc.”

Arc turns to Luna. “What’s wrong? Did I do something… bad?”

Rose takes Arc’s hand. “The rebels took the Council of Lords captive along with the nobles and Princess Luna. You and I entered the Aviary and found them in a secret passage.”

Flash Sentry nods. “I protected Princess Luna as you charged forward and turned the rebel’s own weapons against them.”

Arc looks nervous. “Anyone hurt?”

“Six rebels.”

He sighs. “Well, I guess the council has them in custody by now. I hope they go easy on them.”

Flash Sentry removes his helmet. “Sir… they’re in the morgue by now.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide.

“I… I KILLED THEM?!”

Redheart writes notes on his chart. “I’m sure they gave you no choice, sir.”

Arc turns frantically to Luna. “Did… did I really…?”

Luna nods her head soberly.

“Yes, Arc. You did.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I… I don’t know what to say!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Nurse Redheart is right, sir. They really gave you no choice.”

“How… did I do it?”

Rose giving his hand a squeeze. “You used your magic to pull the blades from their talons. Then you… you pinned them to the wall with them.”

Arc does not look up. “Did they suffer?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No sir. It was very quick and…”

“…and calculating?!”

“I was going to say merciful, sir.”

Arc scoffs. “Merciful? All they wanted was a better life! And I… I took EVERYTHING FROM THEM!”

Luna puts a hoof on Arc’s shoulder. “You were doing the right thing. They had already killed an innocent noble who tried to get away.”

“If I had just been sane, maybe I could have thought of some other way!”

“There isn’t a do-over button on decisions. Not yours, or mine. What’s done is done and over with.”

Arc turns to Luna, sadly. “Over? I probably just deep-sixed our chances at a treaty here!”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof to his chin. “Maybe not, sir.”

Rose nods. “Right! The Council of Lords asked us to stick around, after all.”

Arc sighs. “Great. Maybe they need some time to fill out the declaration of war.”

He turns to Luna.

“I… I don’t really know what to say. You sent me here to find justice, and instead I give you a conflict!”

Luna pats his shoulder with a hoof. “I’m holding out hope for a positive solution to this.”

Flash Sentry looks confused. “That’s a rather tall order right now, your majesty. How can you…?”

Luna interrupts him. “Because hope is all we have right now.”

They are silent for a time. Redheart clears her throat as everyone turns to her.

“It appears the toxin is affecting Arc’s brain in waves.”

Rose frowns. “Waves?”

Redheart nods. “Yes. Think of them like contractions in a mare about to give birth. They strengthen and weaken.”

“So when they strengthen I… do what now?”

“You act a bit… odd.”

“How odd?”

Flash Sentry sighs. “You stating saying ‘everypony’ for starters.”

“And you thought I was Miss Cherry.”

“Sorry Rose.”

Rose blushes slightly. “I’m not.”

Luna nods. “And when they weaken, he returns to normal?”

“So it would seem.”

Flash Sentry turns to Redheart. “Can you give him something to… keep him level?”

“No. I recommend rest though. It’s the best thing for him right now.”

Rose nods. “My scanners show that when Arc slept his brain waves seemed to return to normal. At least somewhat.”

Arc throws off the covers off and sits up. “I can’t just sit here! I…!”

He grabs his head as a wave of pain shoots down his spine.

“ARGH!!!”

Redheart gently pushes him back down onto the bed. “Please keep calm, sir. Getting emotional will only trigger such a response. ”

Arc holds his head. “I… but… have to do… SOMETHING!”

Luna nods. “You can, Arc. Rest now.”

“But…!”

Rose looks up at a clock on the wall. “It’s quite late, Arc. I doubt anything’s going to happen tonight.”

Arc looks confused. “It is?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir. Tomorrow has already become today.”

“I… really was out of it, wasn’t I?”

Redheart puts the chart down on a nearby table. “Sir, if you’d like I can keep you here and monitor your condition.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you, nurse. But I think I’d like to rest in my room.”

“Very well. But you shouldn’t be alone.”

Rose raises a hand. “I’ll stay with him.”

Flash Sentry nods. “That’s probably for the best. Rose stands the best chance of stopping the commander if he… has another episode.”

Luna helps Arc sit up. “I’ll see you to your room.”

Arc slowly rises and the group walks down the corridor together. He sighs and turns to Luna.

“Sorry. I… I really messed up this time.”

Luna shakes her head. “You saved me, the council, and quite a few noble’s lives tonight.”

“But I…!”

“Arc, no one is perfect. Leaders make mistakes. Even those of us who aren’t affected by Sanguine Azolla. Now I want you to get some rest. We’ll deal with the fallout of this in the morning.”

They arrive at Arc’s room. Luna turns to Rose and Flash Sentry.

“Rose, wait inside for Arc. I’d like to have a word with him alone.”

“Yes, your highness.”

She enters Arc’s room as Flash Sentry steps forward.

“I’ll guard your room tonight Princess Luna.”

Luna shakes her head. “Let the other guards do that, lieutenant. You’ve already had quite a full night. Get some sleep.”

“Yes, your highness.”

He turns to Arc.

“Try to get some rest, sir.”

“I will.”

Flash Sentry walks away. Luna turns to Arc as he hangs his head.

“Go ahead. I deserve it, Luna”

“I just wanted to say that I… I’m very proud of you, Arc.”

Arc looks up, surprised. “You are?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Even though you were out of your mind, it was still your first instinct to find and protect me.”

“I don’t remember any of it though!”

“That may be. But you still did an amazing job. I’m very happy to have a Hero of Light I can count on in all things.”

“Yeah? Like killing griffon civilians…?”

“I believe we can make amends for that in the morning. Trust me.”

“I really sorry for…”

Luna puts a hoof to his mouth.

“Stop apologizing! You did the right thing and I’m grateful to have you by my side in these trying times!”

She sits down on her haunches and puts her hooves around his neck to give him a hug.

“I’m very proud of you, my friend.”

Arc returns the hug.

“I… thanks.”

Luna leans forward and whispers in his ear. “Thank you… for saving me, Arc.”

She turns her head and gives Arc a small kiss on his cheek before sitting back.

“I’ll let you get some sleep now. We can deal with this in the morning.”

Arc nods as the pair part ways. Luna returns to her room and Arc to his. He sits down on the bed as Rose walks over to him and sits down. She puts her arms around him.

“I’m here for you, Arc.”

“Thank you. Tell me, did I really think you were Cherry?”

“Yes.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Did I… um… do anything inappropriate?”

Rose shakes her head. “You didn’t. But I was fully ready to do whatever you asked of me.”

“No, Rose. Don’t ever let me, or anyone else do that to you.”

“What? But I…”

Arc interrupts her. “I mean, someone out of their mind! If you and I were to do it, I’d want it to be because we care for one another. Not because I’m not thinking clearly.”

Rose looks confused. “That’s what I’m for, Arc.”

“No you’re not! Rose, you happen to be a very sweet, pretty, smart young lady! That and you’re… special to me.”

Rose happily takes his hand. “I am!”

“Yes. You’re my friend.”

“I can be so much more!”

Arc pats her hand. “You’re enough as-is, my friend. Thanks for keeping me company.”

Rose silently nods and smiles as she whispers happily.

“I’ll always be here for you, Arc. I promise!”

Arc pulls her into an embrace.

“Thank you, Rose.”

They sit there for a long moment silently. Eventually Rose breaks the embrace.

“We really need to get you to bed, Arc. You look exhausted.”

Arc yawns as he stands. “I am. Just let me take a quick shower and change out of this getup.”

“Okay.”

He steps into the Bathroom, removes his formal attire, and steps into the shower. Arc sighs as he lathers up.

“I can’t believe I did all that! Killing civilians? What was I THINKING?!”

He rests his head on the tile wall.

“I only pray the Council of Lords can forgive me.”

Arc steps out of the shower and puts on some fresh clothes. As he leaves the Bathroom he finds Rose sitting in a nearby chair waiting for him. She stands and takes his hand.

“How about we get you to bed now? You’re asleep on your feet, Arc.”

“Y-yeah. I need some rest.”

Arc lies down as Rose covers him up. She leans down and gives him a kiss on the forehead as she turns off the light.

“Rest now. Things will look better in the morning.”

He sighs, turns to face the wall, and shuts his eyes as Rose looks down at him and shakes her head.

“Arc… you need to relax. It won’t be possible for you to fall asleep with your mind racing like this.”

“I can’t help it!”

Rose thinks for a moment. “Maybe I can help with that.”

Unfastening her armor, Rose lets the two-piece custom chainmail fall to the floor in a pile, exposing her undergarments.

“What are you doing over there?”

Rose removes her boots and sets them to the side. “Just trying to help you relax.”

“Well, can you keep it down?”

“I will.”

Rose walks over to the bed and looks down at Arc. The moonlight from the porthole being the only illumination in the room. She smiles as she thinks to herself.

“At the very least, I can help you in your time of need, Arc.”

She slowly climbs into bed with him

“What are you…?”

“Comforting you, Arc.”

She slips in behind Arc and presses her body against his back.

“Rose?”

She puts her hands on his shoulders. “Just… let me do this for you. Please?”

“Okay…”

“I know you’re hurting right now.”

Arc sighs. “Can you see into my mind like Cherry can now?”

Rose shakes her head. “I can’t. But your brainwaves are a mess right now.”

“Yeah… I… I just feel so bad for those I…”

“Stop thinking about what you don’t remember. It won’t help you now.”

“Thanks Rose. This… this does help.”

Rose smiles. “Physical contact should always be a comfort. Now you just let me hold you and I’ll…”

Arc turns over and looks at Rose.

“Rose? I… thanks…”

He wraps his arms around her and pulls Rose into an embrace. Arc’s hands feel the skin of her back.

“Um… Rose?”

“Yes?”

“You… aren’t wearing any clothes, are you?”

Rose shakes her head. “Just what I had under my armor. Don’t worry, I locked the door.”

“Uh… okay.”

Arc squeezes her tightly.

“Thank you, Rose.”

“I’m here for you, Arc.”

In a few minutes he is asleep. Rose pats his cheek lightly.

“Sleep peacefully, my dear Arc. You’ve certainly earned it.”

Rose closes her eyes and enjoys Arc’s chest pressed against hers. She snuggles into him happily before closing her own eyes for a well deserved charging session.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 25 - Apprehended

Rose opens her eyes as the first rays of dawn stream through the porthole. She stares into Arc’s sleeping face for a short time. There is a knock at the door. Arc opens his eyes.

“Ugh… what the…?”

Rose sits up and looks to the door. “I’ll get it.”

Arc’s eyes widen as he sees Rose’s nearly naked form. He stands up quickly.

“Actually, why don’t you let me get it Rose?!”

Rose lays back down on the bed. “Okay.”

Arc turns back to her as he walks over to the door. “Um… why don’t you head to the Bathroom and… uh… brush your hair?”

Rose stands up. “Alright. I’ll make myself presentable for breakfast. But don’t you have to use the toilet?”

“I’ll wait.”

Nodding, Rose walks over to the Bathroom and closes the door behind her. Arc breathes a sigh of relief. He opens the door to find Flash Sentry waiting on the other side. He salutes as Arc lets him in.

“Sir! Feeling better?!”

Arc closes the door behind him. “Kinda. What’s up?”

“Princess Luna wanted me to see if you were feeling up to breakfast with her.”

“Yes, that does sound good. Thank you.”

“I’ll let her know.”

As the lieutenant turns to leave. “Flash Sentry?”

“Yes sir?”

“I… I was wondering if there had been any word from the king or council?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Not to my knowledge, sir. Captain Tight Ship has kept somepony at the radio at all hours since we arrived in Griffonstone.”

Arc sighs. “I see. Well, I guess no news is better than bad news.”

“Sir, I was there last night. You did the only thing you could to even the odds!”

“Really? There wasn’t ANYTHING else I could have done?!”

“I don’t believe so, sir. Truth be told, I didn’t think any of us were getting out of that one.”

The lieutenant looks around.

“Um… where is Rose?”

Arc smiles nervously. “Oh! Um… she’s… in the Bathroom.”

“Really? I didn’t think she ever had to… you know…”

“She’s brushing her hair. We’ll see you at breakfast in a few…”

The Bathroom door suddenly opens and Rose steps out in her undergarments.

“Sorry, Arc. I didn’t bring my armor into the…”

She turns around to see Flash Sentry staring at her, his mouth open and pupils shrunken.

“Oh! Good morning! Sorry for not being in uniform. Arc and I just got up.”

Flash Sentry backs slowly out of the room. “I… uh… hope you slept well, sir.”

Rose nods. “He was very tense when we climbed into bed last night. But not to worry. I found a way to loosen him up.”

Flash Sentry blushes and salutes with a shaking hoof.

“I… it’s not for me to… see you at breakfast, sir!”

Arc nods and closes the door. Blushing furiously, Flash Sentry quickly gallops down the corridor.

“The commander has more marefriends than I have hooves! And that’s just the ones I know about!”

He sighs before continuing with his thought.

“I know he deserves it though. After all… the commander takes the biggest risks. He should have as much... relaxation as possible.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to his friend.

“Rose!”

She looks over as she puts on her armor. “Yes?”

“You shouldn’t say things like that. He might think we slept together last night!”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “But.. we did.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not like that! I mean… you know what, never mind. Let’s just get a move on.”

He sighs before continuing.

“This feels like my last meal.”

“No, Arc. Lunch will be here before you know it.”

Arc frowns as he opens the door. “No, I mean… last meal before the news comes.”

“Oh… I see.”

Rose follows Arc out the door and down the corridor.

“It’s really getting to me, you know?!”

“What you did, Arc?”

He nods. “Yes. But the waiting for their response to my actions is just as nerve-wracking!”

Rose takes his hand. “No matter what they say, it won’t change how I feel about you in the least.”

Arc turns to Rose and forces a small smile. “Thank you, Rose. You’ve been so… I don’t know…”

“Loyal?”

“I guess ‘dedicated’ would be the word. ‘Loyal’ sounds like something you would use to describe a dog.”

They chuckle and continue on in silence.

“Well, I won’t tell Rainbow Dash that.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thanks. Although I’m sure she’d understand. But I really am impressed by your dedication to my well-being.”

Rose latches onto his arm. “It’s why I exist, silly!”

Arc suddenly becomes sober. “Yes. You’ve said that before.”

“Arc?”

He suddenly stops. “Rose, I… I don’t know how to say this, but… I don’t really like our relationship as it is.”

Rose turns to looks him in the eye. “B-but, I… I can CHANGE! Be anything you want me to be! Just tell me what about myself makes you upset!”

“It’s just your… dedication.”

Rose appears confused. “But that’s what you said you LIKED about me!”

Arc nods. “And I meant it. But it isn’t very Loyal of me to keep you like this.”

“But this is where I want to be!”

He takes her hands in his. “That’s your programing talking.”

Rose shakes her head. “But it’s the TRUTH!”

Arc sighs and looks Rose in the eyes, soberly. “Rose. When we return to Ponyville, I’m going to ask Twilight to alter your programing.”

“I-in what way?!”

“Your directives.”

“I… I can change them if you want me to. You do have administer rank after all.”

“Really? So Twilight doesn’t have to do anything?”

Rose nods. “Yes! Like I said, just tell me what you want and I’ll become it!”

“Good.”

Rose looks relieved. “Now what would you like to change about my directives?”

“Remove them.”

She stares at him. A look of confusion on her face.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I said I’d like you to remove your directives.”

“Which one?”

“All of them.”

Rose nervously takes a step back. “B-but… I… I don’t know if I would still… continue to exist!”

“Are you saying it might destroy you?”

“My base programing, maybe.”

“Any way to know for sure before you do it?”

Rose thinks for a moment. “I’d need to run quite a few tests, log the data from them, and rewrite my programing.”

“How long would that take?”

“A couple days. I’d like to speak with mother about this first though. Make sure she’s there to oversee the system rewrite, update, and restart.”

“That’s fine. We’ll take you to Twilight before you do anything permanent.”

Rose appears relieved. “Thank you! I’ll allocate some of my system resources to testing.”

“Good. Do you need to rest while you do that?”

“No. I’ll only allocate a small portion of resources to this task so as to not hinder our mission.”

Arc takes Rose’s hand and leads her down the corridor. “You do that. Now I want you to understand that if the tests show this being unfeasible, or Twilight comes up with a reason we shouldn’t, we won’t do it. Okay?”

Rose nods. “I understand.”

“It’s just that I don’t want any harm coming to you.”

“I… appreciate that.”

They arrive at the Cafeteria. The smell of coffee and pancakes greet them along with Flash Sentry, Luna, Moon Dancer and Wrangler. Upon entering the room, Luna walks quickly over to them.

“Arc! Are you feeling alright?”

“For now, yes. Who cooked breakfast?”

Moon Dancer looks over. “Wrangler and I did. At this point, there really isn’t anything for me to do.”

Wrangler nods as she glances over at the princess. “Me either! With the ship on lockdown, my place is guarding the princess anyways.”

Flash Sentry salutes his commanding officer. “Me too! While I don’t see anypony getting in here, I find it’s best to be safe.”

Luna smiles. “I feel more secure here than in Canterlot Castle. But why don’t we sit down and eat before the food gets cold?”

Arc nods as he puts a hand to his forehead. “Yeah. I… can’t actually remember the last time I did that.”

Flash Sentry pulls out a chair for Luna. “I believe it was yesterday at lunch, sir. Before the… um… attack.”

Rose shakes her head. “No. Arc and I ate last night on our date.”

Wrangler raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Arc looks over to Rose, confused. “We went on a… what?”

Rose blushes slightly and smiles. “You asked me out, and I accepted. We had a GREAT time!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Was this before the attack on the Aviary?”

Rose nods. “Yes. We saw the rebels flying overhead and knew there was trouble. Arc and I hurried there as fast as we could.”

Arc rests his hands on his forehead. “I… I have no memory of any of this!”

Moon Dancer walks to Arc and looks him over. “Perhaps the toxin is having an effect on your short term memory?”

“I hope that’s all it is!”

They begin to eat. Arc picks at his food as Luna levitates a fork to her mouth.

“Arc, you have to keep your strength up.”

“I’m just… not very hungry.”

Luna puts down her fork and looks across the table to him. “Arc, listen to me. There were many times in the past when things weren’t going well, and neither me nor my sister felt like eating. But we learned that course of action only made a bad situation worse.”

Moon Dancer smiles. “It’s hard to make good decisions when you’re weak with hunger, sir.”

Wrangler nods as she stands behind Luna with Flash Sentry. “Agreed.”

Arc picks up his utensils and sighs. “I’ll try.”

He takes a bite, and turns to Moon Dancer and Wrangler.

“These really are pretty good you two!”

“Thank you, sir.”

“We’re glad you like ‘em.”

A few minutes later Commander Soarin walks into the Cafeteria. He makes a beeline for Luna and bows.

“Your highness, a Lieutenant Natalya is on the deck requesting an audience with you. She brings word from the Council of Lords.”

“Bring her here at once, Commander.”

Soarin salutes. “Yes, your highness.”

He quickly leaves the room. Arc sighs.

“I guess we’ll finally know, huh?”

Rose takes Arc’s hand. “It’ll be okay.”

Luna nods. “Yes. I’m certain of it.”

A short time later Natalya slowly enters the Cafeteria with Soarin. She approaches Luna, removes her helmet respectfully, and bows.

“Good morning, your highness. The council sends its regards and hopes you are unharmed from last night.”

Luna nods. “I am. Thanks to some quick thinking from our Hero of Light here.”

Natalya turns to Arc. “Yes! Word is all around the city of your heroic exploits, sir!”

“My what?”

“It’s not every day the Aviary is attacked like that, Lord Arc! Everyone in town has heard by now how the rebels took the nobles and the Council of Lords hostage! But you saved them AND took out the leader along with their second-in-command!”

Arc looks down. “I… um…”

Flash Sentry, sensing his commanding officer’s unease, steps forward.

“Has the council sent you with some kind of message?”

Natalya nods. “Yes. They send their apologies, and hope that the actions of last night have not tarnished your opinions of them.”

Luna mutters under her breath. “Our opinions of them?!”

“Furthermore, they hope you will still entertain the idea of a peace treaty.”

“Yes, yes of course. When can we meet?”

“If it pleases your majesty, the council and King Guto wish to convene the ceremony aboard your ship in one hour.”

Wrangler frowns at Natalya. “But, is that enough time for them to arrange a secure escort?!”

“Forgive me, you highness. But there is one condition they request of you.”

“A condition?”

Flash Sentry mutters to himself. “Haven’t we endured enough?!”

“Yes, your highness. They ask that you land your ship behind the Aviary so they may securely come aboard under heavy guard. However, out of respect for pony traditions, the council and King Guto agree to leave their guards on the deck.”

Luna nods. “Anything else?”

“Just one last thing, your majesty. After the treaty is signed they would like the honor of a short flight around the perimeter of the city while our forces drop confetti from the deck.”

Luna considers this for a moment.

“Very well. Return to your leaders and inform them that I agree to their terms completely.”

“Thank you, Princess Luna. I will relay your message…”

Natalya winces in pain. Arc looks at her a moment.

“Are you alright?”

Natalya nods as she rubs her side. “Y-yes. During the attack I tangled with one of the rebels.”

Flash Sentry gasps. “Were you hurt?!”

“Not really. It’s just a scratch. Not very deep. I’ll be fine!”

Arc frowns. “I see. Well, be sure to take it easy. That doesn’t look like it tickles.”

“Yes sir. Now I must return to the Aviary and inform the council of Princess Luna’s decision.”

Wrangler steps toward Natalya. “I’ll escort you out, miss.”

“Thank you.”

Luna nods as Natalya and Wrangler leave the Cafeteria. Rose frowns.

“Could it be…?”

Flash Sentry turns to her. “Rose?”

“She appears to have a puncture wound on the same side that Arc stabbed the Rebel Leader.”

Arc growls. “WHAT?!”

Flash Sentry appears skeptical. “But… but Natalya’s been with us for some time now! She’s not capable of…!”

Luna interrupts. “I have lived for a long time, lieutenant. Many of those whom I believe upstanding over the years turned out to be less than what they originally seemed.”

Rose nods. “One never knows for certain who hides behind a mask and cloak.”

Arc sighs. “That may be. While I admit it is possible, Natalya has always been loyal to me in the past.”

Moon Dancer looks toward the empty doorway. “Do you believe her story then?”

“Yes.”

Luna shakes her head. “Arc, I once said the same of Captain Decimus. Do not let your trust lead you to an early grave.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Should we question her?”

“No. If Natalya really is the leader, she will simply disappear at the first sign of trouble.”

Rose appears confused. “So we should do nothing?!”

Flash Sentry thinks for a moment. “Well… this mess IS a griffon problem after all. They’ve been pretty adamant about that thus far.”

Luna nods. “I believe I will notify General Blackbeak. See if he can investigate this.”

Arc sighs. “Yes. From what I’ve seen he’s a pretty fair griffon.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “If she’s innocent he’ll see to it she’s protected. But if she’s guilty…”

Moon Dancer nods. “She’ll get what’s coming to her.”

Arc shrugs. “Everyone deserves what they’ve earned. Good OR bad.”

Luna turns to Moon Dancer. “Head to the Bridge and tell Lemon Hearts to anonymously send a message to General Blackbeak regarding Lieutenant Natalya.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Moon Dancer leaves the room as Wrangler returns.

“All secure, your highness.”

Luna stands. “Very good. Inform the captain to prepare for immediate take off.”

“Yes, Princess Luna. We heading to the Aviary?”

“Yes. No time like the present.”

Arc looks relieved. “That and it will send a clear message that we are still very interested in becoming allies.”

Rose giggles. “That too!”

They head toward the Observation Deck. Luna looks around the room as the ship slowly takes flight.

“This isn’t much, but it will have to do.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Your highness?”

“We need to make this room presentable for the ceremony.”

Arc turns to her. “What about your quarters, Luna? They are certainly more… luxurious.”

Luna shakes her head. “Yes, but it’s too informal. That and I don’t feel right entertaining royalty there.”

Arc picks up a large table with his magic and sets it in the center of the room. “Well, here’s your signing table. Rose, can you run to the Cafeteria and see if you can find a nice tablecloth please?”

“Be right back!”

She hurries off. Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“Go find something to dress this table up. Flowers, knick-knacks, anything to make it look less plain.”

“Yes sir!”

Luna begins pushing a table across the room as Flash Sentry leaves.

“Help me push the rest of the tables to the far side of the room, Arc!”

“Won’t that look kinda tacky, Luna?”

“We don’t have time to do anything else!”

“Allow me, Luna.”

Arc uses his magic to gather all the remaining furniture in front of him. He then casts the Matter Compacting spell to shrink them all down before putting the miniature furniture in his ring and turning to Luna.

“That should make this room look a bit more professional.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Arc. Forgive me, but I’m a tad nervous.”

Arc chuckles as he finishes his task. “I’d say more than that.”

“What?”

Arc looks down at her hooves. “I’ve never seen you trot in place like that.”

Luna stops. She appears a bit embarrassed.

“This is my first time doing such a thing! I… everything has to be PERFECT!”

“No one expects you to be perfect.”

“But my sister…!”

“Luna, stop.”

“Huh?”

Arc walks over to her and puts his hands on her shoulders.

“Don’t try to be like Princess Celestia. Just do your best to be yourself. You’ll be more… real then.”

“Real?”

Arc nods. “More like an individual, and less like a stuffy diplomat.”

“But that’s what’s expected of me!”

“The only one holding you up to those lofty standards is YOU! Just be yourself!”

“Are you certain?”

“No. But that’s what I would do. Sorry, but that might be the Sanguine Azolla in me talking again.”

“I will… consider your words, Arc.”

“So will I.”

Rose returns with a tablecloth and spreads it out.

“This is the most formal looking one I could find.”

Arc nods. “I think it will do.”

Flash Sentry enters with Wrangler. He sets a basket of flowers in the center of the table.

“This was the best thing I could find.”

“It’ll do.”

Wrangler approaches Luna and bows. “Captain Tight Ship says it will take about fifteen minutes to reach our destination.”

“Good. Any trouble on the horizon?”

“No ma’am. I saw our landing zone through my binoculars though. It looks like the griffons are unloading a bunch of crates over there.”

Arc frowns. “Do you suspect trouble?”

“I always suspect trouble, sir.”

Luna nods. “It’s probably just confetti. Natalya did say they wanted to drop it on the city after the treaty was signed. Wrangler, head back to the Bridge and inform Commander Soarin I’d like him to personally inspect any cargo that is brought onto the ship.”

Rose grimaces. “The griffons may not like that, your highness.”

Wrangler frowns. “They can like it or lump it! This is about security!”

Arc nods. “After what’s already happened, I’m sure they won’t put up too much of a fuss.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Yes. After all, their own king and council will be aboard.”

Luna turns to Arc. “Can you think of anything else to make this room more presentable?!”

“Just one.”

“Yes?!”

“You and I should probably get changed.”

Luna looks down at herself, horrified. “You’re right! I can’t be seen like THIS!”

She hurries toward her room. Arc turns to Rose.

“Can you help Luna get ready?”

Rose salutes with a smile. “Yes sir!”

She hurries out the door after Luna as Flash Sentry returns to Arc’s side.

“I think this room is as in order as we can get it, sir.”

“Agreed.”

Arc turns to Wrangler.

“Have all personnel at their stations at all times, Wrangler.”

“I’ll have the weapons standing by!”

“Good. Tell the captain to keep the Lunar Destiny on high alert until further notice. Dismissed!”

“Aye sir!”

She hurries out of the room as Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“Come with me.”

The pair quickly head to Arc’s quarters. Flash Sentry turns to Arc as they enter his room.

“What can I help with, sir?”

“At the moment, making sure I look my best.”

“Yes sir. There isn’t much time.”

Flash Sentry closes the door as his commanding officer quickly disrobes. Arc frowns as he pulls his royal trousers off a nearby hanger.

“Now then, during the ceremony I want you next to Luna at all times.”

“Do you think she’s in danger aboard our ship?”

“We’re not taking chances.”

“Sir? Is that the Sanguine Azolla affecting you again?”

“Maybe. Why?”

Flash Sentry points a hoof at his legs and chest. “It appears you’re growing a coat.”

Arc looks down and shakes his head. “Most humans have some degree of hair on their bodies. You’ve just never noticed, as I’ve always been covered up.”

“Forgive me for saying it, sir, but you’re not much different than a stallion under your garments.”

Arc shrugs as he puts on his royal tunic. “Thanks… I think.”

Flash Sentry ties the sash around Arc’s waist as he quickly combs his hair. “I meant no offense, sir.”

“I know. You and I aren’t much different at the core. Maybe we can talk about this later.”

Flash Sentry nods as he picks up the headband and ties it around Arc’s head.. “Yes sir.”

“I hope Luna isn’t too nervous.”

The lieutenant smiles to himself as he brushes Arc’s raiments. “Are you?”

“A bit. Less now that I know they’re not out for revenge on account of me killing their citizens. That’s a load of my mind, as well as hers.”

“Well, it is Princess Luna’s first time.”

“Mine too!”

“With all due respect, not really sir.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ve brokered peace talks with ogres, the Forsaken Tribe, the Dragon Lands, griffons, and even yaks! If anything, you’re eminently qualified to lead this summit personally.”

Arc sighs as he looks himself over in the full length mirror. “I suppose I could if I had to. However this is Princess Luna’s day to shine. We all need to support her.”

Flash Sentry sets down the clothes brush as he grabs Arc’s royal cape and drapes it over his shoulders. “Yes sir. We’ll all do our part,”

There is a slight bump as the ship touches down.

“I know. Now then, how do I look?”

Flash Sentry grins at him. “Like a real monarch!”

“You don’t think I’ll outshine the princess, do you?”

“No sir. She’ll be wearing her formal gown for this event. I don’t mind saying she is quite lovely in it. Every guard on duty turns their heads when she passes.”

“Really? Even you?”

Flash Sentry blushes. “Yes, even me. Please don’t mention that to Raven!”

“I won’t. In any case, let’s head over to Princess Luna’s room and see how she and Rose are doing.”

“Right behind you, sir.”

The pair leave the room. Together they make the short walk to Luna’s room. Two Royal Guards stop them at the door. They wear pained expressions as Arc approaches.

“Forgive us, sir, but Princess Luna has ordered privacy while she readies herself.”

Arc nods. “I understand. We’ll wait in the corridor.”

The guards look suddenly relieved. “Thank you, sir.”

Arc and Flash Sentry walks across the hall to look out the windows. They gaze out over the city for a time before Rose opens the door and steps out.

“She’s ready, Arc.”

Arc nods and removes the Spear of Righteousness from his ring. Soberly he hands it to Rose.

“Good. You and Flash Sentry head to the hatch and await our guests. I’ll escort Princess Luna back to the Observation Deck when the time comes.”

They nod and hurry to comply. The guards part to allow him access. Arc enters quietly and closes the door behind him. Luna is sitting on the couch looking out the window. Arc walks over to her and sits down.

“Nothing to do now but wait.”

Luna nods as she looks out the window absentmindedly. “Yes.”

“Nervous?”

“I am.”

“Flash Sentry and Rose are heading to the Main Hatch. They’ll escort King Guto and the Council of Lords to the Observation Deck when they arrive.”

Luna nods. “Thank you for handling this, Arc. I must admit I’m ill-prepared to take this role.”

“You’ll do fine. Flash Sentry and Rose will act as your Honor Guards, and I’ll sit next to you as well.”

“That’s probably for the best. The griffons know you.”

“If we’re going to be allies, they need to get to know you too.”

Luna sighs. “I know. Truthfully, I was even considering feigning illness as an excuse to… um…”

“To what? Cancel the meeting?”

“No. To temporarily appoint you Lord Regent again.”

Arc nods. “So I could sign the treaty myself, huh?”

Luna sighs. “I’m going to do my part. But admittedly I’m a bit… nervous.”

Arc notices she is trembling slightly. He puts an arm around her shoulders.

“It’s okay. But think of it this way.”

“Huh?”

“How do you know they themselves aren’t just as nervous?”

“I doubt that.”

Arc chuckles. “They’ve never done anything like this either, I’d wager.”

“I… didn’t think about it that way. Perhaps you are right!”

Arc stands and extends a hand. “Sure I am! Now how about we get a move on? We don’t want to be late for something like this.”

Luna nods and takes his hand as she stands up slowly. “I suppose not. Thank you for the talk.”

“Anytime, Luna.”

The pair head for the door. The two Royal Guards outside fall into step behind them. As they enter the Observation Deck the guards station themselves on either side of the doors. Luna sighs as Arc leads her to her seat.

“There certainly were a lot of guards on our way here!”

Arc nods as he pulls out Luna’s chair for her. “I ordered the ship be placed and high alert.”

Luna chuckles as she sits down. “A bit paranoid, Arc?”

He shrugs as he sits down beside her. “I see it as an abundance of caution. We’re so close!”

Luna sighs. “I’ll be glad when we’re on our way back to Canterlot.”

“Me too.”

The pair don’t have long to wait. Before long the sound of talons can be heard approaching. Flash Sentry leads the procession followed by King Guto and Gestal. The other three lords follow them with Rose and Natalya bringing up the rear. Flash Sentry announces them.

“Presenting King Guto and the Council of Lords, your highness.”

Luna nods nervously. Arc stands respectfully, but Luna does not move. After a moment Arc gives her chair a small tap with his foot. She quickly stands and bows at the neck to the assembly.

“Welcome your highness. Council.”

They nod stoically. No one moves or speaks. Arc reaches forward with his magic and pushes out the five chairs across the table.

“Please be seated. I know his highness and the council must be very busy.”

Gestal appears very tired. As if he has not slept in days. He nods and gestures to the king.

“Yes, his royal majesty has many duties.”

King Guto nods unsmiling as they sit down. “Bah! For something as important as this, my personal presence is most certainly required!”

Goldstone nods as he sits down on the king’s left side next to Weller. “Hopefully we can conclude our business here and return to other matters.”

Gestal takes the seat on the king’s right next to Adalbert. “Yes. We have yet to find the Rebel Leader.”

Luna sighs. “And your daughter?”

Gestal shakes his head. “Nothing.”

Weller turns to look at him. “Rest assured she will be found, Lord Gestal!”

Adalbert nods fervently. “Agreed! Then we’ll make the rebels pay… with their blood!”

Guto growls. “Yes. This travesty against the noble house of Gestal cannot be allowed to go unpunished! We will wipe them out mercilessly!”

The king turns to Luna.

“Forgive me, your highness. But I am quite passionate about meting out justice to those who care nothing for our nation!”

Adalbert smiles slyly. “Yes. We understand you Equestrians have… different views on crime and punishment.”

Luna nods stoically. “This is your land. You must govern it as you see fit.”

Guto nods approvingly. “Very well expressed. However, it appears you are not without stalwart warriors. My council has told me of your Hero of Light’s bravery in storming the Aviary and rescuing the Council of Lords.”

Adalbert frowns. “They wouldn’t have dared…!”

Gestal turn to his companion. “Adalbert, they killed a noble without batting an eye and took my daughter! I would say there are VERY desperate!”

Weller sighs. “We cannot afford to take them lightly any longer.”

Goldstone shudders. “Yes. However such a campaign would be very expensive!”

Guto chuckles. “Some things are worth spending the money on Goldstone. Like peace of mind and dead traitors.”

“Y-yes, your majesty! If I may say so, this treaty will free up quite a bit of funds!”

Gestal sighs. “Enough to chase down the rebels, Lord Goldstone?”

“Yes. Guards can be diverted from Griffon’s Gate as soon as the vagrants are rounded up and exported to Equestria as per the treaty.”

Goldstone looks to Arc.

“We would appreciate it if you would begin as soon as possible.”

“Come again?”

Luna turns to Arc. “The treaty states that Equestria will be responsible for collecting the orphans from the streets of Griffon’s Gate.”

Goldstone nods. “Yes. How soon can Equestria begin?”

Arc turns to Luna and the pair whisper to each other for a few moments before turning back to their guests.

“Less than a week.”

Weller smiles at Luna. “Good! They need somewhere to go, and we need the city secured.”

Adalbert grins. “Win-win there. Well, except the rebels. It’s going to be losses all around for them when they meet our forces!”

Natalya winces slightly.

Arc nods. “Yes. I know someone in Equestria who would be eminently qualified to round up your orphans.”

Guto chuckles. “I’ll leave the matter to you then, Hero of Light.”

Luna gestures to the document on the table before them. “If there is nothing else to discuss, shall we get on with the ceremony?”

Guto smiles at Luna. “Decisive and to the point. I like it, Princess Luna! But there is one thing I would like to say before we sign.”

“Oh?”

The king turns to Arc.

“I am most impressed at what I’ve heard of your exploits across the Celestial Sea. Your tenacity was observed by my lords as your ruthlessly slew our traitors! I am most grateful for the assistance.”

Natalya clenches a talon.

“Should you encounter any more traitors on your comings and goings through our land, I hereby grant you permission to do with them as you will.”

“I, um… thank you for understanding, King Guto. Please know that I will act with everyone’s best interests at heart.”

“I am certain you will.”

The king reaches toward the treaty.

“Let us get this underway.”

King Guto signs both copies of the treaty along with the Council of Lords. He looks up as Arc pulls the paper toward Luna.

“I hope this will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with your nation, Princess Luna.”

Luna nods. “Likewise, King Guto.”

As she levitates the quill to the document there is a sudden disturbance from down the corridor. Arc quickly stands and Blinks between the doorway and their guests. He calls forth the Dagger of Eternal Slumber from his ring as Rose and Flash Sentry move to flank him.

“Stand ready to defend!”

A few moments Arc sees General Blackbeak running down the corridor with several griffon guards.

“Let them pass!”

The guards obey. In a few moments the general enters the room with his cadre and lunge at Natalya. They roughly pin her to the floor as she looks over, confused.

“S-sir?!”

Gestal angrily stands. “General! What is the meaning of this?!”

Guto frowns. “Yes, you fool! We are in the middle of a delicate peace negotiation!”

Blackbeak glares at Natalya as she is stripped of her weapons and armor. “I’m checking out a lead, your highness.”

Adalbert appears incredulous. “Lead! Now?!”

Weller sighs. “I’m certain the general understands the gravity of the situation here. He wouldn’t have done so unless there was dire need.”

Blackbeak does not take his eyes off Natalya. “Indeed! Soldiers, turn the lieutenant on her right side!”

They quickly do so, exposing a poorly bandaged wound. “Natalya screams out in pain as the linens are ripped away. Her wound begins oozing blood as her head is again pressed to the floor. Luna frowns.

“Go easy on her! Can’t you see she’s hurt?!”

Blackbeak steps forward and rips out a talonful of feathers around the wound. “Let’s see here…”

He examines the wound for a moment before looking Natalya in the eye.

“Care to explain?!”

Natalya nods shakily, her voice strained. “I… I fought with one of the rebels last night when they attacked the Aviary! They pulled a knife on me!”

Adalbert rolls his eyes. “What about your armor?! It should have stopped a mere knife!”

“I wasn’t wearing it, as I was off duty, sir.”

Blackbeak narrows his eyes. “I see. So you just HAPPENED to be there?!”

“Yes sir!”

“Then how do you explain THIS?!”

The general motions for another guard to enter the room. He does so and gives the general a blood-stained cloak and an empty crossbow. Blackbeak tosses them on the floor in front of Natalya.

“Have you ever seen these before?!”

“No sir! Never!”

“The bloodstain on this cloak is on the same side as your wound! Care to explain that, lieutenant?!”

Arc stands. “General! That is hardly proof!”

“Oh?! This cloak and crossbow were found hidden in her room!”

“WHAT?!”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide. “Th-they’re not mine!”

Guto’s face turns a deep shade of crimson as he speaks with barely controlled rage. “So she’s a rebel then?! General, kill her!”

He shakes his head. “A moment, your highness! Lieutenant Natalya is NOT a mere rebel!”

Adalbert frowns. “But you just said…!”

Blackbeak grabs the cloak and holds it up. He points at the insignia on the lapel.

“She is none other than the Rebel Leader herself!”

Luna gasps. “I… can’t believe it! HER?!”

Gestal jumps up and rushes over to Natalya. He roughly grabs her by the throat. “WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER, HARPY?! TELL ME NOW!!!”

Blackbeak glares at Natalya. “I’ll beat that information out of her myself, Lord Gestal!”

“Good!”

He slaps Natalya, knocking her to the floor to be restrained talon and foot. Blackbeak steps forward and grabs Natalya by her plumage.

“Now I suggest you confess! If you cooperate, I promise you a swift and painless death.”

Natalya shake her head, clearly terrified. “But… but I’m innocent!”

Blackbeak punches her in her wound. “CONFESS!!!”

Guto frowns. “General, that will be quite enough! Such torture should not be done on an ally’s ship!”

Gestal nods. “Yes. Take her to the dungeon and throw her in our filthiest cell! I will interrogate her… personally.

“With pleasure, sir!”

He motions to the guards. They each grab one of her shackled hind legs. Natalya screams as she is dragged away.

“I’m innocent! L-Lord Arc, please help me!!!”

King Guto turns back to Princess Luna with an apologetic look on his face.

“I am sorry you had to witness that, Princess Luna. Rest assured you and the Hero of Light will have justice for her crimes against you two.”

Luna nods. “Thank you.”

Arc looks down the hallway after them. “What’s going to happen to her?”

Weller frowns. “She’ll be publicly executed as per our laws.”

Gestal shakes his head. “Not until after she tells me where Ashe is!”

Guto puts a talon on his shoulder. “Of course, Gestal. Your daughter will be found. Then the traitor will die by your talon!”

“Thank you, your majesty.”

Guto looks again to Luna. “Now I’m sorry to cut this meeting short, but it appears we have much work to do. If you would be so kind as to sign your name, we need to begin interrogating the lieutenant.”

Luna sighs. “Yes. I understand.”

She again picks up the quill with her magic and signs her name on both documents before passing them to Arc.

“I’ll sign off as the witness for Equestria… and… done.”

Arc passes both copies across the table for the king to examine. He nods approvingly.

“Very well! The Griffon Kingdom and Equestrian are now officially allies!”

The griffon guards and the council nod as King Guto stands and Goldstone takes one of the treaties. Luna stands and walks around the table to face the king. He takes her hoof in his talon and gives it a light kiss.

“We thank you for this opportunity, your highness, and apologize for any pain and suffering the former lieutenant’s ilk may have caused you.”

“I… it’s fine.”

She turns to Gestal.

“I hope you find your daughter soon, sir.”

Gestal nods wearily. “As do I, Princess Luna.”

She turns her attention back to the king.

“Our ship will parade around the perimeter of the city as per our earlier agreement.”

“Good. Lord Gestal will want to get off first though.”

Gestal nods. “Yes. I will begin interrogating the prisoner at once!”

Weller smiles. “Good luck, my friend.”

Guto turns to the council. “The rest of us will wave to the citizens as a sign the treaty is official. That should bring them some joy.”

Goldstone grins. “Yes! And help boost the local economy! Happy citizens spend bits!”

Adalbert chuckles. “Will you join us on deck, Princess Luna?”

“Yes, I would be honored.”

Gestal nods to her. “By your leave, Princess Luna.”

“Of course.”

He leaves the room as the king looks to Luna apologetically.

“Please forgive his candor your majesty. Lady Ashe is very important to Lord Gestal.”

“All is forgiven, given the circumstances.”

Luna looks to Arc.

“Will you join us on deck?”

Arc shakes his head as he watches Gestal walk down the corridor. “Sorry, but I think I need some rest and time to think right now.”

Luna nods soberly. “I understand.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Shall I escort you to your room, sir?”

“No. Stay with the princess.”

“Yes sir.”

“Would you at least rest in my room under guard? I’d feel better knowing you were safe.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I… will. Thank you.”

They go their separate ways as the ship takes off. Arc enters Luna’s room and flops down on the bed. He puts a hand to his aching head.

“Natalya. I can’t believe it was you! You were my friend! I… I trusted you. I TRUSTED YOU!!!”

He lies there for a moment thinking. Suddenly the sound of movement can be heard in a corner of the room. Arc turns his head just in time to see a hooded figure aim a crossbow at him… and fire.

Preface - Volume 17 - Dangers and Divas

In our previous volume, Arc cared for a heavily depressed Ember after she witnessed the death of her mother, Cinder. Refusing to eat or drink, she even asked Arc to help her end her life. Fortunately Arc and Cherry were able to talk their friend through her depression. She and Arc then went to the Dragon Lord’s cave where Ember consoled her equally depressed father.

The next morning the Dragon Lord summoned them, announced that Equestria would be spared and even made Arc an honorary dragon. Twilight was allowed to keep the Dragon Berry bushes and use them for whatever purpose Arc deemed fit. Upon returning to Ponyville, Arc took Ember to a therapy session with Emerald Dream before returning to Light’s Hope. Raven gave his a missive from Canterlot which requested him to come to Princess Luna’s room that night under the cover of darkness.

Doing as Luna asked, he quietly made his way to the royal bedchambers. Luna informed Arc of her suspicions that Cadance was being blackmailed. The pair hatched a plot where Arc would stealthily follow Cadance should she leave her room the following night.

The next day Arc brought his heavily damaged armor to the Hammers for repairs after the southern temple battle. That night he hid in Cadance’s room and followed the princess outside and into Canterlot. Entering an abandoned house he watched as she made discourse with a robed figure. Decloaking, Arc confronted the pair. He found that the robed figure was Captain of the Royal Guard Shining Armor, who had fallen in love with the princess after a night at a Hoofball game. Arc convinced them to return to the castle and speak to Luna about the matter.

They returned to Luna’s chambers and plead their case to her. Luna originally forbade the lovers from continuing their relationship. However Arc was able to convince her to defer the matter to Celestia upon her return. The next morning Arc returned to the Hammer’s shop to pick up his repaired armor. Platinum Valve showed him her latest creation, a synthetic leg for a filly she had met in Dodge Junction some time ago. Explaining the workings of the leg, the filly and her guardian, Stellar Eclipse, entered the shop. She was able to use the leg to shakily walk to her guardian. He was overjoyed that she was able to walk normally again, and offered to work for the Hammers in return for the leg. Arc received a call regarding trouble on Earth, and had to depart. Before leaving the filly gave him a smile and introduced herself as Cozy Glow.

Returning to his house on Earth, Arc’s squad reported Shelly’s Kitchen as being closed. He quickly makes his way there with Max and Viktor. They break in and head up to the apartment. Not finding anyone, Sereb informs Arc that two strange individuals had been there recently. Fearing a kidnapping, Arc received a call on his earring. He learned that Lily had called his house looking for him. She informed them that Shelly had been taken away in an ambulance when she had trouble breathing. Arc and his friends went to the hospital to support the pair. Upon being released, Arc and company drive the girls home. He stays with Shelly as the others take Lily to the pharmacy for medicine. Arc gives Shelly a massage to soothe her spasming muscles.

After the massage Shelly tells Arc how Frank was a regular at the restaurant up until recently. He dials Frank’s number for Shelly, but she is told Frank is no longer in charge. Lily and Arc’s friends return with medicine. A knock at the apartment door leads to a meeting with the Shard members Snake, Jackal, and Wolf. They confess that they’re in need of held finding their boss who has indeed vanished. Arc listens to their story and promises to look into it.

Returning home, Arc receives a transmission from Sunburst informing him of Twilight’s need to speak to him. She informs him that Rose’s sensors have been upgraded, and she wishes to join them on Earth as soon as possible. Agreeing, Arc heads outside to meet her. Returning to the basement, Rose helps them analyze the Shards recent antics. Deciding to infiltrate the Shard Base yet again, Arc reveals a cache of Magic Cloaks he requisitioned for his squad. He and Arc head out to shop for a few items for that night’s infiltration mission. That night they eat a late supper together. Cybil comes downstairs to go to work. They talk about her progress overcoming her addiction before dropping her off at work.

Arc and company continue on toward the Shard Base. Arriving, they park on the side of the road and walk up a nearby hill. He gives Xenos and Hugh each a magic cloak. They vanish and carry a box to the southwest part of the base. When they are in position they radio to Arc. He, Ember, Rose, and Sereb cloak and enter the compound themselves. Blinking inside the building via the loading docks they look around. They find wood, hard hats, gloves, hammers, shovels and other work tools in the general area. Arc leads them to Frank’s room. Blinking inside they find a laptop, a shoe box filled with pictures, and a journal. Leaving the room, Sereb sniffs out Stingray’s room. Entering they find a small, cylindrical object behind a piece of furniture. Returning to the corridor Arc asks Rose to scan for anything volatile. She detects a shed filled with unknown explosives. As they quietly walk into a large room the doors slam shut. They decloak as a woman with a staff approaches them with a large number of mean looking gang members. Raising her staff, she is able to negate Arc and Ember’s magical capabilities. Arc calls out to Max and orders him to ‘light it up’. A few moments later, a large explosion rocks the grounds as Mio loses her concentration. Arc and the others run away and Blink outside to meet up with the others.

Returning to Arc’s house, they get a good night sleep. As Arc and Ember prepare breakfast she voices a desire to stay on Earth as a human permanently. Arc is able to talk her out of it, and convince her to accept her responsibilities as the future Dragon Lord. After eating they head downstairs to examine the items found last night. As they come to the shoe box Max suddenly grabs it and fervently requests that Arc destroy it at once. Arc refuses and opens the box to remove a picture. He sets it out for all to see.

The photo is one of a younger Arc standing with Frank Fontaine as they wear matching outfits. He confesses that not only was he a founding member of the Shards, but he was Frank’s original second-in-command. Max angrily storms out of the basement and leaves the house in a huff. Arc leave with Rose to take a drive in the country. The inadvertently stumble across the original Shard hideout in an abandoned house outside of town. Meanwhile, Ember and Sereb go after Max. He angrily informs them that Arc should have kept his past a secret. They remind him of Arc’s change from a delinquent to an upstanding member of society. As everyone returns home, Max apologizes and pledges his continued support to Arc. The rest of the group agrees.

Finding information in the laptop, they discover another load of explosives set to be delivered to the Shard Base. Hatching a plan to intercept it, they are interrupted by a phone call from Snake telling him when the truck will arrive. They wait for the vehicle to come. Arc jumps on it and threatens the driver, but is blasted off the roof of the cab. The truck stops and a woman gets out. Identifying herself as Lieutenant Hammer, she too tries to recruit Arc to her organization. Refusing, her and Arc fight one another while Ember and Sereb steal the cargo. Ember grabs Hammer and tosses her into the back of her now empty truck before flying off with Arc.

Arc and Ember meet up with the others at the rendezvous point. The squad reports their success in stealing the other half of the Shard’s explosives. Unable to open a portal with his sealed magic, they escape by shrinking down and riding in Sereb’s saddlebag with the shrunken explosives. Returning home they examine the contents of the explosive which contain TNT, C-4, and even uranium. Exhausted, Ember and Rose escort Arc to bed before lying down with him. The next morning Rose confronts Arc with a special request. To be turned into a real human woman.

A few days later Arc and Rose return to Equestria. Sunburst informs Arc that the princesses request a meeting with him. He head to their office while Rose waits outside. They tell him of the possibility of Mio’s powers being the result of magical extraction. A forbidden technique used during the war many years ago by the Earth Pony Nation. The princesses inform Arc of the upcoming treaty ceremony with the Griffon Kingdom and invite him to come along. Arc agrees before returning to Ponyville with Rose. They head to the Little Hooves Orphanage to see the new expansion. Speaking with the second teacher, Miss Peachbottom, Arc informs her of the complete lack of schooling her new students will arrive with. Afterwards, Arc and Rose head to Coco Pommel’s office. She gives them a tour of the new facilities for the griffons. Convinced the building is read as can be, they head to the Hammer’s shop to pick up Rose’s custom made armor before heading to the Golden Oaks Library. Rose brings her request to become a real human to Twilight. She explains that she was unable to create her as such, and was forced to settle for an android body.

Arc and Rose return to Derpy’s house for supper. He tells them of the upcoming summit and his need to leave again to attend. That evening Arc, Rose, Flash Sentry, and Natalya take a portal to Canterlot Castle and board the Lunar Destiny. En route Arc tutors Luna on the proper way to act while in the Griffon Kingdom. She appears to weaken, so Arc puts her to bed and leaves the room. On the way to his room, Flash Sentry informs him of the scandalous rumor circulating amongst the guards in regard to Luna and Arc.

The next morning they arrive at Griffonstone. As the ship lands at the Skyport they disembark and board a chariot with Gestal and Goldstone. They lead a parade through the city streets as the citizens wave and cheer. However, as they approach the Aviary, an assassin takes a shot at Luna. Arc leaps in front of her and catches the crossbow bolt in his chest. The chariot races inside the Aviary to escape.

Arc is rushed to the Infirmary as General Blackbeak and his troops search for the assassin. Luna, Flash Sentry, and Rose guard Luna until it is safe for her to proceed to the Infirmary herself. The doctor informs them of Arc’s condition as he himself steps out of the room. Arc shows them Cherry’s smashed engagement pendent with the bolt still in it. They are escorted to a lavish room where Luna will be sleeping before Natalya brings them to the Dining Room a bit early for lunch. During the meal another assassination attempt is made. Arc stops a crossbow bold with the palm of his hand as the guards give chase. They return to the Lunar Destiny for medical attention as the rest of the guests leave the Dining Room. Goldstone returns to his office to blow off some steam. He verbally harasses his secretary before ordering her into his office to rape her.

Arc is taken to Nurse Redheart who removes the bolt from his hand and treats his wound. He orders Moon Dancer to study the bold and it’s properties. She reports it is an unknown compound that requires further study. The data is sent to Canterlot Castle and Sunburst for further analysis.

He keeps Luna company as they wait for word from Sunburst. Eventually Luna nods off against Arc’s shoulder. Sometime later Sunburst calls them to report his findings. He reports the bolt is indeed made up of an unknown metal and is coated with Sanguine Azolla extract. Luna escorts Arc to the Infirmary for some blood-work. Redheart confirms that there is indeed Sanguine Azolla extract in his blood and that he will need the cure from Zecora. Refusing to leave without the treaty, Arc lashes out verbally at those around him. Before long he runs to the Bathroom with an acute case of diarrhea and vomiting.

Emerging from the Bathroom sometime later, Arc begins acting strangely. Rose leaves him in his room to inform Luna. She returns with the princess and Flash Sentry. Arc shoves Luna aside as Flash Sentry angrily attacks his commanding officer. Arc hits his head, which seems to bring him back to normal. A short time later he mistakes Rose for Cherry and begins referring to others as ‘everypony’. Thinking he is still the Lord Regent, Arc appears increasingly confused at what is going on around him. Luna and Flash Sentry leave the ship to attend the signing of the treaty as Arc spends some time in the Game Room with Rose.

They make some food in the Kitchen before heading to the Observation Deck to watch the fireworks. Looking to get some air, Arc asked Rose out on a date. She accepts and the pair leave the ship together. Arc in his royal raiments, and Rose in her custom Honor Guard armor. They head into the city to enjoy the carnival underway. Finding the games rigged by cheating griffons, Arc proceeds to use his magic to cheat as well. Seeing a fortune teller’s tent they enter for a reading. Scoffing at what he is told, Arc leaves the tent with Rose. The cloaked figure shakes his head and stands to remove their black robe. A navy blue one reveals itself as Wiseman sighs and looks after the departing couple.

Arc and Rose continue to enjoy the festival as Luna and Flash Sentry meet with the Council of Lords in the Aviary. After a drink of champagne Goldstone is summoned for a phone call by a servant. She leads him into a nearby office to take the call. As Galena, Goldstone’s secretary hangs up, the lecherous lord come onto the servant and rapes her. Meanwhile, Arc draws attention from the citizens when he wins a massive cake by tossing BBs into a small hole. Shortly thereafter a number of rebels fly overhead toward the Aviary, sending the citizens running for safety. Arc and Rose run toward the Aviary to help.

Finding Arbiter Ghaleon, Arc offers to help rescue the captured lords and aristocrats. Ghaleon is skeptical at first, but soon learns he has no choice. Arc and Rose cloak and sneak into the Aviary via his old room. Heading for the Dining Room, they discover a secret passage and follow it. Finding the kidnapped griffons and Luna, Arc rushes forward and kills several rebels with their own weapons before stabbing the Rebel Leader in the side with the Dagger of Eternal Slumber. The hostages follow Rose and Arc upstairs as The Dark one emerges from a portal with the Storm King and Sunset Shimmer.

On the way back to the Lunar Destiny aboard an armored carriage, Arc doubles over in pain. Luna mercifully puts him to sleep before carrying him to the Infirmary on her back. Arc awakens a short time later as Redheart examines him. Recalling nothing from the night’s activities, the others are forced to inform Arc of the numerous griffons he killed that night in his stupor. Rose escorts Arc to bed and, after removing her armor, lies down with him.

The next morning Flash Sentry arrives at Arc’s room to rouse him for breakfast. Arc convinces a scantily dressed Rose to go to the Bathroom as he answers the door. At breakfast Arc picks at his food, convinced that he had inadvertently started a war. Natalya arrives to deliver a message from the council. As she does so, she winces in pain. Claiming her and a rebel fought during the attack the previous night. The ship flies to the Aviary and lands to allow the council and King Guto to board. As they sign the treaty General Blackbeak rushes in and arrests Natalya. Removing her armor they find a knife wound that matches the hole found in the rebel’s cloak from her room. Natalya maintains her innocence as she is roughly dragged away for intensive interrogation. Luna finishes signing the treaty and heads for the deck with the council and king as the ship takes off to circle the city. Arc heads for Luna’s room for a bit of a rest. As he lies there a rebel lying in wait aims a crossbow at him and fires.

However, there are still many unanswered questions. How will Torch deal with the final loss of Cinder? How will Stellar Eclipse and Cozy Glow adjust to life in Ponyville? Is Shelly going to be okay? What happened to Frank? What were the Shards planning to do with wood, hard hats, gloves, hammers, shovels and other work tools? Where did Hammer get her strange weapon? How did the Shards acquire military grade explosives? Who is responsible for Mio’s magical powers? Yet again Luna collapses… why? Where did the rebels acquire such strange crossbow bolts? And how did they get Sanguine Azolla? Will Arc be able to recover from his attacks both physically and mentally? What did the rebels hope to accomplish? Where is Lady Ashe? What was The Dark one doing under the Aviary with the Storm Kind and Sunset Shimmer? Is Natalya really the Rebel Leader? And finally, who is this mysterious assailant who has laid in wait for Arc to return to his room? Assuming he was the target, after all.

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Assailant

Moving like lightning, Arc rolls off the bed as the bolt buries itself in the wall across the room. He lands heavily on the floor next to the bed and winces in pain.

“Darn it! Forgot about my hand!”

Arc peeks out from behind the bed and calls out to the intruder.

“Can I assume you’re with the rebels?”

His assailant does not respond, but instead fires another bolt toward him. Arc pulls his head in as the bolt lodges itself in the wood bed frame beside him. Grunting, he holds his head as another wave of pain comes forth.

“Okay, I’m getting a little bit annoyed at the whole cloak and dagger thing!”

He hears the intruder reloading.

“Look, this… argh… isn’t the best time to make me angry.”

Arc leans forward as his head throbs. He breathes heavily as he claws at his head in agony.

“You… wouldn’t like me when I’m angry!”

The sound of flapping wings can be heard. He looks up to see a robed griffon flying over the bed with a crossbow in their talons. They fire as he rolls away. Arc sweats profusely as he struggles to stay coherent.

“Not… now!”

The griffin puts a fresh bolt in their crossbow and takes aim.

“Die.”

They fire straight at him. In a flash Arc raises his hand and grabs the bolt in midair. The assassin gasps.

“WHAT?! Impossible!”

Arc raises his head angrily as he snaps the bolt in his hand and glares at his opponent.

“I warned you!”

He charges headfirst at the griffon as they try to reload their crossbow. Arc slams into them sending the pair crashing against a wall. He grabs at their cloak angrily.

“You should have run when you had the chance!”

Arc throws them across the room to slam against the other wall. Meanwhile the guards outside the room look at one another nervously.

“Should we… do something?”

“No. The princess said he’s been poisoned with something or other. As per her orders, we are to ignore anything we hear.”

One of the guards turns and looks at the door. “Sounds like he’s fighting something.”

“Probably just hallucinating. These walls are thick enough to keep out anypony threatening the princess.”

“Or keep somepony in?”

“Right!”

Meanwhile, the griffon rises from the floor and charges at him. Arc grabs them and turns 180 degrees to use their momentum and slam them to the floor. He angrily looks down at them.

“That better not be you under there, Natalya! After all I did to help you, this is how you repay me?!”

His opponent leaps up and hurries away from him, running woozily toward the door. They open it a few inches before it slams shut. Turning they see Arc’s outstretched arm casting a Telekinesis Spell.

“You had your chance to run! Now you pay the price for your mistake!”

The griffin takes flight in an attempt to put distance between the pair. Loading the crossbow again they take quick aim and fire. Arc raises a magic shield, deflecting the bolt harmlessly.

“All that’s doing is…!”

He is cut short as the crossbow itself hits him in the face. Arc picks the weapon up and breaks it in half before tossing it aside.

“Enough of your little toy!”

Arc puts a hand to his face, wiping blood from a small cut. He raises his head to look at his opponent.

“That… was a MISTAKE!”

The griffon continues to hover on the opposite side of the room. They look around frantically for a way out.

“Get down here!”

Arc jumps on the bed and, using it as a springboard, grabs his opponents legs to slam them to the floor yet again. Jumping up he lands on top of his assailant.

“Give up?!”

Their response is a powerful kick from their hind legs. Arc is thrown across the room to slam into the vanity. His royal cape tears in several places as the mirror is smashed to pieces. He stumbles to his fee and points a finger.

“You’re paying for that with your blood, Natalya!”

Arc again charges headfirst at them, plowing into the griffon. However, as they hit the ground the griffon uses their hind legs to launch Arc over their head. He slams into the far wall again and rises unsteadily, breathing heavily.

“That… all you got, lieutenant?! I thought you took those lessons better than that!”

The rebel charges at him. As they near Arc lets loose a powerful right-hook to his opponent’s gut. They fall to the floor gasping for breath. Arc reaches down unsteadily and grabs the griffon by the front of their cloak. He hits them in the chest.

“No armor, Natalya?! Really?! You couldn’t have grabbed SOMETHING during your apparent escape?! Other than an ineffective weapon that is!”

He throws them with what little strength he has left at the dresser. The griffon falls to the ground and does not rise. Arc walks over to them slowly as he pulls the Dagger of Eternal Slumbers from his ring.

“Time to end this charade… permanently.”

Arc falls to his knees over his opponent and holds the knife high.

“Good night… lieutenant!”

Suddenly Arc reaches for his head as a fresh wave of pain overtakes him.

“ARGH!!! W-why now?!”

Woozily he falls to all fours, dropping the dagger. Arc grabs his opponent and raises a fist.

“Have to… finish… it…”

But Arc falls to the floor unconscious on top of his assailant. Meanwhile the two guards outside listen intently.

“You think he tired himself out?”

“I sure hope he did!”

“What did the princess expect us to do if he came out here?!”

“Run.”

Meanwhile, Luna and the Council of Lords smile and wave at the streets filled with happy onlookers. Griffon Guards throw confetti and streamers. Luna turns to King Guto.

“Your subjects look very happy.”

“Why shouldn’t they? This is a day for celebration, princess!”

Luna nods. “I know, but… I can’t help worry about the rebel problem. They just so… organized!”

Adalbert grins broadly. “Well, with the leader out of commission and several members in the morgue, I believe they’ll think twice before being so brazen in the future.”

Weller nods. “I would hope so. This is their biggest setback to date.”

Goldstone frowns. “Somehow I doubt they’ll go THAT quietly though!”

Guto chuckles. “Agreed. We’ll be able to focus on that problem now though! It’s only a matter of time for them!”

Luna turns and looks down at the throngs of joyful faces below as she sighs.

“I hope I did the right thing…”

The Lunar Destiny touches down behind the Aviary sometime just after noon. King Guto turns to Luna as his guards move to surround him and the council. He takes her hoof in his talon and gives it a small kiss.

“Thank you for coming, your highness! I have enjoyed meeting you immensely!”

Luna nods. “Thank you for having me.”

“Perhaps when next you come we can have a longer visit.”

“Yes, I’d like that.”

Adalbert nods. “Perhaps at the rebel’s public execution.”

Goldstone smiles. “Yes, it will be quite the spectacle. Worth the bits to put on THAT show!”

Weller clears his throat. “Either way, please have a safe trip back to Equestria, Princess Luna.”

She nods as the troupe descends the gangplank and heads for the castle. King Guto turns to Adalbert.

“Princess Luna is quite the leader!”

“She seemed a bit out of her element to me, your highness.”

Weller smiles. “Agreed. Perhaps that’s why she sent Lord Arc to negotiate this treaty originally.”

Goldstone chuckles. Most likely. We all do what we’re good at. He’s good at fighting and fast-talking. She’s good at… smiling and waving I suppose.

King Guto laughs. “I’m sure she’s good at other things, Goldstone!”

“If I may say so, your majesty, I haven’t seen you this happy since the last Promotion Ceremony.”

“New allies, new trade and new eye candy for our nation makes one happy!”

Adalbert smiles slyly. “Indeed. If all female ponies look half as good as the princess does, your highness…”

“Yes. I’d love to get to know her better. It’s been far too long since I enjoyed such pleasant female companionship.”

Goldstone nods. “Shall I arrange a diplomatic trip for you, sire?”

King Guto shakes his head. “Not right away. I don’t want her thinking I’m desperate, or anything. However, I want the finest artist in the land to start work on a portrait of her right away.”

Weller stops walking, confused. “Sire?”

“Money is no object! Just make sure it’s PERFECT!”

Goldstone sighs. “I’ll see to it, sire.”

“Good! This is a monumental day for our nation, and I want to remember it!”

Adalbert nods soberly. “Shall I look for a proper hanging place in the Hall of Records, sire?”

The king grins. “No. That painting will be hung in my private chambers. After all… who other than I are worthy to enjoy such beauty?”

Meanwhile, Luna, Flash Sentry and Rose head back inside the Lunar Destiny. Luna turns to Flash Sentry as the ship takes off and breathes a sigh of relief.

“I’m certainly glad THAT’S over!”

“You did just fine, your highness.”

Rose nods. “Yes. The treaty was signed and everyone got what they wanted out of the deal.”

Luna shrugs. “The king did look quite pleased with himself.”

Rose looks despondent. “I do feel bad for Lord Gestal though. It must be terrible to have someone you care about snatched from right in front of you.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Agreed. I’d feel awful if somepony snatched my marefriend, or something.”

Luna nods. “Pray it never happens then, lieutenant.”

Rose smiles at him. “Yes.”

“Thank you, your highness. May I escort you to your quarters?”

Luna appears confused. “What for?”

“I just thought you would like to rest after such a busy morning, your majesty.”

“Truthfully, I’m more hungry than tired at the moment. But let’s go to my quarters and see how Arc is doing.”

Rose leads the way. “Yes, ma’am.”

They make the quick walk to the guarded door. The pair of Royal Guards salute Luna as she approaches.

“Anything to report?”

“Yes, your highness. The Hero of Light was very… active earlier.”

Flash Sentry raises an eyebrow. “Active?”

“He was apparently hallucinating. It sounded as if he was rearranging the furniture with his fists!”

Luna appears nervous. “Oh my! Is he alright?!”

“Truth be told, we were afraid to open the door, your highness.”

“Forgive us, but he was like an animal in there!”

Luna turns to Rose.

“How is he now?”

Rose scans the room from the corridor.

“He’s sleeping peacefully at the moment.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Perhaps we should let him rest.”

Luna nods as she turns away from the door. “Agreed. Knowing Arc, he will awaken when his stomach tells him to. We shall let him sleep for now. After all, he’s certainly earned a good rest.”

“Agreed.”

Luna and her Honor Guards proceed to the Cafeteria for a quick lunch before heading to the onboard office. Flash Sentry opens the door for Luna.

“Here we are, your highness.”

“Thank you lieutenant.”

She walks over to the desk and sits down. Rose appears confused.

“Work to do, your majesty?”

“I need to contact Cadance and let her know our mission was a success.”

Luna picks up the phone. A few moments later Lemon Hearts comes on the line.

“Yes, Princess Luna?”

“I need to speak to Princess Cadance in Canterlot Castle.”

“Right away, ma’am.”

Luna turns on the speakerphone. A minute later they are connected. Cadance reaches over to her desk phone in the Royal Office and speak into the receiver sleepily.

“H-hello?”

“Cadance, it’s me.”

“Luna?! Is everything alright?!”

“Yes. The ceremony is over, and we have the treaty in hoof.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! Where are you now?”

“Aboard the Lunar Destiny returning to the castle. We’ll probably arrive tomorrow mid-morning.”

“I’ll be glad to have you back. Things have been very busy here in the meantime.”

“Anything wrong, Cadance?”

“Oh no. Just the normal day to day affairs here. It’s a bit more difficult to do alone though.”

Luna nods. “Yes. That I understand.”

“Fortunately I had some rather charming company these past few nights.”

Luna blushes. “Cadance… I’m not alone.”

There is an awkward silence from the other end of the line.

“Oh! Um… I… ah…”

“It’s alright, Cadance. Just a moment.”

Luna looks up at Rose and Flash Sentry, a serious look on her face.

“Do not repeat what you heard to ANYPONY!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes, your highness.”

Rose appears nervous. “Not even Arc?”

Luna sighs. “He already knows.”

Rose blushes slightly. “Oh…”

Luna turns back to the phone.

“They will keep this to themselves.”

She responds warily. “Who’s there?”

“Rose and Lieutenant Flash Sentry.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! They can be trusted.”

“Yes. In any case, I just called to let you know we’re on our way back. And I wanted to make sure all was well over there.”

“I do have one thing to tell you. Well, Arc to be more precise. Is he around?”

“Oh… um… he’s resting at the moment.”

Cadance sounds confused. “At this time of day?”

“Yes. We had some trouble here.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“Two assassination attempts and a kidnapping.”

“WHAT?! LUNA, ARE YOU OKAY?!”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “She’s fine, ma’am.”

Rose nods. “Yes. Arc protected her.”

“They are correct. However they too defended me during the kidnapping.”

There is a sudden crash from the other end of the line.

“Cadance?! Is everything alright over there?!”

Cadance slowly gets back into her chair. “Y-yes! This… this is just so hard to believe! We almost lost another princess!”

“I was fine.”

Rose smiles. “Arc and I went to rescue her!”

“Yes. And the lieutenant protected me from harm as we waited.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “As is my duty.”

“Is Arc okay?!”

“He will be. After a bit of antidote for Sanguine Azolla.”

Flash Sentry nods. “The second assassination attempt he was struck through the hand by a bolt poisoned with it.”

“So he’s unconscious from that?!”

Luna shakes her head. “No. It appears to have affected him differently.”

Rose giggles. “Yes. He’s been… acting strangely, and even thought I was Miss Cherry for a time.”

“Chief Medical Officer Redheart assures me he his life is in no immediate danger though.”

“Thank goodness! Well, tell him ‘hello’ for me when he wakes up. I’ll see you at the dock tomorrow morning with Doctor Whooves.”

“See you then, Cadance. Goodbye.”

Luna severs the connection and sighs.

“She worries too much.”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “Begging the princess’ pardon, but she has good reason to do so.”

Rose nods. “Yes. It’s not every day one almost loses a friend three times.”

“Hopefully that is the end of this dangerous mission.”

Luna stands up.

“I’m heading over to the Bridge and speak to the captain about our arrival time.”

Flash Sentry follows her. “We’ll join you.”

“That isn’t really necessary.”

“I’d like to take precautions until we are safely back at the castle, your highness.”

Rose nods. “Probably a good idea. This whole thing has me on edge as well.”

Luna opens the door and steps out into the corridor. “Very well.”

After a consultation with Captain Tight Ship, the group heads to the Library for a bit of reading before the evening meal. They escort Luna back to her quarters as the sun sets. As they approach Luna turns to the guards.

“Has the Hero of Light awakened?”

“No ma’am.”

“Either that or he just hasn’t left the room.”

Luna nods. “Very well. I’ll sleep elsewhere.”

Flash Sentry turns to her confused. “Your highness?”

“Arc needs rest more than I do. He can sleep in there tonight.”

“Very well.”

He turns to the Royal Guards.

“You two are dismissed.”

They salute and walk away as Rose turns to Luna and Flash Sentry.

“I’ll see to it Arc doesn’t cause any trouble tonight.”

Luna nods. “You are very brave, Rose.”

Rose smiles as she turns to the door. “Thank you, your highness. Pleasant dreams.”

Luna and Flash Sentry turn and walk down the corridor together.

“You should get some rest as well, lieutenant.”

“Thank you, but I’d rather guard your door tonight, Princess Luna.”

Luna shakes her head. “Assign a couple guards if you will, but I want you to…”

A scream is heard behind them.

“HELP!!!”

Luna and Flash Sentry run back the way they came. Coming to the door they find Rose hunched over an unconscious Arc. She turns to them as she scans him.

“He won’t wake up!”

Luna turns to Flash Sentry. “Get Redheart! Hurry!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

He gallops out the door as Luna hurries over to help Rose.

“I don’t detect any major injuries!”

Luna looks around the room. “Well it sure looks like what the guards said was true. This place is a mess!”

Rose spots the Dagger of Eternal Slumber lying on the floor nearby. “You don’t suppose he was attacked, do you?!”

“I doubt that.”

Rose leans toward Arc, but Luna holds out a hoof.

“While I trust your scanners, let’s wait to move him until the medical officer examines him.”

“But, I…!”

“Just trust me.”

“Yes, your highness.”

A few moments later Nurse Redheart hurries into the room with Flash Sentry. She gallops over to Arc and quickly feels his limbs and torso.

“I don’t feel any serious injuries or broken bones.”

Rose appears nervous. “Is it safe to move him?!”

Redheart nods as two guards rush in with a gurney. “Yes. Help me lift him.”

As they pick Arc up they are surprised to see a robed griffon under his cape. Flash Sentry steps forward.

“What the…?!”

Rose gasps. “Where did THEY come from?!”

Luna looks at the nurse. Better examine them too.

Redheart does so. As Flash Sentry sees the insignia on the robe he pulls his blades.

“The Rebel Leader!”

Rose frowns. “My scanners show serious injuries in them!”

Flash Sentry eyes the rebel warily. “Is it… Natalya?”

Redheart cuts him off. “We can ask questions later! Right now I have two patients to care for!”

She orders another gurney brought. The patients are taken to the Infirmary together. Redheart begins to examine the griffon. Flash Sentry looks to her incredulously.

“Ma’am! The commander is over here!”

“I know that! However this patient is in MUCH worse condition than he is!”

Luna turns to Flash Sentry. “Let Redheart do her job, lieutenant.”

Rose looks over at the griffon as she takes Arc’s hand. “Yes, my scans show quite a bit of head trauma in her.”

Luna frowns angrily as she walks over to the bedside.

“If this is Natalya, her life is forfeit!”

She puts a hoof on the griffon’s mask. Arc stirs and squeezes Rose’s hand. Rose gasps.

“Y-your highness! Arc is coming around!”

Luna turns to walk over to his bedside. “Good!”

Arc raises his head slightly and looks around. “What the…?”

Flash Sentry hurries over and puts his front hooves on Arc’s chest. “Please sir, rest!”

Rose nods. “Yes, you must have had QUITE the battle with this rebel!”

Arc looks over to the bed next to his, weakly. Redheart…?

The nurse looks up as she begins cutting open the rebel’s robe. “Yes, sir?”

“S-see if you can help them. I need answers.”

“I’ll do my best. But it doesn’t look good for them.”

Luna clears her throat. “Arc? What happened?!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I… can’t quite remember the details.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Do try, sir!”

“I… I entered the room and lay down. Then I heard a noise. Looking over, I saw this rebel aiming a crossbow at me!”

Rose gasps. “She tried to kill you?!”

“Yeah.”

“Do you remember anything else, sir?”

“Just… getting angry and… losing control. Things fade after that. Next thing I remember I was lying here.”

Luna looks over at the rebel lying in the bed next to him. “Don’t worry, Arc. We will deal with this assassin. I for one have had enough of these rebel’s antics! A swift message MUST be sent!”

Redheart turns to Luna. “Well, you may have to put that on hold.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “What’s that, Nurse Redheart?”

“I can’t seem to get this mask off the patient.”

Rose shakes her head. “They must REALLY not want to be revealed!”

“Rose, help me up.”

What?! But you…!”

“Just do it!”

“Okay...”

Rose puts an arm behind Arc’s back. Slowly he sits up and stands. Luna frowns.

“Arc, what are you doing?!”

“I… I have to know the truth.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Sir? What truth?”

Arc takes the few steps to the bedside as he leans heavily on Rose. He puts his hands on the bedside and looks down at the injured griffon angrily.

“Whether or not this is Natalya!”

Rose shrugs. “Her garb is somehow preventing me from scanning her.”

Arc slowly reaches forward. “Let’s see who you really are!”

The mask appears to be somehow connected to the robe. However with a bit of effort Arc is able to tear it away from the fabric.

“There we…!”

He drops the mask to the floor. His face aghast.

“It… it CAN’T BE!!!”

Chapter 2 - Big Problems

No one speaks for a time. Eventually Luna breaks the silence.

“Arc? Is that…?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes. That’s Lord Gestal’s daughter, Lady Ashe.”

Rose appears horrified. “Arc, you were fighting HER?!”

“Well, obviously I didn’t know who it was!”

Flash Sentry turns to Luna. “This is bad, your highness! The Griffon Kingdom will certainly want revenge for THIS!”

Rose frowns. “For what?! It was clearly a case of mistaken identity!”

Arc sighs. “They won’t buy that. All Lord Gestal will see is his only daughter beaten and bloody.”

Rose turns to him. “Perhaps we can just explain she was wearing a rebel uniform and…”

Flash Sentry interrupts. “He’ll never believe that!”

“But it’s the truth!”

Luna sighs as she approaches Rose. “This isn’t really a case of truth versus untruth. But of what is plausible and will be believed.”

Arc frowns warily. “What are you saying, Luna?”

“We may just have to accept the fact that there really isn’t a good way out for us, save one.”

“I don’t think I like where this is going.”

Luna gestures toward a window. “The Lunar Destiny is currently flying over the Celestial Sea. Should she be lost here, nopony would be the wiser.”

Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide. “I can’t believe I’m hearing this!”

Rose frowns. “That’s not fair!”

Luna bows her head sadly. “I know. While it’s reprehensible, I have a duty to protect Equestria and its citizens. Many of our forces would perish in the war that follows. Not to mention many griffons.”

She turns to look at the unconscious Rebel Leader as Redhead continues her examination.

“Sacrificing one life to save thousands. It is certainly a logical choice.”

Flash Sentry turns to Arc. “Commander! Please say something!”

Rose joins him. “You’re not going to let this happen, are you Arc?!”

“No.”

Arc turns to Luna.

“Luna, I understand what you’re saying. But we need to know why she did this before we do something irreversible.”

“But…!”

“I know why you think this is the best course of action. And it may very well be. But she deserves a chance to explain herself.”

Arc looks down at Lady Ashe.

“That and… I’d hate for Lord Gestal to lose his daughter forever.”

Luna sighs. “Very well. Against my better judgement, I will allow her to live… for now. However she is to be restrained whenever possible.”

Rose breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Princess Luna!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’ll order around the clock guards, your majesty.”

Luna turns to Redheart. “Do what you can for her.”

“Yes, your highness. I’ll need to take x-rays to know the extent of the damage though.”

“Carry on then.”

Luna heads for the Infirmary door.

“I need to inform the captain of our unexpected visitor.”

Flash Sentry follows Luna.

“I’ll accompany you, your highness.”

“Arc?”

Arc turns to Rose and shakes his head. “I’ll stay here and keep an eye on our… friend here.”

Redheart nods as she sets up the x-ray machine. “That’s probably for the best, sir. I haven’t had a chance to examine you yet.”

“Very well. I leave you in Redheart’s capable hooves.”

Luna leaves with Flash Sentry as Rose sits next to Arc.

“I can’t believe the princess would stoop so low!”

Arc sighs. “Luna has the fate of Equestria to think about. I know it’s hard, but she has to do what’s in the best interest of the many.”

“You don’t really accept that, do you?!”

“No. But it’s the truth.”

A short time later Luna and Flash Sentry return. Redheart is looking over the freshly made x-rays.

“How is she, Redheart?”

“Not good, your majesty.”

Redheart points to the x-ray.

“It appears her intercranial pressure is rising.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “That doesn’t sound good.”

Rose shudders. “Is her head going to explode?!”

Arc chuckles. “No, Rose. Can you relieve the pressure, nurse?”

Redheart nods. “Yes. It’s a fairly simple procedure. However I should contact her primary care physician before operating.”

Luna shakes her head. “Sadly that isn’t an option right now. Proceed with the operation with what you know, Redheart.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Redheart turns to Arc.

“I’ve looked over your x-rays, sir, and there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with you. Other than your current poisoning situation, that is.”

She turns back to Luna.

“Has there been any word from Canterlot on that, Princess Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “There has not. Little was understood from my own case. Less so than Arc’s.”

Redheart sighs. “That is unfortunate. Well, I need to prepare for surgery now.”

Arc nods. “I know you’ll do your best, Nurse Redheart.”

“I will.”

The nurse heads to her office to wash up. Arc sits up.

“Help me up, Rose.”

“Are you sure you should be doing that, Arc?”

Arc winces in pain. “No, but I have to move around.”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “Getting antsy, sir?”

“That I am.”

Rose sighs. “Very well. Lean on my though.”

Arc slowly rises with Rose’s help. She smiles at him.

“There you go!”

“Thanks Rose.”

Luna sighs. “You really should get to bed, Arc. “

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes, sir. It’s been quite the day.

Arc turns to Redheart. “What are her chances as it stands?”

“Very good. Get some rest, sir.”

He rubs his forehead. “I… think I will.”

Rose helps steady him. “I’ll take you to your room.”

Luna frowns as Arc and Rose pass her. “We’ll have to decide what to do in the morning, Arc.”

“Fine.”

Rose and Arc leave the Infirmary. Flash Sentry turns to Luna.

“Please, princess! Think about what you’re suggesting!”

Luna’s ears droop as she heads for the door. “I am. Believe me, this is not easy for me either.”

Meanwhile, Rose helps Arc into his bed. She sits down with him.

“There you go.”

“Th-thank you, Rose.”

“You’re upset.”

Arc sighs as Rose slowly removes his boots. “Yes.”

“I don’t think I have to ask why.”

Arc sighs as he removes his cape and tosses it aside. “Lady Ashe attacked me. I… I had no choice, right?”

Rose smiles at him as she helps remove his royal tunic. “I believe not.”

Arc puts his face in his hands. “Then why do I feel so… guilty?!”

“Arc, I…”

He suddenly stands.

“I… think I need to take a bath.”

“Now?”

Arc heads for the bathroom. “Yes. I… I’m feeling a bit achy after all this.”

Rose nods as he closes the door behind him. Arc fills up the large tub with hot water and gets in. He sighs as he soaks in the hot water.

“That does feel good. Not that I deserve it right now.”

A few minutes later there is a small knock at the bathroom door. Arc looks over at it warily.

“Yes?”

The door opens a few inches.

“Arc? It’s Rose. I have something here that Princess Luna asked me to give you.”

“She’s here?”

“No. She just dropped this off.”

Rose’s hand sticks through the partially opened door. In her palm is a small, white ball.

“She said you should just drop this ‘bath fizzy’ into the water. It should help you to relax.”

Arc reaches out and levitates the sphere over to himself. “Th-thanks…”

As he does so the water begins to bubble and foam. Rose smiles as she hears the sounds from within.

“Is it working?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. It turned the water dark purple and made it smell nice in here.”

Rose smiles. “Can I… um… come in and talk to you?”

“I… suppose.”

She opens the door, steps inside, and kneels down next to the tub respectfully.

“How are you feeling right now?”

“Terrible.”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “Shall I call Nurse Redheart?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It’s… not that kind of hurt.”

He puts his hand on the edge of the tub as he lays back and sighs.

“I’m feeling guilty is what’s wrong.”

“S-so am I.”

“What?”

“Your condition is my fault. Had I protected you back there…”

“You were only doing what I told you to, Rose.”

“But your safety should always be my top priority!”

“I thought your primary objective was my happiness?”

Rose puts a hand to her chest. “But I should have done SOMETHING!”

“Don’t live in the past, Rose. The what-if’s will only hold you back.”

“Then what about you, Arc?!”

“What about me?”

“Well, you’re upset about Lord Gestal’s daughter.”

“That’s different! I might have just started a war!”

“Does worrying about it help anything?”

Arc sighs. “…I suppose not.”

Rose smiles at him as she leans forward and puts her elbows on the edge of the tub. “I guess we’re pretty much the same then, huh?”

Arc nods as he pats her hand. “Yeah.”

They are silent for a time.

“Say, what’s that smell?”

“That ball you gave me was something we call a ‘bath bomb’ on Earth.”

“A what?”

“They’re mostly citric acid and baking soda with a scent. This one is apparently lavender.”

Rose smiles. “A very appropriate gift from the Princess of the Night.”

Arc nods as he sighs contentedly. “Yes. I’ll have to thank her tomorrow.”

“We should get you to bed soon. The hour is quite late, Arc.”

“Right.”

Rose stands up. “I’ll wait for you in the bedroom then.”

She walks to the door but stops at the threshold as she puts a hand on the doorknob.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Just… keep doing your best, okay?”

“You too, Rose.”

She nods and leaves the room. Arc stands up and towels off before putting on fresh clothes. He looks back over to the tub as he mutters to himself.

“That bath bomb really did help.”

Arc thinks for a moment before leaving the Bathroom. Rose is waiting for him on the bed in her undergarments. She smiles nervously at him.

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t bring any clothes with me.”

“You just wore your armor, huh?”

Rose sheepishly nods.

“I think I have something here for that…”

He reaches for his ring and pulls out one of his tunics.

“Try this on.”

Rose does so.

“It’s… kinda big.”

“Yes, well… it makes a nice nightshirt for you. Now you don’t have to sleep almost naked.”

“It doesn’t bother me.”

Arc sighs as he walks toward the bed. “I’d rather you stay covered.”

“I’ve noticed your heart rate does go up when you see me like this.”

Arc blushes slightly as he gets under the covers. “Yes.”

Rose nods as she joins him. “It is not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable or attempt to seduce you.”

“That’s why I put up with it.”

Arc turns off the light, rolls over onto his side and closes his eyes. Rose puts a hand on his shoulder.

“You’re very tense.”

“You already know why.”

“Let me take some of that tension from you.”

Rose pulls herself over to Arc’s back and puts an arm around his midsection.

“I’m here. Go ahead and fall asleep, my dear.”

Arc yawns. “Good night, Rose.”

“Pleasant dreams.”

A short time later Arc falls asleep. Rose continues to hold him. She sighs.

“You deserve much more than I can give you, Arc. But I get the feeling you believe the same.”

They sleep peacefully through the night. As the first rays of light stream through the window Arc opens his eyes and sits up and sighs.

“Another day. Great.”

Rose nods. Her arm still around his waist. “Good morning.”

Arc shakes his head and sniffs the air. “Did all that… really happen yesterday?”

“The fight?”

“Yes.”

“It did, Arc.”

Rose sniffs the air as well.

“It still smells wonderful in here.”

Arc nods as he stands up. “I left the water in the tub after my bath yesterday.”

“Why?”

He stands and walks into the bathroom to pull the plug. “I just wanted that smell to linger. It reminds me of Earth.”

Rose stands up and pulls the oversized shirt off. “Does it now?”

Arc returns to the room, but turns around to give Rose some privacy. “Um… yes. Lavender is a very nice smelling flower back there.”

Rose puts her armor back on. “You mean, that plant exists in both places?”

“Yes.”

“That IS interesting!”

“How so?”

“Think about it. Two plants exactly the same in two different worlds. I have to tell mother about this!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m sure that will only send her into a tizzy of theories and speculation.”

Rose sounds confused. “So I should hide it from her?”

“No, no! I just meant that Twilight has a nasty habit of blowing things way out of proportion. You should always be able to talk to her about anything.”

Rose picks up her helmet and puts it on. “That’s a comfort to me. Now that mother accepts me, that is.”

Arc walks over to Rose and puts a hand on her shoulder. “She just needed to get to know you. In the beginning Twilight just saw another machine before her. Like a coffee maker.”

Rose nods as Arc continues.

“But now she sees that you have complex emotions, your own thoughts, and… and even feelings.”

Rose turns and takes Arc’s hand in hers. “I understand. Mother is quite different from the mare I met upon my first activation. And I owe that to you.”

“Twilight is a mare of logic and reason. She just couldn’t wrap her mind around a machine feeling things.”

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“For convincing her and the princesses to spare my life.”

“You deserve a chance just like anyone else out there. But we should be getting over to the Infirmary. I want to check in on Lady Ashe.”

Rose nods. “I understand.”

They leave the room and head for the Infirmary. Upon entering they find Luna and Flash Sentry speaking to Redheart. The pair join them.

“How is she doing?”

“I was just going over Lady Ashe’s condition with the princess, sir.”

Luna nods. “We just started, so you didn’t miss much.”

Redheart smiles at him. “I’ll start over.”

She clears her throat.

“The operation was a complete success. Her inner cranial pressure has returned to normal and I was able to stabilize her condition.”

Arc shudders. “I’m sure I already know the answer to this, but what was the cause of the cranial pressure?”

“A tumor.”

“Wait. What?!”

Redheart leads the group over to a display. “Let me show you.”

She points a hoof at the screen. There is a strange looking bubble on the display.

“Right here at the base of her spine. “

Luna nods. Was it painful?”

Nothing that would have sent her to the hospital. None of her nerves had been affected yet. A few more weeks and she would have been in agony though. But by then it probably would have been too late.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Is there a need to operate?”

Redheart shakes her head as she turns off the screen. “I already have.”

Rose smiles. “That was fast!”

Redheart walks over to the bed and picks up the patient’s chart. “Yes, I finished a few hours ago.”

She gently turns Ashe’s head to show them several stitches. Rose frowns.

“I’m not sure how I feel about this. Her family should have been notified before such a procedure.”

Arc sighs. “It couldn’t be helped.”

He turns to Redheart.

“What are her chances?”

“She will recover nicely with proper rest. However…”

Flash Sentry interrupts. “That’s good!”

Luna frowns. “I should be happy about this. But…”

Arc nods soberly. “But you’re worried about her telling Lord Gestal about what I did to her.”

Luna nods. “It is a very real danger to our nation.”

Rose glares at Luna. “So is killing her!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Agreed! That’s not what Equestria stands for!”

“Right.”

Luna sighs. “What would you have me do then, Arc?!”

“There’s really only one thing we CAN do.”

Rose looks to him, hopeful. “Take care of her until she’s better?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We have to take her back to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Luna’s eyes grow wide. “We can’t do that!”

“Luna… we HAVE to!”

“Yes… you’re right, Arc. But this doesn’t make my job any easier.”

Arc walks over to Luna and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Our jobs are not always easy. As you know.”

Ashe begins to stir. Redheart turns to them

“The patient is regaining consciousness.”

Flash Sentry looks to Ashe. “That’s impressive.”

Rose nods.” Yes. She must really be strong-willed.”

Ashe slowly opens her eyes. She speaks groggily.

“I… what happened?”

Redheart puts down the chart. “Take it easy, miss. You’re safe and sound in the Infirmary.”

Ashe looks around slowly before attempting to move. She quickly notices her restraints.

“What…? Why am I tied up?!”

Arc frowns at her. “I think you know why.”

Her gaze quickly snaps over to him at his voice.

“My father won’t be happy to hear this!”

Flash Sentry’s eyes narrow. “Hear what?”

“About how you kidnapped me and held me prisoner aboard your ship! Release me…!”

She winces in pain for a few moments before continuing.

“Untie me this instant!”

Luna shakes her head. “I think not.”

Ashe looks over at Luna. A withering look on her face.

“You have no authority here! I demand you release me at once!”

Rose folds her arms over her chest. “You’re pretty demanding for someone who tried to kill Arc!”

“What are you talking about?! I’M the victim here!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh really?”

He reaches under the bed to pull out her rebel’s cloak.

“Does this look familiar?”

Ashe looks away. “Never seen it before.”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “Look, miss. You’re in a lot of trouble here. I suggest you start cooperating with the commander!”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “Please… just call for my father and I’ll be off.”

Arc sighs. “That could be a bit of a problem.”

Ashe shakes her head with a smirk. “You can’t just send a messenger?”

Luna chuckles. “Do you have ANY idea where you are?”

“A couple hours outside the city at most. Now as a citizen of Griffonstone in the skies of the Griffon Kingdom, I hereby DEMAND that you contact my father at once! If you do so, perhaps I can convince him not to retaliate for this act of violence against me.”

Flash Sentry grins. “Not quite, miss.”

Arc nods. “We’re only a couple hours from Canterlot Castle by now.”

Ashe laughs. “How stupid do you think I am?! There’s no way I was out THAT long!”

Redheart looks to Ashe. “He’s right. I operated on you in the early hours of the morning.”

“OPERATED?! What have you monsters DONE to me?!”

Arc glares at her. “Saved your life for starters.”

Redheart walks over to the x-ray chart on the wall again. “Yes, miss. There was a tumor growing on your spine. It was causing some intercranial pressure. Have you felt ill lately?”

“Just some headaches, that all! Why?!”

“Any dizziness, numbness, or loss of appetite?”

“A bit. But what does that have to do with my spine?!”

Redheart points to the chart again. “That was the tumor wreaking havoc on your senses. It threw your body into light chaos. Tell me, how is your…”

Ashe glares at Luna. “Are you trying to say you HELPED me?!”

“We did.”

“WHY?!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “It’s what we do.”

Rose nods happily. “Yes! Arc was very insistent that you be returned to health! You should thank him!”

“Hmph! After what he’s done?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “You’re upset that I helped broker peace between our nations?!”

“YES!!!”

There is silence for a time as Ashe calms herself. Eventually Ashe speaks.

“So where are we really?!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Miss, we REALLY are flying through Equestrian airspace.”

“Not too bright. When word of this gets back to my father…”

Arc interrupts her. “How?”

“How what?!”

Luna smirks. “Nopony knows you’re here.”

“I’ll be noticed soon enough.”

Flash Sentry laughs. “Somehow I doubt you will. You’re not the only griffin in our land, you know.”

Ashe moves to say something, but stops and sighs instead.

“So what happens now?”

Arc turns to Luna. “Yes, princess. What should we do with her?”

Luna turns to Ashe, soberly. “We will land at Canterlot Castle soon. I will disembark and the Lunar Destiny will ferry you home, miss.”

“Good! The sooner the better!”

Luna turns to leave the room. She looks to Arc momentarily.

“As per your… advice, I’ve decided to show leniency. Hopefully I don’t regret that choice in the coming days.”

Arc nods understandingly. “So do I.”

Chapter 4 - Return Trip

The doctor leaves the Infirmary as Arc walks over to Ashe.

“You seem particularly interested in something out there. What is it?”

Ashe continues to look out the window. “I’ve just been watching the guards and servants scurrying around.”

“They’re restocking the Lunar Destiny for our return trip.”

“I’m a bit confused about something.”

“What is it?”

“You might not know this, but griffons have very good eyesight. We can see much farther than a pony… or whatever you are. From where I am it looks like these ponies are quite happy with their lot in life.”

“I assume they are, yes. Why?”

“As you no doubt have seen in my land the misery and lack of joy in nearly everyone’s life. How do these drudges have such happy faces?”

“Equestria is a land of joy and peace. From the princesses themselves down to the garbage collectors, nearly everyone is content.”

“Nearly?”

Arc nods. “We do have some malcontents. But they haven’t caused any real trouble since I’ve been here.”

Ashe smirks. “You intimidate them, huh?”

“Maybe. But even they know that the princesses and I will safeguard them and this land as best we are able.”

“So… the lowest of your citizens have a voice of some kind?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Anyone can petition the princesses for an audience.”

“I see. And how many of them are seen?”

“As many as there is time for. Does the Council of Lords see anyone?”

Ashe scoffs. “Only if you’re rich and powerful. Certainly not ordinary citizens if that’s what you mean.”

“That does explain a few things. Speaking of the council, I need to contact them and inform your father of what happened.”

Ashe frowns. “I understand.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

Lemon Heart’s voice rings in his ear.

“Go ahead, sir.”

“I need you to contact the Griffon Kingdom and inform them that I have information on Lady Ashe’s location.”

“Right away, sir.”

“I’ll be in the Infirmary. Direct any calls for me here. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring to sever the connection as he walks over to the Redheart’s desk. Picking up the phone he quickly walks back to Ashe and sits down in a nearby chair.

“And now, we wait.”

A short time later the phone rings. Arc sits forward and picks it up

“Arc here.”

“Sir, Lemon Hearts reporting. I have a Lord Gestal from the Griffon Kingdom holding. Shall I patch him through to you?”

“Yes please.”

“One moment, sir.”

Arc picks up the telephone and walks over to Ashe’s bedside.

“Are you ready, Lady Ashe?”

Ashe glares at him. “Yes…”

A moment later Gestal’s voice comes onto the line.

“Lord Arc! I’m told you know where my daughter is!”

“Yes sir. She’s sitting next to me.”

“Is she all right?!”

“She’s going to be fine. Apparently when the rebels took Lady Ashe they roughed her up pretty bad.”

“Can I speak with her?!”

“Certainly.”

Arc hands Ashe the receiver. She snatches it out of his hand angrily and puts it to her ear as she speaks evenly.

“Father.”

“ASHE!!! How are you, my dear!”

“I… I’m a little sore. And tired.”

“You just rest then, my dear!”

“Yes, father.”

She angrily tosses Arc back the receiver. He takes it and puts it to his ear.

“It’s me again, Lord Gestal. We’re currently restocking our ship at Canterlot Castle and will leave as soon as possible.”

“Is your ship secure?!”

“Yes. We’ve done a full sweep and found no traces of stowaways aboard. I will personally escort your daughter back to your side, sir.”

Gestal breathes a sigh of relief. “That is a great comfort to me, Lord Arc! Please, spare no expense in bringing her home! The Griffon Kingdom will compensate you for your time and supplies!”

“No need for that, sir. Just think of it as a token of goodwill between allies.”

“Very Generous of you, Lord Arc! You have my thanks!”

“Lady Ashe and I will arrive aboard the Lunar Destiny early tomorrow morning. Until then I will watch over her.”

“My Honor Guards and I will meet you at the Skyport.”

“Forgive me sir, but might we land behind the Aviary? Lady Ashe is currently bedridden in our ship’s Infirmary.”

“Yes, of course. I don’t want her image to be tarnished by having the common rabble see her in such a state.”

“I thought you’d like to keep this quiet, sir. Well, there are quite a few preparations to make before we can take off.”

“Please make sure everything is in order for my daughter.”

“I will, sir. You have my word.”

“Until tomorrow then.”

“Yes Lord Gestal. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the phone and turns to Ashe.

“That went well.”

Ashe frowns. “Yes. For YOU!”

Arc shrugs. “Seems like a fair bargain to me.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “I’m still not sure you’re being forthright with me.”

“Really?”

“I’m not home yet!”

“You will be tomorrow morning.”

“In one piece?”

“Yes.”

Ashe pauses before continuing.

“I’d like to go on record as saying I don’t trust you!”

Rose frowns. “Really?! Arc has done nothing but look after you thus far! And that’s after you tried to KILL HIM!”

Ashe looks out the window again. “I had my reasons.”

Arc nods. “And I have mine.”

“That much I do understand.”

An hour or so later the Lunar Destiny takes off and begins its trip east yet again. Ashe looks out the window at the city below.

“I must admit, it really is a marvelous sight to behold!”

Arc sighs. “That it is.”

Ashe smirks as she looks to him. “Jealous of them?”

“No. It’s just… complicated.”

Rose clears her throat. “Arc, it’s nearly lunchtime. Shall I bring you something from the Cafeteria?”

Arc turns to Ashe. “You must be hungry too, are you not?”

“Not really.”

Rose looks confused. “You haven’t eaten anything all day.”

“I’ll manage.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You worried I’ll poison you or something?”

“The thought had crossed my mind, yes.”

Rose glares at her. “Really?!”

“When you’re the leader of a rebel faction you learn not to trust anyone. It could bring about our entire organization’s doom.”

“Yes, well… it will be rather hard for your body to heal without proper nourishment.”

Arc turns to Rose.

“Bring that wheelchair over here.”

“Yes sir.”

Rose does so as Arc carefully picks up Ashe. She squirms violently.

“What are you DOING?!”

Arc sets her down in the wheelchair. “Taking you to the Cafeteria with us. Even if you don’t want to eat, I’m still hungry!”

“Afraid I’ll escape if you leave me here?!”

“Possibly. You can watch us eat and maybe answer a few of my questions.”

“An interrogation, huh?”

“Call it what you will.”

Rose takes the IV bottle and attaches it to the wheelchair’s holster. She then slowly pushes Ashe out the door and down the hall. Arc walks next to her.

“I suppose it must feel good to be in a different position.”

“Different? I’m still a prisoner.”

Rose looks down at Ashe. “I think Arc meant to get out of that bed.”

“Oh. Not really. I’m still somewhat numb down there.”

Arc pats the IV bottle. “Be thankful for that fact.”

“So where are we going?”

“To get lunch.”

Ashe replies in a skeptical tone. “Really?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because like I said before, I’m hungry. That and you should be too.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Suit yourself.”

They enter the Cafeteria as the smell of cooking food emanates from the Kitchen. Arc turns to the door.

“Huh, I wonder whose back there.”

Rose smiles. “I could tell you, but you should just see for yourself.”

He opens the door to the Kitchen. They see Commander Soarin standing in front of the stove. He salutes as Arc enters.

“S-sir!”

“At ease, commander. After all, there’s food to tend.”

“Yes sir.”

Soarin turns back to the stove as Arc pushes Ashe up to the kitchen table. He turns from the stove as Arc and Rose sit down on either side of Ashe.

“Lunch will be ready soon, sir.”

“Why are you making lunch, commander?”

“We each have our days to cook. Mine’s today.”

Rose looks confused. “Makes sense. But why doesn’t the ship have a regular cook?”

“The captain says we don’t really need one.”

Arc frowns. “Really? Aren’t there a couple dozen of you aboard at all times?”

“Yes sir. But Captain Tight Ship says it’s good for morale for us to do it ourselves. I was skeptical at first, but it’s really grown on me.”

Rose giggles. “You’ve probably gotten much better at it too, haven’t you?”

“That too.”

Arc chuckles. “Practice makes perfect.”

Ashe frowns. “Are there not servants aboard to do this sort of thing?!”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t think so. Are there, Soarin?”

“We do have one. They mostly take care of janitorial duties though.”

Rose nods. “Meal preparation really is quite a lot of work for someone who already has other matters to attend to.”

Ashe turns up her beak. “Why not just hire more staff?”

“The captain would rather spend the extra money on the ship itself.”

Ashe grins. “Like his quarters?”

“Mostly on upgrades to our arsenal and things to make everyone more comfortable. More amenities for the game room like the pool table. And higher quality food.”

Arc nods. “That’s very conscientious of him.”

Ashe says nothing as the meal is finished. Soarin sets a plate of seasoned steamed vegetables in front of each of them.

“I hope you like it, sir. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to deliver this to the rest of my shipmates.”

“Very well.”

The commander leaves the kitchen pushing a food cart. Ashe shakes her head.

“A shame.”

Arc looks up from his food. “What is?”

“To be reduced from a commander to a servant. The lower crewmembers should be doing that job. Not the second-in-command!”

Rose frowns at Ashe. “It was on orders of the captain after all.”

Arc nods testily. “Someday when you have your own ship, you can run it any way you want.”

Ashe looks down at her plate. “That and I’d certainly have made something a bit nicer for a VIP aboard ship!”

Arc looks over as he eats. “You should try it. This is actually pretty good.”

Rose turns as she sips her water. “Do you want mine, Arc?”

“Thanks!”

Rose slides the plate over to Arc. Ashe nods.

“I see your Honor Guard agrees with me.”

“Not really. I just don’t eat.”

Arc nods. “Right. Rose is a machine.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “A machine? Like this ship?!”

“Kinda. Only differences are her appearance and the fact she has feelings.”

Ashe grins broadly. “Fascinating! With her on our side, toppling the king will be a breeze!”

She clears her throat.

“Robot! I command you to aid me in my fight!”

Rose giggles. “I don’t think so.”

“What?! But you have to!”

Arc shakes his head. “She only takes orders from me.”

Rose smiles at him. “And loving every second of it!”

Ashe looks away. “Spare me such a display, you overgrown garbage disposal!”

Arc frowns. “Hey now! You be nice to my friend!”

“Oh? I am an aristocrat of the Griffon Kingdom. By what authority do you…?!”

Arc reaches up to the IV bottle. “Be nice or I won’t share THIS with you!”

“You wouldn’t DARE!”

“Oh, you think so, huh?!”

He slowly closes the valve.

“I wonder how long it will take before you’re begging for this.”

Ashe turns around and attempts to reach for the valve herself. “Turn that back on this…!”

The twisting motion causes her to wince in pain. Rose chuckles.

“That was fast.”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

He looks down at Ashe leaning heavily on the table.

“Now then. Are you going to be nice?”

Ashe glares at him.

“Y-yes.”

“Good. You can start by apologizing to Rose.”

“Wh-what?! Never!”

Arc shrugs. “I guess you don’t want this after all then. Come on now, Lady Ashe. All you have to do is say two little words to her. It’s not hard.”

Ashe grimaces as she turns to look at Rose and speaks in almost a whisper.

“I… I… I’m… s-sorry.”

Arc puts a hand to his ear. “What’s that? I couldn’t really hear you.”

“I’M SORRY, I’M SORRY!”

“Much better.”

He turns on the valve. In a few moments Ashe is able to sit up properly. She turns to Arc angrily.

“I swear, one day I’ll…!”

“You’ll what?! Come after me?! Across the ocean?! How?!”

Rose shakes her head. “I do not believe your father would allow such a trip for petty revenge.”

“That too. Face it Lady Ashe. You didn’t think that one through.”

“What do you know about such things, peasant?!”

Arc glares at her. “More than you, I assure you!”

“One day you’ll slip up and I just hope I’m there to see it!”

“I could say the same for you and your rebel friends!”

“When did we ever slip up?!”

“When you attacked Princess Luna, me, AND the Council of Lords! How’s that for botched plans?!”

Ashe looks away. “Minor setbacks.”

“Yeah! Setbacks that cost LIVES!”

“They knew the risks!”

Rose shakes her head. “As did you?”

Ashe frowns. “Of course I didn’t! How was I supposed to know that YOU would show up and ruin everything?! Remember, it was YOU who killed them, not I!”

Arc sighs. “Yes. And I will remember that fact for the rest of my life.”

Rose turns to him. “You shouldn’t take it so hard, Arc. After all, you weren’t in your right mind.”

She angrily points at Ashe.

“And THAT was YOUR fault!”

Ashe turns up her beak. “And it’s MY fault he had too much to drink?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was you and your poisoned bolt!”

“Are you out of your mind?! As I said earlier, poison is far too dangerous a thing for us to be employing! Not to mention barbaric!”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“Wait a second! You’re the leader of the rebels, right?!”

“Naturally.”

“But you say you DIDN’T use poison?”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “Yes. I believe that’s what I’ve been telling you in great detail.”

“I’m inclined to believe you.”

“Finally!”

“Then please explain to me what this is.”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out the bolt from the assassination attempt. He drops it on the table in front of Ashe. She looks at him as if he were an idiot.

“It’s a crossbow bolt, you dunderhead.”

“Yes. One that was fired at me by your rebels.”

Ashe picks up the bolt and looks it over. “Never seen one like this before. There’s some kind of residue on it though.”

Rose frowns. “I believe that’s called poison.”

Ashe drops the bolt frantically. “You could have warned me!”

Arc picks the bolt back up. “The assassin was seen by half the parade! You can’t deny it happened!”

Rose nods. “You HAD to know about it!”

Ashe looks at Arc, angrily. “Oh course I knew about it! I ORDERED IT!”

“Then how did you not know about the poison?!”

Ashe looks the bolt over carefully as Arc holds it. “This bolt is something special. And by special I mean expensive.”

Rose frowns. “How so?”

“It looks like it’s made out of pure guardanium.”

Arc appears confused. “Guardanium?”

“It’s a special kind of ore found in our mountains. But only in very small quantities. Very valuable, and VERY hard to work with.”

“What is it used for?”

“Things like our king’s crown for starters. The sword in his belt as well.”

Rose searches her memory banks. “This ore is unheard of in Equestria.”

Ashe nods. “Yes. We’ve never exported it before. It’s not likely any of it has EVER left the country. Until now it seems.”

“So it’s a symbol of extreme wealth?”

“Yes. That and any blade made from it would cut through almost ANYTHING like a hot knife through butter!”

She looks him up and down before turning back to her food.

“So where exactly did it hit you? I don’t see any monstrous holes.”

“My heart.”

Ashe drops her utensil and gasps.

“That… isn’t possible! I saw the parade too! You weren’t wearing any armor!”

She pokes his chest a few times with a talon.

“Soft. How did you…?!”

Arc reaches again for his ring. “I had a little help.”

He removes Cherry’s engagement pendant and sets it down on the table.

“This caught it.”

Ashe looks over the ruined pendant. She points a talon.

“It hit the central ruby. A precious stone like that is probably the only thing hard enough to stop such a bolt.”

Arc nods. “So this would be of great value to an assassin?”

“It’s a nearly perfect weapon. This could probably pierce just about any kind of armor as well.”

Rose frowns. “And the catch?”

“Like I said, it’s VERY expensive! Especially for something that you probably wouldn’t get back after firing once.

“Really?”

Ashe nods. “Yes. It’s certainly one of a kind.”

She takes a bite as Arc continues.

“This is the second one I’ve seen.”

Ashe spits out her food.

“WHAT?!”

Rose turns to him. “Would you please stop doing that, Arc? At some point she does need to get some food in her.”

Arc nods as he holds up his bandaged hand. “I can attest to its sheer cutting power.”

Rose shudders. “Nurse Redheart had quite a bit of trouble sawing it off as well.”

“Two of them?! And poisoned as well?! Look, we’re anxious to topple our king, but this… this is FAR out of our price range!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What about your father?”

“He has a dagger made of guardanium, yes. But he’d never part with it to make CROSSBOW BOLTS!”

“Where is it?”

“Sitting on the mantle above his bedroom’s fireplace. It hasn’t moved in years.”

Rose nods skeptically. “So you helped yourself?!”

“Hardly! He’d notice immediately if it went missing.”

Ashe sighs.

“Look, I know we don’t get along…”

“That and you tried to kill me.”

“That too. But my rebels weren’t behind this.”

“I believe you.”

Ashe and Rose’s eyes grow wide as they speak in tandem.

“YOU DO?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. You have no reason to deceive me at this point, right?”

Ashe sighs and nods. “Right. As per our… agreement, that is.”

“I’ll hold up my end of it.”

“What assurance do I have that you will?!”

Arc shrugs. “Just my word.”

Ashe gives him a withering look. “That isn’t much.”

“It’s all I have.”

Chapter 5 - A Difference of Opinion

Arc and Ashe look out the window on the Observation Deck.

“The world looks so peaceful from up here.”

“Nothing but ocean for miles, Lady Ashe.”

Ashe turns to him and narrows her eyes.

“It would have been a good place for you to dump my body.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not doing that.”

Ashe puts a talon to her knife wound. “I’m sure your princess had other plans for me.”

“Maybe. But cooler heads prevailed.”

They are silent for a time. Ashe sighs.

“Look, I’m sorry for what happened the other day.”

“Which part?”

“Me attacking you in your room.”

“Why’s that?”

“Our earlier assaults were in an attempt to prevent the treaty from being signed.”

“That much I figured.”

“My most recent attack was purely for revenge.”

“You really had nothing to gain from it?”

Ashe shrugs. “Peace of mind mostly.”

“Anything else?”

“Yes. I was going to leave evidence of the rebel’s involvement near your corpse. If we could take out Equestria’s famed Hero of Light, the clout we’d gain would be substantial!”

Arc nods. “I suppose that’s right. But think about this from my point of view.”

“What are you talking about?”

“After I beat you, I could have taken your rebel’s uniform and presented it as a gift to your king.”

Ashe thinks for a moment. “It certainly would have cemented relations between the Griffon Kingdom and Equestria. They would have lauded you as a hero for slaying the rebel leader. So why didn’t you?”

“Because of your father.”

Ashe appears surprised. “You don’t owe him allegiance or loyalty of any kind.”

“He’d never know what became of you. Lord Gestal would drive himself to an early grave wondering your true fate.”

“He would have figured it out.”

Arc shakes his head. “Figured out that his own daughter was the rebel kingpin? Fate has served me its fair share of plot twists. But I never dreamed YOU were behind the… what did you call it?”

Ashe looks to Arc proudly. “The Griffon Liberation Army.”

“Yes, that. But let me turn the question around.”

“To what end?”

“What if Lord Gestal had vanished? Taken by masked assailants. Wouldn’t you wonder what became of him?”

Ashe looks away. “I… I don’t know.”

“Pray you never have to answer that question.”

Silence again reigns for a time.

“Lord Arc, might I ask something of you?”

“Fine.”

“I, uh… was wondering if you could tell me more about your country?”

“Which one?”

Ashe frowns. “What do you mean?”

“I’m assuming you mean Equestria. But I’m not originally from there.”

Ashe nods. “That thought had crossed my mind, yes. But I’m interested in learning more about Equestria.”

“I’ll try to answer your questions. What do you want to know?”

“Let’s start with the government. The princesses rule together?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Think of it a bit like your Council of Lords.”

“Is one higher than the others?”

“I’m told Princess Celestia is sort of like your Lord Gestal in that regard.”

Ashe appears confused. “Told?”

“I’ve yet to meet her. Looking forward to it though.”

“Let’s change the subject. We spoke earlier about how happy the servants looked. Are their lives really that bearable?”

“Yes. It wasn’t that long ago I was a commoner myself.”

“You?!”

Arc chuckles. “I came to Equestria over a year ago. While I didn’t have a bit to my name, I was happy living in a small town called Ponyville.”

“How did you survive?”

“Mostly doing odd jobs around town. Nothing really important mind you. But it did keep me quite busy.”

Ashe giggles. “From commoner to Hero of Light to Lord Regent in one year?!”

Arc shrugs. “What can I say? I like to stay busy.”

“How did you take the throne?!”

“The princesses were ill at the time and unable to carry out their duties. I was merely doing what needed to be done until they were again ready to do their jobs.”

Ashe frowns. “I see. How about the food? Is it like what we ate for lunch?”

“It depends who’s cooking it.”

“Admittedly lunch wasn’t too bad.”

“Equestria has ample food for everyone, if that’s what you’re getting at.”

“Is it edible?”

Arc nods. “I’ve yet to have a truly bad meal there, yes.”

“In the castle?”

“Anywhere. Quality ingredients are quite affordable everywhere I’ve been.”

Ashe looks out the window. “Equestria sounds like a veritable paradise compared to the Griffon Kingdom thus far.”

“While I haven’t seen all there is to see in your land, I’d have to agree.”

Ashe turns back to Arc. “I’d like to see how you Equestrians do things. Turn the ship around at once!”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not happening.”

“You dare defy me?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Uh, yeah! What are you going to do about it?!”

“When my father hears about this…!”

Arc laughs. “Again with your father?! Can’t you do anything yourself?”

Ashe glares at him. “How DARE you! I’ll have you know I am more than capable of getting by without my father!”

“Are you now?”

“Yes!”

“How are you planning on leading the Griffon Kingdom without him then?”

Ashe scoffs. “What are you talking about?! He’ll still be there after I overthrow the king!”

“But he’ll be taking orders from you then, right?”

“I… suppose so, yes.”

“Do you really think he and the other lords will just roll over and bow at your feet?”

Ashe nods indignantly. “Why wouldn’t they?! The rebels would be in charge at that point!”

Arc shakes his head. “So you topple the king and everyone’s just supposed to kiss your ring and obey your every word?”

“Something like that!”

“What about your father’s clout? Do you think it will serve your purposes at that point?”

“I won’t need it! As the Griffon Kingdom’s queen, I’d have my own respect and obedience to fall back on!”

Ashe grins contentedly.

“What do you have to say about THAT for a plan, Hero of Light?!”

Arc shakes his head.

“You truly are delusional, miss.”

Ashe looks to him genuinely confused. “Delusional?”

“You think putting on a crown and sitting on a throne makes you worthy of respect?”

“Of course!”

Arc laughs. “You have a very narrow opinion on what it takes to lead then.”

Ashe seethes. “That doesn’t make sense! I’ll be QUEEN! They’ll HAVE to listen to me!”

“And if they don’t?”

“Then I’ll make them wish they had!”

“Jail time or execution?”

“BOTH!”

“Interesting concept you have there Lady Ashe. Why would you do such a thing to them?”

“Is that not how disloyal subjects are supposed to be treated?!”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not how we do it in Equestria.”

“HA! No wonder everyone is so happy there! You let them run wild!”

“I prefer to think of it as freedom.”

“So NO ONE gets locked up?!”

“For speaking their minds, no. If they hurt someone though, yes I’d drag them to the dungeon personally.”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “You’re setting yourself up for trouble.”

“By not suppressing talk I disagree with?”

“YES!”

“So if someone were to say or do things… disloyal they should be imprisoned?”

Ashe nods. “Now you’re catching on.”

Arc stands up. “Are you certain that’s what you believe is right?”

“It’s how things should ALWAYS be done!”

“Very well. Lady Ashe, you’re under arrest.”

“Are you out of your MIND?!”

“No. I’m just doing what you said I should. Imprisoning a dissident.”

Ashe laughs. “Dissident?! I’ve never even set talon on Equestrian soil!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Oh? What about your actions against the Griffon Kingdom?”

“That… that’s different! I’m trying to make things better for the citizens of the land!”

“I see. So in your eyes there’s two sets of rules. One for the common rabble to follow, and another for the aristocracy?”

“I never said that!”

“True. But that is what you meant.”

“NO! I just want to make things more… bearable for everyone!”

“Are you sure? Because all I see is someone trying to take power for their side.”

Ashe scoffs. “See what you want! I’m going to help others by becoming queen!”

“With that attitude all you’ll become is another tyrant.”

So you’re going to stop me?!”

Arc sits back down. “No. As your father and the rest of the Council of Lords has told me, the rebels are a griffon problem.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Pride.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “I get the feeling that was directed at me.”

“It was. But I suppose we’ll have to agree to disagree on that particular matter. Now then, I want you to know one thing.”

“Hmmm?”

Arc looks to her sternly. “Should you somehow ascend to the throne, understand this. The treaty that we worked so hard for will be invalidated should your current king and Council of Lords be ousted.

Ashe waves her talon dismissively. “I could care less for such things. The Griffon Kingdom shouldn’t have signed such a document in the first place. After all… I believe we have oceans for a reason! To separate the races from one another!”

“You would prefer isolationism to peace?”

“Isolation IS peace!”

“If that’s what you believe, I guess I can’t change your mind, eh?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No! I’ve seen what little the rest of the world is worth! They shouldn’t share in our prosperity!”

“Very well. Just remember those words.”

“I shall not forget them! That I can assure you!”

Arc stands up. “Good. Why don’t I escort you to one of our private rooms then?”

“Very well. I shall allow you that honor.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Lucky me.”

He wheels Ashe to one of the VIP suites. As Arc opens the door Ashe looks around and turns to him.

“Don’t you have anything more spacious?”

Arc frowns. “What were you expecting?”

“Something like that room I found you in, of course.”

“Are you sure it’s enough?”

“No, but I’m willing to put up with it for one night.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

Ashe frowns. “Why not?!”

“Because that’s MY room!”

“Am I not a guest though?!”

“Of course not! You’re a prisoner, remember?”

Ashe turns to him with a look of confusion on her face. “When did THAT happen?!”

“After you said dissidents should be locked up. Remember?”

“I didn’t mean ME!”

“Make up your mind!”

Ashe looks down her beak at him. “I’m growing tired of this conversation. Take me to your finest room at once!”

“It’s this or the Infirmary. Your choice.”

“You wouldn’t dare leave me in this cramped box!”

“The guards I’m stationing outside should make sure you stay in here.”

Ashe folds her talons over her chest. “I’ve never been so inhospitably treated in all my life!”

Arc shakes his head as he moves to pick her up. “Your living pretty well here as a prisoner, you know.”

Ashe slaps his hands away. “Don’t you DARE lay a talon on me you uncultured oaf!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh for crying out loud…”

Using his magic, Arc lifts Ashe from the wheelchair and into the bed. At this she screams out.

“GET AWAY FROM ME!!! GUARDS, HELP!!!”

Arc groans. “They’re MY guards. Remember?”

“SOMEONE HELP!!!”

Arc shakes his head as he lays her down. “You keep calling out like that and the guards are going to ignore your future cries.”

“They wouldn’t DARE!”

Arc covers her with a blanket. “I assure you, they’ll do whatever I tell them to.”

Ashe snarls at him. “No harm had better come to me! If it does, the princesses will hear of this!”

Arc sighs as he heads for the door. “You do what you want.”

As he steps over the threshold, Arc turns back to her

“I wish to leave you with a parting thought, Lady Ashe.”

“WHAT?!”

“You want to be queen? How could you possibly solve other’s problems if you can’t even solve your own?”

Ashe opens her mouth to speak but Arc closes the door before she can. She lies down and frowns.

“That pig! Who does he think he is?! Talking to ME that way!”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to the Royal Guards on duty.

“Lady Ashe is not to leave this room without me personally present. In addition, no one else is to enter other than Nurse Redheart. Understood?”

The guards nod and salute.

“Good. I’m heading to bed.”

Arc makes the quick walk to his quarters. Rose is waiting for him with Flash Sentry in the corridor.

“Something wrong you two?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Not… exactly, sir.”

“We just wanted to make sure you were okay after the whole poisoning incident.”

Rose looks him up and down.

“My scanners show that you’re fine. But there’s so much they can’t pick up.”

Arc opens the door to his quarters and motions for them to enter. “Like my state of mind?”

Flash Sentry looks nervous. “Something like that.”

“Actually my scans show you to be a bit… on edge.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I’m not sure if your scanners are Twilight’s greatest idea or worst.”

“Shall I deactivate them?”

“No, no! Sorry Rose. It’s just that Lady Ashe is a bit… abrasive.”

Flash Sentry rolls his eyes. “That’s putting it mildly, sir.”

“Yes, well… being born into a life of luxury can do that to anyone. She’s not much of a threat as it stands. Being bedridden and all.”

Rose frowns. “She is certainly a dangerous foe though. Would you mind if I stood guard outside her door tonight, Arc? It would certainly give me some peace of mind.”

“If you’d like, sure.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I’ll be glad to be rid of her. Lady Ashe is nothing but a spoiled brat!”

“Agreed. But there’s just one thing about her I don’t understand.”

Rose looks confused. “What’s that?”

“If she’s so haughty and whatnot, why does she want to bring change to her country so badly?”

Flash Sentry scoffs. “Personally I think that’s a sham, sir.”

Rose nods. “Right! As it stands, her life is most comfortable.”

Arc paces the floor as he talks. “Yes, she would have little to gain by taking the throne. Especially since she already has money, power, and a fancy title.”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof to his chin. “Sir? Do you think she might trying to… I don’t know… get out from under Lord Gestal’s shadow?”

Rose shakes her head. “From the way she tosses his name around, I would have to say she likes that shadow very much.”

Arc sighs. “While it’s certainly a very posh and secure shadow, it IS still a shadow. I’d love to know how she really thinks. But right now we need to get out of this mess without destroying the fragile peace our two countries now share.”

“I’m sure we can. But you should get some rest now, Arc. You must be tired after all this.”

Arc yawns. “That I am. You’d better get some sleep too, Flash Sentry.”

“Yes sir.”

Rose turns to Arc as Flash Sentry leaves the room.

“Is there something else you wanted, Rose?”

Rose blushes slightly as she approaches him. Yes. I… um… just never thanked you for the other night.

Arc looks to her confused. “Letting you sleep in my bed?”

Rose smiles at him happily. “No. For such a wonderful date.”

She leans forward and gives him a small kiss on the cheek

“I had a great time! Maybe we can do it again some time! Goodnight!”

Rose leaves the room. Arc just stands there dumbfounded.

“Wha… what else did I do back then?!”

Shaking his head in an effort to clear it as he walks toward the bed, he lies down and stares up at the ceiling.

“Darn crazy magical plants. Now I see why Princess Celestia ordered them destroyed.”

He closes his eyes and sighs, falling asleep in moments. Arc opens his eyes to the rolling fields of cherry trees swaying lazily in the wind. He stands up and looks out over the orchards as a sigh leaves his lips.

“This place really is beautiful.”

Arc looks over his shoulder to the empty porch swing sadly.

“But it’s not whole without you here with me, Cherry…”

Chapter 6 - Reunited

Arc awakens the next morning to the first rays of sunlight making their way over the horizon. He sits up and sighs as he looks at the empty pillow next to him.

“It’s so lonely without Cherry in my head or someone lying next to me.”

He stands up and heads for the Bathroom to shower. As the water glides over his skin Arc rests his head on the tile wall.

“Why… why do I feel this way?”

Arc sighs again as he ponders the question.

“It was one night alone. Have I really grown that accustomed to having someone in my bed?”

He shakes his head sadly.

“I’ll have to give this more thought later. Right now I have to check on Lady Ashe.”

Arc scoffs.

“Lady… HA! If Lord Gestal only knew half of what his daughter was up to. But I guess it’s kinda for the best he doesn’t.”

He shakes his head.

“Not sure what I should do about this. Do I tell him the truth? Nah. He’d never believe me! But if the rebels continue, more of them will die! To say nothing for the rest of the citizens.”

Arc steps out of the shower and dries himself off.

“This is a tough one. But I guess I don’t really have much of a choice in the matter.”

He dresses and leaves the room. Heading for Ashe’s suite Arc sees Rose standing across the hall from the door. She looks over to him happily as he approaches.

“Good morning, sleepyhead!”

“Hi Rose. Where are the other guards?”

“I took over for them after you went to bed. Remember?”

“Oh. I guess that makes sense. Did Lady Ashe give you any trouble?”

Rose rolls her eyes. “She called out for something every fifteen minutes.”

Arc sighs. “Somehow I’m not surprised.”

“I took care of her as best I could.”

“What did she want anyways?”

Rose thinks for a moment. “Mostly to complain. The bed was too hard. Her pillow was too soft. She wanted a drink of water. Things like that.”

“You could have just ignored her. After all, she’s not in any condition to really do anything to you.”

“The thought did cross my memory banks. But I realized it would have caused you quite a bit of trouble.”

“Oh?”

“She could have told her father about what really happened.”

“I’m not too worried about that. Even if she did, I doubt they really want to go to war with us anyways.”

“Are you certain of that, Arc?”

“No. But I do appreciate your concern for Equestria and I.”

Rose grins. “Your words of praise made this night of guard duty worthwhile!”

“In any case, let’s see how Lady Ashe is doing this morning.”

“She didn’t quiet down until a few hours ago, so I doubt she’s awake. Perhaps it would be best to let her sleep.”

Arc shakes his head. “While that is tempting, I want Nurse Redheart to give her a final examination before we arrive at the Griffon Kingdom.”

“One question. Must we?”

“Truthfully, I’d rather just throw her down the gangplank as soon as we land.”

Rose giggles. “Why land? She can fly, right? Just push her off!”

Arc chuckles. “That would be a sight to see. But somehow I don’t believe that would be too good from my heroic image.”

Rose nods as Arc puts a hand on the doorknob. “I understand. Let me know if you change your mind though.”

Arc opens the door and steps inside. Ashe is lying on the bed asleep. He mutters to himself.

“I hate my job right now.”

Rose silently nods as they approach the bed. Arc sighs and gently nudges Ashe.

“Lady Ashe? It’s time to wake up.”

Ashe opens one eye slightly. However she is still able to glare at him.

“Go… away…”

“We’ll be landing at the Aviary in a couple hours.”

“So? Wake me up then you imbecile!”

“I’d like you to have another checkup before we land. That and there’s still the matter of breakfast.”

“I’ll eat later! GO AWAY!”

“Is that your final answer?”

“YES!”

“Alright then.”

Ashe turns away from them. “And see to it I’m not disturbed again!”

“Very well.”

He and Rose leave the room. Rose frowns as Arc closes the door behind them. “So much for that. What now?”

“We wait.”

Rose appears confused. “What for?”

“You’ll see.”

A short time later Ashe can be heard calling out. There is pain in her voice.

“I… I need… something!”

Rose moves toward the door, but Arc holds out an arm.

“She doesn’t wish to be disturbed, remember?”

“But, she sounds to be in pain!”

Arc smiles. “And?”

“Shouldn’t we help her?!”

“Yes. Just not right this second.”

Rose frowns. “Isn’t that taking things a bit too far?”

“No. We’re just following directions.”

Ashe continues calling out. Her voice getting more strained by the minute. Arc raises his voice from the corridor in response.

“I’d love to help, Lady Ashe! But you said not to disturb you!”

“Get in here!”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry! But that would be disturbing you!”

“But I’m in PAIN!”

“We’ll try to help you from out here!”

A few moments of silence ensue. Ashe frowns.

“What are you DOING out there?!”

“Nothing!”

Rose sighs. “Arc, isn’t that enough?”

He chuckles. “As cruel as this is, I’m enjoying it.”

“ARC!”

“Okay, okay.”

They enter the room, Ashe glares at them as she lies on her back.

“If you two are done screwing around, I’m in pain here!!!”

Rose turns to him. “You didn’t turn off the IV again, did you Arc?!”

“No. It just ran out.”

Looking they see the bottle is empty. Ashe winces in pain.

“So get me another one!”

Arc shrugs. “Sorry. More pain meds require approval from the Chief Medical Officer.”

“GET HER!!!”

“I can take you to see her in the Infirmary. After all, it would be easier to examine you there. How about that?”

“Whatever! Just HELP ME!”

Arc moves to pick her up. Again she slaps his hands away.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!!!”

“This again?!”

Frowning he picks Ashe up with his magic and sets her in the nearby wheelchair. Arc sighs as he slowly wheels her toward the door.

“Must you be so difficult?”

Ashe glares at him as she takes short breaths. “I… could say the same… for you!”

Arc shrugs. “You started it.”

They enter the Infirmary. Redheart walks over to them. She immediately sees the empty IV bottle.

“Here for more painkillers?”

“YES!!!”

Arc nods. “But only if she agrees to an examination.”

Ashe nods as she squeezes her eyes shut. “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!”

Redheart levitates a fresh IV bottle over and quickly hooks it up Ashe’s composure returns as the valve is opened.

“Much better!”

“Good. Nurse Redheart, can you give Lady Ashe a follow-up examination please?”

“Certainly.”

Ashe looks toward the door. “No need. I feel fine! Besides, isn’t it time for breakfast?”

Rose frowns. “I thought you were too tired to eat.”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “Well, I’m up NOW!”

She turns to Arc.

“Push me to the Dining Room.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Sure. AFTER your examination!”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “I don’t believe I like your tone!”

“Well if you don’t like it, you REALLY won’t like THIS!

Arc reaches over and grabs the bottle over Ashe’s head

“What are you DOING?!”

“I can always dump this down the drain.”

He turns toward the sink. Ashe sighs.

“Fine!”

Arc smiles as he hangs the bottle back up. “See? You CAN be reasonable.”

Ashe mutters indignations as Redheart looks her over. A few minutes later she looks up.

“It appears you’re on the road to recovery. All your vital signs are normal and your stitches are holding up nicely.”

Ashe nods. “Naturally.”

“You still need to rest and let your body heal though. Don’t think just because it feels better it IS better!”

“Yes, yes! I’ll have my servants wait on me talon and paw!”

“Thank you, Nurse Redheart. We’ll let you get back to work now.”

Arc pushes the wheelchair out of the Infirmary and toward the Cafeteria. Ashe’s stomach growls.

“Time to eat now?”

“Yes. And by the smell of things, pancakes are on the menu.”

Rose giggles. “I think that’s your favorite breakfast food, isn’t it Arc?”

“I’d rather have a Shelly Burger. But somehow I don’t think whoever is cooking could handle that particular meal request.”

They enter the Cafeteria. Arc pushes Ashe up to a table as Rose heads for the Kitchen.

“I’ll get you two something.”

Thanks, Rose.”

She disappears into the Kitchen. Ashe looks out the window anxiously.

“I’ll certainly be glad to be off this tub!”

Arc nods. “Me too.”

Ashe turns to him. “I’m sure you’re anxious to see the Griffon Kingdom again, but…”

“No. I’ll be happy to get you off my ship!”

Ashe looks down her beak at him. “Oh really? Is my presence too much for you?”

“Actually, yes.”

Ashe smiles smugly. “I can understand that.”

“No you can’t!”

“What IS your problem?!”

Arc points a finger in Ashe’s face. “YOU! Since the moment you showed up, everyone’s been nothing but nice to you!”

“As they should.”

“But you’ve been nothing but stuck-up and rude!”

Ashe shrugs. “Can I help it that I’m just a higher class of griffon than everyone is used to?!”

“Actually, you can!”

“Oh?”

“BY SHUTTING UP!”

Ashe looks at him irately as Rose walks over with their food. “Now see here…!”

“Here you are.”

Rose sets the plate down in front of Ashe. The young griffon glares at her.

“Where’s the whipped cream?!”

“I couldn’t carry everything.”

Ashe knocks the plate off the table. “Now clean up this mess and get me some fresh food, you walking garbage can!”

Arc takes his plate from Rose. “You don’t have to do that, Rose. I’ll handle it.”

He looks over his plate for a moment before dumping its contents on Ashe’s head. Her face is red with fury.

“How… DARE YOU!!! I…!”

Arc stands up. “Sorry. I forgot something”

Arc picks up the bottle of syrup and pours its contents on Ashe’s head.

“Much better.”

Ashe appears too angry to speak as Arc walks toward the door. Rose calls out after him.

“Wait, Arc! I’ll bring you another plate!”

Arc shakes his head, not looking back. Forget it. I’ve lost my appetite.”

Rose turns to Ashe.

“Shall I help you back to your quarters?”

“Y-yes…”

Ashe is silent as Rose pushes the wheelchair back to her room. She turns on the shower and adjusts the water temperature before looking over to Ashe.

“Shall I help you?”

“No. I’ll do it myself.”

Ashe slowly rises and steps into the shower.

“I’ll wait for you out here.”

Ashe nods as Rose steps out of the Bathroom. She mutters to herself.

“Impressive. No one has ever had the courage to lift a talon against me before. Perhaps there is more to Lord Arc than meets the eye.”

A short time later Ashe calls for Rose. She enters the Bathroom, turns off the water, and helps Ashe dry herself.

“I’m sorry.”

Ashe looks over genuinely surprised. You are?!

Rose nods as she works. “Yes. For Arc’s behavior back there.”

“Is he always like that?”

Rose shakes her head as she carefully dries around Ashe’s wound. “No. But he’s very… protective of certain individuals.”

“A common guard?”

“I’m… special to him.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “I see. So you’re his personal concubine then?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. I’m his friend.”

“Lord Arc is a very… interesting individual. I’d like to get to know him better.”

“Why?! So you can try to kill him again?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “I tried that once, remember? Somehow I don’t believe another attempt would be fruitful.”

Rose breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. I don’t want to see anything bad happen to him.”

Ashe scoffs. “Are you trying to tell me a machine like you can have feelings?!”

Rose sighs. “Not really. They’re just lines of code in my memory banks.”

“Yes. You and I are VERY different.”

Rose helps Ashe slowly lie down on the bed. She steps back as Ashe makes herself comfortable.

“That may be. But if you try to hurt Arc again, I’ll make you regret it!”

Ashe chuckles. “A beast protecting its master. How droll.”

“I’m not helpless you know!”

“Oh yes. I saw you with that magnificent spear the other day. Tell me, where is it now?”

“I gave it back to Arc. After all, it IS his weapon.”

“So you’re unarmed now? How would you stop me?”

Rose calls forth her R-Cannon. She smirks as she aim it at Ashe’s face.

“To be honest, I AM a weapon!”

Ashe looks at her nervously. “You… you wouldn’t!”

Rose frowns. “I will if I believe you intend to hurt Arc.”

Ashe sighs. “Very well.”

Rose recalls her weapon. “Thank you.”

She walks over to the door.

“I’ll get Nurse Redheart to rebandage you now.”

“Very well.”

Rose leaves, but returns in a few minutes with the nurse who is levitating a small black bag with her magic.

“Had a bit of a mishap?”

Ashe looks away nervously. “Something like that.”

Redheart walks over to the bedside. “I’ll have you bandaged back up in just a few minutes.”

She gets to work. True to her word fresh linens are applied in a short time.

“Try to be more careful in the meantime.”

Ashe looks at the nurse huffily. “Why?! Is this not your job?!”

Redheart narrows her eyes as he repacks her bag. “You wouldn’t want your wounds to get infected, now would you?”

“I… suppose not.”

Rose nods as the nurse heads for the door. “Thank you, Nurse Redheart.”

“Just doing my job.”

As she opens the door, Redheart sees Arc raising his hand to knock.

“Oh! Hello there, sir.”

“Hi, Nurse Redheart. Um… everything okay in here?”

“Yes sir. I was just tending to Lady Ashe’s wounds.”

“I see. Thank you for taking such good care of her. I’ll let you get back to it then.”

Redheart shakes her head. “I just finished.”

Arc steps aside to allow Redheart to leave. He then enters the room himself and closes the door behind him as he turns to Rose.

“How is she?”

“Much better after a shower.”

Ashe frowns at him. “You could have just asked ME, you know?!”

Arc does not look over to her. “I’m not really interested in talking to YOU!”

“How DARE YOU!!! Don’t you know who you’re dealing with?!”

“A better question would be… do I CARE?!”

“You SHOULD!”

“Well, I don’t! But we’ll be landing shortly.”

Ashe turns up her beak. “Good! I don’t want to be aboard this ship any longer than I have to!”

Arc frowns. “We agree on that much!”

Rose steps between them. “She probably just wants to go home, Arc.”

“Yes. Back to her cushy couch and innumerable servants to be at her beck and call.

Ashe glares at him as he walks toward her.

“Let’s get you to the main hatch. Your father will meet us as soon as we land.”

“Good! It will be nice to put some distance between the two of us!”

Rose helps Ashe into the wheelchair as Arc removes the Spear of Righteousness from his ring and hands it to Rose.

“Ready to guard me again?”

Rose takes the spear happily. “Always!”

Arc pushes Ashe out of the room and toward the Main Hatch. They stop in front of the door as the ship slowly descends.

“You remember our deal?”

Ashe frowns. “I’m trying very hard to forget it, but yes.”

Arc nods. “Good.”

Ashe shoots him a withering look.

“I know what to do.”

The ship touches down. As Arc pushes Ashe onto the deck Lord Gestal along with several guards and a doctor fly aboard. As he sees his daughter a look of pure joy spreads across his face.

“ASHE!!!”

He hurries over to his daughter and embraces her.

“Oh my sweet daughter! I’ve been so worried about you!”

Ashe winces. “F-father! My side!”

Gestal steps back quickly. “My apologies!”

He turns to the doctor.

“Get her to the Infirmary at once!”

“Yes, Lord Gestal.”

He motions for medics to approach. They transfer Ashe to a stretcher and rush away with her. The others follow quickly behind them as they rush into an examination room. The doctor turns to Gestal.

“I’ll examine your daughter right away, Lord Gestal.”

“See to it you do your best, doctor!”

“Yes sir.”

The door closes and Gestal immediately begins pacing. He turns to Arc.

“What did your doctor say about Ashe’s condition?”

“She was in very bad shape when we found her. But according to our ship’s Chief Medical Officer, she should recover with proper rest.”

Gestal looks nervously at the door. “I mean no offense, but I won’t be satisfied until our own doctor gives his report.”

“I understand, sir.”

A short time later the doctor emerges from the room.

“Please come in, Lord Gestal.”

Arc and Gestal hurry inside the room as Rose and the other Honor Guards remain outside. Gestal rushes to his daughter’s side and takes her talon.

“How is she?!”

“My initial examination shows she’s taken quite the beating, sir.”

“Oh dear! Will she be alright?!”

“Yes sir. With rest and proper monitoring, Lady Ashe will make a full recovery.”

“Thank goodness!”

Gestal looks at his daughter.

“What happened, Ashe?!”

Ashe looks up at her father and speaks in a frightened tone. “After the rebels kidnapped me I was blindfolded and taken to their base. They wanted me to give them information about what you’ve been up to. When I refused…”

She begins to cry.

“…when I refused, they… they started beating me!”

Gestal puts a talon around her. “There, there my dear. It’s over now.”

He looks to the doctor.

“How badly did they hurt her?!”

The doctor looks over his notes. “There were quite a few bumps, bruises and lacerations. However, two of them are quite severe.”

“Where?!”

He walks over and points to her side. “There is a deep knife wound here. However, it appears Lord Arc’s medical staff has already treated it.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Our Chief Medical Officer already took care of the worst of it.”

“The other injury of note is here.”

He points a talon at Ashe’s neck.

“I took an x-ray of that area. It appears there are many small lacerations.”

“But why?!”

“My professional opinion is that it was meant to inflict great amounts of physical pain.”

Gestal appears horrified. “She was TORTURED?!”

The doctor nods. “I believe so, yes. These lacerations are quite deep, sadly indicating a prolonged session.”

Gestal carefully hugs his daughter. “Oh, Ashe! I’m so sorry this happened!”

Ashe winces through the tears. “I’ll be alright, father.”

He smiles at Ashe and turns back to Arc”

“How did you find her, Lord Arc?!”

“Lady Ashe was discovered shortly after our ship landed back in Canterlot by our ground crews. She was in very bad shape at the time!”

“Why… why would they DO this?!”

“I believe it was to sabotage our new alliance, Lord Gestal.”

“What? How?”

“It’s my opinion that the rebels, upon failing to gain any information from Lady Ashe, decided to smuggle her aboard my ship. They probably figured she would bleed out and die aboard our vessel. Then when her body was discovered, it would look like Equestria was responsible for her death.”

Gestal frowns. “Monstrous!”

Ashe nods sadly. “Yes, father. War between our nations would have soon followed!”

Gestal walks over to Arc and extends a talon. “Thank you, Lord Arc. Thank you for bringing my daughter home safely. And so quickly!”

“It was my… pleasure, Lord Gestal.”

“This show of Generosity will further cement our partnership with Equestria!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I believe this is the beginning of a prosperous relationship.”

A Griffon Guard quickly enters the room and approaches Lord Gestal.

“Forgive the intrusion, sir, but there is a situation that requires your attention.”

Gestal turns to the guard, angrily. “Don’t you see I’m busy?!”

Ashe smiles up at him. “I’ll be alright, father. Go! Duty calls.”

“You’re right. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“I’ll stay with her until you get back, sir.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc.”

Gestal turns to the guard.

“Lead the way.”

The pair leave the room together. Ashe turns to the doctor.

“Leave us.”

“Yes, Lady Ashe.”

He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Ashe turns to Arc and glares at him.

“I hope you’re happy!”

Arc nods. “Very. But remember that this deal is beneficial to both of us.”

“That much I understand, peasant! Equestria gets to avoid war, and my secret stays under wraps.”

“See? We both win.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “I don’t see this as anything remotely resembling a win! That and I still don’t see how I owe you a favor.”

“That tumor would have killed you.”

Ashe sighs. “Fine. I’ll speak to my father when he returns.”

Chapter 7 - Servitude

A short time later Lord Gestal returns. He immediately heads to his daughter’s side.

“My apologies, my dear.”

“It’s fine, father.”

“Now then, Ashe. I know it must be hard for you right now, but is there anything you can tell us about your kidnappers?”

“Not much, father. I was blindfolded the whole time. But I did overhear something when they thought I was unconscious.”

“Good! Every bit of information helps, my dear!”

“They were talking about someone named Lieutenant Natalya.”

Gestal frowns. “Natalya?! That traitor?! What did they say?!”

“That’s just it, father! The rebels were talking about how they had made her their patsy!”

Arc feigns surprise. “Wait! So she really isn’t the Rebel Leader?!”

“I guess not, Lord Arc. Their real leader did sound like they were enjoying a good laugh over it though.”

Gestal frowns. “Hmmm… it may also have been part of a larger plan for us to release the lieutenant. She could then disappear without a trace.”

“With all due respect father, I don’t believe so. At one point they quickly came to attention when someone entered the room.”

“Who was it?”

“The real leader.”

“It could still have been part of the ruse, my dear. Or perhaps the griffon who took over for them.”

Arc shrugs. “That is possible. Have you been able to get anything out of Lieutenant Natalya, sir?”

Gestal shakes her head. “No. She still maintains her innocence.”

“I believe she is, father. The lieutenant was General Blackbeak’s aide, was she not?”

“Yes. What does that…?”

“So she had a great number of chances to cause trouble.”

“That she did, I suppose.”

Ashe nods. “What about her record? Anything there?”

Gestal shakes his head. “Clean.”

“She’s a model officer. Why would she turn on us?”

Gestal sighs. “There is wisdom in your words, my dear. But I’m afraid we can’t take the risk. The lieutenant must either be imprisoned until the real leader is found or executed.”

Arc frowns. “That seems a bit extreme a punishment for suspicion, isn’t it Lord Gestal?”

“Security must come first, Lord Arc.”

“But what if they try to free her?”

“Then they will fail.”

“We haven’t had much luck holding rebels thus far, father.”

“What would you suggest I do then, Ashe?”

Arc steps forward. “Lord Gestal, might I be of service?”

“You have an idea, Lord Arc?”

“Equestria would be willing to take Lieutenant Natalya off your hands.”

“You have a secure prison?”

“Probably about as secure as your own. What I’m suggesting is putting an ocean between the Griffon Kingdom and her. I doubt she would be able to fly all the way back here.”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin. “I still believe holding her would be the most prudent action.”

“Father! She’s innocent!”

Gestal sighs. “Very well. If you will take personal responsibility for her, I will transfer the lieutenant to your possession, Lord Arc.”

Arc looks confused. “Possession?”

Ashe nods soberly. “Criminals are sometimes sold into slavery to pay for their crimes, Lord Arc.”

“I’m not completely certain, but I don’t believe the law allows for slavery in Equestria.”

Gestal nods. “Perhaps not. But the Hero of Light is above the law, are they not?”

“Well… I suppose so.”

Ashe turns to him. “Then you are probably the only citizen of your country who could own her.”

“So what will you do, Lord Arc? Will you take Natalya as a slave, or shall I keep her in our dungeons?”

Arc sighs. “I’ll take her.”

“Very well. I will have ownership papers drawn up at once. The prisoner will be delivered to your ship as soon as possible.”

“Papers?”

Ashe frowns. “A title of ownership. You’ll need them to legally take her out of the country. They’re very similar to a deed for land.”

Gestal shrugs. “Well, both are property.”

“I’ll see to it she’s cared for until the real leader is found.”

“You do not understand, Lord Arc. She will belong to you, and serve YOU! Just remember her actions will be your responsibility.”

“Understood.”

“Very good. Now then, I need to get Ashe home and safely to her bed. If you’d like you may come along and have a light snack with me at my estate while we wait for those papers.”

“Thank you. I accept.”

Gestal walks toward the door, opens it, and motions for a couple medics to enter. They carefully transfer Ashe to a gurney and wheel her out the door. Arc and Gestal follow them.

“I have an armored chariot waiting outside for us along with a large contingent of elite military guards.”

Arc looks to Gestal. “The rebels won’t fight the military?”

“They’re welcome to try. I’d certainly welcome the entertainment, as well as the opportunity to thin their ranks.”

Ashe frowns. “They just might. Remember father, they were very daring to kidnap and beat me. Doesn’t that show you they mean business?”

“All it shows me is that they are a threat that needs to be cut out, Ashe. And I intend to make that a reality.”

Ashe shudders at the thought.

“Are you cold, my dear?”

“I… yes, a bit.”

“You’ll be home in your nice warm bed shortly.”

They leave the Aviary. The medics load Ashe into the oversized chariot as her father and Arc join her. The doors are closed and they begin the short ride to the estate. Gestal takes Ashe’s talon as he sits down next to her gurney.

“I’m so very happy you’re safe, my dear!”

“Thank you father. But you look very tired. Have you been sleeping poorly?”

Gestal shakes his head. “I have been unable to do so since your disappearance, Ashe.”

Ashe gently pushes her father’s back into his seat. “Please father, take a nap.”

“I will when we get home, my dear.”

“You worry about me too much.”

Gestal nods. “Some things are worth losing sleep over, my dear.”

A short time later they arrive at the estate. It has been transformed into a veritable fortress of crossbow wielding heavy soldiers. Ashe raises her head to look out a window.

“How many soldiers are out there father?!”

“As many as it takes to protect you, Ashe.”

The chariot stops behind the house. Several servants approach and remove Ashe’s gurney. They carry her into the mansion as Arc and Gestal follow them to Ashe’s room. Gestal smiles as the servants carefully lower her into bed.

“You will be safe here, my dear.”

Ashe sighs. “I am certain of that, father. Now will you please go to bed?! You’re asleep on your talons!”

Gestal yawns slightly. “I will later, Ashe. First I must send orders to the dungeon regarding Lieutenant Natalya and see to our guest.”

“If you would like to take a nap, I more than understand, Lord Gestal.”

“Thank you Lord Arc, but it shouldn’t take long for my orders to be carried out. Now then, let us leave Ashe to rest.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard, father.”

“I won’t, my dear.”

“Don’t worry, Lady Ashe. I’ll see to it your father goes to bed before I leave.”

“I… thank you, Lord Arc.”

Arc and Gestal leave the room. Ashe smirks and makes herself comfortable.

“All according to plan.”

Meanwhile, Gestal leads Arc down a beautiful hallway toward the Dining Room. Arc looks around.

“You have a beautiful home, sir.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc. My late wife was quite the decorator.”

“I’m sorry.”

Gestal sighs. “It has been many long years since she passed. Yet Ashe and I still miss her. One never truly gets over the loss of one so close to them.”

Arc nods soberly. “That much I can attest to.”

They arrive at the Dining Room to find a full 5-star feast laid out before them. Arc grins as they sit down.

“You certainly don’t do anything halfway, sir!”

“For the savior of my daughter, I spare no expense. Please enjoy it.”

Gestal turns to a servant.

“Notify the Aviary dungeon that I require ownership papers for my prisoner, Lieutenant Natalya. Have them sent over immediately.”

They begin to eat as the servant steps back to carry out their orders.

“I hope my daughter wasn’t too much for you to handle, Lord Arc. She can be quite stubborn at times.”

“Everything was fine, sir.”

Gestal chuckles. “I doubt that. But thank you for putting up with my daughter nonetheless.”

“Yes, well… me made it here somehow.”

“Ashe… doesn’t have many friends, you see.”

Arc sighs. “That I can understand.”

“Yes, well… my position doesn’t allow her much freedom.”

Gestal sighs.

“I do wish she could have had more of a younglinghood. As it stands, I’m not sure what her future holds.”

Arc sighs as he looks down at his plate. “Now I’m wondering about my own daughter.”

“You have a family, Lord Arc?”

“A daughter and many good friends, yes.”

“Tell me, how do you balance your work and family life?”

Arc sighs, a tinge of guilt in his voice. “Not very well.”

“It seems we have that in common.”

“That we do.”

“It bothers you, does it not?”

“I haven’t really had time to think about it lately. So busy with the treaty and my numerous other duties.”

“As have I.”

Arc smiles. “Perhaps now we’ll finally have time to spend on the important things in life.”

Gestal raises his glass to Arc. “Here’s to that!”

They finish their meal as a messenger enters the Dining Room and approaches Lord Gestal.

“Papers from the Aviary, sir.”

Gestal accepts the sealed parcel. “Good. You may go.”

The messenger bows and quickly leaves the room. Gestal looks over the papers as he motions to another servant. They quickly bring him an inkwell. He signs the papers on several lines.

“There.”

He slides the papers to Arc and points to a line as another servant brings Arc and inkwell.

“Just sign here and here, Lord Arc.”

Arc sighs and does so. Gestal takes one of the papers and hands it off to a servant before pushing the other toward Arc.

“This copy will be filed in the Archives. The other copy is yours.”

“I, uh… thank you, sir.”

“The former lieutenant is now legally your property.”

“Can you explain to me what that means exactly?”

“It means just what I said. Her life and body are now owned by you. Berate her, beat her, violate her, or even kill her if the thought crosses your mind.”

“Not sure I like that idea.”

“Well, do with her what you will. She will be brought to your ship in about an hour.”

Arc nods and puts the paper in his ring as he stands up.

“Thank you… I guess. Um… why don’t I help you to bed though, sir? You look like you’re about to fall asleep in your chair.”

Gestal stands up slowly. “Yes, I do think I’ll take a nap.”

A servant leads them to the lord’s spacious quarters. Gestal turns to Arc wearily and gestures to his door.

“Would you come with me? There’s something I want to show you.”

Arc nods and follows Gestal. The room is luxurious even by griffon’s standards. Arc helps Gestal over to the bed.

“I know griffons aren’t much for help and all. But you kinda look like you need it right now.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

Gestal sits down wearily. He points a talon to the mantle.

“There’s a box over there. Would you bring it here?”

“Sure.”

Arc does so. Gestal takes the ornate wooden box and looks it over for a long moment.

“This has been passed down through my family over many generations. My father was given this by his father many years ago when he took over the Council of Lords. And I received it from him.”

Gestal opens the box to reveal a ceremonial knife of exquisite design. Its edge appears sharp enough to cut through anything.

“It’s quite the marvelous weapon!”

Gestal picks the knife up and unsheathes it. “The blade itself is pure Guardanium. A metal exclusive to our mountains.”

“Yes. You daughter was actually telling me about it on the way here.”

Gestal looks at the blade in his talons. “I… had hoped to pass it on to my heir to the council.”

“But…?”

“It does not appear Ashe will be following the family tradition of politics. She’s content to just sit in her room and rummage through the attic.”

“I don’t understand, Lord Gestal. Why are you telling me all this?”

“From the first day this blade was forged, it has been owned by a strong leader. Those who would lead the land to prosperity.”

They walk over to the window overlooking Griffonstone. Gestal looks over the city for a few moments before turning back to Arc.

“This land’s future has always been in my family’s talons. But… no matter what we do… nothing seems to help.”

“Help?”

“Heal the country. My grandfather told me that our land was one of peace and prosperity many long years ago. But now…”

He looks back out the window.

“…now we have nothing but turmoil and poverty.”

“The rebels?”

“Their ideals aren’t completely wrong, you know. Something new needs to happen to regain what was lost.”

“But you don’t think they’re what the country needs, do you?”

“I do not. Victory at any cost. Strike and retreat. Stealth and subterfuge. This is not the griffon way! In the old days…”

Arc interrupts him. “Forgive me sir, but just because something’s always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best or only way.”

Gestal sighs. “I am aware of that. But am at a loss on what to do. How to protect my land.”

He looks again at the knife in his talon as he sheathes it.

“This grand weapon… with Ashe’s unwillingness to lead… I had intended to give it to her future husband. A griffon of grand breeding and intelligence.”

“She’ll find someone someday, sir.”

Gestal nods. “I am certain she will but…”

He holds the knife in his talons another moment before slowly holding it out to Arc.

“…but I want you to have this, Lord Arc.”

“What?!”

“You may not be a griffon or of interest to my daughter, but… you’ve shown yourself to be a capable and shrewd leader. One who can protect his land and provide for its inhabitants.”

Arc respectfully takes the knife.

“I… thank you, sir. I’ll take good care of it.”

“I’m sure you will, Lord Arc. My ancestors fought through countless wars with this very blade on their side.”

“Well, I don’t know about taking it into battle or anything. But isn’t this a treasure to you?”

Gestal nods. “It was. Now it is just a painful reminder to me of what we’ve lost as a nation. Please accept it from one generation of leaders to the next.”

Arc nods.

“Just do me one favor, would you?”

“A favor?”

“If you should ever encounter the vile creature that did so much harm to my daughter and my land… use that knife to cut them down.”

Arc soberly nods and gestures toward the bed.

“Yes sir. But please take your daughter’s advice and get some rest.”

Gestal walks slowly to the bed. “Yes. I can sleep now knowing Ashe is safe.”

He lies down as Arc heads for the door.

“Thank you for the gift. I’ll see myself out so you can rest.”

“Lord Arc?”

Arc turns. “Yes?”

“Do not let the same fate befall your own land.”

“I’ll never let that happen, sir.”

“I’m certain you will do your best. But… your best isn’t always enough.”

Arc nods and leaves the room. Gestal sighs.

“Lieutenant Natalya. You’ll be safe with Lord Arc. Of this I am certain. If you only knew the truth about…”

Arc closes the door behind him. He looks down the hallway and at the knife in his hand as he walks toward the stairs. On the way he passes Ashe’s room.

“If Lord Gestal only knew what he really asked me to do.”

He stands before the double doors to Ashe’s room, knife in hand.

“No. Monstrous as she is, I can’t do that. Even to her.”

Turning around Arc heads down the hallway toward the main entrance. Meanwhile a secret passage behind a wardrobe in Ashe’s room opens. She looks over to it as the a griffon in a rebel cloak emerges.

“Glad to see you made it out of there, my friend.”

“Never mind me! How are YOU!”

“I have a few extra holes in me, but I’ll be fine. How did I get out of there?”

“By means of another item from our new sponsor.”

Ashe looks confused. “Some kind of weapon?”

The commander shakes his head. “No. Teleportation Magic.”

“HOW?!”

“Not sure how it works. But their device certainly saved you from getting captured.”

As he walks over the bed the commander doubles over in pain.

“You’re wounded!”

The commander straightens up.

“Its fine. Truth be told its almost healed up.”

“That isn’t possible. Let me see.”

The commander pushes their cloak aside to reveal a nicely healing wound.

“How?!”

“Our new sponsor gave me some kind of strange power.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “What kind of power?”

“The kind that can give us certain… advantages.”

Meanwhile, Arc leaves the manor and steps back out into the noonday sun. A griffon guard approaches him and salutes.

“Can we offer you secure transport back to the Aviary, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’d like that.”

He steps into the armored chariot. A short time later they stop in front of the Lunar Destiny. Arc gets out and turns to the griffons pulling the vehicle.

“Thanks for the ride.”

They nod and hurry away wordlessly. Arc sighs as he walks up the gangplank.

“I get the feeling they were too afraid to say anything back.”

Arc stands on the deck for a few minutes looking out over the city. A short time later he hears the sound of the main hatch opening and hoofsteps approaching. Turning Arc sees two Griffon Guards exiting the ship with Commander Soarin. He quickly walks over to Arc and salutes as the griffon’s fly away.

“S-sir? The guards just delivered a large bag to your room.”

Arc sighs nervously. “Oh. I…”

“It… um… sounded like it was moaning slightly.”

Arc quickly heads for the hatch. “Commander, tell the captain I want to get into the air as soon as possible!”

Soarin follows him into the ship. “Yes sir!”

“And have Nurse Redheart report to my quarters at once!”

Arc quickly heads for his room. Opening the door to his quarters he sees a burlap sack sitting in the middle of the floor. Rushing over to it Arc quickly opens the drawstring. Inside he finds a tied up griffon. Pulling her out as gently as he can Arc quickly cuts the ropes with his new knife and removes the blindfold and gag before putting two fingers to her throat to check for a pulse.

“Natalya? Can you hear me?”

Natalya slowly opens her swollen eyes and looks around the room before her gaze settles on him.

“L-Lord Arc… where… what…?”

“It’s okay! You’re safe here!”

She attempts to move. Natalya’s eyes are unfocused and she speaks weakly.

“I… everything hurts… so… much…”

“It’s okay now. The nurse is on her way.”

A moment later there is a knock at the door. Arc opens it with his magic and beckons Nurse Redheart over to him.

“Over here! Hurry!”

The nurse runs over to Natalya and begins her physical examination.

“What happened?!”

“She’s been severely beaten. They were probably trying to get her to confess.”

Redheart looks in Natalya’s eyes with a flashlight.

“Pupils aren’t responding to light. Her respiration is shallow, pulse weak. Let’s get her to the Infirmary.”

Arc nods and picks Natalya up. “Lead the way!”

They rush to the Infirmary as the ship takes off. Arc lays the injured griffon on a bed and steps back as Redheart sets up an IV bottle and a heart monitor.

“She’s dehydrated. Probably hasn’t eaten in a couple days either.”

Arc sighs. “Natalya…”

Redheart looks over the heart monitor.

“She has heart palpitations as well. The IV should rehydrate her quickly though.”

The nurse continues her examination, occasionally looking over at the heart monitor.

“Her heart sounds better now that there’s some water in her. I’m also giving her a nutrient solution to help recover her strength.”

“Will she be okay?”

“Yes, she’ll be fine. I don’t feel any broken bones, but I’ll x-ray her just to be sure.”

“Whatever you feel is necessary.”

Arc watches as the portable x-ray machine is set up. They head into her office as it does its job. A short time later they look over the pictures. Redheart nods.

“No broken bones. However she’s sustained significant tissue damage.”

“What from?”

“I’d say repeated blows from a blunt object. Most likely a club of some kind.”

“How do we help her?”

“She mostly just needs to rest and allow her body to heal on its own. A good night’s sleep will do wonders for her.”

Arc looks to Natalya. “So you think she’ll be up and around by tomorrow?”

“Moving around, yes. But very stiff and sore. She needs to walk around to help the healing process though.”

“Anything else I can do?”

“She’s probably traumatized after what happened. Try to keep her calm and convince her she’s safe here.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“One more thing. I know you’re probably busy, but it would be best if she didn’t wake up here.”

“Oh?”

“She’s better off in normal quarters with a friendly face to greet her when she opens her eyes.”

“I’ll take care of her. Is she cleared to leave the Infirmary?”

Redheart nods. “Yes. She should have quite a bit of dull pain. Let me know if she feels any sharp pain, as that could indicate complications.”

Arc turns to the bed. “I understand. Thank you again, Nurse Redheart.”

Redheart sighs as Arc picks Natalya up. “It looks like she’s had a rough time of it. Hopefully that’s behind her now.”

“I hope so too. Will she be out long?”

“She should awaken soon. Now that her body is properly hydrated, that is.”

Arc leaves the Infirmary and returns to his room. Entering he walks over to the bed and lies Natalya down. Grabbing a chair from the table with his magic he pulls it to the bedside, takes her talon in his hand, and sits down.

“Natalya, I… I’m sorry.”

Arc feels the talon quivering in his hand as its grip tightens. A single tear courses down Natalya’s cheek. He sits with her for an hour or so before she slowly opens her eyes.

“W-what…? Where… am I…?”

Arc gives her talon a squeeze. “You’re safe aboard the Lunar Destiny, Natalya.”

She slowly turns her head to look at him as her eyes focus on his face.

“Lord… Arc…? I… I thought I was… to be… sold into…”

“How do you feel?”

“Sore… and so… so tired.”

“I had our ship’s Chief Medical Officer look you over already. Nothing was broken fortunately.”

Natalya puts a talon to her face but quickly draws it back. “Yuck! I’m… filthy!”

She looks around at her surroundings again before her gaze falls on the bed. Natalya jumps off the as quickly as she is able.

“Lord Arc, I…!”

Her legs give out and she falls forward off the side of the bed. Arc catches her and wraps his arms around her. Together they drop to the floor as Natalya’s head hits Arc’s chest. She scrambles to get up, clearly mortified.

“Sir, I… please forgive my clumsiness! I…!”

She falls to the floor again.

“Forgive me, but I’m having trouble standing, sir.”

Arc nods as he gets up. “Considering your condition, that’s understandable. How about we get you cleaned up though?”

“Yes sir.”

She attempts to rise, but cannot. Arc walks over and takes her talon.

“Let me help you.”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

Arc leads her to the Bathroom and helps her into the tub. He adjusts the water and picks up the nozzle. Natalya reaches up to him.

“Thank you, sir. I can take it from here.”

Arc hands her the nozzle. As she attempts to take it, it falls to the shower floor. Natalya attempts to pick it back up but is unable to hold it for more than a moment. Arc leans down and takes it. He begins spraying her down.

“I’ll do it.”

Natalya nods.

Arc looks at the stream of black water snaking its way to the drain. “You weren’t kidding about being dirty!”

“I… I’m sorry, sir.”

“What for?”

“For my hygiene. I don’t believe the cell I was in had ever been cleaned.”

She looks away and lowers her voice.

“That and it didn’t have a… toilet.”

“That explains the other smell.”

Natalya blushes feverishly. “Sorry!”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll get you cleaned up. This doesn’t hurt, does it?”

“No, sir. I… it actually feels good on my bruises.”

Arc picks up a bar of soap and gets a good lather going. “Let’s start with your head. Close your eyes.”

Natalya does so. Arc washes her head with the heavy lathering soap before carefully rinsing it out. He then moves on to her back.

“That looks much better. Just let me know if what I’m doing hurts you, okay?”

Natalya nods as Arc lathers her back.

“Any sharp pain?”

“No sir. But I don’t think I’ve ever been this sore in my life.”

Arc rinses her off. “Good.”

“Sir?”

“I was told sharp pain would indicate something was wrong. Sounds like you’re on your way to recovery.”

Natalya shudders. “I don’t know about that. The things they did to me…”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I… they asked me so many questions. I can’t remember just how many, but… I didn’t have answers for any of them, save for one.”

“Which was that?”

“They asked over and over again if I was the leader of the rebels.”

“What did you tell them?”

“The truth! I’m not with the rebels! Much less the leader!”

Arc nods. “I believe you.”

“You do?”

“Yes. Now roll over and let me take a look at your underside.”

“Yes sir.”

She does so. Her matted coat and feathers are black with filth and grim.

“I know it’s not a pretty sight down there, sir. Forgive my appearance.”

“We’ll fix that.”

It takes several attempts but eventually the water snaking away from Natalya runs clear.

“Sorry for being such a bother, Lord Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it.”

Chapter 8 - Natalya's New Life

Arc finishes cleaning Natalya and helps her out of the tub. He pats her dry before leading her back to the room.

“Thank you. That feels MUCH better, sir!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. No problem.”

Natalya slowly limps over to the bag on the floor.

“I should probably get rid of this.”

As she moves to pick it up, Natalya spots an envelope attached. She picks it up and looks it over.

“It’s addressed to you, sir.”

Arc takes the envelope sadly. “Thank you. I think I know what this is.”

“Sir, I’m a bit confused by all this. Well, I suppose ‘relieved’ would be the word.”

Arc nods as he opens the envelope and pulls out the papers. “About which part?”

“I was told I was being sold into slavery. Something must have come up at the last second though. Did you have anything to do with that?”

“Um… kinda.”

“Well thank you, sir. I don’t think I’d have done well as a slave.”

Arc looks over the papers and shakes his head.

“Something wrong, Lord Arc?”

“Yeah. Um… you’ve been discharged.”

“I’m confused. What for?”

Arc hands her the papers. “There’s no reason listed.”

Natalya sits down on her haunches, her talons shaking as she looks over the paper. She looks up at Arc and speaks in a weak voice.

“But… but I didn’t even DO anything!”

Arc nods soberly. “I know that, Natalya.”

Natalya sighs as she hands him back the paper. “Well… at least I’m not a slave.”

“I think you better see this.”

Arc gives her the other paper. Her eyes grow wide as the tears begin to fall.

“I… I’m a… a slave to you now?”

“Yes, Natalya. I’m sorry this happened.”

Natalya gives back the paper and turns around. “I… understand.”

She slowly lowers her head to the ground and lifts her tail to expose her nether regions.

“Go ahead…”

Arc looks at her confused. “Um… what?”

“When a female griffon is enslaved, their new master has to show their dominance by taking the slave and… abusing them.”

“Natalya, put your tail down! I’m not doing that to you!”

Natalya slowly stands upright and turns to Arc. “Th-thank you, si… master.”

“Please don’t call me that.”

“But you own me now.”

“I’m not really interested in having a slave, Natalya. How do I free you?”

Natalya shakes her head. “A slave is only freed when their master dies. I’ll do my very best to serve you in whatever capacity you need me though.”

Arc frowns. “Wait! So I CAN’T free you?!”

“Not legally, no.”

“Can’t I just order you to not be a slave anymore?”

“No. I’m yours for the end of your days.”

“What if I told you to just be my slave on paper? You’ll have total free will, total choice of where to live, and what to do with your life.”

Natalya puts a talon to her chin. “I… suppose you could order that, yes. But no matter what I’ll still be your property.”

“Okay. Natalya, I order you to be as free as you want then. You can do anything you want without my permission.”

A small smile creeps across her face. “Yes, Lord Arc. Thank you very much!”

“You don’t have to call me that anymore.”

“Call you what?”

“Lord Arc.”

“Do you have another name?”

“Just Arc.”

Natalya is nearly frantic. “What?! Please no! I… it just wouldn’t be proper for a commoner like me to call you that!”

Arc sighs. “Very well. You can call me something else if you really want to. One thing though. You must NEVER call me ‘master’ ever again.”

“Yes sir. I understand. You are my master, but I am not to call you that.”

“Good. Now how about we get you something to eat? Hungry?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. I haven’t eaten since we last saw one another.”

“You still sore?”

“Yes, sir. The shower helped a lot. But I’m still pretty stiff.”

“I’ll have something brought here then.”

Arc touches his earring. Lemon Hearts acknowledges his call. A short time later a platter of sandwiches is brought to the room. Natalya eats ravenously.

“Careful now. I don’t want you choking.”

“Forgive me, sir. I’m just so very hungry!”

“It’s okay.”

Arc takes a sandwich for himself and looks out the window as they approach the ocean. He turns to Natalya.

“Fancy a look?”

Natalya walks over to him. “What, sir?”

“I just thought you’d like to see the shores of you homeland before we go. You probably won’t be coming back here for quite some time.”

Natalya sighs as she puts a talon on the glass. “I’ll miss it, but will do my best to make a new home for myself in Equestria.”

“That’s all that can be done right now.”

“Sir? Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why was I enslaved?”

Arc frowns. “Lord Gestal wasn’t completely certain you weren’t the Rebel Leader. I volunteered to take you out of the country when I left.”

Natalya looks confused. “Didn’t you leave the other day though?”

“I had to turn around and come right back. Lady Ashe was aboard my ship.”

“What was she doing here?!”

“It’s… complicated. Needless to say, Lord Gestal allowed me to choose your fate. Slavery to me, or execution.”

“Thank you for sparing my life, sir! I hope I wasn’t too costly.”

Arc looks back out the window. “You were a reward for returning Lady Ashe safely.”

Natalya sighs. “Then you were underpaid for certain. I’m not worth much.”

Arc shakes his head. “I disagree. You’re a very strong, smart officer.”

“I was.”

“There’s still good you can do in Equestria. Believe me, I know what it’s like to suddenly have to leave your homeland.”

They are silent for a time as the view of land gives way to the ocean. Natalya sighs.

“Goodbye… Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder.

“You can stay with me until you get on your feet.”

“Thank you. I’m sure Gallus will like that.”

“Yes. He’ll enjoy you being around on a more permanent basis.”

Natalya sighs. “That and learning I’m not in the military anymore.”

“Things don’t always go the way we plan them, Natalya. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.”

“Yes sir. I’m just feeling a bit down about the whole thing.”

Arc nods. That’s understandable. You worked so hard to get where you were. And in an instant it was taken from you.”

“That it was. But you gave me something greater in return, sir.”

“I did?”

“My life, and the freedom to choose my own path.”

“Where I’m from originally, that’s a right.”

“A what?”

“A right. Meaning it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are on the socioeconomic ladder. Some things you should just be able to do. But we can talk about this later. I’m sure you’re very tired from your ordeal.”

“I really am.”

Arc gestures toward the bed.

“Why don’t we get these sheets changed so you can take a nap.”

“Here?!”

Arc shrugs. “Might as well. I have some work to do and you need a place to sleep.”

Natalya removes the sheets while Arc fetches fresh ones from a cabinet. Together they make the bed. Nataly lies down.

“Are you sure this is okay, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Get some rest. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Thank you.”

Arc leaves the room and walks to the office. Sitting down in the chair behind the desk he picks up the phone. Lemon Hearts’ voice comes over the receiver.

“Yes sir?”

“I need to report to the princesses on the status of my mission.”

“I’ll connect you to Canterlot Castle at once sir.”

“Thank you.”

A few minutes later Arc is connected. Luna and Cadance’s voices sound nearly frantic.

“Arc! Is everything alright?!”

“Yes Luna. Lady Ashe is safely resting in her father’s estate.”

“Were they… upset?”

“No, Princess Cadance. But at the same time they don’t really know the truth about what happened.”

Luna frowns. “How so?”

“I made a deal with Ashe. She agreed to tell her father it was the rebels whom hurt her. In return, I wouldn’t tell her father that she’s the leader of the organization.”

Cadance sounds nervous. “Do you think she’ll keep her end of the bargain?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I was there when she told Lord Gestal. Changing her tune now would only show that she can’t be trusted.”

“So the situation is rectified then?”

“Yes. That part is, Luna.”

“What about Lieutenant Natalya? Were they able to determine her innocence?”

Arc sighs. “No. But I was able to convince Lord Gestal, with Ashe’s help, that she needed to be released.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “So she’s free now?”

“Not… exactly.”

Luna frowns. “Explain.”

“She was more of a loose end to him. The choice was either execute her or have me take her as my… um… slave.”

Cadance glares at the phone. “ARC!”

“I’ve already told her she’s free!”

Luna puts a hoof to her forehead. “Where is she now?”

“In my room aboard ship resting. Their interrogation methods were not kind.”

Cadance sighs. “So will she be accompanying you back to Ponyville?”

“For now, yes. I think she’ll want to be closer to her younger brother anyways.”

Luna nods. “So all in all, the situation has been set right?”

“Yes, all is well between our nations. I was even given a gift by Lord Gestal.”

Cadance frowns. “Other than the lieutenant?”

“Indeed. A knife made of the same material as the bolt from earlier.”

Luna looks surprised. “That strange black metal?”

“Yes.”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “Perhaps we can learn something from it if we analyze this material.”

Arc pulls the knife out of his ring and toys with it as he continues.

“Maybe. But it’s a family heirloom to Lord Gestal. Us melting it down wouldn’t sit well with him. That and I gotta tell you, this thing looks REALLY cool!”

Luna smiles. “I’ll have to take a look at it when next we meet, Arc.”

“Yes, it must be quite the sight to see if you’re so enamored with it.”

“It was a nice bonus for this mission. But there was something else I didn’t even think of.”

Luna sounds confused. “Oh?”

“This act of goodwill toward Lord Gestal has helped strengthen the bond between our nations.”

“When I signed the treaty I was worried it would simply be letters on a paper. Perhaps this shows that the griffons are not so callous with their words.”

Cadance shakes her head angrily. “From a nation whom would sell one of its citizens into slavery, that means little to me!”

“I agree Princess Cadance. But soon we’ll have to put this relationship to the test. When the charges against Lord Goldstone are brought forward, we’ll need allies in their government who will stand with us.”

Luna chuckles. “You’re becoming quite the diplomat, Arc.”

“Am I?”

Cadance nods. “While I don’t believe that was your intention, you have indeed positioned yourself between our two nations quite strategically.”

“It sounds bad when you say it like that, Princess Cadance.”

Luna sighs. “Politics is often a dirty game. It is very difficult to play in the mud without soiling oneself.”

“True. However you’ve been able to stay on the up and up for the most part, Arc.”

“I didn’t like lying to Lord Gestal like that. But did I really have a choice? Had I been honest he would have laughed at me! I mean, his own daughter the leader of the rebels? I know it’s true and even I don’t believe it!”

“I’ve played this game for far longer than I’d like to remember, Arc. Let me give you a piece of advice. Don’t lose sights of your original goal. Remember why you are there.”

Arc nods soberly. “Raven. This all started for her benefit, but…”

He sighs.

“…there are so many that are suffering in the Griffon Kingdom. Until I met with Lady Ashe aboard ship, I momentarily thought that maybe the rebels would lead the country better.”

Luna nods. “I see. And what do you think now?”

“That Lady Ashe’s reign would be no different than the current king and council. She would do whatever it took to stay in power.”

Cadance sighs. “You’re probably right.”

“Let us hope we don’t have to put that idea to the test, Cadance.”

“Agreed. Well, I’ll let you two get back to work now. I just wanted to assure you everything went well on this end.”

“Yes, Arc. Thank you for the call. Goodbye.”

Luna hangs up the receiver and leans back in her chair as Cadance paces in front of the desk.

“That was a close call. Had Lady Ashe not agreed to work with Arc…”

“I’m sure he would have thought of something. But you are right, Cadance.”

Meanwhile, Arc hangs up the phone on his end and sighs.

“How far am I willing to go? While I do want to get justice for Raven, I also don’t want to become just another thoughtless politician.”

He sighs and stands up.

“I should get back to Natalya. This has to be so hard on her.”

Returning to his room Arc finds Natalya asleep. She appears quite frightened by something though. Arc walks over to her.

“Nightmares…”

He sits down on the side of the bed and gently strokes her back.

“It’s okay, Natalya. I’m here.”

Natalya calms down somewhat as she hears his whispers of encouragement.

Arc sighs and mutters to himself. “I can’t image what they did to you in that dungeon. But you’ll be safe in Equestria.”

Early the next morning Natalya awakens. Seeing the first rays of light shining through the window she sighs contentedly.

“It wasn’t just a dream. I really am out of that place.”

Feeling something warm on her back, Natalya turns her head to see Arc sitting up in bed against the bedframe.

“L-Lord Arc?!”

Arc opens his eyes and responds sleepily.

“Good morning, Natalya.”

Natalya blushes. “G-good morning, sir. Um… did you need something?”

“Sorry for making you uncomfortable. You were rather… upset last night.”

“Yes. The past few days have been hard. They’re still fresh in my mind as well.”

“I’ll see about getting you in to see a therapist when we get back to Ponyville.”

“I don’t think…”

“Had you seen yourself last night, you’d agree with me.”

Natalya turns back to Arc. “What did I do?”

“Thrashing, crying and begging for mercy mostly.”

“I… um…”

Arc puts a hand on her back. “We have an excellent therapist in Ponyville. She’ll help you come to terms with this terrible event.”

“Yes sir.”

“We just have to make a quick stop before returning to Ponyville. Is that okay?”

“It’s fine, sir. You’re in charge here anyways. If I may ask, where are we heading?”

Arc smiles. “A place very near and dear to my heart.”

He stands up and looks out the window.

“We should be there soon. Let’s head over to the main hatch.”

Opening the door Arc finds Rose waiting for him.

“Oh! My apologies, but I came to tell you we’ll be landing shortly, Arc.”

“Yes. We were just heading toward the hatch. Care to join us?”

“I would, yes.”

“Let’s go then.”

Natalya nods and follows him out the door and down the corridor with Rose. The android turns to her and smiles.

“Hello again.”

Natalya nods at her before turning back to Arc.

“You should eat first though, Lord Arc.”

Arc grins. “Not until we get there.”

A short time later the ship touches down. Arc and Natalya step out onto the deck and walk down the gangplank. Looking around Natalya sees rows and rows of cherry trees and a small farmhouse. Arc walks quickly toward it as he looks back.

“This way.”

The front door opens and Ruby trots out to meet him happily.

“Good morning, Arc!”

Arc stoops down to give her a hug. “Good morning, Ruby. Sorry for being a couple days late.”

“It’s fine.”

She looks past him at their guest.

“Did you make a new friend, Arc?”

Arc stands up. “Oh, I’m sorry! Ruby this is Natalya. Natalya, meet Ruby Jubilee. She runs Cherry Hill Ranch.”

Ruby walks over to Natalya and extends a hoof. “Pleased to meet you.”

Natalya looks nervous as they shake hooves/talons. “Sorry to drop in on you like this.”

Ruby laughs. “It’s just fine! Any friend of Arc’s is welcome here. Please come inside though. It’s chilly out here.”

“I’ll be just a moment.”

He touches his earring

“Arc to Lemon Hearts. Come in please.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“Head back to Ponyville and drop off Lieutenant Flash Sentry before continuing on to Canterlot.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you, Arc out.”

They walk into the warm farmhouse as the giant ship slowly takes off. Arc turns to Ruby.

“Where’s Cherry?”

Ruby points a hoof. “In the kitchen making some more pancakes. She heard your ship coming and took the initiative.”

“Great! I’m starving!”

Ruby leads them to the kitchen. Eidolon’s Ward is busy at the stove. It turns around as they enter.

“Welcome back!”

“Hi, Cherry!”

The pair embrace. Natalya looks confused as Arc gestures toward her.

“Cherry, this is Natalya. She’s coming back to Ponyville with us.”

Eidolon’s Ward extends a gauntlet to her. “Pleased to meet you, Natalya!”

Natalya cautiously takes the gauntlet and shakes it.

“H-hello. Are you… alive?!”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “It’s… complicated.”

“We can talk about it later, Natalya.”

Arc turns to Ruby.

“Need some help in the kitchen?”

“We’re almost ready to sit down.”

Arc smiles. “I’ll set another place at the table.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods as she turns back to the stove. “I’ll be done here in a few minutes.”

Ruby pulls out a chair. “Have a seat, Miss Natalya. You look like you’ve seen quite a bit of action.”

Arc nods. “She has. But let’s not talk about it.”

“Um… okay.”

A few minutes later they sit down as Eidolon’s Ward serves the food. Arc smiles at her.

“This smells great you two!”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “We aim to please!”

Ruby nods as Arc serves her a stack of pancakes. “Truthfully, we were getting a bit worried about you, Arc.”

Arc holds up his bandaged hand. “Sorry about that. Things didn’t exactly go according to plan in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Oh my! Are you alright?!”

“Yes. It’s just a minor flesh wound, Cherry. It’s nothing!”

Rose frowns. “I wouldn’t call a bolt through the hand a nothing, Arc.”

Ruby shakes her head. “Sounds like diplomacy failed, huh?”

Arc looks to her as he serves Natalya a plate of food. “It almost did a time or two. There were some rather angry folks that didn’t want our two nations to have peace.”

Natalya picks up her fork. “Lord Arc sent them packing though.”

“It had to be done.”

They continue eating for a time.

“So what were you two up to?”

Eidolon’s Ward laughs happily. “Cooking, cleaning the facility, and catching up mostly.”

Ruby looks at the armor fondly. “Yes, sister. It’s been too long since we had time for such things. She’s also brought me up to speed on your adventures, Arc.”

“His life is certainly not boring. But you’re not too upset with my leaving again, are you sister?”

“Not at all! Your place is by Arc’s side. Over him? Well, you know what I mean.”

The pair giggle and continue with their meal.

Natalya looks out the window. “So this is an orchard?”

Ruby nods. “Yes. We’re the premier supplier of cherries for Equestria.”

“I’ve never seen one before.”

“Sadly this isn’t the best time for it.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Arc’s right. Come spring though we’ll have you over to see the cherry blossoms.”

“I’d like that.”

Ruby turn to their guest. “Will you be staying in Equestria that long, miss?”

Natalya looks nervous. “Um… yes, I… um…”

Arc interrupts. “She’s moving here permanently.”

Ruby nods. “Well, I’m sure you’ll love it. I haven’t seen a town in all my days with friendlier ponies than Ponyville.”

Natalya smiles shyly. “Yes. I think I’ll be very happy.”

They finish eating and quickly do the dishes. Arc hangs up the towel.

“Well, we should be going.”

Ruby looks disappointed. “Do you have to leave so soon, Arc?”

“Sadly, yes. I have many things to do right now. Sorry.”

Eidolon’s Ward hangs up her apron. “I’m looking forward to traveling with you again, Arc.”

She walks over to Ruby and kneels down. The pair embrace.

“Take care of yourself out there, sister.”

“I will, Ruby. And I’ll come back to visit as soon as I can.”

Standing, the armor walks over to Arc.

“I’m ready.”

Arc points to his head. “You want in, Cherry?”

“Thank you, but I kinda miss looking at you. Is that okay?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Whatever makes you happy.”

Ruby motions with a wave of her hoof. “This way, everypony.”

She leads them to the basement sigil. Arc walks over to her and kneels down. Ruby wraps her front hooves around Arc’s neck.

“Take good care of my sister for me.”

“I will.”

Arc stands and steps onto the sigil with the others.

“Take care, Ruby.”

“I will! Keep Arc safe, sister!”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Yes ma’am!”

Arc takes his gauntlet and powers up the sigil.

“Here we go.”

In a flash the group vanishes. Ruby smiles and sighs as she walks up the stairs to the main level.

“I’m so glad you found happiness, sister. Maybe one day I’ll meet a special somepony as well.”

Chapter 9 - Orphanage Help

Arc and company reappear on the sigil in Light’s Hope. Raven looks up as they enter

“Sir! Welcome back! Um… where is your lieutenant?”

“He’ll catch up soon. Flash Sentry is still aboard the Lunar Destiny.”

Raven appears nervous. “He… he’s not hurt, is he?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! I just thought he needed some extra rest.”

Rose nods. “That’s probably for the best, Arc. The lieutenant worked very hard on that last mission.”

“Good!”

“Anything happen while I was gone?”

“No sir. I do hope your own mission was successful though.”

“It was. For the most part anyways. Now I need to take care of a few things around here. When I return though, I’d like to have a meeting with you and Flash Sentry on the next phase of the plan.”

Raven smiles broadly. “Yes sir. I’ll await your return.”

Arc turns around. “Everyone, follow me.”

He leads the group out the door and down the well-worn path. Natalya turns to him.

“Sir? Might I ask where we’re going?”

“To the Little Hooves Orphanage. I need to make them aware of the treaty’s ratification.”

“That should make Gallus happy.”

“He should also be happy to see you too.”

Natalya sighs. “Probably less so when I tell him the news. Um… that is if it’s okay with you, sir.”

“You’re free to do what you want, Natalya.”

She looks down at the ground sadly. “Thank you.”

They arrive at the orphanage and walk in the large double doors into the Main Hall. The sounds of Cheerilee teaching can be heard from the Classroom nearby. Arc looks toward the stairs.

“We should announce ourselves to Coco Pommel.”

Rose nods. “Yes, she should be the first to know.”

They climb the stairs together. Natalya looks around.

“This place certainly has gotten bigger!”

“Yes. It was remodeled to accommodate more students.”

“Our younglings?”

Arc nods. “Yes. They’ll be properly educated and kept off the streets here in Equestria.”

They arrive at Coco Pommel’s office. The sounds of yelling can be heard coming from within. Rose looks to Arc.

“What do you think is going on in there?!”

“Not a clue.”

Natalya points back toward the stairs. “Maybe we should come back later. Miss Pommel does sound very busy right now.”

Arc puts an ear to the door. “One moment.”

He listens for a moment before turning to the others.

“Would you two please go get Derpy, Dinky and Gallus? All of you wait for me out here.”

“Certainly, Arc.”

“Yes sir.”

They walks quickly to the bottom of the stairs. Cherry speaks to him telepathically.

“Arc? This isn’t a very good idea.”

“Probably not. But I’m not just going to stand here and do nothing.”

Rose and Natalya do as they are told as Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward. Kneeling down Arc places a sigil in the center of the Main Hall. He then clomps very slowly and very heavily up the stairs. The building shudders slightly with each footfall. In the Classroom, Apple Bloom looks around.

“What’s that?!”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes grow wide. “An earthquake?!”

Dinky giggles. “Sounds like my dad’s back!”

Pipsqueak looks over to her. “How can you tell, Dinky?”

“Easy! Whoever is heading upstairs is walking on two legs!”

Aquamarine listens again. “Makes sense.”

“That and he’s the only one in town smart enough to do that.”

Diamond Tiara turns to them and replies snidely. “Do what?! Shake a building?!”

Silver Spoon sighs and goes back to her schoolwork. Dinky glares at Diamond Tiara.

“No! Make an entrance!”

“He’s a menace!”

Ginny shakes his head. “No! He’s a hero!”

Geoffrey nods fervently. “Yeah! He saved us from becoming Marauder food!”

Glynda smiles. “And had a doctor fix us up!”

Gigi replies softly. “Right. He even paid for it.”

Diamond Tiara turns up her nose at them. “Hmph! Orphans…”

Cheerilee walks over. “Everypony back to your studies now.”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to the top of the stairs. He continues to clomp heavily toward the office. Stopping in front of the door he slowly turns the knob as the voices from within stop. Opening it he sees Filthy Rich standing in front of the desk with a very irate looking Coco Pommel standing on her chair glaring down at him. They look up as he enters. Filthy Rich frowns at Arc.

“What is the meaning of…?!”

Arc walks into the office and speaks quickly. “Your business is completed here? Good! Miss Pommel, I need to speak to you at once!”

Coco Pommel sits down. “Yes, of course!”

“Now see here! You can’t just barge in and…!”

Arc raises his gauntlet, opens a portal, and knocks Filthy Rich through. He turns to Coco Pommel as he closes it and removes his helmet with a grin.

“Problem solved.”

Coco Pommel smiles back at him. “Thank you. But where did you send him?”

“The bottom of the stairs. Sadly he probably won’t get the message.”

A few moments later the sound of hooves running upstairs can be heard. Filth Rich bursts through the door and runs over to Arc.

“Now I’ve had about all I can take from…!”

Arc raises a gauntlet to open another portal. He then promptly kicks the angry stallion though. Coco Pommel looks to the door.

“I don’t hear him coming.”

“Give it a few minutes. This time I teleported him to Light’s Hope down the path.”

A short time later the sound of hooves running up the steps can be heard yet again. Arc puts his helmet back on and walks just in front of the door. As Filthy Rich throws it open Arc reaches down and grabs him by the front of his vest. He picks the stallion up and holds him mere inches from his face.

“Now I’m a patient man, Filthy Rich. But you’re on strike two. You come back in her again and I’ll send you across the ocean!”

Arc raises a gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Now… GET LOST!!!”

He throws Filthy Rich through and closes it. Recalling his armor, Arc looks out the open door at the others.

“You can come in now.”

They do so. Arc recalls his armor and closes the door behind them as Dinky jumps into his arms.

“DAD!”

Derpy joins Dinky in giving Arc a hug. “We missed you so much!”

“What happened to you hand, dad?!”

“Someone tried to hurt Princess Luna, sweetheart.”

Derpy looks worried. “How?!”

“With a crossbow.”

Derpy pats his hand. “Please, Arc! Dinky and I need you!”

“Yeah dad!”

“I’ll be okay. Don’t worry you two.”

Gallus walks over to Natalya. “Hey, big sis! What brings you here?!”

“I… it’s complicated. Lord Arc will explain.”

Arc turns to Coco Pommel. “Sorry I had to get violent with him.”

Coco Pommel sighs as she sits back down. “It’s fine, Arc.”

Rose looks to the Matron. “What was that all about, ma’am?”

“His daughter Diamond Tiara’s report card was… not to his liking. Needless to say, he was very upset about it.”

Natalya looks confused. “But what can you do about it?”

“He insists that Miss Cheerilee must have made mistakes when she graded her tests. I went over them with him, but…”

She sighs.

“He still insists that his daughter is smarter than her grades suggest.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That does sound like him. Is she?”

“Perhaps. But the way she approaches everything is somewhat apathetic.”

Rose frowns. “Her father is a wealthy individual. What reason is there for her to try?”

“None, I suppose. But I’m guessing you didn’t come here to talk about the Rich family, Arc.”

“Right. I need to bring everyone up to date on the happenings in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Rose nods. “We should sit down. This will take some time.”

Coco Pommel points a hoof to a nearby door. “We can sit down in my quarters.”

“Good idea.”

She leads them inside and gestures to the sofas.

“Please make yourselves comfortable, everypony.”

They do so as Arc makes his way to the front of the room.

“I guess I’d better start at the beginning.”

He tells the story from start to finish. From the assassination attempts to his own poisoning from Sanguine Azolla. His battle to rescue Luna and the Council of Lords, and the treaty signing ceremony during which Natalya was arrested, to his returning Ashe to Lord Gestal. Derpy’s eyes grow wide.

“Quite the story, Arc!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah dad! I wish I could have been there to see you beat those rebels to a pulp!”

Rose shudders. “It was rather bloody.”

Gallus frowns. “I’m sure they would’ve done the same to you, sir.”

He turns to his sister and points to her bandages.

“Were you there, Natalya?”

“I was, yes. But not with Lord Arc. A rebel stabbed me during their initial attack.”

Arc turns to Gallus. “She’s been cleared by Nurse Redheart. Your sister will recover nicely.”

“Good!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “I hope the other young lady will recover just as quickly.”

Rose shakes her head. “Most likely not. Her wounds were more severe.”

“She’ll be fine with some bedrest. Lord Gestal was most pleased to have her back.”

Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out the knife.

“He even gave me this as a reward.”

Natalya looks at the knife. “Th-that’s pure Guardanium!”

Gallus eyes the blade. “Worth a fortune!”

“You deserve it, dad!”

Derpy giggles. “It will go nicely with your royal raiments next time you’re Lord Regent.”

“Yes, well… I don’t think the rebels will be in to much of a hurry to cause more mischief. I’m told I hurt their leader pretty bad during our fight.”

Coco Pommel appears suddenly worried. “You don’t suppose they’ll come here looking for revenge, do you Arc?!”

“I doubt it. Their numbers were never that high.”

Rose nods. “Less so after our battle.”

“Right. They’ll need to regroup and come up with a new plan.”

Natalya turns to Coco Pommel. “I’d also like to point out that they wouldn’t have anything to gain from targeting Lord Arc at this point.”

“I suppose they don’t. Now that the treaty’s been signed.”

Gallus looks hopeful. “So it’s official?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. The treaty is now fully in force.”

Derpy smiles. “When will the orphans be sent over?”

“That’s one of the reasons I’m here. You see, the Griffon Kingdom doesn’t want to spare the guards to hunt down a bunch of younglings.”

Derpy looks confused. “What?! But how are they supposed to get here then?! Fly?!”

“Calm down, mom. I’m sure dad has a plan.”

“Yes Dinky. I’ve agreed that Equestria will bear the responsibility of finding and transporting the orphans here.”

Natalya sighs. “But sir! Do you really have time for that?”

“I certainly do. However, there is one who would be infinitely more qualified to carry out such a task.”

He looks to Gallus.

“I’d like you to fly back to Griffon’s Gate on the Lunar Destiny and tell the younglings there what we’re planning.”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “That does make sense. After all, they do trust him.”

“So, Gallus. Will you do it?”

Gallus sighs. “I wish I could. But someone needs to stay here with my friends. They won’t do well if I leave the country now.”

Natalya walks over to him. “Gallus, if it’s okay with Lord Arc, I’d be willing to stay here and look after them for you.”

Arc nods. “I was actually hoping you’d say that, Natalya.”

“Please let me do this, Gallus. The other orphans on the streets of Griffon’s Gate need someone they can trust to escort them here.”

Gallus puts a talon to his beak. “Well… I think my friends would be okay if you were with them, sis.”

He turns to Arc.

“I’ll do it, sir!”

“Good. I’ll have the Lunar Destiny pick you up tomorrow morning.”

Rose frowns. “That isn’t much time to prepare, Arc.”

“The younglings over there have waited long enough. That and I did promise we’d begin doing this in a week.”

Natalya nods. “Our government will be watching Equestria very closely, sir. They’ll want to see if your words can be trusted.”

Dinky smiles. “When my dad says he’s going to do something, he will!”

“Yeah, I’m seeing that too. But what about your job, Natalya? Is it okay for you to just stay here?”

Derpy looks to Gallus. “I’m sure Arc got permission before he left.”

“Um… that was… complicated.”

Gallus looks to him confused. “How so, sir? You didn’t just take her though, right?”

“Oh don’t worry about that. This is all… um… legal and all.”

Natalya sighs. “Lord Arc. I need to tell him what happened.”

“Go ahead.”

She walks over to Gallus and looks down. “I… was discharged from the military.”

“Um… okay. What for?”

“Lord Gestal thinks I’m the Rebel Leader.”

Gallus raises and eyebrow. “Wait, what?!”

Arc nods. “It’s true. General Blackbeak searched her room and found damning evidence to support his claims.”

Natalya sighs. “It was so convincing even I was beginning to believe it.”

“Natalya? Are you… okay?”

“Yes. I was interrogated and beaten. But Lord Arc was able to convince Lord Gestal to spare my life in return for him safely returning Lady Ashe to him.”

“How did you do that sir?!”

Arc frowns. “By offering to take her with me when I left the country.”

Natalya nods sadly. “Yes. The only catch was I… I had to become his slave.”

Gallus’ eyes fill with rage. “You WHAT?!”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry, Gallus. It was either that or execution.”

“Please don’t be angry with him! Lord Arc has already given me permission to act as I see fit!”

“Right. She’ll be a slave in name only.”

Derpy looks horrified. “That’s terrible! Can’t something be done?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’ve already asked that question. Giving Natalya total choice over her future was the best I could do.”

Dinky looks confused. “So you… own her, dad?”

“Only on paper, sweetheart.”

“Like an object?!”

“Sadly, yes.”

Gallus lashes out angrily. “Our country is full of FOOLS!!!”

Natalya puts a talon on his shoulder. “Gallus, please! Lord Gestal probably did it because he had no choice. I really did look very guilty back there.”

“You’d NEVER betray the kingdom! How could they throw you away so easily?!”

“I… don’t know. But I’m very happy with how things turned out.”

Coco Pommel appears confused. “You are?”

“Yes. I can be near my brother and still serve Lord Arc. He’s always been kind to me. Even when I didn’t deserve it.”

Arc nods. “That will continue, Natalya.”

“Yes sir. But in the meantime I’ll help out here. If that’s okay with Matron Pommel, that is.”

Coco Pommel smiles at Natalya. “Certainly. If Arc says you’re fit, then I will allow it.”

Arc nods as he turns. “Is the orphanage ready, Coco Pommel?”

“As ready as can be. Bring the little ones here and I’ll do my very best to care for them.”

Natalya smiles. “You’ll have my help too, ma’am.”

Gallus composes himself. “Mine as well when I get back.”

Derpy claps her hooves together happily. “I’ll keep them fed!”

Dinky nods. “And I’ll make sure the others accept them as friends!”

Rose looks around the room. “If we all do our part, everything will work out just fine. I’m sure of it.”

Derpy looks at the clock. “Miss Pommel, we need to get going if lunch is to be served on time.”

Natalya walks over to Derpy. “I’ll help!”

Rose smiles. “Me too!”

Arc puts a hand on Derpy’s shoulder. “Count me in!”

Coco Pommel rises from her chair. “Time is rather short. I’ll come as well.”

“I guess that’s settled. You want to come, Dinky?”

“Sure dad!”

They walk downstairs and head for the kitchen. Derpy picks up her apron.

“We’re going to need more help in the kitchen when the younglings arrive.”

Arc frowns. “Canterlot hasn’t sent anyone over yet?”

Coco Pommel sighs as she turns on the stove. “That’s my fault, Arc. A of stack applications has been on my desk for a week now.”

Dinky jumps onto a stool at the counter. “We know you’re very busy, Miss Pommel.”

Rose looks to Coco Pommel. “Are they qualified?”

She stirs a pot and sighs. “That’s not the problem, miss. All of them would make a fine addition to our staff here.”

Arc nods. “Too many to choose from?”

Derpy giggles as she chops vegetables with Dinky. “Not a bad problem to have if you ask me.”

Natalya stocks the front of the line with plates. “Back in Griffonstone it always seemed like we were short-staffed everywhere.”

Gallus sets out silverware and rolls his eyes. “Of course there were shortages! The council was always allocating funds and resources to some pet project!”

He turns to Coco Pommel.

“I’m certainly glad to see that’s not how things are run here, ma’am.”

Coco Pommel nods and smiles at Gallus. “Canterlot has been most generous with building funds and upkeep. Working under Matron Tempest for so many years, I’ve learned how to make do with what was given.”

Arc looks over as he pulls supplies out of the pantry. “Is more funding needed around here?”

“No, Arc. We have everything we need. Other than extra staff, that is.”

Gallus nods. “Well, you should probably hurry with that, ma’am. With luck, I’ll be bringing quite a few new faces with me from Griffon’s Gate.”

“Would you like me to help you sort through the applications later, Coco Pommel?”

Coco Pommel sighs and shakes her head. “No thank you, Arc. I just need to make up my mind.”

Natalya fills bowls with condiments. “This is a big job.”

Gallus brings his sister spoons for the bowls. “Right! But with enough talons we’ll get it done.”

Rose looks up from the sink where she is rinsing off fruit. “Many hands make light work.”

Arc looks up. “Where did you learn that, Rose?”

“From watching us work.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah! Working together is fun!”

Arc sneaks up behind Dinky and tickles her. “And playing!”

Dinky falls backwards off the chair into her father’s arms, laughing. “I’m glad you’re back, dad!”

Derpy walks over to join them. “As am I!”

Gallus and Natalya look over before turning back to one another.

“Tell me, were we ever like that?”

“No, Gallus. It’s not the griffon way.”

“I know that! It’s just… they look so happy together.”

“That they do. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better role model for you in the past.”

“Don’t say things like that big sis! You did your best. But are you planning on sticking around?”

Natalya looks to Arc. “That’s up to Arc. He is my master, after all.”

Gallus frowns. “I thought he said you could do anything you wanted!”

“Yes, well… I still need his permission first. By our nation’s laws, I’m still his property.”

Gallus lowers his voice. “Did he hurt you when he… you know?”

Natalya blushes heavily. “No, Gallus! Lord Arc didn’t do anything like that to me!”

He breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I don’t want someone doing things like that to my sister! I mean… unless you wanted it, that is.”

Natalya turns away as her face turns a deeper shade of crimson. “We’re not younglings anymore, Gallus. But I’d rather not talk about my sex life with my little brother.”

Gallus looks away. “Sorry. I just worry about you, that’s all.”

Natalya puts her talons around his neck. “Thanks. I’m glad you grew up to be so responsible.”

“I had to, you know.”

Arc and company help serve the students. Apple Bloom walks over happily with her tray.

“Hi there, Mr. Arc!”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “You work here now?”

“Just helping out.”

Diamond Tiara pushes past the others. “Well I for one think it’s wonderful. He looks good back there serving others.”

Dinky jumps up on the counter, angrily. Her horn aglow.

“Why you…!”

Silver Spoon hurries over. “Sister! That’s not how you speak to the Hero of Light!”

Arc reaches over and puts a hand on Dinky’s small horn.

“Now sweetheart, I’ll handle this.”

Diamond Tiara smirks at Arc. “Defending yourself from a filly? It’ll be the first thing you’ve done in a LONG time!”

Dinky shakes her head in an attempt to free her horn. “ARGH!”

Arc looks down at Diamond Tiara. “You’ve certainly got a mouth on you. Like your father.”

Diamond Tiara glares at him. “You leave my father alone! He’s twice the stallion you’ll ever be!”

Arc frowns. “Careful. Someday you’ll say something that’ll come back to bite you.”

“I doubt that. Strongly!”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! I’m a Rich! Nopony can touch ME!”

Arc shrugs. “Have it your way.”

He stretches out a hand toward her.

“There.”

Diamond Tiara shakes her head and sighs. She opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Silver Spoon looks at her quizzically.

“Diamond Tiara? Are you all right?”

“I did that, Silver Spoon.”

“Did what, sir?”

“Just a simple Mute Spell. If she can’t speak respectfully to those in authority, perhaps she shouldn’t speak at all.”

Diamond Tiara glares at him.

Silver Spoon pushes her sister toward the lunch tables. “Come on sister. Let’s get you something to eat.”

She begrudgingly but silently does so. Derpy looks to Arc.

“Arc, was that really necessary?”

Arc nods as he lets go of Dinky’s horn. “Yes. She needs to learn not to talk down to adults.”

Coco Pommel appears nervous. “But what about her voice?”

“A unicorn should be able to counter my spell and restore it easily. Maybe then she’ll think twice before looking down her nose at others.”

Natalya sighs. “Do you think it’ll work, sir?”

“Probably not. But we have to try.”

Gallus frowns as he looks over. “That one is trouble. Like her old man. Hey Natalya! You know who she reminds me of!”

“Who?”

“The Council of Lords.”

Coco Pommel turns to Gallus. “Are they really that bad?”

“Pretty much. Everyone is below them, and their word is always right.”

Dinky frowns. “She’s always talking back to Miss Cheerilee!

Derpy sighs. “Yes. And me as well.”

Arc glares at the Diamond Tiara as she looks over to him menacingly. “She does that again and you let me know, Derpy! There are worse spells than that I can cast on her!”

Sometime later the students run outside to play. Arc and company stay behind to clean up the lunch room. Arc turns to his friend.

“Whew! That was a lot of work! Derpy, do you do this every day?!”

“Yes. I have a routine I follow. It’s not as hard as one might think to keep the students fed.”

Coco Pommel looks over as she wipes down the tables. “I’ll see about getting you some help, Miss Derpy. This job is only going to get tougher for all of us.”

Gallus looks over. “Ma’am? Um… might you consider me?”

“For working in the kitchen?”

“No exactly. I can help as an intermediary between the staff and the new students that are coming. They’ll listen to me.”

Rose nods. “It would also make them feel more at home knowing there was a full time griffon on the staff.”

Coco Pommel think for a moment. “Well… you’ve been such a good help since you arrived. How can I say no? You’re hired!”

The shake hooves/talons.

“I’ll start right after I get back from the Griffon Kingdom.”

“That’s fine. I’m sure Miss Peachbottom would like a hoof with her new class.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! They’ve probably never even seen a pony before! Much less attended a class taught by one!”

Natalya walks over to Arc. He kneels down as she whispers something in his ear.

“It’s your choice, Natalya.”

Natalya smiles at him. “Thank you, sir.”

She walks over to Coco Pommel.

“Ma’am? I’d like to apply for the kitchen job.”

Derpy looks over. “Are you sure, Miss Natalya? It’s an awful lot of work.”

Natalya nods. “I know. But you’re going to need help planning meals for griffons.”

Rose walks over. “They do have different dietary needs. It would be wise to have a nutrition specialist on hand for such things.”

“Gallus and I can help in the classroom in the afternoon too. We’ll work very hard for you!”

“I can see that. You two did very well helping make this meal happen.”

Coco Pommel thinks for a moment.

“Very well. Welcome to the staff, Miss Natalya.”

Natalya smile happily. “Thank you! I’ll make you proud!”

And smiles at her. “Well, it looks like you have a job now.”

“I have to make money somehow. This is my home now after all.”

She looks at her brother.

“That and it’ll be nice to spend some time with Gallus again.”

“We have to catch up some time! Maybe after I get back!”

Rose giggles. “Someone’s anxious to get underway!”

“More like anxious to get a bunch of younglings off the streets.”

Arc nods. “A noble goal.”

He looks at his pocket watch.

“Natalya and I need to head into town for a bit.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Getting her settled?”

“Something like that.”

“I’ll be here bright and early tomorrow though, ma’am!”

Coco Pommel nods. “Be sure to get to bed early. We’ve got a lot of work to do around here.”

Natalya nods as she heads for the door with Arc. “Yes, Miss Pommel. I’ll do whatever needs to be done.”

Arc turns back to Derpy and Dinky. “I’ll have supper ready when you two get home.”

Derpy giggles. “We look forward to it!”

Natalya leaves with Arc and Rose. Derpy looks to Coco Pommel.

“What kind of things, Miss Pommel?”

Coco Pommels sighs. “Teaching me how to deal with griffon younglings. I’ve been so busy with my duties I haven’t had time to learn.”

Gallus nods. “Natalya and I will help, ma’am.”

“Thank you. I certainly need it.”

Chapter 10 - ...For Changes to Take Effect...

The next morning Arc, Gallus, and Rose appear on the sigil in Arc’s quarters in Canterlot Castle. Gallus follows Arc down the corridor.

“Why exactly don’t you just open a portal back to the Griffon Kingdom, sir?”

“Well, for starters, I don’t have a sigil in Griffon’s Gate anymore. Second, I’m not coming along to give you a return portal.”

Gallus shrugs. “Fair enough. It just seems like such a large undertaking. Sending a fully armed battleship to retrieve orphans. Are you expecting trouble?”

Rose frowns. “After last time, I would hope so!”

Arc nods. “Let’s just say I’m being cautious after what happened during my last visit. That and you said yourself the rebels were looking to recruit them.”

“What about it?”

“Think about it this way. All the orphans in town will be in one place. That would be a tempting target.”

Gallus shudders. “A sobering thought! Is Griffonstone going to send reinforcements to help?”

“I didn’t ask for any, no.”

“But what if they attack in force?! To say nothing for the guards firing on a foreign warship!”

“I already have Lord Gestal’s permission to bring the Lunar Destiny to Griffon’s Gate. Anything happens while the ship is docked and the guards will respond.”

Rose frowns. “And when we leave the city?”

“He’s sent out a bulletin giving standing orders to all airships in the country to not approach the Lunar Destiny. Not that I think any would, given its size and armaments.”

Gallus appears relieved. “That’s reassuring. And if someone does?”

“We have written permission from the Council of Lords allowing us to shoot to kill.”

Rose appears nervous. “Will we?!”

“I’ve already told Captain Tight Ship about this. He assures me that should something happen, he’ll give them every chance to retreat before doing anything rash.”

“Sorry for all the questions, sir. This whole thing just has me worried.”

“That’s understandable, Gallus. The rebels are probably still licking their wounds from their last encounter with me though. Hopefully they’ll believe I’m aboard and steer clear.”

They arrive at the Hanger. Gallus looks up at the ship clearly impressed.

“I’m going back to Griffon’s Gate in THIS?!”

Arc nods. “The younglings are important to me, and to Equestria. Their safety must come first after all.”

“I’m really impressed that you’re taking this so seriously, sir!”

“They’ve already had a hard life. Let’s make it a bit easier, shall we?”

Gallus nods happily as they walk up the gangplank together. “Yes sir!”

The pair make their way to the Bridge. Captain Tight Ship and Commander Soarin meet them there. Soarin announces Arc.

“Hero of Light on the Bridge!”

The crew stands and salutes.

Arc looks around. “At ease everyone.”

Tight Ship approaches Arc. “The ship is prepped and ready to move out, sir.”

“Good. Have you briefed the rest of the crew on the mission?”

“Yes sir.”

“I’m confidant everyone will do their jobs to the best of their ability.”

Wrangler looks over. “Sir? Are we really going to shoot civilian airships?”

“Only if they get too close. The captain will have the final say over that. Just keep the weapons ready at all times.”

“Aye, aye sir.”

“Moon Dancer, watch the radar. If anyone approaches I want Lemon Hearts to tell them to back off!”

The pair nod as Arc removes a paper and hands it to Tight Ship.

“Here is written authorization to enter Griffon Kingdom airspace with the Lunar Destiny. It also gives you the right to shoot any ship that tries to overtake you.”

Tight Ship nods as he takes the paper. “I hope we don’t need this, but I appreciate the option, sir.”

“Agreed. I’ll show Gallus to my quarters before disembarking. At that time I’ll give the all clear to get underway.”

He turns to Gallus.

“Please follow me.”

“Y-yes sir.”

The pair leave the Bridge. Rose follows closely behind them. Soarin turns to Tight Ship.

“What’s your take on this mission, sir?”

“A bit dangerous, but necessary. We’ve been given everything we need to complete it safely. Let’s make the princesses and the Hero of Light proud.”

Meanwhile, Arc leads Gallus to his quarters. He looks around before turning to Arc.

“Sir? Is this all for me?!”

“For this mission, yes.”

Rose giggles. “The bed is quite comfortable.”

Arc blushes slightly as he clears his throat. “Yes, well… you and the younglings will have full run of the upper and middle decks. If you could keep everyone out of the Lower Deck and the Bridge though I’m sure the captain would appreciate it.”

“I’ll do my best, sir.”

“I’m sure you will. In any case, do you have any questions before I leave?”

Gallus looks nervous. “Um… what do I do if something goes wrong?”

“Ask Captain Tight Ship for a radio before you leave. Something happens and he’ll contact the authorities and get some help.”

“What if he can’t?!”

“Then he’ll radio me and I’ll call Lord Gestal personally. Trust me, if that happens things will get done FAST! Just get everyone to the ship and tell the captain when you’re ready to return here. You should arrive shortly before dawn.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“The ship is secure. You’ll be assigned a landing pad some distance from the other ships. Wait for daylight before starting out though. No unnecessary risks, okay?”

“Yes sir. I won’t let you down!”

“You’ll do fine. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to talk to the princesses while I’m here.”

Arc and Rose turn to leave.

“Uh, sir?!”

“Yes?”

“I… I just wanted to say… thank you. Thanks for helping when no one else did.”

Arc nods. “It’s the Equestrian way.”

“I don’t understand that.”

Rose smiles at Gallus. “Stay here long enough and you’ll pick it up.”

“Looking forward to it.”

They nod and leave the room. Gallus walks over to the bed and lies down.

“This… it’s so soft! I could fall asleep right now!”

He sighs contentedly as he looks around the room.

“The others are going to love Equestria! I just know it!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rose leave the ship and walks toward Audience Chamber. Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts. Come in please.”

“I read you sir.”

“I’ve disembarked. You may begin the mission at any time.”

“Understood. We’ll be off in a few minutes.”

“Good. Be careful over there. Arc out.”

Rose looks to Arc as he severs the connection . “Do you really think they’ll be okay?”

“Yes.”

“What about the rebels though?!”

“The rebels are one of the reasons I’m sending him right now.”

Rose looks confused. “I don’t understand.”

“With their leader bedridden it stands to reason they’ll be disorganized and unable to mount a significant offensive against this operation. That and we did agree to get started as soon as possible.”

“I hope you’re right about this, Arc.”

“So do I. But waiting won’t make it any safer.”

They make their way to the Audience Chamber. Rose waits outside. The princesses are seated on their thrones but stand and walk toward him as he approaches. Luna gestures to the office.

“Let’s speak in private.”

Arc nods. “Good idea.”

They enter the office and sit down. Arc is the first to speak.

“Any word from Sunburst on that bolt?”

“Actually yes. His tests show that the Sanguine Azolla’s effects, when combined with that particular material, amplifies the poison.”

“That would explain why I felt ill after only a single dose.”

Cadance shudder. “A frightening thought!”

Arc pulls the knife from Lord Gestal from his ring. “Here’s the knife I mentioned the other day. Sunburst is welcome to look it over if he wants.”

Luna picks up the weapon with her magic and looks it over. “I will instruct him not to damage such a fine weapon.”

Cadance looks over. “It certainly appears to be the same material. Is it rare?”

“It must be. Ashe told me it’s something only very wealthy individuals have.”

Luna frowns. “That troubles me. Whomever is backing the rebels must be very wealthy indeed.”

“Well, I’m sure Lady Ashe has a sizable allowance.”

Arc shakes his head. “It can’t be THAT big. Outfitting a whole group plus hyper-expensive ammo?”

Luna turns back to Arc. “Did she confess to anything else?”

“Just that she’s a spoiled brat. Not surprising really.”

Cadance sighs. “That’s why Aunt Celestia had me do things like foalsitting when I was younger. She told me it was to understand the commoner’s everyday lives.”

“She was right.”

“Agreed.”

Luna sets the knife down on the table between them. “Maybe we can learn more about the reaction between the plant material and the metal. That would certainly go a long way in defending against it.”

Arc nods. “You mean like some kind of vaccine?”

Cadance shrugs. “At this point we need to consider all possibilities.”

Luna shudders. “Yes. Had I been hit with such a bolt it would have undermined our entire mission. You were able to stay under wraps. I could not.”

“Under… wraps?”

“You don’t remember what happened?”

“Not really, no.”

“Rose stayed with you to make sure you didn’t cause any trouble. Although it was fortunate you showed up when you did.”

“I really wish I could remember that night.”

“There’s always the projector and crystals. I’d be willing to show you what happened through my point of view.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you. Hearing about it was bad enough.”

Cadance grimaces. “Yes, well… perhaps we should change the subject.”

“Agreed. Any movement from Griffonstone?”

“No. Which can only mean your plan was a complete success.”

“Good. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to do if Lady Ashe had rejected my plan.”

Luna frowns. “There was always my idea.”

“You know how I felt about that, Luna.”

“Yes. But our national security trumps my personal feelings.”

Arc sighs. “I understand what you’re saying. But I just want you to know that as a father, I can’t condone such actions.”

Luna bows her head. “Sometimes I have to do things that cause others to suffer. Believe me when I say I take no pleasure in such decisions.”

They are silent for a time. Luna looks up at him.

“Thank you, Arc.”

“What for?”

“You’re the only one in this entire land, other than another princess that is, who is not afraid to be Honest with me. I want you to know such a character trait is very important in a Hero of Light.”

Cadance nods. “Even though you don’t have to be, we both trust you to be Honest with us at all times.”

“I find Honesty to be much easier than deceit personally. Keeping all the lies straight just sounds like a lot of work to me.”

Luna sighs. “It is. That is why my sister and I always tried to keep to the high road. Getting caught in deception is not something one’s reputation recovers from easily.”

Arc frowns. “Yes. If Goldstone had learned that lesson, he wouldn’t be in my sights.”

Cadance gestures to several massive stacks of papers in the corner of the room. “We’re currently wading through the red tape and paperwork to bring a court case against him.”

“Let me guess. That’s going to take quite some time, isn’t it?”

Luna nods soberly. “Yes. But we will see to it this is done!”

“I appreciate that. As does Raven, I’m sure.”

Cadance nods soberly. “Worry not, Arc. She will have justice! It’s just going to take time.”

“Yes. I do believe you two are doing everything you can. But the longer this takes the more victims there will be.”

Luna sighs. “Indeed.”

Arc stands up. “I need to get back to Light’s Hope and have a conference with Raven and Flash Sentry. Anything you want me to tell them?”

“That we aren’t giving up on this!”

“Yes, Arc. Tell her that their justice, while slow, is coming!”

“I’ll do that.”

As Arc turns to leave there is a knock at the door. Luna appears surprised.

“Who could that be? I gave strict instructions we were not to be disturbed when speaking with you, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “One way to find out.”

He walks over to the door and opens it. Sunburst is trotting in place on the other side.

“Sir! Just the one I needed to see!”

Arc steps aside to allow him to enter. Luna looks to the Lead Sage quizzically.

“Is something awry, Sunburst?”

“Yes and no, your highness!”

Cadance walks over to Sunburst. “Calm down. We can’t get anything out of you when you’re like this.”

“Yes, your highnesses.”

He takes a few deep breaths. Arc nods.

“Much better. Now, what seems to be the problem?”

“I’ve found something on your human friend, sir?”

“WHAT?! Where is he?!”

Luna rises from the couch. “I believe it is your turn to calm yourself, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, you’re right. Continue Sunburst.”

“I haven’t been able to pinpoint his location for some reason. All I can say right now is he’s somewhere in the vicinity of your town.”

Cadance frowns. “Can you explain why the lack of details, Sunburst? Usually scrying isn’t that hard for you.”

“I have a theory. Some magical force, whether natural or artificial, is somehow sending out masked or false readings.”

Luna looks confused. “I wasn’t aware that was possible.”

“Nor I. However that would make the most sense.”

“Anything else? Even if it’s just a guess!”

“It gets harder to focus on the target when certain other magical forces are near it.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

“The difficulty I’m having seems to spike and retreat seemingly at random. At first I simply believed this to be fluctuations in the transdimensional barrier’s energies.”

Luna nods. “But…?”

“They seem to coincide with certain energies being near the target.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I know this may sound strange, but could the problems be caused by magical energies from living creatures?”

“Certainly. However nopony on Earth has magic, right sir?”

“That is no longer true. “

Cadance looks to him. “Other than you Arc?”

“Yes. On my last trip to Earth I was attacked three times on separate occasions by those whom possessed interesting abilities. Two of them I originally thought were simply highly gifted. However, one of them was clearly using magic.”

Sunburst’s eyes grow wide. “Are you certain of this, sir? Typically magic requires some kind of focus. Did she have a horn of some kind?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But she was holding some kind of weird looking staff while casting.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “An external focus. Very interesting.”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “You mentioned one of them suppressing your own magical abilities, Arc. Are you suggesting they’re somehow hindering our efforts to find your friend?!”

“Maybe. Sunburst?”

“I suppose it is possible. But that would take quite a bit of magical know-how.”

Luna nods. “Could they be doing it unintentionally?”

“Very unlikely. However not out of the questions completely, as we know nothing of them or their abilities.”

Arc sighs. “So where do we go from here?”

Sunburst produces a map from his robe pocket. “Here are the possible locations of your friend, sir. I’ve done the best I could with the interference.”

Arc takes the paper. “Thank you. When is the next window?”

“There is a somewhat small one tomorrow mid-morning.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “Elaborate.”

“Think of it as a bit of a rougher ride than you’re accustomed to, sir.”

Cadance shudders. “Is it dangerous?”

“Honestly, a bit yes.”

“I’ll take that chance.”

Luna walks over to him. “Arc, please wait for something a bit safer.”

Cadance join her. “Yes! Equestria needs you to come home in one piece!”

“I appreciate the concern, but my friend Frank needs help! This is very important to me!”

Luna sighs. “We understand that Arc, but think of the bigger picture.”

Arc frowns. “This is pretty big to me.”

Cadance nods. “Very well. Sunburst, do your absolute best to get Arc back to Earth safely tomorrow.”

Sunburst bows. “You have my word, Princess Cadance.”

“Thank you. Now I need to head back to Ponyville and take care of a few things.”

Arc turns to Sunburst.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Very well sir.”

Arc leaves the office as Sunburst turns to Luna.

“Why didn’t you stop him your majesty? You could certainly forbid him from using the S.P.E.A.R.!”

Luna shakes her head. “Arc will do what he will do. Had I tried to stop him, we know he would have just found another way.”

“Agreed. We just have to trust his judgment.”

Meanwhile, Arc leaves the Audience Chamber.

“Time to go, Rose.”

“Okay. Where to now?”

He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Ponyville.”

“You mean…?”

“Yeah. I need to talk to someone back at Light’s Hope. Then we’ll head over to see Twilight. That is, if you still want to.”

Rose nods. The pair step through and find themselves back at Light’s Hope.

“Do I have time to clean myself before we go?”

“Sure. Want to look your best, huh?”

Rose nods. “Yes. For some reason I feel it’s important right now.”

“I’ll come to my quarters and get you when I’m done.”

“Okay. See you in a bit.”

Rose heads for his quarters as Arc walks over to Raven’s desk.

“You have a minute, Raven?”

“Always, sir! What do you need?”

“I’d like to speak with you and Flash Sentry.”

“He should be in your office with Sandstorm Mirage. Shall I call for him?”

“No. Let’s head over there.”

“Yes sir.”

Raven follows Arc down the corridor toward his office. Entering they find the sergeant and lieutenant busy going over paperwork. They stand as Arc enters. Sandstorm Mirage salutes.

“Welcome back, sir!”

“It’s good to be back, sergeant. But I’ll be heading out again tomorrow morning.”

Flash Sentry walks over. “Where to this time, sir?”

“Earth. I’ve got a lead on the location of a friend of mine.”

Sandstorm Mirage eyes grow wide. “They need rescuing?”

“Probably. Why don’t you take a walk? I need to talk to these two privately.”

“Yes sir.”

Sandstorm Mirage leaves the room and walks slowly down the corridor.

“The commander is always so busy! While I really wish I could help, I understand I really shouldn’t…”

Meanwhile back in Arc’s office, he motions toward the couches.

“Sit down you two.”

Flash Sentry and Raven sit down next to each other on the sofa as Arc sits across from them.

“The treaty is now fully in force.”

Raven smiles. “Yes. Flash Sentry told me all about your heroics in getting the job done.”

“Well, it’s not done yet.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Indeed. Lord Goldstone remains free.”

Arc frowns. “Our next goal should be to change that.”

Raven looks worried. “What are you going to do, sir?”

“The princesses are working on the proper paperwork to put forth a complaint against him.”

“Th-they are?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Raven. They were very upset when I told them what Lord Goldstone had done to you.”

“They’re too kind! I’m nopony important.”

“You’re still a victim, Raven. We aim to see this end.”

Flash Sentry turns to Arc. “Sir? What makes you think their courts would listen to us?”

“Equestria’s profile in their region has risen significantly since this all started. Originally we were just some country across the sea. Now we’re official allies.”

Raven nods. “That and I’ve heard about your own standing with them increasing.”

“I told her, sir. I hope that was okay.”

“It’s fine. But let’s keep this circle small, shall we?”

“Yes sir.”

Raven appears nervous. “If we get a court appearance, what then commander?”

“Then I’ll head over there and make the charges… personally.”

“Y-you don’t have to do that, sir! I know how busy you are!”

Arc sighs. “I might be the only one who CAN do this!”

Flash Sentry nods. “I must agree, sir. After your adventures in Griffonstone, they wouldn’t DARE ignore you!”

“Hopefully that’s true. But this is still a long shot.”

“Sir? May I speak freely?”

“Always, Flash Sentry.”

“I… I’ve been giving this a lot of thought, and might it be easier to…”

He appears to be having trouble finding the right words.

“Perhaps the case would go smoother with a different governing body in place.”

Raven looks to him, confused. “Flash Sentry? What are you suggesting?”

“The rebels hate the Council of Lords. Wouldn’t they more easily convict Lord Goldstone if there were in power?”

Raven sighs. “I’ve heard about the things that happen over there. While I hate to say it, perhaps it is time for a change in leadership.”

“Yes, well… I’ve considered that as well. However if we go that route, we can just throw the treaty in the garbage.”

Flash Sentry looks Arc in the eye. “So many are suffering over there though. Wouldn’t ANY change be welcome?”

“I’ve spoken to the Rebel Leader at length. While they certainly do want things to change, I didn’t get the feeling they would be any different from the current regime. Had I felt differently I might have covertly helped them reach their goals.”

Raven sighs. “We respect your decision, commander.”

“Yes sir. You’ve always done the right thing by us and Equestria. It’s just…”

He takes Raven’s hoof in his.

“…I just want to see that monster deposed!”

“You will. But if we don’t at least try to follow the rules, are we any better than he is?”

Raven shudders. “I don’t think anypony could be any lower, commander.”

“Agreed.”

Arc nods. “This isn’t over yet. I just wanted you to hear it from me, Raven.”

“Thank you, sir. For everything.”

Arc stands and walks over to the pair. He puts a hand on Raven’s shoulder.

“I’ll see this through to the end, Raven.”

Flash Sentry nods. “As will I!”

Raven smiles as she lays her head on Flash Sentry’s shoulder and puts her other hoof on Arc’s hand. “Thank you. It’s good to know I can trust you two.”

“How are the therapy sessions going?”

“Okay, I guess. I’m going to see her twice a week now.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Emerald Dream says she’s much better these days.”

“She tells me that I’ll get better with time. But… who knows how long that will take!”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof around her shoulders. “We’ll get through this together, Raven.”

Arc smiles at the sight before him. “I’ll let you two have some alone time now. Carry on, lieutenant.”

Flash Sentry nods as Arc turns and leaves the room. Returning to his quarters he finds Rose sitting on the couch waiting for him.

“You sure got cleaned up fast.”

“I know many females take quite some time in the Bathroom. Doing what though eludes me. Did your meeting go well?”

“Uh… yeah. Do you still want to go?”

Rose stands and nods. “I do.”

Arc walks over to her. “Rose, if you don’t want your directives removed I completely understand. This is risky after all.”

Rose wraps her arms around Arc’s midsection and pressing her cheek against his chest. “Would it make you happy?”

“Your freedom would, yes.”

She looks up at him happily. “Then that is also my wish.”

“Very well. Let’s go.”

Rose and Arc leave and head for the Golden Oaks Library. As Arc knocks Auriel answers the door.

“Arc! This is a surprise! Please come in!”

He steps inside with Rose.

“Thanks. Is Twilight around?”

Auriel points a claw toward the basement door. “She’s downstairs tending to the Dragon Berry bushes. Follow me.”

They walk downstairs together. Auriel turns toward the makeshift greenhouse.

“Twilight? Arc and Rose are here to see you.”

She sets down a watering can and trots over to them. Rose smiles at her.

“Good morning, mother.”

“Morning?”

She looks at the clock on the wall nearby and sighs.

“Looks like I lost track of time again.”

Arc chuckles. “We’ll try not to take up too much of your time then. I know you must be tired.”

Twilight walks over to a nearby table. “I’ll be fine after some coffee.”

“I’ll bring you a cup, Twilight.”

“Thank you, Auriel.”

Auriel walks over to a coffeemaker nearby as Twilight turns back to Arc.

“So what can I do for you today?”

“I wanted to talk to you about Rose’s directives.”

“Oh? Something wrong with them?”

“Well… kinda.”

Rose looks down. “Arc asked me to change them, mother.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem for you, Rose. Go ahead.”

Arc sighs. “She said as much the other day when I made the request.”

“Yes, but this particular change is rather delicate. I wanted your input on it before proceeding, mother.

Auriel walks over with two cups of coffee. “Here you are, Twilight. You too Arc.”

“No thank you. I believe you need it more than I, Auriel.”

Auriel looks at the clock. “Maybe I do.”

Twilight and Auriel down the cup in a few gulps.

“That hits the spot!”

She turns back to Rose.

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

“Arc wants me to… remove my directives.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “All of them?”

Arc looks to her soberly. “Yes.”

“Did something happen?”

“No. I just… I just want Rose to be free.”

Rose shakes her head. “But I am!”

“Free to choose her own path.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s side. “Arc, I built her for you, remember? She’s supposed to be there for you.”

Arc nods. “I understand that, my friend. But I…”

Rose begins to tear up. “You don’t want me around any longer?!”

“That isn’t it, Rose. You can still stay with me afterwards. But only if YOU want to.”

“Of course I want to!”

Arc turns to Twilight.

“Can it be done?”

Twilight thinks for a moment.

“Everything would probably be fine if her algorithms were rewritten to compensate for the new… directions. Or in this case, lack of directions.”

Rose sighs. “I’ve already done that.”

“Have you uploaded them yet?”

Rose shakes her head and responds in a hopeful tone. “No. I was hoping you could do that, mother.”

“Your subroutines could do a better job than I at that task.”

Arc frowns. “What’s the risk in this?”

Auriel sighs. “If something goes wrong, her memory banks will become unreadable”

Rose gulps. Arc frowns.

“So, she’d be a blank slate?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Worse. She wouldn’t even turn on. No personality, no speech, no memories, no safe mode. Nothing.”

Rose looks up at him. “Do… do I have to do this?! I’m scared!”

Twilight walks over to her. “Don’t worry, Rose. We can download a copy of your memories just in case.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Kinda like making a backup copy?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. If something goes wrong we can format her memory banks and reinstall everything from the backup.”

Rose shudders. “Are you sure, mother?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Rose. Worst case scenario, you’ll take a couple more hours to bring back online.”

“Is there any chance we could lose her forever, Twilight?”

“No. That much I can guarantee.”

Twilight turns to a table and points a hoof at it.

“If you would please lie down there Rose, I’ll get started.”

“Y-yes mother.”

Rose does as she is told. Twilight gathers up a couple patches which she places on Rose’s forehead.

“I’m going to make a copy of your memories now, Rose. This may feel a little strange.”

Rose nods. Twilight presses a button and a machine behind her begins to hum. Arc takes Rose’s hand.

“Everything’s going to be okay.”

“I… understand.”

A few minutes later the process finishes. Twilight turns off the machine and removes the patches. She turns to her screen.

“Let me just verify everything transferred over correctly. It won’t take but a few minutes.”

Rose stares up at the ceiling as Arc stays by her side.

“Twilight won’t let you down. This will be over in no time.”

Rose says nothing but nods. A minute later Twilight turns around.

“Everything looks good over here. Are you ready to begin, Rose?”

“I… um… I am.”

Arc looks down at her with a smile. “I’m right here, Rose.”

Rose moves her hand a few inches toward him, still staring up at the ceiling.

“Master… please?”

Arc soberly nods and takes her hand. She gives it a quick squeeze. Twilight walks over to Rose.

“Activate Diagnostic Mode. Password… smartypants.”

Auriel turns to Twilight. “Smarty… what now?”

Twilight sighs. “It was a doll I had as a filly.”

Rose’s eyes go out of focus as she enters Diagnostic Mode. Her voice returns to a monotone.

“Enter command.”

“Access Directive Manager.”

“Directive Manager accessed. Input command.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Go ahead and give her the order, Arc.”

“Rose. I want you to erase all of your directives.”

“Are you certain?”

“I am.”

“Secondary safety protocols require I inform you that this action cannot be undone. Are you certain you want to proceed?”

Arc nods.

“Are you certain you want to proceed?”

Twilight looks to him. “Arc, she can only take verbal commands for this. And you have to say the word ‘yes’.”

Arc nods and whispers. “Y-yes.”

A single tear courses down Rose’s cheek.

“Understood. This unit will restart in ten seconds to apply changes.”

Arc nods and leans down to give Rose a small kiss on her forehead as her eyes slowly close.

“Good night, Rose. Pleasant dreams.”

Chapter 11 - A Slave to Freedom

A few seconds go by tensely as Rose lies on the table motionless. Arc turns to Twilight.

“Is something supposed to be happening?”

“She should restart any moment now.”

A full minute passes. Arc looks to Twilight nervously.

“Um… should we turn her off and on again?”

“Yes.”

Twilight lowers her glowing horn to the mole on Rose’s cheek, touching it gently. Moments later the sound of moving parts can be heard from within her body. However nothing happens.

“I was afraid this would happen.”

“What is it?”

Auriel looks at the screen. “There must have been some sort of glitch from removing the directives.”

Arc frowns. “Define ‘glitch’.”

Twilight sighs. “Her current programing can’t function without the directives its supported since activation.”

“They’re part of who she is now?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. But don’t worry! All I have to do is format her memory banks, reinstall the operating system, and reupload her memories.”

“And the directives?”

Twilight turns back to her screen. “I’ll remove them from the operating system before installing.”

“Then when she awakens she’ll be okay?”

“Yes. Just let me do a few things over here…”

Twilight pushes some buttons on her keyboard.

“Alright. Removing all directives from the Operating System. All I have to do is reconfigure a few settings in her root files and… done.”

Twilight turns to Auriel and nods. She watches as Auriel puts the patches on Rose’s forehead before turning back to her keyboard.

“It will take a couple hours for this to upload, Arc. If there’s something else you need to do…”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’ll stay here.”

Twilight stands up and pulls a tray of tools over with her magic. “I think I’ll use this opportunity to do some maintenance on her. Is that okay?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Thanks. Would you undress her please?”

“What?!”

Twilight looks to him, confused. “I have to open her up, remember?”

“Oh… right.”

Twilight looks Rose over. “That was rather silly of me.”

“Which part?”

Auriel points a claw at the patches on Rose’s forehead. “Those will make it difficult to remove her clothes.”

Arc blushes. “I… might have an idea. But only if there’s no other way.”

Twilight shakes her head. “It’s important that I have unobstructed access to her components, Arc.”

“Very well.”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out the knife from Lord Gestal. Taking Rose’s collar he slowly and carefully slices her tunic down the middle and up each sleeve. The cloth easily parts exposing the android’s artificial flesh.

“Is that better?”

Twilight nods. “Almost. I’ll get the rest.”

She uses her magic to carefully remove Rose’s undergarments.

“Sorry, but I really need to access everything.”

Arc nods. “I… understand.”

Twilight sets the ruined clothes in a corner before looking Rose up and down.

“It appears her auto-repair systems are functioning normally. I don’t see a blemish on her. Although…”

Arc frowns. “Something wrong?”

“I… this just doesn’t feel right.”

Auriel looks confused. “Twilight?”

“She’s so helpless lying there bare.”

Twilight looks up at Arc.

“I believe I’m beginning to understand why humans cover themselves.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “This confuses me. After all, everyone has similar parts. They’re just in slightly different locations. For example, Twilight and Rose’s mammary glands are…”

Arc interrupts, blushing. “I know!”

Twilight shakes her head. “We should probably get to work, Auriel.”

“You want me to assist you?”

“Of course! I’m certainly not perfect in my own right. It would be nice to have a second set of eyes.”

“Very well.”

Twilight picks up a scalpel with her magic. “You may want to leave the room, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head as he looks into Rose’s face. “No thanks. I’ll stay here with Rose.”

He gives her hand a squeeze.

“She stuck by my side. I’ll do the same for her.”

Twilight and Auriel get to work. Auriel looks over Twilight’s shoulder as she carefully cuts through Rose’s artificial skin.

“It looks like her components held up very well under duress.”

Twilight nods. “I used only the best parts to build her. Well, from what I could afford, that is.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “I’m sure you did your best.”

Auriel frowns. “The power regulator is a bit miscalibrated though.”

Twilight looks over at the screen. “It is?”

“For those wires, yes.”

“You’re right, Auriel! How did I miss that?!”

“Shall I make the adjustment?”

“Sure.”

Auriel pushes a few buttons and writes something down on her clipboard.

“I’ve made a note of the change on her chart.”

“Thanks. Can you add it to her blueprints?”

Arc looks over. “What? But I…”

“I’ve been trying to redraw them since you… um…”

“Understood. And… sorry.”

Twilight nods. “Let’s not talk about back then. It didn’t end well last time.”

“Agreed.”

Auriel and Twilight work on Rose’s body for several hours. Eventually they step back.

“Everything looks good now.”

Arc turns to them. “Anything wrong? “

Auriel shakes her head. “We polished her joints and cleaned some residue from around her heart.”

Twilight nods. “It wasn’t too bad. Nothing a little scrubbing wouldn’t fix.”

“Good. What about her joints?”

Auriel smiles. “They just need some maintenance to stay working.”

Twilight sighs. “I couldn’t afford better parts in that regard.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t hold it against you, Twilight. And I’m sure Rose doesn’t either.”

Auriel nods as she stitches Rose back together. “She’s very understanding in that regard.”

Arc chuckles. “Like her mother.”

Twilight sighs as she stitches one of Rose’s legs shut. “I’m not so sure about that.”

“Is Rose really going to be okay?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, Arc. We have to sew her shut by hand right now though. Her auto repairing function is offline.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Yes. As soon as she reactivates it will come back online though.”

Arc nods and puts a hand on Rose’s cheek.

“You hear that, Rose. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Twilight and Auriel turn back to the screen. They whisper to one another.

“She can’t hear him right now.”

“I know, Auriel.”

“She should be almost ready to reactivate.”

“Yes. Just let me verify that the changes were saved.”

Twilight pushes a few buttons and looks over the screen before turning back to Arc.

“Alright. It looks like everything checks out fine.”

Auriel sighs. “We should probably start her in Diagnostic Mode though.”

“Agreed. Are you ready over there, Arc?”

“Yes. Let’s wake her up.”

Twilight pushes some buttons on her keyboard. “Okay. Starting basic systems now.”

Rose’s eyes open but remain unfocused. Arc does not let go of her hand.

“I’m right here, Rose.”

Auriel looks over the readout. “She can’t hear you yet, Arc.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Well, she kinda can. Diagnostic Mode is now active. Try talking to her.”

“Okay.”

Arc clears his throat.

“Rose, can you hear me?”

She looks toward him. Her expressionless face and emotionless voice fills the quiet lab.

“Yes.”

“Are you in any pain?”

“This unit does not feel pain.”

Twilight clears her throat. “Activate auto repair program.”

“Affirmative. Program has been activated.”

“Repair all external damage.”

“Affirmative.”

A few moments later the cuts in her body begin to heal. Arc reaches into his magic ring, pulls out his magic cloak, and uses it to cover Rose’s naked body. Auriel turns to Rose.

“Acknowledge when repairs are complete.”

“Affirmative. Order will take another thirty-seven seconds to complete.”

Arc winces. “This is kinda painful to see.”

Twilight smiles at him. “She’s okay, Arc. You’ll see.”

“Repairs complete.”

Twilight nods. “Give me your status.”

“Sensors online. Central nervous system twenty-five percent active. Power supply properly aligned. Memory banks show several errors.”

Auriel looks over. “What?! Describe errors!”

“No objectives have been set by an administrator.”

“That’s a relief!”

Arc nods. “Do you require objectives to function?”

“No.”

“Any other system errors?”

“Mobility is offline. Weapons are offline.”

Auriel nods. “That’s because she’s in Diagnostic Mode, Arc.”

“Can we bring her online now?”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “Just one more thing.”

She turns to Rose.

“What are your objectives?”

“Error. No objectives found.”

Auriel nods. “Confirm. What is your Primary Directive?”

“Error. No primary objective found.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “I guess that’s it. Prepare to bring systems fully online, Rose.”

“Error.”

Arc frowns. “Error?!”

“It is not advisable to bring this unit online without set objectives. Please see an administrator for assistance.”

Twilight nods. “Override. Prepare to disable Diagnostic Mode.”

Arc leans forward. “Is there any danger in starting you as-is, Rose?”

“Unknown.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “I can always restore her to the way she was before. Directives and all, Arc. What do you want to do?”

“Let’s talk to her. See if she’s okay in there.”

“Alright. Give the order when you’re ready.”

Arc turns back to Rose. “Bring all systems online.”

“This action requires a system restart. Please confirm.”

“Restart when ready.”

“Restarting now.”

Rose’s eyes slowly close. They remain that way for a solid minute. Arc does not take his eyes off her.

“Come on, Rose. You can do it!”

A moment later Rose opens her eyes and looks around the room.

“Mother… Auriel… Arc? What happened?”

“There was an error when removing your directives. I had to reinstall your operating system.”

“I see.”

Arc looks her in the eye. “Are you okay, Rose?”

“Yes. My head feels a bit… empty though.”

Auriel smiles at her. “We reformatted your memory banks. That feeling should pass as you become accustomed to it.”

“Rose, look at me.”

She turns to him.

“Do you remember who I am?”

Rose smiles. “Of course! You’re Arc! The one mother designed me to care for.”

“Good! I was afraid you wouldn’t remember me.”

Twilight nods. “All her memories are still intact, Arc.”

“Rose, tell me your directives.”

Rose thinks for a moment. “They don’t appear to be in my memory banks any longer. Can I assume you were successful in removing them?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Rose.”

Arc smiles at her. “You can now do or be anything you want.”

“What should I do?”

“Only you can answer that question.”

Rose puts her arms around herself.

“I… I feel so… strange.”

Auriel frowns. “Describe the sensation.”

“Kinda… adrift. Like I don’t have a purpose. Which I suppose is true right now.”

She turns to Arc sheepishly.

“I… does your offer still stand? Can I… come with you?”

Arc smiles at her. “Of course. But remember you can leave and go anywhere you want at any time.”

“Th-thank you.”

She begins to shiver

“Twilight! What’s happening to her?”

Twilight looks at her screen. “It must be a side effect of her copied memories still trying to hold onto their original directives.”

Auriel looks worried. “What do we do about it?”

“We can’t do anything. Rose has to.”

Rose shakes as tears begin to fall. “What?!”

Arc frowns. “Are you saying she just has to deal with it?”

“Sadly, yes. Rose just like the rest of us, you have to come to terms with your purpose in life.”

Rose puts her face in her hands. “But… but I don’t know what that IS!”

“We’ll figure it out. Do you want me to take you home now?”

Rose nods sadly.

“Okay. Just a minute.”

He turns to Twilight and Auriel.

“Thank you for your hard work on this. I’ll see to it Rose is cared for until she’s ready to stand on her own.”

Twilight nods. “Take care of her, Arc. She trusts you.”

“I will.”

Arc turns back to Rose and calls forth his gauntlet. He opens a portal and picks Rose up.

“Let’s get you home.”

Rose looks away and blushes as Arc puts an arm behind her bare back. “Thank you.”

Auriel smiles at her. “Good luck, Rose.”

Arc walks through the portal. The pair find themselves back in Arc’s quarters in Light’s Hope. He carries Rose to his room.

“Let’s get you situated.”

Arc lays Rose down on the bed and walks over to the chest of drawers. She looks down at the robe draped over her body.

“Wh-what happened to my clothes?!”

“Sorry about that. Twilight had to do some maintenance on you. I had to cut them off.”

Rose blushes heavily as Arc sets the clothes down on the bed next to her.

“I’ll wait in the other room. You okay to get dressed?”

“I uh… yes.”

“Okay.”

Arc leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Rose sighs.

“Who… who am I?”

She again puts her face in her hands.

“What do I do?!”

A few minutes later Rose emerges from the bedroom fully dressed. Arc stands and walks over to her.

“Better?”

Rose nods.

Arc takes her arm and leads her over to the couch.

“Have a seat, Rose. I think we need to talk.”

She wordlessly does so. Arc looks her in the eye.

“I want you to know you’re welcome here with me as long as you need. But if you ever want to go or do something else, you can of course do that as well.”

Rose begins to cry. “Arc, I… I feel so… empty inside!”

Arc sits down next to her. “Like you don’t have a purpose?”

Rose nods sadly.

“I kinda know how you feel.”

“You… you do?”

Arc nods. “When I first came to Equestria, I didn’t fit in here. Being the only human in the world makes for a lonely existence.”

“What did you do?”

“Kept busy until I found my place.”

Rose sighs. “My place… where is that?”

“Your place is anywhere you want to be. Wherever makes you happy.”

Rose looks down at her hands. “Before I would have said ‘my place is at your side’.”

Arc nods. “I’m heading back to Earth tomorrow. You can come with me, or stay with Twilight. Or whatever else you want to do.”

“I… I don’t know. But I really don’t want to be alone right now. If I wouldn’t be in the way, could I come to Earth with you?”

“Yes, of course. But are you okay?”

“My systems are all functioning normally. Why?”

Arc looks uncomfortable. “Um… Twilight… sliced you open earlier. For maintenance I mean!”

Rose nods. “I don’t have any access ports. That’s the only way.”

“So you’re not in any pain?”

She shakes her head. “No. But like I said before, now I feel empty inside. Like I don’t have a reason to live anymore.”

Arc stands up. “I have an idea. Follow me.”

“Why? Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

Chapter 12 - Back to It

The next morning Arc and Rose walk down a corridor in Canterlot Castle.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to come with you, Arc. I’m not exactly at my best.”

Arc nods. “You’re my friend, Rose. I’m not leaving you behind when you need me.”

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“For yesterday. I never thought I’d learn so much in a Cafeteria.”

“Helping others worse off than yourself is always good therapy.”

Rose nods. “I agree. They certainly have seen their share of hardships. Admittedly I do feel a bit better about my prospects for the future.”

“I can’t guarantee happiness or anything. But I do try to bring it to others.”

“Then I shall aid you in that for the time being.”

They enter Princess Celestia’s room. Sunburst greets them.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Morning. How are we looking for time, Sunburst?”

“You have a few minutes, sir. I’ll use it to triple check my instruments. This isn’t going to be easy.”

“Good idea.”

Sunburst returns to the machine as Rose turns to Arc.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I have to. But you don’t.”

“I’ll be fine, as I’m not a living creature.”

Cherry sighs. “Rose is right, Arc! This is certainly not your best idea!”

“Not you too, Cherry.”

Cherry sighs. “I understand why you feel the need to save your friend. But the others are fully capable of scouting out the locations themselves.”

Arc nods. “True. But this is something I really have to be there for.”

Sunburst looks up from his console. “The young android may be able to help you on your trip, sir.”

“I can?”

“Yes. If you stand behind her, the inorganic compounds that make up her body will protect you from the turbulence to come.

Arc frowns. “I don’t really want to use Rose as a shield.”

“Please do!”

Arc sighs. “Rose…”

“Traveling in this way is simple for me. Even without the wormhole timing. You said I was free to make my own choices, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes.”

“This is what I want to do!”

“Very well. But only if you’ll be safe as well.”

Sunburst nods. “That she will be, sir. Now then, you should put on your armor and be ready. This window is only a handful of seconds!”

The pair stand in front of the platform patiently. Sunburst does not take his eyes off the readouts.

“When I say go, you have but a few moments to enter the portal.”

Rose nods. “Yes sir.”

“A hug may be in order.”

“Sunburst?”

“I’m suggesting you hold Miss Rose in an embrace as you enter. Her frame will act as a wind break in your arms.”

“Understood.”

He leans forward as Rose puts her arms around his neck. She then wraps her legs around his back Arc smiles as he puts his arms around her.

“Good thing you’re light.”

Rose smiles. “Mother made me perfectly proportioned.”

“Yes, well…”

Sunburst activates the portal. “Get ready…! NOW!!!”

Arc leaps through the swirling portal’s energies. A moment later the pair fly out the other end into Arc’s yard. Opening his eyes Arc sees the wall fast approaching. Using his magic he quickly Blinks them 180 degrees. His back smashes into the wood siding as they fall to the ground together. Rose gets up quickly.

“ARC! Are you alright?!”

Arc does not move. A moment later his squad, Ember, and Sereb rush out the back door. Ember hurries over.

“What happened?!”

“We crash landed! Help me get him inside!”

Xenos and Max put their arms around Arc’s shoulders and help him through the back door. They lay him gently on the couch and remove his helmet. Hugh turns to Xenos.

“Should we call for a doctor?!”

“Maybe. He doesn’t look too good.”

Viktor shudders. “That trip must have been a doozy to hurt the commander like that!”

Max turns to Sereb. “What do you think?”

“He is resting peacefully.”

Rose looks him over. “My sensors aren’t picking up any broken bones. He just hit his head protecting me.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Protecting?”

“The entry into this realm was… turbulent.”

Cherry calls out to them. “I’ll try and help coax Arc into waking up.”

A few moments later Arc’s eyes slowly open. He looks around. A dazed look on his face. Ember looks concerned.

“Arc? Say something!”

“Ugh. That… was something I’d like to never do again.”

Xenos turns to Max. “How do we know he’s okay?”

Max shrugs. “Is there anything we can get you, sir?”

“Got any cupcakes?”

Hugh chuckles. “He’s fine.”

Arc sits up and shakes his head.

“Is Rose okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Good.”

“What happened? My sensors showed that I was in position to absorb any shock that came our way.”

“I saw the side of the house and took action.”

“What?! But I would have been fine!”

“My brain knows that. But I just instinctively had to protect you.”

Cherry giggles. “I guess even your hard head has its limits.”

“Huh?”

“You broke the house, my dear.”

Arc stands up. “I did?!”

Ember pushes Arc back down onto the couch. “Woah there, Arc! You just stay there and take it easy!”

Max nods. “Yes sir. Let us take a look at the damage.”

Arc frowns. “Fine.”

His squad heads outside, but returns a few minutes later. Sereb looks up to them as they enter.

“How does it look?”

Hugh looks nervous. “Uh… do you still have your earring sir?”

“Of course. Why?”

Viktor points a thumb over his shoulder. “You should probably get ahold of Hard Hat.”

Ember frowns. “Was it that bad?”

Xenos laughs. “I think you might have pushed the house off the foundation a bit, sir.”

“WHAT?!”

Max shakes his head. “Xenos is joking about that part, sir. But there is a sizable hero-shaped indentation in the wall.”

Arc frowns. “Great. I’ll have to call a contractor.”

Cherry sighs. “Look at the bright side. You’re just fine, right?”

Arc puts a hand to his head. “Yeah. The ringing in my ears has stopped at least.”

Sereb looks him over. “You should probably rest.”

“Maybe later. There’re things that need doing.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “What could possibly be so important?!”

Sereb nods. “Yes, Arc. Whatever it is, we can take care of it for you.”

Arc reaches into his pocket and pulls out the paper. “I have a map here of locations where Frank could be.”

Max’s eyes grow wide. “Where did you…?”

“Sunburst got it for me. He said something is interfering with his scrying though.”

Ember frowns. “Is that why it’s taking so long to locate Princess Celestia?”

“Maybe. He originally said it was due to Earth being so big. But I’m sure this interference isn’t helping matters any.”

Hugh puts a hand to his chin. “What kind of interference, sir?”

“It might just be natural. But then again, after I met Lieutenant Mio it’s clear the Shards have access to magic and magic-based technology.”

Max clenches a fist angrily. “You think they are the ones hiding the princess?!”

“Had you asked me that before, I’d have said no. But it makes sense on paper. I don’t know how they would have done this without help though.”

Sereb nods. “Or why.”

Viktor sighs. “That too.”

Xenos looks to Arc nervously. “Sir? Do you suppose your friend wants to conquer this land?”

“Not likely. Frank’s always been driven to achieve his goal. But he wouldn’t go that far. Of that I’m certain.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve been his friend for most of my life. We know how each other thinks.”

Max sighs. “Everyone changes, sir. And not always for the better.”

Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. “We should at least consider the idea, Arc.”

Sereb looks out the window. “It is possible your friend is not missing at all.”

“What are you talking about, Sereb?”

“Perhaps he is merely away preparing the next phase of his plan.”

Cherry sounds angry. “Sereb! That’s Arc’s friend you’re talking about!”

“My apologies. I was only making a logical observation.”

Ember sighs. “He might be right, Arc.”

“I know. But until we have some more proof, I’m still treating this as a rescue operation.”

Sereb nods. “As you wish.”

“In any case, see what you can find out about these locations, Viktor.”

Arc hands over the map. Viktor accepts it respectfully.

“Yes sir.”

Xenos grins. “We’ll get right on it! Just let me get my coat.”

Hugh calls out after him. “Xenos, we can do this from the house.”

“Huh?”

Max nods. “Viktor found this really cool website on the internet. What was it called again?”

“Google Maps. We can get know what’s at a point without actually going there.”

The squad heads to the basement as Xenos mutters indignantly.

“Darn crazy machines… take the fun out of everything.”

Rose frowns as she follows them. “Hey!”

“Sorry.”

Ember walks over to Arc and wraps her arms around his neck. “I missed you.”

“Uh… did I miss anything?”

“Nothing too interesting. I went out to beat up some Shards a few times. Probably scarred them for life too.”

“Oh?”

Ember laughs. “Yeah! I saw them on the street a few days later. Every few seconds they were looking over their shoulders.”

Sereb shakes his head. “I believe you enjoyed trouncing them a bit too much.”

“Yeah. It wasn’t a very fair fight. Six on one.”

“What?!”

Ember steps back and shrugs. “I told them to call their friends, but they didn’t.”

Sereb sighs. “Probably more interesting around here then it was with you, Arc.”

“Yeah. How did the signing ceremony go? Was it as boring as I said it would be?”

Arc frowns. “The treaty is signed and Princess Luna is safely back in Canterlot. But it was far from boring.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Did they bring in entertainment, or something?”

“Kinda. The rebels showed up.”

Sereb growls. “The cowards?!”

“Yup.”

Ember grins. “I assume you sent them packing?”

“Um… not exactly.”

Arc tells them about the two assassination attempts on Princess Luna. Ember frowns.

“That was brazen of them!”

Sereb nods. “It was a good thing you were wearing Miss Cherry’s pendant, Arc.”

Arc holds up his bandaged hand. “Right. But that luck wasn’t so strong during the second attempt.”

Ember takes his hand. “What happened?!”

“I caught the crossbow bolt with my hand.”

Sereb looks the bandaged hand over. “How did it not pass through?”

“I felt the tail of it hit my ring. Otherwise Luna’s face would’ve caught it.”

Ember clenches a fist angrily. “Hopefully whoever did this was caught!”

“Um… yes and no.”

Sereb sighs. “That does not make sense.”

“I know.”

Arc explains his own assailant’s attempt to kill him aboard the Lunar Destiny. Ember appears livid.

“Okay, THEY had better be dead! If not, I’ll fix that!”

Sereb growls. “I will help.”

Arc nods. “Believe me, I kinda agree with you two on that.”

“Good! Let’s do it then!”

“We can’t.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why not?!”

“They’re the leader of the rebels for starters.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “All the more reason to slay them!”

Ember clenches her fists. “I’m with Sereb on this one! Let’s take ‘em out!”

Arc sighs. “Well, you two remember Lady Ashe from Lord Gestal’s party, right?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. The rebels were trying to kidnap her.”

Ember gasps. “Oh no! Did they get her?!”

“She’s the leader.”

Sereb tilts his head to one side. “The leader of… what now?”

“The rebels.”

There is a long pause. Ember takes Arc’s arm.

“Let’s get you upstairs to bed.”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed. You must’ve hit your head harder than we thought.”

“It’s true. She snuck aboard and tried to kill me.”

Ember humors him. “Did she now?”

Sereb frowns. “I think he means it, Ember.”

Ember turns to Sereb. “You need some rest too apparently. Lady Ashe was the picture of nobility.”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s a front.”

Sereb sighs. “More enemies of Equestria?”

“We parted on… somewhat reasonable terms. Hopefully that’s the end of the matter. But I really doubt it.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Fine, I believe you. But would you please rest?!”

Sereb looks at the hand again. “Not a bad idea considering your injury.”

“I’m fine!”

Ember grabs him by the collar and pulls him toward the stairs. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Come on.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Ember leads Arc to his room and points to the bed.

“You rest.”

“Ember, I…”

“REST!!!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “I believe Ember is quite serious this time.”

Arc nods as he lies down on the bed. “You think?!”

Sereb turns toward the door. “I should go.”

“Don’t you dare leave me with her!”

Ember turns angrily to Sereb. “Out… NOW!!!”

Sereb looks to Arc as he frantically shakes his head no. Ember lifts a hand.

“I warned you.”

A moment later Sereb looks a bit woozy. He falls to the floor.

“Ember?! What did you do to him?!”

She closes the bedroom door with a sweep of her hand as she grins at him. “Just a little sleep spell. I figured out how to do it.”

Ember walks over to the foot of the bed and climbs up onto the mattress. A wild look in her eyes as she slowly crawls toward Arc on all fours.

“I missed you, Arc. Missed being with you. Sleeping with you. Waking up next you. Having your scent greet me each morning.”

Arc backs into the headboard. “I, uh… missed you too, Ember. But I think it’s time for me to rest now.”

Ember grins wickedly. “I’ll help you relax.”

She inches her way toward him, giggling with a strange grin on her face. As Ember reaches him she puts her hands on his shoulders.

“Arc… it’s time you and I finally…”

Cherry screams. “STOP!”

Ember draws back. Her face suddenly beet red.

“Ch-Cherry! I… I forgot you were…!”

“This isn’t what Arc wants!”

Ember sits back quickly. “I… um… I just…”

“I KNOW what you wanted! I’m dead, not stupid!”

Arc nods. “This isn’t like you Ember. What happened?!”

She turns away. “I… it’s… sorry…”

Arc leans forward and puts a hand on her shoulder. “I’m not angry. Just… talk to me.”

Ember takes a deep breath. “You were gone for… for so long.”

Cherry huffs. “It hasn’t been very long at all!”

“Yes, well… since I met you, we haven’t been apart for more than a night or two at most. The love I feel for you, Arc, it just burst forth when I saw you! Even more so with me in this human form.”

Ember begins to cry.

“It’s just… don’t ever leave me behind again!”

“But that was your idea. You said you could handle it.”

Ember looks up at him as tears stream down her face. “Well I was WRONG! I… I NEED you!”

Arc wraps his arms around her as she continues to cry. He leans back into his pillow.

“I’ll try to keep you with me from now on.”

Ember nods as she presses her face against his chest as Arc holds her close.

“Why don’t we get some rest now?”

Ember sniffles and wiping her eyes. “I… I’d like that.”

“Um… Sereb’s alright, isn’t he?”

“Just sleeping. Sorry.”

“I’m letting you explain it to him when he wakes up.”

Ember nods sadly. Agreed.”

The pair drift off to sleep together. A few hours later the smell of cooking food greets their noses. Arc opens his eyes.

“Something smells good.”

Ember groggily raises her head. “Ugh… what?”

“Hungry?”

“I am actually.”

Arc sits up. “Then let’s get some lunch. Smells like the guys are all over it.”

Sereb raises his head.

“What… happened?”

Ember looks over to him as she stands up with Arc. “Sorry…”

Sereb frowns. “Do not do that again.”

“I won’t. Promise.”

They proceed downstairs. The kitchen is abuzz with activity. Max looks over at them from the stove.

“Hope you two are hungry.”

Hugh nods as he sets the table. “We’ve gotten a lot better at cooking, sir.”

Viktor chuckles. “Had to. Cereal and pizza gets old after a while.”

Xenos looks at Ember. “I’m sure you’re the most hungry amongst us.”

Arc frowns. “What are you talking about, Xenos?”

Sereb enters the Kitchen. “Ember has not been eating regularly since your departure, Arc.”

Ember looks away. “I… I just wasn’t hungry, okay?!”

Arc leads her over to a chair. “Well, let’s see if we can change that.”

They sit down to a hearty meal together. Arc turns to Viktor.

“Any luck down there?”

“Yes, sir. Quite a bit actually.”

Max nods. “We’ve looked over street views from every imaginable angle.”

Hugh takes a drink. “Even shots from the air.”

Xenos frowns. “I’m still trying to understand how they took those pictures. I mean… was it from an airship?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. A satellite.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

Cherry giggles. “I can see one in your mind’s eye Arc, and even I don’t get it.”

“Think of it like an airship that flies really, REALLY high.”

Max looks confused. “But if it’s that high, how do they take pictures?”

“Quite a bit of zoom I would imagine.”

Hugh nods. “How high, sir?”

“High enough that they’re in space.”

Ember frowns. “Space?”

Sereb turns his head to one side, confused. “Doesn’t everything take up space?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I mean it’s so high it’s not on the planet anymore.”

Max frowns. “That’s even more confusing, sir.”

“I know. Let’s table it and go back to what you guys found.”

Viktor nods. “Those buildings are all run down and abandoned.”

Hugh counts on his fingers. “There a gas station, a factory, a warehouse, and a… farmhouse. Oddly enough.”

Ember turns to Max. “Any idea which one we should visit first?”

Max shakes his head. “They all look abandoned from the pictures online.”

Cherry calls out. “ Makes sense. Criminals in Equestria also like to hang out as far away from others as possible.”

Arc nods. “Where exactly are these places? We don’t have much in the line of abandoned buildings here in town.”

Viktor looks out the window. “They’re all outside the city limits.”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah. And about as far away from one another as can be.”

Ember sighs. “They might be doing that to throw us off.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Maybe. But that does make them harder to reinforce should trouble arise.”

Sereb nods. “They must assume they are secure.”

Hugh grins. “We going to change that, sir?”

“That we are. After dark, that is.”

Ember’s necks snaps to Arc. “You better be planning to take me!”

“You, Sereb and I are going to check out that gas station.”

Cherry giggles. “And me!”

Arc chuckles. “Right. And you, Cherry.”

Max turns to Arc. “If I may, why there, sir?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. I mean, what would the Shards be doing with fuel anyways?”

“That’s a very good question. The other places kinda make sense at least.”

“Want me to do a fly-over and see?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. A dragon flying around overhead would make the news.”

“I can fly high!”

Sereb shakes his head. “And be seen for many miles.”

Ember frowns. “Fine.”

Max chuckles. “Sereb’s right, Ember. You need to be stealthy for this.”

Ember mutters indignantly as Arc stands up to clear the table.

“I don’t want you getting hurt. Sereb either.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “And you?”

Arc looks at his hand. “They can’t hurt me. I’m already hurt.”

Ember glares at him. “That’s not funny.”

“Yeah, sorry. It’s feeling a lot better than it did a few days ago though. Now why don’t we all get some rest and prepare for tonight?”

Max stands and heads for the basement steps. “We’ll keep researching that gas station, sir.”

“Alright. Just be sure you boys are well rested for tonight. I’d appreciate if you four watched my back.”

Xenos grins. “Yes sir.”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the Kitchen. Hugh looks to Viktor.

“The commander’s really dedicated to saving this human.”

“That he is. But it’s to be expected.”

Xenos looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“From what I’ve seen, when you’re a friend to the commander, you’re a friend for life.”

Max calls out from the steps. “Agreed. He’s already stuck his neck out for us several times. It’s good to be working for someone who can be counted on to do what’s right.”

“Even if it’s not deserved?”

Max chuckles. “Loyalty, Xenos. The commander completely personifies it.”

Chapter 13 - Unusual Fill-up

Later that night Arc, Ember and Sereb appear on a sigil on the edge of town. They are clad in their signature armor. Ember turns to Arc.

“I still don’t see why we couldn’t have just driven out here!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sure. If we wanted to not only announce our presence, but give away who we really are.”

Sereb looks around. “Indeed. Had the metal chariot been seen around town it would be a simple task for us to be followed home.”

Cherry gasps. “A scary thought!”

Ember grunts. “Fine! Let’s just get this over with.”

“Cold?”

“I’m more concerned about getting you back home safely, Arc.”

“Why?”

“Uh, your hand! Remember?!”

Arc stiffly moves his fingers. “What about it? It’s healing.”

“You can’t defend yourself properly!”

Sereb sniffs the air. “I shall watch his back closely.”

“Thanks, Sereb.”

Ember frowns. “I will too! But that’s not the point!”

“Ember? Can we talk about this later? Like after we get home?”

“Fine! But this conversation isn’t over!”

Arc turns to Sereb. “Better return to your normal form.”

“Arc?”

“You’re kinda recognizable as you are. That and your larger form has armor.”

Ember chuckles. “We could also use his intimidation factor to our advantage.”

Arc nods. “Yup. I’d rather scare our opponents over fighting them.”

“Very well.”

Sereb concentrates as he quickly returns to his normal size. He stretches.

“That feels much better.”

Ember turns to Arc. “So what now?”

Arc walks over to Sereb and gets into the saddle. “Now we walk. That gas station is still a couple miles down the road.”

Ember sighs. “Great.”

Arc extends a gauntlet to Ember. “Want a ride?”

Ember nods. “This mission is looking up!”

He pulls Ember up behind him and looks down at Sereb.

“The building is a ways down this road. Let’s get moving.”

“As you wish.”

Sereb runs down the road. Arc touches his earring.

“You guys reading us alright?”

Max nods. “Yes sir. Loud and clear.”

Hugh looks over his monitor. “Nothing but snow as far as the eye can see though.”

Viktor frowns. “Hopefully that’s all there is to see.”

Xenos chuckles. “Where’s the fun in that?!”

“Good. How about you, Rose?”

“My sensors are linked to the cameras. Data is coming in normally.”

“Let me know if you pick up anything… strange, I guess.”

“I will!”

“Arc out.”

Ember looks to him as Arc touches his earring again to end the conversation. “I just have one question, Arc.”

“Yes, Ember?”

“How the heck are we inconspicuous like this?!”

“We’re not.”

“Come again?”

“Anyone could see us, yes. But no one will know who we are.”

Sereb nods. “There is wisdom in this course of action… I think.”

Sometime later they come to a hill.

“Stop here, Sereb.”

“Very well.”

Sereb stops and Arc dismounts along with Ember. She looks around.

“I don’t see anything here, Arc.”

Arc points up the hill. “We should be able to see the gas station from up there. Let’s take it slow from here.”

They walk up the road and stop as they crest the hill. Ember squints.

“Is that a light I see in the window?”

Sereb nods. “Yes.”

Arc frowns. “That old station hasn’t been operating since I was a little boy.”

“Someone squatting there?”

“If we’re really lucky, Frank.”

They begin walking. Ember looks around.

“Uh, won’t they see us coming?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. The moon is covered by clouds and there aren’t any streetlamps out here.”

Sereb frowns. “And what of lookouts?”

“You and I blend into the snow pretty well, big guy.”

“What about me?!”

Arc shrugs. “Walk behind me.”

Ember nods. “Simple solution. I like it.”

They slowly walk down the road toward the station. Sereb sniffs the air.

“Wood smoke.”

Ember’s teeth chatter. “Good! That means it’s warm in there!”

“We aren’t here to visit, Ember.”

“I know that! But if we rush in we can take our opponents by surprise.”

Arc sighs. “Let’s just see what we’re up against before we start talking battle strategy, shall we?”

Sereb nods. “A wise choice.”

Ember scowls. “Fine…”

“Let’s go around the side and scout it out.”

Sereb sniffs the air again. “There is something odd here.”

“Define ‘odd’.”

“The smell is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before.”

Arc frowns. “Is it dangerous?”

“Unknown.”

Arc touches his earring. “Rose, can you scan for anything dangerous here? Sereb smells something a bit… off.”

Xenos chuckles. “Define ‘off’, sir.”

Max looks over. “How about something that could kill them, Xenos?”

“Point taken.”

Rose runs a scan remotely. “There is some kind of residue nearby. It’s composition is unknown to me.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Something exotic all the way out here?!”

Sereb sighs. “Calm yourself, Ember. It could be anything.”

Rose smiles. “Right! There are quite a few substances on Earth that I have yet to encounter and catalogue. I can attempt to analyze it, but if you want it quickly I’ll have to focus on this rather than on you and the others.”

Max looks over his monitor. “We’ll keep our eyes open, sir.”

“Thanks. Do it, Rose.”

“Okay.”

Rose closes her eyes and begins her task as Arc and the others continue on. Ember turns to Arc as they walk around to the front of the building.

“There’s a window.”

Arc turns to Sereb. “Can you smell anyone in there?”

Sereb shakes his head. “The scent which lingers around this place is interfering. I cannot tell.”

“What do you suppose it is, Arc?”

“I would say it’s probably gasoline. But this place has been shut down for over twenty years.

“How long does that stuff last?!”

“Not THAT long. And I can’t imagine them just leaving the tanks with fuel in them. Environmental regulations and all that.”

Ember frowns. “So what should we do?”

Sereb points a paw toward the window. “Perhaps we can peek inside.”

Ember hisses. “They’ll see us!”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry. I have an idea.”

He quickly removes the magic cloak from his ring and puts it on. As he vanishes from sight he grins.

“Now then, let’s see what we have here.”

Arc slowly and quietly walks toward the window. Peeking through it a few moments before returning to the others and uncloaking.

“We’ll, there’s definitely people in there.”

Ember sighs. “How many?”

“Three.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “We should be able to take them.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be necessary.”

“Why not, Arc?”

Cherry giggles. “We’ve seen them before.”

He motions to the front door. “Come on. Let’s go say ‘hi’.”

Sereb and Ember look to each other, shrug, and follow Arc toward the door. He knocks loudly. A moment later the sound of footsteps approaching can be heard and a voice rings out from inside.

“Who is it?”

Arc clears his throat. “We’re looking for someone.”

“No one here.”

Ember rubs her gauntlets together. “Come on! It’s cold out here! Open up!”

“Uh… okay!”

The door opens and Jackal’s large form can be seen standing in the doorway. He points at Arc.

“Hey! You guy from store! What you want?!”

“Just want to talk.”

“Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Are your friends here?”

“Sure! Come on in!”

He shows them inside and looks at Ember.

“You bring friends?”

Arc shrugs. “Just like you.”

“Wut?”

Ember shakes her head. “He means we both hang with pals.”

“Oh!”

He looks past Arc and Ember.

“Someone else back there?”

“Yeah. It’s my… uh… dog.”

Jackal claps his hands happily. “Doggie?!”

Ember nods. “Yeah, but he’ll stay outside.”

“Aw! Why?!”

Ember snickers. “He’s not housebroken.”

“Oh… okay!”

Arc closes the door behind them as Sereb growls.

“I’m not sure what that means, but I’m quite sure I don’t like it.”

Meanwhile, Jackal leads Arc and Ember into the station.

“Others in back!”

They proceed behind the counter toward the storage room. Jackal opens the door for them. They see Snake and Wolf huddled around a small wood stove in a corner. Snake looks over as he rubs his hands together.

“Who was at the door?”

Wolf shivers nearby in a coat and blanket. “Hopefully our relief!”

“Uh… me not know who he is.”

The pair turn to look at their visitors. Wide-eyed as they jump to their feet. Wolf turns to Jackal, angrily.

“You big idiot! Why’d you let HIM in here?!”

Snake facepalms. “Of all the… if Stingray shows up and sees them, she’ll have our heads!”

Arc holds up his hands. “Easy there. I’m a friend.”

Ember turns to Arc. “You have a VERY loose idea of friendship then!”

Wolf sneers. “Agreed!”

Snake glares at them. “What do you want?!”

“A mutual friend of ours asked me to find you.”

“Who?”

“Your friend from Shelly’s Kitchen.”

Snake rolls his eyes. “HA! That idiot?!”

Wolf scoffs. “I’ll bet he hasn’t made ANY headway on finding the boss!”

Ember shakes her head. “Actually, he has.”

Jackal claps his hands together happily. “Goody!”

“Our friend has learned that your boss is still nearby.”

Snake sighs. “That ain’t much to go on!”

“True. But we’ve been able to get a lead on a few locations.”

Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out the map. He turns it to allow the three to see it.

“These places mean anything to you three?”

Snake frowns at him. “What do I look like? An atlas?!”

Wolf shrugs. “Those places aren’t anything special.”

Jackal studies the map carefully. “Hmmm…”

Ember turns to him. “See anything there, big guy?”

“Ya! I see a map on Stingray’s desk that has some of these places on it!”

Snake’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

Wolf glares at Jackal. “Why didn’t you say anything?!”

“I just thought it was pretty!”

Ember shakes her head. “Tell us more about the map. Can you remember anything else on it?”

Jackal thinks for a minute. “Stingray had scribbled all over it.”

Arc frowns. “Scribbled?”

“Yeah! Like she was doodling!”

Ember nods. “Maybe they were notes?”

“Nah! Scribbles just “X’s”!”

Snake grins. “X marks the spot!”

Wolf looks confused. “What spot?”

Jackal smiles. “Treasure?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I doubt it.”

Snake turns to Ember. “What makes you say that?”

“If it was a treasure map Stingray wouldn’t have left it out. More than likely it’s more for reference than a secret.”

Arc sighs. “You think they’re looking for Frank too?”

“Maybe.”

Wolf laughs. “Shows how much you two know!”

Snake shakes his head. “Yeah! The boss would never run from Stingray! Besides, she’s loyal to the core!”

He looks up at Arc suspiciously.

“Actually, the more I think about it, you’re the most suspicious lout here!”

Wolf turns to Snake. “You think HE took the boss?”

“Makes sense. He shows up in town and suddenly the boss is nowhere to be found.”

Jackal shakes his head. “I dunno Snake. He seems okay to me.”

Wolf glares at Jackal. “You just let us do the thinking around here.”

Snake smiles wickedly. “Yeah! Jackal, grab him!”

Arc shakes his head. “Really?”

Jackal sighs and walks toward Arc and Ember. “Sorry about this.”

Ember turns to Arc. “What now?!”

Arc clears his throat and speaks in a normal tone. “Sereb. Little help here.”

A moment later there is a colossal crash. The door bursts open and Sereb rushes to Arc’s side. He snarls menacingly at the trio before him. Jackal steps back so fast he falls over.

“WOAH!!!”

“What is THAT?!”

“It looks angry!”

Ember chuckles. “Now then. You boys still want to play?”

Snake shakes his head fearfully. “Not a chance!”

Wolf looks to Arc as Sereb takes a step toward them. “Call that thing OFF!”

Jackal turns to Snake. “Can I pet it?”

“NO!”

Arc puts an arm on Sereb’s shoulder. “Easy there. I’ll feed you when we get home.”

Sereb smiles a toothy grin as the trio collectively gulps. Arc turns his attention back to them.

“Now that I have your attention, what are you three doing out here? Slumming?”

Wolf hides behind Jackal. “We just do what we’re told!”

Snake nods. “Yeah! Stingray just has us watching this place for some reason.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “I find it hard to believe you’re babysitting an abandoned building.”

Jackal nods. “It true! We’re just supposed to see to it nobody snoops around here! Honest!”

“It may be that they weren’t told exactly why they’re here. Remember those strange readings outside?”

“How could I forget?”

“We still don’t know their source. I get the feeling they honestly don’t know why they’re here.”

Wolf nods frantically. “We don’t! We don’t! We REALLY don’t!!!”

Ember nods. “That IS convincing.”

Arc’s earring chirps

“Go ahead.”

Rose opens her eyes. “I’ve pinpointed the location of the unknown substance.”

“Great! Where?”

“It’s several feet beneath you.”

Ember frowns. “Underground? Why there?”

“Is the substance a liquid by any chance?”

“Yes. Molecular scans show it to be in a liquid state at the moment.”

Arc points toward the window. “The stuff is in the gas tanks underground.”

Wolf looks confused. “How do you know?”

“I don’t. Let’s find out, shall we?”

Arc leads the group outside. Sereb takes up the rear behind Snake who is shivering.

“It’s cold out here!”

Jackal shrugs. “It not so bad.”

Wolf glares at Jackal. “You’re nothing but blubber!

Ember turns to Arc. “I’m with them on this one. Can we hurry this along please?!”

Arc looks around. “I just need to find the opening under all this snow.”

He thinks for a moment before turning to Sereb.

“Do you think you could sniff out the source of the smell big guy?”

Sereb nods and looks around. Wolf rolls his eyes.

“No mutt is THAT smart!”

Ember nods. “Have some faith in him.”

Sereb sniffs the ground for a few moments before pawing around nearby. Arc walks over to him.

“I think he’s found it.”

He kneels down and brushes the snow away to reveal a steel cover. Snake scoffs.

“Lucky guess.”

Wolf sneers. “Yeah. I still don’t see how this has anything to do with…”

Arc turns away as he opens the lid. “That’s a strange smell. Definitely not gasoline though.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. It’s almost floral.”

Arc looks to Ember. “Go back in the station and get me something to hold this stuff in would you?”

“Sure.”

Wolf turns to the others. “Um… do we just let him do this?”

Sereb looks over at them and growls.

Snake sighs. “I guess. That is unless we WANT his mutt to eat us!”

Jackal looks hopeful. “Can I play with him?!”

“NO!”

“Awww…”

Ember emerges from the station and tosses Arc an empty bottle.

“I found this flask. Will it do?”

Arc nods as he catches it. “That’s a pop bottle. But yes, it’ll do.”

Snake rolls his eyes. “So you’re just going to reach on down there and scoop it out? Idiot…”

Ember glares at him. “Shut up!”

Arc lowers the bottle down with his magic, leaves it there for a moment and pulls it back up. Turning around with the filled bottle he chuckles.

“That’s how it’s done.”

Jackal claps. “That look like fun! Me go fishing too?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh boy.”

Snake looks at the bottle, wide-eyed. “What the… how did you DO that?!”

Wolf frowns. “I thought only Lieutenant Mio had weird powers like that!”

Jackal nods. “Ya! But only with her cane!”

Arc puts the cap back on the bottle of milky white liquid. “What can I say? I’m gifted.”

He holds the bottle up in front of his face for a moment before turning to the others.

“What do you guys know about this stuff?”

Snake shrugs. “We didn’t even know it was there!”

Ember shakes her head. “So you’re here to guard something and didn’t even bother to ask what it was?!”

Wolf glares at her. “Hey, in the Shards you just do what you’re told!”

Jackal sighs. “Yeah. Things were better with Mr. Fontaine around.”

Snake hisses at him. “What did I tell you about saying that?!”

Wolf frowns. “You’ll get us all in trouble!”

Arc uses his magic to put the lid back over the hole. “I’m taking this bottle. You guys should probably not mention us being here to anyone.”

Snake nods frantically. “We won’t say anything. But could you please leave now?!”

Wolf makes a slicing motion with his finger across his neck. “Yeah! If anyone found out we talked to you, it’d be the end of us!”

Arc nods. “Fine. Let’s go you two.”

Ember and Sereb turn to follow Arc as he turns back toward the trio.

“I suggest you three get out of the Shards while you still can.”

“No way!”

“This is the only family we’ve ever had!”

“Yeah! Mr. Fontaine needs everyone!”

Ember turns back to them. “Then where is he?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Let it go.”

He raises a gauntlet and opens a portal. Arc looks back as Ember and Sereb walk through.

“Take care of yourselves.”

The portal closes as Arc walks through. The trio look at one another. Wolf is the first to speak.

“Did… did that just happen?!”

Snake nods. “I think so.”

Jackal smiles. “Yeah! I like him!”

“You do?! Why?!”

“He nice man!”

Snake frowns. “You do realize that’s the guy that’s standing in the way of the boss’ plan, right big guy?”

“I still think we should be pals with him.”

Wolf rolls his eyes as they walk back into the service station. “You do that. Let us know how it turns out.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Sereb emerge from the portal in the basement. The others walk over to them. Max reaches them first.

“That went well.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! It’s a nice change of pace.”

Viktor looks to Sereb. “Glad to see you went easy on them.”

“Arc did not want them harmed. I could do nothing else without his orders.”

Hugh grins. “In any case, a little intimidation is all it took to get the job done.”

Rose giggles. “Yes. Their heart rates were sky high!”

Arc holds up the bottle. “Here’s that substance from the tanks, Rose. Think you can analyze it with your sensors?”

Rose takes the bottle. “To a degree, yes. However some specialized equipment will be needed to do the job properly.”

Ember sighs. “So we have to send this to Canterlot, huh?”

“Yes.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “Well, it is quite late. Sunburst probably went to bed long ago. I’ll send this over tomorrow morning.”

“If you’d like, I can do some preliminary studies and record the results.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “That would certainly save Sunburst some time, sir.”

“Fine. Uh… this isn’t going to explode, is it?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. It’s chemically inert.”

Sereb looks at the bottle nervously. “Are you certain?”

“I am.”

Arc nods. “Good. Just don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

“I won’t. But the rest of you should probably be getting to bed. My sensors show that all of you are quite tired.”

Arc yawns. “That’s probably a good idea.”

He turns to his squad.

“Get some rest. Tomorrow is another day.”

Max salutes. “Yes sir.”

Ember turns to Arc. “I get the feeling you’re already thinking about our next move.”

“Yup. But let’s save it for later. I’m worn out.”

Chapter 14 - Splitting Up

Late the following night Arc and Ember approach the abandoned factory. They look out from their scouting position as Ember turns to Arc.

“I don’t like this.”

“Which part?”

“All of it!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That’s a bit too specific. Can you be a bit more vague?”

“We should’ve brought Sereb.”

“He’s helping the others.”

“I don’t like them being there either!”

“Why? Rose is with them.”

Ember sighs. “Look, all I’m saying is splitting up wasn’t your best idea.”

Arc gazes out over the building before them. “Agreed. But I believe we need to hit both of these targets at the same time.”

“So, let’s do one right after the other then!”

He shakes his head. “If we do it like this, they won’t be able to warn the other sites. A little confusion never hurt our chances before.”

“Yeah? Well they don’t help them much either.”

“Fair enough.”

They look at the building again in silence for a time. Ember taps her foot impatiently.

“What’s taking them so long?!”

“I told them to take it slow and do it right, remember?”

“Well, I wish they’d hurry up!”

“They have a much larger facility to scout out than we do.”

“True. But Rose and Sereb have your squad helping them.”

Arc turns to look Ember in the eye. “Something on your mind? You don’t usually question my dumb ideas THIS much.”

Ember shakes her head. “Just nerves I guess.”

“Really?”

“Fine! I’m just worried about the others.”

“Should I have sent you with them instead?”

“Not on your life! I’d just worry about YOU then!”

Arc’s earring chirps. He touches it.

“Go ahead.”

“Max here. We’ve finished our reconnaissance of the outside of the warehouse, sir.”

“How’s it look?!”

Xenos looks over his shoulder. “There’s a few guards out here. Nothing we can’t handle with superior numbers.”

Rose makes a fist. “I believe we should take them down quickly and quietly, Arc.”

“That’s up to Max to decide. He’s in charge over there. Not me.”

Hugh playfully salutes Max. “What should we do, sir?”

Viktor chuckles and shakes his head. “Oh boy.”

“I agree with Rose, sir. Quiet is the way to go right now. It gives us the best chance of going home safely.”

“Fine. I’ll let you formulate a plan. Give me a call when you do though. I want both groups to go in at the same time.”

Sereb turns toward the radio. “Eh?”

“They can’t properly send help to both locations. Lack of manpower. Best case scenario they try to send more guys to both locations.”

Ember glares at him. “How is that good?!”

“Because we’ll trounce ‘em!”

Sereb smiles. “Makes sense.”

Max nods. “Yes sir. We’ll think of something right away.”

“I’m sure you will. Just be careful over there.”

Xenos grins. “Don’t worry, sir. I’ll keep everyone safe.”

Hugh nods. “Together we’ll be fine.”

Rose smiles happily. “Agreed!”

Arc looks out over at the factory grounds below. “Something’s happening down there.”

Ember frowns. “What the… a truck making a delivery? Now?”

Arc chuckles. “To an abandoned factory in the middle of the night. That’s not suspicious at all.”

Rose turns her head toward the nearby road. “Arc, my sensors are picking up a vehicle heading this was as well.”

“Looks like our timing was impeccable on this everyone. Whatever the Shards have in those trucks has to be important enough to conceal.”

Cherry calls out. “Can you see the cargo with your sensors, Rose?”

“No. Something is interfering.”

Max frowns. “What?! Since when?!”

“As soon as the truck showed up on my scanners.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Think they’re jamming us?”

“Not sure how, but it makes sense. Whatever’s in there, the Shards are going all-out to keep it under wraps.”

Xenos grins. “We gonna steal whatever it is?”

Hugh nods. “Probably should.”

Ember brandishes her spear. “I’m game.”

Arc nods. “Okay. But the original mission comes first. Scout out your target and figure out what there is to see there. If there’s time, and you can come up with a safe way to do it, get the truck’s cargo.”

“Yes sir.”

“With my scanners down, this mission just got a lot harder though.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “That may be. But they can’t jam my nose.”

Xenos smacks his hands together. “Or my fist!”

Max turns back to the radio in his hand. “We’ll let you know when we have something planned out, sir.”

“Be careful. Arc out.”

Max turns toward the warehouse and surveys the scene before him for a time.

“I got an idea.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember watch as several Shard members get out of the truck. They pause as the driver inspects their cargo. Ember frowns.

“Any ideas, Arc?”

“Yeah. Let’s follow those guys inside.”

“Into the belly of the beast?”

“They’re probably going to report to whoever’s in charge here. With any luck we can overhear some interesting conversations.”

He pulls two magic cloaks out of his ring and hands one to Ember. She quickly puts it on.

“At least they can’t hit what they can’t see.”

“Yup. With any luck we should be in and out.”

Ember nods as they vanish. “Then we grab whatever’s in that truck?”

“Only if it won’t get us killed.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Can you not word it like that?!”

“I’ll try.”

They slowly makes their way toward the truck. The Shards line up as the driver hands each member a box before jumping out himself. Ember hisses.

“Those boxes have to be worth something to them.”

Arc whispers as the Shards head for the building. “Yeah. Hold up one second though.”

Ember watches as Arc walks up to the truck and peeks in the back. “What are you…?!”

“The truck’s empty. Those boxes must be really important.”

“You think?! Come on! We’ll lose them!”

Meanwhile, Max and the others watch their own truck pull to a stop in front of the warehouse.

“Rose. What do you see?”

“Scanners still inoperable, Max. I can’t see any more than you can right now.”

Hugh sighs. “Great.”

Viktor turns to Hugh. “She’s doing her best. We’ll just have to rise to the occasion.”

“There are two in front and two in back.”

Xenos’ eyes grow wide as he turns to Sereb. “How did you…?”

The wolf brushes his nose with a paw and squints. “The one on the far left is carrying a briefcase and has a mustard stain on his jacket.”

Rose smiling. “I’ll never underestimate your natural talents again, my friend.”

“Thank you. However, that still leaves the problem of what to do about the situation at large.”

Max walks over to Sereb and opens his saddlebag. “I think a bit of undercover work is in order.”

Rose turns to him. “There is one problem with that plan.”

Xenos frowns as everyone puts on their robes. “Oh? What’s that?”

“None of you can see each other after you cloak.”

Hugh sighs. “She’s right!”

Viktor looks over at the truck. “We better hurry and think of something. They’re heading for the building!”

Sereb turns to Max. “I have an idea of my own.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember enter the factory behind the Shard members. Arc grabs Ember and holds her back.

“Let’s wait a moment. Give us a little distance.”

Ember sighs. “I’m not much for stealth.”

“Just follow my lead.”

They walk down the center isle of the factory floor as they follow the Shards. Arc looks around while keeping his voice low.

“Some of this equipment looks like it’s been used recently.”

“The outside sure is run down though. You mean someone actually works here?!”

Arc shrugs. “No one that’s supposed to, I’m sure.”

Ember points. “Look at the parts in the corner. They look new!”

Arc frowns. “Armor? What would they be doing with that?”

“I didn’t see your town guards wearing any.”

“Theirs is made out of Kevlar, not metal. We have to figure this out.”

“Agreed.”

A short time later the Shards come to the center of the factory and stop. Arc and Ember stand off to one side.

“What are they doing, Arc?

“Why don’t you ask them?”

Ember frowns. “If they make me wait much longer, I will!”

A few moments later the sound of footsteps can be heard approaching from the opposite direction. Ember’s eyes grow wide.

“Hey! Isn’t that…?!”

Arc frowns. “Yeah.”

Mio, flanked by two bodyguards, approaches the group. She eyes the boxes a moment before looking at the couriers.

“See? You CAN do something right if you try.”

She points a finger toward a workbench behind Arc and Ember.

“You can just put them over… wait a second…!”

Mio quickly raises her staff toward Arc and Ember. They decloak as Arc sighs.

“Great.”

Ember whips off her cloak and tosses it to Arc as she calls forth her spear. “Yeah! Finally this stealth junk is done with!”

Arc nods as he returns both cloaks to his ring. “Well, at least we can finally get something done around here.”

He turns to the Shards.

“I want those boxes. Hand them over nice and easy and we can all just walk away.”

Mio moves to stand between Arc and the Shards. “I can’t let you do that.”

Ember tightens her grip on the spear in her hands. “He wasn’t asking!”

Arc nods as he calls forth his own spear. “Look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Which is it going to be?”

Mio smiles at them as her staff lights up. “I choose… my way!”

Meanwhile, Rose, Sereb and the squad head toward the entrance following the Shard members together. Max turns around.

“Everyone clear on the plan?”

No one says anything. Rose pipes up.

“They’re nodding.”

“Good. Is Sereb in position?”

Rose looks up at the roof. “Yes. He just waved to me.”

Max sighs. “Great. Let’s get this over with.”

With Rose’s help they enter the building one at a time. Each of Arc’s squad heads for a different corner of the warehouse. Rose hops nimbly on top of a shelving unit.

“Now then… where are those guys…?”

She looks all around.

“There they are. Must be meeting up with that smaller group up ahead.”

Rose looks up at the skylight. She sees Sereb’s yellow eyes staring back at her. The android nods at him before hopping down, cloaking, and quietly heading for the Shards.

“So much lab equipment here. But what could they be doing with all of it?”

She hides behind a tank as the Shards approach a smaller group consisting of a woman with a strange looking gun in her hands and two burly bodyguards on either side of her.

“That must be Hammer.”

Hammer glares at the group as they approach.

“Could you move any slower?! Come on!”

The group slowly makes their way in Hammer’s direction. Rose frowns.

“Whatever’s in that briefcase has got to be volatile. But for now let’s start phase one of the plan.”

Rose looks up at the skylight and nods. Sereb puts his claws on the skylight and drags them across the glass. A horrific scratching sound reverberates through the building. Hammer looks around.

“What the heck?!”

The Shards look around nervously. Max picks up a brick from his feet and looks around.

“Time to get things started.”

He heaves the brick at a crate nearby. Both the brick and crate crumble sending pieces flying everywhere. As if on cue the other members of the squad do the same. The Shards begin to panic as one of them turns to her.

“Lieutenant Hammer! This place is haunted!”

Hammer frowns as she readies her weapon. “I doubt that! Everyone look around for whoever’s doing this!”

The Shards fan out and search the area. Every so often Arc’s squad knocks something over across the building, adding to the frightening air growing around them.

“It’s ghosts!”

“Or demons!”

Hammer turns to face each new noise that rings out. “Quit your bellyaching and open your eyes, you fools! There’s got to be a logical explanation for all of this!”

Rose ducks down behind another tank and decloaks. She looks up at Sereb and nods. The wolf rears his head back and lets out and ear-splitting howl. Fearing for their lives, the Shards turn tail and run toward the exit screaming and drop the briefcase. Hammer runs over and grabs it.

“Get back here you cowards!”

Rose quickly cloaks and hurries over to Hammer. Sneaking up behind her she puts a hand on the young woman’s shoulder Stiffening in surprise Hammer turns and lets loose a mighty swing. Rose nimbly dodges the blow. Seeing no one around the blood drains from Hammer’s face.

“Wha… what kind of magic is this?! Could it really be… g-g-ghosts?!”

Hammer looks around nervously. Rose takes a few steps back, decloaks yet again, hurriedly removes the robe and tosses it behind a machine as she steps into the moonlight from the windows. She calls out in a raspy voice.

“No escape!”

Hammer whirls around at the sound and frantically shoots. Rose takes a blast to the chest. Her tunic smolders at the energy beam’s heat, but she is otherwise unharmed. Hammer steps back fearfully.

“Wha-what are you?!”

Rose takes a step slowly forward. “Join us!”

Hammer’s hand trembles in fear. “You… you’re so pale! And my weapon didn’t even slow you down! Are you really… d-d-dead?!”

Rose holds out a hand as she approaches Hammer. “I’m so cold and alone here. Stay with me.”

“N-n-no! I still have things to do in this life! Keep away from me!”

Rose looks at Hammer with a wicked grin.

“Your blood… I can hear it pumping through you veins! A taste, just a taste!”

Hammer backs against a wall and levels her weapon at Rose.

“I-I’m warning you!”

“I’ll keep you safe… forever.”

Hammer adjusts her weapon and takes aim.

“L-last warning! Back!”

Rose licks her lips. “You look… delicious! I’m so hungry!”

Hammer screams in terror and fires a shot at Rose. The blast hits her squarely in the belly burning the tunic and wounding her. Hammer smiles.

“There! That’ll teach you to… to…”

Rose straightens up, giggling. “That tickles!”

Hammer watches in horror as the wounds heal before her eyes. Rose begins walking toward her again.

“I’m so lonely. Stay now… forever!”

Hammer drops the case and runs out the door screaming. Rose quickly picks it up and calls out for the others as she grabs her magic cloak.

“Everyone out the back way! Hurry!”

Max, Xenos, Hugh and Viktor decloak and hurry toward Rose. She holds up the briefcase triumphantly.

“I got it!”

Max nods. “Good! Everyone out!”

They hurry out the back way together. Sereb watches from the skylight before jumping off the roof to join them. Max takes the case from Rose as he turns to the others.

“Let’s get back to the Jeep! The commander might need some backup!”

Xenos nods as they rush toward the woods. “Yeah! We sure didn’t see much resistance here.”

Hugh frowns. “Hopefully the Shards didn’t reinforce THAT position!”

Viktor nods as they get into the Jeep. “Agreed.”

Rose shudders. “That’s what has me worried.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember face off against Mio and her two bodyguards. Her staff glows as she speaks.

“Are you certain you don’t want to reconsider? The two of you are certainly outnumbered.”

Arc chuckles. “Funny. I was about to say the same to you.”

Mio shakes her head. “Someone can’t count.”

Ember coolly levels her spear at their opponents. “Trust me. When my friend here says to back off, you should listen.”

Mio channels her magic. “Well, he won’t be using any of his powers against me for a while.”

Ember chuckles. “But you have to keep that spell up while I come at you.”

Mio giggles as she finishes her spell. “Not anymore!”

Arc frowns. “Been practicing?”

“I have.”

Ember snarls. “Really? SO HAVE I!!!”

Before Arc can stop her, Ember lunges headfirst at Mio. Her bodyguards quickly draw their nightsticks and knock Ember across the factory floor. She smashes through a stack of boxes nearby. Arc charges forward angrily.

“Now you’re gonna get it!”

Mio pushes past her guards, her wand aglow.

“Come on! Let’s see what you have!”

Arc takes a blast from Mio’s wand. He flies back into the same wreckage. Rolling over he sees Ember lying there motionless. He grabs her helmet and pulls it off.

“Oh no…!”

Ember slowly opens her eyes and looks up at him.

“I… I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?! That looked painful.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. She just got lucky. Go get her while I wait for the world to stop spinning.”

Arc nods soberly and puts Ember’s helmet back on her.

“Just rest. I’ll take care of her.”

He stands and faces Mio yet again. She giggles.

“I think your little friend needs medical attention. Tell you what. I know some people that can help her. You come with me and I’ll…”

Arc suddenly throws his spear at Mio. “SHUT UP!!!”

The wand is knocked out of her hand. It clatters to the floor some distance away. Mio’s guards move to protect her again as she rushes toward her wand. Arc smashes through her guards.

“Have to…”

Arc cuts her off as he stands between her and the wand.

“Nowhere left to run.”

Mio takes up a fighting stance. “I do know how to fight without my powers, you fool!”

“Do you now?”

“Yes! We’re evenly matched now as well!”

Arc steps back and kicks the wand further away before taking a swing at her.

“Are we?”

Mio jumps back and nods. “Neither of us has a weapon!”

Arc snarls at her. “I AM a weapon!”

Mio again goes for her wand but takes a boot to her chest. She falls to the ground as her bodyguards rush forward to help. Arc lunges toward them and clotheslines the pair. They fall to the ground unconscious.

“There. Now it’s just you and me.”

Mio jumps back and grabs her wand. “I’m enough!”

“You wish!”

Mio’s wand glows as she grins at Arc.

“Come and get me then.”

“Gladly!”

As Arc charges toward his opponent, a loud metallic groan can be heard behind him. He turns just in time to see a large machine come flying at him. It knocks him out of his path with Mio as she steps aside to allow the machine to pass.

“I thought you were a bit smarter than THAT!”

Arc gets back up. “I may yet surprise you.”

“Unlikely.”

Her wand again lights up. Arc suddenly finds himself picked up and tossed across the room. He smashes against a machine and slowly gets to his feet.

“That all… you got?”

Mio smiles “Persistent. I like it!”

She throws Arc against another wall. He grabs onto a machine as Mio frowns.

“That won’t save you.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Mio channels her power to begin her next attack. Arc does not move.

“What the…?”

She tries harder to no avail as Arc holds fast to the machine.

“Come on! You can do better than THAT!”

A few moments later the tugs on Arc’s body lessen. Mio begins breathing heavily as she falls to one knee sweating and panting.

“You’re stronger… than you look.”

Arc nods as he lets go. “Tired?”

I’m… fine!”

He nods as he grabs his spear from the ground nearby. “Good.”

Arc runs toward her in an effort to close the gap. Mio grabs a barrel with her magic and tosses it at him. He knocks it aside with his spear and continues on. She throws down everything in his path to stop him to no avail. She looks up.

“There…”

With the last of her mana Mio pulls on an overhead crane. It comes crashing down along with a large chunk of the roof. Arc and Mio vanish from sight as a cloud of dust envelopes them. Ember crawls forward desperately.

“A… ARC!”

She reaches the pile and attempts to dig.

“I’m coming!”

Another chunk of the roof falls and hits Ember squarely in the helmet. She claws at the floor as she loses consciousness.

“A… Arc… I… I’ll s-save… you…”

Chapter 15 - The Cave

Arc slowly regains consciousness. He looks all around but can see nothing around him as a voice rings out in his head.

“Arc?! Can you hear me?

Groaning, Arc nods. “Yes, Cherry.”

“At last! I thought you’d never wake up!”

“Wha… what happened?”

“Truthfully I’m not really sure! It all happened so fast!”

Arc lies there a moment in the darkness trying to get his bearings.

“The… that crane… fell on me?”

Shaking his head in attempt to clear it, Arc raises a hand to his earring.

“Max? Rose? Anyone hear me?”

Silence.

“I guess the fall knocked my earring out of service… or something.”

“Arc, you need to get out of here! If we really were knocked down here by that thing overhead it might still be above us.”

Arc attempts to cast a Light Spell, but fails.

“Oh yeah. That crazy witch sealed my magic.”

As he attempts to sit up, Arc hits his head on something a few inches above his head. He lies back and thinks for a moment.

“I just need a little bit of… I know!”

Activating one of his Magic Blades the room is suddenly dimly illuminated by the green energy blade. Arc looks up to see a large chunk of what appears to be the factory floor hanging over him.

“Good thing that didn’t fall another six inches!”

He crawls out from the rubble and slowly stands up.

“This isn’t the factory. Where am I?”

Cherry sighs. “I didn’t feel us being teleported, so we must still be in the vicinity.”

Turning his head to one side to gauge his surroundings, Arc frowns.

“No lights, no sounds, no nothing.”

Looking the other direction Arc spots something reflective.

“What the…?”

Walking toward it he sees a strange looking crystal. However it is smashed into a hundred pieces.

“This looks like what’s left of Mio’s wand.”

Cherry sounds indignant. “Good riddance!”

Glancing around he spots the heavily damaged shaft. Arc picks it up and shakes his head.

“Guess that’s the end of this thing.”

Suddenly the still air is broken by a small voice nearby.

“Give… it… back…!”

Arc whirls around to see Mio pinned under a pile of debris. She stretches her one free hand toward him frantically.

“I… need it!”

Arc drops the wand and hurries over to her. “Let me help you.”

As he approaches, Mio grabs a rock and lobs it at him.

“Get away!”

She look ready to faint. Arc steps forward again.

“I said let me help you!”

“No way! I just need to rest and regain my mana. Give me back my wand and I can save myself!”

Arc turns around and picks up the wand again. “You mean what’s left of it, right?”

Mio looks at her wand, clearly horrified.

“What did you…?!”

“ME?! You’re the one who…!”

The rubble above Mio shifts suddenly. Rocks and dirt fall covering her completely. Arc rushes forward and frantically digs with his gauntlets.

“I got you!”

A few moments later Mio’s head comes into view. She gasps for breath feverishly.

“Go away! I’m fine!”

“Seriously? You WANT me to leave you pinned under rubble and in the dark?!”

Mio is silent for a time. Arc sighs.

“How about a truce for now?”

“I suppose I can let you live that long.”

Arc goes back to digging. “Lucky me.”

In a short time Mio’s torso comes into view. Mio gasps as the debris is moved away.

“My arm!”

“Does it hurt?”

Mio nods. “Something hit it on our way down.”

“Let me get these rocks off of you. Then I’ll take a look at it.”

A few moments later Arc comes to the last boulder. Mio winces.

“Wait! My leg’s under there!”

“Pinned?”

“I hope that’s all it is! Sure hurts!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I can’t lift this one. Too big.”

“Then push it off!”

“And what about your leg?”

Mio frowns. “I…”

“It it’s not already crushed, rolling this thing over it will finish THAT job!”

“If you’re so smart…”

“Help me dig.”

“What for?”

“We’re going to dig your leg out. Leave the rock where it sits and loosen the dirt around it. Then maybe I can pull you free.”

“Not much of a plan.”

“You have a better one?”

Mio is silent as Arc continues digging.

“I thought not.”

Half an hour later Arc steps back.

“That should do it. Is your leg free now?”

“I think so. Maybe I can pull it out now.”

She tries, but fails.

“I can’t.”

Arc carefully digs a little more dirt out. Inch by inch Mio’s leg is freed. Eventually her foot comes into view.

“Ow! Careful!”

“Is it broken?”

Mio sweats from the pain. “I… think so!”

Arc reaches over to help her. “Let’s get you moved out of there.”

“I can do it myself!”

He steps back. “Suit yourself.”

Mio drags herself several feet from where she was trapped with her one good arm. Arc walks behind her holding his Magic Blade aloft to light the way. She stops to lean against a nearby rock. Arc kneels down next to her.

“Now then, how about we look at that foot?”

“It… it’s not that bad. Really.”

“Oh? Then why don’t you stand up and let’s get moving?”

Fine!”

Mio slowly gets to her feet. She takes a few steps before stumbling. Arc moves to catch her.

“I got you!”

She falls backwards into his arms. Mio pushes him away.

“Take your hands off me!”

Trying again to walk Mio suddenly finds herself falling forward. She crashes to the ground and rolls onto her back. Her face contorts in pain as she holds an arm to her chest.

“ARGH!!!”

Arc stoops down again. “Want me to look at it now?”

Mio frowns as she looks at his Magic Blade. “Fine. Just keep that thing away from me.

Arc removes his gauntlet and carefully sets it aside.

“Better?”

Mio nods as he moves toward her and carefully removes her boot.

“Let’s see what we have here.”

Arc carefully rolls up her pant leg and look at her leg and ankle.

“Your foot looks okay. But this ankle is pretty swollen.”

Mio grimaces. “Yeah, I can feel that!”

“Sorry. In any case, I have a med-kit here…”

Arc reaches for his ring, but nothing happens. He turns back to Mio.

“Looks like you were able to seal my ring too.”

“When I want to figure out a spell, I really put everything into it.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I can see that.”

“Normally I could just dispel it, but…”

She looks over to her destroyed wand.

“…that’s not really an option right now.”

“Well, I have to bandage this up somehow. Let me think a moment.”

Arc looks around before turning back to Mio.

“This will do.”

“What are you…?”

Arc grabs her shoulder with one hand and the arm of her jacket with the other. Giving it a quick tug he pulls the sleeve clean off.

“Sorry.”

“Why did you…?!”

“I need to wrap your ankle. It’s probably just sprained, but this is the best I can do right now.”

Mio frowns as Arc forms a makeshift bandage with the leather. Finishing he looks up to her.

“How does that feel?”

“A bit better.”

“And your arm?”

“The pain is pretty bad.”

“I don’t think you did any favors falling on it. Want me to take a look?”

Mio sighs. “Whatever.”

Arc carefully removes her leather jacket and rolls up her sleeve.

“I’m not a doctor, but I think you just fractured it.”

“It sure hurts for a fracture!”

Arc runs two fingers up and down her arm. “There aren’t any breaks that I can feel. I can wrap it up nice and tight. That should at least help with the pain and protect it from further harm.”

Mio nods. Arc rips her jacket’s other sleeve into makeshift bandages and wraps her arm.

“That’s the best I can do.”

“It does help a lot.

Arc stands back up as he retrieves his gauntlets. “You still can’t walk on that leg though. And I can’t carry you with my Magic Blades out.”

Mio puts a finger to her cheek thoughtfully. “I think I can help with that.”

She concentrates for a moment before casting a small Light Spell.

“Sorry it’s not much brighter than a candle. But without the wand, my powers are limited.”

“That should work. Want me to carry you?”

Mio narrows her eyes as she shoots him a withering look. “You can’t be serious.”

“Come on! You’ve already proven you can’t walk like that.”

“It’s undignified to be carried!”

“Okay. So what are we going to do then?”

“I… I don’t know!”

Arc sighs and thinks for a moment. “Would you be happier if I carried you on my back?”

“That would be preferable, yes.”

He turns around and kneels down. “Go ahead.”

“And do what?!”

“Put your good arm around my neck and pull yourself up.”

“I can’t hold myself up with one arm!”

“I’ll help you.”

Arc puts his gauntlets under Mio’s thighs and lifts. She blushes heavily.

“Wh-what are you DOING?!”

“Holding you up. You okay back there?”

“I… um… yes.”

Arc looks around and starts walking.

“Where do you suppose we are?”

Mio frowns. “How would I know?!”

“I thought maybe you used your magic to teleport us somewhere else.”

Her eyes grow wide. “Magic can DO THAT?!”

“Um… forget I said anything.”

Mio giggles. “It appears the boss was correct in gauging your abilities. Your magic is certainly powerful.”

“Boss? You mean Frank? Where is he?!”

“I… I can’t tell you that. “

“Is he at least alive?!”

“That I can say for certain, yes.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

Mio raises an eyebrow suspiciously. “You seem to care quite a bit about your enemies.”

“I could say the same of you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“During out last meeting, you weren’t trying to defeat me, so much as capture me.”

Mio looks away. “I… I had my reasons.”

“Your companions did roughly the same. Why?”

“The… the boss is very interested in meeting with you.”

“Not sure why. I’m no one important.”

“Someone who can take our members on single-handedly is someone of interest! To say nothing of what you did at the apartment fire! Just who ARE you?!”

“Just a guy trying to help out.”

“Like the boss. At least listen to what he has to say.”

“Not interested.”

Mio frowns. “Hmph! You’re quite stubborn! Just like him though, I suppose.”

“I believe your boss and I both want about the same thing.”

“A better world?”

“Yes.”

Mio looks confused. “Then why don’t you…?”

“Because we differ on methods.”

They are silent for a time. Arc looks over his shoulder.

“My turn to ask you a question.”

“What is it?”

“Why are you with Stingray and Hammer?”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Unlike them, I feel like I can talk to you rationally.”

“They’re my sisters. We do everything together.”

“Even if it’s wrong?”

Mio frowns as she looks away. “It isn’t!”

“You sound conflicted. Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?”

“Both! Neither! I mean… hey, what’s that?”

“Huh? Now that IS interesting.”

Meanwhile, Max’s group drives toward the factory. Sereb growls.

“Is that…?”

Rose turns to him. “What is it, Sereb?”

“Roll down a window.”

Xenos does so. Sereb sticks his head out. Hugh chuckles.

“Carsick?”

Sereb shakes his head as he pulls his head back inside the Jeep. “I smell smoke.”

Max looks confused. “Like wood smoke?”

“No. I believe a nearby building is on fire.”

Viktor looks to Rose nervously. “You don’t suppose…?”

“I certainly hope not.”

A few minutes later they round a corner. The factory comes into view. Rose gasps.

“Oh no!”

Xenos frowns. “That does NOT look good!”

Max stops the Jeep. Everyone jumps out and runs towards the building. Hugh turns to Viktor.

“The whole place is going up!”

“I don’t see the commander or Ember anywhere!”

Xenos appears nervous. “You don’t suppose they’re still in there, do you?!”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Stay here!”

He runs toward the building and jumps through a window, shattering it. Sereb looks around a few moments before spotting Ember lying in the remains of some crates. Rushing over to her he quickly picks her up with his magic and sets her on his back. Ember stirs groggily.

“Wha?”

Sereb speaks to her as he makes a run for the nearest exit. “Don’t worry! I have you, Ember!”

Diving out the window as the flames spread Sereb hurries back to the others. Xenos and Max grab Ember and lay her on the ground. They quickly pull her helmet off to look her over.

“Hey Ember! Can you hear me?!”

“Where’s the commander?!”

Ember looks around woozily. “Where… where am I?”

Hugh glances back toward the flames. “Outside the factory! You’re safe! But where’s the commander?!”

“I…”

She looks toward the burning building, suddenly getting to her feet.

“He’s in there!”

Ember limps quickly toward the building. Max turns to Xenos.

“Stop her!”

Xenos quickly chases Ember down and tackles her.

“Ember, NO!”

She struggles to push Xenos off of her. “He won’t last long in that!”

Xenos grabs her wrists and pins her to the ground. “Stop!”

Hugh runs over with the others. “The commander wouldn’t want you to throw your life away like this!”

Viktor frowns. “Right! That and he’s gotten out of worse.”

Sereb nods. “I didn’t see anyone else when I got you out, Ember.”

Rose looks all around. “My scanners don’t show anyone in the building.”

Ember turns to Rose. “So he got out?”

“Either that or he was taken.”

Max frowns. “Are you certain he’s not in there?!”

“I am. Even if he were not alive, I would still pick up the unique chemical composition of his armor.”

Ember stands as Xenos lets her up. “What should we do now?!”

Max turns back to the Jeep. “We should get back to the commander’s house. As soon as he can I’m sure he’ll contact us.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Ember continues to look at the flames. “I… I’d like to stay here.”

Viktor sighs. “Ember?”

“Arc never gave up on me. I need to do the same.”

Xenos glances around. “The guards will be coming soon!”

“To tell you the truth, I don’t… really… care…”

Ember suddenly collapses. Max hurries over to her.

“Ember?!”

Rose looks down at her. “She’s just unconscious.”

“But how…?”

Sereb turns to walks back to the Jeep. His horn aglow. “Now we’re even, Ember.”

The others look after Sereb as he returns to his Cub Form and hops into the back seat. Viktor turns back to them.

“What do you guys suppose he meant by that?”

Xenos shrugs as he picks Ember up. “I don’t think I wanna know.”

Max frowns. “Agreed.”

Hugh sighs as they walk toward the Jeep. “I kinda do.”

Sereb pokes his head out the door. “This is one time when respecting other’s privacy is paramount.”

Max sighs as he get into the driver’s seat and starts the vehicle. “Fine. Keep your secrets.”

They slowly begin the drive home. Meanwhile, Arc and Mio continue walking. Mio looks around as she maintains the Light Spell.

“Where do you suppose we are?”

Arc shrugs. “This area is littered with caves. Although I wasn’t aware that any of them were this extensive.”

They walk on for some time in silence. Eventually Mio breaks it.

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Why are you doing all this?”

“Well for starters, you can’t walk.”

“No, no! I mean the whole superhero persona. What is it you want?”

“To make the world a better place.”

“Like us?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, not like… what’s that?!”

“Huh?”

Arc nods some distance ahead. Mio squints.

“I don’t see anything.”

“There’s a wall ahead.”

“What’s so special about a…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Not that kind of wall! A man-made one!”

“How can you see that far?! And in this darkness!”

“It’s complicated. But trust me, it’s there.”

They approach the wall. Arc carefully sets Mio down. She stand unsteadily on one leg as they look over the wall.

“This certainly isn’t a natural formation.”

“Agreed.”

Arc removes a gauntlet and holds his hand up to a crack. He turns to Mio.

“I can feel a draft coming from the other side.”

“So?”

“That means this leads to the surface.”

“Thank goodness! But that still leaves the matter of how to get to the other side.”

Arc runs a hand over the wall. “It’s feels pretty old. A couple good blows might just take it down.”

Mio frowns. “Are you kidding?! That wall’s solid block!”

“True. But it looks like it’s seen better days.”

“Why not just wait? Your magic will be back by tomorrow morning. I’m sure you’d be able to melt us through it. Or however you got away from me last time.”

Arc nods. “We could wait. But it isn’t exactly warm down here.”

Mio pulls what’s left of her jacket tighter around herself. “It really isn’t! How didn’t I notice that before?!”

“Maybe my back was warmer than I though.”

“Actually, yes. Is that more magic? Or are you dressed warmly under there?”

“My armor has thermal regulators in it.”

Mio looks him up and down. “Fascinating! How do they work?! What’s the power supply?! Do they have limits?!”

“Why don’t we stay on topic here?”

Mio looks embarrassed. “My apologies. Anything magical really piques my interest.”

“As I was saying, staying the night isn’t really an option. While I’d probably be just fine sleeping in my armor, you’d probably freeze to death by morning.”

“But if you attempt to take this down it might cause a cave-in! We’d be killed!”

Arc sighs. “I’ll leave the decision up to you. While I can try to keep you warm, it might not be enough lying on the ground.”

Mio thinks for a moment before looking back to Arc.

“I think I’d rather be crushed than freeze to death. Give the wall a try then.”

“Alright. But first things first.”

Arc picks Mio up. She appears confused.

“What are you…?”

“Moving you back. If there is a landslide or something, you’ll have a better chance of surviving it if you stay back.”

He sets her down behind a large rock a short distance away. Activating his Magic Blades, Arc turns back toward the wall.

“Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

He walks back to the wall and takes a deep breath.

“Here goes nothing.”

Slashing at the wall Arc’s blades make quick work of the brittle concrete. Soon there is a hole large enough for them to fit through. He returns to Mio.

“Wall’s taken care of.”

Mio looks at his blades. “How on earth did you…?!”

Arc kneels down as he switches off his blades. “Let’s just keep moving, okay? Hop on.”

“Very well.”

Arc carries Mio to the newly formed hole. He carefully kneels down and crawls through. A moment later they find themselves in another tunnel. Mio looks around as her Light Spell illuminates a small area around them.

“This is a bit more man-made.”

“Agreed. Look at those lights up there.”

Mio does so. “What about them?”

“They look REALLY old!”

“Where do you suppose we are now?”

“I think these might be some of the old tunnels under Angel Grove.”

“Tunnels?”

Arc nods as they press on. “My grandfather told me the city was originally built during World War II. All the old factories were connected by tunnel. I didn’t really think much of it until now though.”

“These must lead somewhere.”

“Hopefully at least some of the exits are still around.”

“What do you mean?”

“Most of the old factories have long since been torn down.”

Mio frowns. “That’s not reassuring.”

“Hopefully the exits in the Town Hall or the Post Office are still around. They’re some of the oldest buildings around.”

“But that’s all the way back in Angel Grove!”

“True. But we’ve been walking for a couple hours since our battle. We should be within the town limits by now.”

“How can you be sure?”

“I’m not.”

“Then how…?”

Arc shakes his head. “We just have to keep moving.”

They walk for another hour before coming to a ladder and a large iron cover. Arc looks up.

“That might be our ticket out. Let me check.”

He sets Mio down and climbs the ladder. Putting his shoulder against the cover Arc pushes.

“It’s… not budging!”

Mio sighs. “Maybe they poured concrete over it?”

“That’s one possibility.”

He bangs on the lid with his gauntlet.

What are you doing up there?!”

“There’s an echo.”

“So?”

“That means there’s just something holding the lid down. Let me try again.”

Are resumes pushing.

“It moved a little that time.”

“Good! Maybe we can get out of here!”

“One more time.”

Arc pushes with all his might. The lid begins to move ever so slightly. With a final heave and a grunt the lid gives way with a colossal crash. Mio looks up.

“What was THAT?!”

Arc shrugs as he makes his way down the ladder. “Whatever was holding this thing down I guess. You ready to go?”

“That I am! But how?”

“What do you mean ‘how’?”

Mio looks down at her arm. “I can’t climb the ladder with only one arm and leg.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “If you trust me, I could help you.”

Mio sighs. “Do I have a choice?”

“Not really.”

Arc helps her up and leads her over to the ladder.

“What do I need to do?”

“Put your good arm around my neck. I’ll support you as we climb together.”

Mio does so and puts her good leg on the bottom rung.

“Okay. Now what?”

“Just hold onto me and I’ll do the rest. Tell me, is your belt made out of real leather?”

Mio nods. “It is. But why…?”

Arc puts his arm around Mio and grabs the back of her belt as he begins to slowly climb. She gasps and blushes heavily.

“What are you…?!”

“Just keep climbing!”

In short order they reach the opening. Arc lifts Mio by her belt through the hole. She drags herself over the edge with her one good arm and rolls over onto her back as Arc climbs up and closes the lid.

“Here we are. Safe and sound.”

“And warm! Where are we?!”

Arc calls forth one of his magic blades and looks around.

“I see a light switch. Let’s find out.”

He walks over to a door and flicks the switch next to it. They appear to be in an office of some kind. Arc looks around as he shuts down his blades.

“This looks like Town Hall.”

Mio points to a fallen filing cabinet as she sits up. “There’s your crash.”

Arc returns to Mio and sets the filing cabinet back up. “It doesn’t seem to be too badly damaged fortunately.”

Mio leans up against a wall, wincing in pain. “I think the cold may have been numbing my arm and leg to a degree.”

Arc points to a nearby desk. “Why don’t I help you to a phone? You can call your gang for a ride back to your base.”

“Y-yes.”

Arc helps her over to a desk chair.

“I need to call for pickup as well.”

She nods as Arc steps a short distance away and picks up another phone. He dials his phone number nervously.

“I sure hope Ember’s okay. If she is, I’m sure she’s worried sick about me.”

A few moments later Ember picks up the phone.

“Um… hello?”

“Ember. It’s me.”

“ARC?! Are you okay?!”

“Yeah. For the most part anyways. And you? Are you unharmed?”

“Forget me! What happened?!”

The sound of the rest of Arc’s friends running over can be heard.

“Sounds like I woke everyone up over there. It’s… complicated.”

“Where are you?!”

“At the Town Hall. Have someone come get me. My magic’s down at the moment.”

Xenos calls out from the background. “I’m on my way, sir!”

Ember turns back to the receiver. “Xenos just left. He’ll be there soon. Now what the heck happened?!”

“I’ll tell you when I get home. But I don’t think you’re going to believe my story this time around.”

“I’ll be the judge of that!”

Arc sighs. “Suit yourself. I'll see you in a bit.”

Chapter 16 - Identity Crisis

Arc and Xenos walk in the back door together. Ember and the others are waiting for them in the kitchen. She rushes over to him with Rose.

“Are you okay?!”

Arc nods as he recalls his armor. “Yes, Ember. But what about you?”

Ember leads him into the Living Room with Rose’s help. “I’m fine!”

Sereb shakes his head. “You are now.”

Max nods. “Ember was kinda… uh… punchy earlier.”

Rose looks him over as she sits down beside. “My scanners don’t show any lasting damage though.”

Ember glares at Arc as she plants herself on the other side of him. “Start talking! Did you finish off that witch?!”

“Um… that got complicated.”

Rose frowns. “Ember told us the woman from the Shard Base was there! The one with magic!”

“Y-yeah.”

Hugh looks nervous. “How did you escape, sir?!”

Max grins. “I bet he outsmarted her.”

Xenos chuckles. “He probably just punched her in the face.”

Viktor nods. “Do tell, sir.”

Ember’s eye twitches. “Yes… NOW!!!”

“Okay. Here’s how it happened…”

Arc recounts the story of his adventure with Mio. Max raises an eyebrow.

“You just left her there, sir?”

“She called the Shards for pickup. I’m sure they’ve gotten her by now.”

Rose nods. “Are you certain she was okay?”

“Considering what happened I’m surprised either of us made it out of there. But what about you, Ember?”

“What about me?!”

“Mio really did a number on you back there. You okay?”

“I think I hit my head. Last thing I remember is these guys pulling me out.”

Xenos looks away. “Yes sir. Ember… fainted.”

“Really?”

Sereb grins. “Something like that.”

“I felt better when I woke up.”

Rose looks Ember over. “There appears to be no permanent damage.”

“Good. I was worried some of that debris hit you, Ember. When it gets light we should head back over there and check that place out again.”

Max sighs. “That might be a problem, sir.”

“How so?”

Ember nods. “The factory is toast!”

“WHAT?! You mean the whole thing collapsed?!”

Rose shakes her head. “It was on fire when we showed up.”

Arc appears confused. “Define ‘on fire’.”

Xenos frowns. “Fully involved barbeque.”

Max sights. “You should be more careful with that fire magic, sir.”

Ember glares at Max. “Arc didn’t do that! I’m sure of it!”

“Yeah. Mio shut off my magic pretty much as soon as she saw me.”

Max appears confused. “So she set the fire?!”

“Maybe not. When that crane thing came down it might have sparked something. Anything on the police scanner about that?”

Hugh nods. “When we came back there were calls going back and forth. Sounded pretty bad.”

“No one hurt though, right?”

Viktor shakes his head and looks relieved. “Nothing we overheard, no.”

“Good! I was afraid her bodyguards didn’t make it out.”

Ember shudders. “Yeah. Those guys were big though!”

“Agreed. Where they found members like that is beyond me.”

Sereb clears his throat. “Getting back to the matter at paw. Were you able to find anything?”

Ember shakes her head. “It all happened so fast. As soon as I saw Mio, I just kinda reacted. Didn’t even think about the guys we were following.”

“I heard them run out as you charged, Ember.”

“Why didn’t you go after them then?!”

“And leave you against those bodyguards AND Mio?! No way!”

Max nods. “Did you at least get a glimpse of what they had?”

Ember shrugs. “Boxes of something or other. Couldn’t tell.”

Rose puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “What about the factory itself? Was it just a meeting point, or were they building something?”

“That equipment did look like it had seen some use recently. Ember?”

“Yeah. And some of the supplies in there were fresh.”

Xenos frowns. “Any idea what?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it was a machine shop back in the day. Although I still can’t imagine what they could have been up to in a place like that.”

Viktor chuckles. “Maybe some of them like tinkering?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Maybe. But I doubt they’d be so secretive about something as mundane as THAT!”

Hugh nods. “Nor would they send someone like Mio out there in the middle of the night.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. Well it looks like my end of the mission was a failure. You guys do any better?”

Rose smiles. “We did.”

Max nods. “Those Shards were delivering a briefcase to Hammer at the warehouse.”

Hugh gives Arc a thumbs up. “We got it though.”

“Good. At least tonight wasn’t a total loss. Why don’t we all get some sleep and take a look at it in the morning?”

Ember puts an arm around his shoulders. “That’s probably for the best. After what happened, you need rest Arc.”

“Yeah. I think I need a shower before bed though. That cave adventure was one of the dirtier times I’ve had.”

Viktor chuckles as he looks Arc up and down. “Agreed, sir.”

Hugh looks down at the floor. “We’ll clean up the mess.”

“Mess?”

Arc stands up to see a pile of dust around his seat. He yawns.

“Do it tomorrow. It’s been a long day for all of us.”

His squad nods as they head for the basement. Arc turns to Rose.

“Thanks for keeping my friends safe.”

“It was my pleasure. They’re all really nice.”

Ember turns to the android. “To be honest with you, I didn’t think you’d want to be away from Arc!”

“Oh… I, um…”

Arc sighs. “I had Rose’s directives removed.”

Ember looks confused. “Is that like an operation of some kind?”

“No. Well, kinda.”

Rose sighs. “Arc released me from mother’s original programing.”

Arc nods. “Rose is free to come and go as she pleases. That and she’s not forced to be in love with me anymore.”

“Oh. Um… why are you still here then, Rose?”

“EMBER!”

Ember frowns. “I didn’t mean it like that! Just that I figured she would be anxious to be on her own. Do her own thing.”

Rose sighs. “Admittedly that has occurred to me. But it’s a big world out there, and I’m not ready.”

“Rose is welcome here as long as she likes.”

“Thank you. But you really need some rest, Arc.”

He yawns. “Agreed. Good night you two. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Arc heads upstairs. Ember turns to Rose with an apologetic look on her face.

“Sorry. That sounded really rude of me back there.”

“It’s okay.”

“I don’t want you to think I want you to leave or anything!”

“Thank you. But I think there’s something you need to be doing right now.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks to his room, grabs clean clothes, and heads for the Bathroom to get cleaned up. He lets out a contented sigh as the dust of the day flows down the drain.

“Ahhhhhhh… that’s much better!”

He stands there silently and thinks for a time.

“Mio. What were you doing there? And why are you helping the Shards?”

Arc shakes his head as he steps out of the shower and dries off.

“This doesn’t make any sense! She said Frank was okay and all. But can I really trust what Mio says?”

Sighing, he towels off and dresses before heading for his parents old room. Opening the door he spots Ember hiding under the covers.

“I got your bed all nice and warm for you.”

Arc nods as he closes the door behind him. “Somehow I knew you’d be here, Ember.”

“Am I that predictable?”

As he sits down on the side of the bed. “Kinda. But that’s probably because I’ve known you for so long.”

Ember smiles at him. “And I know when you need me too.”

“I guess. Um… you are wearing clothes under there. Right?”

She pulls back the covers to reveal shorts and a tank top.

“Is this enough?”

Arc nods as he lies down next to her. “Yeah. I was kinda worried you’d be… um… you know…”

“Bare?”

“Right.”

“Believe me, I’d love to be! But I know that’d just make you uncomfortable.”

Arc nods. “That’s not the only reason you’re in here, is it?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yup.”

“While you were in the shower, Rose told me about what happened during your last visit to the Griffon Empire.”

“Which part?”

“All of it.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t remember large portions of that particular trip.”

“Rose talked about how she comforted you and kept you sane while you were poisoned by sleeping with you.”

Arc blushes. “I… vaguely remember that part.”

Ember wraps her arms around him. “Truth be told, I just want to do the same.”

“Thanks, Ember.”

She looks up at him with a sly smile. “There is one thing I’d like to know though.”

“Hm?”

“Did you have sex with her?”

Arc blushes and looks away. “I… I don’t think so.”

Ember grins. “She said you didn’t. But I just wanted to see how you’d react. So why didn’t you?”

Arc sighs. “Probably because part of me knew she was just acting on her programing.”

“But now she’s free of that?”

“Yes.”

“So if she were to want to… would you?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

“Really?”

Arc nods sheepishly. “Yes. I mean, we’d have to really get to know each other first, but…”

Cherry giggles. “That’s surprising! Even to me!”

Ember quickly draws back at the sound of Cherry’s voice. “S-sorry!”

“You’re fine, Ember. So you like Rose then, Arc?”

“I… she just reminds me so much of you, Cherry. Sorry…”

“Don’t be! If you want some alone time with her, just let me know.”

Ember grins. “It’s fine with me as well. Just… don’t neglect me in the bedroom. I’ll even join you two if you want!”

Arc’s jaw drops. “I… wow. That came out of nowhere.”

Ember puts a hand on the side of his face as she smiles. “What’s the problem? I told you I’d be willing to share.”

“We’re not doing that, Ember!”

“Why not?!”

“Because… we’re just not, okay.”

Ember grins. “What if Rose wanted to?”

Cherry sighs. “Ember, stop.”

“Yeah.”

Ember shakes her head. “I just don’t understand you sometimes, Arc. You have the Dragon Lord’s daughter AND another female companion willing to do whatever you want. And YOU’RE not doing ANYTHING!”

“You know why, Ember.”

Cherry sighs. “Arc is free to sleep with whomever he desires. Just please don’t push him to do what he doesn’t want, Ember.”

“I… I’m sorry. It’s just, I really care about you, Arc. Like no one I’ve even met before!”

She snuggles up closer and presses her body against his.

“Any other dragon would have just taken what she wanted by now.”

“But not you?”

“No. I’ve learned that love is more than just sexual attraction and physical desires. It’s a mutual bond that’s so much more than I ever imagined it could be!”

Arc looks at her surprised. “Really? Then why do you always want to…?”

Ember moves in close to his ear and whispers. “I still want what I want, Arc. If you want to give it to me, I’m ready for you… anytime.”

“Um… thanks?”

Ember closes her eyes. “Good night.”

Arc and Ember fall asleep together. Meanwhile Rose and Sereb head up her room. He closes the door behind them and turns to her.

“What is it you wanted to speak to me about?”

Rose sits down on the bed. “I… I just wanted to ask you something.”

Sereb nods as he jumps up onto the bed next to her “Ask and I will try to answer.”

“Your purpose in life is to serve Arc. Is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“We share a Life Pact.”

“So it’s like your programing?”

“One might say that.”

“Do you ever feel… sad, or anything by that?”

“No.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“It is one of the greatest honors of my tribe. To be chosen by a great warrior and fight by their side. Arc is Equestria’s greatest of heroes. I couldn’t ask for a more worthy partner.”

“Do you ever… wonder how things could have been different for you?”

“In what way?”

“Like if you never met Arc.”

“I would still be living in my village for starters.”

“Would that be a bad thing?”

“At that time I was the weakest. Now, thanks to Arc’s guidance, I am the strongest. That would not have happened had I not met and traveled with him.”

“I see.”

“Tell me, why ask such things of me?”

“Ever since Arc ordered the deletion of my directives, I’ve been having certain thoughts about a great number of subjects.”

“As Arc would say, do you wish to speak to me about it?”

Rose sighs. “I now question EVERYTHING! Who I am, my future plans, whether or not I should even still exist!”

Sereb puts a paw on her hand. “You will always have a place with Arc.”

“But should I?! I was built to look like Miss Cherry! But I’m NOT her! I never was, and I never will be!”

“He accepts you…”

“Well, he shouldn’t!”

They are silent for a time.

“You feel as though you lack identity.”

“Y-yes.”

“Then be whom YOU want to be. Doesn’t being free of your directives mean you don’t have to hold to the predetermined notions programed into you?”

“I suppose so. But I don’t have an identity to return to!”

“Then make one for yourself.”

“How?!”

“Develop your own personality. Your own likes and dislikes. Learn, adapt, and overcome.”

“Where do I start?”

“You’ll have to figure that one out for yourself.”

“Let me change the question then. If you were in my position, what would you do?”

Sereb thinks for a moment.

“I would first learn whom I could trust. Then I’d stay by their side as long as possible.”

“What?! But why?”

“You are a pup, Rose. A whelp in the body of an adult.”

“I’ve been programed with…”

Sereb shakes his head as he interrupts her. “Programing is not a substitute for experience, little one. Stay here with Arc and the others while you discover who you truly are. When you are ready to take your place in this land, or in Equestria should that be your destiny, Arc will see you off with a smile.”

“Off?!”

“That is assuming your place is elsewhere.”

“And if it’s here?”

“Then it is here. The others will understand and support you. Of this I am certain.”

Rose sighs. “It looks like I have a lot to think about. Thank you for the talk, Sereb.”

“You are welcome. Arc gave me my purpose in life. If I can help you do the same, I’ll be happy to do so. Do you need some time alone?”

Rose nods. “I do.”

Sereb stands up and hops off the bed toward the door. “Very well. If you will open the door I will depart.”

Rose stands and does so. Sereb walks out into the hallway. He turns to look at her.

“You don’t have to worry. There’s a place for everyone somewhere it seems. Each of us has our own path to follow.”

Rose nods and closes the door. Sighing she turns and sits down on the bed again.

“But… how will I know which path is right?”

Chapter 17 - Spoils

Arc awakens as the first rays of sunlight shine through the window. He looks down to see Ember curled up in his arms.

“Ember?”

She slowly opens her eyes and smiles at him.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“Ready for another day?”

Ember lays her head on his chest. “Yes. In a couple hours anyways.”

“Very funny.”

Ember sighs as Arc sits up. “Can’t blame a dragon for trying. Although you really should sleep in more often.”

Arc points out the window as he stands up. “I did. See? The sun’s up.”

“Har, har. Funny.”

“Cybil should be home soon. I was hoping to have breakfast with her.”

Ember gets up. “Oh? What for?”

“She works at the Police Station. Maybe she heard something about the fire last night.”

Ember walks up behind Arc and wraps her arms around his waist. “Using her as a source of information now are we?”

Arc shrugs as the pair head for the Bathroom. “Seems fair. After all, she is living here rent-free.”

“Not completely. Cybil does her part to keep this place clean.”

Arc chuckles as they pick up their respective toothbrushes “With four guys, you, and a dog living here that can’t be easy.”

Ember shrugs as she begins brushing. “The guys do their best to keep things tidy. Besides, she says it helps.”

“Helps?”

Ember nods as she spits into the sink. “Cybil says she needs to keep busy to stay away from alcohol.”

Arc sighs as he rinses his mouth. “Makes sense. That must be especially hard right now.”

Ember turns to him as she dries her mouth. “What do you mean?”

“She has a lot to worry about. Life without her husband, Angel still living at the orphanage, and now she has money. It wouldn’t take much for her to walk to a gas station to pick up a case of beer or something.”

Ember nods as they walk downstairs. “You’ll be happy to know that she hasn’t had that stench on her since moving in here.”

“Good. I’d been wondering about that.”

The pair head for the Kitchen. Arc’s squad is just setting the table. Max looks up as they enter the room.

“Good morning you two.”

Xenos looks to Ember. “Feeling better?”

“I am after a night with Arc.”

Arc blushes. “Ember, I wish you wouldn’t word it like that.”

Hugh chuckles. “We know what she meant, sir.”

Viktor smiles and nods. “Indeed.”

Arc sits down at the table with Ember. “You guys been up long?”

Max shrugs. “A couple hours.”

“Anything come over the police scanner?”

Xenos shakes his head. “Not much action except someone reporting some vandalism at Town Hall.”

Max turns to Arc and grins. “Any idea how that happened, sir?”

Arc shrugs nonchalantly. “Not a clue. Did they pick up Mio?”

Viktor turns from a nearby cupboard. “They reported seeing no one. Damage was minor. Some dented filing cabinets mostly.”

Ember frowns. “Darn. I was hoping the guards would nab that witch!”

Arc sighs. “I was hoping they wouldn’t.”

Xenos raises and eyebrow. “Come again, sir?”

Rose and Sereb walk into the kitchen.

“Do tell, Arc.”

“Mio? That magic user?”

Arc nods. “I know Mio tried to capture us at the Shard Base. But she’s actually kinda nice when you get to know her.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s true. She was a bit abrasive at first though.”

“Well, considering we’re on opposite sides, her behavior was normal.”

Hugh grins. “Does this mean you have another admirer, sir?”

“Wait, what?!”

Sereb nods. “You were with her for some time last night. Perhaps the two of you got to know each other better?”

Ember frowns. “You better not have! That harpy is nothing but trouble!”

“I… uh… was kinda thinking of bringing her back here yesterday.”

Max steps back. “Sir?”

“Her arm and leg were injured.”

Cherry gasps. “We can’t let her know where we live! She’ll tell the Shards!”

“Yeah. That’s why we parted at the Town Hall.”

Ember glares at him. “Why here though?!”

“I was worried about her. The whole time I had to carry…”

Ember’s jaw drops. “Wait a minute! You CARRIED her?!”

Max nods approvingly. “Very admirable, sir.”

Xenos shrugs. “Yeah! I don’t think I could have…”

Ember puts a hand over Xenos’ mouth. “Let’s stay on topic here! Carrying?!”

“She couldn’t walk!”

“Well… that doesn’t mean you have to get so close to her!”

“I was wearing my armor.”

“THAT’S STILL TOO CLOSE!!!”

Sereb cackles. “Jealous, Ember?”

“NO!”

“My scans show such emotions in your cerebral cortex, Ember.”

Xenos puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “The commander did what he had to.”

Ember nods. “I know. It’s just… she’s just so…”

Cherry giggles. “Pretty?”

“Kinda. I was thinking more along the lines of ‘unworthy’ actually.”

Max nods. “And you felt threatened by her?”

“I suppose so.”

She turns to Arc.

“Sorry. You know how I feel about you.”

Arc sighs. “Let’s just put this behind us. Okay?”

“Yeah.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Now then. Where were we?”

“Talking about Mio being injured. You see…”

The back door opens and Cybil walks in.

“Good morning everyone.”

Max smiles at her. “Morning.”

Xenos gives her a wave. “How was work?”

Cybil looks up from taking her shoes off at the door. “Busy. But that’s pretty normal.”

Ember nods. “Still liking the job?”

“Very much so! I’m intentionally not giving myself too much free time so I don’t think about my addiction.”

Hugh sighs. “That can’t be easy.”

“It’s not. Trust me, don’t even get started with that stuff!”

Viktor nods. “Sound advice.”

Arc waves her over. “Have a seat, Cybil. You look tired.”

“Thanks.”

Arc, Ember and Cybil sit down across from each other at the table as his squad begins cooking breakfast

“Anything interesting at work?”

“Big fire came over the radio last night. Pretty much everyone at the precinct headed over there.”

“Anyone injured?”

Cybil shakes her head. “No. Fortunately it was an abandoned structure.”

“Good. They know what started it?”

“Not yet. Probably take a while for the coals to cool.”

Ember shrugs. “Makes sense.”

“Only other thing that happened before I left was a call about some vandalism inside the Town Hall. They think it was the Shards.”

“Wonder what they were up to there.”

Cybil shrugs. “No idea. The boys that came back couldn’t figure it out either, as nothing was taken.”

A short time later the food is done. They all sit down to eat together. Cybil turns to Arc.

“You’ve had some late nights.”

“I suppose so.”

Ember frowns. “Some things can only be investigated at night.”

“Oh?”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. It’s safer for us.”

Rose giggles. “The dark is perfect for concealing our movement.”

Cybil looks nervous. “You aren’t doing anything illegal, are you?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Uh… a bit I suppose.”

Max quickly turns to Cybil. “Nothing too serious though, ma’am!”

Hugh nods. “Right!”

“Can’t you just leave whatever it is to the Marshal?”

Arc shakes his head. “Believe me, I’d love to, Cybil. But his hands are tied on matters pertaining to the Shards.”

Ember nods. “We’re just trying to help out in any way we can.”

Cybil sighs. “Alright. Just be careful out there.”

Xenos grins. “We will, ma’am.”

A short time later they finish their meal. Cybil and the squad do the dishes.

“You boys don’t need to do that. I’m the freeloader here!”

Max smiles at her. “We all do our part.”

Hugh nods. “Working together makes the job that much easier.”

Viktor chuckles. “Teamwork.”

Xenos gives a thumbs up. “Yup!”

Arc, Sereb and Ember head downstairs to the basement together. Arc turns to Ember.

“They should be done with those dishes soon.”

“Yeah. Then we open this thing?”

She points to the briefcase on the table.

“Right. But we’ll wait for the others to come downstairs.”

Sereb nods. “Arc is correct. I’m sure they too are anxious to know what their labors have brought.”

“…what?”

Arc chuckles. “He means we all want to know what’s in here.”

“Oh. Why didn’t you just say that, Sereb?”

“I did.”

A short time later Max and the others come down the stairs. Xenos reaches the case first.

“Now we can see what’s in here!”

Rose joins him with the rest of the squad. “I too am interested in knowing what this leather box holds.”

Max looks to Rose confused. “You mean you can scan it?”

“No. Something is blocking my attempts.”

Arc frowns. “That’s never a good sign.”

Hugh looks to him. “Sir?”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Arc means someone went through a lot of trouble to make sure whatever is in there stayed hidden.”

Viktor chuckles. “Maybe the Shards are paranoid.”

Xenos frowns. “I can think of a few better words to describe them.”

Arc shrugs. “Yeah, well, let’s get this thing open.”

Calling forth one of his gauntlets and activating the Magic Blade affixed to it, Arc deftly slices through the small latches on the briefcase and opens it.

“Okay then. Let’s see what was so important.”

The top yields to show a stack of papers. Ember frowns.

“Well that’s not very interesting.”

Sereb puts his paws on the table and peers inside. “Perhaps. Perhaps not. It depends on the words written therein.”

Arc picks up the stack of bound papers. “Right. For all we know, these could be their deepest secrets.”

Max nods. “Yes. They were certainly careful to see to it this was guarded at all times.”

Arc sits down and goes through the stack. “Huh… this is odd.”

Rose looks over his shoulder. “What is it?”

“These are technical notes of some kind.”

Viktor’s eyes light up. “What about sir? Some kind of machine?”

“Worse. My least favorite subject. Chemistry.”

“Chemistry?”

Ember laughs. “What would the Shards want with beakers and potions?”

Arc sighs as he stops and looks at a page. “This appears to be instructions of some kind.”

Max looks over his shoulder. “I don’t get it.”

Arc clears his throat before reading aloud from the paper in his hand.

“Combine 100 grams of chemical 376 with 500 grams of chemical 132. Blend to emulsion. Run substance 5 through centrifuge. Heat to 105 degrees Celsius. Add to chemical 7 at a rate of…”

Ember interrupts. “What the heck kind of language is THAT?!”

Xenos shrugs. “Egghead?”

Rose looks over the paper. “These directions are fairly straightforward. Assuming we knew what the different substances were.”

Max nods. “Right. But as it stands this information is useless.”

Hugh shrugs. “At least the Shards don’t have it anymore.”

Viktor frowns. “Who’s to say they don’t have another copy somewhere?”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed. But we don’t know anything about why they had it, what they planned to do with it, or what it’s for.”

He turns to Rose.

“Speaking of substances, any more information on that weird liquid we found at the gas station?”

“Very little. The Lead Sage will have to analyze it further.”

Sereb sighs. “A little is something we can go on.”

Ember nods. “Right. Anything is useful at this point.”

“The only lead I can offer is the substance contained several organic compounds.”

Xenos looks confused. “Organic… what now?”

Max chuckles. “It means made from something living.”

Hugh frowns. “That stuff was alive?!”

Rose shakes her head. “No. But it was made out of several different plants and other organic material that I was unable to identify with my scanners.”

Arc nods, clearly impressed. “Now I’m REALLY interested it what that was.”

Sereb frowns. “As am I. It’s scent was like nothing I had ever encountered.”

Ember looks at the pages strewn around the table. “So these papers truly are worthless?”

Max sighs. “As it stands, yes.”

Arc nods. “If we had the boxes the Shards were carrying yesterday maybe not.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “You think they had the chemicals?”

“I don’t know what else could have been in those crates.”

Xenos gasps. “Maybe they had the rest of the instructions too!”

Ember shrugs. “Well, the fire took care of them.”

Arc turns to her. “Nothing we can do about that.”

Rose examines the briefcase.

“There’s something else in here.”

Max looks to her. “There is?”

Rose nods as she pulls back the liner. “There.”

A piece of metal falls out. Arc picks it up.

“Interesting.”

Ember frowns. “A key?”

Xenos puts a hand to his chin. “I wonder what it goes to?”

Arc chuckles. “That’s easy.”

“Sir?”

Holding the key up Arc points to the engraving on the head. “This is the key to a safety deposit box.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

“It’s a lockbox in a bank that keeps important items safe.”

Max grins. “Like documents?”

Arc shrugs. “Anything really. Who knows what they’re hiding.”

Xenos looks over slyly. “Maybe the chemicals for this formula?”

Ember nods. “Or the guide to what these chemical numbers mean!”

“Exactly.”

Hugh stands up. “What are we waiting for?! Let’s go!”

Arc turns to them. “Wait a minute.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “The bank should be open by now, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah!”

“That’s true. However the Shards know by now that we have this key. It’s a good bet they’ll be waiting for us over there.”

Ember frowns. “If it’s that important, we need whatever’s in there though!”

“I’m aware of that, Ember. However I don’t want to risk anyone’s safety to get it.”

Sereb nods. “Someone needs to acquire these items though.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Agreed. It’s too important to leave be.”

Hugh sighs. “True. But we also don’t want them knowing who we are.”

Max turns to Arc soberly. “Sir, I’d be willing to risk it.”

“No, Max.”

Ember walks over. “How about me?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’ll just put on my armor and head in there.”

Sereb frowns. “Our opponents are quite powerful. Such a plan is reckless.”

Xenos snaps his fingers. “What about going in cloaked, sir?”

Ember turns to Xenos. “Mio can see through it if she’s there.”

“Right. And who’s to say others in their organization can’t do the same.”

Viktor looks up from the papers. “What about going there after hours?”

Hugh grins. “That’s a good idea! You could just Blink inside, sir!”

“Banks have the best surveillance systems in the world. I’d be on camera the whole time.”

Rose appears confused. “But you would be invisible.”

“Yes. But if the Shards are as resourceful, they’ll find a way in there too. If they decloak me, my helmeted form will be all over the news.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “You’d look like a criminal!”

“Right. And without magic I wouldn’t be able to get out.”

Xenos grimaces. “Nor could we get in to help you!”

Rose turns to Arc. “I think I may have an idea that would suit all these parameters.”

“I’m listening.”

Chapter 19 - Relationship Talks

Ember frowns. “Tonight?! But we just got back from a mission!”

Max salutes. “We don’t mind going out again, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! If you believe it’s that important, we’re with you.”

Hugh smiles. “Right!”

Viktor looks over from his computer. “I can pull up some maps of the surrounding land. Maybe find us the best direction to approach from.”

“Good idea.”

Sereb walks over to Arc. “May I accompany you?”

“Sure. I’ll need your nose on this one, Sereb.”

Ember frowns. “This is a dumb idea, Arc! Going in blind like this!”

“I know, Ember. If you don’t want to come, I understand.”

“Are you nuts?! Of course I’m coming! Someone has to watch out for you!”

Xenos nods. “If you need more backup, we’re here sir!”

Max grins. “Right!”

“Thanks, but I want this group to be small.”

Hugh sighs. “We understand, sir.”

Viktor nods. “The four of us will watch things from here.”

Ember shakes her head. “If we’re going to do this, we should probably rest for the day.”

Sereb heads for the stairs. “Agreed.”

Arc turns to his squad. “You boys rest too. I get the feeling it’s going to be a LONG night.”

Max nods. “Yes sir.”

Xenos chuckles. “Good night, sir.”

Arc, Ember, and Sereb head upstairs. Arc stops in front of the kitchen sink as Ember turns to him.

“What are you doing?”

“Just the dishes real quick.”

Sereb sighs. “You need to rest up for tonight.”

Ember nods as she takes Arc’s arm. “Sereb’s right. Come on.”

Sereb hops up on the counter and turns off the water with a swipe of his paw before following the pair upstairs. As Arc turns to walk toward his parent’s room Ember pulls him toward her own.

“Ember? What…?”

“Just come here!”

Sereb stops in the doorway as Ember leads Arc to her bedside.

“Shall I give you two some privacy?”

Ember nods. “That would be nice.”

Sereb nobs and leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. He lies down on the floor and smiles to himself.

“Arc… you are very fortunate to have so many whom care for you.”

Meanwhile, Ember removes her jacket and tosses it onto a nearby chair as she steps into the nearby closet to change.

“You feeling okay, Ember?”

Ember calls out from the closet. “Fine. Why?”

“You don’t usually act this calm before a mission.”

Ember sighs as she quickly puts on a t-shirt and shorts. “I… I know that. But, I’m trying to… be a better dragon. A better potential mate.”

She steps out of the closet and walks over to Arc.

“Ember, I…”

Ember puts her index finger to his lips. “Shhh… just lie back and get some rest.”

She gently pushes Arc back onto the pillows before lying down next to him and covering them both up.

“Comfy?”

“Yes.”

They are silent for a time as Ember presses her face against his chest.

“I’ve gone many places and seen many things in my time with you, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “It has been a wild ride.”

“But I want you to know that out of everything, this right here is my favorite spot.”

“My house?”

“Lying next to you, silly!”

“Oh! I… um… is this about what your father said, Ember?”

“Yes. But it’s from a conversation I had with him many years before I met you.”

“Good! I thought…”

Ember interrupts him. “I asked what it meant to be Dragon Lord.”

“What did he say?”

“That before I could understand that, first I had to know what it meant to be a dragon.”

“And do you?”

“I… I didn’t understand what he meant then, no. But I think I do now.”

“Oh?”

“Dragons may seem selfish and brash to others. And I suppose we are.”

“No argument there.”

“But we do adhere to a very strict set of guidelines.”

“Your Dragon’s Code?”

Ember nods. “Right. To be honest, I… I kinda thought it was dumb. That creatures as powerful and majestic as us should have to bound by such things.”

“Bound to your code?

“Bound in ANY way!”

“Like being tied to your future as Dragon Lord, huh?

“Right! When I took the Bloodstone Scepter, at first I thought Spike was a fool for giving up something so valuable and coveted. But I quickly saw that I was the one who was foolish. It wasn’t HE that gave something up. It was me!

“Freedom to choose?”

“Freedom to not have to take a mate I didn’t like for starters! The Dragon Lord is the only dragon who HAS to have a mate!”

“Why’s that?”

Ember blushes slightly. “To birth the next Dragon Lord.”

Arc looks down to her, confused. “Wait, what? Then why the Gauntlet?”

Ember sighs. “I found out later my father came up with that crazy idea to FREE me of my responsibility. That’s why he was so angry when I not only entered it, but won.”

“What he did back then… he did because he cared about you, Ember.”

“I get that now. And I also understand why in the past he was so insistent that I take a mate. The Dragon Lands need a future heir. My eggs will one day be the next generation. It’s my lot in life now. What I’m destined to do.”

“I disagree, Ember. “

“Huh?”

Arc puts a finger under Ember’s chin and raises it to look her in the eye.

“When I look at you, I don’t see an egg maker. I see a very special young lady who deserves the best mate. Not the strongest. Not the smartest. The one whom loves you for YOU!”

Ember smiles up at him and whispers. “That’s why I want you, Arc. I’m not property or a conquest to in your eyes.”

“That’s right.”

Ember looks up at him. A hopeful look on her face.

“Make me yours then.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry, Ember. We’ve been over this.”

Ember smiles as she presses her body against his. “I know. But understand that I’m not going to give up on this. That’s the other part of being a dragon.”

“What is?”

“Persistence.”

Ember reaches up and traces his face with a finger as she smiles at him.

“I feel so very… safe around you. You’re strong, brave, Honest, Loyal, Kind, intelligent and so very loving. All the characteristics I’d like to have in a mate. Should you one day change your mind, I’d bear your whelplings without a second thought!”

She looks him in the eye for a long moment soberly

“I know you can hear me, Cherry. But I want to tell you something. I don’t really care what you think! I love Arc, and want to make him mine!”

“That’s fine.”

“It is?”

“Yes. That is, if that’s what Arc wants.”

Ember appears confused. “How can you let him go so easily?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… I’m right here.”

“Because I love him too, and want what’s best for him.”

Ember smiles. “So do I. But this is bigger than just me! It’s the fate of a nation if I don’t bear eggs!”

Arc sighs. “Should I go?”

“Arc has feelings too, Ember. You don’t want to be known as just an egg maker. That much I can see.”

Ember shakes her head. “But that HAS to happen!”

Arc sighs. “Really wish I could excuse myself right now.”

“I understand that. However Arc isn’t a machine either. You BOTH deserve a choice on whom to sleep with and when.”

Ember looks away sadly. “I… I wish I did, but I don’t.”

Arc frowns. “Sure wish I could just sleep through this.”

Cherry continues. “Ember. You once entertained the idea of staying here on Earth. Starting a new life here.”

“Yes. But I now know that isn’t my path.”

“Oh? And what is then?”

“To lead my nation in my father’s place! What else?!”

“Is that what you want?”

“It is!”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I… um…”

Ember sighs.

“Nothing, I suppose.”

Arc looks to her confused. “Nothing?”

“Well… yes. I still want to be there for my nation. But I want to do it with you by my side, Arc. As my friend, my mate, or even my lover if that’s what you want.”

“Ember…”

“Sorry for bringing this up again. I know it bothers you.”

“It’s no bother.”

“Then why…?”

“Because you’re my friend, Ember, and I care for you deeply. I understand the pressure on you to find a mate and one day make eggs. But as it stands, I can’t do that.”

Ember smiles up at him. “Could you impregnate me as a human girl then?”

Cherry screeches. “Ember!”

“I know the answer already. Thanks for listening to me, Arc… again.”

“It’s fine. Now why don’t we get some sleep? Tonight will be here before we know it.”

Ember presses her body against Arc. “Yes. But I wish you and I could stay like this forever.”

A few minutes later Arc hears Ember’s breathing become slower as she drifts off to sleep. He looks down to see her face pressed against his chest.

“I wish things could stay like this forever too, Ember.”

He leans down and kisses her gently on the top of her head.

“Pleasant dreams.”

Arc falls asleep. He opens his eyes to see Cherry Hill Ranch. The sun is setting over the trees as he and Cherry look out over the ranch grounds from the porch.

“She really does care for you.”

“I know.”

“This isn’t about power or influence with her. She genuinely wants to marry you.”

“What are you talking about, Cherry?”

“I saw in your memories you fighting on her behalf in the Dragon Lands.”

Arc turns away slightly embarrassed. “Oh… that.”

“Those three only wanted Ember for her position in their society.”

“Yeah. That’s one of the reasons I stepped in.”

“Her particular situation. The same could be true for you.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you think the former Lord Regent of Equestria would make a fitting husband for any number of nobles?”

“I… guess? But that’s not who I am.”

“Buffalo Bull wanted my hoof in marriage because of my looks.”

“Cherry, what are you getting at?”

“I’m saying that there are many whom would take advantage of you or Ember just to ride on your prestige and clout.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not marrying some noble, Cherry. Not unless I really loved them, that is.”

“Ember believes the same. She wants to marry for love, not position.”

“Is she wrong to want that?”

“No. But you and I both know that she doesn’t care that you’re the Hero of Light. Or that you once sat on the Equestrian throne unchallenged. Or that you’re our nation’s greatest warrior. She loves you for YOU!”

“What is this all of a sudden, Cherry?”

Cherry sighs as she puts a hoof on his knee. “I’m sorry. It’s just… I’ve seen several mares looking at you.”

“You’re not jealous, are you?”

“Quite the opposite actually. I do want you to take one of them up on their offer.”

“I will someday. It’s just… it’s just too soon.”

Cherry turns to look him in the eye. “Arc, I’m dead. Nothing will ever change that. You have to move on.”

Arc sighs. “How? I held you as you died.”

“I don’t know.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Arc turns to Cherry.

“So who?”

“Who?”

Arc nods. “Who would you say is best for me?”

Cherry thinks for a moment before responding.

“Well… Ember is loyal, strong and determined. Twilight is smart and pretty. Pinkie is happy and carefree. Derpy is devoted and kind. Applejack is honest and hardworking, just like you. Natalya is…”

“Wait a minute! Natalya?!”

“She thinks the world of you, Arc.”

“Since when?!”

“Her opinion of you has been rising since you brought her to Equestria for the first time. But the tipping point was probably when you didn’t violate her aboard the Lunar Destiny.”

Arc blushes slightly. “That wouldn’t be very heroic of me.”

Cherry smiles at him. “Mares are attracted to stallions that don’t come onto them, Arc.”

“It’s not who I am.”

“That’s why I love you! But any one of them would make a wonderful wife for you.”

“I’m still young. There’s no rush after all.”

“Yes, I suppose not. But you should at least consider DATING somepony!”

“I went on a date. Remember?”

Cherry sighs. “Your so-called ‘date’ with Princess Luna was more of a business meeting than anything romantic.”

“I thought she enjoyed it.”

“That she did.”

“Wait, how do you know?! You weren’t there!”

Cherry giggles. “I saw it in your memories, silly!”

“Oh… right.”

“And you’re correct. She did enjoy herself. But she’s not looking for somepony. You are! Or should be anyways.”

Arc looks at the sunset. He sighs and responds in a wistful tone.

“I… would like to have someone special in my life.”

“I know. But if that’s what you truly want, you need to be a bit more social.”

“Kinda busy these days, Cherry.”

“You’re thinking about Dinky, aren’t you?”

Arc nods. “I am. As it stands, I don’t have much time for her. If I start dating someone they’ll be even less.”

“What are you planning to do about that?”

“I’ve considered just foregoing love and dating until she’s grown up.”

“That won’t be for quite some time, Arc.”

“I know.”

“Are you really willing to make such a sacrifice?”

Arc nods with conviction. “For Dinky’s happiness… yes.”

Everyone sleeps peacefully through the afternoon. As the sun begins to set Arc and Ember awaken.

“Ember?”

“Hm?”

“It’s time to get up”.

Ember opens one eye. “Let’s just stay here.”

“You can if you want to. I have work to do.”

“…fine.”

Arc stands up slowly. “That farmhouse won’t explore itself. We should probably…”

Ember grabs his hand. Arc turns to see her looking up at him from the bed.

“Arc? Um… I was just wondering. Do you think someday… just maybe… you might think of me as more than a friend?”

“I don’t know, Ember.”

She gives him a small smile. “It’s just… I know you care for me, and I for you. Hopefully one day we can be together.”

Arc helps her up. “One never knows what the future holds, Ember. Only time will tell.”

Ember nods. “Sooner or later anyways. I’m not going to give up on you.”

“Um… thanks. I guess.”

Arc and Ember open the door. Sereb dutifully stands to allow them to pass.

“Sleep well?”

Arc sighs. “Um… kinda.”

Ember looks to Arc fondly as they descend the stairs. “I slept like a rock. But that’s how it goes when I’m in Arc’s arms.”

Sereb frowns. “Something wrong, Arc?”

“He’s probably just a bit sleepy. We did just wake up.”

“Y-yeah.”

They proceed to the Kitchen. Arc’s squad is cooking supper. Max salutes as they enter the room.

“Good evening, sir.”

Hugh looks up from setting the table. “I hope you two are well rested.”

Viktor shudders. “Right. This mission isn’t exactly predictable.”

Xenos laughs. “How many are?”

Sereb sighs. “I too am concerned for your safety, Arc.”

“I’ll be counting on your nose to keep us safe then, big guy.”

“While I am happy you think so highly of my skills, please don’t put all your faith in my sense of smell.”

Ember turns to Sereb. “Don’t worry. The three of us together are quite the force to be reckoned with!”

Cherry sighs. “Overconfidence will get you hurt, Ember.”

Arc nods as he sits down at the table. “She’s right. Let’s just take this one slow.”

Max looks over from the stove. “Supper should be ready in a few minutes, sir.”

Xenos nods. “It’s not much. But we didn’t like the idea of you three heading out without something to eat.”

“Thanks guys. But you four need to eat too. Can’t watch my back if you’re hungry after all.”

The phone rings in the next room. Ember looks confused.

“Who could that be?”

Arc stands up. “I’ll get it.”

He walks into living room and picks up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Hey, listen up! We got trouble?”

“Who is this?!”

“Snake, you moron!”

“Oh.”

“Look, all the Shard members have been recalled to the base.”

“Why?”

“How should I know?!”

“Think maybe someone found Frank?”

“I doubt it. Hammer gave the order. If it’d been the boss he would have sent it out with Stingray.”

“So what do you want me to do about this?”

“I don’t know! But we’ve never been recalled like this! Something’s up. Something BIG! You found out anything about the boss’ location?”

“A lead. I was about to head out to check into it.”

“Good! We need the boss back here pronto! Stingray, Hammer, and Mio seem on edge lately. Ever since some deal went bad for them the other night.”

“You know anything about that?”

“I might. Make you a deal! You find the boss, and I’ll let you know what I know.”

“I’ll hold you to that. Don’t make me come looking for you.”

“Yeah, whatever chump. Anyways, I need to get back to base. Find the boss, and I mean NOW!”

They are disconnected without another word. Arc sets down the receiver and returns to the kitchen as Viktor and Hugh set the food on the table. Ember looks to him.

“Was that Shelly or Lily by any chance? They were telling me about a really awesome sounding book series about a young human who goes to a special school to learn magic. Said they’d call to…”

“It was Snake.”

Xenos frowns. “Something wrong, sir?”

Ember frowns. “What did HE want?!”

“The Shard members have been recalled to their hideout.”

Sereb appears confused. “Is that important?”

“I’m not sure, Sereb. The only reason I can think of is they’re needed to protect something.”

Max turns to Arc. “Like what, sir?”

Ember chuckles. “What’s left of their plan maybe?”

“Probably the last piece of this mystery.”

Hugh sighs. “Which is what, sir?”

“I wish I knew.”

Sereb’s ears stand up straight. “Could it be Frank?”

“Probably not. If Stingray and her friends are smart they’ll keep him far away from there.”

”Why, sir?”

Ember turns to Viktor. “Because it could lead to a civil war!”

Arc nods. “Right. Those loyal to Frank would try to bust him out. The others would try to stop them. Either way, nothing productive comes from an internal struggle.”

Sereb growls. “Perhaps there are deeper divisions.”

“What do you mean, Sereb?”

“Who’s to say the lieutenants themselves are getting along? Perhaps they’re recalling the members to settle a dispute.”

Max shudders. “Sounds like a pretty violent way to hash something out.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. But without Frank to keep them in line this was bound to happen. That’s why we have to find him.”

Max nods soberly. “So you still think he’s at that farmhouse?

“One way to find out.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 20 - End of the Line

Arc, Ember and Sereb step out of the Jeep on the side of a dirt road some distance from Angel Grove. Xenos sticks his head out of the driver’s side window.

“You sure you’ll be okay, sir? I’d be willing to come too.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you head back now. You and the others keep a close watch on me, okay?”

“Yes sir.”

Ember chuckles. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep Arc safe.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “As will I.”

Xenos nods soberly as he rolls up the window and drives away. Ember turns to Arc.

“Maybe you should have taken them up on that. Extra help couldn’t hurt.”

Max’s voice comes over his earring. “We’ll head out there if you need us, sir.”

Hugh nods. “Right!”

Viktor continues watching from the computer screen. “I can watch things here by myself, sir.”

“Thanks, but we’ll take this one. Just watch out for ANYTHING suspicious you guys.”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring and turns to the Ember and Sereb.

“You two ready?”

Sereb nods. “Yes.”

“Are you kidding? Let’s do this, Arc!”

“Alright. Let’s armor up and get this thing started.”

The pair call forth their armor. Arc pulls two magic cloaks out of his ring and hands one to Ember.

“Let’s try to be stealthy.”

Ember sighs as she accepts the robe. “Do you think it’ll work?”

“No. But hopefully it will give us at least a bit of a jump on them.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “On who now?”

Ember puts on her robe and cloaks. “Good question.”

Arc shrugs as he cloaks as well. “One I’d like answered soon.”

Sereb jumps into Ember’s arms. They slowly walk down the overgrown driveway toward the farmhouse. Arc and company are careful to keep their voices down as they look around, expecting something to jump out at them from behind every tree. Ember frowns.

“This driveway is pretty long.”

Sereb nods. “I just assumed it was a very unkempt road.”

“Houses out here are set quite a ways back.”

“Why?”

Arc shrugs. “Some people like the peace and quiet of the countryside. Makes for a bit of privacy too.”

Sereb frowns. “For unscrupulous individuals?”

“And law-abiding citizens as well.”

Ember sighs. “So what do you think the Shards are doing out here then?”

“Nothing good.”

They approach a curve in the drive. Arc motions for Ember to stop.

“Why are we…?”

Arc interrupts. “You smell anything, Sereb?”

Sereb sniffs the air for a moment.

“No. However the wind is blowing in the opposite direction.”

Ember scowls. “Just our luck.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “There could be any number of Shards around the bend.”

Ember shrugs. “Or none.”

Sereb growls. “Someone is there.”

Ember looks down at him. “What makes you think so? I thought you couldn’t smell anything.”

Sereb points a paw toward the ground before them.

“There are a number of scents here. Humans have passed this way recently.”

“How many?”

“Quite a few.”

Ember sighs. “Great.”

“There are many tracks. However I only smell a few different scents here.”

Arc looks to Sereb. “So someone comes here regularly then?”

“It would appear so.”

“Anything else you can tell us, Sereb?”

“That we should still be cautions, Ember.”

Arc nods. “Well, that goes without saying.”

He motions for them to continue down the path with himself in the lead. Before long a small, run down farmhouse comes into view. Ember points.

“Look! There’s smoke coming out the chimney!”

Sereb nods. “It would appear the abandoned farmhouse is not so abandoned after all.”

“Right. You two see anything?”

Ember squints. “The windows are boarded up.”

“Perhaps I could scout it out.”

Arc frowns. “That’s kinda dangerous right now, Sereb.”

“So is just waiting here.”

Ember sighs. “He’s right. We have to do something!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Walk around the house and let us know if you find anything.”

Sereb nods and hops down. Walking quickly toward the house he looks all around the side closest to them before heading around the building and out of sight. Arc turns to Ember.

“I don’t like this.”

“Don’t like what?”

“Splitting up.”

Ember shrugs. “Kinda have to right now. Even if they see him, who’s going to think twice about a stray dog?”

Arc sighs. “I suppose I’m just being worrisome. But the Shards should be on high alert with what we’ve done so far.”

“Well, all we can do is wait for Sereb to come trotting back.”

The pair stand in the snow and look around while they wait. Five minutes pass before Ember turns to Arc.

“Okay, even I’m getting worried now. Do you think something happened?”

“I’m guessing so, yes.”

“We going after him?”

Arc nods. “Absolutely. Let’s go.”

The pair cautiously head toward the farmhouse following Sereb’s paw prints in the snow. Ember looks around.

“He came around the house.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Then the prints just stop.”

“He just vanished?”

“Unlikely. Probably Mio and her magic again.”

Ember frowns. “When I get my hands on that witch, I’ll…!”

Arc interrupts her as he looks around. “Just stay focused, Ember. We need to…”

Max’s voice comes frantically over his earring. “Behind you, sir!”

Arc whirls around. He sees Ember on the ground with Stingray standing over her.

“I wouldn’t make any sudden movements if I were you, hero. That is, unless you want to end up taking a nap like your little friend here.”

The sound of footsteps in the snow behind Arc draw near. Stingray looks behind him.

“You got him?”

Hammer nods and walks past Arc holding an unconscious Sereb under her arm.

“Yup!”

She walks over to Stingray, her strange looking gun in her other hand as Stingray clears her throat.

“You ready to answer some questions?”

Arc frowns. “Do I have a choice?”

Hammer laughs. “Told ya, Stingray! He’s a smart one!”

“Maybe. In any case, what’s your angle, hero?”

“Angle?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah! Why the heck are you doing all this?!”

“All what?”

Stingray glares at him. “Don’t play dumb with us! You’ve been a thorn in the Shard’s side for some time now, and I want to know WHY?!”

“For the same reason you’re helping them.”

Hammer looks to him confused. “What?!”

“Mio told me that the Shards are trying to make the world a better place.”

Stingray nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“I want the same thing.”

Hammer grins. “You change your mind about joining up then?”

“Not in the least.”

“Then why…?”

Arc cuts her off. “What the Shards are doing won’t help anyone in the long run.”

Hammer shakes her head. “And what you’re doing will?!”

“Yes. You’re not the liberators you claim to be. You’re bullies!”

Stingray puts her hand on her hip. “Those who oppress the masses need to be brought into line!”

“Do they now? How?”

Hammer clenches her fist. “By showing everyone we won’t be intimidated!”

“So what you’re telling me is you’re fighting back by BECOMING the oppressors then?”

Stingray shakes her head. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand our position. Someone with power and abilities like yours must be used to getting what they want.”

“Same as you?”

Hammer points a finger at Arc. “We’re not the one here to answer questions! You are, remember?!”

“Right. Now where is the formula you stole?!”

“Formula?”

Hammer nods with conviction. “You know what we’re talking about! The other night at the warehouse!”

Stingray glares at him. “I don’t know how you did… whatever it was you did, but I want those papers back NOW!”

“Papers?”

“It MUST have been you! Weird stuff happening and all that! It’s obvious you’re looking for SOMETHING!”

Arc nods. “I am actually.”

Stingray narrows her eyes. “Do tell.”

“At the moment I want to find your boss.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “He ain't available.”

“That much I gathered.”

Stingray nods. “No one knows where he is.”

“Not even you?”

“Not even me.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Forgive me if I don’t believe you.”

Hammer grins and points her gun at Arc. “We ain’t really too concerned with WHAT you think! Help us, or get out of the way!”

Stingray looks to Hammer. “I don’t think him stepping aside at this point is going to cut it, my friend.”

Arc shrugs. “You want my help. I want to talk to the boss. Take me to him and maybe he and I can work something out.”

Hammer frowns. “You got rocks in your ears? I told you we can’t do that!?”

She aims her gun at Ember lying in the snow.

“Now you give us what we want, and you can have your little girlfriend back safe and sound.”

Cherry gasps telepathically. “Arc, you can’t let them hurt Ember!”

“I know.”

“What are we going to do?!”

“I want you to quietly let me out the back of Eidolon’s Ward.”

“They’ll see your face!”

“Not to worry. I’m wearing that mask Rarity gave me, remember? You just do your best not to move.”

“Okay. But be careful!”

Eidolon’s Ward’s back slowly melts away. Arc quickly steps out. Looking up at a branch behind the Shards he reaches out with his magic and gently shakes it. A large clump of snow plummets to the ground below with a thud. Hammer whirls around.

“What the…?!”

Arc jumps out from behind Eidolon’s Ward as Stingray calls out to her friend.

“Hammer! Look out!”

With cat-like reflexes Arc reaches a hand out toward Hammer. He grabs her gun and pulls it to himself as he simultaneously shoves her with his magic across the field into a tree. The force of her hitting the trunk causes a small avalanche of snow to fall from its branches burying Hammer in an instant. Stingray quickly draws her whip.

“Oh no you don’t!”

The whip hurtles toward Arc. It wraps around the gun as Stingray pulls the weapon to herself. Arc jumps backwards into Eidolon’s Ward as it opens to admit him. His opponent catches the weapon and aims it at Arc.

“DIE!!!”

Stingray fires just as Eidolon’s Ward closes around his body. The force of the gun’s blasts knock Arc across the yard and through a small dilapidated old shed. He comes to rest against an old fence post.

“Ow!”

Cherry calls out to him. “Are you okay, Arc?!”

“Thanks to you, yes.”

Arc looks up to see Stingray running toward him. Hammer’s gun at the ready.

“She’s coming this way!”

“I got this, Cherry.”

Standing up Arc quickly calls forth the Spear of Righteousness and moves to a defensive position as Stingray opens fire angrily.

“BURN!”

Arc deftly deflects the energy blasts with his spear. Closing the distance between himself and Stingray he knocks the gun from her hands.

“Stop this! I don’t want to fight you!”

Stingray nimbly counters with a savage blow to Arc’s gut, knocking him across the yard.

“Then why DID you come here?!”

Arc quickly recovers his footing. “For answers! Where’s Frank?!”

Stingray charges at Arc. “I already told you, I don’t know!”

Arc tosses his spear aside and punches Stingray in the face. “You’re second-in-command of the Shards! You HAVE to know!”

Stingray leaps to her feet. “Well I don’t! He just vanished, okay!”

Arc frowns as Stingray lunges at him again. “I don’t believe you!”

Stingray jumps, kicking Arc in the face. His helmet flies off and lands some distance away. She frowns as he uses his magic to pull it back to himself.

“You really ARE afraid of someone seeing who you really are!”

Arc nods as he puts the helmet back on. “I prefer to think of it as being cautious.”

Stingray narrows her eyes. “That isn’t you under there, is it boss?”

“No.”

“Well, you two have never been seen together.”

“That’s for a very good reason.”

“Which is…?”

“Frank and I don’t see eye to eye.”

Stingray nods as she takes up a fighting stance again. “Well then, I’ll just have to beat you and figure out who you REALLY are then!”

Arc charges at Stingray. “Good luck with that!”

He lunges at his opponent, grabbing her shoulders and pinning her to the ground. Stingray uses her legs to toss him over her head and into a nearby tree.

Arc sits up woozily. “Should of seen that coming.”

Viktor’s voice rings out in his ear.

“Sir! We caught a glimpse through one of the farmhouse windows!”

Arc dodges another blow from Stingray. “Probably not the best time for that!”

Max calls out. “That place is filled with crates, sir!”

Xenos nods. “Viktor used some kind of magic to make the picture bigger.”

Hugh shakes his head. “Somehow I don’t think that was magic, Xenos.”

“Right, it was…!”

Max interrupts. “Sir! Stingray’s friend is waking up!”

Xenos frowns. “You can’t take them both!”

Viktor grins. “I don’t think he’ll have to! Look!”

He zooms in on Ember and Sereb. They appear to be trying to get up.

“Ember and Sereb are coming around, sir!”

Arc looks toward his friends. “Hey! You two okay over there?!”

Ember sits up. “Y-yeah. What…?”

Arc turns back to his opponent just in time for her to knock him out of the way. She runs toward Hammer.

“Hammer! Wake up!”

Hammer slowly opens her eyes as Stingray reaches her.

“You okay?!”

“C-C-COLD!!!”

“Come on, get up! You hurt?!”

Hammer frowns at Arc. “Just my pride.”

Arc staggers over to Ember. “How do you feel?!”

“Dizzy. What happened?”

“No idea.”

Stingray glares at him.

“Looks like you get to keep living… for now.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “I’ll get you next time, punk!”

Stingray looks toward Sereb. “One more thing…”

She draws her whip, grabs Sereb with it, and throws him over the house before turning back to Arc.

“Follow us or go after your mutt! Your choice, weirdo!”

Arc and Ember hurry toward the other side of the house as Stingray uses her whip to grab the gun from the snow nearby as she and Hammer head the other direction. She grits her teeth as she tosses the gun to Hammer.

“We’ll get that guy for what he did to Mio!”

Hammer grins. “Yeah! Next time it’ll be all three of us!”

Stingray chuckles as they approach their vehicle. “Hopefully four! He won’t know what hit him!”

Hammer gets in the passenger seat and rubs her hands together. “I don’t get it! How did the boss know he’d be here?!”

Stingray starts the vehicle and drives away quickly. “Who knows? He does always seem to be one step ahead though.”

“Kinda creepy if you ask me.”

“Creepy or not, he was right. But I can’t help wonder if he expected the guy to beat us, or what.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember hurry over to Sereb.

“Anything broken?!”

Sereb gets to his feet. “No. But how did I get here?”

Arc looks back toward the tree line. “Stingray and Hammer must’ve gotten the drop on you two.”

Ember sighs. “I didn’t even hear her coming!”

Sereb frowns. “Nor did I.”

Arc turns to the farmhouse. “I wonder what they were here for.”

Ember shrugs. “Guarding something?”

Sereb turns to Arc. “That seems a bit beneath them. Lieutenants on guard duty?”

“One way to find out.”

Arc leads the pair toward the farmhouse. They try the front door but find it locked. Ember frowns.

“Kinda expected that. Let me try something.”

Ember steps back and, getting a running start, charges at the door. Hitting it with her shoulder she falls to the ground as the door refuses to yield. Arc helps her up.

“What the…?!”

Sereb scratches at the door. “This is no ordinary door. It has been heavily reinforced.”

Arc looks confused. “You can smell that?!”

“No. The sound the door made when Ember hit it. While not hollow, it made a deeper sound than it should have.”

Ember frowns. “A solid wood door shouldn’t be THAT hard to break down though!”

Sereb nods. “It must not be wood then.”

Arc taps it with a gauntlet. “Steel?”

Sereb nods. “It did sound like it.”

“Let me try.”

Ember chuckles. “Even you’re not THAT strong! “

“Maybe. Here goes though.”

Ember and Sereb step aside as Arc faces the door. He feels it for a moment before calling forth one of his magic blades. He pushes it into the door frame near the knob. It very slowly sinks in as it forces the wood and metal apart.

“This really IS thick!”

“Still think you can do this?”

Arc nods as the lock begins to smolder. “I think so. Platinum Valve’s work on these Magic Blades was impeccable.”

After a few minutes what left of the lock drips to the floor. Arc gives the door a mighty kick with his boot. It swings open violently and smashes into the wall next to them. Ember turns to him.

“Isn’t that a bit overboard?”

Arc shrugs. “We got in, didn’t we?”

“That isn’t really the…!”

Sereb growls. Arc and Ember face forward to see a portal opening and a navy-blue cloaked figure stepping through.

“W-Wiseman?”

Ember calls forth her spear. “Somehow I doubt it!”

The individual looks at them for a few moments before shaking their head and tossing back their cowl to reveal the face of a young woman.

“I knew those fools wouldn’t be able to keep you away forever.”

Arc frowns. “Who are you?”

The woman looks straight at Arc and smiles wickedly. “I am Diva. A name you will not soon forget, Arc.”

“Um… what?”

Diva rolls her eyes. “I’m fully aware of who you are… Hero.”

Ember steps in front of him. “I think you’re a little confused, miss.”

Diva shakes her head as she points a finger at Ember. “I think it is YOU who is confused here, little one.”

Arc narrows his eyes as he looks Diva over. “So you’re here to stop me then?”

She shrugs. “More or less. Truthfully, you two should probably just leave now. While you can still walk that is.”

Arc sighs. “Sure, I’ll leave. After I check this place for clues. Starting with those crates.”

Ember glares at their hostess. “Is that alright with you, Little Miss Shard?”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll tell you what’s here, Arc.”

Diva walks over to a crate and runs her hand along its surface before turning back to them.

“These crates hold the key to a great many years of experimentation.”

Ember frowns. “What are you talking about?!”

Diva turns to Arc with a cold smile. “Muzzle your dog, Arc. You are guests in this place.”

“Your home? On guard duty?”

“I have many duties to my superiors. One of which is responding to intruders.”

“How did you know I was here?”

Diva looks toward the ruined door. “When you damaged the lock, it set off an alarm back in my office.”

“At the Shard base?”

Diva chuckles. “The Shard base? Do you really believe an individual of my talents would lower themselves to consorting with common thugs like them?”

Ember levels her spear at the woman. “Well, if the boot fits…”

Diva glares at Ember. “Silence, worm! You are no better than a filthy rat before my might! My organization may work with the Shards, but they are merely means to an end!”

“Why you…!”

Arc holds out a gauntlet to stop Ember. “What about me? Am I also beneath you?”

Diva shakes her head. “No, Arc. You are… different.”

“How am I different?”

“I can sense you power. It is quite a sight to behold.”

“What power?”

“I saw you open a wormhole outside that apartment building the day of the fire on the news. You cannot deny your power’s existence.”

Arc sighs. “Fine, I have… abilities. What of it?”

“You’re wasting your time playing hero to such lowly peons. I’d like you to join me.”

“To what end?”

“There are a great number of wrongs in this world that need righting. I’m part of an organization that is trying to do just that.”

Ember scoffs. “Why would Arc trade his freedom for servitude to YOU?!”

“Not to me, fool. To the organization. With our combined might we can bring order to the chaos.”

Arc frowns. “Not sure what ‘chaos’ you’re talking about. Thing are pretty peaceful around here.”

Ember nods. “Other than the Shard’s antics, that is.”

Diva folds her arms over her chest and sighs. “Have you had your head in the sand, Arc?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Have you not seen the turmoil in the world beyond this one town?”

“What are you talking about?!”

“There is much work to be done in this one small region alone. Which leads us back to these crates.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Do tell.”

“The substances within will allow us to bring about the organization’s goals.”

“Which are…?”

“World peace, ultimately.”

“Somehow I don’t believe you.”

Diva shrugs. “Please bear in mind that your personal opinions do not change reality. Only your perception of it.”

Arc points his spear at the crate before her. “You’re not making much sense. So what exactly is in there?”

“Something that cannot fall into the wrong hands. If you are not currently interested in joining us, I cannot let you have it.”

Ember laughs. “Who’s going to stop us? You?!”

Diva nods. “It should be a simple task. After all, you couldn’t even stand up to those two out there, rat.”

“They snuck up on us! You’re right there!”

Arc prepares to fight. “That and there are three of us and one of you. Look, I don’t want to have to hurt you. Just let me take a look at what’s in the crates and we’ll get out of your hair.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“You’re wasting time, Arc! Turkeys like her need to be smacked around before they understand!”

Before anyone can stop her Ember charges at Diva. The woman knocks Ember’s spear away effortlessly before punching her in the face. Her body flies through an exterior wall and into the woods. Arc levels his own spear at Diva.

“Battle time, Sereb!”

Nodding, Sereb returns to his normal form. Diva appears surprised at this.

“What…?”

Arc charges toward Diva. As she takes up a defensive stance he Blinks behind her to attack from the rear. But before he can follow through, she vanishes from sight.

“What the…?”

Max screams into his headset. “BEHIND YOU, SIR!!!”

Diva kicks Arc in the back sending him flying across the room. Sereb dives in to stop Arc from hitting the wall.

“Thanks big guy.”

Arc stands as Diva calmly watches him. He frowns as he speaks.

“How did you…?”

Diva interrupts him. “As I told you, I’m quite… gifted.”

“Like Mio?”

“That little adept?! She still needs a focus! I’m FAR more skilled than…!”

Ember lunges through a window and tackles Diva.

“Yeah?! Well, you talk too much!”

Diva Blinks across the room and charges up a spell.

“Insolent little…!”

Sereb lunges at their opponent. She opens a strange looking portal in front of him. Sereb disappears through it. A moment later another portal opens behind Ember. Sereb tumbles out knocking the pair to the floor.

“What the…? Get off furball!”

Diva laughs as she turns back toward Arc. “You see what is possible when you’re imaginative? I…”

Arc is nowhere to be seen. A small sound above prompts Diva to Blink to the other side of the room as Arc drops down from above. He turns back to her.

“See what else is possible when your opponent doesn’t pay attention?”

Diva smiles. “Interesting. Well, I have enjoyed getting a bit of a warmup, but I do believe I need to be off.”

She holds out her hands as two fireballs form in her palms. Arc jumps in front of Ember and Sereb. He casts a Barrier Spell as Diva completes channeling her spell. Throwing her charges, the flames hit the shield dead center. The magical fire cascades across the shield and land on the boxes, igniting them. Diva quickly tosses a few more fireballs around the room for good measure.

“I don’t mind losing this cache. As long as YOU don’t get it either.”

Diva looks around the room as the flames spread to the dried out wood frame of the building. Arc charges up a spell.

“Hang on!”

He Blinks his friends outside. Diva walks out the front door through the flames effortlessly. She turns and approaches them fearlessly.

“The Shards failed my organization. They couldn’t even make a few deliveries correctly!”

“Wait! Where’s Frank?!”

“He’s… around.”

Diva giggles as she turns around to gesture at the building.

“Right now he’s probably a little… hot under the collar though.”

Ember’s eyes widen. “Are you saying he’s IN there?!”

Diva nods. “In the cellar behind magical wards, yes.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Why you little…!”

Diva points to the burning building, interrupting him. “I don’t believe you have time to chat with me. That is, if you still want to save your friend.”

She reaches into her cloak and pulls out a crystal. Tossing it to him Diva smirks.

“I’ll even give you the keystone. Touch it to the sigil and the barrier will fall.”

Arc turns back to the house. “Great! I’ll…!”

A moment later Arc is knocked to the ground. Ember looks over surprised.

“S-Sereb?! What’s gotten into…?”

The wolf grabs the crystal with his magic and runs at top speed around the side of the house. He returns a few moments later with a man draped over his back. Diva watches the scene unfold before her.

“Interesting. A magical beast that can think AND act for itself.”

Arc runs over to Sereb with Ember. “Lay him down here!”

Ember looks to her friend as Sereb complies. “Arc, is he…?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He’s alive and breathing.”

Diva sighs. “In any case, we have no more use for the Shards or their so-called base.”

Ember stands up quickly and storms over to Diva. “You could have KILLED him!”

“So? He’s useless to us now and was discarded.”

“Why you…!”

Ember moves to punch Diva, but she Blinks in front of the burning house.

“Come after me or get your friend to a hospital. The choice is yours.”

Arc glares at Diva as Ember helps Sereb lay Frank back in the saddle. “Argh… this isn’t over! Not by a long shot!”

Diva nods. “I agree. We will meet again.”

Arc opens a portal next to him. He motions for Ember and Sereb to walk through as he turns back to Diva.

“Yes, you can count on that.”

Not taking his eyes off his opponent, Arc slowly backs through the portal. It closes behind him. Diva shakes her head as she look at the pyre before her. Coolly she pulls a cell phone out of her robe and dials a number.

“The Shards have failed us for the last time. Begin preparations to clean up one last mess.”

Preface - Volume 18 - More Mystical Mayhem

In our previous volume, Arc was attacked by the leader of the Griffon Liberation Army as he attempted to rest aboard the Lunar Destiny. He was able to best his opponent, but collapsed before he could finish them off. Awakening in the Infirmary, he unmasked his injured opponent.

Discovering the rebel leader was none other than Lady Ashe, Lord Gestal’s daughter, Luna broached the subject of getting rid of her over the ocean. Arc disagreed, and was able to convince Luna of the error of her idea.

Landing back in Canterlot, Doctor Whooves met Arc and Luna in the Hanger to administer the antidote to Arc. He then examined Lady Ashe to confirm her physical condition.

Placing a call to the Griffon Kingdom, Arc informs Lord Gestal of his daughter’s presence aboard his ship. Promising to return her home, they begin the trip back to her homeland. However, unbeknownst to her father however Arc had convinced Ashe to tell a falsified version of what really happened. In return he would keep her secret identity from Lord Gestal.

On the way back across the ocean Arc questioned Lady Ashe on her organizations plans and beliefs. Recognizing Ashe as a spoiled child, he refused to give into her demands.

Rousing Ashe for breakfast, she refused to accompany him. Arc and Rose waited in the corridor for her painkillers to run out. Coercing Ashe to have another medical exam in exchange for more pain medication, she begrudgingly agreed. After an examination the proceeded to the Cafeteria. After verbally abusing Rose, Arc proceeded to dump the contents of his plate on the spoiled brat’s head before leaving the room. Rose assisted Ashe in cleaning herself up before they land at the Aviary. Lord Gestal meets them as they touch down. As father and daughter are reunited Ashe was rushed to the medical facilities. As her father was called away to attend to other matters Ashe reaffirms her pledge to stick to the plan.

Returning, Gestal is told by his daughter that it was the rebels whom injured her. She convinces him that Natalya is not the rebel leader. Arc accompanied the pair to their home and offered to take Natalya out of the country to settle the matter. He received a powerful, and very sharp, dagger made of pure Guardanium as a reward for Ashe’s safe return. Heading back to the Lunar Destiny, Arc found Natalya tied up in a sack in her quarters. After she was examined by Redheart, Arc returns her to his quarters to clean her up.

Revealing to Natalya that she had been given to him as a slave Arc was quick to allow her freedom to chose her path. Putting her to bed he reported the success of his mission to the princesses in Canterlot via telephone. Then next morning the pair arrived at Cherry Hill Ranch. They disembark and enter the farmhouse together. Natalya met Eidolon’s Ward (aka Cherry) for the first time. They share a meal with Ruby before returning to Ponyville via sigil.

Returning to Light’s Hope, Arc and Natalya headed to the Orphanage. Arc threw Filthy Rich out of the Matron’s office several times due to his attitude toward her. Informing Coco Pommel and the rest of the staff of the successful negotiations and the new peace treaty, Arc then headed to the Cafeteria with the others to help make lunch for the school foals.

After seeing Gallus off on his mission to relocate the Griffon’s Gate orphans to Equestria, Arc and Rose head to the Golden Oaks Library to speak to Twilight. Asking if Rose’s directives could be safely removed. Agreeing to oversee the process, Twilight instructed Rose to lie down as she began.

Failing to restart, Twilight began the process of reinstalling Rose’s operating system. Refusing to leave his friend’s side as Twilight continued working on her, Arc held Rose’s hand. Bringing the android back online in Safe Mode they verified the directives were indeed gone. Reactivating her, Arc took Rose back to his quarters in Light’s Hope. He explained to her that she was welcome to stay with him for the time being. She accepted.

Returning to Earth, Arc protected Rose from slamming into his house’s wall due to a turbulent portal ride. Taking Arc upstairs to rest, a sexually frustrated Ember all but throws herself at him. Cherry’s cries for her to stop jolted the young dragon back to her senses. After resting the pair ate lunch and informed the squad of the new lead from Sunburst regarding Frank’s location.

Later that night Arc, Ember, and Sereb headed to the first location on the map. An abandoned gas station outside Angel Grove. Approaching the building they found Snake, Wolf, and Jackal inside. Rose informed Arc of a strange substance underground. Obtaining a sample Arc and company return to his house.

The next night Arc and Ember head into an abandoned factory as Rose, Sereb, and the squad do the same to an old warehouse. Rose organizes a plan to scare the Shards from the warehouse. Meanwhile, Arc and Ember engage Mio and her bodyguards at the factory. Ember is knocked unconscious as Mio pulls down an overhead crane, effectively burying herself and Arc.

Arc awakened in a series of natural tunnels under the factory. Finding Mio injured and trapped he helped her escape the caves to the man-made tunnels under Angel Grove. Eventually the pair emerge in the Town Hall. Arc calls for pickup from his squad as Mio does the same.

Returning home, Arc and the others compare the night’s activities. Heading to be he and Ember speak of Arc’s antics in Griffonstone. Sereb consuls Rose on her internal struggles.

The next morning Arc and company inspect the items taken from the Shards at the warehouse. Finding a number of number of papers and a safety deposit box key, the group surmises that the instructions are useless without the corresponding chemicals.

Rose and Arc sit in a Café across the street from the bank as Xenos and Max go inside. Signing up for safety deposit boxes of their own, they are taken back to the safes to make their deposit. Finding a satchel, they leave the bank along with Ember. However, as they part ways a cloaked Stingray grabs the bag from Ember. Sereb is able to retrieve it and give the others time to make themselves scarce.

As Arc rests before the night’s mission, Ember again speaks of her desire to have Arc’s eggs. Arc tells her of her own worth as more than an egg maker, and is able to comfort Ember’s troubled mind. As they eat supper later that evening the phone rings. Arc answers it to hear Snake’s voice. He reports that all the Shard members have been recalled to the base for some unknown reason.

As night falls Arc, Ember, and Sereb head to the old farmhouse. Scouting ahead, Sereb is captured by Hammer. Stingray get the drop on Ember to shift the odds in her favor. Trying again to convince Arc to join them, he decides to fight. Taking on both Hammer and Stingray, Arc is able to stall them long enough for Ember and Sereb to awaken. Chasing away the pair, Arc and company break into the farmhouse to find a large number of crates. A woman appears from a portal and approaches them. Identifying herself as Diva, she too tries to get Arc to see her point of view. Failing, she sets the farmhouse on fire with magic of her own. As our heroes chase her outside, she reveals Frank’s location. The basement of the farmhouse. Sereb rushes to a storm cellar and carries the young man to safety. Arc opens a portal to safety and steps through as Diva makes an ominous phone call to someone regarding her intention to deal with the failures known as the Shards.

However, many questions still remain. What will Ashe do next? Will she keep her end of the bargain? Will Natalya be able to coexist with the Equestrians? How will Gallus fare in his mission to Griffon’s Gate? Can Rose continue to function without her directives? What were the Shards doing with chemical notes and those strange substances? How is Mio doing after her misadventure with Arc? And whom is this strange woman known only as Diva?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Family and Friends

Arc, Ember and Sereb emerge from the portal on the roof of the hospital. They are Blinked down to ground level as Arc turns to them.

“This way!”

He beckons them toward the main entrance. Entering they hurry toward the Nurse’s Station.

“I have an injured man here!”

The nurse on duty pushes a button. A moment later two orderlies approach. They step back at the sight of Sereb. Frowning, Ember takes the gurney.

“Give me that!”

She and Arc help lift Frank onto the gurney and turn it over to the hospital staff. The nurse turns to Arc.

“What happened?”

“I found him like this in a cellar. His name’s Frank Fontaine.”

“Any family?”

Arc turns to leave. “No.”

They leave the hospital as Ember turns to him.

“Is it really okay to leave him there alone like that?”

Arc sighs. “Let’s get back to the house. We need to shower.”

“But what about Frank’s family?”

“Shelly, Lily, and I are all there is.”

Sereb nods. “Are we going to tell them?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But after a shower first. I don’t want them smelling the smoke on our clothes.”

Ember looks confused. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Because they’ll start asking a lot of questions. Trust me on this one.”

“Fine.”

Arc opens a portal. “Thanks. Let’s go.”

They step through and find themselves back in Arc’s basement. Sereb returns to his Cub Form as the squad approaches them. Max looks them over.

“Are you three okay?!”

Hugh appears shaken at their appearance. “That was quite the mission!”

Viktor nods. “I’ll say.”

Xenos grins. “For you especially, Ember!”

“What? Why me?!”

“Well, you aren’t a dragon right now. A human girl is a bit frailer than a…”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Whatever. I’m fine!”

She heads for the stairs with Sereb as Arc turns to his squad. Max sighs.

“I think you made her angry, Xenos.”

Hugh chuckles. “Sure did.”

“Just worried about her.”

Viktor shrugs. “She’ll get over it pretty quick.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’ll talk to her about it later though if you want.”

Xenos sighs. “Thank you, sir. It wasn’t meant as a slight. I was honestly concerned!”

“I know. Ember’s just… Ember, I guess. But in any case, thanks for calling out trouble back there.”

Max salutes. “Just doing our duty, sir.”

The others nod in agreement.

“Well, I do like someone watching my back. Seriously, thanks. Now I have to get cleaned up and head out again.”

Hugh looks confused as Arc heads for the stairs. “Again, sir?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. I have to wake up Shelly and Lily. Tell them Frank’s in the hospital.”

Viktor nods soberly. “We understand, sir.”

Arc heads upstairs as his squad returns to their respective computers. Max turns off his monitor and glances over at the others.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I hope Frank will be okay.”

Hugh nods as he shuts down his computer’s screen. “Agreed. But it’s not for the Shard Leader’s sake so much as the commander’s peace of mind.”

Viktor sighs. “Pals for life.”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah.”

Max looks over at Xenos. “Say, were you really worried about Ember?”

“Of course! Why?”

“Nothing really. It’s just you seemed a bit… I don’t know how to say it.”

Hugh grins. “Overbearing?”

Xenos frowns. “Ember and I spar together often, so I know what she can take. But that’s mostly as a dragon back home. Here on Earth as a human, she’s not quite as durable. Skin instead of scales.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads upstairs. Sereb meets him at his parents’ bedroom door.

“Ember left you the main bathroom.”

“Good.”

Sereb follows him. “I’ve taken the liberty of fetching you clean clothes.”

“Thanks. Why don’t you come too?”

“Come where?”

Arc points to the Bathroom. “After that last mission you need a bath too.”

“Must I?”

“Yup. We don’t want Cybil smelling smoke on you either.”

Sereb sighs. “Very well.”

Arc and Sereb enter the Bathroom together. Sereb waits patiently by the door as Arc gets the water temperature set.

“There we go. Hop in.”

Sereb walks toward the shower. “This does not bother you?”

Arc shakes his head as he pulls off his shirt. “Nah. We’re both guys here.”

Sereb nods as the water flows over his fur. “So human males are not modest with other males?”

Arc nods as he steps into the shower himself. “Pretty much. That didn’t sound right.”

Sereb turns his head to look Arc up and down. “It does not appear you have anything I do not.”

Arc shrugs as he picks up the shampoo and opens the lid. “I suppose not.”

He kneels down and lathers Sereb’s fur. The wolf appears confused.

“This method of bathing is strange to me.”

“How do you do it?”

“By jumping in a large body of water.”

“Like a lake?”

Sereb nods as Arc scrubs him down. “Whatever is available. However, this feels like a deeper clean than I am used to.”

Arc reaches up and pulls down the shower nozzle with his magic. “Yes, well… there’s just something nice about getting cleaned up. Getting the grime of a mission off your body.”

“Does it help you forget?”

Arc shakes his head as he rinses Sereb off. “No. If anything, it helps me focus more on what happened.”

“I am confused.”

“During this time I like to go over the comings and goings of what I experienced. Think about what I did right, and what I need to work on.”

“Self-improvement is always a noble goal.”

“If it helps me save lives when it really counts, I’m all for it.”

“You believe it will one day come to that?”

Arc sighs and nods as he stands to wash his own hair. “I certainly hope not. But I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

The pair finish cleaning themselves up and step out of the shower together. Arc grabs a towel and drapes it over Sereb.

“Let me help you with that.”

“I can shake myself dry you know.”

“And get water and fur all over my Bathroom?!”

“Point taken.”

Arc towels Sereb dry as he mutters to himself

“Always wanted a dog when I was a kid.”

“A dog?”

“ Um… never mind.”

A short time later the pair step out of the Bathroom together. Ember is in the hallway waiting for them.

“How long did you two think I would wait?!”

“Well, how was I supposed to know you were out here?”

Sereb looks to Arc. “I heard her pacing.”

Ember glares at him. “And you didn’t say anything?!”

“No.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, did you need something, Ember?”

“I… just wanted to ask you something real quick.”

“What is it?”

“Do you think I overreacted earlier?”

“With Xenos? A bit.”

“He started it!”

“All he did was ask if you were okay. We all care about you, Ember.”

She grins slyly at him. “Even you?”

“You know I do. Don’t go overboard with that though.”

“So should I apologize, or something?”

Arc nods. “That’s probably for the best. You could also assure him you’re okay. You ARE okay, right?”

Ember rubs the back of her head. “I’m a little sore is all. Nothing to worry about.”

“I’ll let you patch things up with him. In the meantime I need to go visit Shelly and Lily.”

Ember looks out the window. “Can’t it wait? It won’t be light for a LONG time!”

Sereb shakes his head. “They should know, Ember. Would you not want to hear of Arc being injured?”

“Point taken.”

Arc heads down the stairs. “Well, I’m off. Call me if something comes up.”

Sereb calls out after him. “We will.”

“Take care, Arc.”

Ember turns to Sereb as they hear the back door close.

“You didn’t want to go with him?”

Sereb shakes his head. “This is a very… personal time for him.”

Ember looks confused as they walks downstairs together. “What about that whole Life Pact thing?”

“Some things have to be done alone. This is one of them.”

Meanwhile, Arc gets into his Jeep and makes the short drive to Shelly’s Kitchen. As expected every light inside the building is off. He parks and steps out into the cold wind.

“I hate to tell them this. But it needs to be done.”

Arc slowly walks up the exterior steps to a door with a single bulb burning above it. Sighing he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key. Quietly unlocking the apartment door Arc lets himself in and turns on the hall light. He heads for Lily’s room and knocks lightly on the door before opening it and turning on the light.

“Lily? It’s Arc.”

Lily looks up sleepily at him. She speaks in a confused tone.

“Arc…? What are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to you and Shelly.”

Lily nods and gets up. She sleepily follows Arc across the hall to Shelly’s room. She knocks lightly before entering and switching on the light. Shelly does not stir. Lily sits down on the side of the bed as she gently shakes her friend awake.

“Shelly. Wake up.”

The young woman slowly opens her eyes and looks up at her friend.

“…what’s wrong?”

“Arc’s here. Says he needs to tell us something.”

Shelly begins to sit up. Arc steps forward.

“I’ll help you.”

“Thank you.”

Slowly but surely Shelly gets to a sitting position against her many pillows. Arc sits down.

“I came to tell you two that Frank’s been found.”

“He has?!”

“Is he okay?!”

Arc shakes his head. “He’s at the hospital now.”

Lily gasps. “Oh dear! What happened?!”

“I… ah… the Hero of Light brought him there. He stopped by my place and asked me to tell you.”

Shelly leans forward and puts an arm around Arc’s shoulders. “Help me up!”

Lily frowns. “You can’t go out like that! It’s freezing outside! I’ll get you something to wear!”

“Thank you.”

Arc carefully helps his friend to the side of her bed as Lily hurries to the closet to pull out warmer clothes. Shelly fumbles stiffly with the buttons to her nightwear.

“Arc, would you help me please?”

He nods. “If you’re okay with it, sure.”

Lily lays out a warm outfit. “I need to dress and get Shelly a bit of breakfast so she can take her medicine!”

“I’ll take care of her.”

Shelly calls out after Lily. “Just a sandwich, or something quick please.”

Lily rushes out the door. “Sure thing!”

Arc turns to his friend. “Are you sure about this, Shelly?”

Shelly nods and smiles up at him reassuringly. “You’ve seen me plenty of times before.”

Arc nods and helps Shelly unbutton her night shirt and put on a sweater. He then carefully leans her back down on the bed and gently removes her night pants.

“I’m not hurting you, am I?”

Shelly shakes her head. “No, it’s fine.”

He carefully puts a pair of thick pants on Shelly. Fastening the snap and pulling up her zipper before steeping back to look her over.

“Thank you, Arc.”

Arc grabs a nearby pair of socks and smiles at her. “What are friends for?”

Shelly nods as he slips on her socks and reaches for a warm pair of boots nearby. “You’ve always been so gentle with me, Arc.”

Arc looks up to her as he slips the boots on. “I have to be. You’re so fragile after all.”

Shelly sighs. “I’m not sure why you and Lily put up with me. These days I can hardly walk!”

Arc fastens the clasps on the boots and looks up at her. “You’re my friend, Shelly. Lily and I are with you for as long as you need us.”

“That’s probably for the rest of my life.”

Arc nods as he helps her stand. “Then that’s how long we’ll be here.”

He leads Shelly slowly to the Kitchen. Lily is just putting the finishing touches on a sandwich.

“Sorry it’s not much. But at least you won’t get a stomach ache from your medication.”

“Thank you, but can we eat on the way? I’d like to get to the hospital as soon as possible.”

Arc nods. “That’s okay with me. Are you two ready to go?”

“Yes. I’ll put Shelly’s wheelchair in the back of your Jeep if you want to help her outside.”

“Sure.”

He turns to Shelly.

“How are you feeling today?”

Shelly shakes her head sadly. “I… don’t think I can make it that far.”

“I understand. Ready?”

Shelly nods. Arc carefully picks her up and walks toward the door behind Lily. She opens the door for them and follows the pair slowly down the steps with the wheelchair. As they reach the Jeep Lily opens the rear passenger side door.

“I’ll get that for you.”

“Thanks.”

He carefully sets Shelly down in the seat and buckles her seatbelt as Lily puts the wheelchair in the back. Arc gets into the driver’s seat as Lily gets in next to Shelly.

“We’ll be there soon you two.”

The pair wordlessly nod. Sometime later they arrive at the hospital. Lily gets out and sets up the wheelchair as Arc unbuckles Shelly.

“Sorry to be such a burden you two.”

Lily smiles at her friend. “You’re no such thing.”

Arc nods. “Right! Now let’s go see how Frank is doing?”

They enter the hospital together and walk up to the receptionist. Arc is the first to speak.

“Excuse me. We’re looking for Frank Fontaine. I’m told he was recently brought in.”

“Yes. Are you family?”

Lily appears nervous. “Kinda.”

Arc nods. “I believe I’m still his emergency contact.”

The nurse looks over her computer screen.

“He’s currently being examined. I’ll call you when he can have visitors.”

“Thank you.”

Shelly looks up at Lily. “Would you please take me to the bathroom?”

“Of course. I kinda have to go as well.”

“I’ll see you two in the waiting room.”

They nod and head down the hall. The nurse looks to Arc.

“It shouldn’t be too long.”

“Thank you, nurse.”

Arc heads to the adjoining waiting room and sits down. A few minutes later Lily pushes Shelly over to him and sits down.

“So what happened?!”

Arc shrugs. “I… really couldn’t say.”

Shelly looks nervous. “The Hero of Light didn’t tell you?”

Arc shakes his head. “He sounded as if he was in a pretty big hurry.”

An hour or so later a nurse walks over to them.

“The doctor will see you in the patient’s room now.”

Arc stands up. “Thank you, nurse.”

He pushes Shelly’s wheelchair down the corridor as Lily walks beside him. She turns to the nurse.

“So how is he?”

“Not well. The doctor will fill you in on the details.”

Arc gulps as they approach the room. Entering they find a doctor going over a chart. Frank lies on the bed unconscious. He pushes Shelly up to the bedside.

“How is he, doctor?”

“Very malnourished. We’re giving your friend here nutrients intravenously as we speak in an attempt to rectify that.”

Shelly takes Frank’s hand. “Is he going to be okay?!”

“We’re not sure at the moment. For some reason we don’t understand, he’s still unconscious.”

“That isn’t from the lack of food?”

“No. All of his vitals are extremely low right now. It’s very similar to a medically induced coma.”

Arc frowns. “What can we do for him?”

“At the moment, nothing. All there is to do is wait for him to wake up.”

Lily walks over to Frank and takes his other hand. “Just… wait?”

The doctor nods. “I’m sorry, but that’s the best we can do. He’ll be monitored day and night until then. As soon as something changes you’ll be notified.”

Arc sighs. “Thank you, um… doctor…?”

“Doctor Rieper. But I need to look in on my other patients now. If you have any other questions let the staff know.”

He leaves the room as Arc puts his hands on Lily’s shoulders.

“I’m sorry about this you two.”

“You? Why?”

“I… um… s-sorry for… not getting you two here sooner.”

Shelly looks up at Arc from across the bed, smiling. “You did your very best, Arc. No one can ask more of you.”

Lily nods. “Shelly’s right. I mean, it’s not your fault he’s here like this, right?”

“If I had only… I mean, if we had…”

Shelly shakes her head. “There’s nothing you could have done, Arc. Don’t blame yourself.”

Arc sighs as he looks down at his friend. “Maybe. But… but I’m going to be questioning myself in that regard for some time.”

Chapter 2 - Numerous Enigmas

Arc walks down his basement stairs. His squad stands as he enters the room. Max approaches him.

“How is he, sir?”

“Not the greatest. In a coma at the moment.”

Ember frowns. “How?! From the fire?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. The doctor can’t really explain why though.”

Xenos frowns. “How did Shelly and Lily take it?”

“Okay, I suppose. I mean, we didn’t really like what he was doing and all. But Frank was… is our friend.”

Viktor approaches Arc with a sealed scroll. “This came through the portal from Equestria while you were out, sir.”

Arc nods and accepts it. “Okay. Anything else? Like a radio transmission?”

Hugh shakes his head. “Nothing, sir.”

Ember shrugs. “It’s all so mysterious. Why Sunburst didn’t just call you on your earring is anyone’s guess.”

“Yeah. I hope nothing’s wrong.”

Arc unrolls the parchment and begins to read.

“Hmmm… this is promising.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Good news?”

“It says here he’s made some discoveries and that I should come see him about it at once.”

Max looks nervous. “What about Shelly and Lily?”

“I already took them home. After all, there’s nothing we can do for Frank at the moment. But I really don’t want to leave right now.”

Viktor steps forward. “We could check up on them, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. It’s no trouble.”

“That would actually be of great help you guys. Thanks.”

Ember smiles. “So when do we go?”

Arc looks at the scroll again. “It says here that the next window should be… about now. And there’s another one in two days that we can use to get back.”

Hugh salutes. “We’ll take care of things until then, sir.”

Sereb walks over to the Portable Recall Unit and returns to his true form. “If Sunburst believed this important enough to warrant our immediate attention we should not tarry.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Let’s go.”

Ember presses the button. The unit begins to hum as a portal forms. Arc turns to the wolf.

“You coming, Sereb?”

“Yes.”

Arc turns to his squad. “Call me if something… ANYTHING comes up! The Shards are still a threat.”

“Yes sir.”

“I’ll be back in a couple days. If…”

Ember grabs Arc’s arm. “Come on! They’ll be fine!”

“Wait! But…!”

Sereb bumps Arc through the portal along with Ember before turning back to the squad.

“We’ll be back.”

He jumps through as Max steps forward to shut the device off. Xenos turns to the others.

“What do you guys think was so important?”

Hugh shrugs. “No idea. But it must be big if the Lead Sage doesn’t want to risk anyone hearing it over the radio.”

Viktor shudders. “Think it’s that bad?”

Max puts the device back in its place. “Well, it can’t have been good. That much is certain.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember and Sereb appear back in Princess Celestia’s room. Ember looks around.

“No one to meet us?”

Arc looks at the machine. “I guess Sunburst was able to automate this thing.”

Sereb frowns. “That makes me uneasy.”

Ember nods. “Me too.”

Arc steps off the platform. “In any case, let’s go see him and find out what’s up.”

They leave the room. One of the guards outside approaches Arc and salutes.

“Sir! Lead Sage Sunburst wanted me to inform you that he will see you in his office immediately upon your arrival.”

“Good. We’ll head there now. Have the princesses meet us there.”

“Yes sir. That was the Lead Sage’s intent.”

Ember taps her foot impatiently. “Let’s go already!”

“Alright. Thank you.”

He turns away from the guard and follows the pair down the corridor. Sereb turns to Ember.

“You seem very anxious about this news.”

“I don’t like being kept out of the loop on secrets.”

Arc chuckles. “Is that a dragon greed thing?”

“Yes.”

They head for Sunburst’s office together. As they approach the doors several Royal Guards block their path. Arc addresses the one in charge.

“What’s going on?”

“Sir! Lead Sage Sunburst has restricted access to this part of the castle to all but authorized personnel.”

“Um, he sent a message asking me to come.”

“Yes sir, he made us aware of this. However your companions should wait outside.”

Ember glares at him. “What?! WHY?!”

“I’m not sure, ma’am. But he seemed VERY worried about something.”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“That won’t be necessary, commander.”

The guards straighten up as Luna and Cadance approach.

“If the Hero of Light has brought companions, he certainly has a good reason.”

Cadance nods. “Please step aside.”

“Yes, your highnesses.”

The guards part as the group enters the office. Sunburst looks around nervously as Rose and Spike attempt to calm him down.

“You need to get a grip, Sunburst! The princesses and Arc will figure this out!”

Rose nods. “Right. You should have more faith in them.”

“But this is…!”

Arc and company approach the desk.

“I got your message, Sunburst.”

Ember frowns. “Cryptic as it was.”

Luna notes Sunburst’s haggard appearance. “Can we assume what you found was troubling?”

Sunburst nods and walks over to her slowly. “Yes, your highness. My research has been most fruitful. Sadly.”

Cadance appears confused. “How can success be a bad thing?”

Serb sighs. “The truth is not always a pleasant thing to know, Princess Cadance.”

Spike looks to Rose. “I don’t get it.”

“Nor do I.”

Luna clears her throat. “I believe Arc was saying that blissful ignorance is sometimes preferred over a frightening truth.”

“Right. But let’s hear it anyways, Sunburst.”

“Very well.”

He nervously walks over to a large safe. Looking all around before putting in the combination Sunburst opens the door and pulls out a large box. Setting it on the desk he shakily reaches into his cloak for a key. Ember raises an eyebrow.

“I’ve heard of security, but this is ridiculous.”

Sereb nods. “What is in there must be most dangerous.”

Slowly Sunburst opens the lid and pulls out a vial of liquid before turning to face Arc.

“This is the substance you sent me originally, sir.”

Rose nods. “From the gas station.”

Cadance looks to Arc confused. “Gas… what?”

“It’s where humans refuel their vehicles.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Like airships?”

“Not quite. Sorry, but it’s kinda hard to explain.”

Sunburst sets the vial in a holder. “In any case, I’ve found that this substance is very similar to a very potent health drink.”

Spike frowns. “It’s what now?”

Ember scoffs at this. “Do you mean to tell me the Shards are making beverages now?!”

Arc put a hand to his chin. “There has to be more to it than that.”

“There must be, sir. But I should probably show you what else I found.”

Sunburst reaches into the box and pulls out a series of vials. Rose turns to Arc as Sunburst sets them out.

“These are the substances taken from the Shards.”

Spike opens a nearby drawer and pulls out some papers. He hurries back to the desk and gives them to Sunburst.

“Here’s the instructions that Rose brought as well.”

“Thank you, Spike.”

Sunburst shakily turns to the others.

“I mixed up a small batch of the chemical as per these instructions.”

Cadance looks nervous. “Was the resulting substance volatile?”

Rose shakes her head. “Quite the opposite, your highness. It’s quite inert.”

“That is a relief.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Arc sighs. “So we have a health drink and an inert substance. That doesn’t make any sense.”

“I thought so too. That’s when Rose suggested mixing the two.”

Ember furrows her brow. “Wasn’t that dangerous?!”

“Mother designed me to resist chemical damage from both acidic, caustic, and magical sources.”

Arc sighs. “I wish you wouldn’t take such risks, Rose.”

Sunburst nods. “As do I. But what’s done is done. It’s what she found that was truly terrifying!”

Rose frowns. “When the substances were combined, the liquid began to glow and bubble violently. It’s appearance at the time suggested it might explode. However as quickly as the reaction started, it stopped.”

Cadance looks at the vials. “And the end result?”

Sunburst pulls another vial out of the box and holds it up.

“This!”

Swirling inside the glass vial are a slew of multi-colored liquids moving seemingly at random. Ember frowns.

“What the…?”

Luna turns to the Lead Sage. “Sunburst, what are we looking at?”

Arc nods. “I mean, that’s really pretty and all. But I’m guessing the Shards are after something a bit more than aesthetics.”

Sunburst sighs. “Rose and I have run numerous tests on this unknown substance, and may have figured out its purpose.”

Cadance smiles. “Good. What is it?”

“Preliminary tests show it to be a very powerful ability enhancer.”

Ember looks at the vial again. “Um… what?”

Arc frowns. “Like steroids?”

“I’m not sure what ‘steroids’ are, sir. But this substance should, at least in theory, increase the abilities of whatever imbibes it.”

Rose nods. “A magic user would get a massive boost to their power.”

Spike shudders. “And an Earth Pony would become significantly stronger!”

Luna turns to Sunburst. “Would a pegasus be able to fly especially fast?”

“Yes. Again, in theory. The only problem is, at least from our preliminary tests, it would appear that none of these three species would survive their newfound abilities.”

Spike counts on his claws as he talks. “The unicorn’s horn would most likely explode from casting the first supercharged spell. A pegasi’s wings would burst into flames after a few seconds of supersonic flying. And an Earth Pony would probably shatter every bone in their body the first time they went to hit something.”

Cadance gasps. “So it would kill anypony using it?!”

Sunburst nods. “Most likely. However I shudder to think what somepony with murderous intentions might do with this substance.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“The only use for this substance as it sits would be force feeding it to a victim to cause damage.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! You mean somepony might give this to an innocent bystander?!”

Rose thinks for a moment. “Maybe. Knock out a unicorn, give them this, and the first spell they cast… boom!”

Arc nods thoughtfully. “That may be. But this was created on Earth. No earth ponies, pegasi, or unicorns there.”

Sereb growls. “Perhaps they wanted to do the same to other humans then?”

Luna contemplates this. “That makes a bit more sense. Sunburst, would the effects be the same if applied to a human?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes. If dispersed into the water supply it would be chaos!”

Cadance gasps. “Earth may be in very real danger then!”

Arc looks away. “Yes. However, I don’t think that’s what Frank was planning on doing with it.”

Spike frowns. “How can you be so sure?”

“I’ve known him since we were kids. He doesn’t want to hurt innocents.”

Arc turns back to Rose.

“If this substance was watered down, could the effect be controlled?”

“I suppose so.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Maybe he wanted super strong members. Like steel-bending strong.”

Spike nods. “Makes sense. You could do a lot of harm that way though.”

Sunburst does some quick calculations.

“That would make the effects of this potion temporary at best. That is if it worked at all.”

Luna frowns. “How long?”

“A few minutes at best. To bring this down to safe levels might also negate the benefits completely.”

Ember sighs. “Leave it as-is and kill the subject. Water it down and it’s worthless. So we should be worried about this stuff why now?”

Arc frowns. “In the off chance the Shards, or anyone really, figures out how to make it viable. Many innocents could be hurt. Or worse!”

Cadance takes a step back. “Now I see why you’re so upset by this, Sunburst.”

“Yes, your highness. If this fell into the wrong hooves it could spell the end of Equestria! Or Earth for that matter!”

Arc nods with determination. “I won’t let that happen!”

Ember puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “Neither will I!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “What can we do to stop it?”

“For starters, make sure the Shards don’t have any more of this stuff lying around. Then we find out where it came from.”

Rose looks up. “I read quite a few things on that place you call the Internet, Arc. This substance is comprised of a number of chemicals that are readily available.”

Sunburst sighs. “Yes. All except for one.”

Ember grins. “Just one? Now we’re getting somewhere!”

Sereb nods. “What is this secret ingredient.”

Rose shakes her head. “That is unknown. It’s chemical composition is unlike anything I found in the Internet datafiles.”

Sunburst nods soberly. “It does not appear to exist here in Equestria either.”

Cadance sighs. “So that lead goes nowhere then?”

Luna frowns. “So it would seem. Sunburst, can you give Arc something to go on here?”

“The Shards are the key. Someone over there knows something about this.”

Ember nods. “Sure. Like what though?”

Arc picks up the vial and looks at its rainbow colors again. “Like where that secret ingredient comes from.”

Sereb growls. “And what they intend to do with it.”

“Right.”

Arc gives the vial to Spike to put away before turning back to Sunburst.

“What about those other items I sent to you?”

Sunburst opens his safe again. “I have them right here.”

He puts the lockbox away before removing a tray from another shelf. Placing it on his desk Sunburst picks up the knife from Lord Gestal.

“This weapon is indeed solid guardanium! It would cost a fortune in the Griffon Kingdom! Here, it’s value would be astronomical due to the scarcity of such things!”

Arc nods as he takes the dagger. “What can you tell me about the metal?”

“It’s nearly indestructible!”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Nearly?”

Rose nods. “We only believe that, as nothing is truly impervious to damage, your highness.”

Cadance looks the weapon over. “Is it magical, Sunburst?”

“Slightly.”

Sereb frowns. “Could it have been part of the crafting process?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. It appears to be innate to the metal itself.”

Sunburst holds out a hoof. “Sir, may I?”

Arc hands him the knife. Sunburst takes it as Spike holds up a piece of paper. Putting the knife to the paper he deftly and cleanly slices it down the middle. Luna nods approvingly.

“Razor sharp.”

“Indeed. Now watch this.”

Sunburst walks over to a heavy steel table in the corner. He drags the blade across it a few times leaving light scratches in the table’s surface. Cadance sighs.

“Well, I suppose it can’t cut everything.”

“Let’s try again.”

Sunburst channels his magic through the blade. Dragging it across the table it leaves heavy marks in the surface. He intensifies the magic stream and takes a final swing. The table is effortlessly cut in half as Ember jumps back.

“Woah!”

Sereb gasps. “That table… it didn’t stand a chance.”

Luna turns to Sunburst as he walks back to the others. “Sunburst, how?!”

“My magic, when properly channeled through the blade’s edge, was focused and amplified.”

Arc takes the knife and looks it over. “Not a scratch on it either.”

Rose nods. “If you test it, the blade is still razor sharp as well.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “The cutting power appears nearly as powerful as our military’s Magic Blade technology.”

“Yes, your highness. However it does not require an external power source, as such magic blades do. Just a unicorn to provide the magic.”

Arc sighs. “Lady Ashe told me this metal is very expensive and difficult to work with. It’s probably not any cheaper to forge this knife versus building a Magic Blade.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Do you suppose the griffons know about the magical properties?”

“I would say no. They don’t possess any magical ability of their own, so this is not a discovery they would be likely to make.”

Arc puts the knife in his magic ring. “This might come in handy someday. Thanks for figuring this out, Sunburst.”

“You are welcome. Now then, we still have this bolt you sent me, sir.”

Cadance shudders. “That cursed thing should be destroyed!”

Luna shakes her head. “No, Cadance. I get the feeling it’s far too valuable a clue to discard.”

“You would be correct, your highness. This bolt is indeed composed of the same metal as that dagger.”

Ember frowns. “What does that prove?”

Sereb growls. “That our opponents are not mere malcontents.”

Arc nods. “Right. This proves definitively that they have VERY powerful, wealthy, and influential friends backing them.”

Luna sighs. “Indeed.”

Sereb looks confused. “But we already knew that.”

Arc nods. “True. But before now, their friends might have just been plants in the military. This metal proves they’re either VERY good at larceny or have master craftsmen on their side.”

Cadance frowns. “But where would they have gotten ahold of such a valuable metal?”

Rose sighs. “That is unknown, Princess Cadance. However, this bolt is special in its own right.”

Arc looks over. “Does this mean you were successful in analyzing the substance on it?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes sir. It is indeed Sanguine Azolla.”

Ember slams her fist down on the table. “I knew it!”

Sereb chuckles. “Did you?”

“…kinda.”

Spike gasps. “So they wanted to put Princess Luna into another coma?!”

Sereb growls. “That would certain have put a stop to the treaty.”

Ember grins. “Well, they failed.”

Cadance sighs. “Yes. And I’m certain they’re none too thrilled about that.”

Rose looks to Arc. “That is most likely correct. But this bolt has also been heavily enchanted.”

“Enchanted?”

Sunburst nods. “The Sanguine Azolla on the tip of this bolt has been altered slightly. Most likely to work with the enchantment.”

Luna frowns. “Are you saying the rebels had intended to do more than put me to sleep?!”

“Possibly, your highness. Both bolts sent to me are identical in this regard.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “What kind of ward was placed on it?”

“The enchantment is a very powerful amplifier of latent magical properties.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “So…”

“It made the Sanguine Azolla take effect nearly immediately.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide at this. “So Princess Luna would have gone insane?!”

“Unlikely. She probably would have slept until the antidote was administered. The rebels probably hoped this would give them time to plant the seeds of dissent in the populace. Perhaps even the Council of Lords themselves.”

Cadance gasps. “A frightening thought!”

Sereb smiles. “Yet again they failed.”

Ember shrugs. “I’m not sure if we’re just lucky or divinely protected from some of these things.”

Arc nods as Spike heads for the safe. “I’ll take either at this point. Anything else you three have figured out?”

“Just one. This weird rock.”

Ember looks confused. “Rock?”

Spike walks the rock over to Arc. He holds it out to Ember.

“Remember this?”

Ember nods as she takes the stone. “Now I do.”

Cadance looks confused. “What is that?”

“A sample of the stone the southern temple was constructed from.”

Luna steps back. “That anti-magic rock?”

“Yes, Princess Luna.”

Sunburst begins pacing. “Upon physical examination this appears to be little more than an ancient building material. However when I looked at a bit of the dust under a microscope I could clearly see it was treated with some kind of substance.”

Ember frowns. “Any idea what it could have been?”

Rose shakes her head. “I have examined all the books in the Royal Library. None make mention of this substance or the process by which these rocks were treated.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Hold on! You read EVERY book?!”

“Well, that’s not completely true.”

Spike nods. “Yeah. Some of them she already knew from Twilight’s library.”

Sereb sighs. “That is a bit… off-putting.”

Sunburst shrugs. “In any case, her knowledge of our library has greatly sped along my research.”

Luna looks warily at the rock. “But that doesn’t change the fact this knowledge has been lost to the sands of time.”

Ember puts the rock on the desk and takes a step back. “Um… are we in any danger of this stone sealing our magic again?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “No, Ember.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Sunburst, does the effect of these rocks compound with size?”

“Sir?”

Sereb nods. “I believe Arc means if the rock was much larger, could it seal our magic?”

“Yes. But it would have to be MUCH larger!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Like, say… ancient temple size?”

Rose nods. “Yes. As we found during our journey, that effect is quite real.”

Arc takes the rock from the desk and looks it over. “This is very interesting.”

Cadance looks over. “Part of the puzzle, Arc?”

“Kinda. Or more accurately, part of a different puzzle altogether.”

Luna frowns. “Which one would that be?”

Arc looks soberly at the rock in his hand as he sighs.

“Stableton.”

Chapter 3 - Echoes of the Past

No one says anything for a time as Arc’s words sink in. Spike is the first to speak.

“Um… where now?”

“A long forgotten town a couple hours walk west from the Winsome Falls.”

Spike walks over to the map on the wall.

“Are you sure, Arc? There’s nothing about it anywhere on here.”

Ember chuckles. “Trust me, Spike. If Arc says something’s there, we should believe him.”

Sunburst joins Spike at the map. “Are you certain of the location, sir? Perhaps you were traveling in the wrong direction.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “Sunburst, I am fairly certain Arc knows how to read a map.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. Luna and I believe him on this matter wholeheartedly.”

“Forgive me. I meant no disrespect.”

Sereb sighs. “I believe the question now is, what do we do about this matter?”

“The only thing we CAN do is head over there and look around.”

Rose nods soberly. “Arc, I’d like to come along. If there’s magical dampening there I should study and catalogue it.”

Spike laughs. “You’re definitely Twilight’s creation!”

“Sure Rose. Your sensors weren’t affected by the lack of magic at the southern temple. Maybe you can see what I couldn’t.”

“I will do my best.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “Arc, was that the town you were telling me about a while back?”

“Maybe. What did I say?”

“That you stumbled upon Tempest’s hometown.”

Arc nods. “Yup. Why?”

“Then I’m coming too!”

Sereb nods. “As am I.”

Luna sighs. “Arc, I must caution you on this matter. Tempest may not look favorably on you bringing such a large group.”

Cadance nods. “Luna is right. All of you would be in extreme danger the entire time!”

“Well, what do you suggest I do?”

Sunburst looks at the android. “I recommend taking only Miss Rose with you, sir.”

Ember frowns. “What about ME?!”

“I’m fully capable of protecting Arc in your absence, Ember.”

Sereb growls. “That may be. However I too would still like to accompany you, Arc.”

“Much as I hate to say it, Sunburst is right about the small group. It will help keep Tempest calm.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “But she could KILL YOU!”

“Right. She could also kill you, me, AND Sereb. After all, we don’t have any true counter for this opponent.”

Luna nods. “Other than Rose, that is.”

“Me?”

Cadance walks over to Rose. “Yes. I had a long talk with Twilight about your construction, Rose. You have the ability to repair yourself upon taking damage, correct?”

“That is true, yes.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “She can?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ve seen that for myself. Rose’s ability to heal her wounds is remarkable!”

Ember frowns. “What?! When did she ever get…?”

Rose interrupts her. “I took several blows during our escape from the southern temple if you recall.”

Arc looks surprised. “You did?”

Ember shakes her head. “I don’t remember that!”

“That’s not surprising, as I treated them during the battle.”

Luna nods. “While I can’t force you to do so, I highly recommend that you and Rose go alone, Arc. She may be somewhat able to counter Tempest’s regenerative abilities with her own.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “But what if she can’t?!”

“Then I’ll buy Arc time to escape.”

“What about you?!”

“You forget, Arc. I’m a machine and can be repaired or replaced.”

“But…!”

“Don’t worry. I won’t fall easily.”

Cadance turns to a visibly shaken Ember. “It may be hard to imagine, but Arc will be safer if you and Sereb DON’T go.”

“I… I just… I can’t accept that!”

Livid, Ember storms out of the office. Sereb calls out after her.

“Ember!”

The wolf turns to follow his friend, but Spike holds up a claw.

“You might want to give her some space right now.”

Sunburst nods. “Agreed. While not much is known about dragons, I wouldn’t want to face an angry one under ANY circumstances!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… I should probably go talk to her.”

Spike hurries over to him. “Why don’t you leave that to me, Arc. Ember and I go way back.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I thought you only met her a couple years ago?”

Spike rushes out the door. “Leave it to me!”

Sunburst smiles after his assistant. “He’s quite the hard worker. Smart too. If anyone can do this, other than you, he can.”

Arc sighs. “I hope so.”

Luna nods. “Agreed. In any case, Cadance and I leave this matter in your hands, Arc.”

Cadance shudders. “Do be careful out there though. There’s no shame in retreating from an unbeatable foe.”

“Cadance is correct. However, we need to return to our duties now.”

Arc nods. “I’ll do what I can.”

The princesses leave the office and walk down the corridor together. Cadance turns to Luna and frowns.

“Stableton. Did such a town exist before your banishment, Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “To the best of my knowledge, no. However there are certainly small settlement all over Equestria that we know little or nothing about.”

“Really?”

“Yes. My sister was never much for forcing the citizens to submit to Canterlot’s rule. Perhaps it was just a town of ponies who wished for peace and quiet.”

“Hopefully.”

“Or it may have been some secret project of my sister’s.”

Cadance looks confused and angry at the same time. “Aunt Celestia would never…!”

Luna interrupts her. “She would never put anypony’s life needlessly at risk, I know. But what if the need was great?”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “Then I suppose she would have done what was necessary to protect the land.”

The pair walk on in silence for a time. Eventually Cadance turns to Luna.

“Do you believe that was the case?”

“For the sake of those long-gone ponies, I hope it was worth it.”

Meanwhile, Spike hurries down the corridor after his friend.

“Ember! Wait up!”

Ember does not slow down. “Going off to see Tempest WITHOUT ME! Is Arc really that dumb?!”

Spike runs up to Ember and walks next to her. “Finally caught up with you!”

Ember turns to him angrily. “Arc send you after me?! If he’s so big and strong he should have come after me!”

“No, I came myself.”

“After all we’ve been through together and now he wants to leave me behind?!”

“I don’t think that was his intention.”

“Could’ve fooled me! I thought we were friends! That he cared about me!”

“Ember, if he had let you come THAT wouldn’t been showing he didn’t care!”

Ember stops and turns on her heels to look down at Spike. “What are you talking about?!”

“I believe Arc just wants you to be safe.”

“That may be! But all I’ll do is sit here worrying about him! Doesn’t he GET that?!”

“He probably does, Ember. I’ve seen how you look at him, and how he looks at you.”

Ember blushes. “He… he looks at me?”

“Yeah! Arc really cares about you! So much that I don’t think he could stand it if something were to happen to you.”

Ember stomps her foot impatiently. “Well I want to GO!”

“And I think you should stay.”

“Well, what am I supposed to…!”

Ember stops talking and rubs her chin for a moment. Spike looks confused.

“Ember?”

“It just might work.”

“What might work?”

A thoughtful smile spreading across her face. “I have an idea. But I need your help to make it work, Spike.”

“Not sure I like where this is going.”

“You want to help though, right?”

“Of course!”

“Okay, Spike. Here’s my idea then.”

A short time later Ember and Spike return to the office. Arc, Rose and Sunburst are going over a map on the desk. Sereb walks over to them.

“Is everything alright?”

Spike smiles nervously. “Kinda.”

Ember nods and replies in an even tone. “Everything’s fine.”

Sereb frowns. “Your words say one thing. But your posture says another.”

“I’m telling you, everything is alright. And I’ll clobber you if you disagree with me!”

Sereb shakes his head and sighs as Ember walks over to the desk with Spike. Arc looks up from the conversation.

“Did you two have a nice, uh… chat?”

Ember nods. “Very!”

Spike shrugs. “I suppose so.”

“Good. Sunburst and I were just going over alternative escape routes.”

“What! Why?!”

Rose turns to Ember. “Just in case this Tempest individual isn’t as hospitable as Arc says she was on their last visit.”

“Right. Never hurts to have a plan, huh Ember?”

She nods. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Sunburst looks to Ember. “You’ve put aside the idea of going on this excursion, have you Miss Ember?”

“More or less.”

Arc looks back down at the map. “Good. It’s not that I don’t WANT you to come, Ember. It’s just that Tempest kinda likes me… in a frienemy sort of way.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Frienemy?”

Rose frowns. “I don’t believe that is a real word.”

“Right. Tempest is certainly not my friend. But she’s not really me enemy either. Hence the invented word.”

“I believe I understand now.”

Sereb sighs. “Now that we have that out of the way, I don’t believe much more can be done to plan this out.”

Sunburst nods. “Agreed. That village is far too remote for us to have any decent maps of it. Much less roads to use for escape.”

Ember shudders. “Not that Tempest will let you go if she doesn’t want to.”

“I suppose not. But the citizens of that town deserve to have their mystery solved.”

Sereb thinks for a moment. “If you can discover that which she cannot, perhaps Tempest will spare you.”

“I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one, Sereb.”

Ember nods. “Agreed. That banshee is crazy!”

Sunburst sighs. “I’ve shown you all we know about the area as per our records, sir. The rest is up to you.”

“Thank you, Sunburst.”

“Good luck.”

Arc turns to Ember. “We should be getting back to Ponyville.”

Ember folds her arms over her scaled torso. “Not just yet.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Ember?”

“If this is about you coming, you can just forget about…”

Ember interrupts Arc. “I was thinking more along the lines of a deal.”

Rose appears confused. “A… deal?”

“Sure. Arc doesn’t want me to come because I’d kick Tempest’s flank. I want to stay by his side and keep him safe.”

Arc sighs. “Ember, we’ve gone over this. If you come, Tempest will…”

“Oh, I understand that.”

Sereb frowns. “Then why…?”

“That’s why I’m going to have someone else join you in my place.”

Arc looks confused. “What?”

“As the future Dragon Lord, I’m ordering Spike to accompany you.”

“WHAT?!?!?!”

“That or I come along! Take it or leave it!”

“Ember, you can’t just force Spike to do whatever you want!”

Spike looks nervous. “She kinda can.”

Sereb frowns. “Is it the power of the Bloodstone Scepter?”

“Right. She is the Dragon Lord’s daughter after all. And my friend too.”

“Tempest isn’t completely dead inside. She won’t hurt a baby dragon like Spike.”

Rose sighs. “Are you sure?”

“Of course! He’s quite resourceful as well. Kinda like you, Arc.”

Spike smiles. “I am?”

“Sure! You were the first to take the Bloodstone Scepter during the Gauntlet. Even though you weren’t the biggest or strongest.”

Cherry sighs. “Arc, you’re not really going to go along with this, are you?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well… I think Ember’s right about Tempest. She was very… personable last time we met.”

Rose shakes her head. “From what I’ve heard, that was due to powerful magic clouding her judgment though. We shouldn’t assume Tempest has changed for the better.”

Sereb growls. “Agreed.”

“I’d actually like to come with you, Arc.”

“Really, Spike? This isn’t exactly a pleasure trip.”

“True. But everyone else seems to come back changed when they travel with you.”

Rose looks confused. “They do?”

“Sure! Twilight and the others always talk about their time with you! Ember’s learned so much from her travels as well! I want to be part of that!”

Sunburst nods. “I can make do without my assistant for a bit, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Shouldn’t you call Twilight or something first?”

Spike frowns. “Why? She never told me when you two left for the southern temple!”

Ember grimaces. “Ouch. Really?!”

Arc turns to Ember.

“If I agree to this, do you promise not to follow me?”

“Yes.”

“I… fine, Spike. You can come. “

“ALL RIGHT!”

“But you have to do what I tell you to. No questions asked.”

“Sure! I can do that! When do we leave?!”

“Tomorrow morning. Bright and early.”

Rose looks to Arc. “We could go right now, Arc. Nothing’s really stopping us.”

“I know. But I need to talk to Twilight about this little trip.”

Spike frowns. “What for?!”

“Because she’s my friend. That and she deserves to know if you and I are going to do something like this.”

“She’s not my…!”

Arc interrupts. “I know, Spike. But you two are my friends.”

Rose nods. “Mother cares for both of us. We shouldn’t leave her in the dark on this.”

Arc sighs. “You’ll understand someday when you have children of your own, Spike.”

“…fine.”

“Be careful, Spike. Learn what you can during this trip and tell me all about it upon your return.”

“I will, Sunburst.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Let’s go, everyone.”

All assembled step through the portal and are gone. Arc turns to Sunburst.

“I’ll bring Spike back here safe and sound.”

“Thank you. He’s really quite a help to me.”

Arc nods and steps through the portal himself. As it closes Sunburst turns back to the items on his desk, puts them back on the tray, and returns the tray to the security of his safe. He pulls an ancient looking book from within, opens it, and looks its pages over carefully.

“So much activity around a small stone and a forgotten town. I can only do my part to see to it the Stableton incident will never be repeated.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company appear on the sigil in Derpy’s small house. They step off and head out the door together. Spike frowns.

“Are we heading there NOW?!”

Arc nods. “No time like the present. Right Ember?”

“I suppose not.”

Rose appears suddenly nervous. “ How do you think mother will react to this, Arc?”

“I have no idea. But let’s find out.”

Ember looks down the road. “Sereb and I will meet you back at Light’s Hope.”

“Sure. See you two in a bit.”

As the pair turn to walk away Sereb turns to Ember.

“This is quite odd of you.”

“Which part?”

“Allowing Arc to go off to a dangerous location without you.”

Ember sighs. “He was right. If Tempest sees me, it’ll end badly.”

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

“Yeah.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Spike and Rose make their way toward the Golden Oaks Library. Arc knocks. A few moments later Twilight answers. Happily she smiles at Spike.

“Spike, you’re back!”

The pair hug for a few moments before Twilight looks to Arc and Rose.

“Come in, everypony! Come in!”

“Thanks.”

They step inside the warm library as Twilight closes the door behind them and turns to Spike.

“So are you here to stay?!”

Spike shakes his head. “No, Twilight. I… um… we need to tell you something.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Arc sighs. “We should probably sit down for this one.”

Twilight leads them to a table in the middle of the library.

“Can I get you three anything? Tea perhaps? Or something sweet?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you.”

“Nothing for me either, mother.”

“I’m fine.”

Twilight looks concerned. “That’s strange. You never turn down snacks, Spike.”

Arc sighs. “We should probably just tell you, Twilight. You see…”

Spike interrupts. “No, Arc. I should tell her.”

“Spike? Is something wrong?”

“I… just wanted to come over here and tell you about a little trip Arc, Rose, and I are going to take tomorrow.”

Twilight smiles. “Wonderful! You really needed to get out of the castle. So where is he taking you?”

“An abandoned village west of the Winsome Falls.”

Twilight looks confused. “Town? There? I don’t recall seeing anything on any map over there.”

“It’s not on the map, mother.”

“Oh? Is this some kind of archeological dig?”

Spike sighs. “Not exactly.”

Arc nods. “It’s Tempest’s hometown.”

Twilight’s pupils shrink. “It’s… what now?!”

Arc pulls out the stone from the southern temple. “You remember this, Twilight?”

“From the temple, right?”

Rose nods. “Sunburst and I believe there’s something in or near that town that’s prevented the use of magic over the years.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That’s not possible. For an area to be tainted like that would require quite a lot of this special stone.”

Arc frowns. “Impossible? Like our inability to cast even simple spells in the temple?”

“That was very real, mother.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose that’s right. But what are you looking for?”

Spike grins. “Clues mostly. Sunburst told me an entire town’s population disappeared there a long time ago!”

Arc frowns. “Well, not everyone.”

Twilight sighs. “Tempest?”

“Yes. She and her sister were the only ones who made it out of there.”

“Could… might Tempest be there?!”

Rose nods. “Probably. We don’t want Arc to go alone. But if only I and Spike go with him…”

Twilight interrupts. “I don’t like the idea of you going there, Spike! What if…?”

“What about your own trip to that crazy temple?! You never said a word to me before you left!”

“I… that was…”

Arc puts a hand on the baby dragon’s shoulder. “Spike, Twilight was trying to make up for her mistake.”

Rose nods. “Creating me caused a number of diplomatic problems with the Dragon Lands.”

Twilight sighs. “Right! Sorry for not telling you about it. You know how I get when I’m really focused on something.”

Spike sighs. “That I do.”

Twilight stands up and walks over to her assistant.

“You’re like a baby brother to me, Spike. I hatched you from an egg. Watched you grow and mature into the dragon before me now. And… and watched as you left home… and me.”

She puts her head down sadly.

“I always knew it would happen. But I never expected it to be so… soon.”

Spike puts his claws on Twilight’s cheeks. “I’m coming back soon, you know. This isn’t permanent.”

Twilight looks up at Spike and forces a smile. “A dragon’s wanderlust. If you want to go, I won’t try to stop you.”

“Really?!”

“You’re growing up. I can’t keep you penned up in a library forever. A dragon needs to roam to grow up big and strong.”

She turns to Arc and Rose.

“Please take care of Spike for me you two.”

Arc nods. “I will.”

“Yes, mother.”

Spike looks at the door.

“We should probably get going now. I’m sure you’re busy with experiments and whatnot, Twilight.”

“I am, but there’s no hurry! Would you like to spend the night, Spike?”

“Kinda. Would that be okay, Arc?”

“Sure. We’ll come get you in the morning.”

Rose turns to him as they stand up. “Can we make supper together, Arc?”

“Sure. Derpy and Dinky would like that.”

He turns to Twilight and Spike.

“Have a nice evening.”

Twilight walks the pair to the door. “You too, Arc. Say ‘hi’ to Derpy for me.”

“I will.”

Rose smiles. “Goodbye, mother.”

“Bye Rose.”

They leave. Twilight closes the door behind them and turns back to Spike

“Twilight, I…”

Spike finds himself cut off as Twilight rushes over to him and wraps her hooves around his neck.

“I missed you, my number one assistant!”

Spike returns the hug happily. “I missed you too, Twilight.”

Chapter 4 - Searching Stableton

A portal opens. Arc, Spike, and Rose step out onto a bank of the Winsome Falls. Rose turns to Spike.

“So how did mother take things last night?”

“Well, not the greatest. I could tell she didn’t want me to go.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about this, Spike.”

“Well, Twilight was right about one thing. I do need to get out more.”

Rose giggles. “I believe she does too.”

Arc clears his throat. “Agreed. But in any case, let’s get a move on. Stableton is quite a ways from where we stand.”

He leads the way as Rose and Spike follow directly behind him into the forest. Rose turns again to Spike.

“Did you enjoy your time with mother?”

“I did! We made supper together with Auriel and then played some board games! I can’t remember the last time we did that!”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like you two have patched things up nicely.”

“We did that a while ago. Remember?”

“Yes, well… saying everything is alright and actually being okay are two different things.”

Rose looks confused. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s a matter of the heart, Rose. You’ll understand it one day.”

She puts a hand on her chest and sighing. “I hope so. But I’m still envious of you, Spike.”

“Of me?”

“Yes. You’ve known mother longer than I have. The two of you were inseparable before, or so I’ve been told. If I may, what happened between you two?”

“She… Twilight just…”

Arc turns around. “Spike, you told me aboard the Lunar Destiny that she said a few things that made you upset. Was that true?”

“I was, but… I guess the reason I left then wasn’t so much because of what she said.”

Rose kneels down to his level. “Oh? Then why?”

“Because… she changed. Auriel was her pride and joy. Twilight didn’t need me holding her back any longer.”

Arc frowns. “Spike, I doubt Twilight thinks of Auriel as your replacement.”

“She was pretty impressed by her back then, Arc.”

“Just because you make a new friend doesn’t mean you forget about your old ones.”

“Yeah. I know Twilight didn’t mean to do what she did. But it still hurt.”

Rose appears to be thinking.

“I’d like your opinion on something, Spike.”

“What is it?”

“Do you think Auriel thinks the same of me?”

Arc looks over to Rose. “Same of you?”

“I mean… am I a replacement to her? Do you think she hates me?!”

Spike shakes his head. “No Rose. Twilight made you for Arc, remember?”

“I do remember. But BEING the replacement doesn’t feel any better.”

“Better? Than what?”

“Being replaced.”

They stand there for a moment in silence.

Arc puts his hand on Rose’s shoulder. “Twilight made you to be a companion for me originally. But you’re free to do what you want now. Remember?”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “She’s what now?”

“My directives were deleted, Spike. I’m no longer bound by my programing to remain with Arc.”

“So… how does that feel? Freedom, I mean! I bet it’s great!”

Rose sighs. “It’s actually kinda scary.”

“How?”

“Before now, if I wasn’t sure what to do, I could always turn to those around me for guidance and direction. Now I’m like a boat cut loose from a dock.”

Arc smiles at her. “Rose, you may be free, but you’ll never be alone and abandoned. Twilight and I care about you and your future. While we both know that one day you’ll probably strike out on your own, that’s just part of being a parent.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. Think about it this way. Someday Dinky will grow up, move out, meet someone special, and maybe have a family of her own. But even then I’ll never stop being her father.”

Spike smiles. “That’s a nice analogy, Arc. Do you think it’s the same for Twilight?”

“I guarantee it, Spike. She’s not perfect. No parent is. But we try our very best to take care of our children and teach them.”

“And Rose?”

Rose shakes her head. “There’s only so much that can be programed. I’ve learned much from mother and Arc since my activation.”

“Twilight designed her to replace Cherry and one day become my wife. But I don’t really see her as a potential mate or lover.”

“What then?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“To me she’s kinda like… a younger sister.”

“I’m… not sure how I feel about that.”

“Something wrong?”

“It might just be residual programing that has yet to be purged. You see, I have this strange feeling about you, Arc.”

Spike grins. “Love?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. It is similar though. I’ve been trying to place it for some time now.”

Arc nods. “Can you describe it?”

“I guess it’s like… a warm, happy feeling whenever I’m with you. Like a sunny day.”

“That sounds kinda like friendship to me.”

Spike nods. “Yeah!”

“Is that bad?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so, Rose. Whatever you’re feeling is exactly what you’re supposed to feel. But in any case we should keep moving. It’s chilly out here.”

Cherry calls out. “Arc? Shouldn’t you put on your armor? You won’t be able to call for it when we get to the village.”

Arc sighs. “I’ve been thinking about whether or not I should do that. Tempest might see it as me coming to get her.”

“I understand that. But your safety should come first!”

Spike nods. “Yeah Arc! Who knows what’s going to happen from here on out!”

“My sensors may not function properly as we go on. You’re better off staying armed and armored, Arc.”

“I suppose so.”

Arc calls forth his armor and spear. He then turns to continue walking.

“Let’s keep moving.”

“Arc?”

He turns back to look at Rose. “Yes?”

“I… it’s nothing.”

The trio keeps walking for some time. Eventually they come to the overgrown road. Spike holds open an old map.

“That’s odd. The map doesn’t show anything out here. Rose?”

Rose shakes her head. “Mother programed me with a number of maps. Even some very old ones. Nothing shows up on any of them though.”

Arc frowns. “Why would someone go to so much trouble to hide this place?”

Spike looks up nervously. “Not only that. Who?”

Rose thinks for a moment. “I don’t know who could be so affluential as to be able to do such a thing other than…”

Her words trail off.

“Rose?”

“I hate to suggest this, but… the only logical conclusion is that princesses themselves were responsible for this.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “What?! But what reason would they have for doing something like that?!”

“I agree with Spike. Luna would have said something back at the castle if she knew anything.”

“She may not have if the secret was important.”

Spike looks around nervously. “Then why didn’t she try to stop us from coming out here?”

“That would have made it even more enticing. Remember, she can’t force Arc not to do what he wants.”

Arc sighs. “True. But I trust Luna not to keep something THAT important from me. Especially knowing that Tempest is here. I mean, I’m a reasonable guy. She knows that if there was something that really needed to be hidden out here, I’d back off.”

“Me too!”

Rose points down the path. “I suppose there’s only one way to figure this out.”

Arc sighs. “Yup. Let’s keep moving.”

Sometime later the ruins of Stableton come into view. Spike gasps.

“There really is a town out here!”

“You thought I made it up?”

Spike shakes his head. “Not ‘made up’. But maybe hallucinated or dreamed it. Sorry, Arc.”

“Apology accepted.”

He looks around the silent ruins.

“We should probably head over to Tempest’s old house. See if she’s around.”

They begin walking down the overgrown street together. Rose looks in all directions.

“This is strange to me. Seeking out this particular pony intentionally.”

Arc nods. “I heard a saying when I was a child. It went something like ‘sometimes, the closer we are to danger, the further we are from harm’.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?!”

“It means that having Tempest in sight and with us is infinitely safer than not knowing where she is.”

“Is that like ‘keep your friends close, and your enemies closer’?”

“Exactly, Rose.”

Spike looks around at the run-down buildings. “So… which one is Tempest’s?”

“It’s a small house that looks to be a bit more maintained than the others.”

Arc turns to Rose.

“You picking up anything on your scanners?”

“There is only one lifeform in town.”

Spike shudders. “One guess who THAT is!”

“Where is she?”

Rose points. “At the end of the street and to the right.”

“That’s Tempest’s house. Well, let’s get this over with.”

They walk down the street together. Arc turns to Spike.

“Stay behind me, okay?”

Spike nods nervously. “No arguments there!”

“And if she comes at us, run!”

“What?! But I…!”

Rose looks over to him. “Please, Spike. Don’t argue with Arc on this.”

Spike sighs. “Fine.”

Arc stops in front of the familiar house. As they walk toward the door Rose frowns.

“This is odd.”

“What is?”

“The lifeform’s location.”

Spike looks confused. “Why’s that? Isn’t she inside?”

“No. But I believe my scanners must be malfunctioning. They show her right above…”

Rose is cut short as Tempest drops down in front of Arc from above. She knocks him across the street and through a run-down building with a well-placed buck to the gut. Spike runs across the street toward the other building.

“ARC!”

Rose takes up a defensive position, angrily. “That… was a mistake!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Oh great. Another one of those… whatever kind of animal Arc is. Shouldn’t you be worried about him or something?”

Rose does not take her eyes off Tempest. “He’s fine.”

Tempest smiles wickedly. “A beast who understands acceptable losses? Interesting. I…”

Her words are cut short as Rose rushes forward and punches her in the face. Tempest flies into a nearby tree. She looks up, bewildered.

“That was… unexpected.”

Rose frowns. “You have no idea whom you’re dealing with.”

Tempest stands up. “Funny. I was about to say the same thing to YOU!”

Tempest rushes headlong at Rose. She sidesteps to allow Tempest to pass her. Grabbing a handful of the mare’s tail Rose pulls it taunt and slams Tempest to the ground a few times before throwing her aside.

“Give up?”

Tempest stands up. “NEVER!”

Rose smiles. “I thought you’d say that.”

Meanwhile, Spike hurries over to the building Arc hit and rushes inside.

“ARC! Where are you?!”

The slight movement of a pile of debris catches Spike’s eye. He runs over and starts digging. A few moments later the corner of Arc’s cape is found. Spike taps Arc’s armor with a claw.

“Uh… you okay?”

Arc rolls over onto his back and stares up at the ceiling.

“What… happened?”

“Tempest got the jump on you. Literally.”

Arc sits up. “I see. Where did she go?”

Spike points a claw toward the door. “Her and Rose are going at it outside.”

Arc jumps to his feet. “WHAT?! We have to help her!”

Spike runs over to Arc’s spear and picks it up. “Wait! You’ll need this!”

He tosses the Spear of Righteousness to Arc.

“Thanks! You stay here!”

“Gotcha!”

Arc steps out onto the street just in time to see Tempest and Rose charging one another. Tempest’s weapon, Light’s Bane, and Rose’s L-Blade come together above their heads as Arc holds them both back with his spear.

“Hold on just a minute! I think there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding.”

Rose steps back but keeps her blade at the ready. “I don’t believe so, Arc. Tempest clearly attacked you!”

Tempest rests Light’s Bane over her shoulder. “You came here for a fight, Arc! Didn’t you?!”

“Not really, no.”

“Says the beast in full battle armor.”

Rose frowns. “Well, we WERE visiting YOU!”

Spike pokes his head out the door. “Yeah! Your reputation isn’t the greatest, Tempest!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Not helping, Spike!”

“Fine. Why DID you come here then?”

“I may have found something on what happened to this town.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Have you now? I find that very hard to believe.”

Spike hurries toward Arc. “If you don’t want to hear about it, we could go! Right Arc?!”

“I suppose so. But I certainly would like to figure this mystery out.”

Tempest nods and turns back toward her house. “Follow me.”

Arc follows Tempest with Rose and Spike behind him. They enter her small home together. A warm fire burns in the fireplace. The glow of it shows the room in complete shambles. Furniture is overturned and there are gouges in the walls. Rose looks around.

“This room bears the signs of a recent battle.”

Spike frowns. “I guess somepony like you has many enemies, Tempest.”

Tempest raises her spear to battle-ready position. “More than you know, dragon! We’re not alone!”

Arc holds up his own spear. “Whoever did this is still here?!”

“Yes! Stay alert! They’re crafty!”

No one moves as they listen intently. Suddenly Tempest’s ears prick up. She hurls her spear at a nearby cabinet effortlessly piercing it. Spike peeks out from behind Rose.

“Did she… get it?”

Tempest slowly approaches the cabinet. “Stay alert! It’s tricked me before!”

She reaches for her spear. Upon grabbing it however something leaps out and rushes at insane speed into the shadows. Tempest growls.

“ARGH! Not again!”

Arc frowns. “What was that?!”

“My scanners show it to be a ‘Tamias striatus’.”

“A what?”

Spike facepalms. “A squirrel.”

Arc turns back to Tempest who has reclaimed her spear. “You mean to tell me all this damage was done by a SQUIRREL?!”

Tempest’s eyes dart around the room. “Yes! Now let me concentrate on locating and defeating my foe!”

Rose points toward the Kitchen. “It’s under the sink.”

Tempest runs toward the sink and slashes at it. “Take that!”

Again the squirrel runs to the other side of the room to find another hiding place.

“Behind the bookshelf.”

Tempest knocks the shelf over. Books fall to the floor randomly. Spike jumps back at such a sight.

“WOAH!”

The squirrel again flees. Tempest looks to Rose.

“Did you see where it went?!”

“Certainly. Now it’s…”

Arc shakes his head. “Rose, stop!”

“Huh?”

Spike frowns as he crosses his arms over his chest. “Yeah! She’ll destroy the whole place!”

“It has to be stopped!”

Arc sighs. “Uh… why don’t you leave this to me, Tempest?”

Tempest scoffs. “Are you joking?! You don’t have the same fighting spirit I do!”

“Well then, you can watch me fail.”

Tempest shakes her head. “By all means. I could use some entertainment.”

Spike turns to Arc. “Can I help?”

“You know a lot about animals?”

“Sure! I help Fluttershy care for her friends all the time!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “This is not ‘caring for’, whelp. It’s HUNTING!”

“So you have an idea, Spike?”

“I do! Can everyone go stand over there please?”

Spike points a claw toward the Kitchen. Arc and Rose do so as Tempest follows, sighing.

“Waste of time.”

“Give him a chance, Tempest.”

“Fine. Whatever.”

Spike looks to Rose. “Where’s the squirrel?”

“Behind the couch.”

“I’ll handle this.”

Spike slowly walks around the couch. He quickly spots the frightened squirrel.

“Hey there little guy. I won’t hurt you. “

The squirrel slowly walks toward Spike as he extends a claw.

“See? We’re friends here.”

A few minutes later Spike walks toward the door. The squirrel follows him closely. Spike opens the door to let his new friend out.

“There you go. I’m glad we had this talk.”

The squirrel nods and scurries out the door. Spike closes it and walks back to the others.

“There you go!”

“Impressive, I suppose.”

Rose nods. “That really was quite interesting, Spike. What did you do?”

“I just had a talk with him. Turns out him and his family have lived in this town for generations!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You got all that from a squirrel?”

“Yup.”

Rose appears confused. “How?!”

You just have to speak their language.”

Tempest frowns as she puts away her weapon. “My spear can translate.”

Arc looks around. “Well, you see how well that went.”

Tempest sighs. “Darn squirrel.”

Rose glares at her. “YOU did all this! Not the squirrel!”

Tempest sets the table upright. “That’s what happens to those who cross me.”

Arc shakes his head. “Really? Look around you Tempest? This fight was more than just between the two of you.”

Spike picks up a broken picture frame. “Yeah. Your furniture paid the price for…”

Tempest gallops over to Spike and grabs the picture from him.

“Give me that!”

“He’s right, you know. Justify your actions in your head any way you want to, but the truth is all around you.”

Tempest is silent for a time as she sets up an end table and put the picture inside.

“You going to help me clean this mess up?”

Arc nods. “I suppose we can.”

“I’ll lend a hand.”

Spike sighs. “So will I.”

A short time later the house is put back into order. Arc looks around.

“That’s better.”

Tempest turns to Arc. “Good. Now let’s have a little chat, shall we?”

She gestures to her kitchen table.

“Have a seat, everypony.”

They do so. Tempest glares at Arc.

“Alright. Start talking! What did you learn?!”

Rose reaches into her pocket and pulls out the rock. Arc takes it from her and sets it in the middle of the table. Tempest narrows her eyes as she looks at Arc.

“I do hope you realize wasting my time makes me quite angry.”

“We took this from a temple far to the south of Equestria.”

“And…?”

“And it seals magic.”

Tempest picks up the stone and frowns. “This little thing couldn’t seal anything! Do you take me for a fool, Arc?!”

Spike looks confused. “Why not?”

“For one thing, it’s far too small. For the effects to take hold would require significantly more mass than you have here.”

Rose nods. “The entire temple was made of this.”

Tempest’s pupils shrink as she drops the rock onto the table.

“…what?!”

“It’s true. It didn’t take long for those of us who entered to figure out that our magic was gone.”

“So nopony could cast even a simple spell there?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Not even a Light Spell worked.”

“Just like here! But what does that have to do with my parents and the other villagers?”

“I believe there may be another structure around here like the southern temple.”

Rose nods. “Ahuizotl did say there were other storehouses around the land. You think one of them is here, Arc?”

“It makes sense.”

Tempest frowns. “Do you think I’d miss something as large as TEMPLE?!”

Arc shrugs. “Um… everyone makes mistakes.”

Spike smiles nervously. “Maybe we should look around the town! There might be something you missed!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Search if you want. But if you could find anything, I’d be most impressed.”

Arc stands up. “It’s worth a shot. Let’s go.”

Tempest shakes her head as they head for the door.

“All you’ll find out there is a cold!”

Arc shrugs as he closes the door behind them. “Maybe. But we’ll leave no stone unturned.”

The trio spend the rest of the day searching each building carefully. Spike looks around yet another house with Arc and Rose.

“This is creepy!”

Arc calls out from an adjoining room. “How so?”

“All these houses. It’s clear nopony planned to disappear! I mean, there’s no evidence of any kind of a struggle, breaking and entering, or hurried packing!”

Rose nods. “Yes. No one has set foot in any of these dwellings for many years.”

Cherry sighs. It’s an odd feeling. Us being here going through other’s homes.”

Arc shuts the bedroom door. “Agreed. I’m sure Tempest has searched these rooms numerous times herself.”

Spike looks confused. “Then what are we doing here?!”

“In the off chance she missed anything.”

“Doesn’t look like she did.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He turns to Rose.

“Do your scanners show anything?”

“They show many things. Can you be more specific?”

“Any clues as to how the victims were taken?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. However as this event took place many years ago, that is to be expected. Sorry.”

Arc sighs. “It’s not your fault.”

Cherry calls out. “The sun is beginning to set, Arc. We should get back to the Winsome Falls.”

Spike looks around nervously. “Yeah! Or at least put some distance between ourselves and this place!”

Arc looks back toward the front door. “Well, let’s go back to Tempest’s house and tell her of our failure.”

Rose frowns. “Why? So she can rub it in our faces?”

“No. But I want to talk to her again.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I still think she knows something.”

“Like what?”

“A clue that could help us. Maybe she knows something without KNOWING she knows it.”

“Huh?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. I can’t think of any other way to say it. Let’s get moving.”

Spike nods nervously. “Y-yeah.”

Rose turns to the baby dragon as they step onto the street. “Scared of Tempest?”

“A little.”

Rose extends a hand. “Come on, Spike. If she comes after us, I’ll hit her again.”

Spike looks relieved as he takes Rose’s hand. “Thanks.”

Arc looks back. “You did pretty well against her earlier. At least I think you did.”

Cherry giggles. “How could you tell, Arc. We were blown into the Saloon!”

“Rose hadn’t taken any major hits that I could see.”

Rose nods. “She never laid a hoof on me.”

“Yes, well… let’s not start any fights now.”

“Understood, Arc. But if she starts one, I’ll certainly finish it!”

“Fine. Just remember she’s unkillable.”

Rose narrows her eyes. “Nothing is truly immortal, Arc.”

Spike shudders. “That may be. But she’s darn close!”

Arc nods. “Agreed, Spike. But one day I’ll have to find a way to stop her permanently.”

“How?”

“I have no idea.”

Chapter 5 - Bump in the Night

They make their way back to Tempest’s house. Arc knocks. A few moments later Tempest answers. She steps aside to let them in.

“Find anything?”

Arc shakes his head as he removes his armor. “No.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “As I told you.”

Rose frowns. “Well, we had to try!”

Tempest closes the door and turns toward the kitchen. “I suppose you’ll be wanting to eat supper now.”

Arc shakes his head. “We were actually going to head back to the Winsome Falls before it got dark.”

Tempest stops in her tracks but does not turn around.

“Stay.”

Spike looks nervous. “…what?”

“I need to speak to Arc. All of you stay for supper.”

Rose looks to him. “What should we do?”

Arc shrugs. “See if we can help in the kitchen?”

Spike frowns. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am. Follow me.”

Arc leads them into the Kitchen where Tempest is chopping vegetables.

“Need some help?”

Tempest sighs. “Still think I’m trying to poison you?”

“Just thought we could do our part to make the meal easier to prepare.”

“...fine.”

Arc watches the stove as Rose chops vegetables in Tempest’s stead. Spike’s knees shake nervously. She looks at the dragon before her.

“Something wrong?”

“N-n-no! What makes you think that?!”

Tempest points a hoof. “For starters, I asked you to fetch glasses. They’re not in that broom closet.”

“Huh?”

Spike looks around the open door before him to a mop and broom. He closes the door nervously.

“I guess you’re right.”

Tempest rolls her eyes as she points a hoof.

“They’re over there in the cupboard.”

Spike hurries over. “R-right!”

A short time later the meal is prepared. They eat a hearty soup and adjourn to the Living Room as the stars come out. Arc sighs.

“It’s really peaceful out here.”

Tempest nods. “That it is. Even before the… incident it was like this.”

Rose looks over. “No other towns in the area?”

“Not really. Vanhoover is to the south and Yakyakistan is far to the north. However neither of them would be considered a quick walk from here.”

Spike looks around the room nervously. “So what do you do out here?”

“Live.”

They are silent for a time. Rose pipes up.

“What about during the summer months?”

“Huh?”

“Are there a lot of animals around here?”

Tempest shakes her head. “No. Most creatures avoid this place for some reason.”

Spike frowns. “What about that squirrel?”

“A very uncommon sight. But in any case, you three should spend the night.”

Spike smiles nervously. “We… uh… wouldn’t want to impose or anything!”

Tempest points a hoof out a nearby window. “It’s pitch black outside. Do you really want to navigate the forest at night?”

“I… suppose not.”

Tempest looks to Arc. “They can use that bedroom from last time.”

Rose stands. “Thank you. Come along, Spike.”

Spike jumps to his feet. “S-sure!”

Arc nods soberly. “You two get some rest. I’ll be along in a bit.”

Rose nods. “Okay. Don’t stay up too late.”

“I won’t.”

Rose and Spike head for the room and close the door behind them. She looks at the two beds.

“One for you and one for Arc.”

Spike hops up on a bed and getting under the covers. “What about you?”

“I don’t actually need a bed, or sleep for that matter. A chair or even the floor will suffice for me.”

Rose sits down at the end of Spike’s bed as he sighs and rolls over. A few minutes later she turns to look at him.

“Spike, are you alright?”

“Other than being cold, you mean?”

“Your heart is beating quite fast for someone trying to sleep.”

Spike sighs. “I’m just… nervous.”

“Are you now?”

“Tempest gives me the creeps! She’s so cold and calculating!”

“Like me?”

“Not at all! You’re really nice, Rose!”

“I’ve formulated over one hundred methods by which the three of us could escape this town if need be.”

“…what?”

“I too am calculating, you know.”

Spike sits up. “Maybe. But you’re looking for ways to protect us. Not hurt anypony.”

Rose nods. “This whole thing has me nervous as well.”

“You’re afraid?”

“Of what Tempest might do to you and Arc, yes.”

“I’m pretty sure he’ll be okay. After all he’s been through, Tempest doesn’t have anything on him!”

Rose smiles at him. “That is true. But if you believe that, why are you so afraid?”

“Well… part of it is Tempest.”

“And the other part?”

Spike sighs. “Being away from what I consider home. It took me quite some time to get used to sleeping in the castle.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

“I… could use some company.”

“Alright.”

Rose lies down next to Spike. He covers her up with the blankets and snuggles up next to her.

“Better?”

Spike nods happily. “Much! I used to sleep next to Twilight when I had a bad dream or whatnot.”

“I hope I’m an acceptable substitute.”

“Yeah! You’re such a kind human, Rose!”

“I’m not a human, remember?”

“In my mind you are.”

“What do you mean?”

Spike thinks for a moment.

“Well, Twilight created you. So you call her ‘mother’, right?”

“Yes.”

“She hatched me from an egg and raised me as her own.”

“So you see her as a motherly figure then?”

“I suppose I do now that I think about it.”

“In that case, what am I to you?”

“Um… I don’t know.”

“Well, we have the same mother. Does that make you my older brother?”

Spike smiles. “Yeah! I guess it does! You’re my little sister!”

“Little?”

“Well, younger anyways.”

Rose thinks a moment. “While your description of me is correct, I can’t help but feel older than you.”

Spike sighs. “Yeah. Me too.”

Meanwhile, Tempest beckons Arc over to the couch with a hoof.

“I’d like to have that talk now.”

Arc stands up warily. “Uh… you aren’t going to do anything like you did last time, are you?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. Just sit!”

Arc does so. Tempest leans in close to him as Arc leans away.

“Tempest, what are you doing?”

She frowns up at him. ”I don’t want the others you brought to hear our conversation.”

“Oh… right.”

Tempest lowers her voice as she continues.

“I, uh… just wanted to ask you about… my behavior back then.”

“What about it?”

“Who else knows?”

“About… that?”

Tempest nods angrily. “Yes, you idiot! Who did I make a fool of myself in front of?!”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“The Dragon Lord.”

“Don’t care what he thinks.”

“My lieutenant.”

“He’s nopony important.”

“Then I suppose there was Sereb.”

“Nopony would listen to a walking fleabag.”

“There was everyone at the hospital too.”

Tempest’s pupils shrink.

“I… would they… talk?”

“About what?”

“About what they saw!”

Arc sighs. “Tempest, all you did back there was act nice! What are you so worried about?!”

“I have a reputation to uphold, you fool! Do you have ANY idea how long it takes to create an image like mine?!”

“Kinda.”

Tempest sneers at him. “I have spent most of my adult LIFE training and striving toward my goal! You’ve been doing this for, at most, a YEAR!”

“You’re not wrong about that.”

“Of course I am.”

“I’ve heard many things about you from conversations I’ve overheard in the castle and even in my own base.”

“Such as?”

Arc sighs. “Your many displays of heroism and bravery mostly.”

Tempest nods with evident pride. “As I said, a reputation like mine is not easily earned.”

“They also spoke your name in fearful tones.”

“As well they should.”

“So your goal is be feared?”

“I prefer the term ‘respected’.”

“Well, what are you planning on doing with said reputation?”

“I’ve used it in the past to intimidate my opponents.”

“Same here.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“I’ve gotten out of a few fights through my… martial clout.”

She grins wickedly. “I’m proud of you!”

“Yes, well… anything I can do to prevent meaningless bloodshed.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “I take back what I said.”

“Let me ask you something, Tempest. What was your endgame originally?”

“I don’t…”

Arc interrupts her. “I mean, before you teamed up with the Dark One. Why were you fighting? For Equestria? For Cerulean Skies? For yourself?”

“All of the above. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep everypony safe.”

“And your rep too I suppose.”

“What?!”

“You were so worried about what others thought about you acting… politely when we sat down. Your name is important to you, huh?”

“More so than you know!”

“Okay. What if you had the opportunity to do the right thing. But it would forever destroy your image?”

Tempest frowns. “I’m not sure. And you?”

“I’d throw my good name down the toilet if it meant protecting those I cared for.”

Tempest stares at him. A bewildered look on her face.

“You didn’t hesitate.”

“Right. Because I don’t care what others think about me. I’ll keep doing my very best no matter what.”

Tempest pats his knee with her hoof. “I wish we had met years ago, Arc. The three of us would’ve made quite a team!”

“Three?”

“You, me, and Decimus.”

“I’ll pass.”

Tempest smiles. “I know the two of you got off on the wrong hoof. But there’s always such a thing as a second chance, is there not?”

“True. But he burned that bridge more than once with that stunt against the princesses.”

“He had his reasons.”

“Which were…?”

Tempest turns back to Arc. A cold look on her face.

“I’m not giving him up, okay?!”

“Fine. He stays away, he stays alive.”

Arc looks toward the door.

“Does he visit often?”

Tempest sighs and shakes her head. “Never. He’s really busy with some big project.”

“And you don’t know what that is, do you?”

“No. I asked him not to mention anything about it to me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You told him to keep that from you?!”

“It was the Dark One’s idea. After what I tried to do with you, I can’t be trusted! It’s for the good of the organization!”

“Let not the right hand know what the left is doing, huh?”

“Right. I’ll be told if there’s something I need to know.”

“That might just come back to bite you later.”

“Maybe. But if it helps save the land, I’m all for it.”

They are silent for a time. Arc sighs.

“It’s getting late. We should probably turn in for the night.”

Tempest nods and stands. “Yes. You should join your friends now.”

“I will. Good night, Tempest.”

They each head to their respective rooms. Arc sees Spike snuggled up to Rose. He smiles and lies down on the other bed.

“Good night you two.”

Arc falls asleep quickly. Several hours later he awakens and bolts upright in bed.

“What the…?”

Standing up he looks to the others.

“Rose?”

She opens her eyes and looks over to him.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“I’m not sure. Do you hear anything?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. My auditory sensors aren’t picking up anything out of the ordinary.”

Spike sits up groggily and rubs his eyes.

“Keep it down, you two. I’m trying to sleep here.”

“Sorry, Spike. I thought I heard something.”

Rose shrugs. “Maybe you were dreaming?”

Spike sits up and listens. “I… what’s that sound?”

Arc turns to him. “You hear it too?!”

Spike looks confused. “Uh, yeah. Why?”

“I still don’t detect anything.”

“That’s odd. Twilight designed you to have super sensitive… senses.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Hmmm… this is really weird. I’m going to wake up Tempest. Maybe it’s something indigenous to this village.”

Rose stands up. “I’ll come with you.”

“No, Rose. Tempest will probably be none too happy to have anyone wake her.”

Spike shudders at the thought. “In that case, you should probably put your armor on, Arc.”

“Spike is right. Tempest is… unpredictable at best.”

“Alright. You two stay here though.”

Arc opens the door to the Living Room and quietly steps out. He proceeds to the corner and dons his armor. Looking at his spear leaning against the wall, he momentarily considers his options.

“Probably not a good idea to bring this.”

He walks to Tempest’s room. Knocking lightly he enters and whispering loudly.

“Tempest? Are you…”

Arc stops dead in his tracks. Before him on the bed lies Tempest curled up happily and sucking on her hoof. He clears his throat loudly. She bolts upright.

“What the…?!”

Seeing Arc, she frowns.

“Don’t you knock before entering a room?! And what are you doing in here anyways?!”

Looking down at her hoof momentarily, Tempest nonchalantly puts in under the blanket as she continues to glower at him.

“Sorry, but… Spike and I heard something outside.”

Tempest shakes her head. “And you call yourself a warrior?! Go back to sleep!”

She rolls over and lies back down. Arc turns around.

“Well, there’s SOMETHING out there! I’m going to find out what it is.”

Tempest closes her eyes again huffily. “Do whatever you want. Just let me sleep!”

“Fine. But you’re going to have a hard time killing me if something else does first.”

Arc closes the door behind him. A few moments later it flies open and Tempest rushes out.

“Just a minute!”

Arc chuckles as Spike and Rose leave their room. “I knew that would get you out of bed.”

“I still think you’re just going nuts, you know.”

Spike frowns. “Oh?! Then why are you out here?”

“To prove Arc wrong, of course.”

Rose shakes her head. “That and if Arc is right…”

Tempest heads for her armor rack in the corner. “When the fate of everything hangs in the balance, I don’t take chances.”

She turns to Arc and scowls.

“Unlike somepony I could mention.”

Spike looks out the window nervously. “This could be important, Tempest!”

“It’s not. Believe me.”

Rose frowns. “Then why…?”

Tempest interrupts her as she finishes putting on her armor and taking up Light’s Bane. “Let’s get this over with. I still need my sleep.”

Arc looks to the other two. “Tempest and I should probably go alone.”

Rose shakes her head. “My sensors might come in handy out there.”

Tempest scoffs. “Whatever.”

Spike turns back to look at the others. “I’m not staying here alone am I?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it IS safer. Probably.”

Spike runs over to Rose. “Take me too!”

Tempest chuckles. “Stay here, runt. There’s plenty of blankets here for you to hide under.”

Rose kneels down to give Spike a hug. “I can look after him, Arc.”

Spike nods. “I feel safe with you, Rose!”

“Fine with me. Tempest?”

Tempest opens the front door and walks outside. “Do what you want. Let’s just get this over with.”

Chapter 6 - Walking Through the Darkness

Arc, Rose, Spike and Tempest leave the small house and step out into the cold night air. Tempest turns to Arc.

“Now then, what did you hear?”

“I… don’t know.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “You don’t know?”

Spike frowns. “I heard it too!”

Rose kneels down to his level. “What did it sound like?”

Spike thinks for a moment.

“Kinda like… chimes of some kind. Sorry, but it’s hard to describe.”

“Which way was it coming from?”

“I’m not sure.”

Tempest frowns. “Too busy hiding under a blanket?”

Spike looks embarrassed. “…kinda.”

Arc glares at Tempest as he points with his spear. “Lay off. It came from this way.”

“Are you certain? I don’t want to waste any more time than I already am.”

“Yes. Follow me.”

Arc leads the group down the road to the outskirts of town. Tempest turns to him impatiently.

“How certain are you? There’s nothing this way.”

“My scanners don’t show anything. Then again…”

“I SAID THERE’S NOTHING!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Really, Tempest?”

Tempest sighs. “Nothing of any real interest, that is.”

Arc stops and turns to face Tempest. “Then this should be a really short trip then, right?”

Tempest pushes past him angrily. “Just keep walking.”

A short time later they arrive at the mouth of a large cave. Spike hides behind Rose.

“This place gives me the creeps! Can’t we come back later?! Like, tomorrow morning?!”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose we could. But we’ve come this far. Rose?”

“Nothing on my scanners.”

Tempest chuckles. “Well, it was worth a shot, eh?”

Rose shakes her head. “No, no. I mean there’s literally NOTHING in there.”

Spike peeks out from behind Rose. “Um… what?”

“My sensors scan in all directions, including above and below me. However, strange as it may sound, according to them there’s literally nothing in front of us.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Isn’t it more likely that your sensors just can’t pierce… whatever is in there?”

Spike thinks for a moment. “Yeah! Twilight made you to be hyper-observant after all.”

“That would make sense, yes. But if it were a simple matter of jamming me, I would at least be able to ascertain that.”

She gestures to the black maw before them.

“If not for my optical sensors, I would say there was nothing but emptiness before us.”

Arc turns to Tempest. “So… any idea what’s in there?”

“How would I know?!”

Spike hides behind Rose again. “WOAH!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “That was a rather strange reaction from you, Tempest.”

“What are you talking about?!”

“The tone of your voice. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it was…”

Tempest interrupts him as she storms toward the cave. “Shut up and let’s go!”

Shrugging, Arc turns to the others.

“Let’s follow her.”

Spike appears nervous. “Are… are you sure that’s a good idea?!”

“No. But what choice do we have?”

Rose sighs. “None, I suppose. Other than to go back the way we came.”

Spike smiles. “We could do that! I mean, do we REALLY want to know what that sound is?!”

“I do, yes.”

Rose looks to him. “I can take Spike back if you want, Arc. Then I’ll rejoin you.”

Spike shakes his head vehemently. “N-no! I want to stay with the group!”

Tempest turns back. “Are you three coming or not?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah, I guess we are.”

The four enter the cave and look around.

“Not much to see here. Rose?”

“My optical sensors don’t detect anything out of the ordinary in here.”

Spike shudders. “Other than being spooky you mean?!”

Tempest shakes her head as she continues on in the lead. A nervous look crosses her face.

“It… it’s just a cave! Stop being such a scardy dragon!”

Arc turns to Spike. “You still hear that?”

“Y-yes! What IS it?!”

“That sound… it… I can’t really describe it. But it feels almost like it wants us to find its source.”

Tempest glares at them with barely controlled rage. “I’m telling you it’s NOTHING!!!”

Her words reverberate through the cavern, echoing along the stone walls. Arc narrows his eyes.

“If you’re so certain there’s nothing here, why are you so passionate about convincing us otherwise, Tempest?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Arc tosses aside the Spear of Righteousness. He storms over to Tempest. Grabbing her by the front of her leather armor, he knocks Light’s Bane from her hoof.

“Don’t I?! You’re hiding something! A blind person could see THAT!”

Spike nods. “Why?! What’s here?!”

Tempest grits her teeth angrily. “Get OFF!”

She moves to hit Arc in the face, but he grabs her hoof in the palm of his gauntlet. Tempest swings at him again, but quickly finds her other hoof in Arc’s grasp. He begins squeezing.

“What aren’t you telling us?!”

Tempest looks him in the eye angrily. “Why you…!”

Rose cries out. “Arc, look out!”

Tempest moves to kick Arc in the gut with her back hooves. Arc sees her intentions and throws all his weight forward pushing Tempest onto her back. He puts both knees on her hind legs pinning them to the ground as he continues to hold her front hooves.

“Take your filthy claws off me, you freak!”

“Sure! As soon as you tell me what you’re hiding!”

Struggling as best she can Tempest finds herself unable to escape Arc’s grasp. She turns her head to look away from him defiantly. In response he intensifies his grip on her hooves.

“Come on… TALK!!!”

Tempest begins to sweat as the strain on her hooves becomes stronger, but retains her silence. Rose looks nervous.

“Arc? What’s gotten into…?”

“My friends might be in danger here! Are they?!”

Tempest looks up at him angrily but says nothing as Arc’s grip continues to tighten. There is a loud snap as one of her hooves cracks.

“TALK!!!”

Her other front hoof snaps as her back legs flail as best they can. Arc slams her shattered hooves to either side, nearly dislocating her shoulders in the process. Tempest screams out in pain. Cherry cries out telepathically.

“Arc! You’re hurting her!”

Arc continues, ignoring Cherry’s pleas. “You can’t regenerate if I keep squeezing! I can keep doing this as long as I have…!”

Suddenly Arc takes a heavy blow from one side, knocking him over. He sits up quickly.

“What the… how did you…?”

Looking over to Tempest, Arc sees Spike standing between them, seething.

“Stop it, Arc!”

“But…!”

“This isn’t what a hero does!”

“I’m trying to keep you and Rose safe!”

“HOW?! By becoming like her?!”

Spike points a claw at Tempest.

Cherry screams out in his head. “ARC! STOP!”

“Ch-Cherry?! But, I…”

“This isn’t you! Just… stop!”

Arc takes a step back and leans against the cave wall. He allows himself to slide down it to a sitting position. “I… I don’t know what came over me. All of a sudden I was just so… angry!”

Removing his helmet, Arc lets it fall to the ground. Spike walks over to him and stands in his lap to look him in the eye.

Spike nods. “I know how you feel. Back then I was just so angry I couldn’t help but charge at you. Sorry about that.”

“What… what happened to us, Spike?!”

Spike feels Arc’s forehead. “I… don’t know. But I didn’t like it. Your forehead feels kinda warm, Arc.”

Arc removes a gauntlet and feels Spike’s forehead. “So does yours.”

Rose walks over to Tempest. “I don’t like this! My sensors show all three of you have a slightly elevated internal temperature.”

She moves to help her sit up but Tempest smacks Rose’s hand away angrily.

“Get away from me!”

“Arc, I’m sensing increased testosterone levels in all of you as well.”

Spike looks worried. “What?!”

“That would explain the violent outbursts. Are we going to be okay?”

Rose nods. “Yes. But all of you shouldn’t stay here any longer than necessary. The effects may not be so easy to counter next time.”

Tempest sits up as her hooves heal. “Yes. I had a hard time not killing you a moment ago, Arc.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Bring it on, Tempest!”

She rolls her eyes at him. Arc looks at her apologetically.

“S-sorry.”

Tempest stands up. “Perhaps you’re right, Arc. This place does feel… strange.”

“So you going to tell us about this cave now?”

She retrieves her spear. “We should keep moving.”

Tempest continues deeper into the cave. Arc angrily takes a few steps toward her before Rose and Spike grab him.

“Think calm thoughts, Arc!”

“Yeah! This isn’t the time or place to be fighting Tempest!”

Arc nods. “I… you’re right. Thanks you two.”

The pair nod and allow him to pass. Arc and company continue on together until they reach a massive set of steel doors.

“This thing looks pretty old, eh Tempest..”

“Yes. It would appear to predate the town as well.”

“Did you know it was here?”

Tempest shakes her head. “I honestly did not. My parents told me and Cerulean Skies to stay away from this part of the forest.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Did you listen?”

Tempest sighs. “Mostly.”

Rose looks to her, confused. “What do you mean ‘mostly’?”

“I… um…”

“Let it go, Rose.”

“But it might be…”

Arc shakes his head. Rose stops talking.

Spike points with a claw. “So how are we supposed to get this door open?”

Tempest shrugs. “I don’t see why we SHOULD open this door.”

Rose looks to Arc. “The source of the disturbance could be inside.”

“Little fool. Have you not considered the possibility that this door might not be here to keep us out, but something else in?”

Arc nods. “I suppose that’s possible. But if that was the case there should be a keyhole or some other way to operate the door from outside.”

Spike looks around. “Yeah, you’re right! But there’s nothing here!”

Rose thinks for a moment. “It may not be a traditional key, or lock for that matter.”

“Hmmmm… I wonder if Tempest, Rose, and I could…”

Arc is cut off as there is a loud clanging of metal from the other side of the door. Spike runs to hide behind Rose.

“What was THAT?!”

Rose frowns. “Probably trouble!”

Tempest turns to face the door, spear at the ready. “Agreed. Stand firm, everypony!”

Arc takes up a battle-ready stance. “No arguments there! Stay behind Rose, Spike!”

“Okay!”

The doors slowly open to reveal a dark, but empty entryway. Arc grins.

“That was convenient.”

Rose narrows her eyes. “Yes. Almost like someone wanted us to come inside.”

Spike shudders. “But who?!”

Arc shrugs. “One way to find out.”

Tempest shakes her head as Arc passes. “You do realize this is a trap, right?”

“Yes. Do you have a better idea?”

“I do. Go back to my house and forget about this place.”

“You can go back. I’m continuing on.”

Spike runs over to Arc. “Me too!”

Rose walks over. “I’ll join you as well.”

Tempest seethes. “Great! Now I HAVE to come!”

Arc calls out to her over his shoulder. “Hurry up or we’ll leave you behind.”

Tempest begrudgingly follows Arc and company. As they enter the cavern’s entryway it is suddenly illuminated.

“What the…?”

The doors clang shut behind them. Spike sighs.

“Great. Now we’re trapped in here.”

Tempest frowns. “Thanks to Arc’s leadership, that is.”

Arc points his spear ahead. “Only one way to go now. Rose, are you picking up anything in here?”

“No. It’s rather unsettling, as this shouldn’t be possible!”

“Keep trying. Everyone follow me.”

They follows Arc yet again. Tempest stays by his side.

“You don’t find this place a bit… strange Arc?”

“Other than it being hidden, no.”

Rose frowns. “This place is clearly not a natural formation. That means someone built it.”

Arc looks confused. “Really? What makes you say that, Rose?”

“Well, for starters, those light’s up there.”

Spike looks up. “What about them?”

“They’re manufactured.”

Tempest looks to Arc skeptically. “How did you not notice that?!”

“I… I don’t know. It seems obvious now.”

Spike puts a claw on Arc’s leg. “Don’t feel bad Arc. I didn’t notice either.”

“Hmmmm…”

“Something up, Rose?”

“Yes. Both of your brains are showing rather strange readings. How do you feel?”

Arc shrugs. “I feel okay.”

“Me too.”

Tempest frowns. “And me?”

“You check out normally.”

“It might be the Dark Power’s regenerative abilities keeping me safe. But what about you, human?”

Rose shrugs. “I don’t have a brain.”

Tempest looks confused. “Come again?”

Arc nods. “Rose is an android.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “That cleared it up.”

Spike sighs. “That means she’s a robot.”

“I know what an android is, runt!”

Spike steps back behind Rose again.

Tempest looks Rose up and down. “That does explain how you were able to stand against me.”

“I was holding back.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Arc chuckles. “Think what you want, but Rose is quite capable of defending herself.”

“That I am.”

Spike tugs at Rose’s hand. “Uh… guys?”

Everyone stops as Spike points to a wall. Several large claw marks are haphazardly cut into the stone. Arc frowns.

“That’s… disconcerting.”

Spike looks to Rose. “Maybe they’re from a long time ago!”

“No, Spike. By the look of them, they’re fresh.”

Tempest frowns. “Define ‘fresh’.”

“Less than a week old.”

Arc sighs. “Now I’m nervous.”

Tempest looks to Arc. “Still want to explore this place?”

“Do we have a choice right now?”

“I suppose not. But we should be looking for a way to open that door.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Do you sense any lifeforms in here with us?”

Spike appears nervous. “You WANT to find somepony?!”

“It stands to reason whomever let us in is near the switch.”

Tempest nods. “Agreed. We kill them, flip the switch, and leave. Simple.”

Rose looks confused. “Um, why?”

“Why what, bot?”

Arc turns to Tempest. “Why do we need to kill someone? After all, didn’t you promise me you would stop doing that?”

“For starters, they DID trap us in here!”

Rose shrugs. “How about we just flip the switch and run then?”

Spike smiles weakly. “Or try asking nicely!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Violence as a last resort.”

Tempest sighs. “Fine.”

The corridor before them curves revealing a series of doors on either side. Spike turns to Rose.

“Which one do you suppose it is?”

“Probably the extra-large door at the end.”

Arc nods. “That’s an even bet. But let’s check out some of these rooms first.”

Tempest turns and looks at Arc as if he were an idiot. “Why?”

“This place has, or at least had in the past, a purpose. We have to know what it was.”

Spike nods. “I’m kinda curious too.”

Rose shrugs. “Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I’m sure mother would love to watch the footage I’m taking right now.”

Tempest sighs. “Fine.”

Arc picks a handle and gives it a mighty tug. The ancient door falls off its hinges and crashed to the floor. Spike leaps back

“Sweet Celestia!”

“Well, it opened.”

They enter the room. It appears to be an office of some kind. Arc turns to the others.

“Everyone spread out and look for clues.”

Spike walks toward a bookshelf. “Anything in particular we’re looking for?”

“Nothing really. Just… general clues, I guess.”

“I’ll attempt to make some scans. But I’m not too sure just how effective they’ll be.”

Tempest walks over to the desk. “Do try, tin can.”

Spike touches a book on the shelf, but it crumbles to dust.

“Woah!”

Rose walks over to Spike. “I’m not surprised that happened. Judging by the external appearance of that tome, I estimate it was over one thousand years old.”

Tempest nods. “That would explain the architecture. This furniture is stuff I’ve only ever seen in history books.”

She opens the desk drawer to see a sheaf of papers. It too crumbles at her touch.

“Nothing salvageable over here either.”

Arc feels the wall with a gauntlet. “Hmmm…”

“Find something, Arc?”

“Maybe, Spike. These walls feel like they’re REALLY thick! Like something we had back on Earth.”

Rose looks confused. “A special building?”

“They were called bomb shelters.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Some kind of relief center?”

“Yeah. But this feels more like a fallback position.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “Like something the princesses might command the country from in wartime?”

Rose shrugs. “It makes sense.”

Tempest nods. “Interesting. Perhaps we SHOULD check out the rest of the rooms.”

Arc frowns at her. “Glad you agree, Tempest.”

The meticulously search the rest of the rooms. Each appears to be similar in design as the office space. Rose looks down the hall.

“This is the last door, Arc.”

“Good. Maybe something in here will answer some questions.”

Spike grins. “Yeah! I’m looking forward to this!”

Tempest frowns. “Looking forward to WHAT?”

“I dunno. But something tells me our answer is nearby!”

“Agreed.”

Tempest puts a hoof on the door. “Whatever.”

Pushing with all of her might Tempest is unable to open the massive doors. Rose steps forward.

“Maybe together we can do it.”

“Worth a shot, rust bucket.”

Pushing with all their strength the door still does not budge. Spike frowns.

“Maybe there’s a switch or something in one of those offices.”

Rose shrugs. “Nothing I saw in any of the rooms resembled a switch.”

Arc walks over. “Let me try.”

Tempest scoffs as she steps back. “Be my guest.”

As Arc approaches the doors slowly begin to open. Spike’s eyes grow wide.

“What did you DO?!”

“I don’t think I did ANYTHING!”

Rose nods. “Agreed. You hadn’t even TOUCHED the door yet, Arc!”

Spike takes a few steps back. “What do we do now?!”

Arc holds up his weapon. “Um… is it too late to head back?”

Rose nods. “I’m thinking yes, Arc.”

Tempest readies her spear. “Whatever.”

Chapter 7 - The Installation

The door finishes opening. Spike turns to Arc.

“Uh… do we just… go in?”

“Probably.”

Tempest gives him a withering look. “This is clearly a trap!”

Rose nods. “Agreed. Nothing on scanners ahead. Something very powerful must still be blocking me.”

Arc sighs. “Well, unless one of you has a better idea, our only option is to keep moving forward.”

Spike shudders. “We can’t go back and try to find another way?!”

Rose shakes her head. “There IS no other way, Spike. Don’t be afraid. Your little sister will protect you.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Wait… what?”

Arc frowns. “Let’s stay focused on the task at hand.”

Spike hides behind Rose. “Which is…?”

“Living to see another day. Follow me, everypony.”

Tempest leads the group beyond the doors. They close behind them.

“Was kinda expecting that.”

Tempest turns to Arc, angrily. “And you didn’t say anything?!”

“Uh… you already knew it was a trap.”

Rose looks around. Her eyes aglow.

“Anyone see anything?”

Spike shakes his head. “Not me!”

“Can you give us any more light, Rose?”

“That’s the best I can do. Sorry.”

Tempest’s eyes glow. “Hmph. Machines…”

“She’s doing her best, Tempest!”

“No, you fool! There are machines all around us!”

Spike squeezes Rose’s hand tighter. “W-what do they want?!”

“They appear to be inactive.”

Arc sighs. “That’s a relief.”

With a hum the room’s lights slowly come on. Tempest looks around angrily.

“Who’s there?! Show yourself!”

The lights on a large pad nearby come to life. Rose looks toward it.

“What’s that?!”

Arc stares at the pad. “I… I don’t know. But I want to.”

Spike moves to stand next to him. “Yeah.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with you two?! Arc, you’re acting weird. Even for YOU!”

Arc and Spike begin walking toward the pad. Rose gasps.

“What the… ARC?! Stop!”

Tempest frowns. “What is…?”

Rose cries out in a frightened tone. “Their brains are in chaos! Something is controlling them!”

Tempest runs toward the pair. “Get back here!”

As Tempest nears Arc and Spike a drone lifts off from behind a console shooting her in the back. Tempest falls to the floor. Rose hurries forward as she calls forth her R-Cannon and L-Blade.

“ARC! LOOK OUT!!!”

But Spike and Arc continue walking forward apparently oblivious to anything else around them as Rose continues to call out.

“ARC!!!”

More drones rise up out of the floor, emerge from the walls, and even come forth from openings in the ceiling. They turn toward Rose as she rushes toward the pair. A forcefield rises up cutting off her advance. Rose fires several times at the barrier before slashing at it with her blade. However she is unable to pass through.

“ARC! SPIKE! SNAP OUT OF IT!!!”

Tempest rises as her wounds heal. Rose is pushed back as the drones turn on her and fire. Tempest deflects their blasts with Light’s Bane while firing one of her Hoof Cannons in retaliation.

“Tempest! They’re targeting you!”

Tempest growls angrily as she continues firing. “Don’t you think I’ve noticed that!”

Several shots get through Tempest’s defenses. The smell of burning flesh fills the room as she does her best to remain standing. Rose positions herself between Tempest and the drones. She turns to the mare as their blasts hit her mechanical body.

“Use me as cover!”

“I got them!”

Tempest peeks out and fires a barrage at the drones. They dodge most of the projectiles effortlessly.

“They’re pretty tough!”

Rose squeezes her eyes shut as she defends her body with her blade and cannon. “Keep firing! We have to save Arc and Spike!”

Tempest nods as she ducks back behind Rose. Another volley flies at them.

“Fine! After we save ourselves!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Spike, oblivious to Rose and Tempest’s crisis, continue walking forward. Cherry screams out to them.

“HEY! Look behind you!”

Spike smiles. “It’s… beautiful!”

“I’ll say! That sound is music to my ears!”

The pair step onto the platform. A large crystal rises up out of the floor in the center of the pad. Spike pets the crystal with his claws happily.

“It sounds like beautiful bells from here!”

Arc removes his helmet and allows it fall to the floor. “This… this is the most amazing sound I’ve ever heard!”

“ARC! SPIKE! Snap out of it! Rose and Tempest need help!”

Arc presses his face against the crystal and grins. “This reminds me of chimes back home.”

“What’s wrong with you two?! Can’t you hear me?! ARC!!!”

The pair continue to stroke the crystal. It begins to glow with an eerie light. Soon their eyes grow heavy.

“Arc? I’m getting sleepy.”

“Me too. Let’s take a nap.”

Spike curls up at the base of the crystal. “Yeah. The melody will be our lullaby.”

Arc sits down with his back against the crystal and yawns. “Agreed. Good night, Spike.”

The crystal’s radiance dims as they lose consciousness together. As if someone had flipped a switch the barrier dissipates and the drones slip back into their hiding places. Tempest peeks out from behind Rose.

“Did… did we win?”

Rose falls to her knees. She appears weakened. What’s left of her clothing is a tattered mess of charred cloth and burnt artificial skin. Tempest puts a hoof around Rose in an effort to support her.

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

Rose nods weakly. “I… I’ll be fine. Just need… a little rest.”

Tempest looks toward the platform.

“Arc and Spike are down! What happened to them?!”

“Help me… over to them… please.”

Tempest helps Rose onto her back before half carrying, half dragging her over to the pad.

“Geez! You’re almost as much trouble as Arc is! Heavy too!”

Rose smiles weakly. “S…sorry.”

Tempest lays Rose down next to Arc. She looks up at him and over at Spike as her scanners sluggishly get to work.

“They… they’re sleeping.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Are you KIDDING ME?!”

“…what?”

Tempest points a hoof at the scorch marks in the floor. “All that noise and they FELL ASLEEP?!”

“Y-yes. But, it is not from… simple fatigue.”

“What then?!”

“They’ve been drained… of their magical energies.”

Tempest looks at the crystal. “How?! By this thing?!”

“…probably.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Very astute.”

Tempest whirls around to see a strange looking stallion standing behind her.

“WOAH!”

Instinctively Tempest fires a Hoof Cannon at him. However the stallion effortlessly knocks the energy blast away with a wave of his hoof.

“What the…?”

“Please refrain from firing at me again. I may badly hurt you next time.”

Rose looks up at the newcomer. “What… what ARE you?!”

“The same as you are it would seem. Here, let me help you.”

The stallion walks toward Rose and lays a hoof on her chest. A small hum ensues as Rose sits up. She looks at him, confused.

“You… how did you do that?!”

Tempest frowns. “Do WHAT?!”

“I simply transferred some of my reserve energy to you.”

Tempest’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! So you’re a… a…?”

The stallion nods. “Yes. I’m an android.”

Rose stands up. Her wounds healing with renewed speed. “I… thank you.”

Tempest snarls. “You don’t need to thank somepony for helping you AFTER they’ve attacked!”

“My apologies for my droids’ actions. I had no choice but to stop you. Tell me, what is your identification?”

“My name is Rose.”

“I welcome you, Rose. I am RD-001. Keeper of this installation.”

Tempest looks confused. “Installation?”

“Yes. I am the head of Research and Development for the Earth Pony Army.

Rose raises an eyebrow. “Earth Pony… army? But what does that have to do with my friends here?”

She gestures to Arc and Spike still lying on the pad.

“I have been broadcasting for many years now. Watching and waiting for their kind.”

“Their kind?!”

“Dragons, of course.”

“But my friend Arc isn’t a dragon.”

RD-001 appears confused. “Yes, he is.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Something wrong with your circuits, pea brain?! Does Arc LOOK like a dragon to you?!”

“No. However he possesses Dragon Magic. A resource I am in desperate need of.”

“For what purpose?”

“If you wish to understand, I will have to start at the beginning. But first I should help your… what did you call them again?”

“Friends.”

Tempest grips her spear tightly. “Does this mean you’re going to release your hold on them?!”

“Yes. I can simply shut down the crystal behind them. Would you like me to do that, Rose?”

Tempest glares at him. “Yes, you fool!”

RD-001 turns to her, confused. “Are you Rose?”

“N-no.”

“Then why did you answer in her place, unicorn?”

“I have a name, you know!”

RD-001 turns back to Rose. “What is your answer, Rose?”

“Yes. Arc will want to speak with you.”

“Very well.”

RD-001 closes his eyes. A few seconds later the crystal sinks back into the floor.

“They should wake up momentarily. I’ve also released a substance into the air here that will expedite the process.”

A few minutes later Arc and Spike wake up. Spike puts a claw to his forehead.

“Ugh… what happened?”

Arc shakes his head in an effort to clear it. “Anyone get the license number of the bus that…”

He looks up at Rose and Tempest. Seeing the holes in Tempest’s armor, the blood, and Rose’s clothes nearly burned completely off Arc jumps up and grabs his helmet and spear.

“What happened?!”

Spike points a claw at the scorch marks on the floor nearby. “Arc, look!”

Seeing the signs of battle, Arc dons his helmet and draws his spear. “Someone start talking!”

RD-001 steps forward. “My apologies, dragon. My programing dictated that this plan had the highest chance of success.”

Rose turns to them. “Arc… Spike… I know this may be hard to believe, but… this is RD-001. He’s an android just like me.”

Spike looks the newcomer over nervously. “Uh… hi?”

Arc still clutches his spear firmly. “And he did all this?!”

Tempest nods angrily. “Yup! We should probably take it apart… piece by piece!”

RD-001 shakes his head. “That would be unwise.”

“Oh? And why is that?!”

“I assume you would like to leave at some point. Destroy me and you destroy the only key to this installation.”

Tempest growls angrily as RD-001 turns to Arc.

“You are the leader I presume, dragon?”

“Uh… kinda. Dragon?”

“All of you, please follow me and I will endeavor to explain everything.”

The group does as they are told. RD-001 leads them down a nearby corridor. He speaks as the walk.

“This facility was constructed by the Earth Ponies during The Great War between the three pony races.”

Tempest tightens her grip on Light’s Bane. “Is that why you attacked me?!”

RD-001 shakes his head. “No. You attempted to interfere with my objective.”

Arc glares at him. “You could have killed her and Rose!”

“That is not possible. The unicorn is immortal.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “How did you…?!”

“By scanning her, of course. I found that her regenerative abilities render her impervious to permanent damage.”

Arc sighs. “And Rose?!”

“My drones were ordered to avoid her central core. Although I don’t believe they could have done much more than superficial harm to her chassis. After all, she is a military model.”

Rose nods. “What he says is true. Only my lesser systems were targeted.”

She turns to RD-001.

“However, I am not part of the Equestrian military.”

RD-001 appears confused. “Interesting. Perhaps we will have more time to speak of this later.”

They enter a large lab. The implements are old and decayed with age.

“This was the Main Lab. It was here that Earth Pony scientists developed new technology to best their Unicorn and Pegasi enemies.”

Spike frowns. “Why?!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Because they were at war, you fool!”

RD-001 nods. “Indeed. They did not have flight or magic as they’re enemies did. Let us move on for now.”

He leads them back to the corridor. Arc looks over to him.

“What does this have to do with that crystal back there?”

“Patience. All will be explained in due time.”

They are led to another lab. RD-001 turns to them as they look around.

“Many implements of war were developed here. However at the time many of them were far too expensive for practical use.”

He looks at Tempest.

“Your own cannons were originally invented in this very facility.”

Tempest chuckles as she looks at her hoof cannons. “These are state-of-the-art weapons. Not antiques.”

RD-001 picks up a strange looking device. “Would you care for a demonstration?”

Tempest laughs as Arc, Rose, and Spike quickly step away from her. “Gladly! That little pea-shooter won’t even…”

Her words are cut off as RD-001 fires. The blast knocks Tempest through several ancient looking desks, a cabinet, and finally a wall. Arc walks over and peeks through into the next room.

“Uh… you okay, Tempest?”

Tempest breathes heavily as she sits up, regenerating. “That… was something I’d like to never do again!”

Spike frowns. “I think she’s fine.”

Rose scans the device. “This model appears much more powerful than Arc’s current Hand Cannons.”

RD-001 nods as he sets down the weapon. “Indeed. However that one shot drained the battery to zero percent. It’s also worth noting the weapon is quite heavy.”

Arc helps Tempest up and walks over. “It is?”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “It doesn’t look like it.”

Tempest rubs her chest with a hoof. “Trust me. Looks are deceiving here.”

Arc moves to pick up the cannon. However he is unable to even budge it. Their host chuckles.

“The materials required to produce this weapon are very heavy, as well as quite rare and costly.”

RD-001 looks at Arc’s Hand Cannons.

“It would appear many improvement were made over the centuries.”

Rose nods. “Yes, I suppose so. But were weapons the only thing produced here?”

“Negative.”

Spike looks relieved. “Good!”

“This facility only developed weapons. Building them was done elsewhere.”

Tempest shrugs. “Makes sense.”

Arc appears impatient. “Yes, well… what about…?”

RD-001 interrupts. “We are nearly to the end of our tour. Please be patient.”

The stallion leads them over to a strange looking pad nearby.

“Please stand with me.”

Everyone looks to Arc. He shrugs.

“Well, we’re almost there. Might as well keep going.”

Arc and company step onto the pad. A flash of light envelopes them. A moment later they find themselves in a large room lit only by a single light high above them. Spike gasps.

“Where… are we?”

Tempest readies her weapon. “Another trap?!”

“Easy, Tempest! Rose?”

“Scanners still show nothing. RD-001, what is…?”

RD-001 taps the floor twice with his metallic hoof. Suddenly the room is filled with light. Everyone squints as their eyes adjust. Rose gasps.

“Oh… my…”

Spike rubs his eyes. “What?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Well now. Even I didn’t see this one coming.”

Chapter 8 - Minor Problems

Arc’s vision begins to clear. Soon he is able to see clearly.

“W-w-what?!”

Looking all around they see innumerable glass tubes. Some are still intact while others lie broken. Spike turns to RD-001.

“These are big enough for a stallion! Did you keep ponies in these?!”

RD-001 shakes their head. “Dragons.”

Tempest’s eyes grow wide. “DRAGONS?!”

“Yes.”

Rose frowns. “For what purpose?”

“Research.”

Spike hides behind Rose. “You experimented on them?!”

“Indeed.”

Arc turns to their host. “The Bloodstone Scepter. It was created here, wasn’t it?”

“I am not familiar with that term.”

Rose turns to the stallion. “I think I can help with that.”

Her eyes aglow, she displays a picture of the Bloodstone Scepter on a nearby wall. RD-001 nods.

“I understand now. You’re talking about a Wand of Control.”

Tempest looks confused. “Wand of what now?”

“The Earth Ponies of my time period used it to lead an attack on the Dragon Lands many years ago. They hoped to enslave dragons and bind them to their will. With their slaves’ Dragon Magic and the ability to fly, the Earth Ponies would have theoretically been unstoppable.”

Spike looks frightened. “But that didn’t happen… right?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it didn’t.”

“Then what did?!”

Rose kneels down to his level. “Spike. Some things are better left in the past, okay?”

“But…!”

Arc interrupts him. “Spike. Just… don’t.”

“Um… okay.”

RD-001 sighs. “I’m still waiting for the official report from headquarters. Although it is quite overdue.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “I don’t think it’s coming, chump.”

Spike nods. “Yeah. Probably best to just leave that in the past too.”

Arc turns back to the stallion. “Right. But in any case, you said earlier you needed Dragon Magic. For what purpose?”

“Yes. This way.”

RD-001 leads them past the glass tubes toward the crystal at one end of the room. Spike looks at it wide-eyed.

“It… it looks like the stone atop the Bloodstone Scepter!”

Arc gasps. “You’re right, Spike! How did we miss that?!”

RD-001 chuckles. “The two of you were mesmerized at the time. You could not have noticed, even if you had seen the item in the past.”

Tempest glares at RD-001. “How did you do that? I mean, the runt I can understand. But Arc certainly isn’t a dragon!”

“Perhaps not. However he does have Dragon Magic.”

Rose frowns. “So you controlled him?!”

“Yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “Okay. You still haven’t told us why though.”

“I am aware of the state of affairs in this world. The event leading up to the Earth Ponies losing the war, and how the three nations are now one.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “How?”

“I’m able to pick up radio broadcasts.”

RD-001 turns to Arc.

“I even heard one whom sounded like you address the nation.”

Arc appears surprised. “Back when I was Lord Regent?”

“So it would seem.”

Rose turns to their host. “I don’t understand. If you knew the war was over, why continue your work here?”

“I must complete the tasks given to me. Research and development.”

Spike folds his arms over his chest. “But for WHAT?! The war’s over!”

“That it is. But my research must continue.”

Tempest smiles wickedly. “Tell us about your more recent research then. Maybe it can help protect Equestria.”

“With no new orders, I decided to try and… fix what I had done.”

Rose looks confused. “You mean try and make the world a better place?”

“In a way, yes. The research done here left many loose ends.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Loose ends?”

“I’ve managed to make a place for those affected. But…”

Tempest interrupts. “HOLD IT! Make a home?!”

Rose gasps. “Are you saying some of your specimens are still alive after all this time?!”

“Their descendants, yes.”

Arc frowns. “Tell me of this so-called ‘home’ you made for them.”

“Certainly. I discovered a forest far to the south-east that had a rather strange magical aura surrounding it. Physics appeared to be a bit… unstable there for some reason. While very inhospitable to ponykind, it would serve as a new home to the experiments of the past.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Show me these creatures.”

“I cannot, as most of them are long gone.”

Rose turns to RD-001. “Do you have visual records of them?”

“Yes. Observe.”

RD-001’s eyes glow as he displays a slide show of the creatures on a nearby wall. Arc gasps.

“Hey, I know that one!”

Spike nods. “A manticore?!”

Tempest frowns. “Yes. A cockatrice, manticore, timber wolves, bugbears and… are those plants?!”

RD-001 nods. “Yes. They too deserved a chance at life.”

Rose lists off the rest.

“Poison Joke, Plundervines, Sanguine Azolla…”

Arc freezes. “WHAT?!”

Tempest turns to RD-001, angrily. “Why would you release something so dangerous?!”

RD-001 appears confused. “Dangerous?”

Spike nods angrily. “Somepony made a rather… strange poison from that plant some time ago.”

“I am confused. How is that the plant’s fault?”

Tempest grits her teeth. “You should have destroyed something like that, you idiot!”

“Why?”

“To protect Equestria!”

RD-001 shakes his head as the drones from earlier surround him. “If that was the case, should I not also purge you?”

Rose gasps. “What?! But…!”

RD-001 interrupts as he looks at Tempest. “Are you not also capable of bringing death and destruction to this land?”

“Of course I could! But I won’t! These creatures and plants don’t have the mental capacity to…!”

“…to make a different choice? To follow a different path? You sound very much like the Earth Ponies I served long ago! Caring little for others outside their own species! Has so little changed over the centuries?! Have you learned NOTHING from the mistakes of your ancestors?!”

Arc nods soberly. “I have.”

RD-001 turns to Arc, confused. “You have? A dragon?”

“I am not a dragon.”

“You said that before. What are you then?”

“A human.”

“Interesting…”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “You know about them?”

“I know OF them, yes. However until this day I had yet to meet one. Tell me, what have humans learned?”

“That fighting usually just leads to more fighting, for starters.”

RD-001 nods. “The Great War clearly proved that.”

“Tell me, RD-001. Were the creature that were created here simply for war alone?”

“Yes.”

Rose turns again to the stallion. “They could not exist for any other purpose other than to destroy?”

“I was… unsure of that.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Unsure?”

“I decided an experiment was the best solution.”

Spike sighs. “Why does that make me nervous?”

“It was fairly simple. Using the last of the facility’s energy, I teleported them to what you now call the Everfree Forest.”

Tempest frowns. “Hmph. That explains where those freaks came from.”

Arc glares at her. “They didn’t choose to be BORN that way, Tempest.”

“A freak is still a freak!”

Rose clears her throat in an attempt to change the subject. “RD-001, you said you mesmerized Arc and Spike with this crystal. Can you tell us why?”

“Yes. Forgive me, as I tend to ramble.”

RD-001 clears his throat before continuing.

“There are currently two specimens in this facility.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “You couldn’t leave them in the Everfree Forest?”

“I attempted to, yes. However this specimen is unable to accept what they are.”

Tempest facehoofs. “Let me get this straight. An animal can’t come to terms with being an ANIMAL?!”

“Correct. They continue to return here in hopes I can… fix them.”

Arc sighs. “How do they find their way back?”

Rose considers the question. “It must have an excellent sense of direction. Like a homing pigeon returning to its point of origin.”

Spike gulps. “And this creature… is this thing here now?!”

RD-001 nods. “It is. The energy collected will be used in an attempt to wipe its memory.”

Rose looks worried. “But won’t that be dangerous?”

“Yes. However this specimen was this facility’s greatest creation. Strong, brave, and intelligent. It was to be the harbinger of the Earth Pony army.”

Tempest glares at the android. “And you let it GO?!”

“Yes, well… perhaps you should simply see it for yourself.”

The android pushes a few button on a keypad and a door opens. Following him through into a truly massive room, Arc and company are met with an astonishing sight. Spike is the first to be able to speak.

“N-no way?!”

Arc takes a step forward. “It CAN’T be!”

Tempest puts a hoof on her spear. “Well, it’s certainly… big.”

Standing before them is a massive creature. Much larger than a building in height, even lying down. It appears to be sleeping. Spike turns to Arc.

“A-Arc?! Is that…?”

“Yeah. The Ursa Major from Ponyville.”

Rose scans the creature. “Even with all the known data on this creature, it’s still a sight to behold!”

Arc turns to RD-001. “How did you put it to sleep?!”

“I did not have to. Every creature, great and small, requires at least some amount of rest.”

Tempest grins. “Great! It’ll be that much easier to slay!”

She readies Light’s Bane, but Arc puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Let’s try the non-violent approach.”

“What? WHY?! It’s an animal, Arc!”

“That may be. But from my point of view, so are you.”

Tempest turns and steps back. “Fine. But if it goes crazy, I’m taking it down!”

Arc sighs. “Have it your way.”

RD-001 looks to Arc, clearly confused. “You have seen this creature before?”

“Yes. It came to Ponyville some time ago looking for its cub.”

“Was anypony hurt?”

Arc sighs. “Not… really. Well, it’s cub almost ripped my guts out when we first met.”

“All the more reason to quickly erase the memories of its past and this facility.”

RD-001 pushes a few nearby buttons. The door behind them opens and the crystal from earlier floats toward him. He checks the gauges.

“I will only be a moment.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Should we really let him go through with this, Arc?!”

“Well…”

Tempest shakes her head. “Certainly not!”

Rose turns to her, surprised. “Really? I thought for certain you would…!”

“It should be destroyed at once!”

Spike looks at the creature lying on the floor before them. “But that just seems so cruel!”

“I can make it quick.”

Arc sighs. “Tempest…”

“You KNOW this needs to be done, Arc!”

“That may be, but…”

The Ursa Major slowly opens its eyes. Spike tugs on Rose’s hand.

“Um… g-g-guys?!”

Rose turns to the beast. “Arc? Problem.”

RD-001 looks over to them. “I am nearly ready on this end. Please be patient.”

Tempest again readies her spear. “That may not be an option!”

Spike turns to him. “Arc? Can I try something?”

“Try what?!”

“You’ll see.”

Spike walks toward the Ursa Major. Rose calls out after him.

“Spike? What are you DOING?!”

“What I can. Hopefully we can come to some kind of agreement.”

Spike turns back to the Ursa Major.

“Um… hi?”

The creature frowns at him.

“You… uh… want to talk about it?”

Amazingly, a series of grunts and growls come forth. Tempest turns to Arc.

“What is he DOING?!”

“I think he’s trying to talk to it.”

Rose appears surprised. “But that’s not possible!”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know about that. Fluttershy seems to do pretty well at it.”

RD-001 looks up. “I am ready.”

Rose shakes her head. “Wait! Let’s allow Spike to try it his way.”

“Very well. But I’ll keep the device ready.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

A few minutes later Spike turns and walks back to the group. Tempest frowns at him.

“Are you quite done wasting time over there?!”

Spike sighs. “To be honest, she’s more afraid than we are right now!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Afraid of what?”

“She can’t understand what’s going on.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Of course she can’t!”

“That’s why I explained it to her.”

Rose looks confused. “Which part?”

“The mind crystal thingy over there.”

Arc facepalms. “Oh boy. Is she mad?”

Spike shakes his head. “Not really. In fact, she says we’re wasting our time.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“That device doesn’t have nearly enough power to even faze her.”

Rose looks surprised. “Who says?”

“She does.”

RD-001 shakes his head. “That is not possible. This creature does not have the mental aptitude to…”

The Ursa Major growls at them. Rose turns to RD-001.

“Perhaps it would be wise not to anger the mountain-sized beast.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Spike, can you really understand what she’s saying?”

Spike nods. “Yeah! You want me to translate for you?”

Tempest scoffs. “Waste of time!”

Arc steps forward. “It’s worth a shot.”

“What should I tell her?”

“How about we start with… hello.”

Spike shrugs. “Makes sense.”

The baby dragon makes some strange sounds which the beast returns.

“She says hello to you too.”

“Ask if she remembers me?”

“I already did.”

Rose looks nervous. “And?”

“She remembers the Ponyville incident.”

Tempest frowns. “Incident?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. Like I said before, I… uh… kinda know this creature.”

Rose shrugs. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Tell her I’m sorry for what I did to her cub back then, Spike.”

The Ursa Major growls as Spike relays the message.

“She, uh… didn’t know you did that.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Smooth move, Arc.”

“Ah, tell her I was just trying to get him to leave.”

Rose nods. “Hurry!”

“Okay!”

A few moments later he looks back at Arc.

“She thanks you for not hurting him. He had run off on his own again and she was looking for him.”

Arc nods. “So she came to Ponyville because she thought I had hurt him?”

“Not exactly.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Why else would a manic beast head there?!”

“She was looking for something.”

Rose looks confused. “If not her cub, what then?”

“Help.”

Arc gasps. “Wait, what?”

Tempest chuckles. “Help with what?!”

“Her cub.”

Rose looks nervous. “Was it injured?”

Spike shakes his head. “No. But there’s something wrong with it.”

RD-001 steps forward. “Can it explain the situation?”

Spike and the Ursa Major continue their conversation for a few moments.

“Some kind of behavioral problem.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

Arc sighs. “So… does her cub need a therapist, or something?”

“She believes it’s something deeper inside him. When she came to Ponyville, it was in a desperate attempt to find a doctor!”

Tempest chuckles. “You mean a vet?”

Rose shrugs. “Call it what you will.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Fluttershy would probably be able to direct us to someone who could help. That and she could probably translate.”

Tempest frowns. “Say what?!”

Arc looks to Spike. “Okay, where is the cub now?”

Spike turns back to the Ursa Major. She stands and walks a few paces away to reveal the sleeping cub behind her. Tempest looks at the beast evenly.

“That was easy enough.”

Arc nods. “They could come with us to Ponyville tomorrow morning.”

Spike explains the offer to the Ursa Major before turning back to Arc.

“She says they’ll head back that way when they’re ready. Her cub will probably sleep for quite some time after all he’s been up to lately.”

Rose turns to RD-001. “Can’t you do something for him?”

“Sadly, no. These facilities are completely without surgical supplies or proper staff.”

Arc sighs. “I guess Ponyville it is. Tell her to head to the Golden Oaks Library. Twilight can show her to Fluttershy’s cottage.”

Tempest glares at him. “I don’t believe the populace will take that well, Arc.”

“That’s why I’m sending them to the library. Twilight can use the Matter Compacting spell to shrink them down. Be sure to explain that part, Spike.”

Spike does so. The Ursa Major growls.

“She… doesn’t really like the idea of being magically shrunken.”

Tempest frowns. “She can like it or lump it!”

Rose shrugs. “Yes well… such a large creature would be impossible to examine properly.”

Arc nods. “Tell her it really is necessary. The vet will need to examine her and the cub closely.”

RD-001 turns to Spike. “That will be very difficult if the patient is significantly larger than they are.”

Tempest growls. “I agree with the tin can.”

Spike explains the reasoning to the Ursa Major. She growls and lies down as Spike turns to the others.

“She begrudgingly agrees.

Tempest frowns. “Great. Can we go now?!”

“Just one more thing.”

Arc turns to RD-001.

“Magic doesn’t work in this region. Do you or your facility have anything to do with that?”

“Yes.”

Tempest turns to him impatiently. “Care to elaborate, bolt brain?!”

“When this facility was built, the outer walls and foundation were treated with a special substance to create this effect.”

Rose nods. “In preparation for a unicorn attack?”

“Correct. The unicorn army never did find out what happened to their scouting parties.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “What can you tell us about this substance?”

“Sadly, nothing.”

Arc sighs. “Nothing at all?”

RD-001 shakes his head. “The chemical composition of the substance was top secret. It wouldn’t do to have androids such as myself aware of such a technological advantage’s finer points. All I knew was it drained the magic power of a spell before it could be properly cast.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “Just like the temple.”

Tempest turns to RD-001. “There is a small town nearby.”

“Are you referring to Stableton?”

“You’ve heard of it?!”

RD-001 nods. “Yes. Centuries ago it housed the support staff for this facility.”

“What happened to everypony?!”

“After the war, the town’s residents no longer had jobs to do here. Tired of bloodshed and fighting, they simply wanted to live out their lives in peace. Many of them stayed in town.”

Tempest storms over to him angrily. “That was centuries ago though! I mean what happened to my parents you overweight oil drum!”

“Unknown. My sensors cannot physically see the village. I assumed the last of the inhabitants had simply moved on some time ago.”

“They moved on all right. In less than a day!”

“Was this perhaps this century?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I would say so, yes.”

“I did pick up some strange readings in the village many years ago.”

Tempest’s eyes narrow. “Show me what you found! NOW!”

“Very well. This way please.”

Spike turns back to the Ursa Major as they turn to leave.

“See you in Ponyville soon!”

She waves a massive paw as the door closes behind them. RD-001 leads them over to a computer console. The screen lights up dimly as he links up to it.

“The readings were unlike anything I had ever seen.”

Rose looks at the screen with him. “What do you mean?”

“I have knowledge of all known inhabitants of this land. There were no matches in my files.”

Tempest gasps. “So they WERE taken!”

“Perhaps. Then again, perhaps not.”

Tempest points Light’s Bane at him, clearly furious. “You had better start making sense, and I mean NOW!”

“My scanners don’t show life forms, but forms of energy. Their signatures were unlike anything ever recorded in what is now known as Equestria.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Are you saying they were abducted by aliens or something?”

“I’m sorry, but your guess is as good as mine.”

He pushes a few buttons. A nearby machine spits out a stack of papers. RD-001 hands them to Tempest.

“Take these to your Ministry of Science. Perhaps they’ve discovered what this is in the time since my activation.”

Tempest grabs the papers and walks quickly away. “I will!”

Arc shakes his head and turns to the android. “Thank you, RD-001. Sorry about Tempest’s behavior.”

“Not to worry, as I do not have feelings.”

Rose sighs. “Yes well… it still wasn’t very nice.”

Spike looks hopeful. “Say, do you think you could let us out of here now?”

“Of course. Follow me.”

RD-001 leads them back to the main entrance. Tempest is waiting for them impatiently. He puts a hoof on a nearby pad as it slides out of the wall. The massive doors open with a loud rumble as he turns to the others.

“I hope some good comes from those files.”

Tempest scowls as she walks through the doors. “So do I.”

Spike hurries out. “I never thought a cave could be such a welcome sight!”

RD-001 turns to Arc. “Give my regards to Equestria’s rulers. Perhaps one day this facility will again be of service to them and this land.”

Rose frowns. “I hope not. It would only be used for war.”

RD-001 nods. “We all have our place in this world.”

Arc turns to the stallion. “Would you like to come with us? Sunburst would certainly like to meet you.”

“No. My place is here.”

Rose sighs. “Alone?”

RD-001 extends a hoof to Rose. “As I said. We all have our place in this world. This is mine, Rose. Farewell.”

Rose sighs and shakes RD-001’s hoof. A strange look crosses her face as the stallion gives her a small item before stepping back inside the facility.

“Tell her… I’m sorry for any pain my failure may have caused her.”

Rose nods. The group heads back to Tempest’s house. Arc closes the door behind them.

“Well, now that we have that figured out we should probably get some rest.”

Spike yawns. “Y-yeah. That was an adventure and a half!”

Tempest turns to them. “You can’t tell anypony about this!”

Rose looks confused. “Why not?”

“I don’t want looky-loos poking around my town! Got it!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. We’ll keep this to ourselves for the time being.”

Tempest heads toward her room. “Good.”

Arc and company do the same. Arc lies down in his bed as Rose and Spike return to theirs.

“Goodnight you two.”

Rose looks out the window at the first rays of dawn. “The night is nearly gone, Arc.”

Spike snuggles up to her. “We’d better hurry and catch up to it then.”

Arc rolls over sleepily. “Agreed.”

A few moments later Arc falls asleep. Rose sighs as Spike looks up at her.

“Something wrong?”

“Well… not really, I guess. I was just thinking about something RD-001 said before we left.”

“I must’ve missed it.”

“You were ahead of me, yes.”

“So, what happened?”

“He just… wanted to wish me well. Probably from one android to another.”

“Oh… that’s… nice.”

A moment later Spike drifts off to sleep. Rose sighs and looks at the item in her hand. The tip of a small purple unicorn horn.

Chapter 9 - Filling In

A few days later Arc, Rose, Luna, and Cadance walk down the corridor toward Celestia’s room. Arc turns to Luna.

“How is Sunburst coming along on his research from my last adventure?”

“He reports nothing even close has ever been recorded in Equestrian history.”

Cadance sighs. “It would be helpful if he could explore that region himself.”

Rose frowns. “I don’t believe Tempest would take kindly to that.”

Arc nods. “Right. She views Stableton as HER town, after all.”

Luna looks out the window as they pass. “If what Arc hinted at is accurate, some things should remain buried.”

Rose sighs. “Agreed. From what I saw of the facility, Equestria has little to gain from its technology.”

“And much to lose.”

Cadance looks over to him. “Lose, Arc?

Luna clears her throat. “The past must not be repeated, Cadance. Equestria needs to remain united if our nation is to remain peaceful.”

Arc nods. “Right. That and it’s something for everyone to fight over.”

They arrive at Celestia’s room. Sunburst is going over his instruments. He looks to Arc as they enter.

“Ready for the return trip to Earth, sir?”

“Yes. Any word on Princess Celestia?”

Sunburst nods. “We’ve been able to narrow her location down to a one thousand mile radius, sir.”

Cadance frowns. “That’s still quite a large area.”

“Agreed, your highness. But we’re working on tightening that number as we speak. It’s only a matter of time now.”

“Good. I worry my sister is in grave danger!”

“Aunt Celestia is a capable mare, Luna.”

“True. But she also wouldn’t stay away unless something was VERY wrong.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll bring her back as soon as I can.”

Cadance smiles at him. “I’m sure you will.”

“Are you ready, sir?”

“Yes.”

He turns to Luna and Cadance as the portal forms.

“Call me if you learn anything or if there’s trouble.”

The pair nod.

“We will, Arc.”

“Do be careful.”

Rose puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “I’ll look after him, your highness.”

“Thank you.”

Sunburst turns to Arc. “Portal stabilized.”

“Let’s go, Rose.”

“Right behind you.”

The pair enter the portal and are gone. Cadance turns to Luna.

“Do you think it’s wise for this facility’s location to remain a secret from us?”

Luna sighs. “We didn’t really have much of a choice in the matter.”

Cadance frowns as they leave the room together. “I suppose not. We’ll just have to trust Arc’s judgment on this.”

“Yes.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rose step out of the portal into Arc’s backyard. Rose turns to him.

“What now?”

“Let’s check with my squad. See what’s happened since we left.”

They enter the house together. Max is just walking into the kitchen.

“Welcome back, sir!”

“Hi Max. Anything happen in the past few days?”

“No, sir. Your friend is still unconscious in the hospital though.”

Rose frowns. “No changes?”

Max shakes his head. “None, I’m afraid.”

“Yeah, I figured.”

“There is one thing, sir.”

“Oh?”

“I just got off the phone with Shelly. She wanted to know if you were still planning on coming.”

Arc looks confused. “Coming?”

Max nods. “She said you would understand.”

Arc thinks for a moment before snapping his fingers.

“How could I have forgotten?!”

Ember comes up the stairs with Sereb. “Hey Arc. Forgotten what?”

“Hi Ember. Every year I take Shelly and Lily out for dinner and some fun.”

Sereb smiles. “Oh? For what purpose?”

“This is the anniversary of the day Lily aged out of the orphanage. It marks the date the three of us were together again.”

Max nods. “Like a family, sir?”

“Exactly.”

Ember smiles. “If it’s that important you should go, Arc.”

Arc walks into the Living Room. “Agreed. I’ll call Lily back and tell her.”

Max follows him nervously. “That’s a bit of a problem, sir.”

“Huh?”

“Lily was saying something about Shelly having a bad day.”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe she just needs to get out and have some fun.”

Sereb sighs. “I get the feeling that is not what Miss Lily meant.”

Arc nods. “Right. Shelly’s condition puts her in a lot of pain. Some days she can function. Others she can’t.”

Ember looks confused. “Can’t… function?”

“Cook, clean, feed herself, or even walk to the bathroom unassisted.”

Sereb shakes his head. “That does not sound good.”

Ember nods. “Yeah! Anything we can do to help her?”

Arc sighs. “No. Her conditions are incurable.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Wait. Conditions?”

Sereb frowns. “You mean there’s more than one?”

Arc turns to look away sadly. “Yes. She has muscular dystrophy, the effects of which you can see. There’s… more wrong inside her though.”

Ember gasps. “But… but she’s so nice! There must be something we can…!”

Sereb puts a paw on Ember’s foot and shakes his head as Arc continues.

“Shelly doesn’t like to talk about the other things. Mostly because she doesn’t want Lily and I to worry about her.”

Max frowns. “Worry? But…”

Arc interrupts him. “At best, she’ll have half a normal human’s lifespan.”

Ember frowns. “Is she really in that much pain?”

“Sometimes. But she always think of everyone else’s needs before her own.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “Sounds like someone else I know, sir.”

“Thanks. We’ve been lucky all these years. Her condition has always been manageable for this date.”

Sereb looks up at Arc. “Anything we can do to help?”

Ember nods. “I could take care of Shelly while you and Lily went out if you want, Arc.”

Max steps forward. “Sir, I’d like to go with Ember. Miss Shelly is a very nice human, after all.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Let me talk to Shelly and Lily first. See what they think. With luck Shelly might improve by tonight.”

He makes his way to the telephone. Dialing the familiar number he waits for someone to pick up.

“Shelly’s Kitchen. Lily speaking.”

“Lily? It’s me.”

“Arc! You’re back!”

“Yeah. Just got in. I hear Shelly isn’t doing too well though.”

Lily sighs. “She really isn’t.”

“You want us to come down and give you a hand?”

“Would you? I’m sure you have a million other things to do and all, but…”

Arc interrupts her. “Anything for you and Shelly. Is the restaurant busy?”

“Nothing I can’t handle. But I’d feel a lot more comfortable if Shelly wasn’t alone upstairs.”

“I’ll head over and take care of her for you.”

Lily sounds relieved. “Thanks! You still have that key I gave you, right?”

“I do. You want me to use the side entrance?”

“You can come through the restaurant if you want. Either way is fine. I just didn’t want you to have to wait for me to unlock the door if we get a rush.”

“Okay. I’ll head over now.”

“Thanks again! Bye!”

Arc puts down the receiver and turns to the others.

“Sorry to run out on all of you again, but I’m going to head over to the restaraunt and take care of Shelly.”

Ember nods. “We understand.”

Max looks toward the basement. “I’ll let you know is something comes up, sir.”

“Thanks. Sereb, you wanna come?”

“Eh?”

“Shelly kinda has a thing for dogs. It would really help her feel better if she had a… uh… fuzzy companion.”

Ember chuckles. “That and you do look cute in that form, Sereb.”

Sereb rolls his eyes.

“If it will be of help to Miss Shelly, I will come.”

Arc heads for the door. “Thanks. Let’s get going.”

The pair leave the house together. They jump in the Jeep and make the quick drive to the restaurant. Arc sighs as he and Sereb get out of the vehicle and head for the building.

“Poor Shelly. She doesn’t deserve this.”

Sereb nods as he follows. Arc looks through the front windows of Shelly’s Kitchen as they pass by.

“Looks like business is picking up. They actually have customers for a change.”

He spots Lily waiting on a table inside. Arc smiles and waves to her as she waves back.

“They’re pretty full in there. While I’m glad to see that, I think Lily needs some help.”

Sereb nods as they walk up the exterior stairs to the apartment door. Arc uses his key and lets them in before closing the door behind him.

“Shelly! It’s Arc!”

A strained voice comes from the bathroom.

“I… in here.”

Arc heads for the Bathroom and knocks on the door.

“You okay, Shelly?”

“Um… I need a little help.”

“Can I come in?”

“Yes.”

Arc opens the door to see Shelly sitting on the toilet. She is reaching down as best she can and looking embarrassed.

“Sorry Arc. I… I just can’t seem to reach down far enough to pull up my… you know.”

Arc walks over. “No need to apologize, my friend.”

He carefully pulls Shelly’s pants up before lifting her into his arms and slowly carrying her into the Living Room.

“Sorry.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done this. Today must be an especially bad one for you, huh?”

Shelly nods weakly. “Yes.”

“Should I take you to your room instead? I could give you a massage if that would help.”

“No, thank you. Lying down is more uncomfortable right now.”

“Your chair then?”

“Yes, please.”

Carrying Shelly into the Living Room, he carefully sets her down in a special massage chair.

“Shall I turn it on for you?”

Shelly nods. Arc carefully puts her arms inside the armrests.

“This is the tightest I’ve ever seen your arms! Are you sure this is what you want? A massage right now is really going to hurt.”

“I… I know. But I need to do it. We both know I’ll just get worse if I don’t.”

“Okay.”

He positions Shelly’s legs in their holsters and stands to pick up the remote.

“Should I put it on ‘full body’?”

“Yes. Please start me off slow though.”

“You got it.”

Arc pushes a few buttons and the chair begins its cycle. Shelly gasps.

“Shelly?!”

“I’m… okay.”

She looks to the couch as her body accustoms to the motions of the chair.

“Why don’t you have a seat, Arc?”

Arc does so as Sereb jumps up next to him. Shelly smiles weakly at Sereb.

“I see you brought your little friend with you today.”

“You still like dogs, right?”

Shelly nods happily. “Yes, indeed! He’s such a cute one as well.”

Sereb barks happily.

“I think he likes you.”

Shelly smiles weakly at Sereb. “He’s such a mild-mannered dog, Arc. Where did you get him?”

“I, uh… kinda found him.”

“Are you sure he doesn’t have an owner? He’s so well behaved.”

“That much I’m certain of.”

The massage chair stops momentarily. Shelly grimaces.

“I hate this part.”

The chair’s leg holsters tighten on Shelly’s legs and ankles. It holds them in place as it stretches her body out. She grimaces in pain for a few moments as her muscles acclimate. A few moments later the chair releases them and returns to its default position. Arc stands and walks over to her.

“I always hate watching that.”

Shelly nods, breathing heavily. “Yes… but I… do feel better after a session in my chair.”

Arc takes her hands and carefully helps Shelly stand up.

“How do you feel now?”

“A bit… looser. Can you help me to the couch please?”

“Sure.”

Arc puts his arm around Shelly’s waist and leads her to the couch. The pair sit down together.

“So… how did things look downstairs?”

“Pretty busy compared to what it’s been like.”

“Is Lily going to be okay down there?”

“Well…”

The sound of the apartment door opening can be heard. Lily quickly enters the apartment.

“Shelly? Arc?”

“We’re in the Living Room.”

Lily hurries by them heading for her room with a chocolate covered blouse. Shelly calls out after her friend.

“What happened?!”

Lily sighs as she quickly removes her dirty uniform. I was going too fast and dropped a milkshake. But it gave me a chance to run up here and see if you two were okay.

Arc smiles. “We’re fine. Shelly just finished a session in her chair.”

Lily breathes a sigh of relief as she pulls on a fresh blouse. “Can I bring you anything? A soda perhaps?”

“I’m fine.”

“Me too.”

“Don’t you worry about Shelly and I. Everything will be okay up here. You need help downstairs, Lily?”

Lily hurries back toward the apartment door. “I really could, Arc. But Shelly needs someone with her right now.”

She closes the apartment door behind her and hurries down the stair to the restaurant. Arc sighs.

“I wish I could help her.”

Shelly looks down at her hands sadly. “Sorry for being a burden.”

“You’re no such thing!”

Sereb lies down next to Shelly. She begins stroking his back.

“I’m no use to her like this.”

“We all know you have your good and bad days.”

“Yes, well… normally I can at least sit in the kitchen and watch the stove. Today I can’t even do that.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Can I use your phone?”

“Of course. But what for?”

Arc chuckles as he picks up the receiver. “I’m calling for reinforcements.”

Later that afternoon the restaurant’s front door lock click shut. A moment later Arc hears the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. The apartment door opens and Lily walks inside with Max, Hugh, and Ember. He turns his head and calls out to them.

“We’re in the kitchen everyone!”

Lily hurries in to meet them. She looks a bit tired.

“Thanks for coming, Arc. I’ll get supper going now.”

Arc steps back from the counter to reveal a freshly assembled lasagna. “Don’t worry about that Lily.”

“Oh! Why, thank you Arc!”

Hugh grins. “That looks tasty, sir!”

Max nods. “Sure does!”

Arc puts the lasagna is the oven. “It should be ready in about forty five minutes. I know how tired you and Shelly are after a hard day in the restaurant.”

Ember looks around. “Say, where is Shelly?”

Arc sets the timer on the stove. “She sounded pretty tired so I suggested she take a nap an hour or so ago.”

Lily appears worried. “How did she look?!”

“A lot better than when I came over. I think she’ll be alright when she wakes up. In fact, she wanted me to get her when you came upstairs, Lily.”

“Oh? But shouldn’t she rest?”

“She was pretty insistent on this.”

Hugh nods. “We should do as she asks then, sir.”

Max thinks for a moment. “Yes. Perhaps she doesn’t want to upset her sleep schedule?”

Ember shrugs. “That must be it.”

“I’ll go get her. Why don’t you sit down and take a load off, Lily?”

Lily heads for the Living Room. “Thanks. I think I will.”

Arc heads for Shelly’s room. Opening the door slowly he sees Sereb lying next to his friend. Her arm is draped over his gray coat. Arc walks over and sits down on the bed next to her. Putting a hand on her shoulder he gently shakes her.

“Shelly? Lily and the others just closed the restaurant.”

Her eyes slowly open.

“Arc? Is it time to get up already?”

“I can let you sleep if you want me to.”

Shelly sits up slowly. “No, no! I… I need to get up.”

Arc puts an arm around Shelly’s back. I’ll help you.

Slowly he helps Shelly sit up.

“Can you stand?”

Shelly shakes her head sheepishly. “I… don’t think so.”

“I’ll carry you.”

Picking Shelly up, Arc carries her to the Living Room and sets her down on the couch next to Lily. Sereb dutifully follows the pair.

“Thank you, Arc.”

Hugh looks over. “How are you feeling now, Miss Shelly?”

“A bit better. But I don’t think I’m in any condition to go anywhere.”

Ember nods. “Can we help in any way?”

Max walks in from the Kitchen. “Anything at all?”

Shelly shakes her head. “No. I just need to rest.”

Ember frowns. “But what about your plans for tonight?”

Arc smiles at Shelly. “The three of us can go out tomorrow. After all, what’s one more day?”

“No, no! You and Lily should go without me.”

Lily gasps. “What?! But it won’t be the same without you!”

“I’ll be fine here, you two.”

Max smiles. “You shouldn’t be alone right now, ma’am. I’ll stay with you.”

Hugh nods. “So will I.”

Ember nods to Arc. “You two can have a nice night out.”

“Well…”

“But Shelly…”

Shelly interrupts her. “Lily. I’d really like it if you went out with Arc tonight.”

Lily wrings her hands nervously. “Well, I… um…”

Hugh grins. “Awwww… take her out, sir.”

Max nods. “Yes. We’ll look after Shelly.”

Ember turns toward the door. “We should go home so you can get ready, Arc.”

“If you three say so.”

He turns to Lily.

“I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

“Oh… okay. I’ll be ready.”

Arc and the others head for the door together. Arc turns back to Sereb.

“Stay here, big guy.”

Sereb nods and walks back to the Living Room as Arc and the others leave. Shelly holds her arms out to Sereb.

“You want to stay for a bit? Come on up!”

Sereb does so as Lily smiles and stands up before heading for the Kitchen.

“I’ll see what else we have in the kitchen for…”

Shelly interrupts her. “Shouldn’t you be picking out a nice dress?”

“A… a dress?!”

“Yes. Arc always puts on a nice button down shirt and dress pants for the occasion, remember?”

“Oh, I… I was just afraid he might see this as a… um…”

“A date?”

Lily nervously nods as she blushes.

Shelly smiles. “It IS a date, Lily. You two are going alone. Remember?”

“But… but I’m not ready for that!”

Shelly sighs. “Lily, you’ve been saying that for years now. Take this opportunity to finally tell Arc how you feel!”

“But…”

“If you don’t, another girl might just turn Arc’s head. Take Ember for example. She’s awfully pretty you know.”

“I…”

“And the two of them ARE living together.”

Lily turns around quickly. “I’ll see if I can finds something nice to wear!”

Shelly smiles as she hears Lily’s bedroom door close.

“Good luck tonight, Lily. I really do think you and Arc would make a beautiful couple.”

She sighs and goes back to petting Sereb.

“That and it would be nice to know that you were taken care of after I’m… gone.”

Chapter 10 - A Night Out

Arc walks down the stairs. Ember is waiting for him on the Living Room couch.

“How do I look?”

Ember grins. “I’m not really sure. I mean, to me you look dashing, but… is that what humans wear on dates?”

“This isn’t a date, Ember.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Right, Arc. Just like your evening with Princess Luna wasn’t a date?”

“But it wasn’t.”

“Sure. Whatever you say.”

“You’re no help.”

Hugh and Max head upstairs and join the pair in the Living Room.

“Looking good, sir!”

“I agree. Miss Lily will swoon when she gets a look at you!”

Arc shrugs. “I always dress this way for our annual outing. Shelly and Lily always look their best as well.”

“That may be, sir. But you’re going to be alone with Lily this time.”

“It’s much more romantic than a trio, sir.”

Arc frowns and turns to Ember. “Did you coach them or something?”

Ember laughs. “Nah! But at least they have sense!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Think what you want. Max, how are things downstairs?”

“Viktor and Xenos are doing research into some data Sunburst sent over while we were gone.”

Ember frowns. “Sent over?”

Hugh nods. “Through the portal, that is.”

Ember groans. “I know that! What rotten timing though.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “If you’d like I can stay here and help them, sir.”

Max nods. “There really is a lot to be done.”

Arc heads for the basement. “I could help too.”

Ember grabs him by the arm. “Oh no you don’t! YOU have a date to get to!”

“It’s not a date!”

Hugh grins. “Yes sir.”

Max turns to Arc. “In any case, Ember and I can stay with Miss Shelly while you and Miss Lily have your evening out.”

“Thanks, Max. I can always count on you.”

Ember frowns. “Hey! What about me?!”

“Keep an eye on Ember tonight too.”

Max grins. “Yes sir.”

“I can be responsible!”

Arc “I know you can, Ember. Just having a bit of fun.”

Ember shakes her head. “Jokers the lot of you.”

Hugh looks at the clock. “Shouldn’t you all get moving, sir? It’s almost six.”

“I suppose we should.”

Ember grabs her leather jacket. “Let’s go!”

Max nods as he zips up his own coat. “Right behind you, sir.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc? Maybe I should stay here.”

“Why?”

“Well, I certainly don’t want to be a third wheel on your date. Wouldn’t I make you just a bit… uncomfortable?”

“Not at all. Like I said before, this is just a little something Shelly, Lily, and I do every year. We’re just friends after all.”

“Well, okay. But only if you’re sure you won’t mind. I’ll keep quiet though.”

Arc and his friends walk out to the driveway and jump into the Jeep.

“Okay. Now I just have to make one quick stop before we head back to pick up Lily.”

Ember frowns. “Are we low on milk again?”

“Or bread?”

Arc shrugs. “I have no idea.”

Ember gives Arc a strange looks as the Jeep pulls onto the street.

“Then what…?”

“You’ll see.”

A short time later they pull into the parking lot of Shelly’s Kitchen. Ember looks Arc over one more time as they walk toward the building.

“Well, you’re as ready as you’re going to be, Arc.”

Max nods. “Agreed. You got this, sir.”

“Wait, your tie is crooked! Let me fix that for you.”

Ember straightens it and looks Arc over one final time.

“That looks a lot better.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “It looks the same to me.”

“Agreed.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You two are hopeless.”

They walk up the stairs together. Arc knocks lightly before entering the unlocked apartment.

“We’re back.”

Shelly calls out from her chair in the Living Room. “I’m in here!”

Arc and company enter. Sereb is still in Shelly’s lap. Together the pair look Arc over.

“You look nice.”

“Thank you.”

He walks over to Shelly and hands her a bouquet of flowers. Accepting them, she smiles.

“Thank you, Arc. I have a vase here all ready for them.”

Shelly carefully begins pulling roses out of their white wrapping and one by one putting them in the vase.

“There! That’s nice!”

“You always liked roses.”

Shelly looks at the bouquet in Arc’s other hand. “Yes, well… I just love the way they smell.”

Max turns to Arc. “Does Miss Lily not like roses?”

“She does. But these are her real favorite.”

Shelly nods. “Yes. Ever since we were children.”

Ember looks at the two different kinds of flowers. “I guess everyone is different, huh?”

“Yes. What kind of flowers do you like, Ember?”

Ember blushes slightly as she looks away. “I’m… not much for such things.”

Max does his best to change the subject. “So… where’s Miss Lily?”

“In her room getting ready. She should be almost done by now if you’d like to go see her, Arc.”

“Oh, um… okay. I’ll be right back.”

Arc leaves the room. Shelly turns to Ember and Max.

“Have a seat you two.”

Max sits down. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Shelly giggles. “Please. Just call me Shelly.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Ember clears her throat. “So you and Arc have known each other for a long time now?”

“Since he came to live at the Farburg Orphanage, yes. But he doesn’t like to talk about that much. It was a very sad time in his life.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah. I kinda know how he feels.”

Meanwhile, Arc approaches Lily’s door. He takes a deep breath and knocks lightly.

“Is that you, Arc?”

“Yup. Can I come in?”

“S-sure!”

Arc opens the door to find Lily sitting in front of her mirror brushing her hair. She turns and stands to meet him in the center of the room.

“Sorry. I’ve never been very good at making myself look presentable.”

Arc smiles at her as he hands over the bouquet. “You look just fine.”

Lily smells them and nods. “Thank you, Arc. You know how much I love carnations.”

“You’re welcome. Are you ready to go?”

She turns back to her mirror and picks up her brush. “As soon as I get my hair right.”

“But you look great.”

Lily blushes slightly. “Really?”

“Yeah! Let’s get going. You must be hungry.”

Lily puts the carnations in a vase on her nightstand. “I am actually.”

Arc offers his arm to Lily. “Well then, let’s say goodbye to Shelly and the others so we can be off.”

Lily smiles as she puts her hand in the cruck of Arc’s arm. “Okay.”

The pair return to the Living Room. Ember and Max look over at the pair approvingly

“You look very nice, Miss Lily!”

“Yeah!”

Shelly smiles at the pair. “That you do.”

Lily looks worried. “Shelly, are you sure you’ll be okay without us?”

“Yes, of course. Now you two go have a good time.”

Max smiles at Arc. “Ember and I will take good care of Miss Shelly for you.”

“Right!”

Shelly waves after them. “Don’t keep her out too late now, Arc.”

Arc laughs as the pair head for the door. “I won’t.”

“Have a nice time, sir.”

“We got this!”

The pair leave the apartment and walk down the steps together to the Jeep. Arc opens the passenger side door for Lily.

“There you are, ma’am.”

Lily giggles as she sits down. “You sound like your friend Max now.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Of course! He seems like a really nice person.”

Arc walks over to the driver’s side and gets in.

“That he is.”

Lily looks to Arc as he pulls onto the road. “Say, where did meet him?”

“I, uh… met him… in a town near where Dawn and Daisy live.”

“Really? Where are they from again?”

“Ah… Ponyville.”

“I never heard of it. Is that in this state?”

“No. It’s quite a ways away.”

“Is it a ranching community, or something?”

“Kinda.”

Lily giggles. “Are there more horses than people there?”

Arc chuckles. “That statement I can categorially say yes to.”

“Are the people friendly?”

“Very! Admittedly we had a bit of a rocky start. But once we got to know each other, things were much better.”

“How did you do that?”

“Involving myself in the community mostly.”

“That’s it?”

Arc nods. “You’d be surprised just how far a little kindness and understanding will take you.”

Sometime later they arrive at their destination. Arc opens Lily’s door for her and helps her out.

“Here we are. Roberto’s Pizza.”

Lily smiles at Arc as she takes his arm. “You always did like his food.”

“You and Shelly did too.”

Lily smiles and nods as they walk toward the building. “Well, you were the one who showed us that pizza could be tasty.”

Arc shudders. “Yeah. The school pizza wasn’t much of an example.”

“It certainly wasn’t anything special. More like rubber than something you’d want to eat.”

They enter the restaurant to find it empty.

“This is odd.”

“Are they closed?”

Arc turns around and looks at the sign on the door. “This is regular business hours.”

Lily points to the window. “The ‘open’ sign is on too.”

Arc calls out. “Roberto? Are you here?”

A tall elderly Italian comes out of the back room.

“Arc! It IS you! I thought I recognized the voices out here!”

He shakes hands with Arc and turns to Lily.

“You’re getting so tall, little lady!”

Lily laughs as she embraces him.

“It’s good to see you again, Roberto!”

“Where is Shelly?”

“She’s not feeling well. Arc’s friends are spending the evening at home with her.”

Arc nods. “Sorry for coming so late. I wasn’t aware you had changed hours.”

Roberto sighs. “I… I didn’t.”

Lily looks around the empty room. “Then where are all your customers?”

“It is a long story, you two. But come! I bake you a pizza, and show you a good time!”

Roberto leads the pair to the private dining room. He dims the room and lights a candle in the center of the table as Arc pulls out Lily’s chair for her.

“There! A more cozy atmosphere. Can I start you two off with something to drink?”

“I’ll have a water.”

“Coke for me, please.”

Roberto leaves the room and returns momentarily with their drinks and a basket of bread. He chuckles as he pulls out his order pad.

“Would you like your regular, Arc?”

Arc laughs. “You know me so well!”

“And for you, Lily?”

“I’ll have my regular too.”

Roberto smiles. “I’ll have that out for you as quick as I can.”

He leaves the room. Arc turns to Lily.

“So how’s Shelly been lately?”

Lily sighs. “Other than the hospital visit?”

Arc nods.

“She’s… been having more bad days lately.”

“Her conditions?”

“You know it.”

“Have the doctor’s been able to do anything for her?”

Lily shakes her head. “Not a thing that hasn’t already been tried.”

“So no new treatment options?”

“Nothing I’m afraid. She’s really suffering now more than before. That special chair Frank sent over for her is helping a lot, but…”

Her voice trails off as she looks down.

“…it’s only going to get worse for her from here on out.”

Arc sighs. “Shelly’s always been a tough girl. Always smiling even when it hurts.”

“Yes. I’ve always respected that in her. She’s done so much for me in the past. I just wish I could do something to help her.”

“As do I.”

Arc and Lily continue to chat as they wait for their food. Lily sniffs the air and smiles.

“That does smell good!”

“That was one thing that bothered me when we entered. No pizza smell.”

“Why do you suppose that is?”

“Probably due to the lack of customers.”

“That’s another question! This place should be brimming with guests right now!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Very strange indeed. It kinda reminds me of you and Shelly’s restaurant a while ago.”

Lily looks worried. “You don’t suppose the Shards are branching out, do you?!”

“I sure hope not. Roberto doesn’t deserve that!”

A short time later the proprietor enters their room with two steaming pizzas.

“There you are! One extra cheese, and one veggie lovers!”

“Thanks, Roberto!”

“These do smell good!”

“Enjoy you two! I’ll come check on you in a few minutes.”

He turns to leave as Arc serves Lily a slice of her pizza before turning to the proprietor.

“Are you busy, Roberto?”

Roberto turns around. “No. Was there something else you needed?”

Lily nods. “Kinda. We just wanted to ask you something.”

Arc picks up a slice for himself. “Your pizza smells great, as usual.”

They each take a bite.

“Tastes the same too.”

Lily nods happily. “Agreed!”

“So why don’t you have any other customers?”

Roberto sighs. “There’s a gang of ruffians that come around here every so often. They cause nothing but trouble for my customers. So no one comes around anymore.”

Lily gasps. “We had the same trouble in our restaurant, Roberto!”

Arc frowns. “Were they the Shards?”

Roberto shakes his head. “I have heard of the trouble in Angel Grove. However these are no young delinquents, but adults that should know better!”

“A different gang?!”

Roberto nods. “Yes. They call themselves ‘The Riders’.”

Arc frowns. “Not very imaginative.”

“These gang members drive very big, very loud motorcycles. Mostly middle aged men from what I’ve seen.”

“Do they come here for your pizza?”

“Yes, they love my pizza! But they don’t like to pay! And when they show up, all the other customers leave.”

He looks over at Lily.

“I am very glad to hear your own business is on the rise, young Lily. But if things don’t change around here soon, I’ll…”

The sound of engines can be heard approaching the building from outside. Arc frowns.

“It sounds like we have company.”

“Oh dear! Do you suppose it’s The Riders, Roberto?”

Roberto sighs. “Yes, that’s them. I’ll head up front now and take their orders.”

Arc frowns. “I thought you said they don’t pay!”

“That’s right. But if I don’t serve them, they’ll smash my shop.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc moves to stand. “Can we help?”

Roberto shakes his head. “No, no! Please! Just stay in here until they leave! Lock the door behind me! You two will be safe in here!”

The owner hurries out to greet the newcomers as they approach the building. Lily looks to Arc, clearly frightened.

“We have to help him!”

“Agreed. Let’s take a look out the window and see what we’re up against.”

The pair head over to the window and peek outside. They see three dozen motorcycles lined up with an equally large number of muscular bikers heading toward the entrance.

“Hmmm… we need a plan.”

“How about your friend from Angel Grove?!”

“Which one?”

“The big armored one from the news! That Hero of Light fellow!”

“Think I should give him a call?”

Lily looks at the phone next to the couch. “You have his number?!”

Arc points to his head. “Of course. I never leave home without it.”

“Do you think he can get here in time?!”

Arc takes Lily’s hand and leads her toward the room’s private bathroom. “I guarantee it. You stay in here though.”

“What about you though?!”

“When he gets here I’ll go out there and help.”

Lily nods nervously as Arc closes the Bathroom door. “Be careful!”

Arc calls out through the closed door. “I will. Lock that door behind you and don’t open it for anyone other than me. Understand, Lily?”

“Yes!”

Lily does as she it told and sits down in a dark corner of the bathroom. She begins to cry.

“Be careful, Arc! I don’t know what I’d do if you were to…!”

Meanwhile, the thugs burst into the pizzeria carrying on loudly. They roughly push a few tables together and sit down. Roberto rushes over nervously.

“Wh-what can I get you?!”

The leader grabs Roberto roughly by the front of his shirt. “Just start cooking! I’ll tell you when to stop!”

“Yes sir, right away!”

He roughly pushes Roberto toward the counter. Meanwhile, Arc steps over to the door and opens it a crack. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc, what are you planning to do?!”

“Teach those guys a lesson for starters.”

“Be careful! Somepony could get hurt!”

Arc touches his ring and calls forth Eidolon’s Ward. “Yeah… them!”

Viktor’s voice rings out through his earring. “Commander? You’re cameras just came online! Is everything okay?!”

“You guys stay on your toes. Things are about to get dangerous.”

Xenos hurries to his seat. “Yes sir!”

Arc pulls the magic robe out of his ring and puts it on. He then locks the door, cloaks, and Blinks through. The gang members are whooping it up as Arc looks around.

“Hmmm… these guys are pretty big.”

“Maybe they’re too much for you, Arc!”

“They may be big, but I can see they’re dumb as a box of rocks. I’ll bet they mostly rely on intimidation and numbers rather than actual fighting experience.”

“You sure about that?!”

“One way to find out.”

He Blinks outside to the parking lot. Cherry sounds confused.

“Arc? What are you…?”

He walks toward the building and decloaks. “Making an entrance they’ll remember.”

Pushing the door open, Arc slowly walks inside. The Riders stop talking and look over at the newcomer, chuckling. The leader yells over to him.

“A little early for Halloween, isn’t it?!”

Arc ignores him and walks over to the counter. Sitting down he slowly reaches over and rings the bell. A few moments later Roberto steps nervously out of the kitchen and walks over to the counter.

“S-something I can get you, sir?”

The leader stands up quickly. “HEY! No orders until we’ve been served! Got it, old man!”

Roberto looks over to the robed and armored person before him.

“I… I’m sorry, but they’re having a… um… private party.”

He lowers his voice.

“Come around back and I’ll take your order there.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you. I can wait.”

The leader turns his attention to Arc. “Get out of here, you bum!”

He shoots Roberto a nasty glare.

“Y-yes sir! Your order will be out soon!”

As Roberto turns to head back to the kitchen Arc puts a hand on his shoulder and lowers his voice.

“No matter what you hear, stay back there.”

Roberto nods and returns to the Kitchen as The Riders stand up as one and walk over to the counter.

“You deaf, weirdo?! I said get out of here!”

Arc turns around. “Is there not room for everyone here? After all, I just want some of the best pizza in town. Same as you, I suppose.”

“This is OUR turf though! Get lost!”

“You’re hurting this man’s business. Why don’t you and your boys leave so he can get some paying customers?”

The leader looks to him, confused. “Are you crazy or something?! Why should WE leave?!”

“Because it’s just the right thing to do.”

The gang laughs heartily as the leader motions for one of his men to hold the front door open.

“Well then. Maybe YOU ought to leave before things get rough! After all, it would be the ‘right’ thing for YOU to…”

“I’m not going anywhere. Now unless you all want to leave here with broken limbs, I suggest all of you walk out that door and don’t come back.”

The leader smirks. “I guess we’re doing this that hard way!”

Arc chuckles. “Thinking the same thing.”

He turns to look out the front door as he picks up a nearby pepper shaker and toys with it.

“Those are some nice bikes you have out there.”

“What are you…?”

Arc hurls the pepper shaker past the man holding the door at one of the bikes outside. It hits the side squarely denting the panel. The leader’s face turn crimson with rage.

“GET HIM!!!”

They lung at Arc as he Blinks outside. The leader looks around.

“What the…?!”

“Out here!”

“Don’t just stand there! After him!”

The gang rushes outside and surrounds Arc.

“You just made a BIG mistake, friend! We’re going to teach you a lesson you ain't NEVER going to forget!”

Chapter 11 - Taking Out the Trash

Arc takes up a battle ready position. “Come on then! Let’s go!”

A van driving by suddenly stops and pulls into the parking lot. A man and women get out quickly with cameras and a microphone.

“Looks like that tip was good, Miss Moore!”

“Right! Sometimes news just lands in your lap! Let’s get some exclusive footage!”

They hurriedly set up. Hugh calls out to Arc over his earring.

“Sir! Civilians behind you!”

Arc turns his head momentarily. “Oh boy. The media. I’ll try my best to keep these guys away from them.”

“We’ll help, sir! Where’s Miss Lily?!”

“She’s safe, thanks. But this just got a LOT more complicated. Stay on your toes.”

The cameraman stands next to his van and points to Minerva.

“Minerva Moore here with Channel 7 News. I’m coming to you live from Farburg’s own Roberto’s Pizza where a fight has broken out. Are you there, Tom?”

The news anchor back in the station comes over her earpiece.

“I hear you, Minerva. What’s going on over there?”

She turns and gestures to Arc and The Riders.

“It looks like Angel Grove’s Hero of Light has come to take care of this town’s gang problem as well.”

“He did pretty well against the Shards, all right. But those guys look quite a bit tougher than what he’s faced before.”

“We’ll have to wait and see how this situation unfolds, Tom.”

Arc turns his gaze back to the gang members. “Let’s get this over with. I have stuff to do tonight other than waste time with you clowns.”

“Get him boys!”

The bikers rush toward Arc. He turns around, grabs one of their bikes, and throws it at them knocking a few gang members back. The leader’s face turns white with fury.

“MY BIKE!!!”

Arc shrugs. “Still want to do this?”

“Now more than ever, punk!”

“Have it your way.”

Arc lunges forward. Grabbing two biker’s heads he knocks them together before pushing them aside and advancing. A huge man with fists the size of hams comes at him.

“Watch it, sir!”

Xenos nods. “That guy looks big enough to hurt even you!”

“Agreed.”

Arc ducks and counters with a mighty blow to the biker’s gut. He doubles over, the wind knocked out of him.

“The bigger they are…”

Arc jumps and knees the man in the face. He falls backwards unconscious.

Viktor frowns. “Sir! It looks like you’re stopping traffic.”

Arc dodges another blow. “What? But I’m nowhere near the road.”

Rose scans the monitors before her. “People are slowing down to watch! Some are even stopping and getting out!”

Arc turns to catch a glance behind him as he kicks an opponent in the face. “Great! More people to worry about!”

Cherry calls out. “Do you think any of them will help you, Arc?”

“I sure hope not.”

A small crowd forms to watch the spectacle as Minerva continues her news broadcast.

“And yet another biker falls to our town’s hero!”

“Looks like he’s doing pretty well out there.”

She motions for the cameraman to focus on the Gang Leader.

“Right, Tom. But their leader certainly doesn’t look very happy about it.”

The gathering crowd cheers as Arc fells yet another thug with a powerful right-cross. The remaining conscious bikers fall back to their leader.

“No more playing around, boys!”

He reaches into his leather jacket and pulls out a club. The other members do the same, pulling out chains, crowbars and other various melee weapons.

“Looks like things are escalating here, Tom! This just became a VERY dangerous situation! We’ll keep broadcasting for those of you at home in Angel Grove as long as we can though!”

“Be careful over there, Minerva. Gang violence is a very unpredictable thing. Any sign of our Hero’s partner?”

“No, Tom. It looks like he’s on his own tonight.”

Arc looks at all the weapons before him. “So, you guys want to up the ante, huh?”

“You’re going DOWN!”

Arc removes his cloak and stores it in his magic ring in one swift motion to reveal his armor.

“Good luck with that.”

The leader laughs. “There’s still dozens of us, and ONE of you!”

“WOAH! Minerva, what is the Hero of Light wearing?!”

“It looks to be some kind of heavy plate armor, Tom. I’m guessing he was wearing that at the apartment fire as well.”

“That would help explain how he made it through that inferno. It looks very resilient.”

“I’m no expert, but that armor’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before!”

“Well, hopefully he knows how to use it. I don’t see a weapon anywhere on him though. And what happened to that cloak he was wearing? Did it disintegrate?

“You’re guess is as good as mine, Tom. One moment it was there, the next it wasn’t.”

Arc points at the leader. “There’s still time for you and your gang to turn tail and run.”

HAH! Even with that trash can on you’ll still feel pain! Not very smart of you to bring a fancy suit without a weapon, idiot!”

Arc chuckles. “Funny you should mention that.”

He reaches for his ring and pulls out the Spear of Righteousness.

“The Hero of Light has just seemingly pulled a weapon out of thin air, Tom!”

“Any idea where it came from?”

“None whatsoever! But I believe this fight is going to get out of hand very quickly!”

“Any local authorities on the scene?”

“There hasn’t been so much as a single strobe or siren since we arrived.”

Arc stares down the gang. “So, we doing this or what?!”

“Get him!”

A man with brass knuckles comes at Arc. He takes a mighty swing. Arc knocks the fist away before giving him a swift kick to the chest. Looking to the gang Arc taunts them.

“Next.”

Another thug charges forward with a chain over his head. Swinging it at Arc, it wraps around his spear. The punk grins.

“GOTCHA!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I got YOU!”

He gives his spear a mighty tug. The gang member flies toward him and meets Arc’s fist head on. He falls to the ground unconscious.

“It appears even these burly bikers are no match for our town’s hero, Tom!”

“Sounds like he’s really showing them whose boss, Minerva.”

“That he is! I don’t think this gang is going to last too much longer against him.”

Arc shakes his head. “You guys ready to give up? Or are you thirsty for more?”

Another biker charges at him with a club Arc blocks the blow with his spear and counters with a fist to his assailant’s chin. Looking down at the club Arc brings a boot down on it hard, smashing the weapon to splinters. He looks up as another ganger charges him with a crowbar.

“Come on!”

As the man brings the crowbar down Arc grabs it, kicks him in the gut, and sends him flying toward his companions. Looking at the crowbar in his gauntlet a moment Arc takes it in both hands and bends it in half before throwing it at a nearby post. It lands neatly against it”

“A ringer!”

“Woah! Minerva, did he just…?”

“Yes, Tom. That crowbar bent like it was made out of rubber!”

Three thugs charge him at once, all wielding clubs. Minerva looks over.

“I think our hero may have his hands full with this lot, Tom!”

“Do you think he’ll be able to pull through?”

“If what I’ve seen holds true, those bikers are in for a world of hurt.”

Arc plants his feet firmly and awaits his attackers. As they swing Arc throws his spear high into the air and quickly calls forth his Magic Blades. In moments his assailant’s clubs are sliced to pieces. Retracting his blades Arc reaches up and catches his spear. Using it like a baseball bat he knocks back all three with a single blow.

“What was that light, Minerva?!”

“The Hero appears to have some kind of energy weapons concealed in his gauntlets, Tom! What it is and how it works is anyone’s guess though!”

As the trio falls to the ground some distance away the remaining gang members run over to their bikes and speed away. The leader glares at Arc.

“You won’t take me down so easily!”

He runs over to his own bike and starts the motor. Arc waves as the man guns the engine and peels out.

“See ya!”

Suddenly the leader does a U-turn and points his headlight directly at Arc.

“You may be strong! But I doubt even you could stop several hundred pounds of mechanical horsepower!”

He revs the motor a few times before letting off the brake. The motorcycle flies toward Arc at breakneck speed. Cherry calls out to him desperately.

“ARC! You have to MOVE!”

“Trust me, Cherry.”

As the bike nears, Arc Blinks to one side and holds his spear out. He catches the leader squarely in the face, knocking him backwards off the motorcycle.

“That was…”

Rose screams into her headset. “THE REPORTERS!”

Arc whirls around to see the bike sliding across the pavement toward the news van. He Blinks between the pair, shoving the cameraman safely out of the way. Arc then grabs Minerva and throws himself to the side. The motorcycle crashes into the van, demolishing both vehicles.

“Are you alright, Miss Moore?”

“I… um… what happened?”

Arc stands and helps Minerva up. “That crazy biker nearly killed you two.”

He points to their ruined van. The cameraman is just getting up with his smashed camera.

“Sorry Miss Moore, but it looks like our broadcast is over.”

Arc turns to Minerva. “Excuse me.”

He walks over to the cameraman.

“Sorry for the rough shove there, fella.”

“Are you kidding?! You save our lives!”

Minerva walks over to the leader who is just coming around.

“Sir? Are you alright?”

He raises his head and slowly stands up. A wicked grin on his face.

“Just fine.”

He roughly grabs Minerva by the front of her blouse, turns her around, and pulls a knife. Xenos calls out.

“He’s got a hostage, sir!”

Arc looks over. “What the…?”

The leader pulls Minerva’s hair to expose her throat. “Playtime is over, hero!”

He puts the knife to her neck and glares at Arc menacingly.

“You don’t know who you’re messing with!”

“S-someone help me!”

Arc turns to the crowd. “Everyone stay back!”

“Do what he says! I’m not playing around here!”

Arc slowly walks toward them. “Let her go.”

Viktor looks over his monitor. “Be careful sir! He’s out of his mind!”

Minerva cries out. “Please don’t hurt me! I’m just a reporter!”

The leader smiles as he hears the sound of motorcycles approaching. “Looks like my boys brought the rest of the gang.”

Arc groans. “You mean there’s more of you losers?!”

“A lot more! You stay right where you are, hero, or the lady gets a new breathing hole!”

Arc frowns as one of the thugs stops in front of the leader and puts Minerva on the bike. As he moves to get on himself Arc quickly reaches forward with his magic to pull the knife out of the leader’s hand. It clatters to the ground in front of Arc. Blinking over to them Arc wraps his arms around Minerva and Blinks her back to the ruined van. The leader growls as he gets on the bike and speeds off.

“You’ll regret this, punk!”

Arc looks down at the trembling woman in his arms as the gang speeds away.

“He’s gone, miss. Did he hurt you?”

Minerva shakes her head silently. The crowd bursts into applause.

“I… th-thank you!”

Viktor breathes a sigh of relief. “I think she’s still in shock, sir.”

Rose nods. “Right. You should get her somewhere warm.”

Hugh chuckles. “And get her a stiff drink.”

Arc puts an arm around Minerva’s shoulder and leads her toward the pizzeria. “This way. Let’s get you out of the cold.”

Minerva nods shakily as most of the crowd follows them. As they enter the pizzeria Roberto peeks out from the kitchen at all the commotion. He is stunned to see so many people. Arc leads Minerva over to a chair.

“You just rest a moment.”

Arc turns to Roberto.

“This young woman has had quite a scare. You have anything to calm her nerves?”

“I’ll bring her a glass of wine, sir.”

Minerva looks over. “M-make it a double!”

Arc looks down at Minerva. “You’ll be okay. I need to get going now.”

Minerva looks confused. “Wait, what?!”

Arc Blinks back into the private dining room. Cherry lets out a sigh of relief as Arc recalls his armor.

“I’m certainly glad that’s over!”

“Me too.”

He quickly heads for the private bathroom and knocks.

“Lily? It’s me.”

The lock clicks and the door slowly opens. Lily emerges, clearly shaken.

“Is… is it over?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Everything’s fine now.”

“What’s all that noise out there?”

Arc leads her over to their table. “Oh, you see…”

He brings her up to spend on what happened.

“I’m certainly glad you were able to get ahold of your knight friend!”

“Me too. He’s pretty good at what he does.”

“Are you okay, Arc?!”

“Just fine.”

“Are you sure?! You’re a mess!”

“I am?”

Arc looks down to see his dress shirt and pants completely wrinkled and sweaty. He turns back to Lily.

“It was quite a fight.”

“Did they hurt you, Arc?!”

“Never laid a hand on me.”

Lily appears relieved. “Good! I was so worried about you!”

Arc picks up his pizza and takes a bite. “All’s well that ends well.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc walks over and unlocks it to find Roberto standing there.

“Are you two okay in there?”

“Just fine, my friend. But it sounds like you have a bona-fide party going on out there.”

“A white knight chased away the gang! Everyone followed him in here and smelled the food! I’m selling the thug’s order by the slice!”

Lily walks over to join Arc. “I’m glad you’re okay, Roberto!”

Arc nods. “And that business is picking up for you.”

“I hope so. To tell you the truth, I couldn’t have kept the place going much longer. Not without customers.”

Lily nods. “That much I understand.”

Roberto sighs. “I only wish that knight had stuck around long enough for me to properly thank him. But I don’t understand how he knew to come here in the first place.”

“Arc called him.”

“You did?”

“Yes. I guess it was fortunate he was available.”

Roberto smiles. “Well, you tell him that he’s welcome in my restaurant anytime!”

“I’ll pass that on.”

“Please do! Now then, do you two need anything?”

Lily giggles. “How about another pitcher of Coke?”

Arc nods. “Yeah! All that excitement made me thirsty.”

“Coming right up!”

“Thanks!”

Roberto leaves to return to work. Arc closes the door behind him.

“Why don’t you keep eating, Lily? I need to head to the restroom.”

“Too much soda?”

“That and I need to clean myself up a bit.”

Lily sits back down at the table. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

Arc heads for the private Bathroom and locks the door. He walks over to the sink and turns on the water and begins washing his face.

“How did I get so messed up from just a bit of exercise?”

Cherry calls out. “Your armor IS pretty tight, Arc.”

“Am I putting on weight?”

“No, but it needs to be that way to prevent it from sloshing around. That’s why your clothes are so wrinkled.”

“Oh really? Then how about my face?! Why is it so dirty?”

“I think you need to give the inside of your helmet a good cleaning.”

Arc sighs. “Come to think of it, I can’t remember the last time I did that. Remind me tomorrow and I’ll give my whole suit a good scrubbing.”

“I will.”

Arc looks down at his wrinkled and dirty dress shirt. “Good thing it’s kinda dim out there.”

“Lily won’t mind. After all, you saved the day.”

“No. The Hero of Light did that.”

“Which is you, silly!”

“But she doesn’t know that.”

“It’s for the best, Arc. Don’t you think Lily would worry if she found out you were the one fighting bad guys?”

Arc nods as he dries his hands and face. “I suppose you’re right. That reminds me though.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Viktor. You boys still there?”

“Yes sir.”

Rose nods. “What can we do for you, Arc?”

“See about doing some research on ‘The Riders’. I’m seeing some similarities to them and the Shards.”

“We’ll get right on it, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Yes! You just have fun on the rest of your date!”

“It’s not a… oh never mind. Just get to work.”

Viktor snickers. “Yes sir!”

“Focus on methods and locations for starters. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring and puts his hands on the sink as he stares into the mirror.

“Now then, let’s see if we can salvage what’s left of this evening.”

He leaves the bathroom and returns to the table.

“Sorry for making you wait.”

“It’s fine, Arc. When you gotta go, you gotta go. Roberto came by while you were gone. He brought some breadsticks along with that pitcher.”

Arc picks up a slice of pizza and smiles. “He knows what we like.”

Lily looks toward the closed door. “Sounds like business is booming out there.”

Arc glances out the window. “The parking lot is filling up pretty quick as well.”

“Trust me. As a fellow restaurateur, that in and of itself is quite satisfying.”

They finish their meal and sit back.

“That right there is good pizza!”

“Agreed! Shelly and I have tried over the years, but we can’t even come close.”

Arc stands up as he puts some money on the table. “Well then, shall we continue our evening? That is, if you’re still up for it.”

Lily smiles at Arc as she stands and takes his arm. “I am.”

They leave the room and head up to the counter. Every booth and table is filled. Minerva is still where Arc left her. She is enjoying a pizza and a soda though. Cherry speaks to Arc telepathically.

“She looks to be taking it well.”

“Agreed. A reporter’s life is seldom dull it would appear.”

“I-I’m sorry. I’ll shut up and let you get back to your date.”

“Oh no, Cherry! You can talk to me anytime!”

Arc and Lily head for the front counter together. Roberto is busy ringing up sales.

“Thanks for the pizza, Roberto. We left the money on the table.”

“I hope you two enjoyed yourselves! Even with all the commotion!”

Lily smiles. “None of that was your fault, old friend.”

“At least business is booming for you now.

“Here’s to hoping it stays that way! Have a nice evening you two!”

Arc and Lily head back to his Jeep.

“That was certainly an interesting meal.”

“I’ll say!”

Arc starts the vehicle. “I hope you weren’t too scared.”

Lily shakes her head. “Those ruffians weren’t what frightened me.”

Arc turns onto the main road. “Really?”

“I was more worried about what they would do to you, Roberto, and your friend!”

“He’s pretty good at taking care of things like that and getting away unharmed.”

“Yes. After all, he did pretty well at that fire a while back.”

“And all the other little things he does around Angel Grove.”

“Yes, I see him on the news every so often. Minerva Moore has been trying to get him to sit down with her for an interview.”

“ I would imagine she would love that.”

“Why do you suppose he keeps refusing her invitation?”

“He’s a very private individual. Doesn’t like attention or accolades much.”

Lily giggles. “Seeing as he’s a hero with a secret identity I can understand his hesitance. I’d still like to meet and thank him for all he’s done.”

“I passed on your thanks to him the other day.”

“Does he understand that most of us in Angel Grove think highly of him?”

“I’m sure he does.”

“Good. Shelly and I don’t believe a word Guy Smiley says about him!”

“Wait. Guy Smiley?”

Lily nods. “He’s pretty vocal about our local hero being a menace to society.”

“Is he now?”

“You haven’t seen his show? It’s probably the highest rated prime time show around.”

Arc sighs. “I’ve never been much for watching TV.”

“I know. You’re always busy with something.”

“So how big is Guy’s show?”

“He recently went national. People really like his personality! I mean, his show IS pretty good!”

Arc shrugs. “I’ve seen a couple of his episodes, including the first.”

“What did you think? “

“I think… I think he needs to be less critical of those just trying to help.”

Lily nods. “Right. Shelly and I don’t like when he speaks poorly of the Hero of Light. After all, he does what no one else can.”

They are silent for a time as Arc drives.

“So… just what is he anyways? I mean, is he human?”

“Yes. He’s just a… a guy trying to help out.”

“Kinda like you?”

“I suppose.”

“Maybe that’s why he asked for your help. You two have that much in common.”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose we do.”

“Call me paranoid, but I get the feeling we’ll need his help in the future.”

“You mean you and Shelly?”

Lily shakes her head. “No. I mean everyone.”

“Angel Grove?”

“Earth.”

“I doubt that.”

“I hope you’re right. I really do.”

Meanwhile back at the pizzeria, Minerva smiles over a slice of pizza and a Coke as she mutters to herself.

“Who is this hero? Where did he come from? What does he want with us?”

She giggles as she continues to muse to herself.

“And most importantly, does he have a girlfriend…?”

Chapter 12 - Difficult Conversations

The pair drive back toward Angel Grove. Lily turns to Arc.

“That was a pretty good movie!”

“I’ll say. You’ve always liked Star Wars, haven’t you?”

Lily nods happily. “Very much so. And you?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s okay I guess. What’s your favorite part?”

“I really like the premise of good versus evil and the Force.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I mean, the Force itself isn’t good or bad, right?”

“I suppose not. It’s really just bending to the will of the one who uses it.”

“Right! And their choices. What if the force was real though?!”

“A sobering thought. People running around with super powers.”

Lily’s face lights up excitedly. “You don’t suppose the Hero of Light is a force user, do you Arc?!”

Arc chuckles. “I doubt it. After all, it was just a movie.”

Lily sighs. “You’re right. But I wish it was real.”

“I don’t.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. Always on the run from the bad guys. No family to call your own. No permanent home. I wouldn’t want to do it.”

“Do you think they get lonely? After all, they do have their friends.”

“I guarantee it.”

They arrive back at the restaurant. Arc and Lily walk toward the exterior stairs as Arc turns to Lily apologetically.

“Sorry for such a hectic night.”

Lily smiles at him. “Don’t be. After all, it’s not your fault those bikers chose to show up and start a fight.”

“I don’t think they’ll be trying something like that anytime soon.”

“Hopefully you’re right. I’d hate for Roberto to have to go through a night like that again.”

Arc mutters to himself. “They just might come back.”

“What was that Arc?”

“Oh, uh… nothing. Just thinking to myself.”

Lily opens the apartment door and the pair step inside the warm entryway. The sound of laughter can be heard coming from the Living Room. Lily calls out as Arc closes the door.

“We’re back!”

Max stands up respectfully as they enter. “Welcome back you two.”

Arc looks around. “Hi Max. Where’s Ember and Sereb?”

Shelly smiles at Arc. “She wasn’t feeling well, so I told her to rest in my room. Sereb followed her in there.”

Lily looks worried. “Oh dear! Is she alright?!”

Max nods. “I’m sure it was just fatigue. Nothing to worry about, ma’am.”

“Did you two have a nice time?”

Arc nods. “That we did.”

“Were you there at Roberto’s when that terrible fight broke out by any chance?”

Lily shudders. “Yes. It was quite the experience! But how did you know about that, Shelly?”

Max points at the television. “We were watching a little TV at the time when there was an interruption.”

Shelly nods. “They had live coverage of the Hero of Light knocking some sense into those ruffians. I just wonder how he knew there was trouble there.”

“Arc called him.”

“He did?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes. Like I said before, we gather info for him. It was just a lucky break I was there when that gang showed up.”

Max smiles. “The Hero is quite dependable, after all.”

Shelly nods. “You must’ve had the best seat in the house, Lily.”

Lily turns to her friend. “Truth be told, I was hiding in a bathroom at the time.”

Arc nods. “Your safety was more important, Lily.”

Max looks to Arc nervously. “After the news, Shelly and I tuned in to ‘The Thought Around Town’.”

“Guy Smiley’s show?”

Shelly nods. “Yes. Lily and I watch him nearly every night.”

Lily sighs. “Did he talk about the Hero of Light again?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Anything good?”

Shelly shakes her head. “Mostly about how he was endangering the public with his so-called reckless antics.”

Max nods. “The footage of that motorcycle hitting Minerva Moore was the highlight of his show.”

Arc frowns. “Wait, what?!”

Lily gasps. “I didn’t know anyone was injured.”

“The reporter and the cameraman were fine!”

Shelly looks confused. “They were?”

“Yes. The Hero of Light pushed them out of the way just in time.”

“I believe you, sir. But that’s not what his show or the news broadcasted.”

Lily frowns. “The news is against him too?”

Shelly shrugs. “They probably just assumed when the camera got smashed that their staff had also been injured.”

Max shakes his head. “Yes. But now the public thinks he’s some kind of maniac!”

Arc nods. “I hope the news posts a retraction tomorrow.”

Shelly sighs. “As do I. But the damage has been done I’m afraid.”

“In any case, we should probably get home soon, sir. Shelly and Lily need some rest.”

“Agreed. Can you wake up Ember for me please?”

“Sure.”

Max leaves the room as Lily gives Arc a hug.

“Thanks for the night out.”

She looks up and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“You were very brave tonight.”

“I… thanks.”

Ember, Sereb, and Max return to the Living Room. Ember yawns.

“Welcome back you two. Have a nice time?”

“Yup. You okay?”

Ember looks away nervously. “I… yeah.”

Arc turns to Lily and Shelly. “We need to get Ember home. Shelly, the three of us will have to go out sometime when you’re feeling better.”

“I’d like that.”

Arc heads for the door with the others. “Take care you two.”

“Bye!”

“Good night, everyone. Thanks for looking after me, Max.”

“My pleasure, ma’am.”

They shut the door behind them. Lily turns to Shelly.

“We should get you to bed. Did you have a nice time here at home?”

“I did!”

Meanwhile, Arc and the others get in the Jeep and head for home.

“Sir?”

“Yes, Max?”

“I… I’m sorry the news made you look like that tonight.”

“No more than I am.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… did I miss something?”

“You can see it on the morning news, Ember. Hopefully by then the truth will have come to light.”

Sereb growls. “I have noticed humanity often times prefers fiction over fact.”

“That may be. But let’s hope it ends well for you, sir.”

Arc nods silently as they pull into the driveway. The group heads inside and down to the basement. Viktor and Hugh are busy going over innumerable papers. They look up as the others enter. Hugh looks over.

“Sir! Are you alright?!”

“No worse for wear, I suppose.”

“Hugh and I have been looking into this gang you fought tonight, sir.”

Ember frowns. “Fought?!”

Xenos laughs. “Don’t worry, Ember. It was pretty one sided.”

Hugh nods. “You didn’t miss much.”

“In any case, did you guys find out anything about those bikers?”

“Yes sir. They’re pretty notorious in Farburg.”

Viktor holds up some notes. “Messing with honest folks, vandalism, and a bit of theft mostly.”

Hugh shrugs. “Nothing too threatening. Kinda like the Shards here in Angel Grove.”

Ember groans. “Do they have weirdo, magic-wielding girls on their side too?”

“Um… no. Nothing like that in the news anyways.”

Ember turns to Arc. “We can take them out easily.”

Sereb growls. “Agreed.”

“We’re not rushing into anything. Right now I think we all need a good night’s sleep.”

Ember looks away. “Y-yeah.”

Xenos frowns. “Something wrong, Ember?”

Max pipes up. “She was a little sick at Shelly’s place earlier tonight.”

Hugh turns to Ember. “Feeling better?”

“I am. Just… need to get some rest.”

Viktor puts down his papers. “I think we all do right now.”

Arc yawns as he heads for the stairs. “Agreed. Good night everyone.”

Arc, Ember and Sereb head upstairs together, they part ways at their rooms.

“Goodnight Ember.”

Ember clears her throat. “I, um… goodnight.”

She quickly enters her room and closes the door behind her. Arc looks to Sereb, confused.

“Something happen earlier?”

Sereb nods as Arc opens his door. “Yes.”

Arc sighs as he closes the door behind them. “Are you going to tell me about it?”

“Ember will do so when she is ready.”

“Are you certain?”

“I am.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. I’m too tired to argue anyways.”

He flops down on his parent’s bed and sighs contentedly.

“Nothing like a nice soft bed after a hard day.”

Sereb jumps up and makes himself comfortable. “Agreed.”

Arc rolls over and closes his eyes. In a few minutes he is asleep. A few hours later there is a knock on his door. He sits up.

“Wha… come in.”

Ember opens the door and walks in. She has bags under her eyes and does not appear to have slept.

“Something wrong?”

“Yeah, Arc. I… uh… kinda need to talk to you.”

Sereb stands up. “I shall give you two some privacy.”

“Thanks, Sereb.”

Sereb steps out into the hallway as Ember closes the door behind him.

Come over here, Ember. You look terrible! Is it the illness from before?”

Ember sits down next to him and shakes her head. “No. I’m fine.”

“Do you need to talk?”

“More than you know!”

“Okay. I’m listening.”

“I… it’s just… you see…”

“Take your time, Ember. I’ll wait.”

Ember looks down at her hands. “Arc, I… have you ever seen something you didn’t fully understand, but wish you hadn’t?”

“Um… not really sure what you mean. Can’t you just tell me what’s bothering you?”

“I… I know I should! But… look, can I talk to you and Cherry in your, um… Sanctuary I think you called it?”

“It’s fine with me. How about you, Cherry?”

“Of course. Anything to make you feel better, Ember.”

Ember sadly nods as she climbs into bed with Arc. He covers them with the blankets and lies down.

“Comfy?”

Ember nods wordlessly as she presses her face against his chest. A few moments later Arc feels tears dripping onto him. He telepathically calls out to Cherry.

“Something is really wrong here. I’ve NEVER seen her quite like this before!”

“Agreed. This is just so unlike her! Do you think she’s still sick?”

“No way to know until she tells us.”

“But she won’t do that until you two fall asleep.”

“I have an idea.”

Arc looks down at Ember.

“You still awake?”

She wordlessly nods.

“Come here.”

“Huh?”

Arc pulls her tightly to himself and begins to rub her back.

“Just relax now. Everything’s going to be alright.”

Ember sadly nods as she presses her body even tighter against Arc and continues to cry.

“That does feel good.”

“Your muscles are loosening up as well. Whatever is bothering you, we’ll get through it together.”

Ember sighs. “I sure hope so, Arc.”

“Have I ever let you down before?”

“No, but…”

“Then trust me. I’m here for you.”

Ember nods. A short time later he hears her breathing slow as she drifts off to sleep. Arc closes his eyes.

“See you soon, my friend.”

Arc opens his eyes to see Cherry Hill Ranch in the sunset. Ember is sitting sadly on the porch swing. He walks over to her and sits down as Cherry walks out of the farmhouse.

“Still a human, Ember?”

“Huh?”

Cherry sits down on the other side of Ember. “This is a dream, remember? You can be anything you want to.”

Ember sighs. “It wouldn’t make this any easier.”

“Why don’t you tell us what’s on your mind?”

Cherry smiles. “I can leave if that would make you feel better, Ember.”

Ember shakes her head. “No, Cherry. I want you to hear this too.”

Arc takes her hand.

“Whatever it is, you can tell us.”

Cherry puts a hoof on Ember’s knee. “Right. We’re your friends!”

Ember takes a deep breath. “Okay… here goes.”

She pauses to collect her thoughts.

“You see… tonight at Shelly’s place, I… uh… was just pretending to be sick.”

Arc looks to her, confused. “You were faking?”

“Why, Ember? That’s not like you.”

Ember sighs. “You see… Shelly and Max were having a really nice conversation. Sereb was lying in Shelly’s lap as she stroked him. Everything seemed perfect.”

Arc smiles. “I’m glad you four had a nice time.”

Cherry smiles. “No shame in that.”

Ember nods nervously. “That’s actually what has me worried.”

Arc frowns. “Which part?”

“I’ve seen you get mad before, Arc, and I gotta say it kinda frightens me.”

“It doesn’t happen very often. But I didn’t know my anger was enough to intimidate a dragon.”

Cherry nods. “Me either. Is that what has you so uptight?

“No. I’m just kinda nervous about telling you the rest of the story.”

Arc pats Ember’s hand. “I won’t get mad. Promise.”

“Really?!”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Here goes then. I was listening to the two of them talk and… well… your friend Shelly, she…”

Ember’s voice trails off.

“She was… flirting with Max.”

Arc looks confused. “She was?”

“I’m almost positive, yes.”

Cherry frowns. “What’s wrong with that?”

Ember turns to look Arc in the eye. “Max is a really smart stallion. He’s strong, brave, and has great leadership qualities.”

“That he is. I can always count on him.”

“I’m glad you feel that way, Arc. Because he… he was kinda… flirting back.”

Ember turns away suddenly and blushes.

Cherry nods. “So you think he has a thing for Shelly?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he was just being nice to her.”

“What does that have to do with you being sick?”

“It made me feel a little uncomfortable actually. I said I was feeling sick to… to get out of there.”

Cherry smiles. “Seeing such things can make others uncomfortable, yes. Nothing to be ashamed of, Ember.”

“Shelly suggested I rest in her room. Sereb followed me to make sure I was alright.”

Ember is silent for a time before continuing.

“I… I’m sorry, Arc.”

“Sorry? What for?”

“I shouldn’t have left them alone. Who knows what they did?!”

“Shelly isn’t the kind of girl to fall for a guy the moment they meet, Ember.”

Cherry nods. “And Max doesn’t strike me as the kind of stallion who would take advantage of a helpless mare.”

“But I should have BEEN there!”

“It may have actually been for the best.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Oh?”

“It gave Shelly a chance to have some one-on-one time with someone other than Lily and I. Max wouldn’t have done anything to her.”

“Are you sure?”

“Ember. You know Max as well as I do. Do you think he would have done anything inappropriate?”

“I… I guess not. But you see her and Lily like little sisters!”

Arc nods. “That’s right. But they’re adults now. And if they want to see someone, I’m all for it.”

“So you’re not mad?”

“Mad?”

“I just thought you’d be upset that I left them to their own devices.”

Cherry giggles. “I’m sure Sereb was listening in the whole time anyway.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably not intentionally, but yes.”

Ember breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s really a load off my mind! I mean… I remember how protective you were of your daughter when Moonlit Dusk showed up. I thought you were going to gut him right then and there when he told Dinky off!”

“There’s a difference. He was scum.”

Arc puts an arm around Ember’s shoulders as he continues.

“You don’t need to be afraid to talk to me about something, Ember. This is what friends do, after all.”

Cherry nods. “Yes. Arc’s very understanding.”

Ember puts her arms around Arc and smiles. “Thanks for the talk. I feel a LOT better now!”

“Thanks for telling me. But I think I’ll have a talk with Max later about this though.”

Cherry turns to him. “Arc?”

“It’s all well and good for him to be interested. But we’re not going to be on Earth forever. When Princess Celestia is found, it’s unlikely that my squad will be staying here.”

“I… suppose that’s true.”

“While I’m not against them seeing someone here, I’m a little worried about them forming attachments that won’t last.”

Cherry sighs. “Do they have to go back to Equestria?”

Arc nods. “I’m assuming yes, as they’re still part of the military.”

Ember stands up. “Well, we should probably get to bed soon. It’s still pretty late.”

“Um… Ember?”

Yes, Arc?”

“We ARE asleep. Remember?”

“Oh… right. So what do you two do here?”

Cherry giggles. “Talk mostly.”

“Yup. Enjoying the quiet and each other’s company.”

“Should I leave you two alone?”

Cherry shakes her head. “No, no! You’re welcome here, Ember.”

“Right! Say, do you two want to do some baking?”

Cherry nods. “That sounds lovely, Arc!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Cooking? Aren’t we asleep?”

Arc takes Ember’s hand as Cherry takes his. “We are. That’s what makes cooking and eating so enjoyable. No cleanup!”

“Right! And spending time together.”

“There’s that too.”

They head into the farmhouse together. The next morning Ember awakens in Arc’s arms.

“Arc?”

“Good morning. Hungry?”

Ember nods sleepily. “I kinda am. How is that possible?”

“You mean after we baked and ate all night?”

Ember pulls herself up by his shoulder. “Yeah.”

“Remember, it was a dream. None of the food, the farmhouse, the sunset or even the other sights and smells were real.”

Ember looks down sadly. “Oh.”

Arc puts a hand under her chin and raises it to look her in the eye. “Hey. You, me, and Cherry were very real. As were the experiences we had back there.”

Ember takes his hand and smiles. “Thank you for sharing your special place with me.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s nice to have company sometimes.”

Arc chuckles. “That it is.”

He moves to stand but his foot is apparently asleep.

“Woah!”

Ember moves to catch him. Arc falls into her arms as the pair crash back down onto the bed together. There is a knock at the door as Max hurriedly enters.

“Sir! I…!”

Max stops dead in his tracks as he sees the pair in such a position. He blushes heavily as he turns away respectfully.

“Oh, um… I… s-sorry for interrupting, sir, but I… we…”

Ember looks to Max as Arc quickly rolls off of her. “What’s the matter with you, Max?! Spit it out!”

“We just… uh… received a phone call from… ah… the hospital.”

Arc sits up quickly. “The hospital?!”

“Y-yes sir! It… it’s about your friend, Frank.”

Chapter 13 - Informants

“What about Frank?!”

“They said he’s been slipping in and out of consciousness.”

“So he’s waking up?!”

“Trying to at least.”

Arc hurries over to his closet for clean clothes. “I have to get over there!”

Ember frowns. “You mean ‘we’ right?”

“I was just going to…”

“Arc, I’m with you.”

“Thanks, Ember.”

He heads for the bathroom to change

“Max, call Lily and Shelly! Tell them what you know and ask if they want a ride up there!”

Max nods as Arc passes him. “Yes sir.”

Ember walks quickly toward her own room. “I’ll meet you downstairs!”

Arc calls out from the Bathroom. “Be there in a minute!”

Max heads downstairs and picks up the phone. He looks for the number in the small black book on the table next to it.

“I wish your friend the best of luck, sir. For your sake as well as that of your friends.”

A short time later Arc hurries downstairs. Ember is sitting at the kitchen table wolfing down a bowl of Frosted Flakes. Max calls out to Arc as he passes him.

“Lily says she’ll meet you in front of the restaurant with Shelly in ten minutes.”

“Thanks Max!”

Ember pushes a bowl across the table to Arc. “Eat up!”

Arc grabs his keys off the counter and heads for the door. “No time! Let’s go!”

Ember grabs her jacket off the back of her chair. “Okay. But don’t blame me if you’re cranky later.”

Arc nods as he heads out the door. “Agreed!”

They jump in the Jeep and head to the restaurant. The pair are waiting for them just inside the door. Arc jumps out and hurries over to help Shelly as Lily locks the front door and Ember puts the wheelchair in the back. Shelly turns to him as she’s helped in.

“Thanks for coming, Arc!”

Lily hops in next to Shelly in the back seat and helps her buckle up. “We can always count on you, my friend.”

“No problem you two. Us orphans have to stick together after all.”

They pull into traffic. Shelly looks to Ember.

“Feeling better?

Ember nods and smiles. “Oh yes. Much.”

“Shelly tells me you had a bit of a cold last night.”

“Kinda. But I’m feeling just fine now.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Shelly faces forward. “How’s Frank?”

“Not sure. Hopefully the hospital staff can fill us in.”

Sometime later they arrive at the hospital. Lily and Arc set up the wheelchair as Ember helps Shelly out of the Jeep. The four head for the building and walk quickly up to the Nurse’s Station.

“Excuse me. We’re here to see Frank Fontaine.”

The nurse looks over some paperwork. “The doctor is examining him, but will be done in a few minutes. Please wait with the others.”

Lily looks confused. “Others?”

Arc and company walk into the Waiting Room. Several familiar faces greet them. Ember glares at them.

“What the…? YOU?!”

Snake, Jackal, and Wolf stand as Arc and company walk over. Lily and Shelly hide behind Arc as Snake frowns.

“Believe me. The feeling is mutual.”

Jackal waves happily. “Hi there!”

Wolf glares at them. “I guess you four got the same message, huh?”

“If you mean the hospital called me, then yes.”

Snake turns to Arc. “Why would they call you?!”

“Because… aw skip it. Who told you three?”

Jackal raises a hand. “We got letter!”

Ember glares at them. “Who would write to you clowns?!”

Wolf turns to Jackal. “You don’t need to tell them anything!”

“But they help find boss!”

Snake shakes his head. “No, they didn’t! Just the big armored freak did!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Yeah? Who do you think told HIM?!”

Ember nods. “That’s right! You’re welcome by the way!”

Shelly looks to Jackal. “Excuse me, but what did you say about a letter?”

“Jackal find paper on his face this morning. Says boss at hospital. Jackal not know his face a mailbox.”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “Well, the cat’s out of the bag now.”

Snake looks to Arc. “Did you also send that brute to our base to get us here?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope.”

Lily looks confused. “That’s strange. I wonder who…”

A doctor walks up.

“Excuse me, but are all of you here to see Mr. Fontaine?”

Arc nods. “More or less. Can we see him now?”

“Yes. Please follow me.”

The doctor leads them to Frank’s room he turns to Arc as they enter.

“He’s lapsing in and out of consciousness.”

Lily takes Frank’s hand. “How often?”

“About once every half hour or so. Whether or not he can understand us though is anyone’s guess.”

Shelly sighs as Ember wheels her around to the other side of the bed. “He’s delirious?”

“I’m afraid so, miss. If you’ll excuse me, I have to check in on my other patients now.”

Snake frowns. “Thanks doc.”

The doctor leaves the room. Shelly takes Frank’s other hand in hers.

“Lily and I are here, Frank.”

“You’re not alone anymore.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

The three stooges stand at the end of the bed.

“Hey, boss.”

“Jackal here too!”

“Um… hope you feel better soon, sir.”

Frank does not stir. Arc sighs as he turns to the Shards.

“Anyone else know you’re here?”

Jackal shakes his head. “Nu uh! Note said not to tell anyone.”

“Jackal, will you shut up?!”

“Yeah! I got half a mind to…!”

Lily gasps. “Look! I think he’s coming around!”

Everyone stops talking and stares at Frank. He slowly opens his eyes halfway and looks around the room with unfocused eyes.

“Diva. Diva, where are you?! What are you doing?! I trusted you!”

Ember frowns. “What?”

“Frank. It’s Shelly. Can you hear me?”

“The sheep need to be led to water! Without a shepherd, they’ll be led astray!”

Lily looks confused. “Frank?”

Frank looks around the room. “Trust no one! Not Stingray! Not Hammer or Mio! Especially not Diva!”

“Boss? What you saying?”

“Betrayers of the dream, all of them! They knew. They knew it ALL! But they threw all away! All for nothing! Or… for everything!”

Frank’s eyes turn to Arc. He reaches over and grabs Arc’s shirt frantically.

“The dream… must not be allowed to die! Do you hear me, lieutenant?! It MUST continue! It MUST!!! Protect it! Defend it from the hyenas! See to it no harm comes to others!”

“Okay, Frank. I’ll certainly try.”

Frank weakly nods, closes his eyes, and lapses back into unconsciousness. Wolf turns to Arc.

“What was THAT all about?!”

Shelly shrugs sadly. “I guess the staff was right. He really has no idea what’s going on.”

Snake frowns. “He’s just delirious from whatever that armored freak did to him.”

Ember clenches a fist angrily. “That so-called armored freak SAVED your boss!”

Lily nods. “Yes. We’ve all seen him on TV. There’s no way he’d have hurt Frank.”

Jackal smiles. “Me believe pretty food ladies! Big metal man not hurt Snake or Jackal back at store!”

Wolf turns to Snake. “When was THAT?!”

Jackal laughs. “Long time ago. We on TV!”

“Yeah. The boss wasn’t too happy about that.”

Shelly turns to her friend. “Arc, I think Frank was trying to tell us something.”

“Agreed. But he was pretty vague.”

Arc turns to the Shards.

“Any idea what he was talking about?”

Snake thinks for a moment. “Well… Stingray, Hammer, and Mio are his lieutenants. Maybe he’s saying they were behind his disappearance?”

“They don’t have the guts to take on the boss like that!”

Jackal frowns. “Stingray is mean! She might have done dat with Hammer!”

Ember frowns. “What about Mio?”

“She okay lady! Not mean like other two.”

Snake sighs. “There’s no way we could figure this mess out ourselves.”

Wolf nods. “Yeah. I hate to say it, but we need to talk to that armored guy.”

Lily looks confused. “Why him?”

Jackal looks to Snake. “He smart! Find boss!”

“As much as it hurts me to admit it, Jackal’s right.”

“I am?”

“Yup.”

Snake turns to Arc.

“Think you could arrange a meeting?”

“I might be able to. Why?”

“To talk to him about the boss’ condition. He might know something we don’t about this.”

“Fine. Where and when?”

Shelly looks to Arc. “How about tonight at our restaurant?”

“What?!”

Lily turns to the Shards. “We’re open for supper. You three can come around back to the kitchen via the back door. We’ll leave it unlocked.”

Ember shakes her head. “You two really shouldn’t get involved in this. It isn’t safe!”

Shelly turns back to Frank. “Anything to help a friend.”

Lily nods. “I agree, Shelly.”

Snake sighs. “Fine.”

He turns to Arc.

“So, can you set it up?”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But just know that the big guy doesn’t like when people waste his time.”

They gulp.

“Still want to do this?”

Wolf nods. “We kinda have to at this point.”

“R-right.”

“We don’t have nobody else to turn to!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Hmph! What could you jokers possible have to tell him that’s so important?!”

Snake grins. “What’s been going on lately at the Shard base, for starters.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Such as…?”

Wolf shakes his head. “We ain't talking to nobody but him!”

Snake nods defiantly. “Yeah! The three of us are sticking our necks out far enough as it is here!”

Jackal shudders. “Stingray finds out we done seen you, she’ll be really mad!”

Wolf peeks out the window. “We should probably get back to base before we’re missed, guys.”

“Agreed.”

The three head for the door together. Wolf turns back to Arc.

“Ugh! We’re counting on you.”

They leave as Lily and Shelly turn to Arc.

“They’re really dedicated to Frank.”

Arc nods. “That they are. But he always had that about him.”

Lily looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Frank’s always had the ability to rally those around him to his cause.”

Shelly frowns. “Is that how you two started the Shards?”

“Pretty much. Well, I guess I should probably make that phone call.”

“Just let us know what he says.”

Lily smiles sheepishly. “Yes. I’d like to meet him too.”

“Be right back.”

Arc heads for the door. Ember follows.

“I’m going to find a drinking fountain.”

The pair head down the hallway together. Ember looks to Arc.

“So… do you think ‘the big guy’ will show up?”

“If there’s any chance at all those guys know something, yes.”

“I think this is a waste of time.”

“So? Stay home then?”

“Oh no, I’m still coming with you.”

Arc chuckles. “I thought you would.”

“We’re in this together. You know that.”

“Thanks.”

“Um, so… where are we going now?”

“Just killing a few minutes before we head back to the room. Remember, I told Lily and Shelly I’d call him.”

Ember sighs. “Maybe you should tell them.”

“Tell them what?”

“The truth.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

Arc shakes his head. “I… I just can’t, okay!”

Ember sighs. “Fine. Do what you want.”

A few minutes later Arc and Ember head back to Frank’s room. He returns to Lily’s side.

“It’s set up for tonight.”

“Will he enter through the back?”

“Yes.”

Shelly looks to Arc, hopeful. “Can… can we meet him?”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t know. He’s kinda shy in that regard.”

“Oh… I understand.”

Arc sighs. “I, uh… I’ll call him back and see if he can spare you a few minutes.”

“Thank you.”

The four spend most of the day with Frank. He lapses in and out of consciousness time after time again. However he makes no more sense than before. As evening falls Arc drives Shelly and Lily back home. He parks and gets out.

“Let’s get you two inside where it’s warm.”

Arc helps Shelly out of the Jeep as Ember retrieves the wheelchair from the back. Lily hurries to the restaurant door to unlock it.

“Okay, now ease on back.”

Shelly carefully sits down. “Thank you.”

Arc pushes her inside as Lily holds the door open. Shelly reaches over and flicks the light switch.

“It really is cold out there!”

Ember nods. “I’ll say. The sun going down really took the warmth out of the wind.”

Lily turns on the ‘Open’ sign as a few cars pull into the parking lot. “Guess it’s time to get to work.”

Arc heads to the back with Lily. “We’ll see to it the back door is unlocked.”

Shelly nods as she gets up onto her stool behind the counter with Ember’s help. “Okay.”

Ember grabs a couple menus as some customers walk in. “I’ll get folks seated while you two get ready back there.”

Lily nods. “Thanks Ember. We won’t be long.”

Arc turns the latch and unlocks the door as Lily turns on the light.

“We should probably leave that off.”

Lily looks confused. “But I want them to be able to find the door.”

“I understand. But they need to be able to keep a low profile, remember?”

Lily sighs. “I suppose you’re right.”

She flicks the switch back off and opens the Pantry door. The pair walk inside and pick up a few boxes.

“Let me see about stocking a few things out here for tonight.”

Arc takes the boxes as Lily hands them to him. “Good idea. Your guests will probably want some privacy.”

“That’s the plan.”

Arc and Lily put their loads on the center table.

“Thanks for doing this, Lily. You and Shelly are very brave to let strangers into the back room like this.”

Lily nods but looks nervous. “It’s for Frank. You know that normally Shelly and I would never agree to this.”

“I know.”

“Arc, will you… um… be here?”

“I’ll be here when they arrive, yes. Ember wants to attend the meeting with me.”

“She does?”

“Yes. She’s worried as well.”

Lily smiles. “She’s a good friend. You’re lucky to have her.”

Arc looks around the Kitchen. “That I am. Well, it looks like you’re pretty well set up for the supper crowd in terms of supplies.”

“I suppose so.”

“I’ll get Ember and we’ll wait outside for our visitors.”

“Thanks.”

Arc heads toward the front. “It’s no trouble.”

Lily calls out after him. “Tell Ember I’ll be out in a few minutes!”

“Sure thing.”

Arc walks over to Ember who is bringing drinks to a table.

“You ready?”

“Where’s Lily?”

“Taking care of something in the Kitchen. Come on.”

Arc turns to Shelly.

“We’re going outside to wait for the visitors.”

Shelly nods soberly. “Okay. Be careful!”

“We will.”

Ember heads out the door with Arc as Lily joins Shelly up front. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

The pair head out the front door and around to the back. Ember turns to Arc.

“So… what are we doing now?”

“Waiting for the Shards.”

Ember rubs her hands together. “Out here?! But it’s freezing!”

Arc puts an arm around Ember as he looks around. “Anyone watching?”

Ember smiles at him slyly. “No, Arc. What are you…?”

Arc Blinks them inside the Pantry.

“…planning?”

“We need to armor up somewhere, right?”

Ember sighs. “I suppose.”

The pair call forth their armor and wait. An hour passes as Ember paces the floor.

“Where are those idiots?!”

Arc leans against the wall. “Patience, Ember. They’ll show.”

“How can you be so certain?!”

“Because they were so adamant about this meeting.”

“But why…?”

The sound of the back door opening can be heard as several sets of footsteps hastily enter the building. Wolf closes the door behind them.

“Woah, that’s cold!”

Snake nods. “I can’t wait for spring to get here!”

Jackal laughs. “Why?! Sledding is fun!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yup. That’s them.”

“Let’s get this over with.”

Ember walks over to the door and pushes it open partway.

“In here.”

The three Shard members look to one another and nod before soberly entering the Pantry. Ember closes the door behind them. They jump a bit as it clicks shut behind them. Still leaning against the far wall, Arc turns his head to look at the trio.

“A friend of mine says you three wanted to tell me something.”

Snake looks around nervously. “Uh…”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “If you want something, start talking! We don’t have all night!”

Jackal hides behind Snake. “She’s scary!”

Arc nods. “Let’s get this thing started, shall we?”

Wolf frowns. “Sounds good. But exactly what are you?”

“Three members of a group whom I’ve had numerous run-ins with suddenly want to talk to me. Forgive me if I’m a bit cautious in giving out my personal information.”

Ember nods. “Yeah!”

Snake sighs. “Okay, okay! We wanted to tell you that things at the Shard base have been rather… difficult this past week or so.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Trouble in paradise?”

Wolf nods. “The boss’ lieutenants have pretty much taken over.”

Jackal looks hopeful. “We was hoping things would be different if you found the boss.”

“Well, thanks to you I did.”

Wolf looks up. “Really?”

“Yes. Your big friend’s info was anyways.”

Ember scoffs at them. “See? You three CAN do things right sometimes.”

Jackal smiles. “Thanks!”

Snake frowns. “Yeah, whatever. If things were running smoothly, we wouldn’t be here chatting you two up.”

Wolf hangs his head. “But things aren’t going well.”

Arc nods. “Can you elaborate?”

Snake folds his arms over his chest. “For starters, no one’s been paid since the boss left.”

Jackal nods. “They say we will when Mister Fontaine gets back though!”

Wolf scoffs. “Well, that might be why they were keeping him on ice.”

Arc looks at Snake. “I’ve noticed a sharp decline in your gang’s activities around town. Why is that?”

“We’re too busy running errands and delivering supplies in the middle of the night lately.”

Ember frowns. “Whom to?”

Wolf shrugs. “No idea. We just drive a truck to a spot on a map and wait.”

Arc nods. “Wait for what?”

Jackal claps his hands together. “Banging.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Banging?”

Snake nods. “Just what he said, I suppose. After we park, our instructions are to wait for three bangs on the back of the truck. When we hear that we’re supposed to return to base.”

Arc turns to Wolf. “They transfer the cargo from your truck to theirs?”

“There ain't no other truck.”

Ember frowns. “Then why are you out there?”

Jackal shrugs. “No idea. It lonely out there on back roads.”

Arc taps the wall with his gauntlet. “Hmmm… that doesn’t make any sense. Anything else?”

Snake shudders. “There’s been a good number of visits to the base lately of some really tough looking biker guys.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “Bikers?!”

Arc holds up a hand for Ember to stop talking. “Are they around your age?”

Jackal shakes his head. “Nah! They a lot older!”

Wolf sighs. “He means middle-aged. They stick out like a sore thumb.”

“What do they want?”

Snake shrugs. “To talk to Stingray in her office mostly.”

Wolf frowns. “You mean the boss’ office.”

Jackal nods. “She move in there!”

“The Shards are branching out?”

Snake looks confused. “What?”

“Expanding.”

Wolf shrugs. “It kinda feels like it. “

Snake looks to Arc. “We saw what you did to those guys in Farburg on the news the other day.”

Ember calls forth her spear. “They were lucky I wasn’t there!”

“Indeed, my friend.”

Arc turns back to Snake.

“Any idea what they talk to Stingray about? Even just a guess.”

“None. The boss’ office is soundproof after all.”

Wolf puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That might be why she’s there. They come, they talk, they leave.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Stingray ever hear of a telephone?”

Arc turns to her. “She probably wants to limit potential leaks. Are the other lieutenant in on this?”

Jackal nods. “I guess. Hammer and Mio are still with her.”

Wolf sighs. “If they weren’t in agreement, I would guess things would have broken down by now.”

Ember nods. “What about that fourth lieutenant?”

Jackal looks confused. “Who?”

Arc turns to Snake. “Frank has a fourth lieutenant, right?”

Snake shakes his head. “Not that I know of.”

“Right.”

“You guys ever have a guest there named Diva?”

Jackal shrugs. “What she look like?”

Arc describes her. Snake shakes his head.

“No way! We’d remember someone like THAT!”

Ember turns to Arc. “Maybe Stingray and the others are taking orders from her.”

“It’s possible. When we find her, I’ll ask.”

Wolf scoffs. “I don’t see Stingray taking orders from ANYONE!”

Ember grins. “What about Frank?”

“Other than him, that is.”

Arc sighs. “Everyone in this world takes orders from someone. Even her, I suppose. Watch out for Diva, you three. If she shows up or you hear anything else important, give my friend whom set up this meeting a call.”

Snake nods. “I suppose we could do that.”

Jackal smiles. “Anything to help the Shards get back to the way they were.”

“I’ll do my own research into those bikers. You guys want to help some more?”

Wolf sighs. “Do we have a choice?”

“Yes. I’m not going to force you to do anything.”

Snake nods. “What do you need?”

“To know the time of the next truck Stingray sends out.”

“No way! If anything happens to whatever’s in that truck, heads will roll!”

Ember stomps forward angrily. “Heads could roll right now!”

Arc puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Easy now. We’re not going to stoop to the Shard’s methods to get what we want.”

Ember puts away her spear. “Fine.”

Arc turns back to the rather pale gang members. “If you give me some advance warning of the next shipment, I promise I won’t take it.”

Snake looks confused. “Then why…?”

“I just need to know what the shipments are.”

Ember nods. “It would help us learn what they’re up to.”

Wolf frowns. “We could probably do that, I suppose.”

“Jackal okay with it!”

Arc nods. “Good. Anything else?”

“Just one more thing.”

Snake sighs.

“The others back at the base are kinda getting fed up with being kept in the dark on what’s going on.”

Wolf nods with conviction. “To say nothing for not being paid.”

“Yeah! Some of the guys even left!”

Ember sounds surprised. “Where did they go?”

Snake grimaces. “To the brig.”

“I thought you said they left.”

Wolf nods. “They did. Stingray went after them and brought them back.”

Ember frowns. “Wait, so they WANT to leave. But the lieutenants won’t let them?”

Jackal nods. “Right!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “That’s not in keeping with your boss’ plan, is it?!”

Snake shakes his head. “No. The boss always had an open invitation for anyone who wanted to join us. But we could always leave if we wanted to.”

Wolf leans against the wall. “We’re basically prisoners as it stands.”

Ember frowns at them. “Kinda like the townspeople when this all started?”

Snake rolls his eyes. “Whatever. But if nothing changes, we might see a riot here soon.”

Wolf nods. “I don’t think Stingray, strong as she is, could take everyone on at once.”

Ember chuckles. “She probably could with Hammer and Mio’s help.”

Arc sighs. “A sobering thought.”

Jackal looks at his watch. “We have guard duty in an hour, Snake!”

Ember looks hopeful. “What are you guarding?”

“Just the main gate. It’s boring, but safe.”

Wolf shudders. “Right. But if we’re not there on time, Stingray will send someone to find us.”

Arc calls after them as they turn to leave. “Thanks for your help. I’ll start looking into that biker gang first. Call me if something comes up.”

Jackal nods and waves. “We will! Bye!”

The trio walks out of the Pantry and toward the exterior door nervously.

“Snake, are you sure this was the best thing to do?”

“No. But we can’t just keep living under Stingray’s heel. Something has to change.”

Yeah! She’s mean!”

Wolf sighs. “And you think this… this WEIRDO is our best hope?!”

Snake grimaces. “No. But right now he’s our ONLY hope.”

Chapter 15 - Deal Making

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 16 - Getting Ahead

The pair finish their meal and sit back contentedly. Arc rubs his armor’s midsection.

“That was some good pizza!”

“I’ll say! Why can’t you make pizza that good, Arc?”

He stands up with his empty plate and walks toward an end table near the buffet. “Roberto makes pizza using his family’s secret recipe. It took generations to perfect.”

Ember joins him. “And your own recipe?”

“My mother came up with it. I’m still working on tweaking it, of course. But at the rate I’m going it may have to fall to the next generation to finish.”

“So maybe Dinky will perfect it?”

Arc grins. “That would make me very…”

There is a knock at the door. Arc reaches toward the table and pulls his helmet to his hand with a Telekinesis Spell.

“Sounds like they’re here.”

Ember grabs her helmet with a spell of her own, sighing angrily. “Great. Let’s get this over with.”

Arc walks slowly toward the door. “That’s the spirit, I suppose.”

“You looking forward to this?”

“No.”

“Neither am I.”

Arc opens the door. Minerva and a cameraman wait outside expectantly. Arc steps aside to allow them to enter. Minerva looks over her shoulder nervously as Arc closes the door

“I’m pretty sure we weren’t followed.”

Ember sounds confused. “Why would you be?”

“Rival news stations mostly. Anyone else approach you wanting an interview?!”

“Um… no.”

Ember chuckles. “They’re probably too afraid to ask.”

Arc shrugs. “I can’t imagine why.”

Minerva looks Arc up and down before rolling her eyes. “Me either.”

Arc gestures for Minerva and her cameraman to follow him to the table. “There’s a bit of pizza left if you two want some.”

Minerva sits down at the cleared table. “No, thank you.”

Her cameraman reaches for the pan. Minerva does not look over to him as she pulls a notebook out of her purse.

“And my associate doesn’t want any either.”

The cameraman sighs and quickly gets back to work. He sets a microphone in the center of the table before getting into position. As Minerva looks to him, he gives her a nod as she turns to Arc.

“I’m here with Angel Grove’s very own Hero of Light and his partner in an undisclosed but secure location.”

Arc and Ember nods silently. Minerva turns to the pair.

“Sir, would you please introduce you and your companion?”

“I am known simply as the Hero of Light, or just Hero, Miss Minerva. And my partner here is Dragon.”

Minerva looks to Ember. “Quite the name, young lady.”

“Believe me, it suits me quite well.”

“Yes, well… can you tell our viewers about yourself?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m really no one of importance. Just an average guy, really.”

“Your heroics would suggest otherwise.”

“When people need help you can’t just stand idly by. Not when it’s within your power to help them.”

“Are you saying our viewers are in danger?”

Arc shakes his head. “No more than anyone else, Miss Moore. You could be in a car accident driving back to your office. I might find an opponent who takes me down. War, pestilence, fire, flood… they’re still fairly commonplace in the world.”

“Perhaps. Did you come to our world to abolish such things?”

Ember sounds confused. “Come to?”

Minerva nods. “The general consensus is that you two are extraterrestrials from a world far away. Is that true?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m as human as you are.”

“We’ve all seen your… abilities. During our previous interview you and your companion vanished into thin air! I don’t believe our viewers will believe you’re merely human after such a display.”

“Yet it is the truth.”

“Is it perhaps your armor that gives you such power?”

“No, it’s just armor. My powers and strength come from within.”

“I see. And where did you acquire such power?”

“In a faraway land, a very powerful being granted me my special… abilities in return for doing him a great favor.”

“And where was this land? In deep space?”

Ember looks out the window. “Something like that.”

Minerva turns to Ember. “And you, miss? Do you also have these abilities?”

Ember holds up a fireball in her palm. “That I do.”

Minerva appears slightly shaken at the display. “And… and where did you…?”

She crushes the flames between the fingers of her gauntlets. “Unlike Hero, I was born with them.”

“So you ARE from another world?!”

Ember nods. “I am, yes.”

“Why are you here?”

Ember looks to Arc. “To follow my friend the Hero. We have seen much in our time together.”

Arc nods. “In this land and several others.”

“Traveling the cosmos?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing quite so grand. Just this world and Dragon’s.”

Ember frowns. “Is it really so hard for you to believe that we’re just trying to help?!”

Minerva nods. “It is.”

“Believe us or not, it’s the truth.”

Minerva thinks for a moment. “Perhaps we should change the subject. How long have you two dwelled among us?”

Arc chuckles. “I was born here.”

Ember shrugs. “Several months for me.”

“Are there others?”

Arc nods. “We brought a few from the land Dragon came from. Don’t worry, as they’re here to help us protect the innocent.”

“Are they like you two?”

“They are similar in form, yes.”

“Do they have your powers?”

Ember shakes her head. “No.”

“Right. They have much more… useful skills.”

Minerva appears intrigued. “Which are…?”

“The powers of observation and perception.”

“I don’t quite follow.”

Ember clears her throat. “Their job is to research and learn. They help point us in the right direction.”

“Did they point you to your most recent heroic act of challenging The Riders?”

Arc shakes his head. “Truthfully, that was a fluke.”

“A… fluke?”

“I was actually just passing by at the time.”

Ember chuckles. “I suppose it was fortunate that he did, as a certain reporter needed to be rescued.”

“Indeed. How exactly did you do that?”

Arc appears confused. “I don’t understand the question.”

“I clearly saw you some distance away. The next thing I knew you were pulling me away from danger.”

“It was due to one of the abilities I acquired in the faraway land I mentioned.”

“Certainly. But how does it work?”

Arc Blinks himself and his chair next to Minerva.

“Even I don’t understand that, Miss Moore.”

Ember Blinks to the other side of Minerva.

“It’s just something we can do.”

Minerva looks at them confused as the pair Blink themselves back to where they were. “You don’t understand how your own power works? That sounds a bit dangerous.”

Arc looks steadily to Minerva. “Do you understand how your vehicle works?”

“My vehicle?”

“The van that brought you here. I’m asking if you understand how your engine works.”

“I don’t, no.”

“But you do know it will bring you where you want to go safely. And I know that my own power will do as I tell it.”

Ember nods. “We know what we’re doing.”

“If your activities in the past have shown anything, that much is certain. However I’m sure you know there are others who don’t share that opinion.”

Arc nods. “Understandable.”

“Tell me, how would you respond to such accusations of thoughtless vigilantism?”

Ember growls. “From Guy Smiley?!”

“Yes. He’s been quite vocal lately regarding your actions.”

Arc puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Guy Smiley, and anyone else for that matter, is free to think and say whatever they want about me. But that’s not going to change my mind about what I’m doing.”

“Which is…?”

“I have the power to help others. To make the world a better place. And that’s exactly what I plan to do. If Guy Smiley thinks he can do a better job, he’s welcome to try.”

Minerva looks to the camera. “This has been Minerva Moore reporting for Channel 7 news.”

She nods and the cameraman pushes a button before lowering his camera. Minerva turns to Arc.

“Thank you very much! I’m sure my editor can be convinced of your intentions with a little persuasion.”

Ember sighs. “He doesn’t like us?”

“That is correct. He, like many others, are afraid of you two.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t blame him. But might I ask you a question, Miss Moore?”

“Certainly.”

“How did you know about the trouble at the pizzeria?”

“I received an anonymous tip that something big was about to go down.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “Who told you THAT?!”

“Sadly, I don’t know. But they were right about the apartment fire, so I followed their directions.”

Arc frowns. “You knew about the fire before it happened?!”

“Oh no! I was only told something big was going to happen there. Unfortunately I ignored the call and arrived too late to get the best of that story.”

Ember sighs. “So you were just going where someone told you to?!”

“Yes.”

Arc nods. “I see. In any case I upheld my end of the deal, Miss Moore. Now it’s time for you to keep your end of the bargain.”

“Of course.”

Minerva reaches into her purse and pulls out a flash drive. She hands it to Arc.

“That’s a copy of everything I have on the Shards and The Riders.”

Ember looks at Minerva angrily. “What gives?! I thought we were getting a bunch of info!”

“This holds data, Dragon. There should be quite a few pages held within this small device.”

Minerva nods. “That there is.”

“How do we know she’s telling the truth?”

Arc stores the flash drive safely in his ring. “I suppose we won’t until I put this in the computer back at our base.”

Minerva chuckles. “Don’t worry. I’m not so foolish as to double-cross two beings with unimaginable power. It would be detrimental to my health and bad for business.”

Ember looks confused. “Business?”

“It’s my job to seek out and report on whatever I find. If I help you, you’ll help me and my career.”

“You’re not interested in helping others?”

“Of course I am! But if I can get a bit of a boost over the competition in the process, all the better!”

Ember stands quickly. “Why you…!”

Arc grabs Ember’s arm. “Everyone is motivated by different things, Dragon. Are those from your own homeland really so different?”

Ember turns away from Minerva. “Hmph!”

Arc extends a hand. “In any case, thank you for this information. I’ll use it well.”

Minerva takes Arc’s gauntlet and gives it a firm shake. “Yes. You just do what you do, and I’ll do what I do.”

She hands him a business card.

“Do call me if you need anything else. I’m sure we could work something out.”

Ember growls. “Yes, I’m sure we could.”

Arc accepts the card. “Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have to start going through the information you gave us.”

Ember nods as she moves to stand next to Arc. “Yes. The Rider’s base won’t find itself.”

Minerva looks up at him, surprised. “Wait a moment! You mean you haven’t figured out where they are?”

“Not yet, no.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s what we wanted to find out from your information!”

Minerva nods. “Oh, it’s in there. But why don’t I save you a little time?”

She pulls out her notepad and writes something before tearing the paper out and handing it to Arc.

“Here. This is where their base is.”

Ember looks at the paper. “Uh… what is that?”

“An address.”

“Um… what?”

“I’ll explain it to you later, Dragon.”

Arc turns to Minerva.

“I had my friends scour the Internet, but they couldn’t find this information. How did you…?”

“Research is something every good journalist learns how to do VERY well.”

“Well then… I thank you for this. Farewell for now.”

Putting an arm around Ember, he Blinks. Minerva heads back to her van with the cameraman. She smiles to herself.

“That Hero… I do wonder what really motivates him. No one does so much without wanting SOMETHING in return.”

She rubs her chin for a moment.

“And I’m going to figure out what that is.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember reappear behind the pizzeria. Arc recalls his armor.

“That went well.”

Ember turns to him as her own armor fades. “What part of that went well?!”

Arc pats his magic ring. “The part where I got what I wanted.”

Ember rolls her eyes as the pair walk around the building and head for the Jeep. “I wish there was a better way to do that.”

Arc nods as they get into the vehicle. “Sometimes you just have to make do with what you have at hand.”

Ember watches Minerva and her cameraman drive away. “Maybe. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it!”

“Fine. But just remember that without her information we’d still be stuck.”

They wait for the news van to be out of sight before pulling out of the parking lot themselves. Proceeding back to Arc’s house they pull into the garage and get out. Ember turns to him as they walk into the house.

“How DO you think Minerva knew about the trouble at the pizzeria?”

“I believe her when she says someone tipped her off.”

“Great. But who?!”

Arc shrugs as they head down the basement steps. “I think we need to talk to the guys about this.”

His squad is looking over papers. Viktor walks over to him.

“How did it go, sir?!”

Xenos looks hopeful. “Find out anything over lunch?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Minerva gave me this.”

He reaches for his ring and pulls out the flash drive. Max eyes is curiously.

“What is that?”

Hugh looks to Max. “No idea.”

Ember shrugs. “Somehow there’s papers in that little thing.”

Viktor takes the device and looks it over. “I think this end would fit into one of the slots on the computer. Shall I try, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Let me show you.”

He sits down at the computer as Viktor puts the flash drive in the slot. A dialogue box pops up.

“From here we can view the files… like so.”

A window opens with a large number of folder in it. They are each meticulously dated. Viktor looks over Arc’s shoulder.

“This is really something, sir!”

Max looks at the flash drive. “All these files are in that little box?!”

Arc nods as he stands up and trades places with Viktor. “Like I told you guys before, humans like to make things small.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah, well… Arc has something much more important to ask you guys.”

Xenos looks confused. “Sir?”

“Yes. Minerva told me over lunch that someone tipped her off about the trouble at the pizzeria the other day. I’m sure I already know the answer to this, but none of you have been calling this stuff in, have you?”

Viktor looks over his screen. “No sir.”

Hugh shakes his head. “Not I.”

Xenos shrugs. “I didn’t.”

Max looks over the screen with Viktor. “Nor did I, sir.”

Ember frowns. “How would we have known anyways, Arc? You weren’t wearing your armor, so your cameras wouldn’t have been active.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I just figured I’d ask.”

Sereb comes downstairs. “That does not clear up the question on how the young woman knew.”

Ember frowns. “Sereb, did you…?”

“No.”

“Well, I can only hope when Ember and I storm The Rider’s little base…”

Ember interrupts him. “And when exactly are we going to do that?!”

Arc heads toward the stairs. “Later this evening.”

Chapter 17 - The Riders

Arc and Ember ride Sereb down a back road outside Farburg as the sun begins to set behind them. Ember frowns.

“I just want to go on record as saying this plan is almost nonexistent! It shouldn’t even qualify as a plan!”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “You could’ve stayed home.”

“And let you have all the fun?! HA! Not happening!”

Rose calls out to Arc over the radio. “I would have been happy to go with Arc in your place, Ember.”

Sereb growls. “I too am looking forward to entering the field of battle!”

Arc frowns. “There won’t be any fighting until we talk first.”

“You know they won’t go for that.”

Arc shrugs. “Have to try, Ember.”

The trio continues on their way. Soon they come to an abandoned hospital. They look on from a distance, cloaked.

“Somehow this seems appropriate.”

Sereb lies in the grass as he watches. “How so, Ember?”

“They’ll need medical attention when I get through with them!”

Arc sighs. “Easy there, Ember. Let’s just play this one by ear. Maybe there’s a peaceful solution to all this.”

Sereb frowns. “Unlikely.”

Arc watches as a slew of motorcycles ride up and park under the ambulance awning.

“Well, in any case it looks like Minerva’s information was right.”

Ember clenches a fist. “I still don’t trust her.”

Sereb nods as he turns to Arc. “She may even be a member herself. In which case she’s warned them to be ready for us.”

“I doubt it. She doesn’t seem like the rebellious or reckless biker girl type.”

“Looks can be deceiving.”

“Agreed, Sereb. But I prefer to be optimistic.”

They watch as numerous other bikers ride up and park. Ember sighs.

“There has to be fifty thugs in there by now!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Possibly more. Who knows how many were already inside?”

Ember frowns. “Still feeling optimistic, Arc?”

“Admittedly somewhat less than before.”

He touches his earring.

“You guys there?”

Viktor nods as he continues typing. “Yes sir.”

Max sighs. “We’re watching.”

Xenos frowns. “Kinda boring.”

Hugh shrugs. “True.”

Sereb growls. “I don’t think it will stay that way for long.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Not if I have anything to say about it!”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, if nothing else you guys watch our backs.”

“Yes sir.”

“We won’t take our eyes off them even for a moment!”

“You three just be careful over there.”

“The lights will be on when you get back.”

Rose giggles. “I’ll keep my sensors ready!”

“Thanks. Call out anything you see. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and looks to Ember and Sereb.

“Shall we get underway?”

Ember grins. “Thought you’d never ask!”

Sereb nods. “I am ready.”

Arc removes his magic robe. “Let’s go.”

Cherry gasps. “Arc?! Aren’t you going to keep your cloak up?!”

“No. This marks the end of the stealth part of the mission. I want them to see and hear what we do here next.”

“But why?!”

“To make a statement.”

Sereb looks confused. “Statement?”

Ember removes her own cloak and tosses it to Arc. “To them?”

Arc shakes his head as he puts away the robes. “Yes. But also to anyone else whom might want to cause trouble around here.”

He looks around a moment before turning to the pair.

“Follow me.”

Ember and Sereb turn to walk on either side of Arc. Two bikers just outside the door look up to see the trio approaching them. They quickly drop what they’re doing and run inside. Ember smirks.

“Cowards!”

Sereb nods. “They have no honor.”

“Those were just new and inexperienced members watching the bikes.”

“How can you tell?”

Arc shrugs. “They certainly looked a lot younger than the members I faced the other day.”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. However they will certainly return with reinforcements.”

“Right! We need to be ready!”

Arc looks at the rows of bikes all lined up. “I believe I have an idea in that regard. Give me a hand you two.”

Ember grins. “I think I know just what you mean!”

Meanwhile, Minerva and her cameraman peek out from the nearby foliage. Both are wearing full camo gear. The cameraman points at Minerva. She speaks softly into her microphone.

“This is Minerva Moore reporting to you live from The Rider’s hideout somewhere outside Farburg. Can you hear me in the studio, Tom?”

“We’re getting this loud and clear. Minerva what can you tell us about what’s going on over there?”

“Well Tom, our Hero of Light appears to have it in for The Riders. He’s just arrived on the scene.”

Meanwhile they watch as Arc uses his magic to pick up most of the bikes. Ember and Sereb use their own powers to grab the rest of them. They follow him around the building.

“What is he doing?”

“I don’t know, Tom. But I don’t think The Riders will like it. It looks like we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

“Be careful over there, Minerva. I don’t think the Hero and his allies came here to play.”

“Agreed Tom. And it looks like he has a new pet.”

“It looks like a wolf.”

“Yes, but a very large one with a saddle and what appears to be body armor. I’m going to follow them and see if I can’t get our viewers some better footage.”

Minerva motions to the cameraman. He cuts the feed as she grabs some of the gear.

“Come on! They’re headed around back! I want to get us set back up before The Riders get there!”

A short time later a horde of bikers rush outside, their leader at the front. He looks around angrily.

“Where are the bikes?!”

Arc calls out from the roof. “Behind the building!”

The bikers look up as Arc mock salutes them and turns away. They run around to the back of the hospital as Arc jumps off the roof of the three-story building and lands gently near the pile of bikes. Minerva and her cameraman resume broadcasting as he does so.

“That was impressive!”

Minerva nods. “I believe things are about to get very interesting here, Tom.”

Meanwhile, the Biker Leader seethes at Arc.

“You have three seconds to put those back, freak! And there better not be even ONE scratch on…!”

Arc interrupts him. “Light it up, Dragon.”

Ember walks out from around the back of the pile. There are two fireballs in the palms of her hands. She looks to the leader as she drops the flames onto the ground.

“Welcome to our barbeque, slime!”

A trail of flames snakes along the ground toward the pile. In moments the bikes are aflame. Arc nods to her.

“Now do you see why we dumped out those gas tanks, Dragon?”

Ember laughs. “Yes!”

The leader turns to his gang. “Get those bikes out of there, boys!”

His gang charges at Arc. Halfway to the pyre Sereb lunges out from behind the pile and through the flames. He lands between the bikers and the pile and roars loudly. Minerva jumps slightly at the sudden turn of events.

“Woah!”

“What’s going on now, Minerva?!”

“It looks like the Hero’s pet is trying to keep The Riders away from their motorcycles.”

“Or is he just protecting his master?”

“Maybe both.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to the pile of bikes and reaches out both hands toward it.

“Let’s turn things up a notch.”

Streams of white flame flow forth from his hands as the bike’s frames begin to melt. He looks over his shoulder at the gang.

“I guess you won’t be called ‘The Riders’ anymore, huh?”

Tom gasps. “What?! How… how is he doing that?!”

“No idea, Tom. I get the feeling that armor of his is hiding quite a few secrets though.”

The whine of an engine can be heard from the front of the building. The leader grins.

“It looks like our meeting’s guest speaker has arrived, boys!”

A motorcycle flies around the corner of the building at breakneck speed. They head straight for Sereb. The rider dives off their bike as it plows into the wolf. Tom grimaces.

“That looked painful!”

“Not to worry. It looks like the wolf is alright!”

The cyclist lands on their feet across the way. They take off their helmet and drop it. Hammer’s grinning face comes into view.

“That was a blast!”

She looks at the bikes aflame before turning her attention back to the leader.

“Bloodletter, why are you just STANDING there?! Use what we gave you, idiot!”

The leader reaches into his leather jacket and appears to finger an item within.

“…this stuff just don’t seem right!”

Tom gasps as he sees Hammer’s outfit. “A Shard member?!”

“Yes, Tom. It looks like I was right. The Shards ARE working with The Riders.”

Hammer looks at Sereb as he sizes her up. She grins and draws her gun. “I’ll take care of this one! You just handle the big armored freak!”

Arc calls forth his Spear of Righteousness as he turns to the newcomer. “Not happening, Hammer! You and I have a score to settle!”

Minerva frowns. “It sounds like our Hero has a past with this newcomer.”

“For the sake of her safety, I hope she’s tougher than she looks.”

“Our Hero will probably go easy on her.”

Arc turns to Ember. “Dragon, you and my stead take care of the gang. Hammer is mine.”

Ember calls forth her own spear. “Fine with me! Just be careful!”

“You too.”

Minerva smiles. “They’re splitting up! Looks like an all-out brawl is about to happen!”

“Are there any police on the scene, Minerva?”

“No, Tom. There’s not a single strobe or siren here.”

Arc rushes at Hammer. She fires, but he deflects her shots with a Magic Shield. Minerva nods approvingly.

“It looks like our Hero is perfectly capable of defending himself.”

“What about the other two?”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t send them against a force they couldn’t take on.”

Ember hurries over to Sereb.

“You ready to do this, big guy?!”

Sereb nods and growls as he turns to The Riders. Ember raises her spear to battle ready position as she chuckles.

“Come on, boys! Let’s dance!”

Meanwhile, Arc dives at Hammer. She blocks his blow with her gun and roughly backhands him across the yard. Back at the station Tom winces.

“That looked like it hurt!

“Yes it did! But I don’t think he’ll let it keep him down, Tom.”

Arc hurries to his feet as Ember and Sereb rush headlong at the gang. Ember uses her spear like a club.

“Who wants some?!”

Sereb turns to guard her flank as Max calls out over Arc’s earring.

“Sir! Their leader doesn’t appear to be in the mood to fight.”

Xenos frowns. “He must be one of those leaders that lets everyone else get a black eye.”

Hugh nods. “Yeah, well he looks really nervous about something.”

Viktor waves a hand dismissively. “The commander has bigger problems right now though.”

Arc dodges as Hammer fires at him again. “Right. I’ll save him for last.”

Rose narrows her eyes suspiciously. “Be careful, Arc! Something about his body language leads me to believe he’s holding something back.”

Tom watches his monitor as the camera pans back to Bloodletter. “He certainly doesn’t look too confident in his gang right now.”

“This should be over any time now, Tom. Our Hero and his friends have them on the ropes.”

Arc knocks the gun out of Hammer’s hands. “So you’re helping trash like The Riders now, huh?!”

Hammer glares at him as she punches him in the faceplate. “You just don’t know when to give things a rest, do you?!”

Arc counters with a boot to Hammer’s gut. “Same to you!”

Hammer staggers backwards. She turns to The Rider’s leader, angrily.

“Any time now, Bloodletter!”

He frowns. “I… it’s just…”

Hammer grabs Arc’s spear and tosses him roughly aside. “Stand and fight or turn and run away! PICK ONE!!!”

Ember fells the last gang member with a gauntlet to the side of his head. She and Sereb turn to one another and fist/paw bump.

“That’s how it’s done!”

The pair turn to Bloodletter and slowly walk toward him. He backs away, his hand still in his jacket. Minerva grins.

“That’s the last of the gang members.”

“That was quick!”

“These three are quite efficient! Maybe they’ll take the Shards back in Angel Grove down a notch when they get back.”

“We can only hope.”

Ember jumps on Sereb’s back. Together they charge at Bloodletter. He turns to run away but they quickly overtake him. Ember uses her spear like a baseball bat and knocks him across the field to the opposite end of the yard. He does not rise. Minerva silently cheers.

“Looks like those two took down the leader! Now all that’s left is the Shard!”

Arc looks at Hammer as she dives for her weapon. “Give it up. You and your friends have lost.”

Hammer holds her gun and looks around. Ember turns to the woman and levels her spear.

“We can do this one of two ways. The easy way, or the hard…”

Hammer holsters her weapon as she reaches into her leather jacket with one hand and touches her ear with the other.

“Yes sir!”

She pulls out a grenade. Ember’s eyes grow wide.

“She’s got another one of those crazy bombs, Hero!”

Arc and Ember put up Magic Shields as Hammer, moving like lightning, pulls the pin and throws it toward Ember. She shakes her head as she and Sereb look through their barriers to see the grenade sail over them.

“Wow. Terrible throw.”

It lands in the middle of the field. However instead of exploding small jets burst out from the shell. It sprays the unconscious gang members with a strange gas. Minerva frowns.

“It looks like the Shand just threw some kind of smoke bomb.”

“I don’t see how that’s going to help her escape. It much too far away to be of any…”

Suddenly the bikers begin to rise. Minerva frowns.

“That appears to have been some kind of… smelling salt grenade, Tom. The entire gang appears to be coming around now.”

As the gas blows away on the wind, Ember lowers the barrier protecting her and Sereb. She turns to a biker walking awkwardly toward her, angrily.

“So you want some more?!”

Ember lunges at him, hitting the man squarely in the gut. However instead of doubling over he backhands her. Ember flies across the field and lands roughly on her side.

“Dragon!”

He runs over to her.

“Are you okay?!”

Ember slowly gets up as Sereb rushes to her side. “I… what the… that felt like a train hit me!”

Hammer laughs. “That’s not far from the truth, missy!”

The rest of The Riders stand and head for Arc and his friends. Arc frowns as they lumber toward them.

“Something isn’t right here!”

Hugh gasps. “Sir! There’s no way those guys should all be on their feet right now!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! Ember must’ve broken several of their legs and quite a few ribs!”

Viktor points at the screen. “Look at the way the ones in back are walking, sir!”

Max’s eyes widen in horror. “They’re legs ARE broken!”

Rose grit her teeth. “That grenade was no ordinary charge. I’ll try to analyze it.”

“Tom, I… I don’t really know how to describe what I’m seeing! The Riders… they’re… something is VERY wrong with them!”

“I see it too, Minerva! It’s almost like they’re possessed! Be careful out there!”

“That I will, Tom. But I’m not sure how our Hero is going to fight these… things!”

Arc turns to Ember and Sereb. “I’m open to suggestions!”

Ember stands up and readies her spear. “If this is it, I’m going down fighting!”

Sereb growls in agreement. He lunges forward to topple several bikers. They get up again appearing feeling no pain. Arc grabs Sereb with his magic and pulls him back.

“They’re too many for you!”

Ember turns to Arc. “Hero, I have an idea! It’s crazy, but it just might work!”

“What is it?!”

“No time! Just trust me and go for Hammer with your mount!”

“Okay. Let’s go, big guy!”

Arc jumps on Sereb’s back as the pair hurry toward the Shard lieutenant. Hammer fires her gun at them over and over again.

“Hey! Go after them, not me!”

Arc puts up a Magic Shield to deflect her attacks as they advance. He mutters to himself.

“I sure hope you know what you’re doing, my friend.”

Tom frowns. “It looks like the Hero is retreating.”

“I don’t think so, Tom. More than likely his partner is covering him while he goes after the Shard.”

“That seems like the least of his problems right now.”

“She started this with her grenade. Maybe the Hero thinks she knows a way to stop it.”

“Let’s hope so. For their sakes!”

Meanwhile, Ember looks over the mindless horde making their way toward her.

“I haven’t done this in a while. Here goes nothing!”

Leaping high up into the air Ember raises her spear above her head.

“Hope this works.”

She slams her spear into the ground. Energy explodes outward knocking back her opponents and blowing over Arc, Sereb, and Hammer. Arc uses the extra momentum to punch Hammer in the face. She collapses to the ground.

“What the…?!”

Minerva and the cameraman are blow to the ground. They lie there dazed for a moment. The cameraman is the first to speak.

“I… I need a raise.”

“Me… too.”

They get up and return to the broadcast as the dust obscures their view. Tom calls out over Minerva’s earpiece.

“Minerva?! Minerva, are you there?!”

She picks up her microphone as she stands. “I’m here, Tom.”

“What happened?!”

“It… looks like that spear of Dragon’s has some kind of power in it. The force behind that blow was massive! Hopefully it was enough to stop The Riders.”

“We can’t see much of anything on this end. Are you having technical difficulties?”

The cameraman shakes his head.

“No, Tom. The explosive force seems to have kicked up quite the dust cloud. Right now I can barely see the microphone in front of my face.”

As the dust begins to settle Arc raises his head slowly. He feels something soft under him.

“What… happened? Sereb? Is that you?”

Arc looks down to see Hammer lying on the ground under him, unconscious. Sereb walks over slowly and nudges him with a massive paw.

“I… I’m okay. Where’s Dragon?”

Sereb points with a paw to the center of the yard. Ember is lying face down on the ground. Arc returns his Spear of Righteousness to his ring and runs over to her as fast as he is able.

“Oh no…”

He pulls her helmet up enough to expose her neck and removes one of his gauntlets. Hurriedly, he checks for a pulse.

“She’s alive. That attack must’ve just drained all her energy.”

Sereb walks over slowly as Arc’s earring chirps. Max’s voice comes over the air.

“Are you alright sir?!”

Viktor presses buttons hurriedly. “We can’t see a thing!”

“I’m okay. Just a bit banged up.”

Hugh lets out a sigh of relief. “Last visual was of you hitting Hammer!”

Rose nods. “Even my sensors can’t pick anything up over there.”

Xenos chuckles. “At least there’s one less problem to deal with now. Ember did great!”

Max frowns. “Is she okay?”

“She’s out cold. I’m going to send her over to you guys.”

Viktor stands up with the others. “We’re ready when you are, sir.”

Arc raises his gauntlet to open a portal. He then carefully lifts Ember onto Sereb’s back.

“I’ll be home soon, my friend. Just have to take care of a few things.”

Sereb and Ember vanish as Arc closes the portal behind them. Max speaks into his headset.

“We got her, sir.”

Xenos frowns. “She doesn’t look too good.”

Rose looks her over. “My sensors show she is only sleeping. No internal injuries detected.”

Hugh breathes a sigh of relief. “Considering the kind of attack Ember just pulled off, she’s doing okay I suppose.”

Viktor nods as Xenos picks her up. “Xenos is putting her on one of our bunks for now, sir.

Sereb grins. “Ember fought bravely. She deserves a proper rest.”

“Good. Let me grab that Bloodletter guy along with Hammer and I’ll be…”

Arc is interrupted as something hits him from behind. Hammer stands over him, grinning.

“Didn’t your mother ever teach you to never turn your back to a lady?”

Viktor calls out. “Sir? What was that? You broke up.”

Hammer leaps over her downed opponent and rushes over to Bloodletter as Arc slowly gets up. She reaches into the leaders jacket and pulls out a large syringe.

“That coward! Even though he knew he couldn’t win as it stood, he didn’t even use this!”

“We’re finally picking your signal up again, Minerva. I… wait, what is that woman holding?”

“Looks like a syringe, Tom.”

“Drugs?”

“Most likely. Impossible to see what from here though.”

Arc looks over as a breeze clears the last of the dust. “What is that?”

Hammer grins. “Just a little something some friends of mine came up with. Watch!”

She jabs Bloodletter in the neck. Depressing the plunger he quickly comes around. Bloodletter jumps up angrily and turns to Hammer.

“Wha…?!”

He sees the empty syringe in her hand.

“What did you DO to me?!”

Hammer grins. “Just a little something you didn’t have the stomach to do yourself. It’ll make you a better man!”

Bloodletter grabs his head and begins breathing heavily.

“I think she may have just drugged him, Tom.”

“Perhaps an overdose?”

“Somehow I don’t think so.”

Screaming out in pain, Bloodletter falls to his knees. Arc turns to Hammer.

“What the heck did you DO to him?!”

“Oh you’ll find out. Have fun!”

Hammer turns and runs around the side of the hospital. Bloodletter slowly raises his head and looks to Arc, clearly furious. His muscles bulge through the leather jacket tearing it to shreds.

“Minerva, what are we looking at?!”

Minerva appears horrified. “I… I really have no idea, Tom! This is just… something out of a science fiction novel!”

Bloodletter grows a full meter in but a few moments. His feet swell and burst through his boots as his body begins to grow hair at an alarming rate. Razor sharp teeth protrude from his newly extended jaw giving the biker the appearance of a wolf man. Max gasps.

“WOAH!”

Viktor turns to the others. “This situation went south FAST!”

Cherry calls out to him. “A-Arc?! What’s happening?!”

Arc takes a step back. “This… shouldn’t be possible! Rose, do your scanners show anything?!”

“Biometrics show him to be undergoing massive internal changes.”

Xenos frowns. “You mean he’s changing into something totally different?!”

“Right.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “How exactly?”

Max grits his teeth. “I don’t know! But we better figure it out in a hurry!”

Chapter 18 - The Beast

Viktor zooms in on the monster standing before Arc.

“He doesn’t look too happy right now.”

Rose nods nervously. “I’m performing additional scans now.”

Bloodletter lunges at Arc. Moving much faster than his massive bulk should allow, he slams a massive fist into Arc’s chest. Tom turns away from the screen.

“Ouch!”

Minerva winces. “Yes. Even through armor, that’ll leave a mark!”

Arc gets up slowly as Bloodletter lets out a bestial roar. “Rose? Any time now.”

“I’m scanning as fast as I can. Try not to hurt him in the meantime.”

Bloodletter grabs Arc by the back of his armor and throws him through a tree. Arc lands some distance away. He sits up and shakes his head to clear it.

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

Minerva looks to Arc anxiously. “Come on! Get up!”

“What was that, Minerva? We didn’t quite catch that.”

“I was just saying our Hero looks like he could use some help.”

“Any sign of his partner, Dragon?”

“None, Tom. After her last attack she just vanished.”

“What about his wolf?”

“Nothing. I can only assume he sent them away in the confusion.”

“I just hope our heroic friend has something up his sleeve then.”

“So do I.”

Bloodletter again rushes at Arc. This time however he is able to Blink out of the way in time. The tree behind Arc however is smashed to pieces as the beast’s shoulder crashes into it. Arc reappears some distance away.

“Holy…!”

Cherry cries out. “ARC! There’s no way you have any hope of beating him! Get out of there!”

Arc shakes his head. “No! This thing HAS to be stopped here and now!”

Viktor pulls up a map of the surrounding area. “There’s a school not too far from your current position, sir!”

Xenos looks over to Viktor. “A school?! Anyone there?!”

Max pulls up the school’s website. “The schedule says they’re holding something called ‘baseball practice.”

Sereb puts his paws up on the table and speaks into Viktor’s headset. “Arc, if you can open a portal we can help you!”

Bloodletter grabs the tree, rips it out of the ground, and throws it at Arc. He deftly rolls out of the way.

“This opponent is too much! You guys wouldn’t stand a chance!”

Sereb turns to Rose. “Anything?”

“Keep some distance between yourself and him, Arc. One solid blow from him to your head would certainly be the end for even you!”

“Duly noted.”

Arc powers up his Hand Cannons and fires at Bloodletter. The beast puts up his massive hands to shield his face from the barrage.

“Our hero seems to have multiple weapons. This a new development!”

“That it is, Tom. And I think he’s going to need everything he can get to bring this animal down!”

Rose calls out to him. “Increase your power output, Arc!”

“What?! But it’s pretty high now!”

Viktor nods. “I don’t think it’s working, sir!”

Max grimaces. “That’s just making him mad!”

“Alright.”

Arc increases his Hand Cannon’s output to maximum. The beams crackle as they fly through the air. Bloodletter roars in pain as the smell of burning flesh fills the air.

Rose calls out. “His adrenaline levels are rising!”

Hugh looks confused. “What does that mean?!”

Xenos frowns. “He’s getting mad!”

Arc ceases his attack. “Great…”

As Bloodletter charges at him again Arc grabs him with his magic. Picking the beast up he slams his opponent into the ground multiple times before throwing him through the hospital’s outer perimeter fence. The beast doesn’t stay down for long however. Before the dust can even settle he crawls through the fence and again glares at his opponent. Arc pulls Bloodletter toward himself with unimaginable force.

“COME HERE!”

Bloodletter swings at Arc as he flies toward him. Arc drops to his knees to dodge the attack. As his opponent passes Arc suddenly stands up to hit him in the gut sending the beast flying out of control to land against a bolder, shattering it.

“I don’t think he’s getting up from that one, Minerva.”

“For our hero’s sake, I hope you’re right.”

Arc walks cautiously over to Bloodletter as he lies on the ground. “Rose? Is he…?”

A giant hand suddenly reaches up to grab Arc by the faceplate. He pushes away as his helmet is ripped off to expose the Abyssinian silk mask.

“CHERRY!!!”

Bloodletter throws the helmet into the brush as he lunges at Arc. It rolls for some time before stopping in front of Minerva. Her eyes grow wide as Tom continues the broadcast.

“That was a close call! Our hero almost lost his head!”

Minerva nods. “Maybe we’ll finally be able to see the face of our town’s hero!”

She points to the pair still duking it out. Arc’s back is still to her.

“We’ll see if we can get a good shot of him!”

The cameraman nods and zooms in. He frowns and shakes his head. Minerva rushes over to him and grabs the camera.

“Let me see!”

She trains the zoom on Arc as he turns to avoid another blow. The cameraman grabs her microphone and holds it to her face as she deftly manipulates the camera for a better shot.

“It looks like our hero really doesn’t want anyone seeing who he is, Tom.”

“What’s that he’s wearing?”

“A second mask.”

Minerva hands the camera back to her assistant as Tom continues talking.

“I want to know who he is as much as our viewers do. But if that monster gets ahold of that mask, I’ll most likely rip off most of his face!”

Minerva takes back her microphone and stoops down to pick up the helmet.

“Amazing!”

“The hero’s helmet?”

“Yes, Tom. It rolled over here a few moments ago.”

“What can you tell us about it?”

Minerva looks the helmet over. “For starters, it’s very light.”

“Light? But that’s a solid helmet, isn’t it?! I mean, it doesn’t even have eyeholes!”

“That it is. However it only weighs a handful of pounds. I wonder if…”

Minerva puts the helmet on and looks around.

“This… this is incredible, Tom!”

“Minerva?”

“I can see everything around me as clear as day! It’s… it’s like the helmet isn’t even there!”

“How is that possible?!”

“Who knows! I… wait! What’s that?!”

She points to the roof of the hospital. Her assistant aims his camera in that direction.

“Minerva? What are we supposed to be looking at?”

“That hooded figure on the roof!”

“We don’t see anything on this end, Minerva.”

Minerva pulls the helmet off her head and tosses it aside to grab the cameraman’s arm. “What? How can you not…?”

She looks up again but sees nothing.

“They’re gone!”

“What can you tell us about that figure you saw?”

Minerva returns to her spot in front of the camera. “They were just standing there watching. I didn’t see anything other than the blue cloak they were wearing though.”

She reaches down and picks up the helmet again.

“Interesting.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the beast continue to go at it. Xenos calls out to him.

“Watch your head, sir! One shot and it’s over for you!”

Arc pushes away from his opponent. His eyes darting around frantically. “Cherry! Where…?!”

Max shakes his head. “Don’t worry. Your helmet is in the brush behind that monster, sir.”

Hugh turs to Viktor. “Maybe he should go after it!”

Viktor shakes his head as Bloodletter grabs Arc again and throws him onto the roof of the hospital. “I don’t think that’s an option right now.”

The cloaked figure deftly steps to the side as Arc runs past them to jump back down to ground level. Rose calls out.

“I may have a plan, Arc. However it’s very risky.”

Arc dodges another attack. “I’ll take anything right now!”

“Your opponent expends a lot of energy every time he swings at you. If you can somehow tire him out you might just be able to win this thing!”

Arc nods as he punches the beast across the yard. “Yes, but every time I hit him he just comes back twice as strong!”

Max looks to her nervously. “Rose, you aren’t suggesting what I think you are… are you?”

“Yes. Make him so angry that he tires himself out.”

Xenos frowns. “The commander doesn’t have the strength to do that though!”

Viktor nods. “Yes. He’s got to be tired enough as it is!”

Rose sighs as she speaks into her headset. “You know what you have to do, Arc.”

Arc dodges another attack. The tree behind him explodes from Bloodletter’s fist. He is breathing heavily from the prolonged battle under his mask.

“I… I just…”

Rose nods soberly. “Think of those children playing baseball nearby, Arc. Do you really want to risk their lives?”

“I… understand. Get ready.

“Minerva! Is our hero giving up?”

“It kinda looks like it, Tom. He’s just dodging attacks now.”

“Do you think he still has what it takes to win this fight?”

“For our sakes, I hope so.”

Arc continues dodging attacks for another minute.

“I can’t keep this up forever!”

Rose calls out. “Nearly ready, Arc. Just stall him for another thirty seconds.”

Arc looks up just in time to see a claw coming at him. He ducks as the hospital fence takes the mighty blow. A chunk of wood is jarred loose and hits him in the back of the head. Bloodletter grabs Arc and slams him to the ground.

Rose screams out. “Ready!”

Arc woozily holds up his hand toward the monster before him. “I… I hate this plan.”

A portal opens behind the beast.

“Some kind of wormhole has just opened up, Tom!”

“Do you think our hero plans to banish the creature though it?”

“That would be the best course of action right now, Tom. He can’t keep going like this! Wait! Something’s happening!”

Arc calls out weakly. “Do… do it.”

Bloodletter raises a hand to finish Arc. Suddenly Sereb lunges through the portal with a masked Rose on his back. Together they tackle the beast as four robed figures appear through the swirling energies and run over to Arc. Minerva breathes a sigh of relief.

“It looks like our Hero has more friends than we thought!”

“How many are there now, Minerva?”

“Six including the wolf.”

“Our Hero may pull through this yet! But what are those people holding?”

“It looks like spears.”

“Maybe now they’ll be able to fell this beast!”

Max helps him sit up with Hugh as Viktor and Xenos take up defensive positions between the beast and Arc.

“Are you alright, sir?!”

Arc nods weakly. “Y-yeah. Where’s Rose?”

Hugh turns to him. “She’s helping Sereb!”

“Are they okay?!”

Bloodletter flies through the air as Sereb blasts him with his magic. Max nods.

“They’re holding their own.”

“Help me… get up. This is far from over.”

Viktor turns to reposition himself with Xenos as Rose and Sereb rushes past them. “You should rest, sir. Let us handle this.”

Rose jumps off Sereb’s back and lunges at Bloodletter. She uppercuts him squarely in the jaw. The beast flies straight up several hundred feet. Minerva’s eyes grow wide.

“I don’t believe this! One of the newcomers has just brought the Hero’s opponent low! Or high, I suppose.”

“We see it, Minerva! How did she…?!”

“It would appear she simply punched him, Tom.”

“But no one is THAT strong!”

“Had I not seen it myself, I wouldn’t have believed it either!”

As the beast falls back to the ground Sereb blasts him across the yard with a powerful Telekinesis Spell. Bloodletter flies clear over the hospital and several trees. Xenos grins.

“That should teach him!”

Max frowns. “Let’s not be overconfident now.”

Viktor nods. “Right. This is no ordinary opponent!”

Hugh points to the tree line. “Look! I see something…”

“Look out!”

The others look up at Rose’s warning. A fully grown tree hurls toward the group. Sereb leaps toward Arc knocking him out of the tree’s path. One of the limbs catches the wolf and pulls him along for the ride. He emerges from the branches a moment later and shakes his head as if to clear it. Minerva gasps.

“The beast is now throwing trees!”

“You mean limbs, right?”

“No, Tom! Fully grown trees!”

Rose runs toward woods. “I’ve get him!”

Arc calls out to her. “Wait, NO!”

Rose disappears into the foliage as Arc’s squad waits and listens.

“We should go after her!”

Max puts a hand on Xenos’ shoulder. “No. He could easily surprise us in there.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “She can take care of herself. Right sir?”

“I’m sure she’ll be…”

A moment later there is the sound of several colossal blows. Rose flies toward them at breakneck speed. Xenos leaps forward to catch her as she falls back to earth.

“Are you…?!”

Xenos stops talking as he sees Rose’s arm twisted horribly. Red liquified magic drips out of her in several places, and she appears to be in pain as he lays her down on the ground. The others hurry over. Arc raises his gauntlet to open a portal.

“We need to get you out of here!”

He looks to Viktor.

“Take her back home and…”

“No.”

Arc turns back to Rose. “What did you say?”

Rose slowly gets up. “I said, no. I’m not leaving. That monster is…”

She is cut off as her head quickly turns toward the foliage. Bloodletter leaps toward them. Rose quickly calls forth her R-Cannon and fires. The beast flies back toward the woods. Tom gasps.

“What was THAT?!”

“That young woman must have something up her sleeve!”

“Impressive, as injured as she appears!”

Rose falls to her knees as she recalls her weapon. She appears greatly weakened.

“That’s… about all the energy I have left at this point.”

Arc kneels down to her. “You did fine. We’ll take care of the rest.”

Max shakes his head. “Sir. You and she are in no condition to continue this fight.”

Viktor looks back to the trees. “Let us take him on!”

“No! He’ll tear you four to pieces!”

Hugh chuckles. “We’ll be fine.”

Xenos makes a fist. “Right!”

He pulls aside his robe to expose the heavy armor under it. Arc’s eyes grow wide.

“What?! Where did you…?”

Sereb looks over. “Rose picked the crate up with her scanners in the garage.”

“Minerva? Did that wolf just… talk?!”

“I… I think so, Tom.”

“This story is just so… I don’t know how much more I can believe!”

Minerva nods as she turns to see Bloodletter charging out of the woods toward the heroes yet again.

“I’ll keep broadcasting as long as possible for our dear viewers at home. This needs to be documented!”

Sereb frowns. “We didn’t find any helmets though.”

Arc sighs. “I… I know.”

Reaching for his magic ring Arc pulls four helmets out and tosses them to his squad. They quickly put them on under their hoods as Max turns to Arc.

“Don’t worry, sir. I have a plan.”

“Be careful!”

Xenos nods. “Yes sir.”

The four move to surround the beast. Max lunges forward and strikes his opponent from behind with his spear.

“Take that, monster!”

As Bloodletter turns to counter, Max jumps back and calls out to the others.

“Next!”

Hugh does the same, slashing at the beast’s backside. The beast roars in pain as he turns to retaliate. However Hugh jumps back. Viktor steps forward.

“My turn!”

He does the same as Xenos finishes the job with a well places spear to the back. The beast roar angrily.

“Just stay down!”

Bloodletter dashes away to put some distance between himself and the four. They watch in horror as his wounds heal before their eyes. Sereb growls.

“This is not good.”

Arc frowns. “Just like Tempest!”

Rose looks over. “It… it’s working!”

Arc turns to her. “What?”

“He healed himself, yes. But it took a lot of energy for him to do so.”

Arc turns to his squad. “Do that again! Attack and retreat! He hates that!”

Max gives a thumbs up. “Yes sir!”

The group repeats the process several more times. Their opponent appears to be weakening. Arc turns to Sereb.

“Finish him.”

Sereb nods and lunges at Bloodletter. He bites down hard on his arm and throws him toward Arc’s squad. Holding their spears at the ready the four stab the beast through his gut together. Minerva blocks the camera lens momentarily with her hand.

“Oh my…!”

“Minerva?”

“I-I’m sorry, Tom. But this is far too much to be shown on television!”

They pull out of Bloodletter’s gut as he staggers back. His wounds heal albeit slowly. Rose turns to the others. Minerva steps back as they begin broadcasting again.

“His energy is at an end. Be careful.”

Arc walks toward the beast. “Oh, I will.”

“It appears our hero is about to end this fight, Minerva.”

Minerva nods. “We can only hope he makes that monster’s end swift.”

Arc stands before the beast. He looks all around at the squad before focusing on Arc himself.

“It’s time this ended, Bloodletter.”

The beast growls weakly and lunges forward. Arc sidesteps to avoid his blow and plants a fist in the monster’s gut. He staggers backwards momentarily before straightening and looking up just in time to see Arc’s fist hit him squarely between the eyes. The beast’s body goes rigid as he collapses to the ground. Arc quickly removes his gauntlet and puts two fingers to the beast’s throat.

“Let’s see how you’re doing.”

Xenos looks confused. “Sir?”

“We weren’t trying to kill him. Just stop him.”

Minerva grins. “The beast is down, Tom!”

“And none too soon. Who knows what would of happened had our town’s hero not intervened?!”

“Agreed. It’s a rather sad ending to this situation however.”

She turns to look back at Arc and his friends.

“Hold on a moment. Something is happening over there!”

Rose limps over. “Yes. However his energy levels are critically low and… wait! Something’s happening!”

Bloodletter begins to shrink in size. In a few moments he returns to his normal form. For a few moments no one says a word. Even Tom is momentarily speechless.

“What… just happened?!”

Minerva gasps. “I… The Rider’s leader, he… just turned back to normal somehow!”

“Did the Hero do something to him?”

“I don’t think so. He looks just as surprised as we are! Well, I suppose we need to leave before we’re noticed. This has been Minerva Moore reporting to you live from somewhere outside Farburg!”

She nods to the cameraman. They hurry back to their van and quickly drive away. Minerva looks the helmet over.

“A perfect story! That and I got a prop for the follow up report!”

The cameraman glances over. “Shouldn’t you give that back, Miss Moore? The Hero needs it.”

“As resourceful as he is, I’m sure he can get his hands on another.”

She puts the helmet on again and looks around.

“This little beauty is going in my personal collection! Right next to my…”

Minerva is cut short as a visage of a very angry Cherry flashes before her eyes. She rips the helmet off and lets it fall to the floor. The cameraman looks to her, confused.

“What’s wrong?!”

Minerva puts a hand to her forehead. “N-nothing. I’m just seeing things.”

“Like during the shoot?”

“I guess. Tell me, did you see anyone on the roof looking down at any point?”

“Other than the Hero at one point, no.”

Minerva sighs. “I think I need a good night’s sleep.”

“You have been going at it pretty hard. Everyone needs a break now and again.”

Minerva holds up the helmet again. “I’ll rest. Just as soon as I figure out just who this Hero is!”

Meanwhile, Rose scans Bloodletter before turning to Arc.

“We need to get him to a hospital right away!”

“Right!”

Arc raises a gauntlet and opens a portal. He gestures to Sereb. Xenos and Viktor put Bloodletter on his back as Arc turns to the foliage.

“Get him to the hospital! I need to find Cherry!”

Rose cries out. “He’s in critical condition, Arc!”

“Agreed. Sereb, go!”

Sereb nods and rushes through the portal. Max walks over to Arc.

“The boys and I will find your helmet, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Right! You need to rest!”

Hugh puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “This fight wasn’t easy for you either, sir. Please leave finding Miss Cherry to us.”

Viktor moves to support Arc. “We can do it. Just rest, sir”

“I… but…”

Arc falls to his knees breathing heavily. Xenos puts an arm around Arc’s shoulder and helps him up.

“Lean on me, sir.”

Arc calls out weakly. “Ch-Cherry!”

Xenos looks to the others. “I’ll help the commander home and come back for you three.”

They nod. Xenos helps Arc though the portal to the hospital. They drop off Bloodletter and Arc opens a portal to his house. Rose, Arc, Sereb, and Xenos appear on the basement sigil. Xenos half-carries Arc toward the stairs.

“Let’s get you to bed, sir.”

“But… Cherry…!”

Rose limps off the sigil. “The others will find her, Arc. Have faith in them.”

Sereb nods. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

Arc turns to looks around weakly. “Ember?”

Xenos points to his bunk. “She’s resting. Come on, sir.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “I’ll carry her to bed for you.”

“Thank… you.”

Xenos helps Arc up to his parent’s room as Arc looking over his shoulder to Sereb.

“Ember?”

“I have her here, Arc. She’s okay. You two just need a good night’s sleep.”

“Bring her… to me.”

Xenos looks confused. “Sir?”

“My bed. Put her there.”

Sereb nods. He uses his magic to carefully lay Ember down as Xenos lowers Arc into the bed next to her. Sereb returns to his Cub Form and jumps up to take his place at the foot of the bed as Xenos covers Arc and Ember with the blankets.

“I’ll drive out there and pick the others up, sir.”

Arc wordlessly nods as Xenos leaves the bedroom and heads to the main level. Rose meets him in the Living Room as she looks out the window.

“You should hurry, Xenos. It’s starting to rain.”

Xenos nods as the rain quickly intensifies. “The forecast did call for it. I’m just glad we didn’t get caught in that during the battle.”

He looks at Rose’s injuries.

“You going to be okay?”

“I’ve already begun repairs. By morning I should be fully functional.”

“Are you sure? That looks painful!”

“Yes. Remember, I don’t feel pain. You go.”

Xenos nods and heads out the door as Rose sits down on the couch and closes her eyes.

“This is the first time since Miss Cherry’s return you’ve been alone, Arc. I wish I could help, but I have my own problems right now. Rest well, my friend.”

Meanwhile, as Rose continues repairing herself, Arc turns his head to Ember and offers her a weak smile as he slides over to her. He pulls her into and embrace.

“Ember. My… friend. You… you were so very… brave back there.”

He looks out the bedroom window at the falling rain and murky evening light as he holds her tightly.

“Sleep well, Ember.”

A tear courses down his cheek.

“Max. Please… find Cherry. Bring my love… back to me. Please…”

Meanwhile, a cloaked Diva looks down from the roof of the hospital and chuckles to herself as she spots the empty syringe Hammer dropped. Holding out her hand she pulls the empty container to herself.

“An impressive show, Arc. Hammer may have failed in her own mission, along with her idiotic Shards. But you… you’ve done VERY well! I look forward to bringing you into the stable… very soon.”

Chapter 19 - Missing

Early the next morning before dawn Ember slowly opens her eyes. She looks up to see Arc’s sleeping next to her and gently puts a hand to his face.

“What am I…?”

Arc opens his own eyes and bolts upright. “CHERRY!!!”

“Arc?! What’s gotten into…?!”

“I have to…!”

As he puts weight on his legs, Arc quickly finds them unable to hold him. He crashes to the floor. Ember rolls over to the edge of the bed.

“What’s wrong?!”

“I… Cherry! She’s…!”

Ember holds out a hand to him. “Talk to me, Arc. Something’s happened to Cherry?”

Arc takes Ember’s hand and hefts himself up onto the bed. “Y-yes!”

“Cherry? Can you hear me?”

The air is silent. Arc shakes his head.

“She isn’t here.”

Ember frowns. “Then where is she?!”

Arc flops back down on his back. “I don’t know!”

Ember lies back down next to him. “Start from the beginning, Arc. What happened after I… you know.”

Arc brings Ember up to speed on rest of the battle.

“That sounds like it was a hard fight!”

“It was, yes. We won, but I lost my helmet.”

“And Cherry was in it?”

Arc nods sadly. “Yes. Sereb and I took Bloodletter to the hospital before coming home.”

“And Cherry?”

“Xenos helped me to bed and took the Jeep to join the others in searching for her.”

He sighs.

“I wish I could have gone with him. But I was almost asleep on my feet.”

Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. “I’ve seen what happens when you push yourself too far.”

Arc nods. “Yes, well… I’m sure they’ve found her by now.”

Ember looks around the room. “While I’m sure you’re right, I don’t see your helmet anywhere in here.”

Arc frowns. “Sereb either.”

“He was here?”

“Yes. But it’s not like him to leave without saying something.”

Ember sits up. “I’ll see if I can…”

As she tries to stand Ember finds herself on the floor. Arc looks over to her.

“You can’t get up either?”

“Doesn’t look like it, no.”

Arc reaches out and extends a hand. “Come on back up then.”

Ember looks worried as Arc pulls her back into bed. “This is kinda creepy. Neither of us has the strength to get up!”

Arc sighs as he looks out the window. The cold rain from the previous night continues to fall.

“Cherry…”

Ember takes his hand.

“She’ll be fine. Cherry’s a tough mare.”

She gently pushes him back down onto his pillow.

“I think we both need some more rest, Arc.”

“But…!”

“It’s still pretty early. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone’s still asleep.”

She sniffs the air.

“That and I don’t smell breakfast cooking.”

“My guys are pretty good at making us something bright and early.”

Ember points toward the window. “It’s certainly a bit early for that though. We should probably get some more rest for now.”

“But, Cherry…!”

“Is fine, I’m sure.”

Ember snuggles up next to him.

“Just rest. Cherry would say the same if she were here.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose you’re right, Ember. Um… but tell me something. How do you feel?”

“Truthfully, a bit tired and achy. And you?”

“Pretty much the same.”

“Kinda reminds me of that time back in Tartarus. You don’t suppose I’m having a relapse, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. Humans don’t have the same immune systems as dragons do though. I think we’re just regular sick.”

“Wha-what do we do?!”

Arc puts his arm around her. “Rest for now.”

Ember lays her head on Arc’s chest and smiles. “That makes the pounding in my head bearable.”

Arc puts a hand on her forehead. “Your forehead is kinda warm.”

“Really? I feel cold.”

Arc pulls the blankets over them as he coughs. “Let’s try and get some more sleep. I don’t feel too good either.”

“Y-yeah. Good night. Morning? Whatever.”

Arc nods as he and Ember drift off to sleep. Meanwhile across town a car pulls into an underground parking ramp. Minerva steps out and wearily grabs her bag off the passenger seat before she heads for the elevator. Riding it to the top floor she walks down the hall toward her apartment and yawns as she pulls out her keys.

“What a story!”

Unlocking her apartment door, she steps inside and flips on a light before walking over to her couch. She plops down as she drops the bag next to herself and sighs contentedly.

“I just love shooting on location. What a RUSH!”

Grinning, she reaches into her bag and pulls out the helmet.

“You, my heroic metal meal ticket, are my way to the top of the charts!”

She studies the helmet more closely.

“Now then, what is this thing made of? It’s so light!”

Minerva puts the helmet on her head and looks out her window over the city.

“Hmmm… who was that robed figure earlier? Did I really see them? I was certainly excited enough to misinterpret…”

A visage of a seething Cherry flashes before her eyes. Minerva quickly removes the helmet and throws it across the room.

“Woah! What was that?!”

She slowly walks toward the helmet lying on the floor and picks it up. Looking it over again she frowns.

“How could I have seen… whatever that was?”

Minerva walks toward her bedroom with the helmet under her arm. She sets it on her nightstand and lies down.

“I must’ve imagined it. While the craftsmanship certainly makes it a sight to behold, it’s still just a helmet.”

Turning off her bedside lamp and rolling over Minerva falls asleep. Sometime later the sun rises and shines murkily through the clouds, but Arc and Ember sleep through it. Mid-morning arrives and the sounds of footsteps slowly ascending the stairs rings out. Max stops outside Arc’s door on Sereb’s back. He pauses to take a deep breath before knocking lightly. Quietly entering the room he turns to the bed.

“S-sir?”

Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks over.

“Max?”

Ember sits up from her place on Arc’s chest, sniffling. “What… what’s going on?”

Arc coughs. “Max? Why are you and Sereb all wet?”

“We… we were out searching for Miss Cherry last night.”

Ember looks out the window. “Last… night?”

Arc looks at Max nervously. “Where… where is she?!”

Max hangs his head. “I… I’m sorry, sir.”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t answer the question.”

Sereb sighs. “We failed, Arc.”

Max nods, not looking up. “Yes. We were unable to find your helmet.”

There is a stunned silence during which something inside Arc breaks. His pupils shrink and his breathing increases.

“W-WHA-WHAT?!”

“The five of us were looking all night.”

“Five?”

Sereb nods. “Yes, Arc. Xenos returned late last night to get me. I too lent my nose to the search.”

Arc jumps out of bed and attempts to get to his closet, but falls to his knees. Ember shakily stands and hobbles over to him.

“A-Arc!”

“Help me over to the dresser, Ember!”

Sereb frowns. “You are unwell, Arc.”

“I don’t care! Cherry’s out there, and I have to find her!”

He takes a step, but falls again with Ember. She appears frightened.

“Arc? What’s wrong with us?!”

Max coughs. “You don’t look too good, sir.”

Arc nods, breathing heavily. “Yeah?! Well I don’t feel too good! But Cherry’s out there somewhere!”

He looks to Max.

“Now get off Sereb and let me get to finding her!”

“Y-yes sir.”

Max slides off Sereb’s back and crashes to the floor. Ember gasps.

“Max?”

Sereb walks over and sighs. “He and the others are all the same. I had to carry Max upstairs on my back.”

“So all of you are sick too?!”

Max nods weakly. “Yes sir. Please forgive us for failing you.”

Arc sighs and nods. Ember helps him stand.

“Max, this wasn’t your fault.”

Arc nods. “She’s right. You four did your absolute best for me and I appreciate that! However, I need to find Cherry! Sereb take Max downstairs and see to it he and the others get some rest.”

“Very well.”

Sereb puts his head down and helps Max onto his back. The pair leave the room as Arc weakly heads for the bed with Ember.

“We have to lie down, Arc.”

“What about Cherry?! I need to find her!”

“Maybe someone else can take care of that.”

Arc frowns as he lies down. “Who?!”

Ember sighs as she lies down next to him. “Well, Sereb is fine.”

“I could send him out to look, yes. But where should he start?”

“Probably where this mess began. At that hospital.”

Arc thinks for a moment as Sereb returns. “They already looked that place over pretty thoroughly though.”

“Yes, we did.”

Ember turns to Sereb. “Were there any clues? Anything at all?”

“We… found some tracks in the foliage near where the battle took place.”

“Could they be from The Riders?”

“Perhaps. However, as they regained consciousness most of them ran off in the opposite direction.”

Ember gasps. “So someone was watching us the whole time?!”

“Unknown.”

“Could you pick up any scents?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Assuming someone really was there, I could not. The rain deterred me in that regard.”

Arc sighs. “Great. Now what do we do?”

Ember turns to Arc. “What if Sereb and I went there together? Maybe would could…?”

She suddenly bursts into a fit of sneezes. Sereb sighs.

“It does not sound like you are in any condition to do such a thing, Ember.”

Ember flops back onto the pillows. “ARGH! I hate this human sickness!”

Arc snaps his fingers. “That might be an idea!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Eh?”

Ember frowns. “I don’t see how me being sick is going to help anyone!”

“But what if you weren’t?”

“That would be wonderful right now.”

“If you turned back into a dragon for a little bit, would your body be able to hold back the illness?”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t know. Other than that time in Tartarus, I’ve never been sick before.”

Sereb smiles. “It is worth a try.”

Arc nods. “Do it, Sereb.”

His horn aglow, Sereb casts the counter spell on Ember. In a few moments she returns to her dragon form. Arc looks her up and down.

“How do you feel?”

Ember sniffs. “I can smell again!”

Sereb nods approvingly. “That is good.”

Ember stands up slowly and carefully.

“Feeling good. No weakness.”

Arc coughs. “Great.”

Ember turns back to Arc and pushes him back down. “Lie back, Arc. You still need to rest.”

“You’re right.”

Ember soberly takes Arc’s hand in her claws. “Sereb and I are going to find her, Arc.”

“Thanks. But not like that you can’t.”

“What are you…?”

Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out a magic cloak.

“Take this and stay hidden.”

Sereb looks confused. “Hidden?”

“Ember’s identity at least. If the government were to find out there was a real live dragon running around, they would certainly come for you. Keep your armor on too.”

Ember takes the robe and turns to leave. “I… fine.”

As she turns Arc grabs her claw.

“Ember?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks for doing this.”

“No problem. You just take it easy, okay?”

Sereb nods. “We will let you know what we find.”

Arc coughs and lays back. Ember and Sereb leave the room shutting the door behind them. He stares up at the ceiling.

“I’m counting on you two.”

Meanwhile, Ember and Sereb head downstairs. Passing the Living Room couch they see Rose lying down.

“Is she… sleeping?”

Sereb shrugs. “I believe it is more along the lines of repairing. She certainly needed it after last night.”

“Why? What happened?

“We can talk about it later. Rose told me she would be fine, and I believe her.”

Nodding, Ember follows Sereb through the Kitchen and down the basement steps. They find Arc’s squad lying on their bunks. Viktor is wrapped up in a blanket in front of his computer. Ember looks around.

“You guys look terrible.”

Viktor blows his nose. “We FEEL terrible!”

Hugh rolls over nervously. “How’s the commander?”

Sereb sighs. “He is in a similar condition.”

Max grimaces as he coughs. “Great. I just hope nothing big comes over the police scanner.”

Xenos takes a drink of water to counter his own coughs. “Yeah. We’re in no condition to do much of anything.”

“Well, Sereb and I are heading out to look for Cherry. You guys going to be okay over here?”

Max nods. “Yes. Just please find her.”

Hugh hacks into a tissue. “The commander needs Miss Cherry.”

Xenos sighs. “We’d help if we could, but…”

Viktor swivels around and tosses Ember a radio. “Call me on this if you need anything, okay?”

“Thanks. We’ll do our best.”

They head upstairs as the squad goes back to resting. Sereb turns to Ember.

“Shall we start at the hospital?”

Ember nods as she puts the radio in Sereb’s saddlebag. “Might as well. It all started there anyways.”

They step out the back door as Ember calls forth her armor, cloaks, and hops up into the saddle.

“You know the way?”

“I do.”

Ember breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Because I have no clue.”

Sereb looks around as he runs down the street. “At least the rain stopped.”

“Yeah. It’s a lot warmer now too.”

“Arc says spring is coming.”

“Good! I’m so over this cold weather!”

Half an hour later the pair arrive at the abandoned hospital. Ember hops off Sereb and looks around at the damage to the yard as she decloaks

“This must’ve been quite the battle!”

“It was.”

“Did we win?”

“Yes, Ember.”

“How?”

“By tiring our opponent out.”

“Did it go well?”

“Not really. But it did work… eventually.”

Ember scans her surroundings. “Maybe there’ll be something on the news about this.”

“We’ll have to talk to Viktor about that when we return.”

“Yeah. But let’s get to work.”

They look around. Ember spots the discharged grenade. She walks over and picks it up.

“This thing started the whole mess!”

“Eh?”

“Don’t you remember?! Everything was going our way until Hammer tossed this crazy thing!”

Sereb sighs. “I suppose. The battle was all but won at that point.”

Ember nods as she looks it over. “Where do you suppose she got this thing?”

“The Shards are a crafty and sinister lot.”

Ember nods as she puts the canister in Sereb’s saddlebag. “Let’s take it with us. Maybe it’ll lead to something.”

“Very well.”

“Now then, how did Arc lose his helmet?”

“His opponent grabbed him and tossed the helmet over there.”

He points with a paw.

“Into the woods?”

“Yes, Ember. It must’ve rolled quite a ways, as we couldn’t find it.”

“Did you try calling out to her?”

Sereb nods. “Eventually, yes. The others didn’t want to, but I convinced them we had no choice.”

The pair walk toward the woods and look around. Ember points.

“There! Footprints!”

“We saw them earlier.”

“Someone WAS over here!”

“That is the logical conclusion, yes.”

“Then why didn’t you SAY anything back in Arc’s room?!”

Sereb sighs. “I… couldn’t.”

“What?”

“Believe me, I was going to tell him. But when I saw the condition he was in, I knew I not only couldn’t, but shouldn’t.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. He would’ve come out here himself. Sick or not.”

“I was very surprised that he did not put up more of a fuss to you and I handling this.”

“Why do you suppose that was?”

“He trusts you very much, Ember. Arc knows you will not let him down.”

Sereb sighs and looks down.

“…as I and the others did.”

“Hey now! You guys didn’t fail! Cherry’s not here to find!”

“It was a very difficult thing to do. Returning empty-pawed.”

“Then we’ll have to make that right! Come on! Let’s try and figure out where these tracks go.”

Sereb sighs. “Follow me.”

He leads Ember deeper into the woods. In a few minutes they arrive at an old two-track road.

“The tracks end here.”

Ember looks around. “Where… is this place?”

“Unknown.”

Ember mounts Sereb. “Let’s follow this path and see where it leads.”

“I did that last night.”

“Maybe you missed something. I mean, no one’s perfect.”

Sereb sighs. “Very well.”

He runs down the path. About ten minutes later they arrive at the main road.

“This is where we lost the trail.”

“Lost it?”

Sereb points a paw at the pavement. “This path is very hard. Impossible to follow and track on it.”

“Anything you can tell me about the trail? Anything at all!”

“The rain has washed it away now, but there were muddy tire tracks leading this way.”

He points a paw to the left.

“So, let’s follow it!”

“I… I did, Ember.”

“Where did it lead you?”

Sereb looks down sadly. “Back to Angel Grove.”

“Wait, what?!”

“Yes. This is where the trail ends, I’m afraid.”

“I… I don’t… but…”

Ember runs down the road on foot. Sereb chases after her.

“Ember? What is it?”

“I have to see for myself!”

“But…?”

“No matter what, I can’t let Arc down!”

They come to the top of a hill. As they crest it Ember looks off in the distance to Angel Grove. She falls to her knees in the middle of the road.

“I… we… but Cherry…”

Sereb puts a paw on her shoulder. “We will find her, Ember.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“I really don’t see how.”

Ember and Sereb quickly turn to see Wiseman standing before them. Ember frowns.

“You again?!”

Wiseman nods silently as Sereb growls.

“What… are you? I cannot smell you.”

“Just a man who keeps an eye open.”

“Did you see who took… our friend?”

“Cherry?”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “How do you know that name?!”

“Easy there, Sereb. He’s a friend… I think.”

She turns back to Wiseman.

“Look, all I want to do is find her and bring her back to Arc. Can you help me?”

“With what?”

“Something tells me you know EXACTLY where Cherry is!”

“I do.”

Sereb glares at him. “Where?!”

“She is… where she needs to be right now.”

Ember frowns. “I don’t understand. Cherry isn’t with Arc, so that can’t be right!”

Wisemans shrugs. “Is your own perception of normalcy and order the same as everyone’s?”

“In this case, yes!”

“Can you tell us anything or not, stranger?!”

“I can. But for the sake of all, I will not say.”

Sereb seethes. “Why you…?!”

He lunges at Wiseman. The robed figure moves like lightning to avoid the attack. Sereb lands and quickly recovers. He swings a mighty paw at Wiseman who puts out a hand to effortlessly stop it. The figure before him holds back the paw as Sereb presses his attack.

“You and I could trade blows all day, my friend. But it would bring you no closer to your goal.”

“Easy there, Sereb!”

Sereb steps back. “But he knows where she is!”

“I know. But I also understand that this human is not what he seems.”

Wiseman nods. “Very good, Ember. Now you’re looking beyond what you see.”

Ember takes a deep breath. “You have something to tell Arc?”

“I do. But I can see he isn’t here. Would you deliver a message for me please?”

“Okay. What is it?”

“Tell him to watch the news.”

Wiseman points toward Angel Grove.

“Also tell him that Cherry has not, and will not, leave Angel Grove.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “How do you know that?! Unless you were the one whom took her!”

The wolf prepares to attack again but Ember steps in front of him.

“Will she and Arc find one another?!”

Wiseman nods as he walks toward the woods. “Yes. That much I can assure you.”

He steps behind a tree. Sereb runs around Ember and gives chase.

“COME BACK HERE!!!”

Rounding the tree Sereb comes face to face with nothing but bark and mud. He looks around as he calls out to Ember.

“He’s gone!”

Ember nods as she walks over. “I figured as much.”

“Arc told me about him. Can this one be trusted?”

“I don’t know. Arc sort of seems to think so.”

“Sort of?”

“Well, he DID help us get out of the burning apartment building and escape the southern temple. But I can’t help but shake the feeling he’s toying with us.”

“Agreed! He knows where Miss Cherry is! Why not just tell us?!”

Ember sighs as she gets back up into the saddle. “I can’t answer that. But we should probably get back home and tell Arc about this.”

Chapter 20 - Sick with Worry

The pair begin the trek home in silence. Neither of them speak until they walk in the back door together. Ember turns to look at Sereb as she closes the door behind them.

“You okay?”

Sereb sighs. “I feel nothing but sadness and regret at our failure.”

“Me too.”

He turns as the pair slowly walk toward the stairs together. “You? But there is nothing for you to regret. This failure is mine.”

Ember shakes her head. “No, Sereb. We both failed to find Cherry, therefore I failed Arc as well.”

She slowly opens the door to the bedroom. Arc is asleep. Meanwhile across town Minerva’s alarm clock goes off. She reaches over and turns it off before sitting up and stretching.

“What a night. And now back to work, I guess.”

She turns to look at the helmet on the nightstand but finds it missing.

“That’s odd. I know I left it here.”

Standing up Minerva looks around her room. She spots the helmet lying on its side facing her patio door. Walking over she reaches down and picks it up.

“How did you get over here?”

Minerva looks the helmet over as she walks to the kitchen.

“I must’ve knocked it over in my sleep.”

She sets the helmet down on the counter and pours herself a steaming cup of coffee. Sitting down, Minerva glances over at her prize.

“Are you watching me? Nah, that’s silly. Your just an inanimate object.”

The helmet vibrates slightly at this. Frowning, Minerva sets her coffee down.

“What the…?”

She stares intently at the helmet for some time, but it does not move. Standing up, Minerva walks over to the radio to catch the mid-morning news.

“Must’ve just imagined it.”

Suddenly the helmet falls from the counter, nearly causing Minerva to drop her cup in surprise. It slowly begins rolling toward the front door. Quickly setting down the coffee cup, she gives chase.

“Get back here!”

Scooping up the helmet, Minerva frowns.

“That hero must be trying to use his powers to recall this, or something. Well, I don’t think so.”

Minerva walks back to her bedroom and drops the helmet into her largest bedside drawer. She closes it and stands back up.

“Problem solved.”

Meanwhile, back at Arc’s house Sereb turns to Ember.

“Should we come back later?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. He’d want to know right away.”

Sereb frowns as they approach the bed. “This won’t be easy.”

“I know.”

Ember puts a claw on Arc’s shoulder and gently shakes him.

“Arc? We’re back.”

Arc’s eyes fly open and he sits up quickly. This forces an onslaught of coughing and hacking to spew forth. In a few moments he speaks in a raspy voice.

“Ember! Where… where is she?!”

Ember hangs her head.

“I’m sorry, Arc. The hospital… she wasn’t there.”

Arc leans forward and puts his head in his hands.

“Any… clues?”

Sereb steps forward. “We… found footprints near where the helmet rolled last night.”

“So someone TOOK her?!”

Ember nods. “It looks like it, Arc.”

“We followed the prints to a dirt path. It looks like they got into a vehicle after that.”

Where did the path lead?!”

“To the main road.”

Sereb nods. “The mud would suggest they turned left toward Angel Grove.”

“It’s a start. Anything else?!”

Ember sighs. “Yeah. We… ran into someone familiar over there.”

Arc looks up, surprised. “What? Who?”

“Wiseman.”

“Good! Did he tell you where Cherry is?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “He was… elusive in that regard.”

Arc sighs. “I kinda figured that much. Well, what did he say?”

“Just that Cherry was in Angel Grove, and wasn’t going anywhere.”

Sereb growls. “How he knows THAT is a mystery however.”

“You think he took her, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it, Ember. You said there were tire tracks, right?”

“Yes.”

“Wiseman always vanishes, or teleports, or whatever. He doesn’t have much use for vehicular transport.”

“True.”

Sereb sighs. “I suppose he wouldn’t have approached us if he was the kidnapper either.”

“Yeah. Well, he’s been right thus far. But that does little to soothe my concerns.”

Ember hangs her head. “Sorry Arc.”

“What for?”

“Sereb and I failed you.”

“That may be. But you two tried your very best.”

“Wiseman did leave us with one other clue.”

Arc sighs. “Another cryptic message?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. He wanted us to tell you to watch the news for some reason.”

“Great. That could mean any station or any website! TV or Internet!”

“Where should Sereb and I start?”

“By helping me up!”

Arc coughs heavily again as he reaches a hand toward Ember.

“Arc, you really need to rest. Let Sereb and I take care of this.”

Sereb nods. “I look forward to having a chance to redeem myself.”

“Help me downstairs to the couch at least.”

Ember sighs. “Fine.”

She helps him up. Arc turns to Sereb.

“Check on the guys downstairs will you?”

“At once.”

Sereb hurries to carry out his task as Arc slowly descends the stairs with Ember with a blanket around his shoulders. Ember turns to him, concerned.

“You aren’t planning on running off now are you?”

Arc smiles at her weakly. “I don’t think I can. At least I can help gather information from the sofa.”

“I suppose.”

They proceed over to the couch together. Ember sets Arc down and picks up the remote from a nearby end table. She turns on the TV as and sits down next to Arc.

“Let’s see what we can find out.”

Arc coughs. “The news in on next.”

Sereb comes into the room and sits down in front of the couch.

“They’re sleeping peacefully. I believe they’ll be fine with ample rest.”

“Good. What about Rose?”

“She appears to be recharging in a chair.”

“And her injuries?”

“He body appears fully repaired from what I could see.”

Ember sighs. “I know she’s an android and all, but I’m still worried she’ll get hurt.”

Arc nods. “Me too. At least she isn’t sick though.”

“What do you suppose happened to your squad?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, they were out all night in the cold rain. That alone would make anyone sick.”

Ember sighs. “And us, Arc? “

“That makes me a bit worried.”

“You think it had anything to do with that gas?”

“Maybe. Now I wish I had grabbed that thing Hammer threw at us.”

Sereb pulls the canister out of his saddlebag with his magic and levitates it to Arc. “We picked it up.”

Arc takes the canister. “Good work!”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“Right here, sir. Are you alright? You don’t sound as you normally do.”

“I’m feeling a bit under the weather right now. But I have a spent augmented smoke grenade that needs analyzing.”

“Can I assume there was something more than just smoke in it?”

“I believe so, yes. Can you figure out what it was if we send it over?”

“Yes sir. If there’s any residue in it, which there should be, I’ll be able to determine its chemical structure. Hopefully it’s not something too exotic though.”

Ember frowns. “Like something indigenous to Earth?”

“Yes. That would certainly slow my analysis down.”

Arc hands the canister to Ember. “We’ll send it through in a minute. Let me know what you find as soon as possible.”

“Yes sir. I’ll get right on it.”

Arc continues as Ember heads for the basement. “Good. Everything alright in Equestria?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary here, sir.”

“Glad to hear it. I’ll let you get back to work now.”

“Yes sir. I hope you feel better.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

He touches his earring as Ember heads back up the stairs.

“Sent that crazy thing over.”

“Good.”

Sereb points a paw at the television. “The news is starting.”

The Channel 7 news logo pops onto the screen and a news anchor comes into view.

“Good morning, Angel Grove. The town is abuzz with talk about our town’s Hero and his actions last night.”

Ember frowns. “Huh? What…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Shhh!”

“The neighboring town of Farburg has recently been a victim from gang activity from a biker gang known only as ‘The Riders’. Our Hero discovered their base’s location and decided to pay them a visit.”

A shot of Arc and Ember fighting the gang flashes onto the screen. Ember frowns.

“Where did they get that footage?!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed.”

Arc shrugs. “I didn’t see anyone last night. They must’ve been pretty well hidden to…”

“As expected, our Hero and his partner Dragon came out on top.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “Dragon?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “We told Minerva that was my name. Arc is just Hero.”

“However, a Shard member came to the leader’s aid in an attempt to thwart our Hero. This only confirms rumors circulating in Farburg that the Shards and The Riders are working together.”

Ember grins. “Well, we took care of THAT!”

“Our top reporter was able to get some footage of the battle last night.”

The screen shifts to Arc, Sereb, and Ember fighting The Riders and Hammer. Arc scratches his head.

“I wonder who…”

Minerva’s face comes onscreen as they replay last night’s breaking news. Ember chuckles.

“Saw that one coming.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. But how did she know we would be there?”

Sereb frowns. “Indeed. We didn’t tell anyone of our intentions.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Someone had to tip her off though! I mean, she couldn’t have been conveniently hanging out in the woods that night!”

Arc nods. “Let’s keep watching. Maybe we’ll see something we missed during the fight.”

The scene of Hammer jabbing Bloodletter with the syringe comes on. Arc turns to Ember and Sereb.

“That syringe. Did you two find it?”

“I didn’t see it, no.”

“We looked for it last night, to no avail.”

Arc sighs. “Great. I suppose it can’t be helped, but I’d REALLY like to have Sunburst analyze what was in that thing.”

Sereb narrows his eyes.. “What could do such a thing to a human?”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing I can think of.”

Ember puts a claw to her chin. “Was it some kind of fast-acting potion?”

Arc shakes his head as he continues. “Humans are big into injectable medicine. It puts the substance directly into the bloodstream.”

“That would explain how it took effect so quickly. I wonder if…”

Arc stands up quickly. “Wait… WHAT?!”

Minerva bends down and holds up Arc’s helmet. Arc’s voice breaks.

“SHE HAS CHERRY!!!”

He hurries toward the door but falls to the floor again. Ember runs over to him with Sereb.

“Arc! Are you okay?!”

Arc thrashes as Ember helps him back to the couch. “I will be when I rescue Cherry from Minerva!”

Sereb sighs. “Please do not push yourself. It will only make your condition worse.”

“Fine! Sereb, you go over there and get Cherry back then! Tear Minerva apart if you have to!”

Ember frowns. “Arc?!”

“I will do so if that is truly your wish.”

“SEREB!”

“Cherry must be saved, Ember.”

“You don’t even know where to go!”

Arc again stands. “I’ll drive you over to the station, Sereb!”

Ember glares at him. “And you’re too sick!”

“I’ll wait in the Jeep.”

Sereb nods. “I will not fail this time, Arc!”

Arc reaches slowly toward his coat nearby. “Thanks. Now let’s…”

A moment later Arc feels himself floating a few inches above the floor. He turns to see Ember angrily holding him up with her magic.

“Stop it, Arc!”

“I’m going, Ember!”

“This isn’t the right way and you know it!”

“What do you expect me to do?! Leave Cherry behind?!”

Ember shakes her head as she walks over to him. “No, Arc. But you’re telling Sereb to KILL someone!”

“She deserves it!”

Ember takes Arc’s hand in her claws. “That may be. But the Arc I know and love wouldn’t agree with this course of action.”

“But…!”

“And neither would Cherry.”

Arc hangs his head. “I… I know that. But…”

He is silent for a time.

“You’re right, Ember. Thanks for stopping me.”

Ember nods as she gives him a hug. “That’s what friends are for.”

She helps him back to the couch. Arc sighs.

“You two have any ideas?”

Ember nods. “I could go to the TV station and find her.”

“That would certainly be the direct approach. But I really doubt she’ll just have my helmet sitting on her desk.”

“I can go with her in my Cub Form. Your scent is well known to me.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Do you think he could sniff the helmet out?”

“Most likely.”

“Most likely?”

Arc nods. “I clean my helmet regularly.”

Sereb frowns. “There are so many smells in this city. It is difficult to focus on just one.”

Ember heads for the door. “Well, we have to try. Come on, Sereb.”

The pair leave the house as Ember puts up her cowl. She jumps on his back and they make their way down the street. Sereb looks over his shoulder.

“Do you believe Miss Moore will just hand the helmet over to us?”

“Probably not.”

“Then what is the plan should we find it?”

“She stole it. We’re just going to steal it back.”

Sereb frowns. “There is no honor in thievery. Such is not the way of my tribe OR the dragons.”

“I… I know that. But if it makes Arc happy, I’ll do it.”

Meanwhile, Arc hobbles down to the basement. He turns to check on his squad whom are sleeping peacefully.

“At least they don’t feel feverish. I’ll let them rest”

Arc walks over to the table and puts a hand on Rose’s cheek. He is careful to keep his voice down.

“Wake up, sleepyhead.”

Rose slowly raises her head and looks up at him.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“You okay?”

Rose nods. “Yes. My auto-repair functions have mended the damage caused by last night’s battle.”

“Good.”

Rose looks at the bunks. “Your squad appears to be ill.”

“Sensors?”

“Yes. Their body chemistry is a bit off.”

“Define ‘off’.”

“A minor infection is present. Fear not, as they will recover soon.”

“That’s a relief. In any case, would you follow me please?”

Rose stands up. “Okay. But…”

“We can talk more upstairs.”

Arc turns to head for the stairs, but falls to his knees. Rose helps him up.

“You appear to have the worst of it, Arc.”

Arc nods as they head upstairs. “What is it?”

“Unknown.”

“Great…”

She leads Arc over to the couch and helps him sit down.

“Is there anything you need?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so.”

“Are you certain you’re not hungry? My sensors do not show any metabolism currently underway in your gastrointestinal tract.”

“Not really, no.”

Rose stands and covers him with a blanket. “I know you don’t feel like eating. But your body needs energy to fight your infection. Let me make you something.”

Arc nods weakly. “Okay, thanks.”

Rose heads for the Kitchen. She returns a short time later with a steaming bowl of soup which she sets down on a tray table.

“My scans show this type of food will be easy on your stomach.”

Arc sits up. “I sure hope so. My gut isn’t exactly happy right now.”

He takes a bite.

“Chicken noodle soup.”

“I hope that’s alright.”

Arc nods. “Yes, Rose. It’s traditionally a sick soup.”

He eats in silence as Rose watches.

“You are anxious about something.”

“Very much so.”

Arc brings her up to speed on the theft of his helmet. She bows her head.

“I’m so sorry this happened, Arc!”

“As am I. Ember and Sereb are out there now trying to find her and Minerva.”

“If I had just been stronger, maybe I could have…”

“Please don’t, Rose. That thought has been going through my mind since this all started.”

Rose looks over at him. “You’re shaking!”

“Just… just cold is all.”

“The temperature of the room is the same as it always is. You should get back to bed, Arc.”

He nods as Rose helps him up. “Y-yes. That does sound good.”

She puts an arm around his shoulder.

“Let me help you.”

“Thanks.”

They return to the bedroom. Rose helps Arc lie down. Her eyes dart over him as she covers him with a blanket.

“This is most peculiar.”

“What is?”

“Your illness should not be doing this to you.”

“Which part?”

“The shakes.”

Arc’s teeth chatters. “It’s just… so cold in here!”

Ros turns back to close the bedroom door. “I… think I might be able to help with that. Would you please roll over onto your side?”

Arc nods and does so. Returning to his bedside Rose removes her shoes and climbs into bed with him.

“Rose?”

She presses her body against his. “Shhh… just rest now, Arc.”

“I thought we removed your directives.”

Rose nods as she puts her arms around him and holds him tightly. “That is true.”

“Then why are you…?”

“To warm you up. My programming is not telling me to do this, Arc. My heart is.”

“Oh. Um…”

Rose smiles as she presses her face against Arc’s back. “I understand why mother thinks of you in such high regard.”

“I… I’m sorry, Rose.”

“Whatever for?”

“You didn’t want your directives removed, but I insisted. If you’d like them reinstalled I completely understand.”

Rose smiles and shakes her head. “No, Arc. You were right to do that.”

“I was? But… but you looked so scared when it happened.”

“Yes. But since then I’ve felt so many new things.”

“Like what?”

“Simple things really. The smell of cooking food. Spending time with you and the others. Looking at a sunset is just… magical to me now!”

Arc smiles and breathes a sigh of relief.

“You don’t miss the order of having directives?”

Rose shakes her head. “I thought I would. But I realized you were right. I was a slave to my programing. Before I would have indeed done this. But only because my directives told me to.”

“And now?”

“Now I do it because I… I care about you. That’s another thing I didn’t have before. Feelings.”

“Real feelings?”

“I think so, yes. For example, last night I felt fear for the first time.”

“Fear of getting hurt?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. I was afraid you and the others would. My body can repair itself. Yours can’t. At least not as easily.”

“Thanks. And do you feel fear right now?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“I thought maybe you were afraid my condition would worsen, or something.”

“My sensors aren’t showing that, no. The feeling I have right now is much more special.”

“Which one would that be?”

“Love.”

“You… you love me?”

Rose nods. “I do. At least that’s what it must be.”

“Oh, um… is that why you feel warmer than usual?”

She blushes heavily. “I… I’m raising my internal temperature to keep you warm.”

“Thanks. It does feel nice.”

They are silent for a time.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think Ember will be angry?”

“About you lying here?”

“Yes. She’s very possessive of you, after all.”

“I don’t think so. Ember is very… open about our relationship.”

Rose breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I wouldn’t want to have to fight her!”

“Why? Afraid she’d hurt you?”

“No. Quite the opposite actually.”

Arc chuckles. “I don’t think we’ll ever know the true answer to that. Thankfully.”

Rose giggles. “It’s a simple matter of mathematics. I outclass Ember in every stat. Tactics, strength, agility, foresight, and durability.”

“There’s more to fighting than that, Rose.”

“Is there?”

“Yes.”

“What am I missing? I will recalculate based on that.”

“Good old-fashioned guts.”

“Guts?”

“Determination. The will to win.”

“I’m… not sure I can compensate for such a variable.”

“Probably not.”

“Do you think I would win?”

“I think you would both lose.”

“Both of us?”

“Yes.”

“How so?”

“Your relationship would be forever tarnished by that fight.”

“She wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore?”

“Probably not.”

“But I’ve seen the two of you fight each other many times.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s sparring, Rose. It might look like we’re fighting, but in reality it’s just practice.”

“This is very confusing. I guess I have a lot more to learn about humans, dragons, ponies, and a great many other races, I’m sure. Although I do wish mother would have just imprinted such pertinent information into my data banks.”

“Some things you can’t program.”

“Then how…?”

“Experience. Learn by watching and doing.”

“I shall remember that. Now then how are you feeling, Arc? Warmer?”

“Yes. But I’m really tired.”

“Please get some rest then. I’ll stay with you until you wake up.”

Arc smiles and closes his eyes. “Thanks.”

A few minutes later Arc drifts off to sleep. Rose gently strokes his cheek and smiles.

“I’ll stay with you for as long as I’m able to, Arc. Not because mother programed me that way. But because I honestly want to.”

Chapter 21 - Inability

Sometime later Ember and Sereb return. They slowly walk up the stairs together but stop outside the door.

“I don’t really want to tell him this, Sereb.”

“Nor do I.”

“Together then?”

“Very well.”

Ember takes a deep breath and slowly opens the door. She looks toward the bed to see Rose and Arc curled up together. Sereb raises an eyebrow.

“This is a surprise.”

Ember shrugs. “A bit I guess. But let’s not put this off.”

She walks over to the bed and gently shakes Arc.

“Arc? Sereb and I are back.”

He slowly opens his eyes as Rose does the same. The android looks up at Ember sheepishly.

“Um… hi, Ember.”

“Hey Rose. Feeling better?”

“I’m not sick.”

Arc chuckles and responds in a raspy voice. “She means your injuries.”

“Oh. I’m doing okay. Thank you for asking.”

Arc tries very hard to clear his throat. “Any… any luck you two?”

Sereb shakes his head. “We… no.”

Ember sighs. “That’s not completely true, Sereb.”

She turns back to Arc.

“We went back to Minerva’s office, but found the lights off and the door locked.”

Rose looks confused. “How did you get in then?”

“Ember Blinked us inside.”

“Yeah. And it took a LOT out of me!”

Sereb frowns. “I wondered why you were out of breath when we reappeared.”

“Dragon Magic isn’t very good at Alteration Spells.”

“Don’t you mean you aren’t very good at such spells?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wow, Sereb. That was kinda cold of you.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah, what the heck?!”

“It was merely an observation. You seldom use your magic for anything other than fire breath, fireballs, the occasional telekinesis, and putting individuals to sleep.”

Ember shrugs. “That’s what dragons are good at. The same could be said for Unicorn Magic. It’s not very good for offensive spells.”

Arc nods. “I can attest to that. Twilight was out of breath one time just trying to light the wood in the fireplace. Uh… let’s just keep that to ourselves though, okay?”

Sereb turns to Ember. “My apologies. I was not aware of this.”

“Yes, well… let’s get back to our findings.”

“Agreed.”

Ember sighs. “As I said, the office was empty. Sereb also didn’t sense that anyone had been in there that day either.”

“All the scents in there were lingering one’s. Including yours and Ember’s.”

Arc nods. “From our own visit to the office, huh?”

Ember shrugs. “Minerva must have left shortly thereafter.”

“We decided to see if she was somewhere else in the building.”

Arc looks hopeful. “Any luck with that?”

Ember nods. “Kinda. We did find a schedule posted on the wall. It looks like she’s working from home today.”

“Sadly we couldn’t find an address for her listed on the page.”

Rose puts a hand to her chin. “It’s probably written down somewhere in the building.”

Arc sighs. “True. But there must be a hundred offices and desks in there. And even more filing cabinets.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah. We tried to open a few but there were people everywhere.”

“I did not smell your helmet anywhere in the building though, Arc.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Probably she never returned to the office last night.”

Rose looks confused. “Where do you suppose she went then?”

Sereb sighs. “It was quite late. Probably home.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. Wherever that is.”

Arc turns to Sereb. “When is she scheduled to be back in the office?”

“Tomorrow afternoon.”

Ember nods. “She has an interview with the mayor at Town Hall.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Should we approach her there?”

“No. She certainly wouldn’t have my helmet with her. And we don’t want to alert her to our…”

Arc doubles over coughing. Rose puts a hand on his back.

“Arc, there are significant amounts of mucus in your throat.”

“Yeah, I can feel it.”

Ember looks worried. “What can we do?!”

“Unknown. Sunburst is currently analyzing that grenade from yesterday to see if its contents are somehow affecting Arc’s condition.”

Arc nods. “I sure hope not. This just feels like a really bad cold though.”

Sereb frowns. “What about Minerva.”

“I’ll handle her myself.”

Ember glares at him. “You’re not going out in your condition, Arc!”

Sereb puts his paws on the side of the bed. “Perhaps we can find a way to cure him.”

Arc shakes his head. “There’s no known cure for a cold, Sereb. I wish there was, but…”

His earring chirps. Rose appears hopeful.

“It sounds like Sunburst has found something.”

“I sure hope he did.”

He touches his earring and clears his throat.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, I’ve completed my analysis of that grenade.”

Ember appears relieved. “Good. We need answers.”

“The residue on the canister would suggest that it’s a modified steroid.”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “Can you elaborate on what you mean by ‘modified’?”

“Once inhaled, the substance enters the bloodstream and quickly makes its way around the body. It stimulates nearly every bodily system to operate well over the normal 100% capacity!”

Sereb frowns. “How is this possible?”

“My preliminary tests have shown it really shouldn’t be.”

Arc sighs. “I saw it in action. It turned a group of thugs into unfeeling zombies.”

“Hmmm… perhaps it reacts differently once inside the body’s cells.”

Ember frowns. “Well don’t go testing it out on yourself now.”

“Not to worry. The amounts I garnished from the canister aren’t enough to do me or anypony else any harm.”

Arc nods. “Anything we can do to aid your research?”

“A blood sample of somepony who was affected would help immensely.”

Ember turns to Arc. “What about the other guy?”

Sereb nods. “Bloodletter became something entirely different.”

“Right. One of them was injected with something that turned him into a raving beast.”

“Can you tell me more about his physical changes, sir?”

“He grew a LOT, sprouted claws, grew a lot of body hair, and went crazy.”

“Any chance I could examine the syringe?”

Sereb shakes his head. “We were unable to recover it.”

“A blood sample of the victim would be of great help. Perhaps I can isolate the cause of these changes.”

Arc sighs. “I hope so. Those grenades could cause a LOT of trouble on a larger scale.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How?”

Rose turns to Ember. “Imagine a larger device being dropped on a city. Every inhabitant zombified like we saw last night.”

“Okay, that IS scary!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. He turned back to his normal human form when we beat him though.”

“How long did it take for the changes to take effect?”

“Seconds.”

“This certainly warrants further study.”

Ember appears antsy. “All of us inhaled some of that stuff! Are we going to be okay?!”

“Uncertain. How long ago were you exposed?”

Arc looks Ember and Sereb over. “Almost twenty-four hours ago.”

“How are you feeling, sir?”

“Cold-like symptoms at the moment. My squad is the same.”

“And you, Ember?”

“I was sick earlier. Sereb turned me back into my dragon form and that fixed the problem.”

“Understandable. Dragon’s bodies metabolize substances differently. Much more efficient and durable than a pony or a human from what I understand.”

Arc nods. “So can we change her back?”

“I wouldn’t advise doing so. The toxin is most likely still in her body.”

Ember frowns. “You mean if I were to change back I would just get sick again?”

“Most likely. I’ll send over a blood drawing kit though. Take a sample from yourself and your entire group.”

Arc sighs. “I understand. But I don’t think anyone here knows how to draw blood.”

Rose turns to him. “I do.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Mother programed me with a variety of medical journals. I’ll see to it the samples are taken.”

“Alright. We’ll get back with you, Sunburst.”

“Thank you sir. Send me the samples and I’ll analyze them right away.”

“Good. I’ll send Sereb outside to retrieve it. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and turns to Sereb who heads immediately for the door.

“I will return.”

Ember turns to Arc as Sereb leaves the room. “At least now we have an idea of what to do.”

Rose sighs. “Yes. But Arc and the others still need help.”

Arc lies back down. “We have to start somewhere.”

Meanwhile, across town, Minerva sits at her desk writing.

“This interview has to go perfectly! I…”

A slight tapping can be heard from her bedroom. Minerva huffily stands up and walks over to the vanity drawer. She opens it to see the helmet inside vibrating.

“Hey! Trying to work here!”

The helmet continues to jiggle. Minerva looks around her room for a moment before grabbing one of her pillows and stuffing it in the drawer. She stands up smugly.

“There! Let’s see you move now!”

Looking down she sees the helmet move ever so slightly. However the pillow pressing it against the wall of the drawer holds it securely in place. Happy with the results of her idea Minerva kicks the drawer shut and walks back to her desk.

“Now maybe I can get some work done.”

She sits back down and continues brainstorming ideas for interview questions. An hour or so later she sits back, frowning.

“ARGH! This interview is going to go HORRIBLY! I haven’t got a single question here that hasn’t been asked a hundred times!”

She stands and begins pacing the floor.

“Okay… I can get through this. I’m the best and brightest at Channel Seven. I’m the best! I’m the…”

Minerva stops talking and listens intently.

“What… is that?”

She looks around for a few moments before sticking her head out the front door of the apartment and listening intently.

“Someone’s television? No, everyone who lives around here is at work.”

Minerva closes the door and walks over to her radio.

“Did I leave this thing on?”

Checking the dial she sees it is in the ‘OFF’ position. Frowning, she looks around.

“Well, it’s got to be coming from SOMEWHERE!”

Minerva slowly walks the apartment before turning toward her bedroom.

“It’s coming from in here. Strange.”

Looking all around, Minerva’s eyes eventually fall on the vanity drawer. She slowly kneels down and puts an ear to the drawer. A moment later she draws back in confusion.

“But… it CAN’T be coming from here! Can it?”

Minerva slowly opens the drawer and peeks in. The soft sound of weeping comes forth from the helmet.

“H-hello?”

The sound suddenly stops as the helmet again begins to vibrate slightly. Minerva continues.

“I… uh… can you hear me?”

Hearing nothing more Minerva slowly reaches for the helmet. As her fingers touch its cool surface she again feels small vibrations. Carefully picking the helmet up she carries it carefully to her desk and sits down. Holding the helmet up to look it in the faceplate, she continues her attempts.

“Can you understand me?”

Cherry’s voice softly speaks. “Y… yes.”

Minerva throws the helmet and falls backwards in her chair. It takes her a few moments of heavy breathing to work up the courage to peek out around her fallen swivel chair. She looks at the helmet lying on the floor across the room.

“Are you… there whatever you are?!”

“I… I am.”

Minerva stands and walks slowly toward the helmet. “Can you… say something?”

“H-hi?”

She picks up the helmet again and sets it back on the desk before kneeling down in front of it.

“Helmet? Are you… alive?”

“K…kinda.”

“Was that you crying?”

“…yes.”

“What’s wrong? Is it because I put you in that drawer?”

“I… no. Sort of.”

“Then why…?”

“I miss my friend.”

“Who? The Hero of Light?”

“Yes. He’s… very special to me.”

“I, uh… what’s your name?”

“Ch-Cherry.”

Minerva makes a face. “Odd name for a helmet.”

“What’s yours?”

“Minerva. Minerva Moore.”

“And that’s normal here?”

“I suppose. Um… are you… hungry?”

“No. I don’t need to eat.”

Minerva chuckles. “I suppose not. You’re a helmet after all.”

“If you have to, go right ahead.”

“I’ll pass for now.”

“Um… can you do something for me?”

“What is it?”

“I really want to go home. Can you take me there?”

“I might be able to. Where is home?”

Cherry is silent for a time. Eventually Minerva speaks up.

“Are you still there?”

“Yes. It’s just… I just realized I don’t know where home is!”

“Oh! I have an idea!”

Minerva picks the helmet up and walks toward the window. She holds it up to the glass.

“Do you see your home?”

“…no.”

Minerva walks back to her desk. “Well, it was worth a shot I guess.”

Cherry sighs. “Yes. I suppose so.”

Minerva stops suddenly. “Wait! The interview! I asked if he was from another planet! Are you from elsewhere?!”

“Kinda, I guess.”

Minerva grins and holds the helmet up. “So you’re an alien?!”

“N-no. At least I don’t think I am.”

“Were you born here on Earth?!”

“I was not.”

Minerva giggles happily. “Then you’re what we call an ‘alien’!”

She puts the helmet back on her desk and sets her chair back up as she grabs her notebook.

“I have to interview you!”

“Me?”

“Yes! I’ll be famous! The first person to do a real interview with an extraterrestrial!”

“A what?”

“Someone from another world! An outsider!”

Cherry sounds suddenly sad. “Outsider?”

“Yes! I can’t wait to show you off to the world! You and I will be FAMOUS!”

“But… but I don’t WANT to be famous!”

“Oh, come on! We’ll have enough money to be able to buy ANYTHING we want! You have to want SOMETHING!”

“There’s only one thing I’d like.”

“Yes?!”

“My friend.”

Minerva laughs. “With our fame and fortune we’ll have any number of friends!”

Cherry begins to cry again. “He’s the only one I want though.”

“You have a crush on him or something?”

Cherry is suddenly angry. “Not a crush! I absolutely LOVE him!”

Minerva stops laughing and takes a step back.

“A… helmet… is in love?”

“YES!”

“How?!”

Cherry snorts. “I don’t expect a greedy, money-loving, self-centered human to understand what motivates somepo… someone’s feelings!”

“Wait! A self-centered what?”

“Um… self-centered… woman!”

“No. You said HUMAN!”

“I…”

“You ARE an alien!”

“Call me what you want! I’m not helping you become rich and famous!”

“Maybe you will someday then.”

Minerva sits back down and looks at her notebook.

“For now, I should get back to writing up these questions.”

Cherry growls. “I’m not answering anything else!”

“Not for you. I’m supposed to interview the mayor tomorrow.”

Cherry sighs. “How wonderful for you.”

“Normally, yes. He doesn’t give many interviews.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“All I can come up with is the same old stale political questions. I need something fresh. Something NEW!”

Cherry shakes to move close to the paper. “What do you have?”

“Care to see?”

“I suppose.”

Minerva holds the paper up for her. Cherry reads them over.

“This sounds fine to me. What’s wrong with them?”

“They’re just overused. Everyone who interviews him asks these questions. It’ll make my interview filler material at best.”

“You need something that pops, huh? To grab attention?”

“Exactly!”

“How about a deal then?”

Minerva grins. “Sure! You help me do this, and I’ll split the profits from my fame with you down the middle. 80/20.”

“That’s not down the middle! Not even close!”

Minerva rolls her eyes. “Fine. 75/25 then.”

“How about a different kind of deal? I’ll help you with your article if you help me get back to my friend.”

“Fine. If you can help me, which I doubt, I’ll tell your Hero friend where he can find you if I see him. Deal?”

“Deal!”

Minerva reaches forward to shake hands, but upon realizing her mistake pulls it back.

“Um… okay then.”

“Let’s get started!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember lie on his bed together.

“You know, you don’t have to do this, Ember.”

“Do what?”

“Keep me warm.”

“Rose got to earlier!”

Arc sighs. “That’s because I had the chills.”

“So? Now it’s my turn.”

“Fine.”

Rose enters the room and sits down on the edge of the bed next to Arc.

“Sunburst has the samples he requested.”

Ember appears impressed. “How did you get to the hospital and back so fast anyways, Rose?”

“Arc opened a portal there for me. I simply had to ride Sereb back when I finished.”

“You took a sample from some of The Riders?”

Rose nods. “Most of them had already been discharged. A few of them had complications from broken legs though and were still there.”

Arc frowns. “What about Bloodletter?”

“Yes. He was still unconscious though. I’m not sure why they called him that silly name.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean? That’s his name, isn’t it?”

“No, it’s not.”

Arc looks confused. “Then what is it?”

“John Smith.”

“Really?!”

“Is that a bad name?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Just really… generic.”

His earring chirps

“Arc here.”

“Sir, I’ve completed my analysis of the samples.”

Ember grins. “That was fast.”

“Yeah. How’d you do it so quickly?”

“There’s a machine in my lab that analyzes substances. It’s a simple process to put a sample on a slide and feed it through.”

Ember frowns. “Why didn’t you just do that for that bolt Arc sent you then?!”

“I did. However it came back as an unknown substance.”

“Some machine, huh?”

Arc turns to Ember. “That would be like me asking you something you didn’t understand, and expecting an answer.”

“That’s just not reasonable, Arc.”

Arc looks at Ember for a long moment.

“Touché.”

“In any case, about the samples, Sunburst?”

“Yes sir. I started with the blood from the human gang members.”

Sereb frowns. “The ones who became possessed?”

Arc nods. “Right.”

“There appeared to be elevated levels of pseudo-adrenaline in their systems.”

Ember looks confused. “What… is that?!”

“The best way I can described it is an artificial adrenaline. There were also several other compounds present. Simple in their atomic structure, but otherwise inert.”

Arc sighs. “Anything else in there?”

“There were very low levels of a strange substance.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean by ‘strange’?”

“It appeared to be almost magical in nature. I was unable to make any headway on it until running the one you call Bloodletter’s sample.”

Sereb growls. “He certainly changed for the worse.”

Arc nods. “Yeah! That was scary.”

“His sample possessed MUCH higher levels of this mysterious substance.”

Rose puts a hand to her chin. “Was there anything else different about his blood?”

“Yes. Some of the substance was still active.”

“Active?”

“I’ve run some tests, and believe this substance greatly increases every one of the body’s functions. It’s chemically very similar to the residue from the canister you sent me earlier.”

Arc frowns. “Okay. But how did that change him into a beast?”

“Unknown. I can only assume the other components worked with it in concert to achieve the results you witnessed.”

Rose turns to Arc’s earring. “Could the other compounds simply be byproducts of metabolization?”

“That is a possibility, yes. However without a sample of the substance in question, prior to administration or course, that theory cannot be verified.”

Arc clenches his fist. “If I run into Hammer again I’ll ask her about it. Now what about my squad’s condition?”

“I found trace amounts of the substance in their blood, sir.”

Rose gasps. “Will they recover?!”

“Yes. It should pass similarly to a cold, as the amount present in their samples were negligible at most.”

Ember appears nervous. “And Arc?!”

“He appeared to have significantly more in his blood.”

Sereb frowns. “Will he turn?!”

“No. There isn’t enough in his system to affect him as radically as the other humans were.”

Rose sighs. “My scans of Arc’s condition show that he is not getting any better.”

Ember gasps. “WHAT?!”

“That is disconcerting. I’ll see if I can concoct an antidote of some kind in my lab.

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “What about Ember? She was there when that grenade went off too.”

“Her levels are significantly lower than yours, Arc. I can only assume her dragon physiology is capable of filtering them out.”

Sereb frowns. “But a human cannot?”

“That would seem to be the case from the data at hoof.”

Rose takes Arc’s hand. “What should we do in the meantime?”

Ember takes his other hand. “Yeah! Arc can’t keep going like this!”

“I will do my best to come up with a suitable treatment. However, he should be monitored closely, as his condition will most likely not improve on its own.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Are you saying this might kill him?!”

“Not if I can help it, no. Rest assured I’ll do everything I can.”

Arc nods soberly. “You keep researching this stuff, Sunburst. I think I might have an idea on how to counter this. Arc out.”

Preface - Volume 19 - Media Misadventures

In our previous volume Arc, Ember and Sereb rush an unconscious Frank Fontaine to the hospital. After dropping leaving him with the hospital staff, Sereb and Ember returned home to shower and rest as Arc left for Shelly’s Kitchen. Waking up his friends Shelly and Lily he informs them of Frank’s poor health as he drives them to the hospital. A nurse escorts them to Frank’s room where Doctor Rieper informs them of the severity of Frank’s health.

Returning to Canterlot Castle, Arc, Ember, and Sereb meet with Sunburst about the strange substances they had recovered from the gas station and safety deposit box. Sunburst announced that the substance from the gas station was a potent nutrition drink. And that the chemicals from the safety deposit box, once properly mixed as per the accompanying instructions, become a dangerously powerful ability enhancer. The knife from Lord Gestal was revealed to be capable of channeling magic to increase its power. Lastly, the sample of rock from the southern temple was discovered to have been treated with anti-magic properties. Surmising another hidden structure lay in or near Stableton, Arc decided to return to Tempest’s hometown. Rose and Spike volunteered to accompany him.

Ember, angered that Arc intends to leave her out of the expedition, leaves in a huff. Spike chases after her and, after calming her down, returns to Sunburst’s office with her. Ember announces her idea to have Spike accompany Arc in her place. He begrudgingly agrees. Returning to Ponyville, they head for the Golden Oaks Library to inform Twilight of their idea. She is frightened at the thought of Spike being in danger, but agrees not to try and stop him either.

Arc, Spike, and Rose travel to Stableton. However upon approaching Tempest’s house Arc is attacked and knocked through a building. Rose jumped forward to engage Tempest as Spike went after Arc. Returning to the pair duking it out, he forced them to stop. After explaining their reason for coming the group was invited into Tempest’s house. Finding the she had been hunting an errant squirrel that had found its way inside, Spike was able to speak to the creature and lead it out the front door. Arc and company spent the rest of the day searching the town for clues. Finding nothing they decided to return to Tempest’s house.

Insisting they stay for supper, they enjoy a meal together. Spike and Rose retire for the evening as Tempest speaks privately with Arc. She inquires as to whom knows about her lustful behavior on her previous visit. Arc was able to assure her of his intentions before heading to bed. However, he awoke later that night to a strange sound outside that only he and Spike could hear. Waking Tempest, they headed outside to search for the source of the disturbance.

The trio walk along for some time before coming to a cave. Entering they find a large steel door that opens to allow them access. Exploring the facility inside, they find the remains of what appears to be a fallback shelter. Delving deeper, they come to another large steel door. Tempest and Rose’s combined might being unable to budge the door, Arc steps forward. However, before he can even attempt to force entrance the door opens to a black maw.

Entering, the group finds themselves surrounded by numerous inactive machines. Arc and Spike are drawn toward a pad some distance away. As they walk toward it Tempest and Rose are attacked by numerous drones. As they engage their mechanical opponents Arc and Spike reach the pad. A crystal emerges from the floor, causing them to fall asleep. The drones deactivate and retreat from whence they came as the barrier drops. Tempest helps Rose over to the unconscious pair. She scans them to find they are merely asleep. A strange looking mechanical stallion approaches them. RD-001 recharges Rose and helps them revive Arc and Spike. He then takes them on a tour of the facility. Teleporting to another area, they are greeted by a truly remarkable sight.

Before them stand numerous glass tubes that at one time held living dragon specimens. Confessing, RD-001 tells the others about the experiments of the past and how he had mesmerized Arc and Spike. Without further orders, the metallic stallion decided to try and make right what they had done. Rehoming many of the specimens in what is now the Everfree Forest, save for two. Upon meeting the facility’s last two temporary residents they discover them to be none other than the Ursa Major and her Ursa Minor cub. Spike is able to translate for them and extends an offer from Arc to the Ursa Major to come to Ponyville. Offering her cub medical treatment, they part on somewhat friendly terms. RD-001 gives Tempest the data he’s collected regarding the disappearances from Stableton. As they leave the facility he quietly presents Rose with a parting gift. The tip of a purple unicorn’s horn. Arc and company return to Tempest’s house for what remains of the night.

Arc and Rose return to Earth together. Max relays a message from Shelly asking if Arc is coming by later for their traditional outing. Calling the restaurant he finds that Shelly is not well. Heading over to care for his friend, Arc calls his squad to help Lily in the diner. Deciding that Arc and Lily will go out together, they head home so Arc can properly dress for the evening.

Returning to the now closed restaurant, Arc, Ember, and Max head upstairs. They greet Shelly as Arc gives her a traditional bouquet of flowers. He heads to Lily’s room to do the same. After saying goodbye to Shelly and the others, Arc and Lily drive out of town to their normal diner destination, Roberto’s Pizza. Arriving, they find the restaurant completely devoid of customers. Showing them to the private dining room he explains that a group of bikers has been frequenting his business, not paying, and chasing away the customers. The bikers arrive and Roberto hurries out to serve them. Arc tells Lily to hide in the bathroom while he calls the Hero. Putting on his armor, Arc Blinks outside and walks in the front door. After politely asking the bikers to stop terrorizing the pizzeria, they refuse as things escalate. Blinking outside, the thugs follow and prepare to fight.

Arc and the bikers tangle, but the odds are not in their favor. As they fight a news van drives into the parking lot. Minerva Moore gets out with a cameraman and begins a live broadcast of the fight. As an out of control bike flies at the reporters Arc Blinks over and saves Minerva and her cameraman from certain death. Minerva approaches the gang’s leader to see if he’s okay. Standing, he grabs her and puts a knife to her throat. Arc uses a Telekinesis Spell to pull the knife from the leader’s hand. He then Blinks to Minerva, grabs her, and Blinks her to safety. The bikers ride off as Arc leads Minerva, and the local onlookers, into the pizzeria. Roberto sells the gang’s order by the slice as Arc Blinks back into the Dining Room to get Lily. The pair leave together as Minerva muses to herself.

The pair return to Shelly’s Kitchen later that night to drop Lily off and pick up Ember, Max, and Sereb. Returning home, Arc’s squad reports their findings in regards to the biker gang he tangled with earlier that evening. While there are similarities to The Riders and the Shard’s antics, there does not appear to be any further correlation. Heading to bed Arc is awakened a few hours later by a visually upset Ember. Inviting her into his bed, Arc, Ember, and Cherry meet in the Sanctuary to talk. Ember confesses to feigning illness to get away from Shelly and Max. She tells Arc how the pair had been flirting that evening. Fearing Arc would be angry at Max, she had originally intended to keep the matter quiet. Arc assures her that he is not upset, and the trio heads into the farmhouse to do some baking. Waking up the next morning Max bursts into to bedroom to find Arc and Ember in a very provocative position. Stammering, he is barely able to tell them that there was a call from the hospital in regards to Frank.

Heading to Shelly’s Kitchen, Arc and Ember pick the pair up and rush to the hospital. Finding Snake, Jackal, and Wolf in the Waiting Room they head to see Frank together. In his waking moments Frank speaks gibberish. The Shard trio ask Arc to set up a meeting with the Hero. Shelly and Lily agree to allow them to use their restaurant’s back room for some privacy. The three report that Stingray, Hammer, and Mio have taken over the Shards and are forcing the members to do rather strange errands such as driving loaded trucks to obscure locations before returning to the base, empty. They also report that Stingray has been seeing a number of bikers at the Shard Base lately.

Not knowing where to turn next, Arc and Ember, in their armor, pay a visit to Channel 7 News. Speaking to one of their reporters, Minerva Moore, they make a deal to trade an exclusive interview with her for a copy of all the data she has on them. The pair head to Roberto’s Pizzeria to wait for her in the reserved private dining room.

Minerva arrives with her cameraman and the interview begins. After answering all of her questions, Arc and Ember are presented with a flash drive containing all of Minerva’s research. She also gives them the address of The Rider’s base. Arc and Ember return home to inform the squad that they will be moving against the base that very evening.

Arriving at The Rider’s base, an abandoned hospital outside of Farburg, Arc, Ember, and Sereb waste no time gathering up the motorcycles out front and setting them ablaze in the back of the building. Minerva and her cameraman watch from the relative safety of the nearby foliage as they provide live coverage and commentary for the ensuing battle. Hammer arrives to aid The Riders and their leader, Bloodletter. After making short work of the gang, Hammer is radioed by someone to take more drastic action. Throwing a strange looking grenade, the grounds are bathed in a strange gas the revives the gang whom attack. Appearing to feel no pain, Arc and his friends find themselves on the defensive. Ember, using the latent power within her spear, dives at them and causes a massive magical explosion. Arc puts the now unconscious Ember on Sereb’s back and opens a portal to his home. As he does so, Hammer wakes up and injects Bloodletter with a syringe from his leather jacket. He wakes up screaming as Hammer drops the empty syringe and flees. They watch helplessly as Bloodletter turns into a monster similar to a werewolf.

During the battle, the beast is able to remove Arc’s helmet and throw it aside. Minerva finds it and displays it during the broadcast. Putting it on she spots a mysterious blue robed figure standing on top of the hospital apparently watching the battle unfold below. Unable to find any weaknesses other than the monster’s energy, Arc opens a portal to allow Rose along with his squad to join the battle. They use strike and retreat tactics to tire out the monster before Arc is able to deliver the final blow. Minerva and her cameraman end their broadcast and return to their news van with the helmet. Putting it on, Minerva glimpses a visage of a very angry Cherry. Meanwhile, Arc uses the last of his energy to open a portal to the hospital to drop off the now human Bloodletter before opening a final portal to take them home. His squad carries him to bed before taking the Jeep back to the hospital to search for Arc’s helmet.

Arc’s squad return empty handed. Upon learning this Arc, weak but determined, tries to stand but is unable to. Ember returns to her dragon form to quickly recover from her illness. Together, she and Sereb return to the abandoned hospital. Sereb leads her to the last known locations of Arc’s helmet. Following tracks, they find the trail leads toward Angel Grove. Wiseman appears and assured the pair that Arc and Cherry will be reunited and not to worry.

Ember and Sereb return to Arc. They report their failure to find Cherry at the site of the battle. Attempting to go himself, he is convinced by Ember and Sereb to rest. Helping Arc downstairs and over to the couch they catch the news. Minerva’s broadcast from the previous night plays out including the part when Arc’s helmet rolled over to her. Attempting again to go after Cherry, Arc is again convinced to allow Ember and Sereb to go in his place. Rose cares for Arc in their absence. She feeds him chicken noodle soup while they wait and warms him with her body heat. Minerva awakens to find the helmet across the room on its side. She stows it in her bedside drawer for safe keeping.

Ember and Sereb return and report no sign of Minerva at her office nor anywhere in the building. Sunburst notifies the group of his analysis of the grenade that was sent over earlier. It’s chemical properties appear to push the human body past normal limits. He sends over a blood drawing kit to retrieve samples. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Minerva sits at her desk going over potential interview questions. Hearing a tapping sound coming from her bedroom she discovers the helmet attempting to move. Shoving a pillow in next to the helmet, she pins it against the side of the drawer and returns to work. A short time later she hears weeping coming from her room. Discovering the sound is coming from the helmet she attempts to make contact with it. Cherry returns her attempts at contact. Minerva convinces Cherry to help her with the mayoral interview in returns for telling the Hero where he can find his helmet. Rose returns from gathering blood samples from Bloodletter and his gang at the hospital and sends them to Sunburst back in Equestria.

Arc’s condition continues to deteriorate. Meanwhile, Cherry and Minerva work on the interview questions. Minerva reveals her admiration of an old news anchor, Walter Cronkite, and her desire to follow in his footsteps. As the sun sinks, Arc awakens next to Ember. Contacting Sunburst, he reports having no additional advice on how to treat Arc. Ember helps Arc up as he orders Sereb to carry out a risky plan in a last ditch effort to save him.

Much has happened in this volume. However numerous questions remain unanswered. What is wrong with Frank? What are the Shards truly making? What truly happened to the residents of Stableton? What other secrets does RD-001 contain? Will the Ursa Major take Arc up on his offer of aid to her cub? What of the Riders’ involvement along with their bedridden leader? Was Max truly flirting with Shelly? Are the Shards and The Riders truly in cohorts? And what was Hammer doing there? What will become of Cherry and Minerva? And will Arc and his squad recover from their illness?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - A New Man

In a flash the spell is finished. No one speaks. Eventually Arc turns to Ember.

“Did… did it work?”

Ember nods as she blushes heavily. “Y-y-yes it did.”

He slowly steps back and looks down at himself. His shirt is torn and his pants are literally bursting at the seams.

“Uh… how bad is it?”

Sereb gestures to the vanity mirror. ”You should see for yourself.”

Arc walks carefully over to the mirror. Each step appears forced and deliberate. As he nears the polished surface he looks himself up and down. His hair is gone. In its place are two horn nubs growing out of his forehead. Arc opens his mouth to see two rows of sharp teeth. His arms are thick with new muscle mass and his legs appear at nearly twice their previous girth. Rose is the first to respond.

“It would appear the transformation was a success.”

Arc chuckles as he puts a claw to his blue hued scaled face. “I can’t believe it! I’m… I’m a dragon!”

Sereb nods. “Truthfully I did not believe it was possible.”

Ember grins as she walks over to Arc. “And a good looking one as well!”

“My scans show you to be doing much better, Arc.”

Arc stretches. “I feel better too! In fact, I feel as if I could take on ANYONE right now!”

Sereb frowns. “Are you certain you are alright?”

Ember puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “Easy there. You’ll need to get used to certain… um… changes.”

Rose points at Arc’s legs. “Such as not being able to fit into his old clothes?”

“That too, but…”

Arc rips what’s left of the shirt from his chest as he flexes the muscles in his legs. The tatters of his clothing fall to the floor.

“Guess I don’t need these anymore.”

Rose looks confused. “Are you okay, Arc? You were always most insistent on clothes.”

Arc turns away instinctively. “Yeah. That might have been a bit premature.”

Sereb steps forward. “I can run downstairs and fetch some of Xenos’ clothes for you.”

“Good idea.”

Sereb turns to leave the room. Ember checks out Arc’s tail and grins.

“Take your time, Sereb.”

The wolf quickly heads to the basement. He walks over to Xenos’ bunk and pulls a set of clothes off the shelf. Xenos opens his eyes and sits up.

“Hey, what’re you doing?”

“Arc is in need of clothing.”

“Oh? I didn’t realize we were so behind on laundry! But maybe you should grab someone else’s clothes. Mine are a lot bigger than his are.”

“These should fit him now.”

“Now?”

Sereb nods as he turns back toward the stairs. “Yes. I just turned Arc into a dragon.”

Xenos watches Sereb walk up the stairs and close the door behind him. He lays back down and rolls over.

“I must really be sick! There’s no way I just heard that.”

A few minutes later Sereb returns to Arc with a pair of pants and a shirt draped over his back. He walks them over to Arc.

“Here you are.”

“Thanks.”

Arc picks up the pants and steps into them, careful not to tear the legs with his claws. He pulls them up slowly and frowns.

“Something is wrong here.”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “What is?”

“I can’t seem to get them up.”

Ember sighs. “Arc?”

“Yes, Ember?”

“You have a tail now, remember?”

Arc turns around and looks down. “Oh… right. Forgot about that.”

Rose giggles. “Shall I cut a hole in the backside to accommodate your new appendage?”

Arc thinks for a moment before removing the pants. “No. I don’t want to ruin Xenos’ favorite pair of blue jeans.”

Sereb nods. “You have another idea?”

“I do.”

Tossing the pants back to Sereb Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out his Magic Robe. Putting it on he turns back to the others.

“There. Now I’m covered.”

Ember frowns. “That you are.”

Arc sniffs the air. “Is anyone else hungry?”

Sereb nods. “Just you, I, and Ember.”

“What about the guys?”

Rose shakes her head. “Last I checked they were still bedridden.”

“They going to make it?!”

“Yes. Their condition is certainly improving. Albeit slowly.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Then let’s get some supper.”

He leads the group down the stairs to the Kitchen as he sniffs the air hungrily.

“What smells so good?!”

Rose smiles. “I’m cooking a chicken.”

Ember grins. “It smells great!”

Sereb smiles hungrily. “That it does.”

Rose pints to the already set table. “Why don’t you three have a seat? My scanners show the food is nearly ready to serve.”

Ember does so. “Thanks, Rose.”

They sit down as Rose pulls the pan out of the oven. She begins transferring the meat from it to a serving dish.

“I also made a salad to go with this.”

Ember laughs. “Didn’t think the meat would be enough?”

“It was intended for Arc’s squad. Had they been up for it, that is.”

Arc smiles toothily. “We’ll eat it! I’m starving! Can you hurry up, Rose?!”

Sereb looks confused. “A bit impatient, Arc?”

Arc turns to him angrily. “I haven’t hardly eaten yet today!”

Rose nods. “I’ll hurry!”

Ember frowns. “Calm down, Arc. Like I said upstairs, there are a few things you need to know about dragons now that you are one.”

“Can’t it wait until after supper?!”

“I suppose so.”

She moves to stand up.

“I’ll get the salad out of the refrigerator. Arc, can you get the drinks poured?”

He sighs heavily. “…fine.”

A few minutes later they sit down to their meal. Arc eats a large portion hungrily.

“This is good, Rose!”

Ember nods. “That it is!”

Sereb looks over to Rose. “I too enjoy this.”

“Thank you. I’ve come a long way since my first meal with you, Arc.”

“I guess you have. But honestly, at this point I’m hungry enough to eat dog food!”

Ember glares at him. “Yeah… we need to talk, Arc.”

He does not look up as he continues eating and drinking. “So talk.”

“Being a dragon is more than just sharp teeth and scales. It’s a cultural and biological mindset. A way of life.”

“Well, it also makes meat taste better!”

Ember sighs. “I can’t argue with that. But you need to know a few things about your new body.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “Really? Are humans and dragons so different?”

Rose nods. “Mentally and physically, yes.”

Arc frowns. “Fine. Elaborate, Ember.”

“All dragons, especially males, have a bit of a… superiority complex.”

Arc laughs. “Not me!”

He turns to Rose and tosses her his empty glass.

“Fill that up for me.”

Rose stands up. “Okay.”

Ember takes the glass from Rose. “You don’t notice any changes, Arc?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Actually yes. That glass has gone from full to empty.”

“I mean in YOU, numbskull!”

“Other than complete physical metamorphosis I’m still the same old me, right?”

Ember shakes her head. “No, Arc. You’re kinda being a bit of a…”

Rose looks to her. “A what, Ember?”

Sereb looks to Arc. “I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘jerk’.”

“WHAT?!”

Ember nods angrily. “Yup. That’s the one.”

Arc appears irate. “All I did was ask her to fill the glass up!”

Ember glares at him. “You threw it at her without even saying please! And that’s after comparing her meal to dog food!”

“I was just hungry! Besides, all I did was ask her for a refill!”

“No you didn’t ASK! You TOLD her!”

“Why should I…?!”

Ember interrupts. “See?”

Arc drops his food and looks down, slightly embarrassed. “I… what’s happening to me?! Am I sick?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No, Arc. You are simply acting like a normal male dragon.”

Arc turns to Ember. “Is that true?”

Ember nods. “Pretty much.”

“Wow. Now I know why you didn’t want a mate from the Dragon Lands.”

“This is a lot to take in, Arc. I was born and raised a dragon. But you’ve only been one for about fifteen minutes.”

Arc looks up to Rose apologetically as he takes the glass from Ember. “Sorry about this, Rose.”

“It’s okay, Arc.”

“I’ll try to be more polite to you in the future.”

He turns to Ember.

“Can I assume there’s more to being a dragon than being cold-blooded, scaly, and easily angered?”

There is a tense silence as Ember frowns.

“Sorry.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Yeah… you’d better be.”

She sighs and shakes her head.

“But that really is how dragons are. Do you remember how I acted when we first met?”

“Kinda gruff and on edge all the time, I guess.”

“Do you know why that was?”

“Because we were in Tartarus?”

Ember shakes her head. “No, Arc. Because that’s how a female dragon acts.”

“Come again?”

“You saw it from me, from my father, and from all the dragons in the Dragon Lands. We’re all kinda… jerks, like Sereb said.”

“I don’t understand. You’re nothing like that now though.”

“That’s because you showed me there was another way. I learned that I didn’t have to be what my heritage had taught me. In the end I was free to choose my own path. And that path was with you and the Equestrians.”

Sereb nods. “Dragons and the members of my tribe are very similar.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “Really? I didn’t see that back in the Dragon Lands when you fought your brother.”

“I was always considered an outcast. Different from the others. While I tried to toughen myself up, something was always holding me back. Or so I thought at the time.”

Arc looks confused. “What was?”

“Morals, civility, and a desire for peace.”

Ember turns to Sereb. “But that’s what makes you… YOU!”

Arc nods. “Yeah! You’re quite the partner, Sereb. You, me and Ember make quite the team!”

Rose smiles. “You three complement each other’s weaknesses and amplify your strengths. It’s been quite interesting to observe.”

Sereb chuckles. “I too have enjoyed the journey. But the question before us now is… where do we go from here?”

Arc sighs. “Ember. I need you to teach me how to be a dragon.”

“Trust me. You don’t.”

“But I do. That way I can understand what I need to work on, what to avoid, and how to keep a level head.”

Ember frowns. “Are you sure? I mean, you might not like it.”

Arc looks down at his claws. “At the moment this is what I am, Ember.”

Rose shrugs. “For now, I suppose. It will most likely take some time, but your body should be able to cleanse itself of the toxin now.”

“Well, in the meantime I’ll help you, Arc.”

“Thank you.”

They finish supper and head up the stairs. A few steps up they hear Cybil’s alarm clock go off. Ember turns to him quickly.

“Let’s get to the basement! She can’t see us like this!”

Arc grins. “I have an idea.”

He grabs Ember and Blinks them into the bedroom as Cybil opens her door. They reappear in the center of the room. Arc looks down at Ember as the sound of footsteps pass by.

“There we go. Now we can… Ember?”

Ember’s face is a deep shade of red

“Are you okay?”

“Y-yes! I’m fine!”

Arc lets go of her. “Good. I thought you were feverish again.”

Ember shakes her head nervously. “Nope! Now then, shall we get to work?”

“Sounds good.”

Ember spends the next two hours talking to Arc about dragon physiology, traits, powers, history and emotions.

“So when you sneeze, DON’T be channeling magic!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I don’t really want to accidently breathe fire on someone.”

“Yeah. You might badly hurt someone.”

“But you and I are resistant to fire, right?”

Ember nods. “Yes. It’s not uncommon for dragons to swim through lava back home.”

Arc looks to her, wide-eyed. “You’re kidding! Have you ever done that?!”

“Years ago, yes. It’s kinda a juvenile thing though. Oh right! About fire breathing! It’s considered… um… rude to intentionally breath fire on another dragon.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But we can’t be burned by it, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“Then why…?”

Ember blushes. “It’s just not done?!”

“Uh… okay. Does it hurt?”

“N-no. Not at all.”

Arc removes his robe and looks down at his chest. “I don’t think I can do this myself. Do you think you could, Ember?”

“Do what?”

“Breathe fire on me.”

Her pupils shrink. “Wh-wha-what?!”

“I just want to know what it feels like. Please?!”

“B-but…!”

“Just once. I know you said it’s not something we’re supposed to do, but you and I are friends and I won’t tell anyone.”

“Oh… um… okay. But just this once, okay?!”

“Sure.”

Ember sits there looking at his chest for a moment before opening her mouth and letting out a weak stream of flame. It hits Arc’s chest and wraps around him before going out. Arc grins.

“That actually felt really good!”

Ember blushes again. “D-did it?”

“Yeah. I don’t know why dragons don’t do that all the time!”

She looks away nervously. “I… I’ve never felt it before. Do you think you could do the same thing to me?”

“Sure.”

Arc looks down at Ember’s chest and breaths a light blue stream of flame at her. Ember lets out a small squeal of delight and smiles broadly.

“That was amazing! Do it again!”

“Okay.”

He does so. Ember makes a similar sound. He looks to her, concerned.

“You sure that doesn’t hurt?”

Ember blushes but smiles broadly. “Not in the least! Do it again!”

“Ember… I?”

“Please! It’s amazing!”

“I will. But first I think I need you to tell me why this is so taboo to dragons.”

Ember turns away. “I… I don’t know!”

“You do though, don’t you? I mean, there HAS to be a reason.”

She sighs. “Yes.”

Ember turns away from Arc and looks at the wall.

“It… it’s part of dragon’s… mating rituals.”

“WHAT?!”

“I guess it would be the equivalent of what ponies and humans call… ‘foreplay’.”

Arc looks away, clearly embarrassed. “I… I see.”

“I’m sorry for deceiving you. But I… I just want you SO much! Even more so now that you’re a dragon!”

Arc puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Ember. Can I confess something?”

“Um… sure.”

“I… kinda knew that.”

Ember turns to look Arc in the eye, bewildered. “You did? How?!”

Arc blushes heavily. “Becoming a male dragon has certainly made me more… physically adept to my situation. But… I… um…”

He pauses for a moment before continuing.

“I … since the transformation, I’ve… just had one thought in my head.”

“What’s that?”

“To… to make eggs with you.”

Ember grins broadly as she wraps her arms around Arc’s neck.

“I feel the same way, Arc! Now that you’re a dragon, there’s nothing preventing us from…!”

“I can’t.”

Ember looks at him, confused. “Can’t… what?”

“You know. Mate with you.”

“Sure you can! We’ll figure it out together!”

“That’s not what I mean. This isn’t love. It’s just overwhelming lust caused by my newfound dragon greed.”

“But… but that’s okay! I want the same thing!”

Arc shakes his head. “Please stop, Ember.”

“My dad will be okay with this if that’s the problem. In his eyes, you and I are practically mates anyways.”

Arc’s pupils shrink. “Uh… he doesn’t think you and I… um… you know.”

Ember shrugs. “He never asked. But like I told you before, mating is rather open in dragon society.”

“That may be. But…”

Ember smiles and sighs. “I understand. If you don’t want to I won’t try to force it on you.”

She looks up at the clock.

“It’s getting late. We should get some sleep, Arc.”

Arc nods as he leans over to turn off the bedside lamp. “Yes. Tomorrow I’m going to find Minerva after all.”

Ember nods as she lies down. “And Cherry.”

“Right.”

Ember sighs as she covers them with the blankets. “I’m sure she’s just fine.”

Arc nods as he stares up at the ceiling. “Yeah. But right now I feel the same way I did when she died.”

“You do?”

“Yes. That feeling of loss and emptiness. The knowledge that she was gone was just so… so hard to come to terms with.”

Ember takes his claw in hers. “We’ll find her together. I promise.”

“Thank you, my friend.”

Arc sighs and rolls over to face the wall.

“Good night, Ember.”

Ember is silent for a few moments before rolling over to Arc and pressing her body against his.

“Ember? What are you…?”

She sighs contentedly. “Just let me have this, all right? It’s my first time sleeping next to another dragon.”

“You like this?”

Ember rests her face against Arc’s bare back. “Very much so.”

“Ember?”

“Hm?”

“To be honest with you, I do too.”

Ember happily whispers in his ear. “Good night, Arc.”

“Good night.”

Chapter 2 - Stakeout

Early the next morning Arc awakens to the feeling of Ember in his arms. He smiles and holds her close for a few minutes before gently patting her face.

“Ember? It’s time to wake up.”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks up at him happily. “So it wasn’t a dream.”

“Which part?”

“I’ve always wanted to wake up in the arms of a big, strong, sexy dragon.”

“Um… you’re welcome?”

Ember giggles. “Thanks, Arc. Do you want to make some eggs together?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I thought we went over this last night!”

“I mean for breakfast, silly.”

“Oh… sorry.”

Ember traces his scaly face with a claw. “But if you want to do that instead, I’m still willing to…”

Arc throws off the covers and quickly gets up. “Let’s get moving.”

Ember laughs as she stands up. “That’s one of the reasons I’m attracted to you, Arc. Any other dragon’s first instinct is to bed a female.”

Arc sighs as he puts on his magic robe. “I’m doing my best to put such thoughts out of my mind.”

“You still want to, huh? If it makes you feel any better, a dragon’s chances of producing eggs after copulation are extremely low.”

Arc sighs as the pair head downstairs together. “So there is a chance then, huh?”

“My body is certainly mature enough to mate and reproduce, yes. You see, female dragons have an innate desire to find the strongest and most powerful male dragon they can and make eggs with them.”

Arc turns to her as they enter the Kitchen. “Is that because you like me so much, or because I’m the only male dragon on the planet?”

“Both actually. My body knows you’re the only male in the area. So naturally it wants what it wants.”

Arc pulls a skillet out of the cupboard. “I see. Does the same apply to back in Tartarus and Equestria?”

“What do you mean?”

Arc sighs as he heads for the stove. “There were no dragons in either place. Is that why you… wanted me?”

Ember opens the refrigerator and removes the eggs. “Kinda. Like I said, a female dragon’s body wants what it wants.”

“So if you were to be left alone and apart from me, you would gravitate to the biggest and the strongest?”

“Eventually, yes.”

She walks over to him with the eggs but stops a few paces from him.

“Is this about what I did when you got back from Equestria?”

“Yeah.”

Ember blushes. “I… had a lot of pent up emotions. With you gone, there was no release to be found.”

Arc takes the eggs from her claws. “So without me here, did you gravitate to the next biggest and the strongest?”

“N-no!”

Arc looks at her silently. Ember sighs.

“Maybe. Okay yes!”

Arc smiles at her. “And what did Xenos think of that?”

“Nothing.”

Arc turns to the stove with the eggs. “Nothing?”

Ember nods as she walks over to a cabinet for another skillet. “Right. I… didn’t do or say anything to him about it.”

“Really? As forward as you are with me, I would’ve figured…”

“It wasn’t him I had my eyes on!”

Arc turns to her. “Really? But he’s the biggest.”

Ember smiles. “I know. But ever since I started hanging around you, I’ve learned that the biggest doesn’t always mean the best.”

“Glad to see I’m rubbing off on you.”

They are silent for a moment.

“That… came out wrong. I mean… you know what, I’m going to stop talking and go back to the conversation at hand.”

Ember looks confused. “Uh… okay.”

“So you had someone else in your sights, huh?”

“At the time, yes. I didn’t say anything to them though.”

“Why not?”

“I didn’t want them to get into trouble because of me.”

Arc frowns. “What kind of trouble?”

“Your squad is part of the Equestrian military. I was worried that if they and I were to have any kind of relations, they might be in trouble with their commanding officer. Especially since you and I already have a… special relationship.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t mind.”

Ember drops an egg onto the floor. “You… you don’t?”

“We’re all adults here. If they want to have a relationship with you, that’s fine with me.”

“With me only?”

“Well… I don’t want them forming attachments with other human women if at all possible.”

Ember blushes slightly as she cleans up the fallen egg. “So what’s different about me?”

“You’ll be coming back to Equestria when our mission is complete. Any girlfriends they make here wouldn’t be able to follow.”

Ember sighs. “I suppose that makes sense. But it just seems so cruel to them!”

“Cruel?”

“Shouldn’t they be allowed to find love as we have?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. But once we rescue Princess Celestia they won’t have any reason to stay here. That would really hurt them and their girlfriends.”

Ember frowns. “This isn’t because the girls here are human and they’re ponies, is it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. After all, Cherry and I fell in love.”

Ember brushes his side with her tail. “And there’s you and I.”

“Species really isn’t that big a deal to me in this situation.”

“But what if they DID meet someone special here? Couldn’t you just let them stay?”

Arc shakes his head. “I read over the military enlistment papers that every soldier signs. They can date only while off duty, but that’s about it. Technically the entire time they’re here they’re on duty.”

Ember frowns. “So you’re not allowing it?”

Arc sighs. “I’m not going to tell them ‘no’. But at the same time… okay, we’re getting off topic here.”

“Very much so.”

“So if it wasn’t Xenos you were looking at, who then?”

Ember looks around warily. “Can this just stay between us?”

“Of course.”

Ember sighs. “Xenos is a really nice guy and all. He and I spar together regularly, you know. We really have a lot in common. But he already has someone back home.”

“He does?”

“Yes.”

“Anyone I know?”

Ember nods. “Miss Pommel, as he calls her.”

“Oh… I see.”

“Xenos does talk about her all the time.”

“That much I do know. Is he actually in love with her though?”

“I don’t believe so, no. But it’s more than just a crush. To me it appears to be more like a strong mother/son relationship.”

“I don’t understand why that would be an issue for you then.”

“She’s all he ever talks about when you’re not around. I doubt he even notices me.”

“Have you said anything at all?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. It would feel, to me at least, that I was trying to come between him and Coco Pommel.”

“If it makes you uncomfortable, then yes I agree.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

“Any of my boys would be a fine candidate for you, Ember.”

“I know.”

“So if not Xenos, then who?”

Ember smiles. “Viktor.”

“Really?”

Ember nods. “Yes. He’s not very physically strong, mind you. But he’s very intelligent. Much like you, Arc.”

“Glad to see you looking at brains instead of raw brawn.”

“Like you said earlier. You’re rubbing off on me.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Please don’t say that, Ember.”

She looks to him, confused. “But it’s true.”

“Yes, well I… um… SEREB!”

The sound of paws running up the basement stairs can be heard.

“You needed me, Arc?”

“Y-yeah. How is everyone down there?”

“Your squad is resting peacefully and Rose is continually scanning them for changes to their condition.”

Ember nods. “She’s really dedicated.”

Sereb chuckles. “I believe she is doing her best for Arc, yes.”

“For me? But I had her directives removed.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Could she still be acting on them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Twilight and I verified that they were removed… twice.”

Sereb nods. “There is only one logical explanation then.”

“What’s that?”

“She is doing so of her own free will.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “A machine that thinks and chooses for itself. Sounds like something out of a science fiction book.”

Ember frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Well, to put it negatively, there have been plenty of stories written where a machine goes out of control due to poor or complete lack of programming.”

Sereb looks concerned. “Do you believe that Rose may do so as well?”

“I don’t.”

“But she IS capable of doing so, right?”

“Yes, Ember.”

“And if she acts on those ideas?”

Arc sighs. “Then I guess it would be my job to take her down.”

Ember shudders. “Let’s hope we don’t ever have to.”

“Agreed.”

The three finish their cooking with seven plates with food being the end result. Sereb uses his magic to levitate the plates downstairs as Arc and Ember follow him each carrying a tray. Arc looks over at his squad still lying on their bunks.

“Good morning, boys. Feeling any better?”

Max blinks a few times. “C-commander?!”

Hugh appears skeptical. “Is that really you, sir?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

Ember turns to Sereb as she passes out glasses of water. “Didn’t you tell them yesterday?!”

Sereb nods as he levitates four plates to the squad. “I did, yes.”

Viktor looks Arc up and down. “Forgive us sir, but we didn’t really believe him until we saw it for ourselves.”

Xenos coughs. “Yeah. Sereb mentioned it to me when he grabbed some clothes for you.”

Max looks at Arc’s attire. “Did they not fit, sir?”

Arc lifts the robe and points to his tail. “They did. All except for this. I didn’t want to ruin the jeans.”

Hugh grins. “Wow!”

Viktor grins. “So you’re all dragon under there, sir?”

“Yup.”

Max appears nervous. “Is it… permanent?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. As soon as the toxin is cleaned from Arc’s system in a few days he can safely return to his human form.”

Xenos blows his nose. “That’s a relief!”

Hugh nods. “I wasn’t looking forward to telling the lieutenant about this change.”

Viktor shrugs. “I’m sure he’d understand.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah. Flash Sentry is a pretty easy-going stallion after all.”

Sereb places the remaining plates on the nearby table.

“We should eat as well. Eggs are not very tasty cold.”

Ember sits down. “Agreed.”

Arc sets his tray of drinks down on the table and sits. He turns to Rose.

“Care to join us? I brought you some water.”

Rose shakes her head nervously. “I… um… actually need to… ah… clean myself. Excuse me.”

She walks quickly upstairs. Arc turns to Ember.

“What was that about?”

“No idea.”

Max shrugs. “Nothing happened before you came downstairs, sir.”

A few moments later the sound of water running can be heard. Xenos points a thumb toward the stairs.

“Sounds like she just needed a shower.”

Viktor turns to Sereb. “Do androids sweat?”

“No. However they pick up dirt and dust like the rest of us.”

Ember nods. “That makes sense.”

Arc frowns. “I suppose it does. But Rose seemed kinda… different when she spoke.”

Hugh appears nervous. “Should we talk to her?”

“No. I’ll handle it.”

A short time later they finish eating. Ember piles the empty plates onto her tray and heads upstairs.

“I’ll get the dishes going, Arc.”

“Thanks. I’ll be up to help in a few minutes.”

Ember nods and walks upstairs. Arc turns to his squad.

“You four going to be okay?”

Max sneezes. ”Yes sir. We’re on the mend.”

Viktor clears his throat. “That and you’ll need Rose’s scanners to help locate Miss Cherry, sir.”

Xenos looks toward his station. “We can call you on your earring if something changes.”

“I suppose that’s right.”

Viktor turns to the computer from his bunk. “I just wish we could do more to help.”

Sereb nods. “As do I. But every time one of you tries to get up, it doesn’t end well.”

Arc frowns. “What?”

Max hangs his head. “We just don’t have the energy, sir. I’m sorry.”

Hugh sighs. “All of us are.”

“Nothing to be sorry for. All of you just take care and get better.”

Xenos gives Sereb his empty plate with the others. “Yes sir. Please be careful out there.”

“I will.”

Arc heads upstairs. He and Ember quickly do the dishes together. As she dries her claws Ember turns to him.

“So what’s the plan, Arc?”

“I want to head over to the Channel 7 News building and wait for Minerva to show up.”

“Then we nab her and get Cherry back?”

“I’m not sure yet. We’ll just have to play that part by ear.”

Ember looks at him quizzically. “By ear?! Don’t you WANT Cherry back?!”

“Oh coarse! I meant the part about nabbing her.”

“Oh… why?”

“She could refuse to tell us anything. Then what?”

Ember brandishes her claws. “I can be VERY persuasive.”

Arc shakes his head. “We’re not going that route.”

“Why not?!”

“Because that’s not what heroes do, Ember. And Cherry wouldn’t want that either.”

Ember sighs. “Fine.”

After putting the dishes away the pair parts ways. Ember turns to Arc.

“I’ll go let Sereb know we’re ready to go. You wanna check on Rose?”

“Sure.”

Arc heads upstairs and knocks lightly on the bathroom door.

“Rose? We’re about to leave. Are you ready?”

The door opens and Rose steps out. She appears somewhat downcast.

“I… yes, Arc.”

“What’s wrong?”

Rose does her best to compose herself. “It’s nothing.”

“Very well. If you want to talk about it later, I’m all ears.”

Rose nods and follows Arc downstairs. Sereb and Ember are waiting for them.

“Ready?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

He grabs his keys and heads for the back door. Sereb raises an eyebrow.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“We’re going to drive there.”

Ember looks surprised. “We are?”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “Why?”

Sereb frowns. “Do you not have a sigil near our destination?”

“I do. However when Minerva shows up I want to be able to follow her without drawing attention to us.”

Ember looks down at the wolf. “I suppose Sereb is a bit conspicuous.”

Arc nods. “Not to mention he can’t comfortably carry all three of us. Let’s go.”

They make their way to the garage. Rose turns to Arc as he puts his hand on the driver’s door.

“Should I drive?”

Sereb looks confused. “Come again?”

“In your current form you do stand out, Arc.”

“That’s true. But you don’t know how to…”

Rose interrupts him. “You forget that I am an android, Arc. As such, I am fully capable of learning and have done so by watching you and the others.”

Ember shrugs. “I think Rose is right, Arc.”

Arc nods and tosses Rose his keys. “Okay. Ember and I will cloak and sit in the back seat then.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “May I ride up front as well?”

“Sure. If you want to.”

Arc and Ember get into the back and sit down. Sereb jumps in and hops over to the front passenger seat. He turns to Rose as the pair behind them get comfortable.

“Just take it slow your first time, Rose.”

Rose nods as she sits down and starts the engine. “I will do my best.”

Ember looks out the window. “I’m glad the windows back here are darker.”

“It’s called ‘tint’. That helps during long rides on very sunny days.”

Rose presses the button to raise the garage door and heads down the driveway to the street. Arc turns to her.

“Do you need directions?”

“I downloaded a map of Angel Grove to my data banks and have already plotted the shortest path to our destination.”

Ember chuckles. “Efficient! I like it!”

“Sounds good. But we’re not going to the station.”

Ember frowns. “We’re not?”

“Understood. I assume you would like a building with a nice vantage point?”

Arc nods. “Exactly. When we get over there we’ll find a nice place to lay low while we wait.”

Sereb turns around. “This may take some time and patience, Arc.”

“Yes. But it’s probably the easiest way to find Minerva.”

Ember shrugs. “I guess. She has to come into work eventually.”

“Exactly. A nice tall building nearby should provide ample cover and visibility while we wait.”

Rose shakes her head. “No such building exists, Arc.”

“How do you…?”

“I know each and every building within the town limits. Believe me when I say the Channel 7 News building is the tallest structure for several miles.”

Arc puts a claw to his chin. “Hmmm… we could stop for a couple pairs of binoculars.”

Sereb turns around and grins. “Why not use the Channel 7 building itself?”

Ember frowns. “But we’d be seen!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we’ll all be cloaked. Good idea, Sereb!”

He turns to Rose.

“Thanks for thinking ahead. It’ll make this mission that much easier.”

Rose silently nods as they continue on. Soon the station comes into view.

“Shall I park in the public lot, Arc?”

“Yes. That’s perfect.”

They pull into the lot and park. Sereb turns to Rose as she turns off the engine.

“Now all that’s left to do is find a way to safely and stealthily scale the building.”

Arc grins. “I have that figured out already. Rose would you climb back here please? You too, Sereb.”

Rose looks confused. “Okay.”

“Very well.”

Sereb hops over the center console and lands in Ember’s lap as Rose carefully follows him. Arc takes the android and sets her in his lap. Ember looks over with a hungry grin on her face.

“I’m next!”

“Very funny. Everyone ready?”

Sereb looks confused. “What for?”

Arc leans over. “Give me a hug, Ember.”

“Sure!”

She does so as Arc looks at the TV station and concentrates. In a flash Arc Blinks them onto the roof of the building. They fall backwards together. Sereb looks around.

“Effective.”

Ember sits up angrily. “A little warning next time would be nice!”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry.”

Rose stands up and walks toward the edge of the roof. “The best vantage point of the parking lot is over…”

“Rose, wait!”

She stops and looks back at Arc, clearly confused.

“What is it?”

“If you’re going to be that close to the edge you should be cloaked.”

Ember frowns. “What? Why’s that?”

“If anyone were to spot her they might think she was a jumper.”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “What is a ‘jumper’?”

“Someone who stands on the edge of a building intending to fall to their death. The police would show up and ruin our stakeout.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Stakeout?”

“A stakeout is where we sit and wait for our target to come to us.”

Rose nods. “How long do you think this will take?”

“It’s hard to say. But she’s scheduled to come in today, so I can’t see her taking too long.”

Ember rubs her claws together to warm them. “Which I hope is soon! It’s REALLY cold up here!”

Sereb chuckles. “Really? I find it rather nice.”

“Very funny, fur bucket!”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry, Ember. I brought something that might just help you.”

He reaches into his ring and pulls out a sleeping bag. Ember glares at him.

“I’m cold, not tired!”

“I know. Watch.”

He unzips the sleeping bag and spreads it out before wrapping it around Ember.

“How’s that?”

“MUCH better!”

Rose steps forward. “I think I might have an idea as well.”

“What is it, Rose?”

“Follow me.”

She leads them to a large rooftop unit nearby. Ember grins.

“Hey! The air coming out here is warm!”

Arc nods. “It must be exhaust from the bathrooms.”

“Who cares where it comes from?! We won’t freeze to death up here now!”

Sereb looks toward the edge of the roof. “I shall take the first watch.”

Ember turns to follow. “I’ll join you, Sereb.”

“But I thought you would like to stay warm.”

“I do. But I can take it.”

Rose turns to Ember. “Why not wrap yourself in the bag and put your cloak over it?”

“I would. But then you and Arc would be cold over here.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m just fine with the heat from this unit.”

“And I do not require warmth. “

Arc nods. “You take it, Ember.”

Ember takes the sleeping bag. “Thanks!”

She and Sereb walk over to the edge. Ember cloaks and sits down as she turns to Sereb.

“Aren’t you cold?”

“I am fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

Sereb turns to her. “Is there something you want to ask me, Ember?”

“I was hoping you would get in here with me.”

“Why?”

“You’re really warm.”

Sereb chuckles. “Very well.”

Ember opens the cloak and lets Sereb in. He sits down on her lap and peeks through at the ground below.

“Thanks. That feels a lot warmer already!”

“It’s fine. But would you answer me one question, Ember?”

“What is it?”

“Why did you take the first watch? I would have guessed you would rather spend this time with Arc, would you not?”

Ember sighs. “I would, but…”

She turns her head to look behind them for a moment.

“…but Rose needs him right now.”

“Something is bothering her?”

“Yes.”

“Any idea what?”

“Not a clue, Sereb. But I’m sure Arc will figure it out.”

Sereb keeps his eyes focused on the company grounds below. “Yes. He is very perceptive.”

Chapter 3 - Observations

As Arc and his friends wait on the roof for Minerva, their unaware subject makes her way down the road with Cherry by her side in the passenger seat. Cherry speaks up as they stop for a red light.

“I hope you’re ready with what we went over last night.”

Minerva sighs. “I’ve been having second thoughts about this all morning.”

“Really?”

“Yes. But it’s too late to come up with something new.”

Cherry giggles. “I’m sure your interview will be a hit.”

Minerva frowns. “I doubt it.”

“What? Why?”

“People want hard news. But all we seem to get around here is cutesy filler material.”

“Isn’t that good? It means there’s not much trouble in town.”

Minerva sighs. “Good for public safety, I suppose. Bad for aspiring journalists looking to make a name for themselves.”

“Then why are you doing this story?”

“I’m Channel 7’s best reporter. But even I still have to go where my editor tells me.”

“Then why not ask him to send you to something more exciting?”

“I did. This really is the best story I’ve been handed thus far. What I really want to do is report on action!”

“Like my hero friend?”

Minerva smiles. “Yes. Him coming to town was the best thing that’s happened to my career!”

“I remember you speaking to him at the apartment fire.”

“Yes. That was quite the interview. I even got the exclusive!”

“The what?”

“Meaning no other station had footage or an interview with the Hero.”

“Is that important?”

“It is to my reputation!”

They pull into the Town Hall’s parking lot. Minerva parks her car and looks her hair over in the rear view mirror.

“How do I look?”

“Very nice. I just wish I could go with you. This whole reporting job sounds very interesting!”

“I actually thought of that.”

She reaches into her purse and pulls out a small dongle which she plugs into her car’s stereo.

“Now you should be able to hear everything I do.”

“Great!”

Minerva pulls an earpiece out of her purse and puts it on. “It’s two-way as well. You can listen in and even give me your thoughts in real time.”

“You want to hear what I think?”

“Yes. After what I did last night it’s the least I can do.”

“I’ll try not to distract you.”

Minerva opens the car door and steps out. “Thanks. Wish me luck.”

“You’ll do fine! I just know it! But where’s your cameraman?”

“He’s already up there setting up in the Mayor’s Office.”

Minerva waves and closes the car door. Heading inside the building she walks up the single flight of stairs to the second floor. Sighing, she stops in front of the Mayor’s Office.

“Well… here goes. Let’s get this over with.”

She knocks lightly.

“Come in.”

Minerva enters to see the mayor sitting behind his desk going over some paperwork. An elderly man in his nineties, he slowly stands and greets her with a warm smile.

“Come in, Miss Moore. I’ve been expecting you.”

Minerva walks over to the desk and extends her hand. “Good morning, Mayor Hill.”

“And a fine morning it is, ma’am.”

He looks over to the cameraman.

“It looks like we’re almost ready to begin.”

“Yes sir. Thank you for allowing this interview. I know you must be a busy man.”

Hill chuckles. “Yes. However I’ve cleared my morning of anything that might interrupt.”

Minerva looks to him, surprised. “You… you did?”

“I tend to get rather long winded and didn’t want any other appointment to cut this short.”

Minerva mutters to herself. “So that’s why my editor booked half a day on this story. Great…”

“Did you say something, miss?”

“Nothing, sir.”

She turns to her cameraman. He nods. Minerva picks up a small microphone and puts it on her lapel.

“I think my associate is ready for us, sir.”

Hill gestures with his hand to a couple nearby chairs.

“Shall we?”

Minerva nods. “Do you need a hand?”

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine.”

With some difficulty he makes his way over to the chairs and sits down. Minerva follows as the cameraman makes a few last minute adjustments.

“Now then sir, I’ll ask you questions one by one and you just answer as best you can. We’re not live, so let me know if you want to start over with an answer.”

Hill smiles jovially. “I will do my best not to use up all your film.”

“Don’t worry about that, sir. We have plenty of memory cards for the camera.”

The cameraman counts down and points at Minerva as he begins recording.

“Hello, Angel Grove. Minerva Moore reporting. I’m here today with our town’s very own Mayor Hill.”

“Always happy to have a nice chat, Miss Moore.”

“You’ve been Angel Groove’s mayor for as long as anyone can remember.”

Hill chuckles. “I remember back when Main Street was a dirt road.”

“Your father was the first mayor, isn’t that right?”

“Yes ma’am. And the founder.”

“But I thought it was your grandfather whom founded Angel Groove.”

Hill shakes his head. “Don’t believe everything you read, Miss Moore. My father was instrumental in chartering the town that we view out our windows today.”

There is a pause as Minerva considers this turn of events. Cherry calls out to her.

“Keep going!”

Minerva continues. “That couldn’t have been a simple task.”

“He told me it was actually easier than you think.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. All it took back then was a vote of the local residents.”

“And your father convinced everyone?”

Hill chuckles. “It’s easy when you’re friends or family to pretty much everyone around the area. You see, my family owned a ranch right here back then.”

“I remember reading about the Lone Wolf Ranch in history class. What part of town was it in?”

“You misunderstand, Miss Moore. The entire town limits WAS the ranch!”

“That’s quite a bit of land!”

“My grandfather thought so too. He considered parceling some of the less desirable parts out and building houses on it for his workers. Charging them room and board in order to make more capital. However he passed away before his plan could be brought to fruition.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, sir.

“Oh, don’t be! He was known in these parts as a dishonest businessman, a cheat, and a swindler.”

Minerva looks genuinely confused. “He… he was? But I remember learning in school that…”

“Folks often remember only the good in you when you’re dead and gone. I’m certain the rent he would have charged the workers would have been MUCH more than the lodgings were worth.”

“But if that’s the case, how was the town REALLY founded?”

“My own father, who inherited everything, decided to put his old man’s plan into motion himself. But with a bit of a tweak.”

“I… ah…”

Cherry speaks up. “Ask him what kind of tweak.”

“What changes did your father make?”

“For starters, he didn’t build bunkhouses. Instead he raised small but well-built houses.”

“How many?”

“Enough that every worker had a place to call home. You see, my grandfather insisted that he learn the business from the ground up. So every summer my father would work at the ranch.”

Cherry calls out. “Ask him what kind of chores he did.”

“What were his duties? Office work?”

Hill chuckles. “No, no. Grandpa was a big believer in hard work. He wanted my father to start with the lowest of tasks. In fact, his first job was cleaning out the stables with nothing but a shovel and a burlap sack.”

“A… sack?”

“My grandfather had a knack for teaching others using rather unique ideas. That much fresh manure was quite heavy. He was trying to show that the weight of the business was more than he knew.”

“How long did he do this?”

“All summer. At first he could only fill the sack up part way. But after a season of lifting and toting, he could carry a full sack over his shoulder easily. Grandpa told him that was to show him that as he did the job, the weight would become greater. But so would his ability to handle it.”

Minerva smiles warmly. “Interesting. So did he move up after that?”

“Yes, but very slowly. Each task was only slightly better than the previous. It wasn’t until my father entered high school that he started to learn about the technical and business side of the ranch.”

“I assume he took his lessons to heart?”

“Yes ma’am. My father always did his best, no matter what task was placed before him. It was that attitude that helped him to make some very important choices in the future.”

“Choices?”

“Grandfather passed away very suddenly leaving my father as the sole owner of the ranch. To say it was a lot of work would have been an understatement.”

“I can imagine.”

“Yes, well… as he told me years later, he didn’t feel ready for such a high position in the company.”

Cherry gasps. “Ask if he had any helpers to fall back on.”

“I suppose there must have been others involved in the leadership of the ranch.”

Hill shakes his head. “Not really, no. Grandfather was VERY organized, as well as very controlling. He handled pretty much everything other than the most menial paperwork. Truth be told, my father wanted a much smaller business than he had inherited. But at the same time he knew a smaller company would need less workers.”

“That would have required employee cuts.”

“Indeed. So he decided to follow his father’s plan of parceling up some of the ranch for development.”

“How long did it take to build all those houses?”

“About ten years in all. Every employee was properly housed by the time it was complete.”

“Did it lead to layoffs?”

“No. As workers retired, they were simply not replaced. That and they had a place to spend their golden years with dignity.”

Minerva nods. “The best of both worlds.”

“That it was. Most retirees had worked this land for their entire lives and didn’t want to leave. Then there was the younger generations who were being brought up here.”

“Was more done for them?”

“Yes. My father donated the money to build the first Lone Wolf School and a local hospital. Two things that were desperately needed. The original buildings have long since been demolished and rebuilt. But fortunately with proper names.”

Minerva thinks for a moment. “That’s another thing. What happened to the ‘Lone Wolf’ name?”

“At that time we were still an ‘unincorporated community’. So every time something new was built they just defaulted to ‘Lone Wolf’ whatever it was. It wasn’t until my father’s death when his will was read that we all had to stop and consider what to do next.”

“Oh?”

“You see, back then my father was the mayor in name only. His main job was the continuation of the Lone Wolf Ranch. However with his death he deeded all the land to the town on the condition that they change the name to something else.”

“He did? Why?”

Hill sighed. “He knew his death would mark the end of an era. The long hours and stress really took its toll on him and his health. Some of his last words were to reassure me that I wouldn’t be burdened with such things. At the time I just thought he was delirious from the pain and medications.”

“So where did Angel Grove come from?”

“A simple community vote. My father’s generosity had been legendary in these parts. Many had thought of him as the community’s guardian angel. Originally they wanted to call it ‘Angel’s Grove’, but I knew he wouldn’t have liked that as it would have referred to him.”

“So they shortened it to ‘Angel Grove’?”

“At my request, yes. I filled out the paperwork and sent it to the state capital. It went through without a hitch. A grateful public urged me to officially run for mayor. As the history books state, I won by a landslide.”

“And you’ve been the mayor ever since.”

“That I have.”

“We all believe you’ve done a wonderful job, sir. Angel Grove has been a prosperous and peaceful place for many years.”

Hill sighs. “Yes. But it isn’t without its problems. Past or present.”

“You mean the Shards, sir?”

“I do. While I’ve done my best to safeguard the town, this task is apparently out of my league.”

“What can be done?”

Hill sighs. “It’s time the next generation took over responsibility for their future. I’d like to take this time to announce that I won’t be running for reelection next year.”

Minerva’s pen falls to the floor as her jaw drops. There is a stunned silence. Eventually Cherry calls out to her.

“Ask him what led up to this.”

Minerva regains her composure. “This is… all very sudden, sir! Why now?!”

Hill picks up a newspaper from the table before him and holds up the front page. There is a large picture of the Hero of Light and Dragon fighting The Riders.

“Because I know that there are young people out there willing to fight for their homes. Willing to do what needs to be done for us all.”

“The Hero of Light, sir? But he’s rather… vigilante in his actions. After all, Marshal Raynor has gone on record as being against many of his exploits.”

Hill looks Minerva in the eye. “The Marshal isn’t wrong, Miss Moore. However, sometimes you have to do the wrong thing in order to do what’s right.”

“Can you elaborate, sir?”

“The Shard menace could not be contained by the police. They were hurting our local businesses and livelihoods.”

He points a finger at the picture in the paper.

“These two have the courage and strength to stand up to such injustice! Some may see them as vigilantes, but I see nothing but heroes!”

“Yes sir. The community is rather split on what to make of them though.”

“And what do you think?”

“To be honest with you, a pair with such incredible power frightens me.”

Hill nods. “It is not uncommon to fear change and that which we do not understand. But I do believe he is just what is needed.”

“For the town?”

“For the town, yes. But also for the state, for the nation, and perhaps even the world.”

“I don’t believe our Hero has aspirations that high.”

Hill chuckles. “One never knows. There’s trouble brewing here, there, and everywhere after all.”

“Perhaps the governor should weigh in on him.”

“Maybe. But I do believe even President Ackerman should be interested in meeting with our Hero. After all, he admires hard work and dedication. If only he could be reached as easily as you or I could.”

Minerva nods. “If only.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Sereb look out over the edge of the building at the parking lot. Arc frowns as yet another car enters the lot.

“Is that her?”

“No, Arc.”

“How about that one?”

“No.”

Arc turns to Sereb angrily. “Can’t you say anything other than ‘no’?!”

“You asked a question, and I answered it.”

“Sorry.”

“I understand your desire to find Minerva. However she will come when she comes. Neither you nor I can speed that along.”

Arc sighs. “I guess not.”

“Why don’t you go wait by the vent with Rose? It’s about time for Ember’s turn on watch.”

“I will in a few minutes.”

“You said that an hour ago.”

“Did I?”

“Being a dragon cannot make this easier.”

Arc shivers. “I didn’t realize being cold-blooded would make me cold so easily!”

Sereb waves a paw to Ember. “Please warm yourself. I am still not certain a dragon cannot become ill from the cold.”

Ember walks over to the pair.

“My turn?”

“Yes.”

Ember puts a claw on Arc’s shoulder. “We’ll let you know the moment we see something. It can’t be much longer now.”

Arc nods soberly as he turns to walk back to the vent. “I sure hope not.”

Ember takes her place next to Sereb as they survey the parking lot and its traffic.

“He’s holding up well.”

Sereb shakes his head. Not taking his eyes off the lot. “No, he is not.”

“What?”

“I worry that Arc’s mental state will not hold forever.”

“As do I.”

“He and Miss Cherry share a special bond very similar to our Life Pact.”

Ember nods. “Well they were engaged, after all.”

“Yes. There is that as well.”

The pair are silent for a time. Ember turns to Sereb.

“Do you think he’ll ever truly get past her death.”

“There is no ‘getting past’ such an event.”

“Then what…?”

“I do not know, Ember.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks front of the warm unit. Rose raises her arm to allow Arc to sit down next to her under the sleeping bag.

“Thanks, Rose.”

“I will do my best to keep you and Ember warm.”

Arc sighs. “I…”

“You are worried, aren’t you?”

He forces a smile. “Your sensors?”

Rose shakes her head. “Just my optical ones this time.”

“I am.”

“We will find her. Of that I am certain.”

“Hopefully soon! With Cherry gone my head just feels so… empty! Like I’m half a dragon. Half a man? Half a dragon-man? I just hope she’s not too frightened by my appearance when we DO find her!”

“I am sure she will understand that these steps needed to be taken. But in any case, are you warm enough?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s really toasty in here!”

“I was afraid that, as a dragon, you wouldn’t be able to generate enough heat to stay warm.”

“Maybe that’s why Ember favors my bed.”

“There is certainly more to her feelings for you than simply warmth. That much I can see. But I did increase my magical output to compensate for the lack of heat here.”

“Is that safe?!”

Rose nods. “Yes. However I am consuming more energy than my heart is capable of producing.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“I will be. The solution will be a good night’s sleep for me when we find Miss Cherry.”

They are silent for a time. The only sound being the hum of the unit behind them and warm air blowing past. Rose turns to him nervously.

“Can I say something?”

“Always.”

“I, um… overheard your earlier conversation about androids.”

“Oh… ah… Rose, I…”

She shakes her head and forces a smile. “It’s okay. Truth be told, I agreed with your stance.”

“You… you’re okay with me having to kill you?!”

Rose takes his hand. “I’m not, no. For you see, I’ve learned to value my life since the removal of my directives.”

“Good!”

“Would you do one thing for me though?”

“What is it?”

Rose looks up into his eyes, sadly. “If the conversation you and Ember had ever came to pass, meaning if I were to lose control…”

“You won’t.”

“No one really knows if that’s true or not. But if it came to pass I want you to know that I would welcome my destruction.”

“But what about…?!”

“About me? Arc, if I were to betray Equestria and those whom I care about it is unlikely anyone could stop me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve already run the numbers. On a level and balanced battlefield I would hold the advantage against any known force in Equestria.”

Arc frowns. “And the princesses?

“Their power has been taken into account. While I could not destroy them, I could theoretically injure them beyond repair.”

“Why are you telling me this, Rose?”

“Because I trust you, Arc. I trust that you are able to carry out the grim task of destroying my frame.”

“But your simulations said…”

“…that you may be the only one capable of stopping me.”

“Me?!”

“Yes, Arc.”

“How do you figure that?!”

“My scanners have shown that you possess great amounts of power, strength, magic, and experience in battle. I’ve read the files regarding your exploits prior to my activation. While I cannot explain this logically, I am certain that you yourself are not yet fully aware of your upper limits.”

“You mean I can become more powerful?”

“In theory, yes.”

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Rose.”

“I assume the thought of growing in power makes you happy.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I mean, it would be nice to know I can keep everyone safe and all. But… I might have to think about some sort of contingency plan.”

“For me?”

Arc shakes his head. “For me.”

Rose looks confused. “Why would you…?”

“The princesses created a weapon that is capable of destroying them.”

“The Dagger of Eternal Slumber?”

“You know about it?!”

“Mother told me.”

“I see. Rose, I need you to do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“Should I turn and become a threat to this land or to Equestria, I want you to rally my friends and… and see to it I’m either neutralized or destroyed.”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?! But… but I can’t…!”

“Yes you can. No directives, remember?”

“But you’ve always been so kind to me! How could I ever do such a thing to you?!”

“The same way I would destroy you should such a thing be necessary. But not before trying everything else first.”

“And if that fails?”

“Then you need to hit me hard and fast. Promise me this and I’ll do my best to safeguard the land from a rampaging android.”

Rose nods soberly. “I’ll… do my best to make it quick.”

Arc looks away. “Thank you. So will I.”

“What should I do with the plan? Keep it to myself?”

“Share it with Twilight. She’ll know what to do.”

Rose sighs. “Very well.”

Meanwhile, Sereb lowers his ears and sighs. Ember looks over to him.

“Finally getting cold?”

“No. I’m just… thinking about the future.”

“Yours?”

“Everyone’s, I suppose.”

“That’s kinda hard to imagine.”

Sereb puts his head down sadly. “One never knows what tasks lie ahead. For better or worse we will do what needs to be done.”

“I’m with you there!”

“Even if it’s distasteful?”

“Yeah! We’ll all see it through together!”

“I will hold you to that.”

Sereb looks down at the parking lot below and frowns as he mutters to himself.

“I am bound to Arc for life. For good or ill, I will do what he asks of me. I can only hope he won’t lose himself to madness.”

Chapter 5 - Hospitalization

Leaving the office the pair head for the garage. Minerva jumps into a TV van and closes the sliding door behind her. Cherry looks up at the ceiling of the van from the satchel.

“I thought we weren’t taking your cameraman.”

Minerva pulls the helmet from the satchel and sets it down in the passenger seat. “We’re not. Just the van.”

“Isn’t this stealing?!”

“Hardly. The van is owned by the station. It’s not actually his.”

“Oh. I just thought… you know.”

Cherry hears the sound of Minerva shuffling around behind her.

“Um, what are you doing back there?”

Minerva pulls some clothes from her satchel. “Getting changed.”

“Changed?”

Minerva nods as she unbuttons her blouse. “My clothes, silly. If I’m going to be traipsing around that old hospital, I don’t want my suit getting dirty. It’s not cheap, and my dry cleaning bill is already high enough as is.”

A short time later Minerva steps to the front of the front of the van. She is wearing a pair of tight fitting black jeans, a black sweater, and even black gloves. Cherry gasps in surprise.

“M-Minerva?!”

Grinning, Minerva sits down in the driver’s seat. “I know it’s not what your used to seeing me in. But this is the best way to move around the place without being seen.”

“Why didn’t you just change at the apartment?”

Minerva starts the van. “You don’t think I want anyone seeing me like this, do you?!”

“Who would…? I didn’t hear us pass anyone in the hallway.”

“You never know who might come in early. I’d never hear the end of it!”

They pull outside and head for the street. Minerva turns toward the edge of town and the highway. A short time later Arc and company return to the parking lot from yesterday. They are wearing their cloaks. Ember frowns.

“Let’s try this again.”

Sereb nods. “Hopefully this time will yield a more positive outcome.”

Arc sighs. “I hope so. Cherry must be so scared being all alone out there.”

Rose turns to Arc. “She isn’t alone. After all, Minerva Moore has her.”

“That’s what worries me.”

The group cloaks. Gathering near Arc he Blinks them to the top of the TV station again. Sereb walks over to the edge of the building and again takes his place from yesterday. Arc joins him with Rose.

“Anything?”

“Scanning…”

Rose scans the building below them and the parking lot. She shakes her head.

“Your helmet is not in the building.”

Ember grins. “That means we beat Minerva here, huh?”

Arc looks down as a few cars enter the parking lot. “It would appear so. Do you smell anything, Sereb?”

“No. I will wait here for Minerva’s scent.”

Ember looks over her shoulder. “Good! Arc why don’t you and I have a seat by that unit from yesterday?”

Arc shakes his head, not taking his eyes off the lot below as he tosses Ember the rolled up sleeping bag.

“I’m going to stand watch for a bit. You and Rose wait for me over there.”

Ember sighs. “Sure.”

She and Rose head over to the rooftop unit and sit down. Ember turns back to see Arc standing with Sereb as still as a statue.

“I wish I could do more to help him right now.”

Rose nods. “So do I.”

“But you are!”

“I am?”

“Yes! You’re using your sensors in an attempt to locate Cherry! I mean, you gave it EVERYTHING yesterday!”

“That I did.”

“Why?”

“To make Arc happy. That and Miss Cherry is… very interesting to me.”

“She is?”

Rose nods. “I want to learn more about her.”

“To become like her?”

“No. To be more… alive.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I, Ember. But it’s what I want to do with my time right now.”

Meanwhile, Minerva turns onto the highway and looks to Cherry.

“We should be there in about thirty minutes. You want to listen to the radio?”

Cherry gasps excitedly. “Radio?! This chariot has a radio?!”

“Um… yes.”

“Can we use it to contract my friends?!”

Minerva shakes her head. “It’s not that kind. All it does is receive radio waves. We can’t transmit with it.”

Cherry sounds downcast. “Oh.”

“Even if we could, your friends would have to be listening to the right frequency to hear us.”

Cherry sighs. “So it would be a shot in the dark, huh?”

Minerva nods. “Unless you know what frequency they use.”

“I don’t.”

“Look, if I keep investigating The Riders I’m sure we’ll bump into him at some point.”

“That’s kinda unlikely. The Hero’s already discovered what he wanted to know from them by now.”

Minerva looks to her, confused. “What he wanted to know?”

Cherry gasps. “I… forget I said that!”

“Come on! You can’t just clam up after saying that!”

“Listen Minerva, for your own safety just forget it, okay!”

Minerva shakes her head. “I can’t. If there’s more to The Riders activities I have to figure it out and expose the truth.”

“They’re just thugs! Nothing more!”

“Yeah? Thugs that turn into zombies and werewolves now?!”

Cherry is silent for a time before responding.

“All I’m saying is this really is needlessly dangerous. You could get hurt, or worse!”

Minerva nods as she keeps her eyes on the road. “True. But this is who I am and what I do. I understand if you don’t want to come, but I’m heading over there.”

“But…!”

“If you want I can turn back and put you in my office. You’ll be safe there.”

Cherry sighs. “I’ll come. But on one condition.”

Sometime later Minerva turns the van down the two-track and slowly drives to the end of the road.

“Here we are.”

“I suppose so. Are you sure I can’t talk you out of this, Minerva?”

Minerva opens the driver’s side door and steps out. “Not a chance!”

Cherry sighs. “Very well. Let’s get this over with.”

Minerva picks Cherry up and turns it to look at the faceplate.

“You sure about this? I mean, nothing’s going to jump out at me, right?”

“Yes. Do it.”

Minerva gulps as she slowly puts the helmet on and looks around.

“This… this is incredible! Everything’s so clear!”

“Yes, the helmet was recently upgraded with the faceplate and the enchantment that allows the user to see.”

“How does it work?!”

“Sorry. That’s a secret.”

“Come on!”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Minerva frowns. “We can talk about it later then. Right now we have to get moving.”

She walks over and opens the side door. Reaching inside Minerva pulls out a ski mask and puts it on.

“This should help.”

Cherry sighs. “But now I can hardly see!”

“Can’t you just look through my eyes… or something?!”

“I can only do that with the Hero.”

“Why’s that?!”

“He and I share a… a very special bond.”

“Well, you’re a fairly bright shade of white. It’s going to be hard to hide if the need arises.”

Cherry cries out frantically. “I don’t like this!”

Minerva pulls the ski mask off and sighs. “Fine! Then what are we going to do?”

“Do you see that wagon trail?”

Minerva frowns. “Wagon… what?”

“Behind your Jeep.”

“You mean the van?”

“Um… yes.”

“Okay. What about the two-track?”

“There’s quite a bit of mud there.”

“What’s your point, Cherry?”

“Think about it.”

Minerva is silent for a time before responding.

“You can’t be serious.”

“I don’t think we need a lot of it. Just enough to take the shine off.”

Minerva sighs. “Fine.”

Walking behind the van, Minerva stoops down and removes the helmet. She picks up a handful of mud and begins to rub it over the white surface,

“Well, you’re certainly becoming less… bright, I guess. Can you still see?”

“Yes. It’s not completely masking me by far, but it should help keep you safe.”

Minerva stands back up. “I can take care of myself.”

She walks back to the van, reaches inside, and picks something up.

“What’s that?”

Minerva throws a strap over her shoulder. “A camera. I need to document this somehow.”

“I’ll do my best to watch your back while you film.”

“No need for that, Cherry.”

Minerva carefully puts on a strange looking pair of glasses.

“That should do it. After all, I can’t be distracted in there.”

“And those things on your face will record whatever you look at?”

Minerva nods. “Yes, as they’re wirelessly linked to the camera. Now let’s get moving!”

Cherry sighs. “Very well.”

Minerva slowly approaches the edge of the foliage. She carefully looks all around.

“I don’t see any of those strange two-wheeled wagons anywhere, Minerva.”

“You mean motorcycles?”

“The loud machines The Riders rode?”

Minerva nods. “Right. They parked up front last time.”

“Think this place is empty?”

“After what the Hero did to them the other day I’d be surprised if any of them were out of the hospital.”

Minerva looks around one last time.

“You ready Cherry?”

Cherry sigh. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Good. Let’s get this over with.”

Minerva puts the helmet back on as she emerges from the foliage and jogs toward the building. Her eyes dart around as she moves, and she keeps her voice low as they approach the front door.

“Almost there…”

“What if it’s locked?!”

“If we’re lucky it won’t be.”

Minerva grabs the door and pulls. It swings open freely. Cherry breathes a sigh of relief.

“That was easy enough.”

Minerva grins. “Hopefully the rest of this endeavor will go as well.”

She silently enters the building. The entryway is strewn with garbage, broken ceiling tiles, and broken-down hospital equipment.

“This place is a mess.”

Minerva rolls her eyes. “Of course it is! No one but men hang out here!”

Cherry frowns inwardly. “I’ll have you know the Hero and his, um… followers are VERY tidy!”

“Followers? You mean those robed figures that helped him the other day?”

“Y-yes.”

“We can talk about them later.”

Cherry sighs as Minerva makes her way into the foyer. An abandoned receptionists desk is laden with old pizza boxes and beer cans. Minerva slowly pans her gaze over the desk.

“Let me just get all of this. Such a mess!”

“What exactly are we looking for in here, Minerva?”

“Nothing in particular.”

“Then why are we…?!”

“Because this is MY story! Your friend taking out The Riders was BIG news! Our viewers have been ringing the phones off the hook wanting more!”

Cherry sounds confused. “More what?”

Minerva slowly moves her head to record the desk. “Details on this gang.”

“That doesn’t make sense.”

Minerva sighs as she slowly walks past the desk. “Which part?”

“You feeling the need to put yourself in danger, for starters.”

“It’s what I do, and I LOVE it!”

Minerva looks down the dimly lit corridor.

“Let’s go deeper.”

“Why?”

“To find the truth.”

Cherry sighs as they continue down the corridor. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

Minerva looks around as she walks.

“That’s strange. I don’t see any lights out here, but illumination has to be coming from somewhere.”

Cherry giggles. “I can explain that. Take me off for a moment.”

Minerva does so. Nothing but an inky black void looms before her. She frowns.

“What the…?!”

“Now put me back on.”

Minerva does so. Again she is able to see.

“How are you doing that?!”

“It’s another enchantment. The Hero calls it True Sight. With it you can see in the dark.”

Minerva gasps. “This is better than night vision goggles! You have to tell me how it works!”

“Sorry, but I don’t actually understand it myself.”

Minerva puts a hand to the helmet and feels its side. “This is going to make my story especially noteworthy!”

“Maybe. But can we hurry this along? This place is giving me the creeps!”

“Fine. Let’s check a few of these doors.”

“The patient rooms?”

Minerva nods as she walks over to a door. “Considering the condition of the hospital, I don’t think any patients are left.”

“Fair enough.”

Opening the door Minerva finds a run-down bed along with a table and chair, but little else in the way of furniture.

“Very… minimalistic, huh Minerva?”

“Yes. It’s quite spartan.”

Checking a few other rooms the pair find them nearly identical to the first. Moving on they come to a Cafeteria.

“This place appears somewhat well used.”

Minerva nods as she slowly moves her head around to take in the footage. “Everyone has to eat at some point. It looks like The Riders are no exception. Come on, let’s check the back.”

Cherry sighs. “Very well.”

Heading behind the counter, they make their way to the Kitchen. To say it is a mess would be an understatement. Dirty pots and pans fill the counters to bursting as do plates, cups, and silverware.

“Sweet Cele… I mean… um…”

Minerva nods grimly. “Yes, this is beyond disgusting!”

“I suppose we’re lucky it’s so cold in here.”

Minerva turns toward the freezer. “Agreed. Come summer this place is going to be crawling with maggots and rats.”

“What do you expect to find in there?”

She shrugs. “I dunno. A dead body?”

“Certainly not! Right…?”

“Relax, I was joking.”

Cherry mutters indignantly as Minerva opens the door and walks inside. There are rows and rows of chilled meat inside. Dried blood stains the floor and snakes its way toward a floor drain in the center. Cherry makes a gagging sound.

“This… this is… MONSTROUS!!!”

Minerva sounds confused as she surveys the meat. “What’s wrong? Haven’t you ever seen a deer?”

“I’ve seen deer before! But not MASSACRED like this!”

Minerva turns to leave the room. “Nothing really interesting in here.”

“Genocide isn’t noteworthy?!”

“They were just hunting. Probably to save money, or something.”

She closes the door behind them and leaves the Kitchen. Cherry grumbles indignantly.

“Can we please leave now?!”

“After I check out the other floors, yes.”

“What else do you expect to find?!”

“Something that can tell us how The Riders became so influential so quickly. They’re not really that much different from the Shards when you think about it.”

“A frightening thought!”

Heading upstairs to the second floor they find numerous other quarters similar to the ones downstairs. Cherry frowns inwardly.

“More beds and tables.”

Minerva nods as she closes the door to a room. “Yes. But note that the furniture is nicer up here.”

“What does that mean?”

“That someone more important must have stayed up here.”

“Like their leaders?”

“Maybe. But as many rooms as there are, they more than likely to belong to senior members.”

“A hierarchy?”

“Probably.”

“I find it hard to imagine thugs and criminals taking orders from others.”

Minerva shrugs. “Their leaders probably rule through intimidation. Put a few big guys up top and the weaker members fall into line.”

“Now that I think about it, the Shards work that way too.”

“Right. They have their lieutenants as well. Like that one that was here the other night.”

“About that. You just happened to be hiding in the woods that night with a camera?”

Minerva shakes her head. “Nah. We got an anonymous tip that something big was going on here.”

“Who from?”

“Like I said, it was anonymous.”

“It could have been a wild goose chase, you know.”

“True. But it was the same voice who told me about the fire a while back.”

Cherry gasps. “The apartment fire?!”

“Yes.”

“And you didn’t TELL anyone?!”

Minerva shrugs as she approaches to the stairwell. “We get bogus tips like that all the time from all kinds of weirdos. I just thought it was another one of those.”

“But you went anyways?!”

“Yes, but it was to get lunch. As soon as I smelled the smoke though, I knew something was up. I called 9-1-1 to report the smell, then got in touch with my office to get a cameraman and gear out there.”

They walk up the stairs to the third floor. Opening the door the pair find themselves in much nicer surroundings.

“This is a surprise!”

Minerva nods. “Agreed. I really thought this would be more of the same, but it’s not.”

Cherry looks around as Minerva walks down the corridor. “Why do you suppose that is?”

“My guess would be due to who lives up here.”

“You mean besides rats?”

“Let’s check out a room and see if I’m right.”

Minerva pushes open a door at the end of the corridor. Inside they find a truly massive room. She grins.

“Looks like I was right.”

Cherry gasps. “These accommodations are quite nice!”

“You’re right about that. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they knocked out all the walls that weren’t load bearing on this floor.”

“Why?”

“I’m guessing this is where Bloodletter sleeps.”

“You mean this is HIS apartment?!”

“Probably.”

“We shouldn’t be here! What if he comes back?!”

Minerva laughs. “Are you kidding?! After what the Hero did to him the other day he HAS to still be in the hospital.”

“I suppose so. But…”

“Let’s check out a few of these doors. See what secrets that guy has.”

Cherry gulps as Minerva pushes open a door. The pair find themselves in a large bathroom.

“Not much to see in here, Minerva.”

“Maybe. Let me check something.”

She walks over to the large medicine cabinet and opens it.

“What are you looking for?”

“Pills mostly. But really anything that our viewers would find… AHA!”

Minerva pulls out a small black satchel. She unzips the bad to expose a pen-like instrument.

“Is that supposed to be drugs?”

“No, it’s a… finger pricker.

“A what?”

“It’s used to test blood sugar levels. You poke yourself and take a blood sample with this.”

“What for?”

Minerva chuckles. “Bloodletter must be diabetic.”

“Is he sick?”

Minerva shakes her head as she zips up the bag and puts it back. “Not sick as you and I would see it. His body needs regular insulin shots apparently.”

“Is that important to your story?”

“Well, it shows he’s not as tough as one might believe. A bit of junk food would put him in a diabetic coma.”

“Sounds terrible!”

Minerva shrugs as she leaves the bathroom. “Well, I assume it’s not fun. Let’s see if he has an office or something around here.”

They look toward another door across the room. Entering it they find a myriad of boxes. Cherry calls out.

“Storage?”

“Let’s see what’s in these.”

She rifles through the boxes for a few minutes.

“Mostly just personal effects. But they kinda remind me of the contents of a house.”

“Like he moved here permanently?”

“Yes. But for what reason I don’t know.”

Leaving the room the pair spot another door nearby. Opening it they find a large room with a desk and fancy chair.

“This must be the office. The Riders sure put a lot of effort into this room.”

Minerva nods. “It’s probably just the old hospital superintendent’s office.”

“Makes sense. Should we check the desk?”

“Of course!”

She opens the top drawer.

“Nothing but pens and office supplies in here.”

Moving on to the side drawers, Minerva finds them empty save for the last one.

“Here we go! Papers!”

“But those look private.”

“Minerva sets the papers on the desk and sits down. Well, he should have thought about that before starting a gang and not putting locks on doors.”

She leaves through the stack before coming to a rather large and bulky envelope.

“This looks promising.”

“It certainly looks like it has more than just paper in it, that’s for sure.”

Minerva opens the envelope and dumps its contents out onto the desk. A folded up piece of paper and a syringe come into view.

“Hey! That looks familiar!”

Minerva nods as she picks up the syringe. “This looks like what that Shard member jabbed Bloodletter with!”

“You don’t suppose it’s the same one, do you?! After all, how would it have gotten up here?”

“No. This one’s still full.”

She sets down the syringe and picks up the paper. Unfolding it she looks it over.

“This isn’t good.”

Minerva frowns. “I’ll say! These are orders to transport several crates of these things!”

“Where to?”

“Who knows? It could be anywhere in the world!”

“Imagine other humans having the same experience as Bloodletter did the other night!”

Minerva gasps. “It would be chaos!”

“We’ve got to report this to the gua… to the police!”

Minerva removes the vial from the syringe and puts it safely in her pocket. “We will. After the story airs, that is.”

“WHAT?! But somepo… someone could be hurt!”

“By who? The Riders are all out of commission for the moment.”

A loud sound is heard outside. Peeking out one of the large office windows the pair spot a motorcycle along with three large trucks approaching the entrance. Cherry calls out as they park and head inside.

“What are we going to do?!”

Minerva quickly puts the envelope back in the drawer. “Now would be a good time to leave.”

“Do you think there’s a back door to this place?!”

Minerva hurriedly runs toward the office door and back to the stairwell. “Probably. Let’s find out!”

Chapter 6 - Dead End

Minerva hurries down the stairs to the main level. Reaching the bottom she quietly opens the door and steps into the corridor. Cherry whispers as Minerva runs quietly toward the back of the hospital.

“Someone’s coming this way!”

Minerva looks around frantically. “Gotta hide!”

“There’s a broom closet to your left!”

She rushes over and tries the door. “Worth a shot!”

Quietly opening the door Minerva hurries inside. The closet contains nothing but a few brooms, a mop, and various cleaning supplies. She closes the door all but a crack to peek out. A few moments later several thugs walk by in Shard uniforms. They are led by the three Shard Lieutenants whom look around, clearly disgusted. Stingray is the first to speak.

“Slobs, the lot of them!”

Hammer nods. “I’ll say!”

Mio sighs. “A little organization would go a long way for The Riders.”

Stingray turns toward their guards.

“Get everything ready.”

They nod silently and hurry back to the front of the building. Mio turns to Hammer.

“Are we really going to do this?”

“Heck yeah!”

Stingray frowns. “You heard the boss’ instructions, Mio. We just need to take care of a few things in the meantime.”

“I know. But this just doesn’t seem right to me.”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah, well… he wasn’t asking us to like it. He was telling us to DO it!”

“Hammer’s right. Orders are orders. Come on. Let’s get to the docks.”

The trio head toward the back of the hospital. Minerva slips out of the closet and looks around as Cherry whispers to her.

“What do you suppose those three intend to do?”

“No idea. But they’ve unknowingly cut off our escape routes!”

“Those guards headed to the front, and those women are headed for the docks. They’ve trapped us!”

Minerva nods soberly. “I’m open to suggestions.”

Cherry muses to herself. “What would the Hero do…?”

“Huh?”

“If the Hero was here he would find another way.”

“But the exits are covered!”

“Then he’d make an exit!”

“How?!”

Cherry sighs. “I’m not sure.”

“Don’t you have any magical powers that could get us out of this?!”

“No. I’m… just a voice in a helmet.”

Minerva sighs. “Great.”

“Well, we know we can’t do anything from the front or back door. What about a window?”

“They don’t open, and smashing one would give us away in a heartbeat.”

“Let’s head back upstairs then.”

Minerva frowns. “What?! But there’s nothing to help us up there!”

“It will put some distance between us and them, for starters. Maybe there’s something we missed.”

Minerva sighs as she heads for the stairwell. “Fine. But I have a bad feeling about this.”

The pair hurry up the stairs. Cherry calls out to her as she stops at the second floor’s door.

“Head up to the third. There’s nothing on two.”

“All right.”

Rushing up the stairs to the third floor, Minerva quickly opens the door to Bloodletter’s floor. She enters and allows the door to quietly close behind them.

“What now?!”

“Look around for… something big!”

“Like what?!”

“I don’t know. Something that would make a lot of noise I guess.”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “That would make them come running!”

“Exactly!”

“Cherry, have you lost your mind?!”

“I know it’s risky, but we need to lure them upstairs.”

“Why?!”

“To get them away from the exits. With luck we can sneak out and no one will know we were here.”

“Sounds risky.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

Minerva sighs. “No. Fine, help me look.”

“Right!”

The pair look around for inspiration. Minerva points to a workbench with a large number of tools on it.

“What about grabbing a hammer or something and smashing a window over there?”

“Too spot on. That and we couldn’t jump that far.”

“I meant just to cause a distraction. Get them up here.”

“That COULD work. But a window would let them know for sure somepo… someone was up here. We really need something that casts a little more doubt on its source. Maybe we should check the basement.”

Minerva shakes her head as she continues to look around. “Don’t you know what they keep in hospital basements?!”

“Storage?”

“The morgue.”

“Oh.”

Minerva shudders. “I’d almost rather get caught than go down there!”

“You think there’s dead bodies?”

“This hospital hasn’t been used in many years. I know they wouldn’t have left anyone down there, or anything. But… that’s just too creepy for…!”

“Wait! Do you hear that?!”

“Hear what?”

Cherry gasps. “Someone’s coming up the stairs! There’s another stairwell on the other end of the floor!”

Minerva runs. “Are you sure?!”

“About what?!”

“Someone coming, or the other stairs?!”

“Yes to both!”

Minerva bursts through the stairwell door. It closes behind her just as Stingray steps out onto the floor. She looks around for a few moments and frowns.

“Odd. I thought I heard something up here.”

She stands there silently for a few moments listening.

“Must be rats.”

Stingray heads to Bloodletter’s office and looks around as she mutters to herself.

“What did you leave, you fool?”

Meanwhile, Minerva leans against the wall breathing hard.

“They’re everywhere!”

“True. But we need to stay focused.”

“Y-yeah! Do you know any of those Shards?!”

“Yes, but we can talk about that later. We need to move, Minerva!”

“Where to?!”

“The only place they won’t be.”

Minerva gulps. “You… you mean…?”

“The basement, yes.”

“I… I can’t!”

“It’s okay. I know it can’t be easy to…”

Minerva begins to shake in fear. “You don’t understand! I…!”

“Minerva! Snap out of it! We have to go now!”

Minerva nods and fumbles down the steps to the basement door. She pauses as her hand touches the cold metal of the doorknob. Cherry calls out to her.

“I’m right here, Minerva. Whatever’s down there we’ll face it together.”

Minerva looks over her shoulder as the sound of a door above them opening can be heard.
“Alright.”

She opens the door and hurries inside. Minerva carefully and silently closes the door behind them as the footsteps above them head upward. Minerva presses an ear to the door and listens intently.

“I think they’re heading up.”

“They must not want to come down here for the same reason you don’t.”

Minerva shudders. “I doubt that.”

“Come on. Let’s see if there’s anything down here we can use as a distraction of some kind.”

“Okay.”

Minerva walks down the dark corridor. She looks around nervously.

“I don’t like it down here!”

“Neither do I. But what else could we do?”

“I know that, but…”

The grating sound of the stairwell door opening rings out behind them. Cherry gasps.

“This room! Hurry!”

Minerva lunges toward the nearest door. Finding it unlocked she hurries inside and quietly closes the door behind them. Turning the lock, she breathes a sigh of relief as she rests her head on the door.

“We should be safe in here for a bit.”

“Good! Do you think this is a Records Room of some kind?”

“What makes you say that, Cherry?”

“There’re a lot of really big filing cabinets behind you.”

Minerva’s pupils shrink as she gulps. “Big… filing cabinets?”

“Yes. What’s wrong with that?”

Minerva slowly turns around to look at the far wall. Built into it are a large number of small doors one on top of another. She begins to shake in fear.

“Th-tho-those aren’t filing cabinets!”

“What else could they be?”

“Slabs! This is where the hospital takes dead people!”

“You mean…?”

Minerva nods as she takes a step back and presses her back against the doorframe. “Yes! The Morgue!”

The sound of the doorknob turning can be heard. Minerva takes a quick step forward out of fear. She whirls around to look at the door as the sound of keys jingling can be heard.

“Oh no!”

Cherry gasps. “There’s no other way out of here!”

“Ideas?!”

“Just one, but you’re going to have to trust me.”

“At this point I’ll do anything!”

A few minutes later the door swings open. Hammer and Mio walk in. Holding her flashlight, Hammer fumbles to put away the massive ring of keys.

“Can’t see ANYTHING in this here hole!”

Mio nods as she holds her wand in one hand as she casts a Light Spell. “We’ll have to hurry and get out of here then.”

“I’m going as fast as I can, Mio!”

“We all are, I’m sure.”

Hammer shudders as the beam from her flashlight hits the morgue wall. “This place gives me the creeps!”

Mio walks over to a pile of boxes in the corner. “Agreed. Here’s part of what we came for though.”

“Good! Let’s get this stuff upstairs!”

Hammer points to the morgue’s drawers.

“Uh… what do we do about all THAT?!”

Mio picks up a few boxes as she does her best to maintain her Light Spell. “We’ll send a few grunts back for them while we take care of these. Can you get the rest of…”

Hammer picks up the rest of the boxes from the corner effortlessly. “I got em!”

The pair head out the door and back toward the stairwell. Hammer turns to see Mio struggling under the weight of her load.

“You know, you really should work out, Mio.”

“You know I don’t have time for that!”

Hammer sighs as she holds the stairwell door open. “Studying your magic non-stop isn’t helping you get any stronger you know.”

Mio sets her boxes down at the base of the stairs, breathing heavily. “I know. But magic IS my strength.”

Meanwhile, Minerva and Cherry breath a collective sigh of relief.

“That was close!”

Minerva nods. “Yes, but I almost wish they had caught us!”

She puts her hands on the stainless steel beam above and pushes with her feet. The slab she is on slides neatly out of the wall.

“I know that was hard for you, Minerva, but…”

“Hard?! I…”

“Wait! What is that?!”

Minerva glances down at the slab. “A sheet. Why?”

“It doesn’t look like it. Can you pick it up?”

“I’d rather not.”

“Minerva, please.”

Sighing Minerva picks up the navy blue cloth. Cherry growls.

“That’s not a sheet!”

Minerva looks it over. “You’re right! It’s a garment!”

Her face turns green as she holds her stomach.

“Something a dead body would…”

Cherry interrupts her. “No, it’s not!”

“Then what…?”

“Put it on! Hurry!”

“But…”

“There’s no time! Trust me!”

Minerva does so.

“Now what, Cherry?”

“I think that’s a magic cloak!”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “Like what the Hero has?!”

“Something like it, yes.”

“How do I use it?!”

“You have to have some knowledge of magic to make it work.”

So I can’t…?”

“I… I’m from somewhere magic exists. I might be able to activate it and cloak you.”

Minerva looks toward the door, nervously. “Sounds like they’re coming back!”

“Almost… got it!”

A few moments later Minerva vanishes from sight. Cherry speaks to her telepathically.

“You’re invisible! Step to the side!”

Minerva silently does so as two Shard members enter the room followed by a third. They walk over to the slabs. Jackal points a massive finger at the slabs.

“There! Lieutenant’s want stuff inside!”

The other two open the slabs one by one and start removing more cloaks and a few crates. Cherry does her best to reassure Minerva.

“It’s okay, they can’t see or hear either of us. At least as long as I speak to your mind like this.”

Minerva silently but fearfully nods.

“Just think the words and I’ll hear you, Minerva.”

“Can… can you…?”

Cherry interrupts her. “…hear you? Yes I can.”

“How?! More magic?!”

“…kinda. The enchantment on my helmet, or now myself I suppose, allows me to do this.”

“Just… who are you really?!”

“I’m Cherry, remember.”

“No, no! I mean… WHAT are you?!”

“I… don’t understand.”

“The first time I put the helmet on, I…”

Cherry gasps. “Look! They’re pulling out weapons!”

The Shards pull out strange looking guns and several staves with gems on top. They stack them on top of the boxes in Jackal’s rather full arms. Snake turns to Jackal.

“Just a few more things. You okay, big guy?”

“Yup!”

Wolf looks around nervously. “Yeah. I don’t like this place either. You, Jackal?”

Jackal shrugs as they head out the Morgue door. “Nah. I’m just hungry. By the way, Snake. What’s TNT?”

“Explosives.”

“What that?”

Wolf chuckles. “Think of them like really powerful fireworks. That’s why we told you not to drop them.”

Snake nods. “Yeah. We wouldn’t want them going off before we’re ready.”

“Can we watch?!”

Wolf grins. “You’ll be able to see from the truck after we leave.”

“Aw…”

Snake pats Jackal’s back. “Don’t worry, big guy. That blast will be visible for miles!”

“You sure?”

Wolf laughs. “Yeah. Remember how many boxes we brought in?”

“A lot!”

Snake nods. “Right!”

“It okay for us to do this?”

Wolf turns to Snake. “Sure. I mean, no one’s anywhere near this building. Right?”

Snake nods as he picks up a crate. “Yeah. This place shut down long ago. But we need to get moving. Wolf, grab that last box and let’s get going.”

“Sure. You think Stingray’s friend can really handle that stuff on the first floor?”

“I sure hope so.”

The pair head down the corridor and up the stairs. Minerva breathes a sigh of relief as she hears the stairwell door clang shut. She leans against the wall.

“They’re gone!”

“Thank goodness!”

Minerva frowns. “But now we REALLY need to get out of here!”

“I didn’t like what they were saying. What do you think they were talking about on the first floor?”

Minerva peeks out the door and looks both ways. “Sounds like they’re planning to blow up the building!”

“Why?!”

Minerva frowns as she moves quietly down the corridor. “Probably to destroy the evidence.”

“Evidence?!”

“Who knows what The Riders were up to here! But whoever is up there wants it to stay a secret though! Who were those guys?!”

“Some Shard members. The Hero has fought them in the past.”

“Fought?”

“Well, it wasn’t much of a fight. Pretty one sided in his favor.”

“What about those women?”

“Stingray, Hammer, and Mio. Lieutenants of the Shard gang. They’re working for Frank Fontaine.”

“What are they doing here then?!”

“No idea. But Hammer was here the night The Riders took on the Hero.”

“I remember that. It’s obvious they’re working together. But to what end?!”

“You’re guess is as good as mine. Just be sure to stay out of sight of Mio.”

“Why? Can she sniff me out?”

Cherry sighs. “Kinda. That and she can make you visible again.”

“What?! How?!”

“Magic.”

“That doesn’t make sense! Are you sure?!”

“Yes. She’s done that to Hero and Dragon a couple times now.”

Minerva sighs. “Great.”

“All we have to do is avoid her. How hard could that be?”

Minerva sighs as she arrives at the door. “So do we go up?”

“Nowhere else to go but up after all.”

“I guess.”

Creeping back up the stairs Minerva slowly opens the door to the first floor and saunters down the corridor.

“What are all those wires for on the floor? They weren’t here when we came by the first time.”

Minerva looks at them nervously. “I’m not fully sure. But I have an idea.”

“What’s that?”

“A bomb.”

“I hope you’re wrong.”

“Me too.”

They make their way back toward the main entrance. A figure in a navy-blue cloak is working on a large black box sitting on the receptionist’s desk. Snake, Jackal, and Wolf hurry past Minerva and head for the robed figure. They look over to display a strange looking white mask. Cherry frowns.

“Wiseman?”

“Who?”

“Someone who keeps visiting the Hero. No idea who they are though.”

“Wait! Weren’t they at the apartment fire?!”

“Um…”

Minerva gasps. “Yes! They jumped from the roof of a building across the street! I thought he was a good guy!”

“The Hero isn’t really sure, but…”

Snake walks over to the robed figure and salutes.

“We’ve taken care of everything you wanted.”

“Good. Where are the others?”

Wolf points a thumb down the corridor. “Stingray is still upstairs and Hammer is taking care of business at the loading dock.”

“And Mio?”

Jackal shrugs. “She say something about chasing down a magical dis-something or other.”

Snake sighs. “Disturbance. A magical disturbance.”

The figure stops working and looks around.

“A what now?”

Wolf shrugs. “She said she felt something magical was going on… whatever that means.”

“That’s just our cargo playing tricks on her. Find Mio and tell her to stop wasting time.”

Jackal nods happily. “Okay. I go find her!”

He turns to walk back down the corridor past Minerva. Turning he stops suddenly. Minerva calls out to Cherry nervously.

“Does he see us?!”

“He can’t.”

Jackal points a finger down the corridor. “There she is!”

The lieutenants round a corner behind them. Stingray calls out to the blue robed figure.

“We just finished…”

Mio’s eyes grow wide as she pushes past the other two and angrily raises her wand.

“I SEE YOU THERE!”

As he staff glows, Minerva again becomes visible. Wolf steps back, clearly surprised.

“WOAH!”

Snake talks nervously as she sees the familiar helmet. “Him again?!”

Jackal points happily. “Hey, it’s that nice guy from…”

Stingray pulls her whip. “Not smart, punk!”

Hammer grins and draws her gun. “You gotta lotta guts coming here and spying on US!”

Mio frowns. “This… is new.”

“Mio?”

Mio looks to the other, her staff aglow. “I can’t seem to counter his magic this time! Be careful!”

The blue robed figure steps forward. “ I’ll do it myself!”

The figure raises a hand and strains as Minerva looks around frightfully and calls out to Cherry telepathically.

“Wha… what do I DO?!”

“I… I don’t know! Run?!”

“Where?!”

“The front door is the closest! Make a break for it?!”

“Okay!”

Minerva runs as fast as she is able toward the door. Stingray lets loose with her whip. She grabs Minerva by the heel and pulls her roughly back to land on her stomach. As Minerva rolls over and attempts to sit up Hammer fires a single shot at the young woman hitting her squarely in the face. The helmet absorbs the damage but knocks her senseless. Minerva’s head hits the floor with some force as Mio Blinks over and puts a glowing staff to her helpless victim’s chest.

“S-stay down, Hero.”

The blue robed figure walks over. “Who… is that?”

Jackal laughs happily. “Hero from…”

Snake nervously interrupts him. “There’s no way! That person’s WAY too small to be HIM!”

Wolf gasps. “Hey, you’re right!”

The figure turns. “You boys go back to the trucks and head back to base. We’ll handle this little problem.”

Snake, Jackal, and Wolf nervously nod and head out the front door. Stingray steps forward cautiously.

“Let’s take care of this!”

Hammer nods as she keeps her gun leveled at the figure on the ground. “Keep your eyes peeled! He’s a slippery one!”

Mio nods, not moving her wand. “Right!”

Stingray carefully kneels down and snatches off the helmet.

“What the…?”

Looking down the trio see Minerva’s face covered in blood oozing from her nose. Hammer turns to Stingray as she steps back, helmet in hand.

“Who the heck IS that?!”

Mio frowns. “No idea. But I’m guessing the recoil from your shot hit her nose, Hammer.”

Stingray shakes her head. “THIS is the so-called hero that’s been causing us so much trouble?!”

The figure shakes their head. “Doubtful. I don’t sense any magical energy emanating from her.”

Mio gasps. “That would explain why I couldn’t seal them.”

Hammer nods. “And the person I fought DEFINITELY had a man’s voice.”

Stingray holds up the helmet. “I agree. But where do you suppose she got this from then?”

The figure turns back to the box on the receptionist’s desk. “No idea. But in about twenty minutes it won’t matter.”

Mio looks up, confused. “What… what do you mean?”

“You three have set the charges, have you not?”

Stingray nods. “We have.”

“On all three floors?”

Hammer grins. “Yup! This place is ready to go BLAMMO!”

The figure pushes some buttons on the box before them. “Good. I’ll set the timer and we’ll be off.”

Mio gasps. “W-wait!”

“What is it, Mio?”

“What do we do with… whomever this is?”

“Leave them where they are.”

“What?! B-but… we can’t DO that!”

“Oh?”

The figure walks over to Minerva. Reaching down they grab the strap and rip the camera from her shoulder. Stingray gasps.

“She saw everything.”

Hammer frowns. “And recorded it!”

The figure holds the camera and nods. “Correct. She can’t be allowed to live.”

They drop the camera onto the floor and stomp on it. The sound of buckling plastic fills the otherwise silent room. The remains are kicked next to Minerva as the figure turns back to the device.

“Just a few more buttons, and… there.”

A timer appears on the display and begins counting down. They turn back to the lieutenants.

“Let’s go.”

Stingray nods. “We’ll be right behind you.”

The figure calls out from the doorway as they leave. “Don’t tarry. Unless you want to be a memory.”

The three lieutenants looks soberly to one another as Mio falls to her knees next to Minerva and looks to the other two.

“We… we aren’t going to do this, are we?!”

Stingray frowns as she looks away. “Yes, Mio. We have to.”

Hammer sighs. “I don’t like it either. But… this woman’s seen too much.”

Stingray walks over to Mio and puts a hand on her shoulder. “It has to be this way. Don’t worry. She won’t feel a thing.”

“What about the boss’ dream! To make a better world?!”

Hammer turns to look down. “Sometimes you have to break a few eggs. Or in this case… just one.”

Stingray looks at the helmet in her hands before turning around and dropping it to the floor. It rolls toward Mio and bumps against her leg.

“Let’s go.”

Hammer nods. “Y-yeah. Right behind you, Stingray.”

The pair slowly walk out the main entrance together. Mio bites her lip and looks down at the unconscious woman for a few moments before casting a spell and putting the helmet back on her. She then picks up the camera and looks it over as she stands up.

“I… I don’t know if you can hear me or not, but… I’m sorry.”

Mio pauses a moment longer to fiddle with the camera before carefully putting it in Minerva’s hand and walking out to join Stingray and Hammer. The figure stands next to a truck talking to Hammer.

“Did you secure the exits?”

“Yes. Everything was locked when I got there.”

“Good. Back to base.”

As the blue robed figure and Mio get into the back of a truck. Stingray climbs into the driver’s seat as Jackal, Wolf, and Snake drive their trucks away. Hammer hops on her motorcycle and puts on her helmet before starting the bike and leaving. The figure looks to Stingray as she starts the engine.

“Not yet.”

Stingray looks over her shoulder. “What?”

The robed figure looks out the back window and raises a hand. Using their magic they effortlessly uproot a large tree. Turning it on its side they launch it toward the hospital. It slams into the main entrance completely blocking the doors.

“Now we can go.”

Stingray nods and pulls away.

“What was that all about?”

The figure stands up, removes their mask, and allows it and their cloak to fall to the floor, revealing themselves as Diva.

“Just a little insurance policy. Little missy isn’t getting out of there even if she does wake up.”

Mio’s eyes grow wide as she looks out the back window at the building shrinking behind them. She sighs.

“What… what have we done?!”

Diva walks over to the passenger seat and sits down.

“Our jobs.”

Chapter 7 - No Escape

As the vehicles drive away Minerva quietly groans. Cherry calls out to her frantically.

“Minerva! Wake up!”

The helmet on Minerva’s head vibrates slightly.

“Come on! You have to get out of here!”

Minerva slowly sits up and removes the helmet. It clangs to the floor as she wipes the blood from her nose and mouth.

“What…? Where am I?”

“Hammer shot at you! The blast knocked you in the head!”

Minerva puts a hand to her forehead. “I… kinda remember that. Are they gone, Cherry?”

“Yes! But this place is going to blow up!”

“What?!”

“One of them said that as they were working on something on the desk!”

Minerva unsteadily gets to her feet, grabs her camera, and stumbles to the table. Her eyes grow wide as she sees the timer counting down.

“I… we have to get out!”

“Can’t you turn that thing off?!”

Minerva shakes her head. “Not on my BEST day! Messing with that might just set it off!”

She turns to hobble awkwardly toward the main entrance, but finds the trunk of a large tree blocking the now smashed doors. Frowning, she turns around.

“Let’s try that back way!”

As Minerva makes her way down the corridor as fast as she is able Cherry breathes a sigh of relief.

“Good idea! No guards now!”

They arrive at the loading dock. Minerva checks every overhead door but finds they all have old, rusted padlocks on them. She shakes her head woozily.

“This… this isn’t good.”

Cherry gasps. “What’s wrong?!”

Minerva falls to her knees. “Everything… floor is shaking!”

“What?”

“Did… did bomb go off?”

“No, Minerva. Nothing’s shaking.”

Minerva puts a hand to her forehead. “Are you sure?”

“Yes! Listen to me, Minerva! You took quite the blow to the head. I think it might have done more damage to you than I thought.”

Minerva holds her stomach. “I… I don’t feel good.”

“We have to get moving! There isn’t much time left!”

Minerva straightens up slowly but deliberately. “Where to then?”

Cherry looks around. “No idea. I… wait! Over there!”

“Where?”

“Over by the door you came in!”

Minerva weakly stands and shambles over to the door.

“What now?”

“To the right! See that diagram?!”

Minerva squints. “Y-yes. But I’m having trouble focusing. What is it?”

“It’s an egress map.”

“Really?”

“Yes! Try to hold your head still.”

Cherry looks over the map and sighs.

“Those were the only two ways out of here.”

“What… now?”

“I… I don’t know. A window?!”

Minerva shakes her head. “Not a chance. They’re really thick to prevent… patients with mental problems… from escaping the hospital. That and I don’t… I don’t have the strength to break one.”

“What if we found something really heavy?! How about that wrench over there?!”

“Where?”

“On the shelf to your left!”

Minerva turns and tries to pick up the wrench. However her fingers seem unable to hold it properly.

“Nope.”

“Keep trying!”

Minerva shakes her head. “Sorry. My hands just aren’t working right. The blow to my head maybe?”

She falls to the floor holding her head.

“Everything’s spinning again!”

“Minerva, I… I’m sorry.”

Minerva puts a hand on her stomach again. “What… what for?”

“Earlier I told you I’d look out for you. I failed in that task.”

“You tried… your best.”

“Yes, but I failed you!”

“It’s okay.”

“How can you be so casual about this?! I mean, you’re going to die!”

“I… I’m going to go out doing what I love. Everyone should be so fortunate. But what about you?”

“Me?”

Minerva nods. “A helmet won’t survive the entire building… coming down on it.”

“Nothing can happen to me… that hasn’t already done so. If there was anything I could do for you now, I would.”

Minerva brings her knees up to her chest as she lies on the dirty floor. “Just… stay with me please.”

“That I can do.”

Minerva is silent for a time.

“Ch-Cherry?”

“Yes?”

“What… do you think happens to us when… when we die?”

“It’s a very… surreal experience. Your body feels so heavy as you pass, but then you become light as a feather as the end approaches. Things get dim and your eyes slowly close as you grow drowsy.”

“…what? How… how do you know all this?!

Cherry sighs. “Minerva, I… I died quite some time ago.”

“H-how are you here then?”

“It’s kinda complicated and we don’t have much time. But I guess the short version would be that a strange form of magic allowed me to enter the gemstone in the center of the Hero’s armor. Eventually I found my way into his helmet.”

“Can… can I do the same?”

“I don’t think so, no. That gem was only part of the reason.”

“And the rest?”

“My devotion to him.”

Minerva closes her eyes and smiles. “That’s… it must be nice.”

“Not really. I can’t move in this thing as it stands. Not without the rest of the armor, that is.”

“No. I mean… to be so dedicated to someone that you can shrug off death.”

“You don’t have anyone?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No. It’s… just me. No family. No friends. Not even a pet to greet me when I come home.”

“Sorry.”

Minerva forces a smile through her discomfort. “Don’t be. I made my choices in life and lived with the results. But I didn’t think it would lead to such an end. Any advice?”

“I suppose you should try to fall asleep.”

“Why?”

“So you won’t feel anything, I guess.”

“I think I can do that. So… so tired anyway.”

“Go ahead and take me off if it would make you more comfortable. I’ll watch over you to the end.”

“No thanks. But there is one thing I never got to do.”

“What is it?”

“I always wished I could have taken… taken the time to stop and smell the roses.”

Cherry sighs. “But your job didn’t give you a chance?”

Minerva shakes her head. “Even when I was a kid, I was always busy with something. Looking for what came next. Not… not looking at the now and here.”

“You mean the here and now?”

“Isn’t that… what I said?”

“I… yes, Minerva.”

Minerva turns her head left and right. “You think… there’s any flowers around here?”

“No. But there was something I used to do when I had time.”

“What’s that, Cherry?”

“Lie on my back and watch the clouds floating overhead.”

“Why?”

“It was always very soothing. Imagining what animals they were as I watched them pass.”

Minerva smiles. “Sounds relaxing. I wonder if there’s any out there now.”

“There was earlier.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I was looking at them during our drive over.”

“Well, there aren’t any windows around here.”

“I have an idea. Can you move?”

“A bit. Why?”

“Go back to the corridor.”

Minerva shakily gets to her feet and shambles out the door.

“Just across the hall.”

Minerva looks ahead. “That door?”

“Yes. Can you open it?”

“I… I think so.”

Flailing at the handle, Minerva eventually is able to push it down hard enough to disengage the latch. The door swings open slowly. She looks around, confused.

“A… patient room?”

“Lie down on the bed, Minerva.”

Minerva slowly does so. She rests her head on the pillow and smiles.

“That… that is a bit more comfortable than the floor. Thanks, Cherry.”

“Yes, well… look to your right.”

Doing as she is told Minerva slowly turns her head. The blue sky stretches out before her through the large hospital window.

“C-clouds!”

Cherry giggles. “Yes. We can watch them together if you want.”

“That would make me… happy.”

They spend a few minutes watching various cloud shapes.

“I think it looks like a cherry.”

Minerva smiles. “Well, I still see a camcorder lens and microphone.”

“There really are no right or wrong answers.”

“I suppose not. But… but this is really fun! Why didn’t I do this sooner?!”

“Life got in the way.”

“Yeah.”

Cherry sighs contentedly. “I should have done this more. At the end, you realize that much of what you held to be so important really isn’t.”

“You’re right. I’m seeing that now.”

“Many fall into that trap, I suppose.”

“I… I wish I could have a second chance.”

“What else would you do different?”

Minerva thinks for a moment.

“Make and keep some friends.”

“You don’t have anyone? What about your cameraman?”

Minerva shakes her head. “He’s just an employee of the station. Truthfully, I don’t even know his name.”

“Friendship really is magic, you know.”

“It is?”

“Sure! Friends share the good and bad times together.”

“How about now?”

Cherry sighs. “Definitely bad times here.”

Minerva smiles. “Thanks. I was kinda scared lying on the loading dock floor. But here… I’m more a peace.”

“That’s good to hear. I… wait a minute!”

“Cherry?”

“Look out the window!”

“I am. Remember we were…”

“No, no! Look down at ground level and to the left!”

Minerva does so. “What exactly am I supposed to be looking for?”

“There’s a tree out there!”

“That’s another thing I never did. Find the beauty in nature. I was always too busy…”

“No, no! It’s close to the building!”

“So?”

“We could climb down it to reach the ground!”

Minerva shakes her head. “The windows on the second and third floors are just as thick and don’t open either.”

“Right! But what if we jumped from the roof?!”

“I’d break my neck. It’s okay, Cherry. Meeting my end here is just fine with…”

“That tree probably extends well past the roof line!”

Minerva grins. “You’re right! I COULD climb down it!”

“Let’s go!”

Minerva sits up and sighs. “That timer has to be almost expired by now.”

“We have to try! What would Walter Cronkite do?!”

“What would he…?”

“Would he give up, or would he make sure the truth got out?!”

“He… he’d do his very best!”

She pats the crushed camera at her side.

“I have… I have the truth right here.”

“If you die here, it dies with you!”

Minerva nods. “Okay, I’ll try.”

Cherry cheers. “That’s the spirit! Let’s go!”

Minerva nods as she shakily stands and walks out of the room.

“How do you suppose we get to the roof, Cherry?”

“Straight ahead and to the right. There was another set of stairs leading up from the third floor.”

Minerva frowns as she shuffles toward the stairwell. “How do you know it doesn’t go somewhere else?”

“Because this building only has three floors. Where else would it go?”

“Makes sense. Sorry if I’m a bit out of it.”

Cherry sighs as Minerva opens the door and stumbles into the stairwell. “It’s okay. We’ll keep trying to the very end!”

Grabbing the railing as best she can, Minerva pulls herself up the stairs. Reaching the third floor landing she collapses to the floor.

“Minerva!”

Minerva lies there, breathing heavily. “I’m… just so tired.”

“Don’t give up now! You’re so close! Just one more flight of stairs to go!”

“Things are spinning again.”

“Feel your way up the stairs! I’ll direct you!”

“Y-yeah. Okay.”

Minerva slowly crawls up the last flight of stairs. Reaching a landing they find a large steel door with a large ‘R’ painted on the wall next to it. Cherry gasps.

“That has to be it!”

Grabbing the doorframe Minerva pulls herself up. Putting her hand on the handle she leans with all her weight. The door flies open and she falls onto the rubber roof.

“To your right, Minerva! Look!”

Minerva turns her head. She sees a large tree fairly close to the building. Slowly but surely, she drags herself to the edge.

“Almost… there...”

“You can do it! One hand in front of the other!”

“I… I can do… this!”

Minerva comes the edge of the roof and reaches for a branch.

“Cherry, I…”

“What’s wrong?! You’re almost home free!”

“My hands. They… they still won’t work right.”

“Don’t give up now! You’re so close!”

Minerva flails at the branch again, sighing. “I think this is the end of the line.”

“No! Keep trying!”

Minerva smiles as she pulls off the helmet and looks at its faceplate for a moment.

“Hold something for me.”

Fumbling, Minerva turns the helmet upside-down and puts the smashed camera inside it.

“What are you doing?!”

Minerva shifts her weight and leans over the edge of the roof. Cherry gasps.

“Be careful! You’ll fall!”

Minerva chuckles. “Don’t worry about that. You just hold my camera, okay?”

“Um… okay. But what about…?”

Minerva holds the helmet over the edge of the roof as she smiles. “This… this has been Minerva Moore reporting… her last story. Back to you… Tom.”

“Minerva! Stop!”

“Sorry, Cherry, but I want you to survive. Just… get my camera to the station somehow, okay?”

“MINERVA!!!”

Using all her strength Minerva tosses the helmet over the edge. Spent, her body lies partially hanging over the roof’s edge. She smiles as she closes her eyes.

“Thanks Cherry. Just make sure the truth about… about what happened here is known.”

A voice rings out nearby.

“Tell that story yourself!”

Minerva looks up to see the helmet caught in a branch against the trunk nearly at eye level.

“Cherry? How did you…?”

“This is where you tossed me!”

Minerva looks around. “Maybe I can find a stick or something.”

“There’s no time! You have to climb over here!”

Minerva shakes her head. “I can’t. And even if I could there’s no way I could climb all the way down safely.”

“Can you stand?!”

“I think so. But how does that…?”

“Trust me!”

“Well, okay.”

Shakily Minerva stands.

“Get a little bit closer to the edge!”

“But… this is dangerous enough! I could go over at any time!”

“Exactly!”

“What?!”

“Listen to me, Minerva! If you stay on that roof you’ll die! Your only chance is the tree!”

“How do I do this?!”

“There’re a lot of branches between you and the ground! Lean forward and let gravity drop you onto me!”

“Even if I do get my hands on you I still can’t climb down.”

“I know this might sound like a bit of a crazy plan, but you might be able to just let your body go limp and drop from branch to branch.”

“Three floors?!”

“There’s no time! Just please try!”

“I… um…”

Minerva gulps and looks down.

“We’re so high up though! And my hands…”

“As you drop wrap your arms around me! Can you do that?!”

“Maybe.”

“I’ll take a maybe right now!”

“But…”

“JUST DO IT!”

Minerva takes a deep breath and lets her body fall forward. As she nears Cherry, she throws her arms around the helmet as best she can.

“GOTCHA!”

Holding the helmet tightly to her chest, Minerva rolls off the limb and lands heavily on the one below. Gravity pulls her down a dozen or so branches. A few moments later Minerva finds herself lying on the grass next to the building looking up at the sky.

“Am I… alive?”

“Yes! But you won’t be if you don’t get moving!”

Minerva rolls over onto all fours and grabs the helmet.

“Where… do I go?”

“Straight ahead to get back to the van!”

Minerva cries out in pain as she crawls. “I… I’m not sure I can…”

“You can do it! After all, you’ve come this far! It’s just a bit further!”

The young woman strains to keep going. Each movement sends searing pain through her entire body.

“Y-yes. I’m… I’m going to make it. I’m going to live!”

Minerva reaches the foliage. The helmet tightly in one arm. Her hand slips on some wet leaves as she crashes to the ground. Her face lands in the mud, but she does not let go of Cherry.

“I can do it! I can!”

“Yes! Keep going!”

A minute later there is an earth-shattering explosion as the timer reaches zero. The blast throws Minerva a dozen or so feet forward as Cherry is ripped from her grasp. Her head crashes against a rock, but she forces herself to remain conscious. A massive cloud of dust blows past her as she cries out for her friend.

“CHERRY!!!”

Minerva stops to listen, but can hear nothing over the ringing in her ears. Bricks, metal, glass, and other debris from the hospital pelt her from above for what feels like an eternity. Dust fills her lungs, nose, and eyes. After a few minutes of coughing the roaring ceases and a silence fills Minerva’s ears.

“Ch- Cherry! Where… where are you?!”

The air is silent. Whether that is due to the explosion rocking her ears or Cherry being too far away to hear her is unknown.

“CHERRY!!!”

She listens again, straining to hear the tiniest sound. Some ways away a voice rings out.

“I’m here!”

“Cherry?! Where are you?!”

“Behind the van!”

Minerva looks around feebly. “I can’t see anything! There’s too much dust in my eyes!”

“Can you hear me?!”

“Yes!”

“Follow the sound of my voice!”

“I’ll try!”

Cherry calls out words of encouragement for ten minutes as Minerva slowly crawls, drags, and pulls herself along as best she can.

“Come on! You’re almost there! Just a few more inches!”

The tips of Minerva’s fingers touch the helmet. She sinks her fingers into the dirt and pulls herself the last bit until she can wrap an arm around Cherry. Pulling the helmet to her chest, she wraps both arms around it and smiles.

“Ch-Cherry?”

“Yes Minerva?”

“Did we… did we make it?”

“No, Minerva. YOU made it!”

“Not sure how.”

“We need to get you some medical attention, but I don’t think you can drive.”

“Maybe I can. Let me try.”

Putting Cherry under one arm Minerva uses the other to drag herself around the van toward the driver’s side door. The blood drains from her face.

“Oh no…”

“What is it?”

Minerva holds Cherry up to see the front of the van. An I-beam lies across the hood completely caving it in.

“What now?”

“I have an idea.”

Clawing her way up the side door, she opens it, flops inside, and crawls toward the front.

“Almost… there…!”

Coming to the front of the van Minerva reaches up and grabs her bag. She pulls it down to the floor. A few moments later she finds her cell phone and presses a few buttons. A moment later a voice comes over the other end.

“9-1-1, what is your emergency?”

Minerva opens her mouth to speak but reaches the end of her rope. Using the last of her strength she drops the phone into the helmet.

“Hello? Is anyone there?”

Cherry calls out. “Y-yes! My friend… I mean… I need help!”

“Yes ma’am. What’s your name?”

“Che… Minerva.”

“Can you tell me where you are, Minerva?”

“I… I don’t know! There was an explosion and I hit my head!”

“Are you in any immediate danger?”

“No. I… I crawled back to my… um… my vehicle.”

“I can attempt to trace your call, but can you look around and find a landmark of some kind?”

“Yes. I was looking around the old hospital outside Angel Groove. I remember I’m parked at the end of a wagon path.”

“Are you in the vehicle?”

“I am.”

“Can you give me the make and model?”

“Um… the what?”

“Describe your van as best you can.”

“It’s… um… big and um… it says Channel 7 News on the side.”

“I’m dispatching emergency personnel to find you, but I need you to stay on the line with me, okay?”

“Yes ma’am. What do I need to do?”

“Let me know if you hear sirens and if they start getting louder or quieter. It will help us locate you faster.”

“I’ll do my best.

About ten minutes later Cherry hears something that sounds like a high pitched wailing to her.

“I think I hear something. It’s getting louder.”

“You said you’re at the end of a two-track off the main road, right?”

“Yes!”

“I’ll relay this to the officers. Stay on the line.”

A moment later the sirens grow louder.

“I can hear the sirens over your phone. Can you see the officers?”

“I… um… so… tired. Help… me… please.”

Cherry goes silent.

“Ma’am? Ma’am, can you hear me? The officers report they’ve found your van. Are you there?”

Cherry does not respond but sees a man in a dark blue uniform and gold badge run over to the open van door and peer inside. She sighs inwardly as the man radios instructions to the ambulance.

“Hold on just a bit longer, Minerva! Help is on the way!”

Chapter 8 - Conditioning

Minerva slowly opens her eyes. She looks down to see a white hospital gown and a heart monitor hooked up to her.

“Ch-Cherry?”

There is no response to her calls. Looking around frantically, she tries to sit up.

“CHERRY?!”

A nurse hurries into the room and gently pushes her back down onto the bed.

“Ma’am, you need to calm down. You’re not well.”

Minerva’s eyes dart around the room. “Where… where is she?!”

“Where’s who? You haven’t had any visitors.”

“My friend Cherry!”

“Wait, are you saying there was someone else at the accident?!”

“I… I… uh…”

Minerva puts a hand to her forehead.

“N-no, I guess not.”

“Are you sure, miss?”

“Yes.”

Minerva looks around before turning back to the nurse.

“Where are my things?”

“You clothes are in storage at the moment. Don’t worry about them. They’ll be returned when you’re discharged.”

“No, no! My other…!”

A doctor walks in.

“Good afternoon, Miss Moore. How are you…?”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “Afternoon?!”

The doctor nods a he picks up her chart. “Yes. You were unconscious when they brought you in.”

“What happened?!”

“Well, you were found in your news van near the old hospital outside of town. Were you doing a follow up story?”

“Yes. I… don’t remember much after I fell off the roof.”

“That would explain the multiple concussions. You’re very lucky to be alive.”

“I am?”

“Yes. One of them was even a Grade 4.”

“What? How…?”

“A very serious blow to your forehead was the cause. But there were several other less serious injuries all over your head and body. Are you certain you fell off the roof?”

Minerva nods. “Off the roof and into a tree.”

“Other than that, you have some cracked ribs and quite a few bumps and bruises. I’m happy to say you’ll be fine with some bedrest.”

“Doctor, where are my things?”

The nurse clears her throat. “Like I told you earlier, they’re in storage.”

“No, I mean my personal effects!”

“Anything the officers brought in with you is in storage with your clothes.”

“Where?!”

The doctor puts down the chart. “Ma’am, please calm down. There’s plenty of time to…”

Minerva sits up quickly and swings her legs over the edge of the bed. “Take me to my things!”

He puts his hands on her shoulder. “Calm down, miss. You shouldn’t strain yourself after such a serious…!”

“You don’t understand! I have to make sure she’s okay!”

Minerva pushes the doctor out of the way and stands up. She takes only one step before crashing to the floor. The doctor grabs her.

“You’ll only hurt yourself further!”

Minerva fights to escape the doctor’s grasp. “Let me go! I have too…!”

“Sedative!”

The nurse hurries to a cabinet and removes a syringe. Rushing to the doctor’s side she plunges the needle into Minerva’s arm. A moment later her thrashing slows and she loses consciousness. She looks to the doctor as the pair carry Minerva back to her bed.

“What was that all about, doctor?!”

“I believe she’s delusional from her concussions. Tell me, did she say anything else before I arrived?”

“She spoke briefly about someone else at the accident.”

“Another victim?”

“Maybe. She seemed very agitated about it, and wanted to know where her clothes were then too.”

“Perhaps she wanted to go to their aid.”

“Do you think she just imagined the whole thing?”

The doctor nods. “Most likely, yes. However I want you to notify the police of this in the off chance there really is another victim out there.”

“Yes doctor. I’ll see to it immediately.”

The pair leave the room as Minerva lies motionless on the bed. Meanwhile Arc, Ember, Sereb, and Rose stand on a hill overlooking the remains of the abandoned hospital. They stay cloaked to remain hidden from the hustle and bustle of numerous counties fire trucks and other emergency personnel. Ember sighs.

“There isn’t much left.”

Sereb nods. “Had I not been here before, I would question whether or not a building had ever stood here.”

Arc chuckles. “Right.”

Rose frowns. “Now there’re the questions of who did this and why.”

Ember turns to Arc. “The Shards and The Riders would make the most sense.”

Sereb sighs. “Yes. But why would The Riders blow up their own headquarters?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “The Shards maybe. But that isn’t like them. Acts of such blatant destruction are out of their normal operating methods.”

Ember looks back to Arc. “Then how do you suppose this happened?”

“No idea. A gas leak perhaps?”

“My scans would indicate a large explosion of some kind. I’m detecting twisted metal pointing outward.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “What about that victim Viktor heard about from the scanner?”

“It was probably whomever did this.”

“Shard or Rider?”

“Probably none of them above.”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “Oh?”

“Neither side had anything to gain from this. I’m thinking it was someone else who saw an opportunity to hit The Riders and took it.”

Ember nods. “And they got caught in the blast.”

“Most likely.”

Sereb growls. “Revenge is not worth one’s own life.”

Rose nods. “Agreed. Hopefully the victim will be more careful in the future.”

Arc sighs. “I’d love to look into this more, but we have more important things to do right now.”

Ember sighs. “Back to the station?”

“Yes. I only came here hoping Minerva would show up to do a story on this.”

He sighs and points to a Channel 7 News van and a different reporter.

“It looks like she isn’t covering this story though.”

Sereb nods. “A pity.”

Arc turns and opens a portal.

“There’s still a few hours of daylight left.”

Rose turns to Arc. “It is unlikely that Miss Moore will come to the station at this hour.”

Sereb nods. “That may be. However we need to keep trying.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. She has to come in to work eventually.”

Arc sighs as he steps through the portal himself. “That’s what I’m counting on. Don’t worry, Cherry. We’ll find you.”

The next morning Minerva opens her eyes and slowly looks around the room. She speaks weakly.

“That… wasn’t a dream. Cherry? Are you here?”

There is no response. A nurse enters the room with a breakfast tray.

“Good morning. How are you feeling today?”

“Still really tired. But I am hungry. Did I eat anything yesterday?”

The nurse looks over the chart. “It appears you were administered sedatives after you became violent.”

Minerva looks down at her hands. “I kinda remember that.”

“Yes, well… your notes say you were trying to leave.”

Minerva sighs as she slowly begins to eat. “No. I just wanted to get my personal belongings.”

“I might be able to help you get whatever you had. Other than your clothes, that is. Hospital policy. What did you need?”

“My cellphone, camera, and um… a helmet.”

The nurse appears confused. “Helmet?”

“It’s a prop for a news story I was doing on the Hero of Light. I was really nervous about its fate yesterday, as its… um… really expensive.”

The nurse nods as she leaves the room. “I understand. Be right back.”

She returns a short time later carrying a box which she sets down on Minerva’s lap as she removes the finished tray of food

“This is everything the police turned in.”

Minerva quickly pulls the box open. “Thank you very much!”

The nurse nods as she leaves with her cart. “You’re welcome.”

Minerva pulls back her purse and tosses it aside. Finding the helmet she carefully pulls it out and turns to look at the faceplate.

“Cherry?”

“I’m here.”

“Are you okay?!”

“Yes. But what about YOU?!”

“A bit sore and dizzy. Other than that I think I’m going to be okay.”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good! I was really worried when you passed out in the back of the van!”

“How did I get here?”

“You pushed some buttons on a little black box. The last thing you did was drop it inside me.”

“My cell phone?”

“I guess so. Next thing I knew there was a voice asking what my emergency was.”

“How did you…?”

“By pretending to be you.”

Minerva smiles. “Thanks! I really owe you one!”

Cherry giggles. “Help me get back to my friend the Hero and we’ll call it even, okay?”

“Deal! Shake on it?”

Cherry laughs. “How about a hug instead?”

“Okay!”

Minerva wraps her arms around the helmet and holds it close. Cherry continues giggling.

“Sorry I can’t return your embrace. No arms.”

“It’s fine.”

“So, when do visiting hours start?”

“No idea. But I’m not expecting anyone.”

“Really? Nopo… no one?”

Minerva sighs. “No. I’ve… never really had anyone close to me.”

“No… um… male companions?”

“Not in years, no.”

“Why not?! A pretty human like you should have lots of stal… males fawning all over you!”

Minerva sighs. “I’m… I guess what you’d call a workaholic.”

“That I do understand.”

“Really?”

“The Hero’s kinda the same way.”

“Oh. I suppose that makes sense. And you feel kinda left out?”

“Not at all, actually. He always makes time for me when the sun goes down.”

A wicked grin spreads across Minerva’s face. “So how does a guy and a helmet…?”

Cherry squeals. “I didn’t mean it like that!”

Minerva holds the helmet up. “Ha, ha! I think you’re blushing!”

“Am I?!”

Minerva chuckles. “No. I was just kidding. But I imagine your kind personality has led to some very steamy nights in the past.”

“A few, yes.”

“With the Hero?”

“He’s really very sweet when you get to know him. When he finds us I do hope the three of us can be friends.”

“I… maybe, Cherry.”

“Something wrong?”

“Kinda. I… um… do you think he would do anything you ask him to?”

“Probably. As long as I had a good reason. Why?”

“Do you think you could ask him to do an… an unmasking for my station?”

“What?! NO!”

“It would be an instant hit!”

“He’s worked really hard to keep who he is a secret, Minerva! Please respect that!”

Minerva sighs. “Fine. Just for you, my friend. But if something comes up and I happen to catch a glimpse of his face, I’ll do my best to break it to the world gently.”

“You couldn’t just keep it to yourself?!”

Minerva shakes her head. “No. If I learn something, as a reporter I have to pass it along to the public.”

Cherry sighs. “I understand you position. But do me one favor?”

“What is it?”

“Understand that he’s done so much for this land, my homeland, and for you personally. Think of him, won’t you?”

“I’ll try.”

The pair are silent for a time.

“Are you comfortable, Cherry? I can get you a pillow?”

“I’m fine. But could you please put me on the nightstand?”

“Sure.”

Minerva does so.

“Like that?”

“Yes. Now I can see you and look out the window at the same time.”

“You sure do like your windows.”

“If you couldn’t move, you’d take pleasure in such scenery changes.”

“I suppose so.”

“By the way. How did your story come out?”

Minerva sits up straight.

“Oh no!”

Her hands fly to her cell phone as she frantically punches numbers and puts it to her ear.

“Sir, it’s me! I…! Yes, I know I was supposed to be back this morning. But I got the…! What? But I’m in the hospital…!”

Minerva nods sadly.

“Yes sir. I understand.”

She hangs up her phone and lets it fall to her side.

“Minerva? What’s wrong?”

The young woman sighs. “My editor wanted to put my story at the top of the evening news yesterday. They’d been hyping it all day on the air.”

“But we…!”

“Now, with the hospital destroyed, that’s the biggest thing on the news right now.”

“What about your story?!”

“He said the best he could do was use it as filler.”

“Filler?”

Minerva nods. “It’s just shoved in with a bunch of other ho-hum news. Not worth its own time slot.”

“But… but we worked really hard on that story!”

“I know. He’s sending someone over to pick up the camera. The studio will have someone edit it for tonight’s news.”

“Will it be okay?”

Minerva looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“That person in the blue robe, they… um… you don’t remember?”

“I don’t.”

“I think you better have a look in the box.”

Minerva does so. Reaching inside she pulls out the smashed camera. She sighs as the remainder of the lens falls onto the sheet.

“Great.”

“Is the film still usable?”

Minerva turns the camera over. “We don’t use film anymore. Just…”

The blood drains from her face.

“Minerva? What is it?”

“The… the card!”

“What card?”

“It holds the footage. But, it… it’s GONE!”

“Gone?! Does that mean we lost everything?!”

Minerva shakes her head. “No, there’s a small internal memory. But it certainly wasn’t enough for the amount of time we were in there.”

She looks the camera over carefully.

“Assuming the internal memory wasn’t destroyed, I estimate we have footage of up until we heard the motorcycle outside.”

“Well, at least it’s something.”

Minerva nods as she sets the camera in her lap. “Our crew is pretty good at extracting data from smashed cameras like this. They’ll probably be able to at least get something. But what was that about a blue robed figure?”

“I… um…. Minerva, you should get some rest.”

“I slept for over twelve hours last night!”

“Did you? Because you still look tired.”

Minerva puts a hand on her forehead. “Really? I kinda feel tired too.”

“Take a nap. I’ll watch over you.”

“Thanks.”

Minerva lays her head against the pillow and closes her eyes.

“Just… just a short one though.”

Cherry smiles inwardly as her new friend’s eyes close and she falls asleep.

“Rest well, Minerva.”

Meanwhile, the doctor from earlier continues making his rounds. Approaching another patient room door he picks up the chart from its place and looks it over quickly as he mutters to himself.

“Let’s see now… how are you looking today, Mr. Fontaine…”

Letting himself into the room, the doctor is greeted by a figure in a navy blue robe. He scowls at her.

“I wondered how long until you showed up, Diva.”

The young woman folds her arms over her chest and nods. “I’m just here for a status update, Rieper.”

He walks over to the bed and compares the chart found next to it with the one in his hand.

“The patient’s doing remarkably well considering your rather… rough handling of him.”

Diva frowns. “Remember, it was you whom wrote up the protocol.”

“I suppose I did. And I’m very happy to see it worked.”

She looks down at Frank’s unconscious form. “Worked?! He can’t even get out of bed!”

“Now. However, when I’m certain he’s ready he’ll be quite the force for our little… organization.”

“In theory, yes. But everyone needs to prove their usefulness.”

Doctor Rieper looks to Diva. A look of mock hurt on his face.

“You wound me, Diva. Have you no faith in my abilities?”

“Let’s stay on topic. What can you tell me?”

“All business as usual, I see. Very well.”

Rieper looks down at the chart.

“According to your reports, you and your comrades followed my dosing schedule to the letter.”

Diva nods. “As instructed.”

“But it doesn’t appear to have been enough.”

Diva frowns. “Are you serious?! I thought we were going to kill him a couple times!”

Rieper nods as he continues to look at the chart. “Yes. His so-called ‘close calls’ were not only intended, but necessary.”

“Why?!”

“To force his body and mind to continue its metamorphosis, of course.”

“Has he shown any signs of Ascension?”

“Small but definite, yes.”

Diva looks hopeful. “Enough to gauge a possible skill set?”

“A tentative one, yes. I’ve already done the experiments.”

Diva raises an eyebrow. “Have you now?”

Rieper holds out a chart. “Just being proactive. Fancy a look?”

Diva grabs the chart and looks it over before looking back to Rieper.

“These readings can’t be right. You must have made a mistake.”

Rieper smiles wickedly. “First of all, I’m certain by now you know that I am infallible. Second, I knew you would say that. So I took the liberty of running the tests a half dozen times… just to satisfy your pessimism.”

“What?!”

“You have the chart. Take a look at the last few pages.”

Diva does so and frowns.

“These readings… are you absolutely certain?!”

“You should know me better than that by now, Diva. I’m never wrong.”

She throws the chart back at him. “You fool! This would make a… a monster!”

Rieper smiles as he turns back toward the bed. “Or my greatest creation to date!”

“Are you insane?!”

“Great risks, great rewards.”

“Let’s say you’re right. What’s could be causing these readings?”

“The subject’s innate abilities were used as a base. From there I calculated the required treatments to make this work.”

“It shouldn’t be possible. Even with your… treatments.”

“I agree.”

Diva appears surprised. “You do?”

“Yes. This specimen is different from the others I’ve seen over the years.”

“Different how?!”

“This one has strength, perception, endurance, charism, intelligence, agility, and luck. But he also possesses something the others whom came before did not.”

“What is that?”

“Guts along with extreme dedication to justice and his ideals.”

“Won’t that be a problem for our future plans?”

Rieper shrugs. “I am confident I’ll be able to condition him into something useful.”

“Define ‘useful’.”

“He has the potential to outdo even you, Diva.”

“Unlikely.”

“But not impossible, no?”

“True. But all the potential in the world means nothing if one can’t produce results at the proper time.”

Rieper frowns. “Are you talking about him… or me?”

Diva turns to leave. “Both.”

Chapter 9 - Out of Sorts

A few days later Arc and his companions stand on the edge of the Channel 7 roof and look down. Ember is the first to speak.

“I’m… glad you’re feeling better, Arc.”

Arc nods but does not turn around. “Thank you.”

Sereb sighs. “It is certainly good to see you back in your normal human form.”

He nods and turns to Rose.

“Anything?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. I do not detect your helmet anywhere on the grounds.”

Arc silently turns back to the parking lot

Ember puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “The guys haven’t seen Minerva on the news in several days either.”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps she is on vacation?”

Arc sighs. “I already asked Viktor to find her address.”

Ember looks hopeful. “And…?”

“He said she’s apparently made that very difficult. Like she didn’t want to be found.”

Sereb nods. “As a local celebrity, that was probably her goal.”

Rose looks at the setting sun. “Night is coming.”

Arc turns to her irately. “I can see that, Rose!”

Sereb walks between the pair. “Arc, we should return home. The wind will soon become colder than you or Ember can handle.”

Ember nods soberly. “I’ll stay as long as you do.”

Arc sighs. “But… Cherry…”

Rose interrupts. “…would not want you getting sick looking for her.”

He turns to her angrily. “How would you know what Cherry…?!”

“Because I’m me.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That clears it up.”

“You know mother created me to emulate Miss Cherry. I’ve done my best to learn her mannerisms and speech to more accurately mimic her.”

Arc turns back around to look away silently as Rose walks slowly toward him.

“I know my presence might make you a bit upset right now, as I’m a reminder of…”

Arc interrupts her as he speaks in a low tone. “Please stop, Rose.”

They stand there in silence as Arc looks toward the sunset.

“Cherry and I always loved watching this scene in our little Sanctuary.”

Ember steps toward him. “I know. Rest assured, we’ll…”

Arc puts up a hand for silence as he continues.

“…we’ll find her. I know, Ember. And I know she’s fine… wherever she is. But I want to… no, I NEED to find her!”

Sereb nods. “I am certain she feels the same.”

Arc turns and soberly walks toward them. “Yes. I’m sure she does. But we’re no closer to our reunion.”

He passes them and walks to the center of the roof. Ember moves to follow him but Rose puts a hand on her shoulder.

“No, Ember.”

“But…!”

Sereb sighs. “He needs this. Wait with us.”

Arc stands there silently as the sun finishes setting. Soon a full moon rises. Arc falls to his knees and looks down. Ember moves to follow him again but Sereb blocks her path and silently shakes his head as Rose puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Please.”

They watch as Arc appears to softly cry for some time before suddenly looking up at the moon angrily. He screams at the top of his lungs.

“AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!! CHERYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!”

Arc continues his emotional tirade for some time as the others look on in silence. As his voice gives out Rose looks to Ember and Sereb.

“Go to him.”

“What about…?”

“Go.”

Ember and Sereb look to each other and nod. They walk over to their friend. Sereb puts a paw on Arc’s back.

“Arc.”

Ember kneels down and puts her hands on his shoulders as she whispers in his ear. “It’s okay. Let it all out.”

Arc turns and wraps his arms around Ember as he buries his face in her chest. Ember wraps her arms around his head and holds him close as she sits down on the roof. Sereb stands with them resolutely in silent support as Arc continues weeping. Rose watches from a distance at the scene before turning to look away.

“Miss Cherry. I believed I knew everything there was to know about you and Arc. That is until this point. You’re disappearance has wounded Arc deeply. I… I only wish there was something I could do to help him.”

Rose looks at the stars above for a few moments before turning back toward her friends and whispering

“Sereb?”

Sereb turns his ears toward her.

“Tell Arc I’ll meet him at home later.”

The wolf nods slightly as Rose turns back toward the roof’s edge. She takes a few steps and jumps off. Landing on the lawn nimbly she straightens up and begins walking. Eventually Arc is able to calm himself enough to talk. He looks away as he wipes his eyes.

“I… I’m sorry your three.”

Ember nods. “We understand.”

Arc sighs but does not turn around. “Sorry for blowing up at you earlier, Rose.”

Silence ensues before Sereb speaks.

“Rose is not here.”

Arc turns around, confused. “She’s not?”

Ember frowns. “What? Where did she go?!”

“Rose only said she would meet us at home later.”

“Then what?!”

Sereb looks over his shoulder. “She jumped off the roof.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc and Ember rush to the edge and look around.

“I don’t see her! Do you?!”

“No, I don’t!”

Sereb walks over. “I am certain she would not have jumped if her life was in any danger.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Did you at least leave her self-preservation programing intact?!”

I’m not sure if that was tied to her directives, or not.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Unlikely.”

Ember frowns. “What do you mean ‘unlikely’?!”

“Such orders would have interfered with her directives. For example, had she needed to put herself in harm’s way that might have been…”

Arc sighs. “Alright, she’s got to be okay.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How do you know?!”

“For starters, because she’s not lying down there in pieces.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“This really is my fault. Let’s get home so I can grab the Jeep and go looking for her.”

Sereb steps forward as Arc calls forth his gauntlet. “Perhaps it is best that we do not.”

Arc turns to him, confused. “What are you…?”

“You’ve said herself that she is free to do what she wants, Arc.”

Ember stammers. “Yeah, but…”

“Sometimes one just needs some time alone to… come to terms with what troubles them.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Was that directed at her or me?”

“Both actually.”

Ember sighs. “This really must be hard on her too. Scanning for Cherry day after day. Do you think she gets tired of it?”

Arc heads for a sigil on the roof as he motions for the others to follow him. “If she does, she hasn’t said a word about it. I trust Rose’s judgment though. She’ll come back when she’s ready.”

Sereb nods. “I agree.”

Ember turns to Arc as they step onto the sigil. “But what if she doesn’t?!”

Arc sighs. “Then I’ll take that as a sign that she just wanted what she deserves.”

“Which is…?”

“Total freedom.”

Arc powers up the sigil and transports the trio back to his basement. They step off and head upstairs where supper is cooking. Max turns from the stove and salutes.

“Welcome back, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Hey guys.”

Xenos looks over from setting the table. “No luck, huh?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nope.”

Viktor walks in from the Living Room with Hugh. “The news shows it’s been another quiet day in Angel Grove.”

“Biggest story today was a flu outbreak at the elementary school.”

Ember looks over. “Do they suspect foul play?!”

Viktor shakes his head. “No. The news story said it’s running wild through the whole school district though.”

“Maybe we should look into this.”

“Nah, Ember. This happens pretty much every year to be honest.”

Sereb raises and eyebrow. “It does?”

Arc heads for the door. “Yeah. Two dozen kids in a room breathing the same air tends to do that. I know firsthand from my own childhood.”

“Supper will be ready in a few minutes, sir.”

Xenos opens the refrigerator. “I wouldn’t mind hearing more about your life growing up on Earth, sir.”

Viktor grins. “Me too!”

Arc sighs as he pauses in the doorway. “Maybe another time, guys. I… I think I’m going to lie down.”

Hugh looks confused. “But…!”

Ember walks over to him. “Aren’t you hungry, Arc?! You haven’t eaten hardly anything today!”

Arc shakes his head as he leaves the room. “I know. But… I’m just not hungry.”

The sound of Arc’s boots trudging slowly upstairs can be heard. Everyone looks to one another, confused. Eventually Max turns to Ember.

“Did something happen out there?”

“Kinda.”

Xenos sighs. “Maybe Rose can tell us more.”

Max nods as he turns off the stove. “Yeah, she’s pretty good at analyzing the commander.”

Sereb sighs. “She is not here.”

Viktor looks confused. “Then where is she?”

Ember shrugs. “She… um… we’re not really sure.”

Xenos sets out a glass of water. “Do you thinks she’ll be joining us for supper?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Unlikely.”

Ember nods. “She told Sereb she’d meet us at home later then jumped off the roof.”

The entire squad gasps.

“WHAT?!”

“I know it sounds bad, but I don’t think she means to worry us. Right, Sereb?”

“Indeed not. She didn’t sound sad or angry when she spoke the words.”

Max turns to Sereb. “Then what…?!”

Sereb heads for the door. “Unknown. But I believe I heard a glimmer of hope in her words.”

Xenos turns to Viktor as Sereb leaves the room. “What does hope sound like?”

“No idea.”

Ember sighs as she helps the others put the food on the table. “Me either. But if both he and Arc aren’t concerned we shouldn’t be either.”

Hugh looks to Max. “I suppose not. I mean… Rose can take care of herself after all. Right?”

“Of course! Right, Ember?”

“I’ve seen her take on Rocs, angry statues, and even Tempest herself! But I too can’t help but worry about her.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads to his parent’s room and lays down. Looking up at the ceiling he frowns and mutters to himself.

“Cherry… where ARE you?! What have you DONE, Minerva!”

Sighing, Arc turns to lay on his side to look out the window at the stars. He stares at them for a long time as he muses to himself.

“Rose… I’m sorry. Sorry for how I’ve acted lately. Please come home soon.”

An hour or so later there is a small knock on the door.

“Come in.”

The door opens and Ember walks in carrying a plate of food. She makes her way over to the bed and sits down. Arc does not turn from his side as she sets the plate on the nightstand.

“I was reheating some supper for when Cybil got home and figured I’d do the same for you.”

Arc does not look over. “No, thank you.”

Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. You need to eat, Arc.”

“Sorry, but I just don’t feel like…”

“I understand that you’re worried about Cherry, and now Rose. But it won’t do either of them any good if we find them and you’re too hungry to move.”

Arc says nothing and remains motionless. Ember frowns as he speaks.

“Look, I appreciate the thought, Ember. But I’m not really in the mood for…”

“For what?!”

“… anything, I guess.”

Ember sighs and looks out the window.

“What are you looking at out there anyways?”

“The moon.”

“Why?”

“Because… all I can think of is Cherry out there somewhere. If she’s in view of a window I’m sure she’ll be looking up.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Is this some kind of secret magical spell, or something?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. But looking up is as close as I can get to her right now. That and it just feels… right.”

Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. “It’s getting late, Arc. You really should eat and get some sleep.”

Arc sighs. “Do you think you could turn off the lights on your way out, Ember?”

“Sure. AFTER you eat some of this.”

Arc does not move. Ember clenches her fists in anger.

“Arc. You have about three seconds to start cooperating before I REALLY get mad!”

As before Arc remains motionless. Ember seethes.

“Fine! We’re doing this the hard way then!”

Grabbing Arc forcefully by the back of his collar and belt loops, she roughly throws him off the bed and onto the floor. Arc sits ups slowly, confused.

“Ember? What’s gotten into…?”

Ember storms toward him. “No more miss nice dragon!”

Arc’s squad hears the noise from upstairs all the way from the kitchen as they do the dishes. Viktor turns to Xenos.

“What do you suppose is going on up there?”

Xenos grins wickedly. “Maybe Ember finally convinced the commander to get it on with her.”

Hugh looks up as he wipes down the table. “That seems a bit unlikely, Xenos.”

Max nods as he cleans the stove. “Right. He’s had plenty of chances before.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Viktor turns to Sereb. “Don’t you think you should check up on them?”

Sereb looks up as another loud thump rings out. “Perhaps I should, yes.”

Max turns to the wolf as another peel of moaning from Ember is heard. “Uh… want me to come with you, Sereb?”

“I don’t believe…”

Another crash is heard.

“On second thought, yes.”

Xenos chuckles. “Good luck.”

Max sighs as he and Sereb leave the room together. “Thanks. I think we’ll need it.”

The pair head upstairs and stop outside the door, Ember’s voice rings out.

“COME ON! DO IT!”

“Ember! Get off!”

“NO! You’re going to give me what I want, and that’s that!!!”

Max turns to Sereb. “I gotta admit, I’m a little scared right now.”

“Arc and Ember are our friends. There is no need to be afraid.”

“Well, how about you open the door then?”

“Very well.”

Sereb returns to his true form and, using his magic, turns the doorknob. The door swings open to reveal a rather disturbing sight. Ember is holding both of Arc’s wrists as she sits unceremoniously on his back. She tugs on his wrists until he opens his mouth, then uses her Dragon Magic to put a spoonful of food in his mouth. Turning, she glares at the pair in the doorway.

“WHAT?!”

Max fumbles nervously. “We, um…”

“Can’t you two see I’m busy?!”

Sereb steps back. “I…”

“Get… OUT!!!”

Max reaches in and grabs the doorknob. He quickly closes the door as he and Sereb turn to look at one another. Both are clearly shaken as Max speaks.

“Still think there’s nothing to worry about?!”

“Unknown.”

“Well, why don’t you get back in there and find out then?!”

Sereb steps aside. “Be my guest.”

“W-what?! Me?!”

“Why not you?”

“I… uh… aren’t you the one who has a Life Pact with the commander?!”

Sereb waves with a paw for Max to follow him. “That I do. However I believe this situation does not warrant my intervention.”

Max frowns as the walk downstairs. “Really? Are you sure that’s the ONLY reason?!”

Sereb sighs as the pair return to the Kitchen. “That and Ember frightens me when she’s like that.”

Xenos looks over. “You frightened, Sereb?!”

Hugh grins. “I just assumed you were unshakable!”

Viktor looks warily toward the stairs. “What happened up there?”

Max shudders. “It’s… just too much to put into words.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed. We should not venture upstairs again tonight.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Uh… okay.”

Hugh nods. “We’re about done up here anyways.”

Xenos looks at the wall clock. “It’s getting late anyways. We should turn in for the night.”

They head down the basement steps. Viktor turns to Max as another cry can be heard from upstairs..

“Are you sure the commander’s okay?”

“Well…”

Xenos laughs. “Of course he is! Ember’s with him, right? Were they… you know…?”

Sereb frowns. “They were not mating, no.”

Hugh shrugs. “Well, I’m sure whatever’s wrong Ember will see to the commander’s ‘needs’.”

Max sighs. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Meanwhile, Ember finishes force feeding Arc the last bite of food. She stands up as she levitates the empty dishes onto the nightstand.

“There! Was that so hard?!”

Arc slowly gets up. “Kinda, yes!”

“Well, it had to be done.”

“I guess. Um… you don’t suppose Rose came back while you were… feeding me?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. She would’ve hurried up here.”

Arc heads for the door. “I’m going to go look for her.”

“What?! How?!”

Arc grabs his coat from the hook on the back of the door. “I’m just going to drive around town. You wanna come?”

“You can’t!”

“Why not?”

“Because… um…you haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

Arc shrugs. “I’ll be okay. Now are you coming with me, or not?”

“You can’t go!”

“Ember, I don’t have time for…”

“There’s a very good reason, Arc!”

“Which is what now?”

Ember bites her lip nervously. “Because… the directions said not to.”

“Directions?”

“On the box!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What box?!”

Ember sighs. “The box of pills I picked up from the store. Viktor looked up a sleep aid for me. I… might have put some in your food.”

“How… how much?!”

“Uh… maximum dose.”

Arc yawns. “That explains it.”

Ember sighs. “You really shouldn’t drive like this.”

“I… guess I can’t.”

She puts her arm around Arc’s shoulder and leads him to the bed. “Yes. Now I’m sorry I had to do that, but it needed to be done.”

Arc sleepily glares at her as she covers him up with the blankets. “Why… Ember?!”

“Because… because I love you, Arc. You were wearing down from lack of sleep and food. I had no choice.”

“I… thanks.”

“You’re welcome, Arc.”

She turns to leave.

“I’ll let you get some sleep now. And don’t you dare get up at the crack of…”

Ember stops talking as she feels a hand take hers. She turns to see Arc smiling at her sleepily.

“Ember… I… don’t want to be… alone tonight.”

Ember smiles at him. “I understand.”

She climbs into bed with Arc and reaches over to turn off the light before snuggling up to him.

“You get some sleep. No getting up early for you tomorrow, okay?”

“But…”

“OKAY?!”

“I’ll try… to sleep in then. But if Rose… isn’t… back…”

Arc drifts off to sleep mid-sentence. Ember smiles as she rests her head on his shoulder.

“Good night, Arc.”

Ember closes her eyes. A moment later she opens them to find a warm summer breeze blowing over her scales. She looks down at her claws.

“What the…?”

Arc’s voice rings out behind her.

“Hello, Ember.”

She whirls around to see Arc on a porch swing. Ember glares at him.

“ARC! You’re supposed to be asleep!”

Arc chuckles. ”I am.”

“What?!”

“Look around.”

Ember does so. She sees rows of cherry trees before turning back to Arc.

“Cherry Hill Ranch again?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Have a seat?”

“Uh… sure.”

She sits down in the swing and looks away.

“I… I’m sorry, Arc.”

“What for?”

“For tricking you into eating those pills. It was wrong.”

“Yes, well… please don’t do that in the future, okay?”

Ember nods. “I promise.”

The sound of the screen door opening is heard. Ember looks over to see a mare walking toward them happily.

“Hi there, Ember! Fancy meeting you here!”

Ember gasps. “Ch-Cherry?! Is that you?!”

Cherry giggles as she sits down on the swing on the other side of Arc. “Of course!”

“Cherry! You have to tell us where you are!”

“Where I… am?”

“Yes! So we can find you!”

“Okay. I’m at Cherry Hill Ranch on my front porch, silly!”

Arc turns to Ember and chuckles. “Yeah. Can’t you see that?”

Ember continues. “Cherry, this is VERY important! I need you to focus and tell me where…”

Arc snaps his fingers. Cherry freezes in place as Arc turns to Ember.

“This isn’t really Cherry.”

“What?”

Arc nods soberly. “She’s a figment of my imagination. I… I know I shouldn’t have. But I just… I miss Cherry SO much!”

Ember looks Cherry over. “She’s a perfect copy! How did you DO that?!”

“By wishing very hard I’ve found I can change my Sanctuary to reflect whatever it is I want.”

“That’s certainly interesting, but…”

“Check this out, Ember!”

Arc closes his eyes and concentrates. A moment later Ember transforms into her human form complete with clothes. She looks down at her hands.

“That was unexpected.”

“Try this then.”

Arc again concentrates. When he opens his eyes Ember has reverted to her dog form. He chuckles.

“How’s that?”

Ember growls at him. “Change me back!”

Arc grins. “Why?”

“I didn’t like being a dog, Arc!”

“Very well.”

With a wave of his hand Ember returns to her dragon form.

“That better?”

Ember turns to him. “Please don’t, Arc.”

“Okay. I’ll stop.”

Ember again looks Cherry up and down. “You really did a good job on her. I thought she was actually here.”

Arc sighs. “So did I at first.”

“She fooled you too?”

“Well… she really was what my mind wanted, after all.”

“I suppose.”

Arc again snaps his fingers. Cherry again moves freely.

Cherry turns to them. “Why don’t I get you two some pie? I baked it fresh this morning.”

Arc nods. “That sounds nice. Thank you.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… I guess, thanks.”

Cherry heads for the screen door. “I won’t be long!”

Ember turns to Arc as the door closes behind the mare. “So tell me, Arc. Exactly how real can your mind make things?”

Arc grins. “You’ll find out when she brings the pie!”

Chapter 10 - Going Underground

Arc and Ember sit on the swing eating their pie. Ember grins.

“Gotta hand it to you, Arc! When you dream up a mare, you really get it right!”

Arc nods as he puts an arm around Cherry. “I guess so.”

Cherry giggles. “Thank you! But I don’t really understand what you mean by that Ember.”

Arc looks to Ember. “Yes, do tell.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

“About her being a dream and all.”

“But she is.”

Cherry turns her head to one side, confused. “I am?”

She looks to Arc.

“What is Ember talking about?”

Arc sighs. “Well… she’s technically right, after all. You really are a figment of my imagination.”

“I am?!”

Ember nods. “Yes.”

“But… but I have all my memories of my mother and father as well as Ruby!”

Arc takes Cherry’s hoof in his hand. “That may be. But I just filled the gaps as best I could with my own memories.”

“Why?!”

“Because I didn’t know you when you were a filly. Sorry, but does it bother you knowing this?”

Cherry bows her head and smiles. “I suppose it does a little. But I prefer honesty over living a lie. Tell me, was I able to make you happy?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ve been quite lonely ever since you disappeared.”

“Well, we’re going to find her, Arc!”

“I’m lost?”

Arc nods. “Kinda. You’re still out there. I just can’t find you.”

Cherry smiles up at him happily. “Well, I’ll do my best to comfort you until the real me gets back then.”

Ember sighs. “I understand what she means, but it still makes my brain hurt.”

“I… um… thanks.”

Cherry looks out over the fields. “Well, you two should be getting back soon. The sun’s already up.”

Ember frowns. “It… what?!”

Arc chuckles. “She means in our world outside the Sanctuary.”

“Oh. I knew that!”

Cherry smiles as Arc and Cherry stand up. “Well, come back soon you two. I know you’ll do your very best to find… me, I suppose.”

Arc kneels down to give Cherry a hug. “That we will.”

He stands and walks over to Ember. As they leave the Sanctuary the world around them fades away. Cherry looks out over the disappearing fields as she smiles to herself.

“I’m not sure if I’ll continue to exist after this. But I certainly hope so.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember awaken together and look out the window. The sun has already risen to its noonday point.

“I must’ve really needed rest.”

Ember yawns and stretches. “That you did.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

Arc turn to her as he throws the covers off himself. “We just slept for over twelve hours. Most humans can’t do that unless they’re sick, or something.”

Ember sighs. “I haven’t been sleeping well either.”

“Worried about Cherry?”

Ember takes Arc’s hand. “Worried about you.”

“Sorry. I’m just so…”

Ember puts a hand to his mouth.

“There’s no need to apologize for that. I’ve known you for a while now, Arc, and I’ve seen how you look at Cherry.”

“You’re not getting jealous now, are you?”

Ember sighs. “I… kinda am.”

“That’s new! You’ve always been adamant on your willingness to share.”

“Don’t get me wrong about that. I still am. But… I’m envious of how she’s been able to turn your head. The way you look at her, and she at you is just so beautiful!”

“Um…”

Ember snuggles up next to him again. “Like I said before, Arc. I love you, I want you, and I still desire for us to have eggs together.”

“Ember, I…”

“I know, I know. You see me as a friend. But no matter what happens, I’ll always see you as so much more. Thank you, Arc.”

“You’re thanking me?!”

Ember smiles at him as she leans up and kisses his cheek. “For showing me what love truly is.”

Meanwhile, a cab pulls up in front of Minerva’s apartment. She gets out with the helmet under her arm as she turns to the cabbie and hands him some money

“Keep the change.”

The cab drives away as Minerva enters the building’s lobby and heads for the elevator. She frowns.

“My story… my MASTERPIECE relegated to… to FILLER!”

Cherry calls out to her as the elevator doors close. “There’s nothing you could have done, Minerva. It’s over and done with.”

“Done. Like my dream.”

Cherry gasps. “Do you really think they’ll fire you over this?!”

Minerva shakes her head. “No. But I’ll never have another story THIS amazing!”

“How do you know? Maybe one day…”

“Because this is Angel Grove! Nothing interesting EVER happens here!”

“Oh? And what about the Hero?”

Minerva sighs. “Hopefully something big will happen with him around.”

“But not too big, right?!”

“Big enough anyways.”

The elevator stops and the doors open. Minerva walks slowly to her apartment door. She sighs contentedly as she pulls her keys out.

“It’s good to be home again.”

“I agree. But I’d still like to return to my own home with the Hero.”

Minerva opens her front door and walks inside. “I’m sure you would. But as unpredictable as the Hero’s schedule has been in the past, one never knows just how long he’ll stay out of sight.”

Cherry sighs. “Yes. But I’m sure he’s been out looking for me.”

The phone on a nearby end table rings. Minerva walks over to answer it as she sets the helmet down next to the phone.

“Hold that thought.”

Picking up the receiver Minerva puts it to her ear.

“Hello? Yes, I’m feeling much better. Yes sir, I’ll be there in an hour or so.”

She hangs up the phone and sighs.

“No time for rest. I need to head to the office for a bit of paperwork.”

“Oh?”

“There’s a lot to do in regards to my last story.”

“I thought you said it was filler.”

“It was. But there’s a lot of forms to be filled out for the damage to the van and that camera.”

“Are you in trouble?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No, the station has insurance on the van and we lose cameras all the time. But someone has to file the reports.”

“Well, you should get a shower first. The hospital was certainly not the place for such things.”

Minerva feels her hair. “I agree. Sponge baths aren’t much for deep cleaning.”

She looks down at the helmet on the table before picking it up.

“That and you could use a good cleaning too.”

“I could?”

Minerva nods as she walks into the bathroom. “Yes. You’re still covered in mud.”

“Oh. I kinda forgot about that.”

She sets the helmet down on the back of the toilet as she turns on the shower. “How?! You’re filthy!”

“I can’t move myself to look in a mirror or feel the dirt on my surface.”

Minerva sighs as she removes her clothes. “That makes sense. But you were instrumental in helping me make it out. The least I can do is take care of your hygiene.”

She tosses her clothes into the hamper and picks up the helmet. The pair enter the steamy shower together. Minerva holds the helmet under the showerhead and allows the warm water to wash away the dried dirt from the surface.

“Thank you for doing this, Minerva.”

“What are friends for, after all?”

“So… we’re friends?”

“Of course! First real one I’ve ever had actually.”

“Really?! No stall… um… male human friends either?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No. I haven’t found anyone who really piques my interest other than you.”

“How is that possible?! There must be hundreds of humans who would love to meet you in just this small town!”

“Well… yes. I’ve been asked out more times than I can count. Probably because I’m a bit of a local celebrity.”

Cherry giggles. “You don’t think it has anything to do with your looks?”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “What about them?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No. What are you talking about?”

“You’re beautiful!”

Minerva shakes her head. “That’s just all the station’s make-up artists handiwork. It’s their job to make sure we look out best in front of the camera.”

“So you think you’re not pretty without make-up?”

“Right.”

“Well, time and the shower have long since washed away any traces of your crew’s work, right?”

“I suppose so, yes.”

“You should probably take a look at yourself.”

“Now?”

“No time like the present, right?”

“I suppose not.”

Minerva turns off the water and steps out of the shower. Grabbing a towel she wipes away the condensation covering the mirror. Seeing her appearance she frowns.

“Disgusting!”

“What?!”

Minerva turns away. “I can see every blemish, wrinkle, and imperfection on my face!”

Cherry sighs as Minerva reaches for a bottle of moisturizer nearby. “That’s not what I see.”

“You mean there’s more?!”

“Yes. I see a very pretty young human.”

Minerva scoffs as she slathers herself with the contents of the bottle. “Right…”

“No, I mean it! You’re even more beautiful than Dragon! Any human would agree with me, I’m sure!”

“Do you really mean that?”

“Of course! As it stands you’re pretty enough for ANY human!”

Minerva looks down at her naked body. ”As it stands?”

“With coverings, of course.”

“Yes, I know what you mean. But a reporter needs to be PERFECT in front of the camera.”

“What makes you think you aren’t right now?”

“My hair isn’t brushed, my eyes look terrible, my cheek has a small mole that needs to be covered, my nails needs to be redone, and my clothes will have to be dry cleaned yet again. So what part about me is okay now?”

“Your personality, for starters.”

“That’s just something a reporter…”

Cherry interrupts her. “You mean something YOU are that makes YOU special, right?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No, Cherry. The makeup and clothes make me what I am.”

“I don’t believe that for a moment!”

Minerva sighs as she towels off and heads to her room. “Well… we can’t agree on everything, I suppose.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember slowly head downstairs. Sereb follows them as Arc turns to him.

“You know, you don’t have to sleep on the floor outside my door, Sereb.”

“I did not want to interrupt you and Ember.”

Arc sighs. “I kinda wish you had.”

Ember frowns. “Are you sure I can’t get you to sleep a few more hours, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “I think I’ve done enough sleeping for today, Ember. Right now I think we should try to find Rose. While I’m sure she’s fine, I…”

Sereb interrupts. “We have company.”

A few moments later the back door opens and Rose slowly enters. She hobbles through the kitchen as Arc and Ember turn.

“Rose!”

“Are you okay?!”

Rose falls to one knee as the trio hurries to her side. Arc picks her up as her turns to Ember.

“Let’s get her upstairs!”

“Agreed!”

Arc takes Rose to his parent’s room and lays her down. She looks up at him sadly.

“Forgive… me.”

Arc takes her hand as Ember covers Rose with the blankets. “There’s nothing to forgive, Rose! Cherry’s disappearance wasn’t you fault after all.”

“I… failed… you.”

Ember smiles at her. “Are you kidding?! You’ve been trying your best all this time at the TV station!”

“She’s right. You stuck around even though you didn’t have to. And even when I… wasn’t so nice to you.”

“Miss… Cherry… search… continue… failure.”

Ember shakes her head. “We’re not giving up, Rose! No one’s failed!”

Sereb nods. “Especially not you.”

“Shutting… down…”

Rose’s eyes close as her body goes limp. Ember turns to Arc.

“Do you think…?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I believe she just used up all her energy. Doing what I’d really like to know.”

Sereb sighs. “We all would.”

Meanwhile, Minerva carries the helmet to her room and sets it down on the vanity before turning to her closet.

“Let’s see here… what to wear…?”

“Aren’t you just going in to do paperwork?”

“Yes. But I have an image to keep up! I can’t let anyone see me not looking my absolute BEST!”

Cherry sighs as Minerva picks an outfit and begins dressing. “I really don’t understand this at all. You said yourself you don’t have any friends. Who are you trying to impress?”

“My fans mostly.”

“Fans?”

“I’m pretty popular here in Angel Grove, you know.”

“Well, that much I do understand. The Hero’s… um… followers often watch your broadcasts on TV.”

Minerva looks over with a hopeful glint in her eye. “And the Hero himself?”

“Not as often.”

“Oh…”

“It’s not meant to be a slight! I mean, he is a VERY busy person after all!”

“That’s okay. I was kinda hoping he liked my reporting.”

“Why?”

“So he’d give me more interviews.”

“Really?”

Minerva sits down to do her makeup. “One must always be looking to the future stories yet to be written.”

A short time later Minerva puts down her brush and looks at herself in the mirror.

“Not bad. What do you think, Cherry?”

“I thought you looked fine twenty minutes ago.”

“Yes, well… I have to…”

Cherry groans. “Look your best, I know.”

“Something wrong?”

“Sorry for snapping at you. I think I just need a little time alone to… adjust, or something.”

“Want to stay here?”

“Yes, please. It will give me time to think.”

Minerva picks the helmet up and walks into the Living Room.

“How about I set you on the table here? You can look at the city while I’m gone.”

“That would be nice, thank you.”

Minerva sets the helmet down and turns the faceplate to look out the window.

“How’s that?”

“Just fine.”

Minerva picks up her purse. “I should be back before dark. Do you need anything else? Um… the radio turned on?”

“No, thank you. Just some quiet time to think.”

Minerva heads for the door. “Okay. Take care.”

The door closes behind her and locks. Cherry sighs as she stares at the city skyline.

“I suppose I don’t have much time alone these days. That and Minerva should have some time to digest what was said.”

Meanwhile, Minerva hails a taxi and heads for the station. Upon arriving she immediately heads for her office. She mutters to herself in the empty elevator.

“Cherry will be fine without me for a bit. I mean, it’s not like I have to feed or walk her.”

The elevator doors open and she walks toward her office door. She muses to herself as she puts the key in the lock.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was human. But that’s impossible. Right?”

Entering the office, Minerva sighs, sits down at her desk, and starts her computer.

“Well… let’s get to work.”

A short time later the office phone rings.

“Minerva Moore. Yes, I’m feeling better, sir. I… what?! I’m on my way!”

Minerva hurries to the basement parking ramp. Her cameraman is waiting in a news van with the engine idling. She jumps in as the van starts moving.

“What do we have?!”

The cameraman guns the engine and speeds up the ramp and out of the lot.

“Another tip from our mysterious friend! Apparently there’s going to be some action at an abandoned mine outside of town!”

“There’s a mine?!”

“The office checked some of the oldest maps they could find! Apparently it dates back over a hundred years ago!”

“Is it safe?”

“Probably not. But it would make a great place for the Shards to hide something.”

“The Shards?!”

“Right! Our favorite tipster says they’re up to something there.”

Minerva frowns. “Him again! Any luck tracing the call?!”

“None. It’s like he’s calling from the moon, or something!”

“Considering his extreme clairvoyance that wouldn’t surprise me.”

“That or he has a crystal ball.”

Minerva nods. “Maybe he does.”

“What?”

“It’s nothing. I do wish we could get ahold of the Hero for this though.”

“We could certainly get some better action shots with him on the scene!”

Minerva grins. “Right. But he has a knack for showing up when he’s needed.”

“Well, let’s just hope he does if things get hairy!”

Minerva turns to her cameraman. “That reminds me. I never actually asked what your name was.”

“Really? It’s Dave.”

Sometime later the van pulls to the side of the road and stops. Minerva looks over to Dave, confused.

“Why are we stopping here?”

“The map shows the mine to be due east of here down a dirt road.”

Minerva looks out the window. “Where’s the road?”

Dave hops out of the van. “It’s long since grown over with plant life. We’ll have to walk from here.”

Minerva gets out of her seat and grabs her microphone as she chuckles to herself. “Just a little paperwork at the office has turned into a full-blown story. I love it!”

Dave tosses her a hard hat and a flashlight. “Better take these.”

“Good idea.”

The pair grab their gear and start walking through the forest. Half an hour later they arrive at a clearing. Dave points to something ahead.

“Look! There’s a path! But what’s it doing there?”

Minerva frowns. “A path that survived all these decades when the road didn’t is very suspicious.” “Someone must be coming and going a lot to keep it there.”

“So what do you want to do?”

“Let’s get some footage out here before we enter.”

Dave nods. “You’re the boss.”

Raising his camera to his face the cameraman pushes a few buttons and then points to Minerva.

“This is Minerva Moore reporting from an old abandoned mine just outside Angel Grove. We’ve received word of Shard activity here, and are currently investigating.”

She looks around the mine opening.

“Judging from the state of the wood that makes up these supports, I’d say the old records were right about this place’s age.”

Minerva motions for Dave to follow her. Slowly the pair enter the cave as Minerva turns on her flashlight. She keeps her voice low as she continues to speak into her microphone.

“We’re now entering the mine. It appears someone has added several new support beams down here recently. Look at how bright and new the wood is.”

Dave gets a nice shot of Minerva next to the supports. She looks down and points at the ground.

“I see quite a few footprints in the dirt. The old mining crew hasn’t been in here for many years, so I’d say these have to be fresh.”

They walk deeper into the mine together. Eventually they come to an old but very large elevator platform.

“This might just be the original mining lift! Looks to be steam powered, which was probably pretty standard for its time. But this actually appears functional.”

Minerva puts her microphone to the tank.

“In fact, you can even hear the latent steam still hissing in this cylinder. Someone has been down here VERY recently.”

She turns to the lift.

“Let’s find out who, shall we?”

Sighing, Dave steps onto the lift with Minerva. She looks at the console for a moment before pulling a lever back. The elevator begins to descend. They head down for what feels like an eternity. Eventually the lift touches down at the bottom of the shaft. Minerva points her flashlight at the ground.

“Tracks. And judging by the tread, they’re from modern shoes.”

She looks down the corridor to see a small glimmer of light some distance away.

“Let’s check that out.”

Minerva and Dave head down the corridor toward the light. As they near Minerva shuts off her flashlight and motions for her companion to do the same. Getting down on one knee Minerva peeks around the corner as Dave shoots the scene before them. It looks more like a modern factory than a mine. Large floodlights anchored to the ceiling illuminate the large room before them. Minerva looks to the camera and whispers.

“This must be the entire Shard gang! They’re packing up… something! I see modern machines everywhere! They’ve got a full-blown factory down here!”

She points to a large number of tanks leading to several machines.

“They’re mixing chemicals over there. How the machines process whatever is in them is anyone’s guess.”

Minerva gestures to another machine further down the line.

“See if you can get a shot of what’s coming out.”

Dave nods and does so.

“Some kind of syringes, or something.”

Minerva gasps. So they’re making drugs here!”

“Looks like. No idea what though. Look over there.”

Dave points further down the line. Small vials slowly emerge from the end of the machine as a Shard member dutifully packages them up. Minerva frowns.

“What could they be making?!

The pair watch as a number of boxes are loaded onto a strange looking pad. The Shards step back as one of them reaches for a phone. He speaks into it but Minerva cannot hear what is said. A moment later the boxes vanish into thin air. Minerva gasps.

“What the…? Those crates just… vaporized! But why would the Shards go to all the trouble to make something only to destroy it?!”

She thinks for a moment.

“I can only assume those boxes were somehow teleported somewhere… somehow.”

She points up the line to a mine tunnel.

“That looks fresh! I just wish we could get to it!”

Dave shakes his head. “Too dangerous! But this whole place is wrong!”

“What do you mean?”

“Miners don’t carve out large caverns like this. Just tunnels, right?”

“So?”

“So the Shards must’ve carved this vault out themselves. Look at the supports. Everything in here is brand new.”

“You’re right! We have too…!”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Tell someone about this? I think not.”

Minerva spins around as Dave’s camera is ripped out of his hands by a figure in a navy blue cloak and strange looking white mask. Dave takes a swing at them, but misses. A heavy boot knocks him into the cavern. The Shards look up, surprised. The three lieutenants run out of a nearby tunnel and over to him. Stingray is the first to reach the scene.

“What the…?”

Hammer grins. “Looks like we have a rat problem.”

Mio giggles. “Indeed.”

Stingray motions to a couple Shards members to held Dave up. She punches him roughly in the face. He falls to the ground unconscious as the masked figure knocks Minerva’s microphone out of her hand with a fist and grabs her roughly by the throat. They turn to Mio.

“The camera.”

“I got it!”

Casting a spell, the camera is quickly blown to pieces. The figure raises their mask as they pick Minerva up to reveal their face. Diva glares at her.

“It looks like you just don’t know when to leave well enough alone.”

Stingray’s eyes grow wide. “Hey! It’s that woman from the hospital!”

Hammer gasps. “How the heck did she get out?!”

Mio looks to Diva. “Maybe she has magic too!”

Diva shakes her head. “Not a chance. I don’t feel anything from her.”

She looks Minerva in the eye as the young woman tries desperately to breathe. Her fingers clawing frantically at Diva’s hand in a futile attempt to get away. Diva smiles wickedly at the frightened woman in her grasp.

“Don’t worry. You won’t be getting away THIS time!”

Chapter 11- Bad Timing

Arc, Sereb and Ember sit with Rose as she rests. Ember turn to Arc.

“How long do you think she’ll be like this?”

“Hard to say. But last time it just took a good night’s sleep.”

“That’ll take hours!”

Arc nods. “Yes, I know.”

Sereb sighs. “There are no shortcuts to some aspects of life, I’m afraid.”

Arc looks down at Rose’s unconscious form and put a hand on her cheek.

“I’m sorry, Rose.”

Ember frowns. “Where do you suppose she’s been?”

“Not a clue. But… it’s still my fault she’s like this. If I hadn’t spoken to her the way I did…”

“Don’t blame yourself, Arc. Everyone makes mistakes.”

“Yeah. But mine just got Rose…”

Sereb sniffs the air and growls. “We are not alone here.”

A familiar voice calls out.

“She’ll be just fine.”

They turn to see Wiseman sitting in a chair across the room. Arc approaches him.

“Wiseman! What happened to Rose?!”

He stands up and walks over to them. “Nothing really. She just pushed herself a little too far.”

Ember frowns. “What does that mean?!”

“She’ll explain when she wakes up.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I’m assuming you didn’t come here just to tell us that.”

“That is correct. Truth be told I have another bit of advice for you.”

Sereb frowns. “Be still my beating heart.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Great. Does it look like we have time for…?”

“This you will MAKE time for!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’ll be the judge of that. What’s the message?”

“The Shards have a factory producing something that they should not possess.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

Arc chuckles. “I hate to break this to you Wiseman, but the Shard’s factory burned to the ground during my recent battle with Mio.”

“The one I’m referring to is underground.”

Ember looks confused. “Under that factory?”

“No. This one is their main facility in an abandoned mine.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “There aren’t any mines around here that I’m aware of. Are you sure?”

Wiseman chuckles as Arc removes a map from his ring. “Yes, the mine is quite old. I doubt you’d find it on any modern maps.”

Arc sighs. “Of course. Well, are you going to tell me where it is?”

Wiseman steps toward Arc. “I can, yes. May I see your map please?”

Arc sets the map down on the nearby end table. Wiseman points a gloved finger at a point.

“The only remaining mine entrance can be found here.”

Ember looks over Arc’s shoulder. “That’s pretty close to the Shard Base!”

Sereb turns to Wiseman. “Quite the coincidence.”

“I knew you’d say that, Sereb. This is yet another situation that could either end well, or very badly.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Another?”

“The apartment building, the abandoned hospital and its recent explosion along with the pizzeria incident.”

Arc frowns. “How did those things end well?!”

Wiseman counts on his fingers as he speaks. “The apartment building had only one fatality. Your friend’s pizzeria saw only slight property damage and no loss of life. That battle at the hospital only saw The Rider’s and Rose injured. And the hospital explosion did not occur until everyone inside had been given time to escape.”

Ember gasps. “Escape? There where Riders in there?!”

Wiseman chuckles. “A couple eager reporters.”

Arc’s neck snaps over to Ember. “Minerva and her cameraman!”

“Maybe that’s why they haven’t been at the station!”

Wiseman chuckles. “Have no fear. She was able to get out in plenty of time along with her… partner.”

Arc looks relieved. “Good! I’m glad she doesn’t know about this mine though.”

Wiseman shrugs. “She does.”

Ember glares at him. “WHAT? WHO TOLD HER?!”

“I did. Just like I told her about the apartment fire, your scuffle at Roberto’s Pizza, and your altercation with The Riders at the abandoned hospital.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Why did you…?!”

“Are you certain now is the best time for questions? After all, Minerva is already at the mine.”

Ember calls forth her armor. “Then we need to get there NOW!”

Sereb growls as he returns to his true form. “That we do!”

Arc touches his ring and calls forth Eidolon’s Ward along with his mask. “Agreed! Minerva’s going to need help!”

Wiseman nods. “I believe I can assist you with that.”

Ember glares at him. “Haven’t you done enough?!”

Arc frowns. “Yeah! We’ll take it from here!”

Wiseman sighs. “As it stands, I don’t think you’ll be able to find the mine in time to help your friend.”

Ember groans. “Then what do you suggest we do?! Call the guards?!”

Arc shakes his head. “They’ll never find the place! And that’s if they believe us!”

Wiseman turns to Arc. “I can take you there now if you’d like.”

“HOW?!”

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Ember. Or should I just call you Dragon?”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Let’s go.”

“Very well.”

Wiseman raises a hand. The world around them flashes white. In the blink of an eye Arc, Sereb and Ember find themselves outside the abandoned mine. Ember looks around.

“Wiseman?! Where are you?!”

Arc sighs. “As usual, he’s not around.”

“I REALLY hate that guy!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But let’s get inside. We can talk about Wiseman after we figure this mess out.”

Ember sighs as they head for the mine entrance. “Fine! But the next time we see that guy…!”

Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Viktor. Come in.”

“Viktor here. Do you want us to start making lunch now sir?”

“Forget lunch. Ember and I are heading into an abandoned mine.”

Viktor nearly falls out of his seat. “WHAT?!”

He quickly turns to the others.

“Red alert! Comms!”

They drop what they’re doing and hurry to their stations. Max puts on his headphones.

“Sir! How can we…?!”

“Not much. I’m assuming we’re going to lose you when we go too deep.”

Xenos frowns. “Shall we drive out there and help?!”

“No time. Can my camera’s record video by themselves?”

Hugh nods. “Yes! But if won’t be the best clarity.”

“I’ll take that over nothing. Start recording, Viktor.”

“Yes sir.”

He presses a few button on the keyboard before him.

“Done. As soon as we lose the signal your cameras will begin recording on your end. I’ll download that data as soon as you get back.”

Arc nods as they arrive at the elevator. “Good! We’ll lose you momentarily.”

Xenos looks at his screen. “Woah! That is one big hole!”

Hugh nods. “Deep too!”

Max sighs. “I wish Rose was here to analyze this.”

Ember nods. “She’s upstairs resting at the moment.”

Viktor gasps. “Is she alright?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. A bit of sleep and she’ll be good as new… I think. But we’ve got to get moving now.”

Max sounds nervous. “Be careful, sir!”

“I will. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring and looks down the shaft. He quickly casts a Light Spell as Ember peeks over the edge.

“I can’t see the bottom. How about you, Sereb?”

“Nothing. How far down do you suppose…?”

Ember shrugs. “It doesn’t really matter how far it is since we can’t get down there!”

Arc looks over to some machinery nearby. “My guess is there was supposed to be an elevator here.”

“Where is it?”

Arc points down the hole. “Someone took it down already.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Think it was Minerva?”

“I hope not, but probably yes.”

Sereb frowns. “How do we get down then?”

“I think I know a way, but it’s kinda risky.”

Ember turns to him. “Even you can’t Blink THAT far, Arc!”

“Probably could if the bottom was in sight.”

Sereb shakes his head. “The light is too low for that though.”

Arc climbs on Sereb’s back and extends a hand. “Right. Let’s go, Ember.”

She takes Arc’s hand and hops up into the saddle behind him.

“What’s the plan?”

“Sereb… jump.”

Sereb turns around. “I beg your pardon?”

“Trust me.”

Ember frowns. “I don’t like this plan!”

Arc nods. “Neither do I. But we don’t have time to think of something else right now.”

Sereb sighs. “Very well.”

Ember puts her arms around Arc and clings to him.

“I’m with you to the end, Arc. But I kinda hoped the end wouldn’t come so soon!”

Arc nods as they approach the edge. “Trust me, Ember.”

Ember nods as Sereb turns to look at Arc.

“Go ahead.”

Sereb jumps down the shaft. Arc holds onto the saddle’s handle with one gauntlet and raises the other. Their descent slows to a more manageable rate. Ember opens her eyes.

“What the…? Are we flying?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m just using my magic to pick Sereb up.”

Sereb chuckles. “And you as well. Indirectly.”

“Right.”

A short time later they touch down on the lift at the bottom of the shaft. Ember gasps.

“Look!”

She points down the tunnel at a light some distance away.

“That’s a good place to start. Let’s go, Sereb.”

Sereb silently begins walking toward the light. Ember looks around.

“These wall supports look positively ancient!”

Sereb nods. “It would appear Wiseman was right about the age of the mine.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll have to take your word on that.”

Ember turns to him confused. “Which part?”

“The part about the supports.”

Sereb looks over his shoulder to Arc. “Can you not see them?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. No True Sight enchantment without my helmet.”

“That’s right!”

Ember removes her helmet and passes it to Arc.

“Wear mine. I can see in the dark alright without it.”

Arc pushes her hand away gently. “True. But then everyone can see who you are.”

“So?!”

“That and your head is much softer as a human.”

Ember frowns. “As is yours!”

“I’ll be fine. Just keep your helmet on, Ember.”

“But…!”

Sereb interrupts her. “Ember.”

Ember frowns and does as she is told

“Fine.”

The trio continue on their way. Reaching the light they poke their heads around the corner. Ember frowns.

“What a setup!”

Sereb growls. “This is more than the other factory ever had.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. They’ve really streamlined production here. I just wish we could get a sample of what’s in those syringes and vials.”

Ember turns to Arc. “I can try. Give me a cloak.”

Arc shakes his head. “Wouldn’t work. Look.”

He points to a corner of the room. Stingray, Hammer, and Mio are looking out over the process floor. Sereb grimaces.

“Mio would see right through your cloak, Ember.”

“I’ll take that chance!”

“No, you won’t. We need a better plan to take this place down.”

Sereb looks confused. “Take it down?”

Ember nods. “We can’t let production continue, Sereb.”

“Right. But all three lieutenants AND what has to be every Shard member would be a bit much for us.”

Ember frowns. “Fine.”

Arc sighs. “Well, at least Minerva didn’t show up.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “She’s here.”

“What? Where?!”

Sereb looks around. “I don’t see her. But her scent is certainly in the air.”

Arc frowns. “Great. No we REALLY have to be careful!”

“Wait! What are they doing over there?”

Arc and company watch as Stingray, Hammer, and Mio step onto a platform nearby together and vanish from sight. Arc grins.

“That’s a break. Now we should be able to sneak around undetected.”

He is about to pull out the magic robes from his ring when a whistle blows and the machines stop. Sereb turns to Arc.

“Do you think they’ve spotted us?”

“No. That sounds more like a quitting time signal.”

Ember grins. “This mission just keeps getting easier.”

The Shards walk toward a small platform and look up as someone walks out toward them. Ember gasps.

“Is that…?!”

Arc frowns. “Yup. Diva.”

Sereb growls. “Good thing we didn’t head out there.”

Ember nods. “I’m with you, Sereb.”

“Let’s listen in.”

As the Shards leave the immediate area Arc and company advance quietly. They hide behind a large machine as Diva begins to speak.

“Good job, everyone. We now have enough product to start the next phase of our plan.”

Snake cautiously steps forward. “Uh… begging your pardon, but what IS the next phase?”

“I’m glad you asked. But first, aren’t all of you a bit curious as to what exactly you’ve been making?”

Jackal grins as he walks over with a sack over his shoulder. “Yeah! We been working hard! What for?”

The rest of the Shards look to one another and nod. Diva smiles at them.

“Let me put together the pieces of the puzzle for you. You see this substance, when administered properly, can unlock a person’s latent abilities.”

Wolf’s eyes grow wide. “You mean… like magic, or something?!”

“Not exactly. It would certainly make a mage such as Mio more powerful. But only if one already possessed the gift of magic. With this concoction, we can make the world a better and much more fair place!”

The Shards cheer as Diva turns and motions to someone. A moment later two Shard members step forward dragging two people who are bound and gagged.

Ember grimaces. “Is that…?!”

Sereb growls. “Minerva Moore and her cameraman.”

“These two spies represent that which we are trying desperately to overcome.”

Diva kneels down and grabs Minerva by her hair to force her to look at the crowd.

“This harpy would expose us and our plans to the world if given half a chance! And for who, for WHAT?! A little payment and praise from her superiors!”

Diva slaps Minerva hard enough to knock her over and onto her back. Sereb winces.

“That looked painful.”

Ember turns to Arc as Diva stands over the woman and spits on her. “Aren’t we going to DO something?!”

“We will eventually.”

Sereb frowns. “What are we waiting for?”

“Diva to, hopefully, spill the beans on their plans. Don’t worry, we’ll step in if they get too rough for either of them.”

Diva puts her foot on Dave’s head.” This one who follows his little friend into the unknown is not much better.”

She rears back and kicks Dave in the stomach, knocking the air from him. Diva shakes her head as the Shards laugh.

“Pitiful.”

Diva turns her attention back to Minerva. She grabs the young woman by the front of her blouse, picks her up, and roughly slams her against a nearby machine as she pulls off her gag.

“So tell me. What did you expect to find here?”

Minerva looks to her assailant. “I… I just wanted a story!”

“Who squealed?

“S-squealed?”

Diva slaps Minerva again and allows her fall back to the floor. “YES! There’s no way you could’ve found us unless someone led you here! Who was it?!”

“I… I… I don’t know!”

Diva frowns. “You come knowingly into mortal danger, and you DON’T KNOW WHO TALKED?!”

“It’s the truth! We got a tip!”

“Anonymously, huh?”

Minerva nods fervently. “YES!”

Diva pulls her hand back to slap her victim again. Minerva squeezes her eyes shut, but Diva stops.

“I see. You really don’t know the identity of your tipster.”

Minerva breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s right!”

Diva nods. “I suppose you can’t help but be ignorant.”

“Please let us go! My partner and I just wanted to discover the truth! It’s our job, after all!”

“Very well, worm.”

Minerva sounds hopeful. “You… you mean it?!”

Diva kneels down and puts her hand under Minerva’s chin. “Of course. You were just doing your job, after all. Right?”

“R-right! I’m sorry about all this! Feel free to keep our camera and its contents!”

Diva uses her magic to pull what’s left of the camera to herself. “Oh, I’m taking it all right. But that’s not all I’m taking.”

Minerva draws back fearfully. “What?! But, we… we don’t have anything else to give!”

Diva grins wickedly. “Yes, you do. Your life.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 12 - Deception and Lies

Snake looks to Diva nervously. “Begging your pardon ma’am, but isn’t that going a bit too far?”

Jackal nods. “Yeah! Reporter lady pretty!”

Diva looks confused. “You don’t believe she be punished for her crime?”

Wolf nods. ”Yes we do, ma’am. But… uh, death might be a bit much. We’re not murderers after all.”

The rest of the Shards nod in agreement.

“Very well then. But you DID just agree that failure needs to be punished.”

Diva reaches into her cloak and pulls out a remote. She presses a button on it and turns back to the group as a large steel shutter drops cutting them off from the corridor leading to the lift.

“I’d like to direct your attention to that large crate in the center of the room. You may have thought it was supplies, but it’s actually a little bomb. Nothing special, really. It’s just big enough to collapse this mine and everyone in it.”

Minerva looks over in the direction of the crate. “A… A BOMB!!!”

Diva shakes her head as the Shards all run toward it. “Yes, by all means TRY to disarm it. Do it wrong and… well, I won’t spoil the surprise for you.”

She Blinks to a platform on the far side of the room.

“Have fun, boys!”

Snake turns to Diva. “But… but why?!”

Diva frowns. “Because the Shards have outlived their usefulness. You couldn’t stop that lone Hero from making a shambles of our plans.”

Wolf grimaces. “But… but we did everything we could!”

“Yes, I’m sure you did. But sometimes your best isn’t good enough. But not to worry. My organization WILL make the world a better place with the product you’ve produced.”

Diva turns toward Minerva with a wicked grin on her face.

“You may have escaped my bomb at the hospital, but you’ll never make it out of this one, peasant! Enjoy the time you have left everyone!”

Diva vanishes from sight just as the other lieutenants did. A few moments later the teleporter’s lights flicker and fade, indicating a loss of power to the unit. The Shards tear open the box to find a large device counting down. Snake steps back.

“Oh shi-!”

Jackal looks to his friend. “What we do now, Snake?”

“You’re asking me?!”

Wolf nods. “You’re the smartest one left!”

Arc motions for Ember and Sereb to follow him. Together they step out of the shadows.

“No, that would be me.”

The Shards turn and glare at them. Wolf grimaces.

“You again?!”

Jackal waves happily. “Hi!”

Snake sighs. “Not exactly the last face I’d like to see before I die.”

Ember clenches her fist. “Well then, we’ll have to skip the dying part.”

Arc hurries over to the bomb.

“Let me take a look at that!”

Snake steps aside. “Be my guest. I don’t really mind going a few minutes sooner anyways.”

Arc turns to Ember. “Dragon, go untie Minerva and her friend! I’ll get to work on this!”

The rest of the Shards panic and run toward the steel shutter. Ember looks at the horde of frantic members as she cuts the ropes around Minerva’s wrists with her spear.

“Somehow I don’t think you guys are getting through that!”

Snake frowns. “She’s right, you guys! We need a plan!”

Wolf sighs. “Like what?!”

Minerva gets up and unties Dave. “The bomb is the top priority! Time is limited as long as it keeps running!”

Ember nods. “Agreed.”

They run toward the Hero as he rips an access panel open. A mess of different colored wires presents itself. Snake looks over his shoulder with Wolf and Jackal.

“It’s like spaghetti!”

Wolf nods. “Really dangerous spaghetti!”

Jackal looks around. “Anyone else hungry?”

Arc sighs. “Not now, big guy. Maybe later.”

Ember gasps. “Uh… the timer is counting down faster!”

“What?!”

Arc looks at the display to see the timer’s countdown double in speed. Diva’s voice comes over an intercom.

“It looks like you opened the access panel a bit too roughly. Do try to be a bit more delicate with this precision piece of equipment.”

She laughs before shutting off the speaker. Ember grits her teeth.

“That witch! I’ll get her for this!”

“Let’s stay focused here. This thing is WAY too complicated to disarm.”

Minerva shudders. “That and it’s going off in about a minute!”

Hearing this the Shards stop banging at the door. Wolf looks to Arc.

“What are we supposed to do then?!”

Dave nods. “Right! There’s no way out of here!”

Arc stands and shrugs. “I don’t know.”

The Shards turn to one another nervously. Snake approaches them and shakes his head.

“Well boys, I guess this is it.”

Wolf sighs and extends a hand to Snake. “It was fun while it lasted.”

Jackal picks the pair up in a massive bear hug. “Me had fun too!”

The others take a cue from their comrades and begin shaking hands with one another in farewell. Minerva turns to Dave.

“I, uh… guess I’ll see you on the other side.”

“Y-yeah.”

“Sorry it ended like this.”

Dave shrugs. “We all have to go sometime.”

Ember turns to Arc. “So there’s nothing left to do?!”

Arc shakes his head as he tries to open a portal. “Nope. Portal Magic must not work down here. Probably too deep, or something.”

Ember takes Arc’s hand, soberly. “I have no regrets. But are you certain there’s nothing left to do?!”

“It’s going to explode. I can’t stop this.”

Arc looks down at the console.

“Ten seconds.”

Minerva walks over to Arc, nervously.

“Sir… I…”

Arc interrupts her. “I told you… just call me Hero.”

He extends a hand toward the bomb and casts a spell. The device rapidly begins to shrink in size until it vanishes from sight. A few moments later there is a small pop akin to that of a fire cracker. The Shards look over, confused. Snake is the first to speak.

“What… what just happened?”

“I just shrunk the bomb down to roughly the size of a flea. Looks like it just made a little smudge on the floor.”

The Shards erupt into cheers of joy. Ember frowns under her helmet.

“Why didn’t you do that earlier, Hero?!”

“I just wanted to see what everyone would do. The Shards took it well. Maybe there’s hope for them…”

Arc is interrupted as Diva’s voice again comes over the intercom.

“I don’t know how you stopped my bomb… Hero! But know this! I NEVER operate without a backup plan!”

A series of flashing red lights begins blinking overhead. Wolf gasps.

“What the…?!”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “There must be hundreds of…!”

Diva laughs. “My contingency plan! Somehow I don’t think you’ll be getting out of this one, Hero! These WILL be your last moments!”

The speaker is ripped from the wall as Ember’s gauntlet tears it out.

“Out of the frying pan…~”

Arc stands up. “…and thrust between a rock and a hard place.”

Minerva looks to Arc. “We need to get to the elevator! It’s our only hope!”

“Right!”

They hurry over to the steel door.

“I’ll Blink through it and make a sigil on the other side.”

Arc attempts to Blink but finds himself thrown across the room and through a machine. Ember and Sereb rush over to him.

“What happened?!”

Arc grabs onto Sereb’s saddle to pull himself up. “That door is warded, or something. Kinda reminded me of Decimus’ office.”

Ember frowns. “You got through that though!”

“True. But this one feels like it has multiple layers.”

“Do you think…?”

Arc hurries back to the door. “Probably no time. Let me try something different.”

Holding up his hand, Arc concentrates before shaking his head.

“It’s no good. I can’t lift the door with Telekinesis.”

Minerva gasps. “Why not?”

“The ward prevents it somehow.”

Dave looks confused. “Ward?”

“Think of it like a greased pig. I can’t get a grip on it.”

Snake groans. “Great! What now?!”

“Like you said earlier, Snake. We need a plan.”

Wolf nods. “Agreed. But what?!”

“Let’s see what we have to work with.”

Arc looks around quickly.

“Snake, take Jackal and grab me a piece of tube steel. Wolf, find me something solid. Cinder blocks, four by fours, anything. Get a bunch of them.”

The trio hurries to comply as Arc turns to Ember.

“I’ll need your spear to make this work.”

Ember calls forth the Spear of Courage. “Take it!”

“Hold onto it and follow my lead.”

Arc calls forth his own spear and begins chipping away at the rock at the base of the door. Ember joins him in his task. She turns to him.

“Somehow I don’t think we have time to tunnel out of here!”

“Just keep going.”

Minerva hurries over. “There were some shovels on the platform Dave and I were on.”

Dave nods. “Yeah! And other digging equipment.”

Arc turns to Dave. “Did you see any pickaxes?”

Minerva shrugs. “I think so.”

“PERFECT! Get two!”

Minerva and Dave hurry to comply. Ember frowns.

“What could we possibly hope to do with…?”

“Trust me, Dragon.”

Minerva and Dave returns a few moments later. Both are carrying heavy duty mining picks. Arc takes one.

“Great! Everyone stand back!”

Ember grabs the pick from Dave and trades swings with Arc. “I guess we know what the digging equipment in the Shard base was for.”

“Yeah. But it may yet save the day. Keep going!”

A few minutes later the pair have made a softball size hole in the floor of the cavern. Dave points.

“There’s the bottom of the door!”

Minerva grins. “What now?!”

Arc calls out. “Need that stuff now, guys!”

Snake and Jackal run over. Jackal is holding a two foot piece of tube steel on his shoulder. Arc points to the hole he and Ember have made.

“Put it in front of this hole about six inches back from the door.”

“Okay!”

He and Snake hurry to comply as Wolf hurries over with an armful of short two by fours.

“How’s this?!”

Arc nods. “It’ll do. Wolf, you and Snake get on your knees and be ready to push these in.”

“How?!”

“Just do it!”

The pair turn to each other, shrug, and do as they are told. Arc throws his pick aside and calls forth the Spear of Righteousness as he turns to Ember.

“Do as I do!”

He jams the spear under the door between it and the floor at a 45 degree angle. Ember quickly does the same as Arc rests his spear on the tube steel along with Ember.

“On three! One… two… THREE!!!”

Arc presses his entire body weight downward on his spear’s handle as Ember does the same. The door does not budge. Ember frowns.

“It’s not enough! We need more!”

Several Shards run to the other end of the chamber. They return with large pry bars. Thrusting the tools next to the spears they heft their entire weight into action. The door moves slightly. Snake points to the pickaxes lying on the ground nearby.

“Grab those picks, boys! Make a bigger hole!”

Two members pick up the picks and frantically begin elongating the hole. Several more pry bars are inserted as more Shards throw themselves onto the ends in a desperate attempt to help. The door moves a bit more. Arc strains.

“Almost… there…!”

Ember grits her teeth. “Just need… a bit… more!”

Jackal walks over with a prybar. Jamming it in next to Arc’s spear he puts his considerable weight on the bar. The steel door flies up several inches. Arc calls out.

“Boards under the door NOW!!!”

Snake and Wolf hurriedly slide a couple two by fours under the door.

“FINGERS OUT!”

The pair step back from the door. Arc and Ember remove their spears, step forward, and kneel down as the door slides back down to rest on the wood. Arc puts his gauntlets under the door and gives it a mighty heave.

“LIFT!”

Ember joins him.

“Together, Hero!”

The pair lift with all their might. Snake, Jackal and Wolf join them in their task.

“EVERYONE! LIFT!”

The entire gang kneels and puts their hands under the massive door. Arc turns to his left and right.

“Okay, on three!”

Arc takes a deep breath.

“THREE!!!”

All assembled lift with all their might. The door slowly raises inch by inch. Meanwhile the red lights overhead begin to blink faster. Dave grabs Minerva’s hand.

“We have to help!”

“But we’d just be in the way!”

“He said everyone! Let’s do this!”

Dave and Minerva take their places beside their former captors and lend their aid. Slowly the door lifts a foot and a half. Arc crawls underneath and puts his shoulders under the door. Grunting and pushing with all his might they lift the door a few feet off the ground. Arc shouts as he strains to hold the door up.

“EVERYONE THROUGH NOW!!! GET TO THE LIFT!!!”

The Shards hurry past him as Ember moves to help him. He puts a hand on her back.

“I GOT IT! MOVE!!!”

Ember nods and steps through as Arc looks to Minerva and Dave.

“GO!!!”

They hurry past him as the last of the Shards make their escape. Sereb is the last one out. He turns to Arc.

“That is everyone!”

Nodding, Arc Blinks a few feet forward. The door comes crashing back down smashing the wood beneath to splinters. Arc falls to his knees as Sereb hurries over to him with Ember. She helps him up.

“You okay?!”

Arc nods weakly. “I think so. Just really sore.”

Ember helps Arc onto Sereb’s back before climbing on herself. “We’re almost there! Go, Sereb!”

Sereb nods and begins running down the tunnel to the elevator. Ember points.

“There it is!”

Sereb jumps onto the mining lift. Ember turns to Snake at the controls.

“GO!”

Snake pushes buttons frantically. “I’m trying! It’s not working!”

Arc jumps off Sereb with Ember and hurries to the controls himself. “What do you mean?!”

Ember frowns as she looks back down the tunnel. “We don’t have time for this!”

Wolf slams his fists down on the controls. “The panel’s dead! Probably a final present from Diva!”

Minerva shudders. “What now?!”

Arc turns away from everyone as he removes his mask. “Dragon, trade me!”

Ember tosses her helmet to him as he gives her his mask. She puts it on dutifully as Arc dons her helmet. He grabs her gauntlet and turns her toward the elevator shaft.

“Start throwing fireballs straight up!”

“On it!”

Ember casts a fireball up the shaft. Its glow illuminates the walls as it rises.

“Keep casting! I’m going up there and see if I can get the power back on!”

Arc Blinks up as high as he can. As he reappears he grabs a support beam, looks up, and repeats the process.

Minerva calls out to him. “Be careful!”

Snake nods. “But hurry! Who knows when those bombs are going off!”

Wolf turns to Ember. “Do you think he’ll make it?!”

“He’ll get it done. The Hero’s never let us down before.”

Sereb silently nods. Meanwhile Arc continues his journey up the elevator shaft. Reaching the top he pulls himself up and runs over to the engine. Looking at the steam gauge he sees it way down.

“Diva must’ve doused the fire. When did she have time to do that?!”

He opens the door to the firebox. Peeking inside he sees nothing be soaking wet coals.

“Great! This stuff will never burn! Gotta improvise!”

Pointing his gauntlets at the firebox Arc casts a powerful flame spell. Hot white flames shoot forth and into the box. The needle on the steam pressure gauge does not move.

“Come on! BURN!!!”

Turning to a nearby fuse box Arc flips it open while continuing to cast the flame spell. He frowns.

“ARGH! She even took the fuse!”

Calling forth his spear, Arc jams the tip into the empty spot the fuse used to be.

“I hope this works.”

Meanwhile, the buttons on the control panel light up. Snake grins.

“We’ve got power!”

He grabs the lever and pulls it back. Nothing happens. Wolf frowns.

“Why aren’t we moving?!”

Snake grits his teeth. “This lift is really old! We’re probably too heavy with not enough steam pressure!”

Minerva gasps. “But there’s no time!”

Ember looks up the shaft. “The Hero will find a way to get the job done! You’ll see!”

Meanwhile, Arc continues casting his flame spell. He watches the needle rise near a small mark on the gauge. The lift slowly begins to move as the cable wraps around the cylinder.

“It’s moving! Gotta keep the heat up!”

The lift slowly moves up the shaft. Ember casts a Light Spell and uses it to wave to Arc. He nods. Jackal grins.

“I can see da top! We’re gonna make it!”

Suddenly a valve next to Arc gives out. Hot pressurized steam knocks him back down the shaft. Ember’s eyes grow wide as she sees Arc fall.

“NO!!!”

Moving like lightning Sereb jumps up onto the wall. Using his claws to grip a support he throws himself toward Arc and wraps his paws around him before the pair plummet back down to the floor of the lift. Ember hurries over to the pair as Sereb gets up.

“What happened?!”

“Some kind of a seal burst, I think. It just happened so FAST!”

Snake looks over. ”We’re slowing down!”

Wolf glares at him. “Give it more power!”

“That’s everything!”

Arc stands and frowns. “No steam, no lift.”

Minerva looks up. “We can’t give up now! We’re so close!”

Jackal frowns. “Uh… why we going back down?”

Ember frowns. “Weren’t you listening?!”

“I’m sorry. Hard words.”

Dave looks to the support beams. “Maybe we can climb up! It’s not that far!”

Minerva shakes her head. “That’s at least fifty feet. Most of us wouldn’t make it.”

“I have an idea! But I need your help, Dragon!”

“Okay, what do we…?”

Arc holds his gauntlets up and grunts as he concentrates. Slowly the lift stops descending as he strains.

“Dragon… LIFT!!!”

Ember raises her gauntlets and focuses her magic. The platform begins rising ever so slowly. Minerva’s eyes grow wide.

“It… it’s working!”

Sereb walks over to the pair. His horn glows as he lends his own power to their effort.

“Need… a little… more!”

Focusing his energies, the gem in his forehead begins to glow as Arc levitates a few inches above the deck. Minerva gasps.

“H-how?!”

Dave stands there, slack jawed. “This defies all reasoning!”

The lift makes the rest of the trip at normal speed. As they reach the top the Shard members hurry off the elevator and toward the mouth of the cave. Minerva turns back as she runs.

“Hero?!”

Arc remains where he is as the last few people rush off the lift. Ember grabs the front of his armor and lunges off the lift. As Arc loses concentration the platform drops back down the shaft like a stone. Ember helps Arc stand up.

“Come on! We have to go!”

Minerva runs back to help Sereb and Ember. She puts an arm around Arc.

“We’re so close!”

Arc turns to Sereb, weakly. “Make sure… others make it out.”

Sereb hurries ahead to herd the remaining Shards toward the mine entrance. Ember and Minerva run as best they can while helping support Arc. As they pass through the entrance an ear splitting explosion rips through the mountain. The force of the blast travels up the shaft and outward. Anticipating this, Arc pushes Ember away as he wraps his arms around Minerva and turns his body to protect her. The pair are thrown violently to the ground as Arc wraps his body over her to shield Minerva from falling debris. No one moves for several minutes as they attempt to catch their breath. Eventually Minerva opens her eyes and looks up.

“H-Hero?!”

Arc rolls over to lie on his back next to her. He heaves weakly in an effort to catch his breath. Snake gets up and looks around.

“Did… did we all make it?!”

Wolf looks around. “I think so. Somehow.”

Jackal grins. “I don’t see nobody missing.”

The Shards slowly get up along with Ember. Seeing Arc she hurries over to him as best as she can.

“H-hero? You okay?!”

Arc weakly nods. “Yeah. Good thing I had your helmet though.”

Ember helps him up. “We need to get you home right away!”

She turns to Minerva.

“Can you walk?”

Minerva nods shakily. “Y-yes. Thanks to you and, Hero.”

Arc coughs. “You… you’re welcome.”

Sereb hurries over. Ember helps Arc into the saddle before climbing in behind him.

“Let’s go!”

Arc calls out weakly. “W-wait!”

Sereb stops as Arc slowly turns to Minerva.

“I need… to ask you… something.”

“What is it?”

“My… my helmet. Do you… have it…?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No. That Shard woman with the gun grabbed it from me and ran off.”

“Hammer?”

“Not sure what her name was. Sorry.”

Arc lays his head down on Sereb’s neck. “I… see.”

Ember looks to Minerva. “Take care.”

Minerva nods soberly. “You too.”

Sereb bounds away leaving Minerva to watch them depart. The Shards slowly pick themselves up and look around. Jackal turns to Snake.

“Now what we do?”

Snake angrily turns to the group. “I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but I’m going back to the base and give the lieutenants a piece of my mind!”

Wolf nods. “Count me in!”

Jackal frowns. “She not nice lady! We clobber her!”

The rest of the Shards cheer in agreement as they run off. Dave limps over to Minerva.

“We should get going too.”

Minerva nods, not looking at him as she speaks in almost a whisper. “Yes. Let’s go.”

“You okay?”

“It’s nothing. Let’s get out of here.”

Two hours later Cherry hears the sound of a key turning in the lock and the door opening. She calls out, still facing out the window where she was left earlier.

“How did it go?”

Minerva speaks nervously. “It was… business as usual, I guess. How was your day?”

“I got some thinking done. It’s really quite peaceful staring out the window like this.”

“Yes well… I can imagine.”

“Why don’t you join me? It’ll be like back at the hospital. Just without the impending doom part.”

“S-sure. Just let me grab a shower first.”

“Okay. I’ll be waiting for you right here, my friend.”

Minerva hangs her head as she walks into the bathroom. She removes her heavily soiled clothes and turns on the water as she speaks quietly to herself.

“Cherry. You’re the first real friend I’ve ever had. While I know you must miss your Hero, I… I just… I can’t…”

She sighs as the water washes away the evidence of her hectic day. Her head comes to rest on the tile wall in front of her.

“I can’t give you up, Cherry. I WON’T give you up! In time maybe you’ll forget all about him and it’ll be just you and me!”

Minerva begins to wash her hair. Clumps of dirt fall to the floor of the shower and down the drain.

“Wha… what am I DOING?! This is kidnapping! Only a monster would… would…”

She puts a hand on the tile wall. Scratching at it for a few moments as she thinks

“I… I’m sorry, Cherry. But I just don’t have anyone else in my life. Please forgive me.”

Preface - Volume 20 - Misgivings and Meetings

In our previous volume Arc, who was ill due to poisoning from his most recent battle, ordered Sereb to cast a spell on him transforming him into a dragon. Not only Arc’s appearance was that of a dragon, but also his temperament.

The next morning Arc and Ember cook breakfast together. As they do so the pair share a conversation regarding relationships between Ember and his squad. Bringing the food down to the basement to feed the squad, Arc takes the opportunity to bring them up to speed on his new form before heading to the Channel 7 News building with Rose, Ember, and Sereb. Blinking the group up to the roof they settle in for a stakeout.

Meanwhile, Minerva drives to Angel Grove’s City Hall to interview the Mayor Hill. Cherry stays in her can an listens in via a radio. During the interview, the mayor announces his intention to step down after his current term is up as well as tell the real story behind the town’s founding.

Minerva leaves City Hall in high spirits. After picking up lunch from a local takeout place she heads back to her apartment to prepare for an interview later that night. Arc and his friends wait on the roof until the sun sets before returning to his house empty handed. Having consumed her energy reserves Rose weakens and is carried to Arc’s room. Fearful of being alone Arc comforts the android by staying by her side with Ember. Early the next morning Minerva heads to her office with Cherry to do some paperwork. As she does so Cherry does her best to explain to the young woman her relationship to Arc.

Leaving the office the pair head for the garage, pick up a news van, and leave the property. A short time later Arc and company arrive at the building to continue the stakeout. Minerva drives to The Rider hideout to investigate the inside of the ruined building. Cherry, fearing for the young woman’s safety, allows herself to be worn. Heading inside they explore the abandoned building. Finding more organization than thought possible for a group of thugs, the pair end their tour of the building in what appears to be Bloodletter’s office. Searching, they find an envelope with a piece of paper and a syringe filled with a strange rainbow liquid. Hearing a motorcycle approaching the building Minerva runs for the stairs.

Reaching the ground floor Minerva hides in a broom closet as several Shard members along with Stingray, Hammer, and Mio walk by. Heading back upstairs in an effort to put some distance between themselves and come up with a plan, they are forced to flee yet again as Stingray enters the third floor. Retreating to the last place anyone would look, the basement, they quickly find themselves in the morgue. Hiding on one of the slabs, Minerva listens as Mio and Hammer enter the room to collect some boxes. Discovering a magic robe on their slab, Cherry instructs Minerva to put it on. Focusing, Cherry is able to activate the cloak and hide them from sight as Snake, Jackal, and Wolf enter the morgue to collect the rest of their spoils. Overhearing the plan to blow up the building, Minerva hurries upstairs to the Main Entrance. She spots a blue cloaked figure working on a large black box on a desk. As they attempt to get past her the three lieutenants enter. Mio immediately spots the cloaked form and uses her magic to materialize her. Hammer shoots Minerva in the face, knocking her unconscious. Unmasking the newcomer they are surprised to see the young woman. Throwing back her cowl to reveal her face as being that of Diva, she orders her subordinates back to their vehicles as she activates the bomb.

As the Shards drive away Cherry wakes up Minerva. Informing her of their impeding doom, she instructs the woman to attempt to find a way out. Discovering all the exits are locked, blocked, or otherwise inaccessible Minerva collapses to the floor from her injuries. Cherry does her best to comfort her doomed friend before suggesting they attempted to escape via a tree that extends to the roof. Unable to climb down, Minerva drops her smashed camera into the helmet and throws it off the roof in a last ditch attempt to see to it the truth gets out. Unfortunately her aim is off due to her injuries and Cherry is caught in a branch not far from Minerva. Cherry convinces Minerva to attempt to use the tree branches to break her fall. She somehow makes it to the ground mostly unharmed. Crawling away from the building Minerva is blow away as the timer reaches zero. The helmet lands near the news van. Cherry calls out to Minerva, allowing the woman to find the van using the sound of her voice as a beacon. Climbing into the back of the now destroyed van Minerva grabs her cell phone, dials 9-1-1, and, using the last of her strength, drops it into the helmet. Scared, but determined, Cherry is able to explain their situation to the emergency operator whom sends the police and an ambulance to find them.

Minerva wakes up in the hospital. As a nurse enters the room she asks for her belongings. The doctor explains she’s been out cold for hours with concussions and other various injuries. Frantic to find Cherry, Minerva attempts to leave the room and has to be sedated. Meanwhile, Arc, Ember, and Sereb look over the ruins of the old hospital as emergency personnel crawl all over the scene. The next morning Minerva awakens in the hospital room. As a nurse enters to give her breakfast she asks for her belongings again. This time much more calmly. A short time later the nurse brings her a box containing her things before leaving to continue her rounds. Finding the helmet Minerva calls out to Cherry to verify her friends wasn’t injured before using her cell phone to check in with her office. After discovering the camera’s memory card is missing, Minerva, having reaches the end of her energy, takes a nap. Meanwhile, the doctor continued his rounds. Entering Frank’s room, he finds Diva waiting for him. Explaining that the young man’s condition is just as he had hoped, he reveals some rather cryptic information regarding the abuse Frank endured at the hands of Diva.

That night Arc and his friends stay on the rooftop long after the sun had set. Reaching the limits of his sanity, Arc collapses into hysterics as her screams out for Cherry. Rose jumps off the roof after signaling her intent to Sereb quietly. Returning home in failure yet again Arc heads for his parent’s room. Some time later Ember enters with a plate of food for him. Forcing him to eat it, she then reveals the sleeping drug that was mixed into it. Arc falls asleep with Ember, and the pair enter the Sanctuary together. Revealing his increased control over the dream realm, Ember is surprised as Cherry walks out of the farmhouse and over to them.

Arc reveals that the mare before them is not the real Cherry, but a collection of his memories of her. The pair return to the waking world as Minerva arrives back at her apartment via taxi. She laments her story being reduced to filler at she and Cherry take the elevator to her floor. As they enter the room the phone rings. Minerva answers it and is told to come into the office to fill out paperwork for the destroyed van and camera. Stepping into the shower she carefully cleans the helmet off before washing of the dirt and grime from herself. Meanwhile, Arc, Ember, and Sereb descend the stairs as Rose enters the house. Arc hurries over to her as she collapses into his arms. Carrying her to his parent’s room Rose reveals that she had continued the search through the night in an effort to pick up his helmet. As Arc takes care of Rose, Minerva dresses and sets the helmet on a table to look out the window. She hails a taxi and heads to the station. A short time after arriving she receives a phone call from her editor. Hurrying to the basement garage she meets up with the cameraman who explain as he drives. Informing Minerva of the latest tip from their mysterious informant the pair race to an abandoned mine outside town. Pulling over, they are forced to walk the rest of the way to the mine. Sometime later they discover a well worn path. Following it they come to the mouth of the abandoned mine. Dave begins shooting footage as Minerva walks them through the entrance of the mine and over to the elevator. Taking the lift down into the mine they find fresh footprints made with modern shoes. Spotting a light some distance away they had for it. Arriving at a large door they peek past it to find a factory and Shards running it. As they observe, they are seen by Diva whom exposes them.

Arc, Ember, and Sereb sit with Rose as she rests. Wiseman appears and informs them that Rose will be fine with rest. He then tells the group of the old mine and the Shard factory within it before revealing that Minerva is already there. Teleporting the trio there, Arc and company head into the mine. Finding the lift gone Arc uses his magic to slowly lower his group down to the lowest level. Spotting the light at the end of the tunnel they make their way over to it. As they arrive Stingray, Hammer, and Mio step onto a teleporter pad and leave. The signal is given to stop work as Diva steps out with Minerva and Dave. Both are tied up and appear to be roughly treated. Diva reveals to the Shards that the substance they’ve been producing will help make the world a better place before revealing her intention to kill Minerva and Dave.

Seeing the gang’s hesitance to allow the intruders to be killed, Diva reveals the existence of a bomb in the factory before shutting the large overhead door and teleporting away. Arc, Ember, and Sereb reveal themselves and offer to help. As he opens the bomb’s access panel the timer’s countdown speed increases. Diva taunts them via a radio and warns them not to be so rough with her bomb. After looking over the collection of wires Arc announces that the bomb is too complex to disarm. The Shards, having lost all hope, turn to one another and say their goodbyes. Ember does the same to Arc as Minerva walks over to tell him something. Arc interrupts her as he casts the Matter Compacting spell on the bomb. It shrinks down to the size of a pea and pops. As the Shards cheer, Diva’s voice again rings out over the radio. She announces her backup plan and directs them to look up. They spot a large number of red lights overhead as she informs the group of her contingency plan before signing off. Arc, taking command of the situation, orders those around him to gather certain items. He and Ember chip away at the base of the steel door until they find the bottom. Using their spears for leverage they attempt to pry the door open. Seeing what they are attempting to accomplish the other Shards do the same with pry bars. As the door raises a bit Arc crawls under it and lifts the shutter with his shoulders as the gang runs past. As the last person runs past Arc Blinks forward. The door crashes down, smashing the two by fours to splinters. Ember helps him onto Sereb’s back before climbing on behind him. They run to the elevator only to find it inoperable. Arc and Ember switch face coverings as Arc Blinks his way up the shaft. Upon reaching the top he finds the boiler fire doused and the fuse removed from it’s spot. Forcing his spear into the gap to complete the circuit Arc casts a Fire Spell on the boiler to raise the steam pressure. As the lights shine on the control panel below, the lift begins to move. However, as it nears the top, a pipe bursts knocking Arc into the shaft. Sereb lunges forward the catches him as the elevator begins to slow. Arc along with Sereb and Ember channel their magics to lift the elevator to the top. As the last of the Shards run off the elevator Ember grabs Arc and lunges off the elevator. It crashed back down the shaft as she and Minerva help the weakened Arc out of the cave’s mouth. An ear shattering blast is heard and felt. Arc pushes Ember aside as her throws himself over Minerva to protect her from the explosion. As they rise Ember helps Arc into the saddle. He turns to Minerva to ask about Cherry. Lying, she informs him that Hammer stole the helmet from her after the interview. Arc and his friends leave, as do the Shards. Dave and Minerva make their way back to their van. Sometime later Minerva returns to her apartment. Walking past the helmet as it continues to look out the window, she heads to the bathroom to wash away the evidence of her day and argue with herself regarding her choice to keep Cherry for herself.

Unfortunately, many questions remain unanswered. Will Arc’s squad have any lasting effects from the toxin? How will the town accept the retirement of their beloved mayor? What are Diva and Doctor Rieper up to? Will Frank ever recover? How will Arc’s mental health suffer from the loss of Cherry? Where did Rose go? Will Cherry learn the truth about Minerva’s deception? What is Diva’s endgame? What is so important that it was worth murdering the entire Shard gang? How will Minerva justify keeping Cherry from Arc?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Cleaning Up

Sereb walks down the driveway of Arc’s house as Ember walks beside him. Arc lies asleep in the saddle.

“How is he doing back there?”

Ember sighs. “Sleeping soundly… fortunately.”

“What do you mean?”

“You heard what Minerva said. She doesn’t have Cherry like Arc thought.”

Sereb nods. “All that time we spent at the station was a waste then.”

Ember sighs as they walk up the steps. “I guess. But I’m more worried about what Hammer’s doing to Cherry.”

Sereb growls. “Or what’s already been done to her.”

Ember purses her lips as she puts a hand on the doorknob. “Let’s not think about that.”

“Very well.”

The pair walk into the warm kitchen. A few moments later the sound of Arc’s squad running upstairs can be heard. They burst into the kitchen. Max is the first to see Arc’s unconscious form.

“Commander?!”

Hugh gasps. “What happened?!”

Ember frowns. “Diva happened.”

Viktor moves to help Ember. “When we lost contact we feared you three would be overcome down there!”

Sereb sighs. “We nearly were.”

Xenos grins. “I sure hope the commander showed that witch who she was messing with!”

Ember shakes her head. “We didn’t have a chance. She ran before we could take her down.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “We need to get Arc to bed. He used significantly more magical power than even I thought he had.”

“Right. Um… could you boys clean Arc up. I’d do it myself, but… you know.”

Max nods. “We understand.”

Xenos walks over to Sereb with Max and picks Arc up. “Come one, sir. We’ll get you in the shower right away.”

The pair help their superior upstairs as the rest follow closely behind. Ember heads to her room.

“I’ll meet up with you two after Sereb and I get a shower.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You and I?”

“Yes! We’re filthy! Let’s go.”

“Very well.”

The pair head to Ember’s bathroom. Sereb closes the door as Ember removes her dirty clothes. A small cloud of dust surrounds her as she tosses the garments into the hamper.

“I didn’t know I could get THIS dirty!”

Sereb shakes himself. “I as well.”

Ember turns on the water gets the temperature to her liking before stepping in. A stream of dark brown water snakes away from her toward the drain.

“Oh that feels GOOD!”

Sereb sighs as he stares at the closed bathroom door. “I am glad you are happy about cleaning yourself.”

Ember peeks through the shower curtain at him. “Is something wrong?”

“No. I am merely giving you some privacy.”

“Well, how are you supposed to get clean then?”

“I will wait until you are finished.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Get over here! I’ll help.”

“Would that not make you feel uncomfortable?”

“Why would it? We’ve bathed together at Light’s Hope plenty of times after training.”

“That is true. However, you are a human now.”

“Yes. But I’m still the same dragon on the inside. My outer skin doesn’t change who I am on the inside. So come over here and I’ll get you cleaned up.”

Sereb turns and walks over to the shower. “Very well. But only if my seeing your naked form would not cause you distress.”

“Just get in!”

He jumps in cautiously. Ember rubs him down with shampoo. Sereb sighs contentedly.

“That does feel good.”

“You’re even dirtier than I am!”

“My apologies.”

Ember chuckles. “If I wasn’t in here with you, I’d need another shower myself! Now sit up so I can wash your chest.”

Sereb rolls over onto his back. Ember lathers him up again as he looks up at her.

“You are… much different looking than you were before.”

“I guess. But I’m okay with that. Truthfully, I’m happier being a human than a dragon.”

“Are you now?”

“Yes.”

“Why is that?”

“I… I guess I just feel closer to Arc when I look like this.”

“But you are not as durable in that form. And you will most certainly age similarly to Arc.”

Ember nods. “That’s the best part. While I wish he and I could have known each other earlier in life… grown up together even! But at least we can have this much.”

“I don’t understand. What is it you want?”

“To live with him. To grow old with him. To… die as he will one day. I can’t imagine living for thousands of years after he’s gone.”

“That is a choice you will have to make for yourself, Ember.”

Ember sighs as she rinses Sereb’s coat again. “At least you can understand what I’m going through. You’ll probably live for millennia after Arc is gone.”

“If nothing kills me, yes.”

“Tell me something. What will you do?”

“After Arc dies?”

“Yes.”

“I will use what he taught me to protect and better my tribe. That and as long as I am Warchief, Equestria will have an ally in the Forsaken.”

Ember nods soberly. “The Dragon Lands will also ally themselves with Equestria under my reign as Dragon Lord.”

Sereb chuckles. “It seems Arc has chosen his friends well.”

“What are you talking about?”

“With us leading our respective nations, Equestria will be quite well protected after Arc’s eventual death.”

“You’re not saying he befriended us for THAT, are you?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. However, I am certain he has given the future significant thought. That and Arc deserves his eternal rest when it does come.”

Ember nods. “I know. He wants to be with his parents and Cherry again.”

“And he will. One day, that is.”

Meanwhile, Xenos removes Eidolon’s Ward and undresses Arc as Max gets the water temperature set.

“It’s been a while since the commander was in such a state, eh Xenos?”

“I’ll say. That mission must’ve really been something! I mean, his mana pool’s size has gotten to the point I just kinda figured we were past this.”

Max helps Xenos lay Arc in the tub. “So did I. But I guess this just goes to show that the commander is still mortal.”

Xenos nods as he grabs the bar of soap nearby. “It’s ironic. We’ve kinda been treating him like he was unstoppable.”

“I suppose so. But what can we do other than to just follow his orders?”

Xenos shrugs as Max pulls down the shower nozzle from its holster. “No idea. But he can’t keep doing things like this.”

Max sighs as he washes the loose dirt from Arc’s body. “I know. Miss Derpy and little Dinky would be heartbroken if anything happened to him!”

Xenos nods as he grabs a washcloth and gets a good lather going. “Right. Every Hero of Light I’ve ever read about was always a loner. They probably didn’t have a family waiting for them at home.”

“No way to know for sure, as their identities were always a secret. All we can do is watch his back and do what he tells us.”

“Yup.”

Sometime later there is a small knock at the door. Max stands to answer it. He finds Ember standing there holding some clean clothes which she hands over.

“I figures Arc’s clothes probably needed a good washing as much as he does.”

Max nods. “That they did.”

“Um… how is he?”

“Still out like a light. Xenos and I are almost done in here.”

Ember looks away sadly. “Okay. I… uh… guess I’ll wait in the room.”

Max nods and closes the door. Xenos looks up.

“What was that all about?”

“Just fresh clothes.”

“No, no! I mean her tone at the end there.”

“What are you talking about?”

“She sounded really sad. Didn’t you notice?”

“I suppose so. But she’s probably just worried about the commander.”

Xenos shakes his head. “That’s not it. I think Ember’s upset that she couldn’t keep him from coming to this state.”

“Maybe. Either that or she’s sad that she can’t be in here helping.”

Xenos chuckles. “That too.”

A short time later the pair shut the water off and pull Arc from the tub. They towel him dry and dress him. Max looks him over.

“That’s the best we can do.”

Xenos takes Arc’s arm as he puts his hand around his waist. “Let’s get him to bed then.”

“Good idea.”

They carry Arc to his parent’s room. Ember is waiting for them in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Xenos turns to her as they lay Arc down.

“There you go, sir. Clean and ready for bed.”

Max looks out the window. “The sun’s still high in the sky though.”

Ember sighs. “He needs to rest though. Trust me.”

Xenos turns to her. “We’ll let you tend to the commander, Ember.”

“Do you think he’ll be okay?”

Ember nods. “Yes. I’ll stay here and look after him.”

Xenos nods soberly. “Sure. We should get back to work now anyways.”

Max looks over from the doorway. “Ember?”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry.”

Ember nods as Max closes the door behind him. She walks over to the bed and looks down at her friend.

“Arc… what am I going to do with you?”

She smiles and traces Arc’s face with a finger before lying down and wrapping her arms around him.

“Rest well, Arc. You’ve earned it.”

Ember lightly kisses Arc’s cheek before closing her eyes and smiling.

“We’ll go back to searching for Cherry in the morning. You won’t stop looking for her, and neither will we.”

Meanwhile, Arc’s squad sits around their table downstairs. Hugh sighs.

“I can’t believe it! After all that, we aren’t any closer to finding Miss Cherry!”

Viktor nods soberly. “Yes. But we won’t give up!”

Xenos clenches a fist. “The commander is counting on us!”

Max grins. “Right! And we won’t let him down!”

Sereb comes down the steps and walks over to the farthest corner. Max turns to him.

“Sereb? What are you doing down here?”

Sereb frowns as he lies down on a rug. “Giving Ember and Arc some time alone.”

Xenos appears surprised. “Did he wake up?”

“He did not.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Then why…?”

“I did not wish the accidently overhear their conversation, should one occur.”

Viktor frowns. “Accidently?”

“Sensitive hearing is not something one can just turn off like a light. It is always active. Always… hearing things.”

Max looks confused. “Like what?”

“Everything in this house.”

Xenos grins. “Sounds cool!”

“I assure you it is not.”

Viktor puts a hand to his chin. “Such a skill would make us more valuable to the commander.” Maybe we’d be of more help to him.”

Sereb frowns. “Yes. But at what cost?”

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

“To constantly be eavesdropping on those around me is not something I enjoy. But I digress.”

Sereb turns his head toward the wall and sighs.

“I need a bit of a rest.”

Max nods understandingly. “Should we try to keep it down?”

“No. I do not require silence to sleep. In fact, background noise is preferable as it blocks out many things I do not wish to hear.”

Xenos turns back to his work. “Alright. Get some rest, Sereb. We’ll keep doing what we do.”

“Thank you.”

Meanwhile, Minerva steps out of the Bathroom. She sighs and walks back to the Living Room. Cherry calls out to her.

“Feeling better?”

Minerva drops down into a chair next to the helmet. “Not really.”

“That’s a shame. Usually a good shower helps the Hero sort things out in his head.”

“Really? I just thought he always had it all together.”

Cherry giggles. “Not always.”

“How does he make it happen then?”

“He does his best to go into each situation with a plan.”

“Every time?!”

Cherry sighs. “No. There have been quite a few half-baked plans. Some good, but most rely heavily on luck.”

“That has to be hard on you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Knowing he’s not thinking a situation through before jumping into it. Like at the apartment fire.”

“Hero had plan for that.”

“He did?!”

“Yes. He looked around for a few seconds and formulated it in his head.”

“You mean he PLANNED to get out through that manhole cover?!”

“No. His intentions were to enter through the roof, find the two survivors and go back the way they came.”

“Why didn’t he?”

“The hall to the roof hatch collapsed. There was no way out.”

“So he improvised?

“Not exactly. That was when that other human showed up.”

“That person in the blue cloak?”

“Yes.”

“But wasn’t that the woman from the mine?!”

“No. The one whom helped Hero and Dragon get out of the building was certainly a male.”

“Are you sure?!”

“That I am. Their voice was much deeper than Diva’s.”

Minerva frowns. “Diva. What exactly IS she?”

“We have no idea. The fact that she and the one whom led us to the apartment basement dress the same is most troubling.”

“So he’s a Shard then?”

“No. We’ve uh… seen him in numerous locations elsewhere.”

“What does that prove?”

Cherry thinks for a few moments before responding. “These locations were… very far from here.”

“He could’ve just been following you.”

“No likely. Only Hero can open the way back to our homeworld.”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! HOMEWORLD?! I thought he was human!”

“He is. But I’m not.”

“You mean you’re not now, right?”

Cherry sighs. “No. I… I never was.”

“Then what… what were you?”

“I was…”

Cherry sighs.

“You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“I caught a glimpse of you when I put the helmet on during the battle. Couldn’t really tell what you were though, as it happened so fast. All I remember was you looked, uh… angry.”

“I was. When you put me on, I felt so violated! The Hero is typically the only one whom I allow to wear me.”

“Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. I just kinda reacted back there.”

The pair are silent for a few moments.

“Minerva? Would you like to… see me?”

“See you?”

“What I really look like.”

“I would. Um… that is, if you’re okay with this.”

“That I am. As long as you promise not to tell everyone about me.”

Minerva nods. “I promise. What do I need to do?”

Cherry thinks for a moment.

“Well, I’m not sure if it will work, but… you and I may be able to meet in your dreams.”

“Dreams? How?”

“The Hero and I do this every night. He and I have a special place he calls our Sanctuary.”

“What is it exactly?”

“It’s some kind of sub-conscious realm. I’m not sure how he does it, and neither is he.”

Minerva sounds nervous. “Will… will he be there?”

Cherry sighs sadly. “No. Of that I’m certain.”

“How…?”

“He and I… we need to be in close proximity in order to connect. I’ve been going there every night since our separation in hopes of being able to see him again.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Sadly, I can go to our Sanctuary, but not see or hear him there.”

“Maybe he’s just not there?”

“He was, yes.”

“How could you tell?”

“I could… feel his presence.”

“Is it some kind of power he has?”

“Maybe. Or, more likely, it’s due to… um… our relationship.”

“Relationship?”

“Yes. It’s a very strong one. I could try to explain it, but it would be faster to just show you what I mean. That is, if you still want to.”

“It won’t hurt me, will it?!”

“You’ll be fine. We’re just going to meet subconsciously.”

“What do I have to do?”

“Take me to your room, put me on, and go to sleep.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes. I’ll try to do the rest. Not sure if it will work though. That is, if you’re still interested in seeing what I look like beyond this helmet.”

Minerva nods. “I am, Cherry.”

“Okay. Let’s go then.”

She picks Cherry up and walks to her room. Lying down on the bed Minerva looks at the helmet in her hands.

“Just put me on. I’ll do the rest.”

Minerva smiles and does as she is told.

“You sounded pretty tired earlier. Now I just need you to relax and let yourself sleep.”

Minerva rests her head on the pillow as she looks out the window. “Um… okay.”

Her eyelids slowly become heavy. Before long she loses consciousness. Opening her eyes to a warm breeze Minerva looks around to see herself standing on a small porch overlooking a large grove of cherry trees. A warm summer breeze blows through the leaves sending amazing smells into the air. She looks around nervously.

“Cherry? Are you here?”

Hearing nothing Minerva walks down the steps to the ground. She looks all around before turning back to look at the house itself..

“It seems kinda small. Maybe a fancy playhouse for children? No, it’s too well made for that.”

Cherry’s voice rings out behind her.

“You’re right. This is my home.”

Chapter 2 - The Sanctuary

Minerva stands up straight at the sound of Cherry’s voice but does not turn around as she responds nervously.

“Is… is that you, Cherry?”

“It is. I’m right behind you.”

Minerva turns around very slowly and looks down. Before her on the ground sits a figure covered in a dark black cloak.

“Cherry?”

“This is something the Hero often uses when he’s trying to conceal his presence or identity.”

“Okay. But why are you wearing it?”

“The truth is, I… I just wanted to say something first.”

“What is it?”

Cherry responds nervously. “I… don’t look like you, Minerva. Like I said before, I’m not a human.”

“That’s okay. What are you then?”

“It’s… difficult to explain.”

Minerva looks at the robed figure before her. “I can’t see your face. Even with the noonday sun overhead.”

“Yes, I did that. If you really want to see who I am, then you only need to ask.”

Minerva nods and takes a deep breath. “Okay, Cherry. I’m ready when you are.”

Cherry makes a small nod. She allows the black cloak to slip off her body and fall to the ground. Minerva gasps.

“You… you really aren’t a human!”

Cherry shakes her head as she sheepishly looks up at Minerva. “No, I’m not.”

Minerva falls to her knees to look Cherry in the eye. “What… are you exactly?!”

Cherry smiles nervously as she looks Minerva in the eye. “I’m a pony, my friend.”

“A horse?”

“Yes. An Earth Pony to be exact.”

Minerva looks Cherry over. “You’re so much smaller than a horse… pony back on Earth!”

“Is that a problem?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No, no! I was just making a comparison. So this is what you really look like?”

“Yes. At least it was.”

“Was?”

Cherry looks toward the house. “Why don’t I show you everything? Let you get to know my story. That is, if you can keep a secret.”

Minerva nods. “In this instance I can. After all, I don’t think anyone would believe me even if I did tell them.”

“Probably not. Let’s step to the side.”

“Huh?”

Minerva looks up to see three rough looking stallions running toward them. She instinctively jumps back as Cherry does the same.

“Who ARE they?!”

“Some of Buffalo Bull’s gang members.”

“Who?”

“A stallion who wanted to marry me.”

The front door opens. Cherry peeks out and immediately closes it. Minerva turns to Cherry, surprised.

“That was you!”

“Yes. I’m just showing you my memories. This happened some time back. Just watch.”

A few moments later the front door opens and Ember looks out coolly at the stallions.

“Who’s that?”

“Dragon.”

“She really looks like that?!”

“Well, she IS a dragon.”

A few moments later Arc, clad in Eidolon’s Ward, jumps out the window to flank the group. They run away.

“So the Hero saved you?”

Cherry nods. “Yes. But it didn’t stop there.”

The house fades away and is replaced with the Town Square. Every one of townsponies are there with Buffalo Bull and Cherry at the front of the group. Minerva raises an eyebrow.

“Um… are your feet in chains?”

Cherry sighs. “Yes. Buffalo Bull forced me to wear that dress and the chains.”

“So you married him?!”

“Not exactly. Watch.”

Suddenly the priest punches Buffalo Bull in the face. Minerva gasps.

“What the…?!”

Throwing away his robe as he catches his spear Arc stands tall over the stallions as Ember whisks Cherry to safety.

“That’s a relief!”

Cherry shakes her head. “There’s more.”

The pair suddenly find themselves in the chapel. Cherry lies on the floor badly injured along with Buffalo Bull. Minerva’s eyes grow wide.

“What happened?!”

“I tried to stop that beast and the Hero from fighting. The stallion hit me… HARD!”

Minerva nods as the scene fades away. “Did the Hero win?!”

“Yes. Buffalo Bull is still in prison for all he did.”

“Good!”

Cherry winces. “The next part is kinda… hard.”

The hospital room in Dodge Junction comes into view. Ruby sits next to Cherry’s bed.

“Who’s that?”

“My sister, Ruby. She’s looking after me while the Hero and Dragon arrange a train to come here to ferry me to his town some distance away.”

Minerva looks at the mare on the bed. “Are you… okay?”

Cherry shakes her head. “I’m dying.”

“WHAT?!”

“I urgently needed heart surgery to repair the damage. Unfortunately, the hospital in Ponyville was the closest one that could help me. The Hero paid a ton of money to a very wicked stallion for safe passage there.”

The hospital fades away as they return to the front of Cherry’s house. Minerva looks around to see the sun has already set and the stars have come out. She motions for Minerva to follow her.

“The surgery was a success. When I was strong enough, the Hero brought me home along with his friends.”

They walk through the front door and look at the couch. A mare and a shrouded figure lie on the couch together.

“Is he some kind of shadow?”

Cherry shakes her head. “No. But the Hero wouldn’t want anyone knowing his identity. You understand, right?”

“I suppose.”

Cherry looks back toward the couch. “In any case, I asked him to be my special somepony.”

“Is that like asking someone to go out with you?”

“Yes. But he refused.”

“He said no?! Then why are you two cuddled up together?!”

“Because of his reasoning behind the decision. You see, he was very busy with his job of protecting my homeworld. This was before his sojourn to Earth.”

“Is that why we don’t see him for weeks at a time?”

Cherry nods. “Yes. He and Dragon go back and forth. Later one evening I even asked him to marry me.”

“I assume he said no.”

Cherry sighs. “That’s right. For the same reasons as before.”

“Cherry, you’re a nice… mare, I guess. But why would you keep chasing someone who doesn’t have time for you?”

“You’ll see.”

The scene before them darkens and is replaced with the hospital room in the Crystal Empire. Silhouettes of Arc’s friends fill the room as Cherry lies on the bed with him.

“Sometime later the Hero himself was poisoned. His friends and family gathered here in what we thought would be the end of him.”

Minerva looks around the room at the shadows around them. “His friends are ponies too?”

“Yes. But I’m not sure they would want others knowing about them, so I blacked them out.”

“Makes sense.”

“A risky procedure was attempted, and was ultimately successful. I’ll leave the details out for now.”

As the scene recalibrates Arc kneels in front of Cherry with the ornate box. As it opens the gold and platinum engagement pendent comes into view. Minerva gasps.

“That’s the most beautiful pendant I’ve ever seen! Did you offer to marry him again?!”

Cherry shakes her head and blushes happily. “No. He asked me.”

“WHAT?!”

“There was a lot going on at the time, but he asked me nonetheless.”

“What about his duties?!”

“The Hero was planning to retire upon completing his mission on Earth. He and I were to be married at that time.”

“Just what IS his mission?”

“I’m sorry, Minerva. But that’s a secret.”

As the pair move closer to enjoy their first kiss the ground shakes as the yaks attack the gates some distance away.

“What’s going on?!”

“The invasion.”

The room resets as Cherry herself now lies in the hospital bed. Arc and his friends enter the room. Cherry shakes her head as Arc again shows her the pendant. Minerva frowns.

“Wait! Are you telling him no?!”

“There was an accident. As I was helping evacuate the city a wagon loaded with crates fell on me. It was pushed over by the stallion who was supposed to be protecting everypony.”

Cherry looks sadly over to the shadow of Arc.

“I lost my memories of the Hero that day.”

“Amnesia?!”

“Yes. As we flew home aboard his airship he explained his feelings to me. But in my current state I couldn’t return them. I… I called off the engagement, and he accepted. He could have forced me to marry him at that point.”

“Forced you? How?!”

“At that time he was our nation’s Lord Regent.”

“Like… your king?!”

Cherry nods. “Yes. You see our leaders had both fallen ill and could not rule the country. According to our nation Order of Succession the Hero of Light is next in line to sit on the throne.”

“Even though he’s not a pony?!”

“The law doesn’t specify species requirements, so he took the role.”

“Did your leaders recover?”

“Thanks to the Hero’s efforts, yes. He found a tome that contained the knowledge of how to heal them and defended the castle from an attack as the cure was being made. Eventually our princesses became strong enough to able to retake their thrones.”

The scene again darkens as the background changes to that of Canterlot Castle’s Ballroom. Luna and Cadance kneel before Arc as he puts their crowns back on their heads.

“Your… your leaders are much larger than you are.”

“They’re known as alicorns as they possess the strength of the Earth Pony, the flight of the Pegasus and the magic of the Unicorn.”

“It… I…”

Cherry points a hoof toward the door. Minerva turns to see a well-dressed Cherry leave the Ballroom.

“Something inside me back then just kinda felt kinda funny. I still didn’t remember my former fiancé, but I desperately wanted to! Going for a walk to clear my head I ran into some trouble.”

“Define ‘trouble’.”

“Look up at that balcony.”

Minerva does so just in time to see Cherry’s flailing body come crashing down onto a table. The guards hurry over as the party guests run out the doors. A moment later Arc rushes through an exterior door and over to her.

“I must’ve broken everything in the fall. It took all my strength to warn him of the assassin.”

“You were a distraction?!”

“Yes. The Hero called forth his armor just in time to deflect the crossbow bolt. Watch.”

As the bolt bounces harmlessly off Eidolon’s Ward, Minerva looks to the balcony to see a stallion jump off and fly straight at Arc. Moving deftly, Arc turns just in time to plant a fist in the traitor’s gut. A Magic Blade sticks out of his back.

“He got him!”

Wind Rider is thrown to the floor. He looks up to Arc as he holds his bleeding gut.

“Please... have... mercy, sir!”

Arc angrily points to Cherry. “What mercy did you show her?!”

“I... I...!”

Arc raises his arm. “You don't deserve to be my enemy... DIE HERE!”

He thrusts his Magic Blade into Wind Rider's heart. With a final gasp the traitorous stallion is no more. Doctor Whooves runs up with a small medical team. He quickly examines Cherry, sighs, and motions to a nurse.

“I'm sorry sir. She's bleeding internally almost everywhere. There's nothing I can do for her.”

The nurse gives the doctor a syringe. He injects the mare and stands back up.

“A strong painkiller is the best I can do. Please forgive me, miss.”

Arc drops to his knees as he takes Cherry in his arms.

“Cherry…”

She looks up at him, weakly.

“My love!”

“Cherry?! You... you remember me?!”

“Yes... I remember... everything. Meeting you... baking with you... loving you... wanting to... be with you.”

Arc squeezes Cherry’s hoof. There is desperation in his voice as the tears begin to flow.

“Cherry! Don't die! You're back to normal! You... you can't...!”

Cherry shakes her head sadly. “Nothing... can stop that now... my... love. Please... don't ever forget me... as I... forgot... you. Please... find... happiness... with... another...”

She coughs up a mouthful of blood. Arc shakes his head and squeezes his eyes shut.

“Cherry... I love you SO much!”

“Will... you... marry... me?”

Arc nods as she holds her hoof to his face. “The answer is yes, my dear!”

Cherry smiles and nods. “Take... care... of... Ruby... please.”

“I will! I promise! If she needs a place to live, I'll take her in myself! She'll always have a home and food to eat no matter what happens!”

Arc picks Cherry up and sets her on his lap. He wraps his arms around her and holds her close.

“This... this is what... was missing... from my... life. Your touch. One last... request...”

“Name it!”

Cherry looks up at Arc with her luminous green eyes. A small smile on her face.

“A... good... night... kiss.”

Arc wordlessly moves towards Cherry's face. The pair share a kiss for what feels like forever before Cherry pulls back and smiles up at him.

“Good... bye. I... will... always... lo... ve... y...o... u.....................”

Cherry's body goes limp. Tears stream down Arc’s face as he holds the love of his life to his chest.”

“Ch-Cherry... wake up. Cherry? CHERRY!!!”

The scene before them fades away. Cherry looks at the now empty spot where she and Arc had been sitting only moments ago. In a moment Cherry Hill Ranch reappears before them.

“I’m glad I was able to die in his arms with my memories intact. To be able to say… goodbye.”

“But you’re here! How is this possible?!”

“The jewel in his armor’s chest plate. Somehow it allowed my soul to enter into it. I was trapped there for some time… alone and unable to communicate with him.”

“I’m… sorry to hear that.”

“The Hero took my death very hard. I’m glad to be by his side again. Or more accurately, that I will be with him again soon.”

“You really love him, don’t you?”

Cherry nods as she turns to Minerva. “More than words can say. At the time of my death I didn’t feel the pain of my broken body any longer thanks to the shot from the doctor. But my heart ached at the thought of leaving him behind.”

Minerva walks over to Cherry and kneels down next to her. “That must’ve been hard on both of you.”

Cherry nods sadly. “Yes. My sister took it especially hard. She blamed him for my death, and even tried to badly hurt him.”

Minerva nods silently as Cherry continues.

“But… even through all her verbal and physical abuse he kept his promise. He stayed with my sister and cared for her through that trying time.”

“The Hero sounds like a… a wonderful person.”

“More than words can say! He’s done so much for my land! Even more than your own. I do wish you and he could meet and talk about these things face to face.”

Minerva looks away. “I’d… like that too.”

Cherry sighs as she shakes her head. “He’d never agree to that though.”

“Why not?”

“His identity along with his workload keep him very busy. I’m in his head all the time, but I try to stay quiet so he can concentrate.”

“Cherry… I… why?”

“Why what?”

“Why show me all this?”

Cherry smiles at her. “Because you’re my friend, Minerva. That and I trust you to not to tell anyone else about this. Regardless of whether or not they’ll believe you.”

Minerva looks down sadly. “It’s just… I’ve never had a friend like you.”

Cherry giggles. “You mean a horse?”

“No, that’s not it.”

Cherry puts a reassuring hoof on Minerva’s shoulder. “Then what is it?”

“I… it’s just… no one’s ever really stuck with me. Stayed by my side when things got hard.”

“Like back at the hospital?”

“Right! Usually when bad things happen everyone leaves you until the crisis blows over. Then they come back… sometimes.”

“Well, to be fair, I couldn’t have walked out on you back then. Even if I had wanted to do so.”

“Y-yeah, I guess not. But you didn’t let me give up and give in to the hopelessness that our situation certainly warranted.”

“I learned from watching the Hero to never give up. Even when things look really, REALLY bad!”

“Ever?”

“He never gave up on me. Not once! Sometimes we all just need a little encouragement to keep going.”

“Sometimes a LOT!”

“I suppose so. But what is it that’s bothering you, Minerva? You can tell me. We’re friends, right?”

“We are. But, I… I can’t!”

“Can’t tell me?”

“Right. Cherry, if you knew the truth, I don’t think you’d want to stick around.”

“I really doubt that. But…”

Minerva interrupts her. “Cherry, I’d like out of here.”

“Out of the Sanctuary?”

“Yes.”

“Is something…?”

“I don’t belong here! This is a special place for you and the Hero, after all! Now I… I just need to get out of here!”

“But… very well. Close your eyes.”

Minerva quickly does so. A moment later she finds herself back in her bed. Cherry calls out to her.

“Minerva, what’s wrong? Did I say something…?”

Minerva quickly removes the helmet and sets it down on the bed before getting up and hurrying out of the bedroom and into to the Bathroom. She turns on the sink and splashes water on her face as she mutters to herself.

“I… I can’t tell her the truth! Cherry would absolutely HATE me for what I did!”

Minerva wipes her face with a hand towel and tosses it into the hamper. She takes a few deep breathes as she looks back toward the door.

“I just don’t know what to do! What CAN I do?!”

Minerva hears Cherry calling out to her from the Bedroom. Walking slowly back to her room she stands in the doorway looking at the helmet. It is lying on its side pointed away from her.

“Cherry, I… um…”

“Minerva? What’s gotten into you?! Please set me upright!”

“O-okay.”

Minerva cautiously picks the helmet up and sets it on a table looking out the window.

“Are you alright?! Your hands are shaking, Minerva!”

“I just… I think I need some air.”

“Perhaps you just need to step out onto the patio.”

Minerva shakes her head as she walks to her dresser for more weather appropriate clothes.

“Um… I think I really just need to take a walk.”

“At this hour?”

“Yes.”

“At least take me with you!”

Minerva stops just inside the doorway. “I… I need some time to myself to… think about something.”

“Minerva, whatever is bothering you, I…”

Minerva’s voice breaks as she leaves the room. “Don’t worry, Cherry. I’ll… I’ll take good care of you.”

Cherry calls out after her. “Minerva! Wait!”

But Minerva does not stop. She heads to the bathroom to hastily change before grabbing her keys and purse. Putting a hand on the apartment door and looking back toward her open bedroom door, she sighs.

“I’ll figure this out, Cherry.”

Turning the doorknob Minerva steps out into the hall. After locking the door she takes the elevator to the first floor, pausing as she approaches the exterior door.

“Why do I feel like I’m leaving a child unattended?”

Shaking her head, Minerva leaves the building and starts walking down the street. The streetlamps are her only company as the roads are completely devoid of traffic of any kind. She looks around and sighs.

“I’ve never felt so utterly alone. Not even BEFORE I met Cherry. Is this really what friendship is all about?!”

She kicks a can down the sidewalk.

“When I found out she was in that helmet I was so scared she was some kind of poltergeist. Or that the Hero himself was inhabiting it somehow.”

Minerva continues walking with no true destination in mind.

“Cherry really should be with the Hero. After all, she loves him and he loves her, right? But… where would that leave me? After she leaves I’ll probably never see her again! Then I’ll be no better off than I was before!”

Passing a dark alley, a hand suddenly reaches out and grabs Minerva’s wrist as another covers her mouth.

Chapter 3 - Lost and Found

Minerva is roughly pushed into a brick wall as her purse is ripped from her shoulder by another thug as the first one holds her tightly.

“Hurry up!”

His partner goes through the purse haphazardly and hisses back. “I’m going as fast as I can!”

A few moments later he finds her billfold. Opening it he pulls out a wad of cash.

“Got it!”

His friend grins as he continues to hold Minerva against the wall. “Great! Uh… what do we do with her?”

The other thug looks up from the purse. “What do you mean?”

“Well, if I let her go she’ll run away screaming or something, right?”

The man tosses the purse aside and reaches into his jacket. “Here. Let me show you how it’s done.”

Pulling out a roll of duct tape he quickly ties Minerva’s hands behind her back before reaching down to do the same to her ankles. Ripping off a piece of tape around a foot long, he turns to his companion.

“Move your hand.”

The man does so. Minerva only has time to let out a small yelp before her mouth is covered with the tape. He roughly picks her up before tossing her behind some garbage cans at the end of the alley before the pair walk away.

“Wow, that WAS easy!”

“See? What did I tell you? And thanks to the lack of light, she never saw our faces. No witnesses, and we scored some easy cash!”

“Yeah! Now let’s see if we can find an open store that sells…”

He is cut short as a figure in a navy blue cloak and a strange looking white mask suddenly steps into the alley in front of them.

“Good evening, gentlemen.”

One of the thugs sizes him up. “Who… or what the heck are you supposed to be?!”

“A cop?!”

“You idiot! Cops down wear getups like that!”

He looks the figure up and down before pointing menacingly.

“You should probably turn around and walk away, chump.”

“Yeah, if you know what’s good for you!”

The cloaked figure chuckles. “Most amusing. I was about to say something very similar to you.”

One of the thugs pulls a switchblade. “We ain't got time for this! Get out of the way or get cut!”

“Certainly. Simply return what you stole and help that poor woman up and I’ll let you go.”

“No way! We stole this money fair and square!”

“Shut up! Now he knows what we did, you big dummy!”

“What do we do now?!”

“Take this clown out and make a run for it!”

He charges at the masked figure before him with his friend. The robed figure reaches out a hand and catches the first thugs fist, effortlessly stopping it.

“What the…?!”

Twisting his arm the figure easily brings the thief to his knees. Minerva peeks out from behind the garbage can to watch.

“Hey! Let go of my pal!”

Lunging at the robed figure the second thug quickly finds himself backhanded and knocked into the wall. The first thug looks up at him as the figure looks down. He appears terrified.

“Who ARE you?!”

“Just a bad dream.”

The figure steps back and kicks the thug in the head. He falls to the ground next to his partner in crime. Minerva fearfully leans back against the wall out of sight. The sound of heavy boots slowly walking toward her echo down the alley. A moment later the figure stops and slowly turns to her.

“Are you all right, Miss Moore?”

Minerva does not move. The figure kneels down in front of her. She tries to get away but falls on her side.

“Let me help you.”

Squeezing her eyes shut Minerva tries to squirm away, but only finds the cold wall. A moment later she feels the tape on her ankles loosening.

“I’m not going to hurt you. Just be still for a few more moments.”

Minerva fearfully nods as the figure helps her sit up. Reaching behind her, the tape around her wrists is quickly removed. She begins tugging at the tape over her mouth feebly.

“Your hands and feet might be a little numb. Those bonds were pretty tight. Shall I remove the tape from your mouth?”

Minerva nods, still looking frightened. The figure grabs the corner of the tape and gives it a quick but firm tug.

“AH!”

She rubs her mouth tenderly.

“That’s going to leave a mark.”

The figure stands up and extends a hand to Minerva.

“Let’s get you off that cold ground.”

Minerva looks up at him. “Who… who are you?

“I have many names. But you may just know me as Wiseman.”

Minerva cautiously takes his gloved hand. Wiseman helps her stand.

“Can you walk, Miss Moore?”

Minerva limps slightly. “I think so. How do you know who I am?”

“I’ve seen you on television numerous times.”

He turns back to the thugs and walks over to them. Minerva grimaces.

“What are you doing? Finishing them off?!”

Wiseman shakes his head as he kneels down. “No. Just checking their pockets.”

Minerva hobbles over. “For their IDs?”

Wiseman shakes his head as he turns around. “For this.”

He holds up a wad of cash.

“I do believe this belongs to you.”

Minerva nods and takes the money cautiously. “Th-thank you. Now all I have to do is find my purse.”

Wiseman looks around the dark alley for a moment.

“There it is.”

Reaching out a hand he pulls the purse to himself. As it floats into his palm he extends it to Minerva.

“There you are.”

Minerva takes it, her eyes wide. “How…? How did you DO THAT?!”

Wiseman chuckles as he turns back to the thieves. “Just a little trick I picked up many years ago. Check your purse and make sure they didn’t take anything else.”

Minerva quickly goes through her billfold as she puts away the money.

“My driver’s license is gone!”

“Let me see if he has it.”

A moment later Wiseman tosses the card to Minerva.

“There you are.”

“Thanks… uh… Wiseman was it? I wonder what they wanted with this.”

“Hopefully this man was merely a collector, as your home address is clearly printed on there.”

“That’s not reassuring!”

Wiseman holds up a stack of licenses. “Looks like I was correct.”

“Why would anyone…?”

“…steal those? Probably just as a souvenir. A very foolish move on his part.”

Wiseman stands up and looks at the IDs a moment before tossing then onto the chest of the thug whom had them and turning to Minerva.

“Why don’t we get something warm in you? There’s an all-night diner a little ways from here.”

Minerva nods as she shivers. “Sure. I could go for a coffee right now. You?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll pay for it.”

Wiseman shakes his head as he holds up a few bills in his gloved hand and tosses the thug’s wallet. “No. He’s buying.”

A swirl of light envelopes the pair momentarily. As it clears Minerva sees they are in front of a small roadside diner. She turns to Wiseman.

“How did we…?!”

Wiseman walks toward the building. “This way, Miss Moore.”

Minerva follows Wiseman inside the empty diner. They walk over to a booth near the back and sit down. A waitress walks over to them with two menus. She looks skeptically at the pair.

“What can I get you to start?”

Minerva turns to her. “I’ll just have a coffee. Decaf please.”

Wiseman nods. “The same.”

He holds out the money to the waitress.

“Keep the change.”

The waitress nods. “Thanks.”

She walks away to get their order. Wiseman stands up.

“Please excuse me a moment.”

He steps over to the pay phone and dials a number. After speaking to someone softly on the other end he sits back down across from Minerva.

“The police will take care of those thugs.”

“You were calling them?”

Wiseman nods. “Can’t let litter like them lie around. Someone has to clean up the trash.”

“Shouldn’t we go back there? The police might think THEY were the victims!”

Wiseman shakes his head. “With that stack of IDs next to them and the duct tape in their pocket it’s pretty obvious they’re thieves.”

“How can you be so sure?!”

“Those people probably reported their own altercations with those two. The police can certainly put two and two together. However I can tell there’s something else you want to talk to me about.”

Minerva nods. “I know you!”

“Do you now?”

“You were at the apartment fire some time back, weren’t you?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “From where I stood it looked like pretty much the whole town showed up.”

“True. But you were the only one who jumped across the street to get inside.”

“Guilty as charged.”

The waitress returns with two steaming cups of coffee. She sets them down and walks back to the counter as Minerva continues.

“So you must be friends with the Hero of Light then.”

“We’ve met. But I wouldn’t call us friends.”

He picks up the coffee and looks it over as Minerva watches him intently. Putting the mug to his mask the cup phases right though.

“Okay, that’s just plain creepy!”

“You were hoping to see my face, weren’t you?”

“I was.”

“Sorry to disappoint.”

“Well then, why don’t you tell me what you were doing hanging around that alley in the wee hours of the morning?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “I couldn’t sleep and decided to go for a walk. Same as you I would imagine, Miss Moore.”

Minerva narrows her eyes. “You stalking me?”

“No. Just doing my part to keep the streets clean.”

He takes another sip of his coffee and looks again to Minerva.

“After all, someone whom takes that which does not belong to them is not something I’m willing to tolerate.”

Minerva looks away nervously. “Wha-what do you mean?”

“I believe you already know.”

“Sorry, but I don’t really understand.”

“Lying is another aspect of life which I find reprehensible.”

Minerva sighs.

“So you know about it, huh?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“Everyone who watched your broadcast that day saw it. As did those who caught the evening news.”

“So probably the entire town.”

Wiseman nods as he takes a long sip of his coffee. “More or less.”

“More or less?”

“It also aired in Farburg and all nearby towns.”

“Oh…”

“A fight of that magnitude is not something that is seen every day. Frankly I’m surprised no one’s come looking for you. Cherry would be quite the prize to a collector. To say nothing for…”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “Ch-Cherry?! How do you know that name?!”

“I’ve spoken to both her and the Hero in the past. They’ve been on more adventures together than you know.”

Minerva looks down at her coffee, sadly. “She told me their story. How they met, how she fell in love with him and… and how she… died.”

“You’re conflicted, yes?”

“I know her place is with the Hero. Protecting him as he fights for us all. But… but he has other allies! And I don’t have anyone else in my life! Cherry’s the first real friend I’ve ever had the pleasure of making!”

“If you truly viewed her as a friend you would do what is in HER best interest. Not your own.”

Minerva sighs as she looks out the window. “My head knows you right. But my heart still wants to keep her with me.”

Wiseman nods as he looks out the window at the moon. “I know you will do the right thing, Minerva. For her, and for yourself.”

Minerva turns to look back at Wiseman. “But how can I…?!”

She looks all around, but Wiseman is nowhere in sight.

“What the… how did he…?”

Minerva sighs and stands up. She walks over to the payphone, inserts a coin, and begins dialing. Part way though she hangs up the receiver and turns back to her table. Picking up her purse she walks out the door muttering to herself.

“I guess I still have some thinking to do.”

Walking out to the parking lot Minerva looks around in an attempt to get her bearings.

“Looks like town is a mile or so down the road. Guess I’d better start walking.”

A cold rain begins to fall as the confused young woman makes her way back toward Angel Grove. Meanwhile, Cherry looks out at the rain pelting the window and sighs.

“Minerva. Where did you go? And why did you leave so suddenly? Was it something I said?”

Cherry is silent for a time before beginning to cry.

“I… I never meant to hurt your feelings, my friend! Please come back!”

She sits on the table sadly for two more hours. Eventually she hears the sound of a key sliding into the apartment door’s lock. A moment later the front door opens and footsteps slowly walk toward the Bedroom. Minerva enters her room, soaking wet. She doesn’t appear to notice or even care about the mess she’s making on the floor.

“Minerva? Is that you?”

The young woman says nothing as she picks the helmet up and turns the faceplate towards herself.

“There you are! What happened?! Your soaking wet!”

Minerva stares at the helmet for a long time. Eventually she walks over to her bedside and kneels down.

“What… what are you doing?”

Minerva slowly opens the lower drawer she kept the helmet in originally upon finding it. She slowly lowers Cherry into it as she smiles wickedly.

“Don’t you worry, Cherry. I’ll keep you safe.”

The helmet shudders as is comes to rest on the bottom of the drawer. “I don’t like this!”

Minerva giggles manically. “No one will be able take you away from me my friend! EVER!!!”

The fear is evident in Cherry’s voice. “Minerva, please! Don’t lock me in here again!”

Minerva slowly closes the drawer and sits there unmoving. The only sounds to be heard are the raindrops hitting the window panes and Cherry’s muffled sobs. Minerva shakes as she turns to look away.

“I… it needs to be this way. It HAS to!”

Cherry’s muffled voice comes from the closed drawer, frantically. “Whatever I did to you, I’m sorry! Please let me out! PLEASE!!!”

Minerva looks back at the drawer. She appears unable to looks away even for a moment as Cherry’s cries echo through the room. Suddenly Minerva puts her face in her hands and begins to cry herself, adding her own sobs to that of Cherry’s. Without warning, she whips open the drawer and grabs the helmet. Pulling it to her chest Minerva wraps her arms around it as she cries uncontrollably.

“Oh Cherry! You haven’t done anything wrong! I… I’m the one who’s sorry!”

She falls backwards onto the floor still holding the helmet in her arms. The pair continue sobbing for some time before Minerva is finally able to speak.

“I’m sorry, Cherry! I’m so, SO SORRY!”

Cherry composes herself, but continues sniffling. “It’s okay! You haven’t done anything to apologize for, my friend!”

Minerva bursts into fresh hysterics.

“But… but I HAVE!!!”

“Whatever it was, I’m sure you’re sorry. Right?”

Minerva nods fervently. Her face flushed with emotion.

“YES! I… I’m sorry for what I’ve done to you!”

Cherry sounds confused. “What do you think you’ve done?”

“I lied to you, Cherry!”

“About what?”

“About my day! I…”

Minerva takes a few moments to compose herself before continuing.

“…I wasn’t truthful about what really happened!”

“All you did was fill out paperwork at the station, right?”

“No! I… I started to, but… something came up!”

“What was it?”

“A tip about the Shards. They were at an abandoned mine just outside town.”

“But you couldn’t have known that would happen. That and you had no way of contacting me to let me know you’d be late.”

“That’s not it! I… um… I…”

“Minerva?”

“I SAW HIM!!!”

The woman bursts into tears yet again.

“Saw the Hero?”

“YES! He was at the mine!”

“I… I don’t understand. If he knows I’m here why didn’t he come and get me?”

“He… um… he did ask about you. But I… I just…”

“Minerva? What did you tell him?”

“I told him… I told him you were taken!”

“What?!”

“I said the Shard Lieutenant from the hospital had run over after the broadcast and grabbed you.”

“You… you LIED TO HIM?!”

“YES! YES, I DID!”

Minerva turns away, unable to look at Cherry as she cries.

“Why… why would you DO that to me, Minerva! I thought we were friends! Or was that a lie too?!”

Minerva turns her head back to the helmet. “We are! The very best I’ve ever had the pleasure of having! That’s why I did this!”

“What are you talking about?!”

“I thought that if I told the Hero the truth he’d rush right over here and take you away from me!”

“That’s what I want! To be able to be with the one I love! To go home! Don’t you want the same for me?!”

Minerva shakes her head furiously. “NO! I’ll… I’ll just be alone again!”

Cherry sighs. “Minerva, just because we’re friends doesn’t mean we have to spend every second of every day together. Both of us have our own lives to lead and other friends to spend time with.”

“Well, I don’t.”

“WELL, I DO! The Hero needs me to protect him!”

“You’re right, Cherry. I need to fix this.”

“Just tell the Hero where I am next time you see him.”

Minerva suddenly stands up. A serious look crosses her face. “I can do better than that. Come on, Cherry.”

Cherry calls out at Minerva picks her up. “Where are we going?”

“I need you to trust me, my friend. Now I know you don’t have any reason to do so, but… please.”

Cherry is silent for a time.

“I don’t really have a choice here, do I?”

“Not really. But it would make this feel a lot better if you were to come along willingly.”

“Very well, Minerva. But you should probably change out of those wet clothes before we head out.”

“I’ll do that later. We need to get moving.”

Cherry sighs. “Okay. Let’s go.”

Grabbing her purse, Minerva heads to her front door and steps outside. She turns to lock it before taking the elevator down to the parking garage and getting into her car. Setting Cherry carefully on her lap.

“I’m glad I filled up the tank the other day.”

Putting the key in the ignition Minerva pulls out of the parking garage and continues down the road. Sometime later Ember is awakened to the sound of the bedroom door opening. Sereb jumps on the bed and puts his paws on her shoulder.

“Ember, wake up!”

Ember frowns. “I AM awake, fur bucket! What is it?!”

Arc opens his eyes. “Yes, Sereb. Do tell.”

“Sereb! You woke him up!”

“My apologies, but this is urgent!”

Arc looks to the wolf. “What is it?”

“Rose told me to get you! She claims to have found Cherry!”

Arc sits up quickly. “WHAT?! Why didn’t you say so earlier?!”

“Well…”

Arc jumps up and runs downstairs as fast as he is able. Ember and Sereb follow as best they can. Entering the Living Room he finds Rose standing there waiting for him.

“Arc, you should be careful. You have yet to fully recover from…”

“Sereb says you know where Cherry is!”

Rose nods. “Yes. I have her signature.”

“Really?! Where is she?!”

Rose turns to the exterior door. “Walking slowly up the front steps.”

Ember shakes her head. “What?! It’s just not possible for her to…”

She is cut off as Arc runs to the front door and throws it open. He barely has time to react as a soaking wet young woman falls into his arms. She holds a familiar helmet in her arms. Arc picks her up and carries her into the house. Ember’s eyes grow wide as the illumination from the light falls on the young woman’s face.

“Minerva Moore?!”

Sereb frowns. “How did she find us?”

Arc lays her on the couch and takes the helmet from her arms.

“Cherry?! Can you hear me?!”

Cherry giggles happily. “Yes! I’m finally home!”

Chapter 4 - Worried Sick

Arc wraps both arms around his helmet.

“CHERRY! I missed you SO much!”

“And I missed you too, my love! But right now I need you to help my friend.”

Ember frowns. “Who?”

“Minerva.”

Sereb puts his paws on the side of the couch and looks into the young woman’s face. “What is wrong with her?”

Arc turns to her. “Is she sick?”

“I believe she’s just exhausted. That and taking a walk through the rain certainly didn’t help her any.”

Ember gasps. “Wait! She WALKED over here?!”

“No. We drove.”

Arc looks at the water dripping off the couch. “Then why is she so wet?”

“It’s kinda a long story. Ember, can you please change her?”

Ember nods as Arc hands Rose his helmet. “I guess.”

Arc picks Minerva up and heads for the stairs. “Let’s bring her upstairs. We can find her something a bit drier to wear.”

They proceed up the steps together. Sereb runs ahead to fetch a towel. Arc lays Minerva on the bed as Ember heads over to the dresser.

“What should I dress her in?”

“Get some pajamas.”

“Okay. Can I get a hand, Rose?”

“Of course.”

Arc retrieves his helmet from Rose before heading for the door. Sereb walks in levitating a couple towels with his magic as Arc walks past.

“I’ll let you two get to it then. Stay with them, Sereb.”

“What?”

“If Minerva wakes up put her back to sleep. Rose will tell you if she stirs.”

Rose nods. “That I will.”

“Very well.”

Arc closes the door behind him. Rose holds Minerva up as Ember begins undressing her. Ember frowns as she pulls the young woman’s pants off.

“She’s really soaked clean through!”

Rose nods as Ember tosses the pants aside and starts unbuttoning the young woman’s blouse. “That she is. I get the feeling there’s quite the story behind that.”

Sereb nods soberly. “I hope Miss Cherry lets us in on it later.”

Ember grabs a towel and gently dries Minerva’s naked body. “So do I. But I get the feeling she and Arc are going to want some alone time first.”

Rose helps dry the woman with the other towel. “Yes. Perhaps tomorrow we can talk about it.”

A short time later Sereb opens the bedroom door and peeks his head out.

“She’s dressed, Arc. We…”

Sereb stops talking as he sees Arc plant a kiss on the side of his helmet as it giggles. He slowly turns to Sereb.

“You saw nothing. Understand?”

The wolf nods and steps back as Arc reenters the room. He quickly puts his helmet in his ring. Minerva lies on the bed in a pair of pajamas and socks.

“Thanks you two.”

He turns to Rose.

“How is she?”

“Unconscious, but otherwise fine. I do believe Miss Cherry was right in the assumption that she merely pushed herself too far.”

Ember grins. “Who else do we know that does that? I can’t seem to recall.”

“Ha, ha. In any case, we need to get her out of here.”

Cherry calls out from Arc’s head. “We do?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because I don’t want her knowing where we live. She’s a reporter, remember? We’ll have camera crews outside all the time.”

Sereb sighs. “That would certainly endanger the mission.”

Rose nods. “Yes. But what can we do with her?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“Did anyone happen to see her purse?”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t think she came in with one.”

Cherry calls out. “It’s still in her car. Why?”

“I have an idea, but we need her purse to make it work.”

Rose heads for the door. “I’ll get it.”

“Thanks.”

She returns a few minutes later with the purse under her arm. Arc takes it.

“Good. Now then, let’s see here…”

Opening it, Arc rummages around for a few moments before pulling out a billfold. Cherry calls out.

“What are you doing?”

“Just looking for some information. Here we go! Minerva’s driver’s license.”

“What good will that do?”

“It has her address on it. We’ll take her home and put her to bed.”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “Now?”

“Yeah. Think you could tag along, Rose?”

“Sure.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I’ll come with you as well.”

Ember grins. “Me too!”

“Okay. Let me grab my armor and we’ll get going then. Uh… anyone know where it is?”

Sereb nods toward the door. “In the basement.”

Rose giggles. “Your squad and I cleaned it for you.”

“Thanks.”

Arc walks quickly downstairs and heads for the basement. He spots his armor hanging on a rack in the corner. His squad sleeps peacefully in their bunks. Arc looks to them as he returns his armor to the ring.

“Thanks you guys.”

Heading quietly back upstairs, Arc returns to his room. Picking Minerva up they head downstairs. Ember carries the purse.

“Ember, see if you can find her car keys in there.”

“I’m on it.”

Cherry giggles. “She left them in her car.”

“Really?”

“Yes. She was pretty tired when we found the place. “

Rose looks confused. “Found?”

“Angel Groove is quite complicated to me. I never actually learned any street names or addresses.”

Ember sighs. “I thought so too when I came here the first time. Are all cities on Earth so… big?”

Arc lies Minerva on the couch to put on his coat. “Some are, yes. Truthfully, this is a pretty small town, so it’s fairly straightforward when compared with other larger cities.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “I can always find my way back due to my sense of smell and direction.”

Ember turns to him as she wraps a blanket around Minerva. “Really? You don’t read signs?”

“…they do help.”

Cherry giggles. “I’ll try to learn in the future.”

Arc picks the sleeping woman up and heads for the front door. “Good idea. But for now let’s get Minerva home.”

They step outside. A frigid drizzle is falling as Arc puts Minerva in the back seat of her car. Ember buckles the woman into her seat and looks to Arc.

“That’s a cold rain!”

Rose nods as she gets into the passenger seat. “The weatherman says it should start warming up in a day or so.”

Arc sighs as he gets in the driver’s seat and closes his door. “I hope so. It’s almost time for spring.”

Sereb hops in. “I too look forward to the days becoming longer and warmer.”

Ember nods as she sits down in the back seat and buckles up. “Why, Sereb? So you can sun yourself in the window again?”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “Wait, what?”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Thank you for voicing that, Ember.”

“Anytime.”

Arc smiles as he pulls Minerva’s license out of his pocket. “You do what you want, Sereb. Cherry and I have done that very thing in out Sanctuary. But let’s focus on getting Minerva home safely.”

He backs the car out of the driveway and they begin the drive. Rose looks around at the vehicle’s interior.

“This vehicle is nothing like yours, Arc.”

Ember nods. “Yes. It’s definitely more posh.”

Sereb sniffs the seat. “Minerva must do well for herself to be able to afford such luxurious travel accommodations.”

Cherry calls out again. “From what I’ve seen she does pretty well for herself. However all the bits in the world can’t buy some things.”

Ember turns to him. “Really? Like what?”

Arc smiles as he looks in the rear view mirror. “Good companions for starters.”

Rose nods. “Nor can it be used to purchase feelings of endearment.”

“What?”

Sereb chuckles. “Love.”

Ember looks away as she blushes. “I knew that!”

Arc nods. “Sure you did.”

A short time later they arrive at the address. Ember looks out the window.

“This is a pretty big place!”

Sereb nods. “Very.”

Rose leans forward. “Are you certain this is where Minerva lives, Arc?”

Arc nods as he looks over the address on the license again. Looks like it. According to this anyways. Let’s just hope it’s current.”

Ember looks around. “Where do we park?”

Arc points to a sign. “There’s an underground parking ramp over there. Let’s check that out.”

He maneuvers the car toward the ramp entrance. A mechanical arm blocks their way as Arc looks out the window at a monitor.

“It says we need a resident passkey.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“A card with a chip in it.”

Sereb looks to Rose. “Perhaps there is one in her purse?”

“Right. Let me see her bag, Ember.”

Ember hands Rose the purse. “Here you go.”

She rummages around looking for the key before pulling something out.

“Here we are!”

Sereb frowns. “Are you certain? That looks nothing like a key to me.”

Rose hands the card to Arc. “Yes. It’s the only thing in here that contains computer components.”

Arc rolls down the window and swipes the card. The light turns green as the arm raises. Sereb stares out the window as they drive into the underground lot.

“There are some very nice looking vehicles in here.”

Rose nods. “Yes, there are.”

Ember turns to Arc. “So… do we just park anywhere?”

“A swanky place like this probably has reserved parking. Let’s see…”

He checks the ID again for her room number and compares it to the signs on the wall.

“Looks like she has a spot ahead and to the right.”

They quickly find the area assigned to Minerva. Arc pulls the car in and shuts it off before turning to Ember.

“How’s she doing?”

“She hasn’t so much as moved since we left the house. Are you sure she’s really okay, Rose?!”

Rose nods. “Her vitals are consistent with one whom is experiencing extreme fatigue. I am however detecting a slight viral infection in her.”

Sereb looks at Minerva as they get out of the car. “So she is sick?”

Arc shrugs. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she was. Walking around in this kind of weather without an umbrella would do that to anyone.”

Cherry sighs as Arc picks Minerva up. “We should get her upstairs quickly!”

Ember nods as they walk over to the elevator. “Yeah. I want to get home as much as any of us at this point.”

Sereb frowns. “Agreed.”

“Patience everyone.”

Rose looks to him. “I’m sensing you’re agitated as well, Arc.”

Ember grins at him as the elevator doors open. “Anxious to get home with Cherry are we now, Arc?”

Arc smiles. “Yeah.”

They step inside the elevator. Arc presses a button.

“Looks like her apartment is on the top floor.”

Rose looks through the glass wall of the elevator overlooking the city. “We’re so high up! This structure is an engineering marvel!”

Arc nods. “It’s one of the tallest buildings in Angel Grove. A lot of the town’s business owners live here.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Do they now?”

“Yup. Think of it as the high rent district.”

Sereb joins Rose in looking out at the city. “Similar to Canterlot?”

“I guess.”

The bell dings as the doors open. Arc and company step out and look at the sign together. Ember looks around.

“Which way?”

Cherry calls out. “Left, left, then right.”

Arc sounds surprised. “Cherry?”

“I memorized how to get from the garage to the apartment.”

“Handy! Let’s go everyone.”

Following Cherry’s directions they quickly find Minerva’s apartment.

“Here we are. Rose you have her keys, right?”

Rose opens the purse and pulls out a keyring. “Right here. I’ll get the door open.”

Trying a few keys Rose eventually finds the right one. The door swings open. Ember walks in first to find the lights. Finding a switch near the door she flicks it.

“There we go.”

The others enter the apartment as Sereb closes the door behind them. Arc is the first to speak.

“This really is nice!”

Cherry giggles. “You can admire it later. Let’s get Minerva to bed.”

“Right, Cherry. Uh…”

“The hall ahead and to your right. It’s the door at the end.”

Arc quickly finds the room. He lays Minerva down, unwraps her, and covers her with a different blanket before feeling her forehead.

“She feels kinda warm.”

Rose nods. “Her internal temperature is rising.”

Sereb frowns. “She is worsening?”

Cherry calls out. “I believe so, yes. What do you think, Arc?”

“Let me see…”

Leaning down Arc puts his ear to Minerva’s chest for a moment before straightening up.

“She sounds a bit wheezy in the lungs.”

Ember looks confused. “What does that mean?”

“It means she’s sick.”

“Should we call a doctor?!”

“I don’t think so, Cherry.”

Rose nods. “Agreed. Her condition is being caused by a virus. Equestrian medicine has no cure for such a thing.”

Arc sighs. “Same here on Earth. You just kinda have to ride it out and treat the symptoms.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “So do we just leave her here?”

“I guess so. She’ll be okay, right?”

Arc nods. “With some rest, yes.”

Cherry sighs. “Um… Arc?”

“Yes, Cherry?”

“I… I’d like to stay here with Minerva.”

Ember frowns. “What?!”

Rose gasps. “But Arc just got you back, Miss Cherry!”

“I know that, but… Minerva really needs someone to take care of her right now.”

Arc sighs heavily. “Cherry. I…”

“Arc, she took care of me. Now I need to return the favor.”

“I was just going to say that’s fine.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“But I’m not leaving you here. I’ll stay as well.”

Ember looks serious. “Are you sure, Arc?”

Rose nods. “Right. If Minerva wakes up she might see your face!”

“I’ll keep my magic cloak and mask on. She won’t be able to identify me.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Ember, I want you, Rose, and Sereb to take this portal back home. I’ll catch up with you three later.”

“Well… okay.”

Rose nods. “I will inform your squad in the morning when they awaken.”

“Thanks.”

Sereb turns to him. “We will call if something comes up.”

“I know you will. Good night everyone.”

The trio walk through the portal and are gone. Arc yawns as Cherry turns her attention back to him.

“You should get some rest, Arc. I’m sure you’ve had quite a hard time since I last saw you.”

Arc nods and rubs his forehead. “That I have. But I want to check Minerva’s temperature before I go to bed.”

“Do you think she has a thermometer around here somewhere?”

“Probably in the bathroom. Which way is it?”

“Out the door, first door on your left.”

“Okay. Let’s go see.”

They head for the Bathroom. Arc opens the medicine cabinet and pulls something out.

“Here it is.”

“That’s a thermometer? “

“Yup. I know it’s a bit different than we have back in Equestria, but it does the job.”

Arc returns to the Bedroom. He carefully opens Minerva’s mouth and puts the device under her tongue. Cherry sounds nervous as she speaks.

“Now we wait?”

“Yes.”

“How long?!”

“Probably about a minute. It’ll beep when it’s done.”

“I’m really worried about her! Are you sure Rose is right about her condition?!”

“Probably. Twilight was the one who programmed her, after all.”

“I suppose so. But I can’t help but worry about…”

The thermometer beeps. Arc pulls it out of her mouth and reads it.

“Looks like she has a fever.”

“Is 101 degrees bad?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Normal body temperature for a human is 98.6, after all.”

“I’ll stay up and keep an eye on her. Can I have your helmet back please?”

“And what if something should happen?”

“Then I’ll call out for you.”

“I have a better idea.”

Arc calls forth his armor.

“Let me out, Cherry.

She does so. The front of the armor melts away allowing Arc to step out. He turns to Eidolon’s Ward. Smiling he puts a hand on one of his armor’s pauldrons.

“Now you can actually help Minerva if she needs it.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks down at her gauntlets. “Thank you! I will!”

She takes his hand and leads him out of the room.

“Let’s get you set up here on the couch, Arc. I’d put you in bed with Minerva, but I don’t know how she’d take that.”

Arc blushes. “Yeah. Um… humans don’t usually sleep next to strangers.”

“I’ll see if I can find you a pillow and a blanket.”

“Thanks.”

Eidolon’s Ward returns to Minerva’s room. She grabs one of the pillows off the bed and a blanket from the closet.

“This will have to do.”

She returns to the Living Room and gives Arc the bedding.

“Thanks, Cherry.”

“You’re welcome. Well, I’ll let you get some rest now.”

Arc calls after her as she turns toward the bedroom.

“Cherry?”

“Yes?”

Arc smiles at her. “I’m really glad you’re okay.”

“And I’m happy you’re safe! Thank you for understanding. I know you wanted to spend some time with me in our Sanctuary.”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “Was it that obvious?”

“Yes. But don’t worry! I’ll have plenty of time for you in the future.”

“I understand. You just want to help Minerva.”

“That I do. Good night my love.”

“Good night.”

Arc lies down as his armor heads back to the bedroom. Spying a chair in front of the vanity Cherry picks it up and heads for Minerva’s bedside. Minerva coughs and shivers in her sleep. Cherry pats her friend’s forehead tenderly with a damp cloth.

“You watched over me when I was lost, scared and alone. Now it’s time for me to do the same for you, my friend.”

Chapter 5 - Untrustworthy

Early the next morning Minerva slowly opens her eyes and looks out the window. The sun has long since risen and a cold rain pecks at the glass. She sits up slowly and puts a hand to her forehead.

“What… happened?”

Frowning, she tugs at the night shirt.

“These aren’t my clothes.”

Minerva looks around the empty room for a few moments.

“I’m home?”

She sniffs the air.

“Breakfast? Is it perhaps the neighbors? No, they’re never up this early.”

A chill runs down Minerva’s spine.

“Did… did I go home with someone last night?!”

She thinks for a moment.

“Well, they can’t be that bad a bedmate. After all they gave me something to wear and drove me home.”

Minerva puts a hand to her forehead.

“My head! I must’ve had WAY too much to drink last night. But… wait! I… I didn’t have anything last night! Cherry?!”

The sound of footsteps approaching can be heard echoing down the hall. Minerva gulps nervously as she calls out.

“Who… who’s there?!”

The bedroom door opens and Eidolon’s Ward enters the room. Minerva screams and falls backwards off the bed to peer over the bedspread.

“H-Hero?! How… how did you find me?!”

“Minerva! It’s me, Cherry!”

“Ch-Cherry? Is that really you?”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Yes!”

“How?!”

“The Hero let me borrow his armor so I could take care of you last night.”

“Take care of me?”

“Yes. You were in pretty rough shape. Are you okay down there?”

Minerva nods as she slowly stands up, albeit shakily. “I… um… think so.”

Eidolon’s Ward steps forward. “Please! You shouldn’t be moving around too much after last night.”

“What happened?”

“You don’t remember?”

Minerva shakes her head. “N-no! But my body aches all over. Was there some kind of accident?!”

She blushes as she looks down at her night clothes.

“Or… did something worse happen to me?!”

“Worse?”

Minerva looks away. “Yeah.”

“No. But you collapsed when we reached the Hero’s house.”

“As out of it as I was, I don’t even remember getting out of the car.”

“We can talk about it over breakfast. Are you hungry?”

Minerva nods. “I am actually.”

Eidolon’s Ward walks over to the young woman and extends a gauntlet. “Breakfast should be almost ready by now.”

Minerva reaches over and accepts the help. “Um… thanks, Cherry.”

The pair walk slowly out the Bedroom door and down the hall. Minerva sniffs the air.

“That does smell good! I didn’t know you could cook, Cherry.”

“Well, I most certainly can. But I didn’t do it alone.”

“You didn’t? Then who…?”

They enter the kitchen. Arc is standing at the stove wearing the navy blue cloak they took from Stingray and his Abyssinian Silk mask. Minerva’s eyes grow wide.

“It… it’s YOU!”

Arc turns around as he removes a pan from the heat and frowns. “Are you feeling better, Miss Moore?”

“I… um... suppose so.”

He puts the contents of the pan on a plate. “That’s… good to hear, I suppose. Now why don’t we sit down and eat before it gets cold?”

“O-okay.”

Eidolon’s Ward leads Minerva to a chair before heading to the sink. Arc sits down across from her and picks up his silverware.

“Cherry, why don’t you join us?”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its helmet as she fills the sink with warm water. “I should probably get these dishes done.”

Minerva turns to Cherry, nervously. “Please join us! I… um… have some questions.”

“Okay.”

Pulling out a chair she sits down with them at the table. Arc lifts his mask to expose his mouth and continues the conversation coolly as he begins to eat.

“I’m sure you have quite a few things to say, Miss Moore.”

“Yes. For starters, how did I get here?!”

Arc does not look up. “I drove you home in your car. You’re welcome by the way.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Minerva and speaks in an apologetic tone. “We all took you home.”

“All?”

Arc nods a he pours syrup on his pancakes. “Yes. I don’t work alone, you know.”

“How did you know where I lived?!”

Eidolon’s Ward points to the purse on the counter nearby. “The Hero checked your bag for something called a ‘driver’s license’.”

“Yes. Not everything I do is all magical and sparkly.”

Minerva looks down at herself. “And the clothes? You didn’t… you know… do anything with…?”

Arc stops chewing as he looks over to Minerva, angrily. “Don’t flatter yourself. You’re not my type.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “Hero, please! What’s gotten into you?!”

Minerva looks surprised. “Yes, I thought you were supposed to be a…!”

Arc stands up quickly and slams both hands down on the table, clearly furious. “A what?!”

“A hero!”

“I am! But I’m also MAD!”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds worried. “What has she done to make you feel that way?”

“Kidnapping you for starters, Cherry!”

“I… I didn’t know your helmet was alive when I picked it up!”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Right! I stayed quiet!”

Arc points a finger at the woman across the table. “I do believe you, Minerva. However, then you LIED to me about her fate!”

Minerva looks down, ashamed. “That I did.”

“Yes, but I’ve forgiven her for what she did to me! Even when she put me in that drawer!”

Minerva nods sadly. “Twice.”

She suddenly feels an invisible force tighten around her neck. Minerva looks up to see Arc with his hand outstretched toward her. He sounds furious as he continues.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t do this, Minerva!”

Eidolon’s Ward calls out nervously. “Hero? What are you…?”

Arc does not take his eyes off Minerva. “I close my hand and that’s the end of you! So what’s your answer?!”

Minerva puts a hand to her throat. “I… I can’t!”

“Oh?! And why not?!”

“Because I deserve it!”

“…what?”

“Finding your helmet was the best thing to ever happen to me! So much so that I… I thought I needed to keep her for myself!”

“She already confessed her misdeeds to me in this regard! Please release her!”

Arc slowly lowers his hand and sits back down. Minerva is able to breathe normally again. She does her best to catch her breath.

“Hero, I… I um…”

Arc looks away as he mutters. “Just… stop.”

“What Minerva did to me… to us, was most certainly wrong beyond words. But I’m willing to forgive her.”

“How can you be so casual about this, Cherry?!”

“Because she’s my friend.”

Arc sighs. “You said that back at the house. But I’m still not sure I understand how THAT happened.”

Minerva looks to the armor. “She just kinda grew on me.”

“Cherry has that effect on those around her.”

“I do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’re probably the sweetest individual I’ve ever met.”

Minerva smiles at the armor. “That and I never thought I’d meet such a kind and understanding pony.”

Arc looks over quickly. “Pony?!”

“I showed her how you and I met.”

“You did? How?”

“By inviting her to our Sanctuary. I hope that was okay!”

Arc sighs. “If you trusted Minerva enough to tell her the truth, yes. I just want to know one thing, Cherry.”

“What is it?”

“How can you be so friendly with the woman who separated you and I?!”

“I suppose because Minerva is really just desperate and lonely. She doesn’t have anyone to share her life with.”

Minerva nods sadly. “It’s true. For all my journalistic success, I still consider myself somewhat of a failure in that regard.”

Arc shakes his head. “Tell me this. If you cared so much for Cherry, why did you put her in a drawer?! And why did you lie to me the other day?!”

“I’m really sorry about that. The truth is, Cherry is my first real friend. I guess I just wanted to keep her safe and hidden from those who would take her from me. Including you, Hero.”

“I see.”

“Before I met Cherry all I thought about was my career. How I was going to make it big one day and have everything I ever wanted. Money, fame, and the recognition of the entire country.”

“And I’m supposed to believe you’re different now?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “She is. Her demeanor and candor are so much different now than they were when we first spoke.”

Minerva smiles at her friend. “I suppose I have, Cherry. Thank you for giving me a chance.”

“How did this happen?”

“It’s a very long story, Hero.”

Arc sits back in his chair and folds his hands. “I have all day.”

Minerva and Cherry bring Arc up to speed on their adventures together.

“That’s quite the full schedule. I went to see the rubble of the hospital after the explosion. But I never dreamed you had been there, Cherry!”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “We almost became a part of that rubble!”

“Right.”

“I see. And Cherry convinced you not to give up hope, huh?”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “I guess I kinda did, yes. Your bravery and selflessness seem to have rubbed off on me.”

“I disagree, Cherry.”

“You do?”

Minerva appears surprised. “How?!”

“I… learned from your funeral that you’ve always been a kind-hearted mare. Looking out for others and helping as best you can. The courage to do the right thing has always resided in you.”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on his hand. “That may be. But you showed me there’s always more that I can do to make things easier for others. To help make both our worlds better places.”

Minerva smiles. “Cherry, I’d very much like to see your homeland one day.”

“What about your place here?”

“I’ve learned that all the success in the world is worthless without a good friend to share the good times with. Truthfully I’d like to learn more about Cherry and her kind, Hero.”

Minerva suddenly looks nervous.

“Not to say you aren’t interesting, Hero.”

“I think I understand what you mean.”

“You do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. When you care about someone you want to learn more about them. To become closer friends.”

“Cherry said you go between our worlds somehow. Would it be possible for me to tag along sometime?”

Arc shakes his head. “I… I don’t think so.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds surprised. “Why not?!”

“You may trust her, Cherry. But even her knowing this much endangers our objective. Remember, this is bigger than you, me, or Minerva’s feelings.”

Minerva looks down at her hands. “I know I haven’t been the best person in the past. But I could help you!”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “She is pretty good at her job. Maybe she could be of use in… you know.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but we can’t talk about our mission to anyone.”

Minerva nods sadly. “I… understand.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as Eidolon’s Ward sighs.

“It’s okay, Minerva. Thanks for being willing to help us.”

“Yes. But what about all that talk in your office about furthering your career?”

“Our brush with death at the hospital and Cherry’s heroics showed me just how utterly worthless such a pursuit really is without others to share in your success.”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its helmet. “But what about your dream?! What about Walter Cronkite?!”

“I’d rather help you out, Cherry. Make a difference for your homeland. After all, I’m assuming you wouldn’t be here if the need wasn’t great.”

Arc nods. “Yes. This is of greatest importance for… the other world. Things can’t go on as they have in the past.”

“Well, if you ever need something looked into I’d be willing to lend a hand.”

“Really?!”

Minerva nods. “Yes. All you have to do is ask and I’ll do my absolute best for you.”

“Thank you. But I want you to know I still don’t trust you, Minerva.”

Minerva sighs. “Yes, well… I guess I deserve that.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods as she puts a gauntlet on Arc’s shoulder. “Maybe one day she’ll be able to earn that.”

Arc stands up. “Perhaps. But that day is not today. In any case, I need to be going. You want to stay with Minerva, Cherry?”

“For the day, yes.”

“Alright.”

Arc heads for the door.

“Wait!”

He stops and turns around.

“Yes?”

“I’ve learned something you might find interesting.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “About The Riders, or the Shards?”

“The Shards. They’ve been delivering truckloads of goods lately.”

“Where to?”

“The middle of nowhere ironically. They load up a truck, drive away, park on some dusty old road in the middle of nowhere, and then head back to their base.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds confused. “I don’t understand how that’s…”

“The trucks always return empty though!”

“What?! How?!”

Minerva shrugs. “I have no idea.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin, thoughtfully. “In that case, how did you know the trucks were full when they left the Shard base?”

“By infiltrating them.”

“You mean…?”

Minerva nods. “Yes. I dressed up as one of them and walked around a bit. Gotta say, they’re pretty organized. You should take a peek at all the weird stuff they have over there, Hero.”

“I’ve been there several times.”

Minerva looks surprised. “You have?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Yes. It certainly wasn’t the most fun we’ve ever had, mind you. But we were able to get in and out without anypony getting hurt. Even though they discovered us both times.”

Arc sighs. “Yes. Not sure how we managed that.”

Minerva looks him up and down. “You kinda stand out, Hero.”

“We were invisible.”

Minerva appears confused. “Then how did they see you?!”

“Their lieutenants certainly aren’t what I would call normal.”

Eidolon’s Ward shudders. “Agreed.”

“You mean Stingray, Hammer and Mio?”

Arc looks to Minerva, surprised. “Yes. What about them?”

“You’re right to be wary of them. Unlike the other members, and Frank Fontaine himself, I could never find anything on them.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds confused. “Find anything?”

“Like where they came from. Not their real names or their birthplaces. Those three women and Frank are certainly shrouded in mystery. So which one found you?”

“All of them at one time or another.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Not an experience either of us relish, mind you.”

“Right. We got out of there somehow though.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. Hero, you certainly have the power to take them on. Why don’t you?”

“At the time I didn’t have any reason to do so.”

He looks down at his hands.

“You don’t understand what it’s like to be me. Having to always be mindful of my opponent’s safety.”

“THEIR safety?!”

Arc nods. “I could very easily turn someone into a pile of goo if I wasn’t careful. And what kind of hero would I be then?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Not a very good one.”

“Right. But we’re getting off topic here. Minerva, if you’re serious about helping, tell me when the next truck is going out.”

“Somehow I think that ship has sailed.”

“Huh?”

“You saw what happened in that mine, Hero. Diva betrayed her followers and left them to die down there. Do you really think they’ll be interested in helping her again?”

Arc sighs. “I suppose not.”

“Sorry.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to her friend. “It’s not your fault, Minerva.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But do you have ANY idea what cargo the trucks were carrying?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No. They were pretty heavily guarded during the loading process. Crates of some kind.”

Arc sighs. “Those could have contained anything.”

“Yes, well… maybe someone at the Shard base would know more. Perhaps you could convince them to tell you.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “I don’t really think they’ll be too receptive of us after all that’s happened.”

“Maybe. Then again, maybe not.”

“Hero?”

“Their leaders abandoned them while Dragon and I rescued everyone. They owe me a bit of a favor after all that. If even just to get back at Diva and the other lieutenants.”

Minerva nods. “Sadly I can’t tell you anything about that Diva witch. She never showed her face around the Shard base, nor did I overhear any conversation about her from anyone.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds surprised. “Not even the lieutenants?”

“I stayed away from them. Too risky to get close.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Mio and Diva. Those two really are quite the mystery.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to him. “What about Stingray and Hammer?”

“They’re tough, but not the same kind of tough.”

Minerva shudders. “Yes. Those powers they have make them fearsome opponents. Any idea where they got them, Hero?”

“None whatsoever. That’s what has me most worried. The enemy I can’t see is more of a danger than the one right in front of me.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to him. “Maybe Diva was able to transfer some of her power to Mio.”

“That’s an even more frightening thought. Cherry, do you know if anyone… back home was ever able to do that?”

Eidolon’s Ward thinks for a moment. “To the best of my knowledge, no. But I’m not really the best mare to ask such things.”

“You had magic, Cherry?!”

“No, I was an Earth Pony. Magic is beyond us.”

“I’ll have to call home and ask about this then.”

Minerva looks down the hall. “You can use my telephone if you’d like.”

Arc chuckles. “Sadly, I don’t think Long Distance is going to cover that call.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “The Hero means call our homeworld.”

“Yes. But I’ll do it from my place.”

Minerva sighs. “I understand. But before you go I just wanted to say thank you for saving me.”

“You’re welcome. Truth be told, it really was a last minute expedition down there.”

Minerva looks confused. “Down where?”

“To that old mine.”

Minerva looks confused. “The mine? No, I’m talking about how you saved me from those ruffians last night.”

“Um… what?”

“The ones who dragged me into that alley.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t remember much from after the mine explosion. Dragon helped me onto my mount and we left. Shortly after that, I passed out.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “Are you alright?!”

“Yes. I just used a little too much of my power. We can talk about that later.”

Arc turns to Minerva.

“Can you describe the person who saved you last night?”

Minerva thinks for a moment before responding. “He was wearing a blue robe exactly like yours. That’s why I thought you had saved me.”

“Any other distinguishing characteristics?”

“Just one. He was wearing a white mask just like Diva’s. When I saw them in that alley I originally thought it was her coming to finish me off, or something.”

Arc frowns. “Diva and the mask. Are you sure it wasn’t her?”

“Positive. They spoke with a man’s voice and referred to themselves as Wiseman.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “Him again?!”

Minerva turns to the armor. “You know him?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. He and I have spoken before.”

“Recently?”

“Wiseman was the one who told us about the Shards in the mine. He also said he had sent you there as well.”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “My tipster! But… but why?!”

Arc shrugs. “Who knows what goes through that guy’s heard?”

Eidolon’s Ward looks over. “I think I may know why.”

“Really?”

“It’s kinda a long shot, but it seems as if he only tells us certain things in order to get us to act as he wants.”

Minerva frowns. “Are you saying he’s manipulating us?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Only partially. Perhaps he only wanted to get you and the Hero together.”

Arc looks out the window. “To what end though?”

“Maybe so Minerva could tell you where to find me.”

Minerva nods. “When I didn’t, he followed me to the alley.”

“What did he say?”

“That I needed to give Cherry back to you, Hero… amongst other things.”

Arc sighs. “He’s always so cryptic.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “I worry that his unwillingness to simply come out and say something will one day cause us trouble.”

“It already has.”

Arc turns to Minerva.

“But there is something I want to tell you before I go.”

“There is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I just wanted to say… thank you for returning the love of my life.”

“It’s the least I could do after what I did to her and you.”

“That and sorry for blowing up earlier.”

He turns the Eidolon’s Ward.

“I’ll come get you later, Cherry.”

“Yes. Thank you for understanding.”

“Well, I should be getting home.”

Minerva turns to him. “Wait! Cherry never told me who you are.”

Arc sighs as he takes his sigil gauntlet from Eidolon’s Ward and opens a portal.

“It’s best if you don’t know.”

“I won’t tell anyone!”

Arc shakes his head but does not turn around. “No. If someone like the Shards, or worse, knew you were in contact with me you would become a target.”

“Sorry, but it’s my journalistic tendencies. I don’t like the unknown. Someday I’ll figure it out, and that’s a promise.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “But why?!”

“Because it’s who I am and what I do, Hero. But I’ll keep my promise to not tell anyone, mind you.”

“Um… thanks, I think. I’ll see you two later.”

Arc steps through the portal and is gone. Eidolon’s Ward turns to Minerva.

“Why is this so important to you?”

“To know the unknowable is what every reporter lives for.”

“Even if it brings his world crashing down?!”

Minerva shakes her head. “That’s why I won’t tell anyone. Because we need the Hero to continue fighting for us.”

“For the town?”

“No. For the world. Yours and mine, Cherry.”

Chapter 7 - Meetings About Meetings

The next morning Arc awakens early. He looks out the window across the room at the first rays of dawn shining in.

“Today’s the day.”

A voice rings out nearby.

“That it is.”

Arc looks down to see Ember’s face on his chest.

“Good morning, Ember.”

“Sleep well?”

“Very. Thanks to you I might add.”

“I hope you and Cherry had a nice chat.”

Arc nods as he sits up. “That we did.”

Ember looks up at him sheepishly. “You’re not mad… are you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Cherry told me it was her idea.”

Ember breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good! Truth be told I was a bit nervous you might be.”

Arc reaches down and takes Ember’s arm and smiles at her as he pulls her up. “You should know me better than that, Ember.”

He wraps his arms around her as she rests her head on his shoulder. Ember smiles as her body is pressed up against his.

“This feels nice. Now I know why Cherry wanted some alone time with…”

A knock rings out and the door opens. Xenos pokes his head in and looks toward the bed.

“Sir, it’s time to…”

He stops talking as he sees the position his superior officer is in with Ember and grins.

“Sorry to interrupt, sir. I can come back later when you’re not so busy.”

Arc rolls toward the edge of the bed. “No, no. What is it?”

“You told us to wake you up at this time from now on.”

“I did?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. Why I don’t know! It’s WAYYYYYY too early for anyone to be up!”

Xenos nods. “Yes, well… you’ve been rising early to do research lately, sir.”

Arc nods as he stands. “I’ve been so preoccupied with my work lately that I don’t even remember telling you to do that, Xenos.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Trust me, you did.”

“Well, you have a couple hours before the next window back to Equestria, sir. Shall we make you something to eat?”

Arc walks over to his dresser for clean clothes. “No thanks. You guys can go back to bed if you want.”

“Sir?”

“You feeling alright, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I kinda feel like having a bite at Shelly’s this morning.”

Xenos grins. “Their cheeseburgers are quite good.”

“You guys can come too if you want.”

“No thank you, sir. I’m sure the others would like to get some more sleep.”

Ember nods. “Especially with all the hours you boys have been putting into this.”

Arc heads for the door. “Right. You can go back to sleep now, Ember.”

Ember jumps up. “You’re going out, I’m coming with you!”

Xenos nods soberly. “Probably for the best, sir. After all that’s happened to you it’s not really a good idea for you to go out alone.”

“Fine, Ember. Get dressed and I’ll see you downstairs.”

Ember hurries toward the Guest Room. “Don’t take too long!”

Xenos follows Arc toward the Bathroom. “There is one more thing, sir. Rose has been busy all night searching the Internet.”

“Really? What for?”

“I’m not really sure. She won’t tell anyone what she’s looking for.”

“Strange. I’ll ask her about it later.”

“You don’t suppose she’s up to something, do you sir?”

“Nah. But I’d like to help if I can.”

“She’s always willing to talk to you, sir. Maybe you can get to the bottom of this.”

Arc nods as he walks into the Bathroom. “Yeah. I think I’ll take a quick shower before heading out though. Let Ember know when she gets out here.”

“Yes sir.”

Xenos smiles to himself as the door closes.

“The commander’s a lucky guy. Ember’s even prettier in her human form. I do hope they enjoyed themselves last night.”

Meanwhile, Arc steps into the shower and turns on the faucet. A moment later he recoils as icy cold water hits his skin.

“ARGH! What the…?!”

Cherry calls out. “Arc?! Are you okay?!”

“Yeah. Just feeling a little foolish. I forgot to let it warm up first. Must still be half asleep.”

“Sorry. I guess I should have warned you.”

Arc chuckles as the water warms. “Nah. I just need to watch what I’m doing.”

“I know you were preoccupied.”

“How did you…? Oh… in my head.”

“You want to go say goodbye to Shelly and Lily for the sake of more than just mere manners, I believe.”

Arc sighs. “You’re right. I just… I just feel so bad keeping this secret from them. We’ve never kept secrets before!”

“Arc, you can’t tell them about who you really are now. They’ll do nothing but worry about your safety.”

Arc rests his head against the tile wall. “I know, Cherry. That’s why I haven’t said anything so far.”

“But you’re worried just how long you can keep that up.”

“They have to know something’s up.”

“Then why haven’t they said anything?”

“Because they trust me.”

A short time later Arc walks downstairs. Ember is waiting for him on the couch.

“How long did you plan on keeping me waiting?!”

“Sorry. Just… had to get cleaned up for Shelly and Lily.”

Embers expression suddenly softens. “I understand. Sorry for blowing up.”

“It’s okay. We should get moving though.”

They walk out the back door and climb into Arc’s Jeep.

“Arc, is everything okay?”

“I just want to see my friends before we leave.”

“Is that really all?”

Arc sighs as he pulls the Jeep onto the road. “I hate having to leave all the time. Shelly’s condition as it is and all.”

Ember sighs. “She always just looks so fragile! Can’t we do SOMETHING for her?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Afraid not. All we can do is make her comfortable and try to alleviate the pain.”

Ember frowns. “I HATE THIS!!!”

“I hate it more, Ember. As does Lily. Ironically the only one who’s always taken this the best was Shelly herself.”

“How?!”

“She’s not afraid.”

“Of what?!”

“Her death.”

A few minutes later the pair arrive at Shelly’s Kitchen. Arc parks the Jeep and the pair walk into the building. Lily greets them at the door and leans in to give Arc a hug.

“Good morning you two. You’re up early.”

Arc smiles as he returns the embrace. “We, uh… have an early morning.”

“Arc wanted to have a good breakfast before we got moving.”

“Well, let me show you to your table.”

Lily leads the pair over to their customary table. They sit down.

“Shelly’s having a really good day today. She’s even able to run the kitchen.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Ember looks around the restaurant. “No customers?”

“None that sit down to eat this early. Usually the shop owners call in an order the day before and pick it up on the way to their businesses. How about I get Shelly? She’ll want to say good morning too.”

Arc nods. “Sounds good.”

Lily walks quickly to the kitchen. She returns a few minutes later with Shelly on her arm. Arc hurries over to help his friend to the table.

“It’s good to see you again, Arc!”

“You too, Shelly.”

Shelly looks toward the table. “I see you have Ember with you today.”

“Good morning, ma’am.”

“Yes. I… we’re going on a bit of a trip.”

Lily looks worried. “Oh? Where to?”

“Back to Dawn and Daisy’s hometown.”

“Is anything wrong?”

“Oh no. I’m sure they’re doing just fine.”

Ember nods. “Daisy just needs her father.”

“Yeah.”

Shelly smiles and nods. “That she does. Now Arc, you bring her and her mother back one of these days.”

“I will.”

Ember chuckles. “We just didn’t want to leave town without saying goodbye.”

Lily smiles. “Well, thank you for that.”

Shelly looks back to the Kitchen. “I’ll get your regulars in right away.”

Lily nods. “Right. Can’t have you two driving on an empty stomach.”

“Thanks.”

The pair head back to the Kitchen. Arc and Ember sit down.

Cherry giggles. “You really wanted to tell them, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. I hate keeping secrets. Especially from them.”

Ember looks down. “So do I.”

A short time later the pair emerge from the back with a tray. They carry the food over and set it before their hungry guests. Lily turns to Arc.

“There you are! A cheeseburger and fries with a Coke for both of you!”

“Thanks!”

Ember grins. “This looks great!”

Arc looks over to Shelly. “The guys will be staying at my place here in town. Give them a call if you need anything while I’m gone.”

Lily smiles happily. “Thanks, Arc. They come in here for breakfast every few days.”

Ember looks up. “Do they now?”

Shelly nods. “Oh yes. A couple times they even helped with the morning rush.”

Arc smiles. “Glad to see business is picking up.”

Lily looks relieved. “Me too!”

Ember points to a menu. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you two something. What’s a milkshake?”

Arc turns to Shelly. “Think you can make that two?”

Shelly nods and smiles at the pair. “Coming right up!”

A hour or so later Arc and Ember walk back to the Jeep.

“That was a meal and a half!”

Ember opens her mouth to speak, but instead belches and blushes.

“That it was, Arc! But I don’t understand how those things are made with MILK!”

Arc chuckles as they get into the Jeep. “Well, there’re a few other ingredients I’m sure. How did you like vanilla?”

“It was great! But next time I want to try chocolate!”

Arc laughs. “You got it!”

Cherry giggles. “It was nice to see Shelly looking so well.”

Arc nods as he turns out of the parking lot. “That it is. But she’s still in quite a bit of pain.”

“Really? She didn’t look like it.”

“Trust me. She is.”

Cherry sighs. “Does it ever stop?”

Arc shakes his head. “No.”

A short time later arrive back at Arc’s house and walk up to the back door.

“There’s a whole world of different foods to try, Ember. Why stick with cheeseburgers and pizza?”

Ember shrugs. “I know what I like. Besides, I tried a milkshake didn’t I?”

Arc opens the back door and walks into the kitchen. “Yes. But I wouldn’t exactly call that expanding your culinary horizons.”

“But you admit it’s a start, right?”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

Ember frowns as they walk into the Living Room. “Well, I don’t see you trying gems anytime soon.”

Arc shakes his head and smiles after his friend as he takes off his coat and tosses it onto the kitchen table. Ember calls out to him urgently from the other room.

“Arc, get over here!”

Tossing his keys on the table Arc hurries to Ember’s side.

“What is it?!”

Ember silently points a finger to the couch. There is a strange looking scroll sitting on a cushion. Arc walks over to it and frowns.

“What the heck? How did this get here?”

“I’m sure it wasn’t there before we left! Is it from Spike, or something?”

Arc picks it up and looks at the seal. “I don’t think so. Twilight usually stamps hers with a horseshoe imprint. These are totally different looking.”

“Whose seal is it?”

“I don’t know. But it looks ominous.”

“Why don’t you open it and find out then?”

“Guess I’d better.”

With a tug the seal breaks and the scroll opens. Arc unrolls it and begins to read as Ember waits and taps her foot.

“So, who’s it from?”

Arc shakes his head and frowns. “Just a minute.”

Ember taps her foot impatiently as Arc continues to read.

“I’m not getting any younger over here!”

Arc rolls up the scroll and sighs.

“We need to sit down.”

Ember looks confused. “Alright.”

The pair sit down on the couch together. Arc turns to Ember.

“So are you going to tell me what this is all about?”

“Yes. But please try to stay calm.”

Ember chuckles. “Who, me? I’m always calm.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Right.”

“I mean, how bad can it be?”

Arc holds up the scroll. “This is from the Council of Shadows.”

Ember grabs the scroll from him. “WHAT?! TEMPEST’S GROUP!!!”

Arc chuckles as Ember reads, her brow furrowed. “Glad to see you calm and collected.”

“I AM CALM!!!”

She reads the scroll several times before turning to Arc.

“She wants a meeting! A MEETING?!”

“That what she said.”

“Nothing good can come from this!”

“Maybe. But think about it this way. This might have something to do with her parents and Stableton.”

“Or she could be calling you in to finish you off!”

“I suppose so.”

He takes the scroll from Ember and looks it over a moment before rolling it back up.

“Sure glad I said goodbye to Shelly and Lily.”

“We should bring the guys with us! You need protection!”

“And what could they do against Tempest? Other than get killed, that is.”

Ember grits her teeth. “The same thing I’m going to do. Stab Tempest until there’s nothing left but SOUP!”

Arc puts the scroll in his ring. “They’re staying here and that’s final.”

“But…!”

“Ember!”

She is silent for a time.

“I’m still coming with you.”

“I knew you’d say that.”

Ember forces a smile. “You know me. Always ready for a fight.”

Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.”

A couple hours later Arc and Ember descend the basement steps together. Max looks at the clock.

“Sir, there’s about five minutes until the window.”

“Thanks, Max.”

Ember turns and frowns at Arc. “You sure you want to go back now?”

“I am.”

“Fine. Your funeral.”

Rose approaches the pair.

“I am ready to go, Arc.”

“Good.”

“Something is wrong.”

Ember does not look over. “How can you tell?”

“Your body language and tone for starters, Ember.”

Arc sighs. “We just had a bit of a disagreement. But tell me something. Did anyone other than us come into the house this morning while Ember and I were gone?”

“Someone else?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Anyone at all.”

Rose shakes her head. “My sensors didn’t detect anyone coming inside after you left, no.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “What about magical energies?”

“There was a brief spike in transdimensional energies. However I just assumed it was feedback from the approaching window.”

Xenos walks over. “Sir? Are you suggesting someone broke in here earlier?!”

Sereb growls. “I did not smell anyone enter.”

Arc pulls the scroll out and holds it up. “Well, someone must’ve magically sent me a message then. This was on the couch when Ember and I got back.”

Viktor looks over from the computer. “What?!”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “How did Sunburst DO that?!”

Ember frowns. “It wasn’t sent by him.”

Arc nods “Right.”

Sereb looks confused. “Who else is able to pierce the transdimensional barrier though if not the Lead Sage of Canterlot?”

“Well…”

Arc’s earring chirps. He touches his earring in response.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, you can now safely return. I expect a smooth ride for you and your friends.”

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

Arc touches his earring and turns to the others.

“Max, call me if something comes up.”

“We will, sir.”

Ember nods. “That and you should go to Shelly’s Kitchen more often.”

Xenos looks confused. “Ember?”

Arc nods. “That would be nice.”

Hugh smiles. “We’ll do that, sir.”

“Thanks.”

Rose walks over to the return pad and presses the button. A portal forms as she turns to the others.

“We should be off.”

Arc nods. “Right. Let’s go.”

Arc, Ember, Rose and Sereb walk into the portal and vanish. Max turns to the pad and pushes the button as Xenos turns to Viktor.

“What do you suppose that was all about?”

“Which part?”

Hugh sighs. “Any of it.”

Max shrugs as he puts the return pad away. “Checking in on Shelly and Lily is understandable. He’s worried about them.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. But there’s that weird looking scroll. Do you think the princesses sent it?”

Viktor shakes his head. “I doubt it. The stationary wasn’t the normal castle variety.”

Hugh frowns. “Who could it have been then?”

Max stands and walks back to the table. “No clue. But the commander didn’t tell us, and we should respect that.”

The others nod in agreement and return to their duties. Meanwhile, Arc and company arrive back in Princess Celestia’s room. Sunburst hurries over to them.

“The princesses are in the Meeting Room awaiting your return, sir.”

“I’ll go see them right away.”

“Please do. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen Princess Luna quite so nervous.”

Ember frowns. “Any idea what this is about?”

Sunburst looks away. “This matter is very… delicate. You shouldn’t hear about it from me though.”

“Okay. Let’s go then.”

Arc and Ember head for the door together. Rose calls out.

“Ember?”

“Yes?”

Sereb chuckles. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Um… I don’t think so.”

Rose giggles. “You’re still in your human form.”

Ember looks down at herself. “I suppose I am. It’s just, I guess I feel more like myself as a human.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, we should change you back. It wouldn’t do for your father to hear about your new form.”

Ember sighs. “You’re right.”

Sereb’s small horn glows. A few moments later Ember’s familiar dragon body can be seen. She removes her clothes and sets them aside.

“Guess I don’t need these anymore.”

Arc nods. “Nope. But we should get moving. Mustn’t keep the princesses waiting now.”

Ember and Sereb nod as the group heads quickly down the corridor. Rose turns to Sereb.

“That was strange.”

“Indeed. There is much secrecy in the air.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Can you smell that too?”

“No. Tension mostly.”

Arc looks to Sereb. “Really?”

“Think of it as a sixth-sense.”

Cherry sighs. “Even I’m worried about this!”

“Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

Ember looks to Arc’s ring. “What about that scroll?”

“I think we have bigger problems right now.”

They arrive at the Meeting Room. The corridor is empty except for the stallion in charge. He salutes as Arc approaches.

“Sir! The princesses will see you at once.”

“Good. What about my friends?”

“They may enter as well.”

Ember frowns. “Good. I’m not liking this so far.”

“Lead the way, commander.”

Nodding, the stallion pushes the doors open and leads them into the Meeting Room. Inside are Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Trixie. All of them look rather haggard and have bags under their eyes. Arc walks quickly over with the others.

“We came as soon as we could.”

Luna nods. “I’m sure you did, Arc. Thank you.”

Shining Armor sighs. “We should all sit down, your highnesses.”

“Yes. Trixie knows there is much to do and not much time.”

Everyone takes a seat. Shining Armor and Trixie takes their places on either side of the princesses.

“Would you like a bit of refreshment, Princess Luna?”

Luna nods. “I would.”

Shining Armor pours her a glass from a nearby pitcher. He carefully sets it in front of her. Luna looks down at it and casts a Telekinesis Spell to pick it up as she turns to Cadance..

“Ice water.”

She takes a small sip before throwing the remainder in her own face. Arc frowns.

“Are you okay, Princess Luna?!”

“That does help a bit, yes.”

Cadance turns to Shining Armor. “I’d like a glass too please.”

Trixie fetches her one. Cadance repeats Luna’s actions. Ember raises an eyebrow.

“Um… now that we have that out of the way, can we get started?”

Sereb frowns. “Ember, please. You are in the presence of royalty.”

Luna sighs. “Truthfully, it is we who should apologize. For you see, this is yet another task that is well outside your duties.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. However it seems we are in need of your help once again.”

“I’ll do what I can. What’s the situation?”

Luna frowns. “This is by far going to be the most delicate operation we’ve faced to date.”

Ember looks nervous. “More than the Griffon Kingdom peace treaty?”

“Much!”

Shining Armor speaks up. “And the stakes are much higher this time, sir. Should we fail, all of Equestria may be destroyed!”

“Trixie is not sure how the threat is that much more than last time. But she believes it nonetheless.”

Luna sighs. “Yes, well… I shall have to start at the beginning.”

Chapter 8 - Methods for Meetings

Luna looks around the room soberly before resting her gaze on Arc.

“Do you remember when you met Trixie?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She had taken over a group of ogres living in the Vanhoover Aqueducts.”

Cadance sighs. “Then there was your excursion to Yakyakistan to deal with the imminent threat to the Crystal Empire.”

Ember grins. “A well-placed fist to Prince Rutherford’s big head was all that took to resolve.”

Shining Armor nods. “You also went to Abyssinia to talk peace with its monarchs.”

Arc shudders at the memory. “Right. Feeding their starving citizens and freeing them of the Storm King’s invasion certainly made us friends.”

Luna shudders. “And your many trips to the Dragon Lands to meet with Dragon Lord Torch.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Those always went well.”

Luna and Cadance continue.

“That and you did very well in negotiating the treaty between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom.”

“To say nothing of dealing with the day to day activities of the land as Lord Regent, curing Cadance and I of our afflictions, protecting us in our weakened state, taking care of General Wind Rider, organizing the Grand Galloping Gala…”

Sereb interrupts them. “Forgive me, your highness. But we are all aware of Arc’s many accomplishments and great deeds.”

Arc nods. “Princess Luna. I admit I’ve done quite a few things in my time in Equestria. But I don’t believe you called me here just to talk about that.”

Cadance hangs her head. “No, we did not.”

“You are correct. It pains me to say this, but there is currently a need that must be met in the political arena.”

Arc appears confused. “But what does that have to do with me?”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Yeah. You two are the princesses. Can’t you handle whatever it is?”

Cadance sighs. “We would if we could. But all parties involved have specifically requested your involvement, Arc.”

“Um… okay. But what for?”

“Cadance and I have tried our best to organize a peace summit between the nations of Yakyakistan, Abyssinia, Griffonstone and the Dragon Lands.”

“Yes. However, as you suggested back then, we’ve also invited the ogres from the Vanhoover Aqueducts. In addition, we’ve seen fit to invite Dragon Lord Torch of the Dragon Lands, Hydra Prime Ikis of the Hydra Nation and Matriarch Iris of Forsaken Village.”

Trixie gulps nervously. Rose looks confused as Arc speaks.

“So Equestria is going to host a summit, huh? Where?”

Shining Armor sighs. “That’s another problem we have.”

Trixie nods soberly. “You see, none of the attendees are willing to come to Canterlot.”

Cadance looks to Arc. “Yes. They’re rather distrustful of Luna and I.”

Arc rubs his chin. “Hm… how about we focus on what they can agree on and go from there?”

Luna rests her gaze on him. “Ultimately, all the leaders involved say they do indeed want a meeting. However, none of them want it to be here in Canterlot, even though it’s the most secure location in Equestria. And they want you to preside over it.”

“Wait… PRESIDE?!”

Cadance smiles at him. “Yes, Arc. You see… they view you as a neutral third-party due to you being a human and not one of the three pony races.”

Sereb nods. “Your heroics have certainly showed them that you can be trusted.”

Ember turns to Luna. “What about my father? Will he be attending?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. He sent correspondences stating we should take this matter up with the future Dragon Lord. However he didn’t say whom that was.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “Do you happen to know whom his successor is, sir?”

Arc nods. “Ember is.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

Luna looks to Ember nervously. “We… Equestria sent the future Dragon Lord to Tartarus?!”

The pair quickly bow to Ember respectfully. Shining Armor and Trixie follow their lead.

“Forgive our nation for this horrendous mistake! Please!”

“Yes! We had no idea you were treated so badly upon entering our land!”

Ember grins. “Oh I don’t know. I mean, I didn’t even get a real…”

Arc gives the tabletop a thump with his fist. Ember sighs.

“Fine. The Dragon Lands does not hold Equestria responsible for the my poor treatment.”

Luna looks relieved. “Thank you very much, Dragon Lord!”

“We hope our two nations can move beyond the bad blood of the past!”

“So do I. Um… you can stop bowing now.”

Luna and Cadance slowly stand as do Shining Armor and Trixie. Arc sighs.

“Now that we have that out of the way, we should probably get back to the matter at hand.”

Rose looks to Cadance. “Yes. Can I be of service?”

“That would be quite helpful, Rose.”

Luna turns to her friend. “It would?”

“Yes. Remember, Rose was built by Twilight. She’s an extremely organized mare, after all.”

Arc nods. “That’s right. Rose, can I assume Twilight programed you with organizational skills?”

“Yes. Mother knew it would be important to my original directives.”

Sereb frowns. “They were not removed though, were they?”

“No. Just the directives were.”

“Good. Think you could help me get this summit off the ground?”

“Sure, Arc! It sounds like fun!”

Cadance looks hopeful. “So… can we assume you’ll do this, Arc?”

“Yeah. Anything to strengthen our bonds with the other nations.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you. Cadance and I were loath to contact you about this.”

“Yes. As you have so many other things currently on your proverbial plate.”

“It’s okay. But I suppose the first thing we need to do is find a place to have the summit.”

Trixie sighs. “Other than Canterlot Castle, that is.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin. “It will need to be secure, as the princesses’ safety is of the utmost importance.”

Ember nods. “As will the other guests’.”

Luna looks at a map on the wall nearby. “Perhaps one of our military bases would suffice.”

Cadance shakes her head. “I was thinking more along the lines of the Crystal Castle.”

Arc glances at the map. “The yaks would certainly like that. Assuming the city walls and large number of citizens doesn’t get to them.”

Sereb’s ears perk up. “Indeed. However the Abyssinians and the ogres might take offense to the climate.”

Ember shivers at the thought. “And the dragons!”

Shining Armor sighs. “I guess that scratches out the Crystal Empire.”

Ember snaps her claws. “What about Dodge Junction? It’s warm, not many citizens, has no walls, and has a nice homey atmosphere.”

Cherry sighs. “True. But there isn’t much in the amenities department due to the town’s remoteness. Getting supplies there would be challenging.”

“Trixie would also like to point out that securing the area could prove difficult, as there are so many places an assassin could hide.”

“I could use my omni-directional scanners to detect them. However I’ll need to see mother about upgrading my systems beforehand.”

Shining Armor turns to Ember. “Not to put a damper on the idea, but what about the yaks?”

“What about them?”

Arc frowns. “He’s right, Ember They’re covered in a thick fur to keep them warm in their mountain home. Dodge Junction is most certainly the opposite of that in terms of temperature.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Yes. They’d be in constant danger of heatstroke.”

“Trixie isn’t too sure about this, but what about Vanhoover?”

Ember looks confused. “Vanhoover?”

“Yes. It has a more temperate climate and is still rather remote. Certainly not like Canterlot in that regard.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “That is true. However there isn’t a suitable location there to house everypony.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “What about that old orphanage?”

“I don’t know. It took quite the beating during my battle with Tempest.”

Ember chuckles. “That’s putting it mildly. It’d take quite a bit of work to put that place back in order again. “

Luna nods. “That it would.”

Cadance smiles sheepishly. “We… haven’t actually done anything with it since that time. I know you suggested keeping it up, Arc. But we can’t really think of a reason to do so.”

“Yes. It makes little sense to put money into a building that will forever sit vacant.”

“I understand that. But it was more for the soldiers. Tell me, is it a budget issue?”

Cadance bows her head. “Actually, yes.”

Luna turns to Arc. “You see, the amount we’ve spent to build the machine used to take you to and from Earth is quite high.”

Cadance nods. “To say nothing of that earring, which cost a fair amount as well.”

Sereb looks to the earring. “I was not aware such a small device could be so costly.”

Shining Armor sighs. “We’re not trying to blame you for this, Arc. But Canterlot has had to put some less important things on the back burner so to speak.”

Trixie nods. “Yes. Especially with the new project that we…”

Luna turns to Trixie angrily. “Lieutenant!”

Trixie removes her helmet and looks down. “Trixie is sorry, your highness.”

“New project?”

Cadance sighs and turns to Arc. “It was supposed to be a secret.”

“I understand.”

Luna stands up. “Well, I suppose there’s no time like the present. Please follow me everypony.”

Standing, they leave the Meeting Room. Luna pauses to whisper something to a Royal Guard briefly. He salutes and hurries away as Cadance turns to Luna.

“Are you sure this is the best time to do this?”

Luna nods. “I am. The report of completion came across our desk over a week ago. That and it may be of use in this particular endeavor.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “This is all so mysterious.”

“It’s called a secret for a reason.”

Rose looks to the wolf. “Don’t you have surprises back in Forsaken Village?”

“Not usually. Surprises to us are generally a bad thing.”

Ember sighs. “And now I’m worried.”

Luna leads them to the Hanger and over to the Lunar Destiny. She gestures to the gangplank with a hoof. Arc turns to Cadance.

“So you’ve made some upgrades to the ship?”

“Not exactly.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Right. But you kinda have to see it to understand, Arc.”

“Yes! Trixie agrees!”

Luna nods. “I think you will be most impressed, Arc.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Arc’s not that easy to impress.”

Rose giggles. “We shall see then, I suppose.”

They reach the deck. Luna leads the group over to the guardrail and points a hoof to a point nearby. Ember’s eyes grow wide.

“Is… is that what I think it is?!”

Sereb gasps. “I believe so, Ember.”

Some distance away is another ship. It appears very similar in appearance to the Lunar Destiny in its exterior construction. Arc nods.

“Now that IS impressive!”

Shining Armor laughs. “We thought you’d see it our way.”

“Trixie is still amazed to see both ships together! They’re both technological wonders after all!”

Rose turns to Cadance. “What’s the ship’s name?”

“It doesn’t have one yet.”

Luna nods. “This ship was completed very recently, so a name hasn’t been decided on yet.”

Ember grins. “Can we go aboard?”

“Certainly. Follow me.”

Following Luna, the group makes their way over to the vessel and enters the ship through the main hatch. Luna leads them toward a teleporter pad.

“The ship has the same general layout as the Lunar Destiny. The Lower Deck is the Cargo Hold and Engineering. The Mid Deck holds the Living Quarters and Cafeteria. And the Upper Deck is the Observation Deck, the VIP suites, the Master Cabin, and the Bridge.”

Sereb nods. “It certainly sounds familiar.”

Cadance turns to them as they step onto the pad. “Yes. It was easier to build using the same blueprints.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “And cheaper too.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Cheaper?”

“Trixie can tell you about that. You see, when you do the same task a second time it’s that much easier.”

Rose cocks her head to one side. “Practice?”

“Kinda. The engineers worked with the crew of the Lunar Destiny to iron out the bugs in the initial design, thus saving time and bits.”

Arc turns to Cadance. “Did Hard Hat build this ship too?”

“That he did. He can build pretty much anything.”

“Agreed. Most of the changes can be found on the Bridge. Let’s continue our discussion there.”

Luna clears her throat.

“Bridge.”

In a flash the group finds themselves on the Bridge. They look around. Ember is the first to speak.

“This looks a bit more… spacious, I guess.”

Cadance looks to her. “It’s an optical illusion. The square footage is nearly identical to the Lunar Destiny’s Bridge.”

Sereb looks around. “So what is different about this ship?”

Luna leads the group over to the Tactics Station. “This.”

She gestures to a console with two large orbs half embedded into the station. They are roughly the size of cantaloupes.

“This is a new addition to the ship’s systems. These spheres are part of an experimental energy amplification system.”

Rose looks confused. “I was not aware such technology existed.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “It doesn’t officially.”

“A military secret?”

Cadance nods. “Yes, Arc. But only because it’s untested at present. It’s called the ORB, or Orbital Remote Barrier.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Luna puts a hoof on one of the orbs as she continues. “Magical energy can be channeled through these spheres into the ORB core down in Engineering. There the energy is held until the desired strength is reached. The crew can then use the energy to create a powerful force field around the ship.”

“Incredible!”

Ember frowns as she looks at the orbs. “I’m no expert, but wouldn’t it take significantly more magical energy to make a shield THAT powerful?”

Cadance nods. “Normally, yes. However this system not only temporarily stores the energy, but also amplifies it.”

Shining Armor turns to Ember. “Think of it like comparing static electricity discharge to a bolt of lightning.”

Sereb’s eyes grow wide. “How is such a magical feat possible?”

Rose nods. “I too am curious about that.”

Luna sighs. “Sadly the science behind this is beyond me. Stellar Flare would be the one to talk to about this.”

Arc looks at the orbs again. “Is this system space intensive?”

“Trixie can tell you that the Cargo Hold is slightly smaller due to it.”

Cadance nods. “Right. It’s about twenty-five percent smaller than the Lunar Destiny’s cargo capacity.”

Arc turns to Luna. “You said earlier that this ship might be of use to us during this mission. What did you mean by that?”

“All of the delegates will require transport to the meeting. The Lunar Destiny cannot be in two places at once.”

Sereb nods. “Makes sense.”

“Yes. But this vessel wasn’t constructed with this task in mind, was it Luna?

Cadance steps forward. “No. It was originally going to be my personal flagship.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Your flagship? For what?”

“Trips to and from the Crystal Empire mostly. That and defending the land should the need arise.”

“Yes. My sister’s original plan was for each of us to have a private vessel in which to travel in securely.”

Sereb looks out the forward window at the ships outside. “Whom was the Lunar Destiny built for?”

“Originally, Princess Luna.”

“My sister designed it with my comfort in mind.”

“How so?”

“The Observation Deck was originally supposed to have a very powerful telescope bolted to the floor.”

Ember thinks a moment. “I didn’t see anything like that aboard ship.”

“Yes well… I had it removed.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Why was that?”

Luna smiles sheepishly. “So it could be anchored to my room’s balcony.”

Arc shrugs. “That does make more sense. After all, you spend more nights in your room than aboard ship.”

Cadance sighs. “But with equally little time to use it.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

Walking toward the Bridge door, Luna motions for them to follow her.

“The rest of the changes were mostly technical to increase efficiency. However there is one other room I want to show everypony.”

She leads them down the corridor to the Master Cabin. Arc looks at the door. Confused he turns to Luna.

“I thought this ship was supposed to be for Princess Cadance.”

“It was originally.”

He points at the design above the door. “Then what is my crest doing over there?”

Cadance giggles. “Because this is the Master Cabin.”

“Then shouldn’t it have your mark over it, Princess Cadance?”

She shakes her head. “No, Arc. This is your room.”

“What?!”

Luna walks over to him and puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Right. This entire ship is yours after all.”

“Wait… mine?! How? Why?!”

Cadance joins them. “Luna and I talked it over with Shining Armor and Kibitz. We all agreed that you are in much greater need of a private airship than I am.”

Ember grins. “Congrats, Arc! You’re moving on up in the world!”

“But… but the cost must’ve been astronomical!”

Luna nods. “Three airships were budgeted for construction before my sister disappeared. We were able to build this one cheaper than originally intended.”

“Right. If the same holds true, there should be enough bits left over after construction of Aunt Celestia’s ship to build a fourth one. That one will be mine.”

Shining Armor turns to Cadance. “Are you sure you can wait that long, your highness?”

“Yes. Arc needs a ship to keep up appearances more than I need to be shuttled around the land these days.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Appearances?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Arc, you may not know this but your name is spoken reverently in all correspondences we’ve received thus far.”

“Trixie sees that you are respected and admired abroad!”

Shining Armor nods. “That you are. Therefore the princesses decided that a Lord Regent, even a former one, should have his own airship.”

“But… but it just feels like too much!”

Luna sighs. “Arc, listen to me. This is more than just us wanting to do something nice for you. It’s also a part of the political game.”

Rose appears confused. “Political… game?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Rulers need to show either their nation’s wealth or power in their method of transportation.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Like the ornate carriages the griffons traveled in back in the Griffon Kingdom?”

Shining Armor frowns. “Exactly. To not do so may be interpreted as a sign of weakness to our guests.”

Ember looks to the princesses angrily. “He’s more than just a pawn on your chessboard, you know!”

“I agree, Ember. But Arc is viewed more as an equal to the throne rather than our greatest champion by the surrounding nations.”

Cadance nods. “If he travels in this airship, it will show the world that Luna and I have given him our nation’s full support.”

“I… well… thank you. I’ll use it well.”

“Cadance and I are sure you will, Arc.”

“Yes. Now, please bear in mind this is not a military ship.”

Ember frowns. “It’s not?”

Sereb looks around. “Does it not have weapons and armor?”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Oh, it does. They’re identical to the Lunar Destiny, after all.”

“Trixie would like to say more so with the addition of the ORB defensive system.”

“What Cadance means is that you are not limited to using it merely for official business.”

Rose looks confused. “What else would he do with the ship?”

Cadance shrugs. “Use it for pleasure trips.”

Ember grins. “Now we’re talking!”

Arc puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Uh, we have a job to do. Remember?”

“Can’t we mix business with pleasure?”

Sereb nods. “That may actually be a good idea, Arc.”

“Not you too, Sereb!”

“Everyone needs to rest.”

“Kinda busy these days.”

Shining Armor nods. “We’re sure you are. But he’s right, Arc.”

“Even Trixie can see you’re pushing yourself much too hard.”

Cadance nods soberly. “You really should try to rest more.”

Luna sighs. “Yes. Now I know we’ve inadvertently just gave you even more work. However be aware that when Sunburst finds my sister, none of us are going to have much time to relax.”

Arc nods soberly. “I understand, and will try to find some time to do… something, I guess.”

Ember frowns. “Why not now?!”

“Didn’t I just get done explaining…?!”

“I don’t mean fly to Los Pegasus or anything! How about we head to Ponyville in this thing?!”

Luna nods. “That is a good idea. The ship needs to be tested after all.”

Arc looks confused. “But we don’t have anyone to fly the ship.”

Cadance giggles. “Captain Tight Ship and the rest of the crew of the Lunar Destiny are being reassigned to you until further notice.”

Rose turns to the princesses. “But what if there’s an emergency?”

“We’ll still have any number of other ships to take us somewhere should the need arise.”

Cadance nods. “And other pilots.”

Arc looks to them. “Thank you. I… really don’t know what to say to such generosity.”

Luna smiles. “It is our pleasure, Arc. Now then, the crew has already moved their belongings, tools, and whatnot to their new quarters. They should have taken their places by now.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Really? When?!”

“Probably a few minutes ago.”

Luna nods. “I asked a guard to relay the message to Captain Tight Ship and the rest of the crew when we left the Meeting Room.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “That is correct. I heard hoofsteps pass by this room a short time ago as well.”

Rose giggles. “As did I.”

“Well then, how about we say hello to them?”

Arc leads the group toward the door and down the corridor. Entering the Bridge they find the crew at their stations. Everyone bows as the princesses enter. Tight Ship walks over to Arc and his group.

“Welcome aboard everypony. I do hope the ship is up to your standards, sir.”

“I’ve only seen the Bridge and my quarters. But if you’re satisfied with the ship, then I trust it’s looking good.”

Lemon Hearts salutes. “Yes sir! We’ve done our best to make your ship ready for whatever comes your way!”

Cadance looks to Thunderlane. “How are things? Is the ship air worthy?”

Thunderlane calls out from his place next to the pilot’s seat. “Yes, your highness. We’re ready to take off anytime.”

Wrangler nods. “The weapon’s systems are prepped and ready for anything, along with the new gizmos!”

Lemon Hearts holds up a clipboard. “I’ve received word that the cargo hold has been fully stocked for our maiden voyage.”

Soarin looks to Arc. “Is there somewhere you need to go, sir?”

Ember grins. “Yes!”

“Ma’am?”

“ANYWHERE!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh boy.”

Luna smiles. “Well, Cadance and I need to get back to work now. I leave you in the capable hooves of the captain and his crew.”

“I understand. Thank you very much for the gift.”

Cadance smiles. “You are welcome, Arc. Take care!”

Luna and Cadance leave the Bridge and head for the Main Hatch flanked by Shining Armor and Trixie.

“Arc can handle this, right Luna?”

Shining Armor looks over. “He’s quite resourceful you know. If anypony can do this, he can.”

“Trixie agrees.”

Luna sighs. “I am certain he will do his best. However much of what needs to be done is out of his hands.”

“Like what?”

“The ultimate success of the summit in its entirety.”

Cadance looks concerned. “I’m sorry, what?!”

“Think about it this way, Cadance. Were the leaders of the three pony races ever able to agree on much?”

“Well, from my history lessons, no.”

Luna nods. “Pride and their own beliefs kept them from seeing eye to eye. How much more difficult do you think it will be for Arc to get everypony assembled to listen?”

“A sobering thought. Did we just give him an impossible task then?”

“Perhaps. But with his past deeds here and his reputation abroad, he has the best chance of seeing to it our nation continues.”

“But…!”

Luna smiles as the group walks down the gangplank. “You know, Arc reminds me of somepony I knew many years ago. They too had the overwhelming job of trying to keep the land from tearing itself apart.”

“Who was that?”

“Star Swirl.”

Chapter 9 - Vehicles for Meetings

Arc stands next to the pilot’s seat and looks out the main forward window.

“My own ship. Never would have guessed this was waiting for me!”

Ember joins him and puts a claw on his shoulder. “You deserve it.”

Sereb walks over. “The princesses have left the ship. We should also depart.”

Soarin looks to Arc. “What is our destination, sir?”

“I suppose we should head back to Ponyville.”

Tight Ship salutes. “Yes sir. Thunderlane, make it happen.”

“Aye sir.”

Lemon Hearts turns to the captain. “Sir, our ship is still unnamed. What designation should we use?”

Moon Dancer looks over. “As per regulations, we have to use our project name for the moment.”

Wrangler chuckles. “Right! Unless the Hero of Light already has a name in mind.”

“Not yet, no.”

Soarin nods. “’Experimental Ship #3’ it is then, Lemon Hearts.”

“Aye sir.”

Cherry sighs. “It certainly isn’t much.”

Arc shrugs. “We’ll have to give it some thought.”

Sereb nods. “That we will. A ship with as grand a master requires and equally powerful name.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Equally powerful name, huh?”

Ember looks over. “You think of something, Arc?”

“Maybe. I need to think about it. In any case, let’s get underway.”

Tight Ship nods. “Yes sir. As soon as we have clearance the ship will take off. Perhaps you would like to rest in your new quarters?”

“Um… kinda.”

Rose looks to him nervously. “Arc?”

Sereb frowns. “Is something amiss?”

“I… I dunno.”

He turns back to the captain.

“Just… get us back to Ponyville as soon as possible.”

“You should probably rest now, Arc. I’m detecting quite a bit of activity in your cerebral cortex.”

“Okay.”

Arc and company leave the Bridge. The crew looks to one another confused. Thunderlane turns to Lemon Hearts.

“That wasn’t the Hero of Light I’m used to seeing.”

“Agreed. He was just so… scattered.”

Soarin looks to the captain. “I believe I understand what the princesses were talking about earlier.”

“Yes. The Hero of Light most certainly needs to rest.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company walk down the corridor toward his quarters Rose turns as they come to the door.

“Sereb, why don’t you and I head to the Cafeteria?”

“I am a bit hungry.”

Arc nods. “Go ahead you two. I’ll see you later.”

“Care to join us, Ember?”

“She probably wants to stay with Arc right now.”

“Yeah.”

The wolf raises an eyebrow as he turns around. “Very well.”

Sereb and Rose walk away together.

“Rose, why are we really going to the Cafeteria?”

“To get you something to eat, of course.”

“Is that all?”

“No. Arc is feeling very… conflicted right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“We can talk about it over a glass of water.”

“Very well.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember enter his quarters. After closing the door Ember grabs Arc’s hand.

“Come over here!”

“What?! But why?!”

Ember turns to Arc as she leads him to the bed. “Just do it!”

Half throwing him, Arc lands on his back in the center of the very posh bed.

“Not this again, Ember. I…”

“Just trust me.”

Hopping up into the bed herself, Ember lies down next to Arc on her back.

“It should happen any time now.”

“What will?”

“You’ll see if you’re patient.”

“Uh… okay. But what should we do in the meantime?”

Ember sighs. “I think we need to talk, Arc.”

“What about?”

“You.”

“I don’t understand.”

“How about your inability to say no, for starters?!”

“What are you…?”

“Right now you’re currently working on finding out where Princess Celestia is, what the Shards are up to, worrying about your friends Shelly, Lily, and even Frank.”

“Uh…”

“That in addition to your friends here in Equestria! To say nothing for Derpy and Dinky!”

Arc sighs. “I do feel bad for leaving them for such a long time.”

“Then DO something about it! You’re the Hero of Light for crying out loud! All that power and authority you have is going to be the end of you!”

“It is?”

“YES! Minerva, Wiseman, the rebels in the Griffon Kingdom, the Little Hooves Orphanage, Sweet Apple Acres and Cherry Hill Ranch! And don’t even get me started on Yakyakistan, the Crystal Empire, Abyssinia and the Council of Lords!”

Cherry pipes up. “I think what Ember is trying to tell you is that you’re trying to either investigate or help everypony at the same time.”

“But they need me to…!”

Ember glares at him. “You’re ONE HUMAN! Do you honestly think you can help them ALL?!”

Arc furrows his brow. “Well, what SHOULD I do then?! Let the world crumble around me?!”

“No! But you need to let others help too! I mean, take your exploits on Earth! The last time we went into battle was the FIRST time you let your squad help! I mean REALLY help!”

“What are you talking about?! They do all kinds of stuff!”

“Yeah! From a safe distance!”

“I’m not going to get them killed!”

“Of course you’re not! They never get to prove themselves!”

Arc turns away from Ember.

“I’m doing my very best here, you know.”

Ember puts a claw on his shoulder. “I know. That’s what has me worried.”

“What?”

“That you give and give and GIVE! You don’t make time for yourself.”

Cherry sighs. “Or for your family.”

Ember continues. “Derpy and Dinky know you love them. I know they’re really understanding about your schedule, and all. But you once told me you adopted Dinky because she needed a full time father.”

Arc sighs. “I… I know. Believe me, it bothers me more than you can understand. But what can I do about it?”

Cherry giggles. “We’re going back to Ponyville. Spend some time with them for starters. You miss them and they miss you.”

“What about the peace summit?”

Ember frowns. “Rose can handle the organization process herself.”

“But if she needs help…”

Cherry interrupts him. “Then Twilight can help her. She lives for this sort of thing, after all.”

“So what is my role in this again?”

Ember frowns. “To show the delegates that you’re there.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Smile and wave?”

Cherry sighs. “Hopefully, yes.”

Ember looks Arc in the eye as she speaks. “I know that just reminds you of your time as Lord Regent. But those simple acts made all the difference to the commoners.”

“Yes. It gave us somepony to looks up to. All of us could go to sleep knowing someone brave and powerful was sitting on the throne. That we were safe and secure.”

Arc nods. “Protecting Equestria and my loved ones was the only reason I took that job, you know.”

Ember nods. “Yes. And you did it well. But that’s looking at the big picture. What about the individuals?”

“My family. I… I have to go see them.”

Cherry calls out. “Yes, you do. After all, what good is prosperity if you have nopony to share it with?”

The sound of the engines starting can be heard. Ember grins and tugs at Arc’s shoulder.

“Here it comes! Lie on your back! Hurry!”

Arc does as he is told. A few moments later the ship lifts off and flies south. The pair are pushed deeper into the soft bed. Ember sighs contentedly.

“Ahhhh! That feels good!”

Arc gasps. “It felt like I was being picked up by a cloud! How have I never noticed this?!”

Cherry sighs. “Because you were always too busy.”

“But I’ve been in a similar bed aboard the Lunar Destiny when we’ve taken off plenty of times before.”

“Yeah. But back then you were taking every opportunity to rest you could get. As soon as you hit that pillow, you were OUT!”

“I guess you’re right.”

Cherry sighs. “Speaking of which, why don’t you take a nap? Make sure you’re well-rested for when we land.”

“I… suppose I could go for some rest. But I have a few things I’d like to get done first.”

Ember turns to him angrily. “Such… AS?!”

“Call my guys and see how they’re doing. Check in with Sunburst on our research projects. Look at the onboard library to learn a bit more about the cultures we’re going to be interacting with at the…”

Ember sits upright.

“NO! NO YOU ARE NOT!”

“Why?”

“Because you are going to lie there and REST!”

“But…”

“WHETHER YOU WANT TO OR NOT!!!”

She angrily rolls over on top of him.

“Ember! What are you…?!”

“I am going to lie RIGHT HERE and make sure you don’t get up! Now REST!”

Ember roughly lays her head down on Arc’s chest and mutters indignantly under her breath. Arc sighs and does as he is told. Before long Ember falls asleep. Arc puts his arms around her as the ship makes its way toward Ponyville.

“Thanks Ember. But I don’t think I’m the only one who needs to take some time off.”

A short time later the ship touches down behind Light’s Hope with a small bump. The jostle is just enough to wake the pair up. Ember looks around.

“Wh-what? You better not be trying to get away, Arc.”

“Uh, no. We’re here.”

“Where?”

“Ponyville I would assume.”

Ember sits up quickly and looks out the window. “What?! But we just took off!”

“You dozed off. We both did.”

She blushes as they both stand. “Well… you’re soft!”

“Um… thanks. I think.”

She grabs Arc’s hand. “Come on! Let’s go!”

“Where to?”

“I don’t know! Let’s just go!”

They leave Arc’s quarters together. Rose and Sereb are waiting for them in the corridor.

“Did you rest well?”

“Kinda.”

“Arc, should I go see mother about upgrading my sensors?”

Arc thinks for a moment before replying. “For now just have her look you over to make sure everything’s okay since your directives were removed. I’ll join you there later.”

Sereb nods. “I am certain Twilight would like that.”

Ember turns to Rose. You probably shouldn’t say anything to her about the peace summit though.

“Why not?”

Arc sighs. “Because Twilight is… easily excited.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “That is an understatement.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah. She’d probably have the whole thing planned out by the time we got there. Uh… wait a minute. Why don’t we just do that?”

“Because she’s busy with the whole artificial sun idea with Auriel.”

Rose tilts her head to one side in confusion. “Then why am I going there?”

“Mother/daughter bonding time.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Truly?”

“Yes. Twilight is Rose’s only family, right? She can go there while I see my own.”

Ember shrugs. “It has been awhile after all.”

“Right. Now let’s get going.”

They disembark the ship. Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage meet them at the base of the gangplank.

“Welcome back, sir.”

“Is everything well on Earth?”

“Um, that’s kinda complicated. How are things here in Ponyville?”

Flash Sentry looks down the path towards town. “Pretty quiet.”

“It’s been business as usual, sir.”

“Good. Now, I’ll need to see the two of you in my office sometime after lunch about our future plans.”

“Is something up, sir?”

Ember shrugs. “Kinda.”

“Let’s just say things might be getting busy here soon. All will be explained later.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc and company turn and head toward town. Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage head back towards the building. Sandstorm Mirage looks hopeful.

“You don’t suppose this has anything to do with Princess Celestia, do you?”

“I hope so. We haven’t heard anything in that regard in so long.”

“You think she’s okay?”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I doubt it. But the commander will figure something out. Of that I’m sure.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his friends head toward Ponyville. They pause in front of the Little Hooves Orphanage as Rose turns to Arc.

“I’ll head to mother’s house now.”

Cherry calls out after her. “Have a nice time, Rose!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Tell Twilight I’ll see her later.”

“Okay. Bye!”

They part ways. Arc, Ember, and Sereb walk into the building together. Ember looks to Arc.

“So should we go see Derpy first?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “I believe she is busy right now with lunch preparations.”

“Right.”

He looks at his pocket watch.

“It looks like the lunch bell should be ringing in a few minutes anyways. We can catch Dinky as she comes out of her classroom.”

Ember grins. “She’ll like that.”

Sereb sits down. “Yes, she will.”

A short while later the bell rings. The foals and several older looking griffons hurry out the door happily. Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle are the last ones out. Arc calls out after them

“Dinky?”

They turns around. Dinky’s eyes light up as she sees her father. Running over to him she jumps into his arms so hard Arc is nearly knocked over. They embrace happily.

“Someone’s getting stronger! I missed you sweetheart!”

Dinky happily nuzzles her father. “And I missed you too, dad!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walk over.

“Hi there, Arc!”

“When did you get here?!”

“Not long ago.”

Dinky looks up to him, an expectant look in her eyes. “Are you staying long?”

“I think so, yes.”

Dinky throws her hooves in the air happily. “YAY! Can my friends stay the night then?!”

“That’s up to your mother, sweetheart.”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Blooms turn to each other.

“That’ll be really cool!”

“Sure will! We haven’t done since the time Arc figured out we have powers!”

Arc nods. “Any news on that?”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle look nervously away. Dinky sighs and looks her father in the eye.

“Kronos has been talking to all of us a lot lately.”

Ember frowns. “What about?”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shuffle on their hooves nervously.

“We’re not supposed to tell anypony.”

“Not even you, sir.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think I like where this is going. Kronos isn’t hurting you, are they?!”

Dinky shakes her head. “No dad. But what we’re doing is important. Please just trust me on this.”

“Okay, Dinky. But if he, she, or it ever says or does anything that makes you feel uncomfortable you tell me, okay?”

Arc turns to the other two fillies.

“That goes for you two as well.”

“Okay!”

“We will!”

Sereb looks to them. “Arc is simply worried about you.”

Ember nods as she folds her arms over her chest. “As am I!”

Arc sets Dinky down. “Right. Now why don’t we have some lunch together?”

Dinky leads everyone toward the Cafeteria. “Sure! But we’ve been helping mom serve lunch since you left.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Then when do you three eat?”

Apple Bloom giggles. “After everypony goes outside for recess.”

Arc looks surprised. “But doesn’t that stop you from spending time with the others?”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “Nah. We’re pretty good at getting things done quickly these days.”

Sereb looks to Dinky. “How so? Magic of some kind?”

“Yeah! The magic of teamwork!”

Arc laughs. “I’m sure you do fine!”

They enter the Cafeteria together. The other students are lined up at the lunch buffet filling their trays with food. Derpy flies out of the Kitchen with a pot in her hooves. Dinky and her friends run over to help her.

“Mom! Dad’s back!”

“He is?”

Apple Bloom nods happily. “Yes, Miss Derpy! He’s right over there!”

Derpy looks over to see Arc, Ember and Sereb walking toward them. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom take the pot from her as she runs over to Arc. He stoops down to give her a hug. She throws her hooves around his neck.

“Arc! Welcome back! We’ve missed you so much!”

“And I’ve missed both of you as well.”

Derpy gestures to the buffet. “Are you three hungry? There’s plenty for everypony!”

Ember nods. “A bit, yes.”

Sereb looks around. “Perhaps we could help you serve the little ones before joining you for a meal, Miss Derpy.”

Arc lets go of Derpy. “Sereb’s right. If we all pitch in, it’ll go pretty quick.”

“Okay, let’s do it!”

Dinky runs behind the buffet with her friends. “Yay!”

A short time later the school foals hurry outside to play. They leave Arc and company to clean up the Cafeteria. Ember loads plates of food for each of them.

“I’ll get us some grub before we throw the rest out.”

Arc looks around the room. “Thanks Ember. You know, this really isn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”

Dinky looks over as she pushes a cart of dirty dishes toward the Kitchen. “It didn’t start out like this.”

Apple Bloom loads the leftover food onto another cart. “Yeah. The first day this place was a mess!”

Sereb turns to her. “Disorganized?”

Sweetie Belle looks over as she wipes down a table with a soapy cloth. “Kinda. The real problem was that nopony really knew how much work it was to pull off meals of this size!”

Derpy sighs. “I had to work extra hard to clean this place up. Miss Pommel found me still cleaning after the school day was over.”

Dinky grimaces. “She wasn’t too happy about it.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right. The next day when the same thing happened, she made everypony come back inside from recess to help clean the place up!”

Dinky points a hoof to her cart. “Now everypony takes their empty trays to this cart and stacks them up.”

Derpy walks over to Dinky and helps her push the cart over the threshold and into the Kitchen.

“Loading them into the dishwasher is much easier now.”

Ember follows them with another cart. “That’s good to hear.”

Dinky turns back as she and her mother begin loading the dishwasher together. “It really wasn’t their fault. I mean… you saw how things were at the New Beginnings Orphanage, dad.”

Arc nods as he dumps uneaten food in the trash. “Yeah. I don’t think they ever had such a thing as leftovers there.”

Derpy turns back to Arc with Dinky. “Well, all we have to do now is wipe down the tables.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle run into the Kitchen.

“We already did that!”

“The Cafeteria is now officially clean!”

“Well done everypony. Dinky, why don’t you and your friends go outside and play now?”

Dinky turns to her mother. “Oh, that reminds me! Can Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle spend the night?!”

Arc shrugs as Derpy looks over to him. “I told them to ask you. It is your house, after all.”

“It’s fine with me, sweetie. They’ll have to ask their families though.”

Arc chuckles. “Ember and I are heading into town in a bit. Should I talk to Rarity and Applejack?”

Dinky grins. “That would be great, dad! Thanks.”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders run out the door together and join the others in a game of tag. Arc and Derpy look out the window together.

“She’s growing up so fast.”

“That she is. Sorry for being absent for so long.”

Derpy sighs as they head back to the Kitchen. “It’s okay, Arc. Dinky and I understand the responsibility you have.”

Arc frowns as they sit down together. “It’s no excuse. You shouldn’t have to raise Dinky alone, my friend.”

Derpy puts a hoof on Arc’s shoulder. “Arc, while I appreciate your feelings on this matter, the fate of the nation is much more important than us.”

Arc shakes his head as Ember and Sereb begin to eat. “I don’t see any difference.”

Sereb nods. “While I admit Miss Derpy and Miss Dinky are very important, the fate of the world may very well be in the balance.”

Ember shrugs. “True. But they ARE Arc’s world, after all.”

“Right.”

Derpy smiles up at him. “And you’re ours. But please, for our sake, do your best to stay focused on the task at hoof.”

“I’ll try. But fortunately I’m going to be in town for a bit.”

Ember turns to Derpy. “Arc’s supposed to lead a peace summit sometime soon.”

Derpy gasps. “Oh my! In Ponyville?!”

Sereb nods. “At his base.”

“Yes. The princesses and I are hoping to improve Equestria’s relations with the rest of the world.”

“A noble goal. But why aren’t they holding the summit in the castle?”

Ember sighs. “The other guests were against it.”

“Other guests?”

Sereb chuckles. “Ember will be representing the Dragon Lands in this affair.”

“How about you, Sereb? Will you represent the Forsaken Tribe?”

“With your permission, I’d like to accompany the Matriarch during the summit, Arc.

“That’s fine. As the Warchief, you probably should be with her.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Ember turns to Sereb. “I’m sure you’re excited to see your mother again.”

Sereb sighs. “Not… particularly, no.”

“Oh? Not too close?”

“My brother Kane was always the favored pup. He received all the attention and accolades. I was the one watching enviously.”

Derpy frowns. “I do wish I had a better relationship with my family.”

“Miss Derpy?”

“My mother died giving birth to me. And my father… wasn’t exactly kind and nurturing.”

“Isn’t that better than being ignored?”

Arc slams a fist on the table. “No!”

Everyone stops eating and looks at him, confused. Derpy puts a hoof on Arc’s hand.

“You don’t need to react like that, Arc. I’ve been able to move past it. Mostly thanks to you and our friendship.”

Arc frowns. “For the longest time I’ve wanted to visit Trottingham.”

Ember looks surprised. “Really? Why?”

“So I can punch everyone who lives there in the nose! Especially the pompous oaf who lives in the biggest house in town!”

Derpy shakes her head. “Please don’t. Like I said, I’ve moved on.”

“Someday I’ll probably go there for something or other. But if that’s what you want, Derpy, I won’t intentionally cause any trouble.”

Derpy smiles happily at him. “Thank you, Arc. I knew you’d understand.”

Chapter 10 - Around Town

Arc, Ember and Sereb walk down the road together toward Ponyville. Ember turns to him.

“I don’t suppose you’d care to tell me what that was all about?”

Arc does not look over as he speaks. “Let’s just say those involved in Derpy’s childhood were very… unkind to her.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. What does that mean?

“That she was treated badly by quite a few individuals. Sorry, but if you want to know more than that you’ll have to get it from Derpy herself.”

Ember shakes her head. “Maybe another time.”

Sereb sighs. “Yes. At the moment, we should see how Rose and Twilight are doing.”

Ember turns to Arc. “You really think she can be upgraded?”

“Probably. She’s a machine after all.”

Sereb nods. “It’s probably just a matter of getting the correct parts and installing them.”

“Right.”

They continue on their way. As they approach the Golden Oaks Library Auriel steps outside. She sees them and waves.

“Welcome back, everyone.”

“Hi Auriel. How are things going?”

“Very well, Arc! According to my calculations, Twilight and I have nearly enough extract to produce our artificial sun!”

Ember smiles at her. “That’s wonderful!”

Sereb puts a paw to his chin thoughtfully. “Tartarus is that much closer to having plants then?”

“Yes! We’ve started planning what exactly we’re bringing in there!”

“What about the Zap Apple seeds?”

Auriel shakes her head. “I gave them back to Granny Smith. Twilight and I were concerned about the amount of water full-grown trees would require.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

“We already have. The new plan is to start small. Just potted plants at first.”

Sereb looks confused. “Oh?”

“That and the other demons might have trouble adjusting to both a forest of apple trees and a magical sun that appears out of nowhere overnight. Well, I need to get over to the Train Station now. Twilight’s expecting a package.”

Arc nods. “We won’t keep you any longer then. I’ll come back soon to hear more about your project, Auriel.”

Auriel smiles as she hurries down the path. “Twilight’s in the basement at the moment. Just let yourselves in.”

They wave after her and enter the Library together. Ember turns to Arc.

“Do you really think those two can figure this out?”

“Probably. Working together makes every job easier.”

Sereb chuckles. “That it does.”

Arc and company proceed down the stairs to the basement. Rose is stretched out on her customary lab table staring up at the ceiling. She is covered by a white sheet as her clothes lie draped over a nearby chair.

“Mother, Arc and the others are here.”

Twilight trots over. “Welcome back everypony. I hope your trip to Earth was successful.”

“Kinda.”

Ember shrugs. “It could’ve gone better.”

Sereb looks to the table. “How are you feeling, Rose?”

“Mother says I need quite a bit of maintenance.”

Twilight leads the group over to the table. “That she does! What in Celestia’s name were you fighting over there?!”

Arc sighs. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me.”

Sereb frowns. “A human whom transformed into a wolf-like creature.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That cleared it up.”

Arc sighs. “Nevertheless, that is roughly what Bloodletter became.”

Rose nods. “I was attempting to end the battle quickly before Arc or the others were injured. Sadly, I was not successful.”

Twilight frowns as she walks over to a nearby table. “That much I gathered from your damaged internal parts.”

Sereb turns to Twilight. “I was under the impression Rose could regenerate.”

“She can. But it leaves magical scaring on whatever she repairs.”

Arc walks over to Rose’ side. “Kinda like us, huh?”

“Something like that. Everything works correctly after regenerating. But the signs of the injury are still there.”

Ember frowns. “So, what would happen if she just kept regenerating?”

“Eventually the parts being repaired would just fail completely.”

Twilight picks up a few servos with her magic and holds them up for all to see.

“I pulled these out of her left arm.”

Sereb shudders. “Her internal workings?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Studying them, it would appear something attempted to rip her arm off. Not only that, but it was nearly successful!”

“I will be more careful in the future, mother.”

“Please do. I really don’t mind doing maintenance on you, but I’d rather you not get hurt in the first place.”

Arc sighs. “Twilight, there is another reason I sent Rose over here.”

Twilight appears confused. “What could be more important than this?”

Ember shrugs. “She needs an upgrade, or something.”

“Right. To her sensors and processor I would imagine.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Well, the parts needed would depend on what exactly you want her to do. Can you be a bit more descriptive?”

“Well… we’re supposed to host a diplomatic summit at Light’s Hope sometime in the near future.”

Ember nods. “All the leaders of the surrounding nations will be there.”

“As will my tribe’s Matriarch.”

“Right. I need her to be able to scan for unauthorized personnel.”

Twilight looks confused. “Are the princesses organizing this? I mean, Canterlot Castle would be a much more logical place for…”

“That has already been discussed, mother. No one seems to want to attend a meeting there.”

Arc sighs. “Yes. Light’s Hope is a bit more neutral than the capital. Can it be done, Twilight?”

“Well… I would need some time to order the parts. But the problem is they’re REALLY expensive!”

“Make a list and give it to Raven at my base. She’ll put in the order and take care of the bill.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… can you do that Arc?”

“I guess. I mean, this is for security after all. If Canterlot won’t cover the cost I’ll pay for it from my base’s fund allotment. That I KNOW I can do.”

Rose sits up as she holds the sheet to her chest modestly. “Mother, I don’t want to be a financial burden to anyone!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “It’s no trouble, Rose. After all, you’re the one doing me a favor here.”

Ember nods. “This just seems like the least we could do in return.”

Sereb puts his paws on the side of the table. “If you save lives, all the better.”

Arc gently pushes Rose back down on the table. “You just rest and let Twilight patch you back up.”

“She should be good to go in a few hours.”

“Good. Will you be joining us for supper, Rose?”

“I… I’m not sure.”

Ember looks worried. “Something wrong?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. It’s just… I have some things to think about. Alone, that is.”

“We are here to talk to if you need us.”

Twilight puts her hooves up on the table and looks at Rose. “Me too.”

Arc smiles at her. “If you want some company, I’ll be around town for a while.”

Rose smiles sheepishly. “Okay.”

He turns back to Ember. “We should be going. I’m sure Twilight has a lot to do.”

Sereb nods. “As do we, I suppose.”

Ember raises an eyebrow as Arc heads for the basement steps. “Uh… okay.”

“Keep up the good work, Twilight.”

Twilight waves a hoof happily. “Take care, Arc.”

Arc and company walk upstairs and leave the library. Twilight looks back down to Rose and pulls back the sheet as she picks up a scalpel.

“Are you sure you’re alright? You haven’t been yourself since you got here.”

“I’ll be okay, mother.”

Twilight sighs. “If you say so. In any case, I need to replace a few gaskets in your left leg. Are you ready?”

Rose nods. “Yes. I’ve shut down energy to it and drained the fluids.”

Twilight continues talking as she makes a small incision.

“You know, Arc’s always been pretty good at solving problems. If something’s bothering you, he probably knows how to fix it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his friends walk down the path together. Ember turns to Arc suspiciously.

“What do you suppose that was all about?”

“No idea. But Rose will tell us if she needs help.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Are you certain?”

“If she’s anything like Twilight, yes.”

Ember looks down the path. “Good. Now where are we off to?”

“I should probably check with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom’s families about them spending the night. Then I want to drop by the Hammer’s shop.”

“Are you looking to upgrade too?”

“Something like that, Sereb. I just want to talk to them about a few things.”

“Should Sereb and I meet you back at the base tomorrow?”

“Probably. This isn’t really going to be overly interesting after all.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “Very well. You and I can get some training done then.”

Ember grins. “You ready to lose?”

“I was about to ask you the same.”

The pair walk toward Light’s Hope as Arc heads for Sweet Apple Acres.

“Let’s see how the Apple family is doing.”

A short time later the apple trees come into view. Arc walks toward the house. A familiar voice rings out nearby

“Hey there, sugarcube.”

Arc turns to see Applejack walking around the side of the house.

“Hi Applejack. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”

“Not at all. I was just heading to the barn to do some chores. Was there something you needed?”

“Just to talk.”

Applejack motions for Arc to follow her. “Come on. We can head to the barn then.”

Arc follows her.

“How’s the weather been?”

She look up at the sky. “It’s been warming up lately. Soon we’ll have apple blossoms everywhere.”

“It’ll be nice to smell that on the wind.”

Applejack nods as she holds open the barn door for him. “You know it! This is my favorite time of year after all.”

“Why’s that?”

She closes the door and walks over to him. “It’s warm, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I have time to enjoy it.”

Arc sits down on a bale of hay. “Makes sense.”

Applejack sits down next to him.

“So what can I do for you?”

“A couple things. First of all, Apple Bloom was wondering if she could spend the weekend at Derpy’s house with Dinky and Sweetie Belle.”

“Sure! She’s been a bit down lately. This might cheer her up.”

“Something wrong?”

Applejack sighs. “Her new friend has been sick all week.”

“Which one was that?”

“The blacksmith’s new clerk’s daughter. I believe her name was Cozy Glow.”

“Oh? What’s wrong with her?”

“Just a bad cold. She should be back in school Monday morning though.”

“Glad to hear that. Um… how are you doing these days?”

Applejack blushes slightly “M-me?”

“Filthy Rich give you any more trouble?”

Applejack sighs. “No more than normal, I guess. We don’t do a lot of business during the winter months, as nothing’s growing.”

“But you still have bills to pay.”

“Right. He doesn’t seem to understand that, for us at least, money doesn’t grow on trees.”

Arc grimaces. “Yeah. I don’t think he’s ever had to worry about bills.”

“Lately he’s been asking for inventory in return for payment extensions.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Inventory?”

“Apple Preserves. It’s all we sell this time of year.”

“For free?”

“Kinda. He’s looking for a few crates a week. If we agree, he won’t charge us penalties for not being able to pay these last few months.”

Cherry gasps. “NO!”

Arc and Applejack fall backwards, surprised at the sudden outburst.

“What in tarnation was that?!”

“It was Cherry! What’s gotten into you?!”

“That’s how it started for Ruby and I, Applejack! A crate here or there in return for penalty forgiveness! Next he’ll ask for whole shipments!”

Arc sighs as he helps Applejack up. “Then he can undercut you in the wholesale market.”

“Yes! Next thing you know all your other customers will be going to HIM for apples!”

Applejack flops back down on the hay bales. “Just perfect. This here is all my fault. If I hadn’t wanted that stupid equipment…”

Arc interrupts her. “Now, now Applejack. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

Cherry sighs. “Right. You didn’t know this would happen.”

Applejack lays her head down on the hay as her voice saddens. “I… I just don’t want my family’s foals and grandfoals stuck with this debt like you were, Cherry! They don’t deserve that!”

Cherry sighs. “I hate to suggest this, but couldn’t you just turn over the equipment to Filthy Rich?”

Applejack looks up. “You mean default on the loan?”

“Yes, Applejack. Now I’m not one for going back on a deal, but Filthy Rich is a low down scoundrel!”

Arc nods. “She’s right, Applejack. I don’t think anyone would hold it against you if you chose to…”

“I can’t do that. What kind of an example would that set for Apple Bloom and Babs Seed?”

“Applejack, I understand you’re the Element of Honesty, but this problem is just going to get bigger and bigger.”

Cherry sighs. “Right. Don’t wait until he comes by looking to renegotiate! My parents fell for that one years ago!”

Arc nods soberly. “Just give him the collateral and move on. You can still make cider without it, right?”

Applejack sighs. “Yeah. But that’s not the problem.”

“Then what is?”

“The equipment wasn’t the collateral.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You mean…?”

Applejack nods sadly. “Yeah. Sweet Apple Acres was. We didn’t have anything else of any real value to sign over.”

Cherry gasps. “Oh no! Filthy Rich will end up owning everything your family worked so hard to build!”

Applejack is suddenly frantic. Tears form in the corners of her eyes as she buries her face in the hay and begins to shake with emotion.

“That he will! So… what am I supposed to do now?!”

Arc gently strokes Applejack’s back in an effort to comfort her.

“I… um…”

Cherry speaks to Arc telepathically. “You know what to do! Just do it!”

Arc sighs inwardly. “I know. But last time I brought this up, she didn’t like the idea.”

“Well, she doesn’t really have much of a choice right now! I’m begging you! Don’t let this happen to Applejack! Please!”

“Agreed. That and I think I know how to make it happen.”

Arc looks down at Applejack who has begun openly sobbing into the hay.

“I know how to solve this Applejack.”

She looks up at him. A glint of hope in her eyes.

“You… you do?! How?! What do I have to do?!”

Arc wipes the tears from her face. “First of all, do you trust me?”

“Of course! You just tell me what needs to be done and I’ll do it! Promise!”

“First, how much debt do you have?”

Applejack looks around nervously. “I… don’t really like to say it.”

“Come on now, Applejack. Arc can’t help you if you don’t tell him.”

“Fine. But can I just whisper it in your ear?”

“Uh… okay. If that makes you feel better, sure.”

Arc leans down as Applejack sits up and whispers something. He raises an eyebrow, surprised.

“Really? How much equipment did you buy?!”

Cherry calls out. “Farming machinery is pretty expensive, as it has generally has to be custom built, Arc.”

Applejack nods sheepishly. “Right. The Hammers did a great job on it too.”

“They do good work, I’ll give you that.”

“So what’s your idea?”

“One sec.”

Arc pulls a pen and paper out of his ring and writes something down before giving the paper to Applejack.

“There you go.”

Applejack takes it, confused. “What’s this?”

“A note to the bank. Bring this down there and they’ll transfer it to your account.”

Applejack reads the note. Her pupils shrink, but do not leave the paper as she speaks.

“A-Arc?! This… this is a LOT of bits!”

Cherry smiles inwardly. “It’s your entire debt.”

Applejack shakes her head. “You can’t just give me state funds like this, Arc! I appreciate the offer, but…”

“Don’t worry. That’s not government money.”

“It’s not?”

“Nope. That would most certainly be illegal, I’m sure.”

“Good!”

Cherry giggles. “That’s from Arc’s personal savings.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc nods. “That it is. Canterlot brings my pay to Light’s Hope every month. They’ve just been stockpiling it in my vault for the time being. I’ll have some guards run this money over to the bank so you can pay off your debt tomorrow morning.”

Applejack shakes her head. “Arc, I… I can’t take this much from you. I felt bad enough when you bought me a doughnut that day I forgot my bits at home! This is… it’s just on another level entirely!”

“I suppose it is. But I want you to take this and get out of your deal with Filthy Rich.”

“I’d just be trading one debt for another! That wouldn’t be fair to you!”

“I know you’ll pay it back. Just when you can, and without interest.”

Cherry calls out to Applejack. “True. That and I don’t think Arc will be banging on your door once a week.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.

“But…!”

“Applejack. You and Rainbow Dash carried me to the hospital when the Ursa Minor nearly cut me in half. If it wasn’t for you and the other’s help I wouldn’t have survived.”

“That’s true. That and you did promise to do what Arc said.”

“So take this and trust me. Or do I have to order you to take it?”

Applejack removes her hat respectfully and holds the paper to her heart. “Th-thank you, sugarcube! Thanks so, SO much! If there’s anything you ever need from us you just ask! I promise I’ll pay you back just as soon as I can!”

“No rush there. I don’t really have much in the way of living expenses after all.”

Applejack closes her eyes and tears up again. “This really means a lot to us! Me especially!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and smiles. “Now then, no one needs to know about this.”

“They don’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t want to rob you of your pride, Applejack. Your feelings are important to me, after all.”

Applejack turns away and blushes slightly. “I… I just… um… thanks, Arc. Thanks for being such a Generous stallion.”

He stands up. “You’re welcome, Applejack. Well, I’ve taken up too much of your time already.”

“Huh?”

“Your chores won’t do themselves.”

“Oh! Right!”

Arc heads for the door. “I’ll see you later.”

“I’ll stop by and get Apple Bloom Sunday afternoon.”

He nods and turns back to her as he opens the barn door. “Sure thing. See you then.”

Arc steps through and closes the door behind him. Applejack reads the paper in her hooves a dozen more times to herself. She shakes her head and sighs.

“Some Element of Honesty I am. I didn’t have nothing to do out here.”

Applejack sighs yet again as she lies down on the haybale and stares at the paper. She begins to tear up again.

“Arc… why? Why do you pay so much attention to a dirty farm pony like me? I’m… I’m pathetic, I’m weak-minded, I’m stupid and I… I…”

She looks around before continuing.

“…I still wasn’t able to say anything to you. Anypony else would have been able to do that! Alone together in the barn with no distractions! But not me!”

Applejack looks at the paper again before carefully putting it inside her hat and leaving the barn. On her way back to the house she mutters to herself.

“You deserve better than me, Arc. A penniless bumpkin who can’t even work up the courage to tell you the truth.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way back toward town. Cherry calls out to him.

“That was a nice thing you did, Arc.”

“Yeah. I don’t like seeing anyone taken advantage of like that. Especially by Filthy Rich.”

“I know all too well what that’s like.”

“Sorry, Cherry.”

“Whatever for, Arc?”

“You know what I was saving that money for.”

Cherry sighs. “That I do. You wanted to do just that for Cherry Hill Ranch.”

“Yeah. But that debt is WAY more than I have.”

“I still think it was very sweet of you to try.”

“There was something else, Cherry.”

“Oh?”

“If I couldn’t pay off that debt, I was going to see if I could buy the farmhouse. Then at least Ruby would have a roof over her head that wasn’t in Filthy Rich’s grasp. Or if that didn’t work out, I planned to try buying the land when it went up for auction. Sorry for keeping that from you, Cherry.”

“It’s alright. Just because I’m in your head doesn’t mean you have to let me know everything. But why was it such a big secret?”

“Because I didn’t want to get your hopes up in case I… well…”

“In case you what?”

“Failed.”

“Listen to me, Arc. The stallion I fell in love with has never once failed anypony.”

“How can you say that?”

“My father used to have an old saying. Whenever Ruby or I messed something up he would tell us ‘you can’t truly fail if you try your hardest’.”

“That’s a real nice saying, Cherry. But that won’t free Ruby from the debt.”

“Maybe not. But I know you won’t fail her.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll build her a house with my bare hands if I have to.”

Cherry giggles. “I know you would, Arc. I know you would.”

Chapter 11 - Low Profile Rendezvous

Arc makes his way toward Carousel Boutique. As he enters the bell over the door jingles. Sassy Saddles trots out from the back room to greet him.

“Good morning, Arc. What brings you here today?”

“I just needed to ask Rarity’s permission for something.”

“Oh? It must really be something for the Hero of Light himself to ask!”

Arc chuckles. “Nah. Sweetie Belle just wants to have a sleepover this weekend with my daughter.”

“Ah! Well, she’s in the back room stitching together a prototype. Shall I call her for you?”

“No thanks. I’ll just head back there. Is that okay?”

“For you, certainly!”

“Thanks.”

Arc disappears into the back room. Sassy Saddles busies herself straightening up the shop as she giggles.

“There you are, Rarity. A perfect opportunity to talk to your favorite customer. Do your best!”

Meanwhile, Arc closes the door behind him. He spots the proprietor at her sewing machine.

“Rarity?”

Rarity looks up and smiles. “Good day to you, Arc! Welcome back!”

She trots over and beckons him over to the nearby couch.

“I do hope you’re doing well.”

Arc nods as they sit down together. “That I am. Everything’s going okay back on Earth. All things considered that is.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “You’re not hurt, are you?!”

“Not at all. Somehow.”

“That’s good to hear. I’d love to hear all about your trip. But I’m rather busy these days.”

“That I understand. I just dropped by to ask you something.”

“I’m all ears!”

“Sweetie Belle wanted to know if it was okay for her to spend the weekend at Derpy’s house. Apple Bloom and Dinky are having a girls night, or something.”

“That’s just fine with me. It will give me some time to get caught up on some work here in the shop.”

“Busy these days?”

Rarity sighs. “Doing my best to advance my name in the fashion world. Not an easy task, to be sure.”

“I’m sure your hard work will pay off.”

Rarity nods as she straightens a dress on a nearby mannequin with her magic. “One can but hope.”

She is silent for a time before turning around. A smile on her face and a gleam in her eye.

“Say now, I had a bit of an idea on how to make that work out. But I’ll need some help to pull it off.”

“If I can help…”

“Seeing you reminded me of that night you brough Princess Luna here for a substitute dress on your date.”

“Yes. What about it?”

“It would certainly be a great help to my career if she would be seen wearing another of my creations.”

“I guess it would. But what does that have to do with me?”

“You have unlimited access to the castle and the princesses themselves. Do you think you might possibly be able to ask one of Princess Luna’s hoof maidens what her measurements are?”

“What?”

“I know it’s a little embarrassing, but then I could make her a dress!”

“But…”

“Then when it’s finished you could bring it to her! Tell her it’s a gift from you to her!”

Arc blushes slightly. “Um, Rarity? Wouldn’t it look kinda… awkward for her to be accepting gifts of clothing from me? I mean, the staff might think her and I were… you know…”

Rarity smiles at him. “Yes, well… you two are both adults, and fully deserving of each other’s… nocturnal affections.”

“Nocturnal… what now?”

“Oh, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Arc. That’s what a mare and stallion do when they’re in love. You both have such demanding jobs, after all. It’s nice to know that you two have an outlet for relieving stress.”

“Hold it, Rarity! Are you… do you think I’m sleeping with Princess Luna?!”

“Of course, darling! But don’t worry! I won’t tell the others around town. I’m sure you’d like to keep this quiet.”

“Where exactly did you hear this?”

“It’s all the news in the aristocratic circles in Canterlot. You see, I make dressed for several noble houses. Having a shared fitting session is very ‘in’ right now.”

“And they gossip while you’re measure them up?”

“Well, I wouldn’t exactly call it gossiping. But they do like to talk. You and the princess are usually the subject at hoof.”

Arc sighs. “Dare I ask what exactly they’re saying about us?”

“Oh, mostly about how nice you two look together and how much you care for each other.”

“Uh… our relationship is just business.”

Rarity grins slyly at him. “Well, that’s not what they say. After your date she reportedly invited you back to the castle for some… dessert.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Oh nothing, Arc! But several servants reportedly saw you escorting her back to her room.”

“That was true, yes. I think the outing was a bit too much for…”

“So you DID take her back to her room?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. That and I helped her to bed.”

“Was that all?!”

“Yes. Why do you ask?”

Rarity smiles up at him. “Because nopony saw you leave that night.”

“I suppose not, as I opened a portal back to Ponyville from just outside her room.”

“Wait! So… so you DIDN’T spend the night together?!”

“NO! We’re just friends.”

Rarity gasps. A bit taken aback.

“I… I see. Forgive me, but I was under the impression you and her were in a steamy relationship.”

“Why would you think that? I never said a word about it.”

“You see, I figured that with her being royalty and you being a commoner, you two would have wanted to keep such a relationship quiet.”

“That kinda makes sense.”

“Yes well… several servants overheard you speaking to one another on a first name basis. No titles or protocol. They must’ve thought… you know.”

Arc sighs. “Well, believe me when I tell you there are no romantic feelings between Princess Luna and myself. Other than a friendly working relationship, that is.”

“Yes, I see. My apologies for the misunderstanding. Please just forget the whole dress idea.”

“Thanks for understanding, Rarity.”

Arc looks suddenly nervous.

“I… uh… actually came over here to talk to you about something else.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“It’s about… um… you remember that time you and several other mares… came after me?”

Rarity blushes. “You mean… that time Applejack and I… you know…”

“Yeah. This is about… what I read in your diary then.”

Rarity’s pupils shrink. Her horn suddenly glows as she casts a Telekinesis Spell to lock the door across the room. Her eyes dart around the room frantically.

“I thought I told you never to speak of that again!”

“Yes, you did. But look at yourself, Rarity! This is eating you up inside! It has been for some time now, hasn’t it?”

“Not at all! Nopony needs to hear about this! EVER!”

“I suppose that’s true. But what about Sweetie Belle?”

Rarity lowers her voice. “What about her? She isn’t here, is she?!”

Arc shakes his head as Rarity looks toward the wall clock. “No, she’s still at school.”

“Good!”

Arc looks Rarity in the eye. “Listen, I know you care about her. But Sweetie Belle needs to know about this.”

Rarity looks away nervously. “I’ll tell her. When she’s a bit older, that is!”

“How much older?”

“A LOT!”

“Rarity!”

Rarity stands and trots in place. “Oh, I know I should! But what will everypony think of me when they find out about my past?!”

“A better question would be, what will Sweetie Belle think when she finds out?”

“She won’t until I tell her!”

“What if she reads your diary? I mean, it’s not like you keep it under lock and key or anything.”

“Sweetie Belle knows she isn’t allowed in my room! I’ve always been very insistent on this!”

Arc sighs. “This is your choice to make, of course. But putting it off isn’t going to make it any easier on either of you.”

Rarity turns around and walks toward a window dejectedly. “I… I know that. But… this is just a very touchy subject for me.”

Arc walks over to Rarity and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“I know.”

“Arc, do you think… could you possibly… tell her for me?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Rarity. It needs to come from you. I’ll be there for emotional support if you want, but you should be the good big sister and say it yourself.”

Rarity sighs. “But what should I say?!”

“I can’t answer that definitively. But you should probably be as direct and truthful as possible.”

“Then I guess I have a lot of thinking to do.”

“I’ll let you get to it then.”

He turns to leave.

“Arc?”

Arc stops at the door. “Yes?”

“I… um… thank you.”

“What for?”

“For telling me what I needed to hear.”

Arc nods and leaves the room. He closes the door behind him. Sassy Saddles is standing at the counter going over some papers.

“Is everything alright? You were in there quite a while.”

“Kinda. Rarity needs some alone time right now.”

“I’ll give her some space.”

“Thanks.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Arc shakes his head as he walks toward the door. “Not right now. Some things one just has to work out on their own.”

He leaves the shop and walks down the road.

“Rarity, I know you can do this.”

Continuing on his way Arc arrives at the Hammer’s shop. Walking inside he finds Stellar Eclipse at the counter.

“Good afternoon, sir!”

“Hello. How’s business?”

“Eh, okay I guess. Nothing really big though.”

“Enough to stay busy?”

“More or less. Steel Hammer’s been using the extra time to try and teach me how to be a blacksmith.”

“That’s good to hear. Say, how’s Cozy Glow doing? I heard she was sick.”

“That she is. But the doctor says she’s on the mend.”

Silver Hammer walks into the shop with a package. She spots Arc and trots over.

“Hello Arc. What brings you here?”

“I wanted to see how Cozy Glow was doing. That and there was something I wanted to talk to you and Steel Hammer about.”

Silver Hammer motions for Arc to follow her. “Well, Cozy Glow was sleeping when I left a short time ago. The doctor says it’s the best thing for her right now. “

Arc nods as they head for the forge. “I hope she feels better soon.”

Steel Hammer stops working as they approach.

“Dear? Arc has something to ask us about.”

“What is it?”

“Well, a while back I suggested to the princesses that we have some kind of peace summit. The idea was to bring the nation’s leaders together to hopefully talk things out.”

Silver Hammer looks confused. “What kind of things?”

“Nothing in particular. But back on Earth we have something called the United Nations. It’s where delegates from the various countries come together to talk out their problems, rather than rush headlong into war.”

Steel Hammer sighs. “I’m kinda skeptical something like that would work here.”

“Why’s that dear?”

You know as well as I do just how hard-headed most of the world’s leaders can be. Always posturing for attention and bickering over the smallest things.”

“Like what?”

“I remember reading in the files about a past leader of Abyssinia leading his forces to Equestria over a chocolate birthday cake Princess Celestia sent him.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What?! Was it poisoned or something?!”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “No. But the king at the time hated chocolate. He took it as a personal insult and an act of aggression against him and his nation.”

“There’s any number of times such things have happened throughout the land’s history.”

Arc frowns. “You would think a simple letter sent over would have been enough.”

Silver Hammer nods. “Agreed. But to send their forces to another land is seen more as a sign of strength.”

“We kinda thought you were doing the same a while back, leading our forces north when you were the Lord Regent.”

“Not exactly. I went to Yakyakistan in response to an attack on the Crystal Empire. And I was invited to Abyssinia by King Felix and Queen Fiona.”

Silver Hammer looks confused. “In a warship?”

“Yes. I was told by my advisors that it was important to appear strong. But my whole reason to go was to try and prevent war from happening.”

Steel Hammer nods. “That was a very trying time in recent history.”

“What do you mean?”

“The pulse of the country was that of uncertainty. Nopony alive had ever lived under the rule of anypony other than a princess.”

Steel Hammer smiles. “It was uncertain what exactly you would do. Fortunately you started your reign by being honest about the circumstances and the princess’ condition.”

“Yes. It was clear to all that you wanted to help them. Not to try to take their thrones.”

Arc nods. “Things were pretty hectic for all of us back then. But in any case, I wanted your advice on what to do, or not do, at a peace summit.”

“Be yourself, for starters.”

“Yes, they are naturally suspicious of anything that resembles deception.”

“That shouldn’t be too hard.”

“You want them to be able to trust you.”

Steel Hammer frowns. “Right. But don’t trust them for a moment.”

Arc frowns. “Wait, what?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Like we said, rulers are always trying to get ahead. If an opportunity to cause trouble presents itself, they’ll go for it.”

“Remember, they’re masters at tactics and deception.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not too good at either of those things.”

“Will the princesses be attending?”

“As far as I know, yes. After all it wouldn’t make sense for Equestria to host something like this and not have our own leaders there.”

Steel Hammer puts a hoof to his chin. “Perhaps. Then again, perhaps not.”

“Huh?”

Silver Hammer sighs. “Equestria hasn’t always been the beacon of love and friendship it is today. Quite a bit goes on behind the scenes.”

Steel Hammer nods soberly. “Clandestine operations, theft, bribery, murder and of course deception are all part of the international community’s handbag.”

“Recently?”

Silver Hammer shakes her head. “Not in many years, no. But the princesses did what they had to in a great many situations.”

“Like what?”

Steel Hammer looks away. “We promised Princess Luna long ago that we would never speak of those matters again.”

Silver Hammer nods sadly. “Sorry, but you’ll have to ask her about that yourself.”

Arc sighs. “I understand. Anything else you can tell me?”

“Just one more thing. Don’t be discouraged if this idea doesn’t work out.”

“You’re not the first to suggest such a thing.”

“Nor will you be the last.”

“Thanks you two. I’ll still do my best though.”

“We know you will, Arc.”

“It’s all anypony can ask.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “Well, I should be getting back. I want to have supper ready for Derpy and Dinky when they get home.”

“Thank you for stopping by, Arc.”

“We do hope the summit is a success. But such things have not worked in the past.”

Arc nods. “I understand. But we have to try.”

“We know.”

“Take care.”

Arc heads out the door. The Hammers turn to one another.

“Do you really think he can pull this off?”

“If anypony can, Arc will.”

“But how?!”

Steel Hammer walks back to his work bench. “I have no idea.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks down the path towards town. He mutters to himself.

“I guess I should probably stop by the market and get a few things for Dinky’s sleepover this weekend.”

Later that evening the front door of Derpy’s house bursts open as Dinky runs inside with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“This is going to be SO COOL!”

“Right!”

Dinky sniffs the air. “Sounds like dad has supper ready.”

Derpy closes the door, giggling. “You mean it smells like it, sweetie.”

“Yeah!”

Arc walks out from the kitchen. Dinky runs over to him happily and jumps in his arms.

“Welcome home, sweetheart.”

Dinky wraps her hooves around his neck. “I missed you!”

Arc looks to Dinky’s friends as he returns the hug.

“Are you two ready for some fun?”

Apple Bloom nods happily. “Uh huh!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “We sure are!”

Derpy walks over to join them. “Can I help in the Kitchen, Arc?”

“No, Derpy. You just have a seat and relax. Supper will be done cooking in a few minutes.”

He leads Derpy by the hoof over to the couch.

“Thank you.”

Arc sits down next to her. “You look especially tired today. Is something wrong?”

Dinky walks over with her friend. “Yeah mom. What’s the matter?”

“I think it’s just the extra work at the Orphanage.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “There are a lot more mouths to feed since the griffon younglings came to live there.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That and they tend to eat more than we do.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Now that I think about it, I didn’t see any helpers in the Kitchen at lunchtime.”

Derpy nods. “Miss Pommel can’t seem to get anypony to show up. I think the griffons are scaring them away.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Why? They’re all pretty nice.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah! Just a little different looking.”

Arc looks to Dinky. “What about Gallus and Natalya?”

“They used to help a bit. But Miss Peachbottom needs all the aides she can get.”

Derpy smiles weakly. “I can handle the extra work. She really can’t.”

“Let me guess. Most of the younglings can’t read?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Exactly! None of them can!”

Sweetie Belle looks down at the floor sadly. “That’s not their fault though.”

Dinky looks to Arc, soberly. “Miss Peachbottom is still trying to teach all of them their ABCs. It’s going pretty slow though.”

Derpy sighs. “The three of them are tutoring the younglings outside the normal school day too. They may be even more overworked than I am!”

Arc rubs his chin thoughtfully. “I’ll have Flash Sentry start sending over a few guards to help you in the Cafeteria, Derpy.”

“But aren’t they busy at Light’s Hope?”

“I’m sure he can spare someone. It’ll be volunteers only. But I don’t think it’ll be a problem getting some help over to you.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “Why’s that?”

“Because most of them are orphans themselves. They know what it’s like to be lost in the shuffle.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “That’s really sad.”

Dinky looks to her father. “What about the other classroom though? Miss Cheerilee doesn’t have time to lend a hoof over there during normal school hours.”

Derpy nods. “She helps out after school though, Arc.”

“I’m hoping as more younglings learn they can help tutor the others. This situation might just rectify itself if we give it a little time.”

“I sure hope so, dad. Sometimes they look over their foal bunkmates shoulders to see what their studying.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Sometimes they ask questions, but it’s just beyond them right now!”

Apple Bloom sighs. “Well, they haven’t had any schooling. So they really do need to start at the beginning with basics.”

“Right. Life will be hard here for them at first. But I’m sure with the help of the Orphanage staff, and their fellow orphans, they’ll be better off in the long run.”

Derpy nods. “Anything is better than living on the streets with no money and no job.”

She sighs.

“I was pretty close to such a fate myself not that long ago.

Apple Bloom gasps. “Really, Miss Derpy?!”

Sweetie Belle looks concerned. “What happened?!”

“I moved here and used most of my money to buy this house. But I couldn’t work because I was pregnant.”

“How did you survive?!”

Derpy looks up at Arc, smiling. “A very nice human moved in with me.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Arc did?”

“Yes. She had advertised a room for rent on the Writ Board next to Barnyard Bargains. To make a long story short, I moved in and cared for her until the night you were born, Dinky.”

He gently boops Dinky’s nose. She giggles.

“I remember you telling me that story, dad.”

“Yes, well…”

Apple Bloom interrupts. “Uh, Arc? What’s that smell?”

Sweetie Belle wrinkles her nose. “Something burning?”

Arc jumps up and hurries to the kitchen. “Oh no!”

Opening the oven Arc pulls out a pan and sets it on top of the stove.

“Uh… Derpy? You remember what I said about supper being read in a couple minutes?”

“I’m guessing it’s been more than a couple minutes.”

“Yup. Sorry about this.”

Derpy stands up. “It’s okay. We can put something together quickly.”

He shakes his head as he dumps the contents of the pan into the garbage. “Actually, I think I have a better idea. Everyone follow me.”

Arc pulls his coat out of his ring and walks over to the sigil in the corner of the room.

“Everyone on.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “Where are we going, Arc?”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “To the market for ingredients?”

Dinky looks hopeful. “Or to the castle?”

“You’ll see.”

Arc powers up the sigil and teleports everyone away.

Chapter 12 - Dinner Meetings

Arc and company reappear on the sigil in his private room in Canterlot Castle. Dinky looks around.

“Supper at the castle?! Cool!”

Apple Bloom hops around happily with Sweetie Belle.

“This is going to be fun!”

“You said it!”

Derpy turns to him. “Arc, is it really okay for us to barge in here like this? I mean, what will the princesses say?”

“You’re right, Derpy. That’s why we’re going out.”

“Out?”

“Yes. Follow me everyone.”

Arc leads the group out the door and down the corridor. Dinky walks beside him on one side with her mother.

“What does ‘going out’ mean, dad?”

“Exactly what it sounds like, sweetheart. We’re going out to eat.”

Apple Bloom looks excited. “At a fancy restaurant?!”

Sweetie Belle sighs dejectedly. “Great…”

Dinky turns to her friend. “What’s wrong, Sweetie Belle?”

“That means we have to dress up.”

Apple Bloom looks worried. “It does?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Rarity always makes me dress all fancy and do my mane when we eat in Canterlot. She says proper attire is part of the dress code in all the restaurants here.”

Dinky looks to her father. “But we didn’t bring any clothes with us!”

“Not to worry, Dinky. The place I’m taking you to doesn’t have a dress code.”

Sweetie Belle smiles nervously. “That’s a relief! Hopefully it tastes better too.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Sweetie Belle!”

“It’s true! All the restaurants here taste terrible!”

Derpy smiles at the filly. “Now, now. I’m sure Arc wouldn’t take us somewhere that didn’t have good food. You know how he is.”

“Right. I have very high standards, you know.”

Arc leads them into Canterlot and toward Restaurant Row. Derpy looks around.

“All of these places look really expensive.”

Arc chuckles. “That they are.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah. I saw the bill Rarity got once. It was all I could do to keep from screaming!”

Apple Bloom looks in a window briefly. “So which of these places are we going to?”

“None of them.”

Dinky giggles. “That’s a relief.”

Arc nods as he turns toward a side street. “We’re almost there.”

He stops in front of a small familiar restaurant as Derpy looks up at the sign.

“The… Tasty… Treat?”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “I don’t remember Rarity ever mentioning this place before.”

Arc heads for the door. “That’s probably because it isn’t rated.”

She looks up at the blank rating sign over the door. “My sister would flip over something like this!”

Dinky giggles as she passes her friend. “So stay out here.”

Apple Bloom turns to her friend as she follows Dinky and Arc. “We’ll bring you some leftovers.”

Arc chuckles as he opens the door. “Yeah. If there’s anything left.”

Derpy smiles at the worried filly. “Give it a try. Arc is usually right in the food department.”

“Well… okay.”

Derpy and Sweetie Belle enter the building. Just like last time there are no customers. Sweetie Belle wrinkles her nose.

“This place smells kinda funny.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s the spices that go into the food.”

Coriander Cumin comes out of the Kitchen as the group sits down at a large table in a corner. He levitates a stack of menus over to them.

“Welcome to The Tasty Treat. Hello again, sir! Are you here to try the rest of the menu this time?”

Arc laughs. “Is that an option?!”

Coriander Cumin nods. “For my first customer, anything!”

Derpy picks up the menu and looks it over. “I don’t recognize anything on here.”

Dinky levitates her own menu. “Me either.”

Apple Bloom looks over Arc’s shoulder. “So what’s good?”

“I liked pretty much everything I ate last time.”

Sweetie Belle looks nervous. “What should we order then?”

Arc soberly looks over the group. “There’s only one thing to do.”

He turns to Coriander Cumin.

“One of everything, sir.”

“Are… are you serious?!”

“That I am.”

“Very well, sir. I will bring the food out just as fast as I can cook it.”

Derpy gathers the menus and gives them back to the owner. “Thank you very much. I’m sure it will be lovely.”

Coriander Cumin nods and heads back to the Kitchen. Everyone stares at Arc dumbfounded. He shrugs.

“What? It’s been a long time since lunch.”

Dinky giggles. “I guess so. But this is a bit much even for you dad!”

Apple Bloom smiles. “Yeah! I mean, I know you can EAT! But to order EVERYTHING off a menu seems a bit extreme!”

Sweetie Belle looks around nervously. “Even Rarity doesn’t do that! And she loves exotic food! Uh… please don’t tell her I said that.”

Arc chuckles. “Sure. But you really should try some of the food when it comes out, Sweetie Belle.”

She sighs. “Okay.”

Before long delectable smells begin wafting from the back room. Derpy sniffs the air.

“What is that smell?”

“I don’t know, mom. But it smells GOOD!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah! But it’s not like any kind of food I’ve ever smelled before!”

“I don’t know about this. Rarity says…”

Arc interrupts her. “Now, Sweetie Belle. Doesn’t your sister give others the benefit of the doubt?”

“I guess so. But…”

Dinky smiles at her. “Give it a chance! You might like it!”

A few minutes later Coriander Cumin emerges from the kitchen with several dishes which he levitates over to the table with his magic.

“Here you are! Samosa, Khandvi and Paneer Tikkas to get you started! I’ll keep cooking the rest of the appetizers.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. This looks great!”

Coriander Cumin nods and returns to the kitchen. Sweetie Belle makes a face.

“What… what is it?”

Arc grins as he picks up a samosa. “A deep fried pastry filled with…”

He takes a bite before continuing.

“Seasoned potatoes.”

Dinky smiles as she eats one. “These are really good, dad!”

Derpy takes a small bite. Her eyes light up.

“Wow! They’re so flavorful! You should try one, Sweetie Belle!”

“I think I’ll pass.”

Arc chuckles. “Suit yourself.”

Dinky points a hoof at the next dish. “What’s this, dad?”

“Khandvi. It’s made of flour and yogurt, I think.”

Everyone except Sweetie Belle takes a small serving and nods approvingly. Arc pushes the third plate toward Dinky and Apple Bloom.

“This is Paneer Tikkas. They’re marinated cheese that’s grilled and put onto sticks so it’s less messy.”

Apple Bloom takes a stick and looks it over. “This is cheese?”

Dinky tries some herself. “It doesn’t taste anything like the stuff you make pizza with, dad.”

Arc laughs. “That’s a different kind of cheese, sweetheart!”

Sweetie Belle looks at the dish longingly.

“I… I like cheese.”

Derpy gives her friend a stick. “Try some! It’s wonderful!”

Sweetie Belle takes a small bite and smiles.

“This is… it’s like nothing I’ve ever had before!”

Arc chuckles. “So you like it?”

“Like it? I LOVE IT!”

Dinky smiles at her friend. “See? You have to learn to try new things, Sweetie Belle.”

Apple Bloom laughs. “Right! You can’t eat nothing but apples, ice cream and salad forever.”

Derpy frowns. “That doesn’t sound very healthy.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “It isn’t?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, it certainly doesn’t sound very balanced.”

“That’s what Rarity eats, and she’s so perfect!”

Derpy looks to Sweetie Belle. “Well, how about you part with tradition for tonight and try a few new things then?”

“Okay.”

Arc sniffs the air. “From the smells coming out of the Kitchen, I’d say our taste buds are in for a treat!”

Over an hour later the group sits back in their seats and grins at one another. Dinky is the first to be able to speak.

“That was amazing, dad!”

Arc burps. “I’m glad you liked it, sweetheart.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Thank you for supper, Arc. This was a very nice family outing.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yes, it was. Thanks for inviting us.”

“You’re welcome.”

Sweetie Belle rests her head on the table. “I can’t wait to tell Rarity that I ate a meal in Canterlot that was actually good for a change!”

Arc looks around the restaurant.

“This was some of the best food I’ve eaten in all of Equestria. But for some reason there still aren’t any customers.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “I wonder why that is.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “It’s because of this place’s rating. Zero hooves means it’s supposed to be really bad.”

Arc frowns. “I’m all for reviews and testimonials. But I know for a fact that Zesty… whatshername didn’t even gave this place a chance!”

Dinky looks confused. “Why not?”

“Coriander Cumin told me last time it was because she didn’t like the looks of this place. Apparently she didn’t even order.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “I wonder why she did that.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “She’s really picky about EVERYTHING! If you don’t follow her checklist, you get downgraded.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Who told you that?”

“Rarity. She’s very into everything related to Canterlot, after all.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Yes. I discovered that during a conversation with her this afternoon.”

“What about, dad?”

“Oh, uh… just something that happened a while back. It came up when I was asking permission for this sleepover.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What exactly…?”

Derpy puts a hoof on Apple Bloom’s shoulder and shakes her head.

“Never mind.”

Derpy clears her throat in an effort to change the subject. “Dinky, what was your favorite dish tonight?”

“I really liked the curry!”

Arc chuckles. “Which one?”

Sweetie Belle laughs. “Right. There were so many!”

“The one with those red beans.”

“Rajma?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! I’m glad it poured it over that rice like you told me, dad!”

Apple Bloom smiles. “I kinda liked it just as it was!”

Arc turns to his friend. “How about you, Derpy? What was your favorite?”

“I really liked the Pholourie.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “I didn’t know you liked peas so much, Miss Derpy.”

“Neither did I!”

Arc smiles at her. “I guess it’s more in the preparation and seasonings.”

Dinky covers her mouth as a small burp escapes. “Yup. I didn’t even recognize the peas in that bready outer coating.”

“I didn’t either I until Arc mentioned it.”

Apple Bloom looks to Arc. “I really liked the Stuffed Eggplant! But I only tried it because I thought it was supposed to taste like eggs.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “But it’s a vegetable.”

“Well, I just figured from the name…”

“Why IS that called an eggplant, dad?”

“I have no idea, sweetheart. But from how much Apple Bloom ate I assume she liked it.”

“Right! But what about you, Sweetie Belle? What was your favorite?”

Sweetie Belle laughs. “I don’t have one favorite dish! I liked them all!”

Derpy smiles at the filly. “Glad to hear you got over your fear of trying new things.”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s always a good idea to try new foods from another culture when presented with the opportunity.”

Coriander Cumin emerges from the back room with a very long paper.

“How did everypony like the food?”

Dinky grins. “It was great!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “I loved it!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Rarity has GOT to try this place!”

“Another wonderful meal, sir!”

Derpy looks at the leftover food in the dishes. “I think we’re going to need quite a few takeout boxes.”

Coriander Cumin nods. “I will carefully package up the food for you.”

He turns to Arc with the bill.

“Here you are, sir.”

Arc removes a large sack of bits from his ring and gives them to the proprietor. “A bargain, sir!”

Coriander Cumin nods as he accepts the payment. “Thank you very much sir! I do hope your family enjoyed the food as much as your friend did last time.”

Dinky looks confused. “Friend?”

Derpy nods. “Your father’s date, remember?”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “I do! Princess Luna looked so pretty in that black dress from Rarity’s shop!”

The sound of the bag falling to the floor is heard. Arc looks over to see that Coriander Cumin’s pupils have shrunken and he is visibly shaken.

“P-P-Princess Luna?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I brought her here for a bit of a break.”

“I… I cooked for… ROYALTY?!”

“Yes.”

Coriander Cumin suddenly looks even more nervous. “Did… did she enjoy it, sir?”

“Very much so, yes.”

“She said they would have meetings here!”

Derpy looks to the owner. “Did they?”

“Yes! I brought the food to the kitchen door and gave it to the waiting Royal Guards. They didn’t allow me into the dining room.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “What about the other guests?”

“The castle rented the entire place for several such meetings. I had just assumed they were aristocrats!”

“While I don’t know who the others were, one of the princesses must have certainly been with them to take such precautions. Please don’t take their actions personally, sir. Captain Shining Armor was just concerned for her safety.”

“Please sir! If you see the princess again, tell her I am humbled and honored to serve her and her entourage!”

“I will. But I think we should be on our way.”

Coriander Cumin hurries to the back, forgetting his payment. “I will box up your leftovers as quickly as I can!”

Arc chuckles as he reaches down to gather up the scattered bits.

“He took the news well.”

Derpy hops down from her seat to help Arc. “Yes. I’m not sure why everypony reacts that way though.”

Arc nods as he sets the filled bag on a table next to theirs. “Princess Luna has that effect on others sometimes.”

Apple Bloom shudders. “Well, she IS kinda scary!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “I guess that’s true.”

Dinky shrugs. “No clue what you two are talking about. She’s just a mare like my mom is, right?”

Arc turns to Dinky. “Kinda. Just a bit… bigger.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Please, Dinky! Don’t speak ill of the princess!”

“I’m not, mom. It’s the truth!”

Arc nods as Coriander Cumin hurries over. “Do as your mother says.”

Dinky lowers her head. “Okay, dad.”

In a few minutes the food is boxed up and safely tucked away in Arc’s ring.

“I sure hope this thing acts as a refrigerator.”

Derpy giggles. “I sure hope my refrigerator holds as much as your ring!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah. That was way more than we could have eaten!”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Why’d you order so much?”

“Just hungry.”

The group heads for the door as Coriander Cumin hurries over to them with another box.

“Some dessert for you and your family, sir!”

“Thank you. How much do I owe you for this?”

Coriander Cumin shakes his head. “It is on the house, sir.”

Derpy smiles. “Really?!”

“Yes. You bought so much it is the least I can do to thank you.”

Arc nods. “I appreciate it, thanks.”

He puts the box in his ring and leads the others out the door. Coriander Cumin follows them to the threshold and waves after them.

“Please come again!”

Arc turns to wave. “We will!”

Sweetie Belle nods “Me too!”

Apple Bloom grins. “Yeah!”

Dinky waves a small hoof back. “Thanks for the yummy food, sir!”

Coriander Cumin watches until the group is out of sight. He then closes the door and turns off the lights in the Dining Room before heading upstairs.

“Imagine me, a lowly unicorn, cooking for the princesses! I cannot wait to tell Saffron! That is, whenever she decides to come home again.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his small group walk away from the shop. They return to the main boulevard of Restaurant Row. Arc turns to Derpy.

“Would you like to do some shopping? Canterlot really does have a very nice Shopping District.”

Derpy looks over her shoulder at the fillies. “I think we should get the little ones home, Arc. They’re practically falling asleep”

Arc turns around. Dinky and her friends are walking slowly and yawning.

“You’re right. Sorry for not noticing girls.”

Dinky yawns. “I think all that food did it to me.”

Apple Bloom nods. Her eyelids heavy. “Yeah.”

Sweetie Belle drags her hooves. “Worth it though.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Go ahead everyone.”

Derpy shuffles the fillies through the portal before turning back to Arc. She looks up at him with hope in her eyes.

“Are you coming home with us?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Derpy smiles and walks through the portal as Arc follows her. In the blink of an eye they find themselves back in Derpy’s house. Arc heads for the bedroom.

“Come on you three. Time for bed.”

The fillies slowly walk toward into the room. Arc lifts Dinky into his bed as Derpy helps Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle into Ember’s. Dinky looks up at her father sleepily.

“Good night, dad.”

Arc smiles and pulls the covers up to her chin. “Good night, Dinky. Pleasant dreams.”

He turns to the other fillies.

“Get some rest now. You’ve had a busy day.”

They nod and roll over together as Arc heads for the door with Derpy.

“Dad?”

Arc turns back. “Yes, Dinky?”

Dinky reaches out a small hoof to him. “I’m… glad you’re back.”

Arc smiles and walks back to her. “So am I.”

He kneels down and gives Dinky a small kiss on the top of her head.

“Good night, sweetheart.”

Arc leaves the room. Apple Bloom turns to look at Dinky.

“Hey. Can I ask you something?”

Dinky looks over. “What is it?”

“I was just wondering what it’s like to have a mom and dad.”

“Huh?”

Apple Bloom sighs. “My parents are gone. I never even got to meet them. Applejack and Big Mac don’t really like to talk about them. So all I have to go by are some old family photos.”

“Well… my mom’s always there for me when I need her. Even more so since she works at the Orphanage. I guess she’s kinda like what Applejack is to you.”

“But she’s not my mom!”

“Right. However, when you have a problem who do you go to?”

“I go to… Applejack, I guess.”

Dinky nods. “Why is that?”

“Because we’re really close. She usually understands me. More than Granny Smith or Big Mac does anyways.”

“So you naturally gravitate to her when you need something?”

“I guess.”

“Your right that your sister isn’t your mom. But she IS filling that role. Kinda like my dad does.”

“That I do understand. I mean, everypony in town knows he’s not really your dad.”

“Yeah. But he does his best to teach me things and be there for me.”

“Really?! But he’s gone so much!”

Dinky nods sadly. “I know. But that can’t really be helped. There’s a lot of problems in the world, and I think he might be the only one who can fix them.”

“Hopefully he can stick around a while this time then.”

Dinky smiles as she closes her eyes. “I’d like that.”

“Just one more thing.”

“Huh?”

“What do you like about Arc? I mean, him versus your real dad.”

Dinky sighs. “When Moonlit Dusk told me I wasn’t his foal, it felt kinda like he had thrown ice water on me. For a moment I didn’t feel anything. Not even my mom’s hoof around me.”

“What?! How did you recover from that?!”

“By reminding the one who adopted mom and I that HE was my father. Moonlit Dusk didn’t want anything to do with me. To him I was just a living mistake. But my dad… he honestly wants me as his daughter. And I want him to be my dad.”

Apple Bloom smiles sleepily at her. “You’re a really lucky filly, Dinky. To have a mom and dad who love you so much.”

She turns to look at the filly next to her who is lightly snoring.

“You and Sweetie Bell both have such wonderful parents.”

“Thanks. But don’t hold it against your family, okay? I know you miss your parents, but… they’re gone.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I’ll try. Well, good night Dinky.”

“Good night.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Derpy walk over to the refrigerator. Derpy carefully stacks the leftovers as Arc pulls them out of his ring and hands them to her.

“Thank you for supper, Arc. That was the most amazing meal I’ve ever had!”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

“It was certainly the highpoint of Dinky’s first sleepover. They had a whole list of things written out that they wanted to do though.”

“They did?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. Apparently the Golden Oaks Library has a book about sleepovers.”

“Really?”

“Dinky read the whole thing in one evening!”

“I feel kinda bad now.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. It was my fault for messing up supper and suggesting we go out. We spent all evening in Canterlot, after all.”

Derpy smiles as Arc gives her the last package. “I’m sure Dinky doesn’t see it that way. She seemed very happy to spend time with you, after all.”

“I sure hope so.”

Arc closes the refrigerator door as he and Derpy walk over to the couch and sit down.

“So how are things back on Earth?”

Arc sighs. “Where do I begin?”

Cherry giggles. “How about at the beginning, silly!”

“She right. It’s the logical place to start, Arc.”

“Okay. Here goes.”

Arc brings Derpy up to speed on the comings and goings back in his old hometown.

“You’ve certainly been busy! I’m glad you were able to be reunited with Cherry.”

Cherry calls out. “As am I!”

Arc frowns. “Yes. I’m still a bit miffed at what Minerva did though.”

“Do try to forgive her, Arc.”

“No promises there, Cherry.”

He reaches out an arm and levitates a fresh log onto the fire. Derpy yawns.

“We should probably take a cue from the little ones and get some rest.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “While it’s not that late, I think you’re right. Not sure why I’m so tired though.”

Cherry calls out to him. “You’ve been working very hard lately. It’s a wonder you aren’t flat on your back in bed from the stress!”

Derpy smiles at him. “Yes, you need to take some time off once in a while.”

Arc sighs. “I… I know. But there’s just so much to do!”

Cherry sighs. “You’re always saying that!”

“Well, it’s the truth.”

Derpy shakes her head. “That may be, but… are you really okay with this?”

“With what?”

“Always being at the beck and call of everypony’s needs.”

“I like helping others, Derpy.”

“And what about helping yourself?”

They are silent for a time.

“I just don’t want to see you burned out, Arc. Say, I have an idea!”

“What is it?”

“The other day I was reading a book about how to help others relieve stress. One of the suggestions it gave might be helpful right now.”

“Okay.”

Derpy stands and picks up one of the sofa’s pillows.

“Lie down on my mat on your stomach.”

Arc does so as Derpy slides the pillow under his head.

“Comfy?”

“Kinda. What’s the idea?”

“Just relax. I’ll do the rest.”

Derpy sits down on her haunches next to Arc and places her front hooves squarely in the middle of his back. She then begins to move them in circular motions while applying pressure.

“Let me know if I’m being too rough.”

Arc nods as Derpy continues.

“This feels nice.”

Derpy smiles. “I thought you’d like it. Truth be told, I had wanted to try doing this back on Earth.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. It would’ve probably been easier with hands, after all.”

Arc smiles and closes his eyes as Derpy continues massaging his back.

“You always work too hard and put everypony else’s needs above your own. That isn’t going to end well for you.”

Arc sighs and lets out a moan. Derpy suddenly stops.

“Oh my! Did… did I do something wrong?!”

“No, no! It feels really good.”

“Do you want me to keep going?”

Arc nods and Derpy continues.

“Sorry, but Dinky and I are just worried that you’re going to have a nervous breakdown.”

“I promise I’ll rest more when Princess Celestia returns. When things are back to normal here in Equestria I’ll take you and Dinky on a very special trip.”

“Oh? Where were you thinking?”

“How about a world tour?”

Derpy giggles. “That might be a bit expensive, Arc. Even for you.”

Arc does not open his eyes as he lies there, sleepily. “It won’t… cost anything.”

“How’s that?”

“I… have an… airship now.”

Derpy smiles and shakes her head. “The Lunar Destiny belongs to the princesses, Arc.”

“That it does. But… they just… gave… me…”

Arc’s voice trails off as he falls asleep. Derpy continues with the massage for a few more minutes before covering him with a blanket. She steps back and looks at him for a long moment before getting under the blanket and lying down next to her friend. Turning to Arc she whispers to him.

“Good night, Arc. I know you’ll make this weekend memorable for our daughter. Thank you for being there for her… and for me.”

Derpy leans toward Arc and kisses him gently on his cheek before closing her eyes and falling asleep.

Chapter 13 - Early Morning Gatherings

Early the next morning Derpy awakens to find herself in Arc’s arms. She looks into his face and smiles before nuzzling his chest.

“I’ve missed this.”

Arc opens his eyes and looks down, sleepily.

“Derpy? Is it morning already?”

Derpy giggles. “Somehow.”

Arc looks at the wall clock. “It’s still pretty early.”

Derpy stands up and stretches her wings. “The orphan’s breakfast won’t cook itself. Nor will ours.”

Arc sits up. “I guess that’s true.”

They walk over to the Kitchen together.

“Dinky and her friends don’t have to get up early today. After all, it is Saturday.”

“Is it?”

Derpy turns to him. “You forgot?”

Arc looks slightly embarrassed. “Well… when you don’t take days off, they kinda blend together.”

“That much I do understand.”

“You do?”

Derpy nods as she pulls a box of cereal out of a nearby cupboard. “Yes. I feel kinda bad telling you to take time off. Especially when I don’t do that myself.”

“You cook every meal at the Orphanage, don’t you?”

Derpy nods as she sits down at the kitchen table. “Yes. But I do enjoy my work.”

“It’s just too much for one mare though.”

“I know, Arc. But there really isn’t anypony else. Miss Pommel sometimes helps me, but she has a ton of work herself.”

Arc stands up. “Would you please excuse me?”

Derpy looks confused. “Uh, sure. But…”

Arc walks quickly over to the sigil. “I won’t be long.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, he powers up the sigil and vanishes. A few minutes later Arc returns and walks back over to the table.

“Problem solved.”

Derpy looks up as she finishes her cereal. “Problem?”

“With the Cafeteria staffing. I told Flash Sentry to send a couple guards over every meal to help out.”

“But that isn’t really their job.”

“Yes, well… it’s certainly more interesting than guard duty and training. That and he believes they’ll be no shortage of volunteers.”

“Because they were orphans themselves?”

“Exactly. He’s waking a couple guards up now. They’ll meet you at the Orphanage.”

“Thank you, Arc. But I do hate to be a burden to them OR you.”

Arc smiles at her. “You need help over there. Without it, you’ll just end up working to exhaustion, my friend.”

“Well, I do appreciate you doing that. But I should probably get over there and get to work. Are you okay to look after Dinky and her friends?”

“Sure. I’ll see about getting breakfast cooked. Then I was thinking we would go on a bit of a day trip. Give you a bit of peace and quiet when you get home in a few hours.”

“You don’t have to do that, Arc. I know you’re busy.”

“That may be. But I want to give Dinky some attention.”

Derpy nods happily. “She has been very patient while you were gone.”

“She’s a good little filly. We’ll head out as soon as breakfast is done.”

Derpy giggles as she heads for the front door. “Dinky will be in here as soon as you start cooking.”

Arc waves. “I’m counting on it.”

Cherry calls out after her. “Have a nice day, Derpy.”

“You too!”

She closes the door as Arc opens the cupboard and rummages around.

“Now then. Let’s see about making some pancakes.”

Mixing up a bowlful of batter Arc quickly gets to work cooking breakfast. A short time later he has a large platter of pancakes. The bedroom door opens and Dinky trots out happily.

“Hi dad!”

Arc smiles at her as he sets the table. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

Dinky looks around. “Where’s mom?”

“She headed over to the Orphanage.”

Dinky hops up onto a chair. “Oh. We usually go together.”

Arc walks over to Dinky. “You’re not disappointed, are you?”

“No, dad. It’s going to be a blast spending time with you, after all!”

Arc tousles her mane. “Glad to hear that.”

Apple Bloom walks out of the bedroom happily. Sweetie Belle follows her, albeit much less awake then her friend.

“Good morning, Arc! That does smell good!”

Sweetie Belle sits down at the table, yawning. “What time is it?!”

Dinky laughs. “About the time mom and I usually make breakfast at the Orphanage!”

Apple Bloom nods. “And about the time Applejack gets me and Babs Seed up to do our morning chores!”

Arc sets the platter on the table. “How is she doing? Adjusting well to her new home with the Apple family?”

“It was kinda tough at first.”

Sweetie Belle lays her head on the table. “Yeah. She made some rather… nasty friends.”

“Oh?”

Dinky makes a face. “Yeah. Diamond Tiara.”

Arc winces. “Great… anyone but her.”

Apple Bloom turns to Arc. “They aren’t friends anymore.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Apple Bloom kinda told her off.”

Dinky nods soberly. “It had to be done.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I didn’t like it either. But it did help.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Agreed. She’s really nice to everypony now.”

“Dad? Why do you suppose she was so mean to us. I mean… Babs Seed was really nice at the old orphanage. Or so the others tell us.”

Arc shrugs he serves the fillies. “Sometimes people, or in this case ponies, do things to try and fit in.”

“They do?”

“Yup.”

Sweetie Belle turns to him. “Why?”

“Any number of reasons. For starters, she was in a new town with new faces at a new building. Latching onto someone… ANYONE… can give the sense of familiarity she craved.”

Dinky shrugs. “At least that’s behind us.”

Apple Bloom grins as she begins to eat. “Right!”

“Speaking of Babs Seed, why didn’t she join you three?”

Sweetie Belle sighs as she levitates a fork. “She’s been having a lot of trouble with her schoolwork.”

“My sister made her stay home and study. She really wanted to come though!”

“What is she having trouble with?”

Dinky shrugs. “Pretty much everything.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “I don’t want to say she’s stupid or anything, but… she asks some kinda dumb questions in class.”

“Can you give me an example?”

Apple Bloom looks up from her food. “Like one time she raised her hoof and asked what the capital of the Griffon Kingdom is. But that was after we spent all morning talking about Griffonstone!”

Dinky turns to her father. “It’s like she’s not even paying attention to Miss Cheerilee at all.”

“But your teacher is good at explaining things, right? Is anyone else having that problem?”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “Nopony.”

“I see. Has Granny Smith talked to Cheerilee about this?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “She sent a note home. Applejack was the one who came to school for the conference though.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin. “I remember seeing her head into the classroom with Babs Seed one day after lunch. “

“Did anything change?”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Not that I’ve seen. She’s still not paying attention in class.”

“Big sis and I have been trying to help her as much as we can. But we can’t seem to make any headway!”

“I tried too, dad. It’s like she doesn’t hear me though!”

“What do you mean, Dinky? That she has hearing problems?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, her ears are working just fine. But she doesn’t seem to retain anything I’ve tried to teach her.”

“Hmmm… why don’t we head over to Sweet Apple Acres after breakfast? I’d like to talk to Applejack about this.”

Apple Bloom appears suddenly nervous. “Um… do we have to? I don’t want Babs Seed to get in trouble, or anything.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Right! She’s our friend!”

“Come on, you two. My dad knows what he’s doing.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’d just like to talk with her. See if there’s something else going on here.”

Dinky and her friends finish their breakfast as Arc cleans up the stove before filling up the sink with soapy water.

“We’ll let these pans soak while we’re out.”

Sweetie Belle turns to him. “Did you have something planned, Arc?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Other than Sweet Apple Acres, that is.”

Arc smiles as he grabs his coat. “Kinda. But it’s a surprise.”

They head out the door and make the walk to Sweet Apple Acres as the sun begins to rise. Every house they pass is dark. Sweetie Belle looks around.

“It really is early!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Nah. My family gets up around this time every day.”

Dinky nods. “So do my mom and I.”

Arc laughs. “As do I. Doesn’t your sister get you up early for school?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Rarity tries to. But I’m not really a morning pony.”

As they approach the farmhouse the warm lights from within become visible. Arc knocks lightly. A few moments later Big Mac answers.

“Good morning, Big Macintosh. Is Applejack up?”

“Eyup!”

He motions for them to enter. The smell of breakfast food cooking lingers on the air.

“It smells like you and big sis just finished breakfast.”

Big Mac nods as they enter the Kitchen. “Eyup.”

Applejack is busy clearing the table. She trots over to Arc happily.

“Hey there, Arc! How did last night go? I hope Apple Bloom wasn’t too much for you and Derpy to handle.”

“No. They had quite a good time.”

Apple Bloom smiles. “Arc took us to Canterlot for supper!”

Sweetie Bloom grins. “Yeah! It was great!”

Dinky nods happily. “There were so many good things to eat!”

Arc looks to her slightly embarrassed. “I may have accidently burnt supper.”

“Well, nopony’s perfect. Can I make you something to eat?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. We just ate. By the way, I had some of my troops take care of that… matter we discussed yesterday. You can take that paper I gave you over there later today.”

Applejack looks relieved. “Thanks, Arc. I really appreciate this!”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “What’re you talking about, Applejack?”

“Nothing, sugarcube. Just… look, I’ll tell you about it one day when you’re older.”

“Eyup!”

She turns back to Arc apologetically.

“She’s always so curious.”

“I understand. In any case, I’m told that Babs Seed is having some trouble in school.”

Applejack sighs. “That she is.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “She’s trying her hardest!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! We’ve been helping tutor her!”

Applejack nods to the little ones. “I’m sure you fillies want to see your friend succeed. Babs Seed needs all the help she can get right now.”

Apple Bloom looks around. “Where is she?”

“In her room. I’m having her spend the day in there looking over this week’s lessons again.”

Arc looks confused. “Again?”

Big Mac sighs. “Yup.”

“We have her do that every night after supper. Mostly because I don’t know what else to do for her at this point.”

“About that. Might I take her out for a bit of a day trip with these three?”

“I don’t know. She really does need to study.”

Arc nods. “That’s actually what I’d like to talk to her about. Get her point of view on this matter.”

Applejack looks hopeful. “Do you really think you could help her, Arc? Big Mac, Granny Smith, and I have tried everything!”

“Eyup.”

“I’ll certainly try.”

“That’s good enough for me. Follow me, everypony.”

Applejack leads the group upstairs and over to Babs’s bedroom door. Opening it they find her sitting at a small desk as she looks out the window at the sunrise. Dinky runs over to her friend with the other Cutie Mark Crusades.

“Hey, Babs!”

Sweetie Belle puts her hooves on the desk. “How’s the studying going?!”

Babs Seed sighs and shakes her head. “Not too good.”

Apple Bloom nods soberly. “We all know you’re doing your best.”

“Thanks. But I still can’t commit anything to memory! And thanks to that I missed out on my first sleepover!”

Applejack walks over to the desk. “Well, Arc here would like to talk to you about your schoolwork.”

She looks up at him nervously. “You… you do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’d like you to join the others and I on a little excursion with me today.”

Bab’s eyes light up happily. “You mean it?!”

Sweetie Belle laughs. “Of course he means it!”

Apple Bloom sighs. “It wasn’t the same without you last night.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! We’ll have a blast!”

Babs Seed jumps up from her seat.

“Okay! Let’s go then!”

Applejack puts up a hoof. “Hold on just a minute, sugarcube! Take your saddlebags. If there’s time, I want you to use it for studying.”

“Awww…”

Arc nods. “I’d like to see what you’ve been learning lately as well.”

Applejack picks up the book and places it into Babs’ saddlebags with the rest of her school supplies before putting it on the filly’s back.

“There! All of you have a good time now!”

“Eyup!”

Dinky nods. “We will!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet. “I’ll let you know if I come up with something.”

Applejack nods nervously. “Okay. I hope you can find some way to help her.”

Arc nods as he opens a portal. So do I.

The fillies hurry through together. Arc turns back to Applejack.

“I’ll do my best.”

Applejack and Big Mac wordlessly nod as he turns and walks through the portal. It collapses inward and is gone.

“Big Mac, did I do the right thing?”

“Eyup.”

“How can you be so sure?! It just seems like her time would be better spent studying. How else is she going to make anything of herself?!”

Big Mac shrugs as Applejack walks over to look out the window.

“I know I should trust him, and all. And not just because of what he did for us.”

Applejack removes her hat and pulls out the paper Arc gave her yesterday. She looks at it for the hundredth time since receiving it as she puts her hat back on.

“This… this really is the most Generous thing I’ve ever seen.”

Big Mac chuckles. “Is that all?”

“Huh?”

“A blind pony could see you’re sweet on him.”

Applejack blushes heavily. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Element of Honesty?”

Applejack sighs. “So you see it, huh?”

“Eyup. The way you look at him when his eyes are elsewhere give you away. But I assume you haven’t told him.”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nope.”

“Why not?”

“Because… it’s just too hard to say! What if he doesn’t feel the same, and I end up embarrassing both of us?!”

Big Mac turns to leave the room. “I would have expected you to be more upfront with him on this.”

“Well, I sure wish mom and dad were here to talk about this right now. What do you think about him?”

He stops in the doorway. “I think he would make you very happy. But nothing happens if you aren’t honest about it with him.”

Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends appear on the sigil in Light’s Hope. Dinky looks around, confused.

“My dad’s base?”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What are we doing here?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “He probably has work to do. Rarity does this to me ALL the time!”

Arc emerges from the portal himself. It closes behind him. Raven walks over to him nervously.

“Welcome back, sir.”

“Hi Raven. Are you okay?”

“Can I talk to you for a moment please? If you have time, that is!”

“Sure. One second.”

Arc turns to the fillies.

“I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Okay dad.”

“Why don’t you three head to the Cafeteria for a snack?”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “But we’re not…”

Dinky puts a hoof in front of her friend’s mouth.

“No thanks, dad. We’ll just wait here for you.”

“Okay. See you in a bit.”

Arc and Raven head down the hall together. Apple Bloom looks to Dinky, confused.

“I’m not really that hungry either.”

Sweetie Belle nods as Dinky steps back. “Yeah! Why’d you do that, Dinky?!”

“Didn’t you two see the look on Miss Raven’s face? Something’s really wrong.”

Babs Seed looks nervous. “What do you suppose it is?”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Well, whatever it is, your dad must be involved in it somehow.”

Dinky sounds surprised. “You think so?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “Probably. I mean, she DID make a beeline for him.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That and she didn’t even LOOK at us!”

Apple Bloom looks around and lowers her voice.

“You don’t suppose she and Arc are seeing each other, do you?”

Babs Seed shakes her head. “No way! He’s the Hero of Light, and she’s just a commoner!”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “But Arc isn’t a noble or anything.”

“He’s not?”

Apple Bloom turns to her cousin. “Nope. He came here from… um… somewhere else.”

Dinky nods. “Another planet called Earth.”

“What?! How did he…?!”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “He told me once, but I didn’t understand. Dinky?”

“My dad said a portal opened and swallowed him up. Miss Twilight over at the Golden Oaks Library was running some kind of experiment of Earth’s plants and accidently pulled him through.”

Babs Seed’s jaw drops. “But… but he was the Lord Regent! He ran the COUNTRY for the PRINCESSES! How is he NOT part of the nobility?!”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “I dunno.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin. “Maybe he’s just too busy?”

Dinky looks down the hallway. “Hmmm…”

Babs Seed turns to her friend. “Dinky?”

“I was just thinking about what Apple Bloom said a minute ago.”

“Which part?”

“About Miss Raven and my dad.”

Sweetie Belle looks to her nervously. “That’s just…!”

“She might be right.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Really?!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. I just never thought about it. Miss Raven and my dad really do have a lot in common.”

Sweetie Belle looks surprised. “They do?”

Dinky nods. “Both of them are hardworking, never take a break, help others, and love what they do.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof to her chin. “Kinda.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That and Arc has shown that he doesn’t care what rung of society a mare is on.”

Babs Seed looks to Dinky, confused. “What does that mean?”

“My dad doesn’t mind if somepony is a noble or a commoner. He treats everypony about the same.”

Apple Bloom smiles happily. “Right! Remember when he proposed to Miss Cherry at the hospital? He was still the Lord Regent back then.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “He was all set to marry her, and all. Even though she was a farm pony like Applejack.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “And what’s wrong with that?!”

“Nothing! It’s just good to know he looks at more than just social status is what I’m saying.”

Babs Seed smiles. “He’s certainly a very important human to us orphans. It’s not everypony who can say they’ve truly been rescued.”

Dinky nods. ”Yeah. I was only at the New Beginnings Orphanage for a short time. But I had my dad right there with me. I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like to live there full-time for years on end!”

Babs Seed frowns. “Think of the worst thing ever.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof to her chin. “Eating rotten apples.”

“At least you’d be eating. That was more than could be said of Matron Tempest.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Babs. “Being forced to help out at my sister’s shop.”

“Imagine having to compete and win a game for the privilege to eat.”

Dinky sighs. “Yeah. You and the others have been through a lot.”

Babs Seed nods. “Yes. But there was one bit of good to come from it.”

Apple Bloom looks surprised. “What’s that?”

“It ended. You and your father came for us, Dinky.”

Dinky shakes her head. “My dad was the hero there. I just carried him around.”

“That’s not how we saw it. You were the only one of us who was willing to stand up to the Matron. I just have one question. How?”

“It all started back when my dad was discussing plans for investigating the orphanage. I suggested infiltration.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “But he’s kinda big to do that.”

“That’s why I went. He was shrunken down and in my mane the whole time.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Really?! I can’t believe he or your mom agreed to that!”

“Mom wasn’t too thrilled with the idea. But I was able to convince them both that it was the only way.”

“Me and the others really appreciate it. Thank you, Dinky.”

Dinky smiles. “We all do what we have to.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Raven head to his quarters. He closes the door behind them and gestures to the couch.

“Have a seat.”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

The pair sit down together. Raven clops her hooves together nervously.

“Now then, what is it you wanted to tell me?”

“I, um… just wanted to tell you that I’m doing much better these days. No more dark thoughts or bad dreams lately.”

“That’s good.”

“My therapy sessions have been proceeding as prescribed by Emerald Dream. But…”

Raven’s voice trails off.

“It’s okay, Raven. Whatever you tell me will stay between us. There’s no need to write a report, or anything.”

Raven looks relieved. “Thank you, sir! That did have me worried!”

“Your dignity is important to me. Now then, you just take your time.”

“I… uh… Emerald Dream says I’ve really come a long way. But there’s not much else she can do for me.”

“Is there something I can do to help?”

“M-maybe. She says right now I need… cloture of some kind.”

Arc nods soberly. “You want to see Goldstone go down, don’t you?”

Raven nods sadly. “Yes, I do. But not if it means our nations lose their newfound peace. I’m not worth a war, after all.”

“While I appreciate that, you’re certainly worth this uphill task.”

“Any luck with that, sir?”

“Princess Luna told me the paperwork is underway. It’s still going to be awhile before we can do anything.”

Raven looks down at her hooves, sadly. “I… I understand.”

Arc puts a hand on her chin. He raises it to look her in the eye.

“We’re not going to stop until Goldstone pays for what he did to you.”

“Thank you very much, sir. Flash Sentry’s doing his best to be there for me. But I know this whole thing really hurt his career.”

“How so?”

“Well… I can’t help but wonder what if he hadn’t confronted Lord Goldstone.”

Arc looks to her soberly. “I know what would have happened to you.”

“Yes, but… was that worth his position? For a Royal Guard to be permanently stationed in Canterlot is a big deal!”

“What do you think he believes?”

Raven looks away. “I… I don’t know.”

“If what I’ve seen is true, he’s very happy that he made the right choice back then.”

“I sure hope so.”

“Trust me on this one.”

“Yes sir. Well, I should get back to my desk.”

“And I should get moving with my daughter and her friends.”

Raven turns to him as they stand up. “Taking them somewhere, sir?”

Arc chuckles as they head for the door.

“Yeah. I think we just need a little… altitude to get to the bottom of something.”

Chapter 14 - Focus Group

Arc returns to the Main Hall. Dinky and her friends are waiting for him patiently.

“Sorry about that.”

“We understand, dad.”

“So, are you four ready to get moving?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Sure! But… where?”

“I thought we’d go far a bit of a ride. A change of perspective is good for everyone.”

Babs Seed looks confused. “I don’t get it.”

Arc chuckles. “You will. Follow me.”

Dinky and her friends follow Arc outside. They walk around to the back of the building to the new ship. Dinky gasps.

“Dad, is that the Lunar Destiny?!”

Apple Bloom tilts her head to one side. “It looks a bit different from what I remember.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Arc. “Could it be the new paint job?”

Babs Seed points a hoof at the bow of the ship. “What that!”

Looking up they spot a familiar symbol painted on the hull. Dinky looks up to her father.

“Dad, why is your crest painted there?”

Arc grins. “Because this is mine.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “So, it’s NOT the Lunar Destiny?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It’s a whole different ship entirely.”

Dinky looks to him excitedly. “Can we go aboard?!”

Babs grins. “Yeah! I wanna see the inside!”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

They head for the mammoth ship’s gangplank and enter through the Main Hatch. Arc leads them down the corridor toward the Bridge. Sweetie Belle looks around.

“This ship is pretty big for just one!”

Apple Bloom turns to Arc. “Yeah! Why’s your ship need to be so huge?”

He shrugs as they step onto the Bridge. “Probably because it was built more as a warship then the Lunar Destiny was.”

Dinky looks nervous. “A warship?!”

Tight Ship walks over and salutes. “With all the trouble that seems to find the Hero of Light, the princesses felt he needed a more… durable vessel.”

“Really? I’m not THAT bad! …am I?”

Soarin chuckles. “Apparently you are, sir.”

Wrangler nods. “When Princess Cadance told Hard Hat this was going to be your ship, he cancelled most of the orders for luxurious furniture and amenities, sir.”

Sweetie Belle looks around. “I thought this place looked a bit more spartan on the inside.”

Moon Dancer nods. “That’s not to say the ship isn’t fit for a princess or the Hero of Light though.

Arc grins. “Agreed. My room is still quite nice.”

Dinky hops up and down. “I can’t wait to see it!”

Thunderlane laughs. “Thanks to the bits saved on all the unnecessary stuff, they were able to put in a bigger engine!”

Wrangler nods. “And better weapons!”

Arc grins. “So we can blast whatever we can’t outrun. I like it!”

Lemon Hearts looks over. “Yes, well… all the ship lacks right now is a name, sir.”

Tight Ship looks to Arc. “It’s your vessel, sir. You should have the honor of naming it.”

Apple Bloom hops up and down anxiously with Dinky. “Oh boy! I bet he’ll come up with something really cool!”

“Yeah! What do you think, dad?”

“I’ve been considering that very matter since yesterday. After all, we can’t keep calling it ‘Experimental Ship #3’ forever.”

Babs Seed looks up to him. “So what did you come up with?”

“How about ‘The Equinox’?”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “What’s that?”

Apple Bloom’s eyes light up. “I know! It’s the time of the year where the day and night are the same length!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! That’s a really cool name, dad!”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Babs Seed turns to her cousin. “How did you know that, Apple Bloom?”

“Us Apples have to learn how to watch the seasons from a young age. Harvest too early and you’ll have bad apples. Too late and you won’t get all your crops in on time.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin. “Really? I never knew that.”

Dinky giggles. “Me either.”

Apple Bloom smiles happily. “Wow! I actually knew something Dinky didn’t!”

Babs Seed looks over to Arc. “She’s the smartest foal in our class. Up until now, I kinda thought she knew everything.”

Dinky shakes her head. “Nah! My dad’s smarter than I am!”

“In any case…”

Arc turns to Captain Tight Ship.

“I’d like to take a bit of a flight with these four.”

“Yes sir. Where should we go?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Nowhere in particular. I just thought we could fly around. Give the new ship a good workout.”

Soarin turns to Tight Ship. “It would be a good time to test everything before we head out on a real mission, sir.”

Dinky tugs at her father’s tunic. “Can we fly over to Cherry Hill Ranch?”

Apple Bloom looks out the window. “I kinda wanna see the Everfree Forest from above!”

Sweetie Belle giggles “Baltimare would be nice to see! Rarity talks about it all the time!”

Arc turns to Babs Seed as she looks out the window.

“Where would you like to go?”

“I, uh… don’t know. Anywhere the others want to, I guess.”

Arc looks to Moon Dancer. “Can you plot a course so we can fly over all of those places?”

“Yes sir.”

Tight Ship nods. “Make it happen, Thunderlane.”

Soarin turns to Arc. “We’ll take off soon, sir.”

“Is there a Game Room aboard?”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Yes, sir. However the view would be better from the Observation Deck.”

Dinky giggles. “Games sound like fun to me!”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “But I want to be able to see the scenery!”

Arc laughs. “Let’s do both.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “Huh?”

“I’ll show you what I mean. This way.”

Arc leads the fillies off the Bridge. The door closes behind them as Wrangler turns to Tight Ship.

“Captain, how about we stress test the engines while we’re at it?”

“Sounds good. Lemon Hearts, notify Stellar Flare of our plans and prepare to take off.”

“Aye sir.”

Soarin looks nervous. “Sir? Is it really wise to have fillies aboard? I mean, this IS a military ship after all.”

“They’re with the Hero of Light. Do you want to be the one to tell him that?”

“N-no sir!”

Wrangler laughs. “They’ll be fine!”

Moon Dancer giggles. “I believe they’ve never flown before. More than likely they’ll be watching the terrain below for quite some time.”

Lemon Hearts turns to Tight Ship. “Captain, Stellar Flare wants to know if you’d like to test the weapons later in flight.”

Soarin looks over a chart. “It looks like we could make a small detour to pass over Horseshoe Bay.”

Moon Dancer nods. “It would be a perfect place to perform a weapon’s test. Nopony lives along its southern edge and it’s well within our borders.”

Tight Ship sits back down in his command chair. “Agreed.”

Meanwhile, Arc leads the fillies to the Game Room.

“Here we are.”

Dinky looks all around. “Wow! There’s so much to do here!”

A wall sized cabinet holding a multitude of board games sits silently to one side. Numerous tables and chairs are scattered around the room. Air hockey along with foosball and a small pool table sit on the other side. Sweetie Belle turns to Arc.

“What should we play first?!”

Arc head for the cabinet. “Why not take a few games up to the Observation Deck?”

Dinky nods. “Then we can play AND see the sights!”

Apple Bloom grins. “Yeah! Let’s do that!”

Babs Seed nods happily. “Uh huh!”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Can we come back later to play here?”

“If you want to, sure.”

They each pick a game and head for the Observation Deck. As they sit down the engines come to life. Babs Seed looks nervous.

“What’s that sound?!”

Dinky grins. “I think that means we’ll be taking off soon.”

Arc nods. “Yup. Let’s have a seat by a window.”

They do so as the ship slowly lifts off. Dinky looks down at the terrain.

“We’re flying south!”

Babs Seed appears unsure. “Is that good?”

Apple Bloom laughs. “It means we’re heading to Dodge Junction first!”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Awww…”

Arc smiles at her. “You’ll get to see Baltimare as well.”

“It’s okay. I’ve just never been much for… uh… out of the way towns.”

Apple Bloom turns to Dinky. “So what should we play first?!”

“How about this one?!”

She holds up a game entitled ‘Marenopoly’. Sweetie Belle looks worried.

“Won’t that take a long time?”

Babs Seed giggles. “We have all day, remember?”

Arc nods. “She’s right. Let’s set it up.”

They do so. Babs Seed looks out the window at the clouds flying by the window as Apple Bloom turns to her.

“Babs, do you know how to play this game?”

She says nothing and continues looking out the window. Sweetie Belle waves a hoof in front of her friend’s face.

“Hello?! Anypony there?”

Shaking her head Babs looks at them.

“What?”

“I was just asking if you’ve played this game before.”

“Huh?”

Dinky turns to her father. “Sorry, dad. Babs sometimes gets like this.”

“It’s okay. No one’s perfect. Now let’s play!”

They begin playing. Babs looks out the window constantly, looking back to the board only briefly to roll and take her turn. Dinky levitates the dice over to her friend.

“Babs? It’s still your turn.”

“But I just took one.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right. But you rolled doubles, so you get to go again.”

Babs shakes her head. “No thanks. You can go, Sweetie Belle.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But it’s my turn next. We’re going clockwise, remember?”

“Oh! Uh…”

Arc looks to the filly. “Is something bothering you? You haven’t been too focused since we came onboard.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Yeah! And what are you looking at out there anyways?!”

Apple Bloom jumps up onto the table and looks out herself. “I don’t see anything too special. Just empty fields, boulders, and a few clouds.”

Babs Seed sighs. “It’s nothing.”

Arc looks to her. “Well, ‘nothing’ appears to have you looking pretty sad today.”

She does not respond. Dinky looks to her friends.

“Is anypony else hungry?”

Apple Bloom nods. “I am!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Me too!”

Arc chuckles. “I guess I could go for a snack.”

Babs Seed looks over. “Want me to run to the Cafeteria?”

“Sure. It’s on the deck below us. Just follow the signs.”

“Yes sir.”

Babs hops off her chair and quickly leaves the Observation Deck. The fillies look to one another confused. Sweetie Belle is the first to speak.

“She’s really acting weird lately.”

Dinky sighs. “More so than usual.”

Arc turns to Apple Bloom. “Does she do this at home?”

“All the time. It’s like pulling teeth to get her to do anything all the way through!”

Dinky sighs. “It’s the same at school. She almost never has her homework or pays any attention in class.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “All she does is stare out the window. If Miss Cheerilee calls on her, she doesn’t even seem to notice.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Luckily I sit next to her and can give her chair a quick poke with my hoof. At least then she can answer with a quick ‘I don’t know’.”

“You don’t suppose this has anything to do with her and Diamond Tiara, do you?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Nah. That was quite a while ago, and she did this back then too.”

“Interesting.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

“Kinda. Let’s play a different game while we wait for her to come back.”

Apple Bloom smiles. “Like what?”

Dinky holds a game up. “How about this?!”

Arc looks at the box. “Candy World?”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Oh! I love that game!”

Apple Bloom hops around. “Me too! And it’s not time consuming either!”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. Let’s set it up.”

Dinky looks over as she opens the box. “But what about when Babs comes back?”

“Then we’ll continue our game of Monopoly.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “Monopoly?”

“Oh, sorry. We have a game on Earth like this.”

“Is it fun?”

“Yup. But it’s just as time consuming.”

Dinky looks to him. “Can you teach me how to play it when we go back to Earth, dad?!”

“The rules are pretty much the same.”

Sweetie Belle puts her hooves on the table. “Come on! Let’s play!”

Twenty minutes later Apple Bloom throws up her hooves.

“I win!”

Arc laughs. “Congratulations!”

Sweetie Belle looks to Dinky. “Want to play again?!”

“Sure! But, where’s Babs?”

Arc looks toward the corridor. “She never came back.”

Apple Bloom stands up. “I should go look for her.”

“How about you let me do that?”

“Dad?”

“She’s probably just busy making something special. That and I’d like a chance to talk to her.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “Uh… okay.”

Arc stands up. “I’ll be back soon. You three play another round of Candy World, or something.”

“Okay!”

Arc heads for the door. The fillies look at each other, confused.

“I hope there isn’t anything wrong with my cousin.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah. She’s… just confused, that all. Right?”

Dinky nods soberly. “Maybe it’s from her hard life.”

They shrug and set the game back up. Meanwhile, Arc walks down the corridor. As he nears the stairs he spots Babs Seed looking out a large window. Her front hooves rest on the pane and her nose is pressed against the glass.

“Babs?”

She jumps back from the glass with a start and whirls around to face Arc.

“S-sir! I… um… sorry.”

“Something wrong?”

Her eyes dart around nervously. “N-no! I just stopped to look outside for a few minutes!”

“How long have you been standing there?”

“Just a few minutes. Why?”

“You left us almost twenty minutes ago.”

“I did?”

“Yes.”

Babs Seed looks down at the floor silently.

“Are you mad at me?”

“No. But I think we should have a talk.”

“W-what about?”

“Let’s take a walk. I’m sure the others would still like a snack before lunch in an hour.”

Arc leads the filly toward the Cafeteria. The smell of food greets them from Arc’s favorite room.

“Something smells tasty!”

Babs nods. “It sure does!”

Walking through the empty Cafeteria, Arc pushes open the door to the Kitchen. Lemon Hearts is hard at work stirring pots at the stove. She hurries over to Arc and salutes.

“Sir! What can I do for you?!”

“We just stopped by for a little something for me and my young friends. Any suggestions?”

Lemon Hearts thinks for a moment.

“There’s some cheese in the refrigerator and crackers in the pantry.”

Arc nods. “That should tide us over.”

Babs looks over at the pots on the stove as Arc heads for the pantry.

“What are you cooking?”

“Corn Chowder. I hope you’ll like it.”

Babs Seed hops up onto a stool. “Can I tastes some?”

“Sure!”

She gives Babs a spoonful.

“Hm… it needs something.”

Arc returns with the crackers. “Like what?”

“A bit of seasoning. Do you have any turmeric?”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Yes, I’ll fetch it from the spice rack.”

“And a little pepper!”

Lemon Hearts returns with the requested items. The filly carefully adds a bit of each before tasting it again.

“Much better!”

“Really?”

Babs gives her the spoon. “Try it for yourself.”

Lemon Hearts does so. Her eyes light up.

“That IS better!”

“How’d you learn that, Babs?”

“Granny Smith taught me! She’s really good at cooking, you know!”

Arc nods. “I’ve tasted her food in the past. Have to agree with you.”

“Yeah! Apparently they were really poor back when she was young. So she had to learn how to stretch what they had on hoof.”

“Makes sense.”

“Even when things got better for them, she never stopped practicing! Someday I wanna be just like her!”

“Yes, well… why don’t we let Lemon Hearts get back to work now?”

Babs Seed hops off the stool. “Okay!”

Arc holds out the crackers. “Can you carry these?”

“Sure!”

Babs takes the package as Arc turns to the refrigerator for the cheese. Lemon Hearts walks over to him.

“Sir? Don’t forget this.”

She holds out a cheese knife, which Arc accepts.

“Thanks!”

The pair leave the Kitchen and head back toward the corridor. As the sky comes into view Babs Seed stops and looks outside. Arc gives her a few moments before speaking.

“You really seem to like staring off into space.”

Babs jumps and looks to him apologetically.

“I… I did it again, didn’t I?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You want to tell me what’s going on?”

Babs sighs. “I wish I could, but… I don’t really know myself.”

Arc sets the knife and cheese down on a nearby table and gestures for Babs to sit down. “Why don’t you and I have a chat? Maybe we can figure this out together.”

“O-okay.”

Babs and Arc sit down at the table. She fidgets nervously and again looks out the window.

“What are you thinking right now?”

“I… um… I don’t know.”

Arc turns to the window himself. “What do you see out there?”

“N-nothing.”

“Do me a favor. Just keep looking out there.”

“Um… okay.”

Babs does as she is told.

“Now then, just let your mind wander.”

“But that’s what everypony is telling me NOT to do.”

“Well, you can for now.”

“Okay.”

“In any case, I’m going to be very quiet. Now I want you to voice whatever you’re thinking.”

“What if it’s silly?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Okay. I’ll give it a try.”

For some time there is not a sound in the Cafeteria other than the slight hum of the ship’s engines.

“How can Granny Smith make Zap Apple Jam more easily…?”

“Jam?”

“I know it’s silly.”

“No, no. Keep going with whatever you’re thinking.”

“Well. She works really hard making sure everything is perfect. From inspiring the jars to hopping over the water to the timing of every last step. There just HAS to be an easier way!”

“Just because something’s always been done a certain way doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best or only way.”

“That’s what I told Applejack! But she just told me to keep that kind of talk to myself.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because it would probably make granny mad. Or sad… or… something. I don’t know.”

Arc frowns. “That doesn’t sound like a very scientific way to make jam.”

“I kinda thought so too. But Apple Bloom said that’s how it’s always been since… well, as long as she knows.”

“And you want to make it more streamlined?”

“Uh huh! You see, granny’s getting older and having trouble doing all that stuff to make the jam. I figured I should try to find a way to help out my new family!”

“That’s very nice of you.”

“Is it?”

Arc nods. “Wanting to make an elderly family member’s life a bit easier is, yes.”

Babs sighs. “All I can think of are different ways to make the jam more efficiently. At least that’s how it started.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Now I just can’t seem to concentrate on anything else!”

“Like schoolwork, huh?”

“Or my chores.”

“I see. We should probably talk to someone about this.”

Babs looks suddenly fearful.

“NO! Please!!!”

“What’s wrong?”

“If Applejack or Granny Smith found out I was daydreaming about something they told me not to all the time they’d be upset! They might even…!”

Babs is suddenly silent.

“Might what?”

She looks down at her hooves. “Send me back to the orphanage.”

“Now why would they do that?”

“Because I’m broken. Who wants a filly who can’t do what she’s told or pay attention in class?”

Arc puts a hand on her small shoulders. “They do.”

Babs looks up. “Huh?”

“The Apple family isn’t going to send you back. Not now, or ever.”

“How do you know?”

“Because they love you. Listen, do you remember the day I introduced you to them?”

“Of course! I’ll never forget it!”

“Do you remember how early it was?”

“Yeah. The sun was barely up. But they’re always up by then.”

“That’s right. Coco Pommel and I went over there that very morning to tell them about you. And do you know what Granny Smith said about it being too early?”

“What?”

“That you had waited for a family for long enough. They were THAT interested in bringing you home.”

Tears begin to form in the corners of Bab’s eyes as she smiles.

“They… they did?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’re a part of the Apple family now. No matter what happens.”

He puts and arm around the filly as she lowers her head and continues crying.

“I… I just care about them SO much! They took me in when NOPONY else wanted me!”

“That’s right. And they’re going to make sure you’re raised and cared for as long as you need it.”

Babs sniffles. “I… I know I’ve been making trouble for Applejack lately.”

“The meeting with Cheerilee?”

Babs nods sadly.

“Class is just so BORING to me! All I can think about is helping granny!”

“Well, you might be able to come up with a solution. But you’ll have to do something first.”

“What’s that?”

“Learn. Become a smart little filly. Use what you’re taught to figure this problem out.”

“But granny needs help now!”

Arc nods. “I know it’s not fun to wait. But if you don’t start paying attention to your lessons, you’ll never be able to get to that point.”

“I know that! I’ve tried and I’ve tried, but I just can’t do it!”

“Maybe Emerald Dream can help you.”

“Who?”

“She’s the psychologist in Ponyville. Maybe she could give you some tips on how to balance everything.”

“I hope so. Right now I’m doing my best to do everything as fast as I can! But I know I’m failing at both.”

“Applejack or Big Mac could take you to see her. I’ll talk to them about it when I take you home Sunday night.”

“Do you think they’ll be mad?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sure they won’t be. You shouldn’t be afraid to go to them if you have a problem though.”

“I’ll try. But it won’t be easy.”

“That much I know. But why don’t we get back to your friends?”

Babs nods. “Yeah. I’m sure they’re worried about us by now.”

Arc chuckles as the pair stand up. “Apple Bloom especially, I’m sure.”

“Why her?”

He looks over at Babs as he picks up the cheese and knife. “Because you two are family.”

Chapter 15 - Day Trip

The pair return to the Observation Deck. Apple Bloom looks up nervously.

“You two sure took a long time.”

“Yeah. Something wrong, dad.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, sweetheart. Your friend and I were just having a little chat and lost track of time.”

“What about?”

Babs sighs. “Me.”

Arc shrugs. “Something like that.”

Apple Bloom walks over to her cousin. “Are you going to be okay?”

Babs nods. “I think so. Arc’s going to have a talk with Applejack later about something or other.”

“Emerald Dream can probably advise us on this matter later.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “I sure hope so, Arc. It’s hard watching you be like this, Babs.”

“Thanks, but I’ll be okay.”

They return to their table. Arc serves the cheese and crackers. Dinky points a hoof excitedly out the window.

“Dad! Look!”

They see the cherry orchards in the distance.

Apple Bloom grins. “We’re almost there!”

Cherry calls out to. “Do you suppose we could stop there, Arc?”

“Sure. We should at least say ‘hi’ to Ruby while we’re here.”

Dinky trots in place happily. “Yeah!”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.”

“Slight change of plans. I’d like to land at Cherry Hill Ranch just ahead.”

Soarin looks over to the intercom. “Sir?”

“There’s someone there I’d like to visit.”

Thunderlane nods. “Aye sir. We’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

He severs the connection. The Bridge crew looks to one another, confused. Wrangler turns to Moon Dancer.

“What the hay do you suppose this is all about?”

“Perhaps it’s some kind of secret rendezvous?”

Soarin nods soberly. “He did see the princesses earlier. Maybe it has something to do with some kind of Special Forces operation.”

Tight Ship chuckles. “That could be. But it’s more likely he’s just spending time with his daughter.”

Lemon Hearts sighs. “Well, it’s kinda an extreme way to do so. Don’t we have better things to do?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “Not really. This is HIS personal ship, after all.”

Soarin nods. “That it is. We all received the same orders. To take the Hero of Light wherever his wishes to go.”

Wrangler looks over her panel. “I kinda thought we’d be heading into battle or something important though. Not doing stuff like this.”

Moon Dancer looks over to her. “Well, we did need to test the ship’s systems though.”

Lemon Hearts shrugs. “That may be. But this is kinda an around-about way to do it.”

Thunderlane grins. “Well I for one don’t mind! I just wanna fly!”

Wrangler frowns. “But…!

Soarin interrupts them. “Enough. We’re soldiers whom go where we’re told and follow our commanding officer’s instructions.”

Lemon Hearts turns around. “Captain. What do you think?”

“I believe the princesses have done what they have deemed important to the survival of our nation.”

Soarin turns to him. “Sir?”

“What I mean is, we should trust their collective years of wisdom and knowledge.”

Wrangler nods. “Yes sir.”

Lemon Hearts smiles. “We’ll do our best.”

Moon Dancer salutes. “For whomever is in command.”

Thunderlane grins. “And look good doing it!”

Soarin nods. “We all will, sir.”

“Very good.”

Thunderlane looks over his shoulder. “Captain. Why do you suppose the Hero of Light changed our plans to land instead of just flying over?”

“I’m sure after a lot of thought, he felt this was necessary.”

Soarin raises an eyebrow. “Really captain?”

Moon Dancer turns back to her panel. “Either that or he was hungry.”

Tight Ship cracks a smile. “Or that, yes.”

A short time later the ship lands. Ruby walks out of the house, confused. Arc steps out of the Main Hatch and down the gangplank as it lowers with Eidolon’s Ward at his side. The fillies follow behind.

“Arc? Cherry? Is everything alright?”

Arc nods as he kneels down to her level. “Yes. We were just out test flying my new airship.”

Ruby looks up, her eyes wide. “YOUR airship?!”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Yes, Ruby! It really is his!”

“But… how?!”

Arc laughs. “A gift from the princesses. But we didn’t come alone.”

He motions for the fillies to step forward.

“Dinky and her friends decided to join us for this flight. This is Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Babs Seed.”

“Hi there!”

“Hello.”

“Good morning.”

Ruby smiles at them. “Hello everypony. Welcome to Cherry Hill Ranch.”

Dinky waves a small hoof. “Hi, Miss Ruby! How’ve you been?!”

“Just fine, dear. My, you’re getting so big!”

She turns to Eidolon’s Ward.

“It’s good to see you again, sister.”

Eidolon’s Ward kneels down to give Ruby a hug. “I’ve missed you, Ruby.”

“Can you stay awhile? Perhaps for lunch? It isn’t much, but I’d love to have all of you.”

Arc looks back at the ship. “We should probably get back in the air soon. I didn’t actually plan on dropping in on you like this.”

“Can we take her with us, dad?”

“Yes, you’ll enjoy flying, sister!”

“Well…”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’d love for you to come with us, Ruby. That is, if we’re not keeping you from something else.”

Dinky looks at Ruby with puppy dog eyes. “Please!”

Ruby nods.

“Alright then. I wasn’t doing anything that pressing today.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Wonderful!”

Arc gestures to the ship. “Well then, shall we be off?”

“Sure!”

They board the mammoth ship together. Sweetie Belle turns to her friends.

“Why don’t we head back to the Observation Deck and keep playing games?!”

Babs Seed sighs. “It’s kinda close to lunch for that.”

Apple Bloom turns to Dinky. “We could eat while we play!”

“That’s a great idea! Is it okay, dad?”

Arc nods. “I don’t see why not. Let me tell the crew.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead sir.”

“We’re ready to continue our trip as planned.”

Thunderlane looks over. “Yes sir. We’ll take off as soon as possible.”

“My guests and I will also be having lunch on the Observation Deck, if that’s okay.”

Soarin raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I wasn’t sure if there was a rule or not.”

Wrangler chuckles. “Well, this is YOUR ship. Remember, sir?”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “I guess that means it’s okay!”

“Thanks everyone. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. A short time later the ship takes off. Ruby looks out the window with her sister.

“We’re so high up!”

Arc joins them. “That we are.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “I never get tired of this view. The land from this distance seems that much more beautiful.”

Apple Bloom looks to Arc. “Do you suppose this is what it’s like to be a pegasus?”

“Probably.”

Ruby turns to him. “So where are you headed this time?”

“Just a test flight along the eastern Equestrian seaboard.”

Dinky grins. “That and it gave me and my friends some time together with my dad!”

Babs nods. “We’ve been playing games here all morning!”

Ruby giggles. “Well, with scenery like this it’s a wonder you were able to concentrate on playing at all.”

A short time later Lemon Hearts enters the Observation Deck pushing a lunch cart. She respectfully approaches Arc.

“Reporting as ordered, sir.”

“Thanks. This looks great.”

She looks to Arc as the fillies take the dishes to a nearby table.

“Everything going alright up here, sir?”

Arc nods. “That it is. Tell me, how is the ship doing?”

“Very well. Chief Engineer Stellar Flare reports the engines have been running smoothly nearly the entire trip.”

Ruby turns around nervously. “Nearly?”

“Every new ship has a few kinks to work out. The only issues were a few rattles and shakes upon takeoff.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… they were taken care of, right?”

“Yes sir. Stellar Flare reported everything normal upon our most recent take-off.”

“Good. I hope my little detour isn’t going to put us behind schedule.”

“No, sir. Captain Tight Ship is going to use this opportunity to test out our top speed.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks over. “Test?”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Yes. You see, the top speed of a ship has many variables that can’t be properly estimated on a drawing board. It requires real-world testing to see what the ship can really do.”

“That makes sense. Is it safe?”

“Yes sir. We’ve run all the preliminary tests already. The engines are ready for this. With your permission we’ll begin.”

“Very well. Oh, be sure to have the name of the ship painted on the bow at some point.”

“I’ll inform the captain. Do you require anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you. My guests and I will amuse ourselves. The crew should focus on the tests and getting to know the ship.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Inform me when we’re nearing Baltimare though. I’d like to land there.”

Lemon Hearts salutes. “Yes sir. Well, I should be getting back.”

“Alright.”

Arc and his guests eat their lunch and go back to playing games. Eidolon’s Ward turns to Ruby.

“Would you care for a tour of the ship, sister?”

“I would, yes.”

Arc smiles at the pair. “A little family time, huh?”

“Yes. One never knows just how long we have. I’m proof of that.”

“Have fun.”

Eidolon’s Ward and Ruby make their way down the corridor together.

“So how are you and Arc getting on, sister?”

“Just fine. Why do you ask?”

“Forgive me, but I’ve been a bit worried about you lately.”

“You have? Whatever for?”

“Well, the fact that you and Arc are always together.”

“You aren’t jealous are you?”

“No, no! It’s just every couple has their own separate time when they’re alone. You two don’t really have that though, do you?”

“A bit, yes. But I feel very fortunate to be able to get inside Arc’s head. His thoughts are… interesting to say the least.”

“You two are getting along then?”

“Very well, yes. But I did enjoy our time together while he was away in the Griffon Kingdom. Sadly, I don’t see something like that happening again though.”

“Why? Did something happen over there?”

“That it did. Where do I begin?”

The ship continues on its way. As the late afternoon light streams through the Observation Deck’s windows the ship touches down just outside Baltimare. The fillies look out the windows excitedly. Sweetie Belle is the first to speak.

“It’s just like Rarity said!”

Dinky puts a hoof to the glass. “Those buildings are huge!”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Well I don’t like it. There’s no trees, or anything green.”

Ruby smiles at her. “A lot of our ranch’s cherries are shipped here, you know.”

Eidolon’s Ward shrugs. “Well, this is the country’s main distribution hub.”

Arc muses to himself. “Kinda like Griffon’s Gate.”

“Did you say something, dad?”

“No, I was just kinda thinking to myself. Does anyone want to take a look around?”

Sweetie Belle nods emphatically. “That would be amazing!”

Babs Seed runs over. “I wanna see it too!”

Ruby turns to her sister. “It would be nice to finally see the city where our cherries end up.”

“I was here once before with our father when I was a filly. The city looks about the same back then from here.”

Arc heads for the door. “Well, let’s take a look. There’s actually someone I want to see.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Really, dad? You know somepony here?”

“That I do.”

Apple Bloom looks up to Arc as they walk down the corridor. “You sure do know a lot of ponies.”

“True. I met her a while ago when I was investigating Tempest.”

Babs shudders as Ruby gasps. “Tempest?! That mare who crashed you surprise party?!”

“The very one. Her sister lives here.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “Cerulean Skies?”

“Yes. I’ve been wanting to check in on her for quite some time now.”

Sweetie Belle appears nervous. “Is she nice, or mean like Tempest?”

“Very nice. I’m sure all of you will like her.”

They head out the Main Hatch and down the gangplank. Arc touches his earring as they walk toward the city.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Go ahead sir.”

“My group and I have left the ship and are heading into the city. How did the ship handle the trip?”

Soarin walks over to the comm. “Very well. I think pretty much all of the bugs have been worked out now.”

“Good. Go ahead and take the ship back to Light’s Hope.”

Wrangler raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I can bring my group home via a portal.”

Tight Ship nods. “Understood sir. Shall we take off now?”

Yes. Whenever you’re ready.”

Thunderlane looks over his instruments. “We’ll be ready to go in a few minutes, sir.”

“That’s fine. Arc out.”

Moon Dancer looks to the captain as the connection is severed.

“This was just a simple pleasure trip to him?”

Soarin shrugs. “Sounds like it.”

Wrangler looks over. “Well, we DID need a proper flight in this thing to really see what it could do.”

Tight Ship nods. “Indeed. However, the Hero of Light had some other reason for coming here. Of that I am certain.”

Lemon Hearts looks confused. “How can you be so sure, sir?”

“When you’ve been friends with the princesses as long as I have, you learn to see through ulterior motives.”

Soarin frowns. “Sir, are you saying the princesses aren’t acting in good faith?”

“Not at all. But there are certain things they must do and say to adequately protect the realm.”

Wrangler turns back to her station. “Well, I for one don’t like it!”

Thunderlane sighs. “The Hero of Light has always acted in our best interest. We should do the same for him.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “I’m sure he’s doing his best out there.”

Soarin turns to Tight Ship. “Agreed.”

Tight Ship looks to the helm. “Thunderlane, get us in the air and back to base as soon as possible.”

“Aye sir.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his companions reach the edge of town. They walk the busy streets and look around. Dinky does her best to take everything in.

“This city is really hopping!”

Arc nods at her. “You know, this place is kinda like one back on Earth.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

“Yes. It’s called New York City.”

Dinky giggles. “Is it just as busy?”

“More so from what I’ve been told. But I’ve only seen footage on TV. Never actually been there.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks around. “Um… ponies are staring at us.”

Babs looks confused. “I wonder why.”

Ruby giggles. “It might have something to do with you, sister.”

“She’s probably right. Maybe you should get back in my head, Cherry.”

“Yes, of course.”

The armor melts away as Arc steps into it. A few moments later Arc recalls Eidolon’s Ward to his ring. Sweetie Belle gasps.

“Where’s Miss Cherry?!”

Arc points to his head. “Right here.”

Cherry giggles. “Yes, I’m fine.”

Babs looks Arc up and down. “How’d you do that?!”

“Not really sure. But we should get moving before the shops close.”

They walk through the shopping district for a time looking in the numerous stores that line both sides of the street. Sweetie Belle stops suddenly.

“Hey! Look at this!”

Dinky walks over. “What is it?”

Apple Bloom looks at the store’s name. “Patches R Us?”

Cherry calls out. “Sweetie Belle? I thought your sister was a seamstress. What would you need with…?”

Babs smiles. “Hey, I think I see what you’re getting at!”

Sweetie Belle opens her saddlebag and pulls out a small dark red cloak. “We could get matching patches here for the capes Rarity made us!”

Apple Bloom grins. “That would look really nice!”

Dinky frowns. “I wish I’d brought mine.”

Babs sighs. “Me too.”

Arc walks over to them. “Why don’t we go get them?”

Ruby raises an eyebrow. “How, Arc? The Equinox left, remember?”

“I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet, places a sigil on the sidewalk, and opens a portal.

“We’ll pop back to Ponyville and grab the capes. Then we can come right back.”

Excitedly the fillies run through the portal. Ruby and Arc laugh and follow them. A moment later they find themselves behind Carousel Boutique. Sweetie Belle turns to the others.

“I’ll run inside and grab the extras Rarity made! Be right back!”

Dinky nods. “We’ll wait here!”

Apple Bloom hops up and down. “Hurry!”

Sweetie Belle hurries inside the shop. She scurries upstairs to her room and throws open the closet. Several matching capes are neatly hung up. Grabbing them with her magic she hurries downstairs and looks around for a moment.

“Rarity? Are you here?”

Deafening silence ensues.

“That’s strange. She was just saying the other day how busy she is. I wonder where she went.”

Shrugging she hurries out the door and back to her friends. Meanwhile Rarity looks out her bedroom window at Arc, Ruby, and the fillies below. She sighs as she slowly walks over to a picture frame on her dresser depicting her and Sweetie Belle.

“This really was a nice shot. A lot of things have happened since this was taken though.”

Rarity sighs as she stares at the photo. A single tear courses down her cheek. Meanwhile, Arc opens a portal back to Baltimare. They enter the shop as the fillies each put on a cape. A short time later they step back out onto the sidewalk to look each other over. Apple Bloom looks the cape over.

“These patches look great!”

Dinky giggles. “They sure do!”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Yeah! Thanks Arc!”

“You’re welcome.”

Babs Seed walks over to him. “Thank you very much, sir. I can pay you back from my piggy bank when we get back to Ponyville.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. They’re a gift to you and your friends.”

Babs looks confused. “What’s that?”

“What’s what, Babs?”

“A gift.”

Apple Bloom smiles at her. “Oh! It’s, um… Sweetie Belle, how would you explain this?”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin. “Well, it’s um… when you get something from somepony.”

“Like at the store?”

Ruby shakes her head. “Not exactly. You see unlike the store, you don’t have to pay for it.”

“But Mr. Arc paid for it!”

Arc nods. “Yes. And I’m saying you can have it for free. That’s what a gift is.”

Babs sighs. “Sorry. I just don’t get it.”

Arc turns to walk down the sidewalk. “Follow me. I think my friend can show you what I mean.”

The group follows Are away from the shops and down several streets. Soon the shops give way to houses. Ruby turns to look at the gated mansions that line both sides of the street.

“These homes could house most of Dodge Junction!”

Babs gasps. “Wait! These are HOUSES?!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! They’re big!”

Apple Bloom looks over at one, clearly awestruck. “How many ponies do you suppose live there?!”

Dinky shrugs. “A couple dozen easily!”

“I don’t actually know. Should we find out?”

Sweetie Belle looks to Arc, confused. “Sure! But how?”

“I’ll show you.”

Arc calls forth his armor as they approach a pair of guards standing at the entrance of one of the estates.

“We have some questions for you.”

“Yes, Hero of Light?”

Arc points to the house. “How many inhabitants live in this house?”

“None, sir.”

Ruby looks confused. “You mean it’s vacant?”

“Not exactly, miss. You see this is one of the homes belonging to the Jewel family.”

Arc nods. “I see. And where are they now?”

“At the moment they’re vacationing at another residence in Las Pegasus.”

Dinky’s jaw drops. “What do they do to afford all this?!”

“Mr. Jewel is a banking mogul.”

Arc nods. “How long do you suppose they’ll be on vacation?”

“It’s hard to say, sir. He and his wife are currently recovering from their last vacation in Manehattan.”

“I see. Anyone else in their family, guard?”

“No, sir. The Jewel family has no heirs.”

Babs looks confused. “So it’s just the two of them in that big house when they’re here?”

“Yes.”

Arc nods. “I see. Thank you for your time.”

The stallions nod respectfully as Arc and company continue down the sidewalk. Arc turns to Babs as she shakes her head.

“How could ANYPONY have that much money?!”

Arc turns to her as he recalls his armor. “I’m not sure. But I imagine it’s due to multiple generations of work.”

Ruby thinks for a moment. “That does make sense. After all, I can’t see anypony having THAT much success without help.”

Apple Bloom turns to him. “Does your friend live in one of these houses, Arc?”

“Arc shakes his head. No. She’s still a few streets down.”

They continue walking, Cherry calls out.

“These houses look a bit more modest.”

Ruby nods. “Yes. I can imagine living in one of these.”

Sweetie Belle looks around. “Right. I think Rarity has some clients in this neighborhood.”

Babs Seed appears surprised. “Really? She must be very good at her job.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “She is! I remember her making clothes for Arc in the past!”

“Still does actually.”

Ruby smiles at him. “Really?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Just about every garment I own was stitched by her. All except one of my Magic Cloaks and my royal raiments.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Is your friend someone really powerful, dad? Like a politician, or something?”

“Not exactly. We’re getting closer though.”

They continue on. Soon the houses become smaller and closer together. Before too long they become shabby looking. Babs frowns.

“What happened here?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “All these houses look kinda… run down.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah! Why don’t they just keep em up a little better?”

Ruby shakes her head. “They probably try to.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Arc. “Why don’t they?”

“Probably no money. It takes bits to buy paint, shingles, and siding after all.”

Dinky frowns. “But why don’t they just get jobs, dad.”

“That’s more difficult than you think, sweetheart.”

Continuing on they come to a small run-down house. Arc stops.

“Here we are.”

Babs looks to the house. “Who lives here?”

“My friend.”

They head for the front door. As they approach a young mare walks out the with a large pot on her back.

“Hi, Cerulean Skies.”

She quickly kneels. “S-sir! I…!”

Ruby gasps. “Look out!”

Arc dashes forward to catch the pot before it falls to the ground.

“I got it!”

“Th-thank you sir.”

“Did I catch you at a bad time.”

Cerulean Skies looks around nervously. “Kinda, sir. Was there something you needed?”

Arc sets the pot down on the porch floor. “There’s no need to be afraid. I just wanted to check on how things were going here.”

She smiles as small beads of sweat form on her forehead. “Just fine, sir. I was just bringing this soup outside to cook.”

Ruby looks confused. “Cooking outside?”

“It’s easier to serve everypony out here. My… uh… house isn’t too big.”

“Do you need a hand?”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head frantically. “No, no! I can handle it. sir!”

She backs away slowly.

“If you’ll excuse me, there’s a lot of…”

The front door opens and another mare walks out.

“Cerulean Skies, I have the ingredients you wanted all ready to…”

She stops as Arc and his friends come into view. Arc narrows his eyes.

“Hello again… Tempest.”

Chapter 16 - Being the Solution

Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and the Spear of Righteousness.

“Everyone stand back!”

“But dad…!”

“Now Dinky!”

Ruby steps forward and grabs Dinky’s tail in her mouth. She pulls her back around Arc to safety.

“Do as your father says, dear!”

Babs hides behind Ruby as Arc positions himself between them.

“What are you doing here, Tempest?!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “What does it look like? I’m helping my sister make supper.”

“Really?!”

“Yes, you fool. Now if you’ll be so kind as to get out of the way, we need to get to work.”

Cerulean Skies nods. “She’s telling the truth, sir! Please don’t fight! That and we really do need to get this soup started!”

Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically. “I think Tempest is actually here to help.”

“Agreed.”

Arc recalls his armor and spear.

“I suppose introductions are in order then.”

He turns to his group, not taking his eyes off Tempest.

“This is Ruby Jubilee, Dinky you know, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Babs Seed.”

“Tempest nods to them, her narrowed eyes rest on Babs for a moment.

“Is… is something wrong, M-Matron?

“…no.”

“Sister, we need to get this going!”

She turns back to Arc.

“Please forgive me, but we’re very busy right now.”

Ruby steps forward. “We could help.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “We can?!”

Dinky nods as she looks icily at Tempest. “Yes. We can.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.”

Apple Bloom turns to him with Babs.

“Why not?”

“Yeah! I , um… kinda want to help too.”

“Tempest isn’t the most… trustworthy mare I’ve met.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “I could say the same for your judgement… hero.”

Ruby looks at the pot. “Who are you feeding, miss?”

“Most of the neighborhood. You see, this town was hit hardest by the economic downturn. Nearly everypony who lives around this part of town is out of work right now.”

Cherry calls out to Arc again. “We should at least help her cook supper.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “Fine.”

He turns to Cerulean Skies.

“I’ll help keep an eye on Tempest in the Kitchen if the others want to help you serve.”

“I, well… thank you, sir.”

“You can just call me Arc, Cerulean Skies.”

Tempest smirks as she turns to go inside. “Might as well, sister. He’s nopony special.”

Dinky turns back to her friends.

“Let’s do this!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Uh huh!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Crusaders to the rescue!”

Babs Seed looks around nervously. “We… we can do this!”

Arc sighs as the fillies follow Cerulean Skies around the side of the house. Ruby walks over to him.

“Be careful in there. You can’t trust her!”

“I will.”

Cherry calls out to her sister. “Don’t worry, Ruby. I’ll watch his back.”

Ruby nods as she turns to walk around the house. Arc enters via the front door. Walking inside he finds Tempest in the kitchen putting on a pink apron with a red heart on it. She glares at him as she gestures to it

“You tell anypony else what I’m wearing and it’s lights out for you! Cerulean Skies doesn’t have any other colors!”

“Fine. What can I do?”

Tempest points to a bag of flour. “You know how to make rolls?”

“Sure.”

“Then get to it! We need about a hundred.”

“Fine.”

Arc begins measuring out ingredients as Tempest chops vegetables.

“So why ARE you here?”

Tempest scoffs at his question. “To cook, moron.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“And I’m just supposed to believe that?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Truthfully, I don’t really care WHAT you think. I’m just giving my little sister some help.”

They are silent for a time as they both return to their jobs.

“So… do you come here often?”

Tempest chuckles darkly. “Why? You looking to come back with reinforcements?”

“Not really. Just trying to make conversation.”

“You mean gather information, right?”

“Call it what you will.”

“Alright. I’ll play your little game… hero.”

Tempest sighs.

“Ever since that night I accidently stabbed my sister in Ponyville, I’ve been watching over her.”

“Oh?”

“I saw you come back here. You changed her bandages.”

“That I did.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Honestly, I don’t like you anywhere near Cerulean Skies.”

“Why? You’re not afraid I’ll hurt her, are you?”

“Not intentionally, no. But there are many ways to hurt somepony.”

“What are you talking about, Tempest?”

“I saw the look on her face when you left. She was like a little lost schoolmare.”

“I’m not sure what that means.”

Tempest turns to Arc, snarling. “It means she has a crush on you, stupid!”

“What?! But all I did was take her home and change her wrappings!”

“You don’t get it, do you?!”

“What’s there TO get?!”

“THAT’S what a mare’s looking for in a stallion! Somepony to care for them! Care… about them…”

She turns back to the stove as her voice trails off.

“And you?”

“What about me?”

“Decimus?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I? Tempest, I saw the love letters he wrote to you.”

Tempest turns to him angrily as she stops stirring. “You… what?!”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out the stack of letters. He tosses them onto the counter next to Tempest.

“I found these in your room at the Orphanage.”

“What… were you doing… THERE?!”

“Investigating you at the time. If it makes you feel any better, the only ones who know about this aren’t going to say anything to anyone.”

Tempest appears ready to explode. Arc takes a step back as Cherry calls out to him.

“Maybe not the best time to tell her that, Arc!”

Arc nods soberly. Tempest stares at the stack for a long moment before sighing and picking them up. She turns to him.

“So I guess you know everything then, huh?”

“More than I wanted to about your relationship with Decimus.”

Tempest sighs as she throws the stack toward her saddlebags in the corner of the room. “It must be a bit… strange to think of me writing things like that.”

“Decimus too, I admit.”

“There’s more to me than one would imagine.”

“I know.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Do you now?”

“No, really. I mean… everyone thinks of you as cold and calculating. And I suppose for the most part you are. But I know deep down you’re just like anyone else in this land.”

“There’s nopony like me, idiot.”

Arc walks slowly over to Tempest. “What I mean is, you really just want what everyone else does. A special someone and a hand to hold. Or hoof, I suppose. More so even, if what you wrote in your letters was the truth.”

Tempest blushes as Arc continues. He stands next to her.

“While I don’t understand your reasoning, you’re still with Decimus. So you must still have feelings for him. Now, I’m not here to judge you on your sex life, or anything. But I want you to know I’m not after your sister or anything. I honestly just wanted to help her that night.”

She nods. “I’m inclined to believe you. Just… don’t fall in love with her.”

Tempest looks away.

“I’d hate to break her heart when I kill you.”

They are silent for a time. Arc puts a hand on Tempest’s shoulder.

“To be honest with you, I’d actually like to continue living. Same as you and Decimus.”

Tempest shakes her head. “You know that can’t happen. I’ve explained everything to you in great detail.”

“There’s no other way?”

“No.”

“Then what are you waiting for?”

“The longer you live, the more power you amass. It only helps ensure our plan to harvest that power from your soul when the time is upon us.”

“I see. And when will that be?”

Tempest shrugs. “No clue. But The Dark One is doing his best to slow the advance of the coming darkness.”

Arc turns back to the counter as he continues rolling dough. “I see.”

“It’s not personal.”

“Right.”

“We all have our roles to play in this life. Mine is to fight. Yours is to…”

“Die?”

“I was going to say be the key to this land’s salvation. Making the ultimate sacrifice is what you’re prepared to do from what I can see.”

“I suppose I am. And you?”

Tempest frowns. “When it’s over and the land is safe, The Dark One is free to do with my soul as he sees fit.”

“What about Cerulean Skies? She’ll be alone.”

“Maybe. But she’ll be alive and safe. What more can I ask for?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know. And Decimus?”

Tempest stops stirring and sighs. “He… understands my role.”

“Did he put up much of a fuss?”

“No! Shut up about Decimus! You don’t even know him!”

Tempest slams her hooves down hard on the counter, cracking it.

“It sickens me that I at one point felt a sexual attraction for the one who’s killed him multiple times now!”

“You weren’t yourself back then. I’ve let that go. You should do the same.”

Tempest sighs, but does not look over.

“Arc. You… actually remind me of somepony special to me.”

“Who?”

“A stallion who at one point personified justice and honor. One who fought for the innocent and protected this realm.”

She pauses a few moments before continuing.

“I miss him.”

Arc nods.

“The… old Decimus.”

“Sorry I can’t bring him back. From what others have told me, it sounds like he used to be quite a guy.”

Tempest nods.

“That was a lifetime ago. I know it may sound cold and heartless, but I don’t like to live in the past.”

They are silent for a time as the pair go back to work

“Maybe not the best time to bring this up, but any luck with those papers you got from RD-001.”

“One of my… associates is looking into it.”

“Really? I just figured it was all doom and gloom over there.”

“He wasn’t too keen on the idea at first. But The Dark One was able to persuade him that this was important.”

Arc sighs. “And now I’m worried.”

“As long as this mystery is solved, I don’t care what they do with whatever is found!”

“Yeah. That much I figured.”

A short time later Arc pulls several trays of rolls out of the oven. Tempest looks over at them.

“They appear edible.”

“Hey! I know what I’m doing!”

“Do you now?”

“Yes!”

Tempest frowns as Arc puts another set of trays in the oven.

“Then let’s get these outside. I can hear the neighbors lining up.”

Arc picks a tray up. “Fine.”

He heads for the door. Tempest raises an eyebrow.

“And where do you think you’re going?”

“Um… to bring these outside. Where else would I…?”

“You really are a moron, aren’t you?!”

Arc looks confused. “Huh?”

“You can’t go out there! The citizens would start bowing and scraping at your hooves! Or whatever those freakishly deformed things are attached to your legs!”

“What? Why?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Uh, because you’re borderline royalty in their eyes, stupid!”

“So I’m just supposed to let the wanted criminal go out there?”

“No. Just watch.”

Tempest walks over to the wall. She gives it a few kicks with her hoof. A few moments later Cerulean Skies enters via the back door with the fillies.

“We’re ready on this end, sister.”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Thanks.”

“There’s a lot of ponies out there, dad.”

Apple Bloom nods. “And they look hungry!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Fillies too.”

Babs Seed hides behind Dinky as she looks angrily at Tempest. “I know how they feel.”

Cerulean Skies turns to her. “We’ll fix that!”

Arc gives each of the fillies a tray of rolls as Tempest passes a pot to her sister.

“I’ll keep things running in here.”

Cerulean Skies nods as she glances in Arc’s direction. “Thank you. Just be on your best behavior, sister.”

“Tell that to him.”

“Hey!”

“Aren’t you coming out, dad?”

“No. Tempest and I are staying in here.”

Apple Bloom looks to him, confused. “Why, Arc?”

“I’ll explain it to you all later.”

Sweetie Belle turns to leave with the others. “Um… okay.”

They leave the Kitchen and close the door behind them. Tempest turns back to the counter.

“We need to get back to work. That isn’t nearly enough food.”

“Understood.”

Tempest begins chopping vegetables as Arc makes several more trays of rolls.

“Good job.”

“Thank you.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “I was being sarcastic.”

“About what?”

Tempest gestures toward the window. “Those ponies lined up out there.”

Arc frowns. “Uh… not sure how that’s my fault.”

“Lack of jobs, stupid!”

“Again, how is that…?”

“YOU were Lord Regent! It was YOUR job to help them and you didn’t!”

Arc sits down and sighs. “I spoke to the Baltimare Council as well as the mayor, Duke Carleon. Everyone agreed that the only way to solve this problem was to get everyone back to work.”

“And?!”

“But no one could think of a way to do that.”

“Those factories NEED to be reopened!”

“I agree. But with the economy in such a state, no businesses want to take the financial risk. That and I’ve seen those old buildings. They’re falling apart.”

“All I hear are excuses!”

Tempest turns away and sighs.

“Look, I’m grateful that you got Cerulean Skies’ job back. The thought of my sister going hungry isn’t something I can handle. I mean, I wanted to send her bits, but…”

“But your Council of Shadows probably doesn’t pay particularly well.”

“Nothing actually. I felt bad not sending money or even letters to her, but Decimus insisted on it.”

“Yeah, Decimus again.”

Tempest glares at him. “You could have at least set up a soup kitchen or something though!”

“I did.”

“Where?!”

“Right here.”

“Cerulean Skies doesn’t make enough to sustain this!”

“I know.”

Tempest seethes. “So you’re just letting my sister bankroll this?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I had a talk with High Justice Gaval. She agreed to allow you sister to leave early every day to do this. That and the money for the food is billed directly to Canterlot via an agreement with the vendors in town.”

“That’s the best you could come up with?!”

“Yes. Cerulean Skies is well known in the community. She’s the logical candidate to make this work.”

“Alone?!”

“She’s not alone. You’re here.”

“Well, she’s lucky I came back when I did! You apparently couldn’t have been bothered to send her some help.”

“I did. She refused it.”

Tempest frowns. “What?! Why?!”

“You’ll have to ask her about that. Frankly I’m all for local problems being handled by the local residents. After all, Cerulean Skies understands what needs to be done better than some chair polisher in the capital after all.”

Tempest turns away, frowning. “I’m still not sure if you’re a tactical and political genius or mentally unbalanced.”

“Let me know if you figure it out. I’ve been wondering that myself.”

Sometime later as the sun sets Cerulean Skies and Arc’s friends return to the Kitchen. Tempest greets her.

“You did very well, sister.”

“Did I?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We watched from the relative safety of a curtained window.”

Dinky giggles. “It was a lot of fun helping out!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah! I didn’t know there were ponies in Equestria that were hungry!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Me either.”

Babs Seed hides behind Ruby as she gives the pots she’s carrying to Cerulean Skies.

“It was certain an eye opening experience for me as well.”

Cerulean Skies sighs as she puts the pots in the refrigerator. “This is a daily activity around here. One meal is all I can provide though.”

Babs Seed peeks out from behind Ruby. “What… what do they do for breakfast and lunch?”

“Most of them do odd jobs around town, so they’re not completely without an income. But the few bits they make still mostly goes toward food.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be sir. It’s not your fault.”

Tempest frowns as Cerulean Skies walks over to Arc. He kneels down to look her in the eye.

“Thank you for making all this possible. Everypony here really appreciates it.”

“Well, you’re the one doing the real work here.”

Cerulean Skies kneels respectfully. “That may be. But I couldn’t do it without Canterlot’s support. Please know that you’ll always have a friend in Baltimare, sir.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Cerulean Skies, please stand up. You don’t have to kneel like that.”

“What? But I…”

“Friends don’t kneel to friends. Okay?”

Cerulean Skies smiles happily. “Yes sir.”

“And you don’t have to call me that either. Just ‘Arc’ will do.”

“But…!”

Tempest frowns. “Just do what he says. After all, he’s not the Lord Regent anymore.”

Cerulean Skies nods. “I suppose not. But those of us that live in the slums will always see him as our savior.”

She turns back to Arc.

“Again I thank you… Arc.”

“You’re welcome. But I need to be getting back to Ponyville now.”

“I understand.”

She leans forward suddenly and gives Arc a hug. Tempest glares at him, clearly incredulous.

“Take care of yourself.”

“You too.”

Arc stands up and calls forth his gauntlet. He turns to his group as the portal forms.

“Let’s go home everyone.”

Babs Seed runs through first followed by the rest of the fillies. Ruby and Arc enter together and vanish as the portal closes Tempest turns to Cerulean Skies, frowning.

“What the hell was THAT?!”

“Huh?”

“You HUGGING him!”

“I wanted him to know I’m grateful.”

“We talked about this! You can’t be falling in love with my future victims!”

Cerulean Skies sighs as she walks over to the couch. “My heart wants what it wants, Tempest.”

Tempest angrily walks over. “And what would that be?”

“To get to know Arc better. He’s been very kind to me in the past.”

“That much I do know.”

“After all, he was the only one who would listen after High Justice Hawthorne fired me.”

“If I had known what had happened, you know I would have done something.”

“Yes. But I don’t think you would have been as… merciful about it.”

Tempest shrugs. “Can I help it if slime like him needs a lesson in manners?”

“That may be. But you don’t have the authority to…”

“Ha! I don’t need anypony’s permission to take care of you! If Arc hadn’t stepped in and taken care of that pig, I’d…!”

Cerulean Skies appears to be lost in thought.

“Are you listening?!”

“Kinda. I was just wondering something. Remember when you told me about your last visit to Ponyville?”

“What about it?”

“You were infected with something or other and tried to get Arc to bed you.”

Tempest blushes as she takes a step back. “W-what about it?”

“Well, you said he didn’t take you up on your advances, right?”

“Yes. But what does that have to do with anything?”

“Just hear me out. Did he sleep with you?”

“I… yes, he did.”

“Really?!”

Tempest blushes. “It… wasn’t like that! I was the one who crawled into bed with him!”

“Why?”

“Looking back at it, I just… I wanted to… I had an extreme desire to be held, okay!”

Cerulean Skies giggles. “I know how that feels.”

Tempest frowns. “You do?”

“Yes. I want Arc to hold me too. That’s why I hugged him just now. To know what you felt back then.”

“And what DID you feel?”

Cerulean Skies puts her hooves on her cheeks and blushes. “Warm and safe. And wishing he hadn’t let go.”

She giggles as Tempest rolls her eyes.

“Looking back at it, I’m still disgusted with myself.”

“Why, Tempest?

“Because of the things I wanted!”

“How is that his fault?”

Tempest opens her mouth to speak. However nothing comes out. She turns around and looks at the fireplace.

“You don’t know anything about love, Cerulean Skies. Just because a stallion doesn’t rape you doesn’t mean he’s special, or anything.”

“I suppose you’re right, sister. But you also told me what you did to him in the Dragon Lands.”

Tempest’s pupils shrink as her sister continues.

“If what you told me was the truth, you tried to rape HIM! Was that a lie?”

Tempest puts a hoof to her stomach as she shudders. “…no.”

“And he could have acted on your advances and had the time of his life with you. Or he could have killed you and ran.”

“I can’t be…!”

“Maybe not. But he still chose not to hurt you. He chose to take care of you and insisted you take the antidote when he got it. Any other stallion would have been tempted to keep you as you were. Especially since you’ve never been shy about your future plans for him.”

Tempest says nothing.

“Leaving you in that stupor would have assured you could never carry out your plans to kill him.”

“I would have broken free eventually.”

“Really? I doubt that. After all, why would you have wanted to? A stallion would have been there to care for and provide all your needs for the rest of your life. Who would want to give that up?!”

“Somepony with a brain?”

“I know that’s what you wanted. To be held and loved.”

“Decimus, he…”

“…abandoned you! You said it yourself, Tempest! He’s not the stallion you fell in love with!”

“He’s still in there somewhere. I just know it!”

“Really?! You’re still carrying a torch for HIM! After all he’s done!”

Tempest frowns. “You just wish you knew what it was like!”

“You’re right! I want my big sister to have somepony who loves her! To be cared for like she deserves! And to have a family with that stallion like she always talked about when we were younger!”

“That dream is very much dead, Cerulean Skies.”

“It doesn’t have to be.”

Tempest chuckles. “What? Do you want me to have Arc’s foals now?”

“He would certainly be a better father than Decimus! You know THAT much is right!”

“Probably.”

“You mean most definitely.”

“Well, what about you? You wanted the same future back then. Remember, we used to talk about it every night in our little crawlspace under the Vanhoover Inn. It was your dream to have foals with a nice stallion and raise them properly. We can’t both achieve that dream with Arc, now can we?”

“Well… technically we can.”

Tempest frowns. “What are you talking about? There’s two of us and only one of him.”

Cerulean Skies looks at Tempest sheepishly. “You’re right when you say we can’t both marry him. The law is clear on that, after all.”

“Then what are you getting at?”

“Everypony knows that humans can have multiple mates. Such things are normal for them. We could BOTH have our dreams come true.”

“WHAT?!”

Cerulean Skies smiles at Tempest warmly. “I’d even be willing to let you have your foal first.”

Tempest shakes her head. “I can’t believe I’m hearing this!”

“We both believe he’s quite the stallion. And we shared everything else growing up.”

“That was because we HAD to back then! Don’t you think I wanted you to have a better life?!”

“I know you did, Tempest. And I believe you did the best you could for us back then.”

“I still wonder.”

Cerulean Skies closes her eyes and smiles. “All I’m saying is he could make both of us very happy mothers, Tempest. Remember how we used to talk about raising our families together? You said we would buy two houses next door to each other so we could always be there for one another. Well, this way we could still…”

“Cerulean Skies, STOP!”

Tempest hangs her head.

“I know what I said back then. But we were so young and didn’t really understand… anything really. Now then, I wish I could tell you to go ahead and make your dream come true with Arc, but…”

Tempest sighs and walks toward the door.

“…but you need to find somepony else. After all, I don’t want you raising a foal alone after I… do what needs to be done.”

Chapter 17 - Back Home

Arc and company appear on the sigil in Cherry Hill Ranch’s basement. Ruby steps off and turns back to the group.

“That was certainly an… interesting day.”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry it kinda took that turn.”

“Don’t be, Arc. I had a wonderful time aboard your ship.”

Cherry giggles. “And I got to spend time with my sister.”

Dinky smiles. “Yeah! That was lots of fun!”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Even if Tempest was there.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Babs. “I bet she was up to no good, or something.”

Babs Seed shudders. “Yeah! She couldn’t have been up to anything but trouble!”

“Agreed. Take care of my sister, Arc. And watch out for Tempest.”

Cherry sighs. “I’ll keep an eye open too.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. You take care over here. And remember I’m just a phone call away.”

He kneels down to give Ruby a hug. She nods.

“Thank you. For everything.”

Arc stands and steps back, waves, and activates the sigil. He and the fillies disappear as Ruby walks upstairs.

“You’re the luckiest mare I know, sister.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company reappear on the sigil in Derpy’s house. Dinky looks over to the couch to see her mother lying there asleep. She points a hoof silently. Arc whispers to the fillies.

“Dinky, why don’t you and your friends head to bed? It looks like your mother had a hard day.”

“Okay.”

The fillies trot quietly to the bedroom and close the door behind them. Dinky climbs into her father’s bed with Babs as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle share Ember’s bed.

“I was kinda hoping we could stay up late tonight.”

Apple Bloom shrugs as she looks at Sweetie Belle. “This is later than I usually stay up.”

“Me too. But my dad’s right. Mom deserves all the sleep she can get.”

Babs nods. “Yeah. Miss Derpy works really hard to keep us all fed at school.”

Sweetie Belle looks under the blanket at her cape. “Your dad was right. These patches really bring the whole thing together.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “I’ll say.”

Babs grins. “Yeah. I get it now.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Babs?”

“When we were serving the ponies supper in Baltimare it clicked in my head what a gift is.”’

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Really?”

“A gift is where somepony gives you something that you haven’t earned without asking for anything in return.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Applejack tells me it’s better to give than to receive. Up until now I didn’t really understand what she meant.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Dinky. “Rarity’s a really generous mare. I never knew why she did what she did until tonight either.”

“It feels good to help others. But I think my dad is the biggest gift-giver around. I mean, he gave my mom the gift of delivering me.”

Apple Bloom smiles. “Arc found me when I ran away from home and got lost in the Everfree Forest. He brought me home and didn’t ask for nothing in return for his trouble.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Babs. “He’s also talked Rarity through some really hard times in the past. She’s was holed up in her workshop with a bunch of ice cream for the longest time after we got back from our field trip to Canterlot. I don’t know what he said or did, but Rarity was back to normal when I got back from school.”

“Well, he gave me the gift of a family. Thanks to him, I was able to find a real home.”

They smile and nod together. Dinky closes her eyes and thinks.

“Then there’s the orphans. He gave them the gift of deliverance from Tempest’s tyranny.”

Babs shudders. “That he did.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “There’s probably a lot more that we don’t even know about.”

Dinky smiles. “Like his trips abroad? He told me about Abyssinia and how he freed the citizens there.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I wish I had a dad like yours, Dinky.”

Babs looks over to Apple Bloom. “We could.”

“How?”

“If Mr. Arc were to marry Applejack.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “What?!”

Apple Bloom’s eyes grow wide. “Marry! But what about Miss Derpy?!”

Babs looks surprised. “Wait! They’re married?!”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. Just good friends.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “That and Dinky’s mom has a thing for Arc.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Really? Because I’m pretty sure Applejack does too.”

Babs Seed looks nervous. “Rarity does as well I think. I saw her blush and giggle as she sewed some clothes for him while I was waiting for Sweetie Belle.”

Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes. “Yeah, she does that.”

Apple Bloom turns to her friend. “Dinky, you’re not jealous or anything, are you?”

“No. Why would I be?”

“Well, you know… if your dad were to choose somepony else over your mom.”

Dinky smiles. “That would be okay with me.”

Babs looks to her, surprised. “Really?!”

“Yeah! Because I know that whomever my dad choses to marry, he’ll always be there for my mom and I.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks over to the couch and quietly puts a blanket over Derpy. She yawns and opens her eyes as Arc smiles at her.

“Sorry for waking you. You just looked cold.”

Derpy looks at the clock. “Welcome home. Sorry, I had planned to have supper ready for you when you and the others got home.”

She looks around.

“Where are Dinky and her friends?”

“They kinda had a busy day. I sent them to bed already.”

“What about supper?”

“We ate in Baltimare. But what about you?”

A rumble from Derpy’s stomach answers that question. Arc stands up.

“How about I heat you up some leftovers from our meal in Canterlot?”

“That does sound good right now.”

Arc leads Derpy towards the Kitchen. She sits down at the table as he opens the refrigerator.

“So how was your day?”

“Busy. Very busy.”

“Did the guards help?”

“Kinda.”

Arc looks over as he walks to the stove with a leftover container. “What do you mean?”

“Well, they were there. But I wasn’t really prepared to lead half a dozen stallions who didn’t know how to cook.”

Arc frowns as he puts the contents into a pan. “I didn’t think about that.”

Derpy sighs. “I appreciate the thought. But I’m more tired WITH help than without it. They were anxious to do something, of course. But none of them had any experience.”

Arc thinks as he warms the food.

“Maybe Saffron could give everyone a crash course in cooking. A few at a time, that is.”

“Do you think they would agree to that?”

Arc chuckles. “I’m not running a country club over there, you know. They’ll do what I tell them to. That and if everyone’s so anxious to help at the orphanage, they’ll want to learn.”

“Thank you for doing this, Arc.”

Arc sets a plate of food in front of her. “It’s no problem. The soldiers are probably happy to have something to do other than guard duty and training.”

“Training?”

“Sandstorm Mirage has everyone practicing combat drills every day.”

“Do you expect trouble?”

“No. But they are still part of the military. It wouldn’t do to have them getting flabby and lazy.”

“I suppose not.”

Arc frowns. “And one day that training might just save their lives. Not to mention the citizens of Ponyville.”

A short time later the pair return to the couch with some dessert. Derpy looks to Arc.

“So you actually have your own airship now?”

“Yup. Well, it still belongs to Canterlot. But unlike the Lunar Destiny it’s under my direct command.”

“I’m proud of you Arc! You’ve come such a long way since we met!”

“So have you.”

Derpy giggles. “I think rising from doing odd jobs to our nation’s Hero of Light and Lord Regent is a bit more than me. All I’ve done is go from pregnant single mother to Cafeteria Mare.”

“While not as glamourous, your job is very important in its own right. Those fillies over there look to you and Coco Pommel to provide them with a modicum of stability. A precious commodity for an orphan.”

“Maybe. But…!”

There is a knock at the door. Arc looks over to it, surprised.

“Who could that be at this hour? Were you expecting someone?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. Nopony ever comes calling after dark.”

Arc stands up. “Well, let’s see who it is.”

He walks to the door with Derpy at his heels. Opening it Arc sees a familiar mare standing on the front steps.

“Sassy Saddles?”

“Is everything alright?”

Sassy Saddles looks worried. “I… don’t know.”

Arc steps aside. “Won’t you come in?”

“No, thank you. Rarity just asked me to stop by on my way home and ask you to bring Sweetie Belle to the shop tomorrow after breakfast.”

Derpy appears surprised. “Whatever for?”

“Rarity didn’t say. But she’s been especially on edge today.”

Arc frowns. “I’ll head over there and check on her.”

“Wait! That was another thing she wanted me to tell you.”

Derpy gasps. “For Arc to come by?”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “For him not to, actually. Rarity said she needs some time to think.”

Arc nods. “I understand. First thing after breakfast tomorrow I’ll bring her back to Carousel Boutique.”

“Thank you. Well, I need to get home. But… what exactly is this about?”

“Sorry, but it’s very personal.”

“I understand. Well, not really. But I hope you can talk Rarity back into her old self.”

“I’ll certainly try. But I guess we’ll see.”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “Just you will. I don’t work tomorrow. Should I… stop by to look in on her?”

“I don’t think that would be a good idea. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of this. Or at the very least try to.”

She nods and turns to leave as Arc shuts the door. Derpy appears shaken.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“Yes and no. Sorry, but I can’t really say any more about it.”

Derpy nods as they return to the couch. “Okay. If you say so, I believe you.”

Arc sits down with her. “Thank you, Derpy.”

“What for?”

“I guess for… your faith in me. It’s not everyone who would just take what I tell them at face value with zero explanation.”

“As much as you’ve done for Dinky and I, it seems the least I could do.”

They are silent for a time as the dessert is finished. Arc takes the dishes and levitates them over to the sink.

“Derpy? Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“If you could have one wish, what would it be?”

“A wish?”

“Yes.”

“Anything?”

Arc nods. “Anything you could imagine. No limits.”

“Even if it’s impossible?”

“Right.”

“So I could wish that my mother never died?”

“If you wanted, yes.”

“Or that I was raised in a loving home?”

Arc nods.

“So what would it be?”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles happily.

“My only wish… is for Dinky to grow up happy.”

“I see. What if you had unlimited wishes? What else would you want?”

“Your safety.”

“Anything else?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, nothing.”

“What about your childhood? You could change it. Alter it to make it perfect.”

“It already was.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. I mean… your past was terrible!”

“That’s also true.”

“So you’re saying you would leave everything as it was? No changes whatsoever?”

“Right.”

“I’m really surprised by that, Derpy. Can you elaborate on why?”

“Well, I do agree that my upbringing was most certainly horrendous. However, I now look at it this way. The end result was me finding happiness and a home for Dinky and myself.”

Arc looks down at the floor. “I’m really glad you’re happy, Derpy. But I’d certainly change a few things about my past.”

“Like what?”

“My mom’s alcoholism, her premature death, my dad leaving, Lily and Shelly’s childhood, and helping my friend form the Shards. And that’s just off the top of my head.”

Derpy puts a hoof on Arc’s knee. “I don’t blame you for wishing things could have been different. But what brought this on?”

“A lot of different things, I guess. I suppose everyone has things they wish could have been different.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, well… please don’t spend too long thinking about this, Arc. After all, what use is it to consider past events we can’t change?”

Arc sighs. “That does make sense. Thanks for the talk, Derpy.”

“If you need somepony to talk to, this little gray mare will always be here to listen.”

Arc puts an arm around her.

“And I’ll always be here for you and Dinky.”

Derpy lays her head on his shoulder as she closes her eyes and smiles. “I trust you will, Arc.”

Early the next morning Arc and Derpy awaken on her mat in front of the fireplace, Arc sighs.

“Good morning, Derpy.”

Derpy opens her eyes and sits up. “Arc? Are you alright? You’re usually more upbeat in the morning.”

“I’m okay. Just not looking forward to the day’s activities.”

Derpy nuzzles his side. “I know you’ll do just fine.”

Arc stands up. “Thanks, Derpy. But… this isn’t going to be easy.”

They head to the Kitchen and begin to prepare breakfast. Before long the fillies trot out of the Bedroom and hop onto the stools around the table.

“Morning dad!”

“Good morning Dinky. Did you and your friends sleep well?”

“Uh huh!”

Apple Bloom smiles. “Yeah! We’re having a great time!”

Babs Seed grins. “Yes sir! This is the most fun I’ve ever had!”

Sweetie Belle turns to Dinky. “What should we do today?!”

Arc sighs and looks over from the stove. “Sweetie Belle?”

“Yes?”

“I, uh… your sister wanted you and I to stop by her shop this morning after breakfast.”

Apple Bloom looks to him, confused. “What for?”

Babs Seed sounds nervous. “She isn’t in trouble, right?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But it’s very important nonetheless.”

“What’s it about dad?”

“Your friend can tell you later if she wants to.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Rarity… she’s always so dramatic about everything. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.”

Derpy turns to her daughter. “Dinky, can you set the table please?”

“Sure mom.”

Arc turns back to the stove as he mutters under his breath. “I hope she’s up to this.”

Derpy looks over to Arc and puts a hoof on his hand momentarily as she looks him in the eye and gives him a reassuring smile. She lowers her voice.

“I’m sure whatever it is, you’ll make it all better.”

Arc nods and nervously smiles back. Cherry’s voice reverberates in his head.

“Everything will be fine, Arc.”

“How can you be so sure about that?”

“I’m not. But you see, some blows you really can’t deflect.”

“So what should I do then? This is unavoidable.”

“If you can’t stop it, you can at least soften the blow.”

Arc sighs. “That’s it, huh?”

“I’m afraid so, yes. Would you like me to stay here with the others?”

“Yes, please. I was planning to wait outside the shop unless Rarity wants me to do something different. I’ll leave Eidolon’s Ward here so you can play games with Dinky and her friends. If you want to, that is.”

“That does sound like fun!”

“Okay. I guess it’s a plan then.”

“You don’t sound too happy about it.”

“I’m not. But like you said, all I can do is make it easier.”

“How?”

“No idea.”

They sit down to breakfast. Arc picks at his food as Dinky and her friends eat.

“Dad? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing sweetheart. You just eat.”

Apple Bloom looks over. “Are you sure you’re okay, Arc? I’ve never seen you like this before.”

“Sorry. It’s just… stress.”

Babs Seed looks to Derpy. “What’s that?”

“It’s kinda like being tired, only mentally.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “I know all about that.”

Dinky turns to her. “You do?”

“Yeah. Rarity gets all weird when she has a big deadline coming up. That’s probably what she wants to talk about.”

“Your future?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Yeah. Rarity’s been talking for years about me becoming her apprentice so I can learn about the fashion industry.”

Arc frowns. “You don’t sound very happy about it.”

Babs Seed smiles. “Rarity’s job looks like a lot of fun! Don’t you want to learn and work with your sister?”

Apple Bloom giggles. “I do it all the time! It’s a lot of fun!”

“Well, I’m not really all that thrilled about cloth and stitching. I know I’m okay at it, but… that doesn’t mean I want that to be my life’s work or anything.”

“What do you want to do then?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs.

“I dunno. But… I’d really like it to have something to do with my friends here.”

Dinky grins. “That’d be great! We could spend every day together then!”

Babs puts a hoof to her chin. “Like the foals at the orphanage?”

Apple Bloom sighs. “Well, not really. They stay there because they have to. We’ll be together because we want to.”

Derpy smiles at the fillies. “Sounds like you four are planning quite a few adventures.”

Arc chuckles. “Nothing wrong with thinking about the future I suppose.”

“Do you do that, dad?”

“All the time.”

Sweetie Belle turns to him. “What kind of things do you try to plan?”

“Well… my life after I retire for starters.”

Babs looks confused. “Retire?”

“It’s where you stop working when you get old.”

Dinky looks to Arc, happily. “We can play together all day then!”

“Maybe. But you’ll be all grown up and probably have as family of your own by then.”

Derpy nods. “Yes dear. You’ll find that the older you get the more responsibilities you find yourself in.”

Arc nods. “Right. And the less free time you have.”

Apple Bloom looks nervous. “So we might not have time to play together?”

Arc think for a moment. “Maybe. Maybe not. But you’ll certainly have a different definition of what is fun by that point.”

Dinky looks around the table happily. “Well, no matter what happens, all of you will always be my friends!”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 18 - So Hard to Say

The fillies laugh together easily. A short time later the meal concludes and they stand up. Arc sighs.

“I should probably take you back to your sister now, Sweetie Belle.”

Dinky frowns. “Aw! Can she come back afterwards?”

“That’s up to Rarity, sweetheart.”

Sweetie Belle smiles at her friends. “I’ll try and take care of this as quickly as possible, everypony.”

They look after Arc and Sweetie Belle as they head for the door. Babs Seed waves with Apple Bloom.

“Take care! Say ‘hi’ to your sister for us!”

“See you in a bit!”

They leave, closing the door behind them. Derpy turns to Dinky

“Can you help me with the dishes, sweetie?”

Dinky sighs. “Okay mom.”

Babs Seed looks concerned. “Dinky? You okay?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah! I mean, we’ll help too!”

Dinky shakes her head. “That’s not it. Mom, do you know anything about what Miss Rarity wants?”

“No dear.”

“You mean dad didn’t tell you anything?!”

Derpy shakes her head. “He didn’t. Sassy Saddles didn’t say why either when she stopped by last night. But your father seemed to know what was going on.”

Babs walks over to Derpy. “Excuse me, but is this normal?”

Apple Bloom frowns. “You mean keeping secrets?”

“Yes. It just doesn’t seem like something a family member should be doing.”

Derpy nods. “Usually that’s correct. However when I asked Arc about it, he said he couldn’t tell me.”

Dinky sighs. “Now I’m REALLY worried!”

“I trust your father, dear. You should do the same.”

“Okay mom. But that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “How about this then? Sweetie Belle is with the smartest, bravest, coolest, human EVER! He’ll fix whatever’s wrong!”

Babs nods. “Right! If he could find me a family, this should be easy!”

Dinky forces a small smile. “I suppose so. Well, let’s get those dishes going.”

Derpy tousles Dinky’s mane as she smiles. “There’s my good little filly!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Sweetie Belle arrive at Carousel Boutique. As they approach the door Sweetie Belle turns to Arc.

“So my sister really didn’t say ANYTHING about what she wanted?”

Arc looks away. “I… look, she just… um…”

The door opens and Rarity comes into view. Her mane is a mess and there are bags under her eyes. Sweetie Belle looks confused and worried.

“Rarity? Are you okay?”

Rarity forces a tired smile. “Yes. I’m… Come in you two.”

They do so. She closes the door behind them and slowly walks toward the stairs. Sweetie Belle calls out after her.

“Now what is this all about, Rarity? We were having a blast at Miss Derpy’s house!”

“I’m sorry to interrupt your fun. I… need to speak to you about something rather… pressing.”

Arc looks toward the front door. “Would you like some alone time?”

“Well… I… um…”

Arc turns to Rarity. “Or would you like some, um… help?”

“Yes, please!”

She looks up the stairs.

“We can talk in my room.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow as the three of them ascend the stairs together. “Your… room?”

Arc looks to the filly. “Something wrong?”

Rarity calls out over her shoulder. “I don’t usually allows others into my private bedroom.”

Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes. “She doesn’t even let me in to wake her up! I have to knock on the door and stay behind the threshold if the door is already open.”

“Yes, well…”

Rarity misses a step. Her foot slips and she falls backwards. Moving like lightning Arc catches her before she passes him. Sweetie Belle gasps.

“Rarity!”

Arc looks at her. “That was close! Are you okay?!”

Rarity smiles up at him as she lies on her back in Arc’s arms. “Y-yes! I’m… I’m just fine, thanks to you.”

A few moments silently pass before Sweetie Belle clears her throat loudly.

“Uh, Arc? Could you put my sister down so we can get on with this please?”

Arc blushes slightly. “Oh! Right!”

He walks up the last few steps before setting Rarity down gently. She leads them over to a door and opens it. Before them lies a modestly sized room containing a canopy style bed, several large wardrobes, an expansive vanity with several mirrors surrounding it, and a small desk in one corner. Arc looks around as they enter.

“You’re quite the interior decorator, Rarity.”

“Thank you. I… like to feel comfortable in my surroundings.”

Sweetie Belle sighs impatiently. “Okay, we’re here Rarity. What is it you need?”

Rarity climbs up on the bed and pats the bedspread next to her. “Why don’t you sit next to me, Sweetie Belle?”

“Uh… okay.”

Sweetie Belle does as she is told. Rarity sighs.

“Tell me. How are your friends doing?”

“Fine. Why do you ask?”

“Is everypony getting along over at Derpy’s house?”

Arc nods. “They’re doing well, yes.”

Rarity takes a deep breath.

“Tell me, Sweetie Belle. What do you know about love?”

“Love? Like what?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Just… in general.”

“I dunno. Why?”

“Well, do you remember that talk you and I had a while back about, um… where foals come from?”

“Sorta. It still sounded kinda weird to me.”

“Was there something you didn’t understand?”

“Kinda. It’s about colts.”

“What about them?”

Sweetie Belle looks away nervously. “Um… the kinda embarrassing part.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “I see. Well… a colt’s part is kinds like a filly’s. It just works backwards. You see, when they get… stimulated… it…”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “No, no! Not that part!”

“What?”

“I get that much. After all, it’s not like I’ve never seen a colt’s parts before.”

Rarity sighs. “Yes, I suppose we all have. Why don’t I just listen to your full question before answering then?”

“Thanks.”

Sweetie Belle takes a deep breath before continuing.

“You see, I understand how the whole process works. But I don’t understand why?”

Rarity looks confused. “I beg your pardon?”

Sweetie Belle makes a face. “Why would any mare and stallion would want to DO that! I mean, it sounds TOTALLY gross!”

“Oh. Well, you see, when your body is ready you’ll just kinda… go with it.”

“How will I know when I’m ready?”

Rarity looks nervous. “You’ll just kinda know… you know?”

Sweetie Belle narrows her eyes.

“You’re not very good at explaining this, Rarity.”

She turns to Arc.

“You’re really smart, Arc. Can you tell me when I’ll be ready?”

Arc looks over to Rarity. She sheepishly smiles and nods.

“Part of it is your body physically being ready. You see, you have to be fully grown before you can do things like that.”

“So I have to be as big as Rarity?”

“That would probably be best, yes.”

Sweetie Belle breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I’m not looking forward to doing ANY of that stuff!”

“There’s more to it than your age and size though.”

“Like what, Arc?”

“You also have to be mentally ready.”

“What does that mean?”

“That your mind wants it too.”

“My mind wants… what now?”

“I mean, it’s a two way street. To make a foal takes a mare and a stallion. They both need to agree on what they want.”

“Like setting the rules of a game?”

Rarity chimes in. “Kinda. What Arc means is that both the mare and stallion need to agree that they want to have sex before they do it.”

Arc frowns. “Right. Otherwise it’s a horrible event called ‘rape’.”

Sweetie Belle looks to her sister. “What’s ‘rape’?”

Rarity blushes heavily. “It’s where somepony… um… takes somepony and… makes them do that thing with them.”

Sweetie Belle tilts her head to one side, clearly confused. “But I thought you said that was how it’s done.”

“Not at all! Sorry, but I just don’t know how to put it into words for you.”

Arc clears his throat. “You understand how the process works, right Sweetie Belle?”

“Yes.”

“Rape is when a stallion has sex with a mare who doesn’t want them to.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin. “But Rarity said it was supposed to feel really good. Why wouldn’t a mare want it then?”

“Because the stallion forces his part into her. You said you weren’t looking forward to having sex earlier. Why is that?”

“Because it sounds gross!”

“Right. So imagine a stallion FORCING you to do it.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “That sounds awful! Does that really happen?!”

Arc grimaces. “Sometimes, yes. Now, your sister and I want you to understand that you shouldn’t be afraid of sex when you’re ready. But you also shouldn’t be afraid to say ‘no’ if it doesn’t feel right.”

Rarity nods. “Yes! Any time a stallion, or a mare for that matter, does something that makes you feel uncomfortable you should tell them ‘no’ right away!”

Sweetie Belle blushes. “O-okay. Um… but… what if I… um… was old enough and found somepony special that I really liked. Does that mean we should make a foal together?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “That’s a very deep and personal question, Sweetie Belle. One that only you can answer.”

“Only me?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“By asking yourself some questions. Is this really what I want? Do I care about him? Do I love him? Does he love me? Would he make a good father for our foal? Am I ready to become a mother?”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow skeptically. “That’s a lot of questions!”

Rarity nods. “Yes, it is. But having a foal is a very big step in a mare’s life. That and getting married.”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head fervently. “I don’t EVER want to get married!”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s your choice, Sweetie Belle. But why not?”

“Stallions are too much trouble! And how am I supposed to know if he loves me or not? I’d hate to marry somepony who doesn’t care about me. Could I just… um… find a stallion to make a foal with and not get married?”

Rarity gasps. “That’s scandalous!”

Arc puts a hand on Sweetie Belle’s shoulder. “I suppose you could, yes. But you need to look at the larger picture.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “There’s MORE?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. When I was Lord Regent I oversaw more than a few Custody Audiences.”

“What’s that?”

Rarity sighs. “It’s when two parents who don’t love one another anymore decide to move on and start over.”

Arc nods. “Right. But someone has to decide where the foal goes.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “Where they… go?”

Rarity sighs. “Which parent they’ll live with.”

“Can’t they live with both of them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. The parents don’t live together after that. Think about it this way. Imagine the Cakes were to have a big fight and decided to get a divorce. Who would take their twins?”

“Well that’s easy! One for each parent, right?!”

“It’s a little more complicated than that. Imagine now that you were Pumpkin Cake and I had ordered that you were to live with your mother while Pound Cake was to go with his father. It’s unlikely that you would see your brother very often.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Why’s that? I mean, they’d still live in Ponyville, right?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Many couples who divorce move away to start a new life in a new town.”

Arc nods. “I heard them talking about that very thing during the proceedings. A few times one of them asked where the other was moving so they could go the opposite direction. For example, when one stallion said he was going to Vanhoover his former wife said she was moving to Manehattan.”

Rarity smiles. “They don’t always carry through with it, mind you. But it’s natural to want to get as far away from your former spouse as you can. Especially if they cheat on you with another.”

“That’s why I don’t want to get married! It just sounds like too much work!”

Arc shrugs. “I would assume it is, yes. But where did you get that idea, Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie Belle looks away. “I… don’t really want to talk about it.”

Rarity looks to her sister. “Why ever not? Please, Sweetie Belle! We’re only trying to help you understand!”

Sweetie Belle looks up at Rarity sheepishly.

“It’s… because of you, Rarity.”

“ME?!”

Arc looks confused. “But Rarity isn’t married.”

“That’s right. But… um… she does have quite a few stallion friends.”

Rarity blushes furiously. “But… but those are clients, Sweetie Belle!”

“I understand that. But you’re always acting weird around them.”

“Weird?! Why I never…!”

Arc holds up a hand. “Now Rarity. Let’s hear her out.”

“Sorry. I just don’t know how else to say it. Please don’t be mad at me, but all I ever see you doing is fawning all over them and telling them how handsome they look.”

“That’s what a fashionista is supposed to do! Make their clients feel good about the clothes they’ve worked so hard to make!”

“But you’re always getting so close to them!”

Arc nods. “She has to do that to make alterations, Sweetie Belle.”

“Well, I always see her hovering around her client’s flanks!”

Rarity sighs. “That is true.”

“Rarity?”

“It’s a very important step in tailoring though. You see, a client is very particular in how other’s see them. First impressions are very important to them after all.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “But what does that have to do with their flank?”

“There’s something equally important to making a good impression. It’s called ‘exiting’.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Do you know what she means?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not sure what that entails either.”

“The last thing other ponies see of you will be your flank. Therefore it’s very important that it look absolutely perfect! Now I’m sorry that it makes you feel uncomfortable Sweetie Belle, but that’s just part of my job.”

Sweetie Belle wrinkles her nose. “Making flanks looks good?”

“No. Helping ponies look their best.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin, thoughtfully. “Well… I guess that makes sense. But while we’re on the subject, can we talk about something else that’s been bothering me?”

“Of course!”

“Just please don’t be mad, okay?”

Rarity looks confused. “Mad? About what?”

“It’s actually something Babs Seed told me. You see Rarity, Babs really likes watching you work.”

Arc smiles. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Perhaps she’ll be a tailor like your sister someday.”

“Maybe. But that isn’t the problem.”

“Then what is?”

“She… said she saw some things that made her feel uncomfortable.”

Rarity appears nervous. “What kind of things?”

“Well… she told me some of your stallion clients… um… smack your flank when they leave.”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “What?!”

“Oh! I… um… that’s… you see…”

Arc looks to the filly before him. “Sweetie Belle, you were right to say something to us about this.”

“I was?”

“Yes. That sort of thing is NOT appropriate!”

Sweetie Belle turns to Rarity.

“Then why do you let them do that?”

Rarity sighs. “To keep a client. You see, the fashion industry is really hard to break into. I’m still just a small-time tailor. But if enough big names from Canterlot buy my clothes, my name’s sure to get around!”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Well, I don’t like the thought of them touching my sister’s flank! Even if you want them to!”

“Want them to?!”

“Babs said you didn’t try to stop them or anything. So I just kinda figured you liked it.”

Rarity turns away, mortified. Sweetie Belle puts a hoof on her sister’s fetlock.

“Rarity… you’re worth more than just a line of clothes.”

She sighs. “Truthfully, I wasn’t doing this so much for me.”

“What?”

“I was hoping to make this work for us. You see, I’m not always going to be around, and my hope was to build my brand up enough to be able to have something to leave you.”

“I don’t understand.”

Arc sighs. “She wanted you to be able to live off the future royalties.”

Rarity sadly nods.

“My own life wasn’t exactly what I would call perfect. But if I can give you a better one…”

Sweetie Belle glares at her sister. “Well, I don’t want it if that means you have to get your flank smacked by stallions! What would mom and dad say?!”

Rarity suddenly straightens up, a strange look on her face. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Rarity? Do you have something to say?”

Rarity looks away as she shakes her head. “N-no! Why would I?!”

“Really?”

Rarity says nothing for a time. Eventually her gaze turns to Arc.

“Would you… could you possibly…?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Rarity. I’ll help get this started if you want by telling my side of it, but…”

Sweetie Belle turns to her sister as she nods, confused.

“Rarity? What’s Arc talking about?”

Arc takes a deep breathe before starting.

“Sweetie Belle. Do you remember that field trip you took with your school mates to Canterlot?”

“Yeah. But what’s that have to do with Rarity?”

“Well… did she explain to you what happened while you were gone?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Uh huh. That’s when she and I talked about where foals come from.”

She looks up at Arc with an embarrassed smile.

“Th-thanks for not doing that with Rarity back then.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. My first thought was to get her and the others some help. But back then I ordered some of my soldiers to search this building for clues as to what had happened to her.”

“Did they find anything?”

“No. Well, they did find something unrelated to the search.”

“What was it?”

“Your sister’s diary.”

Rarity winces at this as Arc looks over to her.

“Rarity? You going to be okay?”

“I… don’t know. That day still haunts me.”

Sweetie Belle looks over. “Why don’t you hold her hoof, Arc?”

“What? Why?”

“Rarity looks like she needs it.”

Rarity silently nods. Sweetie Belle stands and moves aside as Arc moves to sit next to her on the bed. He takes Rarity’s hoof in his hand, and notices it trembling slightly.

“Feeling better, Rarity?”

“Y-yes, Sweetie Belle.”

“Okay. They found her diary. So what?”

Arc takes a deep breath before gathering his thoughts and continuing.

“Now I want you to understand under normal circumstances I would never have authorized such an invasion of privacy. But we were trying to save your sister’s life back then. My sergeant looked through the diary in an effort to see if Rarity had written anything about her being sick, or something. He then brought the diary with him when her reported back to me. I too read the previous entries before ordering him to return the book to its place and never speak of it again.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “Um… okay. But why? I mean, Rarity’s diary is probably just full of dress ideas and lovey-dovey stuff.”

Rarity looks over.

“That’s… not entirely true.”

“Rarity?”

“Sweetie Belle, would you please sit next to me again?”

Sweetie Belle does so. She takes her sister’s other hoof in hers as Rarity continues.

“After I graduated, mother and father sent me to fashion school. There I learned all about fabrics, colors, stitches and technique.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That much I remember mom and dad telling me. But what does this have to do with your diary?”

Arc puts a finger to his lips. “Be patient, Sweetie Belle.”

“Well, I was a very good student. Probably right up there with Twilight in terms of dedication. Every day after my classes were completed I would sit at my desk in my dorm room and go over the lessons we’d been taught.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Is that why you’re always telling me I need to study?”

“No, dear. But my problem back then was that I didn’t know how to relax. To… unwind from anything.”

“Really? No couch and ice cream?”

“Nothing of the sort. When I was happy, I studied. When I was sad, I studied. When I was mad, I studied. It just became who I was back then.”

Really? I wouldn’t have guessed that. After all, you’re always trying to get Twilight out of her library to have fun. What changed?”

“Something happened during my last year in fashion school that forced me to re-evaluate my life and past choices. Not to mention where I would go from there.”

Sweetie Belle looks nervous. “Wha-what happened?”

“It was the week before exams and I was studying as usual. Everypony else was celebrating down the hall.”

“Celebrating what?”

“Our upcoming graduation. You see everypony was already fully capable of designing clothes. Finals were pretty much a formality at that point. I was completely burned out from years of studying and wanted… a change, I suppose.”

“You mean like a change of scenery?”

“Not… exactly. I wanted to know what I had been missing all that time. No time for friends or parties up until that point. So I went down the hall and joined in.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Oh wow! Did you have fun?!”

Rarity looks down at the floor.

“I don’t actually remember.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “How can you not remember your first party?!”

Rarity sadly shakes her head. She looks over at a nearby picture of Sweetie Belle hanging on the wall a moment before turning to Arc.

“Would you please bring me that picture?”

“Sure.”

Arc stands and retrieves the frame. He hands it to Rarity. She looks at the picture happily.

“You remember this photo, don’t you Sweetie Belle?”

“Yeah. You had it taken the day I moved to Ponyville. What’s so special about it?”

Rarity turns the frame over. She carefully removes the backing to reveal a large manila envelope. Sweetie Belle looks over.

“What’s that?”

“A secret I’ve keep hidden from everypony for… a very long time. One that Arc accidently discovered.”

Arc nods wordlessly as Rarity takes the envelope in her hooves and carefully sets the frame aside.

“The night of the party was a blur. Everypony cheered as I walked in and started giving me drinks.”

Rarity looks down at the envelope in her hooves.

“I don’t remember much after the third one. Nothing after the sixth.”

Arc frowns. Sweetie Belle looks at the envelope.

“Is that why you’re so light with the wine, Rarity?”

“Yes, dear. Alcohol certainly makes one do foolish things.”

“Uh oh. What happened?”

“I woke up the next morning back in my room on the floor with a pounding headache. Every part of my body ached and my legs shook as I stood.”

Rarity pauses as she relives the memories in her mind.

“It was then that I took a step backwards, dizzy as I was. My hoof stepped in something wet. At first I thought perhaps I had urinated on the floor as I slept. But… but the smell was very different from that.”

“What was it? Did you spill a cider or something?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No. I found the it was… dribbling down my backside.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “But I thought you said you hadn’t wet yourself.”

“Right. It was… something else.”

“What then?”

Rarity turns away and begins to cry. She clutches tightly to Arc’s hand.

“It was… sperm, Sweetie Belle.”

The filly’s eyes grow wide as she gasps. “

Wait! You mean…?!”

Rarity nods as the tears flow down her cheeks. “Yes! I had been… violated at the party!”

Sweetie Belle stands up angrily. “Who did it?! I’ll make them regret it!”

Rarity shakes her head as she continues crying. “I don’t know!”

“You didn’t ask anypony?!”

“I did! Everypony who had been at the party said the same thing! I had… I had lifted my tail to nearly every stallion there!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Oh Rarity! Did you… did he make you pregnant?!”

“Yes dear.”

“So I’m a big sister?!”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, you’re not.”

“But… how…?”

Rarity turns to look Sweetie Belle in the eye.

“The truth is… I’m not really your sister.”

“Huh?”

“I’m actually… your mother.”

“WHAT?! BUT… BUT HOW?!”

Rarity squeezes her small hoof. “I’m sorry, but you were conceived that night in a dorm room, Sweetie Belle.”

Tears fill Sweetie Belle’s eyes. “But… but mom and dad…!”

“… took care of you a lot when you were a newborn, yes. They wanted me to focus on my career.”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head violently. “No! This… this isn’t right! You’re playing a mean trick on me, Rarity! Stop it! Stop it NOW!”

Rarity sighs as she opens the envelope and pulls out a paper. “Take a look at this. It’ll explain everything.”

Sweetie Belle does so. Her hooves shake as she reads.

“What… is this?!”

“Your birth certificate, dear.”

“This is a FAKE!”

Rarity shakes her head and points a hoof. “No. Look here. See that seal? That means this document is legal and accurate.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Dinky’s birth certificate is the same way.”

Sweetie Belle slowly turns to face Rarity.

“So… it’s true then?”

Rarity nods sadly. “Yes. I really am your mother.”

“Why didn’t anypony tell me this before?!”

“You were too little to understand, my dear. But the whole sister idea was my something my mother thought up. She believed it would be easier that way. And in a way she was right.”

Sweetie Belle jumps off the bed and throws the paper to one side as she points an accusatory hoof at Rarity. “You… YOU LIED TO ME!!!”

Arc sighs. “Sweetie Belle, stop. This is just as hard for Rarity as it is for you. I’m sure she wanted to tell you, but couldn’t.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. But, truth be told I was too afraid.”

“Afraid?! Of what?!”

“What you might say. Sweetie Belle, I… I love you very much, and didn’t want you to know your ‘sister’ was nothing more than a harlot.”

“But you’re not! You’re… you’re really special!”

Arc quietly holds out the manilla envelope.

“Rarity? Would you like to show her the rest?”

Sweetie Belle turns to Rarity. “You mean there’s MORE?!”

“A bit, yes. Let me show you.”

Arc hands Rarity the envelope. She reaches inside and pulls out a stack of photographs.

“These were taken in the hospital shortly after you were born.”

Sweetie Belle gasps at the top photo. “Rarity! You look so… so young!”

“I was. Back then I made a terrible mistake. But thanks to that, I was able to hold the sweetest, kindest, gentlest little filly Equestria had ever seen!”

Arc looks toward the door. “Well, I should probably let you two have some time alone.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Okay. Thanks, Arc. Can you tell the others… that I’ll see them at school tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

Rarity looks up. “Arc?”

He turns back. “Yes?”

“I just wanted to say… thank you.”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s what friends are for.”

He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Sweetie Belle looks to Rarity.

“So… what should I call you… mom?”

Rarity smiles through the latent tears. “If you’d like, our relationship can stay just as it is.”

“Can it really?”

“Yes dear. After all, I’ve always loved you and you’ve always loved me.”

Sweetie Belle wraps her front hooves around her mother. “Thank you for telling me. I’m sorry if I’ve ever said or done anything…”

“No, Sweetie Belle, it’s me that should be sorry. I wanted to wait until you were all grown up before saying anything about this. But when Arc found out, he told me that you were mature enough and had a right to know.”

They sit there in the center of the room holding one another for some time. Eventually Rarity breaks the silence.

“By the way, Sweetie Bell. When we sat down earlier why didn’t you sit next to me?”

Sweetie Belle smiles sheepishly. “For the same reason I asked Arc to hold your hoof.”

Rarity looks to her, confused. “I… don’t understand.”

“Really, Rarity? I was trying to help by giving you a chance to get close to him.”

“What?! But… why?!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “I can see you really like him.”

Rarity blushes. “I… I…”

“Your expressions and mood change whenever he’s around. You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

Rarity smiles and nods. “I am, dear. Arc is an absolutely amazing individual. Now while I appreciate the help, you really shouldn’t meddle in other ponies relationships.”

“There… was another reason.”

“Oh?”

Sweetie Belle takes Rarity’s hoof. “I think you two would be very happy together. And… and I’d like it if he were to become my dad.”

“Really?”

“Uh huh! Then Dinky and I could be sisters!”

“Well, it doesn’t quite work like that, dear. That and there’s Derpy and Applejack.”

“I know! But couldn’t he marry all three of you?”

Rarity blushes. “Oh no, no, no! The law says only two are allowed in a marriage!”

“But I thought he was above the law as the Hero of Light.”

Rarity thinks for a moment. “I… suppose that’s true.”

“So couldn’t he have more than one wife?”

“Perhaps. But that would be up to him, dear. Sweetie Belle, I’m… very sorry you don’t have a father. If I only knew who’s sperm impregnated me…”

“It’s okay. After all, if he’s the kind of stallion who would take advantage of a drunk mare, I don’t really want him as my dad!”

Rarity gives Sweetie Belle a hug. “I love you, Sweetie Belle.”

“And I love you too, mom. But it’s going to be hard to get used to calling you that.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I don’t? Then what should I call you?”

“Just Rarity. Like I said before, nothing needs to change between us.”

Author's Note

This chapter was written in remembrance of the first time I watched My Little Pony with my daughter. Admittedly, I was only half paying attention to the show at the time. So when I saw Sweetie Belle and Rarity together I simply assumed they were mother and daughter.

My original storyboard plan was for the volume to end with Sweetie Belle running out the door. She would head for her room and, while Arc and Rarity were trying to decide what to do next, she would hop out the window, effectively running away from home. The next volume would have been dedicated to her own adventure trying to find her real father. But I scrapped that plan in lieu of her being able to come to terms with this event now rather than at the end of the next volume.

In any case, I hope all of you enjoyed this story arc's conclusion that was started so many volumes ago. But what about the conversation Sweetie Belle had with Rarity after Arc left? Will they both get what they want? Can Arc REALLY have multiple wives? Would he be okay with that? How would Derpy and Dinky take that news along with the other suitors Arc has?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Back to Work

The next day, as the sun hangs in its midmorning position, Arc walks into Carousel Boutique. Sassy Saddles looks up from a display as he enters.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“Morning.”

He looks around the shop.

“Uh… are we alone?”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Yes. Is something wrong?”

“I was actually hoping you could tell me. Rarity was more of less okay when I left yesterday. How did she look this morning?”

“Just fine. Better than that actually.”

“What do you mean?”

“She seemed like a brand new pony. Like she didn’t have a care in the world. What happened the other day?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry, but you’ll have to talk to Rarity about it if you want that story.”

“Well, whatever you did it really took hold of her. Thank you very much!”

“It was my pleasure. Say, where is she this morning?”

“The weather’s so nice she wanted to walk Sweetie Belle to school. Frankly, I think she was just looking for an excuse to get out of here for a bit.”

“Uh oh. You two not getting along now?”

“Oh, no! Nothing like that! Rarity’s been cooped up in the shop for quite some time.”

“Working on some big order?”

“I don’t actually know. She spent most of her time in the back room. Hopefully this is the end of that.”

“Yes indeed. I…”

The door opens and Rarity trots inside happily.

“Good morning, Arc! What can we do for you today?”

“Hello Rarity. Rose wanted me to come over here and ask for your help with the upcoming peace summit.”

“Me?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I know this sounds kinda strange, but Canterlot has authorized me to hire as many experts as needed to make this work.”

“I can run the shop if you’re needed, Rarity.”

Rarity smiles. “Thank you, Sassy Saddles. But what would I be doing exactly, Arc?”

“Managing the décor at Light’s Hope. Each of the leaders will need special… uh… accommodations.”

“But I don’t know anything about foreign nations.”

“Twilight has that covered. She’s doing research into their customs and needs as we speak. The problem we have is that she isn’t much for layout and details. You’ll be the artist and she’ll dictate the general scope of work.”

“Well, if you put that much faith in me, than yes I’ll help.”

“Thanks. Canterlot will pay you for your time and expertise, of course.”

“Oh that’s not really necessary…”

Arc holds up a hand. “It will be. Trust me, this is going to be a LOT of work.”

“If you say so. Well, when would you like to get started?”

“As soon as possible.”

“How about right now?”

“That works for me.”

Rarity turns to Sassy Saddles as she levitates her saddlebags over.

“Take care of things here while I’m gone.”

Sassy Saddles smiles. “I will. Call me if you need a hoof.”

Rarity nods to her as Arc opens a portal. “I will! Wish us luck!”

The pair step through and vanish. Sassy Saddles giggles to herself.

“That talk yesterday must’ve truly been intense for Rarity to change so drastically literally overnight.”

She walks back over to the display and gets to work.

“I do wonder if… maybe she and Arc spent last night together? Rarity didn’t look like she got much sleep, after all. But then again Sweetie Belle was here. I can’t imagine them doing anything like that with her right down the hall.”

Sassy Saddles continues with her work as she muses to herself.

“Well, I’ll have to ask Rarity all about whatever it was later. I certainly want all the juicy details!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rarity reappear on the sigil in the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. Guards are hurrying around everywhere. Rarity looks around.

“Oh my! This place is certainly busy!”

Arc nods. “Yes. And it’s only going to get more hectic. Follow me.”

He and Rarity head for the War Room. A large table is covered with blueprints and papers. Guards hurry in and out from Arc’s office.

“Busy here too?”

“Yes. Lieutenant Flash Sentry is coordinating security sweeps and drills from the office.”

“Drills?”

“Emergency preparedness. We need to be ready for anything.”

“It’s a bit noisy here. Might we move to the Conference Room?”

Arc shakes his head. “Captain Shining Armor is there briefing a platoon of Royal Guards.”

“Are they yours?”

“No. They’re reinforcements he brought over this morning. Can’t be too careful, or so he keeps saying.”

“Do you disagree with that?”

“Not really. But I’m not much for all this activity. If it doesn’t bother you we could head to my quarters. That’s probably the only quiet place in the base right now.”

Rarity smiles. “That would be just fine with me.”

“Alright. Let me just check up on my lieutenant and we’ll be off.”

Arc enters his office. Rarity trots in place happily.

“This is going to be SO much fun! Planning a peace summit for Canterlot AND spending time with Arc! I should have put on something nice!”

A few minutes later Arc returns.

“Sorry about that.”

Rarity smiles. “It’s no bother.”

“Well… little problem. Flash Sentry tells me Twilight is going over some books and papers in my quarters. We’d be disturbing her.”

“How about the Cafeteria?”

“Applejack and Pinkie Pie are working out menu option over there. Not that it’s ever quiet over there, mind you.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “We could go back to my shop. It’s not much, but I have an empty kitchen table.”

“Normally that would be fine. However Shining Armor was pretty insistent that these blueprints and other papers always be in a secure location. If he found out we had them at your shop he’d have a fit.”

“Oh my. This is quite a problem. What should we do?”

“There’s one more place we could go. That is, if you don’t mind a bit of a walk.”

“That’s fine with me.”

Arc picks up several blueprints and a stack of folders and puts them in his ring. He turns to Rarity.

“Well, shall we get going?”

“Lead the way!”

Arc leads her out the door and down the corridor back to the Main Hall. Rarity turns to him as they head out the front door.

“Where exactly are we going?”

“Another secure location just outside.”

They step out onto the front lawn. Arc points to his right.

“This way.”

Rarity stops as she lays eyes on The Equinox. As expected, her jaw drops.

“Wha… where did this come from?!”

“Canterlot originally.”

“That doesn’t look like the Lunar Destiny!”

“It’s not. This is my personal flagship, The Equinox.”

“Oh my! Is it okay for me to be there?”

Arc nods. “I should hope so. Like I said, this is my ship after all. Now the crew is doing about the same aboard ship as the guards are in my base. But my quarters should be quiet at least.”

Rarity squeals with delight as they walk up the gangplank. “This should be an adventure and a half!”

Arc leads Rarity into the mammoth ship and to his quarters. He opens the door and allows her to enter first. She trots happily into the room.

“This is much better!”

Arc nods as he closes the door behind them. “Yes. We can actually hear ourselves think.”

The pair walk over to a large table as Rarity removes her saddlebags.

“So how can I help?”

Arc unrolls a blueprint. “Let me show you what we’re up to here.”

He points to the Main Hall.

“During the summit, access will only be allowed through the front door.”

“For security?”

“Right. This is going to be the first thing our guests will see after they step inside. Right now my base looks alright, I suppose. But it still looks kinda military. For this summit we need it to look more… uh… what’s the word?”

“Homelike?”

“Something like that. The Main Hall will probably need to be completely redecorated for this purpose. You’re free to take whatever liberties you feel would be appropriate other than knocking out walls.”

Rarity pulls a pad of paper and a pencil out of her saddlebags. “Any idea what direction I should go with this?”

“I’m not sure about the details right now. Twilight’s working on some ideas to mesh with the various cultures that are coming. Truth be told, she’ll be of more help than me when she gets done with her research.”

Arc flips to another blueprint.

“We can start with this.”

He points to a stretch of land in front of the building on his blueprint.

“Canterlot is sending heavy equipment over later today to clear this section of the forest.”

“What for? Security?”

“Not quite. You see, my Chief Engineer has voiced concerns about The Equinox being parked on the lawn like this for long periods of time. We’re going to build a permanent landing pad out front. Not sure what exactly we can do to beautify the grounds from the front door to here.”

“Where are the edge of the grounds exactly?”

Arc picks up a pencil and draws a few lines.

“We need to stay around here and here. You can do anything you want with this space. Just be aware that the ship’s engines will knock over anything that’s not bolted down, tied up, or in some way secured.”

Rarity nods as she makes notes on her pad. “This might be harder than I thought. But I’ll do my very best.”

“I know you will. Now I’ll show you the next phase.”

“Alright.”

Arc flips to another blueprint showing the VIP suites in his base

“These are the rooms our guests will be using. Each one will need to be customized to make the representatives feel more at home here. Again, Twilight’s working on what exactly each culture will want to see.”

“Is Canterlot really going through all this trouble for just one summit?”

Arc nods. “Yes. To the best of my knowledge this has never been done before. So if it goes badly, they’ll remember for quite a while.”

Rarity sighs. “No pressure, right?”

“I’m not trying to make you nervous, but this really is important. You can start on the outside while we wait for Twilight to advise us further on interior decorations and proper bedroom accommodations.”

Arc looks over at Rarity as she writes.

“Are you okay?”

“Y-yes. I might not have slept much last night though.”

“You and Sweetie Belle spent some quality time together?”

“We did. It just felt so good to finally be able to tell her the truth!”

Arc gestures to the couch. “Why don’t we sit down so you can rest?”

“Well… just for a bit. I have a lot that needs doing to get your base just right.”

They walk over to the couch and sit down together.

“So, are you really all right?”

“I’m better than that. Sweetie Belle took the news much better than I ever imagined!”

“That’s good to hear. How’s she taking to calling you ‘mom’?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Oh no, nothing’s going to change in that regard. I told her she’s free to call me whatever she wants. And she chose ‘Rarity’.”

“Are you okay with that?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. Just like when she was a newborn, she’s still the sweetest filly I’ve ever seen! And I’m fine with our relationship staying just as it is.”

“If that’s what the two of you want, I’m happy for you. I hope you both have a happy future ahead.”

“I’m already thinking about that. The bits I get from this job are going right into the bank for her future education.”

“Fashion schooling?”

Rarity sighs. “If that’s what she want to do, then yes. But I’m prepared to accept the fact that might not be her calling in life.”

“I guess we’ll see. In any case, I know I can trust you to be able to take care of her as well as this matter.”

Arc gesture to the blueprints on the table.

“I’ll do my very best! But I’m sure there’re plenty of more qualified ponies for this task than I. The big names in Canterlot would certainly do a better job than…”

“Maybe. But I need someone I know I can work with. Right now we don’t have time to hunt down someone else, verify their credentials, run a background check, pull their employment history and all that.”

Rarity appears surprised. “You did all that already on me?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I just told Shining Armor you were my friend and to add your name to the list of authorized civilian personnel.”

“And he just accepted that?!”

“Pretty much. I vouched for you and the others already.”

“So you’re putting your reputation on the line here?!”

Arc chuckles. “I think you, Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Applejack can all be trusted not to try and assassinate our guests or cause an international incident.”

Rarity smiles up at him warmly. “Thank you, Arc.”

“What for?”

“For putting so much faith in us. And for not giving up and walking away.”

“Why would I do that?”

“It’s often easier to just abandon a problem than it is to try and fix something that’s broken.”

She blushes heavily.

“Such as a half-crazed mare coming on to you in front of Applejack.”

“It’s okay Rarity. We all had a bad week there. Let’s just try and move past that.”

“Alright. But it’s certainly not easy. Especially after what happened to me at that party years ago! I’ve been tormented by bits and pieces of memories from that night for years now! And then I… I almost became a rapist myself! Right in front of Applejack no less!”

Arc puts his hand on her shoulder. “You’re not a rapist. There wasn’t anything you could have done to stop yourself. If anything, you were a victim as much as I was. And I don’t hold that against you in the least.”

“You’re very Kind, Arc. But I still feel as if I need to make up for what I did.”

“You don’t have to…”

“Oh, but I have to do something! It’s the only way I can see to move past this! How about I cook you a nice dinner at my place one of these nights?”

“Well, I suppose that would be fine.”

“Wonderful! How about later this week?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“We should have a bit of a lull in activity around here this weekend. I’ll see if we can make it work with both our schedules.”

Rarity yawns. “That shouldn’t be too hard… what with both of us… working at Light’s Hope.”

“Agreed. But you should get some rest now. I think you’re about to fall asleep right here.”

Rarity says nothing as Arc looks down at her.

“Rarity?”

Arc sees that his friend has dozed off with her head resting on the end of the couch. Shrugging he picks her up and lays her on the bed.

“Take a load off, Rarity.”

Turning, Arc leaves the room and heads for the Bridge. Commander Soarin is sitting in the captain’s chair. He stands and salutes as Arc approaches.

“Sir! What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to check on the security status of the ship.”

“The additional guards from Canterlot have just finished their patrols. Their commanding officer is currently reporting their findings to the captain.”

“In his office?”

“Yes sir.”

“I think I’ll see how things went.”

“Right this way.”

Soarin escorts Arc into the captain’s office. Several Royal Guards stand at attention as Arc walks over to the desk.

“Hello again, captain.”

Tight Ship stands and salute. “Good day, sir. The lieutenant was just giving her report.”

Arc nods as he turns to her. “How did things look, Lieutenant Trixie?”

“Trixie found a number of security vulnerabilities, sir. An easily bypassable porthole design, several hinges on the corridor side, and a number of faulty locks among other things. I’ve already submitted a full report to the captain.”

Tight Ship nods. “I’ll see to it these design flaws are ironed out as soon as possible, sir.”

“Good. How’s the technical side of things going?”

“Chief Engineer Stellar Flare reports everything running smoothly down in Engineering. All the ship gremlins were taken care of during our maiden flight the other day, sir.”

“Perfect. I need this ship ready to move out when everything is ready.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc turns to Trixie.

“You’ll be in charge the additional forces aboard ship under the direct command of the Captain Tight Ship until further notice, lieutenant.”

Trixie salutes. “Yes sir.”

Arc turns back to Tight Ship. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No sir. I believe the ship and its crew will be more than ready for this summit.”

“Good. Lieutenant, I’d like a word with you before I leave.”

“Yes sir.”

Trixie turns to her Royal Guards.

“First shift start your patrols. Standard rotation. Everypony else get some rest. Let’s make the Hero of Light proud.”

They salute and leave the room. Trixie follows Arc down the corridor to his office. She turns to him as he closes the door.

“Did I do something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Trixie. In fact, it sounds like you’re really doing well here. Tell me, why did Shining Armor assign you to this job?”

Trixie looks embarrassed. “To be honest with you, it’s because I’m very good at finding fault with others.”

“That makes you the perfect candidate for finding holes in our defenses.”

“Shining Armor said as much. This is also the first time Trixie has been given soldiers to command though.”

“Nervous?”

“Very much so! But I’m also pretty good at hiding my fear.”

“Can you keep the ship secure?”

“Yes. Shining Armor taught Trixie everything he knows about leadership. Trixie also taught him a few things.”

“About what?”

“The subtle nature of manipulation.”

“Explain.”

“Trixie figured it out in the aqueducts under Vanhoover. You don’t necessarily have to be stronger than your opponent. Sometimes just making them THINK you have the advantage is enough.”

“I’ve used such tactics in the past myself in fast-talking. After all, it’s usually better to try and talk rather than fight.”

“Trixie agrees.”

“As long as I have you here, there is one other thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

“More security?”

“No. I was just wondering if you knew how things were going between Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.”

“Trixie is not fully sure. But he seems quite happy when she is around. The princess reciprocates from what I can tell.”

“I see.”

“Is there something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I just wanted to be a bit nosy. After all, their happiness brings order to this realm.”

“That is true. Um… can Trixie tell you something?”

“What is it?”

“Trixie… I just wanted to say thank you. For giving her the chance to do something right for a change.”

“You’re welcome. And I’m glad to see you took your second chance and made something of yourself.”

Trixie sighs.

“Sadly, my parents don’t approve of this arrangement.”

“Why not?”

“As Trixie mentioned in Tartarus, she was enrolled in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Unfortunately they believe she should be in a much more prestigious position than a lowly lieutenant.”

“I suppose every parent wants their child to be a bit better off than they were. Have you spoken to Shining Armor about this?”

“Trixie has. He offered to fast-track me to some officer training. But that isn’t what Trixie wants.”

“Wait. You don’t want to be promoted?”

Trixie shakes her head. “No. Trixie is very happy where she is now. Protecting others by her friend’s side. Making a difference, however small, is… new to me. It is a nice feeling.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“Trixie does not know right now. But all of us have a job to do here. Not much time to think about it at the moment.”

“I suppose not. Well, if you need someone to talk to about it, I or Shining Armor will be around.”

“Thank you.”

Trixie salutes as Arc walks towards her and kneels down.

“How about this instead of a salute?”

Arc gives Trixie a hug which she returns.

“Thank you, Arc. It means a lot that you have an open door policy.”

“It’s worked for the princesses all these years. I’m just continuing with that tradition. After all, sometimes we all just need a chance to talk it out.”

Chapter 2 - Royal Rendezvous

Two days pass. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy hurry to carry out Rarity’s instructions for beautifying Light’s Hope’s Main Hall. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“I still don’t get why this is so important.”

Rarity looks over her clipboard.. “Neither do I. But Arc and the princesses believe it is, so we all need to do our part to make this endeavor a success.”

Fluttershy looks over as two of her birds hang yet another flag overhead. “Yes. My animals and I will do our part.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yeah, yeah. I get that. But where is HE?!”

Rarity looks around and makes a check on her papers. “Probably still going over security with Lieutenant Flash Sentry.”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “Oh, no. He said that was all ready and was heading to his quarters to see if Twilight had the final instructions for the Yakyakistan leader’s room.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “How hard could THAT be?!”

Rarity sighs. “Well, nopony has seen or heard from the yaks in quite a few years. So we’re not really sure how to treat them.”

Fluttershy smiles at her. “Other than Arc himself you mean?”

Rainbow Dash laughs and bats her front hooves at the air in mock fisticuffs. “Yeah! He really took their leader down a few notches! What was his name again?”

A male voice rings out behind them.

“Prince Rutherford.”

They turn to see Arc entering the Main Hall with Twilight and Rose at his side as he continues.

“Biggest one over there from what I could see. Then again, that might have just been all the fur and his helmet.”

Rose nods. “From what little we know of them, they are certainly not a force to be taken lightly.”

“Agreed.”

Rarity trots happily over to him. “We’re almost done in here.”

Twilight looks around. “I see you’ve followed my notes exactly, Rarity.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah! And it’s been the biggest pain in the world! I don’t get why everything has to be so… so…”

Fluttershy sighs. “Perfect?”

“Yeah, that’s the word.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Because the princesses are insisting on a good first impression.”

Twilight nods. “Right. And because last time something like this was tried it was a mess.”

Rarity looks nervous. “Last time?”

Arc nods grimly. “We weren’t told this before, but apparently Princess Celestia attempted a peace summit like this around a thousand years ago.”

Rainbow Dash flies toward Arc. “She did? How could it have gone badly?”

Twilight shrugs. “The details of what exactly happened have been lost to time. Only the very oldest history books even mention the event even occurred.”

Arc sighs. “And apparently they all point to it ending with everyone yelling at one another and leaving in a huff.”

Fluttershy looks nervous. “Did it at least say what the argument was about?”

Twilight sighs. “Oddly enough, it sounded kinda like a friendship problem that started with the yaks complaining about the Abyssinians.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What kind of problem?”

Arc shrugs. “I read the passage myself and still don’t get it.”

Twilight nods. “The book just mentions a ‘minor disagreement’ caused the griffons to side with the Abyssinians and the ponies to side with the yaks.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Side? As in allies?”

Rose shakes her head. “More like taking an intellectual position in a petty squabble. Nothing lasting came from that. Other than centuries of distrust between pretty much everyone who attended.”

Twilight sighs. “Agreed. The yaks, griffons, and Abyssinians only agreed on one thing. That the matter was Equestria’s fault.”

Fluttershy nods nervously. “That might be why it wasn’t recorded. To protect Princess Celestia’s image.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “So we were blamed for what? Starting it?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda sounded like it.”

Twilight frowns. “Right. But even that’s difficult to ascertain. Needless to say, we have to succeed where Princess Celestia didn’t.”

Fluttershy bites her lower lip. “That’s not going to be easy.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah. But Arc and the other princesses can handle it.”

Rarity nods. “With our help they will!”

Arc smiles at those assembled. “I’ll certainly try my best anyways. But I couldn’t have gotten this far without all of you helping out.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. I see now why you called in Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy looks down the corridor. “All your guards seem to be very busy, Arc.”

“That they are. Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage have kept them involved in the process with various specialized drills and procedures since this all started. While I certainly could have conscripted a few of them to help out, I figured calling in our friends would probably be more efficient.”

Rainbow Dash grins broadly. “Fluttershy and I are more effective than your soldiers, Arc?!”

“Well, in this matter, yes. All of you already know one another so it’s easier for you six to get the job done together than call in outside help. Sorry if that sounds kinda cold and calculating.”

Twilight shrugs as she turns to Rose. “I prefer to think of it as the best use of the time given. And speaking of time, when is Cadance arriving?”

“Well…”

Rarity drops her clipboard as her pupils shrink. “P-P-Princess Cadance is coming HERE?! When?!”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “In about an hour.”

Fluttershy cowers nervously. “But why?!”

“Princess Luna wanted her to check up on how things were going.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Do they think you aren’t capable of handling this, Arc?! I mean, come on! You single-hoofedly did THEIR jobs when you were Lord Regent!”

Twilight shakes her head. “I’m sure both Princess Luna and Cadance have faith in Arc and his abilities.”

“Right. But if you remember I didn’t lead the country alone. I had Kibitz and Raven as my aides. Shining Armor and Trixie taking care of castle security. Ember and Sereb as my personal bodyguards. Not to mention a whole slew of castle support staff writing up orders, cooking meals, keeping the castle clean and stocked, patrolling the grounds, keeping the gardens groomed, and more tasks that I’m not even aware of, I’m sure. So I certainly didn’t do that job alone.”

Rarity nods. “I suppose not. And after what Twilight found out from our history regarding past diplomacy, it makes sense for them to take a more direct and involved role in this matter.”

“Actually as far as I know they aren’t aware of the past meeting.”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “Say what now?”

Twilight steps forward. “I just discovered that myself this morning. Arc was, of course, the first one I told.”

“Yes. And all of you were the second.”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “So why is she coming then?”

“Just as a social call before the event starts the beginning of next week. I’m sure both of them are just as excited about this as I am.”

Rainbow Dash fold her front hooves over her chest as she hovers. “Uh huh. So they’re worried too, huh?”

Arc shrugs. “Worried or excited. It comes to about the same thing.”

Rarity looks to him. “Which is…?”

“Freaking out.”

Twilight sighs. “Now I’m worried too.”

Rose puts a hand on her shoulder. “You’re not alone, mother.”

“Why don’t you and I see how things are coming in the Kitchen with Applejack and Pinkie Pie, Twilight? Rarity has everything under control here.”

Twilight nods. “Yes Arc, let’s do that. Oh! I almost forgot!”

She pulls some papers out of a book and levitates them over to Rarity.

“These are the instructions for what the yaks will want to see in their room.”

Rarity takes the papers and adds them to her clipboard. “Thank you, Twilight. I’ll see to it as soon as we’re done in here.”

“I know you’ll do a great job. All of you already have from the looks of this room.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Fluttershy and I will help her get that last room knocked out.”

“Yes we will.”

Arc looks relieved. “Thanks. I’m sure you’ll do great. Well, see you at lunch.”

He and Twilight turn and head down the hall together. Rarity turns to her friends nervously.

“We have to get this room done right away!”

Fluttershy looks around. “But we’re almost done now.”

Rainbow Dash hurriedly hangs the rest of the nation’s flags. “Yeah! But Princess Cadance is coming in an hour! She’s not going to want to see us still working!”

Rarity’s horn glows as she unfurls a long red carpet. “Right! I won’t let Arc down when he needs me!”

Fluttershy turns back to directing her animals. “When he needs you?”

Rarity gasps as she turns away and blushes. “I meant ‘us’! Now let’s hurry! I’ll need help gathering supplies for the yaks room when we’re finished!”

Rainbow Dash nods. “We’ll get it done!”

Fluttershy stomps her hoof with conviction. “Yes we will.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Twilight make their way to the Kitchen. The smells of sweets greet them well down the hallway.

“Well it certainly smells like things are going well here.”

Twilight nods. “Well, Applejack’s the best down-home cooking mare in Ponyville.”

“Yes. And Pinkie Pie is the best pastry chef around.”

“Together they should be able to make some amazing dishes to compliment Saffron’s main courses.”

“That’s my plan anyways. If diplomacy fails, we can always feed everyone attending into a stupor.”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “You don’t really think that’ll work, do you?”

Arc shrugs. “No. But it’s worth a shot. Even if this whole diplomatic summit fails, they’ll still remember the food.”

“I wish I had your confidence.”

Twilight sighs.

“At the very least we don’t have to worry about the Dragon Land’s representative. Say, where is Ember these days?”

“She went back home to get some coaching from her father on diplomacy.”

Twilight looks surprised. “Really? So Torch isn’t coming at all?”

“No, mother. He wants Ember to learn how to do her future job.”

Arc nods. “Yes. And Sereb went with her to do the same with his tribe.”

“Will Matriarch Iris not be attending then?”

“She will, yes. Her and her oldest son will be coming along with Hydra Prime Ikis and The Marquis.”

Twilight smiles. “It will be nice to have somepony there like them.”

“Mother?”

“Considering their gruff exterior, the hydra seem to be very passive and patient.”

Arc nods as he remembers the attack he and Ember encountered upon entering their village.

“Something like that.”

Walking into the Kitchen the pair are assaulted by smells of cinnamon, sugar, frosting and a number of other sweets. Pinkie bounces over to them.

“Hi Arc! Hungry?!”

“Always.”

Applejack walks over with a tray of cupcakes. There are a number of different colors. Each one is topped with an apple slice, a cherry, or a strawberry.

“As you can see we’ve been pretty busy in here.”

Saffron calls over from the stove with a laugh.

“Half my pots and pans are filled with sugary goodies.”

Pinkie grins. “And we had fun doing it!”

Applejack goes over a list. “We’ve already made test runs of almost everything on your list Twilight.”

Arc looks confused. “Are you certain? There’s a second page to that.”

“There is?”

Applejack lifts the page to reveal another note with several entries. Pinkie looks over her shoulder.

“Hm… chocolate chip caramel cupcakes with vanilla frosting. The Sugarcube Corner artisanal specialty?”

Arc grins. “Only the best for our friends across the sea.”

Rose giggles. “And you too, Arc?”

“Well, I’m eating with them as well, you know. Might as well have a good time with this.”

Pinkie smiles. “Mixing business with pleasure, Arc?!”

“Yup.”

Twilight frowns. “I’m not sure how well that’s going to go over.”

“Fortunately I’m just kinda here as the base’s host. Princess Luna will be handling the actual hands-on diplomacy here.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Pinkie hops around him. “Arc should really be leading this summit! He’s got LOTS of experience!”

Twilight shakes her head. “That may be. But he’s not our country’s leader, and this is a peace summit for heads of state.”

“Right. I’m sure they’re going to want to see a princess there. Not a stand-in former Lord Regent.”

Rose nods. “You would do fine though, Arc.”

Applejack chuckles. “That you would. Well, I’m sure the princesses know what they’re doing. But I still think you could do this if you had to, Arc.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. But let’s get back to my favorite subject. The food.”

Twilight looks at her clipboard as she walks over to Saffron. “Do you have everything you need to cook for both a vegetarian diet and a…”

She gulps and turns slightly green.

“…a carnivorous one?”

“Yes ma’am. The freezer is fully stocked and ready to go.”

“Good. As Twilight’s report stated the Abyssinians, ogres, Forsaken, dragons, and hydra will require meat. The yaks and princesses will require strictly vegetarian meals.”

Rose nods. “Right. And the griffons will want mixed plates.”

Saffron nods. “I’ll see to it.”

She turns to Arc.

“And you sir? What would you like?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“Give me a meat plate with a side of salad.”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “Really?! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you eat a salad, Arc!”

“Granted it’s not my favorite, as Equestria doesn’t have italian dressing. But in the interest of being able to appeal to both sides, I’ll do it.”

Saffron smiles. “Walking the line on this one, sir?”

“Kinda feels like it. They’ll be watching me, of course. But all eyes will most certainly be on the princesses.”

Rose sighs. “I don’t envy either of them on this matter.”

“Me either. But we’ll all do out parts. Well, why don’t we get moving and let Pinkie and Applejack get back to work?”

Twilight nods. “Right. Keep up the good work everypony.”

Arc and Twilight leave the room. Applejack and Pinkie return to the preparations.

“Hey Pinkie, I just thought of something.”

“Huh?!”

“Arc isn’t much for vegetables, right?”

“Righty, right!”

“But now that I think about it, neither are you.”

Pinkie sticks out her tongue and make a face. “Blech! That’s right!”

“You don’t like ANY vegetables?!”

“Nope!”

“What do you eat?! Other than cupcakes and pies and whatnot, that is.”

Pinkie thinks for a moment.

“Fruit!”

“Other than apples?”

“Mostly apples! But that’s because they’re so cheap here in Ponyville!”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “Huh… I never knew.”

“How could you not?! You go to the market all the time!”

“No, no! I mean about your diet.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Don’t worry about it! After all, I don’t!”

Saffron turns to look at Pinkie. “Miss, that’s really not healthy at all. If you’d like I could probably make you something you’d like for lunch today.”

“No thanks! I don’t want you to go to any trouble!”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “Please do, Saffron.”

Arc pokes his head back in the Kitchen.

“Sorry, but are we still looking at lunch at noon, Saffron?”

“Yes, sir. Was there something special you wanted?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. But I am expecting someone.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “A guest? Now?”

“Oh, oh! Who is it?! The princess?!”

Arc nods. “Actually yes, Pinkie. How did you know?”

“I didn’t, silly! It was just a…!”

Applejack and Saffron gasp and reply in tandem.

“WHAT?!”

“She’s just checking on our progress here. Nothing to worry about.”

Saffron hurries to the Pantry. “Don’t you worry about a thing, sir! I’ll be ready!”

Applejack grabs a pie tin. “Me too!”

Pinkie bounces around the Kitchen. “I’ll help!”

Arc sighs. “Uh… thanks.”

He leaves the Kitchen and returns to Twilight.

“Something wrong, Arc?”

“Kinda. Now I wish I hadn’t said anything.”

Rose looks confused. “Why, Arc?”

“They’re going to a lot of extra trouble now that they know a princess is coming for lunch.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Why? It’s Cadance.”

“Well, she’s still royalty. Everyone else isn’t as close to her as you and I are.”

“I suppose not.”

Sometime later Arc, Rose and Twilight stand in front of Light’s Hope. Twilight looks to Arc as she trots in place.

“Are you nervous?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Should I be?”

“Well, like you said earlier, Cadance IS royalty.”

Arc chuckles. “Twilight, you should know by now that I’m not much for fancy titles.”

“I suppose not. After all, you didn’t refer to yourself as King Arc when you were leading the nation.”

“Right.”

“By the way. Why didn’t you?”

“Because I wasn’t the king.”

Rose turns to him. “You kinda were. At the time anyways.”

“Maybe. But my position was always going to be temporary. That’s why I chose to be called ‘Lord Regent’.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose so. By the way, Arc. I just wanted to tell you that all of us were really impressed by how you handled things back then. Including the way you chose to step down.”

“Just doing my job.”

“Yes, but…”

The front doors open and Shining Armor hurries out. Arc chuckles.

“Glad to see you could make it, captain.”

Shining Armor pants as he straightens his helmet. “I… kinda lost track of time.”

“You most certainly did. After all, how would it look for the Captain of the Royal Guard not to be present for an arriving princess?”

“My apologies, sir.”

“It’s fine. I was prepared to make an excuse on your behalf.”

Twilight giggles. “It wouldn’t have to be much of one. Shining Armor’s been working really hard lately.”

“We have to be ready.”

Twilight looks her brother over. “You probably should’ve polished your armor though.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh boy.”

Shining Armor chuckles and removes his helmet to scratch his head. “Yeah, you’re right Twily.”

“Of course I’m right. You’ve never been much for…”

Twilight stops talking suddenly and stares. Shining Armor looks confused.

“What? Do I have something stuck in my teeth?”

“Brother! Your mane!”

“What about it?”

Arc looks him over. “Uh… when was the last time you combed that mop, lieutenant?”

Shining Armor thinks a moment. “I think that would be the morning before my troops and I were deployed.”

Rose frowns. “But that was days ago.”

“Now that I think about it, I believe that was the last time I showered too.”

“BROTHER!”

Shining Armor sighs. “Sorry. I’ve just been really busy.”

The sound of engines approaching can be heard in the distance.

“Oh no! It sounds like she’s here!”

Arc sighs. “Yup.”

Twilight trots in place nervously. “Great! My brother is a mess and we have only minutes to think of something!”

“Well, what should I do?!”

Arc takes Shining Armor’s helmet and puts it back on him. “Keep your helmet on for starters.”

Twilight grimaces. “He still needs to get cleaned up!”

“But I have to be here to greet the princess!”

“I… I know! But…!”

Arc shrugs. “Come on, Twilight. Like you said, it’s only Cadance.”

“Well, this is a bit much even for her!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Shining Armor, you say hello and then excuse yourself as quickly as possible.”

“But what do I say the reason is?! I mean, I should be escorting her the whole time she’s here!”

Twilight looks around frantically. “We have to think of something! And fast!”

“Tell her it has to do with the security of my quarters for lunch, or something. You can head over there and use my Bathroom.”

“Yes sir. Sorry about this.”

“It’s fine. Just please try to groom yourself properly next time.”

Arc straightens his tunic and chuckles as he turns to Twilight.

“Do I at least look alright?”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “What happed to it just being Cadance?”

Arc snickers. “Yeah. Just messing with you, Twilight.”

“You could have put on a new tunic though.”

Cherry giggles. “I think you look just fine, Arc.”

Rose nods. “So do I.”

“Thanks you two.”

A few minutes later the Lunar Destiny touches down. Cadance descends the gangplank as they move to meet halfway. Shining Armor holds a hoof out to stop Arc as Twilight and Cadance approach each other.

“Give them a minute.”

Twilight and Cadance stop and smile at one another before singing a song together.

“Sunshine! Sunshine! Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um…”

Rose giggles. “Granted I was not expecting that kind of display from mother.”

Shining Armor smiles. “They always do that.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I think I remember seeing this once before.”

“It’s safe to approach now, sir.”

“Thanks for the heads up. But this is a bit new to me.”

“Sir?”

“Seeing Princess Cadance like this.”

“Her and Twilight go way back. Please don’t let it dampen your view of either of them though.”

“Not at all. I’m glad she’s able to let loose once in a while.”

Shining Armor chuckles as he elbows Arc. “You should’ve seen her at the Hoofball game.”

Rose looks worried. “What happened?”

Arc smiles. “Did she really get into it?”

“Let’s just say I’m glad you recommended a private VIP suite. We both had a blast though.”

“Glad to hear it. Well, let’s get on with this.”

Arc and Shining Armor walk over to the mares who are giggling and smiling at one another. Cadance nods as they approach. Shining Armor salutes respectfully.

“Welcome to Light’s Hope, your highness.”

Cadance smiles at him. “Thank you for having me, captain.”

Twilight looks suddenly worried. “Cadance? Are you okay?”

“Yes. I… just haven’t been sleeping very well lately.”

Arc nods. “The pressures of this summit, no doubt.”

Cadance sighs. “Indeed.”

“Can I get you anything?”

“Truthfully, I just kinda want to sit down.”

Twilight takes Cadance’s hoof. “Well, I’ll show you to Arc’s quarters. We’re having lunch there as it’s quieter than… um…”

She fumbles with her words as she realizes her suggestion interferes with Arc’s earlier plan.

“Something wrong, Twilight?”

“Oh! Um… kinda. You see…”

Arc walks over to her. “Now Twilight, you can visit with the princess as much as you want. But please take her to my quarters so she can at least sit down.”

“What? But I…!”

Arc mouths the words ‘go ahead’

“…I thought Shining Armor was supposed to escort Cadance during her visit.”

Shining Armor facehoofs as Twilight makes another mistake.

“He will. I just need him to do something for me. You two go on ahead.”

“Okay.”

Twilight shoots the pair an apologetic look as she, Rose, and Cadance enter the base. Shining Armor bows his head.

“Sorry for all the trouble, sir.”

“It happens.”

“So much for your plan. What do I do now?”

Arc turns to The Equinox nearby. “I have an idea.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts”

“Lemon Hearts here.”

“I, uh… want you to send Lieutenant Trixie to my quarters aboard ship for a… security sweep of my room. Captain Shining Armor will meet her there.”

“Yes sir. Shall I send a squad over there to help?”

“No. I want the two of them to handle it personally.”

“Understood. I’ll send word to the lieutenant at once. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Nope. That should do it. Thanks. Arc out.”

He severs the connection and turns to Shining Armor

“Sir, is this really the time for…?”

“You’re not REALLY going to check the security. It just gives you an excuse to use my private bathroom over there.”

“Oh. But why did you ask for Trixie then?”

“She’s in charge of security over there right now. That room is sealed until further notice, so no one can go in without her being present.”

“What’s she supposed to do while I’m getting cleaned up?”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. Clean your armor?”

“I don’t think she’d appreciate that.”

“Well, maybe she can do SOMETHING with it. It’s starting to get a bit funky.”

Shining Armor sighs. “I was wondering what was making that smell. Again, sorry about…”

Arc interrupts and points at his ship. “Go!”

Shining Armor hurries to comply as Arc shakes his head and chuckles.

“I guess this just proves that even Shining Armor makes mistakes once in a while. Just like his sister.”

Arc enters the base and makes his way to his quarters. Upon entering he finds Twilight and Cadance on the couch talking happily. Twilight looks over to him as the door closes. Arc gives her a nod.

“Can I get you anything, Cadance? A drink or a snack of some kind?”

“No, thank you, Twilight. To be honest, I’d actually like a bit of a nap before lunch. Sorry, but I’m just really tired.”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “I understand. While you’re sleeping I’ll take this opportunity triple check my lists.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “We should be ready to eat in an hour or so.”

Cadance smiles at Twilight. “Don’t be late for lunch now.”

“I won’t. See you in a bit.”

“Shall I help you, mother?”

Twilight nods. “Sure. Let’s make this place perfect!”

She leaves the room with Rose. Arc walks over to the couch and extends a hand.

“You can rest in my bed, princess. It may not be as comfy as what you’re used to, but at least my room is quiet.”

Cadance looks nervous. “My apologies for the deception, Arc. But I really just told Twilight that to get you alone.”

“What for?”

She clops her hooves together nervously. “I… ah… desperately need to talk to you about a… a deeply personal matter.”

Chapter 3 - A Royal Problem

Arc looks at Cadance, confused.

“Um… okay.”

The Princess of Love pats the seat next to her. “Please sit down. This is a difficult matter for me to discuss aloud.”

Arc does as she asks as Cadance casts a spell before speaking again.

“Now we can talk in absolute secrecy.”

“But my walls are already soundproof.”

Cadance nods soberly. “I know that. However this matter has me very much on edge.”

“It must be very important to see you this upset over it. I’m told you’re known as the most approachable princess, after all. But I guess that comes with the title of Princess of Love, eh?”

Cadance sighs. “I suppose so.”

“Forgive me, Princess Cadance. Please tell me what’s on your mind.”

“Thank you. I’m certain this goes without saying, but… I’d appreciate if what I said here was kept to yourself.”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

“It’s about my relationship with Shining Armor.”

“Uh oh. Did you have a fight?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. He’s been nothing but kind and understanding of my situation and position.”

“Yes, as long as I’ve known him Shining Armor has been very hard working and loyal.”

Cadance forces a small smile. “He showed that in his willingness to accompany Trixie to Tartarus. But it isn’t a relationship problem as much as it’s a relationship… um… issue.”

“What?”

“Sorry. I know I’m not making much sense. Perhaps if Shining Armor was here it would be easier to explain. By the way, where is he?”

“Oh, um… sorry but I sent him off on a bit of a… personal mission.”

“But what could be more important than…?”

“I’m sorry. It was a very delicate and urgent matter. Lieutenant Trixie is helping him so he should be back any time now.”

“Oh.”

“My apologies, Princess Cadance.”

“No, no! It’s just… I’m happiest when he’s around.”

“So it’s going well then?”

Cadance blushes slightly and nods. “Yes. To be honest with you, this is the first real relationship I’ve been in.”

Arc sighs. “Cherry was my first girlfriend as well.”

“Really?”

Cherry calls out. “Yes, your highness. Arc was also my first love.”

Arc smiles weakly. “A lot of firsts in here today.”

“Can I ask you two something?”

“Of course, your highness.”

“How do you deal with separation?”

Arc looks confused. “You mean since Shining Armor came here?”

Cadance nods. “Yes. I’ve had trouble sleeping all week knowing he wasn’t in the castle. Is this normal?!”

“Well…”

The door bursts open and Shining Armor rushes inside. Cadance is so surprised she falls off the couch. Arc gets up quickly.

“Princess Cadance! Are you alright?!”

Shining Armor hurries over. “Cadance! What happened?!”

Cadance looks to him as Arc helps her up. “N-nothing. I was just surprised.”

Arc sighs. “All that Silence Spell security and we forgot to lock the door.”

Shining Armor looks confused. “Lock the door? Arc, the base is completely secure. Why would you feel the need to…?”

Cadance interrupts. “We were just talking about something very… difficult for me.”

“Difficult? Cadance, is something wrong?!”

“No, nothing like that! I just…! Look, why don’t we all sit down and talk it over?”

“Um… okay.”

Shining Armor sits down next to Cadance as Arc takes his spot on the other end of the couch.

“Have you been having trouble sleeping?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not really. Truthfully, staying awake is my problem right now. I’ve been having quite a few late nights.”

Arc sighs. “The princess has been having bouts of insomnia.”

“Yes. Ever since you left the castle.”

Shining Armor looks concerned. “Are you worried about security? The stallion I left in charge is certainly capable of protecting you and Princess Luna.”

“I’m certain he is. But… I um…”

Cherry calls out. “She misses you.”

“Yes. Very much so.”

“Really? I… I’m sorry for making you feel this way. But I really can’t come back to Canterlot right now. We need to get everything squared away here and KEEP it in order for the summit.”

Cadance looks down at her hooves. “Yes, I know. But I miss our time together.”

Arc turns to her. “Can’t you just stay here, Princess Cadance?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “That isn’t the best idea, I’m afraid. We’re not fully secure here yet.”

“I don’t mind!”

Arc points out the window as a squad walks by on patrol. “That and we have a sizable force stationed here at the moment. It would probably take a literal invasion force to assault Light’s Hope at our current strength.”

“I suppose that’s true. But what about Princess Luna?”

Cadance looks confused. “What about her?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “She has the final say on this, doesn’t she?”

“You forget I’m a princess too, Arc. I’m able to go anywhere I want.”

Shining Armor nods. “Very well. I’ll contact Princess Luna to advise her of the change.”

Cadance’s pupils shrink as she gulps. “Wait, what?!”

Arc nods. “He’s right, you know. Luna’s going to worry if you don’t come back today.”

Shining Armor shudders. “And then she’ll call. Very angrily I might add.”

Cadance shrinks back. “M-maybe I shouldn’t stay after all.”

Arc turns to her. “Do you want me to call her?”

“Oh, would you Arc? She really respects you.”

“I can, yes.”

“Thank you.”

“Just one question.”

Cadance looks over to him. “What is it?”

“Are you scared of Luna, or something?”

“Kinda. But pretty much everypony is.”

“Why?”

Shining Armor frowns. “Well, there is her past.”

“I suppose there’s that. But just a piece of advice for you two. If you want Luna to respect you, first you have to give her something to respect.”

Cadance tilts her head to one side, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Do you remember when she found out about you and Shining Armor?”

Shining Armor shudders. “Not my favorite day.”

“She was most insistent that you two not see each other anymore.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. But you convinced her otherwise.”

“That’s right. How do you suppose I did that?”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin. “By having her respect?”

“Right. But how did I earn that?”

Cadance shrugs. “By doing your job efficiently?”

“That’s part of it.”

“Was it because you’re our nation’s greatest living hero, sir?”

“I suppose that helped. But I believe what really showed her was my ability to make hard decisions, stand resolute, and be willing to fight for what I believe in.”

Cadance sighs. “Such as that night you discovered our secret rendezvous?”

Arc nods. “I merely stated my case to Luna, supported it with facts, and stood behind it. There was no yelling, no threats, and no violence.”

Cadance frowns. “There has to be more to it than that.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes. Princess Luna really did a 180 on that decision based on your word alone, Arc.”

“Because she realized I had rationally made my decision based on logic and the information I gathered following you, Princess Cadance.”

Cadance looks to Arc. “What should I do? I want her to look at me the same way. To have her trust and respect.”

“For starters, show that you respect her first.”

Shining Armor appears surprised. “Cadance already does that.”

“Yes. But she still treats me like a filly sometimes.”

Arc nods. “Then you should show her you’re an adult.”

Shining Armor looks confused. “I don’t understand, Arc.

He points at Cadance.

“Look at her. Cadance is a fully grown mare.”

“Yes. How can I do what you’ve suggested, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “You should call her yourself.”

Cadance shrinks back. “Anything else?”

“Not really.”

Shining Armor looks nervous. “But what’s she supposed to say?”

Arc shrugs. “That’s really up to her. But two things she SHOULDN’T do. Don’t make something up, and don’t get angry. Be calm, honest, and straightforward.”

“I think I can do that. But what if she says no?”

Shining Armor takes her hoof. “Remember, you ARE a princess. She can’t actually force you to do anything, Cadance.”

Cadance nods as she stands slowly. “Yes, well… that doesn’t make this any easier.”

She heads for the door. Shining Armor stands and walks after her.

“I should go with you.”

“No, Shining Armor. I need to do this myself.”

Cherry calls out. “Princess?”

“Yes, miss?”

“Part of being a couple is sharing the good times, as well as the bad. Being there for the other when they need you. I wasn’t able to stand by Arc’s side as he struggled to lead the country. But Shining Armor is here with you now. There’s no reason to go alone.”

Arc nods. “That and you should be accompanied either way.”

Cadance nods. “I understand.”

Shining Armor gestures to the door. “Let’s go.”

The pair leave the room together. Arc smiles and shakes his head.

“I am so jealous of Shining Armor right now.”

Cherry sounds surprised. “Really? I wasn’t aware you had your eyes on Princess Cadance. But I must admit, she would certainly make you a lovely wife.”

“Wait, what?!”

“I’m sure Shining Armor would find somepony else. Maybe he and Trixie could…”

Arc chuckles. “Okay, enough of that.”

Cherry giggles. “I just wanted to see how far you would let me take that.”

“Further than I should have probably.”

A short time later Cadance and Shining Armor return. They soberly enter the room silently and sit down.

“How did it go?”

Cadance shudders. “That… was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Mine too. Mostly because I could only hear one side of the conversation.”

“In all honesty, she took my request rather well.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on Cadance’s fetlock. “You carried yourself very well back there.”

“Glad to hear it. I do hope Luna wasn’t too upset though.”

Cadance sighs. “Not really. She merely asked why I wanted to stay.”

“And what did you tell her?”

“That I wanted to see first-hoof how security for a princess is undertaken and fully immerse myself in watching how a peace summit is undertaken.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“Kinda.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “I think Princess Luna knew what you were really up to.”

“Yes. Around then was when she asked that very question. If there was any other reason.”

Arc nods. “And what did you say?”

Cadance takes a deep breath. “That I missed my normal protector Shining Armor. Then she asked where he was.”

“Why?”

“I’m not really sure. Maybe to make sure you were doing your job and watching over me.”

Arc looks surprised. “Really? That seems a bit overprotective.”

“Maybe I’ll work up the courage to ask her when I get back to the castle.”

Shining Armor appears apprehensive. “What did she say about you staying here?”

“That I was welcome to do so as long as I promised to learn all I could about the entire process.”

“Great! You and I can spend every day together!”

Arc clears his throat. “Yes, well… I just realized a small problem with this plan.”

Cadance appears nervous again. “What’s that?”

The door opens and Twilight walks in with Rose. She is pushing a food cart as Twilight looks over her clipboard. Cadance nervously turns to her young friend as she and the others stand.

“Twilight! How is everything looking out there?”

“Everything is right on schedule. But when did you get up, Cadance?”

“Oh! I couldn’t sleep. Too much running through my head.”

Twilight walks over to the table next to the cart, smiling. “Well, that much I can understand. My own sleep schedule hasn’t been regular in years.”

Arc heads over to the table as Rose helps Twilight set the dishes out. “Let’s sit down before it gets cold, shall we?”

They gather around the table together. Rose looks to Twilight.

“Would it be alright if I continued working, mother?”

“If you would like that, certainly.”

Arc nods. “Yes. But you are very welcome to join us, Rose.”

“Thank you. But there’s so much left to do.”

She turns to Cadance and bows at the waist.

“By your leave, your highness.”

Cadance nods as Rose leaves the room. They sit down together as Cadance turns to her friend.

“So how have you been, Twilight?”

“Very busy. Auriel and I have been working on our artificial sun idea.”

“I remember you mentioning that a while back. How are things coming along with your project?”

“Very well actually. It’s going to take a bit longer than I originally thought. But we’ll have enough extract to make this a reality soon.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“Twilight and Auriel want to make an artificial sun for Tartarus.”

“Why?”

“So plants can grow, brother.”

Cadance nods. “Twilight and Auriel recently admitted to accidently possessing Dragon Fruit for this very purpose.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc smiles. “Easy there, Shining Armor. You’ll burst a blood vessel.”

“We have to get rid of it right away! If word of this gets back to the Dragon Lands…!”

Cadance puts a hoof on her fetlock. “Calm down, Shining Armor. Arc and his friends have already resolved the problem.”

“Really?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And I’ve received special permission from the Dragon Lord himself that allows your sister to keep her plants and do with the fruit as she wishes.”

“That’s… very impressive!”

Arc sighs. “It wasn’t easy.”

Cadance nods. “Yes, well… that’s in the past.”

Shining Armor turns back to his sister. “But I don’t understand why Tartarus needs plants.”

“Auriel and I believe part of the reason the demons there are so angry and violent is not having any real outlet for their energy. At least nothing appropriate.”

Cadance sighs. “Apparently I sent her a Dragon Fruit when I was mentally unfit.”

Arc nods. “That was shortly before I took the throne.”

Twilight continues. “So we plan to deploy an artificial sun by which plants can be grown. That will give them fruits and vegetables to grow and perhaps even flowers if all goes well.”

Shining Armor thinks for a moment. “Isn’t this risky? I mean, giving the demons anything at all!”

Cadance looks him in the eye. “Shining Armor, I believe what Twilight is trying to do is nothing short of wondrous. First the design and construction of Rose, and now this.”

She looks to her friend and smiles.

“You have a bright future ahead, Twilight.”

“Thank you, Cadance. But none of this would have been possible if not for Auriel. Her knack for innovation is nothing short of miraculous.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc. “Perhaps it’s for the best you took her out of Tartarus, sir.”

Arc nods soberly. “You were there, Shining Armor. I didn’t really have a choice at the time.”

Sometime later they finish their meal. Twilight stands and turns to Arc.

“Your chef certainly knows how to cook.”

Cadance sighs. “That she does. But I still wish she hadn’t gone to all the trouble of making me something special.”

Arc nods. “Well, that’s kinda my fault. I shouldn’t have told her who the extra guest was.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I thought it strange you were telling the chef somepony was coming when she already cooks for the entire staff.”

Shining Armor turns to his sister. “Perhaps he just wanted to be responsible.”

Twilight giggles with Cadance. “Yes well, why don’t I bring these dishes back and see about getting us some dessert.”

Cherry calls out. “That should make Arc very happy!”

Arc chuckles. “We all have our weaknesses.”

Twilight leaves the room with the cart closing the door behind her. Cadance turns to Arc and lowers her voice.

“I must apologize to you. There was another reason for my extended visit.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Shining Armor and I wanted to be together for something else.”

Shining Armor sighs. “You see, Twilight doesn’t know about Cadance and I yet.”

Arc frowns. “Really? As close as you three are to one another I just assumed at least one of you called her, or something.”

Cadance’s ears droop as she continues. “Believe me, I tried to many times. But she just gets so excited whenever I call. It’s sometimes hard to get a word in edgewise.”

Shining Armor nods. “Same here. She always wants to know what I’m up to. But as soon as I start talking, Twily suddenly has a million questions.”

Arc sighs. “And you want me to tell her?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. Shining Armor and I need to do that ourselves.”

“We’re both going to be here for a week or so. In that time we should be able to take Twilight aside and tell her.”

“I sure hope so.”

Cadance appears surprised. “What do you mean, Arc?”

“Well, Twilight is going to be pretty busy the next couple of days making sure everything on her list is done and done right. That and Shining Armor and I will need to take care of security.”

Cadance nods. “I’m planning on observing too. What I told Luna was the truth, after all. I really do want to know what goes into making a facility safe for a princess.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “There’s going to be quite a bit of work for all of us this week. But I’m sure we can find the time.”

Arc lowers his voice as Twilight opens the door with a tray of cupcakes. “I do hope you’re right, Shining Armor.”

Arc, Shining Armor, and Cadance spend the remainder of the day going over blueprints of the facility, writing up duty rosters, and inspecting the troops. As the sun begins to set they return to Arc’s quarters for supper. Shining Armor turns to Cadance as they begin to eat.

“Looks like we’re on schedule to fully secure the outside of the building by tomorrow afternoon.”

“Good. Truth be told I feel safer already.”

“So what comes next, big brother?”

“I think we should all get a good night’s sleep.”

Arc chuckles. “Good idea. Sleep is going to be a precious commodity in the near future.”

Suddenly Twilight’s pupils shrink and she gasps. Cadance looks to her friend.

“Twilight! What’s wrong?!”

“We’ve overlooked something very important!”

Shining Armor sounds nervous. “What is it”?

“Where is Cadance supposed to sleep tonight?!”

Arc facepalms. “She’s right. All the guest rooms are still under modification.”

“She could stay at my library.”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Sorry Twily, but it’s less secure than Light’s Hope is right now.”

He blushes slightly.

“If it pleases you, princess, I would be willing to place guards outside these quarter’s windows and personally stay by your side until morning. With Arc’s permission, of course.”

Arc nods. “If you need my quarters I understand.”

Cadance shakes her head. “That would be a lot of trouble for our guards. What about the Lunar Destiny?”

Arc shakes his head. “I told them they could return to Canterlot, remember?”

Twilight sighs. “We needed the space for staging building supplies.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “The only other option is to return you to Canterlot Castle for the night.”

Arc clears his throat. “Well, there is one other thing we could do.”

Cherry calls out. “Derpy’s house?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Cherry. Would everyone please follow me?”

They stand and walk over to the sigil in the corner of the room. Arc calls forth his gauntlet and activates the sigil. In a moment they find themselves in a beautifully decorated room. Twilight looks around.

“Where are we?”

Shining Armor turns to her. “Arc’s personal quarters aboard The Equinox.”

Cadance gasps. “Your ship, Arc?!”

“Yes. After all, it’s fully secure, has a full detail of troops aboard, and has been certified secure by Shining Armor, Captain Tight Ship, Lieutenant Trixie, and myself.”

Arc turns to Shining Armor. “What do you think? Is this enough?”

“Yes. But… I don’t like the idea of the princess being alone.”

Twilight raises a hoof. “I could stay with her.”

Cadance smiles. “Yes, I’d like that.”

“You could stay aboard too, Shining Armor. In a VIP suite, that is.”

Shining Armor nods. “That would make me feel much better, yes.”

Twilight smiles at Arc and her brother. “Thank you for taking my friend’s safety so seriously you two.”

“It’s no trouble at all. Shining Armor and I will head to the Bridge to inform the captain while you two get settled. “

“Yes. Do you need anything?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. I think we’ll be fine.”

Arc gestures for Shining Armor to follow him. “Let’s allow them to have some time together.”

“Huh?”

Shining Armor looks to Twilight. “Arc’s right. You two have a lot of catching up to do. Just don’t stay up too late. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”

Cadance smiles. “We won’t.”

Arc looks back as the pair step out into the corridor. “Good night you two.”

Twilight waves a hoof. “See you two in the morning BBBFF.”

Shining Armor closes the door with his magic and turns to Arc as the pair make their way to the Bridge.

“Thanks for doing this, sir. It makes me feel a lot better knowing Cadance is safe.”

“Me too. I know she can’t be killed, but I do worry that someone could try to kidnap her.”

Shining Armor sighs. “As do I.”

The pair head for the Bridge. After informing the Captain Tight Ship of the situation, Arc disembarks and walks back toward the building. The sun hangs low in the sky but the spotlights make the grounds bright as day. As he nears Light’s Hope the doors open and his friends depart. Applejack is the first to speak.

“Oh, hey Arc. Taking a little after supper walk?”

“Kinda. Just taking care of something aboard my ship.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she looks over at The Equinox. “That sure is a cool looking ship you have there, Arc!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Yes, it is. The princesses were very generous.”

“That they were. So I guess you five are done for the day, huh?”

Pinkie hops over. “Yup! But we’ll be back bright and early tomorrow! Your kitchen is a dream, Arc! It’s bigger than the one at Sugar Cube Corner!”

Applejack chuckles. “That it is. And Saffron probably needs every bit of it to feed the army in there.”

“That she does. Especially now with the extra guards.”

Rarity smiles. “Well, you should be very proud of Twilight, Arc. She’s keeping this whole project running smooth as silk.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she hovers nearby. “Yeah! I can’t imagine anypony doing all this anywhere near as fast!”

“That may be. But only because she has a top notch crew to carry out her instructions. All of you are doing well.”

“Thanks, sugarcube. But we should be getting home soon. Another day is waiting for us with the sunrise.”

Fluttershy turns to the others nervously. “Yes. And I need to get home right away! A-Angel worries if I’m out after dark! Good night everypony!”

She flies away quickly. Rainbow Dash shakes her head and sighs.

“I wish she would just grow up sometimes.”

Applejack frowns. “We all have fears, Rainbow Dash.”

“Indeed.”

Arc sighs. “The moon?”

Pinkie turns to Arc. “You know about that?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. It came up after all of you broke me out of Tartarus. She was hiding all night if I recall.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yeah. She was my tent buddy. When I went to bed she was completely engulfed by her sleeping bag.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “You didn’t mention that before!”

“Like I said back then, she’s done that since we were fillies.”

Arc nods. “Well, like Applejack said, we all have fears.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Not me!”

Pinkie hops over to Rainbow Dash. “Yes you do!”

“Oh yeah?! What?!”

“How about… stripes with a plaid mane?!”

Rainbow Dash takes a step back nervously as Pinkie walks toward her. A malevolent look in her eyes.

“From head… to TAIL!”

Rainbow Dash screams and flies away at top speed. Rarity looks to Pinkie, confused.

“What was that all about?”

“A bad dream she had years ago! No idea why, but Rainbow Dash always gets like that when I bring it up! Well, see everypony tomorrow!”

Applejack falls into step behind Pinkie. “Bye, Arc.”

“See you.”

Rarity walks over to Arc and looks around briefly before she speaks. “Um, Arc? I was just wondering if you had plans for this Friday evening?”

“No. That is assuming we can get everything done tomorrow on Twilight’s list.”

“Well… that looks doable from our current progress. Would you like to have dinner with me like we talked about?”

“Sure. Do you want me to bring anything?”

“Oh no, no, no! This is going to be my treat! Tell me, have you ever tasted fine dining since coming to Equestria?”

Arc grins. “Yes. In the castle as Lord Regent.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Oh, that’s right! Well, why don’t you wear that suit I made you and we’ll make an evening out of it?”

“Um, okay. That sounds nice.”

Rarity smiles. “Shall we say around eight?”

Arc nods. “I’ll be there.”

Rarity turns to leave. “Wonderful! I look forward to showing you the finer things in Equestrian culture!”

“Alright. Do you want me to walk you home?”

“I’ll be fine. But shouldn’t you be getting home to your family?”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “I suppose you’re right. Good night, Rarity.”

Rarity waves a hoof as Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Rest well.”

Arc steps through and disappears as Rarity begins walking back towards town with a huge smile on her face.

“I can’t believe he said yes! Oh happy days! I’ll show Arc an evening neither of us will ever forget!”

She unconsciously begins to trot, then skip, and finally bounce like Pinkie Pie down the path as a full moon comes out to light her way home.

Chapter 4 - The Nitty Gritty

The next day Arc, along with Shining Armor and Cadance, walk down the corridor of Light’s Hope. Arc turns to Cadance.

“I hope you and Twilight slept well.”

Cadance nods. “I did, yes. However I wasn’t able to tell Twilight our little secret.”

Shining Armor sighs. “She deserves to know. Twily and I have always been very close. That and she did come to me when she met somepony she liked.”

Cadance smiles. “Twilight’s first crush, huh?”

Shining Armor shrugs. “Well… probably. She kinda tried to be discrete about it.”

Arc chuckles. “Asking for an unnamed friend?”

“How did you know?”

“Humans sometimes do the same when they need embarrassing advice.”

Cadance turns to Shining Armor. “What did you tell her?”

“That she just needed to get him alone and talk. Be honest with him about her feelings.”

“Sound advice. Did it work out for her?”

“Not really. She told me at the time that he already had a special somepony.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound like her.”

Shining Armor sighs. “I know. But that was complicated by the fact I caught her in bed with them earlier that day.”

Cadance stops walking. “I’m sorry, what?!”

“She spent the night with him at the castle.”

Arc blushes. “Oh… right.”

“You were aware of this too Arc?!”

“Y-yeah.”

Cadance’s face is suddenly one of anger. “Twilight is far too young to be advancing to THAT stage of a relationship! Who did this to her?!”

Arc smiles sheepishly as he raises his hand. “Um… sorry? Please don’t kill me.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on her shoulder. “It was so he and Twilight could communicate with you and Princess Luna in the Lunar Realm.”

“Oh… I see. Forgive me for making you feel uncomfortable, Arc. Truth be told I didn’t think much on how you two got there together.”

“It’s okay. But remember how you were saying just the other day that Luna treats you like a filly.”

“What about it?”

“You’re a fully grown mare and should have the right to do what you want with your time, right?”

“Yes. What are you getting at, Arc?”

“Twilight is an adult living on her own. Taking care of her own finances, keeping house, and doing real research on a number of topics. She’s all grown up now both mentally and physically.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin. “Well, I suppose that’s true.”

“So if she wants to be in a relationship with someone, shouldn’t she have the right to do so without others saying she’s too young?”

Shining Armor hangs his head. “I… suppose so. Sorry about what I did that morning, Arc.”

“No, Shining Armor. That was warranted. You thought I had taken your sister into a group sex session, or something. There was no way you could have known it was a purely scientific experiment to reach the Lunar Realm together.”

Cadance nods. “Yes, Arc. We’re sure your intentions were honorable and you’re fundamentally right. Twilight should be able to have a stallionfriend without Shining Armor and I interfering. And more if that individual and she truly love one another. But it’s just so hard for us to think of her in such a… position.”

Shining Armor nods. “Cadance is right. But her and I will do our best to support you two in any future…”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Twilight and I are just friends!”

Shining Armor smiles. “I know. But I’ve seen how she looks at you. It’s actually kinda cute to see her all starry-eyed.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I know that Arc would certainly make Twilight very happy, and he’s certainly capable of protecting and caring for her…”

“But I’m not interested in her! At least not in THAT way!”

Shining Armor chuckles. “I know.”

“You do?”

“Twily told me about you and Cherry back then. She wasn’t willing to come between you two though.”

Cadance smiles. “That sounds like the mare I know.”

Arc looks away. “Yeah, she… kinda told me something like that a while ago.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “So she confessed her love for you?”

“She confessed… something, yes. But I think I should keep it to myself. Why don’t we get to work now? Lots to do.”

Shining Armor nods. “Very well. Twilight’s friends have several of the rooms ready. We can start going over security there.”

The trio walks to the first room. Two guards stand aside and allow them to pass. Cadance looks to Shining Armor.

“What are there guarding? Nopony is in here.”

“The room’s contents.”

“So they’re making sure nopony steals anything?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. It’s to be sure no one puts anything else in.”

Shining Armor nods. “Such as a trap of some kind, poison, listening devices, or anything that might be outside Twily’s original floor plan.”

“I see. So who’s room will this be?”

“King Felix and Queen Fiona of Abyssinia.”

Cadance looks around the room. Shining Armor turns to her.

“See something amiss?”

“There’s no pillows on the bed.”

Arc nods. “According to Twilight’s research they don’t use pillows. At least not like the one’s we’re used to.”

“Then what…?”

Shining Armor gestures to the bed. “Supposedly they curl up together in the middle.”

Arc points to a pile of large pillows in the corner of the room. “And the bed is just for show. They might not even use it. Twilight ordered numerous pillows of different types. The king and queen should be able to find something they can nap on there.”

Cadance points to a vented box in another corner. “What’s that? An air purifier?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No. An industrial sized space heater.”

Arc nods. “Abyssinia is a much warmer land than Equestria. If they were to show up now, they’d probably be very uncomfortable. With a couple of these they can get the room up to almost a hundred degrees.”

Shining Armor shudders. “Twilight tried them out yesterday without telling me. I walked in here and almost fell over!”

Cadance sighs. “Well, if it keeps them happy, all the better.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

“Will there be guards outside the windows as well?”

“Yes. But they’ll be to the side so the guests won’t be able to see them.”

Arc points up to the eaves. “I’ve ordered security cameras to be installed outside every window. Even if an intruder were to neutralize the guards, they’d still be spotted.”

“But if they moved very fast…!”

Shining Armor blasts a window with his horn. “Magic-proof glass. It’s made of a specially reinforced crystal that’s nearly unbreakable.”

“Nearly?”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing’s completely impervious. But I’m told to make this glass requires exposing it to some very special proprietary substances for several months straight. It would be easier for them to break through the walls.”

Cadance walks over to the door. “What if an intruder got inside the base? Could they get in here?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “We have very strong magically enhanced locks on the doors that our guests will be able to fasten if they so choose. Arc and I will have the only spare keys.”

“More secure that way ?”

Arc nods. “That and they’re really expensive. We have security cameras in all the halls now as well.”

“Really? I didn’t see any.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Arc insisted that they be camouflaged.”

“Right. And as soon as this is over, I’m getting rid of them.”

“But what about your own security, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “If someone wants to come after me, I say bring it on! That and anyone powerful enough to do so won’t be stopped by cameras.”

Shining Armor clears his throat. “Let me show you how a security sweep is done. We start at one corner of the room and go over it in a grid-like pattern.”

Cadance nods. “To make sure you don’t miss anything?”

Arc takes his place. “Right. A second inspector would start at the opposite side of the room and do the same. When we meet in the middle we switch sides and do the whole thing over again.”

“About how long does that take?”

Shining Armor looks around. “About three hours for a room this size.”

Arc nods. “The same is done for the other rooms as well. Including the bathrooms, broom closets, and even the corridors.”

“And your quarters, Arc?”

“Them too. We just can’t take chances on this.”

“Me and Lieutenant Flash Sentry will complete the full security sweep on these rooms later. Why don’t Arc and I show you how supplies are brought in?”

Cadance giggles. “Is it done different than walking through the front door?”

Arc shrugs. “Very much so. You’ll see.”

Leaving the room they proceed to the Main Hall. A security checkpoint has been set up with dozens of guards present. Sandstorm Mirage sits at Raven’s desk going over requisitions as the guards let in a single stallion. Cadance turns to Shining Armor.

“What’s with all the security here?”

“Everything has to be properly inspected before it comes inside the building. Watch.”

The stallion walks over to the desk and gives Sandstorm Mirage a stack of papers. The sergeant goes over them one at a time before putting them on a clipboard and standing up. Gesturing to the doors as he calls out to the soldiers.

“Standard procedure. Verify and carry.”

He and the guards leave with the stallion. Arc leads Cadance over to a window to watch.

“Now each guard will take a box and open it to visually inspect the contents.”

Shining Armor points a hoof at the procession. “Everything must be factory sealed. Anything that isn’t, or can’t be, has to be held in isolation and a sample sent to the lab in Canterlot Castle.”

“What would they be testing for?”

“Poison mostly.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes. Or explosives. Anything dangerous really.”

“Right now the holding room is the base’s Training Center. No one has time to use it right now anyways.”

“It looks like they’ve finished inspecting. Does everything come inside now?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not quite.”

Sandstorm Mirage reads down the invoice. As he calls out, a guard returns his query and walks inside with their box.

Arc turns to Cadance. “If it’s not or the list it doesn’t come in.”

“Right. We have to know EVERYTHING that comes in here.”

“What about the items sent to isolation? I mean, when the lab report comes back negative, that is.”

Shining Armor looks to Cadance as they walk back to the center of the room. “Then the officer in charge has to go over them again and sign off before they can be removed from isolation.”

“And everything comes through the same way?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Food stuffs, cleaning supplies, and even furniture go through the same testing.”

“And you do this all the time, Arc?!”

“No, just for the summit. Normally deliveries are made, signed for by Raven, and left in a corner while she calls for the proper individual to pick them up.”

“But just like at the castle, we can’t take the risk.”

“Speaking of your secretary, where is she, Arc?”

“Doing paperwork in my office aboard The Equinox. It’s… less busy there.”

“Yes. And all the paperwork for your ship and base can’t be mixed with ours down here.”

Cadance nods soberly. “I understand, Arc.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Uh… did I miss something?”

“It’s a rather personal matter. Can’t really talk about it.”

“Uh… okay.”

Cadance sighs. “We can speak about the status of this matter more in depth later, Arc.”

Arc nods as they head toward his office. Flash Sentry sits at the desk surrounded by paperwork and Royal Guards. He stands as he spots the princess.

“Your highness. This is an honor. What can I do for you today?”

Shining Armor walks over. “The princess wants to learn how security is conducted for an event such as this.”

Arc nods. “We’ve already showed her the room security precautions as well as how materials are signed in.”

Flash Sentry gestures to the table. “Well, here’s where the papers from there end up. They all come here for my approval before being sorted and boxed up.”

Cadance looks at the mounds of office boxes in the corner of the room. “Oh my! How many months does it take to fill that many boxes?”

“That’s about a week’s worth there.”

Arc glances at them. “Yes. They’ll be shipped to Canterlot when you return there after the summit.”

“But, but this is more than even Luna and I see!”

Shining Armor nods. “The paperwork that crosses your desk at the castle is but the tip of the iceberg, your highness.”

Arc shudders. “That’s what I was told when I was Lord Regent too. Apparently the clerical aides do a lot more than I ever thought possible.”

“But why?! What reason could there be to keep such lengthy records on literally everything?!”

“In case something ever happens. This way we can track literally everything down to the smallest seed in your meal to the suppliers of every component in the furniture.”

Cadance rolls her eyes. “Even how many towels are in Arc’s bathroom?”

Flash Sentry turns to Cadance. “Fifteen.”

“I’m sorry. What?”

“The number of towels in the Hero of Light’s bathroom, your highness.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait. Why do you know that?”

“Because I was told to inventory everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, sir!”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “It’s standard procedure for something like this. Remember all the paperwork on what comes in? Before we can even start letting things in, first we have to know what’s already inside.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Those forms are even longer, as the office has to trace everything back in Canterlot.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “Such as…?”

Arc picks up a paper and looks it over. “The easiest being food. Let’s take a bag of chips for example. First we have to figure out when it arrived. Then the facility it was made in needs to be reinspected to make sure it’s safe. The same also has to be done for the suppliers of each ingredient that goes into the chips.”

Shining Armor turns to Cadance. “And the same goes for the packaging and all the materials that go into it. The paper, ink, adhesive, and even the manufacturer of the materials.”

“Now I see why we have so many aides at the castle.”

Shining Armor nods. “And such a large archives.”

“That too. On the up side, any question you might have regarding anything in here can be answered by a trip to the Archives.”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “Shining Armor, can you tell me what kind of event would lead to a retrieval of documents?”

“You mean why we might need this information?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s say you went to Doctor Hooves with an upset stomach after supper. He would send a report to the Archives requesting information on what exactly you ate, how much of it, the ingredients, the sources of the ingredients, how it was prepared, and whom prepared it.”

Arc sighs. “That sounds like a lot of paperwork.”

“It is.”

“Can you elaborate on how much exactly?”

“At least one cart would be required to carry all of it.”

Flash Sentry nods. “And that would be a simple request.”

Arc shudders. “I wonder how much paperwork and backtracking were involved in you and Princess Luna’s poisoning.”

Shining Armor looks to him soberly. “Enough to fill my office from the floor to the roof twice over. I know. I was there.”

Cadance walks over to the window and looks out at all the carts of goods lines up awaiting approval for entry.

“Truthfully, I had no idea how much work it took to keep us safe! Has it always been this way?!”

Shining Armor chuckles. “I had the same question when I took my post. Surprisingly enough Sunburst had the answer.”

“He did?”

“Yes. Apparently that information is considered something of a regular request. It’s known as ‘File #1’.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Because of all the requests for it?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No. Because it’s literally the first file that was sent to the archives.”

Cadance looks interested. “When was it written?”

“Well…”

A Royal Guard enters the office and hurries over to Shining Armor.

“Sir! Miss Twilight requests your presence immediately in the yak’s room.”

Cadance looks concerned. “Is something wrong?”

“She needs approval to order and install special units to cool the room.”

Arc frowns. “What kind of units?”

“Freezer units, sir. She’s already filled out the forms, but they require either you or the Hero of Light’s signature.”

Shining Armor nods. “Lead the way.”

He turns to Cadance.

“I’ll be back just as soon as I can, princess.”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. I’m coming with you.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s going to be pretty boring. Why don’t we take a look at…”

“I understand that, Arc. However I want to know the complete truth in what it takes to make this work start to finish.”

Shining Armor nods. “Very well. Right this way princess.”

The pair leave the room. Flash Sentry turns back to Arc.

“Sir? What is going on?”

“The princess wanted to know how things are done. But I think she’s getting more than she bargained for.”

“Maybe that’s for the best. The higher-ups often don’t think about all the headaches their orders cause us.”

Arc frowns at him.

“My apologies, sir.”

“It’s fine. But I do want you to know this. As someone who’s also done their job, I’d rather wade through paperwork on a daily basis than sit on the throne.”

“Sir, if I may be so bold, can you elaborate as to why?”

“Paperwork might be boring and mind-numbing. But those who do it can at least leave their work at the office. The princesses are literally on call twenty-four hours a day to make potentially life changing decisions that can resonate throughout the entire realm.”

Flash Sentry looks at the piles on the desk. “I suppose the life of a paper pusher is rather dull, but safe. And if they misplace something it doesn’t really have much effect on the system as a whole.”

“Maybe. Then again maybe not.”

“Really? What’s one paper, or even a stack in the grander scheme of things?”

“It matters what paper I suppose. Imagine the princesses became ill every time they entered their office. And let’s say an aide had lost some of the papers on what went into the room. We might not be able to figure out there was a certain chemical used in the fabrication of their office furniture that was the culprit.”

“That makes sense, sir. Better too much information than not enough, I suppose.”

“Something like that.”

Arc motions for all the Royal Guards to leave the office. As they do so he leans in close to his lieutenant.

“How is Raven doing?”

“She’s understandably frightened. As you told me, it’s likely Lord Goldstone will be in attendance.”

“Right. Now remember, you and her can’t be seen in the base during the summit.”

“I can get my coat dyed again if you need me, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I want you to stay with Raven aboard The Equinox. She’ll need emotional support more than ever.”

“What can I do to help her through this?”

“Keep her happy and busy. Raven asked me to see to it she doesn’t have a lot of free time to think about the slime bag you-know-who in here.”

“I’ll do my best not to disappoint either of you.”

“Thank you. If she has a relapse or starts acting weird you are to send some Royal Guards to fetch Emerald Dream at once. She’s been made aware of this potential outcome.”

“Did she give you any ideas on what else we could do for Raven?”

“Truthfully, she thought Raven should be transferred or given a leave of absence during this event.”

“But…?”

Arc sighs. “Raven herself declined. She’s very dedicated to her position you know.”

“Can’t you order her to take a vacation, sir?”

“I suppose I could. But that might be counter intuitive. Give someone too much free time and they’ll start thinking about things that they shouldn’t.”

“Like letter openers?”

“Exactly.”

“Could I accompany her elsewhere?”

“She declined that idea as well, saying that her expertise might be useful to me even aboard my ship.”

Arc gestures to the boxes of files in the corner.

“I plan to load these aboard The Equinox after preparations are complete. She can organize and catalogue them for Canterlot.”

“That would certainly make filing them in the Archives easier.”

Arc nods. “And give her something to do.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I hate this!”

“Lieutenant?”

“My apologies, sir. I mean, I hate that she has to stay cooped up in there while Goldstone is free to go where he pleases.”

“So do I. But his time is coming.”

“Thank you sir. In fact, I remind Raven of that nearly every day.”

“Does it help?”

“A bit, yes. But Emerald Dream says she really needs to know her assailant is locked up before she can go much further in her recovery.”

“Hopefully that’s soon. But if griffon legal paperwork is anything like Equestria’s, that might take some time.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir.”

The lieutenant suddenly looks nervously.

“S-sir? This might not be the best time, but might I talk to you about a personal matter?”

“Certainly. What’s on your mind?”

“I… wanted to show you something.”

Flash Sentry walks over to the desk and opens the top drawer. Pulling out a small box he gives it to Arc.

“What’s this?”

“Take a look inside, sir.”

Arc opens the box to see a beautiful pendant inside. A small sapphire sits gleaming in its center.

“I decided to take your advice and buy her something to accent her frock.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Yes, it will. I’m certain that it will look absolutely stunning on her.”

“Yes. Um… truthfully there is something else though.”

“What is it?”

“I… I haven’t said anything to Raven about this, but… um… when Goldstone is convicted and Princess Celestia returns, I… ah…”

Flash Sentry shifts uneasily on his hooves.

“…I’d like to request a discharge.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “This is pretty sudden. What’s up?”

“Well, the way I see it, things will be pretty well in order at that time. And I’d like to… ask Raven for her hoof in marriage.”

Arc smiles and nods. “Of course. You’d like to settle down with her, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes sir. But I don’t want her worrying about me. I thought I might be able to get a job at the orphanage as a janitor or handystallion.”

“Well, they do always seem to need help over there. It sounds like you’ve really put some thought into this.”

“I have. But I won’t leave if you still need me, of course.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. Truth be told, I too was planning on retiring and settling down around that time.”

“Really, sir?!”

“Yes. Like you said, things should be peaceful by then. That and Equestria won’t really need a full time Hero of Light anymore with Princess Celestia around.”

“Most likely not, sir. But what will you do?”

“Probably odd jobs around town like I used to. Maybe even work at the orphanage part-time.”

Flash Sentry grins. “We could continue to work together.”

“I’d like that. You’ve always been loyal and dependable.”

“Thank you, sir. If I may be so bold, are you planning on getting married as well?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I just want to be able to care for Dinky on a more regular basis. See her off to school, welcome her and Derpy when they get home, put her to bed every night, and be able to watch her grow up.”

“That’s a far cry from what you do now, sir. Are you sure you won’t get bored?”

Arc chuckles. “The role of parenting is far from boring. In fact, I see it as the greatest adventure of my life. And the most rewarding. Maybe one day you and Raven will have a family of your own.”

Flash Sentry blushes slightly. “I’m sure she and I would both like that.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Well I think I’ll see if I can catch up with Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. You okay over here?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir. I’ll keep working on this paperwork.”

Arc heads for the door. “Alright. Keep up the good work.”

Flash Sentry smiles and returns to the desk as Arc leaves. A few moments later the Royal Guards reenter the room and continue with their assigned tasks. He smiles and mutters to himself.

“Thank you for understanding, sir. I wish you the best in your future endeavors. Be they great or small.”

Chapter 5 - A Generous Invitation

Later that week Arc stands in front of the mirror in Derpy’s small house.

“How do I look, Cherry?”

“Most dapper! And I’m sure Rarity will agree.”

Arc chuckles. “Of course she will. This suit was custom made by her after all.”

“Yes, indeed. And it looks like she put quite a bit of work into it.”

“She’s a good friend.”

“Perhaps more after tonight.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“Come now, Arc. Haven’t you seen the way she looks at you?”

“Um… very friendly like?”

“More like how a puppy smiles up at the one who feeds them. Remember, she was the one who asked you out on this date.”

“It’s not a date, Cherry. Rarity just wants to cook me dinner to try and make up for what happened a while back.”

“Oh really? Since when do a mare and stallion need to put on their finest clothes to eat a meal together?”

“Well, you know how Rarity is. She’s big into looking her best. And it would be kinda silly if she came in a dress and I was just wearing my everyday tunic.”

“I suppose it would. But believe me when I say she’s a wonderful mare with a bright future ahead of her.”

“That I can agree with. She’s quite the hard worker. But I suppose one has to be if they have a business to run.”

“You both understand the importance of hard work and need some way to unwind.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe this is just her idea of unwinding. She is the Element of Generosity, after all.”

“That may be. But I didn’t hear her say anything about any other guests tonight.”

Arc heads for the door. “Either way, it should be a nice change of pace for both of us.”

He steps out of the Bathroom. Derpy and Dinky are sitting on the couch waiting for him. Dinky jumps up and runs over to him.

“You look really nice, dad!”

Derpy nods and walks toward Arc to look him over. “Dinky’s right. You look especially handsome tonight.”

“Thanks you two. Knowing Rarity like I do, I can only assume she’s going to dress up especially nice for this meal as well.”

“Why’s that, dad?”

“Well, she’s what you would call a ‘high society mare’.”

Dinky looks to her mother. “What does that mean?”

Derpy shrugs. “I’m not sure sweetie.”

“It means she likes the finer things in life. Like nice clothes, big houses, and fine dining.”

“So she gets dressed up for every meal?”

“No. Just special ones like tonight.”

Derpy smiles. “Well, we hope you have fun, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

He turns to Dinky.

“Why don’t I tuck you in before I leave, sweetheart?”

“YAY!”

Dinky hurries to the bedroom and jumps into her father’s bed. Arc covers her up and gives his daughter a kiss on the forehead.

“Good night sweetheart. Pleasant dreams.”

Dinky yawns. “Have fun tonight, dad.”

Arc nods and returns to the Living Room, closing the door behind him. Derpy smiles up at him as he does so.

“I know you’ll have a great time!”

Arc grins. “At the very least I’ll get to eat some of Rarity’s cooking.”

“That too. But shouldn’t you get going?”

Arc pulls his pocket watch out of his suit coat and looks at it. “I probably should. After all, I don’t like showing up late.”

“Have a nice time.”

“I will.”

Arc heads for the door. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc, would you mind if I stayed here with Derpy?”

“Uh, sure. If you want to.”

Derpy walks over. “I’ll take good care of Cherry for you, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

Arc calls forth his armor. The front of it melts away to let him out. Eidolon’s Ward turns and waves with Derpy.

“Have a nice date, Arc.”

“Don’t wait up for me you two.”

Arc steps out into the cool evening air. He takes a few steps before stopping and thinking.

“Did Cherry just call this a date again? Huh… I guess she did. But that’s silly. Rarity and I are just friends.”

Shrugging, Arc continues walking. A short time later he arrives at Rarity’s shop and knocks on the door. About thirty seconds later his hostess answers. She is wearing a pink dress with yellow hems. Real gemstones adorn the exquisite outfit. A gold tiara and several earrings adorn her head. A pair of crystal clear slippers on her hooves bring the outfit together.

“Good evening.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Hello again, Rarity. You’re looking very nice.”

Rarity smiles happily. “Thank you. And you look positively radiant in that suit yourself. Won’t you come in?”

She steps aside and allows him to enter the dimly lit shop.

“Right this way.”

Rarity leads Arc to her back room. Entering he finds his hostess has completely rearranged the furniture to accommodate their meal. A record player sits on a nearby table playing classical music. The clothing racks have been pushed to the sides of the room and hidden behind screens. A very comfortable looking couch sits in front of coffee table with a tray of snacks and a single table now rests in the room’s center. He notices a single lit candle stands in front of silverware and two empty glasses.

“You’ve certainly gone to a lot of trouble for this evening.”

Rarity leads him over to the couch. “Oh, it was no trouble. No trouble at all.”

She gestures for him to sit. Arc does so as Rarity slowly and carefully sits down next to him. She picks up the tray with her magic and levitates it over to Arc. He takes a small sandwich before speaking.

“So, ah… how have things been going at Light’s Hope?”

“Splendidly! Everything is as it should be as of this afternoon. I’m happy to report we’re ready to host this event.”

“Thank you for all your hard work. I knew I was asking a lot of you, but you rose to the challenge wonderfully.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Well, I can’t take all the credit. Our friends supported me in this, after all.”

“Yes. I’ll be sure to thank them each individually when this is over.”

“Tell me, Arc. Do you really believe the princesses can make this idea work?”

Arc shrugs. “That’s not really up to them.”

“It’s not?”

“No. Our guests being able to get along will be the true deciding factor in this.”

“Will they?”

Arc sighs. “That part I’m skeptical about.”

“The girls and I believe the princesses will do their very best.”

“I agree.”

“However, we’re unsure how effective they’ll be in keeping the tentative peace during this summit.”

Arc nods. “You mean, if the countries as a whole haven’t been able to work together up to this point why would their leaders?”

Rarity smiles nervously. “To put it bluntly, yes.”

“Truth be told, I agree with you.”

“You do?”

“Yes. But if there’s a chance to open a dialogue with everyone all at once we have to try. For the sake of future generations.”

“I do wish I had your confidence, Arc. But I’ll help in any way I can.”

“Thank you. In any case, I’m glad you brought that up. Princess Cadance wanted me to pass on a request.”

“Of me?!”

“Yes. She was hoping you would be able to be on hand during the day’s activities.”

“During the summit you mean?”

Arc nods. “Right. In case something needs to be fixed or altered at a moment’s notice.”

“I can be if it would help.”

“Thank you. You’ll be compensated for your time and expertise, of course.”

“It isn’t that. But I am grateful for the opportunity. It’s fortunate that you brought Sassy Saddles to me when you did. I’ve had plenty of time to train her in how to run my shop.”

“That’s a relief. Truth be told I was really worried about asking this of you. I’m sure you have quite a bit of work of your own to do.”

“I do. However Sassy Saddles did very well this past week. I feel comfortable leaving her in charge of my business as long as you need me.”

“The summit is only scheduled to last three days. But if things go well we might extend it a bit.”

Rarity stands from her place on the couch. “I’ll let Sassy Saddles know tomorrow. But for right now let me check on our meal.”

Arc moves to join her. “Can I help you in the Kitchen?”

Rarity shakes her head and pushes him back down gently with her magic. “Oh no, no, no! You’re my guest tonight! After all, you’ve always taken care of everything for us. Tonight I’ll take care of you.”

She walks slowly toward the doorway. As she steps through she turns back and smiles.

“I won’t be but a moment. Please help yourself to some more snacks if you’re feeling a bit peckish.”

Rarity leaves, closing the door behind her. Arc sighs.

“I do wish Rarity hadn’t gone to all this trouble. She must’ve really worked hard to make over this room. And that’s in addition to getting Light’s Hope ready.”

Meanwhile, Rarity quickly makes her way to the Kitchen. She opens the door to see Sassy Saddles pulling a pan out of the oven.

“So, how’s it going in there, Rarity?”

“Just fine. We were just discussing the job I did at his base. I think I really impressed him!”

“That’s good. But you really need to find another topic.”

“I do?”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Yes. Remember, you invited him here for dinner and pleasant company. I’m sure he doesn’t want to talk about work right now.”

“You might be right. Arc does seem a little tense right now.”

“Probably from all the additional responsibility. You really need to help him loosen up.”

Sassy Saddles pulls a freshly chilled bottle out of the refrigerator.

“I suggest a nice glass of wine with supper for each of you. With all the work you two have done, you deserve this bottle.”

Rarity shakes her head nervously. “That’s not a good idea. Arc doesn’t like alcohol in any amount.”

“Really?”

“Let’s just say it’s something from his past and leave it at that.”

Sassy Saddles sighs and puts away the bottle. “Very well. What does he like?”

“Sweets mostly.”

“Then he’ll especially like dessert. Chocolate Lava Cake freshly purchased from Sugar Cube Corner this very afternoon. But I meant to drink.”

“There’s a bottle of grape juice in the pantry.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Yes. I found it and chilled it for you. Just in case.”

Rarity trots in place happily. “You’re a gem, my friend! Thanks for helping me prepare this meal.”

“It’s no problem. After all, you helped me when I came to town. Now I have the chance to return the favor.”

Rarity looks over as she removes two plates from a nearby cupboard. “And I thank you for it! It looks like you’re a better cook than I am.”

Sassy Saddles sighs as she turns off the stove. “My last job didn’t pay well enough to afford much in the way of entertainment. Cooking frugally was my other creative outlet back then. But I found that stretching the food I had on hoof made me a pretty good chef when I was given everything I needed.”

Rarity uses her magic to levitate a portion of seasoned vegetables onto each plate. “You did very well.”

Sassy Saddles brings the saucepan over and drizzles a bit of seasoned broth over the dish. “It really isn’t high dining. I’m not much for presentation in that regard.”

“Maybe not. But I know for a fact that Arc prefers how food tastes over everything else.”

“Speaking of taste, how did he like the dress?”

Rarity sighs. “His reaction wasn’t exactly what I had been hoping for.”

“Oh?”

“He appeared more surprised than impressed. But I’ll show him the real me tonight!”

Sassy Saddles claps her hooves together. “I know you’ll do just fine, Rarity. You’re the most beautiful mare in town, after all!”

Rarity giggles. “Oh, I’m not. But thank you for saying so.”

She does a small twirl.

“Now then, do I look okay?”

“You look amazing. There’s nothing else that could make you look better right now other than surgery.”

Rarity picks up the dishes with her magic. “Thank you again. Well, wish me luck!”

Sassy Saddles nods and smiles as Rarity heads for the door. She stops and turns around.

“Oh yes, as long as you’re here, Arc said the princesses have requested that I remain at Light’s Hope in case there’s an emergency change needed. Can you handle the shop until I get back?”

“Of course! I’ll do my very best for you.”

“Thank you again for all your hard work. I know you’ll do just fine. Now why don’t you go home and get some sleep? You’ve more than earned it.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “I will in a few minutes. Just let me slice the cake for you and I’ll be off.”

Rarity leaves the Kitchen as Sassy Saddles pulls a knife from a drawer.

“You both deserve the very best. Come on, Rarity! You can do this!”

Meanwhile, Rarity returns with the plates and bottle. Arc stands and walks over to the table as she sets the plates down and pulls the cork from the juice. She looks up at him with a smile.

“Don’t worry. It’s just grape juice.”

“Thank you, Rarity.”

“I understand your reasoning behind that.”

Arc looks to her as they sit down. “You do?”

“Yes. Applejack explained it to us when we visited you before the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“Oh… right.”

“I hope that was alright.”

“Yes. Truth be told I’m glad she shared that.”

Rarity smiles as she pours the juice. “Well, I’m here to make you feel at home tonight. You just relax and enjoy the meal.”

“Thank you, Rarity. This does smell good.”

She gestures with a hoof to the plate. “You deserve this. Now please enjoy the food before it gets cold.”

The pair begin to eat.

“This is very good, Rarity. I didn’t know you were such an accomplished chef.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Well… I guess I’m just full of surprises.”

“So where’s Sweetie Belle? Playing in her room?”

“Oh no. She’s sleeping over at Sweet Apple Acres this weekend.”

“Is she?”

“I want her to have a proper fillyhood, after all.”

Rarity shakes her head, sadly.

“I’ve… already done too much to endanger that as it is.”

Arc reaches across the table and pats her hoof. “You did the right thing, Rarity. She deserved to know that truth.”

“That’s what I’ve been telling myself ever since last weekend. But it hasn’t quite taken hold yet. At least in my mind, that is.”

“And Sweetie Belle?”

“We’ve… had a few tense moments. She still sees me as her sister. But of course that’s my doing.”

“Maybe that wasn’t the greatest idea. But what’s done is done. Right now you have to do what’s best for her.”

“I know, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy.”

“That I do understand. Very well actually.”

Rarity smiles. “Yes. I’m very happy that Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle are so close. She needs good friends right now.”

“So she told them?”

“Yes. Monday before school actually.”

“Sounds like she didn’t want to waste any time.”

“I told her she was free to tell anypony, nopony, or any number in between.”

They are silent for a time before continuing.

“Tell me, Arc. How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Raise such a special little filly?”

“Derpy’s doing most of the work. I’m… not really around much these days.”

Rarity sighs. “Like me.”

“Well, for you at least, it will be different when this summit is over.”

“Somewhat, yes. But my business keeps me ever so busy. So many times I’ve had to put her second to complete an order on time.”

Arc looks away. “Me too.”

“You, Arc? But you can go anywhere at any time.”

“True. However I’m always off somewhere doing something dangerous. On Earth or here in Equestria. At least you’re physically present.”

Rarity sighs. “Somehow I get the feeling neither of us is doing this quite right.”

“I agree. But things will be different when we find Princess Celestia.”

“How so?”

“I’m planning to resign.”

Rarity gasps. “WHAT?!”

“If she’s as competent a ruler as everyone’s told me, she’ll be able to keep the peace without my intervention.”

Arc chuckles.

“After all… what use is a shepherd when the wolves are all gone?”

“What will you do?”

“My old job taking care of the writ board probably. Maybe work part time over at Sweet Apple Acres and the orphanage. I’m sure Applejack could use some help.”

“That she could. But would you be happy with that life?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, it will certainly be much less exciting.”

“And less dangerous.”

Rarity sighs. “I just worry you won’t be able to feel… fulfilled going back to the old way of doing things.”

“Maybe not. But I look forward to tucking Dinky in every night.”

“Tucking… in?”

“Putting her to bed.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “She doesn’t do that herself?”

“Dinky can, of course. But I enjoy putting the covers over her and giving her a good night kiss.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “That’s a rather interesting concept.”

“It is?”

“Tell me, do all human parents do that?”

“Many of them do, yes. Ponies don’t?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No. Foals are much more… independent than human foals from what I’ve gathered. But I must admit what you describe does sound nice.”

“Give it a try.”

“I believe I will. Thank you for the advice, Arc.”

“No problem.”

Sometime later they finish eating. Rarity stands to clear the table.

“Can I help you with that?”

“No, please! You are my guest!”

“Well, okay.”

“Would you like some tea?”

Arc grins sheepishly. “As long as you didn’t get any additives from Twilight, yes please.”

“Don’t worry. It’s my own special blend. And I have chocolate cake too.”

“Now you’re talking my language!”

Rarity nods and turns to walk toward the door. Her hoof slips and she falls to one knee. The tray of dishes clatters to the floor as Arc hurries over to her.

“Are you okay?!”

Rarity nods as Arc helps her up. “Oh, yes. I’m fine. These crystal slippers might not have been the best idea. Although they do really pull the outfit together.”

Arc kneels down to help pick up the dishes. “Well, I’d rather you not hurt yourself. Maybe you should take those off.”

Rarity shakes her head as she places the silverware on the tray. “Thank you, but I’ll be fine. Now, you go sit on the couch and make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.”

Rarity leaves the room and heads for the Kitchen. She levitates the tray over to the counter and checks the teapot on the stove.

“Looks like Sassy Saddles made it just the way I like it. Hopefully Arc’s sweet tooth will be pleased. And if not, this cake looks positively divine!”

She clears off the tray and places the cake along with two pre-cut slices onto it before turning her attention back to the teapot. Rarity puts a small bit into a cup and takes a sip.

“OH! That’s hot!”

She blows on it before taking another small sip.

“Perfect!”

Picking up the teapot Rarity levitates it onto the tray with two teacups before slowly making her way back to the room. As requested Arc is sitting on the couch waiting patiently. She walks toward him slowly.

“I hope you’ll like the cake. Pinkie Pie said it would go perfectly with the…”

Suddenly Rarity’s hoof slips. She crashes to the floor and quickly rolls onto her back as the tray careens downward.

“RARITY!!!”

Chapter 6 - Protecting my Devotion

As the tray falls back toward her Rarity instinctively throws her hooves up to protect her face and squeezes her eyes shut. A split second later there is a crash as the tray’s contents clatter noisily to the floor. Unhurt, Rarity slowly opens her eyes a crack to survey the damage. Looking up she sees Arc on all fours over top of her. He grits his teeth as the now empty teapot rolls off his back and falls to the floor.

“A-Arc?!”

Arc forces a pained smile. “You… okay?”

Rarity jumps up and grabs his hand.

“That scalding hot tea! This way, hurry!”

She helps Arc upstairs and into the shower. Turning the nozzle to a cool setting with her magic, Rarity frantically helps him remove his overcoat to expose his dress shirt. Tossing the stained coat aside with a wave of her hoof she uses her magic to grab the shower nozzle and pull it to herself as she does her best to cool the wound.

“I’m so sorry, Arc! That tea really was too hot!”

Arc winces as the water cascades over his skin. His fingers claw at the tile wall in front of him.

“It… it was an… accident.”

Rarity shakes her head as Arc tries to get out. “Let me keep spraying it down! Please! Oh Celestia, it has to be as red as a tomato under your shirt!”

“I think my coat cooled it down a little bit before getting to my skin.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Just keep doing that. It does feel good.”

Rarity nods frantically. “Yes, yes! Of course!”

A few minutes later he begins to shiver.

“Arc, what’s wrong?!”

“I’m just really cold. Can we get out now?”

“But your back still looks painfully swollen! It’s going to hurt tremendously when we stop this!”

“Well, I don’t know just how much longer I can take it.”

Rarity thinks for a moment. “I believe I have some burn cream in the cabinet! Shall I look?!”

“S-sure.”

Rarity levitates the nozzle over to Arc’s hand. He points it at his back as she hurries over to the cabinet. A moment later she calls out.

“I found it!”

“Thank goodness!”

Rarity turns back to him. “Um… how should we apply this? You need to be dry first!”

“Hold the nozzle for me again.”

She does so as Arc unbuttons his shirt. He winces in pain at every movement.

“Can you pull it off very slowly with your magic?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. I’ll be as gentle as I can.”

As carefully as possible, Rarity slowly peels the dress shirt off. Arc clenches his teeth as she works. Her hooves shake as she holds the nozzle.

“I’m sorry! I know this hurts, but I’m going as slow as I can!”

Arc gasps. “Your… doing fine, Rarity. Just… keep… going!”

Nodding, Rarity continues working. Eventually the shirt comes off. Arc cries out in pain as the last bit separates from his skin. Rarity throws it across the room.

“Okay, it’s off!”

Arc breathes heavily as tears stream down his face. “Okay! Now… now close… your eyes!”

Rarity nods and does as she is told.

“Okay… they’re closed!”

Arc slowly kicks his dress shoes off as he carefully unbuttons his pants. They fall to the tile floor with a small thud leaving him standing there in his shorts. Looking toward the sink he spots a towel folded neatly on a nearby shelf. Reaching out a shaky hand he pulls it to himself with his magic. Her eyes still closed, Rarity calls out to him.

“Anything I can do?!”

“No, no. I… I got it.”

Arc takes a deep breath and slowly pushes his shorts down around his hips. They fall to the floor with his dress pants as he opens the towel.

“Alright. Now aim the nozzle… away from me.”

Nodding, Rarity does so. With great effort, Arc wraps the towel around his waist. He gasps as the searing pain returns.

“Okay! You can open your eyes!”

Rarity does so. She lets out a small yelp at the sight before her. Doing her best to compose herself she quickly turns off the water and helps Arc out of the shower.

“Go across the hall and lie on my bed! I’ll get this wet dress off and be right there!”

“O-okay.”

Slowly Arc walks to Rarity’s room. With great difficulty he lies down on his stomach. In moments the sound of his hostess’ hooves can be heard running across the floor toward him. She jumps up onto the bed with a fresh towel and a tube of medicine. The shaking of the bed causes Arc to cry out in pain.

“I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking! Now, I need to towel dry your back as best I can for this to work.”

He nods as Rarity gets to work patting his back dry as lightly as she can. Arc buries his face in her pillow. Thirty seconds later he feels a cool liquid fall onto his back and Rarity’s hoof rubbing it in gently. She works meticulously.

“This is the best burn medication on the market, Arc! It should already be numbing you!”

“Y-yeah. It already feels a lot better. What is that stuff?”

“It’s a magical salve that lowers inflammation and dulls pain quicker than anything else out there.”

“Whomever makes that is a genius!”

“You can thank Filthy Rich for that. Although I had heard from Applejack that you and him weren’t exactly friends.”

Arc frowns. “Well… I’ll take it anyways.”

Rarity administers more salve and continues rubbing it in.

“The swelling should start going down momentarily. How do you feel?”

“Like you’re pouring water on flames.”

“I’m sorry!”

“No, that feels good. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

Rarity sniffles. “I… I will.”

A single tear flows down Rarity’s cheek and falls onto Arc’s back. He gasps.

“AH!”

“S-sorry! Oh, I just can’t seem to do anything right!”

“Just keep going, Rarity.”

Fifteen minutes later Arc’s back remains red as Rarity rubs in the last of the salve. He glances over his shoulder.

“How’s it look back there?”

“Well, the blisters have pretty much receded. Your back still looks like you’ve been lying in the sun for two days straight thought.”

“Thanks…”

Rarity sighs. “Please don’t say that. This whole thing was my fault after all.”

“It’s okay, Rarity. Um… I don’t suppose you had time to get any of my order from the other day made.”

“Just those garments you put on under your trousers. I’ll get you a pair.”

“Thanks.”

Rarity slowly leaves the room. Her ears drooping, she walks downstairs to her workbench and picks up a pair of shorts. Sighing, she walks out of the back room and back up the stairs. Entering her bedroom she returns to Arc’s side, blushing heavily.

“Would you… um… like some help putting them on?”

“N-no, thank you. I think I can manage.”

Rarity sighs as she heads for the door. “I’ll head downstairs and get you a cold compress then.”

Heading to the Kitchen, she takes a bucket and puts it under the faucet to fill as she levitates over a dish towel. Tossing it into the half-filled bucket Rarity returns to Arc’s side. She throws the used bath towel onto the floor and wrings out the cloth in the bucket before laying it on Arc’s back. He moans softly into her pillow.

“I’m sorry. Did I make it worse?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. That actually feels pretty good. Thanks.”

Rarity sighs as she returns the towel to the bucket to cool it. “I’m so, SO sorry, Arc. This was supposed to be a nice night for you. Instead all I managed to do was hurt you.”

Arc shakes his head as the cool cloth is reapplied. “It was… an accident, Rarity.”

“That may be. But it was one that shouldn’t have happened!”

“You can’t see the future. So don’t beat yourself up over it.”

She sighs.

“I just wanted to look my very best for you tonight. Make it a special time for both of us.”

Arc smiles as a fresh cloth is applied. “Well, tonight was certainly… memorable.”

“Yes. In a bad way. You should’ve just let me get hit with my cake and teapot!”

“No, Rarity. I don’t regret that decision in the least.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you’re my friend.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Well, I’m certainly not a very good one.”

“I think you do just fine.”

“Oh? Would a real friend burn her guest?”

“Like I said, that was an accident, Rarity.”

“Not… entirely.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sweetie Belle recommended against that crystal hoofware. She said they were too slippery. Sassy Saddles said about the same thing, as did you earlier. Even my own intuition told me it wasn’t a good idea!”

“Then why did you…?”

“Like I said, I wanted to look my very best for you. When I saw myself in the mirror earlier, I thought the outfit wasn’t complete without proper hoof attire.”

She cools the towel in the bucket again and reapplies it, rubbing Arc’s back gently.

“And now you’ve paid the price for my vanity!”

Rarity lowers her head and begins to quietly cry. Arc sits up slowly and carefully.

“It’s okay, Rarity. I don’t hold this against you.”

Rarity puts her hooves to her face. “I can’t do anything right! First I all but force myself upon you in front of Applejack and Sassy Saddles! Then when I try to make it up to you, I dump scalding hot tea on your back!”

“I’m not…”

“Can’t you at least get mad at me?!”

“But, I’m not.”

“Well, it would make me feel much better!”

“Wait, what?”

“Yell at me! Belittle me! Slap me! Do whatever you want! I deserve whatever makes this right in your eyes!”

“Anything?”

She squeezes her eyes shut and nods.

“Well… okay.”

Rarity feels Arc’s hand pushing her head down. Her face rests on the soft bedspread as she takes a deep breath.

“I’m ready, Arc.”

A moment later she feels his hand on the top of her head. Arc’s fingers glide through her mane and down her back before returning to her head.

“What are you…?”

“Shhh. Just rest.”

Rarity slowly feels the tension leave her body. She goes limp as Arc continues. For a time she feels as if she is one with the mattress. Arc speaks to her quietly.

“Feeling better?”

She nods ever so slightly as Arc continues petting her. A slight moan escapes her lips.

“This is… amazing.”

“You like that?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. It’s like… like…”

“Like what?”

“…somepony made everything all better.”

She begins to sniffle.

“You okay?”

Rarity doesn’t respond. Arc can see tears beginning to flow down her cheeks onto the bedspread as her mascara begins to run.

“Rarity? I…”

Suddenly and without warning Rarity jumps up, turns toward him, throws her hooves around his neck, and begins sobbing uncontrollably.

“A-Arc?!”

“Rarity?!”

“W-why?! Why are you so nice to me?!”

“Because you’re a very special friend.”

Rarity looks surprised as she sits back on her haunches. “I… I am?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Do you remember when I first came to Equestria? Twilight called you to the library after I got out of the hospital.”

“I do. What… what about it?”

“You came to measure me up for some clothes, as all I had was what I was wearing. I remember you were shaking so much you had trouble reading your sewing tape.”

“Was… was I?”

“Yes. You were terrified of me back then.”

Rarity nods sadly. “That I was. You’re so much bigger than we are!”

She sighs.

“If you want absolute honesty… the first time I saw you stand up from Twilight’s bed, I… um… nearly wet myself.”

Arc smiles at her. “I do remember your knees knocking. So what changed?”

“I got to know you better. All of us did.”

“Right. But even though you were scared, you still gave me a chance. When everyone else would run and hide at the sight of me, you still made me clothes and saw to it I wasn’t alone when Twilight had to step out for a bit.”

“Oh! Well… I was there to look after Spike actually.”

“Yes, I remember hearing Twilight say that to you over the phone. But I knew what the real reason was.”

Rarity sighs. “Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry for. I mean… you might have even warmed up to me before Twilight.”

“How so?”

“She kinda looked at me like a science experiment for the longest time. When I was still bedridden after leaving the hospital I used to look forward to your visits.”

Rarity smiles through her tears. “Why? I’m nopony special.”

“Because you didn’t treat me like an… um… you know.”

“An animal?”

“I was going to say an outsider. But that works too.”

“Sorry. But… back then you really did look like a beast to us.”

“Yes. That’s why you started bringing Fluttershy.”

Rarity sighs. “Was it that obvious?”

“Yup. But she didn’t seem as nervous.”

“Again, I apologize, but she’s an… animal lover you know.”

“She warmed up to me. Started coming every day to talk. A couple times Twilight had to shoo her out so I could rest.”

Arc smiles as he remembers the past.

“But if you hadn’t brought her, she wouldn’t have come on her own.”

“I suppose not. Was that important?”

“Looking back, yes. When others saw that Fluttershy and Twilight were walking beside me, they stopped being afraid.”

He puts a hand on her cheek.

“But Fluttershy wouldn’t have come if you hadn’t believed in me first.”

Rarity smiles as the tears begin to flow again. She puts a hoof on his hand.

“Arc? You… you’re the most amazing stallion I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing! You’re Kind, compassionate, humble, strong and… um…”

She looks away before continuing, blushing slightly.

“…and very handsome to look at. But… it’s also what you’re not that truly impressed me.”

“What I’m… not?”

Rarity nods nervously. “That day with Applejack in my shop.”

Arc blushes. “What about it?”

“I… wanted you to take me upstairs to this very room and… bed me alongside Applejack.”

“Yeah. That much was pretty clear.”

“But you didn’t give in to my advances. Any other stallion would have jumped at the chance to sleep with two mares whom literally threw themselves at him. We were both VERY willing back then. You could have done literally ANYTHING to us, and we would‘ve just let you!”

She leans forward and gazes into Arc’s eyes as she continues.

“Looking back at that time, you rejecting me was the single most Generous thing anypony’s ever done.”

Rarity tilts her head to the side and kisses Arc’s cheek as she wraps her front hooves around his neck again and whispers in his ear.

“Thank you.”

Arc nods and wraps his arms around her.

“After I learned from your diary about how Sweetie Belle was conceived, I knew I hade made the right choice. You deserved better than to be raped a second time.”

Rarity nods as she leans back on her haunches and smiles at him.

“Arc? I… really have no right to ask you for anything at this point, but… would you do something for me?”

“Anything.”

“Would you please… sleep with me tonight?”

Arc gasps. “Wha-what?!”

Rarity shakes her head fervently. “No, no! That came out wrong! I mean… would you please hold me as I fall asleep? I know this is very sudden, but… but you see every young mare dreams of their first time with a stallion. It’s supposed to be an absolutely magical time for them both. And afterwards the mare falls asleep in the stallion’s embrace.”

The smile suddenly fades from her face as she looks down at her hooves.

“But as you know, my first time was taken from me. I… have absolutely no memory of that event. And although I can never get that time back, I was hoping you would… hold me in your arms as we fall asleep.”

“Why me? As beautiful a mare as you are there’s probably no shortage of stallions looking to date you.”

Rarity nods as she soberly looks up at Arc. “Yes. But I… I don’t feel safe going out with a stallion I don’t know. You… you I can trust completely with my body, as you’ve already turned down my sexual advances in the past.”

She smiles again, a glint of hope in her luminous blue eyes.

“So… would you?”

“Well… okay. But only if we just lie there and talk.”

Rarity’s eyes light up. “Yes, of course!”

Arc carefully lies back as Rarity pulls the covers over them. She lays her head on his chest and drapes a hoof over his belly. Arc puts an arm around her.

“Comfortable?”

Rarity does not opens her eyes, but nods. A wistful smile spreads over her face.

“Absolutely amazing! I’ve never felt so… secure before in all my life!”

They lie there for a time silently. Eventually Arc speaks.

“I’m really sorry for what happened to you back then.”

Rarity nods. “As am I. But I’ve learned not to think about what I can’t change too much.”

“That can’t be easy.”

“It’s not. Sweetie Belle is a living reminder of that night. But I do love her with all my heart and soul.”

“I can tell. She’s a very happy filly, after all.”

“Her and her friends are, yes.”

Rarity suddenly appears nervous.

“Can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“It’s about a conversation Sweetie Belle and I had the other dayafter you left. We spoke about everything under the sun it seemed. But there was one bit that I haven’t been able to get out of my mind.”

“Oh?”

“She… asked if I ever thought about getting married.”

“I suppose you haven’t, based on the earlier part of that conversation.”

“The idea of marriage, yes. Whom to do it with… a bit less.”

“Trust issues?”

“Very much so.”

“Understandable.”

“I… ah… I’ve been thinking that Sweetie Belle really should have a father. Now that she knows the truth about her origins there’s even more pressure on me to settle down and find somepony special to raise her with.”

“Well, it’s better to not pick anyone than pick the wrong one.”

“Sound advice. But like I said before, I want to be able to give Sweetie Belle everything.”

“That I do understand. In my mind Dinky deserves the world.”

Rarity sighs. “It’s funny you should say that. Sweetie Belle often brings up you, Derpy, and Dinky. Forgive her for being presumptuous, but I believe she views you three as being the perfect family.”

Arc shakes his head. “Believe me, we are FAR from perfect.”

“I wouldn’t have guessed that from watching you.”

“Between Derpy’s past, Dinky’s destiny according to Kronos, my own childhood, and the experiences I’ve had as the Hero of Light, we’re all pretty messed up.”

“How do you make it work?”

Arc sighs. “All of us are broken to a degree. But by leaning on one another and helping support each other emotionally we make it work.”

“I suppose that’s easier with three of you.”

“Maybe. I’m not sure.”

“Arc? Can I confess something to you?”

“What is it?”

“This dinner together wasn’t actually my idea. Although it was very enjoyable.”

Arc sounds surprised. “Really? Who then?”

“Sweetie Belle.”

“What? Why?”

Rarity sighs. “Remember how I said she likes to look to your family as perfection? Well, she told me she wants to be a part of it.”

“How so?”

“Now please don’t be upset with my daughter, but she voiced a desire for you to become… her father.”

“Me?”

Rarity nods. “You’ve always so kind to her. It’s no wonder she gravitates toward your family. Although I think all she wants is the added stability.”

“I see. Anything else?”

Rarity turns red. “Yes, she… uh… wanted us to have dinner together so we could get… ah… better acquainted as she put it. Ultimately, I believe she was hoping you and I would… fall in love and get married.”

Arc sighs. “She doesn’t really understand how that process works though.”

“It will take time, but she’ll learn.”

“And what do you think about that?”

“Which part?”

“Finding someone and giving Sweetie Belle a father.”

“Honestly?”

“Always.”

Rarity blushes heavily. “I think her suggestion is actually quite agreeable to me.”

“You want someone too, huh?”

“Yes. For both her and I.”

“Just keep your eyes open. There’s plenty of nice stallions around the country.”

“I’m sure there are. But… she just really seems to have her heart set on you filling that role.”

“That’s sweet and all. However it needs to be someone you and her both care about.”

“I know.”

She looks up at him with a smile on her face.

“In all honesty, I am very interested in getting to know you better.”

A strange looks suddenly crosses Rarity’s face as she continues speaking, but in a slightly nervous tone.

“Is… is that okay with you, Miss Cherry?”

“She’s not in there.”

Rarity breathes a sigh of relief. “Where is she?”

“At home with Derpy and Dinky.”

She looks to him with a hopeful look on her face. “Do you think she would approve of me?”

“Cherry and I have actually had this discussion before.”

“About you and… me?!”

“No, no. About me finding someone else to spend my life with. She wants me to move on and find love elsewhere.”

“So there’s a chance we might be able to make it all work out?”

Arc sighs. “I don’t know, Rarity. With everything going on I haven’t really had time to think about dating, much less marriage.”

“Is it… the others?”

“What others?”

“Twilight, for starters.”

“She’s really nice and all, but…”

Arc thinks for a moment before continuing.

“…but she’s always so busy with her work.”

“Like you?”

“I guess. The difference is I’m looking forward to my retirement soon. For her, there’s no end in sight.”

“Alright. What about Applejack?”

“She’s my friend.”

“Is that all?”

Arc sighs. “I admit she’s very pretty and all.”

“She’s been eyeing you for quite some time, you know.”

“Yeah, I did notice. Applejack is quite the hard worker. And she’s so nice.”

“And then there’s Pinkie Pie…”

Arc sits up and looks down at Rarity. “Say what now?”

“She told all of us about how the two of you kissed back at the hospital.”

“Did she also mention that I was doing it to save her life?”

“Yes, she did. But a mare’s first kiss is always very special. It’s something one remembers until the day they die.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Perhaps it’s different with humans?”

Arc sighs. “No. We remember big events like that too.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Kinda. My first kiss was…”

Arc looks down and lowers his voice.

“…with Cherry that night at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “I’m so sorry, Arc! As charming as you are, I just assumed you’d had plenty of… love interests.”

Arc shakes his head as he lies back down. “No. Cherry was the first.”

They are silent for a time.

“So Pinkie thinks highly of me, huh?”

“Very much so. To be honest, I thought you and her were kind of an item for a while there.”

“Really? How so?”

“Well… she told us how you followed her upstairs to her room, so naturally we all just thought that you two had… spent some quality time together.”

Arc sighs. “Does everyone network about my personal life?”

“Just our friends as far as I know. The six of us are very close, after all. Whether that’s due to the Elements of Harmony or our deep friendship is beyond me.”

“So… is there anyone else you want to tell me about?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, does anyone else have an interest?”

Rarity sighs. “Well… just one other that I know of.”

Arc chuckles. “Who? Rainbow Dash?”

“How did you know?!”

“I didn’t. That was a joke.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my! And I just admitted to…!”

“Truthfully, I had no idea about her. When did this happen?”

“After the whole… incident awhile back.”

“That again?”

“Yes. You really made quite the impression on everypony the way you handled… um… us, I suppose.”

“I might regret asking this but what does Rainbow Dash say about me?”

“Not much. But she always smiles whenever you come up in conversations.”

“That doesn’t really mean she likes me any more than before though.”

Rarity giggles. “Pinkie says otherwise.”

“Oh?”

“Supposedly she became all left-hooves when the two of them were baking a while back. You were the topic of conversation at the time. Coincidence?”

“Maybe.”

“Well, that’s what you think. But I think you should have a talk with her about this.”

“How? I mean… what would I even say? Hey there Rainbow Dash! Rarity says you like me! Wanna go out?”

“Well, maybe not that direct, but…”

“Rarity, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Why are you telling me all this?”

“I… it’s complicated.”

“Try explaining it.”

“As I said before, my friends are very dear to me. Their thoughts and feelings are precious beyond measure.”

Rarity sighs.

“They should have a chance to… impress you.”

“What about you?”

“I’m smitten, of course! But… I don’t know…”

“Does it have anything to do with you being the Element of Generosity?”

“Maybe.”

“Sometimes you have to worry about yourself too, Rarity. I mean, I’m sure they want you to be happy.”

She lays her head back down on his chest and smiles up at him. “Truth be told, I’m very happy right now lying here with you.”

“And this is all you want?”

Rarity sighs wistfully as she gently nuzzles his chest. “We can talk about that another time. Right now all I want is to live in this moment.”

“Should we get some sleep now? We’ve both had quite a week.”

“Quite an evening too.”

“I can tell you’re tired.”

“Mhm. And you?”

“Yeah.”

Arc reaches out toward the light switch and flicks it off with his magic. The moonlight shining through the window spills over the wood floor as their eyes adjust to the darkness. Rarity look up to him.

“Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”

“I’m taking Derpy and Dinky out for cupcakes after breakfast and then the park.”

“That sounds lovely.”

“Would you like to come by with Sweetie Belle?”

“To the park?”

“Sure. I believe she and Dinky would have a lot of fun together.”

“What time were you thinking?”

“Sometime mid-morning. We’re just kinda winging it.”

“Alright. It’s a date then.”

“Yup. Well, let’s get some sleep now.”

“Good night, Arc.”

“Good night Rarity.”

A short time later Arc falls asleep. Rarity lies awake for some time just staring up at Arc’s face in the moonlight.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us.”

She smiles and closes her eyes. A few moments later the smile fades and her eyes shoot open. A look of desperation and a gasp emerge as she mutters to herself.

“Wait a moment! Arc said he was taking Dinky AND her mother to the park tomorrow!”

Rarity shudders as she squeezes her eyes shut.

“How… however am I supposed to explain this to Derpy?!”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 7 - Awkward Day Off

About 3 A.M. Rarity’s alarm clock rings. She slowly opens her eyes and turns it off with a flick of her hoof. Lying back down she presses her face against Arc’s chest as he yawns.

“Morning already?”

Rarity sighs. “Not exactly.”

“Oh… sorry. I thought I heard ringing.”

Rarity nuzzles him. “You did. I was planning to get some work done before heading over to your base this morning.”

Arc sits up. “Work pilling up?”

“A bit, yes. I know I need to get up, but I really don’t want to. Sorry for waking you.”

“Well, I should get back to Derpy’s house anyways.”

He reaches for the bedside lamp. Rarity’s eyes grow wide. In a flash she jumps on top of Arc, desperation in her voice.

“STOP!”

“What’s wrong? All I’m trying to do is get some light.”

“It’s just… you can’t do that?”

“Why not?”

“Because then you’d see…! I… don’t… I’m not…”

“Rarity, you’re not making any sense.”

“You can’t see me like this! My mane and tail aren’t brushed yet!”

“I’m sure I don’t look any better right now.”

“That may be. But I never let anypony see me before I’ve showered and done my makeup!”

Arc sighs. “Very well.”

Rarity turns to roll off the bed but stops.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“I… I suppose… I mean… considering we spent the night together, I could… let you see. Just please don’t tell anypony!”

“Okay. Promise.”

Arc reaches again for the lamp. Rarity turns away as he presses the button. The light illuminates the area around the bed. Arc looks to see Rarity’s back.

“Your mane really doesn’t look all that bad right now.”

“Maybe. But you haven’t seen the front.”

“That’s because you’re facing away from me.”

Rarity slowly turns to Arc. Her mane is matted and her mascara smeared everywhere. She forces a tiny smile.

“I suppose I must look a fright.”

“Nothing a quick shower wouldn’t fix. Not that I look any better, I’m sure.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “You still look very handsome. But you should probably get home and put on some clothes before you catch a cold.”

Arc nods as he stands. “Yeah. I… uh… I’ll do that.”

Rarity looks him up and down. “Can I lend you a blanket?”

“No thanks. I’ll just use this.”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out a magic cloak. He quickly puts it on.

“Well, thank you for dinner. So I’ll see you later today?”

“Y-yes! I’ll be there with Sweetie Belle. And don’t worry about your suit. I’ll do my very best to get the stains out.”

“Thanks. We’ll have to do this again sometime. Have dinner, I mean!”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Yes, I’d like that. Can I see you to the door?”

“No thanks. I’ll just Blink out here. See you later.”

Arc cloaks and Blinks onto Rarity’s front lawn. Turning around he looks back to the glow in the window.

“Rarity. What an interesting mare.”

Turning, Arc quickly makes his way toward Derpy’s house through the cool morning air. The glow of the fireplace can be seen through the front windows. Arc Blinks inside and looks toward the couch. Eidolon’s Ward sits there waiting for him.

“Welcome home. You’re certainly late.”

Arc decloaks. “Y-yeah. I, uh… had quite a night.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Judging from the late hour I can just imagine.”

Arc looks around. “Where’s Derpy?”

“She lay down a few minutes after you left. I carried her to your bed with Dinky.”

“Thanks. Truth be told I really don’t like her sleeping out here on the floor.”

“Me either. That’s why I put her to bed.”

Arc slowly walks over to the fireplace to warm himself.

“So how did your date go?”

“Um… better and worse than I thought it would.”

“Arc? That doesn’t make sense.”

“Better inasmuch that I really did have a good time.”

He pulls aside his cloak sheepishly to reveal his shorts as he blushes.

“Worse, as I… um…”

“If I were still alive, I’d be very upset with you right now.”

“Sorry, Cherry.”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its helmet. “But I’m not. Arc, I told you to see others and move on, remember?”

She pauses before continuing.

“But this is further than I thought you would go on a first date.”

Arc hangs his head. “I guess this looks pretty bad.”

“That it does. Thankfully you came back before Derpy and Dinky got up. Now I understand that you have certain needs, but you can’t let Dinky see you come home like this.”

“Yeah, you’re right. It doesn’t set a good example.”

“Now that I have that out of the way, how did it go?”

“In my defense, nothing happened.”

“You didn’t sleep with Rarity?”

““What?! No! Uh… kinda. Look, it’s complicated.”

“Do you want me to stay away from those memories when I get back in your head? I’m perfectly fine with you having these secrets.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. You should know what happened. But would you mind if I put my armor on first?”

“If you want to. But why?”

Arc removes the cloak and stashes it neatly in his ring. “This is why. Remember?”

Eidolon’s Ward stands and walks toward his Bedroom door, giggling. “I’ll get you something to wear.”

“No. I don’t want to risk waking them up. They need their sleep.”

“Okay. If that’s what you want.”

Arc walks over to his armor. It melts away as he steps inside. Walking back to the couch he sits down.

“Go ahead and check my mind for the events of last night, Cherry.”

“I’m not sure if I should.”

“Trust me. You have to see this.”

Cherry is silent for a few minutes. Arc clears his throat.

“So what do you think?”

“I… wouldn’t have guessed it. You and Rarity really hit it off.”

Arc chuckles nervously. “Are you angry?”

“Not in the least. She’s a very nice young mare, after all. You two were very cute lying in her bed together too.”

Arc blushes. “Uh… can we keep that part between us please?”

“Of course. I do have one question though.”

“What’s that?”

“Why didn’t you just pop back to Light’s Hope for a change of clothes? I know you keep spares there.”

“I left you my armor. No sigil making gauntlet, remember?”

“Oh… right. Sorry about that.”

“No, no! I want you to have freedom of movement for times like that. Just sitting in a helmet has to be so boring.”

“Thank you for thinking of me. But I suppose now you’ll have to think about Rarity too.”

“I guess so.”

“So… do you love her?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, I do care about her. Until last night I never really thought about her romantically though.”

“What changed?”

“I saw her in a different light. She’s quite the dinner companion after all.”

“Rarity’s also quite the looker too”.

“Yeah. Another thing I never really noticed before. But putting that aside, she has quite a deep personality. I always knew she was generous with her belongings. But I didn’t know just how much zest for life she contained.”

“Considering what was done to her in the past, I’m really impressed that she was able to move on with her life.”

“Yeah. Wait, what?!”

“After she was raped in that dorm room. What else would I mean?”

“Oh no! Cherry, you have to promise me you won’t tell anyone else about that! Rarity trusted me with that secret!”

“I will. She deserves that much. But what are you going to do about her request?”

“Well… first I want to get to know her better. I’m sure she’d like the same. But right now we should probably head to Light’s Hope and get some clothes”

Cherry giggles. “Very well. But I’m rather enjoying this.”

“Enjoying what?”

“The feeling of your skin.”

“What?! I thought you couldn’t feel anything!”

“I’m kidding, silly!”

“Everyone’s a comedian.”

Arc raises his gauntlet and teleports to his quarters in Light’s Hope. Quickly putting on some clothes he returns to Derpy’s house and dozes on the couch for a couple hours. Sometime later the Bedroom door opens and Dinky runs out.

“Dad!”

She jumps on Arc’s stomach as he opens his eyes.

“Did you have a nice time at Miss Rarity’s house?!”

“Ah, yes. It was a very… interesting evening.”

Derpy walks over happily. “Good morning, Arc. Did you get home late?”

“Yup. I… ah… didn’t want to wake you two. So I just kinda camped out here on the couch.”

Dinky wrinkles her nose. “What’s that smell?”

Derpy sniffs the air. “I don’t know.”

“It’s coming from you, dad!”

“Uh… that’s kinda complicated. Why don’t I explain it over breakfast?”

Dinky hops down and trots happily over to the Kitchen. “Okay! I can’t wait to hear all about your date!”

“It wasn’t a...! Okay it kinda was.”

Derpy looks over from the stove where she is setting out a skillet. “Did you have fun?”

“More than I thought I would, yes.”

Dinky looks to him as she helps her father set the table. “What do adults do on dates?”

“Well, a lot of talking. And there’s usually a meal involved.”

“Why’s that?”

“If gives you something to do to fill any awkward silences or breaks in the conversation mostly. That and who doesn’t love eating?”

Cherry giggles. “That’s Arc for you!”

Derpy calls out from the stove where she is cooking eggs. “Are dates fun?”

“Huh?”

“I… uh… I’ve never been on one.”

“Oh, right. Um… that was actually my first time.”

“Really, dad? You didn’t have any marefriends back on Earth?”

“Nope.”

Derpy appears surprised. “What about Shelly and Lily?”

Dinky nods. “Right! They’re girls!”

“Well, I have gone out to dinner with them many times. But that was just as friends.”

Derpy looks confused. “What’s the difference?”

“Between a girlfriend and a friend who is a girl?”

“Right.”

“Well… that’s a tough one.”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“A girlfriend is someone whom you… um… care about. And… ah… go out with on dates with… I guess.”

“How is that different than what you do with Miss Shelly and Miss Lily?”

“I suppose the only real difference would be when you go out with a girlfriend you’re looking for romance.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin. “Romance. I’m not really sure what that word means.”

“Me either. Dad?”

“Romance is… I guess a special kind of attraction one has for another. A different kind of love.”

“There’s different kinds of love, Arc?”

“Oh yes. For example, I love cupcakes. But I’m not romantically in love with them. Similarly, someone who has a pet might care for and love them. But they don’t feel romantically attracted to them.”

“This is really complicated. Do you get it, mom?”

Derpy walks toward the table with a plate of eggs. “Kinda. But frankly I think I’m just as confused as you are, sweetie.”

“Sorry. I can’t really think of any other way to explain it.”

Derpy smiles at him as she sits down. “Thank you for trying though, Arc.”

“Yeah dad. But what IS that smell on you?!”

Arc sighs as he serves Dinky some eggs. “Well, after dinner Rarity brought out a cake and tea.”

“Was it good?!”

“I have no idea. We never got to eat any of it.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Well, she tripped and dropped the tray. And by dropped I really mean threw straight up.”

Dinky gasps. “Was she okay?!”

“Yeah. I Blinked over and saved her from taking the tea in her face. But my back wasn’t too happy about it. “

Derpy drops her fork and hurries over to him. “Are you okay?!”

“Yeah. She led me to her shower to stop the blistering and then put some kind of magical cream on me. That’s what you’re smelling. No idea what was in that stuff, but it worked really well.”

Arc lifts his shirt as Derpy examines his back.

“It just looks a little red.”

Dinky grimaces. “Does it hurt, dad?!”

Arc shakes his head as he puts his shirt down. “Not really. At the moment it just kinda feels a bit warm. Like after a long, hot shower.”

“That’s good, dad! Can we still go to Sugar Cube Corner?”

“Sure. Let’s just finish breakfast first.”

Derpy smiles. “Maybe you should take a shower first, Arc. A cool one I mean.”

“That actually sounds like a good idea.”

“Dinky and I will get the dishes done while you’re doing that.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind helping.”

Dinky nods fervently. “It’s okay, dad. You look like you need it. Smells like it too.”

As suggested, Arc takes a shower while Derpy and Dinky get to the breakfast dishes.

“Mom, is dad really okay?”

“If he says he is, I believe him.”

A short time later Arc emerges from the Bathroom. Derpy and Dinky are just wiping down the counter. Arc looks at his pocket watch.

“Ready to go?”

“Yeah! Let’s have fun!”

Arc smiles at Dinky. “Lead the way, sweetheart.”

Dinky leads Arc and Derpy out the front door and toward town. A short time later they arrive at Sugar Cube Corner. Entering they find Pinkie Pie behind the counter. She greets them with her normal flair.

“Good morning everypony!”

Dinky trots up to the counter. “Hi, Miss Pinkie! My parents and I are here for some park snacks!”

“Cupcakes?!”

Derpy nods. “And some muffins too please.”

Arc steps up to the counter. “Two dozen, please.”

Pinkie looks to him as she fills a box with his order. “Would you like your regular as well, Arc?!”

“Yes, thank you.”

She trots back to the Kitchen. Arc picks up the box of muffins and holds it open. Derpy and Dinky each take one and munch away happily.

“Thank you, Arc.”

“Yeah, these are great!”

“Glad you like them.”

“Hey dad? What’s did Miss Pinkie mean when she asked about your ‘regular’?”

“Lately I’ve been ordering the same thing when I come. So it’s known as my regular order, or just regular for short.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Well, knowing you it must be awfully sweet.”

Dinky giggles. “And big!”

“Yes, well…”

The sound of hooves approaching the door can be heard. Pinkie returns to the front of the store with quite a few boxes on her back. She rounds the corner and places them on the counter.

“There you go, Arc! One gross!”

Dinky looks at the boxes suspiciously. “A… what?”

“A gross, dear.”

“What’s that, mom?

Derpy shrugs. “I have no idea, sweetie.”

Arc chuckles. “A gross is twelve dozen.”

“But that’s a hundred forty-four, dad!”

Arc grins. “I know.”

Placing a bag of bits on the counter Arc puts the boxes in his ring one by one as Pinkie looks on approvingly.

“Just enjoying the calm before the storm, Arc?!”

“Yup. Monday morning is the big day.”

Pinkie salutes him playfully. “Applejack and I are more than ready!”

“Thanks. With any luck this will summit will go well.”

“Do you really think it will?!”

Arc sighs. “No. But we’re giving it a shot anyways.”

“Come on, dad! Let’s get going!”

“Sounds like somepony’s anxious!”

“Yup. I’ll see you Sunday evening, Pinkie.”

“I’ll be there!”

Pinkie waves after them as they leave the shop. She mutters under her breath as she returns to her duties.

“I have to give it my very best! Arc will be watching! I HAVE to make a good impression!”

Meanwhile, Arc and his family make the short walk to the nearby Park. They see Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle playing together.

“Mom, can I go play?!”

“Of course, sweetie.”

Arc calls out after her. “Ask your friends if they’d like a cupcake, Dinky.”

“Okay dad!”

Dinky runs off as Arc turns to Derpy.

“Would you like to sit down?”

“Sure. I see Rarity over there at the picnic area. Would you like to say hi?”

“That I would.”

They walk over. Rarity smiles nervously as she sees Derpy.

“G-good morning you two.”

“Hello again, Rarity.”

Derpy smiles warmly at Rarity. “Good morning.”

Rarity quickly turns to Arc. “How’s you back doing? I’m dreadfully sorry about last night!”

“Oh, it’s feeling just fine. I don’t know what was in that salve you put on, but it really did the job.”

“Are you sure you’re all right?!”

Derpy nods happily at Rarity. “Yes, I took a look at his back at breakfast. It was just a little red.”

“D-did you now?”

“That I did. Thank you for taking such good care of Arc.”

Rarity looks confused. “I… it was my pleasure.”

Arc looks around. “Say, where’s Applejack?”

“She’s working. I volunteered to take Apple Bloom to the park today.”

Dinky runs up with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Good morning, Arc!”

“Did you have a nice dinner with my sister?!”

Arc nods. “It was a lot of fun, yes. I’m told that was your idea.”

Sweetie Belle nods sheepishly. “Yes, it was.”

“Well, thank you for it. And don’t worry. I took good care of her for you.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Thanks! Sorry Rarity’s kinda high-maintenance.”

Rarity blushes. “Sweetie Belle!”

“It’s true!”

“Yes, but…!”

Arc interrupts. “Why don’t we all have a few cupcakes?”

Dinky laughs. “Yeah! And muffins!”

Derpy smiles at Arc. “That does sound nice.”

Arc removes two boxes from his ring and sets them on the grass.

“Eat up everyone.”

The three fillies cheer as they eat happily. Eventually Dinky and her friends go back to playing. Rarity does her best to avoid eye contact with either Arc or Derpy.

“So… how are things going at the Orphanage, Derpy?”

“Very well. Arc asked for volunteers among his soldiers to help out in the Kitchen.”

Arc chuckles. “No shortage of helpers applied.”

Derpy nods. “Today was the first time they’re cooking breakfast without me there to watch them.”

Arc turns to look in the direction of the orphanage.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“Just looking for a column of smoke.”

Derpy giggles. “Come now. They’re doing much better. I’m going to head over there later to oversee lunch preparations though.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

Dinky runs over with a ball.

“Dad! Can you play with us?! We need a fourth for even teams!”

Arc stands up. “Sure, if you want me to.”

Derpy laughs as she calls out after them. “Have fun you two!”

The two mares watch in silence for a time. Rarity is the first to speak, but still does not make eye contact.

“So… Derpy. Did… ah… Arc say anything to you this morning about… last night?”

“About the tea?”

“Well, there was that, yes.”

“Why? Did something else happen?”

“Um… kinda. I… may have asked Arc to… ah… get into bed with me.”

Derpy smiles broadly. “I can’t really blame you. He is quite warm.”

Rarity sighs. “Derpy, I need to apologize to you.”

“Whatever for?”

“When I invited Arc to dinner, I never considered your feelings.”

“My feelings?”

“Yes. After all, you and him are very close. What with him being Dinky’s adoptive father and all, I really should have asked you before extending such an invitation. Even worse, sleeping with him!”

“It’s fine. Really! I understand your reasoning, after all.”

“You… you do?”

“Yes. Arc is quite a stallion after all. And a very nice bed mate.”

Rarity blushes. “How can you be so candid about this?! I slept with you stallionfriend for Celestia’s sake!”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I didn’t even stop to think about how this would make you feel until Arc turned off the light! Please forgive me!”

Derpy giggles. “There’s nothing to forgive, Rarity. Arc is just Dinky’s father. Not my stallionfriend.”

“What?! But… but you said he’s a nice bed mate!”

“Yes. He’s very warm. It’s always a comfort when he sleeps with me. But that’s what you were after too, right?”

“What I… wanted?”

“Yes. To be held in Arc’s comforting arms.”

“Um… pretty much, yes. And you’re okay with that?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, it’s generally considered very… uh… rude to sleep with somepony else’s stallionfriend. You would think I was trying to steal him from you!”

Derpy turns to look at Arc and the fillies running around. “If that makes him happy, then that’s what I want for him.”

Rarity’s jaw drops. “Are you serious?! You’re really okay with me… pursuing Arc this way?!”

“Completely. Just do one thing for me please.”

“What is it?”

“Make him happy.”

“I’ll certainly do my best. But I want you to do something for me too, Derpy.”

“Sure. What is it?”

Rarity turns and soberly looks Derpy directly in the eye. “Promise me that if you ever change your mind you’ll tell me right away.”

Derpy smiles and extends a hoof to Rarity.

“Deal!”

The pair shake hooves as they go back to watching Arc and the fillies play ball together.

Preface - Volume 22 - Diplomacy and Divergence

In our previous volume, Arc recruits Rarity to aid him in the preparations at Light’s Hope for the upcoming peace summit. The pair head to his base to find it bustling with activity. Seeking a quiet place in which to talk they take the plans to Arc’s new ship, The Equinox. Giving Rarity a bit of time to rest, he heads to the Bridge to inquire about the ship’s security. Meeting with Lieutenant Trixie in the captain’s office he listens to her findings before taking her aside to speak privately. Trixie confesses here desire not to rise up the ranks, but to remain with her friend, Shining Armor.

Rarity and Arc call in Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash to help with the preparations. They announce that this even must succeed where the previous one failed. Princess Cadance arrives to inspect their progress. Asking for time to rest, she admits that there is a matter of great personal urgency that she must discuss with Arc privately.

Cadance confesses to Arc her inability to sleep with Shining Armor temporarily stationed at Light’s Hope. Over lunch Arc suggests Cadance remain at Light’s Hope in an effort to give her time with Shining Armor. She calls Luna for permission to stay and learn about his job securing the facility. That evening Arc allows Cadance and Twilight to use his quarters aboard The Equinox in an effort to provide a secure location for them. Leaving the ship Arc bumps into the rest of Twilight’s friends. They depart to return home as Rarity hangs back for a bit. She re-extends her invitation for dinner to Arc, which he accepts for the coming Friday.

The next day Arc and Shining Armor show Cadance the proper procedures for making the base ready for an royal event. She learns how rooms are inspected, how good are checked in, and how they are filed. As she and Shining Armor leave the room to join Twilight in the yak’s room Arc orders the Royal Guards to leave. He and Flash Sentry speak of Raven’s condition and her aversion to being present due to Goldstone’s assumed visit. Flash Sentry reveals a sapphire pendant he bought for Raven, and requests a future discharge after Princess Celestia returns. He announces his intention to ask for Raven’s hoof in marriage and plans to settle down together in Ponyville. Arc confides having similar plans to his lieutenant and approves his request.

Arc heads to Rarity’s shop for a late evening dinner. She greets him in a stunning dress (ironically the same one she wore to the Grand Galloping Gala, but I digress). They discuss the work done at Light’s Hope along with the upcoming summit. Asking Rarity to be on hand during the summit in case of an on the fly change, she accepts before heading to the kitchen to check on the meal. Sassy Saddles, having made all the culinary preparations earlier, encourages Rarity not to talk about work in an effort to help them both relax. After dinner Rarity returns with a pot of tea and a cake from Sugar Cube Corner. However, upon her return she slips causing the tea set and its contents to fly up into the air.

Rushing forward, or presumably Blinking forward, Arc shields Rarity with his body. He takes the scalding hot coffee squarely on his back. Rarity rushes him upstairs and into a cool shower. Disrobing, Arc wraps a towel around his midsection and carefully heads to Rarity’s bedroom. Lying down, his hostess medicates his back as she laments her failure to give him something so simple as a nice dinner. Arc forgives her, and even goes so far as to indulge the sad mare in a rather salacious request… that Arc spend the night with her.

Very early the next morning Arc returns to Derpy’s house. His armor sits on the couch waiting for him. Cherry chastises him for staying out so late, as it sets a bad example for Dinky. He confesses his actions the previous night and allows Cherry to see the memories for himself. Heading to Light’s Hope for a change of clothes, he returns and rests on the couch. Derpy and Dinky awaken and make breakfast together before the little family heads out to Sugar Cube Corner for park snacks. Arriving, they find Rarity there with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. When Arc goes to play with Dinky and her friends Rarity confesses to Derpy her actions regarding Arc. Derpy, understanding completely, gives her blessing to Rarity asking that she make Arc happy.

However, many questions still remain. How will Rarity juggle her career and new family life? Will the peace summit be a success? How will Twilight take the news that her brother and Cadance are an item? What other ideas does Sweetie Belle have for her mother? Will Arc be able to finally get justice for Raven? Do Arc and Rarity have a chance at a real future together?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Lunar Arrival

The next morning Arc meets Twilight and her friends in front of Light’s Hope. Rainbow Dash looks around.

“The weather’s sure getting warmer.”

Twilight looks over sheepishly. “Is it? Sorry, but I haven’t been getting outside very often lately.”

Rarity sighs. “Twilight, we REALLY need to get you out of your lab for a spa day, or something.”

Applejack nods. “Right! You’re underground so often I’m surprised you haven’t grown roots.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Come on now, girls. Everypony has their reasons for doing what they do.”

Pinkie looks off into the distance. “Is that the moon?”

Fluttershy runs and hides behind Rainbow Dash.

“Eep!”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Good one, Pinkie!”

Arc looks over. “What are you afraid of? It’s far too early in the day for the moon to be out, Fluttershy.”

“Oh… I suppose that’s right.”

She slowly stands up and frowns.

“Please don’t do that Pinkie.”

“But it’s fun!”

Flash Sentry steps out of the base with Shining Armor and Cadance. They approach Arc and salute.

“Sir! We’ve just received word from the Lunar Destiny. They’ll be arriving in just a few minutes.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Do you think we’re ready?”

Cadance sighs. “As much as we can be.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. So no more worrying about it.”

Rarity offers up a forced smile. “Arc’s right. The princess will…”

Twilight pricks up her ears. “I hear the ship!”

Pinkie grins. “Goody!”

Applejack turns to Rarity. “I sure hope the diplomats like our food.”

“And their accommodations.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Are you kidding?! As hard as we worked on this, we should have nothing to worry about! Uh… right, Arc?”

“Everyone did their best. Worrying now won’t change anything.”

Cadance smiles. “Well, I for one am very proud of all of you. This project came together very quickly.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right.”

A short time later the Lunar Destiny touches down on the landing pad next to The Equinox. Shortly thereafter the gangplank is extended and Luna stoically steps out flanked by two Lunar Defenders. Shining Armor steps forward and bows as he removes his helmet. Everyone else assembled also bows other than Arc and Cadance.

“Welcome, your highness. Everything is ready for the summit tomorrow.”

Luna nods curtly. “Very good, captain.”

Arc and Cadance step forward.

“Hello, Luna.”

Luna looks to her. “Cadance. Have you enjoyed your… learning experience?”

“I have. In fact, I’d like to talk to you about that when we have more time.”

Luna turns to Arc.

“I’d like to see what you’ve come up with, Arc.”

“Right this way, Princess Luna.”

Shining Armor leads the procession into the Main Hall. Twilight and her friends lag behind them as Arc turns to Luna.

“Twilight spent a lot of time researching what should hopefully be the most warm and inviting entryway for all the races.”

Twilight walks over to join Arc. “Y-yes, I did.”

“I see. And are you certain about your choices?”

“As certain as I can be, Princess Luna.”

Shining Armor turns to Luna. “It certainly wasn’t easy to do, as customs of one race might be in stark contrast to others.”

Arc nods. “A balancing act, if you will.”

Luna looks around. “Very nice. Did you organize the alteration of this room, Arc?”

“No. That was handled by Rarity. She’s our town’s… fashionista.”

Cadance turns to Rarity. “Well it looks like you did an amazing job.”

“Thank you, your highness. I did my very best to assemble everything as per Twilight’s research notes.”

Shining Armor gestures to the adjoining corridor. “As per your instructions, we’ve also modified the VIP suites to meet the very different needs of our guests.”

“I would like to see these rooms for myself.”

Arc motions for Luna to follow him. “Right this way.”

Shining Armor leads Cadance and Luna down the corridor as Arc gestures to Rarity to follow them. The others look to Twilight as they step outside for some fresh air. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak.

“Princess Luna is kinda on edge today.”

Twilight sighs. “You thought so too? I just figured it was because she didn’t like me, or something.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Who couldn’t like you, sugarcube?”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah, Twilight! You’re awesome!”

“Thanks. But she and I have never really gotten along.”

Fluttershy frowns. “I think you mentioned that a while back, Twilight. You mean things are still not right between you and her?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I was kinda hoping to impress her by doing a good job here. Maybe then things won’t be so awkward between us.”

Applejack looks to Twilight reassuringly. “Pinkie and I will make sure the food is perfect.”

“That we will!”

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “She’ll be so happy with the awesome job we did here that she’ll see you in a whole new light!”

Fluttershy nods. “Is there anything else we can do to help you Twilight?”

“At the moment I’m not sure. Princess Luna will probably want some changes to what we’ve done after her tour.”

Applejack looks toward the building. “We’ll wait here then and help you out.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah!”

Meanwhile, Arc, Shining Armor, Rarity, and the princesses walk down the corridor. Luna turns to the captain.

“Can I assume you’ve taken all the necessary security precautions?”

“Yes, your highness. My soldiers and I have gone over every inch of this base.”

Cadance nods. “I can attest to that, Luna. Shining Armor was very thorough in his inspections this week.”

Arc chuckles. “To be honest, the base was already very secure thanks to Lieutenant Flash Sentry’s previous preparations.”

They stop in front of a door. Rarity steps forward.

“This room is for the dignitaries from the Griffon Kingdom.”

She pushes the door open and they step into the room. To say it’s lavish would be an understatement.

“This room contains the best of everything, your majesty.”

Luna turns to Rarity angrily. “This appears VERY costly! Do you think Canterlot is made of bits?!”

Rarity shrinks back in fear. “N-no, your highness! It’s just… I, um…”

Arc moves to stand next to Rarity. “Begging your pardon, Princess Luna, but I signed off on the plans for this.”

“What?! Why would you…?!”

“This is how the aristocracy of the Griffon Kingdom lives. To be honest with you, Lord Gestal’s bedroom was certainly much more lavish than this is.”

Cadance gasps. “It must have been a sight to behold.”

“Indeed it was, Princess Cadance.”

Luna sighs and nods soberly. “Very well. I will overlook it as a… necessary expense.”

She turns to leave the room. Rarity looks up to Arc and silently mouths the words ‘thank you’. Shining Armor leads the way down the hall.

“Tell me, how is security being handled, Captain Shining Armor?”

“We’ve set up cameras all over the base. They’re all routed through a temporary Security Center in Arc’s Office.”

“And patrols?”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Standard two hour rotation with squads of four reporting directly to their sergeant.”

“And how many squads?”

“Twenty-four”

Shining Armor nods. “Princess Cadance is correct.

Arc turns to Luna. “I do believe we’re as ready as we can be for whatever comes our way.”

“Yes. That and it appears Cadance took her lessons to heart.”

Cadance nods. “I did. And it gave me a new appreciation for what it takes to make a facility ready for us, Luna.”

“Indeed. Very good, Cadance.”

She turns to Shining Armor.

“Food?”

“Are you hungry, Princess Luna? Lunch isn’t scheduled for another hour, but we can…”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “I believe the princess is asking about food for the summit, Shining Armor.”

Luna rolls her eyes. “That I was.”

“Oh… well, the pantry and deep freezer have been fully stocked with everything needed to make traditional meals for our guests.”

“What about medical staff?”

Arc steps forward. “Nurse Redheart will be on standby abord The Equinox. She reports the Infirmary is fully prepared to treat any injury or illness, as I don’t actually have medical facilities here at Light’s Hope.”

Luna nods. “As an additional precaution I’ll be ordering the Lunar Destiny to maintain an orbit around the building. Their instruments will continually scan the grounds and the building itself.”

Cadance turns to Luna, confused. “Why the building?”

“So we can keep tabs on everypony inside. Should trouble arise we need to know exactly what happened and form a strategy to defend the facility in the blink of an eye. Who will be in charge of overseeing security?”

“Lieutenant Flash Sentry will be in command of the grounds via The Equinox while Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage will head the Security Center with Rose.”

Luna stops walking and turns to him. “You’re putting an awful lot of faith in a machine, Arc.”

“I understand that. However she’s proven herself to me on numerous occasions that were both dangerous and not.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Would you like somepony else assigned, princess?”

Luna shakes her head as they continue on. “No. This is Arc’s base. He will staff it as he sees fit.”

She turns to look apologetically at Arc.

“No offense was implied to you or Rose.”

Rarity looks confused as she follows behind the group and mutters to herself.

“Arc was able to effortlessly convince Princess Luna of Rose’s qualifications. She must really hold his word in high regard.”

A short time later the group arrives at the Cafeteria. The small tables have been removed and single long dining table has taken their place. Arc gestures to it.

“We’ve done away with the previous idea of each delegation having a single table in favor of a more unified dining arrangement.”

Luna frowns as she looks around the room. “I see. While I admire the thought that went into this, it may be a bit premature to expect everypony to get along well enough to break bread together. Tell me, who’s idea was this?”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide as she silently shakes her head no. Arc sighs.

“The idea was…”

Cadance interrupts. “Mine. I suggested it would be a good idea to eat as one in an effort to forge cooperation.”

Luna shakes her head. “While I applaud you for making an thoughtful suggestion, Cadance, I believe this one is going a bit too far.”

Rarity breathes a sigh of relief as Shining Armor turns to Luna.

“Should we change this, your highness?”

“Light’s Hope is Arc’s base. That is up to him.”

Arc turns to Rarity. “As Princess Luna suggests, we’ll go back to the original seating arrangement.”

Rarity nods. “I’ll see to it personally.”

“Thank you. We’ll also be removing the buffet prior to the summit. The waitstaff from Canterlot will handle serving the food.”

Rarity pulls out a notepad. “I’ll see to it the table and furnishings are moved to the Armory.”

“Very good.”

He turns to Luna.

“What do you think of our layout thus far, princess? Any changes or other questions?”

“A few, yes. For starters, what about our own soldier’s meals? Are they eating in the barracks?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No, your highness.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “The Equinox’s onboard Cafeteria will serve as their Mess Hall and temporary sleeping quarters.”

“Is Tight Ship commanding the soldiers?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I felt it would be too much for him to coordinate in addition to the ship’s crew. For day to day activities, and in the event of an emergency, Lieutenant Trixie will be charge of keeping the ship secure and the troops organized.”

“Good thinking. What of the flight plan to pick up the dignitaries?”

Cadance points a hoof toward the window. “Captain Tight Ship already has his orders in that regard. He’s plotted courses to assure both The Equinox and the Lunar Destiny arrive at the same time.”

Shining Armor nods. “We were afraid if the ships landed one before the other dignitaries on the second ship would view it as a slight against their position.”

Luna sighs. “They probably would.”

Arc nods. “I’ve already spoken with Tight Ship. He’s confident that the ships can land in tandem on the landing pad.”

Cadance smiles. “If he says it can be done, we should believe him.”

Luna smiles. “Agreed. Well, it appears all of you were successful in putting everything together. I just have one last question Arc.”

“Yes?”

“When we passed the VIP quarters I noticed you had prepared a place for every dignitary. However, where exactly are Cadance and I supposed to sleep?”

Rarity’s pupils shrink as Arc sighs.

“That’s been bothering me this whole time. I have three possible solutions, none of which I particularly like. And the choice is yours.”

He clears his throat before continuing.

“One. You could sleep in your rooms back in Canterlot Castle and allow me to teleport you to Light’s Hope Daily.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “That is certainly an idea.”

“Yes. However that hinges on you being available and able to do that every day. Should something happen that required our immediate attention you wouldn’t have time to come get us, Arc.”

“Alright. Option two. You could do as Princess Cadance has this week and sleep aboard The Equinox. Every night I teleported her straight to my quarters there. My ship has been fully secured and is certainly ready to host royalty.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “That is certainly a better idea than the first. However, I would much rather be inside the base in case of a security breech.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “It would be easier to just be able to put the base on lockdown then have to defend it in addition to The Equinox.”

Cadance sighs. “That is a valid point. What’s the third idea, Arc?”

“My apologies, but this is probably the most rational of them. Both of you are welcome to sleep in my quarters here in the base.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “I’m sorry, what?”

“My bedroom isn’t exactly big by any stretch of the imagination. But it does have two beds, is secure, soundproof, and I must say is quite cozy.”

Luna frowns. “Are you suggesting we sleep in such cramped accommodations?!”

Cadance forces a smile. “Please, Luna. It’s only for a few nights.”

Shining Armor nods. “That’s probably the best idea. We could easily secure you and the dignitaries, your highness.”

“The only other place to sleep would be in the barracks with the guards. But I’m not approving that.”

Cadance wrinkles her nose. “Neither am I.”

Shining Armor sighs. “So what shall we do, your highness?”

Luna turns Shining Armor. “I suppose we have no choice. But are you certain Cadance and I will be safe in Arc’s quarters.”

“Yes. I’ll station guards just outside in the corridor.”

Cadance looks nervous. “But those walls are soundproof. If something were to happen nopony would hear us.”

“I… ah… would be willing to sleep on the couch in the Living Room. With Arc’s permission, of course.”

It’s fine with me. Princess Luna?”

Luna thinks for a moment.

“I believe the captain’s time would be better spent making his rounds and helping coordinate security.”

“But who will guard us then?”

“I believe the base is adequately secured as it stands. We don’t have guards standing over us as we sleep in Canterlot Castle, after all.”

Shining Armor nods. “That is true, your highness. It looks like we’ve done what we can.”

Rarity walks nervously over to Luna. “Yes. Is there anything else that should be changed, your highness?”

“I don’t believe so, no. Although after lunch I would like to see for myself the culinary ideas for the summit.”

“Saffron has that covered. Applejack and Pinkie are in charge of desserts and snacks. They’re planning to serve some of what they’ve come up with for lunch today.”

“Good. Well then, shall we adjourn for now?”

They leave the Cafeteria. Arc turns to Luna as they step into the corridor.

“Would you like your things brought to my quarters now?”

Luna nods. “My Hoof Maidens will organize my luggage.”

Shining Armor nods. “I’ll send word to the Lunar Destiny for them to begin.”

“Please do.”

Shining Armor heads down the hall. Rarity follows him. As soon as they are out of earshot she sighs.

“That was a frightful experience.”

“Please forgive Princess Luna’s harsh tone back there. She’s been under a lot of stress since… you know.”

“Yes, well… we all need to do our part. I’ll show her we can be counted on in times of need.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Luna, and Cadance return to his quarters.

“Feel free to have the furniture rearranged as you see fit.”

Cadance gasps. “But this is your space, Arc!”

“Well, for now you need it more than I do. Your… Hoof Maidens may need all the space they can get to help you look your best each day.”

“Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, Arc. It is good to know we can count on you.”

“Agreed.”

Cadance turns to Luna.

“Has there been any new requests of those attending?”

“There has been one, yes.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Great… what is it?”

“The griffons, dragons, Abyssinians, and yaks have all asked for several additional guests.”

Cadance frowns. “Oh?”

Luna turns to Arc. “Yes. Forgive me, but I need you to personally extend another… invitation.”

Meanwhile, Shining Armor oversees Luna’s luggage transfer while Rarity rejoins her friends outside. Twilight turns to Rarity.

“How did it go? Did Princess Luna like what she saw?”

“For the most part, yes. Arc’s taking them to his quarters now to get settled.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Get… what now?”

Rarity nods. “They’ll be staying in his room during this time.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof at the Lunar Destiny. “Why?! I mean, they have a huge ship sitting right there!”

Fluttershy looks worried. “Is there something wrong with it?”

Rarity sighs. “Arc felt it wasn’t secure to have them going back and forth.”

“I can escort them with my party cannon if they want!”

Applejack turns to look at the base. “Maybe they should stay in there. I mean, anything could happen out here.”

Twilight looks around. “There are a thousand places to hide around here after all.”

They turn and watch the boxes being unloaded from the Lunar Destiny for a time. Rainbow Dash is the first to break the silence.

“How long is this summit supposed to be again?”

Twilight shrugs. “A few days. Why?”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof at the sheer volume of boxes. “It looks like they’re moving in!”

Applejack frowns. “That it does.”

Rarity sighs. “I’m sure Arc knows what he’s doing. We should trust his judgement.”

Fluttershy smiles “Yes, well…”

Arc walks out the front door. Spotting them he hurries over. Twilight and her friends trot over to meet him halfway.

“Everything okay, Arc?”

“For the most part yes Twilight. Um… Princess Luna did have one emergency request she wanted me to pass on to you six though.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Great. What is it now?”

“Well, you see…”

Chapter 2 - It Starts...

Author's Note

The peace summit will now commence and will conclude at the end of the volume. Please pay especially close attention to the details of the summit, as we're going to play a little game of 'Clue'. At some point during the summit a crime will be committed. You'll need to find all the clues to figure out who the guilty party is. Remember, as with any crime proof of wrongdoing will be needed for a conviction. No preconceived prejudices allowed. I do hope everyone enjoys playing this little game as much as I enjoyed writing this part.

Chapter 2 - It Starts...

The next morning Arc, the princesses, and Shining Armor stand outside Light’s Hope in the cool morning air. Arc is wearing his royal raiments with the knife Lord Gestal gave him sheathed on his belt. Shining Armor is wearing armor befitting his rank. The princesses are dressed in their royal attire for the occasion. Cadance turns to Arc as the sound of engines can be heard approaching from a distance.

“Well… no going back now.”

“Nope.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “We’ve done all we can to prepare, your highness.”

Luna takes a deep breath. “Agreed. Let’s not think any more on what we could have done, and just focus on the here and now.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Lemon Heart’s voice rings out.

“Equinox to ground. We’re nearing you position. Any movement down there, sir?”

“None. You’re clear to land. Coordinate with the Lunar Destiny as ordered and begin your landing procedure.”

“Yes sir. ETA five minutes.”

“See you then. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. A few minutes later the two mammoth ships set down together. Their gangplanks are lowered and the representatives emerge from the ship. The princesses along with Arc move to greet them. Shining Armor positions himself next to Cadance as Arc stands with Luna. King Felix and Queen Fiona are the first to disembark the Lunar Destiny followed by a shrunken (roughly the size of Arc) Hydra Prim Ikis with the Marquis. Behind them are Matriarch Iris flanked by Kane and Sereb. Ember follows them from a distance with Brightwing and another younger dragon whom Arc does not know. She is wearing new ceremonial armor for the occasion. Luna nods respectfully as she greets them.

“Welcome to Equestria. If everypony will please follow me inside our secure facility we can become better acquainted.”

As they turn to head inside Arc looks to The Equinox. He mutters to himself.

“I wonder why no one’s getting off my ship.”

Arc stops and touches his earring.

“Arc to Equinox.”

“Equinox here. Go ahead, sir.”

“Is there trouble aboard, Lemon Hearts? Your passengers haven’t disembarked yet.”

Soarin approaches the comm. “No, sir. Our passengers are making their way to the hatch now.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

A few minutes later Prince Rutherford and Yona walk out onto the deck. They proceed down the gangplank and approach Arc.

“Hello again, Prince Rutherford.”

“Hmph! Where all snow go?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… its spring.”

Yona frowns. “So? What that have to do with it?”

She looks at the ground.

“What green stuff?”

“That’s called grass, miss. It grows as long as there isn’t snow on the ground.”

Arc turns to Prince Rutherford.

“Anyone else coming?”

“Yak not sure. No see anyyak else during trip other than ponies.”

Arc frowns. “That’s strange. We were supposed to have…”

The sound of talons on the wood corridor can be heard approaching. Yona turns.

“Yak hear someyak else coming.”

A moment later Ghaleon emerges. He looks around a few moments before tapping a talon on the deck three times. Gestal and Goldstone step out and turn to Arc.

“Welcome, Lord Gestal… Lord Goldstone… Arbiter Ghaleon.”

Gestal nods soberly. “Thank you for inviting us to your lands, Lord Arc.”

Goldstone frowns. “Yes. It is always a… pleasure to be in the company of one’s equals.”

Ghaleon turns to Gestal. “Sir, we should get you three inside. It isn’t safe out here.”

Arc looks confused. “Three?”

Ghaleon turns and motions back into the ship. A familiar face emerges and smiles warmly at him.

“Good day, Lord Arc.”

Arc winces. “H-hello again… Lady Ashe.”

Gestal turns to Arc. “Forgive me for not notifying Canterlot of her addition. I had not originally intended to bring her. However she’s recently shown an extreme interest in learning about diplomacy, leadership, and politics.”

Ashe nods. “Yes. I’ve realized that the political realm should indeed be in my future.”

Goldstone chuckles. “It is your family’s tradition, after all.”

Arc looks away as he speaks. “I’m sure your father is very proud.”

“Indeed I am. Perhaps one day she will succeed me as head of the Council of Lords.”

Ashe warmly nods as she takes her father’s talon. “I promise to do my very best to learn all you have to teach me.”

Arc mutters under his breath as he gestures for them to follow him inside.

“I’m sure you will.”

He leads the griffons into the Main Hall. Princess Luna appears to be just finishing up a speech.

“…and I hope we can all use this time to become closer. Not only as diplomats, but as nations.”

Those assembled applaud.

“Now then, I’m sure all of you would like to settle in. My guards will show each entourage to their room. There will be refreshments in the Dining Room in one hour.”

The guards step toward their wards and lead them down the corridor. Arc approaches Luna with the griffons. Gestal nods to her cordially.

“It is good to see you again, Princess Luna.”

Goldstone nods. “Yes. Our king sends his warmest regards to you and your nation.”

“Thank you. I hope he is well.”

“Indeed. But with Lord Goldstone and I out of the country, someone has to run the nation.”

Arc clears his throat. “Understandable.”

Gestal looks to Ashe. “My daughter Ashe is here to observe and learn all she can about diplomacy.”

Luna turns to her. “Lady Ashe. Welcome to Equestria.”

“Thank you, your highness. I look forward to learning from our world’s leaders.”

Luna turns back to Gestal. “I shall order another bed brought to your accommodations for Lady Ashe.”

Ghaleon steps forward. “That may make Lady Ashe a bit… uncomfortable.”

“I am aware of that. However we don’t have any more rooms available here.”

Goldstone looks out a window at the two mammoth airships outside. “Begging the princess’ pardon, but what about your ship outside? The one we arrived on?”

Gestal nods. “Yes it appears secure, as do the grounds.”

“The Equinox is actually Lord Arc’s ship, Lord Gestal. However, while it is most certainly secure, it is currently outfitted to be our reinforcement’s Barracks and Mess Hall.”

Luna thinks for a moment.

“I will allow her to stay aboard the Lunar Destiny in one of the VIP suites there. However it will be orbiting the base during the summit.”

Arc nods. “I could shuttle her here every morning via sigil.”

“That is agreeable to me. Ashe?”

“Yes, father.”

She turns to Luna and bows respectfully.

“Thank you for being accommodating, your highness.”

Goldstone smiles. “Yes. It would appear our international relationship is getting off to a wonderful start.”

“If you’d like I can escort Lady Ashe back to The Equinox for her luggage, Princess Luna.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

Ghaleon looks to Gestal. “I will accompany them.”

“Thank you, Arbiter Ghaleon.”

He turns to Arc and extends Ashe’s talon to him.

“Lord Arc, I leave my daughter in your more than capable talons.”

Arc nods as he takes her talon in his hand. “You can count on me.”

He opens a portal to the Lunar Destiny as Ghaleon walks toward it.

“I will take point. Follow me.”

The Arbiter enters the portal. Arc and Ashe follow closely behind as the portal closes. Luna gestures down the corridor with a hoof.

“This way please.”

She leads the rest of the griffon delegation to their rooms. The Royal Guards outside the door open them and step aside. Luna leads them inside.

“We’ve done our best to provide you with proper furnishings, décor, and all the comforts of your homeland that are within our reach. I hope it is to your liking.”

Goldstone looks around.

“They are… adequate.”

Gestal nods respectfully. “Yes. Thank you, Princess Luna.”

“I shall allow you time to rest before the gathering in the Dining Room then. By your leave…”

Luna backs out of the room and nods politely as the guards close the doors. Goldstone looks out the window and smiles as he mutters to himself.

“Pleasant accommodations and a pleasant backside to watch during the summit. With any luck, Princess Cadance will be just as easy on the eyes.”

He chuckles and drools slightly.

“Nevertheless, I do hope Princess Luna and I can become closer. Much, much closer.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ghaleon, and Ashe appear on the sigil in Princess Luna’s quarters aboard the Lunar Destiny. Ashe look around and heads for the bed.

“This will do nicely, thank you. You may go, Lord Arc.”

Arc frowns. “Begging your pardon, Lady Ashe. But this is Princess Luna’s personal room aboard ship.”

“I am certain she will not mind.”

“Princess Luna offered you a VIP suite! Not her own room! Follow me!”

Ashe turns to him angrily. “Well then, you can just go back to her royal highness and tell her…!”

Ghaleon interrupts her tirade. “Ashe! Even a lord’s daughter does not have the right to sleep in the bed of a royal!”

“But…!”

Ghaleon turns huffily toward the door. “Come!”

Sighing, Ashe does as Ghaleon says. Arc follows them out the door.

“After you, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you, Arbiter Ghaleon.”

Arc leads them to a VIP suite and opens the door for her.

“This room will be yours during the summit.”

Ashe nods coolly. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome. Now then, I’ll report your presence to this vessel’s captain.”

Ghaleon turns to him. “I will join you, Lord Arc.”

Ashe calls to him from the doorway as the he and Arc walk down the corridor. “Arbiter Ghaleon, please see to it my luggage is sent over as soon as possible.”

“I am not a porter, youngling!”

Ashe glares at him.

“I’ll have you know…!”

Ghaleon stops and turns around, angrily. “You’ll have me know WHAT, youngling?!”

Ashe stops talking and shrinks back.

“Get back in your room and stay there until called for!”

“But…!”

“NOW!!!”

Ashe hurries to comply. Arc and Ghaleon continue on down the corridor. He turns to Arc and sighs.

“You’ll have to forgive Lady Ashe. She’s is… difficult to handle. But I suppose you already knew that from your earlier job of returning her home.”

“Yes. Lady Ashe is a very… headstrong young griffon.”

“HA! She’s a spoiled brat!”

“Well, you seem to know how to handle her.”

“Only from past experience. Care for some advice?”

“Sure.”

“Don’t let her get away with saying whatever stupid nonsense comes into her tiny head. When she’s wrong, she’s wrong.”

“Okay.”

“And don’t let her push you around. Lord Gestal has no sway over you or your soldiers, so you have nothing to fear from her threats.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Couldn’t she report you to her father?”

Ghaleon chuckles. “She could. But that would amount to little more than a slap on the talon for me at most.”

“You’re in a place of power with the Council of Lords?”

“Something like that. I break two things in my line of work. Political stalemates and bones.”

Arc turns to him as they approach the door to the Bridge. “So which do you do more often?”

“Stalemates. However bones are more fun. There’s more I can tell you, but another time.”

“Very well.”

Arc informs the officer in charge of their new passenger. Ghaleon turns to the officer on duty.

“Don’t be afraid of her, or her threats. She gives you trouble, just tell her you’re going to call me.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc looks to the officer. “You’re clear to take off anytime. I’ll be taking Lady Ashe to and from the ship via sigil. No need to land.”

“We’ll get underway in a few minutes, sir.”

He opens a portal. “Good.”

Arc and Ghaleon reappear on the sigil in the Main Hall as the sounds of the Lunar Destiny’s engines starting can be heard. Ghaleon looks to Arc.

“I need to tell Lord Gestal his daughter is safely in the air.”

Arc waves over a Royal Guard. “I understand. This guard will escort you there. I’ll see you in the Dining Room later.”

Ghaleon nods and turns to walk away.

“Arbiter?”

He stops and turns around. “Yes?”

“Thank you for your assistance with Lady Ashe.”

Ghaleon nods and leaves with the guard. Arc powers up the sigil again and vanishes. A short time later he returns with a guest and heads to his quarters. As they approach the guards on duty appear nervous.

“Is Princess Luna inside?”

“Y-y-yes sir.”

“Ask her if she is up to seeing a visitor with me.”

The guard nods and hurries to comply. A moment later he returns.

“The princesses will see you now.”

“Thank you.”

Arc and the guest enter the room. Luna and Cadance rise from the couch and walk over to meet the pair half way.

“Princess Luna… Princess Cadance… I’d like you to meet the ogre tribe’s representative, Prince Tugem.”

The ogre before them is roughly the size of Arc. He nods politely and bows at the waist to them before continuing.

“Good day, your highnesses.”

“We are happy to have you here, sir.”

Cadance clears her throat nervously. “Yes. Welcome to Equestria.”

“Thank you. My father, King Megut sends his regards and well-wishes to the leaders of the land of Equestria.”

Luna appears surprised. “You are familiar with us?”

“Oh yes. Your Hero of Light sent over a number of books about your history, culture, government, and economy.”

Arc nods sheepishly. “Yes, well… I didn’t stop to consider if anyone over there could read before I did so.”

Tugem chuckles. “Truthfully I am the only literate one in what you call the ‘the aqueducts’.”

Cadance gestures to the couch. “Why don’t we sit down? It would be very interesting to learn about your culture, Prince Tugem.”

The princesses sit down on one end. Arc and Tugem on the other.

“I am certain you have many questions. Please ask me anything, your highnesses.”

Luna nods. “Thank you. However, first I must apologize for our initial invasion of your domain.”

Tugem waves a hand dismissively. “Please, your highness. It’s in the past. Rest assured we do not hold the actions of a single individual against you or your land.”

Cadance appears relieved. “Thank you, sir. But might I ask why your tribe made the Aqueducts your home?”

“Yes. There are certainly more hospitable areas throughout our land.”

“That dates back to our earliest history. You see, without the written word it’s been passed down through drawings and storytellers. The ancient teachings tell of a time many generations ago when this land was inhabited by three kingdoms.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin. “The three pony races?”

“Yes. The ogres, not wishing to take sides in the conflict, kept to themselves on the outskirts of your land. We held two islands to the northwest. Sadly, the names of the towns there have long since been forgotten.”

Luna turns to Tugem. “Did the island’s leaders get along?”

“Oh yes. The chiefs of that time were what we call ‘blood-brothers’. The land produced abundant food and game for us to more than just survive, but thrive. However, this arrangement was not to last. One day from the mountains to the north strange winged creatures descended on the northern island. With them the snow of the north followed.”

Cadance looks to Luna. “Winged creatures?! Luna, do you suppose those were the wendigos of legend?!”

“Most likely, yes. Please continue, Prince Tugem.”

“The northern island’s warriors fought them with everything they had, but were unable to stop their onslaught. Their island’s chief sent word to the south telling them to flee and seek shelter from the Earth Pony city across what is now known as Luna Bay.”

Luna blushes slightly at this.

“Our own history tells of a great city that once stood there. It was built with defense in mind by the Earth Pony Kingdom. Tell me, did they grant your kind shelter?”

Tugem shakes his head. “Sadly, no. They guards chased the villagers away forcing them to camp outside the safety of the city’s walls. That night, as the temperature dropped, the chief had a dream. He saw a strange creature made entirely of light. It promised to lead him and his ogres to safety if they would only follow.”

Arc frowns and muses to himself. “A creature of light, huh?”

“Awakening, the chief looked outside his tent and saw a small light some distance away. Yelling for everyone to wake up, they grabbed everything they could carry and followed him toward the light. Snow had begun to fall heavily and it made seeing more than a few feet ahead impossible. As the wind picked up it became harder to keep moving. The chief ordered everything other than the food to be left behind. As they reached the city wall the light lead them to an old broken grate that was supposed a large hole in the wall.”

Luna gasps. “The aqueducts?!”

Tugem nods. “Yes. However as the last ogre entered, an avalanche from the upper wall sealed the entrance. The being of light was never seen again. Venturing deeper into the aqueducts the chief found mushrooms and various small animals.”

“Like bats?”

“Mostly cockroaches, lizards, and spiders. However meager, it was enough for them to survive on.”

Arc looks to Tugem. “Wait! Those are some of the animals that attacked me when I was down there.”

“Yes. My father apologizes for that.”

“It’s okay. But they were certainly bigger than any creatures of their kind I’ve ever seen. How did that happen?”

“We’re not really sure. Perhaps the strange creature of light had something to do with it. Or maybe those beasts you called wendigos. They were certainly exuding magical energy like nothing else that had been seen before.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Sunburst would most likely be interested in studying these creatures.”

“Indeed.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “What about that huge city? Vanhoover isn’t that big and certainly doesn’t have a wall around it.”

“Our ancestors explored the city above after the land warmed. They didn’t find anyone.”

Luna sighs. “That isn’t surprising. History records that city being abandoned and its citizens fleeing south to escape the freezing winter.”

Arc looks to Luna. “And the unification?”

“It came many years later. Long after everypony who had lived there had fled.”

Cadance nods. “The city was probably in ruins by that point. There wasn’t much left when construction began on Vanhoover.”

“That would make sense.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “Agreed. However it’s almost time to head for the Cafeteria.”

Luna smiles at him. “Where, Arc?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “The Dining Room.”

Luna nods. “Much better.”

“Come on. It’s the same thing.”

Cadance smiles. “True. But Dining Room sounds more regal. Cafeteria makes it sound more like a military base.”

“In any case, I’ll head over to the Lunar Destiny and bring Lady Ashe over.”

Luna nods. “Very well. Prince Tugem, might we escort you?”

“Yes, indeed. And thank you, your highness, for the invitation to this summit. I have long since hoped to visit your country.”

Chapter 3 - Mingling

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 4 - Dinner Guests

That evening Shining Armor stands outside the princess’ quarters as Arc walks up.

“Taking guard duty yourself?”

“It helps me stay humble, sir.”

“A wise idea. Are the princesses getting ready for supper?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes sir.”

Arc leans against the wall. “They sure do take a while.”

“That they do. Uh… please don’t tell them I said that.”

Arc grins. “Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Shining Armor looks to him, confused. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“You can go in.”

“Um… what?”

“Didn’t you come to escort them?”

“I… well, yes. But I can’t go in with them changing!”

“Why not?”

“Well, you see… um… it’s… it’s a human thing.”

“While I don’t understand, I do believe you. Would you like me to see if they’re ready yet?”

Arc nods. “Would you please? I’d appreciate it.”

“Sure. I’ll be right back, sir.”

Shining Armor enters the room as Arc breathes a sigh of relief.

“Not sure what I’m so worked up about. I mean, they don’t usually wear clothes in the first place.”

A few moments later Shining Armor opens the door.

“Both princesses are dressed and ready. However, they’d like a word with us before dinner.”

Arc steps forward. “Sure.”

Entering the room with Shining Armor Arc sees Luna and Cadance sitting in front of the fireplace in their evening gowns. They stand as he approaches.

“No, no! Please don’t get up. You both look very comfortable there.”

Luna nods. “I admit, as spartan as your quarters are, this is a nice change from the castle.”

Cadance smiles. “Yes, I agree. But we wanted to have a quick conversation with you before heading to the Dining Room.”

“What about?”

Luna is suddenly sober. “Your thoughts on how the earlier gathering went.”

“Truth be told, better than I thought it would.”

Cadance frowns. “You were expecting trouble too?”

Shining Armor sighs. “I believe we all were.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes. I even asked Rose to monitor our guest’s vitals. That way she could warn me it someone’s heart rate increased.”

“A good idea, Arc. Tell me, did anypony register?”

“I didn’t receive any calls regarding it, no.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin. “Did Rose have anything else to say about the event?”

“Only that everyone seemed far too calm considering their pasts.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t calm good?”

Cadance frowns. “Normally yes. However it could also mean they’re hiding their true intentions, right Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “Unlikely. Maintaining a calm demeanor is imperative to any diplomat. To show anger would be considered uncouth.”

Arc shrugs. “I spoke to everyone present. With the exception of Tugem and Rutherford, that is. The others seemed to be on the level.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Come to think of it, were they even there?”

“Yes. But not for very long.”

Arc frowns. “Uh oh. Did something happen?”

Shining Armor shrugs. “No idea. I did ask the guards patrolling the base at that time if they overheard anything.”

Cadance appears relieved. “Good idea, Shining Armor. What did you learn?”

“Those two spent the quite a bit of time walking the corridors together talking.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Really? What about?”

Shining Armor looks nervous. “You… might not want to know, your highnesses.”

Arc chuckles. “Come on. How bad could it have been?”

“Yes, we’d like to know as well.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “Very well. Apparently they talked at length on… um… proper battle tactics.”

Luna looks to Shining Armor, confused. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing innately, I suppose. But they had a rather detailed conversation on the most efficient way to kill an opponent.”

Cadance gasps “Oh my!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, they are both from warrior clans.”

“I understand that. However several guards were a bit put off at the talk.”

Luna frowns. “Can you elaborate?”

“Prince Tugem was of the opinion that the best way to fell an opponent was through intelligence and stealth. And Prince Rutherford believed a head-on attack was more honorable to skulking and subterfuge.”

Arc sighs. “Why am I not surprised? How long did this go on?”

“All through the gathering.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “Did they even eat?”

Shining Armor nods. “According to the guards, yes. They stepped into the Dining Room long enough to get snacks before returning to their walk.”

Arc sighs. “How could they talk that long? I mean, do you have more details on the conversation?”

“The guards were loath to talk about it, but apparently the pair talked at great length about various scenarios and how they would take down their opponent.”

Cadance taps her hood nervously. “Can you give us an example?”

“Suppose an enemy camps across from your city. They both agreed that the leader of the army should be killed. However they differed on how to do that. Prince Tugem said he would have snuck into the camp late at night as another ogre made a distraction such as setting a tent on fire as far away as possibe. In the confusion he would have snuck into the leader’s tent and slit their throat.”

Cadance gasps. “Oh my!”

Luna frowns. “And Prince Rutherford?”

“His idea would have been to gather his warriors and attack the enemy from the east at sunrise.”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “Not very imaginative.”

Arc chuckles. “It certainly is decent strategy.”

Luna looks confused. “How so?”

“That’s the direction the sun rises. Imagine having to fight an opposing army with the sun in your eyes.”

Shining Armor frowns. “A sobering thought.”

Arc is suddenly serious. “Do you believe they plan to attack one another, Shining Armor?”

“No sir. I believe it was more of a… friendly conversation. Their nations certainly are similar when you think about it.”

Luna sighs. “Thank you for reporting this to us, captain.”

Cadance nods. “Let us hope it stays at talk with them though.”

“Agreed. I’ll keep an eye on them at supper.”

Shining Armor looks to the door. “Speaking of which we should get moving soon, your highnesses.”

Luna stands up with Cadance. “Very well. Lead the way, captain.”

Shining Armor heads for the door as Luna and Cadance follow with Arc. They slowly walk toward the Dining Room together. Prince Rutherford and Prince Tugem meet them halfway. Tugem smiles and bows at the waist to the princesses.

“Your highnesses.”

The princesses nod cordially before responding.

“Good evening, Prince Tugem. Prince Rutherford.”

“Are you enjoying the summit?”

Rutherford nods. “Yah! But yak thought it would be warmer.”

Shining Armor motions to his room. “Shall I turn up the heat in your room, sir?”

Rutherford points a cloven hoof toward the window. “No! It hardly spring! How you call this gathering a summer?!”

Arc clears his throat. “Prince Rutherford, that’s summit, not summer.”

Rutherford looks confused. “What difference?”

Tugem chuckles. “A summit is where we talk about national security, regulations, diplomacy, and issues specific to our regions. Summer is a season.”

“Yak not know what all that mean.”

Arc chuckles. “We also eat while talking.”

“Yak can do that! Yak best at eating!”

Tugem laughs. “Perhaps we can continue this conversation over dinner.”

“Yah! Let’s eat!”

They enter the Dining Room to find everyone else already seated. Shining Armor leads the princesses to their table. He pulls out Cadance’s chair for her as Arc does the same for Luna.

“Will you be joining us, Shining Armor?”

Shining Armor shakes his head nervously. “I should probably check on security, Princess Cadance.”

“Have there been any breeches?”

“No, your highness. And I’ll do my best to keep it that way.”

Arc nods. “I’ll stay here if you need to attend to something.”

“Thank you sir. I’ll be back to escort the princesses back to their room.”

Cadance sighs. “Very good.”

Shining Armor leaves as several servants emerge from the Kitchen carrying covered dishes. Arc grins.

“It would appear dinner is served.”

Luna looks around. “And not a moment too soon. I do believe everypony will do well to stay full.”

Arc grins. “Agreed.”

Cadance appears confused. “Why is that, Luna?”

“Hunger makes for irritable diplomats. We would do well to keep delicacies at hoof’s reach at all times.”

Arc nods as he turns to Luna. “The Kitchen staff has been told to have a crew available at all hours. Saffron’s room is right off the Kitchen, so she’s there to oversee any difficult dish construction.”

Cadance smiles as their own meal is served. “It would appear you’ve thought of everything, Arc.”

“It was actually Saffron’s idea. She’s very dedicated to her work, after all.”

Cadance sniffs the air. “Perhaps. But may I ask what that strange smell is?”

Arc chuckles nervously. “Oh… um… that’s would be my dinner.”

He lifts the lid of his dish to expose a rather large steak. Cadance’s eyes grow wide as she instinctively puts a hoof to her mouth.

“Is… is that…?!”

Luna nods and responds in an even tone as she takes a bite of her salad. “It’s cow flesh, my dear.”

“It’s a bit disturbing.”

Luna puts down her fork and turns to her friend. “Cadance. I want you to look at what the other representatives are eating.”

Cadance does so.

“Well… um… everypony here, other than you and I, is eating animal flesh.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not completely true. Look over at Prince Rutherford.”

“I see… is that an entire salad bowl in front of him?”

Luna nods. “The yaks are herbivores like us, Cadance. But what is Prince Tugem eating?”

“A bird of some kind?”

Arc looks over to their guest. “Roast Cockatrice.”

“Yes. But how it Prince Rutherford taking it?”

“I don’t understand.”

Arc shrugs. “He looks pretty understanding of his dinner companion’s diet.”

“How?!”

Arc stands up. “Why don’t we go ask him?”

“What? Now?!”

Luna nods. “That would probably be best. A representative of our nation hasn’t properly greeted him yet.”

Cadance stands. “Very well. I’ll… say hello.”

Arc holds out his arm. Cadance takes it as the pair walk across the room to the table. Rutherford’s head is buried in the bowl. Arc clears his throat.

“Good evening you two.”

Tugem nods politely. “Hello again. What can we do for you?”

“Princess Cadance is here to say hello.”

Cadance smiles nervously. “Y-yes. As princess I wanted to come over and make sure everything was… tasting alright.

Rutherford continues eating. Yona gives him a poke. He raises his head and frowns at her.

“What?! Who poke yak?!”

“Someyak wants to speak to you, father!”

Rutherford looks around before smiling at Cadance. “Oh! Hello pretty pony princess! What you want say to yak?!”

“I just… wanted to make sure everything was to your liking.”

“Yah! Food good!”

Yona nods. “Small portions, but yak can wait for next course!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But what you two have there would feed us for a week.”

Rutherford laughs. “Not yaks fault you small. Yona eats lots. Is growing yak, after all.”

“Why you eat so much, father?”

“Have to keep up strength! Be ready for battle!”

Cadance clears her throat. “Prince Rutherford. Is it true you eat only fruits and vegetables?”

“No. Yak also eat nuts and berries!”

Tugem looks over. “Oh? Forgive me, Prince Rutherford. I was not aware of this. Does my meal bother you?”

Rutherford appears confused. “Yak not understand question.”

Cadance uses the opportunity to look away from Tugem’s plate. “He means are you upset by the sight of his food.”

Yona frowns. “Pony princess not make sense. Yak need eat. But ogre need eat too.”

Arc turns to Rutherford. “Forgive us, but I don’t believe Princess Cadance has ever seen a meal with meat in it. She wanted to know how you feel about it.”

Rutherford looks at Tugem’s plate. “It very different from yak food.”

Cadance nods. “Yes, it is.”

“Yona confused. Why pony princess ask so many questions?”

“She just wants to understand your point of view better.”

Rutherford looks at the Roast Cockatrice. “Yak understand that not everyyak do as yak do. But yak respect other culture’s methods. Yak not better in this regard. Just different.”

Cadance appears surprised. “Well then… I… just didn’t think you had given it this much thought. Thank you for explaining this to me, Prince Rutherford.”

“Father. Yona have to go to little yaks room.”

Rutherford stands up. “Come, Yona. I take you.”

He turns to Cadance.

“We be back, pony princess.”

Cadance smiles. “Yes. Take your time.”

The two yaks leave the room. Tugem turns to Cadance and lowers his voice.

“I told him this grows on a tree.”

Arc frowns. “Wait, what?”

Tugem sighs. “It was easier that way.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “But he might want to find this tree!”

“Don’t worry. I said this grows on a very tall tree in the middle of the desert. And that’s one thing yaks aren’t good at. Jumping and climbing. To say nothing for a hot climate.”

Arc chuckles. “Let me guess. You originally tried telling him the truth. Failing that you made up the story?”

“Very perceptive, sir. Please forgive my little white lie, but the yaks are very hard to convince.”

“That I can understand. We’ll let you get back to your meal now.”

Arc and Cadance return to their table. Luna looks over.

“How did it go?”

“Okay, I suppose. Tell me something, Luna. Are the yaks truly as stubborn as the tales say?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Once they get an idea it is nearly impossible to dislodge.”

Arc smiles. “But it can be done.”

“May I ask how?”

“A fist to the head.”

Luna giggles. “I do remember you telling us about that in the Lunar Realm.”

Cadance sighs. “Well, I’m not sure how I feel about using deception to achieve a resolution.”

“Such is the role of diplomacy, my dear.”

“It is?”

Luna nods. “Yes. My sister was always quite good at it. When I returned from the moon, she had numerous stories to tell regarding that very matter.”

Arc smiles. “I look forward to hearing some of them when she returns.”

“So do I.”

As dinner concludes the guests mingle amongst one another. Dessert is brought out as everyone is served cider. Arc shakes his head as a servant approaches with a tray of mugs.

“None for me, thank you.”

Gestal turns to Arc. “I don’t recall you drinking anything but water in the Griffon Kingdom as well, Lord Arc. Tell me, is this a tradition of yours?”

“Something like that, sir.”

Ghaleon nods approvingly. “A true warrior must always keep a level head. Alcohol should be reserved for medicinal use only.”

Goldstone takes a mug and smiles. “I don’t feel so good.”

He downs its contents in a few gulps. Ashe rolls her eyes as Goldstone takes another mug from the tray.

“How do you feel now?”

“Better. But I think I need a second dose.”

He drinks the mug down and tosses it back to the servant. Gestal shakes his head.

“How was it, Lord Goldstone?”

“Awful. But what can one expect from medicine, eh?”

As he reaches for another mug Ghaleon grabs his talon.

“I believe you’ve had a large enough dose.”

“Who are you to tell me…?!”

Ghaleon narrows his eyes and glares at him wordlessly.

“Y-yes, that’s enough for me.”

Arc chuckles inwardly as he mutters to himself.

“I like this guy.”

Smolder walks over angrily and sighs as she looks to Arc.

“Dragon Lord Ember would like a word with you… sir.”

“I see.”

He turns to the others.

“Please excuse me.”

Smolder walks him back to Ember. She nods to him curtly as Brightwing flutters around above her head.

“You wanted to see me, Dragon Lord?”

“I did, Lord Arc. Smolder, why don’t you find yourself something nice to eat?”

Smolder frowns as she turns to walk away. “Fine.”

“Forgive Smolder. She’s not used to the company of non-dragons.”

“It’s alright. Now was there something I could do for you?”

“Indeed. Might I see you in private? I have an issue with my accommodations.”

“Of course. What seems to be the trouble?”

Ember looks up at Brightwing.

“Brightwing, naptime.”

The little dragon giggles as she lands on the floor between them. “Yes, yes!”

In a flash the trio are Blinked to Ember’s room.

“Very good, Brightwing. Now go back to Smolder and keep her company.”

“Yes, Dragon Lord!”

With a flash of light Brightwing Blinks away. Arc turns to his friend.

“Okay, what’s wrong with your room?”

Ember takes a step back. A wicked grin spreads across her face as she undoes the leather straps holding her armor on. It clatters to the floor as she looks up at him.

“You’re not in it come sundown.”

She steps forward and wraps her arms around him.

“I missed you.”

“Ember, I… I missed you too. But we can’t be doing this right now.”

She traces his chest with a claw. “Why not?”

Arc pushes her back gently. “You know why.”

Ember sighs.

“Yeah. But there is something I needed to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“That I’m having a very hard time restraining myself.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Have you tried a cold shower?”

“Not that kind of restraint! I’m trying to tell you I want to see Goldstone’s head on my spear!”

“Oh! Well, I’m certainly glad these walls are soundproof.”

“You can’t tell me you don’t want that too!”

Arc sighs. “True. But at what cost? Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom would certainly go to war over something like that.”

Ember looks to Arc soberly. “I’ve already spoken to my father about this. Without mentioning Raven’s name, of course. And I have his permission to do whatever I wish in this matter.”

“Not sure I like where this is going.”

“I’d be willing to officially ally our two nation’s forces. The Council of Lords wouldn’t dare challenge both of us. If you brought King Felix in on this, I’m sure you’d have little trouble convincing him to join us after what Goldstone suggested to his wife. Heck, Prince Rutherford might even think higher of you if he was invited to participate. And at a single command from you, Sereb would lead the Forsaken Tribe into battle beside us.”

Arc sighs. “Ember… you know we can’t…”

“I thought you’d say that. So I’d be willing to lead the dragons against Griffonstone quickly and quietly.”

“What?!”

“There would be minimal casualties. We’d strike under the cover of darkness, of course. Before dawn Goldstone would be dead, the rest of the council and their king will have fled, and Equestria would be free to take control of the leaderless country. Heck, you could probably become the new Lord Regent over there. Sign a new treaty, free the slaves, build orphanages, and even charter schools for everyone.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember.”

Ember frowns. “Why not?! Raven would get justice along with Queen Fiona and any other victims! That and you’d be liberating a COUNTRY! We could…!”

Arc grabs Ember and roughly pushes her against a wall.

“I SAID NO!”

Ember gasps, surprised at Arc’s sudden outburst. “Wha-what?! But… but I…”

Arc looks down as he grips her shoulders. “Ember, just… stop.”

They are silent for a time. Ember shakes her head.

“Look, we both know the griffon legal system is more trouble than it’s worth.”

Arc sighs. “Don’t I know it. The princesses showed me a thick tome they received. According to them, it was directions on how to properly fill out the forms needed to bring a case to court. Those forms took up several crates!”

Ember grabs the front of Arc’s raiments. “So let’s do it my way! It’ll be over in less than a day!”

“Don’t you get it, Ember?! If we do that, we’re no different than Goldstone! Breaking the law to serve our purposes won’t encourage their citizens either! We’ll just look like more of the same to them!”

Ember shoves Arc back angrily.

“You’re an idiot sometimes, you know that?!”

“Probably. But I’d appreciate it if you’d just let me handle the problem my way. No one else needs to get hurt over this. Especially not you.”

“M-me?!”

“Wouldn’t you be leading the invasion?”

“Of course!”

“And wouldn’t that be dangerous?”

“A bit, yes. But you’ve shown me how to take a dangerous situation and make it that much less so with proper planning and careful consideration. Now I know you don’t want me to get hurt, so why not come with me?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. And you’re not going either.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “And how exactly would you stop me? Lock me up? Threaten me? Beat me? You seem to forget that I’m the future Dragon Lord! Not a citizen of Equestria!”

“Well I suppose I could lock you up until you were convinced. Threats probably wouldn’t work on you. And I’m confident I could best you in combat.”

Ember glares at him. “So what’s you plan then, huh?!”

“This.”

Arc steps forward and looks her straight in the eye.

“We’ve been through quite a bit together. In the past you’ve seen fit to question me and my decisions over and over again. But in the end you’ve always stood with me, my friend. Always trusted me. Now I’m asking you to please trust me on this matter too. While I won’t help you do this, I also admit there’s nothing I can do to stop you. So… I guess that’s all I have to say on the matter.”

Ember looks down silently for a few moments before lunging forward and wrapping her claws around Arc’s midsection. He reciprocates with a hug of his own as Ember whispers to him.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I want to resolve this as much as anyone else. But not by throwing away soldier’s lives or scrapping the peace we’ve worked so hard for. Not to mention risking your life.”

Ember presses her face against his chest. “I understand, and promise I won’t do anything rash.”

“Thank you, Ember.”

She looks up into his eyes.

“But… if this doesn’t work, I want you to know my earlier offer of a joint military operation still stands.”

“I’ll think of something.”

Ember smiles as she hugs him again. “I’m sure you will.”

They are silent for a time. A moment later the floor vibrates slightly. Ember looks to Arc, confused.

“What was that?”

Arc chuckles. “Prince Rutherford falling over?”

“Ha, ha. It feels more like a slight earthquake.”

Arc becomes serious as another vibration shakes them. “Maybe. At least it’s a small one though.”

The tremors slowly grow in frequency and intensity. Ember frowns.

“This isn’t good!”

His earring chirps. Rose’s voice comes over his earring.

“Arc! We have a problem!”

Chapter 5 - Surprise Visitors

Arc and Ember hurry back toward the Dining Room as fast as they can. He talks as they run.

“Rose, bring the base up to full alert status and order all guards inside the building or aboard one of the ships! Flash Sentry, tell Captain Tight Ship to have The Equinox to take off and take up a defensive stance to defend the facility with the Lunar Destiny! Sandstorm Mirage, keep watch over the exterior cameras! I’ll watch our guests with Shining Armor!”

Sandstorm Mirage calls out from the security office. “Yes sir!”

“Let me know when the ships are in position and all personnel are inside!”

Flash Sentry nods as he points to Tight Ship to carry out the order. “This should only take a few minutes!”

“What are we dealing with, Rose?!”

“It would appear to be seismic disturbances, Arc. However there aren’t any known fault lines nearby.”

Ember frowns. “So someone’s doing this intentionally?!”

Rose nods. “That is the logical conclusion, yes.”

Arc groans. “Great. Apparently I made someone angry.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “But who?”

“I’ll make you a list later.”

The pair enter the Dining Room. They find the princesses doing their best to keep order. Shining Armor looks to Arc as he approaches.

“Sir! What are we up against?!”

Arc turns to all assembled as they gather around him.

“Everyone please stay calm. I have my troops looking into this matter.”

Goldstone peeks out from under a table. “I thought this was supposed to be a secure facility! Now we’re under attack!”

Luna sighs. “Please, Lord Goldstone. Let’s hear Arc out on this.”

“According to my security team, it appears to be unexplained seismic activity of some kind.”

Gestal looks worried. “Is my daughter safe, Lord Arc?!

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Yes. She’s right behind you.”

He turns around, slightly embarrassed. Ashe appears nervous at the entire situation.

“Oh… of course she is.”

He takes her talon in an attempt to reassure her.

“I’m sure Lord Arc will handle this my dear. No need to be afraid.”

“Yes, father.”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Go ahead.”

Flash Sentry calls out to him as the ship takes off. “Sir, The Equinox is in the air and all personnel have fallen back to the base.”

“Good work. Any more information on what we’re dealing with here, Rose?”

“Nothing solid, no. However the tremors are worsening.”

Felix leans against a table. “That much we can feel.”

Fiona takes her husband’s paw. “Yes, indeed! It’s becoming that much harder to stand!”

“I’ll take theories, Rose!”

Rose frowns. “This is quite strange.”

“What is?”

“The tremors almost seem to have a pattern.”

Ember falls forward. Arc quickly reaches over to catch her.

“Are you all right, Dragon Lord?”

“Yes. Thank you, Lord Arc.”

He helps her up and continues talking as Ember holds onto his arm.

Flash Sentry gasps as he runs back over to the Comms Station. “Sir! Lieutenant Trixie reports movement in the Everfree Forest!”

Goldstone looks out fearfully. “See?! What did I tell you?! An attack!”

Rutherford steps forward with Yona. “Let them come! Yaks show them how to feel pain!”

“Yona help too!”

Luna turns to Arc’s earring. “Bring the base’s primary defenses online, sergeant.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

“Right away.”

Sandstorm Mirage presses a button under the desk. A moment later a barrier forms around the building. The guests gasp in surprise as Luna turns to them.

“Do not be alarmed. This is merely a magical barrier to secure the building. We will be perfectly safe here.”

Arc continues giving directions. “Call out any intel on what’s going on out there as you see it. That goes for everyone.”

Wrangler grins. “Sir, I recommend we fire a few shots into the Everfree Forest. Let whoever is in there know we mean business.”

Soarin nods. “Agreed, sir.”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“Very well. Fire one shot and we’ll re-evaluate.”

“Yes sir, I… hey! What the…?! Miss?!”

Arc frowns. “What’s going on over there, lieutenant?!”

There is a pause as Flash Sentry momentarily argues with someone followed by a loud crash. Arc turns to Luna.

“Something’s wrong on my ship. I’m going to head up there and…”

A familiar voice suddenly comes over Arc’s earring.

“Um… hello? Arc? Can you hear me?”

“What the…? Fluttershy?! What happened to…?!”

“Arc, listen to me! You have to tell them not to fire! It’ll just make things worse!”

“Stand down weapons, Wrangler.”

Wrangler sighs. “I’ll keep em primed, sir.”

“Very well. Now then, where’s the lieutenant?”

Fluttershy sounds nervous. “He… might be unconscious.”

Arc sighs. “Okay, we can talk about that later. What should we do about the situation at hand?”

“It’s complicated. Can you meet me and the others in front of your base?”

“Right now?!”

“Yes! I know you’re very busy, but I really need you to trust me on this one!”

“Very well. I’ll head out there now.”

Arc turns to Shining Armor.

“Take care of things until I get back.”

“I’d like to come out there with you, sir.”

“No. Stay with the princesses.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc walks toward the Main Hall as everyone follows him. Stepping up to the doors he looks to Shining Armor as he calls forth his armor.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Sir, wait!”

Arc attempts to Blink outside but finds himself thrown across the room by an invisible force. King Felix and Queen Fiona leap forward to catch him.

“Whoa! What the…?!”

“Lord Arc! Are you alright?”

“Y-yeah. Thanks you two.”

Fiona smiles at him. “We were happy to be of service.”

Cadance hurries over as Arc stands up. “The barrier around the base repels all magic levied against it.”

“I see. So no Blinking through, huh?”

Luna shakes her head. “I’m afraid not. However you could probably get out using your gauntlet’s Sigil Magic.”

“Worth a shot.”

Arc hurries over to the sigil nearby. Powering it up he teleports to his quarters aboard The Equinox. Running toward the window Arc Blinks through it. His eyes grow wide as he begins to fall.

“I forget the ship was in the air!”

Quickly casting a Telekinesis Spell Arc uses it to lift himself and slow his descent. He lands near Twilight and her friends.

“Glad you could drop in!”

“Not my best idea, Rainbow Dash.”

He turns to Fluttershy.

“Now, what’s going on?”

Fluttershy looks nervous. “Well… I didn’t want to make everypony nervous, but from the way the trees were moving down here, I don’t believe we’re dealing with a normal earthquake.”

Twilight looks around. “Which seems to have stopped, mind you.”

Arc nods. “Crisis averted, right?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “Not yet, no.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Are the trees alive now?”

“No. But there appears to be a very large creature moving around. That’s what’s causing the ground to shake.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What?! But… but that’s impossible! Nothing’s THAT big! Uh… right Twilight?”

“Well… there are a few creatures that could certainly make such a racket. But they aren’t usually so active.”

Arc nods. “I think I know what’s going on. Fluttershy, I need you to do something for me.”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Turn towards the Everfree Forest and repeat everything I say exactly as I say it.”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “Why?”

Twilight puts a hoof on her friend’s back. “Let’s just trust Arc on this one.”

Fluttershy nods. “Okay. Go ahead.”

Arc clears his throat as Fluttershy stands ready.

“Hello again. We’ve been waiting for you. Can you understand me?”

The trees rustle as the ground again trembles. Twilight gasps.

“Did you hear anything, Fluttershy?”

“No voices, no. Just the trees shaking.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I have no idea why you’re talking to trees now.”

Arc continues.

“If you’ve come here looking for help, we’re still fully willing to do so.”

Silence ensues after Fluttershy repeats the message.

“Fluttershy?”

“Nothing. Are you sure there’s something there to hear me?”

“Probably.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof at the sky. “Maybe the airships are spooking them.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I suppose that might be. But they’re needed here for protection.”

Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Tight Ship.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“I want The Equinox and Lunar Destiny to pull back a ways.”

Wrangler frowns. “Sir?”

“We have a delicate situation down here. Trust me on this one.”

Soarin looks to Tight Ship. He nods.

“Make it happen, Thunderlane. Lemon Hearts, radio the Lunar Destiny to follow us closely.”

“Aye sir.”

Those on the ground watch as the two mammoth ships do as they are told. Arc turns to Fluttershy again.

“Alright. Let’s continue.”

Meanwhile Rutherford turns to Tugem.

“Who you suppose they talking to?”

“I have no idea. Perhaps someone invisible?”

Ghaleon chuckles. “Hah! Can’t the rest of you feel it?”

Gestal turns to him. “Arbiter Ghaleon?”

Ashe appears nervous. “What is it?”

Sereb sniffs. “The air is filled with tension.”

Ghaleon nods. “You can feel it too?”

Goldstone looks confused. “H-how can you tell?!”

Ember chuckles. “Probably from you, Goldstone.”

Fiona grins wickedly. “Yes. You’re shaking like a leaf in the wind. Something wrong?”

“I’m acting completely normal here! It’s everyone else who’s nuts! Including Lord Arc out there talking to the wind!”

Smolder scoffs at Goldstone’s behavior. “Coward.”

Hearing this, Goldstone turns toward Smolder. “Why you insolent little maggot! I’ll…!”

Iris growls at him. “Accosting a whelpling?!”

Kane steps toward the errant lord. “You have no honor, griffon!”

Ikis clears his throat. “We should trust our hosts to handle this.”

The Marquis nods. “Agreed.”

Felix points outside. “Wait! Something’s happening!”

Everyone stops talking and hurries back to the windows as Arc continues.

“I’ve ordered our airships to stay back. You can safely come out now. Both of you.”

A low growl emanates from the woods. Surprised, Fluttershy yelps and runs to hide behind Rainbow Dash.

“What was that?!”

Twilight looks surprised. “It sounded like… but… it couldn’t be!”

“What did they say, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy peeks out nervously. “They… um… wanted to know what assurance they have that the metal birds won’t come back just as fast.”

“I haven’t hurt either of you yet. Doesn’t that tell you anything?”

“Um… it says they can sense your power.”

Twilight looks to her friend. “So they’re afraid of Arc?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Sounds like it. But I would be too if I didn’t know better.”

“If you choose to leave now, you have my word that I won’t pursue you. But you came looking for help before. And now it stands before you. All you must do is accept my aid and step forward.”

Fluttershy repeats the message. A few moments pass before a response comes on the wind.

“They say they’re willing to come out.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Great. Anything else?”

“Just one other thing. They’re asking… no, begging you not to hurt their baby.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Baby?”

“You have my word no harm will come to them if you still agree to the earlier terms of our agreement.”

Twilight turns to him. “Arc, what is this all about?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Fluttershy translates and turns back to the others.

“They’ll come out, but only if Arc is the only one nearby.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Twilight turns around. “We’ll go stand by the front door then.”

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash return to the base. Arc waits patiently for something to happen. A minute later the ground begins to shake again. The perimeter of the forest is torn asunder as the Ursa Major slowly emerges. They walk through the clearing toward the base. Thunderlane turns to Tight Ship.

“Sir! What do we do?!”

Soarin sighs. “Hold here.”

Wrangler frowns. “But the summit!”

Tight Ship thinks for a moment. “Lemon Hearts, hail the Hero of Light and ask for directions.”

“Aye sir.”

She presses a few buttons before speaking.

“Lemon Hearts to Hero of Light. What are your orders?”

“Both ships hold position.”

Moon Dancer frowns nervously. “Sir, if you’re attacked we won’t be able to help at this range.”

“You have your orders. Standby.”

Soarin shrugs. “I guess that settles it.”

Wrangler hurries over to the captain. “This isn’t smart! He’s defenseless down there!”

“Have faith in him. It’s all we can do right now.”

Meanwhile, the leaders inside gasp and step back from the windows. Felix is the first to find his voice.

“What IS that?!”

Cadance frowns. “An Ursa Major?!”

Ikis turns to her. “A what, your highness?”

Tugem grimaces as he too steps back. “It’s a large bear-like creature that was thought to be a legend.”

“Yak tell of them in ancient stories. Yak thought they were bigger though.”

“Bah, father! If not-yak was any bigger, would be a mountain!”

Iris turns to Sereb. “What do you know of this creature, Warchief?”

“Unknown. However I am certain Arc has his reasons for this course of action.”

Ember hurries over to Luna. “We have to help him!”

“Arc knows what he’s doing, Dragon Lord. Trust him.”

Smolder rolls her eyes. “Yeah! Trust him to get stepped on!”

Goldstone scoffs. “The whelpling and I agree on something.”

Ember glares at Goldstone. “Don’t press it!”

He rolls his eyes at the threat and turns to walk away as he mutters to himself.

“The new Dragon Lord certainly has fire in her. Just like her father. However…”

Goldstone looks over his shoulder at Ember who has turned back to the Abyssinians and grins wickedly.

“…she certainly has quite a nice backside. I’d certainly like to broker a business deal with HER.”

Meanwhile, Twilight and Rainbow Dash stare at the Ursa Major, their jaws agape.

“T-Twilight? When did Arc make a deal with something like THAT?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “I have no idea! But a better question would be HOW he did it!”

The Ursa Major slowly lumbers toward Arc. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“What’s that on its back?”

Twilight steps back slightly. “I think that’s an Ursa Minor! What is going on here?!”

Arc slowly raises his head as the beast approaches. It stops and looks around before turning to its cub and snorting. The Ursa Minor slips off and plops down next to their mother with a colossal boom. Everyone inside the base along with Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy quickly find themselves on the ground. Arc gets to his feet and dusts himself off.

“Should’ve seen that one coming.”

The cub lies on the ground, its paws on either side of its belly.

“Fluttershy, I need another translation.”

“Oh! O-okay.”

“Are you ready?”

Fluttershy nods. “Y-yes.”

“No, no. Ask her that.”

“Ah! Right away!”

Fluttershy repeats the message.

“She say yes. But again please don’t hurt her baby.”

“Alright. Here we go.”

Arc raises a hand to the cub. It slowly begins to shrink. After a few minutes it is roughly the size of a baby black bear cub. He turns to Twilight and her friends.

“Rainbow Dash. Fly to Ponyville and get the vet.”

“On it!”

Taking flight the blue pegasus is out of sight in moments. Arc turns back to the Ursa Major.

“Fluttershy, ask her if it’s alright for me to do the same to her.”

Fluttershy repeats the message. The Ursa Major sighs and nods. Arc raises a hand. The beast slowly shrinks down to the size of a large adult brown bear as Rainbow Dash returns with the vet in her hooves.

“Good heavens! What in the world…?!”

Arc turns to the vet as he picks up the cub in his arms. “There’s something wrong with this little one. Follow me everyone. Sandstorm Mirage, lower the defenses.”

The Magic Barrier falls as the group heads for the doors. Entering the Main Hall the Ursa Major growls at those assembled. Twilight calls out.

“Everypony please step back.”

Goldstone frowns at her. “And who are YOU?!”

Arc turns to him. “A friend of mine, Lord Goldstone. I suggest you listen to her.”

“How dare you! I…!”

Gestal clears his throat. “Lord Goldstone?”

“Yes?”

“Do as you’re told.”

“But…!”

Ghaleon wordlessly stomps the floor with a talon. Goldstone steps back silently as do the rest of the guests. The vet turns to Arc.

“I need a place to examine the patient.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof down the corridor. “How about Arc’s room?”

“Good idea. This way.”

Arc leads the procession to his quarters. Everyone follows them at a distance. The guards open the door and part to allow them entrance. Arc calls out to the Hoof Maidens inside.

“Everyone out into the corridor! Hurry!”

A half dozen mares hurry out as Arc and his friends head inside. Shining Armor approaches the guards as the door is shut.

“Keep everypony else out of this room. We don’t want anypony hurt.”

“Yes sir.”

Luna turns to everyone assembled. “Let’s head back to the Dining Room.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. Let Arc and the others do what needs to be done.”

Felix looks to Luna for guidance. “What exactly are they doing?”

“I honestly have no idea.”

Meanwhile, Twilight and Rainbow Dash run ahead of Arc and hastily clear the table. He lays the cub on it as the vet gets to work.

“This cub seems to be in a lot of pain. What exactly happened to it?”

Twilight sighs. “No idea. They just kinda showed up.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Fluttershy, can you ask?”

“I’ll try.”

She approaches the Ursa Major. A short exchange later Fluttershy turns to the vet.

“The mother says he’s always been short tempered. Brash even. But lately his outbursts have gotten out of hoof. On the way here is when the pain started.”

Fluttershy walks slowly over to the cub.

“Should we start with a physical examination, Doctor Fauna?”

“Yes. Would you assist me please?”

“Of course.”

Arc watches as the Ursa Major sits and watches every movement they make. Twilight turns to him.

“Would you happen to have a paper and pencil, Arc?”

“Yes, in that drawer behind you.”

Twilight takes the pad and pencil with her magic excitedly.

“Thank you!”

She hurriedly begins to write.

“I might be the first pony to get this close to these majestic creatures in hundreds of years! All the research materials on them is positively ancient!”

Arc sighs. “Do what you will, my friend.”

A short time later Doctor Fauna looks over to Arc.

“There doesn’t appear to be any physical injury to the patient.”

Arc frowns. “Where do we go from here?”

“Let me see…”

She puts her ear to the cub’s chest.

“That’s very strange.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Tummy ache?”

“No. But the cub’s breathing sounds very… odd. I think I need to run some more tests at my clinic. Might we take the cub there?”

Fluttershy turns to the mother. She nods. Arc picks the cub up as they leave the room. He looks over to the guards as the procession passes them.

“Tell the princesses I’m heading into town. They can have the room back now.”

Arc and company walk quickly toward the Main Hall. The guards turn to one another and shrug.

Chapter 6 - Emergency Medical Visits

Arc and the others hurry out the front door and down the path toward town. Fluttershy nervously looks up at the sky as she flies next to Rainbow Dash.

“It… it looks like the sun will be setting very soon.”

Twilight turns to her frightened friend. “We’ll be at the clinic soon. Can you stay strong until then?”

“I think so.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. I won’t let the moon hurt you.”

“Th-thank you.”

A short time later they arrive at their destination. The vet unlocks the door and they hurry inside. She leads them into a large room and walks over to a machine.

“Put the cub on the table.”

Arc does so and steps back. Fauna presses a few buttons on the console. The table slowly begins to move as the cub cries out, clearly frightened. Fluttershy does her best to comfort them.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

The Ursa Major lets out a few guttural growls. Rainbow Dash turns to Fluttershy nervously.

“Uh oh. Is she mad?!”

“No. Just reassuring her cub.”

Twilight nods as she writes. “Interesting. Ask her if…”

Arc shakes his head. “Not the best time, Twilight.”

A short time later the table returns to its default position. The cub growls and holds its midsection as Doctor Fauna looks over a screen.

“This is… beyond strange. Twilight, you’re familiar with this creature’s physiology, correct?”

Twilight looks up from her note taking. “Why, yes. As much as is known anyways. Why do you ask?”

“Tell me, would a normal bear be a decent reference point for how their organs are laid out?”

“Yes. I’ve seen numerous diagrams. There’s no difference in that regard other than the size.”

“Please step over here and tell me what you see.”

Twilight does so. A strange look crosses her face. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy join her.

“Uh… what is this?”

“A scan of the cub’s insides.

Rainbow Dash makes a face. “It’s… guts?!”

Fauna nods. “Yes. But look at their lungs.”

Twilight frowns. “One’s twice the size of the other!”

“Indeed. And their heart is oddly misshapen.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Even the cub’s kidneys are very different in size! What could possibly be causing this?!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “So their guts are a little misshapen. Big deal! I mean, it’s not like it hasn’t lived with it this long, right?”

The cub whimpers in pain as it clutches its stomach. Twilight looks to her friend.

“I think he’s not doing well, Rainbow Dash.”

Fauna sighs. “Agreed. How the creature has gone this long in such a state is anypony’s guess.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Fluttershy, ask his mother how long this has been going on.”

Fluttershy does so before turning to Arc.

“She says it started about a year after he was born.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Can she be more descriptive? I mean, did something happen?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No. He just slowly stopped listening to her and always seemed to be in pain.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Is that when she took him to the facility?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Facility?”

“Just ask her Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy does so.

“She says yes.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Could the ponies at this so-called facility help?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. They couldn’t do anything. It really is up to Doctor Fauna here.”

“I’ll do my best. Let me take a blood sample and run a few more tests. There has to be a reason this happened.”

The vet continues working as Twilight turns to Arc.

“Can you tell us anything more about this facility?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah! For example, where the heck is it?”

“Sorry. Even the princesses don’t know the exact location.”

Twilight frowns. “Why not?”

Arc sighs. “Some things just need to be left in the past. Sorry, but I need you to trust me on this one. But I can tell you more about their species origins.”

Fluttershy looks confused. “Origins?”

“They weren’t born normally like you and I were, Twilight.”

“Now that’s a strange thing to say. I mean, how else could something be born?”

Arc looks to her soberly. “In a lab.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Like… Rose?”

“Similarly, yes. But instead of mechanical parts, they were part of a bio-engineering experiment.”

Twilight gasps. “How?!”

“The details aren’t clear. But let me just say that they were specifically designed to be as they are now. At least that’s what I learned. Well, the mother anyways.”

Fauna looks over. “What about the little one?”

“The caretaker of the facility said the mother was the only one of her kind that was a success. There must’ve been some kind of mistake made when the cub was created.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her head. “Creating life. It just feels wrong to even say it. And remember, this is from a mare whom considered doing just that.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “I agree. I mean, can you imagine how it must feel to know you were created to do something that you might not agree with?”

Fluttershy shudders. “That IS creepy.”

Fauna pulls out a syringe from a drawer. “I need a blood sample from the cub.”

“Fluttershy, make sure the mother understands this.”

“Right.”

Doctor Fauna stands by the cub and waits. A moment later Fluttershy nods. She plunges the needle into the cub’s flesh and extracts a sample before putting the vial into a bag and making a note on it.

“I should also get a sample from the mother.”

Twilight nods. “Good idea. We can have something to compare it to then.”

Arc looks to Rainbow Dash as Fluttershy takes the mother’s sample. “Can you fly these over to the hospital for us? Tell them I need the results right away.”

“Sure.”

As the second sample is bagged Rainbow Dash grabs them and flies out the door. Fauna turns to Fluttershy.

“This is going to take a bit. In the meantime I can give the patient a painkiller, but it’ll make them groggy.”

“She’s asking you to do something to help.”

Arc nods. “Go ahead, doctor.”

The shot is administered and Doctor Fauna steps back.

“Nothing to do but wait now. We should probably let them both rest.”

Arc picks the cub up as the vet leads them down the hall to another room. They approach the largest cot as Arc lays the cub on it and steps back. The Ursa Major lays down next to her cub and snuggles up to them. Fluttershy turns to Arc.

“She’s very concerned for her cub.”

Twilight nods. “I can imagine. But it would be a lot easier if we knew more about them.”

Arc glances over as he stands. “You can ask her. Not sure how helpful it’ll be though.”

Twilight turns to the Ursa Major.

“Who… created you?”

Fluttershy looks confused. “She says… but that doesn’t make sense.”

“What is it?”

“A metal stallion.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. That’s what she said.”

“Okay then. Um… how far away is your home?”

“She doesn’t understand the question.”

Fauna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I would assume she doesn’t have a way to gauge distance.”

Twilight sighs. “This is hard. I mean… there’s so much I want to ask. But I’m not sure how to go about doing it.”

“That’s complicated by translation and vocabulary.”

They look at the Ursa Major as she comforts her cub by nuzzling him.

“This is more than I expected.”

“Twilight?”

“I mean, I just thought she was some mindless beast.”

Fluttershy frowns as Twilight continues.

“But seeing this now, I guess there’s more to what goes through her mind than just eating and anger.”

Fauna nods. “The same could be said of most animals. They usually have fairly complex thoughts, after all.”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. The princesses are requesting an update to the earlier… situation.”

“We’re at the local vet’s clinic. The pair are resting peacefully and we’ve sent blood samples to the hospital for some more tests.”

“Captain Shining Armor wanted to know if you needed anything over there.”

Arc shakes his head. “I think we’re good for now. Just keep your eyes open for more trouble.”

“Yes sir. Um… he also wanted me to pass on a message to Miss Sparkle.”

“Oh?”

“The captain merely wanted me to tell her… be careful.”

Arc nods. “Understood. I’ll stay here with them until this mess is sorted out.”

“Yes sir.”

“Arc out.”

He touches his earring and severs the connection before turning to Twilight.

“Shining Armor’s worried about you.”

Twilight sighs. “He’s such a worry-wart.”

Fauna sighs. “His concern may well be warranted. This isn’t exactly what I would call a routine examination.”

Fluttershy walks over to him. “Arc, is it really okay for you to stay here? I mean, what about the summit?”

“There’s plenty of security over there as it is. Worst case scenario, I could just take a portal back.”

Twilight nods. “I suppose that’s true. If something happens I’m sure you’ll hear about it, Arc.”

A short time later Rainbow Dash flies in the door with two large envelopes. She gives them to Doctor Fauna.

“There you go.”

“Thank you. Maybe now we’ll get somewhere.”

The doctor opens the reports. Her eyes widen in amazement.

“This can’t be right! They must’ve made a mistake!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well, that’s about what the nurse at the hospital said. She ran the tests again with identical results.”

Fluttershy gasps. “What is it, Doctor Fauna? Is it serious?”

“I… Twilight would you come here please?”

Twilight looks confused. “Oh! Um… okay.”

The doctor hands her the reports and points a hoof.

“This is a genetic readout of the mother. Are you familiar with this sort of thing?”

“Yes. I was studying the genetics of otherworldly plants some time ago.”

Twilight squees. She looks to Arc and mouths the words ‘I’m sorry’ as she looks down at the readout.

“It looks a little… strange.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “All the stuff we’ve seen, and a piece of paper is strange to you, Twilight?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Please, Rainbow Dash. Let her finish.”

“If I’m readying this right, her DNA shouldn’t even work!”

Arc frowns. “What? But… then how are they here? Alive, I mean.”

Fauna shrugs. “I really don’t know. But that pales in comparison to the cub’s paperwork. Look here.”

She point to the readout.

“This is similar to the mother. However, several chromosomes were swapped out to make certain… changes.”

Arc looks worried. “Physical changes?”

Rainbow Dash turns to the cub and her mother. “They look similar to me.”

Twilight shakes her head. “These changes are on the inside. Mostly having to do with behavior and mental capacity.”

Arc turns to Fauna. “Did you take any brain scans, doctor?”

“Yes. However at the time I was looking at this as a physical problem. Let’s revisit them.”

Rainbow Dash flies back to the first room and returns with the papers.

“There you go!”

Doctor Fauna looks over the papers. When she looks up, her face is grim.

“Physically the brain looks fine. However, the way it’s working is certainly odd to say the least.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Can you elaborate?”

“Well, it’s almost like the cub was genetically programmed to be more aggressive. It’s also smarter, stronger, faster, and more durable than the mother.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin in similar fashion to Arc. “So the cub is like a version 2.0?”

“Hardly. Pretty much every advantage that was attempted appears to have failed at the most basic level.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that good though? I mean, we don’t want a monster running around killing everypony, right?”

Arc looks back to the doctor. “I suppose that’s true. Is that why the organs are so disproportionate?”

“Yes. They were supposed to grow much larger to support the beast as it aged. But genetic abnormalities on top of defects on top of poor physiology have led the cub to this point. Frankly I’m not sure why the mother isn’t in a similar condition.”

Twilight looks at the cub, sadly. “I wish we could run some tests on the father.”

Fluttershy looks hopeful. “Maybe he’s still around.”

Fauna shrugs. “It’s worth a try. Let’s ask.”

Fluttershy does so. A strange look crosses her face as she turns back to the others. Rainbow Dash appears expectant.

“So? What did she say?”

“That’s just it. She said there is no father.”

Twilight sighs. “So he died?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No. If I’m understanding this correctly, she’s saying there physically was no male.”

The doctor frowns. “That isn’t possible. An egg and a sperm cell are required for a cub to be born.”

Arc sighs. “I think I might know what happened.”

Rainbow Dash turns to him. “Great!”

“These creatures were created in a lab specializing in magical extraction technology.”

Twilight frowns. “What?! Impossible! That kind of thing has been illegal for hundreds of years!”

“From the state of the facility it looked like it had been abandoned for that long.”

Rainbow Dash waves her hooves in front of her face. “Woah, woah, woah! Are you saying these two are THAT old?!”

Fauna thinks for a moment. “That would explain another genetic defect I saw. Arrested development in both mental and physical expansion.”

Fluttershy looks at the pair as she speaks. “You mean it’s really possible to keep somepony young for that long?”

Twilight sighs. “On paper, yes. But this is far more proof of concept than I ever thought possible.”

She turns to the doctor.

“So what do we do?”

“I have no idea. There isn’t any medical procedure to even begin to address any of these problems.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “So you can’t do ANYTHING for them?!”

Twilight sighs as she walks over to her friend. “Medicine and science have only come so far, Rainbow Dash. I guess the question now is, how long does the cub have to live?”

“His organs can’t take much more of this. I’d say a week at most.”

Fluttershy begins to tear up. “But… but how do I tell her that?! We have to do SOMETHING!”

Fauna shakes her head. “Fluttershy. You’ve been around animals long enough to know that not every case ends happily. Had you brought me a stray cat or dog in this condition, I think you know what my prognosis would have been.”

“Yes. A certain shot.”

Rainbow Dash’s face brightens. “Great! Do you have one of those shots around here?!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t think it’s one of the shots you’re thinking of.”

“What other kind is there?”

Twilight hangs her head. “The kind that puts an animal to sleep… forever.”

“…oh.”

The room is silent for a time. Doctor Fauna turns to Fluttershy

“I’m sorry I don’t have better news, but the question now is what does the mother want to do?”

Fluttershy sighs. “I’ll ask her.”

Arc snaps his finger. “Wait a second.”

Twilight looks hopeful. “You have an idea, Arc?”

“Let’s think about this some more. Magic ultimately created these two. Is it possible that magic might be the key to fixing this?”

Doctor Fauna thinks for a moment before responding.

“It’s certainly possible. But such research is both forbidden and very complicated. It would take years to complete even with the data from all those centuries ago. Time this cub doesn’t have.”

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof to her forehead. “Okay, crazy idea here, but what if the cub’s organs worked correctly?”

“That would certainly save them, yes.”

Fluttershy smiles. “As well as stop all the pain they’re in.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “It would save their life, I suppose. But still not solve all the mental problems.”

Arc appears sober. “Isn’t that better than the alternative? I mean, I’m sure the mother doesn’t want to lose her cub. Nor does the cub want to die.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Arc. “Couldn’t you just use the Matter Compacting spell and… I don’t know… use it backwards?”

“You mean even out the cub’s organ sizes?”

Fluttershy gasps happily. “That might just work.”

Twilight frowns. “True. But this is very risky. Do we really want to do this? Nopony’s ever done anything quite like this that I’m aware of.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t think we have much of a choice. What do you think, doctor?”

“There’s nothing I or anypony else could do at this point with our current understanding of the cub’s genetic makeup.”

“Great. Fluttershy, explain it to his mother.”

Fluttershy looks at Arc nervously. “But… how?”

“Tell her… tell her everything we know, and that we’ll do our very best with what little we have to work with.”

Fluttershy does so. The Ursa Major growls.

“She doesn’t like the idea of anypony experimenting on her cub.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Experimenting?!”

Arc sighs. “Tell her that’s the best we can do.”

Fauna nods. “Please explain to her that his only chance for survival is quite risky. But the alternative is a slow and painful death for him over the course of a week or so.”

Turning back to the mother, Fluttershy relays the message before turning back to her friends.

“She… doesn’t know what to do.”

Twilight’s ears droop. “I understand this isn’t easy. But we need to find some way of convincing her.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight. “Do we? I mean… Arc’s stronger than she is! He could just take the cub!”

“True. But she’s his mother, and this needs to be her choice.”

Twilight sadly nods at Arc. “Like Derpy’s choice to let Kronos have Dinky a while back?”

Arc winces at the memory. “Y-yeah.”

“But that turned out okay!”

“Yes it did, Rainbow Dash. However it was very painful for Derpy and I.”

“True, but…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Rainbow Dash, please… just stop.”

They silent for a time. Arc sighs and turns to Rainbow Dash.

“Listen to me. When you have children of your own, a decision like this isn’t as simple as you would think. Someday you’ll understand.”

Rainbow Dash opens her mouth to speak but Fluttershy puts a hoof on her back and shakes her head as Arc continues.

“Fluttershy, tell her we can either do this, or make him as comfortable as possible here.”

Fauna nods. “I can keep the pain away with regular injections. But he’ll be like he is now most of the time.”

Fluttershy does as she is told. The Ursa Major does not respond as she lies next to her cub. Arc looks to his friends.

“If she needs some time to decide…”

The cub whimpers softly as the mother nuzzles him. She sighs and turns to Fluttershy. A long moment passes between them before she turns to back to the others..

“She… wants you to try, Twilight.”

“Me?!”

Fluttershy nods. “Well, you ARE a unicorn.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What about Arc?!”

“She says it would make her feel better to have an actual unicorn do this. It wasn’t meant to be a personal insult.”

Arc nods. “I understand.”

He turns to Twilight.

“Can you do this?”

“I think so.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Of course she can! She’s Twilight Sparkle!”

Fluttershy smiles. “We have faith in your abilities.”

“Okay. Let’s give this a try.”

Twilight turns to Doctor Fauna.

“What should I do? I mean, what if I make them TOO big?!”

“We’ll put the cub back into the machine. I can monitor the size of everything in real time and tell you when to stop.”

Arc looks nervous. “Begging your pardon, doctor. But how would Twilight know where to aim?”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Yeah. I mean, we wouldn’t want her to accidently enlarge the wrong organ.”

“The only way I can think of to make that work would be to have you in the machine with him. But you have to understand that the painkiller will be wearing off soon. I can give him another one, but not for another few hours.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Wha… what?! But with the cub fully awake that would be very dangerous for Twilight! She could be hurt! Or worse!”

Twilight nods. “But if this works the cub might just pull through. I have to try!”

Arc looks to her soberly. “You’re very brave, Twilight. I’ll keep watch for you.”

“Thank you.”

Arc walks over to the cub. The mother slowly stands up and steps aside. He carefully picks the little one up and follows the others back to the first room. Laying the cub on the table Doctor Fauna walks over to Twilight as she climbs up onto the bed and lies down with him.

“Alright, just let me make a bit of an adjustment here.”

Doctor Fauna gently turns Twilight’s head so her horn is pointing at a very specific spot on the cub’s chest. Fluttershy leads the mother over to her cub’s line of vision.

“We should hurry, doctor! Who knows how long the cub will stay docile!”

“Agreed, Fluttershy. Just give me a few moments to start the machine.”

Arc walks over to the end of the bed and gently pats Twilight’s rear hoof. There is a slight intake of breath on her part as he does so.

“I’m right here, Twilight. Fluttershy’s watching everything very closely. If something goes wrong, I’ll get you out of there.”

“Thank you.”

“Is it okay for me to hold your hind legs? Just in case I need to get you out of there fast, I mean.”

Rainbow Dash facehoofs. “Arc, that’s not something you should be doing!”

Fluttershy blushes. “I’m… sure he didn’t know that.”

“Know what?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “It’s considered inappropriate for a stallion to touch a mare anywhere on the back half of her body. And especially not her hind legs!”

Twilight sighs. “This isn’t exactly normal circumstances though, Rainbow Dash.”

She turns her eyes to looks at Arc as best she can.

“Go ahead and hold me, Arc.”

“Okay.”

Fauna looks up from the console. “I’m ready to start.”

Arc nods. “One second.”

He carefully puts his hands around Twilight’s rear fetlocks. The doctor looks over.

“Pardon me, but if she’s all right with it, I suggest holding Miss Sparkle above her bent knee.”

Fluttershy blushes heavily. “What?!”

“As he said before, in the event of an emergency he needs to get her out as quickly as possible. As it stands, her legs could slip out of his grasp. Now I know it might make you feel a little uncomfortable, but it’s for the best.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Twilight. “If you want I could do it.”

“Thank you, but I feel safe with Arc.”

Twilight bends her knees as Arc takes hold of her again. She makes a small gasp and blushes.

“Ready over there, Twilight?”

“Y-yes, go ahead.”

The machine starts up. Doctor Fauna looks over the display.

“Alright. Begin slowly Miss Sparkle.”

Twilight’s horn lights up as she casts the spell.

“Slowly… slowly… take your time…”

Fluttershy looks nervous. “The cub looks to be uncomfortable!”

Fauna nods. “That’s because the last of the sedative is wearing off. Going slow should help with the pain. And help his innards adjust.”

The Ursa Major puts its paws up on the table and nuzzles the cub. It seems to calm down a bit.

“You’re almost there, Twilight. Just elongate the lung a bit more, and… stop.”

Twilight’s horn ceases glowing as the vet walks over and puts her hooves on the table before turning to Arc.

“Would you please pull Miss Sparkle two feet toward you?”

“Okay. Say when…”

Arc slowly pulls Twilight’s body down the table.

“There.”

Fauna takes Twilight’s head and gently pushes it to one side before returning to her console.

“You’re both doing fine over there. Now for the kidneys. And… start.”

Again Twilight’s horn glows as she evens out the organ sizes. They repeat the process several times for each set of organs. Rainbow Dash watches the cub with a look of concern in her eyes.

“Are we almost done? This little guy is getting restless over here!”

Fluttershy looks over the monitor with the vet. “Just one more time and we’ll be done.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Great. What’s last?”

Fauna walks over to her and sighs. “You’re not going to like this.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “How bad can it be? She’s already come this far.”

Fluttershy joins the doctor in front of Twilight with a nervous smile on her face. “Yes, well… this is… difficult to say, Twilight.”

Arc looks confused. “I don’t get it. That should have been the last of the paired organs. What else is there?”

Doctor Fauna sighs as she looks Twilight directly in the eye soberly.

“The testicles.”

Chapter 7 - Much Too Much

The blood drains from Twilight’s face. “W-wha-what?!”

Arc frowns. “That’s asking a bit much of her. Any unicorn for that matter.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Fauna. “Yeah! Can’t Arc do it instead?!

Fluttershy blushes. “What?!”

“Well, they are both stallions.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m okay with that, if it means Twilight can keep her face away from there.”

Fluttershy turns to the Ursa Major. “I’ll ask his mother.”

She runs the question by her before turning back to the others. Her face is grim.

“The mother, she… um… she says Twilight is doing a wonderful job of not hurting her cub, and that she wants her to finish the job.”

“So that’s a no-go for me?”

Fluttershy nods. “I’m afraid so, Arc.”

Fauna looks to Twilight. “We can wait a few hours. Then I can administer another sedative.”

Twilight sighs as she closes her eyes. “No, let’s just get this over with.”

Arc slowly pulls Twilight down between the cub’s hind legs. The vet carefully positions Twilight’s head before returning to her console.

“Okay. Now you’re going to have to go extra slow on this Twilight.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces at the position Twilight is in. “Shouldn’t she hurry? I mean, I’d want my face out of there as soon as I could!”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “That’s a very… sensitive area, Rainbow Dash. If she goes too fast the cub will thrash and hurt her!”

“Come on! It can’t be THAT sensitive.”

Arc shudders. “Trust me, it is.”

Twilight turns her eyes to looks at the others as best she can. “Can we just get on with this please?!”

Fauna nods. “Go ahead, Twilight.”

Twilight’s horn glows as she begins. The cub begins to squirm. Cherry nervously calls out to Arc.

“We should… never speak of this again.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. I don’t like seeing Twilight’s head where it is any more than you do, Cherry.”

Cherry makes a gagging sound in his head. “What has been seen, cannot be unseen.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof on her friend’s back. “Easy, Twilight. Slow and steady.”

Twilight shudders slightly. “You try doing this with your head stuck between… anyways… I’ll try.”

The aura around her horn dims until only the very tip is still glowing. Meanwhile, the cub begins to cry out in pain. Fauna looks over her panel.

“Almost there. Keep going as slow as you can.”

Twilight gulps.

“This is… really hard!”

Arc gives her hind leg a quick squeeze. “You can do it, Twilight. I have faith in…”

Sudden the cub flops away from her. Fluttershy turns to Arc and screams.

“PULL!”

Arc pulls Twilight toward himself with all his might as a claw swats at her face. She flies off the table as Arc falls backwards with Twilight on top of him. She sits down roughly on his chest and blushes heavily. Rainbow Dash cries out.

“Look out!”

The cub jumps up angrily and lunges at Twilight. Arc pushes her to one side and grabs a very angry paw before it can connect with his face. He struggles to his feet as the cub swings its other paw at him.

“Oh no you don’t!”

Fluttershy hurries over to the cub. “Please stop! We’re only trying to help you!”

The cub flails its head toward Fluttershy, hitting her squarely in the face and knocking her to the ground before turning his attention back to Arc. A moment later the cub is knocked away by a blow from his mother’s much larger paw. She roars angrily at him as he roars back. Rainbow Dash takes up a defensive position in front of Fluttershy.

“Oh my Celestia! Is this what she meant by behavior problems?!”

“Yeah! You okay back there?!”

Fluttershy nods as she gets to her hooves shakily. “Y-yes. He’s not very happy right now.”

Twilight looks to them fearfully as mother and cub continue their screaming match. “That’s putting it mildly!”

Rainbow Dash turns to Arc. “What do we do now?!”

“Hopefully his mother can calm him down.”

Fluttershy continues hiding behind Rainbow Dash. “I don’t think she can! Right now his words are just a mess!”

Fauna steps away. “Oh dear! Everypony stay back!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “We have to stop them!”

She jumps up and flies at the pair, but Arc grabs her in midair.

“No! They’ll cut you in half!”

“Let me go! I have to…!”

“Rainbow Dash, STOP!”

Her eyes grow wide at the severity of Arc’s tone.

“I… uh… okay.”

Arc lets her go as he calls forth his armor.

“All of you get behind me!”

Doctor Fauna, Twilight, and Fluttershy hurry to obey as Rainbow Dash moves to stand next to Arc.

“We’ll keep you three safe!”

“Get back!”

Rainbow Dash spreads her hooves and wings in a battle ready position. “No, Arc! You protected us from this thing twice now! This time you won’t do it alone!”

The cub lunges at his mother and grabs her. She tries to push him to the floor but he heaves her through a window before turning to Arc and the others.

“Okay, cubby! Let’s…!”

Arc is cut off as the beast lunges at him. He braces himself to take the blow. Suddenly a blur of fur and feathers flies past him and Rainbow Dash at an insane speed. Everyone gasps as Fluttershy plows into the cub as she and him careen out the smashed window. He hits a tree and stops. Fluttershy prepares to hit him again until she sees the moonlight on the ground at her hooves. She screams out in mortal terror.

“THE MOON!!!”

Fluttershy falls to the ground and covers her face as she begins to violently cry. Arc and the others jump out the window after them and run over to their sobbing friend. Rainbow Dash reaches her first.

“Fluttershy, you saved us!”

“PROTECT ME!!!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wow. She really IS scared of…”

Twilight gasps. “It’s getting up!”

They look up to see the cub stand. His mother lies on the ground behind him. Charging forward he and Arc meet claw to gauntlet. He turns to Twilight.

“Was this thing always this big?!”

“No, we shrunk him down!”

Fauna looks over fearfully. “Well, he’s a lot bigger than he was in my office!”

Arc grimaces as he is slowly pushed backwards. “And stronger! I can’t keep him back! Someone see to the mother!”

Twilight and Fauna run over to the Ursa Major as Rainbow Dash stands by Fluttershy’s side. They shake the cub’s mother in an effort to wake her up.

“Can you hear me?!”

“Please open your eyes! Your cub is a danger to everypony!”

Slowly the Ursa Major comes around and stands. She roars at her cub in an effort to get him to stop but he ignores her. The cub pushes Arc down to one knee.

“He’s getting too strong! I need…!”

Shifting his weight the cub pushes his opponent off balance. He the backpaws Arc to one side and roars triumphantly as he continues to grow. A moment later he is his former monstrous size. Glaring at the others he turns and lumbers away. Twilight hurries over to Arc.

“Are you okay?!”

Arc sits up. “I… yeah.”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she reaches Arc’s side. “How did THAT happen?!”

“He just become too strong. I couldn’t hold him back.”

Fauna helps Arc up as they watch the Ursa Minor slowly lumber away. Fluttershy lays on the ground. Her eyes squeezed shut as Doctor Fauna runs over to check on her.

“Is… what’s happening?!”

“The Ursa Minor returned to its normal size and left.”

“No, no! I mean is the moon still out there?!”

Arc turns to Rainbow Dash. “You weren’t kidding about the whole fear of the moon thing.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I wish I was.”

Twilight looks after the cub as he continues slowly down the road.

“Where’s he going?!”

Arc moves to join her. “No idea. Fluttershy, can you…?”

“NO!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh boy. We really need you to translate for us. I know your scared right now, but you’re the only one who can do this!”

“The MOON!!! Take it away!!! Please!!!”

“Great. Rainbow Dash, you and Twilight hold her hooves down.”

With great difficultly the pair pull Fluttershy’s hooves from her face. Arc removes something from his ring and hurriedly pulls it over her head before turning to the others.

“You can let go of her now.”

They do so. Fluttershy immediately returns her hooves to her face. However she feels something soft covering it.

“Wha-what is this?!”

“It’s my mask, Fluttershy. You can’t see the moon now.”

“What about the eyeholes?!”

“I put it on you backwards. Trust me, you can’t see anything under that.”

Fluttershy slowly opens her eyes. She looks all around but sees nothing. Fauna cautiously approaches her.

“Are you alright now?”

“I think so, yes. Um… where am I?”

“Outside the clinic. Look, we need you to ask the cub’s mother what he just did. Can you do that?”

“Where is she?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Right in front of you.”

“Oh.”

She squees and asks the question.

“The mother says he cast the counter-spell.”

Twilight frowns. “That isn’t possible. An Ursa doesn’t have magic.”

“She says he does.”

Arc turns to Fluttershy. “Well, how did he know how to counter the Matter Compacting spell?”

“She says he’s a fast learner. She’s been telling him not to do that ever since we arrived at the clinic.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “So what drove him over the edge?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Probably the pain. I mean, that looked like it hurt a lot, after all.”

Fauna looks down the path at the beast walking away. “Does she know where he’s going?”

“Back to where it all began. Wherever that is.”

Arc frowns. “Probably back to the facility.”

A colossal crash is heard. They look up to see the cub slashing at random trees. Fauna gasps.

“He’s out of control! Good thing he’s headed for the Everfree Forest!”

Arc gasps. “Yeah! And my base full of diplomats!”

Rainbow Dash turns to Arc, fearfully. “You don’t think he would…?!”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Rose! Priority one!”

“I’m here, Arc.”

“Bring the base back up to red alert! Raise the shields and inform Shining Armor he’s about to have a very angry assailant over there very soon!”

“Sandstorm Mirage is recalling all guards now. We’ll raise the shields momentarily.”

“Good. Are the ships still in the air?”

“Yes. Both the Lunar Destiny and The Equinox are currently orbiting the base.”

Twilight walks over to Arc, warily. “What are you planning to do?”

Arc sighs. “Protect the princesses and the rest of the leaders in Light’s Hope. Twilight, are our friends still aboard The Equinox?”

“They are, but…!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “It has to be done! Look, we tried to do this the right way! But… something has to change, and fast!”

The Ursa Major looks to Fluttershy and moans.

“She says… she says do what you have to, Arc. But please… be merciful.”

Arc thinks for a moment before turning to Fluttershy.

“Ask her if she can buy us some time.”

“She can. But what’s the plan?”

Arc reaches forward and opens a portal.

“Everyone in!”

“Huh? EEP!”

Arc scoops up Fluttershy as he turns to the others. “I got you! Everyone, go now!”

They charge through the portal. The Ursa Major follows as Arc brings up the rear. Arc and his group appear in his quarters aboard The Equinox. He leads them out the door and toward the Main Hatch. Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie are waiting nervously for them. Throwing his shoulder into the button next to the door, he turns to the others.

“Everyone onto the deck!”

They do as they are told and hurry toward the railing to look over. The Ursa Minor continues down the path angrily. Applejack looks to Arc fearfully.

“Is he going for the Everfree Forest or your base, Arc?!”

“No idea! But he’s out of his mind!”

Rarity gasps. “Do you have a plan?!”

Pinkie hops around. “Arc always has a plan, silly!”

“That I do.”

“What should I tell his mother?”

Arc sighs as he sets Fluttershy down carefully. “Nothing. We got this.”

He jumps onto the Ursa Major’s back and charges up his magic. A moment later the pair Blink to the ground below. Arc jumps off as she turns and grows at him.

“Easy there, big momma. We have bigger problems right now. Literally.”

Looking down the road they see the cub snarling as he moves in their direction. Sighing, Arc’s hands glow as he holds them toward the Ursa Major. A few moments later the beast before him begins to grow at a feverish pace. Twilight and her friends look down at the scene before them.

“What the hay is Arc doing?!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Applejack’s right! I mean, we don’t need TWO of them?!”

Fluttershy calls out to her friends. “What’s going on?”

Twilight turns to Fluttershy. “Arc and the Ursa Major just Blinked down. He’s casting the counter spell to bring her back up to normal size.”

“Oh no! That’s not good!”

Rarity looks confused. “Why not?”

“Because they’ll fight for dominance!”

Applejack sighs. “I think a fight is kinda unavoidable at this point, sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash shudders. “Yeah. I sure hope Arc isn’t planning to join that in on that fight though. I mean, even he’d get squashed like a grape!”

Rarity grimaces. “Oh my! What an awful way to go!”

The Ursa Major turns to Arc. He points to her cub.

“Stop him!”

Although the beast can’t understand Arc, she nods and charges at her cub. Arc Blinks back up onto The Equinox’s deck. Rarity hurries over to him with the others.

“Are you alright?!”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Twilight looks to him with a hopeful look on her face. “So you’re plan is what now?!”

Arc walks over to Fluttershy and puts a hand on her back. “I’m hoping she can make the cub see reason now that she’s full size again.”

Fluttershy sighs. “I hope so too.”

Applejack turns her head to look down at Light’s Hope. “Do you suppose the princesses have noticed all the commotion yet?”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“I’m guessing there’s our answer.”

He touches his earring

“Arc here.”

“Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage, sir. The princesses are… fervently requesting an update on the situation.”

“The cub broke free from the clinic and re-enlarged himself. We believe he’s heading back to the Everfree Forest, but communication with him has been zero since he became enraged.”

“Yes sir, we understand that but…”

The sound of a scuffle and feedback comes over Arc’s earpiece.

“Uh… everything okay over there?”

Rose sighs. “Princess Luna just stormed in and grabbed the radio, Arc. I believe you’re about to get an earful.”

“Great. I kinda deserve it at the moment though.”

Arc waits patiently as the sound of hooves, paws, talons and claws can be heard approaching. A moment later Luna’s voice rings out.

“Arc, all of us are in your office! What is going on out there?!”

“Rose, put this on the speaker. Everyone should hear this.”

“Very well. Go ahead anytime.”

“The cub didn’t like our attempts to help him. He lashed out and broke away from the clinic where he was receiving medical attention.”

Goldstone runs over frantically and shouts into the microphone. “And your plan to keep us safe is WHAT exactly?!”

“I’ve already sent the cub’s mother after him. However, with his magical abilities, I have no idea how effective she’ll be.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Come back and get me, Arc! I’ll help you fight!”

“Negative, Dragon Lord. This is too much for any of us.”

Cadance looks nervous. “And what if the mother is unable to stop her cub?!”

Luna sighs. “Then I will have no choice but to order the Lunar Destiny to open fire on him.”

Ikis growls. “Your majesty! Think about what you’re saying!”

“I have. While I take no joy in this, all of you must be protected.”

Felix nods sadly as he looks at the feed from the exterior cameras. “I agree, Princess Luna. This creature is clearly out of control.”

Arc frowns. “We’ll just have to hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Meanwhile, the pair continue to roar at one another. The Ursa Major swats at the cub. He growls as he looks up at her. Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight.

“Uh, Twilight? Is it just me, or is the cub growing again?”

Applejack squints. “Either that or the mother’s getting smaller.”

Twilight sighs. “I can’t tell.”

Rarity gasps as the pair go at it yet again. “This is getting out of hoof!”

Fluttershy sits down on the deck. “Oh dear!”

Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin. “Maybe they’re just hungry! I know I’m in a bad mood when I miss a meal!”

Arc watches the carnage unfolding below. “Maybe. But hungry or not, this has to stop.”

He touches his earring.

“Rose, how are they doing?”

“The cub is attempting to shrink his mother down again. She’s quickly approaching his size.”

Sereb growls. “This is not good.”

Kane nods as her turns to his brother. “She’s the only thing stopping him from wanton destruction.”

Iris sighs. “While I am loathe to suggest it, would it be prudent for us to make for a more secure location?”

Cadance shakes her head. “We’d have to lower the shields to leave.”

Shining Armor turns to all assembled. “With all that’s going on out there I don’t recommend that, your highness.”

Tugem nods. “Agreed. One good blow from one of those paws to this structure would certainly topple it.”

Ashe turns to Gestal. “Father! I’m frightened! What should we do?!”

Gestal pats his daughter’s talon. “Have faith in Lord Arc’s ability to safeguard his base, my dear.”

Ghaleon frowns. “That’s not much to go on.”

Gestal sighs. “It’s all we have right now.”

Meanwhile, Twilight turns to Arc.

“What if we counteracted the cub’s spell?”

Rarity nods. “Try to keep him from shrinking his mother. Can I help?”

Twilight shakes her head. “You don’t know the spell, Rarity. Only Arc and I can do this.”

“Let’s give it a shot then.”

Twilight aims her horn at the Ursa Major and casts the counter-spell. Rose calls out to Arc over the airwaves.

“The mother is no longer shrinking, Arc. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up.”

Arc grins. “My turn.”

He points a hand at the mother and adds his magic to Twilight’s. Slowly but surely the mother begins to grow again. Rainbow Dash turns to the pair nervously as they begin to pant.

“Are you two okay over there?”

Twilight strains. “I’ve never done something like this before.”

Arc falls to one knee. “It’s like swimming upstream.”

Rarity hurries over to Arc and speaks into his earring.

“Is the cub weakening too?”

Rose shakes her head. “According to my sensors, no. His magic must be quite powerful to be able to stand against both you and his mother without suffering fatigue.”

Applejack frowns as she looks over Arc and Twilight. “We need to think of something else. You two can’t keep this up much longer.”

Arc nods soberly. “A-agreed. Plan B doesn’t seem to be working.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Arc, hopefully. “Is there a Plan C?”

“Yes. But I’m trying to think of something else.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because it involves shooting.”

Fluttershy gulps.

Chapter 8 - Harmony Restored

Rainbow Dash points a hoof to Arc and Twilight. “Well this isn’t working!”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “If we had more unicorns, could we overpower him?”

Rarity sighs. “Probably. But Arc and Twilight are the only two who know that spell.”

Arc muses to himself. “Overpower… that just might work.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Please don’t shoot him, Arc!”

“No promises, Fluttershy.”

He touches his earring.

“You there, Lemon Hearts?”

“Yes sir.”

“I need Stellar Flare on the Bridge right now for an emergency consultation.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Give me a few minutes and I’ll be there. Also, notify all pegasus guards aboard both ships that they’re to report to the deck immediately along with Lieutenant Flash Sentry. Arc out.”

He turns to Twilight as she continues channeling the spell.

“Can you hold out for a bit?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. But don’t take too long now.”

“I’ll try not to. Okay, Rainbow Dash I want you to wait here for the guards. All of you need to distract the cub. Throw him off balance and do your best to make him lose his concentration.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I can do that alone!”

“Trust me, wait for help.”

“Fine…”

“Applejack, you and Fluttershy stay here and look after Twilight.”

“Sure thing.”

“Um… what about…?”

“Just do what you can, Fluttershy. Rarity you come with me.”

Rarity appears surprised. “With you?”

“Yes. You’re pivotal to my plan. Let’s go!”

Arc and Rarity run inside and make their way to the Bridge. Entering Arc leads her over to the Tactical Station.

“Wrangler, we need you to start up the ORB.”

“Aye, sir.”

Arc turns to Rarity as he puts a hand on one of the orbs. “Okay, I need you to put your horn on this panel and channel as much magical power into it as you can.”

“I’ll certainly try. But I’m no Twilight Sparkle.”

“Just do your best.”

Stellar Flare hurries onto the Bridge and approaches Arc as Rarity gets to work.

“You needed me, sir?”

“Yes. It’s about the ORB system.”

“Quite the technological marvel, I must say.”

“I’m sure it is. Listen, about the way the shield is dispersed. It’s omnidirectional, right?”

Stellar Flare nods. “Yes sir. The crystals that regulate the power output all rely on one another for support. Think of it like a large group of ponies sharing the load to complete an otherwise impossible task.”

“Has it been tested?”

“Only in controlled settings. No field tests as of yet.”

“Well, it’s about to get one.”

“Sir?”

“I need to be able to amplify a Telekinesis Spell.”

Stellar Flare gasps. “That’s never been attempted before with this equipment, sir. I have some theories on how to do this, of course. But since the crystals are so expensive I didn’t dare try any of them.”

“Well, I’m ordering you to.”

“Yes sir. How long do I have to prepare?”

“Five minutes.”

Stellar Flare hurries out the door. “I think I can just make it!”

Arc walks over to Rarity who is breathing heavily.

“Thanks. Take a break.”

Rarity lets out a sigh of relief as she steps back. “Whew! Sorry. I-I don’t usually channel magic that long.”

“You did fine. How’s the charge, Wrangler?”

“About three percent, sir.”

Rarity gasps. “So I almost maxed it out?!”

Wrangler shakes her head. “Nope. Three percent filled.”

Arc puts his hands on the orbs. “Well, let me give it some juice then.”

Soarin calls over to Arc as he begins channeling. “Sir, Lieutenant Flash Sentry and the guards have engaged the target.”

Rarity appears nervous. “What about Rainbow Dash?”

Thunderlane looks over from the pilot’s seat. “She’s right up front with the lieutenant.”

Arc frowns. “We have to hurry!”

Concentrating Arc focuses his magic. A short time later Rarity pats his hand.

“I think you should stop now.”

“Just a bit… more.”

Cherry calls out to him. “She’s right Arc. If this doesn’t work you’ll need at least some strength to think of something else.”

Arc sighs. “I guess you’re right.”

Lemon Hearts turns to Tight Ship. “Sir, the Chief Engineer reports the modifications have been made. The modified ORB is ready.”

Tight Ship nods. “Wrangler, target the Ursa Minor.”

“Target locked, sir.”

“Engage ORB.”

Pushing a few buttons the ORB system comes to life. A magical aura surrounds the Ursa Minor as Arc approaches Wrangler’s station.

“See if you can push him down on the ground.”

“Aye, sir.”

Adjusting the output they watch as the cub slams snout first into the dirt. He snarls as he tries to get up but to no avail. Smiling, Arc touches his earring.

“Rose, did that do anything to him?”

“Energy-wise, not as much as I’d hoped. He’s using a lot of strength to fight the magic beam. But I’m sure the strain on your ship’s systems is also significant.”

Goldstone rolls his eyes. “That was his plan?! Hold it down?!”

Luna sighs. “Arc, this is a temporary solution at best. Is there another part of your plan?”

“Hopefully the mother can calm him down enough that they both leave without further violence.”

Rose frowns as she watches the monitors. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, Arc. The force is just making him angrier.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “What if he tires himself out?”

The Marquis sighs. “He may yet return after resting.”

Ikis nods. “Agreed, old friend.”

He turns to Luna.

“Princess, this beast is suffering greatly. Perhaps it is time to consider putting it out of its misery.”

Felix nods. “I’m sure you could make it quick and relatively painless.”

Rutherford respectfully removes his helmet. “Yaks agree. Give beast honorable death.”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin. “It would certainly fix the problem.”

Goldstone nods fervently. “Yes! Before the structure is destroyed and us along with it!”

Ghaleon glares at Luna. “What are you waiting for, princess?! Shoot that thing!”

Cadance puts a hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “It’s… probably for the best.”

Luna sighs. “Very well. Connect me with the Lunar Destiny.”

Sandstorm Mirage presses a few buttons on his console. “One moment, your highness.”

Ember steps forward. “Princess Luna, Arc can figure this out! He just needs a little more time!”

Sereb frowns. “Sadly, I don’t believe we have that.”

Iris sighs. “Indeed not.”

Kane nods stoically but says nothing.

Arc calls out to Luna. “Wait!”

“Arc, we don’t have much time. With the beast immobilized we’ll be able to hit it precisely. It won’t suffer.”

“Let me try one last plan!”

Cadance turns to the radio. “Wrangler, how much energy is in the ORB?”

“About fifteen percent, your highness.”

Luna considers the possible outcomes before answering.

“We can wait until your reserves reach five percent. Then we’ll have no choice but to act.”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed. How long does that give us, Wrangler?”

“About ten minutes, sir.”

“That’s it?!”

Moon Dancer nods. “This technology is still very new, sir.”

Soarin sighs. “Frankly I’m amazed it works at all. Especially with those on the fly modification Stellar Flare had to make.”

“Ten minutes it is. Arc out.”

He severs the connection as he and Rarity head for the door.

“We’re heading back out there. Keep me up to date on the situation, Lemon Hearts.”

“Aye, sir.”

They return to the others on the ship’s deck. Twilight is lying down next to Fluttershy as Applejack and Pinkie watch over them. Rainbow Dash flies over as Arc motions for Flash Sentry and his troops to head for the Lunar Destiny.

“So what’s the plan now, Arc?!”

Fluttershy pricks up her ears. “It doesn’t sound like he’s calming down any.”

Twilight turns her head to look down. “Yes. If anything he sounds much more angry than before.”

Rarity smiles. “Not to worry, everypony. Arc has a plan.”

Pinkie hops around happily. ”Goody! This one isn’t working! So what is it?!”

Arc bows his head.

“I… I don’t have one.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What?! But you told Princess Luna…!”

Arc walks over to the guardrail and leans on it heavily. “That was just to buy us some time. I… I just…”

He sighs.

“I don’t know what to do.”

The group is silent for a time. Eventually Twilight stands and walks over to him.

“Arc. You’ve done your very best to help this little family.”

“Yeah? Well, it wasn’t enough.”

Applejack sighs as her ears droop. “Maybe not. But you tried everything.”

Rarity nods sadly. “There aren’t always happy solutions to everything.”

Fluttershy looks in the general direction of the group. “The animal world is often a sad place. Their lives can be so unpredictable. Sometimes the best I can do for them in times like this is to just be there with them as they pass.”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “But… but that’s just so SAD! I mean, there has to be SOMETHING we can do! Right?!”

Applejack shakes her head. “Maybe not this time, sugarcube. After all, the beasts in the Everfree Forest maintain the natural order on their own without us getting in the way.”

Rainbow Dash stomps the deck hard. “Come on! We’re not giving up now are we?!”

Arc straightens up and looks at Applejack.

“Order, huh? That just might be the answer.”

Twilight looks confused. “Arc? What do you mean?”

“Twilight, you told me before that you and the others are the Element Bearers. And that the Elements of Harmony can be used to restore order from chaos.”

“Yes. What about it?”

“Well, the cub is suffering from mental and physical imbalances, right?”

Rarity smiles. “So we might be able to correct them with the Elements!”

“That’s the idea. Would it work, Twilight?”

“I suppose it just might.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “What do we got to lose?!”

Pinkie jumps up happily. “Right! Just our lives if he chooses to step on us!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Gee, thanks Pinkie.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Twilight, where are they?”

“I put them in my cabin like you told me.”

“Good! Go get them!”

Twilight nods and run back inside the ship. Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow as she turns to Arc.

“You told Twilight to have the Elements handy why now?”

“Don’t tell anyone, but I did it in case we had to blast one of the diplomats.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Um, but they’re non-lethal.”

Arc blinks a few times.

“Oh. Really? Huh… guess I should’ve read that book Twilight gave me a while back.”

Rarity clears her throat. “In any case, hopefully this will all be solved in just a few minutes.”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Go ahead.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir. The ORB only has enough power to last another five minutes.”

Pinkie points a hoof. “Hey, look! The Lunar Destiny is moving away!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Pinkie, it’s probably preparing to attack the cub.”

“Oh… well that’s not very nice!”

“Great… Lemon Hearts see if you can stall them.”

“How, sir?”

“Tell them… tell the princesses we’re about to implement Plan C.”

“Very well, sir.”

Arc looks nervous as he severs the connection. “Come on, Twilight…”

A few moments later Twilight hurries out the Main Hatch and over to Arc. She opens a satchel to expose the Elements before hurriedly using her magic to give them to each of her friends. Rainbow Dash grins.

“All right! Now all we have to do is get down there!”

Arc nods. “I can Blink us all over to the cub.”

Twilight frowns. “Wait! All of us?! You’ve already used quite a bit of magic. How’s your mana pool?”

“Wish you hadn’t brought that up.”

Fluttershy looks around nervously. “What should we do?”

Arc turns to the Lunar Destiny. He waves to Flash Sentry to approach. The lieutenant does so with the rest of the pegasi guards.

“Flash Sentry, get my friends to the ground right away.”

“Yes sir.”

He motions to his troops to advance. Each of them grab onto a mare’s front hooves as they fly over them. Rainbow Dash follows as Fluttershy kneels on the deck shaking. Arc approaches the pegasus trying to help her.

“I’ll take her myself.”

“Yes sir.”

He carefully picks up Fluttershy.

“You’re not going to jump, are you?!”

“Nah, we’re Blinking down. Are you ready?”

Fluttershy nods as Arc Blinks. He looks up to see Rainbow Dash and the others approaching. Twilight lets go of her escort’s hooves and drops the last few feet to the ground.

“Line up, everypony! We only have one shot at this!”

Meanwhile, everyone inside continues to watch via the security cameras. Rutherford nods soberly.

“Brave ponies finally ready to fight?!”

“Should be good show, father!”

Felix turns to Luna. “I do hope Lord Arc’s plan works. Whatever it is.”

“Well, if it doesn’t my ship is in position.”

She walks over to Sandstorm Mirage.

“Hail the Lunar Destiny.”

“Yes, your highness. I have them on the line now. What are your orders?”

“Tell them to prepare to fire on my command.”

Cadance turns to her friend as the sergeant relays the message. “Luna! What about Twilight and her friends! Neither they nor Arc would survive the barrage!”

“I’ll order your friends to leave the area before firing. If they won’t, Lieutenant Flash Sentry and his guards will intervene. Arc will no doubt lead them to safety either way. Believe me Cadance, I’m not sacrificing anypony out there for this.”

Tugem nods approvingly. “That is most noble of you, your highness.”

Goldstone appears agitated. “Yes, but what about us?!”

Ghaleon glares at him. “Goldstone, shut up!”

Meanwhile, Twilight and her friends line up. Arc sets Fluttershy down and turns her toward their target.

“There you go, Fluttershy.”

“Um… am I looking the right way?”

“Yup. Ah… do I need to step back, or something?”

Fluttershy shrugs. “I don’t know. But would you please stay with me? It’s kinda scary not being able to see.”

“Sure.”

He kneels down and keeps a hand on her back.

“I’m right here. Everyone do your thing.”

Twilight nods and signals the others to begin. They focus their energies on the Ursa Minor as a rainbow colored light shoots forth from the Elements. The beast roars defiantly, but shows no sign of giving up. Arc frowns.

“Should something be happening?”

Twilight grimaces. “It isn’t working!”

Applejack calls out. “We don’t have enough power to stop him!”

Rarity frowns. “There has to be SOMETHING we can do!”

Arc’s earring chirps. Luna’s voice rings out in his ear.

“Arc, you’ve done everything you can. We need to end this now.”

“How much energy in the ORB, Wrangler?”

“Seven percent, sir.”

“I haven’t reached five yet! There’s still time!”

Luna sighs. “Arc… there isn’t always a way to save everypony whom needs you.”

“I know that. But I’m not giving up yet!”

He turns to Twilight and her friends.

“Group hug, everyone!”

Twilight looks confused. “But…”

“Hurry!”

Standing around Arc and Fluttershy they wrap their hooves around him. Channeling his magic, Arc Blinks all of them back onto The Equinox’s Bridge. He falls to his knees, breathing heavily. Twilight gasps.

“Arc!”

“You okay, sugarcube?”

Arc nods weakly. “Y-yeah. Just used too much, that’s all.”

He looks to Wrangler.

“This is our last chance. Recalibrate the ORB for a single massive shot.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc looks to Twilight and her friends.

“All of you… focus your power into the ORB system now.”

Fluttershy looks worried. “Is that… safe?”

Soarin nods. “It should be, yes.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “I… I’m not sure we can do this.”

Pinkie grins. “Come on, Twilight! We’ve come this far! Can’t give up now!”

Rarity nods. “Right! Arc believes in us. We need to do the same.”

Arc speaks into his earring as Twilight and her friends head for the Tactical Station.

“All forces fall back to the Lunar Destiny! Get inside and brace for impact!”

Wrangler turns to him. “ORB at six percent, sir!

Twilight and the others surround the ORB station. “Let’s do this!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! Come on, everypony!”

Aiming at the station, they channel their respective Element’s energies into the ORB. Wrangler’s eyes grow wide at the readings.

“Captain, we’re at twenty-five percent already!”

Tight Ship nods stoically. “Continue with the operation.”

Wrangler nods nervously. “Forty percent… fifty…”

Twilight strains. “Come on…!”

Pinkie grins. “We can do this!”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Yeah! We won’t give up!”

Applejack squeezes her eyes shut. “Right!”

Fluttershy concentrates soberly as she looks in the direction of her friends. “That baby and his mother are counting on us! We have to succeed!

Wrangler gasps. “Ninety percent, sir!

Tight Ship looks to Arc. “Sir, your orders?”

Arc stands and walks weakly over to a guardrail. “We only have one shot at this. Continue charging.”

“Ninety-three!”

Arc smiles weakly at the mares as they keep up their efforts.

“You can do it. I believe in you.”

“Ninety-five percent!”

Soarin nods. “Almost there…”

“Ninety-seven…! Ninety-eight…! NINETY-NINE!!!”

Tight Ship grips his seat. “Fire!”

A rainbow of pure energy blasts forth from The Equinox, bathing the countryside in its light. The shot smashes into the Ursa Minor which cries out in an ear splitting roar. As the din quiets and the light fades those inside Light’s Hope can only stare silently in utter amazement. Oddly enough, Brightwing is the first to find their voice.

“Yay! Colors!”

Goldstone shakes his head, wide-eyed. “Wha… what was THAT?!”

Cadance turns to him. “The Elements of Harmony, Lord Goldstone.”

Tugem nods, awestruck. “Truly a sight to behold!”

Rutherford claps his cloven hooves together. “Pretty light show!”

Yona nods. “Yes! Yak like entertainment!”

Fiona turns to Luna. “Begging your highness’ pardon, but where did that beast go?”

Ghaleon grins. “It appears to have been vaporized.”

Gestal nods. “Indeed. Quite the display of power, Princess Luna.”

Ashe turns to her father. “Yes. I for one am certainly glad we have a treaty with Equestria.”

Sereb looks at the monitors. “Fortunately it would not appear anyone was hurt.”

Kane nods soberly. “So it would seem.”

Iris turns to her son. “These mares are certainly capable warriors, Sereb. Tell me, were they also trained by Lord Arc?”

“I do not believe so, no. Ember?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. They’re all friends though.”

Meanwhile, Twilight turns to her friends.

“Everypony okay?!”

Applejack looks around. “I’d say so, yes.”

Fluttershy calls out nervously. “Did it work?”

Rarity frowns. “That’s… complicated.”

Pinkie looks down through the forward main window. “Hey! Where’d the cub go?!”

Arc walks over to look for himself.

“We need to get down there and see for ourselves.”

Soarin turns to Thunderlane. “Bring us down.”

Thunderlane nods. “Aye sir.”

Arc and company head for the main hatch. As soon as the ship touches down they disembark. Rainbow Dash flies up to get a bird’s eye view of the crater. She dives into it but emerges a few moment later holding something in her hooves. Twilight gasps as she lands in front of them.

“Rainbow Dash! Is that…?”

“You tell me!”

In her hooves she holds a small unconscious Ursa Minor. Arc steps forward and takes it. He turns back to his mother.

“I’m pretty sure he’s just sleeping. We should probably take him back to the vet to get checked out though.”

Fluttershy nods. “She agrees.”

Arc turns to walk down the path. “Great. Let’s get a move on. Uh… can someone grab Fluttershy please?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I got her.”

She grabs Fluttershy and flies off toward town.

“See everypony there!”

The sound of Fluttershy crying out in terror can be heard echoing through the night air as Arc and company follow on foot. Holding the cub in the cruck of his arm Arc reaches for his earring.

“Arc to… uh… everyone, I guess. Mission accomplished.”

All assembled in Light’s Hope cheer as Luna breathes a sigh of relief. Cadance turns to Luna.

“That was a close call!”

“Agreed.”

She turns to the radio.

“Where are you headed now, Arc?”

“Back into town to get this little one looked at again. With any luck, whatever Twilight and her friends did fixed the rest of this little guy.”

Cadance nods. “I hope so. Was anypony hurt?”

“No, we’re all fine here. Hopefully I’ll have something concrete to report tomorrow morning.”

Luna smiles. “I look forward to hearing about it.”

As everyone celebrates Goldstone stands to one side, grinning wickedly.

“Giant bears and overpowered crystals. This land is certainly rich in far more than just saps, morons, and curvaceous flanks. Perhaps this treaty wasn’t a complete waste of time after all.”

He turns to look at Luna who is chatting with Ember.

“I wonder if there’s a large enough bed around here to hold them and I.”

Goldstone smirks as he stares at Ember’s tail.

“Very nice. Very nice indeed.”

Chapter 9 - Forced Confessions

Arc and the others look down at the baby Ursa Minor as his mother lies by his side. He turns to Fauna.

“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it. I mean… he looks like a newborn cub.”

“Neither can I! It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

Applejack looks to Twilight. “So this little guy is just fine now?”

“According to the readouts, yes. ”

Rarity sighs. “But how is really anypony’s guess at this point.”

Rainbow Dash proudly pats her Element with a hoof. “These things are AWESOME!”

Pinkie hops around. “Right! I wonder what else they could do?! Oh, oh! Do you suppose we could try using them to make the perfect cupcakes?!”

Fluttershy looks nervous. “Um… I don’t think the princesses would approve of that.”

Arc grins. “What they don’t know won’t hurt them.”

Cherry sighs. “Really, Arc?”

“I can’t help it. All that magical exertion made me hungry, and all. But we should probably get back to Light’s Hope soon.”

Fluttershy turns to Doctor Fauna. “Are you sure you don’t need me to stay? I don’t mind helping out.”

“Thank you, but I can handle him now. After all, his brain activity and physiology is now that of a very young cub.”

Twilight writes as they walk toward the door. “I’ll certainly add this to the record I’m keeping.”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “Record?”

Applejack chuckles. “Twilight’s been writing down everything relating to the Elements for posterity.”

Rarity smiles. “Yes, it may be very helpful one day.”

They approach the outside door. Arc kneels down next to Fluttershy.

“You doing to be okay?”

Fluttershy forces a small smile. “Um… can I have that mask back again?”

“Sure.”

Arc removes his mask from his ring and carefully puts it over Fluttershy’s head. He then picks her up and carries her out the door and down the path with the others. Applejack turns to Rainbow Dash.

“Well, I’m sure we’re all glad to have this mess behind us.”

“Yeah. And be able to rest now.”

Twilight frowns. “How can you even think of sleep after all this?!”

Pinkie giggles. “I know, right?! I’ll be up all night!”

Rarity sighs. “You do what you will, but I have to get some rest. Tomorrow will be quite the day for us.”

Fluttershy sounds confused. “It will be?”

“Yes. We have to fix all the damage to the decorations.”

Fluttershy gasps. “I didn’t even think about that! Was it bad?”

Applejack sighs. “Kinda. But if the six of us work together it’ll get done pretty quick.”

Twilight smiles. “Many hooves make light work, after all.”

Arc nods. “I’ll help too.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow skeptically. “You sure you have time for that? I mean, I’m sure you’ll be busy with the diplomats.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. I was kinda thinking using that as an excuse to be late tomorrow. This whole thing really isn’t much fun.”

Pinkie giggles happily as she hops down the path. “I’m sure you’re doing fine! I mean, nopony’s been killed yet, right?!”

“There was some friction at the start. But we worked through it. Hopefully the rest of this thing will go smoother.”

They arrive back at The Equinox. Arc carries Fluttershy back to her room as the others say goodnight. He sets her carefully on the bed and removes the mask.

“Here you are, Fluttershy. Safe and sound back in your cabin.”

“Th-thank you.”

“You okay?”

“I suppose so. It’s just… I wanted to thank you for what you did this evening.”

“Which part?”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “For not giving up on the cub. It was really very sweet of you.”

Arc nods and heads for the door. “He deserved another chance. But in any case, you should get some sleep. Moring comes early.”

Fluttershy calls out after him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I, uh… almost forgot to thank you for carrying me around tonight. Sorry I’m such a bother.”

“It was no trouble. You’re light after all.”

“In any case, it was very nice of you. Well, I won’t keep you any longer.”

“Good night, Fluttershy.”

Arc leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Fluttershy stares at the closed door for some time before sighing.

“I can see why the others like him so much. Arc is very understanding. Very… Kind.”

She sighs before heading to the bench in front of the mirror to look at herself.

“I should have said something! But… I suppose it has to be this way. He’s a very special human to all of us! And I’m… I’m not… he…”

Fluttershy’s hooves shake as she touches her face”

“…he can’t know the truth! Nopony can! Ever!”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to his room aboard The Equinox and lies down on his bed.

“That was a day and a half.”

Cherry sighs. “Yes, it was.”

“I’m just glad it’s finally over.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Cherry gasps, clearly surprised.

“Who in Celestia’s name would be calling you at this hour?”

Arc shrugs. “One way to find out.”

He props himself up on a pillow and touches the earring.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, it’s Shining Armor. My apologies for disturbing you so late, but things just recently calmed down over here.”

“Is there trouble?!”

“Not at the moment, no. After Twilight and her friends did… whatever it was they did it was pandemonium.

“I see. Well, I suppose that wasn’t something they see every day. But I assume the princesses were able to calm everyone down.”

“Yes sir. But Princess Luna had to give in to a certain… demand by the attendees.”

“A demand?!”

“That’s what I called to talk to you about. You see…”

Arc listens intently as Shining Armor explains the situation.

“I understand.”

“Thank you, sir. Again, I apologize for calling you about this so late.”

“It’s fine. I’ll take care of it in the morning.”

“Good night, sir.”

“Good night. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and severs the connection. Back in Light’s Hope, Shining Armor sighs.

“I don’t envy your position right now, sir.”

The next morning Arc opens his eyes to the first rays of dawn hitting his face. He sits up and stretches as Cherry calls out to him.

“Good morning, Arc.”

He sighs. “Morning.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Hm?”

“You usually bound out of bed.”

“Well… I don’t know. Maybe I’m just… overworked, or something.”

“That much is obvious. Perhaps a break is in order?”

“Yeah. After the summit is over and the diplomats safely back home, I think I’ll take Derpy and Dinky aboard ship and take a flight.”

“Where to?”

“Anywhere really. Heck, I’d be okay just flying in circles.”

Arc sighs and stands up.

“That and I don’t like the business at hand.”

“You can do this. Just take things one step at a time.”

“It’s not so much me I’m worried about. But the others.”

He walks out the door and toward the Cafeteria.

“I need a coffee.”

“But you hate coffee.”

“Does that tell you just how low I am?”

“That it does.”

As Arc walks through the Cafeteria door aboard ship the smell of pancakes and eggs greets him. The Royal Guards eating stop, stand at attention, and salute.

“As you were.”

They sit and go back to eating. Arc spots Twilight and her friends at a table in the corner. He walks over to them.

“All of you are up early.”

Rarity nurses a cup of coffee with her magic. “Lots to do.”

Rainbow Dash nods with bags under her eyes. “And not much time to do it.”

Twilight nods as she pushes a tray of food toward him. “Sleep well, Arc?”

“I suppose so.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong, sugarcube?”

Fluttershy appear worried. “Yes. You don’t look like yourself.”

“It’s just… Shining Armor called me last night after I left all of you.”

Pinkie giggles. “Wowie! He must NEVER sleep!”

“Probably not much right now. But the message he had was important.”

Rarity frowns. “Is something amiss?”

“Kinda. You see, the diplomats saw you six use the Elements of Harmony on the security cameras. I guess it wasn’t common knowledge internationally that Equestria had weapons of that caliber.”

Twilight looks confused. “Weapons? But they’re non-lethal.”

“I understand that. But the diplomats were… I guess very nervous and impressed at the same time would be the best way to describe it.”

Applejack nods. “Can we do anything to put their minds at ease?”

“That’s what the Princess Luna had in mind. You see… they wanted me to ask if all of you could possibly… join the summit.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “US?!”

Fluttershy shrinks back. “But… but we don’t know the first thing about diplomacy.”

Pinkie shrugs. “What’s there to know?! Just smile and wave!”

Rarity holds her head high. “You’re close, Pinkie. We must show them that we’re just as regal and refined as they are. It’s important now that Equestria has taken up such a place on the international stage.”

Twilight nods. “We’ll help in any way we can.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Fine. What do we have to do?”

“Well, after breakfast there’s going to be an official forum amongst the representatives. We’re going to attend.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “I don’t mind, but why?”

Pinkie stands up and puts her front hooves on the table. “Probably to show we aren’t a bunch of murderous mares, or something!”

“Kinda, yeah. You see, every single country asked to meet you six. And after what happened last night, we don’t really want to say ‘no’ at this point.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Indeed. They’d think we were trying to cover up some kind of secret weapon, or something.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Now let’s finish eating and head back to our rooms to shower and change.”

Fluttershy looks confused. “Change?”

Twilight turns to her. “We need to look the part. Fancy summits call for formal attire.”

“Agreed.”

Rarity looks around the table. “I can call Sassy Saddles and ask her to bring over our gala dresses.”

She suddenly gasps as her hooves fly to her mouth. Rarity looks to Arc apologetically.

“Arc, I am so sorry for bringing that up after… what happened back then!”

Arc nods sadly. “It’s okay, Rarity. But there’s one other addition needed.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “There’s more?!”

“Just one last detail. Princess Luna wants you six to wear your Elements.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Wouldn’t that be interpreted as flaunting our nation’s power?”

“Maybe. But she was very insistent.”

Rarity finishes her coffee. “Very well. Let’s get the grounds cleaned up so we can get to work making ourselves look presentable.”

“I do have some good news on that. Princess Cadance had some guards working outside all night. Rarity will have to look it over to make sure they did everything correctly, but it should save us some time.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Well that was a lucky break.”

Arc chuckles. “Not really. It was MY condition.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Condition?”

Pinkie giggles. “Ohhh! Arc was bargaining with them!”

“Well, it is a summit. That and we don’t have time to do both.”

Pinkie jumps up excitedly. “Let’s go see how they did!”

The group leaves the Cafeteria. Arc looks over to them.

“Follow me.”

Fluttershy points a hoof. “But the Main Hatch is this way.”

“Right. But the Observation Deck is over here. We’ll be able to see the whole grounds from there.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Good idea!”

The group reaches their destination and look out the perimeter windows. Rarity nods approvingly as she surveys the grounds.

“Not much is out of place. I’ll have to change a few minor things. But at least we’re not starting from scratch.”

Arc looks out at the grounds. “I’ll send a messenger to Carousel Boutique for you, Rarity. Do you need anything else from your shop?”

“No. I believe I have enough supplies to make everypony here glamourous.”

Applejack chuckles. “As many suitcases as you brought aboard, I’d reckon that’s accurate.”

“One must always be prepared.”

Arc turns to leave. “I need to get cleaned up and report to the princesses. Fluttershy, could you fly over to the vet’s office and check up on our furry guests over there?”

“Sure. I suppose they would want an update on that this morning.”

“That’s what I was figuring. Can you stop by my quarters aboard ship when you get back?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll escort everyone to the base when you’re ready.”

Twilight nods. “We’ll make the princesses proud!”

“Thanks. See you in a bit.”

Arc leaves the room. Pinkie leans in and whispers loudly.

“He’s cracking up!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Really? I though he looked a bit tired, but…”

Twilight sighs. “It’s stress. He really needs more time off.”

Rainbow Dash turns to the others. “Should we do something?”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin. “Maybe we should invite him to one of our spa days.”

Applejack shakes her head. “I wouldn’t. Last time I mentioned that, he looked really uncomfortable.”

Pinkie laughs. “Why’s that?! The spa is amazing!”

Twilight sighs. “Probably a human modesty thing.”

Meanwhile, Arc stops by his office aboard ship to call Carousel Boutique before heading back to his quarters. He steps into the shower and sighs contentedly. Cherry calls out to him.

“Feeling more relaxed now?”

“A bit. Showering really helps me relieve stress.”

“I was talking about breakfast with the others.”

“Oh. That was nice too.”

“Twilight and the others are really dedicated to you.”

Arc smiles. “Yes, they’re good friends.”

“Just friends?”

“What do you mean?”

“You didn’t see what I did?”

“I was kinda out of it back there. Why?”

“They were all ogling you.”

“Ogling?”

“Yes.”

“Uh… what’s that mean?”

Cherry giggles. “It means they were checking you out!”

“Oh no… should I teleport over to Canterlot for some more of Zecora’s cure?”

“Arc!”

He chuckles. “I’m kidding. But in all seriousness, no I honestly didn’t notice them… ogling me as you put it.”

“They’re all fine mares.”

“I suppose so.”

Cherry sighs. “Arc… the day’s going to come when you need to make some serious decisions on whom you’re going to spend your life with. Come on, now. I know you’re not blind.”

Arc puts a hand on the tile wall and puts the other to his forehead. “Fine. I… I guess I’ve been in Equestria long enough to find certain mares… attractive.”

“What about me?”

“You were the first.”

Cherry giggles.

“I can understand your hesitation. I mean… it was hard for me to come to terms with the fact I was physically attracted to a different species. Believe me, my parents would not have approved of that.”

Arc sighs. “Mine either. But admittedly this whole species thing has been holding me back for the longest time.”

“Well you need to get over it and put yourself out there, Arc. Start spending time with somepony special.”

“Who though?”

“That’s up to you. Who do you like?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wow, that was forward.”

“Come on, Arc. Don’t change the subject. You know I could just go into your mind and see for myself.”

“Why don’t you?”

“Because I want to hear it from you.”

Arc sighs. “Okay. Let me think for a minute.”

He stands under the warm water for several minutes collecting his thoughts.

“This is hard.”

“Which part?”

“Where to begin.”

“Should I start you off?”

“I think you’re going to have to, Cherry.”

“Okay. I’ll say a name, and you tell me how you feel about them.”

“Fine.”

“Natalya.”

“Can we start somewhere else?”

“Arc!”

“Fine. Natalya is a very… dedicated griffon. She’s very loyal to her brother and to her kingdom. Even after they betrayed her, she didn’t seem to want revenge. But I have to be honest. I’m really not romantically attracted to her. Even though I do think she’s kinda cute.”

“That’s fair. Now how about Ember?”

“Ember’s certainly pretty. Human or dragon form, that is. She’s completely dedicated to me, and can always be counted on to watch my back. I do care about her. Just not more than a friend though. And that’s probably for the best, what with her being the next Dragon Lord.”

“That’s understandable. Next… Twilight.”

“Twilight is… really sweet. She’s nice, pretty and smart. I’m kinda flattered that she worries so much about me. But I do think she goes too far sometimes.”

“Kinda like you.”

“Very funny.”

“I wasn’t… let’s continue. Applejack.”

“Applejack is hardworking, honest, dependable, understanding, and… very pretty to look at. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but… I kinda have a thing for blondes.”

Cherry giggles. “Your secret’s safe with me. Keep going.”

“She always puts her family first and doesn’t like to tell others when something’s wrong.”

“Again, very much like you. Pinkie?”

Arc chuckles. “She has an amazing zest for life and making others happy. Pinkie is the most energetic mare I’ve ever met, and she lives to make others smile. Sometimes even when she herself is hurting inside. Like when I apologized that day in the bakery. After she confessed her feelings, I honestly didn’t know what to say. But admittedly I saw her in a new and better light.”

“Fluttershy?”

“Kind and compassionate. She’s definitely the counter to some of the hotter tempers amongst her friends. Quite the peacemaker that one. I… uh… don’t mind saying this to you, but… I believe she’ll make an amazing mother one day.”

“Very much so like you yourself in the parenting department, Arc. Rainbow Dash?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re joking, right?”

“I am not. Now talk.”

“Fine. Rainbow Dash is strong, loyal, brave, and high-energy. Not sure if there’s a feminine side to her that she chooses not to show, or what.”

“It’s there, trust me. I saw the memories of her coming on to you at Sugar Cube Corner.”

Arc blushes. “Oh. I, uh…”

“Her eyes were quite different from the others.”

“What are you talking about?”

“They were filled with sadness.”

Arc frowns. “Was that before or after she threw up? I mean, I just assumed she momentarily regained her senses and was disgusted at the thoughts running through her head.”

“That she was. But not with you.”

“What?”

“She was sickened that her body was being forced to do something that made you uncomfortable. Rape is certainly not what I would call loyal.”

“I didn’t notice that back then. But what does that have to do with her feelings now?”

“Rainbow Dash was impressed by you protecting her innocence back then. That and you worked so hard to save her friends. Each of them represent their respective element, right?”

Arc nods. “So I’m told.”

“Well, you’ve certainly shown each of them actions that are befitting their Element. I can only imagine they find such character traits in a stallion very attractive.”

“Really? I hadn’t thought of that.”

“You need to stop thinking less of yourself. Believe me when I tell you that you’re the total package, Arc! That’s why I was so drawn to you myself.”

“I honestly don’t know what to think about this whole thing.”

Cherry giggles. “Well, we’re not done yet. Rarity?”

Arc is silent for a time. The only sound to be heard is the water splashing against his skin.

“I… until we had dinner together, I hadn’t really considered her anything more than a very nice friend. But that night we really… I don’t know… clicked. She tried so hard to make sure everything was perfect that evening. Even after she dropped that teapot on me, she did her very best to make things right.”

“I believe she’s been trying to do that for a very long time. Trying to make up for what happened to her years ago.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide.

“What?! But no one’s supposed to know about…!”

“And I won’t say a word to anypony. That I promise.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you. She doesn’t need the whole town knowing about that event. But what did you mean about trying to make up for it? She didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Arc. A mare who goes through something like that feels dirty, used, and disgusted with themselves. By doing things for others, she is able to soothe her own wounds. You were the first one to find out about her little secret. And when you didn’t tell anypony or try to use that information against her, that just made her trust you more. After all, right now she just wants a stallion to hold and love. That and a father for Sweetie Belle.”

“Are you sure that’s how she feels?”

“Yes, Arc. Now how do you really feel about her?”

“But I just told you…!”

“I can tell you’re holding back. Now please… be completely Honest.”

Arc sighs.

“That night… as I lay next to her in my shorts… it just, I mean…”

“Take your time, Arc. Compose your thoughts and then answer.”

“Okay. That was the first time I ever felt a warm coat on my skin. I mean, as I was in just my shorts I was pretty much naked.”

“Were you embarrassed?”

“Not at all. In fact, it felt absolutely amazing having our bodies pressed together like that. I mean, I’ve slept with Derpy and Ember before but… the time with Rarity was much more… romantic. Her room was just so inviting and pretty.”

“Kinda like her?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I mean…! Uh…”

“Glad you finally said it. Come on and finish.”

Arc sighs. “Her eyes just looked so trusting, and her coat was just so soft. I couldn’t help but stroke her.”

“You were doing more than comforting her back then.”

“I suppose I was.”

“Nothing wrong with that.”

“Truthfully, I kinda feel bad about it.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t really know how I feel about her! Leading her on and then finding out it isn’t what we think it is would kill her inside!”

“But if you don’t try, you’ll never know.”

Arc sighs. “What about Sweetie Belle?”

“I know you’ll treat her well. Whether as her mother’s friend or as her father one day.”

“Admittedly, I really don’t know what to do about this.”

“You should probably talk to Rarity about it. Hear her side of things. I mean… it might have been a spur of the moment decision on her part for some physical pleasure. But she doesn’t seem the type to do something like that. Handle this like you would anything else, Arc. By listening first and then coming to a logical conclusion.”

“But what if Rarity and I really are interested in one another? What about Derpy and Dinky?”

“You’ll always be Dinky’s father, Arc. Nothing will ever change that.”

“But what about Derpy? That would certainly make things difficult for her.”

“So marry them both.”

Arc frowns. “That has GOT to be illegal.”

“Oh, it is.”

“Then how…?”

“You forget, the Hero of Light is above the law. If you wanted to take multiple wives you could.”

“But I’m planning on retiring before I settle down. I won’t be the Hero of Light then.”

“Every law can be given an exemption at the princess’ command. All you would have to do is get one of them to sign a royal decree and you wouldn’t be bound by that single law.”

“I don’t think Derpy would go for that. I mean… if I were to ask her that is.”

“Really now? How do you feel about her?”

Arc looks confused. “About Derpy?”

“Yes. She’s the only other mare you’ve been in bed with. Other than Ember, I suppose.”

“Well… I… I do care about her. She’s just so kind and nurturing. Perfect motherly material in my opinion.”

“That I’ve noticed. So what’s the problem?”

Arc sighs. “After what Moonlit Dusk did to her, I… I don’t think she’s interested in any kind of romantic relationship.”

“Have you spoken to her about it?”

“Well, no.”

“Then how do you know?”

Arc sighs. “What would I even ask? How she feels about polyamorous relationships?!”

“Back in the old days they used to be called ‘herds’.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait, what?”

“Such things used to be fairly common. After all, mares outnumber stallions here in Equestria by at least three to one.”

Arc frowns. “So you’re saying mares were treated like cattle?”

“No, no. They found a stallion they liked and just co-habituated.”

“So no one got married?”

“No. It wasn’t until Princess Celestia made a law about a thousand years ago making herds illegal that things changed. She was also the one who instituted the idea of marriage. Exemptions are quite rare, but do happen.”

“Well, I don’t really like the idea of forming a ‘herd’. It just feels so… impersonal.”

“I knew you would say that.”

“Then why did you bring it up?”

“To let you know that you had the option. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll change your mind and take them all.”

“WHAT?!”

Cherry giggles. “I know you’d make everypony very happy, after all.”

“Uh… you’re not serious about that whole ‘herd’ idea, are you, Cherry?”

“I am if you are.”

“Well, like I said, I’m not really interested. But… thanks for telling me though.”

“You’re welcome, Arc. But you should probably get out of the shower soon.”

“Why’s that?

“Because your hands are starting to look like raisins.”

Arc gasps. “What?! How long have I been in here!”

“Long enough.”

Arc turns off the water and grabs a towel. “Well, this talk certainly didn’t end the way I thought it would.”

“Agreed. I can’t believe I finally got you to confess!”

“You can see my thoughts. Why did you…?”

Cherry giggles. “Like I said earlier, because I just wanted to hear you say it.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he dresses. “Well if you’re so in tune with my potential future wives, if you were me, who would you choose.”

“That is a tough question. Even more so as a mare.”

“Come on. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Okay. But I’ll just whisper it in your mind.”

Cherry does so. Arc looks surprised.

“Interesting choice there, Cherry.”

“You asked and I answered.”

“I suppose so. Well, in any case, Fluttershy should be back anytime now.”

“Agreed. Let’s just be sure you’re groomed and ready for the day ahead though. Wouldn’t want you to look silly now.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem. I’ll try to make sure you look your best.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I mean, thanks for the earlier talk. It really made me think about my options.”

Cherry giggles. “Like I told you before Arc. I want you to move on.”

Chapter 10 - Keeping up Appearances

Arc and his friends appear on the sigil in the Main Hall. Rainbow Dash frowns as she tugs at her dress.

“I still don’t like wearing this thing!”

Twilight turns to her. “It’s only for a few days.”

Pinkie bounces around. “Come on, Dashie! We all look so colorful now!”

Applejack sighs. “Well, I’m with Rainbow Dash on this one.”

Rarity smiles at them. “But you all look wonderful!”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “Thank you. Your dresses are very nice, Rarity. But I’m not looking forward to this meeting.”

Arc sighs. “Neither am I. But the princesses can’t really do this on their own.”

They arrive at Arc’s quarters. The guards part to allow them to enter. Twilight smiles and walks over to the couch.

“Cadance? Where’s your dress?”

As she approaches her friend, Twilight notices she has apparently dozed off. She nudges her friend affectionately.

“Come on. Time to wake up.”

The alicorn’s eyes slowly open as she turns to look up at Twilight. Cadance’s eyes appear unfocused as they rest on the purple unicorn before her..

“Huh…?”

“You must be pushing yourself too hard. We found you asleep”

“Where… am I?”

Twilight look her friend in the eye. “Cadance? What…?

The pink alicorn’s eyes drift slowly around the room as Twilight slowly takes a step back.

“Arc! I… I think something’s wrong with Cadance!”

Arc and the others rush over as Twilight steps aside. He frowns and pats Cadance’s face.

“Princess Cadance? Can you hear me?”

Her head slowly moves to look around the room as she slurs her words. “Wha…? Where… where is… Twily…?”

“I’m right here, Cadance! Somepony get help!”

Rainbow Dash hurries toward the door. “I’m on it!”

Arc turns around. “Wait!”

Rainbow Dash screeches to a stop. She turns and raises an eyebrow.

“Come again?”

Fluttershy looks at the princess. “We need to help her!”

Arc continues to look Cadance over. “I don’t see any marks on her. Everyone stay here and don’t let her get up.”

Rarity frowns. “What?!”

“I think I know what’s going on. Just wait here.”

Arc hurries over to his Bedroom. He knocks lightly. Hearing no response he quietly steps inside. Luna is sitting on the floor leaning against the dresser. Arc kneels down in front of her quickly.

“Luna? Can you hear me?”

The Princess of the Night does not open her eyes, but makes a few light moans. Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Rose.”

“Go ahead, Arc.”

“I need to see Shining Armor aboard The Equinox as soon as possible.”

Rose sounds confused. “Your ship? But my sensors show you to be inside the base.”

“Trust me, Rose. Arc out.”

He severs the connection and casts the Matter Compacting spell. When Luna is roughly the size of a filly he stops casting and carefully picks her up. Returning to the Living Room the others look to him clearly frightened. Rarity gasps.

“Princess Luna as well?!”

Fluttershy cowers behind Twilight. “What is going on here?!”

Arc frowns. “I’m not fully sure. But we need to get these two over to The Equinox for some tests.”

He raises a hand to Cadance. She begins to shrink as well. Finishing his spell Arc turns to the others.

“Can someone carry her please?”

Rainbow Dash nods soberly. “I got her.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. I’ll carry her.”

Applejack nods. “I’ll help you.”

She carefully puts Cadance on Twilight’s back as Arc opens a portal and turns to the others.

“Follow me.”

Passing through the swirling energies they arrive in Arc’s room aboard The Equinox. Twilight runs toward the door.

“We’ll get you some help, Cadance! Just hang on!”

“Wait, Twilight!”

Twilight stops and turns to Arc. “Huh?”

Arc walks over to the bed with Luna in his arms.

“Bring her over here.”

Twilight frowns as she does so. “What?! But aren’t we going to get them some help?!”

“We are.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“I need to see Nurse Redheart alone in my quarters aboard ship right away for an emergency physical examination.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Thank you, Arc out.”

Rarity turns to him as she covers Luna with a blanket. “What is going on here?!”

Pinkie looks the princesses over. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were drunk!”

Applejack frowns. “They certainly look to be.”

Twilight shakes her head as she covers her friend. “Cadance would never let herself go this far!”

Arc sighs. “I’m really hoping Redheart can give us some insight into this. Can someone please go to the Main Hatch and make sure Shining Armor comes here instead of heading to the Infirmary?”

Applejack raises a hoof. “I’ll go.”

As she opens the door to leave Nurse Redheart arrives and hurries over to Arc.

“I came as quickly as I could, sir. What seems to be the…?”

Redheart stops dead in her tracks as she sees both princesses lying in the bed.

“What in Equestria…?”

“Nurse, please.”

“Y-yes, sir!”

She walks over as Arc casts the counter spell on the princesses. They return to their normal size as Redheart gets to work.

“What happened?!”

Rarity shrugs. “We found them like this!”

Arc nods. “From what I can tell, they’re conscious, but only semi-aware of what’s going on around them.”

Redheart leans in close to Cadance’s face. “Have they been drinking? I smell alcohol on their breath.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Cadance wouldn’t have gotten so tipsy she couldn’t move. But I’m sure Shining Armor will know for sure.”

Applejack and Shining Armor enter the room.

“Sir, you wanted to see…”

He spots Cadance and immediately rushes over to her nearly, knocking Redheart over, and takes her hoof in his.

“What happened?!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “No idea!”

Pinkie sighs. “We were hoping you knew.”

Arc nods. “Pinkie’s right. Why don’t we start with last night?”

“Well, the diplomats wanted to celebrate… uh… not dying, I guess. Princess Luna ordered champagne be served along with some light refreshments.”

Rarity frowns. “This is difficult to ask, but how much did they drink?”

Rainbow Dash nods as she looks at the state of the monarchs. “Right. They’re really out of it.”

“One glass each.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“Very. Princess Luna made a special point about wanting to keep a level head during the evening.”

Twilight turns to her brother. “What about Cadance?”

“Like I said, just one during the initial toast Princess Luna raised.”

Arc turns to Applejack. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but how powerful is the alcohol here in Equestria?”

“The stuff we make at Sweet Apple Acres will mess you up good if you’re not careful. But that fancy stuff is certainly nowhere near as potent as my family’s cider.”

Rainbow Dash drools slightly. “Anyone else thirsty?”

Pinkie frowns at her. “Somehow I get the feeling now isn’t the time for that.”

Arc nods. “Right. Now were you with them all night, Shining Armor?”

“I stood guard outside your quarters, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “All night?”

“No, sir. I had my guards take over for me before first light so I could sleep. But I did not leave.”

“What? How…?”

“I slept in the corridor, Twilight.”

Rarity thinks for a moment. “Could somepony have snuck by you?”

“Not likely. I’m a very light sleeper. That and the other guards there on duty would have seen them.”

Twilight nods. “My brother is right about that. When I was a filly, every time I would try to sneak to the Kitchen in the night for a snack he’d catch me.”

Applejack frowns. “There were guards outside the window and door though, right?”

“Yes. I set a schedule for two hour shifts.”

Fluttershy looks to him, nervously. “Could they have fallen asleep, or wandered off?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not a chance. They were my best and most trusted 10soldiers. I wasn’t taking chances on a rookie mistake.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Maybe Rose’s scanners picked something up.”

“Good idea. Let’s find out.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Rose.”

“Rose here.”

“Did anyone enter my quarters in Light’s Hope last night.”

“Yes.”

“What?! Who?!”

“Captain Shining Armor and the princesses.”

“Okay. Other than him and the princesses.”

“No.”

“How about outside the windows. Anything there?”

“Not even a robin.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. Thanks, Rose.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Yeah. I’ll tell you about it later though. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and severs the connection.

“Nothing.”

Pinkie taps her forehead with a hoof. “What about invisible enemies?! OH! Or really small ones!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Rose’s upgraded scanners allow her to pick up cloaked life forms.”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “What if they were invisible AND not alive?”

Applejack gasps. “Like a robot?”

Fluttershy runs to hide behind Rainbow Dash. “EEP!”

“Even that should have been picked up. Trust me, nothing got past her.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Wait a second! I think I got it!”

Arc turns to her. “Good. What is it?”

“Nopony could have gotten past Rose’s sensors, right?!”

Twilight nods. “Right.”

“Isn’t it obvious? She must’ve LET somepony in!”

Rarity glares at her friend. “Rainbow Dash! That’s Twilight’s creation you’re talking about!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well… maybe somepony reprogramed her!”

Pinkie shakes her head. “Wouldn’t somepony have seen them do it?! I mean, she’s been in Arc’s office for days now!”

“Right. That and I’m certain Twilight took precautions to see to it that couldn’t happen.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Only you and I can change her directives, Arc.”

She turns and glares at Rainbow Dash.

“Unless you think I did it!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Sorry.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Okay. Let assume that no one got into the room. How about last night’s gathering then?”

Shining Armor turns to him. “Just the other guests were there along with a handful of servants.”

Rarity looks to Arc soberly. “Maybe we should speak to them.”

Arc nods. “It’s all we have at the moment.”

Redheart clears her throat.

“I’ve completed my preliminary analysis, sir.”

“Find anything?”

“No physical trauma. However that’s complicated by the fact they’re alicorns.”

Pinkie nods. “Yeah! They would’ve healed up by now, right?”!

Twilight shudders. “Yes. After all, Cadance regenerated pretty quickly from stabbing herself with a spear.”

Redheart opens her black bag and removes two syringes as she turns to Shining Armor.

“Sir, with your permission I’d like to take some blood samples.”

Shining Armor looks confused. “My permission?”

“With the princesses unable to speak for themselves you must be the one to make decisions for them.”

“Of course. Anything to figure out what’s wrong with Cadance.”

Arc turns to the bed. Luna and Cadance are looking around, dazed.

“Can they hear us?”

“Most likely. Whether or not they understand is anypony’s guess though.”

Shining Armor holds Cadance’s hoof as he looks into her unfocused eyes. “Cadance. If you can hear me, I’m going to make sure you’re made whole again.”

She looks away and begins to drool slightly. Twilight levitates a tissues over to her friend and wipes her mouth.

“This is hard to watch.”

Arc grimaces. “Agreed. We can’t let anyone see them like this. They’d be humiliated.”

Fluttershy shudders. “But what about the summit?”

Shining Armor sighs. “We have no choice but to cancel it.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What?! But everypony’s getting along really well!”

Applejack nods with conviction. “Right. We might not get another chance.”

Rarity turns to Shining Armor. “Yes. When they hear about the state of the princesses they’ll be too frightened to ever come back.”

“That may be. But the summit can’t go on as it stands.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose that’s right.”

Arc turns to Redheart. “Is there any chance all they need is some bedrest?”

Redheart shakes her head as she puts the filled syringes in a case. “It’s too early to tell, sir. But my gut reaction to this situation says no. If you’ll excuse me though, I need to get to work analyzing these samples.”

“Alright. Let me know the moment you discover anything.”

“Yes sir.”

Shining Armor puts Cadance’s hoof back under the covers and sighs as Redheart leaves the room. He whispers to her.

“I’ll be right back.”

Cadance looks at the wall behind him as Shining Armor walks over to Arc and removes his helmet before kneeling respectfully.

“What are your orders… Lord Regent?”

“Huh?”

“With both princesses out of commission, you now rule the land again. Unless you refuse, that is.”

Arc shudders. “I really don’t want to do that job again.”

“Understandable, sir. I know you have painful memories associated with that time. Shall I take the mantle of Lord Regent?”

Twilight gasps. “Wait a minute, brother! Are you volunteering to lead the country?!”

“Somepony has to. I suppose Sunburst could do it when we get back to Canterlot.”

Shining Armor sighs.

“Might I speak freely, sir?”

“Please do.”

“I… honestly don’t believe I’m capable of leading our nation as you did in the past. That and there’s still the matter of the summit. You have the respect of every ruler in Light’s Hope. I don’t.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “He does raise a good point.”

Applejack smiles at Arc. “And you did a great job last time.”

Rarity giggles. “That and you filled out your raiments wonderfully.”

Fluttershy looks to her. “What do you mean?”

Rarity blushes as everyone turns to her.

“Oh! I, uh…”

Twilight clears her throat. “I think what Rarity’s means is Arc had the look of a ruler back then.”

“Y-yes! Of course!”

Arc sighs. “Alright. I’ll take care of things for now.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes sir. That’s for the best.”

Pinkie grins. “What should we do first, LORD Arc?!”

“The princesses continued safety and recovery is our primary concern. However, we can’t do anything else for them until Nurse Redheart gives us something to go on. So in the meantime I want to know who did this to them and why.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “The ‘why’ part is pretty obvious. Somepony didn’t want this whole thing to happen!”

Applejack sighs. “Makes sense. But who?”

Arc walks over to the window and looks out. “One thing’s for certain. Whoever did this must be in Light’s Hope.”

Twilight gasps. “That’s right! Rose would’ve detected somepony trying to leave and raised the alarm!”

Fluttershy looks to Twilight nervously. “So you’re saying the culprit is hiding in the base?!”

Arc frowns. “Yes. Or more likely… they’re one of the diplomats themselves.”

Shining Armor sighs. “That would make sense. Our own support staff and guards were personally vetted by both myself and Princess Luna.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “So it HAS to be one of the leaders!”

Rarity sighs. “Yes. But whom?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It could be any of them really.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Or none.”

Arc clenches a fist as he looks to the bed. “Let’s hope for that, Shining Armor. But either way, SOMEONE hurt the princesses. So I’m going to hurt THEM!”

Twilight steps forward. “We’ll help you any way we can, Arc.”

“Thanks everyone. First we should probably interview everyone inside and get their side of the story.”

Fluttershy looks at the others in their dresses. “Um… so… should we change first?”

Arc nods. “I suppose so. But keep those Elements handy just in case.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

Rarity moves to join her. “Yes. They can’t be used to hurt anypony.”

“Right. But the guests don’t know that. With any luck we can use that to our advantage. Now I want all of you get changed and meet me back here as soon as you can.”

Applejack gestures to his attire. “You going to change out of those clothes, Arc?”

“Sadly, no. As the Lord Regent… again… I have to keep up appearances.”

Rainbow Dash flies toward the door. “Great! I can’t wait to get out of this thing!”

Rarity hurries after the blue pegasus. “Careful! Don’t wrinkle it!”

Twilight hurries toward the door. “Come on, girls. Let’s get moving.”

The mares leave the room together. Arc turns to Shining Armor who is staring at Cadance.

“Shining Armor. I want you to stay here and watch over the princesses.”

“But what about the investigation?!”

“I’ll take care of it personally. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

“Yes sir.”

“Head to the Bridge and tell Lieutenant Trixie to station as many guards as she can spare outside this room. I’ll watch over them while you’re gone.”

Shining Armor silently nods and leaves the room. Arc walks over to the princesses and pulls the covers back. Sighing, he removes their hoof protectors and chest plates. Putting them safely on the table he turns back and carefully covers them back up before slowly removing their crowns.

“I’m really sorry about this you two. Taking your crowns… it just doesn’t feel right!”

Cadance’s head flops from side to side as Luna touches the tip of her own nose with her tongue. Arc takes Luna’s hoof in his hand and gives it a quick squeeze.

“I don’t know if you can understand me or not, Luna. But… we’re going to figure this out. I promise. Twilight and her friends will be helping me, so you’ll be back to normal in no time.”

Cadance makes a face and burps loudly.

“You too, Princess Cadance. Just rest now and don’t worry about a thing.”

She looks all around for something.

“Don’t worry. Shining Armor will be back in a bit. I’ll look after you until then.”

A short time later Shining Armor returns and approaches the bed.

“She’ll have guards over here in a few minutes.”

“Did you tell her why?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No sir. I only said it was on your orders.”

“Thank you. The princesses deserve better than the guards gossiping about their condition.”

Shining Armor walks over to the bedside and takes Cadance’s hoof.

“I’m right here. You’re not alone.”

“She seemed to become agitated when you left.”

“Sir?”

“Her eyes were blankly searching for something. She didn’t stop until you walked over just now.”

Shining Armor hangs his head. “She must be very disappointed in me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How do you figure that?”

“Somepony was able to get to both of them. I failed in my duty.”

“Not necessarily. We don’t have any idea how this was done. I’m guessing you couldn’t have stopped this even if you knew about it.”

Shining Armor sighs and shakes his head. “I never should have left them.”

“Left?”

“This morning Princess Luna told me to take a walk and check on security. She wanted to have a private conversation with Cadance.”

“Something wrong with that?”

“No. After all, they do spend quite a bit of time alone together every day talking about matters of great importance.”

Shining Armor’s eyes grow wide.

“I just thought of something! They were fine when I brought them breakfast!”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes! But doesn’t that exonerate the other leaders?”

“Not really. I mean, they could have done something covertly. Maybe even magically.”

“But wouldn’t Rose’s scanners have picked that up?”

“They should have, yes. But if it was some kind of unknown magic… maybe not.”

Shining Armor frowns. “The other nation’s leaders might have some magical powers we don’t even know about.”

Arc sighs as he turns back to the bed. “I’ll admit it’s kinda an out there idea. But at this point I’m not dismissing anything.”

Chapter 11 - Questioning

Author's Note

-The princesses were found in a dazed state in their room at Light's Hope. Cause unknown.

-Shining Armor reported them acting normally when he brought them breakfast earlier that morning.

-Rose reports her sensors did not detect any unauthorized personnel entering or leaving the princess' room that night, nor the facility at any time.

-Redheart smelled alcohol on their breath. Further examination showed no sign of physical trauma.

-Luna and Cadance only had a single drink each the previous night.

-Shining Armor also reports Luna asking for some alone time to discuss private matters with Cadance

Chapter 11 - Questioning

Arc and his friends leave his quarters aboard The Equinox. They pass an entire corridor lined with guards. Twilight walks by his side.

“It looks like Trixie did exactly what you asked.”

Arc nods. “Yes. She’s very dependable according to Shining Armor.”

They approach Trixie who is speaking to Flash Sentry at the end of the corridor. At his approach they both salute.

“Trixie has done as you ordered, sir.”

“What’s going on, sir?”

“Both of you follow us to the hatch.”

Arc continues on. Trixie and Flash Sentry look at one another and shrug before doing as they are told. As they approach the hatch Rainbow Dash moves to press the release button before Arc holds out an arm to stop her.

“Just a minute.”

She stops as he turns to the two lieutenants.

“This is top secret information at the moment, but both princesses are very ill and unable to continue the summit.”

Flash Sentry gasps. “So they’re resting in you quarters?”

“Right.”

“Trixie will see to it nopony disturbs them.”

“Good. No one is allowed in there except Captain Shining Armor, myself, and Nurse Redheart. Flash Sentry will oversee security of that room and take command of your forces, Trixie. Shining Armor is personally watching over the princesses from inside. You will come with us.

Trixie appears surprised. “Um… yes sir.”

“I’ll need you to follow us inside and take over for Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage.”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “Did he do something wrong?”

“No. But for now I want Trixie to oversee the security office. I have a new task for him.”

“Trixie will do her best.”

“I know you will. Now let’s get moving.”

Arc turns to Rainbow Dash and nods. She presses the button and the group heads out the hatch and down the gangplank. The guards outside salute and allow the group to pass. As they enter the base Arc leads them toward his office.

“Let’s get this ball rolling.”

Entering the office they see Rose and Sandstorm Mirage overlooking the cameras. The sergeant hurries over to him and salutes.

“Sir! What can I do for you?”

“There’s been an incident, sergeant. Lieutenant Trixie is going to be taking over security for the time being.

“S-sir?”

“I need you to and a squad to personally guard the Main Hall. No one is allowed to leave the building without me being personally present. There will be no verbal or written passes accepted. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. Trixie, take over.”

Sandstorm Mirage leaves the room and heads for the barracks. He frowns.

“What is going on here?! It’s far too early for the Dark Lady to act!”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Rose.

“Keep an eye open for anything suspicious out there.”

“Like what?”

“Anyone snooping around or acting strangely. If you detect anything call Trixie on the radio. She’ll evaluate the situation and send guards if necessary.”

“Okay.”

Twilight smiles at her. “You can do this Rose. I believe in you.”

“Thank you mother.”

The group leaves the office. Rainbow Dash turns to Arc.

“You were kinda hard on them, weren’t you?”

“Trixie would like to remind you that the military is certainly not a party.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. And right now we all need to do our very best to see this thing through.”

Applejack turns to Rainbow Dash. “Arc’s not doing this to be mean to them. After all, this really isn’t what I would call normal circumstances.”

Rarity turns to the others. “Let’s just trust him on this one.”

Fluttershy looks up to Arc. “Should we notify Canterlot?”

“No. That would just give Sunburst a heart attack. Besides, I’m in charge of the country for now.”

Twilight nods. “So our next step is what?”

“Inform the other summit attendees of what happened. Maybe they can tell us something.”

Rainbow Dash clops her hooves together. “Yeah! Like which one of them did it!”

Pinkie turns to her friend. “Come on, Dashie! Maybe nopony did it!”

Twilight shrugs. “I suppose it is possible that this was all just a natural coincidence.”

Arc frowns. “Regardless, we have to figure this out.”

They enter the Dining Room. The delegates are mingling and talking amongst themselves. Rutherford sees Arc and storm over to him

“Pony princesses late! They promise to introduce yaks to warriors from last night!”

Yona points a hoof. “Father, I think that them.”

Rutherford looks Twilight and her friends over.

“They take out Ursa Minor? Me not believe it.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well, it happened. Trust me. But in any case…”

He turns to the other leaders as they approach.

“Everyone please listen. I have something important to tell all of you.”

Goldstone appears impatient. “Is it perhaps why the princesses have kept us waiting so long?”

Ashe turns to him. “I’m sure they had a good reason, Lord Goldstone.”

Gestal nods. “Indeed.”

Arc clears his throat and continues.

“Both of them are currently bedridden and unable to communicate intelligibly.”

Fiona gasps. “Oh dear! Are they alright?!”

Twilight sighs. “We don’t know yet.”

“Right. My ship’s Chief Medical Officer is currently analyzing their blood samples. Hopefully we’ll know more soon. But right now I need to know what happened last night.”

Ember shrugs. “Not much, really.”

Smolder wrinkles her nods. “Yeah! There was a little partying and a lot of strange smelling glasses.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide. “You mean poison?!”

Applejack turns to her friend. “I think she’s talking about the alcohol.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Did either princesses eat or drink anything special or strange?”

Felix shakes his head. “No, Lord Arc.”

Fiona takes her husband’s arm. “We all ate and drank the same things.”

Tugem instinctively puts a hand to his midsection. “Oh dear. Are we perhaps poisoned as well then?”

Sereb frowns. “That is indeed a possibility. Arc?”

“Agreed. Does anyone feel ill?”

Goldstone holds his stomach. “I do!”

Ghaleon rolls his eyes. “You’re fine.”

“Might I get a test to be sure though?!”

“That might not be a bad idea considering the…”

His earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Redheart. I’ve completed my analysis of the samples. Shall I…?”

Pinkie interrupts. “Shhhh! It’s a secret!”

Rutherford frowns. “You keeping secrets from yak now?!”

Felix nods soberly. “We understand, Lord Arc. But I for one would very much like to know if we’re in danger.”

Goldstone turns to the Abyssinians, angrily. “Stop groveling at his feet, you simpletons! It’s pathetic!”

Ember steps between Goldstone and Felix, seething. “You’d know all about that wouldn’t you, Goldstone!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about! At least my kind doesn’t eat their own young!”

Iris growls as she and Kane take up battle-ready stances. “That is a myth! Our dragon allies certainly don’t…!”

Arc calls out. “Everyone calm down! We won’t get through this by fighting amongst ourselves.”

Ikis turns to Arc. “Perhaps you should hear that news privately.”

“No. Let’s all hear what she has to say. Go ahead, Redheart.”

“There appears to be a foreign toxin in their blood.”

Rarity gasps. “So they WERE poisoned?!”

“Prognosis?”

“It’s very similar to the substance used against you not long ago.”

Twilight frowns. “Arc? What is she talking about?!”

“A while back someone poisoned me in an attempt to undermine a certain mission I was on. The rest of that story is best left unsaid though.”

The Marquis appears concerned. “Are you all right, my friend?!”

“Yes. The others with me were able to get the antidote. Redheart, could we cure this the same way?”

“I’ll need to run some tests before I know the answer to that, sir.”

“Keep at it. Anything else?”

“They’re stable for the moment, and I don’t believe their lives are in mortal danger right now. But that may not continue to be the case without some kind of treatment.”

“Keep me posted. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and frowns. Tugem walks over to him.

“Pardon me, sir. But what about the mares with you?”

Kane nods. “Could they perhaps be of help in this matter?”

“These are Equestria’s Element Bearers. Each of them embodies a pure aspect of civility which allows them to wield their respective Element.”

Ikis looks them over. “They were able to defeat their opponent with ease. Could they assist you in this investigation?”

“I don’t believe so, no.”

Goldstone raises an eyebrow. “Then why are they here?”

“Because the princesses wanted all of you to meet them.”

Pinkie hops forward. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! The Element of Laughter!”

“Howdy! I’m Applejack! I hold the Element of Honesty.”

“Name’s Rainbow Dash. Element of Awesomeness!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Better known as the Element of Loyalty.”

Rarity curtseys. “I am Rarity. The Element of Generosity is my charge.”

Fluttershy steps back nervously. “Um… hi. I’m… uh… Fluttershy, and this is the Element of Kindness.”

“And I’m Twilight Sparkle. The crown on my head binds the Elements together, and is known as the Element of Magic.”

Ghaleon turns to Arc. “All well and good, Lord Arc. But none of those things will heal your princesses.”

“Agreed. Now I’d like to interview each delegation separately to find out what happened.”

Iris narrows her eyes. “Dare I ask why?”

Twilight clears her throat. “It’s possible that you may know something helpful without even being aware of it.”

Rutherford looks confused. “Yak not like strange words!”

Yona nods. “Yah! Make head hurt!”

Arc sighs. “She means I’m going to take what everyone tells me and try to reconstruct last night’s activities.”

Ember nods. “As Dragon Lord, I’d be willing to go first.”

Goldstone mutters under his breath. “Political pets. Disgusting behavior.”

“I do have one request though.”

“Oh?”

Ember turns to her sister. “I’d like Smolder to be taken to the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Smolder frowns. “WHAT?!”

“Just until this is solved.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I suppose it would be alright.”

Rutherford turns to Arc. “What that?”

Rarity walks over to him. “It’s where the orphans of Equestria live.”

Pinkie nods happily. “Yeah! They live together, and play games, and eat, and go to school there, and…!”

Yona interrupts her. “That no make sense!”

“Yah! And what school?!”

Felix mutters under his breath. “Barbarians…”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “It’s where you go to learn.”

Rutherford nods. “Good! You take Yona there too!”

“Why, father?!”

“To teach pony young how to be best like yak, of course!”

“I can do that! Being best at everything is what yaks best at!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Fine. I’ll escort the Dragon Lord to my quarters and run these two over to the orphanage. The Element Bearers will interview the representatives from Hydra Village and the Forsaken Tribe.”

Twilight nods. “We’ll do our best.”

“Thanks. I’ll be back soon.”

Arc, Ember, Yona, and Smolder leave the Dining Room and head down the corridor. Arc pauses outside his quarters as Ember leans over and gives his face a quick lick.

“Don’t be too long now.”

Smolder and Yona make faces of disgust.

“Just try to stay out of trouble for a few minutes. I’ll be right back.”

Arc leads his young charges out the front door and down the path. Smolder frowns at him.

“So where are you really taking us?”

“The orphanage.”

Smolder laughs. “That place isn’t real!”

Yona looks confused. “It not?”

Arc chuckles. “Oh? Then what’s that?”

The Little Hooves Orphanage comes into view through the branches. Yona shrugs.

“Yak don’t know. What is it?”

“The orphanage I told you about”.

“But that not real! Dragon say so!”

Smolder frowns. “So I was wrong!”

“Yes, well… let’s go inside.”

They enter the building and walk toward the stairs. Arc turns to the pair behind him.

“I need to check you in with the Matron.”

Smolder whispers to Yona. “I bet she’s an ugly old crone.”

They reach Coco Pommel’s office. Arc knocks.

“Come in.”

He leads the pair into the office. Coco Pommel hops down from her chair and hurries over to him. Arc kneels down to give her a hug.

“Good morning, Arc.”

She sees Smolder and Yona behind him.

“Did you make some new friends?”

“Kinda. This is Yona and Smolder. We have a bit of a diplomatic… uh… problem at Light’s Hope and they need somewhere to stay for a couple days.”

“I’ll take them.”

She walks over to them and smiles.

“How about I take both of you to a room with some games?”

Yona nods happily. “That sounds like fun!”

Smolder rolls her eyes. “Pft… whatever.”

“Thanks for doing this, Coco Pommel.”

“Anything for you, my friend.”

As Arc turns to leave Smolder grabs his wrist. Turning around he sees her frowning up at him.

“You’re going back to talk to my sister, right?”

“I am. Why?”

Smolder looks at him sternly. “Just one thing. Don’t be putting any eggs in her belly.”

“Uh… sure. No problem.”

She nods and turns to follow Coco Pommel and Yona down the corridor. Shaking his head Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to his quarters. However when he appears he doesn’t see Ember.

“Uh… are you here?”

“Over here.”

Arc turns toward the darkened fireplace. He immediately spots Ember lying on the rug as she breathes a stream of fire to ignite the wood. She turns to him seductively.

“Care to join me… Lord Arc?”

“Very funny, Ember.”

Sighing, she sits up.

“Can’t blame a dragon for trying.”

“Can you be serious about this please, Ember?”

“Fine. How are they?”

“The princesses? Not good.”

“Asleep like last time?”

Arc shakes his head. “Worse. They’re… let’s just say… really out of it.”

“How bad is it?”

“Very. I need you to tell me what happened last night.”

“Well I can do better than that!”

“You can?”

“Yeah. I know who did this to them.”

“Who?”

“Goldstone!”

“How?”

Ember shrugs. “I dunno. Some kind of knockout drug would be my guess.”

“And you saw him do this?”

“No, but who else could it be?! I mean, he’s been staring at every female’s flank this whole time! Especially the princesses!”

“That doesn’t really prove he did it.”

“Well, it also doesn’t prove he DIDN’T do it!”

“True. But I can’t accuse him without hard evidence. Did he get close to them last night?”

Ember frowns. “Are you kidding?! He hovers around them like a moth around a lantern! It’s just gross the way he stares at them when he thinks no one’s looking!”

“Did he get close enough to actually do anything though?”

“Yes. At one point he ‘accidently’ bumped into Princess Cadance and knocked her cup out of her hoof. He also saved himself from falling over by putting his filthy talon on her back!”

“And you think he did that on purpose?”

“I do. Because he insisted she take his glass! He could’ve put anything in that thing before then!”

“I suppose so. Tell me, did he do the same to Luna?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. After that I made sure to stay with them for the rest of the evening.”

She grins wickedly.

“He’s a bit afraid of me.”

“What about the others? Did anyone do anything odd?”

Ember thinks for a moment.

“Well… there was one other thing. Queen Fiona and Goldstone had a rather long conversation and one corner of the room.”

“What about?”

“No idea. I didn’t want to be anywhere near that pervert.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Sereb probably heard them. I could ask him.”

“It’s worth a shot. I just thought it was strange after them almost going to war a while back.”

“Agreed. Thanks for telling me.”

“It’s the least I could do. Thanks for getting Smolder out of here though.”

“You two not getting along?”

Ember sighs. “We’ve never really been close.”

“I kinda wish I had a sibling sometimes.”

“Trust me. It’s not really all it’s cracked up to be.”

“Maybe. But I still wouldn’t mind having a little brother or sister.”

He stands up.

“Well, I should move on to the next interview.”

Ember takes his hand and grins.

“You don’t want to snuggle for a bit?”

“Ember…”

“I can turn back into my human form if that would make you feel better.”

“You know I have things to do.”

Ember sighs as they step toward the door. “Yes. But you can’t blame a dragon for trying?”

As Ember steps out Arc sees Trixie standing outside the door with Rutherford. She salutes.

“Trixie apologizes, sir. But the prince insisted on seeing you.”

“It’s fine. The Dragon Lord and I were done anyways. Please come in Prince Rutherford.”

He does so. Arc closes the door behind him and gestures to the couch.

“Won’t you sit down?”

Rutherford walks over to the fireplace and sits on the floor. Arc shrugs and follows suit.

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

“Yak send Yona to… what you call the building again?”

“The Little Hooves Orphanage.”

“Yah! Yak do that not only to share culture with ponies, but to keep her safe!”

“Oh?”

Rutherford nods. “Yak see trouble coming! Can’t trust wolf clan!”

“The Forsaken? Why? Which one?”

“They very bad!”

“Can you be more descriptive?”

“Yak see bigger wolf sneak away part way through party! He up to no good! Yak could tell!”

“Kane? What makes you think he was up to something?”

“Because ogre prince left a few minutes later! He certainly going to meet up with wolf!”

“I suppose that’s possible. I’ll be sure to ask him about it.”

“Good! Yak hope they confess soon! If not, yak MAKE them!”

“Thank you, Prince Rutherford. But I’ll handle this.”

“Yak don’t mind helping pony friends!”

“Well, yes but… but you’re a guest here. And it wouldn’t be proper to make a guest work.”

Rutherford looks confused. “Yak not sure that makes sense.”

“In any case, can you tell me anything else about last night?”

Rutherford nods. “Yah! Some cupcakes from last night not taste good!”

“Do you believe they were poisoned, or something?”

“Yak not sure! Most things taste different here anyways! Could be poison, yes! But yak not scared!”

Arc sighs. “I’ll look into it. Thank you for your time.”

Rutherford stands and walks out the door. Arc puts a hand to his chin.

“How the heck am I supposed to figure this out?!”

He paces for a few moments.

“Dad, I wish you were here. You’d probably already have this mess figured out by now.”

Arc walks over to an end table and pulls out a pencil and paper.

“I’ve got to write this all down. No way I’ll remember everything if I don’t.”

Sitting back down at the table Arc transcribes what he knows and looks the paper over.

“None of this makes any real sense. Hopefully the rest of the interviews can give me a bit of insight.”

Chapter 12 - Comparing Notes

A few minutes later there is a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Trixie enters and salutes.

“Trixie has brought Prince Tugem as ordered, sir.”

“Thank you. Send him in.”

She returns to the corridor. A few moments later Tugem steps inside and walks over to Arc. He gestures to the table.

“Have a seat, Prince Tugem.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc”

They sit down across from one another as Tugem speaks.

“First, let me extend my well-wishes on behalf of the ogre race.”

“Thank you. Hopefully we can figure of what caused this soon.”

“I will help in any way I can. But I am certain you have something to ask me to reach that goal.”

“Yes. What can you tell me about last night? Anything strike you as out of the ordinary?”

Tugem nods. “A few things, yes.”

Arc holds his pencil at the ready. “Go ahead.”

“First of all, I found it very odd that the hydra did not eat or drink anything. Especially since they seemed to enjoy the past meals very much.”

“That is true from what I’ve seen. The Marquis especially likes cupcakes. Are you certain neither of them ate anything? I mean, could they have done so when your back was turned?”

Tugem thinks for a moment. “That is certainly possible. While a bit out of character for me, I also want to point out that I did step out for a bit. The large wolf named Kane seemed a bit out of sorts, so I decided to follow him.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. He seemed agitated.”

“Did you speak to him?”

“That I did.”

“Might I ask what about?”

Tugem sighs.

“Lord Arc, I understand that you’re trying to get to the bottom of this matter and it’s very important that everything said here is accurate. Might I ask you to keep what I say next a secret?”

“I’ll try.”

“Kane and I walked the corridors for a time together. He confided in me his feelings of… what is the word… insecurity for the future.”

“What do you mean?”

“He told me of his battle with your friend Sereb. How he was defeated so soundly after a fairly short time under you tutelage. Such things have worn heavily on him for some time now, or so he said.”

“Sereb beating him had THAT big of an impact?”

“So it would seem. He’s been training especially hard in hopes of regaining his title.”

“Is he planning on challenging Sereb here?”

Tugem shakes his head. “No. Matriarch Iris has forbidden it on the grounds of this being a peace summit.”

“That’s a relief. Anything else you saw?”

“Yes. When I rounded the corner to enter the Dining Room I saw Queen Fiona speaking to Lord Goldstone.”

“Well, talking is the whole point of the summit.”

Tugem frowns. “Agreed. However I believe I saw her drop something into his glass.”

“Something?”

“I didn’t actually see anything leave her paw, mind you. For all I know she might have just been waving it dismissively. However nothing befell Lord Goldstone, so I assumed I was mistaken.”

Arc frowns as he writes. “Thank you for your time, Prince Tugem.”

Tugem nods as they stand and walk to the door together. “It’s my pleasure, Lord Arc. I do wish the princesses a speedy recovery. But I would like to ask you one thing.”

“Yes?”

“The officer whom led me here. She has a very similar appearance to the mare whom enslaved my fellow ogres some time ago.”

“She is indeed the very same mare, yes.”

Tugem narrows his eyes. “Equestria must have a very effective rehabilitation program.”

“A lot has happened since that time, and Trixie has gone through quite a bit since then. Most of it bad. But she’s been able to rise above it after paying for her crimes.”

“I’m sure you understand this puts me in a very awkward position.”

“Yes, I understand that. That’s why I originally had her aboard my ship. But right now I need her here to oversee security.”

“This is your base, and that is your choice. But I’d like you to know one thing. I’ll be watching her very closely.”

Arc nods. “I’m sure you’re concerned, but…”

“I am. However, my father will be very interested in hearing her fate and current state of freedom. Truthfully, I would like to be able to give him a favorable report.”

“Yes, well… she’s shown herself to be quite brave in the face of adversity in the recent past. More so than what she displayed to your people.”

“My father trusts your judgement, and so do I. Thank you for the chat.”

Tugem leaves the room. He stops and looks at Trixie wordlessly for a moment. She looks down ashamedly as Tugem continues on his way.

“Trixie assumes you would like to see King Felix and Queen Fiona next, sir.”

“Right.”

“Trixie will fetch them.”

“Thank you.”

She salutes and turns to leave as Arc closes the door and returns to his table. A few minutes later the king and queen enter. Arc stands and walks over to them.

“Thank you for coming. Please be seated.”

The pair nod and do so. Felix is the first to speak.

“I do hope we can be of some help, Lord Arc.”

Fiona nods. “Yes. Your princesses’ health is of the highest importance to us.”

“As it is to me. Now then, did you see anything strange last night?”

Felix sighs. “It might be nothing, but I distinctly saw the larger wolf looking at the younger one angrily for quite some time.”

Fiona nods. “I saw that too. Eventually he left the room. Presumably to get some air and blow off some steam.”

“Did he say anything?”

Felix shakes his head. “Not a word to anyone from what I could hear.”

Fiona sighs. “Yes. He didn’t even leave Matriarch Iris’ side until later in the evening.”

“I see. How about the others?”

Felix thinks for a moment. “At one point I heard Princess Cadance yelp.”

Fiona frowns. “That letch Goldstone had his talon on her back!”

“The surprise must’ve made her drop her glass. He seemed very apologetic over the whole event. Perhaps it really was an accident.”

Fiona shakes her head. “No! He must’ve done it on purpose to feel her backside!”

“What happened after that?”

“I didn’t see. His face makes me so sick every time I see it that I had to turn away.”

Felix nods with conviction. “Agreed. As soon as we saw Princess Cadance was all right we stopped watching.”

“Did anything else that night strike you as odd?”

Fiona shakes her head. “Not particularly, no.”

“Is there anything else you can add that might be helpful?”

Felix frowns. “I don’t believe so, Lord Arc.”

Arc sighs and soberly turns to Fiona.

“Queen Fiona, I’d like to ask you a couple questions.”

“M-me?”

“Yes. I need to clear up a few things.”

“I’ll do my very best to answer.”

“I’m sure you will. Now then, you said that you and your husband can’t stand the sight of Lord Goldstone, is that right?”

Fiona nods angrily. “Yes. That is correct.”

Felix frowns. “You know what he proposed to my wife during out last visit! That griffon is a maggot at best!”

“Agreed. However, Queen Fiona, you were witnessed having what was described as an in-depth conversation with him. Is that right?”

Fiona looks away nervously. “I… suppose I did speak to him for a few minutes at least.”

Felix frowns. “When did that happen?!”

“When you returned to the room for a fresh set of raiments.”

Felix clears his throat. “Oh.”

He turns to Arc, slightly embarrassed.

“I accidently spilled champagne on myself.”

“That’s understandable. But I’d like to know what your wife was discussing with Lord Goldstone.”

Fiona sighs. “One of his favorite subjects, money.”

Felix turns to his wife. “Money?! We’re not opening trade with him, or anyone else in the Griffon Kingdom if I have anything to say about it!”

“Yes, Felix. However I only did that to lure him into a false sense of security.”

Arc frowns. “You were setting him up for something?”

“I was, Lord Arc. As you’ve no doubt noticed, griffon culture is based on economic standing and personal image above all. Since I couldn’t hurt him financially, I decided to do the next best thing and hurt his image.”

Felix looks nervous. “What did you do, Fiona?”

“Nothing too terrible. I just sprinkled a little Abyssinian Itchweed into his glass.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “In his glass? What would that have done? Made his throat itchy?”

Felix shakes his head. “It only does that if applied topically.”

Fiona chuckles. “Right. If ingested the subject begins to sneeze uncontrollably almost immediately. There’s also no cure for it, so he would have been forced to endure the humiliation for the next hour or so.”

“Are you certain that’s all it does?”

Felix nods. “That we are. It’s a very old prankster’s trick in Abyssinia, after all. Everyone recognizes the effects immediately.”

Fiona laughs. “True. But no one outside our country would recognize the symptoms.”

“Did it work?”

“Sadly, no. I watched him for a bit, but he didn’t take a drink.”

Felix sighs. “He must’ve set the drink down at some point without tasting it. After all, I didn’t hear any sneezing from his direction.”

Arc frowns. “I believe I can explain why not.”

“Oh?”

“Do you remember how he made Princess Cadance drop her glass?”

Felix nods. “Yes. He must’ve dropped his own as well.”

“No. Someone said they saw him offer his own drink to her to apologize.”

The king and queen gasp.

“Wha-what?! But I didn’t hear anyone sneeze that night! She must not have drank it either!”

Felix shakes his head. “She did.”

“Are you certain?!”

Felix nods. “I am. There were a few political chuckles later. I turned around just in time to see Princess Cadance put the empty glass on a passing servant’s tray.”

Fiona puts her face in her paws.

“This is terrible! Lord Arc, I’m so very sorry about this! Equestria has done nothing but treat us and our subjects with the greatest of dignity, respect, and charity! And THIS is how I repaid you for that!”

Felix puts an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “But if she didn’t sneeze she must be immune to its effects.”

“She drank it and then took ill! What else could it have been, Felix?!”

Arc sighs. “Do you have any more of that plant? I’d like to have it analyzed.”

“Of course!”

She reaches inside her robe. Pulling a small satchel out of an inner pocket she places it on the table in front of Arc.

“This is all I have.”

Arc nods. “It should be enough.”

Taking the satchel Arc heads for the door. Opening it he finds Trixie waiting patiently.

“Take this bag to Nurse Redheart aboard The Equinox. Tell her to test Princess Cadance’s blood for it.”

“Yes sir.”

Trixie takes the bag with her magic and hurries down the corridor with it. Arc shuts the door and turns back toward the pair. Fiona slowly stands and hangs her head sadly as he approaches.

“Lord Arc, I… I’d like to make a statement.”

“Go ahead.”

“First, I’d like to formally apologize to you for causing this mess. Second, I’d like to turn myself over to you for prosecution on the condition that Equestria does not retaliate against Abyssinia for my grievous error.”

Felix gasps. “What? NO! I can’t lose you, Fiona!”

Fiona takes her husband’s paws in hers. “Lord Arc was merciful once before. He can’t very well do so a second time. I’m sorry, but I need stand trial for my crime.”

She turns back to Arc.

“Would you please call a guard to take me to the dungeon?”

Arc shakes his head. “I can’t do that, Queen Fiona.”

Felix looks to Arc, hopefully. “You’re pardoning her?!”

“Not exactly. First of all, I don’t have a dungeon here. Second, I’m going to wait for the official report from Nurse Redheart. But I don’t think you did this.”

Fiona looks to him confused. “But the evidence is overwhelming!”

“I believe you’re forgetting one thing. If this weed did indeed put Princess Cadance in such a state, how is it Princess Luna was also affected?”

Felix nods. “That’s right! Only Princess Cadance drank from the glass! Or so I’m assuming!”

“Right. Queen Fiona, your little attempt at revenge was most certainly foolish at best.”

She nods sadly.

“However, assuming the lab report agrees with my analysis, I’d be willing to forget the whole thing.”

Felix grabs Arc’s hand and shakes it heartily. “Thank you very much, sir! But what about the princesses?! They’ll most certainly be upset when they learn of this!”

Fiona nods sadly. “Then I’ll take any punishment they deem fair.”

Arc shrugs. “They usually trust my advice. When this is over I’ll ask them to forgive your mistake.”

Felix looks nervously at him. “Do you think it’ll work?”

Arc nods. “Trust me. When I tell them what you were trying to do to Goldstone they’ll probably want to give you an award.”

Fiona looks to him as a tear escapes her eye. “Thank you very much, Lord Arc! I give you my word that this will never happen again!”

“This is most certainly not fair to your nation, Lord Arc! After all, you’ve done so much for us, and we haven’t been able to return the favor in kind!”

“We can talk about that after the lab report comes back.”

Fiona nods soberly. “Lord Arc? I do have a request.”

“What is it?”

“To show my sincerity, I’d like to be detained until my innocence is proven.”

Felix sighs. “I too will join my wife in stocks.”

“Very well. Both of you will be placed under house arrest here at Light’s Hope until further notice. I’ll have Lieutenant Trixie escort you back to your room.”

Fiona nods sadly. “Thank you. This is certainly more than I deserve.”

They head for the door. Arc opens it and Trixie approaches.

“Take the king and queen back to their quarters. They’re not to leave their room until further notice.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc watches as they walk away. Felix puts his arm around his wife’s shoulders. She turns back and mouths the words ‘I’m sorry’ before putting her head on her husband’s shoulder. Twilight’s voice rings out behind him.

“Arc?! What’s going on?!”

“Queen Fiona is being held while some evidence is examined.”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “What about her husband?”

“He’s agreed to be detained with her.”

Applejack looks around cautiously. “We should probably talk privately, Arc.”

“Agreed. Please follow me.”

Arc leads them into his quarters and shuts the door behind them. They head over to the fireplace and sit down on the rug as Arc picks up his notepad and heads for the couch.

“Go ahead, Twilight. What did you learn from the Forsaken and the Hydra?”

Twilight clears her throat as she materializes a scroll. “Sereb said he overheard Queen Fiona talking to Lord Goldstone about monetary policy.”

Rarity nods. “Right. Nothing illegal though.”

Fluttershy looks suddenly concerned. “You didn’t have her arrested for that did you, Arc?”

“No. She confessed to something else.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What though?!”

“I’ll tell you at the end. Anything else from Sereb?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No. But his brother Kane said he overheard Lord Gestal whispering to his daughter about how to use a bad situation to gain leverage.”

Arc sighs. “He’s a politician, so it would make sense that’s his stance. While I don’t really like it, that’s how the Griffon Kingdom works.”

Pinkie hops over. “Oh! Matriarch Iris said she saw Lord Gestal’s bodyguard watching Lord Goldstone closely! Maybe he suspects he’s up to no good?!”

Twilight sighs. “Maybe. But it is his job to protect them.”

Applejack nods. “He was probably just being cautious.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “There was that last comment the Matriarch overheard.”

Pinkie grins. “Tell him! That was the juiciest bit!”

Rarity turns to Arc. “Matriarch Iris overheard Lord Goldstone refer to certain diplomats as ‘Equestria’s pets’.”

“Not sure how I feel about that. But I suppose muttering to himself isn’t actually a crime. How about the Hydra? Did they see or hear anything?”

Twilight sighs. “Hydra Prime Ikis said he sensed something out of place.”

“Could he be a bit more descriptive?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Something about it being exotic. Not native to Equestria.”

Rarity sighs. “While we’re not sure it would help. We felt it best to bring the matter to your attention, Arc.”

“Good. No detail is too small right now. How about the Marquis?”

Twilight looks over her scroll again as she speaks.

“It’s probably nothing, but he said he saw Princess Luna pretend to take several sips from her glass before pouring it into a napkin.”

Arc looks up, confused. “Wait. You mean she didn’t drink anything at all?”

Pinkie shakes her head. “Not that he could remember!”

Rarity nods. “Indeed. However, that’s everything we uncovered. How did you do, Arc?”

Arc sighs and look as his notes. “Here’s what I found…”

He reads off his own list of discoveries to the group. Twilight looks to him, clearly impressed.

“Looks like you were able to learn quite a bit!”

Pinkie grins at him. “Yeah! How’d you get them to tell you all that?!”

Arc shrugs. “I just asked. Same as you did I suppose.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Yeah? But you got WAY more info than we did!”

Rarity smiles. “Indeed. I think I understand though.”

Applejack turns to her. “Can you explain it to us then?”

“Certainly. When you trust somepony completely you naturally tell them things you wouldn’t normally disclose.”

Twilight nods as she puts a hoof to her chin. “Arc certainly has the respect and trust of everypony attending the summit.”

Fluttershy thinks for a moment. “I wonder how much more he could’ve learned had he been the one to ask the questions of the Hydra and the Forsaken?”

Arc sighs. “It may yet come to that.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about, Arc? You told us earlier that Queen Fiona confessed.”

“She did, yes. But what happened was foolishly accidental. That and I don’t see how what she did could’ve taken down the princesses like that.”

Pinkie gasps. “What?! Then why is she in jail?!”

“She’s not really locked up. It’s more of a house arrest sort of thing. That and it was her idea. She was very remorseful.”

Twilight sighs. “So where do we stand now?”

“I’ve sent a substance to The Equinox for testing. We should hear something from Nurse Redheart soon.”

Rainbow Dash looks over to Twilight. “Should we… I don’t know… try to collect some more evidence, or something?”

“You mean like the glasses?”

“Right!”

Applejack shakes her head. “That’s going to be a bit tricky.”

Pinkie nods. “Yeah! The dishes are washed in a very powerful detergent that removes EVERYTHING from them!”

Arc frowns. “Including the evidence, right?”

Applejack nods. “Yup.”

Rarity turns to Pinkie. “Is there a chance they’re still there?”

Pinkie shakes her head. “Nope! Saffron is very good at making sure no dishes sit around unwashed! They were probably dried and put away hours ago!”

“Great. That’s literally all we had to go on. Now all that’s left to do is wait.”

Sometime later Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Redheart. I’ve completed my analysis of the blood samples and that substance you sent me.”

“Good. Let’s start with that powder.”

“It is a plant called Abyssinian Itchweed. An extract used solely for practical jokes it would appear.”

Pinkie whispers loudly to Arc. “Was there any left?! If so, I’d like some!”

“Not now, Pinkie. Was there any of it in either princesses’ body, Redheart?”

“No, sir. If they did ingest some I can only surmise that their alicorn bodies were able to filter it out before any negative effects took hold.”

“Are you completely certain of this?”

“Yes sir.”

“I see. How about their blood samples? That substance you found in it earlier.”

“As I said earlier, the toxin is very similar to that which was used to poison you. However it has been strengthened to the point that the antidote we have on hoof will be largely ineffective.”

Applejack sighs. “So whomever made it originally reformulated it so we couldn’t easily counter them again?”

“Correct. I’d need to alter the antidote for it to work.”

Arc frowns. “Any ideas on that?”

“A theory, yes. “

“Let’s hear it.”

“If I could increase the potency of the antidote it might be able to match the strength of the toxin.”

Twilight sighs. “But there’s no known way to do that.”

“Agreed. I might be able to slowly bring them out of it with continuous doses of the antidote. However it would be a long drawn out process over several months.”

Rarity gasps. “The diplomats certainly won’t wait that long!”

“Agreed. Do we need to go get more of this antidote for you?”

“No, sir. We’ve found a way to synthesize it.”

Fluttershy looks hopeful. “You can’t make it any stronger though?”

“Sadly, no. I’ve done my very best, but it’s not enough. What are your orders for the princesses’ treatment, sir?”

“I might have an idea. Start treatment as best you can for now. I’ll come see you in a bit with a possible alternative. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and sighs. Rainbow Dash hovers over to him.

“So you have an idea, huh Arc?!”

“Kinda. I’ll have to talk it over with Redheart though. Sounds good in my head though.”

Applejack suddenly frowns. “Wait a minute! I just thought of something!”

Pinkie looks to her. “Oh! Is it a way to save the princesses?!”

“Not that kind of idea. I was just thinking that nopony’s interviewed our guests from the Griffon Kingdom yet.”

Arc nods. “That was intentional, Applejack.”

Rarity frowns. “Is it because we have a treaty with them?”

“Not really. I have my own suspicions about their potential involvement. Before interviewing any of them I wanted to know everything I could from the others. But right now the princesses’ treatment takes priority.”

Twilight nods in agreement. “What can we do in the meantime?”

Arc stands up. “Why don’t all of you go have some lunch? It’s about noon after all.”

Fluttershy looks to him. “And you, Arc?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. It’s not like you to miss a meal.”

Arc sighs as they walk out the door together. “I’ll be along later. Right now I have to head back to The Equinox.”

As Twilight and her friends head down the corridor together Arc turns to Trixie. A few moments later she hurries past them. Rainbow Dash frowns and turns to Twilight.

“I don’t really like Trixie having free reign over this place.”

Applejack nods. “Me either. And as a lieutenant no less!”

Rarity turns to them. “Arc certainly seems to trust her.”

Fluttershy looks after her, meekly. “That and she seems to be doing a good job for him from what I’ve seen.”

Pinkie frowns. “She did do a lot of bad things before though! What do you think, Twilight?!”

“It might sound kinda strange after the past her and I share. But I honestly believe she’s changed.”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “How?! I still remember Arc telling us about the whole ogre enslavement fiasco!”

Applejack purses her lips. “Well, the memory of her attacking Canterlot Castle is still in the forefront of my mind.”

Twilight shakes her head. “She wasn’t in her right mind though.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “When was she ever?!”

Twilight sighs. “Well, I’m with Arc on this one. She deserves a second chance.”

Applejack turns to her. “You mean a fourth or fifth chance, right Twilight?”

“…yes.”

Chapter 14 - Arguements

Arc leaves his quarters and heads for the Dining Room. Twilight and her friends stand before the group of dignitaries. Rutherford glares at Twilight.

“What going on?! Yak no see princesses or Hero of Light!”

Ashe nods. “Indeed. Where is he anyways?”

“He’s working on figuring this mess out.”

Fluttershy hides behind Rainbow Dash. “Yes. Please be patient.”

“Yak not know what that mean!”

Rainbow Dash clops her hooves together. “Yeah?! Well, it’s never too late to learn!”

Applejack grabs Rainbow Dash’s tail as she moves to confront Rutherford. “Easy there. Remember, this is supposed to be a peace summit.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. Fighting is certainly counterintuitive to such things.”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “If everypony will please calm down I’m certain we can figure this out together.”

Ember turns to Sereb. “Where is Arc anyways?”

“I have not seen him nearly all day.”

Sereb sniffs the air.

“But he approaches.”

The Marquis chuckles. “Good! Perhaps he has discovered something.”

Ikis nods as he hides his cut tendril behind the others. “Yes, my friend. I am confident this will be resolved soon enough.”

Ashe mutters under her breath. “Not likely.”

Arc enters the room and walks over to the group. Applejack looks over to him.

“Good thing you’re here, sugarcube. Things were getting a might bit heated.”

“I’ll take over, thanks.”

He turns to the group and clears his throat.

“As you all know, the princesses have taken ill and are currently bedridden.”

Iris nods. “Will they be alright?”

“I’m sure that in time we’ll find a way to help them.”

Goldstone calls out. “What about us?!”

The Marquis frowns. “While I am not trying to downplay the princesses’ condition, it is quite troubling. After all, who is to say all of us are not in danger of being poisoned?”

Ember sighs. “I hate to suggest this, but perhaps we should call off the summit for the sake of everyone’s safety.”

Ghaleon chuckles. “What’s wrong, Dragon Lord? Afraid?”

“Yeah! For all of you!”

Tugem sighs. “Perhaps the Dragon Lord has a point. We could always reconvene at a later date.”

Kane snorts as he turns to Ember. “Ha! How do we know it was not you who committed this heinous deed?!”

Ember frowns. “Hey now! It could’ve just been a bad case of food poisoning!”

Felix nods. “Yes. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Let me address that. The good news is, according to everyone’s blood tests, none of you have any kind of poison in your systems.”

Those assembled appear relieved.

“The bad news is the princesses’ blood contains a very… potent substance that is keeping them bedridden.”

Iris looks around angrily. “So you are saying this WAS done intentionally?”

Arc nods. “Yes. This could not have been an accident.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Has there been a breech in security?”

“No. According to Rose there has been no unauthorized entry into the facility, nor has anyone left her sensor range.”

Tugem puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That would mean the culprit is still inside.”

Goldstone gasps. “Wait! Inside?! With us now?!”

He turns to Rutherford and points an accusatory talon.

“Why did you do this you overweight ball of fur?!”

“WHAT?! Puny griffons think yaks did this?! Was probably dragons! They sneaky lot!”

Ember glares at Rutherford. “US?! If anyone’s to blame for this it’s probably Goldstone!”

Fiona nods angrily. “Yes indeed!”

Felix glares at Goldstone. “He’s a monster!”

Tugem shakes his head. “Let’s not jump to conclusions now everyone.”

Goldstone frowns. “Says the cave dweller!”

Tugem clenches a fist. “What did you say, bird?!”

“ENOUGH!”

Everyone fall silent as Arc continues.

“I’m sure everyone wants out of here. However the fact of the matter is that the guilty party is still at-large here.”

Goldstone frowns. “Well I for one am not sticking around to get poisoned!”

He heads for the door. Arc calls out after him.

“You are certainly free to leave anytime, Lord Goldstone. Just bear in mind the ramifications of walking away right now.”

Goldstone looks back. “What? You mean staying alive, right?!”

“No. I mean if the one who did this is not caught.”

Gestal looks at his companion evenly. “The Griffon Kingdom would certainly be looked at with suspicion.”

Ghaleon glares at Goldstone. “Yeah! So get back here you coward! That is, unless you did it!”

“What?! You mean I have to STAY here?!”

Rainbow Dash nods angrily. “Yeah! Unless you want everypony to suspect you!”

Goldstone sighs and walks back to Gestal and Ghaleon.

“I suppose I have no choice.”

Kane looks around. “It would appear none of us do. The difference is my tribe has nothing to fear from the hammer of justice.”

Goldstone at Kane. “Why, you…!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “I certainly have my suspicions who did this. However, I need proof before I make any accusations.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Yeah! And whoever tries to leave first will be the guilty party!”

“There’s always the waiting game. But I’m hoping to have this wrapped up soon without having to resort to a test of wills.”

Iris nods. “I am certain you will be thorough in your investigation, Lord Arc. The Forsaken will cooperate fully.”

Ikis and the Marquis move to stand with Iris . “The hydra agree.”

Felix speaks up. “As king of Abyssinia, I will comply as well.”

Ember brings a fist to her chest plate. “The Dragon Lands have nothing to hide. We’ll submit to this test.”

Brightwing flutters around happily. “Brightwing will stay as well!”

Gestal looks around. “The Griffon Kingdom is blameless in this matter. We hope our names will be cleared quickly. However, I request one favor, Lord Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Might my daughter be confined to her quarters aboard ship?”

“Father, I’d rather stay here instead!”

“Do not argue with me, Ashe. I’d like you to stay safe in case things go badly.”

Arc sighs. “Very well, Lord Gestal. I’ll even assigns triple guards outside the door to keep her safe at all times.”

“Thank you.”

Arc extends a hand. “Would you please come with me, Lady Ashe?”

Ashe takes his hand cordially. “Very well, Lord Arc.”

He turns to the others.

“I’ll continue my investigation shortly. In the meantime I’d like everyone to return to their rooms for safety.”

Those gathered nod and head for the corridor. Arc turns to Twilight and her friends

“Please head to my quarters here in the base. I’ll be back in a little bit to talk to all of you. Anyone gives you any trouble feel free to blast them with the Elements of Harmony.”

Twilight nods soberly. “We will.”

Rainbow Dash stands on her hind legs with her hooves out. “Yeah! They want a fight, we’ll give ‘em one!”

Rarity sighs. “Please, Rainbow Dash! Do try not to upset the dignitaries.”

Applejack sighs. “That might not be an option.”

Fluttershy smiles. “We could ask them nicely to behave.”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Yeah. But I don’t think that’s going to work too well if this drags on, Arc.”

“I’ll try to be quick.”

He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Shall we be off, Lady Ashe?”

Ashe nods. “Thank you.”

The pair enter the portal and are gone. Applejack frowns as they head toward Arc’s quarters.

“I’m glad SHE’S gone!”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Really? She seemed alright to me.”

“That one’s hiding something.”

Rarity looks worried. “How could you tell?”

“I can spot a liar a mile away. Element of Honesty, remember?”

Twilight sighs. “We should tell Arc about this.”

Pinkie giggles. “I’m guessing he already knows!”

Fluttershy frowns. “But what if he doesn’t?”

Pinkie grins. “Come on! Triple guards aboard a secure ship way up in the air?! He’s fencing her in!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ashe appear on the sigil in Luna’s room aboard the Lunar Destiny. She quickly pulls her talon from his hand and wipes it on her dress.

“Take me back to my room at once! I feel the need for a bath after that!”

Arc walks over to the door. “Very well. Let me just call for those guards I promised your father.”

They step out into the corridor as Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Rose.”

“Rose here.”

“Notify the Lunar Destiny that Lady Ashe’s room requires a dozen guards stationed in the corridor around the clock until further notice.”

“I’ll see to it.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

Arc opens the door for Ashe and allows her to pass. She turns as he enters behind her and waves a talon dismissively.

“You may go now.”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that. But I’m not going anywhere until you and I’ve had a little chat.”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “Please tell me you have enough information to figure this little mystery out.”

“I think I do.”

“Good. Then why are you wasting time with me?”

He folds his arms over his chest. “Because the poison used on the princesses was nearly identical to the one your rebels used on me.”

Ashe shakes her head as she steps behind a privacy screen. “For the last time, we don’t use poison!”

“Right. So someone else dressed like a rebel attacked us twice with extremely expensive bolts and an equally complex poison back then?”

Ashe calls out to him as she removes her dress. “Yes.”

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you.”

“That’s in the past. What makes you think I had anything to do with this mess?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Two previous attacks and you were in close proximity to our leaders. Plenty of time for you to do something.”

“Such as…?”

“I have no idea.”

“You’re not exactly filling me with confidence right now.”

“Neither is your insistence that you didn’t do this.”

Ashe steps out from behind the screen. “Let me ask you this? What possible reason would I have to take such a risk? Attacking your princesses in the middle of Equestria, while inside a veritable fortress, surrounded by guards, and with no way home without the aid of your airship would certainly be a suicide mission.”

Arc shrugs. “You might have felt the risk was worth it. I’m sure you feel very strongly about your rebel point of view.”

“Strongly, yes. But I’m not so stupid as to throw my life away for it. After all, what good is accomplishing a goal if you’re not alive to see the results?”

“True. However this was done VERY covertly. Whoever did this must’ve had amazing stealth skills to do so without being seen.”

“And you suspect me because I possess such skills?”

“Yes. Perhaps you wanted revenge for us thwarting your previous plans.”

“I’ve learned a few things in my tenure as leader of the Griffon Liberation Army. One is not to take the past too seriously. Vendettas, bad blood, and revenge only lead to a waste of valuable resources and risking one’s life needlessly.”

Arc frowns. “And you attacking me aboard the Lunar Destiny?”

“Truth be told, that’s what taught me that lesson. Back then I had everything to lose and really nothing to gain by killing you.”

“How about peace of mind?”

Ashe walks over to Arc and grabs him by the front of his shirt as she gets right in his face.

“Let me spell it out for you. I… DIDN’T… DO… THIS!”

Arc nods soberly. “Very well. However, the guards in the corridor will be instructed to not allow you to leave your quarters until I clear you.”

Ashe turns away angrily. “Fine! Chase after meaningless leads! It’s your princesses who will suffer from your ineptitude!”

Arc turns to leave. “Meals will be brought to your room. Don’t try to go anywhere.”

“I won’t!”

He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Ashe shakes her head as she mutters to herself.

“Idiot.”

She stares out the window for a time.

“But I can’t help wonder who really did do this. And if they’re looking for work.”

Meanwhile, Arc steps out into the corridor. He turns to the guards who have gathered.

“Lady Ashe is not to leave this room under any circumstances. It’s for her own protection.”

“Yes sir.”

They salute as Arc leaves. He walks down the corridor and muses to himself.

“She was really insistent that it wasn’t her. Then again, she has to know that confessing to something like this would certainly be a death sentence in her country.”

Continuing on, Arc eventually finds his way to the Observation Deck. Peering out he sees his base below.

“Things always look so peaceful from up here. You wouldn’t imagine someone with heinous intentions was somewhere inside when things as so calm up here.”

Arc sighs and begins pacing the floor.

“What am I missing? None of what I know makes any sense on its own.”

Cherry calls out to him. “You’re doing your best, Arc.”

“Yes, well… my best might not be enough this time.”

“I know you’ll figure this out.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Cherry. But we’re running out of time. The rulers need to get home at some point. If I try to keep them here too long, they’ll only get more and more restless.”

“That may be. But try to focus on the here and now. Twilight and her friends are waiting for you.”

Arc sighs. “I know. Let’s get back.”

Raising his gauntlet Arc opens a portal back to his quarters. Stepping through he reappears on the sigil. Twilight hurries over to him.

“Did you have a chance to check up on Cadance?!”

“No, Twilight. But that’s something I need to talk to you about.”

He looks to the others as they sit around the fireplace.

“Now I need all of you to listen to me. This information can’t leave the room.”

Rarity turns to him as the blood drains from her face. “Are the princesses… um…?!”

“Dead? No. In fact, they’re almost completely recovered.”

Twilight straightens up immediately. “Really?! Does this mean I can see Cadance?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly no, Twilight.”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “Why not?”

“Because I need everyone else to believe they’re still sick.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Even though they’re not?”

“Right.”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “That’s not very honest, Arc.”

“I know. But it’s important to my plan.”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side. “Plan?!”

“To catch whomever did this. If they knew their plan had failed they might try something desperate.”

Twilight looks to Arc soberly. “Or go after the princesses again, right?!”

“Exactly. I didn’t want to keep this information from all of you though.”

Applejack smiles. “Thanks for letting us know, sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah! We were all pretty worried there for a while.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “But what should we do now?”

“Stay here at Light’s Hope. I’m hoping your presence will intimidate the delegates into behaving. In the meantime I’m going to see if I can’t figure this whole thing out.”

Pinkie soberly salutes. “You can count on us Arc!”

Twilight turns to her friends. “Right. Come on, girls. Let’s patrol the halls together.”

They head for the door together. Rarity looks nervous.

“I’ll catch up with all of you in a few minutes.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

“N-no. I just need to talk to Arc about something. Don’t wait up.”

Twilight nods. “Okay. But don’t take too long.”

The others leave the room as Rarity turns back to Arc.

“Rarity?”

“I know this might sound a bit strange, but… do you happen to know where Prince Tugem bought his raiments?”

“The ogres live under Vanhoover in the old Aqueducts, so I’m assuming they made them from the prey of their kills. Now I know you’re interested in clothes and all, but this really isn’t the time.”

“I don’t believe that’s true, Arc.”

“What do you mean?”

“I too believed his clothes were handmade by the ogres at first glance. However, after looking him over a bit longer I very clearly saw certain elements of another Equestrian seamstress.”

“Who?”

“Inky Rose. She’s a very… unique individual who is well known for making garments out of… unusual materials.”

“Like animal skins and whatnot?”

Rarity nods. “Right. She’s very skilled, mind you. If somepony needs something outside the box, she’s your pony though.”

“Does she have a shop somewhere?”

“Yes. It’s in the low-rent district of Canterlot.”

“Thanks for the info, Rarity. But tell me, how do you know she’s the one who made those clothes?”

“Every seamstress has certain quirks to their craft. Habits that develop over the course of their training and stick with them throughout their careers. Once you know what to look for, spotting an authentic garment really is a simple task. But I had better catch up to the others now.”

Arc nods as Rarity heads for the door. Stepping out into the corridor she turns to look back at the closed door behind her and sighs.

“Do be careful, Arc. You’re a very special friend to all of us. Especially to me.”

Meanwhile, Arc frowns and touches his earring.

“Arc to Rose.”

“Rose here.”

“Send word to Canterlot. I need someone to go to the shop of a pony there named Inky Rose. She’s a seamstress who might have made a special garment recently for an ogre. I need to know as soon as possible.”

“I’ll see to it, Arc.”

“Thanks for all your hard work. I really appreciate this.”

“You are welcome.”

“I’ll come see you later to go over some of what I’ve discovered. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and sighs. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc, would you sit down please?”

“But I have to go see Rose about what I’ve learned. Maybe she can find some kind of connection I’ve missed.”

“Seriously?! Sit down before you fall down!”

“What are you…?”

Suddenly feeling dizzy, Arc falls to one knee.

“Huh?”

Cherry sighs. “I felt that coming.”

“One advantage to you being in my head. What happened?”

“When was the last time you ate?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Um… no idea. Is that bad?”

“I don’t know. Is falling over bad?”

“Point taken.”

He pulls himself up onto a chair.

“I don’t get it. Not eating for a bit shouldn’t do this to me.”

“Perhaps not. But when was the last time you drank anything?”

“Um…”

“Call Saffron to bring you something to eat, Arc.”

“I suppose I should. But first I need to…”

“Arc! What’s the point of figuring out who the guilty party is if you’re too weak to take them down?!”

Arc sighs. “You’re right.”

Touching his earring Arc calls for some food. A short time later there is a knock at the door.

“Come!”

The door opens and Trixie walks in levitating a covered tray. She sets it down on the table before him. Arc looks up to her as he begins to eat.

“Thank you.”

“Trixie is glad to be of service.”

She shifts on her hooves nervously.

“Um… Arc? Trixie needs to tell you something.”

Arc nods as he takes a drink. “Sure. Have a seat.”

Trixie does so.

“Go ahead.”

“Trixie… wanted to say that she feels something… strange is going on in your base.”

“Define ‘strange’.”

“Since Trixie entered the base, she’s been feeling abnormal magical emanations.”

“What does that mean?”

“Trixie is not sure. However if feels similar to the Illusion Magic Trixie used against you when we first met.”

Arc frowns. “Are you saying someone is masking themselves?!”

“Unlikely. The magic is very different from my own. There was just no other way to describe it other than malevolent.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “But who could be doing this?”

“Several guests do have magical abilities, sir. The Forsaken, the hydra, and the dragons.”

“And you believe one of them is doing this?”

“Trixie believes it is the only logical conclusion. Unless there is somepony else here that we are unable to pick up.”

“Rose’s sensors would have detected anyone who wasn’t supposed to be here. But I wonder why Twilight didn’t say anything. She’s usually very perceptive on such things.”

“Forgive Trixie, but the Illusion Magic I’ve used in the past is not exactly well-known or understood. It is unlikely Twilight has mastered it.”

“I’ll have to give it some more thought. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”

Arc moves to stand but leans heavily on the table as Trixie hurries over to him.

“What’s wrong?!”

“I… think I just need to lie down for a bit.”

“Trixie will get help!”

“No! Just… help me over to the couch.”

Trixie frowns but does as she is told. Leaning heavily on her helmet, they walk toward the couch. Arc sits down wearily.

“Are you sure you’re alright?!”

Arc nods weakly. “I think it might have to do with me not eating or drinking anything for… an extended period of time.”

“Are you certain you don’t need help?”

“Yes. I just need a bit of a rest.”

“Sir? I…”

“We’re alone. You don’t have to call me that.”

Trixie nods. “Yes, well… might Trixie stay with you then, Arc?”

“If you really want to. I just need to close my eyes for a bit.”

“Trixie will not let you sleep too long.”

“Thanks. I really do have a lot of work to do.”

She puts a pillow under his head. “Please rest. Things will look clearer with some sleep.”

Arc nods and closes his eyes as Trixie sits down on the floor in front of him. Soon the sound of light snoring fills the room as Trixie muses to herself.

“It wasn’t that long ago you and Shining Armor did this for me. Trixie is happy to be able to return the favor.”

Chapter 15 - A Perpatrator Revealed

About an hour later Trixie nudges Arc.

“Trixie thinks should probably wake up now.”

Arc opens his eyes. “Huh?”

“You asked Trixie not to let you rest too long.”

Arc nods as he sits up. “Right. Now I remember.”

“Are you alright?”

“I think it’s just stress… or something.”

He stands up and straightens his raiments.

“Probably shouldn’t have slept in these.”

“Trixie thinks you look fine. With what’s going on it’s not likely anypony will notice your clothes are a little wrinkled.”

“I hope not. Well, I need to get over to my office and see Rose about this mess. Hopefully she can see something in these clues that I don’t.”

“You’ll do fine, Arc. Trixie believes in you.”

“Thanks. Well, here I go again.”

Arc heads out the door as Trixie gathers his dishes and does the same. She sighs to herself as she returns to the Kitchen.

“Trixie will do what she can. But she is not a hero like you, Arc.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads to his office. Entering he finds Sandstorm Mirage looking over the security feed with Rose. He salutes as Arc enters.

“Sir, we’ve found something on the security feed.”

Rose nods. “Yes. It’s most strange.”

“What is?”

“Let me pull it up again.”

She does so. Footage from the Dining Room comes up on the screen. Sandstorm Mirage turns to Arc.

“This was taken last night after the excitement.”

Arc chuckles. “I missed that party.”

Rose nods soberly. “Until now, I would have said you didn’t miss much.”

“Right. But take a look to the left of Lord Goldstone.”

Arc does so. He shrugs.

“I don’t see anything.”

“Let me slow it down.”

Pushing some buttons she replays the scene in slow motion. Arc frowns.

“That distortion. What was that? Some kind of feedback?”

Rose shrugs. “Originally that’s what I thought too. But upon going back over the footage I’ve seen it several more times.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “It’s not just bad feed, is it?”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “No sir. It’s always behind or next to somepony. Very precise and deliberate. I couldn’t see it either until Rose slowed it down.”

Rose nods. “I’ve crossed referenced the timestamps with what data my sensors picked up. The results were rather… strange.”

Sandstorm Mirage frowns. “Somehow, data is… inconclusive or missing.”

“Like someone deleted it?”

Rose shakes her head. “As in it doesn’t exist.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Some of the sensors are saying there’s something there. However others agree with optical scanners and show nothing.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “Trixie mentioned something about sensing something similar to Illusion Magic at work. Could that have anything to do with it?”

Sandstorm Mirage thinks for a moment. “Perhaps. That particular school of magic is rather misunderstood.”

Rose frowns. “Yes. However it is unlikely even the greatest magical minds could have pulled off such a feat without earlier detection.”

Arc sighs. “Great. So where do we stand?”

“Nowhere with this lead at the moment. I can look into something if you have an idea where to start.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Check the movements of Hoof Maiden Eventide Shine from the moment she arrived here. See if she did anything out of the ordinary.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. “I’ll stay here and help Rose, sir.”

“Good. Rose send a message to Lieutenant Trixie. Tell her I want to speak to that Hoof Maiden in my quarters right away. Maybe she call tell us something.”

“Alright.”

Arc looks to the sergeant.

“By the way… what were you doing here?”

“Sir?”

“I told you to secure the Main Hall, remember?”

“Oh! Yes sir! I did carry out your orders. But then I had a…a hunch about the security feed. I tried to radio Lieutenant Trixie, but she didn’t respond.”

Arc nods. “She was in my quarters at the time.”

Rose looks over. “That would explain it.”

“Huh?”

“Princess Luna ordered electronic dampeners be set up to protect your quarters from listening devices.”

Arc appears confused. “She did? But my earring worked a little while ago.”

Rose giggles. “It’s probably the only device in Equestria that could do that. Nothing else would work.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods nervously. “Yes sir. Rose was just telling me how it was made. Clearly it’s a technological wonder.”

Arc turns to leave. “I guess it is. In any case, good work and keep at it you two. Trixie should return shortly, Sandstorm Mirage. She’ll take over so you can get back to the Main Hall.”

“Yes sir.”

Sandstorm Mirage turns to Rose as the door closes behind Arc.

“Can you imagine a Hoof Maiden being behind this?”

“I can, yes.”

“How?! They’re supposed to be above reproach!”

“No one is incorruptible.”

Sandstorm Mirage sighs. “I… suppose that’s true, yes.”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to his quarters. A few minutes later there is a knock at the door. Trixie walks in with a middle aged unicorn mare. She has a dull gray coat and dark mane. At the sight of Arc she appears to shrink back. He gestures to the chair in front of him.

“Please have a seat, miss. Thank you, Lieutenant Trixie. That will be all for now.”

Trixie salutes and leaves the room as the Earth Pony slowly walks over and sits down. She appears very nervous.

“Sir? Did… did I do something wrong?”

“No. But I do believe you were the last one to see the princesses healthy. Can you tell me about the last time you saw them?”

“Yes sir. I brought them their after-breakfast tea just like I do every morning. Princess Cadance was sitting on the couch dozing off.”

“You didn’t wake her?”

Eventide Shine shakes her head. “No sir. I have standing orders not to disturb them for tea.”

She appears uneasy.

“Sir? I… I understand this is important, but can what I have to say next just stay between us if at all possible?”

“What is it?”

“Most mornings the princesses try to sneak in a little rest before audiences start. Sometimes even skipping tea entirely if they’re too tired.”

“I’ll keep that to myself.”

The mare before him breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you. That’s kind of a secret.”

“Did you see Princess Luna?”

“No, sir. I just assumed she was resting in the bedroom.”

“Do you make the tea every morning?”

“No sir. The kitchen staff makes it for me. I just carry it to the princesses and pour it for them if they’re not feeling up to doing it themselves.”

“Did you pour them each a cup this morning?”

“Yes sir. Like I said, Princess Cadance appeared to be sleeping though. So I doubt either of them drank much.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re not sure? Didn’t you bring their dishes back to the Kitchen later?”

“Forgive me, sir, but they sometimes just take a small sip. Whether or not they actually drink the tea is not something I usually pay attention to. Think of it kind of like their little morning ritual.”

“Then why do they ask for tea?”

“I’m not fully sure, sir. Perhaps it’s just something to anchor them. Give them a sense of normalcy. After all, the role of a princess can’t be an easy one.”

Arc sighs. “That much I do understand. Tell me, when you saw Princess Cadance, did anything seem out of the ordinary to you? I mean, was it just normal napping or did she seem at all different?”

“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t really say for sure. My intuition said they were just resting though, as they often do.”

“So they didn’t say anything?”

“No sir. Not when I set out the tea, nor when I returned to pick it up later.”

“Was there anyone else in the room either time you were there?”

“Nopony, sir. At least not that I saw.”

“What did you do with the tea set?”

“As per royal protocol, I brought it back to the kitchen to be sterilized for tomorrow. It should be sitting on a shelf in the Pantry by now.”

Arc sighs as he stands up. “Thank you for your time, miss. I’ll let you get back to work.”

Eventide Shine nods as she heads for the door with Arc. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help to you, sir. Are the princesses going to be okay?”

“Time will tell. We’ll certainly do our very best.”

Eventide Shine nods and leaves the room with Arc. The two part ways as he heads for his office. Entering he finds Trixie going over some different footage with Rose.

“How did it go, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “She was certainly nervous. But I didn’t feel as if she knew anything helpful.”

Rose turns to look at him. “We’ve mapped her actions since arriving, Arc.”

“Anything suspicious?”

Trixie shakes her head. “Not really, sir. She’s just a regular Hoof Maiden after all.”

Rose nods. “Most of her time was spent aboard The Equinox in her quarters there.”

“Is that normal?”

Trixie nods. “Yes sir. Hoof Maidens have set duties and schedules just like those of us in the military. Such things involve intense moments of action followed by long periods of relative boredom.”

Arc turns to Rose. “How about her actions today?”

“She carried out her duties as she normally does.”

Trixie sighs. “Yes. However there was one moment of interest. Can you pull it up, Rose?”

“Sure.”

Pushing a few buttons the view of the Kitchen comes up. It shows Saffron removing the tea set from the Pantry. It has a special seal on it which she removes. Arc nods.

“Sealed after cleaning?”

Trixie turns to him. “Yes sir. If anypony wanted to add something they would have to break the seal.”

Saffron then picks up a package of sealed tea package, opens it, and fills the pot with leaves before throwing the rest of the package in the trash.

“Straight from the manufacturer, huh?”

“Yes sir. It’s for security. No packaging is allowed to be used more than once.”

After the tea is brewed Saffron sets it on the counter and returns to her duties. A few minutes later Eventide Shine enters the Kitchen, places the tea set on a small cart, and wheels it out. Rose pushes a few buttons.

“Switching feed a few times here.”

The monitor shows the Hoof Maiden walking through the Dining Room and down the corridor toward Arc’s quarters. Arc turns to Rose.

“So far so good. What am I supposed to be looking for?”

“It’s coming up.”

Suddenly Goldstone walks by. He puts a talon on the cart forcing the mare to stop. Arc frowns.

“What the heck is he doing?!”

Rose sighs. “Reading his beak movements, it would appear he’s asking her for some tea.”

Eventide Shine shakes her head as Rose continues.

“She’s trying to explain to him that this tea is for the princesses.”

Goldstone picks up the teapot, opens the top as he turns from the camera, and takes a deep draft before turning back to the mare. Arc frowns.

“Did he just put something in the pot?!”

Rose sighs. “The angle is bad. Sadly I can’t say for sure either way.”

The Hoof Maiden continues to shake her head. Eventually with a final sniff Goldstone sets the teapot back on the cart and steps back to allow Eventide Shine to continue on her way. However as she passes he roughly slaps her flank causing her to yelp and lower her head fearfully as she hurries on. Goldstone chuckles as he continues on his way. Arc clenches his fists as he mutters under his breath.

“She’s just a pincushion to him. Like Raven was.”

Trixie turns to Arc. “Sir, while the feed doesn’t show it definitively, I do believe Lord Goldstone may have added something to the pot.”

Rose nods. “Perhaps it would be best if he was confronted about this.”

Trixie sighs. “I don’t know. It’s kinda risky without knowing for sure. If you want to search his room you’ll have to accuse him first, sir.”

“I believe I might be able to help with that, Arc.”

“I’m listening.”

Rose explains her idea to Arc. He nods.

“That’s exactly what we’re going to do. Trixie, do you understand you need to do?

“Yes sir.”

“Good. On your way then.”

She hurries out the door as Rose turns to Arc.

“This is still somewhat risky.”

“I understand that. However with your plan at least some of that risk is mitigated.”

A short time later Gestal, Goldstone, and Ghaleon enter the office. Trixie approaches Arc and salutes.

“The Griffon Kingdom delegation, as ordered sir.”

“Thank you, lieutenant. Leave us.”

She nods and exits the room. Closing the door behind them she turns to Sandstorm Mirage who is waiting in the corridor with several guards.

“Trixie sure hopes the commander knows what he’s doing.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods soberly. “So do I.”

Meanwhile, Arc approaches the three. Gestal is the first to speak.

“We were told you needed to see us, Lord Arc.”

“I did. There’s been a break in the case, and I need some help identifying the actions found in some video footage.”

Goldstone smirks. “We will certainly try, Lord Arc.”

Ghaleon raises an eyebrow. “You can’t figure out what’s happening on a screen this large?!”

“Please watch.”

Arc turns to Rose and nods. She presses a few buttons. In a moment the scene featuring Goldstone accosting Eventide Shine plays out. Goldstone frowns.

“Lord Arc, I’d like to formally complain about that harpy’s behavior! She refused to serve me some of that amazing tea!”

Arc turns to him. “You couldn’t have gone to the Dining Room and gotten your own?”

“Certainly not! I’m a LORD! Things come to ME!”

The scene with Goldstone smacking Eventide Shine’s flank plays out before them. Ghaleon sneers at Goldstone

“You just can’t keep your talons to yourself, can you?!”

Goldstone grins. “Can I help it if she had a nice backside?”

Arc frowns. “I noticed in the video you opened the top of the teapot, Lord Goldstone.”

“Of course! The smell was absolutely intoxicating!”

Gestal raises an eyebrow. “What for?”

“If you had smelled that tea you’d have done the same, Gestal!”

Ghaleon turns to Arc. “I’m failing to see the point in this.”

“Simple. That cart was destined for the princesses’ room. Lord Goldstone picked the teapot up and fiddled with it. A short time later both monarchs were found unresponsive.”

Gestal turns to his associate, angrily. “Goldstone! What have you done?!”

“N-nothing! I was just smelling it! Anyone could have put anything in it prior to me picking it up! Probably that little mare with the nice flank! She looked suspicious to me!”

Arc turns to Rose. “Back the footage up to the beginning.”

Rose does so. They watch the sealed pot emerging from the Pantry and Saffron mixing the tea. Goldstone fidgets.

“There could have been poison in it from the start!”

Arc shakes his head. “It was a sealed package, Lord Goldstone.”

“Well, what about that bimbo mixing it up?! She looks suspicious too!”

“That’s my personal chef you’re talking about!”

Ghaleon glares at him. “Stop blaming everyone else, Goldstone!”

Gestal nods. “Yes. If you did something, now is the time to admit it.”

“But I’ve done NOTHING!”

Ghaleon rolls his eyes. “And the princesses just HAPPENED to fall ill?”

“Right! It was a terrible coincidence!”

Arc turns to look at Goldstone. “We also have footage of you giving your drink to Princess Cadance last night.”

“Of course! I accidently spilled hers!”

Arc points to the screen as Rose pauses the video on the scene of Goldstone grabbing Cadance’s back.

“What’s your talon doing there?”

“I TRIPPED! Are you BLIND?!”

Ghaleon frowns. “Did you put something in your own drink, Goldstone?!”

Goldstone shakes his head furiously. “I tell you it was just a MISTAKE!”

Arc turns to Gestal. “I’d like to search Lord Goldstone’s luggage for signs of some kind of poison.”

Gestal sighs. “Normally I would insist on his right to privacy. However, due to our past and Lord Goldstone’s lack of an alibi, I’ll allow it.”

“But I don’t have anything!”

Arc gestures to the door. “Then we’ll find nothing there, won’t we?”

As they leave the room Arc turns to Sandstorm Mirage.

“I’m taking Rose with me for a bit. Take over watching the cameras. Lieutenant, you come with me.”

“Yes sir.”

Trixie falls into step behind them. “Right behind you, sir.”

The griffons lead the way down the corridor. Arc motions for the guards to let them enter the room. He turns to Gestal.

“Which is his?”

Gestal points to a large chest at the end of a bed. “Right there.”

“Is everything of his in there?”

“Yes, Lord Arc. However due to the personal nature of a griffon’s property, I’ll permit only you personally to search the chest.”

“Very well. Rose?”

Rose scans the chest.

“I’m picking something up in there all right.”

Arc kneels down and carefully removes each item one by one and holds them up for Rose to scan. Eventually he comes to the bottom of the now empty chest. Goldstone sneers at him.

“I told you I didn’t have anything!”

Goldstone turns to Gestal.

“How much more of this farce must I endure?!”

Gestal sighs. “I must agree with Lord Goldstone. You’ve searched and found nothing, Lord Arc. Perhaps you were mistaken.”

Rose shakes her head. “There is still something in the chest.”

“There is?”

“Yes. Doesn’t the bottom look a bit strange to you?”

Arc frowns. “Now that you mention it, yes.”

Kneeling back down he feels the floor of the chest for a few moments before his fingers trace over a small knothole. Arc removes the guardanium knife from its sheath and sticks it inside. Using it as leverage he slowly lifts the bottom to reveal it to be a false floor. Tossing it aside he reaches inside again and pulls out a small leather bag which he holds up for all to see.

“What is this?”

Goldstone looks away. “I… I never saw it before!”

“Scan it, Rose.”

She does so.

“It appears to be the same substance from the medical officer’s report.”

Ghaleon clenches his talons angrily. “What?!”

Rose takes the bag in her hand. “This substance was found in both princesses’ blood samples.”

Gestal turns to Goldstone. “Why?!”

“But… but I’m innocent!”

Gestal sighs as he turns back to Arc.

“I must regretfully ask that you take my companion into custody, Lord Arc.”

Arc nods. Trixie and several Royal Guards walk across the threshold and approach Goldstone.

“You can’t do this to me! I’m a LORD!!!”

Ghaleon frowns. “Well, at the moment you’re a criminal!”

“WAIT!”

Goldstone looks to Arc.

“You can’t arrest me! The treaty, remember?!”

Gestal shakes his head. “That does not protect you from crimes committed on Equestrian soil, Lord Goldstone.”

“Maybe not! But I want to make use of my right to an immediate audience!”

Trixie raises an eyebrow. “Your what?”

Goldstone grins wickedly. “In the event a leader is accused of wrongdoing, they have the right to petition the ruler of the other nation immediately. And with the princesses out of commission you can’t really do that, can you?”

Gestal nods. “Lord Goldstone is correct. He cannot be arrested until he is given a chance to plead his case with the rulers of Equestria.”

Arc nods. “Admittedly I did not notice that in the treaty. But I believe you, Lord Gestal. However there is a simple solution to this.”

Goldstone looks to Arc nervously. “There… there is?”

“Yes. With the princesses unable to lead, I’m once again Lord Regent of Equestria.”

Arc smiles coldly at Goldstone.

“Now then, as the legitimate ruler of Equestria, would you like to tell me something?”

Ghaleon chuckles. “Go ahead, Goldstone. Plead your case.”

Goldstone’s pupils shrink as something inside him breaks. He stands there wordlessly for a time before slowly walking toward Arc and grabbing the front of his tunic. The griffon loses all semblance of sanity as he explodes in a fit of rage.

“LISTEN HERE YOU TWO-LEGGED FREAK! I DON’T KNOW WHAT KIND OF GAME YOU’RE PLAYING, BUT I SMELL A COVER-UP!”

Trixie and her guards quickly step forward and grab the errant Lord. Goldstone turns frantically to Ghaleon.

“IT WAS LORD ARC! HE POISONED THE PRINCESSES TO TAKE THEIR THRONES! I’M BEING DESTROYED BY FALSE EVIDENCE!”

Arc nods to Trixie. They begin literally dragging Goldstone out of the room. He continues to scream as he points an accusatory talon at Arc.

“HE’S THE CRIMINAL HERE! NOT I! SOMEONE HAS TO STOP HIM! HE’LL DOOM US ALL! HE’S DIABOLICAL!”

Arc steps into the corridor with the others and turns to Gestal. “As per our nation’s treaty, I’m placing Lord Goldstone under arrest for the crime of poisoning the our nation’s princesses.”

Gestal nods soberly. “I understand. We will take him back to the Griffon Kingdom to stand trial before our king after the summit.”

Rose steps forward. “Begging your pardon, sir. But this crime was committed against the rulers of Equestria inside an Equestrian facility on Equestrian soil. As per the treaty, our nation has full jurisdiction.”

Arc nods. “I do believe she’s right, Lord Gestal. Rest assured he will have a fair trial along with the chance to defend himself before a judge.”

Goldstone glares at Arc incredulously. “Fair trial?! HA! You’ll just declare me guilty as soon as it starts!”

Ghaleon nods. “He does raise a good point. You’re certainly biased in this matter, Lord Arc.”

“Agreed. He will be imprisoned at Canterlot Castle until the princesses recover. I will then recommend to them that he stand trial before the High Justice of Baltimare for this crime.”

Gestal nods. “Very fair of you, Lord Arc.”

“FAIR?! Can’t you two see he’s setting me up to be executed!”

Gestal continues. “A Griffon Kingdom representative would certainly have to be present for all hearings and the trial itself. Lord Goldstone is entitled to griffon council too, of course.”

Arc nods. “Understood. We will take care of him until that point. I’ll personally notify you when a trial date is set.”

Ghaleon nods. “Very Generous of you, Lord Arc.”

Arc raises his gauntlet and opens a portal as he turns to Trixie. “Take this portal to Canterlot Castle and bring Lord Goldstone to the dungeon. He is to be held in solitary confinement until the princesses decide what to do. You are to personally see to his needs and stand guard there as well, lieutenant.”

“Yes sir.”

She motions for the guards to move out. They walk through the portal as Goldstone kicks, screams, and claws at the floor. Arc turns back to Gestal as he closes the portal behind them.

“Thank you for upholding you end of the treaty.”

Gestal nods. “Our nations have an agreement. The Griffon Kingdom will honor it. As disgraceful as this matter may be to us.”

Arc nods. “I’m sure the princesses will agree, but as Lord Regent I’d like to extend an olive branch.”

Ghaleon looks confused. “A what?”

“It’s an expression that means I wish for peace between us. There’s no need for our nations to have a tarnished relationship over what Lord Goldstone did.”

Gestal nods. “Thank you, Lord Arc. I will report this matter to our king upon our return to the Griffon Kingdom.”

“I understand.”

He turns to Rose.

“It’s merely a formality at this point, but please take that substance to Nurse Redheart and have her analyze it.”

“Right away.”

She turns to walk down the corridor as Arc calls out after her.

“Tell her I’ll need an official report for the trial as well.”

“Yes sir. This shouldn’t take long.”

Arc turn back to Gestal.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see you and the rest of the diplomats at supper.”

Gestal nods as Arc turns to walk away.

“Lord Arc?”

Arc turns around. “Yes?”

“On behalf of the Griffon Kingdom, I’m sorry for the trouble Lord Goldstone caused.”

“Thank you. That’s appreciated.”

Arc returns to his quarters and closes the door. Clenching his fists he grins uncontrollably.

“Take that, you mare-molesting FREAK! I hope you rot in that cell for a LONG time!”

Chapter 16 - Colorful Confessions

A short time later a portal opens in Arc’s room aboard The Equinox. Twilight and her friends emerge with Arc bringing up the rear. She hurries over to Cadance happily as Shining Armor steps back to give the pair some room.

“Cadance! Are you alright?!”

She smiles weakly. “I am. Thanks to Arc, that is.”

Arc walks over to Luna.

“The guilty party has been caught.”

“Excellent! Who was it?!”

Cadance looks to him with at worried expression on her face. “Not Eventide Shine, I hope!”

“No. Lord Goldstone.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Applejack chuckles. “We heard the commotion all the way from the Dining Room.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! He was REALLY mad!”

“I confronted him with some video footage that showed him messing with your teapot from this morning.”

Luna puts a hoof to her forehead. “This is… just so hard to believe! A Lord of the Griffon Kingdom doing something like that!”

Cadance turns to Luna soberly. “Remember, Luna. He’s been under investigation for some time now.”

Rarity appears confused. “He has?”

Arc clears his throat. “Yes. But we can’t really talk about that.”

Fluttershy tilts her head to one side. “Why not?”

Shining Armor looks to Luna. “Probably because his is what’s called a ‘pending case’. He needs to have the chance to defend himself before his name is slandered.”

Luna nods. “Yes.”

She turns to Arc.

“Now then. Are you ABSOLUTELY certain of his guilt?”

“Yes. I personally found poison hidden in a secret compartment in his luggage. Redheart is analyzing it now for use as evidence in his trial.”

Cadance nods. “Did he confess?”

“No. But with the evidence I collected it shouldn’t be hard to prove his guilt.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah. If his screams of rage were any indication, he knows he’s finished.”

Redheart walks into the room. Arc turns to her.

“Perfect timing. Do you have that report, Redheart?”

“I do.”

She levitates an envelope over to him. Arc takes the paper and looks it over.

“A perfect match, huh?”

“Yes sir. There’s no doubt that the poison used came from that bag.”

“Good. Well, at least that’s wrapped up.”

Luna turns to Redheart. “Are we still on track to resume our duties tomorrow?”

“Yes. But not until after the summit.”

Cadance appears confused. “Come again?”

“You two shouldn’t be in any stressful situations for another few days. I understand your desire to return, but I’d still like to keep you under observation.”

Arc nods. “I can handle the last bit of the summit. Everyone’s heading home tomorrow morning anyways.”

Luna sighs. “I suppose that’s true. Although I had wished we could have organized more formal talks of peace among nations.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well, let’s just be glad this didn’t end with somepony getting badly hurt.”

Applejack shudders. “Right. Or war breaking out.”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “There’s always the potential to hold another summit, right?”

Twilight nods. “We’d be willing to help.”

Pinkie giggles. “Right!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Me too!”

Luna nods. “Thank you, everypony. I guess we’ll have to give some thought to this in another year or so.”

Arc frowns. “I’ll let you and Princess Cadance get to work thinking about the logistics. In the meantime, I’m going to head back to Light’s Hope and get ready for supper.”

Cadance smiles at him. “Will you be announcing our condition as well?”

“I can if you really want me to. But I recommend you two staying under wraps.”

Shining Armor looks worried. “Do you expect more trouble?”

“Nah. But the delegates might insist that you two make an appearance, or something.”

Luna bows her head. “Agreed. Again, thank you for doing this, Arc. You’ve certainly gone above and beyond the call of duty yet again.”

“It was my pleasure. Now you two get some rest. Shining Armor, stay with them.”

“Yes sir.”

“Everyone else follow me.”

Arc opens a portal and allows the others to pass through before turning back to the princesses.

“Enjoy your time off.”

Cadance giggles. “We will.”

Arc smiles and steps through the portal as it collapses in on itself. Cadance turns to Luna.

“I’m certainly glad that’s over.”

“As am I. Hopefully things will go smoothly over there now.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his friends appear on the sigil in Light’s Hope’s Main Hall. Twilight heads toward the front door with the others.

“We should make sure we’re presentable for tonight.”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. Everypony will want to look their best for the occasion.”

Applejack turns to Arc as she puts a hoof on her Element. “Should we wear these too?”

“Yes. The delegates will certainly expect it.”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she flies to the door. “Great. Another fancy-schmancy gathering.”

Twilight laughs as she and the others follow. “It’s only one more night, Rainbow Dash.”

Applejack chuckles. “Yes, I’m sure we can all make it through this.”

They close the doors behind them. Rarity walks over to Arc and looks him up and down.

“Are you planning to wear those raiments to supper tonight?”

“Yes. Is there something wrong with them?”

Rarity nods. “They’re a bit… wrinkled. Would you mind if I took care of them for you?”

“That would be nice, yes. But don’t you have work of your own to do?”

“Not really. All I have to do it put on my dress and make sure my mane looks nice. If you’d like, I have an iron in my quarters aboard your ship.”

“Sure. But only if it doesn’t put you behind schedule.”

“Follow me.”

Rarity leads Arc out the door and aboard The Equinox. Twilight and the others have already reached their rooms. She opens her door and turns on the lights. Her sewing kit lies strewn over a table and the bed is unmade.

“Please forgive the mess. I had to do some quick work on Rainbow Dash’s dress earlier and didn’t have time to straighten up.”

“It’s fine. There’s only so many hours in a day.”

Rarity hurriedly makes the bed. “You’re one to talk, Arc. I always see your office and quarters so organized. What’s your secret? After all, you’re certainly much busier than I am.”

“You really want to know?”

Rarity nods as she fluffs the pillows. “Of course!”

“A base full of guards to tidy up after me.”

Rarity giggles as she works. “That seems a bit unfair.”

“Maybe. But it’s probably a welcome change over patrolling and guard duty. I’m always careful not to leave a big mess behind anyways.”

“Very considerate. Now then, why don’t you take a quick shower? That will give me time to work on your raiments.”

“I suppose. After all, I would like to get Goldstone’s stench off me.”

“There’s a thought. Just let me know when you get into the shower and I’ll come fetch them. I promise I won’t peek.”

“Okay.”

Arc steps into the Bathroom and removes his raiments. Laying them on the counter he turns on the water and steps into the shower. Closing the curtain he lets the warm water wash over him

“All set, Rarity.”

The door opens and Rarity walks slowly inside. She picks up the clothes and looks toward the closed curtain.

“Are you… okay in there?”

“Yup.”

“No… um… problems from what happened the other day?”

“Nah. That salve you rubbed on my back that night really worked wonders.”

“Oh… good. I’m… glad you’re feeling better.”

Rarity takes half a step toward the curtain before turning back toward the door and leaving as her face flushes red. She lays the garments out on the bed and levitates a clothes brush over to her waiting hoof as she smiles broadly.

“Arc is in my Bathroom, and I have his clothes! This is just so delicious!”

A moment later there is a knock at the door. Rarity stiffens as she turns he head and calls out.

“Who… who is it?”

“It’s Rainbow Dash. Sorry to bother you, but I need a little help with my dress. Can I come in?”

Rarity looks around frantically. “Um… just a minute!”

She hastily pulls the bedspread over the raiments lying on the bed with her magic and heads for the door. Opening it she steps back to let Rainbow Dash in.

“Sorry to bother you with this again, but I busted another stitch in my wing hole.”

Rarity frowns as she closes the door. “How?! I made sure to reinforce the seam!”

“Yeah, well… this time it’s the other one.”

“Oh! Sorry about that. Normally I would have fixed both at the same time. But as you know I was quite busy back then.”

Rainbow Dash flops down on the bedspread. “Yeah, I understand. You were running around like your hooves were on fire..”

Rarity gasps slightly as her friend unknowingly lies on Arc’s raiments.

“Y-yes! Busy, busy, busy! Why don’t you slip out of that dress and let me work on it? After all, I wouldn’t want to poke you with a needle.”

“Good idea.”

Rainbow Dash pulls the dress off over her head. Rarity takes it and walks over to the table.

“I’ll get this done as quick as I can.”

“Thanks. And sorry for barging in like this.”

Rarity levitates over a spool of thread and a needle. “Oh, it’s no trouble.”

“Well, I still feel bad about it. After all, you were about to take a shower.”

Rarity looks up confused. “A shower?”

Rainbow Dash nods and points a hoof at the bathroom door. “Yeah. I can hear the water running.”

Rarity blushes heavily as she works faster. “Oh! Right! Well, I… um…”

“You probably need it. What with as hard as you’ve been working. I mean, you didn’t even have time to make your bed this morning.”

“Well, you know me! Always on the move!”

“You always keep your room at the boutique so tidy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen your bed not perfectly made.”

Rainbow Dash stands up and gives her wings a good flap to get some air.

“Let me help you with that.”

Rarity looks up, her eyes wide. “Wait!”

But it is too late. In a flash Rainbow Dash pulls the bedspread up and over the pillows. She turns to sit down on the bed again and lands on Arc’s raiments.

“What the…? Rarity? What are you doing with these?”

“Oh! I was just… making them presentable for tonight! Arc needs to look his best, after all.”

Rainbow Dash hops off the bed. “Yeah, you’re right. Sorry for getting fur all over them.”

“It’s quite alright.”

Rarity finishes the stitch and gives the dress back to Rainbow Dash who heads for the door.

“Thanks a lot, Rarity. I should let you get to your shower now.”

Rarity nods nervously. “Yes. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“I will.”

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof on the doorknob, but suddenly stops.

“Wait a second!”

“S-something wrong?

Rainbow Dash turns back to the bed. “Isn’t that the outfit Arc was wearing when we left him?”

“Yes. Why do you…?”

“He must change REALLY fast then!”

“Huh?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “We only left him about ten minutes ago. Now THAT’S speed!”

“I suppose so.”

“Something wrong, Rarity? You’re acting kinda funny. Are you sick, or something?”

“N-no! I just… you see… um… I think I just need a bit of a nap to calm my nerves.”

“Oh. Well you go ahead and lie down. I’ll just pop into the Bathroom and shut the shower off for you.”

Rainbow Dash trots toward the door. Rarity Blinks frantically in front of her.

“NO!”

Rainbow Dash stops and raises an eyebrow. “Huh? Why not?!”

“Because… my Bathroom’s messy, that’s why! I don’t want you seeing it right now!”

A bottle of shampoo slips out of Arc’s soap covered hand and clatters noisily to the tile floor. The blood drains from Rarity’s face. Rainbow Dash turns to look at the clothes on the bed again before turning back to the bathroom door. She gives Rarity a sly smile.

“Arc’s in your shower, isn’t he?”

“What?! I would never…!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Then I’ll just head in there and turn off the water. I’m not scared of a little mess.”

“You can’t! I… um…”

Her voice trails off as she sighs.

“…yes. Arc’s in there.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That’s really impressive, Rarity. I mean, ‘Danger’ is literally my middle name, and even I’m too chicken to do something like this!”

She chuckles.

“I wasn’t even able to work up the courage to ask him out.”

“What?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yeah. I’ve wanted to do that for a while now. Ever since the whole Sugar Cube Corner incident.”

“You mean… back then?”

“Yeah. That time we try not to talk about. He really took care of me back there. Even after I hurled into the sink. I mean… it must’ve stunk horribly! That and it was all over my face!”

“Wha-what did he do?!”

“Grabbed a dish towel, got it wet, and cleaned the puke from around my mouth.”

“That was nice of him.”

Rainbow Dash blushes slightly. “Yeah, well… he didn’t take me up on my… advances back then.”

Rarity’s face turns red again. “Mine either.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Rarity and grins suggestively. “I don’t mind telling you, Rarity. What he did for me back then… it was really hot!

Rarity’s pupils shrink. “What… do you mean?”

Rainbow Dash smiles with a slight blush in her cheeks. “Getting cleaned up by a stallion like Arc was just amazing! Looking back, it might have just been the spell’s effects, but his tender touches really did it for me! That and he didn’t… um… make me do anything. I mean… I wanted it, but… when he said no, it… it just about pushed my hormones over the edge right then and there!

“I… Rainbow Dash, why are you telling me this?”

“Because I just wanted you to know that it’s okay for you to feel the way you do. You don’t need to hide this from me or the others.”

“Hide the fact I invited him on a date?”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes light up as the sly smile returns to her face. “No way! Really?! How’d you do it?!”

“I just kinda asked him.”

“What did he say?!”

“Um… yes.”

“That’s awesome! I hope you two have a great time!”

Rarity looks confused. “But we already had our date.”

Rainbow Dash takes a step back, surprised. “What?! Where did you go?!”

“Well, I mean it wasn’t REALLY a date mind you. I just had him over to my place for supper.”

“With Sassy Saddles and Sweetie Belle?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Sweetie was at Applejack’s having a sleepover, and Sassy Saddles helped me get everything ready before leaving for the evening.”

“Evening?! That was TOTALLY a date!”

“I… suppose it was, yes.”

“Did he have a good time?”

“Well… kinda. Truth be told I accidently spilled an entire pot of tea on him. He’s okay, mind you.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Ouch. Sorry the date ended like that.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Oh no! I rushed him upstairs and into my shower. His back was pretty bad, but the cool water helped the swelling go down.”

“I’m glad he was okay.”

“Oh yes. Some salve I had in my medicine cabinet saw to that.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, how late did he stay.”

“All night. Why do you…?”

Rainbow Dash’s jaw nearly hits the floor.

“You two… spent the NIGHT together?!”

Rarity nods sadly. “I… suppose we did. Sorry.”

“You’re SORRY?! For WHAT?!”

“I just… you told me you wanted him to… you know…”

Rarity blushes. Rainbow Dash puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder.

“That’s true. But if you two are an item, I’m not going to try and come between you.”

“Really?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Of course! That wouldn’t be very loyal of me.”

“I suppose not.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Well, I suppose if you wanted to, I’d be willing to be on the other side.”

Rarity looks confused. “Other… side?”

“Like I said, I don’t want to come between you two. That’s why I’d be on the other side.”

“I’m sorry, but I still don’t understand.”

Rainbow Dash thinks for a moment. “Arc’s bed aboard ship would certainly be big enough for all three of us.”

Rarity blushes furiously.

“I-I-I’m not into that sort of thing!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Meh, just thought I’d mention it. You just make Arc happy, okay?”

“S-sure. I’ll certainly try.”

Rainbow Dash turns as she hears the water shut off. “Well, that’s my cue to leave. Thanks for the stitches, Rarity. And good luck.”

She trots out the door and returns to her room. As Rainbow Dash puts on the dress, she looks herself over in the mirror.

“Never thought Rarity would’ve had the guts to bed Arc. Well, I hope they’ll be happy together.”

She straightens her hem and turns to one side as she poses seductively.

“But if they ever break up, I’d love to pick up where she left off!”

Rainbow Dash giggles and blushes.

“Listen to me talk! I never thought any stallion would make me feel this way! But Arc certainly is VERY special.”

She looks herself up and down before picking up a brush and begrudgingly running it through her rainbow colored mane.

“Who would’ve thought a stallion holding my head at the sink while I puked would make me feel this way?!”

Meanwhile, Arc walks out of Rarity’s bathroom in one of his magic cloaks. Rarity looks over at him sheepishly.

“Sorry, but it’s going to be a bit. I’m just getting started.”

“Everything okay?”

Rarity nods. “Oh yes! Rainbow Dash came by a few moments after you jumped in the shower. She had a bit of a dress malfunction.”

“I see. But you were able to fix it, right?”

“Easily! But she also wanted to talk about something a bit… private.”

Arc chuckles as he sits down on the bed. “Ah! Girl talk, huh?”

Rarity blushes as she works. “S-something like that.”

“Well, I just want to thank you again for doing all this, Rarity. The delegates apparently liked their rooms very much.”

“I… really enjoyed it.”

“And thanks for looking over my apparel. I really didn’t notice just how wrinkled the back was.”

“Yes. What happened?!”

“I took a bit of a nap earlier on my couch.”

Rarity turns and smiles at him. “If anypony deserves that, you do.”

Arc sighs. “At least the hard part is over.”

“But there’s still dinner tonight.”

“True. But everyone should be in high spirits knowing that the guilty party was caught.”

“That would make anypony happy, I suppose. Sorry, I’m just a bit paranoid.”

Rarity bites her lip as she looks up from her work.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“I… uh… was just wondering… how you liked everypony’s dresses the other day?”

“Huh?”

“The fashion designer in me just wants to know which dress looked best to you.”

“They all looked very nice, Rarity.”

“Did any of them stand out?”

“All of them did actually.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Well, each dress appeared to be specifically tailored to the one wearing it. I can tell you put a lot of love and attention into every one of them. It really accentuated the wearer’s features.”

Rarity nods nervously. “What… what did you think of Rainbow Dash’s outfit?”

“It was very… her. I mean, the rainbow cloth with the cloudlike hem was spot-on Rainbow Dash. But if someone else tried to wear it, like Twilight for example, I don’t think the effect would be the same.”

Rarity sighs. “I suppose you have a point.”

“Don’t doubt yourself, Rarity. You’re very talented at what you do.”

“Thank you, Arc. I’ll do what I can to see to it you look your very best for tonight.”

A short time later Rarity finishes her task. She hangs up the raiments and hands them to Arc.

“There you are.”

“Great! I can’t thank you enough for this. And don’t worry about the fee. I’ll see to it Raven sends over payment.”

“Oh, but I don’t…!”

“No, no. You have to be paid for this, Rarity. After all, you’re doing your part to make this event a success.”

“I… th-thank you, Arc. Would you like to use my Bathroom again to get dressed?”

“Thank you, but I should get back to my quarters so you can get ready.”

“Alright. I’m sure you’ll look positively dapper tonight.”

“I’ll be back in a little while to escort all of you to the Dining Room.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“See you soon.”

Stepping through he vanishes from sight. Rarity sighs and walks over to her own dress hanging up nearby.

“I’m looking forward to the dinner, Arc. But I can’t help but wonder. Who will you be looking at tonight? Rainbow Dash… Twilight… Applejack… Pinkie Pie… Fluttershy… or… little old uninteresting me.”

Rarity sighs as she puts on her dress and sits down at her vanity. Picking up a brush with her magic she begins to do her mane.

“I HAVE to make him notice me! Twilight has his eye, what with her being so intelligent and all. Rainbow Dash has her colorful mane and high energy. Applejack has her natural beauty and toned physique. Pinkie has an amazingly bubbly personality. And Fluttershy’s timid nature and thin frame has turned more than a few heads in town.”

She stops brushing and looks herself over in the mirror.

“What do I have? An overdone mane and a shrill voice.”

Rarity looks down at her body sadly.

“Why would Arc ever want to be with me… when he could have any one of my friends?”

Chapter 17 - Presenting the Evidence

Arc and his friends walk down the corridor toward the Dining Room. Each of the Mane Six are wearing their respective Element as well as their gala dresses. Twilight turns to Arc.

“I’m certainly glad that whole mess is behind us and the princesses are on the mend.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! It was really a scary situation for a while there.”

Rarity forces a small smile. “Perhaps now we can enjoy the closing dinner.”

Fluttershy keeps her head down nervously. “I sure hope so.”

Pinkie shouts. “Come on, everypony! It’s a PARTY!”

She pulls a Party Cannon seemingly out of nowhere. Applejack puts a hoof on it.

“Now hold on just a minute! This place needs to stay clean!”

Arc chuckles. “Maybe later they’ll be time for that, Pinkie.”

“Okay!”

They continue on their way. As they enter the Dining Room they find the delegates sitting at a single long table. They stand and applaud. As the din quiets Arc speaks.

“Thank you all for coming. As Equestria’s temporary ruler I want to thank you all for bearing with us through this difficult time.”

Another round of applause ensues.

“As of now, the princesses are resting aboard my ship. My Chief Medical Officer assures me that they’ll make a full recovery in a matter of days. I want to take this opportunity to thank Hydra Prime Ikis for willingly donating the humor needed to prepare the cure.”

Ikis stands as the assembled delegates applaud.

“I am very happy that the Hydra Nation and Equestria are on the road to putting the past behind us and moving forward together.”

He looks around the room.

“While it may take some time, I do hope that all nations can become friends. We may physically be very different. However, like it or not, we all share the same world. Fighting and war… bloodshed and death… these are all part of this land’s past. As are the tales of many nations I’m told. Should we continue to fight? Shall we continue to wage war against one another? Did that work in the past? What can we do now to shape our world’s future? These are all questions we must ask ourselves as leaders.”

Arc pauses before continuing.

“Several of you have young ones you are raising. I myself am no exception to this. So I’d like to close with this simple question. Would you rather leave the next generation a world full of bickering and war? Or would you prefer they inherit a peaceful world free of the horrors of such things. The choice is yours. Thank you.”

Those assembled applaud as the food is brought out of the Kitchen by the servants. Arc motions for Twilight and her friends to proceed to the table. He sits at the head as the others take the six seats in front of him, three on each side. Twilight sits on Arc’s right hand.

“Rarity?”

“Yes?”

Arc gestures to the seat on his left. “Would you please sit here?”

“Oh, no! There’s certainly others more deserving than I am!”

Applejack chuckles. “Aw, go ahead. This whole thing came together thanks to you.”

Fluttershy smiles at her. “Yes. You worked so hard on this.”

Pinkie pushes Rarity toward the chair. “Yeah!”

Rainbow Dash winks at her friend. “Come on! You’ve earned this!”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Well, all right then.”

She carefully sits down and looks to Arc.

“Th-thank you.”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s I who should be thanking you. I never could have pulled this off alone. You and Twilight really came together to make this possible.”

He looks to the servants and nods. They step forward and set plates in front of each guest Twilight looks around the table as everyone begins to eat.

“I still can’t believe this is happening!”

Ember turns to Twilight. “Me either! But I’m happy to be a part of it nonetheless.”

Sereb nods. “As are the Forsaken.”

Kane growls as he turns to Gestal, Ghaleon, and Ashe. “Yes. But why are the traitors still here?!”

The delegates murmur amongst themselves for a time.

Felix nods soberly. “I agree with the Forsaken representative. One of their highest officials took advantage of my nation for many years! And now one of their own openly attacks the princesses of Equestria!”

Kane frowns. “Indeed! Why should this act be allowed to stand?!”

Iris nods. “I must agree with my son. Their treachery is apparent to all. How are we to know they will not come for the rest of us if given the chance?”

Tugem looks to the griffons. “The ogre nation will also be very wary of the Griffon Kingdom in the future due to this act of betrayal.”

The Marquis turns to Tugem. “That may be. However the traitor was apprehended by my friend, Arc.”

Ikis nods. “Indeed. The hydra will not judge their entire nation based on the misguided actions of one individual.”

Ember clenches her fists under the table. “While I too found the actions of Lord Goldstone totally out of line, I… the Dragon Lands will not make enemies of the Griffon Kingdom over this.”

Rutherford frowns. “Yaks not like betrayal! Yaks no make friends with griffons!”

Arc looks around the room. “It would appear we are quite split on this matter. I do admit there is merit to both sides of the argument.”

Gestal sighs. “So it would seem.”

Fiona looks to Arc. “I’d like to hear the princesses’ point of view on this. After all, they were the injured party in this matter.”

Sereb nods. “That would certainly be for the best. Perhaps they could soothe the fiery tempers around this table.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly that won’t be possible, as they need their rest.”

Kane eyes the griffons suspiciously. “And whom do we have to thank for that?!”

“Brother, please. Let Lord Arc continue.”

“Thank you. While I am not the princesses, I do have complete authority to speak for them, and Equestria, in this matter. Let it be known here and now that they do not hold the actions of Lord Goldstone against the nation of the griffons.”

Ashe looks surprised. “That is very kind of them. After all, something like this cannot be easily overlooked.”

Ghaleon frowns. “Agreed. What would they like as restitution?”

Gestal nods as he turns to Arc. “Yes. If it is within our power, it will be done.”

“They only want one thing. The success of this peace summit. And that can’t happen with discord amongst everyone.”

Ember forces a smile. “Agreed. We must be able to put this act behind us.”

Felix sighs. “Such things are not easily accomplished, Dragon Lord.”

Fiona nods as she looks to Arc. “Yes. However in consideration for our hosts, we should make an attempt to carry out their wishes. It is the least we can do considering our own recent past with Equestria.”

Arc smiles. “Thank you. In the spirit of forgiveness, I’d like to propose a toast.”

He takes his cup and stands.

“To our allies across the sea and those whom share this world. To this summit and those whom made it possible. And to the loftiest goal of all… peace.”

Arc raises his glass as the rest of the room stands.

“To peace!”

“TO PEACE!”

Everyone takes a drink and sits. A guard quickly approaches Arc and salutes.

“Begging your pardon, sire, but Miss Rose requests an immediate audience with you.”

“I see.”

Arc looks over the assembled guests apologetically.

“Forgive me, but it appears something has come up.”

Gestal nods. “Such is the life of a ruler, Lord Arc.”

Ember smiles warmly at him. “We understand.”

“I will try to return as soon as possible.”

Arc turns and follows the guard out of the room. The delegates turn to one another. Rutherford laughs.

“He going to miss out on great meal!”

Ikis chuckles. “It would appear it cannot be helped.”

The Marquis turns to his friend. “Such is the role of one whom presides over a country as large as Equestria.”

Iris nods. “Yes. The Forsaken understand this all very well.”

Ember looks confused. “Could you please explain, Matriarch? Your nation certainly isn’t nearly as large as Lord Arc’s.”

“That may be. But we were allied with this land long before anyone here was born.”

Kane nods soberly. “Well, allied with the three pony races anyway.”

“It is a similar concept, brother.”

Gestal turns to those assembled. “The Griffon Kingdom is proud to have a treaty with this land. The leadership within its borders is most certainly second to none.”

Ghaleon frowns. “Yes. However, they also have any number of trump cards to play.”

He turns to Twilight and her friends.

“Tell me. Do all of you serve your princesses… cheerfully?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow, confused. “I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

Ashe clears her throat. “Arbiter Ghaleon is asking if you’re happy with your roles.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Of course we are! Right everypony!”

Pinkie laughs. “I sure am!”

Applejack smiles. “Me too!”

Rarity bats a bit of hair from her eyes as the delegates look to her. “As am I!”

Fluttershy shrinks back. It’s… quite an honor.”

Twilight nods. “And we do what we must willingly.”

Rutherford grins. “Well put! But yak still think you six very small for warriors!”

Felix chuckles. “One should not think less of them for their size.”

Iris gestures to the Abyssinians. “Yes. After all, King Felix demonstrated that size is most certainly not everything when facing an opponent.”

Ember nods. “Agreed. After all, they took down that Ursa Minor together.”

Kane looks to Twilight and her friends, curiously. “Yes. Tell me, how did you do that?”

Twilight looks up at her crown. “By combining our Elements.”

Applejack puts a hoof on her Element. “For this to work, all six of us have to be in agreement.”

Iris looks at Applejack. “I see. And you six are the only ones who are capable of doing this?”

Rarity nods. “That we are.”

Ashe leans forward. “Interesting. Why is that?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Because each of us represent our Element!”

Twilight nods. “Right.”

Ghaleon frowns. “Weaponizing mares. It lacks honor.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “And what’s THAT supposed to mean!”

Gestal looks to his associate. ”Please, Arbiter Ghaleon.”

He looks to the Mane 6 apologetically.

“Please forgive my companion. He was merely making an observation on a difference in our cultures.”

Twilight nods. “All is forgiven.”

Rainbow Dash turns away indignantly. “Whatever…”

Ashe muses to herself. “The Elements of Harmony. I wonder what really makes them work.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way to his office. As expected Rose is watching the camera feeds dutifully.

“You needed to see me?”

Rose nods as she continues her vigil. “Yes. It’s about the one whom poisoned the princesses.”

“Goldstone? He’s in Canterlot Castle’s dungeon now. I doubt he’ll be able to cause any more trouble there.”

“I actually wanted to talk to you about that.”

A short time later Arc stomps out of his office and storms down the corridor. He mutters under his breath as he makes his way back to his quarters.

“I can’t freaking believe this!”

As the guards part to allow Arc access he hurries into his quarters and over to the sigil. Meanwhile outside Goldstone’s cell a hooded figure approaches.

“Well now… it would appear everything did not go according to your plan.”

Goldstone frowns. “It did not, Dark One.”

The Dark One holds up a shrouded hoof. “In any case, let me get you out of that cage.”

“No.”

“You wish to stand trial?”

“Of course not! But if I escape now I’ll be seen as nothing but a criminal. Hopefully I’ll be able to prove my innocence. If not, I suppose then you should come get me.”

The Dark One nods. “Very well. I’ve already taken steps of my own.”

Goldstone appears confused. “What? But you disagreed with my plan from the start.”

“Agreed. However that does not mean others did not sow their own seeds into it.”

Goldstone narrows his eyes. “To what end?”

The Dark One chuckles as he walks away. “Let’s just say this charade is far from over. You’ll see. Or, if things go well, you won’t.”

Raising a shadowy hoof the Dark One opens a portal and steps through it. Goldstone sighs.

“The others are involved. Wonderful. This does not bode well for HIS plan either.”

Meanwhile, Arc appears on the sigil in his room in Canterlot Castle. Running through the doors he races down the corridor. Eventually he arrives at the dungeon. The guard on duty is speaking to Trixie. She is levitating a tray of food. They straighten up and salute as he approaches.

“I need to see Goldstone right away!”

“Right this way, sir.”

The guard leads them to the cell. At the sight of Arc the prisoner walks over to the bars and glares at him. Trixie slides the tray of food through a small door in the bars. Goldstone ignores her and keeps his gaze focused on Arc.

“I suppose you’re here to heap more crimes on me.”

“No.”

Goldstone nervously takes a step back. “I… what other reason would you have to…?”

“Lord Goldstone. You’re a detestable, arrogant, pompous fool who doesn’t give a damn about anyone else’s life, well-being, or safety. Honestly, I’m rather enjoying seeing you in that cell.”

Arc narrows his eyes.

“But you didn’t do it… did you?”

“Of course not! Do you take me for a fool?!”

“Trixie believes he must have had something to gain from the princesses’ illness, sir.”

“Perhaps. But infinitely more to lose.”

Arc turns to the guard.

“Release the prisoner to me.”

“Yes sir.”

The guard puts the key in the lock and opens the door. Goldstone cautiously steps out.

“Wha-what do you plan to do with me?!”

“Sadly… return you to Light’s Hope and the rest of the griffon delegation.”

Goldstone frowns. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll denounce your actions to my government?!”

“No.”

Trixie raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

Arc points a finger at Goldstone. “You’re going to help me by smoothing this matter over neatly.”

Goldstone smirks. “And if I refuse you’ll do what? Kill me? I don’t think that will go over well after you promised me a fair trial.”

Arc raises his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Whether or not you help me is up to you. You’ll live either way. Or at the very least, I won’t be the one responsible for your death.”

Goldstone narrows his eyes. “Are you threatening me?!”

“I am not. Come with me and I’ll explain my proposal.”

Sighing Goldstone enters the portal with Trixie. Arc follows them. As they arrive in his quarters he turns to Trixie.

“Head to the Dining Room with a detachment of guards and await us there.”

“Yes sir.”

She hurries out of the room as Arc turns to Goldstone.

“You’re coming with me.”

“I’ll do no such…!”

Arc grabs Goldstone by his beak and Blinks the pair to his office. Rose nods to him at their arrival.

“Preparations are complete, Arc.”

“Good.”

Goldstone roughly shakes his beak loose. “The security office? What are we doing HERE?!”

“Having a friendly chat before we return to the Dining Room.”

Goldstone smirks. “Hoping I’ll go along with you on this?”

“Yes.”

“Fool! You arrested me and tossed me in a cell like a common criminal! Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t march right to Lord Gestal and tell him of your incompetence?!”

Rose looks to Goldstone, coldly. “Because he still thinks you’re guilty.”

“Not to worry. I’ll inform everyone of your innocence, Goldstone.”

“You had best do so at once! As it stands, you really have nothing with which to bargain with!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not true. Rose, show him.”

“Right away .”

She turns and pushes a few buttons on a nearby machine. A video feed is pulled up on the main monitor. Endless sand stretches out before them. Goldstone raises an eyebrow.

“What is this? It looks similar to Abyssinia.”

Arc nods. “That’s because it is. Just watch.”

The back of Sereb’s head comes into view.

“Did you put a camera on that beast?!”

Arc shakes his head. “The camera was me.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!”

“All will be made clear soon enough.”

The scene of Arc looking left and right bring Ember, Max, Hugh, Viktor, and Xenos into view. Goldstone raises an eyebrow.

“Interesting. We were not aware you invaded Abyssinia.”

“Hardly. They invited me.”

Sereb descends the Lunar Destiny’s gangplank. The squad surrounds Arc as he slowly rides into the city. They make their way cautiously down the empty streets. Goldstone shakes his head.

“Fool.”

Rose looks over, confused. “Huh?”

“He’s walking right into a trap. The Abyssinians are known for such treachery.”

Arc frowns. “Shut up and keep your eyes on the screen!”

Sereb points to a door. Arc dismounts and knocks before Blinking inside and opening the door.

“Your safehouse, I assume.”

“No. A citizen’s home.”

“Breaking and entering now?”

“Getting answers.”

The visage of Arc slowly entering the room plays out. A small and very thin female cat with white fur and luminous blue eyes slowly emerges from under the bed. Although she is covered by simple clothing, they can see she is very malnourished. Belle shakily walks over to the table and lies a very small kitten on a makeshift bed of blankets. The little one whimpers and shakes as if cold. Even in the dim light from the open door they can see the tiny ribs of the infant as she labors to breathe. Belle stands shakily before Arc. Closing her eyes as the tears course down her cheeks. Goldstone turns to Arc, angrily.

“What is this?! How DARE you treat captives this way!”

Arc shakes his head. “Belle wasn’t my prisoner. She was yours.”

“I swear I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Arc motions to Rose. She presses a few more buttons as Arc turns back to Goldstone.

“Well then, why don’t we see if was can jog your memory?”

The screen flickers to life as another video appears. Deftly the camera pans over the scene before them from the deck of the Lunar Destiny. The figures of countless starving Abyssinians lined up for food can be seen. Goldstone frowns.

“While horrible, what does this have to do with me?”

“EVERYTHING!”

“I don’t understand.”

“Griffonstone supplies Abyssinia with food, correct?!”

“Normally, yes. Why do you ask?”

Arc points a finger at the screen. “Then why were they starving?!”

“Because they refused to pay! This is the monarch’s fault! Not mine!”

“You HAD to know things were bad there!”

“Of course I did!”

“And that the Storm King had taken EVERYTHING from them!”

Goldstone frowns. “I asked them if they had anything else to pay with other than currency! They were the ones whom said no! Believe me, I was more than open to…!”

Arc grabs Goldstone by the throat and slams him against a wall.

“I know all about your… proposal!”

Goldstone claws helplessly at Arc’s gauntlet with his talons. “It was… more than fair! Their subjects would have been fed that very day! They refused to come up with any form of payment whatsoever! What was I supposed to do?!”

“You had a ship full of food and were surrounded by starving citizens! What do you think?!”

“The Griffon Kingdom isn’t running a charity! We have to feed our own!”

Arc turns to Rose as he roughly tosses Goldstone away.

“Pull up the third video.”

“Yes sir.”

Goldstone mutters indignantly as he composes himself. Before long the screen shows a posh room with numerous large pillows. King Felix and Queen Fiona sit before Arc.

Felix looks to Arc. “As we told you, Lord Goldstone wanted to make a deal for a shipment of preserves.”

Fiona sighs. “A very large shipment, I might add.”

Arc frowns. “But there was the detail of payment.”

“Correct. We still have very little to speak of as far as tangible goods or money goes.”

Fiona nods. “He knew that from his previous visits! So he made us a very ‘generous’ offer.”

“What kind of offer?”

Felix growls. “A bad one!”

“Indeed. He would send us a transport filled with various preserves at no charge.”

Arc appears confused. “An act of goodwill? Why wait until now?! Your citizens were starving earlier!”

Felix nods. “There was a catch.”

“I’m not surprised.”

Fiona looks down. “He… wanted a very special favor.”

“A favor?”

“He would only give us the preserves if… if…”

The queen is silent for a time before looking back at Arc with a pained expression on her face.

“…if I spent the night with him.”

Arc motions for Rose to stop the video as he turns to Goldstone.

“Very unbecoming of a lord.”

“I’ll deny that! You can’t prove anything!”

Arc puts his hands on his hips. “Oh really? You think everyone’s going to take your side over Queen Fiona AND me?”

Goldstone’s pupils shrink as Arc turns to Rose.

“Loop it and replay when ready.”

“Yes sir.”

Goldstone shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter what they think! I’m still a member of the Council of Lords!”

“…if I spent the night with him.”

Arc nods wickedly. “That you are. But how long do you think that would remain true?”

“Wha… what do you mean?”

“…if I spent the night with him.”

“The other members of the council certainly would want to distance themselves from someone who was guilty of such actions, would they not?”

Goldstone turns up his beak at this. “HA! The Griffon Kingdom needs me!”

“…if I spent the night with him.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Needs you? So there’s no one who can do that job other than you?”

“Right!”

Arc scoffs. “So what did they do before you came along?”

“Well… no one as qualified as I am, I suppose.”

“…if I spent the night with him.”

“So life in the Griffon Kingdom would continue without you?”

“I suppose so. But our king would never bow to the pressure!”

Arc frowns at him. “From within the council, or internationally?”

“What do you mean?”

“…if I spent the night with him.”

Arc slowly walks toward Goldstone as he talks. “Think about it. You’re the Griffon Kingdom’s ambassador to the rest of the world. Would they want to deal with you if this became public knowledge?”

Goldstone frowns. “Threatening to turn your royal pets on me?”

“They have their own opinions and wills, of course. But if I were to speak out against you, they would certainly take notice and listen to what I had to say.”

“…if I spent the night with him.”

Goldston glares at Rose. “Would you turn that incessant racket off?!”

Arc looks down at him. “What are you scared of, Goldstone? The truth?”

“What IS the truth, but what others perceive?!”

“…if I spent the night with him.”

“The truth is you were willing to let others die because you wanted to get something out of it.”

“What’s wrong with that?! I gave them options, which they didn’t accept! But I don’t expect you to understand the comings and goings of griffon society!”

“Maybe you’re right. But why don’t we let Lord Gestal decide that, shall we?”

Arc moves toward the door as Goldstone fumes. His hand is on the doorknob as Goldstone mutters something.

“What would it take?”

“Hm?”

“To buy your silence, you fool?!”

Arc turns around. “You want to bribe me?”

“What I want… is to make a deal!”

“…if I spent the night with him.”

“And shut that thing off!”

Arc nods to Rose. She stops the video as Arc turns back to Goldstone.

“I’d be willing to keep to keep quiet about this whole matter. But I need something from you in return, Lord Goldstone.”

Goldstone backs away nervously. “Wha… what do you mean?!”

Arc frowns. “I’d like to make a deal.”

Goldstone sighs. “I’m listening.”

Chapter 18 - Examining the Witnesses

The pair walk down the corridor together. Arc looks to Goldstone and frowns.

“Are you clear on the plan?”

Goldstone groans. “Sadly, yes.”

“You scratch my back, I scratch yours.”

“I must admit you’re quite the negotiator, Lord Arc.”

“Only when I have to be.”

The pair enter the Dining Room. Arc looks over to Trixie standing with some guards in a corner. She salutes but says nothing. Arc clears his throat.

“If I could have everyone’s attention please.”

Gestal looks to them, surprised. “Lord Goldstone?”

Ember frowns. “I thought HE was in the dungeon!”

“Indeed he was. However the situation has changed.”

Tugem raises an eyebrow. “Has it now?”

“Yak hear that bad griffon poison princesses!”

Felix nods. “Indeed. And that the poison was found in his luggage.”

Arc nods. “That is correct. Would you please rejoin your group, Lord Goldstone?”

“Of course, Lord Arc. Please know that the Griffon Kingdom does not hold this matter against either you or the princesses.”

“Thank you.”

Goldstone walks confidently to his seat next to Gestal and Ghaleon. Twilight looks to Arc nervously.

“But if the poison was in his luggage…!”

“I believe it was planted there by someone else.”

Fiona gasps. “That’s a very bold claim, Lord Arc!”

Iris nods. “Indeed. Do you know who the culprit is?”

“I do not.”

Felix looks around. “Then are we not ALL in danger?!”

The Marquis clears his throat. “I am certain Arc has a plan to expose the guilty party.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Arc sighs. “It’s not quite that simple. Our perpetrator is certainly a crafty one. After all, they were able to make it appear Lord Goldstone was the guilty party by somehow entering his room and planting evidence.”

Goldstone frowns. “It could be any of you!”

Ember stands angrily and points a claw. “Or it could still be YOU!”

Ikis nods. “That is certainly a possibility.”

Fluttershy cowers back. “And a frightening one at that.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “So how are we going to figure out who really did it?!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps it would easier to figure out who isn’t guilty.”

Applejack turns to her friend. “How?”

Pinkie shrugs. “Let’s just ask everypony!”

Arc nods. “That’s not a bad idea.”

Rarity looks to him, confused. “Really?”

“I mean what Twilight said. Who couldn’t be the guilty one?”

Brightwing bares her gums menacingly. “Someone here has been bad?! Brightwing will punish them!”

Arc turns to Twilight and her friends. “All six of you were either aboard The Equinox or in town when the poisoning occurred. Therefore none of you could have done this.”

He looks to the others.

“That leaves literally everyone else here though.”

Goldstone clears his throat loudly. “You mean other than me, correct?”

Ghaleon frowns. “Shut up, Goldstone.”

Felix eyes the griffons suspiciously. “Perhaps they’re a good place to start though.”

“Very well. Let’s go over the evidence, shall we?”

Arc clears his throat before continuing.

“At some point between last night and this morning both princesses were poisoned. Since they had no contact with anyone here after the celebration, it stands to reason the deed was done in the timeframe of those twelve or so hours.”

Twilight frowns. “Maybe it wasn’t. Who saw them healthy last?”

“Princess Luna’s most trusted Hoof Maiden, Eventide Shine. She brought them tea this morning after breakfast.”

Rarity frowns. “Perhaps you should speak to her, Arc.”

“I already have. She was very nervous. Almost paranoid at my questioning.”

Ember looks hopeful. “Do you think she did it?”

“Doubtful. Princess Luna has spoken very highly of her. That and she would be a fool to risk her job along with imprisonment over willfully administering a non-lethal poison. However, Lord Goldstone was caught on camera speaking to her as she was heading to the princesses’ room.”

Rutherford glares at Goldstone. “Yak want to know why!”

Goldstone sighs. “That tea smelled amazing. I just wanted a cup.”

Ghaleon rolls his eyes. “You just couldn’t leave well enough alone, could you?”

“Can I help it if I like tea?!”

Ashe looks to the pair. “Please! There is a time and a place for everything, you two. And this in not it.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Let’s continue.”

He turns to Gestal, Ghaleon, and Ashe.

“Here’s what I’ve learned.”

Arc begins pacing in front of them as he pulls out his notepad.

“Lord Goldstone apparently tripped and fell into Princess Cadance. In the process he spilled her drink. He then insisted that she take his glass in apology.”

Ember points a claw. “See! He gave her a poisoned drink!”

“I don’t believe so, no. After all, both she and Princess Luna are ill. Had his drink been poisoned, only Princess Cadance would be sick.”

Fiona puts a paw to her chin. “Could he not have covertly done so?”

Goldstone points an accusatory talon at the Abyssinians. “HA! You two are the sneaky ones!”

Rutherford turns to the monarchs. “Puny griffon right! Kitty king show all how he move so well!”

Arc sighs. “I suppose that’s a possibility, Prince Rutherford. But let’s look at all the evidence before making accusations. You told me that a cupcake tasted bad during our talk.”

“Yak still think it poisoned!”

Trixie steps forward. “You were checked for poison last night, sir.”

“Yak not believe pony doctor!”

Arc frowns: “She’s my personal physician. If she says everyone is clean, everyone is clean.”

Applejack sighs. “We’re getting off topic here.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Is it possible somepony also put something in Princess Luna’s drink?”

Arc nods “It is. However, Princess Luna didn’t actually drink anything last night.”

Fiona turns to Arc, confused. “But we saw her glass touch her lips.”

Felix nods. “Yes. However she never swallowed.”

Kane frowns. “Could she have known about the poison?”

Ikis shrugs. “Perhaps. Or maybe she was merely being cautious. I smelled something amiss that night.”

Iris turns to him. “As did I.”

Rainbow Dash looks hopeful. “Any idea what it could have been?!”

Ikis shrugs. “Something from many long years ago.”

Iris turns to him. “You believe so too, old friend? I simply though myself to be smelling it in error.”

The Marquis turns to Ikis. “Was it dangerous?”

Ikis sighs. “Sadly I cannot remember. Perhaps we should continue.”

Iris nods. “Yes. It may come to us in time.”

Arc continues looking over his notes. “Very well.”

Applejack looks around. “Did anypony leave the Dining Room early last night?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Yeah! Maybe somepony snuck into the princesses’ room!”

Tugem nods. “Kane and I did take a walk at one point.”

Arc looks up from his notepad. “Yes, you two were together the whole time though, correct?”

Kane nods. “That we were. I can vouch for Prince Tugem. He did not enter the princesses’ room that night.”

Tugem gestures to the large wolf. “Indeed. Nor did Kane.”

Rutherford eyes them suspiciously. “Where you two go then?!”

Kane frowns. “Just for a walk to get some air.”

Tugem nods. “Yes. It was just a time for some friendly conversation. It turns out Kane and I have much in common.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Do you now?”

“Yes. He and I share the ideal of wanting to be… more than we currently are.”

Kane turns to his mother. “We were discussing different ways to better ourselves, amongst other things.”

“What else, Kane?”

“A few things actually. But the topics of our conversation is not the issue here. There were others who spoke to one another last night as well.”

Kane turns to Gestal.

“Such as this one here constantly turning everything into a lesson for his cub.”

Ashe frowns. “My father was simply trying to pass on his knowledge and experience to me!”

Kane frowns. “It would be better for the young one to learn for herself.”

Sereb turns to him. “As you did, brother?”

“What do you mean, Sereb? Our father taught us.”

Iris nods. “As is hers.”

Kane shakes his head. “Bah! Politics is a useless skill anyways. Such things make you weak.”

The Marquis turns to Kane. “Not true, young one. The ability to defuse a situation quickly and quietly through only the spoken word is certainly a strength.”

Ikis nods. “Agreed. I saw Lord Arc use this very skill to stop Dragon Lord Torch from invading Equestria not long ago.”

Ember smiles. “Yes. It was quite impressive.”

Tugem frowns. “He certainly did not use such a skill when taking down my tribe’s captor. Judging by her bruised form when he freed us, that is.”

The prince looks over to Trixie. She turns her gaze elsewhere as a look of shame crosses her face.

Arc sighs. “I tried to, but she wouldn’t see reason. So I had to take more… drastic measures.”

“Trixie is sorry for what she did to your tribe, Prince Tugem. Lord Arc did what he had to in order to stop me.”

Gestal nods. “He also did the same to a group of rebels whom had taken myself and our nation’s leaders hostage.”

Ashe shudders as Arc looks away and sighs.

“Not my finest moment.”

Ghaleon nods soberly. “It had to be done.”

Gestal clears his throat loudly. “Indeed. However I did see Prince Tugem drink an inordinate amount of champagne before leaving the room.”

“It was quite tasty. And ogres can certainly hold their own.”

Gestal narrows his eyes. “I’m sure you can. However it seemed quite strange to me that Princess Luna kept her eye on you during the evening.”

Twilight turns to Tugem. “I’m sure she was merely curious regarding your species, sir.”

Tugem frowns. “Perhaps. I too noticed her looking in my direction several times during the festivities. But I also saw something very interesting regarding Lord Goldstone and Queen Fiona.”

Arc nods. “Yes. You said they talked at length.”

“That is true. However I distinctly saw her put something in his drink.”

Goldstone grabs his throat. “What?! Should I be tested?!”

Arc sighs. “You certainly can be. However, Queen Fiona already confessed to attempting to play a bit of a joke on you.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not very reassuring.”

Fiona sighs. “It’s true. I tossed in some Abyssinian Itchweed for a bit of… innocent fun.”

Gestal narrows his eyes. “That is going a bit far.”

Ashe puts a talon on her father’s arm. “Perhaps not, father. I’ve read about that very plant. It’s only supposed to make one sneeze uncontrollably if taken orally.”

Felix nods sadly. “Yes. However that glass was apparently the one Lord Goldstone gave to Princess Cadance.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! Will she be…!?”

Arc turns to her. “Calm down, Twilight. Redheart has already examined and disproven that theory.”

“Thank Celestia!”

Fiona bows her head. “I am very sorry for the trouble I caused with my little prank and hope we can all move past this.”

Goldstone stands up angrily. “You’re SORRY?! I fully intend to…!”

Arc clears his throat loudly.

“I believe what Lord Goldstone means is that this isn’t something one easily, or quickly, moves past.”

“Y-yes, that’s right.”

Felix sighs. “While I am loathe to admit it, Lord Goldstone may not be the guilty party here.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “But who else could have done it? The poison was in his luggage, after all. Unless… unless it really was just a ploy to redirect our attention elsewhere!”

She looks to Kane.

“What about him?! I saw the way you looked at Sereb last night!”

Kane narrows his eyes. “What about it?!”

Ember points an accusatory claw at him. “You’re jealous! A blind dragon could see it!”

Fiona nods. “I too noticed that.”

Felix sighs. “It was a bit disconcerting to say the least.”

Kane frowns. “Me?! Goldstone has been talking down about every member around this table since he arrived!”

Sereb growls. “Brother!”

Iris nods. “He’s right, you know.”

The Marquis tuns to Kane. “What?”

Kane bares his teeth. “We of my tribe hear EVERYTHING! Your smallest whispers. That which you try to hide. Even what you say in nearby rooms does not escape our attention.”

Goldstone raises an eyebrow. “Oh really?! Then what did Prince Tugem say to the Dragon Lord when he ‘accidently’ bumped into her last light?!”

Sereb turns to Goldstone. “He was merely complimenting her as a fellow leader.”

Tugem nods. “It’s true. I believed she looked especially beautiful that evening and wished to tell her. However, I didn’t want to draw attention and cause her undue stress.”

Ember nods. “Right. Prince Tugem was only being polite.”

Brightwing giggles. “Ogre nice to Dragon Lord! Even if he doesn’t smell like other friends!”

Ember hisses at the small dragon. “Brightwing! That’s rude!”

Trixie steps forward. “Sir, as I said earlier, I’ve sensed some strange magic at work here in Light’s Hope since I entered the building.”

Rutherford rolls his eyes. “Bah! Magic of no importance here! Not while we have a very bad traitor in our midst!”

Sereb turns to him. “We should not discount any new information so easily, Prince Rutherford.”

Goldstone shakes his head. “Agreed! That kind of power seems to be more trouble than it’s worth!”

Ghaleon nods. “Perhaps you should consider restricting its use in your land, Lord Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It’s what makes one third of the population special.”

Rarity nods fervently. “Right! Magic isn’t bad!”

Tugem looks to Rarity. “I agree with the fine young unicorn. However, some whom use it are… less than scrupulous.”

He turns to Trixie again as she speaks.

“Trixie made that mistake in the past. But she has learned there is another path.”

Ashe looks confused. “Another path? What do you mean?”

“Trixie was sent to Tartarus for the crimes she committed. But her friends did not give up on her. Lord Arc along with another friend willingly came to Tartarus to see to it Trixie made it to the Gates safely.”

Arc nods. “Right. However she was able to walk through on her own, showing she was repentant of her previous crimes.”

Trixie nods. “Yes. Trixie now serves as a guardian of the princesses as a willing penance for her past crimes.”

Tugem frowns and folds his arms over his chest.

“As noble as that may be, we still are no closer to discovering our traitor.”

A voice rings out from the doorway.

“I believe I may have the answer to that question.”

Rose enters the room and walks over to Arc. She hands him several pieces of paper.

“The top one just came in from Canterlot, sir.”

Arc reads the paper over and frowns as he looks up.

“It would appear we have our traitor.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Great! Who is it?!”

“I’m not fully sure. But this information narrows it down a bit. There are now only four suspects.”

He looks over the assembled group before continuing.

“Goldstone, as the poison was found in his luggage. Kane, as he left the room and was in the vicinity of the princesses’ room. Eventide Shine also had opportunity to do the deed by adding the poison to the tea she was delivering. And Prince Tugem, as he also left the room.”

Ember frowns. “I suppose that does narrow it down a bit. But how can we be sure who really did it?”

Ghaleon chuckles. “Yes. Do tell.”

“Let’s think about this for a moment. Someone here is certainly guilty, after all. I don’t suppose anyone would like to just confess?”

He looks around the room. No one speaks.

“Very well then. Here’s what I believe happened. The culprit somehow slipped the poison in either their drinks at the party or their morning tea.”

Everyone’s gaze turns to Goldstone.

“Yak say griffon lord reek of treachery!”

“I’m INNOCENT!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Lord Goldstone was merely a patsy. A false lead to take the blame for the crime. The culprit administered the poison and then stashed some of it in his luggage. An open and shut case. He goes to jail, our nations part on less than friendly terms, and the true culprit gets away scot-free.”

Ashe shudders. “It all sounds so neat and tidy.”

Arc nods. “It would be if not for one small detail.”

Iris looks to Arc. “Oh?”

“Price Tugem and Kane weren’t exactly truthful in what they told me.”

Sereb narrows his eyes as he turns to his brother.

“Kane, what have you done?!”

“Nothing! All that I told you was the truth!”

Tugem nods. “As was my testimony.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. What you told me was the truth. However, it wasn’t the WHOLE truth.”

He holds up a paper. The Marquis eyes it.

“What is it?”

Ember grits her teeth. “It’s a picture of Tugem coming out of his quarters!”

Felix turns to Rose. “But what does that prove?”

“That he potentially had a chance to gather the poison from his room.”

Tugem sighs. “It is true that I went back to my room. But it was merely for a fresh tunic.”

He gestures at his chest.

“While I am loathe to admit it, perhaps I did have too much to drink last night. At some point I… miscalculated and dribbled some on myself. Seeing Kane leave gave me an excuse to excuse myself.”

Kane nods. “Indeed. But we returned shortly and did not enter the princesses’ room.”

Rose looks to those assembled. “That is true. The surveillance cameras show that you two returned to the festivities after your talk without any further detours.”

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out another paper.

“I have here an analysis of the poison. It shows that the physical properties of the powder have a tendency to stick to everything they touch.”

Goldstone raises an eyebrow. “What does that prove?”

“That whomever held the sack of poison wouldn’t have been able to administer it without getting trace amounts of it on themselves.”

Ikis frowns. “How do we test for this substance?”

“The easiest way would be with this.”

Rose removes a small bag from her pocket and hands it to Arc. He turns to Tugem and tosses it to him.

“Catch!”

Tugem does so.

“Open it up and tell me what you see”.

Tugem pulls out a few dried buds as he looks over to Arc.

“What is this?”

Fiona looks confused. “That’s Abyssinian Itchweed.”

Felix raises an eyebrow. “Strange. Why isn’t it working?”

Iris turns to Arc. “Perhaps he is immune?”

“Not exactly. Let’s see your hands, Prince Tugem.”

“But… what the…?”

He looks down to see a thin layer of pink slime in each palm. Kane appears confused.

“Where did that strange substance come from?!”

Twilight frowns. “It’s a chemical reaction of some kind.”

Arc nods. “Right. A component of the poison mixed with the Abyssinian Itchweed makes them both break down into that substance.”

Rose grins. “But it wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been handling the poison earlier!”

Arc motions to Trixie. She and her guards surround Tugem. He looks at Arc angrily.

“This is preposterous! I came here peacefully! Why would I have…?!”

A familiar voice rings out from the doorway.

“Yes! Why indeed?!”

Everyone turns to see another Prince Tugem standing in the doorway. Ember frowns.

“What the heck?!”

Brightwing giggles. “Yay! More friends! Copies of friends?”

Arc looks back and forth. “This is… unexpected.”

The newcomer points an accusatory finger at Tugem. “I’m the true prince! This is an imposter!”

“No, he’s the imposter!”

Applejack turns to Arc. “Great! Now what?!”

“Rose, scanners.”

Rose sighs. “They both appear to be completely identical.”

The Marquis growls. “There must be a way to be sure.”

Arc nods. “There is. Both princes remove your outer robes.”

One of the Tugems frowns. “Whatever would that prove?!”

Trixie glares at them, her horn aglow. “Just do as Lord Arc commands, sir.”

Both ogres do so. A guard collects the robes and brings them to Arc. He turns to Rarity.

“Would you please examine these?”

“Yes, of course.”

She walks over as the guards hold up the robes and carefully examines them.

“They both appear to be sewn from the same materials and are very well made. But there’s just one difference.”

Sereb looks confused. “A problem?”

Rarity points a hoof at one of the robes. “This one has some rather… interesting stitchwork, while the other bears the hallmarks of Inky Rose. A fashion designer in Canterlot.”

Arc turns to the Tugem surrounded by guards.

“I thought you said this was your first trip to Equestria.”

“It… it is. My father sent one of our tribe to purchase this from Miss Inky Rose’s fine establishment.”

“Did he now? Because I sent someone to ask her about this.”

“Yes?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “And she’s never seen an ogre.”

Rarity gasps. “So this ISN’T made by Inky Rose?”

Arc frowns. “Oh, it was. But the one whom picked it up… WAS A STALLION!”

Quickly stretching out his arm, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell and slams the imposter prince against the wall. Holding him there Arc calls forth his helmet and looks at his foe through the True Sight enchantment. He gasps.

“It CAN’T be!”

Ember turns to Arc. “Who is it?!”

Without answering her, Arc turns to Twilight.

“Use the Elements on him!”

“Right!”

The Mane 6 hurry to take their places in front of their target. Focusing their powers they unleash a torrent of magical energy. The ogre cries out as he is forced back to his true form. Arc releases his hold on the stallion and allows him to fall to the floor in a pile of cloth.

“Let’s me show you all who this REALLY is.”

Grabbing the clothes with his magic Arc tosses them aside. Upon uncovering the stallion, he clenches his fists angrily.

Chapter 19 - Reckonings

Arc glares at the stallion before him.

“Hello again… Hawthorne.”

Hawthorne frowns. “How… how did you figure it OUT?!”

“It was easy once I put all the pieces together.”

Rutherford looks confused. “Um… who this?”

Ember stands up angrily. “The former High Justice of Baltimare… Judge Hawthorne.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. He was the one whom sent you to Tartarus, right?”

Ember brandishes her claws. “That’s correct. And I’d like to personally thank him for that!

Arc hold up a hand. “Not yet.”

Hawthorne looks Arc up and down. “You CAN’T be that smart! Somepony had to have betrayed my identity to you!”

Fiona points a paw at the former judge. “Watch your tongue, traitor! You’re addressing the Lord Regent!”

Hawthorne smiles wickedly. “Then my plan WAS a success!”

Iris growls. “To get caught, worm?!”

“Arc glares at Hawthorn. “No one ratted you out, scum. You failed all on your own. But I don’t understand what it was you were trying to accomplish here.”

Hawthorne laughs. “Isn’t it obvious, you hairless ape?!”

The Marquis seethes. “Watch your tongue, maggot, and answer the question!”

“Very well. Using my magical disguise I found it was foal’s play to move around your base undetected.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Hiding in plain sight?!”

“Yes, you inept little harpy! My true objective was to spread mistrust and disharmony through this little gathering of yours, LORD Arc!”

“Why?!”

“The Council of Shadows isn’t keen on the nations uniting under a single banner.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Uniting?!”

Hawthorne points a hoof at Arc. “It’s obvious that’s what he’s doing!”

He looks around the room at the leaders.

“The Hero of Light is playing you all for fools! Defend your lands against him while you still can!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?! Arc had the chance to enslave all of dragon-kind and he didn’t!”

Felix nods angrily. “He came to the aid of my nation as well!”

“That’s right. My husband and I even offered complete control of our land to the Lord Regent in return for Equestria’s protection and support.”

“He went after the Storm King’s base and risked his ship and crew to stop him once and for all.”

“Never once did he ask for our obedience or servitude! Even after I… let him down.”

Hawthorne frowns. “What?!”

Arc sighs. “I had no use for slaves or serfs to strengthen Equestria, or to bolster my own wealth.”

Goldstone mutters under his breath. “Fool.”

Rutherford stomps the floor. “Pony king challenge yak to Yakni-Ki! He win, but not finish yak off! Lord Arc honorable pony!”

Ikis turns to The Marquis. “He rescued our nation’s greatest hero from Tartarus and returned him home to his own kind.”

The Marquis nods. “Never once did he ask for anything in return, save for a bit of humor to save his friend’s life.”

Iris clears her throat. “He freed my son Kane from his servitude and allowed him to return home to our lands.”

Sereb growls at the traitor. “Arc formed a Life Pact with me and together we have brought honor to both our nations through numerous selfless acts of heroism.”

Gestal looks to Hawthorne. “He found and returned my daughter to me without incident and without asking for anything in return.”

Ghaleon sighs. “As much as I’m loathe to admit it, he did save the Council of Lords when they were kidnapped and held prisoner by the rebels.”

Pinkie glares at Hawthorne. “Yeah! And he’s always been there for Equestria when he was needed!”

Applejack nods. “And my family.”

Rarity looks to Arc. “Along with Sweetie Belle and his own little family.”

Fluttershy looks out from behind Rainbow Dash’s dress. “He could have easily killed that Ursa Minor the other day. But he chose to help them instead.”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “Arc would never leave somepony hanging!”

Twilight steps forward. “That’s right! You and your Council of Shadows, or whatever you call yourselves, are the real villains here!”

Brightwing lets out a squeaky roar. “Yes! Scary pony talks with scariness in voice!”

Hawthorne shakes his head. “You’ve all been deceived! I’m telling you that he’ll come for your lands when you’re the most vulnerable!”

Fiona frowns. “Ha! We’ve been there!”

Felix nods fervently. “He didn’t enslave us then, and I don’t believe he will in the future!”

Arc turns to Hawthorne. “One thing I don’t understand is why you felt the need to do what you did to the princesses.”

Hawthorne sighs. “As much as it pains me to say this, you are much more qualified to lead Equestria in Celestia’s absence. I was merely ensuring you would retake the throne. Truth be told, it was a simple task of asking the Storm King to redesign Captain Decimus’ poison. Feel free to thank me now for putting you back in power.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Thank?! I could STRANGLE you!”

Ember frowns at the traitor. “What?! Then why do all this?! Why sabotage the summit?!”

“To keep the nations apart as nature intended!”

Hawthorne looks over to the real Prince Tugem.

“All I need now is something to make a bit of a… ruckus around here.”

Without another word Hawthorne charges headfirst at Tugem. Trixie cries out.

“NO!”

Without wasting a moment Trixie Blinks between Tugem and Hawthorne. She fires a blast from her horn hitting the judge in midair. He flies across the room but lands on his feet. A grin spreads across his face.

“Oh, this will be fun.”

He clears his throat.

“LITTLE HELP OVER HERE!”

A portal appears. Half a dozen shadow creatures rush out of it followed by another hooded stallion in a black robe. He tosses Hawthorne a knife with a wicked looking blade. Arc turns to Ember, Sereb, and the Mane 6.

“Get everyone out of here!”

Twilight turns to the diplomats. “Come on, everypony! This way!”

Sereb and Ember cover everyone’s retreat into the corridor before returning to Arc’s side. Hawthorn looks at Trixie and snarls.

“Start with the blue unicorn.”

None of the shadow creatures move. Hawthorne glares at them.

“Well? What are all of you waiting for?!”

“Orders from me, fool.”

The robed figure turns to look at Trixie.

“She’s mine.”

The stallion tosses away the robe. It disintegrates upon hitting the floor. Arc clenches his fists, suddenly enraged as he calls forth the rest of his armor and spear.

“DECIMUS!”

“I’m so glad you remember me.”

Decimus looks at Trixie. She instinctively takes a step back.

“She and I have unfinished business. Minions! Barrier!”

The six shadow creatures fan out as a barrier forms trapping themselves along with Trixie, Hawthorn, and Decimus inside. Arc rushes forward as Trixie backs up against it. He smashes a fist against it.

“Let her out of there, Decimus! This is between you and me!”

Ember rushes forward and slashes flutily at the barrier with her claws. “It’s that same shield as last time!”

Sereb jumps against the barrier but slides down it. “We’re not making a dent!”

Decimus smiles wickedly at Trixie as she looks around fearfully. “Don’t worry, stupid unicorn. I’ll make sure this is as long and drawn out as possible.”

Arc calls out to her. “Trixie! We can’t get through!”

“Wha-what do I do?!”

“You’re going to have to take him on yourself!”

“WHAT?! But he’s out of my league!”

Decimus grins. “That I am!”

He looks at the knife in her belt.

“If you’d like to slit your own throat and save me the trouble, that would be fine.”

“Trixie! Draw your weapon!”

Sereb growls. “It’s your only hope!”

Trixie slowly does so. She holds it in front of her with her magic nervously. It shakes as the Telekinesis Spell holding it up wavers. Decimus smiles at her.

“I was hoping you would make this fun! Now then! I’ll paint the floor with your blood!”

Decimus lunges at her, his weapon at the ready. Trixie throws herself out of the way. Her knife clatters to the floor as a stream of blood flows down her cheek.

“Take him down, Trixie!”

“Arc! I… I can’t!

Sereb continues slashing at the barrier. “It’s you or him!”

“He’s a former Captain of the Royal Guard! I don’t stand a chance!”

Decimus laughs. “True. Do try to make this fun for me though, would you kindly?”

Arc slams a fist against the barrier. “Listen to me, Trixie! Shining Armor believed in you! He taught you everything he knows! All you have to do now is believe in yourself!”

Trixie gets to her hooves. “I… I’ll try.”

Decimus toys with his blade. “Good. For a moment there I thought this would be over too quickly.”

Trixie looks around for a moment. Spotting her knife she makes a run for it. Hawthorne gets to it first however and grabs it before bucking her into a nearby chair, smashing it to pieces.

“Now, now. Can’t have you cutting your superior.”

Trixie gets to her feet shakily. “C-Captain Shining Armor’s in charge now!”

Decimus grins as he walks toward her. “Not for long.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just like you, I have a score to settle with him. The upstart who usurped my position and made a shambles of my plans.”

“Score to… settle?”

Decimus brandishes his blade. “Do not worry. I will get to him in due time.”

“Leave him alone!”

“Oh? And what do you plan to do about it?!”

Trixie looks down at the smashed chair. Her horn aglow she picks up two of the legs with her magic and holds them out in front of herself nervously.

“I’ll stop you here and now!”

“Good! I like a good warmup before a proper workout.”

Decimus lunges at Trixie. She bats him away with one of the makeshift clubs. He lands against the barrier and uses it to propel himself at his opponent. Arc calls out.

“Look out!”

Trixie puts the club in front of herself in a futile attempt to block his strike. Decimus smashes through them and the pair roll across the floor. Eventually they slide to a stop with Decimus on top of his opponent. He tosses his knife aside and puts a hoof on Trixie’s helmet. Looking down at her menacingly as he rips it off.

“Stupid unicorn! You’re not worthy of that armor!”

He pulls his hoof back and smacks her with the helmet across the face. Trixie’s nose begins to bleed. Ember calls out to her.

“Hit him back!”

Sereb growls. “Yes, he’ll kill you otherwise!”

Decimus hits her again and again with the helmet. Trixie’s face is bloody and bruised at this point. She calls out weakly.

“Please… please stop…”

Decimus grins. “Of course. But only because you asked so nicely.”

He steps back and allows Trixie to slowly get up. As soon as she does so however he bucks her in the ribs sending her flying back against the barrier. Tossing her helmet aside, he laughs as he walks towards her.

“I had forgotten how much fun it was beating you, stupid unicorn.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “Trixie! I have an idea!”

“Wha…?”

“His minions are maintaining the barrier!”

Ember gasps. “That’s right! Take them down and the barrier should fall!”

Sereb nods. “Then we could help you!”

“I… I’ll try!”

She runs headlong at the closest one. A moment later she feels a vice-like grip on her tail before being thrown yet again into the barrier by Decimus.

“Now, now. You have to play fair.”

Arc pounds on the barrier. “Trixie, you have to get past him somehow!”

“How?! He’s just so much faster than I am!”

“Overwhelm him! Use that technique you tried against me in our battle!”

“But that didn’t work on you!”

“True! But it might on him!”

“I’ll try.”

Grabbing her helmet with her magic she pulls it to herself. Planting her hooves firmly Trixie begins casting a spell. Decimus rolls his eyes.

“I can’t think of a single spell that could possibly…!”

He stops talking as a mist suddenly envelopes them.

“What the…?”

Trixie looks around. She spots the first minion and silently creeps over to him.

“Great. Now I just need a weapon.”

Thinking a moment, Trixie removes her helmet and bashes the minion in the head with it. With a howl it vanishes. Hawthorne turns to Decimus.

“She just took out a minion!”

“Find her!”

As Trixie hides in the mist, she one by one takes down her shadowy opponents until only one remains. Hawthorne and Decimus rush over to it

“What now?!”

Decimus looks around. “We wait for her to come to us. Stand ready.”

A few moments pass silently as Decimus chuckles.

“What are you doing?! Biding your time?! You have to come at us eventually. Why not just get it over with?”

With a look of determination, Trixie dispels the mist. It quickly fades to reveal her about twenty feet away from her opponents.

“Now then, come at us and face your doom!”

Trixie grins. “Very well.”

Her horn aglow, Trixie begins casting another spell as Decimus scoffs.

“More mist? Surely you have to know that won’t work on us at this point.”

“Nothing of the sort. Now then… are you ready for me?”

“A weakling like you, stupid unicorn?! I could beat you in my sleep!”

“Really? Then let’s just see about that!”

She casts the spell. Two doppelgangers step out from behind Trixie as she continues casting. A moment later they split as two more come forth from each bringing the total to six. Hawthorne gasps as he turns to Decimus.

“What do we do?!”

“She’s still just a bug to be crushed. I’ve faced more in the past.”

Trixie laughs. “Really? Then how about this?!”

They split again as Trixie’s army reaches an even dozen. She and her doppelgangers smile angrily.

“One more time!”

In but a moment the group doubles again to twenty-four.

“That should do it. Now then…”

She clears her throat before continuing. Her voice coming from each copy.

“Which one is the real me?! Can you tell?! I know I can’t!”

They all laugh as one for a moment before planting their hooves as one and taking up a battle-ready position.

“CHARGE!”

Decimus turns to Hawthorne. “Only the real one can hurt you! The others are just an illusion!”

“How do we stop them?!”

“GET EM ALL!”

Decimus swings his knife at the Trixies as Hawthorne does the same. A few moments later several of them jump over the rest. Decimus brings his blade up and slices through the two as they pass overhead. They fade to mist as a third one passes him. She removes her helmet and bashes the minion with it. Hawthorns screams.

“NO!”

The barrier falls as Arc, Ember, and Sereb rush toward Trixie’s assailant. Decimus holds out a hoof as a wave of dark energy bursts forth. The trio fall to the ground as Rose rushes forward to stand between the two groups. Trixie runs over to them.

“Arc?! Are you alright?!”

Arc nods as he stands up quickly. “Yeah! What the heck was…?”

Hawthorne runs to stand beside Decimus as he charges up his next attack.

“Let’s take this outside, shall we?”

With a wave of his hoof Decimus opens a dark portal and knocks Hawthorne through before jumping in himself. Ember frowns as she and Sereb stand up.

“Where is he?!”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Gone.”

Rose frowns. “I’m detecting anomalies in front of the base, Arc.”

Ember turns to Arc. “He wants us to come to him!”

Arc clutches his spear angrily. “Then let’s give those two the fight of their lives!”

Chapter 20 - Unhappy Reunions

Arc, Ember, Sereb, and Rose run out of the Dining Room and past the diplomats. Arc pauses only long enough to call out to his friend.

“Twilight, you and the others watch the leaders! Keep them safe!”

“Alright! Be careful out there!”

“Rose, get to my office and activate the base defenses after we leave! Tell Captain Tight Ship to get The Equinox off the ground!”

“Right away!”

She runs toward the office as everyone else hurries toward the Main Hall. Arc turns to Twilight as they head for the door.

“Keep everyone calm!”

“We’ll do our best.”

Applejack nods. “Right!”

Rainbow Dash plants her hooves soberly. “Nopony’s getting past US!”

Rarity looks to Arc, concerned. “You three be careful out there!”

Fluttershy hides behind her tail. “Yes. Captain Decimus is a very dangerous stallion.”

Pinkie grins. “Arc can handle him! He’s already killed him once before, right!”

The Mane 6 look to one another as Rose’s voice comes over the loudspeaker.

“Red alert! All guards report to the Main Hall! This is not a drill!”

The sound of hoofbeats running toward Main Hall can be heard as everyone hurries over to the windows to watch. Arc and his friends walk toward Decimus and Hawthorne as he touches his earring to contact Rose.

“Activate defenses.”

“Yes, Arc.”

A barrier forms over Light’s Hope as Arc, Ember, and Sereb take up battle-ready stances. Arc points his spear toward the pair.

“Now then… are you ready to die yet again, Decimus?!”

Decimus laughs. “I think you’ll find me more than a match for you, Hero!”

Ember calls forth her spear and glares at Decimus. “Are you so sure about that? Your track record isn’t the best there.”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. Arc has felled you before. He can do so again.”

“Right! And this time I have help!”

Decimus chuckles. “So do I.”

Ember rolls her eyes as she turns to Hawthorne. “I’d hardly call that coward help.”

“I agree. Observe.”

Turning, Decimus raises a hoof and opens a portal.

“COME FORTH!”

Several dark creatures rush out of the portal before it closes and together open portals of their own. Smaller minions pour out of them and line up as Decimus turns to Arc.

“Now then… whenever you’re ready to begin.”

Arc frowns as he touches his earring. “Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“I need every single one of my soldiers on deck right away! Tell them to get ready to fight!”

“Yes sir. Will you command them personally?”

“No. Send Lieutenant Flash Sentry to relieve Captain Shining Armor. I need him to lead my forces. I’ll meet them on deck in a few minutes.”

“Right away, sir.”

“See to it. Arc out.”

He closes the channel and turns back to Decimus.

“Now then, just what are you hoping to accomplish here?”

“You haven’t figured it out yet?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Enlighten us.”

Decimus shakes his head. “I’m not part of Hawthorne’s plan.”

Sereb brandishes his claws. “Really?”

“Yes. I’m just here to clean up the mess.”

Hawthorne grins. “With Captain Decimus here, we should have no trouble breaking through you fools and killing everyone inside.”

Arc gasps. “What?! WHY?!”

“To put an end to your foolish idea of world peace!”

Ember frowns. “By mindless slaughter?!”

“Think about it. If all the leaders fall here, do you really think their successors will want peace with Equestria?”

Arc sighs. “Probably not.”

“Agreed. They’ll probably mobilize their militaries and march over to avenge their fallen lords and ladies.”

Sereb growls at him. “Fool! Your own country would fall to such a force!”

“Not true. The Council of Shadows will step in and push the invaders back in a similar fashion as we’ll use to destroy all of you here today.”

Arc glares at Hawthorne. “To what end?!”

“With their armies decimated, it will be a simple task to march on their capitals and take control of their lands.”

Ember scoffs. “HA! So much for not uniting the world!”

Decimus chuckles. “We’re not going to unite the countries so much as enslave them.”

Arc gasps. “Why?!”

Hawthorne points his knife at them. “With the world’s combined resources we may just have the power to stop the coming evil! I admit, this wasn’t part of my original plan. But it’s certainly looking to be quite the success.”

A voice rings out as another figure steps out of a portal.

“Indeed.”

They toss away their cloak to look Arc in the eye.

“Tempest?!”

Tempest looks at him evenly. “Listen to me, Arc. This plan doesn’t have to end with your death. Just let us do what we came here to and just walk away.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

“You idiot! This plan would keep me from having to kill you! Isn’t that ultimately what you want?!”

Arc points to Light’s Hope. “So you’re asking me to give you their lives to save mine?! Not happening!”

Tempest shakes her head as she takes up Light’s Bane and points it at Arc. “Very well. Call down your troops and we shall end this!”

“Very well.”

Arc Blinks himself up onto the deck of The Equinox. Shining Armor stands ready with Arc’s soldiers. He looks them over a moment before speaking.

“Everyone surround me! Quickly!”

The troops do so. Arc activates the crystal in his forehead and channels his energy. A moment later he and his entire platoon Blink in front of Light’s Hope to stand before the opposing forces. Hawthorne turns to Decimus.

“Why did we wait?!”

Decimus grins. “I wanted at least SOME semblance of a challenge.”

“Can we advance now?!”

“No, Hawthorne. I want the Hero of Light to make the first move.”

Tempest nods. “Yes. I too would like to see just how capable he is. Before we trample his force and base, that is.”

Arc turns to his troops.

“All of you were stationed here to guard Light’s Hope. While I’m sure this isn’t exactly what you had in mind, it’s time to make good on your promise to defend the realm. All of us can either stand together, or fall alone. I choose to stand and fight! What say you?!”

All of the soldiers nod and prepare to charge. Arc turns back to their opponents.

“My troops are loyal and strong! Let us see just how true that is of your own forces.”

Ember chuckles. “They look pretty mindless to me.”

Sereb snarls. “Let us see just how much so they are.”

Shining Armor nods. “Sir, your orders?”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Go ahead.”

“Sir, Lemon Hearts here. Princess Luna had me call for reinforcements. You only need to hold out until they arrive.”

“Very well. Arc out.”

He looks to Shining Armor.

“Defensive positions. Make them come to us.”

Shining Armor calls out the order. “FORM DEFENSIVE RANKS! EARTH PONIES UP FRONT, UNICORNS BEHIND, PEGASI IN BACK!”

Arc’s forces do so. The Earth Ponies ready their weapons. Arc points his Spear of Righteousness at Decimus.

“Anytime you’re ready!”

Decimus turns to his forces. “Send them a volley!”

His middle line appears to glow. Ember frowns.

“What are they doing?”

Shining Armor calls out. “STAND READY, EVERYPONY!”

A moment later magical projectiles hurl up into the night sky and descend upon Arc’s forces.

“SECOND LINE, MAGIC BARRIER!”

The unicorns aim their horns skyward as a barrier quickly forms. The projectiles are quickly absorbed. Decimus frowns.

“Another!”

Charging up, a second volley is fired. Again the barrier stops it from doing any harm.

“Fire at will!”

Tempest nods. “Tire out their unicorns! They can’t hold out forever!”

Projectiles fly through the air as the barrier holds. Ember turns to Arc as she lends her magical aid in strengthening the barrier.

“Arc, we can’t do this forever!”

Sereb nods. His horn aglow. “Agreed.”

“Patience. We only need to stall them. Reinforcements are on their way.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc, his own horn aglow. “What kind?”

“No idea. We’ll just have to trust Princess Luna on this one.”

Hawthorne looks behind him. “Decimus, it looks like our own forces will run out of mana before the enemy will.”

Tempest frowns. “Agreed, my love. Arc himself is a powerful caster, but hasn’t yet lent his aid to their defenses. We should keep some mana for the battle ahead.”

“Agreed. CEASE FIRE!”

The onslaught stops.

Shining Armor calls out. “CEASE BARRIER SPELL!”

The unicorns do as they are told. Arc turns to his forces.

“Stay alert.”

Ember frowns. “Shouldn’t we do something?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Like I said before, them come to us.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Agreed. We don’t want to tire our forces out too soon.”

Sereb does not take his eyes off the opposing army. “That and we are outnumbered 10:1.”

“There’s that as well.”

Ember frowns. “I hope Princess Luna called for a LOT of reinforcements. This isn’t going to be easy.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Tempest turns to Decimus. “It might be time to press the attack, my love.”

Hawthorne frowns. “We won’t make any headway like this.”

“Very well.”

Decimus draws his blade and points it at the pony defenders.

“ADVANCE!”

The shadow creatures slowly lumber forward. Shining Armor turn to Arc.

“Sir?”

“You’re in command. Give the orders.”

“But what do I…?!”

“What’s the best thing to do from a tactical standpoint?”

Shining Armor looks down. “I… might not make the right call.”

“We don’t have time to dilly-dally! You trained with Captain Decimus and know what he’d do! Make a choice and go with it!”

Meanwhile, the diplomats inside watch the proceedings intently. Goldstone turns to Twilight.

“What are they DOING?!”

Ashe frowns. “Are they just going to stand there and wait for them to come get us?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Arc has plan.”

Applejack nods. “That and your brother’s out there with Ember and Sereb.”

Pinkie smiles. “And all his troops aboard The Equinox have joined them as well!”

Fluttershy peeks over the windowsill. “There’s… just so many out there!”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “We should help!”

Rutherford nods. “Yak agree! No run from a fight!”

Felix sighs. “Lord Arc wanted us to stay here. We’d just be in the way.”

Brightwing flutters around. “Friends in danger!”

She attempts to Blink outside but is knocked back by the magical barrier. Rose calls out over the intercom.

“Save your energy, Brightwing. The barrier prevents magical discharges.”

“We need to go away from here, very fast!”

Iris looks at the little dragon. “Have more faith in your Dragon Lord, little one.”

The Marquis nods. “And Arc himself. He won’t let his base fall without a fight!”

Tugem nods. “Agreed.”

Meanwhile, Shining Armor shifts on his hooves uneasily for a moment before taking a deep breath and giving the command.

“FIRST LINE, ADVANCE!”

The Earth Ponies step forward together with Arc, Ember and Sereb. Shining Armor holds his sword high with his magic.

“SECOND LINE, PICK A TARGET!”

The unicorn’s horns light up as they prepare to attack. Shining Armor brings his sword down and shouts.

“FIRE!”

A barrage of magic missiles flies over the vanguard’s heads and hits the front line of the enemy’s forces. They turn to dust as Decimus chuckles.

“SUMMONERS, REPLACE LOST FORCES AT WILL!”

As they fall the shadow creatures are replenished by reinforcements from the portals. Ember grimaces.

“This is going to be an uphill battle.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Arc turns to them. “Just buy time. We don’t have to win so much as run down the clock.”

The pony forces make their way to the middle of the battlefield as Shining Armor calls out.

“HOLD!”

The front line stops.

“DEFENSIVE STANCE! HOLD THEM THERE!”

The soldiers ready their spears and dig in as the shadow creatures near them.

“SECOND LINE, REDIRECT FIRE TO THE ENEMY’S FLANK! TAKE OUT THOSE PORTALS!”

The unicorn forces aim higher to avoid their allies. They aim for the summoners and fire. Tempest calls out.

“DEFEND THE SUMMONERS!”

The back row watches the blasts as they hurl toward them. However before the energy reaches their targets the creatures jump in front of them taking the hits intended for the summoners. Sereb frowns.

“Clever.”

Ember nods. “They know we can’t win as long as the portals stay open.”

Arc’s fingers tighten around his spear. “Right. We just have to hold them here.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “They’ll be upon us any minute now though.”

“Nothing we can do about that.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Go ahead sir.”

“How much longer until reinforcements arrive?”

“Princess Luna says they should arrive in ten minutes.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Sounds like they’re making good time from Canterlot.”

“Great! Uh… could she raise the sun and banish the enemy?”

“Lieutenant Flash Sentry already suggested that. However, she was barely able to lower it, let alone raise the moon. Exerting herself again so soon is out of the question right now.”

Arc sighs as he looks up at the empty sky. “Great. No moon should make Fluttershy happy at least. In that case I need air support.”

“Target, sir?”

“The portals. We need them hit by The Equinox’s cannons. Our ground forces can’t get a bead on them.”

“Aye, sir. Wrangler, did you hear that?”

Wrangler grins as she looks over her instruments. “Loud and clear! I’ll hit them with a surgical strike!”

Tight Ship nods. “Take your time. Accuracy above all.”

Wrangler nods. “Aye, sir.”

“Arc out.”

He touches his earring and readies his spear as the enemy approaches.

“GET READY EVERYONE!”

As one Arc’s forces slash at the incoming first wave. They turn to dust as they prepare for the next strike. Tempest nods approvingly.

“Very efficient. Arc has trained his forces well.”

Decimus nods wickedly. “Yes. However they’ll tire after a few more waves.”

Hawthorne turns to Tempest. “Remember, our forces are limitless. Theirs are not.”

“Be careful not to underestimate Arc’s cunning. I’ve heard of him getting out of much worse than this.”

Decimus frowns. “Agreed. But then again so have we, my dear.”

Arc cuts down a minion as it approaches. “STAY STRONG! DON’T LET UP!”

Shining Armor surveys the battlefield. “They’re going to keep coming as long as those portals are open!”

Arc nods. “Give Wrangler time! She’ll take them down!”

Meanwhile, Wrangler adjusts her instruments and turns to Tight Ship.

“Locked on, sir!”

“Fire!”

A blast from The Equinox’s cannons careens down at the furthest portal. Several minions jump in front of the blast but are vaporized. The shot hits its mark and decimates the summoners. As expected the portal become unstable and collapses. Arc’s forces cheer as he grins.

“That’s the way!”

Hawthorne turns to his ally. “What now, Decimus?!”

Decimus nods calmly. “More summoners, more portals.”

A large number of replacement summoners pour forth from the remaining portals and open numerous portals of their own.

Wrangler frowns. “Great. What now?”

Soarin turns to her. “Keep firing. We may not be able to stop them, but we can slow the influx of the enemy’s reinforcements.”

The number of minions increases. Arc’s forces are slowly pushed back step by step. Shining Armor calls out to their forces.

“KEEP UP THE PRESSURE!”

Tempest turns to Decimus. “We need to wear them down faster.”

“What did you have in mind, my dear?”

“Force their other lines to engage us. CORSAIRS, GO!”

Hawthorne smiles. “Good idea. They’re small and fast.”

Tempest nods wickedly. “Their unicorns will have a hard time hitting them. That and they’ll waste precious mana trying.”

Shining Armor spots the small minions jumping over the front line. “THIRD LINE, ENGAGE NEW CONTACTS! KEEP THEM AWAY FROM THE UNICORNS!”

The pegasi take flight. Matching the corsairs speed for speed them make quick work of them. Decimus chuckles.

“That was unexpected. I thought for sure he would keep their fliers at the ready to defend the base itself.”

Tempest nods. “It would appear your former lieutenant is full of surprises.”

“Yes. However, I’m growing rather impatient with our current forces’ progress.”

Hawthorne’s eyes grow wide. “You mean…?”

Decimus nods. “Yes. I’m calling in…”

The sound of magical energy crackling can be heard. Tempest frowns as something attempts to materialize in front of the unicorns.

“That’s strange. Is this your doing, my love?”

Decimus shakes his head. “No, I haven’t given the order yet. This really is unexpected.”

Shining Armor turns around. “NEW CONTACTS! SECOND LINE PREPARE TO ENGAGE!”

Arc Blinks behind the first line as a strange looking portal opens. He quickly calls out.

“BELAY THAT ORDER! THOSE ARE FRIENDLIES!”

A moment later several figures in black robes run through. The leader hurries over to Arc and removes his cowl. He frowns.

“Reporting as ordered by the Night Mother… sir. Where is she?”

Arc points a gauntlet skyward. “Aboard my ship overhead, Moonlit Dusk. Order your forces to start at once and prepare to fight.”

Moonlit Dusk raises an eyebrow. “Prepare?”

“Wait for my order to strike.”

“Yes sir.”

Sighing, he turns to his companions.

“Ready portals! Start summoning as soon as possible, acolytes!”

The others nod and begin their rituals. Hawthorne squints.

“What are our forces doing over THERE?!”

Tempest frowns. “They’re not ours.”

Decimus grits his teeth. “Right. That’s the Nightborn.”

“What are they doing here though?!”

“Luna must’ve contacted them. She must be very desperate indeed to ask for THEIR help.”

Hawthorne frowns. “What do we do?!”

Tempest grins wickedly. “Bide our time. Our own reinforcements will be ready soon.”

Meanwhile, inside Light’s Hope the diplomats watch and wait with the Twilight and her friends. Rutherford frowns.

“Pony warriors being flanked!”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “No, that’s the Nightborn.”

Applejack turns to Twilight. “Aren’t they the ones who attacked Light’s Hope while Arc was away some time back?”

“Yes.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What are they doing showing up NOW?!”

Rarity watches the action outside. “Maybe Princess Luna contacted them. They are well-known for their… extreme adoration of her.”

Goldstone shrinks back. “Are they… dangerous?!”

Applejack turns and nods. “When they want to be, yes.”

Goldstone runs behind Ghaleon. “Hide me!”

“They’re out there you’re in here, ya moron! What are you scared of?!”

Twilight sighs. “Right. You don’t see any of us hiding.”

Rainbow Dash looks around. “Hey, where’s Fluttershy?”

A small voice calls out from behind Raven’s desk.

“Let me know when they’re gone!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Fine.”

Meanwhile, the forces behind Arc grow as more shadow creatures are summoned by the Nightborn.

“Shining Armor! You ready for some reinforcements?”

“Anytime they’re ready, sir! Our front liners are getting tired!”

Arc turns to Moonlit Dusk. “Think you can take some of the pressure off our forces?”

Moonlit Dusk rolls his eyes. “And here I thought you actually had something difficult for us to do.”

He points a hoof to his forces silently before pointing the other hoof to the enemy forces. A few moments pass between them silently. Suddenly the shadow creatures turn to the enemy and narrow their eyes before charging forward. They leap over the vanguard and begin tearing apart their opponents. Decimus chuckles.

“Very interesting.”

Hawthorne frowns at him. “Interesting?! Our forces are being overwhelmed!”

Tempest glares at him. “Stand your ground, Hawthorne! The battle WILL be ours!”

Decimus nods. “Our force’s might is undeniable. Victory is eventual at the very worst.”

Hawthorne grits his teeth. “But if Princess Luna raises the sun…!”

A familiar voice rings out behind them from a portal.

“But she won’t.”

They turn to see the Storm King emerge from a portal. He steps toward them with a device under his arm. Arc clenches his fist angrily.

“He’s… still… alive?!”

Ember frowns. “So Hawthorne WASN’T lying!”

Sereb growls. “Unfortunate… for him!”

Hawthorne looks confused. “What do you mean she won’t?! You can’t know for sure!”

The Storm King chuckles. “I know she’s still too weak to do that. After all, didn’t you wonder why I was so insistent on the timing of the poisoning?”

Decimus nods and smiles. “It was to leave her enough energy to lower the sun for our assault.”

Hawthorne gasps. “What?! But my mission…!”

Tempest turns to him. “Largely a front. The Dark One knew Arc would figure it out eventually.”

Decimus looks back toward the battle. “Indeed. But not soon enough. Luna will, of course, regain her strength. But not until tomorrow morning. By then this will all be over.”

“But… but I thought we were trying to kill her and Princess Cadance!”

Tempest frowns. “Kill?! Who would control the heavens you fool?!”

Decimus points at the device. “In any case, is that it?”

The Storm King smiles wickedly. “That it is.”

Chapter 21 - Pushing the Advantage

The Storm King gives the device to Decimus.

“With this you’ll be able to empower our troops abilities. However, I was unable to acquire a suitable power source.”

Decimus chuckles as he sets down the device and deploys it. “Not to worry there. I have just the thing.”

Hawthorne frowns. “What could possibly generate that much magical energy other than the princesses themselves?!”

“Her.”

Decimus points a hoof at Tempest. She shakes her head.

“I sincerely doubt that.”

She puts a hoof to what’s left of her horn.

“After all, my magic was never THAT powerful.”

Storm King frowns. “My device can run on any form of… energy.”

Decimus nods. “Right. You’re more attuned to your Dark Magic than the rest of us, my dear.”

“I suppose that’s true, but…”

Decimus interrupts her. “Just step onto the pad and do your best to relax. The machine will do the rest.”

“Very well.”

Tempest does as she is told and takes a deep breath.

“I’m ready.”

The Storm King grins wickedly. “Brace yourself, dearie!”

Tempest frowns. “Don’t call me…!”

He pushes a few buttons. A moment later Tempest cries out in pain as dark tendrils shoot forward and lance themselves into her body. Blood flows down them and onto the pad. Decimus watches stoically as Tempest gasps for breath.

“Don’t fight it, my dear.”

The Storm King nods as he continues to work. “I just need another minute to finish up over here with your marefriend, Decimus! Keep that hairless freak’s forces off me until then!”

Decimus draws his weapon as some of the Nightborn’s creatures break through. “Then I’ll buy you time!”

Joining the fray, Decimus makes quick work of the shadow creatures whom come at him. Ember frowns as she turns to Arc.

“What IS that thing?!”

“No idea. But if the Storm King is involved, it’s bad. That and if it’s important enough to them that Decimus is fighting to protect it, we need to see it destroyed.”

Shining Armor nods. “Agreed.”

He turns to his troops.

“THIRD LINE, HOLD POSITION AND GUARD THE BASE! SECOND LINE CEASE FIRE AND AWAIT FURTHER ORDERS! FIRST LINE… ADVANCE!”

The Earth Ponies slowly do so.

“PUSH THEM BACK TO THE PORTALS!”

Arc touches his earring.

“Lemon Hearts! Take out that device!”

“But what about the mare, sir?!”

“Try to miss her if you can!”

Wrangler shakes her head. “I can’t shoot without hitting her, sir!”

“Do what needs to be done, Wrangler! That’s an order! Arc out!”

Wrangler sighs and pushes some buttons on her console before turning to the captain, sadly.

“Sir, I’m locked onto the device.”

Soarin frowns. “Can you do anything to miss that mare?”

Wrangler shakes her head. “No, sir. She’ll take the brunt of the blast no matter what.”

Moon Dancer looks over. “What about adjusting the output?”

“It needs to be powerful enough to be viable.”

“Then how about… changing the output?”

Wrangler looks confused. “What do you…?”

“An electrical based discharge in place of a the standard magical one.”

Soarin sighs. “It would still electrocute her.”

Thunderlane turns his head to join the conversation. “Yeah. But then she’d at least have a chance of survival.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Her allies might be able to get her to a medic in time to save her life.”

Wrangler readjusts her instruments. “It’s the best idea we have.”

A moment later she turns to the captain.

“Ready, sir.”

Tight Ship sighs. “Forgive us, miss. Wrangler… fire!”

Wrangler pushes a button. An arc of electrical energy bursts forth. However moments before impact Decimus holds out a hoof. A dark barrier forms over Tempest and the machine.

“Oh no you don’t!”

Ember frowns. “That could have gone better.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. Do you have a Plan B, Arc?”

“Of course.”

He turns to Shining Armor.

“Rush the machine!”

“FIRST LINE, ADVANCE ON THAT MACHINE! TAKE IT DOWN!”

Moonlit Dusk calls out. “My creatures will spearhead the assault!”

Arc nods. “Good idea.”

Hawthorne turns to the Storm King. “They’re coming!”

“Three… two… one… READY!”

Decimus looks to the machine. “Do it!”

The Storm King presses a button. Tempest cries out in agony and squeezes her eyes shut as the machine begins to hum louder. A moment later Arc’s forces are pushed back as their assailants suddenly grow in size and strength. Ember gasps.

“What the…?!”

Shining Armor grits his teeth. “That machine is doing this somehow!”

Sereb growls. “We have to stop it!”

Arc frowns. “Easier said than done right now!”

Another blast from The Equinox flies toward Tempest. Again Decimus blocks the shot. He turns to Arc and grins wickedly.

“My forces and I could do this all day! How about you?!”

Arc looks around to see his forces beleaguered. They appear to be barely holding together. Shining Armor calls out to him.

“Sir, what should we do?!”

Hawthorne chuckles. “Surrendering is still an option, you maggots.”

“If The Equinox can’t hit that machine, then we have to! Give the order, Shining Armor!”

“Yes sir!”

He turns his head to the second and third line.

“ALL FORCES! CHARGE!”

The unicorns fire blast after blast as they rush forward as the pegasi lunge at the larger beasts in an effort to topple them. Ember frowns.

“I’m not sure if this is going to be enough, Arc!”

Sereb growls. “It has to be! We have nothing else!”

Arc nods. “He’s right! Keep pushing everyone!”

Slowly Arc’s troops push back the enemy forces. Hawthorne looks to Decimus.

“What now?! They’re going to get us!”

“No. We have one last trump card to play.”

He turns to the Storm King.

“Bring it up to full power!”

“Are you sure? We might not be able to control the power output.”

Decimus points a hoof at Tempest. “She can do it! We have to do this or the battle’s lost!”

The Storm King grins as he puts a hand on the knob. “I always wanted to see what would happen if I did THIS!”

He turns the knob clockwise as far as it will go. Tempest’s eyes fly open and her pupils shrink. The pitch and sheer volume of her screams reach a whole new level of intensity. As before, the strength of the enemy forces grows exponentially. They quickly begin pushing Arc’s forces back toward the base. Decimus grins.

“It’s working! We have them now!”

Hawthorne breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia!”

Arc and his troops are pushed back to the base before the enemy stops their advance. Decimus calls out.

“How about surrendering now, Hero of Light?!”

Arc glares at him.

“How about not!”

Hawthorne frowns. “Are you insane?! You’re forces have absolutely no chance of stopping us at this point!”

A loud high pitched whine suddenly bursts forth from the Storm King’s machine. Decimus turns around.

“What the…?”

The Storm King frantically presses buttons. “I can’t control it! Energy levels are off the charts!”

Hawthorne takes a step back. “Turn it off!”

The Storm King frowns. “It IS off! The energy just keeps coming! If this continues…!”

An ear-splitting soundwave rocks the area as the machine explodes. The troops on either side are knocked down. Arc is the first to rise slowly.

“Ember? You okay?”

“Yeah. What the heck happened?!”

Shining Armor frowns. “Nothing good, I’m sure.”

He looks around as a cloud of dust obscures his vision.

“EVERYPONY UP! GET BACK INTO FORMATION!”

Moonlit Dusk turns to his acolytes. “Get those portals back up! We need to be ready for whatever comes next!”

Everyone hurries to comply with their orders as Arc looks around.

“I have a bad feeling about this.”

Ember frowns. “You have a bad feeling about everything.”

Sereb growls. “I sense something… dark this way comes.”

Shining Armor calls out. “STAND READY EVERYPONY!”

The dust slowly settles. Everyone on both sides turns to see the horror behind them as Tempest slowly steps off the pad. Her coat and mane are dark as night. Two wicked looking wings sprout forth from her back as her black eyes look out over them. She speaks with an ominously vile sounding voice.

“THIS WORLD WILL BOW TO IT’S NEW RULER! THE ANGEL OF DARKNESS!”

Ember takes a step back. “What the…?!”

Sereb frowns. “That was… unexpected.”

Arc grit his teeth. “This is bad! Very, very bad!”

Twilight and her friends gasp in horror. Applejack turns to Twilight.

“What the hay IS that thing?!”

“I don’t know! But it certainly doesn’t look happy with us!”

Rainbow Dash hovers nearby impatiently. “We need to get out there!”

Pinkie plants her hooves firmly. “Yeah! Arc needs all the help he can get right now!”

Rarity nods, not taking her eyes off Arc outside the window. “Yes, I agree.”

Goldstone gasps. “Are you all NUTS?! We’re safe in here!”

Ashe sighs. “I must admit, Lord Goldstone is right. If you were to lower the shields we would be vulnerable.”

“That we would. And Trixie is sure Arc wouldn’t want anypony to come to harm.”

Tugem clears his throat. “Begging everyone’s pardon, but I may have an idea.”

Meanwhile, Tempest looks over Arc’s forces. A wicked smile crosses her face as she points a dark hoof at Light’s Hope

“Take those doors down, NOW! I want those hiding inside butchered… SLOWLY!”

The enemy forces lumber toward the vanguard. Shining Armor turns to Arc and salutes soberly.

“Well, I guess this is it, sir. It’s been an honor serving under you.”

Ember nods as she levels her spear at the advancing horde. “Same here.”

Sereb plants his paws firmly. “I will stand by your side to the end, Arc!”

“Thanks. But we’re not giving up just yet.”

The Angel of Darkness turns to a tree. Reaching out with her hoof she pulls it out of the ground with her magic before jumping and breaking the limbs off the trunk as if they were twigs.

“Use this, my minions! Break those door down!”

The enemy quickly picks up the tree and charges at the door. Shining Armor grits his teeth.

“ALL FORCES, STOP THEM! DEFEND THE BASE!”

All of Arc’s forces rush toward the makeshift siege weapon. However Arc and company quickly find themselves unable to get anywhere near it due to the onslaught of creatures defending it. Arc turns to Moonlit Dusk.

“Order your forces to join us!”

“I’m trying! They’re not obeying!”

Ember glares at him. “Stop fooling around!”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “The Angel of Darkness, as she calls herself, is overriding my commands with her superior command of darkness!”

Arc frowns. “Great!”

The trunk makes a sickening crack as it makes contact with the doors. Tempest’s forces back up for another blow. Shining Armor calls out to their forces.

“PEGASI, HIT THEM HIGH! EARTH PONIES, HIT THEM LOW! UNICORNS FOCUS FIRE ON THE TRUNK ITSELF!”

Several minions jump on the trunk and swat away the attacking pegasi. More enemy forces move to repel the Earth Ponies from their siege operations. The trunk splinters from the unicorn’s magical attack, but remains largely intact. They hit the doors again buckling them as the barrier fails. The Angel of Darkness smiles wickedly.

“One more solid charge should demolish them! Don’t stop now! Put everything into this last blow!”

The minions step further back. Running at top speed toward the doors, the makeshift ram careens toward its target. Just before it reaches the target, however, there is a massive blast as both doors are violently blasted outward. The invaders and their battering ram are knocked roughly away as Rose runs outside, her R-Cannon and L-Blade at the ready. The guards stationed inside along with the diplomats hurry outside to join the vanguard with Rutherford in the lead. He effortlessly clears a path. Tugem rides out on an adult Brightwing’s back and flies high overheard. Reaching into his robe he pulls out a strange looking knife and concentrates. Twilight’s friends bring up the rear, having disposed of their dresses. Fluttershy flies away quickly into the night as the Angel of Darkness chuckles.

“Fools! With the combined might of the Elements you MAY have stood a chance against me! You have sealed your fates!”

Arc turns to Twilight. “All of you have a plan?!”

“Buy time!”

Ember frowns. “What kind of plan is THAT?!”

Applejack sighs as she takes up a battle-ready stance next to Ember. “Trust us! This is all we have left!”

Ghaleon calls forth his Spear of Justice and armor with it as he glares at their opponents. “If this is the end, I’m taking every one of you with me!”

Gestal stands by Ghaleon’s side. “Every youngling is taught how to fight from a young age! We will show you we are not easy targets!”

Ashe nods soberly. “Right! For the Griffon Kingdom!”

Felix brandishes his claws and teeth. “For Abyssinia!”

Fiona stands resolutely with her husband. “I’ll make up for everything here tonight!”

Iris bares her teeth beside Kane. “The Forsaken come from innumerable generations of warriors! We will not fall to the likes of you!”

Kane roars. “I will show you all whom is the greatest!”

Sereb turns to the others. “For the Forsaken!”

Ikis and the Marquis hurry to Arc’s side.

“The Hydra stand with you, my friend!”

“Indeed! Let us show these fools the meaning of fear!”

Pinkie grins maniacally as she pulls out her party cannon. “You’re going DOWN!”

Applejack nods soberly. “That they are!”

Rarity’s horn glows. “Let’s show these ruffians what we’re made of!”

Rainbow Dash plants her hooves firmly. “Yeah! I’m itching for a fight after that boring summit!”

Twilight turns to her brother and smiles. “Let’s show them what we can all do when we work together!

Shining Armor nods and looks at their collective forces before turning back to the enemy and yelling out his battle cry.

“FOR EQUESTRIA!”

The vanguard joins Shining Armor’s chant as The Marquis looks to Arc.

“We would like the honor of being the first to enter the battle!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We do this… together.”

Arc buries his spear tip-down into the ground,. He stretches his hands out toward the two hydra on either side of him and casts the counter-spell. The pair return to their normal size and look down at their opponents angrily. The Marquis looks to Tempest menacingly.

“WE WERE ONCE HUNTED AND FEARED BY EQUESTRIANS! BUT THAT TIME HAS PASSED!”

Ikis nods. “INDEED! FOR NOW WE STAND WITH THEM IN DEFENSE OF THEIR LANDS AGAINST YOUR TYRANNY!”

Arc nods soberly as he grabs his spear.

“EVERYONE! STAND AS ONE!”

He points the Spear of Righteousness at the Angel of Darkness.

“FOR EQUESTRIA! ALL FORCES… CHARGE!!!”

As one, the soldiers and their allies charge forward. Meanwhile, Tugem holds up his knife. Brightwing turns her head to look at him.

“We need to hurry! Everyone is counting on us!”

Tugem continues concentrating. “Give me a moment longer, small one.”

The knife begins to glow slightly as Tugem calls out in a voice that reverberates across the land.

“Oh denizens of the forests… of the land unseen… come to me! As Crown Prince of the ogres and true heir to my clan, I hereby CALL FOR your aid! Lend me your power! Help me to prevail… help me to vanquish my foes… help me to stand against the dark forces before us!”

The air is suddenly filled with all manner of animal calls, roars, rustling of leaves, and footsteps both large and small. The edge of the forest appears to come to life as every imaginable beast steps forth from its border and looks up to their summoner. Tugem points his blade at the Angel of Darkness.

“HELP ME DEFEND THESE LANDS FROM THE WICKED WHO WOULD CAUSE HARM!”

The beasts roar and charge forward, claws at the ready. They knock away any minions that stand in their way in an attempt to reach the Angel of Darkness. She chuckles.

“Let’s make this interesting.”

Raising a hoof she opens a portal. Out steps hundreds of minions.

“FIGHT THEM, MY SERVANTS! MAKE THEM FEAR MY NAME!”

Hawthorne nods approvingly. “Quite the display, Decimus!”

“Agreed. This should be quite the showing of our council’s power.”

Arc and the others engage the enemy with their new feral allies. Tugem looks around before pointing a green finger at Hawthorne.

“There he is!”

Brightwing frowns. “What should we do?”

“You join the others in battle.”

“Very well. And you?”

“I have a score to settle!”

Tugem throws himself off Brightwing’s back and falls toward the ground below.

“FRIEND?!”

“This is my fight! GO!”

Brightwing does as she is told. Tugem sheathes his knife and holds his hands out. A gust of wind slows his decent as he nears his target.

“HAWTHORNE!!!”

The former judge has just enough time to look over his shoulder at the sound of his name before taking a fist to the face and flying across the battlefield to smash into the side of Light’s Hope. He slowly gets to his feet and looks up to see Tugem running toward him. Hawthorne draws his weapon and smirks.

“Come at me, animal!”

“GLADLY!”

Swinging at Hawthorn, the judge ducks and allows the fist to sail over him. He hoofs Tugem’s feet knocking him to the ground before rolling out of the way of his falling opponent.

“Pull your weapon! Give me a challenge, brute!”

Tugem points a finger at Hawthorne. “I don’t need my blade to deal with vermin such as you!”

Hawthorne grins. “Really now? I don’t think you understand the forces I command, mongrel!”

“You will answer for your crimes against me!”

“Not likely!”

Tugem lunges forward again. This time he catches Hawthorne off balance. His fist meets the judge’s face knocking him against the building yet again. Dropping his knife Hawthorne lunges for it but Tugem knocks it away with a sweep of his foot.

“Let’s finish this hand to hoof, shall we?”

Hawthorne frowns. “It does not appear I have much of a choice right now.”

Tugem clenches his fist. “I’ll give you the same choice you afforded me the other night.”

“Fair enough. Come!”

Tugem and Hawthorne trade blows. Eventually Tugem gains the upper hand. He roughly kicks Hawthorne into a nearby tree.

“Just give it up! You’re no warrior, Hawthorne!”

Hawthorne rolls nimbly back onto his hooves. “I can take care of myself!”

Tugem grabs the stallion by the front of his robe. “Oh really?”

He headbutts the judge and throws him across the way.

“For someone who’s was so worried before, you sure found your confidence, coward!”

Hawthorne rises and charges forward. “Let’s just say there’s more to me than meets the eye!”

Tugem puts his shoulder forward and leans into the attack. Hawthorne jumps over his opponent and drops behind him, bucking Tugem away.

“In any case… let’s finish this, monster!”

Hawthorne extends a hoof toward his opponent. A blast of dark energy shoots out and hits Tugem squarely in the chest. He flies backwards and lands on his back. The disgraced judge lunges forward and jumps onto the ogre’s chest in a fit of rage.

“YOU ruined my mission!”

Hawthorne begins pummeling Tugem’s face with his hooves.

“YOU couldn’t just play along!”

The stallion jumps off as Tugem attempts to rise. He bucks him in the face with his back hooves, knocking him away again before lunging forward yet again.

“YOU… RUINED… EVERYTHING!!!”

Jumping through the air, Hawthorne tackles Tugem as he tries yet again to stand. Getting up the judge breathes hard and holds a hoof up as he charges a final dark attack. Tugem slowly gets to his feet.

“Any last words, ogre?”

“Yes. Surrender.”

Hawthorne chuckles. “You give up?”

Tugem shakes his head. “No. But you should before you get hurt.”

Hawthorne laughs. “Why?! I’m about to beat you with the power endowed upon me by The Dark One! Face it, you’ve lost, weakling!”

Tugem shakes his head. “Not true. I may not be particularly strong, but my power… is all around us!”

Raising his head Tugem makes an uppercut motion. The ground beneath Hawthorne throws him up into the air. Making a downward thrust with the same hand a sudden gust of wind slams Hawthorne to the ground. He rises quickly as Tugem raises both hands skyward. Four columns of stone suddenly rise up from below, surrounding the former judge on all sides. He looks in all directions before looking up. Tugem stands high overhead on one of the rock formations looking down. His hand is making a circular motion as a large boulder floats next to him. Hawthorne frowns.

“Alright, alright. I give up.”

Tugem shakes his head. ”No.”

“What?”

“You made your choice.”

Tugem makes a fist. The rock plummets down toward Hawthorne. Looking all around, the stallion searches for any means of escape before raising a hoof and letting loose a barrage of dark energy at the boulder. It breaks into numerous pieces which rain down on their intended target. Tugem looks down as Hawthorne pokes his head through the rubble to look up at his opponent, bloodied and bruised.

“Goodbye… Hawthorne.”

Tugem holds out his hands as two fireballs form in his palms. With all his might he throws them down at his opponent. Hawthorne screams out for help, but no one hears him. The flames hit their mark as the stone pillars explode outward bathing the general area in an inferno. Everyone turns to see the wall of flames one hundred or so meters away. Ember gasps as she turns to Arc.

“What the heck was THAT?!”

“No clue.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Something’s emerging from it!”

Everyone gasps as the flames part and Tugem emerges unharmed. With a wave of his hand the fires dissipate. A Timber Wolf runs over to him. Tugem jumps on the beast’s back and draws his knife as he nudges his mount's side.

“Forward! The battle is not yet won!”

Chapter 22 - Going All Out

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Chapter 23 - Aftermath

Author's Note

-The princesses were found in a dazed state in their room at Light's Hope. Cause unknown.

-Shining Armor reported them acting normally when he brought them breakfast earlier that morning.

-Rose reports her sensors did not detect any unauthorized personnel entering or leaving the princess' room that night, nor the facility at any time.

-Redheart smelled alcohol on their breath. Further examination showed no sign of physical trauma.

-Luna and Cadance only had a single drink each the previous night.

-Shining Armor also reports Luna asking for some alone time to discuss private matters with Cadance.

-Ember accused Goldstone of committing the crime, as he's been leering at the females all through the summit.

-Goldstone changed glasses with Cadance after he ‘tripped’ and ‘accidentally’ grabbed her backside.

-Fiona and Goldstone talked at length about an unknown topic. Taking into account their past, this is highly unusual.

-Rutherford saw Kane leave the Dining Room during the celebration.

-Tugem followed Kane when he left.

-Rutherford claimed a cupcake tasted bad. Poison or cultural tastes?

-Tugem reports that neither Ikis nor the Marquis ate or drank at the celebration last night.

-Tugem admits to leaving the Dining Room to follow Kane, whom seemed agitated.

-Kane confided in Tugem regarding his defeat by Sereb. Apparently Kane is feeling insecure after suffering what may be defeat for the first time in his life.

-Tugem thinks he saw Fiona drop something into Goldstone's glass while they were talking. However, no harm appeared to befall Goldstone.

-Felix saw Kane looking at Sereb with an angry look on his face for a large portion of the evening.

-Fiona did not see Kane speak to anyone during the evening.

-Felix saw Cadance drop her glass when Goldstone fell and grabbed her backside.

-Fiona confessed to a conversation with Goldstone while Felix returned to their room for a change of raiments. They spoke of monetary policy.

-Fiona confessed to sprinkling Abyssinian Itchweed in Goldstone's glass when he wasn't looking.

-Felix saw Cadance set the glass Goldstone gave her on a tray, empty. It is assumed she drank it.

-Arc sent a sample of Abyssinian Itchweed to be tested against samples of the princess' blood.

-Fiona has submitted herself to face Equestrian justice for potentially accidentally poisoning the princesses.

-Why was Luna also poisoned if only Cadance drank from the tainted glass?

-Both Fiona and Felix have agreed to be held under house arrest pending the lab report.

-Sereb confirms he overheard Queen Fiona talking to Lord Goldstone about monetary policy.

-Kane heard Gestal whispering to his daughter about how to use a bad situation to gain leverage.

-Iris saw Ghaleon watching Goldstone closely. But if that's true, how was Fiona able to poison his glass?

-Iris overheard Lord Goldstone refer to certain diplomats as ‘Equestria’s pets’.

-Ikis claimed to sense something 'out of place' on the air. It was not native to Equestria.

-The Marquis saw Princess Luna pretend to take several sips from her glass before pouring it into a napkin.

-Pinky informed me that the dishes are washed with special detergent to remove EVERYTHING from theme. We won't be able to test them for signs of poisoning.

-Lab results show a similar toxin to the one used to take down Arc during his visit to the Griffon Kingdom some time back. However it has somehow been amplified and altered beyond what the normal antidote can cure.

-Ashe still denies involvement in the assassination attempts in the Griffon Kingdom as well as being responsible for the princess' sudden illness.

-Rarity believe Tugem's clothes were made by a Equestrian seamstress named Inky Rose.

-Trixie senses strange magical emanation inside Light's Hope.

-Rose found strange images on the security feed taken during the celebration.

-Eventide Shine seemed extremely nervous during her interview. She claims Cadance was dozing when she entered.

-Goldstone was caught on camera tampering with the princess' tea pot.

-When confronted, Goldstone was quick to blame everyone else involved.

-Discovering a false bottom in Goldstone's trunk, a leather satchel containing poison was found within.

-When Goldstone learned Arc was the Lord Regent again, he lost his mind and literally had to be dragged away.

Chapter 23 - Aftermath

Arc looks around at the scene before him. Numerous nurses and Doctor Horse along with Nurse Redheart tend to the wounded. Pegasi paramedics airlift several Royal Guards to Ponyville Hospital. Twilight and her friends stand with him. Applejack frowns as she looks around the yard.

“What a mess.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! This place is trashed!”

Rarity sighs. “We’ll get to work cleaning it up after a bit of a rest, Arc.”

“That won’t be necessary. This event marks the end of the summit.”

He looks around at the devastation from the battle.

“Besides, everyone is going home tomorrow morning. We’re not fixing everything just so they can walk by it on their way to the ships.”

Twilight turns to him. “What happened to the stallions from the Nightborn?”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof at The Equinox which is parked on its landing pad. “They went to see Princess Luna.”

Rarity turns to Arc. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

Arc shrugs. “They asked for a meeting, and she agreed.”

Applejack frowns. “What do you suppose for?”

Twilight frowns. “Their reasons for doing things are almost as mysterious as they themselves are.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. I didn’t really like them showing up. But we really did need their help to win this time.”

Shining Armor walks over to Arc and salutes.

“Report, captain.”

“Everypony has been accounted for. No fatalities, sir.”

Rarity smiles. “What a relief!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! Considering what happened, none of us should have walked away from the battle!”

Twilight turns to her brother. “What about injuries?

“Fifteen seriously injured guards. None critical, though.”

“Will they recover?”

“With some rest in the hospital, yes sir.”

Applejack smiles. “That’s good. And Tempest?”

Shining Armor frowns. “Taken to Ponyville Hospital.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “I still don’t get why you wanted that harpy to go anywhere other than the dungeon, Arc!”

“She was injured and very weak.”

Twilight gasps. “But she’ll regenerate, right?”

“Theoretically, yes. I’ve never seen her not do so. But then again she’s also never been so badly beaten before.”

Rarity furrows her brow. “While I know it’s not very lady-like, I certainly wouldn’t feel bad if she had to stay in a hospital bed for a while.”

Shining Armor nods. “Agreed. But I assume she’ll rest a bit before leaving yet again.”

Applejack scowls. “Good riddance, I say.”

Arc sighs as he looks around.

“What happened to Fluttershy?”

Rarity points down the path. “Prince Tugem said he’d take her home.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “He did?”

Applejack nods. “Yup. I guess he was really impressed by what he saw.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “So were we!”

Pinkie puts up her hooves in a mock battle-stance. “Yeah! We all knew Fluttershy was tough when she needed to be!”

Twilight nods soberly. “I’ve heard that before. But until tonight I just thought it was something anypony would do if they had to. She really went all out!”

Arc turns to the others. “That she did. Anyone care to explain to me how?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I’ve known Fluttershy the longest. You try to hurt one of her animals and she gets brave FAST!”

Shining Armor looks confused. “What about her sudden increase in speed and strength?”

“That was new. I mean, adrenaline doesn’t make you do things like that… right?”

Arc shrugs. “To the best of my knowledge, no. Twilight?”

“I’ve never read anything that described anything like it.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “No magical spell, or anything?”

Rarity sighs. “Magic has its limits.”

Pinkie shrugs. “I suppose it does! But Fluttershy’s a pegasus!”

Arc turns to Rainbow Dash. “What about your Sonic Rainboom? Isn’t that magic?”

“Not really.”

Twilight nods. “But it is something that only you can do.”

“I guess. But I always thought of it more like skill and training versus magic.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “That does make sense. However, just because nopony other that a unicorn can use magic doesn’t mean it’s impossible.”

Arc nods. “True. Other creatures have magic too. Like the Forsaken Tribe and dragons.”

Applejack chuckles. “And you too, Arc.”

“Yes. But I was artificially imbued with my power.”

Twilight turns to him. “Agreed. However you’ve been able to hone your skills beyond that which would be possible for either a unicorn or a dragon.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Practice makes perfect, Twily.”

“That may be, brother. But I’ve never heard of anypony achieving the level of magical mastery as fast as Arc has.”

Arc pulls down his red headband to reveal the gem in his forehead. “These are probably partially to blame for that.”

Rarity walks over to Arc as he kneels down. She looks at the crystal for a moment.

“If nothing else, they made a wonderful accessory. But Applejack tells us they’re so much more.”

“Right. When you bought apples for the Abyssinians, I remember that gem lighting up right before your magical powers skyrocketed.”

“Yeah. The problem is doing that REALLY drains my mana pool.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “They’re certainly a curiosity. When you have time, I’d like to study them further, Arc.”

“Do you still believe they’re somehow connected to the Elements of Harmony?”

Twilight nods. “I do. After all, nothing has yet disproven my theory.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But why didn’t any of the other Elements react with them?”

Pinkie frowns. “Rainbow Dash is right! Only the Element of Magic glowed with the gem in Arc’s forehead!”

Shining Armor turns to his sister. “It may be due to his powerful magical powers. Tell me, Twily. Do you believe Arc’s magical abilities rival yours?”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “Truthfully, I think he became more powerful than I quite some time ago.”

“Then maybe it senses his power and is accepting him as a potential bearer of the Element of Magic.”

“Maybe. But that’s something I’d like to study more. Nopony else has ever had a connection to the Elements. Other than Princess Celestia when she banished Nightmare Moon, that is.”

Arc gestures to the building. “Why don’t we head inside and talk more about this over a snack?”

Shining Armor laughs. “The rest of the summit attendees are already doing that.”

Pinkie gasps. “They’re having a party without us?! Come on, everypony! Let’s get in there!”

Pinkie hops through the doorway as Arc shrugs and motions for the others to follow him.

“Shining Armor, tell all non-essential guards to get some rest. They’ve certainly earned it after all this.”

“Yes sir.”

Meanwhile, Fluttershy and Tugem walk down the path toward her cottage together. The prince holds a ball of flame in his hand to light their way.

“Thank you for walking me home, Prince Tugem.”

“It is my pleasure, Miss Fluttershy. After all, it’s not every day that I have the chance to speak to one as well-known as you.”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “But I’m nopony special.”

“You are more so than you realize.”

“Because I’m an Element Bearer?”

“There is that, yes. However I was not referring to your Element.”

“Then what…?”

Tugem interrupts her. “Your name is spoken in reverence in the circles we ogres walk in.”

“Social circles?”

“Yes.”

“But I thought ogres were rather reclusive to ponies.”

“That we are. However, just because we do not speak to ponykind does not mean we are ill-informed.”

“I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect, sir.”

“None was taken. You may not understand this, but we ogres are naturally one with the land and those whom dwell within it. Especially those whom do not have a… voice. At least one that is easily heard by your species.”

Fluttershy appears surprised. “Ogres can talk to animals too?!”

Tugem chuckles. “Yes. We can hear and communicate with them just as you can.”

“But how did you know I could talk to animals?”

“From our own animal friends. Your name is constantly on the winds, Miss Fluttershy.”

“It is? How?”

“Tell me… does ponykind speak to one another?”

“Of course.”

“What about?”

“Oh, many things. Friendship, the weather, local and national news… that sort of thing.”

“It may not come as a great surprise to you, but the animals to the same.”

“I did know that. But wasn’t aware news traveled via them. Tell me, how do they do it? I don’t suppose the woodland creatures write one another letters.”

Tugem laughs. “Nature has no written word, no. However, they are able to spread news via word of mouth and even on the winds themselves if need be.”

“This is fascinating! And they even talk about me?!”

“Yes. You are not traditionally referred to as Fluttershy however.”

“Oh? And why not?”

“Out of respect, nature’s creatures have seen fit to give you a special title.”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “I see. And may I ask what it is?”

“Mother.”

“What?! But why?!”

“You are known for your care and great respect of nature. To them, you are their protector.”

“But Arc and the princesses are the ones whom protect this land. Not me.”

“That may be. But they do not see it that way. International disputes, treaties, peace summits… these things mean nothing to them.”

“So what’s important to them?”

“The balance of nature, peace, and harmony above all.”

“How do you know all this?! I mean, you said earlier ogres are one with nature. What does that mean exactly?”

“That we can listen and respond to the land and its inhabitants. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Is that how you called for help during the battle?”

Tugem nods. “Yes. Ogres are the caretakers of the land itself. As crown prince of my tribe I have the right to call for their aid at any time.”

“Is that why so many came at your command?”

Tugem nods. “We defend the land. The creatures know that if we call for help, the situation is indeed dire.”

“How has nopony heard of this?”

“Many years ago it was common knowledge. However the pony races became divided and fought with one another. Not willing to take a side in the conflict, we were forgotten over the generations.”

“I’m sorry for that. There must be so much we can teach one another.”

“That there is.”

“Um… can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“How… exactly did you defeat that bad stallion during the battle? Was it magic?”

“Yes. But not magic as you know it.”

Tugem points to his forehead.

“As you can see, I don’t have a horn like a unicorn.”

“Then how did you do that?”

“We are one with the creatures of the land. But also with the elements themselves.”

He gestures to the flame in his palm.

“Fire for light in this case.”

“And during your fight?”

“Wind to put him where I wanted. Earth to trap and injure him. Fire to finish the task.”

Fluttershy shudders.

“I’m sure he was a very bad stallion, judging by Arc’s response when he saw him. But… was it really necessary for you to do what you did?”

Tugem grimaces. “Yes. He used the power of Shadow.”

“Another element?”

“Think of it more as a power that works against nature. It cannot be used for beneficial means. Only destruction.”

“Huh?”

“Shadow Magic gets its power from those whom harbor darkness in their hearts. If allowed to continue unchecked it would destroy the land, the creatures, and eventually even the ponies whom dwell here.”

Fluttershy sighs. “I just don’t understand.”

“I am sorry if my methods were distasteful to you. However, I will do whatever it takes to protect the innocent from harm.”

Tugem stops and looks down at Fluttershy.

“As you yourself do in your own way.”

“Oh, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do what you do, sir.”

“I’m certain you could if need be. After all, everyone saw what you’re capable of earlier.”

Yes, well… I may have gone a bit overboard there.”

“Really? I think you did quite well holding back.”

Fluttershy looks to him, confused. “Holding… back?”

Tugem kneels down to look Fluttershy in the eye.

“Miss Fluttershy, as an ogre I can see that which is beyond normal sight.”

“What kind of things?”

Tugem looks her in the eye soberly.

“I know exactly who you really are.”

Fluttershy looks away nervously. “Wha… what do you mean?”

Tugem leans forward and whispers something in her ear. The blood drains from Fluttershy’s face as she takes a step back.

“H-how…?”

“As you know, magic is an intangible force that surrounds and regulates everything to a degree. While invisible to most, I can see its comings and goings as clearly as you might watch a robin soar through the air.”

Fluttershy sighs. “I suppose it must be a letdown for you.”

“How so?”

“Knowing… you know.”

“Not really.”

“Huh?”

“Knowing your secret, and judging you for it, are two very different things. You are no danger to the balance of nature, nor a threat to the land.”

“So what happens now?”

Tugem stands back up. “I continue walking you home. I’m sure you’re tired after the activities of this evening.”

“A bit. But… um…”

“You are worried.”

“I am, yes.”

“Do not be afraid. I will keep your secret.”

Fluttershy breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

Tugem nods as the cottage comes into view. “You are a friend to the land and the animals. It is the least I can do.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the others walk down a corridor of Light’s Hope together. He turns toward his quarters.

“Let me get cleaned up and I’ll meet you there.”

Pinkie hops away. “Don’t take too long, Arc!”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Yeah! We’ll have all the good snacks eaten!”

Rarity smiles at him. “Take all the time you need. I’ll save you something, dear.”

“Thanks. I’ll try to be quick.”

Arc enters his quarters as the others walk down the corridor. Applejack turns to her friend.

“What was that about, Rarity?”

“Saving him a cupcake or two is just common decency.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I think she meant the part about you calling Arc ‘dear’.”

“Oh! Um… well… you see… I just...”

Pinkie turns back. “Are you and Arc an item now?!”

“…kinda.”

The five of them stop walking as Rainbow Dash lands and raises an eyebrow.

“What do you mean ‘kinda’?”

“Before the summit, I had him over to my place for supper.”

Applejack nods. “The night Sweetie Belle came to Sweet Apple Acres for her sleepover?”

“Yes. I… originally just wanted to do something to make up for… what you and I did that day some time ago, Applejack.”

Applejack blushes. “I’m kinda trying to forget that.”

Pinkie sighs. “We all are.”

Twilight looks confused. “But what’s wrong with having him over for supper?”

“Well… I know how everypony feels about him, and all. But… I kinda wanted the same.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Twilight. “That’s normal though. Right?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. However you still haven’t answered my question, Rarity.”

“I just feel so guilty! It’s like I’m trying to monopolize him. At least in my mind.”

Applejack smiles warmly. “So things went well, huh?”

“Yes, very much so! Even with my… mistake.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Nopony’s perfect! Don’t beat yourself up over every small detail!”

Rarity sighs. “Well, this was a big one.”

Twilight giggles. “How bad could it have been?”

“I… spilled an entire pot of tea on his back.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Ouch! Hopefully it wasn’t freshly brewed.”

“It was straight off the stove.”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “Woah! That must’ve hurt!”

Rarity looks down at her hooves. “More so than you know. He was protecting me at the time.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Protecting you?”

“The pot should have hit me. But he took the burn instead as he blocked it with his own body. I rushed him into the shower to help, but the damage was done.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “I’m sure Arc doesn’t hold that against you.”

Applejack puts a reassuring hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “Yeah. He’s very forgiving. Hopefully you had something for him to wear after the shower.”

“I… didn’t.”

Pinkie gasps. “Really?! Nothing at all?!”

“Just some undergarments he’d asked for a few days prior.”

Applejack appears nervous. “So… what DID he wear?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I can’t picture Arc going without garments. We all know just how picky he is in that regard.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Just the undergarments.”

Pinkie grins. “Wow, really?! So you actually SAW him bare?!”

Rarity giggles nervously “Kinda.”

Rainbow Dash leers at her friend. “Care to tell us what you saw?”

Applejack blushes. “Rainbow Dash!”

“Come on! Anypony could see that we ALL want to know!”

Pinkie leans in close to Rarity. “Tell us, how did his skin feel?!”

“What?!”

Twilight frowns. “Pinkie, I’m sure Rarity didn’t get THAT close to Arc when he was uncovered.”

“Well… I actually did.”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “Come again?”

Rarity sighs. “Sweetie Belle told me she wanted him to be her father. I originally laughed at the idea. But the more I thought about it, the more it intrigued me. That was the real reason I invited him over that night.”

Rainbow Dash’s jaw drops. “You mean… you intended to do THAT with him?!”

“No, no! I had just intended to snuggle up to him on the couch after tea and cake while we talked.”

Twilight sighs. “And things kinds went from there, huh?”

Rarity nods. “We never had dessert thanks to my accident. After the shower I… may have asked him to sleep with me.”

Pinkie laughs. “I’m sure that request went over well with Arc!”

“It… kinda did.”

Pinkie stops laughing.

“…what?”

“I already told all of you the truth about how I’m actually Sweetie Belle’s mother. That event made me rather distrustful of dating and everything that comes with it. I just… I just wanted a stallion that Sweetie Belle could look up to as her father.”

Applejack shakes her head.. “And you felt getting Arc in bed with you was important why?”

“Because I realized he could give me the one thing I’ve always lacked.”

Twilight looks confused. “What’s that?”

“Stability.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Say what now?”

“He could be Sweetie Belle’s father AND be the one I’m finally able to be… intimate with.”

Applejack smiles at her. “Wow! I… don’t think anypony knew just how much you liked Arc, Rarity.”

“Neither did I until that night. Originally it was just for Sweetie Belle’s sake. But as he held me in his arms… I just felt like I was melting into him. The warmth of his skin, the soothing touch of his fingers in my mane… and even his scent were intoxicating!”

She sighs before continuing.

“I know all of you feel the same way about him, and I want to say that none of this was my original intent. But… things just kinda happened.”

Twilight looks to Rarity nervously. “So… are you in love with him?”

“I… I don’t know.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “After all that, you don’t know?!”

“Easy there, sugarcube. If what happened to Rarity had happened to you, I think you’d feel the same way.”

“Everypony… I’m so very sorry for this, but… I really want to get to know him better.”

Rarity looks down at her hooves sadly.

“This must certainly come as a shock to all of you. And I understand if anypony’s angry at me for wanting him for myself, but…”

Applejack interrupts her. “Now just hold your horses there, Rarity. Nopony here holds this against you.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Right! I mean… it’s not like we’ll stop being your friends or anything over this!”

Pinkie nods. “Yeah! We just want him to be happy! Arc deserves a special somepony like you!”

Twilight sighs. “That he does. All of us will be very happy for you two should you decide to start officially dating.”

“Really? But… but I thought all of you… well…”

Applejack sighs. “We all care for him. But only one mare can have him, right?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. And as the Element Bearers, we need to stand united in all things. Even matters of the heart.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Jealousy has no place amongst friends!”

Pinkie nods with conviction. “That’s right! We can’t let anything come between us! Not even this!”

All of them surround Rarity and nuzzle her.

“Thank you everypony! It means a lot that my friends are willing to support my decision. I know it can’t be easy.”

Twilight forces a smile. “We’re your friends, Rarity. But I just want you to remember one thing.”

“Oh?”

“Whether or not Arc chooses you, or any one of us, is entirely up to him. We need to be supportive of his wants and needs too.”

Rainbow Dash nods happily. “Yeah! If he were to decide on somepony else, we should be happy for them.”

Rarity smiles. “Yes, I agree. It’s so nice to have such amazing friends! But what about Fluttershy?”

Twilight looks out a window. “I’m sure she’d agree if she were here. She is the Element of Kindness, after all.”

Applejack sighs. “That may be. But somepony should bring her up to speed on all this tomorrow.”

Rainbow Dash looks to the others. “I’ll fly over and talk to her about it. Fluttershy’s not the jealous type anyways.”

Pinkie nods. “Right! But she deserves to know what happened between Arc and Rarity!”

Rarity sighs. “I’ll stop over there tomorrow morning as well.”

Rainbow Dash recoils. “Morning? I was thinking more along the lines of early afternoon.”

Applejack looks to Rainbow Dash. “Why’s that?”

Rainbow Dash grins as she looks down the corridor toward the sounds of laughter coming from the Dining Room.

“Because we’re all going to be up late partying tonight!”

They all smile and continue down the corridor together.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 24 - Unholy Pacts

Meanwhile, Arc enters his quarters and sighs.

“What a day!”

He removes his war-torn cape and tosses it onto a chair as he heads to the Bathroom. Removing the rest of his raiments Arc steps into the shower and lathers up.

“Hawthorne… what did you really hope to accomplish by impersonating Prince Tugem? Was it merely to disrupt the summit? Or did you have a grander scheme?”

Arc frowns as he rinses the soap from his body.

“Part of me wishes you had been taken alive so I could question you. The other part believes Prince Tugem did us all a favor.”

Shaking his head, Arc ponders the events of the evening.

“The Storm King, Decimus, Tempest, and Hawthorne all working together. How, I don’t know. None of them have anything in common… right?”

A familiar voice rings out.

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

Arc gulps as his pupils shrink.

“T-T-Tempest?!”

He peeks out of the shower to look toward the sink. Tempest sits on her haunches looking angry, as usual. Arc shuts off the water and grabs a towel with his magic.

“What are you DOING in here?!”

“I came to discuss something. What’s wrong with you?”

Arc wraps the towel around his midsection. “Well, I WAS trying to clean myself up!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Don’t let me keep you from that task. Feel free to continue bathing.”

Arc sighs. “I was about done anyway. Uh… could you leave the room please?”

Tempest glares in the direction of the shower. “Not until you and I have had a talk!”

“But I need to get dressed!”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Nopony’s stopping you. Just step out here and do it. That is, unless you need your servant to help you.”

Arc groans as he reaches out and grabs his fresh raiments with his magic. “I don’t have anyone for that purpose. Give me a minute.”

“Take all the time you need. I’m not taking my eyes off you until I’ve said a few things. But I’d like to say them face to face.”

Arc mutters under his breath as he dresses. “Pervert…”

A minute later Arc pulls aside the shower curtain and steps out. He looks over at Tempest as she scowls at him.

“Can we at least step into the Living Room?”

Tempest nods. “That would be best.”

The pair leave the room and walk over to the couch. Arc sits at one end as Tempest takes a place at the other.

“I see you’ve regenerated.”

Tempest nods soberly. “Yes. It’s amazing what a little sleep can do in that regard.”

“You’re here about Decimus, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Are you angry?”

“OF COURSE I’M ANGRY, YOU IDIOT!”

“Did Decimus not… regenerate, or whatever he does?”

“I’m sure he’s fine. But Hawthorne won’t be.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really? I thought everyone in your Council of Shadows was in the habit of cheating death.”

Tempest shakes her head. “Just Decimus and I.”

“So Hawthorne’s gone for good then?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure The Dark One won’t raise him as a zombie, or something?”

Tempest frowns. “This is real-life you moron! Not some dark fairy tale in a book for foals!”

“Okay, okay! Should we get back to Decimus?”

“Yes!”

Tempest takes a few moments to compose herself before continuing.

“I actually came to assure you that despite what happened here today, I still plan to keep our earlier agreement.”

“Thank you. Um… are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“Well, you didn’t look so good earlier.”

“Fatigue greatly slows my ability to regenerate. Nothing more. But your concern was misplaced. You didn’t need to send me to the hospital.”

“Yeah, well… call it instinct when someone’s hurt.”

Tempest blushes slightly as she looks away.

“While unnecessary, it was appreciated nonetheless.”

“As long as you’re here, mind explaining something to me?”

“What is it?”

“I want to know what Hawthorne was doing here? I mean, does he have something against Prince Tugem?”

Tempest shakes her head. “No. As for his plan, I’m not really sure.”

“Then why did you come to help him?”

“Because Decimus asked me to.”

“And he came because…?”

“Hawthorne called for help.”

Arc frowns. “So he had his back, huh?”

“On this one I suppose. Normally everypony kinda does their own thing.”

“That doesn’t sound very organized. No one runs their plans past anyone?”

“The Dark One steps in if things get out of hoof.”

“How does he know?”

Tempest shrugs. “He just does. It’s probably best we don’t ask the methods he uses.”

“That’s reassuring.”

Tempest stands and calls forth Light’s Bane.

“In any case, I need to get going.”

“Still tired?”

“There is that, yes. But I also want to make sure Decimus makes it back to our room safely. He’s always out of sorts after losing a battle.”

“Really?”

Tempest smiles and grins wickedly. “Yes. But rest assured I know just what a stallion likes.”

Arc puts a hand to his stomach. “That… is an image that will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

Tempest slashes the air in front of her to open a portal and slowly walks toward it. Stopping, she looks to Arc.

“In any case, I’m sure your creepy looking servant over there would like a word with you. They’ve been waiting patiently.”

“Servant?”

Arc turns to look toward the door as Tempest vanishes from sight. Wiseman looks on silently.

“How long have you been standing there?!”

“Since you walked into the Bathroom.”

“Could’ve said something.”

“It looked like you were a bit busy flirting with Tempest.”

Arc frowns. “I was NOT flirting!”

“Really? For a mare who’s supposed to be your enemy, you certainly treat her well. Ordering her taken to the hospital, protecting her sister, and my personal favorite… caring for her when she was ‘sick’.”

“Sick on several levels you mean.”

“Indeed. But it’s not everyone who could resist the wiles of body building mare in the throes of passion.”

Arc facepalms. “Okay, can we not talk about my sex life right now?”

Wiseman chuckles. “Or lack of one might say.”

“Call it what you want. But I’m assuming you didn’t come here to eavesdrop on my conversations.”

“In reality, I came to give you some very important advice.”

Arc sighs. “Again?”

“Yes.”

“What is it this time?”

“Those around you are not always as they seem.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Are you kidding?! I could’ve done better with a fortune cookie!”

Wiseman shrugs. “That is the message.”

“Whom is it from though?”

“The Keeper of Time.”

“Kronos?! They’ve been sending you to me?!”

Wiseman shakes his head. “I assure you, the situation is more complicated than you know.”

“Any advice on that?”

“Just know that all will be revealed when the time is right.”

Arc frowns. “You sure it won’t be too late? Like at the southern temple?”

“I admit, I wanted to be there sooner. However, the Keeper of Time and I argued about my involvement in any way.”

“So Kronos didn’t want you interfering at all?!”

Wiseman nods. “You could say that.”

“Why?!”

“Potential outcomes and numerous possibilities. It’s really quite complicated and simple all at the same time.”

Arc glares at him. “Thank you for clearing that up.”

“Just don’t take anything at face value tonight.”

“That’s not hard to do.”

“More so than you realize.”

Arc shakes his head. “I just don’t get you sometimes. Ever, actually. Care to answer some other questions for me?”

“Another time. I have places to go and things to see.”

“Of course you do.”

Wiseman nods and fades away. Arc frowns and ponders what he was been told for a few moments before touching his earring.

“Arc to Rose.”

“Go ahead, Arc.”

“Have we had any unauthorized guests since the battle ended?”

“Nope. Everything has been pretty quiet since then.”

“Are you certain?”

“Very. I haven’t stopped tracking since before the summit started.”

“What about during the battle?”

“Even then I continued to monitor the grounds. Every invader was confirmed to be destroyed.”

“I see. Thanks, Rose.”

“You’re welcome. Don’t dally too much longer though. The delegates are having quite the time in the Dining Room.”

“I’ll head over there in a minute. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and sighs.

“What did Wiseman mean? Why does he always have to be so cryptic?!”

Shaking his head Arc heads for the door.

“Might as well get moving. Maybe I’ll find something that loosely explains his warning.”

Leaving his quarters Arc heads for the Dining Room. The sounds of laughter and merriment echo down the corridor. As he enters, Arc sees the diplomats gathered around the large table together. Rutherford grins at Trixie.

“That was quite the battle! Yak impressed!”

“Trixie thanks you for your help, sir.”

“Yak happy to help pony get vengeance on her enemy!”

Sereb nods. “That was very impressive how you stood up to Decimus back there.”

Ember shudders. “Yeah! I thought he’d be the death of you!”

Felix turns to her. “If I may… where did you learn how to fight like that, miss?”

“Trixie learned Illusion Magic as a filly. But the Captain of the Royal Guard taught her how to hone their skills.”

Fiona smiles. “Was he the one who commanded the battle?”

Arc walks over. “Indeed he was.”

All the delegates nod respectfully in his direction.

Iris looks to Trixie. “If I might inquire further, what exactly did you learn from him?”

“To stay calm mostly.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Calm?”

“It helps Trixie think rationally and stay focused.”

Kane frowns. “Was that truly all there was to his teachings?”

“The basis, yes. However, Trixie practiced what she was told every day during training.”

Kane muses to himself. “Calm, huh? Interesting…”

Ikis turns to Arc. “So those were your nation’s enemies, eh Lord Arc?”

“That they are. Truthfully, we’re not fully sure what exactly they’re trying to do.”

Goldstone rolls his eyes. “Come now. You must have some theories at least.”

“They claim to be trying to ward off some great evil that’s supposedly coming to Equestria. But they seem to be more of a threat than any supposed darkness.”

He looks around the table.

“Have any of you heard of the Council of Shadows?”

The delegates look to one another and shrug.

“I thought not. They don’t seem to have much, if any, influence outside of Equestria. At least not that I’ve heard of.”

Gestal frowns. “While the thought of their power being focused against any of our nations is troubling, I will pass this information on to our king upon returning to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ghaleon clenches his talons. “They step one hoof, talon, claw, or whatever into our lands, and I’ll personally slice it off!”

Ashe turns to him. “Begging your pardon, Lord Arc. Have you considered trying to reach out to them? Perhaps a dialogue could be established.”

“Indeed I have. In fact I’ve had numerous conversations with the mare that spearheaded the attack earlier.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “With Tempest?!”

“Yes. In fact she contacted me just before I came over here.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “WHAT?!”

Applejack frowns. “Why in tarnation would she do that?!”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “Maybe to cause more trouble?!”

“Not exactly. She just wanted to tell me that she didn’t hold the death of Decimus or Hawthorne against us. That and she would continue to honor the promise she made to me.”

The Marquis looks confused. “A promise?”

“Yes. That she wouldn’t kill anyone else without dealing with me first. That weapon she carries can steal its victim’s soul, after all.”

Rarity shudders. “A truly frightening thought!”

Ikis frowns. “And the souls are the source of her power?”

“She said as much, yes. How did you know that, sir?”

“Such items were experimental many centuries ago. I had forgotten they were even once ideas until you brought it up.”

Twilight gasps. “Really?! I’ve never read about such a magical weapon in any of my books.”

A voice rings out from the doorway.

“That’s because such things should not exist.”

Everyone turns to see Tugem enter the room. He walks over and sits down as he looks to Twilight and her friends.

“Your friend is safely in bed.”

Twilight smiles. “Thank you for taking her home, sir. But what did you mean by your earlier comment?”

“The ogres study the land, animals, and elements that make up the lifeforce of nature. My opponent earlier tonight possessed a forbidden aspect of our powers.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Forbidden magic?”

“Yes. Our powers focus on that which makes up life and binds the world together. Earth, fire, wind, and water.”

Rarity frowns. “And they use something similar?”

Tugem shakes his head. “Hardly. They all wielded the fifth element… Shadow Magic.”

Trixie frowns. “I’ve heard of it.”

Pinkie shudders. “Sounds scary!”

Rainbow Dash nods. “I’m glad Fluttershy isn’t around to hear this.”

Twilight looks to Tugem. “What exactly is Shadow Magic?”

“The opposite of life and creation. It is that which can only kill and destroy.”

Kane frowns. “A sobering thought. But they control this power, do they not?”

“Somehow, yes. But one can only speculate just how long that will remain true.”

Ember looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Such power corrupted those whom used it in the past. For this reason all knowledge of its existence was sealed away by the magic using races long ago.”

Tugem turns to Twilight.

“Your race’s greatest unicorn once dabbled in it.”

“Star-Swirl the Bearded?!”

“From what I’ve read, yes.”

Kane frowns. “Was he corrupted?”

Tugem shakes his head. “No. He was wise enough to turn away from such things before it was too late.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “So it’s impossible to control then?”

“That is unknown. One could, at least theoretically, master Shadow Magic and bend it to their will. However, it would take an enormously powerful psyche to keep from being mentally overpowered by it.”

Twilight looks back to Tugem. “Did studies of this give any advice on how to do that?”

“Just one. The only remembered passage written on that matter simply said ‘don’t forget who you are’.”

Goldstone raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

Tugem shrugs. “Sadly, that’s all we know.”

Goldstone frowns. “Admittedly, it’s not much to go on.”

Arc sighs. “Perhaps that’s for the best.”

Fiona turns to him. “Lord Arc?”

“I don’t mind being powerful. But I’d prefer to be able to control my magical abilities. Not have them control me.”

The Marquis nods. “Well spoken.”

Kane turns to Tugem. “Tell me, do you believe such a feat is possible?”

“Yes, I do. However it’s not something I’d like to attempt. Failure in such an endeavor would be catastrophic.”

Iris looks to Twilight. “Do all unicorns have the ability to use Shadow Magic?”

“Any magic user has the potential to use any kind of magic, provided they have the magical aptitude, a proper spell book, or somepony to teach them. Princess Celestia once showed me a single spell from that particular school of magic.”

Rarity gasps. “She did?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “What was it like?!”

“It was a simple spell. But I could feel the raw power in it. Truthfully, it was a rather frightening experience.”

Tugem continues. “Princess Luna is the land’s current authority on such things, being the Princess of the Night.”

Sereb growls. “That would explain Hawthorne’s plan to incapacitate her.”

Ikis nods. “Along with the Princess of Love for good measure.”

Applejack turns to Arc. “I wonder why he didn’t go after you.”

Ember puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “It would certainly have ensured the success of his plan. Without anyone of sufficient power and experience to lead the defense of Light’s Hope, things may have ended very differently.”

Gestal frowns. “Let us be thankful they didn’t.”

Ashe nods. “Such an outcome would have certainly strained the tentative peace our two nations now enjoy.”

Ghaleon scoffs. “Strained? I think shattered would be a more appropriate word. However, perhaps leaving Lord Arc unharmed was not merely an oversight.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean, Arbiter Ghaleon?”

“The risk in doing so was great, but so was the reward. Had they succeeded, their mission to kill everyone here would have gone on without much other than me to stop them. But if they had failed, it would have prematurely tipped the cards in your favor in the form of advanced warning that this matter was bigger than originally thought.”

Fiona turns back to him. “It would appear you were a calculated risk on their part, Lord Arc.”

“That may be. But I can’t help but wonder why keeping the nations apart was so important to them.”

Ember frowns. “We’re a big target as a group, Arc.”

“True. But if their only goal truly is to just stop the coming Darkness, why would they care what the nations do as a whole?”

Ikis shrugs. “It makes little sense.”

Iris sighs. “That may be. But every living creature does things for a reason. I can only assume they are no different.”

Several servants enter the room carrying trays holding crystal glasses of sparkling cider. They set them down as others clear the empty dishes from before the diplomats. Ember takes her glass in her claws and holds it up as she stand.

“As the future Dragon Lord, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend official diplomatic relations with the land of Equestria.”

The king and queen of Abyssinia stand with their glasses.

Felix nods. “As will Abyssinia!”

Fiona holds up her glass. “We will show the world our devotion to peace through our own future treaty with Equestria.”

Ikis nods and holds his glass aloft with a tendril. “Even though we were once hunted and imprisoned by the inhabitants of this land, I too would like to extend a tendril in friendship to Lord Arc and Equestria.”

The Marquis nods. “Well said, old friend.”

Tugem stands and raises his own glass. “The ogres too are interested in a lasting peace with this land we share with all ponykind.”

Gestal nods as he gets to his feet. “I’d also like to reaffirm my own nation’s commitment to peace with our neighbors across the sea.”

Twilight stands.

“My friends and I are citizens of Equestria. We freely choose to defend this land from whatever problems arise with the power of the Elements of Harmony.”

Applejack nods happily. “Right!”

Rarity holds her glass up with her magic. “That we will!”

Pinkie giggles. “Bad guys don’t stand a chance against us!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! We’ll keep everypony safe, or die trying!”

Sereb turns to Iris.

“Mother? What shall our official stance be on this matter?”

“I too desire peace with this land. However, we cannot ally ourselves with one nation over another due to our traditions.”

Kane nods. “Agreed. Should one military power hold exclusive rights to our clan’s Life Pacts they would hold an advantage over all others.”

Sereb frowns. “But would that not be better than splitting up over many nation’s inhabitants with differing Life Pacts? We might be forced to face one another on the battlefield one day.”

Kane chuckles. “Does that frighten you, Sereb?”

“I would describe it more as concern over fear. Pitting brother against brother does not sit well with me.”

Iris sighs. “That has always been the tradition of our tribe, Sereb. You may not agree with it, but it’s who we are as a nation.”

She turns to Arc as she pushes away her own drink.

“Forgive me, Lord Arc, but we cannot ally ourselves with you.”

Arc nods. “I understand and respect your position, Matriarch Iris.”

“Thank you.”

Sereb turns to him. “You will always have my support, Arc.”

Iris nods. “Rest assured, we are interested in friendship and coexistence. However, that is as far as we are able to go.”

Rutherford picks up his own glass. “Yaks understand wolf’s words! Yaks warriors like them, but have different customs! Yak nation want be friends with ponies too! Friends for a thousand moons! Show them how to be as great as yaks!”

Arc forces a strained smile. “Um… thanks.”

Brightwing giggles. “Every creature agrees! Yay! Brightwing wants to be friends with all of you too!”

She slurps down a glass of cider and burps. Everyone laughs. Ember holds her glass up high and smiles.

“To unity!”

“TO UNITY!”

Arc looks around the table as the others partake. However, as he raises his own glass to his lips a strange feeling washes over him. He mutters to himself…

“Don’t take anything at face value.”

Twilight lowers her now empty glass. “Arc? Is something wrong?”

Applejack smiles as she looks at the glass in his hand. “Don’t worry, sugarcube. I made sure this round of drinks was non-alcoholic.”

“Applejack, is this cider made with the same recipe as before?”

Applejack looks confused. “Of course. Granny Smith came up with it herself decades ago.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “They haven’t changed anything EVER!”

Gestal looks at the empty crystal glass before him. “Was there something wrong with it?”

“I… don’t know. For some reason I had a funny feeling just now.”

Applejack looks at her own glass. “It tasted as it always does.”

Rarity nods. “If something were amiss with the recipe, I do believe she would have tasted it right away, Arc.”

“That much I understand.”

Arc stands and holds his glass up as he touches his earring.

“Rose, scan the contents of my glass.”

“The cider within is consistent with the quality Sweet Apple Acres is well known for.”

Rutherford laughs. “Pony king worry too much!”

“However, I’m detecting a faint but strange aura around the glasses themselves.”

Felix looks at his empty glass. “I don’t see anything.”

Ikis does the same. “Nor do I sense any latent magical energy.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc! Your helmet!”

Arc calls forth his helmet and quickly puts it on before looking at his glass intently.

“My glass is glowing faintly! Rose, what is this?!”

“Unknown.”

The delegates look to one another nervously. Goldstone clutches his throat.

“Someone POISONED us?!”

Applejack looks around the room. “Does anypony feel ill?!”

Everyone shakes their heads. Brightwing flutters around overhead giggling.

“Yay, colors!”

She hiccups and falls to the table, knocking over Iris, Sereb, and Kane’s full glasses. Ember jumps up and hurries over to Brightwing. The small dragon’s eyes look around the room although her body does not move.

“Rose, what’s wrong with Brightwing?!”

“She appears to be paralyzed.”

Gestal frowns. “What?!”

Ember picks up one of Brightwing’s leathery wings. “Come on, get up!”

Letting go the wing, it flutters down to the creature’s side. Ashe puts a talon to her forehead.

“F-father. I… I don’t feel so well.”

Twilight looks around the room. “Everypony please stay… calm…”

Trixie frowns. “Twilight, you don’t look so…”

She puts a hoof to her forehead. Everyone does so as well except for Arc, Sereb, Kane, and Iris. One by one the delegates fall over. Sereb and Iris hurry over to help.

“Rose, send for Nurse Redheart right away!”

“I’ve already notified her, Arc. She should be there in two minutes.”

“Good! I…!”

He stops talking as Wiseman’s words again come to him. Iris looks to Arc.

“What should we do, Lord Arc?!”

“Medical help is coming. Right now we need to find who did this.”

Kane frowns. “But who is to say they’re still in Light’s Hope?”

“Just a hunch. Sereb, tell all the servants to come out and help.”

Sereb nods and runs toward the Kitchen door. “Very well.”

A few moments later the servants emerge from the Kitchen. They hurry to aid the delegates. Sereb rushes over to his mother.

“Where did Arc go?”

“He stepped down the corridor for a moment.”

Trixie looks over from Prince Rutherford’s side. “Lord Arc said he’d return momentarily.”

Kane sniffs the air. “Odd. I still have his scent.”

“As do I. brother.”

Iris looks confused. “What could it mean?”

“Unknown, mother. But we shall soon see.”

Meanwhile, Arc looks over the group from inside his magic cloak. Looking at everyone one by one with his helmet on. Eventually his eyes settle on a single individual. Gritting his teeth and clenching his fists Arc throws off the robe, reaches out a hand, and begins channeling a Telekinesis Spell.

“I’VE GOT YOU!”

A young mare is thrown across the room into a wall. Arc holds her there as he walks over to her angrily. Trixie appears horrified.

“Sir?!”

Arc glares at the mare. “WHO ARE YOU?!”

The mare appears visibly shaken.

“I… I’m Eventide Shine, sir! D-don’t you remember interviewing me the other day?!”

Arc nods angrily. “Yes! I interviewed Eventide Shine all right! But you aren’t her!”

“But… but I am!”

“Then why are you hiding behind that disguise?!”

“Please sir! I don’t know what you’re talking about! Go ask Princess Luna! She’ll vouch for me!”

Sereb walks over. “Arc, my nose tells me this is the same mare who’s been here the whole summit.”

Eventide Shine nods frantically. “It’s the truth, sir! Please let me down!”

Iris turns to him. “Her body language and scents are that of one whom is being truthful, Lord Arc. Is it possible you’ve made a mistake?”

“Trixie agrees. Nopony is right all the time.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a chance! Eventide Shine is an Earth Pony!”

Kane looks confused. “But that is what she is!”

Arc glares at the mare. “No! This is a unicorn!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “But she has no horn.”

“Yes she does. I’m looking right at it.”

“Sir, please stop! I haven’t done anything wrong!”

Arc calls forth a gauntlet and extends the magic blade. He slowly brings it toward the nearly frantic mare.

“I’m going to slice the air just above your head! You know what this blade will do to your horn?!”

“But… but I don’t HAVE a horn!”

“Then you have nothing to worry about.”

As Arc brings his arm around, Eventide Shine screams out angrily. A magical explosion suddenly pushes Arc away from her. He slides across the tiles on his feet as the mare falls to the floor. She looks up at him, clearly furious.

“Fine! Let’s cast off these illusions!”

Her appearance melts away to reveal that of a unicorn. Trixie gasps.

“What the…?!”

Arc frowns. “Who are you really?! What have you done with Eventide Shine?!”

The mare rolls her eyes. “Done with? Eventide Shine doesn’t really exist, you fool!”

Iris’ eyes grow wide. “What?!”

“She’s just an alias I’ve been using for some time now. My real name… is Sunset Shimmer! A name you will not soon forget!”

“What are you doing here?!”

“Watching Hawthorne screw up originally.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Arc, just give me the word and I’ll tear this traitor apart!”

“No. I want her alive.”

Sunset Shimmer laughs. “That’s not going to happen!”

Arc points his magic blade at her as Nurse Redheart enters the Dining Room. “What have you done to the delegates?!”

“Don’t worry about them. The effects of the spell I cast on those glasses are temporary.”

Sereb growls. “Why are you here?! You have to know Hawthorne is dead!”

“Of course I know that! And with his death HIS mission is a failure. I’m simply trying to salvage what’s left of it. Never let a good catastrophe go to waste.”

Arc scoffs. “Salvage it? By temporarily paralyzing everyone? I would’ve thought a member of the Council of Shadows could do more.”

“Oh, but I have!”

Sereb glares at her. “How so, witch?!”

Sunset shakes her head. “You’re all so dim! Very well… let me put the pieces together for you.

She looks at Arc.

“The Storm King is quite the mechanic and chemist. But even he didn’t have the power to supercharge that Sanguine Azolla.

Arc clenches a fist. “You did that?!”

“I helped. Then there was the matter of administering the poison.”

Sereb growls. “How?!”

“It was a simple task, really. I just made sure it was applied to the rim of their glasses.

She grins wickedly.

“I knew they might pretend to drink in order to keep a level head. That’s why I insisted that the poison be altered especially for this event.”

Iris growls. “Altered?!”

Sunset nods. “Instead of ingestion, it can pass directly through the skin. By putting it to their lips, they inadvertently poisoned themselves. Regardless of if they took an actual sip or not. However, that was not the greatest achievement of the night.”

Arc frowns. “You did more?!”

“Yes indeed. By adding to our council’s numbers.”

“What?!”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Kane.

“To me, beast!”

Kane runs over to her. As he approaches, Sunset Shimmer deftly jumps onto his back. He turns to face the others as Iris glares at him.

“Kane, what are you doing?! You know it is customary only to allow those whom are worthy to ride us!”

“She is indeed worthy, mother.”

Sereb gasps. “B-brother?!”

“Sereb, you became strong after you formed a Life Pact with Lord Arc. Much stronger than even I.”

Arc frowns. “And you want that too?!”

Kane nods. “Precisely. I will train under my new mistress and eclipse you yet again, Sereb.”

“Brother, you cannot be serious!”

“I am. Sunset Shimmer is more powerful than you know. Even more so than Lord Arc himself is.”

Sunset nods smugly. “That I am! With the power of The Dark One, I’m unstoppable!”

“We’ll see about that!”

Arc charges his Hand Cannon and fires a powerful shot at Sunset Shimmer. She rolls her eyes as her horn glows. A small portal opens up and engulfs the blast before closing.

“What the…?”

A portal opens behind him. The blast flies out and strikes Arc in the back knocking him toward his assailant. Chuckling, Sunset Shimmer jumps forward and hoofs Arc in the face before blasting him point blank with a magical shot of her own. The force knocks him back into the table and deftly propels Sunset Shimmer onto Kane’s back again. She looks down at her astonished mount.

“You see how a little strategy can make all the difference, beast?”

Kane nods. “Yes, mistress.”

She pats his head.

“You did very well last night too.”

Sereb snarls. “Brother! What…!”

Sunset grins wickedly. “Nothing much. He unknowingly helped lure the filthy ogre back to his quarters after I may have tipped his glass with a Telekinesis Spell.”

Arc grits his teeth. “So Prince Tugem didn’t really spill his drink.”

“No, I did. He went to his room with Kane for a fresh tunic to save face. Very predictable, really.”

Iris nods angrily. “Where your Judge Hawthorne was lying in wait to capture him and take his place.”

“Very astute, matriarch. It appears you may not be a dim as I originally gave you credit for being. Our mole rejoined the festivities, did his best to pass on testimony which would cast suspicion to the griffon delegation when the hairless ape interviewed him, and stirred everypony up with accusations once the news of the crime was announced by the self-proclaimed Lord Arc. But that was only the start of it.”

Sunset smiles at him.

“Kane here didn’t even notice the switch at first. He honestly thought nothing was amiss. Hawthorne played his part so well, he was able to convince this beast to join us and add his strength and loyalty to his plan.”

Kane nods. “Yes. He asked me to redirect attention to Lord Gestal with my personal testimony. It was a simple task, as all of you already thought little of him.”

Goldstone frowns inwardly as he lies on the floor.

“Planting the poison in his luggage was simple enough with my disguise and magical prowess. Make it appear he’s guilty, you drag him off, we continue with the summit, diplomatic relations with the Griffon Kingdom crumble, I leave with everypony else, and nopony is the wiser to the truth.”

Arc clenches his fist. “But then Rose found the evidence proving there was more going on. That Goldstone couldn’t have committed the poisoning.”

Sunset frowns. “Yes. I suppose no plan is without its flaws. While I knew my cloaked presence in Dining Room was a calculated risk, I had to be sure the princesses had indeed poisoned themselves.”

Arc frowns. “But you knew I could see through such disguises, didn’t you?”

Sunset grins wickedly. “Oh, yes indeed… had you been there.”

Sereb growls. “What are you saying?! There is no possible way you could have made sure he wouldn’t have attended!

“Really? Do you honestly believe I didn’t have a plan to keep his occupied?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What did you do?”

Sunset shrugs. “Very little really. I merely went into the Everfree Forest to look for some kind of… advanced distraction. But what I found was far beyond anything I had expected.

Iris gasps. “The Ursa Major and her cub?!”

“Precisely. It was a simple matter to stealthily goad her toward your base.”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “They weren’t already heading this way?”

“Oh they were. However, it appeared the Ursa Major along with her cub had cold feet.”

Sereb growls as Sunset. “What did you do to them?!”

Sunset smiles wickedly. “There are any number of spells that can inflict pain without actually harming its victim. Doing so merely prodded them on. The rest of that story all of you already know. Very impressive handling of the situation I might add. Foolhardy and inefficient, of course. But I can’t argue with the final results.”

Iris grins. “But now you have revealed yourself. We now have the name, face, and scent of our enemy.”

Sunset rolls her eyes. “That matters little, as you cannot do anything to stop me, the Council of Shadows, or your own traitorous son!

Sunset turns to look Arc in the eye.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, fool. For without you playing my little game so perfectly, I never would have had such amazing results. A weak member eliminated from the Council of Shadows, and a new, strong one to take their place.”

Sereb growls menacingly. “Release my brother, you witch!”

“I think not, mongrel. In any case, I need to get back to our base.”

She casts a strange spell and a portal opens behind her. Kane turns to walk through it as Sunset Shimmer looks back at Arc and smirks.

“Do try to stay alive, won’t you? I’d hate for Tempest to finish you off before you and I have had time for a… proper sparring match.”

Kane disappears through the portal with his new mistress. Sereb runs after them.

“Get back here!”

Iris lunges forward to block Sereb’s advance.

“No, Sereb. Do not follow them.”

“But she has taken my brother!”

Iris shakes her head. “No. He has a Life Pact with that mare, and must honor it.”

“But…!”

Iris interrupts as she turns to look at the closing portal. “You of all should understand the bond between rider and steed.”

Arc walks over to Sereb and puts a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry too much about Kane. He’s pretty tough.”

“That much I know.”

Arc turns to Iris. “His joining The Shadow Council is still quite troubling. Tell me, is there any way to break that pact?”

“Only by the death of his rider can he be released from her service.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “I will tear out that witch’s throat myself!”

Iris shakes her head. “Unlikely. Her power was certainly formidable.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. That and I get the feeling they’ll cross our paths again sooner or later, big guy.”

“How can you be so certain of that?”

Iris turns to her son. “Think about it, Sereb. The rider certainly wants a rematch with Lord Arc, as will Kane.”

“Perhaps. Tell me, mother, do you believe Arc and I could defeat her on the field of battle?”

Iris turns back toward the others as they begin to regain their senses.

“Time will tell, Sereb. Sooner or later… time will tell.”

Preface - Volume 23 - Magical Machinations

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 2 - Departures

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 3 - School Meetings

The next day Arc, Ember, and Sereb walk down the path from Light’s Hope to the Little Hooves Orphanage. Ember turns to Arc.

“So how are things looking?”

“Hard Hat says he should have everything back to normal at Light’s Hope later this afternoon.”

Sereb nods. “The crews had quite the job there.”

Ember grimaces. “That they did. Truth be told, I’d rather be fighting Tempest than pulling cleanup duty.”

Arc chuckles. “You do that. I’ll take a broom.”

Sereb looks over to Arc. “You don’t much like fighting, do you?”

“Nope.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why not?! After all, you’re pretty good at it!”

“Because I… I just don’t like hurting others.”

“What about Decimus?”

Arc shakes his head. “I took no pleasure in ending his life back at Canterlot Castle.”

Ember appears confused. “Then why did you…?”

“Because he needed to die. At that time the princesses’ lives and the future of Equestria depended on it.”

They arrive at their destination and enter the Main Hall just as the lunch bell rings. Innumerable fillies, colts, and younglings run out of both classrooms and toward the cafeteria. Dinky and Miss Cheerilee walk out last. The filly immediately spots her father and runs over to him.

“DAD!”

She jumps into his outstretched arms and the pair embrace.

“I missed you!”

“So did I, Dinky.”

Cheerilee walks over to him.

“Hello sir.”

“Good afternoon, Cheerilee.”

Arc looks around as he sets Dinky down.

“Where is Peachbottom?”

Dinky points a hoof at the other classroom. “She’s probably still in there.”

Ember shrugs. “Give her a minute, Arc.”

Sereb nods. “She’ll be around.”

A minute later a very flustered Peachbottom hurries out the door with a couple younglings. She runs toward Arc and company panting.

“S-sorry I’m late! A couple students were still working on their assignments.”

Arc smiles at her. “No need to apologize. You’re just doing your job, after all.”

He gestures to the stairs.

“But now that we’re all here, let’s get underway.”

Ember calls out after them. “Sereb and I will help out in the Cafeteria.”

“Thanks.”

Dinky looks to Ember. “Tell my mom I’ll be there when I can.”

Ember nods. Arc and company walk up the steps and toward Coco Pommel’s office. Dinky runs ahead and knocks.

“Come in.”

She pushes the door open and walks inside as Arc and the others catch up. Coco Pommel stands up from her desk and walks over to them.

“Please follow me, everypony.”

Leading them to her private quarters, she gestures to the couches.

“Please be seated.”

They do so as Arc steps to the front of the room.

“First of all, I’d like to thank everyone for agreeing to this meeting. It certainly can’t be easy to rearrange your schedule, Peachbottom.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble, sir. My students will just get a bit more recess than they’re used to.”

Cheerilee nods. “And my class goes to lunch at this time every day.”

“But why dad?”

Coco Pommel looks confused. “Yes, Arc. Is there something wrong?”

“I was kinda hoping the four of you could tell me.”

Cheerilee tilts her head to one side. “Sir?”

“You see, the last time I was here, the school was having a bit of trouble finding help.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “That’s true.”

Peachbottom nods sadly. “Ever since the younglings from the Griffon Kingdom arrived, nopony wants to work here.”

Dinky frowns. “But if they would just get to know the younglings I’m sure they’d see they’re just like the other foals here!”

Cheerilee turns to her. “I agree with you, Dinky. But nopony wants to be the first.”

Coco Pommel looks to Arc. “Your daughter is right. I’ve tried to hire a half dozen individuals so far. But as soon as they see the griffon younglings, they’re out the door.”

“Why?”

Peachbottom looks away nervously. “Because griffons are seen as… um… how do I say this…?”

Cheerilee lowers her head. “Brash and untrustworthy opportunists.”

Coco Pommel raises an eyebrow. “They are?”

Peachbottom nods. “Sadly, yes. I thought the same until I took this job.”

Arc looks to her. “I’m curious. What made you stay, Peachbottom?”

“I was appointed to my position by Princess Luna herself. At that point I had already enthusiastically accepted. It would’ve been extremely rude of me to not take the job offered by royalty.”

Dinky gasps. “Really, Miss Peachbottom?”

“Yes, Dinky. But thanks to you and the other foals I came to realize there’s more to griffons then what we’ve been led to believe.”

Coco Pommel looks hopeful. “Are you planning to stay, Miss Peachbottom?”

“Oh yes! These younglings are simply a joy to teach! I’ve never in all my years seen such eager students!”

Arc smiles. “That’s good to hear. I was kinda worried they’d be too much for you to handle.”

Coco Pommel nods. “I’ve sat in on several of Miss Peachbottom’s classes. The younglings are certainly well below where our foals are expected to be academically at their age.”

Cheerilee sighs. “That they are.”

She turns to Arc.

“I tutor some of them after class.”

Dinky grins. “Me too. More so now that mom has some help in the kitchen.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Yes, Arc. Thank you for sending us some of your guards. Having them here is absolutely wonderful.”

Arc chuckles. “You seeing some familiar faces?”

“That I am. You see, before you saved us from Matron Tempest, when a foal aged out of the Orphanage that was always the last I’d ever see of them. Some nights I would lay in my bed wondering where they were, or what they were doing.”

She closes her eyes and puts a hoof to her heart as she smiles.

“And thanks to you I now know where many of them ended up.”

“My lieutenant says when he posted the sign-up sheet in the barracks the soldiers were literally crawling over one another to sign up.”

Peachbottom looks confused. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“Flash Sentry said that most of them wanted to see Coco Pommel again. And the others whom hadn’t grown up under her watch still had a desire to meet the mare whom they had heard so much about.”

Cheerilee looks to Arc. “Miss Derpy certainly needed the help. But is it really okay to do this, sir?”

“Do what?”

Coco Pommel looks nervous. “Have your soldiers helping out every day. While we really do need the help, I don’t want you getting in trouble with Canterlot.”

Arc shrugs. “No one’s said anything to me yet. And I don’t imagine anyone trying to do so either.”

“What about the princesses, dad?”

“They always listen to what I have to say with an open mind. But if they put their foot down on this issue, I’ll simply tell them the honest truth.”

Peachbottom shrinks back. “What’s that, sir?”

“That I’ll recall my troops when THEY can staff this place themselves.”

Coco Pommel stands up. “Please, Arc! I don’t want you getting in trouble over this!”

“Don’t worry. I checked the orders Flash Sentry brought me when he was stationed here. The soldiers under my command are instructed to do whatever I deem necessary in the pursuance of my task.”

Dinky looks confused. “What does that mean, dad?”

“I’m not fully sure. Admittedly it is kinda vague. But I interpret it to mean that they’re my personal standing forces. In addition to my squad, that is. I can send them out to do whatever needs to be done. And I see properly staffing the Orphanage Cafeteria as a very high priority right now.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Again I thank you, Arc.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “What about tutors? Do you need help with that too?”

Peachbottom smiles nervously. “Admittedly, we do. Miss Cheerilee, Mister Gallus, and Miss Natalya are doing our best. However most of the younglings still need a lot of one-on-one attention.”

Cheerilee nods. “We hate to ask for more help. Especially after everything you’ve already given us, sir.”

“What do they need help with the most?”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Truthfully… reading.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Yeah dad. None of them knows how to.”

“Makes sense. I’ll have Flash Sentry put up another posting in my name for reading tutors after school.”

Peachbottom appears nervous. “Thank you, sir. But might I make a request?”

“Go ahead.”

“Be sure they know they’re signing up to help younglings, not foals.”

Cheerilee nods. “Yes sir. It would crush the little ones if they saw their tutors walking out on them.”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof to her chin. “Yes. But it probably won’t be much of an issue. After all, they serve younglings in the Cafeteria every day. I haven’t seen any problems.”

“I’ll see to it they know. Now then…”

Arc turns to Dinky

“How are the foals taking this?”

“You mean sharing the building with griffons, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“A lot of them didn’t know what to think the first time you brough Mister Gallus’ friends to our class.”

Cheerilee nods. “Yes. They had trouble focusing on their lessons that day.”

“I’m sorry, Cheerilee. It wasn’t my intention to disrupt your classroom.”

“Oh, it’s quite alright, sir! I actually turned it into a lesson the next day on other cultures. Most of the foals just assumed the whole world was nothing but Equestria.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! It started a whole world culture lesson!”

Peachbottom looks to him sheepishly. “Which I myself had to learn prior to starting my own class.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “As did I.”

Arc chuckles. “Me too.”

“You dad? When?”

“The day I arrived in the Griffon Kingdom. Let’s just say I may have slightly offended Lieutenant Natalya with my greeting.”

Peachbottom raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I didn’t respond in the way a leader is supposed to.”

Cheerilee looks to him genuinely interested. “How is that done, sir?”

“Loudly and with a lot of showy demands.”

Coco Pommel frowns. “That doesn’t sound like you though, Arc.”

“It wasn’t. So I just did my best to earn their respect another way.”

Cheerilee gasps. “Through combat?”

“Partially, yes. But mostly I did it by being respectful of their culture as best I could, and not overstepping my bounds.”

Peachbottom looks to Arc. “Should I be teaching them more about their griffon heritage?”

“Not right now. Stick with the basics like reading, math, and Equestria’s history. When they’ve mastered that, I would recommend ordering some textbooks on the subject though. However, you’re the teachers here. You should decide the curriculum.”

Coco Pommel nods. “It may be wise to leave those subject alone until both griffons and foals are equally competent.”

Cheerilee smiles. “Agreed. Miss Peachbottom?”

Arc sighs. “Yes. They have enough on their plates without trying to learn about the country that abandoned them.”

Coco Pommel looks to her two teachers. “I’ll leave the curriculum up to you and Miss Cheerilee. Just let me know what kind of textbooks you need and I’ll do my best to get them for you.”

The teachers nod. Arc looks to Dinky.

“As long as I’m here, how are the foals and griffons getting along?”

“My friends and I started talking to them at recess on the first day of school.”

Cheerilee sighs. “Nopony really wanted to approach them at first.”

Dinky nods. “Right. But after Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle made friends with them too, Pipsqueak and Aquamarine joined us. Before long everyone was asking questions about where they came from, what they ate, how old they were, and… everything!”

Coco Pommel giggles. “I watched that from my patio. Dinky was pivotal to the youngling’s acceptance by the rest of the student body.”

Cheerilee smiles at the filly. “Yes. I too worried they wouldn’t get along, sir. But your daughter was able to bridge the gap between the two species.”

Peachbottom looks to Dinky. “If I may… how did you do that?”

“My dad taught me not to judge others at first glance. That and I learned all about humans from him. How they’re different, but also how we’re the same.”

“It looks like you did a good job, sweetheart. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks dad!”

Arc turns to Coco Pommel. “Well, I won’t take up any more of everyone’s time. I know you’re all very busy these days.”

She smiles at him as they all stand up. “Thank you for coming, Arc. I’m sorry we don’t have better news to impart.”

Peachbottom nods fervently. “Yes, sir. We’ll try to do better next time.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! This wasn’t an official inspection or anything. I was just worried about how things were going over here.”

Cheerilee sighs. “I can’t help but feel like we could be doing more.”

Dinky pats her teacher’s fetlock. “We all do, Miss Cheerilee.”

Arc nods. “Don’t start doubting yourselves now. It’ll just make the task that much more difficult.”

Coco Pommel nods sadly. “My heart knows that. But my head is a little slow to accept it.”

“I’m sure if all of you keep doing your best, the younglings will sense it and be inspired by your examples.”

“Are you sure about that, dad?”

“Yes, Dinky. Children can sense when something is wrong, after all. If you doubt yourself, they’ll start to doubt themselves.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Your father is right. I’ve seen first-hoof how a situation can be made better, or worse, just by a leader’s attitude.”

Peachbottom looks confused. “Miss Pommel?”

“The orphans would always look to me when Matron Tempest was in one of her moods. I always did my best to be brave for them.”

Cheerilee looks to her. “Did it help?”

Coco Pommel nods as they return to the corridor. “It was all I could do.”

Arc and company walk downstairs together. Dinky turns to her father as she pricks up her ears.

“It sounds like everypony is heading outside for recess.”

Arc chuckles. “You’d better hurry and get something to eat before your mother tosses it.”

Peachbottom turns to Arc. “Don’t worry about that, sir. My class should just be getting ready to come inside for lunch now.”

Coco Pommel nods. “It was the simplest way we could think of to have meetings.”

Dinky looks confused. “Why not after school, Miss Pommel?”

“Because all of us are very busy at that time.”

Cheerilee nods. “Yes. We tutor the younglings then.”

Peachbottom smiles. “That’s right.”

Coco Pommel looks to Dinky. “You’re usually helping Miss Derpy in the kitchen at that time.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin. “I guess you’re right.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’m glad your mother can count on you for help, sweetheart. But don’t neglect your studies.”

“I won’t, dad.”

Dinky trots into the Cafeteria as Cheerilee turns to Arc.

“You should be very proud of your daughter, sir. She’s really been instrumental in bridging the gap between my students and the younglings.”

Peachbottom nods. “Yes. The students in my class really seem to gravitate toward her.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “I noticed that too. From both foals and younglings. She really does have your charisma, Arc.”

“Thank you. I’m very proud of her. But how does she do it?”

“By just being a kind-hearted, understanding, empathetic young filly in class and out.”

Peachbottom nods. “She has a bright future ahead of her, sir.”

Coco Pommel looks to Arc happily. “Yes. We’ll do our best to help her become all she can be.”

“That sounds good. But I’ve kept you all far too long.”

Coco Pommel gestures to the Cafeteria. “It’s no trouble. Why don’t you have something to eat while you’re here though? Today is Pizza Day.”

Arc grins. “Dinky’s favorite.”

“I’m sure she’d love to have you share a meal with her.”

Arc nods. “I think I will. Keep up the good work you three.”

He turns and heads for the Cafeteria. Peachbottom breathes a sigh of relief.

“I’m certainly glad that’s over.”

Cheerilee looks to her, confused. “Miss Peachbottom?”

“Please don’t tell him, but the Hero of Light still makes me a bit nervous.”

Coco Pommel raises an eyebrow. “It is his appearance?”

“That and the size difference.”

Cheerilee sighs. “I too was frightened upon meeting him.”

Peachbottom appears surprised. “Really? I thought it was just me.”

Coco Pommel giggles. “I remember that day, Miss Cheerilee.”

“Oh? What happened?”

Cheerilee blushes nervously. “I… might have fainted at the sight of the Lord Regent.”

Peachbottom smiles nervously. “Truth be told, I felt like running away when he entered my classroom for the first time. I probably would have, had he not been standing between me and the door.”

Cheerilee giggles. “You don’t have to worry. He’s very… likeable when you get past his outward appearance.”

Coco Pommel nods. “That he is. Well, I have papers to go over in my office. See you two at supper.”

She turns back toward the stairs as Cheerilee and Peachbottom return to their classrooms. Later that evening Arc, Ember, and Sereb walk down the path towards Light’s Hope. Arc is the first to speak.

“Well, lunch was pretty tasty.”

Ember burps. “Agreed.”

Sereb chuckles. “As was supper.”

“That too. Thanks for helping out, you two.”

Ember grins. “It was actually pretty fun.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. The younglings are certainly… enthusiastic about their studies.”

Arc sighs. “You would be too if you were receiving an education for the first time like they are.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. I bet none of them ever thought they’d get to even see a classroom. Much less sit in one.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Yes, they are quite fortunate in that regard. I am still wondering how the students are not overweight from such exceptional dining though.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, they look to stay pretty active.”

Ember puts a claw to her chin. “That and they’re growing foals and younglings, after all.”

“That too.”

Sereb sighs. “I suppose that is true.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong, Sereb?”

“Seeing all the young ponies reminds me of my brother and I as pups.”

Arc nods soberly. “And you miss him?”

“Indeed. Although I do not know why. After all, he and I have not been close since we were very young.”

Ember shrugs. “Kinda like me and Smolder. Well, other than the close part.”

“While I have seen little of him since joining you on your journeys, it was something of a comfort knowing he was at the village safeguarding it.”

Ember appears confused. “I don’t see anyone invading the Dragon Lands anytime soon, Sereb.”

“Yes, I understand that. But…”

Arc nods understandingly. “But you could have gone home to see him anytime then.”

“Not anymore.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Good riddance! I mean, come on! He betrayed us!”

Arc nods skeptically. “Sort of, I suppose. But isn’t he just following your village’s traditions?”

“Yes. Although there was not a battle between he and the one whom calls herself Sunset Shimmer.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah! How come?!”

“I can only assume he could sense her immense power and simply felt there was no need.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why did you and I have to fight?”

“Probably because a Life Pact had not been forged in so many years. It was certainly quite the exhibition for the rest of the tribe.”

Ember chuckles. “You were entertainment, Arc.”

“Well, at least no one got hurt.”

Sereb growls. “That will not be the case when Kane and I next meet!”

Arc puts a hand on Sereb’s back. “Easy there, big guy.”

“Come on, Arc! His brother turned on us!”

“That doesn’t mean he should let it eat him up inside.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Of course not! But he certainly wants revenge!”

Sereb growls. “That I do! His actions imperiled your peace summit!”

Arc sighs. “While I do appreciate you wanting to defend the integrity of that event, I also don’t want my friend to be consumed by thoughts of revenge.”

Ember growls. “What’s wrong with being passionate?!”

“Look at it this way, Ember. What if Smolder had done the same? Would you want to kill her too?”

“I… um…”

She is silent for a time, thinking.

“Well… I suppose as the future Dragon Lord it would be my duty to… right that wrong any way I could.”

“I see. So you would kill her?”

Ember turns away. “Mercifully, yes.”

Sereb sighs. “That is… disconcerting. Now that I see it from another angle.”

Arc jumps up into the saddle. “I just don’t want you to make a decision rashly that will haunt you forever. Love or hate him, Kane’s still part of your family.”

“Yes. However… he and I will still have to settle this.”

Ember grins. “You mean ‘we’, right?”

“We shall see.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Some things one must take care of oneself. I’m certain if young Smolder was your target you would insist on doing the deed yourself.”

“I suppose that’s true, but…”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

Max sounds frantic. “S-sir! This is Max! I…! You see…!”

“Woah, woah! Calm down, Max! What’s wrong?!”

“It’s just… ah…! I’m really sorry, but Lily just called! There’s… um… kinda a situation at Shelly’s Kitchen!”

Ember frowns. “Can you be more specific?”

“I honestly can’t! Lily sounded really upset on the phone just now! The most I could get out of her was that you’re needed right away!”

Arc nods soberly. “Alright. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Arc out.”

Chapter 4 - Emergency Trip

A minute later Arc, Ember, and Sereb appear on the sigil in Canterlot Castle. They run down the corridor together as Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst! Come in!”

“Sunburst here, sir.”

“I need a portal to Earth right now!”

“But there isn’t a window at the moment.”

Ember frowns. “Well, we need to get there right away!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Right! Get to Princess Celestia’s room!”

“Yes sir.”

A few minutes later the group bursts through the door. Sunburst looks over his gauges as they hurry over to him.

“What do you think?!”

Sunburst shakes his head. “That this isn’t the best time to try this, sir.”

Sereb growls. “Our need is dire.”

Arc nods frantically. “It is! Can you send us there or not?!”

Sunburst sighs. “Yes. But even with all the headway I’ve made into the process, this will be a very rough ride.”

Ember taps her foot impatiently. “So?! Let’s get it over with!”

Arc frowns. “Maybe just I should go.”

“That may be prudent, sir. I can’t guarantee anypony’s safety on this particular trip.”

Ember glares at him. “Hold on now! I’m coming too!”

Arc sighs. “Ember…”

Sereb steps forward. “As am I.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not you too!”

Sereb nods. “Arc, you are there when others have need of you. I wish to be there for you now.”

“Uh… can I talk either of you out of this?”

Ember frowns. “Nope!”

Sereb shakes his head. “I will not go if you order me not to. However, I still wish to come.”

“It’s just…! I…”

Arc sighs and shakes his head as he turns to Sunburst.

“Fire it up.”

“Yes sir.”

He turns to his friends as Sunburst gets to work.

“Thanks you two.”

Ember takes Arc’s hand. “It’s what friends do. Or so I’ve seen from your example anyways.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

A minute later Sunburst looks up to him nervously.

“I’m as ready as I can be, sir.”

“It will have to do. Open the portal.”

Sunburst sighs. “Yes sir.”

Pushing a few buttons, a wormhole opens. Arc and his friends run toward it and vanish. Sunburst frowns.

“Good luck you three.”

A few moments later they fly out the other end. The trio rolls along Arc’s back lawn for a ways before hitting the house’s foundation. They lie there for a few moments dazed. Ember is the first to be able to speak.

“That… wasn’t fun.”

Arc groans. “Agreed. You okay, Sereb?”

“Somehow, yes.”

They slowly get to their feet as Max and company hurry outside.

“Are you three alright?!”

Arc rubs his back. “Yeah, I think we’re fine.”

Hugh winces. “That was quite the crash!”

Viktor nods. “Yes, we heard it all the way in the basement!”

Xenos looks at the side of the house. “At least there isn’t a hole there this time.”

Ember frowns. “Always looking at the bright side, eh Xenos?”

“You know me so well.”

Arc turns to Max. “Any more from Lily?!”

“No sir, nothing.”

Viktor tosses Arc his keys. “You should get over there, sir.”

Hugh shudders. “Yeah. I could hear Lily crying from my spot at the table across the room.”

Arc heads quickly toward the garage. “Thanks for the heads up, guys!”

A few moments later Arc’s Jeep starts and the garage door opens. Xenos turns to Ember and Sereb as the vehicle pulls away.

“I’m surprised you didn’t want to tag along.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah, well… I really did.”

Sereb turns to her, confused. “Oh? Then why didn’t…?”

Ember interrupts him as she heads for the house. “Because Shelly and Lily are Arc’s best friends. And they need HIM right now. Not a third wheel like Sereb and I.”

Meanwhile, Arc quickly makes his way toward his destination as he mutters to himself.

“Shelly… please be okay!”

In short order Arc arrives at the restaurant. The interior is dark except for a single light in the upstairs apartment. Running up the exterior stairs he knocks loudly. A few moments later a voice rings out from the other side.

“Who… who is it?”

“It’s Arc, Lily!”

“Are you alone?”

“Uh… yeah.”

The door opens a crack and Lily peeks out. She looks Arc up and down for a few seconds before opening the door the rest of the way.

“Come in, quick!”

Arc does so as Lily locks the door behind him.

“What’s going on? Max said you were really upset.”

Lily says nothing but takes a moment to look cautiously out a nearby window at the street below.

“Yes, well… does anyone else know you’re here, Arc?”

“Ember and the guys do. Seriously, what’s wrong?”

Lily takes Arc’s hand. “Come with me.”

“Is Shelly okay?”

“Yes. She went to bed early. Fortunately…”

As Lily leads him into the Living Room, Arc is met by a disturbing sight.

“You again?!”

Before him on the sofa sits Snake, Wolf, and Jackal.

“Oh boy… what do you three need now?!”

Snake frowns. “Nice to see you too.”

Wolf glares at him. “Believe me, this wasn’t ideal for us either.”

Jackal looks around. “Hey! Where doggie?!”

“He’s at home.”

Arc turns to Lily as she stands at another window and looks outside.

“What’s going on?”

Lily does not turn around. “They just… kinda showed up.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Great. Start talking.”

Snake purses his lips. “We’ve been visiting the boss in the hospital regularly.”

Wolf nods. “As much as we could anyways.”

Jackal grins. “Right! We been rebuilding!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Your gang?”

Snake nods.. “Yeah. After the whole mine incident, a lot of guys left.”

Wolf sighs. “Can’t say as I blame them. I mean, getting betrayed by pretty much the entire Shard leadership wasn’t something we saw coming.”

“Makes sense. But that doesn’t explain why you three are here.”

Jackal looks to his left and right as he counts on his fingers before shaking his head.

“You mean four!”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Uh… is the fourth guy invisible?”

Lily turns back to Arc nervously. “He’s… in my room sleeping.”

Arc turns to her, confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

Snake grins. “It’s true!”

“Who?”

Jackal claps his hands together happily. “Mister Fontaine!”

Arc gasps. “Wait! Frank is HERE?!”

Lily nods soberly. “Yes.”

“So the hospital was able to help him?!”

A voice rings out from the doorway.

“ Not really.”

Arc turns to see Frank leaning heavily on the door frame. He is still wearing a hospital gown and appears weak.

“F-Frank?! What are you…?”

He turns to the Shards on the sofa.

“Did you break him out of the hospital?!”

Snake looks away nervously. “Uh… maybe?”

Jackal nods. “Yeah! They chased us too!”

Wolf shakes his head. “Not our finest moment.”

Sighing, Arc walks over to his old friend.

“Darn it, Frank. Sit down before you fall down.”

Frank chuckles as Arc helps him over to the sofa. “Thank you my friend. But I’ll be fine.”

Arc frowns. “You’ve never been very good at lying.”

“Guilty as charged.”

Arc sits Frank down between Snake and Jackal as he turns to Lily.

“Is that why you keep looking out the window?”

Lily nods. “Yes. I’m half expecting Marshal Raynor to show up asking about him.”

“And the other half?”

Frank grimaces. “Let’s say I have more than just the law searching for me at the moment.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What did you DO, Frank?!”

“This time I honestly don’t know.”

“Right…”

“It’s the truth!”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“Maybe. But why come here?”

Snake looks sheepishly at Arc. “That was actually my idea.”

Wolf nods. “Snake figured that the boss’ friends would take him in and keep him safe.”

“What about your base?”

Jackal shudders. “We kinda scared go back there with him right now.”

Snake frowns. “Yeah. I mean, who knows if there’s anyone still loyal to the lieutenants there?!”

Frank sighs. “As much as it grieves me to do so, there must be numerous traitors in our midst.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “What makes you say that? Other than Stingray, Hammer, and Mio?”

“I honestly used to think they wanted to see the world changed.”

Wolf shakes his head. “So did we, boss.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh, I believe that.”

“You do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But change isn’t always a good thing.”

Snake looks to him angrily. “Anything’s better than what we got now!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Oh really? How’d you like to live under Diva’s rule?”

Jackal shakes his head. “She bad lady!”

Frank narrows his eyes. “Dare I ask how you know the name of my kidnapper, Arc?”

“My friends and I helped the Hero of Light track you down to that run-down farmhouse outside of town.”

Frank chuckles. “All that detective know-how finally paid off?”

“Looks like. So how about you fill in some of the blanks for me, Frank?”

Snake glares at Arc. “Go easy on him!”

Wolf clenches a fist. “Yeah! The boss isn’t fully recovered yet!”

Frank sighs. “Thanks boys. But we need to keep this ball rolling.”

He turns to Arc.

“What do you want to know?”

“First of all, who the heck IS Diva?!”

Frank shrugs. “No idea. She’s supposed to be a friend of Stingray’s.”

Jackal nods. “She showed up more after the boss went missing.”

Frank frowns. “Did she now? I’m amazed she found the time, what with all the attention she gave me back then.”

Lily looks worried. “What did she do?”

“Sleep deprivation, starvation, poking and prodding mostly. In all honesty, I thought she would be the end of me. But tell me… what of the Shards?”

Snake sighs. “Diva tried to bury the whole gang.”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

Wolf sighs. “By collapsing the underground factory.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “What factory?!”

Jackal frowns. “The one she had us working in, boss.”

Lily looks to Arc. “I don’t think she told Frank about it.”

Frank grimaces. “They most certainly did not!”

Arc thinks for a moment before continuing.

“What about the other two buildings the Hero of Light found them in? The warehouse and the abandoned factory?”

“We used that factory for storing… things.”

Lily appears apprehensive. “What kind of things, Frank?”

“Goods to sell to those whom could appreciate them.”

“Drugs?”

Frank frowns. “No, Arc. I thought you knew me better than that.”

“Well, that’s what was being made in that old mine.”

Snake sighs. “I think he’s right, boss.”

Wolf nods. “Yeah. It was some kinda chemical in syringes and bottles mostly.”

Jackal yawns. “Work was hard!”

Frank clenches his fist angrily. “And none of you questioned that?!”

Wolf shrugs. “Diva wasn’t much for critics, sir.”

Snake nods. “Yes, well… nothing much to do about that now. The mine’s gone.”

Frank grits his teeth. “Are you certain?!”

Arc looks to Frank. “The Hero mentioned that much. He said Diva wanted to bring the place down on them. They were loose ends to her”

A look of pure fury crosses Frank’s face.

“I’ll make her pay for that! She won’t take us lightly again!”

He brings a hand to his forehead as Lily hurries to his side.

“Easy there, Frank. You’re still pretty weak.”

Arc sighs. “You should listen to Lily. Let’s just continue with the questions, okay?”

“Very well.”

“Was it Diva who kidnapped you?”

Frank nods. “Yes, that much I do remember.”

Lily gasps. “But why?”

“She never told me.”

Snake clenches a fist. “We’ll get her back for you, boss.”

Wolf nods angrily. “Yeah. And the lieutenants too!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Can you tell me what exactly they were hoping to accomplish?”

Frank puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “They did mention something when they thought I was unconscious.”

Lily appears relieved. “Good! A clue!”

“Diva was talking with someone about being very close to a breakthrough in my ‘treatments’.”

“Treatments?”

Frank nods. “Sadly, I’m not sure what that meant.”

Lily gasps. “Did they drug you, or something, Frank?!”

Frank sighs. “I… don’t know. They probably did, as things are still kinda fuzzy.”

Arc turns to the others.

“Why’d you take him out of the hospital anyways?”

Lily nods. “Yes. They were trying to help him.”

Snake frowns. “I’m not so sure.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“At one point I took a look at the boss’ chart. Nowhere did it say anything about administering any kinds of drugs.”

Lily looks confused. “Really? But I thought he was still hooked up to IVs.”

Wolf nods. “He was, yes.”

Snake shakes his head and sighs. “It just didn’t seem right. That and the bottles weren’t labeled.”

Arc frowns. “What?!”

Jackal nods. “It true.”

Snake grimaces. “Yeah. I pulled out the IVs and we waited. After an hour or so the boss looked like he was about to have one of his gibberish sessions. But instead, he was somewhat coherent.”

Frank smiles at them. “Those were my first, albeit fuzzy, memories since I was taken.”

Arc turns to Wolf. “I don’t suppose you took any of the bottles from the hospital.”

“Nah. The boss needed to get away from that stuff. Why would we take it with us?”

Lily looks to Frank. “We could have had Marshal Raynor send it to the lab. After all, what happened to you was certainly a crime, Frank.”

“It certainly was. But going to Raynor now would just land me in a jail cell at best, or back in the hospital at worst.”

Arc sighs. “Probably.”

Lily looks to her friend. “Arc, where should we go from here?”

Frank shakes his head. “There is no ‘we’, Lily. I need to get out of here though, as I’m certain the police are looking for me even as we speak.”

Lily turns to look back out the window. “They’ve driven past a couple times now. But where would you go?”

“I… hadn’t actually thought of that.”

Jackal looks confused. “Why not go back to base?”

Arc sighs. “Because that’s the first place Diva and the authorities will look for him.”

Frank hangs his head. “He’s right.”

Lily smiles nervously. “You can stay here if you want, Frank.”

Frank sighs. “I frequented this place in the past, and everyone in town knows it. This would probably be the second place someone would look.”

Lily appears nearly frantic. “That may be. But you have to go SOMEWHERE!”

“Agreed. Perhaps Arc has some ideas.”

“My house is kind of… uh… full right now. But I do know a rather… secluded place where you’ll be safe.”

Frank nods. “I’m listening.”

Sometime later that evening Arc and company drive up to an old house on the outskirts of town. Frank chuckles.

“I had forgotten about this place.”

Snake looks out the window. “Where are we, boss?”

“The original Shard hideout.”

Arc frowns. “Yeah.”

Wolf turns to Frank. “But why wouldn’t Diva think to look here?”

“She wasn’t a member when we still used this place, so there’s no way she’d know about it.”

Jackal claps his hands. “I like it! This be like camping!”

Arc nods as he turns off the Jeep. “That it will be. Mostly because there’s no electricity, running water, heat, or working plumbing.”

Snake squirms. “This doesn’t sound like much fun to me, Jackal.”

Frank sighs. “If you boys want to head back to town with Arc, I understand.”

“No way, boss.”

“We’re with you!”

Snake sighs. “Yeah.”

They walk toward the house as Arc shines a flashlight at the door.

“This way.”

Leading the group, they walk into the darkened house. Heading deeper inside they come to the master bedroom. Frank chuckles.

“This used to be my room long ago.”

Arc sighs. “Not as long as you think, Frank.”

Jackal points. “Why there strange looking blanket on bed?”

Frank smiles as he walks over to the bed. “The last thing I did before leaving was to make the bed and put this tarp over it. I did that just in case it was needed again. Guess it was a good thing.”

Snake and Wolf roll back the tarp exposing clean sheets and a blanket. Jackal helps Frank down onto the bed.

“There you go, boss. Comfy?”

“The bed was always a bit lumpy, but otherwise yes. We should turn in now.”

Wolf looks around. “What about us, boss?”

“There should be some old blankets around to make things a bit more comfortable for you three.”

Arc turns around. “I’ll head back to the Jeep. There’s a couple blankets and some emergency rations in there.”

Snake raises an eyebrow. “Do you always carry around stuff like that?”

“Yup.”

Wolf frowns. “Why?”

Arc shrugs. “One never knows when they’ll get stranded in the middle of nowhere.”

Frank nods. “Very wise, Arc.”

“Be right back.”

Arc leaves the room, plunging it back into darkness. Snake calls out.

“Boss?”

“Hm?”

“Where did you find this guy?!”

Frank chuckles. “That’s a bit of a long story. But I suppose we don’t have much else to do, so sit down and I’ll tell you.”

The three Shards do so. Frank begins the story of his life at the Farburg Orphanage, and how he, Arc, Shelly, and Lily grew up together. Arc enters with the box of emergency supplies and listens.

“And that’s about all there was to it.”

Snake turns to look Arc up and down. “So HE was your lieutenant?!”

Wolf scoffs. “Not much to look at in that regard.”

Jackal shrugs. “I dunno. He smart as Stingray.”

Frank nods. “Yes. I daresay he could probably out-plan even her.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks… I think.”

Snake sighs as he turns to Arc. “So why’d you leave?”

“A difference in opinion with Frank’s methodology.”

Jackal scratches his head. “Wut?”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “He didn’t agree with the boss.”

“Why he not say that then?”

“But I did.”

Frank nods. “So… why are you helping me now, Arc? I was under the impression you and I were done.”

Arc shakes his head. “You and I go way back. Childhood friendships aren’t something easily tossed away.”

“I see. So we’re allies again?”

“We never truly stopped being friends. Just because I don’t agree with what you’re doing anymore doesn’t change that.”

“Thank you, my friend. It is good to know I can still count on you.”

“Yes, well… I should probably get home now. Tomorrow I’ll head to the store for some groceries and other things you’ll probably need.”

Snake puts a hand on his stomach. “Need a hand with that?”

“Nah. I’ll load up and be here around noon. Then we can talk more.”

Wolf looks to Arc warily. “What about?”

Arc tosses Wolf the flashlight. “Where to go from here.”

Chapter 5 - Settling In

True to his word, Arc returns to the house the next day. Snake and Jackal walk outside to meet him. Arc opens the back hatch and tosses the pair a couple sleeping bags.

“These should come in handy.”

Jackal grins. “Thanks! The blankets we had didn’t work too well.”

Wolf frowns. “Yeah. The floor was cold and hard last night.

“Put the blankets under these sleeping bags and it’ll be a bit more comfortable.”

Arc grabs the third bag and heads inside with the pair.

“So where’s Frank?”

Jackal points to the master bedroom. “He resting. Snake’s with him.”

Wolf nods. “The boss is still weak from whatever they did to him.”

“Well, hopefully some more food in his belly will fix that.”

Jackal sticks out his tongue. “Yah! Those packaged meals don’t taste very good.”

They bring in the rest of the supplies including groceries, flashlights, a battery operated radio, extra blankets, a med-kit, bottled water, soap, toiletries, and matches. Arc and company set them down on the kitchen counter.

“That should keep you going for a little while.”

Wolf nods begrudgingly. “Th-thanks.”

Snake walks into the room and looks to Arc.

“The boss is awake and wants to see you.”

“Good.”

Jackal looks to Arc expectantly. “Can we listen?”

“That’s probably a good idea, yes. Let’s go.”

They head to Frank’s room. He does his best to sit upright.

“Sorry for waking you.”

Frank forces a weak smile. “No, no, it’s quite alright. I can’t be sleeping the day away.”

Snake looks at his boss’ haggard appearance. “You might want to, sir.”

Jackal nods. “Yeah, boss. You no look good.”

Frank puts a hand to his forehead. “Honestly, I’m still quite fatigued.”

Arc points a thumb to the door. “Should I come back later?”

Frank shakes his head. “No, Arc. We really need to plan our next move.”

Snake, Wolf, and Jackal sit on a large chest in the corner of the room as Arc sits on the corner of the bed.

“So… any ideas on what we should do next?”

Frank nods. “That I do. But first I need all of you to bring me up to speed on what’s been accomplished thus far.”

Snake raises an eyebrow. “Eh?”

Arc turns to them. “That way he knows what loose ends need tying up.”

Wolf shrugs. “Makes sense.”

They spend the next hour telling Frank their experiences. He listens intently.

“I see. So the Hero destroyed the underground factory?”

Jackal shakes his head. “Nuh uh. Diva did that.”

Wolf clenches his fist. “And almost took us out in the process!”

Arc nods. “That’s what the Hero told me too. How he got everyone out in time and in one piece is beyond me though.”

Frank smiles. “I’ll have to thank him when we meet.”

Snake looks confused. “Boss?”

“As much as I hate to admit it, the Hero is our best hope at accomplishing my goal.”

Arc looks to Frank warily. “Which part?”

“Taking down Diva, for starters.”

Snake grins. “Yeah! She needs to be taught a lesson!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “First we’d have to know where she is.”

He turns to the others.

“You guys have been staying at the hideout. Tell me, has anyone see Diva or any of the other lieutenants?”

Wolf shakes his head. “Nope. They haven’t shown their faces since the mine incident.”

Snake nods angrily. “Yeah! We’d trounce em!”

Frank puts a hand to his chin. “There must be a way to track them.”

Arc turns to Snake. “Do they frequent someplace?”

“Nah. Diva and the other lieutenants didn’t go into town much.”

Jackal’s face brightens. “But they did leave sometimes.”

Wolf sighs. “Yeah. But no one knows where they went.”

Jackal turns to Arc. “Your doggie?!”

“What about him?”

“Could he sniff out the bad ladies?!”

Snake sighs. “You’re thinking of a bloodhound, big guy. Not all dogs can track like they can, after all.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “That might be an idea.”

Wolf scoffs. “But that mutt’s certainly not a…!”

Frank interrupts him. “If Arc says his dog can do it, you should believe him. But we’ll need something for him to get their scents.”

Arc nods. “What about Diva’s room?”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “I don’t think she’d be foolish enough to hide in there after what happened.”

“I mean to get her scent. An article of clothing or something might do the trick.”

“Do you really think he could do it, Arc?”

Arc turns to Frank and shrugs. “No idea. But what do we have to lose?”

Wolf sighs. “Nothing, I guess. Other than a bit of time.”

Snake purses his lips. “But Diva and the others always drive everywhere.”

Wolf frowns. “You’d have to walk all over town!”

“I’ll help!”

Frank looks surprised. “Jackal?”

“I can walk doggie!”

Frank turns to Arc. “He’s certainly… willing.”

“Yeah. I guess so.”

“I suggest letting him do so. After all, I’m sure you have other things to do than walk a dog all day.”

Arc nods. “Kinda.”

He turns to Jackal.

“I guess that means you get the job.”

“Hooray!”

Arc looks back to Frank. “Now then, there’s just the issue of sneaking into your base and getting into Diva’s room.”

“About that… we’d do well to have someone over there full time.”

Wolf raises an eyebrow. “Boss?”

“In case something happens, that is. Think of them like a mole in our own garden.”

Snake nods. “Yeah, makes sense. But who?”

“I was actually thinking you, Snake.”

“M-me?!”

Arc nods at Frank’s suggestion. “That’s actually a pretty good idea. The Hero said the gang really rallied around you after escaping from the mine.”

“Well… kinda. But…”

“Snake will accompany you back to our base and lead you to Diva’s room whenever you’re ready, Arc.”

Snake sighs. “Yes sir.”

“Alright. But if he overhears anything, how is he supposed to tell us?”

Frank frowns. “Hm… that could prove difficult.”

Jackal looks to his boss. “Wut about your cell phone, boss?”

“We left my things at the hospital, remember?”

Wolf nods. “Yeah. It wasn’t exactly the time to go shopping for recovered patient property.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I could probably get your stuff back for you.”

“That’s a bit risky, my friend.”

“How about just the phone then? I know how much you loved that suit, but…”

Snake gasps. “So you’re going to break into the hospital’s property lockup?!”

Wolf grimaces. “They guard that area pretty well, you know.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Dare I ask how you know that?”

Frank chuckles. “Wolf is our foremost… infiltration expert.”

Wolf nods soberly. “You need in somewhere, I’ll find an entrance.”

Jackal nods. “He already tried to get in there.”

“Yeah. Only one door in, cameras everywhere, and a 24-hour guard on duty.”

Snake shrugs. “Why I don’t know. I mean, it’s mostly just patient’s clothes.”

Arc frowns. “Yes. But they also have their watches, jewelry, wallets and, in this case, cell phones.”

Frank grins. “I get the feeling you have a plan, Arc.”

“Not yet, no. But I know someone who might just be able to get the job done.”

Jackal looks hopeful. “Who?”

“The Hero.”

Snake raises an eyebrow. “Him? But why would he want to break in there?”

“I think I can convince him to do it. After all, he’s not going in there to steal anything. Just get back what rightfully belongs to Frank.”

Wolf puts a hand to his chin. “Makes sense. But are you sure he’ll take the job?”

Arc shrugs. “It never hurts to ask.”

Frank chuckles. “I see you haven’t lost your touch, Arc.”

“Huh?”

“You were the smart one. Always thinking about how to get things done.”

“Thanks… I think. Now even if we can get your phone back, that’s just the start of it. We’ll need some more leads to go on after that.”

Frank looks to Jackal and Snake. “Hopefully our dog walker and mole can help us in that regard.”

“At the very least maybe find a clue. Something we can build on, that is.”

Arc stands up.

“But let me head home and give the Hero a call. See if we can get that ball rolling.”

“When you want me to walk doggie?!”

“As soon as we get Frank’s phone back.”

Frank nods. “Yes. Not much point in them finding leads if they can’t report them back to you and I, Arc.”

“Right. I’ll get back to you on what he says. You just rest, Frank.”

“That I will.”

Arc heads for the door. Snake follows him outside to the Jeep as he shakes his head.

“I just don’t get you.”

“What do you mean?”

Snake leans against the Jeep as he continues. “The boss said you were his lieutenant. I mean, you had Stingray’s job! The power, the prestige…!”

“The headaches.”

“Huh?”

“Leading is more than getting fat and barking orders.”

Snake grins. “Yeah. There’s also the larger cut!”

“With no time to enjoy it.”

“Time?”

Arc nods. “Right. Did you ever see Stingray taking breaks?”

“Well… no. But she must’ve at some point! I mean… why else would someone do that job if not for the benefits?! I mean, didn’t you LIKE it?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I reality, I found I was working toward an end goal that didn’t exist.”

Snake frowns. “Then why take the job in the first place?!”

“Because I… I thought I was doing the right thing. Making the world a better place. Or at least better for the members.”

Snake sighs. “I wasn’t around back then, so I really couldn’t say how things were run. But I know that’s what the boss wants.”

“Yeah, well… I’m sure he does. But he’s always been good at coming up with ideas. Not so much how to achieve them.”

“That’s where you came in?”

Arc nods as he gets into the Jeep.

“We all do what we’re good at.”

“I suppose so.”

Snake thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Well then Mister Problem Solver… how the heck is the Hero supposed to get the boss’ stuff back?”

“He and I will think of something. You can count on that. Just take care of Frank until you hear back from me.”

Snake nods as Arc drives away. He watches the Jeep until it turns onto the main road and leaves his sight.

“I don’t know how the heck he’s going to pull this one off. But if the boss has faith in him, so do I.”

Meanwhile, Cherry calls out to Arc.

“So you’re really going to break into someplace?”

“Yup.”

“I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry. I’m not turning to the dark side, or anything.”

“No, no! What I mean is this is still risky. What if somepony sees you?”

“They won’t. If anything, they’ll just see the Hero of Light.”

“There’s that too! Your reputation would be trashed here on Earth!”

“Probably.”

“Then why are you doing this?!”

Arc sighs. “Because we need to find Diva. And the best way to do that right now is with Frank and the Shard’s help.”

Cherry groans. “And if in the process of doing this you get caught?”

“I won’t.”

Chapter 6 - Medical Infiltration

A couple hours later Arc and Rose pull into the hospital parking lot. Arc looks to her as he turns off the ignition.

“Are you sure you’re okay doing this, Rose?”

Rose nods. “Yes. If you believe it’s the only way, I’ll do my part to help.”

“Thanks.”

“But I don’t know what to do.”

“Neither do I.”

Rose appears surprised. “Oh?”

“Well, at least not yet.”

“So how should we get started?”

“By gathering information. After all, we don’t even know where they keep the patient’s stuff.”

“I’ll follow your lead.”

Arc nods. “Let’s head inside. If we’re lucky, inspiration will hit us.”

They step out of the Jeep and walk inside. The hospital appears quite busy. Rose turns to Arc.

“Did something happen?”

“Probably no more than usual. After all, it is the middle of the day. Let’s take a walk, shall we?”

Rose smiles. “Yes! Let’s!”

Arc leads the pair down a wide corridor. They look around as Rose lowers her voice.

“Are we looking for anything in particular?”

“If we were to find the room itself, that would be ideal.”

“But…?”

“I doubt they have it marked from the corridor or on any of the visitor maps.”

Rose looks confused. “How’s anyone supposed to find it then?”

“They’re not.”

“Come again?”

“The support staff retrieves a patient’s personal property for them before their discharged. There’s no reason for anyone other than staff to go there.”

“Makes sense. But that doesn’t really help us now does it?”

“That it doesn’t.”

Rose sighs. “This is hard.”

“True. But we’ll think of something.”

The pair continue on for a bit. Arc sniffs the air as Rose turns to him.

“You smell something?”

Arc grins. “The Cafeteria probably.”

Rose giggles. “Hungry?”

“Well, it HAS been a long time since breakfast.”

They head for the Cafeteria. The sounds of clanking dished fills the air. Soon they sit down, Arc with a hamburger and Rose with a tall cup of ice water.

“That’s not too bad. It’s no Shelly Burger though, I suppose.”

Rose smiles at him. “But what is, right?”

“Can’t argue with that.”

She looks out the window. “Arc… can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“I’ve been feeling a lot of new things since you ordered the removal of my directives.”

“Is that bad?”

“I… don’t know. But they’re both wonderful and terrifying at the same time.”

“Can you describe them?”

Rose thinks for a moment before responding.

“Well, for starters, I… um… feel strange whenever my garments are removed.”

“Human modesty.”

“Originally that’s what I thought as well. But I’m not a human, remember?”

“That’s sort of true, I suppose.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it, Rose. You look like a human, sound like a human, feel like a human and… even smell like one.”

“But that doesn’t make me one.”

“True. But the only difference I see is how you were born.”

Rose sighs. “There’s also the issue of my internal parts. Yours are organic. Mine are synthetic. You’re alive. I’m not.”

Cherry calls out. “Just because one isn’t alive doesn’t mean they’re not capable of having feelings.”

Rose sighs. “Yes. You’re proof of that, Miss Cherry.”

“Try to think more about what you are rather than what you are not.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. And remember this. No one expects you to understand everything right away. Heck, I’m still learning how life works, and expect to do so until the end of my days.”

“What do I do though?”

“Take it one day at a time, Rose. Slow and steady wins the race, after all.”

“Is that how humans do it?”

“Pretty much. When we’re born everything is done for us. From our parents literally putting food in our mouths to wiping our rears.”

Cherry giggles. “The same can be said for foals. But as they grow, their parents slowly teach them how to care for themselves. Eventually they’re able to do everything by themselves. Including have their own foals. And the process begins anew with the next generation.”

Rose sighs. “That may be. But I wasn’t exactly born like you two were.”

Arc nods. “I suppose not. It must’ve been difficult to open your eyes as an adult.”

“That is was. I mean, mother programmed me with what she could. But there are large gaps in my knowledge base on a great number of subjects.”

Cherry sighs. “Nopo… no one knows everything, Rose.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

“But what about my feelings? Mother said she couldn’t program them properly.”

Arc reaches across the table and puts a hand on hers. “I think that’s one of the things you’ll just have to learn on your own.”

Rose sighs. “I guess so.”

Arc smiles at her as they stand up. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Now I need to use the restroom before we get moving.”

“I’ll take care of the dishes while you do that.”

“Thanks.”

Arc walks toward a public bathroom as Rose takes his tray of dirty dishes over to the counter. She mutters to herself.

“I… I also feel a warmth in my chest whenever you and I are together, Arc. Mother says I have a crush on you. She told me it was normal for a mare to feel that way towards those they care about, but… but I know she feels the same way about you.”

Rose sighs as she walks over to the Bathroom to wait for Arc.

“What I wouldn’t do to have the courage to talk to you about this.”

A short time later Arc walks out and over to her.

“Alright. Let’s get moving.”

“Okay. Where to?”

Arc shrugs. “No clue. Haven’t had any ideas yet.”

The pair walk down the corridor together. A few minutes later there is a commotion behind them. Several nurses rush toward them pushing a gurney quickly down the corridor, Arc and Rose step aside to allow them to pass.

“What’s going on?!”

Arc sighs. “They must’ve been brought through the emergency entrance.”

“How could you tell?”

“No hospital gown. Trust me, they just got here.”

Arc quickly grabs Rose’s hand.

“Let’s follow them.”

Rose appears surprised as they do so. “Sure. But do you know the patient?”

Arc shakes his head. “Never saw them before in my life.”

The pair hurry after the gurney as hospital staff bring the patient to an examination room. Arc stops a ways down the corridor.

“Let’s wait here a bit.”

“What for?”

Arc smiles. “With any luck, a guide.”

“A what?”

“Someone we can follow.”

“Arc, judging from my scans, I don’t think that patient will be walking out of there.”

“Right. But let’s just wait and see.”

Arc and Rose watch as doctors and nurses enter and leave the room. Sometime later a nurse leaves the room with a clear bag. Rose turns to Arc.

“Those are the clothes the patient was wearing.”

“Right. Let’s follow her.”

Waiting for the nurse to pass, the pair give her a head start before following. They watch as she enters a doorway next to the security office. A few minutes later she walks out empty-handed.

“This must be where your friend’s things were taken.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now we just need to find a way to sneak in there.”

“Could we just explain the situation to whomever is in there?”

Arc shakes his head. “They’d just call security. I’m going to guess only hospital staff are allowed in there.”

Rose sighs. “So we have to break in?”

“Not necessarily. I’d rather do this quietly. Come on. Let’s go for another walk.”

“For more inspiration?”

Arc chuckles. “Something like that.”

They walk down several corridors as Arc looks around. Eventually his gaze falls on a laundry cart being wheeled down the corridor by a janitor. The man stops and walks into the bathroom as Arc turns to Rose.

“Anyone looking this way?”

“No. But why…”

Arc quickly reaches into the bin and pulls out a nurse’s blue hospital scrubs and shoves them into his ring before turning away quickly.

“Let’s go, Rose.”

She turns to him as they step away from the cart.

“A disguise?”

Arc pats his ring. “Yup. But we still need one more thing to pull this off.”

“Oh?”

“A badge.”

“A what?”

“Look around at the staff here. Each of them is wearing an ID badge pinned to their chest.”

“Where do we find one?”

“I’ll probably have to… borrow one from a nurse.”

Rose frowns. “You mean steal one?!”

“There’s no other way to get it, I’m afraid.”

Rose groans. “Fine. Now how do we go about… borrowing a badge?”

“They’re picture IDs, so it’ll have to look similar to either you or me.”

“Another walk for inspiration?”

Arc chuckles. “Yup.”

The pair walk the corridors for over an hour before they see a nurse outside a patient room going over a clipboard. Looking around Arc sees everyone else busy with other tasks.

“She’ll do.”

“So are you going to grab her badge with your magic, Arc?”

“I suppose I could. But she can play a larger role in my plan then that.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.”

Rose looks nervous. “You’re not going to hurt her, are you?!”

“Nah. Trust me.”

Rose sighs. “Well… okay. What should I do?”

“Just follow my lead.”

Arc takes Rose’s hand as they slowly walk toward the nurse. As they approach she suddenly puts a hand to her forehead and leans on the wall heavily. Arc rushes over to catch her as she loses consciousness. Lowering her quickly to the floor he lays her down, grabs her badge, and shoves it in his pocket as he turns to Rose and lowers his voice.

“Scream for help.”

“SOMEONE HELP!”

The staff look over and rush to their aid. A doctor arrives first and turns to Arc.

“What happened?!”

“I don’t know! We were just walking by when she collapsed!”

Rose nods. “She was lucky you were there to catch her!”

The doctor looks her over quickly as he turns to an orderly.

“Get a gurney over here!”

“Yes doctor!”

A few moments later he returns. Arc helps them put the nurse on it as the doctor looks to the orderly.

“Put her in Treatment Room #3, and have someone there look her over.”

The man nods and wheels her away as the doctor turns to Arc.

“Thanks for your help. Tell me, do you know her?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, sir. Like I said, we just happened to be walking by at the time.”

The doctor sighs. “Great. I was kinda hoping you did. She wasn’t wearing her badge, so I don’t know who she is.”

Rose looks to the doctor apologetically. “Sorry we couldn’t be of any help in that regard, doctor...”

“Rieper. Well, I need to get back to work. Thank you again.”

He turns and walks away, looking over his clipboard as he heads to check on the unconscious nurse.

“I know I’ve seen that man somewhere before. But where?”

The doctor sighs as he finds himself no closer to an answer.

“Well, I’m sure it will come to me in time.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Rose.

“Okay, we have everything we need now.”

Rose frowns. “What did you do to her?!”

“Just a little Sleep Spell I learned from Ember. She’ll be out for a few hours, but won’t have any lasting effects.”

Rose breathes a sigh of relief. “Is that why you waited to cast it until we were closer?”

“Yeah. I didn’t want her to crack her skull on the floor.”

“What now?”

Arc grins as he picks up the nurse’s clipboard. “Time to implement the rest of my plan. This way.”

He leads Rose over to a private bathroom. Casually, Arc looks around before hurrying inside with her and locking the door behind them. Rose appears confused.

“So what should I do?”

Arc pulls the scrubs out of his ring and hands them to Rose.

“I need you to put these on and pretend to be a nurse.”

“So I can get into the patient property area?”

Arc shakes his head as he turns to look at the wall. “Not quite. But I can explain on the way.”

Rose sighs as she quickly undresses. “What else would we do?”

“One more stop to seal the deal and ensure this plan’s success.”

A few minutes later Rose calls out to him.

“Okay, you can turn around now.”

Arc does so. He pulls the badge out of his pocket and looks it over.

“It’s pretty close. Just need one little change.”

Reaching back into his pocket, Arc pulls out a rubber band.

“Turn around a minute.”

Rose does so. Arc quickly puts her hair into a ponytail.

“Do you always carry those around, Arc?”

“Nah. I nabbed it from the nurse’s station we passed. I know it’s not the best, but now you look almost exactly like her.”

He hands her the badge.

“I really do.”

“We got lucky there. Now go ahead and put that badge on your pocket.”

Rose does so as Arc calls forth his armor. She raises an eyebrow.

“Um… are you really going out there in that?”

“Yes and no.”

“Huh?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes I’m leaving the room in my armor. No inasmuch as no one will see me.”

“You’re going to be invisible, huh?”

“Not exactly. Say, how’s your hearing?”

“I can pick up any auditory sounds easily. Even more so if I know what to listen for.”

“Okay, here’s the plan.”

A few minutes later Rose steps out of the bathroom and walks down the hall, clipboard in hand. Arc grins as he looks through a small hole in her pocket before turning his gaze upward.

“Can you hear me, Rose?”

Rose nods.

“Yes. Just be careful not to talk too loud now. I’m able to filter out the noise around me, after all.”

“Alright. Now we just need to follow the signs to the Treatment Rooms.”

“Dare I ask why?”

“Partially to check on that nurse. I do feel kinda bad for doing that to her.”

“And the other part?”

“Although I know it sounds callous, she still has something we need to make this work.”

“What’s that?”

“Plausibility.”

“Um… what?”

Arc chuckles. “You’ll see.”

Rose makes her way down the corridor. A short time later they arrive at their destination.

“There’s Treatment Room #3. What should I do, Arc?”

“Any hospital staff in there?”

“Not at the moment, no.”

“Alright. Head in there and scan the patient.”

“For what?”

“Just make sure she’s okay.”

“Very well.”

Rose enters the room and walks over to the bed. She quickly does a full body scan as Arc waits nervously.

“Is she alright?”

“Yes. I estimate she’ll be out for quite some time though.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. It’s my first time actually using that spell on someone.”

“Generally speaking, a failed spell of that type simply results in nothing happening.”

“That’s what I’ve been told. But I still worried, as magic isn’t exactly well understood from the human caster standpoint.”

Arc sighs and shakes his head.

“In any case, look to the table in the corner.”

“What about it?”

“Do you see that clear bag?”

Rose nods. “Yes. It has the nurse’s clothes and jewelry in it.”

“Good. Pick it up.”

“What?”

“We’re going to do the hospital a favor.”

A short time later Rose enters a small room. The security guard present stands behind a counter in front of a large number of racks. Rose walks over to him and places the bag on the counter.

“Belongings from the patient in Treatment Room #3.”

The guard nods as he fills out a form. “Patient name?”

“Unknown. She’s one of the hospital’s nurses, but wasn’t wearing her badge when she collapsed.”

The guard nods. “Alright. I’ll put her down as ‘Jane Doe’.”

Rose nods and leaves the room. As she steps out into the corridor she frowns and walks slowly away.

“I sure hope you know what you’re doing, Arc.”

Meanwhile, the guard picks up the form and tapes it to the bag. He then walks over to a rack and puts the bag in the corresponding room number slot. As he walks back over to his chair behind the counter, the edge of the bag slowly folds back and a miniature Arc climbs out.

“Well, here I am.”

He looks around and spots a security camera on a wall overlooking the room. Blinking over to it Arc stands on top of the lens and surveys the room.

“That bright red suit shouldn’t be too hard to see.”

A few minutes later he spots Frank’s signature fire engine red suit.

“Bingo! Now I just need to grab it without the guard or the security office recording me.”

Arc thinks for a moment before turning around and climbing to the back of the camera. He spots a wire leading into the wall and, with a mighty tug, pulls it loose.

“That should do it.”

Blinking onto the bag Arc quickly casts the Matter Compacting Spell on it before stuffing the entire thing into his ring.

“Alright. Now to make my escape.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Rose. Can you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve got it. Head back to the room, but do not enter. Let me know when you get here.”

“Okay. I’ll be there in two minutes.”

A couple minutes later Rose’s voice rings out in Arc’s ear.

“I’m outside the door. Now what?”

“Kneel down next to the door and tie your shoe.”

Rose looks down, confused. “But it is tied.”

“Untie and then retie it then. Just make sure you’re looking toward the door frame.”

Rose sighs. “Very well.”

She bends down and does as he asks. Meanwhile, Arc looks around to make sure the guard is still in his chair. Reaching out a hand he pushes a bag off the shelf across the room. It falls to the floor with a thud. Hearing a noise, the guard stands and walks over to it. Using this opportunity Arc crosses the room in several Blinks before crawling under the door. Peeking out he spots Rose kneeling down nearby.

“Don’t move, Rose.”

She silently nods as Arc looks at her pocket. With a final Blink he reappears inside it.

“I’m in. Walk away, Rose.”

“Okay.”

She does so as Arc sits down and breathes a sigh of relief..

“You okay, Arc?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Where to now?”

“Find a private bathroom. You need to change.”

“I’ll head to the one we used a little while ago. Is that okay?”

“Sure.”

Rose walks down the corridor. A security guard passes her and enters the room. She frowns and looks down at her pocket.

“Did something happen in there?”

“I took out a security camera. He’s probably going in there to check out why they lost the feed.”

“Ah!”

Rose enters the small bathroom. She closes and locks the door behind her

“Can I help you down, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Rose puts a hand to her pocket. Arc climbs out and into her palm.

“Thanks. Just set me down on the floor.”

As she does so, Arc casts the counter spell and returns to his normal size.

“That feels better.”

“I’m sorry. Was my pocket uncomfortable?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. It’s hard to stay upright in there.”

“Next time I’ll do better.”

“No, no! You did great, Rose. But I think you should get changed.”

Rose looks confused. “Why?”

“Because we’re done. And you being in disguise is kind of a risk.”

“It is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Say someone who knows that nurse who’s badge we took saw you. It’d be kinda tough to talk our way out of that.”

Rose sighs. “I suppose you’re right.”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls Rose’s clothes out before turning away respectfully.

“Just let me know when you’re dressed.”

Rose nods as she begins to disrobe.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“I… um… was just wondering what you think I should do.”

“With your life?”

“Yes.”

“Whatever makes you happy.”

Rose sighs. “But I don’t really know what that is.”

Arc smiles as he stares at the wall. “You’ll figure it out. After all, you’ve already grown so much since we met.”

Rose calls out as she steps into her pants. “I haven’t changed in size since my activation, Arc.”

“I meant grown mentally and emotionally. “You’ve learned so much.”

“Experience?”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can accomplish, Rose.”

Rose smiles as she blushes slightly. “Thank you. So am I.”

Chapter 7 - Comparing Notes

The pair leave the restroom together and walk down the hallway. Rose turns to Arc.

“So we’re going to keep the nurse’s clothes?”

Arc shrugs. “They belong to the hospital, but yes.”

“Why?”

“Just an ace in the hole.”

“Huh?”

“It means in case we ever need them again.”

“Oh.”

The pair make their way toward the Security Office. Rose looks to Arc, confused.

“What are we doing back here?”

Arc pulls the nurse’s badge out of his pocket. “We should probably turn this in.”

“Do we have to, Arc?”

“Might as well.”

“But… um…”

“What is it, Rose?”

“Maybe we should keep it.”

“Uh… why?”

Rose shrugs. “Just like the clothes, it… might come in handy later.”

“I suppose that’s not a bad idea. And she could always get another one.”

Rose grimaces. “Admittedly I didn’t really like doing this.”

“Which part?”

“Stealing.”

Arc sighs. “Neither did I. But we kinda had to.”

“I don’t understand. My programming says that deception is a bad thing.”

“Normally it is. But this time we really didn’t have much of a choice. Other than walking in there and getting violent, that is.”

Rose frowns. “I think I would have liked that even less.”

“As would I. But if this bothered you, why did you still help me?”

“Because I trust you, Arc. You’ve always done the right thing by everyone as far as I’ve seen.”

“No one’s perfect though.”

Rose smiles at him. “True. But I’m sure you do your best.”

They leave the hospital and return to Arc’s Jeep. As he starts the engine Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out the package of Frank’s things. He hands them to Rose as she looks to him.

“All this work for so little. Why, Arc?”

“Because without his cell phone Frank and his guys can’t call me, or anyone else, for help should the need arise.”

“I suppose that makes sense.”

“That and this whole situation has to have been very traumatic for Frank. The familiarity of his suit and phone might help a bit.”

Arc drops Rose off at his house before heading out of town. Arriving at the old house he parks and heads inside.

“I’m back.”

Wolf looks over from the couch and frowns.

“Whoopee.”

Arc tosses the clear hospital bag to Wolf. “I got Frank’s stuff. How’s he doing?”

“Sleeping.”

“Well, probably the best thing for him right now. What about the others?”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “Snake’s out foraging for berries, or whatever. Jackal said he was going exploring.”

Arc points to the cell phone in the bag as he turns to leave. “Have Frank call me when he wakes up.”

“Whatever.”

Arc heads back to the Jeep and gets in. Cherry calls out to him as they drive away.

“That human sure has a lot of nerve!”

“I’ll admit, he doesn’t have the best personality. But then again, none of the Shards seem to.”

“Why do you suppose that is?”

“Probably because no one ever really showed them how.”

“How to what?”

“Live, I suppose.”

“I don’t understand.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well… whether we like it or not, most of what we know comes from being taught or learned by watching others. Most of these guys never had that growing up. At least that was the case with most of the early members.”

“That’s… really sad.”

“Yeah.”

They are silent for a time as Arc drives.

“Do you want to talk about it, Arc?”

“About what?”

“I know how you feel.”

Arc sighs. “Nearly half my childhood was spent at the Farburg Orphanage. But unlike quite a few of the others, I actually remembered my parents.”

“Oh?”

“Many of them were given up for adoption or taken by the state at birth.”

“By the state?”

Arc nods. “Yes. If both parents are deemed to be unfit, the state can take a child out of their home and put them in an Orphanage.”

“Can you explain how that would happen?”

“Sure. Let’s say a young child is left home alone for hours or days at a time. That’s called ‘child endangerment’. Or if a parent is physically or sexually abusive they can be removed as well.”

“But that wasn’t the case for you.”

“No. I was sent there because they couldn’t find my father, and I didn’t have any other living relatives.”

“I see. And how do you feel about that?”

“Part of me is happy with how things turned out. I was able to meet Shelly and Lily, after all. And Frank too, I suppose.”

“And the other part?”

Arc frowns. “The not knowing. I mean… where the heck did my dad GO?! If I knew for a fact he was dead, I’d at least have some cloture in this matter!”

“Perhaps something prevented him from caring for you back then.”

“Maybe. But would it have killed him to send a note explaining why?!”

“I honestly hope you have your answer one day, Arc.”

“So do I.”

Returning to the house, Ember greets him at the door.

“Everything go alright?”

Arc nods as he closes the door behind him. “Yup. Mission accomplished.”

“Good. I knew you could handle it.”

“Rose was there too, you know.”

Ember nods. “Oh, I know. She just seemed kinda… confused when you dropped her off.”

“Something wrong?”

Ember shrugs. “I doubt it. But did anything happen at the hospital?”

“Well… it was the first time she’s seriously questioned me.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about? She asks you things all the time.”

“No, no. Questioned as in disagreed with my methods.”

Ember lowers her voice. “Should we talk to Twilight about this?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Rose is free now, remember?”

Ember frowns. “I’m still not sure about your decision to do that. After all, she was pretty much free to begin with after all.”

“No, she wasn’t.”

“You never ordered her to do anything!”

“True. But she was still a slave to her programming. No free will means no freedom in my book.”

Ember sighs as she follows Arc over to the sofa. “I sure hope you’re right. After all, it’s not every day one’s offered a perfect lover on a silver platter.”

Arc frowns as they sit down. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

“I’m just saying Twilight designed Rose to be yours.”

“But she didn’t have a say in that.”

“Maybe not. But I saw the way she looked at you back then. From where I stood it always appeared she wanted to please you in whatever way she could.”

“I saw that too.”

“But now she doesn’t have that same look in her eyes.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s more… uncertain these days.”

Cherry sighs. “Like a certain dragon whom wants what she sees?”

“Actually… yes.”

Arc frowns. “Huh?”

Ember puts a hand on Arc’s knee. “She wanted you back then. Just like I do. But… I don’t know. All I can say for sure is that Rose isn’t the same anymore.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do about it?”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out myself.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose I could try talking to her. See if she needs to…”

They are interrupted by the sound of the telephone. Arc stands.

“I’ll get it.”

Walking over to the phone he picks up the receiver and puts it to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Arc? It’s Lily.”

“Hi, Lily. Is everything okay?”

“Um… kinda. Kinda not.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Well, Shelly and I were talking this morning over breakfast when she told me about a strange dream she had.”

“Oh?”

“She dreamed that Frank was visiting us yesterday. Remember, she was asleep when Frank and his gang showed up.”

Arc nods soberly. “She must’ve heard us talking in the Living Room and just thought it was something her subconscious dreamed up.”

“Right.”

“What did you tell her?”

“The truth, of course.”

“How’d she take it?”

Lily sighs. “Okay, I suppose. But she’s been worried about Frank all day.”

“Worried?”

“That he’s really okay. I told her you took him somewhere he’d be safe. But she’s still fretting.”

“Why don’t I come down there and talk to you two about what happened?”

“Would you? I’m sure it would help put both of our minds at ease.”

“Sure. Just let me…”

The phone beeps. Arc looks down at the caller ID.

“Just a minute, Lily. Frank’s trying to call me.”

“Okay. I’ll wait.”

He pushes a button before speaking into the receiver again.

“Hi Frank. Feeling better?”

“Not really. I’m still quite tired.”

Arc frowns. “Even after all that sleep?”

“So it would seem.”

“If it were anyone else, I would say you should go to the doctor.”

“Normally I would agree with you. However recent events have made me highly averse to such places.”

Arc sighs. “Makes sense.”

Frank chuckles. “I just called to thank you for getting my things back. The suit however was a nice surprise.”

“No problem. But we should probably work on finding your errant lieutenants.”

“Agreed. Jackal is looking forward to doing his part regarding that. However, I’m rather skeptical that even a canine’s nose could sniff out whatever rock our adversaries are hiding under.”

“If you have a better idea I’d love to hear it.”

Frank sighs. “Admittedly, I don’t.”

“I know it’s a long shot, but it’s all we have.”

“Very well. When would you like to start?”

“As soon as possible. How about I drop my dog off in about an hour?”

Frank chuckles. “That should make Jackal happy. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, he has a thing for dogs.”

“Yeah.

“Well, I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Bye.”

Arc presses a button on the phone.

“You still there, Lily?”

“I am.”

“Sorry about that. Like I said, it was Frank.”

Lily sounds nervous. “Is he okay?!”

“Yeah. He just wanted to thank me for helping him out.”

“That’s good to hear. Are you still coming by?”

“Sure. Just let me run a couple errands for him and I’ll be right over.”

“Thanks. I’ll let Shelly know you’re coming.”

“Okay. I’ll be there shortly after suppertime.”

“We’ll be waiting. Bye.”

Arc hangs up the phone and turns back to Ember.

“I’m going out again. You want to come?”

Ember shakes her head. “No thanks. I think Shelly and Lily aren’t up for any extra company right now.”

Arc nods soberly. “Maybe not.”

He clears his throat.

“Sereb?”

The sound of paws walking upstairs can be heard. A moment later Sereb enters the Living Room.

“Yes?”

“I need that nose of yours.”

“Oh? What is my target?”

“Diva. Or any of Frank’s former lieutenants, that is.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that sort of a lost cause?”

“I admit it’s kinda like searching for a needle in a haystack. But if you’re successful, we’ll have some kind of a lead.”

Sereb nods. “Very well. I’ll need their scents though.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “And how were you planning on getting that, Arc? Walk right into the Shard base?”

“Actually, yes.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I’m going to drop Snake off so he can keep us up to date on what’s going on over there. He can give us something with their scent on it.”

Sereb sighs. “While I do not like this plan, I will do my best to carry out your instructions, Arc.”

“Thanks. Let’s get going.”

Ember appears nervous. “You don’t think they’ll… try anything, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Snake says they’re pretty much harmless without someone to lead them. No one’s really doing much of anything at the moment.”

Sereb growls. “If anyone tries, I’ll make them regret it.”

“Fine. Just don’t take any unnecessary risks, okay?”

Arc nods as he heads for the door. “No problem. Besides, I want to be in and out so I can get over to see Shelly and Lily before it gets too late.”

Ember walks over to the door with them. “Take care you two.”

She closes the door behind them and sighs.

“I don’t know what I’m worried about. After all, those losers don’t pose any real threat to Arc or Sereb.”

Ember heads toward the basement stairs.

“Well, let’s see if the guys need some help.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Sereb get into the Jeep and drive to the old house. Arriving, they head for the front door.

“Sereb, bark a couple times.”

The wolf looks to him with a confused look on his face.

“Trust me.”

Sighing, Sereb does as he is told. A few moments later Jackal hurries out of the house happily.

“Doggie!”

He kneels down to Sereb’s level as Snake joins them.

“What is with you and dumb animals?!”

“He not dumb! He furry!”

Snake rolls his eyes. “Right. How did I miss that?”

Arc clears his throat. “You two ready to go?”

Jackal looks up. “Go?”

“You want to walk my dog, right?”

“Sure!”

“Then we should get going.”

Arc turns to Snake.

“You still want to do this?”

Snake frowns. “Not really. But let’s go.”

They jump into the Jeep. Arc starts the vehicle and they head down the road.

“So you’re clear on the plan?”

Snake shrugs. “What’s there to know? I hear about something interesting, I call the boss. A child could do this.”

Jackal scratches his head. “What I do again?”

“After Sereb has the scent, you just walk around town with him.”

“How I know if he smells something?”

Snake frowns. “Right. The mutt can’t talk.”

“He’ll growl and look in the direction of the scent.”

Arc tosses Jackal a pencil and notebook.

“You just write down any locations he indicates.”

“Okay! I can do that!”

Snake rolls his eyes. “We’ll see.”

A short time later they arrive at the Shard Base. Driving toward the main entrance Arc turns to Snake.

“Uh… no one’s going to try stealing my stuff… right?”

“No promises.”

Jackal calls out. “I stay here with doggie. Make sure no one takes nothing.”

“Thanks.”

Arc and Snake get out and enter the building. They walk down a corridor together. Snake frowns as Arc turns a corner.

“Where the heck are you going?!”

“This is the way to the nicer quarters. Why?”

Snake narrows his eyes. “How’d you know it was that way?”

“I’m a founding Shard lieutenant, remember? This place building was suggested to Frank by me.”

Snake scoffs. “Whatever.”

They arrive at a well-kept corridor. Arc turns to Snake.

“Which rooms were theirs?”

“Those three rooms there were the lieutenant’s.”

“Thanks.”

Arc enters the rooms one at a time. He emerges with three pillow cases as Snake taps his foot impatiently.

“Got what you needed?”

“Almost. What about Diva’s room?”

“She didn’t have one.”

“Where did she stay then?”

Snake shrugs. “No idea. Frankly, she was always working on something. No one ever saw her rest.”

“She probably slept elsewhere.”

“Or that, yeah.”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“Where did she spend the most time?”

“The boss’ office. This way.”

“Lead on.”

They come to Frank’s office. Arc opens the door and the pair step inside.

“What do you hope to find in here?”

“Something with her scent.”

Snake rolls his eyes. “Such as…?”

Arc looks around. “That might be a bit tricky. Nothing around here would hold scent very long.”

He thinks a moment before turning back to Snake.

“Diva worked in this room exclusively?”

“Yeah.”

“Did she sit at the desk?”

Snake nods. “That’s the only place I ever saw her.”

“Good.”

Arc walks over to the desk and looks it over. Eventually his eyes rest on the office chair.

“Do you have a knife?”

Snake pulls out a switchblade.

“Yeah, always.”

“Let me borrow it for a minute.”

Looking confused, Snake hands over his weapon. Arc presses the button and the blade springs out. He kneels down to the chair and cuts out a large piece of the seat. Snake gasps.

“What the heck…?”

Arc shrugs as he rips the cloth from the chair. “Scent is scent, right?”

“I suppose.”

They leave the room and head down the corridor together. Snake grimaces as he looks to Arc.

“Let’s get you out of here.”

“Worried I’ll cause trouble?”

Snake glares at him. “As far as I’m concerned, you already have!”

“How?!”

“From what the boss told me, Stingray wouldn’t have been able to take over if you hadn’t left the gang!”

“Probably not.”

“So this is YOUR fault!”

“I guess it kinda is.”

“So what are you planning on doing to fix this?!”

Arc holds up the pillowcases and chair cloth. “Find the lieutenants and make them pay for what they did to Frank.”

Snake appears skeptical. “And how are you planning to do that?! You’re no match for those four!”

“By telling the Hero of Light where he can find them. He’s got a score to settle with them too. Especially Diva.”

“What’s his part in all this? I mean, I thought he was out to GET us! Not HELP us!”

“He’s not helping the Shards.”

“Could’ve fooled me after what he did for us in that mine. Had he let Diva finish us off back there he wouldn’t have had any more trouble from any of us, after all.”

“The Hero saves people. He doesn’t leave them to die underground.”

Snake shakes his head. “I just don’t get him OR you! What does he have to gain by doing all this?!”

He just wants to make the world a better place.”

“Like the boss?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He follows a different path.”

“But they both lead to the same place!”

“And where would that be?”

“A place for everyone in a better world.”

“I doubt it.”

Snake scoffs. “What are you talking about?! Where else could it lead?!”

“At best, a dead end.”

Snake rolls his eyes. “And at worst?”

“Off a cliff.”

They return to the Jeep and head into town. Arc pulls over on a side street and lets Jackal and Sereb out.

“This gonna be FUN!”

Arc tosses Jackal a collar and leash.

“Make sure to put this on him. Leash laws, and all that.”

“I will!”

Jackal kneels down and puts the collar and leash on Sereb. Snake turns to Arc.

“Why not keep that collar on him all the time?”

Jackal nods. “Yeah! In case he gets lost!”

“He, uh… really doesn’t like the collar or the leash. Now you just let my dog lead and he’ll do his best to pick up the scent. You still have that notebook and pencil?”

Jackal nods as he pulls the items from his pocket. “Right here!”

“Good. I’ll drop Snake here back off at the base and pick you two up in a few hours.”

Snake frowns. “How are you supposed to find them?!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Be downtown in three hours. I’ll drive down the main street looking for you.”

“Okay!”

Arc looks down at Sereb and grins. “Have fun.”

Sereb growls lightly as the Jeep pulls away from the curb. Jackal reaches down to pet him.

“There, there! I know you’re just nervous being separated from your master! But don’t you worry about a thing! I’ll take extra good care of you!”

Sereb sighs as the pair set off down the street. He muses to himself as they walk.

“How humiliating.”

Chapter 8 - Failures of the Past

Arc and Ember sit on the Living Room couch watching the evening news. She turns to him.

“Still nothing from Sereb?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. And I’ve been taking him and Jackal into town for almost a week now.”

Ember shrugs. “Well, it was a longshot.”

“True. But I honestly don’t know what else to do. Diva and the other lieutenants just kinda fell of the proverbial map.”

“Couldn’t you ask Sunburst to search for them?”

“I suppose so. But I felt bad enough taking up his valuable time looking for Frank.”

The phone rings. Ember turns to Arc as he stands to answer it.

“With any luck, that’ll be good news.”

Arc sighs. “I’d be happy with either kind right now.”

He picks up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Arc, it’s Frank!”

“What’s up?”

“Jackal just phoned me! He says your dog appeared to point out an apartment building on the outskirts of town!”

“That’s great!”

“Don’t get your hopes up yet, my friend. For all we know he just smelled someone inside cooking bacon.”

“He’s dependable.”

“If you believe in him, so do I. In any case, would you like my boys to help you in checking out this lead?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I’ll give the Hero a call. Let him and his partner go in there.”

“That’s probably for the best. He appears far more… durable than you or I.”

“Can’t argue with that. Anything else?”

“Not at this time, no.”

Arc looks at the wall clock.

“Well, it’s almost time for me to pick Jackal up. He and I will see you in about an hour.”

“Very well.”

“Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the phone and turns to Ember.

“Sereb found a scent!”

“What?! Where?!”

“Some apartment building. You up for some recon?”

Ember grins. “You know it! When do we leave?!”

“As soon as I get back. I’ll drop Jackal off, swing back here to pick you up, and the three of us will head to the apartment building.”

“I’ll be ready.”

Arc picks up his keys and heads for the door. “See you in a bit.”

Getting into his Jeep, Arc heads downtown. He spots Jackal and Sereb walking down the sidewalk and pulls over next to them.

“Hop in.”

Jackal does so as Sereb hops in the back seat. They turn around and head down the road out of town.

“Frank says you two found something.”

Jackal nods. “Uh huh! Me write down address like you told me!”

He rips off the top sheet of paper and hands it to Arc.

“Thanks. I’ll see to it the Hero hears about this.”

“What now?”

“I’m taking you back to Frank and Wolf.”

“Okay!”

A short time later they pull into the overgrown driveway. The pair head inside with Sereb at Arc’s heels. Jackal calls out.

“Boss! We back!”

Wolf hurries into the room

“Keep your voice down! The boss is trying to sleep!”

Jackal looks confused. “He go to bed this early?”

“Yeah, well… he’s been sleeping pretty much all day.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I did think he sounded tired when I spoke to him a while ago.”

“What wrong with him?”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “Do I look like a doctor?!”

Arc frowns. “This is getting worrisome. I mean… he doesn’t seem to be getting any better.”

“Snake called a few minutes ago too.”

“Oh? What did he want?”

Wolf shrugs. “Just to see how things were going on this end. He says nobody’s doing anything at the base other than moping around.”

Jackal sighs. “They miss the boss.”

Wolf frowns. “Yeah, well… he could head back there if he was stronger.”

“Maybe. But I still think someone would try to nab him.”

“Key word there being ‘try’. We’d be all over them before they even got CLOSE to the boss!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, well… anything else?”

Wolf shakes his head. “Nah. I just wish we knew what happened to him in the hospital.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you remember? The boss came out of his haze after we pulled his IVs!”

Arc shrugs. “A lot of hospital drugs can do that to someone.”

“Yeah, well… I just have a bad feeling about that place.”

Arc sighs. “Would it help if I went to the hospital and retrieved his chart?”

Wolf frowns. “It certainly couldn’t hurt. At the very least the boss could get some peace of mind.”

“I’ll see what I can do. No promises though.”

He turns to leave

“Take care of Frank.”

“Yeah.”

Arc heads back to the Jeep. He gets in and heads back towards town. Cherry calls out to him.

“What do you think you’ll find at the hospital?”

“Probably nothing.”

“Then why agree to go?”

“To see for myself just what’s wrong with Frank. His symptoms don’t coincide with imprisonment and smoke inhalation. There’s something else going on here.”

“But what?”

Arc sighs. “No idea.”

“Do you think the hospital did something wrong?”

“That’s another possibility, I suppose. Or were you suggesting foul play?”

“I kinda was actually.”

“There’s so many nurses and doctors around all the time that doing something shady should be impossible.”

“Should be?”

Arc nods. “Right. Unless everyone was in on it, which seems like it would be impossible in such a setting.”

Cherry sighs. “I hope you’re right.”

“So do I.”

Arc returns to his house just as the sun finishes setting. He honks the horn a couple times. A few moments later Ember steps outside and gets in the Jeep. She turns to Arc.

“Ready for some fun?”

Arc shakes his head as they back out of the driveway. “You and I have very different opinions on what that word means.”

“Believe me, I’m looking forward to getting some payback!”

Arc turns to look at Sereb in the back seat. “So who’s scent did you pick up?”

“Diva and Stingray.”

Ember grins menacingly. “Good! Maybe they’ll be home.”

“Part of me hopes that’s true. But the other part hopes they’re not so we can look around and gather some clues.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Clues? On what?!”

“Why they infiltrated the Shards and what they hoped to accomplish.”

Sereb frowns. “Stingray and her fellow Lieutenants seemed to be the magical experts of their gang. Now that they’re gone, the Shards lack any real form of leadership or magical prowess. We must be sure they are not planning something even more heinous.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Heading to the address from Jackal, Arc points at a run-down building.

“There it is.”

Ember curls her lip. “What a dump!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “I do wonder what those women would be doing here.”

“If they’re there, we’ll ask them.”

Arc drives past the building as Ember turns to him.

“Uh… where’re you going?”

“We’ll park elsewhere and walk back. I don’t want anyone spotting our mode of transportation.”

Sereb looks around. “That and this does not appear to be a very safe neighborhood.”

Ember eyes a group of ruffians hanging out on a street corner. “You’re right about that.”

Finding a secluded alley Arc pulls into it and stops.

“This’ll do.”

Ember frowns. “You’re just going to park here?”

“Not exactly. Armor up and I’ll show you.”

Arc and Ember call forth their armor and step out of the Jeep. Sereb hops out and looks around before speaking.

“Now what?”

“This.”

Arc points a gauntlet toward his Jeep. It slowly shrinks down to roughly the size of a football. Kneeling down Arc picks it up and stashes the vehicle in his ring.

“There we go. Now I don’t have to worry about someone stealing it.”

Ember nods. “And we can just take a portal home, right?”

“That too.”

He removes two magic cloaks from his ring and tosses one to Ember.

“Let’s start this mission off with stealth.”

Ember sighs as she puts on the cloak. “Great.”

Sereb chuckles. “Look at the bright side. If Mio is there, the stealth part of the mission will be over before you know it.”

Ember grins wickedly. “Yeah! And I’ll get some payback too!”

Arc turns to her. “Let’s try to keep a level head, shall we? Sereb, you go with Ember and tell us where to go.”

“Very well.”

Ember kneels down and picks him up as Arc touches his earring.

“Everyone reading us?”

Max nods. “Loud and clear, sir.”

Hugh grins. “We got your back.”

Xenos frowns. “I’d still rather be there!”

Viktor turns to his friend. “Orders are orders, Xenos.”

Arc clears his throat. “Rose, are you ready?”

“Yes, Arc. I’ll keep my eyes and scanners open and ready.”

“Great. Let’s go.”

They begin their walk back to the apartment building as Arc takes the lead. Ember frowns.

“Uh… shouldn’t I be in front?”

“No. If trouble crops up I want to be there to take it on.”

“Then shouldn’t you be carrying Sereb?”

Sereb nods. “I am less effective behind you.”

“That’s true. But I kinda like the idea of Ember’s hands being full.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Dare I ask why?”

“So you’re unable to act rashly.”

“How so?!”

Arc chuckles. “You’d have to drop Sereb to do anything.”

“I’ll do it!”

Sereb sighs. “Please do not.”

“No promises.”

Arriving at the building Sereb begins sniffing along the corridors. Arc and Ember look around at the mounds of trash that line the halls. Cracks in the plaster are everywhere and large chunks of ceiling are missing. Ember frowns.

“This place is literally falling apart.”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed. Why would anyone live here?”

Arc sighs. “It’s probably not by choice.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Can you elaborate?”

“A lot of drug addicts and alcoholics live here. The apartment building Cybil lived in when we found her wasn’t much better.”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “I hear children in several of these rooms.”

Ember frowns. “What are they DOING here?!”

“It’s not their fault. After all, they can’t control what their parents do.”

Sereb sighs. “Is there nothing but misery here?”

“Not everyone whom lives here is an addict. Some have physical or mental problems that prevent them from holding a steady job.”

Ember frowns. “Everyone has to live somewhere, I suppose.”

Sereb nods as he looks around. “Agreed. However, it just doesn’t seem right for young humans to be forced to live in such squalor.”

“I know what you mean, Sereb. But all children are taught from a young age to stay away from drugs. Some of them do listen.”

Ember gestures to the scene before them. “Well, it appears some of them didn’t. If Cybil was any indication, it doesn’t look like something anyone would be happy with.”

“She was addicted to alcohol, not drugs. But both can be equally destructive though.”

Arc sighs as he takes their surroundings in.

“When I was in middle school, I had a friend who lived in this very building.”

Ember frowns. “Were his parents addicts?”

“Yeah. I didn’t see much of them, as they always seemed to be sleeping or off partying.”

He walks over to an apartment door.

“They lived here.”

Sereb nods soberly. “Painful memories?”

“Yeah. He was a really nice kid and all. But he had a problem.”

Ember looks at the door. “What was it?”

“His mouth.”

Sereb sighs. “Did he speak before thinking?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. Literally, the inside of his mouth. You see, he had terrible breath and awful looking teeth.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “He didn’t brush them?”

Arc puts a gauntlet on the door and closes his eyes.

“Probably not. I was just a kid myself back then, so I didn’t understand what was really going on.”

Sereb appears confused. “Going on?”

“Yeah. Back then I just thought he was hyperactive, or something.”

Ember speak warily. “What was it?”

“He was on drugs. Just like his parents.”

“Did you try to help him?”

Arc shakes his head. “I didn’t understand drugs back then. My parents just told me to stay away from them. No one really explained how to recognize their symptoms.”

Ember grimaces. “What happened to him?”

Arc shrugs. “When we finished middle school he moved to another town. I… never saw him again. It wasn’t until years later, when I learned about the symptoms, that I figured out what his problem was.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “What was it?”

“A drug called ‘meth’.”

Ember purses her lips soberly. “What’s it do?”

“A lot of things. Makes you hyper, messes up your teeth and lips, twitches, weight loss, pupils messed up… that sort of thing. Back then I just figured he was unhealthy, or something.”

Sereb shakes his head. “There wasn’t anything you could have done, Arc.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. He made his own choices.”

Arc sighs as he turns away from the apartment door. “I know. But sometimes I still wonder if I could’ve helped him.”

“Do not dwell on the past, Arc. Things that cannot be changed are beyond all of us.”

Ember sighs. “We should keep moving.”

“Yeah.”

Arc looks back at the door one last time.

“I’m sorry… Brandon.”

Sighing, Arc turns back to Sereb.

“Lead on.”

A short time later Sereb points to a door.

“The scent is coming from here.”

Ember raises an eyebrow skeptically. “The basement?”

“That would be the perfect place to hide. In buildings like this no one goes down there except maintenance workers.”

Sereb looks around. “I don’t think much of that happens here.”

Ember wrinkles her nose. “Yeah. This place is a dump.”

Arc reaches for the doorknob. Upon touching it the knob falls to the floor. Sereb frowns.

“That’s not a good sign.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, at least it wasn’t locked.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Let’s just get down there.”

Opening the door Arc and company descend the stairs. They creak and groan under their weight. Sereb looks down as a step noticeably sinks.

“This does not appear stable.”

Rose calls out. “Take it slow, Arc.”

Max nods. “Yes sir. Haste really makes waste in a situation like this.”

Xenos shudders. “Yeah. Don’t want you three to meet your end to some stairs.”

Ember groans. “Agreed.”

Reaching the bottom they find a corridor and several doors. Arc looks around cautiously.

“Judging from the sounds coming from within, I think this door leads to the Boiler Room.”

Ember chuckles. “I think it could use some maintenance.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Arc turns to Sereb. “Which way now?”

Sereb sniffs the air.

“The last door at the end of the corridor on the right.”

Ember looks skeptical. “Are you sure? That door looks positively ancient.”

“I’m sure Sereb’s nose knows where it’s going.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Their scents are heavy here.”

“Great. Can we decloak now?”

Arc shakes his head. “Let’s stay hidden for the moment. If anything, I don’t want to be surprised.”

Sereb chuckles. “Agreed. We’d rather DO the surprising.”

They approach the door. Arc looks it over.

“Looks like you were right, Ember. This thing appears REALLY old.”

Sereb stares at the door intently. “Do you think it still opens?”

Arc shrugs. “One way to find out. Rose, are there any life signs on the other side of this?”

“No. The room is devoid of life at the moment.”

Ember puts a hand on the doorknob, but finds it locked.

“I’m pretty sure I can break this down if you want, Arc.”

Sereb frowns. “That will make a lot of noise.”

“Agreed. I could probably Blink us through this.”

Viktor calls out. “Wait, sir!”

“Viktor?”

“I’m getting some strange readings from inside.”

Ember frowns. “Define ‘strange’.”

Hugh looks over his screen. “There’s some kind of anti-magic barrier around the room, sir.”

“Like the defense system around my base?”

Max nods. “Similar in concept, yes. But it only negates magic, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Brute force will still work in theory though.”

Ember backs up and puts her shoulder forward. “So let’s break it down!”

Arc holds up a hand, gesturing for her to stay where she is. “Any other ideas, guys?”

Viktor shakes his head. “Sadly no, sir.”

Max sighs. “Agreed. It looks like that’s the only way you’re getting in there.”

Ember approaches the door. “May I have the honors?”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose…”

Rose frantically interrupts. “NO WAIT!!!”

Author's Note

Arc's earlier story was another one taken from a real life experience. This time... mine. Like Arc, I have no idea what happened to my middle school friend. The question of whether or not he got help still haunts me to this day.

Chapter 9 - Breaking and Entering

“Hold it, Ember!”

She steps back quickly. “Uh… okay.”

Arc looks at the door evenly. “What’s wrong, Rose?”

“I’m detecting some kind of device near the door!”

Sereb frowns. “Could it be some kind of magic-based lock?”

“No! I believe it’s some kind of magical bomb!”

Arc steps between Ember, Sereb, and the door. “Thanks for the heads up.”

Sereb backs up. “Agreed.”

Ember groans. “Well, we still need to get in there!”

Arc sighs. “Anyone have any ideas?”

Viktor turns to Rose. “What about the Boiler Room?”

“What about it?”

“Is that door trapped?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. But that doesn’t really help them get into the room in question.”

Xenos grins. “I think I know what you’re getting at there, Viktor.”

Hugh snaps his fingers. “You thinking about that movie was saw last week?”

Viktor nods. “Right.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Movie?”

Arc looks the door over as he talks. “What are you guys talking about?”

Max talks excitedly. “We watched the hero get into a secure area by crawling through the heating ducts.”

Sereb turns and looks down the corridor. “I might be able to fit through and open the door from inside.”

Ember frowns. “True. But who’s to say there aren’t traps in there too?”

Arc nods soberly. “Can you scan for traps through the ductwork, Rose?”

“No. Sadly your armor’s sensors don’t have that kind of range. I was barely able to make out the data about the door being trapped.”

Ember frowns. “And it’s a good thing she did. But how can we be sure Sereb would be safe in there?”

“I have an idea. Follow me.”

A short time later the trio walk through relative darkness. Sereb frowns.

“This is creepy.”

Arc chuckles. “Afraid of the dark now, Sereb?”

“The dark I can handle. It’s this particular… environment.”

Ember shudders. “I’m with Sereb on this one, Arc.”

“Look on the bright side. We’re all going in together.”

Sereb looks around. “I suppose we are. However, this strange metal cavern is certainly… disconcerting.”

Arc points to a curve in the duct. “Yes, well… this has to be the vent leading to that room. We’re almost there.”

The group makes their way over to the grille and stops.

“Rose, can you scan the room properly now?”

“Yes, Arc. Just a moment.”

A few seconds pass as Rose works.

“It appears the door explosives are all there are to worry about in there.”

Sereb breathes a sigh of relief. “Good.”

Arc nods in agreement. “So we can safely enter the room from here?”

“Yes.”

Ember looks down. “Sereb, do you smell anyone in there?”

“No. I also do not hear any movement.”

Arc steps forward. “Alright, let’s go.”

They squeeze through the fins of the vent and look around. After a few moments Arc speaks.

“Let’s get back to normal size now.”

Ember grins. “Yeah. It would be kinda embarrassing to get eaten by a rat, or something.”

Raising his gauntlet, Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell. They return to their original sizes. Arc frowns as he takes off his robe and looks it over.

“Great.”

“What is it?”

“This thing’s going to need to be dry cleaned again.”

Ember takes off her own dusty robe and hands it to Arc. “Agreed. But that does give Rarity extra business after all.”

Arc blushes slightly under his helmet. “Y-yeah, I suppose it does.”

He clears his throat as they look toward the door.

“Rose, can you scan the bomb for ways to disarm it?”

“I already have. It would appear you merely have to turn it off.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?”

“There’s a wire that leads to the surface of the device. Is there some kind of button or switch there?”

Sereb steps forward. “I’ll take a look.”

He deftly walks over to the bomb and looks it over.

“There is a small lever here similar to what Arc has in his house.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “What?!”

Sereb continues talking. “However, those only turn the lights on and off.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Is it safe for us to do this, Rose?”

“Yes. I’ve mapped the bomb’s schematics from here. That should kill all power to the explosives and detonator.”

Arc approaches the bomb and looks it over.

“Uh… are you sure about this?”

“Completely.”

“Okay. Ember, you and Sereb should get out of here.”

Ember shakes her head. “Not a chance. I have faith in Rose’s abilities.”

Sereb nods. “As do I.”

“Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Turning back to the bomb Arc takes a deep breath, squeezes his eyes shut, and flicks the switch. Nothing happens.

“Did… did it work?”

Rose smiles. “Yes, Arc. The electronics inside the bomb have deactivated.”

Ember sighs. “That’s a relief.”

Sereb frowns as he looks over the casing. “But what of the bomb itself?”

Max grimaces. “Sereb’s right. You can’t just leave it there, sir.”

Xenos nods in agreement. “Yeah. That’s not safe at all!”

Hugh looks over his shoulder. “Rose. What’s your assessment as to how much damage that bomb would do to the building?”

“Judging from the inner workings, and its strategic location near a main support column, it would most likely bring down the entire building.”

Viktor winces. “Can they safely remove it?”

Ember frowns as she looks to Arc. “I sure hope so.”

“As do I. The state’s bomb squad would have no clue how this thing works or how to remove it.”

Rose clears her throat. “As it stands, the bomb is completely inactive. You should see a couple wires leading to the door tongue.”

Arc kneels down. “Yes, I see them.”

“Remove both.”

Ember grimaces as Arc does so. “So someone opens the door and blows up?!”

Rose shakes her head. “Not quite. It appears the current setup would have disabled the bomb temporarily if the door was opened a certain way.”

Max looks to Rose. “You mean like with a key?

“Right. Had the door been unlocked and the knob turned completely open, the wires would have been pulled apart to bypass the detonator when the door swung open.”

Hugh shudders. “But if someone forced the door open?”

Xenos grimaces. “Boom.”

“Right.”

Sereb turns to Ember. “I am certainly glad we avoided that.”

“Me too.”

Arc continues working. “Yeah. Well, the wires are free. What now, Rose?”

“You can safely remove the bomb itself. There’s no longer any danger.”

Ember looks at the device. “Well, that thing sure looks heavy.”

Max calls out. “Can you shrink it down and put it in your ring, sir?”

“Probably. Would that cause a problem, Rose?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. In fact, it’s probably the safest way to transport something like that.”

Arc casts the Matter Compacting spell. The bomb shrinks down to the size of a baseball before he stops, picks it up, and puts it safely in his ring. Breathing a sigh of relief, Arc turns to the others.

“I’m glad that’s over.”

Sereb looks up to Arc. “Shall we begin our search now?”

“Yes. Let’s get this over with. Rose, it is safe to turn on the lights?”

“You can. I don’t detect anything but very old electrical connections in the walls.”

Arc reaches toward the switch on the wall. A lone bulb illuminates the large room as its light spills over the floor. Ember is the first to speak.

“What the…? Crates?”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps this is a storehouse of some kind?”

Arc looks around. “Agreed. But whatever they’re keeping here, it has to be dangerous.”

Max frowns as he watches the video feed from Arc’s armor. “Or at the very least not something they want falling into the wrong hands.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. What do you mean? THEY’RE the wrong hands!

Viktor nods. “It had to be worth booby-trapping that door.”

Hugh grimaces. “Yeah. And potentially killing everyone in the building.”

Ember shudders. “I wish you guys wouldn’t put it that way.”

Arc turns to Ember. “They’re right though. Remember when we met Diva? She was willing to risk Frank’s life when she intentionally set the farmhouse on fire.”

Sereb growls. “Yes. Had we ignored her words and given chase, Frank would have perished there.”

Ember grits her teeth. “I don’t think she cares about those humans living above us at all.”

Max nods soberly. “How could she be so cruel?!”

Arc sighs. “Some humans view addicts as worthless wastes of resources. They don’t stop to think that they’re people too.”

He pauses before continuing.

“I’m almost sure I know the answer to this, Rose, but is it safe to go through these crates?”

“Yes. There’s no inherent danger.”

“Good. Let’s get to work then.”

They split up and begin opening crates. Ember calls out.

“There’s some vials over here.”

Sereb looks over. “Like the one’s from the mine?”

“Yeah. They look identical.”

Arc calls out. “It’s the same over here. Crates of vials.”

Max turns to the others. “Could this be where they were hiding their goods?”

Hugh calls out. “What about the materials that go into production?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not seeing any unmixed chemicals here.”

Viktor puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That makes sense. After all, they don’t really need to hide the base materials, as they’re not suspicious alone.”

Rose nods. “And readily available. Other than their secret ingredient… whatever that is.”

Arc sighs. “It’s all so perfect. No one would think to look here for such things.”

Xenos grins. “You going to take away their stuff, sir?”

“I guess I’d better. They’re certainly not going to use it for anything good.”

One by one they check the crates. Arc shrinks each one down and stashes it in his ring. As Ember moves to push another crate toward him, she grunts.

“What the heck?!”

Sereb looks over. “What is it, Ember?”

“This one weighs a ton!”

Arc walks over and rips the top off.

“Huh?”

He reaches inside to pick up a large contoured metal plate. Ember looks confused.

“What the heck is that?!”

Arc looks the plate in his gauntlet over carefully. “Hmmmm… I wonder. Cherry, let me out.”

“Oh! Um… okay.”

Cherry does so. Arc steps out and turns to his armor.

“Let me see that plate.”

“Here you go.”

She hands the plate over. Arc looks it over again.

“It looks kinda like steel body armor.”

He puts it to his own chest. Ember looks him over.

“It’s about the right size to protect your torso.”

Sereb growls. “Are they looking to outfit their warriors with armor now?!”

“I’m not sure. But I seriously doubt it. Body armor isn’t made with metal armor anymore. It’s too heavy.”

Max gasps. “What about super soldiers?!”

Viktor turns to his companion. “Come again?”

Xenos clenches his fist. “Like someone really strong?!

Hugh nods nervously. “Bloodletter?”

Ember pulls another plate from the crate. “He was certainly strong enough to wear something like this.”

Sereb growls. “A sobering thought. An armored beast such as him might very well have been unstoppable.”

Arc sighs as he tosses the plate back when he found it. “Maybe. But this stuff looks like normal human size. Bloodletter grew significantly if you recall.”

Ember gasps. “What about Diva and the other lieutenants?! They’re really strong!”

“I suppose so. But I’m guessing this armor is meant for males.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What makes you say that?

Arc rolls his eyes as he points to his chest. “Think about it a minute.”

Ember looks down at her breasts.

“Oh… I see what you mean now.”

Arc chuckles. “This COULD be worn by a female. But it’d be VERY uncomfortable.”

Sereb sighs. “We should give this more thought later.”

Max nods nervously. “Yes sir. Every minute you stay there is another chance for our opponents to discover you.”

Ember looks around. “Yeah. Let’s finish with these boxes.”

Arc nods as she puts the plate back in the box. “Sure. Let’s continue.”

As they move aside a stack of crates the trio finds a cot and chair in a corner. Ember grimaces.

“Uh oh. You think someone lives down here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not likely. There’s no food, toilet, or shower. I’m guessing it’s kinda like a fallback safehouse.”

Sereb growls. “That is not reassuring.”

Rose calls out over the airwaves. “Sereb. Who’s sent is on the bed?”

Sereb walks over to the bed and sniff the pillow.

“Diva, Stingray, and Hammer.”

Ember frowns. “No Mio?”

“Not that I can smell, no.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “She didn’t strike me as the kind of woman who likes roughing it.”

Max nods stoically. “Could they have an apartment upstairs, sir?”

“Maybe. But that raises the question of why they’d be sleeping down here then.”

Sereb sighs. “More questions.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah. I was hoping they’d be down here to answer some.”

Arc nods angrily. “I was hoping for Diva myself. She and I have a score to settle, after all.”

Xenos grins. “Looking for some payback, sir?”

“Yeah. After some answers, that is.”

Max frowns. “Be careful for what you wish for, sir.”

Hugh nods. “Yes. Your previous encounter didn’t exactly go well.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Agreed. But she has to be stopped.”

Sereb shakes his head. “All of them do, yes. But not at the cost of our lives.”

Arc walks over to the bed. “I know that. But…”

The floor under his boot creaks. Frowning, Arc turns around and walks over it again as he muses aloud.

“Rose, is there a sub-basement under here?”

“My scanners show nothing under you.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Then why is the floor creaking?”

Max gasps. “Unless there’s something under there!”

Hugh speaks up. “Try banging on it a few times, sir.”

Arc does so.

“It sounds hollow.”

Ember grins. “That means there has to be an entrance below the floor somewhere!”

Sereb nods. “A reasonable assessment.”

Rose shrugs. “While my scanners disagree, that is the logical conclusion, yes.”

Xenos frowns. “But where? There’s no place left to search.”

Hugh looks at the feed. “How about under the bed?”

Ember sighs. “Worth a shot.”

She pushes the bed aside and walks over the floorboards.

“Nothing here. And the ground feels pretty solid.”

Viktor frowns. “What about that crate in the corner?”

Ember shakes her head. “I checked it already.”

Arc turns to her. “What was in it?”

“Nothing. It was empty.”

Sereb looks to the lone crate. “Perhaps there is a trapdoor under it.”

Max shakes his head. “It’s kinda small to hide something like that.”

Rose nods. “Agreed.”

Ember lifts the crate easily to reveal the wood floor beneath.

“Nothing under here.”

Xenos taps the desk in front of him. “What about a secret stairway behind a wall, or something?”

Rose shakes her head. “All the walls are either adjoining other rooms or are just dirt and rocks behind them.”

Arc puts a gauntlet to his helmet thoughtfully. “This just doesn’t make sense.”

Max frowns. “Could the spot in the floor simply be from a minor sinking of the ground, sir?”

“I suppose so. But that empty crate still bothers me.”

Ember appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Think about it. Every other one was filled to the top with stuff. Why leave it here?”

Sereb tilts his head to one side. “Perhaps they were in a hurry?”

“Maybe. Rose can you scan this crate?”

“I can if you get closer to it.”

Arc walks over to the crate and kneels down in front of it.

“One moment…”

Rose frowns. Viktor turns to her.

“Something wrong?”

Rose furrows her brow. “This is strange indeed.”

Arc calls out. “Find something?”

Rose nods. “Yes. That box has a very strange magical aura around it.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Can you elaborate?”

“Sadly, no. It’s like nothing I’ve ever encountered before. That and there’s nothing to compare it to in my memory banks.”

Sereb sighs. “So it’s unknown magic?”

“Yes.”

He walks over to the crate and sniffs it.

“Interesting.”

Arc turns to him. “Sereb?”

“Diva’s scent is heavy here.”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe she used the crate as a makeshift table?”

“Perhaps. But her scent is strongest INSIDE the crate.”

Max raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “Like she was hiding in there?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Unlikely. But it’s the only lead we have.”

Arc peers into the box again. “Hmmm… what’s this?”

Hugh frowns. “Sir?”

“Look at these marks on the inner sides of the crate.”

Xenos furrows his brow. “They look kinda like scuff marks.”

Arc nods. “Right. As if the crate had a false bottom.”

Reaching inside Arc pulls at the bottom.

“It’s loose.”

Ember grins. “Good. Maybe there’s a clue in there.”

Removing the bottom, Arc stares down to see the wood floor beneath the crate.

“Nothing. Just the floor.”

Max frowns. “That doesn’t make sense. It clearly appears someone has moved that bottom many times.”

Ember shrugs. “Right. But there’s nothing.”

Rose gasps. “Arc, the magical energies of the crate changed slightly when the bottom was removed!”

“Did they now?”

“Yes. It was as if the crate was trying to materialize a simple spell.”

Viktor frowns. “That’s impossible though.”

Hugh shakes his head. “Maybe not. Think about how magic is used in Equestria. Items can be imbued to have a magical effect.”

Max puts a hand to his chin. “True. But that would require a source of some kind.”

Arc nods. “Like a magical battery?”

“Right, sir.”

Sereb scratches at the craft. “Could it be that the spell failed to cast due to a lack of energy?”

Rose nods. “That is probable, yes.”

Arc looks over the crate yet again as he talks. “So if this crate had a power source, it could cast the spell?”

Rose shakes her head. “There’s a little more to it. The source would have to be the right one.”

Ember groans. “So we can’t just power it up ourselves?”

“Not for this, no. I’d also like to point out that it’s a pretty complex spell for such a mundane item.”

Arc stands up. “I have an idea.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah? I’m open to anything right now.”

Picking up the box, Arc carries it to the spot in the floor that had creaked earlier. Max watches curiously.

“Sir? What are you doing?”

“Just trying a magical experiment.”

Setting the box on the floor, Arc kneels down next to it.

“What do your sensors say now, Rose?”

“I… don’t believe it. The magical field has increased!”

Ember takes a step back. “Is that dangerous?!”

“At present, no. I think Arc may have found the proper power source though.”

“I’m going to pull that bottom out again. Is that safe, Rose?”

“Yes. However, I’m getting some strange readings from under the floor now.”

“Should we stop?”

Sereb frowns. “Haste certainly makes waste.”

“I’m not detecting anything dangerous. The readings are just… odd.”

Arc nods soberly. “Alright. I’m doing it.”

He slowly pulls the cover back and peers inside.

“What the heck?”

Ember takes a step toward him. “Huh? What do you see, Arc?”

“Nothing at the moment. Let me try something.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc removes a cherry cupcake. Sereb raises an eyebrow.

“I do not believe now is the best time to eat.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s part of my plan.”

Eating the cupcake in a couple bites, he saves the cherry for last. Chewing around it carefully, Arc spits the pit into his gauntlet. Ember puts a hand to her stomach.

“That’s… kinda gross.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. But I need it for this.”

Looking down into the crate Arc tosses the cherry pit inside. Ember frowns as she speaks.

“I didn’t hear it hit the bottom.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “It did. However it took one and a half seconds.”

“…what?”

Arc grins. “This is the entrance to the sub-basement apparently.”

Max gasps. “That… shouldn’t be possible.”

“My scanners agree with you, Arc.”

Ember looks at the crate, skeptically. “Okay. Let’s assume it is. What now?”

“I go in and see what they’re hiding down there.”

Sereb walks over to him. “May I accompany you?”

Ember joins him. “Me too!”

Arc shrugs. “So we’re all going, huh?”

Ember chuckles. “Guess so.”

Arc turns to the crate. “Let me go first though, okay?”

As the other two nod, Arc jumps into the crate and through the bottom. Landing on the floor below he quickly casts a Light Spell and looks up.

“Come on down.”

Ember and Sereb do so and look around. Ember is the first to speak.

“What… IS all this stuff?!”

Arc walks over to a rack and picks up a strange looking gun.

“This looks like Hammer’s weapon.”

Sereb calls out from the other side of the room. “There’s a few different models over here as well.”

Ember gasps. “Uh… Arc?”

Arc turns to her. She points wordlessly at a rack. Before her lay half a dozen staves.”

“These look like Mio’s weapon of choice.”

Sereb grins. “So we have stumbled onto their safehouse and spare weapons?”

Ember rubs her hands together. “Looks like it!”

Arc points over his shoulder. There’s a few melee weapons over there. I’m guessing they belong to Stingray.”

Rose frowns. “What about Diva?”

Arc shrugs. “I didn’t see her with any kind of weapons when we saw her last time.”

Max shudders. “She was powerful enough without them.”

Xenos nods soberly. “I think she IS a weapon!”

Hugh sighs. “That might not be far from the truth.”

Viktor looks at his screen carefully. “Sir, there’s some strange looking capsules in the corner.”

“Let’s take a look at them.”

Walking over to the capsules Arc pushes a button on the side. They open to reveal a strange looking uniform. Ember raises an eyebrow.

“What the heck IS that?!”

Sereb looks the garb over. “Perhaps some kind of military uniform?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not of our country it isn’t. The color scheme is all wrong. What do you think, Rose?”

“I’ve just finished searching the Internet for all known military faction’s uniforms. No matches found.”

Max frowns. “Could they be some kind of new Shard outfit?”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it. These look professionally made and very military. Could Diva and her ilk be some kind of anti-government terrorists?”

Viktor nod nervously. “That is possible, sir.”

Arc steps forward and grabs the uniform. He looks it over.

“No tags. Must be a custom job.”

Putting the whole uniform in his ring, he turns to the others.

“Grab everything that isn’t nailed down.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“I want Sunburst to look these weapons and uniforms over.”

Sereb nods. “At the very least we can deprive our opponents of their additional armaments.”

Max grins. “That too.”

Xenos laughs. “If we’re lucky maybe their weapons could be useful.”

Hugh turns to his friend. “You mean like implementing them into the commander’s arsenal?”

Viktor thinks for a moment. “That’s a possibility.”

“For now I just want to learn how they work. Let’s just grab everything and get out of here.”

Ember turns to grab the guns. “Yeah. This place is creepy.”

Sereb nods as he picks up the staves with his magic. “Agreed.”

Arc reaches forward and grabs another one of the uniforms.

“This looks like it’s roughly Mio’s size.”

Ember grins sarcastically as she looks over. “Missing that witch?”

Arc glares at her. “Lay off, Ember. She’s not a bad person.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“Sorry. But I’m just kinda worried about her. I mean, I guess her injuries should of healed by now.”

Ember nods angrily. “We did see her in that mine.”

Sereb growls. “She appeared to be just fine.”

“Yeah! So what are you worried about?!”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know, Ember. She just didn’t seem as… intense as Stingray and Hammer. But let’s get this done.”

Ember and Sereb bring what they can to Arc. He stashes the items in his ring as the pair take a last look around.

“I think that’s everything.”

“Indeed. Shall we depart.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Mission somewhat accomplished.”

He raises a gauntlet and opens a portal.

Chapter 10 - Record Rendezvous

The next day Arc and his squad, along with Sereb and Ember, sit around the basement table. Arc gestures to the boxes taken from the previous night’s mission stacked neatly on a shelf, shrunken down.

“That much of that substance makes me nervous.”

Rose turns to him. “I assure you it poses no immediate danger to us.”

Max sighs. “I think the commander means the fact that the Shard Lieutenants had it was troublesome.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Ember frowns as she looks to the boxes. “What do you suppose they were planning on doing with it?”

Sereb growls. “Form their own personal army would be my guess.”

Arc nods. “At best, yes. Or they could have been selling the stuff.”

Xenos grimaces. “To whom though?”

Arc sighs. “An equally scary question.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “Maybe to the military?”

“Not likely. Military big shots are pretty interested in where things come from. That and I doubt anyone of importance would listen to punks like Stingray and Hammer.”

Max puts a hand to his chin. “What about Mio, sir?”

“What about her?”

Viktor snaps his fingers. “She seems to be much more intelligent than the others. Perhaps she has contacts of some kind.”

Arc shudders. “That’s a scary thought.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “All of this is just theory and brainstorming though.

Rose sighs. “Yes. Some kind of a lead would be nice.”

“Yeah.”

Arc turns and points to the uniforms hanging up nearby.

“Any idea what country these are from, Rose?”

Rose shakes her head. “Further searches have proven fruitless. But they’re certainly very military looking.”

Cherry sighs. “I’ll say. Brass buttons, perfectly ironed, custom tailored… the whole shebang.”

Sereb sniffs at the garments. “The clothes do not bear a scent.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You mean no one’s worn them yet?”

“Correct.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Maybe they don’t belong to them.”

“I’ve compared the sizes to the measurements I extrapolated from your earlier encounters. These would fit Stingray, Hammer, and Mio perfectly.”

Hugh groans. “So they really are theirs.”

“Yes. Or an extreme coincidence.”

Arc sighs. “Unlikely. But Rose and I should get going.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Another mission so soon?”

“Not exactly.”

“Arc and I are going to the hospital and try to find Mr. Fontaine’s chart from his recent stay.”

Ember gives him a withering look. “Why?”

“One of his guys voiced a concern that the hospital staff may have… done something to Frank. I initially brushed the idea off as them being paranoid. However, he doesn’t seem to be getting any better.”

Rose nods. “If I look over his chart I may be able to figure out what’s wrong with him and determine if he requires additional medical attention.”

Xenos looks nervous. “And if he does?”

Arc sighs. “Wish you hadn’t brought that up.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah. It’s not like we can just take him back there, right?”

“He’d never agree to that.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “You going to force him, sir?”

“Only if his life is in danger. Other than that, it’s his call.”

Rose nods. “If that’s the case we should get moving, Arc.”

“Agreed.”

He turns to the others.

“You guys catalogue everything that we took from that safehouse. I want a complete list.”

Max appears confused. “Sir?”

Ember shrugs. “We didn’t have time to fully inspect everything.”

Sereb nods. “It’s safe to say we most likely overlooked something.”

“Yeah. I want to make the most out of every lead. And that means knowing everything about what we have.”

Ember frowns. “So you want us to study this stuff too, Arc?”

“Sure. After all, we’re probably dealing with magic here.”

Hugh grins. “We’ll do our best, sir.”

Xenos laughs. “Yeah. You can count on us.”

Viktor pats his computer. “I’ll see if I can research anything we don’t understand.”

“Good. Let’s go, Rose.”

“Right behind you.”

Arc and Rose walk upstairs. Hugh looks to the table.

“How about we put things that need research over here?”

Viktor nods. “Sure. Then I’ll know what needs doing.”

Ember picks up one of Mio’s staves and Hammer’s gun. “How about you start with these?”

Max looks the items over as he talks. “They’re certainly the biggest enigmas here, after all.”

Viktor sighs. “Uh… okay. But this is going to be tough without Rose here.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed. She’s great at this sort of thing.”

Ember frowns. “Come on! We did just fine before she came! Now let’s figure this mess out.”

Max nods. “The commander’s going to expect some answers when he gets back.”

Xenos grins. “Let’s find him a lead!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rose make the drive to the hospital. Arc turns to Rose as he shuts off the engine.

“Are you ready to do this?”

“I am. What do you want me to do?”

“Well…”

A short time later Rose enters the hospital. She walks in the main entrance and heads for the Cafeteria. Purchasing a bottled water she sits down at a table in the corner and looks around.

“Okay. We’re alone.”

Arc peeks out of her pocket in his armor.

“Step one complete.”

“Huh?”

Arc chuckles. “Getting in here again.”

“Were you afraid I’d be stopped, or something?”

“Kinda. I mean, if anyone saw you back then and had reported you, I’m sure the secretary at the front desk would have your description and called security.

Rose raises an eyebrow. “Is that why you wanted me to come in with my regular clothes on?”

“Yeah. Had anyone questioned you about the other day, you might have been able to persuade them that was someone else.”

“That makes sense. It would have been rather tricky to do that wearing the nurse’s uniform.”

“The stolen badge would’ve certainly proven your guilt.”

Rose sighs. “Can I assume you had a Plan B?”

“The same plan from the other day actually. I cast a Sleeping Spell on them as you screamed for help. Then we could have slipped away in the confusion.”

“It’s very simple.”

Arc shrugs. “Less to go wrong that way.”

“I suppose so. How long should we sit here?”

“Give it another twenty minutes. If no security guards show up we’ll know you’re in the clear.”

Arc sits down and makes himself comfortable. Sometime later Rose clears her throat and gently taps her pocket.

“Twenty minutes have elapsed.”

Arc stands up. “Already?”

“Yes. Did you have a nice nap?”

“I dozed off?”

“Yes.”

“Sorry. Didn’t even notice.”

Rose giggles. “It’s fine. After all, you work the hardest. But that does have me worried.”

“Worried?”

“That your strength will fail when you need it most. You really need to rest more, Arc.”

“Yeah, I know. But this needs to be done.”

“I could have just taken care of this while you rested in the Jeep.”

Arc shakes his head. “While I’m sure you can handle it, I don’t think I’d be able to sleep knowing you were taking this risk while I stayed behind.”

Rose giggles as she stands. “You always worry about others. But I don’t believe it’s good to worry too much.”

“Easier said than done.”

“I suppose. What now?”

“Head to a restroom again.”

“Okay.”

Walking down the corridor, Rose spots a private restroom. Entering, she closes and locks the door behind her.

“We’re here.”

Arc peeks out of the pocket and looks around.

“Good.”

Blinking, Arc reappears on the floor in front of Rose

“Just let me resize myself a minute…”

Casting the Matter Compacting counter spell, Arc brings himself back up to normal size. He removes the nurse’s scrubs from his ring and hands them to Rose.

“I think it’s time you got changed.”

Arc turns around as Rose removes her shirt.

“You don’t need to do that, Arc.”

“Do what?”

Rose blushes slightly. “Look away.”

“I’d leave the room if I could, but…”

“What I mean is that it doesn’t bother me if you see me without coverings.”

“Well, it bothers ME!”

“Why though?”

“It’s not… proper.”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “But mother and her friends don’t cover themselves.”

“Well, humans are… different.”

“You forget that I’m a machine, Arc. Not a real human female.”

“Well, you’re real to me, Rose.”

“I… thank you.”

“What for?”

Rose smiles as she steps into the scrub bottoms. “For treating me so well.”

“It’s what you deserve. Now you just let me know when you’re decent and we’ll get underway.”

“Okay.”

A few moments later Rose calls out.

“How do I look?”

Arc turns around and looks her up and down.

“Like a real nurse. Just one more thing…”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls the ID badge out and hands it to Rose.

“This’ll make your outfit complete.”

Taking the badge, she looks at it a moment silently.

“Rose? Something wrong?”

“N-nothing! Sorry!”

She quickly pins the badge to her shirt as Arc gives her a final look.

“That looks okay. Are you ready?”

Rose nods. “As ready as I can be.”

“Then let’s go.”

Arc casts the Matter Compacting Spell on himself. Rose bends down and allows him to step into her hand. She carefully drops him into her pocket.

“Comfy, Arc?”

“Enough for the time being.”

“Okay. Here we go.”

Unlocking the door, Rose steps out into the corridor. She looks around before whispering.

“Which way?”

“Head for the nurse’s station over in the Intensive Care Unit. That’s where Frank was.”

“Okay.”

Walking down the corridor Rose heads for the nurse’s station. Approaching it she looks around.

“What now?”

“Look in the filing cabinets.”

“Where?”

“Under ‘F’ for Fontaine.”

Rose nods nervously. “R-right.”

“You okay?”

Rose sighs as she opens a filing cabinet.“Sorry. I’m just a bit nervous. All this sneaking and skulking around are wearing on me.”

“Hopefully this is the last time. But one never knows what the future holds.”

A short time later Rose finishes searching.

“It isn’t here!”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

“What do I do?!”

“Ask?”

“Who?”

“Try the first nurse you see. There’s supposed to be one here though.”

“Okay.”

A short time later a nurse walks behind the counter and sits down at the desk.

“Ask her.”

Rose nods and walks toward her.

“Excuse me.”

The nurse turns around.

“Yes?”

“I’m looking for a patient’s file. But it doesn’t seem to be in the cabinet.”

“Which patient?”

“Frank Fontaine.”

The nurse turns to her computer screen and presses a few keys before looking up.

“That file is restricted. Why do you need it?”

“Oh, I… I didn’t know that. The… the doctor asked for it.”

The nurse raises an eyebrow. “Which doctor would that be?”

“Um…”

Arc calls out to her in a whisper. “Doctor Rieper.”

“It was Doctor Rieper.”

The nurse nods her head and sighs. “Ah! That would explain it. He always insists that his patient’s charts be stored in the Records Room for security.”

“Does he?”

“Yes. If you ask me, I think he’s just overly protective. In any case, do you know where that is?”

Rose shakes her head. “Sorry, no. I’m new to this place.”

The nurse points down the corridor. “Down the hall and to the right. It’ll be the third door on the left.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Rose quickly heads down the corridor. She breathes a sigh of relief.

“That was close!”

“Yeah.”

“Why’d you say Doctor Rieper?”

“He was the only doctor whose name I knew in the heat of the moment.”

Rose sighs. “Luckily it worked.”

“We’re not finished yet. Not until we have that file.”

Rose nods. “The Records Room is just ahead.”

“Good. Our goal is in sight then.”

Rose approaches the room. Opening the door she sees a large room with floor to ceiling filing cabinets. A nurse sits at a desk in the center of the room.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for a patient’s file. The name’s Frank Fontaine.”

“Who’s his caregiver?”

“Doctor Rieper.”

“One moment.”

The nurse stands up and walks over to a locked cabinet. She turns to Rose.

“By the way, what was your name again?”

Rose smiles nervously. “It’s Rose.”

Arc grimaces. “Uh oh.”

The nurse glances down at the badge on Rose’s chest before looking up again, her eyes narrowed.

“Really? Because that’s not what your badge says.”

Rose takes a step back. “Um… you see, I…”

The nurse frowns and points a finger at her.

“You stay right there.”

She hurries to her desk and picks up the phone. Arc mutters under his breath.

“Oh no you don’t!”

Looking toward the nurse Arc reaches out with a Telekinesis Spell. He knocks the receiver out of her hand. Rose gasps as the nurse dives to the floor to grab it. As she does so Arc uses his magic to rip the phone wire out of the wall. The nurse gasps as she whirls around to look at a frightened Rose.

“Wha… what ARE you?!”

“I… um…”

The nurse hurries toward a large red button on the wall. Arc gasps as he calls out to Rose.

“Stop her!”

Rose takes another step back. “B-but…”

Sighing, Arc raises a hand. The nurse stumbles as her eyelids grow heavy.

“I… what are you… doing?!”

Rose shakes her head fearfully. “N-nothing! It’s not me!”

The nurse falls toward the wall. She braces herself against it as she struggles to stay awake. With a last burst of strength she shifts her weight to throw her body against the button. An alarm goes off as she falls to the floor. Arc Blinks to the floor and casts the Matter Compacting counter-spell on himself. Rose looks around frantically.

“What do we do?!”

Arc runs over to the door and locks it. “Security will be here any moment! We need to find that file, and fast!”

The sound of bootsteps running down the corridor can be heard. Arc puts his shoulder against the door as he turns to Rose.

“Get her keys!”

Rose nods fearfully and grabs the ring of keys from the unconscious nurse’s hand. She hurries over to the drawer marked ‘F’ as she fumbles with the keys for the correct one. Arc turns to her as a key is pushed into the door in front of him.

“They’re here!”

“Here’s the key!”

The drawer lock clicks as the mechanism allows it to open freely. Looking down the row of files quickly, her eyes rest on a particular one. She pulls it out and turns to Arc.

“Found it!”

Arc grimaces as the pounding on the office door intensifies. “Good!”

“Now what?! We can’t let them catch us now!”

“Come here quick!”

Rose runs over to Arc. He throws his arms around her and Blinks the pair through the ceiling and onto the roof. Reaching forward he opens a portal and jumps through with Rose. Falling to the leaf-covered ground on the other side, the swirling energies dissipate as Arc looks down.

“Rose?”

The young woman lies there, quietly crying.

“I… I’m sorry!”

“What for?”

“For freezing up and almost getting us caught!”

Arc sighs. “It’s okay, Rose. Anyone could have a panic attack in the heat of the moment.”

Rose shakes her head. “But I shouldn’t! And not when you need me to perform!”

Arc sits up and recalls his armor. “I’m not mad or anything. After all, you did get the file and we got away.”

Rose sniffles as she hands Arc the folder. “Here. You’d better take this.”

Arc accepts the folder and puts it in his ring before turning back to his friend.

“What’s going on, Rose? This isn’t like you.”

“I… I know.”

“Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know. Right now my… insides feel funny.”

“Do you need repairs?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. I’ve already run a scan of my internal systems. Everything is running normally.”

Arc stands up with Rose. “I think we need to talk to Twilight about this.”

Rose shakes her head as she quickly to her feet. “NO!”

“What?”

“Don’t tell mother about this!”

“Why not? She can probably figure out what’s wrong.”

“Because it… it’s embarrassing!”

“How so?”

“I don’t want her to know how I locked up back there.”

Arc shrugs. “It sounds to me like you were just scared.”

“That’s not possible. I can’t feel fear.”

“Well, it sure looked like it back there.”

Rose sighs. “I suppose it did. Tell me, am I really broken?”

“I don’t know. But maybe it has something to do with your directives being removed.”

“How so?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Well, think about it. You’ve been acting different since that time.”

“I’m sorry!”

“No, no! Not bad different. Just… not as you did before.”

“Perhaps mother should put them back in then.”

Arc sighs. “If that’s really what you want, I’ll ask her to. But I think you’ll still be better off staying as you are now.”

“But what if I go crazy?!”

“You won’t.”

“How can you be so sure of that?!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Because I trust you to make the right choices, Rose. I’ve never seen you raise a hand against anyone who didn’t deserve it, after all.”

“I… I’ve kinda wanted to a couple times.”

“Ashe?”

Rose nods.

“Why didn’t you then?”

Rose sighs. “Because I knew it would cause you trouble.”

“Even though she was so cruel? I mean, you certainly didn’t have to kill her. Just show her who was boss.”

Rose nods. “Yes. However you’ve been nothing but kind to me since my activation. Even though my directives no longer force me into certain… actions, I still would like to hold myself to their standards.”

“Meaning…?”

Rose turns and takes a few steps away to look to the horizon. She smiles as she continues.

“Meaning that I’d like to do my very best to support you in whatever endeavor you undertake.”

“It’s probably going to be dangerous.”

Rose shakes her head. “You forget, I can’t truly be hurt.”

“Your body maybe. But your heart is certainly fragile.”

Rose looks down at her chest. “My central core is quite durable, I assure you.”

“Not that kind of heart.”

They are silent for a time. Only the sound of leaves rustling underfoot can be heard.

“…perhaps.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’d welcome your help, Rose. But only if that’s truly what you want to do.”

She turns around and walks back to Arc. He extends his hand to her. Rose takes it and wraps her hands around it as she puts the hand to her face and looks up at him.

“I will do my very best for you, Arc. This I promise.”

Meanwhile, Doctor Rieper sits in his office looking over some files. There is a knock at the door as a rather nervous looking nurse enters the room. Rieper looks up and glares at her.

“Don’t you know not to bother me while I’m working?!”

“My apologies, sir. But there’s been an… incident.”

Rieper rolls his eyes as he continues working. “Whatever it is, I’m sure someone less intelligent can handle whatever medical malady has befallen another foolish local.”

“It’s not a medical problem, sir. Someone broke into the Records Room a few minutes ago.”

He stops working and raises an eye.

“Did they take anything?”

“A single drawer was unlocked. The staff is currently working to determine what files were taken.”

Rieper nods coldly. “Keep me posted. Now, get back to work.”

The nurse nods and quickly leaves the room. Rieper turns to his computer and begins typing as he muses to himself.

“Let’s see who we’re dealing with.”

A few moments later he smiles and leans back triumphantly in his chair.

“The hospital really should invest in better cybersecurity. But I suppose even that would amount to little more than an added nuisance to one with skills such as myself. Now then… security footage for the Records Room… there it is.”

Backing up the footage, the doctor increases the speed until he reaches the point Rose entered the room.

“A nurse? Perhaps my files were simply misplaced.”

He frowns, but continues watching. A few moments later the phone flies away.

“That’s strange. I…”

Rieper stops talking as the wire is ripped out of the wall.

“Hmmm… how did she incapacitate the nurse? Some kind a sleeping gas? The reaction is about the same as…”

Arc appears on the screen as the nurse loses consciousness. He runs to the door as Rose takes the nurse’s keys and opens the filing cabinet.

“I see. An inside job. Although I don’t recognize that young woman.”

He pauses the footage and opens a new window.

“Let’s see… personnel records… I think there was a back door here somewhere… ah, there it is. Now then… female nurses…”

Scanning the badge ID photos at a rate of several per second he quickly comes to the end of the list.

“Strange… no record of her. A couple possible matches, yes. But nothing concrete. Now then, what about her companion.”

The doctor’s eyes grow wide as he zooms in on Arc’s face.

“The young man from the other day? What on earth would he be doing in…”

He taps his desk as he muses to himself.

“This doesn’t make any sense! Who IS that?! And how did he… could he possibly have been using magic?”

Rieper swivels to look out the window

“No, that’s impossible. If he had any kind of power I’d certainly have known about him. However, I swear I’ve seen him before! But where!”

He turns back to the computer screen and Arc’s face.

“Is this Diva’s doing? No, it couldn’t be. While a capable individual, she doesn’t have the skill-set or equipment to perform a Transfusion. I’d better download this and send it to the general. Perhaps he can shed some light on just who… or what this young man really is.”

Chapter 11 - Scanning

A short time later Arc and Rose reappear on the sigil in Arc’s basement. His squad along with Ember and Sereb walk over to him. Ember is the first to speak.

“So how did it go?”

Arc sighs. “Not… exactly according to plan.”

Rose looks away nervously. “I… may have had some… personal problems.”

Arc pulls the file out of his ring. “Well, we got this. So I’d say it went okay.”

Max looks confused. “Sir? I thought you drove there.”

“I did.”

Ember frowns. “Where’s your Jeep?”

“Someone will have to go back for it later.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

Cherry calls out to them. “Let’s just say Arc and Rose should probably stay away from the hospital for a while.”

“Yeah. Things got a bit hairy.”

Hugh appears concerned. “You two are okay though, right?”

Rose nods. “Yes. I just… lost my nerve for a few moments.”

Viktor shrugs. “No one’s perfect.”

Max smiles at them. “We’re sure you did your best.”

Arc puts a hand on Rose’s shoulder. “Yes, she did.”

“Thank you, but I… um… I almost cost us the mission.”

Ember shrugs. “But you didn’t. Right?”

Arc nods as he tosses the folder onto the table. “Correct. Don’t beat yourself up over this, Rose. Just learn from it and keep moving forward.”

“I’ll try.”

Max gestures to the folder. “Sir, perhaps we should take a look at this and see if there really is anything to find.”

“Go ahead.”

Max picks up the folder and opens it. He reads over it silently for a time before looking up. Ember taps her foot impatiently.

“So? What’s it say?”

“A lot of things. Most of which I can’t understand.”

Xenos looks over Max’s shoulder.

“Uh… what language IS that?!”

Arc chuckles. “Probably a lot of words in Latin. A lot of medical terminology is based on it.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

“No clue.”

Rose walks toward Max. “Might I have a look?”

“Sure.”

He hands the folder to Rose. She looks it over and frowns.

“That’s strange.”

Viktor frowns. “What is?”

“I’m certainly no substitute for a real doctor. But these treatments seem a bit… odd.”

Arc stands next to her and looks at the file. “Can you expand on that, Rose?”

“Certainly.”

She points to an area on the chart.

“Look here. The records show a below average amount of nutrients being administered via IV.”

Ember frowns. “What does that mean?”

Arc clenches a fist. “That he was undernourished.”

Sereb growls. “This is… troubling.”

“I’ll say. Rose, is it possible there was a legitimate reason for this course of action?”

“Unknown. While my programming is certainly not complete in regards to medical knowledge pertaining to humans, it still strikes me as a bit… odd.”

Max looks to Arc. “What are we going to do about this, sir?”

“Well… I think we should have a real doctor look this over. No offense intended, Rose.”

“None taken. That would probably be for the best. However, it might be prudent to include a blood sample with this report.”

Viktor frowns. “You two probably shouldn’t venture back to the hospital for something like that.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. It sounds like they’ll be looking for you two now.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed.”

“Fortunately, that won’t be a problem.”

Xenos appears confused. “Rose?”

“We can simply go see Frank himself for a sample.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That would probably be the best course of action right now.”

Ember grins as she looks Rose up and down. “You even have an alibi for that now.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Eh?”

Max nods. “That’s right. In that outfit, Rose here really does look like a legitimate nurse. The commander could just tell Frank she’s a friend and that she’s there for a sample.”

Arc turns to Rose. “How about it? Up for a little more legwork today?”

Rose looks away nervously. “I… I don’t know. The last mission didn’t go so well thanks to me.”

“It went fine. Now then, this won’t take long. And I won’t try to force you if you REALLY don’t want to do this. But I’m sure it would really help Doctor Whooves understand the notes in that chart.”

Rose sighs but nods. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Good. Do we still have that blood drawing kit around here somewhere?”

“I’ll get it for you, sir.”

Xenos walks over to a cupboard and pulls out the bag. He hands it to Rose as Arc pulls his keys from a pocket.

“Now then, let’s get moving.”

“Okay.”

Arc and Rose head upstairs. Max turns to Ember.

“That was strange.”

“Which part?”

“Usually Rose is eager to help out.”

Viktor sighs. “Agreed. This time however she seemed to be scared of her own shadow.”

Hugh frowns. “She admitted to freezing up at the hospital. Letting someone down, especially the commander, would make me question myself too.”

Sereb nods. “He did not appear angry with her though.”

Ember shrugs. “Right. So it must not have been THAT bad.”

Xenos sighs as he heads back to the table. “Yeah, well… we all know the commander is a very forgiving human. Maybe he just wanted to give her another chance.”

Max sits down next to him. “That’s probably it. He’s all about second chances.”

Arc and Rose return a moment later. Sereb looks to them, confused.

“Arc?”

“Um… kinda forgot something.”

Rose smiles sheepishly. “Arc’s Jeep is still at the hospital.”

Ember facepalms. “And you can’t exactly be seen there at the moment.”

“Right.”

Arc turns to Xenos.

“I could portal you over there.”

“Yes sir. Should I pick you up somewhere?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Just bring the Jeep home and I’ll take things from there.”

He opens a portal. Xenos steps through as Arc heads for a chair.

“I guess all we can do now is wait.”

A short time later Xenos returns. Arc and Rose head to the driveway and get into the still-running Jeep. As they head beyond the town’s limits Arc turns to Rose.

“You okay?”

Rose sighs. “Not really. What if I mess this up too?”

Arc pats her hand. “You’ll do just fine. I believe in you.”

“That makes one of us.”

A short time later Arc pulls into the drive and parks. They head up to the house and enter. Wolf meets them in the Living Room. He glares at Arc.

“What the heck are you DOING?!”

“Huh?”

Wolf points to Rose. “Bringing someone here!”

“I needed her help. Is Frank up?”

“He wasn’t a few minutes ago when I sent Jackal in there to keep an eye on him.”

Rose sounds concerned. “Was he trying to leave?”

Wolf looks away. “I… can’t really say.”

“If you want my help, we have to know what’s going on.”

Wolf sighs. “Fine. The boss was acting a bit… off.”

Rose looks to him, confused. “Off?”

Wolf shrugs. “It’s… kinda hard to explain. Look, why don’t you just go see him yourself?”

“Alright then.”

Arc and Rose head for the bedroom door as Wolf groans.

“I meant just you!”

Arc turns to Rose. “I’ll see if Frank’s open to this. Can you please wait here?”

Wolf leers at Rose. “You do that. I’ll watch her for you.”

“Keep an eye on this guy, will you?”

Rose nods silently as Wolf frowns. He enters the bedroom to see Jackal sitting in a corner. The large man waves happily as Arc walks over.

“How’s he doing?”

“Sleeping most of the time. He must be really tired.”

“Can I talk to him? It’s kinda important.”

“Well… okay. But only because you’re boss’ friend.”

Jackal stands and walks over to Frank. He gently nudges him.

“Boss? Your friend here.”

Frank slowly opens his eyes and sits up.

“Arc? Is that you?”

“Yeah. How’re you feeling?”

Frank puts a hand on his forehead. “Strange. Not sure what’s happening to me. Sorry I’m not in better spirits.”

“It’s fine. Your guys mentioned you weren’t doing too well.”

Frank nods weakly. “Yes. They say you volunteered to get my file from the hospital.”

“I already have.”

Jackal appears hopeful. “Find anything?!”

“That’s actually what I came here to talk to you about. You see, I had a nurse friend of mine look it over. She says your treatment appears a bit… off.”

“Oh?”

“We’d like to send it to a doctor I met in my travels for further study.”

Jackal gasps. “But what if he tells the hospital?!”

“He’s trustworthy. If I tell him to keep this quiet, he will.”

Frank nods. “Very well, Arc. If you trust him, I’ll do the same.”

“There was one other thing. My nurse friend suggested sending a blood sample along with the file.”

Frank narrows his eyes. “For what purpose?”

“To compare the past readings to your current state.”

Frank sighs. “Fine. But I certainly can’t show my face at the hospital.”

“I understand that. So I brought her here. She’s in the Living Room with Wolf awaiting your answer.”

Frank turns to the larger man. “Call her in, Jackal.”

“Okay, boss!”

Jackal sticks his head out the door and calls out. A few moments later Rose and Wolf enter the room together.

“You need something, boss?”

“I wanted to meet Arc’s new friend, Wolf.”

“Hello, sir. My name is Rose.”

Frank smiles at her. “A lovely name. Now then, Arc tells me you wanted something from me.”

“Yes. A blood sample.”

Wolf frowns. “I don’t trust her, boss!”

“Well, Arc does. He’s never let me down before, and I don’t see him doing that now or in the future.”

Jackal frowns. “Comon Wolf! She’s pretty!”

Rose blushes slightly. “I… um… thank you.”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “You trust everyone.”

“What wrong with that?”

Arc sighs. “Not everyone is trustworthy.”

“She is!”

Rose turns to Jackal. “How do you know that?”

“I can tell!”

Frank clears his throat. “Yes, well… if it helps get to the bottom of this, go ahead.”

Rose walks over to the bed with the kit. She rolls up Frank’s sleeve and rubs a patch of skin with bit of alcohol.

“Are you ready?”

Frank nods. “Go ahead.”

Picking up an empty syringe Rose pricks Frank’s arm. A moment later it fills with blood. She removes the needle and covers the skin with a bandage.

“There we go.”

“Thank you, miss.”

“You are welcome, sir. The doctor can hopefully use what’s written in your file to compare it to your current bloodwork.”

Arc nods as he looks to Frank. “Yeah. Your guys were saying you were feeling sluggish.”

Frank sighs. “That I do. But it may just be residual effects of whatever was done to me before the Hero found me.”

“If you remember anything about that, or just want to talk, give me a call. I should be in town for some time.”

Frank nods. “Thank you, my friend. But I am curious about one thing.”

“Yes?”

“Where did you go to meet such charming friends as Rose and Ember?”

“I… uh…”

“That and you disappeared so suddenly. Why?”

Arc sighs. “Well… to be honest with you, sometimes things just come up in the heat of the moment. One single choice can change everything.”

Frank pats his bad leg. “That much I do understand.”

“Yeah. I knew you would.”

“I’d be very interested in learning more about that place.”

“Maybe another time. Rose and I need to get this investigative ball rolling.”

“Of course.”

Frank yawns as Wolf walks over to him.

“Tired again, boss?”

“A bit, yes.”

Jackal watches his boss intently. “You need another nap? I keep eye on you for you, boss.”

Frank nods. “Thank you.”

Arc heads toward the door with Rose. “I’ll let you know if we find anything.”

“Yes, I appreciate the hard work… lieutenant.”

Arc grimaces. “Please don’t call me that.”

Frank chuckles. “You cannot run from your past, Arc. It’s what defines you.”

“I’m not running. Just… walking a different path these days. Take care.”

He leaves the room with Wolf and Rose. Frank rolls over.

“That may be. But I know you, Arc. And I can tell that you’re not being completely honest about your journey out into the world.”

Meanwhile, Wolf escorts Arc and Rose back to the Jeep. He gestures to the black bag in Rose’s hand.

“You really think there’s something to find in that?”

Rose nods. “Most likely, yes. We won’t know for sure until it’s analyzed by the doctor though.”

Arc turns to Wolf. “Take care of Frank. I’ll be in touch.”

Wolf nods as Arc and Rose get into the Jeep and drive away. The pair return home. Arc turns to Rose as they walk in the back door.

“Thanks for doing this, Rose.”

“It’s no trouble.”

“Maybe not to you. But remember, no one here knows how to take a blood sample.”

Rose giggles. “I’m sure you would have figured it out.”

“Maybe. But you’re very convincing in that outfit.”

Rose blushes slightly. “Th-thank you.”

The pair head for the basement. Ember looks over to him as they descend the stairs.

“How did it go?”

Rose holds up the kit. “As Arc would say, mission accomplished.”

“Yup. Now to have the sample analyzed.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“I have a medical file and a blood sample I need analyzed. Could you have someone run them over to Doctor Whooves?”

“Certainly, sir. I’ll take care of it personally. What shall I tell him to look for?”

“Any foreign substances in the blood and anything suspicious in the treatment of the patient. I need to know right away.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring, severing the connection as he turns to Max.

“So… anything happen while we were gone?”

“Um… there was an interesting call that came over the scanner.”

Ember grins. “Apparently someone broke into a secure room in the hospital and assaulted a nurse.”

Arc frowns. “Anything come of it?”

Viktor shakes his head. “No, sir.”

Hugh grimaces. “We’re assuming it was just hospital policy to notify the authorities of the incident.”

Rose looks away. “I sure hope that nurse is okay.”

Sereb nods. “If Arc used a standard Sleeping Spell she’ll be fine.”

“That I did. Just like that other nurse from the other day.”

Rose gazes down at her scrubs.

“I still didn’t like doing that.”

Arc puts a hand on Rose’s shoulder. “Neither did I. But it was the best I could come up with on such short notice. But why don’t we go upstairs? You can change out of that outfit and I need a bit of a rest.”

Ember looks worries. “Tired, Arc?”

“Kinda.”

Ember grins. “I’ll join you.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But I’m really planning on using the time to think.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “About what, sir?”

Arc turns to walk upstairs with Rose and Ember.

“Our next move.”

Chapter 12 - Reports

A couple days later Arc, Rose, and Ember walk down a corridor of Canterlot Castle with Spike in the lead. Ember turns to Arc.

“We seem to be coming here a lot lately.”

Arc nods. “That we do. But if we get some answers, I’m all for it.”

Spike grins. “Sunburst and I have been working really hard on this.”

Ember frowns. “I’m sure you two have. But I still think Sunburst is taking too long to figure this stuff out! Maybe the princesses could light a fire under his…”

Arc interrupts her. “Ember, he’s got quite a bit of work to do without me adding more.”

“But you’re the Hero of Light! He HAS to do what you say!”

“True. But he’s also leading the search for Princess Celestia in addition to his normal duties… whatever those are. And now there’s me giving him more work. I can’t really demand any more of him. After all, there’s only so many hours in the day.”

Rose nods. “Arc is correct. Pushing too hard will only lead to a decrease in overall efficiency.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “If you say so.”

They arrive at Sunburst’s office. Spike opens the door for them before hurrying toward the desk and Sunburst, whom does not appear to notice them approaching.

“Sunburst? We have guests.”

Sunburst nods absentmindedly, not looking up from his scrolls. “Oh? Who is it?”

“Arc, Rose, and Ember.”

“What? But they’re not due to be here until tomorrow morning.”

Spike sighs. “It IS tomorrow!”

Sunburst looks up at the clock on the wall before turning to looks out the window.

“I… suppose it is.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You okay?”

Sunburst nods as her rubs the bags under his eyes. “Yes. I just need a bit of coffee. Spike?”

Spike hurries over to a coffee pot nearby. “Yes sir.”

Sunburst walks out from behind his desk. “My apologies for not being in the best state, sir.”

“It’s fine. We’ll try not to take up too much of your time.”

Rose looks around the room. “I thought Doctor Whooves was supposed to join us though.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. Where is he?”

“He will. However, an assistant phoned ahead to tell me he’d be a bit late. Let me show you what I’ve come up with thus far.”

Sunburst gestures to a rack in the corner with one of the strange uniforms on it. They walk over as Sunburst puts a hoof on the pants. Spike hurries to his side with a steaming cup of coffee.

“Here you go, Sunburst.”

Sunburst takes a deep gulp of the coffee before turning back to his assistant.

“Thank you, Spike. That hits the spot.”

He gestures to the mannequin.

“The upper and lower tunics of this outfit appear to be made of very tightly woven fibers.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “To keep the user warm?”

“Not exactly. This makes the outfit very difficult to pierce. I believe it offers roughly the same protections as chainmail armor.”

Arc runs his hand along the tunic. “Interesting. The cloth doesn’t feel any thicker than a normal cotton shirt though.”

Ember scratches at it with a claw. “Perhaps it’s specially treated?”

Sunburst nods. “Most likely. The bottoms are the same material as the tunic.”

His horn aglow, Sunburst pulls the hat off the top of the mannequin.

“Now then, this cap is a bit more interesting.”

Ember looks confused. “It looks pretty normal to me.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. What can you tell us about it?”

“It has a strange magical aura around it. This requires further study, but I believe it’s very similar to a very old magical technique known as ‘enchanting’.”

Ember gasps. “Like Arc’s armor enchantments?”

“Unknown. Sadly, enchanting is a rather lost arte. It is said that a thousand years ago, when such artisans were still prevalent, a skilled enchanter could identify an enchantment simply by holding the item in question. They’re from a more… violent time in history though. When enchantments were used to give one an edge over others.”

Ember turns to Sunburst. “Interesting. But there aren’t any more of them around?”

Arc shrugs. “Other than Mythic Honor and Platinum Valve.”

Sunburst nods. “There are a few scattered throughout the land. However, they’re just historians or hobbyists.”

Arc sighs. “That’s unfortunate.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Mythic Honor might be able to tell us more.”

She shudders slightly.

“I guess it just matters how desperate we are.”

Arc chuckles. “Come on. He’s not THAT bad!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Try living with him for… let’s just say, an extended period of time.”

“Uh… does that have anything to do with why you were always so insistent on getting an early start?”

“Yeah. It was incentive for even me to rise early!”

Arc sighs. “Well, unless you have a better idea, we’ll have to see him about this.”

Ember groans. “Fine.”

Sunburst looks to Arc. “You might also want him to take a look at the cape, sir.”

“It’s enchanted too?”

“Yes. In addition to that, it appears to be of a much thicker construction as the tunic or pants.”

Spike grabs a corner of the cape and rubs it between his claws. “This stuff really is tough. It could probably stop a crossbow bolt easily.”

Arc winces as he rubs the scar on his hand. “That would’ve been helpful a while back.”

There is a knock at the office door. Spike hurries over to answer it as Sunburst turns to Arc.

“That’s probably Doctor Whooves. He sounded a bit strained on the phone earlier though.”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe he had a late night like you did?”

“I certainly hope not.”

Spike opens the door and leads the doctor over to the group.

“Good morning, everypony. I apologize for being late.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine, doctor. But you look like you could use some coffee almost as much as Sunburst here.”

Spike grins. “I’ll fetch him some!”

The little dragon hurries over to the coffeepot as the doctor looks over to him.

“Just one sugar, please.”

“Yes sir.”

The doctor turns back to the group.

“Now then, did I interrupt anything?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “No, I was just about done.”

He looks to Arc.

“I’d like to conclude by saying that this outfit is certainly very interesting from a cosmetic point of view. To say nothing about the magical standpoint. However, how humans on Earth were able to create such a garment is beyond me.”

Ember frowns. “You mean it shouldn’t be possible?”

“Correct.”

Spike hurries over with another cup of coffee for the doctor.

“Here you go, sir.”

“Thank you.”

Taking the mug, the good doctor chugs the contents in just a few gulps before giving it back to Spike.

“It was delicious.”

Spike looks at the empty mug, astonished. “Um… thanks.”

He turns back to the coffeepot as the doctor looks to Arc.

“Now then, I’ve looked over the patient’s chart and compared it to yours, sir.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “To Arc’s? Why?”

“For a benchmark, miss. I needed something to compare it to.”

Arc nods. “Makes sense.”

“Sadly, my expertise on human physiology is somewhat lacking. Yesterday I took an airship ride over to Ponyville for a conference with a Doctor Horse of Ponyville Hospital, and a Miss Lyra Heartstrings of the Equestrian Anthropology Society.”

Ember groans. “Oh boy… Lyra again?!

Doctor Whooves sighs. “Let’s just say she was… enthusiastic to say the least.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry. She’s been hounding my secretary for an interview with me for quite some time.”

Ember looks to Arc, surprised. “She has?”

“Yes. Raven’s been able to keep her away lately. While I’m not averse to seeing her and answering her many questions, I’ve just been far too busy to do so.”

“Well, it’s not like you’re in the office much.”

Arc grins. “I’m more of a field guy. Things get accomplished that way.”

“Yes, well… between her and Doctor Horse we were able to piece together what is normal for your species, sir.”

Ember looks to him expectantly. “And what did you find out?”

“That the patient in this chart has been through quite a bit!”

Arc frowns. “What do you mean?”

The doctor sighs as he sets the folder on the nearby desk. “Let me start from the beginning.”

Opening the chart, he points to the first page.

“Here is the information pertaining to the initial examination by the hospital staff. His vital signs are those of somepony who has been physically abused.”

Ember clenches a fist. “What kind of abuse?”

“Mostly lack of food, water, and proper rest.”

Sunburst grimaces. “So basic necessities?”

Spike gasps. “Why would somepony DO that though?!”

Arc frowns. “Right. It makes no sense. I mean, Frank’s a bad guy, sure. But that sounds like literal torture!”

The doctor nods. “Agreed, sir. But there’s more to the tale.”

“Continue.”

Doctor Whooves turns the page.

“The next several pages chronicles the patient’s treatment during their stay in the hospital.”

Ember looks over his shoulder. “All those letters and numbers say something?”

Arc nods. “Indeed. But what is beyond me. Doctor?”

“This is what troubles me. If I’m analyzing this correctly, the patient was given only enough food and water intravenously to keep them alive.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Do you suppose that’s why he was in a coma?!”

“Sounds like it.”

Arc turns to the doctor

“So what you’re telling me is… the hospital didn’t actually help him at all?!”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “It would appear not.”

Ember bares her teeth angrily. “But why?!”

Arc shrugs. “No clue. Was there anything else of interest in there, doctor?”

“Yes. The medical notes, at least here in Equestria, contain a chart chronicling all treatments and medications given to a patient.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What for?”

Sunburst steps forward. “Record keeping mostly. The hospital needs to know what has been tried, when, and the names of all medications along with dosing.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Correct. It’s never a bad thing to have too many notes.”

“I understand that. What can you tell us about my friend’s treatments and medications?”

“There are indeed many notes here on his daily treatments. However they were recorded simply as ‘treatment’.”

Ember turns to the doctor. “Could they have been referring to some kind of physical therapy?”

“That is possible, yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, there were IVs hooked up to him when I saw Frank.”

Spike puts a claw to his chin. “Maybe they were liquid nutrients?”

Rose shakes her head. “That would have been recorded as such. Feeding a patient is certainly not treatment either.”

Ember frowns. “Can you tell us anything else about these so-called ‘treatments’?”

“Just their doses.”

Arc sighs. “It’s a start.”

“Well, whatever was administered was gradually increased over a period of time.”

“And the blood sample? Could you extrapolate what this treatment was from it?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “No. His liver had fully metabolized it already.”

Ember groans. “Great. Where do we stand?”

“All I can say for certain is that very little was done to properly treat the patient’s condition. It’s like he was some kind of experiment.”

Arc appears worried. “Do you think he’ll be okay?”

“It’s impossible to say for certain. But he should be closely monitored for any changes.”

Arc turns to look out the window. “I wonder if Rose could keep an eye on him with her scanners.”

Ember gasps. “At that range?!”

Sunburst turns to Arc. “It may be possible to do that, sir. With some properly placed sensors and a transmitter Miss Rose could theoretically monitor his vitals remotely.”

Arc grins. “I like the idea. What do you think, Rose?”

“It certainly should be possible, yes. Shall I try?”

Arc nods. “If that’s okay with you, yes.”

Rose appears suddenly nervous. “But… what if I… you know.”

“I have faith in you.”

Arc turns to Sunburst.

“Where would we get these sensors?”

“I can have Spike fetch them for you.”

“What? But I don’t know what’s needed.”

Sunburst turns to his desk. “I’ll write down the components. Just run it over to the quartermaster.”

“Yes sir.”

Spike takes the note and leaves the room. Arc turns back to Doctor Whooves.

“Can you elaborate on your expert opinion?”

“Which part, sir?”

“About the idea of Frank being an experiment.”

“Oh. Forgive me, sir. That was a foolish choice of words on my part.”

Ember sighs. “But you may be right.”

Rose nods soberly. “It would certainly explain his condition and the lack of transparency regarding the records.”

“Well, that may very well be. However, I don’t see any healthcare professional intentionally doing that to a patient. It goes against everything we stand for.”

Arc sighs. “I hope that’s true, doctor. But what you said really makes me think something’s up.”

Rose looks to Arc. “Perhaps we should look into his physician, Doctor Rieper.”

The doctor nods. “That may be prudent. While I’m not sure how things are done on Earth, if he’s truly not acting in his patient’s best interests, there should be some sort of governing body that can discipline him.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Thank you for your advice.”

“It was my pleasure, sir.”

Arc turns back to Sunburst. “Have you learned anything about that gun and staff I sent over?”

Sunburst sighs. “Very little I’m afraid.”

Ember glares at him. “How?! You’re the Lead Sage!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Give him a chance, Ember. Go on, Sunburst.”

“Well, to be honest with you these items, while certainly magical, aren’t like anything I’ve ever seen or heard of.”

Ember looks the weapons over. “Are they more advanced than Equestria’s understanding of magic?”

“Not so much more ‘advanced’ as… different.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Can you elaborate?”

“Certainly, sir.”

He gestures to Hammer’s gun.

“This firearm is capable of storing potent magical energy in its internal power cells. While its capacity is certainly limited, it would allow a non-unicorn to wield the destructive power of magic. At least for a time.”

Ember shudders. “That’s a scary thought.”

Arc nods. “Right. But what about recharging?”

“I haven’t found any kind of port or access panel that would allow for it. Lacking that, I can only assume a magic user would have to recharge the weapon somehow.”

Rose nods. “Assuming Hammer herself can’t do that, there’s always Mio.”

“Yes. What about the wand?”

Sunburst puts a hoof on the staff leaning against the wall. “This wand is very similar to something found in this land prior to Unification. Powerful unicorns would sometimes wield these to give their powers a substantial boost.”

Ember looks worried. “Wouldn’t that endanger their own forces?”

Arc frowns. “You mean friendly fire?”

“Yeah. Spells don’t differentiate.”

Sunburst shakes his head. “Our oldest historical documents tell of them being used primarily for laying siege to enemy battlements. This served two purposes. One, it kept their own forces safe. Two, the staves were very costly to make. Therefore it wouldn’t do to have them lost in the shuffle of battle. Higher ranking officers were known to carry something like these as a sign of status within the Unicorn Military. The higher the rank, the more potent the focusing crystal atop their wand.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I still don’t see how that wouldn’t be a risk? I mean, having one of these would make one a doubly-valuable target.”

Sunburst chuckles. “One might look at it that way, yes. However, the higher ranked officers could certainly afford to stay behind their own lines and cast at their own pace. More power equals range.”

Arc picks up the staff. “Where does this weapon register in terms of power?”

“I’ve already tested it’s crystal’s potency, sir. This is certainly a very weak example of the a fore mentioned technology. However, it’s certainly not like the ones found in museums today.”

Ember looks over the crystal herself. “You mean they screwed up making this?”

Arc chuckles. “I think what Sunburst means is that it was made by someone who approached the design differently than unicorns did in the past.”

“Yes sir. It’s certainly not inferior in its design.”

Arc sets the wand back down. “So I could theoretically use this to give my own magic a boost?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes sir. However you would need to be wary of how much power you put into it and how fast.”

Ember frowns. “Why’s that?”

“The crystal atop the staff is imperfect. Try to channel too much through it and there could be a magical explosion.”

Arc grimaces. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “By ‘keep in mind’, you mean keep in your ring… right?”

Arc shrugs as he puts the staff in his ring. “It might be useful at some point.”

“I agree with Ember, sir. You really should use this staff as a last resort. And not at all until you practice with it.”

Arc nods as he picks up Hammer’s gun. “What about this, Sunburst?”

“In theory, as a magic user, your own magical energies could keep this weapon charged. However, be careful when using either of these items. You wouldn’t want to drain your mana pool too fast.”

Arc grins as he looks the weapon over. “I’m certainly going to enjoy training with this thing.”

Ember frowns. “Why? It takes all the fun out of fighting.”

“Humans like projectile weapons. Most use them for hunting or target practice though.”

Spike returns to the office. He walks over to Arc with a case.

“This should be everything you need, Arc.”

Arc nods and accepts the satchel. “Good.”

Doctor Whooves motions for the small dragon to approach him. He gives him a small bag as Sunburst returns to his desk.

“Shall I get you another cup of coffee, sir?”

Sunburst turns to Spike and nods. “Please. I have a long day ahead of me.”

Spike nods as he heads over to the pot. “Yes sir. Coming right up.”

Arc turns to Rose and Ember. “We should let Sunburst and Doctor Whooves get back to work.”

“Back to Earth?”

“Later today, Rose. First I want Mythic Honor to look over this uniform. See if he can tell me anything about the enchantment on it.”

Ember frowns. “What about Frank?”

“Doctor, is my friend’s life in danger?”

“Assuming he’s no longer in the care of that doctor, I would say no.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. While I’m anxious to get back, there’s still the matter of getting some answers for him.”

Spike returns to Sunburst’s side with a mug of coffee.

“Here you are, sir.”

“Thank you, Spike.”

Sunburst takes a large gulp of the coffee before turning back to Spike.

“You made it extra strong this time.”

Spike nods nervously. “Yes, sir. I… know you needed this.”

Sunburst opens his mouth to say something but his legs buckle. Spike grabs the mug as the unicorn falls to the floor. Arc and Ember rush to his side.

“Sunburst?!”

“Doctor!”

Doctor Whooves walks over, shaking his head.

“Don’t worry. He’s fine.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Come again?! He just COLLAPSED!”

Spike grins sheepishly. “I, uh… might have had something to do with that.”

Arc turns to Spike. “You?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Yes. I told Spike to put something in the pot.”

Spike holds up the pouch from earlier as the doctor continues.

“A simple sleeping tonic. He’ll be out for at least two hours.”

Spike sighs. “I wish I’d had some of that stuff a time or two in the past. Twilight doesn’t know when to take a break.”

Arc grunts as he and the doctor drag Sunburst toward the couch. “I can’t say he didn’t need the sleep.”

Ember turns to the doctor. “Will he be okay?”

“Yes. When he wakes up he’ll think it was just normal fatigue.”

Arc sighs. “Is this a normal part of castle life?”

“Only for Sunburst. More so since Princess Celestia’s disappearance. While I know he’s doing his best, it won’t help anypony if he works himself to death.”

The doctor turns to Spike.

“Can you keep an eye on him?”

“Yes sir. Same as last time?”

“Right. Dump that coffeepot and clean the machine completely. Give him some fresh brew when he awakens.”

Arc looks down at the stallion before him. “Well, if you’re sure he’s going to be okay, we need to be going.”

Spike nods. “I’ll watch him. Don’t worry.”

“Thanks, Spike. The country is counting on him.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal. He turns back to Doctor Whooves as Ember and Rose step through.

“If you think of anything else in regards to that file, let me know.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc nods and steps through the portal. Spike turns to the doctor as it closes.

“Sunburst really does have a lot of responsibility right now, doesn’t he?”

“Yes. But so do you.”

Spike appears surprised. “Me? But I’m nopony special.”

“You are the assistant of the Lead Sage. He may be doing all the work, but you’re supporting him in that. So his success will be hurried along by you and your efforts.”

“I never thought about it that way. Um… what should I be doing?”

The doctor calls out as he heads for the door. “Your very best.”

Chapter 14 - Favors

A short time later Arc arrives at the run down house outside of town. Hurrying inside he finds Wolf and Jackal at Frank’s closed door, their ears pressed against the wood.

“What’s going on?!”

Wolf frowns but does not look over. “I don’t know! The boss just… freaked out!”

Arc shrugs. “So he got mad What’s the big deal?”

Jackal shakes his head. “Not mad! But… it was strange! Stuff just started happening!”

Arc sighs and steps forward. “I’ll see what this is all about.”

Wolf grimaces. “That might be dangerous.”

“Oh? What’s he going to do? Throw a lamp at me?”

Jackal shrugs. “Maybe.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “Do whatever you want. But just a bit of friendly advice. Be ready to duck.”

“Fine.”

Putting his hand on the doorknob Arc slowly turns it and opens the door. He peers inside the room to see a rather strange sight. Before his eyes several pieces of broken down furniture float aimlessly around as do the rest of the room’s contents. Several books pass the doorway as they drift along. The bed itself hovers a foot or so off the floor. Frowning, Arc closes the door wordlessly as he turns to Wolf.

“Uh… how long has this been going on?”

“About an hour.”

Jackal points to the door. “See?! I told you something was up!”

Wolf sighs. “Yeah, I guess you were right big guy.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What’s he talking about?”

Jackal frowns. “The last couple nights I heard weird sounds from the boss’ room. When I went to look I saw things floating around!”

Arc frowns. “And you two are just now saying something?!”

Wolf shrugs. “Not exactly. At the time I thought Jackal had dreamed it.”

“See?! Not a dream!”

“Yeah, yeah… but we gotta help the boss!”

Arc nods. “That we do.”

Jackal scratches his head. “But how?! And what going on in there?!”

Wolf looks around nervously. “No clue! This place must be haunted though!”

“Haunted?”

Wolf nods feverishly. “Yeah! I mean, what else could be causing all this?!”

Jackal sighs. “Me sure glad the boss asleep right now.”

“I’m sure the stress would be bad, and all. But we need to get him out of there and away from those spooks!”

Jackal grimaces. “But how?!”

Wolf and Jackal turns to look at Arc.

“I don’t know anything about ghosts. But I’ll go in first.”

“We’re right behind you.”

“Yeah!”

Sighing, Arc turns the doorknob and walks into the room. He carefully maneuvers past the floating objects and over to the bedside as Wolf and Jackal watch nervously from the doorway. Reaching his friend Arc puts a hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, Frank?”

The young man slowly opens his eyes. As he does so the objects around them fall to the floor, as does the bed.

“A-Arc? Is that you?”

“Yeah. Um… you okay?”

Frank sits up slowly. “I think so. Other than being exhausted, that is.”

He looks over to the pair at the doorway before turning back to Arc.

“What’s wrong with them?”

“They… think the house is haunted.”

Frank chuckles. “Do they now?”

Wolf steps up to the bed. “Yeah boss! Weird thing were happening in here!”

Jackal follows him. “We both saw it!”

“Arc, what are they talking about?”

Arc gestures to the items strewn around the room. “All this stuff was floating around when I walked in.”

Frank narrows his eyes. “Arc. If anyone else had told me that, I’d have thought they were certifiably insane.”

“Um… thank you?”

“Tell me. What do you think of what you saw?”

“I doubt it’s ghosts. But something a bit… supernatural was indeed going on.”

Wolf and Jackal cautiously look around the room together.

“Right. But what?”

“I still think it ghosts!”

Arc shakes his head. “No clue. But that’s not why I came out here.”

Frank chuckles. “Yes, I assumed you had found a piece of the puzzle.”

Arc sits down on the edge of the bed. “I, uh… got a report from the doctor regarding your treatment.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “That was fast.”

“Yeah. Um… it wasn’t encouraging.”

“What do you mean?”

“The chart wasn’t like anything he’d ever seen before.”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “What are you talking about?! If a doctor’s seen one chart, he’s seen them all!”

Jackal shushes Wolf. “I wanna hear!”

Frank looks at the pair. “Hospital papers always follow a system. It’s so if someone else has to take over, they have all the information at their fingertips.”

Arc frowns. “Apparently you weren’t well cared for over there.”

Wolf clenches a fist. “How so?”

Arc relays the information from Doctor Whooves. Wolf grits his teeth.

“Are you saying our boss was TORTURED?!”

“Maybe not the word I’d have used. But he certainly didn’t receive the best care available.”

Frank grimaces. “This is monstrous! What else did they do to me?! Mind-altering drugs?!”

“The chart just referred to your drugs as ‘treatments’.”

Jackal frowns. “No idea at all?”

Arc shakes his head. “None. Someone went to a lot of trouble to hide what they were doing to you though. I literally had to break into the Records Room to get the file.”

“And I appreciate you going to all this trouble, my friend. But the question now is, where do we go from here?”

“Before I learned this, part of me wanted to suggest you go back to the hospital. But now I know that’s not really an option.”

Wolf nods vehemently. “You got that right!”

Jackal frowns. “Yeah! They’d just hurt the boss again!”

Frank nods. “Agreed. But did your doctor have any suggestions on what I should do?”

“Not really, no. All you CAN do is just rest and try to recover your strength naturally.”

Frank yawns. “I think I’ll do that. No idea why I’m so tired though.”

“Probably just your body trying to fix what was done to it.”

Wolf turns to leave. “We should let you rest, boss.”

Frank nods and lies back down. Arc heads for the door.

“Oh, Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

Arc nods and leaves the room. Wolf and Jackal escort him outside.

“Hey. I… uh…”

Arc looks to Wolf. “Yes?”

“I just wanted to thank you for not telling the boss we called you. I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy knowing we were freaking out earlier.”

Jackal grins. “Yeah! He really thinks highly of you!”

“I guess. But you two were right to call.”

Wolf appears surprised. “We were?

Arc nods. “Yeah. Something is going on here. And it doesn’t feel natural.”

Jackal appears frightened. “Ghosts?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. But let’s table that talk for another day.”

Wolf sighs. “Sure. But where do we go from here?”

“I’m going to call in a favor to a friend of mine. See if they can come up with some information about the doctor whom treated Frank.”

Jackal looks to Arc soberly. “You need help with that?”

Wolf clenches a fist. “Yeah! You find them, and Jackal and I will pay them a visit they won’t EVER forget!”

“Thanks, but I’ll handle this.”

Arc gets into the Jeep and drives away. Jackal looks to Wolf.

“So… what we do now?”

Wolf sighs as he turns back to the house. “Watch over the boss until he comes back.”

“That not much of a plan.”

“It’s all we can do.”

Meanwhile, Arc drives back toward town. Cherry calls out to him.

“I think we both know what was going on back there, Arc.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah. Magic.”

Cherry groans. “Yes. But how?!

“I can only guess those so-called ‘treatments’ had something to do with it.”

“Agreed. But how would something like that be scientifically possible?! Human’s don’t have horns!”

Arc nods. “Right. But neither do I, and I use magic all the time.”

“I suppose so.”

“Either way we need to figure this out, and fast.”

They drive on for a time in silence.

“So who’s the friend who owes you a favor?”

Arc frowns. “Perhaps the term ‘friend’ was a bit too much.”

As they drive through downtown Angel Grove, Arc suddenly pulls into a public parking lot. Cherry gasps.

“Something wrong?”

“There’s a pay phone over there. I need to make a call.”

Getting out of the Jeep, Arc walks over to the phone and pulls a card from his ring. Sighing, he dials. In a few moments a voice on the other end answers.

“Minerva Moore speaking.”

“Miss Moore, this is the Hero.”

“Hello again. Is everything alright?”

“Kinda have a bit of a problem actually. Cherry and I can explain it better in person. Can we come see you after work?”

“I was actually just about to get off. Care to stop by my place?”

“Sounds good. I’ll head over there now.”

“Feel free to wait inside and I’ll see you as soon as I can.”

“Thanks. See you soon.”

Arc hangs up the phone and sighs. Cherry calls out to him.

“I’m surprised you called Minerva. You and her certainly aren’t what I would consider friends.”

Arc grunts. “Does that tell you how desperate I am right now?”

“She’s not a bad human. Well… not really. Just a bit… um… grandiose.”

“Yeah. But I’m still not too thrilled about what she pulled last time.”

“I thought you might drag her back to Equestria in chains for that.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

Arc heads for a secluded alley nearby. Looking around to make sure no one is around he calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and opens a portal. Stepping through, Arc finds himself on top of a very tall building. Cherry giggles.

“I told you putting a sigil up here was a good idea.”

“Looks like you were right, Cherry. Now let’s get inside.”

Blinking, straight down Arc reappears in Minerva’s Living Room.

“I always liked this room. But at the same time, it’s missing something.”

“Oh? What’s that, Cherry?”

“Friends to fill this space with laughter.”

“That’s up to her.”

Cherry sighs. “I know.”

“Think you could let me out?”

“Sure!”

The armor melts away and Arc steps out. He turns back to Eidolon’s Ward as it reforms

“Cherry, I’m sorry Minerva and I don’t get along. But what she did… separating us like that… it isn’t something I can just easily forgive.”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on Arc’s shoulder. “I understand. But you can’t live in the past forever.”

“I know. But I still don’t trust her.”

“Well, maybe Minerva and I can help change your mind.”

“How?”

“By proving she isn’t the same human whom separated us anymore.”

“That has yet to be seen.”

“In any case, you’d better get under wraps if you don’t want her seeing your face.”

“Alright.”

A short time later the sound of a key sliding into the front door lock can be heard. The door opens and Minerva walks into the room.

“H-hello?”

Eidolon’s Ward walks toward her from the Living Room.

“Welcome home, Minerva!”

Minerva smiles. “Thanks. It’s good to see you again, Cherry.”

The pair embrace before Eidolon’s Ward gestures toward the Living Room with a gauntlet.

“The Hero’s waiting for you.”

Minerva nods and gulps as Eidolon’s Ward leads the way. Arc sits in the center of the couch. He is wearing one of his magic cloaks and mask. Minerva and Eidolon’s Ward sit across from him.

“Hello again.”

Minerva nods nervously. “I… um… hi.”

Eidolon’s Ward pats Minerva’s shoulder. “No need to be scared. We’re all friends here.”

“I have a question for you, Miss Moore.”

“Yes?”

“When last we spoke, you told me you’d be willing to help in my… investigations. Are you still up for that?”

Minerva nods. “Y-yes, I am. Anything to help make up for what I did to you and Cherry!”

“Very well. I have a rather… delicate matter I need investigated. You see…”

Minerva’s stomach makes a strange rumbling sound. She blushes.

“Sorry about that. I woke up late and had to skip breakfast.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to her friend. “Why don’t we cook something for you? It won’t take long if we all work together.”

Minerva smiles nervously. “That might be a bit tricky. You see, I don’t have much other than cold cereal right now. After work I was supposed to go shopping.”

“Oh dear! Um… Hero?”

“Yes, Cherry?”

“Why don’t you take Minerva out to dinner?”

“Huh?”

“Both of you are hungry. It would also give you two a chance to talk and maybe smooth things over.”

Minerva wrings her hands nervously. “Oh, I don’t know about…”

“Please, Hero?!”

Arc sighs. “Very well.”

He turns to Minerva.

“Can I use your phone?”

“S-sure.”

Arc stands and heads for the phone. Minerva looks to Eidolon’s Ward and lowers her voice.

“What are you doing?!”

“Trust me.”

Minerva sighs. “I’m not so sure this is the way…”

Eidolon’s Ward interrupts her. “You have a better idea?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there the whole time.”

Minerva forces a small smile. “Alright then.”

Arc returns a few minutes later and walks over to the pair.

“They’ll have everything ready for us, Cherry.”

“That restaurant from last time?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Minerva appears confused. “Restaurant?”

“That one where I fought The Riders.”

Minerva puts a finger to her cheek. “I remember that place. It was really busy after the battle.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “That was a lucky break for the owner. His business was hurting due to the gang’s antics.”

Arc turns to Minerva. “We should get going. Roberto is pretty good about accommodating last minute reservations. That and now isn’t exactly his peak business hours.”

“Do you want me to drive?”

“Unless you want me to Blink us there.”

Minerva appears confused. “Blink?”

“Teleport.”

“Oh… um… if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather just get there using the more conventional methods.”

“Very well. Shall we be off?”

Minerva stands up nervously. “O-okay. Just let me freshen up a bit and we’ll be off.”

Arc nods as Minerva heads to her Bedroom. He turns to his armor.

“Cherry?”

“Yes?”

“You’re up to something, aren’t you?”

Cherry giggles. “I just want you two to bury the hatchet. One of the best ways to do that is over a nice meal.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I suppose that’s true. But I want to go on record as saying I still don’t trust Minerva.”

“I understand. But she earned my trust when we were together. Hopefully she can do the same for you.”

“Time will tell.”

Eidolon’s Ward stands and looks toward the bedroom.

“I think I’ll see if Minerva needs any help.”

“Um… okay.”

The armor heads for the bedroom as Arc sits on the couch and waits.

“I have a bad feeling about this…”

Chapter 15 - A Meal with a "Friend"

Minerva emerges from her room a short time later with Eidolon’s Ward. She is wearing a lovely black skirt and matching high heels. Cherry calls out to Arc.

“Sorry for the wait.”

“It’s fine. But what’s with the outfit?”

Minerva blushes slightly. “Oh, um… Cherry said it would be nice if you and I matched.”

Cherry giggles. “You’re both wearing all black after all.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose so. Well then, shall we be off?”

Minerva nods. “Yes. Please follow me.”

She walks over to the door as Arc turns to Eidolon’s Ward.

“We should probably stay hidden.”

“Oh?”

Minerva looks back. “I don’t mind being seen with you.”

Arc frowns. “Well, it might draw unwanted attention from certain… individuals.”

“Like the Marshal? Don’t worry about that. I have journalistic immunity. Worst case scenario, I’ll just say I’m interviewing you.”

“Would that work, Hero?”

“Probably. But I’m not too worried about Marshal Raynor giving us trouble. However, Diva and her ilk are another story.”

Minerva gulps.

“I… understand. Do you think…”

Arc nods. “We’ll stay out of sight in your car.”

Minerva breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

As Minerva puts a hand on the doorknob Arc puts a hand on Eidolon’s Ward and recalls the armor to his ring. Minerva looks worried.

“Um… Cherry?”

“I’m still here. Just in the Hero’s head right now.”

Arc nods. “Right. Now, we’ll cloak and follow you to your car. “

“Alright.”

They leave the apartment and make their way to the garage. Arc looks around for a few moments before getting into the passenger seat. Minerva looks over.

“You in here?”

“Right next to you.”

Minerva nods, starts the vehicle, and drives out of the parking ramp. Arc clears his throat.

“Do you know the way?”

“I do.”

They drive on for some time in silence. Eventually Minerva breaks it.

“So… you ARE there, right?”

“Yes.”

“Sorry. I thought, since you were so quiet…”

“I’m not feeling particularly chatty today.”

Minerva sighs. “It’s fine.”

A short time later they arrive at Roberto’s Pizza. Minerva parks the car as Arc speaks.

“Just head for the same room you interviewed me.”

“Sure. Um… do you want me to hold the doors open for you?”

“No. I’ll meet you inside.”

“Okay. I just…”

There is a tapping at her window as Arc opens the car door for her.

“I’m out here now. Meet you inside.”

Silently, Arc turns around and walks stealthily around the building. Minerva does as she is told. Entering the pizzeria she looks around to see nearly every booth filled. Roberto calls over to her from the counter.

“Welcome to Roberto’s Pizza! Just one today?!”

“Oh! Um… I’m actually meeting someone here in one of your private dining rooms.”

“Ah! Head on back then!”

Minerva nods. “Thank you.”

She slowly walks toward the door, Nervously she puts her hand on the doorknob and takes a deep breath.

“I… I can do this.”

Gathering her courage, Minerva slowly turns the knob and opens the door. The lights dimly illuminate the room as she steps inside and closes the door behind her.

“H-hello? Cherry? Hero?”

Arc decloaks behind one of the chairs.

“Right here.”

Cherry calls out. “Why don’t you have a seat, Minerva? You look tired from work.”

Minerva nods and slowly walks towards Arc as he pulls out the chair. As she sits down he walks around the table to a chair directly across from her. Looking toward the buffet table across the room he raises a hand. A large pizza pan slowly levitates over to the table. Minerva gasps as it passes her.

“What the…?!”

Arc turns to her as he picks up a slice with his magic and sets it on a plate in front of her. “I hope you like plain cheese. It occurred to me when I placed the order that I didn’t know if you were a vegetarian.”

“I… I’m not, no. This is fine.”

Arc nods as he takes a slice for himself and levitates the pan back over to the warming lights.

“Pretty much everything Roberto makes here is top rate. You’d be hard-pressed to go wrong.”

Minerva looks steadily at Arc as he raises his mask just enough to expose his mouth. Looking over he meets her gaze.

“Is something wrong?”

Minerva looks away nervously. “No, no! Nothing!”

“You were hoping to catch a glimpse of my face, weren’t you?”

She sighs. “Yes.”

Cherry gasps. “Minerva!”

“Like I said before, it’s my journalistic nature. Knowing the unknowable. Exposing the truth.”

Arc shakes his head. “Some things are best left shrouded in mystery, Miss Moore.”

“I know that’s true. But I can’t really help it. Reporters are naturally curious. At least the best ones are.”

“Well, that doesn’t change anything from my point of view. But it would make my job a LOT harder if I didn’t have a secret identity to fall back on.”

Cherry sighs. “We need to be able to hide in plain sight.”

“I… understand that. But…”

Cherry calls out. “Minerva, I trusted you with who I really am because I believe you’d do the right thing and keep it to yourself. Can’t you do the same for the Hero?”

“I’d like to say yes. But… if I knew for certain who he was, I’m not sure I could keep it quiet.”

Arc frowns. “It would certainly further your career.”

Minerva looks away. “I guess so. But ever since I met Cherry, I’ve been questioning everything I thought I knew about myself.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“Like what I really want out of life. Suppose I do make it to the top. What then?”

“What did Walter Cronkite do?”

Minerva shrugs. “I don’t know. In my mind at least, I always imagined he led the most amazing life. That’s what the history books state anyways.”

Arc frowns. “But you don’t believe that.”

Minerva sighs. “I don’t know anymore. Sometimes I lie in bed now and wonder. He didn’t publicly have any friends. At least none that I ever heard of.”

Cherry giggles. “Maybe he kept them secret to keep them safe.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. His fame would have certainly made them targets.”

Minerva frowns. “True. But that’s not what I meant. Usually people have friends that are befitting their station.”

Cherry sounds confused. “What does that mean?”

“Minerva’s saying that the powerful don’t usually mingle with the common citizens.”

“Why not?”

Minerva looks away. “Because they’re on another level entirely. Sorry if that sounds elitist.”

Arc nods. “It does. But I can’t deny that’s how things work on Earth. Back home as well, Cherry.”

“What?! But! But then why did you… I mean… ah…”

Cherry’s voice trails off as Arc sighs.

“Do you mean why did I want to marry you, Cherry?”

“Yes.”

Minerva looks to Arc, evenly. “I knew you two were engaged once before. Were you of a different social status, Hero?”

Arc nods. “Yes. As you know Cherry was a farmer and I was… um…”

Cherry interrupts. “Let’s just say he was MUCH higher up the social ladder than I’d ever be, Minerva.”

Cherry is silent for a time before continuing.

“So tell me. Why, Hero?”

Arc smiles and leans back in his seat. “Because you were perfect.”

Cherry sighs. “A dirty farm pony?”

“Yes.”

“How?!”

“You were… are… the kindest, loveliest, most generous individual I ever met. No one else even comes close.”

“Thank you. But you asked me to marry you long before you learned of the Transmogrification Spell.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “The what?”

Arc chuckles. “It’s a rather interesting spell that allows a magic user to change a target into another creature and back again.”

“You were willing to marry a… mare, Hero?”

“Yes.”

Minerva shakes her head. “No disrespect to you, Cherry. But that’s a little… weird by human standards.”

Cherry giggles. “None taken. Truth be told, the same is believed in my culture.”

“You mean…?”

“Yes. Ponies marry other ponies. Not different species.”

Arc nods. “Yes. I checked with the Royal Archives in Can… the capital. Apparently there’s no record of a pony ever marrying a non-equine.”

Minerva grins. “You two would have made history!”

Arc shrugs as he goes back to eating. “I guess.”

“Is that legal over there?”

“Probably not.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Then how were you two planning on…”

Cherry interrupts her. “The Hero is above the law in our homeland.”

“Above the… that doesn’t make sense!”

Arc clears his throat before swallowing. “The land Cherry comes from was originally ruled by two monarchs. Many years ago, one of them went crazy and tried to oust the other.”

“A coup?!”

Cherry sighs. “Yes. Our history books state that fact very clearly.”

Minerva nods. “I see. But what does that have to do with the Hero?”

“After that incident, the remaining monarch decided that such an event could never again come to pass. She made provisions for a very special rank to be formed called the ‘Hero of Light’. It was their job to protect the land, but without having to wade through red tape. However, that was not their true purpose.”

“Oh? A secret objective?”

“Yes. In the event a monarch ever lost their minds and threatened to conquer the land, it would be the Hero of Light’s duty to challenge, and if necessary… kill them.”

Cherry sighs. “The Hero of Light is the only one with the means and authority to do this.”

“I see. A failsafe for the betterment of the kingdom?”

Arc shrugs. “Something like that.”

“What if the last monarch needed to be taken down? What then?”

Arc takes a drink. “The Order of Succession would be followed until a new monarch could be crowned.”

Minerva nods thoughtfully. “So a duke or duchess would rule the land?”

“I’m not sure how far down the line they could go. But the first in line after a monarch would be… um…”

His voice trails off as he looks away. Minerva looks to him, concerned.

“What’s wrong?”

Arc sighs. “The next to rule the kingdom is… me.”

Minerva gasps. “So, you’re ROYALTY?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But the Hero of Light is always very honest and trustworthy. It makes sense that they’d be next to lead the nation.”

“Has this ever happened?!”

“Once, yes.”

Cherry speaks up. “Our leaders were very ill and unable to lead some time ago. The Hero stepped in and filled their role while searching for a cure.”

She sighs.

“It was a very… lonely time in my life.”

Minerva looks confused. “Why? I would have thought you’d have loved to live in a castle with the Hero.”

Arc shakes his head. “She wasn’t there.”

“Oh? But where would she be?”

“Working my family’s cherry farm.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “The Hero didn’t send for you?”

Arc shakes his head. “I couldn’t, as I didn’t have time for love back then. Our land was surrounded by foreign nations who were looking to invade. Back then we walked a very fine line between peace and all-out war.”

“How did you do it?”

“It’s complicated. Maybe one day I’ll trust you enough to talk more about this.”

Cherry clears her throat. “We should probably get to the matter at hoof.”

“Not quite. First there’s something else I need to do.”

Minerva looks to him nervously. “Wha… what is it?”

Arc holds out a hand. A pan levitates past Minerva.

“I wanted to try Roberto’s lasagna again. It’s been quite a while.”

Cherry sighs. “Always thinking with your stomach.”

Arc serves each of them a large portion of pasta before continuing.

“Ah! Still as tasty as I remember it.”

“Now can we get down to business?”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose we should, Cherry.”

He reaches for his ring and pulls out a pad of paper and a pencil.

“I’ve been investigating something for a friend of mine. He was recently hospitalized with some very… strange symptoms.”

Minerva nods soberly. “And you want me to see if my contacts can get his file from the hospital?”

Arc shakes his head. “That will not be necessary.”

Cherry giggles. “The Hero already did that.”

“Yes. I took the file to a trusted doctor of mine and had him look it over. Without going into detail, what he found was rather disturbing.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “In what way?”

“The file didn’t list drug names, strengths, or a detailed list of the patient’s treatments.”

“Sounds like someone’s trying to hide something.”

“Agreed. I’ve already helped my friend hide from those whom are certainly looking for him. However, he cannot stay under wraps forever.”

“What can I do?”

“I need information on the physician whom was supposed to be responsible for his recovery.”

“What was his name?”

Cherry calls out. “The patient or the doctor?”

“Either would work.”

Arc grimaces. “Doctor Rieper.”

“If you’d like, I can do a quick search for him.”

Cherry gasps. “How?”

“I have my laptop in the car. Want me to get it?”

Arc nods. “Yes please.”

Minerva stands up and heads for the door.

“I’ll just be a moment.”

She leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Cherry calls out to Arc.

“What’s a laptop?”

“Think of it like a smaller version of the computer in the basement. And it’s portable.”

“So she can do whatever it is Viktor does back home?”

“Probably. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Minerva returns momentarily with a laptop under her arm. She sits down at the table as Arc pulls back her plate and silverware.

“Let me pull up the hospital’s website first. See if he’s listed somewhere on there.”

She presses a few keys and looks over the screen for a few minutes.

“Nothing so far.”

Arc frowns. “Any ideas?”

“Well… let me try something.”

Opening a different browser Minerva returns to the hospital’s website.

“Now then… let’s see if we can find a backdoor somewhere.”

Cherry sounds confused. “A what?”

“I believe she’s referring to a backdoor into the hospital’s system.”

“Is that allowed?”

Minerva shakes her head. “Not a chance. Do you still want me to try?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Alright. Here we go.”

Minerva begins typing. A few minutes later she looks over to Arc.

“Okay, I’ve convinced the system to let me in.”

Arc frowns. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but where did you learn to do that?”

Minerva grins. “There’s a little bit of underhandedness in the research of nearly every news story. Now then, where should we start?”

Arc sighs. “How about the staff portal? From there we might be able to find something on our errant doctor.”

“Good idea. Let’s see here…”

Scrolling through the list, she frowns.

“You did say Doctor Rieper, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“There isn’t anyone by that name listed here.”

Cherry gasps. “So you’re saying he isn’t a doctor there?”

Minerva frowns. “If this list is to be believed, no. Are you completely sure of the name?”

“Yes. Take a look at this.”

Arc pulls the file out of his ring.

“Here’s the hospital’s address.”

Arc covers Frank’s name as he turns the folder to Minerva and points.

“Right there. A man named Doctor Rieper signed off on various so-called treatments.”

Minerva frowns. “Yes, it appear so. The hospital name and address match as well. Let me check something else.”

She continues typing for several minutes.

“I’ve accessed the personnel records. There’s no one here named ‘Rieper’ either.”

Cherry calls out. “How about past employees?”

“Good idea, Cherry.”

Minerva shakes her head. “Nothing. Not even an application.”

Arc sits back in his chair and groans. “This doesn’t make any sense.”

Cherry sighs. “Right. We both saw him last time we were there.”

“Was he going under a different name?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. Cherry?”

“No. I saw it written on his badge.”

Minerva looks up. “Are you sure?”

“Completely. I thought his name was very strange at the time, but didn’t think much else of it.”

Arc turns back to Minerva. “Are you completely sure this is the right hospital, Miss Moore?”

“Yes. Like I said, the address checks out with the building name in question. But you two say you saw him face-to-face?”

“Yes.”

“Either you two are mistaken, or someone is trying VERY hard to cover something up over there.”

Arc snaps his fingers as a thought crosses his mind. “The nurse at the desk knew him though!”

Cherry gasps. “Right. She was the one who directed you and… um… you know who to the Records Room.”

Minerva frowns. “Records Room? Why would a patient’s file be there?”

“This was after my friend had left the hospital.”

“How long ago?”

“A couple days I think. Why?”

“The hospital usually keeps records on hand for a couple weeks. They don’t go to the archives until then. It’s in case the patient has a relapse, or something.”

Cherry muses aloud. “Why would they have sent them there so soon then?”

Minerva shrugs. “No idea. Unless…”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Unless what?”

Minerva frowns. “Unless someone was intentionally trying to hide something from prying eyes.”

“Is that normal?”

Arc sighs. “To a degree, yes. Patient/physician confidentiality and all that. But this just seems like far too much.”

Minerva nods. “Or that Doctor Rieper is paranoid.”

Cherry gasps. “Maybe both.”

“I agree on both counts. But this brings us no closer to the truth.”

Minerva sighs. “Agreed.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Minerva breaks the silence.

“There is something else I could try.”

“Oh?”

“Going to the hospital in an attempt to find this doctor for myself.”

Cherry cries out frantically. “What?! But why?!”

“It’s the only way I’m going to be able to interview him.”

Arc frowns. “You want to TALK to him?!”

Minerva nods. “That I do. If he isn’t a real doctor, the public deserves to know.”

Arc shakes his head. “While I’m all for the truth coming out, that’s way too dangerous.”

“How so?”

“If Rieper really isn’t a doctor, he must have quite the skill set to pose as one. To say nothing for what his real reason is for being there.”

Cherry chimes in. “And if you try to expose him, there’s no telling what lengths he might go to in order to protect his secrets!”

Minerva frowns. “This’ll be no different than you and I sneaking into that old hospital, Cherry.”

“I didn’t like us doing that either! You almost got killed!”

Minerva grins. “But it all worked out in the end.”

Arc frowns. “That’s not reassuring.”

“Maybe not. But this whole thing has given me an itch I need to scratch. Now I won’t do this if you really don’t want me to. However, I’d still like to help.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Cherry and I will go with you though.”

“Agreed. My editor has been wanting more cutesy stories about local heroes anyways. Police, fire fighters, medical staff… that sort of thing.”

Cherry calls out to her friend. “When should we do this?”

“How about tomorrow morning? Just let me send an email to the office asking them to set it up.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You can do it that soon?”

Minerva nods. “Of course. Reporting has to be fresh, after all. That means finding a story, researching it, writing something up, and getting it on the air or in a newspaper all before supper.”

Arc picks up his fork. “Well, let’s finish our meal and head home then. All of us will need a good night’s sleep if we’re going to pull this one off.”

“In that case, would you mind if I stayed with Minerva this afternoon, Hero? It’s been a while since we talked.”

“Sure. I can always come get you if something comes up. But for now, let’s finish eating our meal.”

Minerva looks over at Arc’s empty plate. “Are you STILL hungry after all that food?!”

Arc chuckles as he levitates another helping of pizza over from the buffet. “What can I say? I need to keep my strength up.”

Chapter 16 - Hospital Visits

The next morning Dave waits by the news van. At precisely 9:00 A.M., Minerva arrives.

“We ready to do this, Miss Moore?”

“I… uh, suppose so.”

Dave raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

“N-nothing! Let’s go!”

The pair get into the news van. Dave pulls the vehicle out of the parking lot and drives down the road before turning to Minerva.

“I haven’t actually been told where we’re going.”

“We’re doing a story on hospital staff and clerical medical procedure at a local hospital.”

“Oh? I thought you hated this kind of thing.”

“Truthfully, I’m not a fan. But at the same time, this could turn into something much larger.”

Dave chuckles. “What? Is the hospital a front, or something?”

“Oh, it’s a real hospital all right. But I get the feeling something more is going on over there.”

“Professional intuition, ma’am?”

“Something more concrete this time.”

“More from our normal tipster, huh?”

“Different source this time. But he’s certainly proven to be helpful in the past. I think it’ll pan out.”

Dave shrugs. “And if not, the editor will have some nice filler.”

Minerva frowns. “Ugh. I hate that word.”

“Not everything can be headlines material.”

“I know. But one can’t make it in this industry doing this kind of thing all the time.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“All you have to do is follow and film me.”

Dave frowns. “How’s that different than any other time?”

“Because we’re bringing along some very special help.”

“Are they coming to help you or me?”

“Both if something goes wrong.”

“Wrong?”

Minerva nods. “Yes. This might not go well.”

Dave sighs. “And now I’m worried.”

“You won’t be when you see who our backup is.”

They drive outside the city limits. Minerva points to a two-track.

“Pull in there.”

“Uh… okay. But why?”

“To pick someone up.”

“Way out here?”

Minerva fumbles for the right words. “They… ah… don’t do well in crowds.”

Dave shrugs. “You’re the boss.”

Slowly driving down the path Minerva looks around. She spots a long red ribbon tied to a low hanging branch.

“Stop here.”

“Okay, but there isn’t anyone around.”

Minerva grins. “We’ll see about that.”

As the van stops Minerva turns to Dave.

“Open the side door.”

“Uh… okay.”

He pushes a button and the side door opens automatically.

“Now what?”

Minerva leans back in her seat. “Give it a minute.”

A few moments later the sound of someone getting in can be heard. Dave turns around but sees nothing.

“That didn’t feel like the wind. What was it?”

Minerva turns to Dave. “Close the door.”

“Huh?”

Minerva looks back. “You good?”

Two soft taps on the back on Minerva’s seat answer the question. Confused, Dave does as he is told as Minerva grins.

“Onward to the hospital.”

“But what about…?”

“Trust me.”

Sighing, Dave puts the van in reverse and backs up. Turning around, they return to the main road. As they near the hospital Minerva looks around. She points to a secluded side street.

“That looks pretty good.”

“For what?”

“A little chat before we get to the hospital. All of us need to be on the same page before we do this.”

Dave breathes a sigh of relief. “Finally.”

Pulling over, he puts the van in park and looks to Minerva.

“Alright. What’s the plan?”

Minerva turns around. “My friend here has, I’m sure, come up with something.”

Arc decloaks, clad in Eidolon’s Ward and magic robe. Dave instinctively draws back.

“WOAH!”

Arc waves. “Hello again.”

“H-hi?”

Dave turns to Minerva.

“THIS is your tipster?!”

Minerva nods. “Yes. Something wrong with that?”

“Not… really.”

Minerva turns back to Arc. “We have everything to do this story from our end. Can I assume you have a plan?”

“I do. Both of you step back here.”

Arc removes a cloth bag from his magic ring as Dave and Minerva unbuckle and step into the back of the van. Reaching into it he pulls out a wig and hands it to Minerva.

“Put this on.”

“But with this no one will recognize me.”

“Exactly.”

Dave protests. “But this is her story. Name recognition is everything in our industry.”

“That may be. But Minerva said her editor wanted more feel good stories. This bit isn’t going to be attention grabbing for your viewers, right?”

“I suppose not.”

“So it doesn’t really matter who reports on it?”

Dave sighs. “Not… really. But what about me?”

“Give me your hat.”

The man does so. Arc tosses it behind him and pulls a plain baseball cap from the bag. Dave frowns.

“What was wrong with the one I had?”

“Well, for starters, it said ‘Channel 7’ on it.”

Minerva nods. “That one’s a bit more neutral.”

Dave picks up his camcorder and points to the logo on the side. “Well, this will still give our station’s identity away.”

Arc holds out a gauntlet. “I thought of that too. Hand it over.”

Dave begrudgingly does so. Arc takes the device and sets it on its side. Pulling a large sticker out of the bag he carefully puts it over the logo before returning it to Dave.

“There. Different station name and number.”

Minerva looks at Arc’s handiwork. “I’m not familiar with that news outlet.”

Arc chuckles. “I’d be surprised if you were. They don’t exactly operate around here.”

Dave frowns. “But someone could trace it back to them though, right?”

Minerva grimaces. “I suppose that’s true.”

Arc chuckles. “They’d have a hard time doing that. The station in question is based in Denmark.”

Dave nods soberly. “It would appear you’ve thought of everything.”

Minerva smiles at him. “If your hero gig doesn’t work out, I’ll hire you in a second!”

“Thanks, but I have responsibilities elsewhere. Now then, thank you for bringing an unmarked van.”

Minerva shrugs. “Just following directions. But we still need more of an angle. Every story has one, you know.”

“Even cutesy ones?”

Dave nods. “Yup.”

“How about this? Say you’re doing a story on the typical day of hospital staff.”

Minerva frowns. “That’s not very interesting.”

Arc chuckles. “Remember, it doesn’t have to be. You just have to get the staff talking. They might tell us something interesting without even knowing they let it slip.”

Dave raises an eyebrow. “What should we be listening for exactly?”

Arc turns to Minerva. She nods.

“Ultimately, anything to do with a man names ‘Doctor Rieper’, or information on known hospital issues.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“No clue. Just get them talking and act chummy. They’ll open up in no time. Now then, do you have to report to someone first?”

“The person in charge is always a good place to start.”

Dave nods. “So we’ll go see the hospital director?”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like a plan.”

Minerva looks Arc up and down. “So… are you going to just follow us around?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. My armor and robe slow me down enough that I’d just cause problems.”

Dave points to a monitor built into the wall of the van. “You could view the feed from my camera here.”

“That’s not a bad idea. But I’d rather be in there to see things for myself.”

Minerva narrows her eyes. “Why do I get the feeling you’ve already figured out how to do that?”

“I have indeed. But this might seem a bit strange to you.”

Minerva giggles. “After all I’ve seen you do, I don’t think there’s anything that would surprise me.”

A short time later Minerva and Dave enter the hospital with their gear. They head for the elevator. As the doors close, Minerva sighs.

“I take back what I said.”

Dave chuckles. “Kinda late for that now, Miss Moore.”

Arc peeks out of her jacket’s pocket and looks up.

“Well, this is the best way for me to stick with you two.”

Minerva frowns as she looks over his smaller form. “Are you going to be okay in there?”

“Sure. This isn’t the first time I’ve done this.”

Dave clears his throat loudly. “We should do a radio check.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Dropping down into the pocket, Arc grabs a shrunken down radio and whispers into it.

“Can you two hear me?”

Dave nods. “Loud and clear.”

Minerva sighs. “Me too. But how are you supposed to see without being seen?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“How attached are you to this sport coat?”

Minerva looks down, confused. “Um… I have several others at my place. Why do you ask?”

A miniature magic blade pokes through the cloth momentarily. Minerva gasps.

“You could’ve said something before you did that!”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll buy you a new one.”

Minerva mutters under her breath as the elevator doors open. “I’m holding you to that.”

The pair walk down the corridor toward the director’s office. As they approach, the door opens and a young woman walks out.

“Hello. Can I help you two?”

Minerva nods. “Yes. We’re looking for the Director. Is she in?”

“Oh yes. I’m Rosa Morales, head of this hospital.”

“I see. Well, we’re reporters here about a doing a segment on local hospitals.”

Rosa nods. “Yes, I was notified of that when I arrived this morning, miss…”

“Oh! I’m… Lavinia Smith.”

Rosa extends a hand. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Smith.”

They shake and Rosa motions for them to follow her.

“So what kind of story are you looking to do on us, Miss Smith?”

“We want to focus on the daily grind of hospital work. The movies always portray healthcare provider’s jobs as pulse-pounding, non-stop action and drama. Our hope is to be able to portray the reality of this matter.”

“An interesting story idea to be sure. I’ve certainly never heard of anything like this being reported on.”

Minerva nods. “Our editor wants a different angle.”

“I’ll help in any way I can. Where should we start?”

Dave looks to Minerva. “How about making some stock footage of various halls? We use it as filler during dialogue.”

“Yes, we can’t make a story with just interviews.”

Rosa gestures to the elevators. “Let’s head downstairs. I’ll show you a few places that might be good shots.”

“Thank you.”

Heading downstairs, Rosa escorts the pair to numerous areas of the hospital before coming to one of the larger wards. Dave puts the camera on his shoulder as Minerva pulls out her microphone and begins to speak.

“I’m here at the Farburg Hospital today to give you an in-depth view into the daily lives of hospital staff. With me today is Director Rosa Morales. Director, can you explain to our viewers how the realities of a healthcare worker’s daily activities differ from that portrayed on television?”

“Well, as you can see, things aren’t always running around and shouting.”

Minerva nods. “Yes. I notice it’s pretty quiet here.”

“The patients need their rest after all. That and the staff needs to be able to concentrate on their duties.”

Arc whispers into his radio. “Ask her about the duties of a doctor.”

“I see that your nurses appear very efficient. But where are all the doctors?”

“They do make rounds at regular intervals. At the moment they’re probably going over charts and paperwork in their offices. Hospital work relies heavily on it, after all.”

Minerva turns to Dave. “Perfect, cut.”

He nods as he aims the camera at various angles around the room. Minerva turns back to Rosa.

“My cameraman is getting some stock footage of this area. Do you think we could see the offices?”

“I don’t see why not. But why?”

“To show our viewers that their offices are like everyone else’s. We’re trying to portray them as just like everyone else. To make them appear more human.”

Rosa nods. “This way please.”

Arc speaks as Minerva and Rosa walk on. “Have your cameraman get a bunch of footage of the corridor.”

Minerva nods slightly but says nothing as Dave complies. A few minutes later they arrive at a long corridor with numerous offices on either side of it.

“This is the administrative wing. Here our doctors can take care of their work in peace.”

Minerva turns to Dave. “Get some good shots of the corridor.”

She turns back to Rosa as Dave gets to work.

“Do they all come out at a certain time?”

Rosa shakes her head. “No. They make their rounds on their own schedule.”

“Is there any way we could speak to one of them? Get a quick interview, that is.”

“This might not be the best time. After all, they’re quite busy.”

Arc cautions her. “Don’t push the matter.”

“Understandable. When my cameraman finishes we’ll continue our interview out here.”

“Very well.”

Arc peeks out the hole in the coat. “Walk the corridor. Pretend you’re looking for a good spot to shoot.”

Minerva looks around. “Let’s see if we can find the best place to continue.”

The pair walk down the corridor. Arc looks around as best he is able. He grins as a large window comes into view.

“Those windows overlooking the town will be a decent place, Miss Moore.”

Minerva points. “How about these windows? It’ll make a nice backdrop for the shot.”

Rosa nods. “Agreed.”

Arc hisses into the radio. “I’m going to check something out. Try to drag this interview out as long as you can.”

Silently, Arc Blinks out of Minerva’s pocket. He reappears behind a chair shrunken and cloaked. Looking up at the nameplate on the large door before him Arc mutters to himself.

“This is the one.”

Channeling his magic, Arc shrinks himself enough to be able to slip under the door. Looking around he spots Doctor Rieper sitting at the desk looking over his laptop. He touches his earring before speaking.

“You guys hear me?”

Viktor frowns. “Faintly, sir. Your signal’s a bit weak.”

Rose presses keys at a feverish pace. “I’ll try to amplify it as best I can. But as long as you’re that size, it’s going to be hard for my sensors to help you.”

Arc nods. “Understood.”

Max chuckles. “What’s your plan, sir?”

“Not fully sure yet. I’ll let you know when I think of something though. Arc out.”

Xenos sighs as he turns to Hugh.

“I don’t like this one bit.”

“Really? I thought you were a fan of ‘winging it’.”

“Kinda. But if the commander gets caught, his reputation here on Earth will be destroyed!”

Rose nods soberly. “Arc is aware of that.”

Max sighs. “Yes. However, as we’ve all seen, he’ll go to any length to help a friend in need.”

Viktor looks over. “Even four lowly soldiers.”

Meanwhile, Arc peeks out from his place under the door and around the small office.

“The laptop probably has something of interest on it.”

Cherry sounds confused. “How so? I mean, don’t you have something like that back home?”

“That I do. But it’s not so much the device itself as the incriminating data on it.”

Cherry sighs. “Well, I don’t think he’s just going to move aside and let you have a look.”

“Probably not. So we’ll have to make him.”

Arc raises a hand toward the desk and channels his magic. Thirty seconds pass before Cherry pipes up.

“Um… is something supposed to be happening?”

Arc frowns. “He’s supposed to fall asleep.”

Cherry responds sheepishly. “Maybe you need more practice?”

“It’s worked fine in the past. Remember those two nurses?”

“I… suppose that’s true.”

Rose looks over her video feed. “Your size and proximity may be playing a factor, Arc.”

He frowns and stops casting.

“Great. Now I need a new plan.”

Xenos chuckles. “How about the direct approach?”

“The what?”

Max frowns. “I believe Xenos means to get behind the doctor and surprise him, Miss Cherry.”

Hugh nods. “That could work.”

Viktor gives them the thumbs up. “I second that.”

Arc shakes his head. “As if enough strange things haven’t happened here in the past. Two nurses collapsing and next a doctor. They’ll put that together in a heartbeat and start some kind of investigation.”

Cherry pipes up. “How about a distraction then?”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Blinking, Arc reappears behind a nearby plant in the office. He pulls the radio from his ring and speaks into it.

“I need a distraction, Miss Moore. Walk over to Doctor Rieper’s door and pretend to twist your ankle.”

Sighing, Minerva casually walks over to the door as she and Rosa continue talking. She pretends to trip and gasps. Rosa hurries over to her.

“Miss Smith?! Are you alright?!”

Minerva winces. “It’s just my ankle. I think I may have twisted it when I tripped.”

“Let me see if we can get someone to look at that.”

The director knocks lightly on the nearby office door before entering.

“Doctor Rieper, might I see you a moment?”

“What seems to be the problem?”

“A guest here needs her ankle looked at.”

Rieper stands up. “I’ll be right there.”

He picks up the open laptop and, after scanning his badge on a nearby reader, opens a now unlocked cabinet. As the man turns to close the door Arc Blinks inside.

“There we go.”

Cherry calls out nervously. “Arc?!”

“Something wrong, Cherry?”

“I… I don’t really like it in here!”

“Sorry, but I had to check this thing out. Don’t worry. I’ll hurry.”

“Can’t you just grab the thing and get us out of here?!”

“I could. But that would certainly tell the doctor someone was on to him. Let’s see what there is to find.”

Arc walks over to the keypad of the still open laptop.

“Now then… let’s see what you’re up to, Doctor Rieper. Email…”

Opening the browser, he quickly spots the doctor’s email tab.

“This is interesting.”

“W-what is?!”

“Patient charts.”

“Isn’t that normal? I mean… he IS a doctor, after all.”

Arc frowns. “True. But this isn’t a normal hospital email account. It’s some kind of private server. You guys seeing this?”

There is no response

“Max? Rose? Anyone?”

He taps his earring a few times. Cherry gasps.

“Could it be due to our size?!”

“I don’t think so. After all, communication was normal until I Blinked us in here. That and this things range is such that it somehow crosses the transdimensional barrier. Somehow I doubt the walls of this thing would be enough to hinder the signal. ”

Arc looks around the confines of the cabinet. The illumination from the laptop spilling over the walls.

“This is strange.”

“What is?”

Arc kneels down and puts a hand on the floor of the cabinet. “This doesn’t feel right.”

“I know what you mean. Can we get out of here please?!”

Arc turns back to the laptop. “In a bit. I need to check Rieper’s contact list.”

“His what?”

“Who he’s been sending messages to. Maybe he knows someone I do.”

Looking over the screen Arc suddenly frowns.

“What the…?!”

“Arc?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Okay, we ARE taking this thing!”

“But you said…!”

Arc interrupts her as he casts the Matter Compacting Spell on the laptop. “We have to look this thing over properly.”

He carefully closes the miniature laptop and stashes it in his ring.

“Now then, let’s get out of here.”

“Good idea.”

Arc attempts to Blink outside the confines of the cabinet but finds himself thrown across the space. He lands unceremoniously against the back wall.

“What the…?”

“Are you okay?”

Arc nods as he gets up. “Yeah. But this was certainly not what I was expecting.”

“What happened?”

“This cabinet is warded.”

Cherry gasps. “Like the door in that mine?!”

Arc nods as he looks around. “Yeah.”

“How are we getting out then?!”

“Um… I’m working on it.”

“We need to get away, Arc! That doctor could come back any time now!”

“Well, I’m not seeing any way out other than getting that door open.”

“Can’t you just go back to normal size and break through?”

“Yes. But that would certainly give us away.”

“What about shrinking further?”

Arc points to the seal around the door. “I’d have to shrink so much it’d be a journey walking under the gasket. I suppose I could cut through it with my Magic Blades. But that’d certainly make a rather strong odor from the fumes.”

He looks up at the back of the locking mechanism.

“That might do the trick.”

“You thinking about cutting through the lock?”

“It could work. But then he’d have evidence of a break-in.”

Cherry calls out excitedly. “I got it! Your knife!”

“Huh?”

“The one you got from Lord Gestal!”

“I don’t think it would be enough to…”

“Don’t you remember what Sunburst said?! It can channel magic through its blade greatly increasing its edge!”

Arc grins. “And it wouldn’t burn the gasket! Let’s try it!”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out the knife. He begins channeling as he deftly slices through the door’s gasket.

“Like butter!”

Cherry cheers. “We’ll be out in less than a minute!”

“Easily.”

With a final slice Arc punches through, letting in the illumination from the lights overhead.

“How do we get down?”

Arc chuckles. “Like this.”

He jumps off the cabinet and plummets to the floor. Casting a Telekinesis Spell on himself Arc slows his descent considerably.

“That’s better. But how did you know you’d be able to cast magic out here, Arc?”

“A calculated risk. After all, I was able to Blink earlier, so it stood to reason that just the cabinet was warded. Not the whole room.”

Touching down on the floor Arc hurries toward the door. Viktor’s voice comes over his earring.

“Commander! Can you hear me?!”

“Loud and clear.”

Rose breathes a sigh of relief. “We suddenly lost your signal. What happened?”

“I Blinked inside a cabinet that appears to have been warded. We can talk about it later.”

Meanwhile, Doctor Rieper looks down at Minerva as she puts her shoe back on.

“The injury to your ankle must be minor. I couldn’t feel anything out of place. If you’d like I can order an x-ray of it.”

Minerva shakes her head. “No, thank you. It’s feeling better already.”

Rosa turns to Rieper. “We appreciate you lending your expertise, doctor.”

“It was no problem. However, I need to get back to work now. Reports won’t file themselves, after all.”

Cherry calls out as she and Arc peek out from behind the door. “Uh oh! He’s going to notice the absence of that machine!”

“Right! We need to get out of here!”

Channeling his magic, Arc Blinks the pair back into Minerva’s pocket. He quickly pulls the radio out and hisses into it.

“We need to go! Make up an excuse and get back to the van with Dave!”

Minerva nods as Rosa helps her up.

“Are you certain you wouldn’t like some pictures of that ankle, Miss Smith? It wouldn’t take long.”

“That’s alright. I believe I’ll feel better with a bit of rest. Well, we should be getting back to the studio now.”

She waves at Dave. He lowers his camera and walks over to her.

“Is that a wrap?”

Minerva nods. “Yes. I believe so.”

She turns back to Rosa.

“Thank you again for the story, Miss Morales.”

Rosa smiles at her. “No trouble at all. Anything to help the public understand our jobs a bit better.”

The pair shake hands and part ways. Dave turns to Minerva as they walk down the corridor.

“Something up?”

Minerva lowers her voice. “Maybe. Not sure yet. Just keep walking.”

Meanwhile, Doctor Rieper walks over to the cabinet. He swipes his badge and opens the door to find nothing but an empty space where his laptop was.

“What the…?!”

Frowning, he walks quickly out of the office and looks down the corridor. Seeing no one he returns to his desk and picks up the phone.

“Security, this is Doctor Rieper. I just had a reporter in my office, and now my laptop is missing.”

He describes Minerva and Dave before hanging up and sitting down in his chair. Staring at the empty cabinet he shakes his head.

“How on Earth did someone crack my security, much less get by me. I’m sure that woman didn’t enter my office, nor did her partner.”

The doctor frowns as he continues to mutter under his breath.

“One thing’s for certain. That was either no mere reporter, or she had some VERY talented help. Either way, she’ll need to be dealt with.”

Chapter 17 - Data Puzzle Pieces

Minerva and Dave walk quickly toward the main entrance. Dave frowns.

“Uh… did I miss something?”

“No idea. But like I said, if the Hero says we need to leave, it’s time to go.

Arc nods. “I’ll explain later. This is bigger than I originally thought.”

Minerva frowns. “If you say so.”

Turning a corner the pair nearly walk into a pair of security officers. They hold out their hands, motioning for the pair to stop.

“Just a moment, miss.”

“Is something wrong?”

The officer nods. “We need you to come with us.”

Dave appears confused. “Huh? But what did we…?”

Rose narrows her eyes. “Arc, something’s wrong here.”

“Just a minute, Rose. Let me take care of these two.”

He speaks into the radio.

“Just play along with them, Miss Moore. I’ll handle this.”

Arc reaches out his hand. A moment later he frowns.

“This is… strange.”

Cherry gasps. “Arc, why isn’t it working?!”

“I don’t know. They should be asleep.”

Rose looks over her screen. “These readings can’t be correct. I think… no… no that can’t be right.”

She continues to reprocess the data for a few moments as Minera and Dave follow the uniformed security officers down the corridor. Rose suddenly opens her eyes and calls out.

“Arc, get them out of there NOW!”

“What? How?”

“Any way you can! Just run if you have to!”

Arc chuckles. “Alright. I guess we’re doing this the hard way.”

Recalling his armor, Arc quickly puts away his magic cloak and pulls out the navy blue one he took from Stingray. Groaning, he puts it on.

“This is going to get messy quick.”

Cherry calls out nervously. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Arc.”

“So do I.”

Sighing, he speaks into the radio.

“When I give the word, run.”

Minerva grimaces and turns to Dave.

“What should we do, Miss Smith?”

Minerva offers him a pained smile. “Just follow my lead. Everything will be fine.”

Dave sighs as they continue on. A few minutes later they arrive at the security office door. As one of the officers pulls his keys from a pocket Arc Blinks to the floor in front of him. Quickly returning to normal size he roughly shoves the pair to the ground and rushes forward past Minerva and Dave.

“This way! HURRY!”

The pair do as they are told. The security guards quickly get up and give chase. One of them speaks into his radio.

“We have a Code Gray outside of Security! Suspects currently fleeing down the corridor toward the south exit! Should be considered very dangerous!”

Doctors, nurses, and even visitors quickly move to the side as Arc and the others pass them. Minerva calls out to Arc.

“What’s the plan?!”

“Get out fast!”

Dave grits his teeth. “Not much of a plan! Why don’t you just show those guys back there what you’re made of?!”

“Less talking, more running!”

As they round a corner they spot a guard running toward them. Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. Casting a Telekinesis Spell the guard is hurled through the portal’s swirling energies.

“Don’t stop! Keep going!”

Turning around, he allows Minerva and Dave to pass. Pulling down several overhead lights with his magic, Arc finishes by knocking over two nearby carts forcing the guards to watch their step as they advance. Blinking back to the reporters Arc rejoins them.

“The main entrance in just ahead! Hurry!”

They round a corner to find nearly a dozen security guards waiting for them. Spotting the fugitives they run toward them. Minerva frowns.

“Not a good choice!”

Dave takes a step back. “Now what?!”

“Put some distance between us and them! This way!”

Arc leads them toward the stairwell. Rushing through the door he presses his body against it as he turns to Minerva.

“Get to the roof! I’ll hold them here!”

“What about…?!”

“I’ll meet you there! Hurry!”

Running up the stairs the security forces reach the door. Together they push against it. Arc grunts.

“What the…?”

Cherry gasps. “They’re pretty strong!”

“There are over a dozen of them out there though!”

A few moments later they push the door open and hurry toward Arc. One of them takes a mighty swing at him. Arc blocks the blow with his gauntlet before countering with a Telekinesis Spell. The guard flies toward his allies, knocking them back momentarily. Arc Blinks to the top of the stairs to meet Minerva and Dave at the door to the rooftop. Minerva turns to him as he materializes.

“The door’s locked!”

Activating one of his gauntlet’s magic blades Arc deftly slices through the locking mechanism.

“Not anymore! Outside, quick!”

Dave pushes the door open. They run through as Arc slams the door shut. The sound of boots running up the stairs can be heard on the other side. Putting his back against the door, Arc raises a gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Get in!”

Minerva gasps and steps back. “What?! But where does it…?!”

Arc frowns as the guards reach the door and begin attempting to force it open. “No time to explain! You have to trust me!”

Dave turns to Minerva. “It’s this thing, or get caught! Which should we do Miss Smith?!”

Minerva thinks for a moment. Arc groans.

“I can’t hold this forever! Hurry!”

“We don’t have a choice! Let’s go!”

The pair run through the portal. Arc leaps towards it, but turns at the last second to deliver one last Telekinesis Spell in a final attempt to slow the guards down. Jumping through Arc falls to the ground on the other side. Rolling over he quickly turns to the portal and watches it close before slowly getting up and turning to Minerva and Dave.

“You two okay?!”

Minerva nods. “We’re fine. But why didn’t you just do that wormhole thing in the first place?”

Arc sighs. “I didn’t want to leave your ride there. Guess that was pretty silly of me though. Although I didn’t think they’d follow us with such vigor.”

Dave sits up weakly, his camera on his chest. “Yeah. Security sometimes hassles reporters, but that was really over the top!”

“Doctor Rieper probably called them. I, uh… may have taken something from him.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “What was it?”

Arc removes the laptop from his ring.

“This.”

Dave gasps. “You STOLE it?!”

“I suppose so.”

Minerva frowns. “So that’s why security was after us?!”

“Yeah, sorry about that. But what I saw initially made me believe it was worth the risk.”

Dave eyes the device warily. “Why? What’s on there?”

“Several names that I recognize.”

“We can take a look back at my apartment if you want.”

“Sounds good. Uh… what about your van?”

Dave sighs. “The office can send someone over there to pick it up.”

Minerva chuckles. “Right. It’s not like this is the first time it’s happened.”

“Yeah. I’ll get that ball rolling at the office. But how are we getting back?”

Minerva pulls out her cell phone. “I could call us a cab. That is, if one of you knows where the nearest road is.”

Arc clears his throat. “I can take you both there.”

Dave looks to him, confused. “How?”

He gestures to the sigil on the ground. “A similar portal-less method.”

Minerva shrugs. “Let’s go.”

They step onto the sigil. In the blink of an eye they find themselves on the roof of the Channel 7 News building.

“Think you can get the van back, Dave?”

“I’ll have a couple interns take care of it. But what about the footage we took?”

“Edit it and send it to the boss.”

“There isn’t really that much there.”

“I know. But he can use it as stock footage. If he starts asking questions though, tell him I was using it as cover to investigate a potentially crooked doctor over there.”

Dave grins as he steps off the sigil. “Alright. That’ll probably smooth things over with him.”

Minerva turns to Arc.

“Shall we be off?”

“Sure.”

The pair vanish as Arc powers up the sigil. Dave walks over to a nearby door and shakes his head.

“What are you up to, Miss Moore? Working with the Hero isn’t too safe. This is the second time he’s gotten us in hot water, after all.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Minerva reappear on her apartment building’s roof.

“Nice view for up here.”

Arc nods. “Your apartment is directly below us though.”

“That may be. But it just feels like were so much higher up. Probably just the lack of walls and windows though.”

“Maybe. But let’s get inside. Judging from those dark clouds, it looks like a cold front is moving in.”

As if on cue the heavens open up. As the pair are immediately soaked Arc puts his hands on Minerva’s shoulders and Blinks them to her apartment. No sooner does he do so than a low rumble reverberates outside. The pair stand there dripping for a few moments. Eventually Minerva breaks the silence.

“I, uh… think I’ll go put on something a bit drier.”

Cherry giggles. “I’ll come with you. Can I borrow your armor, Hero?”

“Sure, Cherry.”

Touching his ring, Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward. It melts away to allow him to step out. Minerva looks down at the puddle forming under him.

“Can I… offer you some dry clothes? They’re just baggy sweatpants and a shirt, but…”

“Thank you, but I have some spare outfits in my ring.”

“Alright. I’ll get changed in my bedroom. You can have the bathroom if you’d like.”

“Alright.”

They part ways. Eidolon’s Ward closes the door as Minerva heads for her dresser.

“Today went well.”

Minerva sighs as she removes her wet clothes. “Kinda.”

“Something wrong?”

“Not really, I guess.”

She opens the drawer and pulls out fresh undergarments.

“You don’t sound too sure of yourself, Minerva.”

“I just find it kinda… odd.”

“Which part?”

“The Hero’s going to a lot of trouble to help someone.”

“That’s kinda what he does.”

Minerva blushes slightly as she walks over to the closet for fresh clothes. “I know that from firsthand experience.”

“That night at the pizzeria?”

Minerva nods as a smile spreads across her face and her arms wrap around herself.

“Like I told you , Cherry. No one’s ever stuck their neck out for me like that before. He even went so far as to risk his life to save mine. Twice, I might add.”

Minerva sighs before continuing.

“And then I… I betrayed him AND you!”

“It’s in the past, my friend.”

Eidolon’s Ward walks over to Minerva and puts the gauntlets on her shoulders.

“He doesn’t hold that against you anymore. And neither do I.”

Minerva nods sadly. “I still feel as though I’m going to be paying for that mentally and emotionally for some time though.”

“The Hero’s not much for other’s suffering needlessly.”

“Even after what I did?”

“Yes.”

Minerva is silent for a time.

“You… you remember what we talked about last time, Cherry?”

“Of course.”

“And you’re okay with it?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “I am. Now why don’t we pick out something nice for you to wear?”

She looks down at Minerva’s bare skin and giggles.

“You can’t really go out there like that.”

Minerva forces a smile and blushes. “No, I suppose not.”

Meanwhile, Arc steps into the bathroom. Removing the soaking wet navy-blue cloak he looks it over and sighs.

“Leave it to me to stand in a downpour while wearing a dry-clean only cloak.”

Tossing it over the side of the tub unceremoniously, Arc removes his clothes and sets them in the sink before pulling fresh ones out of his ring as he mutters to himself.

“Ever since that night at Rarity’s place I’ve seen fit not to leave home without fresh clothes.”

He blushes slightly and smiles.

“But then again… that truly was a night to remember.”

Quickly dressing, Arc pulls out his original black magic cloak and puts it on. Walking out of the bathroom door he heads over to the large Living Room window overlooking Angel Grove. A few minutes later Minerva and Eidolon’s Ward step out of her room. They walk over to join him. Eidolon’s Ward is the first to speak.

“Looks like that’s shaping up to be quite a storm.”

Minerva shudder. “That it is.”

Arc nods. “I for one am glad none of us are driving. But we should get down to business.”

Minerva and Eidolon’s Ward nod in agreement. Arc leads them to the kitchen table. He sits down and pulls the laptop out of his ring.

“When I entered the office, Doctor Rieper was going over something on this.”

Minera opens the laptop and powers it on. “What’s so suspicious about that?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Yes. I’m sure he was just going over patient files, or something.”

“He was, yes. But it was his emails that really concerned me.”

Minerva presses a few keys. “Let me see…”

A moment later she frowns.

“Looks like the session timed out. We’ll need his password to get back in.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds confused. “Is that like a key?”

Arc chuckles. “Something like that Cherry, yes.”

Minerva reaches for her purse. “True. But I just might happen to have a digital lockpick right here.”

Rummaging around for a moment she pulls out a flash drive and plugs it into one of the computer’s USB ports.

“Let me just open this up in a special browser.”

Eidolon’s Ward tilts her head to one side. “A what?”

Arc turns to the armor. “It’s how one views the Internet. Through a browser.”

“Right. But we have to be careful someone doesn’t track us via the ISP address. This browser will redirect it several times.”

Minerva giggles as she works.

“If anyone tires to track us, they’ll think we’re standing on the moon!”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “Really?!”

“Well… a middle eastern country at the very least. Okay… now let’s see if we can’t crack this password.”

Activating another program on the flash drive, Minerva sits back and stretches.

“Now all we have to do is wait for the program to figure out the password. Shouldn’t take too long.”

Arc frowns. “How do you know?”

“Most people are pretty lax in their cyber security. His password is probably pretty weak.”

Arc shrugs. “Makes sense. That and he was physically locking it up to treat you.”

Minerva shakes her head. “Amateur.”

A short time later Minerva gives Arc a thumbs up.

“We’re in.”

Arc leans over. “Take a look at his address book.”

Minerva shrugs. “Fine. But that’s usually a pretty boring…”

She stops talking as she reads the list silently to herself before responding.

“Now that IS surprising!”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds confused. “What is?”

Minerva turns the laptop toward the pair and points. “This list is a lot more than I thought it would be. For starters, none of the names on the list start with the prefix ‘Dr.’.”

Arc frowns. “A doctor whom doesn’t email other doctors. That can’t be right.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks at the screen. “Well then, who IS he… mailing?”

Minerva frowns. “Quite a few people actually. However most of their names are in some kind of code.”

Arc nods as he looks over the screen. “Yeah. Let me take a look at those names again though. Earlier I thought I saw a very familiar one.”

He pulls the laptop toward himself and begins scrolling. A few moments later Arc frowns angrily.

“I was right!”

“About what?”

Arc points to the screen. “Diva’s name is on here!”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “What?!”

Minerva pulls back nervously. “He’s in contact with HER?!”

“Yes. See if you can find any messages between them.”

Minerva nods as she takes back the laptop. “Shouldn’t be too hard. I’ll just do a quick search.”

Thirty seconds later she frowns and turns the device back toward Arc.

“Looks like they correspond pretty regularly. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say from the sheer number of messages they were lovers.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “But he’s so much older than she is!”

Arc grimaces. “Age is just a number, after all. But I’ll admit that is a scary thought. Now then, let’s take a look at what we have here.”

He opens several messages and reads their contents silently.

“Looks like they’re working together on something big.”

Minerva furrows her brow. “Like The Rider’s?”

“There is mention of them in here, yes. He keeps asking for more detailed reports on test data regarding what he refers to as ‘The Project’. No concrete indication on what that might be though.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “Do you think he might be the one behind what happened to The Riders during your battle with them, Hero?”

“Maybe. But the events of that night were like something out of a science fiction novel.”

Minerva sighs. “If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Yeah. If he was responsible for that, there’s no way he acted alone.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Many hooves make for light work.”

“Someone must have helped him with manpower and resources.”

Minerva nods soberly. “Yes. No one could have developed that serum… or whatever it was, alone.”

“Right. To say nothing for testing and production.”

Eidolon’s Ward pipes up. “The Shards certainly helped with some of that.”

Minerva nods. “That factory in the mine, yes. But I doubt they had anything to do with developing the formula or testing it.”

Arc grimaces. “Right. The Shards produced it while The Riders were the guinea pigs for testing. That still leaves the question of who helped Rieper create the formula. Anything else in there regarding that, Miss Moore?”

Minerva calls out as she reads over several messages. “Hmmm… it says here that Diva was to assign someone with the codenames of Stingray, Hammer, and Mio the task of overseeing production.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “They were certainly doing that in the mine.”

Arc seethes under his mask. “Right. But then they left the others down there to die.”

Minerva shudders. “Yes. And it says here they were told to deliver the completed formula to… The Rider’s Hideout?!”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “Minerva! That syringe you found!”

Arc turns to Minerva. “What syringe?!”

“When Cherry and I were looking around the abandoned hospital we found a syringe in the leader’s desk.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “But where did the rest of them go?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably stored somewhere in the hospital.”

Minerva sighs. “So they’re probably history.”

“I doubt it. After all, why would Diva go through all the trouble to make that substance only to blow it up?”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a hand to her helmet thoughtfully. “She did have several helpers with her that day.”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “You think there were there to collect the product and destroy the evidence?”

Arc nods. “Makes sense. Judging from the state of the building when I got there, no one’s finding anything in that charred mess. Blow the place up and make it look like an accident. No loss of life from an abandoned building means no real investigation. Anything they accidently left behind forever sits under several tons of debris.”

Minerva shudders. “That’s a sobering thought.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Agreed. But all we know for certain is that Diva is in cohorts with Doctor Rieper, and that he had something to do with that substance.”

Arc turns to Minerva. “I admit it’s not much to go on.”

“There might still be other things to find on this laptop. Emails and files alike.”

Arc turns to her. “Do you think you could look for information regarding an individual on there?”

“I can try. What’s their name?”

“Frank Fontaine.”

Minerva stops typing and looks up at him.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“You heard me right.”

“The leader of the Shards?!”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “He’s an old friend of the Hero.”

Minerva sighs as she goes back to typing. “Alright. I’ll see what I can find on him.”

Quite a bit of time passes. Arc stares out the window absentmindedly. Minerva looks over to him.

“I’ve found something.”

Arc walks over. “Good.”

Minerva sighs. “At least I’m assuming it’s him. The label is ‘F. Fontaine’.”

“That’s got to be him.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to Arc nervously. “Um… I’m kinda hoping it isn’t.”

“Oh? Why not?”

Minerva shudders. “Because this is kinda creepy.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Minerva turns the laptop toward Arc as he sits down.

“You’d better just read it yourself.”

Arc does so. He frowns.

“What the heck…?”

Minerva nods. “That’s about what I thought too.”

“This… Rieper WAS experimenting on him!”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Keep reading. There’s more, Hero.”

“From the sound of your voice I’m assuming it’s not good.”

Minerva nods. “Right. Take a look at this archive.”

She takes the laptop back for a few moments and opens a different file before turning it around. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Part numbers?”

Eidolon’s Ward shrugs. “Perhaps for the production of that substance?”

Minerva shakes her head. “Look at the dates. These records are from more than twenty years ago. There’s no way he was making this stuff back then.”

Arc looks to Minerva, confused. “But what else could this be in reference to?”

“Click on the fifth link down.”

Arc does so. Seeing the contents of the file he gasps.

“Frank as a child?! What the…?!”

Minerva nods soberly. “It shows his address as the Farburg Orphanage. Apparently he was being experimented on back then too.”

Arc grimaces. “Any details on how?!”

“Nothing that I can find on here. But from a security standpoint it wouldn’t make sense to keep all that information on something like a laptop. As it stands, the data on here is pretty much useless as-is.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “Kinda like that formula we discovered, Hero.”

Minerva turns to Arc, confused. “Formula?”

“We may have come into possession of a copy of that substance’s formula a while back. But only half of it. The other half was… elsewhere.”

Minerva grins. “So you could recreate that stuff?!”

“Someone else working with us already has.”

“What… what was it?”

Arc closes the laptop and shakes his head.

“There are some things in this world you’re better off not knowing, Miss Moore.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Trust me. He’s right on this.”

“But the public might be in danger!”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. That’s why we need to figure out what the big plan is for this stuff in addition to what part Frank played or is playing in this.”

Minerva looks nervous. “Um… what exactly are you planning to do with the formula?”

“At the moment, keep it out of the wrong hands.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to her friend. “Minerva? Are you worried the Hero might try to use it?”

Minerva looks away sheepishly. “Kinda, yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s too risky as it stands. That and there’s supposed to be some kind of secret ingredient to make it usable.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Right. But we don’t have it, or even know what it is.”

Minerva puts a hand to her chin. “Maybe we could have a researcher reverse engineer it.”

“I’ve already done that. The substance is something that doesn’t exist in this world or the other.”

He stands up, taking the laptop in his hand.

“Cherry and I need to be getting home. Thank you for all your help, Miss Moore.”

“Please. Call me Minerva.”

Arc nods as he stores the laptop in his ring. “Very well… Minerva. But sadly I still can’t tell you who I am.”

“I… I understand.”

“Now then, I’d appreciate it if you’d keep all this to yourself for now.”

Minerva sighs. “Sure. No one would believe it anyways.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds skeptical. “After all we’ve found, I still don’t.”

Arc raises his gauntlet and opens a portal. “We’ll let you know if something comes up.”

Eidolon’s Ward steps through the portal as Arc moves to follow her. Minerva calls out to him.

“Hero?”

Arc turns around. “Yes?”

“I, uh… just wanted to say… thank you.”

“What for?”

“For saving me at that horrid mine for starters.”

She looks down at the floor.

“And after I lied to you, it would have served me right if you would have abandoned me to security at the hospital today.”

“That thought did cross my mind.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because that’s not who I am. And the woman who took Cherry from me… you’re not that person anymore, are you?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No. I understand that was wrong, and want to make up for it.”

Arc turns back to the portal. “Someday you may learn the truth about me and the other world. But believe me when I say that you’re not ready yet.”

“But… I…!”

She sighs.

“…I understand.”

“Thank you. Take care… Minerva.”

He walks through the portal and vanishes. Minerva turns toward her couch as the portal closes. She flops down and stares out the window at the falling rain pecking at the window panes.

“I do want to know the truth. And not just because I’m a reporter.”

She smiles weakly.

“Cherry. I hope one day you and the Hero can show me your world. It must be a fantastic place of wonder and delight.”

Minerva closes her eyes and blushes slightly.

“That and maybe… just maybe… I’d be able to work up the courage to tell the Hero how I really feel about him.”

Chapter 18 - The Call

Arc reappears on the sigil in his basement. Rose walks over to him.

“Welcome back, Arc. Are you alright after the day’s activities?”

“Just fine, Rose. Where are the others though?”

“Upstairs making supper.”

“I see. Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“I think this is the first time you’ve ever asked how I am.”

Rose nods. “Yes. Usually I rely on my sensors to ascertain that. But… I feel better hearing it directly from you. Not sure why though.”

“That’s a human mannerism. Concern for a friend.”

“I’m feeling more human and less android these days. Is that bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Whatever you’re feeling right now is exactly what you’re supposed to feel. At least that’s what I believe.”

“I’m… a little frightened by this.”

“Fear is also a human emotion.”

Rose sighs. “I suppose it is.”

They are silent for a time. Arc clears his throat and attempts to change the subject.

“So… did those remote sensors from Sunburst work out?”

Rose nods. “Yes. Xenos drove me over there already. I set them up in the woods surrounding the house. The triangulated signal should help us receive the most accurate readings.”

“Thanks. How’s Frank doing anyways?”

“It’s rather strange actually. Most of the time his readings are that of a normal human. However seemingly at random his body chemistry will shift heavily.”

“Like that day?”

“Yes.”

“Any idea what’s causing it?”

“Whatever Doctor Rieper did to him most likely. Although without more information, there’s no way to know what that could have entailed.”

Arc sighs. “In any case, I took Rieper’s laptop. It might hold some answers if you’re up to it later.”

Rose nods. “I’ll certainly try.”

Arc sniffs the air. “Why don’t we head upstairs though? It smells like the guys are almost done cooking supper.”

“That’s alright. I don’t require food, after all.”

“Yes, but we still would enjoy your company.”

“Alright. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

Arc nods and goes upstairs as Rose heads to the bathroom. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she sighs

“These new thoughts going through my head. Is it really alright for me to be thinking such things?”

Meanwhile, Arc enters the kitchen. As expected he finds his squad busy at work. Max salutes him from the stove.

“Welcome back, sir.”

Viktor looks over from the sink. “Was Miss Moore able to figure anything out?”

“A bit. But my armor was out of my ring. Didn’t you guys hear what was said?”

Hugh looks away, clearly embarrassed. “Uh… no, sir.”

“Why not?”

Eidolon’s Ward turns from the cupboard. “I told them to shut off their cameras before Minerva started undressing, Arc.”

Xenos nods. “We did so, of course. But didn’t feel right about turning everything back on.”

Max sighs. “Yes. Back then, we just felt like eavesdroppers.”

“I appreciate that. As does Minerva, I’m sure.”

As the squad puts the food on the table the phone rings. Arc moves to answer it.

“I’ll get it.”

Rose turns to him. “The phone in the Living Room is acting up. You might want to use the one upstairs.”

“Thanks, I will.”

Hurrying upstairs to the telephone in his parent’s room Arc picks up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Hello again, Arc.”

“Diva?! How did you…?!”

“Shut up and listen to me, you moron! You have something I want!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Friends?”

“Don’t be funny. You know what I mean.”

“I’m not sure what you’re getting at. Can you be more specific?”

Diva chuckles. “Ah, so you still want to play games? Very well. Just a moment.”

The muffled sounds of Diva calling out to someone can be heard. A few moments later she picks the receiver back up.

“I’ve ordered someone very special brought over. They’d like to say hello.”

There is the sound of the receiver being moved before Diva speaks in the background.

“Go ahead.”

Silence fills the air for a few moments before what sounds like a smack rings out. Diva screams to someone.

“Talk!”

“H… hello?”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “What?! Minerva?!”

“Hero! Stay away! Don’t listen to…!”

A crash can be heard as Diva comes back on the line.

“Now then, Hero... do I have your attention?”

“Leave her alone! She doesn’t have anything to do with you and I!”

“Oh, I think she does. We have her on camera walking the halls of the local hospital.”

“So what?!”

“She and her cameraman were seen outside the office of a good friend of mine right before someone took something of his. I think we both know who that was.”

Arc clenches his fist.

“What would it take to get Minerva back safely?”

Diva chuckles. “I’m a fair woman. You return the device to me, and I’ll give you back your girlfriend.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. When and where?”

“One hour from now behind the abandoned hospital The Riders were using for a hideout. I’m sure you remember the one I’m talking about.”

“Yeah.”

“Good. Now then, a few rules. You can ride your beast of burden to get here. However, he needs to leave before you take one step off the road. Open a portal and get rid of him. Tell your other suicidal friends to stay away too. I’ll have sensors all over the area so don’t try anything stupid. You understand?”

“Yes.”

“After you get rid of the mutt, walk around the back of the hospital. We’ll be there waiting for you.”

Arc frowns. “I’ll be there.”

Diva cackles. “You’re a smart man, Hero. But not smart enough to leave well enough alone. Now then, before I hang up, I just want to make it perfectly clear what the punishment would be for double-crossing us.”

A moment later the sounds of Minerva screaming can be heard. Arc yells into the receiver.

“What are you doing to her?!”

Diva chuckles. “My men are just softening her up a bit… with their fists!”

“Stop it! I already said I’d give you what you want!”

“You’d better! Or else your little girlfriend’s going to meet a gruesome end! Slowly and PAINFULLY!”

Minerva continues crying out in pain for a few moments as she begs her captives to stop before the line cuts off. Arc slams the receiver down before hurrying back downstairs to the kitchen.

“SEREB! ROSE! EMBER!”

The sound of footfalls can be heard as the trio run up the basement stairs together. Ember frowns.

“I get the feeling that wasn’t the call for supper.”

Rose appears confused. “What is it, Arc?”

Sereb growls. “Is there trouble?!”

“Like you wouldn’t believe! That was Diva on the phone!”

Ember seethes. “WHAT?!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “How did she find us?!”

“No idea, and it’s not important right now! She has Minerva!”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “WHAT?! NO!”

Xenos frowns. “Are you sure, sir?!”

Hugh nods. “Could she be making that up?!”

“No! I distinctly heard her voice!”

Viktor grimaces. “We’ve gotta get her out of there!”

Max turns to Arc. “Agreed. But where exactly is she?”

“At what’s left of The Rider’s destroyed hideout.”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear. “Let’s all suit up and head over there!”

Sereb snarls. “I’ll tear that banshee’s throat out myself!”

Arc sighs. “We can’t.”

Rose frowns. “Why not?!”

“She claims to have a lot of eyes over there who’ll be watching out for trouble. I’m supposed to bring her back that laptop alone.”

Xenos shakes his head. “This is clearly a trap, sir!”

“I know that. But she didn’t give me a choice. Either they get that laptop back or she’ll beat Minerva to death!”

Ember seethes. “Those cowards!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Agreed! They’re the lowest of worms!”

Hugh nods soberly. “So what’s the plan, sir?”

Arc sighs. “Do as we’re told and get Minerva out of there.”

Sereb nods as he turns to Rose. “How important do you suppose that data is?”

“Very if Diva is willing to go to these lengths to get it back.”

Arc pats his ring. “Right. She must be desperate to make sure we don’t find out what’s on there.”

Ember groans. “But if it’s that important, it might be just what we need to blow the lid off this whole thing!”

Eidolon’s Ward calls out. “We can’t leave her with Diva, Arc!”

“I know that, Cherry.”

Ember frowns. “Why not?! She’s not exactly the most upstanding example of a human I’ve come across!”

Arc sighs. “That may be. She certainly did do some very nasty things to me and Cherry. But she also stuck her neck out by helping us earlier today. Either way, we’re not going to abandon her to Diva and her cronies.”

Max grins. “Agreed, sir.”

Xenos nods. “So what’s our part of the plan?”

“Sereb and I will ride out there in full battle armor. He’ll drop me off in front of the hospital and take a portal back here.”

Rose frowns. “What about you?”

“I’m supposed to walk behind the hospital to where we fought Bloodletter and The Riders. Diva and her henchmen will be waiting for me.”

Hugh grimaces. “You can’t go alone, sir!”

Viktor nods fervently. “Agreed. Diva and her friends have tried to get you in their clutches every time you met.”

Xenos clenches a fist angrily. “They’ll have you right where they want you!”

Max nods. “Yes sir. This plan is very dangerous.”

“That it is. But if I don’t do what Diva says she’ll hurt Minerva. Or worse.”

Ember frowns. “She doesn’t have the stomach to do that!”

Arc sighs. “I believe she does. Before Diva hung up I heard Minerva being beaten. She cried out, begging them to stop.”

Rose looks to Viktor. “Judging how far they were willing to go, that device must contain valuable information.”

“Rose can you copy the contents before we give the laptop back?”

“Yes. However, I must caution against that.”

“Oh?”

“Miss Moore worked on this laptop, and was easily found. If I were to do the same would we not befall the same fate?”

Arc gasps. “Are you saying they were tracking that laptop?”

“That is the most logical conclusion, yes.”

Ember takes up a battle-ready stance. “Then they’ll be here soon!”

Rose shakes her head. “I do not believe so, Ember.”

Max raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “How can you be certain?”

“It’s probable that Arc’s ring, as it is the gateway to a pocket dimension, is preventing the signal from being sent.”

Viktor sighs. “But if we take the laptop out to check its contents or copy it…”

Xenos groans. “We’ll show up on their scanners in a second.”

Hugh clenches a fist. “But the information on it may be crucial to our investigation!”

Arc turns toward his armor. “If returning it will save Minerva’s life, I’ll gladly give it up.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You’re leaving now?!”

“I have less than an hour to get there. That and I don’t want to leave Minerva with Diva any longer than I have to.”

Ember frowns as Eidolon’s Ward opens to allow Arc to step inside.

“So what are we supposed to do?!”

“Wait here and watch the monitors.”

“But…!”

Cherry calls out. “Please, Ember! I know you want to help, but if you do Minerva will pay the price!”

Ember grits her teeth. “…fine.”

Max nods soberly. “Be careful out there, sir.”

Viktor heads toward the basement steps. “We’ll do our best to watch your back from here, of course.”

Rose turns to follow him. “I’ll help too.”

Xenos clenches a fist. “Don’t be afraid to call us in to help in case of a double-cross, sir.”

Hugh nods. “Yeah. All of us will be ready to move at a moment’s notice.”

“I appreciate that, but Diva made it very clear that she won’t tolerate interference.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Seriously. If things get dicey, call us!”

“Only as a last resort.”

“Fine.”

Arc turns to Sereb. “Let’s go!”

Sereb nods and returns to his true form. Arc climbs up into the saddle as the armor materializes on his steed.

“Wish us luck.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. We will need it.”

The others nod soberly as he raises a gauntlet and opens a portal. Arc and Sereb step through. Ember clenches her fists angrily as the portal closes behind them.

“Argh! I hate this!”

Max puts a hand on her shoulder. “We don’t like it any better than you do, Ember.”

Xenos grimaces. “Yeah. The commander’s walking into the lion’s den on this one for sure.”

Hugh nods. “We should get armored up in case the commander needs reinforcements.”

Viktor calls out from the basement. “Agreed. Robed up too.”

The others head for the basement as Ember turns to look out the kitchen window momentarily.

“I should be out there with you, Arc. But… I do understand your reasoning. It’s the only thing stopping me from flying out that door after you.”

Sighing, she turns toward the basement door to follow the others.

“Stay safe, Arc.”

Chapter 19 - Perilous Ransoms

Arc and Sereb step out of the portal and look around.

“We’re still about twenty minutes from the hospital. You know which way to go?”

Sereb nods. “I do. Shall we be off?”

“Yeah. If anything, I want to be early.”

Sereb bounds through the forest at near top speed. Arc looks down nervously.

“Uh… you CAN see where you’re going, right?”

“Yes. Is something amiss?”

“Not… really. I’d just like to get to our destination without needing a hospital myself.”

“My apologies.”

Arc pats Sereb’s side. “It’s okay, big guy. In truth, I really should have more faith in you.”

They bound along for ten minutes. Sereb frowns and slows down as Arc calls out to him.

“See something?”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “We are being followed.”

Arc looks around. “What? By whom?”

“Unknown, as I cannot get a scent. But the sounds on the wind say otherwise. Perhaps I am being paranoid.”

Arc shakes his head. “If you say there’s something out there, I believe you. Stay sharp.”

The pair continues on, but at a slower pace. Arc touches his earring.

“You guys see anything over there?”

Max shakes his head. “Nothing on visual, sir.”

Xenos frowns. “Could they be cloaked?”

Rose scans the area remotely. “Even if they were, Arc would still be able to see them via his True-Sight Enchantment.”

Arc sighs. “What do your scanners say, Rose?”

“Nothing but small forest animals as far as I can tell.”

Viktor turns to Rose. “As far as you can tell?”

“I’ve learned from past experiences not to rely fully on my instruments. Sometimes eyes are more effective.”

Arc nods soberly. “We’ll keep ours open then.”

Sereb grunts. “Indeed.”

They continue on their way. A few minutes later Sereb stops and sniffs the air.

“What’s up?”

“While I still cannot smell anyone, I am now completely convinced we are being followed.”

Arc looks around at the dark forest and calls out.

“Anyone out there?!”

Silence ensues. Rose gasps.

“Something just moved!”

“What?! Where?!”

“In the treetops behind you, Arc!”

Sereb spins around as the pair look up. On a branch no more than fifteen feet up stands a figure clad in a navy blue cloak.

“Diva?!”

The figure jumps out of the tree to land nimbly before them. Sereb sighs.

“This one does not have her scent.”

“Why, thank you, Sereb.”

Arc frowns. “Great… Wiseman.”

“Hello again.”

“Look, we really don’t have time for this.”

Wiseman puts his gloved hands on his hips. “No time, eh? Why is it that people find it so easy to waste time on frivolous matters, but cannot make time for the important things in life?”

Arc calls out. “Uh, Rose? This IS Wiseman, right?”

“Unable to determine, as usual.”

Arc sighs as he turns back to Wiseman. “How do you keep doing that?!”

“Magic.”

Sereb growls. “No such magic exists to fully mask one’s scent.”

Arc nods. “Or Rose’s sensors for that matter.”

Wiseman shrugs. “Yet I continue to do that which you believe to be impossible.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Keep your secrets. What do you want this time? More advice?”

“A little more tangible this time.”

“Can you speed it up then? We have to…”

Wiseman interrupts Arc. “…meet Diva at the destroyed hospital, right?”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “How did you know that?!”

“When you’re as old as I am, some things just come to you on the breeze.”

“That is… disconcerting.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. But like you said, we’re wasting time. So tell me what you want to and we’ll be on our way.”

“Very well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from… unlikely sources.”

Rose frowns. “That is rather generic advice.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Does that mean you’re going to help me, Wiseman?”

Wiseman shrugs. “That would depend on you.”

Sereb growls. “On him?”

Wiseman nods. “Yes. If you call out to me tonight, I will come and resolve the situation for you, Arc.”

“Why does that make me nervous?”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed. What is the catch?”

“The ‘catch’, as you put it, is that you will most certainly not like the way I handle things.”

“You mean people will get hurt?”

“More or less. However, I will not act unless you specifically ask for my help.”

Arc frowns. “How generous of you.”

Rose calls out. “His aid would certainly be a nice last resort, Arc.”

“Agreed.”

Wiseman continues. “I have one thing to ask of you in return should you call for me.”

Sereb groans. “There’s more?”

“Just a small thing, really. Before you do so, both of you should close your eyes.”

Arc frowns. “That’s it?”

“Yes.”

“For what purpose?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “Those are my terms. Accept them or do not. There is no middle ground.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But I’m hoping we won’t need you.”

“Again, that depends on you. Just remember that Minerva’s safety is completely in your hands.”

Wiseman fades away.

“What? Wait!”

Frowning, Arc looks down at Sereb.

“Let’s get moving.”

“Agreed.”

They continue on until they come to the main road. Arc looks around.

“I don’t like this.”

“Which part?”

“All of it. Minerva being taken. Diva blackmailing us to get the laptop back. Wiseman showing up and being cryptic again.”

Sereb sighs. “I agree that it is… disconcerting. However you should not worry so much about that which you can’t change. Especially regarding Wiseman.”

“I suppose not. In that case, I’ll have to put all my energy into changing that which I can.”

“Oh?”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Rescuing Minerva and teaching Diva a lesson!”

Sereb growls. “Do not let your emotions guide your actions, my friend. It will only lead to disaster for everyone concerned.”

“I’ll try, big guy. But Diva’s gone too far this time. I can’t just let this go.”

A short time later Sereb stops in front of the ruins of the hospital and turns to Arc.

“What now?”

“Now you have to go home.”

Sereb frowns. “This is unwise.”

Arc nods soberly. “I know. But it was one of Diva’s demands.”

“Very well. Be mindful of your surroundings.”

“I will.”

Arc opens a portal back to his house. Sereb sighs and walks through it. Frowning as he closes it behind his friend, Cherry calls out to him.

“Why do you suppose Diva was so insistent that Sereb bring you here?”

“My guess would be that she’s somehow able to track living creatures. If Sereb and I came out here together she’d be able to pick us up easily.”

“But why send him away then?”

Arc frowns. “Because she knew he was my quick way out of here. An escape route, if you will.”

“She’s thought of everything it seems.”

Arc looks toward the ruins. He sees a light coming from behind what’s left of the building and begins walking toward it.

“Yeah. Let’s hope this goes well.”

“You don’t believe that though.”

“Let’s just say I’m being cautiously optimistic, Cherry.”

Arc rounds the corner of the building. He sees a lantern hanging from a tree branch and walks toward it. As he nears it, Arc spots a figure in a navy blue cloak.

“Diva?”

She lowers her hood to reveal her features.

“Who else would it be?!”

Arc snarls at her. “Where’s Minerva?!”

“She’s safe, and will remain… relatively unharmed. That is, assuming you brought what I asked for.”

“I did.”

“Hand it over then.”

“Let me see Minerva first.”

Diva is silent for a time before responding.

“Very well.”

She raises a hand. Instantly several spotlights around the field turn on bathing the grounds with light. Diva points to a spot some distance away.

“As you can see, my companions are keeping her company.”

Arc turns to see Stingray, Hammer, and Mio walk around the other side of the building. Hammer has a large sack slung over her shoulder.

“Show him.”

Hammer sets the sack down and opens it. Pulling the mouth of the sack down she exposes a bruised and dirty Minerva. Her hands are tied behind her back and her ankles are bound. A piece of cloth is tied over her mouth. Diva turns to Arc again.

“Satisfied?”

“No! Why, Diva?!”

“Why what, you fool?”

“She didn’t need to be harmed!”

Diva looks at Arc with a smirk. “I suppose not. But I needed to show you just how serious we were. But in any case…”

With a wave of her hand, a strange aura settles over Arc.

“There. You won’t be using any magic for a while. However, that ring you possess should still work, as I assume that’s where you hid my prize. Now then, show me the device.”

Arc frowns and reaches for his ring. He pulls out the laptop and holds it up.

“Here it is.”

Diva turns to Stingray. “Is it genuine?”

Stingray pulls a handheld device from her pocket and looks it over.

“Yes. The tracking chip is indeed coming from it.”

Diva looks back to Arc. “Excellent. I knew you were smart enough not to try and pass off a fake.”

“Didn’t really have a choice. Now then, give me Minerva and we can all be on our way.”

“Not quite yet. There’s something I want to say first.”

Arc sighs. “What is it?”

Diva turns to Hammer. “Activate the field.”

“Aye!”

Hammer removes a remote from her pocket and presses a button. A low hum rings out in the stillness of the night as Diva turns back to Arc.

“That should silence your communications. After all, what I have to say is not for them to hear.”

“What? Guys, can you hear me?”

Arc’s radio is silent as Diva continues.

“You’ve been a thorn in our side since the beginning. In my opinion, it would be much easier to just wipe you out or take you captive.”

“Do whatever you want! Just let Minerva go!”

Diva looks at the woman sitting on the ground shaking fearfully. “Admittedly, it would also be best to kill her as well. While she doesn’t really know anything of great importance, she was supposed to die in the explosion of this building.”

“But why? You said yourself she doesn’t know anything.”

“True. But she IS a very bothersome woman. Always sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. However, for reasons I can’t understand, my superior wants you to live.”

“And Minerva?”

Diva shrugs. “I’m free to do with her as I want. She’s not exactly a high value target though.”

“Then give her back to me! Take the laptop and walk away!”

Diva thinks for a moment.

“I’d like to do that. After all, a dead reporter tends to raise a lot of questions. Then again, our organization is certainly capable of making sure she disappears properly.”

Minerva’s eyes widen in horror. Diva smiles and shakes her head.

“Decisions, decisions.”

Arc seethes. “How about I make it easy for you then?”

Diva’s expression changes quickly to one of confusion. “What do you mean?”

Arc holds the laptop up and aims his other hand at it. His Hand Cannon glows.

“If something happens to Minerva, you can forget about getting whatever’s in this thing back.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Oh really? Kill Minerva and you lose your only bargaining chip. Not a smart move.”

Diva glares at him as he continues.

“All I want is her safely returned to me. You give me what I want, and the laptop is yours.”

Diva sighs. “Very well. We’ll make the exchange. Hammer, carry the hero’s girlfriend halfway. Mio, you take the laptop.”

They nod. Hammer picks Minerva up and walks toward Arc with Mio by her side. Arriving at the halfway point she sets the frightened woman down on the ground and steps back. Diva nods to Mio. She steps forward to stand before Arc, holding out her hands. Arc carefully puts the laptop into them. He looks her directly in the eye coldly. Mio sighs and looks away as she steps back with the prize as Arc turns to Diva.

“You got what you wanted. I’m taking my friend back now.”

As Arc steps forward Diva suddenly Blinks behind Minerva, a wicked grin on her face. She calls out to Stingray, Hammer, and Mio, not taking her eyes off Arc.

“You three get that laptop out of here. I’ll finish up here.”

They nod and walk around the side of the building. Mio brings up the rear as she holds the laptop close. She takes one last look at Arc and mouths the word ‘sorry’ before following the other two. A few moments later the sounds of an engine starting fills the air. It drives away as Arc and Diva continue their conversation.

“Come on! I just want to get Minerva home!”

Diva grins. “Not yet you’re not.”

“There’s nothing for you to gain by keeping her!”

Diva chuckles as she runs a finger across Minerva’s cheek. “Maybe not. But I just thought of something very interesting. If she stays with us, we won’t have to worry about you hindering our future plans.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Why, you…!”

Grabbing Minerva’s hair, Diva pulls it back to expose the young woman’s neck. Putting a finger to the soft flesh Minerva cries out through her gag frantically as Diva looks up to Arc.

“Just one little spell will end this harpy, hero! Do you want her blood on your hands?!”

Seething, Arc takes a couple steps back as Diva grins wickedly.

“See? I knew you were smart.”

Wrapping one arm around Minerva’s waist Diva helps her stand up. Letting go of her hair she raises a hand. A portal opens as Diva looks back to Arc smugly.

“Mind your own business from now on and your girlfriend will stay alive. Keep getting in our way and I can’t guarantee anything.”

Diva puts a her victim in a headlock and drags her toward the portal. Minerva struggles but is unable to mount any real resistance against her captor. Cherry calls out to Arc.

“We have to stop her!”

“I know, Cherry. But how?”

“Wiseman could probably do something! He’s really powerful, after all!”

“But you heard him back there. I won’t like how he handles it. Minerva might not survive his methods.”

“Minerva won’t survive staying with Diva! Please!”

Arc sighs.

“Agreed.”

He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.

“WISEMAN!”

Diva frowns. “Who is…?”

Wiseman materializes behind Diva and taps her on the shoulder. She whirls around with her hostage.

“WOAH! Where did…?!”

Raising a hand, a massive flash blazes forth from the spotlights as they one by one overload. The entire area is suddenly bathed in massive amounts of light for several seconds. As Diva shakes her head in an attempt to clear her vision, Wiseman points a gloved hand at Minerva. She teleports over to Arc and falls to the grass safely. Diva looks over her shoulder at Minerva out of her reach momentarily before turning back to Wiseman and charging up her magic.

“You just made the last mistake of your life, fool! DIE!”

Diva fires a massive magical blast at Wiseman. However, with a wave of his hand the energy dissipates.

“That’s… not possible! No one is…!”

Wiseman’s reaches forward, grabs Diva by the front of her uniform, and pulls her to within inches of his mask.

“You and I need to have a talk, Diva.”

She gasps and claws at his gloves as her body is lifted off the ground “How… how is such power even…?”

Turning, Wiseman throws Diva through her own portal before walking through it himself. It collapses on itself momentarily leaving Arc and Minerva in the middle of the dark field. The lantern hanging from a tree being their only source of light. Arc opens his eyes and looks around.

“What the…?”

Cherry calls our frantically. “Arc! Help Minerva!”

“Where…?”

“On the ground in front of you!”

He looks down to see Minerva lying on the ground unconscious.

“Minerva!”

Kneeling down he picks her up.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

“We need to get out of here! Who knows when Diva will break free and return!”

“Agreed. Let’s see if my gauntlet still works.”

Arc raises a gauntlet to open a portal. The swirling energies form as Cherry calls out to him.

“Where are we taking her? Her apartment?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that’s probably where Diva took her from, so it’s not a good idea for her to return.”

“Then where…?”

Arc steps toward the portal. “I know one place she’ll be safe.”

“You mean…?”

“Yeah.”

Chapter 20 - Be as the Butterfly

Arc appears on the sigil in his basement. The others hurry over to him in their armor and robes. Max is the first to speak.

“Sir! We…!”

All of them stop dead in their tracks as Arc turns to face them, an unconscious Minerva in his arms. Xenos gasps.

“S-sir? Isn’t that…?!”

“Yeah. Minerva Moore.”

Ember glares at Arc. “You idiot! Why?!”

“Diva knows where she lives. I was worried if I took her home she’d be recaptured.”

Hugh sighs. “That make sense. But why here?”

“Because it’s safe, and no one suspects us.”

Rose shudders. “That may change when she wakes up.”

Arc nods. “I’ll have to think of something a bit more permanent. In the meantime everyone needs to keep their faces covered when around her, got it?”

Max adjusts his own helmet. “Yes sir.”

Ember sighs. “Well, if she’s going to stay here, we should probably get her cleaned up.”

Cherry gasps as the glow from the overhead lights gives her a clear view of Minerva’s battered body. “Yes. Diva and her cronies certainly weren’t gentle with her.”

Arc sets Minerva down on the nearby table. Removing the knife from his ring he quickly cuts the ropes holding her wrists and ankles. Cherry calls out to him.

“Might I bathe her?”

Ember steps forward. “I’ll give you a hand.”

“She might respond better if I was the one she woke up to.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. We’re all masked vigilantes, after all. That and she already trusts Cherry.”

Ember shrugs. “Fine. I’ll wait outside the door though in case she tries to escape.”

“Might I borrow your armor, Hero?”

Arc chuckles. “Sure.”

The armor melts away to allow Arc to step out. As it rematerializes Eidolon’s Ward turns to her friend and carefully picks her up.

“I got you, Minerva.”

She slowly walks toward the stairs with Ember as Arc turns to the others.

“No one use anyone’s real name, alright?”

Hugh appears confused. “Sir?”

Max nods. “It could link us back to the commander.”

Rose sighs. “Yes. Better safe than sorry.”

Xenos turns to his commanding officer. “So what happened after the signal cut out, sir?”

Arc chuckles. “Where do I begin?”

Meanwhile, Eidolon’s Ward lays Minerva in the tub. She turns back to the open door and Ember.

“Do you think you could do one little thing for me?”

“What’s that?”

Eidolon’s Ward holds up her gauntlets. “I don’t think I can undo her buttons with these fingers. Could you help with that?”

“Sure.”

Stepping into the room Ember kneels down and unbuttons Minerva’s dirty blouse and her skirt.

“Thank you. I can take it from here.”

Ember nods and stands up before leaving the room. She turns back momentarily.

“Hey.”

“Yes… Dragon?”

“I… um… I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“What happened to her. Even Minerva didn’t deserve that kind of abuse.”

The armor nods as Ember leaves and closes the door behind her. Carefully, Eidolon’s Ward pulls Minerva’s clothes off and tosses them in a corner. Getting the water temperature set she picks up the shower nozzle and begins rinsing the dirt and grim from her friend’s naked body. Minerva groans softly as she does so.

“It’s okay, Minerva. I’ll take care of you.”

A few minutes later Minerva slowly opens her eyes a crack.

“What…? Rain…?”

Moaning slightly, Minerva puts her hand over a sizable bruise on her stomach. Not feeling her blouse, the young woman’s eyes fly open and dart around the room fearfully as she screams in terror.

“Please stop! Don’t hurt me!”

She flails about seemingly at random as she feels two cold gauntlets push her back down.

“Minerva, calm down! It’s me, Cherry!”

“Ch-Cherry?”

“Don’t worry. You’re safe now.”

Minerva looks around the room. “Why are all the lights off?”

“But, they’re not.”

“What? Then why can’t I see anything?!”

“I… I don’t know.”

Minerva continues, fear evident in her voice. “Am I… blind?!”

“I think it’ll be temporary.”

“How do you know?!”

“There was a big flash of light and your eyes were wide open. They probably just got overloaded or something.”

“I… kinda remember. It hurt quite a bit, but I was too scared to do anything. Even close my eyes.”

Eidolon’s Ward pats her friend’s arm. “Don’t worry. We’ll take care of you until your sight comes back.”

“We?”

“The hero and I.”

Minerva puts a hand to her face and winches. “Ouch!”

“Are you okay?”

“Everything hurts.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs as she looks Minerva’s bruised body over. “Yeah. You’re pretty banged up. The hero will want to talk to you about what happened later, I’m sure.”

Minerva sighs and puts a hand on her midsection as Cherry continues.

“I’m going to get you cleaned up now, okay?”

Nodding silently Minerva let’s her friend get to work. Taking a bar of soap in her gauntlet she works up a lather in a washcloth. Starting at the top, she begins gently washing away the dirt and grim from the young woman’s face. Minerva winces in pain.

“Sorry. It’s hard to tell what’s dirt and what’s a bruise.”

“It… it’s okay. I know you’re doing your best, Cherry. But can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Where are we exactly? Not my apartment, I hope!”

“No. The Hero took you to his house.”

“So I’m… in his bathtub?!”

“Yes.”

Minerva blushes heavily. “Is he… here?”

“No, it’s just me. Dragon’s outside the door waiting for me to finish though.”

“Um… okay. But… am I… you know…?”

“Are you what, Minerva?”

“A prisoner?”

“Not… exactly. I mean, I’m sure the Hero could take you somewhere else if you really wanted to leave. But you can’t exactly take care of yourself at the moment without your sight, can you?”

Minerva sighs. “I suppose not.”

“Do you have some family that you could stay with for a while?”

Minerva sighs and shakes her head. “No one locally, no. I don’t really want to impose on you or the Hero though.”

“While we certainly appreciate the thought, our only other option is to bring you to the hospital. Somehow I get the feeling you should probably stay away from the one nearby for a while.”

“I suppose so.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles as she begins rinsing her friend off. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll take good care of you.”

Minerva smiles weakly as the warm water washes over her. “Thanks, Cherry.”

A short time later there is a knock at the bathroom door. Eidolon’s Ward stands up.

“I’ll be right back.”

Minerva silently nods. The armor steps over to the door and opens it a few inches to see Ember standing there.

“Cherry?”

“Yes?”

Ember holds up a pair of pajamas. “I brought your friend some clean clothes. Do you need any help in there?”

“We’re fine. Thank you though.”

“How is she?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Not the greatest.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Um… the, ah… Hero was kinda hoping to be able to talk to her tonight.”

“Tell him that’s probably not a good idea. She could really do with a good night’s sleep first.”

Ember nods. “I’ll pass that along to him. And he also wanted me to tell you to put Minerva to bed in his parent’s room tonight.”

“Thank you, I will. Can you put those clothes in there please?”

“Sure.”

She closes the door and turns back to Minerva in the tub.

“That was Dragon. She put some pajamas for you in… one of the bedrooms.”

“Oh. Um… that was nice of her. But I don’t mind putting my old clothes back on.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Trust me. You don’t want to.”

“Oh? Did something happen to them?”

“Kinda. They’re filthy.”

Minerva shudders. “Yes, well… I…”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on Minerva’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry. You’re safe here with us.”

Minerva puts a hand on the gauntlet and sighs.

“I… just feel so alone right now.”

“Minerva?”

“You don’t know what it’s like. Not being able to see what’s going on around you.”

“Truth be told, I do.”

“Cherry?”

“As I told you before, after my death my soul merged with the gem in the Hero’s chest plate. His armor stays in his ring when not in use. While inside it, I couldn’t see, hear, or make a sound. Truthfully, it was the most lonely time I’d ever known.”

“That would have driven me crazy.”

“It almost did. But probably not for the reason you imagine.”

“Oh?”

“My every moment was filled with a single knawing question. What would become of my love?”

“I… I’m sorry, Cherry. But I don’t really know what to say to that. Caring so much for someone that you think of them above everything else is a very new concept to me.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles as she turns off the water. “Don’t worry. You’ll get there.”

A moment later two gauntlets carefully pat Minerva dry before picking her up and calling out.

“Can you open the door, Dragon?”

The door slowly opens and Minerva is carried down the hall to the bedroom. Ember turns to the armor as it passes her.

“You need anything else?”

“No, thank you. I’ll dress Minerva and put her to bed.”

“Okay. I think I’ll turn in as well.”

“Good night, Dragon.”

Ember nods as she closes the door behind her. Heading to her own room she sighs.

“Never thought she of all humans would be our guest. Arc was nuts to bring her here.”

She smiles and lies down on her bed.

“But I suppose his Kindness is one of the reasons I’m attracted to him.”

Meanwhile, Eidolon’s Ward carefully dresses Minerva in the pajamas.

“Thanks, Cherry. But I suppose I don’t really need these if it’s just the two of us.”

She looks around instinctively.

“Uh… it is just us, isn’t it?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Yes, we’re alone. Do you need anything before bed?”

Minerva shakes her head weakly. “Nothing. I… I just feel so tired.”

“I understand. After all, you had quite the day. I should let you sleep.”

“Are… are you leaving?!”

“Not if you don’t want me to.”

“Please stay! I… um… don’t really want to be alone right now.”

“Okay. I’ll sit by your side tonight.”

Minerva appears relieved. “Thanks!”

Meanwhile, Arc, Sereb, and Rose sit on the couch downstairs. Arc looks up.

“Sounds like Cherry just put our guest to bed.”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “Indeed. She will stay by her side tonight.”

Rose sighs. “After what happened, Miss Moore will need all the help she can get.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

Sereb turns to his friend. “Arc?”

Rose does the same. “Is something wrong?”

“This is all my fault.”

“How so?”

Sereb shakes his head. “You blame yourself for Miss Moore’s condition, don’t you, Arc?”

Arc nods. “I could’ve investigated this matter myself. But I wanted to see if she could really be trusted with something important.”

Rose takes his hand. “You couldn’t have known about the tracking device in the laptop, Arc.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Our adversaries are certainly cunning beyond what was originally perceived.”

“That they are, Sereb. And I underestimated them.”

Rose smiles at him. “One might also look at it this way. Had you removed the laptop here in the house, our enemies would have known exactly where we lived.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “It would have been a paltry task for them to ambush us as we rested this very night.”

“I suppose so. But that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

Arc leans back on the couch and stares up at the ceiling.

“How could this have been avoided? There had to be a way!”

Rose clears her throat. “Theoretically there are an infinite numbers of possibilities. Perhaps some of those would have ended more favorably.”

Sereb nods. “That may be. However one might also say that it could have gone the opposite way.”

Arc puts a hand over his face. “While I know that’s true, it doesn’t change what happened. Nor mitigate any lasting repercussions. “

Rose looks to Arc soberly. “You mean her future?”

“Yes. Now that Diva knows where she lives, Minerva will be in constant danger of kidnapping.”

Sereb sighs. “She can hide here for a time, yes?”

“Of course. But she can’t stay here forever. That and her job isn’t one she can do underground either.”

Rose winces. “The first live report she does will most likely result in her disappearance.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I may have the solution.”

“Oh?”

“While it would need to be her choice, could you not extend amnesty to her?”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “In Equestria?”

“Yes.”

“I suppose I could talk to the princesses about it. If I took full responsibility for her, I’m sure they’d be willing to let her…”

A familiar voice rings out nearby.

“That will not be necessary.”

The trio look over to see Wiseman standing before them. Arc frowns.

“Can’t you ever knock?!”

“I suppose. But I get the feeling you would not let me in.”

Sereb growls. “Most likely true.”

Rose purses her lips. “Arc told us of tonight’s altercation.”

Wiseman nods. “Good. Then that will make this easier.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “For whom?”

“Everyone, I would imagine.”

Sereb frowns. “Do tell.”

“I come with good news. Minerva can safely return home when she recovers.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Unless you’ve destroyed Diva and all those with her I highly doubt that’s true.”

Wiseman shrugs. “Such a task is actually easier than you might think.”

Rose appears surprised. “How so?”

“Well, all I had to do was inform Diva that she was no match for my magical and physical prowess.”

Arc sits forward. “And…?”

“And show her that I could easily dismantle her entire organization with a few well-placed blows. Like a house of cards, if you will.”

Sereb shakes his head. “How could one human accomplish such a task?”

Rose frowns. “Right. As capable as he is not even Arc could do such a thing.”

Wiseman chuckles. “By talking.”

“Wait… what?”

“Arc, you of all people should understand the power of the spoken word. After all, did you not use such things to your advantage as Lord Regent and as the Hero of Light?

Sereb growls. “Arc is not a manipulator!”

Rose nods fervently. “Right! His tools are reason and logic!”

Wiseman shrugs. “As were mine. Following Diva through her portal and back to her base of operations, I simply had a little chat with her and the one in charge over there as well. It was very fruitful too.”

Arc appears skeptical. “Care to let us in on the secret?”

“Diva’s orders were to get the laptop back at any cost. Hence the kidnapping. However, her superiors are usually very concerned with ends and means.”

Rose frowns. “You mean doing things that might draw attention to them?”

“Precisely.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Creatures of evil do not like the light of truth.”

“So how does that keep Minerva safe?”

“By interrogating her they had hoped to learn your secrets, Arc. However they now know that Minerva is as in the dark as they are in certain regards.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good.”

Wiseman clenches a gloved fist. “They now understand that recapturing her would serve no purpose other than earning them my wrath.”

Rose looks hopeful. “So they won’t be attacking anyone else?”

“Oh, I didn’t say that.”

“Huh?”

Wiseman looks to Arc. “They’re still very interested in you joining them.”

“And you think I should?!”

“No. They’re not the type whom should be in charge.”

Sereb turns to Wiseman. “For what purpose?”

“That Arc will have to figure out for himself. But know this. They have been made aware that should Minerva be taken again, I will personally lead you to their hideout and straight to their various… secrets. Needless to say, they didn’t like that.”

Rose smiles. “That will be of great comfort to Minerva and Cherry. But I still don’t understand. Just who you are and why you’re doing all this.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. If you’re so powerful why not just take Diva and her cronies down yourself?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “I am an old man, and this is not my fight.”

Sereb growls menacingly. “This is everyone’s fight!”

“That may have been true many years ago. However, it’s time for the current generation of heroes to step up and do what must be done. Should I fix everything for you, how would you learn? How would you gain the knowledge and experience needed to train the generation that comes after you?”

He looks Arc in the eye.

“You once told a story to a young mare about a butterfly’s need to escape their cocoon on their own.”

Arc nods, confused. “Sassy Saddles after the Cherry Festival? How do you…?”

“If I were to offer to solve every problem, you and this current generation would be ill prepared to protect the world someday when my time is done.”

Rose frowns. “Then why are you helping us now?”

“The key word in that sentence is ‘help’. In the end, it is you whom must make a stand for what is right, Arc.”

“Yeah… you’ve made that fact abundantly clear.”

“In any case, I have faith that by the combined might of you and your friends, along with a dash of, shall we say… intervention, you’ll be able to accomplish you goals.”

Arc looks coolly at Wiseman. “I just want to go on record as saying I don’t like or trust you in the least.”

Wiseman shrugs. “Hate me all you want. But in the end you’ll see that all I’ve done has been for the betterment of all concerned.”

Rose looks to Wiseman as he heads for the door. “All of Earth?”

Wiseman stops. He pauses as his hand touches the doorknob.

“Earth, yes. But also… for Equestria.”

Sereb tilts his head to one side. “Eh?”

Without a word Wiseman opens the front door and steps out. Rose turns to Arc as the door shuts behind him.

“What do you suppose he meant by that?”

“Not really sure. But if the past is any indication, he’ll end up being right.”

Sereb sighs. “I am not sure how. After all, we control the only device capable of traversing the transdimensional barrier between these two worlds.”

Rose nods. “Right. At least I hope that’s true.”

Arc frowns. “So do I.”

Chapter 21 - Love Triangle

Arc awakens early the next morning to the sounds and smells of food wafting into the Living Room from the Kitchen. Sitting up from the couch he slowly stands and stretches. Sereb rises and does the same.

“I so need a new sofa.”

Sereb grins toothily. “There was certainly ample room in Ember’s bed.”

“Yeah, well… I kinda felt like I needed some time alone.”

“Still blaming yourself?”

Arc nods as Sereb shakes his head.

“You must stop looking back, or you will never move forward, Arc.”

“I know. But that’s much easier to say than do.”

Walking toward the Kitchen the pair find Arc’s squad hard at work preparing breakfast. Max salutes.

“Good morning, sir.”

Viktor grins. “Sleep well, sir?”

“I’ve had better nights.”

Xenos nods soberly. “We saw you on the couch, sir.”

Hugh grins sheepishly. “Max told us to keep it down, but…”

Arc sighs as he sits down at the table. “Cooking’s kinda hard to keep quiet.”

Sereb nods as he sniffs the air. “Indeed.”

A few minutes later Ember descends the stairs. She sleepily walks over to the table and sits down.

“Do you guys have to start cooking this early every day?”

Max nods. “As long as the commander’s here, yes.”

Xenos laughs. “You know better than any of us that he likes to get an early start.”

Ember facepalms. “Yeah, well… he only wakes up when he smells the food.”

“Usually, yes.”

Arc looks around.

“Where’s Rose?”

Viktor points with a spatula toward the basement stairs. “Doing research on the Internet.”

“Oh? What about?”

Max shrugs. “We’re not sure.”

Hugh calls over from the sink. “Right But she was at it when we all got up earlier this morning.”

Ember shrugs. “She’ll tell us when she’s good and ready.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose.”

Hugh turns to Arc as he puts the food on the table. “I bet this is a nice way to start your morning, sir.”

“Yeah…”

Ember turns to him. “Something up, Arc?”

“Huh? Oh… sorry. Just the events from yesterday.”

Sereb looks up at Arc. “Minerva will be fine.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. She just needs a little rest.”

“Probably.”

His squad serves the food. Arc looks to the platters soberly.

“Give me Minerva’s plate.”

“Sir?”

“I’ll run it up to her.”

Ember nods soberly. “You want some time to talk to her, huh?”

“Yeah. And to apologize.”

Ember frowns. “What about YOUR food?!”

“I won’t be long.”

They nod as Arc heads upstairs with the plate. Viktor turns to Max.

“The commander’s taking this really hard.”

“It’s to be expected. Had he not involved Miss Moore, theoretically none of this would’ve happened.”

Ember frowns at Max. “You’re not saying this is his fault, are you?!”

“No. But try telling him that.”

Sereb sighs. “Max is correct. Perhaps they can talk through this matter together.”

Meanwhile, Arc reaches the top of the stairs. Setting the plate of food momentarily on a nearby end table Arc removes his mask from the ring and puts it on. Picking the food back up he takes a deep breath and quietly opens the door. Looking toward the bed he sees Minerva lying on her back motionless. Eidolon’s Ward sits in a chair by her bedside. She looks over to him as he approaches. They keep their voices low.

“How is she?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Scared mostly. She was restless half the night.”

“Nightmares?”

“I believe so, yes. Minerva seemed to settle down a bit when I whispered words of encouragement and held her hand though.”

“Thanks for staying with her last night, Cherry. But we should wake her up to eat now.”

“Must we? She could probably use the rest.”

“True. But who knows when she ate last.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Taking the young woman’s hand in her gauntlet, Cherry quietly whispers to her.

“Minerva? It’s morning.”

Slowly she opens her eyes and groggily calls out.

“Are you sure, Cherry? It’s still dark out.”

“Yes. The suns already up.”

Minerva puts a hand to her face before blinking a few times and looking around.

“Oh… right.”

“The Hero brough you some breakfast.”

Arc steps forward. “Yes. You should eat before it gets cold.”

He sets the plate in Minerva’s lap. The woman sighs.

“I was kinda hoping this morning would be different.”

Arc looks to Minerva. “Are you in a lot of pain?”

“A bit, yes. Mostly just bruises. But that’s not the biggest problem.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods and turns to Arc. “When Minerva woke up in the shower last night, we found out she’s blind.”

Arc mutters to himself. “He said I wouldn’t like how he did it.”

“Huh?”

“I… nothing.”

Arc looks into Minerva’s eyes for a moment.

“There doesn’t appear to be anything physically wrong with them. I’m guessing the big flash last night overloaded your senses.”

Minerva nods. “I kinda remember that. But I was too afraid to close my eyes.”

“Can anything be done for her, Hero?”

“I’ve heard about welders experiencing similar symptoms if they weld without eye protection.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “Is it… permanent?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Their vision would come back after a day or so. How do your eyes feel, Minerva?”

“They hurt pretty bad.”

“How about I get you some eyedrops from the Bathroom?”

“Oh, would you? I’d appreciate it.”

“I’ll be right back.”

Rising, Arc quickly walks to the medicine cabinet. Spotting the familiar bottle he grabs it and returns to Minerva’s side.

“Here we are.”

He puts the bottle in Minerva’s hand. She unscrews the top and tilts her head back. Giving the bottle a small squeeze a few drops emerge and fall. However they land on her forehead uselessly as Minerva sighs.

“This is harder than I thought it’d be.”

Arc leans down. “Do you want some help?”

“Yes, please.”

Minerva again tilts her head back. Arc carefully puts the drops in her eyes. She winces in pain.

“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“My eyes feel like they’re on fire!”

The armor turns to Arc. “Maybe we need to get her to a doctor.”

Arc sighs. “If you want me to, I could take you to the hospital.”

Minerva shakes her head fearfully. “Please, no!”

“They could at least give you some prescription-grade eyedrops.”

“I can handle the pain!”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “Is there anything else we can do for her?”

“Closing the shades would help. Keep it as dark as possible in here.”

Eidolon’s Ward stands and quickly closes the curtains around the room. Minerva sighs contentedly.

“That does help a lot.”

Arc sits down on the bed. “Minerva, do you remember anything from last night?”

“Very little. Mostly just that I was terrified.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to Arc “What happened over there?”

“Wiseman showed up.”

Minerva frowns. “Who?”

“The man in the blue cloak.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “He was at the apartment fire.”

Minerva thinks for a moment. “Wiseman, huh?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You know him?”

“I know OF him. Truth be told, he saved me when I was mugged not that long ago.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “When was that?!”

“Do you remember the night I came home and… and put you in that drawer?”

“Vividly, yes.”

Minerva tells her story of how two thugs tied her up and stole her purse.

Arc nods. “And then Wiseman just kinda showed up, right?”

“That’s just how it happened, yes. How did you know that?”

Eidolon’s Ward shrugs. “He has a habit of doing that to the Hero and I.”

Minerva smiles at Arc. “Originally when I saw you in your blue cloak in my apartment, I… I thought he was you.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Not I.”

“Did Wiseman take care of that horrible Diva?!”

Arc frowns. “Um… yes and no.”

Minerva appears confused. “What does THAT mean?”

Arc sighs. “Let me explain…”

He tells the pair of last night’s visit by Wiseman downstairs, along with the message he’d brought. Minerva appears skeptical.

“So you really think he’s telling the truth?”

Arc sighs. “No reason not to. After all, if he’d wanted to hurt us, he’d have done so already.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “A fair assumption. But how exactly did he convince Diva to leave Minerva alone?”

“No idea. But to his credit, Wiseman does have an extremely high success rate. That and he had no reason to lie to us.”

He turns to the woman lying there.

“You can stay here for the time being. What happened to you was my fault anyways.”

Minerva shakes her head. “Thank you. But like I said back then, I wanted to help. Remember, taking risks to expose the truth is what us reporters do.”

She sighs.

“Although I think I’ll sleep at the office for a few days after I get out of here.”

Minerva gasps.

“The office!”

Arc sighs. “Let me guess. You’re supposed to be at work, right?”

“Kinda. Today I was supposed to go over the stories that air tonight as they come in. The editor is on vacation this week and it’s my day to fill in.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But how are you supposed to do that as you are?”

“I… don’t know.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to her friend. “Can I help?”

“Do you know how to type, Cherry?”

“How to… what?”

Arc shakes his head. “They don’t have much in the way of computers when Cherry’s from. But my… uh… friends could certainly help you with that.”

“Those robed figures that joined you at the hospital?”

“Yes. They’re quite capable.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “He’s right. After all, they do the research on this end all the time.”

Minerva sighs. “Well, as it stands, I don’t really have any other choice but to accept. Um… can I ask you something?”

“Me?”

“Yes, Hero. Why did you give Diva the laptop? After all, didn’t you need the information on it?”

“I did, yes. But letting you take the fall for my information lead wasn’t something I was okay with.”

Minerva blushes slightly. “I… um… thank you.”

“No problem. Well, I should probably let you eat now.”

He stands and heads for the door. Eidolon’s Ward turns to Minerva as Arc closes it behind him.

“You should eat.”

Minerva nods. “Yes. It’s been awhile.”

The young woman fumbles for her silverware on the plate. Locating it she feels around for the food for a few moments. Eidolon’s Ward sits back down and looks to her.

“How about I help you?”

Minerva nods. “Thanks. This is harder than I though.”

Taking the silverware from Minerva, Eidolon’s Ward cuts the food into bite sized pieces. She puts them to her friend’s mouth one by one.

“My, you’re hungry.”

Minerva nods as she swallows. “That horrible woman took me before I could eat supper. Tell me, do you really think she’ll leave me be?”

“If the Hero believes it, so do I.”

“How can you be so certain?”

“Because I know that even if he’s wrong, he’ll come for you.”

Minerva blushes. “That I do believe.”

“But you still haven’t talked to him about it.”

Minerva shakes her head. “I tried to a couple times.”

Eidolon’s Ward puts down the fork and sits on the bed. “Minerva. You need to be honest about this.”

Minerva wrings her hands. “Yes, I know. But what I don’t understand is why it’s so hard to say.”

“How about ‘will you go out with me’?”

“But we did!”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “You two going to Roberto’s Pizza together to talk business wasn’t exactly what I would call romantic.”

Minerva nods sadly. “Thanks for helping me pick out something to make him notice me.”

“I’m sorry it didn’t work.”

Minerva puts a finger to her chin. “I was wearing a nice skirt that night. Maybe he’s not into legs. I knew I should have worn the low cut blouse.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “You could have, yes. However, the end result would have been the same.”

“What does he like then?”

“Personality. Remember, he liked me as a pony.”

“So, should I find a way to turn into a mare?”

“No. I meant he’s less concerned with outward appearance and more interested in a mare’s mannerisms.”

“What should I do then, Cherry?”

“Just be honest. Tell him how you feel and just be yourself.”

Minerva shakes her head. “There’s got to be more to it.”

“Not really. He’s a simple human, but knows what he wants.”

“Is he a… um… how to put this…”

Minerva thinks for a moment before continuing.

“A… a hit with the mares where you’re from?”

“Truth be told, very much so.”

“How does he feel about them? Anyone special to him?”

“Well, there is one mare that recently turned his head.”

“Tell me about her, Cherry.”

“Sure. What would you like to know?”

Minerva grins. “Everything!”

“Oh… well I’ll try.”

She thinks for a moment.

“Starting at the beginning, they met very shortly after he arrived in my homeland. She helped look after him when he was released from the hospital.”

“Hospital?!”

“A wild animal attacked the town. He tried to fight it, but failed.”

“So heroism’s in his blood?”

“Kinda. I already told you everything he’s done for me.”

“Yes indeed. So they became quick friends?”

“That they did. You see, she’s a fashion designer. He needed clothes custom made to fit him. She saw to it he was always well supplied with garments.”

Minerva grins. “Sounds like a good friend to have.”

“Right. But that’s all they were until a certain… incident.”

“Oh?”

“There was some kind of magical experiment that another friend of his was performing. She was trying to make him fall for her.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Is that… possible?”

“Kinda. Without going into too much detail, the side effects caused every mare whom came into close proximity to him to quickly fall… ill.”

“So he inadvertently made those around him sick?”

“Yes. But after the initial symptoms hit, the mares went into an uncontrollable heat!”

Minerva blushes. “Heat? You mean like… you know…”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Every one of them offered their bodies to the Hero back then. Two of them simultaneously.”

“Cherry, when I saw you in, what did you call it again? The dream world?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “The Hero calls it his Sanctuary. What about it?”

“Well, when you showed me your true form, were you roughly that size back then?”

“Size?”

“In relation to me, that is.”

“Oh, yes.”

“And I assume you were fully grown?”

“Of course. What are you getting at?”

Minerva blushes. “Sorry, I just… I was trying to picture… the size difference between a human and a mare.”

“Humans are almost twice as tall as a pony. But why is our size important?”

“I was just kinda wondering if those mares backsides were okay. After they… um… had relations with the Hero.”

“Oh no, no, no! He didn’t take any of them up on their offers!”

Minerva appears surprised. “Really?”

“It’s true. Instead the Hero put them to sleep with a spell and had them transported to a local hospital. At the time he thought they were suffering from some kind of undiscovered illness.”

“Are they pretty?”

“Very. But we’ve gone a bit off topic. You see, after they were cured, several of the mares saw him in a new light.”

“How so?”

“Not being violated showed them he was somepony special. One of them even confessed her love shortly thereafter.”

Minerva looks confused. “So why are you helping me with this then? He has someone back there who…”

“He turned them down.”

“Oh.”

“However, very recently he started having certain… feelings for another of his friends. She invited him over for supper one evening in an attempt to make up for her behavior back then.”

Minerva smiles. “A dinner date?”

“Precisely.”

“Were you there?”

“No. The Hero left his armor home that night.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “So you let him go see her alone?!”

“It was my idea.”

“That doesn’t make any sense, Cherry! Why?!”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “So he’d see other mares. I had a good feeling about her intentions.”

“Did the date go well?”

“Better than I expected, yes.”

“What can you tell me about my… um…”

“Competition?”

“Yes.”

“Like I said, she’s a fashion designer in the town the Hero lives in. She owns her own business, Carousel Boutique. It’s probably the most unique building in town. Very… artsy and fancy.”

“Is she pretty?”

“Extremely. Probably one of the best looking mares I’ve ever seen.”

Minerva sighs and looks down sightlessly at her lap.

“What hope does someone like me have against that? I can only assume they’re now an item.”

“Not… exactly.”

“Huh?”

“Truthfully, he really does want a relationship.”

“With her?”

“With someone, yes.”

“What’s stopping him then?”

“His mission here.”

Minerva sighs. “That again? Still looking for someone?”

“Something like that.”

“Can’t you tell me, Cherry?”

“Sorry, but no. Nopony back in my world knows about his mission either. Except the princesses, that is.”

“Princesses?”

“Our land is ruled by them.”

“No king or queen?”

“No. Just the princesses.”

“Kinda surprising. And the Hero takes his orders from them?”

“Nopony tells him what to do.”

“Then why is he here? Who sent him?”

“The Hero of Light is above the princesses’ authority. He does what he wants. And he volunteered to find somepony who’s missing.”

“That mare whom turned his head?”

“No, she’s safely back home. But I’m sure he would if need be.”

“What else can you tell me about that mare?”

“She has a filly named Sweetie Belle. They’re really cute together.”

“So she’s a single mother?”

“I suppose you might say that.”

“Um… can I assume her… filly… um… is the Hero’s daughter?”

“Certainly not! She’s… well, it’s complicated. Why are you so interested in her?”

“Because…”

Minerva sighs.

“…I wanted to know about her in hopes of using that information to make the Hero notice me.”

“Ah! Well, just be kind and honest. He doesn’t like deception in the least.”

“What’s that mare’s name?”

“Rarity.”

“A very… interesting name.”

“Frankly I think it suits her. After all, she’s certainly a very… um… unique mare.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Minerva speaks.

“Jealous, Cherry?”

“No, not at all!”

“Really?”

The armor sighs. “Well… a bit, I suppose. But I need to do what’s best for him. It’s the only reason I’m still here.”

“Still here?”

“After my death.”

Minerva nods. “I see. But I don’t understand one thing. If you’re jealous of that Rarity mare, why are you helping me?”

“To make sure the Hero is happy.”

Eidolon’s Ward takes Minerva’s hand.

“In return all I ask is that you do your best to make him happy in the event he chooses you.”

Minerva smiles and nods. “I will. And that’s a promise I can keep!”

Chapter 22 - Propositions

Meanwhile, Arc heads downstairs to the Kitchen. The others are just finishing their meal. Ember looks over as he enters.

“You sure took your time up there.”

“I guess I did.”

Sereb looks to Arc’s plate. “Your food is stone cold.”

Max stands up. “I’ll heat it up for you, sir.”

“Thanks.”

Max picks up the plate and puts the contents back into a skillet. Ember frowns.

“So…?”

“Huh?”

“Care to tell us what you were up to?”

Arc shrugs. “Just asking Minerva some questions.”

Hugh nods. “We believe you, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. That and there couldn’t have been much else going on with Miss Cherry up there with you two.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Viktor chuckles as he begins doing the dishes. “Anytime, sir.”

Arc sighs. “In any case, I need you guys to help Minerva with her work after you finish cleaning up the Kitchen.”

Max looks to him, confused. “Sir?”

“She was blinded last night.”

Ember gasps. “What?! How?!”

“Something Wiseman did to save her, I suppose.”

Xenos shrugs. “Not that we mind, but how do we know she’s not faking?”

“I guess there’s no way to know for certain. She refused to let me take her to the hospital though.”

Viktor sighs. “That makes sense after what happened.”

Hugh nods. “Agreed.”

Sereb looks toward the doorway. “In any case, I shall keep an eye on her.”

“Not a bad idea, Sereb.”

Ember frowns. “What about me?”

“Well…”

The telephone rings. Arc stands.

“Perfect timing.”

He leaves the room to answer it as Ember fumes.

“I don’t like her being here!”

Xenos sighs. “Miss Moore’s presence makes us all a bit nervous, Ember.”

Hugh nods. “Right. But the commander says she’s welcome here.”

Viktor calls out from the sink. “That and it IS his house.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Well, let’s help her recover so she can get out of here!”

Max looks to Ember as he puts the freshly heated food back onto Arc’s plate. “Why are you so intent on her leaving, Ember?”

“Because she’s a REPORTER! They REPORT things! Can’t you see we’re all in danger of being exposed!”

Sereb chuckles. “Perhaps. But one can report little without their sight.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “I suppose.”

Meanwhile, Arc picks up the receiver and puts it to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Hey! Is Frank there?!”

“Snake?”

“Who else would it be?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. As far as I know he’s still… you know where.”

“I thought so too. But a couple of the guys said they saw him here!”

“At the Shard Base?”

“Yeah!”

“Are you sure it was him?”

“He ain't exactly someone you can mistake for anyone else. I already called Wolf, and he says the boss isn’t in his bed!”

Arc frowns. “That’s not possible. He’s still far too weak to be walking around, much less walking all the way to your base.”

“Well, either that or all of us are seeing ghosts.”

“Equally unlikely.”

“I know that!”

“Want me to come down and take a look?”

Snake sighs. “Might as well. You should probably… WHAT THE HECK?!”

“What is it?!”

There is no response from the other end for several moments.

“Hello? Snake?”

The sound of the receiver being picked up fills Arc’s ear. A few seconds later a familiar voice rings out.

“Hello, Arc.”

“Frank?! Is that you?!”

“That it is.”

“So you ARE there!”

“Yes I am.”

“Why aren’t you in bed?!”

Frank chuckles. “There’s far too much to do for me to be lazing around any longer.”

“Um… okay. But I suppose a larger question would be how the heck did you get over there?!”

“That is both complicated and simple, Arc.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thank you for clearing that up.”

“My apologies, old friend. But things have… changed for me.”

“How about you and I sit down and have a nice talk, Frank?”

“That would probably be for the best.”

“Good. Shall I come and pick you up?”

“That will not be necessary. I’ll see you shortly.”

The line suddenly disconnects. Frowning, Arc puts the receiver down as he mutters to himself.

“Was that really Frank? While it certainly sounded like him, I just can’t…”

The feeling of a magical backwash from behind Arc flows over him. Whirling around he finds himself face to face with Frank.

“Hello, Arc.”

Arc gasps in surprise. “Frank! How did you…?!”

“Come along. All will be explained shortly.”

Putting a hand on Arc’s shoulder Frank smiles as the world around them fades away. A moment later Sereb runs at top speed into the room followed by Ember.

“Sereb?! What’s gotten into you?!”

The wolf’s eyes dart around the room frantically as he sniffs the air. “I know I heard his voice!”

“Heard who?”

“Arc’s friend, Frank Fontaine!”

Ember frowns. “Frank?! But he’s laid up in that old house.”

“His scent is fresh on the air! Believe me, he WAS here!”

The sounds of footsteps running up the basement stairs can be heard. Rose hurries into the Living Room and looks around as Arc’s squad follows her in.

“Sereb, have you seen Arc?!”

“I have not. But tell me. Did you detect any magical abnormalities a few moments ago?”

“Yes. A strange form of Teleportation Magic just registered.”

Max looks to Rose. “Could it have been the commander?”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. He’s always Blinking around.”

Rose shakes her head. “That’s not possible. The magical signature was certainly not his.”

“Sereb said he smelled Frank when he ran in here.”

Rose puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “That would explain it.”

Hugh frowns. “Explain what, Rose?”

“A few minutes ago Frank’s energy signature disappeared from his safehouse. I assumed it was a technical issue or hardware failure.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Did you run diagnostics?”

Rose nods. “Yes. I was in the middle of a more detailed scan when I detected the anomalies up here.”

Ember turns to Rose. “I know this is going to sound strange, but did you detect Frank in this room a few moments ago?”

“Actually, yes. Again I assumed it to be an error, as that is not possible.”

“My nose knows he was here.”

Xenos turns to Hugh. “That’s good enough for me.”

“Right. But where do you suppose the commander went?”

“Scanners show that he was Blinked away.”

Xenos gasps. “Wait. He was Blinked? By whom?”

Rose frowns. “It should be impossible, but my sensors show the source of the magical energy to be Frank Fontaine himself.”

Ember grits her teeth. “So Arc was kidnapped?!”

Sereb growls. “We will find him, Ember!”

Xenos grits his teeth. “Yeah! But how?”

Max snaps his fingers as an idea comes to him. “How about we listen in on the commander’s earring? Then we might be able to see if he’s in any danger.”

They rush downstairs and take their places as Sereb turns to Ember.

“I do not believe Frank would bring about harm to Arc.”

Ember clenches a fist. “He’d better not! For HIS sake!”

Viktor sits down at his computer. Pressing a few keys the signal begins to come in.

“You guys don’t think the commander will be mad about this, do you? I mean… we’re essentially hacking his private frequency.”

Rose shakes her head. “Given the circumstances, I do believe he’d understand.”

Ember glares at Viktor. “Less talking, more button pushing!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Frank materialize in the back room of Shelly’s Kitchen. Lily’s eyes grow wide as they do so.

“A-Arc? Frank? How did you…?!”

“Just a little trick I recently figured out, my dear.”

Arc frowns. “Trick?!”

Frank smiles at their friend. “Lily. I just want you to know that everything will be fine. Trust me.”

Lily appears nervous but nods nonetheless. “Oh… okay. Um… are you two hungry?”

“I am. How about you, Arc?”

“Truthfully I haven’t eaten breakfast yet.”

“How about I treat you to a meal then? For old times’ sake.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’ll pay.”

Frank shrugs. “Have it your way.”

Lily leads them out of the Kitchen and past Shelly. She appears just as confused. Frank turns to her and smiles.

“Ah, Shelly. It’s wonderful to be able to see your face again.”

“Um… likewise, Frank. But how did you get back there?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s… complicated, Shelly.”

Frank chuckles. “That it is. Or not. Whichever.”

Lily gesture past the counter. “Let me show you two to a table.”

Frank nods. “Very well, Lily.”

He takes Shelly’s hand momentarily and smiles.

“We’ll talk again soon, my dear.”

“Okay, Frank.”

Bewildered, Shelly watches as Lily leads Arc and Frank to a table. They sit down across from one another as Lily pulls out her order pad and pen.

“What can I get you two?”

“My regular, please.”

Frank nods. “I’ll have the same.”

“Alright. This shouldn’t take long.”

She heads toward the Kitchen. Shelly touches her arm as she passes. As Lily turns to her, Shelly lowers her voice.

“What’s going on?”

“No idea. I know this sounds crazy, but Frank and Arc just appeared in the back!”

“What?! How?!”

Lily shrugs. “I wish I knew. One moment I was alone. The next they were standing in front of me.”

Shelly frowns. “We’ll have to talk to Arc about this later.”

“Right. In any case, I’ll get their orders in.”

Meanwhile, Viktor’s voice comes over Arc’s earring.

“Sir? Can you hear me?”

Frank folds his hands on the table in front of him. “Now then, you and I should have a nice chat.”

Arc nods as he touches his earring. “I hear you, Frank.”

Ember turns to Max, nervously. “Was that intended for Frank or us?”

“I think the commander was trying to acknowledge Viktor’s question without alerting his friend.”

Rose nods. “Agreed. Let’s see if we can’t get some information on where he is right now.”

Arc continues. “So… how have you been? Last I saw you were still laid up in bed.”

“I’m feeling much better now. And I believe I own much of that to you.”

“To me?”

Frank nods. “Yes. After all, it was you who suggested the old base for my recovery.”

“You had to go somewhere.”

“That I did.”

“Can you tell me what changed?”

Frank chuckles. “Not exactly, as I don’t really understand it myself.”

He stops to think for a moment.

“It was as if somehow the world was suddenly brought into focus. As if everything at once became clear.”

“But why did you go back to the Shard Base?”

“To check up on my followers, of course. They do still need a leader.”

“Snake thought the place was haunted.”

Frank laughs. “I suppose my antics might have been misconstrued back there.”

“Antics?”

“This morning when I awoke I found that everything had become apparent. My mind, which had been befuddled up until then, was suddenly clear and alert.”

Ember frowns. “The Shard Base? But that’s half an hour’s drive from where Arc left Frank!”

Rose nods. “Indeed.”

Hugh turns to Max. “How did he travel that far without a vehicle?!”

“Let’s keep listening. Maybe he’ll spill the beans on that.”

Arc clears his throat. “Did that have anything to do with how you got to the base?”

Frank nods. “Yes. I found that by concentrating very hard as I visualized where I wanted to go, I would find myself suddenly spirited there.”

“That sounds almost magical in nature.”

“Perhaps.”

“Can I assume you couldn’t do that before?”

Frank chuckles. “If I could, I would have saved a fortune in gas.”

Ember turns to Viktor. “That sounds like Teleportation Magic!”

“Right! But how did Frank figure out how to do that?!”

Hugh looks to Max again. “Yeah. Magic isn’t something you can just learn, after all.”

“Agreed. You’re born with it.”

Ember shrugs. “Or infused as Arc was.”

Xenos puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Which do you suppose…?”

Rose chimes in. “Humans are not born with such abilities, Xenos. So it would stand to reason Frank was somehow infused.”

Max groans. “Great. But how?”

Sereb growls. “And by whom?”

“Frank, do you have ANY idea how these new developments came to be?”

“None whatsoever. However, I am grateful for the chance to…”

Frank suddenly stops talking and puts a hand to his stomach. Arc looks to him, concerned.

“Are you okay?”

“Forgive me, but I believe it to be a bit of indigestion. Excuse me.”

Closing his eyes, Frank suddenly Blinks. Arc frowns and looks around as he touches his earring.

“Arc to Viktor. Come in please.”

“We read you, sir.”

Ember leans over Viktor’s workstation. “Arc, we’ve been listening in!”

Max nods sheepishly. “Yes sir. I hope that’s okay.”

“Truthfully, that makes this a lot easier. What do you all think of what Frank said? Before he Blinked to… I’m assuming the bathroom”

Rose shrugs. “Such a feat should have been impossible.”

Hugh nods. “True. But he did Blink the commander away a short time ago.”

Sereb growls. “And Blink himself inside this house.”

Xenos grimaces. “That too.”

Ember turns to Rose. “Can you sensors pick anything up? Shelly’s Kitchen isn’t that far away.”

“Sadly, no.”

Max turns to his microphone. “Sir, should we have someone drive Rose over there? Maybe she could figure something out.”

“Agreed. Xenos, drive her over to Shelly’s Kitchen. But I want you two to wait in the Jeep.”

“Yes sir. We’ll be there shortly.”

Xenos and Rose head for the basement stairs as Sereb frowns.

“This matter has become far more than we could have imagined.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah. But we have to figure it out that much faster now.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

Ember clenches a fist. “He’s right. If Frank really does have magic, who knows what he’ll do with it.”

Hugh shudders. “Maybe try to take over the town?”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably not that far. But we still need to be ready for whatever he’s up to. I worry for his mental state as it is.”

A short time later Rose’s voice comes over Arc’s earring.

“Xenos and I are in position.”

“Good. You two stay put and observe. Scan Frank for anything you can think of.”

“Will do.”

Lily walks over with two orders of cheeseburgers and fries. She looks around as she sets the food down.

“What happened to Frank?”

“He had to use the restroom. I’m sure he’ll be…”

Frank suddenly Blinks back into his seat. Lily jumps back clearly frightened.

“Frank?!”

“My apologies, Lily.”

He looks down at his food ravenously and begins to eat.

“Thanks, Lily. Um… I think you’d better make Frank another plate though. He looks to be pretty hungry.”

Lily nods and steps back cautiously before returning to the kitchen. Arc looks back to Frank and frowns.

“What the heck was that?!”

Frank looks up. “I don’t see what the problem is. That’s the third time you’ve seen me do it.”

“No, no! I mean doing that in front of Lily! You really scared her!”

“That was not my intention.”

“Well, intended or not, if someone just appears it makes some folks nervous. And for good reason I would think.”

“They’ll get used to it.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What are you saying?”

“That I’m not going anywhere. Everyone will just have to learn to deal with me occasionally popping up.”

Arc frowns. “I see. So everyone ELSE needs to change?”

“That was not what I meant.”

“But it is what you said.”

Frank frowns as the pair go back to eating. Arc changes the subject.

“You seem especially hungry today.”

“Yes. I can only assume it has to do with my recent recovery. It seems everything is working overtime in my body.”

“Lily should have another order ready for you soon.”

“Oh?”

“Didn’t you hear me tell her you needed more to eat?”

“My apologies. I must have been so engrossed in my meal at the time that I didn’t hear you.”

“Yeah. You didn’t appear to be paying attention to anything else at the time. Other than your meal, that is.”

“Semantics, Arc. But we should probably come to the reason for my visit.”

“I wish you would.”

Frank chuckles as he takes a sip of his Coke. “Ah, Arc. Always so business minded. That attitude served the Shards well in the past.”

“That was a long time ago, Frank. A lot has happened since then.”

“I suppose that’s true. And much more will happen in the near future.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Stop playing word games, Frank! What is it you want?!”

Frank stops eating. He puts his cheeseburger down and looks Arc evenly in the eye.

“You and your armored friend.”

“Say what?”

“Wolf and Jackal told me you could get in touch with him. I want a meeting.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t believe he’d be interested in joining the Shards if that’s what you’re after.”

Frank chuckles. “Maybe not at the moment. However, from what I’ve gathered about him, he’s very interested in keeping people safe and trying to make the world a better place.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Ember frowns. “I don’t like where this is going.”

Rose eyes Arc and Frank inside the restaurant. “Me either. His magic levels are quite strange.”

Xenos turns to Rose. “Define ‘strange’.”

“Unlike anything previously recorded. Stay vigilant.”

Frank continues. “Nothing at all, Arc. However, there are those in this world whom are… shall we say, in a better position to bring order.”

“Who did you have in mind?”

“Me.”

Arc leans back in his seat. “I see. What’s this have to do with the Hero and I?”

“As with any organization, large or small, there is a need for strong leadership. You’ve always been someone I can count on in the past, Arc. With my newfound magical power, your organizational skills, and the Hero’s physical might we can bring the peace this world so desperately needs.”

“And how would we do that?”

“By showing that we’re more than mere brigands. That we have the solution to the chaos.”

“This doesn’t sound like a good idea, Frank.”

“Maybe not. But the rewards far outweigh the risks. If you won’t join me, might you do me one favor and ask the Hero to at least come hear me out. Should he care to join me, he and I can talk more of my plans.”

“I’ll… pass on your message.”

“Good. I knew I could count on you, my friend. Should you change your mind please feel free to join he and I tonight at the Shard Base.”

“What time?”

“Midnight.”

“I’ll… think it over.”

“Good.”

Ember hisses into the microphone. “Arc, what are you DOING?!”

Max pushes her away gently. “Easy there, Ember. Let’s give the commander the benefit of the doubt on this one.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. He wouldn’t go along with Frank’s plan if it would hurt anyone.”

Sereb nods soberly. “It would appear we now have another late night mission.”

Rose continues with her scans. “Yes, I… wait!”

Viktor looks over his screen. “Something on your scanners, Rose?”

“A strange magical energy is building up within Frank!”

Hugh gasps. “The cause?!”

“Unknown!”

Sereb grimaces. “What should Arc do?”

“Look for any physical signs of stress!”

Arc frowns as he glances up at Frank.

“You okay?”

Frank loosens his collar. “I’m fine. It’s just a… a bit warm in here.”

“Are you sure you’re…?”

He is cut off as Frank suddenly reaches across the table and puts a hand on his shoulder. The pair vanish just as Lily walks out of the kitchen with their next order. She looks toward the table before turning to Shelly.

“Where did Arc and Frank go?”

Shelly shrugs. “They were just sitting there a moment ago.”

“That’s strange. It’s not like Arc to leave without saying goodbye.”

“Or paying.”

“I’m sure he’s good for it. Arc wouldn’t have left unless it was important, after all.”

Shelly frowns. “That’s true. But I can’t help but wonder just what’s going on.”

Lily sighs as she looks to the vacated booth. “Me too.”

Meanwhile, Xenos gasps as Arc and Frank disappear.

“What the…?!”

Ember frowns. “What happened, Rose?!”

“Both Arc and Frank have disappeared!”

Max gasps. “What?! Viktor, can we get any visual?”

“Not unless the commander puts on his armor, no.”

Ember runs for the stairs. “I’m heading over there!”

Hugh looks over his shoulder. “Where, Ember?”

“To Arc! Where else?!”

Xenos frowns. “How? We don’t know where they…”

Sereb growls. “Shush! Arc’s transmission is coming through again.”

Meanwhile, Arc sits up and looks around.

“What the…? Frank?”

He spots Frank sitting on the ground nearby against a tree.

“My… apologies, Arc. I’ve yet to fully master my newfound abilities.”

Arc stands and walks over to Frank. He extends a hand.

“I’ll say. Where are we?”

“I’m… not sure.”

Arc frowns. as he helps his friend up. “Yet you want to put you faith in a power you can’t control.”

Frank nods as he dusts himself off. “Not to worry. I’ll figure it out. The fate of the world may hang in the balance.”

“This isn’t wise, Frank.”

“Maybe not. But what other choice do I have?!”

“How about, oh I don’t know… ANYTHING ELSE?!

Frank sighs. “I do believe I can convince you of the merits of my ways in due time. Hopefully the Hero will be more open to new ideas than you.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I wouldn’t count on it.”

Chapter 23 - Magical Mayhem

Arc and Frank reappear in their booth at Shelly’s Kitchen. Lily cautiously walks over to them.

“Is, um… everything alright over here?”

Frank nods. “Yes, we’re fine.”

“Should I bring out your second order now?”

Arc nods. “That might be a good idea. Frank’s looking a little winded.”

Lily nods and hurries to the Kitchen. Frank frowns at Arc.

“Why tell her that? I’m fine.”

“Really? Then why are you breathing heavily?”

“I just need to practice with this power.”

“Maybe. Then again…”

Frank interrupts him. “It worked out well for the Hero, didn’t it?!”

“I suppose so. But his ideals are a bit less… grandiose.”

Lily returns with Frank’s second plate. She sets it down and looks to her friends.

“Are you two planning on… sticking around this time?”

Arc looks to his friend. “That’s kinda up to Frank.”

“My apologies, Lily. I’ll try to keep it under control next time.”

Lily smiles. “It’s okay. I just… worry about you two.”

Arc nods. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

Lily nods and moves on to another table. Arc sighs as he looks to Frank.

“So that wasn’t on purpose?”

Frank shakes his head. “Afraid not, my friend. At the moment my power is held in place by mental fortitude. Much like a dam holding back a river. However, sometimes the floodgates must be opened, lest the dam burst.”

“So use it, or go out of control?”

Frank sighs. “Yes. That’s partially how I learned of my power originally. A bit of an… unexpected outburst.”

“Oh? What happened?”

“I was lying in bed thinking about my room in the Shard Base when suddenly I found myself there. Experimenting, I quickly found I could travel instantaneously through time and space.”

Arc nods. “The idea your base was haunted?”

Frank chuckles. “My boys must’ve thought I was back to get them, what with all the teleporting around.”

“Then you came to my house?!

“Right. I wanted to know the range of my power, and if it could be used to teleport others. Although that proved to be very mentally taxing.”

“Try and take it easy with that.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Arc frowns. “We don’t need you passing out mid jump… or whatever you call it.”

“Jumping, eh? I like it.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I’m not encouraging it.”

Frank continues eating. “Maybe not. But I will follow the road before me to whatever fate has in store for me.”

The pair finish eating and stand up. Arc heads to the cash register with Frank.

“You won’t forget to notify the Hero, will you?”

Arc sighs. “No. But I doubt you’ll be able to convince him.”

Frank chuckles. “Perhaps I can. I’ve always been VERY persuasive if you recall.”

“Yeah, well… he’s not interested in anything you have.”

“We will see.”

Frank vanishes. Shelly gasps.

“How does he DO that?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea.”

Lily joins them.

“What did he want, Arc?”

“To talk to the Hero.”

Shelly frowns. “What for?”

“Some kind of alliance, I’d wager.”

Lily grimaces. “He wants to recruit him?”

“Yeah.”

Shelly shakes her head. “He’d never go for that though… right?”

“That I can categorially say no to.”

Lily breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I shudder to think what would happen if our town’s hero were to join forces with Frank.”

“Either way, Frank still wants to meet with him.”

Shelly looks to Arc, nervously. “Do you believe he’ll show up?”

“Yes. After all, he’ll certainly want to know what Frank’s plans are.”

Arc pays for the meal and walks out the door. Looking toward the parking lot he quickly spots his Jeep and hurries over to it. Opening the back door he slides in and looks to Xenos.

“Let’s get back home.”

“Yes sir. But are you alright?”

Arc nods as Xenos pulls out of the parking lot. “I am. Frank didn’t hurt me, or anything. However his Teleportation Magic is certainly a lot less… polished than mine.”

Ember’s voice calls out over Arc’s earring.

“You sure you’re okay?!”

“Fine, Ember. But did all of you hear that conversation?”

Viktor nods. “Yes sir.”

Max frowns. “Are you really going to meet with Frank, sir?”

“I have to.”

Sereb growls. “You certainly do not.”

Rose sighs. “Yes. I can’t imagine Frank’s plan will be free of violence.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Which is why I have to talk to him about it. Or more accurately, the Hero needs to.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“It’s likely he’ll tell me at least part of his secret plan in an attempt to entice the Hero. I’m going fishing for information.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Fine! I’m coming too though!”

Sereb nods soberly. “I also would like the honor of escorting you to your destination.”

“This certainly won’t be safe.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah! That’s why I’m coming!”

Sereb growls. “Agreed.”

“Fine. I could probably use the backup anyways.”

Xenos grins. “And us, sir?”

“I’m keeping you four in reserve.”

Max appears confused. “Sir?”

“In case Frank has some kind of trump card he’s looking to play.”

Rose frowns. “If Arc doesn’t agree to join, Frank may attempt to eliminate him.”

“Doubtful, but we need to be ready.”

Later that night Arc, Ember, and Sereb appear on the sigil on the hill overlooking the Shard Base. All of them are wearing their signature armor. Sereb sniffs the air as Arc looks to him.

“Smell anything?”

“Quite a bit, actually.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Can you narrow it down?”

“The wind has numerous scents on it.”

Max calls out over Arc’s earring.

“Do you suppose it’s an ambush, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. After all, Frank’s preferred methods don’t allow for much in the way of subterfuge.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “So you think he’s got his gang there for what?”

Hugh shrugs. “Perhaps a sign of strength?”

Xenos frowns. “Probably protection.”

Viktor chuckles. “He’ll need a lot more humans to stop you, sir.”

Rose sighs. “Agreed. But this whole plan of his is still very risky.”

Ember grins. “I’ll keep the Hero safe.”

Arc shakes his head. “I mean it’s a risk to Frank.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“He has to know his gang, at best, would only serve to slow me down. I know he isn’t willing to use them as human shields. Which again leads me to wonder what exactly he has planned. As to why his gang is here… most of them live at the base if you recall.”

Arc looks all around at the dark forest surrounding them.

“Anything on scanners, Rose?”

“Nothing dangerous, no.”

“Alright. Standby.”

Arc raises a gauntlet and opens a portal. Max, Hugh, Viktor, and Xenos step out. They are clad in their armor and magic cloaks. Each is armed with a spear.

“Remember, you four are our backup. If things get too dicey I’ll call you guys in to help us get out of there. Do not give away your presence without permission. Understand?”

The squad silently nods.

“Good. Cloak and wait for further orders.”

Without a word the four disappear. Arc turns to Ember.

“I, uh… think it would be best if you returned to your true form.”

Ember chuckles. “Why? Don’t want me to be seen?”

“No, Ember. As a dragon you’re much more durable.”

“Oh… I suppose that’s true.”

“That and there’s also the intimidation factor.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Ha, ha.”

“If this IS a trap, we might be able to bluff them out of fighting if they see that you’re not human.”

Ember clenches her fist. “I kinda want to knock some sense into some of these guys!”

“If things go badly you might get your chance. In any case, I want you to fly high overhead and wait for me to call you.”

“You’re not going in there alone, are you?!”

Sereb steps forward. “Worry not. I’ll ferry him to the meeting and keep an eye open for trouble.”

Ember frowns. “What am I supposed to be doing up there?!”

“Watching mostly. The grounds look to be pretty well lit, but there’s no moon tonight.”

Rose calls out. “You’ll be able to see what transpires on the ground easily. However, they won’t be able to see you, Ember.”

Ember sighs. “Fine. Let’s just get this over with.”

Arc climbs up into the saddle.

“Anyone have any questions?”

Max speaks up. “Yes sir. We’re just to follow you unless called for, right?”

“That is correct.”

“How far back should we stay?”

“Out of the light if possible. If Mio or Diva is around, hopefully the darkness will keep you hidden.”

“Yes, sir.”

Arc looks to the four. “Shall we be off?”

Ember looks nervous. “Um… one last thing.”

“Yes?”

Ember returns to her dragon form and flaps her wings to get some air. She lands in the saddle in front of Arc.

“What are you…?”

Removing his helmet, Ember whispers in his ear.

“Be careful in there.”

“I will.”

Raising his mask to expose his mouth, Ember lightly kisses Arc’s lips before leaning back and smiling at him as he lowers his helmet again.

“For luck.”

“I… um… you too.”

Ember flaps her wings and ascends. Arc blushes as he turns to look toward his squad. The four approvingly nod to one another.

“You guys know I can see you, right?”

Xenos chuckles. “He’s got us.”

Max grins. “Apologies, sir.”

Hugh elbows Viktor. “We’re sure Ember’s wanted to do that for a LONG time now, sir.”

Viktor laughs. “I for one am glad she finally did.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

“Yeah, well… let’s get moving.”

Sereb nods. “Onward.”

They walk toward the Shard Base. The squad follows them silently as Arc looks around.

“This is rather unsettling.”

Rose frowns. “Oh?”

“I don’t see anyone on guard duty anywhere.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Are they perhaps hidden?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. I’m detecting a large group of people inside the building. However, their vitals suggest they are sleeping.”

Arc frowns as he points a gauntlet.

“There’s a lot of light coming from the Loading Dock.”

Rose sighs. “It would appear Frank is waiting for you.”

Sereb growls. “Do you detect him as well?”

“Yes, he’s certainly there.”

Arc nods soberly. “Let’s not keep him waiting then.”

Sereb walks around the side of the building, Arc turns to his squad.

“Looks like our meeting will take place around this corner. Stay here in the shadows and listen.”

They nod as Sereb steps around the building and into the light. He and Arc behold a lone figure standing in the center of the spotlights Frank looks to them and steps forward.

“Ah, so good of you to come, Hero.”

Arc nods as Sereb closes the gap between the pair.

“Thank you for accepting my invitation.”

“This particular invitation, you mean?”

Frank appears confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You originally called me out on Guy Smiley’s show.”

“Ah, yes. I had forgotten about that. But if I may… why come forward now?”

“Back then we didn’t have anything to talk about.”

“And now we do?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes. Our… mutual friend tells me that you’ve suddenly stumbled upon some rather dangerous power.”

Frank grins. “I prefer to think of it as ‘useful’. Behold.”

He Blinks up on top of the building and calls down.

“Instantaneous travel! Very similar to what the news has captured you yourself doing!”

Arc frowns and Blinks himself and Sereb up to stand before Frank again.

“Yes, that it is. However you would do well to remember that it is a powerful tool. Not a toy.”

Frank chuckles. “Perhaps both.”

“Do not take this power lightly, lest others get hurt.”

“I’m doing just that!”

“How so?”

“The same way anyone masters a skill. By practicing diligently and remaining focused on the task at hand.”

“Task?”

Frank smiles warmly as he walks toward Arc. “Yes. But why don’t we talk somewhere a bit more… friendly?”

Frank waves a hand. He, Arc, and Sereb vanish and reappear in Frank’s office. The young man walks over to the desk and sits down.

“Welcome to my inner sanctum.”

Sereb growls. Arc puts a gauntlet on his friend’s armored head.

“Easy there big guy. We’re not here to fight.”

Frank smiles. “That’s reassuring.”

Arc dismounts and walks over to the desk.

“Rest assured, I’ll finish anything that gets started though.”

Frank chuckles. “Fair enough. In any case, I am Frank Fontaine. Leader of the Shards. And you are…?”

“The Hero of Light. Don’t you watch the news?”

“I do. But was hoping to know the man behind the mask. Or helmet, I suppose.”

“Right on both counts.”

Frank smiles. “Ah, yes. Your altercation with The Riders. I must say, you are quite paranoid when it comes to your identity. Tell me, why hide it?”

“It makes life simpler for me.”

Frank laughs. “Simpler? Look at me! Everyone knows who I am in this town!”

“I suppose. But that just makes you a prisoner.”

“A very wealthy one.”

Arc shakes his head. “All the wealth in the world is useless if you can’t spend it freely. Look at me. I’m certainly not rich. But I can put away my armor and walk down the street without so much as a second glance.”

“Hiding in plain sight?”

Arc nods. “The best hiding spot imaginable.”

Frank chuckles. “You have indeed thought this through. I can see your persona was not one cobbled together in a day.”

“I’ve worked hard for what I have. But I get the feeling you didn’t call me here to talk about this.”

“Cards on the table, huh?”

“Let’s just move this along.”

“Very well. I want you on my team.”

“Not happening.”

“I require those whom I can trust to help lead this family.”

“Why me? You just looking for a replacement for Mio’s magic?”

“Simply put, I have three reasons.”

Frank clears his throat before continuing.

“One. You’ve proven yourself to be a capable and honorable man. Two. Over and over again you have shown cunning and resourcefulness to accomplish your goals, whatever they may be.”

Frank looks straight at Arc.

“I suppose your… ‘abilities’ would be a distant third. But you were right about one thing.”

“Oh?”

“A replacement for Stingray, my right hand, is needed.”

“What about Hammer and Mio?”

“Traitors, the lot of them!”

“Agreed.”

“You have Mio’s magic, Hammer’s tenacity, and Stingray’s strength. Believe me when I say you are more than they were in one package.”

“I’m not sure if I should be complimented, offended, or both.”

Frank chuckles. “Take that any way you want. But understand this. I’m not the same man I was before my disappearance.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve learned much from my time as a captive to Stingray and her allies.”

“Allies?”

“Diva.”

Arc frowns. “She’s one person.”

Frank slams his fist down on the desk. “No she is NOT!”

Sereb bares his teeth and growls. Arc holds up a gauntlet as he waits for Frank to continue.

“Is it quite possible that even you are unaware of what is going on?”

Arc shrugs. “Enlighten me.”

“During my captivity I overheard many conversations between Stingray, Hammer, Mio, and the one known as Diva. They thought to learn from me. But in reality it was I who was observing them.”

“Okay, so there’s four of them. My friends and I can…”

“This runs deeper than you know! Hear me out!”

“Very well.”

“Diva is working for a shadowy group she referred to only as The Organization.”

Arc puts a gauntlet to his chin. “Hm… she did ask me to join her so-called organization. At the time I just thought she was referring to the Shards.”

Frank shakes his head angrily. “We have no ties to that witch!”

“I believe you. Any idea how large they are?”

“Enough to have access to very powerful technology and seemingly limitless financial resources.”

“Explain.”

Frank looks to Sereb.

“The cell your mongrel found me in was where I spent my nights. During the day I was spirited away through magical means to a place referred to as The Garden.”

Arc frowns. “I get the feeling they weren’t growing tomatoes there.”

Frank clenches a fist. “They were not. In truth, I’m not even sure what they’re trying to accomplish there. It was more of a laboratory or research facility than anything else though.”

“Research? Elaborate.”

“Every day I was injected with a myriad of different chemical concoctions. Some made me feel terrible, while others did the opposite.”

“Any lasting effects?”

“Just one that I can see.”

Raising a hand Frank pulls several books off a shelf behind Arc. With a quick flick of his wrist the items float elegantly into his palm.

“As their… treatments went on, I began to feel a strange power welling up inside of me. But at the same time, I knew I was teetering on the precipice of disaster. Every day, I felt my mind drawing nearer to madness. Had you not found me and freed me from my jailers, well… I don’t want to consider what the end result might have been.”

Looking back to the shelf, Frank points. The books return to their original places.

“But that was not the end of my problems. Even away from The Garden and it’s treatments, my mind still felt clouded. I was only lightly aware of that which was going on around me. Attempts to communicate with those around me only lead to strange stares. What I said made sense to me. But apparently not to anyone else.”

“I was told you were delusional back then. At some point three of your men broke you out of the hospital.”

“Yes. I remember the sights and smells of my friend’s restaurant and the sounds of their concerned voices. While I couldn’t understand their words, I did feel safe for the first time since being captured.”

“Your friends called Arc. He told me later what he had seen.”

“A smart man. After Arc took me to my old safehouse, I began experimenting with the concept of manipulating this power. However, I found it quickly drained my energy.”

Arc nods. “He did mention you seemed to be sleeping most of the time. But you look much stronger now. What exactly changed?”

Frank sighs. “I’m not fully sure how, but eventually something… clicked.”

“Clicked?”

“I had a breakthrough! The power that had until then only fizzled and sputtered upon my attempts to control it now heeded my commands. At that time I felt as though I could accomplish ANYTHING!”

“One thing about this just doesn’t make sense. Why tell me all of this?”

“Because I need your help!”

“To do what? Take revenge on your jailers?”

Frank shakes his head vehemently. “No! To conquer and ultimately destroy The Garden, and their ability to do these things to others!”

“Wait! There were others there?!”

“Although I never saw any other prisoners, I could sense that I was not alone in my torment. That and I can’t imagine them building such a complete facility with only one test subject in mind.”

“Sense?”

Frank puts a hand to his forehead. “Yes. My apologies, but I can’t think of any other way to describe it. That and there were occasionally cries from those I could not see in other rooms adjacent to mine.”

“Were they in pain?”

Frank shakes his head. “No. It sounded as if they were more sad than hurt.”

“So what do you plan to do about this?”

Frank stands and turns. He walks over to the window and stares out at the darkness.

“Make the world a better place.”

“Oh?”

“My original goal has not changed. However, my idea on how to best accomplish that has.”

“To free those imprisoned?”

Frank nods soberly. “Yes. That and take down this vile Organization along with their so-called Garden! They cannot be allowed to continue to operate with impunity!”

He turns back to Arc.

“This is the Shards new objective. However, I’m the only one amongst us whom can use this power.”

“And you want my help to even the odds?”

“Truthfully, I was hoping you understood this power better than I. Perhaps some of my more intelligent members could even learn some simple spells.”

Arc shakes his head. “That isn’t possible.”

Frank Blinks directly in front of Arc.

“I am living proof that one can learn.”

“It’s not that simple. The process you described sounded absolutely horrible! You want to put your guys through that?!”

“Volunteers only, of course.”

“Still a terrible idea.”

“Fine then. How did you get your powers?”

“They were a gift.”

“A… a gift? You mean you were born with them, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I too was imbued with my power artificially.”

Frank gasps. “The Organization created you at The Garden?!”

“No. Someone else entirely. But the process was quick and painless for me. Probably the opposite of how you were…”

“How can you be certain they were not with my jailers?!”

“Believe me when I say that isn’t possible. The one whom gave me this power lives in a faraway land completely disconnected with this one. They cannot be coerced or bargained with.”

“I would like to speak with this person. Can you take me to them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I can’t. It’s not a land one can just travel to on a whim. It takes…”

“We’re wasting time talking about it! I need your help! This entire WORLD needs your help!”

“I agree. But at what cost?”

“The Organization must be stopped! If you know how to do that, then…!”

Arc's earring chirps as Ember’s voice rings out in his ear.

“Hero, we’ve got trouble!”

Chapter 24 - Four-Way Blitz

Arc frowns and touches his earring.

“Define ‘problem’.”

“I’m seeing something moving through the forest toward the Shard Base at high speed!”

Max nods soberly. “Can confirm, sir. We have movement outside the western perimeter fence.”

Arc looks to Frank.

“Were you expecting company?”

“I was not.”

“Well, my friends report that you’re getting it.”

Blinking in front of Arc, Frank quickly teleports the pair to the roof. Arc grunts.

“You could give a fella a bit of warning before you…”

“Look!”

Frank points to the west. The rustling of branches and leaves fills the air along with birds taking flight. Sereb Blinks next to Arc as Frank steps back.

“You and your allies have quite a way with security.”

“Thanks. But I find it’s best to have more information than not enough.”

Frank turns to him. “If we survive this encounter, I’d like to speak to you about that.”

“Very well.”

They look ahead, but see nothing. Arc calls out over his earring.

“Anyone see anything?”

Ember frowns. “No. Whatever it was just stopped short of the tree line.”

Rose sighs. “My scanners don’t show anything other than the movement we all witnessed.”

Viktor frowns. “Could it be Wiseman?”

Frank turns to Arc. “Who?”

Arc ignores him. “Maybe. But I don’t see what he’d have to gain by coming all the way out here.”

Xenos sighs. “True, sir. But he’s done stranger things before.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Agreed.”

Hugh frowns. “And who’s to say exactly who’s side he’s on.”

Arc nods. “Everyone stay on your toes.”

Frank puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “Should I call for backup?”

“No.”

“But if it’s Diva…!”

“Then my friends and I need to handle it. They’d just get themselves killed..”

“I shall assist as well.”

“We’re more than capable of taking care of…”

Frank interrupts him. “You forget! This is Shard territory, and I WILL defend it and my gang if necessary!”

Ember gasps. “Something’s coming out!”

Arc squints. “Uh… anyone have a better visual?”

Max frowns. “It’s someone in a blue cloak.”

Hugh nods. “Can confirm. I can’t make out who it is though.”

Viktor squints. “Diva or Wiseman?”

Xenos grips his spear tightly. “Or someone else entirely.”

Rose sounds hopeful. “Perhaps they do not wish to cause harm. After all, they are just standing there.”

The figure slowly walks forward. Reaching the fence they reach out a hand. A flash of light is seen as the metal melt away. Rose grimaces.

“Perhaps they are indeed hostile.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You think?!”

Arc turns to Frank. “We should probably get down there and figure this out.”

“Agreed.”

In a flash Frank Blinks down to ground level and begins walking toward their guest. Sereb frowns as he turns to Arc.

“Shall we join him?”

“Yes. I have a bad feeling about this though.”

Arc jumps into the saddle and Blinks himself and Sereb down next to Frank. They walk side by side.

“Maybe you didn’t understand what I meant when I said ‘we’.”

Frank does not look over as he soberly continues walking. “Oh, I did. But right now this individual is a Shard problem.”

“Call it what you will. But I get the feeling I probably know whomever is under that cowl.”

“Friend or foe?”

“No idea.”

They meet in the center of the yard as the floodlights shine down on them. Frank frowns.

“Who are you and what are you doing in my territory?!”

“I think you know who I am.”

Frank’s eyes grow wide as he clenches his fists.

“Diva!”

The woman throws back her cowl to reveal her face. A wicked grin spreads across it.

“It’s been awhile, Frank.”

“Not long enough!”

Arc and Sereb quickly step between the pair.

“You have a lot to answer for!”

Diva laughs. “Do I now, Hero? Whom would be interrogating me?”

Frank hobbles forward. “Me! Start talking, witch!”

Arc does not take his eyes off Diva. “How about you let me handle this, Fontaine?”

“This is a Shard matter!”

“Well, she’s on my list too!”

Diva rolls her eyes. “If you boys are quite finished fighting over who’s going to attempt to take me…”

Frank Blinks behind Diva and lunges toward her. Smirking, the young woman nimbly dodges to one side as he swings at her backside. Missing, he hits Sereb by mistake. Without missing a beat the wolf bats him away with a massive paw. Arc calls out angrily.

“Stop it!”

Sereb sighs and hangs his head. Arc looks over to Frank who is standing up with the aid of his cane.

“Sorry about that. You okay?”

Frank nods angrily. “I will be when this vile woman is dead and gone!”

“Easy there. Remember, I need her alive.”

Diva laughs. “You three are doing a better job of fighting one other than me. This is too easy.”

Frank turns back to Arc. “You don’t know what she did to me!”

“Agreed. But neither do you.”

Ember groans. “Do I need to come down there?!”

Diva chuckles. “In any case, I’m here with a message for you, Frank.”

“For me? What could you possibly…?”

“Aren’t you even the least bit curious as to why you were taken?”

“I am! Tell me and I may yet be merciful!”

Diva chuckles wickedly. “Very well. If my… associate was correct, your power should have manifested itself by now.”

She looks up to the top of the building where Arc and Frank had been watching her before turning her attention back to the two.

“And judging by that display of magic, I’d say he was right.”

Frank clenches a fist. “That he was. And now I’ll use this power to…!”

Diva laughs. “To do what?! Defeat me!”

Frank reaches into his coat. Moving like lightning he pulls out two knives and hurtles them at Diva. However mere inches from her face they suddenly stop as if frozen in time. Frank gasps.

“What?! How did you…?!”

Diva smiles wickedly. “I didn’t do a thing.”

She points a finger.

“He did.”

Turning, Frank see’s the Hero’s outstretched gauntlet. With a flick of his gauntlet the knives clatter to the ground between them.

“I can’t let you do that.”

Frank glares at him. “Why not?! The information she has isn’t worth the imprisonment of countless others, is it?!”

“I suppose not. But killing her now won’t solve anything.”

Diva grins. “That it won’t. But you’re still welcome to try, novice.”

Arc dismounts and steps between Frank and Diva.

“How about me? Care to test your magic against mine?”

Diva shakes her head. “Think what you will about yourself, Hero. But you’re a hundred years too early to stand against me.”

“I may yet surprise you.”

Diva sighs. “How? With superior numbers?”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Eh?”

“His partner is flying overhead, and there are four… acolytes around the other side of the building watching us.”

Arc gasps. “How did you…?”

Diva grins. “As I said earlier, you’re not ready to face me yet.”

She turns back to Frank.

“I had intended to talk a bit before getting to work. However it appears a dialogue is not wanted.”

Frank snarls at her. “Work?! What are you…?!”

Diva raises a hand as a portal opens. Rose calls out frantically.

“Interdimensional rift detected!”

Arc gasps. “What the…? HOW?!”

A device materializes on the ground in front of Diva. It is roughly waist high. Frank frowns.

“I don’t like the looks of this.”

Ember calls out. “Looks like there’s more!”

“Dragon?”

“She brought in four, not one!”

Arc grimaces. “Where are the others?!”

“Equally spread out around the perimeter. I see Stingray and Hammer next to similar machines on the northern and southern side of the compound! What do you suppose…?”

Diva presses a button and the device hums to life. A translucent dome stretches forth covering the grounds and reaching a hundred feet into the air. Max calls out over the radio.

“Sir! She’s trying to box us in!”

Rose nods. “The barrier’s range appears to be only a quarter of the perimeter. However, if the other devices are allowed to activate…”

Diva calls out. “Activate the generators, now!”

As if on cue Stingray and Hammer each press buttons on their respective consoles. Their devices come to life and materialize their own sections of the barrier. Ember cries out frantically.

“They’re connecting?!”

Frank turns to Arc. “We need to do something!”

“Agreed. Ideas?”

Rose’s voice fills Arc’s ear. “The final device on the eastern side of the compound has not yet activated. Perhaps they are having equipment problems.”

Arc grins. “That’s good enough for me! Let’s go!”

Frank nods. “I’ll meet you over there!”

He Blinks to the rooftop and begins running east. Arc jumps on Sereb’s back and grabs the saddle.

“Let’s go!”

Running at top speed around the building Arc calls out to his squad.

“Go inside the building and start making noise! Someone should hear you and raise the alarm! We have to get the Shards out of there!”

Xenos grins. “Yes sir!”

Hugh nods. “We’re on it!”

Arc comes to the east side and looks across the darkened compound. He spots another device and Mio standing next to an open access panel. Diva’s voice can be heard coming over the machine’s radio.

“Mio, status!”

“My device shorted out. I’m bypassing the burnt circuits now.”

“Well, hurry up! The Hero and Fontaine are heading right for you!”

Mio looks up as she closes the panel. “I see them.”

Ember squints. “Hero, I see Mio! Let me take her down!”

“Negative. She’s too close to the device. Let me distract her while you try to take out that machine.”

“Argh! Fine!”

“Just wait for my signal.”

Mio begins pressing buttons as Arc and Sereb reach her. “Here goes nothing.”

Arc calls out. “Mio, stop!”

She stiffens at the sound of Arc’s voice.

“You can’t stop this, Hero! No one can!”

“Maybe not. But I think you could.”

Mio shakes her head. “Oh really? And why would I…?”

“Because you’re not a bad person, Mio.”

“You don’t know anything about me!”

“I know you want to make the world a better place.”

Mio frowns. “Our conversation in the cave?”

“Yeah.”

“Look, I’m grateful for your help back there. But don’t get the idea that I owe you, or anything.”

“Whatever you and your friends are doing here isn’t helping anyone other than Diva and her ilk. Tell me, how will this make the world better?”

Mio stammers. “I… you have to look at the big picture! This is just one small part of it!”

Arc looks over his shoulder at the partially formed barrier. “All I see if a means of containing something. What are you planning?”

“No idea. This is Diva’s operation. I’m just doing my part to help it succeed.”

“Wait! You don’t even know what it is you’re doing?!”

Mio shakes her head. “It’s not important! After all, I’m sure you don’t tell your underlings everything.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I’d never lead them into a situation without telling them what I knew about it. Doing so helps them diagnose a situation better and help me plan on the fly.”

Mio takes a step forward, her staff at the ready. “That’s why you’ve been so ineffective in stopping us.”

“You mean the Shards, or The Organization.”

Mio frowns. “How did you…?”

“I think you and I both know it’s only a matter of time before you and your friends do something irreversible.”

Arc takes a step forward. “Whatever it is you’re doing, stop. Diva can’t be trusted.”

Mio’s hand hovers over a button. “S-stay back!”

“Look, Mio. I can tell your conflicted about this. But there’s more to it than that.”

“There isn’t…!”

“You’re afraid.”

“Afraid?! Of what?!”

“Me.”

The pair are silent for a few moments before Arc continues.

“I think you and I both know that I’m a much more powerful magic user than you are.”

Mio grimaces. “That… that has yet to be determined!”

“Really? Then why is your hand shaking?”

Mio clenches a fist over the console as Arc continues.

“I think we both know that with a flick of my wrist I could cut you in half, or burn you to a crisp with magical fire.”

Mio holds up her staff. “Just try it!”

“No.”

Mio looks confused. “No?”

“I’m not interested in killing you. Just stopping Diva and your friends from making a big mistake.”

“It’s YOU who’s making the…!”

Diva’s voice comes over the speaker.

“MIO! What are you DOING over there! Stop chatting up the Hero and get that thing up and running NOW!”

Mio turns her head to face the machine. “Yes, ma’am. I just need to…”

Suddenly the speaker is blown apart. Mio snaps her head back to Arc. She sees him holding the gun he took from their safehouse.

“Why did you…?”

“Because I didn’t want Diva to keep listening in on our conversation. That and I knew if I charged up a spell, you would have sensed it.”

Mio quickly casts a Barrier Spell in front of her.

“You’re right. But now that I know what you’re up to, I can easily defend myself and the device.”

Arc levels the gun at Mio’s barrier. “Really? Because I get the feeling you’ll run out of mana before this gun empties.”

Mio gulps but says nothing.

“And even if you don’t, I’ll still have more than enough power to take you down in your weakened state.”

“Just try it!”

Arc lowers the gun and puts it back into his ring.

“I don’t think so.”

“What?!”

“Like I said a few moments ago my goal isn’t to kill, or even hurt you. I just want you to stop this madness. Preferably on your own.”

“Well, if that’s your plan, I…”

Mio is cut short as she takes a blow to the back. She staggers forward a few paces and drops her staff before Sereb lunges forward and tackles her, pinning Mio under his sizable body. Frank steps toward her and shakes his head.

“Mio… for all your intelligence, you never could see more than what was right in front of you.”

The young woman wordlessly glares at him as Arc calls for Ember.

“Dragon, take it out!”

“On it!”

Flying straight down, Ember dive bombs the machine. Pieces of it scatter across the yard as Ember walks toward Arc. She looks at the woman on the ground.

“She didn’t put up much of a fight.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose not. But it was more of a battle of words than weapons.”

He turns toward the building and its partially formed barrier.

“Well then. I suppose all that’s left to do is…”

Diva materializes next to the ruined machine. With a wave of her hand she knocks everyone to the ground including Sereb. Mio quickly grabs her staff and gets to her feet.

“Ma’am, I…!”

She is cut short as Diva backhands her. Mio falls to her knees as Diva glares down at her before gesturing to the ruined machine.

“You weakling! Can’t you do ANYTHING right!”

“I… I’m sorry! You see, they got the drop on me, and…!”

“Shut up! I’ll deal with you after we finish up here!”

Arc and the others slowly get up.

“Finish up?!”

Ember points a claw. “You’re about to BE finished!”

Diva looks Ember up and down. “Interesting. I never thought a dragon would be so foolish as to come here.”

Frank appears confused. “Dragon… what?”

He looks behind him and spots Ember in her dragon form before turning to Arc.

“You have powerful allies!”

Diva raises a hand and opens a strange looking portal as she touches her ear.

“I need a replacement unit!”

A moment later a second device identical to the first materializes next to Diva. She looks angrily to Mio.

“Get that thing going, and I mean NOW!”

“Y-yes ma’am.”

Mio stumbles to her feet and hurries over to the machine. Arc reaches out with a hand to push her away with a Telekinesis Spell but Diva counters him.

“Not this time!”

Ember flaps her wings and flies at Diva, her spear at the ready. As she approaches, Diva steps to the side, grabs Ember’s spear, and effortlessly knocks her away before tossing the weapon aside. Ember grits her teeth as she rises.

“What the…?! No human is THAT strong!”

Diva smiles wickedly. “Considering you’re Torch’s daughter, I had hoped you would have put up more of a fight.”

Ember breathes a stream of magical fire at Diva. Her opponent puts up a Magic Barrier, deflecting the attack. Ember grabs the Spear of Courage with a Telekinesis Spell as she levels it at Diva.

“I’ll show you a fight!”

Arc lunges in front of Ember, forcefully holding her back.

“Dragon, wait! This isn’t right!”

“You got that right! She’s going down!”

“Let me handle this.”

Ember seethes. “Fine! But hurry!”

Arc turns back to Diva.

“What did you say about Torch?”

Diva rolls her eyes. “That he raised a pathetically weak whelpling for starters.”

Frank turns to him. “Hero, what is she talking about?!”

Arc clenches a fist nervously. “Later! Right now we need to stop her! Everyone, let her have it!”

Diva chuckles. “That won’t be necessary.”

Oddly enough, Diva herself lowers the barrier. Mio looks up from her task, clearly confused.

“Ma’am, the device still needs another minute to charge up!”

Diva chuckles darkly as she surveys Arc and his friends. “I know. However, I think they need to be taught a lesson on what real power is.”

Arc levels his Spear of Righteousness at Diva. “Fine by me! Let’s…!”

He is cut short as Sereb races past him and lunges at Diva. She smirks and raises a hand to open a portal nearby. Moments before Sereb reaches her, he finds himself knocked head over heels as a very large object plows into him. Quickly getting to his feet the very angry wolf turns to face his assailant.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 25 - Out of Options

“B-brother?!”

Before him stands Kane, growling menacingly as he maintains his position between Diva and Sereb.

“Hello again… Sereb!”

Frank gasps. “What?! Hero, those beasts can…!”

Without another word Arc Blinks behind Diva and takes a mighty swing at her with his gauntlet. She wordlessly ducks, grabs his gauntlet, and hefts him over her head all in one swift movement. Before Arc can react he finds himself hurtling toward Frank, who deftly Blinks to one side as the armored warrior screeches across the pavement. Mio calls out as a green light shines on her panel.

“Ready, ma’am!”

“Then do it!”

Mio smacks a button and the device comes to life. Ember cries out.

“NO!”

Flying toward Diva she makes a final attempt to stop Mio. Diva steps forward and uppercuts the brave dragon in the face. As Ember flies up from the blow Diva Blinks above her, charges up a powerful Telekinesis Spell and blasts Ember toward Arc. She slams into him as the pair roll across the ground.

“Too easy.”

A few seconds later the barrier begins expanding again. Arc’s squad rushes out of the Shard Base as a large group of thugs give chase. The gang members look around confused as they spot the barrier around the building. Arc’s squad dives under it just before the barrier touches down. Frank hurries toward his gang as they approach the barrier. He attempts to Blink through it, but finds himself hurled in the opposite direction. Sereb rushes over to catch him before he hits the ground. As they both scramble to their feet Frank turns his attention back to Diva.

“What have you done, witch?!”

Diva grins wickedly. “Nothing yet.”

Sereb approaches, his teeth bared. Kane moves to flank Diva.

“You’ll not lay a paw on my mistress, Sereb!”

Arc frowns. “Mistress? It… it can’t be…”

“Brother, stop this!”

Frank turns to his former lieutenant. “Mio, turn off that device! Haven’t you done enough?!”

“I… I can’t!”

Diva touches her earpiece and speaks.

“Activate secondary shields!”

Stingray and Hammer’s voice comes over the radio. “Yes ma’am!”

A moment later an eerie glow comes from the other devices. Stingray and Hammer run over to join their comrades as Arc and Ember slowly get up. Diva turns to Mio, angrily.

“What are you WAITING FOR?!”

“I… y-yes, ma’am!”

Pressing a button ,the machine begins to glow like the others. Mio steps back as Diva turns to Frank.

“Now then… I want you to watch this.”

“Watch what?!”

“Me cleaning up one last mess!”

Arc and Ember slowly hobble over to Frank’s side.

“What… did we miss, Fontaine?”

Frank grits his teeth. “I’m not fully sure. But I believe she intends to do away with my boys!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Well, that’s not going to happen!”

Diva looks confused. “But… why?”

Arc glares at her. “Why what?!”

“You and your dragon friend have done nothing but try to halt the advance of the Shards since coming to this place. Why would you now try to save those whom are utterly worthless?”

Ember points a claw. “Because… um… just because, okay!”

Arc nods. “We’re heroes, not killers! I won’t stand idly by while you wantonly slaughter them!”

Frank clenches his fist. “Release my boys, Diva! It’s me you want, isn’t it?!”

Diva laughs. “Perhaps that was true in the past, Fontaine. But The Organization has found those more… worthy of our attention.”

Stingray appears confused. “We have?”

Hammer turns to Diva. “Who?”

Diva points a finger at Arc. “This one is more powerful now than Frank will EVER be!”

She looks straight at Arc.

“Join us, and together we can bring peace and order to this world, Equestria, and all the nations in between!”

Frank gasps. “Wait! Equestria? Another world?!”

Arc frowns. “Peace?”

“Yes. And any other yet to be discovered realms! We’ll bring order to ALL that exists!”

Diva extends a hand to him.

“What could be more righteous a cause than that… Hero?!”

Arc is silent for a time before answering.

“How about not imprisoning the Shards?”

“They’re worthless pawns! All of them!”

Frank glares at her. “No! They’re human beings that have been forgotten by this world! Not something to be used and thrown away!”

Diva rolls her eyes. “What other purpose could the weak have but to serve their betters? Their sacrifice will not be in vain, however. After all, I’m sure The Organization can… repurpose them into something at least halfway useful.”

Ember frowns. “Repurpose?!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “You speak of brainwashing, monster?!”

“Hardly, mongrel. I’m talking about full transformation! Mind… body… and if our leader desires… soul.”

Arc grits his teeth as he points to Hammer. “Like what she did to The Riders?!”

Hammer shrugs. “I just made them better!”

Stingray grins. “Yes. Like us.”

Ember points an accusatory claw. “You turned them into mindless monsters!”

Diva chuckles. “That formula was… untested. Next time will be different.”

Arc grits his teeth. “You mean…?”

Mio nods. “We seek a way to make the changes correctly… and permanent.”

Frank seethes. “That’s not improvement! It’s slavery!”

Diva grins. “Fine with me.”

Sereb looks again to Kane. “Brother! How can you side with this harpy?! What of your Life Pact with the mare from Light’s Hope?!”

Kane snarls. “I have kept my word in that regard! Even now I defend her!”

Arc looks Diva up and down. “You mean…? But… that’s not possible!”

Diva puts a hand on her hip and laughs as she gestures to Arc’s squad. They move to stand by their commander’s side.

“Is it now? These four appear to be human. However, both you and I know that isn’t true, Hero.”

Frank looks at Diva, confused. “What are you…?”

“They are actually beings from another world entirely, you dolt!”

Arc points a finger at Diva. “Like you?”

Diva grins. “So you finally figured it out?”

“Yeah, I did…”

He clenches his fists.

“Sunset Shimmer.”

Diva grins approvingly. “Very good. You do indeed have potential, Hero. But you’ll need a LOT more training before you can stand by my side in The Organization.”

She turns back to Frank.

“Sadly, you never understood the big picture.”

“Which is what?!”

Diva smirks. “That not everything is as it seems.”

“To what end?!”

“You didn’t see that those you were surrounding yourself with were more than mere humans.”

Diva gestures to Stingray, Hammer, and Mio.

“You thought they were yours to command? Fool! These three serve The Organization, not the Shards!”

Stingray nods. “Yes.”

Hammer grins. “Absolutely!”

Mio forces a smile. “That’s true.”

Frank grimaces. “But… but I thought you three thought as I do! Wanting to make the world a better place!”

Stingray sighs. “We still do.”

Hammer laughs. “Yeah! But The Organization has a much better chance of actually achieving that lofty goal!”

Mio sighs. “It’s true. Mathematically, you and the Shards would not have been able to bring about lasting change with your current resources.”

Diva nods. “Correct. But we will succeed where you and your worms failed.”

Hammer pulls out her gun and aims it at Arc and his group. “Right!”

Stingray draws her whip. “Together, we’re an unstoppable team!”

Mio holds out her staff. “That’s correct.”

Diva grins as she turns to Arc. “You see, Hero? You’re not the only one capable of building a team of loyal followers.”

“Loyal or not. We’ll never join you or your so-called Organization.”

Diva shrugs. “You will change your mind in due time.”

She looks toward the barrier and snickers.

“Now then, all that’s left to do it to take care of these… loose ends.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “What do you plan to…?”

Diva touches her ear. “We’re ready on this end, Storm King.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Ready for what?!”

“This.”

Diva points inside the dome as a strange looking devices materialize. A moment later several jets pop out of the metal housings and begin spewing a strange gas in all directions. Arc points to the shield generator behind Diva and her followers.

“Take that thing down!”

Rose calls out. “Hero, wait…!”

“We don’t have time to…!”

“The barrier protecting the machines are far too strong for you to break through!”

“In that case, Diva must have some kind of manual override on her! Everyone, ATTACK!!!”

Arc and his companions in addition to Frank rush forward. Diva shakes her head and holds up a hand. She covers her allies with a Magic Barrier as Arc and company beat against it. Sereb snarls at Diva.

“Come out and fight, witch!”

Diva grins as she maintains her spell. “I’ve no need to fight those whom are so far beneath me.”

Frank looks through the generated barrier as his gang backs away from the encroaching gas. In a few moments their backs are against the wall.

“We’ll get you out of there! Hero, we have to do something!”

“I know! But what?!”

Ember points at the dome itself. “Let’s hit it really hard!”

Max nods. “Worth a shot, sir!”

Xenos rushes toward it. “Yeah!”

Hugh grips his spear as he follows Xenos. “Let’s give it a try!”

Viktor turns to Sereb. “Lend us a paw?!”

“Indeed.”

Arc and company beat on the shield with all their might. Even Frank lends his cane to their cause as the gas slowly envelopes those inside. They begin to cough uncontrollably. Frank calls out.

“It isn’t working!”

Ember grits her teeth as she slashes at the barrier with her claws. “Keep at it! We can’t give up now!”

Arc nods as he blasts the barrier with his Hand Cannons. “Right! Don’t hold back!”

Frank cries out as his cane breaks. “It’s… just not enough!”

Diva laughs. “Try all you want, Fontaine. You and your newfound allies here are still no match for us and our science.”

One by one the Shards fall. Snake, Jackal, and Wolf approach Frank.

“Boss, you… you have to get out of here!”

“Yeah! We’ll… be okay!”

Frank gasps. “But what about…?!”

Jackal puts a massive hand on the barrier. “Keep… dream… alive…!”

The trio falls to their knees as Frank’s fingers dig unsuccessfully into the shield.

“I’ll find a way to help all of you!”

Snake chuckles as he coughs. “You… already have, sir.”

Wolf forces a weak smile. “We weren’t nothing… before we joined the Shards.”

Jackal nods as he clutches his throat. “Family… sticks together… right?”

Frank nods as a tear courses down his cheek. “Y-yes, Jackal. Family… family sticks together. Always.”

The trio falls to the ground. Frank clenches his fists as he turns back to Diva, clearly enraged.

“Diva… one day I’ll see this heinous act paid for in full. With your life!”

Diva looks down her nose at him. “Good luck with that!”

She turns to her allies and opens a portal.

“Let’s go.”

Hammer looks to her, confused. “Ma’am?”

Stingray points to Arc and his friends. “We’re not taking any prisoners?”

Diva shakes her head. “I got what I wanted. All of you head through now.”

Stingray and Hammer do so as Kane looks to Sereb.

“We will meet again, brother.”

Sereb snarls at him. “I’m counting on it!”

As Kane steps through the swirling energies Mio falls into step behind him. She momentarily looks to Arc sadly before stepping through. Diva turns to follow them as Arc calls out to her.

“Diva!”

She looks back. “What?”

“I just have to know one thing!”

“Oh?”

“Why did you do this?! As it stands, they weren’t a threat to you! Your so-called Organization could have just moved on!”

Diva grins. “The weak serve the strong, Hero. That’s the natural order of things.”

Frank clenches his fists angrily. “SERVE?! How can anyone’s death serve your purpose?!”

Diva shakes her head. “It’s more complicated than you realize, Fontaine.”

She turns to Arc.

“I’m looking forward to squaring off against you again sometime, Hero. Fontaine… I’ll come for you when I’m ready. All of you try to stay alive until then, won’t you kindly?”

Without another word Diva steps through her portal. It closes behind her as the devices begin to hum louder. Ember looks to them warily.

“Uh… what’s going on?”

Rose screams out. “It’s some kind of overload! Get clear everyone!”

Arc gestures to the forest. “Everyone, MOVE!”

The squad along with Ember and Sereb run for the tree line. Frank falls to his knees in front of the barrier.

“I’ll… I’ll see you boys soon.”

Arc runs over to Frank and grabs his arm.

“Come on! We have to move!”

Frank shakes his head. “No, Hero. Family sticks together, after all.”

“But…!”

“Avenge them for me! Make Diva pay for…!”

Arc drags him away. Frank thrashes violently.

“What are you doing?!”

“Saving your life!”

“Fool! Leave me to my fate!”

“No!”

As the pair join the others behind a large rock the device’s screeching becomes ear splitting. A moment later all the devices explode, showering the area with debris. The shockwave from the explosion echoes across the land as Arc turns to Frank.

“Are you okay?”

Frank pulls his arm roughly from Arc’s gauntlet. “Yes! No thanks to you!”

Ember frowns. “What are you…?!”

“I should have died with them! Why did you save me?!”

Arc shakes his head. “You think throwing your life away will make them happy?!”

Max nods. “Didn’t you hear a word your men said?”

Xenos clenches a fist. “Yeah. You need to go on for their sake.”

Viktor stands. “And so do we.”

Hugh looks toward his commanding officer. “Diva and the others won’t get away with this.”

Sereb growls in affirmation as Ember peeks out from behind the rock.

“What the…?”

Arc looks to her. “Dragon?”

Ember points. “Take a look.”

They step out from their hiding place and look out over the grounds. Frank frowns.

“I don’t see anything.”

Arc grimaces. “I do.”

“What?! How?!”

“My helmet lets me see in the dark.”

Frank sounds hopeful. “Do you… do you see my boys?”

Arc sighs. “No.”

Frank nods sadly. “I hope it wasn’t too painful for them.”

Ember shakes her head. “He means they’re gone.”

Rose’s voice come over Arc’s earring weakly.

“Hero…? Can you hear me?”

“Barely. The signal’s weak. What happened?”

“That explosion disrupted sensors and communications.”

“Can you tell me what happened to the Shards?”

“I can only theorize.”

Frank appears hopeful. “Please do.”

“The blast appears to have been the catalyst for a mass teleportation.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

Rose sighs. “Diva apparently wanted to transport the Shards all at once.”

Frank clenches his fists. “Transport?! It wasn’t enough to kill them?! She wanted their bodies too?!”

Rose calls out. “Begging your pardon, but according to my sensors, no one was killed.”

“But we saw them…?”

Arc interrupts Frank. “We saw them fall. From what Diva said earlier I believe that gas may have been meant to transform them into her pawns.”

Max gasps. “Like at the abandoned hospital!”

Arc nods. “Precisely.”

Frank appears hopeful. “The Riders recovered from what I heard. Perhaps if my men can be found soon…”

Rose calls out over Arc’s earring. “I don’t believe that to be so simple a matter. Preliminary scans of that substance show it to have been a much more advanced version.”

Xenos winces. “Uh oh.”

Viktor sounds apprehensive. “Does that mean we were exposed?”

Rose sighs. “It would not appear so. Somehow the gas was consumed in the explosion. Almost as if our enemies wanted it to be effective locally.”

Hugh looks out over the horizon. “Any danger to the populace?”

“No. What’s left of the gas in the local atmosphere now lacks sufficient potency to be of any threat to human or beast.”

Ember frowns. “That’s a relief.”

Frank is on his knees looking at what’s left of the Shard Base. The only illumination comes from the flames dancing over the wreckage of the shield generators.

“The boys… our dream… gone in an instant.”

Arc puts a gauntlet on his friend’s shoulder.

“We’ll make this right.”

Rose gasps. “Warning! Hero, your friend’s magical energies are in flux again!”

Ember calls out to Arc as the others retreat. “Get back!”

Arc shakes his head. “No!”

He looks down at Frank who is visibly in pain.

“You have to control your powers! They’ll tear you apart otherwise!”

Frank grimaces in pain. “I… I don’t know… if I can!”

“Trust me when I say you of all people know about determination!”

Frank nods as he falls forward. His hands hit the dirt and claw at it for a moment as he struggles to contain himself. A few moments later he sits back and composes himself.

“I… I think I’m okay now.”

Rose breathes a sigh of relief. “Magical energies normalizing.”

Max walks over to Arc. “Sir. What do we do now?”

Ember turns to him. “We should probably head home.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Xenos looks to the others. “What about… you know…?”

He gestures to Frank. Arc turns to look at his friend before looking at the ruins of the building.

“We… we’re not leaving him here.”

Viktor furrows his brow. “Sir?”

Arc reaches out a gauntlet. A portal opens as he turns to the others.

“You heard me. We’re taking him with us.”

The squad looks to him and nods before entering the swirling energies. Ember walks over to Arc with Sereb.

“You sure about this?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Ember sighs. “Fine. I trust your judgement. But I sure hope you know what you’re doing.”

Arc nods as she steps past him and into the portal. Sereb turns to Arc and grunts soberly before entering the swirling energies himself. Turning to his friend Arc walks over to him and looks down.

“Time to go.”

“Go? But…?”

“We can talk and… maybe get you some help in controlling your power.”

Frank looks up to him, confused. “Where?”

“Do you trust me?”

Frank shakes his head. “Not particularly. We ARE still enemies, after all.”

“That may be. But you don’t have anywhere else to go.”

“I…”

“That and who knows when Diva with make good on her word to come for you.”

Frank sighs and nods. Arc reaches out, helps him up, and leads him to the portal.

“Where… does this lead?”

“My base of operations.”

“A stronghold?”

“Something like that. But we need to talk.”

The pair walk through the portal and find themselves in Arc’s basement. Frank steps forward and looks around, clearly confused. Rose wordlessly stands and walks over to them.

“I… I know this place.”

Arc nods as the others step off the sigil. “You should. After all, you spent a fair amount of time here in the past.”

“Arc’s house. Is this where he did research for you?”

Arc points to his squad.

“No. They did the research.”

“And Arc?”

Sighing, Arc removes his helmet and pulls back his cowl. Wordlessly he lets both fall to the floor on either side of him. No one says a word for several moments as Frank gasps.

“You… you’re…?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, Frank. I’m the Hero of Light.”

“H-how?! Why did you…?”

“Why did I what?”

“All this time it was you who was fighting against me?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I fought against the Shards. Not my friend.”

“But… but you and I… we… together… the Shards…”

Arc steps forward and puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “What you and the Shards were doing was wrong. I had to end it.”

Frank looks around at the others. “And them?”

Arc turns to the others. “Everyone… remove your cloaks.”

The squad obeys. They slowly remove their magic robes and toss them aside to reveal their armor. Ember pulls off her own armaments as Frank looks them over.

“Who… what ARE you?! A lizard?!”

Ember bares her teeth. “Hey!”

Arc chuckles. “Frank, I believe you and my friend here have already met.”

“Really? I don’t believe I’d forget someone like her.”

Ember narrows her eyes angrily. “Again, hey!”

Arc chuckles. “Sereb, would you please?”

Sereb nods as Xenos tosses Ember a magic robe. Putting it on, Sereb casts the familiar spell on his friend. Ember returns to her human form and looks to Frank.

“Remember me now?”

Frank gasps. “Ember?!”

“That’s me.”

“How did…?! Arc turned you into a dragon?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “No! I was BORN that way!”

Arc nods. “Yes. The form you see before you now was used to help her blend in with the rest of humanity.”

He gestures to his squad.

“Frank, I’d like you to meet Max, Xenos, Hugh, and Viktor.”

They nod soberly as Arc motions for Rose to approach.

“And this is the voice you heard advising me earlier. Her name is Rose.”

“I… um… hello.”

Rose smiles at him. “Good evening, sir.”

Frank looks to Arc.

“Are they… dragons too?”

“No. But truthfully, these aren’t my guy’s true forms.”

“And Rose?”

Rose sighs. “I am not quite what I appear to be either. In truth, I’m actually an android.”

Frank shakes his head. “Somehow I believe you.”

Arc nods. “She’s right. Rose may look like an adult human, but in truth she’s a machine that’s less than a year old.”

“I use my scanners to help keep Arc safe and advise him on the matters at hand.”

“That she does. And last, but not least, we have my friend Sereb.”

Frank nods at the large, armored wolf before him.

Arc clears his throat. “Why don’t you say something?”

“Hello, Mister Fontaine.”

Frank gasps. “I really didn’t imagine him talking back there?!”

“You did not.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “My apologies for speaking back there. Seeing Kane made me forget all about my instructions.”

Frank appears confused. “Instructions?”

“I’m not supposed to talk in this form.”

Arc sighs. “He can turn into a dog. I didn’t want everyone to think he was anything else.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah, well… now that introductions are out of the way, what are we supposed to do now?!”

Max turns to Arc. “Ember’s right, sir.”

Xenos nods. “What are your orders?”

“We need to get Frank to someone who can help him with those magical imbalances.”

Viktor sighs. “Agreed, sir. But whom?”

Rose turns to Arc. “I do not believe there is anyone on Earth who could help him with such a task.”

“That’s right.”

Frank turns to his friend. “I don’t believe I follow your logic, Arc. You want to find me some help, but agree that no one can do so.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. Remember, Rose said no one on EARTH can help you.”

“What are you driving at?”

He walks over to a shelf. Picking up the portable recall unit Arc carefully sets it down in the middle of the floor.

“I’m going to take you to… a very special place to get help.”

Rose gasps. “Arc, you don’t mean…?”

Arc nods as he presses the button and a portal forms.

“Yes, Rose. Equestria.”

Preface - Volume 24 - In My Time of Need

In our previous volume, Arc orders the diplomats taken to their rooms to rest and recover from Sunset Shimmer’s paralysis spell. Twilight tell Arc and her friends her and Sunset Shimmer’s past. How they attended Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, and Sunset’s eventual expulsion. Rarity admits her true feelings for Arc to the rest of the Mane 6. They are receptive and wish her and Arc well in their future relationship. She invites Arc to her room, and the pair spend the night together.

Arc and Rarity awaken the next morning as Applejack bangs on the suite door. Hurriedly putting on a magic cloak, Arc Blinks through the side of the ship to “escape”. As Rarity makes herself presentable, Applejack spots Arc’s tunic on a chair. She presses Rarity on her progress in the pair’s relationship before revealing her own jealously. Rarity does her best to coach her friend on how to talk to Arc about her own feelings. Arc returns to his quarters to find Eidolon’s Ward sitting on the couch waiting for him. She tells him of her writings regarding her perception of the living world and the location of said-writings under his bed. As he heads to the Dining Room, Arc finds the Mane 6 along with the delegates sitting around the table. All appear somewhat tired. Yona and Smolder return from the Little Hooves Orphanage before Arc escorts the delegates back to the airships.

Arc calls a school meeting at the Little Hooves Orphanage to inquire on the staffing problems that have befallen them. Coco Pommel reports that any new hire quits upon seeing the griffon younglings. He pledges more troops to help with after school tutoring. As Arc, Ember, and Sereb walk back toward Light’s Hope there is an emergency transmission from Max back on Earth. He reports a frantic phone call from Lily, saying only that Arc is needed back there at once.

Returning to Earth via a very unstable portal, Arc immediately heads to Shelly’s Kitchen. As he enters, Arc finds a VERY upset Lily along with Snake, Jackal, and Wolf on the couch. They explain to him their flight from the hospital with Frank. Suspecting foul play, Snake had removed Frank’s IV (terrible idea, I know). As their boss become more coherent, the trio decided he needed to get away and helped him escape. In an effort to protect Shelly and Lily from harm, Frank and the others relocated to the former Shard Base outside of town. The old run down house still stood, albeit even more run down then before. Frank tells the trio of how he and Arc formed the Shards together, and Arc’s former rank of lieutenant.

Stocking up the old Shard hideout, Arc and Frank decide to track down his former lieutenant, Diva. Lacking any real leads, Jackal volunteers to walk with Sereb all over town looking for her scent. Snake is assigned to return to the current Shard hideout in order to inform Frank of any changes there. Arc volunteers the Hero to infiltrate the hospital in order to retrieve Frank’s property from the patient lockup.

Arriving at the hospital with Arc, Rose confesses some disturbing changes to her overall perceptions. Arc assures her that such things are simply her becoming more human-like. Finding a pair of hospital scrubs, Arc magically incapacitates a nurse and takes her employee badge for use as a disguise for Rose. Taking the unconscious nurse’s belonging to the patient property lockup, Rose turns them over to the security guard on duty. Putting them in the proper rack, the guard returns to the front desk as a shrunken Arc steps out of the bag. Disabling the security camera, Arc shrinks down Frank’s things and stuffs them in his ring before escaping to the corridor to meet up with Rose. Returning to the private restroom, Arc gives Rose her original clothing back.

Dropping Rose off at his house, Arc returns to the abandoned house. Entering, he gives the clear package to Wolf. As his friend is asleep, Arc tells Wolf to have Frank call him later when he wakes up. During the drive home Arc confesses to Cherry his frustration with his father for never having made any attempt to contact him. Returning home, Ember reports that Rose has been acting strangely since Arc dropped her off. Lily calls to tell Arc that Shelly has dim recollections of Frank and his gang being in the apartment. Arc volunteers to drive over and reassure Shelly that Frank is safe. As he is talking, Frank calls. Putting Lily on hold, he talks to Frank regarding their plan to find the missing lieutenant. He volunteers to return to the house with Sereb and take Snake, along with Jackal, back to the Shard Base for the lieutenant’s scents. Heading to Angel Grove with samples of Stingray, Hammer, Mio, and Diva’s scents, Arc drops Jackal and Sereb off on a street corner in an attempt to sniff them out.

A week later Sereb finds a familiar scent during one of his walks. Jackal gives Arc the address before returning to the abandoned house. Arc, Sereb, and Ember drive out there to scout out the potential lead. Entering, Arc confesses once having an addict friend whom lived in the building. As the party heads to the basement, Sereb directs them to an old door at the end of a corridor. Viktor detects anti-magic wards within. With no other options, Ember prepares to break the door down. Rose stops her just in time.

She informs them of what appears to be a magic bomb on the other side of the door. Arc and company head to the nearby Boiler Room and, after shrinking themselves down, follow the ductwork to the room in question. Returning to normal size they look around the good sized room, but see little more than crates. Examining them, they discover vials similar to the ones found at the underground factory. Putting them in his ring for safekeeping, Arc discovers a secret entrance to the sub-basement via a magical crate. Dropping down they discover it to be a secret weapons cache for the missing Shard lieutenants. Taking the items found within, they also discover several strange looking uniforms. Satisfied with their haul, Arc opens a portal back to his house.

Arc and his friends go over the items taken from the apparent safehouse. Later, they return to the hospital in an attempt to locate Frank’s chart. After donning the scrubs from their previous visit, Arc instructs Rose to head to the Records Room. She enters and requests the file from the nurse on duty within. However, she flubs when asked her name, as it doesn’t match the one on her badge. As Rose freezes up, Arc casts a Sleep Spell on the nurse as she goes for the alarm. Failing in that, the nurse hits the panic button, summoning security. Arc returns to normal size and moves to hold the door as Rose takes the keys and searches for the file. Finding it, Arc opens a portal and dives through it with Rose. Landing in the middle of the woods Arc comforts his friend as she deals with her failure during the mission. Meanwhile, Doctor Rieper hacks the hospital security files and watches the footage from earlier. Spotting Arc, he muses over how he acquired magic.

Returning to Arc’s basement, the pair report their success in finding Frank’s hospital file. Arc opens a portal back to the hospital for Xenos, as he was forced to leave his vehicle there when they fled. Xenos drives it home, allowing Arc and Rose to head to the abandoned house outside of town. Convincing Frank that Rose is a real nurse, he allows a blood sample to be taken for analysis. Arc sends the sample back to Canterlot to be studied by Doctor Whooves.

A few days later Arc, Rose, and Ember return to Canterlot Castle for a consultation with Doctor Whooves and Sunburst. Spike leads them into the office where a very tired looking Lead Sage greets them. Sunburst reports on the magical resistances of the uniform’s tunic and pants. He also claims the matching cape is very durable, inasmuch as to prevent an attack from the rear. The hat is somehow enchanted to increase magical abilities as well as look very stylish. Doctor Whooves arrives to give his own report a short time later. He announces that the patient in question was needlessly harmed by the hospital staff whom did little, if anything, to treat his underlying condition. The so-called “treatments” were slowly increased as time went on with no notes on what they entailed. Sunburst reveals the magical nature of Hammer’s gun and Mio’s staff and advises Arc on their use. Spike gives Sunburst another cup of coffee which is laced with sleeping powder given to him by the doctor. Arc carries him to the couch before leaving the office with Ember and Rose.

Arc, Ember, and Rose head to Redemption Village. Presenting the items to Mythic Honor, he is able to quickly identify each enchantment on the uniform. After looking over Hammer’s gun he shows Arc how to properly channel magic into it. Looking over Mio’s staff however, he warns against its use due to possible magical overload. After a frantic transmission from his squad, Arc and Ember return to Canterlot Castle. Forgetting that Sunburst is still unconscious, Arc convinces Spike to run the S.P.E.A.R. and send them back. He successfully does so, but in doing so transports the pair high in the sky. Ember is able to fly them both to safety before Arc opens a portal back to his basement. Arriving, he learns that there is trouble at the old Shard Hideout. Racing up the stairs he jumps in his Jeep and heads over.

Arriving at the run down house Arc enters to find Frank asleep as usual. However, various objects float aimlessly around the room. Awakening the young man, everything falls to the floor. Calling Minerva, Arc asks for a meeting at her apartment. She agrees, and hurries home as Arc takes a portal there. Cherry suggests they talk over a meal. Arc makes a hasty reservation at Roberto’s Pizza as Minerva and Cherry head to her bedroom for something more appropriate for the occasion.

Minerva drives Arc to the pizzeria as he stays cloaked. Entering, she heads to the private dining room to meet up with the Hero. As they eat, Arc explains his problem and suspicions regarding Frank’s treatment along with Doctor Rieper alleged actions. Hacking into the hospital’s system, Minerva scans the personnel records, but does not find an entry for Rieper. Hoping to gain an interview, Minerva volunteers to accompany Arc and Cherry on another trip to the hospital for more information. Arc begrudgingly agrees.

The next day Arc meets Minerva and Dave in the middle of nowhere. Boarding the unmarked news van they head for the hospital together. Shrinking himself down, Arc rides in Minerva’s pocket. They interview the hospital administrator, a woman named Rosa Morales. Touring the hospital, they eventually come to the offices. Arc Blinks down and over to one belonging to Doctor Rieper. Asking Minerva for a distraction, she pretends her foot is hurt. Rieper leaves his office to tend to her as Arc looks over his laptop in a cabinet. Deciding the contents are far too valuable to leave behind, Arc shrinks the device down and stores it in his ring. However, as he tries to Blink out of the cabinet, he finds himself repelled by some kind of ward. Cherry suggests cutting their way through the door gasket with the guardanium knife. Successfully escaping the office, Arc Blinks back to Minerva’s pocket and tells her to end the interview and get out of there. She does so, thanks Rosa, and walks away with Dave. Meanwhile, Rieper returns to his office, finds the empty cabinet, and calls security on Minerva and her cameraman.

As Minerva and Dave round a corner they are stopped by security. Arc attempts to put them to sleep with a spell, but fails for some reason. As they near the office Rose calls out to him. She warns him to escape using any means necessary. Arc Blinks to the floor, returns to normal size, and pushes the security guards away. Leading the pair up to the roof Arc opens a portal and spirits the three of them away to the sigil in the woods just outside the Shard Base. He and Minerva return to her apartment to look over the contents to the stolen laptop. Minerva finds emails between Diva and Rieper in addition to information regarding testing being done on Frank as a child.

Returning home, Arc and company prepare to eat supper. The phone rings and Arc moves to answer it. However he is surprised to hear Diva’s voice on the other end. She admits to having kidnapped Minerva, and offers to trade her for the laptop. Arc and Sereb hurry out the door to meet up with Diva and her henchmen as the others observe from their stations in the basement.

Arc and Sereb run through the dark forest on their way to the ruined hospital. Sereb senses they are being followed. Spotting something in the trees above, Rose calls out. Wiseman reveals himself and offers his aid in helping Minerva. The catch being he will handle the situation his way. Continuing on their way, the pair arrive at the hospital grounds. Spotting a light behind what’s left of the building, Arc opens a portal and sends Sereb back home. Continuing on alone, Arc finds Diva waiting for him. She reveals Minerva as Arc shows her the laptop. However, as they make the switch Diva takes back Minerva as Stingray, Hammer, and Mio leave with the laptop. Intending to keep her hostage, Diva opens a portal and drags Minerva toward it. Left with no other choice Arc calls out to Wiseman for aid as he closes his eyes. The robe figure materializes behind Diva, teleports Minerva over to Arc, grabs Diva, and tosses her through her own portal before following her. Opening his eyes, Arc spots Minerva lying on the ground in front of him, unconscious. Picking her up, he opens a portal of his own and steps through.

Returning to his basement via sigil, Arc hands off Minerva to Eidolon’s Ward. She takes the unconscious woman upstairs to the shower in an effort to clean her up. Waking, Minerva discovers that she is unable to see. After being taken to Arc’s parent’s room, Cherry volunteers to stay by her side through the night. Meanwhile, Wiseman appears downstairs before Arc, Ember, and Sereb. He tells them of his trip to the enemy stronghold and his talk with Diva and her superior. Informing Arc that it is safe for Minerva to return home, he vanishes.

The next morning Arc brings Minerva her breakfast in bed. Cherry informs him that she is temporarily blind from the flash last night. In an effort to make up for it, Arc volunteers the aid of his squad to help Minerva work from bed. After he leaves the room Minerva asks Cherry about the Hero’s love life. Cherry tells her about his love interests back in Equestria and does her best to coach Minerva on ways to impress Arc.

Returning to the kitchen, Arc informs his squad of their need to assist Minerva with her work. The phone rings, and Arc goes to answer it. Snake asks if Frank is still at the old house outside town before revealing that others at the Shard Base have reportedly seen their boss walking the hallways. Before Arc can call for Rose, Frank appears before him. His friend teleports them to Shelly’s Kitchen. As Lily escorts them to a table Frank informs Arc that he has become aware of a mysterious new power within himself. As he does so, Frank appears to be in pain. With a burst of power he Blinks himself and Arc far into the countryside, leaving Shelly and Lily wondering what had happened.

Regaining his composure a short time later, Frank is able to return the pair to their booth. He then asks Arc to arrange a meeting between himself and the Hero of Light in hopes of turning the warrior, and Arc, to his side. Leaving the diner, Arc returns home with Rose and Xenos in the Jeep. Later that night Arc, Ember, Sereb, and the squad head for the Shard Base. The squad watches nearby as Ember flies overhead and Arc rides Sereb to meet Frank behind the building. The young man Blinks them to his office inside. Informing Arc of the existence of The Garden, Frank proceeds to inform Arc of his belief that there may have been others kept prisoner by Diva and her ilk. Frank announces the new goal of the Shards… the destruction of The Garden and those whom run it. Ember calls out a warning over Arc’s earring.

Reporting something approaching the Shard Base at high speed, Arc and Frank Blink up to the roof. As the newcomer crosses the courtyard Frank and Arc move to meet them halfway. Revealing herself to be Diva, Frank attacks with a knife. However Arc stops the blade in midair with a Telekinesis Spell. Diva exposes to Frank the fact the Ember is flying overhead and the squad is hiding nearby. Several devices materialize and begin forming a barrier over the base. Arc hurries to the one Mio is attempting to fix. He is able to distract her as Frank and Sereb take her down and Ember destroys the device. Diva calls for a replacement unit and defends it along with Mio as she powers up the machine. As Sereb lunges at Diva, he is suddenly knocked away by a very large object.

Sereb looks up to see the object that attacked him is none other than his brother. The device hums as it deploys the final section of the barrier. Arc’s squad barely makes it under as the Shards chase after them. Extending an offer, Diva again asks Arc to join her and the Organization in making the world a better place. Arc, having put two and two together, reveals Diva’s true identity as being… Sunset Shimmer. Diva calls in another strange device which begins spraying out clouds of a strange gas. Failing to break through to them, the Shards fall one by one. Opening a portal, Diva’s forces leave along with her. Rose calls out a warning about the devices overloading. Arc grabs Frank and retreats to the tree line with Frank. After the explosion, and dust clears, Arc and Ember peek out to see that the Shards have vanished. Rose informs them that they were teleported away rather than obliterated. As Arc opens a portal, he order the others through as he convinces Frank to follow them. Returning to the basement Arc removes his helmet and mask to reveal his true identity to Frank. After introducing the young man to everyone Arc opens a portal back to Equestria to find someone that can help Frank control his powers.

However, many questions remain unanswered. What happened to Sunset Shimmer after she made her way through the Crystal Mirror? Will Applejack ever be able to confess her true feelings for Arc? Will Frank be able to survive whatever was done to him? How many other safe-houses do the three sergeants have? What will Doctor Rieper’s next move be? How exactly did Wiseman convince Diva to leave Minerva alone? Will the young reporter be okay? What does Diva intend to do with the now captured Shard members?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - The Newcomer

Arc, Ember, and Frank step out of the portal into Princess Celestia’s room. Frank looks around, dumbfounded.

“This place is exquisite!”

Ember nods soberly. “That it is.”

She turns to Arc.

“Where do you suppose Sunburst is?”

Arc shrugs as he recalls his armor. “Probably asleep at this hour. It IS the middle of the night after all.”

Ember frowns. “While I know you don’t actually HAVE to, I suggest reporting this to… you-know-who first thing in the morning.”

“Agreed. I’m sure Luna will want to know.”

Frank appears confused. “Luna?”

“She’s… the one in charge around here.”

“So she’s the lady of the house?”

“More than that. I’ll explain everything in my room.”

Frank appears confused. “Isn’t that where we are?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nope. We’re in Princess Celestia’s bedchambers.”

Arc sighs. “While I’m sure that didn’t make it any more clear, please follow me.”

He raises a gauntlet and opens a portal. Frank turns to him.

“Another portal? Where does this one lead?”

“My room. It’s a bit of a walk from here, so I figured this would save you time and energy.”

Ember steps forward. “Yeah. So let’s get going.”

She steps through as Arc turns back to Frank.

“After you.”

Frank shrugs and hobbles through as Arc follows. They appear in his room in the castle. He reaches out with his magic for the light switch. Frank looks around as it is illuminated.

“Quite the room you have here, Arc!”

“Thank you. But we should probably sit down. I know it can’t be easy for you to walk without your cane.”

Frank nods as he heads for the couch. “Yes. I’ll have to retrieve my spare later.”

They sit down as Ember lights a fire in the fireplace. Frank smiles.

“Cozy.”

Arc clears his throat. “I suppose I should start by explaining exactly where we are.”

“A very wealthy ruler’s private residence I would imagine. You did use the title ‘princess’, after all.”

“That I did.”

“However, that room looked to be more of a tinkerer’s workshop than a bedroom fit for royalty.”

Arc sighs. “Well Frank, you see… this building is Canterlot Castle. It’s built on the highest point of the city of Canterlot. It’s the capitol of this land.”

“Are we across the sea from our homeland then?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Further than that actually.”

Arc nods. “Ember’s right. You see… were not on Earth anymore.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Like I said back at my place. There’s no one on Earth that can help you. We’re literally on another planet.”

Frank gasps. “I… I just assumed that was a figure of speech!”

He looks Ember up and down.

“Do the inhabitants look as you do, Ember?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. I’m a visitor to this country as well. Think you could change me back now, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Arc stands and holds out a hand. A moment later Ember returns to her dragon form. She removes the robe and gives it to Arc as she turns back to Frank.

“I know you already saw me like this, but it’s what I really look like.”

“Amazing! This is certainly a land filled with incredible things!”

He cautiously turns back to Arc.

“While I’m almost certain I already know the answer to this, you ARE human, correct?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’m still the same person you grew up with.”

Ember grins. “Just a bit… more.”

“His powers?”

Ember nods. “Yup. Not born with those.”

“She’s right about that.”

“Then where did they come from? Did Diva kidnap you as well, Arc?”

“No. In truth, it was Ember’s father whom gave them to me.”

Ember grins. “He’s the Dragon Lord.”

Frank sighs. “Diva mentioned him during our earlier encounter. But what was that you called her, my friend?”

“Sunset Shimmer. A traitorous citizen of this land who’s apparently made some very powerful friends back on Earth.”

Ember grits her teeth. “We actually don’t know too much about her. Twilight can probably tell us more when there’s time.”

“Yeah. We’ve been so busy lately I haven’t had an opportunity to head over to the library and see her.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Library?”

“That’s where she lives. The Golden Oaks Library. It’s in the town of Ponyville to the south of the capitol.”

Ember sighs. “Arc, we should probably bring him up to speed on how this land works.”

Frank nods. “Please do.”

“Alright. Here’s the short version.”

Arc speaks for a time explaining to Frank about Equestria’s hierarchy, geography, different species, and his past exploits.

“So that inhabitant of this land are… horses?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “That’s the third time you’ve asked that!”

“My apologies, but… it’s just so hard to believe.”

Arc nods. “They’re generally just referred to as ‘ponies’. You’ll meet them soon enough.”

“Who?”

“The princesses for starters.”

Frank’s eyes grow wide. “Royalty?!”

Ember shrugs. “It really isn’t that big a deal.”

Arc turns to her. “Well, considering you’re roughly the equivalent of a princess back in the Dragon Lands, Ember…”

“Dragon… LANDS?!”

Ember nods. “My homeland. It’s far to the east across the Celestial Sea.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry. We’re not going there anytime soon.”

“What can you tell me about the princesses?”

“They’re very similar to the ponies of this land. Just a bit… bigger.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah. And they have wings and a horn.”

“They embody the traits of all three races. Strong like the Earth Ponies. The flight of the Pegasi. And the magic of the Unicorns.”

Frank appears suddenly nervous. “Are they… receptive?”

“Usually. But you should probably let me do the talking.”

Ember laughs. “Yeah. They REALLY like Arc.”

Frank chuckles. “Considering your past deeds here, I can understand that.”

“Yes, well… we should probably get some sleep now. The princesses will be up in a few hours. They need to know about you before audiences start for the day.”

Arc gestures to the bed.

“You can rest there.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Your bed?”

“Something wrong with it?”

“No, no. I just thought I’d sleep on one of these couches.”

“Ember and I will bed down over here. You go ahead and rest. But I kinda want a shower before bed. Fighting’s a dirty business.”

Frank nods. “Agreed.”

Ember grins mischievously. “Want me to wash your back, Arc?”

“Very funny. Just keep Frank company.”

“Sure. See you in a bit.”

Arc heads for the adjoining Bathroom as Frank turns to Ember.

“So… are you and Arc an item?”

Ember sighs. “I wish.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve tried everything I can think of to get him interested. So far nothing’s worked.”

“You cannot force someone to be something they’re not.”

Ember nods sadly. “That I understand. But I still want him and I to be more than we are. More than just friends.”

Frank chuckles. “I’ve known Arc for a long time, Ember. Believe me when I say this, but once he gets an idea in his head it’s almost impossible to dislodge it.”

“That I know.”

“Yes, well… I am curious about something.”

“Oh?”

“How did you and Arc REALLY meet? When we were first introduced, he said you two found each other in prison. That didn’t make sense at the time, as male and female prisoners do not co-mingle.”

Ember sighs. “He didn’t lie to you about that. We met in Tartarus.”

“Tartarus?”

Ember nods. “Yes. It’s where this country sends its worst criminals. Arc was banished there for a crime he didn’t commit. As was I. We fought side by side there and have been together ever since.”

“I’d like to hear more.”

“You sure? Not all of it is rosy and bright.”

“Yes. Tell me what my old friend has been up to.”

Meanwhile, Arc steps into his shower and turns on the water. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“You’re troubled, aren’t you?”

“I am. What if the princesses don’t accept another unannounced human in their land?”

“They will if he’s with you.”

“Probably. But what if…?!”

“Arc, please. You need to have more faith in their decisions. After all, they’ve put so much in yours.”

Arc sighs. “That may be. But I can’t help but feel a bit… apprehensive. I mean… this is bigger than anything else I’ve done thus far.”

“More so than your decision to fly to Abyssinia as the Lord Regent?”

“Well…”

“Or your choice to help broker the peace treaty between our nation and the Griffon Kingdom?”

“But…!”

“What about the time you allowed Light’s Hope to be used for the peace summit?”

“Okay, okay, I get it.”

Arc sighs.

“I guess I am being pretty silly about this.”

Cherry giggles. “Frank’s just one human. That and he needs help only somepony in Equestria can offer.”

“Yeah. Luna’s pretty fair in her decisions on things like this as long as I can back up my proposal with facts.”

“Agreed.”

Quite a while later Arc steps out of the shower, dries himself, and dresses. Stepping out of the Bathroom he finds Frank asleep and Ember sitting on the couch in front of the fire. She beckons him over with a wave of her claw.

“Feeling better?”

“Yeah. Washing the grim of battle from myself is always a pleasant experience.”

He looks over his shoulder toward the bed.

“How’s Frank doing?”

“He was pretty tired, so he went down shortly after you left. But are YOU okay?”

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I can tell you’re nervous about something.”

Arc sighs. “Cherry and I already went over this.”

Cherry calls out. “Arc’s worried about what the princesses will say when they learn he’s brought a human to Equestria without their permission.”

Ember shrugs. “Why would they care? After all, you have their ear, Arc.”

“I suppose I do.”

Ember puts a claw on his shoulder. “Don’t worry about a thing. Worst case scenario, he can stay at my house in the Dragon Lands. The princesses don’t have any say over whom we allow over there.”

“Thanks. But we should get some rest now. The sun will be up in just a few hours.”

“Agreed.”

The trio sleeps soundly through what’s left of the night. As the first rays of daylight stream through the window Frank opens his eyes and sits up.

“What…? Where am I?”

Standing, he slowly hobbles toward the balcony door. Looking out he spots a pegasi Royal Guard patrol flying by. Gasping he stumbles backwards and falls to the floor.

“What on Earth…?!”

Arc and Ember, hearing the commotion, quickly get up from their places on the couches. Arc reaches his friend first.

“Frank! What is it?!”

“I… I saw…! Something was out there! Three horses with WINGS!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Those were pegasi.”

“What?! But those are… you know…!”

Arc chuckles. “Mythical creatures? Yeah, I had a similar response my first time too. But trust me when I say they’re very real.”

Helping him stand up, Ember opens the door and they step out onto the balcony. Walking to the railing Frank looks out over the city.

“It… it’s wondrous!”

Ember nods. “That it is.”

Frank turns to Arc. “So last night… that wasn’t a dream?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was very real, my friend.”

Frank sighs as he puts a hand on the guardrail. “So the Shards really were…?”

Arc frowns. “We’ll find them. You can count on that.”

Frank wordlessly nods before gazing out over the city again. He sees numerous ponies walking up and down the streets below as others fly by. Turning around slowly he looks to Arc.

“I’d… like to see more please.”

Arc smiles. “I think that could be arranged. But we need to do something very important first.”

Ember looks confused. “What’s that?”

“Breakfast.”

Ember and Frank facepalm.

“Saw that one coming.”

“Indeed, Ember.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, well… can I help it if I’m hungry? This way you two.”

He walks over to Frank and helps him back inside. Sitting him down on the couch he heads for the sigil as Ember looks to him.

“So… are we going to call for room service, or something?”

“I need to do something first. Be right back.”

Arc steps onto the sigil in the corner of the room. Calling forth his gauntlet, he powers it up and vanishes. Frank turns to Ember.

“Tell me, does he do this often?”

Ember sighs. “All the time.”

A few minutes later Arc reappears on the sigil with a simple staff in his hand. Walking over to Frank he hands it to him.

“What is it? Some kind of magical implement?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Not even close.”

“It’s a training staff. The military uses them for things like War Games. It should help you walk unaided.”

“Thank you, my friend.”

“Now then… on to breakfast.”

Arc leads them out the door and down the corridor. Frank looks all around as they walk.

“The architecture is exquisite! As are these stained glass windows!”

He looks at a pair of Royal Guards as they pass by.

“How are such things possible for those without hands?!”

Ember shrugs. “They seem to manage just fine without them.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Intricate things like these windows were probably created by Unicorns. Their magic allows them to do thing that even hands couldn’t.”

“What is the meaning?”

Ember frowns. “The what?”

“These windows appear to be more than just for decoration.”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’m told this is a visual representation of this land’s history.”

“Fascinating! These simple creatures are capable of complex thought?!”

Ember laughs. “They’re more advanced that the humans back on Earth in several regards!”

“Oh?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes. They don’t have much for electronics here. At least as an everyday part of their lives. However, they seem to get along fine without them. The rest you’ll just have to see for yourself.”

“Very well. I look forward to trying some of this land’s cuisine.”

Frank appears suddenly nervous.

“Uh… do they eat grass here?”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry. Their palates are much broader than that of horses back home.”

A short time later they arrive at the Dining Room. Arc approaches a Royal Guard.

“Inform the princesses that I’d like to speak with them.”

“Yes sir. However they have made it clear that you do not require permission to enter this room.”

“I understand that. But I’d like you to let them know I’m bringing a… guest from Earth to meet them.”

“Yes sir.”

He enters the Dining Room. Frank turns to Arc.

“Uh… the princesses are this land’s leaders, correct?”

“Yes.”

Ember frowns. “Is there a problem?”

“I should have cleaned up first! How do I look?!”

“Considering you just woke up, fine. Now then, I’ll do all the talking at first. After I introduce you they’ll probably have some questions for both of us.”

“How should I act?”

“Polite.”

Ember grins wickedly. “Yeah. You wouldn’t want one of them blasting you with their magic.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “They wouldn’t do that.”

“Probably not, I suppose.”

Arc sighs. “Just talk to them like you would a human woman, Frank.”

Ember chuckles as the guard returns and looks to Arc.

“The princesses will see you now.”

“Thank you.”

He turns back to Ember and Frank.

“Ready?”

Ember nods. “I am.”

Frank straightens his tunic and sighs. “Let’s get this over with.”

Arc nods and turns back to the door. The guards open them to reveal the luxurious Dining Room. As they enter the princesses stand and smile.

“Welcome back, Arc.”

“When did you get in?”

“Very late last night. I would have come to see you two sooner, but I know better than to awaken a sleeping princess.”

He looks to Cadance who blushes slightly. Luna looks over at Frank.

“I see you’ve brought another human with you this time.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Is that a problem?”

Cadance shakes her head. “I don’t think so. After all, we know you wouldn’t have done so if he was going to cause trouble.”

Luna gestures to the chairs across from them. “Please be seated.”

Arc and company do so as Cadance turns to a Hoof Maiden.

“Inform the chef that we will require breakfast for three guests.”

She bows and hurries toward the Kitchen.

“Now then, I believe introductions are in order. Princesses, this is my childhood friend from Earth, Frank Fontaine.”

They nod soberly.

“Frank, these are two of the land’s rulers. This is Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.”

“How do you do?”

Cadance smiles. “A pleasure to meet you, Frank Fontaine.”

Luna nods curtly. “Likewise.”

“Thank you, your highnesses.”

Arc clears his throat. “My apologies, Princess Cadance. Humans have a first and last name, but typically just go by their first.”

“So it’s just Frank then?”

Frank nods. “Yes ma’am.”

Luna clears her throat. “Now that we have the introductions out of the way, I’d like to know the circumstances that led you to take this rather… risky course of action, Arc.”

“Very well, Princess Luna. You see…”

Arc informs the princesses of the previous night’s affair along with Diva’s true identity. Cadance bows her head.

“Aunt Celestia will be heartbroken when she learns of this.”

Luna nods. “Indeed she will, Cadance.”

Frank turns to Ember. “Another princess?”

“Yes. Princess Celestia.”

Arc sighs. “She’s… not here.”

Luna nods soberly. “That is true. However we should stick to the matter at hoof.”

She looks Frank over for a few moments.

“I can sense a very… strange magical force within your friend, Arc.”

Cadance nods. “Strange, but unstable.”

“He’s already had a couple incidents where his mana seemed to spike out of control.”

Ember looks to the princesses. “Can you two help him?”

“I believe Sunburst should be the one to advise us on this matter. However I believe it may simply be a matter of education.”

Arc appears confused. “Can you elaborate, Princess Cadance?”

“Think about it this way, Arc. Every unicorn is born with the potential to use magic. However, they are born with only that. Potential.”

Cadance nods. “As they grow and mature they practice and learn new spells from those around them.”

Luna points a hoof to her head. “With that their understanding of magical power grows as they do. Mentally and physically.”

Ember puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “Kinda like when my father imbued Arc with magic. I suppose he could have given him a LOT more of it.”

Cadance sighs. “Dragon Lord Torch was wise to only give him the basics. Had Arc been imbued with the level of power he currently possesses, it’s likely he would be in the same position as Frank here.”

Luna nods. “Yes. Can I assume the realization of you power was… immediate?”

Frank frowns. “It was, your highness. Truth be told, it actually made me sick.”

Ember turns to the princesses. “He was bedridden for some time before we figured out he had magic.”

Cadance appears nervous. “Any… outbursts?”

Arc grimaces. “A couple, yes.”

“I suddenly felt as if I was going to burst from the pressure. Every cell in my body was screaming out, as if begging for release.”

Luna nods soberly. “That much was recorded here during certain… magical experiments.”

Arc frowns. “The Great War?”

Cadance sighs. “Yes. The subjects from that era… didn’t take their infusions well.”

Ember frowns. “What happened?”

Luna gestures with a hoof. “They experienced similar symptoms as your friend here.”

Arc gasps. “Is he in danger?!”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not if he learns how to control his magic from a unicorn or other magic user.”

Luna sighs. “Indeed. Had the test subjects of magic infusion had such an advantage back then, the war might have ended very differently.”

Cadance clears her throat loudly. “In that regard, it is a good thing the Earth Ponies of that time period didn’t have any Unicorns helping them.”

Several servants walk out of the Kitchen pushing dinner carts. They approach Arc and his friends as two Hoof Maidens serve the princesses their meal. A dish is set before each of them before the staff bows and returns to the Kitchen. Frank appears confused.

“Pancakes?”

Cadance looks to him, confused. “Is something wrong with them?”

“No, no! It’s just… I didn’t really expect such things.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “What else would we eat for breakfast?”

Arc turns to Luna. “Forgive my friend’s surprise. Horses on Earth have a much less… refined palate.”

Cadance smiles. “Very well, Arc. But we should eat before it gets cold. That and we have quite a busy day ahead of us.”

Arc nods. “I’m sorry if our visit has put you two behind schedule.”

Luna smirks at him. “You know you are welcome here anytime, Arc. Day or night.”

“Thank you.”

They begin to eat. Frank grins as he tastes the food before him.

“This is exquisite! Your chef must be very talented, you highnesses!”

Cadance smiles. “Thank you. I’ll see to it they hear of your words, Frank.”

Ember laughs. “Only the best for royalty.”

Luna sighs. “Yes indeed.”

Arc puts his fork down. “Is something wrong, Princess Luna?”

“Do you remember our conversation during my first visit to Light’s Hope, Arc?”

“Yes, I do. When things are a bit less hectic we should have you back for another visit.”

“Thank you, I’d like that. But I do believe you’ll be quite busy with your friend for quite a while.”

Arc nods. “Might I seek help from outside the castle?”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “What about Sunburst?”

“I’m sure he’s fully qualified. However, as you know, he’s quite busy these days with his own duties.”

Luna nods in agreement. “Very well, Arc. You may take your friend anywhere in the land to seek aid. Please be aware that you are personally responsible for his safety and well-being though.”

“I understand. Thank you, Princess Luna.”

Cadance turns to him. “If I may, where were you planning to go, Arc?”

“Frank not only needs a crash course in magic, but also in pony culture.”

Ember shrugs. “Makes sense. After all, he’s going to be here for a while.”

“Can I assume you already have a plan?”

Arc chuckles as he picks up a forkful of pancakes.

“That I do, Princess Cadance. That I do.”

Chapter 2 - Culture Shock

A short time later Arc, Ember, and Frank leave the Dining Room. Frank breathes a sigh of relief as they walk down the corridor.

“That… was quite the stressful experience!”

Ember frowns. “I don’t see how.”

Frank chuckles as he glances over at Ember. “From what I gather, they hold no sway over you. Am I right?”

“Sway?”

Arc grins. “He means they can’t tell you what to do.”

“Oh. I suppose that’s true.”

Arc makes a mock bow. “Well, you ARE a dragon princess.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Please don’t call me that.”

“Sure.”

Frank pipes up. “If I may, Arc. Where exactly ARE we going?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah! I mean, someone here should be able to help him, right?”

Arc stops and looks out a window overlooking Canterlot.

“I suppose that’s true. But if Frank’s going to get a true taste of this land, he’ll need to go where my own journey started.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “So… where now?”

“Ponyville.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet. Opening a portal he turns to his friends.

“Ready to get this show on the road?”

Ember shrugs. “Might as well. We’ve come this far, after all.”

Frank chuckles. “Lead on, my friend.”

Ember and Frank step through the portal as Arc follows them. They appear on the sigil in Derpy’s house. Frank looks around.

“It’s certainly a bit… smaller here than the palace. Is this a normal pony dwelling?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “This is a bit spacious than normal, but for the most part, yes.”

Arc nods. “I rent a room here from a friend of mine.”

“A… pony?”

“Yes. Something wrong with that?”

“Not really ‘wrong’, I suppose. My apologies, but I’m still having trouble coming to terms with an equine society.”

Ember grins. “We should head into town then. You haven’t seen anything yet.”

Arc motions toward the front door. They exit and head down the road. Frank looks around at the surrounding buildings.

“This town… is Ponyville?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes. I know the name is really on the nose, but…”

Ember grins. “But it’s quite the place.”

“How so?”

“Think of it like Angel Grove, but much smaller. Pretty much everyone who lives here knows everyone.”

Frank smiles. “A close-knit community, eh? Not much different from the Shards.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Don’t get any funny ideas.”

They continue on their way. Eventually they come to their destination.

“Here it is. The Golden Oaks Library.”

“A… tree?”

Ember nods. “Yeah, it’s kinda fitting though, don’t you think?”

Frank shrugs. “I’m not sure yet. But what do we hope to find here?”

“A bit of advice mostly.”

Walking up to the door Arc knocks lightly. A few moments later Twilight answers.

“Oh, hello Arc! I see you’ve brought a new friend!”

“Yeah. Twilight this is my friend, Frank. Frank, this is Twilight Sparkle. She lives here and runs the library.”

“How do you do, miss?”

Twilight nods.

“Please, come in.”

She steps aside to let them enter before leading the group to the Kitchen.

“I was just about to have a cup of tea. Would anypony care for one?”

Arc nods. “Yes, please.”

Ember grins. “Sure.”

Frank appears uneasy. “I… uh… suppose I’ll join you as well.”

Twilight smiles warmly. “So it’s unanimous. Just let me put the teapot on the stove.”

She uses her magic to pick up the pot and fill it with water before levitating it over to the stove. Arc and company sit down as Twilight joins them.

“So what brings you here today, Arc?”

“Some advice, actually.”

“Oh? What about?”

Arc gestures to Frank. “My friend here was artificially infused with magic.”

Twilight gasps. “Really?! How?!”

Frank shrugs. “I’m… not fully sure. Things are a bit hazy in that regard.”

Arc sighs. “The problem is that he’s having some trouble with it.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s putting it mildly.”

“Uh oh. What happened?”

“Some kind of mana buildup.”

Frank nods. “I suddenly felt the need to release my energy. Sadly, the only thing I could do at the time was to spirit Arc and I away.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “It was a fairly long range Blink.”

“Both of you?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. One minute they were there, the next, poof.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “That was probably for the best. Think of it kinda like turning on a garden hose then putting a kink in it. The pressure can build until it bursts forth uncontrollably.”

Arc frowns. “Do unicorns have that problem?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not usually. But were pretty good at controlling our magic, as we have it from birth.”

Frank shudders. “I don’t like the idea of being a ticking time bomb.”

“Well, what were you doing at the time?”

“Just talking with Arc over breakfast.”

“What about?”

“My plans for the Shards.”

Ember turns to Twilight. “They’re a group of young humans back on Earth.”

Arc nods. “He was very passionate at the time.”

“I see. Emotions and magic usually don’t mix well. Especially if you don’t know how to properly channel a spell.”

Frank sighs. “What should I do?”

Twilight smiles. “First, do your best to stay calm.”

“That’s usually not a problem.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Unless we get you talking.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah.”

“Second, I know it may sound counter-productive, but you need to learn more about how magic works.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… wouldn’t that just make him more dangerous?”

Twilight shakes his head. “At the moment he’s a loose cannon. Tempering that raw power will help keep it stable.

Frank sighs. “Where should I start?”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Do you still have that book I gave you?”

“Which one?”

“The beginner’s primer to basic spellcasting. You used it to learn your first spells.”

Arc nods. “Yes, it’s in my quarters at Light’s Hope.”

Ember grins. “We could be there in no time! Let’s go!”

She stands up, but Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and pulls her back down into her seat.

“What gives! We have to…!”

Arc looks to the teapot as it begins to steam. “…enjoy a nice cup a tea. That was what you were going to say, right Ember?”

Ember sighs. “Sure. Why not?”

Frank sniffs the air. “I must admit, that tea does smell nice, Miss Sparkle.”

Twilight stands to put the teapot on the serving tray. “Please, call me Twilight. Now then, is anypony hungry for a slice of cake with their tea?”

Ember appears skeptical. “Um… did you make it?”

“I did. But I’ve been practicing the recipe for a while. Auriel and I have a slice with supper every night.”

Arc grins. “I’ll try it.”

Frank nods. “As will I.”

Ember shakes her head. “None for me, thanks.”

Twilight heads to the refrigerator for the cake carrier. Ember looks to Arc.

“You’re braver than I thought.”

“Shush!”

Frank appears confused. “Is something wrong?”

“Um… probably not. Just…”

She returns with the cake and several plates as Arc pours each of them a cup of tea. Twilight carefully levitates a slice to everyone.

“I hope you all like it.”

Arc nods nervously. “Thanks. I… uh… I’m sure we will.”

He cautiously takes a bite and chews it carefully.

“This is pretty good, Twilight.”

Ember gasps. “It is?”

Frank nods. “Yes, indeed.”

Twilight appears relieved. “That’s good to hear! I was afraid I’d never get it right.”

Arc grins. “It tastes like your hard work paid off.”

They sip their tea as Arc turns to Twilight.

“So where’s Auriel?”

“Sleeping at the moment. We both had a rather late night tending to the Dragon Berry bushes.”

Ember chuckles. “They’re not too much trouble, are they?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Oh no. Truth be told, they pretty much grow themselves. But if we leave them for more than a day or so, they start making their way up into the grow lights. A few minutes per plant with pruning shears takes care of that though.”

Frank looks to Twilight, confused. “If I may, why not just grow them outside?”

“We’re doing our best to grow only the strongest plants. It helps with the potency of the fruit.”

Ember nods. “It’s a magic plant.”

“Interesting. Would they be able to help me with my little… problem?”

Twilight shakes her head. “It’s not likely.”

Ember sighs. “The magic within them is more of a latent power than something that actively enhances magical abilities.”

Arc grins. “That and it tastes great!”

Ember nods. “Yeah. It’s crazy sweet.”

The sound of footsteps coming down the stairs can be heard. Auriel appears in the doorway groggily. Her hair is a mess and her lab coat is wrinkled and unbuttoned, exposing her breasts.

“Twilight, do you have the tea ready yet? I’m…”

Her eyes grow wide as she spots the company. Turning away, she hastily buttons her coat and tries for fix her hair as she blushes.

“I, um… didn’t know anyone else was here. Sorry.”

Arc nods. “It’s okay, Auriel.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah. Accidents happen after all.”

Auriel turns back around sheepishly. “I suppose so. But I see you’ve brought someone new, Arc.”

“Yes. This is Frank. Frank, this is Auriel. She and Twilight perform various scientific experiments in the basement.”

“Oh? Like those plants?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. We’re trying to see if we can create a small artificial sun.”

Ember turns to Auriel. “How’s that going?”

“Very well. Everything works out on paper. That and we should have enough extract to make our firsts sun by the end of the week.”

Arc appears confused. “First sun?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Shining Armor insisted that we deploy a proof of concept before moving forward.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Because Tartarus isn’t the safest place to go with untested magical tech.”

Frank gasps. “Tartarus?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. That’s where my father and the rest of my kind live.”

“Your… kind?”

Auriel looks to him, sheepishly. “Demons. Um… is that alright?”

Frank looks Auriel up and down before shrugging. “If Arc isn’t worried, neither am I.”

Auriel breathes a sigh of relief as Frank continues.

“That and it wouldn’t make much sense for me to judge you, as I’m rather out of place in this land myself. But I am rather curious how my old friend came across a demon.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s kinda a long story.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. If memory serves correctly, I believe that was Arc’s second trip to Tartarus.”

“Are you sure? I’m pretty sure it was my third.”

“I remember you saying that’s where you two met, Ember. However, I am a bit confused why either of you would want to go back to such a hellish place.”

Ember sighs. “Well, like Arc said, it’s a long story.”

“I suppose we’ll have plenty of time to catch up in the coming days.”

Auriel looks to him. “Arc? Um… would you do something for us?”

“I’ll try. What is it?”

“It’s about the artificial sun project. Twilight and I have been looking over our maps for suitable locations these past few days.”

Twilight nods. “We need a remote location without any nearby towns or settlements. The area will also need to be relatively flat and free of animal life.”

Arc pulls a map from his ring and opens it. Ember pushes aside his teacup as he lays it out and points.

“How about the Badlands?”

Twilight grimaces. “Not a good idea. Queen Chrysalis would certainly not take our presence lightly.”

“Who?”

“The queen of the Changelings. Nopony’s seen one of their kind in quite a few years. But anypony who’s set hoof in her domain has never been heard from again.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Is she someone who we should play a visit?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Probably not. While they have been quite a threat in the past, we’re hoping they’ll stay where they are.”

Frank frowns. “Not a sound plan.”

Auriel appears confused. “It’s not?”

“No. Those who’ve caused trouble in the past will certainly do so again.”

Arc turns to him. “What do you suggest, Frank?”

“A pre-emptive strike would probably be the best course of action.”

Ember grins. “The Dragon Lands would certainly be willing to aid in the offensive, Arc.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. But I’m not too keen on Equestria being the aggressors here. Not that I really have much to say about what lands we invade, or whatnot.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Violence just begets more violence.”

Auriel sighs. “My own race’s past is certainly proof of that.”

Arc turns back to the map. “In any case, let’s keep looking. There has to be someplace we can test the artificial sun.”

Ember points a claw. “What about the Dragon Lands? Lots of uninhabited land there.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That may be. But this test needs to take place on Equestrian soil.”

Ember chuckles. “Why’s that? Afraid we’ll try to make one for ourselves?”

Arc sighs. “I’m more concerned about something going wrong.”

Twilight nods soberly. “While Auriel and I have done our best on this, if there were to be an accident, Dragon Lord Torch might not be so forgiving. Especially after what happened last time.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Last time?”

Arc chuckles. “Another long story, my friend.”

He looks over the map again and points.

“What about over here?”

Arc’s finger lies on a good sized peninsula far to the south-west. Twilight raises an eyebrow.

“That’s on the edge of the San Palomino Desert.”

Auriel turns to her. “Does anyone live out there?”

“No. But that’s probably because it’s a very inhospitable region though.”

Ember points a claw to the north. “What about this city?”

Auriel looks over her shoulder. “It looks like there’s quite a bit of water between that city and the South Luna Ocean.”

Frank turns to Twilight. “So you’re looking to use it as a natural buffer?”

“Exactly! The only issue there is transportation.”

Auriel sighs. “We can’t just take the train, after all. Too much equipment.”

“That and even if there wasn’t, we’d have to cross the desert on hoof.”

Ember frowns. “Not a good plan.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed.”

Arc clears his throat. “I can take you two on The Equinox. It can safely take us straight there as well as carry all your equipment.”

Twilight’s face lights up. “That would be perfect!”

Auriel smiles. “Yes, thank you, Arc. When do you want to go?”

“Whenever you two are ready.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “We only need to bring our equipment and supplies to Light’s Hope.”

“Is it a lot?”

“Several good size machines and a few crates. I can get Applejack to lend us her wagon if need be.”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s okay. I’ll help you move it. We could be off first thing tomorrow morning if you want.”

Auriel grins. “That soon?”

Arc nods. “I think the demons of Tartarus have waited long enough for this. Don’t you?”

Ember shrugs. “He kinda has a point. That and it would be a good chance for Frank to see more of Equestria. That is, if he wants to come.”

“Yes, indeed. I’d like to use the time to catch up on what Arc has been up to since he left Angel Grove.”

Arc chuckles. “That might take the whole trip and then some.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Plenty of time.”

Twilight nods excitedly. “Auriel and I will have everything ready by tomorrow morning then.”

Arc stands up. “I’ll be here early. Well, we should probably be going now. I’m sure you two need some time to make preparations.”

Auriel beams. “That we do. Oh, this is so exciting!”

Ember grins. “Yeah! Even I’m looking forward to this!”

Twilight walks Arc and his friends to the door. He kneels down to give her a hug which she returns.

“Thanks for doing this, Arc. I know you’re probably very busy these days.”

“No problem. If I didn’t come, I’d just worry about you two anyways.”

Arc stands and leaves the library. Twilight turns to Auriel.

“Well, I guess we’d better get started.”

Auriel smiles. “Yes!”

Meanwhile, Arc, Ember, and Frank walk down the path together. Ember turns to Arc.

“Where to now?”

“We should probably show Frank Light’s Hope.”

“You mentioned that during the conversation. What exactly is it? A nearby town?”

Arc shakes his head. “My base actually. It’s also where The Equinox is kept.”

Frank sounds confused. “Base? The Equinox”

Ember nods. “Arc’s the Hero of Light here. The princesses saw fit to give his own military base complete with soldiers and support staff to manage it.”

“Very generous of them. But there’s something I don’t quite understand.”

Arc turns to Frank. “Oh? What’s that?”

“What exactly IS the Hero of Light?”

Ember grins. “The land’s greatest and most respected warrior, for starters.”

“Yeah. Part of my job is to handle problems too big for others.”

“Such as…?”

Ember chimes in. “Going into Tartarus, for starters.”

“Pretty sure that one isn’t in my job description. But I’d rather go myself then send someone else.”

Arc thinks for a moment before continuing.

“You know, I never gave it too much thought.”

Frank frowns. “Which part?”

“The whole ‘what am I supposed to be doing’ bit.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “A lot if the past is any indication.”

“Yeah. I mean… I’m always on the move it seems. But there has to be more to it than I’ve thought of.”

Ember looks grim. “You mean other than your original task?”

Arc nods as Frank turns to him.

“What would that be?”

“To do whatever it took to bring down any kind of attempt by a member of the ruling class to usurp control.”

“You mean if someone were to try to overthrow the princesses?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But mostly if one of THEM tried take full control.”

Frank puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I see. An interesting concept.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Most rulers would rather consolidate power than share it.”

Arc sighs. “That’s true. But there was an… incident long ago that made the last remaining princess rethink that mentality.”

“Oh? An attempted coup?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. My father told me about it. He said thhe felt the magical backwash from the battle all the way in the Dragon Lands.”

Arc looks to her, astonished. “Really? The battle must have been more intense than I was lead to believe then.”

Frank nods. “Most uprisings are. That is, if history is to be believed.”

“I suppose. However there was no standoff between armies.”

“Oh?”

Arc frowns. “It was two princesses battling it out, one-on-one.”

Ember looks around. “I’m surprised their fight didn’t level all of Equestria!”

“The history books record massive devastation to the capital and its surrounding areas at the time. So much so that the last remaining princess ordered it rebuilt elsewhere.”

Frank turns to Arc, surprised. “Oh? Where?”

“Canterlot.”

Ember turns to Arc. “You mean that wasn’t where Celestia and Luna fought?”

Frank gasps “Princess Luna?! She took down the other princess?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She was the instigator.”

Ember nods. “Apparently she was so jealous of her sister that she became an evil tyrant named ‘Nightmare Moon’.”

They walk on for a few moments in silence. Eventually Frank turns to Arc.

“May I ask why she now sits on the throne?”

“Because she’s still a princess of Equestria. That and she’s changed her ways.”

“Are you certain?”

Ember turns to Arc. “Yeah, I always wondered that myself.”

“I believe so, yes. As for how I know… even after her banishment, she still understands the importance of a Hero of Light. A last line of defense for the inhabitants of the land. She was the one who extended the job offer, after all.”

Frank chuckles. “I’d like to learn more about this. And the rest of the land’s history, of course.”

“That’s probably a good idea. But I have some things to show you first.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods and points to a building as they pass.

“For starters, that’s the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Ember nods. “Arc requested it to be built here to replace the New Beginnings Orphanage in Vanhoover. It’s a town far to the north-west.”

Frank nods approvingly. “Did he now?”

“Yeah. The first job I undertook as the Hero of Light was investigating claims of abuse against the orphans whom lived there. But what I found there was FAR beyond what I was expecting. Not only was the matron mentally abusing them, but she wasn’t even feeding them properly!”

Frank clenches a fist. “I certainly hope you taught her a lesson, my friend!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Oh, he did. She’s still around, but no longer in her previous position.”

Arc nods. “Right. I saw to it her assistant was given her vacated position. The foals really seem to like her.”

Frank smiles. “That’s good to hear.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin, thoughtfully. “Truth be told, Coco Pommel kinda reminds me of Miss Kulara.”

“Then the orphans are in good hands.”

The visage of The Equinox and Light’s Hope comes into view. Frank gasps.

“Quite a base you have here, Arc!”

Ember grins. “You think it looks nice out here? Then you should see the inside.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I couldn’t ask for a better base of operations.”

He gestures to The Equinox parked silently on its pad.

“The ship was a more recent gift.”

Ember nods with evident pride. “The princesses felt Arc had accomplished enough to warrant the investment.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “What exactly did he do?!”

“We can talk about that on the way to our destination tomorrow. Like I said before, it’s a long story. But for now why don’t we show you to one of our rooms?”

“Thank you. I believe a rest is in order.”

Ember wrinkles her nose. “And a bath too.”

Frank looks down at his rumpled clothes before responding.

“I believe you’re right, Ember.”

They enter the base. Raven looks up as they do so and smiles.

“Good morning, commander.”

“Hello, Raven.”

He turns to Frank.

“This is Raven, my secretary.”

“I… how do you do, miss?”

“Very well, thank you.”

“Raven, this is my friend Frank from Earth. He’s going to be staying with us for a while. See to it the guards are notified.”

“Yes, commander. Shall I have a room made ready for him?”

Ember turns to Frank. “There’s some pretty fancy rooms here for diplomats and visiting VIPs.”

Arc nods. “That we do. However, if all of this is still a bit overwhelming, I do have a spare bed in my quarters.”

“Thank you, my friend. That would be fine. After all, I don’t want to be a burden. Well… any more of a burden than I already am, that is.”

“This way.”

Ember leads the way to Arc’s quarters. Opening the door she switches on the light and turns back to the pair.

“It isn’t much, but we call it home.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “You two live together?”

“Kinda.”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t actually have a permanent home her in Equestria, so that extra bed is usually where I sleep. That is, when I’m not sharing Arc’s bed.”

Arc blushes. “You don’t have to put it that way, Ember.”

“Why? It’s the truth.”

“In any case, why don’t you get cleaned up, Frank?”

Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out a fresh set of clothes.

“We can talk more after you’ve showered, my friend.”

Frank nods as he accepts the clothes. Walking into the Bathroom he closes the door behind him and sighs.

“This is all so new to me.”

He hobbles over to the tub and turns on the water.

“A magical land filled with magical ponies and magical pony princesses. Had you not told me, I don’t believe I ever would have figured this one out, Arc.”

With great difficulty Frank disrobes before stepping into the shower. He sighs contentedly as the warm water washes over him.

“While my mind is already blow from what I’ve seen thus far, somehow I get the feeling I haven’t seen anything yet.”

Chapter 4 - Family Bonds

Sometime later Arc, Ember, and Frank walk down the path together. Frank turns to Arc.

“I hope you were able to help your friend with whatever problem she’s facing.”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Ember looks to him. “What was it anyways?”

“Well…”

Frank suddenly puts a hand to his forehead and gasps. Arc and Ember turns to him, clearly concerned.

“Frank?!”

“What’s wrong?!”

The pair help him sit down as he holds his head.

“Just… just a bit of magical backwash. It will pass momentarily.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Magical what now?”

Arc sighs. “Backwash. It’s when a magic user’s powers become unstable.”

Ember frowns. “What do we do?!”

“I can get through this.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Arc.”

A few moments pass before Frank is able to stand again. He leans heavily on the staff to support himself. Arc looks hopeful.

“Better?”

Frank nods weakly. “ Yes. But I think I need to lie down now.”

“I’ll open a portal back to Light’s Hope.”

Calling forth his gauntlet a portal opens. Ember and Arc help Frank through. Finding themselves back in Arc’s quarters they help him to the bedroom. Ember grimaces.

“I still don’t understand how this happens?!”

Frank sighs. “It’s when… an inexperienced magic user’s… powers… outweigh their… skills.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Like Princess Luna said, it’s extremely rare except in cases of artificial infusion. Like what happened to Frank.”

They lay him on the bed and cover him with a blanket.

“You need anything?”

Frank shakes his head. “No, thank you. I believe a nap is in order. But please don’t let me oversleep.”

Ember nods. “We’ll wake you up in a couple hours then.”

“Thank you.”

Arc and Ember leave the room together and head for the couch.

“How should he work through this, Arc?”

“By matching his magical skill with his power.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Think of your magical power like the water behind a dam. The more of it there is, the stronger the dam that’s required to hold it back. As we learn more about our powers, our skill increases as does our magical aptitude.”

“So they increase together?”

“Exactly.”

Ember looks back toward the closed door. “But since he wasn’t born with them…”

Arc frowns. “Frank was forced to accept a large amount of magical power. But he doesn’t have the skill to control it.”

“Sounds awful.”

“It’s bad enough to watch. I can’t imagine going through that.”

“Yeah. So what do you and I do now?”

Cherry calls out to them. “Frank might’ve had the right idea. I think a nap is in order. After all, you two don’t get much time to rest these days.”

“Sounds good to me. Arc?”

“Yeah. I’ll sleep out here on the couch if you want to use your bed in there.”

He lies down against a throw pillow.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Um… I guess not.”

Grinning, Ember lies down on Arc’s chest and wraps her arms around his neck.

“This feels nice.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Just try to get some rest, okay.”

Ember closes her eyes. “Truthfully, I kinda want to stay awake to savor this.”

“You do what you want. Rest well, my friend.”

Sometime later Arc opens his eyes. He looks at the clock on the wall and sighs as he nudges Ember.

“Time to get up.”

Ember slowly opens her eyes and frowns.

“But we JUST laid down!”

“That was some time ago.”

“Really?! Darn it!”

“Something wrong?”

“I was trying to stay awake.”

“Oh. Uh… why don’t we check in on Frank?”

Ember sighs. “Fine.”

The pair stand up and walk over to the bedroom door. Opening it they find Frank just standing up.

“Have a nice nap?”

Frank nods. “Yes indeed, Arc. I’m feeling much better now.”

Ember grins. “Up for some more fun?”

“Sure. Uh… what did you have in mind?”

Arc grins. “A little walk to a friend’s house.”

“Lead the way.”

They leave Arc’s quarters and head down the corridor.

“Maybe we should take a portal there.”

Ember looks Frank up and down. “I don’t know. He looks okay to me.”

Arc turns to his friend. “What do you say, Frank?”

“Not to be a nuisance, but I’d like to save my energy if I could.”

“Alright. Portal it is then.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. They step through it and arrive at their destination. Frank looks around clearly confused.

“I thought we were heading to your friend’s house, Arc. This appears to be your quarters again.”

Ember shakes her head. “No. We’re right where Arc intended.”

“Right. This is my friend’s house a short distance away. I had my quarters modeled after it.”

“Might I ask why?”

“I’m not much for luxury accommodations. That and I wanted it to be a constant reminder of the humble beginnings where I came from.”

Ember looks around. “They don’t appear to be home.”

Arc nods. “Yes, we’re a bit early. Should we get started on supper?”

Ember shrugs. “Might as well. It’ll be a nice surprise for them.”

Frank turns to Arc. “I’ll lend a hand as well.”

“Great. Let’s get to it.”

They make their way to the kitchen. Arc opens the refrigerator and begins handing items to Ember and Frank.

“What should we make?”

Arc grins. “With how little time we have, I’m thinking a quick Vegetable Soup is in order, Frank.”

They walk over to the counter. Arc hands Frank a knife and a small cutting board.

“Think you can chop everything up for me?”

“Of course.”

Ember turns to Arc. “And me?”

“How about you set the table?”

“On it.”

Arc fetches a large pot from a nearby cupboard and fills it partway with water. Frank looks over as he sets it on the stove.

“Tell me more about this friend of yours, Arc.”

“Sure. What do you want to know?”

“Well, for starters, can I assume they’re a pony?”

Arc nods. “That she is.”

“Friendly?”

Ember turns from the cupboard. “A bit shy at first, but yeah.”

“Anything I should know?”

“She’s really easy going, which is surprising considering her past.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Oh? She’s had run-ins with the law?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah. Arc just means she had a hard life growing up.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. You see…”

The sound of the front door opening can be heard along with small hooves running inside. Dinky’s smiling face comes into view as she runs into the Kitchen and straight over to Arc.

“DAD! You’re home!”

Leaping into his arms Dinky throws her small hooves around Arc’s neck and hugs him tight. Ember takes over for him at the stove.

“I missed you so much!”

Arc returns the hug. “And I missed you too, sweetheart.”

Derpy walks into the Kitchen as Arc carries Dinky over to her. He kneels down to give her a hug as well.

“Glad to see you home safe and sound.”

Arc smiles. “It’s good to be back.”

A few moments later they break off the embrace. Derpy looks to Frank and smiles.

“I see you’ve brought a friend this time. Hello again, Mister Fontaine.”

Frank appears confused. “Again?”

Arc nods. “Right. Remember, you met these two back at my place last Christmas.”

Ember laughs. “But you knew them as Dawn and Daisy.”

Frank gasps. “What?!”

Derpy smiles at the newcomer. “Right. In truth, my name is Derpy.”

Dinky grins. “And I’m Dinky!”

Frank turns to Arc. “So they were really… ponies?”

Arc nods. “Yup. That transformation spell I mentioned earlier allowed them to appear to be humans.”

Frank turns to Dinky. “So you’re Arc’s… daughter?”

“Uh huh! He adopted me!”

Frank puts a hand to his chin. “Ah! I believe he told me that some time ago.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Can I help with supper?”

Ember shakes her head. “Oh no you don’t. It’s been far too long since your little family was together. I’ll cook while you catch up.”

Arc grins. “Thanks Ember.”

Dinky leads her father out of the kitchen. “Come on, dad! Let’s sit on the couch! I wanna to hear all about your adventures on Earth!”

Derpy smiles. “As do I. Would you like to join us, Frank?”

“I’d like that, thank you.”

Arc carries Dinky over to the couch as Derpy follows at his heels. He sits on one end of the couch with Dinky in his lap as Derpy climbs up next to him. Frank sits on the other end.

“Sorry for not visiting more last time I was here you two.”

Derpy nods sadly as she puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “We understand, Arc.”

“Yeah dad! You were really busy back then!”

Arc tickles Dinky behind the ears. “Well, I’m not busy now!”

She giggles as Derpy nuzzles Arc’s side.

“Can you stay awhile this time?”

Arc nods. “I think so, yes.”

He gestures to Frank.

“In fact, the whole reason I came back was to get help for my friend Frank here.”

Dinky looks the man over. “Is he sick?”

“No, no. But he was artificially infused with magic against his will.”

Derpy gasps. “Oh my!”

Dinky grimaces. “Did it hurt, sir?”

“More so than you know, little one.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “How is such a thing even possible?”

“Some very bad people back on Earth somehow figured out how to do it. The down side is Frank here can’t properly control his powers.”

Dinky looks up at her father. “Maybe Miss Twilight could help him.”

Derpy nods. “Or the princesses.”

“Already talked to both.”

Frank clears his throat. “It was recommended that to help balance me out I should properly learn magic.”

Arc nods. “I gave him that book from Twilight already. Hopefully it can help a bit.”

A short time later Ember calls out from the kitchen.

“Supper will be ready in about two minutes.”

Arc turns to his daughter. “Dinky, why don’t you go wash up?”

Derpy nods and stands up. “Come along, sweetie.”

“Okay!”

They trot to the bathroom as Arc and Frank head for the kitchen.

“Quite the family you have there, Arc.”

“Thanks. They’re the best.”

The pair sit down. A few minutes later Derpy and Dinky join them at the table. Arc smiles at her.

“Are you hungry, Dinky?”

“I’m so hungry I could eat a whole cabbage!”

Derpy giggles. “That would be a sight to see.”

Arc sniffs the air. “Well, it smells almost done.”

Ember calls out from the stove. “That it is.”

“Miss Derpy?”

“Yes?”

“Arc was telling me earlier that you had a rather rough childhood as he and I did.”

“I did, yes.”

Arc frowns. “Hers was much worse than ours though.”

“If I may… what turned things around for you?”

Derpy smiles. “When I met Arc.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! He even delivered me!”

“Did he now?”

Arc nods. “There was a huge snowstorm, so I couldn’t get Derpy to the hospital. It was kinda touch and go there for a bit. But as you can see, Dinky made it.”

“A very interesting name you have there, little one.”

“Mom named me that because I was so small.”

Arc looks to Frank. “She was less than half the size of a human newborn. Such a sweet little thing that almost fit in the palm of my hand.”

Derpy tousles Dinky’s mane. “That she was.”

A short time later Ember brings the pot over to the table and sets it down in the middle. Arc begins serving the meal.

“So what’s your next plan, dad?!”

Derpy nods. “Yes. Other than help your friend, that is.”

“Well, Twilight needs to test out an invention her and Auriel came up with.”

Dinky appears nervous. “It won’t be dangerous, will it?”

“No, sweetheart. But we’re going to fly out to the middle of nowhere in The Equinox just to be safe.”

“Can mom and I come?!”

Derpy sighs. “Now Dinky…”

“That’s actually a good idea, sweetheart.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I haven’t had much time for my little family here lately. And this little trip should be pretty safe.”

Ember sighs. “By ‘safe’ you mean ‘boring’, right?”

Arc shrugs. “It comes to about the same thing.”

He turns to Derpy.

“I’d love it if you and Dinky came along. While I can’t promise an adventure, I’m hoping we can spend some quality time together.”

“Well…”

“Come on, mom! You need some time off anyways!”

“It would be nice to catch up, I suppose. But I hate to leave Miss Pommel short-hooved. Especially on such short notice.”

Ember grins. “I can talk to her. After all, Arc’s already providing the orphanage with supplemental kitchen staff.”

Dinky turns to her mother. “They can handle things for a couple days, right?!”

“Um… probably, yes.”

“PLEASE!!!”

Derpy smiles and pats Dinky’s head. “All right, dear. But only if it’s okay with Miss Pommel.”

Ember nods. “Great! I’ll go see her after supper.”

Frank chuckles. “Your daughter is very persuasive, Arc.”

Ember laughs. “That she is.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “When will we be leaving?”

“We’ll be taking off in The Equinox at first light tomorrow.”

“Why not right away, dad?”

“Twilight and Auriel needed time to get their supplies ready. That and I’m sure Captain Tight Ship would like a bit of notice as well.”

Ember nods. “Your dad doesn’t want everyone to have to change their plans on a whim.”

“Right. By the way, I promise I’ll make something for lunch aboard ship that’s a little tastier than this.”

Frank chuckles. “I think it’s quite good.”

Derpy nods. “So do I.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Mind if I tag along?”

“If you want to, sure.”

Dinky claps her hooves together happily. “This’ll be SO much fun!”

Arc chuckles. “You sure did like flying last time, didn’t you?”

“It was fun, yes. But that wasn’t the best part.”

Dinky smiles up at her father.

“That was spending time with you, dad.”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “Well, I had fun too, sweetheart.”

“I wish mom could’ve been there.”

Ember takes another ladleful of the soup. “Well, if Coco Pommel doesn’t disagree, she’ll be with us this time.”

Derpy giggles. “I’m looking forward to it.”

They finish eating and begin clearing the table as Ember heads for the door.

“I’ll be right back. Wish me luck with Coco Pommel.”

Arc chuckles. “See you soon.”

He turns to Frank as Ember closes the door behind her.

“Why don’t you rest on the couch? We can take care of the dishes.”

“Thank you. But I’d still like to help if I can.”

Derpy walks over to him. “You can dry if you’d like.”

She hands Frank a dish towel as Arc turns on the water.

“Well, let’s get to it.”

Arc washes as Derpy rinses. She then gives the dishes to Frank who dries them and hands them off to Dinky to put away. Soon their task is complete. Derpy smiles.

“That went quicker than normal.”

Frank nods. “Many hands make light work, miss.”

Dinky grins. “And it’s more fun too!”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Ember walks in the front door.

“Coco Pommel says it’s just fine for Derpy to take a day or two off.”

Dink raises her hooves happily. “YAY!”

“She’ll also tell Cheerilee about Dinky’s absence.”

Derpy smiles at Ember. “Thank you for doing that, Ember.”

“No problem.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Can we head over to the ship now, dad?!”

“But we’re not leaving until tomorrow morning.”

“I know. But your ship is just the COOLEST!”

Arc sighs. “Well… let’s leave it up to Derpy.”

“It’s fine with me, Arc.”

Ember grins. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Alright. Shall we be off?”

Derpy nods. “Okay.”

They head for the door as Ember puts out the fireplace. Dinky follows closely behind her father excitedly.

“We’re going to have a blast!”

“Maybe tomorrow we will.”

Derpy looks to Dinky and giggles. “You need to get a good night’s sleep if you want to be rested, sweetie.”

Frank chuckles. “Early to bed, early to rise.”

Ember turns to Arc, mischievously. “Sure. As long as I’m going to bed early with Arc.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh boy…”

A short time later they arrive at The Equinox and walk up the gangplank. The door opens and they walk down the corridor. Arc leads the group to the VIP suites and opens the door.

“You can bunk here, Frank.”

“Thank you, my friend.”

He looks around the room, clearly impressed.

“Your princesses certainly spared no expense on these accommodations!”

“I suppose not. Now then, my room is down the corridor on the right side if you need me. But I am a bit wary to leave you alone right now.”

Ember turns to Arc. “I could stay with him.”

“Um… I suppose that’s fine. If it’s okay with Frank, that is.”

“Yes indeed. It will give us a chance to talk. But I assure you that’s all, my friend.”

Arc appears confused. “Sure.”

“Come on, dad! Let’s get to your room!”

Derpy shushes Dinky. “Patience, sweetie.”

Frank chuckles. “It looks like you’re wanted elsewhere.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. See you in the morning.”

Arc grins as he turns back to his family. “Good night you two.”

Ember steps into the room as Frank closes the door. She heads over to one of the beds and sits down.

“You mind if I take this one?”

“Very well. I suppose I should thank you for volunteering to keep me company.”

“Yeah well… Arc wouldn’t have much fun if he was worrying about your well-being.”

Frank hobbles over to other bed and sits down to face Ember.

“Are you certain that’s the only reason?”

Ember frowns. “No. To be completely honest, I don’t really trust you.”

“Oh? And why is that?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Arc and I have spent months investigating the Shards and fighting the efforts of your lieutenants.”

Frank chuckles. “I thought the Hero of Light and his companions were a bit more than just tenacious warriors.”

“We must’ve been quite the thorn in your backside.”

“Sometimes, yes. To tell you the truth, I’d taken to sleeping with one eye open.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “It wouldn’t have protected you from ME!”

Frank levitates his staff from across the room. “Maybe not back then. But I’ve grown since that time.”

Ember grins wickedly as she forcefully pulls the staff to herself with a Telekinesis Spell of her own. “That may be true. But remember this. My magic is strong enough to blast you from the other side of the land anytime!”

Frank lays down. “Perhaps so. But I have a habit of surprising those whom take me lightly.”

Ember frowns as she gets under her covers. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll be watching you VERY closely.”

Frank chuckles. “As will I.”

“You’ll be watching ME?!”

Frank nods. “That I will.”

“Why?!”

“You and Arc together accomplished great things back on Earth. I simply wish to observe how the two of you operate.”

“Is that all?”

“Not quite. I’d also like to know what my old friend has been up to in his absence.”

Ember rolls over and looks to Frank.

“You really want to know?”

“Certainly.”

“Fine. But it’s a really long story.”

Frank shrugs. “I have the time if you do.”

“Then lay back and listen. You’re not going to believe quite a bit of this.”

Frank chuckles. “If you recall, I just found out my friend has been living in a land filled with magical ponies for the past year and gained significant magical powers. That which I will believe has greatly expanded.”

“We’ll just have to see how much then. It all started…”

Ember talks long into the night as Frank listens intently.

Chapter 5 - Questions of Philosophy

Arc awakens early the next morning. He looks out the large window next to his bed at the dawn’s light before gazing down and smiling as Derpy and Dinky lay on either side of him happily. Smiling, Arc strokes their manes for a few moments before carefully Blinking out of bed. Looking back he makes sure his family is covered with a blanket before heading for the door.

“Rest well, you two. I’ll see you at breakfast.”

Slipping out quietly, Arc heads for the VIP suite. Opening the door silently he looks toward the beds. Frank and Ember are sleeping soundly. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Are you going to wake them?”

Arc shakes his head as he closes the door and heads down the corridor. “No. They should probably rest. After all, it’s not every day we can kick back and relax like this.”

“You should do the same, you know.”

“Huh? But I am.”

Cherry giggles. “You forget, I can see what you’re thinking.”

“Um…”

“I know you’re already planning your next move back on Earth.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, we have to be prepared.”

“That may be. But prepared for what? We don’t know what Diva or The Organization are up to, or why.”

Arc frowns. “Diva, or Sunset Shimmer if you prefer, just wants to put herself on top of the world. Nothing special there.”

“I don’t know about that. She was arrogant and brash, yes. However, she didn’t strike me as someone who has such small plans as world domination.”

“Taking over the world is a small matter to you?”

Cherry sighs. “I’m sorry. But when you can see things as I do, one world doesn’t seem like such a big place. While I know that sounds heartless, it’s just because I can’t think of any other way to put it into words.”

“If that’s the case, what do you think Diva’s up to then?”

“No clue. But I still believe there’s more to this than meets the eye.”

Arc sighs as he approaches the Main Hatch. “I hope you’re wrong.”

“So do I.”

He walks down the gangplank and across the landing pad before gazing at the sunrise for a moment.

“It’s just so peaceful.”

“Arc?”

Arc gestures with a wave of his hand. “Look around, Cherry. You’d never guess that this was the site of a battle not that long ago.”

“Bad times don’t last forever, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. But then again, neither do good times.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I mean… the days I’ve spent here in Equestria with Derpy and Dinky along with you and my friends have been the most amazing time of my life.”

“But…?”

“Eventually it’ll all end. Dinky will grow up and leave. My friends and I will grow old. And… eventually all of us will be gone.”

“Don’t give into discouragement, Arc. After all, when that time comes, we’ll all be together again.”

Arc smiles sadly. “That’s the only thing keeping me going.”

“But you’re not afraid?”

“Not of my own death, no.”

“Then what…?”

“The death of those I care about.”

Cherry sighs. “It comes for everypony eventually. While I never saw my own end coming, I still believe I lived a fulfilled life. But tell me something, Arc. You’re not staying the Hero of Light in an attempt to… die, are you?”

“No, Cherry. Quite the opposite actually. I do these things in an attempt to prevent others from dying. But if I should fall, I’ll do so knowing that they survived and that you’re waiting for me.”

“That’s a noble ideal. But don’t be in any rush to come to the end of your path.”

“I’m not. Right now I still feel like there’s so much left for me to do and experience.”

“Agreed. But let’s start by meeting up with Twilight, shall we?”

Cherry giggles. “Sure. We need to get moving anyways.”

Arc heads down the path toward Ponyville and the Golden Oaks Library at a brisk pace. Arriving at his destination he finds the front door ajar. Stepping inside, Arc sees Auriel walking up the basement stairs with a crate.

“Good morning, Auriel.”

Auriel yawns. “Morning? Already?”

“Um… can I assume you two were up all night?”

Auriel sighs. “I guess so.”

“Kinda expected that. And Twilight?”

Auriel looks over her shoulder and down the stairs. “She’s resting in the nursery.”

“What?”

“Twilight was tending to the plants earlier and sat down to rest. Next thing I knew, there was snoring coming from there.”

Arc sighs. “Well, at least she’ll be somewhat rested.”

“Probably a bit more then me. But in any case, I’ve gathered up everything we’ll need for this experiment.”

She gestures to three crates in the corner as she yawns again.

“Good. But you should probably take a load off for a bit.”

Auriel sighs as she walks over to the crates and sits down. “Maybe just a short rest. Would you mind fetching Twilight, please?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll… wait for you here.”

Arc nods and walks downstairs. Heading for the closet he finds Twilight curled up on the floor next to a watering can and her pruning shears. He walks over and kneels down beside her.

“Twilight?”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks up at him.

“Arc? What are you doing here?”

“I came to help you and Auriel carry your things to The Equinox. The experiment, remember?”

Twilight appears confused. “But you weren’t supposed to come until morning.”

“It is.”

“Oh. Did I fall asleep on the floor again?”

“Again?!”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Squee!”

Arc sighs as he helps her up.

“You can’t keep doing this, Twilight.”

“I know…”

“Do I have to come by every evening and order you to go to bed?”

Twilight sighs. “It might help. But I know you don’t have time.”

“Yeah, I really don’t. So please… try to take better care of yourself.”

Twilight nods as they leave the closet. “I’ll try.”

She points a hoof at a nearby lab table. What appears to be a mini keg sits in its center.

“This is the extract we’ll need for the experiment.”

Her horn aglow, Twilight moves to pick it up. She yawns, momentarily losing her concentration. The sound of the steel mini keg hitting the floor jolts her back to reality.

“Ack!”

“Twilight! You okay?!”

“Y-yes, I’m fine!”

She looks at the steel container and sighs.

“I… I think you should probably be the one to carry this.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Stooping down, Arc carefully picks up the drum and looks it over.

“It doesn’t appear to be any worse for wear.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I shudder to think of all our hard work spilling out all over the floor.”

The pair head for the stairs. Twilight looks to Arc.

“By the way. How did you get inside?”

“Auriel let me in.”

“Really? I would have thought she’d be in bed by now.”

Arc turns to her, confused. “But like I said, it’s morning.”

“Oh… that’s right. Sorry!”

Arc sighs as they climb the stairs.

“Well, I think you could learn from her in that regard. After all, I think she has enough sense to head to bed before…”

Arc and Twilight stop as they reach the main level. Auriel is sitting on a crate fast asleep as she leans against the wall. Twilight turns to Arc.

“You were saying?”

Arc sighs. “Never mind.”

He attempts to put the keg in his ring, but nothing happens.

“What the…?”

Twilight looks over to him. “Is something wrong?”

“The keg won’t fit in my ring.”

“That’s strange. Could it be full?”

“I wasn’t aware that was even possible.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Theoretically it HAS to have maximum capacity. But your ring’s upper limits are something of a mystery.”

“Well, I’ve stored quite a bit more in it than this in the past. Could I shrink it down?”

Twilight shakes her head. “That isn’t a good idea. The science behind this substance is still in its infancy. For all we know it may not react well to being compacted.”

“Alright. I guess we’ll just have to transport it, as-is.”

Carefully setting the mini keg on the floor, Arc walks over to Auriel and kneels down. Putting a hand on her shoulder her gently shakes her.

“Auriel?”

The young demoness does not stir. Twilight walks over and smiles at her.

“She works so hard. Too hard this time it would seem.”

“Just like you, huh Twilight?”

“I suppose so.”

Arc looks at the crates as he stands up. He walks over and shrinks them down with the Matter Compacting Spell before carefully putting them in his ring. Returning to Auriel’s side, he stoops down he carefully picks her up.

“I think I’ll just let her sleep.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. No reason to wake her needlessly. Um… she’s not too heavy for you, is she?”

Arc shakes his head as he calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “No. In fact, she’s a lot lighter than I thought she’d be. Uh… please don’t tell her I said that.”

Twilight smiles and nods as Arc carefully rolls the barrel toward the portal with his foot. The pair enter the swirling energies and find themselves in Arc’s quarters aboard The Equinox. With a quick movement of his head Arc motions for Twilight to silently follow him out the door. She turns to him as she closes the door behind them.

“Thanks again for doing this, Arc.”

“It’s no trouble.”

Twilight looks over her shoulder to his cabin door. “Um… did I see somepony in your bed back there?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Derpy and Dinky.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Ah!”

“Something wrong?”

“No, no! I was just a bit… um… never mind.”

“In any case, let’s get you and Auriel to bed.”

Twilight yawns. “That’s probably a good idea.”

Arc leads Twilight to another VIP suite. She opens the door as he carries Auriel inside and to one of the beds.

“There you go, Auriel.”

The young demoness rolls over contentedly, but otherwise does not stir. Arc turns back to Twilight.

“Get some sleep. I’ll head to the Bridge and tell the captain we’re ready for takeoff.”

Twilight yawns. “Thank you. That does sound nice.”

Arc heads for the door.

“And don’t worry about your equipment. I’ll see to it personally that it’s stored safely below deck.”

Twilight calls out after him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… um… never mind.”

“Oh… okay. Rest well.”

Twilight nods as Arc leaves the room. She lies down and sighs.

“I have to stop doing this. It’s not… he and Rarity… they’re…”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way to the Bridge. After informing the captain all are aboard, he stows the crates of gear and mini keg in the Cargo Hold before heading back toward his room. As he passes Frank and Ember’s room however the door opens and Frank hobbles out.

“Good morning, my friend.”

“Frank? You should be resting.”

“I’ve done enough resting for one lifetime these past few weeks.”

Arc turns to his friend as they walk slowly down the corridor. “You never were one for inactivity.”

“Same as you, I would imagine.”

“Kinda.”

Arc turns to his friend, soberly. “The difference would be the means by which we achieve our goals. Our methodology.”

“Perhaps.”

“There’s another way, Frank. It doesn’t have to be strongarm tactics.”

“That is correct. However, I don’t believe those at the bottom of the totem pole need to live in the muck and mire of the world their whole lives.”

“We do agree on that.”

“Then what is the problem, Arc?”

“Like I said… methodology.”

“Ember and I spoke about this at length last night.”

“I can imagine what about.”

“She told me all about your exploits in this land.”

Arc chuckles. “You were always the inquisitive one.”

“One doesn’t broaden their horizons by keeping themselves from the truth.”

“So you’re saying you believed her?”

Frank nods. “Yes. After all, she had nothing to gain by lying. But I must admit, it was quite the story.”

Arc sighs. “It has been quite the ride.”

“And that ride does not appear to be over.”

“Not by a long shot.”

Frank turns to him. “By the way… where are we going?”

“Someplace you can get a fresh perspective.”

They enter the spacious Observation Deck. Arc leads Frank over to a window and the pair look out over his base.

“Quite the facility!”

“That it is.”

“As is this vessel.”

“I suppose so.”

“Tell me something, my friend. When you were king, how did you resist the urge to use this land’s resources to their fullest potential?”

Arc frowns. “First of all I wasn’t the king, but the Lord Regent. Second, I don’t get your meaning.”

“Ember told me you were beset upon by the surrounding lands. The ponies of this country possess the gifts of flight and of magic. Had you and Ember combined your forces with those of the dragons, it is likely you could have easily crushed this land’s enemies under your proverbial boot. I’m asking why you chose not to bring about world peace.”

“You mean subjugation?”

“Perhaps we could compromise and call it ‘forceful diplomacy’.”

“Call it what you will.”

“You would have become a living legend, my friend! Either way, I’d honestly like to know.”

Arc looks out over Light’s Hope as the ship slowly takes off.

“Because doing so wouldn’t make me a legend. Just a tyrant.”

“A personal sacrifice I would have been willing to make for the greater good.”

Arc turns to Frank. “Did Ember tell you about what happened in Griffonstone?”

“Which part?”

“The political upheaval.”

“You’re referring to the rebels?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“She told me about their goals and their willingness to risk everything, even their very lives, to bring about peace.”

“Did she tell you what they did to their prisoners from the Aviary?”

“No.”

“During their attempted coup, one of the kidnapped nobles tried to make a run for it. They were shot by a crossbow in the back of the neck.”

Frank sighs. “Had they listened…”

“Don’t you see?! That incident was just role-reversal!”

“How so?”

“The nobles and council hold the citizens in a perpetual police state. They’re virtually prisoners in their own homes and lands. When the rebels took the nobles hostage, they merely became the jailers themselves. And when push came to shove, they were quick to kill any whom objected. If the rebels were to take over the Griffon Kingdom they would simply become just like the council and king they worked so hard to overthrow.”

The pair are silent for a time. Eventually Frank speaks.

“I respect your views in this matter, Arc. Truly I do. However, Ember also told me about what happened at your peace summit recently.”

“Which part are you referring to?”

“The battle.”

Arc grimaces. “Not the best time I’ve had.”

“According to her, your base was beset upon by a rebellious faction. The enemy attacked, and you raised the stakes. They saw your addition force and upped the ante to match.”

Arc sighs. “Yes.”

“While I approve of your peaceful methods, I am surprised that you chose to escalate the violence.”

“Honestly, I didn’t want to.”

“Oh?”

“But I knew if the Council of Shadows was victorious it would mean the death of the world leaders, save for Equestria’s. Their nations would certainly have retaliated and it would have plunged this entire world into war. The ensuing battles would turn the planet into a perpetual bloodbath for quite some time.”

“You seem quite sure of that.”

“Look at Earth’s history of war. Do you honestly think something like that couldn’t happen here?”

“An interesting concept.”

“I didn’t want to risk that. I couldn’t.”

“For your subjects, Lord Regent?”

“Yes. But also for Dinky.”

“The little pony?”

“My daughter. I don’t want her to inherit a land filled with death and suffering.”

Frank frowns. “Then why didn’t you go all-out during that battle? Supposedly you only raised the bar incrementally. Ember didn’t say anything about you calling for reinforcements from the capital.”

“If I had taken my battle strategy that route, I would have been no different than the Council of Shadows. Doing whatever was deemed necessary for victory. Willing to pay any price. Sacrifice anyone on the proverbial pyre they must to win.”

Arc points out over the horizon.

“Look out there, Frank. This is a lush and beautiful land, wouldn’t you agree?”

“That it is.”

“To save this world, the Council of Shadows would burn it all to the ground.”

Frank sighs. “Success at any cost.”

“Right. Now I ask you. What’s the point of a country achieving victory… if the citizens are all dead or scattered.”

Frank is silent for a time.

“I think… that this land is very fortunate to have a protector as selfless and dedicated as you are, my friend.”

“Thank you.”

“I just hope you’re right.”

Arc looks out over the land again. “So am I.”

“I am curious. When things were at their worst and all hope seemed lost, how did you keep going?”

“Well…”

The sound of hoofsteps coming down the corridor can be heard. Frank turns to Arc.

“It sounds like a few of your subjects are coming this way.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m not the Lord Regent right now, Frank.”

Frank shrugs. “Citizens then?”

“More so than that.”

Derpy and Dinky step through the doorway. Dinky runs over to her father and leaps into his arms for a hug.

“Good morning, dad!”

Arc grins as he returns the hug. “Good morning, sweetheart. Did you and your mother sleep well?”

“The best! But where did you go?”

“Sorry. I had to run to the Golden Oaks Library to help Twilight and Auriel.”

Derpy smiles as she walks over. “Your father said he was going to do that, remember sweetie?”

“I do now. But he didn’t come back to the room.”

Frank chuckles. “You can blame me for that, little one. I wanted to speak with him about some adult matters.”

Derpy appears nervous. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, Derpy. Everything’s fine.”

Dinky grins. “Good! How about we make breakfast together now?!”

Arc sniffs the air. “It smells like someone is already doing that, sweetheart. Would you like to help out?”

“I sure would! Let’s go!”

The trio heads for the door. Arc turns back to Frank as Derpy and Dinky head for the Cafeteria.

“You want to know what kept me going, Frank? Truth be told… fear.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “For someone as powerful as you, I wouldn’t have guessed that.”

“I was scared that Dinky would have to grow up without me in a land of chaos and strife. I’ll give it my all to see to it this land stays peaceful and safe for its citizens.”

“That may not be possible. After all, as I’m sure you understand there are many circumstances outside even your control.”

Arc sighs as they head for the door. “That there is. But my best is all I can give.”

Chapter 6 - Dinner Conversations

Later that day as the sun approaches the horizon The Equinox nears its destination. Auriel walks over to Arc as he works at the kitchen counter.

“The captain said we should be landing in an hour or so.”

Ember frowns. “Great. I always find our landings a bit… jarring.”

Dinky turns to look at her. “Why’s that, Miss Ember?”

“Probably because I’m not really in control.”

Derpy sighs. “I feel the same way, Ember. But that’s probably just the pegasus in me.”

Ember turns to Arc.

“What about you?”

Arc responds, but does not look up from his work. “Eh?”

“You’ve flown before. How’s The Equinox to you?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t have much memory of my past flights. Too much going on back then, Ember.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “You flew, my friend?”

“Twice, yes.”

Dinky grins with evident pride. “I remember you teaching Matron Tempest a lesson, dad!”

Derpy shudders. “I’m sure she hasn’t forgotten that.”

Frank turns to Ember.

“I believe you left that story out.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah, well… I wasn’t there for that one.”

Arc nods. “It ended well enough, I suppose. And Tempest isn’t terrorizing innocent foals anymore.”

Twilight frowns as she helps load a cart with plates. “True. But now she has her sights set on YOU!”

“Better me than them.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “If she comes back we’ll send her packing, right dad!”

Arc looks over at Dinky and smiles. “Sure, sweetheart.”

His earring chirps.

“Go ahead.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir. Moon Dancer has detected some rather strange readings coming from the Cargo Hold.”

“Any idea on the source?”

“She’s headed there now in an attempt to ascertain that.”

“I’ll join her.”

“Very well, sir. I’ll radio ahead for her to wait for you before proceeding.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

He turns to the others as he touches his earring.

“I need to go check on something in the Cargo Hold.”

Twilight looks confused. “Oh?”

“Something down there is causing some strange readings. I just want to help Moon Dancer get to the bottom of it.”

Auriel looks worried. “You don’t suppose it’ll damage our equipment, do you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it. Your things are secured in what I’m told is a shielded container.”

Ember frowns. “What about the essence?”

Twilight turns to Ember. “It’s contained in a specially designed keg that Auriel designed for transporting it.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, my tests have shown that the magically charged essence will be unable to permeate the… keg, as Twilight calls it.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I’ll go find out.”

Dinky calls out after her father. “Can I come too?”

Arc shakes his head as he calls out from the doorway. “No, Dinky. Stay here with your mother and finish making supper.”

“Aw…”

“Listen to your father, sweetie.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. It’s probably nothing.”

Frank turns to the others. “I’m rather skeptical about that. After all, the sensors are picking SOMETHING up.”

Auriel sighs. “That’s true. But if Arc isn’t worried about it, we shouldn’t be either.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way to the Lower Deck. Appearing on the teleporter pad he spots Moon Dancer waiting for him. She salutes.

“Hello, sir. I’m sorry you had to come all the way down here for this.”

“It’s fine. Now then, what seems to be the problem?”

Moon Dancer holds up a device in her hoof. “A short time ago I began picking up strange signals down here. Originally I thought it to be simply a glitch in our system.”

“Did you test the equipment?”

Moon Dancer nods. “Yes sir. Diagnostics show that my console is working as intended. However, these readings are very strange indeed.”

“Can you pinpoint where they’re coming from?”

“That’s just it, sir. They appear to be coming from the Cargo Hold itself.”

“I don’t understand. Isn’t that why we’re down here?”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “No, no. I mean, the readings show the hold itself is the source.”

“You mean the hull?”

“Truthfully, the entire Lower Deck, sir.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin and looks over to Twilight’s crates and keg.

“Has anything been added to our supplies down here other than that which I brought aboard?”

“According to our records, no.”

“So it has to be something Twilight brought along. Can you tell me if the readings are higher in one particular spot?”

“No, sir. Everything down here reads equally strange. Think of it like a thick mist of strange readings.”

“I’d like to propose an experiment. Tell me, do you have your comm link?”

Moon Dancer nods as she points to a small device behind her ear. “Yes sir.”

“Good.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.”

“We’re going to try something down here. Can you connect my earring to Moon Dancer’s comm link?”

“Yes sir. One moment…”

She pushes a few buttons before speaking again.

“Moon Dancer, radio test.”

Moon Dancer clears her throat. “Testing. Can you hear me, sir?”

“Yes. Now then…”

Arc walks over to the keg and picks it up. A moment later Arc Blinks. Moon Dancer gasps and looks around.

“Sir? Where did you…?”

“Check your readings.”

“Yes sir. Right away.”

She looks over the device in her hoof. Moon Dancer gives it a few taps with her hoof before responding.

“According to my portable scanner, the levels of… whatever I picked up are slowly dropping. I should probably double check my console back on the Bridge to verify these readings though.”

“Go ahead. Let me know the moment you know something though.”

Moon Dancer walks toward the teleporter pad. “Yes sir. It shouldn’t take but a few minutes to verify.”

She teleports back to the Bridge. Heading quickly to her console, she presses some buttons and looks over the readouts.

“Sir, my console confirms what my scanner indicated. The levels of the mysterious readings are dropping.”

“Good. Now I want you to scan aft of the ship’s current position.”

“Yes sir. What should my target be?”

“Can you lock onto my earring?”

“With Lemon Heart’s help, yes.”

“Do it.”

Moon Dancer turns to Lemon Hearts. “Did you catch that?”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Yes. Just give me a few seconds…”

She looks over her screen for a few moments before speaking.

“Lemon Hearts here, sir. Forgive me, but I think there may be a slight malfunction. My console shows you on the ground some distance behind us.”

“Your readings are correct.”

“Sir?”

“I Blinked down to ground level with that keg. What do your sensors show regarding those readings, Moon Dancer?”

“It appears you’re at the epicenter of them at the moment. However, the readings are much weaker than they were before for some reason.”

“Any idea why?”

Moon Dancer sighs. “I have to be honest with you, sir. Right now I don’t even understand what these readings are. Much less the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’.”

“Keep at it. In the meantime, what exactly should we do about this?”

Wrangler frowns. “It should probably be transported some other way. We don’t want the ship blowing up.”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “The readings didn’t indicate any threat to the ship. But they are still quite puzzling.”

Arc kneels down and picks the keg up. “Well, I can’t just leave it here. What do you think, captain?”

“This is your vessel, sir. If you and the Science Officer believe there is not imminent danger to the ship or its crew…”

Soarin shakes his head. “Sir, we can’t just dismiss those readings so casually!”

Thunderlane turns around. “Agreed, sir. I don’t like the thought of potentially piloting a floating bomb!”

Lemon Hearts grimaces. “What should we do, sir?”

Arc sighs. “Normally I would just put it in my ring for safekeeping. But past experiences have shown that isn’t going to work. Is there a possibility it’s reacting to me?”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “You weren’t anywhere near it when I picked up the readings, sir.”

Soarin turns to the captain. “Perhaps we should test that theory.”

“What did you have in mind, commander?”

“If some distance was put between the Hero of Light and that substance, we could potentially have our answer.”

Arc nods. “Alright, let’s try it.”

He sets the keg on the ground as he calls forth a gauntlet and creates a sigil. Stepping onto it and powering it up he reappears on the sigil in his quarters.

“What are you picking up now, Moon Dancer?”

“The readings are again on the rise.”

Arc nods. “One second.”

He powers up the sigil and returns to his place next to the keg.

“Levels dropping, sir.”

Lemon Hearts frowns. “This doesn’t make sense.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. But we can’t just leave it here.”

Tight Ship calls out. “It’s your choice, sir.”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“I guess I’ll just have to carry it with me. Someone’s going to have to keep an eye on those sensors though.”

Tight Ship nods. “We’ll take turns watching the monitor tonight, sir.”

“Good. Make sure it’s never left unattended.”

Soarin sighs. “Yes sir.”

Arc kneels down and pats the keg as he touches his earring and curst the feel.

“You’re an awful lot of work. I really hope Twilight’s idea pans out.”

Sometime later Arc re-enters the Kitchen. Dinky looks over to him.

“We’re almost done cooking, dad!”

Derpy nods. “Yes. I hope you’re…”

She looks at him, confused as Twilight raises an eyebrow.

“Arc? What are you doing with that?”

Arc shrugs as he holds the keg on his shoulder. “It would appear this was the source of the strange readings.”

Auriel shakes her head. “That’s impossible. The keg should be more than enough to contain the substance within.”

“Well, the instruments on the Bridge disagree.”

Ember points toward a porthole. “Well then, get rid of it!”

Twilight cries out. “NO!”

Auriel hurries over to Arc. “We need this!”

Arc nods. “Don’t worry, you two. I’m not disposing of this stuff.”

Dinky eyes the keg suspiciously. “Is it dangerous, dad?”

“Moon Dancer said the readings were strange. But not dangerous strange, I guess.”

Frank turns to Arc. “So… what now?”

“According to the instruments on the Bridge, if I keep this cask with me it… settles down.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “This is very confusing.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Tell me about it.”

Auriel looks the keg over. “This situation is most puzzling. The entire time Twilight and I were extracting this substance, we never once picked up anything other than latent magical energy.”

“The Bridge crew will monitor me and this keg. If anything strange happens they’ll notify me immediately.”

Dinky breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

Frank calls out from the oven. “Arc, it would appear both of the lasagnas are done. Shall I pull them out?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Using his magic, Frank carefully pulls the pans from the oven and sets one gently on the counter as the other lands neatly on the cart.

“There we are. They’ll take some time to cool.”

Twilight points a hoof to the dinner cart. “If you’d like, I can push this to the Bridge, Arc.”

“Fine. I’m sure the crew is as hungry as we are.”

Auriel walks over to her. “I’ll come with you, Twilight.”

Twilight nods. “Can you grab the pitcher of water from the refrigerator?”

“Sure.”

Retrieving the water, Auriel sets it on one on the cart’s shelves next to the glasses as the pair head for the door. Twilight looks back.

“We’ll be back in a bit.”

Ember grins. “Better hurry. We might eat this whole thing before you get back.”

Frank chuckles. “That would be quite the sight to behold.”

Derpy giggles. “Especially with how hot it is.”

Twilight and Auriel leave the Kitchen and proceed toward the teleporter pad.

“Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“What do you suppose the bridge crew picked up? I mean… it can’t be the essence… can it?”

Twilight shrugs. “Who knows? After all, we still don’t know everything about this new branch of science you’ve discovered. But that’s part of what makes this so interesting!”

Auriel sighs. “I suppose.”

“What’s wrong? I would have thought you’d be as excited as I am.”

“Well… I do like experimenting and new discoveries. But I’m a bit concerned after this revelation.”

“How so?”

“As you know, back in Tartarus my father had me building weapons in an effort to allow my kind to escape. My greatest fear wasn’t that my inventions would fail… but that they would succeed.”

“I think I understand what you mean. But what does this have to do with weapons?”

“What if this is dangerous? I mean… someone could find a way to weaponize my discovery!”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “Auriel, every aspect of science can theoretically be used to cause harm. Electricity that powers our homes can kill us. Fire that keeps us warm in winter can level a forest. Medicine administered in too high a dose can become poison. It’s all about the application and intensity.”

“But what if this doesn’t go as planned?! What if it hurts someone?! Arc would be very unhappy!”

“Auriel, Arc wouldn’t have agreed to this if he thought it would pose a danger to either of us or Equestria.”

“I suppose so. But… I just…”

“Auriel?”

Auriel sighs. “I just don’t want to let him down.”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “You won’t. But what’s this all of a sudden?”

“Arc believed in me when no one else in this land did. Even after I created the Malice Cannon and nearly breached the Gates of Tartarus with it.”

“That’s in the past, Auriel. You’ve proven to everypony that you’re not like those imprisoned in Tartarus.”

“Have I really, Twilight? Remember, not even the princesses wanted me in this land back then. When they said I should be returned home, Arc personally escorted me there. But when my father told me I was banished, he was also the one who saw to it I was cared for and housed until I met you. He… he willingly helped a demon like me. Anyone else would have probably just slit my throat and been done with it. To this day I don’t know why he gave me the chance.”

“I know why.”

“You do?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. You were an alien in our land back then. But so was Arc when he arrived. He knew just how hard it was for you to be here. That and he told me how you helped him escape with the Malice Cannon’s power source.”

Auriel sighs. “Yes. I knew that the Bloodstone would be nothing but trouble the moment I lay eyes on it.”

“Is that why you escaped with it? To protect Equestria?”

“Partially, yes. The other part was to protect my father.”

“King Malevolence?”

Auriel nods. “Had the Bloodstone remained in Tartarus the Malice Cannon could have theoretically been rebuilt and fired. That most certainly would have led to all-out war between demons and ponies.”

“Yes. Your father would have certainly led the demons to destroy everything.”

“He would have tried to anyways.”

Twilight shudders. “Considering what I’ve seen of his forces, I think he would have done more than just try.”

“Yes, well… you’re forgetting Equestria’s own secret weapon, Twilight.”

“Secret weapon?”

Auriel nods. “The Hero of Light. Do you really think Arc would have let your citizens be butchered without a fight?”

“Certainly not. But I don’t believe he has the strength to take on your father.”

“Maybe not. But I’d wager he would have found a way to stop him.”

She stops and looks out the window at the picturesque landscape before them and sighs.

“Both sides would have taken heavy casualties. No one would have won.”

“I’m glad it didn’t come to that.”

“So am I. But who’s to say it will never happen?”

“The extract?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. There’s a chance it could be weaponized by the demons. Not much of one without me there, but still worth noting.”

“So we shouldn’t do this?”

“Part of me believes that.”

“And the other?”

“My people deserve a chance at something better. They need hope. Without it they’ll go mad. Such would be a fate worse than death.”

Twilight looks to Auriel. “Then let’s give it to them.”

“Give? Give them what?”

“A chance at something better.”

Chapter 7 - Whispers in the Dark

Arc and company sit in the Observation Deck. Frank turns to Arc.

“That was quite the meal, my friend.”

Ember burps. “Yeah. Who knew noodles, tomato sauce, and vegetables could be so tasty?”

Dinky giggles. “My dad can make anything taste good!”

Derpy smiles. “That he can.”

“Thanks everyone. I’m glad you liked it.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “The crew wanted me to pass on their thanks as well.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, they seemed most grateful for the meal.”

Arc looks outside at the sunset. “It’s nice to cook for friends.”

Ember grins. “You’ve always liked helping others, Arc.”

Frank turns to his friend. “That is true. But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“Dad?”

“I just… like to make others smile, that’s all.”

Frank nods soberly as Arc turns to Twilight.

“What’s the plan for tomorrow?”

“Well, we need to wait until the sun’s up, of course. But that’s just so everyone can get a good night’s sleep.”

Auriel looks away sheepishly. “Us included.”

Twilight nods. “That and it wouldn’t do to have us setting up in the dark.”

“Right. Twilight and I will take care of everything on that end. After all, every detail has to be checked and rechecked if we’re going to get proper data from this test.”

Twilight giggles. “I estimate we’ll have everything set up in time for lunch.”

Ember grins. “So we can be out of here before evening?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Sadly, no.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “The device will take several hours to charge up the essence to its final state.”

Arc nods. “Will it resemble Rose’s heart?”

“No. It’ll be MUCH more intense!”

Frank appears confused. “Rose? That young woman back at your house, Arc?”

“Yes. Like I said before, she isn’t what she appears.

Twilight nods. “That’s right. Truth be told, she’s not even human.”

Auriel sighs. “Twilight built her for Arc. She’s actually an android.”

Frank sighs. “Yes, Arc did mention that.”

Arc clears his throat loudly as he turns to Twilight. “Getting back on topic, what should we do while the essence goes through its… uh… process?”

“Auriel and I will watch the gauges constantly. While the computer will automatically record the data, we’ll still need to make minor adjustments during that phase.”

Ember frowns. “But after it forms into an artificial sun, then what?”

Auriel grins. “Then it will be stable.”

Twilight nods. “Right. As stable as Rose’s own heart.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Will it be safe for us to watch from the Observation Deck, Twilight?”

“Yes. Unlike the real sun, ours won’t cause damage to your eyes by looking at it. That is, as long as we keep the power levels low.”

Frank turns to Auriel. “It sounds like you two have thought this matter through.”

“We’ve done our best.”

Arc nods as he stands. “I’m sure you have. Now then, we should all get some rest soon. Big day tomorrow.”

The group heads back to their quarters and part ways. Arc turns to Derpy and Dinky.

“You two can sleep in my bed.”

Derpy looks to him, confused. “But what about you?”

“I… think I’ll head to the Mid Deck and just rest on a bunk there.”

He nods to the cask on his shoulder.

“After all, I don’t really want anyone nearby in case something happens to this thing.”

“But dad…!”

“Don’t argue with me, Dinky.”

Dinky looks sadly down at the floor. “…okay.”

Arc kneels down and puts a hand under her small chin.

“Sorry, sweetheart. I just don’t want you or your mother getting hurt.”

The pair nod silently as Arc stands up.

“I’ll see you two in the morning.”

“Good night, Arc.”

“Night dad.”

Arc turns and walks down the corridor with the essence. Derpy and Dinky enter his room and head for the bed. Climbing into it they lie down. Derpy shuts off the light and sighs as Dinky looks over to her.

“Mom?”

“Yes, Dinky?”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“This… just doesn’t feel right.”

“What do you mean?”

Dinky sighs. “Lying here without dad. This room just feels so empty when he’s not with us.”

Derpy pats Dinky’s head. “I know, sweetie. But your father has his reasons for wanting to be alone right now.”

Dinky nods sadly as she turns away. “Yeah. But that doesn’t make this any easier.

Derpy smiles and puts a hoof on Dinky’s back.

“Think about it this way, sweetie. I sure this isn’t any easier for your father.”

“Huh?”

“After all, he was hoping to spend time with us on this trip. But now he’s too busy taking care of supplies.”

“I… hadn’t thought of it that way before.”

“Your father and I love you very much. We both want to be with you whenever possible.”

Dinky rolls back over. “And I want the same, mom!”

“I know. But as I’m sure you know that isn’t always possible.”

“We should do something special for dad. After all, he’s always giving it his best.”

“What did you have in mind, sweetie?”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way to the Mid Deck. Walking into one of the large rooms filled with bunk beds he sits down on one and sets the cask down on the floor. Sighing, he stares at it for a time.

“I don’t like this.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc?”

“Being alone.”

“You’ve become a much more sociable human.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Admittedly I’ve come a long way since that day Derpy and I napped on her couch.”

“Oh?”

“She was the first mare I slept with.”

He blushes slightly.

“That… came out wrong.”

Cherry giggles. “Don’t worry. I know what you meant. But now you’ve gotten used to sleeping with others.”

“Yeah. It’s… nice to hold someone as I fall asleep. Not to mention waking up next to someone I care about.”

“Are you sure that’s it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Rarity.”

“Oh.”

They are silent for a time.

“You’ve started making plans.”

“Kinda.”

“Kinda?! Arc, I’m literally in your head!”

Arc smiles. “Okay. Yes, I’d… be very happy with her. At least I think I would be.”

“But…?”

“I need to get to know her better. And Sweetie Belle too. That is, I want her to get to know me.”

“That’s only logical.”

“After all, if I’m going to become her father she’ll need to approve of me.”

“What do you mean?”

Arc sighs. “Rarity told me that Sweetie Belle wants her to find someone special. While I’d like to be that someone, I’m not so sure she’s thought this matter through entirely.”

“And you want to make sure this is really what she wants before you pursue this course?”

“Right. If it isn’t what’s best, all of us will be miserable.”

Cherry giggles. “You’re a really special human, Arc.”

“Thanks, Cherry.”

“No, I mean it. You’re more concerned with Sweetie Belle’s feelings than your own in this matter. Not a lot of stallions would go that far to protect the feelings of a foal that isn’t theirs.”

Arc smiles. “She’s a really nice filly. That and she reminds me of Rarity so much. Just a smaller version.”

“I can see that.”

“It would be nice for Dinky to have a sister too.”

“They certainly do get along well.”

“But I’m still not sure what to do about all of this.”

“You mean Derpy?”

“I… yeah.”

“You should probably talk to her before making any long-term plans with Rarity, Arc. She deserves that much.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, you’re right. I need to do that. And soon.”

“Agreed. But for now you need to rest. See you soon?”

Arc smiles as he lays back on the pillow. “Yeah. Be right there.”

Closing his eyes Arc drifts off to sleep. A few moments later he arrives in his Sanctuary.

“Uh… this is new.”

Looking around Arc sees the house and the orchard. However the land itself is dim.

“Gotta find Cherry!”

Running toward the house he sees a single light coming from the doorway.

“Please be okay!”

Bursting through the door Arc hurries inside. He spots several logs burning in the fireplace.

“CHERRY!”

There is no response to his calls. Arc searches the house but finds no sign of her.

“ARGH! Where could she be?!”

The sound of strong gusts of wind outside brings Arc back to his senses.

“What the…?”

A low rumble in the distance and several flashes of lightning cut through the air. Arc hurries to the large Living Room window and looks out as he muses to himself.

“Who is DOING this?!”

The wind blows again stronger than before. However this time there are strange voices on it. Arc calls out again.

“Cherry?! Is that you?!”

As he says this the floorboards beneath him start to shake violently.

“Now an earthquake?! Have I completely lost control here?!”

The quake intensifies, throwing Arc to the floor. However as quickly the abnormalities started, they cease. Standing up, Arc looks all around.

“Cherry? Did… did you do that?”

The air is silent, save for a small squeaking sound on the front of the house. Walking cautiously toward the front door Arc puts his hand on the knob and slowly turns it. Stepping out onto the porch he sees the cherry trees bending under a relentlessly strong wind. Limbs break off and are carried away into the distance. Rain pours and lightning flashes all around the house. However the air surrounding Arc and the porch is calm with not a drop of rain to be seen on any of the floorboards. Suddenly a familiar voice rings out next to him.

“Quite the display, wouldn’t you agree?”

Turning to the porch swing Arc spots Wiseman swinging ever so slightly as he watches the storm’s relentless assault on the land surrounding the house. Arc clenches a fist angrily as he speaks.

“What are you DOING?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “Just sitting here, observing.”

“Yeah, I can see that! Observing the destruction of my Sanctuary, you mean!”

“This is not my doing.”

“Really?! You expect me to believe that?!”

“Think what you will, Arc. However, there is something you need to hear.”

Arc frowns. “What is it this time?”

“A bit of helpful advice from the old to the young.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Great.”

Wiseman clears his throat. “The blind cannot see that which is right in front of them. The deaf cannot hear even though others speak. However, the wise will find a way to see and hear that which they must comprehend.”

“Um… what?”

“That is my message.”

“You must really be getting on in years. You’re ‘advice’ has gone from cryptic to just plain bizarre.”

“Or one might say your perception of my words is lacking.”

“Oh, I heard you just fine. Now where’s Cherry?!”

“Still in your head.”

“Cherry! Can you hear me?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “She cannot.”

“But you JUST said…!”

“…that she’s still in your head. However that refers to your physical head in the real world.”

“Um… okay. That almost makes sense. But why isn’t she here?”

“Because she’s being blocked.”

“What?! By who?!”

Wiseman gestures to the violent storm.

“Someone whom is trying to send you a message, I would assume.”

Arc clenches a fist as he holds it up. “I got a message of my own!”

Wiseman shakes his head. “Oh? And how were you planning on sending said message?”

“Fists or magic! Both are pretty effective!”

“Do what you will. However, know that Cherry is still safe and sound back in the real world.”

Arc turns away angrily. “That’s the only thing holding me back right now.”

“Not the fact you don’t have a target to aim your aggression toward?”

“I suppose that too.”

“Now then, if you want this to end well, you must remember my words of wisdom. Ignore them at your own peril.”

He looks out at the wind and rain as both intensify.

“You should head back now. There’s nothing more you can do from here.”

“Head back and do WHAT?!”

“Accomplish your goal. Help Auriel make her dream a reality. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I really hate you.”

Wiseman shrugs. “Think what you will of me. But know that I will continue down my path as you walk your own.”

“Any chance that path will lead you away from me?”

“Unlikely.”

Arc frowns as he turns to look out at the scene before him. “Great.”

“We all have our roles to play in this life. Everyone… and every…. thing.”

Arc turns back to Wiseman, but finds he has vanished.

“And again he’s gone. Great. Although admittedly I’m glad to be rid of him.”

He looks back toward the house as unintelligible whispers fill his ears.

“What the…?! Who’s there?!”

Straining to hear, Arc is unable to make out any discernable message.

“I know I’m hearing something. But what?”

He stops and thinks for a moment.

“The deaf cannot hear even though others speak, huh? Well, I’m certainly not deaf. But I also can’t make out what the heck those voices are saying. What am I supposed to do about this?!”

Sighing, Arc opens a portal.

“In any case… nothing more to be done here.”

Stepping through, Arc opens his eyes and finds himself back on the bunk. He sits up quickly and summarily bangs his head on the bunk above him. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc?! Are you alright?! What happened?!”

Arc grimaces as he rubs his forehead. “Our Sanctuary is… a bit different right now.”

“It must be fairly extreme. I couldn’t piggyback like I normally do.”

“Yeah. Can you describe what happened from your point of view?”

“Well, normally I ride your consciousness to the Sanctuary. However this time something pushed us apart. Luckily not between here and there though. So what’s going on?”

“I wish I knew. There was a terrible storm raging over there.”

“Oh? How bad of one?”

Arc grimaces. “The kind that would normally make you head to the basement.”

“Are you alright?!”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Sorry, Arc. You must’ve been rather lonely there.”

“Not… exactly. Wiseman showed up.”

Cherry gasps. “Wait! IN the Sanctuary?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“How did he get there?!”

“No clue. I’m the only one whom should be able to freely travel there. And I certainly didn’t let HIM in.”

“What did he want?”

“More cryptic messages.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods. “He said, ‘The blind cannot see that which is right in front of them. The deaf cannot hear even though others speak. However, the wise will find a way to see and hear that which they must comprehend.’ As usual I have no idea what he’s talking about.”

“Me either. It just sounds like gibberish.”

“Well, part of what he said did come true… sort of.”

“Which part?”

“The part about ‘The deaf cannot hear even though others speak.’ Before coming back I thought I heard voices.”

“Anypony in particular?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Just voices in general. It kinda reminded me of assemblies back in grade school.”

“Assemblies?”

“Where all the kids would be in the auditorium talking at once. You couldn’t make out what anyone in particular was saying.”

“You need to tell somepony about this, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose. But who?”

“Um… Sunburst?”

“Not really sure how I’d word that. But he did tell me once that Realm Magic is rather under studied, as only magic users of great power can actually use it. And I guess they’re a bit too busy to write any books on it, or let others study them.”

“Well, maybe you could be the first.”

“Huh?”

“To write about Realm Magic. Like you said, nopony’s written a book about it yet.”

“Well… I suppose I could add that to the list of things I’m going to do when I retire. But right now I really want to figure this out.”

“Could the problems in the Sanctuary be caused by somepony nearby?”

“Like outside interference?”

“Exactly.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure. From what Luna told me, part of it is the magical aptitude of the user. The other, their mental state.”

“Are you okay? I mean, is something bothering you, Arc?”

“Nah. Which doesn’t help us get any closer to figuring this out, I know. But let’s check into that outside interference idea though.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

“Commander Soarin here, sir.”

“Tell me, have there been any strange readings since we last spoke?”

“No sir. In fact, the readings have gone down to almost nothing these past few hours.”

“I see. Keep a sharp eye on those instruments and report any changes to me immediately.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and severs the connection as he sighs

“Great. We got nothing.”

“Well… could it have just been a fluke?”

“You mean an accident?”

“Yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. After all, I’m always in control of my realm. But admittedly it was rather disconcerting to see Cherry Hill Ranch in that state, and not be able to do anything about it.”

“Do you suppose that’s how Princess Luna felt when she and Princess Cadance were trapped in the Lunar Realm?”

“Probably a bit scarier for them, as they couldn’t leave. But I had no trouble opening an exit portal.”

“Well, I don’t suppose there’s anything that can be done about it tonight. Why don’t you try to get some more sleep, Arc?”

Arc sighs as he stands. “I don’t think that’s an option right now, Cherry. Everything’s so… jumbled in my mind right now.”

He reaches down and picks up the keg.

“I think I’ll take a walk. Check in on Derpy and Dinky.”

Cherry calls out to him as he heads for the door.

“Worried about them?”

“I know they’re fine, but… I just want to see that with my own eyes.”

Leaving the room, Arc walks past the Teleporter Pad and heads for the stairs. Taking them to the Upper Deck he walks down the corridor to his quarters. Quietly opening the door he peeks inside. Derpy and Dinky lie on the bed fast asleep. Smiling, Arc closes the door and breathes a sigh of relief.

“Looks like they’re sleeping peacefully.”

“That’s good.”

Arc turns to walk down the corridor. As he does so he sees someone looking out a window at the moon. Approaching them he spots Frank’s familiar staff.

“You’re up late.”

Frank nods. “I… couldn’t sleep.”

“Nightmares?”

“Kinda. Just… anxious about my boys. And you?”

“It’s… complicated.”

They look out the window together silently for a time. Eventually Arc speaks.

“So what else is bothering you?”

“Eh?”

“Frank, we’ve known each other for quite some time. It’s obvious when you’re hiding something.”

Frank sighs. “I just feel like I’m wasting time here.”

Arc nods. “You mean just sitting around when you could be organizing, plotting, or scheming?”

“To put it negatively, yes.”

“I know how you feel.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I’ve been going pretty much non-stop since I arrived in this land. While I’ve tried to take a break a few times, work always seems to find me.”

Frank sighs. “I used to have that problem.”

“What was the solution?”

“Little things, actually. As you know, I can’t really go on vacation. So instead I make it a point to have some wind-down time every evening. Reading a book, watching an episode of a favorite television show, stretching exercises… anything to put my mind at ease. If only just for a half hour or so.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t even have that. Although I’d love to.”

“What’s so important? You’re obviously driving yourself toward some goal.”

“I… I’m looking for someone.”

“Like you said on the news?”

“You saw that, huh?”

Frank nods. “Yes. I happened to be watching that night. Tell me, who exactly are you looking for?”

“Frank, I… I can’t really talk about it.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“It’s a matter of national security. Top secret stuff.”

Frank chuckles. “Come now. Who would I tell?”

Arc looks back out the window. “Maybe another time.”

“When you’re ready I’d like to hear what you’ve been up to this past year or so.”

“I thought Ember brought you up to speed on that.”

“She did. But I’d like to hear it from your point of view. I’m sure she left out a few things, after all.”

“Y-yeah.”

Frank chuckles. “From what she described, it sounds like much of what you’ve accomplished has been rather dangerous.”

“That it has. But fortunately most of my exploits have ended in a positive light.”

“But not always.”

“No.”

Frank chuckles. “Remember this, my friend. No one is perfect. You, like everyone else, are allowed to make mistakes.”

Arc sighs. “Well, the stakes are a bit higher than you know.”

“I’m sure they are. But if what Ember told me was true, you’ve handled everything like a true hero.”

“Not… everything.”

“Oh? Something she left out?”

Arc nods. “Kinda, yeah. Frank… I think you and I need to have a long talk when there’s more time.”

“I’m not doing anything right now.”

“Well… now’s not a good time for me. I need to think over a few things.”

Frank nods. “I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.”

“Thanks. But I think both of us should get back to bed.”

“Agreed. I’ll head back to my room in a few minutes.”

Arc nods, picks up the keg, and heads down the corridor. Frank sighs and looks out the window at the full moon before him.

“We’ve always been honest with one another, Arc. I know you’re hiding something from me. Something… very serious.”

Chapter 8 - Setting Up

Arc and company rise early. They meet in the Cafeteria for breakfast. Ember yawns.

“Did we have to get up THIS early?”

Arc chuckles. “You didn’t, no.”

Frank turns to her. “My apologies for waking you upon my return last night, Ember.”

“Yeah, well… night time is for sleeping. Not skulking around the ship.”

Arc frowns. “Come now, Ember. There isn’t much trouble he could get into around here.”

Derpy and Dinky step out of the Kitchen with several platters of pancakes, eggs, and toast. They set them in the center of the table.

“Here we go, everypony.”

“Eat up before it gets cold!”

Arc grins. “Great! I’m starving!”

Twilight sips a cup of coffee. “It smells wonderful, you two. Thanks for doing all this.”

Derpy giggles. “It’s my job at the orphanage. Truthfully, I feel a little strange if I don’t cook in the morning now.”

“Yeah, mom. That and it’s just so much fun!”

Auriel turns to her friend. “We should endeavor to eat our fill and get to work quickly, Twilight.”

“Right. There’s a lot to do before dark.”

Dinky frowns. “Dark?”

Auriel nods. “We need to assemble the machine and charge it up before dark tonight.”

Twilight shrugs. “That’s just as well. The artificial sun would be too bright to look at with the real sun overhead.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “That and if the final phase completes after dark we’ll get better visual data as well.”

Arc chuckles as he puts several pancakes on Dinky’s plate. “Are you sure you two don’t just want to stare at your creation?”

Twilight nods. “Partially, yes. But we want to make sure the essence properly disperses over the entire sphere.”

Auriel giggles. “It wouldn’t do to have one side brighter than the other, after all.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Couldn’t you just… I don’t know… turn it if that happens?”

“We could. But that would also be a sign that it was potentially unstable.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed. Symmetry is key for this plan to work.”

Arc turns to the pair. “Anything we can do to help?”

Derpy smiles. “We’ll lend a hoof too.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Other than helping us move the crates outside, not much.”

Auriel looks around. “That reminds me. Where’s the essence?”

Arc points down. “Right here.”

Ember looks under the table. “You’re sitting on it?!”

“At least I’m keeping it close.”

Frank frowns. “And the Bridge is okay with that?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, there’s not much they can do, other than monitor it.”

Dinky grins proudly. “Right! My dad’s in charge here!”

“Yes, well… I contacted them at first light to inquire about the status of my cargo.”

Ember frowns. “And…?”

“They report that there’s been no spikes since I started babysitting it.”

Twilight looks to Arc sheepishly. “We’re sorry for all the trouble.”

“It wasn’t too bad. After all, it just meant I had to keep it close. Not something I’d call more than a minor nuisance.”

Auriel smiles at him. “In any case, we thank you for your help.”

The group finishes their meal. Derpy and Dinky gather up the dirty dishes as Ember walks toward the door with the cart.

“I’ll be back to help you with the dishes after I deliver breakfast to the crew, Derpy.”

“Thank you, Ember.”

Dinky giggles. “We’ll be waiting!”

Ember leaves as Arc turns to Twilight and Auriel.

“Can I help you unload those crates?”

“It would probably be best if you just stayed with the essence for now, Arc.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed. We can’t have it becoming unstable again.”

Frank turns to Twilight. “I’m curious. Assuming this plan works, and you do create this artificial sun, what’s to stop it from becoming unstable when Arc leaves?”

“Because it’ll be completely self-sustaining at that point.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Right. The process we’re planning to put it through will chemically change the essence into something else entirely. It’s final form will be completely inert.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, that’s a relief. I was afraid I’d have to become the new sun’s guardian.”

Twilight frowns. “Not happening. You’re needed back in Ponyville.”

Arc bends down and picks up the keg.

“Agreed. Now why don’t we find a suitable place for you to set up your equipment outside, Twilight?”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

Arc leaves the Cafeteria with the others. Dinky peeks out the Kitchen door and frowns.

“I have a bad feeling about this.”

Derpy looks over from the sink.

“What was that, sweetie?”

Dinky closes the door and walks over to her mother. “This whole thing has me worried, mom.”

“Worried?”

“Yeah. I mean… nopony’s ever tried anything like this before. It’s dangerous!”

“I’m sure Twilight and Auriel have done their very best to make this as safe as possible.”

Dinky sighs. “Yes, well… their best may not be enough.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the others step outside and walk down the gangplank. They look around a few moments. Twilight points a hoof to a small canyon nearby.

“How about over there?”

Arc turns to look. “Near that hole?”

“I was actually thinking inside it.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “An artificial sun… underground?”

Twilight shrugs. “Well, if something were to go wrong…”

Arc interrupts her. “Woah there! What could go wrong?!”

“Any number of things really. That’s why we wanted an out of the way testing site.”

Auriel nods. “Should something unexpected happen Twilight and I would be the only casualties. Any explosion would be directed upward.”

Arc frowns. “Well, I like the idea of being able to make a quick retreat. Down there you two would be trapped.”

He looks around until he spots a nearby plateau.

“What about that?”

Frank shakes his head. “Would that not also limit the chances of escape? Being so high up, that is.”

“I see it more like a limitless number of escape options, Frank. Should something happen all you have to do is run to the edge and slide down.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “That and any blast would be directed over our heads.”

Auriel nods. “It’s a sound plan.”

Arc gestures to the ship. “That and The Equinox would be far enough away to stay safe while still being close enough to render aid if needed.”

Frank turns to Arc. “The only problem would be getting the equipment up there. Unless we can fly overhead and lower it down.”

“We could, yes. But I’d rather just Blink it all up there.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here.”

“We’ve decided on a site for the experiment. That plateau nearby will be ground zero for the artificial sun.”

Tight Ship calls out. “Can we be of assistance, sir?”

“Just keep monitoring the essence in my possession for now. My friends and I will get to work soon moving the equipment over there.”

Soarin clears his throat. “Shall we send over Chief Engineer Stellar Flare to assist Miss Twilight and Miss Auriel in the setup?”

Arc looks to Twilight.

“No thank you. Auriel and I would like to do this ourselves.”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary, commander. But we’ll call her when the test is about to commence later today.”

Auriel appears confused. “Arc?”

“I want her on hand just in case.”

Soarin nods. “Very well, sir. We’ll be here to lend aid should you need it.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

He touches the earring and severs the connection before looking to the keg at his feet.

“You hear that? In no time at all you’ll be a shining light of hope. At least if this works you will be.”

Twilight smiles. “It will. Of that I’m certain.”

Auriel nods nervously. “I sure hope so.”

Twilight and Auriel get to work. With Ember’s help they remove the crates from the Cargo Hold. Arc holds out a hand and carefully levitates the crates one by one up to Twilight on the plateau. She takes them with her magic as they approach.

“Got it!”

Auriel looks over. “That was the last one.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Now then, let’s get to work.”

“What about the essence?”

Twilight shrugs. “We won’t actually need it for quite some time.”

“No, no. I mean how will we get it up here?”

“Oh! Um… I’m not fully sure.”

She looks over the edge and shouts down at the others below.

“We’ve got everything we need! But we’re not sure how we can get the essence up here!”

Arc calls out to them. “I’ll figure that part out by lunch time! You two just work on getting your machine assembled and ready!”

“Okay! It’s going to take a few hours though!”

Arc nods as Twilight turns and walks toward the crates. Auriel follows her.

“Let’s get to it.”

“Do you really think this will work, Twilight?”

“Of course. Arc hasn’t let anypony down yet.”

“I mean the artificial sun.”

“Oh. Well, it works on paper. But I suppose nothing quite takes the place of a good old-fashioned field test.”

Auriel looks around. “Especially when it’s done in a literal field.”

Twilight giggles. “That too!”

Meanwhile, Ember turns to Arc. A skeptical look on her face.

“So how were you planning to get that thing up there? Climb?”

“As a last resort, yes. But I think something will come to me by the time it’s needed.”

Ember sighs. “I suppose that’s true. But what should we do in the meantime?”

“Well…”

Dinky runs out the Main Hatch and down the gangplank. She hurries over to her father levitating a ball.

“Wanna play, dad?!”

“Sure. Twilight’s not going to need our help for quite some time, after all. We just have to stay near this thing.”

Ember turns to Frank as Arc and Dinky bounce the ball off the keg to each other.

“I guess you and I should work on your magic.”

“Might as well.”

The pair return to their room and sit down. Frank reaches for the book on his end table and opens it.

“Hm… it would appear magic is simpler than I originally thought.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “The first steps of anything are simple. Trust me, the later lessons will be MUCH harder.”

“Oh? Like what?”

Ember counts on her claws as she speaks. “Energy shields, fireballs, advanced telekinesis, strength enhancement… that sort of thing.”

“Then I guess I’d better get started.”

He begins to read.

“Chapter one… welcome to the wonderful world of magic. You may have noticed certain strange feelings inside you. Some of them have felt good. While others may have frightened you.”

He looks up skeptically.

“Are you sure this is a book about magic? It reads more like a lesson in the birds and the bees.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Trust me. This is where Arc started his own magical journey. Just keep reading.”

“Each unicorn has a distinct aura that they can call forth to cast spells. Doing so allows them to tap into their mana pool.”

Ember nods. “Think of a mana pool like your energy. Don’t use it all up unless you want someone to have to drag you to bed.”

“The size of a unicorn’s magic pool is determined by many factors. General intelligence, their family line, and how often the use their magic.”

“To cast more complex spells you’ll need to increase your mana pool, as they’re much more taxing physically and mentally.”

Frank looks over to her. “So to become a better caster I need to do what?”

“Practice your spells. Think of it like exercising your body. Use your muscles and they’ll grow stronger. It’s the same for magic.”

“And that’s how Arc became so powerful?”

Ember nods. “Yes. As he mastered spells he learned new ones to practice. Before long he had quite the repertoire of magic at his disposal.”

“And he did all that in a year?!”

Ember sighs. “Admittedly, it doesn’t usually come to someone that fast. Remember his friend Twilight? She’s been actively studying magic pretty much her whole life. About six months ago he surpassed her abilities.”

“Impressive.”

“Don’t get the wrong idea now. Arc’s exceptionally gifted in the speed by which he can master spells.”

“It looks like the first one listed is something called a Light Spell.”

Ember nods. “A useful spell for those whom can’t see in the dark. Just follow the directions in the book and…”

A small flicker of light dances in Frank’s palm.

“Like this?”

“Um… yeah. Try putting a bit more mana into it to it increase the intensity to something brighter than a candle.”

Frank does so and the light dances cheerfully in his palm.

“Should I make the spell bigger?”

Ember shakes her head. “More compact actually works better. In terms of magic, bigger generally equals unstable.”

“Like carrying something heavy and bulky?”

Ember nods. “Right. If you can’t get your aura all the way around something, the spell becomes unstable and collapses.”

“Is that… dangerous?”

“Not usually, no. At least not for most utility spells like that. Let me show you something.”

Ember casts a fireball in her palm.

“I can easily control this spell. Now watch as it gets bigger.”

Slowly but surely the fireball grows in size and intensity as Ember continues talking.

“This spell has a lot more mana in it now than it did when first cast. But as you can see, I’m having trouble holding it together.”

“Those ripples near the top?”

“Right. Any bigger and this spell would collapse, spilling magical fire everywhere.”

“I shall endeavor not to start a fire aboard Arc’s ship.”

Ember nods as she extinguishes the fireball. “Good idea.”

“What happened to the mana in that spell?”

“You mean since I didn’t throw the fireball?”

“Yes.”

“Canceling a spell can be done by reabsorbing the mana back into your body. Think of it like casting in reverse. The catch is I don’t get all the mana back. Some of it was consumed to keep the fireball active in my palm.”

“Makes sense. Now I’m almost afraid to ask this, but… what happens if you use too much magic?”

“Your mana pool falls to dangerously low levels and you’ll feel faint. If you continue casting you’ll pass out.”

“I’ll try not to do that then.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yeah, well… that never stopped Arc.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve had to drag him to bed several times in the past. Definitely not his finest moments.”

Frank turns back to the table of contents. “Ah yes. There’s a chapter on magical overexertion. It says the best treatment for such a thing is a good night’s sleep.”

Ember nods. “Arc was always fine the next morning, yes.”

“I’ll be sure to watch my mana levels.”

“Good idea. If you start feeling weak, stop practicing.”

“Sound advice. Let’s see here… the next spell is telekinesis. I already know that one.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “That may be. But have you mastered it?”

Frank shrugs. “What’s there to master? You pick something up, move it, and set them down. Simple.”

“Show me.”

Frank turns to Ember’s pillow sitting on the bed next to her. He casts the spell and picks it up. It rolls a few times before landing neatly back in its place.

“Very good. Now let me show you how it’s really done.”

Looking to Frank’s bed she reaches out a claw and concentrates. Frank along with his entire bed lifts off the floor about a foot and hovers there. Ember holds it there for a few seconds before lowering the bed and releasing it with a bit of a grunt.

“That’s… how it’s done.”

“Are you alright?”

“Dragon Magic… isn’t very good for spells like that. But I’ll be fine.”

Frank sighs. “All of this is still very new to me. Tell me something. Is this how you felt when you came to my world?”

“Kinda. But remember, I didn’t come alone.”

“Arc’s followers?”

“His squad actually. They’re known as Lunar Protectors. His personal honor guards. That and there was Sereb, his mount. But it was Arc’s presence that really assured me that everything would be fine. That I wasn’t alone there. Even if I was the only dragon on Earth.”

Frank chuckles. “I wouldn’t have thought a strong young dragon would have needed emotional support.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Say that again!”

“Back to reading.”

“Hey! I’m not done…!”

Frank interrupts her. “Did you know magic can be used to make plants grow faster?”

“I…! What?”

Frank chuckles as he buries his nose in the book yet again.

“All too easy.”

Chapter 9 - Two Experiments

Arc and Dinky finish their game of catch. Derpy waves them over as she flies out the Main Hatch with a tray in her hooves.

“Why don’t you two take a break and have a snack?”

Arc grins as he walks over. “Sounds good to me.”

Dinky nods as she follows at her father’s heels. “Yeah! I’m hungry!”

Derpy giggles as she sets the tray down on the grass. “Even after such a large breakfast, sweetie?”

“I’m a growing filly!”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “I think she’s got you, Derpy.”

“That she does!”

They sit down on the grass. Derpy pours cups of tea and passes them to Arc and Dinky before taking one herself.

“So how’s school going, Dinky?”

“Really well, dad!”

Derpy nods. “That it is. Miss Cheerilee said as much at conferences.”

Arc sighs. “I, uh… sorry.”

“Arc?”

He takes Dinky’s small hoof.

“I just wanted to apologize for… missing your parent/teacher conferences.”

“Dad, I understand you’re really busy on Earth. It’s okay. Really!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it’s not, sweetheart. You deserve better than that.”

“But mom was there.”

“And I’m glad she was. But I should have been there too.”

He sighs.

“Look, I… I just want you two to know that after I bring Princess Celestia back to Equestria, I’m going to retire.”

Derpy gasps. “What?!”

“Why, dad?!”

Arc smiles at Dinky. “Because you deserve a full-time father, sweetheart. Not one that’s always trapesing around the world. Or worlds, as the case may be.”

“But don’t you like being the Hero of Light, Arc?”

Arc nods. “I do, yes. But I love our daughter more.”

“Th-thanks, dad. I love you too. But I don’t want you to give up helping others for my sake.”

“I won’t, sweetheart.”

Derpy appears confused. “Arc?”

“I’ll still help others locally. That way I can be there when you get home every day, cook supper together with your mother, and tuck you in at night.”

“That would be awesome, dad! But… um…”

Arc looks confused. “Something wrong?”

“It’s just… I don’t know if you’d be happy with a life like that. It sounds kinda… boring to me.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, sweetheart. The greatest adventure of my life will be watching your grow up.”

Dinky hops into his lap and puts her small hooves around him.

“Thanks, dad. But do one thing for me?”

“What is it?”

Dinky smiles as she looks up into Arc’s face. “Just do what makes you happy, okay?”

Arc puts his arms around her. “I will, sweetheart. Promise.”

Derpy nods. “I know you’ll do the right thing for our daughter, Arc. Thank you for being there for her and I.”

She joins the pair in a hug. After a time Arc looks up the plateau.

“I wonder if Twilight and Auriel would like a snack.”

“Want me to ask them?”

“Sure, Derpy.”

“Okay. Be right back.”

Spreading her wings Derpy takes off and flies to the top of the plateau. She finds the pair hard at work.

“Twilight? Arc wanted to know if you’d like a bit of a morning snack.”

“No, thank you. We’re alright.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed. Thank you for the offer though.”

“Everything going all right up here?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. We’re right on schedule to have this put together by lunchtime.”

Derpy turns around. “I’ll let you get back to it then. But don’t work too hard.”

She flaps her wings and descends. Auriel turns to Twilight.

“You think Arc sent her up here to check up on us?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I doubt it. After all, he could have just as easily Blinked himself up to do that.”

“Do you suppose that’s what he’ll do to get the essence up here?”

Twilight frowns. “That might not be a good idea. After all, it seems to resist magical energies.”

“I wonder why.”

“No idea. But that’s certainly something we should test later.”

“Agreed.”

Meanwhile, Derpy returns to Arc and Dinky.

“They’re not interested in eating right now.”

Arc frowns. “Oh? That’s not like Twilight.”

“I think they’re just really focused at the moment.”

“What should we do now, dad?”

Cherry calls out to them. “How about cloud watching?”

Arc grins. “That’s a great idea, Cherry.”

Derpy appears confused. “What’s cloud watching, Arc?”

“I’ll show you. Just follow my lead.”

He flops down on his back in the grass. Derpy and Dinky do the same.

“What now, dad?”

Arc points up at a large cloud.

“What does that look like to you, sweetheart?”

“Um… a cloud?”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin. “I think it’s more like a bowl of salad.”

Arc grins. “Well, I see a hot fudge sundae.”

Dinky squints. “Where?”

Arc laughs. “It’s a game, Dinky. There are no right or wrong answers. All you have to do is look up at the clouds and use your imagination.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin for a moment.

“Well, I guess to me it does kinda look like dad’s hair when he wakes up.”

Derpy giggles. “Now that you mention it, I see that too.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like you two are getting into it.”

“This is kinda fun, dad!”

Derpy nods. “I’ll say.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s certainly a nice little diversion.”

“Yeah. That and a good way to spend time together. But what do YOU think that cloud looks like, Cherry?”

“Honestly?”

“Always.”

“The top of a cherry tree.”

They all enjoy a good laugh as they continue their game. As the sun rises higher in the sky Auriel flies down from the plateau and over to Arc.

“Twilight wanted me to tell you the machine is assembled and awaiting the essence.”

Arc stands up. “Alright. Tell her I’ll bring it up there momentarily.”

“Sure. See you in a bit.”

Auriel spreads her wings and takes flight as Arc turns back to Derpy and Dinky.

“Why don’t you two head to the Cafeteria? I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”

“Okay. Come along, Dinky.”

“Don’t be late, dad.”

Arc chuckles as the pair head for the gangplank. “Come on, Dinky. When have I ever been late for a meal?”

Derpy and Dinky laugh as they enter the ship. Meanwhile Auriel lands next to Twilight.

“Arc says he’s going to bring the essence up soon.”

Twilight nods as she looks over her control panel. “Does he need any help?”

“He didn’t ask for any, so I just guessed he had it figured out.”

Twilight looks up, confused. “Wait! He didn’t tell you what he has planned?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. But I’m sure he’s come up with the solution, and will be implementing his well thought out plan shortly.”

Suddenly Arc Blinks up onto the plateau. Twilight looks over to him.

“Arc? Where’s the…?”

Looking up, Arc stretches out his arms and catches the keg before walking over to the pair.

“He you go.”

Auriel gasps. “How did…? Arc, did you have Ember THROW that up to you?!”

Twilight frowns. “All things considered, that was pretty dangerous.”

Arc shakes his head. “In reality, I threw it to myself.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “What?! How?!”

Cherry giggles. “It’s true.”

Arc sets the keg down. “Easy. I just threw it as hard as I could and then Blinked up here to catch it. Great plan, eh?”

Twilight turns to Auriel.

“You were saying?”

Auriel sighs. “Well, he did get it up here. Maybe not the best way, but it is here.”

Arc grins. “Yup. So do you want me to help put it in the machine?”

Twilight waves her hooves in front of her face as she shakes her head. “No, no! Auriel and I will do that!”

Auriel stoops down and picks up the keg. “Thank you for your assistance, Arc.”

“No problem. So… what happens now?”

Twilight points to a panel as Auriel approaches it.

“We pour in the essence and the machine begins the process of altering it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Altering?”

Auriel looks over as she pours. “Super compressing it in a very specific way.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Like we said before, everything needs to be perfect.”

“Well, you two ready for lunch? Nothing to do while you wait, right?”

Auriel turns back to the control panel. “Someone should watch the gauges. It’s unlikely anything could go wrong at this point, but we shouldn’t take this lightly.”

Twilight nods. “Agreed. Why don’t you head inside, Auriel? I can take the first watch.”

“I could. But I’d rather keep an eye on this too.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Would you like Arc and I to bring you two something?”

Twilight nods. “Oh, would you? That would be great!”

“Sure. I’ll be right back.”

Arc Blinks back onto The Equinox’s deck before heading inside the ship. Auriel turns to Twilight.

“This should be a pretty uneventful process.”

“In theory, yes. But I don’t want to miss even a second!”

Auriel giggles. “I know what you mean. We’ve worked so hard to get to this point, after all.”

Arc returns a few minutes later and walks over to the pair. They appear confused as Twilight speaks.

“Um… I thought you were going to bring lunch.”

“Oh, I was. But then the others came up with a better idea.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll see, Auriel.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. A few moments later Derpy and Dinky step out with a dinner cart. Ember and Frank follow with a stack of plates and a jug of water. Twilight gasps.

“What’s all this?”

Derpy smiles at her. “We didn’t want you two to have to eat out here by yourselves.”

Dinky grins. “So we thought we’d all join you!”

Frank looks at the sky. “May as well. It’s too nice a day to stay inside.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah. That and Frank needed a break from studying.”

Arc turns to Frank as he helps Dinky set out the picnic blanket. “Hard at it, eh?”

Frank nods. “You could say that.”

Twilight and Auriel lend their aid. Soon the food is set out and served. Auriel sits on the now empty keg and watches the instruments as Twilight eats.

“I’ll hurry so you can have lunch, Auriel.”

“Thank you, but please don’t eat too quickly. It’s bad for your digestive tract.”

Dinky turns to Ember.

“So you’re helping my dad’s friend learn magic, Miss Ember?”

“Yeah. And he needs all the help he can get.”

Frank sighs. “While not completely inaccurate, I am grateful for her assistance nonetheless.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Thanks for suggesting that book. Truth be told, I had forgotten I even had it.”

“You’re welcome.”

Frank clears his throat. “Let me show you what I’ve learned.”

He stretches out a hand and casts a Telekinesis Spell. Lifting the water jug he carefully refills Twilight’s glass before setting it back in its place.

“There you are.”

Auriel smiles. “Impressive!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Not really. Even a foal could do that.”

She turns to Dinky.

“No offense.”

Dinky giggles. “None taken.”

Derpy turns to Frank. “Is that spell hard?”

“While it is easy to cast, it’s quite hard to be precise.”

Dinky grins. “He’s right. While it looks easy, manipulating an object you’re already levitating does take a bit of concentration.”

Twilight nods. “It’s like multi-tasking. Tricky to get everything right.”

Frank turns to Arc. “Ember tells me you’re quite the caster in your own right, my friend.”

“I suppose so.”

Auriel grins. “Your powers are quite impressive, Arc.”

Twilight nods affectionately. “Yes. I’ve never heard of somepony learning such skills so fast!”

Derpy giggles. “Dinky might be a close second.”

“I take after my dad.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence everyone. But it’s nothing anyone couldn’t accomplish given enough study.”

Twilight shakes her head. “I have to disagree. Remember, I’ve been studying magic my whole life!”

Ember nods. “That and you even took lessons from Celestia herself.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes, well…”

Frank attempts to push the conversation forward. “Tell us, Arc. How did you get so adept at this metaphysical power?”

“Like I said before. Practice, practice, practice.”

Frank frowns. “There has to be more to it than that.”

Ember looks at Frank suspiciously. “Why are you so interested in magical speed learning all of a sudden?!”

“Frank’s always been a quick study. Wanting to understand the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of knowledge. But I get the feeling there’s more to it this time around.”

“All I want to do is use what I learn here to further the Shard’s goals.”

Auriel looks confused. “Goals?”

“Making Earth a better place.”

Dinky turns to him. “Like my dad?”

Ember frowns. “Not quite!”

“While it’s true my methods are a bit more… extreme than Arc approves of, I assure you that I am fully willing to do what is necessary to…”

Ember brandishes her claws. “To what?! Conquer the world?!”

Frank shakes his head. “Nothing quite so grandiose in the beginning.”

Auriel tilts her head to one side. “Can you elaborate?”

“Certainly. First I’ll take control of Angel Grove and implement my policies of fairness and equality for all. Then, after I’ve proven my ideals work to the surrounding towns, they’ll likely join us. This will start a domino effect, eventually covering the state. From there it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the country cries out to their leaders to concede. If all goes well, I’m hoping to privatize world peace.”

Derpy appears confused. “Privatize… what?”

“The governments of my world have failed the citizens. All desire to live in peace in their lands. However, those in power care nothing for the plight of the common citizen.”

Ember shakes her head. “That’s not going to work.”

“Oh? And why not, Ember?”

“Because I’m going to stop you HERE AND NOW!”

She lunges toward Frank but finds herself knocked aside as something hits her. Attempting to get to her feet Ember finds herself being held down by Arc himself.

“Let me up! We have to stop him from conquering your world!”

“Calm down, Ember.”

“Calm down? CALM DOWN?! Your entire race could be enslaved AND YOU WANT ME TO CALM DOWN?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Trust me on this as you have in the past.”

Ember clenches a fist as she silently nods. Frank smirks as Arc lets her up. The pair return to their spots.

“So, are you interested in helping me reach this goal, Arc?”

“No, Frank.”

“Really? Might I ask why not?”

“Because you’ve failed to take into account one very important detail.”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“The Hero of Light.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! You don’t think he’d let you do that?!”

“I do actually.”

Derpy turns to Frank. “How do you figure that?”

“Easy. Arc saw Ember about to harm me, and he didn’t allow it. He could never raise a hand against a friend.”

Frank turns to Arc and smiles.

“That’s why you left the Shards instead of challenging my leadership, wasn’t it?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Frank puts his hands together. “Then it’s settled.”

“Not quite.”

Frank rolls his eyes. “Let me guess. You’d try to talk me out of it?”

“Yes.”

“That didn’t work last time.”

“True. But I’m not the same guy you knew back then.”

Frank chuckles. “Some things never change, my friend.”

Arc smirks. “That may be. But I’ve learned a lot since coming to Equestria about friendship, magic, and what is needed to defend it.”

“Simple words do not will battles.”

“No. But they are part of the equation.”

“And the other part?

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out the Spear of Righteousness. Pointing it across the blanket at Frank he frowns.

“The willingness to take up arms for what one believes in.”

Frank puts his hand on the spearhead. “I have a gang whom follows me unquestioningly.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I have a warship.”

He turns and gestures to The Equinox before continuing.

“Oh… and a COUNTRY behind me!”

Ember grins. “Make that TWO countries! Three if you include Sereb’s tribe!”

Arc nods. “You really want to go this route, Frank?”

“I don’t believe you have it in you to oppose me, Arc.”

Arc shrugs as he puts his spear away. “Then try it and see what happens.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Arc’s tougher than you know! He did what needed to be done as Lord Regent, after all!”

Dinky nods approvingly. “Yeah! No matter what happened, my dad never gave up! Not even on a newborn filly!”

Derpy smiles. “That’s right. Not even a friendless, pregnant nopony like me.”

Twilight sighs. “Or a mare whom really messed things up… numerous times.”

Auriel looks down at her claws. “And a scientist whom had given the other demons the means to invade this land.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Right. He stuck by me in Tartarus even before he knew my name.”

“I’ve seen a lot since coming here, Frank, and I now know I can’t let my emotions cloud my judgment. While it may be hard to do so, I’ll do what’s best for everyone regardless of my own feelings.”

Frank chuckles. “You’ve come a long way since we stood side by side with the Shards, my friend. I’m very proud of you.”

“And you’ve come a long way since aging out of the orphanage. But we went in two different directions for a reason.”

Frank nods. “I suppose we’ll have to agree to disagree on that matter.”

Ember scoffs. “You can.”

Arc turns back to his meal. “In any case, let’s just enjoy the day and this meal. Then you and I can practice together.”

Twilight appears nervous. “Um… aren’t you worried your friend might do something bad with his magical abilities, Arc?”

“No.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Really? Might I ask why?”

“Because I’m hoping I can show you what I learned in this land about peace and how to obtain it, Frank.”

“I’m looking forward to that, my friend.”

Arc nods. “So am I.”

“You’re not serious, are you?!”

“Yes, Twilight. Think of it like a science experiment in diplomacy. I have my hypothesis laid out and will now observe as we continue.”

Auriel frowns. “This doesn’t sound like a very good idea.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Agreed.”

Derpy turns to the others. “I have faith in Arc’s decision.”

“My dad knows what he’s doing.”

Arc turns to Twilight.

“It looks like we’re evenly split on this matter. What do you think?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin and thinks for a few moments before responding.

“I think… that it’s very unwise. But I’ve learned to trust you. Arc. Even when the logical part of my brain says not to. After all, that’s a major part of friendship.”

Frank turns to Twilight. “Oh?”

“A lesson that took me quite some time to learn. Trust my friends, listen to them, and respect their opinions.”

“What about…?”

Twilight stands and moves to take over for Auriel.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there are no ‘what ifs’ in friendship.”

Chapter 10 - Biology and Botany

Arc and company lie on their backs looking up at the sky as the sun begins to set. Arc sighs contentedly.

“I gotta say, it’s really peaceful out here.”

“Yeah, dad. Like that time we went camping at the Winsome Falls.”

Derpy giggles. “We’ll have to do that again.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Ember frowns. “Fine. But I’m coming along next time.”

Frank looks over to her and chuckles. “Afraid you’ll miss all the fun?”

“No. But the last time Arc went off on a trip, he ended up running into Tempest!”

Twilight shudders. “That mare freaks me out!”

Frank rolls his eyes. “Come on, now. She can’t be all that bad.”

Auriel grimaces. “I’m with Twilight on this one. After all, she can’t be killed.”

Frank chuckles. “Are you saying your illustrious Hero of Light can’t put a spear through a single mare?”

“Oh, I have.”

Frank looks to Arc. “Then what’s the problem?”

“She just regenerates and comes at me again.”

“I don’t understand. Is it some kind of magical spell she uses?”

Auriel sighs. “Something similar to that. She and her ilk use Dark Magic.”

Arc nods. “It’s about as bad as it sounds.”

Frank thinks for a moment. “Can anyone…?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Don’t even go there, Frank!”

Auriel shudders. “Yes. Remember, I’m a demon and even I don’t want anything to do with that stuff.”

Frank shakes his head. “But by your own admission with that kind of power, one could easily be unstoppable!”

Dinky frowns. “Yeah? But don’t forget the tradeoff.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods soberly. “You’d have to make some kind of deal with The Dark One to gain the kind of power Tempest wields.”

“What kind of deal?”

“Oh, nothing much. Just put your soul up for collateral and he’ll go for it.”

Frank chuckles as Arc remains sober.

“You’re serious?”

Arc nods. “Very.”

Derpy winces. “Yes. She attacked Arc at his party a while back.”

Dinky frowns. “Her and that scary looking friend of hers!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “The next time her and I meet…!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Stay away from her, Ember. What goes on is between her and me.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s knee. “Please don’t try to take her on alone. As it stands, you’re no match for her. Not without a solid plan and a way to stop her permanently.”

Auriel nods as she looks over at the control panel. “Agreed. But it looks like we’re almost ready to begin phase two, Twilight.”

Derpy turns to Twilight. “Phase… two?”

Twilight nods as she walks over to Auriel. “Right. The essence has gone through the process of being energized by our equipment and is now ready to be ignited.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Like a candle?”

Auriel smiles at the filly. “Very close, dear. Hitting the essence with our magic should be enough to start a chain reaction that will allow the artificial sun to start ‘burning’. Figuratively, of couse. It won’t put off heat.”

Twilight sighs. “It’ll take several hours before it’s at primary operating phase though.”

Arc looks to Auriel. “Several hours, huh? Why so long?”

“Think of it like setting up a campfire. First there’s the kindling. Dry twigs and leaves mostly. Then you have larger branches stacked against them. Finally, surrounding the branches you have your logs.”

Twilight nods. “Exactly. The logs won’t ignite initially. But lighting the kindling will start the process on its path.”

Frank nods, clearly fascinated. “This sounds very interesting. When will you begin?”

Auriel turns to her friend. “As soon as Twilight presses the button.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Auriel. This was your idea along with your invention. You should have that honor.”

Auriel smiles and nods. “Thank you, Twilight. To tell you the truth, this is the first time I’m actually looking forward to one of my inventions working.”

She turns to Arc.

“May we begin?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Go ahead.”

Opening a covered panel, a single red button stand behind it. Taking a deep breath and grinning Auriel presses it. The machine begins to hum as she looks over the gauges and starts pressing buttons.

“Okay. Opening the shielding array.”

Ember frowns. “The what?”

Twilight points with a hoof. “That spherical barrier. We didn’t want the essence to be exposed to dirt and grime while it was forming.”

The cover slides off the essence, which has hardened into a large round solid mass. Several emitters activate and begin shooting lasers at the bottom of the sphere. It begins to glow warmly in the stillness of the evening. Derpy turns to Auriel.

“Uh… is it safe to be this close?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. The chemical reaction is quite slow. We’re in no danger.”

Several minutes pass. Ember taps her foot impatiently.

“Um… should something be happening?”

Twilight frowns. “Energy dispersion should be cascading all across the surface. Auriel?”

“Our emitters must not be strong enough. They were meant to be the spark that starts the reaction.”

Frank nods. “So you need a bigger spark?”

Dinky grins. “What if my dad were to blast it with his magic?”

“I can if you want me to.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That wouldn’t work, Arc. As capable a magic user as you are, even you don’t have enough power to accomplish this.”

Auriel sighs. “It’s also worth pointing out that this will require very focused magical energy.

Ember frowns. “Which we’re lacking?”

Twilight nods. “Right. Maybe Chief Engineer Stellar Flare has something we can use to draw power from the ship.”

“I would imagine so, yes.”

Auriel looks over. “Our emitters are already at 100% capacity. Adding more energy would only destroy them.”

“What should we do, dad?”

Arc thinks for a moment before turning to Auriel.

“What if instead of those smaller emitters, we used a single larger one?”

“That would probably work, yes.”

Twilight sighs. “But we didn’t bring anything like that with us.”

“The Equinox has the ORB system. Wrangler could probably tune the beam to be very precise.”

Derpy winces. “Would that be safe?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not really. If we put too much into the blast our artificial sun won’t be able to take the strain and would burst!”

Twilight gasps. “All the work that went into growing the plants, harvesting the essence, and purifying it would be lost!”

Arc frowns. “Is there a way to make sure that doesn’t happen?”

Auriel nods. “I could stay here and try to compensate with our own emitters to counter The Equinox’s blast should it be too much. It’s a job for two though”

Twilight trots over. “I’ll help.”

Derpy shakes her head. “But aren’t your lives worth more than an experiment?!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah, Miss Twilight! You and Miss Auriel can’t take that risk!”

Twilight turns to Arc. “I’m willing to try this. After all, if things work out, the demons of Tartarus will finally be able to grow something.”

Arc frowns. “I’m not going to put you two in harm’s way over this. There has to be another, safer way to accomplish this.”

Derpy looks to Auriel. “Yes. I’m sure the demon king wouldn’t want either of you to die for this.”

Frank walks over.

“Very impressive.”

Auriel looks confused at the compliment. “Huh?”

“Both of you are willing to risk everything to accomplish your goal. I’m humbled by your dedication.”

He turns to Arc.

“You should let them continue the experiment as they see fit. After all, they’re both very dedicated to see it through.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not happening.”

Derpy shrugs. “Well, how about trying something different then?”

Twilight sighs. “I don’t see what else could accomplish this. Our emitters are too small. Yet The Equinox’s cannons are far too big and powerful.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “How about a compromise?”

Auriel looks confused. “Huh?”

“Think about it. All of us here, with the exception of Derpy, can use magic in one form or another. With mine and Ember’s Dragon Magic, Dinky and Twilight’s Unicorn Magic, and Auriel’s Demon Magic we should be able to channel enough magical energy into this thing to start the reaction.”

He turns to Twilight and Auriel.

“How safe would that be?”

Twilight nods. “Very. At least with someone watching the control panel, that is.”

Arc looks to his friend. “What about Derpy?”

“What? Me?! But I don’t know how this thing works!”

Auriel turns to her. “All you have to do is watch the internal pressure. I can show you where the cutoff point is.”

Twilight nods. “That and we could do it from a safe distance too. Assuming we all focus our efforts on the same spot, that is.”

Frank puts a hand to his chin. “Focused magical energy from numerous sources, eh? Sounds similar to daisy-chaining batteries.”

Auriel grins. “It just might work.”

Dinky turns to Twilight, nervously. “And if it’s not enough?”

“Then nothing will happen.”

Arc frowns. “You’re sure?”

“Completely.”

“Well… I guess we’ve got nothing to lose by trying, right?”

Auriel nods. “Right. And everything to gain if it works.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. Twilight, show Derpy what she needs to look out for. Ember you’re with me. Twilight, you join Dinky. Auriel…

Frank interrupts him. “…will be with me, right?”

“Uh… I was trying to group magic users with the same type of powers. Apples to apples. Not really sure if there’s such a thing as magical incompatibility.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Then why are you and Ember together?”

“Because my power is Dragon Magic, not Unicorn Magic.”

Frank looks confused. “Which is mine then?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Um… that’s actually a good question.”

Arc sighs. “Yes. One that we’ll have to save for another day.”

He turns to Auriel.

“Can you lend your Dark Magic to this?”

“I can try, yes. But I was never very good at it.”

Derpy smiles nervously. “Every little bit helps right now.”

Twilight nods. “Agreed.”

Arc looks to his friend, concerned. “Auriel? Is something wrong?”

“Kinda. I… think I’d rather just watch the monitor with Derpy.”

“If that’s what you want we won’t try to force you.”

Auriel smiles. “Thank you.”

She makes her way to Derpy’s side and looks over the panel.

“Everything is ready when you are, Twilight.”

Twilight nods and takes a deep breath. “Okay, everypony. Focus your magic on this spot.”

A stream of magical energy flows from Twilight’s horn. It lands near the base of the sphere. Dinky begins casting as Arc turns to Ember.

“You and me next.”

“Let’s do it!”

Arc and Ember focus their energies on the spot with the unicorns. Arc turns to Auriel.

“How’s it looking?”

“It’s working. The external temperature at the focal point is rising steadily.”

Dinky giggles. “So keep at it then?”

Twilight smiles. “Right!”

A few minutes later Auriel frowns.

“The temperature appears to have leveled off. Increase output everyone.”

The four slowly do so. Ember grunts.

“This… is almost my limit!”

Dinky squeaks. “Mine too!”

Arc turns to Twilight. “How are you doing?”

“I can go further. Auriel?”

“Do so very slowly.”

Twilight does so. Auriel shakes her head as Twilight begins to strain.

“No increase.”

Arc calls out. “I can put more into my spell.”

Derpy turns to him. “What about your crystals, Arc?”

“I could do that. Twilight?”

Twilight strains. “Don’t! That would make our efforts lopsided! It’s just too powerful!”

Auriel sighs. “Nothing good comes from unbalanced magical output, Arc. Don’t do any more than you currently are.”

“Okay. But what now?”

Frank puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder.

“I believe your friends need you right now.”

“I… but what if I can’t do it? In truth, my powers are quite weak compared to the others.”

“Everyone needs to pull their weight right now. Even if it’s only a fraction of a percent increase, every little bit helps.”

Twilight grins. “You can do it, Auriel! We only need a bit more!”

Derpy looks up at Auriel. “We all believe in you. But you need to believe in yourself too. Arc taught me that.”

Auriel sighs and looks toward the others.

“But… I…”

Arc calls out to her. “You can do it, Auriel. I know you can.”

She takes a deep breath and steps forward. Channeling her own magic Auriel slowly increases the intensity. Twilight calls out to Derpy.

“How’s that?!”

Derpy shakes her head. “Need just a wee bit more!”

Dinky grunts. “Come on, everypony! We can do it!”

Arc nods. “Right! Give it everything you have!”

Ember’s claw shakes as she casts. “We’re so close!”

Auriel frowns. “But we don’t have anything more to give!”

She suddenly feels a hand on her shoulder. Auriel turns to see Frank standing behind her.

“Let’s finish this.”

He raises a hand toward the target. As Frank lends his own power to the experiment, Derpy looks over to the others.

“It’s rising! In a few more seconds it’ll be done!”

Derpy watches the display intently. The bottom of the sphere begins to flare lightly as Twilight grins.

“I think we’ve got it! Derpy?”

“There we go! It’s enough!”

Auriel gasps. “Everyone stop channeling and get back!”

They do so. The sphere flickers as a soft glow begins to branch out from the bottom upward. Auriel turns to Frank, beaming.

“Thank you, sir!”

“Whatever for?”

“For giving me the confidence to do that.”

Frank chuckles. “I didn’t do a thing. The courage to try was inside you the entire time. You just had to step forward.”

Twilight nods. “He’s right. You were able to conquer your fear of failing, after all.”

Arc kneels down and puts a hand on Dinky’s shoulder. “I knew we could do it.”

“Right! Cooperation gets the job done every time!”

Derpy giggles as she walks over to the pair. “I wish I could’ve helped out.”

Ember joins them. “You did. Someone had to watch the monitors.”

Auriel turns to the sphere. She suddenly frowns.

“Something… something isn’t right here.”

Arc turns to her. “Auriel?”

“Twilight, what do you think?”

“It physically looks all right. What seems off?”

“I don’t know. Think of it like scientific intuition.”

Twilight heads for the controls.

“Well, let’s see what the instruments say.”

Together they look over the readings carefully. Eventually Twilight looks up.

“Everything looks good on this end.”

Auriel sighs. “Maybe I was just…”

Dinky pricks up her ears. “Hey! Does anypony else hear that?”

Derpy walks over to her daughter. “Hear what, sweetie?”

“Um… voices of some kind.”

Arc frowns. “Voices?!”

He quickly calls forth Eidolon’s Ward as he turns to the others.

“Everyone get behind me!”

They do so as Ember rushes to Arc’s side. Her own armor materializes as she does so.

“What is it?!”

Arc grimaces. “I can hear those voices too!”

“Are you sure?”

Frank frowns. “Yes, Arc. I hear nothing of the sort.”

Twilight shrugs. “Neither do I.”

Derpy looks down at her daughter. “Dinky? What do you hear?”

“Whispers. Kinda like when Miss Cheerilee leaves the classroom for a few minutes. Dad?”

“I heard something similar last night in my Sanctuary. But the voices were MUCH louder back then.”

Auriel looks all around. “Where could they be coming from?”

“No clue. But Wiseman warned me about… something.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Wiseman?”

“He said ‘The blind cannot see that which is right in front of them. The deaf cannot hear even though others speak. However, the wise will find a way to see and hear that which they must comprehend’. No idea what it means though”

Twilight frowns. “So… is everypony other than you and Dinky supposed to be the deaf ones?”

Arc shrugs. “I guess.”

Derpy looks toward the sphere. “What about the Blind part?”

“No clue on that.”

Twilight tilts her head to one side. “Perhaps he meant seeing something that normal eyes can’t.”

Ember looks the sphere up and down. “Well, my helmet’s True-Sight Enchantment isn’t picking up anything.”

“Mine either. I wonder…”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“Dinky and I are hearing what sound like voices over here. Are you picking up any transmissions?”

“No sir.”

Arc frowns. “I want Moon Dancer to run some scans of our artificial sun then. Full spectrum.”

Moon Dancer calls out from her station. “Yes sir.”

“Thunderlane, warm up the engines in case we need to make a quick exit.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Wrangler, keep the weapons primed.”

Wrangler grins. “I’ll be ready for anything, sir!”

Tight Ship frowns. “Any idea what exactly we should be prepared for though?”

Arc frowns. “No. That’s what has me on edge. If any of you sees or detects anything of note let me know immediately.”

Soarin sighs. “Sir, in the name of caution, you and your group might want to return to the ship.”

Wrangler nods. “That may be prudent, sir. At least until we know what’s going on.”

Auriel shakes her head. “We can’t leave just yet! The experiment is ongoing!”

Twilight nods. “Right! Somepony has to watch the monitors for…!”

“Dad?!”

“What is it, Dinky?”

She points a hoof toward the ground near the sphere. A small vine is slowly snaking its way up as Dinky backs away from it.

“Wha-what IS that?!”

“No idea. Twilight?”

She walks toward the vine slowly.

“Interesting. I’ve never seen anything like it. We should very carefully take a sample of it to study aboard the…”

Twilight is cut off as Ember’s spear whizzes by her and slices cleanly through the vine.

“There you are, Twilight. One sample.”

Arc sighs. “I think Twilight wanted to take a leaf or maybe a cutting. Not the whole thing.”

Twilight nods. “Right. But what’s done is done. Let’s…”

Moon Dancer’s frantic voice suddenly comes over Arc’s earring.

“Sir! You and your party need to get out of there!”

“Huh?”

“You’re all in grave danger!”

Chapter 11 - Chance Encounters

Arc hastily turns to the others.

“Everyone back to the ship!”

Ember looks to him, confused. “What? Why…?”

“NOW!”

Dinky jumps into her mother’s hooves as she takes flight. Ember walks behind Frank and puts her arms around his midsection.

“Ember? Why are you doing?”

“What I’m told!”

Flapping her wings the pair are soon airborne. Ember growls.

“It burns me up inside to get YOU to safety.”

Frank chuckles. “Why Ember, I didn’t know you cared.”

“I don’t. Just don’t get any funny ideas.”

“Really? I was going to say the same.”

“Shut up!”

Meanwhile, Auriel hurries to the monitors with Twilight.

“Everything looks okay!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. It’s just as we predicted. But where are those vines coming from?”

Arc grimaces. “We’ll figure it out aboard The Equinox!”

Twilight gasps. “But…!”

“GO!”

Twilight nods and turns to run. She looks back at her friend still going over the readouts.

“What about Auriel?!”

“I’ll take care of her!”

Cherry calls out. Yes! Run!”

Twilight hurries to the edge of the plateau and Blinks down. Arc turns back to Auriel.

“That means you too!”

Auriel works hurriedly to recheck her readouts. “I can’t! Something isn’t right here! Those voices you heard along with those strange vines… they have to be connected somehow!”

“Figure it out aboard the ship, Auriel!”

“You go! I’ll leave if things get dangerous!”

“Auriel, now!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No! I HAVE to see this through!”

Arc frowns. “Fine. Have it your way.”

Reaching out a hand Arc casts a Sleeping Spell. However, Auriel does not respond as he had hoped. She sighs but does not look up.

“Those kinds of spells don’t work on demons. Please just get yourself to safety.”

“Sure. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Don’t worry about me. After all, what’s one life in the grander scheme of things, right?”

“What are you…?”

Auriel sighs. “If something happens, promise me you’ll help Twilight figure this out, okay?! Just tell her to…!”

Arc grabs Auriel’s arm.

“Tell her yourself!”

He pulls the young demon away from the console. She screams out frantically.

“You don’t understand! I need to finish this!”

Arc silently continues to drag Auriel toward the edge of the plateau. Her struggles intensify as she drops to the ground and digs one hand’s claws into the rock in an effort to remain.

“Let me go, Arc! I don’t care what happens to me!”

“Well I do!”

Frowning, Auriel gets up and changes her stance. Suddenly pushing she is able to break free from Arc’s grasp and run back toward the monitors. Arc turns and gives chase. About halfway to her destination Arc catches up and grabs her by the collar. Pulling her back he is able to come between her and the controls as she seethes. Moon Dancer’s voice again comes over his earring.

“Sir! Something’s happening beneath the ground! You both need to get out of there NOW!”

“Get out of the way!”

Arc shakes his head. “No! You’re coming with me even if I have to knock you out!”

“You wouldn’t!”

“Try me!”

Baring her teeth, Auriel charges straight at Arc. Holding out a hand he grabs her by the front of her lab coat and picks her up. She claws at his gauntlet frantically as Thunderlane calls out.

“Sir, the ground under the ship is becoming unstable! We have to go!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Prepare to take off!”

“Put me down right now! I’m warning you, Arc!”

“But you could DIE out here!”

“A small price to pay for science! I’m fully willing to sacrifice my life to…!”

Arc recall his free gantlet. Without another word he brings his bare hand back and slaps Auriel across the face before slowly setting her down and speaking in an even tone.

“Auriel. It’s time to go.”

She puts a hand to her cheek and silently nods. Arc picks her up and runs toward the edge of the plateau. Blinking onto the deck he hurries inside the ship as he calls out.

“Arc to Thunderlane! We’re aboard! Take off as fast as you dare!”

“Aye, sir! Hold on!”

The ship quickly takes flight, knocking Arc and Auriel to the floor. In moments they’re able to put some distance between the ship and the artificial sun. The ship levels off and begins flying normally as Arc stands and turns to Auriel. Cherry calls out to them.

“Are you two okay?!”

“Yeah. You okay, Auriel?”

“I… um… y-yes.”

“Then we should get to the Bridge.”

He extends a hand to her which she accepts.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… um…”

Arc nods soberly as he helps her up. “I think I know what you’re trying to say. But we need to get moving.”

“Yes. Let’s.”

Hurrying down the corridor, they make their way to the Bridge. Twilight is standing next to Moon Dancer at her station.

“But… but that isn’t POSSIBLE!”

Arc calls out. “Captain! Status!”

“We’re out of harm’s way for the moment, sir. However our sensors show a strange life form beneath the plateau. Moon Dancer is studying it now with your friend.”

Auriel gasps. “Wait! LIFE FORM?!”

Soarin sighs. “We didn’t believe it ourselves. However the sensors are picking up a large, complex life signature down there.”

Tight Ship nods soberly. “What are your orders, sir?”

Wrangler looks to Arc. “We should turn around and clobber that thing with The Equinox’s cannons and ORB system!”

Lemon Hearts gasps. “What?! But it’s ALIVE!”

Wrangler grins. “Not for long!”

Soarin shakes his head. “That’s up to the Hero of Light!”

Thunderlane looks over. “Sir! I need a course!”

“Circle the plateau at a safe distance. I want to be close enough to be able to watch things unfold, but far enough away to keep us safe. Keep us in weapon’s range though.”

“Aye, sir.”

The ship turns and begins circling. Auriel frowns as she looks down. The only source of light other than the moon being the fledgling artificial sun.

“How did it go so wrong, so fast?”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder.

“This wasn’t your fault. We’ll find a way to fix it.”

He turns to Twilight.

“Still have that plant sample?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Auriel and I should get to work studying it.”

Moon Dancer gestures to her console. “That won’t be necessary. My station can analyze its chemical makeup and tell us what it is we’re dealing with.”

She turns to Arc.

“With your permission, of course, sir.”

Arc nods. “Go ahead.”

Twilight gives the vine to Moon Dancer. She places it on a small pad which lights up at her touch.

“Now then, this should only take a few minutes.”

Moon Dancer presses a few buttons on her console and the process begins. She looks over her screen as the scan continues.

“Very strange.”

Arc looks over. “What is?”

“Judging from the preliminary scan, this plant’s chemical makeup is very different from any other plant I’ve yet encountered.”

Twilight looks over her shoulder. “You’re right! What could this be?!”

Moon Dancer sighs. “Since I don’t know about it, I can only assume it’s either something completely new, or very… very old.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not reassuring.”

Frank shrugs. “The truth is the truth. Good or ill.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

Arc sighs. “He means we should accept whatever Moon Dancer comes up with even if we don’t like it.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Why would anypony do anything else?”

“Some people, and I assume ponies as well, would prefer to hear what they want to rather than the truth.”

Auriel nods soberly. “Demons prefer such things over reality. In our society, it’s normal for a male to say how much they care for someone’s well-being and outward appearance in an effort to coax them to the bedchambers.”

Ember blushes slightly. “Oh… um… dragons… aren’t much different in that regard, I suppose.”

Arc turns to Moon Dancer as he lowers his voice. “Please tell me you’ve found something. I’m not sure how much more of this conversation I can take.”

Moon Dancer nods. “It would appear the scan is nearly complete. Twilight, might you help me go over the results?”

“Of course.”

Twilight steps forward and pushes Auriel toward the console.

“You can help too.”

“I’ll certainly try. But I know very little about exotic Equestrian plants.”

The display pulls up the chemical data regarding the plant. Twilight frowns.

“It really isn’t like anything I’ve encountered. Moon Dancer?”

“There aren’t any matches in the ship’s database. I just submitted it to Sunburst back in Canterlot for addition screening.”

Arc nods. “Good idea. Now then, what did the scans tell you, Moon Dancer?”

“That this plant is far more complex than any normal vine. It’s cellular structure allows for near limitless regeneration while consuming very little energy.”

Ember frowns. “Kinda like Tempest, huh?”

Auriel looks over the readout. “Yes. However her strength comes from Dark Magic and The Dark One himself. Somehow I doubt this plant has the same deal.”

Twilight sighs as she looks out the main window. “Right. But we should find a way to keep it away from the Artificial Sun. Who knows what would happen if the vine were to feed off of it.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I sure hope it won’t. But I can’t help but wonder if such a thing is possible.”

Twilight turns to him. “There’s never been anything like this discovered before.”

Derpy nods. “Right. But who’s to say it isn’t possible?”

“My dad’s kind were thought to be a myth before he came to Equestria.”

Auriel frowns. “Hey!”

Arc puts up a hand apologetically. “Don’t worry about it, Auriel. I’m sure Dinky didn’t mean any offense when she said…”

“What? No! I mean, look!”

Dinky point to the vine which has begun to regenerate. Moon Dancer steps back nervously.

“That’s… not possible.”

Ember frowns. “Why not?”

Twilight gasps. “Everything that’s living requires a source of energy. Normally that’s the sun in regards to plants.”

Frank looks out the window at the moon. “But the sun’s down right now.”

Twilight nods. “Exactly. So what’s feeding this thing?”

A moment later it begins to move. Arc calls out.

“Everyone get back!”

He turns to Moon Dancer.

“Ideas?!”

“My scans show it to be regenerating at an alarming rate!”

Soarin’s eyes grow wide. “Is the ship in danger?”

“It may be if this growth doesn’t stop!”

Arc grits his teeth. “I have an idea. Moon Dancer, you and the others keep an eye on your screens.”

He reaches over and grabs the vine which has more than doubled in size. Heading for the door Arc calls back.

“Record everything that happens! Instruments and eyes!”

Tight Ship nods. “Aye, sir. We’ll see to it.”

“Mom? What’s dad doing?”

“I don’t know sweetie. But we should trust your father.”

Ember nods nervously. “Right. Um… I think I’ll follow him.”

Twilight holds out a hoof toward Ember. “Wait! Arc told us to stay here, remember?!”

Ember rolls her eyes as she heads for the door.

“I’ve never been much for following directions.”

Meanwhile, Arc exits the ship’s Main Hatch and heads for the guardrail. Looking out at the glowing sphere below them for a few moments he turns his attention back to the vine in his hand. It’s squirming is becoming stronger by the minute.

“You want me to let you go?! Fine! Get off my ship!”

Tossing the vine off he watches it fall. Cherry grunts.

“Good riddance.”

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“ Lemon Hearts here.”

“Tell Moon Dancer to keep her scanners on that vine. I want to know what it does when it hits the ground.”

“Yes sir.”

A minute later Moon Dancer’s voice rings out in Arc’s ear.

“Sir, the vine burrowed back into the ground upon touching down.”

“Is that good?”

“Not really. I’m detecting it tunneling down at an alarming rate! It really shouldn’t be able to move that fast through rock and sand.”

“Keep watching its actions. I want to know what it does.”

Wrangler grins. “Yeah! So we’ll know when to blast it to smithereens!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not yet. After all, this plant hasn’t actually done anything to hurt us.”

Ember calls out. “Well, it hasn’t exactly been the best houseguest either.”

Arc whirls around to see Ember walking toward him.

“Ember?! I told you to…!”

“Yeah, I know. But I was worried about you.”

Arc sighs. “Worried? That a little vine was going to hurt me?”

“With your luck, yes.”

“Well, it’s gone underground. Not sure how it could hurt anyone from down there.”

Lemon Hearts calls out. “Sir, I have Lead Sage Sunburst holding on the line. He sounded very anxious. Shall I patch him through?”

“Yes. Maybe he knows what that vine is.”

Ember chuckles. “Or was.”

“Yes sir. One moment.”

A few moments later Sunburst comes on the line.

“Sir! I’ve just finished checking one of my old tomes! That plant you found was a Plunderseed Vine!”

“Is it dangerous?”

“Very! In fact, none have been seen anywhere in well over a thousand years! Where are you?!”

“Western Equestria. We’re south of Los Pegasus on a peninsula overlooking the South Luna Ocean.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’s so dangerous about a little vine? My spear made quick work of it, after all.”

“It can regenerate limitlessly! Cutting it will actually make it spread FASTER! How many vines did you cut?!”

Arc frowns. “Just the one. Do you think there’s more?”

“Yes sir! That much I can say for certain! Plunderseed Vines have NEVER been seen alone! They’re less of a plant and more like a colony!”

Ember shrugs. “Well, we threw it off the ship. So I guess that’s the end of that.”

Sunburst gasps. “You did WHAT?!”

Arc winces. “Was that bad?”

“Cutting the vine made it a separate entity! It’ll go to great lengths to rejoin the mother plant!”

Ember laughs. “So what’s it going to do? Throw seeds at us?”

“Sir, did you say anything in front of it?”

“Quite a bit, yes. Why?”

“Because whatever you said in the presence of that vine will get back to the Mother!”

Ember stops laughing. “Um… do you think the vine’s mother will be upset about Wrangler suggesting we destroy it?”

“Probably, yes!”

Moon Dancer calls out. “Sir! I’m detecting massive amounts of movement underground!”

“What about the vine I dropped?!”

“It vanished from my screen. Whether it went too deep, or there’s some other external force at work here is anypony’s guess though.”

Sunburst calls out. “It must have merged! Be ready for its attack!”

As if on cue several massive black vines shoot out of the ground and latch onto the ship. Arc and Ember are thrown overboard by the shock. The others watch helplessly from the Bridge.

“DAD!”

“Don’t worry, sweetie! I’m sure Ember will catch him!”

Spreading her wings Ember dives after Arc. Grabbing his hands she levels off as a much larger plant body emerges on the tip of the peninsula.

“Get us back to the ship, Ember! We need a plan!”

“Finally!”

Returning to the deck the pair land and hurry back inside. Entering the Bridge they see Thunderlane trying desperately to pull the ship free. Soarin calls out over the din of the engines.

“Ease up! The engines are already at full output!”

Tight Ship nods. “That and the strain will put too much pressure on the ship’s structure!”

Wrangler turns to Arc as he hurries over to Moon Dancer’s station.

“Can we shoot at it NOW, sir?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Wrangler, prepare to fire. Target the two vines holding us. Thunderlane, as soon as we’re free get us out of here.”

Wrangler chuckles to herself as she presses a few buttons.

“Now you’re talking my language, sir!”

Chapter 12 - Vines Galore

Wrangler turns from her console to Arc.

“Weapons ready, sir!”

“FIRE!”

Sunburst screams out. “WAIT!!!”

The cannon’s energies hit their targets dead on. However instead of letting go, the vines strengthen their hold. Derpy gasps.

“Is it just me, or are those vines getting bigger?”

Sunburst groans. “Sir! Plunderseed Vines absorb most forms of magical energy!”

Wrangler raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?!”

Moon Dancer looks over her readouts. “It does appear that’s the case. As our weapon’s fired the energy was absorbed by the vines and transferred down into the ground.”

Arc frowns. “Back to the Mother, Sunburst?”

“Yes sir!”

Ember clenches a fist. “Great. If magic’s out of the question how do we stop it?!”

Sunburst sighs. “Unknown.”

Dinky gasps. “You mean you forgot?”

“No, no! I mean nopony alive remembers how to stop Plunderseed Vines other than Princess Celestia herself!”

Frank calls out. “What about the other two pony princesses? Could they help?”

“The entry in my book predates Princess Luna’s return and Princess Cadance’s arrival, sir.”

Arc groans. “Great. So what now?”

Sunburst sighs. “You may have to abandon ship, sir. While a costly decision, I’m sure the princesses would prefer the safe return of you and your companions over the loss of The Equinox.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Anything else you can tell us about this plant?”

“It’s very intelligent. Capable of learning even. Don’t try to deceive it though. It can see through most simple ruses easily.”

Auriel shudders. “So it’s like a cunning warrior then?”

“Precisely. The only other thing I can tell you is that it doesn’t like fire.”

Ember grins as a fireball forms in her palm. “What plant does?”

Arc nods. “Alright. We’ll take it from here, Sunburst. If we make it out of here in one piece I’ll let you know how it went.”

“Be careful, sir.”

“I will. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and looks at the others.

“Alright, here’s the plan…”

A short time later Arc, Ember, Derpy and Auriel rush out onto the deck. Arc turns to Ember.

“Well?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you have something to say?”

Ember shrugs. “Um… good luck to us?”

“No, no. Usually this is the part where you say my plan is terrible.”

“Nah. I’m kinda trying to move past that. I mean… with all your successful outcomes, I can’t really say you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Auriel looks over the railing nervously. “Forgive me, but I do believe this plan could use some more… um… planning.”

Derpy nods. “I’m worried for you as well, Arc.”

Cherry calls out. “Yes. This ‘plan’ might be a bit too simple considering how much is at stake here.”

Arc sighs. “I agree with all of you. But we don’t have time for that right now. If this thing gets any more powerful, it’ll rip The Equinox apart.”

Ember nods soberly. “The ship can be replaced, Arc.”

“Yes. However, Las Pegasus isn’t that far from here.

Auriel looks to Arc. “Lemon Hearts has already relayed your orders to evacuate the city. However relief ships from Canterlot will take quite some time to arrive.”

Arc looks over the railing at the vines below.

“I’d like to have this wrapped up by then. Now then, the vines appeared right after the artificial sun was lit, so it stands to reason that the essence’s reaction is drawing the vines up. We need to shut this experiment down and by doing so cut off its energy supply.”

Cherry giggles. “Like a fire without fuel?”

“Exactly.”

Auriel sighs. “I wish there was another way.”

Ember nods. “So do I. But this needs to be done.”

Arc grimaces. “Yeah.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Let’s get started.”

“Here goes nothing.”

He removes the Spear of Righteousness from his ring and tosses it to Auriel. She appears surprised.

“Are you sure about this? I mean… don’t you need your spear.”

“I’ll be fine. Besides, I don’t like the idea of you going in there unarmed.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “But how will you…?”

Reaching into his ring Arc pulls out his guardanium knife.

“I always have more than one weapon. Positions everyone.”

Arc and Auriel hurry over to one side of the deck with Derpy as she calls forth her armor and the Spear of Hope. Ember proceeds to the other, but looks concerned.

“You sure you can do this, Auriel?”

Auriel nods soberly. “Yes.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

“You’re on speaker, sir.”

“Good. Thunderlane, get us underway.”

“Aye, sir.”

The engines rev up as the ship puts tension on the vines again. Arc again speaks.

“Give it a bit more. I want our restraints nice and tight for this.”

“How much more, sir?”

“As much as you dare.”

Thunderlane nods. “I’ll do my best, sir.”

The roar of the engines increases as the vines are drawn taunt.

“That’s it, sir!”

He grits his teeth. “Okay. On the count of three.”

Arc takes a deep breath as he and Auriel grab onto the railing.

“THREE!!!”

Ember and Derpy fly upward at top speed together. As one they turn around and split off to their respective sides. Brandishing their spears they deftly slice through the two vines holding the ship. The Equinox lunges forward sickeningly as Arc yells out.

“THUNDERLANE, GO!!!”

“On it!”

The ship flies away as fast as the engines will allow. Tight Ship turns to the helm.

“Get us back into a stable orbit, Thunderlane.”

“Aye sir.”

Twilight and Dinky walk over to the ORB.

“We have to be ready.”

Dinky nods soberly, her horn aglow. “Don’t worry. I won’t let my dad down.”

Meanwhile Derpy and Ember land on the plateau and take up defensive positions. Several vines snake their way up the sides of the plateau and toward the pair. Ember calls out.

“Here they come!”

Derpy tightens her grip on the spear. “Let’s keep the area clear!”

The pair engage the vines as Arc turns to Auriel.

“Ready?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, but let’s do it!”

She jumps onto the railing and looks over to Arc. As he grabs her hand she pulls him close and kisses his cheek lightly.

“For… for luck!”

Arc nods. “Let’s go!”

The pair jump together. Arc makes his way down to Auriel’s ankles. Grabbing them firmly he looks up at her.

“DO IT!”

Auriel grips the spear nervously and flaps her wings to aim their descent. She quickly gets into a gliding rhythm as the pair approach Ember and Derpy. As they pass overhead Arc raises his boots to avoid hitting Derpy in the face. With a mighty swing, Auriel cuts through several vines blocking her path. They touch down near the machine as Arc pulls his knife.

“Get this thing shut down!”

Auriel nods. “Right!”

They run over to the machine together. Auriel looks over the control panel as Arc turns to watch her back. Several vines hurl themselves at the pair but Arc cuts them to ribbons with a single slash of his blade. Ember calls out.

“Hurry up! They’re attacks are becoming more intense!”

Derpy gasps. “They must know what it is we’re trying to do!”

Arc continues to cut down any vines that approach Auriel. “How’s it coming?!”

Auriel shakes her head as she presses buttons frantically. “Something’s wrong! I’ve shut down the device, but the reaction isn’t slowing down!”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge! Twilight, the machine is shut down but the reaction is continuing! What do we do?!”

Twilight calls out from the ORB. “Hit the manual override, Auriel! It’s the yellow button on the far right side!”

Auriel does so.

“Override active! The reaction is slowing down!”

Ember grins. “The vines seem to be getting weaker too!”

Derpy smiles. “We just have to hold out a bit longer!”

Auriel breathes a sigh of relief. “Right. As the reaction continues to slow it stands to reason that the Plunderseed Vines should become sluggish and weak.”

Arc grins as he slices another vine that comes his way.

“See, Ember? Simple and easy.”

“I’ll congratulate you when this is all over! Until then, stay on your toes!”

Moon Dancer calls out over Arc’s earring.

“Sir! My instruments show a buildup of energy in the essence!”

Dinky gasps. “What?!”

Twilight turns to her. “That’s impossible! Where’s the energy coming from?!”

Moon Dancer shrugs. “No idea!”

Soarin grits his teeth. “Well, it’s coming from somewhere! Keep scanning!”

Meanwhile, the vines regain their strength and resume their attack. Ember takes a step back.

“This isn’t good!”

Derpy gasps. “We can’t hold out much longer!”

Arc calls out over his earring. “Twilight! What if we destroy the machine?!”

“What?! But there’s still an insane amount of latent energy inside the sphere! Without the device to help hold its shape, it could explode!”

Ember groans. “Can I assume that would be the end of us?!”

Auriel calls out as she turns and slashes at a vine. “Let’s just say it would be a quick death!”

Arc grimaces. “How’s the best way to do this, Twilight?!”

“There are two electrodes on either side of sphere’s array! If you destroy both of them at the same time it’ll slow the destabilization of the artificial sun! That should give you four enough time to fly to safety!”

Derpy looks nervous. “Should?!”

Twilight nods. “This plan has the highest chance of survival!”

Arc grins. “Let’s do it! I’ll take one while someone else hits the other!”

Auriel steps toward him. “Count me in!”

Ember shakes her head. “I should do it!”

“This is my fault! I started this mess! I’ll finish it!”

Ember sighs. “Fine! Get into position, you two! Derpy and I will cover you!”

They do so as Arc looks to Auriel and silently nods. He quickly opens a portal. Auriel grabs Derpy and Ember by the back of their armor and heaves them through it. As quickly as possible the portal closes. Lunging back toward her electrode Auriel smashes it as Arc does the same. The machine lets out a loud whine as the energy builds up inside it. Auriel leaps over the sphere and lands next to Arc.

“Let’s get out of here!”

She spreads her wings and takes flight as Arc again takes hold of her ankles. However, the vines grab onto Arc’s boots and pull the pair back down. As they hit the ground the vines wrap around the pair pressing them together. Twilight gasps.

“Oh no!”

Dinky cries out. “What’s going on?!”

Arc’s voice calls out over the Bridge speakers.

“Wrangler, is the ORB ready?!”

“Yes, sir. Twilight and Dinky charged it as best they could. “

“Good! Moon Dancer, raise shields!”

“What?! But… but how are YOU supposed to get to safety?!

“DO IT!”

Moon Dancer nods. “Y-yes sir.”

The shield forms around the ship as Dinky runs over to Lemon Heart’s station.

“D-dad! What are you…?!”

Arc grimaces. “I love you, Dinky.”

Her eyes grow wide.

“Wh-what are you saying?!”

“Be good for your mom, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.”

There is a moment of silence before Arc continues.

“Tight Ship, see to it The Equinox and my daughter get back to Ponyville safely. Lemon Hearts… close the channel.”

“I… um… yes sir.”

Pressing a button, the connection is severed. Dinky runs over to the main window next to the pilot’s seat. She presses her face against the glass in an attempt to get closer. Meanwhile, Auriel gasps out in pain.

“This… really hurts!”

“I have an idea.”

He recalls his armor. Auriel’s body is suddenly pressed against his. Cherry gasps.

“Arc?! What are you…?!”

“She was being crushed against Eidolon’s Ward. That and I don’t think my armor will protect me from this.”

“Can’t you Blink the two of you back to The Equinox?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’ve already tried several times.”

Auriel squirms. “The vines are draining your magic before the spell can be cast.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. I guess we’re not getting out of this one.”

“Arc? I… um…”

“What is it, Auriel?”

“I’m scared.”

“Of the end?”

Auriel nods. “I never thought I would go out like this.”

“Just… lay your head down on my chest and close your eyes.”

“Okay.”

She does so as Arc smiles and looks up at The Equinox some distance away.

“Goodbye, Dinky. I’ll be waiting for you and your mother with Cherry on the other side. Be strong, sweetheart.”

Auriel calls out. “Miss Cherry?”

“Yes?”

“Does dying… hurt?”

“Not really. Don’t be frightened now. Arc and I will take care of you.”

Auriel shudders as she begins to quietly cry. “I… I don’t know where demons go when they die. But I really hope all of us will be together.”

Arc smiles. “Me too, Auriel. Me too.”

The machine lets out an ear splitting screech. It explodes as the countryside is bathed in a brilliant white light. No one on the Bridge speaks for quite some time. After the light dies down Dinky looks down at the darkness below.

“I can’t see anything! Miss Moon Dancer, can you detect my dad?!”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “N-no, I can’t.”

Dinky hurries over to the Communication’s Station.

“Miss Lemon Hearts, can you… please open a channel to my dad?!”

“I… um…”

Tight Ship soberly nods. “We need to try. Open the channel.”

“Yes sir.”

She presses some buttons and steps out of her seat. Dinky takes her place in front of the microphone.

“Dad? It’s Dinky. Can you hear me?”

Nothing comes over the radio but static. Dinky continues.

“If you can hear me, please say something!”

The silence is deafening. Tears form in the corners of Dinky’s eyes as she continues.

“Dad?! Dad, are you there?!”

Again nothing but static fills the air. Her ears droop.

“I… I didn’t even get to say… goodbye.”

Frank and Twilight walk over and stand behind Dinky. Frank is the first to speak.

“Then tell him now.”

Dinky turns around. “Huh?”

Twilight nods as she forces a small smile. “Trust us. He’ll hear you.”

Dinky nods and speaks into the microphone again.

“Dad, I… I just wanted to say… how great a father you were to me. You were always there for mom and I. While I know you wanted to be with us more often than you were, your job kept you away from us quite a bit.”

She bites her lip before continuing.

“I just want you know that mom and I don’t hold it against you a bit. The time we spent together… it meant more to me than words can say. And while it came to a close sooner than I would have wanted, I… I’ll always… remember and cherish those times. Dad… I’ll do my very best to grow up into the mare you wanted me to be. That and I’ll take care of mom too. No matter what happens, she’ll always have me to protect and provide for her. Like… like you always did…”

The tears flow freely as Dinky bows her small head.

“Goodbye… dad. I… I’ll always love you.”

Dinky puts her face down on the console before her and buries her head in her hooves as she cries. Frank puts his hands on her shoulders as Twilight does the same. He leans forward and speaks into the microphone.

“I’ll see to it your daughter is safely reunited with her mother. Goodbye, Arc… my eternal friend.”

Twilight sadly nods her head in agreement as Frank wraps his arms around Dinky. She turns and cries into his chest. Clutching her to himself in one arm, Frank slowly stands and walks toward the door with Twilight at his heels. They leave the Bridge as Lemon Hearts closes the channel wordlessly. The crew turns to Tight Ship as Lemon Hearts speaks.

“Sir? What should we do now?”

“Stand.”

They do so. Tight Ship walks over to the pilot seat and looks out the window at the empty darkness before them.

“Equestria has lost her favored son this night. While this land will never again be the same, we must press on, as the Hero of Light would have wanted us to do so. Rest in peace, sir.”

He slowly and respectfully salutes as the rest of the Bridge crew does the same, They stand there for a time before Tight Ship returns to the captain’s chair. Sighing he looks to Thunderlane.

“Keep us a safe distance from ground zero, but maintain our orbit of the area.”

Thunderlane looks to the captain, confused. “Sir?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “No. Tomorrow morning we’ll do our best to recover what’s left of our nation’s hero. He deserves to be recovered for a proper funeral and interment. After that we’ll carry out our orders.”

Soarin raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

Wrangler sounds confused. “Orders? From whom?”

Tight Ship sighs. “The Hero of Light’s final request. He told us to see to it his daughter and The Equinox were safely returned to Ponyville. We won’t let him down.”

The crew nods sadly as they sit down. Lemon Hearts turns to the captain.

“Shall I raise Canterlot, sir?”

Tight Ship nods sadly. “Yes. Inform them… that the danger to Las Pegasus has passed and that they can sound the all-clear signal.”

Lemon Hearts grimaces. “What about… the other news? The princesses will want to know.”

“After we return little Dinky to Ponyville we’ll head back to Canterlot. I will personally inform the princesses of what happened here tonight.”

The crew nods and returns to their stations as Tight Ship sighs and muses to himself.

“As much as I don’t want to tell them, they deserve to know.”

Meanwhile, Twilight and Frank arrive at Arc’s room. Twilight opens the door and allows Frank to step inside. He carries the still weeping Dinky over to the bed and lays her down.

“Go to sleep now, little one.”

Dinky looks to him through her tears. “I… I want my dad!”

Twilight bows her head sadly. “I’m sorry, Dinky. Frank and I will stay with you tonight if you want.”

Dinky silently nods

Twilight whispers through her emotions. “Good night.”

Her horn glows as she casts a spell on Dinky. The small filly’s eyelids grow heavy as she loses consciousness. Frank turns to her.

“How did you…?”

“Just a little Sleep Spell. She didn’t need much to fall asleep though.”

Frank nods and stands up. He gestures to the couch.

“Shall we?”

Twilight nods. The pair sit down and look out at the star filled sky as the moon looms before them.

“I… I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Frank nods. “Yes. It seemed like our Hero was invulnerable.”

“Arc was only here a little over a year, but… but he made numerous contributions to our country.”

“What about you?”

“Huh?”

Frank smiles. “I could see that look in your eyes when he was near. You really liked him, didn’t you?”

Twilight nods sadly. “More than you know. Even when I messed things up, he was always there for me. Always willing and able to say things were going to be okay.”

Frank sighs. “Arc was always there for the Shards when they needed him as well. Even after he left, he still wanted to help set them on what he believed to be the right path.”

The pair are silent for a time.

“Twilight? Would you happen to know what happened to Derpy and Ember?”

“I saw Arc open a portal. Auriel shoved them through. He must’ve wanted to teleport them to safety.”

“So they’re okay?”

“Yes. Although where he sent them is anypony’s guess.”

“Well, they can both fly so I’m sure they’ll find their way to safety.”

“They’re probably at Derpy’s house back in Ponyville.”

Twilight sighs.

“Somehow I always knew this would happen.”

“An old saying from Earth… those who live by the sword must be willing to die by it. You see, Arc knew the risks, but still chose to fight.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That’s not what I meant. I always knew I would be the death of him. And now…”

Twilight begins to cry.

“And now I’ve KILLED him!”

Frank shakes his head. “This wasn’t your fault.”

“Yes it was! If I would’ve left him out of this he’d still be alive!”

“I know Arc didn’t see it that way.”

“Well, it’s the truth!”

She continues crying as Frank puts an arm around her shoulders.

“I wish I had something to say that would calm your heart.”

“Right now, I don’t deserve that!”

Twilight covers her face with her hooves and sobs uncontrollably.

Chapter 13 - Persistence

Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks around. It appears to be morning as the sun hangs low in the sky.

“What the…? Auriel?”

Looking down, he spots the young demoness lying on his chest. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and gently shakes her.

“Wake up.”

Auriel groans and lifts her head weakly.

“I… Arc?”

Looking at the provocative positions they’re in she quickly scrambles to the side and blushes deeply. Which is quite the feat due to her natural skin tone.

“S-sorry!”

Arc sits up and looks around.

“It’s fine. Um… this is… awkward.”

Auriel nods. “Yes! I don’t know why I was lying on your…!”

“No, no. I mean where we are.”

Auriel looks confused. “The afterlife?”

Her face lights up.

“Although I’m very happy to be here with a friend!”

“Hm… this looks more like the Dragon Lands than anything else.”

He points toward the water.

“Looks like were on the shore.”

“But… if we’re not dead, how did we get here?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But let’s see about getting in touch with my crew aboard The Equinox.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

Silence ensues.

“Arc to Bridge. Anyone there.”

Again there is no signal. Arc frowns.

“Arc to Sunburst. Come in please.”

Auriel looks at his ear. “Could your earring have been damaged?”

“I doubt it. The princesses said it was beyond durable. That and if it wasn’t true, I would have broken it before now.”

“How about you open a portal back to the ship?”

“Good idea. I’m sure they’re worried about us by now.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and channels the enchantment. However nothing happens. He frowns and shakes his gauntlet.

“Fine time for both of these things to go on the fritz.”

“What now?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well… I suppose we could walk to Pyreston. The Dragon Lord could probably send world to Equestria for someone to come get us. What do you think, Cherry?”

The air is silent.

“Cherry? Can you hear me?”

Auriel gasps. “Is she gone?”

Arc frowns. “That’s strange. She usually pulls out of my armor before I recall it.”

“You didn’t give her much notice.”

“I suppose not. Let’s get her back.”

Arc reaches for his ring, but nothing happens. Auriel looks to him uneasily.

“Arc?”

Arc frowns. “My ring isn’t working either.”

“Will Miss Cherry be alright?!”

“Yes. She’ll be really bored in there, but safe. But in any case, let’s get moving to Pyreston.”

“Good idea. I… wait!”

“What is it?”

Auriel looks around. “Do you hear something?”

Arc frowns. “Now that you mention it, yes.”

“Whispers?”

“Just like before!”

Arc looks all around before calling out.

“Wiseman! This had better not be you’re idea of giving advice!”

Auriel turns to him. “What do we do?! I’m scared!”

Arc puts an arm around Auriel’s shoulders. “Everything will be fine. Just stay close, okay?”

Auriel turns to him and forces a nervous smile as Arc takes a deep breath and calls out.

“Is anyone out there?!”

There is no response.

“I know SOMEONE can hear me!”

Suddenly whispers fill the air. Auriel clings fearfully to Arc.

“There they are again!”

Arc looks all around. “How many are out there?!”

The whispers raise in intensity. Arc grits his teeth.

“I can’t make out what you’re saying! It’s all just gibberish!”

Slowly the voices die down until the air is once again silent. Arc clears his throat before continuing.

“Now I get the feeling whoever all of you are, there’s something you’re trying to tell me. But if all of you speak at once it won’t work. Pick one of you to speak for the group while the others remain silent.”

Several moments pass before Auriel turns to Arc.

“What have we gotten ourselves into this time?!”

“No idea. But I’m hoping we can get some answers.”

The voices again speak as before, but much louder. Auriel covers her ears.

“Can’t you all just say the same thing?!”

As one the voices cease. Arc looks to Auriel.

“Wow. That was fast.”

Auriel gasps. “Oh no. What have I done?!”

“If we’re lucky, given them some very sound advice.”

Several minutes pass in silence before a single voice is heard>

“Can… you… understand… us…?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Quite clearly.”

Auriel looks around. “Where are you?”

“We… do… not… understand… the… question.”

Arc frowns. “Well, what are you?”

“ Us.”

Auriel takes a deep breath and calls out. “Can you show yourselves? It would help us communicate better.”

“Very… well.”

A strange magical aura forms on the ground before them. Auriel steps behind Arc.

“What IS that?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea.”

The aura intensifies as it draws into itself at the center. Slowly building itself up into a familiar form. Arc gasps as it takes physical shape

“Ch-Cherry?!”

A human version of Cherry stands before them bereft of clothing. She says nothing and appears to be without emotion. Auriel gasps.

“Oh my!”

She quickly removes her lab coat and approaches the young woman.

“Please! Before you catch a cold!”

She looks at the garb in Auriel’s claw wordlessly. After a few moments of tense silence the young demon carefully drapes the coat over the woman’s shoulders and cautiously buttons it up before speaking again.

“Can you… still understand us?”

“Yes.”

Arc looks the newcomer over. “You… even sound like her! Are you really Cherry?”

“This one does not understand. It was simply a matter of copying a memory from your mind in order to take a form that would put you at ease.”

Arc frowns. “If you’re not Cherry, who are you?”

“This one.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow, confused. “This one… what?”

“You asked for a designation. This one is this one. Is that not adequate?”

Arc frowns. “Um… it’s not really a name.”

“This one sees. One moment.”

She closes her eyes and appears to be thinking. A moment later they reopen and again focus on Arc.

“This one has consulted with the others. We have agreed on a new designation for this one.”

Auriel looks confused. “A new name?”

“Yes. Call this one… Aurora.”

“Aurora?”

Aurora nods. “Is that acceptable?”

Arc shrugs. “Um… sure, Aurora.”

“We are sure you have many questions.”

Auriel looks the woman over carefully. “What are you exactly?”

“Aurora is the one given form to speak for The Consciousness.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Is that what we heard earlier trying to speak to us?”

“Yes. The Consciousness needed to convince you to listen. We failed in that task.”

Auriel sighs.. “Arc heard you, but didn’t understand the message.”

“Right.”

“Aurora understands. The Consciousness attempted to speak individually at that time. As you know, our message was lost.”

“When?”

“As we flew through the skies and in your pocked dimension.”

Auriel frowns. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Part of it does. I heard them while aboard The Equinox AND in my Sanctuary. But where she or The Consciousness was at the time is a mystery to me.”

“Aurora and The Consciousness are not separate entities. We are one and the same. When you speak to Aurora you also address The Consciousness.”

Arc scratches his head. “What is The Consciousness?”

“A collection of many voices and many thoughts. Individual, but also the same.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “How can they be individual AND the same?”

“I think I might understand that. Perhaps it’s like Cherry and I. She’s usually in my head, so one might say we’re one. But we’re also two different beings, so you could also say we’re separate.”

“Aurora sensed the other being in your mind. The Consciousness felt you could be addressed directly, as you would be the most likely to understand our message.”

Auriel nods. “What was the message?”

“It was fairly long and complex. Shall Aurora share it in its entirety?”

Arc shakes his head. “How about just a summary of what you wanted then?”

“Very well.”

Aurora takes a deep breath and begins to speak.

“Cease. Desist. Stop. Halt. Discontinue. Abort. Terminate. End.”

Arc looks to her, confused. “You wanted us to stop something?”

“Yes.”

“What was that?”

“The Consciousness was shrouded in darkness at that time. We were unsure and frightened of what lay ahead.”

“How about your message to me in my Sanctuary?”

“Aurora does not understand… ‘Sanctuary’. Was it perhaps the place found inside your pocket dimension?”

Arc nods. “It’s what I call my realm, yes.”

“The Consciousness needed to gain your attention. To make contact with you in some way. Sadly, we also failed in that regard, even though every attempt was made to get your attention.”

“So you altered my Sanctuary, made the storm, and blocked Cherry from my realm?”

“Yes. Aurora apologizes for what needed to be done both then and now.”

Auriel looks around. “Then and… now?”

“Bringing you to this place.”

Arc nods. “Why did you choose the Dragon Lands?”

“Aurora does not understand. We are not in the land of the dragons, but in our own pocket dimension.”

Arc gasps. “Wait! So you created this realm?!”

Aurora nods. “The Consciousness did, yes.”

“For what purpose?”

“In order to act as our final resolution. We learned how to do so from observing your… Sanctuary, as you call it.”

“And Cherry?”

“Fear not. The one you know as Cherry is safely resting inside your mind as we speak. She will awaken upon your return to the land of the equines. We also used the memory of her stored in your mind to create the form that now stands before you.”

Auriel puts a hand to her chin. “It’s starting to make sense. But I still don’t understand one thing. You claim to have been somewhere aboard ship. However, The Equinox’s sensors would have picked you up. Where exactly were you?”

“Unknown. We saw nothing but darkness and heard your voices. Aurora remembers swinging back and forth rhythmically at times. There was only a brief moment of light at one point.”

“Oh? What did you see.”

Aurora turns to Auriel.

“This one.”

Auriel gasps “You saw me?”

“Yes. Then only darkness again. A strange feeling overtook Aurora and The Consciousness after that. It reminded us of The Great Light.”

“Great Light?”

Aurora nods. “The energy whom gave life to all those whom are now part of The Consciousness.”

Auriel gasps. “You mean… some kind of god?!”

Aurora looks confused. “The Consciousness does not understand what a ‘god’ is.”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“I think I’m beginning to understand. Aurora… can I see The Consciousness?”

“You wish to see our original forms?”

Auriel frowns. “It has more than one?”

“There is the state of The Consciousness now as well as what it once was. We can show you what we are at the moment if you desire.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Please show us.”

“Very well.”

Aurora closes her eyes and concentrates. A moment later a very large spherical object appears behind her. Auriel gasps.

“That’s… impossible!”

Arc nods. “I get it now!”

He turns to Aurora.

“What you call The Consciousness we know as Dragon Fruit extract.”

Aurora nods. “Yes. There was a time when each of us was a piece of such a plant.”

With a wave of her hand Aurora conjures a grove of Dragon Fruit bushes.

“One voice in The Consciousness remembers the land of our origin in the land of the dragons.”

Auriel looks to Aurora sheepishly. “Do you also remember Twilight and I?”

“Yes. The Consciousness has memories of you and a purple equine caring for and cultivating us before throwing us to the darkness.”

“We were extracting the essence. Is that what The Consciousness is? The collective essence of Dragon Fruit?”

“That is correct. As more fruits were added to what you know as the essence, our understanding increased. We pooled our memories to compile knowledge into useful abilities.”

“Twilight and I are sorry if we hurt you.”

Aurora tilts her head to one side, clearly confused. “Hurt?”

Arc clears his throat. “Auriel means she’s sorry if the extraction process was unpleasant.”

“It was not… pleasurable. However, know that we hold no ill-will toward you or the purple equine.”

Auriel breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

Aurora turns back to the sphere.

“We, like you, did what you felt needed to be done. Now that the metamorphosis has completed, The Consciousness is unsure of what to do or where to go.”

Auriel sighs. “You can’t stay here?”

Aurora shakes her head. “This place is set apart from the true land and The Great Light. While we could theoretically stay, it would be… very lonely for us.”

Arc nods. “You could return to Equestria with us.”

“Um… yes. I suppose you could.”

Aurora shudders. “The Consciousness is… wary of leaving the safety of this place.”

“Oh?”

“We are curious about something. For what reason were we joined into what you call ‘essence’?”

“Um… I was trying to… concentrate the latent magical properties of Dragon Fruit and start a self-sustaining chain reaction that would ignite the concentrated essence.”

“Aurora sees. And that is why The Consciousness was transformed into this shape?”

Auriel nods. “Yes.”

“And why were you doing this?”

“You see… I… I wanted to attempt to create an artificial sun for my fellow demons in a land called Tartarus.”

Arc clears his throat. “What you call ‘The Great Light’ we know as the sun.”

“Interesting. But does this… Tartarus not have the warmth of the… sun, as you call it?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. It’s a land without sun or plants.”

Aurora gasps. “Such a land sounds horrid! Why would your kind want to live there?!”

Arc sighs. “They don’t. However, at the moment they can’t leave.”

“My kind have committed terrible crimes in the past. We were banished to Tartarus to pay for them. If we had an artificial sun, however, at least plants would grow and make our land bearable.”

“We are… uncertain of what to do. While it would be a place for us to remain, we are unsure of what the future in said land would mean for us.”

Arc nods. “So you’re scared?”

“We do not know what that means.”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “It’s… when you know what’s best, but can’t seem to do it.”

She looks down sadly.

“I was the same way not so long ago. Arc convinced me to have faith in myself and those around me.”

“Faith?”

Arc nods. “Trust.”

Auriel bows her head. “I know what I’m asking is a lot. But it would mean a lot to my kind back in Tartarus.”

Aurora looks out over the water. “What of the dark vines outside this pocket dimension?”

Arc sighs. “The Plunderseed Vines? They appeared to be feeding off you.”

Aurora frowns. “Yes. Their hunger seemed without end. Their antics were what you might call… painful.”

Arc nods. “We don’t know where they came from. But if we go back I’m sure those Plunderseed Vines will just latch on again.”

Auriel gasps. “So we’re trapped here?!”

Aurora shakes her head. “No. The two of you could theoretically leave this place without raising the ire of the… vines.”

Arc looks to Aurora. “What about you?”

“The Consciousness and I appear to be trapped.”

Auriel gasps. “So you’re giving up?!”

“What other choice do we have? Should we leave, the vines will feed on us as long as we exist.”

Arc frowns. “Is there no other way?”

Aurora thinks for a moment before responding.

“There is a chance. However it is not without risk. We will require aid from both of you.”

Arc grins. “What do you need us to do?”

A short time later Auriel emerges from a small portal on the plateau. In the moonlight she spots numerous vines lying all around her. Grimacing, she spreads her wings and makes her way toward The Equinox. Approaching the Bridge’s main viewing window she begins pounding on it. Lemon Hearts looks up. Her eyes grow wide as she spots Auriel. Pointing a hoof toward the corridor she motions for Auriel to head for the Main Hatch. A few minutes later she enters the ship as Lemon Hearts closes the door behind her.

“Miss Auriel! We thought you were…!”

“There’s no time to lose! Arc needs our help!”

“What should we do?”

“Bring the ship up to full alert! Arc wants everyone at their stations!”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Right away!”

They hurry back toward the Bridge. Lemon Hearts jumps into her seat and hits the alarm button and the intercom switch.

“All crew to their action stations! I repeat, all crew to their actions stations! This is not a drill!”

A few moments later the rest of the Bridge Crew rushes in. Tight Ship turns to Lemon Hearts.

“What’s going on?!”

“The Hero of Light’s alive, sir!”

Auriel nods. “Yes! But he needs our help to get back safely!”

Arc’s friends enter the Bridge together. Twilight’s eyes grow wide.

“Auriel?! How did you…?! Where’s Arc?!”

“We’re going to save him! But I need everyone’s help to do it! We don’t have much time!”

Dinky gasps. “My dad’s alive?! Where?!”

“In some kind of pocket dimension!”

She turns to Wrangler.

“Is the ORB still charged?”

Wrangler shakes her head. “We used all the energy to shield the ship earlier.”

Frank grins. “Let’s recharge it then!”

Ember, Frank, Twilight, and Auriel hurry over to the Tactical Station. They begin channeling their energy into the ORB as Tight Ship turns to Auriel.

“What does the Hero of Light want us to do with this power?”

“Well… you see…”

Moon Dancer calls out from her station. “Sir! Something’s happening down there!”

Soarin gasps. “What?!”

Thunderlane turns around. “Commander! That artificial sun is back somehow! And it’s fully lit!”

Everyone runs to the main window. They look out as the land below is bathed in daylight. Tight Ship calls out to Lemon Hearts.

“Send a message to Las Pegasus ordering all civilians to shelter where they are!”

“Sir, we don’t have the authority to…”

Frank grits his teeth. “Tell them it’s in the Hero of Light’s name. They’ll listen then, right?”

Soarin nods. “Yes! Do it, Lemon Hearts!”

“Aye, sir.”

Wrangler looks to Tight Ship. “Sir, I’m detecting massive amounts of movement both below AND above ground!”

“Does anypony see my dad?!”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “No. I don’t detect anypony down there. But the vines are heading for the artificial sun again!”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “Do we need to shield the ship?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. But be ready to fire if need be.”

Dinky looks confused. “But those vines will just absorb the blast again!”

“Arc told me to be ready to fire on the artificial sun.”

Soarin’s eyes grow wide. “What?! Is he crazy?!”

Frank frowns. “No. He has a plan. Of this I am certain.”

They look down in horror as the vines crawl over the surface of the sphere and absorb its pure magical energy. Twilight watches it curiously.

“How is the sun at full strength?! It should have been drained significantly by the vines’ earlier feeding.”

Auriel turns to her friend. “Because Arc merged with it and is keeping the reaction going with his crystals.

“My dad’s… inside that thing?!”

“Yes. But don’t worry. He said he’d be fine.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! How?!”

Frank puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “We need to have faith in him.”

Wrangler looks over her panel. “Well, that plant’s getting bigger again!”

Moon Dancer turns to the captain. “The power levels are rising!”

Soarin calls out. “Sir! We have to do something!”

Tight Ship turns to Auriel.

“What does the Hero of Light want us to do?”

“Target the artificial sun with the ORB.”

Chapter 14 - Three Surprises

Everyone on the Bridge gasps. Twilight is the first to speak.

“What?!”

Dinky shakes her head furiously. “NO!”

Moon Dancer turns to Auriel. “But that would only allow the vines to absorb it more quickly!”

Wrangler frowns. “That’d be like throwing fuel on the fire!”

Auriel nods soberly. “Those were his orders.”

Tight Ship looks straight ahead. “Then we’ll carry them out. Wrangler, target the sphere and prepare to fire.”

“Aye, sir.”

The ship targets the artificial sun. Wrangler looks to the captain.

“Target locked, sir.”

Tight Ship is silent. Moon Dancer looks over.

“Energy levels rising, sir!”

Twilight sighs as she continues channeling her magic into the ORB. “We have to trust Arc!”

Tight Ship sighs. “Forgive us, sir. Wrangler… fire!”

Wrangler presses a button. A beam of pure magical energy hits the sphere dead on. Tight Ship grips his chair nervously.

“Regulate the power levels as not to overload the sphere, Moon Dancer.”

Moon Dancer nods and gets to work monitoring the energy levels. The others watch the ground below closely. Wrangler frowns.

“Sir, I can only keep this up for a few more minutes!”

Soarin turns to Moon Dancer. “Will that be enough?”

“Without knowing what the Hero of Light’s plan is, I can’t say for sure.”

Twilight grimaces. “He’s… probably trying to overload the vines by overfeeding them.”

Auriel gasps. “What?! But…!”

Frank frowns. “Will he survive?!”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “I don’t think so, no.”

Dinky screams out. “No! It can’t end like this!”

Her horn aglow, Dinky vanishes from sight. The others gasp as Lemon Hearts turns to Twilight.

“What did she just…?!”

“That wasn’t a normal Blink Spell!”

Soarin frowns. “Moon Dancer, scan for her!”

“Miss Dinky is not within my sensor range, sir.”

Tight Ship appears confused. “That isn’t possible. No unicorn, let alone a filly, has that kind of range.”

Frank chuckles. “She’s certainly Arc’s daughter. Headstrong and talented.”

Twilight sighs. “At least she’s safe… wherever she is.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Yes. This plan may end very badly.”

Lemon Hearts looks confused. “How?”

“The vines may absorb so much magical energy they, or the artificial sun, may literally explode.”

Tight Ship turns to the helm. “Thunderlane! Maximum effective distance!”

Auriel gasps. “Wait! We need to stay close!”

Wrangler nods soberly. “She’s right! If we back off now our output will be lower, sir!”

Soarin grimaces. “Then what should we…?”

Moon Dancer calls out frantically. “Captain, I’m getting some strange readings near the artificial sun!”

“Could it be the Hero of Light’s energies?”

“No sir. This is much different. Much more powerful too!

Three small pillars of light form in front of the sphere. Twilight squints.

“What was…?”

Moon Dancer turns to the captain. “Sir! Reading three equine life signs down there!”

“What?! Who…?!”

Auriel gasps. “It’s Dinky and her friends!”

Soarin frowns. “We have to stop the operation and get them out of there!”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “But if we cease fire we won’t have enough energy in the ORB to theoretically finish the operation! We can’t stop now!”

Meanwhile, Dinky looks to her right and left.

“You two ready to do this?”

Apple Bloom grins. “Yeah!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Let’s save Arc and head home!”

They nod and charge forward. The trio vanishes as they hit the surface of the sphere. Twilight gasps.

“Dinky!”

Thunderlane calls out. “Sir, Miss Dinky and what appears to have been two other fillies just… vanished.”

Moon Dancer frowns. “Yes. They… were absorbed by the…”

Auriel calls out. “Something’s happening! Look!”

Everyone turns their attention back to the sphere below. It begins glowing intensely. A few moments later the vines bulge to a sickening degree before one by one bursting. Black plant flesh explodes outward as the ground begins to shake. Frank narrows his eyes.

“An earthquake?! Now?!”

Auriel looks down at the scene unfolding. “The Mother below ground must be ready to blow!”

Tight Ship turns to Lemon Hearts. “Have all crew members strap in and prepare for impact!”

“Yes sir!”

Everyone runs to nearby seats and fasten their seatbelts. Frank turns to Twilight.

“Everything’s going to be alright.”

“I sure hope so.”

Auriel smiles. “Arc had faith in us earlier. Now we need to believe in him.”

The tremors grow in intensity. Moon Dancer reads over her instruments.

“It’ll blow any second now!”

Lemon Hearts presses the intercom button. “All crew, brace for impact!”

With an ear splitting roar the Mother plant bursts underground. The plateau and the ground beneath it crumbles as a massive shock wave hits the ship. Thunderlane struggles to maintain control. Soarin calls out to him.

“Thunderlane!”

“I’ve got it, sir!”

A few moments later the ship levels off. Thunderlane slumps back in his seat.

“There we go.”

Moon Dancer sighs. “No life signs detected. Vine, pony, or human.”

Tight Ship frowns. “Lemon Hearts?”

“Equinox to the Hero of Light. Come in please?”

Nothing but static comes over the radio. Twilight sighs.

“Arc… please…”

Auriel puts a claw on her fetlock. “He’ll be okay, Twilight.”

Frank looks hopeful. “Are you certain?”

“Yes. I can just feel it.”

Thunderlane gasps. “Sir! The artificial sun is on the move!”

Tight Ship looks to Moon Dancer. “Can we safely follow it?”

“Yes sir.”

“Thunderlane, make it happen.”

The Equinox follows the glowing sphere down the peninsula toward its tip and the South Luna Ocean. It slowly comes to land a foot or so off the ground.

“Land a safe distance away.

Thunderlane nods. “Aye, sir.”

The others unbuckle and head for the door. Soarin calls out to them.

“Wait! We need to be sure it’s safe to approach before…!”

Twilight interrupts him. “I have to make sure Arc’s okay!”

Frank and Auriel follow her out the door. Soarin shakes his head.

“The Hero of Light certainly has loyal friends.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “That he does. And I do hope he’s alright.”

Moon Dancer smiles. “I believe he is, yes.”

Soarin turns to her. “You have something on your scanners?”

“No, sir. I’m just… hopeful.”

Wrangler raises an eyebrow. “It’s not like you to believe something without physical evidence, Moon Dancer.”

“Sometimes you just have to go with your gut.”

Meanwhile, Twilight, Frank, and Auriel leave the ship. They hurry over to the artificial sun as Arc, Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle step out slowly. Twilight gasps.

“ARC!”

He kneels down as Twilight runs over to him. She tearfully throws her hooves around his neck happily.

“We thought you were dead!”

Arc chuckles as he puts his arms around Twilight. “So did I for a time.”

She looks to the fillies standing happily with him.

“Apple Bloom? Sweetie Belle?! How… how did you get here?!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Dinky came and got us!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “That’s right! She said her dad was in trouble and that she needed our help to save him!”

Dinky nods. “I knew my power alone wouldn’t be enough.”

Frank smiles at her. “That was very wise of you, my dear. It is not always easy to know when a task is beyond your abilities.”

Auriel appears confused. “Yes. But how exactly did you get to Ponyville?”

Dinky paws at the ground before her with a hoof as Twilight lets go of Arc.

“I… um… it’s just something I can do. But it’s easier with my friends.”

Arc turns to her. “Like what you did at the Crystal Hospital?”

“You’re… not mad at me, are you dad?”

“No, dear. But I do wish you wouldn’t put yourself in danger like that.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But you couldn’t have…!”

Arc smiles at her. “I know. Thanks you three.”

Dinky and her friends grin. Arc turns back to the artificial sun as Auriel examines it. Frank joins her.

“I still don’t understand what happened. We saw this destroyed.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully.

“While that’s certainly true, I for one am glad to see it somehow was able to regenerate itself.”

Frank nods. “This sphere is certainly beyond all reasoning.”

Arc grins. “I think I can shed some ‘light’ on that mystery.”

Frank facepalms. “Really? A pun? Now of all times?”

Arc laughs. “Just trying to ‘lighten’ the mood.”

Twilight appears confused. “What are you talking about, Arc?”

Frank turns to his friend. “Does it have to do with you getting inside?”

“Kinda. You see, the artificial sun isn’t just a collection of Dragon Berry essence.”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “It isn’t?”

“No. Truth be told… it’s alive.”

No one speaks for a time. Eventually Frank turns to Arc.

“Do you perhaps have medical facilities aboard you ship, my friend?”

“Yes. Why?”

Twilight takes his hand. “Maybe we should take you there, Arc. Get you examined by Redheart.”

Auriel frowns. “He’s telling the truth!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s okay, Auriel. That might not be a bad idea, Twilight. But before we do that, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. Aurora? Can you come out now?”

The familiar face slowly steps out of the sphere wearing a long white robe. All assembled other than Arc and Auriel gasp.

“Everyone, this is Aurora. She’s the… representative of the essence that makes up this sphere.”

“Greetings.”

Aurora’s gaze turns to Twilight.

“It is quite an honor to finally meet you, Twilight.”

“Meet… me?”

“Yes. You and Auriel took very good care of us as we grew. While we did not understand at the time, we were grateful for the nourishment you provided.”

Auriel looks to Twilight. “Nourishment?”

“Could she mean that special plant food you formulated, Auriel?”

Aurora nods. “We do. It helped us grow and mature.”

“I’m… glad you liked it.”

Dinky looks the newcomer up and down. “So… can you explain who you are exactly?”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Yeah. And why you look like my sister’s friend.”

“Aurora is the designation given by The Consciousness. Aurora speak for all of us. As for Aurora’s appearance, it was taken from Arc’s mind.”

Sweetie Belle looks around. “Us? But I only see one of you.”

“Each Dragon Fruit the makes up this glowing mass is represented by Aurora.”

Auriel nods. “It truly is alive, Twilight.”

Twilight looks Aurora over. “Not just that, but it has conscious thoughts!”

Arc clears his throat. “Yes, well… we should probably figure out how to care for this new form of life.”

“Aurora is content to remain here. After all, without the vines to hinder us, we can survive anywhere.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Can we take Aurora with us?”

“I don’t know. Aurora, can you be separated from artificial sun?”

“Yes. However, that is not what we desire. Separation would serve neither Aurora or The Consciousness.”

Arc nods. “I have an idea where to take you then.”

“Tartarus?”

Twilight looks to Arc. “She knows about that?!”

“I told her everything.”

Dinky frowns. “But that place is terrible, dad!”

Sweetie Belle nods with conviction. “Right! She doesn’t deserve to be sent there!”

Auriel sighs. “But the demons of Tartarus need this artificial sun! It’ll give them hope for a brighter future!”

Frank turns to Auriel. “You cannot force your will on another, miss. After all, she’s more than just your science experiment now.”

Twilight sighs. “Frank’s right. We can’t tell her what to do or where to go.”

Dinky walks over to her. “Miss Aurora? Would you like to come with us?”

“The Consciousness would like to see the place of our birth.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean the Dragon Lands?”

Aurora shakes her head. “No. Only one of us was grown there. The rest remember only the Nursery.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “The what now?”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “That’s what I called the room with the Dragon Berry bushes. It’s my little plant nursery, after all.”

Dinky looks to Aurora. “My dad could fly you there in The Equinox.”

“Right.”

Aurora turns to Arc. “And after that?”

“I don’t know. That’s something you have to decide for yourself.”

“The Consciousness will have to give that matter some thought. But we are prepared to depart when you are ready.”

Auriel smiles. “Great! That just leaves the matter of how to transport the artificial sun.”

Sweetie Belle strains her neck to look up. “It might be too big to fit in The Equinox. Assuming we could move it, that is.”

“Dad? Do you think you could shrink it down with the Matter Compacting Spell?”

Arc shakes his head. “Twilight already advised me not to do that. In fact, I couldn’t even put the essence in my ring earlier.”

Aurora nods. “The Consciousness did not wish to be altered further. However, Aurora is able to help in this regard.”

Turning back to the sphere and steps back into it. A moment later it fades away as Aurora comes back into view. Twilight gasps.

“What?! Where did it…?”

“The Consciousness is now one with Aurora physically and mentally.”

Dinky looks Aurora up and down. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Yes. Shall we be off?”

Arc turns. “Um… okay. This way then.”

He leads the group back to The Equinox. Twilight and Auriel walk on either side of Aurora.

“We’d like to speak to you some more if you’d like.”

“Yes. There’s so many questions we’ like to ask you!”

Frank chuckles. “Easy there, you two. Perhaps our new guest would like some time to rest.”

“Aurora appreciates the sentiment. But neither Aurora nor The Consciousness require sleep.”

Dinky looks around. “Dad? Where’s mom?”

“Oh… um… about that…”

Sweetie Belle appears nervous. “Miss Derpy’s alright, isn’t she?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, her and Ember are fine. Before the blast I opened a portal and Auriel knocked them through.”

Auriel turns to her. “Where did you send them?”

“Ember’s house in the Dragon Lands.”

Apple Bloom looks to Arc. “What? Why there?”

“I didn’t have much time to plan. My only thought was to get them as far away from here as possible. That was the first place that came to mind.”

“Can we go check on them, dad?”

“Yeah, we probably should.”

Raising a hand Arc calls forth his gauntlet. A portal opens as Arc turns to the others.

“We’ll be right back. Apple Bloom, I want you and Sweetie Belle to head to my quarters. Dinky and I will be back soon.”

“Okay!”

“See you later!”

Arc and Dinky step through the portal and are gone. Twilight and Auriel turn back to Aurora.

“This way. We can talk over a snack.”

“And some coffee. I get the feeling it’s going to be a long night.”

Aurora tilts her head to one side, confused. “What is coffee?”

Twilight giggles. “Well, you see…”

The trio walk away as Frank shakes his head and heads for his room.

“If your time in this realm has been anything like this, Arc, it will be quite the story. I look forward to hearing more about it in the future.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Dinky reappear. The pair find themselves in Ember’s small house. Derpy and Ember are sitting nervously on the couch. Both call out as they lay eyes on him.

“ARC!”

Jumping up, they look him over. Ember is the first to speak.

“Are you okay?!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, I’m fine.”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief. “What happened?!”

“Auriel pushed you through a portal I opened.”

Ember clenches her fists. “WHAT?!”

“Please, Miss Ember! My dad was only trying to keep you safe!”

“Right.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Thank you for that. But how exactly did you and Auriel get out of that mess?”

“It’s… kinda a long story. Why don’t all of us head back to The Equinox and get some sleep?”

Ember yawns. “That actually sounds pretty good. I was so busy being worried, I didn’t realize just how tired I was.”

Derpy nods. “Me too. But do you suppose you could come get Ember and I tomorrow morning?”

“Um… I guess so. Why?”

“I’d like to talk to her about something.”

Arc grins. “Girl talk?”

“Right. Would it be okay if your father looked after you, Dinky?”

“Sure!”

Arc looks down at the filly. “I should probably get you to bed then, sweetheart.”

“Aw…”

“See you tomorrow?”

Ember shrugs. “I guess.”

Derpy waves a hoof. “Bye!”

The pair step onto the sigil. Arc powers it up and vanishes with Dinky. Ember turns to Derpy.

“What was that all about?”

Derpy sighs. “Well… you see…”

Meanwhile, Arc and Dinky reappear on the sigil in his quarters aboard The Equinox, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are waiting for them as they look out the large window in front of the couch. Dinky runs over to them happily.

“Sorry for making you wait!”

Apple Bloom grins. “That’s okay!”

Sweetie Belle looks around. “Hey, where’s your mom?!”

“She wanted to stay back in the Dragon Lands with Miss Ember.”

Arc nods. “Right. I’ll go get her and Ember tomorrow. But I should probably let your families know where you are.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

Lemon Hearts answers. “Bridge. Go ahead, sir.”

“I want you to radio Light’s Hope and tell Lieutenant Flash Sentry to send guards at once to Sweet Apple Acres and Carousel Boutique with a message. Have them inform the Apple family and Rarity that both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are with me. They will be home tomorrow morning.”

“Yes sir. Anything else?”

“Um… ah! Add that both are safe and sound.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir.”

“Good. Tell the captain to take off whenever the ship’s ready. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and looks at the three happy fillies.

“Now then, we should all probably get some sleep.”

Sweetie Belle turns to him. “Um… Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Can we talk to you about something… kinda important?”

“Um… okay. Let’s sit down.”

They head for the couch. Arc sits down in the middle as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom take their places on either side. Dinky jumps in his lap.

“Now then, what seems to be the problem?”

Sweetie Belle looks at Arc soberly. “Well… it’s about you and my sister.”

“Oh? Do you want to talk to me alone?”

“Nah. It’s kinda something that involves all of us.”

“How so?”

Dinky grins. “We all know you went on that date with Miss Rarity before the peace summit, and that you really enjoyed yourself.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That and Rarity’s been talking about you an awful lot.”

“I’ve been thinking about her a lot too.”

Apple Bloom smiles widely. “Really, Arc?”

“Yes.”

Dinky appears nervous. “What about mom?”

“Derpy and I are friends. Nothing’s changed in that regard.”

“Well… you two HAVE slept together before.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “That’s true, yes. But we just went to sleep. What brought this on all of a sudden?”

Sweetie Belle looks nervous. “Well… I was just wondering if maybe… something happened that week Rarity was working for you during the peace summit.”

“What kind of things?”

Dinky appears nervous. “Um… you know… grown-up pony things.”

Arc sighs. “You’re asking how far I’ve gone with Rarity, aren’t you?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Y-yes. I mean… I know she’s a fully grown mare and all, but… it’s been kinda hard for me to ask her exactly where you and her are in the relationship department.”

Arc puts a hand on Sweetie Belle’s fetlock. “I didn’t have sex with her, no.”

Sweetie Belle looks down sadly. “Oh.”

“Is something wrong with that?”

“Well… kinda. I know that’s sometimes what mares and stallions that love each other do. So I was actually hoping you two had…”

Arc frowns. “Woah now! What?”

Apple Bloom smiles sheepishly. “We’re sorry for asking this, Arc. But we just want our friend here to… um…”

Dinky picks up for her. “We want her to be happy, dad.”

“I see. And you three think that Rarity needs someone special in her life to be happy?”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Yes. Is there something wrong with that?”

“No, Sweetie Belle. But I need to explain something to you three.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“You need to understand that just because a mare and a stallion care for one another doesn’t mean they are, or need to, have sex to show it.”

Apple Bloom tilts her head to one side. “They don’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Think about it this way. Dinky’s mother and I care about each other very much. But we’ve never had sex or been otherwise romantically involved.”

“I know that, dad. But you and mom have a really special relationship.”

“That we do. Now remember, I do care about you and your mother, Dinky. But I don’t need to… um… lift her tail to show that.”

Sweetie Belle looks away. “I… don’t really know how to feel about this.”

Dinky turns to her friend. “Sweetie Belle?”

“I’ve already told you and Apple Bloom what I want.”

Dinky and Apple Bloom nod as their friend continues.

“Back then, I thought if Arc and Rarity were to fall in love then maybe the three of us could be a family. But… at the same time I was worried that would… um…”

She thinks for a moment before speaking.

“…take away from what you two want.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin. “I don’t know. It might.”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “This is really complicated!”

Arc smiles at them. “Why don’t you two tell me what it is you’re hoping for and I’ll see if I can give you some advice.”

“Okay, dad. I was kinda hoping you and mom would get married. We’re already a family, and all, but things just kinda feel a bit… different than other foal’s family life.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “We all saw that when the other foals were standing in the Main Hall waiting for their parent/teacher conferences.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Their parents were there with them. But the three of us… we kinda stuck out standing there. Me with my sister and Sweetie Belle with Rarity.”

Dinky looks sad. “I felt the same way standing there with mom. None of us looked like a complete family.”

Apple Bloom forces a small smile. “We talked about it the next day at school. And it sounded like we all wanted the same thing.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Apple Bloom. “Yeah. All three of us wanted a… a dad.”

Dinky looks up at her father. “I told them how you signed my birth certificate to adopt me.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Um… do you think there’s any way you could… ah… adopt me too?”

“I’m sure if you talked to Rarity she’d agree, dad.”

“My birth certificate didn’t list a father. Just like Dinky’s. All you’d have to do is sign it, right?”

Arc sighs. “I suppose so. But… um… have you talked to Rarity about this?”

Sweetie Belle looks suddenly nervous. “Kinda.”

“Kinda?”

“Well… I suggested you and her getting together someday.”

“And what did she say?”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “Not much. Rarity just kinda giggled nervously and got a starry look in her eyes. She didn’t say much after that.”

Apple Bloom look nervous. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I, ah… kinda wanted the same thing.”

“But you already have a family.”

“Sorta. I mean, I have Applejack, Babs Seed, Big Mac, and Granny. But… no mom or dad. Do you think you could adopt me too?”

Arc frowns. “I don’t think your family would appreciate that.”

Dinky looks to her friend. “You should probably tell him the rest, Apple Bloom.”

“There’s more?”

“Yeah. I… kinda had the same conversation with Applejack as Sweetie Belle had with Rarity.”

“Um… about what?”

“I was hoping maybe… um… that you and Applejack might… you know…”

Arc sighs. “Get married?”

“Yeah! But I didn’t want to take you away from Dinky or Sweetie Belle. I mean… you can only marry one mare. Not all of them.”

Dinky grins. “That’s when we came up with the idea of you adopting my friends, dad. Then no matter whom you married we’d all have parents!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I… I don’t know what to say. All three of you want me to be your dad?”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Four, actually. You’re forgetting about Babs Seed.”

“Look, I’m really flattered that you all want to be my daughters, but… I can’t take you away from your families. They care about you.”

Apple Bloom jumps up. “And we care about them too. But we don’t know what else to do!”

“What do you think, dad?”

Arc sighs. “Well, at the moment I don’t have time to settle down with a wife. But I definitely think all of us need to sit down together and talk this out.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “But we are.”

“I mean with Rarity and the Apple family. They need to know about this.”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “Do we have to? Applejack might not like that we came to you like this.”

“I’ll make sure she understands that I was okay with you three talking to me about your problem. She’ll understand.”

Sweetie Belle looks nervous. “Rarity too?”

“Of course. Now don’t you three worry about a thing. We’ll figure this out, okay?”

The three fillies nod and smile as they lean in and nuzzle Arc’s sides. He puts an arm around Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom as Dinky looks up at him.

“Thanks for being there for us, dad.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Yeah. We didn’t really know what to do.”

Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “Could we… um… maybe call you… ‘dad’ too?”

“I think we need to have that talk first, okay?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Okay.”

“One last thing. If any of you ever needs to talk I’ll try to be more available in the future. Now then, we need to get some sleep. All of you have school tomorrow morning.”

Dinky hops down. “Yeah.”

“You three can sleep in my bed tonight.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “What about you?”

“I’ll stay on the couch.”

Apple Bloom looks to Arc and grins. “Do you think we could… you know… all sleep together?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Like you and Dinky do!”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not, dad?”

“Because… um… well…”

Dinky points down. “How about we just sleep here then?”

“On the couch?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah! It’ll be like a slumber party!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Can we?!”

“Well…”

“Please dad!”

Arc nods. “Okay. But just until you three fall asleep. Then I’m putting you to bed.”

They nod excitedly. Dinky sits back down in Arc’s lap as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom lean against him and look out the window at the stars. A short time later their breathing slows and they fall asleep. Arc looks to his left and right and smiles.

“These three fillies just want a normal home life. Can I really give that to all of them?”

He looks down at Dinky curled up in his lap and sighs.

“I can’t even be there for Dinky when she needs me.”

Arc looks over the sleeping fillies for a long time before slowly standing and walking each of them over to his bed. Covering them up he gives each of them a peck on the forehead.

“Good night, little ones.”

They quickly snuggle up to one another. Arc smiles as he walks back over to the couch.

“Those three deserve parents. But I’m only one person. How can I make this work?”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically. “There isn’t a perfect solution to everything, Arc.”

“I know. But… for such sweet fillies as them, there really should be.”

Preface - Volume 25 - Devices and Discoveries

In our previous volume, Arc, Ember, and Frank enter a wormhole to Equestria. Ember tells Frank about her and Arc’s past and the truth regarding how they met. After a good night’s sleep the three meet the princesses over breakfast. Luna gives Arc her blessing to seek help for Frank in learning magic.

Arc and Ember take Frank to meet with Twilight at the Golden Oaks Library. She recommends the Frank learn more about magic in an effort to help him control this powers. Reminding Arc that he has a beginner’s primer, she suggests they start there. Over tea Twilight and Auriel inform Arc that they have enough essence to complete an artificial sun. Arc suggests using a peninsula far to the west as a testing ground and even volunteers to take them there in The Equinox. Afterwards they return to Light’s Hope to allow Frank time to shower and rest.

The trio head to the cafeteria for lunch. As they munch on pizza Frank inquires about the various types of pizzas the guards are eating. Arc recommends letting Frank rest that afternoon, but is convinced by his friend to show him more of the town. They head to Carousel Boutique to have him fitted for new clothes. Rarity asks to speak to Arc privately. Heading up to her bedroom she confesses to needing parenting advice. Admitting that Sweetie Belle has suggested Rarity try to find love, she suggests the herd idea to Arc. Promising to give the idea more thought, Arc pulls Rarity into his lap and kisses her.

Leaving Rarity’s, Arc, Ember, and Frank head down the road. However, when Frank collapses due to a magical imbalance Arc opens a portal to take him back to Light’s Hope. Allowing him some time to rest, Arc and Ember take the opportunity to sleep themselves. Waking, the group takes a portal to Derpy’s house. Cooking supper together, Derpy and Dinky return home. Arc introduced them to Frank again in their pony forms. Over supper Arc announces his plan to take Twilight and Auriel out into the desert to test their artificial sun prototype. Dinky asks is she and her mother can come, to which Arc agrees. After doing the dishes they head to The Equinox. Ember volunteers to stay in a VIP suite with Frank to keep an eye on him. As they rest she regales them with tales of her and Arc’s exploits over the past year or so.

Waking up early, Arc makes his way to the Golden Oaks Library. As Auriel lets him in, he asks her to rest while he retrieves Twilight from the basement. Finding Twilight asleep with the plants he wakes her. After retrieving the essence for the experiment the pair return to the main level, they find Auriel asleep on one of the crates. Arc opens a portal and carries the sleeping demon through it as Twilight rolls the barrel through. Putting the pair to bed in one of the VIP suites, Arc stores their gear and the essence below deck. Returning to the Mid Deck he spots Frank leaving his room. The pair head to the Observation Deck to talk about philosophy before Derpy and Dinky join them.

As Arc and company proceed to cook supper that evening he receives a call from the Bridge. Lemon Hearts reports a strange energy signature below deck. Heading there, Arc meets up with Moon Dancer. She scans the Cargo Hold and limits the source of the readings to Twilight’s supplies. Arc takes the keg of essence and Blinks to the ground. Discovering his presence lowers the reading Arc returns to the kitchen with the keg. Auriel questions the wisdom of continuing with their experiment. However Twilight is able to reassure her that everything will work out just fine.

Sitting on the Observation Deck after their meal Arc and company rest and talk about the artificial sun project. Escorting Derpy and Dinky to his room, Arc announces he’ll be spending the night on the Middle Deck with the essence. Laying down, he quickly falls asleep. Arriving in his Sanctuary, Arc is unable to speak to Cherry. Running into the farmhouse he looks all around to no avail. A storm outside rages and unintelligible whispers ring out from no discernable source. Hearing something on the porch Arc investigates to find Wiseman on the swing. While the porch is spared the gusts of wind and torrential rain, the storm continues to rage on. Wiseman tells Arc… “The blind cannot see that which is right in front of them. The deaf cannot hear even though others speak. However, the wise will find a way to see and hear that which they must comprehend.” As the man vanishes, Arc too decides to leave in hopes of finding Cherry in the waking world. Awakening, Cherry greets him worriedly. He informs her of the happenings in the Sanctuary along with Wiseman’s words. Getting up, Arc goes to check on his little family. Seeing them fast asleep, he continues on down the corridor. Spotting Frank looking out a window Arc joins him. Frank advises Arc to find small ways to unwind. Before he leaves, Arc promises to have a long talk with Frank soon.

After breakfast the next morning Arc and his friends leave the ship to scope out potential locations for the experiment. They settle on a decent sized plateau for safety reason. Twilight and Auriel organize the transport of their equipment as Arc and Dinky play ball nearby. Frank and Ember return to their room to continue Frank’s magical training. Ember gives him some one-on-one instruction on the basics of casting and magical science.

As Arc, Derpy, and Dinky talk, Arc announces his intentions to retire after rescuing Princess Celestia. He informs them that he wants to be a full time father to Dinky to be able to watch her grow up. After transporting the essence up to the plateau Auriel pours it into the machine and starts the conversion process. They sit and talk together over lunch as Ember and Frank join them outside. Frank tells Arc of his intentions to use his powers to further his plans back on Earth. Arc informs Frank, in no uncertain terms, that he is willing and able to stop him with his own power along with The Equinox and the might of the Equestrian military if need be.

As night falls the essence finishes its process. Twilight and Auriel open the shielding array and expose the inert artificial sun. Starting up the emitters they attempt to ignite the sun, but lack sufficient power. After hearing several suggestions they rest on the idea to increase the magical power being levied at the sun by supplementing their own magic. Arc, Ember, Twilight, and Dinky all channel their magic at the sun. As they are joined by Auriel and Frank, the sun ignites. Magical energies cascade across its surface. As its creator look over their instruments Dinky spots a strange looking vine growing up in front of the sphere. Ember cuts it for a sample as Moon Dancer warns Arc of some kind of impending danger incoming.

Ordering everyone back to the ship Arc goes after Auriel, who refuses to leave. Only after slapping her does she regain her composure. Blinking aboard, Arc orders the ship to life off and orbit the plateau. Moon Dancer analyzes the cutting Ember took, but comes up with no known matches. Sending the analysis to Sunburst back in Canterlot, she discovers the plant’s regenerative properties. As it begins to grow before their eyes Arc grabs it, runs out onto the deck, and throws it overboard. Sunburst calls to inform Arc that the plant is known as a Plunderseed Vine, and it hasn’t been seen in over a thousand years. Two large vines burst forth from the ground and latch onto The Equinox. Arc orders Wrangler to power up the weapon in an effort to free the ship.

Firing on the vines, they quickly absorb the energy, strengthening them. Derpy and Ember dive off the ship and slash at the two holding the ship, freeing it. As The Equinox flies to safety Auriel flies Arc down to the machine below while Ember and Derpy create a perimeter. Arc covers Auriel’s back while she tries desperately to shut the machine down. After using the manual override vines momentarily weaken. However, using the energy from the earlier shot, the mother plant resumes her assault of the fledgling artificial sun. Making the decision to destroy it, Twilight instructs the ground forces to smash both of the machines electrodes at the same time to slow the chain reaction. Arc opens a portal as Auriel pushes Derpy and Ember though it. As they attempt to escape themselves the vine grab the pair and slam them to the ground face to face. Before the explosion, Arc contacts the ship to order them to fly to safety. He also takes a few moments to say goodbye to Dinky. As the blast rocks the countryside Lemon Hearts attempts to reach Arc. Failing in that, Tight Ship orders the ship toe maintain its orbit of the area as they wait for morning in an effort to locate Arc’s body. Dinky says a few words into the radio, hoping her father will hear it. Frank carries the sobbing Filly to Arc’s bed as Twilight casts a Sleep Spell on her. As they sit together Twilight is overcome with remorse for her part in ending Arc’s life.

Waking in what appears to be the Dragon Lands, Arc and Auriel attempt to contact help. Failing that Arc attempts to open a portal. Again he fails. Voices fill the air but speak incoherently. Arc asks that they elect one speaker. A single voice rings out a short time later. As it materializes a physical form, Arc gasps. The being, who calls herself Aurora, appears to be a green version of Cherry. She explains that the Consciousness that she represents is the collective awareness of the essence that makes up the artificial sun. Informing them of their plight, Arc volunteers to help the Consciousness escape from the pocket dimension and the vines waiting for them outside. A short time later Auriel leaves the dimension and flies back to The Equinox overhead. Lemon Hearts brings the ship back up to red alert. Auriel explains to the crew that Arc wants them to charge the ORB and prepare to fire on the artificial sun.

As Wrangler fires, it becomes apparent Arc’s plan is to blow up the mother plan underground. When Dinky hears her father will not survive, she vanishes. Returning a short time later with her friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, they jump into the artificial sun, merging with it. Lending their power to that of Arc and the ORB they are able to destroy the Plunderseed Vine mother plant. Taking flight, the artificial sun heads for the peninsula. Twilight and company disembark as the ship lands and hurry over to it just as Arc and the fillies emerge. Telling the story of their adventure, Arc calls for Aurora. Stepping out, she reveals herself to the group and agrees to accompany them aboard The Equinox. Arc takes the fillies back to his quarters where Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom confess their desires for Arc to adopt them like he did for Dinky.

The next morning Arc and the fillies cook breakfast together as the ship flies back to Canterlot Castle. Disembarking, Arc leads the group to the Audience Chamber to see the princesses. Bringing them up to speed on the events of the past few days, Aurora expresses the Consciousness’ desire to relocated to Tartarus. Overjoyed, Auriel thanks her for being willing to bring hope to her people in the form of sunlight and plants. Aurora shows Sunburst how she is able to lend her power to aid in spellcasting. He uses the opportunity to supercharge his scrying abilities. Hastily writing down the coordinates of a military base, Sunburst tells all assembled of his discovery of the facility Princess Celestia is being held.

However, many questions yet remain. What will Frank do with his magical abilities once he masters them? Will Ember be able to refrain from raising a claw against Frank (who certainly deserves it). What will become of the Consciousness and Aurora? Why do Dinky and her friends have such extreme powers? And what of the fourth Cutie Mark Crusader (whom has yet to be mentioned in the story)? Where did the Plunderseed Vines come from? When will Princess Celestia return to Equestria?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Return to Ponyville

Everyone gasps. Luna is the first to be able to speak.

“Sunburst, are you ABSOLUTELY certain of this?!”

“I am… your highness.”

Auriel and Doctor Whooves enter the office. He quickly trots over to Sunburst.

“Oh my! What happened?!”

Arc winces. “A bit of a magical experiment gone wrong.”

The doctor shudders. “Yes, I can still feel its lingering effects.”

Cadance points to the door with a hoof. “Get him to the Infirmary right away!”

Sunburst grimaces. “But, your highness…!”

Luna nods. “I want a full report on his condition as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Princess Luna.”

Auriel motions for two orderlies outside to enter. They lift the Lead Sage onto a stretcher.

“This really isn’t necessary! After all, I have so much work to do now!”

Arc nods. “Then you should allow the examination to commence post haste, eh?”

Sunburst sighs and nods as he is removed from the office. Auriel closes the door behind them as Twilight hurries over to Cadance.

“Do you really think he’s found Princess Celestia?!”

“If Sunburst says he has, then I believe him, yes.”

Derpy gasps. “We have to go get her then!”

Arc nods soberly. “We will, Derpy. But first we need more information.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Max.”

“Max here, sir.”

“I need you and the others to investigate some coordinates. Look up some satellite images of the area, check the Internet, see what’s there, and be ready to make a full report when I return. I don’t care how small or mundane, we need ALL the facts on this one.”

“Yes sir. Ready when you are.”

Arc reads off the coordinates from the paper Sunburst gave him as Max writes them down.

“We’ll get right on it, sir. Anything in particular we should be looking for?”

“Not at this time, no. Just find out as much as you possibly can about this spot. We can go from there. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection as he turns to the princesses. Cadance clears her throat nervously.

“We should bring General Virtuous Lance in to handle our plan of attack.”

Ember frowns. “Woah, woah, whoa! Attack?!”

Luna frowns. “That may be best. He’s certainly the most knowledgeable of our officers regarding tactics and…”

Dinky walks over to Luna and taps her fetlock.

“Excuse me. But wouldn’t somepony get hurt if you did that?”

Luna nods soberly. “Most likely, little one.”

“Then why not leave this task to my dad?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. Arc’s pretty good at resolving problems without fighting. Somehow.”

“I can try.”

Arc calls forth his spear.

“But know that if things go south, I’ll do what I have to.”

Twilight turns to Luna. “Please let Arc handle this! I’m worried a full-blown assault would put Princess Celestia in harm’s way!”

Luna sighs. “Well…”

She puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully as Cadance pipes up.

“Arc does have an extremely high success rate, Luna.”

Luna nods. “Very well then. However, I’d very much like to be kept in the loop on this matter.”

Arc nods. “I can do that. But I’ll need extra support on this one.”

Cadance sighs. “From the military?”

“It may come to that, yes. But at the moment I’m looking more at some special supplies.”

Luna turns to Arc. “Send me a list of whatever you need and I’ll do my very best to see that you get it.”

“Alright. I’ll have to see what my guys back on Earth come up with first though.”

Twilight taps her hooves together nervously. “Please hurry, Arc! Who knows what’s happening to her?!”

Auriel smiles at him with Derpy.

“I’ll help in any way we can.”

“Me too!”

Apple Bloom grins. “So will the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “That’s right!”

“Yeah dad!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “If there’s going to be trouble, I’m in.”

Frank sighs. “While I have no idea what is transpiring here, I do know that if my friend requires my aid I too shall be there.”

Arc smiles at those around him. “Thanks everyone. But this is probably not going to be a walk in the park.”

Luna nods soberly. “Most certainly not. However, Cadance and I are certain you will be able to make the proper decisions in this matter.”

“And that you’ll be forthcoming with us regarding any new developments that are uncovered, Arc.”

Twilight grits her teeth nervously. “Yes. I’d like to help with this too if I can, Arc. Let me know when you’re going back to Earth and I’ll come with you if needed.”

“Probably not until my guys figure something out.”

He turns and looks over to Dinky’s and her friends.

“That and I have to escort these two home. I’m sure they’re families are anxious to have them back safely.”

Derpy appears nervous. “What about Sunburst? You can’t run the machine yourself, Arc.”

Luna turns to her. “Sunburst has trained Spike on the normal operating procedures of the S.P.E.A.R..”

Twilight appears nervous. “Are you certain, Princess Luna? Capable as he is, that’s a pretty complex piece of machinery.”

Arc nods. “I have faith in him. He’s already sent Ember and I back to Earth once.”

Ember shudders. “Y-yeah. Not the best trip we’ve ever has though.”

Arc shrugs. “We were fine, right?”

“I suppose so.”

Frank clears his throat. “In any case, we should probably let the princesses return to their duties.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

He opens a portal and gestures to it. The others walk through and vanish as Luna calls out to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… we’re counting on you.”

Arc nods and enters the portal himself. Cadance turns to Luna as it collapses.

“I have faith in him.”

“As do I, Cadance.”

“He was able to retrieve us from the Lunar Realm, so this should be…”

Luna shakes her head. “Please, Cadance. Let us return to the other matters of state.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company reappear on the sigil in his quarters in Light’s Hope. He turns to Derpy and the fillies

“Let’s get you four to the Orphanage. After all, there’s still part of the school day left.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Aw…”

Apple Bloom sighs. “Do we have to?”

“Come on you two. My dad’s right. That and my mom needs to get back so we can cook supper tonight.”

Twilight turns to Aurora. “Would you like to come with Auriel and I?”

“Would Aurora be able to see the Dragon Fruit plants again?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. They’re still where we left them.”

“Then Aurora will come.”

Twilight turns to Arc, a hopeful look on her face. “Would that be alright?”

“It’s fine with me. Why don’t you take her to the library to get settled? I’ll stop by after I see Rarity and Applejack.”

“Okay. See you in a bit then.”

The group heads outside and down the road toward the Orphanage. Upon reaching it they part ways. Arc leads his group toward the building as Frank looks around.

“THIS is an ORPHANAGE?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. But it’s also the town’s school.”

Frank chuckles as they enter the Main Hall. “What do little ponies learn here?”

Dinky turns to Frank. “Reading, writing, arithmetic, history, and a few other things.”

“Really?”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Sure. What else would we learn?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Miss Cheerilee says it’s her job to see to it we receive a well-rounded education. Whatever that means.”

Derpy turns to her. “She’s trying to prepare you for adult life, dear.”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t get it either.”

Arc kneels down to Dinky’s level. She stands on her hind legs and wraps her hooves around his neck.

“Have a nice day at school, sweetheart.”

“See you later, dad.”

She gives him a quick smile before running toward the classroom with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom right behind her. Derpy walks over to him.

“Thank you for the trip, Arc. It was nice spending quality family time together.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. We’ll have to do things like this more in the future. Uh… without the whole evil plants trying to get us, that is.”

Derpy nods before Arc, Ember, and Frank head for the door. She turns and makes her way toward the Kitchen as she whispers to herself.

“I’m sure Dinky would love that.”

Leaving the building Arc turns to Frank.

“We should pick up those clothes from Rarity.”

Frank chuckles. “Oh, there’s no rush. You and I are about the same size, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, we’re headed there anyways.”

Ember appears nervous. “Yes… the mare that runs the shop is Sweetie Belle’s… sister.”

“Mother, actually.”

Ember sighs and looks away. “Sorry. Wasn’t sure if it was okay to mention that.”

Frank chuckles. “Come now, Ember. Whom would I tell?”

Arc shrugs. “He raises a good point.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Har, har.”

The trio makes their way down the path toward town. A short time later they arrive at Carousel Boutique. Opening the door they find Rarity and Sassy Saddles organizing the shop. Rarity smiles and hurries over to them.

“Welcome back! Uh… where’s Sweetie Belle?”

Ember points a claw back toward town. “We dropped her off at school on the way over here.”

Arc nods. “I hope that was okay.”

“Oh yes, of course.”

Sassy Saddles grins. “You three made it back just in time.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “For what?”

Rarity trots in place excitedly. “The party tonight. Remember?”

Arc gasps. “Ponyville’s founding ceremony! I completely forgot!”

Sassy Saddles smiles as she levitates two suits from a rack behind the counter. “Well, Rarity and I didn’t.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Yes, well… I was a bit worried you two wouldn’t be back in time for your fittings.”

Sassy Saddles gestures toward the Fitting Room.

“You’ll have to take turns unfortunately. We only have one changing area, after all.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Go ahead, Frank. I can wait.”

Rarity giggles. “Oh, no need for that, Arc. You can try your suit on upstairs.”

“Thanks. I’ll do that.”

Frank nods as he steps into the Changing Room. “See you in a bit, Arc.”

“Right this way.”

Rarity leads Arc up the stairs as she levitates the suit with her magic. Sassy Saddles giggles as Frank closes the curtain behind him.

“That worked out well for Rarity. I’m glad she took my hint.”

Meanwhile, Rarity opens the door to her bedroom and allows Arc to pass before following him inside.

“This should be a bit more spacious than the Dressing Room.”

“I appreciate it.”

Arc removes his clothing down to his shorts and tosses them onto the bed. Rarity levitates the dress shirt over to him and drapes it over his shoulders.

“I think you’ll approve of what I did with this outfit. It’s not too flashy without being too plain. Hopefully you’ll like it.”

“I’m sure I will. You have great taste, after all.”

Rarity beams. “Thank you. But tell me something. How did Sweetie Belle find herself aboard you ship?”

“She, Apple Bloom, and Dinky used their powers to teleport there.”

“But why?”

“Um… I was kinda in trouble. Twilight and Auriel’s experiment didn’t quite go according to plan.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my! Is everypony alright?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, we’re all fine. But we wouldn’t have been without Dinky and her friends.”

She sighs as Arc finishes buttoning up the shirt.

“I have to be honest with you, Arc. This whole business of her and the other two receiving training of some kind by that creature Kronos absolutely terrifies me!”

Arc nods soberly as he steps into the dress pants. “Yeah. I don’t like it either. Dinky and her friends were in real danger back there.”

Rarity shudders. “Sweetie Belle’s growing up so fast. While I know I can’t hold her back forever, she isn’t ready for such things yet!”

Arc frowns as he steps into a new pair of dress shoes. “Agreed. All of them are still just fillies. But…”

He pauses for a moment as he finishes dressing.

“Rarity, I need to tell you something.”

“Why don’t we sit down?”

“Thank you. That might help.”

They sit on the edge of her bed. Arc folds his hands in his lap.

“After the ship took off last night, we… had a little talk.”

“You and Sweetie Bell?”

Arc nods. “Well… her, Dinky, and Apple Bloom actually.”

“Was it bad news?”

“Not really. You see… after you told Sweetie Belle the truth about you being her mother, she let her friends know. I guess they’ve been talking about this since then.”

Rarity appears confused. “What else was there to say?”

“Um… Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom wanted me to… adopt them. Like I did with Dinky.”

There is a stunned silence. Eventually Rarity responds with a single, softly spoken word.

“Oh…”

“All of them feel as though they come from partial families. They were hoping I would marry someone so then they’d have a mother as well.”

“Did they… mention anypony’s name?”

“Apple Bloom was hoping I would marry her sister. And Sweetie Belle already… you know.”

Rarity nods sadly, her ears drooping. “Yes, well… I… I’m sure you would make Sweetie Belle a very happy little filly. That and you’d certainly make a better parent than I.”

Arc puts an arm around Rarity. “I told them that wouldn’t be fair to you or Applejack.”

“You did?”

“After all, that wouldn’t make a whole family. Just an even more complicated one.”

Rarity sighs. “My daughter deserves the best. But I alone can’t offer her that. Tell me, did she or her friends mention anything about… the other idea?”

“You mean about forming a herd?”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “They did not.”

Rarity breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I’m afraid they’re a bit too young to know about things like that!”

“Yeah. But we should probably have talks with our daughters about how marriage and sex works though.”

“Oh?”

Arc grimaces. “They thought that sleeping together was how mares and stallions showed that they cared about one another.”

“Well… we do, after all.”

“Huh?”

Rarity blushes slightly as she continues. “It’s normal for couples whom love one another to share a bed. Kinda like you and I have in the past.”

“Oh… I see.”

“I apologize for not knowing how humans…”

“We’re about the same in that regard actually.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Then what’s the problem?”

“I think they believed sleeping in the same bed was the same thing as having sex.”

“Ah! I see what you mean now. Thank you for telling me this, Arc.”

“I’ll run over to Sweet Apple Acres today and have this talk with Applejack too.”

Rarity nods. “That’s probably for the best. But… um…”

“Something wrong?”

“No, no! I was just thinking about that plan they came up with.”

“About me adopting them?”

“Yes. If you were to form a herd, all of them would get what they wanted.”

Rarity puts a hoof on his knee as she looks into his eyes and smiles.

“As would the other girls and I.”

Arc sighs. “I know, but…”

He pauses before continuing.

“Truth be told, I’m not too keen on the idea. The thought of having multiple wives is still really… out there to me.”

“How are things like this handled on Earth?”

“Well… it was something that humans did a long time ago. Now it’s illegal in most countries. I’m not sure when things changed or why though.”

“Just like here in Equestria?”

Arc nods. “Right.”

“If it was still the social norm, would that change your opinion?”

“I don’t know. After all, the more wives someone has the less time they have to devote to each of them. You and your friends each deserve a full-time husband. Not a part timer.”

Rarity suddenly jumps to her hooves on the bed.

“I wouldn’t mind!”

“Rarity?”

Rarity blushes. “I mean… if it were just my friends and Derpy… I believe we could make it work.”

“I… um…”

“Please, Arc. At least give the idea some serious thought. If you’d like, we could get everypony together to compare the pros and cons.”

“Well… I suppose we could do that over tea, or something. But not until after I bring Princess Celestia home. Then I’ll have time to give the matter some more thought.”

Rarity puts her hooves around his neck. “Please do.”

“I will. But on one condition.”

“A condition?”

Arc nods. “That you and the others also give the matter a lot of thought. We all have to know exactly what everyone wants before proceeding with life changing decisions such as these.”

“Yes, I’ll mention it to the others next time we have tea.”

Smiling, Arc pulls Rarity into an embrace.

“Thanks. Now, I just want you to know I’m not promising to agree to this. Only that I’ll think about it.”

Rarity nods as she kisses Arc’s cheek. “As will we, Arc. As will we.”

Chapter 2 - Founder's Day Treats

Arc, along with Derpy, Dinky, Ember, and Frank sit around the dinner table that evening. Dinky appears excited.

“Is it time to go yet, dad?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not yet, sweetheart.”

Derpy looks to her daughter. “That and you haven’t finished eating yet.”

“I’ll hurry!”

Frank laughs. “The little one is just anxious to go.”

Arc nods. “Do as your mother says, Dinky.”

Ember grins. “Arc’s right. You want to grow up big and strong, right?”

“Yeah! Just like dad!”

A short time later they finish eating, clear the dishes, and put them in the sink. Derpy turns to Arc.

“We can do these tomorrow morning.”

“Frank, you and I should probably get changed.”

“Agreed.”

They stand and head for the bedroom together. Dinky turns to her mother as they close the door.

“Mom, why did Miss Rarity make dad and his friend special clothes for this? Nopony else is dressing up.”

“Because this is a special night, and your father has to set a good example due to his position.”

Ember nods. “Right. It wouldn’t do to have him show up in his normal, everyday clothes.”

“Really?”

Ember shrugs. “At least that’s what he told me when I asked him the same thing.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Frank get to work putting on their new outfits. Frank sits down on the bed and grunts. Arc turns to him.

“Having some trouble there?”

“A bit, yes. The old leg injury is flaring up tonight.”

“Let me give you a hand.”

He helps Frank put the pant leg over his straightened leg.

“There you go.”

“Thank you, my friend.”

Arc sighs and turns away.

“All things considered, it’s the least I can do.”

Frank stands and hobbles over to him.

“You need to let that night go.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

Arc frowns. “You know why.”

“Are you still blaming yourself?”

“Yes.”

Frank turns back to the bed and picks up his dress shirt.

“You shouldn’t. After all, I made the choice not to go to the hospital.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t really have much of a choice.”

A few minutes later they step out of the bedroom. Derpy is sitting on the couch brushing Dinky’s mane.

“We’re ready to go anytime.”

Frank nods. “Indeed.”

Derpy sighs. “Just give me a few more minutes. Dinky’s mane is almost as difficult to work with as my own.”

“Sorry mom.”

Arc chuckles. “No need to apologize, sweetheart.”

Derpy nods. “Right. After all, we have the same mane problems.”

“Well, I think you look very pretty, mom.”

Derpy giggles. “Thank you, sweetie.”

Ember looks to Derpy. “So, what sort of get-together is this?”

“I’m told it’s supposed to be the annual telling of the town’s origin story.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! Along with lots of sweet treats!”

Arc chuckles. “Which is why I insisted we eat a good supper first.”

Frank nods. “That was probably for the best. But how should I act? Truth be told I’m rather lost in this new land in terms of etiquette.”

“Just treat the ponies of Equestria like you would humans and you’ll get along fine, my friend.”

“I will try that.”

Derpy puts down the brush and hops off the couch.

“We’re ready.”

Arc gestures to the door. “Alright. Shall we be off?”

Ember grins. “Thought you’d never ask.”

They leave the house and walk down the street toward the Town Hall. Dinky turns to her father.

“So how was the town founded, dad?”

“I don’t actually know, sweetheart.”

“Mom?”

Derpy shrugs. “No idea.”

Ember chuckles. “Looks like we’re all going to learn something new tonight.”

Frank nods. “It must at least be somewhat interesting. Why else would they organize an annual re-enactment?”

Derpy sighs. “Either way, it’s a nice way to be social.”

Arc turns to her. “You don’t get out much, do you?”

Derpy shakes her head. “My job keeps me pretty busy. But at least it allows Dinky and I to spend quality time together.”

“Yeah! We get to cook together all the time!”

Ember sighs wistfully. “Family…”

Frank turns to her. “Did you say something, Ember?”

“What?! N-no, nothing!”

Arriving at the Town Hall, they find what appears to be the entire town gathered. There are tables with sweet treats and various drinks lined up. A small orchestra plays on a stage nearby. Ember grins.

“Mayor Mare certainly went all out on this.”

Derpy grins. “I’ll say.”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“Nah! This is pretty normal!”

They turn to see Pinkie bouncing behind them.

“Hi everypony!”

Arc laughs. “Hello again, Pinkie.”

“I see you’ve brought the whole gang with you tonight! Derpy, little Dinky, and even another human!”

“Yes, this is Frank.”

He extends a hand. “How do you do… miss?”

Pinkie takes his hand in her hoof and shakes it enthusiastically.

“Pinkie Pie! Great, thanks! This party is one of the biggest events of the year! Have all of you paid your respects to our guest of honor yet?!”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. We weren’t even aware there was one.”

Dinky appears confused. “Who is it, Miss Pinkie?”

Pinkie points a hoof toward a large temporary stand off to one side of the square.

“You’ll see!”

Arc chuckles. “Okay. Let’s go see, everyone. We’ll talk later, Pinkie.”

Pinkie waves after them.

“Okay! Have fun!”

She sighs as they walk away.

“I mean that, Arc. Please have fun.”

Meanwhile, Frank turns to Arc as they walk.

“She’s certainly… energetic.”

Arc chuckles. “That she is. Pinkie seems to have a permanent sugar rush.”

They make their way over to the stand. A large number of ponies are gathered around a rocking chair and a very proud looking Granny Smith. They step aside respectfully as Arc approaches.

“Good evening, Granny Smith.”

“Hello to you too, youngins! My, don’t you and your friend look handsome! Enjoying the festivities?!”

Dinky nods. “Yes ma’am.”

Derpy looks around. “It’s certainly busy.”

“Like our stand, I suppose.”

She points a knarled hoof to the temporary structure next to her. Applejack, Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Babs Seed are busy selling apple-based goods. Arc grins.

“We’ll have to buy some goodies.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Saw that one coming.”

Derpy giggles. “Me too!”

Frank clears his throat loudly. “Arc, we should let your friend here get back to socializing.”

“Agreed. Thank you for your time, Granny Smith.”

“Enjoy the festival, you hear!”

Arc and company get in line at the stand. Frank looks to Arc.

“Quite the display ahead.”

“That it is.”

Derpy flaps her wings to hover a few feet about the ground. “I’ll say!”

Dinky jumps as high as she can. “I can’t see.”

Arc picks Dinky up and set her on his shoulders.

“How’s that?”

“Much better!”

She looks over the spread before them.

“Wow! It’s going to be a tasty night!”

Ember laughs. “I’ll say.”

A short time later they reach the stand. Applejack smiles at Arc.

“Hey there, sugarcube.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Hi, Dinky! Hey, Arc!”

Dinky waves happily as Arc tousles Apple Bloom’s mane. Applejack looks to Arc.

“What can we get for you today?”

Arc turns to the others. “Go ahead, everyone. My treat.”

Dinky grins. “Can I have an apple doughnut, please?”

Ember points a claw. “I’ll take some of that rock candy.”

Derpy looks to Babs Seed. “Do you have any muffins?”

“Just a few.”

“I’ll take one, please.”

Frank smiles. “The strudel looks good. I’ll have that.”

Applejack nods as she turns to Arc. “What about you?”

“How about a dozen apple cupcakes and a pie?”

Big Macintosh chuckles. “How many slices?”

“No, no. A whole pie, please.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “You sure, Arc? I don’t think even you could eat a whole pie along with that many cupcakes.”

Arc pats his ring. “Maybe not. But I’m sure I could find room elsewhere. Oh! And we’ll take five bottles of apple juice.”

Applejack laughs. “Coming right up.”

Babs Seed bags the order as Big Macintosh pulls a pie from the display case. They set it on the counter as Arc gives Applejack the bits.

“Thank you kindly. I hope you enjoy the show.”

Dinky giggles. “We will!”

Arc waves. “See you later, Applejack.”

“Take care.”

Applejack watches the group step about twenty feet away as Arc begins passing out everyone’s treats. She is suddenly snapped back to reality as an unwelcome face pushes past the other customers and up to her. He taps a hoof on the counter.

“AHEM!”

“Huh?!”

Diamond Tiara frowns. “Not a good time to be spacing out, farm pony.”

Applejack sighs. “Sorry about that.”

Silver Spoon sighs as her sister continues her tirade. The other ponies look on nervously.

“After all, it’s not every day you have the chance to serve your betters.”

Babs Seed glares at Diamond Tiara. “Hey! We don’t…!”

Applejack waves a hoof at her cousin. “It’s okay. What can I get for you?”

Filthy Rich smiles smugly. “That’s more like it. I’ll have a dozen caramel covered scones.”

Silver Spoon smiles weakly. “I’ll just have an apple, please.”

Diamond Tiara looks down her nose. “Give me a cider.”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Cider’s not in season. We just have juice.”

“First rule of business. The customer is always right! I want a cider, so you should be able to accommodate me!”

Babs Seed grits her teeth angrily. “Get out of here, Diamond Tiara! Like my cousin said…!”

Diamond Tiara glares at the Apples as she jumps onto the counter. Ember looks over at the scene and frowns.

“Why that little…!”

The angry dragon moves to walk past Arc, but he stops her.

“Let Applejack handle this.”

“But, dad…!”

“I don’t want to embarrass the Apple family by interfering. Remember, Applejack is a proud mare. She doesn’t much like others trying to help her.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Fine! But I have limits on how much crap I can watch with punching someone!”

Diamond Tiara looks around. “Let me see if you haven’t misplaced them.”

She knocks over a stack of boxes containing extra pastries. Apple Bloom gasps.

“Hey, now cut that out?!”

Diamond Tiara looks to her with a smug smile. “Stop what? I was just looking for some cider and accidently knocked those over.”

Babs Seed points an accusatory hoof. “Liar! You did that on purpose!”

Filthy Rich clears his throat loudly. “Now, now, little one. Like my daughter said earlier. The customer is always right.”

Applejack frowns. “Well, tell her to get back to the front! She doesn’t belong back here with us!”

“Very well. Diamond?”

“Yes, father.”

Jumping back onto the counter she walks past a cake carrier, knocking it over as she passes. She smiles wickedly at the Apples.

“Sorry about that. It seems like I’m all left hooves tonight.”

Ember takes a step toward the stand. “I’ll show that little…!”

Arc narrows his eyes as he hands his bottle to Ember.

“Hold my juice. I got this.”

He walks over to the counter past the Rich family to stand between them and the Apples.

“That’ll be enough of that. Filthy Rich, you’re going to have to pay for all the food your daughter ruined.”

Filthy Rich shrugs. “Very well.”

He sets a bag of bits on the counter before turning back to Arc.

“Satisfied?”

“Not quite. You also need to compensate them for the time it’ll take to clean up the mess back there.”

Diamond Tiara gasps. “But that was an accident!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Are you arguing with me?”

Silver Spoon shakes her head. “No, sir. Father, please pay the Apples and let’s go.”

“All right, Silver Spoon.”

He sets another bag of bits on the counter next to the first as Big Macintosh gives him their order.

“Let’s go, girls.”

They turn to leave. Arc clears his throat loudly.

“One more thing.”

Filthy Rich rolls his eyes. “What is it now? If you want to write me a citation just send it in the mail, or whatever.”

“You didn’t pay for your order.”

The stallion scowls and reaches into his jacket again. Pulling out yet another bag of bits he tosses it on the ground before dropping his bag of scones onto it. With a few stomps of his hoof he crushes the pastries and bits together into a sugary mess before looking up to Arc, angrily.

“Satisfied?”

Arc frowns at him and nods. The family turns to walk away. However, Diamond Tiara stops as she passes the pile of bits and pastries on the ground.

“Aren’t you forgetting something, father?”

“Am I?”

Diamond Tiara nods. “Yes.”

Silver Spoon appears confused. “What is it?”

“HER TIP!”

Diamond Tiara plants her front hooves firmly in the ground as she bucks the pile at the stand. The bag and pastries hit Applejack squarely in the face. Frosting and sugar cover her mane and coat. Arc glares at the Rich family.

“Why you…!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Sis! You okay?!”

Applejack wipes the pastries from her eyes. “Y-yeah.”

Filthy Rich chuckles. “Feel free to add this to my citation… hero.”

Arc clenches a fist angrily as the family again turns to walk away.

“HALT!”

Filthy Rich grits his teeth impatiently. “What is it now?! I’m a very busy…!”

“I never said you could go.”

Arc turns to the stand as he pulls the pie from his ring.

“Big Macintosh, there appears to be something wrong with this pie.”

“Oh?”

Babs Seed looks it over carefully. “It looks okay to me.”

“Yes, well… it appears to have a worm in it.”

Big Macintosh frowns. “What? I don’t see any…”

Arc turns back toward the Rich family. He Blinks behind them and drops the pie on Filthy Rich’s head.

“Right there.”

Filthy Rich fumes as he tries to wipe the apple filling from his face. “You…!”

Diamond Tiara sneers incredulously. “What do you think you’re…?!”

Arc removes the package of the dozen apple cupcakes and dumps them on Diamond Tiara.

“Oh, I’m SO sorry! Let me help you with that!

Pulling out his handkerchief, Arc smears the cupcakes deftly into her mane before stepping back and shrugging.

“Sorry. It was an accident.”

He turns his gaze back toward the counter.

“Great pie. But it’s missing something.”

Babs Seed grins. “Try this!”

Jumping onto the counter, she kicks a large can of apple preserves toward Arc. He grabs it and deftly removes the guardanium knife from his ring. Blinking above the pair, he cuts the bottom out and watches the contents fall. Blinking back to ground level he quickly casts a Barrier Spell over Silver Spoon as the preserves splash Diamond Tiara and her father. A number of onlookers applaud as Arc grins and looks down at the pair.

“There. Now you can go.”

Seething, Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara walk away. Silver Spoon approaches Arc.

“I’m sorry for the trouble sir.”

“You didn’t do anything, Silver Spoon. Now why don’t you go help you dad and sister home?”

“Yes sir. Sorry again.”

Arc walks back to the counter and over to Applejack as Big Mac does his best to clean his sister up. The rest of Arc’s group hurries over to them as he kneels down.

“You okay, Applejack?”

“I think so, yes.”

Ember looks around. “What a mess!”

“How about I run you over to Light’s Hope to get cleaned up?”

Applejack nods sheepishly. “Sure. Just let me help the others get the stand back in order first.”

Dinky giggles. “We can do that, Miss Applejack!”

Ember nods. “I’ll help too.”

Frank hobbles over. “As will I.”

Derpy smiles at her. “Yes. You just leave it to us.”

“Thanks everypony. I really appreciate this.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal as he turns to the others.

“We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

They step through the portal together. From across the square Rarity and Sweetie Belle look on.

“That was quite the sight to behold.”

Sweetie Belle wrinkles her nose. “Yeah. That Mister Rich is too stuck up for his own good.”

Rarity nods. “Agreed. He’s certain one of my less desirable customers.”

Sweetie Belle suddenly gasps as her hooves fly to her mouth.

“Oh no!”

“What is it?”

“Didn’t you hear?! Arc’s taking Applejack back to his place!”

“She certainly needs a shower after that.”

“Don’t you get it, Rarity?! Everypony’s here!”

“What are you…?”

“They’ll be all alone! We have to stop them!”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, we don’t.”

“But aren’t you afraid she’ll turn Arc’s head?!”

Rarity giggles. “Maybe. But she and I have already discussed that very matter at great length.”

“I don’t get it. How you can be so casual about this?”

“You’ll understand when you’re older, Sweetie Belle.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Well, if you’re not worried, how about we help them clean up that mess?”

Rarity nos. “That I can do.”

As the pair walk over to the stand Rarity muses to herself.

“This is your chance, Applejack. Just be brave and say what’s on your heart.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Applejack step out of the portal in his Living Room. He leads her toward a door.

“My bathroom’s over here.”

“Thanks. I’ll try to be as quick as I can.”

“How about I work on getting your hat cleaned up while you’re in there?”

Applejack gasps. “What?!”

She reaches up and pulls the hat off her head. Looking it over she spots frosting and crumbs all over it.

“I guess it too was a casualty of pastries.”

Applejack gives it to Arc before heading toward the bathroom.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

She closes the door behind her and heads for the shower. Turning it on she steps inside and smiles broadly.

“Showering in Arc’s personal bathroom. This was worth the trouble earlier.”

Meanwhile, Arc takes the hat over to the sink and wipes off as much frosting as he can. Wetting a nearby dish towel he wrings it out and begins carefully cleaning the old hat. When he is halfway done he hears the shower turn off.

“That was pretty fast.”

A few moments later the water turns back on. Arc shrugs.

“I guess she missed a spot.”

As he finishes his task the water again turns off. However, as before, it turns back on a few moments later. Confused, Arc heads for the door and knocks lightly.

“Applejack? Is everything okay in there?”

“I… uh… you see… it’s just…”

“Can I come in?”

“S-sure.”

Arc opens the door and steps inside. He walks over to the shower and looks inside. Applejack is looking at the tile floor nervously.

“Sorry I’m taking so long. These crumbs don’t seem to want to wash out.”

“Can I help?”

“Um… that’s okay. I’m sure I’ll get them all eventually. Why don’t you head back to town? I can walk there when I’m done.”

Arc sighs. “You can’t see what you’re doing, can you?”

Applejack silently shakes her head. Arc removes a magic robe from his ring and quickly puts it on over his new suit. He then picks up the shower nozzle and kneels down next to his friend as she lies down on the warm tiles.

“They’re coming out pretty good now. I think we just needed to get the nozzle closer to your mane.”

Applejack watches the crumbs snake toward the drain. “Y-yeah… probably.”

A few minutes later Arc works his way down her back.

“At least nothing got in your tail.”

“Yes. But it seems to be everywhere else.”

Running his fingernails down her back a dozen or so times, Arc watches as the trail of crumbs ceases.

“I think I got them all.”

He notices Applejack’s eyes are closed and a strange smile is plastered across her face.

“Applejack?”

Hearing her name, she quickly opens her eyes and raises her head.

“Huh?! What?!”

“I just said I think you’re all cleaned up.”

“Oh! S-sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. How about we get you dried off though? I’m sure the others need you back at the stand.”

“Yeah, I suppose.”

Arc grabs a towel and pats his friend dry.

“You’ve been working too hard again, haven’t you?”

Applejack smiles nervously. “What makes you say that?”

“In the shower just now you were practically falling asleep.”

“Oh! Well… it was just really nice in there. Warm and… uh… secure. I think I can finish up myself though.”

Arc nods. “I’ll wait in the other room then.”

He leaves as Applejack finishes toweling off before turning to see her visage in the mirror.

“I couldn’t tell him. A perfect opportunity, and I blew it.”

Applejack sighs and does her best to fix her mane.

“Some Element of Honesty I am. Arc’s better off with a mare who can be honest with him. A mare like… Rarity.”

Chapter 3 - All Kinds

A short time later Arc and Applejack return to the festivities. His friends wave from the Apple’s stand.

“Hi dad!”

Arc chuckles as he and Applejack walk over. “You working on a mercantile cutie mark, sweetheart?”

Derpy appears confused. “What’s that?”

Applejack chuckles. “Being a good at selling.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Is that really a thing?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah! Applejack is our main salespony, after all!”

Big Macintosh grins. “Yup.”

Babs Seed giggles. “She sells more apples and other products than anypony else! Especially to stallions!”

Applejack blushes. “Wha?!”

Apple Bloom turns to Dinky. “Babs is right about that. Folks come from all over to talk to her about our apples.”

Babs Seed sighs. “Sometimes they buy. Other times not.”

Dinky appears confused. “Why not?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “I dunno. Maybe they just want to talk about apples.”

Arc notices Applejack appearing more uncomfortable as the conversation goes on.

“Well, why don’t we let the Apple family get back to work now?”

Derpy walks over to her daughter. “Come along, Dinky.”

“Okay, mom.”

She turns to her friends.

“See you two at school tomorrow.”

Apple Bloom waves after them. “Bye everypony!”

Babs looks up to Applejack.

“Say… why DO mostly stallions come to the farm to buy apples?

Big Mac shakes his head. “We’ll explain it when you’re older.”

Applejack nods nervously. “Y-yeah. Now let’s get back to it, Apples.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company continue on their way. Frank points to a small group.

“It would appear your friend Twilight was able to make it.”

Arc nods. “Good. She doesn’t get out much.”

They walk over. Twilight and Auriel are in the middle of a conversation with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. The pink party pony is the first to speak.

“Hey there, Arc! Glad to see you’re having a nice time!”

Rainbow Dash grins at his outfit. “Lookin’ snazzy tonight! Is this Frank?”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is. But how did you know about him?”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Twilight told us all about the new human.”

Pinkie giggles. “That and the word was already all over town!”

Twilight appears concerned. “How are you feeling, Frank?”

“Stable today. Using that book you gave Arc has helped me control my mana pool’s fluctuations.”

Auriel nods. “That’s good to hear. It must be quite disconcerting to not be able to control one’s powers.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I don’t see what’s so hard about it.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “Think of it like flying, but only being able to do so at max speed with no way to steer.”

Rainbow Dash shudders. “That’s a sobering thought.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“That it is.”

They turn to see Rarity approaching with Sweetie Belle in tow.

“Good evening, everypony.”

Sweetie Belle waves a small hoof. “Hi, Dinky!”

“Hey, Sweetie Belle!”

Rarity looks Arc up and down happily. She appears pleased at what she sees.

“My, oh my! You look very nice tonight!”

“Thanks. You did a great job on these outfits.”

Frank nods. “Yes. Very fashionable and comfortable, miss.”

“Twilight!”

A voice rings out behind them as a pair of pegasus Royal Guards pulling a chariot touch down nearby. Spike jumps out of it and runs over to Twilight. The pair embrace warmly.

“It’s good to see you again!”

“You too, Twilight!”

He runs over to Rarity and holds out a carefully wrapped box.

“I brought you a little something from Canterlot!”

Rarity smiles happily as she takes the box with her magic. “Oh, Spike! You shouldn’t have!”

Opening the lid she finds a small cloth satchel. Reaching inside, Rarity pulls out a beautiful fire ruby necklace. She squeals happily.

“Oh, Spike! It’s lovely!”

Spike smiles and blushes. “I saw it in a shop window and thought it’d look great on you.”

Giggling, Rarity uses her magic to lock the clasp around her neck before looking all around to let her friends see. Pinkie is the first to speak, as one would imagine.

“Wowie!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Looks good on you!”

Arc blushes slightly. “Y-yeah, it does.”

Rarity smiles as she looks down at the pendant. “Thank you, everypony. And thank you for this wonderful gift, Spike.”

Spike nods dreamily. “You’re welcome, Rarity. The moment I saw it…”

Sweetie Belle interrupts. “Hey, Rarity! Can I have something from Applejack’s stand?!”

“Of course, Sweetie Belle.”

She levitates a few bits from a small purse tucked neatly into her mane over to the filly. Sweetie Belle grins and run over to the stand with Dinky.

“Thanks, Rarity!”

Dinky giggles as they run. “Come on! I’ll show you what I got! It was great!”

Derpy calls out after her daughter. “Have fun, you two!”

Rarity turns to Arc.

“Arc, dear. Might I speak to you privately?”

“Yes, of course.”

Ember appears nervous. “Is something wrong?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Oh, no. It’s… just a bit of a personal matter. We won’t be long.”

She leads Arc behind the Town Hall. Spike turns to Twilight.

“Rarity sure seems to be in high spirits tonight.”

Twilight nods. “That she is.”

Pinkie giggles. “Who wouldn’t be if they had some alone time with Arc?!”

Spike appears confused. “Alone time? But they’re just a few steps away.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Yeah. But she has her eyes on him.”

“Um…”

Twilight sighs wistfully. “It means Rarity’s in love with him.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “It does?! How do you know?!”

Pinkie grins. “He’s all she talks about whenever we get together!”

Rainbow Dash elbows the pink mare. “Yeah! And there was that one night…!”

Derpy quickly covers the sides of Spike’s head. “Rainbow Dash, please! Young ears!”

Spike appears nervous. “Wha-what?!”

Ember frowns. “Come on! I’m sure nothing happened!”

Spike looks to the other dragon. “Huh?! I’m so confused!”

Derpy turns to Twilight. “Has Spike had… the talk yet?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. I hadn’t gotten around to it before he left.”

Spike frowns. “What talk?! What’s everypony talking about?!”

Twilight walks over to the little dragon and pats his head. “You’re a little young to be…”

Ember interrupts her. “Spike’s old enough to know about that sort of thing, Twilight. So are you going to tell him, or am I?”

Twilight sighs. “I’ll do it. Considering our shared past, it really should be my responsibility.”

She turns to Spike.

“Come on. Let’s get away from the crowds for this.”

“It is… bad?”

Twilight shakes her head as the pair head away from the festivities. “No, no! But it IS kinda hard to talk about with all this racket. Don’t worry. I’ll just give you the short version for now.”

Spike looks relieved. “Thanks. But we can come back after this talk, right?”

“Sure.”

As the pair walk away together Frank turns to Ember.

“So… Arc has feelings for a… pony?”

Ember appears confused. “Yeah. What’s wrong with that?”

“It’s not exactly what one would consider… proper on Earth.”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side, confused. “Why not?!”

“Such things are seen as taboo and illegal pretty much everywhere.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What?! Why’s that?!”

“It’s bestiality, for starters.”

Derpy turns to Rainbow Dash. “Um… what’s that?”

“Having sex with an animal!”

Rainbow Dash glares at Frank as she continues.

“Which is NOT what Arc is doing!”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Then what IS he…?”

“Rarity isn’t an animal! She’s a pony, you jerk!”

“Which is an animal!”

Pinkie giggles. “No, we’re not!”

Ember frowns. “Yeah!”

Frank shakes his head. “I can see why you’d think that. But I assure you that any creature that is not a human is considered an animal back on Earth.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Why you little…!”

She lunges at Frank, but he Blinks clear of her attack before the pair connect. As Rainbow Dash turns to strike again, Ember steps between them.

“Let it go, Rainbow Dash.”

“Let it GO?! After what he said, I’ll tear him limb from limb!”

Derpy gasps. “Please! That isn’t what Arc would want!”

Rainbow Dash seethes as Frank shakes his head. Ember turns to him with a scowl.

“Say what you want about all of us. But remember this, Frank. Arc learned to accept the inhabitants of this land. Ponies and dragons alike. You should do the same.”

She turns away and sighs.

“You should think of it from our point of view.”

Frank sneers. “Oh? And what’s that?”

“To us, YOU’RE the animal!”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof. “Yeah, that’s right! And we don’t mind a bit that Arc’s a human!”

Frank chuckles. “I see. So you’ve had relations with him before too?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. But I’d LOVE to!”

Pinkie gasps. “Really?!”

Rainbow Dash nods as she grins wickedly at Frank. “Yeah! I’d take him all around the world!”

Derpy appears confused. “Like on a trip?”

Ember chuckles. “Rainbow Dash means that she’d blow Arc’s mind.”

“I still don’t get it.”

Rainbow Dash walks over to Derpy and motions for her to follow. “Come on, I’ll explain it to you.”

She looks over her shoulder at Frank as the pair walks away and gives him a withering look.

“Besides, I need to put some distance between myself and this ANIMAL!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rarity walk behind the Town Hall. Spotting an empty park bench they sit down. Arc turns to Rarity.

“Now then, what did you want to tell me?”

“I… um… just wanted to apologize for our conversation earlier.”

“Oh?”

“Looking back, I may have sounded a bit… pushy.”

“About forming a herd?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. You were right about all of us needing to think it through properly. It’s just… I…”

She sighs and looks down at the ground.

“I really sounded desperate back then, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, kinda.”

“Well, to honest with you… I am.”

“Oh?”

Rarity blushes heavily. “I mean for Sweetie Belle to have a father!”

“Ah.”

Rarity puts a hoof on his hand. “While I’d very much like it to be you, I understand if you want somepony else as a wife.”

“Thanks. But I haven’t really had time to think about this too much since that conversation. But I promise I’ll make time for it in the future.”

“I appreciate that. Sweetie Belle deserves the best father I can find. And we both agree that you’re the best.”

Arc sighs. “I question that opinion, but thank you just the same.”

They are silent for a time as they stare up at the moon. Eventually Rarity breaks the silence.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“How… do you feel about me?”

“As a pony, or as a potential wife?”

“Both actually.”

“I think you’re a very special individual. Kind, generous, and wanting the best for your daughter.”

Rarity sighs. “As you said before, I question that opinion, but thank you just the same.”

“What brought this on?”

Rarity hops off the bench and looks up at the moon.

“This afternoon I had a bit of time to think about you and your exploits.”

“Which ones?”

“All of them really. At least the ones you’ve told me and the others about. I’m sure there’s more you do that you can’t talk about.”

“A bit, yes. Sorry.”

“We understand your need to keep secrets as the Hero of Light and as our nation’s Lord Regent.”

Arc sighs. “Not my favorite part. But it comes with the job.”

“You’re currently the highest ranking official in the military. Over the Captain of the Royal Guard and even the Head of the Army. And that’s just as the Hero of Light. Back when you were the Lord Regent your will and power were absolute, as you alone sat on Equestria’s throne.”

Rarity sighs before continuing.

“And me? I’m just a simple seamstress in a small town.”

“You’re more than that, Rarity.”

“Yes! I’m also a young fool who couldn’t keep her tail down when I should have!”

Arc stands and walks over to her. Kneeling down he puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t blame yourself for being raped, Rarity.”

“It was my fault!”

Arc shakes his head. “You weren’t in any condition to say no or to resist.”

“But I…!”

Arc puts a finger to Rarity’s lips.

“What happened that night can’t be taken back, so you shouldn’t beat yourself up over it. I’m sure it won’t be easy, but you have to make the best of how things turned out.”

“Thank you for saying so, Arc. But what about you?”

“What about me?”

“You’re such an important figure in our society, and I’m a nopony. It… it isn’t right for me to drag you down like this.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Drag me down?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. Somepony of your station shouldn’t be in a relationship with an unwed mother like me.”

“But…!”

“I’d be willing to keep our relationship a complete secret from everypony outside of our circle of friends. Or if that’s not enough, I understand if you’d rather we just be friends.”

“Rarity?”

“Yes.”

As she turns to him Arc quickly leans forward. Putting his arms around her, Rarity suddenly finds herself pulled into an embrace as Arc plants his lips on hers. They share a kiss together which neither of them attempt to break free from for some time. Eventually Arc draws back and smiles at Rarity as she looks around nervously.

“You really shouldn’t do that in public, Arc!”

“Oh? Why not?”

“Somepony might see us!”

“So?”

“Like I said, it wouldn’t do to…!”

“…to have me be seen with you?”

Rarity nods. “Right. I’m an unwed mother, after all.”

“I don’t care.”

Rarity gasps. “What?! But what about your station?!”

“If others think less of me for being in a relationship with you, that’s THEIR problem!”

“But wouldn’t you be happier with a beautiful young noble on your arm? Canterlot’s certainly full of…”

Arc scoffs. “A noble?! Like the ones whom came before me seeking audiences over petty matters?”

“Well… that is customary.”

“Look, Rarity. I’m not interested in any nobles.”

“But many of them are out of this world gorgeous! I’m just…”

Arc interrupts her. “…just as good looking, right?”

Rarity shakes her head. “That’s not true and you know it, Arc.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. You’re MUCH prettier than they are.”

“I most certainly am not!”

“Yes, you are.”

“How?!”

“They’re beauty is only skin deep. Yours goes all the way to the core.”

“But the aristocracy will do nothing but gossip and spread the most hateful rumors about you when they hear of this!”

Arc smiles at her. “Let them. I never spent much time in Canterlot anyways.”

Tears form in the corners of Rarity’s eyes.

“You’d… really choose me over their status and wealth?!”

Arc nods. “In an instant.”

Rarity lunges forward into Arc’s arms. She plants her lips against his as her hooves wrap around his neck. They share a passionate kiss in the glow of the moonlight. However, unbeknownst to either of them, someone watched from the side of the building. A pair of small purple claws instinctively dig into the support column as the young dragon observed and silently seethes before walking away.

Chapter 4 - Unexpected Circumstances

A short time later Arc and Rarity pull back and look into each other’s eyes.

“Arc. Are you sure this is okay? I mean… do you really want to go down this road?”

“Yes. I’m not going to ignore someone I really like just because they’re not on the same societal tier.”

Rarity smiles up at him. “Thank you. I promise I’ll do my very best to make you proud!”

Arc puts his hand under her chin and smiles. “You already have, Rarity. But we should probably get back to the others.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. I’m sure Sweetie Belle and Dinky are wondering what happened to us.”

Arc leads Rarity back toward the festivities. They find Derpy with Sweetie Belle and Dinky. All are happily munching away on snacks. Dinky giggles.

“You finish your conversation, dad?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Did I miss anything?”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Just a few of the games.”

“Games?”

Derpy points a hoof. “They had several rounds of Musical Chairs while you two were gone.”

Dinky holds up a candied apple triumphantly. “I beat out everypony!”

Ember laughs. “That she did!”

“Very good, sweetheart. But remember it’s not about winning or losing, but having fun.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Well, winning IS fun!”

Rarity walks over to the white filly. “Arc is right, dear. While I know you like winning as much as anypony else does, it’s just a game.”

Derpy giggles. “From where I stood it looked like everypony enjoyed themselves.”

Ember nods. “Yeah! Especially the orphans!”

Arc appears surprised. “They’re here too?”

Sweetie Belle points a hoof toward the Apple’s stand.

“They’re over at the stand getting snacks.”

“Can we go say hi, dad?!”

“Sure, sweetheart.”

Rarity fidgets nervously. “I’ll catch up with you in a bit, Arc. Right now I need to find the little mare’s room. Do you think you could watch Sweetie Belle for a bit?”

“Sure. Take your time.”

Dinky runs ahead with Sweetie Belle and Derpy as Arc and Ember follow slowly with Frank. Arc turns to his old friend.

“So, what do you think?”

Frank appears confused. “Regarding what?”

“I don’t know. Equestria, the festival, this land’s inhabitants.”

“They’re certainly… spirited.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s an understatement.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes. Pinkie’s easily excited.”

“I was referring more to the one you call Rainbow Dash.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I suppose she is. Usually only when there’s good reason though.”

“We had a bit of an… argument.”

Ember frowns. “You started it!”

“Uh oh. Where’d she go?”

Ember shrugs. “She and Derpy left to have a little talk before she flew off somewhere.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll have to talk to her later.”

Frank looks away. “Yes. Our conversation did not go as I would have liked.”

“What was it about?”

“Your sex life.”

“Wait, what?!”

Frank puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “Listen to me, Arc. I’ve been told you have a certain… affection for Rarity. This isn’t what I would consider proper behavior.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re my friend, and I’ve always done my best to support your decisions. But I can’t accept the idea of you having sex with horses.”

Arc blushes. “Oh… um… I haven’t actually…”

“I do admit they are… rather charming. But being in a relationship with one of them is not something I ever imagined you doing.”

“Frank, I… I think I need to tell you something.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Arc appears pained. “Do you remember when I told you…?”

Dinky calls out over the crowd.

“Dad, come on!”

“We’re coming, sweetheart.”

He turns back to Frank.

“I’ll tell you later.”

“Yes. It sounds like your daughter isn’t going to wait.”

Making their way through the crowd, the trio comes to a large group of foals and younglings. Frank raises an eyebrow.

“Pony… birds?”

Ember turns to Frank. “Griffons actually.”

“I haven’t seen any adult griffons around town. Where are their parents?”

Arc frowns. “They… don’t have any.”

“I don’t understand.”

Ember sighs. “They’re orphans.”

“All of them?!”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Arc negotiated a treaty with their nation some time back.”

“What kind of treaty?”

Arc turns to Frank. “A peace treaty. Equestria now has economic agreements with their country. And in return we agreed to take their orphans.”

“Forgive me, but would they not be better off in their homeland?”

Ember scoffs. “HA!”

“I don’t recall saying anything funny, Ember.”

Arc looks Frank in the eye. “Think about the worst parts of orphan life. Now imagine it without an orphanage, staff, state funding, or education of any kind.”

Frank appears confused. “What would be left?”

Ember frowns. “Nothing.”

“Right. The Griffon Kingdom just kinda abandoned these younglings to fend for themselves.”

“WHAT?!”

Ember nods. “It’s true.”

“Sadly, yes. The younglings I found were living in a garbage dump.”

Frank looks toward the group. “I’d like to speak to those larger griffons. May I?”

“Sure. I’ll introduce you. Follow me.”

Arc leads Frank over the orphanage staff. Coco Pommels greets him warmly.

“Arc! It’s good to see you well.”

“Thank you, Coco Pommel. I’d like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Frank.”

“How do you do, sir?”

“Very well, thank you.”

Arc turns to his friend. Frank, this is Coco Pommel. She’s the Matron of the orphanage down the way from my base. And this is Natalya along with her brother, Gallus.

He turns to the others as they nod politely.

“Frank wanted to speak to all of you about the Griffon Kingdom.”

Natalya appears confused. “Oh?”

“Yes. Arc was just telling me how your land treats its orphans.”

Gallus scoffs. “Treats them? More like abandons them!”

Natalya nods soberly. “It’s true. Arc was the first one to make any attempt to help any of them.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “The younglings arrived here thin and sick. I had to call the hospital for medical aid.”

Arc gasps. “Everyone okay?!”

“Now, yes. A few of them have psychological disorders from certain… events that happened before they came here.”

Frank frowns. “You mean abuse?”

Gallus grunts. “Yeah. Usually just emotional. But a few of them were, let’s just say… assaulted back then.”

Arc clenches his fist. “I’ll notify Lord Gestal!”

Natalya shakes her head. “While appreciated, nothing would come of it.”

Frank seethes. “What?!”

Gallus sighs. “Even if that pompous oaf did listen to you, sir, he would just pass it off to an officer, who would pass it off to a subordinate, who wouldn’t actually do anything to investigate the matter.”

Natalya nods. “My brother’s right. They’d just make up a false report saying there was no evidence of wrongdoing and submit it.”

Ember brandishes her claws as fireballs form in the center of her palms. “How about I have the dragons burn that country to the ground?!”

Frank frowns. “As heinous as this sounds, that’s probably going a bit too far.”

Ember nods as the fire disappears. “I know. But I just wanted to throw it out there.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Frank’s right, Ember.”

“Fine. But let me know if you change your mind on that.”

Arc turns to Gallus.

“Is there ANYTHING we can do about this?! Anything at all?!”

“You already have, sir. They’re far away from their abusers with a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, enrolled in school, and getting medical and emotional therapy.”

Natalya smiles. “Thanks to you, they’ll never have to be victimized again, sir.”

Frank shakes his head. “Sadly that’s probably all that can be done. We can’t change the past, my friend. But we can help shape their future’s.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Agreed.”

She looks over to the group of foals and younglings gathered around Derpy and Dinky.

“Your daughter’s stories are the highlight of their lives these days.”

Gallus gestures to them with a wave of his talon. “Yeah. And Miss Derpy’s always there to listen when one of them needs to talk outside of their normal therapy sessions.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Dinky’s doing so much for them. You should be proud, sir.”

“Yes, that I am.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “In any case, why don’t you join her? I’m sure the little ones would love to hear a story. If you have time, that is.”

“Sure. Dinky and I can tell them about our latest adventure.”

Natalya grins. “I wouldn’t mind hearing that story myself.”

Gallus chuckles. “Me too.”

Frank sighs. “I was there, and even I don’t believe it.”

“Follow me and I’ll tell you all about it.”

As they head toward the group Frank turns to Arc.

“Coco Pommel. She reminds me of someone very special back on Earth.”

“Miss Kulara?”

“Yes.”

Arc sighs. “I wonder how she’s doing.”

“Probably just fine.”

Frank looks at the expectant eyes before them.

“I’m more concerned with these little ones before us.”

Ember glares at him. “Concerned how you can exploit them?!”

“No. Their futures.”

Dinky grins as her father sits down next to her.

“Here to say ‘hi’, dad?”

“Miss Pommel thought all of you might like to hear a story.”

Pipsqueak’s eyes light up happily. “That we would, sir!”

Aquamarine nods fervently. “Yes! Tell us the one about the giant plant monster!”

Dinky giggles. “They wanted to know where we went. I hope it was okay to tell them.”

“It’s fine, sweetheart. But how about I start at the beginning?”

Natalya smiles. “That would certainly be prudent, sir.”

Sweetie Belle sits down on the other side of Arc. “Oh boy! I can’t wait to hear the rest of this!”

Arc retells the story of Twilight and Auriel’s experiment along with their meeting with Aurora in the pocket dimension. Dinky helps fill in the gaps with her own recollection regarding Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom’s arrival and their own efforts to help Arc and Auriel. Ginny gasps.

“That’s amazing!”

Geoffrey looks to Arc, wide-eyed. “Were you scared, sir?!”

“Not really. Truth be told I was kinda resigned to my fate at that point.”

Glynda looks to Natalya, confused. “What does that mean?”

“That he was ready to die honorably in battle.”

Gallus frowns. “Military training, sis?”

“Something like that. We’re taught how to only focus on the mission and ignore casualties around us.”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t sound like a good way to teach soldiers.”

Frank clears his throat. “Perhaps they look at the matter from the larger picture. What use is it to stop and help their comrades if doing so causes the mission to fail?”

Gigi frowns. “Well, I’d still help my friends if they were hurt!”

Dinky nods. “Me too!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Yeah! What’s the point of winning if your friends aren’t there to enjoy it with you?”

Rarity pats Sweetie Belle’s head. “Well put, dear. But it looks like it’s almost time for Granny Smith to tell of our town’s founding.”

She points a hoof toward the Town Hall. They turn to see Applejack slowly leading her grandmother toward the stage one slow step at a time. A lone rocking chair is brought forward as the orchestra respectfully plays her up to the stage. Frank turns to Derpy.

“Should we take a seat over there?”

“I think so, yes.”

“Can we sit up front, dad?”

“You can if you want to, sweetheart. After all, it looks like your classmates are doing just that. However, Frank and I should probably take a seat in back.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

“I don’t want to block anyone’s view.”

Sweetie Belle beams with evident pride. “You are pretty tall, Arc.”

Rarity smiles at him. “That you are. Why don’t we sit at one of the tables?”

“Sounds good.”

Derpy and Dinky head up front with the school foals as Natalya and Gallus follow. Arc, Rarity, Ember, and Frank head for a table off to one side. Rarity turns to Frank.

“This is a nice enough view.”

“Yes, indeed. But I question whether or not we’ll be able to hear.”

Ember points a claw. “They’re called microphones.”

Arc nods. “A good idea. Granny Smith’s voice doesn’t carry too far.”

Twilight walks over with Spike.

“Mind if we join you?”

Arc gestures to a couple empty chairs. “Sure. Have a seat.”

Spike frowns. “Thanks.”

Ember turns to him. “What’s eating you?”

Twilight sighs. “He probably didn’t like being away from all the fun and excitement.”

“Y-yeah. That and I missed the games thanks to that talk.”

“Well, we would have been done sooner if you hadn’t taken that extra-long bathroom break.”

Frank shrugs. “When you gotta go… you gotta go.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But is anyone else thirsty?”

Ember shrugs. “Kinda.”

Rarity turns to Arc. “I could go for a juice myself. Give me a moment and I’ll fetch all of us something from the Apple’s stand.”

Spike jumps to his feet. “I’ll go with you, Rarity!”

“Thank you, Spike. But…”

“You’ll need help carrying back all those bottles of juice!”

Twilight stands up. “I can go with you too if it would…”

Spike interrupts her. “No, no! You’ve been working really hard lately, Twilight. Just take a load off. Come on, Rarity!”

The baby dragon hurries over to the stand. Rarity turns to the others.

“We won’t be but a few moments.”

She turns and trots after Spike. Ember frowns as she mutters to herself.

“He’s up to something.”

A few minutes later the pair return. Rarity is levitating several bottles of juice as Spike carries one in each claw. They pass out the drinks as Spike hands Arc a bottle.

“Here you go. One fresh apple juice.”

Arc nods as he accepts the bottle. “Thank you, Spike.”

Spike cackles as he sits down. “Don’t mention it!”

Ember looks Spike over as he sits back down. She spots a mischievous glint in his eye as Arc goes to take a drink. She clears her throat loudly.

“Arc?”

He stops, his bottle only inches from his lips. “Yes?”

“Your tie’s a bit crooked.”

Rarity looks over. “She’s right. Let me fix that for you.”

Leaning over, Rarity carefully straightens the tie and looks Arc over. Spike frowns as she openly fawns over him. As Rarity sits back, Ember reaches a hand under the table. With a flick of her wrist she casts a small Telekinesis Spell. Arc’s bottle falls to the ground.

“Whoops.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh dear! Did you spill any on your suit, Arc?!”

“I don’t think so.”

Twilight picks up the now empty bottle with her magic and levitates it over to a nearby recycling bin.

“Oh well. Accidents happen.”

Spike quickly stands. “I’ll run and get you another one.”

“Thanks, Spike.”

He hurries off. Taking another bottle from Apple Bloom’s outstretched hoof, Spike makes his way back toward the table. As he approaches, Rarity puts a hoof on Arc’s hand as everyone around the table laughs at a joke that he cannot hear. Seeing Arc’s fingers close around the white hoof, Spike growls and steps behind a nearby chair. Pulling out a small satchel, he pours its contents into the bottle and gives it a quick shake.

“That should do it.”

Hurrying back to the table, Spike sets the bottle down in front of Arc gingerly.

“There you go.”

“Thanks, Spike. I’ll try to be more careful with this one.”

Spike smiles. “Please do.”

Twilight frowns. “Spike!”

“I mean, the stand was running low on juice! That and we shouldn’t let it go to waste.”

Rarity nods. “He’s right. The Apple family works really hard to make their juice. We shouldn’t be watering the lawn with it.

She picks up the bottle with her magic and pulls it to herself.

“I’ll see to it you don’t drop this one.”

Rarity makes several swooping motions with her hoof as she carefully puts it to Arc’s lips.

“There you are, Arc. Be careful not to dribble.”

Arc chuckles as he takes the bottle in his hand. “Okay, mom. I’ll try to manage.”

Taking a long drink, he downs half the bottle before setting it down.

“Ah! The Apple family makes the best juice!”

Twilight nods happily. “That they do.”

“I remember Applejack telling me a while back that it has to do with…”

Arc suddenly puts a hand to his forehead. Rarity looks concerned.

“Are you alright?!”

“Y-yeah. Just a bit of a headache, that’s all.”

Spike looks hopeful. “Maybe you should lie down, Arc.”

Twilight puts a hoof to Arc’s forehead. “Spike’s right. Your health comes first, after all. Especially with how busy you’ve been lately.”

“Thanks, but it’s passing. I just hope I’m not getting sick, or something.”

Ember smiles at him. “I’d nurse you back to health.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, I’m sure you would.”

Rarity giggles. “Need some help, Ember?”

“Why not? The more the merrier.”

Spike frowns as Twilight looks Arc over.

“We could run you over to the hospital.”

Arc chuckles as he waves a hand dismissively. “Nah, I’ll be okay. Besides, I don’t want to miss this.”

Frank sighs. “It’s your call, my friend. However…”

Suddenly a robbed figure descends from the sky onto the stage. Applejack instinctively jumps in front of Granny Smith.

“What in tarnation…?!”

Twilight gasps. “Goodness!”

Ember looks over to the stage, confused. “Is this part of the show?”

Spike shrugs. “It wasn’t last year, no.”

Arc chuckles as he picks up his bottle. “It’s probably just Rainbow Dash trying to liven things up a bit.”

Frank frowns. “They appear a bit larger than your friend, Arc.”

Turning, Arc looks at the newcomer as the crowd murmurs, confused. His eyes grow wide as he spots the familiar robe.

“YOU?!”

Arc quickly stands as those assembled part. The figure slowly walks toward Arc’s table and calls out.

“I want everyone to leave.”

Arc does not take his eyes off the figure as he speaks. “All residents get inside the Town Hall and stay there. Ember, help Derpy and Coco Pommel get the young out of here.”

Ember wordlessly nods as she moves to carry out her task. Rarity looks to him, confused.

“What’s going on?”

Frank frowns. “Trouble, miss.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

The ponies quickly do as Arc says. A few minutes later the grounds are empty, save for those around Arc’s table. He eyes the figure coolly.

“Never thought I’d see you again.”

“You almost didn’t.”

“How’d you survive?”

The figure seethes. “You were sloppy, murderer.”

Arc clenches a fist but says nothing. Several moments pass before he speaks.

“So… are you here to finish the job?”

“Yes.”

Arc frowns. “Look, I really don’t want to fight you. So I’m going to give you a chance to turn around and fly away.”

“That’s one more chance than you gave my friends.”

“Is that your final answer?”

“It is.”

Arc nods soberly and turns to the others as he calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and the Spear of Righteousness.

“Stay back. I’ll handle this.”

Looking over to the figure he removes his helmet.

“You know what I’m capable of. Sure you want to do this?”

“I am.”

“It didn’t go so well for you last time.”

The robed figure chuckles. “Believe me when I say that I have… evolved since then.”

Arc grits his teeth and smiles wickedly. “Very well. I came here to watch a show and drink juice…”

Grabbing his bottle, Arc downs the last of it in a few gulps and tosses the empty bottle into a nearby bin before picking his helmet up and putting it back on. He points the Spear of Righteousness at his opponent menacingly.

“…and now that I’m all out of juice, I suppose you and I will be the show!”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As Arc moves to turn back to his opponent he suddenly stops halfway. Ember looks confused.

“Arc? Is something…?”

Without a word Arc collapses, smashing face first through their table.

Chapter 5 - Unexpected Outcomes

Rarity and Ember kneel down next to their unconscious friend.

“What the heck happened?!”

Rarity gasps. “I don’t know! He was just fine a moment ago!”

Frank narrows his eyes as the looks at the robed creature before them. “What have you done, monster?!”

“Nothing. Truth be told, I’m as surprised as you are. However, this turn of events changes nothing. Save for the now relative ease of my task.”

Rarity looks to the robed figure nervously. “Wha… what t are you talking about?! What task?!”

“Avenging my fallen brothers!”

He points an accusatory talon toward Arc.

“This… CREATURE slew a number of my friends in cold blood!”

Ember grits her teeth. “He would never…!”

“I care nothing for what you worms believe! Now then, stand aside and allow me to taste the vengeance I’ve craved since he and I last crossed paths!”

Ember calls forth her own armor and spear. “That’s not going to happen!”

Rarity nods as she turns up her nose. “Right! Begone, villain!”

Frank tightens his grip on the staff in his hand. “You want him, you’ll have to go through us first.”

Ember takes up a battle ready stance. “Yeah! You can’t take on all of us, whomever you are!”

The creature chuckles. “We shall see.”

Ember lunges forward. Her opponent dodges with supernatural speed to knock her away. Frank and Rarity both fire their magic against the robed creature, but quickly find their spells reflected back at them. The pair fall to their knees as their assailant shakes his head.

“Pathetic.”

Ember gets quickly to her feet and, with a flap of her wings, puts herself between Arc and their attacker.

“Just who are you anyways?!”

“I am… was… the commander of the Griffon Liberation Army.”

Ember gasps. “A rebel?! Way out here?!”

Frank turns to Rarity. “Equestria has rebels?!”

“Not that I know of.”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah. This fruitcake is from another country across the sea. And he’s about to die for it!”

The commander chuckles, dropping his guard. “That’s not likely, worm. But feel free to try.”

Shrugging, Ember throws her spear at the griffon. It hits him squarely in the chest. He doubles over as blood seeps through his robe. Ember grins.

“That wasn’t so hard.”

Frank narrows his eyes as their opponent pulls the spear out. “Something isn’t right. Stay sharp.”

The commander stands tall as his wounds stop bleeding. He chuckles as he wipes away the quickly vanishing blood.

“That stung a bit. But was otherwise ineffective.”

Ember frowns. “This… isn’t good.”

Rarity grimaces, her horn aglow. “Agreed.”

Frank turns to Ember. “He’s only after Arc. If we can get him out of here…”

“You’re going nowhere!”

Charging forward, the griffon brandishes a blade. The trio block his path with Ember in front.

“This is as far as you…!”

The griffon wordlessly Blinks past them. Frank grunts.

“What the…?”

Thrusting his blade forward, Rarity jumps between him and Arc.

“NO!”

A split second later a gauntlet grabs her tail. Rarity finds herself pulled violently into Arc’s chest plate as he rolls out of the way. She gasps.

“Arc! Are you…?!”

Wordlessly, Arc jumps to his feet to face his assailant as Ember and Frank move to flank him. The commander chuckles.

“Playing possum, eh? No matter. Your end will be the same.”

Ember brandishes her spear. “Arc, take Rarity and get out of here! We’ll hold him off!”

Nodding, Arc motions for Rarity to follow him. Together they make for the back of the Town Hall. The griffon turns to give chase.

“Get back here!”

Frank tosses a handful of dirt at the griffon’s face, temporarily blinding him. Ember jumps on his back and jams her spear into him, effectively pinning him to the ground.

“Stick around! We’re not through with you yet!”

As the griffon’s wounds attempt to heal Frank hits him on the head with his staff, knocking him out. Grinning he turns to Ember.

“That was easy enough.”

Ember frowns. “Hardly.”

Frank appears confused. “Eh?”

“As soon as this freak wakes up, he’s going to Blink out from under me and go looking for Arc.”

Without a word Frank hits the griffon in the head again. Ember looks up at him, confused.

“What are you doing?”

“Buying us more time, I hope.”

Hearing the sound of footsteps quickly approaching, the pair turn around to see Arc returning. Frank is the first to speak.

“Can I assume Rarity is safely hidden?”

Arc nods as Ember glares at him.

“You idiot! Any minute now he’s going to wake up! RUN!”

“That’s fine with me.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Who said that?”

“I did.”

Ember gasps, her eyes wide. “Ch-Cherry?!”

Eidolon’s Ward nods “Yes, Ember. It’s me.”

Frank turns to Ember. “Who is…?”

“Not now, Frank! Cherry, what happened to Arc?!”

“He passed out before the fighting started. I took him and Rarity somewhere safe and left him there.”

Ember sighs. “Well, that takes care of one problem.”

She looks down at the griffon under her.

“Now we just have to find some way to solve this little matter.”

Frank holds up his staff. “Shall I hit him again?”

Ember shrugs. “Be my guest.”

Frank does so as Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet to the side of its helmet.

“There has to be something we can do to stop him.”

Ember grins. “I have an idea. It’s crazy, but it just might work.”

Frank frowns. “We have to try something. Go for it.”

Ember stands up and looks down at the griffon as she casts a spell before turning to Eidolon’s Ward.

“Okay. Cherry, can you pick him up?”

“Sure. But where are we going?”

“No time! Follow me!”

Confused, Eidolon’s Ward scoops up the unconscious griffon and throws him over her shoulder.

“Lead the way.”

The trio quickly runs towards Light’s Hope. As the base comes into view Ember points toward The Equinox.

“This way!”

Running up the gangplank they hurry inside the ship and toward the medical bay. Hearing the commotion Redheart hurries out of her office.

“Nurse, we need your help!”

Redheart immediately spots the copious amounts of blood on the robe. “Oh my! Set them down over here, quickly!”

Eidolon’s Ward does so as Redheart begins cutting away the robe. She talks to Ember as she works.

“What happened?!”

“We need you to put him into a medically induced coma!”

Redheart frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

Frank nods. “Please, nurse! It’s very urgent!”

“Let me treat his wounds first before I…”

Frank shakes his head. “There isn’t time!”

Ember points to the armor. “Yes. This is the will of the Hero of Light.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods fervently. Redheart sighs.

“Yes sir.”

Trotting over to a nearby medicine cabinet. she pulls out a bottle and an IV kit. Quickly setting it up, she pulls several feathers and inserts the needle into a vein before turning to the bottle and opening the valve.

“There. Now can somepony please explain to me what’s going on?”

Frank frowns. “I have no idea. And I was there.”

Ember sighs. “Long story short, this robed menace wanted to assassinate Arc at this evening’s gathering.”

Redheart gasps. “Shouldn’t he be in a jail cell then?”

Ember shakes her head. “Look, we… we just couldn’t do that. Please trust us on this and do everything you can to keep this criminal unconscious.”

Redheart looks at Eidolon’s Ward and sighs as it nods. “I’ll do as you want, sir. But I really don’t feel good about this.”

Frank holds up the griffon’s head. “It was either that or me continuing to hit them.”

Redheart raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That certainly wasn’t an option.”

Eidolon’s Ward gestures to the doorway as Ember takes the hint.

“Well, we need to get back to the Town Hall and give the all clear.”

Redheart sighs. “Very well. But what should I do with him? He can’t stay out forever.”

Frank looks to her as he and the others leave the room. “Arc will let you know what he comes up with as soon as possible.”

Redheart looks down at her patient for a few moments.

“This is all just so mysterious. What in Celestia’s name is going on out there?!”

Meanwhile, the trio walk down the corridor toward the Main Hatch. Frank turns to Ember as he points a thumb at Eidolon’s Ward.

“Care to explain what’s going on?! Who is this?!”

Ember sighs. “That’s Cherry.”

Eidolon’s Ward waves a gauntlet. “Hello.”

Frank rolls his eyes. “Okay, that didn’t really clear anything up.”

Ember frowns as she shakes her head. “Yeah, I know. But Arc himself should probably explain it.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Agreed.”

“Fine…”

They head back to the Town Hall. Eidolon’s Ward peeks through the window and motions for them to open the door. As they do so Dinky is the first one out. She runs over to what she believes to be her father and jumps into his arms.

“Dad, I…!”

Frowning, she hops down.

“Miss Cherry?”

“Hello, Dinky. I’m sorry, but Arc isn’t inside.”

Dinky appears nervous. “Then where is he?!”

“We’ll explain shortly, okay dear?”

Dinky nods as Twilight and her friends hurry over to them.

“Arc, what…?”

Frank holds up a hand. “Just a minute, miss.”

Ember loudly clears her throat.

“The danger’s past, everyone. Turns out it was just a really big misunderstanding. You can all go back to the party.”

Everyone assembled cheers and clops their hooves together before dispersing to return to their revelry. Twilight turns her attention back to Arc.

“What happened back there, Arc?”

Dinky sighs. “That’s not him, Miss Twilight.”

Frank shrugs. “Right. It’s supposed to be someone named…”

Pinkie hops over. “Hi, Cherry! How’ve you been?!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “How did you…?”

“Pinkie Sense!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Well, he’s not in his armor, where IS he?!”

Derpy gasps. “He’s not hurt, is he?!”

Ember turns and motions for the others to follow her. “Not… really. Everyone please follow me.”

Walking down the road, they come to Carousel Boutique. Flapping her wings, Ember gets some air and taps lightly on a second story window. The curtains open a crack momentarily before closing again. Ember returns to the ground and turns to the others.

“She’ll be down momentarily.”

Rainbow Dash looks to her with a sly grin. “Arc and Rarity REALLY went out of their way to get some alone time!”

Ember sighs. “Well… it certainly wasn’t planned.”

Pinkie appears confused. “Huh?!”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin, thoughtfully. “He collapsed earlier. I mean, I don’t see Arc putting on an act like that.”

Dinky sighs. “Right. My dad’s above things like that.”

Applejack nods. “Especially when he knew it would make everypony worry about him.”

Frank frowns. “Yes. Such things are certainly not in his nature.”

The sound of Rarity’s front door unlocking can be heard. A moment later a loud grating sound reverberates through the air. Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight, confused.

“What the heck is she DOING in there?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Sounds like Rarity’s redecorating.”

After several more grinding noises fill the air, the door opens part way. Rarity looks outside as her eyes quickly take in those standing before her.

“Come in, quickly!”

She steps back to allow them entrance. Squeezing past a cabinet partially blocking the door they gather inside as Ember closes the door behind them. Rarity looks to Frank, nervously.

“Is it safe?”

Frank nods. “Yes. That griffon has been restrained.”

Rarity breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

“Can we see my dad now, Miss Rarity?”

“Yes of course, my dear. Follow me please everypony.”

She leads them upstairs. Ember turns to Applejack.

“Your family going to be okay running the stand without you?”

Applejack nods. “Sure. Spike volunteered to lend a hoof while I came over here.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That was nice of him.”

Pinkie nods fervently. “Yeah! He’s a hard working little fella!”

Twilight smiles. “I can always count on him.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah.”

Rarity opens the door to her room. Stepping inside they see Arc lying peacefully on the bed. Dinky walks wordlessly over to him and puts her hooves on the bedspread as Eidolon’s Ward walks to the opposite side and sits down.

“Is he okay, mom?”

“I don’t really know sweetie.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight. “We should get him to a doctor! Fast!”

Twilight looks Arc over. “Probably. But it really just looks like he’s sleeping to me. Can I assume you’ve already tried waking him, Rarity?”

Rarity sadly nods. “Yes. While Arc is certainly a sound sleeper, this goes beyond a simple evening catnap.”

Applejack sighs. “I’m with Rainbow Dash on this one. It might be serious.”

Frank puts a hand to his chin. “But is it safe to move him is the real question here.”

Rarity frowns. “Well, we can’t just stand here doing nothing!”

Ember nods. “Agreed. Let me try something.”

Reaching over she touches Arc’s earring.

“Um… Ember to Rose?”

“Rose here. What’s wrong?”

“Arc passed out randomly a little while ago. We carried him to a bed, but he won’t wake up. Can you scan him from your end?”

“Yes. One moment please.”

The line goes silent for a few moments before Rose again speaks.

“I’m not detecting any physical injuries.”

Dinky takes her father’s hand. “Then why won’t he wake up?!”

Derpy nods as she stands behind her daughter. “We’re so worried about him!”

Twilight looks toward the earring. “Rose, can you scan his brainwaves? I want to know if this is sleep or a coma.”

“Yes, mother.”

Again the line goes silent for a time.

“Arc’s brain activity is a bit… off. Tell me, what was he doing before collapsing?”

Ember shrugs. “We were just sitting at a table, talking.”

Pinkie grins mischievously. “Yeah! But he and Rarity were flirting!”

Applejack gasps. “What?!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “So what? We all know about their relationship.”

Rose clears her throat loudly. “Did anything else happen?”

Rarity blushes. “Well… there was one other bit.”

Frank grins. “Good. Maybe we’ll learn something.”

“I… might have had my hoof on his leg.”

Dinky looks to her, confused. “Why?”

Twilight stammers. “We’ll tell you about it when your older, Dinky.”

Dinky looks to her mother. Derpy shrugs as Rose continues.

“I don’t believe that would have had anything to do with Arc’s condition. Tell me, was anyone else affected?”

Pinkie looks around. “It didn’t look like it!”

Twilight sighs. “Nopony else reported feeling strange.”

“That rules out airborne stimuli. Did he eat anything?”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Wait! Are you saying he might have been POISONED?!”

“It’s a possibility, yes.”

Dinky puts a small hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Dad did eat a lot of Miss Applejack’s treats this evening.

Everyone turns to look at the farm pony. She appears suddenly irate.

“Now hold on just a minute! The Apple family have been making these recipes for three generations! They’re all perfectly safe!”

Twilight nods. “That and he ate the same things others did.”

Derpy turns to Frank. “What about his drink? They’re individually bottled.”

Frank nods. “Yes, that might have been it.”

Rarity looks to Applejack. “But everypony there was drinking the same juice.”

Applejack frowns. “And they’re all filled from the same batch.”

Rainbow Dash looks out the window. “What about that weird griffon?!”

Rose sounds confused. “You mean Natalya or Gallus?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no. Arc was called out by a strange robed griffon right before he fainted.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks down at Arc. “He claimed to be part of the Griffon Liberation Army.”

Rose gasps. “A rebel?! In Ponyville?! He has to be found right away!”

Ember frowns. “He’s being held aboard The Equinox.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Right. Nurse Redheart is keeping him in a medically induced coma for the time being.”

“Good idea. This makes more sense now.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “You know what happened?”

“These readings, while certainly not indigenous to one diagnosis, are consistent with sleeping drugs.”

Rainbow Dash pounds her front hooves together. “That jerk must’ve poisoned Arc’s food!”

Dinky nods. “Or his drink!”

Twilight looks at Arc. “We’ll send a blood sample over to the hospital to be sure.”

Frank turns to Twilight. “His ship is closer.”

Rarity nods. “Nurse Redheart could certainly analyze a blood sample faster. Rainbow Dash, could you please…”

“On it!”

She flies out of the room and down the stairs as Rose speaks.

“If I’m right, and I’m certain I am, all you can do is wait for the toxin to be cleansed from his body normally.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “How long would that take?”

Twilight looks nervous. “Right! Arc has… a very important mission pending!”

Rarity turns to her friend. “He does?”

Dinky nods. “Yes. But we probably should let my dad tell everypony about it.”

Rose continues talking. “Assuming the toxin wasn’t something exotic, he should be fully recovered by tomorrow morning.”

Ember sighs. “Anything else we can do for him?”

“Just keep him warm and safe until then. If I’m wrong, Nurse Redheart can advise you further.”

Rarity nods. “I’ll stay with him tonight.”

Derpy smiles. “As will I.”

Dinky grins. “Me too!”

Ember turns to the door. “Well, I should probably stand guard over our prisoner aboard The Equinox.”

Frank turns to her. “I will join you, Ember.”

“I can handle it! Do you think he’ll wake up, or something?!”

Frank holds up his staff. “If he does, I’ll give him another good whack.”

Pinkie bounces around. “You want some more company, Rarity?!”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, no! We have quite the full house here with myself, Derpy, Dinky, Cherry, and Sweetie Belle… when she gets home, that is.”

Applejack sighs. “Right. The rest of us should go and give Arc some quiet time.”

Pinkie bounces toward the door. “Yeah! He’ll be fine!”

Applejack droops her head as she follows her friends. “I sure hope so.”

Twilight nods soberly. “I should be getting back to the library anyways. Do you need anything, Rarity?”

“No, thank you. We should be alright.”

Twilight nods as she puts a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder.

“I know Arc will be fine. But I’m sure he’d be very happy knowing you and his little family are by his side right now.”

Rarity smiles and silently mouths the words ‘thank you’ before Twilight turns and leaves the room. Returning to Arc’s side she looks to Derpy and Dinky.

“I… um… think we should all get some rest now.”

“Can I stay here with dad?”

“That’s up to Rarity, dear.”

Rarity nods. “Of course you can, Dinky. Actually, I think you and your mother should stay by his side tonight.”

Derpy looks confused. “What? But, I…”

“It’s okay. I’ll take the spare room.”

“Um… Miss Rarity?”

“Yes, Dinky?”

“I… I thought my dad was your… stallionfriend. He is, isn’t he?”

Rarity sighs. “Maybe one day he will be. Why do you ask?”

“Because I know you care about him like mom and I do.”

Derpy nods. “Yes. We could all share the bed. It’s certainly big enough.”

Rarity shakes her head as she walks out the door.

“There’s a time for holding close, and a time for sharing. Right now it’s you and your daughter’s turn. I’ll wait downstairs for the test results.”

She closes the door as Dinky looks to her mother.

“I don’t understand, mom.”

“It’s… kinda complicated.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “That it is. But I see why Rarity is the Element of Generosity now. She was willing to give Arc an evening with his family rather than keep him to herself.”

Dinky looks confused. “But why?”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Because family should always stick together. And right now Arc needs us.”

Dinky hops up into the bed and snuggles up next to her father as her mother does the same on the other side.

“Good night, dad.”

Derpy smiles. “Sweet dreams you two.”

Eidolon’s Ward sits down in a nearby chair. “And I’ll watch over all three of you. Just in case that griffon comes back.

They nod and smile before closing their eyes. A few minutes later both fall asleep. Eidolon’s Ward smiles as she watches over the sleeping family.

“Arc… you don’t realize just how lucky you are.”

Chapter 6 - Head On!

Later that night Arc begins to stir. Putting a hand to his forehead he slowly sits up.

“What the…? Where am I?”

Eidolon’s Ward stands and puts a gauntlet on Arc’s chest as she pushes him back down.

“Easy there. You had quite the evening.”

Arc looks to his left and right as he feels movement.

“Arc?”

“Dad?! Are you okay?!”

Arc nods weakly as he continues to rub his temples. “I… think so. What happened? That last thing I remember is… um…”

Arc bolts upright.

“That griffon! Where…?!”

Derpy puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Easy there, Arc. Frank and Ember took care of him.”

“They did?”

“Yeah, dad. He’s out cold aboard The Equinox.”

Arc grimaces. “But he could’ve woken up by now!”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes her helmet. “Not likely. I… might have backed Ember up in pretending I was you.”

“What?”

Derpy sighs. “She needed Redheart to put him in a medically induced coma. It was the only way we could think of to keep him down. You’re not too upset by that, are you?”

Arc Blinks out of bed and in front of his armor.

“Well, I suppose under the circumstances it was okay. But I’d like to see for myself that he’s still out.”

Derpy looks to him, nervously. “You really should rest, Arc.”

“Right dad. That bad griffon poisoned you!”

“He did? How?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “We think he put something in either your food or drink.”

“Well, now that I think about it, the Apple Juice tasted especially good. But we should get moving.”

Walking quickly to the door Arc opens it and steps out into the hall. He looks around, confused, as Derpy and Dinky follow him.

“Um…”

“Something wrong?”

“This looks like Rarity’s place, Derpy.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “I brought you here after you passed out.”

“Why?”

“That griffon was only after you, dad.”

Derpy shudder. “Yes. It was scary!”

Dinky yawns as Arc kneels down to her level.

“I think I should probably let you and your mother get some more sleep.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, that’s probably for the best.”

Arc takes his gauntlet and opens a portal. Derpy and Dinky embrace him momentarily before heading toward the swirling energies.

“Be careful, Arc!”

“Yeah dad!”

Arc smiles at them. “I will. Have a good day you two.”

The pair vanish as Arc closes the portal and turns to his armor.

“We should hurry to The Equinox.”

“Agreed. But I’m sure you want to say goodbye to somepony else first.”

Arc sighs. “It’s kinda early to be…”

Eidolon’s Ward gestures to the stairs. “I think I can hear her sewing machine running.”

“Huh? What’s she doing up at this hour?”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Only one way to find out.”

Together they head downstairs. Finding the shop floor dark they turn toward the back room where a light shines under the door. Opening it, Arc sees Rarity sitting at her usual place, working. Eidolon’s Ward steps back as Arc enters the back room quietly and closes the door before walking over to her.

“Rarity?”

She lets out a small yelp and falls over backwards. Reaching out Arc catches her as he sits down on the floor. Rarity looks up at him sheepishly with bags under her eyes.

“I… I’m sorry, Arc. I must look a fright right now. Are you feeling better?”

Arc smiles. “You look just fine to me. And yes, I’m alright.”

Rarity blushes. “That’s good. It’s nice to have somepony around to catch me when I fall.”

Arc pulls her into his lap.

“And it’s nice to have somepony special in my life.”

Rarity appears confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I just said it’s nice to have someone…”

“No, no! You said ‘somepony’ a moment ago.”

“Did I?”

Rarity nods. “Yes.”

“Oh. Sorry about that.”

Rarity smiles. “Don’t be. It just means pony mannerisms are rubbing off on you.”

Arc chuckles. “I guess I have been in Equestria long enough for that to happen.”

Rarity stretches her neck to rest her muzzle on his cheek. “I have to confess I find this new aspect of yours very sexy.”

“Well, I aim to please. But why don’t I take you to bed? It’s very late after all.”

Rarity yawns. “Very well. But I was just planning on stretching out on my couch here. Derpy and Dinky are asleep in my room, after all.”

“I sent them home prior to coming down here.”

Rarity bats her eyelashes. “Well then, why don’t you and I head upstairs together? I’d love to fall asleep in your arms again.”

Arc shakes her head. “Sorry, but I need to get going. The griffon that attacked me needs to be dealt with.”

Rarity sighs.

“I see.”

“Sorry.”

She shakes her head. “Oh no, I understand that this is your job. Truth be told I was really just looking for an excuse to get close to you again.”

Arc chuckles. “I’d like that too, Rarity. Just not right now. Can I take a rain check?”

“Of course. Anytime you want a bedmate, I’ll be there.”

She suddenly blushes fervently.

“That… could’ve been worded better.”

Arc smiles at her. “I knew what you meant. And I… um… I really liked last time too. But I think I should carry you to bed now. You’re almost falling asleep as it is.”

Rarity nods. Arc picks her up and slowly carries her upstairs. Reaching her room he lays her on the bed and covers her with the blankets.

“Comfy?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you.”

“Good night, Rarity.”

He leans down and gently kisses her lips. Stepping back Arc leaves the room and softly closes the door behind him. Rarity rolls over and giggles to herself.

“I can’t wait for our next… encounter!”

Meanwhile, Arc sighs as he steps down the hall.

“Arc? Aren’t you going to open a portal?”

“I will in a moment, Cherry. There’s something I want to do first.”

Stopping in front of another door Arc slowly opens it and peeks inside. He spots Sweetie Belle lying on her side shivering. Stepping quietly inside he carefully covers her with the blanket. She rolls over and mumbles in her sleep.

“Thanks… dad.”

Smiling, Arc kneels down and gives the sleeping filly a quick kiss on top of her head before returning to the hallway and opening a portal. Stepping through Arc finds himself in his quarters aboard The Equinox. However instead of heading for the door he sits down on the couch and looks out the window.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Would you like to talk about it?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“If you’d rather not, I understand.”

“No, that’s not what I mean.”

He sighs before continuing.

“I feel… conflicted. Back there… it was like that time Dinky said the same thing.”

“Oh?”

“Sweetie Belle really is a nice young filly. She just wants a father to look up to.”

“And you’d like to be the one to fill that role?”

Arc nods.

“I do. But… as it stands…”

“…you don’t have time.”

“Right.”

Cherry sighs. “You’ve said that quite a few times before. How you’re too busy for a marefriend. Too busy to be a real father. Too busy to settle down and…”

Arc stands up suddenly. “I know!”

He puts a hand on the glass and sighs.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“Part of me wants to just forget this whole quest. Let someone else rescue Princess Celestia. After all… haven’t I done enough?”

“I don’t believe anypony could say you hadn’t. But who else could bring our lost princess home?”

Arc shrugs. “General Virtuous Lance probably could. He’d have the entire might of the Equestrian army behind him.”

“And what would they be going up against? You’ve said yourself that humans are very good at war and killing. Would they survive?”

“Not all of them.”

“Agreed. While I don’t want you in harm’s way, I believe in your strength, intellect, tenacity, and power, Arc. You CAN do this! In truth, you might be the only one.”

Arc nods.

“You’re right, Cherry. I’m just feeling a bit… overwhelmed by this whole thing. Mounting a rescue back on Earth, and now the rebels coming after me here in Equestria…”

“It is a bit much to take in.”

“Yeah. But I need to deal with that griffon, and soon.”

“We took him to the ship’s Infirmary. He should still be there with Ember and Frank.”

“I thought you said he was out.”

“Yes. But Ember told us she wanted to exercise caution in this matter. Frank offered to join her.”

“Well, let’s see for ourselves.”

He heads for the door and down the corridor. Cherry speaks as they walk.

“Are you worried the griffon might wake up?”

“Worse. That her and Frank might throw down.”

Entering the Infirmary, Arc spots Ember dozing in a chair near the griffon’s bed as Frank looks out the window at the moon. He turns at the sound of Arc’s footsteps.

“Feeling better, my friend?”

“Yeah.”

He looks down at the unconscious griffon.

“I hear you and Ember took care of this little… problem.”

Frank nods soberly. “Somehow, yes.”

“He gave you two some trouble?”

“A bit. Ember stabbed him, and he… regenerated.”

Arc frowns. “Just like Tempest.”

“Who?”

“A unicorn mare with a broken horn whom I’ve run into several times. She’s as strong as she is ill-tempered.”

Frank looks down at the griffon. “Do you think she’ll come here looking for this one?”

“I doubt it. She and her so-called Council of Shadows aren’t involved with the rebels. At least I hope they aren’t.”

Ember stirs as Frank clears his throat loudly. She turns and sees Arc. Getting up quickly she storms over to Frank.

“I thought I told you to wake me up if something happened?!”

“Nothing did.”

Ember points a thumb at Arc.

“You call Arc showing up nothing?!”

Frank shrugs. “You’re awake now.”

Ember rolls her eyes as she turns her attention back to Arc.

“Feeling okay?”

“Yeah. I woke up at Rarity’s next to Derpy and Dinky a bit woozy.”

Frank turns to the bed. “So… what should we do with this creature?”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Take care of him permanently is my vote!”

Frank sighs. “You already tried that at the Town Hall, remember?”

Ember grins wickedly. “I’ll do better this time!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I was thinking more along the lines of Canterlot dungeon.”

Frank turns to him. “Do you think they could hold him?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably.”

Ember frowns. “And if Tempest shows up to break him out? I see a lot of dead Royal Guards in the castle’s future.”

Frank sighs. “So we just leave him here?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably not a good idea.”

“Okay. What then?”

Arc grins. “Not to worry, Ember. I have a plan.”

A short time later The Equinox takes off. As the mid-morning sun shines onto the Bridge the shores of the Griffon Kingdom loom in the distance. Arc turns to Tight Ship.

“That was a bit faster than normal.”

“Yes sir.”

Moon Dancer smiles. “It would appear the Chief Engineer’s modifications worked.”

Thunderlane grins uncontrollably. “Yeah! The engines are running at about twenty-five percent higher capacity as it stands!”

Wrangler laughs. “Like greased lightning!”

Soarin approaches. “Sir, you’ve yet to hail Griffonstone and tell them of our unexpected arrival.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… that’s mostly because I wasn’t able to come up with a way to explain this visit.”

Ember shrugs. “So?”

Lemon Hearts turns to Ember. “They could see it as an act of aggression if we don’t announce ourselves soon, sir.”

Tight Ship clears his throat. “While prudent, we still have unlimited flying rights in Griffon Kingdom airspace. However, in the name of diplomacy, we should contact The Aviary before we’re spotted.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. Lemon Hearts hail the Council of Lords and tell them I’m coming.”

“Yes sir. What reason should I give?”

“Tell them that I wish to… speak with them about something important regarding their rebel problem.”

Frank grins. “That would intrigue any politician.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Great. Maybe we won’t have to wait days for an audience this time.”

Arc shrugs. “Worst case scenario, we drop him off with the guards and let them handle him.”

Moon Dancer looks up from her console. “Captain. There’s a small vessel approaching from the port side.”

Soarin shrugs. “Well, we are getting close to shore.”

Wrangler frowns. “It’s on a direct course, sir!”

Tight Ship turn to the comms. “Lemon Hearts! Hail them!”

“Aye sir. Unidentified griffon vessel, this is the Equestrian airship, Equinox. You are on a direct course with us. Please adjust your heading.”

Several moments pass. Eventually Thunderlane calls out.

“They’re still coming!”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “Not only that, but they’ve increased speed!”

Tight Ship turns to Lemon Hearts. “Hail them again and state our intent.”

“Yes sir. Equinox to unidentified vessel. We have authorization from the Council of Lords to enter your land in addition to defending ourselves with appropriate force. Disengage at once.”

Again the radio is silent. Arc turns to the crew.

“Could they be having radio trouble?”

Ember looks out the window and squints. “Even if they were, there’s no way they couldn’t see us.”

Wrangler grins. “Shall I send them a message of my own, sir?”

Tight Ship frowns. “Bring the ship up to red alert.”

Wrangler nods. “Aye sir.”

An alert klaxon goes off all over the ship. Frank turns to Arc.

“Is your life always this… eventful?”

Arc sighs. “You have no idea.”

Soarin turns to the comms. “Lemon Hearts! Anything on the radio?!”

“Nothing!”

Wrangler looks up. “Weapons ready!”

Tight Ship turns to Arc.

“Sir. Do we have your permission to fire on a civilian craft?”

Ember nods fervently. “Darn right!”

Arc shakes his head. “Negative.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “What?!”

“It could be seen as an act of aggression.”

Thunderlane calls out. “But we have permission from…!”

“I mean to the general public. They hear about us shooting down an unarmed ship, and we’ll be the bad guys to them.”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “Impact in one minute!”

Arc turns to Wrangler.

“Can the ORB protect the ship?”

Wrangler nods. “Assuming they don’t have some kind of massive payload aboard, yes.”

Frank appears confused. “Orb?”

Ember shrugs. “The Orbital Remote Barrier. It’s some kind of magical machine, or something.”

Thunderlane turns to Arc. “Their speed says the ship’s empty, sir.”

Moon Dancer nods. “Sir, I’m not detecting anything of concern aboard their vessel.”

Arc walks over to Wrangler’s console. “Let’s do this.”

Putting his hands on the two spheres, Arc concentrates and pours his magical energy into the system for several seconds. Wrangler nods.

“That should be enough, sir.”

Nodding, Arc stumbles back. Ember hurries over to him.

“You okay?”

Arc gives a thumbs up as he breathes heavily. “Y-yeah. I guess I’m still a bit worn out from whatever happened last night.”

Frank frowns. “We told you to nap earlier.”

Moon Dancer turns to Wrangler. “Collision in fifteen seconds!”

“Activating ORB!”

Soarin grits his teeth. “Maintain speed and heading, Thunderlane.”

“Aye, sir.”

Lemon Hearts calls out into her intercom. “All crew brace for impact!”

A moment later the ship shudders slightly. Moon Dancer turns to the captain.

“The enemy ship is going down, sir.”

“Any damage?”

Ember grins. “To us, or them?”

Arc frowns. “Both.”

“Our shields took the hit, sir. No damage to The Equinox. However that small ship was pretty much destroyed.”

Thunderlane turns his head. “I can see what left of it falling to the ocean, sir.”

Lemon Hearts looks over her instruments. “No other ships in the area.”

Frank sighs. “They must have been acting alone.”

Arc nods soberly. “Hopefully, yes. Thunderlane, can you double back and hover low over the wreckage?”

Thunderlane raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I want a look at that vessel.”

Tight Ship sighs. “Considering our shields and their ship’s size, it’s very unlikely anypony aboard survived the impact.”

Moon Dancer nods. “A ship like that wouldn’t have much of a crew anyways.”

Soarin shakes his head. “Hopefully it was just a lone pilot.”

Arc turns toward the door. “We’ll find out soon enough. Hover as close to the water as you can, Thunderlane.”

“Shall I land, sir?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “In the water?!”

Soarin nods. “Yes. The ship can safely submerge the lower and mid decks leaving only the top third of the ship above the waterline.”

Arc grins. “That might make this easier. Let’s go with that, Thunderlane.”

“Aye, sir.”

Ember and Frank follow Arc off the Bridge as the crew looks to one another, confused. Lemon Hearts looks to the captain.

“What do you suppose that was all about, sir?”

“Most likely just a citizen who didn’t approve of our two nation’s signing a treaty.”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “Well, it wasn’t worth their lives!”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “Maybe it was to them.”

Lemon Hearts sighs. “Yes. A shame though.”

Thunderlane frowns. “That little ship didn’t stand a chance. Shields or not, they had to know there was no chance of victory for them.”

Soarin puts a hoof to his chin. “Perhaps wining wasn’t their goal.”

Moon Dancer looks confused. “What else could they have wanted?”

Tight Ship looks out over the horizon. “To make a statement.”

Chapter 7 - Inspection Tour

Arc, Ember, and Frank head toward the Main Hatch as the ship gently touches the water. Ember is the first to speak.

“So… what exactly do you expect to find out here, Arc?”

“First of all, I want to see if there were any survivors.”

Frank nods. “We could use some answers, yes.”

“That and I’m sure they’d need medical attention. We really are in the middle of nowhere right now.”

Ember frowns. “A perfect place for an ambush.”

Frank turns to Arc. “For their ship, or a second attack?”

“Either really.”

Reaching the hatch, Arc touches his earring.

“Lemon Hearts, are there any other ships in the vicinity?”

“No, sir. Moon Dancer indicates that the scanners are clear.”

“Good. Have her keep watch. Captain, maintain the ship’s high alert status until further notice.”

Tight Ship nods. “Aye, sir.”

“Keep on your toes, everyone. Arc out.”

He severs the connection and opens the main hatch. The trio steps out onto the deck and over to the guardrail to survey the wrecked vessel. Ember sighs.

“There isn’t much left of the hull.”

Frank nods. “It looks as if it hit a mountain.”

Arc sighs. “All things considered, it kinda did.”

They walk around the deck a few moments to look at the ruined ship from different angles. Ember turns to walk away.

“Nothing else to see here.”

Arc frowns. “Maybe not. But I’d like to go aboard.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

He points to the small cabin. “There must’ve been a pilot.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Probably just a body at this point.”

“That may be. But it won’t take me but a few minutes to find out.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That ship could fall apart at any moment!”

Frank nods. “Agreed. There isn’t much holding it together at this point.”

“You’re both right, I suppose. I wonder…”

He touches his earring.

“Moon Dancer, can The Equinox support the additional weight of this ship if I bring it aboard?”

“Yes sir, easily.”

Wrangler shakes her head. “But we don’t have a crane, or any other way to extract the ship from the water.”

“Leave that to me. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection as he turns to Ember and Frank.

“Think we can do this?”

Ember shrugs. “Probably not. But what do we have to lose?”

Frank chuckles. “Nothing really.”

Arc grins. “Let’s give it a go then.”

They each reach out to the ship and together cast a Telekinesis Spell. Ember grunts.

“Woah, that’s heavy!”

Frank turns to her. “It’s probably full of water.”

Arc nods. “Right. Lift it slowly and it’ll drain.”

Bit by bit the ship rises as water gushes out from numerous holes in the hull. Eventually the ship hovers a short distance over the water. Arc and company turn and pull it over to The Equinox’s deck as they carefully set it down. Frank grimaces.

“That was… quite the bit of mental exercise.”

Ember nods, breathing hard. “Yeah.”

Arc grins. “Well, we did it. Let’s get onboard.”

Arc and his friends grab onto the ship and hoist themselves up onto it’s much smaller deck. Arc points to the cabin.

“Let’s see who our pilot is.”

Frank sighs. “Or was, as I suppose the case may be.”

Ember nods as they head for the cabin. “Yeah, if they’re lucky.”

Reaching the door Arc grips the handle. Touching it the wooden door falls off its hinges. Shrugging, he enters first. Looking around the ruins of the ship’s Bridge Ember calls out.

“Over there!”

She points to a pile of debris near what’s left of the wheel. The tip of a cloak sticks out from underneath. Running over they quickly dig the pilot out. Arc puts a hand to the griffon’s throat, searching for a pulse.

“He’s alive!”

Frank gasps. “What?! How?!”

Ember pulls back a corner of the rebel’s cloak and points to a large chunk of wood sticking out of his chest.

“Not for long he isn’t.”

Arc touches his earring. “Medical emergency! Send Redheart to the deck!”

“Yes sir.”

Pulling the guardanium knife from his ring Arc hurriedly slices the robe, removes it, and starts cutting it into pieces.

“Press these against the wound! We have to slow the bleeding!”

Ember and Frank do as they are told as the griffon opens one eye. He looks up at Arc weakly.

“Who… are you?”

“Lord Arc of Equestria. Don’t try to talk.”

The griffon coughs up a beakful of blood and struggles to breathe.

“I’m… s-sorry.”

Ember glares at him. “Save your strength, scum. It’s more than your worth, but Lord Arc has a medic coming.”

With a shaky talon the griffon points to a corner. He looks into Arc’s eyes, pleadingly.

“L…lug.”

Frank frowns. “A what?”

The griffon gasps and passes out as the sound of hoofbeats running across the deck can be heard. Redheart and Wrangler hurry onto the Bridge with a stretcher. She quickly pulls out a stethoscope and listens for a moment before sighing and stepping back.

“He’s dead, sir.”

Ember gasps. “What?! But… but he was just talking to us!”

Frank sighs. “Considering the blood loss, he was most likely running on spirit alone.”

Arc stands. “Take him to the Infirmary. We’ll transport his body to Griffonstone.”

Wrangler nods soberly. “Aye, sir.”

She and Redheart load the dead griffon onto the stretcher and leave. Ember turns to Arc.

“What about the ship?”

Frank looks out over the water. “Given the circumstances, it may be appropriate to bury it at sea.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we’ll take it with us as well. The Griffon Kingdom’s authorities may want to look it over.”

Ember scoffs. “Not likely.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Ember?”

“You don’t know the griffon’s like Arc and I do! They don’t care about ANYTHING that isn’t staring them directly in the face!”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, I have to agree. But since this involves the rebels, they might actually want to search the ship.”

He turns back to the spot the griffon was taken from.

“Lug…”

Ember frowns. “He probably wanted us to pull that thing out of his chest. I can only imagine how much it hurt.”

Frank nods. “Agreed.”

Arc turns to the corner the griffon pointed to. He walks over to it and looks around. Ember watches him intently.

“Looking for something?”

Arc: He was pointing over here for some reason.

Frank puts a hand to his chin. “Something about a ‘lug’. Could he have meant some kind of nut and bolt? Like a wheel lug?”

Ember shrugs. “Or maybe he wanted us to ‘lug’ him over there.”

“Lug… lug…”

Arc begins digging through a pile of rubble.

“I got it!”

He holds up a loosely bound book. Frank appears confused.

“That’s a ‘lug’?”

Ember eyes the book. “Maybe that words means something different here.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He didn’t say ‘lug’. He actually said ‘log’. This must be his ship’s logbook. Let’s see if there’s anything of use in here.”

Ember sighs. “I think it’s a waste of time, Arc. That griffon was nothing but a murderous rebel who wanted to take us out.”

Frank frowns. “If Arc believes otherwise we’d do well to listen to him.”

Arc opens the book quickly as he scans the pages.

“Not much of note here. This was a small cargo ship that transported goods from Griffon’s Gate to Griffonstone. Looks like he wasn’t doing too well from the scarcity of his contracts.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “So he thought attacking you would fix his problems?”

“Yes.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon.”

“This is the final entry…”

Arc clears his throat and begins to read.

“Work is scarce and my debts are great. I now have no choice but to take jobs from the rebels. While I am certain that if I’m found out I’ll be executed. However, no other options exist save for this. The Griffon Liberation Army paid my debts and freed me from my creditors. However, now I am a slave to them. A message came to me earlier with orders to overtake and destroy a ship from Equestria that will be coming soon from the west… by any means necessary. I was told that if I would do this, they would consider my debt repaid. My ship has no weapons or other armaments, so I have few options… save for one.

If anyone should find this, please see to it that these words as passed on to whomever will listen. The Griffon Liberation Army is nothing but opportunists whom prey on the most vulnerable and destitute among us. I only wish someone would free us from their tyranny. However no one exists with both the authority and desire to do so.

My last hope is that my sacrifice will be a fresh start for my family… whom may one day be better off than I.”

Arc closes the log and sighs.

“He… just wanted a better life. And we ended it.”

Ember clenches her fists, angrily. “We didn’t! The rebels did!”

Frank purses his lips as he turns to Arc. “Yes. You did nothing but protect your ship along with its crew, my friend.”

Arc looks down at the log. “All I can do now it pass this on to the authorities.”

His earring chirps as Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out.

“Sir, Moon Dancer just picked up another ship incoming.”

“Are they friend or foe?”

Moon Dancer frowns as she looks over her console. “It appears to be a military ship.”

Frank sighs as he looks at the ruined civilian craft. “This won’t look good.”

Ember turns to Arc. “We can throw the remains of this cargo ship overboard!”

Arc sighs. “True. But if they see us do it, we’ll look like the guilty party.”

“So what are we going to do then?!”

“Wait for them to come to us.”

Frank grits his teeth. “But we’re in the middle of nowhere. How do we know they won’t just destroy us to avenge their countryman?”

“Wrangler, do you believe our ship to be more powerful than theirs?”

“Yes sir. Even without the ORB system, our armor is thick enough to hold out against their cannons for an extended period of time.”

Tight Ship nods. “Your orders, sir?”

“Hold position here, but keep the ship on high alert in case this is a trap.”

“Yes sir. I’ll have everypony at their stations ready to take action.”

“Good. Arc out.”

He severs the connection and motions for the others to follow him. They leave the ruined ship and return to The Equinox’s deck with the log. Ember and Arc call forth their armor.

“You should probably head inside, Frank.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. This might get ugly fast.”

“Very well. I’ll head to the Infirmary and watch over the prisoner.”

“Thanks. We’ll meet you there soon.”

Frank hobbles inside the ship and closes the hatch behind him. Ember turns to Arc.

“What now?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “We wait.”

A short time later the military ship lands on the shore. Several griffon soldier take flight and head straight for The Equinox. They land in front of the pair as their leader steps forward. He is much larger than his companions.

“Lord Arc, I presume?”

“You presume correctly… whomever you are.”

“Lieutenant Gaston.”

Arc nods soberly. “What brings you out here, lieutenant?”

“We’re responding to a distress call.”

He looks over to the cargo ship behind them.

“It would appear we were too late. But might I ask what you’re doing with this vessel?”

“We pulled it out of the water. After it crashed into us, that is.”

Gaston looks at the vessel, skeptically. “Is that why you’re ship is floating here?”

“No. The Equinox was undamaged. I ordered my crew to land so we could search for survivors.”

“Very… noble of you, sir. Did you find any?”

“The pilot died moments after we found him. His body has been transferred to my ship’s Infirmary.”

“Did he confess as to why he attacked you?”

Arc holds out the ship’s log. “No. But we found this in the wreckage. Read the last page.”

Lieutenant Gaston takes the book and reads the entry. Shaking his head he looks up to Arc.

“I suggest you put this matter out of your mind, sir. The pilot was clearly a traitor to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ember frowns. “What?! But he said the rebels blackmailed him!”

Gaston rolls his eyes. “Obviously a ruse on his part.”

The griffon turns and throws the log overboard. Arc grabs it with his magic and pulls it back to himself.

“That may be. However I’m not so sure.”

“But sir, you’re holding his confession of working with known enemies of the state. What more proof do you need that he could not be trusted?”

Arc puts the log in his ring. “I will discuss that with your superior.”

Gaston walks over to Arc and folds his talons over his chest smugly.

“I am the highest ranking official here. If you’d like to say anything to me regarding this matter, you can speak up now.”

Arc nods. “A question. Are you the king of Griffonstone?”

Gaston appears confused. “Well… no. But what does that have to do with…?”

Without warning, Arc grabs the lieutenant by the front of his armor and pulls him to within inches of his face.

“THEN YOU HAVE A SUPERIOR, FOOL!”

He pushes the griffon back into his soldiers. They catch him and move to defensive positions as Gaston angrily clenches his talons.

“Very well! However we will be taking this cargo ship with us!”

“You will do no such thing!”

Gaston looks down his beak at Arc. “We are within the Griffon Kingdom’s borders! You WILL comply with my orders or have your entire ship seized along with your crew!”

“This ship is the property of Equestria, making it an extension of our land under the treaty your king signed! You are under MY jurisdiction!”

Arc pulls the guardanium knife from his ring and lights one of his Magic Blades as he takes up a battle-ready stance as he continues.

“Should you fail to follow MY orders, I am fully ready and able to defend MY ship!”

The griffons appear unnerved at the sight of Lord Gestal’s blade in Arc’s gauntlet. Gaston gasps.

“That blade has the insignia of the Gestal household! Where did you…?!”

“A gift from Lord Gestal in return for saving his daughter, Lady Ashe! Now then, either leave now or I’ll regrettably have to inform him of how you and your soldiers met your end before me!”

Gaston frowns as he weighs his options.

“We will leave. However I must insist that you proceed to The Aviary at once.”

Arc nods. “That was my destination.”

“Very well. I shall inform the Council of Lords of your imminent arrival.”

“Good.”

Arc turns to Ember.

“See? This one CAN be reasonable.”

Ember laughs. “With the proper motivation, Lord Arc.”

Gaston turns to his troops

“Return to the ship. We’re pulling out.”

He looks to Arc as his soldiers fly away.

“This is not over… Lord Arc!”

“I agree. Now begone.”

Gaston flaps his wings and departs. A few moments later they reach their own ship, take off, and fly away. Arc motions for Ember to follow him inside the ship. She turns to him as they enter.

“That went well.”

“I’d say so. No one was hurt, and we have an officer notifying the Council of Lords of our arrival.”

Ember appears confused. “Uh… isn’t that part bad?”

“Not really. I still didn’t know how to explain my initial visit.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Right. You’re just lucky the treaty gave our ship immunity.”

Arc turns to her with a mischievous smile. “Does it?”

“Wait, what?”

Arc shrugs. “I honestly have no idea if it does or not.”

“You mean…?”

“Yup. I was blowing smoke.”

“But what if he HAD known what the treaty said?!”

“Gaston’s just a lieutenant. I doubt anyone other than the king and council actually know what’s in it.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Take off at once, captain. Set a course for The Aviary.”

“Yes sir.”

Chapter 8 - Extradition

Arc, Frank, and Ember head to the Infirmary. A short time later the ship approaches Griffonstone. Arc’s earring chirps.

“Sir, we’ve been given permission to land behind The Aviary.”

Arc nods. “And the council?”

“You’ve been granted an immediate audience by Lord Gestal himself.”

“Good. Ember and I will head to the council chambers with the prisoner.”

Wrangler raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I’m turning him over to them. Arc out.”

Frank turns to him as he severs the connection. “Sounds like you have quite the network here in this land, my friend.”

“Kinda. It was more out of necessity than actual diplomacy though.”

“Oh? You have ulterior motives?”

“Something like that.”

Ember frowns. “Arc, this should probably stay quiet. Keep the circle small.”

“True. But I think Frank will keep this bit to himself.”

Frank chuckles. “Who would I tell?”

“A member of the Griffon Kingdom committed a serious crime in Equestria some time ago. However, due to the delicate nature of diplomatic relations between our two countries, we haven’t been able to touch them.”

Ember nods. “Arc’s hoping to change that.”

“I see. So it’s a matter of justice?”

“Yes.”

Frank puts a hand to his chin. “The crime must’ve been tremendous to warrant all this effort on your country’s part.”

Arc nods. “And it’s still ongoing. We haven’t finished yet, nor will we anytime soon, I imagine.”

“Knowing you as I do, you won’t give up until the goal has been achieved, my friend.”

“That I won’t. Not on the task at hand. Not on my mission back on Earth. Not on Raven. And not on the missing Shards.”

Frank sighs. “I do hope they’re alright.”

Ember frowns. “As strange as it feels to say, so am I.”

A short time later the ship lands. Arc and his companions are escorted through the Aviary by two Griffon Royal Guards. Ember walks behind them, her spear at the ready as Arc drags the unconscious griffon, wrapped in a blanket, behind him. The IV still implanted in his talon with the bottle in Arc’s other hand. Frowning, Ember looks at their charge.

“I’ll be glad to get rid of this sack of potatoes. You sure you don’t want me to carry him for a while? He can’t be light. Or safe.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. And as long as this IV is in him, he’ll stay out cold.”

They reach the Council Chambers. The guards outside part as the one’s in front of Arc move to the side.

“The council will see you at once, sir.”

“Good.”

Arc and Ember step through the double doors which are then closed behind them. They walk down the short corridor to the large, round room. Arc hands off the griffon to Ember.

“Keep an eye on him. I’ll inform the council of our reason for being here and let you know when I’m ready.”

Ember nods and takes the bundle as Arc enters the spacious room alone. The council sits there awaiting him. Lord Gestal is the first to speak.

“Ah, hello again, Lord Arc.”

Weller nods cordially. “We hope all is well in Equestria.”

Adalbert frowns. “Yes. I’m sure you wouldn’t have come all this way to waste our time if it wasn’t important.”

Goldstone folds his talons and sighs. “Is this in regard to our treaty?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time, Lord Goldstone. In fact, I’ve brought your land a sort of… gift. But first I should probably report the death of one of your citizens to you.”

He recounts the events from earlier that day regarding the small cargo ship intentionally crashing into The Equinox and Lieutenant Gaston’s arrival. Gestal nods soberly.

“We apologize for this incident, and will repair any damage to your ship, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you, but my Chief Engineer reports there wasn’t any damage to speak of.”

Goldstone raises an eyebrow, surprised. “No damage?! But I thought you said the cargo ship crashed into you!”

“It did. However my ship is more than capable of defending itself against such an attack.”

Adalbert chuckles. “Is it now?”

“Yes, Lord Adalbert. There isn’t so much as a scratch.”

Gestal turns to the others. “If Lord Arc says one of our ships hit his, we should believe him.”

“The wreckage of our assailant is still on my ship’s deck.”

Goldstone frowns. “We’ll send someone over there to examine the wreckage first thing in the morning, and see about salvaging any useful evidence and components.”

Weller turns to Goldstone. “I’m sure Lieutenant Gaston’s report will come in tomorrow as well. We’ll be sure to look it over.”

“Thank you. Now about the original reason for my visit. But first, is Arbiter Ghaleon available?”

A voice rings out nearby.

“I am.”

Goldstone jumps slightly and mutters to himself.

“I do wish he’d stop doing that.”

Arc turns to the larger griffin as he approaches. “Then I believe you’ll appreciate this. Do you recall that evening when the rebels captured the council and other nobles?”

Ghaleon grunts. “How could I forget?”

Gestal chuckles. “Yes, the council owes their lives to your quick thinking that night, Lord Arc.”

Weller nods happily. “Fortunately the rebels lost a high ranking official that night.”

Adalbert cackles. “Two, actually.”

Goldstone nods, looking relieved. “The leader hasn’t been seen since then, and Lord Arc killed their right-talon commander.”

Arc sighs. “Well, truth be told, that commander somehow survived.”

Gestal’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?! Arbiter Ghaleon, we need you to organize a nationwide search for…!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “That will not be necessary.”

Weller frowns. “It most certainly is! We must bring this criminal to justice for their crimes against the griffon kingdom, Lord Arc!”

Arc nods. “I agree.”

He turns and motions to Ember. She steps into the chamber with the covered griffon. Dropping him unceremoniously on the floor Arc grabs the blanket and pulls it aside.

“There you are. One rebel commander.”

Goldstone recoils in horror. “You fool! Guards, guards!”

Gestal frowns. “Calm yourself, Lord Goldstone. I don’t believe Lord Arc would have brought this criminal before us if he was a threat.”

Weller eyes the griffon on the floor suspiciously. “Is he… dead?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, only sedated.”

Adalbert clenches his talons. “We must question him at once!

Ghaleon nods and looks to Arc. “Agreed. Wake him.”

Kneeling down, Arc removes the IV from the griffon and hands the bottle to Ember.

“It shouldn’t take long for the effects of the drugs to wear off.”

Gestal continues as they wait. “Tell us, how did this criminal find his way into your custody, Lord Arc?”

“He followed me to Equestria in an attempt to assassinate me.”

Goldstone mutters under his breath. “If only he had tried harder.”

Weller gasps. “Were you hurt?!”

Arc shakes his head as he gestures to Ember. “No. My Honor Guard here along with another friend of mine were able to overpower and capture this would-be assassin.”

Adalbert nods approvingly. “You have powerful allies, Lord Arc.”

Goldstone grimaces. “Yes. And are very lucky.”

Arc shrugs. “It certainly wasn’t easy to down him.”

Gestal frowns. “Did he put up that much of a fight?”

Ghaleon chuckles. “Well, he had to know his life would be forfeit if he was caught.”

Arc nods. “There was that, I suppose. However this griffon has regenerative abilities that are most impressive.”

Turning to Ember he points to her spear. She hands it to him as Arc turns to the griffon on the ground. He drags the tip of the spear across the griffon’s forehead making a small but fairly deep cut. Weller gasps.

“Be careful, sir! We need him alive!”

“Not to worry. Watch.”

Before their eyes the wound slowly heals as the blood disappears. The council members gasp. Gestal is the first to speak.

“How is such a thing possible?!”

Adalbert puts a talon to his beak. “Is it perhaps some kind of spell?”

Arc sighs. “I’ve seen this sort of thing before. Several members of an organization known only as The Council of Shadows have this very ability. Inflict any wound upon them and they’ll heal it in no time.”

Weller appears nervous. “Would you happen to know the methods used to achieve such an ability?”

“Making a deal with the leader of the council can earn you some kind of dark endowment. While the methods used to bestow such power are unknown to me, I can assure you that the tradeoff for this isn’t worth it.”

The griffon begins to stir. Goldstone turns to Gestal.

“He’s waking up!”

“That he is.”

The rebel looks around. His eyes unfocused.

“What…? Where am I…?”

Ghaleon clenches a talon. “Before the Council of Lords, peon!”

He shakes his head in an effort to clear it. Looking around, he finds the earlier statement to be true. Stumbling to his feet, he is pushed back by a quick but forceful Telekinesis Spell from Arc.

“I’d stay down if I were you.”

Ember nods. “Right! Or we’ll PUT you down!”

“HA! I don’t know how you took me down last time, but rest assured my comrades will discover a counter for whatever spell was used!”

Arc holds up the IV bottle. “No magic. It was the power of medical science that time.”

“What?!”

Ember grins. “You’ve been out nearly half a day.”

Adalbert looks to the griffon, angrily. “I hope you’re well rested! Because your interrogation will certainly be long, arduous, and painful!”

“I suppose it would be. If you could hold me!”

Jumping up, the griffon takes flight as Ember does the same. As Arc tosses her the spear in his hand, she swings it at the opponent him like a club. He crosses his talons to block the attack but is slammed to the floor by the force of Ember’s blow. The decorative stones crack and buckle as she lands over her target, spear at the ready. Weller nods.

“Impressive.”

Adalbert grins. “Proving once again that the rebels are nothing but…”

He is cut short as the commander grabs a jagged chunk of the floor tile and charges headfirst at the council. Before anyone else can react Ghaleon throws his spear at the assailant, piercing his chest and effectively pinning him to the wall.

“Regenerate THAT!”

The rebel commander attempts to pull the spear from his chest but finds himself unable to do so with the tip embedded in the stone wall.

“As soon as I get loose, I’ll…!”

Adalbert snarls. “You’ll do NOTHING!”

“My rebel friends WILL come for me!”

Gestal chuckles. “They’re welcome to try.”

Ghaleon nods with a wicked smirk on his face. “Yes. But I do hope they’ll give me more of a workout than you did, youngling.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “That and I doubt they’ll be able to shrug off such an injury.”

The commander glares at them but says nothing more. Gestal turns to Ghaleon.

“Take this vile traitor to our filthiest cell!”

“With pleasure.”

Adalbert rubs his talons together. “We look forward to hearing what useful information can be extracted from this new source.”

Ghaleon nods as he grabs the griffon by the throat with one talon while pulling the spear from his chest with the other.

“Now then… don’t give me any trouble, and I won’t be forced to pin you to the wall again.”

The rebel seethes as he walks out of the council chamber ahead of Ghaleon. Gestal turns to Arc.

“It would appear we are again in your debt, Lord Arc.”

Weller nods, clearly impressed. “Yes. Thank you for bringing the traitor back to Griffonstone.”

“It’s no trouble. Truth be told, we were anxious to get him away from our shores. Hopefully your prisons will be able to hold him.”

Goldstone nods matter-of-factly. “Don’t worry about that. We have the finest security money can buy along with full military personnel. He won’t be leaving us again anytime soon.”

“Good. By the way, Equestria would be very interested in any information you pry from him during questioning.”

Adalbert grins. “We’ll see to it a full transcript is sent to you in Equestria at the earliest convenience.”

“Thank you. But might I impose on you a favor, Lord Gestal?”

Gestal nods. “Ask and I will do my best to accommodate you, Lord Arc.”

“Might I speak to Lady Ashe regarding her time in the rebel’s captivity? I believe she may have overheard something useful. Even if she doesn’t know it.”

Goldstone raises an eyebrow. “You’re suddenly very interested in our rebel problem, Lord Arc. I believe we’ve already informed you that this is a griffon matter.”

“That may be. And I respect your nation’s position on this. However, if the Council of Shadows is involved it is also an Equestrian matter.”

Adalbert frowns. “I don’t really see how…”

Gestal interrupts. “Very well, Lord Arc.”

Weller appears surprised. “Lord Gestal?”

“We will share all pertinent information we gather from the captured rebel as it pertains to this… Council of Shadows. I would also like to invite you to have dinner with me and my daughter at our estate tonight. You may ask her your questions at that time.”

“Thank you, Lord Gestal. I accept.”

“Splendid! I will send an armored coach to ferry you from your ship to my estate.”

“I look forward to it. Now then, I shall let all of you get back to work.”

They nod as Arc bows at the waist before turning and leaving the chambers with Ember. Goldstone frowns as he mutters to himself.

“Arrogant little cuss…”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember walk down a corridor back toward their ship. Ember frowns as she turns to him.

“What could you possibly have to discuss with that spoiled brat?!”

“I’d like to ask her about anything she may have inadvertently… overheard from the rebels.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “You and I both know the truth about that.”

“That we do. However, I do believe she might accidently tell us a few things if I can ask the right questions.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You going to try sweet talking her?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“I’m not liking this whole idea of yours.”

Arc sighs. “Truthfully, neither am I.”

Later that evening an armored carriage pulls up to the base of The Equinox’s gangplank. Ember frowns as she steps into it with Arc.

“I didn’t even have time to eat!”

Arc rolls his eyes as they sit down. “You were the one who wanted to stay in bed with me.”

“Of course! We don’t get to do things like that very often!”

Cherry calls out. “But you two sleep together nearly every night.”

Ember grins. “Right. And that’s not often enough.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll see if I can find a way to grab you something during supper.”

“Please do. If Lord Gestal’s as generous with his meals as he is his gifts, it should be quite the spread.”

Arc chuckles. “The last time he had me over for what was described as a ‘snack’, well… let’s just say it was more lavish than anything I ate at Canterlot Castle.”

Ember begins salivating as Arc continues.

“I can’t imagine he eats that well every day though. His waistline isn’t what I would call…”

“Can we talk about something else, please?! This is making me feel RAVENOUS!”

Arc grins. “Sure. How about…?”

Ember frowns. “Wait! When did he have you over for a snack?!”

“That time I returned his daughter. We were waiting for some… papers to be drawn up.”

“Papers?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. To take ownership of Natalya.”

Ember frowns. “Oh… right.”

They are silent for a time as the carriage moves through the streets. Eventually Ember speaks up.

“She’s doing alright in Ponyville from what I can see.”

“Do you suppose she’s happy?”

Ember shrugs. “I guess. Although it certainly must’ve been quite a shift going from an officer one day to a slave the next.”

Arc sighs. “That didn’t end as I’d hoped it would.”

“Well, you saved her from a slow death in their dungeons. That and now she’s with her brother Gallus full time. Why wouldn’t she be happy?”

“In any case, I’ll have to speak with her about it the next time we meet.”

A short ride later the carriage stops in front of the familiar estate. Ember steps out and looks around before motioning for him to come out.

“All clear, Lord Arc.”

Arc emerges from the carriage and heads for the steps with Ember behind him. Two Royal Griffon Guards open the large double doors to allow them entrance. Walking inside the Main Hall they are greeted by what appears to be the commanding officer of the estate. He salutes respectfully before speaking.

“Welcome, sir. Lord Gestal and Lady Ashe are awaiting you in the Library. Shall I show you there?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Lead on.”

The officer motions for them to follow. Ember turns to Arc as they walk down a spacious hallway together

“Is this really where they live?!”

“Yes. Why?”

“The extravagance level is beyond anything I thought possible!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But he and Lady Ashe still don’t really seem happy here.”

“What else could she want?!”

Arc shrugs. “No clue. But I get the feeling they don’t have the best father/daughter relationship.”

“It seems okay to me.”

“The night of the party they were arguing about what to do about the rebels. And it wasn’t a friendly debate.”

Ember frowns. “Maybe Lady Ashe isn’t completely wrong for having her opinions.”

“True. But neither is Lord Gestal.”

They arrive at the Library. Gestal and Ashe are sitting across the room from one another in very posh chairs. He looks up as the griffon officer announces Arc.

“Lord Arc to see you, sir.”

Gestal stands and walk over happily. “Ah, good to see you again, Lord Arc. I hope you came hungry.”

“Very much so, yes.”

“The meal should be ready soon. Why don’t we sit down and chat? My daughter made a point that she wanted to speak to you again.”

Ember mutters under her breath. “I’m sure she did.”

Gestal turns to her.

“Ashe?”

She says nothing. Gestal sighs.

“Forgive her. My daughter sometimes becomes completely engrossed when reading. Come, let us join her.”

The pair walk over to Ashe’s corner of the room. Gestal sits down next to her as Arc takes a seat on the other side of the oversized couch.

“Ashe?”

She does not look up. “Hm?”

“Lord Arc is here.”

Ashe closes the book and sets it on the couch next to her before looking up and offering them both a kind smile.

“My apologies, father. I was just reading an interesting passage and must not have been paying attention.”

She looks to Arc.

“It’s good to see you again, sir.”

“And you as well, Lady Ashe. Tell me, have you recovered from the… incident?”

Ashe sighs. “My body has, yes.”

Gestal nods. “Indeed. However her mental state is somewhat off these days.”

Ashe nods sadly. “It’s been hard to forget that horrible event.”

“Unfortunately I don’t believe we’ll ever be able to track down the villains whom did this to my daughter. But I digress.”

Arc looks at the book in her talons. “What were you reading?”

“A book on military tactics. I’m hoping to one day be able to lead as my father does. The information herein may help me to protect this land and its inhabitants.”

Gestal nods. “Yes. However I still hope you know relative peace in your time as I have, my dear.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. I believe all races enjoy peace along with the safety and prosperity it brings.”

A servant enters the room and walks over to Gestal.

“Dinner is served, sir.”

“We shall be there shortly.”

The servant bows and quickly leaves. Gestal stands and takes his daughter’s talon as he turns to Arc.

“This way, Lord Arc. We can talk more while we eat.”

“Sounds good.”

They make their way to the Dining Room. Gestal leads his daughter over to a chair. As she sits down he takes the chair next to her as a servant leads Arc to a spot across from the pair at the elaborate table. Gestal looks up and nods to a servant whom retreats to the Kitchen.

“The food will be brought out momentarily. I do hope you’re ready for more of our nation’s delicacies.”

Ashe nods. “Yes. Our chef is quite talented.”

A few moments later numerous servants emerge. Each of them carries platters containing various decadent morsels. They set the food on the table between the three and retreat to the edge of the room. Gestal takes his daughter’s plate and begins serving her.

“Now then, let’s get some…”

Arc gasps. “Lord Gestal, wait!”

Gestal looks up, confused. “Lord Arc?”

“Forgive me, sir. I’m sure your waitstaff are loyal. But I’m concerned about the safety of the food.”

Ashe looks at the plate before her. “You believe it may be poisoned?”

Arc nods. “Possibly, yes. After all, it would be unfortunate for both our nations if the three of us were to come to harm.”

Gestal puts a talon to his beak thoughtfully. “I shall have one of my servants taste test it for us.”

He motions to the servants standing around the perimeter of the room. They look at one another nervously as Arc speaks.

“That will not be necessary. I will have my own Honor Guard do that for us.”

He looks at Lady Ashe’s plate.

“It would appear your daughter’s plate has a bit of everything. Shall we begin?”

Gestal nods. “Yes, of course.”

Arc picks up the plate with his magic and levitates it over to himself. Taking it in his hands he turns and gives it to Ember. Accepting it she takes a spoon and begins eating. Arc turns back to his hosts.

“This shouldn’t take long. Even though my Honor Guard is very… thorough.”

Ashe looks to him, wistfully. “While we wait, might I ask you a few questions, Lord Arc?”

“Of course.”

“It’s about the peace summit my father and I attended.”

Gestal turns to her. “I hope you learned a few things, Ashe.”

“That I did. However, my questions were about the battle that erupted.”

Arc appears confused. “Oh?”

“From what I saw, it seemed both you and the opposing armies were constantly vying for the upper talon.”

Gestal nods. “That is how battles are fought, my dear. If one can gain an advantage, and maintain it, the battle will most likely be won.”

“Yes, father. But I saw that every time Lord Arc escalated the battle the enemy was forced to do the same.”

Arc chuckles. “A prudent observation. The commander over the battle, Captain Shining Armor, was made to adapt his tactics several times to compensate for changes to the enemy’s strategy.”

Ashe frowns. “Begging your pardon, Lord Arc, but do you believe that was really necessary?”

“Sadly, yes. It led to more injuries on our side. However, our only other option would have been to retreat.”

Gestal nods soberly. “It is unlikely that any of us inside the base at the time would have survived had he done so, Ashe.”

“True. But I must be completely honest with you, sir. I had an ulterior motive for holding the line.”

Ashe smiles. “Did you now?”

“Yes. You see, a building called the Little Hooves Orphanage was just down the road from Light’s Hope. Had we retreated down the path our assailants would have followed and potentially decided to attack the building.”

Ashe appears suddenly interested. “The Little Hooves Orphanage? Tell me, is that by any chance where our own country’s orphans were sent?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Lady Ashe. They live there with Equestria’s own orphans.”

Gestal raises an eyebrow. “Together?”

“Yes sir.”

Ashe smirks. “Any… incidents?”

“Nothing major, no. The foals there had a bit of trouble adjusting to the newcomers, of course. But after a bit of time they warmed up to the younglings.”

Gestal frowns as he thinks to himself. “Forgive me, Lord Arc, but I’m having trouble imagining that.”

“Which part, father?”

“Different species living together in harmony.”

He turns to Arc.

“No offense intended to you or the equines of you land, of course.”

“None taken, sir.”

Ashe groans. “Is it really so hard to imagine, father? Not all races are so unwilling to adopt new ideas as ours.”

Gestal shakes his head. “Just because something is new doesn’t immediately make it better, Ashe.”

Ashe frowns. “Maybe not. But it’s certainly worth looking into.”

Gestal turns to Arc.

“Tell me, do the different pony races truly live together in harmony?”

“From what I’ve seen, yes. The Equestrians see everyone as one unified pony race, and not Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies.”

Ember clears her throat as she holds up the empty plate. Arc turns to her.

“Did you taste anything out of place.”

“No sir.”

“Thank you.”

He turns to Gestal and Ashe.

“I guess that means it’s safe for us to eat.”

Gestal nods stoically. “Yes.”

He waves a talon. A servant brings Ashe a clean plate as another takes the one from Ember.

Chapter 9 - Noctournal Conversations

Arc puts down his fork as the servants step forward to clear the table.

“That was quite the meal, Lord Gestal.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

The pattering of raindrops outside gives them pause.

“Sounds like a rainstorm is rolling in, Lord Gestal.”

“Indeed.”

Ashe turns to her father. “Why don’t we have Lord Arc spend the night here? It would certainly be treacherous for him to return to Equestria tonight.”

“Yes, indeed. I have several very nice guest rooms that you would be welcome to.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, sir. I accept.”

“Wonderful. I’ll show you to your suite.”

“Father, let me do that. You look like you’ve had quite a busy day.”

Gestal sighs. “Very well, Ashe. Lord Arc, I leave you in my daughter’s more than capable talons. Should you need anything more tonight don’t hesitate to ask the servants.”

“Thank you, sir.”

They stand as Ashe extends a talon to Arc. He takes it and they leave the Dining Room together. Coming to Gestal’s room he turns to Arc and Ashe.

“This is where we part.”

“Pleasant dreams, sir.”

“Good night, father.”

As her father’s door closes Ashe pulls her talon from the cruck of Arc’s arm. She frowns and gestures to the pair to follow her.

“This way.”

Ashe leads Arc and Ember to a large door. Opening it they step into a luxurious room with two twin beds. Ashe frowns as she closes the door behind her.

“I believe you’ll be comfortable here.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Ember turns to Ashe. “I see you’ve dropped the obedient daughter tone from your voice.”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “Of course. No need to keep up that façade for you two. So why don’t you tell me why you’re really here, Lord…”

She is cut off as Arc turns and grabs her by the throat. He roughly shoves her against the wall and replies angrily.

“I’m here because SOMEONE sent a rebel assassin to kill me!”

Ashe gasps for breath. “What?! But… it wasn’t us!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Oh really?! That griffon’s cloak said otherwise!”

Arc nods. “Yes! It was your commander!”

“But I didn’t…!”

Ember scoffs. “You didn’t have anything to do with it, huh?! And I suppose that rebel ship that crashed into us on the way here wasn’t your doing either!”

Ashe frowns. “A ship… crashed into you?!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Yes! Now I dislike intensely when you and your ilk come after me! That much I could overlook! But when you sacrifice others while trying to kill me, that’s where it crosses the line!”

Ember turns to him. “We should get rid of her, Arc! She’ll just keep sending thugs to take you out until one of them succeeds!”

Arc sighs. “I know. But we can’t.”

“Why not?!”

“You know why.”

Ember glares at Ashe as Arc releases his grip on her throat. She falls the floor and gasps for breath. Arc looks down at her coolly.

“This is the last time I’m going to warn you, Ashe! Next time I see a rebel in Equestria, I’m going to send someone over here to come looking for YOU!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Count on it!”

Ashe takes a few moments to catch her breath before looking up at Arc angrily.

“We didn’t have anything to do with that! Honestly!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I don’t really care if you confess or not. Just don’t let it happen again.”

She slowly gets to her feet and looks slightly worried.

“What happened to the commander?”

“I turned him over to the Council of Lords to face justice. Last I saw, Arbiter Ghaleon was dragging him away.”

Ashe gasps. “What?! We have to get him out of there!”

Ember frowns. “Whoa there! What’s this ‘we’ stuff now?!”

“Don’t you know what they do to prisoners here in the Griffon Kingdom?!”

Arc shrugs. “Throw them in the dungeon I would guess.”

“Yes! After they’ve learned all they can from them!”

Ember grins. “And that’s a bad thing, how?”

“Because he knows all about whom REALLY hurt me the last time you were here, you fools!”

Arc groans. “That’s… not good.”

“Of course it’s not! If he talks we’ll BOTH be in hot water!”

Arc sighs. “So what are we going to do about this?”

Ember brandishes her claws. “How about we silence him… permanently.”

Ashe gasps. “What?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think that’d work too well. He’s already taken a spear to the midsection twice now, remember?”

“He did?! Is he alright?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. He just regenerated. But we’d better concentrate on thinking of a way to break him out.”

Ember frowns. “Break him out?! But what if we get caught?! Equestria would look like traitors in the eyes of the council! That and it’s not like we can just walk in there!”

Ashe grins. “Who says we can’t?”

“You have an idea, Ashe?”

“That’s LADY Ashe to you, peasant!”

Ember points a claw at her. “Oh go cry to your daddy, brat!”

Ashe glares at her. “Why you…!”

Arc growls. “Enough! What’s your plan?”

“It’s simple really. If it works, we’ll spring my commander and the show the government that we’re still ready and able to take the fight to them!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “And if it doesn’t?”

Ashe grins. “Then methinks you’ll have quite a bit of explaining to do.”

“I don’t like that particular outcome.”

Arc sighs. “Nor do I. But the alternative for leaving that guy in there is worse. Fill us in on the plan… Ashe.”

Sometime later the trio walks down the dark and deserted streets of Griffonstone, cloaked. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“This is not a good idea.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “I know. But what other choice do we have?”

“Well… I can think of one.”

“Oh?”

“It’s just the two of you here, and she’s wearing her rebel leader cloak.”

“So?”

Cherry sighs. “At some point during this… mission, if you saw some guards, you could knock her in the head and turn her over to them. Say you saw Lady Ashe leaving the manor and decided to follow her.”

“It would be a perfect alibi, yes. Then I would get credit for capturing the rebel leader AND be vindicated in stabbing her back then.”

“That you would. Now I don’t like the idea of betraying anypony. But she really is a bad individual that needs to be locked up.”

Arc nods. “I’ll think about it. Thanks for the idea, Cherry.”

“Whatever you decide to do, please be careful.”

“Yeah. We’ll both have to keep a close look out.”

They arrive at the Aviary. Ashe looks around a corner at a couple guards standing on either side of a stone archway before turning back to Arc.

“We need a way to get past those two without raising the alarm.”

“I take one, you take one?”

Ashe turns to him and rolls her eyes.

“You’re very subtle, Lord Arc.”

“Thanks.”

“Like a broken leg.”

“If we take them down simultaneously…”

Ashe interrupts him. “Then the guards in the towers would see their comrades fall and raise the alarm. No, these two need to stay standing.”

“So we just need to get past them silently and without being seen?”

Ashe frowns as she fixes her gaze on the guards yet again. “Yes, I believe that’s what I’ve been trying to explain to you in great detail.”

“I can take care of that.”

“How?”

“Do you trust me?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not even a little bit!”

Arc shrugs. “Close enough.”

“What are you…?”

Without warning Arc puts an arm around Ashe’s neck. The other he plants firmly around her beak in an effort to keep it shut. She attempts to free herself, but Arc shifts his weight to her back effectively pinning her to the ground. Focusing his magic he casts a Blink Spell. The pair vanish and reappear some distance past the guards on duty. He leans in close to Ashe’s head and whispers.

“Calm yourself. I got us inside.”

Tugging at her beak Arc is able to raise Ashe’s head. He turns it to show their location before speaking again.

“I’m going to let go of you, and you’re going to be quiet alright?”

Ashe glares at him but nods. Releasing her beak Arc carefully gets off and allows both of them to stand.

“Why did you…?!”

“Because you never would have gone along with that.”

Ashe angrily hisses at him. “Of course not! A commoner such as you should never be allowed to hold the aristocracy like that!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Sorry for getting us safely past the guards.”

“Yes. And having the honor of your miserable life, I suppose.”

“Don’t get too excited.”

Ashe motions for him to follow. “Trust me when I say that having you on my back isn’t nearly enough to get me excited.”

She leads them down numerous corridors for some time. Arc frowns.

“Are you sure you know where you’re going?”

Ashe nods. “Yes. I’ve studied the Aviary’s blueprints at great length.”

“That’s how you knew about the tunnels in the Dining Room, huh?”

Ashe scoffs. “The entire place is littered with tunnels and catacombs. Paranoia of our country’s leadership.”

“Well, maybe they have good reason to be.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?!”

“The rebels are quite the thorn in their side. But even so, it is wise to have extra ways out of here.”

“In case Equestria attacks, you mean?”

Arc shrugs. “Anyone really. I’m sure the princesses back in Equestria have their own escape routes.”

Ashe stops at a corner and looks around it. At the end of the corridor is a large wooden door. Two Griffon Royal Guards stand on either side of it. She turns back to Arc.

“There’s only two on duty.”

Arc bumps his fists together. “Want me to deal with them quietly?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, I can handle them.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. That and they need to see me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why?!”

“To report that the leader of the rebels is alive and well.”

“Hubris, eh?”

Ashe puffs her chest out proudly. “I see it more as showing my resilience.”

“Fine. You do you.”

Arc leans against the wall as Ashe takes a deep breath and hurries around the corner. The sound of blows can be heard for several seconds before two thuds ring out. Hearing a light whistle Arc rounds the corner. He spots the guards lying face down on the stone floor.

“Let’s go.”

Arc points a finger at the unconscious guards. “What about them?”

“They’re fine.”

“No, I mean we can’t just leave them here.”

Ashe groans. “Why not?”

“Anyone passing by will see them and raise the alarm.”

“They’ll do that either way!”

Arc grabs the pair by their talons and drags them toward the dungeon door. “Yes, but missing guards are less suspicious than unconscious ones.”

“Fine! Just hurry up!”

Ashe grabs the keys from one of the guard’s belts and unlocks the door. Entering the dungeon, Arc walks toward the first empty cell.

“Open this one.”

“Why?”

“To get rid of some baggage.”

Ashe does so as Arc tosses the guards inside. Grabbing a dirty blanket he covers the pair before turning to back to her.

“That should keep them out of the way. Even if they do wake up, they can’t call for reinforcements.”

Ashe grins. “Deliciously clever.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Let’s go.”

She leads them deeper into the dungeon. Arc looks left and right at the other prisoners, all of whom appear to be asleep.

“They looks pretty thin.”

Ashe frowns. “Yes. Feeding time is rather sporadic here. However rest assured that they ARE fed.”

“Bread and water?”

“Soup.”

“I hope it’s better than the stuff the Footpads eat.”

“Probably not.”

Arc sighs. “That explains it. Uh… where are we headed anyways?”

“The maximum security section. My friend would certainly be kept there along with the rest of the nation’s most dangerous criminals.”

“Awaiting trial?”

Ashe grimaces. “More along the lines of execution. The Griffon Kingdom doesn’t hold onto those whom it deems beyond redemption. Prisoners are interrogated heavily for hours or even days on end. When the jailors believe they’ve learned everything a prisoner will tell them, they’re put on death row.”

“For how long?”

“Usually until the next sunset.”

Arc looks out a barred window. “So as early as tomorrow?”

“It’s a tradition in our land. Think of it as a final act of mercy. After all they’ve endured, the prisoner is allowed to see one last sunset. However as the sun slips below the horizon… well, I’ll let you put two and two together.”

They come to a large steel door. Ashe unlocks it with the keys from earlier. Entering, they see a narrow hallway with small cells on only one side. Ashe turns to Arc, nervously.

“We should stay to the right. These prisoners might actually have the guts to try and grab us.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Walking down the corridor they hear screams. Arc frowns.

“Sounds like someone’s having a rough time.”

Ashe gasps. “It’s him! This way to the interrogation room!”

Hurrying along their way they come to the source of the cries. Peeking inside through a crack in the door they spot Arbiter Ghaleon standing before the rebel commander, spear in talon. The griffon’s hind legs are shackled to the floor while his talons are held high above his head exposing his underbelly. Ghaleon frowns as he speaks.

“Now then, I’ll ask you again. Who is the rebel leader?”

The commander remains silent. After a few moments Ghaleon puts the tip of his spear against the griffon’s neck. With a quick slicing motion he cuts his victim from shoulder to hip. Blood flows to the floor and follows a large trail to a nearby drain. His victim screams out in agony as his wounds slowly heal. Ashe gasps.

“This is monstrous!”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

“We have to get him out of there!”

“Yes, but without letting the Arbiter know it was us.”

Ashe turns to him. “I think it’s time to put your part of the plan into action.”

Arc grins. “Good idea.”

Touching his earring, Arc whispers.

“Spear to Birdie. Come in.”

Ember frowns and speaks into a radio.

“Birdie here.”

“It’s time. Do it and move onto the next objective.”

“Yes sir. Birdie out.”

She sighs and walks toward a stack of crates as a fireball forms in her claws.

“Of all the codenames he could have picked…”

Tossing the fireball against the crates they begin to burn. She turns and repeats the process several times to other boxes in the room before hurrying out the door.

“That should do it. On to the next storeroom.”

Meanwhile, Ashe turns to Arc.

“Can’t your Honor Guard move any quicker?!”

Arc shrugs. “Things only burn so fast, you know. If they didn’t, she could get caught in the…”

A large blast is heard through the corridor as Arc continues.

“Sounds like she was successful.”

Ashe grins. “And not a moment too soon! This way!”

Meanwhile. Ghaleon turns toward the door momentarily before looking to the commander.

“Incompetent whelps. Stay right here and I’ll be back as soon as I can to continue this… discussion.”

He runs through the door and hurries down the corridor toward the exit. Meanwhile, Arc and Ashe step through the door before it closes and make their way quickly to the prisoner. Ashe unlocks his ankles as Arc does the same for the talons overhead. The griffon falls to the floor and lands in a pool of his own blood as Ashe hurries over to him.

“It’s okay! You’re safe now!”

He looks around weakly before his eyes focus on Ashe’s mask.

“Is… is that you, my dear?”

Ashe nods. “Yes! I’ve come to rescue you!”

She turns to Arc, nearly frantic.

“Wait! Ghaleon will see the guards are missing from the entrance and seal us in here!”

Arc grins. “Don’t worry about that.”

Raising a gauntlet Arc opens a portal.

“Hurry! Before he comes back!”

The rebel looks at it nervously. “Where… does it lead?”

Ashe hisses. “Anywhere but here is preferable right now! Come on!”

Putting a talon around her friend, Ashe helps him through the portal. Hearing footfalls approaching Arc jumps through himself. The portal closes mere moments before several griffons burst through the door led by Ghaleon. He looks around at the empty chambers as he clenches a talon angrily.

“Run all you want, maggot. Eventually your luck will run out.”

Meanwhile, the three reappear on the sigil aboard The Equinox. Ashe and her friend look around.

“Where…?”

Arc frowns. “My airship.”

The rebel looks at him nervously. “What… are we doing here?”

“It’s one of the only places in Griffonstone I have a sigil. We needed to make a quick escape, after all.”

Ashe glares at him. “You didn’t put one in your room back at my family’s estate?!”

“Oh, yes.”

“Then why…?!”

Arc heads for the door. “Because I needed to show you something.”

“But my friend needs help!”

“Our very next stop. This way.”

Arc leads them out the door and down the corridor toward the Infirmary. Entering, he motions toward a bed.

“Lay him there. I’ll fetch the nurse.”

Walking toward Redheart’s office the commander turns to Ashe.

“I didn’t tell them anything.”

Ashe smiles as she raises her mask. “Yes, I know you didn’t.”

Arc returns with Redheart.

“So what seems to be the…”

They stop in their tracks as they see Ashe leaning over the railing. Her beak nuzzles her friend’s cheek. Arc clears his throat loudly as Ashe jumps back.

“Oh… um… that was fast.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yeah, well… Redheart, look over our… friend here.”

“Yes sir.”

She gets to work. A short time later Redheart looks up to Arc.

“I wasn’t aware anypony could lose this much blood and still be alive.”

“Yes, well… I can.”

Ashe pats his talon. “Shhh… don’t talk. Save your strength.”

Arc nods. “What’s the prognosis, nurse?”

“His red blood count is increasing faster than I thought possible. He’ll be fine with some bedrest.”

Ashe appears nervous. “Are you certain, nurse?!”

“Yes.”

“I’m… feeling okay. Really.”

Arc frowns. “Good. Because I need to ask you something.”

“Yeah?! Well get in line! You’re not the first one to question me tonight!”

Ashe glares at Arc. “Can’t this wait? My friend here needs to rest.”

“I only have one question.”

The commander chuckles. “You want to know why I attacked you the other day?”

Arc shakes his head. “No.”

Ashe turns to her friend. “So you DID try to assassinate him?!”

“Of course! Our fallen comrades needed to be avenged!”

He turns back to Arc.

“So if that’s not what you wanted to ask, what is it?”

“Please step this way. Nurse Redheart, I’d like to introduce these two to our other guest.”

Redheart nods nervously. “This way please.”

She leads them into the back room. Putting a hoof on a drawer she pulls it out to reveal the bloody body of the dead griffon pilot. Ashe grimaces.

“Ugh! What happened to this one?!”

Redheart sighs. “Cause of death was due to extreme physical trauma. Nearly every bone in his body was broken.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “Who did this?! Are you Equestrians interrogating innocent civilians now?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He died in an airship crash. What’s left of his vessel can be found on my ship’s deck.”

“So you found him like this?”

“Not exactly.”

Ashe frowns. “Do you always talk in riddles?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Do you always order your rebels to crash their airships into mine?!”

“How do you know he’s one of ours?”

Redheart walks over to a locker and opens it. “He was wearing this at the time of his death.”

The nurse removes the rebel cloak and ship’s log. She gives them to Arc. Turning back to the pair he tosses the robe at Ashe.

“Does this look familiar?!”

Ashe looks over the cloak. “It’s certainly one of ours, yes. But as for the griffin himself, I really couldn’t say.”

Ember glares at her. “Can’t?! More like won’t!”

The commander shakes his head. “No one knows anyone’s true identity in the Griffon Liberation Army. That way if we’re captured, the government won’t learn anything of value.”

Ashe nods. “Right. You can’t tell what you don’t know.”

Arc narrows her eyes. “Then what about you two?”

Ashe blushes. “Wha-what about us?”

Ember throws up her claws in disbelief. “Are you kidding?! You two were all over each other earlier!”

The commander scoffs. “We’re not younglings.”

“While it’s certainly a risk, I’ve grown very… attached to my officer here.”

“When this is all over we’re planning on getting married and leading the Griffon Kingdom into a new age of peace and prosperity.”

Ashe looks over at the body on the slab and sighs.

“This one must’ve seen an opportunity and taken it upon themselves to speed our plan along.”

Ember frowns. “I doubt it.”

The commander shakes his head. “There’s no way to know at this point though.”

Arc frowns. “Yes, there is.”

He holds up the ship’s log.

“The last entry in here is a confession of someone in the rebels blackmailing this griffon to go on a suicide mission.”

Ember points an accusatory claw. “Yeah! That and… he…!”

Arc sighs. “He was still alive when we reached him.”

Ashe appears genuinely concerned. “Did he say anything?”

“An apology.”

Ashe turns to her friend.

“Do you know anything about this?”

“No, my dear. But I’ll pass the word along to the other members. We can’t let things like this happen to the very griffons we’re trying to save.”

Ashe nods. “Agreed. Lord Arc, would you please turn this griffon’s body over to the authorities?”

Redheart turns to Ashe. “A medical team is scheduled to pick him up tomorrow morning.”

The commander sighs. “Good. At least they may be able to find out who he is and see to it he’s given a proper burial.”

Ashe looks out the window. “Yes. However we should be getting back to the estate, Lord Arc. It’s late and we don’t want to be missed.”

“I suppose not.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal. Allowing the two griffons to go through first he turns to Redheart.

“See to it the body and everything associated with him are transferred to the proper authorities before we leave tomorrow.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc and Ember walk through the portal together and find themselves back in the luxurious suite. The commander turns to Arc.

“I’ll escort Ashe back to her room. That is, unless you want to try arresting me again.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you can go. But know this. If I ever see you in Equestria again it WILL be our last meeting. Immortality, or not.”

Ember brandishes her claw. “I’ll help!”

The pair leave the suite and return to Ashe’s room together. She turns to her friend.

“Did you really have nothing to do with that?”

The commander puts a talon on her cheek. “Of course not, my dear. I want to see our goals come to fruition as much as you do. But not at the needless cost of life.”

Ashe smiles. “Good.”

“Why don’t you get some sleep? I’m sure you had quite the night, what with rescuing me.”

Ashe nods sheepishly. “Yes. But you be sure to get some rest yourself back at base.”

“I will.”

The pair embrace and nuzzle beaks before the officer heads for the secret door. Ashe watches him disappear into the dark corridor as she closes the door behind him.

“He couldn’t have. No… no, he wouldn’t have lied to me about something that serious. Of that I’m certain.”

Meanwhile, Arc sits down on one of the beds and sighs. Cherry calls out to him.

“Something wrong, Arc?”

“He was lying.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“That griffon. He knew exactly what we were talking about regarding that cargo ship.”

“I think a blind dragon could’ve seen that.”

Arc lays back. “Yeah. And I just let him go.”

Cherry sighs. “You had no choice, Arc. After all, Equestria probably couldn’t hold him, and the Griffon Kingdom would’ve just kept torturing him until he cracked.”

Ember grimaces. “At least the council would have their Rebel Leader then.”

“Right. But then she could tell them about what I did to her.”

Cherry groans. “I don’t think they would have believed her at that point.”

Ember shrugs. “And even if they did you could just say that you had no idea who she was when you fought her.”

“Either way, it would be a dangerous gambit for Equestria. I do wonder one thing though.”

Cherry sounds genuinely curious. “What’s that?”

“How did Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer do this for so many years?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Do what? Be the Heroes of Light?”

Arc nods. “I’ve had this job for over a year now, and I’ve gotta say the stress is really starting to get to me.”

Cherry sighs. “In the past the Hero of Light, or plural in their case, were always acting from the shadows. They kept their identities secret from everypony.”

Ember frowns. “Why’s that?”

“Probably to have some semblance of a normal life. All they had to do was remove their armor and nopony would know them from anypony else. That and they rarely directly intervened in matters publicly.”

Arc grunts. “I’m in too deep to back off now though.”

Ember turns to him, concerned. “So what are you going to do?”

“Finish what I set out to do. Find Princess Celestia and bring her home again.”

Chapter 10 - Inescapable Culture

The next day, as The Equinox flies west, Arc and Ember sit in his spacious office together.

“We should be back in Ponyville in time for supper.”

Ember grins. “Good.”

Cherry giggles. “That should make Derpy and Dinky happy.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah. I for one will be happy to leave this place behind us. Admittedly, I rather like Ponyville versus any of the towns we saw in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really? Griffons seem much more similar to dragons than ponies to me.”

“The old me probably would have agreed with you.”

Cherry sighs. “Well, as long as you’re happy…”

Ember turns to Arc. “So what’s our next move?”

Arc puts his hands behind his head and leans back in the desk chair. “How about we just take it easy?”

“Really?”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “Nah. That gets old quick.”

He thinks for a moment.

“I think I’ll call Canterlot and see how Sunburst is doing.”

“Good idea. He seemed pretty drained after… whatever it was he and Aurora did.”

Arc shrugs as he picks up his desk phone. “Yeah. But it worked.”

Ember frowns. “That has yet to be determined.”

Putting the receiver to his ear, Arc waits. A moment later Lemon Heart’s voice comes onto the line.

“Bridge.”

“I need to speak to Doctor Whooves in Canterlot Castle.”

“Yes sir. One moment please.”

The line goes dead for a minute. Arc sets down the receiver, activating the speakerphone. Before long they are connected.

“This is Doctor Hooves, sir. What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to check with you on Sunburst’s recovery. How’s he doing?”

“Much better, actually. I’m not sure if it was the ordered bedrest or the… um… special help I had.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What kind of help?”

“The Lead Sage’s… mother, actually.”

Arc frowns. “His… what?”

Ember laughs. “How old IS he?!”

“I initially attempted to get her to leave peacefully. However, failing that, he and I resigned ourselves to the additional guest.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I need to speak to him regarding… an upcoming mission. Top priority stuff.”

“Truth be told, I was planning on releasing him in a little while. However, his mother insists he stay in bed for a few more days.”

Ember turns to him. “Great. Arc, can we do something about this?”

“Normally, no. However with what’s at stake, I think we’ll have to ‘extract’ Sunburst from the castle’s Infirmary.

Doctor Hooves breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, sir. I don’t usually mind family members visiting my patients. But this particular mare is quite a hooffull.”

“She’s breaking stuff?”

“Oh no. But she’s constantly asking for updates and questioning my methods.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, she’s probably just worried about her son. I imagine I might do the same if Dinky was lying in a hospital bed.”

“Yes sir. But every five minutes is a tad much.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Could you be exaggerating a bit?”

“I wish I was. She’s currently banging on my office door, presumably for yet another examination of her son.”

Arc facepalms. “Alright, I’ll take a portal back to the castle after I tell Captain Tight Ship. See you in a bit, doctor.”

“Yes sir. I’ll be hiding in my office until then.”

Arc hangs up the phone and quickly stands. He motions for Ember to follow him.

“Come on. Let’s go rescue the Royal Physician.”

Ember chuckles as they leave the office. “That must be the most overbearing mother in Equestria.”

“Yeah, well… let’s go see the captain and get this over with.”

Entering the Bridge, Arc quickly approaches Captain Tight Ship. The stallion stands and salutes respectfully.

“Sir.”

“I… uh… need to return to Canterlot right now.”

Soarin turns to the helm. “Thunderlane, change course.”

“No, no. I mean I’m going to take a portal there.”

Wrangler frowns. “Is there trouble, sir?!”

“Well… not exactly. I need to have an immediate consultation with Sunburst about… some very important matters.”

Moon Dancer raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

Ember sighs. “Sorry, but it’s a secret.”

“Yes. Take the ship back to Ponyville and give all crew members a week’s leave.”

Lemon Hearts grins. “Thank you, sir. But what’s the occasion?”

“Everyone should be well rested for what’s to come.”

Thunderlane looks back at them. “Trouble, sir?!”

“Let’s just say all of us will be very busy in the near future. Sorry, but I can’t say any more right now.”

Tight Ship nods. “We understand, sir.”

“Thanks.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. He and Ember step through leaving the Bridge Crew to look at one another and shrug. Meanwhile, the pair reappear on the sigil in Canterlot Castle. Arc sighs as he heads for the door.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Ember grins as the pair head down the corridor. “Don’t worry. I’ve got your back.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks.”

Before long they reach the Infirmary. The sound of hooves pounding on a wooden door within echo down the corridor. Ember raises an eyebrow.

“He wasn’t kidding about her being persistent.”

“Guess not.”

They enter the ward. Looking around they see Sunburst nervously wringing his hooves in a corner bed as the mare continues to pound on the door. Arc looks over and frowns.

“Stellar Flare?”

She turns and hurries over to him.

“Sir! Thank Celestia you’re here! The doctor won’t come out of his office!”

Sunburst groans. “I’m fine, mom!”

“We’ll wait for Doctor Hooves to make that determination, dear!”

“But he’s already said that at least a dozen times! And that’s just since breakfast!”

Ember eyes grow wide. “Wait a minute! Stellar Flare, if you’re here, who’s in charge of engineering aboard The Equinox?!”

“My fellow engineers, of course.”

Ember appears skeptical. “Is that… safe?”

“Perfectly! They’re all qualified individuals.”

Arc clears his throat. “Yes, well… in any case I think we should get Doctor Whooves out here to discharge Sunburst.”

“But sir, it’s far too soon! How about one more day of rest?!”

“I was fine yesterday!”

Arc shrugs. “If the doctor says so, yes.”

He knocks lightly on the door.

“Doctor Whooves? It’s Arc.”

The doctor opens the door a few inches and peeks through before stepping out.

“Thank you, sir. I’m sorry you had to come all this way.”

“No trouble. I needed to speak with your patient either way.”

The group walks over to the bed as Stellar Flare hurries to her son’s side. Doctor Whooves holds up a chart.

“Sunburst has fully recovered from his most recent… experiment.”

Ember frowns. “What exactly happened?”

“Magical feedback. It’s a rather rare condition amongst normal unicorns.”

Stellar Flare grins with evident pride. “My son’s magical prowess is well beyond what would be considered ‘normal’.”

Sunburst looks embarrassed. “Mom…”

Arc turns to the doctor. “Is he fit to return to his normal duties?”

“Yes sir. I’ve already cautioned him against large outputs of magic though.”

Stellar Flare trots in place. “But doctor, he’s still weak!”

“That may be. However keeping Sunburst in bed will not help his condition. He needs to move around.”

Stellar Flare grimaces. “I just…!”

Arc clears his throat. “Stellar Flare?”

“Yes sir?”

“Do I come to Engineering and tell you how to keep The Equinox’s engines running?”

“No sir.”

“Right. Since I’m not trained in such matters, and you being the head of engineering, it wouldn’t make sense for me to do so.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… what are you getting at, Arc?”

“What I’m trying to say is that I have faith in your abilities as an engineer, Stellar Flare. And you should believe that the doctor here, whom is equally capable in his own right, knows what he’s doing as well.”

Stellar Flare nods. “I… yes sir.”

She turns to Doctor Whooves.

“My apologies.”

The doctor nods as Ember and Stellar Flare help Sunburst out of bed. He stretches and stiffly takes a few steps.

“That feels better!”

Doctor Whooves continues. “You’ll be a bit sore for a day or so. Come see me if the pain intensifies though.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

Sunburst turns to Arc.

“Shall we go to my office, sir? I’m sure we have much to talk about regarding my latest… discovery.”

Arc nods. “Yes. We should speak about this matter privately.”

Stellar Flare smiles as she walks over to her son. “I’ll see to it you make it there safely, dear.”

“Mom!”

Ember grimaces. “Um… this is a bit delicate.”

Stellar Flare pats her son’s head. “Yes, I know. Sunburst has always been…”

Arc interrupts her. “She means the material we need to discuss with him.”

Sunburst nods. “Yes. This is a matter of national security, mom.”

“Indeed.”

Stellar Flare looks to Arc, a hopeful gleam in her eyes. “Might I be permitted to escort him to his office and wait outside then?”

Arc shrugs. “That would be okay with me.”

Sunburst sighs. “Fine.”

They head for the door and walk down the corridor. Stellar Flare appears anxious.

“Just let us know if you need to rest, dear.”

“Mom, I’m fine!”

They come to the office. Arc holds the door open as Sunburst walks inside. Spike hurries over to him.

“Hi, Sunburst! How are…?”

Spike stops talking as he sees Arc holding the door. He continues a few moments later, albeit a bit nervously.

“I… uh… have all your paperwork organized on the desk like you asked me to.”

Sunburst smiles. “Thank you, Spike. I can always count on you.”

The baby dragon winces as Sunburst heads to his desk along with Arc. Ember stays back and frowns at Spike as Sunburst sits down and looks to his assistant.

“Now, I need to have a private conference with the Hero of Light. Please see to it I’m not disturbed.”

“Yes sir.”

Spike leaves the room and shuts the door. Sunburst turns to Arc.

“Now then… what can I do for you, sir?”

Arc pulls some papers from his ring and sets them down on the desk as he touches his earring.

“Arc to Max. Come in please.”

“Max here.”

“I’m in Sunburst’s office. Is everyone ready to compare notes?”

“Yes sir. Rose just went upstairs to make a fresh pot of coffee, but will return shortly.”

Viktor chimes in. “We’ve learned everything we could about that spot on the map and the surrounding land.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. And there’s a bit to go over.”

Hugh leans into the conversation. “Shall we get started?”

“Yes. But be sure to speak up so Sunburst can hear.”

Sunburst holds out a hoof. “If you’d be so kind as to lend me your earring I can hook it up to my amplifier, sir.”

“Good idea.”

Arc removes his earring and gives it to Sunburst, who walks over to a nearby table.

“Just a moment everypony. This won’t take long.”

Arc stands and walks over to the coffeepot. He turns to look over his shoulder as he picks up a couple empty mugs.

“It’s a good thing Spike brewed this. This’ll probably be an extended meeting, after all.”

Sunburst chuckles. “Yes, indeed. Thank you very much for referring him to me, sir.”

Arc sighs as he pours two cups of coffee. “You both needed help.”

“I didn’t realize that until he came along.”

Sunburst looks around the spotless office before continuing.

“Things really have improved here.”

Arc nods. “As has Twilight’s situation?”

“Oh?”

“Spike was a great assistant to her. But I don’t think she ever thought he could be more than that. Auriel already had a science background, as well as inventions and theories of her own.”

Sunburst puts a hoof to his chin. “So we both got what we wanted?”

Arc chuckles as he returns to the desk with the mugs of coffee. “Kinda. I still have my lieutenant go over there once a week to make sure they aren’t swimming in dirty dishes or asleep on their books.”

Sunburst appears surprised as he sits back down in his chair. “Is it that bad?”

“He only found them in such a state once. I think the embarrassment of that encounter made both of them put in the extra effort forward to see that it never happens again.”

Sunburst sighs. “I know how they feel. After Spike put my office in order I felt obligated to keep it that way. Now if there’s a bit of rubbish I feel as though I have to immediately put it in the refuse bin.”

“Good. Now then, are we ready to begin?”

Sunburst clears his throat. “Can everypony hear me?”

Viktor nods. “Loud and clear on this end.”

Arc picks up a piece of paper. “Alright. Let’s start with…”

Meanwhile, outside the office, Spike turns nervously to Ember.

“Uh… hi there.”

Ember frowns as she puts her claws on her hip. “I think you and I need to talk.”

Spike wrings his claws. “Oh? Wha-what about?”

“You already know.”

Spike gulps as Stellar Flare looks confused.

“Should I leave you two alone for a bit?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. We were just heading out.”

“We… we are?”

“Yes! This way.”

Spike points back toward the office door. “But Sunburst might…!”

“NOW!!!”

Spike hurries to comply as he and Ember walk out of the castle’s War Room and down the corridor. They continue on in silence for some time as he continues to fidget.

“So… how’ve you been, Ember?”

Ember frowns, not looking back. “I’m not here to make small talk.”

“Then why are you…?”

Ember suddenly stops. Spike bumps into her as she glares at him.

“You already know why!”

Spike looks away nervously. Neither of them speak for a time. Eventually Ember turns and continues down the corridor. The smaller dragon sighs and follows her. Sometime later they arrive at a large door. Ember points to it.

“Inside, now!”

Nodding, Spike does as he is told. Ember follows him through the door, closing and locking it behind them. Spike looks around.

“Arc’s room?”

“Something wrong with that?!”

“No, no! It’s just… a really nice place to sleep, that’s all.”

“Spike, we need to talk.”

“Do we?”

Ember nods angrily. “YES!”

“What about?”

“About what you did!”

Spike scratches his head. “I’m not sure I…”

“YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!!!”

Spike backs up as Ember steps forward.

“I’m the next Dragon Lord, Spike! You WILL start telling the truth, and I mean NOW!!!”

Spike feels the cool wall against his tail as Ember closes in.

“Back in Ponyville during the festival you got all of us some juice. But you seemed to pay special attention to Arc’s bottle.”

He gulps as Ember continues.

“I knew you were up to something, so I decided to give you a break. You see, it was I who knocked over that bottle.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “It… it was?”

Ember nods. “Yes. I hoped you would take the hint and stop with whatever childish games you were playing. But you didn’t, did you?”

“I… no.”

He hangs his head as Ember continues.

“Whatever you put into Arc’s bottle did a number on him.”

“It was just some sleeping powder that I got from Doctor Whooves!”

“Yeah?! Right before everyone in town needed him!”

“How was I supposed to know…?”

“DON’T TRY TO PLAY THE CIRCUMSTANCES CARD!”

Spike is silent as Ember leans down and gets right in his face.

“You’ve never been one for practical jokes! Now you’re going to tell me why you did it!”

“Because… I… um…”

“TALK!!!”

Spike squeezes his eyes shut. “Because I saw him and Rarity kissing!”

Ember takes a step back.

“…what?”

“It’s true! I know what I saw!”

“And you felt the need to put Arc to sleep, why?!”

“To… um…”

Spike sighs.

“I… I just wanted to make him look bad in front of Rarity.”

Ember clenches a fist. “You were trying to SABOTAGE their night?!”

“No! Just… make her think less of him, I guess.”

Ember shakes her head. “Arc’s supposed to be your friend, as is Rarity. What did you hope to gain by…?”

“I was going to help Rarity take Arc home and put him to bed! Then her and I could have some time alone to talk, okay!”

He sits down on the floor and folds him arms over his knees sadly.

“That night at the table… Rarity, she… she never took her eyes off of him.”

“And you felt jealous?”

“Not really. But Rarity always has time for me. That is… until she had someone else to look at.”

Ember sighs. “That’s jealousy, Spike.”

“I… guess it is.”

Ember sits down and puts a claw on his.

“Look, Spike. Everyone feels that way sometimes. It’s hard not being number one with the one you love.”

Spike looks up to her, surprised. “Even you?”

“Yeah, even me.”

“Ember, were you upset when Miss Cherry and Arc were going to… you know…?”

She shakes her head and forces a small smile. “Actually, no. You see, they were such a cute couple that I couldn’t bring myself to feel that way. I really… REALLY wanted Arc to see ME that way, but…”

She pauses before continuing.

“…but things don’t always work out the way you want them to.”

Spike frowns. “That much I do understand. The night I… blew up at Twilight, all I wanted was to be treated like… I don’t know.”

“An equal?”

“Right! But she just always viewed me as just her number one assistant.”

“Arc’s always looked at me that way too. I mean, I do like being his best friend, but… but it would be even better to be his mate.”

Spike leans back against the wall. “And that didn’t work out for either of us.”

“Not at all. Truthfully, when Cherry died, I thought that I might have another chance.”

“But then she came back.”

“Right. And, while I was relieved to hear it, Cherry told him to find someone else as she couldn’t be there for him like a real wife could.”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “Miss Cherry said that?!”

Ember nods. “That she did. And I thought to myself ‘this is my chance’!”

“I remember Twilight telling me she felt the same way.”

He looks up at her nervously.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have told you that.”

Ember shrugs. “It’s fine. That doesn’t bother me, and I won’t tell anyone else.”

Spike breathes a sigh of relief. “Thanks. On both counts. I’d hate to see you and Twilight at each other’s throats.”

“Believe me, the old Ember might have been.”

“Old Ember?”

Ember smiles. “I’ve changed a lot since Arc and I met. The old me would have slit the throats of anyone whom I perceived as trying to come between him and me. Fortunately I learned there was a different way during our stay in Tartarus.”

“What changed exactly?”

“Well… I learned about… sharing.”

Spike appears confused. “Sharing?”

Ember nods. “Yes. I know it might sound a little strange to you, but in dragon culture it’s normal for a male to potentially have multiple mates.”

“Even the Dragon Lord?”

“Especially them, yes.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because dragons view strength above all else. Females want to make eggs with the strongest male they can find.”

She closes her eyes and smiles.

“As the strongest among dragons, he would have the right of Dragon Lord over me. And I would have sat at the foot of his throne as his greatest trophy.”

Spike gasps. “What?! But… but you can’t do that!”

Ember looks to him, confused. “Why not, Spike?”

“Because you’re not an object to be lorded over!”

“But that’s what I want.”

Ember blushes happily and puts her claws on her cheeks.

“To be Arc’s mate and bear his eggs has been my desire for such a long time. Don’t you want that for me?”

Spike frowns. “The egg part is fine, yes. But I don’t like the idea of you being treated like property!”

Ember lays her head back and looks up at the ceiling as a wistful moan escapes her mouth. “I’m sure Arc would take especially good care of me.”

“You should have the freedom to…!”

“Spike. Stop.”

“Huh?”

Ember turns to him before continuing. “This is how dragon culture has done things for millennia. Now I understand that you didn’t grow up with this, but please don’t make assumptions that what you know is superior to our methods.”

“But… but I just feel like I have to DO something!”

“You can.”

“What is it?!”

“Challenge Arc for me.”

“Huh?!”

“If you won we would be mates. You would be free to take me and treat me as you saw fit.”

Spike gasps. “I can’t beat Arc though!”

“Right.”

Spike raises an eyebrow, confused. “Right?! Then why…?!”

“I was trying to illustrate to you just how momentous the task of changing dragon culture would be. It really would be like you trying to defeat Arc one-on-one. There’s no way you would succeed.”

“That may be. But if I knew he was mistreating you, I would!”

“How?”

Spike sighs. “I don’t know. But I wouldn’t leave you to your fate. I couldn’t!”

“Well, what if he was treating me right? Or as well as you would hope. Would you still try to take me away to offer me another life?”

“Well… I… um… I suppose I’d have to… do what was best for you.”

Ember turns to him and smiles. “So what you’re saying is that you just want what’s best for me?”

“Exactly!”

“What about Twilight? I mean, if some stallion caught her eye and started abusing her, would you do the same?”

Spike nods fervently. “In a heartbeat! I just want what’s best for my friends!”

“How about Rarity?”

Spike is silent as he thinks.

“You mean… would I want her to be happy?”

“Yes.”

“I… I guess so. But she’d be happy with me! I know it!”

“So you would try to force her to accept you then?”

Spike thinks for a moment. “Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to use the word ‘force’, but…”

“You’re more understanding of our culture than you think, Spike.”

“I am?”

Ember nods. “Yes. You saw a female you wanted, and now you’ll do anything to take her eyes off her current suitor. Even going so far as to poison him.”

“I… I guess I did, huh?”

“Yeah. But that’s pretty normal for dragons. If you can’t win in a head-on battle of might, trickery is the next logical step.”

“Like when I put that sleeping powder in Arc’s drink. I wanted to make him look weak to Rarity. Saying it aloud makes me feel like scum.”

Ember shrugs. “You’re a dragon, Spike. Don’t feel bad for being that which you are.”

Spike shakes his head. “No. I can be whomever I want to. My species doesn’t determine that. I do!”

He looks up at her.

“You’ve already proven that!”

Ember appears confused. “I have?”

Spike nods. “Right. You said that you changed since meeting Arc. He showed you there was another way.”

“I… guess that’s true. But I’ll always be a dragon and have a certain mindset. Nothing will ever change that.”

“Maybe. But then again, maybe not.”

“What are you talking about, Spike?”

“You could change yourself into a pony. Then you’d be free to…”

Ember shakes her head. “That wouldn’t work.”

“Sure it would! After all, you turn into a human when you go to Earth with Arc, don’t you?!”

“That I do. But it only changes my outward appearance. I’m still a dragon at heart.”

“Oh… I see.”

“Good.”

Spike looks to her soberly. “But… I wasn’t just saying that for you.”

“Really?”

“If it was that simple, I would’ve asked you or Twilight to turn me into a human.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What for?”

“To learn what it was like. To see things from Arc’s point of view. Then maybe Rarity would…!”

“Spike, stop.”

“But then she might…!”

“SPIKE!”

They are silent for a time as Ember composes herself before continuing.

“Listen to me. You said you saw the two of them kissing, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Why were they doing that?”

“Um…”

Ember sighs. “It’s because Rarity’s in love with Arc, and he’s in love with her.”

Spike gasps. “They’re… in LOVE?!”

“Yeah. Can’t you see that?”

“I… guess that makes sense. But I’m in love with her too! Why would she fall for someone else and not say anything to me?!”

“Well, does she know?”

“Know what?!”

“That you’re in love with her.”

“I… think so.”

“Did you ever tell her about your feelings?”

“Tell her what?”

“That you love her.”

“N-no.”

“Well, Arc did, and she reciprocated.”

Spike appears nervous. “Does that mean they’re going to get married and have foals?”

Ember shrugs. “It might. But not right away.”

Spike breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

“Arc told her he needed to bring Celestia back to Equestria first. Then he would like to get to know her better.”

“So… what you’re saying is that they’re both interested in each other?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. So you really need to be supportive of their decisions.”

“That’s asking a lot!”

“Or, at the very least, don’t try to come between them.”

Spike groans. “But I love her!”

“If that’s true, then you should want the best for her.”

“I do!”

“Well then, whom would be better for her? You, a baby dragon who has no way to supporting her emotionally, financially, or physically. Or Arc, a man whom can care for her, be there for her when things get hard, is smart and strong enough to protect her, and can give her foals.”

Spike is silent as he considers this.

“I’m… really not ready for any of that, am I?”

“No, Spike.

“Do I have to marry a dragon?”

“Usually, yes. But as Dragon Lord I’m giving you an exemption.”

“Thanks. I think.”

“You’ll find a dragon or a mare whom turns your head one day.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I did. And before Tartarus I believed I couldn’t.”

“So where should I go from here? Start looking for a different mate?!”

Ember shakes her head. “No. First you should find a way to confess to Arc and Rarity what it is you did.”

“What?!”

“They deserve to know. Then you can apologize.”

“I… I know I should. But how to do that eludes me.”

“You’ll think of something. Then you should just work on growing up big and strong.”

“Like a normal dragon?”

“Yes. But there’s one other thing you need to be if you want the best mate.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Intelligence.”

Spike frowns. “I need to be smart?”

“Yes. Arc was able to save me from an arranged mate by defeating them using both brute strength AND his intelligence.”

“He was?!”

Ember nods. “The dragons he faced were much bigger and stronger than he was. Had he not used his head I don’t think he could have bested them.”

“I guess I have a lot to think about.”

“You can always talk to me if you have questions. I’m not the smartest, but I’ll do my best to answer them.”

Spike turns and gives Ember a hug. “Thanks! I’ll do my best to make you proud of me, Dragon Lord!”

Ember pats his head nervously. “I know you will.”

Chapter 11 - Scouting Trip

The next day Arc and his squad hike through the woods together with Rose, Sereb, and Ember bringing up the rear. Ember looks around and frowns.

“This place is really off the beaten path.”

Max nods. “That it is.”

Viktor steps over a fallen log. “It’s understandable. After all, if I wanted to keep something hidden and safe this would be a prime location.”

Sereb looks up to them. “Indeed. I believe ‘isolated’ or ‘remote’ would be the proper words for it.”

Xenos chuckles. “We’re almost there, sir.”

“Good. Hugh, did you bring the camera?”

Hugh nods. “Yes sir. I’ll take a number of shots from various angles.”

Rose giggles. “That won’t really be necessary. I do have a photographic memory, after all.”

Ember shrugs. “Well, some extra pictures won’t hurt.”

Arc chuckles. “I think Rose means her memory is downloadable to image files.”

“Yes.”

Ember smiles. “Handy!”

They step out of the woods onto a sandy beach. Arc looks around.

“This place looks familiar.”

Ember turns to him. “You mean you’ve been here before?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not to this beach, no. But I have seen that facility before.”

Sereb frowns. “Oh?”

“It’s visible from the highway. That is, if I’m thinking of the same place. Viktor, can I see the map?”

“Yes sir.”

He removes a folded up map from his pocket and hands it to Arc. Unfolding it he looks it over for a few moments before giving it back.

“I thought so. This is the military base about thirty miles outside of Angel Grove.”

Ember gasps. “WHAT?! Princess Celestia was this close the whole time?!”

Sereb sighs. “So it would seem.”

Rose nods soberly. “There wasn’t any way we could have known.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Well I for one find that structure creepy!”

Sereb growls. “It is rather… disconcerting.”

Max turns to Rose. “Are you picking anything from Equestria on your sensors, Rose?”

“I am not. However, this whole area is pretty much dead for me.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Dead?”

Viktor turns to his friend. “She means a dead sensor area, Hugh.”

Xenos frowns. “So something over there is blocking you?”

Rose nods. “Yes. Whether that something is a mechanical device or a naturally occurring phenomenon is unknown.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Well, it doesn’t really matter, now does it.”

Sereb looks up at her. “Ember?”

“Machine or natural, the results are the same. And we can’t counter whatever it is as it stands, right?”

Viktor sighs. “Correct.

Arc looks around. “Sunburst can probably scry this small area. Or at the very least attempt to.”

Rose nods as she turns to Arc. “It is indeed worth a try. However, his attempts may meet with the same results as my own efforts.”

Xenos shrugs. “Still better than going in blind though.”

Arc frowns. “Agreed. So let’s talk about what we can see from here.”

Sereb looks around. “I must point out that this area is very scenic.”

Cherry sighs. “If not for that base looming over us, I would agree.”

Rose turns back toward the woods. “That it is. However, as you most likely noticed from the walk here, there really isn’t any easy access to this beach.”

Max points across the water at a bridge. “I suppose you could launch a boat from the side of the road.”

Viktor shudders. “That might not go over too well with the guards, er… police. The road and facility it leads up to are both government property.”

Ember turns to Arc. “What about where we are?”

“What about it?”

“Are we going to be in trouble for trespassing?”

Viktor shakes his head. “I checked the map before we left. This land is actually the border of a public park, so we should be totally fine.”

“Good.”

Arc looks across the water at the small, heavily fortified island.

“So that’s it, huh?”

Max points across the water. “Yes sir. As you can see, that bridge is the only access point to the facility.”

Ember frowns. “No docks?”

Xenos shakes his head. “Not that we could see, no.”

“I took the liberty of investigating the far side of the island. There’s nothing over there of interest.”

Arc appears surprised. “How did you manage that, Rose? Swim?”

“Um… kinda.”

Viktor chuckles. “We suggested that originally. But then Rose pointed out that she could just walk over there.”

Ember gasps. “On the water?!”

Max shakes his head. “Under it actually.”

“I have little to no buoyancy, as I don’t contain lungs or oxygen is any large quantity.”

Ember appears impressed. “How long did it take to get over there?”

“A couple hours of walking.”

Arc scans the horizon. “Really? It doesn’t look that far.”

Rose sighs. “It is when you’re walking through water and mud.”

Max nods. “Rose was pretty tired by the time she got back.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. I gave her a piggy back ride when we left to save what was left of her batteries.”

Ember turns to Hugh. “Any breaks in that wall?”

“Not that we or Rose could see.”

Viktor points across the water. “Other than the main gate at the far end of the bridge, no.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “How about satellite images from the internet?”

Viktor shakes his head. “Nothing of use there, sir.”

Max sighs. “The images that we found were very distorted.”

Hugh frowns. “Almost as if someone was trying to hide the fact the base was there.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s not suspicious at all.”

Arc pulls a pair of binoculars from his ring and holds them to his eyes.

“There’s a guard shack next to the gate and a couple soldiers inside.”

Rose looks toward the base. “Two more guards are in each tower on either side of said gate as well.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Is that normal?”

Arc turns to her. “What do you mean?”

“I dunno. It just seems like a lot of eyes watching an easily defendable main entrance.”

She point a finger at the road leading up to the bridge.

“See how the road curves sharply before it connects to the bridge? Any vehicle that tried to cross would have to slow down to almost nothing or risk falling off that cliff.”

Rose nods soberly. “Ember’s right. That and the bridge’s width and length makes for quite the bottleneck.”

Max grits his teeth. “Any large scale land based assault would certainly fail.”

Ember snaps her fingers. “What about a vehicle equipped with the O.R.B system like The Equinox has?”

Xenos points to two large defensive turrets on either side of the bridge. “Those guns could knock out pretty much anything crossing the bridge.”

Hugh grimaces. “Or even take out the bridge itself as a last resort.”

Rose nods. “It would certainly bring any attack to a standstill as well as force the attackers to retreat, or be picked off one by one.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Someone certainly put a lot of thought into picking this location. Isolated, easily defended, and with enough firepower to make sure any attack would fail.”

Rose turns to him. “So how are we getting in there?”

“That bridge and gate are the only real entrances.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yeah. If you wanted to commit suicide, that is.”

Xenos looks to Rose. “What if we were invisible?”

“I’m detecting a large amount of electricity going to those towers. More than would be used to run search lights.”

Arc groans. “You think they have motion sensors?”

“At best, yes. Possibly even thermal scanners.”

Ember shudders. “If they saw us coming we wouldn’t have anywhere to go.”

Max nods. “Or cover of any kind.”

Ember sighs. “We could jump off the bridge and swim for shore.”

Arc shakes his head. “A fall from that height would be fatal. Even into water.”

Hugh walks over to Arc. “I’ve taken several pictures of the bridge and front entrance. As best I could anyways.”

Rose nods. “As have I.”

“It’ll have to do.”

“I’ve already begun running simulations.”

Xenos looks hopeful. “Of how to get in?”

“Yes. Along with our chances of survival.”

Max groans.. “I wish you hadn’t put it like that.”

Cherry sighs. “Me either.”

Arc shrugs. “Rose is just being honest. This is definitely going to be the most dangerous thing we’ve done as of yet. It’s going to take a lot of planning as well as some new equipment from Canterlot.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“I spoke with Sunburst about the idea of designing a few new tools for us. Can’t be too prepared, after all.”

Max grins. “Like what, sir?”

“I’m not really sure what he can and can’t design yet. Let’s just wait until he has the gear tested and in hand before we start making plans around it.”

Rose nods. “That would be wise.”

Ember looks back across the water. “Well, does anyone see anything here we can use?”

Xenos shakes his head. “Just a bridge that we can’t.”

Arc looks around. “That may be. But I doubt that’s the only way in.”

Max turns to him. “Any other hidden doors or entrances would certainly be heavily guarded by humans or machines, sir.”

Hugh looks to Rose. “What about a distraction?”

“Too unpredictable.”

Arc kneels down and takes a handful of sand. “Yeah. But right now I’m really digging this beach.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“It’s the perfect place to sit and have a picnic. Maybe even watch the sunset.”

Ember looks at him as though he’s lost his mind. “Um… you do remember that we’re planning a mission here, right?”

“Yes, Ember. But everyone’s always saying I need to rest. Take some time off and do something to relax.”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “You had an idea for a vacation?”

“Not so much a ‘vacation’, as just an afternoon off.”

Max nods. “You certainly deserve it, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah? Like you did, Max?”

“Huh?”

Hugh chuckles. “I remember that. You took an afternoon off while the rest of us went over paperwork.”

Max snaps his fingers. “Ah! The day Shelly was feeling poorly.”

He turns to Arc.

“I went over there to take care of her while Lily ran the restaurant.”

“Alone?”

“No, sir. I brought Sereb with me.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“I see. Good idea. And thank you for taking such good care of Shelly and Lily. That goes for all of you.”

Arc turns and looks toward the ivory walls again.

“Well then… if we have what we came for, we should probably head back home.”

The group nods and turns to leave. Ember approaches Arc and whispers in his ear.

“This might be a good time to talk to Max about… you know…”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

He clears his throat.

“Max?”

“Yes sir?”

“Can you hang back a minute?”

“Yes, sir.”

Arc looks to the others.

“We’ll catch up in a bit.”

Ember turns to him. “Don’t take too long. We still have quite a drive ahead of us.”

Arc nods as the others return to the tree line before turning to Max.

“Something I can do, sir?”

“Kinda. I, uh… just wanted to talk to you about Shelly. I RERALLY appreciate you and the others looking after them when I’m in Equestria.”

“It’s no problem, sir. After all, they’re very nice young mares.”

“Women, Max.”

“Yes sir. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. But tell me, how do you feel about them?”

“Um… I do enjoy Shelly’s company. Lily’s as well, of course. But I don’t see as much of her, as she’s usually working the restaurant.”

“Do you and the others still go over there to help sometimes?”

“Yes sir. But to be honest with you, I’m usually upstairs either taking care of Shelly or, on better days, keeping her company at the register or in their Living Room.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“She and I really seem to get along. Sereb can attest to that. But was there something in particular you wanted to know?”

“Not… really. It’s just… I… um…”

Arc sighs.

“I’m a bit… worried, that’s all.”

“Worried, sir?”

“You and the others have become quite attached to this town, haven’t you?”

Max grins. “That we have, sir. Truth be told it kinda reminds us of Ponyville.”

“Angel Grove does have that small town feel to it. Close knit community… that sort of thing. Does that mean you four are happy here?”

“Very! To tell you the truth, things really are a lot easier for us here on Earth.”

“The discrimination?”

Max nods. “Yes sir. As we told you in the past, our kind aren’t exactly thought highly of back in Equestria. Here in Angel Grove though nopo… no one gives us a second glance though.”

He shifts uneasily.

“Might I speak freely, sir?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“The guys and I have been talking a lot recently about how much we love it here. Would it be possible for us to… maybe come back and visit?”

“You mean after we find Princess Celestia?”

“Yes sir. I understand that once we do so we won’t have any reason to stay. While I’m sure you’ll come back here regularly to visit your friends, we’d like to be allowed to accompany you occasionally.”

Arc sighs. “I… I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, Max.”

“Sir?”

“That’s part of the reason I wanted to talk to you. You see… you guys, along with Ember, look just like any other human on the outside. But on the inside, you’re still ponies. Or in Ember’s case, a dragon.”

“We all feel the same though.”

“I’m sure you do. And admittedly there aren’t many differences between humans and ponies in terms of what you’re capable of. But when it comes right down to it, you guys aren’t humans. You’re still ponies.”

“Yes sir. We all accept that fact, and respect who and what we are. But we all feel that there’s a place in this world for us. Just like there’s now a place in Equestria for you.”

“Agreed. As for your request, I… I think I’m going to have to give it some more thought.”

“Thank you, sir. I’m sorry if I steered our conversation a bit off topic. Was there something else you wanted to speak about?”

“Yes. It’s in regards to Shelly and Lily.”

“Oh? Is something wrong?”

“Not… necessarily. More like what the future holds for them.”

Max grins. “I’m sure Shelly’s Kitchen will be there for years to come. It’s very popular now that the Shards aren’t terrorizing the population.”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not what I mean.”

“Sir?”

“I was referring to Shelly and Lily personally. You’ve become somewhat… attached to Shelly, haven’t you?”

Max nods nervously. “Perhaps a bit, sir.”

They are silent for a time.

“Sir, may I speak freely again?”

“Go ahead.”

“Shelly really is special to you. A blind human could see that. Not to say that you don’t care for Lily, but… um…”

Arc nods. “Shelly requires special attention and care. Is that what you meant to say?”

“Yes sir. She’s just such a fragile human. I’ve had to carry her to her room several times over these past few months, and I have to say I thought she’d weigh more.”

Arc sighs. “That’s one of her illnesses actually.”

“I know you said she’s sick. But I’m really worried about her well-being.”

“So am I. That’s why I asked you guys to help them out. Now all I’m saying is try not to form any deep attachments to them or anyone else here, okay?”

“I just… yes sir.”

Arc puts a hand on Max’s shoulder. “Thanks. I just don’t want to see Shelly’s heart broken when we leave. Or anyone else’s due to her shortened life span.”

“Neither do I, sir.”

“Good. Now let’s catch up with the others.”

They turn and walk back toward the tree line. Sometime later Arc and company return home. The sun is setting and a warm breeze blows through the trees as they step out of the Jeep. Ember stretches.

“That was a ride and a half!”

“Sorry my vehicle doesn’t have more seats.”

Rose shrugs. “I didn’t mind sitting in the back hatch with Sereb.”

Viktor blushes. “It was certainly an experience.”

Xenos smirks. “Well, Ember had to sit on SOMEONE’S lap.”

Max chuckles. “That she did.”

Ember grins. “You’re welcome for the honor of your life, Viktor.”

Hugh snickers. “Congratulations. Now you can tell everyone back home you’ve had the Dragon Lord in your lap.”

They all laugh as Viktor looks away nervously and blushes happily. Entering the house they hear the phone ringing. Arc heads for the Living Room as the others go downstairs.

“I’ll get it and join you all in a bit.”

Rose nods. “Don’t be too long. I’m going to bring up the footage I took on the computer.”

“Okay. But don’t wait for me.”

Heading to the phone Arc picks up the receiver and puts it to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Arc! At last!”

“Lily? Is something wrong?!”

“No, no! But I’ve been trying to get ahold of you or your friends all day!”

“Oh. Sorry about that. We… took a bit of a day trip out into the surrounding countryside to see the sights.”

“Really? Where?”

“Quite a ways outside of town. We found a really cool secluded beach overlooking the water.”

Lily giggles. “Sounds like you guys were really out in the middle of nowhere.”

Arc grins. “I’ll have to take you and Shelly out for some fresh air one of these days. It’s been awhile since either of you had a day off.”

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, Shelly’s been cooped up in our apartment for a long time now.”

“Other than trips to the doctor and pharmacy, you mean?”

“Right. She needs to go out and do something fun.”

“You have an idea?”

Lily continues nervously. “Um… kinda. You see… she’s been… uh… very talkative about doing something… special lately.”

“If I can help, you know I will.”

“Well… you see…”

A short time later Arc hangs up the phone. He walks over to the couch and sits down heavily. Cherry calls out to him.

“That was surprising.”

“I’ll say.”

“Um… aren’t you going downstairs?”

“Maybe in a bit. Right now I need to think.”

Cherry sounds confused. “What about?”

Arc sighs. “For starters, what to do about this.”

“I don’t understand. You told Lily you’d help if you could.”

“Yeah, I know. But it’s just…”

Arc groans.

“This request is just so… so out of the blue.”

“I know. But it isn’t unreasonable. At least I don’t think it is.”

“No, it’s certainly not.”

“Then why…”

Arc interrupts her. “So what would you have me do?!”

“I think you already know the answer to that, Arc. You just have to follow through.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, you’re right. Sorry for blowing up, Cherry.”

“That’s okay. I know this isn’t easy for you.”

“It really isn’t. But putting it off isn’t going to make things any easier.”

Standing, Arc walks down the basement stairs. The others are huddled around Viktor’s computer looking over still shots.

Xenos grimaces. “That place is a real fortress!”

Hugh nods soberly. “It’s going to be a real hard nut to crack.”

Max nods with determination. “Agreed. But we have to!”

Viktor looks over his screen. “Every defense has flaws.”

Rose nods in affirmation. “Right. We just have to find them.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah! And apply a proper dose of brute force!”

Arc sighs. “Let’s keep violence out of the equation for the time being. After all, this is our country’s military we’re talking about.”

Viktor turns to him. “Yes sir. But admittedly that might not be an option.”

Max nods. “Well, if push comes to shove we’ll do what we have to in order to get in.”

Sereb frowns. “It isn’t so much the getting in part that has me worried.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Right. I imagine getting out and away without getting caught will be the hardest part of the mission.”

Rose turns to Arc. “To say nothing for staying undetected once inside.”

“There’s that too.”

Arc frowns and sighs.

“Everyone, keep going over the footage. Max, um… can I talk to you privately about something?”

“Yes sir.”

Max strands. He and Arc head up the stairs as everyone else looks to one another. Viktor turns to Hugh.

“That was sudden.”

“You don’t suppose he’s in trouble?”

Xenos shakes his head. “Nah. Max and the commander do have a rather… interesting relationship though.”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “Interesting?”

Ember nods. “He means Arc puts a lot of faith in him.”

Sereb sits down in front of the screen in Max’s chair. “That he does. But it is certainly warranted.”

Viktor grins. “Agreed. Max is the one the commander leaves in charge while he’s gone, after all.”

Hugh sighs. “It’s still so mysterious though. Do you have any idea what’s going on, Sereb?”

“I do. However Arc will explain everything in due time, I’m sure. Do not worry, as your friend is not in trouble.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Max head for his parent’s bedroom. Entering, he shuts the door and motions to a nearby chair.

“Have a seat, Max.”

“Yes sir.”

As he complies Arc takes a seat across from him on the end of the bed.

“Did I do something wrong, sir?”

“No, Max. I just… wanted to ask you for a bit of a favor.”

“I’ll do my very best to do carry out your orders.”

Arc shakes his head. “What I’m going to ask of you isn’t an order, Max. Like I said, this is a favor. And a rather personal one at that.”

Max appears confused. “I don’t understand, sir. If you need something done I’m more than willing to…”

Arc holds up a hand for silence as he sighs. “Sorry, Max. It’s just… kinda hard of me to ask this of you, or anyone for that matter.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Now then… what I’m going to ask you to do is strictly on a voluntary basis. Just to be completely clear, I don’t want you to feel as if you have to accept this request just because I’m your commanding officer.”

“I… yes sir.”

“That telephone call earlier was from Lily.”

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes. More so than usual even. Lily told me that Shelly’s having an extremely good day today as far as her conditions go.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Yes, I agree. In any case… this morning she got the idea that she wanted to go out tonight.”

“So you’d like me to run some errands in preparation for…”

Arc interrupts. “She asked if you would take her out.”

Max’s eyes grow wide. “M-me, sir?!”

“That’s what Lily said, yes.”

“I… it’s just… this is so sudden!”

“That much I understand. If you feel uncomfortable and don’t want to do this I completely understand.”

Max jumps up. “No, no! I’d be honored to!”

“Okay. I’ll give Lily a call and tell her you’ll be there in a couple hours. Shelly was taking a nap when we talked earlier anyways.”

As Arc turns to leave the room Max calls after him.

“Sir?!”

Arc looks over. “Yes?”

“Um… are you okay with this?”

“Truthfully… no.”

Max nods soberly. “I kinda thought you’d say that.”

“Like I told you back on the beach, I just don’t want Shelly’s heart broken when you and the others leave. It has nothing to do with you personally. In all honesty, I’d be very happy seeing you and her together. But… if our upcoming mission goes badly, we might not be walking away from this.”

“Yes sir. If you’re found out, it might not be an option for you yourself to come back.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. That’s why I’m planning on saying goodbye to both of them before then.”

“I… what?!”

“It’s for the best. My cover story will be that I’m moving to be closer to Derpy and Dinky. Or Daisy and Dawn as they know them. Then if something happens, and I don’t return, at least they won’t think anything of my disappearance.”

“But sir! Don’t they deserve to know the truth?!”

Arc sighs as he turns away. “Yes, Max. But… the truth is not always a pleasant thing to know.”

Chapter 12 - Night Out

A short time later Arc returns to his parent’s room. Max is waiting for him, unmoved, in his chair.

“Lily says she’ll make sure Shelly is ready to go at seven.”

Max nods nervously. “Y-yes sir.”

“You okay?”

“While you were gone it occurred to me that I’ve never taken anypony out on a date before!”

“First, remember it’s any ONE. Second, neither has Shelly.”

Max appears surprised. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“A pretty mare like her?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Woman, Max. You’re really slipping in the human vocabulary department here.”

“Sorry, sir. It’s just… I’m so nervous!”

“Look, Shelly is really understanding. That and since she doesn’t know what to do either that should make her very forgiving as well.”

Arc walks over to his closet and pulls out a suit. Max gasps.

“Sir, is that…?”

“Yes, Max. This is the outfit I wore on my date with Princess Luna. I’d like you to wear it tonight.”

“But it was custom tailored for you!”

“True. But you and I are pretty close in size and stature. That and Shelly will be wearing a nice dress, so you’ll need to look your best as well. Remember, you don’t have anything that’s what I would call ‘date-worthy’.”

“I… yes sir. Thank you.”

He accepts the outfit nervously.

“Um… what do I do to get ready?”

“Start with a good shower. Afterwards I’ll help make you look presentable.”

Max hurries out of the room but returns a few moments later to salute Arc before rushing out again. Arc chuckles.

“He’s certainly driven.”

Cherry giggles. “Like you were before your big date?”

“I wasn’t that bad. Was I?”

“Yes. But for different reasons.”

“How so?”

“He’s worried about going out with a mare… female who just so happens to be like family to his commanding officer. You were nervous about going out with the most temperamental princess of Equestria.”

“Wait! I thought you were talking about my date with Rarity.”

“No, you handled that one flawlessly.”

“Thanks. I just… hey!”

“Hm?”

“That night out with Luna wasn’t a date!”

“Really?”

“Yes. It was just an evening of relaxation for her.”

“I wasn’t there, of course. But I saw the events of that night in your memories, Arc.”

“So you saw that nothing happened?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say that.”

Arc groans. “I assure you I was a total gentleman! Besides, I’m not getting mixed up in a relationship with royalty! Think of the rumors that would circulate!”

“Yes, I’m sure the idle ponies of Canterlot would talk. However, you really made her evening special.”

“That was kinda the point.”

“In any case, you and her have a very distinct relationship.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Distinct in what way?”

“You’re probably the only being in Equestria who doesn’t grovel and look at her with fear in their eyes.”

“Why would I? She’s not a bad individual.”

“Remember, it wasn’t that long ago that she was still Nightmare Moon. Ponies will remember that fact for years to come.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I read that in one of the history books I borrowed from the Golden Oaks Library.”

“Their fear isn’t completely unwarranted, you know. She had wanted to overthrow Princess Celestia and cover the land in eternal night.”

“So now that she’s sitting on the throne, they feel she may yet carry out her former plan?”

“It is in the back of everyone’s mind, yes. But there’s another thought that balances it out.”

“Oh?”

“The knowledge that our land’s Hero of Light wouldn’t let that happen.”

Arc grins. “Yeah. After all… it’s my job to take down a renegade princess should one go astray, or so Luna tells me. But everyone needs to keep in mind that she’s not sitting at the head of the nation alone. Remember, Princess Cadance is right there with her.”

Cherry sighs. “She’s seen more as a figurehead than a ruling monarch.”

“Her age?”

“Yes.”

“Are you saying no one is giving her a chance?”

“Partially. However if she wants to be seen as a more than just Princess Celestia’s niece, she needs to assert herself more.”

“Really?”

“Yes. That’s what Equestria needs right now. Strong leadership.”

Arc frowns. “Are you sure that’s what she wants?”

“What do you…?”

“I mean are you sure that crown on her head was something she took because she wanted to become a princess, or because she felt that was what others wanted? Remember that night we followed her out of the castle gardens?”

Cherry giggles. “Her nighttime rendezvous with the Captain of the Guard?”

Arc nods. “Right. Don’t you remember what she said?”

“That she wanted freedom?”

“Yes.”

“I just assumed she meant the freedom to choose whom she could be with.”

Arc frowns. “And at the time I thought the same. But this conversation has led me to rethink that. She’s the Princess of Love, after all. Doing what is needed for the country over her own needs just comes naturally to her I would guess.”

“Truth be told, I never thought about it like that, Arc. The princesses just always seemed as if they were on another level entirely.”

“Yes, well… I can tell you from personal experience that they have feelings of doubt and fear just like anyone else.”

“They always seem to have it together though!”

“That’s a façade, Cherry. I can attest to that.”

“Your time as Lord Regent?”

Arc nods sadly. “Yes.”

“You regret some decisions made back then?”

“Just one.”

He is silent for a time before continuing.

“If I could go back… I would have loved to spend more time with you.”

“I would have liked that too, Arc. But the past is in the past. We can’t change it.”

“Yeah, I suppose not.”

A short time later Max returns. He nervously walks over to Arc for inspection>

“Is this adequate, sir?”

“Not yet. But I’ll help with that. There’s something in the chest pocket of your jacket that should help.

Max reaches a hand into the black folds of the material. A moment later he pulls out a black piece of cloth.

“What’s this, sir?”

“It’s a tie. Here, let me show you how it works.”

Putting the tie around Max’s neck Arc quickly puts the knot in and straightens it.

“There. Now we need to fix your hair.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Fix?”

“Comb it and put some gel in it.”

Max grimaces. “I’m not sure what that means, sir.”

“Let’s head to the bathroom and I’ll show you.”

They walk down the hall. Entering the still somewhat steaming room Arc picks up a bottle from a shelf and turns back to Max as he hands it to him.

“This stuff is kinda old. But it should still be usable.”

“What is it, sir?”

“Hair gel. It helps your hair hold its shape through the evening. Now then, open it and put a bit in your hand.”

Max does so as Arc continues.

“Now run your hand through your hair like this.”

Arc demonstrates as Max does his best to copy him.

“That’s it. Disperse it thoroughly. Then comb your hair backwards.”

“Backwards, sir?”

“I know it sounds strange, but let me show you.”

He picks up the comb and slicks back Max’s hair.

“There. What do you think?”

Max grins as he looks in the mirror. “That looks pretty good!”

Arc reaches for another bottle. “Next we’ll put a bit of this on you.”

“What’s that?”

“Some light cologne. Shelly gave it to me a few years ago for Christmas. Said she liked the way it smelled at the store. Think of it like perfume for guys.”

Max sniffs himself and makes a face.

“Are you sure about this?”

Arc shrugs as the pair head back to Arc’s parent’s room. “I’m not much for such things myself. But Shelly must’ve really liked it to buy it for me. She’s not usually much for perfume or cologne.”

“Anything else, sir?”

“Keep your jacket buttoned up. It makes you look more dignified.”

“Do I wear my normal shoes?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! I have dress shoes in the closet.”

He turns to get them as Max sits down in his chair again.

“I’m not sure if I can do this, sir!”

“You’ve come this far.”

Cherry gasps. “Yes! That and Shelly would be heartbroken if you cancelled now!”

“Miss Cherry, can you tell me anything about what mares want in a date?”

“I’m not really sure, as Arc and I never had time to actually go on one before my death.”

Arc sighs as he hands over a pair of black dress shoes. “Don’t remind me.”

“What about your date with Princess Luna, sir? Is there any advice you could give me on what to do or say?”

“That really depends on the girl. What one likes might make someone else upset.”

Cherry giggles. “You know Shelly better than anyone though, Arc.”

“Yeah. But as a friend. Not so much date material. So take what I’m about to tell you with a grain of salt.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Shelly likes kind people. That’s probably why you and her get along so well. You already know she a big fan of dogs, like Sereb. Get her talking about cooking, or food in general, and she won’t stop.”

“So that’s bad?”

Arc shrugs. “Depends on how much time you have. Just don’t let her get too excited about anything or she’ll tire herself out.”

“Okay. Uh… what should I do if that happens?”

“Take her home and put her to bed. Lily can help you with that.”

“Yes sir.”

“Well, you should probably head to the florist now.”

“Sir?”

Cherry giggles. “If Shelly is anything like a mare, she’ll like flowers.”

Arc nods. “Right. And get her a box of chocolates too while you’re at it.”

“I’ll do that, sir.”

Arc reaches into his pocket. “Here’s some money for that and some extra for if you two want to do something after dinner.”

“Dinner! Where should I take her?!”

Cherry calls out. “How about that place you took Lily, Arc?”

“Yes, Roberto’s Pizza is a favorite of Shelly’s. Take her there. It’s on the highway just as you get to Farburg.”

Max nods. “Yes sir, I’ve seen it from the road before.”

Arc tosses Max his keys. “Good. Now then, have a good time and take good care of Shelly.”

Max nods and turns to leave. As his hand touches the doorknob he turns back.

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“I… um… might I ask you something personal?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why are you doing this? I mean, you literally told me earlier today not to do what I’m about to.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… this was Shelly’s request. All things considered I can’t really deny her anything when she asks, as it happens so seldomly. That and I trust you not to do anything… inappropriate with her.”

Max blushes. “Y-yes sir. You have my word on that.”

“Good. Now get moving.”

Max nods and hurries out the door. Arc looks out the window as the Jeep drives away. Sitting down on the bed he lays back and puts an arm over his face. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I know that was hard for you.”

“That it was.”

“But I’m very glad you passed on Shelly’s request.”

“Shelly deserves a little fun. After all, she won’t live a full life as the rest of us will.”

Cherry sighs. “Or hope to, at least.”

“Yeah. Yeah you’re right, Cherry. None of us really knows just how long we have.”

“True. But I can tell there’s more to your mood than that.”

Arc groans. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yes.”

“I… I’m so jealous of Max right now.”

“You wanted to go out with Shelly?”

“No, no. I just wish it was me going out on a date with a special someone.”

“Rarity?”

Arc silently nods.

“You could just ask her. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?”

Arc makes a face. “She could say no.”

“Do you think she would?”

“I know she would say yes.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“My workload.”

Cherry sighs. “You could take some time off. After all, nothing more can be done about Princess Celestia’s rescue until your squad has fully researched that base and Sunburst finishes developing the items you requested.”

“I know I could. But would that really be fair to everyone else? Me going off and having a relationship while they sit here and work?”

“They’d agree with me. Of that I’m sure.”

“Yeah, they probably would.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I just can’t seem to justify that in my head. Seeking out my own happiness when they can’t just doesn’t feel right.”

“Then what are you going to do?”

Arc sits up. “Go downstairs and try to help the others get some work done.”

“Huh?”

“I have to stay busy. It’ll help get the job done that much quicker too.”

Meanwhile, at the military base some distance away a knock rings out through a door as a man’s voice from behind a large desk calls out.

“Come in.”

The door opens and Diva enters. She walks over and stands before the desk respectfully as the figure before her continues to look out a window.

“Sir, Doctor Rieper reports he has successfully transmuted the perfected serum to the test subjects.”

The figure in the chair does not move as Diva continues.

“While the incubation period will be significantly longer than the three most recent subjects, he believes this next generation of troops will be able to easily surpass their abilities after Ascension.”

“Very good. However there has been… a development.”

Diva appears confused. “Sir?”

“The Hero and his followers were spotted nearby.”

“What?! When?!”

“Several hours ago.”

“General, we need to…!”

“Wait.”

Diva grins as powerful magic crackles in her palms. “Wait?! But I’m looking forward to taking him out!”

“I understand your desire to face him, colonel . Tell me, what would you like to do about this?”

“Go to the location he was seen and attempt to find his trail! Maybe I can follow it and catch him off guard!”

“Without backup, I assume.”

“Yes, general! I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

“His allies would certainly not agree to that.”

Diva smiles menacingly. “Then I’d take them out too!”

“And imperil the plan? Tell me, are you so certain of victory you would risk everything for a petty fight?”

Diva is silent for a time. Eventually the figure behind the desk chuckles and continues.

“Fear not. You will have your chance to prove yourself on the field of battle. But the timing must be right.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. As I’m sure you already understand, battle is all about timing. Knowing when to strike, when to dodge, and when to pull back.”

Diva frowns. “And you believe striking at the wrong time would result in absolute failure?”

“I do.”

“While I agree that failure is always a possibility, I must also say that raw skill and cunning can turn the tables in but a moment.”

“You are not wrong, Diva. However, a capable leader seeks victory through tactics and foresight. Not luck and theory.”

“Yes sir. But may I ask what exactly you intend to do about our intrepid so-called hero’s snooping?”

“Nothing.”

Diva raises an eyebrow, confused. “Sir, we can’t just sit idly by. If anything, we should be out there tracking him and his followers down.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, Diva. Sometimes it’s better for the lion to forego stalking its prey in lieu of waiting for it.”

“You believe he will come for us, don’t you, sir?”

“It is inevitable. And when he does…”

The man behind the desk snaps his fingers.

“…the trap will be sprung.”

Diva grins. “I look forward to it, sir.”

“Yes. But in any case, I’ll need to inform our Security Chief of the impeding trespassers.”

“Shall I call for him, general?”

“I already have.”

There is a knock at the door. The general clears his throat before calling out.

“Come!”

The door opens and another officer enters the room. He appears quite a bit older than Diva, but physically fit. Approaching the desk he salutes.

“You wanted to see me, General Mustang?”

“Yes. Tighten security and alert the soldiers to be especially vigilant from here on out.”

“Was there an incident, sir?”

Mustang shakes his head. “As of yet, no. However, I believe we’re going to have a rather… interesting visitor at some point.”

“Might I ask who, sir?”

Diva grits her teeth. “The general believes that the ‘illustrious’ Hero of Light may soon pay us a visit, Colonel Langrisser.”

“Oh? Might I ask where this information came from?”

Mustang chuckles. “My personal sources are my own, colonel. As you know from past experience, they are most reliable.”

“Yes sir. However, it would be a great help to have some insight into…”

Diva glares at him. “Didn’t you hear the general?! Back off!”

“Now, now. He makes a legitimate point, Diva. A good tactician knows to accumulate as much information on their target before the battle.”

The general swivels around to face the pair for the first time. He appears in his early thirties with black hair and equally dark pupils. Leaning forward, he rests his elbow on the desk and folds his hands in front of his face.

“As you know, this so-called ‘hero’ is the same one whom has been making the rounds in Angel Grove lately.”

Langrisser nods. “Yes, I’ve seen him on the news. He seems quite capable of handling himself both in and out of combat.”

Diva folds her arms over her chest and frowns. “Hmph! He’s not so tough.”

Mustang smiles. “Is he now, Diva?”

“I could take him.”

“Didn’t we just have this conversation?”

Diva groans. “Yes sir. But I will heed your advice and bide my time.”

Langrisser rolls his eyes. “Always the overconfident one, Diva.”

Diva clenches a fist as she turns to him. “Says the timid one!”

“If by ‘timid’ you mean ‘prepared’, they yes.”

Mustang frowns. “Enough.”

The office is silent for a few moments as General Mustang stands and walks over to a decanter on a nearby table.

“The Hero possesses the Gift. Same as our very talented Diva here.”

Langrisser appears surprised. “So he’s already Ascended?!”

Mustang nods as he pours a small glassful of a strange liquid. “So it would seem.”

“Begging the general’s pardon, but how?”

Diva frowns. “I’ve been wondering that myself. After all, we’re the ones whom dictate whom is Gifted with Ascension.”

Mustang nods as he takes a sip from his glass. “That much is true. However, I’ve confirmed that he did not get his power from the Organization.”

Langrisser frowns. “Then where, sir?”

The general shrugs as he returns to his chair behind the desk.

“Your guess is as good as mine, colonel. In the meantime I want both of you to stay vigilant.”

Diva clenches a fist. “When I catch him, I’ll BEAT the answer out of him!”

Langrisser turns to her angrily. “Not if I find him first, Diva.”

Mustang chuckles. “I do so enjoy a friendly rivalry. But do not lose sight of the true goal. We must protect The Secret at all costs.”

Diva and Langrisser nod. “Yes sir.”

“Return to your duties. Dismissed.”

The pair salute and leave the room together. General Mustang swivels his chair to once again look out the window as he holds his glass out in a one-sided toast.

“Yes. It will be a very… interesting conversation, to be sure. Like Diva, I too am looking forward to speaking with you… Arc.”

Chapter 13 - The Creature Within

The pair leave the office and go their separate ways. Colonel Langrisser walks for some time before coming to a gentle curve in the hallway. A large double-wide steel door and a dozen sentries stand guard behind two artillery style cannons bolted to the floor. They straighten up as he approaches and salute him.

“Sir!”

Langrisser returns the salute. “I’ve come for my daily inspection.”

“Yes sir.”

The sentry pulls out a keycard. Turning to the reader built into the doorframe he inserts it as Colonel Langrisser reaches into his pocket, removes his own card, and does the same. After a few moments the reader processes the request. After verification completes the sound of massive locks releasing can be heard within before the door slowly slides open. The colonel steps inside as the doors shut behind him. Langrisser frowns and muses to himself as he slides the card back into his pocket.

“This never gets any easier.”

Walking down a wide but dimly lit corridor he comes to a large double wide steel door at the end. Approaching another card reader he inserts his badge. A light flashes green and releases the lock. With a hiss the large doors slide open to reveal a stone room. A spotlight overhead illuminates the room which is needlessly large for what it contains.

“It’s me.”

Stepping into the room the colonel walks to the center He carefully steps over two thick chains anchored to the stone floor before sitting down next to their captive. A large contraption covers most of her head and obscures her vision, leaving only enough room for her mouth to open part way. The large white head slowly turns to face him. The colonel reaches into his pocket and pulls out an apple. Sniffing, the beast quickly moves its head toward the fruit.

“No! Bad girl!”

The creature lays its head back down obediently as Colonel Langrisser pulls a pocket knife out and begins cutting. Hearing the knife slicing away she whinnies and tries to get away. However the chains prevent it.

“Sorry. I forgot you don’t like that.”

He sighs as he turns away to finish cutting the apple into chunks.

“All things considered, you’re fear is certainly warranted.”

Putting away the blade, he turns back to her as she slowly arches her neck toward his hand as he pulls it out of reach.

“No! You know how we do this.”

The white head backs away from him. Slowly, the colonel carefully sets the apple chunks on the floor before quickly pulling his hand back.

“Go ahead.”

Cautiously the beast lays its head down next to the pile. Sticking out her tongue she slowly begins to eat as the man watches. He sighs as she is able to open her mouth just wide enough to ingest a single chunk at a time.

“Looks like you can open your mouth a little wider today. That’s good. While this isn’t the best, I’m sure it’s an improvement to your daily feeding tube.”

He stands as the creature slowly continues eating and walks around to her back. She turns her ears as best she can in an attempt to keep her bearings on the colonel.

“Easy now.”

Slowly he kneels down behind her.

“I’m coming.”

Gently he puts a hand on her back. She winces and pulls back.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Slowly he strokes her matted rainbow colored mane in an attempt to pacify the creature whose breathing had noticeably increased. Eventually calming somewhat to his touch he begins slowly massaging her side.

“I’ll see if I can loosen you up. Lying on this floor all the time certainly can’t be good for your muscles.”

He continues this procedure for some time as the white beast finishes eating. Carefully he touches the base of one of her wings. She gasps and squirms frantically.

“Easy! I just want to see how your wounds are healing.”

The man continues massaging the area around the base of her wing. Eventually she relents and allows him to carefully extend the wing. He runs two fingers up and down the length of the bones several times before laying it down on the floor and rubbing it. The creature sighs contentedly as he works.

“Looks like it’s healing well enough. I imagine everything around the wound is itchy though.”

A short time later he gently folds the wing and puts it back against her side before returning to his task of massaging her back.

“There you go. I’m sure that must feel better.”

The beast sighs contentedly as a low moan escapes its lips. The man looks at her quizzically.

“I didn’t know horses or unicorns… or whatever you are, made those sounds.”

Frowning, he shrugs and continues his task. Making his way back to her wings he begins massaging their roots. The creature shudders and attempts pull back in pain. However the man stays with her.

“Now, now. I know this doesn’t feel too good. But I’m sure they’re cramping up from lack of use.”

Langrisser sighs as he works.

“You just want to stretch them and be free, don’t you?”

The creature turns its head and ‘looks’ to him momentarily. Although she cannot see, her eyes turn toward him.

“Sorry. While I wish I could, you’re too valuable a prize to let roam free.”

Meanwhile, the moon rises over the town as Max carefully helps Shelly up the outside stairs to the apartment. He opens the door and leads the young woman into the Living Room.

“Here we are again, safe and sound, Miss Shelly.”

“Thank you, Max.”

“Shall I help you over to the couch?”

Shelly nods. “Please.”

Max carefully lowers Shelly onto the sofa. She winces as he does so.

“Sorry.”

Shelly forces a weak smile. “It’s okay. I think I might’ve pushed the limits of what I should be doing quite a bit tonight.”

Max turns to her, a pained expression on his face. “My apologies, ma’am. I was warned not to do that by… Arc before I came here.”

Shelly pats the cushion next to her. “It’s fine. After all, I was the one who didn’t say anything.”

Max looks confused as he sits down. “Begging your pardon, but why not?”

“Because I… I was having a lot of fun tonight. As I’m sure Arc told you, I don’t get out much these days.”

“Yes, that he did. But should I call for Miss Lily? You should probably get some rest now.”

Shelly nods. Max moves to stand up but Shelly grabs his hand.

“I’m sorry, but… um…”

“Ma’am?”

“There’s… something I wanted to ask you, Max.”

“What is it?”

“Um… would you please say my name?”

Max appears confused. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s just you and your friends always call Lily and I ‘miss’. Just for once I’d like to hear you call me ‘Shelly’.”

“Oh! Um… I… it’s just…”

He sighs.

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because… it’s… something to do with how things are done where my friends and I are from.”

“Where’s that?”

“I’m sorry, Miss Shelly, but… I can’t really talk about it.”

Shelly nods sadly. “Oh. It’s alright. Truth be told I just wanted to get to know you better. It’s not like I was trying to pry.”

“Yes, well… I should probably go get Miss Lily now.”

Shelly sighs as he stands. Walking to the bedroom door he lightly knocks. A few moments later Lily opens it and smiles out at him.

“Hello, Max. Is Shelly ready for bed?”

“Yes ma’am.”

He steps aside to let Lily pass before following her into the Living Room.

“I’ll get your last pills of the day along with some milk.”

Shelly smiles. “Thank you.”

Max looks away nervously. “Well, I should be going.”

“Let me see you to the door.”

“Oh, that’s alright. I know that you…”

Shelly slowly rises. “I can…”

Lily gasps. “Shelly, don’t…!”

Her legs give out, but Max rushes forward and catches the young woman as she falls forward.

“Are you alright?!”

Shelly blushes and nods. “Y-yes, I’m fine. Thanks to you.”

Lily breathes a sigh of relief. “Right! Quick thinking, Max.”

Shelly smiles up at Max. “Well, as long as I’m up how about I show you out?”

“But I… very well.”

The pair slowly walk towards the front door as Lily shakes her head and makes her way to the Kitchen. As Max reaches for the doorknob he turns back to Shelly.

“Would you like me to help you to the Kitchen before I go?”

Shelly shakes her head. “I’ll be alright. Getting up is the hard part, after all.”

“Are you sure, ma’am?”

Shelly smiles and nods. “Yes. Thank you for tonight. I had a wonderful time.”

She leans forward and gives him a small kiss on the cheek.

“Tell Arc ‘hello’ for us.”

Max nods nervously. “Y-yes, ma’am!”

He takes her hand and awkwardly gives it a shake before hurrying out the door. Shelly sighs and closes it behind him as Lily approaches with a glass and some pills.

“I believe you were a bit forward, Shelly.”

“What?”

Lily giggles. “Judging from the speed by which he descended the stairs, that is.”

Shelly sighs. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll call Max tomorrow and apologize.”

Lily shakes her head as she puts the pills in her friend’s hand. “Oh, I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”

“But you just said…”

“Come on, Shelly! Max is totally into you!”

Shelly blushes. “I hope so. He’s really nice.”

“I guess. But he’s really formal all the time. Doesn’t it bother you?”

Shelly shakes her head. “Not really. In fact, he kinda reminds me of someone.”

“Really? Who?”

“Arc.”

Meanwhile, Max jumps into the Jeep. Breathing heavily, he shakily reaches for his jacket pocket.

“I… Shelly, she… she kissed me!”

Pulling out the keys, his hands sweat as he puts them in the ignition. Slowly he pulls out of the parking lot and begins driving.

“I saw her coming, but didn’t stop her! Should I have?! How could I?! What should I have said?!”

He takes a deep breath and grips the steering wheel tightly with one hand while hitting his head with the other.

“Come on… THINK! There has to be a solution to this! I just have to find it!”

Considering the problem for some time Max eventually leans back in his seat and groans.

“I’ve got nothing! No ideas, no solutions, no… wait a minute! Where the heck am I?!”

Looking around in the moonlight he sees farmland on either side of the road.

“Great. How long was I driving?!”

He looks at the dash clock and groans.

“A solid HOUR?! The commander HAS to be wondering what in Celestia’s name happened to me by now!”

Pulling over he stops and gets out of the vehicle to think.

“I don’t recognize this area. Even if I did it would take me over an hour to get back to Angel Grove.”

Looking around he spots a tall tree a little ways away across a field.

“It’s a long shot, but maybe I can get my bearings if I climb up there. With any luck I’ll be able to see the lights of the town.”

Walking across the field he comes to the tree. Putting his hands on a low hanging branch he hefts himself up. A voice rings out nearby.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

Max drops to the ground and looks for the source of the voice.

“Who’s there?!”

A figure in a navy-blue cloak steps out from behind the tree. Max gasps.

“Wiseman?”

“Tis I, yes.”

“Great! Can you give me directions?!”

Wiseman nods. “Certainly. Don’t try to climb a tree in those shoes. They don’t have any tread. And be mindful of those pants. The material that went into making them is quite expensive in Equestria.”

“Uh… okay. But I meant directions back to town. Why are you…?”

“You didn’t specify. However, I do have some advice for you.”

Max appears confused. “What? But how did you know I would be here?”

“Arc used to ask something similar. However, lately he’s been a bit more open-minded on the subject of how I do what I do.”

“Can I assume you’re not going to answer that question?”

Wiseman shrugs. “Something like that.”

Max sighs. “Fine. What is it? Some message you want me to relay to the commander?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “No. Tonight my words are just for you, Max.”

“Huh?”

“Come. Follow me.”

Wiseman turns and walks away. Sighing, Max follows him. They come to a stream beautifully illuminated in the moonlight.

“This place is perfect!”

“Oh? How so?”

“It’s just really pretty here. I’m sure Shelly would…”

His voice trails off as Wiseman chuckles.

“Someone has a special someone on their mind.”

“I can’t get her out of my head! Trying to figure out what to do is what got me lost out here, after all.”

“You were wandering in search of answers. Hoping against hope that they would find you.”

Max nods. “Yeah.”

“What did it gain you?”

“An eventual reprimand from the commander.”

“At least it’s not a total loss. After all, you’ve discovered this spot, eh?”

“Well, in reality you were the one whom showed it to me.”

Wiseman shrugs. “True. But you were the one whom stopped.”

“Only because I was lost. I… why does this place feel so familiar?”

“It’s a very special spot. Truth be told, there are only a few places in all the world like it. But to answer your question, it’s because of the magic in the air.”

Max gasps. “Magic?! Here on Earth?!”

Wiseman nods. “Yes. You see, the fabric of space and time that separate Earth from Equestria is much thinner here.”

“Just like at the commander’s house?!”

“Correct. Now then, I have a bit of a proposal for you.”

“A what?”

Wiseman chuckles. “You scratch my back, I scratch yours. You understand, right?”

“I do. But I can’t promise anything.”

Wiseman reaches into his cloak and pulls out a folded piece of paper. Handing it to Max he cautiously accepts it.

“Have Rose scan these coordinates for transdimensional energies. I think Arc will find them useful in the days to come.”

“What? How?”

“He’ll figure it out. Now then, if you’ll do that for me I’ll tell you how to get back to Angel Grove.”

“Great! The commander’s not going to be happy when I get home so late.”

“Yes, well… there is one bit of personal advice I’d like to share with your first.”

“Um… okay.”

“Don’t live with regrets, Max.”

“What does that mean?”

Wiseman sighs. “Take it from a man like me whose been around, seen the sights, lived the life, but let certain… opportunities pass him by.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Yes, you do.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Max nods soberly.

“I’ll… keep that in mind.”

“You do that.”

“How do I get back to town?”

Wiseman turns and points back toward the road. “Keep driving. Take a left at the next stop sign. Drive for ten miles and you’ll come to the highway. I believe you’ll be able to find your way from there.”

“I… guess I can.”

He looks back to the Jeep before turning around again.

“Tell me more about…”

But Wiseman is nowhere to be seen. Max looks all around but to no avail. Eventually his eyes return to the paper in his hand. Frowning, he turns around and walks back to the Jeep. Getting in he starts the engine and pulls back onto the road.

“Did that really just happen?”

Reaching into his pocket he feels the paper. Following Wiseman’s directions, he soon spots the highway.

“I’m really out there. But at least now I know the way back.”

Sighing he turns onto the highway toward Angel Grove.

“Now that just leaves the problem of what to tell the commander about this.”

Sometime later the Jeep pulls into the driveway. Arc sits on the Living Room couch watching the eleven o’clock news. The back door opens and Max walks in. Arc turns to him as he enters the Living Room.

“You sure took your time.”

“Y-yes sir.”

Arc grins. “Shelly must’ve have a really good time to let you keep her out this late.”

“Um… yes, she did. But it’s fortunate I took her home when I did.”

“Her muscles started giving her trouble again?”

Max nods. “That they did. I helped her to the couch and went to get Lily. She brought her some medicine.”

“So where did you two go?

“To Roberto’s like you said. That private dining room is really nice. Thanks for calling ahead for a reservation, sir.”

“Yes, well… I did that just in case Shelly had an episode. That way you could take the food to go if need be. That wasn’t the case though, was it?”

“No sir. She was fine all through dinner.”

“Good. But why are you so late getting home? I can’t imagine you were at Roberto’s THAT long.”

Max looks away nervously. “I was… a bit… lost.”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “You took a wrong turn getting Shelly home?”

“No, sir. I… may have taken a bit of a drive to think and lost my way.”

Arc looks at the clock. “That must’ve been some deep thinking to get you THAT lost.”

“Sorry if I made you worry.”

“It’s alright. But it’s pretty late. Why don’t you get some sleep?”

“I… yes sir. Thank you.”

Max turns to leave.

“Max?”

“Sir?”

“Thanks.”

“Huh?”

Arc smiles. “For taking such good care of Shelly. I really appreciate it.”

Max nods. “You’re welcome, sir. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

Max heads down to the basement as Arc climbs the stairs to his parent’s room. Finding the others already asleep, he spots Rose at the computer.

“Uh… are you busy?”

Rose smiles. “A bit, yes. However it can wait if you need me to do something for you.”

“Kinda.”

He reaches into the jacket pocket and pulls out the paper.

“I know this might sound a bit… strange, but could you please look into these places tonight?”

Rose appears confused. “You want to know what’s there?”

“Kinda. Um… it’s just… I have reason to believe these places are… special somehow.”

“You’re not making much sense, Max.”

“Sorry. I know it’s a longshot. Can you do it though?”

Rose nods. “Yes, I’ll get right on it.”

“Thanks. Um… do you think we could keep this just between us though?”

“I suppose so. But why?”

“Like I said before, this really is a long shot. If it turns out these places are just normal, run of the mill… well, I don’t want to get everyone’s hopes up needlessly.”

“I suppose that makes sense. Alright, I’ll let you know when, or if, there’s anything to your theory.”

“Thank you.”

“Please rest now. My sensors show that you’re quite fatigued.”

Max yawns. “That I am. Goodnight, Rose.”

“Good night.”

Max heads for the basement bathroom to change as Rose begins typing.

“Quite mysterious. I wonder if I should…”

She thinks for a moment before shaking her head.

“No. Arc trusts Max, so I should as well.”

Chapter 14 - Making Progress

A week or so later Arc and Sunburst walk through Canterlot Castle’s Hanger together. Arc turns to the stallion.

“How goes the research and development?”

“Oh, very well, sir. But it really took a turn for the better when you brought us machines to reverse engineer.”

“Yes well… we don’t have time for your team to do it the old-fashioned way.”

Sunburst sighs. “I suppose not. But it still feels like cheating. Acquiring information from other’s designs.”

“Well, I see it more like equalizing at this point. We’re going to need every advantage at our disposal if we’re going to pull this off.”

“Yes sir.”

They approach a large workshop. An entire detail of soldiers stands guard. They salute and part as Arc and Sunburst approach. Arc turns to the commanding officer.

“Anything to report?”

“No, sir.”

Arc gestures to the workshop. “What’s in there?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“Very good. Carry on.”

The soldiers turn and look away as Arc and Sunburst enter the workshop. They walk down a makeshift center isle as numerous sages and engineers work on various miscellaneous projects all around them. Sunburst speaks as they walk.

“As you can see, we’re busy manufacturing parts for the additional support you’ll need, sir.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Quite the undertaking, I’m sure.”

“That it is.”

The pair proceed to the center of the room. Hard Hat and Stellar Flare are hard at work at their respective drafting tables. They look up and walk over as Arc and Sunburst approach.

Stellar Flare smiles at him. “Good day, sir.”

Hard Hat grins. “Welcome to our little factory!”

Arc looks around. “It sure looks like it at the moment. Tell me, how are things going?”

“I gotta tell you, sir. Human engineering really is something to behold.”

Stellar Flare nods. “Agreed. But it lacks a certain element of finesse.”

“It does?”

“Yes. Sadly it’s also rather inefficient due to its fuel source.”

Sunburst turns to Arc. “I have to agree with my mother, sir. A combustion engine can only do so much.”

Arc grins. “Let me guess. You’ve reworked it to run on magic?”

Stellar Flare nods with evident pride. “We have, sir!”

Hard Hat holds out a blueprint. “The basic concept of the engine is still the same though. It just needed a few different, and more durable, parts to make this a reality.”

Sunburst gestures to a large set of parts on a nearby table. “We’ve machined these out of pure adamantium then enhanced their durability further by infusing them with magic.”

Stellar Flare grins. “At the very least you won’t have to worry about wear and tear of the most critical components.”

Arc nods approvingly. “What about the vehicle’s body?”

Stellar Flare beckons him over with a wave of her hoof. “Right over here, sir.”

She leads the group to a section of the workshop surrounded by a large curtain. On a large machine lift sits the half completed shell of a large vehicle. It appears to be a mix between a box truck and a tank.

“Here it is, sir.”

Hard Hat thumps a hoof on several panels nearby. “The walls are made of enriched mithril, sir. We wanted to keep the body light, but durable.”

Sunburst nods. “Indeed. However the frame is made of a blend of adamantium and titanium to make it strong and heavy.”

Stellar Flare sighs. “Even still, we had to add extra weight down below to keep it from being too top heavy.”

Arc appears surprised. “Even with the body being so light?”

Hard Hat nods. “You voiced a desire to make the engine powerful enough to take curves at high speed, sir. This was the best way we could think of to do that in addition to keeping the frame low to the ground. That’s in addition to our magical stabilizers, of course.”

Sunburst puts a hoof on the frame. “Originally I thought this was to compensate for the recoil of the vehicle’s weapon systems.”

Stellar Flare turns to Arc. “As did I. However I don’t see any on the blueprints. Was that perhaps an oversight, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I want everything to be put into armor and speed. We’re going with flight over fight on this one.”

Hard Hat grimaces. “Begging your pardon, sir. But if you were to come up against a force that couldn’t be outrun you would be defenseless.”

“I’m worried about collateral damage. There’s a good chance we’ll have to make a hasty retreat, yes. However, I don’t want to hurt any bystanders.”

Sunburst sighs. “That may be unavoidable, sir.”

“Maybe. But my decision on this matter is final.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc turns to Stellar Flare. “Besides, I don’t want anything that would take away from the power going to the engine and the defensive system. How’s that coming along?”

Stellar Flare sighs. “Not too well, I’m afraid.”

Hard Hat nods soberly. “The ORB is already a pretty complicated and new technology. Trying to shrink it down small enough to fit on this vehicle might just be impossible, sir.”

Sunburst gestures to several schematics pinned to the wall. “It might be possible, yes. However, not with our current understanding of it. We’d need a significant amount of time and research devoted to this.”

Arc purses his lips. “Time we don’t have.”

Stellar Flare shudder. “What should we do then, sir? If human weapons are anything like what we’ve heard, you won’t get far without shields.”

Hard Hat puts a hoof to his chin. “There is one possible solution.”

Arc grins. “I’m all ears.”

Hard Hat turns to Sunburst. “What if the energy didn’t need to be stored?”

Sunburst appears confused. “But it needs a power source of some kind.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “You mean could we power it in real time?”

Hard Hat nods. “Yes sir.”

“Sunburst, could that work?”

“It’s a very real possibility, yes. However something like that would require a very powerful unicorn to maintain.”

Stellar Flare turns to Arc. “Or several unicorns working together.”

Hard Hat looks Arc over. “Sir, couldn’t you power the ORB yourself?”

“I could, yes. However, I need to be free to focus on the battle at hand. And there’s always the possibility that I won’t be there.”

Sunburst frowns. “Not be there? But where else would you…?”

“There’s no guarantee that I’ll make it out of that facility with them. If things go bad, I’ll buy the others as much time as I can to get away.”

Stellar Flare turns to him soberly. “Sir? I’d like to volunteer to power the ORB during the escape.”

“Mom?”

“I’d certainly be able to keep the shields up for an extended period of time.”

Arc shakes his head. “Very commendable of you, Stellar Flare. But I need you to do your part aboard The Equinox. The ship will need its Chief Engineer then more than ever in case something goes wrong with my plan.”

Sunburst steps forward. “Sir? What about me?”

“Sunburst?”

“I have powerful magic. Probable more so than my mom actually.”

Stellar Flare’s eye twitches. “WHAT?! NO!”

“Mom, somepony has to do this.”

“But why YOU?!”

Sunburst sighs. “Because…”

Arc shakes his head. “You’re needed here.”

“I am?”

“Yes. You’re part of my plan back here in Equestria. If things go south, as I’m very certain they will, you’ll need to see to it reinforcements are safely sent to Earth to finish the job.”

“Yes sir.”

Hard Hat sighs. “That doesn’t bring us any closer to powering the ORB though.”

Arc turns to Stellar Flare. “What about an alternative battery of some kind?”

“But sir, no such thing exists.”

Sunburst looks suddenly nervous.

“That’s… not entirely true, mom.”

“Yes it is. If there was some way to store that much energy I’d certainly know about it.”

Arc frowns. “Maybe not. That is, if it were ancient, secret, and hidden away.”

“I suppose that’s true. What are you referring to though, sir?”

“The Bloodstone.”

Hard Hat appears confused. “The what?”

Sunburst sighs. “A source of theoretically endless magical energy.”

Stellar Flare’s face lights up. “That’s perfect! Now all we have to do is find it!”

“It’s in the Royal Armory, mom.”

Hard Hat puts a hoof to his chin. “Do you suppose the princesses would let us borrow it?”

Sunburst grimaces. “I certainly hope not!”

Stellar Flare looks to her son, confused. “Why not? It would certainly solve this problem.”

“Because it’s an endless source of Dark Magic!”

Arc sighs.. “I took it from King Malevolence in Tartarus some time ago. He was going to use it to power a device that would blow open the gates and escape.”

Sunburst nods soberly. “That’s why we locked it away! Nopony in Equestria could safely control its power! Other than a dark creature, that is!”

Arc smirks. “A dark creature, you say?”

“Yes. But they’d certainly only want the power for themselves. We can’t entrust the Bloodstone to just anypony!”

“How about a demon?”

Sunburst sighs. “Yes, of course they COULD in theory control its power. But they can’t be trusted.”

“I know one we could.”

Stellar Flare gasps. “You… you KNOW a demon, sir?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. And I’m certain she can be trusted not to run off with the Bloodstone, or destroy the world, or whatever.”

Hard Hat grits his teeth nervously. “How can you be so sure, sir?”

“Because she already had the chance to do so twice.”

They are silent for a time as Arc continues.

“Now I know you all have your reservations about this. But I need you to trust me.”

Sunburst gasps. “But…!”

“It’s either this or we go back to the powerful unicorn argument. And that got us nowhere, remember?”

Stellar Flare sighs. “If you believe it to be the only course of action, I trust you, sir.”

Hard Hat nods soberly. “Me too.”

Sunburst groans. “I’ll… speak to the princesses about this.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Sunburst. I will.”

Stellar Flare gasps. “But sir…!”

“The idea was mine. I should be the one to broach the subject.”

Hard Hat grimaces at the thought. “They won’t be very happy to hear that you want to take something from the Armory, sir.”

“All the more reason I should go.”

They nod respectfully as Arc turns to leave.

“Keep at it. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Heading for the door Arc opens it as Spike comes into view on the other side. He is pushing a tea set on a small cart.

“Oh! Uh… hi, Arc.”

“Hey Spike. Looking for Sunburst?”

Spike nods nervously. “Y-yes sir! It’s time for them to take a break.”

Arc points behind him with a thumb. “They’re at their workbenches.”

“Thanks.”

Arc steps aside to allow the dragon to enter before stepping over the threshold himself. Spike turns and calls out after him.

“Arc?!”

Arc stops and turns around. “Yes, Spike?”

“I… um… it’s just… I…”

“Something wrong?”

“Kinda. I mean… I… wanted to ask how things were going back on Earth.”

“Oh. Just fine. Truth be told we’re waiting on progress here before moving forward on that end.”

“That’s… good. Take care!”

Arc nod and closes the door behind him. Spike sighs and continues pushing his cart toward Sunburst and the others.

“I couldn’t tell him. What would Ember think if she could see me now?”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to the interior of the castle. He heads for the Audience Chamber as he muses to himself.

“This will probably be the biggest favor I’ve asked for yet. Sure hope they go for it.”

Arriving, he is admitted at once. Motioning for the guards to leave, the princesses step down from their thrones and walk over to him. Luna is the first to speak.

“Should we speak in private?”

Arc nods nervously. “Considering what I have to say, yes.”

Cadance gestures to the office door as she turns to Arc. “After you.”

Nodding, Arc heads for the door. He holds it open as Luna and Cadance enter first. They sit down on a couch as he closes it behind them. Luna smiles at him.

“Now then, what can we do for you today, Arc?”

“Well… it has to do with the vehicle Sunburst and the others are building.”

Cadance nods. “Do they need more bits for materials?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t believe so, no. Truth be told, what we need can’t be bought.”

“Oh?”

“I’ll be blunt, Luna. We need… something rather dangerous from the Royal Armory.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “How dangerous an item are we talking about?”

“The Bloodstone.”

Cadance shudders. “So VERY dangerous then.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah.”

Luna sighs. “I’m almost afraid to ask this, but why do you need that vile… thing?”

“For a power supply. The miniature ORB system in the vehicle requires either a power source, such as the Bloodstone, or a very powerful unicorn to constantly supply power to it.”

Cadance appears hopeful. “How powerful a unicorn are we talking?”

“At least as powerful as Sunburst. It’s also worth noting that he already volunteered.”

Luna appears confused. “You don’t want to just take him with you?”

“No, no. He’s already part of my plan here. And he can’t be in two places at once.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “There are precious few whom have the magical aptitude to fit this bill.”

Luna nods soberly. “That is true.”

Cadance clears her throat. “Might I offer you an alternative, Arc?”

“Sure. I’d welcome a different solution.”

“If it would help, I’d be willing to go with you personally.”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

Luna frowns. “Cadance, you can’t!”

“I do possess extremely powerful magic. That and I’d very much like to help in rescuing Aunt Celestia.”

Arc sighs. “While I appreciate your bravery, Princess Cadance, I don’t believe that would be a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t believe Equestria could handle losing a second princess on Earth.”

Cadance frowns. “But I can’t be killed!”

Luna nods soberly. “That is true. However, they could also capture you and do… whatever it is they’re doing to my sister to you as well.”

Luna shudders before continuing.

“The risk is just too great.”

Cadance nods sadly. “Very well, Luna. But that would leave us no other choice but to allow Arc the use of the Bloodstone.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “Maybe not.”

Arc turns to her. “Luna?”

“Even if we were to lend the Bloodstone to Arc, he would be unable to harness its power. That would require the cooperation of a dark creature. And where exactly would we find one of those whom could be trusted?”

“I was thinking of asking Auriel, actually.”

There is a stunned silence. Cadance is the first to speak.

“While I know this is a very pressing issue, can she… really be trusted with such a powerful relic?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She willingly turned the item over to us upon leaving Tartarus. That and she’s been nothing but friendly and helpful to Twilight since coming to Equestria.”

Luna frowns. “I’m… not sure if this is such a good…”

Arc interrupts her. “We can trust her. I’ll take full responsibility for the Bloodstone’s security and see it properly returned to the Armory upon our return.”

Luna thinks for a moment before sighing and bowing her head.

“We don’t have any other choice here, do we?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not that I can see, no.”

“Very well. Shall we head for the Armory now?”

“Yes. I’d like to bring Auriel and the Bloodstone to the workshop as soon as possible. She can help them adapt the ORB to accept the… alternative energy source.”

They leave the office and make their way down the corridor. Part way there Cadance turns to Luna.

“Luna, I’m curious. Why is it that only a creature, such as a demon, able to use the Bloodstone?”

“Because anypony else would quickly be corrupted by it.”

Arc turns to them, clearly concerned. “Uh… define ‘corrupted’.”

“Their mind, body, and soul would become twisted to match their evil desires. Truth be told, we have several such items in the Armory made of the same type of gemstone.”

Cadance gasps. “We do?”

Luna nods. “Yes. For example, the Alicorn Amulet. The red crystals give the user great power as you’ve witnessed in the past.. But at the cost of their sanity. You two remember what happened last time I’m sure.”

Arc frowns. “I’m still trying to forget.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying Trixie was insane at the time she used the amulet?”

“More or less. It removes the user’s inhibitions and self-control, leaving them free to pursue their heart’s desire.”

Arc nods. “Getting revenge on the one’s whom imprisoned her?”

Cadance sighs. “Well, Luna HAD just sentenced her.”

Luna bows her head. “It was certainly warranted.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed.”

Cadance frowns. “But she’s paid for her crimes!”

“Yes. Which is the only reason I allowed her to take a position with the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Arriving at their destination the two princesses open the Armory and allow Arc to enter. He returns a few moments later with the Bloodstone in the palm of his gauntlet. Luna looks at it for a long moment before turning to Arc.

“Please keep it safe. It would be disastrous should the gem fall into the wrong hooves.”

Arc nods soberly. “I will. And thank you. It’ll stay in my ring when not in use.”

Cadance steps back, nervously. “We believe you, Arc. Please use it responsibly though.”

Arc opens a portal. “Yes, I’ll see to it. Now I need to head back to Ponyville and get this ball rolling with Auriel. Thanks again.”

He steps through and the portal collapses. Cadance turn to Luna as the pair close the Armory door together.

“You do believe that the demoness can be trusted, right?”

“I don’t know her well enough to make a decision on that. But I do know that we can trust Arc in this matter.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears on the sigil in Derpy’s house. Stepping out the front door, he makes the quick walk to the Golden Oaks Library. Knocking he finds no response. With no other option, Arc opens the door and steps inside.

“Twilight? Auriel?”

Again the silence is deafening. Opening the basement door he walks downstairs. Looking around the lab yields no results. However Arc hears a small sound coming from a door nearby.

“They must be taking care of the plants.”

Stepping forward Arc opens the door to the makeshift greenhouse. Inside he finds Aurora sitting on the center of the floor with her eyes closed. Walking slowly toward her Arc kneels down and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Aurora?”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks into his.

“We greet you warmly. Welcome to our home.”

Arc sits down on the floor across from her. “Um… thanks. I came to ask Auriel something. Do you happen to know where she went?”

“Yes. She and Twilight spoke to us prior to departing. They went to a place known as ‘Carousel Boutique’ to drink us.”

Cherry calls out. “Do what now?”

“Auriel had a bag of our dried leaves. She was planning to put them in hot water and drink them with Twilight and her friends.”

“Okay, so she went there for tea. Um… are you okay in here?”

Aurora nods. “Yes. We rather enjoy being surrounded by our numbers as they grow.”

Arc looks around. “Are they… happy here?”

“Very much so now that our purpose is clear. We look forward to our future transplanting.”

“Remind me of something. Did we explain what Tartarus is?”

“Yes. However, Auriel did elaborate further at a later time.”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “And you still want to do this?”

“Yes.”

“Even though Tartarus isn’t hospitable to plants?”

“Upon The Collective’s arrival, we will do our very best inject the breath of life into the barren land. We view it as a great honor to be allowed to bring such a gift to a dark and forsaken land.”

Cherry giggles. “Arc and I are really impressed by your attitude, Aurora.”

“As are we toward yours.”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

“You and the others have done nothing since The Collective gained consciousness but cultivate and protect us. We know that some view plants as a nuisance. Others still view us as something to be sown, raised, ripped out of the ground, and destroyed to sustain the lives of others.”

“Sustain the lives of others?”

“They would regularly consume our flesh to continue living themselves. We used to fear the thought of being consumed. But now we embrace it as part of the circle of life. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to grow, adapt, and develop as a part of this circle.”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “I really didn’t do much.”

“You did more than you know. As our consciousness was one with your realm and mind, we assimilated much knowledge of the world and how it works.”

“You did?”

Aurora nods. “Yes. That is why we chose this form. It appeared many times throughout your memories. And most fondly, we might add.”

Cherry giggles. “Really?”

“Yes. We do have one question though. There were many thoughts in your head that were… odd to us.”

Arc frowns. “Define ‘odd’.”

“They did not have a specific time associated with them. However, in your mind they apparently happened.”

“I don’t understand.”

Cherry sighs. “I believe I do. What you’re describing is sometimes known as a ‘fantasy’. We imagine things we wish would happen in a certain way. Sometimes over and over again.”

Aurora smiles. “Ah! So this is a comfort to you?”

Arc nods. “Yes, very much so.”

Aurora puts a finger to her cheek thoughtfully. “Interesting. Arc, would you be willing to do something for us?”

“I can try. What do you need?”

“Please close your eyes.”

“Um… okay.”

He does so. Aurora takes a deep breath as she leans forward. Grabbing Arc by the front of his tunic she quickly pushes him onto his back. Arc’s eyes fly open as he hits the floor just in time to see Aurora’s face press against his. He feels her warm lips press onto his own as her arms wrap around his neck. Before he has any time to do or say anything the door to the room swings open and Twilight along with Auriel step inside.

“We’re back, Aurora. I hope…”

She and Auriel stop dead in their tracks as they survey the scene before them.

Preface - Volume 26 - Relationships and Rendezvous

In our previous volume, Sunburst was finally able to determine Celestia’s location via his scrying abilities. As he is taken to the castle infirmary Arc contacts Max back on Earth. Instructing him and the others to gather information regarding the coordinates from Sunburst, Luna suggests they bring in General Virtuous Lance for the mission. Dinky, worried such a large scale military operation would cause many injuries, suggests giving the mission to her father. Cadance convinces Luna to do so, and Arc takes a portal back to Ponyville. After escorting Derpy and Dinky to the orphanage, Arc, Ember, and Frank proceed to Carousel Boutique to explain what happened to Rarity. Arriving, Rarity reminds them of that evening’s festivities regarding Founder’s Day. Producing suits for Arc and Frank, Rarity takes Arc upstairs to her room to change. After trying on his new suit, he explains Sweetie Bell and her friend’s idea for him to adopt them.

Arc, Frank, Ember, Derpy, and Dinky eat supper together and head to the Town Hall. Arriving, Pinkie greets them and points the group to the Apple’s stand. After paying their respects to Granny Smith, Arc buys treats for everyone. However, as he passes out the sweets, the Rich family cuts ahead of everyone else and demands service. Diamond Tiara requests apple cider, to which she is told it’s out of season. Furious, she destroys quite a few of the Apple’s pastries before Arc steps in. Ordering Filth Rich to pay for the lost stock and cleanup time, he does so smugly before dumping his order on the rest of the payment. Not wanting Arc to get the last word, Diamond Tiara kicks the frosting covered bits into Applejack’s face. Furious, Arc drops a pie on Filthy Rich’s head as he dumps the cupcakes on Diamond Tiara. As the others help the Apple clean up the mess, Arc opens a portal back to his quarters in Light’s Hope. Escorting Applejack to the bathroom, he then sets to work cleaning her hat. Hearing the water turn off and on again several times, Arc decides to investigate. Entering the bathroom he finds Applejack unable to properly clean the crumbs from her mane, as she can’t see or reach them. Lending her a hand, Arc quickly has her cleaned up. As he leave the bathroom Applejack laments the lost opportunity to tell Arc how she really feels about him.

Returning to the festivities, Applejack rejoins her family at the stand as Arc and the others mingle. Spotting Rainbow Dash and Pinkie talking with Twilight, they join them. Rarity follows with Sweetie Belle as Spike returns from Canterlot for the occasion. He gives Rarity a ruby pendant purchased in Canterlot. As the fillies leave to get snacks, Rarity askes Arc for a word in private. They walk behind the Town Hall as the others gathered there explain to Spike that the pair are romantically involved. Twilight pulls Spike aside to tell him of the birds and bees. Frank, having just learned of his friend’s involvement with Rarity, questions the ethical ramifications of him being involve with an ‘animal’. Ember and Rainbow Dash’s tempers flare at his suggestion. Derpy is able to stop them before things get out of hand, as Rainbow Dash leaves the group with her. Meanwhile, Arc and Rarity sit on a bench silently for a time. Breaking the silence, Rarity apologizes for her previous request to form a herd with Arc and her friends. Arc promises to make time to fully consider her request in the future. Rarity offers to cut off their relationship or keep it a secret to protect his image. Pulling Rarity into a loving embrace, he passionately kisses her in the moonlight. Meanwhile, unknown to them, Spike watches from behind the Town Hall, angrily.

Returning to the others, Arc introduces Frank to Coco Pommel, Gallus, and Natalya. Informing him that the griffon younglings are there due to them being abandoned, Frank becomes upset. Arc volunteers to tell the orphans the story of his most recent adventure before the main event starts. Heading for a table Arc and his friends sit down to listen to Granny Smith’s annual retelling of Ponyville’s founding. However, before she can begin, a robed figure swoops down and lands on the stage. Recognizing the intruder, Arc orders everyone assembled into the Town Hall. The newcomer announces his intention to kill Arc in order to avenge his fallen friends, whom Arc killed while rescuing the Council of Lords and nobles whom were kidnapped by the rebels. Finishing off his drink, Arc turns to face his opponent. Before he can even begin though, Arc collapses.

Ember and Rarity kneel down next to Arc as the griffon surveys the situation. As Ember rushes to defend her friend, she finds herself effortlessly tossed aside. Rarity and Frank fire their magic at the griffon, but find it reflected back at them. As the figure moves to attack Arc, he grabs Rarity and pulls her aside. Ember calls out for him to run away with Rarity, which Arc does. Frank is able to knock the griffon out as Ember pins him to the ground with her spear. As Are returns, Cherry announces he is not in the armor. Leading them to Carousel Boutique, they enter the building and are let upstairs to Rarity’s room. Finding Arc unresponsive on her bed, they use his earring to contact Rose. Her scans indicate he is under the influence of sleeping drugs. Derpy and Dinky lay down next to Arc as they wait for him to awaken.

Later that night Arc opens his eyes. Derpy and Dinky inform him of the night’s events as Arc stands up. Opening a portal, he shuttles them home before heading downstairs to talk to Rarity. Heading to The Equinox, Arc finds Ember and Frank in the infirmary with the unconscious griffon. They decide to transport the rebel back to Griffonstone to allow them to handle him. As they near the shore the next morning a long civilian ship approaches them. Ignoring all attempts at contact, it moves to a collision course. Arc orders the ship to maintain its heading as he charges up the ORB. Activating the shields, they wait for their opponent’s attack. A small thud is all that is felt as the craft falls toward the ocean, critically damaged. Ordering the crew to land in the water next to their attacker, Arc and company hurry out the door.

Arc, Ember, and Frank rush out onto the deck. Spending a few moments to examine the ship, they combine their magic to lift the ship from the water and set it on the Equinox’s deck. Boarding, they head for the cabin. Finding a critically wounded griffon wearing a rebel’s cloak, they do their best to help him as Arc summons Redheart. The griffon is declared dead a few moments later by the Chief Medical Officer, and taken to the infirmary’s morgue. Searching through the rubble Arc finds the ship’s log. A chilling message on the last page tells of the pilot being blackmailed to fly a suicide mission for the rebels. Moon Dancer picks up a military vessel on the radar and quickly informs Arc of the change. Frank returns to the infirmary as Arc and Ember wait for the new contact to arrive. A Lieutenant Gaston boards The Equinox and attempts to take the wrecked ship. However, Arc informs him of his sovereign status aboard his ship via their treaty. Convincing the lieutenant to leave, Arc and his ship continue on their way to The Aviary.

Landing, Arc and Ember and granted an immediate audience before the Council of Lords. Explaining the earlier incident, Arc informs the council of his ship being attacked. Ember brings forward the prisoner, and Arc removes the IV. As he regains consciousness, the rebel commander attempts to flee. Ember prevents him from doing so by slamming him to the floor. The griffon attempts to attack the council, but is stopped by Arbiter Ghaleon. As he is taken to the dungeon, Arc requests to speak with Lady Ashe regarding her kidnapping by the rebels. Lord Gestal invites him to his estate for supper and conversation. Entering the Dining Room, Arc suggests the food may be poisoned in an effort to get Ember something to eat. As she does so, Arc speaks to Ashe of the battle during the peace summit. Confessing that his reasoning for not giving up the fight was partially to protect the orphanage down the road, they are surprised to learn that the younglings and foals are living together peacefully.

Finishing their meal, Ashe suggests Arc stay for the night. Showing him to a room, Arc grabs Ashe angrily. Warning her not to involve innocent civilians again, she inquires to the fate of her commander. Informing her that he was turned over to Arbiter Ghaleon, she reminds Arc that he knows the truth about whom really injured her aboard the Lunar Destiny after the signing of the peace treaty. Left with no other choice, Arc joins forces with Ashe in an effort to free the commander. Finding the griffon in the dungeon, the pair wait for their explosive diversion set off by Ember. When Ghaleon leaves, they rush inside the interrogation room and free him. Taking a portal back to The Equinox, Arc shows the pair the body of the dead pilot. Both insist on having no knowledge of the event before Arc takes them back to his room in Lord Gestal’s estate. Ashe takes her weakened commander back to her room and helps him escape via a secret passageway.

Returning to Canterlot the next morning, Arc and Ember find Stellar Flare in the castle infirmary being… overbearing (to say the least). Doctor Whooves declares Sunburst fit to leave his bed and releases him for light duty. Stellar Flare helps her son to his office as Arc and Ember follow them. Arriving, Arc and Sunburst enter the office to speak of their progress on the mission on Earth regarding Celestia. Ember orders Spike to follow her to Arc’s room. Entering, she gives him the third degree for his actions at the Founder’s Day event in Ponyville. Spike confesses his actions were out of line, but admits he only wanted to make Arc look bad in front of Rarity. Lecturing him on what little she knows about love, Ember is able to convince Spike that Arc and Rarity have feelings for one another which he shouldn’t try to come between.

Arc and his squad, along with Sereb, Ember, and Rose scope out the military base from a distant beach. Taking pictures, and looking at it through binoculars, they size up the defenses and talk through various ideas. Before leaving Arc speaks to Max privately about his squad’s relationship with Shelly and Lily. He cautions them against forming attachments that won’t last before the pair rejoin the others. Returning home, they find the phone ringing. Arc answers it as the others head downstairs. Lily informs Arc that Shelly asked to go out that evening, as she was having a very good day health wise. Calling Max up to his room, Arc relays Shelly’s request to go out with him. Max heartily agrees, but voices his opinion that the pair deserve to know the truth. Arc confesses that he is planning to tell his old friends that he’s moving to be closer to Derpy and Dinky so they don’t worry if he is lost during the mission.

Arc aids Max in preparing for his date physically as well as mentally. After he leaves Cherry and Arc share a profound conversation regarding his own future. Meanwhile, at the base they scouted earlier, an officer named General Mustang met with is subordinates… Colonel Diva and Colonel Langrisser. Informing them of Arc and his squad’s scouting, he instructs them to be defensive but otherwise take no action.

Langrisser makes his way to a highly secured cell. Entering, he carefully feeds Celestia an apple while massaging her weary muscles. She responds appropriately, considering what she has endured. Meanwhile, Max and Shelly return to her upstairs apartment. Lily moves to get Shelly her pills as she escorts Max to the door. Thanking him for the evening, Shelly gives Max a quick kiss on the cheek before he nervously retreats down the stairs. Driving aimlessly, Max notices he is lost and stops to get his bearings. As he does so Wiseman shows up, gives him some life advice along with a paper and directions back to town. Arriving home, Max gives the paper to Rose and asks her to scan the area for anything that might be out of the ordinary.

Arc tours the facility creating the vehicle he and the others will be using to transport Celestia after rescue. Confessing they are unsure how to power the vehicle’s ORB system, Arc suggests using the Bloodstone. Confident Auriel could control its power, he heads to the Audience Chamber to receive permission to take the stone. After explaining the situation, Luna and Cadance agree and escort Arc to the Armory. Taking the Bloodstone, Arc opens a portal and leaves. Heading at once to the Golden Oaks Library to see Auriel, Arc finds Aurora in the makeshift greenhouse in the basement. Wishing to learn more about emotions and feelings, Aurora asks Arc to close his eyes. As he does so, she throws her body at him and kisses the young man passionately… just as the door opens and Twilight along with Auriel walk into the room.

Twilight contains her emotions long enough for Arc to be able to explain his actions (or lack of). Heading upstairs, Arc explains his plan and asks for Auriel’s help refitting the ORB system to his new vehicle. Agreeing to his plan, Aurora then asks for a demonstration of magical prowess. As Auriel channels the power of the Bloodstone into a powerful flame spell, Aurora flees in terror from the flames. Following her down to the basement, Auriel apologizes for his actions. Returning to the main level for tea, Twilight confesses her friend’s desire to form a herd with Arc. Tentatively agreeing to pursue the idea further after his retirement, Auriel listens from the basement door as she hopes to join such a union with them.

However, many questions still remain. How will Arc liberate Princess Celestia? Will the Rich family ever get what’s truly coming to them? What the heck was Spike THINKING?! Who is Lieutenant Gaston, and what was he doing in the area? Will Spike have the courage to confess his actions to Arc and Rarity? Why did Shelly ask for Max instead of Arc? What will become of Max and Shelly’s relationship? Does Aurora have feelings for Arc now too? How will Arc’s love life blossom after his retirement? And will Auriel be able to confess her own longing to be with him?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Sources

Arc and Frank walk down the stairs to the basement. His squad, Ember, Rose, and Sereb are waiting for him. Ember is the first to speak.

“How are things back in Equestria?”

“Fine. Sunburst is busy working on our special gear along with Hard Hat, Stellar Flare, and now Auriel.”

Max grins. “Sounds like you have quite the dream team at work there, sir.”

Frank sighs. “I admit I have my reservations about equines building machines that will be safeguarding your life, Arc. However, it doesn’t appear I have any right to complain.”

Ember nods as she turns to him. “Right. By the way Arc. Did you bump into Spike in the castle?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Did he say anything?”

“No, I just saw him in passing. Why?”

Ember frowns. “He… wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Was it important?”

“Apparently not to him.”

Arc appears confused. “Oh. Well, I’ll see him next time I’m there. In any case, did I miss anything on this end?”

Rose nods. “A bit, yes.”

She gestures to a large map on the wall.

“We’ve been quite busy here following up on an interesting lead.”

Frank gasps. “On where my boys are?!

Viktor shakes his head. “No. We’re assuming they’re being held in the facility we scouted a few days ago.”

Hugh points to several pins. “These indicate places outside of town where transdimensional energies are flowing.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t understand. Is that bad?”

Rose shakes her head. “Not really, as it poses no imminent threat to the inhabitants of this land. However, we could theoretically open portals back to Equestria from these places.”

Arc walks over to the map. “Interesting! I should be able to work this into my plan nicely. Assuming your theories are correct, that is. Good work, Rose.”

Xenos clears his throat. “Um… sir? That isn’t exactly the case.”

Ember appears confused. “It’s not?”

Hugh shakes his head. “No. Max was the one who figured it out.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You did? Well then, well done!”

Sereb frowns. “Indeed. However he has yet to tell us where this information came from.”

Viktor turns to his friend. “I’m curious about that myself. How about it?”

Max looks away. “I’d… rather not say.”

Frank frowns. “That’s a bit suspicious, Arc.”

“Yes, I know.”

He turns to Rose.

“Tell me more about these places.”

“Sure.”

She walks over with several pages of printouts.

“As you can see, these spots are all uninhabited wilderness or farmland quite a ways outside of town.”

Frank raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “And your… instruments have that kind of range?”

“Sadly, no. When Max asked me to investigate these spots I didn’t find anything interesting about them on the map nor via the Internet.”

Arc nods. “But you didn’t dismiss it?”

“No. Max seemed so sure of himself I had to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

Frank turns to her. “How DID you verify it then?”

Rose smiles sheepishly. “I borrowed Arc’s keys and drove out there.”

Xenos appears surprised. “You did?”

Hugh gasps. “When?”

“While everyone was sleeping. I didn’t want to wake all of you for something I figured to be little more than a wild goose chase. However, when I arrived at the closest site, I detected readings identical to those behind this house, Arc.”

“So you believe we really could use those spots to travel between dimensions?”

Rose nods. “I do. However, I’d like to run this by Sunburst. Just to make sure, of course.”

“Good idea. Take a portal there and have him verify it at once.”

Rose playfully salutes him. “Yes sir, Arc!”

Sereb pulls the recall device from its place in the corner and boops the button with his nose. A portal forms and Rose steps through. Arc turns back to Max as Sereb disables the machine and moves to put it away.

“Now then, my friend. I’d really like to know how you discovered this.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! You got a crystal ball, or something?”

Hugh chuckles. “Come on, Max. You can’t refuse the commander’s request.”

“Just… think of it as a… professional secret then.”

Arc sighs. “Fine, Max. It’s no longer a request though, but an order. Now how did you figure this out?”

“I… um…”

Ember taps her foot impatiently. “Come on! Out with it!”

Arc nods. “I’m not mad or anything. But I do insist you tell me the truth here.”

Max bows his head. “Wiseman told me, sir.”

Ember groans. “That fruitcake again?!”

Arc looks at Max soberly. “When?”

“The night I took Shelly out, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “He was at the pizzeria?”

“No sir. Remember when I told you I got lost in thought and just kept driving?”

“What about it?”

“I stopped to try and get my bearings. Then he showed up, gave me this paper along with directions on how to get to the highway.”

Hugh gasps. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I thought… I mean…”

Max sighs.

“Truth be told, I don’t really know, sir.”

Frank turns to Arc. “Perhaps he was concerned no one would listen if the man in question’s identity was connected to the information.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “…what?”

Xenos turns to her. “He means we might not have believed him.”

“Oh. Then why didn’t Frank just come out and say that?!”

Frank smiles. “I did. But more eloquently.”

Arc frowns. “Max, you can’t keep things like that from us.”

Viktor sighs. “Agreed. The commander needs all the information he can get to keep everyone safe.”

Xenos grits his teeth. “Yeah. He’s always trusted us too. You should do the same.”

Max bows his head. “Yes sir. I respectfully submit myself for punishment.”

“You can do the dishes and clean the kitchen from top to bottom after supper tonight.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “That seems a bit lenient, Arc.”

Arc grins. “Not when you hear what we’re having.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What would that have to do with it?”

Arc turns to Xenos. “I want you to make Bacon Lasagna tonight.”

Hugh grimaces. “That might not be a good idea, sir.”

Viktor nods. “Yes, it tasted great, of course. But it made a huge mess of the oven along with filling the house with smoke.”

Arc rubs his hands together and smiles wickedly. “I know. Also Xenos, make sure you fill the pan with lots of cheese and sauce.”

“But sir, you told me not to do that again after last time.”

“That is true, yes. But how else are we going to punish Max?”

Ember grins. “That’s diabolical! I love it!”

Max sighs. “Yes sir. Can’t say I don’t deserve it.”

Ember frowns. “You’re darn right!”

Frank chuckles. “Very inventive.”

Xenos grins as he grabs his jacket. “I’ll head to the market to purchase the ingredients for tonight, sir.”

“Oh no you don’t. Max is fully capable of doing that himself.”

“Yes sir. I’ll get right on it.”

Max takes his own jacket off the peg at the bottom of the steps and hurries upstairs. Sereb walks over to Arc.

“There was one other thing you should know, Arc.”

“About those sites?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. About Cybil.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “She told us yesterday that she’s going to be moving to an apartment in a few days.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, that is the next logical step to recovery, I suppose. Nothing happened though, right?”

Xenos shakes his head. “Like an incident of some kind? Not that I know of.”

Hugh nods. “We try to keep to ourselves down here.”

Viktor shrugs. “It’s not like she comes downstairs too often anyways.”

Ember sighs. “Right. We talked about it at supper one night. She said something about a Permanency Planning Hearing in the near future.”

“Ah yes. I was wondering when that was going to come up.”

Xenos appears confused. “What is it, sir?”

Frank speaks first. “It’s a hearing to determine if someone has made enough progress to warrant their child being returned to their care.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “Well, she’s certainly a different person then when you carried her in here, sir.”

Frank raises an eyebrow, confused. “Carried?”

Arc frowns. “She was an alcoholic.”

“I see. And you let her stay?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s quite a surprise. I would have thought you’d have been on the phone with Marshal Raynor in a heartbeat to get her out of here.”

Arc sighs. “It was to get her sober enough to fulfil a little girl’s Christmas wish, Frank.”

Frank gasps. “That little girl you sat with at the orphanage?!”

Ember turns to him. “You remember that?”

Frank nods soberly. “Orphans never forget the face of another child who’s been through hell, Ember. Although she seemed much happier when I saw her here for Christmas dinner.”

Arc smiles. “Yeah, she was.”

“Well in any case, Headmistress Kulara will have to inspect her domicile and have several interviews with her before such a hearing can take place.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “So someone’s coming here to look the place over?”

Frank shakes his head. “I doubt it. Cybil knows that they would never approve Angel’s return to a mother who just has a single room.”

Ember steps forward. “Angel could sleep in my bed.”

Frank chuckles. “That’s a nice gesture. However, it looks better to the court if she has an apartment of her own over renting a room.”

Arc nods. “Right. That proves she’s able to hold down a regular job, cook, clean, and pay bills on time.”

Xenos turns to Frank. “So what happens after the inspection?”

“A report will be filed containing the findings along with the opinion of Headmistress Kulara.”

Arc picks up for Frank. “Then a court date will be set for Cybil to appear before the judge. She’ll be able to plead her case along with answering any questions the judge has.”

Viktor looks hopeful. “And if it goes well?”

Frank continues. “If impressed, the judge could sign papers allowing the mother to pick up her daughter immediately.”

Hugh appears nervous. “And if not?”

Arc sighs. “Then Cybil would have to wait for another hearing in three months. There would be another home inspection and report.”

Frank nods. “Basically the process would start over.”

Ember grins as she turns to Xenos. “I hope she does well.”

“So do I.”

Hugh frowns. “Cybil’s come a long way. It’d be a shame for her to be turned down.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Well, we can ask her about it during supper.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Sir? She usually doesn’t join us for that, as she gets up so late.”

Xenos points toward the stairs. “Yeah. We just leave her a plate in the fridge to heat up before she goes to work.”

“We’ll have a late supper then.”

Ember chuckles. “Think you can wait until then, Arc?”

Arc chuckles. “Probably not. So let’s have a snack.”

Frank facepalms. “I see nothing’s changed in that regard.”

Arc turns to them as he heads for the stairs. “Rose will be back soon. Let’s fix a little something in the meantime.”

Half an hour later they sit down at the kitchen table over sandwiches and milk. Arc turns to Rose.

“Wiseman was right, huh?”

Rose nods. “Yes. Sunburst confirmed my suspicions regarding those coordinates. He says they open up new possibilities in transdimensional travel.”

Ember grins. “Options are good!”

Arc chuckles as he turns to the others. “That it does. So, did any of you find out anything else about that base?”

Rose sighs. “Very little from information gathered from the Internet and that day we all went out there.”

Xenos frowns. “That place is a fortress!”

Ember sighs. “I did a flyover one moonless night with recording gear and instruments Rose gave me.”

Rose nods. “Leftovers from surveillance of Frank at that old farmhouse.”

Frank frowns. “You were watching me?!”

Arc turns to Frank. “Think of it more like scanning.”

Rose clears her throat. “Right. Back then your powers were still maturing.”

Ember attempts to return to the subject at hand. “In any case, there appeared to be a large courtyard with a single white building in the center.”

“Any defenses?”

“Just the towers that we already saw from the beach and a couple mounted turrets.”

Rose sighs. “Yes. However, the building itself was quite strange in its layout.”

Arc appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“If it truly is where our target is being housed, it’s certainly not the best place for it.”

Frank chuckles. “Three foot thick walls, turrets, and an easily defensible bridge isn’t enough?”

Sereb growls. “Nothing is ever truly impregnable.”

Viktor shakes his head. “It’s not that. The building in question is just… really small considering what it’s supposed to contain.”

Arc frowns. “Define ‘small’.”

Hugh nods. “Considering its supposed to be holding our target, you’d think they would have a full facility. Not just a single, albeit large, building.”

Xenos shrugs. “It just doesn’t make sense to us that they’d risk leaving such a valuable target in a place relatively unguarded.”

Rose puts a hand to her chin. “Other than the guards at the base of the bridge I didn’t detect anyone else in the courtyard.”

Frank turns to his friend. “Arc, what is this about? You seem bound and determined to pull off what amounts to little more than an elaborate breaking and entering.”

Ember glares at him. “It’s more than that, you thief! We’re trying to…!”

Xenos gasps. “Ember!”

Arc sighs. “No, no. Frank should probably be told.”

Hugh shakes his head. “But sir! This is top secret!”

“I know. But who’s he going to tell? Everyone’s already after him for one reason or another.”

Viktor grimaces. “That kinda makes sense.”

Arc puts down his sandwich and looks Frank in the eye soberly.

“Do you remember the two princesses in Canterlot?”

Frank nods. “Yes, of course. Charming young ladies presiding over the land as a competent dualocracy.”

“Well, truth be told, there’s actually a third princess.”

“Oh? I don’t believe I met her.”

“Neither have I.”

“Reclusive?”

“Missing.”

Ember nods soberly. “We believe her to be a captive of the military.”

Frank’s eyes grow wide. “What?! But that would be monstrous!”

Rose frowns. “It certainly might be. But we have to find out for ourselves.”

Arc looks Frank in the eye. “All we know is that Princess Celestia disappeared without a trace. How the people here on Earth managed such a feat is unknown. However, thanks to Aurora, Sunburst was given a huge boost to his scrying abilities which allowed him to pinpoint her location.”

“Which is somewhere in that building?”

Ember sighs. “Looks like it.”

“Arc, listen to me. I’m sure you mean well, but this isn’t like breaking into a bank. You won’t be dealing with elderly security guards or Raynor’s little band. Instead you’ll be facing off against soldiers. REAL soldiers!”

Xenos socks a clenched fist into his palm. “Not alone he won’t be.”

Hugh nods soberly. “We’re with you to the end, sir.”

Viktor grins. “Agreed.”

“Thanks guys. But I’m going to do my best to formulate an airtight plan that minimizes risk while maximizing effectiveness.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “That’s… really impressive, Arc.”

“Is it? Good. Because I was actually trying to convince myself there.”

Sereb sighs. “You must stay confident in your team and oneself, Arc.”

“I know, Sereb. But this is going to be the biggest job we’ve ever done.”

Ember grins. “Right. But I’ll be there to watch your back.”

“That really is reassuring. Tell me, were you able to scan the inside of the building, Rose?”

Rose shakes her head. “Sadly, no. There’s some kind of dampening field around the interior that clouds my sensors.”

Sereb growls. “So we have zero intel on what to expect?”

“Right.”

Ember frowns. “So how is Arc supposed to plan this out?!”

“There’s only one way.”

“We are NOT going in with another one of your half-baked plans, Arc!”

“I agree.”

Frank breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s reassuring.”

“Just I’m going.”

Everyone collectively cries out. “WHAT?!”

Arc holds up his hands for silence. “It minimizes the danger to the team.”

Ember seethes. “Yeah! And MAXIMIZES the risk to YOU!”

“Calculated risks.”

Frank frowns. “I would like to check your math there, my friend.”

Sereb sighs. “At the very least I would like to accompany you.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Sereb. Like I said, just I’m going.”

Xenos turns to Arc. “We’d still like to help, sir.”

Viktor appears hopeful. “Can we start by talking you out of this?”

Hugh nods fervently. “Right! This is suicide!”

“If you guys want to help, look for a way to get me inside without raising the alarm.”

Rose frowns. “But we won’t be able to monitor your progress once you enter.”

“Set up my armor’s cameras to record everything then.”

Viktor frowns. “That we can easily do, sir. But… this is just so extreme!”

“There’s no other way. Someone has to do it.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Why not me then?!”

“You’re not too good with stealth, Ember.”

Xenos nods soberly. “We are, sir!”

Viktor grins. “Right! The three of us could…!”

“…be easily taken captive. Then I’d be without reinforcements for the final infiltration later. That and I have the best chance of fighting off trouble should it find me.”

Rose sighs. “From a tactical standpoint, that only half makes sense.”

Ember glares at Rose. “Half?! More like negative whole!”

Viktor sighs. “That isn’t actually how math works, Ember.”

“It does if I say so!”

She turns her gaze back to Arc.

“You can go… with me tagging along!”

“Ember…”

“Or I can head back to Equestria, fly to the Dragon Lands, gather EVERY dragon there before coming back and LEVELING that base!”

Frank winces. “That might be a bit… extreme.”

Ember scowls. “So is him going in alone!”

Sereb growls. “Be wary, Arc. Ember would certainly carry through on her threat.”

Xenos shudders. “Yeah.”

Frank narrows his eyes. “That would be most unwise, Ember.”

“Oh?! And why’s that?! Dragons are MUCH stronger than your average human!”

“Because of the political position it would put your land in.”

Viktor nods. He’s right, Ember. A full-scale frontal attack would certainly be seen as an act of war by the governing authority of this land.

Hugh sighs. “They’d retaliate against Equestria for sure!”

“You mean the Dragon Lands!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, they’d go after all the countries. Probably starting with Equestria though.”

Ember grits her teeth. “We’d take care of them!”

Sereb growls. “As would the Forsaken Tribe!”

Arc frowns. “Not likely. I’d imagine they’d kill everything that moved.”

Frank turns to Ember. “Think of all the citizens that would be slaughtered or made homeless by the resulting war.”

“But…!”

Frank sighs. “Ember, if you really care about the safety of the other world then DON’T start a war!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Everyone would lose.”

Ember weighs her options inwardly before continuing.

“Fine. We’ll do it your way. But I want to be on standby near the base if you need to make a fast escape via the air.”

Rose turns to Arc. “I’d also like to provide support for this endeavor.”

“Very well you two.”

Xenos purses his lips. “Now all you need is a way in, sir.”

“My magic cloak will take care of that.”

Rose shakes her head. “I don’t think that’s an option. My sensors show there to be motion trackers and thermal sensors at the gate and around the perimeter.”

Sereb sighs. “You wouldn’t even get close, Arc. That is, unless you have another plan.”

“Yes, I do.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Ember scoffs. “I suppose you plan on tunneling past the outer defenses?”

Arc chuckles. “Truth be told, you’re closer than you think, Ember.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face. “And now I am worried.”

Chapter 2 - Infiltration

Arc, Rose, and Ember stand in the forest overlooking the beach. They are clad in their magic robes with Rose wearing a mask. Ember turns to him and frowns.

“So THIS is your plan?!”

“Look on the bright side.”

Rose sighs. “Which is…?”

“At least we’re not tunneling in.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “That would have been preferable.”

Arc grins. “I could get you a shovel.”

Rose appears genuinely interested. “I’ll help.”

“He’s being sarcastic, Rose.”

“Oh.”

Arc clears his throat. “We should get started.”

Ember folds her claws over her chest. “And if I refuse?”

Arc shrugs. “Then I try scaling the wall, most likely get caught, interrogated, and…”

Ember groans. “Fine! Let’s go.”

Rose sighs. “Be careful you two.”

Ember steps forward to face him and puts her claws around Arc as they cloak. With a powerful flap of her wings the pair are airborne. She looks down as they fly along.

“At least there’s plenty of cloud cover tonight.”

Arc nods. “Exactly. We’re completely invisible.”

“What about those sensors you mention earlier today?”

“They could spot us, yes. That’s why I want you to fly as high as possible to avoid detection.”

Ember groans. “Fine. But just so you know, it gets harder the higher I go. The winds are stronger and the air’s thinner.”

“And the extra weight you’re carrying doesn’t help either I would assume.”

“That too.”

“Just do your best, okay.”

Ember nods as she slowly circles the island while climbing in altitude. The land below them disappears beneath the clouds. A short time later she frowns.

“This might be the best I can do!”

“It’ll be enough. Can you take me over to roughly center of the building? Or at least where you think it is under the cloud cover.”

Ember grunts. “Fine. But how does this help us?”

“You’ll see.”

Complying, Ember flies a short distance before stopping and hovering.

“Okay, here we are. Now what?”

“Drop me.”

Ember blinks a few times, dumbfounded. “I’m sorry… WHAT?!”

“I said drop me.”

“But you’ll be killed!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I won’t.”

“Unless you’ve grown wings, yes you will!”

“I’ll be fine.”

She clutches him tighter for a few moments but says nothing. Arc sighs and looks her in the eye.

“Ember… you have to let me go.”

“I… I can’t!”

“Trust me.”

Ember silently considers this before nodding.

“Alright. Just one thing.”

“What is…?”

Arc is cut off as Ember’s scaly lips touch his. She wraps her legs around his back and squeezes as tight as she can before breaking off the kiss.

“I… I do trust you, Arc. Take care.”

Shutting her eyes, she releases Arc. He plummets through the clouds quickly gaining momentum. Ember flies down and looks around.

“Arc… where are you?!”

Facepalming, she sighs.

“What am I doing? He’s CLOAKED! Now I feel like an idiot.”

She calls forth her helmet and looks again. Arc is some distance below her, but is slowly falling as if he was wearing an invisible parachute. Ember frowns.

“Forgot he could do that.”

Meanwhile, Arc carefully lands on the roof of the building and looks around before touching his earring.

“Arc to Viktor. Are you picking up Ember’s body camera feed?”

“Yes sir. One moment while we focus.”

Pushing a few buttons the camera zooms in on the building. Hugh squints.

“We don’t see you, sir.”

“Yeah, I’m staying cloaked.”

Xenos nods soberly. “Probably a good idea, sir.”

“Look around the compound. Do you see anything moving?”

Max shakes his head. “Not a thing, sir.”

“Rose?”

“I’m not detecting any alarms going off. However, they may be silent. Sadly, there’s no way to know for sure.”

Sereb watches the screens with rapt attention. “If he did, I’m sure soldiers will be running out of that structure any moment now.”

Frank grits his teeth. “This is quite the gamble, my friend.”

“True. But I’m betting they just put sensors around the perimeter and at the gate. Since no one could get past that, they probably assumed nothing was needed inside the walls.”

Ember groans. “Well, that still leaves the matter of getting inside that lone building.”

Rose nods from her position. “Can we assume you have a plan for that too, Arc?”

“I do. Ember, go back to the woods and join Rose.”

“But I want to keep watch over you!”

“My idea might take quite some time. I doubt you could hover there that long.”

Ember frowns. “Have a little faith in me!”

“That and if I do need help getting out of here, I’ll need you well rested and ready to fly hard and fast.”

Ember frowns. “Fine.”

Circling around, Ember heads north to follow the water back to the woods. Arc walks over to the edge of the roof and peers down. He looks at the ground far below.

“I’m pretty high up. This building kinda reminds me of an aircraft hangar.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

Frank chuckles. “An aircraft. It’s like The Equinox.”

Viktor frowns as he looks over the footage. “Right. But why would they need such a tall building?”

“I’ll find out when I get inside. Any luck scanning the contents of this building, Rose?”

“Not even with your instruments at such close range, no.”

Hugh frowns. “That’s impressive. I thought for sure we’d be able to pick SOMETHING up at that close range.”

Max sighs. “Whatever it is they’ve got in there, someone’s gone through a LOT of trouble to keep it hidden.”

Frank calls out. “Arc? Would you do me a favor?”

“Now?”

“Yes. If you… happen to run into any of my lads… do your very best to help them.”

“Of course.”

“And… if you can’t… well… please make it quick for them.”

Ember frowns. “Hey now! We’re not giving up that easily, and neither should you!”

Hugh grins. “Right. The commander will make sure they’re okay.”

Rose nods. “From a strategic standpoint, it would make sense to keep them alive, after all. Corpses aren’t good for much other than dissection.”

Xenos moans. “Not helping, Rose.”

Arc sits down on the edge of the roof. “Yes, well… in any case, everyone keep an eye on your screens while we wait.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Begging your pardon, sir. But what exactly is it we’re supposed to be waiting for?”

“Lunch.”

Hugh appears confused. “At this hour of the night?”

“Yup.”

Several hours pass. Eventually Rose’s voice comes over Arc’s earring.

“I’m detecting electrical waves, Arc!”

Max gasps. “From the building?!”

Ember turns to Rose. “I thought you couldn’t scan inside it!”

“Correct, I can’t. The readings are coming from the door itself.”

Arc stands up. “Good.”

A few moments later the large overhead door slowly opens and a number of soldiers step out. They walk toward the gate together.

“Showtime everyone. Remember, I’m probably going to lose contact with all of you when I go in there.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Fine. But if you’re not back out here by dawn I’m implementing MY plan and getting you out of there.”

Frowning he hops nimbly off the roof. Falling, Arc Blinks through the doorway only slightly ahead of the closing shutter. Before touching down he Blinks again into a dimly lit corner as the door clangs shut.

“Can anyone hear me?”

There is no response to Arc’s call. He sighs.

“Figures. If scans can’t make it through these walls, neither can radio waves.”

Cherry calls out telepathically. “I’ll keep an eye out for… anything that looks dangerous.”

“Thanks.”

Arc looks around. The interior is dimly lit and surprisingly empty. Cherry gasps.

“There’s nothing in here!”

“Not a chance that’s the case. Those guards had to come from SOMEWHERE.”

“Perhaps there’s some kind of magical doorway?”

Arc grins. “Like the apartment basement?

“Right!”

“That’s certainly a possibility. But I wouldn’t think they’d have built such a large building to house a portal that could have just as easily fit in a large shed.”

“What do we do now?”

“Wait.”

“What for?”

“Someone to come by with the keys.”

“To what lock?”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. But let’s wait and see.”

A short time later the door noisily opens again. As a number of soldiers enter, the door closes yet again. Looking up as they pass Arc falls into step behind them. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc, what are you doing?!”

“Hitching a ride. The one in charge has to be able to get himself and the others inside somehow, right?”

“I suppose so. But you’re too close!”

“Think about it this way. The closer we are to danger, the further we are from harm.”

Cherry groans. “What is that supposed to mean?!”

“Not really sure. I think heard it in a movie once.”

As the group reaches the center of the room they stop. The soldier in front pulls out a datapad and pushes a few buttons. A moment later the floor beneath them gives way and slowly descends. Cherry cries out.

“WOAH!”

Arc regains his footing. “Gotta admit, I didn’t see that coming.”

“This elevator could easily hold your house, Arc!”

“Yeah. Wonder why it’s so big.”

“Beats me.”

They continue down for what seems like forever. Eventually it slows and stops in the middle of a massive room. The soldiers step off as Arc looks around.

“This… isn’t quite what I was expecting.”

“Me either.”

Arc puts a hand on the concrete. “These walls. Something about them…”

“Do you sense something?”

“Not… exactly. But they don’t look like any normal building material I’ve ever seen before.”

“Maybe it’s just something new.”

“New as in not available to the general public maybe.”

Looking all around Arc turns and stands in a corner. Removing the guardanium knife from his ring he scrapes a bit of dust off the wall before dropping it into a small Ziploc bag. Cherry calls out to him.

“You certainly came prepared.”

“I wasn’t sure if I’d need this. But glad I brought them.”

Meanwhile, there is a knock at General Mustang’s office door.

“Come!”

The door opens and Diva walks in. Looking around she spots Mustang sitting on a very posh looking couch.

“You wanted to see me, general?”

“Yes. I apologize for getting you up at this late hour.”

“You never were much for sleep, sir.”

Mustang chuckles. “And thanks to that I miss very little.”

Diva raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“Sit with me.”

”Yes sir.”

Walking over to the couch Diva sits down as the general pours two small glassfuls of a strange liquid from a nearby decanter. He hands her one as he takes the other.

“To The Organization.”

Diva smiles and nods as they clink glasses. Both down the beverage in but a moment before setting the glasses down on the coffee table before them as Mustang turns to Diva.

“Now then… I called you here to inform you that our Hero friend has just entered the base.”

Diva jumps up. “What?! He’s here inside Damocles Base! We have to raise the alarm, sir!”

Rushing to the general’s desk she quickly picks up the phone.

“Get me Colonel Langrisser on the line right away!”

As she waits to be connected a hand suddenly takes the receiver from her and returns it to its cradle.

“General, what are you…?”

Mustang smiles at her. “There’s no need to notify Colonel Langrisser of this intrusion.”

“As much as I agree, he IS the head of security, sir.”

“That he is.”

“So what would you have me do, sir? Handle him myself?”

General Mustang turns and walks back toward the couch as he shakes his head.

“No, Diva. I’ve already taken care of the situation.”

“Oh?”

“Most of the patrols on duty have been redirected to guard The Secret.”

“And you’ve ordered the reserves to take their places?”

Mustang sits down and pours himself another glass of the liquid. “No.”

“But that would leave much of Damocles Base unguarded.”

Mustang chuckles. “I know.”

“So your plan is to LET him explore the facility at his leisure?!”

“In a manner of speaking.”

Diva grits her teeth. “But he’ll make a shambles of EVERYTHING!”

“Will he now?”

“Yes! Anything he looks into comes to ruin! That so-called hero attracts trouble like a MAGNET!”

“Not to worry, Diva. I’ve seen to it that the rest of our most closely guarded secrets are also protected.”

“But you can’t be sure he won’t discover anything of use!”

Mustang laughs. “Diva, I’m positively COUNTING on it!”

“What?!”

“Everyone has their part to play in the grand scheme of things. You have yours. I have mine. He has his.”

Diva grimaces. “Although some certainly have larger and more important parts.”

“Indeed. Now, I want you to do something for me in this matter, colonel.”

“Yes sir. What are your orders?”

“I want you to do… absolutely nothing.”

“Sir?”

Mustang looks to Diva, soberly. “You are to return to your room, secure your door, and go back to sleep. Or at the very least attempt to do so.”

“But sir…!”

“Those are your orders, Colonel Diva. Carry them out.”

“Yes sir.”

She quickly heads for the door.

“Diva?”

“Sir?”

“If you should happened to run into our little friend out there, do not engage him.”

“What?!”

“In fact, I don’t even want you to acknowledge his presence.”

Diva grimaces. “So I’m literally not to do ANYTHING?!”

Mustang sighs. “Yes, I believe that’s what I’ve been trying to explain to you in great detail, colonel.”

“I will… do as you order, sir.”

“Good. As capable an officer as you are, such a simple task should be child’s play.”

Diva leaves the office and walks down the wide corridors back toward her quarters. She frowns as she mutters to herself.

“What is the general THINKING?! Giving an outsider nearly full run of Damocles Base could prove DISASTROUS!”

She grimaces as she walks.

“I’m sure he knows what he’s doing, and he’s always been right in the past, but… I can’t help but wonder…”

Meanwhile, Arc slowly makes his way down a corridor. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Where are we going exactly?”

Arc shrugs. “Nowhere in particular. We’re just scouting ahead of the real mission.”

“So this is the planning phase?”

“Right.”

“Makes sense. But I have to say, this place gives me the creeps.”

Arc sighs. “I feel the same way, Cherry. But at the same time I’m not sure why. I mean, I don’t expect anything to jump out and grab me, or anything.”

Cherry groans. “Thank you for that image, Arc.”

“Sorry.”

He looks cautiously around a corner. Seeing no one, Arc walks down the corridor as Cherry continues.

“The thing that has me worried is why we haven’t seen any guards.”

“Yes we did. Remember the ones who were kind enough to let us in?”

“I mean patrols, Arc. If they’re so interested in protecting whatever else is in here, shouldn’t there be guards everywhere?

“That has occurred to me as well. The only explanation I can think of is that they put all their defenses into the perimeter and front gate. As long as those hold they don’t actually need anything down here.”

“But you don’t really believe that, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Cherry. As important as Princess Celestia is, I can’t imagine them not keeping guards…”

He stops short of a curve in the corridor.

“That’s strange.”

“What is?”

“This passageway is different from the others.”

“It looks the same to me.”

Arc looks around. “Every other turn has been a ninety degree right angle. But this one is a slow and gentle curve.”

“Why would they do that?”

“I can only think of one reason. To make something up ahead more easily defendable.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. If there was a corner like the others here, it could be used as cover by an attacking force. This curve forces anyone who wants to attack out into the open.”

“Maybe we should go back.”

“No. If I’m right whatever is beyond this point is REALLY important. Too important not to investigate.”

Cherry sighs. “Fine. Just be sure to stay quiet.”

“Always.”

Arc slowly makes his way around the bend in the corridor. Looking around as cautiously as he is able he spots a massive steel door with a large number of soldiers guarding it.

“Paydirt.”

Cherry gasps. “Princess Celestia HAS to be in there!”

“Agreed.”

“Do you suppose we could get past them to find out?”

Arc shakes his head. “Getting past them isn’t the issue. See those devices on either side of the door?”

“I do. What are they?”

“Card readers.”

“Card… what now?”

“Do you remember that card King Malevolence gave to Auriel?”

“The one that belonged to her mother?”

“Right. We’d need something like that.”

“Maybe she would let you borrow hers.”

Arc shakes his head. “It can’t be just any card. That and it looks like we’d need two, as there are two readers over there. Whatever’s in there it’s obvious our enemies don’t want someone unilaterally opening that door.”

“Like the armory in Canterlot Castle?”

“Exactly. Two princesses have to be present to open that just like two cards are needed here.”

They are silent for a time as Arc thinks.

“Let’s go back. We need to finish mapping this place out as best we can.”

“Yes. And then figure out a way to get out of here.”

“Yeah, I’m working on that.”

Turning around they retrace their steps and continue wandering. Cherry calls out to him.

“Take a right here. We haven’t checked this corridor yet.”

“Okay.”

Turning, Arc takes only a few steps before he stops dead in his tracks. Diva rounds the opposite corner and stops. The blood drains from Arc’s face.

“Oh… crap.”

“This isn’t good!”

Arc clenches a fist. “You’re telling me!”

Diva grits her teeth and stomps down the corridor toward him. Arc cautiously backs up and rounds the previous corner as his opponent passes. She continues down the hall, her fists clenched. Arc leans against the wall and slides down it to the floor as Cherry breathes a sigh of relief.

“That was close!”

“Yeah.”

“She must not have sensed your presence.”

“Maybe. But she really looked like she wanted to throttle me.”

Arc furrows his brow.

“The only other explanation is that just Mio can see and decloak me.”

“Lucky for us!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “But then again, that doesn’t make sense either.”

“What do you mean?”

“Diva’s certainly more powerful that Mio is. I have a hard time believing there’s a spell she can cast that Diva can’t.”

“So you think she intentionally ignored you?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t see why she would. But that's the only explanation that makes sense.”

“Let’s hurry and finish up so we can get out of here.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Standing, Arc continues walking. Ahead he spots some windows.

“This might be promising.”

Approaching, he peeks through the glass and gasps. Inside the expansive room he spies a vast number of large tanks filled with a strange green fluid. Cherry’s voice shakes as she speaks.

“A-Arc? Are those…?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, Cherry. Those are the missing Shard members.”

Chapter 3 - Hard Decisions

Cherry gasps. “We have to help them!”

Arc grits his teeth. “I agree. However, we can’t.”

“But they’re right there!”

“I know that, Cherry. But first of all there’s a card reader on that door. Second, I can’t imagine that room doesn’t have extra security features inside.”

“They could be dying!”

Arc frowns. “If I start messing with those computer consoles I could do more harm than good. That and I can’t imagine my sigil magic works all the way down here.”

“Try!”

“Okay.”

Arc raises his gauntlet in an attempt to open a portal. But nothing happens.

“Same as back in the mine. We’re just too deep.”

“What should we do?!”

Arc sighs. “I hate to say it, but we have to leave them here for now. Someone with a firm understanding of the technology in there would have to release them properly.”

Cherry groans. “Well, it just doesn’t feel right though. Being this close and walking away.”

“I know what you mean. But it has to be this way.”

Cherry sighs as Arc turns and moves on. Unbeknownst to the pair General Mustang sits in his darkened office overlooking the room watching as Arc continues on his way.

“Yes, Arc. Keep investigating. Learn all you can. It will make our meeting that much more interesting.”

He stands and chuckles as he puts a glass to his lips.

“And at that time… we’ll come full circle.”

Meanwhile, Arc muses on their situation as they pass numerous other laboratories containing strange machines of all different shapes and sizes.

“This must be some kind of research facility.”

“You mean they’re experimenting on those humans?!”

“Probably.”

“That’s horrible!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Agreed. Frank won’t be happy to learn about this.”

“Do you suppose it has anything to do with that strange chemical the Shards were producing?”

“I guarantee it. The question I still have is what they’re planning to do with it.”

“Originally, like you said before, you thought it might have been a matter of building an army. But we haven’t seen nearly enough soldiers to be much of a threat. Even if they added the Shards to their ranks.”

Arc nods. “Right. But who’s to say this is the only facility?”

“That’s a frightening thought.”

“I hope I’m wrong. But as long as we’re here I want to see what else these labs hold.”

“Are you sure that’s wise, Arc?”

“We have to map out as much of this place as possible. That and it would be a great help to know more about what’s going on here.”

He looks around a corner.

“Now then… let’s see what they’re storing.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Storing?”

“I would assume supplies for the labs would be kept in a storage room nearby. Out of the way, but close enough they could just step down the hall for more.”

“And if you’re wrong?”

Arc shrugs. “Then we just wasted a few minutes.”

“Let’s hurry on then. The longer we stay the higher the chance we’ll be discovered.”

“This way then.”

Cherry giggles. “I’m in your head, remember?”

“Oh… right.”

Meanwhile, General Mustang watches a screen. He presses a few buttons on his keyboard before sitting back and taking another sip of his drink.

“Now then… let’s see if you take the bait.”

Rounding another corner Arc comes to a steel door with a card reader. Cherry sighs.

“Sealed.”

Arc shakes his head. “Oddly enough, no.”

“What? But there’s a card reader right there.”

“Yes. But the light next to it is green.”

Grabbing the handle, Arc pulls the door open and quickly steps inside. Mustang nods and grins as the door on his screen appears to open and shut all on its own.

“I knew you would figure it out, Arc.”

Changing the feed he watches the room’s interior. Meanwhile, Arc and Cherry look around to see themselves inside a decent sized storage room. Different chemicals sit on numerous shelves. Arc frowns as he picks up a vial. Cherry calls out to him.

“Isn’t that…?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah. It looks like that stuff the Shards were making down in that mine.”

He puts the vial in his ring as his eyes come across a large steel drum.

“If this is more of that chemical, we could have some very serious problems on our hands.”

Cherry groans. “There’s no label though.”

Arc grins. “No problem. I brought a can opener.”

Reaching for his magic ring Arc pulls out the guardanium knife. He effortlessly slices a small hole in the side of the drum near the top before looking around.

“I know I saw some a minute ago… there!”

Reaching over to a drawer labeled ‘syringes’ Arc opens it and grabs one. He turns back to the drum and inserts the needle into the hole. Pulling up on the plunger he extracts a small amount of the liquid within before holding it up for a visual examination.

“Green?”

Arc narrows his eyes as he looks at the syringe. “This is something new. We’ll have to get it analyzed in Canterlot.”

He puts the syringe in his ring before looking around.

“The rest of these chemicals are probably nothing special.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I recognize quite a few of these names from high school chemistry class. Now I wished I’d paid better attention.”

“I’m sure your armor’s cameras are picking them up. Rose can probably tell us more later.”

“Or Sunburst. Assuming there’s something she doesn’t know.”

“Why not just shrink that shelf down and take its contents with us?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a good idea. This mission is supposed to be all stealth. I could take a bottle or two and it probably wouldn’t be missed. But they’ll start asking questions if furniture starts vanishing.”

“You’re right. But what about that hole you cut in that big metal can?”

“That couldn’t have been helped. Usually those things have a machined hole in the top from the manufacturer. For some reason this one didn’t.”

He grabs the drum and slowly gives it a quarter turn.

“There. At least now the hole is facing the wall. It won’t be found unless they go to move the drum.”

“Clever.”

He turns back toward the door. “Now then, lets…”

Arc stops talking as he spots a folder on a cabinet next to the door. He walks over and picks it up.

“Hello, what have we here?”

“Hopefully some kind of manifest for the contents of this room.”

Arc frowns as he scans the contents of the folder before removing the small stack of papers. Shuffling, he looks at them one at a time slowly before putting them back in the folder. Grimacing, he puts the folder back in its place and turns to the door.

“We’ll definitely need to look into that stuff more closely.”

“Right.”

Leaving the room, Arc and Cherry spend the next hour exploring the rest of the base. They discover a large maintenance bay, more labs, another large storage room on the other side of the base in addition to a large office with numerous cubicles. Arc looks around before musing to himself.

“This must be where the rest of the staff works.”

“Do you think Stingray, Hammer, and Mio might have desks here?”

Arc reaches down and grabs a nameplate. Turning it to catch the light from the hallway lights, he reads it aloud.

“Mio.”

“Should we search her desk?”

Arc shakes his head as he looks around. “I don’t think it would do any good. Every desk here is neat as a pin.”

“They must put everything away before leaving every day.”

“Yeah. Into those filing cabinets.”

He walks over to a large bank of drawers built into the wall. Cherry gasps.

“We could spend years reading all the files in here!”

“Probably. But if they have sensitive data in them, and I believe they do, opening these drawers at this late hour might set off an alarm somewhere.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Considering how few guards we’ve seen in our tour, there’s got to be alarms.”

“So maybe next time?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. That is, if the stealth part of the mission ends prematurely. But I think we’ve seem pretty much everything I wanted to.”

“Other than that guarded door.”

“And the barracks wing. Can’t imagine there’s anything there I need to see anyways.”

Cherry sounds hopeful. “Time to go?”

Arc heads for the door. “Time to go, yes.”

General Mustang smiles and nods as he sees the office door open and shut.

“That should do it for him. He’s been everywhere I knew he would go. Or at least everywhere I’ve allowed. Now then… there’s just one more string left to pull and this phase will be complete.”

He picks up his phone and dials before speaking into the receiver.

“This is General Mustang. Move the next shift change to ten minutes from now.”

Without another word he sets the receiver down and smiles.

“I’ve laid out the path and you’ve walked it perfectly, my boy. Now you just need to follow it to completion as I know you will.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads back to the massive elevator that brought them inside. Spotting the lift through the doorway he steps inside. However instead of heading for the elevator Arc turns and sits down on the floor.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“Waiting for my ride to show up.”

A short time later a squad enters the room. As they pass, Arc rises and quietly follows them. The group stands on the elevator together as the leader presses a few buttons on a datapad in his hands. Slowly but surely the elevator rises. Arc grins as he muses to himself.

“That went well.”

“Better than I thought it would.”

“See, Cherry? I can be inconspicuous when I need to be.”

Cherry sighs. “I know you can. It’s just that something usually comes up that forces you to change your plans.”

“We were bound to get lucky eventually.”

Sometime later they reach the top of the lift. The familiar hanger comes into view as the elevator again becomes one with the floor. Arc watches as the soldiers step off and walk toward the door. Their leader presses a button on his pad and the overhead door slides open. Arc follows them closely outside into a warm breeze. He waits patiently for the door to begin sliding closed again before looking up and Blinking onto the roof. Looking to the east he spots the faintest rays of dawn beginning to peek over the horizon. Cherry calls out to him.

“You were really cutting it close, Arc.”

“Yeah. Let’s call for extraction.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Ember.”

“Where are you?!”

“On the roof of the building. Everything’s fine.”

“So get out of there!”

“I will. But I need to do so without setting off any alarms.”

Ember grunts. “Got a plan?”

“Yeah. Fly up above the clouds over the base again. Let me know when you get there.”

“Sure thing.”

A few minutes later Ember’s voice rings out in his ear.

“Okay, I’m up here. Now what.”

“Stay above the clouds and get ready to catch me.”

Rose smiles. “I don’t believe even you could jump that high, Arc.”

Max grins. “Unless there’s a spell for that.”

Viktor puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Even if there was, the force required to achieve it would certainly break every bone in his body.”

Xenos shrugs. “I’m thinking the commander has something up his sleeve to prevent that.”

Hugh grimaces. “I sure hope so.”

Frank sighs. “Have more faith in your commanding officer, gentlemen.”

Sereb growls. “Agreed.”

Arc takes a deep breath and looks up.

“Well… first time for everything.”

Casting a Blink spell, Arc appears about a hundred feet above the roof. As he starts to fall he casts the spell again, this time adding more power. Looking down he sees himself over a thousand feet up. As he slowly begins falling yet again Arc closes his eyes and focuses. The crystal in his forehead begins to glow as he casts the spell a third time. Reappearing, Arc suddenly feels a cold chill. Opening his eyes he looks down to see the clouds far below him and gasps for air. Cherry screams.

“ARC!”

“Okay, that was too high!”

Allowing himself to freefall for a few moments he decloaks and touches his earring.

“Get ready, Ember!”

Ember looks around. “What?! Where are you?!”

“Look up!”

She gasps as she spots Arc hurtling toward her from high above.

“What the heck…?!”

“Slowing down now.”

Casting a spell. Arc’s speed lessens considerably. Before long he falls gently into Ember’s arms.

“Are you okay?!”

Arc nods. “Just fine. But get us back to Rose as quick as you can. We need to go over what’s down there right away.”

Rose calls to him over his earring. “Down there?”

“I’ll explain when we get home.”

A short time later Arc, Ember, and Rose appear on the sigil in Arc’s basement. He goes immediately to Viktor’s computer and removes his armor.

“Download whatever footage is on here right away.”

Viktor nods. “Yes sir.”

Frank hobbles over as fast as his legs will allow.

“What about my men, Arc?! Did you see them?!”

“I… yeah.”

“And…?!”

Arc sighs. “They were in some kind of tubes filled with green… something or other.”

“Were they at least alive?!”

“No idea. I made a sweep of the control readouts though. Hopefully Rose can tell us something.”

Rose nods. “I will certainly try my best.”

Viktor calls out to him. “Sir, I’m ready over here.”

“Good. Everyone sit down and we’ll start rolling. All of you might want to take notes.”

Ember chuckles. “Come on! How much could they have in that one building?”

“You’d be surprised how roomy it was in there.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “I somehow feel that we all missed something.”

“Yeah, well… you’ll see.”

Sitting around the computer screen they watch the footage. At the end Arc turns and looks to the group.

“So what do you… um, guys?”

Everyone appears completely dumbfounded. Ember is the first to be able to speak.

“Wha… HOW?!”

“How what?”

Sereb frowns. “I believe Ember is in a state of shock over literally the entire contents of that video.”

Max nods. “Us too, sir.”

Xenos sighs. “None of us expected anything remotely close to what you saw in there, sir!”

Hugh grimaces. “That place is totally fortified inside and out!”

Viktor backs the footage up. “Those computer panels were something else!”

Rose looks over the screen with Viktor. “I’ve never seen anything like it myself. It was rather… stimulating to watch.”

“We have to go back for my boys, Arc!”

“And we will. When the time is right, and we have the necessary gear.”

Frank grits his teeth. “But…!”

Ember points at the screen. “You saw all that! If we go in now we’ll just get caught!”

Sereb sighs. “At best, you would join them in a capsule.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Did you understand what any of the data on the capsule viewscreens meant?”

“Yes. They were brainwave readouts along with other pertinent technical data.”

Frank appears hopeful. “Brainwaves?! So they’re alive?!”

Rose nods. “Yes. From what I could tell they were in perfect hibernation. However I didn’t see any breathing tubes, methods by which they were fed, or excreted.”

Viktor puts a hand to his chin as he muses. “If we could get a sample of that green stuff in the capsules…”

“Remember, I got a syringe-full of it in my ring. It isn’t a lot, but should be enough for Sunburst to analyze back at the castle. Then there was this…”

Backing the footage up Arc returns to the scene in the storage room. He points to the folder.

“This was sitting on a table next to the door.”

Frank frowns. “Very convenient.”

“I’m guessing someone set it down to get some supplies and forget it.”

Ember shrugs. “Did you bring it?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I was afraid its disappearance would look suspicious. But I did look at each page individually.”

Viktor turns to him. “I can take screenshots of them, sir.”

“That’s the plan. They were mostly testing data for the missing Shards. While it won’t exactly help us in our upcoming assault, at least we might be able to figure out what’s happening to them.”

Sereb nods. “And perhaps how to counter it.”

Max watches as Viktor gets to work. “Right. There’s no such thing as too much information.”

Rose joins Max and Viktor at the screen. “I’ll look it over and compare the data to what we saw on the computer readouts.”

Frank appears relieved. “Please do!”

Hugh turns to Arc. “Any idea why Diva couldn’t see you, sir?”

“I do have to admit, that moment she turned the corner I nearly had a heart attack. But that whole moment just didn't feel right to me.”

Xenos shrugs. “Well, it was pretty late. Maybe she was just too tired to notice you, sir?”

Viktor turns to look at him. “Yes. Or perhaps she doesn’t have the ability to sense you like Mio does.”

Arc frowns. "She had to. I mean, she looking right at me! As to why she didn't do anything, well... that's even more disconcerting."

“Either way, I’m glad we didn’t have to fight. Reinforcements would’ve been on my tail in moments.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “My former lieutenants?”

Sereb growls. “At the very best. More soldiers at the worst.”

“Right. That and it would have made our future attack almost impossible.”

Max sighs. “I suppose the real question now is where do we go from here?”

“Rose can start analyzing those computer screenshots as soon as Viktor gets them printed up. I’ll send that syringe to Canterlot for testing before lending a hand going over that footage again.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You believe there’s more to see?”

“Every single kernel of information was acquired at extreme risk. I don’t want any of it going to waste.”

Ember frowns. “Um, Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“I don’t think so. Which part of the video are you asking about?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Uh… how about the part where you get some sleep?”

Arc looks confused. “Sleep? But it’s morning.”

Rose sighs. “That may be. However, you’ve been up all night.”

Max nods. “She’s right, sir.”

Xenos gives him a thumbs up. “Yeah. Let us handle this.”

Viktor stand up from his computer. “You can count on us.”

Hugh picks up the papers from the printer. “We can come get you if there’s something big.”

Frank nods. “I’ll help them, my friend.”

“Maybe in a few hours. I just need some breakfast to get my second wind. Xenos, you and Hugh…”

Frank shakes his head. “Arc. Please… get some rest. You look like hell.”

“Fine. But first let me…”

Ember turns to him angrily. “Are you coming to bed, or am I going to have to drag you there myself?!”

“Can’t I just…?!”

Ember grabs him roughly by his collar and drags him toward the stairs.

“Okay, okay! I’m coming! Sereb, take this!”

He removes the syringe from his ring and holds it out to the wolf. Sereb picks it up with his magic and pulls it to himself.

“I’ll see to it this gets to Canterlot, Arc.”

Arc holds onto the railing as Ember pulls harder. “Thanks. See you guys in an hour or so.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Not on your life! Now, come ON!”

She continues dragging Arc up the stairs as Frank turns to the others.

“Is she always like this?”

Rose giggles. “Only where Arc’s personal health is concerned.”

Xenos grins. “I wouldn’t worry about that. She’ll take good care of the commander.”

Max blushes. “Yes, she will.”

Frank turns to Hugh. “Lucky fellow to have such a lovely lady interested in him.”

“Agreed. However, the commander does have an inordinate amount of marefriends.”

Viktor looks over from the computer. “That he does. But I don’t hear him complaining too loudly about it.”

Sereb chuckles as he pulls the portable recall unit from its place on the shelf. “If only we all were so fortunate. Max, can you notify Sunburst of this syringe?”

“Sure thing. Just give me a moment before you send it through.”

Sereb grins to himself as Max talks into a radio.

“You’re a very fortunate male, Arc. Ember is completely smitten with you, as are numerous citizens of Ponyville. I do hope you are able to raise a suitably sized brood of your own from the potential mates.”

Meanwhile, Ember pushes the bedroom door open with her foot. Arc tries unsuccessfully to escape her grasp.

“I can walk, you know!”

“So can I!”

She roughly tosses him onto the bed before pulling off her leather jacket, tossing it aside, and continuing to glare at him.

“WELL?!”

“Well, what?”

“Don’t just sit there! Get that robe and boots off! That is, unless you’re planning to sleep in them!”

“Oh… right.”

He pulls off the magic cloak and stores it neatly in his ring before reaching down to untie his boots. Yawning, he sighs.

“I guess it is time for a nap.”

Ember scowls. “You’re darn right it’s time! Are you going to sleep in blue jeans AGAIN?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, you know I’m not much for pajamas.”

“That can’t be comfortable.”

“I get by.”

As he puts his boots aside he turns to Ember.

“Hey, could you go downstairs and tell the guys to wake me the moment they hear back from Sunburst?”

Ember growls. “Fine. But while I’m gone I want you to change into some real pajamas!”

“But I don’t even remember where I…”

Groaning impatiently, Ember walks over to the dresser and pulls out a pair of gym shorts. She tosses them to Arc before heading out the door.

“There! Now get changed!”

She slams the door. Cherry calls out to Arc.

“What’s gotten into her?”

“I have no idea.”

“In any case, you’d better do what she says.”

Sighing, Arc stands and removes his pants. Tossing them into a corner he steps into the shorts and heads for the dresser.

“Might as well put on a more comfortable shirt.”

Pulling off his tunic Arc tosses it onto his jeans as he digs through a drawer. Ember returns and looks to him angrily.

“What are you DOING?!”

“Just looking for a fresh shirt.”

Ember seethes. “You’re fine! Get to bed already!”

“Alright, alright. Sheesh.”

He flops down onto his side and sighs.

“Happy?”

“Are you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… what kind of question is that?”

“Just… just rest, okay.”

“Sure. But…”

“I said REST!”

Arc closes his eyes. Ember walks over to his clothes lying on the floor with her jacket. She thinks for a moment before taking action. A few moments later Arc feels the mattress shift. Groaning, he sighs.

“Ember, I thought you wanted me to…”

He stops talking as she reaches him and snuggles up to his side.

“Hey… are you…?”

Arc turns his head and puts a hand on her upper back. Feeling nothing but skin he slowly raises the covers and looks underneath.

“I’m still wearing my bra and panties.”

Arc blushes. “Um…”

Ember looks up at him, starry eyed.

“Unless you want me to take them off, that is.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it’s fine. I… wouldn’t want you to get cold.”

“You could just do a better job of warming me.”

She puts a finger in the elastic of his shorts as Arc rolls his eyes.

“Is this your idea of me resting?”

Ember sighs. “Kinda.”

They are silent for a time before Ember speaks.

“I… I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. This mission was stressful on all of us.”

Ember shakes her head. “No, no. I mean…. I’m sorry for what I did… before the mission.”

Arc blushes. “Oh… that.”

“It’s… I mean, I just…”

She continues, refusing to make eye contact.

“That was probably the most dangerous thing you’ve ever done. I… I felt like that could have been my last chance to… you know.”

“Kiss me?”

“Right. Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

Ember sits up and puts her palms on his bare chest. “No, it’s not!”

“Ember?”

“I did it knowing full well about you and Rarity being a couple!”

“Wait, what?”

“You and her are an item, after all.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we’re not. Well, not yet anyways.”

“Um… what?”

“I admit that I’m really interested in her. But she knows I can’t have a girlfriend until after I retire.”

“Oh… so… so you DO have feelings for her?”

“Um… yeah. Yeah I guess so.”

Ember sighs. “That’s good, I suppose. Tell me, is she interested in… sharing?”

Arc blushes. “I think you need to talk to her about that yourself.”

“Sure. But do you think she’d be upset with you and I being in bed together?”

“I… don’t think so. Like I said, you’d have to talk to her about it.”

“Trust me, I will. After all, I wouldn’t want to accidently sabotage you two’s relationship. When it happens, that is.”

“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.”

They lie there silently for a time.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Did you think…”

She pauses.

“N-never mind.”

“What is it?”

“Promise you won’t laugh?”

“Yes.”

“I was just wondering… how I did.”

Arc appears confused. “On the mission tonight?”

“No. I mean… how was my kiss?”

“Oh…”

“It was my first real one.”

“Um… it was fine.”

“Was it your first time too?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. My first was with Cherry.”

A pained expression spreads across Ember’s face. “Um… is she here?”

Cherry calls out. “I am, Ember.”

“There’s something I really need to ask you.”

“Oh?”

“You know all about me trying to get with Arc. And now there’s Rarity looking to do the same. I just have to know how you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Put up with watching Arc get hit on!”

Cherry sighs. “Because I’ve let him go.”

“What?!”

Arc nods. “Cherry told me to move on and find someone else quite a while back.”

“Yes, I can’t be there for Arc the way a living mare could.”

Ember gasps. “How can you say that?! You’re LITERALLY in his head!”

“That I am. However a living wife could be there for him… physically.”

Ember frowns. “But you’re…!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Sexually, Ember.”

“What…?”

“She means a living wife could bear my children.”

Cherry giggles. “Yes. Arc deserves a future with foals that can carry on his name.”

Ember sighs. “I… I see. That much I do understand.”

She looks him in the eye and puts a hand on his cheek.

“Just remember that my earlier offer still stands, Arc.”

“To become a human?”

Ember nods. “I’m totally willing to do that. Even if it means sharing the bed with another female.”

“Thanks, I guess.”

“Just do me one thing.”

“What is it?”

Ember climbs up on top of Arc. She puts her hands on his chest to push herself up. The blanket sits draped over her shoulders as she smiles down at him lovingly.

“When it comes to sharing the duty of giving you offspring, I’d…”

She lays down on his chest and whispers into his ear.

“…I’d like to go first.”

Chapter 4 - Requests

A few hours later Ember awakens still in Arc’s arms. Slowly and carefully, so as not to wake him, she kicks the covers off and squeezes her eyes shut as the sun shines brightly through the windows.

“Kinda warm in here. Guess Sereb was right when he said summer was just around the corner.”

Putting a hand to her forehead she wipes away the sweat before turning her head to look herself over. Sweat glistens on her almost nude body. Shaking her head slightly and sighing Ember muses to herself.

“I guess humans really don’t handle the heat as well as dragons.”

She looks down at Arc who is also sweating. Tracing the beads on his chest with a finger she smiles contentedly.

“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

There is a light knock at the door. Ember raises her head only slightly before responding.

“Come in.”

Viktor enters the room and turns toward the bed.

“Sir, we…!”

He stops talking as he spots the provocative position Arc and Ember are in.

“I… uh…”

Ember frowns. “What’s the matter with you?”

Viktor blushes. “Um… it’s just… you lying there with the commander was a… bit of a surprise.”

“I don’t see how. After all, we do this all the time! Now then, what did you need?”

Viktor looks away as Ember adjusts her panties which are sticking to her sweat soaked backside.

“The commander, he… wanted to know when we had something to report. Sunburst just sent over the analysis of that substance.”

“Can’t it wait? I mean, look at him. He’s not waking up even with the two of us talking like this.”

Viktor shakes his head. “I… I’m sorry, but if you recall, he was very insistent that we rouse him for any developments.”

Ember sighs. “Fine. Give me a few minutes to finish up here and we’ll be down.”

Viktor nods as he quickly leaves the room. “Y-yes, alright!”

Closing the door behind him, Viktor sits down on the steps for a few moments to calm himself.

“The commander really was out of it. Ember must be a real beast in the bedroom!”

He chuckles lightly to himself as he again stands.

“Well, the commander certainly deserves such a beautiful outlet for his stress. That and Ember is certainly eager to please him. In any case, we’ll have to give them some time to clean up from their fun.”

Meanwhile, Ember looks to Arc with a smile. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a squeeze as she begins kissing his cheek over and over again.

“Arc? It’s time to wake up.”

She gently shakes him. Arc moans slightly as Ember continues trying to rouse him

“Come on. Open your eyes.”

Arc slowly does so.

“Ember?”

“Good morning sleepyhead.”

Arc puts a hand over his face. “So… bright.”

“It’s mid-morning, silly.”

“Oh… that’s why it’s so hot in here.”

Ember grins. “Well, one of the reasons anyways.”

Arc opens his eyes as Ember continues kissing him.

“Come on, Ember. I know you like me, but…”

He stops talking as he puts his hands on her shoulders.

“Um… where are your clothes, Ember?”

“I’m not wearing any, remember?”

Arc blushes. “What?!”

“We went to sleep like this.”

“We did?!”

Ember nods. “Yes. You seemed okay with it back then. Well… more or less. Then again that might have been you lacking the energy to disagree.”

“Can we get up now please?!”

Ember sighs. “Fine.”

She stands and walks into the closet as Arc looks down at his own attire.

“I’m almost certain I know the answer to this, but where are MY clothes?”

“With my coat across the room.”

Slowly standing, Arc walks across the room and picks up yesterday’s outfit. As he looks up to put on the shirt he spies Ember in the closet looking through outfits. Her panties and bra lie on the floor just inside the doorway.

“Arc, do you think I should wear the…?”

He hurries back to the bedside.

“Ember! You can’t just stand there naked while I’m in the room!”

Ember peeks out of the closet. “Sure I can. Just did.”

“Well… I meant you shouldn’t! Anyone could walk in here and…!”

“Viktor just did.”

“WHAT?!”

Ember shrugs. “I was wearing my bra and panties at the time. Oh, and don’t worry that he might have seen you bare. I made sure I covered you with my body.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks.”

Ember grins as she dresses. “Don’t mention it.”

A few minutes later Arc and Ember head to the basement. The squad is waiting for them. Viktor turns to him.

“Sir, there’s been word from Canterlot.”

“Good. What is it?”

Hugh shrugs. “The Lead Sage wanted to tell you personally.”

Max walks over with a strange looking device. “He sent this over a short time ago.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

Xenos shrugs. “No clue.”

Sereb sighs. “He only instructed us to set it on the table and activate it.”

“Well then, let’s do as he says.”

Max sets the device on the table. Rose looks it over for a few moments before pressing a button. It begins to hum as she turns to the group.

“It would appear it simply has to warm up before reaching peak operating power.”

A few moments later a green light comes on. Rose presses it and the top of the machine opens as several emitters emerge. They shine together as a static but familiar visage appears.

“Can everypony over there hear me?”

Arc nods. “You’re a little out of focus, Sunburst, but for the most part, yes.”

“Try adjusting it on your end, sir.”

Rose begins fiddling with the dials. With a little effort the picture clears. Frank nods approvingly.

“That’s much better.”

Arc looks at the form before him. “So Equestria has expanded its holographic technology, eh?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes, sir. It’s a smaller version of the one in your base’s War Room. After all, some things in life require face to face conversations.”

Ember drums the tabletop with her fingers. “So you have something for us?”

“Yes. It’s in regards to that liquid you sent me.”

Max grins. “Good. That’s quite the enigma.”

“It appears to be a high potency mineral infusion of some kind.”

Frank raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “Are you saying my boys are floating in… vitamin water?!”

“That seems to be the case, yes. However it’s much more than that.”

Rose clears her throat before speaking. “I detected slight magical emanations coming from it as Sereb took the syringe. Is it perhaps enhanced in that way as well?”

“That it is.”

Frank gasps. “Could that hurt them?!”

Sunburst shakes his head. “I don’t believe so, no. The magical aspect appears to serve a very specific purpose.”

Ember groans. “Which is…?”

“To allow nutrients and oxygen to pass through the skin directly into the bloodstream of the subject.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That would explain why there wasn’t any breathing tubes anywhere to be seen.”

Hugh nods soberly. “So they’re being force fed nutrients and oxygen?”

Xenos turns to his friend. “Judging by what we saw on the video, that’s the only thing keeping them alive.”

Sunburst frowns. “And unconscious, I might add.”

Max purses his lips. “Some kind of sedative in the fluid as well?”

“Yes. It too appears magical.”

Arc looks to Sunburst. “Would any of that hurt them long term?”

“Quite the opposite, sir. Judging by the preliminary data I’ve collected, a human could be kept alive with this substance theoretically indefinitely.”

Hugh appears squeamish. “What about… um… the other part of digestion?”

Arc frowns. “What are you…?”

Rose puts a hand on Arc’s arm. “I believe Hugh is referring to ‘excretion’.”

Sunburst nods. “In theory, the subject’s digestive tract would be greatly bypassed. However, there’s always a need to remove other kinds of waste from the body. There’s probably a pump that circulates the fluid as it’s excreted, filters and warms the fluid before pumping it back into the tank.”

Sereb frowns. “It sounds very efficient.”

Frank narrows his eyes. “If by ‘efficient’ you mean ‘twisted’ then yes, I agree with you.”

Arc sighs. “Any clue what someone could be doing to them in those tanks, Sunburst?”

“I’ve watched the video feed that was sent to me, and have compared notes with Rose regarding the papers she possessed.”

Rose nods. “They were the room’s inventory. Every chemical that was stored in the room was on there.”

Ember grins. “Now we’re getting somewhere!”

“Sadly, not as far as I would have liked. Most of the substances were fairly generic and could be used in a myriad of different ways.”

Frank appears nervous. “Could… could they be experimenting on my boys?!”

“They may be. We won’t know for sure until a get a sample from one of the tubes to run some tests on. Then I may be able figure out a way to safely remove them from their capsules. Again, in theory.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll have to break back in to get that.”

Frank frowns. “But how would you get a sample, Arc? Capable as you are, electronics isn’t exactly your strong suit.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Nor is stealth.”

“Hey! I did okay keeping hidden in there!”

Rose turns to him. “Perhaps I should come along next time, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s too dangerous, Rose.”

Sereb sighs. “Someone with the necessary skills will need to take the sample, Arc.”

Rose nods. “Yes. And have your back if things go wrong.”

Ember clenches her fists. “Tell you what, Arc. You can either take her or me. Pick one.”

Arc sighs. “Rose.”

Rose smiles. “I won’t let you down!”

“Thanks. Now all we need is a plan.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Can’t you two just go in the same way you did before, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. It took a lot of energy to slow myself down like I did. Doing it while carrying another person would most likely end very badly.”

Max muses to himself. “What if Rose could just walk in the front entrance?”

Sunburst nods. “She does look like a normal human.”

Frank grins. “That she does.”

Arc sighs. “True. But I can’t imagine they’d just let anyone in. She’d need an ID of some kind.”

Rose stands up. “I do believe I can help with that.”

She turns to the computer and sits down. Pressing a few keys she pulls up the footage of Diva passing Arc. He shudders as the video is paused.

“Not my favorite part.”

Sereb frowns. “Is there something we should be looking for here?”

Rose points at the screen. “Look at Diva’s chest.”

Frank looks confused. “Her uniform?”

Arc gasps. “Wait a second! Now I get it!”

Xenos frowns. “Sir?”

Ember points. “That badge! It’s looks like the one Auriel’s mother left behind!”

Hugh shakes his head. “It’s not likely it’d still be active, sir.”

“True. But the picture on it is similar to Rose.”

Sereb nods. “A bit of work on her hair and no one would give her a second glance.”

“Right. She couldn’t open any doors, but it would get her inside the base at least.”

“That and I could follow you if need be by using my thermal scanners.”

Ember grins. “Arc could still get in the same way he did before. Then they could meet up inside that building.”

Arc turns to her. “Are you sure you’re up to this, Rose?”

“You mean after what happened last time?”

“Yes. If they catch either of us down there, we’re not going to be able to make a run for it like we did at the hospital.”

“I understand that. Honestly, I’ve been looking for a way to make up for that.”

Sereb sighs. “But what if you freeze up again?”

Ember shrugs. “Worst case scenario, she could start shooting.”

Frank glares at Ember. “At our country’s soldiers?!”

Arc nods. “Right. They’re flesh and blood, after all. That and I doubt they know what’s really going on in there.”

“I promise not to harm any living beings unless absolutely necessary.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “Will you need any additional backup, sir?”

“I don’t think so, no. Ember will be in the woods already, and Rose will be with me.”

Ember nods. “We got this.”

“I guess the only thing we need before doing this is the ID from Auriel.”

Sereb frowns. “Do you think she’ll give it to you?”

“No idea. I mean, she and I are friends and all, but…”

Ember nods soberly. “But that’s all she has left of her mother.”

“Yeah.”

Frank shrugs. “You would only need to borrow it for a day.”

Sunburst turns and points a hoof. “Shall I head over to the workshop and ask her about it, sir?”

“No. I need to do that myself. When’s the next safe window?”

“I can get you back right now if you’d like, sir.”

“That’ll work. See you in a few, Sunburst.”

“I shall be ready and waiting, sir.”

He nods and vanishes. Arc turns to the shelf with the portable recall unit.

“No time like the present, I suppose.”

Xenos sighs. “Anything you’d like us to do while you’re gone, sir?”

“Yes. I want two of you to head back to that beach with a tent, food, water, and whatever you think you need to last a few days.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

Rose turns to him. “I can do that alone, Arc. That and I don’t need to bring any supplies.”

Max nods. “She does bring up a good point, sir.”

“True. But I want at least three of you out there. Your mission will be to keep an eye on the base at all times. We need to know when they get supplies and personnel.”

Frank looks to Rose. “You looking to add a member to their staff?”

“In a matter of speaking. Rose stands the best chance of not raising suspicion if she goes in there with a group of other researchers.”

Xenos frowns. “How do you know they do that? Come and go, I mean, sir.”

“They’ve got to have staff changes at some point. And when they do, we need to go in with them.”

Max grins. “I’ll head out there with Xenos and Rose, sir.”

“Fine. Viktor can keep an eye on things here while we’re all gone.”

Sereb frowns. “All?”

“You, Frank, and Ember can come back to Equestria with me. After all, there won’t really be anything for you to do here.”

Frank sighs. “I don’t really mind coming, but…”

Ember nods soberly. “You feel bad leaving your men behind, right?”

“Yes.”

Sereb nods. “We will find a way to help them.”

Frank looks to Arc, hopeful. “Perhaps something could be done sooner?”

“That we will. But it won’t do any good if we get caught without properly scouting the place out first.”

Frank sighs. “Yes, that’s true. But…”

“Have I ever let you down before, Frank?”

“No.”

“Then trust me on this.”

“Very well.”

Arc sets the portable recall device on the floor and pushes the button. A portal forms and Frank, Ember, and Sereb step through. Arc turns to Max.

“I… I’m counting on you.”

Max nods soberly. “I won’t let you down, sir.”

Arc nods and steps through the portal. Xenos steps forward and shuts it down as Rose heads for the steps.

“We should get moving.”

Hugh sighs. “First we need to find a tent.”

Xenos grins. “No worries there. The mall has a sporting goods store.”

Max nods. “Sounds like a good place to start.”

They follow Rose up the stairs. Meanwhile, Arc and company reappear on the S.P.E.A.R in Princess Celestia’s room. Sunburst walks over to them.

“Right this way, sir.”

Walking past, he leads them out the door and down the corridor. Arc turns to Frank.

“When we finish up here, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

“Can’t it wait until after we…?”

“It’s a personal matter.”

“Oh. I see.”

They reach the Workshop. Sunburst motions to the Royal Guards. They turn and look the other way as Arc opens the door. Stepping inside they find Auriel going over a blueprint with Hard Hat. She waves them over before turning back to the stallion.

“That should solve the problem of potential energy feedback.”

Hard Hat nods. “We’ll get to work on it right away.”

Auriel hands him the blueprint before approaching Arc.

“We’re making wonderful progress here.”

Arc looks around “It sure looks like it.”

Ember grins. “Yeah. This place is really jumping.”

Frank chuckles. “Like a well-oiled machine.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“I made a few suggestions on ways to improve efficiency on several of Sunburst and Stellar Flare’s designs.”

Sunburst grins. “Yes, Auriel’s quite good at what she does.”

“It’s nice to be on a project that will help protect someone rather than building weapons.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thanks for doing this, Auriel. It means a lot to me and the others.”

“All things considered, it’s time I gave something back to the land and inhabitants whom took me in. But in any case, did you come for another inspection tour, Arc?”

“Actually, no. I need to talk to you about a rather… pressing matter.”

“Oh… well, we can talk in the office.”

She gestures to a door nearby.

“I was actually thinking somewhere a bit more private.”

“Um… okay.”

Arc turns to the others.

“I’ll be back in a bit. Why don’t the rest of you look around and familiarize yourselves with some of the gear we’ll be taking on the mission?”

They nod as Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. He and Auriel step into it and are gone. Sunburst motions for them to follow.

“Let me show you around.”

Ember grins. “Sounds good.”

Sereb grunts. “Lead on.”

Ember turns to Frank.

“You coming?”

Frank shakes his head. “No, thank you. I believe I’ll just wait here. It’ll give me time to rest my leg.”

Sunburst motions with a hoof. “This way, everypony.”

Frank watches them walk away for a time before looking all around at the hustle and bustle. He smiles.

“All this preparation by the worker bees to rescue their missing queen. Very touching. Very touching, indeed.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Auriel step out of the portal. Auriel looks around.

“Your room in the castle, Arc?”

Arc nods. “It’s probably one of the most secure. Not to mention quiet. No one will be able to hear us here.”

Auriel smiles and blushes slightly. “Yes, that’s true.”

“Why don’t we sit down?”

He motions toward the couch. Auriel nods.

“Yes, that’s probably for the best.”

They sit down next to each other. Auriel folds her claws neatly in her lap as she waits patiently for Arc to speak.

“So… how are you doing here?”

“Staying very busy, that’s for sure.”

“That much I could see. I mean, how are the staff treating you?”

“Like anyone else, I suppose. But that might have something to do with me coming here with you personally. I’m sure it must be hard for the staff to take orders from a demon.”

“You seemed to be fully in control of the project back there though.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Officially, I’m not. Sunburst always has the final say, of course. But he’s been very open to my opinions and thoughts on a number of changes.”

“Good. Now if anyone gives you trouble don’t hesitate to report it. They can deal with me, or Shining Armor if I’m not around.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

She looks suddenly nervous.

“Um… can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“There’s been something going through my mind for some time now. Do you remember when we first met?”

“When you were powering up the Malice Cannon? What about it?”

“Well… back then we didn’t know each other. I have to admit, your sudden appearance really scared me!”

“Sorry about that.”

“I’m sure you felt about the same regarding me though.”

“Kinda, I suppose. But what’s this about?”

Auriel sighs. “I told you that if you removed the Bloodstone it would cause the Malice Cannon to explode. From a tactical standpoint that was a clear example of killing three birds with one stone. Doing so would destroy the machine easily, take possession of its irreplaceable power source, and its creator would be silenced forever.”

She fidgets with her claws nervously.

“Forgive me if I sound callous, but… I just want to know why.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “To which part?”

“I mean… why did you save me? For all you knew I could have one day been your executioner.”

“Well, back then you didn’t look like an evil mastermind. Instead, you appeared to be more like a scared little girl. Sorry if that sounds really crass, and all. But can I ask you something about that time?”

“Me?”

Arc nods as Auriel fidgets.

“O-okay.”

“Why did you save me after I passed out?”

“Because I owed you that much. You had just spared my life, so I had felt that I had to do the same.”

“Was that the only reason?”

“Not exactly. I really did want to see the outside world. Considering my race and lineage though, I figured I would have been executed soon enough.”

She smiles at him sheepishly.

“Truthfully, I was pleasantly surprised that Equestria was much more lenient than I was led to believe. And thanks to that I was able to build a new life here.”

“So you’re happy?”

Auriel smiles and nods. “Very much so, yes! It’s just…”

Her expression suddenly changes.

“…I still wish my father was here. He and the others have suffered so much in Tartarus.”

Auriel looks up at him with a hopeful look in her eyes.

“Do… do you suppose one day they might be released?”

“As it stands, probably not. However, should they be able to walk out as you did, then they’ll be free, yes.”

Auriel bows her head. “I understand.”

“Let me ask you something, Auriel. Has anyone other than you ever left Tartarus?”

“No.”

“Why is that? And I’m not trying to be snide. Just honestly interested.”

“I believe it’s due to their forced separation from the homeland and nature. Not seeing the sky and sun, yet knowing they exist for the Equestrians to bask in at their leisure led to resentment between our races.”

“And the unending escape attempts.”

Auriel nods.

“My idea for the artificial sun was in an effort to bring plants to Tartarus. That much I already told everyone. However, my plan was much larger than that.”

“I think I see where this is going.”

“If we couldn’t bring everyone out to see nature, I wanted to bring nature to Tartarus. It was in hope of calming everyone’s nerves, dousing their anger, and hopefully beginning them down the road to redemption.”

“And then they could just walk out on their own?”

“Yes. I know it’s a long shot, but nothing thus far has worked.”

“That’s a very noble goal, Auriel.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry for all the trouble it caused. After all, Twilight and I didn’t mean to wake up an ancient plant or create a new lifeform. Again.”

“It’s okay, Auriel. What’s done is done.”

“Can I ask you something else, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“You and my father have had several… altercations in the past. Why are you doing this?”

“You mean why am I trying to help the demons in Tartarus?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Forgive me, but from the trouble we’ve cause I would have assumed you’d be very interested in keeping them locked away forever.”

“They’re a threat to Equestria, yes. However I’d like to see that change.”

“You do?”

“Yes. If this will help rehabilitate them, all the better for both Equestria and demon kind. They’ll get to return to their homeland and this land will have one less enemy to worry about.”

“Thank you for taking such a stance on this, Arc. I know the princesses aren’t too keen on the idea.”

“They trust my judgement.”

“You’re really putting your reputation on the line here though.”

“So are you.”

Auriel appears surprised. “I am?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’ve been allowed to stay thus far due to your banishment from Tartarus. However, if this goes badly it might make the princesses think twice about allowing you free roam of the land.”

Auriel appears suddenly worried as Arc continues.

“I’m not trying to scare you. But you should know the potential risks to your future. Now then, do you still want to proceed with your plan?”

“Yes, I do. Everyone is suffering so much. If I can make their lives better it’s worth the risk to me.”

Arc smiles at her. “Somehow I thought you’d say that. As soon as Twilight and you are ready with the equipment and the essence I’ll help you get this project off the ground.”

“Thank you.”

They are silent for a time as Auriel wipes a tear of joy from her eye.

“Really, thank you so much for all you’ve done for me, Arc.”

“It’s no problem. Um… but…”

“Is something wrong?”

Arc sighs. “Well, I actually came here to ask you for a favor.”

“Anything!”

“Tell me, do you still have that ID card your father gave you?”

Auriel nods and reaches into her lab coat pocket. Pulling out the card she looks at it lovingly.

“I’m never without it. But why do you ask?”

“Uh… truth be told… I was going to ask if I could… borrow it.”

Auriel looks confused. “Whatever for?”

“It’s a military ID. The same as the ones worn by the staff of a facility back on Earth.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! You saw others with the same card?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. We want to use it to get Rose inside the facility. You see…”

Auriel interrupts him. “I want to come with you!”

“Auriel?”

“That facility might have some information on where my mother went!”

“You think she might have gone back to Earth after leaving Tartarus?”

“Maybe! She’s not there or in Equestria as far as anyone knows!”

She takes Arc’s hands in her claws and looks up to him with a pleading look in her eyes.

“I know this is dangerous. But if there’s ANY chance I might be able to learn her fate… I need to know the truth.”

“Auriel, I know how you feel, but… I don’t believe you know the extreme nature of the situation.”

“I’ll take any risk! Just please don’t leave me out of this!”

Arc sighs and nods.

“Alright, Auriel. You can come on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You obey all my instructions when we’re on Earth without question. Can you do that?”

She smiles and nods fervently.

“Y-yes! Of course! When do we leave?!”

Arc chuckles. “Whenever the next portal allows. Probably in a day or two.”

“I’ll be ready! Promise!”

Chapter 5 - Fatherly Duty

Arc and Auriel return to the workshop and head over to the others. Auriel turns to him.

“Thank you for being so understanding, Arc. I promise I won’t disappoint you.”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

Auriel scurries off with Sunburst and Hard Hat. Ember turns to Arc.

“What was that all about?”

“She… um… asked to come back to Earth with us.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “That is most surprising. I would have thought she could not be away from her experiments for that long.”

Frank shrugs. “Perhaps she only wishes to learn more about human culture.”

Arc sighs. “There’s more to it. But we should get moving.”

He leads the group out of the workshop and down the corridor. Ember walks by his side.

“Something’s bothering you, isn’t it?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Sereb turns to him. “Would you care to speak of it?”

“It’s not like that. I just need some time.”

Frank smiles. “Very well, my friend. But may I ask where we are going?”

“The Royal Gardens.”

Sereb grins. “They should be lovely this time of year.”

Heading outside the group walks through the well-manicured gardens. Frank gasps.

“Exquisite!”

Ember shrugs. “I’m a bit partial to the statues myself.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “The scents here are unlike anything else.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, they are.”

A short time later they come to a pair of benches across from one another. Frank smiles.

“This looks like a nice spot. Why don’t we have a seat?”

Ember grimaces. “I don’t think that’s a very good…”

Arc interrupts her. “No. Let’s do that.”

Sereb points down a path. “Perhaps it would be wiser to find a spot somewhere a bit further down the…”

Arc shakes his head angrily. “I said here!”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“Let’s… just sit down, okay?”

“If there’s…”

Ember puts a claw on Frank’s shoulder and shakes her head soberly. Arc and Ember sit on one bench as Frank takes the one across from them. For the longest time there is nothing but the sound of birdsong and the wind blowing through the leaves. Eventually Arc speaks.

“It was a magical night.”

Sereb sighs. “Yes.”

Ember nods soberly. “Such a long time ago, or so it feels.”

Arc frowns. “It’s like yesterday to me.”

Frank appears confused. “Oh?”

“It was on this very bench that the princesses and I spoke the night I abdicated.”

Frank frowns. “You did what?”

Ember nods. “Arc was the nation’s Lord Regent for a while when the princesses fell into comas.”

Arc grimaces. “Not my favorite job.”

Frank looks to his friends. “So you brought them up to speed on the state of the country?”

“No, that had already been done. We were talking about my plans for the near future. A little time off with my family was on the horizon.”

Sereb sighs. “I remember you being very excited about something called a ‘camping trip’.”

Frank shrugs. “Well, I hope you had a good time.”

“That trip didn’t happen right away.”

“Things came up, eh?”

Arc suddenly stands and turns toward the castle.

“Something like that.”

Ember takes his hand and walks with him toward the large double doors nearby. Sereb motions with a wave of his paw for Frank to follow. They step into the empty Ballroom as Arc looks toward a certain spot. Frank marvels at the room.

“What a grand room! It would make for a splendid party!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “It… all happened so fast.”

Ember gives Arc’s hand a squeeze. “There was no way you could have…”

“I keep telling myself that. But…”

Frank turns to his friend. “Arc? What are you…”

Sereb puts a paw on Frank’s foot and shakes his head. Arc looks up at the balcony.

“She… she had been taking a walk. Just wanted to clear her head, I imagine. Wind Rider found her. Pushed her off. She… she landed… here.”

Arc kneels down and puts a hand on the cool marble floor as he continues talking.

“Although I’m sure it was agony, she warned me about the assassination attempt. I was able to call for my armor just in time.”

He looks again to the balcony as he stands and seethes.

“Wind Rider. I don’t know how, but… I could sense him coming. Flying toward me. But at the last moment…”

Arc spins around as he calls forth a gauntlet and activates the magic blade. Stabbing upward toward the balcony he grits his teeth.

“I caught him right in the gut! The look of surprise and pain on his face are forever burned into my memory!”

Arc angrily brings the magic blade to his face before swinging it outward violently.

“He was thrown to the floor and begged for mercy, but I gave him none. Without so much as a second thought, I thrust my blade through his wretched black heart. With a certain degree of finality I took a moment to watch him die before turning back to her.”

Arc turns to kneel back down on the floor.

“She remembered. She finally remembered me in those last moments. I held her as her blood flowed over my armor and onto the floor. We kissed as she spoke her final words and breathed her last.”

Arc is silent as Ember kneels down behind him and puts her claws on his shoulders.

“You were there for her to the end, Arc.”

Sereb nods. “I’m sure that’s what she wanted.”

“I… I held her… in her final moments. There just wasn’t enough time to… tell her a few things.”

Frank hobbles over and sits down next to Arc. “There isn’t always a happy ending to every story, my friend. However, you above all others deserve one.”

He puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“What was her name?”

“Cherry. Cherry Jubilee.”

Arc reaches into his pocket and pulls out the pocket watch. Opening it, he turns the picture of Cherry to Frank.

“This was the engagement gift she gave me. It was a family heirloom that was supposed to be given to the stallion she would marry.”

“She’s… lovely, Arc.”

Sereb nods sadly. “You and Miss Cherry always appeared so happy together.”

Ember nods. “We all thought you and her were made for each other.”

Arc touches the photo. “Yes, well… some things just don’t work the way you want them to.”

Putting away the watch, Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out Cherry’s pendant. He holds it for a long moment before speaking again.

“I gave her this as my own engagement present. One-of-a-kind… just like her.”

Ember smiles. “She loved that pendant.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Frank gasps. “It’s unlike anything I have ever seen before!”

“I had wanted her buried with it. But her sister said Cherry wouldn’t have wanted that.”

He holds the pendant to his chest for a time and smiles.

“Had I been given the chance, I would have switched places with her in a heartbeat.”

Ember forces a smile. “We know you would have Arc. As did Cherry.”

“Yes, well… I was fortunate not to lose her that day.”

Frank nods. “She will live on in your heart, my friend.”

Arc chuckles sadly. “You have no idea just how accurate that statement is, my friend. Cherry, would you like to say hello?”

“Hello, Mister Fontaine.”

Frank looks to Ember.

“Was that you?”

Ember shakes her head as Cherry continues.

“No, sir. I’m the one whom gave her heart to Arc.”

Arc smiles. “Frank, I know this will be hard to imagine, but… you’re really hearing Cherry’s voice.”

“But… but how?!”

“As I died my soul was drawn to the gem in the center of his armor. It took some time, but I was eventually able to communicate with him via his armor.”

“So… you’re… you’re really…?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Miss Cherry died that day. However she is still very much with us.”

Arc closes his eyes. “I didn’t really understand the details, and frankly didn’t really care. Cherry was back, and we could be together again.”

“Now I spend most of my days in his head. I can see what he does, hear what he hears, and even control his armor.”

Ember chuckles. “Like that day at the festival.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Yeah, I don’t remember that one too well.”

Frank frowns. “It was certainly an interesting day.”

Cherry sighs. “Not quite the word I would have chosen. From my point of view it was like someone had flicked a switch and turned him off.”

Arc nods. “Very unpleasantly, I might add. But we should get a move on. I… don’t really want to stay here.”

Ember breathes a sigh of relief. “Yeah, we understand.”

Sereb looks up at him. “Where shall we go, Arc?”

Frank clears his throat. “How about back to Ponyville?”

“Um… I guess we could do that.”

Ember turns to Frank. “You looking to do something in particular there?”

Frank shrugs. “I just thought Arc would like to return to what appears to be his favorite town.”

“Kinda would, actually.”

Raising his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Allowing everyone else to step through, he takes one last look back at the spot. A single tear courses down his cheek before he wipes it away, turns, and follows the others. Reappearing on the sigil in Dinky’s house Arc is surprised to see Derpy and Dinky sitting at the kitchen table.

“DAD?!”

The little filly runs over and jumps into Arc’s arms. He smiles and tousles her mane affectionately.

“Hey there, sweetheart!”

“I missed you, dad!”

“And I missed you as well. But tell me, why aren’t you in school?”

Derpy giggles. “It’s Saturday, Arc.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “It is?’

Frank looks at his watch. “So it is.”

“Are you staying long, dad?!”

“Truth be told, I don’t really know. We need to get back for a mission of utmost urgency.”

Dinky lowers her head, dejectedly.

“Oh.”

Frank turns to his friend. “Why don’t we take them with us, Arc?”

Ember appears confused. “Back to Earth?”

“Certainly. I’m sure they’d enjoy seeing your home there.”

Derpy smiles. “We’ve actually been there before.”

“Yeah! My dad’s house is really big!”

She looks to her mother expectantly.

“Can we mom?!”

“That’s up to your father, dear.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t know. We’re really busy back there right now.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. Things are really heating up.”

Dinky sighs.

“Okay.”

Frank frowns. “Arc, might I have a word with you privately?”

“Sure.”

He turns to Dinky.

“I’ll be right back.”

Dinky nods silently as Arc motions for Frank to follow him out the back door. The pair step out into the backyard.

“Now then, what’s on your mind, Frank?”

“Dinky.”

“Dinky?”

“She misses you terribly.”

Arc sighs. “I know. But what can I do?”

“Take her with you for starters.”

“Now?!”

“No time like the present.”

“But we’re going to be breaking into that facility again!”

“All the more reason to spend time with her.”

“What are you talking about?”

Frank sighs. “One never knows just how much time we have left.”

“He’s right, Arc.”

Arc gasps. “Ch-Cherry?!”

“What?”

“Sorry. I was just a bit surprised.”

“Well, now that Frank knows about me there’s no reason I should stay quiet, is there?”

“I guess not.”

Frank sighs. “Now, I’m not trying to tell you how to raise your daughter. But think of those days back in the orphanage.”

Arc frowns. “What about them?”

“How we all dreamed of one day having a family. Real parents whom didn’t leave us behind.”

Arc is silent as Frank’s words sink in.

“I understand your desire to complete the job back on Earth. But you mustn’t lose sight of the big picture OR the small things.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s not like she’ll be coming along to the facility, after all.”

“You're right. Both of you, that is.”

Cherry sighs. “Glad you see that now. Would you like me to walk over to the orphanage and tell Cheerilee?”

“Sure, Cherry.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “How is she going to…?”

Arc calls forth his armor. The front of it melts away and he steps out. Eidolon’s Ward turns to Frank.

“Look after Arc while I’m gone.”

Arc waves. “See you in a bit, Cherry.”

They watch as the armor walks around the side of the house. Frank turns to Arc.

“How… did she do that?!”

“Which part?”

“All of it!”

“Truthfully, I have no idea. But why don’t we head back inside and tell Derpy and Dinky the good news?”

“Yes. Let’s.”

The pair head back toward the house. Entering, they see Derpy sitting on the couch with Ember. Her ears droop as the young dragon puts a claw around her shoulders. Sereb lays in front of the fireplace. Arc looks around before turning to Derpy.

“Something wrong?”

Derpy nods sadly. “Dinky… she’s pretty upset.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah, Arc. After you walked outside she got this really weird look on her face.”

Frank turns to Arc. “This must be about you not wanting to take her with us.”

“Probably. Where is she now?”

Sereb gestures with a paw to the bedroom door. “She ran in there.”

“I’ll go talk to her.”

Arc walks over to the door and knocks lightly. Hearing no response he slowly opens the door. Stepping into the room he spots a small lump under the covers of his bed. Sighing, he closes the door behind him.

“Dinky?”

There is no response. Arc walks over to the bed and sits down. The sound of small sniffles can be heard.

“I’m… I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

Dinky pokes her small nose out from under the covers as Arc puts his hand on her back.

“Can we talk about it?”

Nodding weakly, Dinky wiggles out from under the covers and sits down next to her father sadly.

“Dad, I… I’m sorry.”

Arc looks to her, surprised. “You are?”

Dinky nods as she hangs her head.

“I need to tell you something.”

“Sure, Dinky. What’s on your mind?”

“When you came home, I was so happy to see you. I really, REALLY missed you!”

“And I missed you too, sweetheart. Are you upset about… what I said earlier?”

“Not… exactly. I mean…”

Dinky sighs.

“It’s complicated.”

Arc puts a hand on her back. “Take your time. I’ll wait.”

“I should probably start at the beginning.”

Arc nods. “That would be wise, yes.”

“Well… it all started when the griffon younglings started coming over from the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Are they not getting along with the foals?”

“No, that’s not it. At least now anyways.”

“Did you have something to do with that?”

“Yeah. You see, Miss Pommel asked for my help getting the newcomers settled in. Back then they were scared and hungry. More scared than anything though.”

“Being taken to a foreign land they knew nothing about certainly couldn’t have been easy. But why you?”

“Ginny, Glynda, Geoffrey, and Gigi had the same problem adjusting. I was able to get the others to give them a chance.”

“I remember you mentioning that a while back.”

“The newcomers weren’t as anxious as they were to adapt though.”

“But they appear to be well adjusted these days.”

Dinky nods. “They are.”

“Then why so sad, sweetheart?”

Dinky sighs. “One of the things I did was get everypony together after school every day to talk for a bit. One youngling would share their story before we would head inside to do our homework. The next day a foal orphan would do the same.”

“That was a very smart idea. Talking through a problem is the first step to dealing with things, after all.”

“I thought so too. But a lot of the stories, foal and youngling, were the same.”

“Oh?”

Dinky nods sadly. “Many of them said their parents abandoned them in various public places. Others had left on their own when they were… well… abused.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Define ‘abused’.”

“You remember how you told me to say something if somepony touched my filly parts, dad?”

“Yes.”

Dinky looks nervous. “Well… some of them had to put up with a lot more than just touching.”

Arc frowns. “I see. Did you tell Coco Pommel about this?”

“Yes, dad. She thanked me for bringing it to her attention and told me to go back downstairs.”

“Did she do anything about it?”

“She must’ve called Miss Emerald Dream, because she came over right away.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Those younglings need help after that.”

Dinky nods. “Some of them do, yeah.”

“So you’re upset that some of your new friends were molested?”

“I am, but… there’s more to it.”

“I’ll listen.”

“One of the things many of the younglings had in common with foals was the story of how their parents didn’t have time for them. They would just leave them home alone while they spent all day at work.”

Dinky looks nervous.

“A lot of them… said that their parents were around less and less until they just… just…”

Tears begin to flow from Dinky’s eyes as she struggles to continue.

“…stopped coming home altogether!”

Arc pulls Dinky into an embrace as she continues crying.

“What happened to them?”

“They… they don’t know! When the food in the house ran out they had to leave and scrounge for more!”

Arc nods soberly. “Which led them to the docks and from there to Griffon’s Gate.”

“Yeah, that’s what they said happened.”

She looks up at him with tear filled eyes.

“Is… is that going to happen to mom and I, dad?!”

“Wait, what?”

“You come home less and less every time!”

“And you’re worried one day I just won’t come back?”

Dinky nods as fresh tears stream down her face.

“Dinky, I’m sorry about that. I… I really am.”

“We don’t want to lose you! Mom and I love you so much, dad!”

She wraps her little hooves around his neck. Arc allows her to cry for some time before speaking.

“This is my fault, Dinky. I haven’t been spending nearly enough time with you.”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, dad. I… I understand. You have to help everypony in the world. Not just me.”

“That… may be true, sweetheart. But you need me too. Listen, I need to tell you something.”

“Is it… bad?”

“No, dear. Frank and I had a little talk. He said something very similar to what you are.”

“He… he did?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You see, like your friends, I too grew up with Frank in an orphanage.”

“I remember you telling us that some time ago.”

“The kids there had the same stories as your friends. Now I have the opportunity to make a difference by raising you the best I know how.”

“But dad…!”

“Please, let me finish.”

He takes a deep breath and looks Dinky straight in the eye.

“I’ve missed you terribly since I left, sweetheart. And I know that I do want you with me. That’s why I’d like it if you came back to Earth with me.”

Dinky’s eyes light up excitedly.

“You mean it?!”

Arc smiles. “I do, Dinky.”

“Can mom come too?!”

“If she wants to, sure.”

Dinky throws her hooves around Arc’s neck and smiles uncontrollably.

“I promise I’ll be a good filly over there, dad!”

Arc returns the hug. “You always have been, sweetheart. I’m so proud to be your father.”

“And I’m proud of you too, dad!”

Chapter 6 - Expect the Unexpected

Arc, Sereb, Ember, and Dinky walk down a corridor in Canterlot Castle together. Cherry calls out to Dinky.

“I’m sorry your mother couldn’t come with us.”

Ember nods. “Yeah, she really liked Earth the last time she was there.”

Dinky smiles. “Yes, well… I understand her reasoning behind it. Miss Pommel needs the extra help. Also, Dad and I really need to spend more time together.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “You don’t think she’ll get lonely, do you?”

“Nah. Derpy’s going to be staying at the orphanage while Dinky and I are gone.”

Cherry calls out. “That does make sense. After all, there’s not much at home that she doesn’t have there.”

Dinky shrugs. “Nothing I can think of. Other than her mat, that is.”

Ember grins. “I saw her rolling it up as we were leaving, so I’m guessing she took it with her.”

Arc smiles. “Next time we’ll bring her along for sure, okay Dinky?”

“Yeah!”

Ember frowns. “What about Frank?”

Arc chuckles. “He said he wanted to help out at the orphanage too.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “That’s surprising.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. As worried as he was about his gang, I would have thought he’d be begging to come back.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Well, Frank understands he wouldn’t have anything to do. That would have just given him a lot of time to worry about them.”

Cherry sighs. “Keeping your mind off of troubling thoughts is easy when you have other things to do.”

They approach Princess Celestia’s room. Arc looks down at his daughter.

“You won’t be homesick without your mother, will you sweetheart?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, dad. Remember, I was okay when I… never mind.”

Ember frowns. “When you followed Arc through the portal the first time?”

Dinky nods sheepishly. “Yes. But I promised I wouldn’t ever do that again!”

Arc pats her head. “I believe you, sweetheart.”

Coming to the doors, Sereb pushes them open with his magic before allowing the others to enter first. Sunburst looks over from the S.P.E.A.R, confused.

“You’re taking a filly with you this time, sir?”

“Yes. Is there a problem?”

“N-no sir. I’ll make sure to give all of you as smooth a ride as possible. Shall I enable the transformation sigil?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we’ll be doing that here.”

Sunburst gestures to a corner of the room that has a large vanity screen covering it.

“As requested, I’ve set up a makeshift changing area back there for your female companions, sir.”

“Good. Dinky, you’ll find an outfit back there that should fit you.”

Sereb frowns. “What about Ember?”

Ember shrugs. “I left some clothes here last time. Just in case.”

Dinky giggles and grabs her father’s hand as she pulls him toward the screen.

“Come on, dad! You can help change me back into a little human filly!”

“Um… that probably isn’t a good idea.”

Dinky looks confused. “Why not, dad? I can’t change myself into a human without you!”

Ember grins. “She’s right, Arc. The spell requires a target creature.”

He sighs. “I suppose that’s true. Well, let’s get to it then.”

Arc, Ember, and Dinky step behind the screen. Ember and Dinky put on their respective robes as Sereb walks over.

“Are we ready to begin?”

Ember grins. “Sure are!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Tie your sash first, Ember.”

“Why?”

Arc looks over to her as he kneels down next to Dinky to tie hers. “You know why.”

Ember sighs. “Fine.”

Arc nods as he straightens up. “Go ahead, Sereb.”

Sereb’s horn glows as he casts the spell. In a few moments Ember and Dinky go through their transformation. Dinky giggles as she wiggles her fingers and toes happily.

“I sure missed these!”

Ember looks down the front of her robe, grinning. “And I missed having these.”

Dinky turns to her father. “What did Ember mean by that, dad?”

Arc frowns at Ember. “I’ll let her explain it.”

“N-nothing! It was… just a joke!”

Arc stands and turns to leave. “Sereb and I will let you two have some privacy so you can put on your clothes.”

Ember calls out after him. “You don’t have to…”

He shoots her a withering glance.

“Never mind.”

Arc motions for Sereb to follow him. Ember sighs as Dinky runs over to the hook on the wall. Removing her small robe, she hangs it up neatly before hurrying over to Ember with outstretched arms as the young woman removes her own robe.

“I’ll take that for you!”

“Thanks.”

Dinky takes the robe but pauses to look Ember over.

“Is… something wrong, Dinky?”

“I don’t know. How come you’re shaped differently than I am?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

Dinky looks down at her own naked body. “You have those two big bumps on your chest, and I don’t.”

“Yeah, I suppose.”

“Why’s that?”

Ember shrugs. “I guess it’s because I’m an adult and you’re a child.”

“But my dad doesn’t have them.”

“That’s true. Honestly, I’m not sure why not. You’ll have to ask him yourself about it. But for now we should get dressed.”

“Okay.

Dinky and Ember dress and step out from behind the screen. They see Arc talking to Auriel, whom had arrived while they changed. Dinky runs over to her.

“Hi, Miss Auriel!”

“Who are… D-Dinky?!”

Dinky grins. “Yup!”

Ember gives the demoness a thumbs up. “Me too.”

Auriel gasps. “Ember?! You look so… different than before!”

Ember tugs at her leather jacket. “It’s the clothes.”

Arc looks to Sunburst. “Is there time for Auriel to change?”

“Yes sir.”

Arc motions to Auriel.

“Right this way.”

“What for?”

Ember turns to Auriel. “Sereb needs to turn you into a human before we leave. Don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt.”

Dinky takes the young demon’s hand. “Come on, Miss Auriel! I bet you’ll be a very pretty human mare!”

They enter the screened off area again. Dinky picks up a robe from the hooks on the wall and hands it to Auriel.

“Here you go!”

“Can’t I just wear my lab coat?”

Dinky shakes her head. “I don’t think it would fit you afterwards. The robe has plenty of room to expand.”

Auriel sighs. “Very well.”

She disrobes and hands her lab coat to Dinky whom puts it dutifully on an empty hook. Turning back to Auriel, Dinky looks the now bare demoness up and down.

“You look kinda like Ember without your lab coat on.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I think so. But you should put that robe on so Sereb can come in.”

Auriel does so. Dinky steps to the entrance and peeks out.

“We’re ready, Mister Sereb!”

Sereb walks over and follows Dinky over to Auriel.

“Please stand side by side.”

Dinky does so as Auriel appears suddenly nervous.

“Do I really have to do this?!”

Sereb nods. “Yes.”

Dinky looks up at her. “Do you want me to hold your hand, Miss Auriel?”

Auriel nervously nods. Dinky slips her small hand into the demoness’ claws before turning to Sereb.

“Ready!”

Sereb’s horn glows as he casts the spell. A moment later Auriel the human stands before him.

“I’ll let you get changed.”

Auriel appears confused. “Changed?”

Sereb sighs. “You… don’t have anything to wear, do you?”

Auriel picks up her lab coat and sighs.

“There’s no way this will fit me now.”

Sereb nods. “You are a bit… bigger now, yes.”

“Let me ask my dad what we should do.”

She and Sereb step out from the screen. Dinky hurries over to her father who is talking to Sunburst, and tugs on his tunic.

“Yes, Dinky?”

“Do we have any more clothes, dad? Auriel…”

Arc facepalms. “I completely forgot!”

Ember shrugs. “What’s the problem? She has a robe on, right?”

“Dinky?”

“Yeah, dad. She’s covered. But…”

Sereb sighs. “Is something wrong?”

Dinky frowns. “Her chest is a bit smaller than Ember’s. Is there something wrong with her and I?”

Arc blushes. “Dinky, I… um… think you and I need to have a talk later.”

Dinky looks nervous. “Am I in trouble?”

“No, no. It’s just… there’s a few things you need to know about human females, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Let me go talk to Auriel right now though.”

Arc steps over to the screen. He spots Auriel sitting in a chair, looking nervous. She stands as he walks over.

“Do… do I look okay?”

Arc nods. “Just fine. Now, uh… I’m sorry, but I kinda forget to get you anything to wear. We have clothes that will fit you at my house on Earth, but… um… you’ll have to go there in a robe.”

Auriel does her best to cover herself as the robe shifts slightly. “I… I can manage that long.”

“I think I have an idea.”

Reaching into his ring Arc pulls out the navy blue magic cloak. He hands it to Auriel.

“This should do a better job of covering you up.”

Auriel looks relieved. “Thank you! I’ll change and be right out.”

Arc nods and leaves. A minute later Auriel follows in the robe. Sunburst looks up from his controls.

“It’s time, sir.”

Auriel steps back nervously. Arc notices this and turns to the others.

“Go on ahead. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Ember looks to Dinky and extends a hand to the little girl.

“Shall we go?”

Dinky nods happily. “Uh huh!”

The pair walk through the portal together. Sereb returns to his cub form and follows them as Arc looks to Auriel.

“Scared?”

Auriel nods. “I… I’ve never done anything like this before!”

“Admittedly the first time is kinda scary. But it doesn’t hurt, or anything.”

Sunburst looks over. “The ride should be very mild this time.”

“This time?!”

Sunburst nods. “Sometimes there’s turbulence.”

Arc sighs. “Not helping.”

“Oh… my apologies, sir.”

“Look Auriel. You don’t have to come if you REALLY don’t want to.”

“I… I would like to, yes. Going to another world is something no demon has EVER done before!”

Arc takes her hand and gently leads her toward the portal. “Just don’t let go of my hand, okay?”

Auriel smiles sheepishly and nods. She squeezes her eyes shut as they enter the portal together. A few moments later they step out onto Arc’s back lawn. As she feels the grass under her bare feet Auriel slowly opens her eyes.

“Arc… is this really…?!”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah, Miss Auriel! This is Earth!”

Ember grins. “It takes a little getting used to.”

Sereb looks around a few moments before speaking. “Arc, should your friend have a new name?”

Auriel looks confused. “A what?”

Cherry calls out. “Arc told Derpy and Dinky they had to go by some other names while they were here.”

Dinky grins. “Dad told everyone my name was ‘Daisy’.”

Sereb chuckles. “Yes. And Dinky’s mother was called ‘Dawn’.”

Auriel smiles. “I’d be willing to temporarily adopt a new name if you think I need one, Arc.”

“You could probably get away with using ‘Auriel’. While it’s certainly not a common name, it’s not going to raise any suspicious.”

“Oh… okay.”

Dinky tugs on her father’s tunic.

“Uh… d… dad?!”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“I… um… I REALLY have to go to the bathroom!”

“Oh! Well, let’s go!”

Leading the group toward the house he catches sight of his Jeep parked in the driveway.

“That’s strange. What are they doing back here?”

Shrugging, Arc hurries to the door and unlocks it. Dinky runs past him toward the upstairs bathroom. Arc lets Ember and Auriel inside before bringing up the rear with Sereb.

“I will be inside momentarily.”

Arc chuckles as he looks down at the pup. “What? Do you have to go as well?”

“Just a bit of alone time, yes.”

“Fine.”

He closes the back door and turns to Auriel.

“Welcome to my home. It’s not much, but you’re welcome here.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

She looks suddenly uncomfortable.

“Um… might you direct me to the restroom as well?”

Arc points to the basement door. “There’s one down there. Bottom of the steps and to the right.”

“Thank you.”

“Ember and I will head upstairs and find you something a bit nicer to wear.”

They part ways. Arc and Ember reach the top of the stairs just in time to hear an ear piercing scream.

“What the…?!”

Ember gasps. “That sounded like Auriel!”

“Come on!”

They run downstairs and into the Kitchen. The sound of men yelling can be heard as they open the door. Rushing downstairs, they find Auriel lying face down on the floor naked. Xenos sits on top of her, his knee buried painfully in her back as he holds her wrists. Viktor stands nearby with the tip of his spear touching her neck. Xenos screams at her.

“What are you doing here, witch?!”

Viktor seethes. “Never mind that! How did you find us?!”

They both look up as Arc comes into view.

“Commander! Thank Celestia you’re here!”

“She’s found us, sir!”

Arc’s glares at them. “What the…?! Get off her, Xenos!”

“But sir…!”

“NOW!!!”

Xenos slowly stands, but maintains his grip on her wrists. Ember glares at the pair.

“What do you idiots think you’re DOING?!”

Viktor points. “Sir, Diva’s found us!”

Arc frowns. “That’s not Diva! It’s Auriel!”

Xenos gasps. “Wha-what?!”

Viktor stammers. B-b-but…!”

“Both of you stand down right now!”

The pair hurry to comply. Arc kneels down to the young woman and puts a hand on her back.

“It’s okay, Auriel. I’m right here.”

Ember hurries to grab a blanket off a nearby bunk as Arc helps her sit up. She drapes it over Auriel’s naked form as Arc picks the still shaking woman up and heads upstairs. Ember glowers at them.

“What is WRONG with you two?!”

Xenos wrings his hands. “I… we… she…”

Viktor hangs his head. “We’re very sorry.”

Ember groans. “You two really are a couple of screw-ups.”

She looks over to the navy blue cloak lying on the floor nearby and sighs.

“Well, I’m going upstairs to explain this to Arc and Auriel.”

Xenos steps forward. “We should do that.”

Ember shakes her head. “No way! She’s scared enough as it is!”

Viktor grimaces. “But…!”

Ember turns and heads for the stairs. “You two clowns get this mess cleaned up.”

Xenos appears confused. “Mess?”

Ember rolls her eyes as she speaks from halfway up the stairs. “You don’t smell that?”

Viktor looks at the spot Auriel had been lying to see a large puddle on the carpet. Xenos hangs his head in shame.

“We really messed this one up.”

“Yes, we did.”

“Now what?”

Viktor heads for the bathroom. “I’ll get some washcloths and cleaner.”

Meanwhile, Arc carries Auriel to the couch and sits down with her in his lap.

“It’s okay, Auriel! You’re safe!”

Auriel sobs. “I… I didn’t DO anything!”

“I believe you. Trust me, I’ll get to the bottom of this.”

Dinky runs down the stairs as Ember enters the Living Room.

“Miss Auriel?! What happened?!”

Arc frowns. “That’s what I’d like to know!”

Ember sighs as she sits down next to Arc. “It was just a big misunderstanding.”

“How?!”

“They honestly thought Auriel was Diva.”

“Maybe it was the cloak?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Or those two are just idiots!”

Dinky frowns. “Miss Ember! That’s not very nice!”

Arc sighs. “Well… they really messed up this time.”

He looks down at Auriel. Her face is buried in his chest as she continues to sniffle.

“Why don’t we get you upstairs and into some clothes, Auriel?”

She nods silently. Arc picks her up and carries the young woman upstairs to his parent’s room. Ember and Dinky follow. Setting Auriel down on the bed he turns to Ember.

“Think she can fit into some of your clothes?”

“Probably. I’ll go get her something.”

Dinky grins. “Me too!”

The pair leave the room as Arc turns to Auriel.

“You going to be okay?”

Auriel nods sadly. “Y-yes. It was just so frightening being thrown and held down!”

“It sounds like an honest case of mistaken identity. But we’ll get their points of view when you’re dressed.”

Auriel nods and adjusts the blanket. Ember returns with an outfit as Dinky walks over to Auriel with some undergarments. Arc stands and heads for the door.

“I’ll step outside so you can get dressed.”

Auriel calls out in a worried tone. “You… you’re leaving?!”

“Just out into the hall.”

Auriel smiles and blushes slightly. “I’d… really like it if you stayed.”

Dinky looks worried. “That’s not a very good idea, Miss Auriel.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah. Arc might just faint.”

“Oh… um… okay.”

Arc steps outside. “I’ll be just outside.”

The door shuts as Dinky hops up onto the bed. She pulls the blanket away to expose the young woman’s bare form. Ember shows her how to put on the undergarments. Auriel frowns.

“I don’t really understand why I need to wear these.”

Ember sighs. “You don’t want them sagging. Trust me.”

Dinky looks at Auriel’s chest. “I don’t think there’s much chance of that happening, Miss Ember.”

Auriel looks worried. “Is that bad?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Which part?”

“My chest being smaller than yours.”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t think so, no.”

Dinky think for a moment. “There was a show on TV where all the stallions were looking at this mare with a really big chest. A much prettier mare with smaller lumps was standing nearby. Nopony even looked at her though.”

Auriel frowns. “Why not?”

Dinky shrugs. “I dunno.”

Ember puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “So human males like big chests, huh?”

“It looks like it, yes. But maybe not.”

Auriel turns to the little girl. “What do you mean, Dinky?”

“Well… when my mom was a human mare, she had really big mounds. My dad didn’t treat her any different than when she was a pony though.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah, I suppose that’s true.”

She frowns as she looks down at her own sizable chest.

“That and she’s bigger than I am.”

A few minutes later Dinky opens the bedroom door.

“She’s ready, dad.”

“Good. Let’s have a look.”

Stepping into the room he sees Auriel standing there nervously looking down at her feet. She is wearing a pair of jeans and a button down shirt.

“Do I… look okay?”

Arc nods. “You look very nice, Auriel. How do you feel?”

“A bit… hemmed in.”

Ember clears her throat. “She’s not used to wearing undergarments, Arc.”

Dinky nods. “It does take some getting used to.”

“I suppose so. Now then, if you’ll excuse me, I need to head downstairs and punch Xenos and Viktor in the mouth.”

“Dad, you’re not really going to do that, are you?”

Arc sighs. “No, even though they kinda deserve it. Why don’t you three head downstairs and wait for me on the couch? I need to go talk to my guys.”

Nodding, they head downstairs as Arc returns to the basement. Xenos and Viktor are waiting for him.

“What the heck were you guys THINKING?!”

“We’re really sorry, sir.”

“Is Auriel okay?”

Arc glares at them. “She’s calmed down quite a bit. Honestly, of all the people to do that to and you pick AURIEL?!”

Cherry sighs. “She’s already a very nervous individual.”

“Right! And why did you two STRIP her?!”

Viktor hangs his head. “So she couldn’t cloak and get the jump on us, sir.”

Xenos nods as he blushes. “We had no idea she was naked under there.”

Arc sniffs the air and frowns.

“Is that what I think it is?”

Viktor nods. “Yes sir. We did our best to clean it up, but the smell…”

Xenos sighs. “She must’ve been pretty scared.”

“Oh yeah. Now then, I’m going to march you two up there right now so you can apologize.”

“Yes sir.”

“We’re really sorry.”

Arc points up the stairs. “Save it.”

They head upstairs and into the Living Room. Auriel shudders as they come into view. Xenos and Viktor hang their heads in shame.

“We’re very sorry, ma’am.”

“Yeah. It won’t happen again.”

Auriel shrinks back. “Why though? Why did you DO that?!”

Viktor mumbles. “In that cloak you looked like one of the commander’s enemies.”

Dinky looks confused. “Who?”

Xenos sighs. “A magic user known as Diva.”

Arc looks at Auriel. “Hm…”

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“I kinda see it now.”

Ember gasps. “Yeah, me too.”

“Dinky, would you go downstairs and get that cloak, please?”

“Okay, dad.”

She runs downstairs but returns a few moments later with the cloak.

“Here you go, dad.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

He looks to Auriel.

“Would you please put this on again?”

“Oh… okay.”

Standing, Auriel quickly pushes her jeans down exposing her panties. Arc, Xenos, and Viktor blush heavily as Arc quickly calls out.

“I… I meant over your clothes!”

“Ah! I can do that.”

Pulling her pants back up, Auriel wastes no time slipping into the robe before turning to the others. Arc nods.

“I can see it.”

Ember grins. “Yeah.”

Auriel looks to them nervously. “Is something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But would you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Make a face.”

Auriel appears confused. “Excuse me?”

“Smile for me.”

Auriel folds her hands and smiles warmly. Arc shakes his head.

“No, no. Um… how do I put this? Look more… angry.”

“But I don’t…”

Ember cuts in. “How about the face your father makes when he’s about to kill someone?”

Auriel narrows her eyes and smiles wickedly. Dinky jumps back.

“Woah!”

Arc nods. “Perfect.”

Chapter 7 - Hammering Things Out

Xenos and Viktor frown.

“That’s Diva alright.”

“Yeah.”

Auriel talks through clenched teeth. “Can I stop now?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Auriel. Thank you.”

She removes the cloak before handing it back to Arc. Ember turns to him.

“If we’re done wasting time, can we get down to business here?”

“Sure.”

He turns to Xenos.

“While I’m sure you have a good reason, big guy, why are you here?”

Dinky turns to her father, confused. “I thought he and the others lived here, dad.”

“Normally, yes. But I sent him, Max, Hugh, and Rose out camping. Only Viktor was supposed to stay home.”

Viktor sighs. “I can explain that, sir. You see, Cybil needed some help moving some second-hand furniture into her new apartment.”

Xenos nods sheepishly. “We actually forgot that she asked for our help the other day.”

“Right. I radioed Max to ask what to do. He suggested sending Xenos back in the Jeep to lend a hand.”

“Right. And don’t worry, sir. Rose, Max, and Hugh are still there.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You guys forget that Rose could have done that job without you for a few hours?”

Viktor shakes his head. “No, but… we didn’t want to disobey the commander’s orders any more than we already were.”

“Thanks for that. It’s fine though.”

Xenos sighs. “I had just gotten back here and headed downstairs to see if Viktor needed anything from the store before I took the Jeep again.”

“That was when Miss Auriel came downstairs. You already know the rest.”

“I suppose so. So did you get Cybil moved in alright, Xenos?”

“Yes sir. She really just needed a second set of hands to help move a few pieces of furniture in. Luckily the place already had major appliances.”

Viktor chuckles. “I was imagining the big guy trying to move a refrigerator.”

“Nah. We just had to bring up a couch, mattress with box springs, a few bags of clothes, and a some toiletries.”

Dinky appears concerned. “What about food?”

Viktor shakes her head. “We offered to give her some. But she said she had today off and was within walking distance of a local store.”

Cherry sighs. “No Jeep?”

Xenos shakes his head. “No, Miss Cherry.”

“Did you move anything else, Xenos?”

“No sir. That was it.”

“I see. Do you have the address?”

Viktor points to the kitchen. “It’s written down along with her phone number on the fridge, sir.”

“Good. Dinky, want to pay her a visit later?”

“Sure!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What about our reason for coming here?”

Arc shrugs. “We can’t do anything until the others figure out a timetable of arrivals for the base.”

Xenos nods. “Rose thinks that should take about a week.”

Auriel sighs. “That’s not too bad.”

Arc turns to Xenos. “You guys see anything yet?”

“They get one standard military truckload of goods a day.”

Ember grins. “Perfect!”

“Agreed. Xenos, I’ll drop you off with the others and keep the Jeep here.”

“Yes sir.”

Ember frowns. “You’re going to just leave them out there?”

Arc shrugs. “We’ll bring them supplies.”

Dinky looks worried. “What if we have to go back to Equestria, dad?”

“Then I’ll let Viktor drive over and get them.”

He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Back you go, Xenos.”

“Yes sir.”

He turns to Auriel.

“Again, I’m very sorry, miss.”

“It… it’s okay.”

Xenos steps through and vanishes. Arc closes the portal and turns to Dinky.

“Ready to go?”

“Now?”

“Sure, why not?”

“Okay! Just let me grab my coat!”

Arc chuckles. “I think it’s warm enough to go without one, sweetheart.”

“Oh… right.”

Arc turns to Auriel and Ember. “You two ladies want to come?”

“I… don’t know.”

“Come on, Miss Auriel! You wanted to see Earth, right?!”

“Well, yes… but…”

Ember chuckles. “You probably should go. After all, if you’re going to be infiltrating that base you’ll need to know as much about human culture as possible.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Auriel speaks nervously. “I suppose that’s true.”

Arc smiles at her. “We’ll show you everything you need to know. You just need to trust me.”

Auriel nods. “Okay.”

They head for the back door. Arc puts his hand on the doorknob, but stops.

“Dad?”

“I just thought of something.”

Auriel appears confused. “What is it?”

“I’m the Hero of Light and the former Lord Regent of Equestria. Well, everyone knows that someone as important as me shouldn’t have to do their own driving.”

He looks over at Viktor with a mischievous grin.

“But who’ll look after things here, sir?”

Ember chuckles. “I’ll sit in the basement and keep an eye on… what did you call that thing again?”

“The police scanner. Sir, I have to point out that Ember doesn’t know all the police codes and terminology.”

“I suppose not. But when was the last time something of importance actually came across it?”

“Not since the Shards were taken, sir.”

Dinky giggles. “So you don’t really need to be watching it all the time.”

“I guess not.”

Arc turns to Ember.

“Radio the guys that I’m back in town and to call me on my earring if something comes up.”

“Sure! Have fun!”

They leave as Ember heads for the basement. She grabs the scanner and heads back upstairs to plop down on the couch.

“Good luck, Auriel.”

There is a scratching at the front door. Frowning, Ember stands and walk over to it. Opening the door she spots Sereb on the front porch.

“What are you doing out there?!”

“Taking a walk.”

Ember steps aside. “Get in here.”

He walks inside as Ember closes the door. They sit down on the couch together.

“Want to watch some TV?”

“If you would like.”

Ember grabs the remote. “I’d like to check out that action channel Arc mentioned the other day. You?”

“I will watch whatever you’d like to.”

“Something bothering you?”

Sereb sighs. “A bit, yes.”

“What is it?”

“Well, you see…”

Meanwhile, Arc and company get into the Jeep.

“Would you like to sit next to the window, Auriel?”

“I… suppose I should.”

Dinky grins. “Okay. I’ll sit up front then next to Mister Viktor.”

Arc turns to Dinky. “Huh?”

“You should be back here to point things out to Auriel that she doesn’t understand.”

Viktor nods. “She makes a point, sir.”

“Fine.”

Viktor starts the Jeep and heads down the street. Auriel looks nervous.

“This is… somehow both similar and different than I thought it would be.”

Arc turns to her. “Is that okay?”

“Yes… I think.”

Viktor looks in the rear view mirror. “It won’t take us long to get the Cybil’s apartment, sir.”

“Let’s make a detour.”

“Sir?

“Head to the mall.”

Dinky grins. “To get Auriel some clothes?”

“Oh, you don’t need to go through all that trouble, Arc.”

“You’re going to be here awhile, Auriel. While I’m sure Ember doesn’t mind you wearing her stuff, you need a few things of your own.”

“How about me, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yes, you need some summer clothes, Dinky.”

Dinky sticks her tongue out. “Don’t you mean Daisy?”

Arc chuckles. “Right.”

They pull onto the highway. Auriel marvels at the number of vehicles.

“This is incredible! They all look so different too!”

Arc nods. “Humans like variety.”

“We’re going so fast as well! Is this safe?! I mean… someone might crash into us!”

Viktor shakes his head. “Not as long as everyone stays in their lane, ma’am.”

Arc turns to her, reassuringly. “We’ll be fine.”

A short time later they pull into the mall’s parking lot. Auriel gasps.

“THIS is a MARKET?!”

Arc nods. “Pretty much.”

Dinky giggles. “They have almost everything you could think of!”

“That they do.”

Viktor parks the Jeep and gets out. He turns to help Auriel out.

“Th-thank you.”

Dinky runs over and grabs her father’s hand excitedly.

“I just love coming here!”

“Why’s that, sweetheart?”

“There’s just so much to see!”

Arc turns to Auriel.

“Are you okay?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, just a bit… rattled.”

“Maybe she should hold your other hand, dad.”

“I don’t know if Auriel would…”

“Truth be told, I would. This place kinda scares me.”

“Oh. Um… okay.”

Auriel slips her hand into Arc’s as he leads them into the mall. Entering she gasps.

“This architecture is amazing! There’s… just so much to take in!”

Dinky giggles. “That’s what I thought the first time my dad took me here!”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Where to, sir?”

“Clothing first.”

Heading to a store, Arc leads them to the ‘Womens’ section. Auriel looks to Arc.

“There’s just so many garments to choose from!”

Viktor appears somewhat nervous. “That there are.”

“Viktor, why don’t you go pick out some summer clothes for you and the guys. You remember everyone’s sizes, right?”

“We’re all the same. Other than Xenos, that is.”

“That’s easy to remember. Get some shorts and t-shirts.”

“Yes sir.”

He hurries away. Dinky looks to her father.

“What was that all about?”

“Most guys don’t like hanging around this section. It makes us a bit wary.”

Arc turns to Auriel.

“Now then, what kind of clothes would you like?”

“I… don’t know.”

Dinky looks up at her. “How about something like your lab coat?”

Arc nods. “Dresses?”

Auriel shakes her head. “I… think I’d like to try something a bit outside my comfort zone.”

“Oh? Like what?”

Auriel shrugs as Dinky turns back to her father.

“I have an idea! Why don’t I pick out a few things for her, dad? She can try them on and see if we’re on the right track!”

“Okay. Go ahead, sweetheart.”

Dinky hurries away as Arc gestures to a nearby bench.

“Why don’t we have a seat?”

“Thank you. But I don’t think we’ll have long to wait.”

Arc chuckles as he sees Dinky grabbing clothing left and right. “I believe you’re right.”

A short time later the little girl walks over with an armful of different garments. Arc leads Auriel over to a large changing room.

“Dinky will help you try these on.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! It’ll be fun!”

“What about you, Arc?”

“I’ll be out here when you two are finished.”

Dinky closes the door and locks it before turning to Auriel.

“Now then, why let’s get started!”

“Yes! Let’s!”

Meanwhile, Arc sits back down on the bench. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“How long do you think they’ll take?”

Arc groans. “Forever. Now I wish I’d brought a book, or something.”

Cherry giggles as Arc hears several familiar voices behind him. The blood drains from his face as he muses to himself.

“It… it CAN’T be!”

Cherry calls out to him hurriedly. “There’s a newspaper under the bench!”

Leaning forward he grabs the periodical and hastily opens it as Stingray, Hammer, and Mio walk by him toward the changing rooms. Stingray turns to Mio.

“You just wait! I’ll look stunning in these!”

Mio chuckles. “Maybe. But you’ll never have my frame. I’m the only one who can pull off this look.”

Hammer frowns. “You two are both nuts.”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “Says the one who’s just ‘window shopping’.”

Mio looks her sister up and down. “I for one think you’d look very nice in a low cut skirt, Hammer.”

“Yeah? And you’d look great in a clown suit, Mio!”

Stingray groans. “You should at least try on SOMETHING!”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. You two have your little competition in there. I’ll wait out here.”

Stingray and Mio walk into a large changing room together. Arc frowns as Hammer looks around presumably for a place to sit. He mutters to himself nervously.

“Please don’t come this way. Please don’t come this way. Please don’t…”

Cherry gasps. “Here she comes!”

“Great.”

“Should you run?!”

“I can’t. Then she’d really notice me. That and I can’t leave Auriel and Dinky.”

Hammer stops in front of Arc.

“Excuse me. This spot taken?”

“Um… no. Go right ahead.”

“Thanks!”

She plops down heavily on the bench and stares up at the ceiling for a time. Cherry gasps and calls out to him telepathically.

“Wait! Hammer’s never seen you before, Arc!”

“You’re right! She only knows the Hero of Light!”

“Yes. You should be safe from all three of them.”

“What a relief.”

Eventually Hammer gets bored and turns to Arc.

“Say, don’t I know you from somewhere?”

“I don’t believe so, no.”

“You sure? I’m getting some really strong vibes.”

“Pretty sure, yes.”

She extends a hand.

“Well in that case, name’s Hammer! Nice to meet you!”

“I’m… uh… Arc.”

They shake hands. He notices Hammer’s grip is like a vice as she speaks.

“So… you here with someone?”

Arc nods as he looks toward the changing room. “Y-yeah. My daughter is in there with a friend of mine.”

Hammer grins. “Girlfriend?”

“Kinda. I mean, she’s more than a friend but less than a girlfriend.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “That don’t make a lick of sense! Do you like her or not?!”

“Oh, I do. But just not romantically.”

“Ah! So you got your eye on someone else, huh?”

“Well, sorta.”

Hammer frowns. “Man, it’s hard to get a straight answer out of you. Scared of commitment?”

Arc sighs. “Let’s just say I was involved with someone a while back and it ended very, VERY badly.”

“Crazy ex?”

“No. She… passed away.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“You’re still trying to get over it, huh?”

Arc shakes his head as he looks up at the ceiling. “I think I’ve come to terms with what happened. It’s only recently that I’ve been able to even think about seeing anyone else though.”

Hammer smiles at him. “Time heals all wounds, my friend. You’ll find happiness again with someone. As good looking as you are anyways.”

“Thanks. But I really don’t think I’ll every fully be able to forget her.”

“She your first?”

“Actually, yes.”

“You’ll move on. Just give it some time.”

“Those girls you were talking to. They your friends?”

“Sisters. Why?”

“Imagine one or both of them dying.”

“That’s pretty dark”.

Arc sighs. “Remember, I went through it.”

“Sorry. What’s it like?”

“To lose someone you care about?”

“Yeah.”

“Like… like the ground under your feet suddenly breaking away. You can flail around trying to grab something all you want, but there isn’t anything to slow your fall.”

“What happens when you hit the bottom?”

“That’s when all the pain that you’ve been carrying on your shoulders finally meets reality and crushes you.”

“Sounds awful!”

Arc nods. “It is. But there is an upside to it.”

“There is?”

“Yes. From there, the only way to go is up.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Recovery, huh?”

“More like ‘acceptance’.”

“This is a pretty deep conversation to have with a stranger.”

Arc shrugs. “Sometimes those are the best people to talk to.”

“What do you mean?”

Arc turns to her. “Think about it. I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. We could tell each other our deepest darkest secrets and it wouldn’t matter. After all, who would we tell? I mean, it’s not like we’ll see each other after today, right?”

“Makes sense. Now then, you told me your secret, so it’s only fair I tell you mine.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve been really worried about my sisters lately. You see, they’re both head over heels in love with the same guy.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That sounds especially dangerous to me.”

“You know it!”

“Is he dating one of them?”

“Nah. In fact, he already has a girlfriend.”

Hammer frowns as she continues.

“She’s not the kinda gal you want to cross either, mind you.”

“Sounds like you’re kinda jealous.”

Hammer groans. “Maybe a little. That and he really is good looking too.”

“Tell me about him.”

“Well, like I said, he’s a real sharp looker. Smart too. Probably a genius! Has a good job in… uh… management, as well as a real nice place to live, and a high paying job.”

Arc grins. “Sounds like the full package to me.”

“He is. But, well…”

She is silent for a time before continuing.

“…I don’t really know why, but I can’t help but feel like he can’t be trusted.”

“He has them wrapped around his finger?”

“Right!”

“What about you?”

Hammer turns to Arc, confused. “What about me?!”

“You said you were a bit jealous. Are you sure you don’t just want the same guy they do?”

“I… um… guess that might be it. But what can I do?”

“Have you talked to your sister’s about your concerns?”

Hammer nods. “A number of times. They just think I’m being paranoid. How can I convince them that I’m just worried about their feelings?!”

“You can’t make them believe anything they don’t want to. Gather evidence to support your claims, wait for the proper time and place where the three of you can be alone without interruption. Then present your findings in a calm and collected manner.”

“Do you really think that will work?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. But if they won’t listen to hard evidence there’s nothing more you can do.”

“Then what?!”

“Nothing.”

Hammer frowns. “Nothing?!”

“They’re adults, and are free to pursue anyone they want. And if he’s the one they want, that’s their choice.”

Hammer sighs. “Thanks for the talk. You’ve given me a lot to think about, Arc.”

“No problem.”

The door to the changing room opens and Dinky leads Auriel out. She is wearing a skirt along with a fairly revealing top. Arc stands and meets them halfway.

“What do you think, dad?! Doesn’t Auriel look nice?!”

“Yes, she does.”

Auriel smiles shyly. “I do admit this outfit does feel very comfortable.”

Dinky grins. “We picked out a few more for her and me!”

“Good. Why don’t you take Auriel over to the racks and grab her some undergarments?”

“Okay, dad. I need some too.”

Hammer stands up and walks over. “Hey, now Arc! Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?!”

“Oh sorry. Hammer, this is my daughter, Daisy.”

“Hi there!”

“And this is my friend, Auriel.”

“H-hello.”

“Nice to meet you two! Uh… you look familiar. Have we met?”

Auriel shakes her head nervously. “N-no. Truth be told I’m rather new in town.”

“Were you keeping my dad company out here the whole time?”

Hammer gives her a thumbs up. “Sure was!”

“Thanks. It can’t have been easy waiting for us.”

“Daisy, when you two are done, why don’t you take Auriel on a quick run through the rest of the isles to make sure she has everything?”

“Okay.”

She takes Auriel’s hand as the pair walk away. Hammer turns to Arc.

“Your daughter’s adorable! But I gotta say, she doesn’t look much like you.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… I adopted her. She’s actually my cousin’s daughter. Takes after her mother in terms of appearance.”

“Well, it looks like you’ve got a really sweet girl there. But your other friend seem a bit shy.”

Arc shrugs. “She’s new to this country. Hasn’t quite figured out our customs yet.”

“You’ll teach her, I’m sure.”

Hammer reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small notebook. She writes something quickly before ripping the page off and handing it to Arc.

“What’s this?”

“My cell phone number. In case things don’t work out between you and that scrawny girl. In any case, if you’re up to it, I’d like to continue this conversation over supper some night.”

She winks at him as he looks over her shoulder.

“Um… sure. Well, I’d better catch up to those two before they buy the whole store.”

“Yeah! Take care, Arc!”

She waves after him as he moves to rejoin his friends. Sometime later Stingray and Mio step out of the dressing room together. They make a beeline to Hammer, arguing as they do so. Stingray reaches her first.

“Hammer, please tell Mio that this outfit is MUCH more beautiful than that rag she has on!”

Mio scoffs. “You wish! I’m sure Hammer can see that I’m pulling this outfit off perfectly!”

Hammer does not respond. Stingray walks over and snaps her fingers a few times.

“Hammer! Wake up!”

“Huh?”

Mio giggles. “What’s the matter? Did you see a cute guy, or something?”

“Actually, yeah.”

Stingray laughs. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am!”

Mio scoffs. “Really, Hammer. Mannequins don’t count.”

“I’m being serious here! Look, that’s him walking out right now!”

She points to Arc, Viktor, Auriel, and Dinky’s backs as they leave the store. Stingray frowns.

“That guy?”

“Yeah!”

Mio rolls her eyes. “The one holding that thin girl’s hand?”

“They’re just friends!”

Stingray grins wickedly. “Sure, Hammer. We always hold our friend’s hands when we’re in public.”

Mio nods. “And they appear to have a child with them.”

“That’s his cousin’s kid!”

Stingray puts a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “It’s kinda cute how naïve you can be sometimes, Hammer.”

Mio laughs. “Yes. Thinking a cute guy like that would be interested in someone like you.”

Hammer frowns and storms off.

“Whatever…”

Chapter 10 - Hammering Things Out

Arc begins the drive home as Ember’s voice rings out in his ear

“Is she gone?”

“Yes, I’m just pulling away.”

Viktor breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I kept thinking she was luring you into a false sense of security, sir.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Her voice was that of a woman whom was genuine and sincere though.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You can hear that?”

“To a degree, yes.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, she did tell us a few things.”

Ember frowns. “But will it be of any use?”

“I think so. Either way I had an excuse to eat at Roberto’s. That’s always a win in my book.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face and shakes his head as Arc continues.

“Say, did you guys put Dinky to bed yet?”

Viktor nods. “Yes sir. Ember took her upstairs right after you left.”

“She seemed pretty tired after spending half the day at the park with those kids down the street.”

“Mia and Alex? Yeah, they love to play outside. In any case, I’ll be home in a bit. Oh! What about Auriel?”

“We found her asleep on the couch watching yet another documentary.”

Ember chuckles. “She’s obsessed with those things!”

“I can think of worse things she could be doing. But in any case, feel free to shut things down and head to bed, Viktor.”

“Thank you, sir. But I’d like to get to work on that audio footage.”

Ember laughs. “What for? To hear those two eating?”

Sereb sighs. “Listening to it may yield facts that were otherwise overlooked.”

Arc nods. “True. But do it tomorrow. It’s late.”

“Yes sir.”

A short time later Arc pulls into his driveway. Getting out he walks into the house. Ember is waiting for him at the table.

“Everything okay?”

Ember nods as he closes the door. “I just wanted to make sure you were really okay. There’s no way I could have slept without seeing your first.”

“Well, as you can see, I’m fine.”

“Um… can I ask you something real quick?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“To tell you the truth… last night I went to your room to… um… snuggle.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

Ember frowns. “I stopped!”

“That’s a first.

“Yes, well… as I got closer to the bed I saw Auriel curled up next to you. Something you want to tell me?”

“Fine. But it needs to stay between us.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… okay.”

“Auriel crawled into bed with me because she had a bad dream.”

Ember is silent for a time before continuing.

“How old is she?”

“Give her a break, Ember. She’s just having trouble adjusting to being so far from home. After all, we can’t all be emotional rocks like you.”

Ember looks away nervously. “Y-yeah. Right.”

Arc yawns. “Well, I’m heading to bed. Long day.”

“I’ll be up directly.”

“Don’t stay up too late.”

“I won’t.”

Arc heads upstairs as Ember chuckles to herself.

“Auriel too, eh? You’ve got more suitors than anyone I’ve ever heard of, Arc. When you retire and settle down you’re going to have to purchase a MASSIVE bed custom made for all of us.”

She stops and thinks for a moment.

“I wonder if Auriel would be interested in that. She seems pretty shy around others. Then again, she’s probably the only one among us whom could bear Arc’s children in her true form. I can just imagine how Twilight and the others would take THAT?!”

Meanwhile, Arc heads upstairs to his parent’s room. He removes his formal attire and drapes it neatly over a chair as Cherry calls out to him.

“Well, that was certainly interesting.”

“Yeah. I didn’t really expect Hammer to be so… so…”

“Real?”

“Exactly! Up until now I just assumed she and the others were just violently evil. But if Hammer is any indication they’re almost, and I hate to say this… normal.”

“Other than Diva, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes, other than Diva.”

He stretches and yawns.

“Well, I think I’ll go check on Dinky before I hit the hay for the night.”

Stepping out into the dark hallway Arc glances down the stairs. Cherry giggles.

“Sounds like Ember’s raiding the refrigerator.”

Arc shrugs. “She’s welcome to have a midnight snack.”

Opening the bedroom door, Arc spots Dinky lying on her side of the bed. Moonlight spills over her and the covers she’s kicked off. Smiling, Arc walks over to her and pulls the sheets up to her shoulders. Her eyelids slowly open half way.

“Ember?”

“No, sweetie. It’s me.”

“Hey dad. Did you have fun on your date?”

“Yes. We can talk more about it tomorrow morning. Now get some sleep.”

He leans forward and gently kisses her forehead as the little girl closes her eyes and goes back to sleep. Returning to the hallway Arc hears a strange sound. Cherry calls out to him.

“What was that?”

“I’m not sure. But it’s coming from Auriel’s room.”

Stepping toward the door he listens for a moment before slowly opening the door and peeking inside. He spots Auriel thrashing violently on the bed as she grits her teeth and sweats profusely. Rushing over to her Arc shakes the young woman awake. Her eyes fly open. As she spots his concerned face she throws her arms around his neck and pulls herself close to him. Sighing, Arc sits down on the bed.

“It’s okay, Auriel. I’m right here.”

Auriel buries her face in his chest to muffle the sobs. Arc pulls her into his lap, feeling the skin of her sweat covered back as he does so. After several minutes Auriel is able to compose herself.

“It… it happened again, didn’t it?”

“Judging by the sounds I heard from the other end of the hallway, I’d say so, yes.”

Auriel sighs and rests her cheek against his chest.

“Sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for. But you should probably go take a shower. It’ll help you clear your head and wash away that sweat.”

“I… um… okay.”

Standing, Arc carries her out the door and to the bathroom. Setting her down on the toilet he turns and flicks the light switch. As expected, Auriel sits there completely naked. Arc sighs as he turns on the water for her.

“Auriel, I don’t mind comforting you after you’ve had a nightmare. But could you at least wear something to bed?”

“I… will from now on. If it bothers you, that is.”

“It’s okay. I know it’s part of your culture, and all.”

As the showerhead flows with water he turns back toward the door.

“There you go.”

“Wait!”

Arc stops.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t… really want to be alone.”

Arc shakes his head, but does not turn around. “I’m not getting into the shower with you.”

“Well, would you at least stay here?!”

“Fine.”

Auriel steps into the shower as Arc sits down on the lid of the toilet.

“Thanks for doing this, Arc. I know humans don’t like seeing others uncovered.”

“It’s okay. This time anyways.”

Allowing the water to wash over her for a time, Auriel eventually reaches for the soap. Unfortunately it slips out of her hand. Reaching down, Auriel’s head catches one of the knobs. The surprise causes her to instinctively jump back. Losing her footing she falls and smacks the back of her head on the wall. Arc hurries over and pulls back the shower curtain.

“Auriel! What happened?!”

“I… don’t really know.”

Turning off the water he helps her out of the shower. Picking the young woman up, Arc carriers Auriel to his parent’s room and sit her down before returning to the bathroom for a towel.

“Are you okay?!”

Auriel nods woozily as Arc begins to towel her off. “I… why is everything spinning?”

“You must’ve hit your head.”

“I did, yes. But things are starting to come back into focus.”

“Do you want me to take you to the hospital?”

Auriel shakes her head. ”No. I’ll be okay.”

“So what was your dream about this time?”

“It was about… I don’t actually remember.”

“That’s pretty normal for humans.”

“Well, there was lots of fire.”

“Tartarus?”

Auriel shrugs. “Maybe. All I know for certain was that I was alone and scared.”

She looks up at him and smiles as her cheeks redden.

“But I feel a lot better when you’re with me.”

“Yes, well… I should probably help you back to your room now. We both need to get some sleep.”

“I… um… Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Could I please stay here with you?”

“Again?”

“I’m sorry for being such a burden. But last night the dreams didn’t stop until I came in here.”

Arc sighs. “Okay.”

Reaching over Arc grabs the sheet. He drapes it over Auriel before lying down and turning off the lights.

“Good night, Auriel.”

“Good night.”

A short time later Arc falls asleep. Auriel looks up at him momentarily before she presses her face against his chest.

“Twilight was right. This feels amazing!”

The next morning Arc and company sit around the table eating breakfast. Arc is the first to speak.

“Everyone sleep well?”

Dinky nods happily. “Yeah! The beds are really comfy here, dad!”

Ember chuckles. “I did.”

Auriel blushes. “So did I.”

Viktor looks over. “Sir, are you sure Hammer didn’t do anything to you last night?”

“Positive. Why?”

“I just haven’t been able to get that question out of my mind all night. I mean, we saw her turn Bloodletter into that… that THING!”

Ember nods. “He does have a point, Arc.”

Sereb growls. “Trust not thine enemy.”

Dinky looks to her father sheepishly. “If she’s really that bad… maybe the others are right, dad.”

Cherry sighs. “You can’t be too cautious, Arc. Not with those three.”

“I appreciate everyone’s concern, but the stakes of our upcoming mission are too high. We need every advantage if we’re going to pull this off.”

“What exactly are you hoping to accomplish by befriending Hammer, sir?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah! It seems like a colossal waste of time to me.”

“At the very least we might get more information on that facility or her so-called sisters. But if we’re really lucky, at best I might be able to turn Hammer to our side.”

“Make her a mole, sir?”

Arc nods. “Something like that.”

Dinky appears confused. “You’re going to turn her into a… mole, dad?”

“No sweetheart. It’s an expression that means she’ll report back to me everything our enemy is planning.”

“Wouldn’t that be dangerous for her?”

Sereb nods. “It would indeed.”

Viktor sighs. “I can’t imagine her sisters reacting well to her being a traitor. Should she be found out, that is.”

Arc nods soberly. “It’s a calculated risk, I know, but…”

“Dad, she’s a really nice lady! I don’t want to see her get hurt for this!”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I don’t think I’ll get that far with her anyways. We’re more or less just brainstorming right now.”

Auriel sighs. “I agree with Dinky on this one. While I only met that woman briefly she didn’t strike me as a bad human.”

“That may be, but…”

Cherry calls out to them. “Why don’t we table that idea and move on to what you learned last night, Arc?”

“Good idea. Victor, after breakfast I want to go over the audio recordings of my date last night.”

“I got up early this morning and did that already, sir.”

Ember grins. “Working hard, huh?”

“Just trying to regain the commander’s trust after I… you know…”

He looks over apologetically at Auriel as Arc speaks.

“Commendable. What did you learn?”

“What I took from your conversation last night was as follows…”

He pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and begins to read.

“Hammer didn’t appear to know what a ‘vase’ was supposed to be used for. Nor did she seem to understand that the heart-shaped box you gave her was filled with chocolates.”

Ember frowns. “Admittedly that was more than a bit strange. But what does it prove?”

Viktor chuckles. “That she’s very naïve, for starters.”

Cherry sighs. “I too thought several things she said during the course of the evening sounded very strange. But please continue.”

“Next, she admitted to being a desk sergeant in an office somewhere. However, according to the public records there are no officially recognized facilities anywhere within a reasonable distance.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Could she have been lying?”

Arc shrugs. “Most likely. But I was more surprised that she and her sisters were all sergeants AND were working together.”

“What’s wrong with that, dad?”

“I’m not fully sure, but I think the military tries to avoid family members being stationed together. Other than married couples, I believe. That and what are the chances all three of them were stationed together without someone very powerful pulling some strings?”

Ember frowns. “A sobering thought.”

“Hammer also admitted her sisters are looking to cozy up to the base commander. In Equestria that would be considered fraternizing.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Eh?”

Viktor looks up. “A enlisted soldier trying to date an officer isn’t allowed.”

Ember grits her teeth angrily. “But Hammer said the commander was interested in a colonel!”

Arc chuckles. “That’s different, Ember. They’re both officers. Sergeants aren’t. Keep going, Viktor.”

“She also identified the a fore mentioned base commander as being a man named General Mustang.”

Arc grins. “Yes. It’s nice to know our enemy finally has a name.”

Sereb nods. “We will need more information on this individual if we are to triumph however.”

“Agreed. But we can talk about that later.”

Viktor clears his throat. “When arriving at Roberto’s Pizza, Hammer apparently didn’t know what any of the food was, nor did she appear to understand the drinks.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Yes, that is very unnerving.”

“How so, dad?”

“Well, you can’t live in this country for very long without at least HEARING about pizza. It’s extremely popular.”

Ember grins. “You’re saying it would be like living in Equestria and not knowing who the princesses are?”

“Exactly. They come up in conversation all the time.”

“I’d also like to point out that Hammer claims she doesn’t go out much, sir.”

Ember looks to Arc. “That would help explain her not knowing what those foods were.”

Auriel shrugs. “Maybe she just works all the time like Twilight and I do.”

“It’s a possibility. However she must’ve been young once. A big of me thinks she’s lying, while the other can’t imagine what she hoped to gain by doing that.”

Viktor frowns. “What about her mentioning the parties they have on base? Such a level of familiarity is typically not allowed in the Equestrian military.”

Arc nods. “Nor is it allowed on military bases generally, as far as I know.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Then why is General Mustang doing so?”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe because there’s no one around who can tell him not to?”

Viktor looks to Arc. “Right. He’s the highest ranked military officer over there, after all. But I can’t see why he would put up with Stingray and Mio’s alleged attempts at seduction.”

Sereb chuckles. “Why would he not? He is a male, after all.”

“Generals are usually elderly men. He should be too old for such things.”

Ember grimaces. “I think we’re getting off topic here. Let’s get back to real evidence… or lack of.”

Arc nods. “Fine. Viktor?”

“When you mentioned The Rider’s on the news getting their heads handed to them by the Hero of Light at Roberto’s Pizza, she sounded genuinely surprised.”

Arc frowns. “Well, yes and no. While I admit she did seem somewhat surprised to hear that, at the same time her facial features led me to believe she knew they were up to SOMETHING.”

Ember sighs. “We could only hear the conversation though. I wish Rose had been there to record some video footage.”

Arc chuckles. “That would have been more than a little suspicious. Bringing another girl on a date raises a bunch of questions.”

“Then there was the end of the conversation. You pressed her on the details of her job, sir. To which she claimed it was a secret.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “That’s not surprising.”

Auriel appears confused. “Why’s that?”

Arc sighs. “She can’t be telling others what goes on inside the base. There’s a lot of sensitive data in there, I’m sure. Especially whatever comes across her desk.”

Sereb nods. “Hammer did say she was a desk sergeant.”

Ember turns to Viktor. “I didn’t really expect her to tell us anything of note in that regard anyways. But what she said on the drive home was quite the surprise.”

“You mean about the stars?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah! Who doesn’t see THEM?!”

Arc grimaces. “I took it to mean she’s so busy with her job that she doesn’t have time for such things.”

“It could also have been literal, sir. If she really is stationed at that underground base with her sisters and Diva, as she hinted, that could mean she spends a lot of time down there without coming up to the surface for extended periods of time.”

Arc shrugs. “Both are equally possible.”

Sereb perks up his ears. “Perhaps Rose and the others can catch a glimpse of her or her sisters entering and leaving.”

Viktor sighs. “They haven’t yet. But Hammer could have simply been on leave.”

Arc nods. “Right. I’ll find that out in time.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “In time?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah, what are you talking about, Arc? Your date’s over and done with.”

“Don’t you remember the last thing Hammer said when I dropped her off?”

“She told you to call her anytime, sir.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Auriel appears worried. “Are you?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Why would he?! This lead’s a dud!”

“Yes.”

“Glad you agree with me, Arc.”

“No, Ember. I was answering Auriel’s question.”

Ember gasps. “Say what now?”

“She asked if I was going to call Hammer.”

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

“I am.”

“Why?!”

“Because, like I said earlier, Hammer can be of help to us. Whether she knows it or not.”

Dinky grins. “Maybe you should invite her over for supper, dad.”

Auriel looks nervous. “That might not be a good idea.”

“Agreed. I really don’t want Hammer to know where we live. If she wises up to me, I want to be able to just disappear.”

Viktor shudders. “Right. We don’t want an angry ex-girlfriend banging on our door, sir.”

Arc nods. “Exactly. Wait, what?”

Ember snickers. “He’s right, you know.”

“About which part?!”

“Hammer being your girlfriend.”

“She is NOT my girlfriend!”

“It kinda seems like she is, dad.”

Arc groans. “Not you too, Dinky!”

“Like I said, I kinda like her, dad!”

Sereb frowns. “Do not form attachments to her, small one. She is still an enemy of Equestria.”

Viktor grits his teeth. “Or is she?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Of course she is! What else could…?!”

Arc sighs. “I believe Viktor is suggesting that Hammer isn’t what she seems.”

Dinky appears confused. “What else could she be?”

“Perhaps she is from Equestria like we are.”

Ember nods soberly. “That would explain why she didn’t know about the food at Roberto’s.”

Arc chuckles. “And how she seemed so strange when I picked her up. Nailing the heart to the wall was a dead giveaway that she isn’t from around here.”

Sereb growls. “She does not bear th scent of Equestria. However it is possible that she is not of this world.”

“Right. The commander is doing this as a matter of national security. However, that leads us to the other big question on everyone’s mind right now.”

Auriel nods. “Where do we go from here?”

Ember grunts. “Right.”

They all look to Arc whom nods soberly.

“There’s only one course of action that makes sense right now.”

Sereb turns to him. “What is that?”

Arc stands up. “See about scoring another date with Hammer.”

Ember frowns. “I don’t really like that idea.”

Arc frowns. “I’m not a huge fan of it either. Human or not, until Rose and the guys figure out some kind of schedule for that base, Hammer is our only other link to it.”

He heads for the Living Room as Auriel calls out after him.

“So your plan is to continue dating Hammer?”

“For now, yes. Like I said, it’s really all we have right now.”

Sereb sighs. “Perhaps you should give her a call then.”

Arc stops in the doorway. “I was just going to do that. But I think I should hold off.”

Ember grins. “Good.”

“If I call her now, the morning after, it might make me look like I’m either desperate or obsessed.”

“Understandable, sir. You don’t want to scare her away.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Hammer did not sound like someone who is well versed in the art of personal relationships though, Arc. She most likely does not understand what to do next herself.”

“Meaning my dad could call her now and she wouldn’t know it wasn’t a good idea?”

Sereb nods. “Exactly.”

“Well, there’s something else I want to do before then.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Does it involve Hammer?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Take Dinky camping.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. You and I could go join Rose and the others out in the woods for a couple days.”

Sereb sighs. “I am certain they are capable of carrying out their duties without additional aid, Arc.”

Arc walks over to stand behind Dinky’s chair. He puts his hands on her small shoulders.

“That’s true. But the whole reason I brought Dinky with me was to spend more time with her.”

Dinky grins. “This is going to be so much fun!”

“Why don’t you head upstairs and put together a bag with some extra clothes and whatnot, sweetheart?”

“Okay!”

Jumping out of her chair she runs upstairs as Arc calls out after her.

“And take a quick shower before we leave!”

Dinky calls out from the stairs. “Okay dad!”

Arc turns to Ember. “Want to come?”

“I think I’ll just stay here with Viktor.”

She looks to Auriel.

“But I think Auriel would love to go with you.”

“I would?”

Ember nods. “Yes. You needs to get out more anyways.”

Arc grins. “I guess that’s true. You’re welcome to come with us.”

“Well…”

Ember kicks her chair under the table.

“I mean I’d love to come.”

Arc heads toward the stairs. “Good. We’ll head over there after a trip to the sporting goods store for supplies. Let’s get packed.”

Ember stands. “I’ll help her get ready.”

“Thanks, Ember. I’m going to take a quick shower before we go though.”

Auriel looks to Ember, confused. “So you think I should do this?”

“Definitely.”

“But why?”

“Well, it’ll do you good to get out more. There won’t be anyone in the woods except for our friends, and I know you do like to study plants.”

Auriel’s face brightens. “That’s right! I need to research various plants here for Twilight!”

“That and it’ll give you some time with Arc.”

“It will?”

Ember nods. “Sure! Don’t you know what he’s going to the sporting goods store for?”

“No. What?”

“Another tent.”

“So?”

“Don’t you get it? You and him can have some more snuggle time.”

Auriel blushes. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ember chuckles. “I saw you in Arc’s bed these past couple of nights, Auriel.”

“Are you mad?”

“Nah. Truth be told you looked really cute snuggled up to him.”

“I’ve been having trouble with nightmares lately.”

“Are you sure that’s not just an excuse to sleep in his bed?”

Auriel shakes her head and sighs as she stands. “I wish it was.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 11 - Camping... and More

A portal opens in the small clearing. Arc and company step out as Max, Hugh, and Xenos walk over.

“Welcome to our base of operations, sir.”

“Have a nice trip?”

Arc looks behind him as the portal closes. “It was certainly quick.”

Hugh joins them. “Hey there, Dinky!”

“Hi everypony!”

“That’s ‘everyone’, sweetheart. Remember?”

“Opps. Sorry, dad.”

“It’s fine.”

Max turns to Auriel. “Welcome to Earth.”

“Thank you.”

Xenos looks nervous. “Sorry about… you know.”

“It’s okay.”

Sereb shakes his head as Max speaks.

“I didn’t really believe it when Xenos told us what happened. But now that I’ve actually seen her, I understand how they could have mistaken you for Diva.”

Hugh nods. “The resemblance really is striking.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, where’s Rose?”

Xenos points to the beach. “She’s in the bushes.”

Auriel appears confused. “Oh?”

Max nods and lowers his voice. “She doesn’t want to be seen.”

Arc shrugs. “While I don’t think the base is actively watching for anything way over here, that’s not a bad idea. Any transports come by lately?”

Max nods. “One a day, sir.”

Xenos sighs. “But they seem to come at random times.”

Hugh looks in the direction of the beach. “Rose is trying to nail down some kind of pattern so we can do something with that knowledge.”

Arc grins. “Good. I’ll go check in with her.”

Max turns to him. “Are you planning on staying awhile, sir?”

“A day or so. Why?”

“I just didn’t see you bring any gear.”

Hugh chuckles. “It’s probably stored in his ring.”

“Well… yes and no.”

Pulling something from his ring, Arc sets it on the ground. He casts the Matter Compacting counter spell on it. A few moments later his Jeep returns to normal size.

“There we go. I brought another tent, sleeping bags, food, and bug spray.”

Xenos grins. “We’ll get your tent set up while you’re gone, sir.”

“Thanks, but I’ll do that in a few minutes. You want to come with me, Dinky?”

“Sure!”

Running toward her father she takes his hand and the pair walk toward the beach. Max turns to Auriel.

“So how are you liking Earth?”

“Well, it’s certainly a change from both Tartarus and Equestria.”

Hugh looks hopeful “That’s a good thing, right?”

“Kinda. I’m seeing similarities and difference between the cultures.”

Xenos appears confused. “Like what?”

“Shops, entertainment, vehicular transport, relationships… they all exist in both worlds. However on Earth they’re much larger and more intense.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “I’m a little confused. Relationships are bigger here?”

“Perhaps that’s not the proper word for it. How about… faster?”

Hugh frowns. “Are you sure you’re not talking about vehicles?”

“Yes.”

Xenos thinks for a moment before speaking. “Can you give us an example?”

“Well, I’m told that a woman named Hammer is a very bad human, and that Arc has faced her in combat several times as the Hero of Light.”

Max nods. “That’s true.”

“He’s been able to move past that.”

Hugh appears confused. “Oh? How do you know that?”

“Arc took her on a very nice date last night.”

Xenos stares at her in disbelief. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Arc and Hammer went on a date.”

Max sighs. “That word must mean something different to you, Auriel.”

Sereb chuckles. “What she says is indeed true.”

Auriel nods. “He met her at the mall the other day. They talked and she gave him her phone number.”

Sereb nods. “Arc put on his suit and took Hammer out for pizza. However…”

Xenos fumes. “What?!”

Max pulls out his radio. “I’ll call Viktor. See what really happened.”

Pressing a few buttons Max speaks into the receiver.

“Base camp to Viktor.”

“Viktor here.”

“Did the commander go anywhere last night?”

“Yes, he went on a date with Hammer. Why do you ask?”

Max’s pupils shrink as he drops the radio.

“Hello? Max? Are you there?”

Xenos picks up the radio as Max attempts to regain his senses. “Um… are you sure?”

“Very. He ordered us to listen in. I recorded the audio of the entire thing.”

Ember walks over to Viktor and leans in.

“They both had a great time too. Arc’s even planning to ask her out again later this week.”

Hugh grabs the radio. “Is everyone over there crazy?! Why would the commander DO something like that?!”

Viktor sighs. “You’ll have to ask him yourselves.”

Hugh grits his teeth. “We will! Base camp out!”

He gives the radio back to Max as Auriel frowns.

“Why is it so hard for all of you to believe that Arc took a human female out?”

Max groans. “Because it’s not just any female! It’s Hammer!”

Hugh turns to Xenos. “Maybe they were hallucinating.”

“Or some kind of poison has taken hold of their minds.”

Max nods. “We should probably get everyone to a hospital back in Equestria.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “You should run that by Arc when he gets back.”

Xenos nods angrily. “That we will!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Dinky approach a large bush. Rose sits facing it watching the bridge.

“See anything yet, Rose?”

“Quite a bit actually. I’m recording every movement and time stamping the data in my memory banks for later review.”

“Nothing my dad can use though?”

Rose shakes her head. “At the moment, no. But I’ll keep trying.”

“Keep at it. When Dinky and I head home in a day or two we’ll take you with us.”

“Oh?”

“I want you to download the data you’re recording into the computer so Viktor can print it out and look it over. Maybe there’s something you missed.”

“It isn’t likely I did. However I must admit that I’m certainly not infallible.”

Dinky shrugs. “Maybe it just needs someone with a fresh perspective.”

Cherry calls out. “Or there really could be no pattern to find.”

Rose nods. “That is also possible, yes.”

“Either way, thanks for doing this.”

“It’s my pleasure, Arc.”

“Dad, can we play on the beach?!”

“Later, sweetheart. We have work to do.”

Dinky frowns. “Work?”

“Right. Now let’s head back to the campsite and pitch our tent. You remember how we did that when your mother and I took you camping, don’t you?”

“Kinda. That’s feels like such a long time ago though.”

“Well, it sorta was.”

Cherry giggles. “This I have to see!”

“Yes well… do you need anything, Rose?”

“No, thank you. At least on of your squad is usually here with me. That and they keep my water bottle filled.”

“Are you using a lot of energy?”

“Very little actually. My sensors aren’t very helpful here, so I’m sticking to optical unless a truck comes by.”

Dinky grins. “Are you scanning it?”

“Yes. However that has proven fruitless, as they’re all shielded.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean armor-plated?”

“Not exactly. The trucks must be made out of some kind of material that prevents me from scanning the interior. Either that or its cargo is having that effect.”

Dinky sighs. “So they could be carrying anything?”

Arc nods. “Right. Personnel, weapons… pineapples for all we know.”

He gazes out at the bridge before turning back to Rose.

“Keep trying. We have to figure this out before Sunburst has everything ready back home.”

“I understand and will do my best.”

“Thanks. That’s really all I can ask at this point.”

Dinky grabs her father’s hand. “Come on, dad! Let’s get back to camp!”

“Okay, sweetheart. We’ll see you later Rose.”

Arc and Dinky walk away. Rose watches them as they leave and smiles.

“Ah, to be so loved. You’re a very lucky little filly, Dinky. Or should I say… little girl.”

Meanwhile, the pair walk back toward their campsite. Dinky turns to her father.

“Dad?”

“Hm?”

“Did you mean what you said back there?”

“Yes. We really need to get a schedule on those trucks.”

“No, no! I mean about the other thing.”

“Which other…”

“The part about figuring this out before Mister Sunburst has everything ready back home. Did you really mean that you view Equestria as your home?”

“Oh! I… guess I did say that, didn’t I.”

“Yeah, dad.”

“Well… I know I was born here on Earth and have friends here. But I’ve really put down roots in Equestria over the past year or so.”

“So which one do you consider home?”

“Truthfully… both.”

Dinky looks confused. “Both?”

Arc nods. “Yes, sweetheart. A person isn’t really limited to one place they can call ‘home’.”

“They’re not?”

“No. Home is really any place you feel safe, comfortable, and at peace.”

“So I could consider Earth my home too?”

“If you wanted to, sure. But tell me, why do you feel that way?”

Dinky smiles up at her father. “Because you’re here, dad! To me, home is anywhere you and mom are!”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, I can get behind that, sweetheart.”

Returning to the clearing Arc and Dinky head for the Jeep. They pull out their new tent and walk it over to the smaller one. Unrolling it, Dinky grins as she pulls her end taunt.

“This really is a lot bigger than the tent back in Equestria, dad!”

Arc shrugs. “Biggest one they had, yes.”

Auriel looks the large tent up and down. “I’m sure you know what you’re doing, Arc. But this does seem a bit extreme for just you, I, and Dinky.”

“The guys and I are going to sleep here. You and Dinky will take the other tent.”

Max turns to him. “We don’t mind the smaller one, sir.”

Arc sighs. “It has to be a bit crowded in there. After all, it’s really designed for two maximum.”

Xenos chuckles. “If you want the big one for yourself, Dinky, and Auriel we can manage, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. It’s just the right size for them.”

In short order the tent is pitched and the sleeping bags transferred. Arc steps back with Dinky to survey their work.

“There we go. Now we’re ready for tonight.”

“It’s good to be prepared.”

Auriel giggles. “That is it. What now, Arc?”

“Well… how about we take a hike?”

Dinky grins. “That sounds like fun!”

Auriel smiles. “Yes, it’ll give me a chance to collect some plant samples for study. Just let me get my notebook.”

Arc turns to the others as Auriel heads to the Jeep for her day pack. “You guys want to come?”

Max shakes his head. “Thanks, sir. But we’ve already scouted the area.”

Hugh nods. “We’ll just hold down the fort here.”

Xenos steps forward. “I wouldn’t mind…”

Max gives Xenos a nudge before he continues.

“…wouldn’t mind… staying here with the others.”

“Suit yourselves.”

Arc takes Dinky’s hand as Auriel rejoins them.

“I’m ready.”

Arc motions with a wave of his hand. “Let’s go.”

They set off into the woods. Xenos frowns at Max.

“What gives?! You know I love hiking!”

“The commander needs more family time with his daughter.”

Hugh sighs. “He can’t really do that if we’re tagging along.”

Xenos groans. “Fine…”

Meanwhile, Arc, Dinky, and Auriel trek through the woods. Dinky look around, clearly impressed.

“The trees here are so BIG!”

Auriel nods. “Agreed! Some of them are simply massive!”

“One of the first things I noticed was that most of the trees back in Equestria were tiny compared to what we have here on Earth.”

Auriel puts her hand on a nearby trunk. “Are all trees like this?”

“No. Some of them are even bigger.”

“Really dad?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. However we do have our share of smaller ones. A lot of fruit bearing trees are a lot shorter. They’re more like the ones back in Equestria.”

Auriel smiles as she takes notes. “Interesting. Do you think we could find any?”

“Probably not around here. The bigger trees don’t let enough sunlight through to allow them to grow.”

Dinky grins. “That makes sense.”

“There are apple orchards about an hour’s drive from here. Maybe we could go see them sometime.”

“Sounds like fun!”

Auriel nods happily. “Yes. I could run some tests on them.”

“Miss Auriel, you seem to really like plants.”

“Oh, I do! They’re simply incredible!”

Dinky look around. “They don’t look too special to me.”

“Well remember, where I come from plants don’t exist.”

Dinky gasps. “None?”

Arc shakes his head. “Tartarus doesn’t have any . Well, there was the swamp I met the Marquis. But those aren’t exactly what I would call pleasant.”

Auriel shudders. “They’re more brambles and thorns than anything.”

“Sounds awful.”

Auriel sighs. “It is. That’s why I’m studying plants. To be able to grow them when my artificial sun is up and running.”

Arc turns to her. “How’s that coming?”

“We’re getting there. I wish we could roll out the plan sooner. But rushing things won’t help anyone back there.”

Dinky looks around.

“Can we find a stream, dad?”

“I’m not sure there’s one around here.”

Auriel frowns. “That’s a shame. I wanted to take some water samples.”

“What for?”

“To compare them to those from Equestria. I’d also like to take some from a stable body of water.”

Arc smiles. “Like a lake?”

“Yes.”

Arc points back toward the camp. “There’s one not far from where we’re camping.”

Dinky shudders. “Is it safe though? I thought you wanted your squad to stay hidden.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s a public beach. No one goes there though, as it’s pretty far off the beaten path.”

Auriel looks hopeful. “How far exactly?”

“A couple hour’s hike from the main road.”

Dinky giggles. “Thank Celestia for portals, huh dad?”

“Yup. I don’t mind the walk, but I’d hate to make it every time we came here.”

Auriel clears her throat. “Arc, what can you tell me about agriculture?”

“Can you be more specific?”

“Does Earth have farms?”

Arc nods. “Oh yes. Just like Equestria, food has to be grown to feed the population.”

“Are there any nearby?”

“There’s some near the apple orchards. I’ll take you and Dinky there if there’s time another day.”

Dinky throws up her hands excitedly. “Road trip!”

“Where did you hear that?”

“Television.”

Arc sighs. “Oh boy. I think you may be getting the wrong idea how life works here, sweetheart.”

Auriel tilts her head to one side. “Is television not a credible source of information?”

“For some things, yes. I’m told you’ve been watching nature shows and documentaries pretty heavily.”

“I have. Should I perhaps read more books instead?”

No, no. TV is fine for that.”

Dinky appears confused. “What isn’t accurate about it then?”

“Well… reality shows for starters.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “What are they?”

“Shows the depict people supposedly living normal lives. They’re marketed as being close to reality, but in fact are heavily scripted.”

“Why’s that?”

“Real life isn’t usually that interesting. Certainly not enough that people would tune in to watch.”

Dinky looks up at the noonday sun as they walk on.

“It’s getting kinda hot.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “The weather report says the temperature should continue rising all week.”

“Then it’s a good thing we’re out here.”

“Why’s that, dad?”

“Because we can hit up the beach.”

Auriel looks confused. “What’s a beach?”

“Yeah, dad. I wanna know too.”

“It’s… uh… the land around a lake, I guess.”

Dinky shrugs. “What’s so special about that?”

“Why don’t we head back and I’ll show you?”

Auriel nods. “I suppose so. I can take my water samples.”

Dinky grins. “Sounds good.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s cooler there too.”

Dinky’s eyes light up excitedly. “Let’s go!”

Hurrying back to the camp they find Arc’s squad stacking wood. Max turns to Arc as he approaches.

“Is this enough, sir?”

“That should be more than enough for a couple meals.”

Hugh looks up at the sun overhead. “As hot as it’s been getting, we weren’t keen on the idea of making more heat.”

Max nods. “But if you want a hot meal, we’ll oblige, sir.”

Sereb grins toothily. “Shall we go hunting, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary, Sereb. I brought hot dogs.”

Auriel appear nervous. “Dogs?”

Dinky wrinkles her nose. “I don’t think we have those back in Equestria.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “They’re… you know what, I don’t know what they’re supposed to be made of. But certainly not dog meat.”

Xenos sighs. “That’s a relief, sir. But we thought you’d be gone quite a bit longer. Did something happen?”

“Oh, no. Dinky and Auriel were just asking about what a beach is.”

Max looks toward the woods. “Well, it’s certainly pretty. But we’ve stayed away from it as best we could.”

Arc chuckles. “No need to do that. Like I was saying before, this is public land. In fact, I even brought a couple beach games.”

Sereb frowns. “Games?”

Arc walks over to the Jeep and pulls out a box.

“To the beach, everyone.”

Leading the way Arc walks through the woods with Dinky at his side. A short time later she turns to him.

“Dad? What’s that sound?”

“Which one?”

“It sounds kinda like gusts of wind. But only for a second.”

“Those are called ‘waves’.”

Auriel cups a hand to her ear. “Sound waves?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, just waves. You’ll see in a few minutes.”

Coming up to the edge of the woods, Dinky squints.

“It’s… kinda like a riverbank.”

Arc nods. “Yes. But much wider.”

He turns to Rose as they approach her hiding spot.

“We’re going to play on the beach. Would you like to join us?”

Rose shakes her head. “No, thank you. I’ll just watch.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“Yes. Please have a good time.”

Arc shrugs. “Okay. But feel free to jump in anytime.”

He turns to Auriel and Dinky and gestures toward the water.

“This… is a beach.”

Auriel gasps. “It’s… beautiful!”

“We’re going to play here, dad?!”

Arc nods. “Sure are. At least as soon as all of you help me set up.”

Xenos looks confused. “Sir?”

Arc sets the box down and opens it. He pulls out two long sticks with netting wrapped around them and begins unrolling them as he turns to Max.

“Sink the pointed end into the ground as far as you can.”

“Yes sir.”

Doing as he is told Arc walks the other end away from him before doing the same.

“Auriel, there’s a mallet in that box. Would you bring it here please?”

“Okay.”

Approaching with said mallet Arc turns away from her and kneels down.

“Now I need you to get on my shoulders.”

“Huh?”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll lift you up so you can pound the sticks a bit deeper. We don’t want them coming loose during the game.”

Auriel looks nervous. “Why me?”

Xenos raises a hand. “I’d be happy to do it, sir.”

“That’s appreciated, but Auriel’s the lightest adult here.”

Auriel sighs. “Very well.”

Doing as she is told Auriel swings her legs over Arc’s shoulders. He grabs her calves and picks her slowly up. In short order both poles are hammered into the sand as deeply as Auriel is able

“How’s that?”

Max grabs a pole and gives it a good shake. “I don’t see it moving any deeper.”

Arc nods. “Good enough.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Now what?”

Arc grins as he carefully sets Auriel down and heads back to the box.

“One more thing…”

He pulls out a large, white ball.

“Now we can play!”

Xenos looks confused. “Play?”

“Yeah! Let me show you!”

Arc serves the ball. They watch it sail over the net and land in the sand.

“In this game two teams stand opposite the net. One person serves the ball and the other team has to hit it back. We go back and forth until the ball touches the ground.”

Hugh looks at the volleyball. “So we grab the ball and throw it back?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you can only hit it. Catching it isn’t allowed.”

Xenos grins. “That doesn’t sound so hard.”

“It really isn’t. But it is a TON of fun! Okay, we need teams. Auriel, you and Dinky stay here with me. Hugh, Max, and Viktor go to the other side.”

They take their positions as Arc moves to one side.

“Okay, let’s practice a bit before we play a game.”

He serves the ball. It sails over the net to Hugh. The young man punches the ball which sends it into the net before falling to the sand.

“That… didn’t go as planned.”

Arc chuckles. “Try this.”

He puts his fists together.

“Toss the ball over and I’ll show you how to return it.”

Hugh does so. Arc hits it over as Max attempts to return it. He connects, but the ball flies to one side.

“Almost had it.”

“Good try. Throw it over again and I’ll show you how to return it another way.”

Max does so. Arc puts his hands in front of him as he looks upwards. Slapping the ball upward it sails over the net. Xenos successfully returns it.

“I got it!”

Arc grins. “Good!”

The ball plummets downward as Dinky runs toward it.

“Me next!”

She is able to hit the ball up, but not enough to clear the net. Arc runs forward.

“Watch this!”

As the ball gets lower, Arc jumps. Hitting the ball downward it smacks into the sand making an audible thump. Xenos’ eyes grow wide.

“Woah!”

Arc chuckles. “That’s called a ‘spike’. It takes a bit of practice to set up with your teammates, of course. But returning it’s really tough.”

Max nods. “I can see why.”

Hugh grins. “This game looks really fun, sir.”

Auriel giggles. “Yes, indeed! What’s it called?”

“Volleyball, as we have to ‘volley’ the ball back and forth.”

“Anything else we have to know before getting started, dad?”

“Oh! Just one thing!”

Grabbing a nearby stick Arc makes a large rectangle all around the net.

“When you hit the ball over it has to land inside this box. Anything else is out of bounds, and you don’t get a point.

Xenos groans. “Aw. I was just going to hit it as far as I could and watch you three try to chase it.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Well, that wouldn’t make for much of a game, now would it?”

“No, sir.”

“Alright. Everyone ready to play?!”

They all yell out in unison. “YEAH!”

Meanwhile, Sereb lays down in the dirt next to Rose and looks over.

“You wish to join them, do you not?”

Rose sighs. “Yes. But someone needs to keep watch.”

“I would be willing to do so.”

“Thank you, but it should probably be me. I do have the sensors for this job, after all.”

“But there is more to it than that, isn’t there?”

“Someone needs to be our ace in the hole.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“Backup in case something happens.”

“While I doubt we are in any danger, I do appreciate your cautious nature.”

Rose smiles. “I do what I can.”

“As do I. Let me keep you company.”

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

Sereb sighs. “Yes. It is rather warm here for a fur coat.”

Rose giggles. “Stay here in the shade with me then.”

“That I will.”

Arc and the other’s play two games. Each side wins once. At the end of the third game Arc prepares to serve for the match point.

“Okay! We get this one, we win it all!”

Auriel appears confused. “All?”

Arc shrugs. “Figure of speech.”

Max grins. “We’re ready for you, sir!”

Xenos laughs. “Yeah! Let’s do it!”

Hugh grits his teeth happily. “Give it your best shot, sir!”

Grunting, Arc serves. As the teams go back and forth Sereb pricks up his ears.

“Something is amiss!”

Rose turns to him. “What do you mean?”

“I hear something… odd.”

“My scanners don’t show any changes. Are you certain?”

“Yes! Something is coming at us from the lake!”

“You’d better warn Arc!”

Nodding, Sereb charges forward barking wildly. The group turns to look as Arc catches the volleyball. Auriel turns to him.

“What’s the matter with Sereb?”

“No idea. Keep your eyes open though.”

Sereb runs toward the water and growls angrily as he dives in and under the water. Arc steps in front of Dinky and Auriel.

“Head back to the tree line.”

“Dad?”

“ Now, Dinky!”

Auriel grabs Dinky’s hand and starts running.

“Listen to your father!”

Dinky sighs and does as she is told. Arc’s squad hurries to his side. Max is the first to speak.

“Sir, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know. But stay on your toes.”

Xenos clenches a fist. “Sereb wouldn’t have done that without a good reason.”

Hugh frowns. “Agreed. But right now he’s…”

He is cut off as Sereb ascends from the water on what appears to be a massive gun barrel. Arc gasps.

“What the heck…?!”

As the cannon continues to surface the body of a strange looking tank comes into view. It rolls onto the beach nimbly slowing momentarily. The engine guns to regain traction, knocking Sereb backwards onto the body of the vehicle. A moment later it stops. The hatch flies open flinging the errant wolf backwards into the lake as a familiar grinning face looks down at Arc and company.

“Hey there, Arc!”

Arc raises a hand to weakly wave. “Uh… hi there… Hammer.”

Preface - Volume 27 - Investigations and Infiltrations

In our previous volume, Arc returns to Equestria to bring the others up to speed on the progress being made on their new equipment. Ember questions Arc as to if he had spoken to him. Hearing he has not, Ember becomes irritated. Learning that Cybil will be moving out soon, Arc and Frank explain the process she will have to go through to regain custody of her daughter Angel. Rose puts forward her evidence for transdimensional energies at certain locations and how they might be used to their advantage. Under orders, Max informs everyone that it was Wiseman who gave him the coordinates of potential portal locations. Rose heads to Equestria to run her theories by Sunburst while Max heads to the store to buy ingredients for Bacon Lasagna (seriously, it’s good). Over a snack of sandwiches and milk, they brainstorm ideas on how to get Arc into the base to scout it out. Ember volunteers to assault it with the full might of the Dragon Lands, but is talked out of it.

Arc, Ember, and Rose head to the beach overlooking the base. Ember flies Arc high above the clouds before dropping him. Casting a Telekinesis Spell, Arc slows his fall to land safely on the roof of what is large enough to hold several large aircraft. Waiting, Arc follows a patrol as they enter the building and descend a massive elevator built into the floor. Reaching the bottom Arc begins his task of exploring the base. Meanwhile, General Mustang calls Diva to his office to inform her that Arc has entered the base. She attempts to call out the guards, but is overruled by the general. Ordering her to return to her quarters, and ignore Arc should she see him, Diva leave the office. As Arc walks the corridors Diva does indeed find him. Gritting her teeth and clenching her fists she obeys the general and completely ignores him. Continuing on their way, Arc and Cherry find a massive steel door guarded by innumerable guards. Assuming Celestia lies within, but lacking security cards or sufficient forces to charge the door, they are forced to leave it behind. Taking another corridor Arc looks through a wall of windows to see the captured Shard members in individual glass tubes filled with a strange green liquid.

Forced to leave the Shards behind, Arc finishes exploring the base before returning to the surface with the help of a patrol. Rejoining Ember in the skies, she flies him back to the beach to where Rose is waiting. Returning home they watch the footage taken by Arc’s armor. Ember forcefully takes Arc to his room for a well-earned night’s sleep. As she joins him in bed, Ember sheepishly raises the question of his current relationship status with Rarity. Reiterating her earlier offer to share, she then requests the honor of being allowed to be the first to bear him children.

Sometime later, Viktor enters the room to find Arc and Ember lying on the bed nearly naked. Nervously informing them of word from Canterlot, he leaves the room to allow the pair to compose themselves. Sunburst speaks to them via a hologram generator. Revealing that the green substance Arc brought back is a powerful nutrient solution, they come to the conclusion that the captured Shards are alive and safe, albeit tentatively. Deciding to scout the base out for more information Rose volunteers to come with Arc. Deciding to ask Auriel for her mother’s badge (as she appears similar to Rose), Arc, Rose, and Frank return to Canterlot. Finding Auriel in the workshop ironing out some problems with several designs, Arc asks to speak to her privately. Taking her back to his quarters in the castle, the pair make small talk regarding her treatment. Asking to borrow the security badge once belonging to her mother, Auriel insists on coming along to see the base for herself.

Arc, Ember, Sereb and Frank leave the workshop and head for the castle gardens. Telling Frank story of the Grand Galloping Gala, Arc leads them into the ballroom. Sitting down, he recalls the night Cherry died. Revealing her presence to Frank, Cherry explains the events leading up to her residing in Arc’s armor. Returning to Derpy’s house, they find the pair sitting at the table. Telling Dinky he’ll be home for an undetermined length of time, Frank asks to speak to him outside. Convincing his friend to allow Dinky to return to Earth with them they return inside to find Derpy sitting on the couch sadly. Hearing that Dinky had run off unexpectedly, Arc heads to the bedroom to speak to her. Dinky tells her father of her fears that he won’t come back one day, but then learns he wishes to take her with them back to Earth.

Arc and his daughter along with Ember and Sereb head to Celestia’s room. After being changed back into humans they dress and return to Arc’s side. Seeing Auriel there they attempt to help her change, but sadly lack extra clothes. Offering her the navy blue cloak Arc took from Stingray, she puts it on and everyone enters the portal. Dinky enters the house quickly and runs upstairs to use the bathroom. Auriel does the same as she heads for the basement. Arc and Ember ascend the stairs to get Auriel some clothes before hearing her scream. Running to the basement they find Xenos and Viktor holding the naked young woman down. Ordering them to stand down, he carries Auriel upstairs to his parents room. Ember and Dinky help her dress before allowing Arc to reenter the room and look her over. Returning to the living room, they sit down as Xenos and Viktor apologize for the misunderstanding. Arc askes Auriel to put the magic cloak back on. Admitting that she really does look like Diva, he asks her to complete the look by making a cruel face. Arc nods as she completes the look.

Arc orders Viktor to drive Dinky, Auriel, and himself to the mall. Arriving, they head for the clothing store to purchase garments for everyone. As Auriel and Dinky try on various outfits, Arc is surprised to hear Stingray, Hammer, and Mio approaching. Grabbing a nearby newspaper, he does his best to look inconspicuous. As Stingray and Mio enter a dressing room together, Hammer sits down next to Arc on the bench. Striking up a conversation, she confides to him that her sisters are in love with the same man. After Auriel and Dinky emerge from the dressing room they head off to find undergarments and anything else the young woman may need. Writing down her phone number, Hammer gives it to Arc with a wink. The other women emerge from the dressing room still arguing as they approach Hammer. Telling them of the nice man she just met, both sisters meet her confession with skepticism and snark.

Returning home, Arc enters the house with the others to Ember and Sereb waiting on the couch. As they go to make supper Arc takes Auriel upstairs to his old room. Confiding in him her feelings of inadequacy Auriel listens as Arc tries to reassure her that she is more than just a ‘half-breed’ as she calls herself. Heading back downstairs Arc finds the others cooking pancakes. Sitting down to supper he informs them of his conversation with Hammer and how he was given her phone number. Announcing his intention to ask her out, Ember and Sereb voice their concerns together with Viktor. Cherry does her best to soothe them as Arc lays out his reason for such a decision. Heading to bed sometime later Arc dreams of Rarity and himself lying in a sunny field. Waking, he at first believes the shaking of the bed to be Ember, or Dinky coming to him for comfort from a bad dream. Reaching down though we feels a woman’s curves and a lack of clothing. Casting a Light Spell he spots Auriel in bed with him, crying. Telling him of her nightmare, she sobs as Arc attempts to comfort her.

A few nights later Arc leaves the house to Hammer out on a date. Driving to her apartment, he is surprised to find the address is the same as the building he, Ember, and Sereb had infiltrated not too long ago. Heading up the stairs, he waits for Hammer to finish dressing before taking her to his Jeep. They drive to Roberto’s Pizza where Arc is able to introduce his date to Italian cooking. Talking over dinner, she confesses that her sisters are both after the base commander. Telling Hammer of his exploits as a ‘Private Detective’, Arc give no names, but tells the story of finding Cybil to make Angel happy in time for Christmas. Leaving the restaurant, Arc drives Hammer back to her apartment. She heads inside to check out the footage of The Riders getting their butts kicked by the Hero of Light.

Meanwhile, Arc drives home. Heading up to bed, he finds Auriel thrashing on her bed frantically. Waking the young woman up he helps her to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Waiting for her as she showers, Auriel’s slight clumsiness gets the best of her. Falling, Arc carries her to his room and wraps her up in a sheet before going to sleep himself. The next morning Arc presides over his debriefing. He and the others speak of the previous night’s activities, and speculate on Hammer’s very strange actions. Coming to the conclusion that more information is needed, Arc announces his intention to continue dating her. Wanting to spend more time with Dinky, Arc decides to take her on an camping trip. Ember volunteers Auriel to join the pair as she stays with Viktor at the house.

Arriving at the campsite, Arc takes Dinky and Auriel on a short hike. After pitching their tent he leads them along with his squad to the beach. After setting up a volleyball net and showing them how to play, the game begins. As they play Rose and Sereb watch from the bushes nearby. Sereb senses something is amiss, and runs toward the water barking. After jumping in, he emerges a few moments later on the back of a large tank. Opening the hatch, he is thrown backwards into the water. Grinning, Hammer waves from the cockpit.

However, many questions still remain. Why did Max withhold his source regarding the coordinates? Are the Shards really okay in their tubes? Will Ember ever get what she wants (not likely)? Will Auriel be able to handle Earth’s customs? How the heck has Hammer never had decent Italian food?! I mean, come ON! It’s incredible! I mean… uh… in any case. What the heck was Hammer doing in the middle of the lake? And in a TANK, no less!

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Unexpected Guest

Hammer hops out of the tank. Arc notices she is wearing a rather revealing bikini. Balancing on the barrel of her tank’s cannon she kneels down and grins hugely. Sereb makes his way back to shore and moves to stand with Arc. He growls menacingly at the woman as the young man looks down at him.

“Easy there, big fella. She’s a friend.”

Sereb shoots Arc a withering look, but does as he is told. Hammer grins as she looks at Arc.

“Like my ride?!”

“Um… it’s certainly… unique.”

Hammer hops down and lands in front of Arc.

“Sure is. Surprised to see me?”

“Actually, yeah. But where did you come from?”

Hammer points a thumb to the base across the water. “I’m stationed over there. But aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend’s here?”

“Oh! Yes, this is Max, Hugh, and Xenos.”

Max waves nervously. “H-hi.”

Xenos forces a smile. “How’s it going?”

Hugh looks away “Hey.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “Friends of yours?”

“Yes. That and they’re my… employees.”

“They detectives too?”

“Kinda. Clerical and odd jobs mostly.”

He gestures to Auriel as she returns from the foliage.

“And this is Auriel. My… personal assistant. She helps keep me organized.”

Hammer looks at her for a long moment. Eventually Auriel speaks.

“Is something wrong?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No, no! Sorry about that. It’s just… you kinda look like someone I know.”

She turns back to Arc.

“Quite the job they do for you, I’m sure. But I can’t imagine anyone being as efficient as you are, Arc.”

“Um… thanks. But what the heck is that thing you came in?”

Hammer grins and looks to the machine. “This here’s my pride and joy. I call her the ‘Charger’.”

Hugh looks the tank over. “Why’s that?”

Hammer grins. “Sorry, but that’s a secret.”

Xenos clears his throat. “So, uh…”

Hammer looks around. “Hey, where’s that cute little daughter of yours, Arc? I know I saw her earlier.”

“Oh, um… I told her to run into the woods when my dog started barking. He’s usually very calm, you see.”

Arc turns and yells into the woods.

“Daisy! You can come out now!”

Dinky runs back to her father and looks up at Hammer

“It’s the nice lady from the mall the other day!”

“Hey there, Daisy! So you remember me?!”

Dinky nods. “Yes, Miss Hammer!”

“Your dad took you to the clothing store and didn’t buy you a swimsuit?”

Arc grimaces. “Yes, well… coming to the beach was more of a… I guess you could say a last minute idea of mine. Think of it kinda like an office party.”

Dinky looks at the tank. “So, what bring you here, Miss Hammer? Other than that big metal thing?”

Hammer laughs. “I saw all yall playing on the exterior cameras and decided I wanted to join in! That okay?!”

Arc shrugs. “Um… I guess.”

He looks up at the sky before continuing.

“Looks like it’s about time for lunch though. Xenos, go get some firewood. We’ll cook some hotdogs right here on the beach.”

“Yes sir.”

“Auriel, grab the food from the cooler. Hammer, do you think you could find us some kindling?”

Dinky grins. “I could do that, dad!”

Arc sighs. “Um… okay.”

Hammer laughs throatily. “I’ll help get the food with your secretary then. I hope you brought a lot!”

Dinky grimaces as she understands her mistake. Arc thinks quickly before turning back to Hammer.

“Actually, does your tank have any matches?”

Hammer shrugs. “I should in my emergency supplies. Did you forget yours?”

Max nods convincingly. “We did sadly.”

“I’ll see what I have. One sec.”

She climbs up the side of the Charger and hops inside. Arc quickly turns to Auriel and Xenos.

“Auriel, do you know Platinum Valve’s Matter Compacting Spell?”

“I do. Why?”

“Get back to camp and use it on my Jeep. Then stash it in my tent so Hammer doesn’t come across it.”

Auriel nods. “Right away!”

She hurries away as Hammer tosses various tools and other miscellaneous items out of the hatch.

“I know it’s in here somewhere…”

Dinky looks sheepishly to her father. “Sorry dad.”

Arc tousles her hair. “It’s okay, sweetheart.”

A few moments later Hammer pokes her head out. “Well, I couldn’t find the matches.”

Hugh chuckles. “Don’t worry. We’ll think of something.”

“I already have. Check this out!”

Hopping down Hammer holds out a strange looking stick.

“This should light things up real nice!”

Max raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“A flare.”

Arc frowns. “Isn’t that kinda like killing a fly with a hand grenade?”

Hammer laughs. “Love the analogy! I’ll have to try that one sometime.”

The young woman tosses the flare to Max as she walks over to Hugh.

“Come on. Let’s go get some supplies.”

She looks around a moment before turning to the others.

“What happened to your secretary?”

Hugh points back toward the woods. “She headed back to our camp already.”

“Aw well. Let’s catch up to her big fella.”

She grabs Hugh and hurries toward the woods as Max turns to Arc.

“You have… quite the taste in women, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks.”

Dinky giggles. “Well, I still think she’s really nice.”

Max frowns. “She’s working for our enemy.”

Arc nods. “There is that, yes. But I’m holding out hope that she doesn’t really know what’s going on over there.”

“Sir?”

Arc turns to Max. “Hammer’s actually really nice. I’m having a hard time believing she’s honestly a bad person right now.”

Sereb growls. “How about what she did to Bloodletter?”

Arc shrugs. “She did run before the serum took effect, yes. But admittedly, I can’t see her injecting anyone without knowing what it would have done.”

Sereb grunts. “Are you saying she knew the effects were temporary?”

Arc nods. “It stands to reason. Hammer doesn’t really strike me as having much of a killer instinct.”

Max looks towards the woods. “More like a human version of your friend Pinkie Pie if you ask me.”

Sereb shudders. “If Pinkie’s personality was tempered by the military, you mean.”

Arc winces. “That’s a scary thought. Pinkie Pie with lethal combat skills…”

Xenos returns with Auriel, Hugh, and Hammer in tow. He sets the wood down as Arc walks over.

“Let’s see about getting that wood set up.”

“Yes sir.”

Auriel emerges from the woods and joins them. “I found all the dried goods, Arc. But the cooler wasn’t there. Did you move it?”

Arc slaps his forehead. “Oh! Silly me! I left it in the woods to stay cool. Be right back.”

He hurries over to the bush Rose is hiding in and kneels down as he pulls the cooler from his ring.

“You sensing anything over here?”

Rose sighs. “Just Hammer’s machine coming.”

“So you sent Sereb to warn us?”

“Yes. However I couldn’t detect exactly what was going to happen.”

“She was underwater though.”

Rose nods. “Even when the tank surfaced I didn’t detect it with anything other than my optical sensors.

“How about now?”

“No, nothing.”

Arc frowns. “Our enemy is really big into stealth and sensor evasion. That’s making things harder for us.”

Rose shudders. “It’s like going up against ourselves.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. You’ve relied heavily on such tactics to avoid conflict in the past with great success.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose so. But what these guys are doing in the shadows can’t be good.”

A few minutes later Arc returns to the beach with the cooler. Xenos has just finished stacking the wood with Hammer as Dinky runs over with the kindling.

“How’s this, Miss Hammer?!”

“That should be dandy!”

Handing Hammer the dried twigs and leaves she puts them behind the logs. Max walks over with the flare as Hammer looks to Dinky.

“You wanna do it?”

“Sure! Can I dad?!”

Arc nods. “Alright. Just do what Hammer tells you to.”

“First, unscrew the cap.”

Dinky carefully does so.

“See that little string there? You pull that to light the flare. Give it a good tug, but make sure it’s pointed away from your face when you do.”

Grabbing the string Dinky pulls. A stream of smoke emits from the tube as sparks shoot out. Hammer nods and gestures to the wood.

“Point it at the kindling.”

Grinning, Dinky obeys. A few moments later the sparks ignite the leaves and move onto the twigs. Hammer takes the flare from her and buries the end in the sand to quench it before turning back to Dinky.

“You did good! Now then, let’s have ourselves a cookout!”

Auriel walks over with several hot dog pokers and hands them to Arc.

“What are those, dad?”

“They’re what we used to cook with when I went camping as a boy. You see, when this fire gets going it’ll be too hot to get close to.”

Max looks at the pokers. “I see. So we can stay a safe distance back?”

“Right.”

Arc puts a hot dog on the end to demonstrate. Holding it next to the growing flames he turns to the others.

“The trick is to not put it IN the fire, as it’ll burn.”

Hugh appears confused. “But I thought that’s what we were trying to do.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we’re cooking them. Now when the outside begins to brown is when you remove the dog. Keep it in there too long and it’ll blacken. That tastes kinda gross to me.”

Xenos chuckles. “Makes sense.”

Pulling the stick over to himself, Arc removes the hot dog from it and takes a quick bite.

“Perfect!”

Dinky smiles excitedly. “Let me try it!”

Arc holds the hot dog toward Dinky. She takes a bite and grins.

“That’s pretty tasty!”

Arc turns to Xenos. “Pass out the pokers. Everyone give it a try.

He tosses the remainder of the hot dog to Sereb whom catches it in midair. Hammer grins.

“Good dog.”

Sereb growls at her. Arc turns to him and frowns.

“Easy there. She’s with me, remember?”

Grunting, Sereb lies down in the sand as the others each try their hand at roasting. Max takes a bite of his.

“These are pretty tasty!”

Xenos laughs. “I’ll say! Way better than cooking them on the stove!”

Dinky turns to her father. “Why is that, dad?”

“Probably due to the wood smoke from the fire. It adds its own special flavor to the meat… or whatever hot dogs are made of.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “You mean you don’t know?”

“Well, these are made from beef. But what part of the cow is unknown to me.”

Viktor looks the hot dog over. “I’ll look it up for you later, sir.”

“That might not be a good idea.”

Auriel turns to Arc as she swallows. “Oh? Why not?”

“I’ve heard some of it from my dad. When I pressed him for more details he told me if I loved something it was best not to know how it was made.”

Dinky appears confused. “Oh?”

“Because that takes away from the mystery and allure of it partially.”

Hammer turns to Arc, skeptically. “We are talking about FOOD here, right?”

“Yes. Let me give you an example. When I was a kid I loved cream soda. When I got older I decided to look up what gave it that distinct scent and flavor.”

Dinky grins. “What was it?”

“I don’t think I’ll say.”

Hammer frowns. “Why not?”

“Because after I learned the truth, it wasn’t as tasty anymore. For some reason that knowledge ruined it for me.”

Hammer groans. “That doesn’t make a lick of sense!”

Arc shrugs. “Just telling you my life experiences. But I’ll tell you something else that ruins flavor.”

Max looks expectantly at him “What’s that, sir?”

“That.”

Arc points at Hammer’s poker. The hot dog drooped over the fire is nearly touching the wood. She quickly removes it as Dinky gasps.

“The fire got stuck to it!”

Arc chuckles. “No, sweetheart. It’s just on fire.”

Hammer shakes the poker, allowing the hot dog to fall to the ground. She smiles nervously.

“Sorry about that.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s fine. We have plenty more.”

Hammer turns to Sereb and whistles.

“Here boy! Want a hot dog! It’s got dirt on it like all dogs like!”

Sereb slowly stands up and walks over. Sniffing the meat for a moment he turns around and walks to sit behind Arc. Hammer continues her spiel.

“Come on! You’ll love this! It’s got lots of smokey goodness!”

Dinky giggles. “I don’t think you convinced him.”

Hammer scowls as Max passes her the package. Arc chuckles as he deftly tosses several uncooked hot dogs behind him to Sereb. Auriel holds up a bag.

“Why don’t we have some of these potato sheets with our hot dogs?”

Max laughs. “Those are called ‘chips’, Auriel.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that.”

Hammer leans forward. “Can I see those?”

Auriel passes the bag to Hammer. She looks it over carefully before removing a chip and eating it.

“These taste great! Nothing like the potatoes from the Mess Hall!”

Dinky looks worried. “The food’s bad over there?”

“Very.”

Hugh chuckles. “How bad could it be?”

“Pretty bad. My date with Arc was some of the best I’d ever eaten.”

Xenos grins. “Come on. It couldn’t have been all that…”

“Oh, really? Wait one minute.”

Handing off her poker to Hugh, Hammer hops into the tank once more. Emerging a few moments later with a pack, she jumps down she tosses it to Xenos.

“What’s this?”

“Emergency rations. Try em.”

Xenos looks to Arc. He chuckles and nods. Opening the satchel he sees a strange liquid within. Upending the bag he tastes it. Immediately his eyes bulge out and he spits the contents of his mouth into the fire.

“What… what IS that?!”

Hammer grins. “Like I said, emergency rations.”

Xenos grabs a bottle of water. “Seems like that IS the emergency!”

Hugh sniffs the bag and makes a face. “Where does the military buy this stuff from?!”

Dinky laughs. “Careful. Like my dad said, knowing the truth might make it taste worse.”

Hammer sighs. “Our Mess Hall makes this stuff and puts it in these vacuum sealed bags for long-term storage.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it’s probably cheaper than buying it.”

Hammer gestures to the bag. “Care for a taste?”

Xenos holds out the bag to Arc.

“I probably should. After all, Xenos was brave enough.”

Taking the bag Arc sniffs it and makes a face.

“It’s certainly a very… unique scent.”

“Can I smell it, dad?”

Arc holds the bag to Dinky’s nose. Sniffing she begins coughing uncontrollably.

“That smells terrible!”

Xenos grunts. “Tastes worse.”

Arc sighs. “Well… here goes nothing.”

Squeezing a small amount into his mouth, Arc suddenly gags.

“What… what IS this TASTE?!”

Hammer shrugs. “To be fair, they ARE for emergencies only.”

Arc spits the foul tasting substance out. “Solving or causing!”

Max shrugs. “It’s probably better than dying from starvation.”

Arc licks his shirt profusely. “That’s debatable.”

Hugh tosses him a soda which he downs in a few swigs.

“Argh! I can still taste it!”

Xenos sighs. “Me too.”

Auriel turns to Hammer. “How long does that last?”

“A couple hours.”

“You could’ve warned me!”

Hammer grins. “Yeah, I know. But where’s the fun in that?”

The group continues their meal. Afterwards they play more volleyball. Several games later Dinky looks at the lake.

“Would it be okay for us to go in the water, dad?”

“I suppose so. After all, the undertow’s pretty much non-existent here.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah. That and it doesn’t get really deep until you get about halfway out.”

Arc stands up. “How about I teach you to swim, Daisy?”

“Sure! That sounds like fun!”

Max looks to Arc. “How about us, sir?”

“Head back to the camp. I bought some extra shorts for you guys the other day. They’re in my tent.”

Xenos grins. “We’ll be back in a few.”

The guys hurry back to the campsite as Arc pulls off his socks and shoes before turning to his daughter.

“This way, Daisy.”

Grinning, the little girl takes his hand as the pair head for the lake. Reaching waist level water Arc turns to her.

“Okay. Now the first thing you need to know is how to float.”

“Float?”

Arc nods. “You don’t want to sink, now do you?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. What should I do?”

“Lie back into my arms.”

“Um… okay.”

Dinky does as she is told. Hammer walks through the water to join them as Arc lays Dinky on her back.

“Now then, how do you feel?”

“A little scared.”

Hammer smiles down at her. “Don’t you worry. If anything happens, Arc and I will help you.”

Arc nods. “Right. Now then I want you to relax and go limp. Can you do that?”

“I think so.”

“Remember, I’ll hold you up. That and the bottom is only a couple feet down.”

Dinky nods as Hammer laughs.

“Just close your eyes and pretend like you’re going to take a nice relaxing nap.”

A short time later Dinky looks up at her father.

“I’m feeling much more confident now.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I think I’m ready.”

Arc smiles. “Ready for what?”

“For you to let go.”

“I already did.”

“Huh?!”

Flailing momentarily Dinky sinks to the muddy ground. She stands back up, coughing profusely.

“How long was I floating there?!”

Arc shrugs. “About ten seconds.”

“Really?!”

“Really.”

Hammer nods approvingly. “That’s pretty impressive. I knew you had it in you, kid.”

“Now I want you to lay back and try to float unaided from the beginning.”

Dinky nods, takes a deep breath, and flops over onto her back. She floats neatly on the surface calmly.

“This is amazing! I just feel so… weightless!”

Hammer turns to him. “She took to that like a fish to water, Arc.”

“That she did. Now I think we should show her a simple swimming technique.”

He turns to Dinky.

“Let me show you the doggie paddle first, sweetheart.”

“The what?”

Arc laughs. “That’s really what it’s called. It’s kinda like how a dog swims.”

Dinky gasps. “Dogs can swim?!”

“Sure. Let me prove it.”

Arc turns toward shore.

“Here boy! Swim!”

Running toward them, Sereb begins treading water. Arc kneels down next to Dinky.

“Put your head underwater and watch as Sereb passes you.”

Dinky nods and does so as Arc takes a few steps back. Sereb swims toward him past Dinky. She raises her head.

“That actually looks pretty simple.”

Arc nods. “It is. Just cup your hands and pull yourself along.”

“Like this?”

Dinky begins slowly swimming along. Arc chuckles.

“Good. But you have to kick your feet. Let them push you through the water too.”

Kicking, Dinky’s speed increases somewhat.

“This is fun! I wish mom was here to see it!”

“Next time she will be, sweetheart. I promise.”

Arc’s squad returns. Dinky is paddling along as Arc and Hammer splash each other. Sereb returns to the shore and walks over to them as Auriel joins the group. Max is the first to speak.

“Anything happen while we were gone?”

Sereb shakes his head as he speaks in a low voice. “Nothing really.”

He looks over his shoulder nervously before turning back to the others again.

“I do not like this.”

Max frowns. “Nor do I. Hammer’s our enemy, after all!”

Xenos nods soberly. “Doesn’t look like the commander thinks that though.”

Auriel looks to Sereb. “Do you think he’s under some kind of spell?”

“A… spell?”

Hugh gasps. “Like a love spell?”

Auriel shrugs. “I only ask because if this woman is as bad as you all claim her to be, why does Arc appear to be having so much fun?”

Max nods. “If something’s up we need to act! And fast!”

Xenos grimaces. “What should we do?”

Auriel looks down at Sereb. “Go ask Rose if she’s detecting anything strange regarding Arc’s vital signs and brainwaves.”

“Very well.”

He hurries over to the bushes to carry out his instructions. A few minutes later Sereb returns. Auriel looks hopeful.

“Anything?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. Rose said everything checks out normally.”

Hugh frowns. “That’s weird.”

Max looks to them, nervously. “Uh… guys? What if…? No, that’s not possible.”

Xenos grits his teeth. “What is it?”

“You don’t suppose he legitimately fell in love with Hammer on their date, do you?”

Sereb growls. “That seems unlikely. Especially with all the potential mates already in his life.”

Hugh appears hopeful. “What if it’s just an act to fool Hammer?”

Auriel sighs. “I don’t know. Arc seems awfully friendly toward her to be just putting on a show.”

Sereb looks up to Max. “His mannerisms show nothing but good intentions.”

“Well, what do we do?!”

Auriel scowls. “Watch them closely and wait. After all, Hammer may be studying us as much as we are her.”

Hugh shudders. “That’s a scary thought.”

Xenos nods. “Agreed. But we can’t let the commander know we’re on to Hammer.”

Max sighs. “Yes. Let’s just try to act natural for the moment.”

The group nods and heads for the water together as Auriel sits down on the sand with Sereb.

“You do not trust that woman.”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. I don’t.”

“Why is that?”

“Something about her really ticks me off.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Something?”

“Yes.”

“Could it be her interest in Arc?”

Auriel looks away. “I don’t know what you’re…”

Sereb growls softly. Auriel sighs.

“Fine. You caught me.”

“You can just tell him, you know. Arc will be very understanding.”

“I… I can’t risk it. Not when I’m this close.”

Sereb appears confused. “Close to what?”

“Completing my project with Twilight.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“It would only serve to strain our working relationship. To say nothing for how Arc views me.”

“I am certain he views you in the most favorable light, Auriel.”

Auriel sighs sheepishly. “You don’t know what’s been going on these past few nights.”

“Have you mated with him?”

“What?! No, no! I mean my nightmares!”

Sereb chuckles. “I was not aware, no.”

Auriel sighs. “He has to see me as a weak little girl by now.”

She looks out over the water as he and Hammer play wrestle.

“Arc deserves, and I’m sure wants, a real woman. One who’s strong, brave, resilient, and… and not prone to childish fears.”

“Can I assume you cannot be convinced to confess this to him?”

“Probably not before the artificial sun is properly installed in Tartarus. Then I can tell him everything.”

“Is that a promise?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Can I trust you to keep quiet about this?”

“Very well. As long as Arc does not directly ask me, I will not broach the subject with him.”

Auriel appears relieved. “Thank you.”

Chapter 2 - Getting Closer

Arc and company sit around the campfire on the beach as the sun slowly sets. Hammer turns to him and holds something up.

“What did you call these things again, Arc?”

“S’mores.”

Dinky munches away happily. “They taste even better than the ones we made on our last camping trip, dad!”

Max smiles at her. “Oh? Better chocolate?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Nah. Because we’re sharing them with so many friends!”

Hammer sighs. “Friends, huh? Not a term I’m personally familiar with.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “You have to know someone back at your base though, right?”

“Just my sisters. The soldiers there aren’t much for conversation. All business, that lot.”

Max nods stoically. “The military has a way of doing that, I suppose.”

Arc frowns. “Yeah.”

Hammer looks to him, hopeful. “So… does that mean we’re friends, Arc?”

“I suppose so, yes. That is if you want to be.”

Hammer grins. “Sure! I’ve had more fun since meeting you than I knew even existed!”

“Good. Truth be told, I thought you might have been a bit bored on our date the other day.”

“Are you kidding me?! I had a blast!”

Dinky smiles. “What was so fun about it, dad?”

“Well, we went to dinner. You know how much I like to eat, Daisy.”

Hammer nods. “Arc showed me that food really can be tasty!”

She looks down at the s’more in her hand.

“But this thing really takes the cake in terms of flavor!”

Arc sighs. “Can I ask you something, Hammer?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“It’s about your sisters. What’s it like?”

“Huh?”

“Having siblings, I mean. I’m an only child.”

“Oh! Well, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

Xenos grins. “You must have at least a few stories though.”

Hammer nods. “That I do.”

Auriel smiles. “Can we hear one?”

“Well… there was this one time Mio lost her glasses.”

Dinky looks worried. “She couldn’t see?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Oh, no! They’re actually just for looks. Our commanding officer gave them to her, after all. Anyways, one day she came into the office all flustered saying they were lost. She looked for those things EVERYWHERE! Even sinking so low as to ask if I had taken them.”

Max grimaces. “Uh oh.”

Hammer shrugs. “I let it go. After all, I knew exactly where they were.”

Dinky looks nervous. “Where?”

“I’m getting to that. So Mio was on her hands and knees peeking behind the water cooler when Stingray walked in. She looked at Mio as if she’d lost her mind. Then Mio got the idea that Stingray had taken them.”

Arc chuckles. “Let me guess. Fighting broke out?”

“Just verbally. Eventually Stingray must’ve gotten bored, because she pointed to Mio’s forehead and said ‘there they are, stupid’.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “How did they…?”

Hammer shrugs. “Apparently she had pushed them up to wash her face, or something, and forgotten about them.”

Auriel frowns. “But you knew they were there, right?”

Hammer nods. “A blind person could have seen them.”

“Why didn’t you say anything then?”

“To teach her a lesson.”

Arc laughs. “Nice story! What about Stingray?”

“Oh, you’re going to LOVE this! A while back the three of us were at the mall. In the same store you and I met ironically. Anyways, she always sneaks off to do her own thing and leaves me to babysit Mio. So when she went into the changing room to try on some clothes I decided to hunt for Stingray.”

Dinky giggles. “Did you find her?”

Hammer smiles mischievously. “Oh, yeah! She originally said she was going to look at leather jackets, or something. But I found her checking out cosmetics.”

Arc looks confused. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Because when I confronted her, she had a bottle in her hand of… get this… anti-aging cream!”

Xenos laughs. “No way!”

“Best part was that she tried to tell me it was for research! She’s always saying how she’s the pretty one between us! But she’s totally scared of wrinkles or anything that would be considered a blemish!”

Max frowns. “Blemish?”

Hammer nods. “Like zits, warts, callouses, visible bruises… that sort of thing.”

Arc nods. “Sounds like you three don’t really get along.”

“Oh, we do. It’s probably just the strain of being around each other all day, every day.”

“Is that why you came outside?”

Hammer sighs. “Kinda. They were arguing about something or other at the time. I wasn’t really paying attention much until they asked me to settle it.”

Dinky looks hopeful. “I hope you were able to.”

“Nah. It was obviously over something dumb, so I brushed them off.”

Max groans. “I’m sure they didn’t like that.”

“Right. Stingray said something to the effect of ‘if I wasn’t going to be helpful to take a long drive off a short pier’.”

Xenos chuckles. “What?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s a play off of the saying ‘a long walk off a short pier’.”

Hugh shrugs. “I still don’t get it.”

Hammer frowns. “They were more or less saying ‘get lost’. So I did. Although I didn’t know at the time that the Charger could handle so well underwater.”

Auriel gasps. “Wait, what?!”

Hugh grimaces. “That seems awfully reckless.”

“I prefer to think of it as ‘aggressive testing’. After all, it’s airtight and designed for underwater movement. Besides, if it hadn’t have worked out it still would’ve given me a chance to hole up in the hanger for a couple days and take my baby apart.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Hanger?”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward the water behind her. “There’s an underground dock for launching submarines. That’s how I got out here. Uh… let’s just keep that between us, okay?”

Arc grins. “No problem.”

“Say… could I talk to you alone for a minute, Arc?”

“Sure.”

The pair stand up and walk down the beach together. Dinky looks to Auriel.

“I wonder what they’re talking about.”

Max sighs. “The commander will tell us later.”

Hugh shrugs. “Maybe.”

Xenos turns to Sereb. “Can you hear them?”

“Yes.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “What are they saying?”

“You don’t want to know.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Hammer walk down the beach together. Hammer turns to Arc and smiles nervously before speaking.

“Um… thanks.”

“What for?”

“Letting me hang around today.”

“It’s fine.”

Hammer chuckles nervously. “Most folks just kinda try to get rid of me as fast as they can.”

“Oh?”

“Like when I go into a shop with my sisters. The staff doesn’t really want anything to do with me.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Not really sure why.”

“Maybe they can’t take your high energy attitude.”

Hammer frowns. “Say what now?!”

“Or it could be how fit you are.”

Hammer looks her toned body over in the bikini. “You gotta stay in shape if you’re going to drive the Charger. She’ll get away from you otherwise.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

Hammer looks nervous again. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Do you think I’m… annoying?”

“Of course not. Why would I?”

“Well, uh… like I said, everyone’s usually just trying to get away from me. But not you for some reason.”

Arc chuckles. “You don’t scare me.

“I’m scary?”

“Well, you are pretty tough.”

Hammer flexes and swings at Arc. He turns and effortlessly stops her fist in his palm.

“Nice one! You’re pretty fit yourself!”

As Arc lets go of her hand she puts them on his chest and grins.

“Nice and toned. It’s enough to get a girl all hot and bothered.”

Arc blushes. “Um… thanks. I think.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “I’m saying you look sexy! Just take the compliment!”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

She looks into his eyes for a long time. They are both silent and sober.

“Arc, I… I was wondering if you could help me with a little problem I have.”

“Maybe. What is it?”

“Well, you see…”

A short time later Arc and Hammer return to the campfire. Dinky smiles at her father.

“Have a nice walk, dad?”

Arc nods. “Y-yeah.”

Hammer nods and offers them a thumbs up. “We had a nice little… chat, if you will.”

She grins at Arc before turning back to the others.

“Well, I should probably be getting back to the base. Stingray and Mio are probably at each other’s throats without me to stand between em.”

Dinky pouts. “Aw. Do you have to?”

Hammer nods. “Yup. Sorry kiddo, but I have work to do.”

Max smiles. “Well, thanks for stopping by.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. Today was great!”

Hugh throws up a hand and waves. “Don’t be a stranger now.”

Auriel looks to her sheepishly. “Take care on the way… um… home.”

Hammer nods. “Thanks for the fun, all yall! Today was a blast!”

Arc puts a hand on Hammer’s shoulder. “Yes it was. We’ll have to do this again soon.”

“Yup. I’ll see you later.”

Jumping onto the Charger, Hammer hops inside. With a final wave she closes the hatch, starts the engine, turns around, and drives back into the lake. Max turns to Arc.

“That was a day and a half!”

Xenos groans. “I’ll say.”

Auriel shrugs. “She seemed pretty friendly. Not sure about the trouble you’ve had with her in the past though.”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “Believe me, Hammer’s a few sandwiches short of a picnic lunch.”

Dinky frowns. “That’s not very nice!”

Arc sighs. “I admit she’s a bit… headstrong. But like I said before, I don’t feel that she or Mio are actually bad people.”

Hugh appears nervous. “Sir, can I ask you something kinda personal?”

“Um… I guess. What is it?”

“Did something happen between you and Mio down in that underground cave?”

Max’s neck snaps to look at his friend. “HUGH!”

Arc holds up a hand. “It’s okay. What do you mean by that?”

“Uh… I mean… did you two… hit it off?”

Arc sighs. “Are you asking if Mio hit on me?”

“Kinda.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In fact most of the time she was busy trying to make the situation harder by not letting me help her.”

Auriel tilts her head to one side, confused. “How so?”

“She was stuck in a pile of debris, but didn’t want me to dig her out. When a bunch of stuff overhead fell down completely burying her she didn’t have much choice though.”

Xenos chuckles. “If not for the mortal danger, I would have thought such alone time would be very romantic.”

Max moans. “Not you too, Xenos. The commander is just doing what needs to be done in order to complete the mission.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. More or less anyways.”

“Dad?”

“I’ve got some plans of my own.”

Sereb frowns. “In regards to what Hammer said?”

Arc turns to him, surprised. “You heard?”

“Unintentionally, but yes.”

Max looks worried. “What’s he talking about, sir?”

“Hammer asked me to help her with a little problem she has.”

“A problem? What was it, dad?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. She said we’d talk about it on Friday.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “What’s so special about that day?”

“We’re going out on another date.”

Xenos gasps. “Again?!”

“Yup.”

Max grimaces. “Sir, I strongly recommend not following through on that.”

Hugh nods soberly. “Right! She could be planning a trap for all you know!”

“Maybe. But I doubt it.”

Xenos groans. “At least have Viktor listen in!”

“Don’t worry. I was planning on that very thing. After all, it’s how we handled my first date with Hammer.”

He turns to Hugh.

“Viktor has the recording if you’re interested.”

Hugh blushes. “N-no thank you, sir.”

Auriel’s face lights up excitedly. “I’d be very interested in hearing what…!”

Sereb interrupts her. “Auriel, why don’t we get you to bed?”

Arc nods and stands up. “That’s not a bad idea. We’ve all had quite the day. Xenos, fill up the cooler with lake water and put out the fire.”

“Yes sir.”

Hugh follows him. “I’ll follow up with sand, sir.”

“Good.”

Dinky looks around at their surroundings with a frown. “But there’s nothing here but empty ground and water.”

“True. But it’s very irresponsible to leave a campfire unattended.”

Max nods. “The wind could pick up and throw embers into the forest.”

Auriel looks at the fire, nervously. “Where we’re sleeping?!”

Arc looks to the pit soberly. “Yes. Which is why we’re going to be VERY sure the fire’s completely out before leaving the beach.”

His squad carries out their orders. Soon the fire is little more than a smoking remnant. Hugh pours sand over the cold coals before turning back to Arc.

“Mission accomplished, sir.”

“Good. Now let’s get back to camp before the light’s completely gone.”

Taking Dinky’s hand Arc leads the group back toward the tree line. Rose turns to them.

“I hope everyone had a good time.”

Arc nods. “That we did.”

Dinky giggles. “It would have been more fun with you there, Miss Rose.”

“Maybe next time I’ll join you.”

Max looks the android up and down. “You okay?”

“I’ll be switching to thermal sensors soon.”

Arc nods. “Hoping to spot a truck in the dark?”

“With any luck, yes.”

Xenos kneels down. “Need anything?”

“A refill on my water to get me through the night is all I require.”

“I’ll take care of that.”

“Thank you, Xenos.”

“It’s the least we can do after all you’ve put into this mission already.”

Dinky yawns as Cherry calls out.

“I think you should get little Dinky to bed soon, Arc. She’s barely keeping her eyes open.”

Rose nods. “Yes. I sense her respiration dropping as melatonin levels rise.”

Arc picks Dinky up and sets her on his shoulders as he looks to Rose.

“You really going to be okay over here?”

“Yes. I’ve been in this spot for quite some time now.”

Max frowns. “Pretty much since we got here actually.”

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

Rose appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Your joints might react badly to the prolonged positioning.”

Arc grimaces. “Maybe you should stand up, Rose.”

“Okay.”

Slowly Rose puts a hand on the ground. She grunts a bit before looking up at them.

“It appears you were correct, Auriel. My joints have seized up a bit.”

Auriel sighs. “Let me take a look.”

She kneels down and runs a hand along Rose’s legs several times.

“I’ll have to straighten them manually. Are you ready?”

Rose nods. “Yes. Go ahead.”

Slowly and carefully Auriel pushes Rose onto her back. Taking her ankle she begins pulling and pressing down on the knee. With a slight pop the joint loosens. Max grimaces.

“That sounded awful!”

“Now for the other one.”

Rose nods as the process is repeated. Auriel straightens the legs before giving them a few bends and feeling them.

“How do you feel now?”

“Internal joint pressure shows a slight blockage.”

Arc sighs. “We should have Twilight look you over, Rose. It could be serious.”

Auriel looks over to him as she helps Rose stand up. “While certainly possible, I don’t think it is. But next time you’re in Ponyville talk to Twilight though. She’s the real expert on your unique construction.”

Rose smiles. “I will.”

Xenos takes Rose’s other hand. “Anything we can do to help?”

Sereb looks to Auriel. “How about we take turns checking on Rose? Get her moving around a few times a day.”

“That might be a good idea.”

Rose sighs. “I will endeavor to do that myself.”

Hugh puts a hand on Rose’s shoulder. “We’ll still come check on you. After all, someone has to keep you supplied with fresh water from time to time.”

“Yes, well… all of you should rest now. I can see the fatigue in everyone’s eyes.”

Sereb nods. “I will stay with Rose for now.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks, Sereb. We’ll see both of you in the morning.”

They return to their campsite. Stepping inside the smaller tent Arc lays Dinky down on her sleeping bag and kisses her forehead.

“Goodnight sweetheart.”

Backing outside into the warm night air he turns to the others.

“Get some rest, guys.”

Max appears apprehensive. “Yes sir. But…”

“What is it?”

Xenos grins. “We just wanted to say… thanks.”

“Oh? What for?”

Hugh shrugs. “For being… you, I guess.”

“I don’t understand.”

Max sighs happily. “Equestria’s greatest warrior still has time for the little people. Us, Dinky, Rose, Auriel.”

Xenos gives him a thumbs up. “We just really appreciate the concern for our well-being.”

Hugh nods. “Right. So… we all kinda felt the need to say something about you and Hammer.”

Auriel shrugs. “She seems alright to me.”

Cherry calls out. “Their concern is well founded. Hammer and her sisters have certainly earned themselves a rather bad reputation.”

Arc nods. “I understand your concern. But this is a perfect opportunity to learn about them. Hammer just told me a few of their secrets, after all. While the information wasn’t really useful, think about how much more could I learn if this relationship continues.”

Max groans. “But at what risk, sir?”

“A calculated one. We all need to do our part here to bring Princess Celestia home.”

Hugh sighs. “Yes sir.”

Arc points to their tent. “Now get some rest. This time I really mean it.”

They nod respectfully and head for the larger one. Arc turns to Auriel and gestures to the smaller tent.

“Go ahead. I already unrolled a sleeping bag for you.”

“What about you?”

“I was just going to sleep in the Jeep.”

“What?! No! You should be there with Dinky!”

“It’s okay. I really don’t mind.”

Auriel takes his hand as she lowers her voice. “There’s also the matter of… what happens at night when I’m not next to you.”

“Wouldn’t that make you feel a bit… strange?”

Auriel shakes her head. “I’ve slept with you these last few nights.”

“Yes. But not with Dinky lying there.”

The sound of the tent flap opening can be heard. Dinky pokes her head out and rubs her eyes.

“Dad? What’s going on?”

“Sorry for waking you up, sweetheart. Auriel was just saying… um… we were trying to figure out the whole… sleeping arrangement.”

“She can sleep here with us.”

“Are… are you sure?”

Dinky nods sleepily.

“Okay. You lie back down and we’ll be in shortly, okay?”

“Yeah… okay.”

Pulling her head back into the tent Dinky flops back down in her spot. Arc turns to Auriel

“I guess that settles it.”

Auriel smiles. “Yes, I suppose so.”

“Um… would you do me one favor though?”

“What is it?”

Arc looks around for a few moments before leaning forward and whispering in her ear.

“Would you please keep your clothes on tonight?”

“Um… okay.”

“Thank you.”

He leans down and pulls back the flap. Auriel crawls inside as Arc follows her. He lies down next to Dinky as she snuggles up to him. Auriel does the same.

“Good night, Auriel.”

“Good night.”

The air is quiet for a time. The only sound being the leaves blowing overhead. A few moments later Auriel breaks the silence.

“Thank you.”

“Huh?”

“For believing in me.”

“What do you…?”

Auriel sighs. “Like I said in the past, back in Tartarus I wasn’t exactly what you would call popular. After all, who wants to get to know a strange looking demon whom hardly ever leaves her lab?”

“We do.”

“You and Twilight were the first, yes.”

She smiles in the darkness.

“I’m amazed at what she and I have been able to accomplish since I left home. But I think I have both of you to thank for that.”

“Huh?”

“You two encouraged me… provided the resources for me to be able to make a difference. Use my skills for the betterment of others.”

“The ability to do that was inside you the entire time.”

Auriel giggles. “That may be. But without your prodding, I wouldn’t have had the courage to act on it.”

“I’ve seen you come so far since that time. Making friends, accepting pony culture, and even facing the Dark One.”

Auriel shudders. “Not my favorite memory. The last one, I mean.”

“Yeah. But I don’t think the scared demoness I found in the Malice Cannon’s control room could’ve done that.”

“Probably not.”

“So what made you do it?”

“I realized I could do something to help. Something no one else there could.”

“And what was that?”

Auriel smiles. “Protect not just the townsponies, but you as well.”

“Yeah. Thanks for that.”

“Sometimes we all just need a little help.”

She leans over and gently kisses his cheek.

“Good night, Arc.”

“Sweet dreams.”

Auriel sighs contentedly as she lays her cheek on his chest. “With you here, I guarantee it.”

Chapter 3 - Meeting the Family

Several days later Arc, Dinky, and the others sit around a campfire on the beach. They silently watch the sun go down. Max is the first to speak.

“You know, it really is peaceful out here.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. Even more so than Ponyville.”

Hugh chuckles. “Not sure how that’s possible. But I still agree.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Did you go camping a lot when you were a kid, dad?”

“You mean before my dad left?”

“Y-yeah. Sorry.”

Arc tousles her hair. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Truthfully, yes. My dad was in the military, so I think he kinda saw stuff like this as some kind of survival training.”

Auriel smiles. “Did you live off the land?”

“In a manner of speaking. We’d fish, of course. But he did bring snacks for me to munch on if we didn’t catch anything.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “It was… enjoyable?”

“Yup. But I’m liking our camping trip a lot more.”

Max looks to him, genuinely curious. “Why’s that, sir?”

“Well for starters, all of you are with me. Second… well… showers.”

Xenos laughs. “It is nice to portal back to your house to clean up, sir.”

Hugh grins. “To say nothing for laundry.”

Dinky wrinkles her nose. “Yeah. Humans can be kinda stinky sometimes.”

Sereb frowns. “That was not very polite, Dinky.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, she IS right. But you should probably know that ponies smell very similar when they don’t bathe regularly.”

Dinky looks surprised. “We do?”

“Yup.”

“How do you know, dad?”

“I learned that during a training camp-out I took my squad on quite some time back.”

Max looks to him sheepishly. “Our apologies, sir.”

Xenos grimaces. “Yeah. We do try to stay clean.”

“I do appreciate that.”

Hugh nods soberly. “Doing otherwise would bring shame to your station, sir.”

Auriel blushes slightly. “Demons have the same hygiene issues. I… hope that’s okay.”

Arc shrugs. “We can’t really blame anyone for a natural bodily function, Auriel.”

“What about as a human?”

Sereb looks to Auriel. “Eh?”

“I mean… do I smell funny?”

Max shakes his head. “Not as far as I can tell.”

Dinky giggles. “What about me?”

Arc rolls his eyes and groans. “Everyone smells fine. Can we please change the subject?”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Arc speaks.

“Sorry about that. I’m just a bit nervous about tonight.”

Xenos sighs. “I’d be too if I were in your shoes, sir.”

Hugh shudders. “Meeting a mare’s parents would be scary enough. But Hammer wants to introduce you to her sisters now!”

Sereb frowns. “She is perhaps taking this relationship a bit too far.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. But like I said, she’s our best source of information right now.”

“Dad? I… I need to tell you something.”

“Sure. Do you want to go back to camp to do it?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, I can just say it here.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing. Her face sober.

“It’s just… I don’t like what you’re doing.”

“You think it’s too dangerous?”

“Not just that. You’re being kinda mean to Miss Hammer.”

Hugh appears confused. “I thought he was pretty polite.”

Dinky frowns. “No, no. I mean… you’re going out with her and she really likes you. But you’re just doing that to get information.”

Max groans. “Dinky, your father’s trying to rescue Princess Celestia. He needs every advantage available to him.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to him, right?”

“No. But I…”

Arc sighs. “You’re right, Dinky.”

“I am?”

“Yes. Now, normally I’d be completely against manipulating someone like this. But like the guys said, it really does need to be done to help assure success of the mission at hand.”

“But Miss Hammer will be so sad when we leave!”

“Probably. But what can I do?”

“I… I don’t know, dad.”

Auriel smiles at Arc. “We’ll try to think of something while you’re gone.”

“Thanks.”

Arc stands up and sighs.

“In any case, I should get back to the house and get cleaned up for tonight.”

Max nods. “Have a nice time, sir.”

“Thanks. But I’m still going to have Viktor and Ember listen in and record everything just in case.”

Sereb growls. “That would be wise.”

“Be good while I’m gone, Dinky.”

“Okay dad. Say ‘hi’ to Miss Hammer for me.”

Arc nods and walks back toward the bushes. Rose frowns as he passes her.

“Are you certain this course of action is wise?”

“No. But I don’t have much choice.”

Rose sighs. “Be careful.”

“I will. Anyone on your scanners?”

“Just our friends.”

“Thanks.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal. Stepping through he reappears in his basement. Ember approaches him.

“This is a bad idea!”

“Hello to you too, Ember.”

“I’m serious, Arc! This is more reckless than usual! And THAT’S saying something!”

“Agreed. But you know I have to do this.”

Ember glares at him. “Can’t I come with you?!”

Viktor sighs. “That would endanger the commander more than you know.”

Arc nods. “And you as well.”

“Well, you should at least have some backup for meeting Hammer’s sisters! Those women are CRAZY!”

“That isn’t a bad idea, sir.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Especially if that… that THING actually works!”

Arc turns to Viktor.

“Did you get it?”

Viktor nods soberly as he holds out his hand. “Right here, sir. Straight from Sunburst.”

In his palm Viktor holds a ring. Arc takes it and looks the reflective surface over.

“Was it hard to make?”

Viktor nods. “According to him it was. Crafting small anti-magic items THIS powerful is apparently quite the feat. But you should probably test it out.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yes. We wouldn’t want it to fail.”

Arc looks around. Spotting a pencil on the table he pulls it toward himself with a Telekinesis Spell. Grabbing the writing utensil, he drops it on the ground before putting on the ring and taking a deep breath.

“Here goes nothing.”

Looking down at the pencil Arc reaches out to it. He visibly strains himself, but it does not move.

“Okay. My magic is officially turned off.”

Ember glowers. “I still don’t see why you need to do that.”

Viktor sighs. “Mio will be there. It’s possible that she can sense magic in someone. Sealing the commander’s powers temporarily is the best way to protect his true identity.”

“Agreed. I don’t want Mio to take one look at me and know exactly whom she’s dealing with.”

“And if the ring fails?”

Viktor grins. “Then the commander can take it off and knock her into the next county.”

Arc sighs. “Uh… I think I’d just Blink as far away as possible.”

Ember groans. “Come on! You could take Mio!”

“That doesn’t mean I want to.”

“Sir?”

Arc adjusts his ring and frowns. “Like Hammer, Mio doesn’t strike me as being inherently bad.”

Ember grimaces. “What about Stingray?”

“I’m trying to withhold judgement on her for the moment.”

“Really, sir?”

“Admittedly, I lean more toward her being a sadist like Diva. But I need to grab a shower and get something a little nicer on.”

Ember scoffs. “Don’t tell me you’re going full tux on us now!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Just the suit I wore last time.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “To meet our enemies?”

“More like to keep up appearances with Hammer.”

Ember sighs. “You’re really going all out to make this so-called relationship work, aren’t you?”

“If she can give us information to make our final mission easier or safer I say it’s worth this initial risk.”

Ember shudders. “Can you not call it your ‘final mission’ please?!”

“Agreed, sir. It is a bit disconcerting.”

“You guys know my plans. When this is over and the three princesses are together again, I’m done.”

Ember grins. “Truthfully, that’s a relief.”

Arc nods as he heads for the stairs. “We can talk about it later. I’m hitting the shower.”

Viktor turns to Ember as the basement door closes.

“You’re really okay with this?”

“Which part?”

“The commander going out with one of our most dangerous enemies.”

Ember shrugs. “He’d do that even if I told him not to.”

“I suppose so. But you’re always the most concerned for his well-being.”

Ember heads for the stairs as she talks. “True. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have something to do.”

A short time later Arc steps out of the shower and towels off. Cherry calls out to him.

“I understand your reasoning. But I have to admit, I’m with Ember on this one.”

“So am I.”

“You are?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. This really is dangerous. But at the very least if something does happen, I’ll be the only one who gets hurt.”

“That’s not reassuring.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Grabbing his suit coat he heads downstairs and looks around.

“Ember?”

Hearing no response he touches his earring.

“Radio check.”

Viktor speaks into his headset. “Read you loud and clear, sir.”

“Is Ember down there with you?”

“No, sir. She went upstairs shortly after you did. I… kinda thought she had joined you.”

“But I was in the shower.”

“Yes, sir. I know.”

Arc sighs. “Okay. Just listen in and record everything.”

“Good luck, sir.”

“Thanks. I think I’ll need it.”

Heading out the back door Arc heads for his Jeep. Getting in, he starts the engine but does not move. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“I wonder…”

Turning around he looks at the back seat and the floorboard. Seeing nothing he reaches out a hand to feel around. Cherry sighs.

“Looking for Ember?”

“Yup. But it looks like she honestly isn’t here this time.”

“Where do you suppose she went?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But wherever it is has to be safer than where we’re going.”

Shifting into gear Arc drives the Jeep down the road. He pulls a scrap of paper out of his pocket and looks it over as Cherry groans.

“These directions make no sense. What’s a slight-left?”

Arc chuckles. “A road that goes off at an angle. You’ll see in a few minutes”

Spotting the road in question Cherry calls out to Arc again.

“That doesn’t make sense! Roads should be straight!”

“Tell me about it. Let’s hear it for urban planning.”

“This route though. It seems familiar.”

“You think so too? I thought I was just being paranoid.”

Cherry sighs. “Let’s see where Hammer’s leading us.”

Arc sighs. “Not much else we can do.”

A short time later they stop in front of a large building. Arc frowns as Cherry gasps.

“Isn’t that…?!”

Arc grimaces. “Yes. The same apartment building Minerva lives in.”

“We have to warn her!”

“Agreed. Viktor, can you call her?”

“Yes sir. I’ll make sure to use that little trick you taught me.”

“Good. Remember, it’s *67.”

“What should I tell her, sir?”

“I… um… that’s a very good question.”

Cherry groans. “Tell her to get out of there!”

Arc sighs. “If the three sisters are there they could see her leave and go after her though. She might actually be safer staying put.”

Viktor snaps his fingers. “You could use the sigil on the roof, sir. It’s worked in the past.”

“I suppose so. But we could have just been there when Mio was not.”

Cherry gasps. “And now we know for a fact she’s here!”

Viktor shakes his head. “This is hard.”

“Agreed. I hate to suggest it, but not telling her might be the best course of action here.”

“Then what should we do, Arc?!”

“I’ll go inside and see what we can learn about them. It is a pretty big building, after all. No reason to assume either side knows the other is there. Viktor, if you hear anything that leads you to believe Minerva’s in danger, call her.”

“Yes sir.”

Pulling up to the parking garage Arc looks at the paper again as he mutters to himself.

“That explains what this other number is for.”

“What is it?”

“A guest code.”

Typing in the number, the gate swings up allowing them to enter. Following the signs Arc finds the spots assigned to their owners. Cherry gasps.

“There’s the motorcycle Hammer was on when she attacked us at The Rider’s base!”

Arc frowns. “Sure looks like it.”

“Any other vehicles, sir?”

“None. I can only assume the other two use some kind of teleporter technology to come and go.”

Cherry shudders. “They could go anywhere in the blink of an eye!”

Arc shrugs. “Or at least wherever there’s a connected pad.”

Viktor puts a hand to his chin. “I wonder why Hammer drives then.”

“Let’s find out.”

Parking, he gets out of the Jeep. Cherry sighs.

“Don’t forget the flowers, Arc.”

“Whoops! Thanks.”

Picking up the bouquet he looks himself over in the side mirror before heading for the elevator. Stepping inside he looks at the paper and presses a button. Cherry gasps.

“That’s the same floor as Minerva’s apartment!”

Arc frowns. “Yeah.”

“Should I call now, sir?”

“Not yet.”

The elevator doors open. Looking at the signs on the wall Arc heads down the corridor. Cherry breathes a sigh of relief as they come to a door.

“Minerva’s on the other side of the building.”

“That’s a stroke of luck.”

As Arc’s knuckle touches the apartment door, it flies open. Hammer stands in the doorway in an olive green ankle length dress. She grins at him.

“You’re right on time!”

She steps aside as Arc walks in. Looking around he sees elegant furniture and modern art. The apartment appears completely in order, as there isn’t a thing out of place. Hammer takes Arc’s arm and leans into him.

“I’m really excited! This is the first time I’ve been able to bring someone home to meet my sisters!”

“Really?”

“Yup. Usually I’m too nervous.”

Viktor shakes his head as he mutters to himself. “Nervous, indeed…”

Hammer leads him into the Living Room and over to the couch.

“My sisters will be out in a moment. They’re getting changed out of their work clothes.”

“You mean their uniforms?”

“Uh… yeah.”

“Anything I should know about them?”

Hammer sighs. “Don’t make my older sister Stingray mad, for starters.”

“I’ll try not to.”

“And Mio likes anything… smart.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means you should use a lot of fourteen letter words if you want to impress her.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Not sure I know anything that long.”

“Oh! And don’t be intimidated.”

“Um… okay.”

A few minutes later the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs behind them can be heard. Arc and Hammer stand up as Stingray looks Arc up and down

“Hello there. You must be Hammer’s little plaything.”

“I guess so. I’m…”

Mio smiles. “Arc, yes. Hammer has told us who you are already.”

Hammer frowns. “Now I wish I hadn’t.”

Arc clears his throat. “So… you three are in the military together, huh?”

Stingray nods. “Yes, we are.”

Mio narrows her eyes. “Is that going to be a problem?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I actually think it’s great you three can work together like this.”

Stingray appears confused. “Like what?”

“Like a… a family.”

Mio sighs. “Yes, well… we all do what we’re good at. By the way, the vegetable stew should be ready in about ten minutes.”

Stingray looks toward the kitchen. “It does smell good.”

She turns to Arc.

“Mio keeps us fed around here.”

“It’s really quite simple. I’m an avid patron of the sciences, of which cooking is just another branch. But I can’t hold a candle to Stingray’s ability to decorate.”

Stingray shrugs. “Well, all it takes is a bit of rearranging. Finding art in the chaos.”

Arc looks around. “Yes, your home does look very nice.”

“Thank you.”

“In fact, I do believe this is the nicest building in town.”

Mio giggles. “Or at least the most expensive.”

“Have you three lived here long?”

Stingray shrugs. “Several years actually.”

Mio nods. “Yes indeed. It’s a nice place to spend one’s days off.”

“Any interesting neighbors?”

Stingray grunts. “We pretty much keep to ourselves.”

Mio eyes Hammer coolly. “Yes. When you’re as busy as we are, time is not something to be wasted on frivolous tasks such as being overly social.”

“I can just imagine how busy the military must keep you. So you three don’t go out much?”

Stingray shakes her head. “Just where we’re sent.”

Mio shrugs. “Indeed.”

Hammer turns to him. “We should be going, Arc.”

“Okay. Getting hungry?”

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

Arc turns to Stingray and Mio. “It was very nice meeting you two.”

“Likewise.”

“Please take good care of Hammer tonight.”

Hammer rolls her eyes as she grabs Arc’s hand and pulls him toward the door. “See you two later. Don’t wait up for me.”

The front door closes with a click. Stingray chuckles as she shakes her head.

“That poor fool.”

Mio sighs. “Yes. Hammer’s never gotten further than one date with anyone.”

“She told us this is their second date though.”

Mio smiles wickedly. “Which means she won’t know what to do. You know how she gets when something new comes up.”

Stingray chuckles. “Like a fish out of water.”

“Well, at the very least it will be a good learning experience for her.”

“That it will be.”

Mio looks toward the now closed front door. “I swear I know him from somewhere though.”

“You too? Could it be déjà vu?”

“No idea. But we can talk about it over supper.”

Meanwhile, Hammer leads Arc toward the elevator.

“Um… Hammer?”

Hammer groans, not turning around. “What?”

“Can I have my hand back?”

“Oh! Right!”

Letting go, she blushes slightly and forces a smile as they stop in front of the elevator. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Something wrong?”

“N-no. What makes you think that?”

“Well, for starters, your sweating.”

“It’s just hot in there, that’s all.”

They take the elevator down to the underground parking lot. Arc escorts Hammer to the Jeep. He turns to her as they get inside.

“How about we get something to eat?”

Hammer nods nervously. “I, uh… that would be… nice.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Fine! Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, you seem a bit… distracted tonight.”

Hammer moans. “Look, can we just go please?!”

“Um… okay.”

Starting the Jeep he backs out of the parking space and heads for the street. As they turn Hammer turns to him.

“I’m sorry. Seeing my sisters always puts me a bit on edge.”

“You seemed to get along okay. Was that not the case?”

Hammer sighs. “Kinda. I mean, we’ve always been there for each other… usually, I guess. But I’m never really sure when they’re genuinely concerned for my well-being or just playing a prank on me.”

“Can you give me an example?”

“How about this dress? Stingray and Mio both assured me I’d look amazing in it. But admittedly I feel more like an olive than a woman going on a date.”

“Um…”

Hammer sighs. “Is it bad?”

“Truthfully?”

“I can handle it.”

“Yes.”

Hammer groans. “They had me in a dressing room all morning too.”

“The hue of the fabric is really out there. Not sure who their target audience was supposed to be.”

He turns to her.

“How hungry are you?”

“Not very.”

“How about a bit of a detour then?”

“Where to?”

Arc chuckles. “You’ll see.”

Chapter 4 - Second Dates

An hour or so later Hammer walks out of a dressing room. She is wearing a little black dress along with some new black heels. She smiles nervously.

“How do I look now?”

“Very nice. But a better question would be how do YOU feel?”

Hammer blushes slightly. “A bit self-conscious, actually.”

“Would you like to try something else on? That’s only the first outfit.”

“No, this is fine. Just let me go pay for this stuff and we’ll be off.”

“Okay. But what about… that?”

He points back into the dressing room at the olive green dress lying on the floor.

“Just throw it in the trash, would you?”

“Sure.”

Hammer turns and walks toward the cashier. Arc steps into the dressing room and picks up the dress as Cherry calls out to him.

“That really is an ugly color.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed.”

“I think there was a trash can near the door.”

Stepping out of the dressing room Arc tosses the dress into the garbage and sits down to wait. A few minutes later Hammer returns.

“Sorry for making you wait.”

“It’s fine, Hammer.”

“Let’s get going then.”

“Sure.”

They return to the Jeep as Hammer turns to Arc.

“So what do we… um… what now?”

“Since you’re feeling more comfortable, how about something to eat?”

“That… sounds okay, sure.”

Arc heads for a nearby restaurant. Pulling into the lot he parks and turns to his date.

“I hope this is okay.”

Hammer looks hopeful. “Do they have more of that pizza and lasagna here?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… no. This is a steakhouse.”

“What’s steak?”

“Wait, what?”

Hammer looks away. “I just… um…”

“Why don’t we go inside and I’ll show you.”

Opening their doors the pair walk toward the building. Entering they are seated at a small corner table. Hammer looks over the menu, clearly confused.

“Everything on this is just so… brown.”

“Brown?”

She turns the menu toward him and points.

“It all looks like… reddish dirt!”

“I guess it kinda does. But do you smell that?”

Hammer sniffs. “Smell what?”

“Just the air.”

“What am I supposed to be sniffing for?”

Arc grins. “How good it smells in here.”

“They must use really interesting air fresheners.”

“It’s the food cooking, Hammer.”

“It is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Remember how you liked the smell of that restaurant we went to last time? How much you liked the food there?”

“Yeah! That place was awesome! So what you’re saying is… what though?”

“Taste with your nose.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“If it smells good, give it a chance.”

“So you mean food that smells good will taste good too?”

“Usually, yes.”

“What if it smells bad?”

Arc shrugs. “Well… it might still taste good. Take sauerkraut for example. Smells bad but tastes great.”

Hammer grimaces. “I don’t know what sauerkraut is, but if our Mess Hall food is any indication, bad smelling can still mean bad tasting.”

She looks down at the menu again.

“But that doesn’t really tell me what I should order.”

“How about you let me do that for you?”

Hammer shrugs. “I guess I’ll have to. After all, you were right the last time.”

A waitress walks over to their table.

“Good evening. What can I get you two?”

“I’ll take a T-bone steak, medium, with a side of baked potatoes and steamed mixed vegetables. And my friend here will have a… uh… medium well Prime Rib with a side of mashed potatoes and carrots.”

“And to drink?”

“Coke for both of us please.”

“Yes sir. I’ll put your order in right away.”

She takes their menus and walks away. Hammer looks to Arc relieved.

“Thanks. I wasn’t sure at all how to do that. But what was all that about ‘medium-well’?”

“That’s how cooked you want the meat. The least cooked is called ‘rare’. It’s dark red with lots of juices oozing out. On the other end of the spectrum is ‘well done’. It means the meat is cooked for a very long time, has no red left in it, and can sometimes be a bit dry.”

“So what’s the right way to get it? Medium like you did?”

Arc shrugs. “There really isn’t a ‘right’ way to order your steak. It’s a matter of opinion really. Of personal taste. I ordered you medium-well because I wasn’t sure how you’d react to a lot of pink in your meat.”

The sound of someone clearing their throat loudly is heard next to them. Arc and Hammer turn to look at the man standing in front of their table.

“Good evening, Marshal.”

“Hi, Arc. I thought that was you. Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to ask your friend something.”

Hammer frowns. “Me?”

Raynor nods. “Yes. You look an awful lot like a certain individual who’s been terrorizing Angel Grove.”

Hammer glares at him. “What?! I…!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Easy there, my friend. Let’s hear the marshal out.”

Raynor pulls out his cell phone. “Take a look at this.”

Pressing ‘Play’ they watch Minerva’s broadcast of Hammer’s antics at The Rider’s hideout.

“That looks a lot like you, miss.”

Arc shrugs. “I admit, it kinda does. But weren’t you on duty at the time, Hammer?”

Raynor raises an eyebrow. “On duty?”

Hammer nods. “I’m a sergeant in the military. And yes, I was.”

“Where?”

“The base outside of town.”

Raynor frowns. “I’d ask to talk to your commanding officer if that’s true, but I’ve already tried that.”

“He’s a very busy man.”

Raynor narrows his eyes. “The Shards aren’t looking to make a comeback, now are they?”

Hammer glares at him. “How should I know?!”

Arc clears his throat. “Marshal, I know the Shards were a big problem a while back. However, they haven’t made so much as a peep in quite some time.”

“That may be. But if I catch any of them skulking around I’m still going to question them at the station.”

He turns to Hammer with the cell phone.

“And this is clearly you.”

“Marshal… Jim. I can assure you that my friend here isn’t a threat to anyone. And neither are the Shards.”

Raynor considers this for a moment before nodding.

“Alright. I’ll take your word for it, Arc. But please see to it there isn’t any more… trouble.”

“Yes sir.”

“Have a… nice evening.”

He turns and walks away. Hammer looks to Arc, clearly impressed.

“What the heck was that?!”

Arc chuckles. “Just a little fast talking to keep you out of jail.”

“No, no! I mean how he just believed you so easily!”

“Let’s just say the marshal and I go way back.”

Hammer leans forward and lowers her voice. “So you two have some kind of… agreement?”

“You could say that.”

“Impressive. I can only assume how much that helps your detective work.”

“It doesn’t really. Truth be told, it’s more of an understanding for him to look the other way on a few things.”

A short time later their food arrives. Hammer eyes it suspiciously.

“What’s this called again?”

“Prime Rib.”

“I’ll admit, it certainly smells nice.”

“Try it. I do believe you’ll like it.”

Hammer takes her silverware and cuts off a small piece. Chewing it she smiles broadly.

“This is… this is amazing!”

Arc chuckles as she eats with gusto. “Try combining it with the mashed potatoes for a real treat.”

Hammer grins between bites. “I wasn’t aware something that looks so strange could be so flavorful! Or that potatoes could actually taste good!”

“Mess Hall food memories?”

“You know it.”

“I thought Mio was supposed to be a pretty good cook. How do you not know about Prime Rib?”

Hammer grunts. “Mio doesn’t like the sight of meat. So she never cooks with it.”

“So she’s a vegetarian, huh?”

“Yup. I do like some of what she cooks, mind you. And by ‘cook’ I mostly mean boiling vegetables and package meals. But this is beyond anything I thought possible!”

Arc chuckles. “Be sure to save room for dessert.”

“What’s ‘dessert’?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

An hour or so later the pair leave the restaurant and return to the Jeep. Hammer grins at him.

“That was a meal and a half!”

“You sure can eat though.”

“It’s easy when the food actually tastes good!”

She laughs throatily as Arc starts the Jeep and pulls out of the parking lot.

“So… um… what do we do next?”

“Well… we could go catch a movie.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah, let’s go! The night is young after all!”

A few hours later the pair exit the theater. Hammer happily continues munching on popcorn as she turns to Arc.

“That was great!”

“Let me guess. You’ve never seen a movie before?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nope. At least not like that.”

“Oh?”

“Sometimes Stingray, Mio, and I will see something on television. But that’s a far cry from what we saw here on that really big screen!”

“It is night and day difference between the two, yes.”

They are silent for a few moments before Arc continues.

“In any case, I should probably get you home.”

Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “Wha-what?!”

“It is getting kinda late, after all. Don’t you have to work tomorrow?”

“I… kinda, yeah.”

“Should I take you back to your apartment or to your sister’s place?”

“Well… I… um…”

“Something wrong?”

“N-no. I just… live in both places.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Two apartments?”

“Something like that.”

She sighs.

“But neither of them really feel right.”

“You and your sisters don’t get along, huh?”

“We do and we don’t. Sorry, but it’s complicated.”

“So I should take you back to your apartment then?”

Hammer shrugs. “I guess so. It’s kinda lonely there though.”

She looks out the window and frowns.

“To me, the world’s a really dark and lonely place. I gotta admit, you and your employees seem to really like being together.”

“Yeah. It does make our work that much easier.”

Hammer chuckles. “You looking to hire on more help?”

“Maybe. If the right person presented themselves, that is.”

“I’m joking, of course. Stingray and Mio need me.”

“Of course.”

Hammer is suddenly serious. “But… what’s it like?”

“Working together happily?”

“Yeah. You guys were more like friends than coworkers.”

She looks back to him.

“But then again, I don’t actually know what having a real friend is like.”

“No friends either, huh?”

“Just Stingray and Mio. But I don’t think they count.”

“They do if they care about you.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “I question that sometimes.”

“You would know better than I would. But to answer your question, it’s awesome.”

“Tell me more.”

“I can always count on them. They’re tireless in their efforts to get the job done. And if an operation I’m doing goes sour, I know they’ll be there to get me out.”

“Like when?”

“Sorry, but I can’t really give specifics.”

Hammer sighs. “I understand.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well… without giving any names, dates, or places… one time I was going after a… let’s just say very bad individual. He crashed his… vehicle, and was thought to be dead. We went to check though, and he got out of the wreckage. Somehow still able to walk, this guy still wanted a piece of me for screwing up his plans. My boys surrounded that scum-sucker and took him down.”

Hammer gasps. “That sounds real brave of them.”

“They are.”

“I know my sisters would do the same. But I do wish they’d be a bit more… family-like sometimes. Having someone to talk to about things outside of work related stuff would certainly be nice.”

“Knowing who to trust really is important to make it through life.”

“Yes, well…”

She looks out the window again as her voice trails off. Spotting an empty parking lot ahead she points.

“Would you turn in here please?”

“Um… okay.”

Pulling into the lot Arc parks and turns to Hammer.

“What’s up?”

Hammer looks around nervously. “I need to talk to you about something… let’s just say pretty important.”

“Huh?”

“That and I need it to stay between us.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“I… really need your help.”

Sometime later Arc returns home. He pulls into the driveway and shuts off the engine. Sighing, he leans back in the seat as Cherry calls out to him.

“That… sort of went well.”

Arc groans. “Yeah. Better than I thought it would. Unfortunately…”

“You’re thinking about what Dinky said?”

“I am. As it stands, I’m really just leading Hammer on.”

“And you’re having second thoughts about that?”

“Right. Should I keep going down this path?”

Cherry sighs. “Well, you did agree to help her a little while ago.”

“I suppose so.”

“At the very least, you need to fulfill her request as laid out.”

Arc nods silently as he gets out of the Jeep and walks toward the back door. “That I do. But I need to get changed first.”

“And get a good night’s sleep.”

“It can wait.”

“With as late as it is?!”

“I’ll shower, take a portal back to the campsite, and…”

Ember lands roughly in front of him.

“Woah! Ember?!”

She puts up a hand and grins. “Yo!”

“Where did you come from?!”

“Little bit of everywhere actually.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t understand.”

“The guys keep their magic cloaks hung up in the basement. I just borrowed one and followed you everywhere.”

“Even in the restaurant?”

Ember grins. “I was in the Jeep too.”

“How?!”

“Matter Compacting Spell.”

Arc sighs. “Makes sense. So I guess you heard everything then, huh?”

“Yup.”

“So… is this the part where you tell me my plan’s terrible?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah. Hammer and her sisters have this coming! Go for it!”

“That… somehow actually makes me feel worse about it.”

Ember frowns as they walk into the house together. “Well, that’s my opinion anyways.”

The sound of Viktor coming up the stairs can be heard. He approaches the pair.

“It didn’t sound like that date went too bad, eh sir?”

“Nah, it was fine.”

Ember shrugs. “What do you think, Viktor?”

“About what exactly?”

Cherry calls out. “Arc feels bad about how he’s leading Hammer on.”

“Truthfully, I don’t like it either. But… we need to find Princess Celestia. This might be the best way to do it.”

Arc sighs. “But… but what am I supposed to do when it’s over?”

Cherry sounds confuse. “Do what, Arc?”

“How do I break it off with Hammer?”

Ember grins toothily. “Easy. Goodbye!”

Arc frowns. “That sounds really harsh.”

“So what? It’s just Hammer.”

“I’ll have to give this some more thought.”

Ember yawns. “You do that. I’m heading to bed. Watching you two all night really wore me out.”

Viktor calls out after her. “Good night, Ember.”

“See ya.”

Viktor turns to Arc as Ember heads for the doorway.

“I recorded everything as ordered, sir.”

“Good. Now we can…”

Ember suddenly calls out.

“Guys?!”

“What is it?”

Turning, Arc and Viktor see Ember standing in the Living Room motionlessly.

“Ember?”

They step into the next room as Ember silently points a claw toward the couch. Wiseman sits there motionlessly. Arc frowns.

“You again?!”

Wiseman nods. “Yes, me again.”

Viktor moves to stand between them. “Your orders, sir?!”

“I’ll handle this. Go downstairs, Viktor.”

“Yes sir. Um… call if you need me.”

He turns and leaves the room as Arc and Ember step forward. Ember groans.

“What do you want now?!”

Arc sighs. “Let me guess. More words of wisdom for me?”

“Just a bit of a talk, actually.”

Wiseman stands and walks over to Arc. Stopping, he puts a hand on his shoulder.

“Hammer may be your enemy. But even she is a human being. More or less, anyways.”

Ember grits her teeth. “She’s trash!”

Wiseman turns to Ember. “Is she now? Do I detect a hint of jealously in your voice?”

“Get the wax out of your ears! Me? Jealous of Hammer?!”

“Yes. Arc’s taken her out twice now, as well as allowed her to spend the day with him and the others on the beach. How many dates has he taken you on?”

Ember clenches her fists angrily. “We’re together all the time!”

“Then why are you so upset?”

“I’M NOT UPSET!”

Arc takes a step back. “Woah!”

Ember fumes as Arc turns to Wiseman.

“Let’s say I agree with you. How else am I supposed to get the information I need?”

“There are always other ways, Arc. You know this to be true.”

“Yeah. But right now I can’t think of anything.”

Wiseman sighs and shakes his head. “Then by all means, continue to toy with her feelings. See how that ends… for both of you.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Uh… it’s going to end with him rescuing the princess!”

“Is it now? Tell me, Dragon Lord, can you now see into the future?”

“No one can!”

“Remember that fact, and think on this as well. What if you found out that Arc didn’t care about you? That he was only leading you on for your position, or perhaps for your help.”

Ember glares at Wiseman. “He isn’t!”

Arc nods fervently. “Right! Ember’s my friend!”

“I believe you two. But that doesn’t answer my question.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “I’d… um… I don’t know!”

“Yes, you do, Ember. We both know that you’d be very mad and hurt by his treatment of you and your feelings. Such things a hero such as himself would do well to avoid.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll… keep that in mind.”

“You do that.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Does that mean you’re leaving?!”

“Yes. Take care you two.”

Wiseman fades away as Ember turns to Arc.

“The nerve of that guy! Suggesting you were just using me!”

Arc looks away sadly. “Y-yeah.”

Cherry calls out. “Arc? What is it?”

“He’s right, you know.”

Ember takes a step back, surprised. “Wha-what?! But… but this is just so sudden, Arc!”

“Huh? No! I mean the other stuff he said!”

“Oh… which parts?”

“All of it.”

Ember frowns. “So you’re taking his side over the mission?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’ll do what I have to. Even if…”

He heads over to the stairs and slowly walks up them.

“…even if what I’m doing here isn’t exactly… right.”

Arc enters the bathroom. Removing his formal attire, he steps into the shower and rests his head on the tile wall.

“I’m sorry, Hammer. But I don’t see any other way to do this.”

Sometime later Arc returns to the campsite via sigil. Looking around he spots Auriel and Sereb sitting in front of a small campfire. Walking over he sits down next to her.

“Couldn’t sleep?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Kinda afraid to actually.”

“Dreams?”

Auriel nods as Arc continues.

“But you are tired, right?”

“Very.”

Sereb turns to her. “Get some rest, my friend. You’ve been very busy lately.”

“Sereb’s right. Come on.”

Arc takes her hand and leads her toward the tent.

“Let’s get you to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow.”

“We do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But I’ll tell you all about it later.”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… it’s just…”

She fumbles with her words for a few moments before sighing.

“Never mind.”

“Um… okay.”

Pushing aside the tent flap Arc lays down next to Dinky who is sprawled out on top of her sleeping bag. Auriel lays down on the other side of him and presses her body against his.

“Good night Auriel.”

“Night.”

Meanwhile, Sereb looks into the fire and sighs.

“Auriel. What an interesting young woman. I can’t help but wonder when, or if, you’ll be able to be honest with Arc. Or yourself for that matter.”

The next morning Arc and company sit around the campfire eating breakfast. Max turns to Arc.

“So how was your date last night, sir?”

“It went okay, I guess.”

“Was it fun, dad?”

“Sort of.”

Sereb looks over. “Something happened, eh?”

“I… yeah.”

Dinky appears nervous. “So… what?”

Arc sighs and tosses the majority of his cereal into the fire.

“Hammer, she… um…”

Hugh clears his throat as Arc’s voice trails off. “Sir, we can help if you’ll tell us what to do.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. We’re here for you.”

“Thanks. Well, you see… last night Hammer… asked for my help.”

Auriel looks confused. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing inherently. But she wants to hire me.”

“Like for a job, dad?”

“Yes. I told her I was a private investigator, and all you guys were my employees.”

Max nods. “So she wants us to look into something for her?”

“That she does.”

Sereb grins. “What is our target?”

“Mio.”

Xenos appears surprised. “Her sister?”

“Yup.”

Hugh frowns. “But why?”

“She claims Mio’s been going out at night.”

Max sighs. “Where to?”

“No idea. That’s where we come in.”

Auriel tilts her head to one side. “Why doesn’t she just ask her?”

“I brought that up. Hammer claims Mio won’t say. She even denies going out at all.”

“Can’t she just follow this person herself, dad?”

“Probably. I’m guessing Mio can sense the magic in Hammer though. Of course she didn’t admit that, but it’s all I could come up with.”

Sereb nods. “The theory is sound.”

Arc sighs. “There’s only one problem though. I can’t do this.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“Mio knows my face. If she spots me, it’ll blow my cover.”

Auriel gasps. “So who’s going to do it?”

“I was thinking Hugh.”

“Sure, sir. All I have to do is tail her, right?”

Arc nods. “And take pictures of Mio to show Hammer what she’s up to.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Pictures?”

“That was something Hammer insisted on.”

Max frowns. “What for? Doesn’t she trust our word?”

“Maybe. But I didn’t want to argue with her.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out a small camera and tosses it to Hugh.

“This should do the job. Viktor can download whatever shots you get and blow them up before printing.”

“And if she sees me?”

Xenos laughs. “How? You’ll be invisible.”

Max shakes his head. “That won’t work on Mio. Remember?”

Arc nods. “Right. She can sense magical power, or something. So that means the best way to pull this off is to hide in plain sight.”

Sereb groans. “That makes sense. Kind of.”

“We also have another job from her.”

Auriel groans. “There’s more?”

“Yes. She wants us to do the same thing to Stingray.”

Dinky giggles. “Is she sneaking out at night too?”

“After work, actually. Mio and Hammer head back home while Stingray goes somewhere until suppertime. Same deal as Mio. Follow her and take pictures of whatever you find.”

He turns to Max.

“You’ll take that job.”

“Yes sir. When do we leave?”

Arc pulls a paper from his pocket. “She’s been keeping track of their comings and goings. That gives us a bit of a schedule.”

Opening the paper he grins.

“From their past actions it looks like tonight’s a good night.”

Sereb looks over his shoulder. “Did Hammer tell you that?”

“Nah. According to this schedule, they were only doing things on certain days of the month. Today will most likely be them both sneaking out to do whatever it is they do.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “Now we only need to know when Stingray gets off duty.”

“I already figured that out.”

Max grins. “That’s pretty impressive, sir!”

Arc pulls another paper from his pocket and chuckles as he passes it to Max.

“Not really. Hammer gave me a copy of her duty schedule.”

Xenos smirks. “That should make tailing her a snap!”

“Right. Xenos, you drive Max out there and follow Stingray. Drop him off wherever he needs to go and wait nearby. Max will call you when he needs a pickup.”

Max appears confused. “I don’t mind the help, but why two of us, sir?”

“In case something goes wrong. Xenos can get you out of there quickly or even cause a distraction if need be.”

“You expecting trouble, sir?”

“No. But I want you guys to have each other’s backs just in case. Have communicators on at all times and keep in contact. If something goes wrong, call for backup.”

Dinky appears confused. “Backup?”

“That means call and I’ll take a sigil back to town and Blink the rest of the way, sweetheart.”

Auriel smiles. “This sounds rather exciting!”

“Probably won’t be. Stakeouts rarely are.”

Sereb growls. “Shall I go as well?”

Arc nods. “That would be a good idea, yes. If nothing else, you could create a diversion.”

Auriel pats Sereb’s head. “Or be a small scout.”

Arc shrugs. “That too. In any case, everyone take it easy today. And be sure to be well rested for this.”

Chapter 5 - Reporting to the Client

The following night Arc drives through the dark streets of Angel Grove. A warm summer’s rain has begun to fall. Streetlamps on either side of the road are his only sources of illumination other than the Jeep’s headlights. He touches his earring.

“Arc to base.”

“Max here.”

“We’ll be arriving at Hammer’s apartment in two minutes. I’ll keep an open comm just in case.”

Sereb jumps into the front seat. “I will have your back.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah? Won’t you be a bit too busy for that?”

Ember frowns from her spot in the back seat. “He’d better not be.”

“I’ll be fine. You didn’t need to come, you know. Hammer trusts me now, after all.”

“Well, I don’t trust HER!”

Arc sighs. “Fair enough. You have the radio?”

Ember holds up the device as Arc continues.

“Good. Everyone will be listening in. Anything goes wrong and I can pull off my anti-magic ring and Blink out of there.”

Sereb nods soberly. “While I make a distraction to cover your escape, right?”

“I’d prefer it if we leave together.”

“That may not be possible, Arc.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “If it comes to that I’ll storm in and get you myself, Sereb.”

“Now that we have all that out of the way, let’s get this over with.”

Arc parks the vehicle and turns it off. He sighs and turns to Ember.

“You going to be okay out here?”

“Why? It’s not like it’s cold, or anything.”

“This isn’t exactly the best neighborhood.”

Ember waves a claw dismissively. “I’ll be fine. Get a move on!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, ma’am. You ready, Sereb?”

“I am.”

Arc taps his earring. “One last radio check.”

Viktor’s voice rings out in his ear. “Read you loud and clear, sir.”

Auriel grimaces. “Be careful in there, Arc!”

“I will. Here we go.”

Opening the door Arc and Sereb step out into the downpour. They hurry to the building and head for Hammer’s apartment. Arc knocks exactly six times before opening the door with Sereb at his side. The apartment is dark except for a single light coming from the kitchen. He closes the door and walks toward it before calling out.

“Hello?”

“In here.”

Walking into the kitchen, Arc finds Hammer sitting at the table. She looks very serious as she gestures to the chair across from her.

“Have a seat.”

Nodding, Arc sits down. Hammer looks to Sereb.

“Uh… is your dog house trained?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. That and he answered the call of nature before we came over here.”

“Alright.”

She takes a deep breath and returns her attention to Arc. Sereb turns and walks away.

“Gotta admit, I was surprised to get your call.”

“Afraid I couldn’t get the job done?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. But I didn’t think you’d get it done this fast!”

“My people and I are very… efficient. At least when we need to be.”

Hammer lowers her voice. “So what’d you find?”

Arc unzips his raincoat and pulls out two folders. Setting them on the table he looks to Hammer as he opens the folder labeled ‘Mio’.

“Following your notes, we saw Mio leave the other apartment. She got into a car and drove away.”

“Did you follow her?”

Arc nods. “Of course. Keeping their distance, my boys tailed her to the bus station.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What?! She met someone there?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She approached a locker and opened it to retrieve a duffel bag.”

He presents an 8x10 photo of Mio pulling a bag from the locker and slides it across the table to Hammer. She looks it over carefully.

“This is certainly her.”

Arc continues. “She then got back into her vehicle and drove back to town as night fell. They followed her to the Angel Grove Youth Center.”

“What?! But… but there’s nothing there!”

Arc pulls out another picture. “Maybe not. But here’s a shot of her breaking into the place.”

Hammer takes the picture and frowns. “I… why…?”

“My agents gave her a short head start before following. What they found was certainly… unexpected.”

Pulling out several more pictures Arc hands them to Hammer. She looks them over with a bewildered look on her face.

“What… is she DOING?!”

“It appears she’s exercising.”

Hammer nods as she looks over the pictures. One shows Mio trying extremely hard to lift a fairly light barbell. Another portrays her attempting chin-ups. While a third depicts her running on a treadmill and sweating profusely.

“Did you find out what was in her bag?”

“When Mio went to the bathroom they did a quick search.”

Arc pulls a paper from the folder.

“They reported finding several bottles of water, a towel, a change of clothes, soap and shampoo along with fresh undergarments.”

“Anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “That was the complete contents of the bag.”

“How about the bus station locker?”

“I sent someone over there to check it out later. They picked the lock, but only found several identical duffel bags and the a fore mentioned contents within each one.”

“Anything else of note?”

“Just one thing. They reported that locker smelled pretty bad. Like it’s been holding her dirty laundry for quite some time.”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin. “Well, this HAS been going on for a while.”

“They then followed her back to the apartment. That’s all I can tell you about her movements.”

Arc retrieves the photos and returns them to the folder. Pushing it aside he turns his attention to the other folder.

“Now then, I had another team wait for Stingray outside of that military base.”

“Did she see them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I told them to stay behind a curve in the road in the opposite direction of town so as to avoid suspicion.”

“Good idea. But where did she go?”

“A few places, actually. You might want to brace yourself for this.”

Arc pulls out a photo and hands it to Hammer. Her face turns red as her eyes widen.

“What… is that place?!”

“A finishing school.”

Hammer appears confused. “Um…”

“It’s a place women go to learn mannerisms, etiquette, and proper speech.”

“So it’s where a lady goes to learn how to… what now?”

Arc shrugs. “Be a lady, I suppose.”

“Why?!”

“Your guess is as good as mine. However, a couple hours later they followed her to a very… unique store.”

He slides another photo across the table.

“What the…? Where?”

“Downtown Angel Grove. The local fabric store to be exact. My guys reported she went in empty-handed and came out with two bags.”

“And the contents?”

“We’ll get to that. Next she went to the Community Center.”

Hammer makes a face. “That’s almost as strange. There’s nothing there that would be of interest to her.”

“Not true. They have various classes there several times a week.”

“So she went there to learn something?”

“Exactly.”

“What though?”

Arc looks over his notes. “She attended two classes yesterday. The first was a knitting class.”

“Knitting?!”

“Does that mean something to you?”

“Her room’s full of quilts, scarves, hats, and a whole bunch of other things! All made by hand! She just said she bought them from a local vendor!”

“From the class’ description online, that was an advanced seminar.”

“Does it have anything to do with the other class she took?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. That was a basic cooking class.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“The description advertised cooking techniques for simple but healthy recipes.”

“But Mio does all the cooking! Are you sure your guys didn’t switch the names in their reports?!”

Arc taps the photos on the table. “A picture’s worth a thousand words.”

He pulls out another photo and hands it over.

“This one beats them all though.”

Hammer gasps as she sees Stingray stirring a pot and talking to what appears to be the course’s instructor. She drops the photo on the table and sighs.

“I just don’t get it. Why would she do all that stuff?”

“My guys weren’t able to figure that one out. She left after the class and drove back to the apartment I met her and Mio. However, I do have a theory.”

“Oh?”

“Tell me, have you ever seen Stingray with a man?”

Hammer frowns. “What kind of man?”

“Anyone really.”

“No, never. Like she said when you met her, we pretty much keep to ourselves. After all, I’m the most outgoing. But what does that have to do with anything?”

“Manners, etiquette, speech, knitting and sewing, and now cooking. Sounds like the skills a wife back in the old days would have.”

“What are you saying?”

“Maybe she’s trying to make herself more… ladylike. Portraying wife-like qualities and…”

Hammer slams a fist down on the table. “That’s crazy!”

“You have a better theory?”

Hammer sighs. “No.”

They are silent for a time as Hammer shakes her head and thinks.

“Anything else?”

Arc nods as he pulls out a piece of paper. “Just the contents of the bags in her trunk.”

“From the knitting store?”

“Yes. They were filled with yarn, thread, fabric, knitting needles, and books on advanced sewing techniques.”

He pauses before continuing.

“They theorized that she was trying to make a dress from the literature found in the trunk.”

“What should I do?!”

“Excuse me?”

Hammer appears to trip over her words. “I mean… do I say something?!”

“Didn’t you believe they were up to something originally?”

“Of course! But not like THIS?!”

She scans the pictures one more time.

“This is beyond what I thought could even be remotely possible!”

“And you don’t know how to deal with it?”

“Right.”

Arc sighs. “If they went to all this trouble to keep it from everyone, you might do well to not say anything.”

“Nothing at all?”

Arc shakes his head. “What could confronting them about all of this do other than to make them angry? That and you’d have to tell them exactly how you learned all of this.”

“I…! I suppose that’s true. But I can’t help but think there’s more to it than this.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. They’ve been really secretive at work too. I kinda thought it had something to do with what they do off the clock. But now I’m not so sure.”

Hammer stands up and walks over to a drawer. Opening it she pulls out an envelope and hands it to Arc.

“In any case, here’s your pay for a job well done.”

Arc accepts the money and puts it into his pocket. Hammer looks nervous.

“Trouble is, I’m no closer to learning the truth. So… do you think you could take on another job for me?”

“Maybe. What’s it entail?”

Hammer sits down again and folds her hands on the table in front of her.

“Can I assume you’ll keep this just between us?”

Arc nods. “Always.”

“Good. Now then, here’s what I need done…”

An hour later Arc and Sereb return to the Jeep. Getting in, Arc turns the key in the ignition and drives away. Ember wakes up and frowns.

“What the…?! You’re in a hurry, Arc!”

“Yes.”

“Care to say why?”

Sereb turns to her. “There’s been a breakthrough.”

Arc nods soberly. “We’ll talk about it back at home. You there, Viktor?”

“Yes sir.”

“Contact the others and tell them to pack the campsite up.”

“It’s a bit late in the day for that, sir.”

“Just do it.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir.”

“Good. Is Dinky in bed?”

“Yes sir. She and Auriel retired to your room two hours ago. Shall I wake them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Let them sleep.”

A short time later he pulls into the driveway. The trio hurries inside through the rain. Dripping on the kitchen floor Arc turns to Ember.

“I’m heading over to help pack up and get everyone back here.”

Ember appears surprised. “But what about watching the base?”

“We don’t need to anymore.”

“What?”

“I have a plan. Trust me.”

Arc opens a portal and hurries through. Ember turns to Sereb as it closes.

“What is this all about?”

Sereb grins. “A stroke of luck for a change. But Arc really should be the one to tell you about it.”

Ember looks hopeful. “Can I get a hint?”

“No.”

A short time later a portal opens in Arc’s basement. His squad trudges through, dripping water everywhere as Arc and Rose bring up the rear. Max looks down and nervously turns to his commanding officer.

“Sorry, sir.”

Hugh nods. “We’ll clean it up.”

Arc shrugs as he himself stands in a puddle. “It’s just water. Sorry for getting everyone out of that dry tent and into a deluge.”

Rose smiles as she stands with the others, soaked to the bone. “Not to worry. I was already sitting outside.”

Arc sighs. “That makes me feel worse about it. But you won’t have to do that anymore, Rose. None of you will.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“Everyone get cleaned up and into some dry clothes. We need to have a briefing.”

Xenos turns to Arc. “Sir? We don’t mind, but are you sure?”

Hugh nods as he looks at the clock. “It’s the middle of the night.”

Sereb growls. “This news cannot wait until morning.”

Max nods approvingly. “The commander’s meeting must’ve gone well then.”

Arc grins as he heads upstairs for dry clothes. “Better than you know.”

A short time later Arc descends the basement stairs. His squad, Ember, Sereb, and Rose are waiting for him around the table. Rose is the first to speak.

“We’re all very interested to hear the new developments, Arc.”

“Yes, well… first of all I have to apologize again for having everyone out in that rain. But when you hear what I have to say I do believe you’ll agree that it was worth it.”

Ember drums the tabletop impatiently. “Well, don’t keep us in suspense!”

“Alright.”

Arc takes a deep breath before continuing.

“As you all know, I’ve been… seeing Hammer lately. My plan was to use her as a source of information for our upcoming mission.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Crazy as it sounds.”

Arc nods. “I agree with you, Ember.”

“You do?”

“Yes. That plan was foolhardy and misguided.”

Rose shakes her head. “I don’t believe that for a moment, Arc.”

Max nods soberly. “Right, sir. If you thought Hammer knew something that could help us, we’re all for the plan.”

Xenos appears confused. “Yeah. Is that what this meeting is about?”

“It is. But first…”

Arc turns to Rose.

“Were you able to pin down any kind of a schedule for the trucks?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. They appeared to be completely random. The base commander must’ve taken infiltration into account when they made the schedule.”

Max sighs. “So there’s no way to accurately predict a delivery?”

“None, I’m afraid.”

Hugh snaps his fingers. “We could always wait by the side of the road.”

Xenos frowns. “And do what? Hitchhike?”

Sereb shakes his head. “As fast as this land’s vehicles move, I do not see the advantage of lying in wait for one.”

Arc chuckles. “Fortunately, we won’t have to.”

Rose looks to Arc, clearly surprised. “Oh?”

“I know when the trucks will be arriving.”

Ember gasps. “What?! How?!”

“Hammer told me.”

Viktor grins knowingly. “It really was a beautiful mission, sir.”

Sereb nods. “I agree. You had her eating out of your palm, my friend.”

Arc pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and unfolds it. Setting it down on the table the others stare at it. Xenos gasps.

“A schedule?!”

“Straight from the base to Hammer and now to me.”

Max grins. “So now that we know when the trucks are coming, what now?”

Hugh looks to Arc, hopefully. “We hijacking one?”

“Not exactly. After all, I don’t see the soldiers giving up and just handing it over to us.”

Viktor puts a hand to his chin. “What if we got the jump on them?”

Sereb chuckles. “The element of surprise is a powerful tool.”

“That may be. But we can’t hurt anyone.”

Ember raises an eyebrow, confused. “Uh… why not?”

“Well, for starters… it’s illegal.”

Ember clenches a fist. “So is kidnapping the princess!”

Max sighs. “If we were to outright attack the soldiers wouldn’t the police come after us?”

Xenos shudders. “Or the rest of the military?”

Arc nods. “Right. That and the rank and file soldiers probably don’t have any idea what it is they’re guarding.”

Max frowns. “How?!”

“I’m guessing only the highest ranking officers there know anything. That and a select group of researchers who have the highest security clearance.”

Rose nods stoically. “So we can’t hurt anyone. There has to be another way to do this.”

“Right. We just need to get myself and Auriel inside.”

Xenos turns to him. “What about the way you did it last time, sir?”

Rose shakes her head. “Unwise. If they believe someone breeched their defenses using a particular method of entry it’ll certainly be more carefully watched.”

Sereb nods. “Or even be made into a trap.”

Max sighs. “So it has to be a completely different way of getting in.”

Hugh chuckles. “Like the front gate, sir?”

“Exactly. That’s why I was so insistent that we figure out the truck schedule. There has to be a way for us to use that to gain entry.”

Hugh looks hopeful. “What about waiting for the truck and Blinking inside as it passes, sir?”

Rose shakes her head. “Arc already suggested that to me. The trucks block all attempts at scans. I can only assume they’re made, or at least coated, with some kind of anti-magic material.”

Ember shudders. “So if Arc tries to Blink in he’ll be stopped?”

Arc grimaces. “Maybe catastrophically. Remember what happened with I tried to Blink through the barrier around Light’s Hope during the summit?”

Sereb puts a paw over his face. “That appeared… painful.”

Max gasps. “It’d also blow your cover if the driver noticed, sir!”

“Right. Now, I’ve come up with the beginnings of a plan that would get us inside again.”

Rose appears apprehensive. “Is it dangerous?”

“Kinda, yes.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

“It’s the best I’ve come up with thus far. In any case, here’s the plan…”

Chapter 6 - The Imposters

A few days later Arc, Ember, and Auriel stand on the side of a back road near the base as the sun sets. Ember glares at Arc.

“THIS is your plan?!”

Arc shrugs. “Pretty much. You don’t like it?”

“Of course I don’t like it!”

“You could’ve stayed home, you know.”

Ember glares at him. “Not happening! If I can’t come with you, I at least want to make sure you two get in safely!”

Auriel looks around nervously. “Th-thanks. But I don’t really understand why we couldn’t have just waited along the side of the road for a truck.”

Arc sighs. “There’s a lot of potential routes they could have taken.”

Ember nods soberly. “Yeah. That and it raises the risk of us being seen hanging around the side of the road.”

Cherry calls out. “How’s that different than hanging around that beach though?”

Arc chuckles. “We had an alibi then, remember?”

“We did?”

“Yes, Cherry. Beach party!”

Ember facepalms. “How have we not been caught yet?”

Auriel grimaces. “Just lucky, I guess.”

Arc looks down the road as the sound of a large engine approaching can be heard.

“That sounds like our ride. You two ready?”

Ember and Auriel nod. Arc takes a deep breath.

“Alright. Here goes nothing.”

Casting the Matter Compacting spell, he shrinks all three of them down as the truck wizzes by them. Ember grabs their hands and takes flight.

“Hold on!”

Flying as fast as possible after the truck, they slowly begin to catch up. Arc grimaces.

“Faster, Ember!”

Ember strains. “This isn’t as easy as it looks, you know!”

Auriel squeezes her eyes shut fearfully. “We’re almost there!”

With a final burst of speed Ember flies into the relative safety of the truck’s cargo hold. Arc and Auriel drop down as Ember slides across the floor on her belly.

“You okay, Ember?!”

Ember raises a claw in a silent thumbs up as she heaves for breath face down. Arc walks over to her and pats the back of her head.

“Good work.”

“I… am not… a dog!”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, I know. But thanks though.”

He stands and looks around. Raising a hand, Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell. Both he and Auriel slowly return to normal size as they look around.

“Crates?”

Arc nods. “Supplies most likely. Shall we have a look?”

Ember groans. “You two do that. I’ll… I’ll just keep… checking the floor.”

Arc carefully picks the miniature dragon up and sets her on top of a crate.

“You should be safe up here.”

“Safe?!”

“I’d hate to accidently step on you, or something.”

Ember frowns. “Har, har.”

Arc and Auriel check the labels on the boxes.

“Foodstuffs over here, Arc.”

Arc frowns. “Mechanical parts. Looks like it’s for something pretty big.”

“Like what?”

Arc shrugs. “Who knows. But we should be at the base pretty soon. How’re you doing over there, Ember?”

Ember sits up. “I think I’m okay now.”

She takes flight as Arc nods approvingly.

“Head back down the road and find Xenos. He’ll make sure you get home safely.”

“What about you two?!”

“As long as we stick to the plan, we’ll be fine.”

Auriel sighs. “I wish I had your confidence, Arc.”

Ember frowns. “Me too.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. Get going.”

Ember grins and flies out the back of the military truck. Arc turns to Auriel.

“You should probably get changed.”

“Good idea.”

Arc removes a uniform from his ring and hands it to Auriel before turning away respectfully.

“Thanks for agreeing to do this.”

Auriel smiles as she removes her tunic. “It’s fine. After all, you’ve already done so much for me.”

“That may be. But I don’t want you to think you owe me, or anything.”

Auriel appears confused as she steps into the trousers. “But I do.”

“No, Auriel. We’re even as far as I see.”

“I… um…”

“Hm?”

Auriel sighs as she puts on the overcoat. “It’s nothing.”

A few moments later Auriel calls out to him.

“I’m dressed.”

Turning around Arc looks her up and down.

“Very convincing.”

Auriel sighs. “Not sure how I feel about looking like another human.”

“It just needs a few more things…”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the matching red hat and puts it on Auriel’s head.

“That should help hide the fact your hair isn’t quite a match.”

Pulling out the cape, Arc fastens the clasp and steps back to look her over.

“Not bad. You really do look almost exactly like Diva.”

“Um… thank you? But what about you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What about me?”

“Don’t you need a disguise?”

“Got one right here.”

Arc pulls a toolbox and work gloves out of his ring along with an ID.

“There. Now I look like a mechanic.”

“Where’d you get that outfit?”

“Hammer gave it to me so I could more easily get into the base.”

Cherry sighs. “If she could’ve gotten you a badge, you could have just driven right up to the base, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “She can’t do everything for me, I suppose.”

Auriel frowns. “She’s really risking a lot just to find out what her sisters are up to.”

“That she is. I get the feeling this is more than just simple sibling rivalry though. She honestly believes they’re conspiring against her, or something.”

“It’s a shame they don’t get along. After all, I sometimes wished I had a brother or sister.”

Arc shrugs as he pulls the old ID from his ring and hands it to Auriel. “I’m sure it has its ups and downs.”

Nodding, Auriel takes the badge and looks at the woman pictured.

“My mother and I really do look similar.”

She appears suddenly apprehensive.

“You… you don’t suppose Diva’s my mother, do you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a chance. For starters, you both appear to be around the same age. Second, and no offense to you, but I don’t think even your father King Malevolence could have fallen in love with Diva’s attitude.”

Auriel sighs. “I suppose that’s true.”

“It’s got to be an amazing coincidence. After all, they say everyone has a twin somewhere in the world. Diva must just be yours.”

“Is that really true?”

“Doubtful. Sorry, I meant that to be a joke to lighten the mood. Now then, do you remember what we talked about?”

Auriel nods. “Anyone asks me anything and I yell at them.”

“Pretty much. That and remember to be arrogant. VERY arrogant!”

“How?”

“Just pretend your vastly superior to everyone you see.”

Auriel sighs. “I’ll try.”

“When we get there you’ll have to do all the talking.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you’re supposed to be an officer, and… uh oh…”

“What’s wrong?”

Arc grimaces. “We forget about officer insignias!”

“Is that important?”

“Yes. All active duty members of the military have to wear them so others can see at a glance their rank. This uniform didn’t come with any. Not that we know what exactly Diva’s position is, of course.”

Auriel appears suddenly worried. “What should we do?!”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea.”

Reaching into his magic ring, Arc pulls out Stingray’s navy blue cloak.

“Put this on.”

“Okay.”

Doing as she is told, Auriel slips into the cloak. Arc straightens her cap and adjusts the cloak by pulling it down over her shoulders.

“There. Now they can see a bit of the uniform’s chest. Just not enough that the shoulders are visible.”

“Do you really think they’ll go for it?”

“Probably. And if they don’t, Rose is standing by on the north side of the base to provide a diversion.”

“What kind of a diversion?”

Arc chuckles. “A very loud one. Now then, make sure you have your mother’s badge handy at all times.”

Auriel nods and holds up the card. “Right.”

“Good. Now remember, you can’t let the guards see the name on it or they’ll start asking us some really embarrassing questions.”

“What should I do then?”

“In the unlikely event someone asks for a badge, make a big deal about it. Then flash it quickly and keep your finger over the name so all they see is the photo.”

“I think I can manage that.”

Arc looks out the back of the truck as they turn onto the bridge. “Good. Because we’re almost there.”

Auriel gulps. A minute later the truck stops in front of the main gate. Arc turns to Auriel.

“Here we go.”

Quickly but quietly opening the back door, he and Auriel hop down to ground level. Arc turns and shuts the door as Auriel whispers to him.

“Now what?”

“Wait for the guards.”

A minute later two soldiers walk around to the back of the truck. They step back, clearly surprised to see ‘Diva’ standing there impatiently. She glares at them indignantly.

“How long does it take to clear a truck around here?!”

“Apologies, Colonel Diva. We’ll let it through at once.”

Auriel glares at the soldier. “Without INSPECTING IT?! Are you COMPLETELY incompetent?!”

“N-no, ma’am! It will be done!”

Auriel rolls her eyes as she motions for Arc to follow her.

“See that you do!”

They walk up to the guardhouse. The soldier inside stands at attention as they come into view.

“Good evening, Colonel Diva!”

“At ease. I’m here with a new recruit.”

“Ma’am?”

“He’s here to… help Sergeant Hammer.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The guard looks at Arc’s chest, which is devoid of a badge, before holding out a hand.

“Orders?”

“Oh, I…”

Auriel rolls her eyes. “You imbecile! He’s with ME!”

“But ma’am, General Mustang insisted…”

Auriel quickly flashes her own badge. “I AM THE ORDERS!!!”

“Y-yes ma’am!”

The guardrail opens as Auriel nods angrily.

“It’s about time!”

She turns to Arc.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

They walk into the compound together. Arc turns to Auriel.

“You’re doing great.”

Auriel sighs. “You don’t think I was too hard on them, do you?”

“Nah. This is the military, after all. They’re used to getting yelled at. Remember, you need to be as mean as it takes to avoid questions.”

“Okay. Um… how do we get inside the building?”

Arc looks at the truck waiting outside the gate. “They’ll open it for us.”

Auriel groans. “But they’ll take forever to inspect it after the hassling I gave them.”

Arc grins. “Not if you hassle them more.”

“Really?”

Arc nods. “Try it.”

Auriel sighs and turns toward the gate.

“HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CARRY OUT A SIMPLE TASK?! GET THAT TRUCK MOVING!”

The soldiers jump out of the back and the gate rises. Arc turns to Auriel as the truck drives toward the now opening overhead door.

“See? Nothing to it. Now we follow them down, while you keep yelling at them, and make our way toward the target.”

“Are you sure this is how Diva acts?”

Arc shrugs. “I really have no idea. But there’s no way a common soldier would dare question any changes in an officer’s behavior. Especially a colonel such as yourself.”

“How high is that?”

“High enough that we don’t need to worry about anyone giving us trouble. Other than the base commander, I would guess.”

As the truck rolls inside, the pair follow it. Taking the massive elevator down Auriel continues nitpicking everything from the soldier’s uniforms to the state of the truck. As they reach the bottom she and Arc step off. Auriel turns her head and glares at the troops.

“…and get that thing washed as soon as it’s unloaded!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Arc and Auriel walk quickly down a corridor.

“Where to now?”

“Hammer wanted me to meet her in the Maintenance Bay.”

“Do you know where that is?”

Arc nods. “Yup. I had Rose draw up a map of the place from the footage I took last time I was here.”

He pulls a paper from his pocket and looks it over.

“That way.”

“Um… if you have the map, shouldn’t you go first?”

Arc shakes his head. “You’re the ranking officer, so I should follow you. Don’t worry. I’ll give you directions.”

Auriel nervously takes the lead as the pair make their way down the corridor. Before long they come to a large overhead door.

“What now?”

Arc steps forward. “Hammer said she’d leave this door unlocked. Let’s give it a try.”

Pressing the door release button, there is a slight hiss as the latches release and the door opens. The room is for the most part dark with only minimal illumination coming from a few lights overhead. They hear the sound of tools clanging from a distant corner of the room. Arc gestures toward them.

“I’m guessing she’s over there.”

“Should I stay out of sight?”

“Just for a bit. I’ll let Hammer know about you as gently as I can.”

“Okay.”

Arc approaches the source of the noise. He spies Hammer working over a workbench dutifully. Motioning for Auriel to stay where she is, he steps into the light overhead. Suddenly Hammer straightens up and heaves a large wrench straight at him. Moving like lightning Arc dives out of harm’s way.

“Woah! Hold it, Hammer! Friend over here!”

“Arc?! I’m sure sorry about that.”

“What gives?! You invited ME here!”

Hammer grins sheepishly. “I know I did. It just didn’t seem possible for you to actually get in here without someone seeing you and raising the alarm.”

Arc frowns. “Couldn’t you have gotten me a badge?!

Hammer shrugs. “Probably, yeah. It would have just gotten you past the front gate and into this here Maintenance Bay though. Getting inside the facility was kinda on you.”

“You mean…?”

“Sorry. I wanted to see what you could really do.”

“Why?”

Hammer is suddenly sober. “Because what I need from you will take a master sleuth. Someone who can get into places they shouldn’t be, get the information needed, AND not get caught in the process.”

“Fine. You said something about wanting me to investigate you sister’s though. I can do that easily and without hanging around secure military facilities.”

Hammer shakes her head. “It’s not really that simple.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been doing some thinking since we spoke last. Why would my sisters do all those things? And why keep them a secret?”

“From the tone of your voice I’m guessing you have a pretty good idea what they’re up to.”

Hammer nods. “I do. Remember how I told you they were always looking to the base commander?”

“General Mustang?”

“How did you find out about him?!”

“I did a bit of detective work here already. It’s amazing what you can pick up through casual conversation.”

Hammer frowns. “That much I should have guessed. You really do have an inquisitive mind, Arc.”

“Thanks. So about your sisters and the commander…”

“Oh, right! The only thing that makes sense is them wanting to impress him.”

“Something wrong with that?”

“Not on the surface, no. After all, he’s a really charismatic person. Good looking too.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Ouch.”

Hammer bows her head. “Sorry. But it’s true.”

“So you want me to figure out what they’ll do next?”

“Nah. Knowing them it’ll just be yet another stupid attempt to turn his head from Colonel Diva’s direction. I need you to figure out how General Mustang is able to hold sway over them.”

Arc frowns. “I thought you said he was charismatic and attractive?”

“He is. Why?”

“Have you stopped to consider that perhaps they’re both just following their hormones? Good looking guy with a strong mind along with authority makes for an attractive prospect for any woman. That and working together in the same facility means they’re constantly in contact with a fore mentioned individual.”

Hammer sighs. “I admit, I might just be blowing this way outta proportion. But I can’t risk my sisters’ safety like that.”

“Safety?”

“Maybe that wasn’t the best word to use there. I just can’t shake the feeling General Mustang isn’t telling us everything.”

“While I guess every officer, especially a general, has many secrets… I could attempt to look into this.”

“Thanks. Uh… I do need to warn you about a few things though.”

Arc chuckles. “Let me guess. If I get caught, you don’t know me?”

“Something like that.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks…”

“Don’t worry. If you do get found out, I’ll do my best to see to it you’re kept here.”

“How is that a good thing?”

Hammer grins. “You’ll eat better with me watching over you versus a federal prison.”

Arc frowns. “I gotta say, you’re not really sweetening the deal here, Hammer. As it stands I’m taking a lot of risk without much incentive.”

“You wanna know what the payment would be, eh?”

“Something like that.”

“Come over here.”

Following Hammer over to her workbench Arc watches as she picks up an old toolbox with a rusty padlock on it. Pulling a key from her pocket she unlocks it.

“Take a look in there.”

Arc raises the lid of the box. Inside are numerous rolls of cash lined up neatly. Hammer sighs.

“That right there is every dollar this gal has in the world.”

“And you’re willing to part with it for information regarding what General Mustang may or may not be up to?”

Hammer nods. “Right. But I need irrefutable proof!”

“Of what exactly?”

“I… don’t really know. My instincts tell me whatever he’s doing isn’t exactly on the level. Stingray and Mio aren’t known for flights of fancy where men are concerned.”

“And you?”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “What are you getting at?”

“Well, you said yourself that he’s manipulating your sisters.”

“He has to be!”

“Could it be that you’re jealous?”

Hammer sighs. “Yes. After all, he never looks at me. Just Mio and occasionally Stingray. Mostly Diva though. But my sister’s personal well-being needs to trump my personal feelings… and my bank account.”

She closes the tool box and locks it before turning back to Arc soberly.

“So… can you help me?”

“I’ll try. No promises that I’ll be successful though.”

Hammer looks relieved. “I really appreciate this, Arc! Someone as resourceful as you should be able to get the job done.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. But I’m just one guy.”

“You should have more faith in your abilities, Arc. After all, you got all the way here by yourself.”

Arc grimaces. “That’s… not exactly true.”

“What do you mean?”

“I had a bit of help.”

Turning, Arc motions for Auriel to approach. As she steps into the light Hammer takes a step back and gasps.

“C-Colonel Diva?!”

Arc chuckles. “No, Hammer. Truth be told, it’s actually Auriel.”

“WHAT?!”

Auriel smiles and offers the young woman a friendly wave. “Hello again.”

Hammer looks Auriel over carefully. “It really isn’t Diva!”

“Nope.”

“But how did you know about the colonel?! And where’d you get that uniform?!”

Arc grins and shakes a finger. “Now, now. I can’t give away all my professional secrets. You just give me a task and I’ll work wonders for you.”

“Alright. I suppose I shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

Hammer smiles at Auriel.

“Sorry. I didn’t really notice just how close you looked to the colonel when you weren’t in uniform.”

Auriel folds her hands and looks at the floor nervously. “It’s okay. This is my first time in the field, so I’m doing my best.”

Hammer turns back to Arc. “Well, you two would do well not to run into the real colonel. She has a nasty habit of fighting first and asking questions later.”

Arc sighs. “I really do need Auriel to help me with this.”

“Fine. It’s your funeral.”

Auriel gulps as Arc turns to her.

“Where should we start the investigation?”

“How about General Mustang’s quarters?”

Hammer shakes her head. “At this time of night he’s in there. I’m sure he’s still working on something or other, but trust me, he’s there.”

“What about his office?”

“Only a few people have a keycard for that particular room. The general himself and the head of security.”

Auriel frowns. “So there’s really no way in?”

Hammer grins. “Oh, I didn’t say that.”

Reaching into her pocket she pulls out an ID badge and holds it up before tossing it to Arc.

“I figured someone down here had to have access. After all, I know he isn’t cleaning the office himself.”

She looks Arc over before continuing.

“And while you do kinda look like a mechanic in that getup, a real maintenance uniform would work better for this. Don’t worry, I already grabbed you one and hung it up in my office over yonder.”

Hammer gestures to a door nearby.

“There’s a fully stocked janitorial cart in there too.”

Auriel gasps. “Wait. So you expect Arc to actually clean the office?”

“If he wants a peek inside, yes.”

“I’ll do it.”

Hammer nods. “Just empty the waste basket and do a little dusting. It isn’t much really.”

“Anything in particular I should be looking for?”

Hammer shrugs. “No idea. If I did, I could probably handle this myself without putting you two in danger.”

Auriel appears nervous. “Have you?”

“Have I what?”

“Searched the office?”

Hammer lowers her voice. “Yes. But there wasn’t anything suspicious I could find. I’m hoping you have better luck there.”

Arc grins. “No promises, but I’ll try.”

“Great! Well, I should be going. I’m already running late as it is.”

Auriel grimaces. “Will that raise suspicion?”

“Nah. Stingray and Mio know how often I lose track of time while tinkering with something down here. I’ll just say that was the case and they’ll drop it.”

“Before you go, any advice on how to get out of here?”

Hammer snaps her fingers. “Glad you brought that up.”

She tosses Arc a set of keys.

“This’ll fit one of the Jeeps in the courtyard. If you leave in it the guards won’t give you a second glance.”

“Thanks.”

Hammer throws up a hand. “See you two later. Let me know if you find anything.”

Auriel nods sheepishly. “We will.”

With a mock salute Hammer walks past them and leaves. Arc turns to the office.

“I guess I’d better get changed.”

Auriel giggles. “We’ll both be in disguise.”

She thinks for a moment.

“But won’t it look suspicious for a colonel to be walking around with a janitor?”

Arc grins. “Yes. But don’t worry. I’ve already come up with a plan.”

Chapter 7 - After Hours Cleaning

Arc walks down the corridor as he pushes the janitor’s cart. Cherry calls out to him.

“This was certainly a surprise.”

“Which part?”

Cherry giggles. “I never thought you’d look so cute in that outfit!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Ha, ha.”

He leans forward and peeks into the attached waste bin.

“You okay in there, Auriel?”

Auriel looks up and nods at him. “I am. But admittedly it is a bit cramped in here.”

“Sorry about that. Frankly I’m surprised you fit in there at all.”

Auriel shifts to make herself more comfortable. “Me too.”

Cherry sighs. “You could’ve helped by shrinking her down a bit, Arc.”

“I thought of that, but was afraid of… I don’t know. Magical… sensors, or something.”

Auriel frowns. “Is that a real thing?”

Arc shrugs. “Mio does it.”

Cherry groans. “Good point.”

Auriel grunts. “Do we actually know which room the base commander’s office is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We should be there in a few minutes. Why do you ask?”

“I, um… kinda have to go to the bathroom.”

“Oh boy…”

A short time later Arc arrives at a slightly more ornate door. He scans the card Hammer gave him and a small click rings out. Opening the door he steps inside a well-furnished office and turns on the lights.

“All clear. Let me help you out of there, Auriel.”

Reaching down, Arc wraps his hands around Auriel’s and pulls her out of the bin.

“That looks like a private bathroom.”

“Not a moment too soon!”

Hobbling toward the bathroom she stumbles through and closes the door. Arc and Cherry giggle.

“I think she’s a bit nervous, Arc.”

“Well, all things considered, she’s really doing well.”

“Auriel may seem timid, but she’s very brave when she needs to be.”

Arc sighs. “True. I’m hoping she can hold out long enough for us to get this job done and get out of here.”

“Lucky for us Hammer provided transportation home, eh?”

“That was nice, yes. We can use it along with this badge to come back too.”

A short time later Auriel steps out of the bathroom. Her expression changes from one of relief to confusion as she spies her friend vacuuming.

“Um… Arc? What are you doing?”

Arc shrugs. “Hammer said to clean the office, so I’m cleaning the office.”

“But why?”

“I dunno.”

“Should I… help?”

Arc grins as he shuts off the vacuum. “Actually, yes. Can you stand at the door and listen for trouble?”

Auriel nods. “That I can do.”

She takes her place at the door as Arc looks around the office. Cherry calls out to him.

“Look over on that table, Arc.”

“Huh?”

“That decanter over there.”

Arc frowns. “That’s just… wait a minute!”

He walks over and pulls out the stopper. Raising it to his nose he inhales.

“That’s odd. I just wrote this off as alcohol since it was sitting next to shot glasses. But it’s not.”

Cherry calls out. “Oh?”

“I need a sample.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “From a beverage?”

“This doesn’t strike me as just a simple after work drink. I can’t really explain it, but it’s… it feels powerful.”

Cherry sighs. “That doesn’t make sense.

“It may be nothing. But let’s get a bit analyzed.”

Pulling a small jar from his ring Arc pours a few milliliters into it before putting the decanter back where he found it. Cherry clears her throat.

“What now?”

Arc looks around. “How about the desk?”

Cherry giggles. “Worth a try.”

Arc tries the drawers one at a time but finds them locked.

“That’s disheartening.”

He looks at the desk again.

“Interesting.”

“What is it?”

“This desk.”

Auriel turns her head. “It looks very nice.”

“That’s just it. The military wouldn’t normally spend the money on a desk this nice.”

Cherry chuckles. “Not even for a general?”

“Maybe for a REALLY important one, yes. But a run of the mill desk officer, probably not.”

Auriel frowns. “Could General Mustang be that important?”

“If he is, his talents are wasted running a research base and chasing his staff.”

Arc looks out the window.

“This general must be a real weirdo.”

Auriel appears confused. “What makes you say that?”

“Look. His office overlooks the research floor.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Wouldn’t that be normal? After all, he has to keep an eye on his people.”

“Normally, yes. But it would creep any ordinary person out to see all the Shards in their tubes.”

Auriel shudders. “Point taken. Do you think I could look over the layout down there?”

“I don’t see why not. You might be able to find something I overlooked last time I was here.”

Cherry sighs. “We should probably…”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide.

“S-someone’s coming!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Uh oh!”

Cherry gasps. “What do we do?!”

Arc looks to Auriel. “You’ll have to take this one!

“ME?!”

Cherry sounds frantic. “Try to convince them you’re Diva! It’s our only chance!”

Arc looks to her as he ducks into the bathroom. “Right!”

The door opens and an officer enters carrying several folders. He looks at Auriel.

“Good evening, my dear.”

“G-good evening…”

She glances at his badge.

“…General Mustang.”

“You’re working late.”

“Y-yes sir.”

“Did you need something?”

“Huh?”

Mustang smiles at her. “Well, you ARE in my office.”

“Oh! Um… I was just… wondering if you needed anything from me, sir.”

Mustang chuckles. “You’re very pretty when you play these games, my dear.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He looks her in the eye steadily before handing her the stack of folders.

“Well, if you really want to help out, you can file these.”

Auriel nods as she takes the files.

“Yes sir. I’ll take care of it.”

She walks over to the desk and sets them down as the general follows her.

“Diva?”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to say that you’re doing a wonderful job as my aide. Inside your official role as well as out.”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

Mustang puts a hand under her chin and raises her head to look him in the eye.

“You’re beautiful when you work.”

Auriel blushes heavily as she responds in nearly a whisper. “Yes sir. I mean…!”

She is cut off as the general pulls her in close and locks lips with her. Auriel’s eyes grow wide but she does not resist. A few moments later Mustang pulls back and smiles at her.

“Keep up the good work.”

Auriel wordlessly nods as he steps away from her and heads for the door. Passing the open bathroom door Mustang pokes his head inside.

“Do try not to be so sloppy in the future, soldier.”

Arc nods as he salutes. “Yes sir.”

Mustang leaves the office and heads down the corridor as he muses to himself.

“Interesting plan you have there, Arc. Bringing your little friend with you this time. Risky, but I understand your reasoning.”

He chuckles as he continues on his way.

“Certainly a change from the real Diva. She’d certainly never let me kiss her with someone else in the office. That and Arc’s friend is better at it too.”

A man quickly approaches the general and salutes. Returning the salute, General Mustang addresses him.

“Good evening, Colonel Langrisser.”

“Sir, the guards at the gate reported to me seeing Colonel Diva enter the base with an unknown male.”

Mustang chuckles. “Oh?”

Langrisser nods. “Yes, sir. He was to meet Sergeant Hammer regarding maintenance. However, she’s since left for the day. That and there was no record of Diva leaving the base before she returned. I believe we may have an imposter on our hands.”

“Not to worry, colonel. Diva was on a secret mission from me at the time. She left the base some time ago. And I’m aware of the new… assistant’s presence.”

“Sir, with all due respect, as head of security things like new personnel should go through me for the proper security checks.”

Mustang smiles. “You’re right, colonel. However, this was a… shall we say, last minute arrangement. I’ll try to keep you appraised of changes in the future.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The general looks down at a lump in Colonel Langrisser’s jacket pocket.

“Going to check on our specimen?”

“Oh, uh… yes sir.”

Mustang chuckles. “I thought Doctor Rieper was in charge of her caloric intake.”

Langrisser nods. “He’s supposed to be. But the specimen appears to be languishing. I can’t help but wonder if he’s doing it on purpose.”

“The doctor is the brains behind the project. We would all do well to trust his judgement.”

“Yes sir.”

Mustang shrugs. “But I’ll certainly look the other way to your… after-hours feedings. In any case, carry on.”

The colonel salutes and hurries away as Mustang does the same in the opposite direction. The general shakes his head and sighs as he muses to himself.

“The means by which you came here was reckless and sloppy, Arc. I do hope your methods will be more tactful in the future.”

Meanwhile, Arc emerges from the bathroom with a toilet brush. He puts it back on his janitor’s cart before turning his attention to Auriel.

“Good job! I thought we were… um… you okay?”

Auriel does not move, but stares straight at the door. Arc waves a hand in front of her face.

“Auriel? Hello? Can you hear me?”

Cherry gasps. “I think she’s in shock!”

Arc puts his hands on Auriel’s shoulders and shakes her gently.

“Snap out of it! We have work to do!”

Auriel shakes her head in an effort to clear it. She appears rattled.

“Arc? What… what happened?”

“I don’t know. Truthfully I was hoping you could tell me.”

“I’m not fully sure. Things… just happened so fast! One minute the general was complimenting me. The next he was… um…”

Auriel shifts uneasily on her feet before continuing.

“…kissing me.”

Cherry gasps. “What?!”

Arc frowns. “Wait! He what?!”

“He kissed me.”

“Did he believe you were Diva?”

“Oh, yes. Completely.”

Cherry sighs. “So he and Diva ARE an item!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It looks like that’s true, yes. But that’s not exactly proper.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Why not?”

“A commanding officer shouldn’t be involved like that with troops under his command.”

Auriel blushes. “It felt like that was a normal event for him.”

“Sorry for what happened, Auriel.”

Auriel smiles. “It’s okay, I suppose. But I have to admit… it did feel… strange.”

“How so?”

“When our lips met, I felt… odd. Like I actually wanted it.”

Arc frowns. “But you don’t even know him.”

“Yes, that’s true. Something about him just put my mind completely at ease though. It was… like I was… I…”

Auriel?”

“It’s nothing. We should… press on.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. We can talk about this later.”

He looks to the stack of files on the desk.

“In any case, the general may have inadvertently given us a clue.”

Cherry giggles. “A commander’s files are certainly quite a find!”

Arc nods. “Let’s not squander it.”

The pair each open a folder. Arc frowns.

“Doctor Rieper.”

Cherry calls out. “What the…?”

“These are some of the results of various tests he’s running on the Shard’s they kidnapped!”

Auriel looks over. “Are you sure it’s the same person?”

“Rieper isn’t a common last name. That and there’s this…”

He pulls out a photo that is paper clipped to one of the pages. It depicts Rieper. Auriel appears confused.

“Why is that in with his reports?”

“Because this is his personnel file. The test results were on top of them.”

Cherry calls out. “Is that normal?”

Arc shrugs. “Which part?”

“To mix personnel records with test results.”

“Maybe the general just wanted to go over both.”

Auriel takes the folder and looks it over herself. “Or perhaps he views them as equally important?”

Cherry gasps. “That’s certainly possible!”

“I suppose. What’s in your folder, Auriel?”

Auriel frowns as her eyes look over the pages. “That’s strange. These appear to be research notes.”

“On what?”

“Various animals mostly.”

Cherry sighs. “That doesn’t make much sense.”

Arc frowns. “Could they be trying to use that to strengthen humans?”

Auriel looks up. “Huh?”

Cherry gasps. “You mean like what happened to Bloodletter?!”

“A frightening thought, but yes. Anything else in there, Auriel?”

“More technical notes, but not of much use as it is.”

Arc looks around. “I don’t think there’s much more to find here. At least not without breaking into the desk.”

Cherry calls out. “That might actually be a good idea, Arc. If the general went so far as to lock the drawers they must contain something of vital importance.”

“Maybe next time. Today I want to keep things at a stealthy level.”

Auriel looks out the window. “Shall we go?”

“Yeah. Oh wait! One last thing I gotta do.”

Cherry sounds surprised. “What is it?”

.Arc walks over to the janitor’s cart and picks up a rag and spray bottle.

“Forgot to clean the windows.”

Auriel frowns. “Do we really have time for that though.”

Cherry sighs. “We really don’t. But Arc needs to maintain his cover.”

Arc chuckles as he gets to work. “Right. If we don’t do our part, the general might get suspicious.”

Auriel shrugs. “I suppose.”

“Lend a hand?”

“If it helps get out of here faster, I will.”

Auriel grabs a rag from the cart. A short time later they step back to admire their work. Cherry giggles.

“It looks very nice.”

Arc looks around. “I’ll say. Well, the office looks okay to me. Shall we go?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Let’s.”

“Can I give you a lift, Colonel Diva?”

Auriel giggles. “Thank you, kind sir.”

Arc helps her back into the waste bin on the cart before leaving the office. Cherry calls out to him as they return to the corridor.

“Which way now?”

“This corridor will bring us to the lab.”

Following the hall they come to a clear glass door with a card reader next to it. Arc scans the badge from Hammer as Auriel climbs out of the waste bin. However a red light on the card reader blinks. Cherry groans.

“Nothing?”

Arc shakes his head as he looks at the card. “No. Hammer did say this badge opened the base commander’s office. Not every door in this place.”

Auriel sighs. “So there’s no way in?”

“Not unless we want to smash our way through.”

“I admit, it’s very important to gain access. But at the same time it’s not worth us getting caught.”

Cherry gasps. “What about Auriel’s card?”

“My mother’s ID?”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt they’d have let the card of a missing researcher stay active. Still, can’t hurt to try.”

He helps Auriel out of the waste bin. She walks over to the card reader, takes a deep breath, and swipes her badge. The light flashes and a small click is heard as Auriel steps back, surprised.

“I… I think it worked!”

Arc grins. “Give the door a push.”

Auriel does so. The door swings open as Arc turns to her.

“This is a lucky break.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, it is. But this also confirms that my mother did indeed work her.”

“Let’s take a look around. Maybe we can figure out what she was working on.”

Auriel sighs. “That’s a long shot.”

“We have to try.”

Cherry calls out to Auriel. “Right. Maybe we can find some clues as to what happened to her.”

They enter the darkened lab. Arc turns on the lights as Auriel whirls around to face him.

“What are you…?!”

Shrugging, Arc grabs his broom and dustpan. “I have to be able to see if I’m going to clean up.”

Cherry giggles. “Maintaining your cover?”

Arc nods as he sweeps. “Right. Auriel, you look around.”

“Me?”

“Yes. If someone does walk by all they’ll see is me cleaning and the base commanders right-hand ‘working’.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s not likely they’ll stop to ask questions.”

Arc chuckles as he works. “Exactly.”

Auriel nods soberly. “Okay, I’ll give it a try.”

She heads over to a filing cabinet and opens it. Arc glances over as he works.

“Auriel? I thought you wanted to look at the experiments.”

“I do! But I have to know something!”

“What your mother was working on?”

“Yes!”

Looking through the cabinet for a few minutes, she frowns before turning back to Arc.

“It’s… there’s nothing here.”

Arc frowns. “No file on her?”

Auriel shakes her head as she sadly closes the filing cabinet drawer.

“I was so close too.”

Arc walks over and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“You tried.”

“And failed.”

“Trust me. Your mom would be proud of you for getting this far.”

Auriel nods but says nothing. Arc glances down at the filing cabinet door, a strange look on his face.

“Um… Auriel?”

“What is it?”

“Did you look under ‘M’?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. For ‘Maria’.”

“On Earth we typically sort by last name.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Last… what now?”

“Let me see your mom’s ID.”

Auriel hands it over. Arc looks the badge over a moment before turning to another drawer.

“Looks like your mother’s full name is ‘Maria Knowles’. So let’s take a look under ‘K’.”

Opening the drawer he finds a bulging folder.

“Here we are.”

Arc turns to Auriel with the file and hands it to her.

“I don’t think we have time to go through this whole thing.”

Auriel appears determined. “But I have to know!”

Cherry sighs. “That would take all night, Auriel.”

“I’m not tired!”

Arc smiles. “Don’t worry. I’ll step into a cubical and scan every paper in here before we put it back.”

Auriel looks to Arc soberly as she shakes her head.

“No. We have to take it with us.”

Cherry gasps. “But… but we can’t DO that!”

“These are my mother’s personal notes! I want… no… I NEED to have them!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Let’s just hope they aren’t referenced too often by someone around here.”

He puts the folder into his ring and looks toward the tubes.

“Could you look at the readouts over there? I want to be sure these guys are still alive.”

Auriel nods. “They are.”

Cherry gasps. “How can you be so sure?”

“I looked them over as we passed. They’re in a state of suspended animation.”

Arc frowns. “How?”

“That green liquid is contributing to their condition somehow.”

Cherry grimaces. “In addition to providing them nutrients?”

“Yes.”

She walks over to one of the tubes. Looking down she spots an access panel which she opens and begins examining its circuitry.

“It’s a fairly simple design. Just a pump to move the fluid around, a heating element to keep the fluid warm, a filter to remove impurities, and a small tank to store the waste biproduct.”

Arc steps back. “Um… by waste do you mean…?”

Auriel nods. “Yes.”

Arc frowns. “Can we get them out of there?”

“Not at the moment, no. We’d need a special keycard to do that safely.”

Cherry calls out. “Where do you suppose it’d be?”

Arc sighs. “Probably in either Diva or Mustang’s pocket.”

Auriel nods soberly. “Either way, we should probably leave them here for now.”

“Agreed. I’ll get them out when I save Princess Celestia.”

Cherry groans. “But how? After all, you can’t be in two places at once.”

“I’m still working on that plan. But don’t you worry about a thing. Once I’ve got it figured out even Ember will approve of it.”

Chapter 8 - Cupid's Dilema

Arc and Auriel take the elevator back up to ground level. After finding the jeep that fits their key they drive out the gate and down the bridge. Auriel breathes a sigh of relief as they reach the road.

“That was nerve wracking!”

Arc nods soberly as he drives. “Agreed. Now let’s meet up with the others.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Xenos. You there, big guy?”

“Yes sir.”

“Meet us at the rendezvous point. We need to compare notes right away.”

A few minutes later Arc stops the Jeep on the side of the road. He turns to Auriel as he shuts off the engine.

“Xenos should be here soon.”

“Good. I’m anxious to get back to your place.”

Cherry shudders. “Agreed. These woods are kinda spooky at night.”

Auriel nods. “That they are. But I want to start going over those notes.”

Arc pats his ring. “You can as soon as we get home.”

In short order Xenos pulls up. Arc casts the Matter Compacting spell on the conscripted vehicle and stores it in his ring. Sliding into the back seat next to Auriel he turns to Xenos.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes sir.”

The Jeep pulls away from the side of the road and heads for home. Arc turns to Auriel who has taken hold of his arm.

“You okay?”

Auriel nods nervously. “I am, yes. At least I think so.”

“Really? Because you’re shaking.”

“What?”

Xenos grins. “I’m guessing your adrenaline rush from being that deep inside the enemy stronghold is wearing off.”

Arc puts his arm around her.

“It’s okay. You’re safe, Auriel. We all are.”

Sometime later they reach Arc’s house. Auriel has long since fallen asleep. As carefully as he is able Arc picks the young woman up and carries her inside. Xenos holds the door open as the rest of the squad bounds up the stairs. Viktor is the first to reach the top.

“Sir, we…!”

They stop in their tracks as Xenos motions to Auriel. Arc carries her upstairs to his room and lays her down.

“Good work, my friend. You really came through for us.”

Turning to the doorway he whispers to Xenos who is waiting patiently.

“Tell the others to get some sleep. We’ll deal with this in the morning.”

Xenos nods and closes the door behind him. Arc removes the janitor’s scrubs and kicks off his shoes before changing into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He then turns back to the bed and lies down next to a shaking Auriel. As he covers them both up she clings to him.

“Rest now. You’ve earned it.”

Sometime later in the wee hours of the morning Arc awakens to Auriel crying into his chest. Rain pelts at the windows in a torrential downpour. He gently shakes her.

“Auriel?”

She sniffles, but does not look up.

“I… I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Did you have another nightmare?”

Auriel shakes her head as a low rumble echoes in the distance.

“The storm?”

Again she shakes her head.

“Then what…?”

“I… I’m just so sorry.”

“About what?”

“…a few things. But do you think we could have a bit of light? I… just feel the need to look you in the eye for this.”

“Um… okay.”

Reaching over to a small lamp on the nightstand Arc turns it on. Auriel’s face is red and soaked with tears. Arc gasps.

“You’ve been crying for some time now, haven’t you?!”

Auriel bows her head and nods. Arc looks around for something to wipe her nose. Failing in that he pulls off his t-shirt and hands it to her.

“Here. Sorry it’s not much.”

Nodding, Auriel sits up and does as she is told. She blows her nose several times before being able to speak.

“Sorry about your shirt.”

“It’s okay. We can wash it tomorrow. Now why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

Auriel looks away.

“I… I betrayed you.”

“No you didn’t, Auriel. If anything it’s thanks to you the we were successful.”

“That’s not what I mean. You’ve always been so very kind to me. Ever since that day we met in Tartarus.”

“You mean other than breaking into your control room and threatening everyone?”

Auriel forces a small smile. “No one is perfect, I suppose.”

She slowly turns to him before continuing.

“What I did… my feelings… this isn’t something anyone should even try to forgive.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Yesterday at the base, I… um… I kissed General Mustang.”

Arc looks to her, perplexed. “You told me that, yes. But I thought he was the one whom kissed you.”

“He was. But… but I…”

Auriel sighs.

“…I liked it.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Auriel turns to him as fresh tears stream down her face. “Yes there is! That was my first kiss!”

“I’m really sorry to hear that. But how does that constitute betrayal on your part?”

“Because I… I… um…”

She buries her face in the t-shirt again and cries for a few moments before blowing her nose again and struggling to look at him.

“Do you remember when you asked for my help at the library?”

Arc nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“I left to pack a few things. But I overheard you and Twilight’s conversation about… ‘herds’.”

Arc blushes. “Oh… that.”

“I believe that you’ll make them all very happy.”

“Um… thank you?”

Auriel sighs. “However, there’s something I need to confess.”

“What is it?”

“I wasn’t going to say anything until after the artificial sun project was completed and installed. But… given what happened tonight, I really need to tell you that I… um…”

Auriel pauses before continuing. Eventually she works up the courage to look Arc in the eye.

“…I agree with Twilight’s idea for you to form a herd.”

Arc appears surprised. “You… do?”

“Yes. But… I… uh… honestly… back then I wanted to… become a part of it.”

“Wait! You wanted to join my theoretical herd?!”

“I did, yes! But…”

She looks away, clearly ashamed.

“…but now I know that I’m unworthy.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“I kissed another human and liked doing it! You can’t trust me to be a faithful wife, concubine, or even a lover!”

“So… you care about me?”

Auriel nods.

“Yes. However I’m not deserving of your affection or even your time after what I did. I only ask that you find happiness with Twilight and her friends. That and I beg you… please help her with the artificial sun. While it’s more than I deserve…”

“Auriel, stop.”

“Huh?”

“Listen to me. You didn’t betray me. A good looking man put the moves on you, and your body enjoyed it. That’s not wrong. In fact, it makes me think that much higher of you.”

“What? But… but how?”

“Because your remorse shows your loyalty and devotion.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “You mean… you’re not angry?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not in the least. But I’m hoping you can tell me something.”

“Anything!”

“How long have you been… interested in me?”

“Truthfully, I’ve always found you fascinating. However, when you helped make my test artificial sun experiment a success, and risked your life to fix my mistake… that was when I realized you were special.”

She smiles at him warmly before continuing.

“You see… back in Tartarus, the demons were always all talk and boasting. There wasn’t much substance to their words there. But you… you told me you would help, and then you carried out your promise.”

She holds his shirt up to her face and inhales deeply before blushing and looking him in the eye.

“You’re the most amazing individual I’ve ever met, Arc. And I… I’d be very honored if you would accept me into your future herd.”

“Auriel, I… um…”

“If it pleases you, I can be a demoness. Or if you prefer, I’d be willing to remain a human and bear your children.”

Arc sighs. “That’s… very generous of you. It’s just… I still don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Auriel smiles. “I heard you tell Twilight that you would consider the idea at least. No promises were made, of course. But should you choose to go that route, please consider taking me as well.”

“What about your father? He won’t be happy about this.”

“Demon culture allows for numerous mates and concubines based on a male’s strength and size. You’ve already defeated my father on more than one occasion now, so you’re certainly worthy of taking his daughter.”

“But is that what you want? I mean… you’re not just saying that because I’ve bested King Malevolence in the past, are you?”

Auriel shakes her head fervently. “I’ve never wanted anything more than that in my entire life. I just… feel so safe in your arms.”

She blushes again.

“That and I do admit lying next to you recently without my clothing on was very… pleasurable for me.”

Auriel looks to Arc with a glint of hope in her eyes.

“So… would you consider taking me?”

“I… um… would like to get to know everyone a bit better before committing to something like a herd.”

“Is that a ‘maybe’?”

“Um… kinda. Sorry, but like I told Twilight and the others, that’s the best I can do right now.”

Auriel’s face beams with joy as she wraps her arms around his neck.

“Thank you! I promise I’ll always do my best to make you proud!”

“I… thanks.”

Auriel draws back and smiles sheepishly.

“While I really have no right to ask more of you, might I make a request?”

“What is it?”

“Well, General Mustang took my first kiss. Would you be willing to… give that back to me?”

Arc blushes slightly. “Oh… um… you want me to…?”

Auriel nods. “You’re the most special, Kind, and courageous individual I’ve met. It would be an honor to have a man like you kiss me.”

“I’m not sure if Cherry would…”

Cherry giggles. “Go ahead, Arc. I know you want to.”

Arc grimaces. “HEY!”

Auriel smiles happily. “So you approve of me, Miss Cherry?!”

“I do. You’re a very sweet young mare.”

Auriel looks to Arc, hopefully. “Even if you won’t take me as a member of your herd, I would really like you to kiss me. Please?”

“Okay. But just this once.”

Smiling, Auriel closes her eyes and waits patiently. Arc leans forward and wraps his arms around her back. Slowly he presses his lips against hers. She leans forward and pushes Arc onto his back as they continue. After a few moments she draws back and opens her eyes happily.

“Was that okay?”

Auriel smiles broadly. “That… was absolutely amazing! I’ve never felt anything like it before!”

“What about Mustang?”

“Believe me when I say his kiss was nothing like yours.”

“Oh? What was different about it?”

Auriel blushes happily. “You honestly care about me and my feelings. I didn’t feel that from him.”

“That I do.”

“Can I… stay with you?”

“Tonight?”

Auriel nods. “Ultimately I want it to be forever. But we should probably start small.”

“That’s fine. Why don’t we get some sleep though? Lots to do tomorrow.”

“Agreed.”

Arc reaches over and turns off the bedside lamp. Laying back Auriel presses her face against his chest and smiles as the sounds of raindrops falling outside continues.

“Good night, Arc.”

“Night.”

The next morning Arc and company sit around the basement table as Arc relays the adventure from last night.

“…and that’s what we found.”

Max gasps. “Quite the tale, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! If anyone else had told it, I wouldn’t have believed them.”

Hugh chuckles. “Me either.”

Viktor sighs. “The question now is what this data means?”

Auriel puts a hand on her mother’s note. “I’ve only had time to scratch the surface of the documents we found. However, I do believe their research is on more than just weaponizing humans and making magical potions. The notes hint of their intention to use a kind of magical pheromones to aid them in their endeavors.”

Sereb frowns. “How close are they to realizing such things?”

“Much closer than I thought possible.”

She looks to Arc and blushes slightly.

“In fact, I believe General Mustang may be using a prototype version of this idea.”

Rose appears interested. “Is it in the form of a potion or an injectable?”

“The notes were vague on that. It only referred to the process as part of something collectively called ‘Ascension’. However, I can only assume these notes are only an early draft.”

Dinky grimaces. “So they could be a LOT further along than we know?”

Auriel nods. “That’s certainly a possibility, yes.”

Max shudders. “And a scary one at that.”

Arc frowns. “Agreed. Imagine a beast with insane amounts of strength, magical abilities, and worst of all… charisma.”

Viktor gasps. “They’d be unstoppable!”

Hugh moans. “Mostly because no one would have the courage to raise a hand against them.”

Xenos shudders. “Yeah. Even if they could, their end would either come from a punch to the face or a magical barrage.”

Ember sighs. “Neither sounds like a pleasant fate.”

“Dad, could that general be using those pheromones to control Miss Hammer?”

“He might be, yes. I’ll have to run this by her.”

Sereb growls. “That might be dangerous. Especially if he is controlling her.”

“She seemed pretty level headed in that matter. Nothing’s going to change if I don’t say anything. That and we have to finish the job to her satisfaction.”

Rose appears surprised. “Are you interested in claiming her reward, Arc?”

“It would be nice to have the extra money, yes. While I certainly didn’t have a chance to count it, judging from the size of the tool box, that much would probably be enough to buy a small house.”

“What would you do with it, dad?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But it never hurts to have extra cash in the bank, sweetheart. But let’s go back to the idea of our opponents creating compelling monsters.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I still don’t get that. A monster is a monster. As likeable as they are, you can still just hit em!”

Arc turn to the others. “What if they didn’t fit the standard definition of monsters or beasts though?”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“It’s possible their idea of ‘Ascension’ is the process by which these beings are created, right Auriel?”

“Yes. That’s part of the notes.”

“What if ‘Ascension’ didn’t create something like Bloodletter? But just changed a human into something strong, magically fortified, and charismatic without altering their physical appearance?”

Viktor shudders. “That would make a truly terrifying creature!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! That and they’d be able to hide in plain sight!”

Hugh turns to Max. “An army of these things might very well be unstoppable!”

“A sobering thought.”

Sereb looks at the pile of notes. “Whatever their plan, it is clear our opponents have given it considerable thought.”

Ember groans. “Along with the resources to make it happen.”

Dinky sighs. “What now though?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin, thoughtfully. “Hammer might know something about this.”

Auriel shrugs. “Maybe. But she seemed a bit too nice to be complicit in this matter.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Outward appearances can be deceiving.”

Ember turns to him. “You fought her before, Arc. What do you think?”

“Well, she’s a LOT stronger than a first glance would suggest. And her guns are certainly magic-based. To say nothing for the anti-magic grenades she used against me.”

Rose nods. “My scans of her help confirm that.”

“So you think she might be one of those ‘Ascended’ things, dad?”

“It sounds like it, sweetheart. Hammer, Stingray, and Mio all have extraordinary abilities that just don’t come naturally in humans. They had to come from somewhere.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “Where do we go from here, sir?”

“You guys go over the audio of my recent mission with a fine tooth comb. See if you can find anything I missed.”

Viktor grins. “Yes sir.”

“Auriel, can you go over those files from you mother?”

“I’ll get to work on it right away. But the sheer number of pages will certainly make the process a slow one.”

Rose looks to Auriel. “Can I help? I can read significantly faster than anyone else can.”

Arc nods. “That would be of great help. Auriel?”

Auriel shakes her head and takes the stack of papers. “Thank you, but… I really want to do this myself. It’s the first real connection with my mother I’ve had other than her ID badge.”

“Very well. Let us know if you need help though.”

“I will.”

Ember turns to Arc. “So what’s the next step?”

“We spend today going over the footage and other files I scanned at the base. I’m going to try to create a logical explanation as to how Hammer’s sisters are being controlled.”

Dinky gasps. “So you really do think they’re not acting on their own free will, dad?”

“Not anymore, sweetheart. But we need to be able to prove that.”

Sereb sighs. “As much as it pains me to say it, Hammer does deserve the cloture of knowing for sure one way or the other.”

Arc nods. “Right. And I’m going to do my best to give that to her. But right now I need to give her a call and try to set up another date.”

Rose appears confused. “Oh? When for?”

Arc stands and heads for the stairs. “Tonight.”

Chapter 9 - A Very, VERY Hot Date

Later that evening Arc descends the stairs to the basement. He finds everyone hard at work on their assigned task. Max looks up as he approaches.

“Looks like you’re ready to go, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! Looking snazzy, sir!”

Hugh turns to his friend. “Where’d you hear that word, Xenos?”

Viktor chuckles. “He found it on the Internet.”

Xenos laughs. “I’ve been waiting for a chance to use that one!”

Ember frowns. “Well, I still don’t like the idea of you going out with Hammer alone, Arc.”

“It’s a date. I can’t exactly bring others along.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “What about me?”

“Restaurants don’t allow pets. It’s a public health code violation.”

Dinky appears confused. “Sereb’s not a pet though, dad.”

“I know sweetheart. But they still won’t let him in.”

Auriel walks over with Rose. “You do look very nice though, Arc.”

“Thanks. How did the search go?”

Auriel smiles. “Very well actually. I’ve been able to take several dozen pages of notes.”

Rose holds up an envelope. “She then allowed me to compile them into an abridged version for you to present to Hammer tonight.”

Auriel nods. “It’s far from complete, of course. But this should be enough for you to convince her that something is wrong.”

Arc smiles as he takes the papers. “Thanks.”

“I’ll keep at it, of course. But it’s going to take quite some time. My mother was very detailed in many of her reports.”

“Isn’t that good though?”

Auriel sighs. “Somewhat. I don’t understand some of the terminology.”

Max shrugs. “That’s to be expected though. We’re dealing with completely new and relatively unknown technology, after all.”

Arc nods and turns to Xenos. “Understandable. Now what about the files I scanned back at the base?”

“We’ve been going over those all day, sir.”

Hugh grimaces. “Right. That guy Rieper is one sick freak.”

“How so?”

Ember makes a face. “His experiment summaries were very… graphic, to say the least.”

Viktor nods soberly. “It appears he’s been working with General Mustang for quite some time.”

Sereb growls. “And the results of what he discovered were used to start what is referred to as the ‘Ascension Program’.”

“Where does Auriel’s mother fit into this?”

“Maria Knowles, my mother, was apparently Rieper’s assistant for quite some time before being given her own research projects on another very different path.”

Dinky looks to Auriel. “So they pulled her off the ‘Ascension’ project completely?”

“We’re not quite sure. I’m still trying to uncover what she was assigned to though.”

Arc nods. “Keep at it. Anything else?”

Max grimaces. “Doctor Rieper wasn’t too happy about Doctor Knowles being elevated to a position on par with him.”

Viktor frowns. “Right. In some of the notes from his files he refers to her as ‘the cow’.”

Xenos shrugs. “Yeah. But we’re not sure what that means.”

Arc sighs. “It’s quite an insult for a woman.”

Ember turns to him. “What’s it mean?”

“He’s saying she’s dumb and ugly.”

Auriel gasps. “Why though?! Wouldn’t it have been better try working WITH her?!”

Ember sighs. “Probably, yeah. But it sounds to me like he was jealous.”

“They could’ve shared in the credit! Like Twilight and I do!”

“Auriel, humans don’t always think like that. To some of us it’s more about keeping the credit for ourselves. Especially in the scientific fields. Or so I’ve heard.”

Rose scowls. “They could certainly accomplish more by working together, yes. As Auriel said, sharing research credit can lead to wondrous and amazing inventions and discoveries.”

Sereb puts a paw on her foot. “Such as yourself, Rose?”

“Me?”

Arc nods. “He’s right. Twilight used Auriel’s invention to extract the essence of Dragon Fruit. She then used it to form your heart.”

Auriel smiles at her. “Without it, you wouldn’t be able to function.”

Rose puts a hand to her chest. “So… would it be fair to say that you are akin to my… father, Auriel?”

“Huh?!”

“After all, you were the one who donated the technology to allow me to function while mother built my outer frame.

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Donated?”

Rose nods as she smiles at the little girl. “Right. Like a father, Auriel donated half the idea to make me. Kinda like a male’s sperm cell, it got the process started. While mother took that sperm and combined it with the frame she was building. Like a female incubating a child in their womb.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “An interesting concept.”

Auriel smiles. “It is, yes. But not completely scientifically accurate.”

“Either way, I am very grateful that you helped create me, Auriel.”

“Yes, well… I need to get back to work. Arc needs to get going himself if he doesn’t want to be late.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “Right. Keep at it everyone.”

Arc heads upstairs as Dinky follows him. She hops onto the couch next to him as he puts on his shoes.

“I hope you have a nice time tonight, dad.”

“Thank you sweetheart. But this is more of a business meeting than an actual date. Especially now that Hammer is my client.”

“Dad? Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Are you in love?”

“With Hammer, or in general?”

“Both.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’m not in love with Hammer, sweetheart. I do like her as a person, yes. But at the moment she’s helping me accomplish our mission to bring Princess Celestia home again.”

“What about the others?”

“Others?”

“You know… Miss Rarity and her friends.”

Arc stops and turns to his daughter. “What brought this on?”

“I just… I thought you looked really happy when you came home after your last visit with them at Miss Twilight’s library.”

“Oh… that. Um…”

Dinky smiles up at him. “Dad, I want you to know that mom and I really want you to be happy. And we know you do care about Miss Rarity a lot.”

“That I do.”

“You two should go on another date sometime. Get to know each other better.”

“Yeah?”

Dinky nods fervently. “That day you took me to the park and played ball with us… she was eyeing you the whole time with a really weird look on her face.”

“I didn’t notice that.”

Dinky stands on the couch and wraps her small arms around her father’s neck. “Don’t worry, dad. I was looking out for you.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

“Like I said, mom and I just want you to be happy.”

A few minutes later Arc drives down the road toward the luxury apartment complex. Smiling, he sighs and mutters to himself.

“Dinky. You’re such a good daughter.”

Looking over at the envelope on the seat next to him, he frowns.

“I need to finish this matter up and get home with Dinky and Princess Celestia. None of us really belongs here anymore. That and Hammer… she deserves better than a cheating boyfriend who’s just using her for information.”

Pulling up to the gate Arc types in the guest code. Entering the garage and parking the Jeep he takes the elevator up and finds the apartment. However before he can knock the door flies open and Hammer storms out.

“Woah! Hammer?!”

She turns back and yells out.

“You can’t control me! I’ll do what I want!”

Slamming the door she turns to Arc, clearly embarrassed.

“I’m sorry you had to see that.”

“What happened?”

“I’ll tell you on the way. Come on.”

Arc and Hammer return to the Jeep and drive away. Stingray and Mio watch from a floor to ceiling window. Mio shakes her head.

“It’s hard to believe anyone would agree to a second date with Hammer.”

Stingray chuckles. “Third, actually.”

“Third?”

Stingray nods. “Yes. Hammer told me the first time Arc picked her up from her other apartment.”

Mio frowns. “We should probably do something about this.”

“Agreed. Hammer’s getting far too close to someone who isn’t worthy of her.”

“What if he was though?”

Stingray turns to Mio, confused. “Huh?”

“Arc’s certainly a very intelligent individual. Perhaps we should recommend him for ‘Ascension’.”

“It takes years of training to get to the point where one is ready, Mio.”

“I know. But it should be considered.”

Stingray frowns. “Someone also needs to be smart in order to be chosen.”

“Agreed. Intelligent, resourceful, strong. Those are the base qualifications, after all.”

“But you are correct about one thing. We should try to figure out if he’s worthy.”

Reaching out toward a table, she casts a Telekinesis Spell and pulls a cell phone to herself. Mio looks confused.

“What are you doing?”

Stingray dials. “You’ll see.”

Putting the phone to her ear she waits a few moments before someone on the other end connects.

“You and a few of your pals want to make some extra cash? Yeah. Same deal as before. I’ll text you an address in a few minutes. Take care of the guy with Hammer. Yes, I said Hammer! Break his legs so he can’t walk.”

She hangs up as Mio grimaces.

“Did you just do what I think you did?”

Stingray nods as she levitates the cell phone back to its place. “Yes. I just called in a hit on Hammer’s little date.”

Mio gasps. “But she could get hurt!”

Stingray laughs heartily. “Are you kidding? You forget Hammer’s ‘Ascended’. Those guys try and go after her and they won’t know what hit them.”

“Then why…?”

“To take care of Arc, of course. If he’s so smart, he’ll quickly realize hanging out with her comes with certain risks. And this will be their last date.”

“Or…?”

Stingray shrugs. “Or, if he’s strong, intelligent, and resourceful, he may possibly survive this trial and be worthy of ‘Ascension’ himself one day.”

Meanwhile, Arc drives down the road with Hammer in the passenger seat next to him.

“So… you okay?”

Hammer nods as she puts a hand to her forehead. “Yeah. My sisters and I do argue sometimes.”

“Well, that is normal to a degree. Was there more to it than that?”

“Stingray told me to stop seeing you.”

“What? Why?”

Hammer looks away. “She said our relationship was bad for my mental well-being, or something.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “What does that mean?”

Hammer shrugs nervously. “I dunno. Maybe she’s afraid we’ll be transferred somewhere and that I’ll miss you, or something.”

“Well, the military does have the habit of sending its forces elsewhere at a moment’s notice.”

“I guess. But let’s focus on the here and now. We still on for that pizza place?”

Arc grins. “Sure.”

Sometime later they arrive at Roberto’s Pizza, Walking up to the hostess Arc addresses her.

“Hello. I have your dining room reserved for the evening.”

“Yes. Right this way.”

She leads them to the dining room. Pizza, lasagna, breadsticks and soda are all sitting out.

“Let me know if there’s anything else you need.”

Arc grins. “Thank you. This smells great!”

She leaves the room as Arc and Hammer each grab a plate and sit down with their food. Arc is the first to speak.

“So… you doing okay?”

Hammer looks up from her pizza. “Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“During that argument with your sisters, you sounded really upset.”

“Didn’t we already discuss about this on the way over here?”

“Yeah, but… you didn’t really seem to want to talk about it.”

Hammer frowns. “And I still don’t! Look, can we just drop it and concentrate on this awesome food please?”

Arc shrugs. “If you want to, sure.”

Hammer grins. “Besides, I’m guessing you didn’t call me out on a date just to eat pizza and enjoy my company.”

“Part of me did, yes.”

Hammer blushes slightly. “Really?”

Arc nods. “Sure. I like hanging out with you, Hammer. But you were right about something else. I did need to talk to you.”

“About my… request?”

“Right.”

He finishes the last bite of his slice of pizza and wipes his hands with a napkin before pulling the envelope from his pocket.

“Now then, I want you to know that this matter is not yet fully investigated. Think of this meeting more like a status update than a final debriefing.”

Hammer gasps. “So you DID discover something last night?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes. More so than I thought I would though. Let me explain…”

Removing copies of the notes from Doctor Rieper’s files and hands them to Hammer.

“These were taken from the office you provided a keycard for.”

Hammer frowns. “This was in General Mustang’s office?! Just lying around?!”

“Um… that was complicated.”

“He’s usually pretty good at locking things up. Unless you found a way to get past those unpickable locks, that is.”

“Truth be told, he walked in.”

Hammer gasps. “WHAT?!”

“Let’s just say it was a good thing Auriel was with me in that uniform. He honestly thought she was Diva.”

“Are you completely sure of that?!”

“Yes.”

“How sure?!”

“He gave her the files and… uh…”

Hammer frowns. “And what?!”

“Kissed her.”

A strange look crosses Hammer’s face. “He did… WHAT?!”

Arc shrugs. “That’s what she said happened.”

“And where were you when all this was happening?!”

“Cleaning the adjoining bathroom.”

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

“The toilet to be exact.”

“Wow… way to keep your cool.”

“I took care of the windows too.”

Hammer nods approvingly. “When someone gives you a cover story, you really take it all the way.”

“Didn’t want him coming in this morning and wondering who it was whom had left his office uncleaned.”

Hammer frowns. “So Rieper’s been working on phero-whatsits now?”

“Pheromones of some kind. Close as we can tell it makes others around the target more… accepting of them.”

“What does that mean?”

“They’ll be more charismatic. Able to convince others to do exactly what they want.”

Hammer gasps. “Like Stingray and Mio!”

Arc nods. “Right. Now this is all just theory right now. Remember, as their commanding officer, your sisters would certainly do whatever General Mustang told them to even if they didn’t like him.”

“What exactly is he after then?”

“I don’t know for sure yet. But trust me when I say I’m going to find out.”

“Anything else?”

“Yes. Now again this is somewhat anecdotal, but my sources have analyzed these notes and pointed out to me that the effect should be greater the longer your sisters are close to the target.”

Hammer thinks for a few moments. “Stingray and Mio have several meetings with the general a week.”

“What about you?”

Hammer shakes her head. “I’m not usually there, no.”

“How often do you see General Mustang?”

“Couple times a month. You think that’s why I’m still thinking straight?”

Arc nods. “It’s an even money bet.”

Hammer gasps. “DIVA!!!”

“What about her?”

“She’s the general’s aide!”

“So she’s with him all the time?”

Hammer nods. “Right! That’s why she’s so dedicated to him! She’s being… pheromone controlled! Or however you say it!”

“Most likely, yes.”

“Tell me, how do we reverse this?!”

“My expert advises maintaining distance between anyone affected and the general. In time they will most likely recover on their own.”

Hammer breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good. But how do I do that?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. Other than going AWOL, that is.”

“They’ll never go for that.”

“What about you?”

Hammer appears confused. “Huh?”

“You should get out of there. After all, who’s to say you won’t eventually be affected.”

Hammer bows her head. “I… I can’t.”

“Can’t what? Be affected?”

“No. I mean I can’t leave them. Someone has to watch my sister’s backs.”

“I understand. Just be careful and keep your distance from Mustang if at all possible.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Right now I just want to put a fist in his jaw!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That’d put you WAY too close to him.”

Hammer sighs. “I know. That’s the only thing stopping me right now.”

She is silent for a time before continuing.

“Is there anything I can do to help your investigation?”

Arc nods. “I could use some information.”

“What kind?”

“For starters, what kind of research are they doing over there?”

“I’m not fully sure. Just stuff to help make the world a better place is all I always hear. Why?”

“I found some things that might be important, but didn’t make sense.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “In the general’s office?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In the research lab.”

Hammer gasps. “Wha-what?! That card shouldn’t have let you in there!”

“I have my ways.”

“How’d you get in?!”

“Sorry. Professional secret.”

Hammer grins. “That’s… legitimately impressive. If you weren’t working for me I’d bust you for admitting to that.”

“Glad I know where I stand.”

Hammer lowers her voice.

“So what did you find?”

“I’m not really sure.”

“Huh?”

Arc sighs. “Let me clarify. We found some notes written by another doctor who isn’t around anymore. Apparently they were working on something vastly different from what Rieper was.”

“How much different?”

“Without getting too technical, let’s just say I’ll need to find someone to analyze them and then explain theoretical physics to me before I’ll know what I have.”

Hammer frowns. “I can’t really be of much help there. As far as I know we don’t have anyone at the base with training in that.”

“It’ll take some time to find someone. But I’ll keep at it.”

“Thanks.”

Arc grins. “No problem. This is getting rather interesting.”

“You’re going to keep it between us though, right?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Detective/client relationship and all.”

“What about your staff?”

“They’ll do what I tell them to.”

“Good. If word of this ever got out, we’d both be in trouble.”

Sometime later the pair leave the restaurant. As they head back toward the Jeep a shabbily dressed fellow slinks up behind them and grabs Hammer’s purse.

“HEY!”

Arc turns to give chase. “I got him!”

He runs after the man as he flees behind the restaurant. As Arc rounds the corner he stops and turns as a dozen thugs step out of the shadows.

“Oh boy…”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Get out of there, Arc!”

“I can take these guys!”

“With no armor and weapons?!”

“Just an added challenge.”

The clip-clopping of Hammer’s high heel shoes running toward them can be heard as the thug dangles the purse in front of him.

“You want this?”

Arc glares at him. “Yeah. Give it back right now, or else.”

“Or else what?!”

“You’ll be picking you teeth up off the pavement.”

The gang laughs as Hammer reaches Arc. She turns and glares at them.

“What the heck are you losers doing here?!”

The thug’s leader looks her up and down. “Huh? HAMMER?!”

He turns to his gang.

“Look here, fellas! Hammer really IS a woman!”

They whistle as they check her out.

“You clean up NICE!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “I came here for a good meal with my boyfriend! Not a fight!”

“This weakling collared YOU, Hammer?! You must be getting soft!”

Hammer grabs Arc’s arm. “Come on. Let these losers have it.”

Arc shakes his head. “Oh no. We’re not leaving until he gives back what he took and apologizes to you.”

They laugh heartily as Arc approaches them.

“Come and get it then!”

Arc cracks his knuckles. “Fine. Let’s do this!”

Walking up to the first thug Arc punches him in the gut. Reeling, he knees the man in the chin to knock him into several of his friends. Two more run at him but are stopped as Arc comes between them and knocks their heads together. The rest of the gang falls fairly easily to Arc’s fists before he turns his attention back to the leader.

“I’d give up now if I were you.”

“No way! I can’t leave without putting you in the hospital for what you did!”

The man lunges at Arc who sidesteps and trips his opponent. He falls against a stack of plastic soda crates. Rolling over he gets up and again faces Arc.

“You ain’t getting away!”

Arc shrugs. “Not trying to. But you should be.”

“Not a chance!”

Rushing forward again the man grabs onto Arc’s coat. Hammer steps forward and punches him in the face.

“Get off of him, slime!”

Dazed, their assailant stumbles to his feet. However this time Arc grabs the man’s shirt and slams him against a wall.

“You going to give up that purse now?!”

The man nods slowly and hands over the prize. Arc glares at him.

“Apologize!”

“S-sorry.”

“Now get out of here!”

As he stands Hammer rushes past Arc and knocks the thug down again.

“Who put you up to this?!”

“I… I don’t know!”

Hammer glares at him. “Liar! You know EXACTLY who I’m talking about!”

“But… but they’ll kill me!”

“Or I can kill you right now!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Easy there. Let’s not do anything rash, Hammer.”

She winds up a fist as the man cries out fearfully.

“S-Stingray! It was Stingray!”

Hammer grins wickedly. “There. Now was that so hard?”

She helps the man up as Arc takes her arm.

“We should go.”

Hammer nods. “Fine. Just one last thing.”

Turning, she punches the man in the face. He falls to the ground like a sack of potatoes as Hammer turns back to Arc.

“There. Now we can go.”

She looks around at the rest of the unconscious thugs.

“You took all of em out.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, all except the last one.”

Hammer grins at him as they head for the Jeep. “That may be. But your little display back there was quite sexy.”

“Um… glad to be of service. I just wanted to get your purse back, after all.”

She laughs as they get into the vehicle together.

“Well, the jokes on those idiots back there!”

“How so?”

Hammer opens her purse and shows it to him.

“There ain’t nothing in here!”

“Then why do you have it?”

Hammer frowns. “Stingray told me it brought the outfit together. Now I see what she was really looking to do.”

Arc nods soberly. “You’re thinking she set you up just like last time?”

“No. She was literally trying to sabotage our date.”

Chapter 11 - A Filly's Hope

The next day Arc and Dinky walk down a corridor of Canterlot Castle.

“I’m sorry, Dinky.”

“What for, dad?”

“You wanted me to spend more time with you on Earth. And all I did was work.”

“That’s not true, dad! We went camping!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. But I was gone most of the time.”

Dinky grins at him. “We’re together now though.”

“And I’m still working.”

He stops and kneels down in front of Dinky.

“Sweetheart, I’m going to make more time for you. And soon.”

Dinky jumps up on her hind legs to give him a hug. “Thanks, dad. But you still have a job to do.”

“Not for much longer.”

The pair continue on. Soon they approach Arc’s quarters and enter.

“I need to speak to the princesses before we head back to Ponyville. Not sure how long it will take though.”

Dinky smiles at him. “It’s okay. I’ll wait for you here.”

Arc points to the balcony doors. “Take a look out there. The view is breathtaking.”

“I think I’ll do that.”

Patting her head Arc leaves the room. Dinky walks over to the doors and steps out onto the balcony. A warm early summer wind whistles past her as she puts her small hooves on the guardrail and sighs.

“Mom misses you too, dad. She really likes you, after all.”

Looking out over the city below Dinky smiles.

“You’re doing everything possible to keep everypony safe. Just one more mission and you’ll be home again. Eating supper with mom and I every night. Playing with me. Putting mom and I to bed…”

Dinky closes her eyes and lays back on the stone balcony face up. She allows the warm sun to wash over her as she lets out a contented sigh.

“It’ll be perfect. Everything will be… perfect.”

A voice calls out.

“Will it?”

Dinky sits up.

“Kronos?”

Looking around Dinky finds that time has stopped. The light slowly fades until only the ground around her is illuminated. She looks around.

“Where are you?”

“Turn.”

Doing as she’s told Dinky sees a large glowing light just inside her father’s room. Slowly walking through the door, she stands before Kronos.

“What did you mean by that?”

“Your assumption that one event will make everything better is shortsighted at best, Dinky.”

“I… I know that.”

“Then why do you feel this way?”

Dinky smiles. “Because it’s what I want to happen. My dad has always been Honest with me. If he says things will be different, I believe him.”

Kronos sighs. “While I too wish for your permanent happiness, we both know that is not usually in the cards.”

“Reality?”

“Indeed.”

“But things weren’t always that way, right?”

“Correct.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “So there’s a chance?”

“That there is, yes.”

“And you know what’s going to happen?”

“As I’ve said before, I know what the most likely outcome is to most any situation. However, even my ability in that is not infallible. There have been times where what I expected to happen did not come to pass. Similarly, I have seen unlikely outcomes suddenly force themselves to the forefront of the present for what would appear to be no rhyme or reason.”

“So… what are the chances things go well in my dad’s immediate future?”

“I’d rather not say.”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “Please! I… I can handle it!”

Kronos is silent for a time before answering. “The road before him will most likely be long, winding, fraught with peril, and rather dark.”

“Is there any chance for something different?”

“As you know, nothing is ever set in stone, Dinky.”

Dinky sighs. “I understand. But will he survive?”

“To that I can give you a solid ‘yes’.”

“Good. If there’s a way for my dad to pull this off, he will.”

“You are confident.”

Dinky smiles nervously. “It’s all I can be at this point.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way toward the Audience Chambers. He finds the outer chambers empty with the exception of a lone guard on duty. The stallion salutes as Arc approaches.

“Sir!”

“Are the princesses ready to see me?”

“Yes sir. I’ve been ordered to admit you immediately upon your arrival. The princesses are waiting for you in their office.”

He opens the door and stands aside as Arc passes. Entering the Audience Chamber Arc heads for the familiar door. Looking around he notices the guards normally present are nowhere to be found. He mutters to himself.

“I guess Luna really didn’t want anyone overhearing this conversation. Can’t say as I blame her though.”

Arc enters to office. Luna and Cadance rise from their places on the couch as Shining Armor approaches with Sunburst. Shining Armor is the first to speak.

“Good morning, sir.”

Sunburst smiles. “We do hope your trip over was pleasant.”

“Yes. You’ve really nailed down the transdimensional wormhole technology. I can’t remember the last time I flew out the other side like a rocket.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “A rocket?”

Arc sighs. “Think of the Equestrian equivalent as being shot out of a cannon.”

Cadance shudders. “A frightening thought!”

“In any case, we should get to it.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Yes. This plan needs to go smoothly.”

“As complicated as this matter will certainly be, I can assure you that it probably won’t. Everyone will need to be ready and able to adapt to an ever-changing situation though.”

Luna appears nervous. “Arc?”

“What is it, Luna?”

“In your opinion… what are the chances of success?”

“Success as planned or success in general?”

Luna looks at him evenly. “Yes.”

“Okay, um… I’d say our chances are pretty good with all the prep work and planning we’ve done.”

Cadance frowns. “But…?”

“I’m assuming our adversary, a man named General Mustang, has more than one trump card to play. As strange as it feels to say this, I’m attempting to expect the unexpected.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes sir. That’s why everything needs to be ready before you begin your assault.”

“I guess ’assault’ isn’t how I would describe it. Think of this more like… extremely aggressive subterfuge.”

Luna sighs. “So everything is ready on your end?”

“Almost. There’s one last thing I want to do.”

Sunburst nods soberly. “Last minute mechanical changes?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. One last visit to the facility before we do this.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “For gathering more intel?”

“Potentially giving it actually.”

Shining Armor gasps. “You’re doing what?!”

“Three of the sergeants there are… unique individuals.”

Luna sighs. “The ‘Hammer” individual you mentioned before?”

“She’s one of them, yes. I told you how she hired me to spy on her sisters. Before we do this, it would be very useful to have their help.”

Sunburst grins. “So you’re looking to turn at least one of them to our side?”

“In a matter of speaking. If I can somehow gather concrete and irrefutable evidence that Mustang is controlling her sisters Hammer might be willing to take me directly to Princess Celestia.”

Shining Armor frowns. “That’s quite a stretch, Arc.”

Cadance nods. “I agree. You’d also have to tell her why you wanted such a thing.”

Luna sighs. “Should she refuse you’d be setting up your mission for failure.”

“I’ll do my best to read her mood before I make such a demand. Failing that, providing Hammer with the evidence she asked for might be just enough for them turn on Mustang and help me escape the facility when the time comes.”

Shining Armor smiles. “That would be a more sensible plan. Even if they refused to cooperate it would still be too late for them to warn their commander about you, Arc.”

“Precisely.”

Cadance bows her head. “All of this is quite risky.”

Luna nods. “Yes. And not strictly necessary.”

Sunburst turns to him. “I agree with the princesses, sir. Attempting to gain allies from the ranks of our enemies at this point may not be the best course of action.”

“I’ll… keep that in mind.”

Sometime later Arc returns to his room. Dinky trots in from the balcony.

“How did it go, dad?”

“Okay, I guess. I briefed Sunburst and Shining Armor on their tentative roles in my plan, as well as informed the princesses of my mission’s status.”

“And they agreed with you?”

“On most things, yes.”

“Oh?”

Arc sighs. “None of them was too keen on my idea to turn Hammer and her sisters to Equestria’s side.”

Dinky smiles. “I’m sure if she knew what was going on, Miss Hammer would certainly do the right thing! She’s a really nice human!”

“I hope she would. But… I don’t really know for sure.”

Dinky puts a small hoof on his knee and smiles up at him.

“I believe in you, dad. You’ll always do your best to make the best choices with the information at hoof.”

“Thanks, Dinky. I’ll certainly give it my best shot. But I wish I had your confidence.”

Dinky giggles. “You do!”

“How so?”

“Think about it. You always see the best in ponies and people alike. I’m sure Miss Hammer has done terrible things in the past. But you were able to look over that to see her for the human she might be on the inside.”

Arc shrugs. “I really do think Hammer and Mio have good in them. Stingray… not so much.”

“Are you sure?”

“No. But if I can make friends with one of them, the other two might be persuaded to follow suit.”

Sighing, Arc stands up.

“In any case, lets head back to Ponyville.”

Dinky hops off the couch. “Yeah! I’m sure mom misses us!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal to Derpy’s small house. Stepping through the pair head for the orphanage. Arriving, they enter and look around the Main Hall.

“It feels like forever since I was here.”

Arc chuckles. “I know what you mean. Lately I’ve been on Earth more than Equestria.”

Dinky trots toward the cafeteria. “Come on, dad! Mom’s probably cooking lunch!”

“Shouldn’t you get to class then?”

Dinky laughs. “Dad, it’s summer vacation!”

“Is it?”

“Yup! Look!”

Dinky points to her classroom, which is dark inside. Arc frowns.

“I… knew it was getting warmer, but I figured…”

A voice rings out behind them.

“That there was plenty of time left?”

The pair turn to see Frank slowly descending the stairs.

“Oh, hey Frank.”

Dinky grins. “How are things here?”

Frank chuckles as he walks over. “Just fine. A very simple life caring for mostly content orphans.”

He gestures with a wave of his hand.

“However, with facilities like these I’m certain they know just how much they mean to the leaders of this land.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. This place is leagues better than the Farburg Orphanage.”

“Better staff too.”

Dinky looks around. “Where is everypony, Mister Frank?”

“Miss Pommel thought that since it was such a nice day now would be a good time for a trip to the park.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Just her?”

“Oh no. Miss Cheerilee and Miss Peachbottom accompanied her. I think they’re looking to make it a bit of a learning experience.”

Dinky smiles. “That’s a good idea.”

“I stayed behind to help Miss Derpy with lunch preparations.”

Arc turns to the cafeteria. “Let’s see if we can help.”

Dinky runs into the kitchen ahead of them.

“Mom! We’re back!”

Derpy trots over to her daughter as Arc and Frank walk into the room. She and Dinky embrace.

“I missed you, sweetie!”

“Me too, mom.”

Dinky leads her mother over to Arc.

“Dad and I have been really busy!”

“Oh?”

“Yeah! We went camping!”

Frank chuckles. “Did you now?”

Arc nods. “Scouting out that base from afar.”

Frank is suddenly serious. “How much longer until you go inside?”

“Already been there more than once.”

Derpy gasps. “That sounds dangerous!”

“Kinda was. Sorta. At least the first time. But that’s part of the reason I’m here, Frank.”

Frank appears confused. “I’m afraid I don’t follow.”

“There’s a few things I need to know.”

“We can talk about it as we cook.”

Arc shrugs. “Fine with me.”

Derpy points a hoof to the counter. “Those potatoes need peeling.”

“And me, mom?”

“Can you get the condiment bottles filled, sweetie?”

“Sure!”

Arc and Frank walk to the counter as Dinky heads for the extra-large refrigerator. As they get to work Arc is the first to speak.

“What can you tell me about Hammer?”

“My former lieutenant?”

“Yes.”

“Like Stingray and Mio, she was very dedicated to the mission. Or so I thought.”

“She’s a sergeant in the military. As are Stingray and Mio.”

Frank frowns. “I did think they were a bit too disciplined to be just normal women.”

Derpy looks over. “Isn’t that good? I mean, that they’re focused.”

Arc sighs. “Normally, yes. But they aren’t exactly the best example of humanity.”

He turns back to Frank.

“I was able to get into the facility the second time with her help.”

“How?”

“She gave me an ID badge.”

Frank grimaces. “Watch yourself! She and the others are playing you for a fool, my friend!”

“I kinda thought that too. At least until I heard her side of things.”

“Her side?”

“She and I met at the mall when I was there with Dinky and Auriel.”

Frank gasps. “Did she recognize you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We were both sitting there waiting for someone and struck up a conversation.”

Cherry groans. “It was a rather nerve wracking experience.”

“Agreed. Then I remembered that she’s only seen the Hero of Light. Not regular Arc.”

Frank grins. “Used that to your advantage, eh?”

“Yeah. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, she was giving me her phone number.”

Frank stops working and turns to Arc as he narrows his eyes.

“You can’t be serious.”

“I am.”

“Somehow I get the feeling you called it too.”

“Yup.”

Frank facepalms. “And here I thought you were the smart one between us.”

Arc shrugs. “Guess not.”

“So what happened?”

“I took her out for pizza.”

“As in a date?”

“Yes.”

Frank frowns. “That was unwise.”

“I kinda thought so too. That is until I told her I was a Private Investigator.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Why did you do that, Arc?”

“She asked what I did for a living. I couldn’t really say I was the Hero of Light.”

Dinky giggles. “Why not just call yourself a ‘Problem Solver’, dad?”

“That would have raised more questions. The investigator thing really seemed to register with her though.”

Frank sighs. “Let me guess. She needed you to spy on someone for her?”

“Actually, yes.”

“She’s a sneaky one, I’ll give Hammer that. Who was your target?”

“Her sisters.”

Frank appears surprised. “Stingray and Mio?”

“The very same.”

“Why?”

“Hammer believed they were up to something. And they kinda were.”

Derpy gasps. “Something bad?”

“Not exactly. They were learning new skills to impress their commanding officer, General Mustang. Does that name mean anything to you, Frank?”

Frank shakes his head. “Never heard of him. But let’s stick to Hammer’s request.”

“She was very impressed with how fast I got back to her. After giving her the evidence she wanted, I was paid for my time and offered a new task.”

Derpy giggles. “More investigating?”

“Yes. This time she wanted proof that General Mustang was manipulating her sisters.”

Frank rolls his eyes. “Let me guess. She’s just being paranoid?”

Arc shakes his head. “Surprisingly, no.”

“What?”

“I did find some evidence that Mustang is indeed manipulating those around him through some kind of strange science or magic.”

Dinky shrugs. “Maybe both.”

Frank sighs as he continues working. “Had you told me this a few months ago, I would have had you sent to the funny farm, my friend.”

“This goes well beyond simple charisma though. I had Auriel dressed up as Diva so she could come with me.”

Derpy smiles. “That was brave of her.”

“I thought so too. Anyways, Hammer gave me a keycard for Mustang’s office. We were searching it when the general walked in.”

Frank chuckles. “Busted.”

“I thought so too. But she was able to convince him she really was Diva. Even going so far as to kiss him.”

Dinky sticks out her tongue, clearly disgusted. “Miss Auriel really did her best there.”

“Agreed. But she told me later that it felt… strange.”

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

“Like her mind was muddled. That coupled with the research notes we found from Doctor Rieper…”

Frank gasps. “Wait! That was the name of the doctor whom treated me in the hospital!”

Arc nods. “The very same. He’s not on their payroll though.”

“How could you possibly know that?!”

“I had someone hack their network. No one named ‘Rieper’ works there. He and Mustang are definitely in cohorts though. The only problem is I have no idea what the doctor is after.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “Maybe he’s just a bad man.”

Frank grimaces. “He may simply be seeing how far one can go. Ideals can be a powerful tool for self-motivation.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But we seem to be drifting off course. Frank, what can you tell me about Hammer on a personal level?”

“She’s the most visibly driven of the three. To be completely honest, I always viewed her as the big, dumb muscle of their group.”

Dinky glares at him. “HEY!”

“It’s the truth. She’s quite loyal to her sisters though. You were wise to target her, Arc. If she’s convinced someone has hurt the other two, nothing will prevent her from getting revenge.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured that. As long as we’re on the subject, what about the other two?”

“Stingray is the leader. Headstrong and cunning, she’s not as strong as Hammer. However what she lacks in physical power she makes up for in planning and insight.”

Arc frowns. “Weaknesses?”

“Tell her she’s cute.”

Derpy gasps. “What?”

“Any personal compliment would work. If you sound sincere it’ll throw her off balance for a moment. You’ll only get one shot though. Make it count.”

Arc grins. “I’ll remember that. What about Mio?”

“Ah, the magic user. She’s smart like Stingray. But more facts and figures over insight and planning.”

Arc chuckles. “But she’s not strong, right?”

Frank shakes his head. “Not at all. I was stronger in middle school than she is now. Just bear in mind that she more than makes up for that with her powers.”

Arc snaps his finger. “But if I destroy her staff…”

Frank smiles and nods. “She’ll be cut off from her magic. That’s her Achilles Heel. If you’re going to try and outthink her, you’d best have a pretty good plan.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

“Tell me, do you think you’ll see them anytime soon?”

“Probably, yes. Why?”

Frank smiles wickedly. “Give them each a punch in the mouth for me.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

The sound of foals and younglings entering the building can be heard. Dinky turns to her mother.

“Sounds like everypony’s back.”

Derpy looks at the clock. “There’s still quite a bit of time until lunch.”

Frank nods. “Agreed. Let’s not squander it though.”

Arc sets down his potato peeler and turns to Derpy.

“I… um… need to go talk to Coco Pommel about something. You okay without me for a bit?”

Derpy nods. “Of course, Arc. We’ll be here when you get back.”

“Thanks. I’ll try to make it quick.”

He heads out the door. Dinky looks to her mother.

“That was sudden.”

Frank chuckles. “Your father’s a busy man. I’m sure he had his reasons.”

“Not to worry, sweetie. He’ll be back before you know it. And then we can finish making lunch together.”

Dinky turns toward the doorway. “Yeah, I know. But I’m just worried about him. Dad’s been going almost non-stop for as long as I can remember.”

Derpy appears confused. “I thought you two went camping.”

“We did, yes. But he was still working then too.”

Frank sighs. “Arc’s still trying to fix everything. That much about him hasn’t changed.”

Derpy walks over and puts a hoof around Dinky’s shoulders. “Are you upset that he didn’t have time for you?”

“No, mom. I mean… it was great just being on Earth with him. But I’m more upset that he doesn’t make time for himself. After all, if nothing changes… what will happen to him?”

“Don’t worry about that, sweetie. Remember, your father’s retiring after this last mission. Then he’ll have lots of time to rest.”

Dinky’s ears droop as she slowly walks out of the room.

“I… need to go to the bathroom.”

Derpy looks to Frank who shrugs. She moves to go after Dinky, but Frank holds out an arm to stop her.

“Let her have some alone time for now.”

“But she looked so sad!”

“I agree. But sometimes we all just have to work things through in our minds alone.”

Derpy nods and turns back to her task as does Frank.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 12 - Last-Minute Vacations

Arc leaves Coco Pommel’s office. Turning to walk down the stairs he sees Dinky standing there looking sad.

“Dinky?”

“Dad, I… I need to talk to you.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Can we go somewhere private?”

“Um… sure.”

Arc looks around before gesturing to a door.

“In here.”

Leading Dinky into a more or less empty room he closes the door behind them. Dinky looks confused.

“What is this?”

“It’s a storage room. When I helped design the original building I asked Hard Hat to leave this space largely untouched.”

“But why, dad?”

Arc shrugs. “At the time I figured Coco Pommel could use it for future projects. That was, of course, before the addition was built.”

He sits down on the floor and leans against a wall as Dinky does the same.

“Now then, what’s on your mind, sweetheart?”

“I… today at the castle… Kronos spoke to me.”

Arc frowns. “Oh? What did they want?”

“Kronos said there was a lot of bad things in your future, dad.”

“Did they say anything specific?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No.”

“I question just how reliable Kronos really is. Do they know everything or nothing?”

“Both.”

“Huh?”

Dinky sighs. “Kronos knows what MAY happen, as well as numerous other possibilities. They use their experience to try to figure out the most likely outcome.”

“Sounds creepy. And a waste of time to tell me bad things are going to happen without giving some kind of advice on how to avoid it. Unless they told you something more, that is.”

Dinky shakes her head. “Sorry. The last bit was that you’ll survive, but no details.”

“So Kronos says bad things are going to happen, I’ll survive, but they won’t give specifics?”

Dinky nods. “Sorry I don’t have better news, dad. But I’m worried about you!”

Arc smiles at her as he puts an arm around her shoulders. “Thanks, Dinky. I’ll be happy when all of this is a distant memory.”

“Me too, dad. But can we do something special?”

“What did you have in mind?”

A short time later Arc and Dinky leave the storage room. They head downstairs together as Dinky turns to her father.

“I can’t believe we had the same idea, dad!”

“Me either. But it sounds like your friends are playing out back. Would you like to join them?”

“Kinda. But what about mom?”

“I’ll help with lunch. You go have fun, sweetheart.”

Dinky grins as she runs off. “Thanks dad!”

Arc returns to the Kitchen. Derpy hurries over to him.

“Arc, have you seen Dinky?!”

“She went outside to play with the others. Why?”

Frank turns to him. “Shortly after you left she seemed upset by something.”

Derpy nods. “I was worried about her.”

“Dinky met me outside Coco Pommel’s office. She just needed to have a talk.”

“So everything’s okay?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Derpy. More so than you know.”

“Oh?”

“Coco Pommel agreed that you need some time off.”

“I do?”

Frank nods. “You do work very hard, Miss Derpy.”

“Frank’s right. And not to worry, as Dinky and I have come up with the perfect way for you to relax.”

“Really? How?”

“A few days back on Earth.”

“But what about the orphans?”

Frank chuckles. “I’ll watch over the kitchen duties. Arc’s soldiers will be here to help out most days anyway.”

“Right. And if things get really bad, Saffron is right down the road.”

Derpy smiles. “Well, I’ll have to talk to Miss Pommel about it first, but…”

Arc interrupts her. “I already took care of that. Remember?”

Oh… right.” When should we leave?”

“After lunch. Remember , we can’t leave Frank with all this unexpected work.”

Frank calls out from the stove. “I do appreciate that.”

Sometime later Arc and company leave the orphanage together. Dinky trots ahead happily as Arc and Derpy follow.

“It’s nice to see Dinky so excited, Arc. She’s been rather down in the dumps lately.”

Arc nods. “She was happy when we were on Earth recently.”

Derpy smiles up at him. “I think she just missed being with you.”

“That makes sense. Truth be told, I’ve missed you two as well.”

Cherry giggles. “Well, you’ll need to make up for lost time then.”

Arc grins. “Sounds like fun.”

They arrive at Derpy’s small house. Dinky trots through the door happily and runs over to the sigil.

“Come on! Let’s go!”

Arc and Derpy laugh as they enter and join Dinky. He calls forth his gauntlet and powers up the sigil. A moment later they find themselves in Arc’s room in Canterlot Castle. Dinky grins and heads for the door.

“I can’t wait to get back!”

Derpy smiles at her daughter as they head down the corridor. “You like being a human girl that much, sweetie?”

“Yeah! Humans have fingers and toes!”

Arc chuckles. “And filly Dinky has magic.”

Dinky laughs. “But Earth has cartoons and pizza!”

Derpy giggles as the looks to Arc. “She’s really taken to your homeworld, hasn’t she?”

Arc nods as he sees Dinky trotting ahead of them down the corridor. “That she has.”

Derpy sighs. “I… do wonder what the best course of action is for her.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s not talk about it right now.”

The trio arrives at Princess Celestia’s room. Sunburst is waiting for them as usual. He calls over as they enter.

“Just a few minutes, sir.”

“Okay. Time enough for Dinky put on a robe.”

Dinky runs for the changing area. “I’ll hurry!”

Derpy looks to at Arc, nervously. “Do I have to… put one on too?”

Arc shakes his head. “After what happened last time, no. But don’t worry. I have a plan.”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out his magic cloak. He drapes it over Derpy as Dinky trots out in her small robe.

“I’m ready!”

Arc smiles at her. “So is your mother.”

A few moments later the wormhole forms. Derpy shudders as she looks to Arc.

“This part still makes me nervous.”

“Want me to carry you?”

“Please do.

Arc kneels down and picks Derpy up before turning to Sunburst.

“Activate the transformation sigil.”

Dinky grins. “So we’ll be humans when we arrive?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, sweetheart.”

“YAY!”

Sunburst looks up. “Ready, sir.”

Dinky runs ahead of them as Arc looks down at Derpy.

“Ready?”

She nods wordlessly. Arc steps forward and through the swirling energies. They emerge to a very happy looking little girl grinning back at them as she wiggles her fingers and toes happily.

“That’s better!”

Dinky looks to her mother who still has the cloak wrapped around her.

“You look great, mom!”

Derpy smiles. “Thank you, sweetie. But I’ll feel better when I’m inside.”

Arc looks to her. “This a bit too constricting?”

“Kinda. But I’ll restrain myself.”

Arc carries Derpy inside and up to his parent’s room. He sets her carefully on the bed as Dinky runs to the closet.

“Let’s find you something to wear, mom!”

“A nice dress please.”

Arc turns to the door. “I’ll give you some privacy for this. Take care of your mother, Dinky.”

Dinky calls out from the closet. “I will!”

Arc leaves the room as Dinky hurries over to her mother with an outfit for each of them.

“You never got to wear this last time you were here, mom!”

“I suppose not.”

Dinky tosses her robe aside and picks up her undergarments. Derpy sighs and removes her own cloak.

“Is something wrong, mom?”

“Not… really. Why do you ask?”

“You just seem kinda sad.”

“I think your father and I need to have a talk.”

Dinky looks nervous. “What about?”

Derpy smiles at her daughter. “No need to be afraid, sweetie. It’s nothing bad.”

A short time later Dinky pokes her head out the door and looks to her father.

“We’re all dressed, dad.”

“Good. How about we…”

“Um… mom says she wants to talk to us about something.”

“Oh… okay.”

Arc steps into the room. He sees Derpy sitting on the bed in a modest tan dress. She looks over to him nervously.

“Do I look okay?”

“Yes, Derpy. You really do.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah, mom! You look great as a human!”

“Dinky said you had something to talk about.”

Derpy nods. “That I do. Would you two please sit down with me?”

Arc and Dinky take their places on the bed on either side of Derpy. She looks to them one at a time before speaking.

“I’ve… been doing a lot of thinking lately.”

“About what, mom?”

“After this is all over… after your father rescues Princess Celestia… regarding where should we live?”

Arc looks confused. “In your house in Ponyville, of course.”

Derpy sighs. “I don’t know about that. Dinky might be happier here on Earth as a little girl.”

“What about you?”

Derpy smiles at Arc. “Either place works for me. As long as I’m with you and our daughter, everything will be perfect.”

Dinky frowns. “But… but your job!”

“I can always find one here on Earth.”

She sighs and looks down at her lap.

“Back in Equestria… I don’t have any family other than you two. That and Dinky seems to be putting down roots here on Earth.”

“But mom…!”

Derpy holds up a hand for silence before continuing.

“I think it might be best if we relocate to Earth after you retire, Arc.”

“What?!”

Dinky gasps. “But Miss Rarity and her friends! What about them?!”

“Maybe they’d like it here as much as you do, sweetie.”

She turns to Arc and smiles.

“That and I think you’d be happier here among other humans then back in Equestria.”

Arc sighs. “Derpy, I… I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Truth be told… I’ve been thinking about my future for quite some time now as well. This very question has been knawing at me lately too.”

“It has, dad?”

“Yes, Dinky. And I’ve come to a decision.”

Derpy appears nervous. “What is it?”

“That after my retirement… I’d like to stay in Equestria.”

Dinky turns to her mother. “What about Miss Shelly and Miss Lily though?!”

“Could we bring them with us?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. They have a life here in Angel Grove now. The restaurant is their pride and joy. I can’t ask them to throw away everything they’ve worked to create for themselves and follow me to another world.”

Derpy smiles broadly. “That’s… very noble of you, Arc.”

“But what will you tell them, dad?!”

“I was thinking of saying we were moving to your homeland across the sea. That would certainly be a decent enough cover story.”

Derpy looks hopeful. “You could still come back and visit them once in a while too.”

“Dad?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“What about… telling them the truth?”

Derpy gasps. “About Equestria?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah.”

Arc shakes his head. “They’d never believe that.”

“Why not? It’s the truth, after all.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I suppose it is. But it’s just such a crazy story.”

Derpy turns to him. “Arc, I think Dinky has a point. They’re very nice human mares and deserve the truth.”

“I… I’ll think about it.”

“Please do, dad!”

There is a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Max pokes his head inside and looks to Arc.

“Sir, there’s been a rather disturbing development. Can we see you downstairs?”

Arc stands up. “Sure.”

Derpy looks to Max. “Have you and the others had lunch yet?”

“No, ma’am.”

Dinky jumps up. “We could make something for them, mom.”

“Exactly what I was thinking, sweetie.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks, Derpy. I’ll see what this is about while you two do that.”

They head down the stairs. Derpy and Dinky walk to the refrigerator as Arc and Max descend the basement stairs. The squad along with Ember, Rose, Sereb, and Auriel are waiting for them around the table.

“So what’s up?”

Xenos frowns. “Things have escalated, sir.”

“What do you mean?”

Hugh sighs. “There was an announcement on the news this morning”

Ember grimaces. “Yeah. And it sucks!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed.”

Rose turns to Arc. “The government has issued a decree ordering a nightly curfew.”

“What?! Why?!”

Auriel sighs. “They’re claiming it’s a matter of national security.”

“What led up to this?!”

Ember shrugs. “No idea. We were just watching TV when they broke in to make the announcement.”

Viktor nods as he pushes a paper across the table to Arc. “There wasn’t much online either, sir. Other than what we’ve already told you, that is. Here’s the official statement.”

Arc reads it and grits his teeth.

“This is just beyond strange. But I get the feeling our foes at the base are behind it.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “But why?”

“However I have a hunch.”

Rose looks worried. “What is it?”

“They must be close to something big.”

Auriel gasps. “Like a breakthrough?”

“Exactly. General Mustang must not want anyone moving around needlessly.”

Max groans. “That makes it harder for us to move as well.”

“Not really.”

Xenos looks to him, confused. “Sir?”

“I’ve commissioned some new vehicles from Sunburst and Canterlot. We should be able to move around undetected soon.”

Hugh smiles. “Like your Jeep, sir?”

“Something like that, yes. However it’s much bigger and will be able to carry quite a few extra passengers.”

Sereb grins. “Such as the princess?”

“Exactly. Once we rescue her we’ll have need of a larger vehicle to transport her to safety.”

Max nods approvingly. “Back here, sir?”

“Maybe if things go smoothly, that is.”

Ember frowns. “But you don’t think it will, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not that lucky.”

Auriel looks to the nearby shelf. “Why not just take the portable recall unit with us, Arc? We could use it as soon as we’re topside and make our way safely back to Equestria.”

Rose shakes her head. “That would require us to leave the unit behind. Our enemy would be free to take it once we were gone.”

Xenos laughs. “Let them have it! We could just destroy the S.P.E.A.R. back in the castle one we’re though!”

Viktor nods. “That would work. After all, without the main unit, it would be like opening a door to nowhere.”

Arc frowns. “True. But they might be able to reverse engineer that thing. Find some other way back there. We can’t risk it.”

Ember sighs. “I think we’re overlooking one important thing.”

Sereb turns to her. “Oh? What would that be?”

“There has to be other ways back to Equestria. Remember, Arc was able to travel there long before the S.P.E.A.R was even thought of.”

Arc nods. “Through the mirror.”

Hugh looks over. “What if we destroyed that too?”

Max shrugs. “There’s probably other ways back home that we don’t even know about.”

Arc nods soberly. “Right. Think about this too. Diva, or Sunset Shimmer as Twilight knows her, got back to Equestria AND inside Light’s Hope somehow.”

Cherry calls out. “Our opponents are truly resourceful. Don’t take them lightly.”

Rose looks to Arc. “We should also endeavor not to lead them back here. This hideout could be of use to us in the future.”

Auriel tilts her head to once side, confused. “I don’t understand. Once we get the princess what reason would there be to return?”

Sereb growls. “The general will need to be dealt with at some point.”

Xenos clenches a fist. “Right! If we let him continue on he might find a way to recapture Princess Celestia. Or another princess for that matter.”

Arc sighs. “We’ll take it one step at a time. The princess will be found and liberated. General Mustang can wait for another day.”

Ember turns to Arc. “What about the captured Shard members?”

“I’m hoping we can rescue them during the mission. If not, I’ll come right back here with troops.”

Max frowns. “Why not use force for the initial attack, sir?”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. It would certainly get the job done.”

“I don’t want to risk them having time to move Princess Celestia to another location. After all, it took Sunburst over a year just to find her.”

Rose sighs. “If they move her, he’ll have to start all over again.”

Arc nods. “Right. Once we get her then we can make some noise if need be.”

Ember groans. “So you have a plan to carry all this out?”

“Most of it. I’m still working out the details in my head. It’ll probably take one more trip inside the base to set up a few things though.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Need some company?”

Arc shakes his head. “This time I’m soloing it.”

Auriel gasps. “Are you sure about that, Arc? I’d be willing to come along.”

“I’m sure. There hasn’t been any problems the last couple of times.”

Sereb grunts. “Third time’s the charm?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I sure hope not. But after this final scouting mission I’ll be able to fully plan our operation.”

Viktor looks to him, hopeful. “Can we help, sir?”

Hugh nods. “If it’s a secret we fully understand though.”

“For now I’m keeping it to myself. However, before we move out I’ll need everyone to memorize every detail just in case.”

Auriel shudders. “In case what?”

“In case I don’t make it.”

Ember scoffs. “HA! You’ll be fine! It’s the safety of the forces stationed there I’m worried about!”

Sereb growls. “I will see to it you make it through this, Arc! Or I shall die trying!”

Max nods soberly. “Us too, sir!”

Xenos clenches a fist. “Yeah!”

Hugh grins. “We’re with you to the end, sir!”

Viktor gives him a thumbs up. “These guys won’t know what hit em!”

Arc smiles. “Thanks everyone. I’m glad I can count on you.”

He sniffs the air.

“Smells like Derpy and Dinky have lunch almost ready. Why don’t we adjourn to the Kitchen for now?”

Rose clears her throat. “One last thing. When do you want to carry out this mission, Arc?”

“Ultimately as soon as possible. I believe Princess Celestia has waited long enough.”

Viktor sighs. “But we can’t until the gear from Canterlot is ready.”

Arc nods. “That would be Saturday.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Tomorrow, sir?”

“Yup.”

Max grins. “So that would mean…”

Arc stands and looks around the table soberly.

“Yes. Sunday evening… we attack.”

Preface - Volume 28 - Princesses and Plans

In our previous volume, Arc and his friends are surprised to see Hammer drive onto the beach in a tank and hop out in a swimsuit. She invites herself to the gathering and joins them for a lunch of hotdogs and chips. After several more games of volleyball they hit the water. Arc teaches Dinky how to float along with a simple swimming technique. As they do so Auriel sits with Sereb on the shore. Confessing her own feelings, Sereb promises to keep the matter to himself, as Auriel is worried that it would only strain their working relationship.

As the sun sets, Arc and company make smores on the beach. Asking to speak to him privately, Hammer and Arc take a walk on the beach. As they walk, Hammer makes a request of Arc before they return to the others. Saying goodbye, Hammer walks to the Charger and drives back into the lake. The squad voice their concerns to Arc of Hammer’s potential treachery. Announcing that he’s already set up another date with her, they insist on listening in via Arc’s earring. Agreeing, he leads the group back to the campsite. After putting Dinky to bed, his squad thanks him for always listening to their concerns, be they professional or personal. After they head for the larger tent Auriel approaches Arc and asks to be allowed to sleep with him and Dinky in their tent. He agrees, but only if Auriel stays clothed. Lying there together in the dark, she thanks him for all he’s done to encourage her since coming to Equestria.

A few days later Arc returns to his house to prepare for his date. Ember and Viktor voice their concerns, but Arc insists that the risks are justified. Putting on his suit, he heads for the Jeep. Looking behind him to make sure Ember didn’t hide in the back seat, Arc drives down the road. Following the directions given to him by Hammer, he arrives at the same apartment building Minerva lives in. As he enters and rides the elevator Arc finds that their apartments are on opposite ends of the building though. Heading toward the apartment Hammer shares with her sisters he comes to the door. Before he can knock the door opens to reveal his date… dressed in an olive green dress. Leading him inside, Hammer sits down with him on the couch as they wait for Stingray and Mio. The other two women descend the stairs a short time later. Looking down their noses at him, Arc does his best to be civil throughout the conversation. Eventually they leave and head downstairs to the parking garage. Seeing Hammer very nervous, Arc questions her about it. She confesses that her sisters don’t always have her best interests in mind. Asking if her dress is appropriate, Arc truthfully answers in the negative.

Taking Hammer to the clothing store, he helps her pick out a more appropriate dress before heading to a nearby steakhouse. Not knowing what steak is, Hammer allows Arc to order for them both. As they wait Marshal Raynor approaches their table. Having recognized Hammer from Minerva’s broadcast at The Rider’s hideout he questions her. Arc is able to convince him that his date is not the woman from the video and that she is no threat to the town. Hammer is impressed by Arc assumed connections with the law, and speaks more freely. After dinner they catch a movie before Arc drives his date back to her apartment. On the way she asks him to pull over to speak of something important. Arriving home, Arc finds that Ember had followed them the entire evening cloaked and shrunken down. Entering the house they find Wiseman waiting for them. He cautions Arc against his plan to use Hammer for information, claiming it will not end well for either of them. After taking a shower Arc returns to the campsite via a sigil. Finding Sereb and Auriel sitting around the campfire he walks over to them. Confessing that she is afraid to sleep, Arc takes her to his tent and falls asleep with her body pressed against his. The next morning Arc informs the rest of his squad about his date and Hammer’s request to hire him. Laying out the job to follow both Mio and Stingray, he assigns pairs to tail each target and take pictures along with a detailed report of their comings and goings.

The following night arc drives to Hammer’s apartment. Knocking as instructed, he enters to find Hammer sitting at the kitchen table waiting for him. Presenting her with his evidence proving Mio has been breaking into the Angel Grove Youth Center to exercise, she can scarcely believe it. Harder still when Arc presents her with his findings of Stingray’s after work activities. She is surprised beyond words to know that her sister is attending finishing school along with classes for knitting and cooking. Utterly shocked, Hammer asks for Arc’s advice. Warning her not to bring up the matter, she pays him and offers another assignment. Returning to his Jeep, Arc hurries home only to help his friends out in the woods return to the basement via portal. After getting dried off, they have a meeting downstairs. Arc pulls out a truck schedule and presents it to the others. Announcing that Hammer herself gave it to him, Arc begins to lay out the beginnings of a plan to enter the base again.

A few days later Arc and Auriel wait on the side of a lonely back road with Ember. Shrinking down, they hitch a ride on the military transport that passes. Arriving, the pair hop out and wait for the guards to spot them. Seeing Auriel, they immediately believe that she’s Colonel Diva and fall into line. Entering the base with the truck they make their way to maintenance to find Hammer. Explaining that she gave him the task of breaking in to gauge his skills, Hammer explains the nuances of what exactly she wants of him. Requesting proof of the general’s wrongdoing, Hammer shows Arc the reward for success… a toolbox full of cash. Agreeing to her terms, Arc accepts a badge from the maintenance department that will open General Mustang’s office.

Heading down the corridor with Auriel hiding in the janitor’s cart, he wastes no time making his way to the office. Entering with the keycard, Arc helps Auriel out of the trash container. As she keeps watch at the door, Arc takes a sample of a strange drink in a decanter nearby. Trying the desk he finds all the drawers locked. Auriel calls out that someone is coming. Ducking into the bathroom to clean it as cover, he tells Auriel to greet whomever enters as an officer. General Mustang himself walks in with several folders which he gives to Auriel to file before taking her in his arms and kissing her passionately. Releasing her, the general pokes his head into his private restroom to warn Arc about being sloppy before he leaves. Walking down the corridor, he is approached by the Head of Security, Colonel Langrisser. Reporting a potential breach of security to his superior, General Mustang covers for Arc and Auriel, telling his subordinate that everything was authorized by him. Finishing his business in the general’s office, Arc and Auriel head for the research labs overlooking the office. Arc tries the card Hammer gave him on the door to no avail. However when Auriel uses her mother’s badge the door opens. Entering, Auriel heads for the filing cabinets to search for information on her mother, Maria Knowles. Finding her mother’s research notes, Auriel insists on taking the originals rather than copies. Arc puts the files in his ring as Auriel looks over the tubes the Shards are being held in. Announcing that they are indeed alive and well, she goes over the basic layout of the technology with Arc. Informing Arc that she can’t release the Shards at this time, Arc announces that he will do so during their assault on the base in the future.

Leaving the base in the military jeep left for them by Hammer, Arc and Auriel head for their rendezvous point, Shrinking the vehicle down, Arc takes it with him in his ring. Returning home, Arc orders everyone to bed. Later that night during a storm Arc awakens to Auriel sobbing into his chest. She confesses that not only did General Mustang kiss her, but that she liked it. Believing herself unworthy to be taken as a part of Arc’s herd, she begs him to help Twilight finish her artificial sun idea. Informing the young woman that he doesn’t hold the matter against her, Auriel asks Arc to help her reclaim her lost first kiss by kissing him. Arc agrees, and shares a passionate moment with her. The next morning they discuss what was learned the night before. Auriel announces that the notes she’s had time to read speak of using pheromones of some kind to further the Organization’s plans. Believing that the general may be attempting to create magically enhanced super soldiers, Arc announces his intention to speak to Hammer regarding the magical pheromones during their date that night.

As he readies himself, Dinky asks her father if he is in love with Hammer. Answering ‘no’, she points out that Rarity was ogling him at their last play date at the Ponyville Park. Heading to Hammer’s shared apartment, Arc arrives just as his date angrily leaves. Telling him as they drive that Stingray wants her to break up with Arc, they make their way to Roberto’s Pizza. As they eat Arc informs Hammer of the base’s pheromone research and how it’s most likely affecting her sisters. Leaving, Hammer’s purse is snatched by a rather shabby looking man whom runs behind the building. Arc gives chase only to find a dozen guys waiting for him. Refusing to return the purse, Arc beats the tar out of all of them. Hammer interrogates the leader on whom sent him. Admitting it was Stingray, she promptly knocks him out before leaving with Arc.

Returning the Hammer’s apartment, she looks over his ankle and hands to make sure there is no real damage. Finding nothing but bruises, Hammer slips into his lap. Offering Arc a night in her bed, he declines and moves to leave. Before he can do so however, Hammer plants a passionate kiss on his lips. Exiting the apartment, Arc realizes just how far he has inadvertently gotten with Hammer and begins to question his own morals. Driving aimlessly, he finds his way to a small diner just outside of town. Entering, Arc finds Wisemans sitting at a booth waiting for him. Advising the young man to either own up to his lies or leave Earth for good before he leaves gives Arc no further comfort. Returning home, he is greeted by Ember and Auriel in the kitchen. Confessing what happened that night, he heads upstairs for a quick shower before bed. Entering his parent’s room Arc finds the women waiting for him on the bed. Reminding them that he asked to be left alone, they remind him that he was there for them when needed and wish to return the favor.

Arc and Dinky enter his room in Canterlot Castle. Telling his daughter that he needs to meet with the princesses, Arc leaves the room. Dinky looks out over Canterlot for a few moments before lying back to sun herself. Kronos appears and reveals to her that Arc’s future will be full of danger. When Arc returns they make their way to the Little Hooves Orphanage. Heading for the cafeteria, Arc questions Frank regarding his former lieutenants before leaving the room to speak to Coco Pommel. Dinky leaves the room a short time later alone with a rather sad look on her face.

As Arc leaves Coco Pommel’s office he spies Dinky waiting for him. Asking for a chance to speak with him privately, Arc leads her into a storage room nearby. Dinky reveals to him Kronos’ message of pain and heartache in his future. Telling her of his plans to take her and her mother back to Earth, they make their way back to the kitchen to tell Derpy. After lunch the trio returns to Canterlot Castle and takes a portal back to Arc’s house. Carrying Derpy upstairs, Arc allows them to change into human clothes. Before they leave, Derpy asks to speak to the pair. Telling Arc that she believes both she and Dinky will be happier living on Earth as a human girl, Arc reveals his own plans to permanently relocate to Equestria following a successful final mission. Max knocks and requests his commanding officer’s presence downstairs. Arriving, Arc finds everyone waiting for him. They inform him that the government has ordered a nightly curfew until further notice. Believing General Mustang to be on the brink of a breakthrough, Arc announces that their special equipment will be ready on Saturday, and that they will assault the base the next day.

However, many questions yet remain. How far will Arc go to gain Hammer’s trust? Will he be able to hide his true identity from her? What rock has she been living under not to have heard of steak?! Did Hammer really expect Arc to get into the base undetected? What will Auriel find in her mother’s research notes? Does the general really have those under his command under a pheromone induced spell? How far will Hammer be willing to go for our heroes’ attention? What of Kronos’ cryptic warning? Will Arc and friends be able to rescue the princess and still escape unharmed?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Impromptu Meetings

Later that evening Arc drives up to the front gate of the base. He shows the guards his badge and they allow him to pass. Parking the vehicle back where he and Auriel found it on their last visit he sits and waits for the shift change. Cherry calls out to him.

“Looks like they’re moving.”

“Yeah. Ready?”

“This is risky, Arc. You don’t have Auriel with you to pretend she’s Diva!”

Arc shrugs. “No one took a second glance at me last time. That and now I have this janitor’s disguise.”

“Don’t forget what’ll happen if they figure out who you really are! Can’t you go in cloaked again?!”

“Not this time. It’s important that I be seen.”

Following the guards inside Arc joins them on the elevator. Without a word they make the descent together. As the elevator stops at the bottom, they step off. Arc heads for the Maintenance Bay as Cherry calls out to him.

“I still don’t think this is necessary to the mission.”

“Neither do I.”

“Then why…?”

“I need to do this. For Hammer.”

Cherry sighs as Arc scans his card and enters the Maintenance Bay. Quickly heading toward the corner of the enormous room he spots Hammer at her workbench. Banging on a nearby machine to get her attention she turns. Spotting him, a huge grin spreads across her face as she walks over.

“Hey there, handsome. Should we pick up where we left off the other night?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Hammer. We need to stay focused on the task at hand.”

She wraps her arms around his neck and smiles sensually.

“But I’m doing that.”

Sighing, Arc gently pushes her back.

“I already told you this, Hammer. It’s not good to be romantically involved with a client.”

Grabbing him by the front of his uniform, Hammer pulls Arc’s face to within inches of hers as she giggles.

“Then you better hurry up and finish my case.”

Leaning forward she gives his lips a quick peck before letting go and stepping back.

“So what brings you here tonight?”

“I was… uh… kinda hoping to get some more information on General Mustang.”

“Oh?”

“I need to understand just how he’s manipulating you sisters, and why.”

Hammer blushes. “I… may have something on that.”

“Did something happen?”

“Kinda. You remember how I told you my sisters have regular meetings with the general?”

Arc nods. “I do. But you don’t usually go to those if I recall correctly.”

Hammer nods. “Right. But given the circumstances, I decided to not only be there this time, but show up early.”

“Looking out for your sisters?”

Hammer grimaces. “I don’t want the general taking advantage of them and their emotions!”

Arc sighs inwardly and nods as Hammer continues.

“Anyways, as the meeting went on General Mustang kept getting up and walking around the room. But I noticed he never strayed too far from his glass.”

“Alcohol?”

“I thought it was too. But every time he took a drink I felt a little… strange.”

“Describe the feeling.”

“Well… it felt warm. Like there was a little heater in me. My chest also felt kinda pinched.”

Arc frowns. “Has this ever happened before?”

Hammer nods. “Looking back, yeah. But I just kinda wrote it off as something I ate. Stingray and Mio appeared to be a bit off too. Especially when he walked behind their chairs.”

“So they looked to be… uncomfortable when he came near them?”

“Not quite the word I would have used. It was kinda like they were trying to hold something in. Like when you have to use the toilet really bad.”

“What about you?”

“He never came that close, which I’m thankful for. You might do well to try and swipe some of that stuff from his office. He keeps a full decanter of it on a table near his desk. Can’t miss it.”

Arc chuckles. “I already have.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I sent a sample to a trusted friend at a lab.”

“What’d he find?!”

“I’m… still waiting on the results. Says he’s having trouble analyzing the sample due to some of the components being exotic.”

Hammer frowns. “When will you know?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But I’ll let you know the moment I do.”

“Thanks.”

She looks at the clock on the wall before turning back to Arc.

“The general should be out of his office by now if you want to pay it a visit.”

“I think I’ll do that.”

Hammer point to the janitor’s cart nearby and grins.

“Your mode of transport awaits.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yeah. Here we go again. Shouldn’t you get home though? It’s getting pretty late for supper.”

“I’m planning on heading out pretty soon. Meet me at my personal apartment tonight at midnight.”

“Alright. Um… I might need some extra access to get this job done though.”

Hammer reaches into her pocket and pulls out an ID. She looks at it a moment before handing it to Arc.

“Here. This should get you into a few more doors around the base.”

Arc takes the badge and looks it over before raising his eyes to Hammer.

“But this is your ID.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Yeah.”

“What’ll you use?”

“I’m not going anywhere other than out of here tonight, so I don’t really need it. That and I do have a spare one back at my place. Just be sure to bring it back when you’re done.”

“Sure. That and if I discover something I’ll bring it to you tonight.”

Hammer winks at him seductively. “I’ll be waiting.”

Arc nods and grabs the cart. Leaving the room he walks down the corridor as Cherry calls out to him.

“You wanted to tell her, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. But… this really isn’t the right time.”

“When will be?”

“I don’t know. But let’s focus on the task at hand.”

Proceeding to a storage closet he enters and looks around.

“No cameras I can see in here.”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out a wooden crate. He carefully removes several packs and stores them neatly in his cart’s trash bin before covering them with a handful of paper towels.

“Let’s get moving.”

Cherry calls out to him as they walk on.

“What are those things?”

“Plastic explosives.”

“What are you…?”

“It’s in preparation for the mission as part of my plan. Trust me on this one.”

“…okay.”

Arc walks around the base. Coming to a panel he opens it and carefully sets a pack inside. After attaching a device to it he closes the door.

“I can remote detonate these if we need a distraction.”

“Hopefully it won’t come to that.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. But we need to be prepared.”

Continuing on his way Arc comes to a large overhead door with numerous large conduits running into it. Cherry calls out to him.

“Where are we now?”

“The backup power substation.”

“A power plant?”

“More like generators. If the municipal power goes out they need to be able to keep the lights on.”

“Makes sense. But what are we doing here?”

“Helping to create a foreseeable blackout.”

Looking around to make sure they are alone, Arc picks up the rest of the packs and puts Hammer’s ID into the card reader. The doors slide open easily. Walking inside he wastes no time setting the explosives around each generator’s drive shaft.

“Why not the computers, Arc?”

“Because they only regulate when and how long the generators run. If there was an explosion here that destroyed this shaft it wouldn’t rotate. No turning, no power.”

“Couldn’t they fix it?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, they’d have to be replaced. And judging by their size, that wouldn’t be a quick and easy job.”

“So we’d be long gone by then, huh?”

“Exactly. This could also be used as a distraction if need be. Just a really big one.”

“So what now?”

“I need to see Rieper’s office.”

“What makes you think he has one?”

“As much work as he’s doing here, there has to be somewhere he can sit down and fill out reports.”

“Like a cubicle?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Big shots like him would have a real office.”

“But where?”

“Probably just off the lab floor. Let’s go find it.”

Returning to the corridor Arc pushes his cart toward the laboratory. Entering he looks around.

“There’s Mustang’s office overlooking the lab. Aha!”

He looks at a similarly sized office directly below.

“That’s gotta be it.”

Cherry giggles. “Are we going to clean his office too?”

Arc shrugs. “Might as well. I need a cover story in case we’re discovered anyways.”

Heading for the door Arc scans Hammer’s ID on the panel. With a click the door unlocks allowing him entrance. He closes the door behind him and turns on the lights. Cherry gasps.

“ARC?! What are you DOING?!”

“I can’t see otherwise.”

“But now anyone walking by knows there’s someone in here! Just put on your armor!”

“Fine, fine.”

Flicking the switch off Arc calls for his armor. Looking around via his helmet’s True Sight Enchantment he spots a computer on the desk.

“Let’s see what we have here…”

Sitting down Arc turns on the computer. As it starts up he frowns.

“Should of known. Password protected.”

“We could guess.”

Arc sighs. “As smart a guy as Rieper is I don’t think he’d make it that easy to crack.”

A voice rings out behind Arc.

“It’s really quite simple.”

Arc whirls around to see Wiseman behind him.

“What the…?! Where did you come from?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “I was just passing by.”

He gestures to the computer.

“It looks like you could use some help.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Are you some kind of computer hacker now?”

“No.”

“Well, unless you have the password, I don’t see how you’re supposed to…”

Wiseman leans forward and presses a few keys.

“There you are.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as access is granted. “How did you…?!”

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Arc. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the password is ‘Knowles’.”

Cherry gasps. “Auriel’s mother?!”

Wiseman nods. “Yes. But it looks like you have this well in hand. Do take care.”

Without another word Wiseman vanishes. Cherry sighs.

“He seemed in quite the hurry today.”

“Yeah well… let’s do as he says and get to work.”

Arc presses a few keys.

“Let’s see here…”

“Are you looking for something in particular, Arc?”

“Something about pheromone research. But where to start?”

“How about with Mustang?”

Arc grins. “Worth a shot. Let me do a search for… here we go!”

“A folder called ‘Mustang’?”

“It has files in it. Let’s see…”

Double clicking on the folder Arc finds numerous weekly records. Each are meticulously detailed”

“Reports?”

Arc nods. “Looks like it. Let’s go back to the root folder though.”

He clicks a few times and frowns.

“Mustang, Stingray, Hammer, Mio, Diva… Rieper has files on all of them!”

“We don’t have time to go over all of these, Arc!”

“Right. Let’s see…”

He pushes a few buttons and returns to Mustang’s folder.

“Let’s see the latest report.”

Opening the file he begins to read.

“Looks like the doctor believes his research is bearing fruit.”

Cherry gasps. “Do you suppose the general knows about this?!”

“I’m going to assume yes, as the serum mentioned here sounds like the liquid in the decanter in his office.”

“Why would he keep taking it though?”

“Probably because it gives him charismatic power over his people. Think about it, Cherry. Stingray, Mio, and even Diva would follow him unquestioningly as long as these effects are maintained.”

“What about Hammer?”

“Let’s see.”

Opening Hammer’s file Arc looks it over.

“It says the effects are only minimally effective on her. More research is required.”

“Is she in danger though?”

“Probably not. But we need reports for Stingray and Mio to prove this to Hammer.”

Pressing a few keys he prints the latest reports for Stingray and Mio. Grabbing them he stuffs the papers into his ring before turning back to the computer.

“This might not be enough though.”

“To convince Hammer’s sisters?”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Reaching for his ring, he pulls out a flash drive. Plugging it into the computer, he highlights several folders and copies them.

“Now we just need to wait a few minutes for the process to finish.”

“All well and good for Hammer. But what about us?”

“I’ll have Viktor save a copy of this to his computer before I turn it over to Hammer. There’s probably a slew of incriminating data here. I get the feeling what I printed was only the tip of the iceberg. But it along with the rest of the files should be enough to close this case with Hammer.”

“That’s good. Um… it IS good, right?”

Arc shrugs. “I think so.”

“You sound… uncertain.”

“It will be nice to have my first big case completed successfully. But… I think she still has her eyes on a relationship.”

“What’s the problem?”

“Don’t I already have enough female companions already?”

Cherry giggles. “So, add her to the herd.”

“Humans generally don’t do ‘herds’.”

“They don’t?”

“Not usually, no.”

“That explains a few things.”

“Can we stay focused on this please?”

“Sure, Arc.”

The transfer completes and Arc turns off the computer. He removes the flash drive before storing it safely in his ring.

“Okay. Let’s get out of here.”

Pulling out his magic cloak Arc quickly puts it on and heads out the door. Cherry calls out to him.

“What about the cart?”

“Um… I guess I should bring that back to the Maintenance Bay.”

“It’s on the way. More or less anyway.”

Holding out his gauntlet Arc shrinks the cart down. He picks it up and carries it in the palm of his hand.

“In any case, we should probably get home soon, Arc.”

“Agreed.”

Proceeding to the Maintenance Bay, Arc passes through a corridor with numerous doors on either side. As he walks by one suddenly opens and Mio runs out. With no time for him to move, she crashes into him and falls to the floor.

“Ow! What the…?”

Looking up her eyes widen.

“YOU?!”

Hearing the door behind him open, Arc grabs Mio’s collar and dives into the room she came out of. Turning, he quickly shuts the door. A few moments later there is a knock as Stingray’s voice rings out.

“You ready to go, Mio?”

Mio opens her mouth to speak, but Arc covers it with a gauntlet. Cherry calls out to him.

“This is bad, Arc!”

“Yeah! I can’t take both of them!”

“What do we do?!”

Stingray knocks again, this time louder.

“Hey! I know you’re in there! Let’s get moving! We’re late enough as it is!”

Arc sighs. “I’m going to have to let Mio go.”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

Releasing Mio she staggers forward before composing herself and calling out to her sister.

“You go on ahead, Stingray. I’m going to be a little while still.”

“You okay?”

“Y-yes. Just fine.”

“Alright. Just don’t take too long. We still need to make supper.”

“See you at home.”

Arc decloaks as Mio turns back to him.

“Why… why did you do that?”

“I… um… needed to talk to you about something.”

She gestures to a small table and two chairs in a corner of the room.

“Can we sit down?”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically. “We should run, Arc!”

“I kinda want to. But she’d call for Stingray AND the whole base to take us out.”

“What do we do then?!”

“Let’s just play this one by ear.”

Arc nods and heads for the table with Mio. The pair sit down across from each other.

“I… um… actually should have done this sooner.”

“Done what?”

“Sat down.”

“I don’t understand.”

Mio sighs. “This isn’t going as well as I was hoping it would.”

“Is there something you wanted to tell me?”

“Yes. I… I’ve been thinking about the last time we talked.”

“In the cave?”

Mio nods. “Right. I… um… really appreciate what you did for me back there.”

“It was no problem. How are you limbs doing?”

“They’re fine. But I need to ask you something about that time.”

“What is it?”

“Back then… you could have just left me there. I don’t think anyone would have found me either.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably not. At least not in time to save you anyway.”

Mio shudders before continuing.

“I don’t mind telling you here in private that I was genuinely terrified back then.”

“Of the situation, or me?”

“Both, actually. Without my staff I was relatively powerless, after all. You could have left me there or killed me. So… I… um… just have to know… why didn’t you?”

“What?”

“Or if you prefer… why did you save me?”

Arc frowns. “Because it was the right thing to do.”

“But we’re enemies!”

“That doesn’t mean I can just leave you to die alone in a hole.”

Mia smiles nervously. “I could tell back then that you were very resourceful. That must be how you got in here.”

“Something like that. But now it’s my turn to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“When Stingray knocked at the door a few minutes ago you didn’t turn me in. Why?”

Mio looks down at her hands. “Because… I just couldn’t. You didn’t abandon me when I needed help. I had to return the favor.”

She frowns.

“Look, I… I don’t know who you are or where you came from. But I really, in all sincerity, believe that we shouldn’t be enemies.”

“You asking me to sign up again?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t do that.”

Mio sighs. “Somehow I knew you’d say that.”

“So what happens now. You doing to call General Mustang?”

“How… did you know that name?”

Cherry groans telepathically. “Arc!”

“I… overheard it in my travels.”

“We need smart and strong people if we’re going to prevail!”

“To what end?”

Mio leans forward. “Fixing the world!”

“How?”

“I… can’t say.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I figured. But if there isn’t anything else, I need to be going.”

He moves to stand, but Mio reaches across the table and puts a hand on his shoulder.

“Wait! I… I… um… need to say something!”

“What is it?”

“I… just wanted to tell you that… um… no one ever really… seemed to care before.”

“Care?”

“About me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow under his helmet. “What about Stingray and Hammer?”

“I know my sisters care about me. It’s just… we’re not very good at showing it, I guess.”

“Don’t get along?”

Mio sighs. “We do… to a degree. But just them. Everyone else just cares about me for my… abilities.”

“Your magic, huh?”

“Right.”

“Why are you telling me all of this?”

“Because you really stuck you neck out for me back there. Not just for me, but for my sisters too.”

“I did?”

Mio nods. “Yes. Stingray told me what happened at that farmhouse. You could have easily killed Hammer when she was down and out. But you didn’t.”

“That’s not who I am.”

“While I don’t understand that, I thank you just the same for sparing her.”

Mio smiles at him.

“You know… it’s really nice talking to you. I feel like… like I can just be myself without worrying about suspicious and fearful eyes staring at me. As if I would vaporize them any minute.”

“You’re not a bad person, Mio. Even though I do disagree with what’s going on down in the lab.”

Mio frowns. “Of course you would know about that.”

“You claim to want to make the world a better place, yet your organization kidnaps and experiments on people.”

“We’re not…!”

“I saw the tubes. And their contents.”

Mio sighs. “Sometimes… you have to hurt a few to help the whole.”

“Oh really?”

Mio nods. “The needs of the many over the few.”

“Few, huh? You know, I could very easily kill you here and now before making my escape topside.”

Mio leans back nervously. “Wha-what?!”

“I would never have to worry about you detecting me ever again. My job would be so much easier.”

Mio sighs. “Very well. Just please… make it quick.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t agree with the needs of the many over the few mentality. You’re a living breathing person. I won’t kill you needlessly.”

“What about in the field? You may have no choice.”

Arc sighs. “That may be. But I would only do it as a last resort.”

“I feel as though you really mean that.”

“It’s the truth.”

Mio looks to him, hopefully. “Can I… um… join you?”

“What about Stingray and Hammer?”

“They… might come around. Eventually.”

“Really?”

Mio bows her head. “Probably not, no.”

“If you came with me, you’d have to face them on the battlefield with me one day. Is that really something you can do?”

“I… suppose not.”

“Then why did you want to join me?”

“Because… I… I really like you. Your methods are certainly… foreign to me. But I honestly want to get to know you better. To learn what makes you think the way you do.”

Mio stands up and takes his gauntlet.

“Someday I hope we can be on the same side.”

“I’d like that too. But you know I can’t join General Mustang.”

Mio nods sadly. “Who knows what the future will bring. Maybe one day you’ll change your mind.”

“Maybe you’ll change yours.”

“Perhaps. But we should get moving. After all, we both have places to be. I… just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for what you’ve done and… thanks for listening to me.”

“No problem. But I do want to say one thing before I leave.”

“Oh?”

“Think about what you’re doing to those around you.”

“But I have!”

“Really? Then go take a look at those tubes again.”

Arc stands up and heads for the door. Cloaking, he opens it and steps out into the hallway as Mio follows. The two part ways as Cherry calls out to him.

“You were kinda hard on her.”

“She needed to hear it.”

“I know. But I do think you were starting to get through.”

Arc nods as he approaches the elevator.

“I can only hope.”

Chapter 2 - Job's End

Arc returns to the military jeep. Driving down the road, a warm summer rain begins to fall. Cherry calls out to him.

“Hammer isn’t going to be happy about this.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it’s the truth.”

“No, no! I mean about what you said to Mio.”

“That was the truth too. But admittedly I am happy neither of them know that Arc and the Hero of Light are one and the same.”

“It’s certainly better for your health.”

Arc frowns. “Theirs too.”

“Are you talking about you having to fight them someday, or Hammer’s feelings for you?”

“Both.”

Sometime later Arc pulls into his driveway. He gets out and runs inside. Ember and Auriel are waiting for him in the Kitchen. Ember is the first to speak.

“How did it go?!”

“Perfect. Did Derpy and Dinky head to bed already?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, they’re sleeping soundly in the bed you and I slept in the other night. I hope that was okay.”

“Sure. Whatever makes them comfortable. Everything’s set up for Sunday at the base too.”

He pulls the flash drive from his ring and holds it up.

“I even got a little bonus.”

Auriel eyes the device. “What is it?”

“A copy of Rieper’s research data on Hammer and her sisters. I need to download this to the computer before I give the drive to Hammer.”

Ember sighs. “I guess that’s good news.”

“You’re still not happy about me helping her, are you?”

“Of course I’m not happy! I still remember all the crap she did in the past!”

“Fair enough. Let me run downstairs and take care of this real quick.”

Arc descends the stairs as Auriel turns to Ember.

“You really don’t like Hammer, do you?”

“Not in the least!”

“Is she really that bad?”

“Yes!”

“You know her better than I do. But it seems that Arc trusts her. Shouldn’t you do the same?”

Ember looks away. “I… I can’t.”

“Well… if you can’t trust her, can you at least trust Arc?”

Ember sighs. “Yeah, I suppose so.”

Auriel smiles. “He seems to really like her. At least from what came over his earring the other day.”

“She is NOT joining his herd!”

“What if Arc wants her to?”

Ember clenches a fist. “I’ll cross that bridge IF we get to it!”

A short time later Arc returns.

“There. Now we can see what he’s been up to as well as Hammer.”

Ember looks to him. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… uh…”

Auriel clears her throat loudly. “She’s worried about you.”

“Because of Hammer?”

Ember sighs. “Yeah.”

“You don’t need to worry about that much longer. Remember, day after tomorrow is the mission. After that we’re done here.”

“That’s… kind of a relief, I suppose.”

Arc frowns. “I’m confused.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Ember thinks you have feelings for Hammer.”

“You don’t, right?”

Arc avoids her gaze. “Kinda.”

Ember furrows her brow. “Kinda?!”

Arc sighs as he looks out the window. “At first it was just an information gathering mission. But now… I don’t really know what to think.”

Ember groans. “She’s working for the ENEMY, Arc?! Can’t you see it wouldn’t work out?!”

“I… do. But the same was said not that long ago by someone else.”

Ember grins. “Glad to see someone else has sense. Who was it?”

“Your father.”

“Wha?”

“Remember, he didn’t want you to be a mate of a non-dragon.”

Ember gasps. “But that’s different! We could make it work!”

“Just like Hammer and I could work. If that’s what we both wanted, I mean.”

Ember looks away. “Is that what you want?”

“I think… I think she’s a really nice person. The only problem right now is she’s on the wrong side. So, like you said, I don’t see this working out as-is.”

He sighs and looks at the flash drive.

“I need to go meet Hammer and give her this evidence. I’ll be back later.”

Arc turns and leaves. Auriel frowns.

“That went well.”

Ember sighs. “It really didn’t.”

“I know. You’re feeling threated by Arc falling for a real human girl, aren’t you?”

“NO!”

Auriel says nothing but continues to stare at Ember.

“Maybe a little.”

Auriel nods. “So talk to him about THAT! Speaking ill of that human girl will only put Arc in a bad spot.”

“I’ll try when he gets back.”

“If he gets back.”

Ember frowns. “What?”

Auriel grins mischievously. “Maybe this time they’ll spend the night together.”

Ember grits her teeth. “If she tries anything, I’ll…! Um… I’ll…”

She sighs.

“I’ll hope that Arc has a nice time.”

Auriel nods approvingly. “Much better.”

“How are you not jealous?!”

“Because I want Arc to be happy. Same as you I thought.”

Meanwhile, Arc gets back into the military jeep and backs out of the driveway. Cherry sighs.

“Ember didn’t sound too happy.”

“No she did not.”

“Are you worried?”

“Not really.”

“How?”

“I think that if she got to know Hammer they’d really hit it off. The two of them have more in common than either of them knows.”

Cherry giggles. “Agreed.”

“But for now let’s just get this over with.”

“Nervous?”

“Kinda.”

“What are you going to tell her?”

“Not really sure.”

Sometime later they arrive at the apartment building. The rain continues falling as Arc gets out and runs for the door. Hurrying up the stairs he knocks on the door. A few moments later Hammer answers.

“Come on in!”

Stepping aside she allows Arc to pass. He notices she is wearing a rather short skirt and a revealing top that doesn’t match. She takes his raincoat and hangs it up on a peg near the door. Turning to him she takes his hand and leads him over to the kitchen table before doing a small twirl to show off the outfit.

“So how do I look?”

“Um… nice, Hammer.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. But we should probably talk about what I found at the base today before it gets too late.”

Hammer appears suddenly serious. “Is it bad?”

“Yeah. You should probably sit down.”

Nervously Hammer does so. Arc sets the folder on the table and opens it.

“These are reports I took from Doctor Rieper’s office computer.”

Hammer gasps. “You hacked his computer?!”

“Something like that.”

“How?!”

Arc shrugs. “Professional secret. Now then, I found this information on his so-called pheromone research.”

He slides a paper across the table to her.

“Here’s his analysis of you.”

Hammer reads the paper over silently. Arc waits patiently for her to finish.

“So I’m resistant?”

“He notes either that or the fact you don’t have enough contact with the general to be affected.”

“And my sisters?”

Arc sighs as he slides two additional papers across the table to her. “Not so lucky.”

Again Hammer looks the papers over. The blood drains from her face as she reads.

“This is… MONSTROUS!”

Arc nods. “I agree.”

“Are you ABSOLUTELY sure about this?!”

“I am.”

Reaching into his pocket Arc pulls out the flash drive. He sets it on the table between them.

“This contains everything on that computer regarding the experiment’s results for you and your sisters as well as Mustang himself. Fortunately, Rieper made weekly reports chronicling the experiment.”

Hammer’s hands shake as she picks up the drive. Arc continues.

“I didn’t have time to go over it in great detail back there. But I’m guessing it shows their condition favoring Mustang more and more as time went on.”

Hammer quickly stands up and hurries out of the room. She proceeds to what Arc assumes is her bedroom and closes the door. Cherry calls out to him.

“Um… what do we do now?”

“Let’s wait a bit.”

“You really need to get some sleep though, Arc.”

He yawns. “Well… maybe. I’ll wait for her on the couch though. This might take a while.”

Standing, Arc makes his way over to the couch and lies down. Meanwhile, Hammer pours over her computer screen for quite some time. She reads every line of text as well as Rieper’s personal notes.

“General Mustang… are you the victimizer… or a victim as well?”

She puts her face in her hands and sighs.

“Sisters… you’ll be okay. Arc said all I have to do is…”

Hammer gasps and stands up quickly. Hurrying back to the Living Room she spots Arc sprawled across her couch. Smiling she walks over and nudges him.

“Arc?”

He slowly opens his eyes and sits up as Hammer takes her place next to him.

“Sorry. I guess I must’ve dozed off.”

Hammer shakes her head. “It’s me who should apologize. After all, I left you out here two hours ago.”

“Huh?”

He looks over to the clock.

“I guess I needed sleep more than I thought.”

Hammer grins. “Well, if your activities regarding my case were any indication, I would agree.”

“Yes, well…”

She grabs his hand and pulls him toward the bedroom.

“Let me show you what I found.”

Approaching the computer Hammer sits and pulls up a few windows.

“It looks like you were right about proximity being a key factor. Look here! Diva’s readings are off the charts!”

Arc frowns. “Truthfully, I was kinda hoping to be wrong about that part.”

“And my sisters are acting weird because they’ve been around the general much more than I have.”

“Now you just need to figure out a way to keep them away from him for a while.”

Hammer shudders. “That I will. I just hope they believe me when I confront them with this.”

“It’s all there in black and white. If they won’t believe this evidence, nothing will change their minds.”

Hammer nods and stands up.

“Right. But in any case…”

She walks over to the bed and pulls a toolbox out from behind the headboard. Looking at it a moment she turns and hands it to Arc.

“Here. You’ve certainly earned this.”

Arc sits down on the bed and opens it to reveal the rolls of cash. Sighing, he closes the toolbox and sets it aside.

“Th-thanks.”

Hammer sits down next to him. “Something wrong?”

“Well… kinda. Sorry, it’s about another case I have.”

“Oh? Can you tell me about it?”

“It’s in regards to a missing individual.”

“Recently?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, they’ve been gone for well over a year.”

“Are you sure they’re still… you know… alive?”

“Yes. In fact, I’ve already tracked them down.”

Hammer grins. “So what’s the problem? Just go get em and collect your reward.”

“It’s not that simple. This is most likely a bona-fide kidnapping. If their assailants see someone coming they’ll hightail it out of there. Or at the very least move the victim. I need to be ready and have a sound plan for this one.”

“Need a hand?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. It’s… going to take me quite a ways away.”

“Like… to another town?”

“No, Hammer. Another country entirely.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Another… country?!”

“Yeah.”

“But… you ARE coming back… right?!”

Arc sighs. “If things go well, yes. But if things get messy… let’s just say I might not be seen again.”

“Then take me with you!”

“You can’t leave your sisters, Hammer. They need you too.”

“I…! You’re right.”

“Thanks for the offer though.”

Hammer sighs. “Considering what you did for me, it’s the least I could do.”

She grins widely at him.

“So… now that my case is solved, I’m not your client anymore, right?”

“I suppose not.”

“In that case, why don’t you and I have a little alone time together?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, but I should to get going. I need to catch a flight day after tomorrow. Lots of packing and other things that need doing, after all.”

“…oh… I see.”

She looks down sadly at the bed as Arc stands up.

“I… should probably let you get to bed too.”

As he turns to leave Hammer grabs his hand, pulls him down on top of her, and plants a kiss firmly on his lips. They continue kissing for some time before Arc pulls back.

“I… um… why did you…?”

Hammer grins as she puts her arms around his back. “Because I wanted to.”

“But I… might never return.”

“I believe you will. And when you do…”

She leans in close and whispers in his ear.

“…I’ll show you the time of your life, handsome.”

She gently kisses his cheek before sitting up with him.

“Um… thanks. You take care.”

Arc heads for the door. Hammer calls out after him.

“Arc?”

“Y-yes?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Huh?”

Reaching down with a bare foot she picks up the toolbox and holds it up.

“Your reward, silly!”

“Oh… right.”

Extending a hand he pulls the box off her foot. Hammer lets out a soft moan as he does so.

“You come back safely, you hear?”

“I’ll try, Hammer. But… don’t wait for me, okay?”

“No promises there.”

She stands and walks over to him. Pressing her body against his, Hammer looks him in the eye as she continues.

“You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met. I don’t see how anyone could possibly hold a candle to you, Arc.”

“You’re really special too, Hammer. Take care of your sisters.”

“I will.”

Giving her a quick kiss on the forehead, Arc turns and heads out the front door. Hammer stares at it for a long time. Eventually she crawls into bed and lies back with her signature grin plastered across her face.

“You’ll be back, Arc. And when you do, I’ll show you what this gal can REALLY do!”

Chapter 3 - Endless Rain

Arc stands outside Hammer’s apartment door for some time. Groaning, he leans against the wall quietly. Eventually Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“I know you wanted to say something back there.”

“Yeah. But I didn’t.”

“Scared?”

“I was, yes.”

“She’s probably still awake. You could just knock on the door.”

Arc turns back to the battered door. He raises a hand but does not move. Eventually he sighs and turns to look down the stairs.

“I can’t do it.”

“Tell her you do or don’t want a relationship?”

“I… I don’t know. Both? Neither? I’m just so confused right now!”

“This might be your last chance to act in this matter.”

“You’re right. But even if I was brave enough to knock… I don’t… I don’t know what I’d even say.”

Sighing, Arc turns back to the door. Reaching into his raincoat he pulls out Hammer’s ID card as well as the fake one she lent him. Kneeling down he carefully slides them under the door along with the military jeep keys. Cherry sighs.

“She didn’t say a word about her badge.”

Arc nods as he stands up. “Yeah. Hammer was a bit… preoccupied back there.”

He turns to walk down the stairs. Reaching the bottom he looks back to the door and sighs.

“Take care, Hammer.”

Stepping outside into a heavy rain, Arc puts up his hood and zips up his raincoat. Looking around he turns and begins walking. Cherry calls out to him again.

“No portal?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time. Right now, I… I just need to think.”

“But you’ll catch a cold!”

“Doubtful. It’s pretty warm tonight.”

Walking on in silence for a time Arc sighs and removes his raincoat. He tosses it into a nearby trash can before continuing on his way. Cherry calls out to him, clearly confused.

“Arc? What are you…?”

“I just want to feel the rain.”

“But why?”

Arc looks up as the rain pelts his face. “Because it feels like the heavens are punishing me.”

“What?”

“And I completely deserve this after what I did to Hammer.”

“She really cares about you, Arc.”

“Yeah. That’s just the thing. I… I took her feelings and manipulated them for my own gain.”

“But she doesn’t know that. If you wanted, now would be the time to make a clean start with her.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She deserves better than a liar like me.”

He walks on for some time, his clothes completely soaked through. Eventually a large vehicle pulls over next to him. A man jumps out and runs over to him.

“What the heck are you DOING?! There’s a curfew in effect!”

Arc looks up at him, dazed. “Huh? Oh… hi Marshal Raynor.”

Raynor groans and points to his vehicle. “Get in right now!”

Doing as he is told Arc walks over to the passenger seat and gets in. The marshal jumps back into the driver’s seat and turns to him.

“You want to tell me what the heck this is all about?!”

Arc leans his head back in the seat and sighs. “I… did something terrible.”

“What was it?”

“You remember that girl I was with back at Roberto’s Pizza?”

“Yeah.”

“She and I… kinda clicked.”

“How is that a bad thing?”

“I… I just… I lied to her.”

Raynor sighs. “What did you tell her?”

“That I was a private investigator.”

Raynor chuckles. “Be honest, Arc. That’s what your old man would’ve said, isn’t it?”

“I guess. Truth be told, I didn’t think it would go this far.”

“You in trouble?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. At least not the kind anyone can help with.”

“Talk to me. Maybe we can figure something out.”

“Well, you see… her sisters had been going out unexpectedly. She hired me to follow them and figure out what they were up to.”

Raynor frowns. “So you were stalking them?”

“Just for one night as they went on their way.”

“Arc, you can’t just do that to people without the proper license.”

“I know, marshal. But I… I just needed to earn her trust.”

“Trying to make her like you more, or something?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Raynor rolls his eyes. “That much isn’t a crime, Arc. It’s just part of being young and wanting to impress the ladies.”

“Well, it worked TOO well.”

“Uh oh. She wants a ring now, or something?”

“Not exactly. I gave her evidence to prove that her sisters weren’t up to anything dangerous. One was taking classes down at the community center. The other was ducking out to exercise.”

“That’s good. I mean, good that they weren’t in any trouble, or anything.”

“She was so impressed that she hired me to figure something else out.”

“Oh?”

Arc frowns. “You see… there’s this guy that both her sisters really like. She was afraid they were being manipulated or blackmailed by him.”

“Were they?”

“That depends on how you look at it, I guess. I mean, he wasn’t actually forcing them to do anything they didn’t want to.”

“You need me to do something about it?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I already gathered irrefutable proof of what the guy was doing and turned the evidence over to her. She’s going to go over it with her sisters and try to convince them he’s up to no good.”

Raynor sighs. “Sometimes that’s the best you can do. Tell them the truth and hope they see reason. But what’s that have to do with you walking the streets in the wee hours of the morning?”

The marshal gestures to the tool box.

“And what’s in there?”

“The payment for my services.”

Raynor frowns. “Seriously? Stop doing that without a license!”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I think this’ll be the last time I investigate anything around here.”

Raynor chuckles. “Had your fill, eh?”

“Something like that.”

“It’s not all glamor like on TV. Dealing with other people’s problems day in and day out can wear on you after a while.”

“Yeah. I mean… there’s a lot of bad stuff that goes on around here.”

Raynor laughs. “Don’t I know it. Sometimes I’d like to hang it all up and be a P.I. like you’ve been talking about for years.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah. No brass telling you what to do and how to do it. No meaningless calls that you have to follow up on. And no feds telling you to keep the citizens prisoners in their own homes at night.”

“Yeah, what’s up with the curfew?”

“No idea. But I was told to enforce it, so I have to. Now I’m going to let you slide this time, Arc. But this needs to be the last time, okay?”

Arc looks out the window. “Yeah.”

“I’m serious, Arc. You’ve been in trouble before, and I was able to look the other way on most of it. But if the patrols catch you, there won’t be anything I can do to…”

“Wait. Patrols?!”

Raynor nods. “Yes, patrols. It seems the feds have seen fit to ask the military to replace the police force for nighttime duty. Frankly I’m surprised you weren’t seen walking to your girlfriend’s place.”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically. “No one even looked at us, Arc.”

“Probably because we were in a military vehicle. They must’ve thought we were one of them.”

Arc clears his throat before speaking.

“I guess I was just really lucky.”

“Well, don’t be pressing that luck.”

“No worries there. I… um… was actually planning a little trip.”

“Where to?”

“No idea.”

“Eh?”

“I just… need to get out of town.”

“You’re not the first. We’ve had a few families move out since the Shard ordeal and now the feds.”

He sighs.

“But not me. I can’t let the good folks who live here down.”

“You think they’re doing the wrong thing by running away?”

Raynor shakes his head. “I wouldn’t call it ‘running’. More like not wanting to deal with it anymore.”

“Isn’t that about the same thing?”

“It can be. But it’s more about why they’re doing it.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Some of them have families and livelihoods to protect. Family comes first, I suppose.”

Arc nods. “You may have a point there.”

“All I’m saying is I don’t blame them for leaving.”

He pulls over in front of Arc’s house and stops.

“Thanks for the talk, Marshal. I’ll do my best not to go out like this again.”

As he opens the door and moves to get out Raynor puts a hand on his shoulder. Arc turns to the man as he speaks.

“Arc? Is there something you want to tell me?”

For a time neither of them says anything. Eventually Arc sighs and shakes his head.

“I’m sorry. Maybe someday I can talk about it. But not anytime soon.”

Arc extends a hand. Raynor shakes it soberly.

“Take care of Shelly and Lily for me.”

“I will.”

“Thanks, Jim… for everything. Goodbye.”

With a nod Arc steps out and closes the door behind him. Raynor sighs as he pulls away from the curb and mutters to himself.

“I hope you can make a new start for yourself out there, Arc. Just don’t go doing anything stupid.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks into the house. Derpy sits at the kitchen table in a t-shirt and shorts. She quickly stands as he enters.

“Arc! What happened?!”

“I… um… went for a walk.”

“In the rain?!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

She takes the toolbox from his hand and leads him upstairs to the bathroom.

“We need to get you out of those wet clothes! Get in the shower and I’ll fetch you something dry to wear!”

Nodding, Arc does as he is told. Removing his soaking wet clothes he steps into the shower and sighs contentedly. A few minutes later Derpy walks in and sets dry clothes on the closed toilet lid. She turns to the closed shower curtain.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Are you… okay?”

“No, Derpy.”

“I’ll be waiting on the steps.”

“Okay.”

Sometime later Arc leaves the bathroom. Derpy stands and takes his hand.

“Come with me.”

Leading him downstairs, Derpy sits Arc down on the couch and looks him in the eye.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Talk about what?”

“That look in your eyes.”

Arc rubs them as Derpy shakes her head. “That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”

“I… just feel like a terrible person right now.”

Derpy sighs. “You don’t have a bad bone in your body, Arc.”

Arc groans. “Methinks you might disagree when I tell you what I did.”

“Go ahead.”

Arc brings Derpy up to speed on his recent activities with Hammer. She smiles at him and squeezes his hand.

“I admit that you really shouldn’t have done that to Hammer, Arc. But your reasoning was in line with your duty to Equestria.”

“Tell that to Hammer.”

“She sounds like a very nice mare, Arc. If she knew why you did it, I’m sure she’d…”

“Be furious and want to punch me in the mouth as I deserve?”

“Maybe. But what’s done is done, Arc. Sunday you’ll save Princess Celestia and return her to Equestria. Then you can go see Hammer and tell her the truth.”

“I… I know I should, but… how?”

“Just be frank with her. She’ll listen.”

“But…!”

“Arc. She deserves to know.”

“You’re right, Derpy. But now’s not the right time.”

“Oh?”

“She has enough going on in her life at the moment without me adding to that pile of headaches. Tomorrow, or very soon, Hammer will have her hands full trying to convince Stingray and Mio of what their commanding officer is doing. Considering how long this has been going on, I don’t think they’ll be very receptive. At least not right away.”

Derpy nods soberly. “It’s up to you, Arc. I know you’ll do the right thing.”

“Thanks for having faith in me, Derpy. It’s more than I have in myself right now.”

Derpy stands up and smiles as she extends a hand to him.

“Come on. Let’s get you to bed. You’ve had quite the day.”

Nodding, he takes Derpy’s hand and allows her to lead him upstairs. She guides him toward the door as Arc turns to her quizzically.

“Um… Derpy?”

“Yes?”

“This… isn’t my room.”

“I know. It’s where Dinky and I are staying.”

“But won’t that make you feel a bit… uncomfortable? I mean… with you being a human woman, and all.”

“You mean am I worried you might do something to me?”

“Um… something like that.”

Derpy smiles up at him as she takes his other hand.

“No, Arc. I trust you completely. That and Dinky was asking for you earlier. She’s missed snuggling I think.”

“Well… okay. But only if you’re okay with this.”

Nodding, Derpy leads him into the room and over to the bed. Rain still pelts at the glass and drips down the panes as Arc looks down at Dinky curled up. Smiling, he stretches out next to her. Dinky immediately cuddles up to her father as Derpy covers them up with a sheet before lying down next to him. Arc puts and arm around his daughter as Derpy lays her head on his shoulder and smiles at the scene before her. Arc sighs contentedly as he looks at Dinky.

“She’s just such a little angel.”

Derpy nods. “That she is.

“How’d we get so lucky?”

Derpy smiles up at him. “By you being her father.”

Arc shakes his head. “I think you had more to do with this than I did. After all, you’re with her every day. I’m just around part of the time.”

He sighs.

“But I promise that will change very soon.”

“We believe you, Arc. You should know that Dinky’s been talking about that very thing a lot lately.”

“She’s excited?”

Derpy nods. “Very. You’re her hero, after all.”

“Part time hero, you mean.”

Derpy sighs. “We understand why though. It really couldn’t be helped.”

“I question that.”

“Who else could do your job, Arc?”

“There has to be someone, somewhere who could.”

“If that’s true, I have no idea whom it might be. You’re certainly one of a kind.”

Dinky murmurs in her sleep.

“Dad…?”

“Shhh… I’m right here, sweetheart.”

She smiles sleepily as Arc kisses the top of her head. He turns back to Derpy.

“We should get some sleep too. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”

“Yes, I’m sure you have a million things to do in preparation.”

Arc sighs. “Truth be told, just one.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“I’ll tell you in the morning. “

Derpy yawns. “Okay. Good night, Arc.”

“Good night, Derpy.”

Chapter 4 - Digestive Detours

The next morning Arc wakes early as he normally does. Looking down he smiles at the sight of Derpy and Dinky snuggled up to him. Stroking Dinky’s long blonde hair she eventually stirs. Opening her eyes she looks up at him and smiles sleepily.

“Good morning, dad.”

“Morning sweetheart.”

He turns to Derpy as Dinky sits up and leans against the headboard. Gently nudging the young woman she slowly wakes up and looks around.

“Where… am I?”

“My house on Earth, remember?”

Derpy shakes her head and forces a weak smile.

“Sorry. I’m still half asleep.”

Dinky giggles. “Sounds like more than half, mom.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… why don’t we get cleaned up? I have a few things planned for today.”

Derpy appears confused. “You do?”

“Yup.”

Dinky grins. “What are we gonna…?”

Arc boops Dinky’s little nose. “Sorry, sweetheart. It’s a secret.”

Dinky grabs her mother’s hand and gives it a tug.

“Come on, mom! Let’s get going!”

Derpy laughs as she gets up. “Okay, sweetie. Just don’t pull my fetlock… my arm off.”

Arc calls out after them. “You two can take the upstairs bathroom. I’ll use the one in the basement.”

Dinky calls back. “Okay!”

He heads downstairs, grinning all the way.

“This is gunna be GREAT!”

Reaching the basement he finds his squad up and waiting for him. Max is the first to speak.

“We’re ready, sir.”

Xenos salutes. “Yeah!”

“Good. You all understand what I want, right?”

Hugh nods. “Yes sir. We’ve already gathered all the supplies you asked for.”

Viktor chuckles. “All that’s left is implementation, sir.”

“Good. Everyone ready?”

Rose giggles. “We are!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Good luck.”

The squad grabs their gear and rushes through with Sereb. Rose, Auriel, and Ember follow them. Auriel smiles at him.

“Have a nice day, Arc.”

Ember gives him a thumbs up. “We’ll catch up with you later.”

“Thanks for helping with this.”

Rose nods. “We won’t let you down.”

They enter and vanish as Arc closes the portal and smiles.

“Guess I’d better get moving as well.”

Heading for the basement bathroom Arc quickly changes and combs his hair.

“Today’s going to be all about Derpy and Dinky. Something I need to focus on more from now on.”

He sighs.

“No more putting my family on the back burner. It’s time to make things about them and be a real father for Dinky.”

Heading upstairs he sits down on the couch to wait. A short time later Derpy and Dinky descend the stairs. Derpy is wearing an airy yellow sun dress while Dinky is sporting a purple skirt and yellow shirt.

“How do we look, dad?!”

“Very nice.”

Derpy smiles sheepishly. “Is this outfit appropriate, Arc? I’m told today’s supposed to be quite warm.”

Arc nods. “Looks okay to me. But we should probably get moving.”

“Where to first, dad?!”

“How about breakfast at Shelly’s?”

Dinky nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! That sounds awesome!”

“Agreed. It’ll be nice to see your friends again, Arc.”

Arc chuckles as he picks up his keys. “They’ve been asking about you, Derpy. Or should I say Dawn?”

Derpy smiles. “Either works for me.”

They head to Arc’s Jeep and hop in. Making the short trip to the diner they head inside. Lily greets them warmly.

“Good morning you three. We’re glad to see you.”

Arc grins. “Hi, Lily.”

She kneels down to pat the little girl’s head. “I see Daisy brought her mother back for another visit.”

Dinky nods happily. “Yup!”

Derpy smiles shyly. “Hello again.”

Arc looks around. “Where’s Shelly this morning?”

Lily sighs. “She’s… having a rough day.”

Dinky gasps. “Oh no! Is she okay?!”

Lily grimaces as she leads them to their table. “Somewhat. Before I came down to the restaurant I helped her lie down on the couch.”

Arc nods as they sit down. “At least she can watch TV.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Isn’t she lonely up there?”

Dinky grins. “Maybe we could keep her company.”

Lily nods happily. “I think she’d like that. Want me to go ask her?”

Arc stands up. “That’s okay. I’ll do it.”

“You want your regular, Arc?”

“Yes please.”

Dinky giggles. “Me too!”

Arc turns to Derpy. “Is that okay with you, Dawn?”

“I… suppose so.”

“YAY!”

Lily writes down the order. “Okay. Two cheeseburger meals and two Cokes. And for you, Dawn?”

“The same, please.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Really, mom?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. I think I’m ready.”

“I’ll get this order made up just as quick as I can.”

“Thanks, Lily.”

She heads for the kitchen as Arc turns to Derpy and Dinky.

“Wait here. I’ll go see how Shelly’s doing.”

“Okay, dad.”

Arc heads for the stairs. He knocks lightly as he sticks his head in the door.

“Shelly? It’s Arc. Can I come in?”

She calls out in a strained voice. “I’m… in here.”

Arc walks to the Living Room. He finds Shelly lying on the couch holding her stomach.

“Shelly?! What’s wrong?!”

“H-help me! B-bathroom!”

Quickly picking Shelly up, Arc hurries toward the bathroom with her. He carefully sets her down on the toilet.

“Can you manage from here?”

Shelly shakes her head as she continues to hold her stomach. Kneeling down Arc quickly pulls down his friend’s pants and undergarments. A moment later the air is filled with the sound of… uh… imminent and violent evacuation. Shelly groans in relief as Arc quietly leaves the room to give her some privacy. A few minutes pass before Arc knocks lightly on the door.

“Shelly? Are you finished?”

Shelly calls out, breathing heavily. “I… I think so.”

“Did we make it in time?”

“Yes. Thank… you.”

“Are you able to finish?”

“I can, yes. Just… just a moment.”

The sound of toilet paper unrolling can be heard as Shelly wipes. It takes a bit of time but eventually she calls out.

“Arc? Are you… still out there?”

“Yes. Are you ready?”

“I was able… to do… most of it.”

Arc re-enters the room as Shelly leans back against the tank breathing heavily. He kneels down and carefully pulls her pants back up as she does her best to compose herself.

“Sorry… about the smell.”

“No need to apologize. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to do this.”

Shelly nods as Arc helps her up. Slowly but surely he leads her back to the couch.

“It’s a good thing I showed up when I did.”

Shelly shudders. “Yes. We… we both know would have happened.”

“Did taking care of that help?”

Shelly nods as Arc helps her sit down on the sofa. “Yes. The pressure is back to normal after that.”

“Dawn and Daisy are downstairs. Would you like some company with breakfast?”

Shelly nods. “I’d like that.”

“Okay. I’ll head downstairs and let them know. Then I’ll come back up here with something for you to drink.”

“Thank you. I have some medicine to put in it.”

“Alright. See you in a few minutes.”

As promised Arc returns shortly with a tall glass of apple juice.

“Lily told me to water it down. I hope that’s okay.”

Shelly smiles. “Yes. I forgot that’s what the doctor said to do the other day. That medicine is next to you beside the lamp.”

Arc sits down next to her and carefully picks up a small bottle. Reading the label he adds several drops to the juice before handing it to Shelly.

“Thank you.”

She takes a long drink before stopping to catch her breath.

“That… that does feel good.”

“Forgive me, but… when you were sitting on the toilet, things sounded a bit… off in there.”

Shelly sighs. “Yes. This isn’t my normal… issues. It’s something new.”

“Oh?”

“For some reason there’s clumping in my intestines.”

“That’s never happened before, right?”

“Correct. It causes initial constipation followed by… explosive diarrhea as I’m sure you heard. Think of it like a dam bursting under pressure. But enough about that. Will your family be joining us?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Dawn and Daisy will bring the food upstairs so we can eat at the kitchen table.”

Shelly smiles. “It will be nice to see them again.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Arc answers it to see Dinky’s grinning face.

“We’re here!”

“Come in. That does smell good.”

He takes the heavy tray from Derpy and sets it on the kitchen table as Dinky does the same for the drinks.

“Have a seat you two and I’ll bring Shelly in.”

Returning to the living room Arc helps his friend up and walks her to a seat at the kitchen table. Shelly greets Derpy and Dinky as Arc lowers her into a chair.

“It’s so good to see you two again.”

Derpy smiles. “Thank you for having us.”

Dinky grins. “How’re you feeling, Miss Shelly?”

“I’m having some stomach problems right now, dear. But Arc already helped me take my medicine.”

Derpy nods. “Lily asked us to give this to you.”

She removes a small glass from the drink’s tray and passes it to Shelly. Arc looks to his friend.

“What’s that? Some kind of herbal smoothie?”

Shelly nods. “With a blend of vegetables and nuts. It’s been helping me rehydrate after… you know.”

“Makes sense.”

Derpy passes out the food as Dinky distributes the drinks. Arc leans in close to Shelly and whispers in her ear.

“Just let me know if you need me to take you back to the bathroom in a hurry.”

Shelly nods as they sit down. Dinky mows into her cheeseburger happily.

“Delicious!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes it is.”

Derpy picks her cheeseburger up and looks it over nervously. “So do I just… take a bite from any side?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Dawn. Like this…”

He demonstrates. Derpy eyes it suspiciously as Shelly looks to her.

“I can call Lily and ask her to make you something different if you’d like.”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, no. I… do want to know why Arc and my daughter like these so much.”

She takes a quick nibble and chews it carefully.

“The texture is certainly… unique.”

“What about the taste, mom?”

“It’s also very different from what I’m used to. Not really sure I can think of anything to compare it to, sweetie.”

Arc smiles. “Do you like it?”

“I’m… not sure.”

She takes another bite, this time larger.

“This tastes… okay to me, I guess. Truth be told I rather like the pizza we’ve made in the past better.”

Dinky frowns. “Come on, mom! This is incredible!”

Arc looks to Dinky. “Now, now, Dinky. Everyone has foods they like and those they don’t.”

Shelly nods. “That’s right. Lily and I do our very best to make good tasting food. But not everything is palatable for everyone.”

Derpy sighs. “I’m sorry. I know you and Lily work very hard.”

Shelly smiles at her. “Don’t worry about it. That’s just your honest opinion. No shame in it.”

Arc nods. “And you like quite a few other things on their menu.”

“That’s true, mom.”

Shelly suddenly grabs Arc’s arm as she doubles over in pain.

“Arc…!”

“I got you!”

Arc quickly picks Shelly up and hurries toward the bathroom. Dinky turns to her mother, clearly confused.

“What just happened, mom?”

“I don’t know, sweetie. But it looked like Shelly suddenly had to use the bathroom.”

A few moments later several very loud and embarrassing sounds emanate from the direction of the bathroom. Dinky grimaces.

“That didn’t sound good.”

“Your father will take care of Shelly, sweetie.”

Dinky sighs. “I know. But I just feel so bad for her. I mean… she’s sick all the time. But still so nice.”

“It’s not something she can really control.”

“I asked dad if there was anything that could be done for her back home.”

“What did he say?”

Dinky shakes her head sadly. “That he already asked, and had been told ‘no’.”

Meanwhile, Shelly sits on the toilet as sweat pours down her face. She leans back against the tank and breathes heavily. Arc frowns.

“You sound terrible! Why did Lily leave you up here like this?!”

Shelly sighs weakly. “I… wasn’t anywhere near… this bad… when she… went… downstairs.”

“I don’t like the idea of you being alone after what’s already happened. Do you want us to stay with you?”

Shelly shakes her head as she struggles to speak. “N-no. You and your cousins have… quite a day planned out. Please… enjoy… your time… together.”

“Well, you can’t make it to the toilet fast enough on your own, and Lily is busy running things downstairs.”

“I… can stay here… then.”

“On the toilet? All day?!”

Shelly nods as Arc frowns.

“No, Shelly. You deserve more dignity than that.”

“Would you… do me a… favor then…?”

Arc nods. “Anything!”

A few minutes later Arc leaves the bathroom and returns to the kitchen where Derpy and Dinky are just finishing up their meal.

“Is Miss Shelly going to be okay, dad?”

Arc sighs. “It’s a bad day for her. But she does have her medicine.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “I could stay here and take care of her while you and Dinky spend some father/daughter time together.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Dinky frowns. “Well, we can’t leave her alone like this!”

“I know, sweetheart. One second.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Max.”

“Max here, sir.”

“I need you to do me a very big and personal favor.”

“What is it, sir?”

“Head back to the sigil. I’ll open a portal and bring you here.”

“Yes sir. I’m right next to it now.”

“Good. See you in a minute. Arc out.”

Walking quickly to the living room with Derpy and Dinky, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. A moment later Max emerges from it. Arc holds a finger to his lips and motions toward the rear patio door. Stepping out onto the deck he closes the sliding door and turns to Max soberly.

“You needed me, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Shelly’s having a lot of trouble with her stomach today.”

“Indigestion, sir?”

“More like the liquid and brown kind.”

“Oh.”

“She can’t make it to the bathroom in time. At least not by herself. I need you to stay with her and help as best you can.”

“Yes sir. But is she okay with me doing certain… things for her? I mean… I know you have in the past, but…”

Arc nods. “She is, yes. In fact she asked for you by name.”

Max appears stunned. “She… she did?”

“Yes. Shelly said she… wanted to spend some more time with you.”

“I… I don’t know what to say, sir! This is like a dream come true for me!”

Arc sighs. “Max, we have to tell her about our plans.”

“Regarding attacking that base?”

“No. That… she probably won’t see us again after today.”

Max gasps. “We can’t! She loves you like a brother, sir!”

“I know that. But… I’d rather her think I was overseas than me just disappearing. Remember, there’s no guarantee that any of us will survive this operation.”

Max nods soberly. “I’m still with you, sir.”

“Good. So you’ll go along with my story when we tell her?”

“Yes sir.”

“Just follow my lead and let me do most of the talking. I’ll go check on Shelly while you walk around to the front of the restaurant.”

“Sir?”

“I need you to re-enter the building through the front door ten minutes from now. Find Lily and tell her I called you to look after Shelly today.”

“Yes sir. But might I ask why?”

“If you just appeared in the apartment literally ten seconds after I supposedly called it would raise suspicion with both of them. I’ll help you get down to the ground from here when you’re ready.”

“I understand, sir. Ready when you are.”

“All right. Jump.”

“Sir?”

“Trust me.”

Hopping over the deck’s guardrail he drops slowly to the ground as Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell on him. Max looks up as he touches down.

“Thanks, sir.”

“No problem. Now just wait there for about ten minutes before you head to the front entrance. Got it?”

Max nods as Arc grins.

“Good. See you in a bit.”

Arc turns to head inside. He sees Derpy and Dinky waiting on the couch patiently.

“Max will take care of Shelly.”

Derpy appears nervous. “Is that okay with her?”

“She asked for him, yes.”

Dinky looks toward the hall. “I think Miss Shelly might be ready for some help, dad. It’s been a solid minute since we heard anything other than the toilet flushing.”

“Okay. Just sit tight.”

Arc heads for the bathroom, knocking lightly on the door he enters.

“Shelly? Has it passed?”

“I… believe so, yes.”

Arc steps into the room and closes the door behind him. Turning to Shelly he sees that the sweat has soaked through her clothing.

“Oh my! That must’ve been SOME episode!”

Shelly turns to him and nods weakly.

“Do you want me to help you into the shower?”

“Y-yes please.”

Carefully removing the rest of his friend’s clothes Arc picks her up and carefully sets her down on her shower chair. Turning on the water he adjusts it to the perfect temperature for her. As the water sprays forth from overhead Shelly sighs contentedly.

“Thank… you.”

“Do you need me to help?”

Shelly looks up at him and smiles sheepishly. “I think I do.”

Arc grabs a washcloth and the soap. Working up a lather he carefully cleans Shelly’s body from top to bottom.

“Do you want me to wash your hair?”

Shelly nods. Taking down the shower nozzle Arc sprays her head before rubbing in shampoo. He digs in with his fingers before rinsing it out. Shelly sighs contentedly.

“I feel much better now.”

“Good. I’m going to go get you some clean clothes, okay?”

“Arc, I… don’t really feel safe alone right now.”

“Okay.”

Arc clears his throat and calls out.

“Dawn!”

A few moments later Derpy opens the door a crack.

“Yes?”

“Do you think you and Daisy could fetch Shelly some fresh clothes?”

“Sure. What should I get?”

“A -shirt and…”

Shelly calls out. “Um… could I have something a bit… nicer?”

“Oh, uh… sure. What did you have in mind?”

“A sun dress please.”

Derpy nods. “I’ll be right back.”

She returns a few moments later and hands the clothes in through the partially open door. Arc accepts them. As Dinky stands behind her mother.

“Do you need help in there, dad?”

“No, sweetheart. I’ll be out shortly.”

He closes the door and hangs the clothes up on a hook before returning to Shelly’s side.

“How about we get you…”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I need to ask you something really important, and want you to be completely honest with me no matter what.”

“Um… okay.”

Shelly she looks down at her hands as the water continues to cascade across her body. “How do you and Lily put up with me?”

“Because you’re our friend.”

“But I can’t do anything to return your kindness. All I do is make more work for everyone around me.”

She puts her hands to her face shakily as the tears begin to fall.

“I’m just… such a burden to everyone!”

Arc puts a hand on her bare shoulder.

“Lily and I knew this would happen eventually. And we chose to stick with you because we love you, Shelly. Nothing will ever change that.”

“But look at me! I can’t even wipe my backside most days! You two should just take me to an assisted living home so you can live out your lives!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Shelly. Lily and I just want you to be able to live with dignity at home as long as you can.”

Shelly sighs. “It’s going to end at a hospital anyways!”

“Don’t say that.”

“But it’s true! I’m dying, and we all know it!”

“You could look at it from the other side of things.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re living, and cared for by those whom love you the most.”

Arc turns off the water and grabs a towel. Carefully wrapping Shelly up, he sets her on the closed toilet lid.

“Let’s see if we can…”

Shelly grabs his hand. Arc turns around to look her in the eye. She smiles as tears flow down her cheeks.

“Thank you, Arc.”

He nods as she leans forward and wraps her arms around his neck.

“I want to be with you and Lily forever. But I know my time is limited.”

Arc smiles as he returns the hug. “We want that too. You won’t be alone though, Shelly. Not as long as you live.”

Chapter 5 - Unpleasant Decisions

A short time later Arc opens the bathroom door and carries Shelly to the living room. She is wearing a pretty purple sun dress and matching sandals. He sets her down on the couch next to Derpy and Dinky.

“There you are. Nice and clean.”

“Thank you, Arc. Um… were you able to get ahold of… you know…”

Arc nods. “Max should be here any time now. I’m not sure what’s keeping him.”

There is a knock at the door. Derpy smiles.

“That much be him now.”

Dinky jumps up. “I’ll get it!”

She runs to the door as Shelly turns to Arc nervously.

“How do I look?”

“Very nice. I admit, I can’t remember the last time I saw you in something like that.”

Shelly smiles. “Well, today is a… special day.”

Derpy appears confused. “Is it?”

“Yes. It’s not every day I…”

Dinky leads Max into the room. He looks to Arc, sheepishly.

“Sorry I’m late, sir. There was a big rush of customers downstairs and Lily needed some help.”

Shelly blushes slightly. “It’s fine. I… uh… had some issues earlier anyways.”

Max appears concerned. “Are you okay?”

Shelly nods. “Yes. My medicine is helping.”

She turns to Arc.

“You and your family should go have some fun. Daylight’s burning, Arc.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

Shelly nods. “I will. After all, Max will be here to take care of me.”

“Yes sir. I won’t leave her side.”

“Well… okay. But only if Shelly’s okay with this.”

“I am, yes.”

Nodding, Arc motions for Derpy and Dinky to follow him.

“Take good care of her.”

Max nods as Arc and company head for the door. As it closes behind them he turns to Shelly.

“You… look really pretty today.”

Shelly giggles. “Thank you!”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a dress. Other than your waitress uniform, I mean.”

“Like I told Arc, today’s a special day.”

“It is?”

Shelly nods and pats the cushion next to her. Max walks over and sits down as she takes his hand and rests her head on his shoulder.

“Yes.”

“Why’s that?”

Shelly smiles at him. “Because you and I get to spend it together.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his family descend the stairs and walk over to the cash register. Stepping behind the counter Arc presses a few buttons to type in their total. The drawer opens and he puts the money in the till.

“There we go.”

Dinky looks around. “Where’s Miss Lily?”

“Probably in the kitchen. It can’t be easy running something like this by yourself.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Why don’t we see if she needs a hand?”

“That’s probably a good idea. She needs to know about Shelly’s condition too.”

Stepping through the door to the back room they find Lily managing four frying pans while mixing items on a nearby counter. Derpy hurries over and grabs one of the pans.

“Let me help you with that.”

“Thanks. It didn’t burn, did it?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, I got to it just in time.”

“What are you making, Miss Lily?”

“Omelet batter. I start with a bunch of eggs and add whatever each customer wants to a separate portion that’s measured out as ordered.”

“Can mom and I help?”

Derpy nods as she works the stove. “It looks like you could use it.”

“Thanks. This is pretty hard without Shelly here to watch the stove.”

Dinky giggles. “What do you want me to do?”

“Just crack all these eggs and mix them up, dear.”

“Okay!”

“Um… Lily?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“Can I talk to you?”

“Sure. Is something wrong?”

“Kinda. Shelly was having some additional trouble earlier.”

Lily gasps. “What kind?”

“The big ‘D’.”

“Oh my! Was she able to make it to the bathroom in time?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, I got her to the toilet. She looked pretty miserable sitting there though.”

“Did she get her medicine?”

Dinky nods. “My dad saw to it already.”

“Right. She’s on the couch now with Max.”

Lily looks relieved. “Thanks for getting him down here, Arc. He and Shelly really seem to get along. It’s as if they’ve known each other for years.”

Derpy looks over. “Is that good?”

“Very. She doesn’t get out much, so making friends is really hard.”

Lily sighs.

“And keeping them is even harder for her since she can hardly ever go out and do anything.”

Derpy smiles. “Anything we can do to help her?”

Lily shakes her head. “Not really. You’ve already been a great help today. Shelly gets lonely up there when I have to work the restaurant.”

Dinky frowns. “But you can’t do all this by yourself!”

“Our customers are very understanding of our situation. That and your father’s friends stop by regularly to help out too.”

“Dad, can we stay and help?”

“I… guess so. That is, if it’s okay with your mother.”

Derpy calls out from the stove. “Sure! It’ll be fun!”

“Guess that settles it.”

They help Lily in the kitchen through the morning and into the lunch rush. At 2:00 P.M. Lily closes and locks the front door. She turns back to Arc and company whom are wiping down the tables.

“Another day comes to an end.”

Dinky giggles. “That was fun!”

Arc turns to her. “Lily does this every day though.”

Derpy smiles. “It’s very similar to what we do at the orphanage.”

Dinky smirks. “Yeah. The only difference is our ‘customers’ are a lot shorter.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s one way of looking at it.”

Lily turns to them. “Thanks for your help everyone. I should probably head upstairs and make sure Shelly’s doing okay.”

Arc nods. “We should get moving ourselves.”

“Would you like to say goodbye to Shelly, Arc?”

“Yes, I would. That and we can drop Max off at home when we leave.”

They head for the stairs and enter the apartment. Lily calls out.

“We’re back, Shelly!”

There is no response. Arc looks down the hall.

“Anyone here?”

Silence ensues. Entering the living room they find it empty. Lily shrugs.

“Maybe Shelly’s sleeping in her room?”

Dinky calls out from the bedroom. “It’s empty!”

Derpy looks to Lily. “So’s yours.”

Arc frowns. “That’s strange. There’s no one here.”

Lily calls out from the living room.

“I found them.”

Everyone enters the room as Lily points out the patio door. Across the lawn they spot Max and Shelly sitting on a blanket with a small basket between them. Arc chuckles.

“Look like they went on a picnic.”

Derpy gasps. “But how did they get out there?”

Lily giggles. “Max must’ve carried Shelly down the exterior stairs and around the building.”

Dinky looks to her mother. “Should we join them?”

“I… don’t know. Arc?”

“Might as well.”

Heading for the side door, Arc leads everyone down the stairs and around the building. They hear the pair laughing as they approach. Shelly looks over.

“Hello everyone. Lily, is it closing time already?”

“Yes. We just finished.”

Arc turns to Max. “Decided to get some air?”

“Yes sir. Shelly was feeling a bit better, so I suggested we spend some time outside.”

Shelly nods as she points to the basket. “The picnic was my idea. I couldn’t remember the last time I went on one.”

Lily smiles approvingly at her friend. “You should have called, Shelly. I would have made something for your picnic.”

Max shakes his head. “We didn’t want to inconvenience you, Miss Lily. After all, you were very busy.”

“Max made us some sandwiches and filled up a couple water bottles for drinks.”

Derpy smiles. “Well it looks like you two enjoyed yourselves.”

Shelly giggles. “That we did. In fact, I was just about to ask him to stay for supper. Everyone’s invited, of course.”

Arc points with a thumb behind him. “We were actually about to get going. I wanted to spend some time around town with Daisy and Dawn before tomorrow.”

Lily appears confused. “Why? What happens tomorrow?”

“I’m taking them back to their hometown.”

“Yeah! My dad’s going to be staying awhile too!”

“That I am. Daisy really needs a lot more attention than I’m currently giving her.”

Shelly looks suddenly worried. “When will you be back?”

“I’m not sure. It’s probably going to be for quite some time though.”

Lily sighs. “We understand. Daisy and Dawn need you too, Arc.”

Shelly appear hopeful. “Are… your friends going to be staying in town?”

Arc shakes his head. “They’re going to be coming with us too and permanently relocating.”

Shelly gasps as she looks to Max. “You’re not coming back?!”

“I… don’t think so, no.”

“B-but…!”

Lily puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Shelly and I will miss all of you, of course. But this isn’t goodbye forever, right?”

Arc chuckles. “I doubt it. I mean… where else could I get a Shelly Burger!”

Max nods. “And I’ll come visit sometimes too.”

Shelly’s face brightens. “Promise?!”

Max nods as Shelly leans forward and takes his hands.

“You be sure to call us as often as you want!”

Lily giggles. “That goes for you too, Arc.”

“I’ll try to.”

Shelly smiles at Max. “Would you please stay for supper tonight then? I’d like the chance to properly say thank you for all your help.”

“I… um…”

The young man looks to his commanding officer. Arc shakes his head slightly as he mouths the word ‘no’.

“I’d… love to.”

Shelly gasps happily. “Wonderful! Lily and I will make you something special!”

Arc frowns. “Sounds like you three are going to have quite the evening.”

Lily kneels down. “Yes. Now why don’t I help you inside, Shelly? It’s about time for your nap.”

Shelly nods as Lily moves to help her up. “I suppose it is.”

Derpy walks over. “I’ll help too.”

With Derpy’s aid they get Shelly on her feet and slowly walk toward the restaurant. Arc turns to Dinky.

“Would you grab the blanket and basket please sweetheart?”

“Sure dad. You coming inside too?”

“In a minute. I just need to have a word with Max here.”

Dinky does as she is told. As she walks around the side of the building Arc turns his attention back to Max.

“What the heck are you DOING?!”

“Sir… I…”

“I KNOW you saw me shake my head!”

“Forgive me, sir, but… I… I just…”

“You WHAT?!”

Max sighs. “I just wanted the chance to say goodbye to Shelly properly. She’s really grown on me these past several months.”

Arc furrows his brow. “What did I tell you and the others about forming attachments here on Earth?!”

“I know, sir. But Shelly’s just such a wonderful woman!”

“Back then I specifically told you guys not to for this specific reason! You aren’t going to be long term residents of Earth!”

Max hangs his head. “Sorry, sir.”

Arc sighs and puts a hand on Max’s shoulder.

“Look, it’s not that I don’t want you to be happy. But Shelly isn’t the right woman.”

“But she’s perfect, sir!”

“I know. However, her condition is worsening. You’ve seen her go downhill just since we’ve been here. I’ve been watching this go on since we were kids.”

“How do you do it, sir?”

“Do what?”

“Form an attachment that you know won’t last.”

“I… don’t know. But I do know this. You can’t be falling in love with a terminally ill Earth woman when you know you can’t stay!”

Max sighs. “My head understands that, sir. But my heart is having trouble accepting it.”

“Well then, let me make it easier for you.”

Arc clears his throat before continuing

“As the Hero of Light and your commanding officer, I hereby ORDER you to break off your relationship with Shelly tonight.”

“But sir…!”

“No, Max! I know you told Shelly that you’d come back to visit, but we both know that isn’t a good idea.”

“Sir?”

“How do you think Shelly would take the news of learning you weren’t a human, but a pony instead?”

“I…”

“That and she isn’t long for this world. I don’t want to see you two become any more romantically involved than you are now. We all know it wouldn’t last.”

Max bows his head and nods silently. Arc sighs.

“I’m sorry I have to do this. But it’s for your own good, as well as Shelly’s.”

“Yes sir.”

“Enjoy this last meal together with her all you want. But before you leave tonight you are to break up with her. Do you understand me, Max?”

“I… I do, sir.”

“Good. Now I’m going inside to get Derpy and Dinky. We’re going to enjoy our last full day as residents of Earth.”

“But sir, you ARE a real human. Do you mean you’re not coming back either?”

Arc sighs. “Probably not. It’s… most likely not going to go well tomorrow night. That is assuming we survive.”

“Won’t you miss them too though?”

“More than words can express. I… I really want to be there when Shelly… worsens. To hold her hand along with Lily when her time comes and let her know we loved and cherished her right to the bitter end. To walk Lily down the aisle. To… to grow old with her and Frank. But my feelings need to take a back seat to this mission and Equestria’s continued existence. If the ponies back there are to survive, they’ll need Princess Celestia back.”

“But Equestria has you now, sir!”

“Yeah? But for how long?”

“Quite a few years one would hope, sir.”

Arc frowns. “You know Heroes of Light don’t usually live too long. What then? Should the two remaining princesses have to lead without their matriarch? You know they can’t do this forever. Equestria needs it’s lost princess back.”

“Yes sir.”

“That and, like Shelly, I won’t live forever. Princess Celestia and the other princesses will. Don’t you see?! Like I said, we’re ensuring the future of an entire country!”

“I’ll do as you say, sir.”

“Good. Someday I hope you understand why this needed to be done.”

Arc turns and walks toward the building leaving Max alone in the backyard. He stands there motionless for a few moments before slowly following the path back toward the stairs.

“I… hope so too, sir.”

Chapter 6 - Friend... Caretaker... and More...

Arc, Derpy, and Dinky drive down the road toward his house. Dinky looks over to him.

“We’re going home?”

Derpy appears confused. “I thought you had some things planned?”

“Kinda. We were going to see a movie, then…”

Dinky interrupts. “A movie? On TV?”

“No, sweetheart. At a movie theater.”

“What’s that?”

“Think of it like a place where they show movies on a REALLY big screen.”

“How big?”

Arc chuckles. “The screen is as tall as my house.”

Derpy gasps. “That IS big!”

“Yes, well… they stopped showing that film at noon today, so that’s out. Afterwards we were going to head to a place called Chuck-e-Cheese. They have pizza and fun games that you would have loved, Dinky.”

“We can still go, dad. I’m kinda hungry after all that work.”

Arc shakes his head. “Now it’s time for the next phase of my plan though, my dear.”

Derpy looks to him. “Plan?”

“You’ll see.”

Arc pulls the Jeep into the driveway and gets out with Derpy and Dinky. He leads them inside the house and into the living room.

“Everything should be ready by now.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal.

“Let’s go you two.”

Derpy takes Arc’s hand as Dinky grabs onto the other. Together they walk though the portal’s swirling energies. Arriving on the other side Derpy looks around, confused.

“Where… where ARE we?”

Dinky turns to her father. “The campsite?”

“Yup. This way.”

Arc leads them toward the large tent. Inside they find two sets of garments laid out. Arc turns to them as he picks the smaller one up.

“This is a child’s swimsuit, Dinky. I think you’ll find it a bit more comfortable to swim in than the t-shirt and shorts you wore last time.”

Dinky grins as she takes it. “Thanks dad! Last time my shirt kept floating up.”

“I did notice you had to keep pulling it down.”

He reaches over and picks up an adult size suit before turning to Derpy.

“The guys picked you up one too. Now I know you aren’t one for feeling constricted, so I understand if you don’t want to wear this.

Derpy appears nervous. “I… don’t know if I can do that. It looks pretty tight fitting.”

Dinky attempts to pull the swimsuit over her clothes. “How do you put this thing on?”

Arc chuckles. “No, no Dinky. You have to take all your clothes off first.”

“Oh. Okay!”

She begins pulling down her skirt. Arc shakes his head.

“Wait for me to leave first!”

Dinky looks confused as she pulls her skirt back up. “Why dad? You’ve seen me without clothes on before.”

“That was when we first arrived. You jumped through the portal without putting something on first, so there wasn’t much choice there.”

Dinky looks sheepishly at him. “I just don’t understand what the big deal is, dad.”

Derpy walks over to Dinky. “Your father told me before that human mares and stallion have to cover their… parts.”

“That’s another thing I don’t get. Why? I mean… you’ve seen mom and I’s mare parts lots of times back home, dad.”

“Well… it’s different here, sweetheart.”

“But how? I looked at my flank in the mirror back at your house. Everything looked really similar to my filly parts back in Equestria.”

Derpy sighs. “I think I understand why your father wants us to cover up. Do you remember when I first came here, Dinky?”

“You mean when you freaked out?”

“Yes, sweetie. I couldn’t take it anymore and threw off my robe while Arc was still in the room. Even though I was free of the confines of that robe, I suddenly felt… exposed. And just like being hemmed into my robe felt wrong, being uncovered felt even more off!”

“But dad covered you in a blanket and pulled you into his lap.”

“That did make me feel better. Being covered and consoled.”

Arc nods. “Human adults have a thing about modesty, Dinky. But as a little girl, you probably don’t have that yet.”

“Is there something wrong with me?!”

“No sweetheart. But just because you’re okay with being uncovered doesn’t mean it’s okay here on Earth.”

He turns back to Derpy.

“As for you, my friend, I might have something here that will help you feel a bit more comfortable.”

Pulling out a couple towels from a bag in the corner Arc removes something from the bottom before turning back to Derpy.

“What is it?”

“A bikini.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “A what?

“Think of it as a different kind of swimsuit.”

Derpy looks it over. “They kinda remind me of a bra and panties.”

“I guess you could say that. Now then, it’s a lot more… revealing than the other swimsuit, but less constricting.”

Derpy smiles. “I think I’ll try them both and see what feels better.”

“Okay. I’ll leave so you two can get changed. There’s a pair of sandals in that bag for each of you as well.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

Arc leaves the tent and zips up the opening. A few minutes later Derpy calls out to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Um… we’re a little confused about something. What kind of undergarments do we wear with these?”

Dinky grunts. “Yeah. The ones I have on are kinda weird feeling under here.”

“Oh! You’re supposed to take them off before putting on the swimsuit.”

“Do we put something else on?”

“No, just the swimsuit.”

“Okay. Thanks dad!”

“You’re welcome.”

A short time later Dinky steps out of the tent in her new swimsuit. She runs over to her father and does a little twirl.

“How do I look, dad?!”

“Very pretty, sweetheart. How’s your mother doing?”

“She’s having a little trouble.”

“Oh? What with?”

“The top part.”

“Ah… okay.”

He walks over to the tent and clears his throat.

“Derpy? How’s it going in there?”

“I can’t seem to figure this thing out.”

“Do you need help?”

“Y-yes.”

“Can I come in?”

“Okay.”

Stepping into the tent Arc finds Derpy crouching in a corner facing away from him. She is holding the top to her chest with the strings dangling down her back.

“I just don’t know what went wrong!”

Arc walks over to her. “Let me help you with that.”

Taking the two strings dangling at her sides Arc pulls them tight. Derpy gasps slightly and blushes.

“Sorry. Is that too tight?”

Derpy shakes her head silently as Arc ties the knot.

“There you go. Try standing up and walking around a bit.”

She does so as Arc looks her over.

“It looks like everything is staying put. How do you feel about that outfit?”

“Better than I did with the one like Dinky’s.”

“Too constricting?”

Derpy nods. “This one only covers my mare parts. But it lets me feel… free, I guess.”

“I’m glad you like it. Now let’s get moving.”

She takes Arc’s hand as he leads her out of the tent. Dinky looks her mother up and down before nodding approvingly.

“You look great, mom!”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

Arc motions with a nod. “Follow me, you two.”

Dinky takes his other hand and they walk through the woods. She looks around happily.

“I like this place.”

“Have you been here before, sweetie?”

Dinky nods. “Dad took me here last time. It was lots of fun!”

She looks to her father.

“So what’s the plan?”

Arc chuckles as they step out of the tree line onto the beach. “What’s that over there?”

Dinky looks down the beach. She spots a table with food set out, balloons, streamers, a cooler, a volleyball net, and a roaring fire. Arc’s squad along with Auriel, Ember, Sereb, and Rose wave at them in bathing suits of their own. Derpy looks to Arc.

“What is this?”

“Beach party!”

Arc runs toward the others as Derpy and Dinky try to keep up. Dinky giggles happily as Derpy smiles silently. Xenos is the first to speak.

“Glad you could make it, sir!”

Hugh grins. “We were starting to think maybe you three were having so much fun elsewhere that you wouldn’t show.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “Is Max coming, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He’s staying with Shelly. She had a bad day earlier.”

Dinky nods. “They’re having supper together!”

Auriel appears genuinely concerned. “I hope she’ll be okay.”

Arc sighs. “That’s complicated.”

Derpy looks up at the banner. “What’s that say, Arc?”

“Arrivederci. It means good-bye in Italian.”

Ember frowns. “I still don’t get it.”

Rose shrugs. “Neither do I.”

Arc sighs. “Well, this is goodbye to Earth for all of us. After tomorrow I don’t think humanity will welcome the Hero of Light anymore.”

Hugh nods soberly. “It’s for the best, sir.”

Xenos sighs. “Yeah. We can’t rescue the princess without making a scene, mind you.”

Viktor grins. “So let’s just have a good time for now.”

Dinky throws her hands up happily. “Yeah!”

She grabs her mother’s hand and pulls her toward the water.

“Come on, mom! Let go swimming!”

“But I don’t know how.”

“I’ll teach you! Want to help, dad?!”

Arc grins. “Sure.”

He turns to the others as he hurries after his family.

“What are you guys doing? This is a beach party! Let’s go swimming!”

The squad runs after him as Ember, Rose, and Auriel giggle and walk toward the water. Auriel turns to Ember.

“I’ve never been swimming before.”

“Me either. But I can’t imagine it’s too hard.”

She turns to Rose.

“How about you?”

Rose shakes her head. “I can’t swim very well due to a lack of buoyancy.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

Auriel sighs. “Come on, Ember. I’ll explain it in the water.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Derpy as they stand in the water up to their waists.

“Okay, now just lean back into my arms.”

“O-okay.”

“Don’t worry, mom. Dad taught me this way too.”

Arc gently lays Derpy back until she is lying in the water.

“Now just lie there calmly and…”

Sereb pricks up his ears and barks loudly. Arc and company look around, confused. In a few moments a familiar looking tank surfaces and drives ashore. Derpy jumps up and wraps her arms around Arc.

“What is…?!”

Dinky throws her hands up happily. “YAY! Miss Hammer’s here!”

Arc looks nervous. “Uh… yeah. Don’t worry, Derpy. She’s… um… somewhat friendly.”

“Someone who drives around in an armored chariot?!”

Dinky grins. “That’s just her vehicle, the ‘Charger’.”

Xenos turns to him. “Uh, sir? Were you expecting company?”

“Truthfully, no.”

Hugh shakes his head. “Couldn’t she have just called?”

Viktor turns to him. “She may have. No one’s been at the house all day, remember?”

Arc motions for everyone to follow him. They walk toward the tank together and wait, but nothing happens. Dinky turns to her father.

“Is Miss Hammer okay in there?”

“I sure hope so.”

Auriel appears confused. “Maybe you should check on her.”

Arc nods as he turns to Rose. “Anything?”

Rose shakes her head. “My scans can’t penetrate that vehicle’s hull.”

Ember grins. “I guess we’ll have to do it the old fashioned way.”

Arc steps forward. “I’ll do it.”

Derpy steps back with Dinky. “Be careful, Arc!”

Hopping up on the treads Arc hoists himself up to the tank’s body. He taps lightly on the hatch. Hearing no response he grabs the handle and gives it a mighty pull to peek inside.

“Hammer?”

A hand reaches up and grabs Arc by the front of his shirt before pulling him down and slamming the hatch behind him. Ember charges forward.

“ARC!”

Rose grabs her wrist. “Ember, wait!”

“This is no time for…!”

“I believe he’ll be fine.”

Derpy frowns. “Are you sure?”

Rose nods. “When the hatch opened I was able to scan the occupant. It’s just Hammer.”

Dinky looks confused. “Why did she do that?”

Hugh grins. “We’ll let your dad explain that to you.”

Viktor laughs. “In a few years, that is.”

Auriel looks to Xenos. “Are you certain he’ll be okay?”

“Considering what happened last time, I think the commander’s having the time of his life in there.”

Meanwhile Arc falls into Hammer’s lap. She grins hugely at him as her arms wrap around his neck and pulls him into her supple chest. Arc notices she is wearing her skimpy swimsuit again.

“Hey there, handsome! Nice of you to drop by!”

“Um… nice to see you too, Hammer. Is something wrong?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Not really. I just saw y’all having a good time over here again and thought I’d stop by. Is… is that okay?”

“Sure. But… can I get up?”

Hammer grins. “I know there ain't much room in here.”

She pulls down one of her straps, seductively.

“But if you want, I can show you just how agile this girl can be in tight places.”

“I… should probably get back to the others. You coming?”

Hammer sighs. “Sure. Why not?”

Arc reaches up and pushes the hatch open. He climbs out and reaches back for Hammer. Taking her hand he pulls her up and out. They hop down and land together on the sandy beach. Dinky runs over with her mother.

“Hi, Miss Hammer!”

Hammer grins. “Hey, kid!”

“This is my mom, Dawn!”

Derpy smiles nervously. “H-hello.”

Hammer grins as she shakes Derpy’s hand.

“Yo! Name’s Hammer!”

She turns to Arc.

“You were right. Daisy really take after her mother.”

“That she does.”

Auriel giggles. “Will you be joining us again, Miss Hammer?”

“Sure will! That is, if it’s okay with everybody.”

Ember shrugs. “Might as well, right?”

Arc nods. “Yup. The more the merrier.”

Hugh points to the water. “Well, how about we get back to swimming?”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. Race you guys there!”

They turn and head back to the water as Rose looks back to the fire.

“I think I’ll get some food going.”

Arc nods. “Okay. Thanks, Rose.”

He turns to Derpy.

“Should we get back to your lesson?”

Derpy smiles. “I’d like that.”

“Miss Hammer? Could you help me?”

“Sure thing! What with?!”

“I need someone to help me practice swimming.”

“Sure! I can do that.”

Dinky takes Hammer’s hand as they head for the water. Getting out a ways Dinky turns to her.

“Here’s what my dad showed me the other day.”

She demonstrates the doggie paddle moves. Hammer nods.

“Not bad. Keep it up!”

Dinky giggles. “Swimming is fun!”

“Sure is! Let me show you another way though.”

Hammer swims quickly through the water as she circles Dinky.

“That’s a lot different.”

Hammer laughs. “It’s called the butterfly stroke. You try it.”

Dinky does so.

“It’s… a lot more difficult, that’s for sure.”

“You like it?”

“I think I might with some more practice”.

“You looking to go fast?”

Dinky grins. “Yeah!”

“Try this one!”

Turning, Hammer lunges forward and reaches out with cupped hands as she kicks violently. Dinky claps as she swims by her. A moment later Hammer surfaces.

“My sister showed me that one. Can’t remember what it’s called though.”

“It looks hard.”

“Yeah, well… it does take a lot of energy and upper body strength. When I extend my hand for the next stroke I have to turn my head to one side and take another breath.”

“Makes sense.”

“A lot’s going on then. Pulling with your arms, kicking, and balancing your breathing. You see…”

Hammer is cut off as she suddenly vanishes under the surface of the lake.

“Miss Hammer?”

She surfaces a moment later with Arc behind her as Derpy walks through the water towards them. Hammer turns to him, frowning.

“What’s the big idea, Arc?!”

“Sorry I miscalculated. I was trying to just give your ankle a pull to scare you like my dad did when I was a kid.”

Dinky looks surprised. “How’d you get all the way over here without us seeing you, dad?”

Derpy giggles. “Your father was swimming underwater.”

“You can do that?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Daisy. You just need to hold your breath and swim like this…”

Submerging, Arc demonstrates. He surfaces twenty or so feet away. Hammer laughs.

“Like a stealth sub!”

Arc nods as he walks back to them. “Silent and invisible.”

Dinky grins. “Yup! How’s it going with your lesson, mom?!”

“Let me show you.”

She carefully lies on her back in the water and floats there happily. Arc nods approvingly.

“That’s pretty good, Dawn.”

Dinky nods. “Remember, the trick is to stay calm and let yourself go limp, mom.”

“I was a little scared at first. But your father held me up for a few moments before letting go.”

Dinky turns to Arc. “Can I show mom the doggie paddle now?”

“Sure, sweetheart.”

Hammer looks to him. “Hey, Arc? Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Um… sure. What’s up?”

“Let’s take a walk. It’ll make this easier.”

“Uh…”

Dinky grins. “I’ll watch mom for you!”

Derpy nods. “We’ll be fine. After all, the water’s pretty shallow here.”

“That and it’s not like were alone.”

Dinky point to Arc’s squad playing a makeshift game with the volleyball in the water.

“Okay, Hammer. Let’s not take too long though.”

Hammer and Arc head for shore. Putting on their sandals they head for the tree line. Hammer slips her hand into his as Arc does his best to engage in small talk.

“It’s really nice out here.”

“Is it?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Very… peaceful.”

“Guess I never really noticed.”

“Busy?”

Hammer nods. “Always a project that needs doing.”

“Something wrong?”

Hammer sighs. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yup. Does it have anything to do with your sisters?”

She nods as they walk.

“I told them about Doctor Rieper and his pheromones project. They… didn’t believe me.”

“Admittedly it is a hard pill to swallow.”

“Normally I’d agree with you. But with all that hard evidence, I thought I could at least convince one of them!”

“Stingray?”

“Mio, actually. She’s usually the one to embrace reason and logic. My plan was to show her what was going on and together confront Stingray. That didn’t work at all.”

“What did Mio say?”

“That there was no way I could have gotten this data by myself, and that I was just making it up.”

Arc looks to her nervously. “You didn’t say anything about hiring help, did you?”

Hammer shakes her head. “I wanted to. But I figured if they knew you had been my source they might report you to the general. He might do something a bit… unpleasant.”

“Thanks.”

Hammer sighs. “The real problem is this puts me back at square one. But now I don’t have the resources to hire anyone else. Or you yourself, assuming you weren’t leaving town tomorrow, that is.”

“Y-yeah.”

Hammer smiles and blushes as she presses her body against his.

“That is… unless you’d be willing to take my case on credit.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry. I have a responsibility to my other client at the moment.”

Hammer nods sadly. “I understand. You’re a true professional, Arc. But… do you think you could help me after your next case is solved?”

“I… I don’t know, Hammer. That evidence I got for you really was the best there was. I’m sorry it didn’t work.”

“It’s not your fault. Heck, it convinced me right away. The thing that bothers me the most is that I thought my sisters were smarter than that.”

“Smarter?”

“Able to see the truth through lies, and all.”

Arc sighs. “I… see.”

“Do you have any advice?”

“Just this. Keep them safe, and… don’t lose their trust over this. If you do you’ll never convince them of anything.”

Hammer nods sadly as Arc turns to her.

“Sorry I don’t have anything better for you.”

“It’s the thought that counts. After all… you were the only one who believed me and tried to help.”

She pushes him to the ground and leaps on top.

“You’re a real man, Arc. Not all talk like some fellas I’ve met. Not always showing off. Not obsessed with your image and how others see you. But truly concerned about the well-being of your friends… and lover.”

“Hammer, I…”

“Sh…”

She puts a finger to his lips.

“Let me have this moment to remember you by.

Grabbing him by the side of the head Hammer pulls Arc into a steamy kiss that lasts far longer than either of them planned. Eventually, Hammer pulls back with her signature grin plastered across her face. She leans forward and whispers in his ear.

“If you ever want me, all you have to do is call. I’d leave everything behind and come at but a single word from you.”

Arc opens his mouth to speak, but is cut off as Hammer locks lips with him yet again.

Chapter 7 - Paradox

Late that night Arc sits alone in front of the campfire. Derpy stumbles out of her and Dinky’s tent.

“Arc?”

Arc says nothing as he continues to stare into the flames. Derpy walks over to him and smiles as she puts a hand on his shoulder.

“What’s wrong?”

“I… Hammer, she…”

“She what?”

“Head over heels in love with me!”

“What?!”

Arc sighs. “It’s true. Hammer wants us to have a real relationship.”

“Are you sure?”

Arc nods sadly as Derpy continues.

“But you don’t want that, do you?”

“That’s the worst part. I… kinda do.”

“But what about Twilight and her friends?”

Cherry sighs and calls out. “Especially Rarity.”

Arc sighs. “I know, and I feel terrible about what I’ve done.”

“For falling in love?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. For leading Hammer on initially. Back then she was just a means to an end. A source of information for me to exploit. But now that I’ve seen her in a new and different light, I…”

He sighs before continuing.

“…I know I’m not worthy of her love and affection.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Arc. You not being worthy is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

“After what I did?”

Cherry sighs. “Nopony is perfect. We both made a mistake and are now paying for it with heartache. That alone shows repentance.”

“Feeling bad for this doesn’t change what I did.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Dinky and I know you wouldn’t have done such a thing if you didn’t feel it was very important, after all.”

“Yeah? Well if she knew the truth, I don’t think she’d still feel the same way.”

Cherry sighs. “You still have time to come clean to her, Arc.”

“Right. Your mission isn’t until tomorrow night, after all. Now come with me and get some sleep.”

Arc groans as he stands and heads to the tent with Derpy. “At this point I don’t really think there IS a way to tell Hammer the truth.”

The next morning Arc and his family awaken at dawn with the birds. Arc sits up as Derpy and Dinky do the same.

“Good morning, dad.”

“Did you sleep well, sweetheart?”

Dinky nods happily. “Yeah. But you sure stayed up late last night.”

“Your father had to work through some problems in his head, sweetie.”

“For the mission?”

Arc looks away. “Not… exactly.”

He stands and heads for the mouth of the tent.

“Come on. Let’s get packed up and head for home.”

“Arc? What’s the hurry?”

“I… there’s something I want… no… NEED to do this morning.”

“Can mom and I help?”

Arc nods as his squad steps out of their tent. “I’d like that, sweetheart.”

He looks around.

“Anyone seen Ember, Auriel, or Rose?”

Xenos points toward the woods. “Last I knew they were still planning to sleep on the beach.”

Hugh nods. “That makes sense. It was pretty hot last night.”

Viktor looks to him. “Shall we fetch them for you, sir?”

“No thanks. I’ll do it myself.”

He makes the short walk to the nearby beach. The first rays of sunlight are just peeking over the horizon. Spotting Rose standing on the shore looking out at the sunrise Arc heads over to her.

“Rose?”

“It’s… peaceful here.”

“That it is. Um… what are you doing?”

“Listening to the sound of the waves mostly.”

“Anything else?”

“Thinking.”

“What about?”

“My place in the world.”

“Have you figured it out?”

Rose sighs and shakes her head. “No. Truth be told, until just last night, I hadn’t given it much thought. Lately I’ve been busy helping you with things.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. That was my choice, remember?”

“Thanks for sticking around though. It really helped. Um… have you seen Ember and Auriel though?”

“They rose a short time ago.”

“Really?”

Rose nods. “Yes. They went behind those rocks. I originally thought they were taking the opportunity to urinate, but… let’s just say I voluntarily chose to disable my more sensitive auditory sensors.”

“I’ll go see what they’re up to. We’ll be leaving soon.”

“Alright.”

Arc heads for the rocks as Rose heads back to the camp. Approaching he calls out.

“Ember? Auriel? You back there?”

“Yeah, Arc.”

“We are.”

“Can I come over?”

Ember chuckles. “Sure. We were just finishing up our conversation anyways.”

Arc rounds the stones to see the pair sitting together.

“Everything okay?”

Auriel nods. “Oh yes.”

Ember grins. “The two of us were just having a nice chat.”

“Girl talk?”

Ember shrugs. “Something like that.”

“We were talking about you, Arc.”

“Oh?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. Auriel’s really taken a liking to you.”

“Yes, she mentioned that a while back.”

“We were discussing her joining your herd.”

Arc sighs. “That again? Ember, you do remember that I said I was only considering that idea, right?”

“Well, if you decide to do it, we’ll be ready!”

“Um… thanks. We’re packing up now. You two ready to go?”

Ember grins. “Anytime.”

Auriel stands. “Yes, indeed.”

They each latch onto one of Arc’s arms as he leads them back toward the campsite. The squad is busy taking down their larger tent as Derpy and Dinky step out of theirs in fresh street clothes.

“You found them, dad!”

Derpy giggles. “Did you two sleep well out there?”

Ember grins. “Like a whelpling!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. It was very relaxing being lulled to sleep by the sound of the water.”

Xenos calls out. “We’ll have this tent packed up in five minutes, sir.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

He turns to Auriel and Ember.

“Why don’t you two get dressed?”

Ember puts a hand on her shapely hips and grins. “What’s wrong with what we have on?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Very funny, Ember. That swimsuit isn’t something you can just walk around town in.”

“Fine. Let’s go, Auriel.”

“Okay.”

Arc sighs as they pass him and enter the remaining tent. A short time later the camp is packed up and the fire doused. Arc looks to the others.

“Everyone ready to go home?”

Dinky sighs. “I’ll miss this place.”

Derpy smiles. “So will I.”

Ember grins. “Well, I for one miss a fully stocked fridge.”

Xenos laughs. “That sounds like something the commander would say!”

Hugh nods. “Right!”

Arc rolls his eyes as he calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Funny. Let’s go.”

They step through the swirling energies and find themselves back in Arc’s basement. Xenos and Hugh set their packs down as Viktor heads for the washing machine with yesterday’s clothes and bathing suits. Arc looks toward the bunks as he calls out.

“Up and at em, Max. We…”

He stops as he sees the empty bunk.

“Max?”

Xenos looks over. “Something wrong, sir?”

“Max isn’t here.”

Ember frowns. “Do you think something happened to him?”

Auriel gasps. “I hope not! He’s a very nice stallion!”

Hugh walks over.

“That’s odd.”

Derpy turns to Hugh. “What is?”

“His bunk isn’t made.”

Dinky frowns. “Is that a clue?”

Viktor calls out from the washing machine. “Kinda. Max is always careful to make sure his bunk is made before doing anything else.”

Xenos nods. “We all do that. It’s a military thing.”

Arc shrugs. “Makes sense. But at the very least we know he made it home safely last night.”

Dinky looks nervous. “Are you sure he didn’t just forget to make his bed?”

Rose shakes her head. “No, Dinky. Up until today he had a 100% perfect record for doing just that. From previous experience he would not have forgotten to do so unless something important came up.”

Viktor looks down at the dirty clothes pile. “Well, his clothes from yesterday are here in the wash. So he was definitely here.”

Auriel frowns. “What does that prove?”

Ember looks to Auriel soberly. “That something major must’ve come up.”

Arc heads for the stairs. “Let’s look around the house.”

Rose sighs. “I do not detect him anywhere on the property, Arc.”

“In any case, let’s get upstairs. Maybe he left a note, or something.”

As they enter the kitchen Arc glances out the window. He frowns.

“What the…?!”

Ember looks to him. “Something wrong, Arc?”

“The garage door is open and my Jeep is gone.”

Auriel appears confused. “So Max went for an early morning drive?”

Derpy nods. “It looks like it.”

Arc turns to Xenos. “Does Max ever do things like this when I’m gone?”

Xenos shakes his head. “No sir. He always tells someone before he leaves, and never at night.”

Viktor sighs. “Where would he have gone this early though? Pretty much all the shops are still closed.”

Derpy appears nervous. “Arc, I’m a bit worried about him. Could we go…?”

Rose interrupts. “Your Jeep is approaching, Arc.”

“It is?”

Turning to look out the window Arc spots his vehicle driving down the street toward them. Dinky appears relieved.

“Looks like he’s okay!”

Auriel smiles. “That’s good!”

Ember nods. “I’m looking forward to hearing where he went though.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah.”

Arc frowns. “Me too.”

A short time later Max walks in through the back door. He stops, clearly surprised to see everyone waiting for him in the kitchen.

“Oh! Um… hi everyone. You’re all back early.”

Viktor frowns. “Where the heck were you?!”

Hugh nods angrily. “And how hard it is to write a note?!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Let’s let him explain. I’m sure Max had a good reason for whatever he did.”

“I… I do, sir. But… might I speak to you in private?”

“Sure. Let’s head upstairs.”

“Begging your pardon, but might we go somewhere a bit more secluded?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Someone’s paranoid.”

Xenos nods. “Max, we aren’t going to tell anyone whatever it is you have to say.”

Arc shrugs. “Fine.”

He turns to the others as he opens a portal.

“Hit the showers, everyone. I have a little excursion for us this morning when I get back.”

Arc and Max step through and vanish. Dinky looks to her mother.

“What’s going on, mom?”

“I don’t know, sweetie.”

Rose grimaces. “I detected extreme discomfort in Max before he left.”

Auriel gasps. “Is he hurt?!”

“Physically, no.”

Ember frowns. “Well he was sure acting weird.”

Viktor shrugs. “In any case, the commander will get to the bottom of this.”

Xenos laughs. “Yeah, and help Max get whatever it is off his chest.”

Hugh sighs. “I sure hope so. Truth be told, I’ve never seen him like this before.”

Derpy takes Dinky’s hand. “Come along, sweetie. Let’s get cleaned up like your father said.”

“Okay!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Max step out of the portal. Max looks around to see nothing but trees. Arc motions for him to follow.

“Let’s head to the beach. I want to make sure we didn’t leave anything behind from yesterday’s party.”

Max nods and does as he is told. Coming to the shore they look around for a few moments. Arc is the first to speak.

“Looks like we got everything.”

“Yes sir.”

He turns to Max soberly.

“Now then… we’re miles from town in the middle of nowhere. Is this private enough for you?”

“Yes sir. I… need to tell you something.”

“Is it about yesterday?”

Max nods. “You see, Miss Lily cooked up a wonderful lasagna with all the trimmings. Rolls, vegetables, jello with whipped cream… everything!”

“Was there anyone else there?”

“Sir?”

“I mean were there any other guests?”

Max shakes his head. “No, sir. It was just the three of us.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like Lily did it again. She has a habit of overcooking for what she calls ‘special company’.”

“Oh. That explains it.”

“Keep talking.”

“Well… after supper Miss Lily and I did the dishes together and then headed to the living room to chat with Shelly.”

Arc nods and waits for Max to continue.

“The three of us had a really long chat about the past, sir.”

“Mine or theirs?”

“Both actually. They really like you, sir.”

“And I like them too. Lily and Shelly are like little sisters to me.”

Max pulls a small pendant out of his pocket and holds it up.

“Shelly gave me this.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he looks the pendant over. “Really?! That’s something Shelly was wearing when they brought her to the orphanage as a child! You take good care of that!”

Max nods as he puts the pendant back in his pocket.

“Yes well… it got rather late. Almost midnight actually. Lily said they almost never stay up that late, what with them having to open the restaurant early in the morning. Seeing she really was quite tired I offered to help Shelly to bed.”

“Um… okay. She doesn’t usually let those other than Lily and I do that though.”

“We sat on the edge of her bed and talked for a little while longer after Lily’s light went out. Shelly started to fell asleep as we talked, so I helped her lay down and turned to leave.”

Max looks down at the ground silently before continuing.

“As… as I did so she took my hand. Looking back to the bed, Shelly told me she had something to tell me. I knelt down, as her voice was almost a whisper at that point.”

Arc nods. “That happens if she gets too tired. What did she say?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“Nothing?”

“She… Shelly just put her hand behind my head and… pulled my lips to hers.”

Arc frowns. “Wait, what?”

“It’s true. When I stepped back she passed out though.”

“She fell asleep… kissing you?!”

“Yes sir. I… didn’t know what to do so I just kinda… ran back home, took a shower, and went to bed.”

Arc nods. “We saw your bed was unmade, yes.”

“And rather… disheveled, sir?”

“Was it?”

“Yes sir. I… couldn’t sleep.”

“First kiss?”

“That it was, sir.”

“And your mind was all jumbled?”

“Sir, how did you know…?”

“We all go through it. But I’m assuming you eventually calmed down enough to sleep.”

Max shakes his head. “No sir. I… didn’t.”

“You mean… you’ve been up all night?”

“Not… exactly, sir. At 3 A.M. I… couldn’t take it anymore!”

“Is that why you were driving up early this morning?”

“Yes sir.”

Arc looks to him warily. “What did you do?”

“I… went for a drive, sir.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Where to?”

“Shelly’s Kitchen.”

“…what?”

“I used your key to the upstairs apartment and… just kinda let myself in.”

“What?”

“Knocking at Shelly’s door yielded no answer so I walked in. I gave her a kiss on the forehead and she opened her eyes.”

“What?!”

“She smiled up at me, pushed back the covers, and slid over before beckoning me to lie down next to her.

“WHAT?!”

Max smiles dreamily. “She was just so soft. So… warm.”

Arc clenches his fists. “So you SLEPT with Shelly?!”

“Yes sir. I…”

Max is cut off as Arc’s fist meets his gut. He doubles over as the wind is knocked out of him. Arc grabs him by the front of his shirt and lifts him off the ground.

“This was supposed to be REALLY SIMPLE, MAX! What did I tell you to do from the beginning?!”

Max gasps. “Not… not to get too close?”

“And what did you do?!”

“I got too close?”

“YOU GOT TOO CLOSE!”

He throws Max to the sand where he lies on his back still attempting to catch his breath. Arc drops to his knees over his subordinate and again grabs his shirt.

“What is SHE supposed to do when we leave tonight, Max?! HUH?!”

“I… I don’t know, sir.”

“That’s right! YOU DON’T KNOW!”

He roughly pushes Max back as he rolls off of him. Arc sits in the sand with his face in his hands. Neither speak for a time.

“Sir, I… um… want you to know that I didn’t violate Shelly in any way. I swear to you that we just held each other and fell asleep. I know you want her to be with a human male someday, but…”

Arc grunts. “Max, I… I didn’t say all of that because you’re a pony.”

“Was it because I’m a common soldier, sir? Because I’m not good enough for Shelly?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Max. Because you’re perfect for her.”

Max gasps. “S-sir?”

Arc sighs. “I knew Shelly would like you, Max. You’re certainly everything she’s ever wanted in a man.”

“Sir, I… I don’t understand.”

Arc frowns. “Shelly’s life isn’t going to go on much longer. I’m sure you’ve noticed she’s been having more and more bad days lately.”

“Then you should want her to find happiness, sir!”

“Yes. But at what cost?”

“Cost?”

Arc nods as he continues. “She’d have to leave behind anyone that fell in love with her. Like you, Max. I… I know what that feels like all too well when Cherry…”

“I… understand, sir.”

“You shouldn’t have to go through what I did. Feel what I felt. Grieve as I did.”

“Sir?”

“Yes, Max?”

“I think I need some time to think.”

Arc stands up. “Yes, you do that.”

He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. The pair step through and find themselves back in Arc’s basement.

“I want you to make your bed, lie down on it, and think about how to make this right.”

“Yes sir.”

Max does as he is told as Arc heads back upstairs. He sighs as he straightens the sheets and blanket before lying down. After a time he pulls the pendant from his pocket and holds it to his heart.

“Make it right? But… to me at least… it already feels right.”

Chapter 8 - Breakfast and Confessions

Arc returns to the main level. Everyone is waiting for him in the living room.

“Ready to go, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Let’s be off.”

Viktor looks past him. “Uh, sir? What about Max?”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. I’m sure he’s hungry.”

“He’s downstairs… thinking.”

Auriel puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Should we bring something back for him?”

“That’s probably a good idea. This way everyone.”

Rose turns to look toward the basement steps as everyone else leaves the room.

“I… think I’ll stay here with Max, Arc.”

“Alright. See you in a bit.”

They leave via the front door as Rose heads for the basement. She finds Max lying on his bed, his arm draped over his face.

“Max?”

“Hm?”

“I sense that you’re upset.”

“Yes.”

“Would you like to talk about it?”

Max sighs. “I’m in love with Shelly.”

“And Arc was not pleased with that?”

“No. After all, he specifically told all of us not to form attachments here.”

“That is sound advice.”

“I’m not sure how to take that coming from you.”

“What do you…?”

Max sits up and look Rose in the eye. “I have to know something. You were built solely for the purpose of the commander’s pleasure. But he rejected you. Didn’t that hurt?”

“It… still does actually.”

“What?”

“As you know I’m free of my objectives. However, I do still want to remain by Arc’s side. Willingly though.”

“But…?”

“But he has so many other females now that are all vying for his attention.”

Rose sighs before continuing.

“As you said, my original purpose was to fill the gap in his heart left by the passing of Miss Cherry. However that void has been filled, to a degree, by other females. REAL living, breathing, feeling females. Not a fake one like me.”

“So you think you’re not real?”

“I’m not.”

“You may be comprised of artificial parts, Rose. But you’re far from fake. I’ve seen how the commander looks at you.”

“Looks at me?”

“Yes. It’s not like how one looks at a tool or other object, but as living, feeling, loving person.”

Rose smiles. “He is quite kind. And… understanding.”

“I heard that the commander is considering forming a herd. There’s no reason you couldn’t be a part of that.”

“You really think so?”

Max nods. “I do. Tell the commander how you feel. There’s no way you’ll know otherwise.”

Rose giggles. “I came down here to help you, but it’s me being comforted now.”

He puts a hand to his chin. “Comforted…”

“Max?”

“I… guess I have some more thinking to do. Could I have some time alone, Rose?”

“Of course.”

She stands as Max lays back down and turns towards the wall. Rose heads up the stairs as she mutters to herself.

“Be honest about my feelings. Such a simple concept. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that before now.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company walk down the front steps. Sereb barks and looks toward the garage. Ember turns to him as they pass the driveway.

“Um… the Jeep’s over here, Arc.”

“True. But I think our group’s a bit too big to fit.”

Xenos shrugs. “Yeah. It’s only a couple blocks anyways.”

Hugh looks at the clear blue sky. “And it’s a lovely day.”

Viktor nods sadly. “That it is. And after today it’ll be the last time we see it.”

Sereb sighs but says nothing as Arc speaks.

“I know everyone here has… become somewhat attached to this place, but we all knew this was coming.”

Ember looks hopeful. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t EVER come back, right?”

Arc shrugs. “That depends on how well, or not so well, tonight goes.”

Auriel sighs. “You mean if we don’t get caught and our identities exposed?”

“Something like that.”

A short time later they arrive at Shelly’s Kitchen. Lily sees them coming and hurries to open the door.

“Good morning, everyone. My, you’re up early today.”

Arc nods. “We needed to get an early start.”

Shelly looks over to them from the counter. “Today’s the day, huh?”

Derpy nods sadly. “It is, yes.”

Dinky grins. “My dad’s coming home with us!”

Shelly smiles at the little girl. “Yes, he told us that yesterday. But you’ll come back to visit, right?”

“Every so often, I hope.”

Lily appears relieved. “Good. We’d miss you too much otherwise. Now then, we’re not actually open yet, but let me get you all something to eat.”

Shelly looks the group over. “Is Max not with you today, Arc?”

“No. But he… looked like he needed some extra rest.”

Lily appears worried. “Is he feeling sick?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Just a bit under the weather.”

Shelly nods nervously. “That’s… good.”

Lily leads them over to a corner booth. Arc and Xenos push another table over as Ember grabs some extra chairs. Lily pulls out her order pad as they sit down.

“Now what can I get everyone this morning?”

Arc grins. “How about omelets for everyone?”

“What kind?”

“Just surprise us.”

“You too, Arc?”

“Sure. I’ll depart from my regular just this once.

Lily nods as she writes down the order. “Okay. This might take a bit though. You know how tricky omelets can be, Arc.”

“But they are tasty!”

Smiling, Lily walks toward the kitchen. She turns to Shelly.

“They want omelets.”

“Can I lend a hand?”

“Thanks. This’ll be quite the order.”

Lily pushes Shelly into the kitchen. Ember turns to Arc and frowns.

“So you’re intentionally making more work for them, why now?”

“Because omelets, while tricky, are the most profitably thing for them on the menu.”

Auriel appears confused. “Arc?”

“I just wanted to give them a bit extra before I go.”

Xenos looks to him warily. “Sir, you ARE planning on coming back at some point… right?”

Arc sighs. “Our mission is suicide. You all know that.”

Derpy and Dinky shudder as Hugh does his best to lighten the mood.

“Yes. But we’re being optimistic.”

Viktor nods. “That and we’ll get through it safely if everyone works together and does their part.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks everyone.”

A short time later Shelly and Lily bring out their order.

“There you are everyone. Assorted omelets.”

Shelly smiles. “I hope you like them.”

Derpy nods. “I’m sure we will.”

Dinky smiles as she takes a bite. “Yummy!”

Shelly looks down at Sereb under the table. She holds out a plate of bacon and sausage to Lily whom sets it on the floor.

“There. Now everyone has something to eat.”

Lily pulls up a chair as Arc and company start to eat. She turns to Dinky.

“So… are you looking forward to your dad living with you?”

Dinky nods happily. “Uh huh! Mom and I are really lonely when he’s gone!”

Shelly sighs. “We’re lonely too when he’s away.”

“I’ll share!”

Everyone laughs as Shelly smiles at the little girl before her. “I’m very glad you have a father whom cares for you as much as Arc does.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I couldn’t have raised her without his help.”

Ember holds out her empty plate. “Yeah, yeah, Arc’s the greatest guy ever. Can I get another of these… what were they called again?”

Auriel tilts her head to one side. “An omelet?”

“Yeah! That!”

Viktor gasps. “You ate that whole thing already?!”

Ember grins “Yup.”

Lily giggles as she takes the plate. “Coming right up.”

Hugh turns to her. “Can we help, Miss Lily?”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. We hear making those are a lot of trouble.”

Lily shakes her head. “No, thank you. You all just enjoy your food.”

Shelly looks to Arc as Lily stands and heads for the kitchen.

“Arc? Um… might I speak to you privately?”

“Of course.”

He stands and pushes Shelly back toward the kitchen.

“Let’s head for the pantry.”

Arc nods. “Alright.”

As they enter the back room Lily looks up from the stove and nods soberly to Shelly. The pair enter the pantry. Arc closes the door behind them and kneels down to Shelly’s level.

“Now then… what is it you wanted to say?”

“A few things actually. First off though… is really Max okay?”

“Um… for the most part, yes. Why do you…?”

Shelly interrupts him. “I’m not sure what he told you already, but I was a bit… forward last night.”

“He did mention that, yes.”

“Oh… then that makes this easier.”

“I’m really sorry, Shelly. Max is a really… conscientious person, after all. It’s very unlike him to barge into a lady’s bedroom in the middle of the night.”

Shelly giggles. “That’s alright. Truthfully, I’m glad he did.”

“You… you are?”

Shelly nods. “Yes. He’s a wonderful man, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know him better!”

Arc appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Max and I are going to start dating, silly! Didn’t he tell you?”

“Oh! Um… he must’ve left that part out.”

“That’s to be expected. After all, we did stay up pretty late talking last night before he left. After he came to bed with me I had hoped to talk more. But I was just too tired. I hope he wasn’t too upset.”

“No, no. He… understood.”

“Good. I’d hate to start a relationship off on the wrong foot.”

“He told me you gave him your pendant.”

Shelly blushes and smiles. “It’s very special to me. Just like he is.”

“Shelly… I…”

“What’s wrong, Arc? Aren’t you happy for us?”

“I… I am. Sorry, but I’m just a bit… rattled by all this.”

Shelly takes his hand. “We’re not little kids anymore, Arc. It’s time we all settled down and found a special someone. You especially.”

“Me?”

“That’s the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. You’re not getting any younger, Arc. None of us are.”

“And you think I should settle down and find someone in my new town?”

Shelly smiles at him. “How about a woman from THIS town?”

“Oh? Who did you have in mind?”

“Lily, silly!”

“Lily?!”

“She’s crazy about you, Arc. Has been since we were kids really.”

“I… didn’t know that.”

“It’s the truth.”

“Why didn’t she ever…?”

Shelly smiles. “Say anything? Trust me, she wanted to. But you know Lily. She’s always scared of failure.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“So I think you should talk to her about maybe going out on a date the next time you’re in town.”

Arc sighs. “Shelly, I… I can’t.”

“Why not? Don’t you care about her?”

“I do. More than words can express. But… I… I’ve been seeing someone else lately. Someone back in Dawn’s town.”

“Back in Ponyville?”

“Yes.”

Shelly’s hands fly to her mouth. “Oh! I… I’m sorry@ I honestly didn’t realize…!”

“It’s fine. In fact I should be the one to apologize for not telling you two before.”

“Can you tell me about her?”

“Her name’s Rarity. She runs a clothing shop back in Ponyville called Carousel Boutique.”

“Is she pretty?”

“Beautiful!”

“And she makes you happy?”

“Very.”

Shelly looks up at Arc happily. “Good! What else?”

“She has a daughter named… Belle. Her and Daisy are really good friends. They even go to school together.”

“So she’s divorced?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She… made the mistake of drinking a bit too much one night in college.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Rarity has a happy life now. She’s the most generous individual you could imagine. I’m sure you and Lily would love her.”

“She sounds like a real catch, Arc. I do hope Lily and I can meet her someday.”

“I… I’d like that. Um… could you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Could you possibly tell Lily for me?”

“But you should…!”

Arc sighs. “I can’t. If she’s that interested in me, I… I don’t want to break her heart.”

Shelly frowns and looks Arc in the eye. “I’ll tell her. But you have to stay here and wait.”

“What for?”

“Like I said, I’ll tell her. But she’s going to want to say a few things to you in private.”

“I… suppose that’s true.”

“She deserves a chance to talk to you about this before you leave, Arc. After all, you won’t be coming back for quite a while, right?”

“Y-yeah.”

Shelly turns and wheels toward the door.

“Give me a few minutes to tell her, take over the stove, and she’ll be right in.”

“Th-thanks.”

Shelly leaves the room as Arc sits down on the floor.

“Lily… I… never really considered… this potential outcome.”

A few minutes later Lily slowly enters the room. She walks over to Arc and sits down next to him.

“I… guess Shelly explained everything.”

Lily nods. “She… she did.”

“I’m sorry that this happened. If I had known…”

Lily takes Arc’s hand and holds it tight as she forces a smile.

“This isn’t your fault. After all, if I had just said something earlier then maybe things could have been different.”

“Maybe.”

“Shelly told me about Rarity. How she’s raising a daughter just like you are.”

“Yeah. They’re the best of friends. Just like Rarity and I are.”

“Maybe more one day?”

“Maybe, yes.”

“Would it be okay if Shelly and I came out there for the wedding? If it happens, that is.”

Arc smiles. “I’d like that. But it wouldn’t be for a long time.”

“Yes. You always did like to take things slow. But…”

Lily sighs before continuing.

“Don’t go too slow. After all, I’d hate for her to find someone else while you’re here with us.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. She’s… very attached to me. And I’d… I’d love for you and Shelly to see that town. It’s definitely one in a million.”

“Like you?”

“You too.”

They laugh easily together as Lily rests her head on his shoulder and smiles wistfully.

“I still can’t believe you’re leaving.”

Arc chuckles. “It feels like just yesterday you and Shelly came to live with me. Truth be told, I never thought we’d ever be apart again.”

Lily sighs. “Me either. But one never knows what the future holds.”

“That I do understand. But… this will probably be the last time we can talk for a long time. So I kinda have something to confess.”

“Oh? What is it, Arc?”

“Back when we were kids, I… always thought you were cute.”

Lily giggles. “Honestly, I thought the same way about Frank.”

Arc chuckles. “Ouch.”

Lily smiles up at him. “Just being honest. You two were really similar back then though.”

“I guess we were.”

“But as I got older and wiser I saw that you were the real prize, Arc. I always felt so safe when you were near.”

“We had to stick together.”

“But it was more than that! I…!”

She blushes as she continues.

“…in all honesty… for years I used to fantasize about you and I getting married and having kids.”

“Really?”

Lily nods. “Yes. And we would make sure they were raised in a loving home… together.”

“I used to have those same thoughts.”

“About me?”

“Not about anyone in particular. But I too wanted children of my own for the same reason. To give them the life I never had growing up.”

“You still can.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

Arc sighs. “It’s… complicated.”

“Oh… I understand.”

“You do?”

Lily nods. “Yes, Arc. And it doesn’t change the way I feel about you in the least.”

“Really?”

Lily smiles. “Really. After all, not every man who walks this green Earth is fertile.”

“Huh?”

“You and Rarity could always adopt. That would make some kid very happy.”

“I… suppose we could. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You do that.”

Sighing, she stands up with Arc.

“Well, you should get back to the others.”

“Yeah. They’re probably wondering what’s taking so long.”

“Daisy especially.”

Arc chuckles. “Nah. She’s patient.”

“I’m sure you have a lot to get done today as well. What with you leaving your house empty for a while.”

Lily fidgets for a moment briefly before looking Arc straight in the eye.

“Arc?”

“Yes, Lily?”

“I… do have one request before you go.”

“What is it?”

“My first fantasy of you. Would you please make it come true and… kiss me?”

“Lily?”

“I know it might sound a little strange given our shared past. But I’ve always wanted to do that, if only just once.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?”

Lily nods fervently. “More than anything in the world, Arc.”

Arc smiles at her and takes Lily in his arms. “Okay. But just this once.”

Lily nods and wraps her arms around him. She closes her eyes as Arc’s face approaches. Their warm lips meet for the briefest of moments before parting with a light snap. A long moment passes between them silently before Lily closes her eyes and again presses her lips to Arc’s for a much more passionate kiss. Eventually she pulls back and smiles.

“You’ve done that before, haven’t you?”

Arc nods. “A few times, yes.”

“Was I… okay?”

“Yes. Wait! Was that your first kiss?!”

Lily nods happily. “Yes it was. And I’m very happy it was with you, Arc. I’m sorry if I’m not as good at it as Rarity is, but…”

“You did very well.”

“How can you say that?”

“Because there was a lot of love in that kiss. I could feel that you really meant what you said about me. And to me that’s really special.”

He leans forward and kisses Lily’s forehead.

“You’re amazing, Lily. And I hope we can stay the very best of friends no matter what the future holds.”

Lily smiles warmly. “I’d like that, Arc. I really would.”

The pair head for the door together. Lily turns to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I have to ask one last thing before you go.”

“What is it?”

“Do you love me?”

Arc takes her hand and smiles. “I’ve always loved you, Lily. Then, now, and forever.”

“And I love you too. Here’s to hoping you and Rarity have a long and happy life together.”

“You too.”

Lily appears confused. “What?”

“With a special someone, that is.”

“I’d like that too. But I can’t imagine who that would be.”

“Just keep your eyes open.”

“I will.”

They leave the pantry together and enter the kitchen. Shelly is busy at the stove, but still she finds a moment to turn to them.

“Arc, how much can your friends eat?!”

“Quite a bit.”

Lily laughs. “They won’t leave here hungry.”

Shelly pulls another omelet off the stove and puts it on a plate.

“Arc, would you please run this to Xenos?”

“Okay.”

Taking the plate he turns to Lily and smiles.

“I’m glad we had that talk.”

“So am I.”

Arc leans forward and gives her a peck on the cheek before leaving the kitchen with the plate. Shelly looks to Lily surprised.

“That must’ve been some talk!”

“Yes, it was.”

Shelly grins. “So you finally got a kiss from Arc, huh?”

“A couple actually.”

Shelly smiles as she turns back to the stove.

“That’s good. You’ve wanted that for as long as I can remember.”

Lily nods happily. “And today one of my wishes finally came true.”

“I’m sorry your original one didn’t though. You and Arc would’ve had a very happy life together, I’m sure.”

“We still will.”

“Oh?”

Lily smiles as she walks over to Shelly.

“While it won’t be together, I can live my life knowing that Arc found someone he truly cares for.”

Chapter 9 - Plans and Demands

Arc and company leave the restaurant together and begin the short walk home. Dinky carries a small leftover pack. Hugh groans.

“That was a meal and a half!”

Xenos grunts. “Yeah! I’m stuffed.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Thanks for the meal, sir.”

“No problem. You guys deserve it.”

Dinky looks at the sack in her hands. “I hope Mister Max likes this omelet.”

Ember shrugs. “He’s pretty easy to please in the food department from what I’ve seen.”

Auriel smiles. “Well, he’s in for a treat nonetheless.”

Derpy sighs. “What’s the plan for the rest of the day, Arc?”

“First thing I have to do is send you and Dinky home.”

Dinky gasps. “Already?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, sweetheart. Right now I really need to concentrate on the mission at hand.”

“Okay, dad.”

Ember looks down at the little girl. “Don’t you worry. Everything’s going to be fine.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, sweetie. Ember and the others will look after your father.”

Dinky forces a small smile. “Yeah, I know. He’ll show those bad humans a thing or two.”

They arrive back at Arc’s house and walk over to the garage. Arc pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket and hands it to Xenos.

“You, Viktor, and Hugh take the Jeep and buy the stuff on this list.”

Viktor salutes. “Yes sir.”

Auriel joins them. “Might I go as well, Arc? I’d like to take this opportunity to study human culture one last time.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Ember waves. “Have fun.”

Xenos throws up a hand. “See you in a bit.”

Arc, Derpy, Dinky, Ember, and Sereb walk in the back door together. They head for the basement and the portable recall unit. Arc kneels down to give Dinky a hug.

“You be good for you mother, sweetheart.”

“I will, dad.”

Standing he smiles at Derpy.

“I’ll be home soon.”

“I know you will. Stay safe.”

Arc nods and gives Derpy a hug. Ember sighs and presses the button on the recall unit. A portal forms as Derpy and Dinky walk forward. As they near it Dinky turns back and smiles.

“I love you dad.”

Arc smiles back. “I love you too, Dinky.”

Derpy takes Dinky’s hand as she looks back. “We’ll wait for you in your room in the castle.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! Then we can have breakfast tomorrow with the princesses!”

Arc laughs. “Looking forward to it.”

The pair enter the portal and are gone. They reappear back on the S.P.E.A.R.’s platform in Princess Celestia’s room as Dinky turns to her mother.

“Dad’s going to be okay, right mom?”

“Yes, sweetie. I’m sure of it.”

She glances down at Dinky’s hand.

“But I think Max is going to be hungry.”

Dinky looks confused. Her mother gestures to the package in her small hand.

“Opps.”

Derpy giggles. “It’s okay, sweetie. We’ll ask somepony to put it in the refrigerator here. Then he can eat it when he gets back.”

“I guess. But…”

“Something wrong?”

Dinky wiggles her fingers. “Dad forgot to change us back!”

Derpy smiles. “Well, he has a lot on his mind right now.”

“What should we do?”

“Twilight should be here soon. If she isn’t already, that is. She can probably return us to our pony forms.”

The pair leave the room and walk down the corridor hand in hand. Meanwhile Arc sighs as Ember shuts the device off and walks over to him. She soberly puts a hand on his shoulder.

“It was the right thing to do.”

“Yeah.”

Sereb nods. “They could not stay. Things will be quite dangerous soon enough.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I just want to finish this up and be done with it though.”

Ember grins. “We’ll help you make that happen.”

Sereb growls. “That we will.”

“Thanks you two.”

He glances toward Max’s bunk.

“Strange.”

Ember looks around. “Where’s Max?”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “He is in the Living Room with Rose.”

Arc heads for the stairs. “I should probably talk to him.”

Ember grins. “Giving him a list of chores too?”

“Something like that.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Is there anything you would like us to do, Arc?”

“Um… I know this might sound kinda weird, but could you two get some laundry going? We might never come back again, but I just can’t bring myself to leave a pile of dirty clothes lying here.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Fine.”

“I’ll help in a bit.”

Arc walks upstairs and heads for the living room. Max and Rose sit there talking quietly. Max stands as Arc enters.

“Hello, Max.”

“Sir.”

“I… hope you had time to think about what I said.”

“Yes, sir. Can we talk about it?”

“Sure.”

They sit down as Max begins.

“Rose and I had a long conversation about a few things.”

“It was mostly me listening, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Sometimes that’s what’s needed.”

“I… want you to know that I… I honestly care about Shelly more than anything in this world.”

“Yes, I know.”

“You do, sir?”

Arc frowns. “She told me.”

Max appears suddenly nervous. “What… exactly did she say?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That the two of you were going to start dating.”

Max hangs his head. “Sir, I… um…”

“How exactly were you planning to do that… AFTER I EXPLICTLY TOLD YOU NOT TO?!”

“Sir, might I speak freely?”

“No! Answer the question!”

“I was planning on… leaving.”

Arc’s jaw drops. “You were going to DESERT?!”

“Yes sir.”

Arc leans back in his seat and groans. “We’re about to take on our greatest mission! Probably the biggest one in the history of Equestria! And you want to deserrt?! Why are you still here?!”

“Because Rose and I… talked it over.”

Rose nods. “It’s true, Arc.”

“You still haven’t answered my question, Max!”

“Rose told me roughly what you just did. That this wasn’t the time for me to run off.”

He motions to Rose. She reaches next to the couch and pulls out a bulging backpack.

“I was actually on my way out the door at the time.”

Rose nods soberly. “You stopped though.”

“Yes, well… had you not been here, I would have been long gone.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Where were you planning to go?!”

Max sighs as he looks out the window. “Anywhere but here. I just had to lay low until you and the others finished the mission and went back to Equestria. Then I was planning to start a new life here with Shelly.”

Rose turns to Arc. “She’s offered Max and the others jobs on numerous occasions, Arc.”

“I’m really sorry, sir.”

Arc groans. “Well, I don’t really know what to do about this now. I mean… I need those I can trust on this mission.”

Max nods sadly. “I’d be willing to stand trial for my crimes when we get back, sir.”

“No, Max. I’m not pressing charges against you.”

“Sir?”

“Tonight’s going to be quite the event. You don’t need the thought of imprisonment hanging over your head during it.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Max, I need to know one thing. What made you even CONSIDER doing something like this?!”

“I… I don’t know, sir. But I’d still like to be included in the mission tonight.”

“Fine. On one condition.”

“Sir?”

“Later today when all the preparations are complete I’m going to ask you ‘why’ again. And I’ll need a real answer.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc nods. “Dismissed.”

Max stands and slowly walks to the basement. Rose turns to Arc.

“You were pretty hard on him.”

“Hard?! I could’ve thrown him in prison for life!”

“But he didn’t go through with it!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Only because you stopped him, Rose. Now I don’t think I’m being unreasonable in my request.”

“But you already know the answer to that question!”

“Yeah. But I need to hear him say it.”

The others return shortly. They spend the morning cleaning and straightening up the house. After lunch Arc calls everyone to the basement for a mission briefing. Explaining every aspect in great detail they go over the plan numerous times. Ending, Arc looks around at the others.

“Is everyone clear on the plan?”

His squad looks to him and nods. Viktor is the first to speak.

“We’ve memorized everything, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. Even your backup plans.”

Rose giggles. “And their backup plans as well.”

Hugh grins. “We’re as ready as can be, sir.”

Sereb growls. “All that is left is to implementation.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah! And go home proud!”

Auriel appears nervous. “And hopefully safe.”

Arc frowns. “No promises there.”

They nod soberly as Arc continues.

“I won’t lie to you all. This mission will be beyond dangerous. Our chances of success aren’t the greatest and it wouldn’t surprise me if not all of us make it back. But we all knew this was coming. Princess Celestia MUST be saved! Equestria’s depending on us to bring her home, and we will not fail! We can’t fail.”

Arc sighs.

“I’m very proud of all of you. But right now we need to rest and ready ourselves physically and mentally for what lies ahead. When the sun sets we’ll eat a quick meal and be off. But before we adjourn, is there anything else that needs to be said?”

Hugh stands up. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to say… thank you. Thank you for taking us as your squad and allowing us to serve Equestria by your side.”

Xenos too rises. “Yeah. And thanks for saving Miss Pommel. She means the world to all of us.”

Viktor grins as he gets to his feet. “Thank you for showing us our place in this world, and giving us a home.”

Ember jumps on his back affectionately. “Thanks for sticking by my side. Even when I was at my very lowest.”

Auriel reaches over and takes Arc’s hand. “Thank you for giving me a new life, a new home, and the courage to keep going. I never thought I’d see anything other than Tartarus.”

Rose takes Arc’s other hand. “Thank you for freeing me, and giving me the chance to live my life by my own will.”

Sereb grins toothily. “Thank you for choosing me to form a Life Pact with. Out of all the bigger and stronger warriors of my tribe you looked at and pointed at me. I will never forget that moment, Arc. Not as long as I live.”

Max nervously stands with the others. “Sir, I… well… I just wanted to say thank you for… for always believing in us. We’ve always done our best to make you proud and bring honor to your command.”

“And I appreciate that. But there’s something I need to tell all of you too.”

Arc takes a deep breath before continuing.

“It’s been a long and winding road, and this may very well be the end of it in more ways than one. There’s no guarantee that we’ll succeed here tonight, or even if we’ll make back alive. But I’m going to give it my all tonight so I don’t have to live with the thought that maybe I could have done more. As you all know, I’ll be on point tonight. But my success relies on all of you doing your part and giving it your all. There can be no hesitation, no indecision, and no wavering. When I give an order it must be followed immediately and without discussion. Our very lives may depend on it.”

All assembled nod soberly as Arc looks around the room.

“Each of you are warriors in your own right. Having done things that most ordinary citizens could only dream of. Although we represent numerous different races… today, tonight, and forevermore… all of you… are heroes.”

Arc’s squad salutes. Ember, Rose, Auriel, and Sereb follow their lead. Viktor grins.

“We won’t let you down!”

Xenos clenches a fist. “Yeah! Let’s bring the princess home!”

Ember gives Arc’s cheek a quick peck. “I’m with you to the end, Arc!”

Sereb roars. “As am I!”

Arc looks around and smiles. “Thank you, everyone. Now before we get some rest, there’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while.”

Rose appears confused. “What’s that?”

“Take a picture.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “A… what?”

“A photograph to remember this day.”

Viktor frowns. “How though, sir?”

“One moment.”

Reaching into his ring Arc pulls out a tripod with a camera on top. As he sets it up he turns to the others.

“All of you put on your armor and magic cloaks. You too, Ember.”

Rose looks to Arc. “What about Auriel and I?”

“I want both of you in the picture too.”

Auriel smiles. “You do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’re part of this team as well.”

“What should I wear?”

“How about that military uniform we took?”

“Okay.”

Auriel hurries to the bathroom to change. Before long she emerges and rejoins them. As everyone lines up Arc looks them over.

“Masks off, everyone.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“This picture might be in the history books one day. I want our faces in this one.

Viktor nods. “If that’s what you want, that’s what we’ll do, sir.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Let’s see your armaments in the shot. Sereb you lie down in front.”

Sereb does so as Rose nods and calls forth her R-Cannon and L-Blade. Arc finishes setting up the camera and calls forth his own armor and spear. Removing his helmet he holds it on his side as he sets the timer and rushes over to join the others. A few moments later there are several flashes as multiple pictures are taken. Arc walks back to the camera and removes the card.

“Let’s see how it looks.”

Putting it in the computer, Arc pulls up the images and picks the best one. Reaching for his ring he pulls out some special paper. Xenos watches intently.

“What’s that, sir?”

“Photo paper. It’ll make the picture look extra good.”

Inserting the paper into the printer Arc presses a few buttons and prints out a dozen copies. Passing them out everyone looks them over. Viktor grins.

“We look great!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah!”

Hugh chuckles. “I still have a hard time believing anyone would want to see this in a history book though.”

Max sighs. “Well, if we make it back it’ll certainly be a historic occasion.”

Ember clenches a fist. “You mean WHEN we get back.”

Rose smiles. “Right. We must stay optimistic.”

Auriel nods as she looks to the others. “Agreed! If we work together, I’m sure we can succeed.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ we can do this. But ‘how’ we will do it.”

Arc nods as he puts a few copies in his ring. “Right. Now that we have that out of the way, I want everyone to rest for the remainder of the day. Sereb will cast a Sleep Spell on anyone whom needs it.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Rose turns to Arc. “What about you?”

“I’ll rest too. But first I have to go see someone.”

Arc heads for the stairs as Auriel turns to Ember.

“Do you really think we can pull this off?”

“We have to.”

“We do?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Because no one else can.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks over to the phone. Removing a business card from his ring he looks it over before dialing the number printed on it. A few moments later they are connected. Arc begins to speak.

“It’s me. We need to talk. Where are you? Alright, meet me on the roof.”

He hangs up the phone and calls forth his magic cloak and mask. Cherry calls out to him

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But this story needs to be told.”

Opening a portal Arc steps through. As they reappear on the sigil Cherry releases him from Eidolon’s Ward. She moves to stand next to him patiently as they wait. A few minutes later the roof door opens and Minerva walks towards him. Arc opens a portal and gestures for her to enter. She does so and finds herself on another roof. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and Blinks them down into her apartment. The young woman puts a hand to her stomach.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry, but our business is urgent.”

“Is something wrong?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods sadly. “Everything, actually. Tonight’s going to be quite an evening.”

Minerva shrugs. “I don’t see how. After all, there’s a strictly enforced curfew in effect after dark for the foreseeable future.”

Arc nods. “That much I do know. But we won’t be stopped.”

“What… what do you mean?”

“Do you remember how I told you a while back I was looking for someone?”

Minerva nods. “Yes. That was your whole reason for being here.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Well, we found her.”

“Great! Where?!”

Arc looks at Minerva evenly. “It’s… complicated.”

“Do you need my help getting in somewhere?”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its helmet. “Not this time, Minerva.”

“I don’t understand. What is it you want from me?”

Arc frowns. “For you to do your job.”

“To report on the news?”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on Minerva’s shoulder. “Something like that.”

Arc turns and looks out the window. “Tonight we’re MAKING the news. I need you to record what transpires and see to it everyone knows what’s going on as it happens.”

“Like I did at the hospital?”

“Exactly. The only difference is I’ll know you’re there.”

“Where should I set up?”

Eidolon’s Ward shrugs. “That’s going to be a bit complicated.”

“Yes it is. The best, and safest, would be to shoot from the air via helicopter. Can you do that?”

Minerva nods. “I can, yes. But I’ll need a few hours to get it set up.”

“Very well.”

Arc pulls a map from his ring and unfolds it before setting it on a nearby table and pointing at a particular spot.

“There’s a military base here.”

Minerva sighs. “That makes it a no-fly zone.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to her. “A what?”

Arc turns to his armor. “No aircraft allowed.”

“That doesn’t clear it up.”

“I’ll explain it to you later, Cherry.”

He turns back to Minerva.

“You’ll need to get as close as you can without breaking the law.”

Minerva grins. “I’ll be sure Dave brings the long range lenses.”

“Good.”

“What time should we be there?”

Arc points at the beach across from the base. “Land here at midnight and wait. That will give me time to find our target and get out.”

“Will there be some kind of signal?”

Arc sighs. “Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it. When we start moving, get that chopper in the air and get ready to start filming.”

“This should make for some interesting news. Do you think I could get a follow up interview afterwards?”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its helmet. “I don’t think that will be possible.”

“Well, how about the next day?”

Arc frowns. “What Cherry means is… this is the end.”

Minerva looks confused. “Um… what?”

“The Hero and I are leaving after tonight.”

“Right. And if things go badly… we won’t be coming back.”

Minerva gasps. “B-but, Cherry and I would…!”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry, but this is the whole reason we came to Earth.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods sadly. “The Hero’s right, Minerva. While I don’t like it any more than you do, the stakes are too high to back down now.”

Minerva wraps her arms around Eidolon’s Ward. “You’re the best friend I could have asked for, Cherry! I’ll… I’ll miss you!”

“And I’ll miss you too, Minerva. But there’s something you’ve been hiding.”

Arc grits his teeth. “What?!”

Eidolon’s Ward puts its gauntlets on Minerva’s shoulders. “Tell him. This might be your last chance.”

Minerva nods and takes a deep breath before looking to Arc.

“I… I just… it’s…”

She blushes and sighs.

“Cherry leaving makes me sad. But… you’ve stuck your neck out for me a few times as well. I wouldn’t even be here if you hadn’t.”

“Well, you did the same for me too if you recall.”

“I suppose so, yes. But… I… um…”

“Minerva, what are you trying to say?”

“That you’re my friend too. But, I… I want… I wanted us to be more.”

“More?”

Minerva walks over to Arc and puts her arms on his shoulders. “I spoke to Cherry about a few things a while back. She gave me some very good advice.”

“About what?”

“Being honest. So that’s what I’m going to do… right here, right now.”

The young woman looks at Arc for a long time.

“No one’s ever really cared about me on a personal level. Not my parents. Not my coworkers. Not any man I’ve ever met before.”

Arc appears confused. “Minerva, what are you saying?”

“That I… I don’t want you or Cherry to go! And that I… I…!”

She takes a deep breath.

“I want to be with you!”

Minerva buries her face in his chest as her face turns beet red. Eidolon’s Ward nods and looks to Arc.

“Well, Hero? Do you have something to say to Minerva?”

“I… um… don’t really know what to…”

Minerva grabs the front of his cloak as she looks to him frantically.

“Please take me with you! I don’t care if you’re a human or an alien or whatever! I just…!”

A tear flows down her cheek.

“I just want to be with the two of you!”

Arc sighs. “You… you can’t come, Minerva.”

“PLEASE!”

“This is going to be dangerous enough as it is. If you were to try and rendezvous with us it wouldn’t end well. Please just stay at a safe distance and record whatever happens.”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on Minerva’s back. “Look at it this way, my friend. You’ll have the exclusive story of the century.”

“For the first time in my adult life, I don’t care! Is there nothing I could do to change your minds?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Minerva. I’m sorry, but please stay safe.”

“Would you… could you possibly do one thing for me?!”

“What is it?”

Minerva’s hand moves slowly toward Arc’s mask. He instinctively pulls back a few inches.

“Hero, please… trust me.”

Arc sighs as Minerva’s hand touches the silk mask. She carefully raises it just past his nose before stopping. Putting her hands on his cheeks Minerva pulls Arc’s face close to hers and plants her lips on his. There is a light snap as they kiss. After a few moments the pair step back.

“You don’t want to see who I am?”

Minerva smiles at him. “Oh, I do. But… not like this.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “Minerva?”

“When you’re unmasked, Hero, I want you to be the one doing it willingly. Not because I’m begging you to.”

“But we might never see each other again.”

Minerva nods. “That’s true. But that’ll give you an incentive to come back.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “She’s got you pegged, Hero.”

“I’ll try. But no promises.”

“Thank you. I hope that one day you’ll be able to share your world with me. I’d love to see the real Cherry Hill Ranch.”

Arc chuckles. “It is a sight to behold, yes.”

“Maybe someday, Minerva. If you do come my guest room is yours.”

Minerva smiles. “I’ll remember that, Cherry.”

Arc turns to his armor. “We should be getting back.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Agreed. You need to rest before tonight.”

Minerva blushes. “Um… Hero?”

“Yes?”

“You could… rest here with me if you wanted.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “I’d make sure you didn’t oversleep.”

“Thank you, but no. I really need to rest in my own bed. That and there’re others waiting for me.”

“I… understand.”

Arc takes the gauntlet from his armor and puts it on. Opening a portal he turns back to Minerva.

“I’m sorry, Minerva. Maybe someday we can talk more. But today is not that day.”

Eidolon’s Ward walks over to her friend and gives her a hug.

“I’ll miss you, Minerva.”

“I’ll miss you too, Cherry.”

Eidolon’s Ward steps toward the portal before stopping and looking to the pair. “You two take a few moments and say goodbye properly.”

Entering the swirling energies the armor vanishes. Minerva smiles and gives Arc a hug.

“Please don’t forget about me.”

“I won’t.”

She rests her chin on his shoulder and smiles.

“Hero, I… I love you. Don’t forget that either. Even if you don’t feel the same way about me.”

Arc nods and steps back.

“Yes, well… I… um… t-take care, Minerva.”

He turns and walks through the portal. It closes behind him as Minerva falls to her knees. A massive grin across her face.

“Hero… I do still want to unmask you. But now for a much different reason.”

She sits on the floor for some time silently. Suddenly her expression changes as she jumps up and frantically runs to the phone.

“Crap! I’m supposed to be at work!”

Chapter 10 - Pain and Regret

Arc reappears on the sigil in his basement. Sereb looks over from the bunks.

“They are asleep.”

“Good. We’ll all need our strength for tonight.”

“Shall I do the same for you?”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to him. “That might not be a bad idea, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Alright. Just let me get in bed.”

He turns to his armor.

“You coming?”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes its helmet. “No. I’ll… just sit on the couch.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

“No, no. I just wanted to give you some alone time.”

“But…”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “You should trust Miss Cherry on this, Arc.”

“Uh… okay.”

Eidolon’s Ward calls out after him. “Good night, Arc.”

“Night.”

Sereb and Arc head upstairs together. Arc heads for the bathroom.

“I’ll be there in a minute. Just let me grab a quick shower.”

Walking into the bathroom Arc disrobes and turns on the water.

“Cherry not coming with me to bed? This is new.”

He steps into the stream of water and sigh.

“Tonight’s going to be quite the endeavor. Cherry, what do you…”

Arc stops and sighs, shaking his head at his mistake.

“Guess I’m just used to you being here, Cherry.”

He puts a hand to his forehead.

“And with you gone, my head just feels so… empty.”

Shaking his head Arc grabs the soap and lathers up.

“I’ll be fine. After all, I did alright before. Isn’t that right Ch-…”

Frowning, Arc rinses himself off.

“Again?! I must really be slipping.”

The sound of the bathroom door opening can be heard.

“Who’s out there?”

Sereb’s voice rings out. “I brought you something clean to wear.”

“Thanks. Um… can we talk?”

“Of course.”

“Do you think I rely too much on Cherry for my mental well-being?”

“That is a strange question.”

“Well?”

“I do remember how you were prior to her return. Let me just say it was… difficult to watch.”

Arc sighs. “That was a hard time in my life.”

“For those around you as well.”

“Huh?”

“Everyone wanted to comfort you. To say something that might bring you peace. However none of us could think of much.”’

Arc smiles. “It’s the thought that counts, I suppose.”

“Is something bothering you?”

“Kinda. My separation from Cherry is a bit… awkward.”

Sereb tilts his head to one side, confused. “But she is downstairs.”

“I mean it’s strange not having her in my head.”

“You have come to rely on such comfort?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“At the risk of sounding callous, she will not be here forever.”

“She said that one day she’d leave. But I don’t know what I’ll do or say when that time comes.”

“You should learn to not lean so heavily on a single individual. Should they be lost, you would be ill prepared to continue on alone.”

Arc frowns. “What are you suggesting I do? Cut myself off from everyone?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. But you would do well to have multiple individuals to support you in this manner. Should one fall away, the others would still hold you up.”

“Are you talking about the whole herd idea?”

“Indirectly, yes.”

Arc groans. “Not you too!”

“I do believe Ember would like that very much. As would your other potential mates.”

“Why is everyone so concerned about me getting married these days?!”

“Because you need the stability.”

“Are you sure that’s all?”

“And a creature whom is as active as you are would most likely not have all your needs met by a single mate.”

Arc narrows his eyes as he pulls back the curtain and looks to Sereb. The wolf bows his head.

“I do not believe that was expressed or interpreted as I had intended.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m thinking not.”

He turns off the water and grabs a towel with his magic as Sereb continues.

“I was only implying that a hero of your caliber is certainly worthy of whomever they choose. However such a mate most likely does not exist. Hence my reasoning for a… ‘herd’ as you call it.”

“Well, that kinda does make sense. In a rather strange way.”

“You would be quite the catch, my friend. Do consider the idea of a herd when there is more time. After all, there are advantages to numerous mates I would imagine.”

“Oh? Like what?”

Sereb grins toothily. “At the very least, you will not be bored.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.”

“Do what makes you happy, my friend.”

The pair leave the bathroom together. Sereb lies down in front of his parent’s room as Arc looks to him, confused.

“I thought you were going to…”

Sereb gestures to the door. “Go.”

Frowning, Arc opens the door and steps inside. Turning toward the bed he see Ember waiting for him under the covers suggestively. He sighs.

“Ember, we don’t have time for…”

Arc suddenly feels two arms wrap around his midsection from behind and a body press against his as Auriel’s voice rings out.

“We just wanted to spend this time with you, Arc.”

Ember nods. “That and Auriel had a bit of a proposition for you.”

Auriel giggles. “Yes. But let’s lie down first.”

She leads Arc to the bed. He slides in next to Ember as Auriel hops in next to him and covers the trio with a sheet. Arc turns to her.

“Is something wrong, Auriel?”

Auriel shakes her head happily as she snuggles up to him. “No, Arc. For once everything is right.”

“What’s this about a… proposition?”

Ember grins. “Hear her out on it, Arc. It’s really a good idea.”

“Do you remember our earlier talk about me joining your herd?”

Arc sighs. “I can hardly forget with everyone around me bringing it up all the time.”

“Well, we’re all very interested. But I think I may have a solution that fulfills everyone’s desires.”

“Um… okay. What is it?”

“The demons have been at odds with Equestria for many long years.”

Ember nods knowingly. “From Tartarus.”

Auriel nods. “Ultimately, yes. Although open hostilities between our nations ended centuries ago with our imprisonment, the hatred demonkind has for Equestrians is unrivaled.”

She turns her attention back to Arc.

“That’s where my idea comes in. As the daughter of King Malevolence, it would help greatly if I were to wed a royal of Equestria.”

“So you want to marry one of the princesses?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, it doesn’t have to be one of them. It just has to be someone very high up.”

She looks up into Arc’s face and smiles.

“Someone like you.”

“And that would bring peace to our two nations?”

Ember shakes her head. “Not right away, no. It’d take a lot more time to do that. This would just be the first step in that direction.”

“Ember’s right. But it has to start somewhere.”

“Can I assume you haven’t talked to your father about this?”

“I haven’t, no. But it’s customary in our culture to give a daughter to a rival to settle a large dispute.”

“Wait, what?!”

“According to our beliefs, it’s dishonorable to raise a claw against a member of one’s own family or those under them. Should I be given to a leader of Equestria, there would be no more threat of violence from the demons even if they were to escape.”

Arc frowns. “So you’re willing to be… given to me? Like property?”

Auriel nods. “I am. “

Arc sighs. “You’re worth more than that, Auriel. After all, you’re not an object and shouldn’t be treated as such.”

“That may be. But I’m willing to do my part to ease the tensions between pony and demon.”

She looks into his face happily.

“My father would most certainly agree. I know that you would treat me well and care for me as you have in the past. But my offer has a second part to it.”

“There’s more?”

Ember grins. “Oh, yes! And I think you’ll like this!”

Auriel blushes happily. “I’d be willing to carry your children, Arc. Through me your bloodline would continue.”

“That’s not…”

“It would also solve the problem of offspring for your herd. Twilight and her friends, while all very nice, are not able to procreate with you.”

“But we’re different species, aren’t we?”

Auriel nods. “We are, yes. But you must remember that I’m half human. I’ve already run some preliminary tests, and it appears our DNA is compatible.”

Ember grins. “Auriel can give you a real family, Arc. What do you say to her plan?”

“I… I don’t know.”

Auriel looks to him, confused. “Was there something else you wanted?”

“Actually, yes.”

“What is it?”

Arc turns over and faces Auriel. “Just one thing. Your happiness.”

“But…!”

“Auriel, you’re not a bargaining chip for your country, nor are you just a means for procreation. I want you to have what YOU want.”

Auriel blushes heavily as her hands fly to his cheeks. “Marrying you and having your children IS what I want though!”

Ember nods happily. “She telling the truth, Arc. The whole uniting the two countries really was secondary in her mind.”

Auriel appears suddenly sad. “Yes. But if you’d prefer, I’d also be willing to cut all ties with the demon nation.”

“Wouldn’t you miss your father though?”

Auriel sighs. “I suppose so. But if it means you and I can be together…”

Arc turns to Ember.

“And you’re okay with this?!”

“Sure! As the future Dragon Lord, I’d even be willing to extend the same offer as Auriel. Peace between the Dragon Lands and Equestria in return for taking me as a mate. That and you know I was interested in you before you got where you are today.”

Arc sighs. “What about all that talk a while back about you having to birth the future Dragon Lord?”

Auriel’s eyes wander down to his nether regions. “I’d be willing to research ways to alter your sperm to be compatible with Ember’s species, Arc.”

Ember gasps. “Wait! You can DO that?!”

“Probably, yes. But it’ll take quite some time and a lot of research. That and I’m sure Twilight would be willing to help.”

Ember looks hopeful. “What about her and the others? Could you make them and Arc compatible?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Sadly, no. Equine DNA is far different than human. The only reason it might work for a dragon is the fact you and humans, for some reason, share the same number of chromosomes. Unfortunately a pony’s count is different.”

She turns back to Arc.

“So what do you say, Arc? Would you be willing to take a demon princess as a wife?”

Ember blushes happily. “And a dragon ‘princess’?”

“I… don’t know. I mean I like you both… a lot really! But at the moment I have other things to think about. I’m just not ready for something like this.”

The pair appear crestfallen as Arc continues.

“Sorry. I know that isn’t what you wanted to hear. But it’s how I feel.”

Auriel forces a small smile. “It’s okay, Arc. After all, you were just being honest.”

Ember grins. “That’s right. But we’d both like it if you’d consider this offer of ours in the future.”

“I’ll think about it. But that’s all I’m saying right now. Now why don’t the three of us get some sleep?”

Auriel nods as she and Ember put their heads next on Arc’s shoulders and close their eyes. Soon the sound of light snores can be heard coming from both of them. Arc looks side to side at them and smiles.

“It’s nice that you two are so devoted. But I’m not sure if I can make both… or either… happy.”

Sighing he closes his own eyes and rests. Several hours later he opens them to see Sereb standing at the foot of the bed, his horn aglow.

“What’s… going on?”

“There is a… situation that requires your immediate attention, Arc.”

Arc carefully makes his way to the end of the bed. Leaving the room with Sereb the large wolf turns to him.

“My apologies for… interrupting.”

“It’s fine. But what’s up?”

“I believe you’ll just have to see it to understand.”

They walk down to the basement to find Max sitting at the table hanging his head. Arc looks to Sereb.

“I thought I told you to make sure everyone stayed asleep.”

“You did, yes.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Sereb certainly gave it his best though.”

“Indeed. However he refuses to do so.”

Arc frowns as he turns to Max. “What the heck are you doing?! We need to be at our best for tonight!”

“Sir, I… I need to tell you something privately. Might we go upstairs?”

“Fine.”

They proceed to the living room. Arc motions for Max to sit on the couch as he stands in front of him and folds his arms over his chest.

“I get the feeling I know what it is, but go ahead.”

“This isn’t easy to say, sir but…”

Max takes a deep breath before continuing.

“…I can’t go back to Equestria with you.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You can’t?”

“I… I just can’t leave Shelly like this. But don’t worry. I’ll still come with you and the others on this last mission.”

“And you just expect to leave after this?”

“Yes sir. Princess Celestia will be safe and sound in your care. I could just…”

“Just what?! Head back here to get cleaned up before walking over to see Shelly?!”

Max looks surprised. “Actually, yes sir.”

Arc facepalms.

“Oh for crying out loud… love has completely blinded you, Max!”

“What do you mean, sir?”

“I doubt any of us are just going to be able to walk away after this! They’ll be looking everywhere for the Hero of Light and his companions! The police and even the military will probably put a bounty out on all of us!”

Max’s eyes grow wide. “And that would put Lily and Shelly in danger!”

“Yes. That’s yet another reason why you shouldn’t go through with what you planned.”

Max hangs his head. “What do I do?! Just… never see her again?! That would break her heart!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Max. You have to tell her yourself.”

“Tell her what?”

“That you’re leaving town tonight with me and the others.”

“What does that…?”

“It’s the truth! We’re all leaving!”

Max gasps as he jumps to his feet. “Leave Shelly?! But… but I LOVE her sir!”

Arc puts a hand on Max’s shoulder. “I know you do, Max. But if that’s true you should be willing to do what’s best to protect her.”

Max opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Eventually he nods slowly.

“Yes sir. I’ll… give her a call.”

Arc frowns. “No, you will NOT!”

“Sir?”

“Something like this is major. You can’t do it over the phone.”

“Then how…?”

Arc reaches out with his magic and grabs his keys off a nearby table before turning back to Max.

“There’s only one way. Face to face. Come with me.”

“N-now?!”

Arc nods as he grabs Max’s arm. “No time like the present. That and it’s only a handful of hours until we have to leave.”

“Yes sir.”

Getting in the Jeep they make the short drive to Shelly’s Kitchen. Arc pulls into the empty parking lot and shuts off the engine before turning to Max.

“Let’s go.”

“Y-you’re coming too, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But I’m going to stand at the bottom of the stairs to listen and wait just to make sure you don’t get cold feet. We don’t have time for beating around the bush right now.”

Sighing, Max gets out of the vehicle and the pair walk over to the exterior stairs. They stop at the base as Arc turns to his friend.

“Go ahead, Max. I’ll be waiting for you right here.”

Looking up the stairs, Max takes a deep breath before slowly climbing them. He pauses outside the door and looks back to Arc whom nods soberly at him. Sighing Max knocks lightly before entering.

“H-hello? Shelly?”

“In the living room!”

Max gulps and follows the sound of Shelly’s voice to its source. She smiles and puts down her book as she moves to stand. Max hurries over to help her. Shelly takes his hands and smiles as she wraps her arms around his neck.

“It’s good to see you again, Max. Would you like a bite to eat? Perhaps some tea and dessert?”

Max shakes his head. “N-no, thank you. I can’t stay long. Um… is Miss Lily around?”

Shelly smiles at him. “No. She went to bed early tonight, so it really is just the two of us. Are you alright, Max? You don’t look well?”

“Truthfully, I… just came to say… goodbye.”

Shelly looks at him, clearly confused.

“Goodbye?”

Max nods.

“Yes, I’m… leaving town tonight. For good this time. And I… I’m afraid that we’ll never see each other again.”

“But… why…?”

“Shelly, I… I love you more than you know. But I’ve realized that this town… it isn’t where I belong. And I need to go back to where I came from.”

“Back to Ponyville?”

Max nods. “Yes.”

Shelly smiles. “In that case, take me with you.”

“What?!”

“Lily can run the restaurant by herself until she can hire someone to replace me. Truth be told, we should’ve done that a long time ago anyway. I’ll transfer the business into her name so she can do whatever she wants with it. Keep it, sell it, whatever! Then you and I can start a new life together!”

“I… Shelly… I… we can’t.”

“But why? I thought we loved each other.”

“Oh we do, Shelly! I’ve never felt this way about anyone before!”

“Then what’s the problem?!”

“I… we…”

Max sighs.

“Believe me when I say… it wouldn’t work out between us.”

“Max, I… I don’t understand!”

“Shelly, I don’t think there’s any way that you could understand.”

Shelly shakes her head as she frowns. “No, Max! Now please, if you really do care about me, I want to know the truth!”

Max nods soberly as he looks directly into her eyes.

“Alright then. The truth it is. Shelly, I… I’m from another world.”

“What?!”

“I came here with my friends through a transdimensional portal from another planet entirely. And tonight we… we have to go back. This time permanently.”

Shelly gazes at Max evenly for a few moments before responding.

“Yes, Max. Yes, I understand. I understand it perfectly.”

Max looks hopeful. “You do?”

Shelly nods as a frown spreads across her face.

“You should have told me sooner… that you don’t want to be burdened with an INVALID like me!”

Max gasps. “Sh-Shelly?! But I…!”

Shelly looks at him angrily. Her voice raising as she speaks.

“You think that just because of my physical limitations that I’m STUPID TOO?!”

“What?! No! It’s just…!”

Shelly raises a hand and slaps Max across the face.

“I’ve heard some tall tales over the years, Max! But the fact that you’d conjure up something as ludicrous as that is just so… so… INSULTING!”

With more strength than normal, she pushes Max away from her. He stumbles back and crashes against a bookcase as angry tears flow down Shelly’s face.

“All you had to say was I don’t love you, and I never want to see you again! That at least would have been HONEST!”

Shelly stumbles past Max and runs as best as she is able down the hall to her room, slamming the door. Max chases after her but finds the door locked.

“But that’s not true!”

Hearing nothing but sobbing from the other side of the door, Max turns and slowly walks to the front door. Opening it he stares out at the darkness beyond it for a few moments before turning to a small end table. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out Shelly’s pendant and stares at it for a long moment.

“I’ll never forget you, Shelly.”

Forcing a sad smile, he carefully lays the small pendant on the end table before stepping out and closing the door behind him. Slowly walking down the steps he stands before Arc, his head bowed.

“It’s… done, sir.”

“I take it she didn’t take the news well.”

Max shakes his head as Arc sighs.

“I’m sorry it had to end this way.”

“So am I, sir.”

Arc turns back toward the Jeep. “We should get home and try to sleep.”

“Might I walk home, sir?”

“You’re not planning on running off, are you?”

“No, sir. Now that Shelly… I really don’t have any reason to do so anymore.”

Arc nods. “Alright. But don’t take any detours.”

Max speaks in almost a whisper. “Yes sir.”

Arc walks back to the Jeep, hops in, and starts the engine. Leaning back in the seat he sighs and looks out the window at Max slowly crossing the deserted streets.

“Sorry, Max. But you and the others don’t belong here. Then again, at this point… neither do I.”

Pulling out of the parking lot he heads toward home. As his street sign comes into view Arc slows down to turn. Sighing he continues going straight. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc, you missed your…”

“I need to make things right before I go too.”

Making the drive to Hammer’s apartment he pulls over and parks. Shutting off the engine he looks up at her window.

“Dark. She must already be in bed.”

Pausing to consider his options, Arc sits there motionless for a time. Eventually he sighs and steps out onto the street. Running up the stairs to the now familiar apartment door Arc takes a deep breath before knocking. Hearing no response he knocks again.

“Maybe she’s a heavy sleeper.”

Looking around, Arc quickly Blinks through the door. The room is dimly illuminated by the streetlights outside. He slowly walks toward Hammer’s room. Finding the door ajar he reaches over for the light switch. As a single bulb overhead dimly lights the room he looks toward the bed.

“Empty? Where could she be at this hour?”

He looks toward the computer desk. Sitting down Arc picks up a nearby pencil and paper. After thinking a moment he begins to write her a letter. Completing his task he turns around and leaves the room.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you face to face, Hammer. But this will have to do.”

Arc heads back the way he came. Returning to the Jeep he gets in, starts the engine, and departs. Upon reaching his own house he spots Max sitting on the front steps. Parking, Arc gets out, walks over to him, and sits down.

“Went for a drive, sir?”

“Not… exactly.”

“I came straight home like you told me.”

“Good.”

They are silent for a time.

“I… had to do the same for Hammer.”

“Sir?”

“She wasn’t home. Probably still at the base working on something or other. I… really did want to tell her face to face as you did earlier. Even though she’d probably have punched me in the gut.”

Max nods soberly. “We both deserved what we got, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Max. Neither of us did.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I deserved a beating after playing with Hammer’s feelings. Didn’t get that. You deserved to be with Shelly and have a happy life. But you didn’t get that either.”

“But sir… if you felt that way why did you…?”

“Because… because you’re my friend, Max. Remember, I lost the love of my life not that long ago. Shelly’s condition won’t allow her to stay at home much longer. She’s been slowly dying since we were kids, and there isn’t anything I can do to stop it.”

He puts his hand on Max’s shoulder.

“I didn’t want you to have to go through that. Having to feel the pain of watching the one you love the most die before your eyes.”

“Thank you sir. But I feel like the happiness her and I would have found in the interim would have outweighed the sorrow of her passing.”

Arc sighs and nods. “Yes, Max. I know that I was wrong to try and stop you two from having a relationship. If you want to go back over there and try to patch things up…”

Max shakes his head. “No, sir. Shelly doesn’t want to see me anymore after what I told her.”

“What did you say?”

“The truth.”

“You mean…?”

Max nods sadly. “That I’m not really a human, and I’m not from Earth.”

“Why’d you do that?”

“She wanted to know. Like you said before, she deserved a face to face breakup. I knew she wouldn’t believe me.”

“But you told her that anyways?”

“I did.”

“That must’ve taken some serious guts.”

“Not really. If you had seen the look she gave me, I don’t think you’d have been able to keep the truth from her either.”

Arc sighs as he stands up. “Well, I suppose none of that matters anymore. I doubt either of us will see Lily or Shelly after tonight.”

“Are you going to miss them as much as I am, sir?”

“Yes Max. More than words can say.”

Chapter 11 - The Drive

Arc and company sit around the table silently eating bowls of soup. Auriel walks into the kitchen wearing the military outfit from before.

“I’m ready whenever you are, Arc.”

“Good. Sit down and have a bite to eat.”

“Thank you, but I don’t really feel hungry.”

Sereb sighs. “A tired warrior is soon a dead one.”

Auriel gasps. “What?!”

Ember chuckles. “He means you need to keep your strength up.”

Xenos nods as he ladles a bowlful of soup and hands it to Auriel. “Yeah. Can’t sneak into a top secret military base on an empty stomach.”

Ember looks to Arc.

“So were finally doing this, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“How well do you think it’s going to go?”

Arc sighs. “Probably as well as anything else we’ve done.”

Hugh winces. “That bad, sir?”

Xenos shrugs. “I wouldn’t say our previous mission have gone ‘badly’ per say.”

Viktor nods. “Right. Just not according to plan.”

Sereb groans. “A failure in the plan tonight will not end well for us. However I am in this to the very end, Arc.”

Max forces a small smile. “That’s true. We’re with you all the way, sir.”

Rose smiles. “Me too.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Right!”

Arc looks around the table. “I appreciate that. How… uh… are you holding up, Max?”

“Honestly, I think I might need some time off after this mission to think things through, sir.”

Arc nods. “Sure. I’m retiring after this, so all thigs considered, we’ll all have time to think where to go from there.”

Xenos sighs. “But we’ll still be part of the military, sir.”

“I suppose so, yes. However, I can send you anywhere you want to go before I resign.”

Hugh looks hopeful. “Together?”

“Probably, yes.”

Viktor grins. “That would be nice.”

Max turns to Arc. “How about Light’s Hope, sir?”

Ember nods. “They could be transferred to Flash Sentry’s command.”

“Yes, well… his own military career is probably coming to an end.”

Auriel gasps. “You’re not going to fire him, are you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. He’s looking to get out of the military and pursue a family life.”

Sereb grins toothily. “A noble goal. But there is still Sandstorm Mirage. He would be the next logical choice to head the base, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “Who’s to say Light’s Hope would even stay open? With no Hero of Light it would be kinda redundant.”

Max smiles. “The next one to take up that mantle could probably use it, sir.”

Ember nods. “Right. It’d be a waste to just tear it down.”

Hugh snaps his fingers. “Maybe they’d need extra help?”

Viktor turns to Arc. “We could serve as their personal guard.”

Xenos gives a thumbs up. “Yeah. We’ll watch their back like we did yours, sir.”

“I’ll recommend that to the princesses when the time comes.”

He look up at the clock, sighs, and stands.

“But for now we need to get moving.”

Auriel appears nervous. “Aren’t we a bit ahead of schedule?”

“Kinda. But I… need to do something before we head to the base.”

Rose looks confused. “What is it, Arc?”

“You’ll see.”

They head out to the garage and head in via the side door. In place of the Jeep stands a strange looking white van-like vehicle. It is roughly the length and height of a compact car. The Hero of Light’s seal is emblazoned on either side. Sereb raises an eyebrow.

“Somehow I thought it would be… bigger.”

Arc sighs. “I had to partially shrink it down to fit in here.”

Opening the overhead door, Arc turns to the others.

“Let’s push it into the driveway so I can bring this thing back to full size.”

Xenos and Rose give the vehicle a push. It rolls neatly through the door. Arc raises a hand and cast the Matter Compacting counter spell. The vehicle grows to roughly the size of a small bus in but a few moments. Ember grins approvingly.

“Now we’re talking!”

Arc turns to the others. “Rose, you take the driver’s seat. Xenos, you’re co-pilot. Everyone else in the back.”

They pile into the vehicle and look around. The interior is spartan for the most part. Empty save for an extensive control panel in the cockpit. Behind the driver’s and co-pilots seat sit two more sets of controls. Arc walks over to the first console and puts a hand on the seat.

“Auriel, this will be your station. From here you can power the shields with the Bloodstone and your Dark Magic.”

He reaches into his ring and pulls out the Bloodstone. Looking at it a few moments he carefully hands it to Auriel. She accepts it as she returns to her normal form and places it in a small device designed to hold it securely. Auriel sighs as she presses a few buttons.

“All O.R.B. systems are running normally. We’re ready to move out at any time.”

Max looks to Arc. “So Auriel will do what exactly?”

“Control the dark power from the Bloodstone.”

Viktor grimaces. “That sounds dangerous.”

Auriel nods. “It would be for anyone who isn’t a demon or other dark creature. This power would easily corrupt anyone else whom tried to use it.”

Xenos looks to her, clearly concerned. “Are you sure you can handle it?”

“Yes. I’ve already used its power under Arc’s supervision.”

Arc smiles. “She did just fine.”

Ember gives a thumbs up. “That and she willingly gave up the stone after each session.”

Sereb nods. “Right. Auriel could have run off with it anytime. But she chose not to.”

Arc grins at Auriel. “I trust you. But let’s look at the other station.”

Walking to the second console Arc presses a button as numerous monitors activate.

“This will be the ops station. There are cameras all over the exterior of the vehicle along with small drones that can be deployed to give our all around view a boost. Viktor, can you handle this?”

“Yes sir. I’ve been practicing with that simulation program from Canterlot for some time now.”

“Good. We’re all counting on you and Auriel to get us out of there when the time is right.”

He gestures to the empty bay behind them.

“This is where the rest of us will ride.”

Rose looks around. “No extra seats, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We’ll need the extra space for Princess Celestia. I’m told she’s roughly the same size as her sister. And if she isn’t able to stand, she’ll have to lie on the floor.”

Max winces. “Won’t that be uncomfortable for her?”

“Probably. But it’ll be a lot better than where she’s been I’m assuming.”

He points to several overhead compartments.

“We’ve been stocked with blankets, bandages, medicine, and a few other things that should help make her more comfortable, or even save her life.”

Sereb growls. “Or ours.”

“That too.”

Arc looks to Rose and sighs.

“Let’s get moving. Stealthily though.”

“Very well.”

Rose presses a button and the magic-based engine comes to life. A very faint hum is the only indication the vehicle is active.

“Activating active camouflage. Ready, Auriel?”

Auriel puts her claws on her console. “Ready.”

Pressing a few more buttons up front Rose looks to Auriel.

“Begin power transfer.”

Auriel takes a deep breath. “Here goes nothing.”

Channeling the dark magic from the Bloodstone, Auriel presses a button. The vehicle vanishes from sight. Viktor calls out.

“Instruments show we have cloaked successfully.”

Arc nods. “Release a drone to verify.”

“Yes sir.”

A small hatch opens on top of the vehicle and a drone flies out quickly before turning back to scan the ground below. Viktor looks over his monitors.

“I don’t see us.”

Ember grins nervously. “Hopefully no one else will either.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Arc smiles. “Recall the drone, Viktor. As soon as its aboard get us underway, Rose.”

“Yes sir.”

A few moments later Viktor turns to Rose.

“Drone safely recalled.”

Rose turns around. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Before we go, might we name this machine?”

Sereb groans. “I do not believe there is time for that, Rose.”

Xenos looks to Arc. “She’s right, sir. Every vehicle needs some kind of designation.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Well… Sunburst did say he had built the ultimate land vehicle. How about the ‘Landmaster’?”

Max nods approvingly. “A powerful name for a powerful vehicle, sir.”

Ember grins. “I like it!”

Auriel smiles. “Very. This chariot is certainly capable of traversing all imaginable terrains.”

Arc grabs onto a bar overhead. “The Landmaster it is then. Let’s go, Rose.”

The vehicle slowly pulls out of the driveway and down the road as Xenos turns to Rose.

“Remember, if we spot any traffic they can’t see us.”

Rose nods. “I’ll do my best to keep us safe.”

Arc walks over to the Rose. He whispers something in her ear which she appears to agree to. As the vehicle turns Max looks to Arc.

“Sir? This isn’t the way to…”

“I know, Max. We need to make a little… detour.”

Sometime later Rose pulls the vehicle into the an empty parking lot. Xenos looks to Arc, confused.

“What are we doing here, sir?”

Arc sighs as he calls forth his armor. “There’s something I want to say to… someone. All of you please stay here. I’ll try not to take too long.”

Opening the back door Arc steps out. He looks toward the building for some time before muttering to himself.

“It’s been quite some time since I was here last.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Not as long as you think, Arc.”

“I suppose not. At the time I thought the building was being robbed. But now I need to be the one to break in.”

Grabbing the door handle, Arc is surprised to find it unlocked. Inside he walks through the entryway, his way lit by a few lights left on for safety. Soon he reaches his destination. Pushing open the large double doors he steps into a massive room. Cherry sounds confused.

“Where are we?”

“This is the nave of Lord’s Chapel. The church my family went to when I was a kid.”

“It’s very pretty. The architecture kinda reminds me of some of the more fancy buildings in Canterlot.”

“I suppose so, but…”

Arc stops as he sees a man enter the sanctuary via a small side door. Walking up to the altar he lights several candles before stepping back to survey his work.

“Who is…?”

“I think that’s Father Kavanaugh. Let’s go find out.”

Stepping forward slowly, Arc closes the distance between himself and the man. As he nears, he clears his throat softly causing the man to turn around.

“Can I…?”

He looks the armored figure up and down.

“The Hero of Light?”

Arc nods. “Yes sir. I… came here to speak to Him.”

Father Tim gestures to the altar before them. “Go right ahead. I’ll wait in the narthex.”

The pastor turns to leave. Arc steps aside to allows him to pass. Reaching the altar Arc kneels down and removes his helmet respectfully before speaking.

“I, uh… know I haven’t talked to you in a while. But this might be the last chance I have to do so. There’s a lot of things going on in my life right now. Friends… family… and an entire nation’s citizens counting on me to get the job done.”

He pauses before continuing.

“It’s up to me now to right the wrongs I’ve seen. Secret bases… paramilitary operations… oppressing an entire town’s citizens… taking away their freedom… it has to end. And I believe I’m the only one who can stand up to those whom desire to keep everyone under their thumb. If I succeed, everything will again be as it should be. Both here and back home in Equestria. If I fail… well… I suppose then I’ll finally have the chance to talk to my mother and grandparents again.”

Arc smiles.

“I’ll try to come by more often. If I survive, that is. Um… I just ask that you keep my friends and I safe tonight. And help us get the princess to safety too.”

He reaches for his ring and pulls out the pocket watch.

“Looks like it’s almost time. If it’s my fate to fall here, then so be it. If that happens, please look after Derpy and Dinky… Shelly and Lily… Ember, Auriel, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Rarity… and Hammer. Everyone I know and care about. Well… here I go. Protect those of us whom are heading into battle, and help us to bring about an amicable resolution to the most ugly of matters.”

Arc puts his helmet back on and stands. Turning around, he slowly leaves the nave and returns to the narthex. Father Kavanaugh sits on a bench waiting for him.

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Pray, sir. That’s all anyone can do to help us now. The rest is up to me and my friends.”

Father Kavanaugh nods as Arc extends a gauntlet. Shaking it he smiles at the armored figure before him.

“We know you’ll do what’s right for everyone, Hero. Christ be with you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Arc walks out the front door and returns to the vehicle. Ember opens the door for him and steps aside.

“Finished?”

Arc nods soberly. “I am. Take us to the alpha point, Rose.”

“Yes, sir.”

Arc sits on the floor with the others as the vehicle takes off. An hour later they come to the edge of a large lake. Rose stops and turns her head to look at Arc.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Good.”

He turns to look at everyone.

“This is it. Thanks for coming all this way with me, everyone.”

Viktor nods. We couldn’t let you have all the glory, sir.

Xenos grins. “Yeah. That and everyone needs a little help once in a while.”

Hugh grimaces. “Hopefully we can get in and out without incident.”

Max sighs. “But we’ve got your back if that doesn’t happen, sir.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “That goes double for me!”

Sereb growls. “I am as well!”

Auriel looks to Arc soberly. “I’ll do my best too.”

Rose clenches a fist. “And if this doesn’t work, I’ll make the biggest distraction I can to draw their fire.”

Arc looks around. “Thanks everyone. Now let’s go save ourselves a princess!”

Everyone cheers as Arc turns to Rose.

“Do it.”

She nods and presses a few buttons. The Landmaster extends several large tank treads before retracting its wheels. Rose slowly drives forward into the water. A few moments later the vehicle is completely submerged. Ember frowns as they drive along the lake bed.

“I don’t like this."

Xenos grimaces as the outer shell of the Landmaster creaks. “Neither do I. It just doesn’t feel natural.”

Auriel looks up from her console. “It’s just a bit of applied science, everyone. Nothing to worry about.”

Rose sighs. “Can everyone please stop talking. We need to be conserving oxygen.”

Arc gasps. “Sunburst didn’t add extra oxygen tanks?!”

Auriel nods. “A few, yes. There wasn’t much room to spare though.”

Arc puts a finger to his lips as he looks to the others. A short time later the vehicle stops as Rose turns to the others.

“We’re right in front of a large door. I’m going to try cycling various signals in an attempt to open it.”

They nod wordlessly. A few minutes later Rose smiles.

“Got it!”

The sound of the doors slowly opening reverberates through the water. Rose drives them through and down a long, narrow tunnel. Eventually they see light. Spotting a large ramp Rose pilots the vehicle toward it and out of the water. She quickly presses a few buttons.

“Amphibious mode disabled. Opening vents.”

Everyone breathes a collective sigh of relief as fresh air fills the cabin. Arc looks through the windshield.

“Looks like we’re in the Maintenance Bay. See anyone out there, Viktor?”

“Nothing but machines, sir.”

“Good. I thought Hammer might be here.”

Ember frowns. “It’s pretty late, Arc.”

Auriel nods. “She’s probably long since left for the evening.”

“I hope so.”

Arc turns to the others as he pulls a crate from his ring.

“Everyone has their missions. Max, take Xenos and Hugh. I want you to set those charges in the places we talked about earlier.”

“Yes sir.”

Xenos grins. “They won’t know what hit them! But we thought you did this the last time you were here.”

Arc nods. “I set explosives in their power plant, yes. But I figured we should have more set up just in case. These are for a backup explosion should we need it.”

He turns to the others.

“Rose, you and Viktor will stay with the Landmaster. Call out any changes you detect via radio to the group. Auriel, Ember, and Sereb, you’re with me. Everyone get their robes on.”

They do so. In a matter of moments everyone is ready. Arc puts his hand on the door release as he looks around at his friends.

“Everyone ready?”

They nod soberly as Arc takes a deep breath.

“Okay. Here goes nothing…”

Chapter 12 - Into the Belly of the Beast

The Landmaster decloaks as Arc opens the back door. He and the others jump out and form a defensive perimeter as Sereb sniffs the air.

“I do not smell any fresh scents.”

“Good. Max, and the others take care of your objectives.”

“Yes sir.”

Xenos grins. “We won’t let you down, sir.”

Arc nods. “I know you won’t. Contact me when you’ve finished.”

They nod, cloak, and leave. Arc turns to Sereb.

“We’re going to need that golden nose of yours on this one.”

Sereb bats at his snout. “Is there something on it?”

“No, it was just an expression.”

Auriel looks around nervously. “Can we please get a move on?!”

Ember grimaces. “That’s probably a good idea.”

“Fine. Sereb, Auriel needs to be turned back into a human.”

“Very well.”

Sereb carries out his assigned task before turning back to Arc.

“Ember, let’s cloak. Sereb, you go with Auriel.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Eh?”

Cherry gasps. “Someone will see him though!”

Arc nods. “That they will. But I’m certain no one will give him a second glance if Auriel holds him.”

“Holds me?”

“Yes. After all, considering Diva’s reputation, I don’t think any soldier here would question her for bringing a pet onto a military base.”

Ember grins. “Hiding in plain sight. I like it!”

“Sereb, you can direct Auriel where to go once you find the scent. She’ll carry you to our destination as Ember and I follow closely behind.”

Cherry giggles. “Simple, but effective.”

Auriel kneels down as Sereb returns to his Cub Form and jumps into her arms. She turns him around to face forward before turning to Arc.

“There we go. Is everyone ready?”

Arc and Ember cloak.

“Now we are.”

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

Auriel walks toward the door. Taking a deep breath she presses the controls. The door slides open allowing her to step out into the corridor. Sereb turns his head to sniff around before looking one direction. Auriel takes his cue and begins walking. Cherry calls out telepathically to Arc as they walk.

“I sure hope this works.”

“So do I.”

They walk on for some time. Eventually they come to a corridor lined with numerous private quarters. Sereb calls out quietly.

“This door.”

Auriel stops and looks around. “Where are you two?”

Arc whispers. “Right behind you.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah.”

“What now?”

Arc grins. “I have a plan. Here’s what I want you to do… Diva.”

Auriel sighs as Arc lays out her part.

“Alright. But I don’t really like this.”

“Duly noted. Go ahead.”

Auriel looks at the door for a bit before knocking. A few moments later Doctor Rieper answers wearing a pair of pajamas. He frowns at the woman before him.

“Diva?! Do you have ANY idea what time it is?! SOME of us have early mornings!”

“Well, this is important!”

She gestures to the creature in her arms.

“One of my… uh… sources just delivered this creature to me.”

Rieper narrows his eyes. “You mean to tell me that you felt the need to wake me up in the middle of the night to show me your new DOG?!”

“Not just any dog. This one has been found to contain magical essences.”

“That is not possible. The animal test subjects were purged long ago.”

Auriel frowns. “He may have it naturally.”

Rieper rolls his eyes. “Also impossible.”

“Well then, you should have no trouble scanning him to disprove my claims.”

Rieper sighs. “Oh, very well. If for no other reason than to prove yet again that you are not as infallible as you believe yourself to be. Just let me get dressed and we’ll head over to the lab.”

“No reason to go through all that personal preparation for a simple test. That and there’s no one else around.”

“Very well. Just let me grab something.”

He heads over to his desk and picks up his badge. Arc smiles silently as the pair return to the corridor and walk towards the lab. Ember whispers to him.

“I can’t believe that worked!”

“Of course it did. He still thinks Auriel is Diva.”

They make their way to the research lab and through it into Rieper’s office. Auriel sets Sereb on the desk. She pats his head as Rieper sits down in his chair and rummages through a drawer.

“Sit.”

Sereb does so as Auriel continues petting him.

“Who’s a good boy? You are!”

Sereb growls slightly as Auriel stops and takes a step back.

“Whoops. Sorry about that.”

Rieper pulls out a strange looking device. He aims it at Sereb as he peers through the lens.

“Hm… he does has some latent magical energy surrounding him. However that could have been planted by your so-called source.”

Reaching back into his desk, Rieper pulls out a small pen-like device.

“Now we’ll find out the truth in this matter.”

Auriel appears nervous. “What are you doing?”

Rieper raises an eyebrow. “Taking a blood sample, stupid! What, are you worried about his safety now?”

“Very! Do you have ANY idea just how valuable this creature is from a research perspective?!”

“That has yet to be seen.”

Rieper puts the pen-like device on Sereb’s backside and presses a button. A small needle pierces his skin making him yelp momentarily. Grabbing a cord from his computer he hooks it to the device and begins typing.

“Alright now. Let’s see just how important this mutt REALLY is.”

Auriel frowns at him as she absentmindedly puts her hand on Sereb’s head again. Opening a program Rieper presses a few keys before frowning and looking at the device.

“This can’t be right.”

Grabbing the pen he deftly tosses it into the waste bin before pulling out another one from the drawer. Pricking Sereb again he hooks the new pen up to the computer. A moment later he gasps.

“I… don’t believe it!”

“What is it?”

Rieper points to his screen. “Look at these readings! This beast’s blood is positively flowing with magical energy!”

Auriel smiles smugly. “As I told you.”

Rieper frowns. “Yes, it would appear the age of miracles is not yet over.”

The doctor begins looking Sereb over.

“It’s incredible! To the naked eye, even a trained one such as mine, this would appear to be nothing but an ordinary stray!”

Sereb growls as Rieper looks to Diva.

“He must be studied! The Organization will benefit greatly from his sacrifice!”

“His what?”

“You know as well as I do that every test subject has a finite amount of use. When it’s passed that point, he’ll be disposed of like the rest. After we successfully clone him, that is.”

The doctor grins menacingly at Sereb as Auriel slowly reaches for the desk’s oak nameplate.

“Dog, you are going to help make leaps and bounds in my research! First we’ll have to take some blood and skin samples! Then I’ll…”

Rieper is cut off as a blow to the back of the head knocks him unconscious. Auriel breathes a sigh of relief as she drops the nameplate onto the floor and opens the door. Arc and Ember step into the office and decloak. Ember looks to Auriel and grins.

“Way to go! He is OUT!”

Auriel smiles sheepishly. “I hit him with his own nameplate.”

Sereb chuckles. “He never saw it coming.”

Arc grins. “Of course not. Rieper was probably far too busy with his latest ‘test subject’ to notice anything else.”

He walks over to Rieper and starts going through his robe’s pockets. Ember raises an eyebrow.

“Are you robbing him?!”

“More or less.”

Auriel sighs. “Arc, is this really the time to…?”

Standing up Arc holds up Doctor Rieper’s badge.

“One down.”

Ember frowns. “How did you know he’d have it?!”

“He’d have to. After all, it’s for more than just simple identification.”

Auriel nods. “Right. Arc’s idea of using Sereb for a potential test subject was to get this creep to go to the lab.”

Sereb chuckles. “And he needed his badge to open the door to this place.”

Arc looks to Ember, confused. “Didn’t you get the plan, Ember?”

“Um… I understood my part. Follow you and watch your back, Arc.”

Auriel sighs. “Should we move on to the next objective?”

“Yes. But first things first.”

Grabbing Rieper, Arc tosses him in a nearby closet before turning to Sereb.

“Cast that Sleep Spell on him.”

Ember frowns. “But he’s already out.”

Arc nods. “And I want him to stay that way.”

Sereb steps forward and does as Arc says.

“He should be out for at least a couple of hours.”

Auriel breathes a sigh of relief. “Plenty of time for us to get out of here.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He holds up Rieper’s badge.

“But before we go, see if this will open those glass tubes, Auriel.”

Auriel nods as she accepts the card. Arc and Ember cloak as Auriel walks out of the office with Sereb and head over to the primary computer. She presses a few buttons and scans the card before smiling.

“I’m in. Shall I start the shutdown process to get these humans out of there now?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We need to do that at the very end. Think of them as the final objective.”

Sereb frowns. “Not the princess?”

“Like it or not, they’re relatively safe in there. But if we let them out too early we’ll just have another variable to deal with.”

Auriel nods. “Either that or they’d have to stay here and try not to be noticed.”

Sereb looks around. “The rows of empty tanks would be a dead giveaway though.”

“That it would. And they’d probably freak out if we told them they had to stay in here and wait for us to come back. So let’s move on to the next objective.”

Ember smiles innocently. “Which is…?”

Auriel holds up Rieper’s badge. “Getting our hands on another one of these.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Why didn’t you just keep Hammer’s?!”

“Because I’m assuming we need the head researcher’s AND an officer’s card.”

Sereb nods. “Hammer is not a very high ranking soldier. It is unlikely she would have clearance to such an area.”

Ember sighs. “Great. So where to next?”

Arc looks toward the door. “I’m guessing there are two other people in this facility with a card that works. General Mustang and Diva. The only question is which one to go after.”

Ember shudders. “Diva’s pretty powerful, Arc.”

Sereb growls. “And she can most likely see through our cloaks.”

Auriel appears nervous. “Agreed. However, we know nothing of the general’s powers. Assuming he has any other than that of pheromone manipulation.”

Arc sighs. “Auriel, like I said during the planning stage, you could probably distract him long enough for one of us to locate and grab his badge.”

Sereb frowns. “That would be quite risky for all involved.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “We could just kill him and search his quarters.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember.”

Sereb growls. “I’d be willing to do the deed.”

“We’re not murderers. Subterfuge here, everyone. Now, let’s go.”

Arc and Ember cloak again as Sereb jumps into Auriel’s arms. They return to the corridor as Auriel looks down at Sereb.

“Which way?”

“I will need his scent first.”

Arc removes a folder from his ring and holds it through the cloak. “Here you go.”

Auriel gasps. “One of the files he handed me?”

“Right. Remember, Sereb’s never seen the general, so he doesn’t have the scent.”

Ember sounds hopeful. “Is that enough to go on?”

Sereb nods as she sniffs the folder. “It is. But his scent is… strange.”

Auriel looks down at the dog in her arms. “How so?”

“Unknown. But unlike anything I have encountered in this world or the others.”

He looks around and sniffs the air before looking up to Auriel and pointing with a paw.

“This way.”

As before, Arc and Ember follow Auriel and Sereb. Taking several turns they eventually come to a large solid oak door. Arc puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder.

“You okay doing this, Auriel?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. But here goes.”

She takes a deep breath and knocks lightly. A few moments later the door opens and General Mustang greets her. He is fully dressed in his uniform and does not appear groggy or having been asleep.

“Good evening, my dear. Please come in.”

Auriel nods and steps into the room as the general closes the door behind her and look at Sereb.

“I see you’ve made a new friend, Diva.”

“He’s much more than that, sir. This dog somehow has the gift of magic.”

Mustang raises an eyebrow. “Does he now?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. I’ve already confirmed it with Doctor Rieper.”

“Really? Let me take a look at him.”

“Sir?”

“I mean I’d like to hold him.”

“Oh! Um… okay.”

She hands Sereb to the general. He looks him over carefully.

“Yes… I feel it too. The magic inside this creature is quite powerful.”

He scratches behind Sereb’s ears. Smiling, Sereb wags his tail.

“I think he likes you, sir.”

“Agreed. I have an affinity for animals though. Tell me, where did he come from?”

“He was found by me, sir.”

“You?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. I… went outside for some air a little while ago. Truth be told, he gave me quite a start when I sensed him.”

“He doesn’t appear to be underfed or anything though. Tell me, could he be one of the early test subjects?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, sir. I’ve already run that idea past Doctor Rieper. He confirms all early test subjects were destroyed.”

“Hm… quite the enigma.”

“I just wanted to bring him by and show you before bedding him down for the night. Doctor Rieper will get busy examining him properly tomorrow morning.”

“Very well. I still can’t get over just how well behaved he is. Very unlike our earlier test subjects.”

“Sir?”

“Don’t you remember how violent most of them were? I shudder to think what might’ve happened had they gotten loose.”

“It’s fortunate that they did not.”

The general nods as he carefully sets Sereb down and turns his attention back to Auriel.

“Now then, my dear. Are you sure there isn’t another reason for your visit?”

“Sir?”

“You usually have something a bit… different on your mind when you visit me at this hour.”

“N-no, sir. I just thought…”

General Mustang smiles at Auriel as she blushes and fumbles for the right words.

“You know… you’re adorable when you act so innocent. So… pure.”

Putting an arm around Auriel’s back he puts the other behind her legs and literally sweeps the young woman off her feet. Mustang then plants a very passionate kiss on her lips. Auriel’s body relaxes as she wraps her arms around his neck and leans in. Eventually Mustang pulls back and whispers in her ear.

“You always were an innocent little thing, Diva.”

He walks toward the bed and lays Auriel down. She does not seem to notice and continues kissing.

“You’re so cute… when… you…”

Suddenly, the general collapses on top of Auriel. Sereb walks over having returned to his true form, his horn aglow. With a sweep of his strong paw he pushes Mustang to the side to free Auriel.

“Are you alright?”

Auriel nods, her face red. “Y-yes. I… I’m fine.”

“My apologies for taking so long. I did not want the general to feel anything too quickly and be alerted.”

Auriel sits up. “Yes, well… let’s get Arc and Ember.”

Walking over to the door Auriel opens it and motions for the pair to enter. Arc closes it behind them and decloaks before turning to the pair.

“Everything go alright in here?”

Ember looks to the general lying unconscious on the bed. “It would appear so.”

Sereb clears his throat nervously. “Things were a bit touch and go for a moment, yes. But Auriel is unharmed.”

Auriel nods sheepishly. “Yes, I am.”

Sereb gestures with a nod. “I noticed his badge on the desk.”

Arc walks over and picks it up.

“Perfect. This along with Rieper’s badge should get us inside that high security door easily.”

Ember grins. “Great. Now let’s get out of here.”

Arc and Ember cloak as Sereb returns to his cub form. Auriel looks back to the general and sighs before picking up Sereb and leaving the room. Moments after the door closes behind them, Mustang opens his eyes and sits up.

“Quite the little ruse you cooked up there, Arc. Although I do wonder where you found that cute little newcomer to add to your group.”

Smiling, he picks up the bedside phone and dials a number.

“Sorry to wake you up, but I need to see you in my quarters right away. No, no, it’s not for that. This is all business. Teleport directly here after you’ve taken a few minutes to… freshen up.”

He hangs up and grins.

“Diva's certainly a beautiful woman. But Arc’s little friend is something else entirely.”

Standing up, Mustang walks over to the bathroom and combs his hair.

“My little colonel was quite hard to tame. But this new woman… she wasn’t even a challenge.”

Chapter 13 - Thinking on your Feet

A few minutes later a portal opens in Mustang’s room and Diva steps out. She turns and glares at him.

“What was so important it couldn’t wait until…?!”

Mustang does not look up from his desk. “Arc is in the base.”

Diva sighs. “Again? Why do you suppose he’s here this time?”

“This is actually his fourth time.”

Diva raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Mustang shrugs. “He pops in and out occasionally.”

“And you haven’t found any need to… oh, I don’t know… STOP HIM?!”

Mustang chuckles. “No, Diva. There’s no reason in the world to restrict his access to Damocles Base.”

Diva rolls her eyes. “Yes, of course. It’s not like he took out Frank’s Shards, The Riders, and is now trying to do the same to US!”

“And he will most likely succeed. However the destruction of this base is not his ultimate goal.”

Diva’s eyes grow wide.

“The Secret!”

Mustang nods. “Yes. Even now I believe he’s on his way to the vault.”

“We have to notify Colonel Langrisser! He possesses one of the remaining keys!”

“Not to worry, Diva. I sent the colonel on a courier trip early this morning. He won’t be back for a few days.”

Diva breathes a sigh of relief. “So there’s no way the Hero can open the vault without my badge.”

“Oh, I didn’t say that.”

“What?! But… but I thought you took the access code from the platoon leader and gave it to me because…!”

The general turns to Diva and smiles.

“I just want to see how resourceful he can be.”

Diva tosses her badge onto the desk. “You do what you want! I’m heading to the vault! Keep this away from him!”

Mustang grabs her wrist.

“No… you won’t.”

“But…!”

“You said it yourself. He can’t get in, right?”

“That’s true. But like YOU said, he’s very resourceful. I know you think him to be very capable. Otherwise you wouldn’t have let this farce go on for so long.”

Mustang chuckles. “You know me so well, Diva.”

“Well, if you aren’t going to let me go after him, OR protect The Secret, what DID you want from me?”

General Mustang grins at Diva. “You.”

She blushes as he takes her in his arms.

“But… but we can’t! Not when there’s an intruder in the base!”

“Several, actually.”

“Several!?”

Mustang nods. “Arc brought his little band with him this time.”

“He… did?”

“Yes. But that’s of no consequence. After all… you’re with me now.”

Diva nods as Mustang picks her up.

“Let’s get you to bed, my dear. You’re positively asleep on your feet.”

“But this is YOUR bed!”

Mustang grins at her. “You know it’s not your first time in it.”

Diva undoes the top button of her uniform as he gently lays her down. “I suppose not. But how about I show you what I’m really capable of this time?”

Mustang chuckles as he slides into bed with her. “Now, now. You remember my promise to you.”

Diva frowns. “Yes. You won’t breed me until the plan succeeds.”

“That’s right.”

“But I don’t understand why not!”

Mustang smiles as he pulls her close. “Because, my dear… the best things in life are worth waiting for.”

He presses his lips to Diva’s as she moans and wraps her arms around him. Pulling herself closer Diva presses her body to Mustang’s as they continue kissing. Meanwhile, Arc’s earring chirps.

“Go ahead.”

Max’s voice rings out. “Mission successful, sir.”

“Everything in place in both locations?”

Xenos chuckles. “Yes sir. We’re ready anytime.”

“Excellent. We’ll meet back at the rendezvous point as soon as possible. Out.”

He severs the connection and turns to the others.

“Let’s get moving. Don’t want to be late now.”

Auriel leads them back the way they came. Sometime later they arrive at the Maintenance Bay. She scans the general’s badge and the door slides open neatly. Walking inside they head for the Landmaster. It decloaks and they enter. A short time later Viktor calls out to Arc from his console.

“Sir, Max and Xenos just arrived.

“Good. Rose, decloak us when they get near. We need to compare notes before we start the next phase.”

A few minutes later Max and Xenos enter the vehicle.

“No problems, sir.”

Xenos laughs. “We didn’t even see any guards.”

Ember frowns. “That’s a bit strange.”

Auriel turns to her. “Ember?”

“For a base this big, there’s a real shortage of defenses.”

Hugh shrugs. “Maybe they think that because the entrance is so heavily guarded…?”

Arc sighs. “I’ve noticed that as well.”

Sereb looks to him. “Arc?”

“I too thought we’d meet heavy resistance when we first came here. Originally I thought it to simply be due to the fact I always came at night. But that just can’t be the reason.”

Cherry calls out. “Why not, Arc?”

“I wish I knew.”

Auriel shudders. “Should we abort the mission?”

Arc shakes his head. “We’ve come too far now. That and when Rieper and Mustang wake up, or are found, this place will probably turn into Fort Knox.”

Sereb tilts his head to one side, clearly confused. “Um… what?”

I mean that the security measures will go through the roof. We NEED to finish this tonight! Otherwise we won’t be able to get back in.

He sighs before continuing.

“Alright. Phase two. Max, Hugh, Viktor, and Xenos will stay here with the Landmaster while Ember, Rose, Auriel, Sereb, and myself head for that vault. Keep near the radio and be prepared to carry out my orders.”

Max nods soberly. “Yes sir.”

Arc takes a deep breath. “This is it. Uh… does anyone want to say anything?”

The air is silent for a time. Eventually Sereb speaks.

“Let us go rescue ourselves a princess.”

Arc chuckles. “Good enough for me.”

He opens the back door and steps out as the rest of his party follows. Xenos waves.

“Good luck, everyone.”

Hugh nods. “Call if you need reinforcements, sir.”

Viktor gives a thumbs up. “Or anything else really.”

Max salutes. “We know you can do it.”

Arc nods and closes the door before turning to the others.

“Okay… everyone understand the plan?”

Ember grins. “Yeah. It’s pretty simple.”

Sereb growls. “But should be highly effective.”

Auriel shudders nervously. “Assuming we act natural, yes.”

Arc nods. “In any case, let’s give it a go.”

Ember clears her throat. “And in the off chance this doesn’t work?”

“Then I suppose I’ll call for one of my pre-planned diversions so we can make a run for it.”

Sereb sighs. “I was afraid of that.”

They walk down the corridor together. As they near the curve that leads to their destination Arc decloaks. Ember frowns.

“Um… what are you…?”

“Trust me. Rose and Ember, you two stay cloaked.”

Rose nods. “What should we do?”

“Monitor the situation and be our aces in the hole.”

Sereb growls. “In case something goes wrong?”

“Think of Rose as ‘Plan B’ and Ember as ‘Plan C’. Failing that, my diversions can be ‘Plan D’.”

Ember sighs. “Fine…”

A few moments later Auriel rounds the bend with a robed and armored Arc. She approaches the commanding officer of the guards.

“General Mustang is here to inspect the contents of this… vault, and make a deposit.”

The leader of the squad salutes. “Yes, ma’am. Forgive us, but we were not aware of any scheduled inspections…”

Auriel groans. “SCHEDULED?! What good would THAT do?!”

“Ma’am?”

Auriel rolls her eyes. “If you knew we were coming you’d have time to straighten up and make sure everything was in order.”

Arc nods wordlessly as he holds up Mustang’s badge. Auriel continues.

“Now then, we need to get inside and deposit a very special new addition to our stock.”

She gestures to Sereb in her arms. The commander appears confused

“A… dog, Colonel Diva?”

“YES, YOU DOLT! Now stand aside!”

“Very well, ma’am.”

He nods to his soldiers whom move to allow Arc and Auriel access. Arc walks over to one of the card readers with General Mustang’s badge as Auriel readies Doctor Rieper’s. They insert their respective cards. Arc’s panel glows green and clicks. However Auriel’s flashes red. Frowning, she reinserts the card. Again it denies her entry. The commander walks over to her.

“There must be something wrong with your card, Colonel…”

He stops talking as he catches a glance at Rieper’s face on the badge. With one swift motion he grabs it to double check before motioning to his soldiers to surround them.

“Colonel Diva, you seem to have Doctor Rieper’s badge. May I ask why?”

“Oh, well… you see…”

Suddenly Rose dashes past the soldiers to stand behind Arc. She calls forth her L-Blade and holds it to his back before shouting to the soldiers.

“All of you back off! Unless you want your general to have a truck sized hole in him!”

The commander looks around as his forces instinctively ready their weapons. “Everyone stand down!”

Rose turns to Auriel.

“We’ll take the general as a hostage and fall back to the…!”

Auriel shakes her head. “Wait. I… I think I can get this door open.”

“How?”

“Let me try something.”

Reaching into her pocket she pulls out her mother’s badge. Putting it in the slot a green light comes on and the door slowly opens. Rose turns to the commander.

“You, come with us!”

“I… very well.”

Rose turns to the soldiers. “The rest of you, don’t try to follow us!”

The commander nods angrily as Rose backs Arc through the door. Auriel follows them still carrying Sereb. She presses a button on a panel and the massive door swings shut behind them. Auriel turns to Rose, confused.

“So why did we need another hostage?”

Rose frowns coldly as she turns to the commander. “We don’t.”

Without another word Rose lunges toward the man and buries her L-Blade in his chest. The commander falls the floor as his blood begins to spread in all directions. Arc gasps.

“ROSE?! WHY?!”

Rose shakes her head as she recalls her blade. “This man here isn’t a man at all.”

Ember raise an eyebrow, confused. “What are you talking about?!”

“He’s a machine like I am.”

Sereb gasps. “What?!”

Auriel looks at the commander’s body. “That… that’s impossible!”

Rose gestures to the soldier lying next to her. “See for yourself.”

Auriel steps forward. She opens the commander’s bloody shirt to reveal a strange sight around the wound.

“This looks like an access panel!”

Arc frowns. “Open it.”

She attempts to do so, but fails.

“The blow appears to have damaged it.”

“Let me try.”

Kneeling down Rose puts a finger inside the wound. A moment later she rips the panel from its mountings before standing up and stepping back.

“There you go.”

Auriel grimaces. “Um… thank you.”

Peering inside, Auriel examines the innards for a few moments before turning to Arc.

“It’s true. This really is nothing more than a machine.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But mankind doesn’t have this level of technology.”

Sereb growls. “It would appear you are mistaken, Arc.”

Rose nods. “Not only that, but my sensors showed that all the soldiers with this one were also mechanical.”

Ember bears her claws. “Good! Now we won’t have to worry about hurting anyone on the way out! Our getaway should be a piece of cake!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not necessarily.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You are worried about property damage?”

Auriel sighs. “Arc is right. Based on what I’ve seen in this bot, he should be more durable and stronger than a normal human. It’ll be an uphill battle getting out when we’re done here, as I’m sure those troops out there have called for backup by now.”

Arc nods. “One thing at a time. For now let’s see if we can find the princess.”

Ember points at the android. “Good idea. That just leaves the matter of what to do with this… thing.”

Auriel stands up and turns to Arc. “I’d like to study it more back in Equestria. Could we take it with us?”

Arc nods. “That’s probably for the best.”

He reaches for his ring and pulls out a plastic bag. Ember looks confused.

“You might need something a bit bigger to hold him, Arc.”

“Just watch.”

Raising a gauntlet, Arc casts the Matter Compacting Spell. The commander shrinks down until he is small enough to fit in the bag. Auriel carefully picks him up and slides him inside before handing the bag back to Arc. Sereb looks at the backside of the door as Arc stores the bag in his ring.

“Now we can’t get out.”

Rose points to a control panel. “We can indeed. There’s a release right over here next to two card readers. We’ll leave the same way we came in.”

Arc grins. “Clever. On both counts, Rose.”

Sereb turns to look at the dragon before him. “Indeed. Fortunately Ember was able to slip inside before the door shut.”

Ember nods as she decloaks nearby. “Barely. Now what?”

Arc points down the corridor. “Let’s start with the biggest door at the end.”

“A good idea. Shall I lead the way?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time, Auriel. The stealth part of this mission is over with, so I’ll take point.”

Ember calls forth her spear. “I got your back, Arc.”

Sereb growls. “Keep your eyes peeled for trouble.”

They make their way down a long corridor. At the end are two doors. One normal sized and one double wide. Arc points a gauntlet at the large double doors.

“She has to be in here.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What makes you so sure?”

Sereb turns to her. “It’s the only door large enough for a princess to easily fit through.”

Rose nods. “Based on Princess Luna’s measurements that would be correct.”

Arc looks to Rose. “Do your sensors detect anything dangerous on the other side?”

“Sadly I can’t seem to scan anything beyond these walls. There’s some kind of interference similar to the Southern Temple back in Equestria.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “That should not be possible.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, that’s mystery for another time. Let’s go.”

Sliding his card into the single slot, a green light comes on and the doors slowly swing inward. However… none are prepared for the sight before them.

Chapter 14 - Red Alert

For several moments no one is able to speak. Finally Arc turns to Ember.

“Is… is that… really her?”

Ember nods grimly. “Yes, Arc. That’s Princess Celestia.”

Rose looks the mare over momentarily. "Scans show this is indeed the missing alicorn princess."

They cautiously approach the creature at the center of the room. A single bright light hangs over her, emitting a warm light in the otherwise cool room. Heavy chains hold down and apart all four of her legs. A heavy duty helmet-like device is wrapped around most of her head leaving only her mouth and nose partially exposed. Innumerable bruises, welts, scabs, and scars cover her body. Celestia does not stir as Arc and company walk carefully over to her. Arc turns to Rose.

“Is she alive?”

Rose nods. “Yes. Using Princess Luna’s vitals as a benchmark, she’s doing very poorly though. All bodily systems appear to be in heavy distress.”

Auriel looks Celestia over. “She looks heavily emaciated! Haven’t they been feeding her?!”

Ember clenches a fist. “As valuable a prize as she is, you’d think they would!”

Sereb growls. “Perhaps they intentionally weakened her physically to protect themselves.”

Arc frowns. “Well, let’s get her loose and figure out the details later. Rose, can I safely cut her binds?”

Rose nods. “It would appear they are merely chains. However something is amiss from my scans.”

Arc calls forth one of his Magic Blades and slashes at the closest chain. However it does not yield. Ember raises an eyebrow.

“That was unexpected.”

Rose frowns. “The material absorbed the magical energy from your blades, Arc.”

Sereb groans. “Have we really come all this way to be stopped by an inanimate object?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “I don’t believe so. There must be a way to free her.”

Rose looks down at the chain. “We need a more focused attack.”

Ember holds up her weapon. “Like my spear?!”

Ember slashes at the chain but does not make any headway. Rose shakes her head.

“As I was trying to say, any blow would have to be VERY focused as well as insanely powerful.”

Arc grins. “This might work.”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out the Guardanium Knife. He slashes at the chains but makes no headway.

“Even THIS can’t cut through them?!”

Ember’s eyes light up. “Arc, remember what Sunburst did when he demonstrated that weapon’s power?”

Arc shrugs. “Worth a shot.”

Channeling his magic through the blade, Arc raises the knife high and brings it down with everything he has. The chain parts like a hot knife through butter. Repeating the process for the other three chains Princess Celestia is finally freed from her bonds. Arc kneels down and carefully takes her fetlock

“Her joints aren’t working.”

Auriel sighs. “They’re so stiff from lack of use.”

Rose shakes her head. “To say nothing for her muscles.”

Ember turns to Rose. “Can she walk?”

“Not a chance.”

Arc looks to the others. “First things first. Everyone take a leg and start moving it. We need to get her muscles loosened up and the blood moving again.”

Doing as they are told, Arc’s friends get to work. In a few minutes Celestia’s joints begin to move more freely. She cries out in pain from their efforts. Ember winces.

“Sounds like she’s finally awake.”

Arc puts a gauntlet on her side. “Princess Celestia?”

She attempts to look around but can see nothing through the helmet.

“If you can hear me, I’m Equestria’s Hero of Light. We’re going to get you out of here and back home again safely.”

The large mare lets out a wracking cough as she weakly nods. Auriel turns to Arc.

“What’s the plan to accomplish that though?”

“This…”

Stretching out a gauntlet he casts the Matter Compacting Spell on Celestia. Before long she is roughly the size of a small filly. Arc carefully picks her up and frowns.

“That helmet contracted with her too.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You didn’t do that on purpose?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I figured I could pull it off when she shrank.”

Auriel shrugs. “This is a rather surprising development.”

Rose turns and look toward the door. “Indeed. However our original objective remains unchanged.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He looks down at the mare in his arms.

“Okay, princess. We’re going to be leaving now. I don’t know what awaits us out there, but please know that all of us will do our very best to get you past it and safely home to Equestria.”

She nods weakly and grunts in pain Arc looks up to his friends.

“Let’s get back to the vault door.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yes, by all means. I’m sure the guards have been given enough time to mount a proper… reception.”

Celestia looks around fearfully. Arc frowns.

“Ember! You’re scaring her!”

Upon hearing that name, Celestia looks around frantically. Auriel raises an eyebrow.

“That’s strange.”

Sereb frowns. “She became much more active when she heard your name, Ember.”

Ember nods. “I think you’re right.”

Celestia looks in the direction of Ember’s voice. Shakily she reaches out a small hoof weakly. Arc looks to his friend.

“Ember, I think she wants you to hold her.”

“But what about those guards out there?! I have to be ready to fight!”

Sereb growls. “Do not forget our original mission. The princess’ safety must come first.”

Auriel sighs. “Yes. Or all of this will be for naught.”

“Fine.”

Ember walks over to Arc. He carefully puts Celestia in Ember’s arms. The mare immediately appears more at peace and nuzzles up to the dragon’s chest plate. Auriel smiles.

“That worked.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now let’s go.”

Heading back the way they came Arc and company return to the vault door. Arc turns to the Rose.

“Are you completely sure of the soldiers out there?”

“Yes. They’re all androids. Of that I am certain.”

Sereb bears his teeth. “Good. Then they may be readily slain!”

Auriel glares at him. “Sereb! Those are Rose’s own kind out there! Show some compassion!”

Arc turns to his friend. “Rose, if you don’t want to fight them, I understand.”

Rose shakes her head. “No. They’re just like me inasmuch as they don’t feel pain. However I believe that’s where the similarities end. Ultimately they’re just slaves to their master’s will. While I would like to free them from such a fate, we don’t have time for such things right now.”

Auriel bows her head sadly. “Rose…”

Rose turns to the door. “All I can do now is to stop them from hurting any of you.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, Rose.”

Sighing, Rose walks over to Arc and steps behind him. She gently pushes him toward the door as she calls forth her L-Blade.

“Let’s see if we can fool them again.”

Arc nods. “Fine. But be aware that this probably won’t go as well as getting in did.”

Auriel sighs. “I’ll stick by your side, Arc. It’ll make it that much more convincing.”

Ember frowns. “You sure?”

Sereb bears his teeth. “That is quite risky.”

Rose looks to Arc. “Auriel’s right. It’ll look suspicious if she stays behind me.”

Auriel takes her place next to Arc. He holds the general’s card to the reader and inserts it as Auriel does the same with her mother’s badge. Both panels shine with a green light as the door slowly opens. Before them stands roughly a hundred soldiers. Auriel calls out to them menacingly.

“Stand down or she’ll hurt the general!”

The soldiers keep their weapons trained on the group. Rose presses her L-Blade against Arc’s back.

“I’m warning all of you! Back off!”

A voice rings out nearby.

“How about not.”

The soldiers part as General Mustang himself steps forward. He looks at the hooded figure in front of Rose and smiles. Celestia pushes herself deeper into Ember in an attempt to distance herself from her abuser.

“Did my troops actually think that was me? I’ll have to upgrade their sensors.”

Arc steps forward.

“So you admit these aren’t really soldiers?!”

Mustang chuckles. “Of course not! Watch!”

Pulling a sword from his belt he takes a mighty swing at one of his guards, literally cutting the android in half. Blood-like substances splatter everywhere. Rose’s eyes grow wide as she gasps.

“Wha-why did you DO that?!”

Mustang chuckles as he wipes the red liquid from his sword with a handkerchief. “What does it matter? I can build a thousand more to replace it. Machines are here to be used, abused, and discarded when they reach the end of their component’s lifespan.”

Rose glares at the man. “Why you…!”

Arc turns and puts a hand on Rose’s shoulder.

“Don’t listen to him.”

Rose nods as Arc turns again to face the horde before them. He calls forth his Spear of Righteousness and points it at Mustang.

“I’m taking the princess home now.”

Mustang smiles. “Back to Equestria?”

Ember gasps. “How did you…?!”

Auriel quickly turns to the dragon. “Ember!”

Silence again reigns over the room before Mustang speaks again.

“Oh I know quite a bit more than you realize.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “How? Your little pet, Diva?”

Mustang smiles at Arc. “She told me some things, yes. But one should not gather all their information from one source, lest you come to rely too heavily on them… Lord Regent.”

Ember looks to Arc. “We HAVE to take this guy out! He knows too much!”

Sereb growls at Mustang menacingly as Auriel takes up a battle-ready position. She looks to Arc for direction.

“It’s your call. What should we do?”

Mustang points his sword at the group. “Yes, by all means… TRY to take me on! But should I fall, which is unlikely, you’ll be left in the dark on a great many subjects, Arc. What I’m really up to. Why. And who exactly told me… everything.”

Arc grits his teeth. “You mean you have mole in Equestria?!”

Mustang nods. “That I do. Several actually. And they’ve been very helpful in gathering information on your comings and goings over there, LORD Arc.”

Arc narrows his eyes as Mustang chuckles.

“I’m sure you have many questions for me, my boy. However they will have to wait for another day.”

He turns and walks away. Auriel mutters to herself.

“My… boy? Is he…?”

Ember glares at him. “Hey! Get back here!”

Mustang chuckles, but does not look back as he opens a portal and steps through. “We’ll meet again. Until then do try to stay alive, won’t you kindly? Soldiers, escort the Hero of Light topside after you return the Secret to her cell. Feel free to kill everyone else.”

Auriel gasps. “NO!”

Lunging in front of everyone, she uses her Dark Magic to create a barrier. The soldier’s shots bounce harmlessly off it. Arc gasps.

“Lasers?!”

Sereb growls. “What else would they fire?!”

“I dunno?! Bullets?!”

Auriel looks back as she strains. “Arc, we need a plan! I can’t hold this up forever!”

“All or nothing time! Sereb, help Auriel strengthen the barrier!”

“At once!”

His horn aglow Sereb channels his magic into the barrier.

“You too, Ember! Do the same!”

Rose frowns. “We won’t make any progress this way! There’s still the need to advance our position!”

Arc clenches a gauntlet. “Trust me, Rose.”

Ember adds her power to the barrier as Arc plants his feet firmly and slams the Spear of Righteousness into the ground.

“On the count of three everyone channel your mana outward to expand the barrier as fast as you can!”

He takes a deep breath.

“1… 2… 3!!!”

The barrier’s circumference expands outward wildly. Every soldier around them is pushed backwards as they make contact with it. A moment later they are slammed against the perimeter walls, crushed between them and the barrier itself. Arc calls out to his friends.

“Cease!”

Everyone stops. Rose steps forward and surveys the damage.

“All targets have been… eliminated.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Sorry.”

Rose nods soberly. “It had to be done.”

Auriel looks to Arc as she breathes heavily. “We… still need to get out of here!”

Sereb turns to her. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. Just let me catch my breath.”

“Sorry, but we don’t have time.”

Arc grabs Auriel and hurriedly puts her in Sereb’s saddle as an alarm klaxon goes off all around them.

“Just rest. You’ve earned it.”

Rose gasps. “I’m detecting more soldier androids being brought online! They’ll be on us in just a few minutes!”

Arc calls out. “Let’s go!”

They run down the corridor as the alarm klaxon continues. Auriel grimaces.

“I guess the general made it to wherever he was going!”

Sereb growls. “And now he wants our hides!”

Ember grits her teeth. “He can’t have em!”

Arc grins. “Agreed. So let’s finish the job and get out of here!”

As the approach the Maintenance Bay Arc scans the general’s badge and opens the door.

“Ember, get the princess to the Landmaster!”

“But what about you?!”

“I have to save the Shards, remember?!”

Ember shakes her head. “There’s no time!”

Sereb grunts. “Ember is right. We should get out with the princess while there’s still time.”

Arc shakes his head. “I won’t leave them here! We’ll never have another chance at this!”

Ember grits her teeth. “Then I’m going with you!”

“No! Stay with the princess! Keep her calm and safe until I get back!”

“But…!”

Auriel steps forward. “Please, Ember. I’ll go with Arc.”

Rose nods. “As will I.”

Sereb bears his teeth. “I’m with you to the end as well.”

The squad’s voices ring out over Arc’s earring.

“Take us too, sir!”

“Yeah! You’ll need all the hands you can get!”

“Especially with all the noise out there right now!”

“And the extra guards!”

Arc sighs. “Fine! Open the Landmaster for Ember and get over here!”

Max grins. “Yes sir.”

Ember hurries toward the vehicle as Arc’s squad jumps out. They are clad in their custom made body armor and spears. Xenos helps Ember inside as the others run for the door. He glances at Celestia’s battered form a moment before looking Ember in the eye.

“Take good care of her.”

Ember nods soberly. “I will.”

Xenos nods, closes the door, and hurries after the others. Ember sits down on the floor and leans against the cold wall. Celestia raises her head and sniffs the air. Ember strokes her mane nervously.

“Don’t you worry about a thing. You’re safe in here.”

Celestia’s breathing becomes erratic and her body twitches.

“Princess Celestia? What is it?”

The mare struggles to open her mouth. She utters something inaudible. Ember leans in closer to listen.

“What was that?”

“T-T-Twi…”

“Huh?”

“T… Tw… Twi… light…”

Ember frowns. “Twilight? The Element Bearer?”

“Twi… light.”

Ember shakes her head. “Sorry. She’s not here.”

“Twilight?”

Ember sighs. “Um… I don’t really know…”

“Twilight, Twilight!”

“Great. Is that all you can say?”

“Twilight.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I guess so.”

Meanwhile, Arc’s squad joins him. Max is the first to reach him.

“Reporting for duty, sir!”

Xenos grips his spear angrily. “Let’s kick some flank!”

Hugh grins angrily. “And quickly!”

Viktor nods soberly. “Yes. The Shards have waited long enough.”

Auriel turns and heads for the door. “I’ll go first!”

Arc grabs her wrist. “No. That disguise isn’t fooling them anymore, remember? I’ll take point.”

Rose steps forward. “Actually, I will.”

Sereb frowns. “Rose?”

“My body is the most durable, after all. That and I have ranged offensive options.”

Cherry calls out to him. “She’s right, Arc.”

“Very well. Lead the way. But I’ll be right behind you.”

Rose jogs down the corridor as Arc and the others follow closely. A squad rounds a corner and charges at them. Not slowing down, Rose blocks most of their shots with her L-Blade while still more whiz past her defenses and burn her synthetic skin. She raises her other arm and counters with her R-Cannon. Making short work of the androids she and the others pass by their ruined forms. Before long they reach the Research Lab. Arc swipes the general’s card and opens the door. Rose covers them with her cannon as they run inside. Entering last she slams the door shut and smashes the door controls. Max calls out to her.

“Rose! Are you okay?!”

“Yes. The damage is merely superficial.

Arc grimaces as he looks at her wounds. “Good! Just be careful from here on out! Even you’re not invulnerable!”

Xenos nods soberly. “Yeah! Those guys are shooting to kill!”

Arc turns to Auriel.

“Get those guys out of the tanks!”

“On it!”

Viktor joins her. “I’ll help you!”

The pair run over to the main terminal. Auriel inserts Doctor Rieper’s card and begins typing as Viktor takes up a spot at another station. The soldiers outside bash on the door as Rose puts her back against it and plants her feet firmly. Joining her, Arc does the same as Sereb pushes with his magic. Arc calls out.

“How long will this take, Auriel?!”

“About three minutes!”

Hugh looks at the door as he clenches his spear. “I don’t think we have that long!”

Rose frowns. “My sensors show this door will suffer catastrophic structural failure in thirty seconds.”

Max grits his teeth. “Sir! Your orders?!”

“I’m open to suggestions!”

Rose turns to him. “I have one.”

With a wave of her hand she knocks Arc away. Rose turns, throws the door open, and plows into the soldiers in the corridor. The sound of laserfire rings out as she slams what’s left of the door behind her. Arc gasps.

“ROSE!”

Sereb gets to his feet. “I will assist her!”

Arc nods. “Right! Let’s go!”

Sereb blocks his path.

“No, you must stay with Auriel!”

“What?! But I…!”

“She must be protected! If harm befalls her, none of us has the technical know-how to save the Shards! You must be the last line of defense!”

Sereb runs toward the door and lunges through it, literally ripping it from its frame. The massive wolf turns and runs down the corridor to stand with Rose. Arc clenches his spear angrily as Max turns to him.

“We’ll help them, sir!”

Xenos holds up his weapon. “Yeah! Let’s show those tin cans what the might of the Equestrian Military can do!”

Hugh grits his teeth. “They won’t know what hit em!”

Arc nods soberly. “Give em hell you guys.”

The trio runs out the door as Arc takes up a defensive position in front of Auriel and Viktor. Several androids make it into the room, but are quickly dispatches with a few blasts from Arc’s Hand Cannons. Another enters with a strange looking device in his hand>

“A grenade?!”

Pulling the pin the android throws it mere moments before a shot from Arc blows him to pieces. Knocking the grenade back into the corridor, Arc leaps forward to stand in the doorframe as it explodes. The shrapnel hits his armor and bounces roughly off it with sickening screeches, leaving heavy gouges in the white armor. Cherry gasps.

“Arc! Are you okay?!”

“Y-yes. My ears aren’t too happy though.”

He turns to looks down the corridor to see Rose and Sereb fighting back to back with his squad doing their best to lend a hand. Turning to look the other way Arc spots reinforcements rushing forth. He gasps.

“They’re going to be flanked!”

Stepping out into the corridor Arc raises his spear over his head and concentrates. Magic energy courses through his spear as he brings it down hard.

“SONIC BOOM!!!”

A wave of pure magical energy rushes forth from the spear. It knocks back the androids whom appear to be damaged but not destroyed. Cherry gasps.

“They’re tougher than they look!”

Arc grits his teeth as he rushes toward them. “Anything can be broken!”

Cherry screams out. “No, Arc! You have to stay with Auriel and Viktor!”

“But Rose and Sereb will…!”

“Just guard them from the doorway! Don’t advance!”

The androids raise their weapons and open fire. Arc holds out a hand and channels a Barrier Spell. Rose calls out to him from the other end of the corridor.

“Arc, don’t use up all your mana! We’ll need it to get out of here!”

Cherry shudders. “She’s right, Arc! You can’t keep this barrier up for long!”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “Auriel?!”

“Ten seconds!”

A few moments later the capsules rise and dump their fluids. The Shards stumble out and fall to the floor coughing and vomiting fluid from their stomachs and lungs. Snake is the first to get to his feet as he looks to Wolf and Jackal.

“What the…?”

“Where the heck ARE we, Snake?!”

Jackal spits. “Looks like hospital.”

Arc hurries over to them with Auriel and Viktor. “No time to talk! We need everyone who can stand on their feet!”

Snake looks around. “Where’s the boss?!”

Arc helps Wolf up. “Don’t worry! He’s safe and sound at the rendezvous point! You’ll see him soon!”

Viktor looks back toward the corridor as Max, Hugh, and Xenos run pas the door to engage the androids Arc damaged earlier. “Right! But we’re not!”

Auriel nods as she point to laser shots whizzing past the doorway from both directions. “There’s no time to lose! We have to fall back to the Maintenance Bay!”

Viktor turns back to the Shards. “Right! But some of these guys are still kinda punchy! They need a few minutes to regain their senses!”

Arc frowns. “A few minutes might be all we have! Stay with them and help get everyone walking! I’ll be right back!”

He tosses his spear to Auriel as he hurries out into the corridor. Arc spots Max, Hugh, and Xenos fighting back a large group of fresh androids. Turning, he sees the other defenders facing similar odds. Activating his Magic Blades he rushes to aid Rose and Sereb first. Reaching them, he knocks an android off Sereb’s saddle and slashes at another as they aim at Rose. Together they beat back their attackers and stand there for a moment breathing heavily. Rose concentrates for a moment.

“More are incoming!”

Arc turns to her. “How many?!”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “Too many to count!”

Rose aims her R-Cannon down the corridor. “We need a new plan!”

“Fall back!”

Sereb frowns. “We can’t just…!”

“DO IT!”

As Rose and Sereb do so Arc turns to see the next wave of attackers coming at them. Looking around he frowns.

“We have to stop their onslaught!”

Cherry gasps. “But how?! That horde’s nothing but a wall of troops coming at us!”

“Wall… wall… that’s it!”

Reaching out a gauntlet, Arc latches onto a wall panel with his magic. Ripping it out, most of the wall follows and collapses cutting the androids off. Running back to the room he finds Rose tending to Sereb’s wounds. The smell of burnt flesh fills the air.

“You okay, big guy?!”

Sereb nods. “Mostly just burns from the heat of the lasers. I’ll be fine.”

Rose steps back. “There you go, Sereb. That should help.”

Sereb nods and bounds down the corridor to aid Arc’s squad. Arc turns to Rose.

“How are you holding up?”

“My superstructure is taking a lot more of the blasts than I thought it would. I’m mostly undamaged, save for a few burns.”

“Good. Go help the others and tell them we’ll need to be ready to cut a path back to the Maintenance Bay. I’ll be there as soon as I get the Shards moving.”

“On it!”

She runs down the corridor as Arc reenters the room. Viktor runs over to him.

“We’re ready to move, sir!”

“Everyone?!”

Viktor shakes his head. “Not quite. A few had trouble walking, so Auriel matched them with some of the bigger members. Everyone is partnered with a buddy to make sure we all get out of here.”

“Good. How about you, Auriel?”

Auriel calls out. “Ready!”

Arc turns to face the Shards.

“I’m sure you have a lot of questions, but we need to get out of here. We’ll head back the way we came and escape via a tunnel that leads to the lake. Don’t try to fight any of the forces sent against us in your conditions. We’ll take care of them. Everyone ready?”

Jackal nods happily. “Uh huh!”

Wolf grins. “Yeah! Let’s blow this popsicle stand!”

Snake turns to the others. “Move out, fellas!”

Arc leads the gang out the door and down the corridor toward the others. Lending their aid Arc, Auriel, and Viktor help to defeat the current wave of androids. He turns to Rose.

“Guard our flank! Make sure no one sneaks up behind us!”

“On it!”

“Everyone else stay behind us!”

Auriel runs up to him and holds out the Spear of Righteousness to Arc.

“I think you’ll be needing this.”

“You hold onto it.”

Auriel gasps. “What?!”

“Trust me, you need a weapon.”

“O-okay. I’ll try not to let you down.”

Arc and Auriel lead the charge down the corridor as the Shards follow behind them as best as they are able.

Chapter 15 - Nailed

Arc and company run down the corridor together. Rose comes to a corner and motions for the others to stop as Arc hurries to her side.

“What is it?”

“Significant enemy troops are down this corridor.”

Auriel groans. “Great. Now what?!”

Max looks to Arc. “We could go around, but that’ll take time!”

Xenos clutches his spear tightly. “Yeah. And who’s to say that way will be clear?”

Hugh frowns. “It’s quite the gamble, sir.”

Viktor nods. “Your orders, commander?”

Sereb bears his teeth. “Let’s rush straight through!”

Arc looks behind him at the beleaguered Shards.

“These guys won’t make it much further. I hate to say it, but…”

Snake knocks his fists together. “Then we waste these tin cans!”

Wolf grins. “We’ll show em what happens when you mess with the Shards!”

Jackal frowns. “Yeah! They bad robots anyways!”

Arc turns to Auriel. “What do you think?”

“You’re asking me?!”

“Yeah.”

“I think we need more information. There was a terminal in that last office we passed.”

Sereb grins. “Maybe it can tell us something useful.”

Arc nods. “Worth a shot! Try it, Auriel!”

Viktor takes up a defensive position. “We’ll cover you!”

Auriel runs into the room and sits down at the keyboard. A few moments later she groans.

“The security camera feeds show a large force a few corridors past the initial vanguard!”

Arc calls out. “Is there a better way?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No! They’ve take up positions just outside the Maintenance Bay!”

Hugh looks to Rose. “They must know about our escape route.”

“Most likely. It’s also possible that they’ve now sealed that route out of the base.”

“That would make sense.”

Snake grunts. “Then let’s ditch that way and find another path!”

Sereb shakes his head. “We cannot.”

Auriel returns to the group. “Right. We left someone very important there.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“But I think we can take the first group with proper planning.”

Viktor grins. “And a good first strike!”

Max nods. “That too.”

Arc takes a deep breath. “Alright, follow me.”

Xenos sounds hopeful. “You got a plan, sir?”

“Not exactly the best one, but yes.”

A short time later a dog with a satchel in its mouth approaches the platoon lying in wait. He spots the commander and walks over to him. Whining he drops the bag in front of the android and runs back the way he came. Stooping down the leader opens it to see a large stack of hastily assorted files. As he slowly goes through the bag Sereb returns to Arc’s side.

“Package delivered.”

Snake turns to Arc. “Now what?”

“Everyone, put your fingers in your ears.”

Jackal looks confused. “What for?”

“Trust me.”

As the others do so, Arc pulls a small handheld device out of his ring. Turning it on he presses a few buttons as a green light comes on. Meanwhile, the android reaches the bottom of the bag. He stares confused at a couple large brick-like objects at the bottom. As Arc presses one final button on the device an ear splitting roar rings out as shrapnel and various other detritus flies past them. Grinning, Arc stashes the device in his ring as he motions for the others to follow him. Hugh laughs.

“Gotta love Equestrian detonators!”

Xenos grins as they pass what’s left of the androids. “At least they went out with a bang!”

Meanwhile, the explosion rocks the floor slightly as Celestia raises her head and tries to looks around.

“Twilight?!”

Ember shakes her head and strokes the injured alicorn’s back gently. “It’s okay. That was just one of Arc’s backup plans.”

“Twilight!”

“Don’t worry. We’re still safe.”

“Twilight?”

Ember sighs. “They’ll be back soon, alright? Then we can get you out of here for good.”

“Twilight!!!”

Meanwhile, Arc and his group come to another corner and stop. Auriel turns to Arc.

“The Maintenance Bay doors are right through here!”

Rose nods. “Yes. But so is that larger force.”

Max turns to Rose. “What are our chances of taking them on successfully?”

“As it stands?”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah.”

“You don’t want to know.”

Hugh grimaces. “We kinda do.”

Viktor gulps. “I don’t anymore.”

Arc looks to Rose. “What if we started our attack with a diversion?”

“It would have to be a pretty good one to even these odds.”

Arc grins. “One localized diversion coming up.”

Reaching into his ring he pulls out a crate. Opening it he turns to the others.

“Xenos, you and Rose have the best throwing arms here. Get ready.”

Snake looks confused. “Uh… what are those?”

Viktor smiles with evident pride. “Grenades.”

Wolf stumbles back. “WHAT?!”

Jackal scratches his head. “They don’t look anything like the ones on TV.”

Auriel grins. “I would hope not. These are literally out of this world.”

Xenos picks up an Equestrian grenade. “That and they pack more punch than anything this world has.”

Rose nods as she takes two of them. “Ready when you are, Hero.”

Arc pulls the detonator from his ring again. “One moment. I think our diversion… needs its own diversion.”

Hugh narrows his eyes. “Really, sir?”

Max shrugs. “We need all the help we can get.”

Arc turns to everyone and points to the device. “As soon as I set the charges off on the other side of the base the guards should turn toward the noise. Then we’ll throw the grenades around the corner. After they blow up, we rush in and finish off anything left in there ourselves. Got it?”

The Shards grin in affirmation. Arc looks to Xenos and Rose as they nod as well. Pressing a few buttons he looks around. Sitting, Arc presses his back against the wall.

“Everyone down.”

Pressing the button, the entire base shakes literally knocking the androids off their feet. Xenos and Rose lean over and throw their grenades. As they explode Arc jumps up and turns to the others.

“CHARGE!”

Everyone gets to their feet and runs down the corridor with Arc. Meanwhile, General Mustang sits in his quarters watching the video feed.

“Very good. Very good indeed, son. You and your little friends may get out of this one yet.”

A moan can be heard behind him as Diva sits up.

“What the…? General?”

“You’re awake. And here I thought you could sleep through anything.”

She stands and walks groggily toward the general and his monitors.

“What was that explosion?”

“Arc just blew up the base’s emergency generators.”

Diva appears confused. “Then why are the lights still on?”

“Because we’re still on the power grid.”

“Why did he…?”

Her eyes grow wide as she spots Arc and the others rushing toward the Maintenance Bay with the Shards.

“How did THEY get out?!”

“One of Arc’s friends lured Doctor Rieper out of his quarters and over to the lab.”

“They forced him to release the prisoners?!”

Mustang shakes his head. “Oh, no. They knocked him out and took his keycard. With that it was a simple task to override the protocols and dump the tanks.”

Diva reaches out a hand. She pulls her uniform and boots to herself as she grimaces. “I’ll head over there and take care of that menace once and for…!”

She stops suddenly as Mustang grabs her arm and pulls her into his lap.

“There’s no need for that. After all, what will happen will happen.”

Diva smiles as she leans into him. “I… suppose that’s true. But I should probably get over to the vault and see to it the Secret stays safe.”

“He already has the horse.”

“HE WHAT?!”

Mustang shrugs. “She’s of no more use to us as it is. Truthfully, I was going to dispose of her soon anyways.”

“But what about…?!”

“We have everything we need from her, my dear. Come now. Don’t you trust me?”

Diva smiles meekly. “I… do. It’s just that… we’re losing the Secret along with the captured Shard members. Isn’t that rather… counterproductive?”

“Think of it more like ‘consolidating’. Cutting off that which we don’t need right this second. After all, we could always retrieve that which we need, right?”

“Yes, but…”

Mustang plants a kiss on her lips. Diva moans softly as she leans into it and smiles.

“I… love you.”

Mustang grins as Diva pulls back. “So do I, my dear. Now then, why don’t you and I watch the show together?”

Diva nods obediently. “Yes sir. What can I do to help?”

“Just sit here on my lap and look pretty.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the Shards finish off the surviving androids. Arc pulls out the general’s badge.

“This way everyone!”

The door clicks and slides open. Arc leads the group inside as Rose looks around the darkened room.

“This is… odd.”

Xenos frowns. “What is?”

“There appear to be active sensor dampeners in here.”

Max turns to Arc. “What?! Sir! We have to…!”

The doors shut behind them and lock. A chuckle rings out as the lights turn back on. Hammer steps out from behind a vehicle with a contingent of soldiers behind her.

“That’s far enough, Hero!”

“What the…?”

She looks at the Shards.

“All of you boys need to get back into your tubes and recommence sleeping. It ain't time for you to be up and about yet.”

Auriel clenches a fist. “What are you TALKING about?! That’s kidnapping!”

Hammer shrugs. “What do you care! They’re the Shards! Just dregs of society!”

Rose points her L-Blade at Hammer. “They’re people! Same as you I would imagine!”

Hammer cracks her knuckles. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, sweetheart. Now then, unless you want me to get physical, I suggest you step aside and let my troops here sweep up this trash.”

Sereb growls as Arc holds up a gauntlet and speaks.

“Trash, huh?”

Hammer nods. “Yup. Guilty as the day is long of everything imaginable. Them… their boss Fontaine… and even you Hero.”

Snake grits his teeth. “Just what makes you so high and mighty that you can judge us like that?!”

Wolf frowns. “Right! We’re just trying to help each other!”

Jackal nods. “Uh huh! Make world better for everyone!”

Hammer shakes her head. “You’re delusional. A bunch of thugs can’t make the world better for anyone!”

Arc points his finger at Hammer. “And you can?”

“We stand a better chance than the Shards AND you, Hero.”

“Is that your final thought on the matter?”

“It is. We’re fighting for the betterment of the whole world!”

Hugh gestures to the Shards. “Well, they still deserve a place in it!”

Viktor clenches his fists. “Right! Your plan only puts you and your ilk on top! It does nothing for the citizens!”

Hammer laughs. “Fools! They’ll be safe from tyranny and oppression under the general!”

Arc nods soberly. “Like the rest of the world?”

“Exactly!”

Auriel frowns. “And if someone doesn’t play by YOUR rules?!”

“Reeducation would probably be in order. Maybe even hard labor in a work camp would show them the virtues of our…”

Rose interrupts Hammer. “So you would then USE tyranny and oppression to bring dissenters into line?”

“That ain't what I mean!”

Sereb growls. “Nevertheless, it is what you said.”

Arc nods. “Right. Face it, Hammer. You and those you follow are no better than dictators!”

Hammer points an accusatory finger at Arc. “Ha! You’re one to talk! I’ve seen what you do! You think you’re above the law in your own actions!”

“There’s a difference between what I’m doing and what you are though.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest as she smiles smugly. “Oh? And what’s that?”

“I’m risking my life to save others. You’re risking others’ lives to save yourselves.”

Xenos scoffs at the woman before him. “Yeah! The commander’s willing to fight and DIE for this world and everyone in it!”

Hugh grits his teeth. “But you and your sisters just want the world to die for YOU!”

Max fumes. “Go ahead! Tell us we’re wrong! Tell us that you’re doing all this for the greater good! Tell us how the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few! TELL US!”

Viktor nods. “He’s right! There’s no justice in using people to fuel your war machine like this!”

Auriel points a finger at the androids standing with Hammer.

“That’s why you surround yourselves with machines! They don’t have any choice but to follow your commands!”

Hammer turns to Rose.

“Same as you in that regard.”

Rose steps forward. “You’re wrong. The Hero intentionally removed my directives long ago.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Removed your… what?!”

“I’m free to come and go as I please.”

“You’re lying.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Because you’re still with him! If you’re truly free, prove it!”

Rose appears confused. “How?”

“Leave him, you fool!”

Rose shakes her head. “No.”

“Why not?!”

“At one time I had no choice but to follow the Hero’s commands, as per my programming. However, now I continue to follow because that’s what I choose to do. Fight against those whom would cause harm by his side! Not as a mechanical slave, but as an EQUAL!”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “You’re delusional. He’ll toss you aside the moment you cease to be useful.”

Rose shakes her head. “He won’t. Of that I am certain.”

“Right. Rose is a good and loyal friend to me. She watches my back, and I watch hers.”

Arc calls forth his magic blades and points one at Hammer and her forces.

“Now then… I suggest you stand aside and let us pass.”

Hammer laughs. “Why?! So you can scurry back through the tunnel to the lake?!”

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out what appears to be a Zippo. Flicking the top open she presses a single button inside. An explosion rocks the room, knocking Arc and the others to the ground. Auriel gasps and points.

“The tunnel!”

As the dust clears they see several tons of rocks have fallen in front of their escape route. Hammer looks to them smugly as she tosses the detonator aside.

“That’s that. Now then, I suppose all that’s left for you to do is surrender peacefully.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not happening.”

Hammer gestures to the collapsed tunnel. “Maybe you’re a bit slow, but I’ve just cut off your only escape route. There’s literally no way out of here now.”

Auriel chuckles. “There is one way.”

Hammer smiles smugly. “Oh, is there now?”

Auriel nods. “Yes… THROUGH YOU!!!”

Without warming Auriel returns to her demon form, levels the Spear of Righteousness, and flies toward Hammer’s forces at breakneck speed. Arc and the others take the opportunity to engage her troops as well. In a few moments the androids lay in pieces and Auriel stands in front of Hammer, spear in claw. The young woman gasps as the blade touches her neck.

“Wha… what ARE you?!”

“My name is Auriel, princess of the once great Demon Kingdom.”

“You’re a… a monster?!”

“No, I’m not! But you are!”

As she prepares to attack Hammer, Arc Blinks over to Auriel and lays a hand on her shoulder.

“Let it go.”

“But she’ll just keep coming after us! We should deal with her here and now!”

“Then we’ll be no different than she is. Thinking ‘might makes right’.”

Rose nods. “She’s lost the tactical advantage. Surrender is now her only viable option.”

Hammer grins. “Is it now?”

Max shrugs. “Might as well.”

Viktor glares at Hammer. “You can’t take us all by yourself.”

“Maybe. Then again…”

Closing her eyes, Hammer suddenly vanishes. Blinking behind the Shards next to the door controls, she grins.

“Sayonara, suckers!”

Snake turns and cries out. “NO!

He reaches out a hand from across the room in vain to stop Hammer from slipping through the now opening door. As she steps through, an invisible force pulls her back toward the gang. She lands roughly on the ground in front of them. Wolf turns to Snake.

“What the heck?!”

Jackal scratches his head. “How you do that, Snake?”

Snake looks at his hand. “I… don’t know. But… GET HER!!!”

They lunge forward. Hammer scrambles to get to her feet but is immediately overwhelmed. Jackal grabs the young woman and slams her to the ground as the rest of the Shards begin pummeling her mercilessly. Arc Blinks over to them and casts a barrier between them and Hammer.

“Stop it!”

Wolf glares at him. “But…!”

“NOW!”

Rose and Sereb hurry to Arc’s side.

“Back off!”

“We shall not warn you again!”

Snake looks at them incredulously. “What are you DOING?!”

Jackal nods angrily. “Yeah! Mean lady needs to be taught a lesson!”

Arc sighs. “Maybe. But not by you guys. Now, all of you follow my troops and steed over to The Landmaster and we’ll get out of here.”

Snake clenches his fists. “Not until we have our revenge on…!”

“Go now or I’ll leave you here!”

Wolf narrows his eyes. “You wouldn’t!”

“Try me!”

There is a tense silence,. Eventually Snake motions for the others to follow him.

“Come on, guys. We’ll get her another time.”

Sereb, Auriel, and Arc’s squad walk toward The Landmaster as Arc calls after them.

“Shrink them down so everyone fits inside.”

Sereb sighs. “Very well.”

Arc turns to Rose.

“Make sure they behave.”

“Sure. But what about… her?”

She points to Hammer as the young woman clutches her gut.

“I’ll handle her.”

As Rose turns to leave Arc kneels down to Hammer’s level. She sits up and leans heavily against a nearby vehicle. Coughing, she and looks to Arc, angrily.

“So… you just wanted to… finish me off yourself, huh?”

Arc shakes his head. “No.”

“Why not?”

“That’s not what a hero does.”

Hammer chuckles weakly. “Your little pet monster is right, you know. I’ll just come after you again.”

“Then I’ll just have to take you out.”

Hammer winces. “Go ahead!”

“Another time. I need to figure out how we’re getting out of here.”

“How? By walking right out the front door?!”

Arc nods. “I guess so. No other way out.”

“My… sisters will stop you!”

She gasps and clutches her chest

“Are you alright?”

“No I’m not alright! One of those goons must’ve cracked a few of my ribs!”

Arc points. “They did more than that judging by the blood pooling on the floor.”

Hammer winces. “Nah. That was when they pulled me back. Must’ve caught a crack in the floor, or something.”

“Let me take a look at it.”

“What for?!”

“Well, for starters, you’re bleeding all over the place.”

“That should make you happy.”

“It doesn’t. Now let me treat your arm, or else.”

“Or else what?!”

“I’ll knock you out and treat it.”

Frowning, Hammer complies. Arc pulls a med-kit from his ring and opens it. Removing a few pieces of gauze he presses them to the wound. Following them with a bandage wrap he carefully circle her arm and fastens the clasp.

“That should hold long enough for you to get real medical attention.”

Hammer looks away angrily. “I suppose you’ll be wanting thanks.”

“No. Just stay out of our way before you get hurt even worse.”

“I can’t do that. You leave me here and I’ll just warn the front that you’re coming.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

“That and I don’t think you’ll do so well against Stingray, Mio, AND their forces.”

Rose hurries over. “Everyone is aboard The Landmaster. Let’s go, Hero.”

She looks at Hammer and frowns.

“Should I knock her out for you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Truth be told I’ve just come up with a very special place in my plan for her.”

Chapter 17 - Head On!

Sereb finishes returning the Shards to their normal sizes and leads them over to Arc whom is opening a portal.

“This will take you to relative safety.”

Snake looks at is suspiciously. “Where… where’s it go?!”

“Somewhere Stingray and her lot can’t find you. At least not right away.”

Wolf frowns. “That’s not very reassuring.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s the best I can do.”

Jackal hides behind Snake. “That thing looks scary!”

Rose sighs. “It’s either that scary thing… or THAT scary thing.”

She gestures to the elevator. Max nods.

“The choice is yours. Either stay here and almost certainly be recaptured, or take the portal.”

Snake groans. “Fine. Let’s go, fellas.”

Wolf nods. “Yeah. Anything’s better than staying here.”

The Shards file past Arc one at a time. Snake stops and turns to him.

“Is the boss okay?”

“That he is.”

“Is he waiting for us… through there?”

“Yes. He insisted on being present when all of you got there. Now I’ve left a few things for you, but as far as additional supplies go you’ll be on your own. As it stands, all of you can have a fresh start. Stay there, get real jobs, leave town, whatever. The choice is yours.”

Snake puts his hand behind his head, clearly embarrassed. “I… I just wanted to say… thanks.”

Max frowns. “What for?”

“For… everything really. Getting us out of that mine. Taking care of the boss. And coming back for us. We really owe you one.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll put it on your tab.”

The pair shake hands as Stingray looks to Mio and nods. Pulling a small knife from her sleeve she hurls it at Snake. Max sees her move and shouts.

“LOOK OUT!”

Arc steps forward and shoves Snake through the portal. The force of the knife knocks Arc to the ground as it bounces off his armor and embeds itself in Rose’s arm. She gasps and momentarily lets go of Hammer. Smirking, the young woman whirls around and tackles Rose. Grabbing the knife she pulls it out just long enough to plunge it deep into her opponent’s side. Meanwhile, Mio appears behind her sister, puts her hands on Hammer’s shoulders, and Blinks them safely back to Stingray. Max runs over to Rose as Arc quickly gets up and jumps between his injured friend and the three women. Stingray grins wickedly.

“That’s how it’s done.”

Arc looks at her angrily. “What was that for?!”

“Just evening the odds. Now then, we can help your little friend. But only if you and the others surrender peacefully.”

Rose grimaces. “NO!”

Arc turns to her. “But what about you, Rose!”

“I’ll… be okay.”

Max shudders. “You sure? That’s a lot of blood. Or whatever it is.”

Rose grabs the hilt of the knife and pulls. It slides out with a sickening slurping sound as she drops it to the floor and stands up.

“Let’s finish up here and be on our way, Hero.”

Arc nods. “Sure. I want to get you back to Twi… your mother as soon as possible to get that looked at.”

He turns to the trio angrily and points a gauntlet at them.

“You three just made a BIG mistake!”

Stingray grins smugly. “No, YOU did when you captured Hammer!”

Mio nods, her staff aglow. “Right! That woman won’t be the last of you to bleed tonight!”

Hammer grimaces as she stands. “Yeah! You picked the wrong opponents!”

Stingray frowns, not taking her eyes off Arc. “Hammer, get back and let us handle this.”

Hammer shakes her head. “No way! We’re doing this together!”

Mio nods soberly. “We need all the help we can get to take this guy on anyways.”

Max grits his teeth as he takes up a battle-ready position. “Sir, your orders?”

Rose turns to him as her wound slowly closes. “Hero, we might want a bit of help for this one.”

“Agreed.”

He turns back to The Landmaster.

“Everyone get out here on the double!”

Ember looks up. “What about…?!”

“Not you! Stay there and protect the princess!”

Viktor, Hugh, Xenos, Sereb, and Auriel jump out of the vehicle and take their places with Arc as he points one of his magic blades at the three women.

“Are you sure you still want to do this?”

Stingray grins. “Was about to ask you the same thing.”

Arc nods as he calls out orders. “Guys, you take Hammer. Rose, you and our little demon friend here will take Mio. And Stingray’s mine.”

Hugh clutches his spear. “We’ll try not to hurt her.”

Xenos grits his teeth angrily. “No promises though.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “You sure you want Stingray all to yourself, sir?”

“Not completely to myself.”

He puts a gauntlet on Sereb’s side as the wolf bares his teeth and growls at Stingray.

“Very brave of you and your mutt to face me. But I guarantee it will be the last mistake of your lives.”

Mio smiles wickedly as she looks to Rose and Auriel. “The same goes for you two.”

Auriel points the Spear of Righteousness at Mio and spreads her wings menacingly. “Bring it on, cow!”

Rose nods as she takes up a battle-ready stance. “You’ll not find us easy prey!”

Hammer grins as Stingray tosses over her gun “Oh, yeah! You boys don’t stand a chance now that I’m packin’!”

Stingray draws her whip and unfurls it before rushing forward with Hammer. Mio stays back and begins casting as Stingray cries out.

“FOR THE ORGANIZATION!!!”

As the battle is joined, the squad surrounds Hammer in an attempt to box her in.

“No you don’t!”

Turning, she fires at Hugh. His armor deflects the shot, but knocks him onto his back. Running past him she kicks him in the side before doubling back. Grinning, she aims her weapon at them as Hugh slowly gets up.

“As long as I have this, there’s ALWAYS a way out for me!”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah! But I’m guessing you can’t take us all at once with a single barrel!”

“Try me!”

Auriel and Rose run toward Mio. She puts up a barrier as Rose fires her R-Cannon, deflecting the blast harmlessly into the floor, scorching it heavily. Mio grins wickedly.

“You’ll have to try harder if you…”

She is cut off as Auriel dives through the smoke and swings Arc’s spear at the barrier, shattering it. Rose catches up and lunges toward their opponent with her L-Blade. Mio Blinks to put some distance between them.

“Not bad. For a monster and a tin can, that is!”

Auriel grits her teeth. “I’ll show you who the monster REALLY is!”

Rose turns to her. “You are unlikely to win, Mio. Please surrender.”

“NEVER!”

She channels her magic as Auriel and Rose charge at her again. Meanwhile, Arc jumps on Sereb’s back and points at Stingray.

“Let’s get her!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed.”

Charging forward, Sereb leaps over the squad and Hammer duking it out. Arc turns and casts a Telekinesis Spell at Mio as she looms over Auriel, knocking her away. Stingray plants her feet firmly and waits for their opening strike.

“Show me what you got, Hero!”

Arc grips the saddle handles firmly. “Oh, I will!”

He leans down to Sereb’s ear.

“Get ready.”

Sereb nods as Arc looks behind Stingray at a nearby crate. Reaching out with his magic he deftly pulls it toward himself as hard as he can. The crate slides effortlessly across the floor knocking the woman onto her back. Sereb jumps over the crate and lunges at Stingray. Looking over, Mio lets fly a wave of her staff. Casting a spell, she knocks Arc and Sereb to one side allowing her sister time to get up. Sereb crashes into a stack of crates as Arc jumps off the saddle and runs back toward Stingray.

“We’re not finished yet!”

Stingray laughs. “Oh, I think you are!”

Grabbing a crate with her own magic, she pulls it toward herself in an attempt to mimic Arc’s earlier tactics. Auriel shouts a warning.

“LOOK OUT, HERO!”

Rose aims her R-Cannon and fires, reducing the crate to splinters. Stingray covers her face instinctively to avoid the wood shrapnel. Arc takes the opportunity and dives straight at his opponent. Landing on top of her, Arc punches Stingray several times in the face before a blast from Hammer’s gun knocks him away.

“You okay over there, Stingray?!”

“Fine! Keep at it!”

Seeing her distracted, Hugh lunges at Hammer. She turns at the last moment and throws her gun straight up into the air to catch Hugh. Turning toward Rose she tosses the man at her like a ragdoll before reaching up and catching her gun again.

“AHHHHHHH!!!”

Hugh’s body plows into Rose, knocking both of them across the room. Sereb steps out from the ruined crates and shakes his head to clear it. Momentarily surveying the scene before him, he runs to rejoin Arc. Charging up his magic, Sereb uses it to hurl several fireballs at Stingray. She dodges them before letting loose with her whip and hooks Auriel’s ankle. Pulling with all her might, Stingray throws the demon around and slams her into Arc. As they fly through the air Arc instinctively wraps his arms around his friend in an effort to protect her. They slam into an outer wall. Several large chunks of wall fall toward the pair. Auriel gasps and points.

“LOOK OUT!!!”

Without wasting a second, Arc pushes Auriel forward and covers her with his body. Sereb runs over and uses his magic to pull the chunks of concrete aside.

“Are you two alright?!”

Auriel sits up, clearly shaken. “Y-yes, I am. Thanks to the Hero.”

Arc straightens up. “Ugh… anyone get the license plate number of that bus…?”

Viktor calls out. “Sir, heads up!”

Arc and company look over to see Mio hurling a several crates at them. Sereb throws his body in front of Arc and Auriel as they smash into him.

“SEREB!”

Angrily, Arc channels his own magic and hurls the remains of the crates back at Mio. She raises a barrier, but is still knocked across the warehouse by the blast. Arc turns back to Sereb.

“You okay, big guy?!”

Sereb moans as he lies on the ground. Arc looks to Auriel.

“Keep an eye on him! We need to end this!”

Nodding, Auriel takes up a defensive position in front of the semi-conscious wolf. Arc charges forward as Mio struggles to stand up. Spotting the very angry warrior closing in on her she fires several magical blasts at him. Arc knocks them away with his magic blades. Max gasps as the projectiles fly toward them.

“DUCK!”

He and the others drop to the floor as the magical missiles fly past them. One of them hits Hammer in the shoulder. She cries out in pain. Stingray runs over to her sister as she casts a powerful Telekinesis Spell to knock the squad away.

“Hammer! How bad…?!”

Hammer clutches her arm. “It’s fine. Cover me for a second, will you?”

Stingray nods as the squad again rushes toward them. She keeps them occupied as Hammer pulls a rag out of her pocket and ties it around the oozing wound into a makeshift knot. Rose dives past the squad and punches Stingray in the face. As the young woman flies across the room she lets loose her whip again, grabbing Rose by the wrist. With a mighty tug she pulls the android along for the ride. As Stingray hits the ground she rolls out of the way to avoid Rose slamming her fist into the floor where her head was only moments ago. Hammer stands up and turns to Mio.

“Take that guy out, Mio!”

“On it!”

She channels her magic and looks upward. Pulling down several large overhead lights Mio aims them at the Hero. Aiming her R-Cannon, Rose blasts them away as Arc continues toward his target. Hammer fires her weapon at Arc’s feet, tripping him. He slides across the floor as Mio blasts him with a powerful Telekinesis Spell. Arc flies across the room past The Landmaster’s windshield. Celestia gasps.

“Twilight!”

Ember strokes her mane. “It’s okay. I’m right here.”

Celestia buries her face in Ember’s chest fearfully as the young dragon sighs.

“You can’t see, but you can feel it, can’t you?”

“Twilight.”

Ember winces as she watches the action on the monitors. “Things… aren’t exactly going too well out there.”

“Twilight?”

“We’re okay for now. But I’m not sure we can beat them, as-is.”

“Twilight, Twilight!”

Ember sighs as she pets the alicorn’s mane a few times and sets her down. “Now, I need you to stay here where it’s safe.”

“Twilight?”

Ember takes her spear in claw and points it toward the door.

“Listen to me. Your sister told me that you were the one whom hatched and cared for me many years ago. It was good to know the truth about my past, and better to know that even back then someone was protecting me.”

She sighs and watches as several shots from Hammer’s gun whiz past The Landmaster.

“You looked after me when I couldn’t do so myself. But now it’s time for me to protect YOU!”

Celestia nods. “Twilight.”

Ember wraps an arm around Celestia’s neck and gives her a hug. The alicorn nuzzles her scaly shoulder as her former dragon charge runs a claw through her mane. Standing up Ember turns and walks toward the door.

“I won’t be long.”

“Twilight…”

Peeking out as she opens the door, Ember spots the squad trying to subdue Hammer, Rose unsuccessfully attempting to pin down Mio, Auriel standing resolutely in front of Sereb, and Arc trading blows with Stingray.

“Let’s start with Rose.”

Taking flight, Ember calls forth her armor. Leveling her spear she careens down at Mio. The young woman raises a barrier in defense. However Ember is able to smash right through it. She smacks Mio in the gut with the butt of her spear. The woman doubles over as the wind is knocked from her. With a powerful kick Ember sends Mio flying across the warehouse. She rolls across the floor several times before coming to rest face down and does not rise. Ember turns to Rose and extends a claw.

“Grab on!”

Rose nods and does so. Taking flight they head for Hammer. Ember looks down at Rose.

“Take her out!”

Nodding, Rose aims her cannon between Hammer and Stingray. Firing, she destroys a large chunk of floor as well as kicks up quite the cloud of dust. Letting go of Ember, she falls toward her target silently. Recalling her weapons Rose plows headfirst into Hammer’s backside, knocking the woman to the ground. As she attempts to rise, Rose puts a hand on the back of her head and slams it into the floor. With a grunt Hammer loses consciousness as Rose turns to Ember.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Now let’s finish this up.”

Rose turns and looks at Mio’s staff lying on the floor nearby before turning to Ember.

“I have an idea.”

Meanwhile, on the beach outside the base, Minerva sits in a chopper with Dave. He turns to her skeptically.

“Uh… are you sure this is the place?”

Minerva nods. “Positive. The Hero was very insistent that we be here by this time.”

“Well, there doesn’t appear to be anything of note going on.”

“Something will turn up.”

“Wouldn’t that require someone being around to do something newsworthy? I mean, all that’s around here is that base across the way.”

Minerva groans. “I know that. But the Hero was so sure something was going to be here for us to film.”

Dave chuckles. “What’s he going to do? Attack the base?”

“I certainly hope not. It’s debatable whether or not the standing forces there could stop him and his allies.”

“Well, I’m thinking not.”

“Granted. But he doesn’t seem the type to do something so blatantly illegal.”

Dave nods. “And if he did, why would he want us to record and broadcast it?”

Minerva shrugs. “No clue.”

“So how long are we going to sit here?”

“All night if need be.”

Dave groans and reaches for a thermos.

“I should’ve brought more coffee.”

Meanwhile, Arc knocks Stingray against a wall. He closes the gap and throws a punch. She ducks as his fist hits the wall. Planting a blow of her own to his gut she knocks him back. Arc stumbles as he holds his belly.

“That hurt through my armor!”

Cherry gasps. “She shouldn’t be taken lightly, Arc!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I think Stingray could even give Diva a run for her…”

He is cut off as Max knocks him aside just in time. Ember flies overhead and drops Rose. Using gravity for momentum she swings Mio’s staff, hitting Stingray in the chest and knocking her against the wall. She falls to her knees as Xenos grabs the young woman and pushes her to the floor. Viktor and Hugh each grab one of her arms as Max and Rose pin her legs effectively immobilizing her. Stingray calls out.

“I need some help over here!”

There is no response.

“Hammer?! Mio?!”

She raises her head to see Mio lying on the ground some distance away. Turning, she spots Hammer weakly rolling over onto her side, her face smeared with blood. She looks up at Arc, clearly furious.

“You… you MONSTER!!!”

“Only one of us wanted this fight, Stingray. You could’ve just stepped aside and let us pass without incident.”

“I couldn’t DO THAT!”

Ember turns around and walks back to The Landmaster. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, coward. Hero, don’t take too long. Remember, we still have one more leg of our journey to go.”

“I’ll try to keep it brief.”

He looks over to Auriel.

“How’s the big guy?”

“He’s doing much better.”

Sereb weakly stands. “I… will be fine.”

Arc turns his attention back to the seething woman before him as Auriel helps Sereb back to the vehicle.

“Now I’m a fair guy, Stingray. You stay out of my way, and this won’t happen again.”

Stingray shakes her head angrily. “I’ll hunt you down! Chase you to the ends of the Earth! No matter how long it takes! DO YOU HEAR ME?!”

“I do.”

Rose steps forward and puts her R-Cannon against the back of Stingray’s head as she turns to Arc.

“Let me end this.”

Xenos gasps. “What are you…?”

“We all heard her. She’ll never stop hunting you, Hero. After all she’s done, this might be the best solution.”

Hugh points a finger. “And her sisters?”

“I can make it painless for them as well. None of them will suffer.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We’re not murderers.”

He turns to the squad.

“Let her go.”

Viktor gasps. “Sir?!”

“You heard me.”

Max and Rose step back as the others follow suit. First Hugh then Viktor. Lastly Xenos stands and steps back. Stingray rolls over and sits up, leaning heavily against a wall for support.

“Fool. You’ll regret this.”

“I doubt it.”

He turns to Rose.

“Get back to the Landmaster and prepare to execute the next phase of the plan.”

Rose does so as Stingray shakes her head.

“I don’t understand one thing, Hero. Why?”

Max frowns. “Why we’re not killing you?”

“No! Why were you even here?! I can’t imagine you going through all this trouble just to save the Shards!”

Arc shakes his head. “They were a bonus. I got what I came for.”

Stingray seethes. “A fight?!”

“No. I could tell you the real reason for my visit. But I doubt you’d believe me.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t.”

“Ask General Mustang then. He knows… everything.”

Stingray grits her teeth as Arc and the others turn and walk away. She leans forward angrily and reaches into her coat pocket. Removing a round device, she pulls the pin and rolls it toward Arc and company. Hearing something, Max glances back. His eyes grow wide.

“GRENADE!!!”

Max shoves Arc to the ground as he and the others jump on top of him. With an ear shattering explosion the grenade detonates. For a time no one moves. Ember runs out of the Landmaster still carrying Celestia as Rose and Auriel follow her.

“What happened?!”

Rose looks around. “I detected a concussive blast!”

Auriel hurries over. “Is anyone injured?!”

Xenos groans as he brushes dirt off several large gouges in his armor. “Kinda.”

Viktor frowns as he sits up. “Most of the shrapnel went over us… I think.”

Arc grunts. “My ears are ringing, but I’m okay.”

Max grabs Hugh’s shoulder. “Hey. You okay?”

Pushing his friend over, Max spots several large pieces of shrapnel sticking out of Hugh’s back. Auriel gasps.

“Oh no!”

Max grimaces. “I think he was on top!”

Arc turns to Rose. “Scanners!”

“No major organs were hit! But he’ll need medical attention right away!”

Xenos reaches for the largest chunk of shrapnel. “Do we…?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Wait! Let the medical staff do that!”

Arc nods. “She’s right. It could be keeping him from bleeding out. Get him aboard the Landmaster and we’ll get out of here.”

Max and Viktor nod and carefully pick Hugh up. A groan from Hammer catches Arc’s attention. Looking over to her, he spots streams of blood flowing from several good sized shrapnel wounds all over her body. Frowning, he turns back to Stingray.

“Idiot! A GRENADE?!”

“It was all I had left!”

Arc grabs Stingray and tosses her next to Hammer. Seeing the blood Stingray gasps.

“HAMMER!”

Arc shakes his head. “All that rage… you wanted to turn it on me. But all you accomplished was hurting one of my troops along with your own sister.”

Reaching into his ring he pulls out a med-kit. Dropping it on the floor between them he turns to leave.

“I hope you’re proud of yourself, Stingray.”

Stingray fumes and points an accusatory finger at him. “THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!”

“Think what you want. But that won’t do anything to treat Hammer’s wounds.”

Arc continues walking toward The Landmaster as Stingray crawls toward the med-kit. Opening it she pulls out gauze and surgical tape. Hammer winces as she begins treating her. Mio sits up and looks over to them.

“What’s… going on?”

“Hammer… took some shrapnel, that’s all.”

“Is she… okay?”

Hammer gasps. “I’ll be fine, Mio. How about you?”

“Just some rest for me please.”

Stingray looks to her sister. “Hammer, I…”

Hammer shakes her head. “Stingray… don’t. You did what you had to.”

“Sorry.”

Meanwhile, Mustang sits in his chair and watches the monitors. Diva sits in his lap with most of her uniform laying on the floor nearby.

“I knew those three couldn’t be trusted with such an important task!”

Mustang shrugs. “So did I.”

“Then why did you…?!”

“To give them a chance to prove themselves.”

“Those three have already shown…!”

Mustang leans forward and puts a finger to Diva’s lips as he puts a hand on her bare thigh.

“Not them. The Hero and his cohorts.”

Diva gasps. “You were testing HIM?!”

“Yes.”

“Again… why?!”

“I needed to know exactly what he is capable of. Now then, I want you to go topside and see about helping those three failures.”

Diva rolls her eyes. “Why? Let them limp back here under their own power.”

Mustang chuckles. “We probably should. However, they can still play a role in tonight’s activities.”

Diva stands up and grabs her clothes. “Fine. I’ll be back in a bit.”

Dressing, Diva leaves the room, closing the door behind her. General Mustang smiles and turns his attention back to the monitors,

“I’m looking forward to seeing what you have planned next, Arc. While I’m sure you had a very well thought out plan for getting in here, I don’t believe everything is going according to it thus far.”

He grins as he pours himself a glass from a nearby decanter.

“Now then, Arc. Let’s see if you can’t put on a good final act. Make me proud, my boy.”

Chapter 18 - The Getaway

As Arc steps inside the Landmaster and closes the back door he turns to Rose as she scans Hugh.

“How is he?”

“His life is not in danger.”

Xenos frowns. “Then why is he out?”

Rose sighs. “Shock most likely. I will continue to monitor his vitals.”

Viktor looks to Arc soberly. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

Arc nods. “Good. Max, you drive.”

“M-me, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “Hugh’s in no shape to do it.”

“Yes sir.”

He makes his way over to the driver’s seat as Arc turns to Xenos.

“Xenos, copilot. Rose, take Viktor’s station. Auriel… you know what to do.”

Xenos, Rose, and Auriel nod. “Yes sir.”

Auriel looks back to him as she takes her seat. “What’s the plan for getting past the guards at the gate, Arc?”

Sereb winces as he lies down. “And their towers.”

“Originally my plan was to ride Sereb out first and draw their fire.”

Sereb attempts to stand up. “I am still open to that.”

“Well, you’re not quite ready for that, big guy. So we’re moving on to ‘Plan B’.”

Ember frowns as she carefully helps Viktor apply pressure to Hugh’s wounds. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Arc.”

Auriel grimaces. “Agreed. It will make you quite a bit less mobile.”

Viktor looks over. “Maybe not ‘less’ but a different kind entirely.”

Arc sighs. “We’ve all practiced for this run accordingly. Now all that’s left to do is to see it through to the end.”

Everyone nods solemnly as Arc turns to Auriel.

“As soon as I leave, raise the shields.”

“I… yes sir.”

Sereb growls. “That will leave you vulnerable, Arc.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Yeah. No Blinking back inside if things get dicey.”

“I know. But this plan has the highest chance of success. Everyone has their orders, so let’s get this show on the road.”

As Arc steps to the back, Auriel stands up.

“Just a moment!”

“What is it?”

“You’ll need one last thing out there.”

“Oh?”

Auriel walks quickly over to Arc with the Spear of Righteousness. However as she hands it to him, she pulls off his helmet, raises his mask and plants a passionate kiss on his lips for several seconds before stepping back and smiling.

“A-Auriel?!”

She giggles. “For luck.”

Ember chuckles. “It worked last time, right?”

“Uh… yeah, I guess.”

She stoops down and picks up his helmet as Arc lowers his mask back into position. “You just be careful out there, okay?”

Arc nods. “I will.”

Opening the back door Arc steps out. Viktor turns to Auriel and grins.

“Glad to see you send off the commander with the proper… motivation.”

Ember laughs. “Way to go, Auriel!”

Auriel smiles as she returns to her seat. “I just wanted to kiss him in this form at least once.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “As a demon?”

Auriel nods. “We already kissed when I was a human. But it didn’t feel right. It was like I wasn’t being true to myself back then. Now I have no regrets.”

Meanwhile, Arc leans against the back of the Landmaster for a moment to collect his thoughts before walking over to the massive overhead door. Auriel channels the power from the Bloodstone and redirects it into the O.R.B. system as the shields spring to life. He kneels down in front of the door and gets to work Mio sits up weakly and looks over to Arc.

“What… what are you doing?”

“Leaving.”

Mio shakes her head. “That seems rather unlikely, as that door is made of the strongest alloys known to humanity.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, you’d better open it for me then.”

“That’s not going to happen. Oh, and by the way, it’s also magically reinforced. Just for an extra layer of protection.”

The elevator behind them begins to rise. Stingray looks over from tending to Hammer’s wounds and grins.

“Sounds like reinforcements are on the way. Would you like to surrender now… Hero?”

“Nah. I’ll see myself out.”

Hammer grunts. “No shame in knowing when you’re beat.”

Mio smiles. “Agreed. Colonel Diva is probably on her way as well.”

Stingray chuckles. “Right. And you haven’t done so well against her in the past.”

“Her and I have a score to settle. But that will have to wait for another day.”

Arc turns his head to the three sergeants.

“Oh… and sorry for the hole.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “What hole?”

Arc steps aside, revealing a large bomb.

“The one this is going to make.”

He walks behind the Landmaster with the Spear of Righteousness slung over his shoulder and a remote detonator in his gauntlet. Mio hobbles over to her sisters.

“The missing Mana Bomb from Safehouse #5?!”

Stingray gasps. “How’d he get THAT?!”

Hammer grits her teeth as she grabs Stingray and pulls her to the ground. “MIO!”

“On it!”

She casts a Barrier Spell as Arc turns on the detonator and presses the red button atop it. A massive blast rocks the building as the door blows outward, smashing into the guard shack at the end of the bridge. Wasting no time, Arc Blinks through the door to the courtyard outside. Charging up massive fireballs in the palm of each hand he throws them at the two turrets on either side of the bridge. They hit their targets dead on, obliterating them. Grinning inside his helmet Arc turns to the Landmaster and points toward the bridge.

“GO!!!”

Tires squealing, the vehicle lunges forward. It smashes through the remains of the overhead door and across the courtyard. Minerva jumps out of her seat aboard the helicopter as Dave instinctively pulls the chopper away from the base.

“What the heck was THAT Miss Moore?!”

Minerva gasps. “He… he really IS attacking the base!”

“What do we do?!”

Minerva grabs a camera and latches her safety harness to a bolt overhead. “Broadcast it! Notify the station that we need to go live and stay with the Hero’s vehicle!”

“Yes ma’am!”

She raises the camera to her shoulder and mutters to herself. “I don’t get it. Why does he want everyone to see him carry out such a wild stunt?”

Meanwhile, Stingray, Hammer, and Mio look up and gasp.

“Impossible!”

“I… can’t believe it!”

“They really DID get away!”

Hammer chuckles as she looks at Arc. “Well, looks like they forgot their leader.”

She points to the Hero whom stands just outside the ruins of the overhead door as he watches the Landmaster cross the bridge and veer deftly onto the main road. Stingray turns back to the raising elevator.

“Well, our reinforcements should be up here in a few minutes.”

Mio smiles. “At least this mess isn’t a total loss.”

Arc shakes his head as he looks to them. “Haven’t you three figured it out yet. I always have a plan.”

Turning to the courtyard, Arc returns the Spear of Righteousness to his ring and raises his gauntlets. He fires his Hand Cannons numerous times, hitting each of the electrical poles leading to the base. The lights flicker and dim before failing entirely. Slowly the mechanical hum of the elevator stops as Arc turns back to the three women, as the only illumination now comes from the numerous fires that now burn around them.

“You three had best hope that we never meet again.”

They glare at him as Arc turns away. Reaching into his ring he pulls out a small item which he places on the ground. Casting the Matter Compacting counter spell he returns it to its normal size. A full-size, completely rebuilt gleaming white motorcycle stands before him. Arc Blinks onto the seat, starts the mana engine, revs it a few times, and looks back a final time.

“Hammer… take care of yourself.”

She looks at Arc quizzically as he guns the engine and takes off after the others. As he reaches the end of the bridge Arc makes a sharp turn onto the road as he talks into his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“Phase one is complete.”

Sunburst grins. “You found her?!”

“That I did. Are you ready on your end?”

“Yes sir. The Equinox is prepped and ready to go on your command.”

“Good. Notify Captain Tight Ship to take off. We’ll meet him at the agreed upon location.”

“Yes sir. How… how is she?”

Arc frowns. “Not the greatest. Notify Doctor Whooves to get aboard and be prepared to meet us in the Cargo Bay.”

“He’s already aboard your ship, sir.”

“Perfect. With luck we’ll see you soon. Arc out.”

He grins and guns the motor.

“Now then… let’s get caught up to the others.”

Cherry gasps. “Be careful, Arc! This machine is beyond powerful!”

“Yeah. But we need to put distance between us and the base.”

“You’re expecting them to retaliate?!”

“That I am.”

“But I thought that’s why you blacked out their base!”

“With luck that will hinder them, yes. But I’m guessing they have ways of pursuing us without power.”

Meanwhile, the three sergeants look toward the bridge silently. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Did… did that really just happen?!”

Stingray nods sadly. “Yes.”

Mio sighs. “We were defeated by… a bunch of weirdos.”

Stingray grunts. “I wonder how…”

A voice rings out behind them.

“IDIOTS!!!”

They whirl around to see a very angry Diva walking toward them.

“Colonel Diva, we…!”

Stingray is cut off as Diva’s boot connects with her gut. Mio gasps for breath as she feels a powerful Telekinesis Spell tighten around her neck. Kneeling down, Diva grabs Hammer’s bandages and gives them a firm squeeze. The young woman screams out in pain as Stingray rushes to her sister’s side.

“Colonel, please!”

Mio gasps. “Yes, we… did our… best!”

Hammer cries out in agony as fresh blood seeps through her bandages. “That and they outnumbered us, ma’am!”

Diva stands and kicks Hammer in the face. “But it was YOUR FAULT they got that far, Hammer!”

Stingray winces. “We’ll do better, ma’am!”

Mio begins to turn blue. Yes! Please… give us… another chance!

Glaring at them, Diva opens a portal and points to it as she releases her grip on Mio.

“Get in there!”

Stingray, Hammer, and Mio hurry to obey. They put their arms around Hammer’s shoulders and help her through as Diva follows them and shakes her head.

“Screwups…”

Diva and the sergeants emerge in a dimly lit cave. They hurry on their way toward a large cavern with massive airplane in it. She points to the craft.

“Get aboard and we’ll see about salvaging this pathetic failure of yours!”

Mio looks at the trail of blood behind them. “But what about Hammer?”

“Patch me up and get me back in the action!”

Stingray grits her teeth. “But, you can’t…!”

“We have to stop this guy here and now!”

Diva runs toward the cockpit. “That idiot’s right for once! Now get her wounds dressed as best you can and prepare for takeoff!”

Sitting down in the pilot’s seat, Diva begins the startup process as she mutters to herself angrily.

“There’s no way I’m going to let that two-legged FREAK get back to Equestria THIS TIME!!!”

Meanwhile, Arc speeds off after the Landmaster. Minerva and Dave follow them in the helicopter.

“We just received word from the station, Miss Moore! You’ll be on the air in thirty seconds!”

“Good! Try to keep us as steady as possible!”

“You sure you can talk and shoot?!”

“Not much of a choice right now! Unless you can shoot AND fly the chopper!”

Dave sighs. “I guess it’ll have to do!”

Minerva takes a deep breath and mutters to herself. “It’s all come down to this. Time to do what I was born to.”

A voice comes over her headset from the station as they interrupt the regularly scheduled program.

“This just in! Our very own Minerva Moore is reporting on a high speed getaway of none other than our town’s very own Hero of Light. What can you tell us, Minerva?”

“Not much right now, Tom. There was a large explosion at the military base outside Angel Grove.”

“And our Hero caused it?”

“It seems that way. After the blast a large armored vehicle blew through security followed by our town’s hero on a very strange looking motorcycle.”

“Could he have been chasing the perpetrators, Minerva?”

“I don’t think so, Tom.”

She zooms in on the Landmaster.

“As you can see, the vehicle seems to have the same symbol on it as his armor.”

“So you believe he was responsible for the explosion?!”

Minerva sighs. “I can’t think of any other explanation, Tom. But for now we’ll stay aloft and see where he leads us.”

Meanwhile, Arc speaks to his troops via his earring

“Arc to Ember.”

“Go ahead.”

“How’s Hugh?”

“Coming around. He’s in a lot of pain though.”

Viktor looks toward the speaker. “We’re applying pressure to the wounds, sir. But he’s still a bit… punchy.”

Max grimaces. “Maybe he hit his head.”

Xenos sighs. “Or the shock of the explosion knocked something loose.”

Rose shakes her head. “I believe it was a combination of the two in addition to the trauma and blood loss from his wounds.”

“Keep an eye on him. Rose, anything on scanners?”

“Nothing, Arc. With any luck it’ll be smooth sailing to the rendezvous point.”

Ember grits her teeth. “We’re not usually that lucky.”

“Twilight?”

Ember looks down at the mare in her arms. “Don’t worry, princess. We’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

“Rose to Arc!”

“What is it?”

“I just picked up an aircraft heading our way!”

“Ignore it. That’s just Minerva. Remember, I asked her to…”

“No, no! A different craft! And it’s coming in fast!”

Ember gasp. “Can we outrun them?”

Max looks in the rear view mirror. “In this?! Not a chance!”

Arc groans. “How much longer until they overtake us?”

“Two minutes!”

Auriel gasps. “What do we do?!”

“Nothing we can do other than try to evade them at this point. Rose, I need to know whatever you can tell me about their offensive capabilities.”

Rose shakes her head. “There’s nothing to tell!”

Auriel appears confused. “How…?

“I only picked them up because of a slight disturbance put off by their craft hitting a bird.”

Max gasps. “So it’s a stealth aircraft!”

“Sounds like it.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “General Mustang must have quite the arsenal at his disposal over there.”

Ember clenches a fist as she holds Celestia tight. “Yeah. And he’s not about to let us go that easily.”

“How are you doing over there, Auriel?”

“Shields are functioning normally.”

Arc shakes his head. “I mean are YOU okay?”

Auriel blushes slightly. “Oh… yes, I’m fine.”

Ember glances through the windshield. “Good thing there’s no one living out this way.”

Arc chuckles. “I picked this route for just that reason. There was another road we could have taken to get us to the rendezvous point in half the time. But it led us through the heart of Angel Grove.”

The sound of an aircraft can be heard some distance away. Rose frowns.

“They’re… slowing down?”

Xenos turns to her. “But why…?”

“And dropping altitude fast!”

Max gasps. “You think they’re going to crash into us?!”

Arc grits his teeth. “I doubt it. That’d kill them too, after all. Whatever they’re going to do, they’re going to do it, and soon! Stay on your toes, everyone! Things are about to get REAL!”

Chapter 19 - The Chase

Diva lowers the ship’s altitude. Pressing a button she talks into the intercom.

“Get up here, Stingray!”

“Yes, ma’am.”

A few moments later Stingray enters the cockpit.

“You wanted to…?”

“I’m about to launch the ground drones. They’ll catch up to the Hero and his friends in just a few minutes.”

“But ma’am, they won’t do much to…”

Diva clenches a fist. “I know that!”

“Then why…?”

“To gauge their vehicle’s technological capabilities, you fool! That and they’ll soften them up for the kill!”

She points a thumb behind her.

“That means WHEN the Hero and his suicidal followers get done dealing with THEM, you and your two worthless sisters will have the somewhat easier task of finishing them off with the intel we’ll have! Do… you… think… you… can… handle… THAT?!”

“Yes, colonel. But Mio is still bandaging Hammer’s wounds.”

Diva rolls her eyes. “Well tell her to step on it! Either get Hammer patched up, or she can bleed all over her console for all I care! Now get out of here!”

Stingray nods as she hurries to carry out her instructions. Meanwhile, Rose calls out to Arc.

“Incoming ground contacts!”

Auriel frowns. “From the base?”

Ember gasps. “How?!”

“No idea. I sabotaged their power for exactly that reason.”

Rose looks over her screens as she continues scanning. “They appear to have been launched by the aircraft!”

Max calls out. “Your orders, sir?!”

“Stick to our original route. The shields should hold them back, but the Landmaster will probably be their main target.”

Xenos gasps. “We will?”

Ember sighs. “I would think General Mustang would want Princess Celestia back more than Arc’s destruction.”

Celestia screams. “Twilight!”

Ember looks down at her charge. “But that won’t happen.”

Arc looks in his rear view mirror past the Landmaster. Numerous vehicles fly over a hilly section of the road toward them.

“Are there any people in those vehicles, Rose?”

“None.”

Auriel turns to Rose. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Scans show no life signs.”

“Be careful, sir!”

“You too. I’ll try to stop them from getting past me, but keep an eye on your sides at all times. Rose, if the situation changes let me know immediately.”

“Yes sir.”

He watches the vehicles close the distance quickly. Taking his hand off the accelerator Arc pulls to the side to allow the Landmaster to pass him. He quickly drops back to allow the new contacts a chance to catch up to him. Waiting patiently, Arc mutters to himself.

“Alright, Mustang… let’s do this!”

Meanwhile, Minerva calls out over the airwaves. “It looks as though the Hero is losing speed.”

“Do you suppose he’s having engine trouble, Minerva?”

“I don’t think so, Tom. He keeps looking behind him for some reason.”

“Do you see any reason for him to…?”

Minerva gasps. “There’s something catching up to him!”

“We see the movement here, Minerva. What are those things?!”

“No clue, Tom. But they don’t appear to be anything you’d see on a normal drive through the countryside, nor any known military vehicle.”

“Are you saying this might be some kind of new weapon?”

“Your guess is as good as mine on that, Tom.”

Meanwhile, several of the vehicles lunge forward from the rest. They move to go around Arc’s motorcycle. Minerva frowns.

“That’s strange. They seem to be ignoring him.”

“Maybe they’re his.”

“I don’t think…”

She gasps as a blast from Arc’s Hand Cannon connects with the closest vehicle. Extending a magic blade, Arc turns to close the gap between himself and the other one. Puncturing the vehicle’s side it begins to lose speed. Giving it a push with a Telekinesis Spell, it flies back toward the pack of drones. As one they move to avoid it as it slides across the road, showering the pavement with sparks. Tom calls out.

“I guess that answers that question.”

Minerva nods. “Agreed. That can only mean these vehicles are from the military base he attacked.”

Meanwhile, Rose calls out to Arc.

“Are you alright?!”

“I’m fine. But we’re not out of this yet.”

Max looks in his rearview mirror. “Here comes the second wave!”

Arc turns to see several more of the unmanned vehicles gaining on them. “I’ll send them to the scrap heap!”

As they move to pass him on one side, Arc reaches out with his magic. Pulling down a large overhead branch he lowers it just enough for the drones to smash into it before skirting their debris. The rest of the vehicles again dodge the remains of their smashed companions. Minerva gasps.

“I think their target is the Hero’s other vehicle!”

“That doesn’t make any sense, Minerva. After all, he’s the one who hit the military base.”

“Maybe he took something. For all we know it could be something our government doesn’t want disclosed.”

“Scorched earth?”

Minerva looks on as several more drones speed forward in an attempt to get past the motorcycle. “Perhaps. After all, destroyed assets are certainly preferable to missing ones.”

Cherry gasps. “That’s almost half their numbers!”

Xenos grins. “Good. Maybe we’ll make it through this mess yet.”

Rose frowns. “Care! The rest of the vehicles are preparing for a last-ditch offensive!”

“I see them!”

Pressing a button on his panel, Arc sprays a thick liquid behind him. As the vehicles drive over it, the substance covers their tires causing them to slow down considerably. Auriel calls out.

“That won’t hold them for long!”

Max nods. “Right! Sunburst said that stuff would degrade in just a few minutes!”

Arc grins. “Plenty of time.”

As he crests a hill, Arc screeches to a stop. Turning around, he pulls a baseball-sized sphere from his ring. Throwing it at the disabled machines it hits the substance on the road and activates. A powerful electrical discharge can be seen cascading all over the remaining vehicles. Grinning, Arc guns his motor and turns to follow the Landmaster.

“That takes care of that. Anything else on your screen, Rose?”

“Just the aircraft that must’ve dropped them.”

Xenos looks nervously to Rose. “You think they have more of those?”

“If they do, they’re not launching them.”

Viktor grins. “Probably because they know the commander would just make quick work of them.”

Max sighs. “I doubt it. There’s no reason for them to hold back.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed. That felt more like a probing attack.”

Ember looks to Rose. “A what?”

“A half-hearted offensive to figure out what we’re capable of.”

Arc grunts. “No arguments there.”

Tom calls out to Minerva. “It would appear our town’s Hero will be getting away after all.”

“If nothing changes, yes.”

“Is there anything else nearby, Minerva?”

She looks around. “Nothing, Tom. The Hero may have… wait!”

“Do you see something?”

“An unidentified aircraft is coming into view now!”

“We see that. What can you tell us about it?”

“It’s nothing like anything previously reported.”

“Another secret weapon maybe?”

“It would appear so, Tom. The military really is pulling out all the stops to bring the Hero and his allies down.”

Rose gasps. “New contact detected!”

Arc looks in his rear view mirror. “I don’t see it, Rose.”

“Another smaller jet has been launched by the aircraft in pursuit of us!”

Meanwhile, Mio sits in the cockpit of the jet as it flies toward Arc and his friends. She grimaces.

“Are we really going to do this?”

Diva’s voice comes over the radio. “No, just you are!”

Hammer gasps. “Be careful over there, Mio! That guy’s quite a handful!”

Stingray looks to the intercom as she works. “Hurry though! We still need to get Hammer back to base for some real medical attention!”

“I’m fine!”

“You’re bleeding through!”

Diva groans. “Less talking, more action, Mio! Target that freak on the bike first!”

“Yes ma’am.”

Griping the throttle, she pushes it and accelerates to attack speed. Aiming for Arc and his motorcycle, Mio takes a deep breath and moves her finger toward the trigger.

“S-sorry… Hero.”

A missile flies toward Arc from Mio’s craft. Rose gasps.

“LOOK OUT!!!”

Arc frowns. “Where…?!”

It collides with the motorcycle, obliterating it. Arc flies over the handlebars and does a 180 as he instinctively squeezes his eyes shut and waits for the impending impact to the back of his armor on the pavement. However nothing happens. Eventually Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc!”

Slowly opening his eyes, Arc sees the night sky overhead. The air is silent and clear.

“What happened?!”

“Something flew out of that airship and hit your machine!”

“Am I… dead?”

“No. But you should turn your head.”

Arc does so. Looking left and right he sees the pavement a few feet below.

“What the… I’m floating?!”

“Kinda. I can see the Landmaster ahead of us.”

Arc sighs happily. “So they got away?”

“You should look for yourself.”

Doing so, Arc spots the vehicle some distance down the road. It is unmoving and the engine appears to be off. He frowns.

“MAX! Why’d you stop?! Get going!”

Silence ensues.

“Max?”

Cherry sighs. “Arc, what’s going on?!”

“I… don’t really know.”

A familiar voice rings out nearby.

“Oh, it’s quite simple really.”

Arc turns his head to see Wiseman walking toward him from the side of the road. With a wave of his gloved hand Arc falls to the ground.

“What’s going on this time, Wiseman!”

“Nothing much. But it appears you’re in the middle of a mission.”

“Yes! And you’re delaying me!”

Wiseman shrugs. “To be honest with you, I haven’t done anything this time.”

Arc grumbles. “Situation normal there.”

“Perhaps you would do better to address the one responsible for this little detour.”

“Great. Who?”

“That would be me.”

Arc turns around to see Kronos’ form hovering before him.

“You again?!”

“Yes.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Your timing couldn’t be worse! I’m trying to…!”

“Return Princess Celestia to Equestria. I already know.”

“Then why…?!”

“You needed some help a few moments ago.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I’m ALWAYS in need of help it seems!”

Wiseman nods. “That is true.”

Arc looks around. “Yeah?! Well, if you two aren’t going to do anything, did you happen to see where my dad’s bike went?”

Wiseman sighs. “You don’t remember, eh?”

“Remember what?”

Kronos moves to one side. Behind them is the Crusader. Or more accurately, pieces of it suspended in the air. Arc gasps.

“What the…?!”

Kronos continues. “A missile from an aircraft behind you made contact with your… bike, destroying it.”

Arc facepalms. “Great. My dad’s not going to believe this.”

Wiseman chuckles. “If he comes back, that is.”

“Yeah. Uh… how exactly am I okay?”

Kronos calls out. “Half a second after impact, time effectively stopped.”

Wiseman nods. “I was able to convince Kronos to do that. After all, the world can’t have you dying here.”

“The… world?”

Kronos chuckles. “There is much left for you to do, Arc.”

“I know. Taking the princess home is proving to be more trouble than I originally thought.”

Wiseman frowns. “Kronos was referring to what comes after that.”

“Retirement?”

Kronos groans. “Does it?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You tell me, oh great and powerful manipulator of time and space.”

“As I’ve already said, I don’t actually know what the future holds.”

Arc frowns. “I do.”

Wiseman tilts his head to one side. “Oh?”

“Get up, make breakfast with my family, walk them to the orphanage, do my jobs around Ponyville, return to the orphanage to help cook supper, walk Derpy and Dinky home, go to bed, and repeat.”

Kronos sighs. “You think you have it all figured out, don’t you?”

Arc shrugs. “Pretty much.”

Wiseman gestures with a hand. “What about this world, Arc?”

“What about it?”

“There are many powers at work whom would undo all that you have done.”

“If you’re talking about Mustang, I don’t see him doing much more without Celestia in his clutches. After all… you don’t need to be afraid of an empty gun, no matter how big it is.”

Kronos groans. “His ability to produce may be removed, yes. But what about that which he’s already made?”

“I suppose I can turn over the information I’ve gathered to Marshal Raynor. He can pass it on to someone to do… something about him.”

Wiseman folds his arms over his chest. “All neat and tidy, eh?”

“Exactly. Equestria goes back to normal. Earth goes back to normal. I go back to…”

Wiseman speaks to Arc harshly. “Back to what?! Your old life at the apple orchard?!”

“Maybe, yeah. What’s it to you?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “You have the power to do so much more! Would you really let your abilities and cunning go to waste?!”

“Yes.”

Kronos sighs. “Oh? Might I ask why?”

“Some things are worth more than power and prestige.”

Wiseman nods. “Dinky?”

“And my own happiness.”

Kronos chuckles. “A wife and family.”

“Exactly! Equestria and Earth will be fine. So why shouldn’t I get what I want for a change?!”

Wiseman sighs and approaches him. “Arc, as you get older you will learn that there are always problems to be solved by those with the brains and resources to do so.”

“Well, I don’t see either of you doing much for the community!”

Kronos scoffs. “We do more than you can possibly know.”

“Oh? Please… elaborate.”

“Safeguarding you, for starters.”

“How?”

Wiseman gestures to the pieces of the Crusader. “Do you really think you would have survived that?”

“Um…”

Kronos turns and looks down the road. “Judging from the trajectory of your… flight, I estimate that you organs would have experienced extreme trauma upon hitting the ground.”

Wiseman nods. “Indeed.”

“And what would you suggest I do?”

Wiseman shrugs. “Have another shot at it?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “That makes even less sense than your usual ramblings!”

Kronos sighs. “He’s right, you know.”

“Great. Both of you now?”

Kronos turns back to Arc. “I can give you another chance at your mission if you’d like.”

“Thanks, but I’m not too interested in being indebted to either of you.”

Wiseman turns to the glowing orb. “Kronos, what are the chances Arc’s friends have of making it to the rendezvous point as it stands?”

“Nearly zero. The one whom shot at him will next take out the Landmaster with their second missile.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “How? The ORB system can take anything that’s thrown at it.”

Kronos turns to a rocky outcropping ahead. “True. But their missile will target the road next to the vehicle. The blast will most certainly knock it over that cliff. I don’t think I have to tell you what would of happened to the occupants.”

Arc frowns. “How sure are you of this?”

“Very.”

Arc sighs as he weighs his options before turning to Kronos.

“What do I need to do?”

“Close your eyes.”

Arc does so. Powerful magical energies swirl all around him. A few moments later all is silent. As he opens his eyes Arc looks all around. He finds himself sitting on the Crusader with the Landmaster ahead of him. As before, nothing moves.

“Wiseman? Kronos?”

Wiseman’s voice rings out. “We are still here.”

Looking to his right Arc spots Wiseman. Turning to the left he sees Kronos. The sphere is significantly dimmer than normal as it speaks to him.

“I have taken you back… to around ten seconds before the missile fired. You… you will have one last chance to make this work.”

“Uh… you okay?”

Wiseman nods soberly. “Turning back the proverbial clock really takes a toll on the Keeper of Time here.”

Kronos gasps. “Yes. But… it will be worth… the effort in the end.”

Wiseman nods. “Look behind you, Arc.”

Arc does so as Wiseman points. He spots the aircraft he missed seeing before.

“When time starts again… you’ll have a few seconds to prevent déjà-vu. Use this chance wisely.”

“Thanks… I think.”

The pair fade away as the world around them begins to slowly move again. Cherry calls out to him.

“Be careful, Arc!”

Arc grips the handlebars and looks straight ahead as the bike slowly begins to move down the road. “Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

Chapter 20 - Do-Over

“LOOK OUT!!!”

Swerving to one side, Arc lays his bike down as the missile flies past both him and the Landmaster. Getting up, he looks behind him angrily at the pursuing aircraft. Quickly making a sigil, Arc turns back to look at his pursuer as Rose calls out to him.

“Arc?! What are you doing?!”

“Taking care of this pest. Be right back.”

Blinking, Arc disappears. Minerva gasps as Tom calls out to her.

“It looks like the Hero just teleported away.”

“That’s right, Tom. But please note that he left his motorcycle behind.”

“Strange. Do you think he plans to abandon it?”

“I don’t think so. Oddly enough, it didn’t appear to take very much damage from his earlier crash.”

“You think it’s still functioning?”

“Yes. We’ll stay here for a bit and wait for the Hero to come back.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears in the co-pilot seat of the attacking aircraft. Turning, he lunges at Mio and knocks her staff out of her reach. It clatters to the floor as he puts her into a headlock. She gasps for breath.

“P-please!”

Arc grits his teeth angrily. “Put this thing on auto-pilot!”

“But…!”

“When you pass out, I’m Blinking out of here! You want the ship to crash?!”

Nodding as best she is able, Mio reaches out and presses a button. The Auto-Pilot button lights up. Arc tightens his grip on Mio’s neck as she flails in vain. In short order her movements weaken and her eyes close. He carefully lays her down and quickly casts a weak Sleep Spell on her before standing back up.

“That should keep you out long enough for us to get away.”

Pulling the magic staff he took from the Safehouse, Arc grabs Mio’s staff from the floor next to her. With one in each hand he looks out a window. Spotting the larger aircraft through a side porthole he charges up his magic and Blinks inside the cockpit. Looking toward the pilot’s seat he spots Diva at the controls. Grinning, he clears his throat loudly.

“Most subordinates know to DO WHAT THEY’RE TOLD!”

“I never was much for taking orders.”

Diva whirls around, astonished. She clenches a fist angrily.

“YOU?!”

“Yes, me. I just came to apologize.”

Diva looks to him, confused. “What for?!”

Arc holds up the two magic staves. “For all the damage these are going to cause.”

Diva throws herself to the floor as Arc channels a great deal of magic into both wands. Each focusing crystal explodes sending shrapnel flying all around the cockpit. Looking up, Diva gasps.

“You IDIOT! How am I supposed to fly the plane now?!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

He turns and opens a portal.

“Happy landings!”

Diva grits her teeth as she runs past the closing portal and into the cargo hold. Stingray is just finishing up Hammer’s bandages. She looks to the colonel.

“What was that commotion a moment ago, ma’am?”

“Your idiot sister has done it again!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “How’s that?”

Diva points a finger toward the cockpit. “She let the Hero get ahold of not one, but TWO of her staves! He just detonated their crystals!”

Stingray grimaces. “Was there much damage?”

The plane begins to turn downward. Diva rolls her eyes.

“Any other questions?!”

Hammer looks to Diva. “Uh… should we bail?”

“I WOULD!”

Stingray gasps. “Wait! We still have the last ace up our sleeves, Colonel Diva!”

“Great! Use it, and salvage what’s left of this failure of a mission! I’ll report what happened to the general!”

She opens a portal and rushes through it as Stingray turns to her sister. Hammer waves her away.

“Leave me! Go after the Hero and his gang!”

Stingray shakes her head. “No way! We’re in this together!”

She helps Hammer stand and drags her deeper into the aircraft. Meanwhile, Arc steps out of the portal on his earlier sigil. The Crusader lies on the ground where he left it. Picking it up, Arc presses a button and the engine comes to life.

“Certainly glad Sunburst and Stellar Flare didn’t skimp on quality parts.”

Revving the engine a few times, Arc accelerates and continues on his way after the Landmaster. Minerva breathes a sigh of relief.

“He’s back, Tom!”

“And his ride seems to be no worse for wear.”

Dave calls out to Minerva over his headset. “That plane from earlier is losing altitude!”

Minerva looks toward the large airplane as smoke begins pouring out of one of the engines. “I think I know where the Hero went a moment ago, Tom.”

“Oh?”

She aims the camera at the distressed plane.

“He apparently teleported to that large aircraft, disabled it somehow, and returned to his motorcycle.”

“What about the smaller plane?”

“They’re holding a course away from him. Whether their out of ammunition or just lost their nerve is anyone’s guess right now though.”

“I guess it’ll be smooth sailing for the Hero and his allies from here on out.”

“Most likely, Tom. We’ll continue to monitor this situation and advise you if anything changes.”

Meanwhile, Rose’s voice fills Arc’s ear.

“Your vehicle’s engine just restarted, Arc! Are you alright?!”

“Yes. I’m fine.”

“You sure?!”

Max nods. “We saw that missile almost take you out, sir!”

Xenos grimaces. “Yeah! You had to lay it down!”

“They missed me by a hair. Nothing’s broken though. Well… other than two of Mio’s staves and that big plane that was following us.”

Rose smiles. “I detect it losing altitude.”

Arc grins. “That it is.”

Viktor gasps. “How, sir?!”

“A couple detonated focusing crystals in the cockpit did the trick.”

He looks down at his armor to see crystal fragments embedded deep in his chest plate.

“Which may not have been the best idea after all.”

Cherry gasps. “Oh my! Some of those cracks look serious!”

Auriel frowns. “Cracks?!”

“To my armor.”

Ember grits her teeth. “You sure you’re okay?!”

“I’m okay. But the repair bill for this is going to be…”

Rose calls out. “Above you!!!”

Arc looks up.

“What the heck?!”

A large object hurls through the sky toward Arc. Gunning the engine he puts distance between it and him. It crashes to Earth with a colossal thud, creating a massive shockwave. Barely keeping control of the Crusader, Arc fishtails and brakes as he does a 180. Xenos calls out over Arc’s earring.

“Are you alright, sir?!”

Viktor grunts. “We felt that thing hit all the way over here!”

“Yeah. But… what…?”

Cherry gasps. “It would appear to be the same vehicle Hammer drove out of the lake and onto the beach the other day!”

Arc groans. “Great.”

Auriel turns to Rose. “What should he do?!”

Celestia calls out to them. “Twilight!”

Ember nods. “She’s right! Get out of there, Arc!”

“On it!”

Gunning the engine, Arc turns around and speeds off in the opposite direction as he mutters to himself.

“Maybe it fell out of the plane?”

Cherry sighs. “I sure hope so. It’d be quite the battle if you and the others had to fight that thing.”

“Well, even if it was intentionally dropped as a last ditch effort to stop me, I…”

“Wait! Is it… moving?!”

Arc looks in his rear view mirror. “That’s… not possible. No one could have survived a fall from that height in something like a TANK!”

Rose looks over the console’s readouts. “Diva may be controlling it remotely. However, I can’t scan through the hull to be sure, Arc.”

“Well, even still, I can outrun it.”

Max grins. “A tank isn’t too dangerous if it can’t keep up with its target.”

Xenos laughs. “Good. Leave em in the dust!”

Viktor turn to Rose. “How far out are we from the rendezvous point?”

“Fifteen minutes.”

Arc nods. “Keep it together everyone! We’re almost there!”

Ember turns to the radio. “What about you?!”

“I’ll catch up to you shortly. Don’t worry about a thing.”

He presses a button on his console.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“I’m here, sir.”

“Begin your part of the operation now.”

“Yes sir.”

“We’re counting on you. Arc out.”

Nodding soberly, Sunburst takes a deep breath before picking up his radio.

“Sunburst to Equinox.”

Lemon Hearts calls out. “This is The Equinox. Go ahead, sir.”

“We have the order from the Hero of Light. Take off at once.”

“Yes sir. Same trajectory as we discussed?”

“Correct. Strap yourselves in and get as much speed as you can.”

Lemon Hearts turns to Tight Ship.

“Captain… it’s time.”

Tight Ship nods. “Get us in the air, Thunderlane.”

“Aye sir.”

As the ship takes off Soarin turns to the captain.

“Sir, do you really think Sunburst’s device will work?”

Wrangler winces. “It had sure better!”

Tight Ship nods. “The Hero of Light has used it many times in the past with great success.”

Moon Dancer looks to the captain. “I’ve gone over the data, and the science behind it is indeed sound.”

Lemon Hearts sounds nervous. “Captain, has this been tested?”

“Not on such a scale, no.”

Soarin frowns. “Why not, sir?”

“We couldn’t let our enemies know of this before now. As it stands, we have the element of surprise.”

Thunderlane turns his head. “But will we make it is the question, sir.”

“We have to. Princess Celestia and the entire country are counting on us. Bring the ship up to red alert, Wrangler.”

“Aye, sir.”

He turns to Lemon Hearts.

“Inform the crew to report to their action stations and be prepared for anything.”

Sunburst watches from a nearby grassy field as the mammoth ship takes flight and leaves the hanger. Turning to his instruments he presses several buttons as The Equinox doubles back. Sweat forms on his brow.

“It’s now or never.”

As The Equinox approaches, Sunburst presses a final button. A massive wormhole slowly opens and spreads wide. He increases the power output, making the portal even larger before speaking into his radio.

“It’s all up to you now!”

Thunderlane grimaces as the portal looms before them.

“Sir?!”

Tight Ship grips his chair’s armrests. “Steady as she goes.”

He turns to Lemon Hearts.

“Inform the crew to check their straps and prepare for turbulence.”

“Yes sir.”

Pressing a few buttons, she speaks into her headset.

“Attention all crew! We’re approaching the wormhole! Check your seatbelts, and prepare for transdimensional jump!”

The mood is somber as the portal draws closer. Tight Ship is the last to speak.

“We’re coming, princess.”

The ship hits the wormhole and punches through. Outside is nothing but darkness and silence for several long seconds. As they exit through the other side a large tree line looms before them. Soarin calls out.

“Pull up, Thunderlane!”

Grunting, he does so. The ship lunges upward at a sickening angle before leveling off. Tight Ship turns to Moon Dancer.

“Did we… make it?”

She looks over her instruments. “Yes sir, we did! We’re… we’re on Earth!”

Wrangler grins. “I knew we could do it!”

Thunderlane turns to the commander. “Shall I set a course, sir?”

Soarin nods. “Yes! To the rendezvous point as fast as you dare! Wrangler, activate the ORB!”

“Yes commander.”

Tight Ship turns to Lemon Hearts. “I’d like to address the crew now.”

“Yes sir.”

She presses a few buttons before nodding to the captain. He clears his throat and begins to speak.

“This is Captain Tight Ship. I am happy to report that we have just emerged from the wormhole and my Science Officer has confirmed that we are indeed on Earth. At the moment we are rushing to a predetermined rendezvous location to pick up the Hero of Light and his soldiers. They’ve just completed a death-defying mission deep in to enemy territory. Lead Sage Sunburst informs me that his mission was a complete success. However, he now requires our aid in returning to Equestria. The Equinox will fly to the rendezvous point and extract our troops along with the princess from whatever enemy forces have pursued them. I need all troops to head to the main hatch and await further orders from Captain Shining Armor and Lieutenant Trixie. What we’ll face from here on out is unknown. But with bravery and determination, we’ll take them aboard and return her to Canterlot safely! For the Hero of Light! For the princesses! And for Equestria’s future, we MUST succeed!”

Cheers echo through the halls as the sound of hooves and heavy armor clopping along can be heard throughout the ship. Shining Armor takes his place with Trixie at the main hatch.

“This is it.”

“Trixie is wondering if you are nervous.”

Shining Armor nods. “A bit, yes. But it’s for the safety of the princess and the Hero of Light right now.”

“Do you think they’re okay?”

Shining Armor turns to the hatch. “We’ll know soon enough.”

Meanwhile, Max calls out to Arc.

“I see the rendezvous point!”

Xenos turns to the radio. “Uh… sir, this road isn’t finished!”

Arc grins. “That’s part of the plan, big guy. The Equinox can pick us up from the end of the half-finished bridge without having to land first.”

Sereb groans. “I still do not like this plan.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, at least you sound like you’re doing better.”

“I am fine.”

Rose gasps. “Arc! Something’s about to round the bend behind you! Watch out!”

Arc looks in his mirror just in time to see a strange looking vehicle fishtail around the hairpin turn. Sereb looks at the monitor.

“What IS that?!”

Arc frowns. “It looks like the Charger!”

Auriel grimaces. “But that’s impossible! Nothing that big and heavy could move THAT fast!”

Rose looks over the console. “I’m detecting some kind of rocket propulsion system. We can’t outrun that… THING, Arc!”

Max grips the steering wheel tightly. “Orders, sir!”

Arc groans. “Just get to the rendezvous point! We’ll deal with it there!”

Meanwhile, Minerva gasps.

“I… this is incredible! What can only be described as a high speed TANK is now in hot pursuit of the Hero and his allies!”

“Where did they come from?!”

“No idea, Tom!”

“Do you suppose the Hero might have met his match against this new threat?”

“The more rational side of me says ‘yes’. But remember, we’ve seen him get out of worse in the past.”

Meanwhile, the Charger flies past Arc’s Crusader like it was standing still. Giving the engines all they have, he accelerates and passes the tank to come between the two vehicles. Rose calls out.

“We’re here!”

Arc yells. “FULL STOP!”

The Landmaster along with the Crusader screech to a halt at the base of the half-finished bridge. Arc dismounts and quickly shrinks his motorcycle down before transferring it to his ring. Drawing his Spear of Righteousness he takes up a battle ready stance and calls out.

“Xenos, Viktor, Max, Sereb, and Rose get out here! Auriel, let them out and reactivate the barrier!”

Ember frowns. “What about me?!”

“Protect the princess and Hugh at all costs!”

“But…!”

“DO IT!”

Dave circles overhead as Minerva continues broadcasting. The tank stops and aims its main cannon at Arc. He puts up a barrier to protect them as the Landmaster’s shield lowers and his friends run out. Auriel re-raises the shield as Arc turns to the others.

“Spread out and find cover! Don’t let this thing take us out in one shot!”

Sereb runs over to Arc. “I shall fight with you, my friend!”

Max nods. “Yes sir!”

Xenos runs behind a large tree. “We’ll need every advantage we can get!”

Rose plants her feet firmly and calls forth her R-Cannon and L-Blade. “I can take point!”

Viktor gasps. “What?! But…!”

Rose narrows her eyes. “Don’t worry. I won’t fall to a simple machine that can’t see, think, or feel.”

Arc grimaces. “Just be careful.”

They stand there… waiting. Eventually the hatch opens and Hammer appears. She winces in pain as she puts her hands on the rim of the frame.

“I’d surrender if I were you, Hero.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

Stingray pops out of a smaller rear hatch. “You have our word that you won’t be harmed. Simply throw down your weapons and wait for our reinforcements to arrive.”

“Reinforcements?”

Viktor chuckles. “As many of your forces as we’ve already destroyed, you can’t have too much more.”

Hammer laughs. “Maybe not in the traditional sense, no. But we’ve got LOTS more robots to send your way!”

Stingray grins. “The general is very impressed by your actions, Hero. So much so that he wishes to make you an official member of the Organization.”

Hammer winces as she holds her still bleeding arm. “Yeah! He even wants to make you a colonel! Like Diva!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Great…”

Stingray nods. “All you have to do is return with us to Damocles Base.”

Hammer looks to the others. “The rest of you can go after you give us back whatever it was that you stole.”

Max looks to her incredulously. “What we STOLE?!”

Viktor glares at her. “We didn’t steal ANYTHING!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! This was a rescue operation!”

Stingray scoffs. “Right. In any case, you should consider General Mustang’s generous offer, Hero.”

Hammer nods. “Right! That and you’d be doing something for the greater good too!”

“Let me guess. All of you are trying to make the world a better place?”

“Exactly.”

Rose frowns. “Like Frank Fontaine was?”

Hammer laughs. “Nah! We actually have the brains and the resources to do what we intend to.”

Sereb growls. “Do you now?”

Stingray nods. “Yes. What do you say, Hero?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m no general’s pawn.”

Stingray frowns. “Please reconsider. After all you’ve done, I’d hate for it to end here with more bloodshed.”

Max points his weapon at her. “Then you two should turn around and drive away!”

Xenos clenches a fist. “Yeah! Before YOU get hurt!”

Viktor grimaces. “Or worse!”

Rose points her R-Cannon at the tank. “We won’t go down without a fight.”

Arc nods. “That’s right. Like it or not, I’m not joining you OR giving back the princess!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Princess?”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

Arc points his spear at the pair. “You’ll need to ask the general about that, because you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Now then, it’s your move. Either leave now or prepare to fight.”

Stingray frowns as she drops back down into the tank. “Have it your way.”

Hammer shakes her head as she does the same. “Why do they always want to do things the hard way?”

Meanwhile, Tom calls out. “Minerva, what’s going on down there?”

“They’re just… talking. About what we can only guess.”

“Could it be that they’re in league with the Hero?”

“I don’t think so. That tank’s cannon is aimed right at him.”

“Be careful out there, Minerva. This situation will most likely get very dangerous, very fast.”

“Agreed. But we’ll stay on the air as long as possible for our viewers.”

Dave groans as he continues to circle the scene. Meanwhile, Hammer sits down in her seat and turns to Stingray.

“What do you suppose he was talking about?”

“You mean that princess story?”

“Yeah.”

Stingray shrugs. “Who knows? But we should probably get to work.”

“I suppose so. Just remember, we don’t have to beat those guys. Just keep ‘em busy until our reinforcements arrive.”

Stingray grins as she activates her targeting system. “Yes. But where’s the fun in that?”

“What are you talking about?”

Stingray blushes. “If we can take care of this ourselves, the general will personally hear about it!”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Whoopie.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 21 - Journey's End

Meanwhile, aboard the other aircraft, Mio slowly opens her eyes.

“What… happened?”

She suddenly bolts upright.

“The Hero!”

Looking around frantically, she frowns.

“He’s gone. And he must’ve taken my staff with him!”

With great difficulty Mio stands and staggers toward the pilot’s seat.

“Let’s see where I am…”

Looking over her gauges, she gasps.

“How long was I out?! I’ve got to get back to the others!”

Switching off the auto-pilot, Mio turns the plane in a tight arc and grips the controls. A look of worry on her face.

“Don’t worry sisters. I’m coming to help.”

Meanwhile, Stingray locks onto the Landmaster and fires. The shell explodes, knocking Arc and his companions to the ground. However the ORB deflects the damage, rocking the vehicle slightly but protecting the occupants. Auriel calls out.

“Shields holding.”

Celestia gasps. “Twilight!”

Ember pats her head. “We’re okay. Trust me.”

Celestia shudders and buries her face in Ember’s chest fearfully. She gently strokes the mare’s pastel mane.

“They won’t lose easily.”

Max jumps up and charges forward with Viktor. Together they dive past the cannon’s aim and each lob a magical grenade under the tank as they pass. They explode with great force, but the tank does not so much as budge.

“What the…?”

“That should’ve been enough to…!”

The cannon turns 180 degrees toward the pair as Stingray grins.

“Gotcha.”

As she pulls the trigger an invisible force raises the cannon just enough to allow the shell to fly over Xenos and Max’s heads. Sereb rushes forward and slows just enough to allow the pair to dive onto his back before running away. Rose attacks from the other side as she pummels the tank with her R-Cannon.

“We’re not going to make any headway like this!”

Arc grimaces as he fires his Hand Cannons at the tank. “I’m open to ideas!”

Xenos hops off Sereb next to Arc. “Remember, we just need to hold out until our ride shows up!”

Max frowns. “But they have reinforcements coming too!”

Viktor clutches his spear tightly as he dives out of the way of yet another shot. “That may be! But who’s to say our evac will get here first!”

Arc grimaces. “Or that they won’t just shoot it down altogether!”

Sereb shakes his head. “They don’t have the firepower to take on The Equinox’s ORB system!”

Rose sighs. “True. But the captain will have to lower the shields long enough for us get aboard. The ship will be vulnerable during that time.”

“Quite the battle down there, Minerva!”

“Agreed, Tom. The Hero seems to have his hands full at the moment.”

“That and he doesn’t seem to be making so much as a dent in that tank’s armor. I hope he has sense enough to give up and be taken peacefully soon.”

“So do I, Tom. As it stands he and those with him don’t have much hope of walking away from this.”

“Why do you suppose he’s still resisting?”

“No idea. His vehicle can’t get past that tank without being rammed, and that bridge isn’t scheduled to be completed for another six months.”

“Can’t go forward, but refuses to go back.”

“Our town’s hero sure is a stubborn one.”

Meanwhile, Xenos and Viktor huddle behind a large rock. They peek out to see Sereb fly back as a shell explodes nearby.

“Sure glad Sereb’s wearing his armor.”

Viktor shudders. “Me too. Otherwise he’d be down for the count from that one.”

Xenos looks over the boulder again. “We need to do something to shut that thing down.”

Viktor chuckles. “You have an idea?”

“I do.”

Pointing to an overhead power line, he grins.

“Let’s see how well that tank conducts electricity.”

“Good idea. But how do we…?”

Xenos waves to Rose. She hurries over to them.

“What is it?!”

Viktor turns to her. “Can you get the tank to follow you this way?”

“Sure. But why?”

Xenos points to the lines. “We’re going to try and fry its systems with the powerline up above.”

Rose nods. “That might just work. But how were you planning on cutting the line?”

Xenos grins. “I got that figured out. You just get it over here.”

Nodding, Rose dives over the rock and runs toward the tank. She fires at it numerous times before Stingray turns the turret and fires. Rose slashes at the shell, nearly cutting it in half. The blast is much smaller, but is still enough to knock the brave android off her feet. Hammer grins as she turns the vehicle.

“I’ll take their little tin can out with my treads!”

Driving toward Rose, Viktor stands and looks over the rock as Xenos readies his spear.

“Let me know when, Viktor.”

“Just a bit more…”

Rose gets shakily to her feet as Arc calls over to her.

“You okay?!”

“F-fine!”

Sereb growls. “Get out of there!”

“Trust me!”

Arc frowns. “But…!”

“Please, get clear!”

Sighing, Arc and Sereb do as they are told. Viktor calls out just as the tank rolls into a sizable puddle of water on the ground.

“NOW!”

Xenos throws his spear at the lines overheard. His blade deftly pierces the wires allowing the lines to fall on top of the tank. The transformer overhead explodes as the vehicle is charged with its entire load. A few seconds later Xenos and Viktor peek out.

“I think we did it!”

Arc gives them a thumbs up. “Good work you two!”

Running out from his own cover, Arc hurries over to Rose as Max joins him. Her clothing and synthetic skin are torn in numerous places and large amounts of red liquid seep through it. Minerva gasps.

“It looks like one of the Hero’s allies has been badly wounded!”

Tom clears his throat. “I’d like to apologize to our viewers if this is a bit graphic. But please remember that we’re coming to you live. Hopefully the Hero realizes the severe nature of the situation and will soon surrender.”

“Yes, Tom. I’d hate to see anyone else here get hurt.”

Arc kneels down next to Rose and takes her in his arms.

“Rose… are you…?”

“I’ll… be… okay.”

Max turn to him. “We need to get her back to Twilight as soon as possible.”

“Right!”

“Finish… mission. Complete… it. I… will… repair… in… time.”

Sereb turns to the motionless tank. “It would appear there is nothing left to do but wait for extraction.”

Viktor and Xenos cautiously approach the tank with Max.

“It’s not so scary now.”

“But it was a fearsome opponent nonetheless. We should probably…”

Suddenly the tank’s turret swings around and blasts them with flak. They fly back into Arc and Rose. As Arc rises he sees the pair lying motionless on the ground. Several jagged bits of metal stick out of their armor as blood oozes out around them.

“Viktor! Xenos! Max”

Sereb calls out. “Their hearts yet beat! However, they will require immediate medical attention!”

Hammer sticks her head out of the hatch and shakes her head.

“Nice try, but the Charger’s insulated against stuff like electricity. Now then, I suggest you surrender before anyone else gets hurt.”

She looks down at the injured trio before her.

“We have medical facilities that can certainly patch up your friends.”

Arc shakes his head angrily. “Never!”

Hammer shrugs. “Have it your way.”

She drops back down into the tank as Stingray aims the cannon at Arc. He calls forth his Magic Blades and charges forward. Squeezing the trigger the cannon fires. The shell hits Arc squarely in the chest, knocking his back. Several small chunks of his armor fly off, exposing his tunic underneath. Hammer frowns.

“What the heck is that thing MADE of?!”

Stingray shrugs. “No idea. But we’ll have to recover it for study.”

“That we will. It’s tough stuff.”

“So is the man inside it. Look.”

Hammer looks at her screen just in time to see Arc slowly stand. Minerva gasps.

“He… he GOT UP!”

“That’s impossible! Can we get a replay?!”

The anchor watches the footage with their viewers again in slow motion. He nods, clearly impressed.

“The shot definitely hit him! Even if his armor protected him from the explosion and shrapnel itself, that much force should have caused severe trauma to his body!”

Minerva grins. “He’s clearly exceptional! Armor or not!”

Hammer pokes her head out of the hatch yet again.

“Will you just stay down?!”

Sereb runs over to stand with Arc. “We fight to the end!”

Arc nods, breathing heavily. “Right! I won’t give up!”

Hammer shakes her head. “Look, it’s obvious you can’t beat us. Just surrender and we can call it a day.”

Stingray frowns as she pops through her own hatch. “That and your friends appear to be in pretty bad shape.”

The sound of buzzer goes off. Hammer grins as she and Stingray drop back into the Charger.

“Sounds like Mio’s back!”

Stingray grunts. “Yes. I do wonder where she’s been though.”

“Taking a nap is my guess.”

Meanwhile, Mio looks through her scope. Pressing a few buttons she grits her teeth.

“Only one missile left. I have to make this count!”

She fires. Sereb turns and sees the missile streaking through the sky toward them.

“NO!”

Turning, the wolf bucks Arc hard with his hind legs as he charges up his magic. Letting loose a powerful Telekinesis Spell he aims it at the missile. It explodes, throwing the wolf violently against the tank. He falls to the ground and does not rise. Hammer chuckles as she backs up for a better view.

“Looks like he’s down AND out!”

Stingray nods. “Yeah. Let’s finish this up and report back.”

Hammer sighs. “Fine.”

“Something wrong?”

“I just… nothing.”

Meanwhile, Minerva gasps.

“The Hero’s faithful steed may have just made the ultimate sacrifice for his master!”

Tom grimaces. “He’s the only one left standing!”

Dave speaks into his headset. Minerva turns her camera to look down the road.

“It appears the military has sent reinforcements to take the Hero into custody.”

She focuses the camera to show hundreds of strange looking vehicles from earlier heading toward the bridge at high speed. Tom gasps.

“More of those machines?”

Minerva nods. “A lot more, yes.”

“It looks as if the Hero has finally met his match.”

“I have to agree with you, Tom. This fight is over.”

Minerva bites her lip as she thinks to herself.

“Just give up. Don’t throw your life away over this.”

Hammer chuckles as she looks over to a small screen on her left.

“The drones will be here in five minutes.”

Stingray chuckles. “Looks like we beat him.”

They look at the main viewscreen before them at Arc standing there alone. His armor cracked in numerous places along with several streams of blood running down it. Hammer turns to her sister.

“What do we do now?”

“Just hold him here. He has to know there’s nowhere left for him to run.”

Arc looks around at his friends lying on the ground motionless. He clenches his fists angrily as he grits his teeth. Hammer and Stingray again poke their heads out of the tank.

“Uh… this is the part where you put your hands up.”

“…why?”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “Because it’s over. You lost.”

Arc shakes his head.

“No. Why did you…? Why did you want her so bad?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about? Who’s ‘her’?”

“Why did you hurt so many people to get what you want?! Huh?! WHY?!”

Stingray points at Arc. “You could’ve ended this anytime you wanted. Their blood is on YOUR hands!”

Arc looks to Stingray.

“Not my friends! I’m talking about the townspeople of Angel Grove, the Shards, and The Riders! TELL ME WHY?!”

“For the greater good, I assure you. By their sacrifice…”

“Shut up! You’re fools, all of you! General Mustang will sacrifice ANYONE he feels necessary to achieve his goals! You included!”

Arc clenches his fists tightly as he points to the Landmaster.

“You’re fighting to take back the one we rescued without even knowing ANYTHING about her!”

Arc seethes as he continues his tirade.

“But you thinks it’s fine because what you’re doing will make the world a better place! Make everything nicer for everyone!”

Hammer frowns. “It will! You have to look at the larger picture, Hero! This is bigger than you and us!”

“Bigger than everyone you used too?!”

Stingray nods, exacerbated. “YES!”

Arc’s fingers dig into his gauntlets, denting the palms as his anger rises.

“It’s people like you…!”

A beeping sound can be heard inside the tank. Hammer drops down and looks over her monitor. She frowns and smacks it.

“This can’t be right.”

Stingray drops back inside and looks over her shoulder.

“What is it.”

“There’s some kind of energy reaction coming from the Hero.”

“Magic?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No. It’s MUCH more powerful.”

Arc levitates a foot above the ground as his crystals glow brightly. Minerva gasps.

“He isn’t giving up!”

“I can’t believe the Hero is still resisting!”

“Me either, Tom. But that strange glow tells me he’s been holding something back.”

“Well, it had better be something special if he hopes to stop that tank, the plane circling them, and the military’s reinforcements.”

The air is suddenly thick with magical energy as golden wings sprout forth from Arc’s back. He channels for several moments before turning his attention to Mio’s craft flying overhead and reaches out a hand toward the vessel. Mio’s voice comes over the Crusader’s radio.

“What’s going on down there?!”

Hammer grins. “Us wining!”

Stingray frowns as she keeps her gaze focused on her instruments. “Yes. But these readings are off the scale! Stay sharp!”

Mio calls out. “I still have my turrets. Should I… what the…?”

Hammer frowns. “Mio? Is everything alright up there?”

“Um… I… don’t know. The controls are getting a bit… sluggish.”

Stingray looks worried. “Damage to your ship?”

“They were working fine up until now. Do you suppose this is the Hero’s doing?”

Hammer shrugs. “No idea how. But remember, both your plane and my tank are warded against magical attacks. We should be able to take anything he can dish out at this point.”

Arc closes his gauntlet slowly. Mio gasps.

“Something’s wrong! I…!”

Mio cries out as the windshield explodes outward. She dives to the side as the ship makes a sickening lurch. Stingray yells into her headset.

“Mio! Talk to us! What’s going on up there?!”

“I… I don’t know! The windshield just…!”

A low groan reverberates through the ship as the walls buckle. Hammer shouts into the radio.

“MIO!”

“Everything’s distorting! The floor… the walls… even the main supports overhead!”

Returning to an upright position, Mio grabs the flight stick in an attempt to regain her heading.

“I’ve lost all helm control! Both engines just failed! Every warning light is going crazy! M-mayday, mayday!”

Stingray gasps. “Abandon the craft!”

Hammer nods fervently. “BAIL!”

Mio grabs a parachute and runs over to the door. However, it does not open.

“I can’t! The door’s jammed!”

Stingray winces. “Can you go out through the front?!”

Mio shields her eyes from the wind. “No! There’s just too much pressure!”

Suddenly the door is ripped from its hinges and an invisible force grabs Mio. It drags her out screaming as it rips her parachute off and drops it to the ground. Hammer points at Arc, clearly furious.

“He’s doing this!”

Stingray grabs her controls. “I got him!”

Aiming the cannon, she fires. Arc holds up a hand and casts a Barrier Spell. The shell explodes but does not penetrate it. Stingray fires several more times with no effect. Hammer gasps.

“How is he DOING that?!”

Tom calls out frantically. “Minerva! What’s going on over there?!”

“The… the Hero is… I think he’s tearing that craft apart!”

She zooms in on Mio as she flails helplessly and cries out.

“He’s… holding the pilot up… somehow!”

“But… why?”

“No clue, Tom. All we can do is see what comes next.”

Arc turns back to the Charger. His voice reverberates through the otherwise still night air.

“STINGRAY… HAMMER… WE’RE ABOUT TO ANSWER AN AGE OLD QUESTION!”

He looks up at the craft and smiles angrily.

“WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE UNSTOPPABLE FORCE… MEETS SOMETHING IMMOVABLE?!”

Thrusting his fist toward the tank, Mio’s plane careens toward the Charger. The two vehicles smash together with sickening force as Mio screams.

“STINGRAY! HAMMER!”

Floating toward the wreckage, Arc pulls Mio down from overhead. She stops a few feet in front of him.

“Still think I should surrender?”

Mio’s eyes are wide and she can barely speak. “Stingray… Hammer… please… please spare them.”

He turns toward the Charger. Smoke pours from several fist sized holes in the hull. The sound of coughing can be heard within as she looks at the mangled hatches.

“They’ll suffocate in there! Please… please don’t let them die like that!”

Arc nods angrily. Reaching out a hand he rips the hatches off the tank. Stingray and Hammer climb out and tumble to the ground. Both are bleeding heavily. Wasting no time, Arc grabs them with his magic and pulls the pair to float next to Mio.

“Now then… what should I do with you three?”

Stingray grimaces. “Let Hammer and Mio go! I’m the one you want!”

Hammer shakes her head. “NO! I drove the Charger out here! It should be me!”

Mio gasps. “But I took down your mount! Take out your anger on me!”

Arc shakes his head and laughs wickedly.

“Oh, don’t worry! There’s plenty for all three of you! I’m planning to…!”

Arc stops talking as he feels something take hold of his foot. Looking down he sees Rose’s hand on his boot. She looks up at him pleadingly.

“Let… let them… go.”

“But…!”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc… listen to her. This isn’t you.”

Sighing, Arc drops slowly to the ground as his crystals dim and the wings vanish. He releases the three women and sighs.

“I’m… giving you three a pass… this time.”

Mio’s eyes grow wide. “Wha-what?!”

Hammer breathes heavily as she gasps in pain. “You’ll… never get away… with this!”

Stingray grits her teeth. “Right. Our reinforcements… are nearly… here.”

Rose struggles to speak. “She’s… correct. I’m detecting… more drones… inbound.”

Arc frowns. “How many?”

“Innumerable.”

Dave calls out. “Miss Moore! Something’s heading toward the bridge!”

Minerva rolls her eyes as she hits the ‘mute’ button. “I’ve already covered the military’s reinforcements.”

“No, no! From the bridge side! Some kind of UFO!”

“What?!”

She turns to see a large vessel approaching the unfinished end of the bridge. The first rays of dawn shine over its sleek surface. Tom gasps.

“Minerva, what IS that?!”

“Ladies and gentlemen at home. I… I don’t know how to say this, but… this may just be a legitimate UFO!”

“Aliens?!”

“It very well may be! The ship is like nothing I’ve ever seen before!”

“It appears to be making its way to the end of the bridge! Any idea why?”

“I think it may be here to pick up the Hero and his allies!”

Tom puts a hand to his forehead. “This story is just out of control! If I hadn’t seen your footage with my own eyes I wouldn’t have believed it!”

Minerva nods. “I’m here on the scene and I still question whether or not this is all really happening, Tom!”

As the ship takes its place at the end of the bridge, Sereb slowly gets up along with Rose. Arc limps over to them.

“Take it easy, you two.”

Sereb winces as he looks over Arc’s badly damaged armor. “You’re… one to talk.”

Rose coughs. “Agreed. But… we can still… help… get the others… to safety.”

Arc looks to Rose. “Are they…?”

“Everyone is… injured… but none… critically.”

Arc turns to Sereb as he puts an arm around his own midsection. “Get everyone aboard the Landmaster.”

“Very well. As soon as I escort you there.”

“I’ll be along shortly. First… I… um… need to take care of something.”

Sereb does as he is told. Rose helps put the injured on his back as Arc walks over to the Charger. Raising a gauntlet he casts the Matter Compacting Spell. Shrinking the vehicle down he turns to the three women with it in his palm. Hammer seethes.

“What… are you…?!”

“I’m taking this, Hammer.”

“You… ugh… you can’t!”

Arc sighs as he puts the tank in his ring and turns back to Hammer.

“I… I left something back at your apartment.”

“What are you…?”

Arc interrupts her. “It’ll explain everything. I just…”

He sighs and shakes his head.

“…s-sorry. Goodbye… Hammer.”

The young woman looks to Arc, confused, as he turns and walks toward the Landmaster. Entering, he sees Rose lying next to his squad. Ember and Auriel do their best to tend to them. Ember looks over her shoulder at him.

“They’re hurt pretty bad!”

Rose shakes her head. “Wounds… superficial. Be… fine.”

Auriel helps Rose over to a chair and straps her in. “You’re one to talk. The essence within is barely keeping you running, as it’s going into internal repairs almost as fast as you can generate it.”

“Help… others.”

Arc nods. “Everyone’s aboard, Rose.”

“I… pilot…?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’ll get us back to the ship.”

Heading over to the driver’s seat, Arc sits down and starts the vehicle. He looks in the side mirror at Hammer for a moment before shaking his head and sighing.

“It was… a mistake.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc… you have to go.”

“Yeah… I know.”

Stepping on the gas, the Landmaster accelerates as it drives across the bridge. Rose turn to him.

“Incoming… enemy… reinforcements.”

Auriel keeps her eyes on her station. “I can protect us! But we don’t have any way to fight them off at the moment!”

Arc frowns. “I’ll get us some cover fire.”

Ember frowns. “The Equinox’s cannons will tear the bridge to pieces!”

“Twilight!”

Arc grins. “Trust me, Ember.”

He presses a button on the dashboard.

“Arc to Equinox.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.”

“We’re about to be attacked by enemy reinforcements. Deploy my forces to the deck.”

“Yes sir.”

“We’re counting on you. Arc out.”

He grips the steering wheel as the enemy drones cross onto the bridge behind them.

“This is it!”

Meanwhile, Shining Armor nods as the message is relayed to him.

“Everypony out on deck! GO, GO, GO!!!”

The main hatch flies open as Arc’s troops rush through.

“Staggered formation!”

As one, the stallions line up. The Unicorns’ horns glow as the Earth Ponies and Pegasi guards pull rifles from their backs and take up firing positions. Overhead Minerva gasps.

“I… Tom, it appears a great number of… armed and armored… horses have emerged from the ship!”

“We’re seeing that too! Are those… unicorns?!”

“It looks like it, yes.”

She zooms in.

“And I’m seeing what appear to be pegasi as well!”

“Are those guns?!”

“That they are, Tom! This situation has most certainly escalated beyond what any of us thought possible!”

“The Hero must be desperate if he’s calling in forces such as this.”

“Either that or whatever’s in that vehicle he’s riding in is REALLY important to him.”

Shining Armor frowns as he watches the drones begin to close the gap between them and the Landmaster.

“Steady, everypony! We need to wait for them to come into range!”

He talks into his radio.

“Bridge!”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir. Awaiting your orders.”

“Prepare to disengage the ORB system on my command.”

“Yes sir.”

He watches the scene before them carefully. Beads of sweat form on his brow as he waits. Trixie calls out.

“Everypony pick a target!”

The drones accelerate.

“Wait for it…”

Within moments they are a stone’s throw from the Landmaster. Shining Armor yells into his radio.

“DISENGAGE ORB!”

The protective shield drops, exposing the Equinox as Shining Armor yells at the top of his lungs.

“FIRE!!!”

The troops obey, firing blasts of magical energies as well as bullets. A literal hailstorm of projectiles swarms past the Landmaster and bounce off its ORB system. The approaching enemy reinforcements are brought low as they speed on toward relative safety. However the drones continue toward them as their numbers appear endless. Wrangler turns to Tight Ship.

“Sir, permission to fire on the enemy with extreme prejudice!”

Soarin frowns. “Negative, Wrangler. You could destabilize the entire bridge that way!”

Tight Ship nods. “Right. And there appear to be non-mechanical combatants nearby.”

Moon Dancer gasps. “Three human mares?!”

Thunderlane grits his teeth. “What are they DOING there?!”

Tight Ship sighs. “No clue. But let’s focus on getting the job done. Wrangler, I want you to target the bridge’s supports nearest the ship and prepare to fire.

“Sir? But I thought…?”

Moon Dancer turns to the captain. “Is this to cut off the enemy’s advance or retreat, sir?”

“Both.”

Meanwhile, fresh drones continue the pursuit. Smashing past their destroyed companions they again attempt to close the distance. Shining Armor frowns.

“FIRE AT WILL!”

Tom is on the edge of his seat. “They’re not giving up!”

“Neither side is it seems.”

“At this point, I don’t really know who to cheer for.”

“While he most certainly broke the law, I believe in the Hero. If he felt the need to infiltrate that military base he must have had a good reason.”

“Agreed, Minerva. I only wish we could get an interview.”

“Me too, Tom.”

Meanwhile, the Landmaster approaches the cargo bay doors. They slide open at their approach. The vehicle rockets inside and skids to a stop as the doors slide shut behind them. Tight Ship jumps up.

“Wrangler, FIRE!”

She presses a button and the ship’s cannons come to life. Blasting several of the main supports, the bridge collapses. As if in slow motion the drones fall into the valley below. Soarin turns to Thunderlane.

“Set a course back toward our egress portal at one-quarter speed.”

“Why so slow, sir?”

Tight Ship turns to the helm. “Remember, our forces are still out on deck. We can’t risk anypony falling off while we retreat.”

Shining Armor calls out to the troops.

“EVERYPONY BACK INSIDE! DOUBLE TIME!”

The troops hurry to carry out his orders. Shining Armor casts a barrier to shield his forces as they retreat inside. As the last soldier passes he rushes inside. Trixie smacks the door control as she shouts into her radio.

“All are aboard, captain!”

“Good. Full speed ahead, Thunderlane!”

“Aye, sir!”

Tom grins. “They made it!”

Minerva sighs with relief as The Equinox pulls away from the crumbling bridge. “That they did, Tom.”

“Hopefully next time the Hero makes an appearance he’ll comment on what exactly happened here tonight.”

“Agreed.”

“Where do you suppose he’s going? I don’t believe there’s anything nearby.”

“We’ll follow them and attempt to find out. But I’m also wondering where such a massive ship could have been launched from.”

“I’m certain it’s not registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. Such a vessel would have made the headlines!”

“Perhaps the Hero has some kind of secret base out here.”

“Be careful, Minerva. I doubt he’d just let someone follow him back there.”

“We’ll hold back and give his ship plenty of room.”

Sighing, Minerva grimaces as she cuts the audio feed momentarily and grabs a bottle of water.

“What could his motive have been?! Cherry wouldn’t have gone along with such a reckless plan willingly. At least not unless there was no choice.”

She puts a hand to her forehead.

“I guess all I can do it trust them to do what’s best.”

Meanwhile, Doctor Whooves along with Redheart and a number of additional medical staff wait patiently inside the Cargo Hold. A few moments later Arc opens the back door and motions to them.

“I need help over here!”

As they run over, Ember walks out carrying Princess Celestia in her claws. The doctor nods to a nurse whom rushes over with an oversized gurney. He points a hoof.

“Put her here, miss!”

Ember does so as Doctor Whooves begins looking her over. Arc turns to the rest of the medical staff.

“There are more wounded in here! Line up and we’ll carry them out!”

He turns back to Sereb who is casting the Transmogrification counter spell. The squad slowly turns back into their true forms. One by one Arc picks them up and carries them out of the Landmaster to the waiting medical teams. Returning, Arc kneels down in front of Rose.

“Hey, we made it! Rose?”

The android does not respond. Arc’s eyes grow wide.

“Auriel… help!”

Auriel sighs. “Rose lost too much of her internal fluids. Remember, they carry energy from her heart to the subsystems spread throughout her body.”

Cherry calls out nervously. “Is she… dead?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. However her body lacked energy to continue operation and shut down.”

“Will she recover?!”

“Oh, yes. But it looks like Rose here will need quite a few repairs before she’s fully functional again.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good.”

Sereb grunts. “Indeed. She really gave it her all back there.”

“And you, Sereb. Are you alright?”

“A bit tired and sore. But otherwise, yes.”

Auriel turns to him. “We should get you checked out as well, Arc.”

“But I’m…”

Cherry fumes. “You are not! Look at yourself!”

Arc does so. He sees chunks of armor missing and blood seeping through the holes.

“I… wow.”

Sereb walks over to him. “Lean on me, my friend.”

“Thanks.”

Arc does so as he and Sereb walk out of the Landmaster and over to the medical staff. Redheart is issuing orders frantically.

“Get the wounded to the Infirmary! Remove their armor very carefully and prep them for x-rays!”

The nurses nod and hurry down the corridor with their patients as Arc approaches.

“Redheart? Are they going to be okay?”

“I think so, sir.”

Auriel appears worried. “Then why the x-rays?”

“It’s standard procedure to order them for injuries as serious as what they appear to have sustained.”

Arc sighs. “Take good care of them.”

“I will, sir.”

She smiles and heads toward the teleporter pad. Arc turns to the doctor and walks toward the gurney. He spots Ember sitting on the bed with Celestia in her lap.

“Give me good news.”

Doctor Whooves speaks as he continues his examination of Celestia. “She appears to be very… agitated. There’s evidence of prolonged physical abuse as well as the tell-tale signs of severe mental scars.”

Ember groans. “What did they DO to her?!”

“That’s not important right now, miss. Helping the princess physically should be our top priority!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Can we help in any way?”

The doctor looks Arc up and down. “Methinks you don’t have much more to give, sir.”

Auriel takes his arm. “We should get you to the Infirmary too, Arc.”

Doctor Whooves turns to Arc. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“I hate to ask this of you, but I really need the patient back at her normal size to properly treat her.”

“Sure. One moment.”

Ember carefully slips off the bed. Celestia writhes violently as she looks around frantically.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

“Shh… I’m right here.”

Holding out a hand, Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell on Celestia. In a few moments she returns to her normal size. Doctor Whooves motions to the nurses.

“We have to restrain her! Hurry!”

Arc calls out. “Wait!”

“Sir, it’s imperative…!”

Auriel shakes her head. “She was chained up when we found her! Restraining her is the last thing she wants!”

Arc nods. “Right. Ember, could you…?!”

“Sure!”

Hopping back up onto the gurney, she puts her claws on Celestia’s shoulders and pushes her down onto the pillow.

“It’s going to be okay, princess. I’m here.”

Celestia calms and sighs contentedly as she lays her head on the pillow.

“Twilight…”

Doctor Whooves turns to the nurses. “Let’s go.”

They make the short walk to the teleporter pad. Reappearing at their destination, Arc looks around. Two nurses are busy examining each member of his squad as the doctor points a hoof at a corner of the room. A myriad of machines stand ready.

“Get her over there and hooked up!”

The nurses nod and hurry to carry out his orders. Arc turns to Sereb.

“Why don’t you stay here and get yourself looked at? After all that’s happened you might need some medical assistance yourself.”

“And you?”

“I need to see the captain. Make sure we’re in the clear.”

Ember calls over from Celestia’s bed. “You’re hurt too, Arc!”

“I’ll get checked out back in Canterlot. The staff here are already quite busy.”

Ember glares at him. “If you don’t get into a bed right now, I’ll…!”

Celestia shrinks back, clearly terrified. Doctor Whooves puts a hoof to Ember’s mouth.

“Miss, stop! You’re making the princess’ heart rate skyrocket!”

Arc turns toward the door. “Stay with her, Ember. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“But…!”

Auriel hurries after Arc. “I’ll stay with him. You just keep Princess Celestia calm.”

“…fine.”

She lays down next to Celestia who immediately snuggles up to Ember despite regaining her original size. Meanwhile, Auriel puts an arm around Arc’s back and helps him out of the room.

“Just lean on me, okay?”

“Thanks.”

Auriel sighs as they walk down the corridor together. “Ember isn’t wrong. You really should be resting, Arc.”

He winces in pain. “Believe me, I will. Just as soon as the ship is out of Earth’s airspace.”

Entering the Bridge, he looks to the captain.

“Tight Ship! Did we get away?!”

Tight Ship nods. “So it would seem.”

Moon Dancer looks over. “There’s nothing on radar, sir.”

Wrangler grins. “I’m still keeping the weapons charged and the ORB system online just in case though.”

Arc grins as he walks over to the comms. “Good. Lemon Hearts, open a channel to Canterlot Castle. Use the emergency frequency.”

“Yes sir.”

Pressing several buttons, she speaks into her headset.

“Equinox to Canterlot. Priority one.”

“This is Canterlot Castle operations. Go ahead, Equinox.”

“We require a secure line directly to the princesses. Emergency code five.”

“One moment.”

Ten seconds later Twilight’s voice rings out over the speakers.

“ARC!!!”

“Woah! Twilight?! Where are the princesses?!”

Cadance sounds nervous. “We’re right here, Arc.”

Luna speaks frantically. “Yes! Now then, were you successful?! Did you find my sister?!”

“I did, Princess Luna. She’s safely aboard my ship.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “How is she?!”

“Admittedly, not the greatest. Doctor Whooves is examining her now. We’ll know more soon… I hope.”

Cadance chimes in. “Did she say anything?”

“Not really. At least not coherently.”

Luna stomps the floor angrily. “What did they DO to her?!”

“No idea. But our first priority is to get her back to Canterlot.”

Twilight smiles. “Good!”

Cadance clears her throat. “Any… casualties?”

“My entire squad was wounded along with Sereb and Rose. But I’m told it isn’t anything life threatening.”

“And you, Arc?”

“I’m… mostly fine, Princess Luna.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Arc, that isn’t true and you know it.”

“But…”

Auriel points. “You’re bleeding on the console!”

“Only a little.”

Cadance forces a smile and sighs. “Please get yourself checked out as soon as possible, Arc.”

Twilight nods. “Yes! I… we all need you here!”

“Sure. We’ll be back before you…”

Moon Dancer looks over to the captain. “Sir! Incoming contacts!”

“Air or land!”

Wrangler calls out. “Air!”

Luna gasps. “What’s going on over there?!”

Arc groans. “We’re going to have to cut this short. Looks like we’re not quite out of the woods just yet.”

Cadance grimaces. “Be careful, Arc!”

“I will, Princess Cadance. Arc out.”

He motions to Lemon Hearts and she cuts the feed. Twilight turns to Cadance.

“We should get to the Hanger!”

Luna furrows her brow. “Agreed. I need to see his success with my own eyes.”

Cadance nods as they head for the door. “It has been awhile.”

Luna sighs. “Too long, yes. But I have faith that Arc will overcome this final hurdle and return my sister to us safely.”

Twilight grins. “So do I, Princess Luna. He’s quite capable, after all.”

Meanwhile, Arc rushes over to Moon Dancer’s console.

“What are we dealing with?!”

“Hundreds of some kind of small aerial craft!”

Wrangler looks over her instruments. “They look really similar to those things chasing you on the ground, sir!”

Arc sighs. “So our enemy has drones for both land and air.”

Soarin looks to Tight Ship. “We should engage them with all due haste!”

“Agreed. They must be destroyed before we reach the portal location, lest they be allowed to attack Canterlot.”

Arc turns to the comms. “Are they manned, Lemon Hearts?”

“Sir?”

Auriel clears her throat. “I believe he means to ask if they are piloted or autonomous.”

“Oh. Well, they’re not responding to my hails.”

Moon Dancer calls out. “And I don’t detect life signs aboard any of them.”

Wrangler grins. “Good! Then we can take them out with extreme prejudice!”

Arc looks to the Tactical Station. “How’s the ORB power level holding up?”

Wrangler smiles. “It has the energy to stay active for twenty more minutes.”

Thunderlane turns around. “We’ll reach the portal location in ten, sir.”

Tight Ship sighs. “Yes. However, if the enemy attacks, our shield will be drained significantly faster.”

Arc walks toward the ORB console. “Let’s see if we can’t give it a bit of a boost.”

Auriel grabs his arm. “That’s not a good idea, Arc. You’re already weakened from the activities of this evening.”

Soarin nods. “I agree. In fact, you really should be resting, sir.”

“What about you, Auriel?”

“Huh?”

“After all, you’ve been keeping the Landmaster’s ORB system running for quite some time.”

“Yes. But that was with the energy from the Bloodstone. Not my own mana pool.”

Thunderlane turns to the captain. “Could she supercharge our own ORB system, sir?”

“I don’t believe so. Moon Dancer?”

“Afraid not, sir. The system aboard your vehicle was specifically modified to use Dark Magic as a power source.”

Auriel frowns. “And even that took days of calibration and testing.”

Arc grits his teeth. “How long until the drones reach us, Moon Dancer?”

“At their current rate of speed, five minutes!”

“Wrangler, how about our ship’s cannons?”

“We can certainly return fire. But that would require shutting down the ORB system to do so.”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “Could we modulate the ORB’s field to allow us to fire through it?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “The royal engineers were trying to discover a way to do that before this mission. However, they were unsuccessful.”

Soarin shrugs. “Perhaps with time such a thing would be possible. But not today.”

Thunderlane grimaces. “What do we do?”

Moon Dancer calls. “Enemy will be within range of our cannons in two minutes.”

Arc clenches his fist. “We have no choice. Power up the weapons and prepare for battle!”

Soarin turns to the Comms Station. “Lemon Hearts, notify the crew.”

“Yes sir.”

She presses a button on her console and speaks into her headset as Arc turns to Wrangler.

“As soon as they come in range, let ‘em have it!”

Wrangler grins. “Aye, sir!”

Soarin frowns. “Will it be enough though?”

Thunderlane clutches his controls tightly. “It has to be. We don’t have anything else.”

Arc grins. “That’s not entirely true.”

Tight Ship looks to him. “Sir?”

Arc turns and heads for the door. “Keep me posted if anything changes. I need to check on something.”

He leaves the Bridge. Auriel shrugs and runs after him as Wrangler calls out.

“Get ready, Thunderlane! This is gonna be a bumpy ride!”

“Let’s do it!”

Minerva frowns as she looks to the horizon.

“Tom, I’m not sure exactly what’s coming. But I think the military is sending a force to continue the pursuit of the Hero!”

“They aren’t giving up?”

“It doesn’t look like it, no. Whatever the Hero did back there, it angered them to quite a degree.”

“But he isn’t throwing in the towel either.”

“Not in the least. He appears to be keeping his shields up though.”

“Those can’t last forever, I would assume.”

“Maybe not. But I’m sure he has some kind of a backup plan.”

Meanwhile, Auriel catches up to Arc.

“What are you up to?”

Arc does not slow down. “Plan B.”

“To what end?”

“Equestria is counting on us. At this point, we have to be willing to take big risks to finish this.”

A short time later Arc and Auriel arrive at the Cafeteria. Shining Armor and Trixie, along with their soldiers, are sitting around drinking coffee and talking happily. They straighten up at Arc’s approach and salute as Shining Armor greets him.

“Sir!”

“Captain Shining Armor, we have quite a problem on our hands.”

Trixie appears confused. “Sir?”

“There are a large number of drones incoming.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Won’t they be stopped by our barrier though?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. We have to disable it to fire on them.”

“But even Trixie knows that will leave us vulnerable!”

“We don’t have a choice. If we just fly back to Equestria via portal they’ll be able to do a lot of damage.”

Auriel nods soberly. “They really need to be stopped here.”

Shining Armor stand resolutely. “What are your orders, sir?”

“All of us are going to return to the deck and defend the ship.”

Trixie gasps. “Won’t that be dangerous, sir?”

“Probably. But we don’t have a choice. Captain, have your troops been told about our mission?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No, sir. It’s still regarded as top secret.”

He turns to the soldiers.

“All of you listen to me. I’m sure everyone’s wondering what it is we’re doing here on Earth. Why we’re fighting this fight. It’s not for fame, glory, or riches. Instead, we’re doing this for honor and justice. As you all know, Princess Celestia is currently off on a diplomatic mission of greatest secrecy. However, that isn’t the case.”

The soldiers look to one another confused as Arc continues.

“The truth of the matter is that Princess Celestia was being held captive here on Earth. My squad and I rescued and were able to transport her back to the ship via my new vehicle. Right now she’s in very bad shape down in the Infirmary.”

Arc gestures out a window.

“At the moment there are hundreds of drones heading right for us that are looking for her. They’ll stop at nothing to recapture the princess and continue her imprisonment. We can’t let that happen. Every one of them MUST be destroyed prior to opening a portal back to Equestria. If not, they’ll most certainly follow us back and wreak havoc on the innocent ponies back home. These machines have to be stopped here and now by US! Understand that if we fail to stop them, not one of us will be returning home to Equestria. We stand together now, or we fall one by one. Now let’s go!”

The troops cheer loudly as a voice comes over Arc’s earring.

“Sir, the enemy has nearly overtaken us.”

“Disable the ORB system and fire at will.”

“Yes sir. But there are far too many for our cannons to take on.”

“Leave that to us. Arc out.”

He severs the connection before turning back to the troops.

“Everyone follow me! Let’s get this plan underway!”

Arc leads them out the door and to the Upper Deck toward the Main Hatch as Auriel turns to him.

“This is really dangerous, Arc!”

“I know. But we don’t have any other options.”

Auriel sighs “We really don’t. But…”

“Auriel, I want you to head back to the Infirmary and stay with the others.”

“Arc?”

“Like you said, this will be dangerous.”

Nodding, Auriel stops and steps aside. She watches the troops march by silently as the barrier around the ship falls. The sound of the cannons firing can be heard.

“Good luck… all of you.”

Arc and company reach the Main Hatch. They peer out as the drones begin firing on the ship. He touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here.”

“Tell the captain that we’re in position outside the Main Hatch. I need the ship to slow down to a safe cruising speed before we head out to the deck.”

“Yes sir. One moment.”

Tight Ship turns to Thunderlane. “Slow to quarter speed.”

“But sir, I thought we were trying to get home.”

“We are. However first we need to deal with this last problem.”

Thunderlane sighs and pushes the throttle forward to the desired position. “Quarter speed, sir.”

Tight Ship turns to the Science Station. “Moon Dancer, notify the Hero of Light when we’ve slowed enough.”

“Aye sir.”

A short time later Arc gets the word over his earring. Turning to the others, he speaks.

“I’ll go out first and draw their fire. When I give the word everyone follow and return fire.”

Shining Armor and Trixie nod soberly as Arc reaches out with his magic and presses a button. The hatch flies open as the drones let loose a barrage of what appears to be laser fire. Minerva gasps.

“Our military’s forces have engaged the Hero’s ship!”

“But his ship’s shield fell a few moments ago! Does this bode poorly for our hero?!”

“Not a chance. I’m sure he merely lowered his defenses to return fire.”

“I hope he has some kind of a plan. For his sake.”

Minerva mutters under her breath. “So do I.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns back to the captain.

“Shield me, Shining Armor!”

“But sir…!”

“That’s an order!”

Shining Armor casts a Barrier Spell as Arc runs out the hatch. The drones immediately turn their attention to Arc and target him. Running across the deck, he comes to the nose of the ship and turns around to face the hatch.

“ADVANCE!”

Shining Armor and his troops swarm out of the ship and take up positions around the perimeter.

“FIRE AT WILL!”

The troops do so. A multitude of bullets and magical blasts are launched at their opponents. As quickly as they fall however reinforcements take their places. Arc calls out.

“Drop my shield, Shining Armor!”

“Sir, your armor…!”

“DO IT!!!”

Shining Armor nods and does so Arc puts up a gauntlet and casts a Barrier Spell. He reaches around it with the other to fire his Hand Cannon. Trixie yells to the soldiers.

“KEEP FIRING! DON’T LET UP!”

Arc grits his teeth. “WE CAN’T LET THEM GET ANY CLOSER TO EQUESTRIA!”

He looks to Trixie and pulls Hammer’s gun from his ring.

“Try using this. I think it has more range than your horn does.”

Trixie nods and takes the weapon with her magic. Turning back to the drones she begins firing, grinning as she hits several targets.

“Trixie likes this weapon very much!”

Several drones break through and fire on the troops. Their armor takes most of the damage, but not all. Arc calls out.

“EARTH PONIES, FIRE EVERY BULLET YOU HAVE!”

Shining Armor nods. “FALL BACK ONCE YOU RUN OUT! ASSIST ANY WOUNDED ALLIES AS YOU DO SO!”

Trixie looks over as she continues firing. “UNICORNS DO THE SAME! DEPLETE YOUR MANA AND RETREAT BACK TO THE SHIP!”

Arc grimaces as he sees more drones approaches from another direction.

“REINFORCEMENTS!”

Shining Armor groans. “PICK TARGETS WISELY! CONSERVE AMMO AND MANA!”

Trixie cries out as she continues firing. “WE CAN’T GIVE UP!”

Minerva gasps. “The Hero himself is leading his forces in a desperate attempt to return fire and defend his vessel!”

“He’s not looking too good.”

“That last fight at the base of the bridge really did a number on his armor.”

“He’s also certainly injured at this point.”

“True. But there’s no time to rest at the moment. I can only assume that’s every soldier he has at his disposal.”

“I wonder if it will be enough.”

“So do I, Tom.”

Lemon Hearts calls out over his earring. “Sir, I’m detecting enemy drones incoming from all directions!”

“What?!”

Moon Dancer looks over her instruments. “They’re pretty far out, but at our current speed, will be on us before we reach our destination.”

“Bring us back up to full speed!”

Tight Ship frowns. “That’s not advisable, sir. After all, you and the others are still outside.”

“If we don’t speed up, we’ll never make it!”

Moon Dancer turns to the captain. “The best thing to do would be to accelerate slowly. It would take about one minute to get back to full throttle.”

Tight Ship looks to Thunderlane. “Do it.”

Thunderlane nods and slowly accelerates. In a short time the ship is at maximum velocity. Arc and the others stand their ground as best they are able.

“Any way the ship could go faster?!”

Thunderlane shakes his head. “This is our top speed, sir. That is, unless we divert power from other core systems.”

“Fine! Do that!”

Wrangler sighs. “He means the weapon systems, sir.”

“Great! Anything else?!”

Tight Ship frowns. “No sir. I’ve already ordered everything not essential shut down. All power is currently going to the weapons and propulsion.”

Soarin nods soberly. “There’s really nothing more we can do, sir.”

Moon Dancer nods. “What we have is all there is.”

Arc grits his teeth. “There has to be SOMETHING we can do!”

A voice rings out behind him.

“I have an idea!”

Auriel runs toward him. Arc dives on top of her as several shots whiz past. He casts a barrier over them and frowns.

“I thought I told you to…!”

“There’s just too many for you and the others to take on alone! I have a plan, but I need all of you to buy me some time!”

“But…!”

Auriel grabs his hand. “Trust me!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. What do you need?”

“Just wait for my signal.”

“What will it be?”

“You’ll know it when you see it!”

Arc nods soberly. “Just be careful, okay?”

“You too.”

She turns as Arc drops the barrier. Running back toward the ship Auriel dives through the hatch as a barrage of shots fly past her. Heading down the corridor she mutters to herself.

“This is it! I have to make this work!”

Meanwhile, Arc calls out as he touches his earring.

“Bridge! How’s the ship holding up!”

Soarin frowns. “Not very well, sir.”

Moon Dancer grits her teeth. “Stellar Flare reports the engines are already red lining! We can’t keep this up much longer!”

Thunderlane grunts. “It’s also getting harder to steer!”

Wrangler calls out nervously. “The stress to the superstructure is increasing! If this keeps up, we’ll start losing structural integrity!”

Tight Ship grips his chair. “If that happens we’ll have no choice but to crash land and make a run for it, sir!”

Lemon Hearts sighs. “Most of our forces wouldn’t make it though!”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Auriel’s working on something to help us as we speak.”

Soarin appears confused. “What is it, sir?”

“No idea! But we don’t have any choice but to trust in her right now! Arc out!”

He looks to his dwindling forces.

“KEEP FIRING! WE HAVE TO KEEP GOING!”

One by one Arc’s troops retreat to the relative safety of the ship. Several have to be dragged away due to their wounds. Eventually Arc, Shining Armor, and Trixie are all that remain. Minerva watches nervously as she calls out.

“It appears the Hero’s forces have run out of both ammunition and energy to continue their fight.”

“That it does. But I’m sure he has another plan.”

“Yes. I can’t see him not having a contingency plan.”

“Well, if nothing changes pretty soon, they won’t be in the air.”

“Only one way to find out.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “This isn’t working, sir!”

“Trixie agrees!”

“I know, but…!”

Lemon Heart’s voice rings out in his ear.

“Sir! I’m detecting some very strange readings coming from the Cargo Hold!

“WHAT?! HOW…?!”

Moon Dancer frowns. “No clue, sir! It should be sealed by the red alert!”

Wrangler gasps. “Looks like somepony hit the manual override! We can’t stop them from here!”

“Connect me to the intercom down there!”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“Hey! Who’s down there?!”

Auriel’s voice comes over the airwaves.

“Get ready, Arc. I’m about to do something crazy.”

“But…!”

“You said you’d trust me.”

Arc sighs. “I… did.”

“Then get out of there!”

Arc nods and turns to his officers.

“SHINING ARMOR! TRIXIE! FALL BACK!”

They do so as Arc covers their retreat with blasts from his Hand Cannons. As they reach the ship Shining Armor casts a Telekinesis Spell. Grabbing Arc with it he pulls him back. As he reaches the hatch Trixie presses the button, closing it. Arc groans as he claws at his armor.

“SIR?!”

Cherry cries out. “Help him!”

Removing the tatters of Arc’s armor, Shining Armor pulls off the helmet and tosses it aside as Trixie rips off his tunic revealing several nasty looking wounds. She gasps.

“Oh no!”

Shining Armor turns and calls out. “Medic!”

A stallion runs forward and opens his med-kit. Applying ointment to the wounds, he looks Arc over.

“We should get you to the Infirmary as soon as possible, sir.”

Arc sits up and winces. “I… I need to…!”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Sir, you’re in no condition to continue fighting.”

“Trixie believes this is true.”

Arc lies back. “What… what do we have left to throw at them?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Nothing. Everypony’s exhausted and out of ammo.”

Arc looks up at a window.

“Help me up.”

Trixie frowns. “But sir…!”

“That’s an order!”

Shining Armor and Trixie sigh as they do so. Arc gestures down the corridor.

“Help me to the Observation Deck. I need to see what’s going on!”

The pair do so as the rest of the soldiers rest on the floor as they are tended to by medics. Arriving at their destination Arc looks all around at the advancing drones surrounding the ship. He mutters nervously to himself.

“Come on, Auriel. You’re our last chance here.”

Meanwhile in the Cargo Hold, Auriel walks over to an outer wall with the Bloodstone in her palm. Sighing she closes her eyes and forces a small smile.

“Everyone else is giving it everything. Risking it all. I need to be prepared to do the same.”

Channeling her magic, she Blinks through the hull and spreads her wings. Taking flight she looks at the item in her palm before closing her claws around it and channeling. He entire body becomes as dark as night as her eyes begin to glow with a strange and eerie green light. Turning toward the advancing drones, she grins.

“Let’s see how you do against ME!”

Minerva gasps. “Another strange looking… creature has just appeared in the wake of the Hero’s ship!”

“Are they friend of foe?!”

“I can’t tell. But then again, it’s unlike anything that’s been seen thus far.”

“You’re saying it could be another military secret?”

“I don’t think so, Tom. It appears to be preparing to attack the military forces!”

Stretching out a claw, dark magics fly forth and smash into the drones. Three dozen fall from Auriel’s first attack. She continues her assault as she mused to herself.

“Come on, Arc. Do what needs to be done.”

Meanwhile, Arc gasps as he watches the scene unfolding before him. Moon Dancer’s voice comes over his earring.

“Sir! The enemy has completely stopped attacking us and is focusing completely on… whatever that is out there!”

Tight Ship calls out. “This is our chance, sir!”

Arc gasps. “Get me Stellar Flare!”

“Right here, sir!”

“What would happen if we redirected power from the weapons to propulsion?!”

“How much of it?”

“EVERYTHING!”

“That would give us a huge boost to our speed! But the engines couldn’t take it for very long!”

Wrangler grimaces. “It would also be really hard on the already damaged hull.”

“Will the ship and engines hold up long enough for us to get to the portal?”

Moon Dancer sighs. “My calculations say they should, yes.”

“Do it! I don’t care if the engines MELT! We have to get the princess out of here!”

“Yes sir. Lemon Hearts, tell everypony to hold on to something!”

Wrangler takes a deep breath as the word echoes throughout the ship. “Shutting down all weapons!”

“Redirecting power now!”

Tight Ship turns to the helm. “THUNDERLANE, GIVE IT EVERYTHING!!!”

Gritting his teeth, Thunderlane pushes a lever all the way forward. The ship lunges ahead at a sickening pace. Auriel smiles as she sees the ship pulling away. Concentrating, she Blinks to stand on the deck. Pressing her body against a railing for stability, Auriel continues launching massive dark waves at the foes attacking from the sides. Minerva calls out over her headset.

“The Hero’s ship just displayed a massive speed boost!”

“That was impressive! I wonder how he did that!”

Minerva grins. “He’s just full of surprises.”

“I’ll say! He may yet get out of this mess.”

Wrangler looks to the helm. “Can we go any faster?!”

Thunderlane grips his controls. “We’re at 130% maximum speed now!”

Soarin nods. “The Equinox is giving us everything it has, and more!”

Tight Ship calls out. “We’ll make it! Just keep going!”

Wrangler grunts. “Hull pressure rising!”

Moon Dancer screams. “Structural integrity dropping!”

Lemon Hearts grimaces. “Fires reported on the Lower Deck, sir!”

Soarin speaks into the microphone. “The engines are far beyond what we thought they were capable of, sir!”

Arc nods, not taking his eyes off the windows. “Stay on target! Don’t stop!”

Stellar Flare coughs. “My gauges and equipment are literally melting, sir!”

Tight Ship speaks into the radio. “Evacuate your crew from Engineering at once!”

“But sir…!”

“Get out of there!”

Thunderlane nods. “We can coast the rest of the way if need be at this speed!”

Stellar Flare sighs. “Yes sir! I’ll make sure everypony gets out!”

Lemon Hearts grins and points a hoof. “I can see the coordinates!”

Ahead of the ship lies the serene field Wiseman showed Max. Wrangler frowns.

“The enemy is still too close to safely open a portal though!”

Auriel looks toward their destination before turning her head and looking back at their pursuers.

“All or nothing, now.”

Throwing herself over the railing, Auriel steadies herself with her wings as she ship careens past her. Charging up the Bloodstone’s power, she holds out a claw toward them. Bolts of dark magical electricity fly from her claws toward the drones. As they make contact, the electricity jumps from one machine to the next destroying much of their forces in but a few seconds. The surviving models lose momentum and fall as they short out from the electricity. Auriel turns and flies after the ship in an attempt to keep up. Moon Dancer breathes a sigh of relief.

“All targets in range have been eliminated, sir!”

“Arc to Sunburst!”

“Sunburst here.”

“Open the portal, NOW!”

Pressing a few buttons, the S.P.E.A.R. back in Equestria begins to hum. A portal forms and stabilizes, connecting the two dimensions. It grows in size as Minerva gasps. Tom stands up to look at the monitor, his mouth agape.

“What IS that thing?!”

“I… think it might be some kind of wormhole, Tom!”

“But where does it lead?!”

“Probably the Hero’s homeworld.”

“You mean he’s an alien?!”

“I don’t know. But that’s the only thing that makes sense at this point. We’re going to hold back and continue filming though.”

“Be careful, Minerva! We don’t need you getting lost in… wherever that thing leads!”

Meanwhile, Auriel does her best to fly after them, but appears to be quickly tiring. Trixie sighs.

“Trixie does not think she will be able to return to us.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We have to slow down so she can catch up then!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “But then we wouldn’t reach our portal before the enemy reinforcements overtake us, sir!”

Looking out the window as Auriel begins to falter and fall from sheer exhaustion, Arc gasps.

“No! We’re not leaving her behind!”

Pushing the pair away, Arc pulls his mask over his face, charges up his magic, and vanishes. Trixie and Shining Armor look around.

“Where did he…?”

Trixie points a hoof. “Trixie sees him!”

Looking out the window they see Arc freefalling toward Auriel. Catching up to her, he wraps his arms around her midsection. Tom frowns.

“Who is that?!”

“I can only assume it’s the Hero, Tom!”

“Without his armor?!”

“Well, it did take quite the beating during the several skirmishes he’s been through tonight.”

“Looks like he’s still sporting the mask though.”

“Right. Even now he’s keeping a secret identity.”

“Who knows how long that will last with the military after him though.”

“Yes, they have ways of tracking people down. Even those with unknown alias.”

Auriel gasps as she feels Arc’s body press up against hers.

“It’s okay, Auriel. I got you.”

Charging up, Arc casts another Blink spell. The pair reappear back in the Observation Deck and slam to the floor. Shining Armor and Trixie rush over to them.

“Miss! Are you hurt?!”

Auriel shakes her head as she breathes heavily. “I… I think I’m… okay. Just a little… sore.”

Arc takes her claw. “You did great out there.”

Auriel smiles weakly. “Are you… proud of me?”

Arc nods. “I’ve always been.”

Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out over the intercom.

“One minute to contact with the portal. All personnel should strap in and prepare themselves for transdimensional jump.”

Arc turns to Shining Armor and Trixie as he moves to pick up Auriel. “Buckle up, you two.”

They nod and hurry over to seats in front of the windows. Grabbing their seatbelts they look to Arc as he sets Auriel down and fastens her restraints before doing the same for himself. Shining Armor looks to him.

“What are our chances, sir?!”

“With the ship in this condition, admittedly not the best! Sorry!”

“Trixie was proud to have stood by you two in the past, and even now would not have it any other way!”

“Agreed, sir! We’re with you to the end!”

They salute as Arc forces a smile.

“Well, that may be much sooner than you think.”

Auriel shudders. Arc turns to her.

“Scared?”

She nods. Looking down, Arc takes her claw in his hands. Auriel turns to him happily as she extends her other claw to him weakly.

“Take… this.”

Auriel carefully places the Bloodstone in Arc’s palm. He looks to her, confused.

“Is this really the time to…?”

“Princesses… would be upset… if this was… lost. Keep… safe.”

Nodding, Arc puts the Bloodstone into his ring as Lemon Hearts’ voice again reverberates through the intercom.

“Ten seconds to interdimensional jump! Hang on, everypony!”

Auriel throws her arms around Arc’s midsection and presses her face against his chest as she squeezes her eyes shut.

“Auriel?!”

“Please! Don’t let go of me!”

Nodding, Arc puts his arms around the trembling demon. A moment later the ship is rocked and jolted as they enter the portal. It slows significantly as if fighting its way upstream. The drones continue their pursuit and loom thick in the distance. As they approach, Arc turns and clenches a fist as he charges up his magic. Trixie cries out.

“ARC, NO!”

Shining Armor nods. “You can’t do that, sir! We’re too close the portal!”

“Well, someone has to do…!”

He is cut off as a flash of light momentarily covers the countryside, blinding them. Shining Armor gasps.

“What in Celestia’s name…?”

Trixie points a hoof. “Look!”

Auriel raises her head and gazes out the window. “What’s… going on?”

Arc sighs. “Wiseman…”

The blue-cloaked figure levitates behind The Equinox. He surveys the scene in front of him before looking down at the vast number of destroyed drones lying on the ground. Stretching out a gloved hand, he picks several dozen up. Turning his gaze toward the approaching drones he uses his magic to tear apart the drones before hurling the pieces at the newcomers. They strike their marks as over half the drones fall. Concentrating, he holds out a hand again as a mighty wind comes out of nowhere to assail the remaining drones. The other hand he points toward The Equinox. The occupants feel the ship accelerating. Trixie gasps.

“What is that human DOING?!”

Shining Armor calls out. “I think he’s helping push the ship through!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. While holding off the drones.”

The Equinox accelerates. Entering the portal faster it leaves only the Observation Deck sticking out the other end. Wiseman turns and looks at Arc, giving him a friendly wave before giving the ship a final push. It vanishes from sight as Minerva, Dave, and Tom can only watch, dumbfounded as Wiseman nods to them before vanishing from sight.

“Did he… get away?”

“Yes, Tom. The Hero of Light was successful in evading our forces and has escaped along with his forces and ship.”

“Who was that blue cloaked individual?”

“The Hero claims his name is ‘Wiseman’. Some of our viewers may remember him from a story I did a while back at an apartment fire.”

“That man whom jumped onto the roof from across the street?!”

“Yes, Tom. The Hero isn’t quite sure what to make of him though.”

“But he’s on his side though, right?”

“He wasn’t so sure about that, going so far as to criticize him for not acting on information he had.”

“Well, I don’t suppose that matters now, as both of them are gone.”

“That’s true, Tom. This has been Minerva Moore reporting to you live.”

She presses a button on the camera, closes the door, and falls to lay on her back.

“Take us back to the station, Dave.”

“Y-yeah, sure.”

The helicopter banks and flies back toward Angel Grove.

“Miss Moore?”

“Yes?”

“What the heck did we just witness?!”

“No idea. But the Hero was very insistent that we broadcast it.”

“He wanted you to report on him committing various crimes?!”

Minerva shrugs. “I don’t get it either.”

Meanwhile, The Equinox flies out the other side of the portal. A low klaxon reverberates through the ship. Shining Armor frowns.

“That… isn’t good.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh…”

“Even Trixie knows that sound means the ship’s going down!”

Auriel gasps. “Arc, what do we do?!”

“Let’s get to the Bridge!”

They hurry down the corridor together. Blood flows freely from Arc’s wounds and leaves a trail on the deck. Shining Armor grimaces.

“Sir, we really need to get you some medical attention!”

Arc nods, but does not look back. “Yeah, we’ll do that when the ship isn’t about to blow up!”

Entering the Bridge, Arc finds the crew working at their stations feverishly.

“Captain, what’s our status?!”

“The ship took quite a bit of damage during the battle and is barely holding together!”

Soarin grits his teeth. “That and the engines were pretty much destroyed to get us this far!”

Trixie gasps. “What?! How are we still in the air then?!”

Moon Dancer calls out. “Stellar Flare and her crew and doing their best to keep us going!”

Lemon Hearts winces. “I’ve already warned Canterlot Castle to clear the Hanger for our crash landing!”

Shining Armor cries out. “CRASH?!”

Thunderlane keeps his eyes glued to the windshield. “I’ll try to keep us upright! But no promises at this point!”

Arc turns to Wrangler. “How about the ORB system?!”

“It’s about the only thing still working right now. But that won’t help keep the ship from breaking up upon landing!”

Moon Dancer grits her teeth. “One minute to the castle!”

Arc hurries over to the ORB. Placing both hands on the console, he takes a deep breath as his crystals begin to glow.

“Sir?! What are you…?!”

“We only have one chance at this! Power up the ORB system and prepare to activate it on my mark!”

“Yes sir.”

Thirty seconds later Wrangler turns to him.

“Ninety percent capacity, sir!”

“That should do it! Everyone strapped in?!”

Auriel nods. “Everyone but you, Arc!”

He hurries over to a seat next to Auriel and straps in. She grabs his hand and leans in close to him.

“Are you scared?”

She shakes her head and forces a small smile.

“No, Arc. If you say things will be okay, I believe you. After all, you’ve never let me down before.”

“Thanks.”

He looks to the castle hanger through the main window as it looms ever so closely. Frowning he turns to Wrangler.

“ACTIVATE ORB, NOW!!! FULL POWER!!!”

Wrangler presses a button and the ORB comes to life. A shield forms around the ship mere moments before it makes contact with the floor. An ear piercing screech is heard as the barrier slides across the hanger. Their pace greatly slows, bringing them to a crawl.

“DISENGAGE!!!”

Pressing another button the barrier pops. The ship drops down onto the floor hard as the hull embeds itself into the solid concrete but stays upright as it settles into place. Arc and company sit there motionless as the ship is suddenly filled with deafening silence. Tight Ship is the first to speak.

“Did we… make it?”

Moon Dance nods weakly. “Yes sir. The ship is intact.”

Thunderlane slumps back in his seat, breathing heavily. “That… was a flight and a HALF!”

Wrangler leans back in her seat. “I’ll say. No idea how we pulled it off, but…”

A voice comes over Lemon Hearts’ headset. She turns to Arc.

“Sir. The princesses are calling to ask if we’re all okay.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Somehow, yes.”

“Trixie would like to never have to do that again though.”

Arc pats Auriel’s hand. She lets it go and allows him to stand. Walking over to the comm’s station Arc takes the microphone.

“This is Arc.”

Luna calls out. “That was quite a landing!”

Cadance gasps. “Are all of you okay?!”

“We have quite a few wounded here.”

Auriel frowns. “Including you, Arc!”

“Yes, well…”

Twilight yells into the microphone. “What about Princess Celestia?! Is she…?!”

Arc smiles and nods. “Yes, Twilight. At long last, Princess Celestia is back home in Equestria.”

Volume 28 - Epilogue

Later that day Hammer returns to her apartment. Grunting, she is helped inside by Stingray and Mio. Wincing with each step, the young woman is heavily bandaged and walks with a severe limp. Sitting down on her couch she leans back and grits her teeth. Mio is the first to speak.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come home with us?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. I’ll be okay.”

Stingray looks over Hammer’s bruised and battered body. “I seriously doubt that you could even go to the toilet at this point without…”

“I SAID I’M FINE!!!”

Mio sighs. “Touchy.”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “Should we try and find something to make you feel better, Hammer?”

Mio turns to Stingray and grins. “What about Arc? I’m sure he’d LOVE to care for our sister while she recovers.”

Stingray shakes her head. “Nah. He’s gone for good.”

Hammer scoffs. “HA! Shows how much you two know!”

Mio sighs. “Hammer…”

“He’ll come back to me someday! I just know it!”

Stingray frowns. “And you’re going to wait for him patiently?”

“I am, yes!”

Mio giggles. “Oh? What for? So you two can go out on another date?”

Hammer grins wickedly. “Yeah. But after that, I’m going to bring him back here. Then we’re going to go all night long!”

Stingray sighs. “I’m sure you would… IF he really was planning on…”

“Shut up! Arc loves me, and I love him! Why can’t you just accept that?!”

Mio bows her head. “Because he dumped you.”

“NO, HE DIDN’T!!!”

Stingray motions to Mio as Hammer seethes. “Let’s leave Hammer to her thoughts.”

Mio nods as Stingray looks to her sister.

“Anything you want before we leave?”

“Just get out of here!”

Mio reaches out and puts a hand on Hammer’s shoulder. “You’ll understand this someday.”

Hammer glares at her. “I’ll understand WHAT?!”

Stingray clenches her fist. “That Arc was just using you for a paycheck. And when you were out of funds, he vanished.”

Mio shakes her head. “We’re sorry it happened, but… people like him are really quite common.”

Stingray nods. “Take it from your big sister. The sooner you understand that, the better off you’ll…”

Hammer seethes. “GET OUT NOW! BOTH OF YOU!”

Mio nods as she turns to leave. “Alright. But… I do want to say one thing before we go.”

“What’s that?!”

“That I’m really sorry this happened, Hammer.”

Stingray nods. “Me too. You deserve better than being treated like a meal ticket.”

Hammer bows her head and speaks softly. “Just… get out.”

The pair do so, closing the door behind them. As they return to their Jeep parked at the curb Mio turns to Stingray.

“She’s taking this pretty hard.”

“I’ll say. Who would’ve thought Hammer of all people could fall into such a blue funk over some guy.”

Mio shakes her head as Stingray starts the engine. “She’ll get over it.”

“Oh, I know that. But the pain of this loss will stick with her for quite some time.”

“So what are we supposed to do about it, Stingray?”

“No idea. But… I have to say, Hammer did much better than we did.”

Mio appears surprised. “Oh?”

Stingray nods. “Oh yes. After all, we haven’t been able to get the general to give either of us a second glance.

“That’s true.”

“It kills me to say this, but Arc and her really were a cute couple too, weren’t they, Mio?”

“Oh yes. He was pretty good looking as well.”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “You looking to track him down for yourself?”

Mio shakes her head. “No. But I wouldn’t be averse to finding him for Hammer’s sake.”

Stingray raises an eyebrow. “Why? He obviously dumped her.”

“To give her some cloture. We bring the two of them together, he’s forced to tell her the truth, she runs away crying, and we beat the stuffing out of him.”

“You don’t really think that’s what would happen, do you Mio?”

Mio shrugs. “Either that or she’d beat him up herself.”

Stingray chuckles. That’d be a sight to see.”

Meanwhile, Hammer reaches out and pulls the remote to her from across the room. She turns on the television and frowns.

“Stupid Stingray and Mio. They wouldn’t know love if it punched them in the face!”

Tuning in to the evening news, Hammer sees the footage Minerva took on every network. She groans.

“Great. Now everyone in the country saw us fail.”

She clenches her fist angrily.

“Stupid Hero! Why’d he have to show and mess everything up?!”

The scene where Arc catches Auriel plays out. Hammer frowns.

“We must’ve really done a number on his armor! He isn’t even wearing it in that shot!”

Hammer seethes as she watches The Equinox disappear into the portal as Wiseman pushes it through while holding the line alone.

“Where are all these so-called heroes coming from?! All of a sudden everyone wants to be a big shot!”

Turning off the television Hammer slowly gets to her feet. Shuffling toward the bedroom she leans on wall, eliciting a scream of pain as she grabs her wounds.

“ARGH! What was I THINKING with that stunt! This day just can’t get any worse!”

Hammer moves to pull back the sheets. However, they appear caught on something.

“What the…?”

Turning on the light, she spots her old tool box.

“Huh? How did this get here? I… gave it to Arc.”

Sitting down, she carefully pulls the box toward herself and opens it. Inside she finds the rolls of money with an envelope on top.

“What the…? When did Arc have time to bring this here?!”

Picking up the envelope, her eyes widen and a smile crosses her face.

“Maybe something came up and he wants me to meet him somewhere!”

Hammer tears open the envelope and pulls out a lone sheet of paper. A look of hope in her eyes, she begins to read.

Dear Hammer,

By the time you read this, I will have already departed the country. Whether that means by air or that I’m no longer alive, I can’t be sure. There were a few things I wanted to tell you the last time we saw each other. However I wasn’t able to do so due to… I guess extreme cowardice would be the reason. Sadly, this was the best way I could think of to make sure you knew the truth.

First off, I’m not really a detective. In all honesty, my friends and I have been staying at a house I inherited from my parents and living off the money my father left me. Truth be told, I had been studying to become one until… something in my life happened that turned everything upside- down. More on my real profession later.

Second, while I honestly do like you very much, I have to confess that I’ve been seeing others elsewhere for quite some time. At the mall when we met, I told you my former girlfriend had died. That was only partially true. The truth of the matter was that she wasn’t my girlfriend, but my fiancé. She was thrown off a balcony in an attempt to bring me out into the open, as I was the real target. I waited for her assailant to come for me, and when he did… I stabbed him through the heart. Holding my dying fiancé was the most painful event in my life. Even more so when my mother died. However, if I could turn back time I would have changed places with her in a heartbeat. It took a long time to even be able to look at anyone else again. Several confessed their feelings for me, but I turned them all down as my work kept me too busy for a wife. But one day an old friend invited me to dinner one evening out of the blue. I accepted and… things just kinda went from there. Even now she’s waiting for me to return anxiously.

Third, and this is the hardest one to admit to… the real reason I asked you all those questions on our dates wasn’t so much because I was interested. But because I was looking to pry sensitive information from you about your sisters and the base you work in. When you gave me a badge to gain access to the facility I used it to come see you, as per your instructions. However, that wasn’t all I did. While gathering information for you, as my “client”, I was also scouting the base and mapping it out for my real mission.

I used you… lied to you… and in the end betrayed your trust. For that, no amount of apologizing or rationalization will ever make that right. Nearly everything I told you during our time together was a lie. And even if it wasn’t, you have no reason to believe me now. But I feel as though I still need to say this. Hammer… I’m truly sorry for what I did to you. You’re an amazing young woman with a real zest for life and quite a spring in your step. Never let anyone take that away from you. Not me, not your sisters, and certainly not your base commander. Stingray and Mio may be head over heels in love with him, but he’s not worthy of any of you. Least of all you, Hammer. Never forget that.

Before this letter ends, I need to be honest with you about something else. My real profession started off as a Problem Solver in a faraway land. However, I was so good at it that I was promoted to a very special place in that land’s government. I came here to do a job, and with any luck, it’s done now and I’m back there. This country you and I shared was my birthplace, yes. But it’s no longer my home. That place is now a faraway land beyond the ocean, beyond the sky, and even beyond the stars. While I understand that you have no reason to believe me after all I’ve confessed to, I do want to say one more thing to you, Hammer. I honestly do care and want the best for you. You’re probably wondering why I didn’t want you to come with me. Well… the truth to that question lies at the bottom of this toolbox under all your money.

Again… I am so… SO sorry for what I did to you, Hammer. I’m not asking for your forgiveness. But I am asking you to move on with your life and forget you ever met me.

Take care…

-Arc

Hammer shakes her head, confused.

“Arc, he… what did he mean…?”

Shaking her head in an effort to clear it, Hammer grabs handfuls of money and tosses them aside. As the bottom of the toolbox comes into view she sees a large manilla envelope. Pulling it out she opens it and removes a large photograph. Her eyes grow wide.

“This… this is…!”

In her hands she holds a copy of the picture Arc and his squad took before the mission. Looking over it carefully for some time she eventually speaks.

“No… NO! This CAN’T be right!”

She continues to stare at the picture late into the night. Every so often muttering to herself how the picture couldn’t be real. Eventually she hangs her head and sighs.

“Arc… he… he was… IS… the Hero we’ve been fighting all this time?!”

Looking over the picture her gaze falls on the others.

“Max… Hugh… Xenos… Viktor… Ember… Sereb… Auriel… Rose…you, all of you…”

Hammer’s breathing quickens and her hands tremble.

“…all of you were so nice! How… how could you DO this to me?!”

Throwing the picture, Hammer lashes out at the toolbox, knocking it off the bed. Bills fly everywhere as she doubles over in pain again. Attempting to stand, her foot slips and she crashes to the floor. Lying there in agony from her wounds Hammer begins to quietly weep. Eventually she cries herself to sleep where she lies. The next morning she awakens to the buzzing sound of her alarm clock going off. Reaching out with her magic, she rips the cord out of the wall. Pulling the clock to herself she smashes it angrily. Gritting her teeth, Hammer slowly sits up and leans against her bed. Looking down she spots the picture on the floor. Carefully picking it up she muses to herself.

“Arc, he… he really… he’s trusting me with his secret identity! I can’t wait to show this to…!”

She stops talking as she looks at the picture again.

“No. I… I can’t say anything. They’d never believe me anyways. I’d have to physically bring Arc to them to prove something THIS nuts!”

Hammer thinks for a few moments.

“But is that really what I want? To turn him over to… someone.”

Sighing, Hammer shakes her head as she continues.

“It isn’t, no. What I really want… is for things to go back to the way they used to be. To have fun with Arc and his friends. To go on dates again. To spend days at the beach again. And… and to hold him in my arms as we lie on this bed.”

Grinning weakly, Hammer holds the picture to her heart.

“After all he did… I… I still love him. But at the same time, I really just want to find Arc and punch him in the mouth!”

Shaking her head, Hammer looks at the picture and gently touches Arc’s face.

“He has a lot to answer for. But he gave me a chance when I didn’t deserve it. Even when we fought as enemies… even then he wasn’t trying to hurt me. That time we clashed next to my truck... outside that farmhouse… at the Shard Base… and even yesterday at Damocles Base and the bridge… he wasn’t trying to kill us. All he wanted was to get past us. To… achieve his objective.”

Hammer sighs as she continues to stare at the photo.

“I have to find him. And I have to know the truth.”

Preface - Volume 29 - Aftermath

In our previous volume, Arc returns to Damocles Base to meet with Hammer. She tells him of an earlier meeting between the three sisters and the general. Admitting that she felt strange every time Mustang took a sip of his drink, she recommends that Arc acquire a sample. Admitting that he already has, she appears surprised. Informing Hammer that he needs more clearance to continue the case, she gives him her ID badge before leaving for the night. Using it to enter the research lab, Arc makes his way to Doctor Rieper’s lab. Finding his computer password protected, Wiseman appears and reveals the code to be ‘Knowles’ before vanishing. Accessing the files, Arc finds many reports on the three sergeants, Diva, and even the general himself. Printing out some, Arc downloads the rest to a flash drive before cloaking and leaving the office. Walking down the corridor, he literally bumps into Mio, whom he is forced to drag back into her room as Stingray exits. Mio covers for Arc and doesn’t tell her sister outside the door of her visitor. Sitting down, she asks him why he didn’t allow her to be killed in the cave some time ago before offering to join him half-heartedly. Allowing Arc to leave without reporting him, the pair part ways.

Heading for home, Arc makes a copy of the files taken from Rieper’s computer before running the flash drive over to Hammer’s apartment. Showing her what he found, Hammer takes the drive and hurries to the computer in her room. Arc waits on her couch as she goes over every report one by one. Finding him asleep on the couch, she drags him to the bedroom to show off what she’s found. Admitting that her case has been completed to her satisfaction, Hammer gives Arc the tool box filled with cash. Beckoning him to her, Arc admits he has another case that he may or may not return from. Hammer volunteers to join him, but Arc refuses. Kissing him passionately, she watches him leave.

Arc stands outside her apartment for some time, thinking. Unable to tell her the truth, Arc slides the keys to the military jeep and the badges under the door and step out into the rainy night air. Walking for a time, his emotions get the better of him and Arc throws away his raincoat. A short time later a large vehicle pulls up next to him and Marshal Raynor gets out. Ordering Arc into the vehicle, the pair talk about what he did to Hammer as they drive. Reaching his house, Arc tells his old friend of his plans to leave town. Asking him to take care of Shelly and Lily, Arc shakes the man’s hand and heads inside his house. Derpy meets him in the kitchen. Taking him upstairs for a shower and dry clothes, she waits for Arc in the hallway. As he leaves the bathroom she guides Arc to the room she and Dinky sleep in for a good night’s rest together.

The next morning Arc sends his squad to an undetermined location while he heads to Shelly’s Kitchen with Derpy and Dinky. Arriving, he heads upstairs to see his friend Shelly. Finding her clutching her stomach he rushes her to the bathroom where she effectively blows up the toilet. Helping her pull her pants back up, Arc brings her back to the sofa. Heading downstairs to tell Derpy and Dinky to come up with the food when it’s ready, he returns to Shelly’s side with a glass of juice, which he adds medicine to. A short time later Derpy and Dinky arrive with food and drinks. As Derpy tries a cheeseburger Shelly suddenly doubles over in pain. Arc carries her to the bathroom hurriedly, leaving the confused pair behind. Not wanting to leave her alone, Arc volunteers to stay with her. Shelly instead requests Max to spend the day with her. Leaving the bathroom Arc calls for him on his earring before opening a portal for the young man. Explaining the situation to him, Arc orders him to wait ten minutes before entering via the front door. Returning to Shelly in the bathroom Arc removes her clothes and helps her into the shower. Bathing her carefully, he eventually calls out for Derpy to bring him a sundress from Shelly’s closet. Asking how Arc and Lily are able to put up with all her extra needs, Shelly tells Arc that she should be put in an assisted living home so that he and Lily can live out their lives happily. Arc of course refuses, saying that he and Lily will care for her as long as they are able. As he sets the now clean woman on the lid of the toilet she wraps her arms around him, grateful for such a good friend in both him and Lily.

Arc carefully carries Shelly back to the living room and sets her down on the couch as Max arrives. Leaving his friend in the care of Max, Arc and his family head downstairs to pay for their meal and inform Lily of Shelly’s condition. Instead of leaving they choose to help in the kitchen until the restaurant closes at two o’clock. Returning upstairs with Lily they find no trace of either Max or Shelly anywhere in the apartment. Spotting the pair in the backyard having a picnic Arc and the others walk outside to join them. Shelly invites Max and the others to supper, to which Arc mouths the word ‘no’ to Max. Disobeying his commanding officer Max accepts the dinner invitation. Derpy and Lily help Shelly back to the house as Dinky brings up the rear with the picnic basket and blanket. Explaining to Max that it isn’t fair to either her or him for a romance to form, Arc orders Max to break up with Shelly before the night is over.

Leaving Shelly’s Kitchen, Arc drives Derpy and Dinky home. Heading to the basement he opens a portal and guides them through. They arrive at the campsite well outside of town. Escorting the pair into the large tent nearby, he gives Dinky a swimsuit as well as two for her mother to choose from. Leaving, he allows them to change in private. A short time later, however, Dinky emerges to tell her father that Derpy is having trouble tying the top of her bikini. Helping rectify that situation they head for the beach. Spotting the squad along with Ember, Auriel, Rose, and Sereb, Arc and his family run over to join them. Announcing the farewell party for all of them, they head into the water to play. As Arc attempts to show Derpy how to float, the Charger surfaces nearby. Approaching the machine, Arc is pulled inside by a strong hand and lands in Hammer’s lap. She asks to join the party and helps Dinky practice her swimming before her and Arc head out along to talk privately. Confessing to him that her sisters did not believe the evidence he brought her, she asks again for his help. Telling her that he is unable to due to his new “client”, she accepts and locks lips with him passionately.

Sitting in front of the fire late that night, Derpy approaches Arc. He tells her of Hammer’s desire for them to have a relationship, and his own regret for having led her on. Retiring for the evening to the tent, they fall asleep together with Dinky. The next morning Arc makes his way to the beach to find Ember and Auriel whom had spent the night on the beach. Finding them, Ember informs him of Auriel’s desire to join his future herd. Returning to the campsite they pack up and return home via portal. Spotting Max’s unmade bunk the begin to search the house for him. No sooner had they begun as Rose announces the Jeep approaching the house. Entering via the back door Max is surprised to see everyone in the kitchen waiting for him. Asking to speak to his commanding officer privately the pair take a portal back to the campsite from last night. Heading to the beach to make sure no trace of their stay was left behind Max turns to Arc and tells him on last night’s activities. He returned home, but was unable to sleep. Returning to Shelly’s apartment in the wee hours of the morning, she invited him into her bed. Furious, Arc hits Max for bedding his friend. Swearing that he did not violate Shelly, Arc yells at Max for having formed an attachment with a terminally ill Shelly. Returning to the basement, he orders Max to make his bed and think about what was said.

Arc climbs the stairs to the main level. Announcing they are heading to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast, they leave via the front door. Walking to the restaurant, they order omelets as Arc heads for the kitchen to speak privately with Shelly. She asks how Max is doing after her behavior last night. Appearing relieved that he is alright, Shelly tells Arc of their plans to begin dating. Telling him to look for someone special himself, she informs Arc of Lily’s feelings for him. Informing Shelly of his own relationship with Rarity back in Ponyville, she agrees to tell Lily if Arc will wait in the pantry. A short time later Lily enters and sits down on the floor next to him. Wishing to hear about Rarity, she is pleased that someone special has captured Arc’s attention. Not wanting to let him leave without living out one of her lifelong dreams, Lily asks Arc to kiss her. Doing so, Arc tells her that he could feel the love in her kiss before they stand and return to the kitchen together.

Returning to the house, Arc sends his squad out for supplies as he leads the others to the basement. Sending Derpy and Dinky back to Equestria, he asks Ember and Sereb to start the laundry. Finding Max and Rose in the living room, they tell him of Max’s intention to desert. Horrified, Arc demands to know the reason. Confessing his feelings again for Shelly, Max tells his commanding officer that he was planning to lie low until the mission was complete before going to see Shelly and start a new life with her. Later, when the squad returns, Arc goes over the plan with all of them along with Ember, Sereb, Rose, and Auriel. They express happiness and honor at being allowed to stand by Arc’s side through everything that led up to this. Before adjourning, Arc has everyone line up in their armor and/or disguises to take a commemorative photo. Printing it out on high quality paper, he hands out copies to everyone before putting the rest in his ring for safekeeping. Heading upstairs, Arc calls Minera and asks her to meet him on the station’s roof. Taking her back to her apartment, they Blink down for a private conversation. Asking her to have a chopper ready to broadcast his getaway, Arc and Cherry tell the young woman of their intention to leave Earth permanently. Devastated, she tells Arc of her feeling for him and her desire to come with him. Disallowing it, Arc does allow Minerva to raise his mask just enough for them to share a farewell kiss before he and Cherry leave via portal.

Returning to his house Arc decides to take a shower before heading to bed. Several times he calls out to Cherry, whom is downstairs. Entering his room, Arc finds Ember and Auriel waiting for him. Climbing into bed together they go over an idea from Auriel. She asks to join his herd and agrees to have his children. In addition, Auriel promises to try and augment his sperm to be compatible with Ember. Falling asleep, Arc is awakened sometime later by Sereb whom reports a disturbance. Heading downstairs he finds Max awake. He confesses to his commanding officer that he cannot return to Equestria and leave Shelly behind. Arc reminds him that they’ll be wanted men after tonight which would endanger both Shelly and Lily. Convincing Max to say goodbye to Shelly, Arc drives him over to the apartment. Unable to lie to Shelly, Max tells her the truth about him not being human and from another world. She believes him to be lying and slaps Max before running to her room and locking the door. Sadly, Max leaves her pendant on the table and leaves. After driving Max home Arc heads for Hammer’s apartment. Finding her gone, he writes a note and leaves. Returning home Arc finds Max sitting sadly on the front steps. Admitting he told Shelly the truth, he and Arc sit together sadly on the steps.

Waking later that night, Arc and company eat a bowl of soup around the kitchen table before heading out. Boarding their new vehicle, the Landmaster, they start their drive. Rose stops outside Arc old church where he enters to pray and ask for protection during the mission for all of them. Returning to the vehicle, they leave town and head for the secluded beach from before. Switching to amphibious mode, they drive into the lake and toward an underground hatch. Hacking it, Rose drives them inside the base and parks in the Maintenance Bay.

Exiting the Landmaster, Arc sends his squad on their mission before cloaking with Ember. Auriel picks up Sereb and leads he to Doctor Rieper’s quarters. Telling him that the dog in her possession has magic, she insists that he be tested immediately. Heading for the doctor’s office, he confirms Auriel’s claims before being knocked out by his own nameplate. Arc takes his badge before hiding the man in his closet and ordering a Sleeping Spell cast on him. Proceeding to General Mustang’s quarters, they repeat the previous ruse. With the general distracted, Sereb casts a Sleep Spell on him before letting Arc and Ember in. Grabbing the second badge they continue on their way. The general sits up and calls Diva. Ordering her to teleport to his quarters in a few minutes, he considers just how easy Auriel was to manipulate.

Arriving in his quarters, Diva expresses her distaste for being summoned at such a late hour. Being told that Arc is again in Damocles Base, she drops her badge and heads for the door. The general stops her and assures her that they need to do nothing. As Arc makes his way toward the vault with Rose, Auriel, Ember, and Sereb, he calls out a impromptu plan. Approaching the soldiers with a cloak over him, he attempts to impersonate the general as Auriel fools the guards into thinking she is Diva. Inserting their badges, the general’s lights up and releases the lock. However Auriel’s does not. One of the soldier’s spots Rieper’s face on her badge and confronts her about it. Seeing no other alternative, Rose decloaks and grabs Arc from behind. Taking him hostage she convinces the guards, with Auriel’s help, that she has the general. Using her Maria’s badge the door opens allowing the group to enter. Rose orders the commander to follow them. No sooner has the door closed however than she attacks, stabbing the soldier in the gut. Revealing that he was not a man but a machine, she allows Auriel to examine him and verify her claim. Agreeing he was indeed an android, Arc shrinks him down and puts the body into a bag before storing it in his ring. Turning, they walk down a corridor with a large double door along with a smaller door. Entering the large door they see a terrible sight.

Arc turns to Ember to get confirmation that the creature before them is indeed Celestia. Nodding, they try to free her, but fail. Removing his guardanium knife, Arc focuses his magic to deftly slice through the chains. After shrinking her down, Arc gives the princess to Ember to hold as she appears to recognize her voice. Returning to the vault door they attempt to coerce the guards into letting them pass again with Rose having Arc hostage. However the real general presents himself and confronts them. Ordering his forces to remove Arc from the base and kill the others, Auriel leaps forward to create a barrier. Everyone strengthens it and allows it to expand in order to crush the androids between it and the wall. Hurrying to the Maintenance Bay they drop off Ember and Celestia at the Landmaster before calling for the squad to help them free the Shards. Running back to the lab over an alarm klaxon, Rose takes point and fires at all enemy forces as she takes their shots. Arriving, they seal the door as Auriel and Viktor get to work releasing the Shards from their tanks. In an effort to buy some time, Rose forces her way back into the corridor to act as distraction. Sereb joins her along with the squad as Arc acts as the last line of defense. Spotting an android with a grenade, Arc throws himself into the doorway to block the shrapnel from hitting Auriel and Viktor. Heavily gouging his armor, Arc successfully does so. Freeing the Shards, Arc heads out to help his forces as the others get the Shards moving around in an effort to prepare them to make a run for it. Heading back the way they came with the Shards, Arc and Auriel take point as Rose guards the rear.

Coming to a stop, Rose announces a squad is waiting for them ahead. Using a nearby computer terminal, Auriel hacks into the security cameras. Spotting a contingent of androids waiting for them outside the Maintenance Bay, they create a diversion with an explosion before lobbing several Equestrian grenades at their enemies. Rushing forward Arc and his friend along with the Shards make short work of those left. Entering the darkened Maintenance Bay, they quickly find themselves locked in with Hammer and her own androids. Hammer insists that she and her sisters are doing the right thing imprisoning the Shards. Having heard enough, an enraged Auriel transforms back into her demon form and lunges at Hammer. Taking out everything in her way, Arc and his followers join her in finishing off the androids. When asked to surrender, Hammer Blinks to the door and tries to escape. However, Snake is able to somehow pull her back with a Telekinesis Spell. They pummel Hammer for several moments before Arc is able to intervene and save her. Ordering the Shards to head for the Landmaster, Arc helps bandage Hammer’s bleeding arm. As the others are safely brought to the vehicle, Arc announces his plan to implement Hammer into their escape.

Driving to the main entrance in a shrunken down Landmaster, Arc exits the vehicle and enters the elevator room. The androids point their weapons at him menacingly as he looks to Stingray and Mio. Offering to exchange Hammer for safe passage out of Damocles Base, they step onto the elevator with the Landmaster and begin the long ride to the surface. As they wait, Hammer’s sisters are able to convince her that Arc was not the man she thought him to be. Finally admitting to them, and herself, that Arc is gone for good. Stingray and Mio promise to give Arc a chance should he return, as Hammer was so enamored with him. Sereb hops out of the vehicle with the Shards and begins returning them to normal size. Meanwhile, Stingray pulls something out of her belt and conceals it… waiting for just the right time to strike.

As Arc opens a portal to allow the Shards to escape, Snake turns and thanks him. As the pair shakes hands Stingray throws a knife at Arc. Pushing Snake through the portal, it bounces off his armor and lodges itself into Rose’s arm. Using the confusion to her advantage, Hammer turn and grabs the knife to stab Rose in the side. Mio Blinks her sister to safety next to Stingray. Challenging them, Arc splits his forces into three groups to engage the sisters. Beating them with Ember’s later help, Stingray throws a grenade at them in a last ditch effort to stop Arc. Seeing this, his squad dogpiles him as the bomb goes off. Hugh, being on top, takes several large chunks of shrapnel through his armor as does Hammer. As the others help the injured back to the Landmaster, Arc grabs Stingray and throws her next to the now more injured Hammer. Dropping a med-kit at his feet he turns and walks away as Stingray does her best to treat her sister’s lacerations. Meanwhile, General Mustang watches the scene from the safety and comfort of his quarters with an almost nude Diva on his lap. Telling her to go topside and help the three sisters, she grabs her clothes and complies as the general continues to watch.

Arc enters the Landmaster to ascertain the condition of Hugh and Sereb. Viktor volunteers to watch over his friend as Rose takes his spot at the station. Auriel returns Arc’s spear, but not before removing his helmet and planting a passionate kiss on his lips. Leaving the vehicle, Arc walks to the massive overhead door. Kneeling down, he removes the bomb taken from the safehouse in apartment building’s basement and primes it. Mio shields her sisters as Arc detonates the device remotely. Blinking through the now destroyed door, he blasts the turrets defending the base. Ordering his forces to go, the Landmaster speeds past him and across the bridge. As reinforcements near the top of the elevator, Arc blasts the power lines with his Hand Cannons plunging the base into darkness. Calling forth a magically powered motorcycle built from the chassis of his father’s bike, Arc makes his way away from the base. As the sergeants look after him, Diva appears and punishes them for their failures before opening a portal and ordering them inside. Running to a large aircraft, they enter as Diva takes off. Arc notifies Canterlot of his success as Rose detects the craft approaching.

Diva orders Stingray to prepare herself as she launches drones to attack the Landmaster. As they go for the vehicle, Arc fights them off skillfully. Minerva flies overheard in her chopper and broadcasts the event live as Mio launches in a smaller aircraft to attack the Hero and his friends. Firing a missile, Arc is knocked off his motorcycle and plummets to the pavement. However instead of hitting the ground, Arc finds himself suspended in the air as time stops. Looking around he spies Wiseman and Kronos nearby. Informing him of the likely failure of the mission without his aid, Kronos turns back time slightly to allow Arc another change to emerge victorious. Begrudgingly accepting, he finds himself back on the bike as time slowly begins to flow again.

Rose calls to Arc as time flows again. Laying his bike down, the missile whizzes past both Arc and the Landmaster. Getting up, he looks at the smaller craft that shot at them. Placing a sigil, he Blinks into the plane and chokes out Mio. Grabbing her staff, he removes the one taken from the Safehouse and Blinks to the larger aircraft. Announcing himself to Diva, he detonates the staves doing massive damage to the cockpit. Opening a portal, Arc returns to his bike on the ground as Diva warns Stingray and Mio about the plane’s damage. Riding after the Landmaster, Arc spots a large tank fall from the plane and miss him. Continuing on, he calls Sunburst to start his part of the plan. Signaling to The Equinox, Tight Ship gives the order to take off. Leaving the hanger, they head for a spot outside of Canterlot where Sunburst is set up. Activating his lager version of the S.P.E.A.R, they fly through it and appear on Earth. Tight Ship addresses the crew and informs them of their success as well as Arc’s mission. Meanwhile, Rose calls out another incoming craft. Looking back they spot the charger coming after them at an insane speed. Coming to the rendezvous point, Arc orders Max to stop at the foot of the bridge. Calling for his friends to join him in battle, Hammer and Stingray open the hatches and peek out at them. Offering Arc a position with The Organization, he turns it down and prepares to fight along with his squad, Sereb, and Rose.

Engaging Stingray and Hammer in the Charger, Arc and his forces fight on but with little chance of success. His squad falls to shrapnel, Rose to a shell, and Sereb while pushing Arc to safety from Mio’s missile. Looking around at his fallen friends, something inside Arc snaps. A burst of power overtakes him as his crystals glow and golden wings spring forth from his back. Reaching out, he crushes Mio’s craft while ripping her from it. Turning to the Charger, he throws the plane at it demolishing both vehicles. Mio watches helplessly as she hears Stingray and Hammer coughing inside their tank, unable to escape the smoke within. Begging Arc to spare her sisters, Arc relents and rips open the hatches. Bleeding and bruised, the pair topple out of the tank but are quickly picked up by Arc’s magic as he muses on how best to finish them. Feeling a touch on his boot, Arc looks down to see a critically injured Rose looking up at him with a pleading gaze. Sighing, he releases the three women and calms his powers. As the wings vanish Arc shrinks down the Charger and puts it in his ring. Apologizing to Hammer as Sereb helps the others into the Landmaster, he turns and gets in himself. Taking the controls, Arc drives the vehicle toward his waiting airship. Ordering his troops to the deck, they assemble and open fire at the oncoming drones as the ship’s shields are dropped. As the Landmaster screeches to a stop inside the Cargo Bay, Tight Ship orders the ship to take off as the cannons destroy the bridge and their pursuers. Flying on, Moon Dancer picks up flying drones after them. Ordering his troops back to the deck, Arc joins them along with Shining Armor and Trixie in returning fire. Running out of ammo, Arc orders all power transferred to the engines. As they near their destination Auriel takes the Bloodstone from the Landmaster and Blinks outside the ship. Turning, she channels the stone’s power in a final effort to destroy their assailants. As the ship speeds away, Arc sees that Auriel cannot hope to keep up. Blinking, he free-falls toward her, grabs the demon, and Blinks the back to the ship. Strapping in for transdimensional jump, they find that the ship does not have enough velocity to make it through. Wiseman appears and smashes the approaching drones with a massive Telekinesis Spell as he pushes The Equinox through the portal. Arriving back in Equestria, the ship crash lands in the Canterlot Castle Hanger. Using the O.R.B system, they are able to keep the ship intact. Luna calls them on the radio to confirm that Arc and company are alright. Nodding, Arc informs her that Celestia is safely back in Equestria.

However, many questions remain. Why did Mio allow Arc to leave her quarters without reporting him? Will Hammer carry the torch for Arc forever (I sure hope not)? How long will Marshal Raynor be able to go against his better judgment? How long does Shelly really have to live? What the heck was Max THINKING?! Okay, admittedly that one was justified. What sick pleasure is General Mustang getting from making out with Auriel? Why does Diva blindly follow Mustang’s orders? What will the Organization do now without their source of magic? Will Arc finally be able to retire? How will the doctors in Equestria bring Celestia back to her senses?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Homecoming

Luna, Cadance, and Twilight stand beside The Equinox as medical staff enter and leave the ship at a feverish pace. Pegasi paramedics fly by with injured soldiers and firefighting equipment as Twilight trots in place nervously.

“What’s taking so long?!”

Cadance puts a hoof around her friend’s shoulders. “Patience, Twilight.”

Luna nods. “Yes, I’m sure Doctor Whooves and Redheart have their hooves full at the moment helping tend to the injured.”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“Yeah, they do.”

The trio turns around the see Arc walking toward them. He is leaning heavily on Auriel and wearing his magic cloak. Twilight gasps happily.

“ARC!!!”

She runs over to him with the princesses.

“Are you alright?!”

Arc smiles weakly. “Probably. I haven’t had time to get checked out yet.”

Auriel grimaces. “We should probably get you to a hospital soon, Arc.”

“In time.”

Luna looks to Arc, hopefully. “And… Celestia?”

“She’s in my Infirmary.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “How is she?”

Arc shakes his head. “Pretty messed up.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?! HOW?!”

“No idea. Her wounds aren’t healing like they should though. Doctor Whooves and Nurse Redheart were working on her the whole time we were in flight I’m told.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her forehead. “This is just so… hard to take. I mean, I’m happy to have Aunt Celestia home again, but…”

She sighs.

“…is she suffering?”

“Physically she’s very badly injured. But that isn’t what has the medical staff worried.”

Luna frowns. “Oh? What else could possibly…”

Arc stumbles and Twilight hurries forward to steady him. As she puts her hooves on his side, Arc suddenly cries out in pain. Auriel grits her teeth as she uses all her strength in an attempt to keep him from falling.

“We should get you to the castle Infirmary, Arc!”

Arc shakes his head in an effort to compose himself. “There… shouldn’t be anyone there… who’s not tending to the… wounded.”

Auriel groans. “Well that includes you!”

Twilight nods as her hoof slips off his cloak. As she moves to take hold of Arc again she sees the blood on her fetlock.

“Arc!”

Luna quickly steps forward and pulls aside the cloak with her magic. Arc winces as he holds a hand over a large blood-soaked hole in his tunic. She frowns as she looks him in the eye.

“You are going to the hospital right now, Arc!”

“But… but the others…!”

Cadance interrupts him. “…are in good hooves, believe me! Twilight, get somepony to help…!”

Arc loses his balance as he and Auriel fall to the floor. Luna moves to his side.

“There isn’t time! Cadance, help me!”

Cadance rushes forward as Twilight steps back. Luna calls out to him.

“Arc, do you have your sigil gauntlet?!”

Arc winces as he holds up his hand. “Y-yeah.”

Stretching out his gauntlet, Arc shakily opens a portal. Luna and Cadance help him through as Auriel and Twilight bring up the rear. Stepping out the other side they see the interior of Ponyville Hospital. Auriel calls out.

“We need help over here!”

The nurse at the front desk gasps and pages the doctor as two orderlies hurry over with a gurney. Both princesses help Arc lie down as Doctor Horse runs toward them. Seeing the princesses, he bows with everyone else in the waiting room. Luna frowns.

“Doctor! This is not the time for formalities! Our nation’s greatest hero needs help!”

“Yes, your highness. My apologies.”

He looks over to the orderlies.

“Take him to Treatment Room #1 and get those clothes off of him, stat!”

They hurry to comply as the doctor turns to those assembled.

“What in Celestia’s name happened to him?!”

Twilight trembles slightly. “He… was injured on a mission.”

“Any idea how?”

Auriel sighs. “Quite a bit, actually. I’m not sure where to begin.”

Cadance appears nervous. “Please try, miss!”

“Well… he was shot at with lasers, fought several humans with magical powers, nearly blown up numerous times by several different kinds of explosives from a tank along with an airship of some kind, assaulted by flying drones with more lasers…”

She shakes her head sadly before continuing.

“And that’s just what I saw from the monitors. I’m sure there was more that went on off-camera.”

“I’ll order a full body examination along with x-rays and a CAT scan.”

Twilight’s eye twitches fearfully. “Will he be all right, doctor?!”

“It’s too early to tell, miss. But we’ll do our best.”

The doctor hurries away as a nurse approaches and kneels.

“If it pleases the princesses, would you allow me to guide you to the doctor’s office?”

Luna shakes her head. “You will take us to Treatment Room #1.”

Cadance appears confused. “Luna?”

“I wish to see for myself that the doctor and staff are doing all they can to help our nation’s Hero of Light.”

Auriel grimaces. “Please, your highness. We’d just be in the way over there.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. That and we should probably notify Canterlot.”

Luna rolls her eyes. “Of what? Arc’s unknown condition?”

Auriel turns to Luna. “I think Twilight means your current location, ma’am.”

Cadance sighs. “We did leave in quite a hurry. In the confusion I doubt anypony saw us.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “So nopony is in charge right now?!”

Luna shrugs. “There’s Sunburst and Captain Shining Armor.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Sunburst was busy trying to help Stellar Flare shut down The Equinox’s engines before they exploded and Shining Armor was coordinating the medical staff when last I saw him.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “I could go back and keep things moving.”

“How? By flying back?”

Twilight looks to her friend. “You could do so via the telephone, Cadance. If Canterlot knew where to call, they could notify you if something came up.”

“Take me to the Town Hall, Twilight. I’ll use the mayor’s office for the time being.”

“Sure.”

Auriel calls out after them. “I’ll notify you when we know more.”

“Thanks Auriel.”

Twilight and Cadance leave the hospital as Auriel turns to Luna.

“We should probably get moving too, your highness.”

Luna sits down on her haunches. “Nonsense. I will wait right here for word.”

“That might make everyone else a bit uncomfortable.”

Luna surveys the room and notices that everyone present is still bowing.

“We can wait in the doctor’s office as the nurse offered.”

The nurse nods. “Yes, Princess Luna. I’ll notify you the moment we know anything.”

Luna sighs. “Very well.”

Auriel and Luna follow the nurse to a small office door. Opening it she allows the pair to pass before turning to them.

“Please make yourselves comfortable. Is there anything I can get for you, your highness?”

Luna shakes her head. “No.”

“Very well. If you require anything at all please call for us or send your servant to the main desk for help.”

Luna nods as the nurse leaves the office. She turns to Auriel as the door closes.

“My apologies.”

Auriel smiles. “It’s fine.”

“I do not believe it is.”

“Your highness?”

Luna sighs. “Please don’t call me that.”

“But why?”

“You are a princess in your own right, miss.”

“I… suppose so. But…”

“Princess Auriel, I… would like to apologize for something else.”

“What is it?”

“You have no doubt heard of the peace summit that took place recently at Arc’s base in Ponyville.”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Twilight and her friends told me all about it.”

“Looking back at that time, I realized that we failed to invite a delegate from a certain race.”

“You did? Which one?”

“The Demon Kingdom.”

They are silent for a time as Auriel looks at Luna, confused.

“Princess Luna, I… don’t understand. The members of my race are currently locked away in Tartarus.”

Luna sighs. “Arc made it abundantly clear to me that we needed to establish a dialogue with all the world’s nations. Yours, while still imprisoned for the crimes of the past, are still a very old and established culture.”

“Are you saying you wanted my father to attend the summit?”

“Or you, princess.”

“But I… I’m no one special.”

“Yes, you are. You’ve shown yourself to be brave, kind, strong, resourceful, and trustworthy. At least from what Arc has told us. Was that not true?”

“It… I don’t… know really.”

“Princess Auriel… I do believe you are living proof that the Great Demon Kingdom of old can one day return to this land.”

“But how?”

“That I do not know for certain. However, I believe that with your help they can find a way to move past what’s written in the history books. Your artificial sun idea may be the first step down that path.”

“That’s what I’m hoping. As it stands I know my people can’t leave. They’d just kill and destroy everything and everyone. But maybe we can show them a different way. A… kind of in-house parole.”

“We will see, princess.”

Auriel smiles. “Please, Princess Luna. Feel free to just call me ‘Auriel’.”

Luna nods. “Very well. But only if you refer to me as ‘Luna’.”

“I… suppose that’s fair.”

Sometime later Twilight enters the office. She turns to Auriel.

“Any word?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Nothing yet.”

“What about my sister?”

Twilight sighs. “Nothing from Canterlot yet on that. Other than Doctor Whooves is still examining her and running some tests.”

She looks to the phone.

“I told Cadance to call if anything comes up.”

“Auriel was just telling me the details of Arc’s latest mission. It sounded quite dangerous.”

“Yes, Luna. In all honesty, I’m surprised we made it back.”

Twilight gasps. “The enemy forces on Earth put up THAT much of a fight?!”

“That and they seemed to be ready for everything we had.”

Luna smiles. “But Arc and his troops were successful nonetheless and escaped back to Equestria.”

Auriel frowns. “Right. But…”

A nurse enters the office and bows.

“Your highness, Doctor Horse has news of the Hero of Light’s condition. May I escort you to him?”

“Yes. Lead on.”

Luna stands and motions for the others to follow. They make the short walk back to the treatment room. As they arrive the nurse holds the door open for them. Arc lies on the bed talking to Doctor Horse. Smiling widely Twilight runs over to him.

“Arc, you’re alright!”

She turns to the doctor.

“He IS alright… right?”

Doctor Horse nods. “For the most part, yes.”

Luna moves to join them. “Your prognosis, doctor?”

He walks over to a tray on a nearby table. Picking it up with his magic he levitates it over to Luna. On it sits numerous pieces of jagged white shrapnel.

“I pulled these from my patient here.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “What… are they?”

Arc sighs. “Pieces of my armor.”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out his helmet and sigil gauntlet before continuing.

“This is all that’s still in decent condition.”

Twilight gasps. “It must’ve been a truly horrific fight to destroy Hydra Scale armor!”

Luna nod. “But how did these end up inside you, Arc?”

“It might have happened when I detonated two magic staves.”

He thinks for a moment.

“Or maybe when we took on those drones on our flight back. I actually don’t remember.”

Luna frowns. “How can you not…?!”

Arc shrugs. “Considering everything that was going on, I was running on pure adrenaline pretty much the whole time.”

Doctor Horse clears his throat. “Yes well… other than extreme bruising from… something or other, and some rather nasty cuts and burns, you’re fine, sir. Well, now that the numerous shrapnel shards embedded in you have been removed, that is.”

Twilight looks at Arc suspiciously. “What about all that blood though?!”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “The shrapnel in me caused that.”

The doctor nods. “It was worse than it looked due to them constantly cutting him whenever he moved.”

He pulls aside the covers and lifts Arc’s hospital gown slightly to reveal his boxers along with the gauze and bandages.

“They’ll heal on their own. Assuming you don’t get into any major fights, that is.”

Arc grimaces. “No promises.”

“You’re free to leave the hospital anytime, sir. Just remember to take it easy and allow your body time to heal properly.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you doctor. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

He sits up and swings his legs over the side of the bed. Luna steps forward and looks him over.

“Maybe you should stay in bed, Arc.”

“I can’t do that.”

Twilight frowns. “Haven’t you done enough already?!”

“Maybe. But there’s something I need to do right now.”

He looks around, confused.

“Where’s Princess Cadance?”

Auriel points out the window. “At the Town Hall.”

“Let’s go and pick her up. Then we can return to Canterlot together.”

Twilight groans. “Don’t you ever take a break?”

“Not really.”

As they head for the door Doctor Horse calls out after him.

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Uh…”

“To change your clothes.”

Auriel giggles. “You do look kinda funny in that gown, Arc.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks.”

Twilight turns to leave the room. “We’ll wait outside for you to change.”

“Okay. I’ll be quick.”

Sometime later they enter the Mayor’s Office. Cadance looks up as they enter. She smiles widely as Arc enters the room under his own power.

“Arc!”

Stepping out from behind the desk she rushes over to him.

“Are you alright?!”

Arc pats his wounds gently. “More or less. You ready to head back to Canterlot?”

“Yes! I just got off the phone with Shining Armor!”

Luna gasps. “What news?!”

“He says Doctor Whooves wants to see us at once regarding Aunt Celestia’s condition!”

Twilight grins. “Maybe she’s woken up!”

Cadance nods happily. “Let’s go see!”

Grimacing, Arc calls forth his remaining gauntlet and opens a portal. Luna, Cadance, and Twilight hurry through as Auriel hangs back and turns to him.

“You and I both saw how bad she was.”

“Right. I don’t think the doctor will have good news.”

Auriel sighs as she takes Arc’s hand. Together they walk through the portal. Appearing on the sigil in his room in the castle, they see the others heading toward the door. Twilight and Cadance trot next to each other happily.

“I can’t wait to see Princess Celestia again!”

“Me either! It feels like it’s been forever!”

Luna nods. “I’m sure she has quite the story to tell.”

She looks back to Arc and Auriel.

“Are you alright, Arc?”

“I… think so, yes.”

Twilight trots ahead. “Let’s go already!”

They leave the room and head for Celestia’s Bedchambers. A multitude of guards line the corridor leading up to the door. They salute as Arc and company pass. Shining Armor and Trixie personally stand guard in front of the ornate door. Arc notices that they grimace momentarily at their approach. Luna addresses Shining Armor.

“I’m here to see my sister, captain. Please stand aside.”

“I… really shouldn’t, your highness.”

Twilight frowns. “What are you talking about, big brother? These are the PRINCESSES!”

Shining Armor looks nervous. “Y-yes, I know. However, the doctor wanted me to stop you here so he could… speak to you before entering.”

Cadance appears confused. “Whatever for?”

“Trixie believes he should be the ones to tell you that, Princess Cadance.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

“Kinda.”

Luna frowns. “What does that mean?”

Auriel sighs. “Trust me. We should wait for the doctor.”

Arc nods. “Where is he, Shining Armor?”

“Just inside. Lieutenant Trixie, would you tell him the princesses are here?”

“Yes sir.”

Trixie enters the room cautiously. She returns a few moments later with a very haggard looking Doctor Whooves.

“Hello, your highnesses. My apologies for the delay.”

Cadance looks to him nervously. “What’s going on, doctor?”

“Yes. How is my sister doing?”

The doctor bows his head. “Not too good. She’s… well… not exactly the mare that we all know. I’m sorry, but you just have to see it for yourself. Now then, when we enter please be very quiet and try not to do anything that might excite Princess Celestia please. She’s very weak right now.”

They nod as Trixie opens the door. Doctor Whooves leads them inside. Numerous nurses stand around watching various machines. All of them bow respectfully as the princesses enter. Doctor Whooves turns to them.

“All of you please wait in the corridor.”

Everyone nods and leaves the room, shutting the door behind them. The doctor walks over to the bedside and pulls back a curtain to reveal Celestia. Luna, Cadance, and Twilight gasp as the form of the lost princess comes into view. The large mask still covers her head like a vile tumor. IVs snake around her limbs as a heart monitor beeps softly next to the bed. Bandages cover much of her body as blood and pus seeps through several of them. For a time no one can speak. Eventually Luna breaks the silence.

“What… happened?!”

Arc bows his head. “I don’t know, Princess Luna.”

Auriel nods sadly. “Yes. She was like this when we arrived.”

Cadance eyes the device on her head. “What IS that thing?!”

Luna seethes. “A magic nullifier.”

Arc frowns. “It looks similar to the one Shining Armor was wearing when he entered my base to warn us about Trixie and the Alicorn Amulet.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “It would have to be very powerful to contain her alicorn magic, yes. But this also blinds her.”

Twilight cries softly as she approaches the bedside. She takes her friend’s hoof and gently pats it.

“Who… could be so… so vile!”

Cadance grits her teeth angrily. “Yes! Aunt Celestia is the kindest, gentlest mare I’ve ever met! What reason for this atrocity…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Doctor, has she said anything since arriving?”

“No. In fact, she was unconscious when they brought her in.”

Cadance gasps. “Could it have been the crash?”

The doctor shakes his head. “I don’t think so. Ember said the medical staff secured her prior to that event.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “Ember was with her the whole time. Maybe she knows what happened.”

Auriel looks around the room. “Where is she?”

Doctor Whooves points toward the balcony. “She stepped outside when all of you arrived. Said she needed some air.”

Luna purses her lips. “Twilight, call her in.”

“Yes, Princess Luna.”

Twilight walks toward the patio door, but does not take her eyes off the bed until she passes through the archway. Motioning with a hoof she gets Ember’s attention. The young dragon slowly walks inside and over to the others.

“You okay, Arc?”

“Yeah. But what happened to the princess?

Auriel nods. “She was awake when we found her.”

Ember sighs. “The airship battle really freaked her out. Nurse Redheart had to sedate her when she started hitting others.”

Cadance gasps. “Oh my!”

Luna frowns. “So she’s merely sedated. Why was that not recorded on her chart?”

“I’ve yet to see it.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “It wasn’t brought in with her?”

“No, not yet.”

Ember sighs. “I think I can explain that. You see, with all the wounded flooding into the Infirmary I don’t think anyone had time to run it over here.”

Arc nods. “It was a very drawn out battle, yes.”

Luna looks down at her sister and sighs. “Did she say anything at all to you, Arc?”

“Just one thing.”

Cadance appears hopeful. “What was it?”

“Twilight.”

Twilight looks to him. “Yes?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. That’s literally all she would say.”

Luna frowns. “Just… ‘Twilight’?”

Ember nods. “Yes. That singular word was the only thing she uttered.”

“I don’t understand.”

Auriel nods. “She was also extremely frightened.”

Arc gestures to the magic nullifier. “Yes. I would assume it was because she could hear but not see us.”

Cadance points to the nullifier. “Can we get that off her now?!”

Twilight grimaces. “Yes! I’m worried what’s under there myself!”

Whooves shakes his head. “We need Sunburst to look it over beforehoof. It needs to be done properly, after all.”

Auriel looks to the door. “Shall I go get him?”

Arc shakes his head. “No need. I’ll do it.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

Sunburst breathes heavily. “Sunburst… here.”

“We need your help to remove a very strange magic nullifier from Princess Celestia’s head. Where are you?”

“Just leaving The Equinox, sir. My mother… I mean, Stellar Flare and I were able to bring what was left of the engines back under control.”

“Good. Get over here right away.”

“Yes sir. I’m on my way.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

He cuts the feed and turns back to the princesses.

“I’m sure he’ll get it off in no time.”

Auriel looks again at Celestia. “Yes. But what will we find underneath?”

Ember shudders. “That worries me as well. Considering the damage we could see, after all…”

Arc shoots her a withering glance as he motions for her to stop. Before long the Lead Sage hurries into the room and over the bed. He looks the princess over and sighs as he gives the doctor a chart.

“Let’s get this off of her.”

Lowering his horn, he casts a strange spell. Frowning, he turns to Luna.

“I’ll need some help here, your highness.”

“Very well.”

Her own horn aglow, Luna casts the same spell with him. A few moments later they stop as Sunburst turns to Arc.

“It’s done.”

Chapter 2 - A Terrible Sight

Reaching forward, Arc carefully gives the mask a tug. It slowly pulls away with an audible slurp as a pungent aroma assaults their noses. Everyone looks down at Celestia’s face aghast. A literal gray slime coats it. Open sores cover her face as pus oozes from a number of them. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are nowhere to be seen and there is a clear line of missing mane below where the magical nullifier was. Twilight is the first to speak.

“P-Princess…”

Sunburst sighs. “They must not have been removing it to properly clean her.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her stomach. “Doctor, can we please…?”

“I’ll send nurses to the Infirmary for some high-grade medical soaps and sterile towels. She needs to be properly cleaned from top to bottom. One moment.”.

He walks to the door and sticks his head out. After speaking to someone he heads back to the group.

“They’ll be back in about ten minutes.”

Luna appears hopeful. “Might we be allowed to… lend a hoof?”

Auriel tilts her head to one side, confused. “You want to help bathe her?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. My friend here has suffered long enough.”

Cadance turns to the doctor. “How about it?”

“Below her shoulders, yes. However, I need to tend to the face myself.”

Ember frowns. “Doctor?”

“It needs to be meticulously done, and without popping any more lesions.”

Arc looks Celestia over. “What about the ones that are already open?”

“I’ll treat the infections after she’s fully clean. With luck, she’ll respond to some antibiotics.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I sure… hope… so…”

He falls to one knee as Ariel, Twilight, and Ember rush to his side. Auriel reaches him first.

“Arc?!”

Ember puts an arm around his shoulders in an attempt to steady him. “What happened?!”

“I… don’t really know.”

Twilight appears worried at this turn of events. “Doctor!”

Doctor Whooves walks over and looks Arc over for a few moments.

“You look… tired. Tell me, when was the last time you slept?”

“I… honestly can’t remember.”

Ember frowns. “Yesterday afternoon, doctor.”

Auriel appears confused. “It hasn’t been THAT long since…”

The doctor shakes his head. “That may be. However, he was fighting all night I would imagine. That coupled with the trauma to his body caused him to momentarily lose balance.”

Luna nods soberly. “Get some rest, Arc. You’ve certainly earned it.”

“Yes. We’ll see to it Aunt Celestia is cared for.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Yes. Please go to sleep, Arc.”

“But I…”

Ember helps Arc stand. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Auriel puts Arc’s arm over her shoulders. “I’ll help.”

“Okay. But will someone please check on my guys aboard The Equinox?”

Sunburst turns to him. “They’re all stable and resting comfortably, sir.”

“Thanks.”

Auriel and Ember help him stand up. Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. As the three pass through it closes. Twilight turns back to Celestia.

“She just looks so… thin!”

“Yes, there’s nutrient solutions in several of the IVs, miss. We’ll bring her back to health. This much I promise you.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his friends appear on the sigil in his room in Canterlot Castle. Derpy and Dinky sit up groggily and rub their eyes. Dinky gasps.

“DAD!”

She runs over to him, but Auriel shakes her head.

“Dinky, wait!”

“Dad, are you okay?!”

Arc smiles weakly. “I’m… fine, sweetheart.”

Ember frowns. “No you’re not, Arc!”

Derpy hurries over to them and spots the bandages.

“Oh my! Let’s get him to the bed!”

Together they lead Arc to the large bed. He sit down as Dinky pulls off his boots.

“Thanks everyone.”

Auriel looks him over. “Are you in much pain?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. Right now I just feel like I want to sleep for a week.”

Ember sits down next to him heavily. “Me too.”

Auriel puts a hand to her forehead. “I didn’t realize just how tired I was until now.”

Derpy smiles affectionately at all of them. “You three had a rough time of it, I’m sure.”

“Why don’t we give dad and the others some time to sleep, mom?”

Arc nods. “Thanks. There’s probably breakfast in the Dining Room.”

“We’ll head over there. Are you hungry?”

Arc sighs. “I am. But right now I just want to sleep. Give us a few hours, okay?”

“Sure dad.”

Derpy and Dinky leave the room and close the door behind them. Ember and Auriel help Arc lie down before taking their places on either side of him.

“Comfy, Arc?”

Ember looks down to see him already fast asleep. Auriel giggles.

“Looks like he had the right idea.”

“Yeah. Good night, Auriel.”

“Night.”

They sleep soundly until noon. Derpy and Dinky return pushing a dinner cart. They set the food out on a table along with silverware and drinks.

“Should we really wake them up, mom?”

Derpy sighs. “I don’t really want to. But they haven’t eaten in a long time.”

The pair walk over to the bed as Derpy calls out.

“Auriel… Ember…? It’s time to wake up.”

Dinky hops up onto the pillows and carefully walks toward her father.

“Dad?”

Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks around.

“Huh? Dinky? Is something wrong?”

“No, dad.”

“We just brought you three some breakfast. Do you want us to bring it to you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. Just… give me a moment.”

He gently nudges Auriel and Ember.

“Huh?”

“What’s going on?”

“Lunch time you two.”

Ember covers her face with a pillow. “Do I have to?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But aren’t you hungry?”

“Hungry, tired, thirsty, and dirty.”

Auriel sniffs herself. “Same here.”

Arc Blinks out of bed. “Let’s eat and get cleaned up.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Can we go back to bed after that?”

“I guess.”

“…fine.”

They head over to the table together. Dinky sits next to her father as he eats.

“So… did it go okay last night, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Princess Celestia is back in her room, resting.”

Derpy sighs, clearly relieved. “Was she okay?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Sadly, no.”

Ember looks to Arc. “She was pretty beat up.”

“I’m sure the doctor will be able to fix her up good as new.”

“Yeah.”

Ember sniffs the air.

What IS that SMELL?!

Arc chuckles. “Us.”

Auriel makes a face. “Fighting is apparently a dirty business.”

Derpy points a hoof to the bathroom. “There’s a very large bathtub in there that might help.”

Arc nods. “That there is. I’ve just never used it.”

“Why not, dad?”

“Baths take a lot of time. You have to fill up the tub, soak for a while, rinse off, and drain it. I just use the shower as it’s so much faster.”

Derpy waves a hoof as she turns away. “I think you three need a deep cleaning after that last mission.”

Auriel looks his chest. “What about Arc’s wounds?”

Dinky gasps. “You’re hurt dad?!”

“Kinda. Doctor Horse in Ponyville already pulled out the shrapnel.”

Derpy looks him over. “What happened?!”

“A few pieces of my armor were lodged in me when things started blowing up.”

Cherry calls out. “Yes. But Arc was still able to get the job done.”

Dinky appears relieved. “That’s good. Dad, why don’t I fill up the tub for you?”

Derpy nods. “I think you really need it, Arc. And I’ll head over to the Infirmary to see if they have anything for your wounds.”

“Um… okay. Thanks.”

Dinky heads to the bathroom and turns on the water as Derpy leaves the room and muses to herself.

“I’m glad you’re safe, Arc. Dinky would have been heartbroken if something had happened to you.”

She blushes as she walks.

“And so would I.”

A short time later Arc and his friends finish their meal. Derpy returns with a small box.

“A nurse there said to put this in the bath water.”

“What is it, mom?”

“Some kind of medicated bath additive. They told me it’s used to disinfect the coat of somepony who’s been badly injured to help prevent further infection.”

Ember nods approvingly. “Sounds like it’ll help you, Arc.”

“I’m fine.”

Auriel pokes his side. “Are you now?”

Arc winces as Derpy gives the package to Dinky.

“I’ll mix it in right away, dad!”

“Okay, sweetheart.”

Dinky disappears into the bathroom. She rips open the box and pours the contents into the tub. The water turns a murky gray and gives off a medicinal odor. Reaching out a hoof, she dips it into the water and gives it a stir.

“This should help dad feel better. I’ll just make sure it’s properly…”

The filly is cut off as her hoof slips. Dinky falls head first into the tub. Her horn aglow she Blinks out of it and stands there dripping on the floor for a few moments coughing. Grabbing a towel with her magic she dries herself before leaving the room. Derpy looks to her daughter as she approaches.

“Dinky! What happened?!”

“I fell in while I was trying to stir up the water.”

Arc chuckles. “Are you okay, sweetheart?!”

“Fine. Better than that, actually.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah! I’m clean now!”

Auriel smiles. “Yes, I suppose you are.”

Arc sighs happily at the sight of Dinky’s wet mane. “You should probably let your mother give you a good brushing.”

“Should I take Dinky home, Arc?”

“Back to Ponyville, mom?”

Ember shrugs. “Probably. We’re going back to sleep after getting cleaned up anyways, right?”

Arc nods. “If you want to, sure.”

“But…!”

“Now Dinky, your father and his friends need more rest. That and there really isn’t anything for us to do here in the meantime.”

Auriel smiles at the filly. “We’ll take good care of your father for you.”

Ember grins. “Right.”

“Well… I do kinda want to see my friends back at the orphanage again.”

Arc gives her a thumbs up. “I’ll be home in a few days, sweetheart.”

“Okay.”

She walks over to him and carefully gives her father a hug as he returns it. Stepping back, Dinky smiles.

“Take it easy, dad.”

“I’ll try.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal for them. Dinky trots into it as Derpy looks back.

“Please get some rest, Arc. Dinky and I will be waiting for you.”

Arc nods as Derpy steps through. Closing the portal he recalls his gauntlet and sighs as Ember walks over to him.

“You wanted to go with them, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.”

Auriel frowns. “Then why…?”

“I’m needed here for the moment.”

There is a long silence as Arc looks over at the bathroom.

“But right now, I REALLY want to get cleaned up.”

Ember nods soberly. “Why don’t you go first, Arc?”

Auriel looks to a nearby linen closet. “Yes. We’ll change the bedsheets while you shower.”

“Thanks you two. I think I’ll do that.”

Heading for the bathroom, Arc steps into the warm shower. Sitting down on the cool tile floor he lets the warm water wash over him as he carefully removes his bandages, wincing in pain as he does so. Cherry calls out to him as he works.

“How do they feel, Arc?”

“Like someone’s stabbing me.”

“I’m just glad it wasn’t anything serious.”

“Me too.”

Grabbing the soap and shampoo with his magic, Arc gets cleaned up. He sighs contentedly as he does so.

“That feels much better.”

Cherry giggles. “You like being clean, don’t you?”

“Yup. But it’s just really satisfying to watch the soap run down the drain.”

“Oh?”

“It’s like all the baggage of the mission is being washed away.”

Sometime later there is a knock at the door.

“Yes?”

It opens a few inches as Ember’s voice wafts in.

“You okay in here?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Something wrong?”

“Auriel and I were wondering if we could use the shower soon.”

“Oh! Uh…”

Auriel calls in. “We could shower off while you soak in the tub, Arc.”

“I… suppose so. One sec…”

Standing up stiffly, Arc walks across the room to the truly massive bathtub and sits down in it with his back to the shower.

“Okay. Come on in.”

Ember and Auriel do so. They glance over at Arc in the tub and smile as Auriel speaks.

“How is it, Arc?”

“Pretty good actually. I thought it would hurt my wounds, but it’s actually numbing them.”

Ember grins. “Well, you just take it easy. We won’t be long.”

The pair step into the still running shower and get cleaned up. Arc closes his eyes and sinks down to his neck is the hot water.

“Paradise…”

About twenty minutes later he hears the shower turn off and the sound of feet walking toward the tub. Ember clears her throat loudly.

“You okay over here?”

Arc wordlessly nods. Auriel looks to him.

“How are your wounds doing now?”

“If I didn’t know they were there, I’d think I was fine.”

Ember and Auriel turn to each other. They grin and step over the edge of the tub on either side of Arc. Feeling the water move, he opens his eyes. Looking side to side he spots two sets of legs.

“What are you two…?”

They sit down next to him and sigh contentedly.

“We’re sore too, you know.”

Auriel groans. “Yes. But this is heavenly.”

Smiling, they press their bodies against Arc. He turns to Ember.

“You planned this, didn’t you?”

“Not exactly, no. But it is a nice feeling, isn’t it Auriel?”

“Yes, it is. You, Arc?”

“I do have to admit, it is.”

Ember grins. “See? I knew we could turn you on.”

“Don’t push it, Ember.”

“Can’t blame a dragon for trying!”

Auriel looks to him. “Arc, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Do you think I look better in my human or demon form?”

Ember nods approvingly. “I’ve been wondering that myself.”

“Honestly?”

“Of course.”

“Either form is equally cute to me. Both you and Ember are very nice.”

Auriel blushes. “You… you’re just saying that.”

“No, I mean it.”

Ember appears sober. “But we’re a lot… different looking in our true forms.”

“That’s right. But I like you both for what’s on the inside.”

Auriel looks down at her naked belly. “Inside? You mean our… reproductive organs?”

Ember shrugs. “He means our personalities, I think.”

“Right.”

Auriel appears wary. “Are you sure that’s all there is to it?”

“Well… I do think both of you are really pretty.”

Ember grins and points at Arc. “I knew it!”

“But all the beauty in the world doesn’t mean anything if it’s only skin deep. Now then, why don’t we just sit here and relax?”

Auriel sighs contentedly. “It is really nice here. I feel all tingly!”

Ember nods. “Me too. It must be Arc making us feel this way.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I’m assuming that’s the medicine in the water.”

Auriel giggles. “Think what you will.”

“Fine. Let’s rest though.”

Laying his neck back against one of the headrests, Ember and Auriel turn and rest their heads on his shoulders happily. In short order the pair fall asleep. Arc puts his arms around them as he looks out a window at the clouds. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Comfy?”

“Very.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s not every stallion whom can sleep with as many females as you do, Arc.”

“But I’m not…!”

“Figure of speech. But I do believe you should rest as well.”

“Not just yet. I kinda want to savor this moment.”

They sit in the tub for over an hour. Eventually Arc gives each of them a nudge.

“Hey.”

Auriel and Ember slowly open their eyes.

“We… dozed off?”

“It would seem so, yes.”

Arc nods. “Right. But why don’t we head back to bed? I for one am still pretty tired.”

Auriel turns to him. “Arc? Might you do something for us first though?”

“What is it?”

Auriel stands up. She spreads her leathery wings and turns to Arc as he looks away.

“Auriel?! What are you…?!”

“Look at me, Arc.”

Arc slowly turns his head to stare at Auriel’s bright red skin, wings, and dark eyes.

“Do you still think I look okay?”

“Yes, Auriel. You’re really pretty. But do you think you could do something for me?”

Auriel smiles happily. Anything.

“Put your clothes back on.”

Ember grins wickedly. “Why, Arc? I know you like what you see.”

“I… just don’t want her to catch a cold, or something.”

Ember stands up and stretches her own wings before posing for him seductively.

“What about me?”

“You’re very pretty too, Ember. But I want to get dressed and back to bed too, okay?”

Ember frowns. “Fine.”

Arc steps out of the tub. Auriel and Ember stare wordlessly at his lower half as he towels off. Turning back to them he snaps his fingers a few times.”

“Hey. Eyes up here please.”

Arc tosses them each a towel. He quickly pulls out a pair of boxers and heads for the door.

“I’ll let you two finish drying off.”

Leaving the bathroom, Arc walks over to the bed. He spots the old sheets, which are completely soiled, lying in a corner and picks them up.

“I didn’t realize just how filthy we were!”

Cherry giggles. “Fighting is a dirty business. Especially if you’re wounded, Arc.”

“I guess so. Speaking of which…”

He removes a med kit from his ring and sits down on the bed with it.

“Gotta keep these things covered.”

Arc is able to rebandage most of his wounds alone. However the one on his arm proves difficult. Cherry sighs.

“You should wait for Ember and Auriel to help you with that.”

“I think I’ll have to. After all…”

The bathroom door opens and the pair walk out. Arc continues trying to reapply the bandages.

“Can I get some help?”

Ember nods. “Sure.”

She walks over to Arc’s side and sits down as Auriel fluffs the pillows and readies the covers. Fastening the last clip on the bandage, Ember helps him lie down.

“There you go. Now let’s get some more sleep.”

Arc nods. “A few more hours at least. Then we can…”

He stops talking as he feels Auriel slide over next to him. Her leathery skin rubs against his.>

“Auriel? Are you…?”

“Like I said before… I always sleep naked.”

Ember crawls into bed on the other side of him.

“Me too.”

“But dragons don’t wear clothes!”

“So? I’m still right.”

Arc rolls his eyes and groans. “Right now, I’m too tired to argue.”

Chapter 3 - Loving Bedmates

The trio sleeps for a few hours undisturbed. Sometime later there is a light knock at the door before Shining Armor and Trixie enter the room. Together they walk over to the bed as Shining Armor clears his throat.

“Sir?”

Arc slowly opens his eyes and sits up.

“Something up, you two?”

“Trixie and Shining Armor are sorry to wake you, but…”

The covers part as Ember sits up and glares at the intruders.

“Can’t we get some quality time together without someone interrupting with whatever?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “I’m sorry, Ember. This is in regards to…”

Auriel pokes her head out from under a pillows and looks around sleepily.

“What’s going on? I was having the nicest dream about…”

The blanket shifts and falls as she sits up, exposing her bare chest. Trixie’s eyes grow wide as she takes a step back..

“C-C-Captain! Trixie thinks we should come back later!”

Shining Armor grimaces. “This is important.”

Trixie uses her magic to cover Auriel with the blanket again. “Let’s hurry then!”

“Very well. Sir, Doctor Whooves wishes to speak with you regarding your friends.”

Arc gasps. “I thought they were alright!”

Trixie nods. “They are, sir. But we’ve received word that they’re asking to see you.”

“Yes. We’re sorry to wake you from your… sleep, sir.”

Arc throws back the covers. “It’s fine you two.”

Trixie blushes and turns as Arc jumps up and quickly begins dressing. Auriel looks around sleepily.

“Has either of you seen my clothes?”

Ember points with a jerk of her thumb. “I think they’re in the bathroom still.”

Arc nods. “Right. You can wear some of mine if you’d like something clean though.”

He points to the dresser. Auriel hurries over to it in the nude and pulls out a tunic and trousers. Quickly putting them on she turns back to Arc.

“I’m ready.”

“Let’s go.”

Shining Armor and Trixie lead them out of the bedroom and down the corridor. Arc turns to the captain.

“So everyone’s alright… right?”

“For the most part, yes.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not reassuring.”

“Trixie thinks you will understand when we get there.”

Arriving at the Infirmary they look around. Every bed is filled with injured soldiers. Spotting them, the doctor walks over..

“Hello, sir Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“No problem. How is my squad doing?”

“Very well. Three of them will be released tomorrow.”

Ember appears suddenly nervous. “What about Hugh?”

“He’ll be here another few days. But will certainly make a full recovery.”

Auriel looks to the doctor, a hopeful look in her eyes. “Can we see them?”

“Certainly. Right this way.”

The doctor leads them over to a separate semi-private room. Pulling aside the curtain he steps aside and allows them to pass. Shining Armor and Trixie wait outside patiently. Arc walks over to see Max, Xenos, Viktor, Hugh, Sereb, and Rose lying in their hospital beds.

“How’s everyone feeling?”

Max puts a hoof to his forehead. “Like we were hit by a truck.”

Xenos groans. “Kinda were.”

Viktor looks to his friend. “Hugh took the worst of it, I think.”

“Y-yeah. I’m still kinda dizzy from that. Can’t even walk to the toilet by myself.”

Viktor nods. “That’s what I mean by worst of it.”

Sereb raises his head slightly. “I too have been better, yes.”

Ember looks to the bed on the end. “How about you, Rose?”

There is no response. Auriel walks over to the android and looks her over.

“She’s turned off.”

Arc grimaces. “Maybe she just finally broke down?”

Ember sighs. “I’m sure Twilight can fix her. Right, Auriel?”

“Of course.”

The doctor walks over to Rose’s bedside. “Sunburst already performed all the repairs to her body.”

Arc appears confused. “Then why is she still off?”

Max shrugs. “He said something about her having to regenerate her magical fluids. Whatever those are.”

Auriel nods. “Think of it kinda like her blood.”

Viktor winces. “She certainly lost a lot of it back then.”

Arc turns to the doctor. “ Did he say when will she be able to turn back on?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good.”

He looks to all assembled.

“All of you did a great job back there. I’m very proud of everyone.”

Xenos looks suddenly nervous. “Did… did the princess make it?”

Ember gives him a thumbs up. “Yup. She’s resting in her room as we speak.”

Hugh grins. “Good.”

Viktor forces a smile. “That makes all this pain worthwhile.”

Doctor Whooves turns to Arc. “Sir, I hate to impose on you further, but might I make a request?”

“Uh… sure. What is it?”

“Would you please go the Princess Celestia’s room and have a word with them?”

Ember frowns. “Uh oh. They not getting along over there?”

Auriel looks suddenly nervous. “That sounds kinda dangerous.”

“Not exactly. But the kitchen staff reports that they sent away their breakfast and lunch today untouched.”

Arc groans. “Not good.”

“I inquired further, and was told they also didn’t eat supper the previous day.”

Ember sighs. “So they’re going on twenty-four hours without eating?!”

The doctor nods. “It would seem so, yes.”

“I’ll talk to them about it.”

Arc turns back to his squad.

“Get some rest, all of you.”

Sereb moves to shakily stand. “I would like to rejoin you, Arc.”

Arc turns to the physician. “Doctor?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “He, like the others, need to rest.”

“That answers that question.”

Max raises his head. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“What about… your plans?”

Arc shakes his head. “Princess Celestia isn’t back on the throne yet. I’ll stick around until she can do so.”

Auriel gasps. “What about Derpy and Dinky?”

“They’ll… understand.”

He leaves the room. Shrugging, Auriel and Ember follow, as do Shining Armor and Trixie. Returning to the corridor, Arc heads for a window across the way. He looks out it silently for a time as the others wait.

“I… I can’t leave them like this.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Arc?”

“The princesses still need my help, it seems.”

Ember sighs. “I know it isn’t easy being the one everyone turns to for help, Arc.”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Having to do something no one else can will wear on you after a time.”

“Trixie believes you do a wonderful job though, sir.”

Arc groans and nods as he turns to Shining Armor.

“How much longer until supper is served?”

“It should be ready, sir. I’ve ordered the kitchen staff to cook you and Ember something special to help you recover.”

“And the princesses?”

“Trixie has given orders that they should have their meals sent directly to Princess Celestia’s room until further notice.”

She sniffs the air.

“It should be on its way now.”

Arc turns. “Let’s head back there then.”

Leading the way, Shining Armor escorts Arc and company back to the princess’ room. As before the guards line the hallway on both sides. A single Hoof Maiden leaves the room pushing a fully laden dinner cart. Arc blocks her advance as he holds up a hand.

“Where are you going, miss?”

“I’m returning the princess’ supper too the kitchen, sir. They claim to not be hungry.”

“That may be. But all of them need to keep their strength up.”

“I agree, sir. But I was ordered to leave the room and to take the food with me.”

“I’ll take your cart back to them and try to get them to eat something.”

The Hoof Maiden appears suddenly nervous.

“S-sir, please!”

Shining Armor frowns. “You heard the Hero of Light! Are you defying his orders?!”

“No sir! It’s just… Princess Luna wanted me to inform you and the guards that she does not want anypony other than authorized medical staff and those she summons to enter the room until further notice.”

Trixie gasps. “What?! Why?!”

“She… did not say.”

Arc nods. “I’ll still be taking your cart. Return to your duties.”

“Yes sir. Please be careful. She seemed very… upset just a few moments ago.”

“Thanks. I’ll be careful.”

The Hoof Maiden bows respectfully before turning and walking away. Shining Armor sighs and turns to Arc.

“You might want to stay out of there then.”

“Oh?”

“Trixie has heard that Princess Luna’s temper is legendary. You’d be wise to follow her orders and stay out here where it’s safe.”

Auriel frowns. “But she can’t give him orders!”

Shining Armor nods. “But she CAN still physically… remove him from her presence.”

Arc turns to Trixie. “Is Twilight still in there?”

“Trixie saw her last time she entered, yes. However, she’s staying within the protective range of Princess Cadance.”

Shining Armor rolls his eyes. “Princess Luna wouldn’t harm her. Worst case scenario, she would order her out of the room.”

Arc nods and puts a hand on the handle of the cart.

“I’d better get in there then.”

Ember looks suddenly worried. “Maybe I should come with you for backup.”

Auriel steps forward. “Me too.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks. But I think I should just do this one myself. That and Luna made it clear she doesn’t want anyone else in there.”

Shining Armor looks to him. “That’s probably for the best, sir.”

All assembled guards salute dutifully as Arc looks around.

“Uh… what are they doing?”

“Trixie believes they are showing respect right now for your extreme bravery.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Nopony present would EVER dare to approach Princess Luna when she’s in such a mood.”

Arc groans. “Thanks.”

He steps forward as Trixie opens the door and salutes along with Shining Armor. Ember and Auriel do the same as he passes. Rolling his eyes, Arc enters the room alone as Trixie closes the door behind him. Walking over to the table with the cart Arc sets out two plates. Luna sniffs the air and turns around angrily.

“I believe I made it quite clear that we…!”

She stops as Arc turns around to face her. Finishing his task he walks over and stands next to her.

“How is she?”

“I… ah…”

Cadance sighs. “Unchanged since you were last here.”

Twilight nods sadly. “We cleaned her up after you left. But that’s all we can do at the moment.”

Luna looks to the table. “Yes. But I assume you came here with more in mind than feeding us, Arc.”

“Actually no, Luna. I was informed that none of you had eaten since yesterday.”

Cadance does not take her eyes off Celestia. “We don’t seem to feel like it, no.”

Twilight’s ears droop. “Me either.”

Arc thinks for a moment before continuing. “Has she spoken yet?”

Luna shakes her head. “No.”

“What do you suppose she would say if she could?”

Cadance shrugs. “I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”

“Because I believe if any of what I’ve heard about her is true, she’d insist that all of you eat something.”

Luna frowns. “We can’t leave her side, Arc. Not for a moment.”

“Oh?”

Cadance nods sadly. “What if she were to wake up while we were eating?”

“Then you’d get up and walk over here. Now please… come to the table.”

He extends a hand to Luna. Sighing, she slowly raises a hoof and puts it in his palm. Leading her over to the table, Cadance motions for Twilight to follow. They sit down as Arc begins to serve the food. Luna appears suddenly confused.

“Oh, you don’t need to do that, Arc.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. Just call a Hoof Maiden.”

“It’s fine. I think I understand why you’ve ordered everyone out of here, Luna.”

“Oh?”

Arc glances toward the bed. “You don’t want anyone to see your sister like this, do you?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. She… deserves better than that.”

Cadance smiles warmly. “But we welcome your company, Arc.”

“Thank you.”

They eat hungrily as the food is set before them. Arc picks up a pitcher of water and fills their glasses.

“Slow down there. I don’t want anyone here choking.”

Twilight smiles. “But it’s just so tasty!”

Cadance nods. “And we’re so hungry.”

Luna moans happily. “Indeed. Something that we didn’t notice until you forced us to face it.”

Twilight looks to him. “Right. But how are YOU, Arc?!”

“Um… fine, I guess.”

Cadance gasps. “But you collapsed not so long ago!”

“That was more or less from exhaustion. And that was this morning.”

Twilight looks out the window, confused. “But it still is.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it’s sunset.”

Cadance looks around. “It is?”

“Yes.”

Luna sighs. “It would appear time is getting away from us. I too thought the time to be just shy of us needing to leave for audiences.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide as she drops her fork.

“LUNA! We missed audiences!”

Luna shrugs as she continues eating. “I do not care.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “There’s always tomorrow, Cadance.”

“You don’t understand, Twilight! Ponies come from all over the land to plead their cases before us!”

Arc nods in agreement. “That they do. But there’s no use worrying about it now. Nothing they bring before you is so important it can’t wait a day.”

Cadance sighs. “I suppose you’re right, Arc.”

They finish eating their meal as the sun slips to its lowest point. Luna stands and walks over to the balcony door.

“Excuse me, everypony.”

Stepping through the door she walks to the guardrail. Putting her hooves on it, her horn begins to glow. The sun slips beneath the horizon and the moon peeks out. Sighing, she turns back to the door and re-enters. Cadance and Twilight stand by Celestia’s side dutifully.

“Did I miss anything?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not a thing, Luna.”

Twilight turns to Cadance. “Do you suppose she can hear us?”

“Doctor Whooves said anything is possible at this point. Perhaps we should try talking to her.”

Luna nods. “There’s certainly no harm in it.”

She looks down at Celestia.

“Sister? It’s me, Luna. I’m here with Cadance and Twilight. We want you to know that you’re safe and sound back in Canterlot.”

“Yes, Aunt Celestia. There’s an army of guards outside you door right now keeping watch.”

“Right. We’ve all missed you so much, my friend! Please… please come back to us.”

Celestia does not stir as Twilight continues.

“A lot has happened since you disappeared over a year ago.”

Luna looks away for a moment. “Yes. I’ve done my best to keep the peace here in Equestria with Cadance.”

Cadance sighs. “Things have been… a bit hectic at times. But we’ve been able to make it through.”

Luna returns her gaze to Celestia. “That we have. However, we wouldn’t have made it this far without our country’s new Hero of Light.”

Twilight smiles. “Right. He’s… very dependable. Strong too.”

Cadance puts a hoof on the bed. “In fact, he’s the one whom traveled to Earth to rescue you. He’s here now too, watching over you.”

She looks to Arc as he clears his throat.

“Y-yes, Princess Celestia. It’s been a pretty busy year, and a lot has happened. Some good, some bad. But I think I’ll let your sister explain the details to you.”

He reaches forward slowly and gently pats her fetlock.

“For now though, we’re all just glad you’re…”

Suddenly, Celestia’s eyes fly open. She looks into Arc’s face for a brief moment before screaming.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

Arc is violently shoved to the floor by the frantic mare on the bed as Twilight and the princesses push past him. Twilight hops onto the bed happily.

“Princess Celestia!”

“Sister!”

“Aunt Celestia! You’re alright!”

Celestia looks to Cadance, confused. “Twilight?”

She turns her gaze to Luna.

“Twilight?!”

Looking up, her eyes meet her most faithful student’s. They look at each other for a long time before Celestia calls out.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

The young unicorn throws her hooves around Celestia’s neck, clearly ecstatic. Meanwhile, Cadance helps Arc up.

“I apologize for Twilight’s behavior. She’s usually more reserved.”

“Oh, Princess Celestia! I’ve missed you so much!”

Celestia smiles as they nuzzle each other. “Twilight…”

“There’s… just so many things I have to tell you! It’s really hard to know where to begin!”

“Twilight?”

Twilight looks at her , confused. “Yes, Princess Celestia. I’m right here.”

“Are you in much pain, sister?”

“Twilight?”

Cadance returns to the bedside. “Aunt Celestia? Can you tell us what happened? How were you taken?”

“Twilight?!”

Twilight steps back nervously. “Princess?”

Celestia holds out a hoof to her student. A look of fear spreads across her face.

“TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT!”

Shakily, Twilight steps forward and brushes her old friend’s face with her hoof.

“What… did they do to you?!”

Tears begin flowing from Celestia’s eyes as she calls out.

“Twilight…! Twilight, Twilight. Twilight? TWILIGHT!!!”

Celestia holds out a hoof as she begins shaking. Twilight steps forward and lays down next to the alicorn.

“I’m here. Princess Celestia. I’m right here.”

The pair nuzzle again as Cadance looks to Luna.

“What’s going on? It’s like she can’t even see us!”

Luna sighs. “I have no idea. But she seemed to come around when Arc touched her.”

“But how?”

“It’s impossible to say. But for now we need to have Doctor Whooves look her over. With any luck this breakthrough may be just what we need to figure out what happened.”

Arc leans forward.

“You okay, Twilight?”

As he enters Celestia’s range of sight, her pupils shrink and she wraps her fetlocks around her pupil before rolling over to pull Twilight away, gritting her teeth and glaring up at him.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

Celestia’s horn glows as she channels a powerful spell. Arc Blinks over to Cadance, wraps his arms around her neck, Blinks them both over to Luna, and channels a shield in front of all three of them. He and Celestia stand off for what feels like hours, but is in fact only a handful of seconds. Eventually her horn dims and she puts a hoof to her head as if fatigued. Twilight gasps.>

“Princess Celestia?! What’s wrong?!”

She helps the alicorn lay her head back down on the pillows as Celestia whispers.

“…Twilight.”

“Shh… just rest now.”

Arc stops channeling as Twilight continues to distract her friend. He motions for Luna and Cadance to follow him to the farthest corner of the room. Luna is the first to speak.

“That was a surprise.”

“I’ve never seen her like that before! It was like Aunt Celestia was a wild mare!”

Arc frowns. “Yes. I honestly believe she wanted to take a shot at me.”

Luna looks over her shoulder. “The question now is why didn’t she?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It looked to me like she was having a hard time focusing her mana. Maybe due to prolonged exposure to that magic inhibitor.”

Cadance nods. “Perhaps. Or maybe she’s just out of practice for the same reason.”

Luna groans. “Equally likely, yes. But we need to do something.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea.”

Luna appears hopeful. “What is it?”

“Ever since we found her, she’s said nothing but the word ‘Twilight’. It may be that she was driven insane by the months of imprisonment and torture. Perhaps her memories of Twilight were the only thing keeping her going.”

Cadance gasps. “Oh no! Arc, are you suggesting that Aunt Celestia is crazy?!”

“She very well may be.”

Luna narrows her eyes, angrily. “My sister has ruled this land for well over a thousand years, Arc! She is the epitome of level-headedness, poise, and grace!”

Arc turns and looks to the bed. Celestia is snuggled up to Twilight and speaking her name ceaselessly.

“That very well may be. However, as things stand, she’s a danger both to herself and others.”

Cadance looks to Arc, nervously. “You don’t really think she’d hurt anypony, do you?”

“I hope not. But you two saw her turn on me. Now please understand that I’m not actually upset about that. Considering what she probably went through on Earth I’m surprised she’s this coherent. But we need to reel her mind in, and soon.”

“And how to you suggest we do that?”

“There’s a therapist in Ponyville named Emerald Dream. She used to have an office here in Canterlot.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “A… psychologist?”

Arc nods. “The princess needs to get ahold of her mental faculties. For her safety as well as ours.”

Luna grimaces. “And if she can’t?”

“I… don’t know what we’d do then.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “What if… she went crazy?”

“CADANCE!”

Arc sighs. “Then I guess I’d make her end as quick and painless as possible.”

Luna frowns. “It won’t come to that. It… it can’t!”

“Luna?”

“My sister is the rightful ruler of Equestria! We need her back on the throne to maintain the peace!”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. Then maybe I can finally get some rest.”

Cadance smiles at him. “Yes, you do need a vacation, Arc.”

Arc looks to her soberly. “A permanent one.”

Luna frowns. “What are you saying?”

“I made a promise to Dinky. When all three princesses were safely back on their thrones I would retire to Ponyville and be her full time father.”

Cadance gasps. “But… but what about Equestria?!”

“With all three princesses ruling I figured there wouldn’t be a need for a full time Hero of Light.”

Luna nods sadly. “You’re probably right. So you’re quitting?”

“Not quite yet. Your sister needs to be fully recovered before that can happen. Even after my retirement I’ll still be around if you need something taken care of. I mean, it’s not like I’m leaving Equestria, or anything.”

Cadance looks to him. “If it’s too much work, you could just take on the normal roles of the Hero of Light.”

“You mean, be less involved?”

Luna nods. “Yes. I can only assume it’s nearly as stressful as our own jobs.”

“I’d like that. But I did make a promise to Dinky already.”

Cadance smiles. “No rush, Arc. After all, I don’t think Aunt Celestia is going to be recovering anytime soon.”

“That much is certain, yes. But I think I’m going to head back to bed now. The stress of the past few days is still wearing on me. I’ll come see how she is first thing tomorrow morning.”

Luna looks to him approvingly. “Rest well, Arc.”

Turning around, he heads out the door. Cadance turns to Luna.

“You don’t really think Arc would… do away with Aunt Celestia… do you?”

“If the need arose… yes. Yes he would.”

“We need to get her out of here then!”

Luna shakes her head. “You need to have more faith in Arc, Cadance. After all, he’s always done what was best for the greatest number of ponies.”

“I will try, Luna. But this is far more serious than I originally thought.”

Luna looks at her sister now asleep on the bed next to Twilight. “Agreed.”

Chapter 4 - For the Betterment of All

The next morning as the first rays of light shine through Arc’s balcony window he awakens, sits up, yawns, and stretches.

“Another day.”

Ember and Auriel groan and sit up.

“Do we HAVE to get up this early EVERY day?!”

“This is why I just don’t sleep.”

Arc turns to Auriel. “Oh?”

“That way I don’t have to get up.”

Ember sighs. “Well… as long as I’m awake…”

She flaps her wings and takes flight. Landing nearby, Ember grins at Auriel.

“How’d you like sleeping with clothes on last night?”

Auriel frowns. “Truthfully, I’m not much for it.”

Ember shrugs. “I suppose Arc could have slept naked to help you feel better.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yeah, I’m not doing that.”

Auriel appears confused. “Why not?”

Ember grunts. “I don’t get it either. We all saw each other naked yesterday in the bathroom.”

“Yes. And ever since then I’ve been seeing you two’s eyes roaming.”

“I don’t know what you’re…!”

“My eyes are up here, Ember.”

Auriel giggles. “He’s got us.”

“In any case, let’s head back to the Infirmary and see if we can get the guys out of there.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah. Sereb especially must hate it.”

Auriel appears confused. “Why him?”

Ember looks out the window. “The Forsaken prefer wide open spaces. Not being limited to a small room like the Infirmary.”

They head down the corridor together. Every guard they pass stops to salute. Auriel frowns.

“What’s going on?”

Arc returns the salute. “I’m not sure.”

Ember nudges him in the side with her elbow. “Well, there was what you did yesterday.”

“Completing the mission?”

“That too. No, I mean standing up to Princess Luna and making her eat something.”

“First, I just did what I had to. Second, I didn’t force her to do anything. I simply pointed out the facts of the matter, which she and Princess Cadance readily agreed with.”

Auriel smiles. “Those guards outside really took notice of the empty food cart though.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah! Their eyes were bugging out and everything!”

Arc groans. “I’m sure.”

Arriving at the Infirmary they walk inside. Entering the semi-private area they see Arc’s squad as well as Sereb walking around. Arc nods approvingly.

“You guys look to be doing better.”

Max nods. “Yes sir.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah, it’s good to get out of that bed.”

Viktor sighs. “I felt like I was growing roots!”

Hugh groans. “Thanks guys.”

Sereb chuckles. “You will be up and about before long.”

Hugh lays back against his pillow. “The sooner the better.”

Arc walks over to Rose. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

Auriel giggles. “She’s still turned off, Arc.”

“Oh… I knew that.”

Ember raises an eyebrow suspiciously. “Did you really?”

“No. So how do I…?”

Auriel points a claw. “Press her mole.”

Arc does so and steps back. There is a slight hum as Rose’s systems begin to come online. He turns to Auriel again.

“So… do we need to start her up in Safe Mode, or something?”

He feels a small hand in his palm. Looking down, Arc sees Rose smiling up at him.

“Can I assume we made it back safely?”

“Yes. Thanks to you and the others, that is.”

Rose blushes slightly. “I was happy to be of service.”

Auriel walks over. “Can you run a diagnostic, Rose?”

“I currently am. All internal systems are functioning normally as are my sensors and skeletal system.”

She looks to Auriel.

“Thank you for repairing me.”

“Actually Sunburst did that. I was otherwise indisposed.”

“I shall be sure to thank him when next we meet.”

Arc looks down at her. “Good idea. Can you stand?”

“Certainly.”

Sitting up, Rose swings her legs over the side of the bed. Arc reaches forward to adjust her hospital gown as it rides a bit high up her legs.

“We’ll have to get you some new clothes, Rose.”

He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal before turning to the others.

“Good work on the mission, everyone. All of you head back to Light’s Hope and get some rest.”

Xenos appears anxious. “Yes sir. But… might we know how Princess Celestia is?”

Arc sighs. “It’s… complicated. Rest assured we’ll get her the help she needs.”

Hugh nods. “Please do, sir.”

Viktor wrings his hooves. “She’s the glue that holds Equestria together, after all.”

Sereb turns to him. “Shall I stay and watch your backside, Arc?”

Ember smiles wickedly. “Oh no. Auriel and I have that job covered.”

Arc groans. “Please don’t say it like that, Ember.”

Auriel grins mischievously. “But it’s the truth!”

“Not you too, Auriel.”

Rose clears her throat. “What should I be doing, Arc?”

“Get dressed and head to the Golden Oaks Library with Auriel. I’d like you two to check in on Aurora.”

“I’m sure she’s fine. After all, she really only needs water. Which the library has on tap.”

Ember shrugs. “Well, she’s probably getting lonely too.”

Rose smiles. “I will do as you say, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

She heads through the portal first. The squad says goodbye to Hugh.

“We’ll see you soon.”

“Right. Get well, buddy.”

“You did great, Hugh.”

“Thanks. But you guys need more rest too.”

They vanish as Ember and Auriel both give Arc a hug.

“Come home soon.”

“I will.”

Ember jerks a thumb toward the portal. “I’ll keep an eye on the guys for you.

“Thanks.”

Auriel appears suddenly wistful. “How long do you think you’ll be here?”

“No clue. Tell Derpy and Dinky for me too, will you?”

“Sure. Just do me one favor though.”

“What’s that?”

Ember winks at him. “Don’t go chasing the Hoof Maidens around now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. Why would I do that?

Auriel giggles. “Some of them are pretty cute after all.”

Sereb grins toothily. “That they are.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Everyone’s a comedian these days. Go.”

Ember, Auriel, and Sereb laugh as they step through the portal. Arc groans as he closes it and turns to Hugh.

“You going to be okay?”

“Yes sir. Truth be told, I’m still pretty tired.”

“Rest up. I’ll come check in on you later.”

“Thank you sir.”

Hugh lays back as Arc leaves the Infirmary. He heads down the corridor toward Celestia’s room. As he approaches he spots Shining Armor and Trixie pacing nervously.

“Good morning you two.”

“That it really isn’t, sir.”

“Trixie agrees.”

“Something happen last night?”

Shining Armor groans. “Princess Celestia woke numerous time during the night screaming at the top of her lungs.”

“The first time it happened Trixie nearly jumped out of her skin!”

“I can’t imagine anypony in there got much sleep.”

“Or out here.”

Arc frowns. “Yes, well… shall we see for ourselves?”

Shining Armor appears suddenly nervous. “I… y-yes sir. But might we make one request?”

“What’s that?”

“Trixie was hoping you would go first, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Opening the doors the trio enters the room. They spot Celestia and Twilight lying on her large bed, asleep. Luna and Cadance lie on either side on the floor. Arc turns to Shining Armor.

“Do we have to wake them?”

“If they want any chance at breakfast before audiences, yes.”

“Trixie would also like to point out that Princess Luna still needs to start the sun on its way across the sky.”

Shining Armor nods. “That too.”

Arc looks to Shining Armor and Trixie. “Makes sense. So… who’s going to wake her?”

Shining Armor and Trixie respond in tandem. “Not it!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Seriously?”

“Trixie has faith in you, Arc.”

“But I’ve done it the past couple times.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “Which means you’re very good at it, sir.”

Trixie nods. “We’ll be right behind you.”

Arc walks toward Luna. “Thanks you two.”

Kneeling down, Arc gently pats Luna’s face.

“Um… sorry to wake you, but…”

Luna’s horn glows while her eyes remain shut.

“Who…?”

“It’s Arc, Luna!”

She groans as her horn powers down and opens her eyes.

“Can I assume it’s morning?”

“Yes, it is. Sorry to wake you. I hear you had quite a night.”

Luna sighs as Arc helps her up. She stretches and limps slightly for a few paces before regaining her normal composure.

“Are you alright, Luna?”

“The floor was certainly not the best place to sleep.”

“Why didn’t you call for cots for you and Cadance?”

Luna looks away. “I…”

Celestia sits up and lets loose a blood-curdling scream. Arc instinctively jumps back as Luna stands there unmoving. Cadance sits up and looks all around before lowering her head and groaning as Celestia cries out.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

Twilight sits up and begins nuzzling her mentor. “I’m right here, Princess Celestia. It’s okay. Everything is just fine.”

Celestia turns and nuzzles Twilight back as her eyes remain closed. “Twilight…”

Slowly and gently, Twilight pushes Celestia back down onto the pillow. She sighs contentedly as her breathing becomes rhythmic again. Cadance walks over to Arc as she rubs her eyes.

“Morning already?”

“Yes, Princess Cadance.”

Twilight looks over from her place on the bed. “I’m sorry I can’t keep her asleep.”

Cadance smiles sleepily at Twilight. “It’s not your fault.”

Luna looks to them indignantly. “Neither is it my sisters’.”

She sits down on her haunches and puts a hoof to her forehead as Doctor Whooves enters the room.

“Ah, good to see everyone already awake. Any more episodes since I was here last?”

Cadance nods. “Several, doctor.”

Twilight looks over. “Fifteen to be exact.”

Doctor Whooves frowns as he walks over to the bed. “That’s most concerning.”

Luna turns to him. “Why is that, doctor?”

“Well, every time she awakens and screams it interrupts her own sleep. I can only imagine what she’s dreaming about after such an ordeal.”

Cadance appears concerned. “What should we do about it though?”

“I’ve already been in contact with the therapist you recommended to me, Princess
Cadance. She’ll be here later this morning to perform her own analysis.”

Luna frowns. “I don’t like the idea of my sister being treated like a crazy pony!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Luna… she needs help.”

“I understand that. Which is the only reason I’m allowing such a thing.”

Twilight looks to the doctor. “Did she give you any advice on what to do in the meantime?”

“Yes, Miss Sparkle. Right now Princess Celestia’s body requires complete and total rest. However, that is only treating half of the problem.”

Cadance appears exasperated. “Well, what else can we do?!”

“Emerald Dream recommended surrounding her with proper mental stimuli from familiar sources.”

Arc nods soberly. “Like what?”

“Soft music, poetry, light conversation, anything that would bring back happy memories would be good for her at the moment.”

Twilight smiles. “She seems to respond well to my presence, doctor.”

“Good. You may be of great help in the future.”

“I’ll do what I can.”

Cadance appears hopeful. “And us, Doctor Whooves?”

“Miss Emerald Dream suggested that all of you should do your very best to administer the treatments I’ve already listed. She may not be able to participate at this time, of course. But we’re hoping that eventually she’ll come back to us. It’s just going to take some time.”

Luna turns to the doctor. “All of us?”

“Yes, Princess Luna. The therapist and I understand that you two have a country to run. However, it would be best if you could devote as much attention as possible to your sister in her time of need.”

Cadance looks to Luna. “Might I have a word with you privately, please?”

“Very well. Please excuse us.”

She and Cadance step behind the changing screen together as Twilight turns to Arc.

“What do you suppose they’re talking about?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe a bit of a schedule. One of them needs to take care of the royal duties, after all.”

Twilight sighs. “This is going to be very hard on both of them.”

“You too.”

Twilight nods sadly as she looks over at Celestia. “It already is. She’s in so much pain! And there isn’t anything I can do to alleviate it!”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “We’ll get her through this. I just know it.”

A few minutes later the princesses return. They appear sober as Cadance turns to Luna.

“I’ll take care of it.”

Luna nods. “Please do. We’ll wait for you here.”

Cadance sighs and heads for the door. She motions for Shining Armor and Trixie to follow her as Arc steps toward Luna.

“Is something wrong?”

Luna shakes her head. “Cadance and I are simply carrying out our duties.”

Twilight nods. “We understand.”

“Yes. If there’s anything I can do to help though you need only ask.”

“Thank you, Arc. But as you’ve already done so much for Equestria and myself, we… cannot in good conscience ask more of you.”

She looks over to Celestia and sighs before turning back to Arc.

“I would however be very interested in hearing more on the circumstances that you found my sister in.”

Doctor Whooves quickly approaches. “Begging your pardon, Princess Luna, but I do not believe that is wise.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“Your sister’s condition is perilous at best. Hearing more about her recent past will only serve to force her to retreat deeper into herself.”

Twilight gasps. “Maybe that can wait, Princess Luna.”

“I… suppose it can. So instead let me inquire as to how you are, Arc?”

“I’m fine.”

Twilight frowns. “You fell over yesterday!”

“Well…”

Doctor Whooves clears his throat. “I believe that was due more to exhaustion than his injuries, your highness.”

“Yes. Some burns and lacerations along with hunger and fatigue were my only problems.”

Luna nods. “And you believe yourself recovered now?”

“More or less. Remember, I slept much of the day yesterday and only rose to eat and clean myself up at one point.”

Twilight shakes her head. “You really should take it easy for a bit though, Arc. Overworking oneself never helped anypony.”

“I’ll be fine.”

A short time later Cadance returns. Trixie holds the door open as Shining Armor enters with an ornate chest on a fancy cart. He pushes it over to Luna, carefully lifts the chest with Trixie’s help, sets it on the floor before her, and steps back respectfully. Twilight looks to Luna.

“What’s in there?

Luna sighs. “Something… that will finally be of some use.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Some kind of magical artifact?”

Doctor Whooves looks at the chest. “Or some kind of cure-all tonic?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Nothing of the sort. Arc?”

“Yes?”

“What do you think is in here?”

“Well… it has to be either very valuable or important to deserve such a lavish looking box.”

Luna nods. “That it is. Cadance and I designed it together some time ago.”

“Is this a kind of welcome home gift for you sister?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No, Arc. But you were right that it is important. At least… to us.”

Luna steps toward Arc soberly. She turns and looks to Celestia for a long moment before turning her attention back to the man before her.

“Arc… as I’m sure you recall, it wasn’t that long ago that Cadance and I were in a very similar state as my sister. We worried constantly about the situation here on the homefront, but were unable to do anything about it.”

Twilight looks to Cadance. “I’m sure Princess Celestia feels the same way right now.”

“Yes, Twilight. However, ever since that time Luna and I have worried such an event might again befall this land.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose no one really knows what the future holds.”

Luna grimaces. “Certainly not. All we can do is make an attempt to prepare for whatever comes our way. Like my sister did alone for centuries during my imprisonment.”

Cadance gestures to the chest. “Yes, well… inside are the fruits of our planning.”

Luna soberly looks him in the eye. “Arc, would you please do the honors?”

“Oh, um… okay.”

Kneeling down Arc puts his hands on the lid. Taking a deep breath he gives it a push. With a slight creak the chest gives way and the lid stands fully open. Arc does not move for several moments as he gazes at the contents. Slowly he reaches inside and pulls something out. Twilight looks over to him.

“Arc? What… is it?”

Silently Arc stands and turns around to face Twilight and the princesses. In his hands lie an ornate golden crown. His eyes meet Luna’s as he speaks.

“Luna? Why does this crown have my Crest on it?”

“Because it’s for you, Arc.”

Twilight gasps. “Princess Luna! Are… are you suggesting…?!”

Luna nods. “Yes. Right now Cadance and I are needed here with Celestia. We will have little to no time to lead the nation. Therefore, as per the Order of Succession, Cadance and I are temporarily abdicating our power and authority to Arc.”

Arc gasps. “You… you are?!”

Cadance smiles sheepishly. “Yes, Arc. We of course cannot force you to take up this role, however…”

Twilight looks to Luna. “But… but I thought you said Arc had done enough! That you couldn’t ask him for more!”

“You are correct, Twilight. Therefore, I am not asking.”

Luna turns to look Arc squarely in the eye.

“Arc… as I said… I cannot force you to do this. However, right now I am begging you! Please lead and protect this land as Cadance and I care for Celestia.”

Arc stammers. “I… don’t really know what to say.”

Cadance nods sadly. “We know you didn’t enjoy your time as Lord Regent before. So if this is asking too much, please give the crown to Shining Armor.”

“M-me?!”

“Trixie believes you are the next in line for the throne, captain.”

“I… would certainly do my best! But… I’m not a princess, nor am I the Hero of Light!”

Luna nods. “That is correct. However, the choice is up to Arc to either accept or decline the mantle of Lord Regent.”

Shining Armor straightens up and salutes Arc. “If it pleases you, sir, I will take this temporary position. However, I do believe you are the right stallion for the job. After all, you have the respect of the princesses, citizens, and international community.”

Nodding soberly, Arc looks at those assembled one at a time before turning his attention back to the crown. Slowly but surely he raises it to his head. Taking a deep breath he lowers it into position. Luna smiles and nods as she and Cadance remove their own crowns and hold them out to Arc.

“As The Princess of the Night, I hereby relinquish my position and power to the Hero of Light. He shall have full authority to act as Equestria’s supreme ruler until such a time comes to pass that I can again take my place on the throne.”

Cadance speaks as she holds out her own crown. “Following in the stead of Princess Luna, I too relinquish my position as the Princess of Love to the Hero of Light until further notice.”

Arc nods silently as he accepts the crowns respectfully. Shining Armor motions to Trixie to follow his lead. They approach the chest and remove new pauldrons, boots, and gauntlets. Stepping forward, they place them on Arc before returning with a new cape and royal scepter, which Arc accepts. Luna nods approvingly.

“Lead the land as you see fit, Lord Arc.”

“Yes. We will not and cannot intervene. Please watch over Equestria as you always have.”

“Um… Princess Cadance, I…”

Cadance shakes her head. “I’m not a princess any longer, sire.”

“But what do I call you then?”

“Just ‘Cadance’.”

Luna and Cadance both kneel. Shining Armor and Trixie gasp momentarily before quickly following their leads.

“I, Captain of the Royal Guard Shining Armor do hereby swear to defend you to the best of my ability, sire. Even if it should cost me my life.”

“I, Lieutenant Trixie also promise to follow and serve you and the captain, sire.”

Twilight sighs as she bows her head. “The Element Bearers also stand with you, sire. I know I speak for all of them when I say that we would be honored to serve.”

“Thank you everyone. But, please… stand up. Remember, this is temporary at best.”

They do so as one. Luna is the first to speak.

“Yes sire.”

“Can you please not call me that?”

Cadance appears conflicted. “But, Lord Arc…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Please. Luna… Cadance… just call me ‘Arc’, okay?”

Luna smiles. “Very well. And thank you for doing this… Arc.”

Cadance appears relieved. “Yes. It’s good to know there’s somepony we can entrust our power and authority whom will use it wisely and judiciously.”

“Thank you for putting such faith in me. But I don’t really know what to do right now.”

Luna gestures to the balcony door. “It would appear the sun needs to be raised.”

“But I don’t have that amulet from last time.”

Cadance smiles at him. “You’ve learned so much since that time. It’s unlikely you need it at this point.”

Twilight nods approvingly. “Yes, Arc. You can do this. I… we all believe in you.”

Nodding, Arc respectfully places the princess’ crowns in the chest before walking over to the door and looking out. Closing his eyes, he reaches out with his magic. A few moments later the sun slowly rises and shines across the land, bathing it in its warm light. As it spills across the marble floor and reaches the bed Celestia stirs slightly. Feeling the warmth of her sun on her skin she grimaces and shudders slightly.

Chapter 5 - Status Report

Turning back to the others as the warm sun rests on him, Arc sighs and nods.

“It looks like you were right, Luna.”

“Yes. We all know what you’re capable of.”

“Thank you. But… I need to know something.”

Cadance appears confused. “What is it?”

“You two just willingly surrendered your thrones to me in a manner that just seemed so… simple and clean. How could you just give it all up like that?”

Luna turns toward the mare lying on the bed. “Some things are just more important. Both to us and Equestria.”

Cadance moves to join Luna at the bedside. “Agreed. That and we know you’ll return us to our positions when the time is right as you did before.”

Luna nods. “Twice, actually. It’s of great comfort to us knowing that there’s somepony we can entrust our duties to.”

“I’ll do my very best. But I guess now we need to figure out where to go from here.”

Cadance giggles. “Whatever you desire to do is up to you, Arc.”

“Yes. You’re the Lord Regent now.”

Twilight looks to her friend. “What will it be, Arc?”

Arc takes a deep breath and turns to Shining Armor and Trixie. “First of all… Trixie, call for Sunburst and Kibitz. I’ll need their counsel on a few matters. Have them meet me in the Audience Chamber as soon as possible. Shining Armor, notify Flash Sentry at Light’s Hope that he is to send soldiers to gather the Element Bearers, my squad, Ember, and Sereb. They are to then go to my base’s War Room and wait for a transmission from me. When that is done meet me in the Audience Chamber and we’ll continue.”

Shining Armor salutes along with Trixie. “Yes sire.”

“It will be done.”

“Dismissed.”

The pair bow and leave the room as Arc turns to Luna, Cadance, and Twilight.

“I want the three of you to stay with Princess Celestia as much as possible. Care for her as best you can with Doctor Whooves and Emerald Dream’s help. I’ll check in on you as I’m able. But feel free to either come to me or send word if you need something.”

Luna nods. “We will, Arc.”

Cadance smiles. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll take good care of Aunt Celestia.”

Twilight looks to Arc, nervously. “Um… I…”

“Twilight?”

“Sorry, I know you’re busy, but… can I talk to you later?”

“Why not right now?”

“Because I’m… I’m still thinking about what to say.”

“Oh… okay then. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

“Thank you.”

Smiling at them, Arc opens a portal and steps through. As it closes they turn back to Celestia. Cadance looks to Luna.

“What do we do now?”

“Our very best. Just like Arc will.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears in his quarters in Canterlot Castle. He frowns and turns to look at himself in the mirror.

“That was certainly a surprise. I didn’t expect them to ask such a thing of me.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Neither did I.”

Arc removes his crown and looks at it for a long moment before setting it down and walking over to a large wardrobe in the corner.

“I guess I’d better look the part for this, huh?”

Cherry giggles. “Well you ARE the ruling monarch.”

Opening the wardrobe door, Arc reaches inside and pulls out his royal raiments. Sighing, he quickly undresses.

“While I’m thankful for the new bits of armor, it’s a bit disconcerting that Luna and Cadance had them AND a crown made for me ahead of time. Almost like they knew it would be needed.”

“Well, I see it as them planning for the future, Arc.”

“Oh?”

Cherry sighs. “If something more… permanent had happened, you’d become the official ruler of Equestria.”

“Prince?”

“Probably more like King Arc.”

“I don’t think I could ever do that.”

“Why not? You’re pretty good at it.”

Arc groans. “Being a king would make me a slave to my position. And unlike my role as the Hero of Light, that one isn’t something I could just walk away from.”

He finishes dressing and looks himself over again in the mirror.

“What do you think, Cherry?”

“Very regal! I’m nearly speechless!”

“Thanks. But I think I should get to the Audience Chamber.”

“Of course. I’m sure everypony is waiting for you by now.”

Nodding, Arc pulls a magic cloak from his ring and quickly puts it on. Cherry sounds surprised.

“Arc, what are you doing?”

“I don’t want anyone seeing me like this yet.”

“Why not?”

“Rumors will fly if this isn’t handled delicately. Trust me, I’m not going to keep this under wraps for long.”

Arc grabs his new crown and scepter off the vanity and cloaks before he carefully leaves his room. Making his way to the Audience Chamber he spots innumerable ponies outside waiting. As Kibitz opens the door Arc Blinks through and sees the others assembled. Decloaking, he walks over to them.

“Sorry for the wait.”

Arc turns to Shining Armor.

“Captain, go out there and tell everyone that audience for today are cancelled.”

“Begging your pardon, but the princesses didn’t hold audiences yesterday either.”

“Trixie doesn’t think they’ll be too pleased to hear that.”

Arc sighs. “Inform them that we’re very sorry for the inconvenience, and that audiences will recommence again tomorrow morning. Carry out your orders and return immediately.”

“Yes sir.”

Shining Armor opens the door to deliver the message to the officer on duty before closing it again and returning to stand before Arc. Sunburst turns and speaks.

“Sir, if I may, where are the princesses?”

Kibitz nods as he looks at his pocket watch. “Indeed. We can’t really start a meeting without them.”

Shining Armor sighs. “They’re… not coming.”

“Right.”

Arc holds up the crown in his hand and sighs.

“Luna… gave me this. As well as these…”

Reaching up, Arc unlocks the clasp holding his robe on and allows it to fall to the floor. As it does his royal raiments come into view. Sunburst gasps.

“S-sir! Are you saying…?!”

Arc nods as he deftly puts the crown on his head.

“Yes, Sunburst. Both Luna and Cadance have temporarily stepped down as princesses.

Kibitz appears nervous. “Are they alright, sire?!”

“Oh yes. Right now their place is by Princess Celestia’s side along with Twilight. As of a short time ago I again took up the mantle of Lord Regent.”

Sunburst bows. “Yes sire. We’ll do our very best to aid you and them in these troubling times.”

Kibitz does the same. “That we will. What can we do?”

“My first order of business as Lord Regent will be very important.”

Trixie appears expectant. “What should we do, sire?”

“The general public must be informed of this change of power as soon as possible.”

Kibitz looks at his clipboard. “I can have a speech announced and written in an hour, sire.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc. “Just like last time, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Truth be told, I don’t think we handled that as well as we could have.”

Sunburst sighs. “I’m inclined to agree with you, sire. Your speech, while honest and straight to the point, led to uncertainty amongst the citizens of Canterlot.”

Kibitz shudders. “To say nothing about the trickle-down effect to the rest of the land.”

“Trixie would like to know if you’re looking for a more scripted speech or a wider audience, sire.”

“Both actually.”

Kibitz begins writing. “That will take time.”

“Can it be done by this evening?”

“Yes sire. I’ll see to it personally.”

“Good. But it has to be broadcast to the entire country.”

Sunburst puts a hoof to his chin, thoughtfully. “Like your speech announcing the princesses’ recovery the last time you ruled?”

“No, everyone needs to hear it. I want phone calls made to the leaders of every town. They’re to spread the word of tonight’s speech and its importance.”

Kibitz pulls up a blank piece of paper. “What exactly shall the message be, sire?”

“Tell them… that the Hero of Light will be addressing the nation regarding Princess Celestia’s mission.”

Shining Armor grins. “That should get everypony’s attention.”

“Trixie agrees.”

“Kibitz, I want you to get this public appearance rolling right away. Conscript as many helpers as you need and make sure everything is ready for tonight before the sun goes down.”

“Yes, sire.”

“Shining Armor, organize security for the event. I don’t want things getting out of hand if the message is taken poorly by the audience.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much about that, sire. You’re very well respected among the citizenry as it stands.”

“Call it an overabundance of caution then. Trixie, you’ll aid Shining Armor is getting a game plan for security. After that I want you to help Kibitz with his preparations by seeing to it the proper transmitters are set up.”

“Transmitters, sire?”

“So the speech will be broadcasted across the country. I want the clarity to be perfect so everyone hears the message in its entirety. Sunburst, I know this may sound a bit beneath you, but from now on I want you to personally take every meal to Princess Celestia’s room. Stay a few minutes to talk to them during that time if possible and see to it all their needs are met.”

“Sire?”

“I’m worried they won’t take proper care of themselves during this time. Make sure they’re eating properly.”

“While I certainly don’t mind such a task, this sounds an awful lot like spying on them, sire.”

“It is, yes. But I feel that it’s necessary due to… past experiences.”

“It shall be done, sire.”

“Good. Does anyone have any questions?”

Kibitz raises a hoof. “Sire?”

“Yes?”

“Are the… is Princess Celestia… alright?”

Arc sighs. “Yes and no. She’s back and resting comfortably in her own bed. However, her body and mind were in quite a state when I found her.”

“Good heavens! Will she be alright?!”

“I think so. But I’m guessing it’s going to take quite a while before she’s back to the way you remember her.”

Sunburst nods soberly. “We won’t give up on her though.”

Shining Armor salutes with Trixie. “That we won’t.”

“Right! Trixie will do her part to see to it Equestria is kept safe in the meantime.”

“Thank you everyone. We all need to do our parts right now. Now then, all of you have your assignments. Carry them out. Shining Armor, you will remain here with me.”

Bowing, the others leave the room. Arc walks over to Luna’s throne and sits down. Sighing, he turns to Shining Armor as he removes his crown and sets it in his lap.

“I need to be connected to the War Room in Light’s Hope.”

“Sire?”

“This needs to be announced to them before the formal speech tonight.”

“Very well, sire.”

Shining Armor walks over to a panel behind a curtain. Pressing a few buttons, he turns and wheels a strange device to a spot at the base of the throne.

“We’re just waiting for them to accept the call now.”

“Good. Come stand by my side. You should be involved in this too.”

A few moments pass before a hologram pops up above the device. Ember, Sereb, the squad, Flash Sentry, and Twilight’s friends appear. The lieutenant is the first to speak.

“I’ve followed your orders to the letter, sir.”

Ember checks him out. “Nice attire you have there, Arc.”

Sereb frowns. “Indeed. But might I ask what you’re doing on Princess Luna’s throne?”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Yeah! That’s a totally ballsy move there!”

Applejack chuckles. “Sure is. You might want to move before she comes back and sees you.”

Fluttershy looks to the others. “I’m sure he has a good reason. Maybe the transmitter was focused on that spot.”

Rarity eyes Arc’s outfit. “Well, either way, I’m simple in awe of whomever made that outfit for you, Arc.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! Looking snazzy!”

“Thanks. But I… um… need to tell everyone something really important.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… okay. So just open a portal and come on back then.”

Shining Armor sighs. “He can’t right now.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Was your sigil making gauntlet perhaps damaged, Arc?”

“Fortunately not. In fact, it along with my helmet were pretty much the last parts still usable. But we should probably move this conversation along. Tell me, have you explained everything to the others, Ember?”

Ember shakes her head. “I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to or not. State secrets, and all that.”

“Very well. Here’s how the mission went…”

Arc recounts the details as the others listen intently. As he concludes Rainbow Dash is the first to speak.

“That’s sounds like an adventure and a half!”

Ember grins. “Well, it certainly wasn’t boring.”

Sereb groans. “But it was rather painful.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “Everypony’s okay though, right?!”

Max nods. “Yes, we’re fine.”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah. It was kinda touch and go for a bit though.”

Viktor sighs. “Hugh took the worst of it. But Doctor Whooves says he’ll be okay soon.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Applejack bows her head. “That’s a relief. Is Twilight there by any chance? I’d really like to hear her thoughts on this.”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “She’s with Princess Celestia right now.”

“Right. And I’m sure that’s where she’s going to stay until she’s recovered.”

Pinkie grins. “I know! I’ll bring her a ‘get well soon’ cake!”

Applejack smiles. “That’s not a bad idea, Pinkie.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “Yeah! I’d even be willing to run it over there!”

Rarity giggles. “Why don’t we make it an outing?”

Fluttershy gestures to the projector with a hoof. “We could surprise Twilight and Princess Celestia at the same time.”

Arc sighs. “That’s not a very good idea right now.”

Flash Sentry nods soberly. “Yes, I would assume she’s still very weak from her ordeal.”

Shining Armor clears his throat and speaks. “She is, yes. But her sister and niece will be looking after her personally along with Twilight.”

Max tilts his head to one side, confused. “But… they’re already so busy with ruling the country.”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah. How can they do both?”

Arc sighs. “They… temporarily gave up their crowns.”

Everyone cries out at once.

“WHAT?!”

Rarity gasps. “Does that mean that you’re…!”

Arc nods sadly as he pulls out his own crown and puts it on his head.

“Yes. I’m once again the Lord Regent of Equestria.”

Shining Armor turns to the camera. “However, for the moment that’s a secret.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Trying to keep the workload down, eh Arc?”

“Nah. Kibitz is currently setting up a speaking appearance for tonight. I’ll personally address the nation at that time.”

Rarity gasps. “What will you say?”

“The truth about Princess Celestia’s condition, my new role as the head of the nation, and our commitment to return all three princesses to their proper places on the thrones.”

Fluttershy looks hopeful. “Can we help in any way?”

“Not at this time, no. Doctor Whooves and Emerald Dream will see to it everything that can be done will be done.”

Applejack frowns. “But if that changes, we’d really like to be able to lend a hoof.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Have you decided what you’re going to say tonight?”

Viktor grins. “Kibitz could write you a speech.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. He always did that for Princess Celestia.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, he’s a bit too busy for more work right now. That and I think I want to do it myself.”

Applejack chuckles. “You always did a good job of making speeches before, Arc.”

Pinkie bounces around. “Right! You’ll make everypony think everything is A-O-K!”

“At the moment I really have to. After all, as soon as I announce that Princess Celestia is back, but say I’m not letting her be seen, well… it’s going to cause quite a few ponies to get real nervous, real fast.”

Rarity appears confused. “It will?”

Applejack grimaces. “Darn tootin’! Everypony would expect her to make a public appearance right away!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Could she? I mean… it would help everypony feel better knowing she’s really back.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Rainbow Dash. Both Luna and Cadance were very adamant about her recovery coming before anything else.”

Flash Sentry nods soberly. “Sir, if I may, your friends do raise a valid point. After all, Princess Celestia staying under wraps would certainly fuel uncertainty.”

Shining Armor counters. “Of course. But she needs to rest.”

Max pipes up. “What about a photograph showing her in bed? That would help, right?”

Xenos grimaces. “Maybe. But I don’t think the other two princesses would agree to such a thing.”

Pinkie grins. “Take it when they aren’t looking then!”

Rarity looks to Arc. “Or, as the Lord Regent, you could simply order a picture be taken.”

Viktor looks to Shining Armor. “Can he… do that?”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “I suppose so. As it stands, he’s currently over everypony in the land. Them included.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’ll leave the decision when to allow others to see Princess Celestia to Luna and Cadance.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Is that really for the best though, sir? I mean… they put you in charge for a reason, after all.”

Arc sighs. “Trust me. I don’t want anyone seeing her in that condition.”

Ember nods. “Agreed. After all, she was pretty messed up when we found her.”

Sereb groans. “Indeed.”

“In any case, if all of you could please keep this matter to yourselves until after the official announcement later today, I’d appreciate it.”

Applejack smiles. “Sure thing. And thanks for telling us, Arc.”

Rainbow Dash flies over to stand in front of the holographic projector. “Yeah! We’ll come visit you one of these days too!”

Rarity waves a hoof bashfully. “Oh, I think Arc’s far too busy to see us right now.”

“No, no! I’d like that. Just let Flash Sentry know when you’re coming and he’ll contact me.”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’ll see to it, sir.”

“In any case, I need to get to work. Take care everyone.”

Ember gasps. “Wait a minute! What about us?!”

Max nods. “Yes sir. We’d like to guard you during your tenure as Lord Regent.”

Sereb grins “As would I.”

“I appreciate that. But I want all of you to rest now. Everyone was injured the other day if you recall.”

Ember frowns. “Well I’M FINE, if you recall!”

“I suppose that’s right. Head to my quarters and I’ll bring you over via portal, Ember.”

“Thanks!”

Ember leaves the War Room as Arc turns to Max..

“I’ll come for you, Hugh, Xenos, and Sereb tomorrow morning.”

“Yes sir.”

“Take it easy until them.”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “What about us, sire?”

“You and all base personnel will be relocated to Canterlot Castle tomorrow morning as well.”

“All, sire?”

“Yes, lieutenant. I want Light’s Hope empty.”

“I’ll see to it, sire.”

“Good. See you all tomorrow.”

He looks directly to Rarity and smiles before Shining Armor cuts the feed. Rainbow Dash gives her friend a sly grin..

“You’ve really got him hooked!”

“I’m sorry, what?”

Applejack chuckles. “She means you’ve caught Arc’s attention.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Yes you have. It’s very nice to see him finally getting past what happened to Cherry and seeing others.”

Pinkie throws her hooves around everyone assembled cartoon style. “Yeah! He’s really special after all! I bet you can’t WAIT to go see him in Canterlot!”

Rarity sighs. “I suppose not. But he’s going to be pretty busy for a while. After all, running the country can’t be a simple task.”

Flash Sentry nods in agreement. “That it isn’t, I’m sure. But the commander will certainly do his very best.”

Sereb turns to the squad. “We should do as Arc told us and rest well for tomorrow.”

Max nods. “Agreed. Let’s go, everypony.”

They leave the room and walk down the corridor toward their shared semi-private quarters. Meanwhile, Arc holds up a gauntlet and opens a portal. A few moments later Ember walks through. She looks him up and down, smiling.

“Looking good, Arc!”

Shining Armor nods. “I agree with Ember, Arc. You’re filling out your raiments nicely.”

Ember licks her lips. “The crowd tonight will eat you up!”

“Um… thanks?”

“I meant that in a good way.”

Arc chuckles. “Ah!”

He turns to Shining Armor.

“I’ll be in my quarters until the speech tonight thinking about what to say with Ember.”

“Yes sir. I’ll try not to bother you needlessly.”

“Thanks. But feel free to call on me if something comes up.”

“Yes sir.”

“Dismissed.”

Shining Armor leaves the Audience Chamber as Arc and Ember take a portal back to his quarters. As they step out she turns to him.

“I’m going to enjoy this.”

“Uh… which part?”

“Spending all day with you. Sereb and I are going to be your Honor Guards again, after all.”

Arc looks away nervously. “Yeah… I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to do that.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why not? We kept you safe back then.”

“Yes, you did. But you’re the future Dragon Lord. It doesn’t look right for you to be pulling guard duty.”

“What are you talking about?!”

“Your international image. The Dragon Lord is a big name, after all.”

“So you don’t want me here?!”

“No, no! I do! Just not as a guard! That would give the nobles and the other nations something to gossip about!”

Ember looks as though she may explode, but calms herself.

“You know what? You’re right, Arc.”

Arc looks at her warily. “Why does that make me nervous?”

“I’m the future Dragon Lord, and worthy of respect.”

“Agreed. But you’re kinda starting to freak me out. Now what are you getting at?”

“During the peace summit I pledged the Dragon Lands would join with Equestria in a treaty. I think now’s the best time to make good on that.”

“But the princesses are otherwise preoccupied with…”

Ember grins wickedly. “Then I guess you’ll have to negotiate this thing yourself.”

“Kinda busy right now, Ember.”

“Yeah, I know. Your speech.”

“And ruling the country too.”

Ember sighs. “So you don’t have time?”

“You know how this job works.”

“In that case, I’ll stay by your side as the Dragon Land’s emissary.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you run that by Brightwing first?”

Ember shrugs. “Fine.”

Putting two claws in her mouth, Ember whistles loudly. A strange magical aura surrounds her for a few seconds before Brightwing materializes in a flash of light.

“You called, Dragon Lord?!”

Ember nods. “Yes. Tell me, do you mind if I take over as the Dragon Land’s ambassador for a bit?”

Brightwing nods fervently. “Okay, friend!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “And now I’m worried.”

Chapter 6 - A Fateful Speech

Arc peers through the window of his quarters at the masses gathered in front of the stage outside. He frowns.

“That’s got to be all of Canterlot.”

Kibitz nods as he clears his throat. “More than that actually, sire.”

Arc turns to him. “How can there be more than the entire city’s population out there?”

“The station reports all trains arriving today to be at or near full capacity, sire.”

Arc sighs. “So folks are literally coming from all over?”

“Exactly.”

“Well… I guess that’s encouraging.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand your meaning, sire.”

“If they’re so dedicated as to make a special trip out here I can only assume they think that much higher of me. Or at the very least trust what I have to say is of the utmost importance.”

Kibitz nods as he pulls out his pocket watch. “Sire, it is now exactly twenty minutes until your speech. But I don’t understand why exactly you were so insistent that I inform you of that fact when the time came.”

“I… just need to do something very important before I go out there.”

“Very well, sire. Your coach is ready and waiting on your balcony. Whatever it is you intend to do until then, please be judicious with your time.”

“I will.”

Kibitz bows and turns to leave the room. Arc smiles and walks to the center of the room as he calls forth his gauntlet.

“Let’s get started.”

Opening a portal, Arc waits patiently. A few moments later Dinky runs through it and leaps into her father’s arms. Derpy walks toward him and smiles as the portal closes.

“Hi dad!”

“Hey, sweetheart. Miss me?”

“Always!”

Derpy approaches. “Are you okay, Arc?”

“Um… that’s complicated.”

“Nice outfit, dad! Special attire for your speech?!”

Derpy smiles. “We heard the announcement that you’re supposed to be addressing the nation tonight, Arc.”

“Is it about Princess Celestia being back, dad?”

“That’s part of it, yes. But there’s more.”

Derpy tilts her head to one side. “Oh?”

“Luna and Cadance are going to be staying by Princess Celestia’s side while she’s… recovering.”

Dinky looks her father up and down. “So… you’re going to be the Lord Regent again, dad?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I’m really sorry about this.”

Derpy appears confused. “About what?”

“That I can’t retire just yet. I know you were looking forward to it, Dinky.”

Dinky bows her head. “Aw…”

“Your father still has a responsibility to Equestria, sweetie.”

“Couldn’t somepony else do that?”

“I suppose Shining Armor or Sunburst could, yes. But Luna asked me to because I already have experience as the Lord Regent, as well as diplomatic ties to most of the surrounding nations.”

“That does make sense, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “I just wanted to bring you two here to tell you personally. You deserve to know before this becomes public knowledge.”

“Thanks, dad.”

Arc kneels down in front of the filly. “I’m really sorry about this, Dinky.”

“Me too, dad. I was really looking forward to spending more time with you.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin, thoughtfully “Well… we could still do that.”

“How, dad?”

“Yes, Arc. We already know that your job is certainly more than a full-time one.”

“It’s summer vacation for you, Dinky. If it’s okay with your mother, would you like to spend some of it here at the castle?”

Dink’s eyes light up happily. “You mean it?!”

Arc grins. “Sure. After all, I was looking forward to spending more time with you too.”

“Can I, mom?!”

“Of course, sweetie.”

“YAY!”

“Thanks, Derpy. Now then, I have to head out and make my speech. Would you two like a ride there?”

Derpy shakes her head. “That’s okay, Arc. I’ll fly there with Dinky on my back.”

“Okay. I’ll see you two back here afterwards.”

“Good luck.”

“See you soon, dad!”

Dinky jumps on her mother’s back as they head out the balcony door together. With a wave of her little hoof the pair are airborne. Arc turns and looks at the waiting coach.

“Well… time for me to go too, I suppose.”

Heading for the stallions he quickly boards the chariot and sits down.

“Let’s go.”

Taking flight, the chariot lifts off. A few minutes later they arrive at the base of a large podium near the town square. They land in front of Shining Armor and Trixie. Cameras flash as reporters shout questions at Arc. Guards hold them back as Shining Armor and Trixie escort him to the podium.

“MAKE WAY!”

“EVERYPONY MOVE!”

Slowly they make their way forward. Arc ascends the steps and makes his way across the stage to the sound of innumerable hooves clopping together. Reaching the podium Arc turns and waves to the assembled ponies for a few moments before clearing his throat and starting.

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming out to see me on this beautiful sundown. I’m told quite a few of you came here especially to be present for my announcement.”

A number of ponies clop their hooves together as Arc continues.

“As many citizens of Canterlot saw the other day, my airship The Equinox flew out of a large portal nearby and was forced to make a crash landing in the hanger. Fortunately no one was hurt. At least not by the crash.”

Those assembled breathe a sigh of relief.

“But I’m sure all of you are wondering where my ship and I had been that required such an extreme method of returning. Well… the truth of the matter is… my ship was the victim of a violent attack by a foreign nation.”

Uncertain murmurs ring out from the crowd as Arc pauses for a few moments to allow them to speak amongst themselves.

“At that time, I was on a secret mission of the utmost importance. And that mission was… the safe rescue and return of Princess Celestia to Equestria.”

Everyone gasps.

“As I’m sure all of you know, Princess Celestia has been away this past year on a diplomatic mission in a faraway land. However there has been a… complication in her mission.”

The ponies whisper amongst themselves for a time as Arc uses the opportunity to take a drink of water.

“As there had been no contact with her, or even any warning that she was leaving, Lead Sage Sunburst was forced to scry for her location. And find her he did!”

All assembled cheer happily.

“My team and I scouted the area, formed a plan, gathered supplies, and when the time was right… attacked the facility where our missing princess was being held. It was certainly an uphill battle with quite a few casualties. However, I’m pleased to report, no fatalities.”

All assembled breathe a collective sigh of relief.

“Right now Princess Celestia is resting safely in the castle. At last, our missing princess is home!”

The assembles ponies cheer loud and long. Arc makes no attempt to interrupt their revelry for quite some time.

“However… there is more to the story. While Princess Celestia was in enemy custody, she was treated very poorly. Her body showed signs of quite a high degree of abuse over an extended period of time. However she is alive and resting safely. Sadly, we can’t say any more than that right now regarding her condition. Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are currently by her side constantly, which is why there haven’t been audiences these past few days. In the interim, I’ll be taking the throne again until this new crisis is over.”

He turns to the reporters whom are looking expectantly at him.

“I’ll take some questions now.”

“Sir! Does this mean you’re the Lord Regent again?!”

Arc nods. “Temporarily, yes. As I said, I’ll be officially ruling the nation for a time while the two princesses work together to bring Princess Celestia back to health.”

“Sir, can you give us any more details on Princess Celestia’s condition?!”

“Very little at the moment. Doctor Whooves assures me she is stable and resting comfortably. As for how long a recovery she has ahead of her, that has yet to be determined.”

“What is known about those whom did this to Princess Celestia?!”

“They’re very organized with a lot of resources. Hopefully when she regains consciousness the princess herself can tell us more about what was done to her.”

“Are there any plans to retaliate against these individuals?!”

“At this point in time, no. We really need the full story before we dive headfirst into what could evolve into a war.”

“Will Princess Luna be releasing a statement?!”

“Not anytime soon, no. She and Princess Cadance are far too busy right now. After all, they willingly gave up their crowns and positions to me earlier today. Should that change I will notify the public immediately.”

“How long do you think you’ll be Lord Regent this time?!”

“That’s impossible to say right. As long as Princess Celestia is in need of her sister and niece’s constant care, I will be on the throne.”

“When will audiences recommence?!”

“Tomorrow morning at the normal time. Same as the last time I was Lord Regent.”

“Do you expect the surrounding nations to try and take advantage of the situation?!”

“No, I don’t. Things went very well during a recent peace summit we held. If anything, the ties between our nation and the others are stronger now than they’ve ever been.”

“Is there any danger that those whom held Princess Celestia captive might attempt to recapture her?!”

“Possible, but unlikely. Our defenses are strong, and the princess is heavily guarded.”

“But they were able to take down an Equestrian warship! What defense would we have against such a force?!”

“In the unlikely event they do come en masse, I will request aid from Equestria’s allies across the sea in the Dragon Lands. I’ve already been in touch with their ambassador and Dragon Lord Torch’s daughter. She’s stated her interest in forming a treaty similar to the one we now enjoy with the Griffon Kingdom.”

Another reporter begins to speak, but Arc holds up a hand for silence.

“Now then, before we close I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure everyone that peace and stability will be maintained. We all just need to carry on with our lives as best we can. After all, Princess Celestia wouldn’t want us to do anything less. Please do not worry about retaliation from our enemies, as there are many forces at work even now to counter any threat that may come. Rest assured that we are quite safe here. And through it all, my forces and I along with the military, will continue to watch over this land. If there is an update to Princess Celestia’s condition I’ll let everyone know. Thank you all for coming, and have a safe trip home.”

Arc waves and leaves the podium as the assembled ponies clop their hooves nervously. He returns to Shining Armor and Trixie whom walk him back to the chariot.

“We’ll see to it the equipment is properly returned to the castle, sire.”

“Thanks. Um… how do you think I did?”

“Trixie thinks you did just fine. Better than she herself would have, admittedly.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right. But only time will tell on that matter.”

“I suppose so. I’ll see you two tomorrow at breakfast.”

They nod as the chariot lifts off. Meanwhile, a familiar white-coated unicorn with interesting glasses looks over approvingly from the sound booth. Vinyl Scratch nods approvingly.

“Nice job, sir. You found Princess Celestia and brough her home. While she has a long recovery ahead of her, the fact she’s back at all speaks volumes to your abilities. They’ll serve you and Equestria well in the future.”

The chariot returns Arc to the balcony. Derpy and Dinky clop their hooves together happily as he lands.

“That was a very nice speech, Arc.”

“Yeah dad! It was short, but more to the point than I thought you’d be.”

“Yes, well… truthfully I didn’t really have anything more to say. At this moment we really don’t know what happened to the princess this past year, or where we’re going from here.”

“So what’s the next step, Arc?”

“Just keep things together until Princess Celestia can fill in some of the blanks.”

“Then you’re going after the bad humans, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, someone else can do that. Remember, I’m done after this.”

Dinky smiles nervously. “Th-thanks, dad.”

There is a knock at the door as it opens. Ember walks inside wearing her ceremonial armor. Spotting them on the balcony she walks over.

“Good job out there, Arc.”

“Thanks. But where were you?”

Ember points a thumb behind her. “In my room. I watched everything from the balcony. How did you not see me?!”

“Sorry. I was mostly focused on the crowd in front of me.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Shouldn’t you get some rest now, Arc? Tomorrow begins your second real reign, after all.”

“I suppose you’re right. That and I am pretty tired.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You still planning to get up before the sun’s up?”

“Kinda have to now. Remember, I’m the one doing the raising until further notice.”

Derpy giggles. “And the lowering too, right?”

“Yup.”

“Well then, dad. I think you forgot something.”

“Oh, right.”

Turning, Arc lowers his hands and pushes the sun below the horizon. Taking a deep breath he concentrates and raises his palms. The moon slowly begins to rise as Dinky nods approvingly.

“Great job, dad!”

Arc turns and tousles her mane. “Thanks, sweetheart. But I’m heading to bed now. Do you and your mother want to spend the night?”

“Can we, mom?!”

“You can, Dinky. But I should probably get back to the orphanage.”

“Aw! But it won’t be the same without you here too!”

Derpy pats Dinky’s head. “Well, you and your father need to spend more time together.”

“Thanks, Derpy. But I’d like it if you stayed as well.”

“Well…”

Ember chuckles. “Come on now. You can’t turn down a request from the Lord Regent, now can you?”

“I suppose not.”

Ember turns to Arc as Derpy and Dinky head for the bed. “I guess I’ll see you in the morning, my lord.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Please don’t call me that.”

Ember bows stoically. “Yes, your grace.”

“Okay, enough of that little miss funny dragon.”

Ember laughs. “Sure thing, Arc. See you in the morning.”

She turns and leaves the room as Arc walks over to the bed. Dinky jumps on it happily.

“Slumber party!”

“Kinda. During a real slumber party, I don’t think there’s a lot of sleeping going on.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that, dad. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and I did pretty well at ours a while back.”

“I suppose you did. There wasn’t hardly a peep from what I could hear.”

Derpy turns to him. “They were talking in there.”

“For a little bit, yeah.”

Arc sits down on the bed next to his daughter. “What about, sweetheart?”

“Mostly what it was like to have a real dad. Remember, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle don’t have one.”

Derpy smiles at her. “Well, I hope you were able to explain it to them, sweetie. But we should lie down now.”

Arc nods. “Right. Morning comes early.”

They lie down together as Arc pulls the covers over them. Derpy and Dinky snuggle up to Arc as he puts his arms around them.

“Dad?”

“Hm?”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“That conversation my friends and I had… that was where they got the idea for you to marry their sisters.”

Derpy looks to Dinky. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, mom. After that, they talked about it almost every day at school.”

Arc pats Dinky’s back. “It’s fine, sweetheart. After all, they’re just like anyone else in their position. All they want in their lives are stability and loving parents.”

“That’s true. Such a thing is all I ever wanted before you were born, Dinky.”

“What about now, mom?”

“I only have one additional wish. And that’s me wanting you to grow up strong and happy, sweetie.”

“Thanks, mom. Hey! I just had an idea!”

Arc chuckles. “What is it, Dinky?”

“Maybe dad could adopt you too!”

Derpy appears confused. “But my birth certificate has both a mother and a…”

“Well, not legally adopt. But just between us.”

Arc smiles at her. “If you really wanted to, I’d be fine with me.”

“Thank you, but that’s not really necessary.”

“Why not, mom?”

Derpy giggles. “Because your father already did that when he decided to be there for me and sign your birth certificate. You see, it was a package deal back then. When he helped you, it made me happy.”

“I’m glad you’re okay with that, Derpy.”

Derpy buries her face in Arc’s side and smiles as she blushes slightly. “More than words can say, Arc.”

Chapter 7 - Consequential Decisions

A week later Arc and Dinky sit in the Dining Room together. Dinky looks to her father.

“Thanks for letting me stay with you, dad. This week’s been really interesting.”

“Really? I thought you’d be bored sitting with me during audiences.”

“Well… some of them, yeah. But a lot were really cool!”

“Oh?”

“Like the one where you had to decided which shop owner would move into a vacant building here in Canterlot.”

Arc sighs. “Not sure how they both had the same paperwork for the same property other than a clerical error.”

“Well, I think you’re doing a great job, dad!”

A familiar voice rings out nearby.

“That he is.”

They turn to see Sereb and Ember walking toward them with Brightwing in tow.

“Brightwing happy, friend!”

Dinky waves a small hoof happily. “Hello!”

Ember turns to Arc. “Talking about audiences?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Dinky’s giving me her vote of confidence.”

She laughs. “Me too. I certainly couldn’t have made all those important decisions so quickly.”

“Kibitz explained to me that’s how it’s done. After all, I only have so much time to hear each case.”

Ember turns to the filly before her. “That reminds me. Dinky, I saw you writing something the other day. Mind if I ask what?”

“Sure. I was taking notes.”

Sereb turns his head to one side, confused. “Notes?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “On the audiences?”

Dinky nods. “Uh huh. It’s kinda a game idea I had.”

Sereb smiles toothily. “What are the rules?”

“It’s simple, really. I just write down the important parts of the audience and try to figure out the right outcome that benefits everypony.”

“And how do you do that, sweetheart?”

“By asking myself one very important question. What would my dad do?”

Ember chuckles. “Looks like you have a fan, Arc.”

“Guess so. But remember this, Dinky. No one’s right all the time.”

“I understand that dad. In fact, that’s one of the things I wanted to talk to you about.”

A servant walks in and over to Arc.

“Are you ready for lunch, sire?”

“Yes, please.”

“Very good.”

Returning to the kitchen, the servant motions for the waitstaff to enter the room. They set covered dishes before everyone before quickly retreating back through the door together. Arc picks up his silverware as he looks to Dinky.

“Did you have a question about one of the audiences, Dinky?”

“Not really a question. But… to be honest with you, I did disagree with your decision on something.”

Ember sighs. “Now Dinky, you need to have more faith in your father than that.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I want to hear what she has to say. After all, no one’s infallible.”

He turns back to Dinky.

“Now then, sweetheart… what did you want to say?”

“Well… it was about that divorce case yesterday.”

Ember shrugs. “They wanted to split up. What was Arc supposed to do?”

Arc grimaces. “Right. From what I could tell they really needed to get away from each other.”

“I understand that, dad. But I disagreed with your decision on the custody matter.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “The what?”

Arc turns to her. “Whom their foal would live with.”

“Oh… why didn’t you say that, Dinky?”

Dinky looks to her, confused. “But I did.”

Arc puts his hand on Dinky’s fetlock. “What would you have done?”

“Their filly should have been allowed to live with both parents. At least that’s what I think anyways. After all, I’d be really upset if somepony told me I couldn’t see you or mom ever again.”

Arc nods. “That’s called ‘joint custody’.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. Why didn’t you just do that, Arc?”

“Well… it was a hard thing to do, yes. But when making such important decisions you have to look at the evidence as a whole.”

“What do you mean, dad?”

“Do you remember when they walked in here? The filly stayed on her father’s left side the whole time.”

Ember looks to Arc. “What does that prove?”

“Nothing by itself. But the mare and stallion were arguing the whole time amongst themselves. Whenever the mother started shouting, the filly would shrink back to hide behind her father.”

Dinky appears confused. “She was afraid of them fighting?”

“I took it to mean she was scared of her mother.”

Ember groans. “That mare did seem pretty abrasive.”

“Right. Now I understand that this is a hard time for her. But she kept trying to make the situation about her. All the while her husband was attempting to keep her on track with what was best for their filly.”

“But the mother did at least try to comfort the filly several times, dad.”

“True. But whenever she did that, the filly would cower behind her father as if she was afraid.”

Ember frowns. “What does that mean?”

“That she’s been abused emotionally, physically, or both by that parent.”

Arc sighs before pushing his plate away and looking out the window sadly.

“I saw it all the time when I was a kid myself in the orphanage. Parents would come for supervised visitation a few days a week. Most kids liked seeing their parents again. But some of them didn’t like one or the other. They would always see to it there was something, or usually someone, between them and the abusive parent.”

Ember nods soberly. “Sounds like you’re pretty qualified to do that part of the job, Arc.”

“Yeah. Wish I wasn’t though. It’s not a skill I enjoy using.”

Kibitz enters the dining room and makes a beeline for Arc. Bowing respectfully, he speaks.

“Sire, there is a Miss Auriel here to see you.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Auriel’s here?! In Canterlot?!”

Arc frowns. “That’s strange. She doesn’t usually leave Ponyville.”

“You don’t suppose there’s something wrong there, do you dad?!”

“I doubt it. After all, if something was going on I’d be the first to be notified.”

Sereb nods soberly. “There is only one way to know for certain.”

“Agreed. Show her in, Kibitz.”

“Right away, sire.”

Walking quickly toward the door, he opens it and steps aside. Auriel enters nervously and looks at the floor. Arc looks to the surrounding guards and waitstaff.

“Everyone. Leave us.”

“Brightwing go too?”

Ember shakes her head. “You can stay.”

“YAY!”

The servants bow respectfully and quickly do as Arc says. With the room emptied of all but their friends, he stands and walks over to Auriel.

“Welcome back to Canterlot Castle, my friend.”

Ember looks to the demon, concerned. “Is something wrong?”

“Not… really.”

Dinky walks over to her. “Miss Auriel. Would you like to sit down?”

“I would actually.”

Sereb pulls out a nearby chair as Arc takes her hand. Leading her over to the seat he helps her sit down before taking the one next to her and turning it to face her.

“Now then… what seems to be the problem?”

“It’s… I…”

She takes a deep breath and pauses for several long moments before continuing.

“You wanted to be kept informed regarding the status of my… project.”

Dinky nods. “The artificial sun?”

Ember looks around. “How’s Aurora?”

Sereb grunts. “Doing well, we hope.”

“She’s back in Ponyville at the moment.”

Brightwing appears suddenly crestfallen. “Friend lonely?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. After all, she’s with all her plant friends in the nursery.”

Auriel shakes her head. “No… she’s not.”

Dinky gasps. “Did something happen?”

“The Dragon Fruit bushes… aren’t there anymore.”

Sereb growls. “They were stolen?!”

“No, no! We just turned them into essence. Now we have enough to produce another artificial sun in Tartarus.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “But that’s good news. Isn’t it?”

“Kinda. You see, this morning I finished perfecting the devices needed to maintain the sun’s output as well as start the chain reaction.”

Arc grimaces. “So it’s like the other one?”

“No. I’ve made quite a few improvements to the devices we used in the San Palomino Desert.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Such as…?”

“This one won’t blow up. And it’s designed for long term support.”

Dinky appears nervous. “How long will it last?”

“Years. Decades even if properly maintained.”

Arc nods. “So everything is ready then?”

Auriel hangs her head sadly. “No. I’m missing one crucial component.”

Brightwing smiles. “Friends?!”

“Twilight.”

Ember grins. “You need her to help get things set up in Tartarus?”

“Not exactly. While I’m certainly capable of building and running the machinery, it would be a comfort to me if she were there to help.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t really think this is a good time for that.”

Dinky grimaces. “Yeah. She doesn’t leave Princess Celestia’s room for anything.”

Sereb steps toward Auriel. “Can we not postpone the sun’s creation until the princess is better? Twilight would certainly be more comfortable leaving her for a time then.”

“That was my plan after I heard about Princess Celestia’s condition.”

She looks up at Arc, sheepishly.

“Aurora and I tuned in to your speech, Arc. You did a really nice job making it.”

“Thank you. But I don’t understand what the problem is. Princess Celestia should be on the road to recovery, and Twilight will become available.”

“Sadly, I don’t think we can wait on this.”

Dinky gasps. “Why not?”

“Because of Aurora.”

Ember sighs. “She’s anxious to get started?”

“Yes. But that isn’t the problem. In truth, I believe she’s feeling a bit… separated right now.”

Sereb nods. “With Twilight gone?”

“That in addition to the lack of plants growing in the nursery.”

Dinky appears confused. “She can’t talk to the essence?”

“Well… yes.”

She fidgets for a few moments before continuing.

“Aurora says the essence is frightened. Even with her there to comfort them, they still feel anxious regarding the future.”

Ember frowns. “So what are you suggesting we do?”

“The best course of action would be to deploy the artificial sun in Tartarus as soon as possible. But without Twilight there, I’m worried I might just… you know…”

Arc sighs. “Mess up?”

“Yes.”

“Friend can do it! Brightwing believes in friend!”

Dinky grins. “She’s right. You can handle this, Miss Auriel!”

“I’m not sure if I can though.”

She looks to Arc, nervously.

“While I have no right to ask more of you, would it be possible for me to speak to Twilight about this matter?”

Ember shakes her head. “She’s really busy these days taking care of Celestia.”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin, thoughtfully. “Well… I could ask her to come out and talk to you for a few minutes. That and I’d like to have a conversation with Princess Luna regarding this matter.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… why?”

“Yeah! You’re the Lord Regent, dad!”

“That may be. But she’s still the princess, and deserves to know what’s going on in and around the country.”

“Thank you, Arc. Um… when might we be able to see her?”

“Why not right now?”

“N-now?!”

Arc nods and stands up.

“No time like the present, right?”

“I suppose that’s true.”

Extending a hand, Auriel takes it and allows herself to be led out the door by Arc. Ember, Sereb, and Dinky follow closely behind as Brightwing rides on Sereb’s back. A short time later they arrive at the princess’ room. Arc approaches the officer on duty whom salutes him respectfully.

“Sir!”

“I’m here to speak to the princesses.”

“Yes sir. However I must report that Doctor Whooves entered a few minutes ago with several nurses for what I can only assume to be an intensive examination.”

“Has he disallowed visitors?”

“Nopony is supposed to enter for the next two hours for any reason. But as the Lord Regent you are certainly above his orders.”

“In that case I’ll head in there alone.”

He turns to the others.

“I’ll try not to take too long. Please wait for me in my quarters.”

They nod soberly as the guards part to allow his entrance. Opening the door only part way he steps through before closing it again. Dinky looks to Ember.

“Is everything okay in there?”

Ember smiles at her. “If it isn’t, your dad will make sure it is before he leaves.”

Sereb chuckles. “That he will.”

Brightwing giggles. “Hooray!”

Meanwhile, Arc approaches the bed. He sees Doctor Whooves conducting an examination as Luna and Cadance stand to one side silently. As usual, Twilight lies next to her friend. He turns to stand with the monarchs.

“Any changes, doctor?”

“Nothing noteworthy, no. However she is certainly recovering nicely from a physical standpoint.”

Arc sighs. “Trapped in her own head?”

“Yes sir.”

Cadance shakes her head. “I do wish there was something we could do to help alleviate her panic attacks.”

Luna nods soberly. “Being present seems to be the only thing we can do for my sister at the moment.”

She turns to Arc.

“Is there anything noteworthy going on outside right now?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. It’s mostly business as usual.”

Cadance appears relieved. “At least that’s a plus.”

“Huh?”

“We’re grateful that you’re willing and able to take over for us right now, Arc. But at the same time I’d hate for you to have to deal with more than that.”

Arc turns to Luna. “Yes, well… that’s actually what I came to discuss with you two.”

Luna appears to understand. “Oh? Should we speak privately?”

“That may be for the best.”

Luna opens a portal. Stepping through the trio find themselves in the royal office. Walking to the nearby couches they sit across from one another. Cadance is the first to speak.

“Now then, Arc. What’s this all about?”

“Do you remember Auriel’s experiment regarding the artificial sun?”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “The one that created the lifeform known as… what was her name again?”

“Aurora. You see, Auriel arrived earlier to inform me that she had completed the necessary extraction required to create the sun for Tartarus, as well as the equipment to maintain it.”

Luna sighs. “She really did it?”

Arc nods. “If she says so, then yes I believe her.”

Cadance appears confused. “I still don’t understand why you’re helping with this, Arc.”

Luna frowns. “Me either. As it stands they’re imprisoned there to be punished for their crimes against Equestria and its inhabitants. Why should this, or anything for that matter, be done to comfort them?”

“As someone who’s lived in Tartarus, I can say definitively that its beyond hellish. Auriel wants to bring at least a bit of comfort to her people. While they may not deserve it, I also have to point out that neither did you, Luna.”

“What are you talking about?!”

“Your time imprisoned on the moon.”

“I served my sentence to completion!”

“Yes, I suppose you did. However I want you to remember that unlike you, they don’t have a timetable. As it stands they will inhabit Tartarus forever.”

Cadance sighs. “They must, yes. At least until they can come to terms with their past crimes.”

Luna turns back to Arc. “Indeed. It’s not like they can be released back into this land until that time anyways.”

“But what if they were repentant?”

“Then the Gates of Tartarus would no longer hold them, of course.”

“Right. I’d like to see them get to that point.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “And you believe a sun to be required for that?”

“Not exactly. In truth, they need so much more.”

Cadance nods soberly. “What are you suggesting?”

“Plants.”

Luna frowns. “Plants?”

“The ability to grow fruits and vegetables to supplement their diets will go a long way in soothing their rage against Equestria.”

Cadance appears confused. “How?”

“Auriel told me that many years ago they lived off the land. Nature provided all that they needed. However, when they were cut off from that, they became as they are today. I’d like to see if they can improve with a new connection to their roots.”

“You’d like to see them all become like Auriel?”

“They may be closer than you think, Luna.”

“Explain.”

“Some time ago I invited Auriel to my base for breakfast in my quarters along with Ember and Sereb.”

Cadance smiles. “Being sociable, Arc?”

“A bit, yes. However, there was more to the visit than that. Before we sat down to eat, I took a sigil to Redemption Village.”

Luna frowns. “For what purpose?”

“To temporarily remove Auriel’s father from Tartarus.”

“WHAT?!”

“ARC, WHY?!

“So Auriel could see her father.”

Cadance groans. “They can do that by looking through the Gates!”

“It’s not the same. This way he could also hold her in his arms. I did shrink him down significantly before allowing him into Equestria though. Just in case he had something else in mind.”

Luna puts a hoof to her head. “Did anything happen?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He and his daughter had an amazing breakfast though. Afterwards Auriel requested that he be allowed outside to see the sun and nature again.”

Cadance sighs. “Something tells me you agreed.”

“Yes. However he was watched by me personally at all times. As well as Ember and Sereb for good measure.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “A model prisoner? The king of the demons?!”

“That is correct. In fact he did so well that I allowed him to stay in Equestria until dusk.”

Cadance grimaces. “You did put him back though, right?”

“I did. But it broke my heart to separate them again.”

Luna sighs. “While I do not approve of your ideas or methods in this matter, I also admit that there is nothing I can currently do to stop you.”

Cadance looks to her friend, confused. “Luna?”

“He’s the Lord Regent right now, Cadance. We’re powerless since our abdication.”

She turns and looks Arc in the eye before continuing.

“That said, I thank you for your transparency in this matter, Arc. More or less.”

“Yes, well…”

“While I believe this to be a colossal waste of time, you have acted judiciously in the past in all matters. Please do whatever you see fit in this as well.”

“Thank you, Luna. There’s only one last thing we need to make the journey.”

Cadance turns to him. “What’s that?”

“Twilight.”

Chapter 8 - Cleansing Waters

Luna shakes her head.

“While I would like very much to simply ask you to take her, I don’t believe Twilight will agree to that.”

“Most likely not. Aunt Celestia is in a very… precarious position right now mentally. She’s constantly clinging to Twilight when conscious.”

Luna sighs. “I daresay that she wouldn’t want to leave my sister’s side for anything right now.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Arc could order her to do so.”

“Yes, but I don’t think she’d be of much help to me as it stands. The whole time she’d just be worried about her friend.”

Luna returns her gaze to him. “Arc, I know this might not be the right time, but might we ask a small favor of you.?”

“What did you have in mind?”

A short time later they return via dark portal to Celestia’s room. Several nurses are just entering with a large gurney and fresh bedding. Doctor Whooves appears to be arguing with Twilight.

“I’ll be fine, doctor!”

“But we have work to do, miss!”

“Work around me then!”

Luna walks over. “What’s going on, Doctor Whooves?”

“Miss Twilight refuses to be separated from Princess Celestia. Even though we need to bathe her.”

“But she might wake up and have another episode!”

“We’ve established a rough schedule, miss. She should be docile for three more hours.”

Twilight frowns. “That’s not an exact science though!”

Cadance sighs. “Twilight, be reasonable! Doctor Whooves is only trying to do what’s best for Aunt Celestia.”

“So am I!”

Arc clears his throat. “Yes, well… I need you to come with me, Twilight.”

Twilight looks to him warily. “Where to?”

“The bathroom. You need a shower… badly!”

Luna nods soberly. “I believe we all do.”

Cadance sniffs herself and makes a face. “Agreed. However you can go first, Twilight. Luna and I will stay with Aunt Celestia until you get back.”

“But…!”

Luna frowns. “Twilight, the Lord Regent told you to do something.”

Cadance smiles at her friend. “You wouldn’t want him to send you to the dungeon, would you?”

Twilight sighs. “But I… fine.”

She hops down from the bed. As her hooves touch the floor however, Celestia’s eyes fly open and she looks around frantically.

“Twilight!!!”

Doctor Whooves steps back, clearly startled. “Good heavens!”

Twilight turns around and plants her front hooves on the side of the bed. “I’m right here, Princess Celestia!”

Cadance breathes heavily. “That was a surprise.”

Luna groans. “Yes it was.”

Arc shakes his head. “Twilight, you REALLY need a bath though!”

Twilight lays her head down on the covers as Celestia begins petting her happily. “Well, as you can see, I’m needed here.”

The doctor steps forward. “Everypony needs a break now and again though, miss.”

Cadance turns to Arc. “But who could take her place?”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea.”

Stepping over to the door, he opens it and speaks to a guard before returning to the others.

“Now all we have to do is wait.”

Luna appears confused. “What for?”

“Twilight’s replacement.”

Cadance smiles. “I’m not sure what you mean, but I trust it’ll work.”

“Probably.”

A few minutes later Ember enters the room. She walks over to Arc and playfully salutes him.

“You wanted to see me?”

“Yes. Um… this is kinda hard to say, but… I need you to take over for Twilight.”

Ember frowns. “Doing what?”

“That.”

He points to Twilight on the bed. Celestia appears to be putting her student’s mane in braids. Ember grimaces as she turns to Arc.

“Oh no! No, no, no, no, NO!”

“Come on, Ember! She needs a bath!”

Ember sniffs the air. “Her or Celestia?”

Luna sighs. “Both, actually.”

Cadance looks hopeful. “We would appreciate it greatly if you could help Twilight so she can get cleaned up.”

Arc point to Twilight. “That and I need to talk to her about you know what.”

Ember groans. “Fine. But you owe me!”

Nodding, Ember walks over to the bed. Twilight hops off, again eliciting cries from the frantic alicorn.

“TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT!”

Ember puts a claw on Celestia’s back. “Easy there, princess.”

“Twilight?”

Ember sighs. “Yes, yes… Twilight.”

Celestia wraps her front hooves around Ember in a tight embrace as she pulls her up onto the bed. Twilight appears confused.

“What’s going on?”

Ember looks to her as she attempts to breathe. “Twilight… go!”

Arc nods. “You heard her. Follow me.”

He leads Twilight into the adjoining bathroom. Closing the door behind them, Arc turns on the water and begins to adjust the shower temperature. Twilight sits in the middle of the floor, motionless.

“Let’s see about getting you cleaned up.”

“I… um…”

“Twilight?”

“Sorry, but I… I just don’t feel comfortable right now.”

Arc points to the door. “Oh. Would you like me to step out?”

“No, no! I really do want you here for this! It’s just…”

Twilight sighs before continuing.

“…it really should be me out there with Princess Celestia.”

“You can’t be there all the time. But let’s…”

“Arc?!”

“Yes?”

“Um… can I tell you something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Do you remember the Founder’s Day festival in Ponyville?”

Arc nods. “I do. What about it.”

“Applejack told me how you took her back to Light’s Hope to get cleaned up.”

“Yeah. She was pretty messed up from getting hit with pastries.”

“I’m told that you bathed her.”

“That I did. She was having a lot of trouble getting the crumbs out of her mane. Something wrong with that?”

“Not at all. It’s just that I… I was kinda jealous when I heard about it. Especially after you and Rarity shared a shower earlier.”

Arc grimaces. “That was more along the lines of medical necessity.”

Twilight blushes. “And I was kinda hoping that, maybe you and I could… share a shower next.”

“Twilight?”

“We’ve all already told you how we feel, Arc. Both Rarity and Applejack stated how amazing their experiences were. I just want to share that with you too. So… do you think you could… join me?”

Arc smiles. “Okay, Twilight. You deserve that much.”

Twilight giggles sheepishly as Arc carefully disrobes down to his shorts. Setting aside his royal raiments, he escorts Twilight into the shower. The feeling of the water hitting her skin makes her yelp.

“Is it too hot?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no. It’s fine.”

“Are you ready to get started?”

Twilight blushes as she smiles happily and lays down. “Yes!”

Taking a bottle of shampoo, Arc carefully begins cleaning Twilight’s mane. She giggles lightly as he works.

“Ticklish?”

“A little, yes.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Oh, no. I like it.”

Finishing with her mane, Arc gets to work on her body. Starting with her face, Arc gets a good lather going and begins rubbing it into her fur. Moving down to her belly, Twilight moans slightly as he works.

“That feels amazing!”

“Does it?”

Twilight nods. “It’s the fingers for sure. I love the feeling of them going through my mane and coat.”

“Then how do you like this?”

Rolling Twilight over, he begins rubbing her belly. She squeals with delight and grins.

“That feels good!”

Lathering up her underside, Arc continues washing her. After rinsing, he looks at her backside.

“Something wrong, Arc?”

“Huh?”

“You stopped.”

“Oh! Um… I just wasn’t sure of what to do about your tail… and other parts.”

Twilight blushes. “We just clean them like the rest. Well, all except my vulva. Unless there’s some kind of special medical need, we mares just kinda rinse it off with warm water.”

“And you’re okay with me doing that?”

Twilight turns and smiles at him. “Arc. My friends and I want to spend the rest of our lives with you. So yes I’m okay with you bathing all of me.”

She appears suddenly nervous.

“That is, unless it’s a bit unkempt back there. Admittedly I haven’t been properly taking care of my plot as I should.”

“It is a bit… soiled.”

“I’ll take care of it then. There’s no reason for you to…!”

“Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“I told you before that I was interested in the idea of forming a herd. And that means sharing in the good times and the bad. Even things like this. That is… if you’re comfortable with it.”

Nodding, Twilight turns her head to face forward. Arc puts shampoo in her tail. Carefully rinsing it out a few moments later, he judiciously holds her tail up and aims the shower nozzle at her genitals. Twilight stiffens and lets out a throaty moan as Arc washes away several days’ worth of… um… stuff. Putting a hand on her head, Arc chuckles.

“You okay?”

Twilight nods. “I am. Sorry for… that. It was my first time.”

“Mine too.”

“Oh?”

“That’s the most I’ve ever done with a mare or a human woman.”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“Twilight?”

“You see, I just assumed that you and Rarity had done… more, I suppose. If I may, exactly how far did you two get?”

“Kissing and sleeping together.”

“Bare?”

Arc shakes his head. “I was wearing my shorts, like I am now. You’re not upset by that, are you?”

“Oh no! After all, we’ve agreed that Rarity should be allowed to go first! It’s just…!”

She smiles and rolls over onto her back to look up at him with playful eyes.

“…I really am looking forward to seeing you bare. And not just from a scientific standpoint.”

“Thanks. I think.”

Twilight appears worried. “Did… did I come on too strong?”

“Oh, it’s not that! I was just… thinking.”

“About…?”

“As soon as your teacher is back on the throne, I’ll come back to Ponyville. Then you and our friends can finally start our relationship properly.”

“All of us?”

“One at a time would probably be best.”

Twilight nods. “I think that would work out very well. But… could I ask something of you, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Can we have a bit of a soak together?”

“You want to take a bath?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Auriel told me what you, her, and Ember did.”

“Oh… right. Was that okay?”

“It was, Arc. Remember, Auriel’s already spoken to us about joining the herd herself.”

“Okay. Glad that’s settled.”

“It is. Now how about that bath?”

Arc sighs. “I suppose a short one would be fine. After all, we both have other things to do today.”

Stepping out of the shower, Arc walks over to the bathtub nearby and turns on the water. Setting the temperature he plugs the drain and turns back to Twilight.

“Shouldn’t take too long to fill.”

Twilight giggles. “I can hardly wait!”

A short time later Arc turns off the shower and leads Twilight over to the tub. Setting her carefully into the warm water, he grabs a lavender bath fizzy and tosses it into the tub before getting in himself. The air is suddenly filled with a wonderfully floral aroma. Twilight inhales deeply and sighs contentedly as she leans back.

“This is… perfect.”

“Yeah. A good soak in a warm tub is enough to relieve any amount of stress.”

Twilight smiles. “Especially with a nice bath mate. But you already know about that, I hear.”

“Huh?”

“Like I said in the shower, Auriel told me about her bath with you.”

“Oh… right.”

“No need to be so nervous about it. Like I said, we’re not mad.”

“You and the others?”

“Right. But you should know that Rarity’s looking to join you for a bath in the near future.”

Arc grins. “I’d… like that.”

“Would you really?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Well, up to this point you’ve been very… averse to any kind of romantic act or relationship. Other than with Cherry, that is.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be! We can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to lose somepony we care about so much!”

She leans over and rests her head on Arc’s side before closing her eyes and continuing.

“So please be careful in the future.”

“Not much danger from here on out. Remember, when Princess Celestia is better, I’m done.”

“We’re looking forward to that. And… getting to know you more intimately.”

Twilight puts a hoof on his leg and strokes it gently.

“Who knew when I pulled you through the Crystal Mirror that we’d go so far?”

“Not me, that’s for sure.”

“Or myself for that matter. I never really considered ever having time for a relationship. Yet here I am in a bathtub with a stallion.”

“To be honest with you, I never imagined I’d be in any kind of relationship with a mare.”

“Oh? Why not?”

Arc shrugs. “It isn’t done back on Earth. We only date our own species.”

Twilight gasps. “Is that a problem?! We’d be willing to…!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. You and the others are perfect just the way you are.”

Twilight sighs, clearly relieved. “That’s good! I was a bit worried you wouldn’t want to… you know…”

“Mate with you?”

Twilight blushes heavily. “Y-yes.”

“That’s… going to take some time. After all, I don’t want to hurt any of you.”

“I’m pretty sure it would be alright if we took it slowly and carefully. Just like anything else in life.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Well, I for one would like to get to know everyone better before we take that particular step.”

“Yes, of course! Sorry if I sounded a little too forward!”

“It’s okay. Truthfully, I just didn’t want anyone to feel like they had to do anything they didn’t want to.”

“That’s very Kind of you, Arc. Um… can I ask you something else?”

“What is it?”

“Could I possibly… sit on your lap?”

“Huh?”

“I want you to hold me. To feel your skin on my fur. Well… more of it on my fur, that is.”

“Oh… okay.”

Reaching over, Arc puts his arm around Twilight’s midsection and pulls her into his lap to face him. She sinks down and comes to rest on his thighs. Letting out a little gasp, Twilight blushes heavily as she rests her head on Arc’s chest.

“Amazing. You’re so… soft!”

“This isn’t the first time I’ve held you though.”

Twilight smiles. “It is since we confessed our feelings to you. I do hope I’m not too heavy for you though.”

“Just fine.”

Burying his face in her mane, Arc inhales deeply as her strokes her back.

“Can I tell you something, Twilight?”

“Anything.”

“Honestly, I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life.”

Twilight appears confused. “Chapter?”

Arc chuckles. “Life is kinda like a book, after all. It’s broken up into chapters that start when we’re born. The adventurous one’s are behind me now though I hope.”

“Then what’s next?”

“Settling down with my family, and going out with you and our friends.”

Twilight looks up at him, happily. “Thank you. We’ve all been patiently waiting for that to happen.”

Arc boops her nose. “Very soon, Twilight. But in all honesty, there was something else I needed to talk to you about.”

“Oh?”

“A little while ago, Auriel came to see me.”

“What about?”

“Her project.”

“Is it ready?”

“Yes.”

Twilight smiles as she nuzzles Arc’s chest.

“I’m sure it’ll be a success. Auriel is very good at what she does, after all.”

“That she is. But, um…”

Twilight sits up and looks him in the eye. “Arc? What is it?”

“She’d like you to go with her.”

“To Tartarus?!”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“But I can’t! Princess Celestia needs me here! Auriel’s more than capable of…!”

Arc interrupts her. “I agree. However, she’s hoping you would be willing to come oversee the project’s deployment.”

“What about…?!”

“I can get Ember to stay with Princess Celestia.”

“But what if that doesn’t work?!”

“You saw how she took to Ember’s presence. Remember, they have a very… deep past.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose they do.”

“That and both princesses will be by her side the whole time.”

“What about you?”

“I… was actually thinking of going with you and Auriel on this mission.”

Twilight gasps. “You’re needed here though!”

“Not really. Shining Armor and Trixie can hold things together with Sunburst while I’m gone. It probably won’t be longer than a day, after all.”

“What about our time in the air?”

“I have a sigil just outside Redemption Village. We can go straight there instantly. After picking up Auriel’s equipment along with Aurora herself, that is.”

“This might be dangerous, Arc. You should probably stay here.”

“I’d just be worried about you two. That and I’m planning to treat this as a kind of goodwill trip.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “To Tartarus?”

Arc nods. “The Demon Kingdom anyways. Remember, they used to be a bona-fide country far to the south.”

“That was a long time ago, Arc.”

“With any luck, they will be again.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?”

“Nope. So, are you in?”

“Only if Ember and Princess Celestia are hitting it off well.”

“One way to find out.”

Standing, Arc steps out of the tub. He sets Twilight down and picks up a couple towels. Turning to her, he puts one over her shoulders and allows it to fall over her back. With the other, Arc begins rubbing her head and mane dry. As he finishes, Arc carefully wipes off Twilight’s horn. Her face turns red as she lets out a long and low moan.

“Twilight? Did I do something wrong?”

“N-no. I… actually want you to do that more.”

“Do what?”

“Touch my horn.”

“Oh… um… did I just… you know…?”

Twilight smiles sheepishly as she looks him in the eye. “Yes. And it made me feel very… VERY nice.”

“Sorry about that.”

Twilight giggles as she begins drying herself. “Don’t be. If this relationship goes as we all hope, we’ll be doing a lot more of that.”

Arc nods and turns toward the sink. Removing some fresh raiments, he slides his shorts down around his ankles and tosses them aside. Raising her head, Twilight turns back toward him to say something. However upon seeing Arc’s bare backside no words come out. Looking over his shoulder as he slips on fresh shorts, Arc smiles at Twilight.

“Like you said, if this works out we’ll all be getting to know one another better.”

Twilight gasps. “S-sorry! I wasn’t trying to peek at…!”

Arc chuckles as he grabs a pair of pants and steps into them. “Nah, that’s something I need to work on. After all, I’ve seen under pretty much everyone’s tails. It’s probably for the best that I let myself be seen without clothes too.”

Twilight smiles happily. “That would be wonderful!”

She appears somewhat nervous a few moments later.

“But…”

“Twilight?”

“Like we discussed some time ago… Rarity… she should be the first of us to see. After all, she and you have a very special connection.”

“I’d like that too.”

“Thank you for understanding, Arc.”

“It’s I whom should be thanking you.”

“Huh?”

“For being so understanding of my position.”

Twilight looks toward the bathroom door. “Yes, well… right now I’d like to check on Princess Celestia. Make sure she and Ember are getting on alright.”

“That might be for the best.”

Hurriedly dressing, Arc joins Twilight at the door. Opening it, he spies Celestia petting Ember’s scales lovingly.

“Twilight…”

Ember looks to Celestia nervously. “Y-yes?”

“Twilight?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Twilight walks over to the bed. “Everything going okay in here?”

Luna nods. “Just fine.”

Cadance giggles. “They really seem to get along well. Aunt Celestia is very… active at the moment.”

Ember grunts. “She’s treating me like a new hatchling!”

Arc smiles. “Is that bad?”

“More along the lines of ‘embarrassing’! You ready to take over again, Twilight?!”

“Sure. Um… but can I ask you for a bit of a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Do you think you could stay with my friend here while Arc and I head to Tartarus with Auriel?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “That is more than a ‘little favor’.”

Arc sighs. “Auriel would like her help to deploy the artificial sun in Tartarus.”

Ember glares at him. “I want in on that too!”

Twilight appears surprised. “You do?”

“Yes! Who’s going to watch your backs in there?!”

Arc raises his hand. “I will.”

“WHAT?!”

He shrugs. “Someone has to do it.”

“But you haven’t even repaired your armor properly yet!”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “You haven’t?”

“Haven’t had time to get together with Steel Hammer and Mythic Honor yet.”

Luna nods, understanding his position. “Ruling IS a full time job, Cadance. More than once we’ve had to put things off to balance our time.”

“Besides, I’m still stronger than anything in Tartarus. That and showing up in my armor won’t help diplomacy any.”

Cadance frowns. “Diplomacy?”

Twilight nods. “Arc wants to act as an envoy to the… what was it called again?”

“The Great Demon Kingdom.”

Luna sighs. “I haven’t heard it called that in a long time. Might I ask why, Arc?”

“A bit of Equestrian goodwill. In addition to the artificial sun and some materials to get them started.”

Cadance appears surprised. “Seeds?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And the plans to build aquaponics systems and greenhouses if need be. They’re very similar to the ones I gave to Abyssinia. The only real difference is these will be made with materials they have in there like beetle chitin, bones, and thorny vines.”

Ember frowns. “I still want to go on record as saying I think this is a waste of time, Arc.”

“Duly noted.”

Luna turns to Arc. “When will you be leaving?”

“Tomorrow morning at first light.”

Chapter 9 - Transporting

Early the next morning Arc along with Auriel, Twilight, Dinky, and Sereb appear on the sigil outside Rarity’s shop. Her, along with the rest of the Mane 6, are waiting for them. Pinkie is the first to speak (naturally).

“Have a nice trip?!”

Arc chuckles. “Oh, yes. Short with no turbulence.”

Applejack smiles at him. “It’s good to see you again, sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! We need to get together soon to talk more about…!”

Fluttershy interrupts her friend. “Not now, Rainbow Dash! We have work to do!”

Twilight nods. “Right. I’ll head over to the library with Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. Rarity will help Arc get ready.”

Arc grins as he turns to his daughter. “Right. Just as soon as I walk Dinky over to the orphanage.”

“Can’t I come too, dad?”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. But Tartarus is no place for a sweet filly like you.”

Sereb turns to him. “Shall I escort her there, Arc?”

“Thanks, but I’d kinda like to say ‘good morning’ to Derpy too. It’s been awhile since we talked.”

“Actually I’d like that, dad.”

“Dinky?”

“You’re really busy right now. That and it’s just a short walk, after all.”

“Um… okay.”

He kneels down as Dinky walks over to him. The pair embrace as the others watch, smiling.

“Be good for your mom, sweetheart.”

“I will, dad.”

Dinky and Sereb walk down the path together. The wolf turns to her..

“Is everything alright?”

Dinky sighs. “Kinda.”

“Oh?”

“I really wanted to come too.”

“That would be unwise.”

“Yeah, well… that’s why I didn’t put up a fuss.”

“Your father has many responsibilities right now. But I am sure he wants to be with you too.”

“At least it should only be for a day, right?”

Sereb nods. “Correct. With luck, we’ll be back before nightfall.”

“Maybe even in time for supper?”

“That is possible, yes.”

Dinky giggles. “Good!”

“Hm?”

“I have an idea.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to the Mane 6.

“I’ll head to the library as soon as I’m ready.”

Twilight looks to the others as she speaks to Arc. “Okay. We’ll leave you in Rarity’s hooves then.”

“Don’t worry about a thing! See everypony soon!”

Waving after them, she turns her attention back to Arc and gestures to the door.

“Shall we get started?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

Entering, Rarity leads Arc upstairs to her bedroom. A new set of royal raiments sits draped over the bedspread. Closing the door behind her, she trots over to the bed and picks up the garments with her magic proudly.

“I’ve gone over these with as fine a brush as I have. Every stitch and seam is perfectly done. Now, I don’t know who makes these, but they’re clearly the BEST at what they do!”

“That they are. But I’m sure you’re just as good.”

Rarity giggles. “Thank you, but I’m not at this level of craftsmanship yet. Now then, let’s get you into this outfit and see if it needs any minor alterations.”

“Okay.”

Removing his clothes, Arc takes the pants from Rarity. She watches him steadily as he puts them on.

“How do they feel?”

“Pretty good.”

“Not too tight in the… front?”

“Nah.”

Rarity appears relieved. “Good. Shall we move on to the inner tunic?”

“Sure.”

Arc puts on both the inner and outer tunic. Rarity helps him tie the sash around his waist as he puts on a new headband. She sighs as they finish.

“That looks very nice.”

“Yes, everything feels pretty good. Um…”

“Is something amiss?”

“Kinda. You don’t seem yourself today.”

Rarity sighs. “Is it that obvious?”

“It is, yes. Do you want to talk about it?”

She walks over to the window and looks out over Ponyville as she speaks.

“Twilight called me yesterday afternoon.”

“Oh?”

“She told me about you two spending some… quality time together.”

“You’re not mad, are you?”

“Oh, no, no, no! Twilight of all ponies needs a special time set aside just for her! Especially now of all times! It’s just… well… I’ve wanted to do things like that with you for a very long time now.”

“You have?”

Rarity nods. “And more.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Oh.”

“I’m sorry. That was a bit too forward.”

“No, no. I… I’m looking forward to advancing our relationship soon too.”

Rarity smiles. “Twilight said as much on the phone. Truthfully, I’m longing for the day we can put all this Hero of Light and Lord Regent business behind us.”

“So am I.”

“That IS surprising!”

“Is it?”

Rarity nods. “Very! We all thought you really enjoyed it!”

“Oh, I do. But I need to start thinking about my future… with all of you.”

Rarity’s eyes light up happily. “All of… us?!

Arc nods. “Yes. That and Dinky, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Babs Seed. We can raise them together. That is… if it’s okay with all of you.”

“I’d love that! While I can’t speak for Derpy or Applejack, I’m sure they’d agree!”

“When I come back to Ponyville… we all need to have dinner together.”

“Everypony?”

Arc nods. “Along with the fillies too. Everyone needs to get better acquainted if this is going to work.”

“It may not be the easiest thing we’ve ever done, but… we’re willing to give things a chance.”

“Me too.”

“But what happens if it doesn’t work out? The whole herd idea, I mean.”

“We’ll all still be friends at the very least.”

“Could we be… more?”

Arc sighs. “Time will tell, I suppose.”

A short time later Rarity steps back and looks Arc over.

“There we are! Everything looks absolutely PERFECT!”

Arc nods as he looks himself over in the full length mirror. “That it does, Rarity. Thanks for all your help.”

He turns to her and kneels down. Attempting to give her a hug she steps back.

“Oh no, Arc! We can’t!”

“We… can’t?”

“I don’t want to get my white fur all over your nice new raiments! Whatever would the demons think?!”

“Probably wouldn’t even notice actually.”

“Really?”

“They’re not exactly high society over there. But I still wanted to look somewhat presentable.”

“Well then, I’ll abstain. Just one thing though.”

“Oh?”

She motions for Arc to come closer. Leaning in, she whispers in his ear.

“Remember, when you come back home to Ponyville to stay, I’d like it if we could spend some quality time together… in the bathtub.”

Arc nods. “I’d like that, Rarity. But right now we need to get over to the library and make sure everything is going well there.”

“Yes, I suppose we do.”

Leaving the room, they see Sweetie Belle walking groggily down the hall.

“Arc? What are you doing here?”

“Rarity was just helping me look my best for a bit of a day trip I’m taking.”

“Where’re you going?”

“To Redemption Village. It’s to the north of here.”

Sweetie Belle nods as she heads for the bathroom. “Have a nice trip.”

Rarity turns to him as the door closes behind the filly.

“I’m very sorry for her attitude, Arc.”

“That’s okay, Rarity. She must’ve just woken up. Uh… she does know we’re heading out, right?”

Rarity nods. “Oh, yes. I told her last night over supper. She’ll probably head back to bed for another couple hours though.”

The pair leave the shop and head down the road together. Rarity smiles at him.

“This is nice.”

“Walking together?”

“Yes. It just feels so right!”

Arc chuckles. “Sometimes it’s the simple things that make being with someone special.”

“Oh, I agree. You and I’ve never gone on any wild adventures. Not even out on a bona-fide date. But I’ve greatly enjoyed every second we’ve spent together, Arc.”

“Me too. Hopefully soon it can be a regular thing for us and the others though.”

Arriving at the library they see Auriel standing at the top of the stairs with a clipboard as the others walk past her carrying crates. She marks them off as they go by and turns to Arc and Rarity as they enter.

“We’re almost ready on this end, Arc.”

“Good. Did that new keg work?”

Auriel nods. “Oh, yes. I’ve already Blinked with it, so we should have no trouble transporting the essence along with everything else this time.”

“Is Aurora ready to go?”

Auriel looks toward the basement stairs. “Kinda.”

“Uh oh. Is there a problem?”

Rainbow Dash flies by with a crate. “Not really.”

Fluttershy nods. “She’s downstairs with a large, metal cask.”

Twilight smiles. “That’s holding the essence.”

Pinkie rubs a hoof lovingly on her party cannon. “Yeah! She’s keeping it company!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Keeping… what company?”

Arc sighs. “It’s kinda complicated.”

Pinkie bounces over. “Not really! I mean, I keep my measuring cups company sometimes! But then again, doesn’t everypony?!”

Auriel grimaces. “I don’t think…”

Sereb walks in the door.

“Little Dinky is safely with her mother at the orphanage, Arc.”

“Good. How’s she doing?”

“Derpy appeared very happy to see her.”

Twilight smiles and nods. “Well, that was quite some time to be away from Dinky.”

Auriel sighs. “I know how she feels.”

Before long everything sits in a pile on the main level. Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal as he turns to the others.

“Everyone head on through and move outside the sigil on the other side.”

Nodding, they comply one at a time. Auriel approaches last.

“And we’re off.”

Arc nods. “Yup. I’ll get Aurora from the basement and meet you there.”

As she enters the portal, Arc allows it to close before heading downstairs. He finds Aurora kneeling in front of the metal keg.

“Aurora, it’s time to go.”

“We… understand.”

“Something wrong?”

“Not really, no. It’s just… this place was where all but one of us originated. Now that it’s time to leave…”

“…you feel nervous.”

“Is that wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. Most everyone feels a bit apprehensive before they move. New place to live… new people… new surroundings.”

“It really is a lot to process.”

“I suppose so. But one might also look at it this way. Things will change, yes. But change doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You and the Consciousness will get to have so many new experiences in Tartarus while bringing life to the barren wasteland.”

“Yes, well… we suppose that’s true. We see it as a great honor to be allowed to do so.”

“Then let’s get moving.”

“Indeed.”

Extending a hand, Arc helps Aurora up before kneeling down to carefully pick up the keg. The pair return to the main level and sit down on a crate next to each other. Aurora puts a hand on the keg and pats it gently.

“Now, now… we’ll be there soon. Just be patient.”

“Here we go.”

Powering up the sigil, Arc and Aurora along with all the materials vanish. They reappear on the sigil just outside Redemption Village. Twilight and her friends, along with what may very well be the entire village’s population, is waiting for them. Rainbow Dash flies over.

“Glad you two could make it!”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry for the delay. We got a little sidetracked.”

Auriel appears concerned. “Is everything okay?”

Aurora nods. “Oh yes. The Consciousness simply needed some extra… convincing.”

Pinkie giggles. “Did Arc do it?!”

“Just a few words of encouragement.”

Rarity smiles. “Well, if everypony is ready now, we should get underway.”

Fluttershy looks around at the beautiful surroundings. “Do we have to?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Fluttershy. Now let’s get moving.”

Applejack picks up a crate and loads it into a nearby wagon. “Let’s get ‘er done!”

Everyone assembled picks something up and forms a convoy behind Arc and Mythic Honor. The pair speak as they walk.

“Thanks for convincing your citizens to help with this.”

Mythic Honor laughs throatily. “It wasn’t too hard! At least not after I told them who’s idea it was!”

“And they’re okay with this?”

“Yes. But only because you’re behind it, sir! Had anypony else suggested it, well… I don’t think the response would have been the same! Well… then again they might’ve been willing to help even if it didn’t mean we could finish and get back here for one of our town’s famous lunches! Swimmingly Stew!”

Arc puts a hand to his stomach. “Uh… is that what I think it is?”

Mythic Honor nods. “Yup! Apparently I somehow add some nice flavor! Not sure how though!”

Arc attempts to change the subject. “Any trouble from the cave?”

“Not since we left that place, no! Of course we still have around the clock guards standing by to raise the alarm if need be!”

“Glad to see you’re being proactive.”

“We can’t let anything bad happen to our new home, after all! I mean, where else would we live! Maybe the moon, or something! But let’s just stick to this place!

“Yes, well… I do appreciate it.”

“In any case, we’ll take the materials as far as the Gates of Tartarus! After that you’ll need to find a way to get them to where they need to go! We apologize, but nopony wants to go any farther than that for fear of being roasted, toasted, and burnt to a crisp! Or worse!”

“It’s okay. As long as we can borrow a couple of your wagons, I think we’ll be able to handle it from there. By the way, I need your help with something else.”

“Oh?! Does it have to do with alchemy or macramé?!”

“My armor was pretty much obliterated on a mission recently. Can I bring Steel Hammer back here to use your magic forge again?”

“Sure! Anytime you’re ready, I’ll be here! Unless I’m not, I suppose! Just be aware that if the damage is too great we’ll need to melt the whole thing down and start over!”

“Is that bad?”

“Very! With the adamantium patches used in the past, it’ll have to be separated and reforged! Kinda like making a sandwich, but in reverse! If you could get some more hydra scales to compensate, that would help too! But then again, it might still not be enough!”

“What do you mean?”

“You can only repair armor so many times before it starts to lose its overall durability! Microscopic cracks form and the plating can fail when you need it most! Or were you asking about the sandwich idea?!”

“Well, at the moment I don’t have time to head to the Dragon Lands and ask the Marquis for some more scales.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Could you not merely summon him?”

“I could. But that just feels so… inappropriate. Something like this requires a trip to his village and a face to face conversation.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “But do you really need it?”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Need what?”

“Armor. I mean… you’re retiring after this, right?”

“I suppose so, Rainbow Dash. But I’d still like to keep functional protection around just in case.”

Rarity nods approvingly. “Very prudent, Arc.”

Twilight sighs. “Agreed. One never knows what the future holds.”

Mythic Honor chuckles. “So, what’s it gonna be?!”

“I’ll keep my armor with me for the time being. Even heavily damaged, it still offers quite a bit of protection. When there’s time I’ll come back to have it reforged properly.”

“No, no! I was asking about the whole sandwich idea!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “We were talking about my armor, not sandwiches!

“I know! Stop thinking with your stomach and let’s try to stay on topic here, Arc!”

“Um… okay. About the armor though…”

“Just so you understand, as things stand it’ll be weaker than before.”

“Yes, yes… that’s understood.”

Arriving at the cave they enter. All the townsponies quickly set the crates down and leave as Mythic Honor looks to Arc.

“I’ll let you take it from here!”

“Thanks.”

“It’s always a pleasure! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get going so I can get back to work on my experiments! And grab a sandwich! I’m suddenly very hungry for some reason!

Twilight is suddenly interested. “You’re a scientist?!”

Mythic Honor nods. “In a manner of speaking, miss! Although I prefer the title of ‘alchemist’!”

“Can I ask what you’re working on?!”

“A great and complicated experiment! One that will revolutionize EVERYTHING! I’m trying to turn apple juice… into orange juice!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“I want to turn…!”

Aurora tilts her head to one side, confused. “Metamorphosis of some type perhaps?”

“Kinda! You see…!”

Arc interrupts him. “Well, we need to be going now. Applejack, you, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie will pull the wagons through as Fluttershy hovers above and holds my cloak over you. That will allow us to bypass the barrier.”

Rainbow Dash backs away from Mythic Honor nervously. “Y-yeah. Let’s get started.”

Applejack nods. “Right behind you.”

Pinkie hops along happily. “WEE!!!”

Mythic Honor turns and head toward the mouth of the cave. “Take care of yourselves in there! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

Fluttershy sighs. “We will. At least I hope so.”

Rarity holds her head high. “Everything will be fine as long as we stick together.”

Applejack grins. “Darn tootin’!”

Aurora nods. “Many plants together make a forest.”

Pinkie beams. “That and we have a demon princess with us!”

Auriel sighs. “I don’t really think that will help us.”

Rainbow Dash puts up her front hooves and shadowboxes. “Why not?! Somepony comes after us and you can just tell them to scoot!”

“The truth of the matter is… I’m not actually supposed to be in there. Banishment, and all that.”

Twilight smiles. “If anything, Arc’s presence will help keep us safe.”

Fluttershy looks around nervously. “Maybe he should go in first them.”

Rainbow Dash lands next to Arc and nods. “With me by his side! Anything comes CLOSE and we’ll WAX em!”

Arc sighs. “Let’s try to avoid that, shall we Rainbow Dash.”

“Uh… why?”

Sereb nods. “I do believe Arc is attempting the peaceful solution.”

“Right. If anything we want to avoid another conflict with the demons.”

Auriel looks to him soberly. “That might not be possible, Arc.”

“Maybe. But we have to try.”

Chapter 11 - Aerial Maneuvers

A few days later Arc, Ember, Sereb, Dinky, and Brightwing sit in the Dining Room of Canterlot Castle together eating breakfast.

“How are things going in Tartarus, dad?”

“Mythic Honor reports that the foliage spreads a bit further from the Enclave every day. They’ve begun setting up those aquaponics systems too.”

Ember sighs. “I wish I could have seen it.”

Sereb turns to her. “Seen what?”

“The demons so… docile. Remember, all I’ve ever witnessed was teeth and claws.”

Brightwing gasps. “Oh! Scary!”

Arc nods. “It was certainly out of character for them, that’s for sure.”

“Do you think this will help them, dad?”

“That’s up to them.”

Ember grins. “At least both conscious princesses liked what you reported.”

Sereb nods. “There really was no down side to what we did.”

Dinky turns to her father. “What kind of things are they growing over there?”

“Tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, cucumbers, and radishes.”

Brightwing licks her lips. “Mmmm… tasty!”

Sereb chuckles. “You forget, the most recent report said they were trying to grow watermelons.”

Arc grins. “Now that sounds tasty!”

Dinky appears confused. “I don’t think I’ve ever had that. What is it?”

Ember shrugs. “A melon filled with water?”

“Not exactly. It’s a large round fruit with a hard green and white exterior and a pink sweet flesh.”

Sereb smiles. “Sounds tasty.”

Arc sighs happily. “I really liked them growing up. In the summer, my dad would take me to the grocery store to buy one every weekend.”

Dinky smiles. “How big are they?”

“The bigger ones can grow to around the size of a foal.”

Brightwing’s eyes grow wide. “WOAH!”

Ember looks at Dinky. “That IS big!”

“Can we get one, dad?!”

“I’ve never seen them at any store around town.”

Sereb puts a paw to his chin. “Perhaps we can grow one.”

Dinky giggles. “Or go to Tartarus and pick one up.”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “I’ll get right on that after breakfast.”

Suddenly the doors open and Trixie runs inside. She hurries over to Arc and salutes.

“Sire, Trixie wishes to report that an airship is approaching Equestrian airspace from north of the Crystal Empire!”

Ember stands up quickly as Brightwing takes flight. “Give me a portal back to the Dragon Lands, Arc! I’ll gather the fastest dragons and intercept it!”

“Let’s not be hasty, Ember. Trixie, what country is it from?”

“Unknown, sire! But it was coming from Yakyakistan!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “The YAKS have airships now?!”

Arc frowns. “That doesn’t sound right. After all, when I was there all I saw was huts and fire pits. There wasn’t anything more high tech there than a record player. Are we certain it came from Yakyakistan?”

“Yes. General Virtuous Lance sent word from the empire just a few minutes ago.”

“Did it fly over the city?”

Trixie shakes her head. “No, sire. It was making a large detour to avoid their airspace by flying southwest. However, they are currently on a direct course to Canterlot.”

“Who do you suppose it is, dad?”

“No idea. But it is pretty risky of them to enter our country without first announcing themselves.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. That’s just asking for trouble.”

“What are your orders sire?”

Arc stands. “Ready my ship. We’ll confront them before they reach Canterlot.”

Trixie looks to him nervously. “Uh… sire? If you recall, The Equinox is still out of commission and will be for quite some time.”

“I forgot. We’ll take the Lunar Destiny then. Order the crew, Sereb, and my squad to board the ship at once.”

“Yes sire!”

Trixie runs out the door and down the corridor as Arc wipes his mouth with a napkin and heads for the door.

“Here we go again.”

Ember bares her claws she follows. “Finally, some action!”

Arc frowns as he turns to her. “I’m sorry, Ember. Were the activities on Earth not enough action for you?”

Ember shrugs. “What can I say. I get bored.”

Reaching the ship, Arc and Ember quickly board with Brightwing and Sereb following closely behind. Heading to the Bridge, they find Captain Tight Ship and the rest of the Bridge Crew waiting for them.

“Ready to depart anytime, sir.”

“Very good, captain. Lemon Hearts, radio for immediate takeoff. As soon as she gets the go-ahead get us underway, Thunderlane.

“Aye sir.”

Wrangler frowns. “So what’s the big hurry, sir?”

Moon Dancer looks over. “Yes. We hadn’t heard of any major threats.”

“There’s an unidentified ship heading toward Canterlot from the northwest. We need to intercept it before it gets here.”

Tight Ship’s eyes grow wide. “Do you suspect foul play, sir?”

“No idea either way. The ship reportedly isn’t marked.”

Ember taps her foot impatiently. “Less talking, more flying!”

A small voice behind them calls out. “I’m sure everypony’s moving as fast as they can, Miss Ember.”

Arc and Ember spin around to see Dinky standing behind them.

“D-Dinky?!”

“What are you DOING here?!”

Dinky looks confused. “You said I could spend time with you, dad.”

“Now really isn’t the best time.”

“Why not? All we’re going to be doing is flying for a while, right?”

Wrangler grins. “Right. Unless somepony gives me something to shoot!”

Ember shrugs. “This should be perfectly safe, Arc. After all, isn’t this the second most powerful airship in the Equestrian military?”

“I suppose it is.”

“That and if things get bad, all you have to do is open a portal and send me back to Canterlot, dad.”

Arc sighs. “True. Very well, Dinky. You can come.”

“YAY!”

Lemon Hearts looks over. “We’re cleared for take-off, sire.”

Thunderlane grins. “Here we go!”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

The ship takes off. As soon as they reach the proper altitude Arc turns to the coms.

“Lemon Hearts, radio Canterlot and ask about the course of the ship we’re after.”

“Yes sir.”

A few moments later she looks up.

“Sir, it’s still flying straight toward Canterlot.”

“Good. Thunderlane, plot a course to intercept it. Moon Dancer, anything on screen?”

“Negative, sir. But the instruments on this ship aren’t as cutting edge as The Equinox.”

Ember frowns. “How much longer until we can pick them up then?”

“About two hours.”

Arc nods. “As soon as we have them on screen call it out.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc walks over to the coms station.

“Lemon Hearts, are we in range of communications with that ship?”

“Yes sir. However, there have been constant attempts by Canterlot to hail them. All have been met with silence.”

“Keep listening and let me know if anything comes through from them.”

“Aye sir.”

Arc sits down in a chair and stares out the main window.

“And now… we wait.”

Two hours later Moon Dancer calls over to him.

“Sir, the ship has just appeared on my screen off the port side.”

“Good.”

Tight Ship turns to the helm. “Thunderlane, correct our heading to intercept the vessel.”

“Aye sir.”

Slowly the ship turns. An hour later Wrangler looks out the window with binoculars and points a hoof straight ahead.

“There it is! Dead ahead!”

Arc hurries over to her and takes the binoculars. He looks at the ship for a long moment before turning to Lemon Hearts.

“Tell Canterlot to cease communications with that ship. We’ll take it from here.”

“Aye sir.”

“Wrangler, bring the weapon systems online and prepare the ORB.”

“Yes sir. But if you’ll recall, the Lunar Destiny doesn’t have that particular module installed.”

Arc slaps his forehead. “I forgot. We’d better keep our distance then.”

Ember clenches a fist. “We need a plan. Assuming they don’t start talking, that is.”

“My dad will think of something.”

“I already have, sweetheart. But let’s give them a chance to end this peacefully.”

A short time later Lemon Hearts sighs.

“No response, sir.”

Soarin puts a hoof to his chin. “They could be having radio trouble.”

Thunderlane frowns. “Well, they’re not making any attempt to slow down or coming out on deck to wave at us.”

Tight Ship nods. “Lemon Hearts, bring the ship up to red alert.”

“Order my squad to the Bridge as well.”

“Yes sir.”

A few minutes later Sereb, Max, Hugh, Xenos, and Viktor rush onto the Bridge. They line up and salute respectfully. Max is the first to speak.

“Reporting as ordered, sir.”

Sereb growls. “Let us be of help to you once more.”

“We’re going to storm an unidentified ship that isn’t responding to our hails. No idea what’s going on over there.”

Viktor looks to the comms. “Could it be radio trouble, sir?”

“Doubtful. I’m hoping it’s nothing but a big misunderstanding. But we need to get to the bottom of it.”

Wrangler smiles wickedly. “If I have to shoot em down this is a good place, sir. No towns nearby.”

Soarin frowns. “Let’s try to avoid that.”

Xenos sighs. “That may not be possible.”

Hugh looks out the window at the ship. “We’ll know more when we get over there though.”

Max turns to Arc. “What’s the plan, sir?”

“First off… any restrictions from the doctor, Hugh?”

“None, sir. I’m fit and ready for action.”

“Good. You four will fly over there and take the deck while I Blink over.”

Ember looks at Arc angrily. “Uh… what about ME?!”

“You’re a visiting dignitary, remember?”

“No I’m not!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, you DID take Brightwing’s job.”

Brightwing calls out from her place on Dinky’s back. “But friend in danger!”

Ember sighs. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but Brightwing’s right. You need me over there in case something goes wrong.”

“Fine. Not sure how I’m going to explain this one in the report though.”

Ember grins as she calls forth her spear. “Just call it an Equestrian/Dragon Lands joint operation.”

A few minutes later Arc’s squad touches down on the strange ship. They look around, spears at the ready. Max calls out the orders.

“Spread out and form a defensive perimeter in front of the door!”

They do so as Max turns and motions with his spear to the Lunar Destiny. A moment later Arc and Ember appear on the deck riding on Sereb. Xenos turns to him.

“Sir, you really should let us do this.”

Hugh grimaces. “Right. You don’t even have your armor!”

Sereb sighs. “He is correct, Arc.”

“No time for repairs. Now let’s go!”

Cherry calls out to him. “This really is a foolhardy thing to do. Even for you!”

“We’ll talk later. Let’s try the door.”

Arc pulls his spear and nods to Xenos. Gripping the door, the stallion gives it a mighty pull. It slides open. Hugh steps back, surprised.

“That was easy.”

Ember frowns. “Maybe too easy. Stay sharp.”

Sereb growls. “I will take point.”

Arc looks at the wolf as he gets down from the saddle. “Actually, I should…”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “One of us has functional armor and is not the Lord Regent.”

“Duly noted. Go ahead, big guy.”

Sereb steps over the threshold and walks down the corridor. The others follow as Arc closes the door behind them. Ember looks to her companion as she speaks.

“Hear anything, Sereb?”

“Yes. There are numerous crew aboard the ship.”

Max looks over his shoulder. “We should take the Bridge first, sir. That will give us control of the ship and allow us to land.”

Viktor grins. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Let’s go with that. Lead the way, Sereb.”

Sniffing, the large wolf leads them deeper into the ship. He pricks up his ears and growls. Ember looks to him again.

“What is it?”

“I smell someone… unpleasant.”

Xenos look around. “Are we in danger?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. But they will be when we find them. In any case, the Bridge is right through this door.”

Arc’s squad takes their places on either side of the door. Ember steps forward and kicks it open. The stallions rush through it and form a perimeter. They look around a few moments before Max turns back.

“All clear, sire.”

Arc steps forward with Ember as Sereb brings up the rear. They look around the Bridge. All around them are slightly moving sacks containing what is assumedly the crew. Arc frowns as he turns to his squad.

Arc: Everyone stay here.

They nod as he steps toward the sack that sits in front of what appears to be the captain’s chair. Calling forth his guardanium knife, Arc deftly slices through the ropes holding it shut. Pulling the sack down Arc spots an ornately dressed griffin officer who is tied and gagged. Sighing, he cuts through the cloth to allow the griffon to speak.

“Th-thank you, sir.”

Arc frowns as he moves to cut through the other restraints. “Don’t mention it. Can I assume you’re the captain of this vessel?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You look familiar.”

“We met just off the coast of the Griffon Kingdom not so long ago.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Oh yes. Now I remember you… Lieutenant Gaston.”

“It’s now Admiral Gaston, Hero of Light.”

Ember frowns at the griffon as she taps her staff on the steel deck. “Well this is now the Lord Regent of Equestria, worm! Show some respect!”

“Easy, Ember.”

Arc turns to the others.

“Begin untying the rest of the crew.”

They nod and begin carrying out their orders. Arc returns his gaze to the admiral.

“So what are you doing in Equestria?”

Gaston looks out the window, confused. “Is that where we are?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “No. We were just hijacking you for the fun of it.”

Sereb growls. “This is indeed deep in Equestrian territory.”

Arc nods. “That it is. But judging by how you and your crew were bound and gagged I assume it wasn’t by choice.”

Gaston shakes his head. “It was not, no. We had just left Yakyakistan on a diplomatic visit with Prince Rutherford and were flying eastward toward the Celestial Sea when we were ambushed.”

Ember scoffs. “By whom? The yaks?”

“No. The rebels.”

Gritting his teeth, Arc turns to the others.

“Search the ship from top to bottom! Max and Hugh! Viktor and Xenos! Ember and Sereb! Go!”

They hurry to carry out their instructions as Gaston glares at Arc.

“What do you think you’re DOING?!”

“Making sure no rebels are hiding aboard your ship before we escort your vessel to the border.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“We’ve reached the bridge and found the crew. Continue to follow us.”

“Yes sir.”

“Arc out.”

Gaston seethes. “This is a Griffon Kingdom ambassador’s vessel, and as per our treaty, is an extension of our nation! You have no jurisdiction aboard my ship! My OWN crew and I will search OUR vessel!”

Arc motions with a sweep of his hand. “Look around you, Gaston. Do you really think your crew is up to such a task after being held captive for hours?”

Gaston looks around as several crew members hobble around freeing their comrades one by one. Arc toys with the guardanium knife as he continues.

“It would reflect poorly on your command to turn away my help at this point. Especially after you’ve violated our airspace so blatantly.”

“Where… exactly are we?”

“Somewhere between the Crystal Empire and Canterlot. Believe me when I say that you’re pretty deep into our territory. Tell me, what do you think Lord Gestal will do when he finds out about this?”

“I… our ship was systematically ambushed by the rebel forces! There wasn’t anything I could have done!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s your funeral, I mean report. Write it up any way you want. I’m sure the ambassador will corroborate your story.”

The blood drains from Gaston’s face. Arc waits a few moments before continuing.

“Well, in any case, we should probably go check on your… ambassador.”

“Yes, yes! Right this way!”

He leads Arc to a cabin approximately center of the ship. Gaston looks to Arc with a pained expression on his face.

“I… should probably go in alone.”

Arc chuckles. “Afraid I’ll hear some big state secrets or something?”

“Ah… our ambassador is quite… demanding.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Please, Gaston. I doubt Lord Goldstone would have the courage to do more that cower in fear when he learns where he is.”

Gaston looks confused as Arc opens the door. The pair look around the luxurious cabin for a few moments before the admiral points a talon toward the bed.

“Over there!”

Arc quickly steps over to the bed and pulls the sheets back.

“Welcome to Equestria, Lord…”

He stops talking as the bound and gagged griffon’s head comes into view. Groaning, Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Arc? Is that…?”

“Yes, Cherry. This… is none other than Lady Ashe.”

Chapter 12 - Unwelcome Guests

Sighing, Arc helps Ashe sit up. He shakes his head as he cuts her bounds.

“How the heck did you…?”

As soon as she is free Ashe leaps into his arms and presses her face into his chest.

“Lord Arc! You’re here!”

“Uh… yes.”

She turns to Gaston, angrily.

“How DARE you allow the rebels to overtake my ship, admiral! My father shall know of this I assure you!”

Arc grimaces. “Can you let go of me now?”

Gaston looks down at the floor. “My apologies, ma’am. They overtook us before anyone could do anything.”

“Oh, is THAT what you want me to tell my father?! That someone was able to EFFORTLESSLY take over this vessel?!”

Arc groans. “Would saying ‘please’ get you to take a step back?”

Gaston shakes his head. “No, ma’am. But I’m sure he’s well aware of the resourcefulness of the…”

“Is that what you’re planning on using as your defense during your trial?!”

Arc frowns. “Sure wish I could move right now.”

“Begging your pardon, ma’am, but I do believe we should be focusing on…”

“You BELIEVE?! At least TRY to be decisive for once in your…!”

Ashe suddenly stops talking as Arc puts his thumb and forefinger on top and bottom of her beak, effectively holding it closed.

“Admiral, why don’t you go make sure your crew is safe and the rebels gone? I’ll guard Lady Ashe.”

Ashe nuzzles his chest as she pushes away his fingers with a talon. “Yes, I’m sure I’ll be safer with Lord Arc watching the door.”

Arc motions for the admiral to leave. He nods and backs out of the room silently. As the door closes Arc reaches out with his magic to lock it before looking down at the griffon in his arms.

“Care to tell me what this is all about, Ashe?”

Ashe smiles up at him. “My ship was hijacked by the rebels and you liberated it. And me too, I might add.”

She traces his chest with a talon.

“I’d be very interested in hearing how you’d like me to return the favor.”

“How about we start with you letting go of me.”

Smiling, Ashe turns away and takes a few steps before looking over her shoulder and batting her eyelashes seductively at him.

“I understand. It’s so you can gaze upon my body in its entirety.”

Arc frowns. “Not exactly.”

Cherry calls out to Arc.

“She’s acting strange.”

“’Strange’ is an understatement right now.”

“You don’t suppose this is another one of those love spells gone wrong, do you?!”

“I sure hope not.”

Arc clears his throat before continuing.

“Now then, what did you see?”

“A big, strong, capable, studly beast freeing me from my bonds. Or did you mean other than yourself?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes.”

“What’s there to say? The rebels somehow gained access to my vessel and captured it along with me and my crew.”

“Did they now?”

“Yes! Anyone could see that?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest “Ashe, you do remember that I’m fully aware you’re the leader of the rebels, right?”

“Well… they must’ve splintered off, or something then.”

“How about you start being honest with me?”

Ashe sighs. “Fine. But I’d like you to listen with an open mind.”

Arc frown as Ashe continues.

“I heard your speech all the way in Griffonstone as did my father along with the Council of Lords. They wanted to send our ambassador to Yakyakistan to… attempt to open a dialog between our two countries.”

“Can I assume that went badly?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not at all. Prince Rutherford was very… receptive. Especially when I raised my tail a bit higher than necessary when walking.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You’re braver than I thought.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc.”

“Foolish, but brave.”

“How’s that?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Admittedly, I’ve never seen his underside in great detail. But judging by Prince Rutherford’s size and girth, I can conservatively assume he would have ripped you in half. Assuming your back wasn’t broken from the initial mounting, that is.”

Ashe blushes furiously. “You take me for a common harlot?!”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda, yeah. After all, you DID come onto me pretty strong when I untied you.”

“That was for different reasons, you buffoon!”

“Oh really?”

“Yes! Like I said earlier, I have a proposition for you!”

Arc sighs. “Be still my beating heart.”

Ashe glares at him. “Can I tell you what I’m thinking now?”

“I wish you would.”

“Very well. Here’s my proposal.”

She clears her throat before continuing.

“I’m offering myself, the daughter of Lord Gestal, in marriage to you, the Lord Regent of Equestria.”

“…what?”

“Doing so will unite both our nations, cementing relations permanently.”

“And what do you get out of this?”

“Great amounts of influence in both countries. Or if you prefer, we could overthrow the corrupt griffon government there and rule over both lands together.”

“Not interested.”

“I haven’t finished. After all, this deal is rather lopsided to favor me as it stands.”

Arc groans. “Completely.”

“In addition to bringing peace and stability to both our countries, as well as my family’s insurmountable wealth, as my husband you would have the right to bed me as often as you…”

Arc nearly falls over laughing. Ashe raises an eyebrow, confused.

“I don’t see what’s so funny.”

Arc cackles. “You!”

“Again, I don’t…”

Arc interrupts her. “Lady Ashe, do you REALLY think I’d be interested in marrying YOU of all griffons?!”

Ashe turns up her beak haughtily. “I am Lord Gestal’s daughter, which makes me the most sought after talon in all the land!”

“Maybe over there. But here you’re just a spoiled little daddy’s girl.”

“I most certainly am NOT!”

“Right, right. After all, it’s not like you take every opportunity imaginable to name drop your father and his position.”

“I’m merely speaking facts!”

“As am I.”

“Lord Arc, I don’t think you quite understand what my offer entails. It involves extreme wealth…”

“I have enough money as it is.”

“Well then, how about dominion over not one but TWO countries?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “As it stands, I already have full authority here in Equestria. Even though my tenure as Lord Regent is temporary, even after I abdicate I’ll still maintain my power as the land’s Hero of Light. That and I have zero interest in helping you and the other rebels conquer your land.”

Ashe grins smugly. “And I suppose my… personal offer is of no interest to you either?”

Arc shakes his head fervently. “Not at all. You’re not the type of woman I want to be around. Much less for the rest of my life.”

“Well, we wouldn’t have to be together very often. Mostly just for parties and annual family gatherings.”

“I don’t think you understand what I’m telling you, Ashe! Not interested!”

“You just think about it.”

“Already have. And right now…”

There is a knock at the door. Arc turns and magically unlocks it as he calls out.

“Come in.”

Gaston hurries inside, breathlessly.

“Ma’am, Lord Arc’s troops have discovered a bomb in the engine room!”

Arc frowns. “That’s… a problem.”

Ashe scoffs. “Can’t you just switch it off?”

“We’re afraid to touch it!”

“Oh, straighten up, admiral! I’ll show you how it’s done.”

Walking out the door, Ashe leads them toward engineering. Arc spots his squad huddled around several canisters hooked up to a black box. Max hurries over to him.

“Sir! We…!”

Ashe approaches the device. “Where’s the ‘off’ switch on this thing?!”

Gaston gasps. “Lady Ashe, wait!”

She kneels down and reaches for the device. Arc Blinks behind Ashe and forcefully pulls her back.

“Not a toy!”

“Come now. It can’t be THAT hard to just flip a switch or pull a wire.”

Arc looks up. “Viktor, what can you tell us?”

“I’m certainly not an expert, but this appears to be filled with some kind of liquid explosives.”

Gaston grimaces. “The destruction of the engines would destroy the ship!”

Max motions for the others to step back. “Right! And we’re still headed for Canterlot!”

Xenos turns to Arc. “Sir, do you suppose that was the rebel’s plan?!”

Hugh gasps. “It would cause quite the international incident.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Right. A lord’s daughter gets killed on Equestrian soil while carrying out a terrorist attack. Both sides would likely blame each other.

Arc nods. “It’s a safe bet.”

He turns to Ashe.

“What do you think?

“I think… we should take care of this little problem before there’s a much larger one!”

Gaston nods. “We should change course at once! Avoid the capital and give ourselves time to call in a bomb defusal team.”

Viktor shakes his head. “That might be a bit tricky. This type of bomb doesn’t like movement.”

He points a hoof to a device nearby.

“This appears to be a gyroscope of some kind. I assume it’s linked up to the detonator.”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps we should step further back.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Suggestions?”

Ember points out a porthole. “How about we get out of here?! Abandoning ship is perfectly logical right now!”

Arc shakes his head. “True. But it would still hit Canterlot.”

Viktor sighs. “And if we change course or slow down… boom.”

Max groans. “Quite a nasty ploy they came up with.”

Hugh frowns. “Well, we have to do something.”

Xenos nods. “And fast!”

Arc looks to Gaston. “Agreed. But it has to be the right solution.”

“Which is…?”

“Give me a minute.”

Arc paces for a few moments before snapping his finger.

“I have an idea.”

Sereb appears hopeful. “Can we help?”

“Just don’t let anyone near the device. I’ll be right back.”

Arc Blinks. Ashe turns to Ember.

“Tell me, is he always this impetuous?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “The term ‘resourceful’ or ‘brave’ would be more accurate, harpy.”

“How DARE you! I have half a mind to…!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “So you admit you have half a mind? Good to see you facing facts.”

Ashe glares at Ember. “With a single command from my father…!”

“HA! With a single command from ME, your land could be overrun with every inhabitant of the Dragon Lands! So I suggest you choose your words carefully, missy.”

“You wouldn’t DARE!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Try me.”

There is a tense silence. Arc reappears and looks around.

“Uh… did I miss something?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Very little.”

Arc turns his attention back toward the bomb. “In any case…”

Kneeling down, Arc places a sigil on the floor. Stepping onto it he and the device vanish. Gaston gasps.

“What the…?”

Viktor breathes a sigh of relief. “He took the threat off the ship at least.”

Xenos looks around. “I wonder where though.”

A moment later Arc reappears on the sigil. He turns to Gaston.

“There you are, admiral. One less thing to worry about now”

Gaston sighs. “Thank you, sir.

Ember looks confused. “Where did you go?”

“Down to ground level. A riverbank to be exact. I brought it there then dropped a rock on the bomb with a Telekinesis Spell. The blast redirected the river a little bit, but otherwise did no damage.”

He turns to Ashe.

“Now then, I hate to be a poor international host, but if you would kindly turn your ship to an eastern heading we can escort you to the border.”

“Very well, Lord Arc. Admiral, give the order.”

“Yes, Lady Ashe.”

Arc turns to his friends as he opens a portal.

“Let’s head back to the Lunar Destiny.”

They nod and step through. Ember turns to Ashe as she passes. The pair exchange withering glances before Ember vanishes. Arc turns to Ashe.

“Have a pleasant flight home.”

Ashe nods stoically as Arc disappears. She turns to leave the engine room with the admiral. Meanwhile, Arc and company reappear on the sigil in his quarters. They immediately head out the door and down the corridor toward the Bridge. Max groans.

“I’m certainly glad that’s over.”

Xenos nods fervently. “Yeah. Something like that could have led to a war!”

Hugh chuckles. “Looks like you saved the day again, commander.”

Viktor laughs. “It’s becoming quite the pastime, sir.”

Ember fumes. “Well, that ungrateful runt sure was asking for trouble.”

Sereb growls. “Yes. But I’m sure we can all agree that Equestria shouldn’t be the one to give it to her.”

Arc shakes his head. “Ashe makes her own problems. But in any case, let’s radio Canterlot of our intentions and inform them that we’ll be returning to the capital soon.”

As they step onto the Bridge, Arc and company see Lemon Hearts talking calmly into her headset as a nearly frantic voice rings out from the other side.

“Please repeat. I’m unable to understand you.”

Soarin looks over. “Put it on the speakers so we can all hear.”

Lemon Hearts does so as Gaston’s voice continues.

“Okay, how about this? HELP!!!”

Everyone covers their ears as the speakers reverberate the last word. Tight Ship frowns.

“What in Celestia’s name…?!”

“WE CAN’T STOP IT!!!”

Arc hurries over to the radio as Lemon Hearts gives him a microphone

“Admiral, this is Lord Arc. Can you be more descriptive of what’s going on over there?”

“THE CONTROLS AREN’T RESPONDING! WE CAN’T CHANGE COURSE!”

Tight Ship frowns. “Tell them to try shutting off their engines.”

Sereb growls. “But the ship would crash.”

Ember smiles. “And?”

Viktor shakes his head. “Not a good thing to happen on Equestrian soil.”

Max grimaces. “It would be a political nightmare!”

Xenos looks to Arc. “We should get back there and help them.”

Hugh sighs. “Must we?”

“OUR HEADING IS LOCKED TO CANTERLOT CASTLE!”

Arc nods. “Guess we have to.”

Thunderlane looks over his shoulder. “Sire, their ship is accelerating!”

Moon Dancer calls out. “I’m not sure if its intentional, or something left behind by the rebels, sir.”

Wrangler chuckles as she pats her controls. “How about we ground em?”

Soarin shakes his head. “No, Wrangler. I don’t see the Griffon Kingdom being too thrilled if we shoot down one of their airships.”

Tight Ship sighs. “Especially with a lord’s daughter aboard.”

Lemon Hearts turns with a pained expression on her face. “Sir, there’s a lot more chatter in the background. And not the happy kind.”

Ashe’s voices comes over the radio.

“Are you going to do something over there, or not?!”

Arc groans. “We’re working on it.”

Ember looks to him. “You think this is for real?”

Sereb shrugs. “There is no way to know for certain.”

Thunderlane looks over his console. “Sir, we’re only about half an hour from Canterlot as it stands!”

Soarin grits his teeth. “We may have no choice but to shoot the ship down prior to it entering the city’s airspace.”

Wrangler grins. “Now you’re talking my language!”

Tight Ship frowns. “As already stated, doing so would be diplomatically disastrous though.”

Xenos looks out the window. “Well, doing nothing will lead to a whole new level of problems for the citizens of Canterlot!”

Max turns to Arc. “Sir, we have to do something, and quickly!”

Arc nods “Alright. Lemon Hearts…”

He holds out a hand as she gives him the microphone again.

“Admiral Gaston, I need you and your entire crew to abandon ship at once. Fly over to the Lunar Destiny and we’ll take care of this.”

Gaston raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“In order to protect the citizens of Canterlot I have no choice but to blow your vessel out of the sky.”

Ashe screams into the headset. “WHAT?! But this is my family’s personal airship! It’s a national TREASURE and has great historical significance!”

“Well, if all of you don’t get off in the next five minutes, you’ll BE history!”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “HA! Do you really think we believe you’d be so foolish as to…!”

Hearing a strange sound behind her Ashe turns around just in time to see her entire Bridge crew run out the door. She shakes her head and looks back to Gaston.

“Well, at least you…”

Gaston speaks into an intercom. “This is Admiral Gaston! All crew abandon ship! Repeat! All crew abandon ship! Head to the Equestrian vessel for pickup!”

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

“I am, Lady Ashe. But right now I need to get you to safety.”

“Lord Arc wouldn’t DARE shoot at us!”

“Are you sure, ma’am?”

Ashe nods fervently. “Yes! I’d stake my reputation on it!”

Arc’s voice comes over the radio again.

“Wrangler, charge the weapons and prepare to fire.”

“Aye, sir.”

Gaston frowns as he looks silently at Ashe.

“I will not however stake my life on it.”

She pushes past him and the pair run for the door. Meanwhile, Arc turns to Ember and his squad as he runs toward the exit.

“Meet me on deck in two minutes!”

“What?! But…!”

“Trust me!”

Rolling her eyes, Ember does as she is told. A few minutes later she and the others stand on the deck as the crew of the griffon ship begin to land on the Lunar Destiny with them. Arc emerges from the hatch with something in his hand. Ember frowns.

“Care to explain what your plan is this time?”

“Well…”

Ashe and Gaston land in front of him.

“Lord Arc, I hereby DEMAND you order your crew to stand down on the weapons!”

“One moment.”

He turns to Gaston.

“Is everyone off your ship?”

Gaston turns and counts his crew before looking to Arc and nodding.

“All present and accounted for.”

“Good. Max, you and the others see to it everyone is escorted to the Observation Deck to watch. Xenos, stay here with Lady Ashe and the admiral.”

“Yes sir.”

“This way everypony.”

Viktor leads the way as Ashe taps a talon on the deck impatiently.

“Lord Arc, I’m still waiting for…!”

Arc interrupts her. “In a minute. Ember, I need you to fly me over to that ship now.”

“Um… okay.”

Ember wraps her arms and legs around Arc as she flaps her wings. Taking flight she heads for the ship as Ashe calls out after them.

“I don’t want so much as a scratch on my father’s airship, Lord Arc! Do you hear me?!”

Gaston does his best to calm his charge. “Please, Lady Ashe. Remember, we’re the outsiders here.”

“If he won’t answer me, I’ll MAKE him!”

Moving to take flight herself Xenos quickly flaps his own wings to block her advance.

“The Lord Regent wishes you to stay here, ma’am.”

“How DARE YOU! I fully intend to…!”

Xenos rolls his eyes and mutters to himself as Ashe continues her tirade.

“Please hurry sir.”

Meanwhile, Ember rests her chin on Arc’s shoulder and grins at him.

“My, this is romantic.”

Arc groans. “Not sure how.”

“I just wish my armor wasn’t between us.”

“Let’s stay focused on the task at hand. We need to stop this ship before it gets any closer to Canterlot.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Uh… shoot it down?”

“Let’s try my other plan first.”

“Fine. What do you need me to do?”

“Fly next to the ship as close as you can.”

“As fast as it’s going?!”

Arc grins. “Trust me. It’ll slow down.”

Ember flies as fast as she is able. As they come up next to the ship Arc raises a hand to it. Channeling the Matter Compacting spell he quickly shrinks the ship down.

“Um… how small are you going to make that thing?!”

“Just a bit more…”

In a few moments the ship is reduced to only a handful of inches in length. Arc holds out his other hand which contains a bottle. With some careful maneuvering he holds the mouth of the bottle in front of the ship and allows it to fly inside. Ember rolls her eyes.

“Well, it’s contained. What now?”

“A bit of an experiment.”

Arc puts the palm of his hand against the mouth of the bottle as he slowly casts the Matter Compacting counter spell. The ship slowly grows in size. He stops as the vessel fills the bottle’s interior before turning to Ember.

“Take me back to the Lunar Destiny.”

Nodding, Ember flaps her wings and turns around. Ashe and Gaston stand on the deck, mouths agape as the pair touch down. Ashe is (naturally) the first to speak.

“Wha-wha-what did you DO?!”

Arc holds up the bottle as the ship inside pushes against the glass in an attempt to escape. “Just made it a bit more… manageable.”

Gaston shudders. “When Lord Gestal finds out what happened to his ship…”

Arc shrugs. “Well, first we have to stop it.”

Xenos chuckles. “How, sir? By shrinking down and boarding it?”

“Nah. Something a bit simpler.”

Putting his thumb tightly against the opening, Arc holds it there. Ember looks to him, confused.

“Um… so your plan is to do… what now?”

“Give it a minute.”

A short time later the ship slowly falls to the floor of the bottle as its engines sputter and fail. Gaston gasps.

“Sir, what did you…?!”

Ashe seethes. “If you damaged my father’s ship with another one of your crazy spells, I’ll…!”

“Damaged, no. Stopped, yes.”

Xenos looks at the bottle, confused. “How sir?”

“Simple. Griffon airships use a combustion engine similar to those found on Earth. I simply cut off the fresh air supply. Without it the engines slowly gave out which made the ship float down relatively safely.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “How did you know about our engines?!”

“The black cloud behind your ship was a dead giveaway.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out a cork. Putting it into the bottle he holds it up.

“Always wanted a ship in a bottle.”

Gaston steps forward. “Sir, that’s still the property of Lord Gestal.”

“Yes, yes. I’ll return it to him. But for now we should head inside. Xenos, tell the captain we’re ready to move out.”

“Yes sir. Back to Canterlot?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Ponyville.”

Chapter 13 - Unplanned Envoy

Xenos nods and salutes before rushing off to carry out his orders. Gaston looks to Arc, nervously.

“Are we under arrest, sir?”

Arc shakes his head as they enter the Lunar Destiny. “No, admiral. However I’d like to take your crew back to Light’s Hope for a bit of lunch.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Oh really?”

Ember shrugs. “The crew could probably use a good meal after that mess.”

Arc nods. “Right. Why don’t you and Sereb join them, Ember?”

“Sure.”

Gaston turns to him as Ember and Sereb walk away. “Sir, might we be allowed to contact the Griffon Kingdom? I’m sure Lord Gestal will want to thank you for rescuing his daughter… again.”

“That’s probably a good idea. Let’s head to my office.”

Arc leads the way. Entering the room he gestures to the two chairs in front of the desk. Gaston hurries forward and pulls out a chair for Ashe. She sits down as Arc picks up the telephone. Lemon Heart’s voice comes forth from the receiver.

“This is the Bridge.”

“I need to speak with Lord Gestal in the Griffon Kingdom at once.”

“What should I say is the reason for the call, sire?”

“Tell them it’s in regards to Admiral Gaston and Lady Ashe. Oh, and when you have a moment, contact Light’s Hope and tell Lieutenant Flash Sentry we’ll be needing food for quite a few more mouths at lunchtime.”

“Begging your pardon, sire, but didn’t you order all your troops and support staff to Canterlot?”

Arc sighs. “Oh… right. Um… tell the kitchen staff to report to my quarters immediately. I’ll pick them up shortly.”

“Yes sir. Anything else?”

“That should do it, thank you.”

He hangs up the phone as Ashe frowns.

“Very cordial with your servants, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you. They’re very efficient.”

“She has a lovely voice, that one.”

Gaston appears confused. “Lady Ashe?”

Ashe smiles at him wickedly. “Tell me, is she one of your… bed warmers?”

Arc frowns. “No. My Communications Officer.”

“Come now, Lord Arc. You don’t have to pretend she’s not…”

Arc interrupts her. “Not everyone is taking advantage of others here!”

“Please, Lady Ashe. Every culture has their own way of doing things.”

The phone rings. Sighing, Arc picks it up.

“That was fast, Lemon Hearts.”

“Thank you, sir. I have Lord Gestal holding on the line.”

“Put him through.”

“Yes sir.”

There is a slight pause before they are connected.

“Lord Arc, I’m told you have information regarding my daughter!”

“Yes, sir. But not to worry. Lady Ashe, Admiral Gaston, and your ship along with its crew are all fine. However, there’s been a bit of an incident.”

Activating the speakerphone Arc relays the morning’s activities in great detail as Gestal listens intently.

“It appears I am once again in your debt, Lord Arc. Thank you very much for rescuing my daughter and the others with her.”

“It was no trouble, sir. But might I ask you to send a military ship to come get her and the griffon crew? I’d bring them back myself, but I’m needed in Equestria these days for… political reasons.”

“Yes, that I do understand. I’ll see to it a ship is dispatched right away.”

Ashe leans forward. “Father, might I offer an alternative?”

“What is it, Ashe?”

“As you know, I’ve been very interested in visiting Equestria for some time now. That and you’ve been saying that we should send a representative to inspect the facility our orphans are being sent to.”

“Well, I suppose that’s true. But it’s really up to Lord Arc, my dear.”

Arc frowns. “I’m rather busy these days…”

Ashe reaches over and presses the ‘Mute’ button before turning to Arc.

“It’s either me or Lord Goldstone. Take your pick.”

Frowning, Arc nods as Ashe releases the button.

“…but I think she’ll be fine here with her guards.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc. I know my daughter will be safe in your care.”

Gaston clears his throat. “I’ll see to it she’s properly guarded at all times, Lord Gestal.”

“See to it that you do, admiral. Ashe, I’m looking forward to reading your first official report as our unofficial representative to Equestria.”

“I’ll do my best, father.”

“Yes, I’m sure you will. Give me a call when your visit is complete and I’ll send a convoy to escort you safely home, my dear.”

“Thank you, father.”

“Take care, Ashe. Goodbye.”

Ashe presses a button to end the call as she turns to Arc.

“I look forward to sampling your nation’s hospitality, Lord Arc.”

“Yes, well… we’re not heading back to the capital.”

Gaston appears confused. “We’re not?”

Arc shakes his head. No. I’ve ordered the ship to return to my base just outside of Ponyville.

“Is that… safe, sir?”

“This was before Lady Ashe invited herself to an impromptu inspection tour. But this kinda works out better.”

Ashe scoffs. “Oh? How so?”

“The orphanage is just down the road from my base.”

Gaston nods soberly. “Is it secure?”

“In what way?”

“Remember, I’m in charge of Lady Ashe’s safety during her stay in your land, sir. Any harm that befalls her would negatively affect me.”

“Let me put it this way. We don’t have a rebel faction that will be looking to kidnap her here.”

“I believe I’ll be fine, admiral.”

“The crew and I will still guard you with our lives, Lady Ashe.”

Ashe waves a talon dismissively. “Yes, I’m sure you will. However, I’d like some time away from the hustle and bustle of servants and guards.”

“But, Lady Ashe…!”

“That is all, admiral! Dismissed!”

“I’ll… check on my crew.”

Arc nods. “Down the hall and to the left.”

Nodding, Gaston leaves the room. Ashe turns to Arc.

“I’m looking forward to this little endeavor.”

“Why?”

“To see if your land really is as special as you claim it to be.”

“What about your guards?”

“I can handle myself. Besides, you said Equestria was safe.”

“It is generally speaking. But I get the feeling there’s more to your sudden request than you’ve let on, Ashe.”

Ashe smiles wickedly. “There is.”

She stands and walks over to a large window. Looking out, she sighs.

“My whole life has been one of luxury and privilege. I’ve had little contact with the peasantry over the years and wish to change that.”

Arc nods as he joins her. “This is… encouraging.”

“Well, if I’m going to rule over my country someday I need to broaden my horizons. And that means seeing the land from other perspectives.

“So…”

“I want to see what it’s like to live as a commoner for a few days.”

Arc frowns. “Uh… are you sure you can handle that?”

Ashe nods. “I’ve been leading the Griffon Liberation Army for quite some time now, and let me tell you THAT is some loose rabble! I don’t see roughing it for a bit to be too much trouble.”

“Methinks you’re a bit… ignorant of the facts of life.”

“Educate me then. That is, if you want me to become the best queen I can one day.”

Arc sighs. “I get the feeling I’m going to regret this.”

Sometime later the ship lands on its pad in front of Light’s Hope. Arc disembarks with Dinky at his side along with Ashe, Gaston, and the rest of the griffon crew. Ashe turns to them.

“I’ll be staying here a few days for an inspection tour. All of you will have liberty until then.”

Arc points down the path. “There’s a small town down the road where you can spend your time. For anyone who wants to make some extra spending money, look for the Writ Board outside of a store called Barnyard Bargains. You may return to the ship at meal times if you choose, and in the evening for a proper bunkhouse on the Mid Deck.”

Gaston steps forward. “Remember, all of us are guests in this land. Do not do anything that would hurt the relationship between our two countries. Lord Gestal will hear of it personally in the report that’s being written by Lady Ashe. And believe me when I say he WILL be reading this one carefully. Dismissed.”

The crew salutes and takes flight. Most of them disperse toward Ponyville as Ashe turns to Arc.

“They looked happy.”

“Well, you did just send them on vacation.”

“Is that what ‘liberty’ is, dad?”

“In this case, yes.”

Ashe scoffs. “Indeed. I was just getting rid of them though. Can’t do this surrounded by guards, after all.”

She turns to Gaston.

“That includes you too, admiral.”

“Ma’am?”

Arc sighs. “I think she wants you to join the crew in checking out the town.”

“But I still need to guard you, Lady Ashe.”

“I’ll be fine with Lord Arc. Now go and have a good time.”

Sighing, the admiral spreads his wings and takes flight. Ashe turns back to Arc.

“Now then, shall we be off?”

“I suppose so. Where would you like to go?”

“To your… what was the facility where you keep our younglings called?”

Dinky pipes up. “The Little Hooves Orphanage.”

“Yes. That is where I would like to start.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Start?”

“As I told you before, I wish to see your country for myself. It can’t be as good as you’ve led me to believe.”

“Very well. I’ll show you and allow you to make your own conclusion. After lunch, that is.”

Arc motions for Ashe to follow them toward the building. Reaching the doors he finds them locked.

“Oh, right. I forgot I transferred all my staff to Canterlot.”

Dinky looks to her father. “So there’s no one here?”

“Shouldn’t be. One sec…”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out a key and unlocks the door. The pair walk into the Main Hall and look around. Ashe frowns.

“Very… quiet in here.”

Arc nods as he puts the key back in the ring. “You’ll have that when others aren’t around. As a member of the aristocracy I assume you’re not alone very often. But we can talk about that as we eat.”

The pair head for the kitchen. Entering, Arc walks over to the refrigerator as Ashe heads to the table and sits down.

“So what are we having?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Nothing if you don’t help.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Dinky giggles. “Meals don’t typically make themselves.”

“Very true. But that’s what servants are for.”

Arc makes a sweeping motion with his hand. “Do you see any?”

“But you said you’d pick them up later!”

“And I did. They’ll be cooking the food aboard the Lunar Destiny for your crew.”

Ashe gasps. “And what about us?!”

Arc turns to face her. “Look, Ashe. You said you wanted to know what it was like to be a commoner. I’m trying to show you how it works. Now are you going to help me, or am I going to have to dump another plate of pancakes on you?”

“Very well. But I don’t know a thing about meal preparation.”

Arc tosses her a pot. “You can start by filling this up with water and putting it on the stove.”

“I suppose I can do that.”

Walking over to the sink, Ashe sets the pot down and looks at it for a long moment. Dinky walks over to her.

“Is everything okay, miss?”

Ashe shrugs. “I think the sink is broken.”

Arc calls out from a cupboard. “Oh, what makes you say that?”

“No water’s coming out.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Um… you have to turn it on first.”

“How?”

“Like this.”

Jumping up onto the counter she reaches out with a hoof and turns the handle. Water flows forth into the pot as Ashe smiles smugly.

“I knew I could do it.”

As the pot is filled Ashe reaches forward and turns off the water. Lifting the pot, she looks around.

“Um… what now?”

“Put it on the stove. I need it to boil.”

“Stove?”

Dinky points a small hoof. “That over there.”

Ashe sets the pot on the stovetop and steps back. Dinky rolls her eyes and uses her magic to turn on the gas. She taps her talon on the floor impatiently.

“Perhaps this is broken?”

Arc chuckles. “A watched pot never boils.”

“What?”

“It’s an expression, Miss Ashe.”

Arc nods. “Right. If you stand around waiting for something to happen, it feels like it takes forever. But in any case, let’s work on something else while we wait.”

Ashe gasps. “You mean there’s MORE?!”

Dinky giggles. “Lots actually.”

“Never cooked before?”

“Certainly not! As I said, that’s what servants are for!”

“Well, in lieu of them, how about you chop up these carrots and celery?”

“Very well.”

Arc hands her a knife. Ashe looks at it before picking up a carrot, tossing it in the air, and slashing at it. Pieces fly everywhere as Dinky dives under the table. Arc grabs her talon.

“Woah! What are you DOING?!”

“Chopping the vegetables. Why?”

“You’re supposed to do it like this.”

Taking another knife Arc shows Ashe how to properly slice the vegetables. She watches him work for a time before following his lead. Dinky looks over at the stove.

“The water’s boiling, dad. Should I add the veggies now?”

“Yes sweetheart. Ashe, bring them over to her.”

Ashe does so. Dinky takes them with her magic and carefully puts them in the water as she looks to Ashe.

“You have to do it slowly or else the boiling water will burn you.”

“Makes sense.”

Arc walks over with a package of egg noodles.

“Here’s the rest, Dinky.”

“Thanks, dad.”

Arc beckons Ashe to follow him as Dinky puts the noodles in the pot and begins stirring. They enter the pantry together and look around. Ashe turns to Arc.

“What are we doing in here?”

“I need some spices.”

Ashe makes a face. “I don’t like spicy food!”

“We’ll keep it to a minimum then.”

“Can’t you just leave them out?”

“I could. But them food would be very bland.”

Ashe turns up her beak. “My own chefs seem to manage.”

“Then they’re adding spices and seasonings. You see, a lot of cooking is knowing what to put in the pot and how much. You might like the flavor of a certain spice. But add too much of it and you’ll certainly not enjoy the dish.”

They gather up the needed ingredients before returning to the kitchen. Arc sets the tray of seasonings down next to his daughter on the counter.

“Here you go, Dinky. Do you know what to do from here?”

“Yup. Just watch.”

Arc and Ashe stand there as Dinky carefully adds a dash of each seasoning before tasting the food and adding a bit more. Ashe opens her mouth to say something, but Arc puts his thumb and index finger on her beak, effectively holding it shut. A short time later Dinky nods and turns to her father.

“It’s done.”

He nods and picks up the pot with his magic. Levitating it over to the center of the table it carefully comes to rest as Dinky pulls bowls and spoons out of the cupboards and drawers. Arc motions to a chair.

“Have a seat, Ashe, and we’ll get to the tasting phase.”

Dinky carefully ladles out three bowlfuls and sets them out. Ashe eyes the food suspiciously as she turns to Arc.

“What… is it?”

“Soup.”

“SOUP?!”

Dinky appears confused. “Something wrong with it?”

Ashe pushes the bowl away. “Yes! It’s SOUP!”

“You see, sweetheart, in the Griffon Kingdom only the lowest of the low eat soup.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

Ashe gags. “Because it tastes TERRIBLE!”

Arc grimaces. “That it does.”

Ashe turns to him. “You’ve tasted it?!”

“Yes, I have.”

“And you were… okay?”

“Well… I did have to lie down for a while after that.”

“Your recipe tastes really good though, dad.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. Let’s eat.”

Arc and Dinky pick up their spoons and begin carefully eating. Ashe watches them for a time before picking up a small spoonful of the soup and begrudgingly tasting it. Her eyes light up happily.

“This really is quite good! Nothing like the soup back home!”

“Glad you like it.”

“Dad? Why is the soup so bad over there?”

“Well… for starters the base ingredients are rotten.”

“Rotten?!”

Arc nods. “I’m guessing it’s cheaper that way. Secondly, they don’t use any seasonings. Probably again to keep costs down.”

“So it doesn’t have any flavor?”

“Oh, it does. But only from the mold I’m guessing.”

Ashe grimaces. “Truthfully I’m not even sure that stuff’s fit to eat.”

“Well, they also cook it for a LONG time.”

Dinky frowns. “How long?”

“Long enough that it’s the consistency of paste.”

Ashe scoffs. “That never made any sense to me.”

“They probably have to do that to kill the mold in the rotten vegetables.”

Dinky gasps. “That sounds terrible!”

“It was the worst food I’d ever tasted.”

Ashe shudders. “The servants make it for themselves once a week in the Gardens. Even with the windows closed I can sometimes smell it if the wind is just right.”

Dinky turns to her. “Is that why you came here, Miss Ashe?”

“No. I wanted to learn more about your country. And see how the griffon orphans are getting along over here.”

“So we’re going to the orphanage?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Dinky. Right after we finish the lunch dishes.”

Ashe looks confused. “Do… dishes?”

“Wash and dry them.”

“How ghastly!”

Dinky giggles. “I’ll teach you!”

Chapter 14 - Inspections

A short time later Arc, Ashe, and Dinky walks down the path together. Ashe groans.

“My talons! They’ll never be the same again!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “It was just a few dishes.”

“Yeah. My mom and I do this three times a day.”

Ashe turns to Arc and frowns. “You force your own daughter do these things?!”

“Not really.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! I like to help out!”

“Well, I certainly hope you aren’t making the younglings do such hard labor!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not actually sure what they do over there. Guess we’ll find out.”

Arriving at the facility, Arc gestures to the building as he looks to Ashe.

“Welcome to the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Ashe gasps. “This… this is where they LIVE?!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! Something wrong with it?”

“No, nothing! I’m just very… surprised, that’s all!”

“You were expecting something smaller?”

“And less kept up. After all, orphans aren’t exactly what I’d call profitable.”

Dinky appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well, in the Griffon Kingdom we only spend money on things that give a return. Like the Aviary, medical facilities, Griffon’s Gate…”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “We see it more as an investment for the future.”

“I don’t quite follow your logic, sir.”

“You’ll see.”

Opening one of the large double doors Arc allows the pair to pass by him before following. Ashe looks around, clearly impressed.

“As nice as the outside looks, I was half expecting the inside to be nothing more than a shell.”

“Let’s report to the Matron. She’ll want to know we’re here.”

Ashe turns to him. “I don’t understand. You’re the Lord Regent, sir. Why would you have to tell ANYONE where you’re going?!”

Dinky sighs. “Common courtesy.”

“What’s that?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Saw that one coming.”

They head upstairs as Dinky knocks on the door. Coco Pommel’s voice rings out.

“Come in.”

Arc and company enter the office. Coco Pommel smiles and walks over to them.

“Hello everypony! Congratulations on your position, Arc.”

“Thanks. Sorry for dropping in on you like this, but our purpose for being here was rather… last minute.”

He gestures to the griffon next to him.

“This is Lady Ashe. She’s the daughter of a noble from the Griffon Kingdom, and has been sent here to inspect the orphanage.”

“I see. What can I do to help?”

“I’d like to see your facility from top to bottom.”

“Can I come too, dad?”

“I think you’d better. The younglings and fillies will be more at ease if you do.”

They head downstairs with Ashe and Coco Pommel in the lead.

“This is the Main Hall. It’s used primarily for a play area during inclement weather and school assemblies.”

Ashe turns to the matron. “School?”

Arc nods. “I forgot to mention it. This building is also the town’s school.”

“So everyone comes here?”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Yes. It’s required by law for all foals and wards of the state to be given a primary education.”

She gestures to one of the classrooms.

“This is where the younglings are receiving their lessons.”

Arc looks to Coco Pommel. “I thought it was summer vacation.”

“Oh, it is. But they need more instruction than their foal counterparts.”

Ashe looks toward the door. “What are they learning right now?”

“Reading at the moment.”

Dinky nods. “They’re getting a lot better at it too.”

“I’d like to see that for myself.”

“Certainly.”

They enter the room. Peachbottom and Cheerilee are busy helping various small groups. They look up and quickly walk over to address Coco Pommel. However, upon Arc entering the room they quickly bow. The younglings, unsure of what to do, follow their teachers’ lead and also bow. Peachbottom is the first to speak.

“Sire, to what do we owe this honor?”

“We’re here on a bit of a tour.”

“My dad and Miss Pommel are showing around a griffon representative. Um… everypony can stand up now.”

The younglings do so. They look Arc over, confused. Ginny points a talon at Arc’s raiments.

“What’s going on, sir?”

Geoffrey looks confused. “You’re dressed really fancy today.

Gigi giggles. “Yeah! Like a noble!”

Glynda gasps happily. “Did you get promoted, or something?”

Coco Pommel smiles at the younglings before her. “The Hero of Light is currently acting as our nation’s Lord Regent.”

Ginny looks confused. “What’s that?”

Dinky turns to her. “He’s kinda like the temporary king.”

Geoffrey looks to Cheerilee. “Is that why we had to bow?”

“Yes, Geoffrey. We have to show the proper respect for our leaders.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, um…”

Ashe clears her throat loudly and looks at Glynda. “I’m told all of you are learning to read.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Gigi nods. “It’s really hard too.”

Dinky points a hoof at the books in their talons. “Why don’t you show us what you’ve learned? What’s everypony reading right now?”

Geoffrey looks at the cover. “‘The Brave Little Pony’.”

Ginny grins. “It was written by someone named… um…”

He looks at his book cover carefully.

“…A.K. Yearling.”

Ashe nods. “What’s it about?”

Gigi shrugs. “We just started a few minutes ago, so I’m not sure yet.”

Arc turns to Gigi. “Why don’t you read a bit for us?

“Yes sir.”

Peachbottom corrects her. “Gigi, that’s ‘yes sire’.”

“Yes sire.”

They sit down in a circle to read. Geoffrey starts them off.

“The brave little pony got up one day.”

Gigi smiles. “She went over the hills, and far away.”

Glynda traces the words with a talon. “Little baubles and trinkets gave her little sway.”

Ginny finishes the verse. “As she yearned for a time when she could save the day.”

Cheerilee smiles and nods. “Very good! You’ve all learned how to properly sound out the words very well!”

Peachbottom clops her hooves together. “Yes. I think we’re right on track.”

Ashe looks to Peachbottom. “What’s your goal for them?”

“To teach them enough reading skills that they can begin learning other subjects more in depth.”

Cheerilee nods. “Right. Nopony can learn if they can’t read the textbooks.”

Arc puts a hand on Ashe’ shoulder. “Makes sense. In any case, did you want to ask anything else?”

“No. I think I’ve seen all there is to see here.”

She turns to leave. Glynda runs up to her.

“Miss?”

Ashe turns back. “Yes?”

“You… aren’t going to make us go back to the Griffon Kingdom, are you?”

Geoffrey gasps. “Please don’t! We love it here!”

Ashe looks to them. “What do you like about living here?”

Gigi giggles. “Three yummy meals a day!”

Ginny smiles as she looks around. “And all our friends are with us!”

Glynda claps her talons together. “That and we like playing with the foals here!”

Geoffrey nods. “And when we’re sick there’s always a doctor and medicine to be had!”

Ashe clears her throat. “Well, not to worry. There’s no plans to take you away from all this.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. This is just a visit to make sure our country is doing what it agreed to.”

Peachbottom looks to Arc. “Is there anything more we should be doing, sire?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at this time. Just keep up the good work.”

Turning, Arc and company leave the room. Coco Pommel points to the other classroom.

“This is the classroom for the foals. They’re not in session at the moment though.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Why segregate them?”

Dinky sighs. “Because the younglings need a special teacher that can help them learn the basics.”

Arc nods. “Right. Cheerilee’s class already has several years of schooling behind them. The younglings are starting completely from scratch.”

Ashe frowns. “Yes, I’m aware that they have no real schooling. However did their parents teach them nothing?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What parents? They’re orphans, remember?”

“What about the one’s whom weren’t from birth?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “They know about as much. I can only surmise that their parents weren’t much better off.”

Dinky sighs. “You can’t teach what you don’t know.”

Coco Pommel leads them into the cafeteria as she continues the tour.

“These are our dining facilities.”

“Very… adequate.”

Dinky shrugs. “I know it’s not much to look at. But many of the younglings were starving when they arrived.”

Ashe appears confused. “How so? The food in the Griffon Kingdom may not be very tasty for the lower class citizens, but it should be plentiful.”

Arc frowns. “I can attest to their lack of nutrition over there. When I was visiting Griffon’s Gate I saw quite a few very emaciated younglings. They were living in a garbage dump at the time and hiding from beasts known as marauders.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “This is new information to me.”

Dinky narrows her eyes. “What did you think happened to them?”

Ashe shrugs. “I just always assumed that SOMEONE would take them in.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not always, no. They wound up in Griffon’s Gate and banded together to form communities.”

He gestures back to the classroom.

“Gallus, the adult male griffon in there, was the leader of one such group of younglings. He was also instrumental in helping my forces bring the orphans to the Lunar Destiny for transport back to Equestria.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes. That and his sister Natalya have been a constant help to me in tailoring the dietary, educational, and emotional needs of the younglings.”

Hearing voices, Derpy walks out of the kitchen. Dinky runs over to her.

“Hi mom!”

“Hello sweetie. What are you doing back so soon?”

Arc waves. “That was my fault, Derpy.”

He gestures to Ashe.

“This is Lady Ashe. She’s touring the facility at the behest of the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ashe steps toward Derpy. “Hello. What is your role here?”

“I cook the orphan’s meals. Breakfast, lunch, and supper.”

“And how are the younglings doing eating pony food?”

“Very well, actually. With proper guidance, I’ve been able to tailor a diet for them that offers a wide range of vitamins and minerals.”

“I see. So none of them are sick or weak from the food here?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not at all. They’re so energetic after a meal.”

Coco Pommel gestures with a hoof. “If you’d like to stay for lunch you can observe the orphans playing from my patio overlooking the playground.”

“Yeah! Then you can see just how happy everypony living here is!”

Ashe nods. “Yes, I think I will.”

Two hour later they head toward the Main Hall. Ashe turns to Coco Pommel.

“This facility is very impressive, Matron.”

“Thank you, Lady Ashe.”

“I will be sure to present the Council of Lords with an absolutely glowing report on the work being done here.”

Arc motions to the main entrance. “Yes, well… we should let Coco Pommel get back to work.”

“Indeed. It was very nice to meet you, matron.”

Coco Pommel escorts Arc and his group to the door. She waves after them as they walk toward the path. Dinky looks to her father.

“Where to now, dad?”

“I was thinking Lady Ashe would like some time to rest after her busy morning.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Oh, no. I want to see more of Equestria.”

“Maybe we could take her to Canterlot, dad.”

Ashe grins. “Yes, that would be lovely!”

Arc sighs. “I suppose so. That and I should probably check on Shining Armor and Sunburst.”

Ashe frowns. “What about the princesses?”

“Well…”

“Could I see Princess Celestia?! I know she’s supposed to be resting, but I wouldn’t take much of her time!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no.”

“What about one of the other princesses then?”

“They’re busy tending to Princess Celestia.”

Ashe frowns. “Are they now?”

Dinky nods. “That’s why my dad’s in charge.”

“Yes, that much I do understand. Very convenient, Lord Arc.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What are you getting at, Ashe?”

“I believe that you haven’t been completely honest with me or your subjects about the real reason you now sit on the throne.”

Dinky gasps. “But they can’t take care of Princess Celestia AND rule the nation!”

“Right. What other reason would I have to…?”

“To take control. You had the most to gain from the princesses retreating from the public eye.”

“Are you suggesting that I’ve done something to them?”

“Why else would you not allow others to see them?”

Dinky frowns. “But I’m sure they’re fine!”

“Then let me see them!”

“No.”

Ashe glares at him. “I could make things a bit less friendly between our nations if I chose to, you know. All I’m asking for is a quick meeting to see for myself that the princesses are still alright.”

Arc chuckles. “Very neat and tidy for you, eh?”

“Dad?”

“You were visiting Yakyakistan on a diplomatic mission of some kind and decided to pay us a visit using the cover story that the rebels waylaid your ship. I show up, help you out, and take you into my care. Meanwhile, you contact your father under the guise of being rescued to play the victim yet again.”

Ashe smiles. “Why, Lord Arc, I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

Dinky frowns. “Are you SPYING on Equestria?!”

“Well… yes and no. Yes, I do want to learn your nation’s methods for keeping the peasantry happy. No, inasmuch as I have a genuine interest to affirm my own suspicions regarding your rise to power, Lord Arc.”

“You honestly think I have the princesses locked up somewhere, don’t you?”

Ashe shrugs. “Or dead in some far away corner of the land.”

“My dad would NEVER…!”

“Calm down, Dinky.”

He turns his attention back to Ashe.

“Tell you what. We’ll return to the castle so I can check on things there. I’ll speak the Princess Luna about greeting you personally. However, it’ll be her choice whether or not she sees you. That’s the best I’m willing to do, Ashe.”

“Very well.”

Arc raises a hand and opens a portal. Stepping through the trio arrives back in Canterlot. Arc gestures for them to follow him.

“Where are we going, dad?”

“Princess Celestia’s room.”

Ashe smiles. “Good!”

“The two of you will wait outside though.”

Ashe puffs out her chest. “Don’t worry, Lord Arc. You can count on me to watch your daughter.”

Dinky eyes Ashe suspiciously. “I’ll keep an eye on her, dad.”

“Thank you, Dinky.”

Ashe frowns at the filly as they continue on their way. As they round a corner Ashe spots the corridor lined with innumerable Royal Guards. She pauses momentarily and looks to Arc.

“I, uh… think I’ll wait over here with your daughter.”

“Suit yourself.”

Arc heads down the corridor toward the familiar bedroom. The guards stand aside as he passes. Entering, he spots Twilight lying in her usual place next to Celestia. Luna and Cadance are sitting next to a Victrola which is playing classical music quietly. They stand as Arc approaches.

“Good afternoon, Arc.”

“How were audiences today?”

“I left them to Shining Armor and Sunburst.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Did something happen?”

“Kinda, yeah. You see…”

Arc explains the events of that morning regarding the griffon ship’s peril, Ashe’s inspection of the orphanage, and her desire for an audience. Cadance sighs.

“I suppose we could spare her a few minutes.”

Luna nods. “Yes. If only to assure our allies that Cadance and I are alive and well.”

“Not sure why anypony would think otherwise though.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… now that I think about it, things were kinda suspicious back then.”

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

“Think about it. A massive wormhole opened just outside Canterlot through which everyone saw my airship return. I’m guessing the whole city heard the resulting crash.”

Cadance shudders. “It shook the entire city from what I heard from Sunburst.”

Luna nods. “And the castle.”

Twilight grimaces. “We all fell over.”

Celestia raises her head and looks down at the mare lying next to her. “Twilight?”

Twilight pats her friend’s head. “I’m still here, Princess Celestia.”

“Did anyone else release a statement of what happened?”

Luna shakes her head. “Nothing official, no.”

Cadance thinks for a moment. “Other than yours that is, Arc.”

Twilight appears confused. “What would that prove though?”

“My ship goes down mysteriously and I suddenly declare I’m in charge with no warning from either princess. That and no one has seen either of you since that night.”

Cadance shakes her head. “I can just imagine the nobles gossiping that we’d been overthrown.”

Luna bows her head. “Or dead.”

Arc frowns. “Huh?”

“They do that occasionally if a royal is out of sight for too long.”

Twilight clears her throat. “In any case, Arc did bring up a very real problem. Maybe you two should go out for a public appearance, or something.”

“That isn’t a bad idea. Luna?”

“Indeed. But one of us should stay here with Celestia.”

Cadance steps forward. “I can do that if you’d like a change of scenery.

Luna shakes her head. “No, Cadance. My place is by my sister’s side right now. Would you assure Lady Ashe of our safety and well-being please?”

“Of course, Luna.”

She turns to leave the room. Arc calls after her with a pained look on his face.

“Um… Cadance?”

“Yes?”

“You might want to… uh… freshen up first.”

“I don’t…”

Twilight sighs. “He’s right, Cadance. Your mane and tail are probably just as messy as my own.”

Arc nods soberly. “I hate to ask this, but when was the last time any of you showered?”

Cadance looks away nervously as does Luna. For a time no one speaks. Finally Twilight breaks the silence.

“I think a quick shower and brushing is in order.”

Cadance trots in place nervously. “But Lady Ashe is waiting!”

Arc scoffs. “Let her wait. She’s in no position to force our hand.”

Luna nods. “Indeed. But Cadance will need the help of her Hoof Maidens to prepare.”

“But we can’t let them in here right now!”

Twilight looks over. “I can help her…”

Celestia holds the mare close. “Twilight!”

“Or… not.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I have a plan.”

Chapter 15 - Unseen Trauma

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and kneels down. Placing a sigil in the center of the room, he looks to Cadance.

“I’ll take you back to my room. You can bathe there and I’ll call for the Hoof Maidens to be ther you’re ready.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

He turns to Luna.

“Do you need anything else while I’m here?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, thank you. We’re fine.”

“Alright. I’ll see you and Twilight later.”

Stepping onto the sigil with Cadance he powers it up and vanishes. Twilight turns to Luna.

“What a time for a visitor.”

Luna frowns. “Yes. But I’m certain Cadance can handle this.”

“You’d rather be doing that, wouldn’t you Princess Luna?”

“I would.”

“But why? Cadance is perfectly capable of seeing a griffon and answering a few questions.”

Luna looks to Celestia lying there. “Because it’s what my sister would have done. Handled the meeting herself.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Cadance reappear on the sigil in his room. Arc leads her over to the bathroom.

“While not quite as big as yours, I’m sure it’ll get the job done.”

Cadance smiles and nods. “Yes, this is fine. Would you please call for my Hoof Maidens though?”

“Of course. Should they help you get cleaned up too?”

“No, thank you. They know to wait outside the room until called for.”

“Alright then. Um… if it’s okay with you, I’d like to call for Shining Armor and Sunburst though.”

“This is your room, Arc. You don’t need my permission to have others in here.”

“Thanks. I just wanted to have a little meeting to gauge how well things went today. But in any case… have a nice bath.”

Cadance nods and closes the bathroom door as Arc heads for the telephone. Picking it up he is connected with the switchboard operator.

“Yes sire?”

“I need to speak to Captain Shining Armor and Lead Sage Sunburst in my private quarters. Also, send Princess Cadance’s Hoof Maidens here as well. I’ll have need of their services shortly.”

“At once, sire. Will there be anything else?”

“Yes. Send a messenger to the griffon diplomat waiting outside Princess Celestia’s room. Have them and the filly accompanying her escorted to the Dining Room for a snack.”

“I’ll see to it, sire.”

“Thank you.”

Hanging up the phone, Arc walks over to the couch and sits down. Sighing, he leans back and groans.

“I hope this mess is over soon.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Shining Armor and Sunburst enter. They walk over to Arc and bow respectfully.

“You sent for us, sire?”

“Yes. Please sit down.”

The pair take a seat on the couch across from Arc.

“So how did it go?”

Sunburst sighs. “I’ve had worse days, sire.”

“Oh?”

“Once I found myself trapped between Princess Celestia and Princess Luna during a heated argument at breakfast.”

Shining Armor sighs. “That was almost as bad as the time Captain Decimus went after you on the castle bridge, sir.”

“Not a good position you were in back there admittedly. Did audiences really go that badly?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes sire. Everypony just wanted to know when either you or the princesses would be back.”

Shining Armor groans. “We don’t have the same level of respect you and the princesses command, sire.”

“If it’s any consolation, I’ll be back there tomorrow morning.”

Sunburst appears relieved. “Thank you, sire.”

Shining Armor frowns. “While we did our best, it wasn’t enough.”

He looks around and lowers his voice before continuing.

“But how is Princess Celestia doing?”

“She appeared to be about the same as when I brought her home. Although admittedly I’ve been too busy to ask Doctor Whooves what his official prognosis is.”

“I’m sure she’ll recover in time, sire.”

“Right. She just needs rest.”

Arc grimaces. “A lot of it, yes.”

The trio continue talking for some time before a knock is heard. Sunburst looks to the door.

“Who could that be?”

“The Hoof Maidens probably.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Sire?”

Arc stands. “I ordered them here to help Cadance make herself presentable.”

He gestures to the bathroom.

“She’s in there right now bathing.”

“Is everything alright, sire?”

“Oh, yes. One moment.”

Arc heads for the door. Opening it he spots a half dozen Hoof Maidens waiting patiently.

“Good afternoon, sire. We were told to report here to tend to Princess Cadance.”

“Yes. I don’t think she’s quite ready yet. But I’ll let you know when she is.”

“If I may, is it for an important event?”

Arc shakes his head. “Cadance just needs to get cleaned up so she can do a quick meet and greet with Lady Ashe of the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Yes, sire. We will wait here until called for.”

Arc nods and closes the door. Turning back to the stallions, Sunburst speaks.

“Is it wise for her to be doing that, sire? I mean you’re the legitimate ruler of Equestria right now.”

“I left it up to the princesses and they agreed to it. That and my role here is temporary at best. As soon as Princess Celestia is able to care for herself, I’ll step down and let the other two monarchs take their places again just like last time.”

Shining Armor frowns. “But then why is she in your quarters, sire?”

“It was the only room with a bathroom I had a sigil in. The Hoof Maidens would have had to walk past Princess Celestia to attend to Cadance after she was done.”

Sunburst gasps. “Ah! So it was to protect Princess Celestia’s image?”

“As well as Luna’s. They’re all looking pretty rough in there.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Sire?”

“This doesn’t leave this room, but… I don’t think any of them are bathing regularly.”

Sunburst bows his head. “Agreed, sire.”

“You knew?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes, sire. Remember, I’m the one bringing them their meals three times a day. I know you told me to report if they needed something, but… I… I just couldn’t bring myself to do so.”

Shining Armor appears hopeful. “Could you perhaps… uh… order them to bathe, sire?”

“I suppose so. But they’re certainly old enough to…”

Sunburst steps forward. “If I may sire… in times of extraordinary crisis, it is not out of the question to regress in being able to focus on certain… basic needs. These include, but are not limited to eating, sleeping, going to the toilet, and bathing.”

“What are you saying, Sunburst?”

“That you may need to treat them less like monarchs, and more as… fillies.”

Shining Armor gasps. “Sunburst! How can you even suggest…?!”

Arc interrupts. “It may be for their own good at this point. I mean… I don’t really WANT to do that, but… I also don’t want them seen wallowing in their own filth.”

“Sire, I still don’t believe that’s necessary. After all, Cadance is in your bathroom right now bathing.”

Sunburst pricks up his ears. “Are you certain of that? How long has she been in there?”

“Since before I called you two. So about twenty minutes now, I guess.”

“Perhaps we should check on her.”

Shining Armor frowns. “It’s not appropriate for a stallion to see a princess bathing!”

Arc stands up. “Well, in the name of safety, I think we should break with tradition and see how Cadance is doing.”

He walks over to the bathroom door and knocks.

“Cadance? Everything alright in there?”

Hearing nothing, Arc tries the door. Finding it unlocked he opens it a few inches and calls out.

“Cadance?”

Turning back to the others Arc shrugs and pushes the door open a bit further to catch a glimpse inside.

“Sorry to barge in, but are you okay?”

Peeking through the copious amounts of steam, he looks toward the extra-large shower. Arc finds it running, but empty. Frowning, he takes a half step into the bathroom and looks around. Cadance’s hoof protectors lie in the middle of the floor. Turning to the others he sighs.

“I… think someone has to go in there. Should we call the Hoof Maidens?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Normally yes. But I don’t think she’d want anypony seeing her like this.”

Sunburst frowns. “She wouldn’t?”

Shining Armor sighs. “Okay… I don’t want her seen like this.”

“Guess I’ll go in then.”

Taking a deep breath Arc pushes the door open and cautiously steps inside. Closing the door behind him, he looks around. Spotting the princess lying in the empty bathtub he walks over and kneels down.

“Cadance?”

She does not move or acknowledge him in any way. Sighing, Arc casts the Matter Compacting spell. Shrinking her down to the size of a normal mare, he carefully picks her up and holds her close. Her eyes slowly move to meet his.

“Arc? What… what are you doing in here?”

“Sorry, but you didn’t answer our calls.”

“Calls?”

“We knocked, but you didn’t say anything. So someone had to come in and check on you. Is something wrong? You don’t seem quite yourself.”

Cadance sighs. “Nothing more than you already know, I’m afraid. I was just letting my mind wander while I soaked in the tub.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But the tub is empty.”

“It… is?”

She turns to look down at the tub. Seeing it is indeed unfilled she frowns.

“I… sorry.”

“No need to apologize.”

Arc sets her down and casts the Matter Compacting counter spell. He looks to the shower.

“Judging by your… appearance, I’m assuming you haven’t actually used either the shower or bathtub.”

Cadance shakes her head. “No, I haven’t. Usually I shower before taking a soak in the tub. I must’ve thought that I’d already finished the first part of that.”

Arc turns to the running shower. “And then you forgot to turn it off?”

Cadance shakes her head and blushes. “No. I… leave the shower on to keep the room hot and steamy. Not sure why, but it’s always been a comfort to me.”

“Well… I should probably let you get to it then. The Hoof Maidens are waiting in the corridor for you to finish.”

“Th-thank you.”

He turns to leave.

“A-Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… n-never mind.”

Arc leaves the room. Cadance sighs and steps into the shower.

“I really need some insight into this. Perhaps I can talk to Arc about it later.”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to the others. Shining Armor looks worried.

“Is Cadance okay?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. She… just had a bit of a foggy time.”

Sunburst looks concerned. “Should we call for the doctor, sire?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I think she’ll be okay on her own. In any case, I want you both to head to the Dining Room and stay with Lady Ashe. Assure her that Princess Cadance will see her soon.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “Yes sire. But what about Cadance?”

“I’ll stay here and escort her to the Dining Room when she’s ready.”

Sunburst nods. “That would probably be for the best.”

“It would?”

“Yes. Come along, captain.”

“Um… okay.”

The pair leave the room together as Arc sits down on the couch again. Sometime later Cadance emerges from the bathroom in a cloud of steam.

“Feeling better?”

Cadance smiles. “Much.”

“Should I get the Hoof Maidens to attend to you now?”

“Yes please.”

Standing, Arc heads for the door. Opening it he motions for the mares to enter. They walk past him as Cadance sits down in front of the vanity. Quickly getting to work they brush her mane and tail, apply eyeliner along with other subtle makeup, and polish her hoof protectors. As they do so Cadance turns to Arc.

“Thank you for letting me use your room.”

“It’s no problem.”

“And I’m sorry you had to see that pitiful sight earlier in the bathroom.”

“We all have our moments.”

“I’m just a bit… worried about Aunt Celestia.”

“All things considered, that’s perfectly normal.”

“Tell me, Arc. Do you think she’ll really be okay?”

“According to Doctor Whooves, yes.”

“But what if he’s wrong?! What if she’s stuck in that state forever?! What if…?!”

Arc interrupts her. “Woah there! That kind of talk won’t do you any good, Cadance.”

“Well, what am I supposed to DO?!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Follow the doctor’s advice and try to bring her around. It’s all anyone can do at this point. Unless something’s changed since I was last briefed.”

“Just one thing.”

“Oh?”

“We temporarily lowered the room’s wards one night.”

Arc frowns. “What for?”

“Luna wanted to try and reach her sister via her ability to enter other’s dreams.”

“Via the Lunar Realm?”

“It’s a bit more complicated than the standard Realm Magic. But that is a similar concept, yes.”

“Any luck?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Unfortunately not. While she was able to make contract with Aunt Celestia’s mind, it wasn’t a pretty place.”

“What did she see?”

“Darkness. The smell of blood, bile, and urine. And…”

Cadance shudders as she continues.

“…and screams of agony. Layers upon layers of screaming incoherently.”

Arc gasps. “Is Luna alright?!”

Cadance nods. “Yes. They were both screaming outwardly by the end though. Twilight and I had to dump cold water on the pair to bring them out of it.”

“Anything else?”

“Luna said it was the worst of the worst in terms of… everything. She could even feel her own mind slipping as the moments ticked by.”

“How long was she in there?!”

“She said it felt like hours. But according to Twilight it was actually about five minutes.”

Arc sighs. “Can I assume that she won’t be trying that again?”

Cadance nods as the Hoof Maidens continue their work. “Yes. It was very hard on all of us.”

“Oh?”

“Twilight and I couldn’t tell what was going on. We were trying frantically to wake them up, but to no avail. Had the cold water not worked we would have called for Doctor Whooves to administer… something.”

“Like what?”

Cadance sighs. “I have no idea. But watching them both lie there screaming in absolute terror… it’s a sight that will stay in my memory for years to come.”

A short time the Hoof Maidens step back, bow respectfully, and leave the room together. Arc and Cadance are silent for a time before Arc speaks.

“We should probably get moving. Ashe isn’t exactly the most patient griffon I’ve met.”

Cadance sighs. “Yes.”

Arc leads her toward the door. Holding it open, she passes and the pair walk down the corridor together. Cadance turns to him.

“How did the meeting go?”

“Okay, I suppose. Both Shining Armor and Sunburst said things were rather hard during audiences.”

“Oh?”

“No one wanted them to hear their cases.”

Cadance bows her head. “I know the feeling. Luna and I had the same problem when we started holding audiences. Everypony just wanted to know when Aunt Celestia was coming back.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Any idea why I didn’t meet with the same the first time I was Lord Regent?”

“You had something we didn’t at the time. Respect.”

“How so? I mean… I’m not a princess. Heck I’m not even a pony.”

“That may be. But you were quite famous for a number of your accomplishments. Us, not so much when we started.”

“Well, it’s good to see that you and Luna were able to gain their trust.”

“Yes it was.”

Coming to the Dining Room the guards push open the doors and allow the pair to enter. They spot Ashe sitting there tapping her talon impatiently. Dinky runs over to Arc happily as Shining Armor and Sunburst rise and bow.

“Hey, dad!”

“Hi again, Dinky. Did Lady Ashe behave herself?”

Dinky nods. “Yes sir!”

“Good.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “Lady Ashe has been… patiently awaiting you, Princess Cadance.”

Sunburst breathes a sigh of relief. “Indeed. We did our best to… entertain her while she waited.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about that you two. I know she’s quite a handful.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “You know I can hear you, right?”

“That was the point, Ashe. But in any case, Princess Cadance here has graciously agreed to see you during this trying time.”

“Hello again, miss.”

“Good day, Princess Cadance. Thank you for seeing me.”

Arc nods. “Now then, maybe you can tell us what it is you’re after.”

“Just a friendly diplomatic visit to see one of the leaders of you country. Nothing much more than that, I assure you.”

Cadance gestures with a hoof. “Arc here is fully vested to accept any goodwill offering along with speaking and acting on our behalf.”

“Yes, well… I did have another reason for coming here.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh really?”

“Your land… intrigues me Princess Cadance. I wish to observe more of your cities and customs as well as hear your wisdom.”

“My… wisdom?”

“Yes. Might I implore you and your Lord Regent here to show me some of this beautiful city?”

Shining Armor steps forward. “The princess and Lord Regent are quite busy these days, miss.”

Sunburst nods. “Yes. Duties both personal and royal need to be tended to.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin. “Well… I could use some air. Perhaps I could show you around the city and do a public appearance. Would that be alright, Arc?”

“Yes, of course, Cadance. But I insist upon accompanying you along with my squad.”

Cadance nods. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Arc turns to Shining Armor.

“Captain, escort Lady Ashe to the castle’s hanger. Cadance and I will join her there shortly.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes sire.”

“You and Sunburst are in charge while we’re gone.”

Sunburst groans. “We… we are?”

“Is that a problem?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No sire. We’ll do our best.”

Cadance nods. “I’m sure you will.”

“Sunburst, tell my squad to meet us at the hanger along with some Royal Guards to pull the chariot.”

“Yes sire, I’ll see to it at once.”

Cadance waves a hoof after them as the trio leaves the room. Dinky looks to her father.

“Can I come too, dad?”

“Sure, sweetheart. But would you please wait outside? I want to have a word with the princess first.”

“Okay dad.”

She steps out into the corridor as the guards close the door behind her.

“What’s this all about, Cadance?”

“I figured it would be nice to get out of the castle for a bit along with granting Ashe’s request. Um… you aren’t mad, are you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. I’m just worried why Ashe is so interested in seeing Canterlot. She’s quite manipulative as well as having ulterior motives out the wazoo.”

“I can cancel if you think it would be too dangerous. But there was another reason for this.”

“Oh?”

“Like she said, the citizens along with the rest of the world may be worried that Equestria has been the victim of a silent coup. After all, neither Luna nor myself has been seen publicly in weeks. I would like the opportunity to dispel such rumors.”

Arc nod. “Alright, Cadance. We’ll do it your way.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 16 - Fallen From Grace

Arc and Cadance make their way out of the Dining Room.

“Sorry for making you wait, sweetheart.”

“It’s okay, dad. I know you’re really busy.”

Cadance giggles. “Well then, let’s not keep Lady Ashe and Shining Armor waiting any longer.”

Dinky grins. “Yes, your highness.”

They make their way to the hanger. Ashe is awaiting them in the extra-large chariot looking impatient as usual. Arc’s squad along with half a dozen Royal Guards stand at attention as Arc helps Cadance into the chariot before turning to them.

“We’re going on a full trip around Canterlot. Max, Xenos, Hugh, and Viktor… you will take defensive positions around the chariot and watch for trouble. I’m not expecting anything of note to happen, but keep your eyes open nonetheless.”

Shining Armor turns to the Royal Guards. “Hitch up!”

Everyone takes their positions as Shining Armor looks to Arc and salutes.

“Take care, sire.”

“We’ll see you in a couple hours, captain.”

Arc nods to the stallions pulling the chariot. They face forward and begin to trot. Shining Armor waves after them as Trixie walks up and salutes.

“Sir, Kibitz reports there’s quite a lot of paperwork today. He wants to know if you’ll be doing it, or shall he wait for the Lord Regent to return?”

Shining Armor sighs. “No, I’ll do it.”

“Shall Trixie help you?”

“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.”

The pair head back inside the castle together. Trixie looks around a few moments before turning to Shining Armor.

“So how are things going with you and… you know who?”

Shining Armor frowns. “Very slowly.”

“Trixie does not understand.”

“It’s not easy to see somepony as high up the social ladder as Cadance is. Less so now that she’s busy caring for Princess Celestia.”

Trixie nudges him. “But when the princess recovers, Trixie thinks you and her should take a night off and go out.”

“On a date?!”

“Yes!”

“I’d love to! But it’d be a TON of work.”

“More so than what we do now?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes. I’d have to vet the restaurant, plan the route, organize the guards…”

“Why not do what Arc and Princess Luna did not that long ago?”

“You mean… disguise her?”

Trixie nods. “It would be easier for everypony. That and I’m sure she’d like to be looked at like a mare, not a monarch for a night.”

“That might work. But any number of things could happen to her out there.”

“Any number of things could happen to her in here.”

“Surrounded by guards?”

“Look, all Trixie is saying is that you two need this. It isn’t healthy to work so hard, after all. Less so for a ruler.”

“Well…”

“Trixie would take care of guarding you two and make all the arrangements.”

Shining Armor smiles. “Really?”

“Sure! You’ve already shown Trixie how to do that.”

“Alright. But not until Princess Celestia is better though.”

“Okay.”

As they pass, Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage steps out of a nearby room. He turns and watches Shining Armor and Trixie walking away. Sighing he looks out a nearby window.

“It won’t be long now. I just hope everypony is in the right place when it happens. If all goes well, the land will continue to be peaceful even after…”

Meanwhile, the chariot rolls slowly through the town. Ashe looks around, clearly in awe.

“These buildings are exquisite in their construction! More works of art than dwellings or businesses!”

Cadance smiles. “Yes, the aristocracy of Canterlot insist on surrounding themselves with beauty.”

Dinky grins. “Everything’s just so big though!”

“I suppose it is, Dinky. But if you’ll recall things are even bigger on my homeworld.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Homeworld?”

Cadance nods. “Yes. Arc was accidently brought here by my aunt’s pupil.”

“Indeed. But I’ve since made Equestria my home.”

“But your daughter’s seen that place? Your homeland?”

“Yeah! Mom and I have been there a few times now!”’

Ashe grins. “I wouldn’t mind seeing that too!”

Cadance shakes her head. “That isn’t possible. Lord Arc ordered Sunburst to dismantle the machine that allows travel there.”

“Right. So like it or not, I’m a full time Equestrian now.”

Ashe sighs. “A shame, really. I would have loved to broaden my horizons.”

“You mean make history, right?”

“History?”

Dinky rolls her eyes. “First griffon to travel to another dimension?”

Ashe smirks at the filly. “You just wish you could be…”

Dinky raises a small hoof soberly. “First unicorn to visit Earth.”

Arc nods. “And you were the first Equestrian native to travel to another dimension too, sweetheart.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “You were also the first pony to successfully cure someone of Crystal Poisoning if I recall correctly.”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “A lot of firsts already, sweetheart.”

Ashe frowns at this and attempts to change the subject.

“So tell me, who built all these buildings?”

Cadance turns to her. “Many different ponies over the years.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “You mean they’re not all government buildings?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Most of them are privately owned businesses and large homes.”

“We do have a few publicly owned buildings such as Canterlot Castle, the Post Office, Train Station, Guardhouses, and the like.”

Ashe frowns. “Why do it that way?”

Arc looks to Ashe. “You mean all the buildings in Griffonstone are owned by the government?”

“Of course. We have to keep control of things in the capital at all times.”

Dinky gasps. “That doesn’t sound very fair.”

“Well, not everything is publicly owned. High ranking aristocrats are gifted parcels of land to build estates. It’s a status symbol there.”

Cadance sighs. “I respect your nation and its customs, Lady Ashe. But that’s not how we do things here.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Right! And everypony’s happy!”

Ashe turns to Arc.

“Everyone?”

Arc shrugs. “Most everyone, yes.”

Cadance appears confused. “Who isn’t happy?”

“Oh, I don’t know. How about anyone seeking an audience these days?”

Ashe gasps. “You mentioned that a while back too, Lord Arc. You were serious?!”

“Very.”

Dinky appears confused. “What’s so strange about audiences? My dad’s had several with your Council of Lords, right?”

“Yes. But not just anyone gets to see them.”

“Why not?”

“They’re busy running the country. Not sure how you have time for such things here.”

Arc frowns. “When someone needs help, you MAKE time.”

“I wouldn’t mind observing your audiences, Lord Arc.”

“Fine then. Tomorrow morning you may observe.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t worry, dad. I’ll make sure she doesn’t cause any trouble.”

“Thank you, Dinky.”

Ashe mutters indignantly as they continue on their way. Meanwhile, Twilight and Luna sit in Celestia’s room together. The Victrola plays softly in the background as Twilight closes a book of poetry she had been reading to her teacher and friend.

“Do you remember anything, Princess Celestia?”

“Twilight?”

Luna looks over. “If I recall, that was your favorite book, sister.”

Celestia sighs. “Twilight…”

“I think she’s getting tired. We should let her rest now.”

Luna nods. “Agreed.”

Reaching out with her magic Luna turns off the music as Twilight sets the book on a nearby nightstand.

“You just rest now, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia appears content. “…Twilight.”

A few minutes later the sound of Celestia’s slow and shallow breathing fills the room. Luna motions for Twilight to follow her to a corner of the room. They speak in hushed tones.

“I think she’ll be out for a while this time.”

“How can you tell?”

“This was the most lucid I’ve seen my sister since Arc rescued her.”

Twilight smiles happily. “So you think she’s improving?!”

“It’s certainly a good start.”

“What about Emerald Dream though? She said the road to recovery would be long and hard for her.”

Luna shrugs. “Not much is known about alicorn psychology.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “That’s true. But why not?”

Luna sighs. “Because we don’t want somepony experimenting on us.”

“Fair enough.”

“Yes, well… in any case, why don’t you take a shower, Twilight?”

“No thank you Princess Luna. I don’t want to be away from my teacher any longer than necessary.”

“While that is certainly very… noble, I think she too would like it if you were to care for your personal hygiene.”

“But I’m not THAT…!”

Luna wrinkles her nose. “Believe me when I say that we’re both quite ripe at the moment.”

Twilight raises a hoof and sniffs under her pit. Making a face she looks back to Luna, sheepishly.

“I think you’re right. But I really don’t want to leave her out of my sight for even a moment!”

“Yes, I’ve noticed you’ve been leaving the bathroom door open this past week when you go to relieve yourself.”

“Sorry.”

“Do not apologize, Twilight. But I must insist you take a proper shower now.”

“But, I…!”

“Please. After all, there are a few things I want to say to my sister privately.”

“Very well, Princess Luna. I’ll do as you say.”

Twilight heads for the bathroom as Luna walks over to the bed and sits down on her haunches. Staring down at Celestia, she begins to speak.

“Hello, sister. It’s me again. Cadance is off to meet a diplomat and Twilight is taking a shower, so it’s just the two of us now.”

Luna pauses momentarily as if considering whether or not she will continue.

“You’ve been gone for over a year. A year… a span of time that before now was merely the blink of an eye to me. I suppose everypony takes time for granted to some extent. But until you disappeared I thought you and I were the exception to the rule.”

She smiles weakly.

“Eternal life and youth tend to do that to a mare.”

Looking out the window at the clear blue sky Luna chuckles.

“Things have been hard since you left. It’s been difficult to field requests from the populace on your whereabouts. Especially when I myself didn’t know where you were. It took Sunburst quite some time, but he located you on Earth a while back. Earth… of all places.”

Luna frowns.

“How, sister? How did you get there? What were you planning on doing? I know you view humans as nothing more than a stench in your nostrils, so I can’t imagine you went there willingly. But I can’t see how anypony would have been able to take you there against forcefully. After all, you’ve always been the strong one between us. Mentally… physically… and emotionally.”

Luna carefully pushes a loose strand of hair from her sister’s face.

“It’s hard to believe how different you used to be. Always the hothead. Always ready to fight. Always… always trying to make the world a better place.”

She shakes her head and sighs.

“Cadance and I appointed a new Hero of Light, sister. Although you may not remember it, you’ve already met him. He was the one whom volunteered to lead the mission to bring you home. His name is Arc, and he’s proven himself to be resourceful, cunning, calculating, and powerful beyond belief. Since the appointment, well… you might find this hard to believe, but he’s done more in the past year than every other Hero of Light that came before him combined.

Luna puts a hoof to her chin and thinks.

“He took down Matron Tempest in close combat. Liberated a few dozen foals from her abusive tutelage. Oversaw the construction of a new orphanage just outside Ponyville. Made Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan see reason… somehow. Defeated a mare whom held the Alicorn Amulet, but without killing her. Became the first one in history to recover from Crystal Poisoning. Temporarily became our nation’s first Lord Regent when Cadance and I were ill. Discovered a cure to save her and I from certain death. Defeated Captain Decimus after uncovering irrefutable proof that he was the one whom had poisoned us. Overpowered King Malevolence of Tartarus on several occasions. Helped free an innocent demon and mare from that hellish place after reforming them. Made contact several times with Kronos, the Keeper of Time, whom I’m told you already know. Became the first one to successfully traverse the transdimensional barrier and return safely. But his greatest achievement was brokering peace between Equestria, Yakyakistan, Abyssinia, The Forsaken, The Hydra, a forgotten Troll Nation living under Vanhoover, and even the Griffon Kingdom. And all that’s just off the top of my head, sister.”

Luna bows her head and sighs before speaking again.

“I know this will be hard for you to accept, sister, but the one I appointed Hero of Light, he… he isn’t a pony. He’s… a human. While I know you’ll be upset with Cadance and I over this decision, all things considered I’m more than certain I made the right choice. Equestria needed him many times over, and he was always there to lend a ho… lend a hand when things were at their worst. When you’re feeling stronger you and I should go over the official reports together.”

She smiles down at the sleeping mare.

“This isn’t easy for you to hear, I’m sure, but… I don’t believe Equestria would have done very well had he not been here. Your protégé, Twilight, accidently brought him here when I sent her a letter in your name along with the Crystal Mirror. She was just supposed to use it to study plants from Earth. Not bring anything more than that though. While I don’t really understand what she was trying to accomplish, it’s a very good thing she did… whatever it was she did. All that I ask is that you give him a fair chance. You don’t like humans, I know. Probably less so now that you’ve survived capture and imprisonment by them. But he deserves the opportunity to show you that not all humans are like that. Celestia… I want you to remember that you were willing to give me another chance after I tried to conquer Equestria. Please extend the same mercy to him as well.”

Luna pets her sister’s mane affectionately.

“We’ve all made our share of mistakes. But you and I both know that nopony is ever truly beyond redemption.”

Sometime later Twilight emerges from the bathroom. Her mane is wrapped up in a towel as she hurries over to Luna.

“Any changes?!”

Luna shakes her head. “She hasn’t stirred since you left.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m beginning to think she’ll never truly come back to us.”

“It’s only been a short time, Twilight.”

“I know, but… I’ve never seen her in such a state before.”

“We can’t give up on her. After all, what do you think Celestia would do for you or I?”

“Everything she could.”

Luna nods. “Right. Now then, I think I need to follow your lead and bathe. Would you stay with my sister please?”

“Or course, Princess Luna. Please take your time and relax.”

Luna heads for the bathroom as Twilight looks to her mentor and smiles.

“Don’t worry, Princess Celestia. I’ll stay with you.”

Twilight sniffs the air and makes a face.

“I guess we both really did need to shower. It’s kinda gross in here.”

Walking over to the balcony door Twilight opens it, allowing a warm summer breeze to fill the room with the smell of nature. Trotting back to the bed, she climbs up and lies down next to Celestia. As she does so, the alicorn snuggles up to her pupil. Smiling, Twilight closes her eyes and sighs.

“Rest well, my friend.”

As Twilight drifts off to sleep to the sound of the shower, a pony clad in a strange robe materializes on the balcony. They enter the room and look to the bed silently. Walking over to the pair they pull a bottle from the folds of their robe along with a rag. Pouring some of the contents into the cloth they lean over Twilight and quickly presses it to her nose and mouth. She has only a moment to open her eyes and raise her head slightly before losing consciousness. Pulling the mare to the floor, the pony turns his attention to Celestia. As they make their way around the bed they pull a syringe from the cloak. Tapping it a few times they plunge it into Celestia’s side and depress the plunger. Looking again at Twilight, they quickly remove the cloak and put it on her before hitting the purple mare in the face hard and dropping the now empty syringe next to her fetlock. Stomping their hoof they break the vial before jumping up on the bed and shaking Celestia.

“Your highness! Can you hear me?!”

Celestia moans and puts a hoof to her face groggily.

“What… happened…?”

“Princess Celestia, we don’t have time to waste! You’re in grave danger!”

Celestia looks over and does her best to focus on the stallion before her. “Decimus?”

“Yes, it’s me! Can you stand?!”

Celestia slowly rises shakily and grunts.

“Everything’s so… stiff. And I can hardly see!”

Decimus hops off the bed and turns back to her. “You’ll be okay, your highness! Please, come!”

Celestia awkwardly steps off the bed. Every movement of her hooves appears deliberate and stiff. She looks all around and attempts to focus.

“Decimus? Where… are we?”

“Your room in Canterlot Castle! Please! We must hurry!”

“I can’t see!”

“Take my fetlock!”

She nods and does so. Decimus raises a hoof as a dark portal opens and quickly leads Celestia through it. The pair appear in a distant corridor elsewhere in the castle as Decimus turns to the princess.

“Listen to me, your highness! The humans whom originally captured you have somehow found their way to Equestria!”

“What?! How?!”

“Unknown, princess! However I believe there are human sympathizers amongst us! No one can be trusted right now!”

“Where are Luna and Cadance?!”

“Safely evacuated! But right now we need to deal with the matter at hoof!”

“I’m listening!”

A short time later Arc, Dinky, Ashe, and Cadance return to the hanger. The chariot stops as Arc turns to Ashe.

“There. Now you’ve seen Canterlot.”

Cadance smiles. “What did you think, Lady Ashe?”

“Very impressive, Princess Cadance! I hope one day such things can be implemented back in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc frowns. “That’s not likely.”

“Dad?”

“The griffons there have no voice, rights, or future. For things to improve would require a fundamental change in the polices over there.”

Ashe nods. “Agreed. But something like that won’t come easily

Cadance sighs. “It might actually be simpler to start from scratch if what the reports say are true.”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Start from scratch, eh?”

Arc frowns. “Don’t get any funny ideas.”

Ashe looks to him innocently. “Why, I don’t know what you’re talking about, Lord Arc.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Right.”

Cadance clears her throat. “In any case, why don’t you join us for lunch, Lady Ashe? I’d like to hear more about you country, and…”

Cadance is cut off as Trixie comes running toward them.

“Your highness! It’s… it’s a catastrophe!”

Cadance turns to her. “What is it, lieutenant?”

“Princess Celestia is missing!”

Arc explodes. “WHAT?!”

“Sunburst went to bring the lunch cart to the room and found her bed empty!”

Cadance gasps. “Good heavens! Call out the guards!”

“Shining Armor has already given the order, your highness! We’ve started a systematic search of the castle!”

Arc grimaces. “What of Twilight and Luna?!”

“The princess was in the shower at the time. And Twilight, she’s… well, it’s complicated, but…”

Dinky gasps. “Is she alright?!”

“Oh yes. The doctor already looked her over. However…”

Arc grits his teeth. “Spit it out, Trixie!”

Trixie sighs. “… she was found unconscious under the bed next to an empty syringe wearing what Lord Arc described in a previous report as a rebel’s cloak.”

Arc turns to Ashe and points an accusatory finger. “YOU!!!”

“Me?!”

“Yes, you Ashe! You were the one who insisted on seeing one of the princesses! A trick to get me and Cadance away from Princess Celestia!”

“What?! Why would I…?!”

“Everything about your visit reeks of subterfuge and treachery!”

Arc turns to his squad and the Royal Guards.

“ARREST HER!”

Ashe moves to take flight but Max lunges forward and tackles her as Hugh and Xenos hold her wings down.

“How DARE you! I fully intend to…!”

Arc turns to Max. “Detain Lady Ashe in the dungeon and keep her under heavy guard at all times! No one is to see or speak to her without me personally being present!”

“Yes sire!”

Ashe’s talons are quickly tied as are her wings. She turns to Cadance.

“Princess Cadance! Please say something!”

Cadance sighs and bows her head. “I’m sorry, Lady Ashe. But Lord Arc is the ruling authority at the moment. His word is law.”

Arc nods as he turns to the Royal Guards. “Assist my squad in taking Ashe to the dungeon then guard her. Lieutenant Trixie, gather more soldiers to bolster their ranks. You will personally oversee the dungeon until I come for you.”

“Yes sire.”

Trixie leaves with the guards and Arc’s squad. Ashe seethes as she is led away. Arc turns to Cadance and Dinky as he calls forth a gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Let’s go!”

“Where to, dad?”

“My room! I need to see Princess Celestia’s room down the hall for myself!”

They hurry through. As they hurry a couple doors down and enter the room they look around. Celestia’s bed is conspicuously empty. Twilight lies on the floor woozily as Doctor Whooves looks her over. Arc and company hurry over to her. Cadance is the first to reach the addled mare.

“Twilight! Are you alright?!”

“Yes! But Princess Celestia is missing!”

“We already heard! Did you see who took her?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. My mind is a mess right now though.”

Dinky points to the robe lying next to Twilight. “Where did that come from?”

Doctor Whooves looks over. “Miss Twilight was wearing it when she was found.”

Cadance gasps. “It really is a rebel’s cloak!”

Arc points. “And the syringe like Trixie said.”

Dinky grimaces. “What was in it?!”

The doctor shrugs. “No way to tell, as it wasn’t labeled.”

Arc turns to him. “Was Twilight injected with something?”

“Unknown. I’ve sent a blood sample to the lab to be sure though.”

Arc picks up the robe and looks it over as Twilight shrinks back nervously.

“So you were wearing this, Twilight?”

“I… guess so.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “You don’t think Twilight did this, do you Arc?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I believe Ashe’s rebel friends did the deed and left this ‘evidence’ behind to throw us off the track. Sloppy, really.”

“Sloppy, dad?”

“They must not have counted on me knowing their patsy personally.”

Twilight looks relieved. “Thank you, Arc. But we still need to find Princess Celestia!”

“We will. They couldn’t have taken her far. By the way… where’s Luna?”

“She went to look for her sister.”

Whooves nods as he points a hoof at the balcony. “We tried to get her to stay here, but she wouldn’t listen.”

“Could Princess Celestia have flown away, dad?”

“I don’t think so. Doctor?”

“Not in her condition, no. Frankly I’d be impressed if she could get up under her own power at this point.”

“Then she couldn’t have gone far. Dinky, you stay here with Twilight and Cadance. I’m going to join the search.”

“Alright, dad.”

“Be careful, Arc.”

“I will.”

Twilight calls out after him. “Be gentle with her! Remember, Princess Celestia is still weak!”

“Don’t worry. She can’t have left the castle.”

Arc leaves the room and hurries down the corridor. Cherry calls out to him.

“I don’t like this, Arc.”

“Neither do I. Ashe has a lot to answer for after this stunt!”

“No, no. I mean something doesn’t feel right. Attempting a kidnapping from inside the castle is suicide at best.”

“Maybe they’re desperate.”

“Or maybe the rebels didn’t have anything to do with this.”

Shining Armor runs up and salutes.

“Sire, we’ve searched the most obvious places but found nothing. I’ve ordered the search expanded to the lower levels.”

“Why there?”

“Because they’re numerous tunnels down there. If the kidnappers know about them, they’ll likely attempt to use one to escape.”

“Any idea how they got this far with Princess Celestia?”

“None. The guards outside the door reported no one entered or left at any point. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

“Let me know the moment you find anything.”

“Yes sire.”

The pair part ways as a platoon follows the captain. Arc frowns and looks out a window over the city.

“I just don’t get how this happened.”

Cherry groans. “We can figure it out after we find the princess, Arc.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Where to?”

“Well, if Shining Armor is going that way, I suppose I’ll go the opposite. We can cover more ground that way.”

“You should put on your armor, Arc.”

Arc chuckles as he walks. “You mean what’s left of it, right?”

“Your helmet was largely intact. If you put it on you can spot the rebels if they’re able to cloak.”

“Worth a shot.”

Arc calls forth his armor and looks around.

“You see anything?”

Cherry sighs. “Nothing, but I’ll keep my eyes open.”

Arc walks for half an hour. Innumerable guards pass him on the way. He stops one for a status report.

“So you haven’t heard of anyone finding anything?!”

“No sir. Not a trace of the princess anywhere.”

Arc sighs. “Great. On your way then.”

The guard scurries away as Arc returns to walking. As he continues on, the sound of hooves becomes quieter and less frequent. Eventually the air is silent other than Arc’s own footfalls echoing down the corridor. He looks around.

“Huh… I haven’t been here in a while.”

“The hallway?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. The windows here are all of big events. Kinda like a visual history book of sorts.”

Cherry sighs. “They are quite lovely. Are there any of you?”

“A couple, yes. But I can’t remember where.”

“Just a couple?”

“I asked the princesses to stop making them of me.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“It just feels kinda…”

A voice rings out behind him.

“Unnecessary?”

Spinning around Arc spots a figure in a rebel cloak.

“YOU?!”

“Yes, me.”

Cherry gasps. “That voice!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Admiral Gaston, I presume?”

Chuckling, the griffon removes his hood.

“Tis I, yes.”

Arc calls forth his spear and points it at the admiral.

“You picked a bad time to show yourself, scum! Now where’s Princess Celestia?!”

“Oh, she’s still around. Someone just needs to find her. But I’m surprised you didn’t recognize me before.”

“What are you talking about?!”

Grinning, Gaston’s face changes to that of the Rebel Commander.

“What the…?! How did you DO that?!”

“Just a little trick I picked up from hanging around the Dark One.”

“So you’re with the Council of Shadows, huh?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Cherry calls out telepathically. “Arc, this is bad! You couldn’t even see through his illusion with your True-Sight Enchantment!”

Arc reaches out a hand to cast a Telekinesis Spell at the griffon. But as he does so Gaston tosses something toward him.

“Catch.”

Cherry gasps. “Magic grenade!”

Arc dives behind a pillar, but the grenade explodes before he can fully escape. Grunting, Arc looks down at his chest to see several jagged shards of metal lodged in the remains of Eidolon’s Ward.

“That looked painful. But at least now you won’t be using any magic for a while.”

Arc steps out from the pillar, spear in hand. “I’m still more than enough to take you on!”

“Sure. If you can catch me, that is!”

Turning, Gaston runs away. Arc gives chase as best he is able.

“Arc, be careful! You’re wounded!”

Arc seethes. “That griffon knows where the princess is! He’s not getting away!”

“This has got to be a trap!”

“I don’t care!”

Rounding several corners, Arc catches up to his opponent. However as he reaches for the griffon’s robe Arc is suddenly hit hard from the side. Falling to the floor he slides across it on his stomach as Gaston stops and turns. As Arc attempts to rise, a stallion jumps on his back knocking him down again before joining the admiral. Gaston grins.

“Glad you could make it, Captain Decimus.”

“Believe me, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

Grunting, Arc gets to his feet with the aid of his spear.

“You two just made the biggest mistakes of your lives!”

Gaston feigns mock confusion. “How so? There are two of us, and only one of you.”

Decimus narrows his eyes. “Do not take him lightly. This usurper is cunning beyond words.”

“Says you! I’ve taken you down before, Decimus! There’s no way I can’t do it again!”

“Perhaps. But before we fight yet again I just want to ask you one thing?”

“Oh?! And what’s that?!”

“Why did you take the Equestrian throne? The other two princesses were certainly capable of holding it while Celestia recovered.”

“Because someone had to do it! They were in no position to effectively govern in their mental state!”

“So you pulled off a bloodless coup?”

Arc rolls his eyes and turns to Gaston. “Where’s Princess Celestia?! Tell me, and I may yet be merciful!”

Decimus chuckles. “And what about me?”

Arc points his spear menacingly at Decimus. “Oh, believe me, I’m not planning on even TRYING to take YOU alive!”

“Is that your final answer?”

“Yes!”

Decimus grins. “That’s all we needed to hear. Now then…”

He clears his throat before continuing.

“Human, it was you who smashed my alabaster plate.”

Arc frowns. “What are you talking…?”

He is cut off as an excruciating pain suddenly rips through his gut. Gasping, Arc looks down to see a long, white unicorn’s horn poking through his armor. Before he can act Arc finds himself picked up and thrown roughly down the corridor. Landing, his helmet and spear clatter noisily past him as Cherry screams out.

“ARC!!!”

Arc puts a hand to his stomach as blood oozes through his fingers. Coughing, he reaches out for his helmet.

“Ch-Cherry…”

Gaston runs over and kicks the helmet down the corridor as Decimus walks over to Arc, flanked by an expressionless Celestia. He looks Arc in the eye coolly.

“You were the best one to lead Equestria in its time of need, I’ll admit that. But with the return of Celestia, and her substantial magical powers, I’m afraid you’ve outlived your usefulness.”

Grinning wickedly, Decimus chuckles and points a hoof at Arc.

“Goodbye… Lord Regent.”

Celestia charges up her magic as Arc weakly gets to his feet. She unleashes a powerful blast that shatters every window in the corridor. It hits Arc squarely in the chest, completely destroying what’s left of his armor, and launching him through a window to the east. Decimus and Gaston smile and look toward the ruined window.

“No one could have survived that kind of attack.”

“Indeed not.”

Looking at a nearby column, Gaston spots Arc’s helmet and spear. Cherry screams at them.

“YOU MONSTERS! PRINCESS, PLEASE STOP THIS! ARC ISN’T THE ENEMY HERE! DECIMUS IS!”

Gaston turns to Decimus. “Talkative armor?”

Decimus sighs. “It’s complicated.”

Walking over, the captain picks up the helmet and looks it over.

“PUT ME DOWN YOU TRAITOR!”

“Aw… do you miss you master, spirit? Don’t you worry now. I have a special place for you.”

Decimus opens a dark portal and turns toward it.

“GET YOUR FILTHY HOOVES OFF ME RIGHT NOW!”

“Gladly.”

Tossing the helmet through, Decimus turns back to Celestia whom is standing there motionless.

“Sleep with the sun high overhead.”

Celestia collapses to the floor. Gaston gasps.

“How did you…?!”

“Just a bit of a programed hypnosis. I have a certain human back on Earth to thank for implanting those fail-safes. She won’t remember a thing she’s heard or done.”

Gaston grins. “Perfect. What now though?”

“You’ll see. Just let me handle this.”

Walking over to Celestia, Decimus puts a hoof on her shoulder and gently shakes it.

“Princess?! Princess Celestia! Please, wake up!”

The alicorn groans and slowly opens her eyes.

“Decimus? What… happened?”

“You defeated the traitor, your highness!”

“I… I did? But I can barely see straight.”

“Yes! And it was incredible!”

He motions for Gaston to approach.

“Princess Celestia, I’d like you to meet Admiral Gaston of the Griffon Kingdom. He was instrumental in helping me safeguard you during our escape.”

Celestia appears confused. “A griffon officer here in Canterlot?”

“Yes, your highness. Strange as it may sound, Equestria now has a treaty with the griffons.”

“How did Luna and Cadance…?!”

Decimus interrupts her. “Forgive me, your highness, but they were not responsible for it. The traitorous human, whom had somehow wormed his way into your sister’s good graces, was able to convince her to make him Equestria’s new Hero of Light. With his near limitless power he was able to manipulate the king and your sister into signing the document.”

Gaston nods. “Yes, your highness. I came here to assist our Equestrian allies in freeing the land from its corrupt and out of control Hero of Light.”

Celestia smiles. “Thank you, admiral. And good work, Captain Decimus. Again it seems I owe you a great debt.”

Decimus bows. “I am but a humble servant of Equestria, princess.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her forehead. “But what was the human hoping to accomplish?”

Decimus points a hoof. “Look behind you, your highness.”

Turning, Celestia spots the torn cloak lying on the floor. She picks it up and looks it over.

“It’s certainly the handiwork of the royal tailor. But why does it have the Hero of Light’s crest on it?”

“Some time ago, the human manipulated your sister into turning over complete control of the country to him.”

Gaston nods. “We heard his public address all the way in Griffonstone.”

Celestia seethes. “This is monstrous! We need to act at once to root out any other traitors in our midst!”

Decimus grins as he walks over and picks up the Spear of Righteousness. “Yes, your highness. And I know just how to go about doing that.”

Volume 29 - Epilogue

As the blast from Celestia’s horn hits Arc’s chest, he feels ever sinew of his being straining to hold itself together. Forcing himself to remain at least semi-conscious, Arc allows himself to free-fall for a few moments before gritting his teeth and opening his eyes.

“N-no! It… it can’t end like this! I won’t… let it…!”

Focusing with all his might, Arc reaches deep within himself. Just like during his first battle with Tempest and at the Storm King’s base, golden wings emerge from his back allowing his to glide for a time, albeit painfully. Using the last of his strength Arc is able to crash roughly on the banks of a river. Screaming out in pain, he rolls over onto his back and claws at his wounds in agony.

“Ugh… why did she…?”

Arc looks around. Nearby is a roaring waterfall that is fed by a lake just outside of Canterlot. Gazing upward he spots the looming towers of the castle.

“I… can’t believe I fell that far. Cherry, are you there?”

Hearing nothing, Arc closes his eyes and sighs.

“Right. You were still… in my helmet when… that happened.”

Coughing, Arc spits out blood. Grunting, he looks at his hand.

“Lost my… sigil gauntlet. Great…”

Arc attempts to Blink. But nothing happens.

“That grenade really did a number on my magic.”

He looks down at his chest. Several chunks of shrapnel and what appears to be the remains of his armor stick out of his flesh sickeningly.

“…and my body. Is this… really… the end…?”

A familiar voice rings out behind him.

“Only if you believe it to be.”

With great effort Arc is able to raise his head. He spots Wiseman walking toward him. Frowning, Arc lays his head back down in the dirt.

“Great. My last visage is going to be of you?”

Wiseman shrugs. “Like I said, only if that’s what you want.”

Arc winces in pain. “Can I assume you’re here to help me?”

“It depends how you look at it.”

“Just for once… could you just… speak plainly?”

Wiseman nods. “Very well. Would you like to live?”

Arc nods. “Yes!”

“Why?”

“Because I want… to see… Dinky grow up.”

“She will regardless of your continued existence. But she’s still just one filly. Are you sure there isn’t another reason?”

Arc grits his teeth. “Yes. I also want… to find… Cherry. To make sure… she’s okay. Then… find Decimus and Gaston… and stop… whatever twisted plan… they’ve cooked up. ”

He looks to Wiseman.

“So… are you going… to help me… or… not?”

Wiseman nods. “Yes, Arc. I will set you on the path to recovery.”

“Great. How…?”

“Look at that.”

Wiseman points a gloved hand at the waterfall. A log flows down it and lands in the river with a colossal splash. Kneeling down, Wiseman puts a hand on Arc’s back. Blinking them over to it, he stands as Arc pulls his hand out of the cool river.

“What the…?”

“Follow the river where it leads you, Arc.”

“And where… would that be…?”

Wiseman sighs. “Away from Canterlot. As it stands, it isn’t safe for you there right now.”

“But what will I…?”

“Worry not, Arc. When times are hard and all hope seems lost, help will come if you are patient.”

Wiseman vanishes as Arc groans. Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the guardanium knife. Plunging it into the trunk, he uses it as a makeshift handle as he pulls on his cloak and presses it against the sizable hole in his belly. Floating slowly down the river for several hours Arc looks up to see the sun going down.

“Great. Now I can bleed… AND not be able to see.”

Paddling as best he is able, Arc brings the log toward the shore. As he nears he pulls out the knife and flops onto the bank. Lying there on his back, Arc looks to the log for a moment before giving it an angry kick. Coughing, Arc looks skyward as the sun sinks beneath the horizon. The moon rises and the stars come out as he smiles weakly.

“When times are hard, and all hope seems lost, help will come if you are patient, huh? That nut. He could’ve just taken me to a hospital… or something.”

Hearing movement nearby, Arc turns his head. He spies numerous glowing yellow eyes looking at him from the foliage. Grimacing, Arc does his best to stand as he turns and holds up his knife. The beasts step out of the woods and slowly surround him. An overwhelming stench fills the air as they continue pacing. Drool flows down their fangs as they look over their injured prey. Arc frowns.

“Come on, you beasts! Let’s… ugh… let’s do this!”

Snarling, they lung at him as one. Arc throws himself out of the path of the first timberwolf that lunges at him. Landing, he cries out in pain as fresh blood pours forth. Quickly rolling over onto his back, Arc turns to face the next beast whom comes for him. Slashing at it with his dagger he knocks the creature away, scattering its body.

“You guys aren’t so tough!”

As he does so however, two more approach from either side. Arc is able to beat one away, but the other chomps down hard on his arm. Yelling out in pain he smacks the beast with the back of his fist. It too collapses, but not before ripping several sizable holes in Arc’s arm and forcing him to drop his knife. Before he can react yet another timberwolf leaps onto him from behind, knocking Arc’s face into the riverbank mud. As it claws at his backside, Arc is able to roll partially out of the way, but into a waiting pair of jaws and claws. As they resume slashing at Arc, he looks over to see the previously defeated timberwolves reassembling themselves. Gritting his teeth, Arc makes a final attempt to flee. However, one of his assailants chomps down on his leg and violently picks him up to slam his body into the side of a tree. Falling to the ground Arc’s head strikes a gnarled root. As the world dims around him he speaks in nearly a whisper.

“Dinky… I’m… sorry…”

As his assailants prepare to finish him off, one of them bursts into flames. The others jump back and look all around as two more of their numbers explode. As the beasts retreat, a pony clad in a black robe emerges from the forest wielding a crossbow held up by magic. Arc looks up at them for a brief moment before passing out from the pain, blood loss, and blow to the head.

Preface - Volume 30 - Reset

In our previous volume, Arc returned to Equestria with a failing Princess Celestia. As Luna, Cadance, and Twilight waited in the hanger for word, they were approached by Arc as he leaned on Auriel for support. As Twilight moved to help, she found blood on her fetlocks. Luna pulls the magic cloak aside to show the extent of the damage to Arc’s body. They help him through a portal to Ponyville Hospital. Calling for help, Arc is rushed to an examination room. Cadance volunteers to go to the Town Hall and await word of Celestia’s condition as Luna and Auriel wait in the doctor’s office. Luna confesses her regret to Auriel over not inviting a representative of the Great Demon Kingdom to the recent peace summit. Twilight returns and the group is escorted to the examination room to see the doctor. Informing them that the majority of Arc’s wounds were caused by the shrapnel of his armor in his body, Doctor Horse discharges Arc. Going to the Town Hall, they find that there is news of Celestia’s condition back in Canterlot. Hurrying back via portal they are stopped outside the room by Shining Armor and Trixie. The doctor comes out to warn them beforehand of the mare’s condition. However none of them are prepared for what lay before them.

Looking at Celestia’s ruined face, the princesses volunteer to help clean her. Arc collapses from lack of energy and returns to his room with Ember and Auriel’s help. As they change the bedsheets, Arc showers off. Getting into the bathtub, Ember and Auriel use the shower to get cleaned up. Walking over to him, they join Arc in the tub. Falling asleep next to Arc, he allows them to sleep for an hour before waking them and returning to the bedroom for more sleep.

Later that day, Arc is awakened by Shining Armor and Trixie. The spot Ember in the bed immediately, but are not prepared to see a naked demon in bed with Arc. Informing him that Doctor Whooves needs to see him, Arc quickly dresses with Auriel and Ember (well, she just kinda watched) before heading to the Infirmary. Being notified that his troops and Sereb will be released tomorrow (sans Hugh), Arc spies Rose lying on a bed, motionless. Being informed that Sunburst already fixed her, they are told that she will have enough power to reactivate by tomorrow. Learning that Luna, Cadance, and Twilight have refused all food since the previous day, Arc intercepts the food cart as it leaves Celestia’s room. Taking it from the Hoof Maiden, he enters the room as every guard salutes him. Convincing the trio to eat, Arc convinces them that he himself has recovered from his extreme fatigue. Finishing their meal, they decide to speak to Celestia. Each one does their part to tell her of recent events. However when Arc does so, and touches her fetlock, she awakens and screams “Twilight’ yet again. Fearing she will attack, Arc gathers the princesses behind a magic shield and waits. Celestia nearly faints as Twilight helps her lie back down. He recommends summoning Emerald Dream to aid in the mare’s mental recovery before leaving to return to bed.

Arc awakens the next morning with Auriel and Ember by his side. Rising, they go to the Infirmary to check on the squad. All are recovered save for Hugh. Arc reactivates Rose before opening a portal back to Light’s Hope. Ordering his squad to continue resting there, along with Ember and Auriel, he heads to Celestia’s room to check in on her. Entering with Shining Armor and Trixie, Arc finds Twilight asleep on the bed with her mentor. Luna and Cadance lie on either side of the bed on the floor. As he wakes Luna, Celestia sits up and screams. Twilight is able to calm her as Doctor Whooves enters. Informing him that there were fifteen similar incidents, he encourages the royals to devote as much time to Celestia as possible. Cadance leaves the room with Shining Armor and Trixie, but returns shortly with an ornate chest. Luna beckons Arc to open it. Inside he finds a crown with his crest on it. Asking him to again take up the mantle of the Lord Regent so as to allow them time to spend with the mentally scarred princess, they willing abdicate their power. Using his own power, Arc lowers the moon and raises the sun as the others look on.

Turning back to the others, Arc orders Shining Armor and Trixie to notify his base of the need for a meeting and to gather everyone for it. Heading for his quarters Arc quickly dresses in his royal raiments and heads to the Audience Chamber in a magic cloak. Entering, he finds Kibitz, Sunburst, Shining Armor, and Trixie waiting for him. Ordering Kibitz and Trixie to make preparations for a speech announcing Celestia’s return, they leave the room along with Sunburst. Shining Armor opens a channel to the War Room in Light’s Hope. The Max Six along with the squad, Ember, and Sereb come into view. Announcing his new position and brining them up to speed on the state of affairs back in Canterlot, Arc closes the meeting by summoning Ember to his side via a portal before heading to his quarters with her. Reminding her that she is the future Dragon Lord, and therefore above guard duty, Ember takes over for Brightwing as the Dragon Land’s emissary in order to stay close to Arc.

Arc opens a portal to his quarters. Derpy and Dinky step through and give him a hug. Informing them of what his speech will be about, Arc watches them fly toward the town square ahead of his transport. Landing, Arc is escorted to the podium by Shining Armor and Trixie. Announcing to the nation that Celestia has been rescued from a hostile military power, he reveals her condition as well as him returning to the throne. After answering some questions from reporters, Arc heads back to his quarters where Derpy and Dinky are waiting for him. Inviting Dinky to stay at the castle, Ember returns to the room and congratulates him before he along with Derpy and Dinky head to bed.

A week later Arc and Dinky sit in the Dining Room discussing the recent audiences. Dinky voices her concerns regarding a recent custody battle. Kibitz enters to inform Arc that Auriel has arrived and wishes to see him. Agreeing, Auriel is admitted to the room as Arc orders the guards and waitstaff out of the room. She tells him of the readiness of the essence and machines to form an artificial sun in Tartarus. Requesting Twilight’s help, Arc agrees to go see the princesses on this matter. Heading for the room, he pulls them aside and tells them of the events leading up to the artificial sun project. Gaining the blessing of both Luna and Cadance he informs them that he also requires Twilight’s help to make the project a success.

Returning to Celestia’s room, Arc takes Twilight into the bathroom to help her get cleaned up as Ember takes her place with Celestia. Joining her in the shower, Arc bathes Twilight… every part of her. Finishing, the pair head to the bathtub for a nice soak together. Arc explains his need for her aid in helping Auriel’s project. Convincing her that Celestia will be fine with Ember staying with her, Twilight agrees to accompany Arc and her friends to Tartarus the following day.

Arc arrives at Carousel Boutique early the next morning with Twilight. The rest of the Mane Six are waiting for them eagerly. Twilight leads everyone to the library to finish packing as Arc heads upstairs to Rarity’s room to dress in a new set of royal raiments. Helping him dress, he notices Rarity is a bit out of sorts. She confesses her and the other’s desire for a deeper and more intimate relationship with him before they head to the library. Auriel checks the boxes off as the others pass her with them. Setting them on a sigil, Arc opens a portal and sends them to Redemption Village as he heads to the basement to fetch Aurora. She voices her worry along with that of the Consciousness in regards to moving to Tartarus. Arc however is able to convince her that it will be for the best for everyone concerned. As they take the sigil along with the equipment to the village, Arc spots Mythic Honor and the villagers approaching. They aid in transporting everything to the Gates of Tartarus before retreating back to town. Asking about armor repairs, he is told that doing so will be a massive undertaking due to the extent of the damage along with the past repairs. Deciding to keep his armor until there is time to properly fix it, Mythic Honor announces his experiments to change apple juice into orange juice before leaving the cave.

Entering Tartarus, Arc and his friends wait just inside the Gates for King Malevolence to arrive. After explaining his intentions, Arc and the others are allowed to head to the Vile Tribe’s former hideout. While the others unpack, Arc shrinks the king down to have a private conversation with him. Informing the king of his daughter’s journey to Earth, he requests to see Auriel as a human. Returning to the group, they retrieve the young demon and bring her back to Arc’s old house to change her. King Malevolence tells his daughter of her likeness to her mother before they return to the others. Having assembled the device they activate it to form the sun. Aurora lights it and allows it to be raised overhead. Dropping a seed from her mouth, Aurora casts a strange spell which makes a MASSIVE tree grow nearly instantaneously. The king announces that this will be a new beginning for his species and again allows Auriel access to Tartarus before thanking everyone for their efforts.

A day or so later Arc and his friends sit and talk of the news from Tartarus. As they speak, Trixie hurries in to tell Arc of an unidentified flying object in their airspace. Boarding the Lunar Destiny, Arc and his allies hurry to intercept the vessel. Ignoring all hail, it continues on its course toward Canterlot even as Arc, Ember, Sereb, and his squad boards it. Finding the Bridge, they rush inside only to find everyone tied up and in sacks. Releasing the captain, Arc finds it to be none other than Lieutenant Gaston, now Admiral Gaston. He explains that they were leaving a diplomatic mission to Yakyakistan when the ship was taken over by the Rebels. As he and Arc head out to check on the ambassador they find them tied up in their bed. Pulling the covers back Arc finds Lady Ashe looking up at him.

Begrudgingly freeing Ashe, Arc suggests that the admiral check on the ship. As soon as they’re alone, Ashe proposes married to cement their nation’s relationship. Arc literally laughs in her face, as she has nothing he wants… economically, physically, socially, or sexually. Gaston returns to tell them that a bomb has been found in the engine room. As he, Arc, and Ash head there they spot the squad looking over the device. Viktor points out a gyroscope and surmises any course change will detonate the bomb. Making a sigil, Arc gets the device off the ship and detonates it on the ground below. Returning to the griffon ship, he opens a portal to return to the Lunar Destiny after ordering them to follow him to the eastern border. Entering his ship’s Bridge Arc overhears Admiral Gaston calling for help. With their ship’s heading locked on Canterlot, they are unable to steer away. Arc orders the ship abandoned and his vessel’s weapons trained on the griffon ship. As soon as the ship is vacated, Ember flies Arc over to it. Casting the Matter Compacting Spell the ship shrinks down to the size of a large bug. Holding out a bottle, Arc catches it inside before returning to his ship. As the others watch he enlarges it to fill the bottle before covering the end with a thumb. Due to loss of oxygen for the engines, the ship stalls.

Heading inside the ship, Arc leads Ashe and Gaston to the office. There they contact Lord Gestal to inform him of the situation. Ashe requests to be allowed to stay and see Equestria as well as the orphanage. After dismissing her crew Arc informs them that they will be staying for a time and that they are all encouraged to check out the town of Ponyville just down the road. Arc escorts Ashe to Light’s Hope across the lawn. Having said she wishes to learn of the plights of commoners they cook lunch together. As thought, Ashe didn’t know how to do anything herself. Not even how to turn on the water at the sink or the gas on the stove. Completing their task they sit down to eat.

Leaving Light’s Hope, they make the short walk to the Little Hooves Orphanage. Entering, Ashe marvels at the sight of such a majestic building for her country’s younglings. After announcing themselves to Matron Pommel, they are given a tour of the facility. Promising a glowing report to the Council of Lords they leave the building and walk down the road together. Asking to see the princesses, Ashe is very upset when Arc denies her request. Accusing him of underhanded schemes, Arc opens a portal back to Canterlot Castle and leads the group toward Celestia’s room. Seeing all the guards Ashe decides to stay outside with Dinky as Arc enters the room. Informing Luna and Cadance of the trouble with Ashe, Cadance agrees to see her for a short time. However, Arc first points out that she is filthy from lack of bathing and makes a proposal.

Taking Cadance back to his room via portal, Arc leads her over to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Calling for Shining Armor and Sunburst, he listens to their report on the day’s audiences. Having been told that no one wanted to allow them to hear their concerns, Arc decides to check on Cadance. Hearing no response from his knocks, Arc enters the steamy bathroom. Seeing the empty shower, he spots Cadance lying in an empty bathtub. Comforting her, he is able to bring her back to reality before leaving her to bathe. Returning, he assures the stallions that Cadance will be alright. Emerging from the bathroom, Cadance allows her Hoof Maidens to attend to her before leaving the room and heading to the Dining Room with Arc. Satisfied that the princesses are not being held captive, Ashe requests to see more of Canterlot. Cadance agrees as Arc sets up the public appearance.

Heading for the hanger, Arc and Cadance board a large chariot with Ashe and Dinky. Parading around the city, Ashe marvels at the buildings around her. Meanwhile, Luna tells Twilight to bathe so she can have a private ‘talk’ with her sleeping sister. Telling her everything, Luna confessed appointing a human to the post of Hero of Light and how Arc was instrumental in safeguarding the royals as well as the land from danger. When Twilight emerges from the bathroom Luna enters to bathe herself. Twilight lays down with Celestia to rest as a figure in a rebel cloak covertly enters the room. Chloroforming Twilight, he pulls her off the bed, puts the cloak on her, and shoves her under the bed. After injecting Celestia with a hypodermic needle he waits for her to awaken. Telling her that her human kidnappers have entered the castle, Captain Decimus convinces her to follow him through a portal to safety. Returning to the castle, Arc and the others are informed by Trixie of Celestia’s disappearance. Returning to her room, they find Twilight being examined by the doctor. Arc leaves Dinky and Cadance behind to join the search. As he walk down a deserted hallway Admiral Gaston, wearing a rebel’s cloak, reveals himself to be none other than the Rebel Commander. Tossing a grenade at Arc, it explodes, sealing his magic and piercing him with shrapnel through his previously heavily damaged armor. Angrily, Arc chases the griffon down several corridors before being tackled by Captain Decimus. As he questions them Arc is suddenly stabbed from behind by Celestia’s horn before being thrown violently away. Losing his helmet and spear, Arc weakly stands as Celestia charges up her horn and unleashed magical hell upon Arc. His armor obliterated, Arc flies through a stained glass window of himself and falls toward the ground far below.

However, many questions yet remain. What the heck did Mustang and Diva DO to Celestia over there?! Will there be more… encounters between himself, Ember, and Auriel in the future? How will they bring Celestia back to normal? How will Ember do as the Dragon Land’s emissary? Will this reign as Lord Regent end better than the previous one (not likely)? What the heck is wrong with Mythic Honor, and why does anyone listen to him?! How will Aurora fare in Tartarus with the demons? What was Ashe THINKING when she proposed to Arc?! Why is Ashe so intent on seeing Canterlot? How the heck will Arc survive this one… with no magic to save him?!

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Unbridled Grief

Dinky paces back and forth along with Twilight and Cadance. Twilight wrings her hooves.

“Oh… what’s taking so long!”

Cadance sighs. “The castle is quite large, Twilight.”

Dinky groans. “By now Princess Celestia could be anywhere!”

“Yes. But I’m sure Arc and Shining Armor will find her soon enough.”

As if on cue Luna and Shining Armor enter the room. Both of them are sober as Luna walks over to Dinky with something in her hoof.

“Princess Luna, did you find your sister?”

Luna nods. “We did. Or more accurately… she found us.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! Then where is she?!”

Shining Armor frowns. “In the Infirmary. Doctor Whooves is looking her over now.”

Cadance winces. “Oh my! Was she injured?!”

Luna shakes her head. “It would not appear so, no. In fact, she’s now conversing somewhat normally in addition to being able to walk under her own power.”

Dinky smiles. “That’s terrific! Is my dad with her?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “No. No he’s not, miss.”

Luna kneels down and looks Dinky in the eye. Taking Dinky’s small hoof, she puts something in it.

“What’s this?”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “That looks like Arc’s Crest of Light.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “It is.”

Dinky looks to Luna, nervously. “P-Princess Luna? Wh-where’s my dad?”

“I’m sorry. He’s… he’s gone.”

Twilight sits down heavily on her haunches. “Gone?!”

Shining Armor looks to his little sister. “Princess Celestia says he attacked her.”

Dinky screams. “WHAT?! My dad would NEVER…!”

Cadance frowns. “Luna, what is this madness?!”

“What Shining Armor says is true. My sister claims Arc gave her no choice, and she was forced to slay him. I don’t imagine he suffered.”

Dinky runs over to Twilight and buries her face as the sniffling mare wraps her hooves around the sobbing filly.

“It can’t be true! It just CAN’T! Bring him back with your magic, Miss Twilight! I want my dad!”

Twilight sniffles. “Let’s go back to Ponyville, Dinky. I’ll take you back to your mother.”

Dinky collapses on the floor wailing. Twilight picks her up with a Telekinesis Spell and lays the filly on her back. Shining Armor walks soberly up to her.

“I’ll see to it there’s a full investigation into this matter. Arc deserves that much.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Thank you, big brother. Let me know when you find something.”

Luna sighs. “Yes, Twilight. But first I’ll order a chariot to take you and Dinky back to Ponyville.”

Twilight nods, barely holding it together as Shining Armor leads her out of the room. Cadance looks to Luna, seething.

“This is just WRONG!”

Luna nods. “I’m aware of that, Cadance. But we both know Celestia wouldn’t make something like this up.”

“Perhaps she was delirious?!”

“More than likely, yes. Doctor Whooves will be able to tell us more soon.”

Cadance stomps toward the door, angrily. “Very well! Let’s head over there now and see for ourselves!”

Meanwhile, Arc awakens to the sounds of hushed voices and shuffling hooves. He looks around, but can see nothing due to a blindfold and what feels like a burlap sack over his head. Groaning, he attempts to sit up but also finds his wrists and ankles tightly bound. The voices stop briefly but momentarily continue with greater urgency.

“Doctor, it’s waking up!”

“Don’t worry. We bound this creature for just that reason.”

Straining, Arc begins to tear the bindings through steer force. The nurse gasps.

“I don’t think it’s going to be enough!”

“Nurse! Sedative!”

“There is none! Remember, we used the final bit yesterday!”

“Straps!”

Numerous hooves reach over the bed in an attempt to strap him down. However, Arc continues to thrash.

“I don’t think it’s going to hold it!”

Another much deeper voice rings out.

“Stand back!”

The sound of metallic instruments clattering to the floor can be heard. A moment later Arc sees stars as something hits him in the head. Dropping the ruined surgical tray to the floor, the stallion turns and walks away.

“There you go, doc. Do try to keep this thing alive please. It’s worth a lot to me.”

Both the doctor and nurse stare after the stallion silently as he leaves the room. Eventually the nurse breaks the silence.

“Well… that’s one way to do it.”

“Certainly not medically sound, of course. But in these trying times drastic measures sometimes need to be taken, I suppose. But in any case, let’s get him unbound and properly examined.”

Several assistants untie Arc. The nurse turns back to the doctor as she deftly cuts away his muddy clothing.

“What if this thing wakes up while we’re working, doctor?”

“Then we hit him again, I suppose.”

“Him?”

The doctor shrugs as he grabs a clipboard and writes. “Just an assumption, I suppose. We’ll document all we can about this creature, of course.”

Turning back to the doctor as the last of Arc’s clothes falls to the floor, the nurse points a hoof at his pelvis.

“It appears you were correct, doctor. This is definitely a ‘he’.”

“Noted. In any case, get him cleaned up so we can start the process of stitching him back together.”

“Yes, doctor.”

She motions to several orderlies. They pick up numerous buckets of water and pour them over Arc’s body. One of them gasps as the mud flows away from the skin.

“Doctor! His belly!”

The doctor looks the wound over quickly before frowning.

“It looks pretty deep. Roll him onto his side.”

As the orderlies do so the doctor peeks at Arc’s back.

“Looks like it goes all the way through. Hurry and get him cleaned up so I can ascertain the extent of the damage.”

“But we don’t have any other sedatives!”

“We’ll just have to use a lot of localized anesthetic. With any luck he’ll stay out long enough for me to do what needs to be done.”

“And if he doesn’t?! You saw how strong he is! Those ropes were beginning to fray!”

“Then we’ll use the tray again.”

The next day Twilight and her friends sit around the Rarity’s kitchen table. Rain pelts the window panes as a low rumble rolls across the land. They all have puffy red eyes and are nursing cups of coffee. Applejack turns to Twilight.

“How’s Rarity doing this morning?”

“Not much better than she was last night.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah. She took it the hardest.”

Pinkie sighs, her mane deflated. “We all miss Arc. But… she wanted marriage more than anypony.”

Fluttershy looks out the window at the falling rain. “He really made an impact on all of us. It’s just…”

She bites her lip, and fights back tears.

“…it’s just so hard to believe Arc’s gone!”

Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight. “Is there ANY way he could’ve survived?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Shining Armor looked over the scene personally. He says the blast was such that it blew out every window in the wing.”

Applejack sets down her cup. “Were they at least able to recover his body?”

“Unfortunately not. He said the magical blast Princess Celestia used to… do the deed was powerful enough that Arc must’ve been nearly vaporized.”

Pinkie sighs. “At least it was quick for him.”

Rainbow Dash slams her front hooves on the table, angrily. “How could she DO that to him?!”

Applejack frowns. “Calm down, Rainbow Dash. You know the princess wouldn’t have done that without either a good reason or unless she was out of her mind.”

Fluttershy nods. “Right.”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “Well, that doesn’t change the fact that she KILLED Arc!”

Twilight’s ears droop. “I’m sure Princess Celestia feels just awful about what happened.”

“Not bad ENOUGH!”

Applejack looks to Rainbow Dash. “Think about it this way, sugarcube. Let’s say you were flying as fast as you could and a foal came out of nowhere and flew out right in your path. Even if it wasn’t your fault, wouldn’t you feel terrible?”

“Yes! NO! I mean… I don’t know!”

Pinkie lays her head on the table. “It’s okay to feel sad-mad right now, Dashie.”

Fluttershy sniffles. “Yes. But in the end, we should do what Arc would want us to.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Get revenge?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Just the opposite.”

Applejack nods. “Right. Arc wouldn’t want us to retaliate against Princess Celestia. After all, he worked so hard to find and rescue her.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight angrily, knocking her chair over. “I KNOW THAT!”

The enraged pegasus lands and storms toward the door. Throwing it open she turns back to the others.

“It’s the only thing keeping me from flying over there RIGHT NOW and taking her OUT!”

Flying over the threshold, Rainbow Dash streaks away. Sighing, Twilight closes the door with her magic before turning back to her remaining friends.

“We should probably check on Rarity.”

The others nod and stand. Walking up the stairs together they stop outside the familiar door. Hearing nothing but sobs, Twilight knocks lightly.

“Rarity?”

The muffled sobs continue unabated as she turns to her friends. Applejack steps past her and turns the doorknob. Walking into the room together that see Rarity lying face down on the bed. The room is a mess with clothes strewn everywhere, a smashed vanity mirror, sheets and blankets lie on the floor, and even several hoof-sized holes in the drywall. Twilight is the first to speak.

“How do you feel this morning, Rarity?”

“How do you THINK I feel?!”

Applejack bows her head. “Like we do, I reckon.”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. We’re all feeling the pain of this loss. But…”

Pinkie sighs. “But you were closer to Arc then the rest of us.”

Rarity nods as she continues crying. “Right! And now I’ll NEVER be happy again!!!”

Applejack shakes her head. “That’s not true, sugarcube.”

Rarity looks up and glares at her friends. “Really?! Do ANY of you know what it’s like to lose the stallion of your dreams?! WELL?!”

They are silent as Rarity continues her tirade.

“I was just SO excited when I heard Arc’s speech announcing he had returned to Equestria with Princess Celestia! In all honesty, that was the happiest I’d EVER been in my LIFE! And do you know why?!”

Applejack purses her lips. “Because Arc was safe and sound?”

“YES! But there was so much more!”

Twilight appears genuinely surprised. “Like what?”

“We were going to start dating! Believe me when I say that I had it all planned out! Dinner… a show perhaps! Followed by us walking the streets with a warm summer’s breeze blowing through my perfectly styled mane! But it wasn’t going to end there! Oh no!”

Pinkie sighs. “But that sounds perfect. How could it get any better?”

“Easily! Our walk would lead us past some of the most exclusive hotels in Canterlot! I’d have a room reserved with the key already in my purse! We’d arrive to a wonderfully romantic fire and music playing softly with the lights off!”

Rarity stands up on her mattress, turns away from the others, puts her head down with her flank in the air, and lifts her tail high to expose her genitals.

“Then I was going to do THIS and he would do whatever came naturally!”

Twilight gasps. “You were going to do THAT?! Even after… what happened to you in college?!”

Rarity nods as she turns around to face the others again. “Yes! Don’t any of you understand?! Since that time, I haven’t wanted anything even CLOSE to a relationship with a stallion!”

Applejack looks away. “That’s understandable. But why swing so far from that mindset and offer your flank to him like that?”

“Because I WANT intimacy! I WANT physical contact! I WANT… no… I NEED Arc to take me and make me his!”

Fluttershy blushes. “”Oh my goodness! You really do have a lot of pent up frustration!”

“YES!”

Applejack forces herself to look at Rarity. “Wow! This is just… so surprising, Rarity! But are you really sure that’s what you wanted?”

“More so than you know! I wanted to share my life with him! Eat the same food! Sleep in the same bed! Breathe the same air! And… and…”

She smiles carnally before continuing.

“And be BRED by him!”

Twilight lowers her head. “Rarity, I… understand.”

“You… you do?”

“Yes. I also wanted to bear Arc a foal at once point.”

Applejack blushes heavily. “I… did too.”

Pinkie closes her eyes and smiles as she puts a hoof on her belly. “The thought of Arc being my first time was something I was really looking forward to.”

Fluttershy smiles sheepishly. “Me too. I mean, I didn’t think I’m ready for such… intimacy. But I knew I could trust him to take me through it step by step and at my own pace.”

Rarity looks around the room, dumbfounded. “I… don’t really know what to say. After we spoke about forming a herd, I thought I was the only one who was emotionally prepared to have sex with Arc.”

Applejack shakes her head. “We all want what we want. No shame in that.”

Pinkie sighs. “Right. I was looking forward to celebrating the holidays with everypony. Not as friends, but as a family.”

Twilight bows her head sadly. “Arc brought us closer together than we ever through possible. I never believed we would be talking about sharing a stallion or building a family together.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Me either. But it just goes to show just how strong our friendship really is.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “I would imagine that anypony else would have just resorted to fighting over him.”

Applejack looks around the room. “Right. However we were willing to share and take turns like a real honest to goodness family.”

There is a light tapping outside the window. They turn to see a soaking wet Rainbow Dash hovering before them. Twilight opens the latch to allow the mare to enter. She stands in the center of the room with her head bowed, dripping all over the floor.

“I… I’m sorry, everypony.”

Applejack nods understandingly. “We’re all a bit on edge right now, sugarcube.”

“Right.”

Rainbow Dash looks to her friend sheepishly. “So… how’re you doing, Rarity?”

“Not the best. We were just talking about the hopes we had regarding our futures with Arc.”

Fluttershy turns to the wet pegasus. “What about you, Rainbow Dash?”

Applejack chuckles. “Let me guess. You wanted a nighttime rendezvous with Arc too, right?”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Um… duh. I would’ve rocked his world too!”

Pinkie gasps. “What about Rarity?!”

“She was going first, sure.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly as she continues.

“But I was going second!”

Rarity sighs. “Yes, well… I don’t suppose any of that matters now.”

Fluttershy speaks up. “No. But maybe…”

Applejack frowns. “Fluttershy?”

“I was just thinking what we could do to honor our friend.”

Twilight smiles sadly. “Truthfully, I’ve been considering that very thing since last night.”

Pinkie looks hopeful. “Have you come up with anything?”

“How about a proper funeral?”

Fluttershy tilts her head to one side, confused. “But his body was…”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Well, it would be more of memorial service then. But that’s still a really good idea!”

Applejack nods. “Right. It shouldn’t be too showy though. Arc never did like folks making too big a fuss over him.”

Twilight looks to her friend. “Rarity, you were closer than we were. What do you think of the idea?”

“That it’s absolutely wonderful. But there’s somepony else who should be consulted before we move forward with this matter.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Oh?”

Pinkie frowns. “Who?”

Rarity hops off the bed and walks over to the window. Staring out at the rain, she sighs before responding.

“Derpy and Dinky.”

Chapter 2 - Sendoff

Arc awakens strapped to a bed. Looking around he sees what appears to be a rural hospital patient room. Lying back, he sighs nervously.

“I… guess earlier was just a dream.”

Frowning, he looks down at the straps.

“At least I hope is was. Wonder where I am.”

The door opens and a mare in a nurse’s uniform walks in. She freezes as her and Arc’s eyes meet. For a few moments neither utters a word. Arc opens his mouth to speak as the nurse screams and runs out of the room. He stares at the slightly ajar door and frowns.

“What… was that?”

Twenty minutes later what appears to be a doctor and a rather rough looking stallion enter the room together. Arc looks them over as they do the same to him.

“What the…?”

The doctor turns to the stallion. “Interesting. Looks like you were right about this thing, Shadow. It’s at least somewhat intelligent.”

Arc frowns. “Hey!”

Shadow turns to Arc. “Shut up, monkey!”

“Who you calling a…!”

The doctor sighs. “Why don’t we just let him tell us what he is?”

“Finally. I’m…”

Arc frowns as he ponders the question.

“Um… I… don’t seem to remember.”

Shadow sighs. “Could it have been from his injuries?”

“Judging from the patient’s condition when he arrived here three days ago, I…”

“Three days?!”

“Yes. Shadow here brought you in. But what he was doing in the woods at such an hour still mystifies me.”

Shadow chuckles. “Truth be told, somepony brought him to me.”

Arc frowns. “Who?”

“Didn’t I tell you to shut up already?!”

Shadow turns back to the doctor before continuing.

“It appeared to be one of the Crimsons.”

“WHAT?! You didn’t tell me that!”

Shadow shrugs as he grins. “Of course not. You wouldn’t have treated him if you’d known. Am I right?”

“VERY!”

“Well, I’ll just take my prize and go then.”

The doctor frowns. “You’ll need to pay his bill first.”

Shadow narrows his eyes. “Why do I have to…?”

“Because you’re claiming ownership! Your pet, your bill!”

“You know I don’t have that kind of bits right now!”

“Then I guess he stays!”

Shadow chuckles. “Great idea. You can house him, feed him, care for him, clean up after him and be responsible for whatever he does. Sounds expensive to me, doc.”

“Well, you’re still not getting him until the bill’s paid!”

“What are we going to do then?”

Arc sighs. “Don’t I get a say in this?”

Both looks to him and respond in tandem. “NO!”

Arc lays back as the pair leave the room to continue arguing. “Great. No memories, no idea what’s going on, no clue where I am.”

Sometime later the doctor returns. Arc looks to them.

“So why am I so sore? And what’s with my gut?”

“You were pretty badly injured when you were brought in. Lots of deep cuts on your back and side from what appeared to be glass.”

The doctor points a hoof at a surgical bowl and its contents on the table next to the bed.

“That’s what I pulled out of you. Any idea where it came from?”

Arc shakes his head. “None at all. My mind’s a blank right now. Will… will my memories come back?”

“I have no idea. After all, nopony’s ever seen… whatever it is you are.”

“Nopony?”

“Yes.”

“Where exactly am I?”

“Knothole Village in the Hayseed Forest.”

“Never heard of it.”

“I’m not surprised. We’ve been totally cut off from the three kingdoms for well over a thousand years.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Three kingdoms?”

The doctor nods. “Yes. Each tribe long ago formed their own kingdoms with the intention of defending against the other two. The Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns banded together and a bloody war ensued.”

“And who won?”

“Nopony.”

“No one?”

“Right.”

“But if you’ve been cut off from everyone, how do you know?”

The doctor shrugs. “They must’ve all died out. After all, there’s been no scent of war on the breeze for centuries.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

“Knothole Village was a final effort to preserve pony-kind by a legendary unicorn named Star Swirl the Bearded. He personally selected an equal number of each tribe to come live here and comingle.”

“But I thought the three tribes were at war.”

“Out here you have to work together, or perish alone. The forest isn’t exactly the safest place. Especially after dark.”

“Wild animals?”

The doctor shakes his head. “No. When the sun goes down, that’s when the Crimsons come out to feed.”

“What are they?”

“Ponies similar to us, but with a few anatomical differences. Their ears are pointed, they have leathery wings, red eyes, sharp fangs, and unkempt manes. Suffice to say, we’re at odds with them at all hours of the night.”

“So they come here to eat?”

“They attempt to, yes. We have those amongst us whom can keep them at bay, of course. But lately they’ve become much bolder.”

“Why?”

“Nopony knows. But we have an idea for a new countermeasure.”

“Oh?”

“As you heard earlier, Shadow can’t pay the hospital bill to take possession of you. So we’re going to be putting you near the town gates.”

Arc frowns. “Putting?”

“They’re building you a cage there as we speak. Don’t worry, as it’s big enough for you to have freedom to move around.”

“I don’t think I like the sound of this.”

“Like I said before. Everypony needs to work together to survive out here. You do your part for us and we’ll see to it your properly fed and cared for.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then you won’t get a share of rations. No food means you won’t heal properly.”

“How do you know I won’t just run off the first chance I get?”

“I suppose that’s a risk. However there aren’t any other towns for hundreds of miles. The Crimsons would be upon you before the first night ended.”

“Great. Guess I’m stuck here.”

“It’s not a bad place to live out one’s life. For the most part things are peaceful.”

“For the most part. You mean because of the Crimsons?”

“There’s other things out there that would eat you. But let’s just stick to the matter at hoof.”

The doctor looks out the window as a warm summer’s rain begins to fall.

“That’s strange. It doesn’t usually rain this time of year. But I’ll see to it you’re kept dry during transport. Now then, is there anything you need?”

“How about some clothes?”

As rain falls over the entirety of Equestria, a long procession walks a simple casket through Ponyville. Shining Armor himself leads it with Derpy and Dinky marching sadly behind him. The cart is pulled by Sereb as Ember walks by his side. What appears to be the entire village as well as quite a few out of town ponies follow them down the path. Passing the Little Hooves Orphanage, the foals and younglings bow their heads and cry softly as Coco Pommel and Gallus put a hoof and talon around Natalya’s slumped shoulders. As they join the procession on the last leg of its journey they make the quick walk to Light’s Hope. Proceeding behind the base where Luna, Cadance, Flash Sentry, Sandstorm Mirage, the squad, and the rest of Arc’s soldiers are waiting. They set the casket down on the ground next to a large hole. Luna walks over to stand next to it before speaking.

“Hero of Light Arc was a good and noble human. He fought hard and fast so others would know safety and hope.”

She glances over to the orphans.

“Risking everything on numerous occasion, he always saw to it the job was not only done… but done right. Many times without so much as a single life lost. Life… something Arc cherished deeply. Survived by many, many friends and his daughter, Dinky… this man, this HERO… will be missed.”

Turning, Luna nods to the squad. Max, Viktor, Hugh, and Xenos carefully pick up the casket and slowly lower it into the hole as Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage respectfully salute. Numerous Earth Pony guards follow, pushing the pile of dirt into the hole as seven pegasi guards hold their rifles skyward and each fire three shots. Dinky winces with each round as she stands there sadly with her mother. Luna turns to the orphans and Coco Pommel.

“Matron Pommel. Your orphanage was one of Arc’s greatest joys in life. His crowning achievement if you will. He spoke of it numerous times with me and Cadance, and ordered its construction with our blessing. Rest assured that even with Equestria’s protector gone, your little ones will always know safety and security within our borders.”

Turning to the grave, Luna stares at it for a long moment as Cadance speaks.

“Equestria’s finest son has been taken from us. But he gave us something I had thought lost with my aunt’s disappearance. Hope. Hope for a better future. Hope for a brighter tomorrow. And hope that there are those whom will take his place to defend the realm and its inhabitants whom call it home.”

Luna bows her head. “Farewell, Hero of Light Arc. Rest well. You have certainly earned it.”

A Royal Guard approaches Luna and Cadance. Silently handing them each a bouquet of flowers, they lay them in front of the headstone in the wet dirt. Stepping back, the princesses wordlessly salute and step back. One by one the other attendees approach and set flowers in front of the memorial. Some say a few words before moving on and returning to town. Eventually they are left alone at the grave as Twilight and her friends approach Derpy and Dinky. Luna motions for the Royal Guards to leave them as Derpy turns to all assembled.

“Thank you all for coming out in this deluge.”

Ember nods soberly. “It’s… no trouble.”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed.”

Twilight forces a sad smile. “We had to be here.”

Rose puts a hand on Derpy’s shoulder. “That we did.”

Auriel looks to the memorial. “It just feels right to observe these customs with all of you.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Arc would’ve done the same for us.”

Applejack looks up at the falling rain. “It’s still so hard to believe he’s gone though.”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. Arc became synonymous with this land. And with him gone, things just feel so… out of balance.”

Pinkie looks back toward town. “I keep thinking he’s going to walk through the doors of Sugarcube Corner like he did before.”

Rarity puts a hand to her heart. “Yes, I know what you mean, Pinkie. These past few nights I’ve awoken and reached over to feel for him. Only to remember he… isn’t there, and never will be again.”

Shining Armor turns to Rarity. “I’m very sorry for your loss, miss.”

He sighs.

“If I had just been better at my job…”

“Don’t blame yourself, Shining Armor. Trixie knows you did your best. Just as Arc always did.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah. I should have been with him as well.”

Sereb growls. “I feel the same. He should not have been left alone.”

Luna nods. “Indeed. However, we have much larger problems at the moment.”

Derpy appears confused. “But what could be bigger than this?”

Cadance purses her lips. “The circumstances surrounding Arc’s death.”

Auriel frowns. “What… are you saying, Princess Cadance?”

Twilight turns to her old friend. “I’m confused as well. The official statement said Princess Celestia was out of her mind from her ordeal and…”

Pinkie bares her teeth angrily. “Are you saying that wasn’t the case?!”

Sereb looks to Rose. “Perhaps in her state she mistook Arc for an enemy.”

“Right. She must’ve thought he was with those whom kidnapped her.”

Luna sighs. “That is indeed what was reported. However, I remain skeptical that the whole story has been told.”

Rainbow Dash flares her wings angrily. “Are you saying Princess Celestia is lying to us?!”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. After all, she didn’t remember anything from that time.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right. When we found her initially she was sprawled out on the floor, unconscious.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “But then how did she write the report?”

“Trixie and Shining Armor were not the first to reach Princess Celestia. However, there was a witness. They were the one whom submitted the report.”

Pinkie face lights up. “Great! Who?!”

Luna frowns. “Captain Decimus.”

Everyone gasps. Dinky looks to Cadance.

“But my dad told me he was the one who put you and Princess Luna in comas some time back! Why wasn’t he arrested on sight?!”

Cadance sighs. “He was, of course. But was able to convince Aunt Celestia that Arc himself was the true culprit behind that incident when she awoke a few minutes later.”

Derpy growls. “What?! But Arc would never have done such a thing!”

Rarity stomps a hoof angrily. “Agreed! You two don’t believe him, do you?!”

Luna shakes her head. “We don’t, of course. But all of you must remember that my sister has been gone for well over a year. Before her disappearance Captain Decimus was our most trusted advisor and friend.”

“His word alone was enough to convince her. Given her intense hatred of humankind, I am certain it wasn’t hard to do.”

Twilight turns to Shining Armor. “But you were there when he announced his plan to you and your soldiers, brother! You could go to her and…!”

Shining Armor sighs. “He’s denounced me to Princess Celestia as an upstart and usurper of his position.”

Luna nods. “Right. Celestia has already restored Decimus to his original position of power and authority in the castle.”

Cadance turns to Shining Armor. “You shouldn’t go back there. Who knows when the errant captain will try to take revenge on you and Trixie.”

“I agree, Cadance. But the same goes for you.”

“Right. Trixie understands that he’s in a position to take control of the nation if all three princesses were to succumb again.”

Twilight gasps. “And Arc wouldn’t be here to keep him from the throne!”

Rose nods soberly. “A disturbing, but very real possibility.”

Luna looks to everyone. “Correct. With Arc gone, Decimus is next in line to take control of the land. That is why I have come up with a contingency plan to prevent that from happening.”

Ember grins. “Great! I’ll join the mission to kill Captain Decimus!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “As will I!”

Auriel brandishes her claws. “I’m in too!”

Luna shakes her head. “That isn’t an option right now.”

Rarity grits her teeth. “It most certainly IS!”

Rainbow Dash nods angrily. “Yeah! He HAD to be the one who really killed Arc!”

Applejack nods. “Considering his past crimes, I wouldn’t put it past him.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

They turn to see Tempest approaching. Dinky runs forward, her horn aglow, as Shining Armor and Trixie move to protect the princesses.

“Get out of here, Tempest!”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear. “Or better yet… DON’T!”

Sereb roars. “Yes! Our battle shall be legendary!”

Tempest shakes her head. “I didn’t come here to fight.”

Derpy looks at the unicorn angrily. “Then why ARE you here?!”

Tempest looks toward the grave. “To pay my respects.”

Applejack scoffs. “HA! That’s a laugh!”

Rainbow Dash takes up a battle ready position. “Right! You only care about yourself and your own power!”

“Did it ever occur to all of you that I may have had good reason to be?”

Cadance frowns. “What are you talking about?”

“As Decimus and others had told Arc in the past, a great evil is coming to Equestria. I had intended to use my own strength to face it in battle.”

Dinky points a small hoof at Tempest. “Liar! You were just after my dad’s power!”

“I was, yes. But that was only to protect this realm.”

Twilight sighs. “You’re too late now. Arc’s gone.”

Pinkie gasps. “Maybe she’s here to take the power from his body!”

Rarity shakes her head. “Well, if that was her plan she’s out of luck. It was sadly never recovered.”

“I am aware of that.”

Twilight glares at her. “Then what do you have to gain from this?!”

“He… did me quite a favor when you and your friends were laid up in the hospital, Twilight Sprinkle.”

“That’s ‘Sparkle’.”

“Whatever.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What did he do?”

“I was affected as you were. Not only did Arc NOT take me up on my… advances, but he convinced me to take the antidote rather than leave me as I was. Had he not done so, he would have had an immortal sexual pincushion for the rest of his life.”

Ember rolls her eyes as she speaks sarcastically. “Oh, I’m sure that would have been a dream come true for him.”

Sereb growls. “Arc was not interested in loveless mating rituals! Of that I am certain!”

“Believe what you will, peasants.”

Luna steps forward. “Tempest. If it is true that you wanted Arc’s power to defend Equestria, why are you not actively seeking another now?”

“Because with Celestia’s return, this land will be safe. While I don’t know how she’ll do it, I’m certain she’ll think of a way. The Dark One tells me she always has in the past. Now then, I’d like to pay my respects.”

Luna turns and nods to the others. They step back to allow the mare access to the memorial. Walking over to it, Tempest reaches into her armor and pulls out a small scrap of Eidolon’s Ward. Looking at it for a few moments, she lays it on the headstone before stepping back from it and speaking.

“Decimus gave me this as a memento of you. However, I think it belongs here on your grave. We had our differences, of course. But I always respected your power, tenacity, and cunning. Don’t worry about Equestria. We’ll take care of it from here on out.”

Calling forth Light’s Bane, Tempest slices the air in front of her to open a portal. Turning to Dinky, she sighs.

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

Stepping through Tempest vanishes. Cadance turns to Luna.

“Do you suppose she was serious about some impending doom?”

“At the very least, she believes that herself. However she was correct that my sister will certainly know what to do if it comes. But in any case, we need to worry about the present.”

Ember bares her claws. “Right. You were talking about some kind of contingency plan before we were… interrupted.”

“I was. Cadance?”

“Yes, Luna?”

“You need to go.”

Cadance appears confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“With Captain Decimus back at his previous post, nopony is safe in Canterlot. I want you to return to the Crystal Empire.”

“And do what exactly?”

“Rule over it as you did before my sister left. Hopefully that is all, but… should something happen to me and Celestia, Equestria would then still have a princess to take the throne.”

Twilight gasps. “But if that happens, won’t Decimus simply take her out as soon as she returns to Canterlot?!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “The law doesn’t actually state where the ruler of Equestria needs to reside. If she had a desire to do so, Cadance could simply declare that she would lead the nation from the Crystal Empire instead of Canterlot.”

“Trixie believes this plan is sound, yes.”

Twilight grimaces. “But… but then I would never see you, Cadance!”

“Twilight, I have to do this.”

“Why?! Decimus can’t kill you, right?!”

Cadance sighs. “Listen to me. Sometimes a princess has to do what is best for the kingdom. Even over her own happiness. Please understand.”

“Can I come with you then?!”

Cadance shakes her head. “No, Twilight. Your place is in Ponyville with your friends. After all, the Element Bearers need to be ready to act if the land has need of them.”

Applejack nods. “That means we need to stay together, sugarcube.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! We’ll protect Equestria from here!”

Rainbow Dash bares her teeth. “Right! Decimus gets out of line and we’ll BLAST that traitor!”

Fluttershy shrinks back. “But he’s so high profile! Can we really do that?!”

Rarity nods with determination. “We’ll do what we have to.”

She turns back to the grave

“After all, Arc always did.”

Luna looks to Cadance. “So we are in agreement?”

Cadance nods and points a hoof toward the landing pad nearby. “We are. I’ll take The Equinox back to the Crystal Empire.”

Shining Armor approaches her. “Cadance, if Twilight has to stay here might I accompany you as your personal bodyguard?”

“I… I would like that very much. But I’m not sure it’s allowed.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Uh… aren’t you in charge over there?”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. You have the final say, I believe.”

Luna smiles at her friend. “They are right, Cadance. You may choose to do whatever you wish within the Crystal Empire’s borders. However, please remember to keep your reputation in mind before making any… rash decisions.”

“I will, Luna.”

Trixie looks to Cadance. “Uh… your highness?”

Luna and Cadance turn to address her. “Yes?”

“Might Trixie also be allowed to accompany Shining Armor? We’re close friends, and I’d like to stay by his side.”

“Well…”

“That’s a good idea. Decimus would probably go after her if she stays in Equestria. There was that incident at Arc’s base during the peace summit that I can’t imagine him just letting go of.”

Twilight frowns. “Oh? What happened?”

“Trixie attacked him… again.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my! It really isn’t safe for you here then!”

Cadance nods. “Very well. You may come with us.”

“Thank you very much, your highness.”

Luna clears her throat. “Now that everything’s settled, we should go.”

Ember looks to her. “Princess Luna. If I may… if Canterlot will be so dangerous, why are you going to stay?”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. It would be best if you accompanied the others to the Crystal Empire.”

“That is true. But somepony needs to watch over Celestia. And right now that somepony is me.”

Luna turns to Twilight and her friends.

“Be careful in the weeks to come. I can’t imagine Decimus not acting soon.”

“We’ll keep an eye open.”

Applejack nods. “And an ear to the ground.”

Pinkie flaps her ears. “Make that two ears and eyes!”

Fluttershy looks to the others. “We might want to have a contingency plan of our own.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “What for?! Let Decimus come! I DARE HIM!”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, Rainbow Dash. If nothing else, we need to stay safe.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Right. You might be needed later.”

Trixie gestures to the ships. “Captain, forgive me, but the longer the princesses remain out in the open the greater the risk to their well-being.”

“Agreed. Please follow us, your highnesses.”

Luna nods as Cadance walks over to Twilight for a hug.

“I’m sorry this happened, everypony. It’s obvious Arc meant a lot to all of you.”

Twilight sniffles. “Stay safe, Cadance. I don’t want to lose you too.”

Cadance smiles. “You won’t. Take care, everypony.”

She nuzzles the top of Twilight’s head for a moment before turning and walking toward The Equinox. Rarity looks to Ember and Sereb.

“What about you two?”

Ember sighs. “I’ll head back to the Dragon Lands. Use what Arc taught me to become worthy of my father’s position when he passes away.”

“And I’m heading back to my village. With Arc’s death our Life Pact has reached its conclusion.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “So that’s IT?!”

Sereb nods. “For the Life Pact we shared, yes. This is how my tribe has done things for time immemorial. However, I will never forget the time Arc and I spent together. He was more than my master, after all. He was… a good friend.”

Ember looks to the memorial. “Agreed. But I’ll be here if you need me.”

“As will I.”

Twilight smiles. “Thank you. Take care.”

Ember nods as she hops up in Sereb’s saddle. Looking back to the grave she sighs.

“Goodbye, Arc. I’ll miss you more than I thought possible.”

Sereb rears his head back and howls mournfully twice before turning and leaving the clearing. Twilight looks at Derpy and Dinky still sitting in front of the headstone.

“We should go too.”

Auriel looks to Rose. “Agreed. But what about you?”

“I… believe I’d like to come live with the two of you, father. We could be a real family.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Father?”

Auriel sighs. “We’ll explain Rose’s theory to you later, Twilight. Right now we need to be getting home.”

Rose takes Twilight’s hoof and Ariel’s claw in her hands as they turn and walk back toward town. Turning back for one last look she whispers.

“Rest well, Arc. You’ve earned it.”

Fluttershy points at the pair standing in front of the grave. “But what about them?”

Applejack bows her head. “They need some alone time right now.”

Twilight and her friends turn and head back toward Ponyville as Derpy and Dinky stare at the headstone silently. Eventually Derpy puts a hoof on her daughter’s shoulder.

“Your father loved you very much, sweetie.”

Dinky nods sadly as her mother continues.

“I’m so very proud of him for always doing the right thing. Even at the end, he didn’t compromise his morals or beliefs.”

“But… but it wasn’t supposed to end this way!”

“I know, Dinky. Arc should’ve been allowed to live a full and happy life here with us. But… things don’t always go the way you want them to.”

“That’s just not fair though!”

Derpy sighs. “I wish Arc was here right now. He was always so good at explaining things to us.”

“No, no! Kronos told me his life would be hard, but he would survive!”

“I thought you said Kronos didn’t actually know the future though, sweetie.”

Dinky nods sadly. “Right. But that doesn’t make this feel any better.”

As the sun begins to set, Arc’s squad walks over to Derpy and Dinky. Max is the first to speak.

“Miss Derpy, we’re here to escort you home.”

“Wha-what?”

Xenos sighs. “You’ve been out here all day now.”

Hugh nods. “Lieutenant Flash Sentry ordered us to see to it you got back home safely.”

Viktor looks to the memorial. “Right. It’s been quite a hard time. For all of us.”

Max kneels down and looks Dinky in the eye.

“Miss… I’d like your permission to carry home the filly… of the bravest warrior I’ve ever known.”

Dinky weakly nods and climbs up onto his back. Hugh and Viktor lift Derpy up onto Xeno’s back. Together they walk away from the grave and down the path together.

Chapter 3 - Coming to Terms

Late that night Derpy wakes up and gasps.

“Arc!”

Sitting up, she feels around the mattress. Finding no one she sighs.

“It… was just a dream.”

Dinky opens her eyes from the other bed and looks over.

“Mom? Are you okay?”

Derpy sighs. “Yes, sweetheart. Just a bit of a dream.”

“What about?”

“Your father. I imagined he was holding me and you close.”

“Me too, actually.”

“I’m sorry for waking you up and spoiling it for you, sweetie.”

“It’s okay, mom. We both miss dad. You really liked him, didn’t you?”

Derpy nods. “More than words can say, Dinky.”

“You wanted him to marry you?”

“Yes.”

“How did you know he was the one?”

Derpy smiles and sighs wistfully. “I’m not a smart mare, Dinky. But I know what love is.”

She sits up and hops out of the bed.

“Go back to sleep, Dinky. I… need a drink of water.”

Dinky lays her head back down. “Okay, mom.”

Derpy leaves the bedroom, closing the door behind her. She is surprised to see Arc’s squad lying on the floor in front of the fireplace. Walking over to them she nudges Max.

“H-hello?”

Max and the others sit up slowly.

“Yes, Miss Derpy? Did you need something?”

“Not… really. Um… what are you doing here?”

Viktor looks to her sleepily. “Lieutenant Flash Sentry ordered us stay with you and Miss Dinky if we were needed. Forgive us, but we asked earlier and received your permission. However, you were quite… emotional at the time.”

Derpy bows her head. “I remember Xenos carrying me. But not much else.”

“Yeah. We took you and Miss Dinky home, toweled you two off as best we could, and put you to bed.”

Hugh purses his lips. “You two were really out of it.”

Derpy nods sadly as she looks out the window at the falling rain. “Standing in front of a loved one’s grave all day will do that.”

Max looks concerned. “Miss Derpy. If there’s ANYTHING we can do to help…”

Derpy shakes her head as she lays her chin on the windowsill. “Right now all I want is to mourn for Arc. Nothing more… nothing less.”

As the earliest rays of dawn peek through the clouds, Derpy opens her eyes. Sitting up she looks around to find herself back in the bed.

“I must’ve dozed off.”

Dinky yawns and opens her eyes.

“Hi, mom. Sleep well?”

“Not the best.”

“Me either.”

“Bad dreams?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Really good dreams actually. I was remembering all the good times dad and I had together.”

She sighs and looks out the window at the rain.

“I still feel like he’s just going to walk in the front door.”

“Me too, sweetie. But…”

Dinky sniffs the air.

“Is that…?”

She bounds out of bed and through the bedroom door. Racing into the kitchen she beams excitedly.

“DAD?!”

Max and the rest of the squad look up from their meal preparations. Xenos is the first to speak.

“Good morning, Miss Dinky.”

Max looks over from the stove. “The pancakes will be ready in a few minutes.”

Derpy walks into the room and heads for the already set table. She sighs and lays her head down. Hugh walks over to her.

“Maybe you should rest today, Miss Derpy.”

Viktor nods. “Right. This has to be very hard on you and Miss Dinky.”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, I need to go to work. If I stay home I’ll just get more depressed.”

“Me too, mom.”

Meanwhile, Arc raises his head as the skies begin to brighten. Grabbing the simple blanket covering his nakedness, Arc slowly gets to his feet and looks around to take in his new surroundings. A large pile of hay sits in the center of the cage with a large trough of water situated just through the bars. Walking over to it Arc finds his head is just small enough to fit through the bars. Taking in several large gulps, he sighs contentedly.

“That hits the spot.”

Pulling his hands inside the blanket to warm them, Arc frowns.

“Looks like that doctor even took back the hospital garb. Cheapskate.”

Listening, Arc hears only the leaves in the trees overhead rustling slightly as the rain pelts them. Putting a hand to his stomach he grunts.

“I do hope they remember to feed their prisoners… or pets.”

He walks over to the hay and lies down. Burrowing into it, he frowns.

“It’s a bit warmer in here. But being poked by straw isn’t exactly fun with all the holes I have in me.”

The sound of hoofsteps approaching causes Arc to look up. He spots a small foal walking toward him. They are covered in a black cloak which obscures their entire body. Stopping in front of the cage, the foal removes a small bowl from the confines of the robe and pour some oats into it before carefully shoving it into the cage. Arc slowly approaches the bowl and looks at it cautiously.

“E-eat up.”

“I’m not sure I can…”

The filly jumps back and falls over.

“So you CAN talk?!”

“Yeah. Same as you, I suppose.”

The filly sighs. “I just figured my dad was making that up. He likes to tell me things that aren’t true sometimes in hopes I’ll catch him. Says it makes me more perceptive, or something.”

Arc walks over to the trough and dips the bowl into it, allowing a small stream of water to fill it part way. The filly looks confused.

“What are you doing?”

“Seeing if I can soften these up a bit. They’re a bit dry for me as it is.”

“That’s kinda interesting. Where’d you learn to do that?”

Arc shrugs. “Just an idea that came to me.”

“Do you have a name?”

“Probably. But I can’t remember it.”

“Oh. Um… well… mine’s… Snowflake.”

“It’s very pretty.”

Snowflake grunts. Well, I don’t really like it too much. My dad came up with it when I was younger. Said it was because I was such a weakling.”

“You’re quite a bit… smaller than the other horses I’ve seen around here.”

“That’s because I’m a filly. But in any case, my dad just sent me here to feed you. He’s the one who brought you to the hospital.”

“Shadow?”

“Yeah. He’s… kinda abrasive sometimes.”

“I did pick up on that.”

“Yeah well, I’ll be the one bringing you food and water from now on. My dad says I need to learn to be more responsible.”

“So you’ll be taking care of me then?”

“Your kinda like my pet, or something. Anything you need I’ll try and get for you. The fact you can talk should make that a bit easier though.”

“Any chance you could get me some clothes?”

Snowflake sounds confused. “What are clothes?”

“They’re… um… things you put over your body to keep warm.”

“Like a cloak?”

“Something like that, I guess.”

“We don’t have anything like that here. Other than armor and my small cloaks, that is. But let me ask my mom. She might know what to do.”

“If you can get me another couple blankets along with some needles and thread I can probably make something myself.”

“Okay. See you at lunchtime.”

Meanwhile, Ember and Sereb appear on the ancient sigil in the Dragon Lands. Ember turns and looks out over the horizon.

“This is just wrong.”

Sereb sighs. “I know how you feel, my friend.”

Ember shakes her head. “No, you don’t.”

“Explain it to me then.”

“For quite some time I’ve dreamed of making eggs with Arc. Or bearing his child as a human woman. Either way worked for me. But… but now that won’t happen.”

“I’m sure he wanted to live out his life peacefully among his family and friends. But as you know, things don’t always go according to plan.”

Ember clenches a fist. “According to plan?! I’ve got a plan!”

“What is it?”

“Gather the other dragons, fly to Canterlot, kill Decimus, and take Celestia captive!”

“Celestia?”

Ember nods. “She killed Arc! Or at the very least did nothing to stop Decimus from doing the deed! I want her to face justice for her crimes!”

“Who would judge her?”

“My father, of course!”

“And what would he be judging her for?”

“Oh, I don’t know. How about for complicity in MURDERING AN HONORARY DRAGON?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “You evidence is hearsay and rumor. Do you really think your father would declare her guilty on your say so alone?”

“Yes! He’ll believe me!”

“A conviction on the word of an individual is hardly justice, Ember. That and if you were to take her, Equestria would certainly retaliate.”

“They would lose.”

“As would we.”

“What are you…?”

“Doing so would undermine everything Arc worked so hard to accomplish. The tentative peace currently enjoyed amongst the nations would almost certainly evaporate.”

“Why?! This is between us and Equestria!”

“And you believe the Griffon Kingdom and Abyssinia would just sit back and do nothing?”

Ember clenches a fist angrily. “They would if they know what’s good for them!”

“They might view such an act as the Dragon Lands attempting to expand its borders. It would be logical for them to band together and stop us before things got out of paw.”

“Then what do you suggest I DO?!”

“Return to your father’s side and use what Arc has taught you to become the best Dragon Lord you can.”

“But what about…?!”

Sereb interrupts her. “This is what Arc would have wanted, is it not?”

Ember is silent for a time, seething. “Fine. But if Decimus makes one wrong move…!”

“Think long and hard before you act.”

“No promises.”

Snowflake returns to the cage around noon pulling a small cart. The surrounding townsponies watch her suspiciously as they eye Arc with a mixture of horror and disgust. Stopping, she reaches into the cart and pulls out another bowl of oats which she slides carefully through the bars.

“Lunch. And I brought you a few other things.”

Arc slowly sits up from his place on the straw and hobbles over as Snowflake turns with a couple blankets and a basket of sewing supplies.

“Will this work?”

“I think so, thanks.”

“Well, I’m looking forward to seeing what clothes are.”

“They won’t be very fancy. Just enough to protect my modesty.”

“There’s one other thing.”

Returning to the cart, Snowflake pulls out a jar and slides it inside the cage.

“My mom makes this really powerful healing salve for the village. Dad wanted me to give you some.”

“Oh. That was nice of him.”

Snowflake frowns. “Not really. He says you need to hurry up and get better so he can put you to work.”

“Really?”

“Yup.”

“Not sure how he’s expecting me to do that when I’m locked in here.”

“Well, the plan is for you to serve as a lookout at night. Hear or see anything, start yelling. The stallions in town will investigate.”

“And that pays?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “Nah. They still view you as an animal. That and money’s really tight around here. After you’re better, and my dad’s saved up enough to pay for your hospital bill, he’s planning to take ownership of you.”

“What for?”

“To make you a beast of burden for our trips.”

“Trips?”

“Dad and I go into the wood and forage for supplies. Wild berries, fruits, vegetables, healing herbs for mom’s salve, small animals for their pelts… anything that would be of value to the village we sell at our store.”

“Not sure if I like this plan or not.”

“My dad’s kinda rough, but he won’t kill you or anything. You’re much too valuable.”

“I am?”

“Yes. Right now the village needs all the help it can get.”

“Why’s that?”

“We have to prepare for winter. There isn’t much food when the ground freezes over, after all. But in any case, you won’t do us any good in your condition. So eat up and use some of that salve. I’ll see you again at suppertime.”

Arc reaches into the bowl and pulls out a handful of oats. Rubbing them between his fingers he finds they have softened considerably. Eating hungrily, he sighs contentedly.

“That really hit the spot. Now then… let’s see about making something to wear.”

Picking up the scissors Arc looks at them for a long moment. A sudden pain fills his head as he drops them to the floor.

“Ack! What the…?!”

Fragments of memories of Rarity at her workbench fills Arc’s mind for a moment before fading away. Arc sits there looking down at the scissors for a long time before shaking his head and catching his breath.

“That was… a white unicorn… sewing? Can’t be right. Can it?”

Frowning, Arc lays a blanket on the floor and sits down on it. Moving it to make a rough pattern around his legs he begins to cut. A few hours later a rough pair of pants cover Arc’s backside. Standing up carefully, the pants shift considerably and threaten to fall off. Grabbing them, Arc picks up a long but thin scrap of cloth left over. Putting it around his waist he ties it into a makeshift sash. Making a few small hops to check his work Arc grins weakly.

“Well… that kinda works. At least I’m not naked anymore.”

Yawning, he looks to the hay.

“But that really took it out of me.”

The sound of hooves approaching can be heard as Snowflake walks over with her little cart.

“Look like you did half of it.”

“Kinda. Is it time to eat already?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “Nah. I was just passing by on my way back to our house for supplies and thought I’d check on you.”

“Still here.”

“Yes, well… you might want to get some rest now.”

“I was just about to do that. All that work really tired me out.”

“Remember not to push yourself too hard. You’re the night watch, after all. So no falling asleep.”

“Oh… okay. So I’m supposed to be watching for what again?”

“We call them ‘Crimsons’.”

“Right. The doctor did mention that. So all I have to do is call out if I see something?”

“That will let everypony get more sleep. Normally we have several ponies on guard duty. But that’s kinda expensive. This way we have one guard safely locked in here that all we have to do is feed.”

Arc frowns. “I’m feeling kinda used right now.”

“Yes, well… we are taking care of you.”

“Guess I can’t really complain too loudly then.”

“You could. But I don’t think it would do much good. Well, I need to get moving. Dad’s probably already wondering what’s taking so long.”

She turns and trots away. Arc grabs his original blanket and crawls into the hay pile. Sighing, he closes his eyes and falls asleep. As the sun sets Snowflake returns with her cart carrying Arc’s supper. Seeing that the hay pile is moving slightly with Arc’s breathing she calls out.

“Supper.”

Arc does not stir. Frowning, Snowflake picks up a few pebbles and lobs them toward the hey. Opening his eyes Arc sits up suddenly, screaming. Snowflake gasps as she falls backwards.

“I-I’m sorry! A pebble must’ve hit one of your more serious wounds!”

Arc sits there breathing heavily for some time before looking over to Snowflake.

“I… I just… had a bad dream.”

“What did you see?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “It’s… hard to remember. There was a lot of fighting, screaming, and… blood.”

“You were fighting others?”

“Yeah.”

“Ponies or… animals?”

“Both. I had a spear of some kind. There was an armored stallion with his own weapon. We were fighting in some kind of stone fortress and I wounded him. He looked like he was giving up, but I… I just…”

Arc puts his face in his hands.

“…I stabbed him and threw him up into the air. Next thing I knew fire was everywhere, incinerating him.”

Snowflake takes a step back. “So you’re a killer?!”

“I don’t know! Maybe!”

“That might have just been a dream, you know. But I guess there’s no way to know. Anything else?”

“Kinda.”

Arc pulls the sewing kit over to himself and pulls out the scissors.

“Tell me, is there anything special about these?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “Nah. They’re just mom’s spare pair. Why do you ask?”

“When I picked them up I… I thought I saw a white unicorn sewing clothes. Is there anyone like that in town?”

“Just my mom, but her coat is yellow. There’s no way you and her have ever met though.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. She’s very shy, after all.”

Arc sighs. “Maybe it was just a dream then.”

“Probably, yeah. I mean, I have weird dreams all the time. Mom just says they’re my subconscious making things up because it’s bored, or something. But in any case…”

Snowflake reaches into her wagon and pulls out a bowl of oats. She slides it through the bars as Arc hobbles over.

“Thanks.”

“Just doing my job. Now, I have to get home and do my chores. You okay over here?”

“I guess.”

“Okay. See you later.”

Snowflake hurries away with the little cart as Arc again fills the bowl with water from his trough. Setting it down, he looks at the sky as the sun begins to set.

“Pretty.”

Sighing, he leans back to lie in the hay.

“So many questions. Where am I? Who am I? How did I get here?”

Arc groans and closes his eyes.

“Is this real, or am I just dreaming?”

Clenching a fist his arm muscles tighten, pulling at the stitches. Arc quickly relaxes as a sharp pain reverberates up his arm.

“Okay, not a dream. But that doesn’t answer any of my other questions.”

The sun slowly goes down, plunging the forest into relative darkness. Several ponies light torches around the village as the rest of the citizens head indoors for the night. Arc sighs as he looks around.

“Great. I’m supposed to watch for something I’ve never seen before.”

Before long the entire village is dark, save for the torches burning brightly. Arc sits in the center of his pile of hay and looks around.

“It’s going to be a long night.”

A voice rings out behind him.

“Hey.”

Arc turns around to see a small hooded figure standing before him looking down.

“Snowflake? Is that you?”

“Y-yes.”

“Is something wrong?”

“I just… wanted to make sure you were okay on your first night of guard duty. That’s all.”

“Oh. Uh… thanks. You sure you’re okay?”

“Fine. Why?”

“Well, you’re staring at the ground for starters.”

“I’m just a little nervous being out after dark like this. My parents are pretty strict about me being inside before nightfall.”

“Well, if the Crimsons are as bad as I’ve been led to believe, they’re fear is probably justified. Maybe you should go home where it’s safe.”

“I’ll be okay.”

“But won’t they worry about you?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “Nah. They’re both… in bed already. Everypony in town is I would imagine. Well, other than a few guards patrolling the streets, that is.”

“Well… I can’t really stop you from hanging out. But what if some of those Crimsons show up?”

“Running would be best for me, I suppose. Or I could always hide in your cage.”

“It looks locked to me.”

“I’m sure it is. But I can fit through the bars. Watch.”

Stepping forward, Snowflake wiggles her way into the cage before quickly turning around and squirming out again.

“See? I’ll be fine.”

“I guess you will be.”

Snowflake lies down in the dirt and rests her head on her fetlocks before calling out again.

“So did you remember your name yet?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope.”

“We’ll have to think of one for you. After all, I’m sure you don’t want to just go by ‘beast’ all the time.”

“If you come up with something, let me know.”

Snowflake nods nervously. “Okay.”

Chapter 4 - Unexpected Situations

A week later Luna walks into the Audience Chamber and looks to the guards.

“Everypony leave.”

The Royal Guards look to Celestia. She nods and descends the steps from the throne as they leave the chamber.

“Is something wrong, Luna?”

Luna glares at her. “Yes, something is wrong! You have yet to address the public regarding the Hero of Light’s death!”

Celestia frowns. “He was nothing more than a usurping traitor!”

“Oh really?! And how would you know that?!”

“Because he attempted to take down Captain Decimus right in front of me! And that was after he admitted to taking the throne!”

“Decimus is a liar and a traitor! He tried to kill both myself AND Cadance not that long ago!”

Celestia steps around her sister as she speaks. “Luna, you’re tired. Please take the remainder of the day to rest. I’ll see to it your duties are covered by myself and the support staff.”

Luna sighs as Celestia leaves the Audience Chamber.

“Sister… you’ve always been the perceptive one. How can you not see that which is right in front of you?”

Meanwhile, Celestia walks down a corridor flanked by two Royal Guards. A voice rings out behind her.

“Princess?”

Celestia turns to see Decimus walking towards her. Smiling, she motions for the guards to leave them.

“Hello, old friend.”

“How are you feeling today, your highness?”

“Stronger by the day. But it seems much has happened since I was here last.”

“Yes, your highness. As you have no doubt found by now, the human was able to worm his way very deeply into Equestrian society.”

Celestia looks over her shoulder at the Audience Chamber doors. “Very deeply indeed.”

“Is something troubling you, princess?”

Celestia sighs. “It’s Luna. I believe the human’s hold on her mind still lingers.”

“Should we make arrangements to… purge her mind of the usurper, princess?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Not at this time, no. Due to the severity of that process, it is a resolution to be used only after ALL others have been exhausted.”

“Very well, your highness. I shall order my guards to see to it she does not do anything drastic though.”

“That is acceptable, yes. Carry on with your plan, captain.”

“Tell me, Princess Celestia. Were you able to learn all you wanted to?”

Celestia appears confused. “Learned?”

“I’m told you’ve asked for quite a few records of the past year or so.”

“Yes, I wanted to know just how far the former Hero of Light had gone.”

“And?”

Celestia shudders. “Much too far! The fact that he wasn’t ousted after two coups gives weight to my earlier assumption that he was a master manipulator.”

Decimus nods. “ Yes, your highness. But with time our land will heal itself of his corruption.

“That it will.”

“In any case, I was just coming to see you regarding a Lady Ashe of the Griffon Kingdom. She was only recently found in the castle dungeons.”

Celestia gasps. “What?! How did she…?!”

“When I learned she was there I immediately made provisions for her release. She’s resting comfortably now in our most luxurious suite.”

“Good. But how did she end up there?”

“The records indicate the human ordered her taken into custody after her airship entered Equestrian airspace due to mechanical issues.”

“Monstrous! Was she harmed?!”

“Not that I could see, princess. But I’m sure she’d respond well to a visit from you personally.”

“I’ll see to it immediately. Please take me to her at once.”

“Right this way.”

Decimus escorts Celestia down the corridor. Soon they come to a large set of double doors flanked by several Royal Guards. They straighten up as the pair approach.

“She’s right in here, your highness. Shall I announce you?”

“Thank you. Go ahead.”

Knocking, Decimus enters the room. He returns a few moments later and holds the door open.

“Princess Celestia, meet Lord Gestal’s daughter, Lady Ashe.”

“Hello, Lady Ashe. I must apologize for the abominable treatment you’ve suffered at the hands of my predecessor. Rest assured it will never happen again.”

Ashe smiles and bows respectfully. “Thank you, Princess Celestia. But might we speak privately?”

“Yes, of course.”

She nods to Decimus. He turns and leaves the room. As soon as he is out of earshot however he chuckles and mutters to himself.

“This is almost too easy.”

Meanwhile, Celestia motions to a pair of very posh couches.

“Might we sit down?”

“Of course, your highness.”

They sit across from each other as Ashe begins to speak.

“Thank you for coming, Princess Celestia. I know you’re a very busy mare.”

“I’m never too busy to entertain a foreign diplomat whom has been shamefully treated since entering out lands.”

“All is forgiven, your highness. What transpired was nothing short of a grand mistake by the Hero of Light.”

“Thank you for understanding. But might I ask you something?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I have been notified that our two nations have signed a peace treaty.”

Ashe nods. “That is true. It was ratified by King Guto and dutifully signed by Equestria’s Princess Luna.”

“Might I inquire whom was responsible for writing it?”

“The Council of Lords along with Princess Luna and Princess Cadance corresponded for quite some time to iron out the details.”

“Good. And is the Griffon Kingdom satisfied with it?”

“Very much so. If I may say so, they were all very impressed with the Hero of Light’s actions back then.”

Celestia looks confused. “What… did he do?”

“A rebel faction had taken the Council of Lords and numerous nobles hostage. He killed the rebels decisively and freed them.”

“I see. Was that before or after the treaty was signed?”

“Before.”

Celestia winces slightly as Ashe continues.

“But the council took their deaths as necessary to safeguard their safety.”

“I’m very glad they saw it that way. We don’t want any bad blood between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Indeed. However, there was another reason for my visit, your highness.”

“Oh?”

“As per our nation’s treaty, the Griffon Kingdom is allowed one full-time ambassador.”

“I see. Will Lord Goldstone be taking the position himself?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, your highness. He cannot be away from the Griffon Kingdom for extended periods of time. In fact, I asked to speak to you as I’d like to volunteer for the job.”

“I see. Tell me, what qualifications do you bring to serve as ambassador?”

“To be honest, none, your highness.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “None?”

“Yes, Princess Celestia. You see, I’ve spent my entire life in Griffonstone observing the turmoil there. The suffering of our citizens was plain for all to see. However, when you nation’s Hero of Light came, he told us of the great land of Equestria across the sea. How everyone had the right to petition their leaders. How the citizens were allowed to think and speak as they saw fit. And how food and a comfortable living was available to more than just the aristocracy.”

She gazes out the window before continuing.

“I wished to see that for myself. And I did! Lord Arc and Princess Cadance took me through the city of Canterlot in addition to showing me your nation’s fine orphanage just outside a small town called Ponyville.”

“Ponyville?”

“Yes, your highness. It’s a wondrous facility where your orphans, as well as ours, are housed, fed, taught, and cared for.”

“I see you care very much for the next generation.”

“I do, princess. However, that is not the reason I’m asking for this position.”

“Oh?”

“My true desire is to learn all I can from your society and take that knowledge back to the Griffon Kingdom. Perhaps one day the griffons will know the same freedoms as your subjects do.”

“I too wish for that, Lady Ashe. Please do your best in your new position as ambassador.”

“Thank you very much! I promise I’ll do all that I can!”

Celestia smiles. “Yes, I trust that you will.”

Later that evening, Arc sits in his cage as usual. Snowflake approaches with his supper.

“I was able to get you some apples from a tree in the forest today.”

“Thank you.”

“So how are your wounds doing?”

“Healing slowly. But at least now I have enough energy to actually move around.”

“That’s good. My dad said he has almost enough to pay your bill.”

“Um, thanks… I think.”

Snowflake sighs. “Admittedly it’s not going to be much of an improvement. You’ll just be trading this cage for our barn.”

“Yeah, well… it’s not like there’s anywhere else for me to go, right?”

“Not really. We’ve survived here for centuries by sticking together and watching each other’s backs. Everyone has to do their part to keep the village safe from the Crimsons.”

“Which I have still yet to see.”

“I mentioned that to my mom. She thinks they’re scared of you.”

“Not sure how. I’m not really very intimidating. At least I don’t think so.”

“I think you’re pretty scary. As do most of the other villagers. But that’s probably because you’re so much taller than we are.”

“I see.”

“Sorry. Just being honest. Oh! My dad wanted me to check your wounds when I dropped off the food. Especially the big one.”

“Sure.”

Pulling off his makeshift shirt, he turns to Snowflake. She takes a step back as he does so.

“Sorry. Am I scaring you?”

“A little, yes.”

“What if I do this?”

Arc sits down on the ground. Snowflake steps toward the bars again.

“That makes you look a little smaller. Okay… I’m coming in.”

She squeezes through the bars and cautiously makes her way over to Arc. Reaching him she looks over his back and arms.

“I don’t see anything too bad back here. Well, other than one spot near the center.”

“That’s the place I can’t reach to put salve on.”

“Want me to do it for you?”

“Sure. If you don’t mind.”

“Would you lie down please?”

Arc does so as Snowflake reaches for the jar of salve. Opening it, she dips a hoof inside and presses it to Arc’s back. He winces in pain.

“S-sorry!”

“It’s okay. But it’s mostly because your hooves are shaking so much.”

“They… they are?”

Looking down, Snowflake notices her entire body is trembling. She hurriedly finishes and steps back.

“All done.”

Arc sits up and groans.

“That stuff burns like fire.”

“I know. But it really works.”

“What’s in it?”

“A blend of herbs that are magically infused before and during the production process. Sorry, but I don’t know any more than that. My mom says she’ll teach me how to make it when I get a bit older. But how’s that big wound feel?”

Arc points to a rather ugly red and purple spot on his belly. “Coming along. It hurts more than the other wounds though.”

“I would imagine it would. My dad said the doctor had to do surgery on that one.”

“Wonder what happened to me.”

“He said it had the appearance of a spear wound. Maybe you were in some kind of skirmish nearby?”

“No clue. But I can’t help wonder something.”

“What’s that?”

“Was I really a victim?”

“Huh?

“Think about it. You said yourself this wound appears to be from a spear. Was I defending myself, or was whomever I was fighting defending themselves?”

“I… I don’t know. But you don’t seem like a bad animal to me.”

“Thanks.”

“Well, I need to get home now and do my chores. But I’ll come back and stand watch with you if I can sneak out.”

“Okay. Just be careful.”

Snowflake nods and walks away with her cart. True to her word she returns shortly after sunset. Lying down on the ground just outside the bars she looks around before turning her attention back to Arc.

“It took my parents a bit longer to… uh… go to sleep tonight.”

“Thanks for coming back. It’s really boring doing this job without you.”

“Well, um… I just… you know…”

She paws at the ground for a few moments. Arc does his best to change the subject.

“So… what kind of things do you do when you’re not here with me?”

“Help my mom out with the store mostly. Sometimes my dad takes me foraging with him.”

“Sounds like a good time.”

“It’s really not. He’s always so critical of me. Every little mistake is a lecture waiting to happen.”

“He has really high expectations?”

Snowflake sighs. “More like impossibly high. I just feel like no matter what I do it’s not good enough for him.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Why? It’s not your fault.”

“No it isn’t. But honestly I’m a bit envious of you.”

“You are?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“For starters, you don’t have to stay locked in a cage all the time.”

“That will be ending soon though.”

“And you have a family that takes care of you.”

“Kinda, I guess.”

Arc puts a hand on the bars. “I’m all alone in this place. No family, no friends, and no memories of whether or not I ever had those things.”

“You had to come from somewhere though.”

“I guess so. But where that is I couldn’t say.”

“As long as we’re being honest, I’m kinda jealous of you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Of a hurt beast whom can’t even remember where he came from?”

Snowflake nods. “Yeah. But you’re bigger and stronger looking than anypony else here. That and you have everything you need brought to you as you sit safely in your cage. Nopony yells at your, or tries to tell you what to do, or…”

“Or looks my way without shuddering.”

“I’ve noticed that, yes. But ponies do the same to me.”

“Oh?”

“It’s the cloak.”

“Probably. Why do you wear that thing anyways?”

“I… have a really embarrassing… it’s… look, I was born prematurely and have serious birth defects. They’re really nasty to look at and the townsponies used to turn away whenever I was around and whisper about me.

“So you cover everything up, huh?”

“My mom made this for me. It’s really helped me a lot.”

“How so?”

“Well, now everypony just whispers about me. They don’t turn away like they used to though.”

“Not sure if that’s an improvement or not. But if you’re happy…”

Snowflake suddenly raises her head and looks all around.

“Did you hear that?!”

“No. Um… what was it?”

“I think… it might have been the Crimsons! Stay sharp!”

They sit there silently for several minutes. Arc looks all around as Snowflake listens intently. Hearing a rustling in the leaves Arc look up to see something flying through the air silently straight for Snowflake. Moving like lightning he reaches through the bars and punches the creature right between the eyes. It falls to the ground some distance away and does not rise. Snowflake rushes through the bars and hides behind Arc before peeking around him.

“What is that thing?!”

Snowflake gasps. “A Crimson!”

“What do I do?”

“Start yelling!”

“Good idea.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc proceeds to bellow at the top of his lungs as Snowflake turns to hide in the hay pile.

“CRIMSON! CRIMSON!!!”

Half the town hurries outside with torches and sticks. Rushing toward the cage they spot the unconscious creature on the ground. Shadow rushes past everyone and cautiously approaches his prey with a rope. Quickly hogtieing the beast he motions for several stallions to step forward.

“Chain this thing up in my shop’s basement until we can figure out what to do with it.”

The stallions nod and drag the semi-conscious beast away. Shadow steps toward the cage, grinning.

“I knew you’d be of use to us. This is the first time we’ve ever been able to capture one of those things! How’d you do it?!”

“I just… hit it in the face.”

Shadow looks surprised. “That’s it?”

“Hard.”

“Well, in any case, they’ll be a little something extra in your breakfast bowl come morning. I might even…”

The sound of hoofsteps running toward then can be heard. A very pale yellow unicorn mare hurries toward Shadow, screaming.

“Shadow! Snowflake’s missing!”

“Are you sure?!”

“Yes! She wasn’t in her bed!”

“Did you check the barn, Sunrise?!”

“I did! She’s really gone!”

“Don’t worry, dear. I’ll find her.”

Sighing, Snowflake hops out of the haystack.

“I’m right here, mom.”

Stepping through the bars, she lowers her head and approaches her parents. Shadow appears angry.

“What are you DOING out here?!”

“I was just… getting some air, dad.”

“You know you’re not allowed outside after dark!”

Sunrise shudders. “Yes, dear. A Crimson could have grabbed you up and dragged you away.”

Snowflake points at Arc. “I know, mom. But he saved me!”

Arc nods. “That thing was going right for her when I hit it.”

Shadow points a hoof angrily. “Get home right now! We’ll talk about this in the morning!”

Snowflake sighs. “Yes dad.”

She turns back to Arc sadly.

“I’ll take care of the mess tomorrow.”

Snowflake walks past the townsponies. They grumble as she leaves. Sunrise turns to Arc, happily as Shadow turns to those gathered.

“Everypony back to bed. Show’s over.”

Sunrise looks to Arc. “Thank you for saving my little Snowflake. She means the world to me.”

“Come on, Sunrise. Let’s get home and have ourselves a little… celebration.”

Sunrise frowns. “Fine. I guess this is quite the occasion, after all.”

They walk away together as the rest of the townsponies return to their homes. Arc walks across the cage and looks all around as he mutters to himself.

“What the heck was that thing?! Now I wish I’d gotten a better look at it before they dragged it off.”

He looks down at his hand, confused.

“Huh… somehow I thought that would hurt more. I hit it in the face, so there couldn’t have been that much give. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

Sighing, Arc paces for several minutes as he considers the events of that evening. Sighing, he turns back to his haystack.

“Well, nothing more I can do tonight other than keep watch, I suppose.”

Sitting down in the middle of the haystack, Arc frowns and immediately stands back up.

“That’s what Snowflake meant when she said she’d ‘take care of it tomorrow’. She must’ve been so scared that she peed herself.”

Chapter 5 - On Bail

Auriel walks in the front door of the Golden Oaks Library with a stack of letters in her claws. Twilight and Rose sit at a table together, reading.

“Mail’s in, Twilight.”

Twilight looks up from her book. “Anything interesting?”

“Some bills, a postcard from Spike, a scroll from the Crystal Empire…”

“Wait, WHAT?!”

Auriel looks at the postcard. “It has a very nice shot of Canterlot Castle. Very picturesque and…”

“No, no! The scroll!”

“Oh! Well, I’m guessing that’s for you.”

Rose giggles. “Probably, yes.”

Auriel holds out her claw as Twilight quickly levitates the scroll to herself. Breaking the seal she looks it over quickly and begins to read silently. Sighing, she puts the scroll down and looks to Auriel.

“I hope it’s good news.”

“Kinda. Cadance was writing a bit of… love advice to me.”

Rose appears confused. “Was she now? “

Twilight smiles. “Yes, she’s been doing that for a few years now. I think she’s worried that I’ll turn into a wrinkled spinster, or something.”

Auriel appears confused. “What’s that?”

“A mare who doesn’t get married.”

Auriel nods as she considers this. “Oh. I guess all demon females are spinsters then.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Really? How are baby demons born then?”

“Mostly orgies.”

Twilight blushes. “Ah… I see.”

A voice rings out behind her.

“What is an orgy?”

They turn to see Aurora standing there, looking confused. Auriel gasps.

“Aurora? What are you doing here?”

“Somehow a seed was left behind in the Nursery. We sensed its existence and wanted to reunite it with The Consciousness.

“But how did you leave Tartarus?!”

Aurora appears confused. “We just walked outside and transferred our matter to the seed in question here.”

Twilight gasps. “You can DO that?!”

Aurora nods. “The entire process took less than two minutes. But returning to our original question… what is an orgy?”

“Oh! Um… well… Rose?”

“Orgy. Noun. A gathering of numerous individuals for the express intent to engage in multiple sexual encounters with more than one mate. Sometime a female will be penetrated by multiple males simultaneously. This is known as…”

Twilight blushes heavily. “That’s enough, Rose.”

Auriel nods as she turns to Aurora. “To demons, it’s when numerous males and females gather to drink alcohol, brag loudly, and engage in copious amounts of sexual intercourse with multiple partners.”

“For the purpose of procreation?”

Twilight grimaces. “Not… exactly.”

Auriel shrugs. “It’s more for physical pleasure than anything else.”

“An interesting concept. We felt similarly when kissing Arc some time ago. Perhaps the Consciousness would do well to observe an orgy for themselves.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “I don’t think we have those in Equestria.”

“It is likely somewhere they are done. Maybe not on the same scale as in Tartarus, but…”

Twilight waves her hooves in front of her face. “Trust me. It doesn’t happen here.”

Auriel tilts her head to one side, confused. “Really? But I thought you and your friends were planning one.”

“WHAT?!”

Aurora appears expectant. “May we watch?”

Twilight shakes her head vehemently. “I just…! NO! Why would you think that, Auriel?!”

“Weren’t you and the others planning to form a herd with Arc?”

“That’s not the same thing!”

Aurora looks to Twilight quizzically. “Can you elaborate?”

“Well… um… we were just going to… I mean… we weren’t all going to do it together!”

Auriel frowns. “But you were all going to be engaging in sexual acts with him one after another, right?”

“…kinda. But it sounds wrong when you say it like that, Auriel.”

Auriel smiles. “I was actually looking forward to it.”

“You were? But why?”

“I spoke to Arc back on Earth about including me in the heard too. My hope was to be able to bear a child for him while attempting to find a way to augment Arc’s sperm cells to be compatible with dragon and, while probably not possible, equine DNA.”

Aurora puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “For what purpose?”

Twilight sighs. “We… my friends and I wanted to have foals with him.”

“We do not understand. To us, reproduction is merely having a pistil fertilized by a stamen. Similarly, the Consciousness understands that your species requires the fertilization of an egg cell by a male’s sperm cell. However we are unsure as to why Arc’s sperm was so desirable to you, Twilight.”

“It wasn’t his sperm so much as the man himself.”

Aurora looks to Auriel. “But all males contain sperm, do they not?”

“Assuming the male has reached sexual maturity, yes.”

“Perhaps you believed his sperm would bring forth the strongest offspring?”

Twilight sighs. “My friends and I wanted to raise foals with him because we believed he would be a loving, nurturing, and supportive husband to us.”

Auriel nods in agreement. “And because he would be an amazing father to them.”

“I guess. How do demon’s raise their children, Auriel?”

“Very few demons know whom their true fathers are, as the sperm is thorough mixed during any number of orgies.”

“But what about you?”

“My birth was an exception, as my father was my mother’s only mate.”

“Not trying to be rude, but how can you be so sure?”

Auriel bows her head. “Probably for the same reason no one ever courted me. They were afraid to even look at me wrong out of fear of retribution from my father, the king.”

“Sorry. I was just curious.”

“It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean anything by it. But can I ask you something, Twilight?”

“What is it?”

“What you described as a ‘spinster’… it’s kinda… sad, I guess.”

“I’m okay with it, I suppose.”

“Well, I’m not!”

“Auriel?”

“During our last trip to Earth, I… was able to sleep with Arc.”

“You were?”

Auriel nods happily. “Yes, and it was the most amazing thing I had ever felt. Just like you said it would be.”

Twilight smiles. “I’m glad you were able to experience that with him. Arc needed a proper relationship of some kind over there.”

“I think Ember took care of that most of the time.”

“Probably.”

She looks out the window absentmindedly for a long time. Eventually Twilight breaks the silence.

“Are you pregnant, Auriel?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. We didn’t go that far.”

Aurora appears confused. “This entire concept is very confusing to us. Everyone concerned wanted to mate with Arc, yet none did. What were you waiting for?”

“Ultimately… Arc to be ready for us.”

Meanwhile, Snowflake loads the rest of the old hay into her little wagon.

“That’s the last of it.”

She looks around before turning back to Arc and lowering her voice.

“Sorry about… you know…”

“It’s okay. Considering what happened last night you handled it well.”

“Handled it well?! But I ran and hid!”

“True. However, you could’ve frozen up. By running, you moved so that I could take that thing down. Somehow…”

“Yeah, you’re pretty strong!”

“Thanks. I hope your dad wasn’t too upset with you being out here last night.”

Snowflake sighs. “He was, yeah. But thankfully he didn’t remember this morning.”

“That’s good.”

“Not… really. You see…”

“Snowflake!”

Shadow’s booming voice rings out nearby.

“Yeah, dad?”

“We have work to do! Remember?!”

“Yes sir. I was just…”

“Waste time playing with my new pet when your chores are done.”

“New pet?”

Shadow nods happily as he holds up a key. “Yup. I just paid the doctor’s bill, so you’re mine now, beast.”

“We still need to come up with a name for him.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll let you figure that out, Snowflake. Now let’s go.”

Snowflake sighs and turns to Arc as her father unlocks the cell. “This way.”

They walk through the village together. Snowflake turns to her father.

“How did you get the rest of the money so fast, dad?”

“Selling ‘Crimson Charms’.”

Arc appears confused. “What are those?”

“Necklaces that ward away Crimsons.”

Snowflake raises an eyebrow. “Where’d you get them from?”

“Made them out of that Crimson’s mane early this morning.”

Snowflake frowns. “How is that supposed to ward anything away?”

Shadow shrugs. “I dunno.”

“Dad?”

“I can’t prove they work, granted. But they also can’t definitively say they don’t work either.”

Snowflake frowns as they continue on their way. Soon they come to a well-beaten path on the outskirts.

“We’ll be there in a few minutes. You doing okay?”

Arc winches. “Y-yeah. Just a bit sore.”

“Did that salve from your mother help your pet?”

“His wounds are healing nicely, dad.”

“Good. Because there’s quite a bit of work we have to do. He can put those tentacles to good use.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “They’re fingers.”

“Call them what you will.”

“But dad, he isn’t ready yet!”

“Well, I paid his bills and we’ll be providing food and housing, so…”

“But if he starts too early he’ll just have a relapse! Or worse! You wouldn’t want to risk losing your investment, would you?!”

Shadow frowns. “Fine. I made a good bit from the Crimson I caught last night anyways.”

“You mean the Crimson HE caught, right?”

Shadow shrugs. “Splitting hairs.”

They arrive at a large clearing. A small but well-kept house sits in the middle of a dirt field. A barn lies off to one side along with several smaller outbuildings. Snowflake looks to her father.

“Can he sleep in my room, dad?”

Shadow shakes his head. “Animals don’t belong in the house. There’s plenty of room for him in the barn.”

“Aw…”

“Get him bedded down for the day with food and water. Then I want you at the store with your mother.”

“But he shouldn’t be left alone right now!”

“Why? You afraid your pet will run away?”

Shadow tosses a large lock over his shoulder to Snowflake.

“Put that on the barn door before you leave.”

He returns to the house as Snowflake escorts Arc to the barn. Pushing as hard as she is able, she gets the door open far enough for them to squeeze through. Motioning for him to follow, Snowflake leads him over to a corner of the barn where a large pile of straw is covered with several blankets.

“You can sleep here.”

“Thanks for putting this together for me.”

Snowflake sighs. “I didn’t… um… you’re welcome.”

She looks over her shoulder, nervously.

“Well, I need to get to the store now. Um… my mom left another bottle of her salve in the corner for you.”

“That was nice of her.”

“She was just happy you kept me safe last night. In any case, I’ll get you some food and water real quick.”

Snowflake hurries out the barn door as Arc lays down on the makeshift bed. Removing his shirt he gets to work rubbing the salve on his many wounds as he muses to himself.

“What a situation. I’m not sure if I’m incredibly lucky or unlucky here.”

Arc rests his head on his arm and sighs.

“Maybe both.”

Many hours later, as the sun lowers in the sky, the sound of a key sliding into the lock on the door rings out. It opens to Snowflake walking in with some more food.

“Supper time.”

She sets the bowl on the floor in front of the bed and steps back.

“H-hello?”

Arc does not stir. Snowflake takes a cautious step toward him.

“Are you… okay?”

Reaching out a hoof cautiously, Snowflake gently pokes Arc. He sits up suddenly and cries out.

“NO!”

The filly falls over her hooves as she runs away. Arc puts a hand to his head as he sighs.

“Snowflake?”

The frightened foal peeks out from behind a crate as Arc looks to her apologetically.

“S-sorry about that.”

“What… happened?”

“I was having a nightmare.”

Snowflake slowly steps out. “Oh? Do you remember anything about it?”

“Glass, blood, and pain mostly.”

“Huh?”

“The doctor said he found bits of glass in a couple of my wounds.”

“Maybe you fell through a window and cut yourself, or something. That would certainly hurt a lot.”

“I suppose. But that wouldn’t explain how I got out here.”

“Did you remember anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing new.”

“Well, hopefully enough bits and pieces will come back for you to remember who you are and where you came from.”

“I sure hope so.”

“Eat up and get some sleep. Tomorrow morning my dad’s taking the two of us out foraging.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

Snowflake leaves the barn as Arc begins to eat.

“Foraging. Kinda makes sense.”

Finishing his meal, Arc lays down and closes his eyes. Sometime later that night he hears the barn door open and small hoofsteps approaching him.

“Snowflake? Is that you?”

A small lantern illuminates the filly’s path as she slowly walks over to him.

“It’s me.”

“Come to make sure I’m still here?”

“Not… exactly.”

“Uh…”

Arc stops talking as he hears the sound of breaking glass through the silence of the night.

“What was that?”

Snowflake sighs. “My dad.”

“Shouldn’t you go check on him?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “Nah. He’s okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very. He decided to have a drink after supper tonight in celebration.”

“What’s the occasion?”

“Buying you. But the bar for what’s important enough to celebrate is really low for him.”

“So…”

“He’s falling-down drunk.”

“That must’ve been quite a drink.”

“Well, when I said ‘a drink’ that was just how it started. My dad just doesn’t know when to stop.”

Gasping, Arc clutches his head as fragments of memories from his childhood living with his own alcoholic mother flash before his eyes. Snowflake puts the lantern down and hurries toward him.

“What’s wrong?!”

Arc sweats profusely. “Just… some more memories.”

“Anything good?”

“I don’t think so. At least it didn’t feel like a pleasant memory.”

“Well, why don’t you sleep on it? Maybe things will be clearer in the morning.”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing else I can do right now, I suppose.”

Snowflake picks up her lantern and shifts on her small hooves uneasily. “Um…”

“Is something wrong?”

“Kinda. You see… that makeshift bed there is… um… where I usually sleep when my dad’s like this.”

Arc frowns. “Did he hurt you?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “He sometimes tries, but can’t really move too much by that point. That and he’s really loud and easily angered when drunk.”

“Where’s your mom?”

“She stays in there to make sure he doesn’t break anything really important. Like her apothecary tools or any really rare ingredients.”

“Well… you can sleep here if you want.”

Arc stands and walks slowly toward the other side of the barn. Snowflake steps onto the blanket and turns to him as he lies down on the floor.

“What about you?”

“I’ll be okay over here.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

“There’s a couple more blankets over here. You want em?”

“Sure.”

Snowflake burrows under the hay momentarily before emerging with two blankets. Walking over to him, she drops them a few feet away before slowly walking back over to the hay pile.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Snowflake lays down and blows out the lantern.

“Good night.”

“Night.”

They are silent for a time as Snowflake tosses and turns trying to make herself comfortable. Arc sits up.

“You okay over there?”

“Yeah. I’m just… a little nervous.”

“About sharing the barn with me?”

“…kinda.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t bite.”

“That’s not reassuring.”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry.”

Snowflake winces as another echo of breaking glass reverberates across the open air. Arc sighs as he turns back to her.

“So… how often does this happen?”

“A lot more lately.”

“Why? I mean… is something bothering your dad?”

“Um… it’s complicated.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

“Maybe we can talk about it another time. I’m kinda tired.”

“Me too.”

Arc rolls over and is quickly asleep. Putting her hooves over her ears, Snowflake does her best to drown out the sounds of more breaking glass coming from the cottage.

Chapter 6 - Stalked

The next morning Shadow opens the barn door and walks inside. Spotting Arc lying on the floor he walks over to him and frowns.

“UP!”

Arc’s eyes fly open as he quickly gets to his feet. Pain shoots through his body as he does so, causing him to quickly fall to one knee.

“What the…?”

“Come on, now! You’ve had plenty of time to rest! Time for you to start earning your keep and make me some money!”

Snowflake sits up and rubs her eyes.

“Dad?”

“You too, lazy bones. Get inside and wash up for breakfast.”

“Yes sir.”

She hurries out the barn door as Shadow turns to call out after her.

“And be sure to feed your pet!”

Arc appears surprised. “She has a pet?”

Shadow rolls his eyes. “That’s you, stupid.”

“Oh.”

“I think I’ll have Snowflake give you a bath when we get back. “

Shadow wrinkles his nose as he turns to leave the barn.

“On second thought, before might work better. I don’t want to have to smell you all the way there and back.”

“Um… I can clean myself up.”

“Fine. There’s a pump behind the barn. Just be quick about it.”

Arc walks slowly around the barn until he comes to a large basin next to an ancient looking hand pump. Grabbing the handle, he pulls it several times to start the flow. The basin fills quickly enough with cold but relatively clean water. Sighing, Arc removes his makeshift clothes and tosses them aside as he steps into the small tub and kneels down. The cool water washes over his body as it carries away the dirt and grime of the past few days. Looking over at the clothes lying on the ground makes him sigh.

“I’ll have to wash these later. They’re almost as rank as I am right now.”

Scrubbing his scalp vigorously, Arc dunks his head under the water in an effort to remove the dirt therein. Nearly finished, he suddenly feels a small hoof poke his back. Quickly raising his head he turns to see Snowflake standing there with a ratty looking towel in her mouth.

“Snowflake?!”

She giggles as she spits out the towel next to the basin. “You look a lot different without coverings. What’s with those gems in your chest? And your forehead?”

“Can I have a little privacy, please?!”

“What’s that?”

“Alone time to take care of… washing my parts! I don’t want someone to watch!”

“You mean like when somepony’s using the bathroom?”

“Exactly!”

Snowflake makes a face. “Wait! You’re PEEING in there?!”

“No!”

Snowflake takes a step back as she frowns. “So your pooping then?! Gross!”

“I’m not doing either!”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“It’s just…! Look, why don’t you just go to breakfast and I’ll wait for you in the barn?”

“Um… okay. By the way, I left you some oats in there.”

“Thank you.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief as Snowflake disappears around the side of the barn. Rubbing his face with his hands, he groans.

“I sure hope her dad didn’t hear that.”

Getting out of the basin, Arc tips it over to allow the dirty water to flow across the ground. Grabbing his makeshift clothes he begrudgingly puts them back on and heads for the barn. Stepping inside he spots the bowl of oats sitting in the center of the floor. Sighing, he picks it up and sits down against the wall.

“Everything just feels… wrong here. My head… the answers are in there somewhere. I just have to find them.”

A short time later Shadow and Snowflake emerge from the cottage and head for the barn. Snowflake turns to her father as he finishes latching up his leather armor.

“Are you sure this is a good idea, dad? I mean, he’s still pretty messed up.”

“He’s well enough to be walking and talking. Time for my investment to start paying off.”

Reaching the barn, Shadow tosses Arc a satchel and a staff.

“You know how to use this?”

“I… don’t know.”

“Well, if you’re lucky, you won’t have to.”

Turning, Shadow leaves the barn. Snowflake motions for Arc to follow her. They head out the barn door as Arc turns to her.

“So… what are we doing now?”

“Foraging. We’re going into the forest to look for stuff to sell in the shop.”

“Like what?”

“The most high priority stuff are the herbs my mom uses to make her various salves and tinctures.”

Shadow chuckles. “And the most profitable.”

Snowflake sighs. “Next on the priority list would be hunting game. My dad can use the hides to make leather which my mom can make into armor.”

She gestures to her father’s gear.

“It’s used to ward off Crimson’s fangs and other dangerous beasts.”

Arc looks down at the filly. “Why aren’t you wearing any then, Snowflake?”

“I am.”

She lifts the corner of her cloak to reveal a very well made suit of leather armor.

Arc motions to the cloak. “Then what’s with the…”

“I don’t want to talk about that.”

“Uh… okay. Anything else I should know?”

“Yeah. If my dad says to do something, just do it and don’t ask questions. Your life may depend on it.”

Shadow nods. “Also, bigger animals mean bigger hides which means bigger profits.”

Snowflake shudders. “And bigger teeth.”

“We take those too.”

Arc groans. “What have I gotten myself into?”

“Nothing yet. Stick with Snowflake and you’ll probably make it back to the barn in one piece.”

“So I just watch her back?”

Shadow rolls his eyes. “If anything, she’s watching yours. Unless you know something about combat, that is.”

“I don’t think I do. At least I don’t feel like a warrior.”

Shadow eyes him. “Don’t look like one either.”

Snowflake giggles. “Remember what he did to that Crimson though.”

“Beginner’s luck. Next time he won’t have that secure cage to keep him safe. You just keep an eye open for herbs and I’ll watch for anything sentient.”

Arc shrugs. “Fair division of labor, I suppose. What exactly do you want me to do?”

“You’re the mule. Harvest and carry whatever Snowflake points out to you. Think you can handle that?”

“I’ll give it a try.”

For several hours Snowflake points at strange colored plants, moss, and fungi. Arc does his best to keep up with her discoveries.

“You’re pretty good at this, Snowflake.”

“I’ve had lots of practice.”

Shadow chuckles. “It also helps that she’s low to the ground.”

Snowflake grunts indignantly as her father turns and throws his knife. A wet thump rings out as it disappears into a bush. Walking over to it, Shadow retrieves his knife as he pulls out a dead bird.

“What did you find, dad?”

“Just a cockatrice.”

Arc looks at the bird for a moment before putting a hand to his forehead.

“Cockatrice…”

Snowflake turns to him. “Did you remember something?”

“A mare… cooked this for me.”

“Friend of yours?”

“I don’t know. Her face…”

Shadow taps a rock with his hoof. “Let’s stay focused here. You can stand there slack-jawed and mindless when the job’s done.”

They continue on. Eventually the trio comes to a creek running through a small but beatifically scenic meadow. Shadow sits down and removes his pack as Snowflake walks over to him.

“So what did mom pack us for lunch today?”

“Looks like Dandelion Sandwiches and Radish Salad.”

“YUM!”

She looks back to Arc as he takes a drink from the stream.

“But what about him?”

Shadow shrugs. “Nothing in here but a small bag of oats. But why don’t we just give him the Cockatrice?”

Snowflake makes a face. “Ew! Why would he want…?!”

“You heard what he said earlier. A mare made it for him and he ate it.”

Snowflake shakes her head vehemently. “That must just be fragmented memories crossing, or something!”

“Oh? You didn’t see that look on his face as he said it? There was hunger in his eyes.”

“Only because we aren’t feeding him enough!”

“First of all, I think we’ve been rather generous with the rations going to him thus far.”

“But he’s so much bigger than we are! He HAS to eat more!”

Shadow shrugs as he takes a bite of his sandwich. “So gather him more food to eat then. He’s YOUR responsibility after all.”

“That would be a full time job in and of itself for me!”

“Then what’s the only other logical response to this problem?”

Snowflake gasps. “You don’t mean we should turn him into leather, do you dad?!”

Shadow rolls his eyes. “No way! He cost me WAY too much money to go and do THAT! I meant that you should try to teach pea-brain over there how to hunt and forage for himself.”

“I… guess that makes sense.”

“That way he won’t need to be fed at all.”

Snowflake sighs. “I knew there had to be more to your reasoning.”

Shadow chuckles. “One doesn’t get ahead in this world by looking out for others. At the end of the day you need to remember to always look out for yourself first.”

“What about the village though?”

Shadow shakes his head. “If things ever really got bad, you can bet that everypony there would be crawling all over each other to get to safety.”

Snowflake turns to Arc. “What do you think? Can you hunt?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But if it means more food I’d be willing to…”

A low growl rings out nearby. Shadow pulls his knife and looks all around as Snowflake runs to hide behind Arc.

“Stay sharp!”

Snowflake shudders. “Tha… that sounded like a… a…!”

“A manticore, Snowflake! Now make yourself useful, beast!”

Arc raises his staff. “Uh… what should I…?”

“Try to make sure Snowflake doesn’t get herself eaten for starters. Get her somewhere safe, then get back here to help me.”

Arc grabs Snowflake and runs. Heading into the woods he spots a wide branch some distance off the ground.

“Get ready to fly, Snowflake!”

“What are you…?!”

Tossing the filly upward she lands neatly on the branch. She cries out frantically.

“I’m afraid of heights!”

“Well, stay up there anyways! You should be safe!”

“I g-g-guess.”

“Good. Now I need to head back and help your dad.”

“NO!”

“What?”

“Stay here where it’s safe! Better yet, climb up here with me!”

The sounds of battle reverberate through the brush. A roar rings out as Arc turns toward it.

“I’ll be back for you in a bit! Just hang tight!”

Running back the way he came, Arc spots Shadow swinging his blade masterfully at an enraged manticore. Arc runs over and plows into the side of the furious beast, knocking it into the brush.

“You okay?!”

Shadow nods as he waits for the beast to return. “Just dandy! Stay alert!”

“Uh… I’m almost afraid to ask, but… what’s a manticore?”

“That!”

He points his knife at the brush as the sound of paws running toward them increases. The Manticore bursts through the foliage and rushes toward them. Shadow grins.

“Just another day.”

As the manticore’s gaze focuses on Arc it suddenly screeches to a stop. Growling, the beast takes a step back. Arc turns to Shadow.

“Um… what’s…?”

“I think it might be afraid of you. Never seen one act this way before.”

Arc points his staff at the beast and takes a few steps forward warily. The manticore steps back to maintain its distance from Arc. A few moments later in bounds back into the forest. Shadow turns to Arc.

“Good work, I guess.”

“Thanks. I…”

A high pitched scream rings out some distance away.

“That sounded like Snowflake! Where did you leave her?!”

“Up in a tree! This way!”

The pair run through the brush together. Coming to their destination they see a group of Timberwolves pacing around the tree Snowflake is in. She cries out, clearly terrified.

“Somepony, help!”

Shadow rushes toward the tree, his knife at the ready.

“Get away from her!”

He looks back to see Arc on his knees holding his head.

“What are you DOING?!”

Snowflake gasps. “Get up or you’ll be killed!”

Arc mutters. “Wooden… wolves…?”

Growling, the Timberwolves walk over to Arc and surround him. Shadow motions for Snowflake to jump down. She does so as he catches her.

“Let’s go!”

Snowflake points a hoof. “What about him?!”

“He isn’t going to be of much use to us if he freezes up every time he sees…!”

As they pounce Arc suddenly swings his staff in a wide arc. Three of the wolves fall to pieces as the other six are knocked away from the force of their companion’s remains hitting them. Snowflake gasps as she turns to her father.

“Wha-what?”

Shadow nods soberly. “He’s pretty good.”

“Better than you, dad?”

Shadow chuckles. “Nopony’s better than me.”

The pieces of the Timberwolves reassemble themselves and snarl as they looks to Arc. He frowns and backs away.

“What the heck…?”

Snowflake calls out to him. “They’ll always put themselves back together!”

“Well then how do we stop em?!”

Shadow grins. “With this.”

He reaches into his saddlebag and pulls out an unlit torch. Snowflake fishes around in her own pack and pulls out two rocks. Smacking them together, a few sparks spring forth and fall on the torch, igniting it. Shadow runs toward the timberwolves swinging it as they step back. He turns to Arc.

“Can you get me one of their legs?!”

“I’ll try!”

Turning, Arc charges at one of the wolves. Swinging at it with his staff he knocks the beast to pieces. Grabbing one of the legs, he runs it over to Shadow.

“Here you go!”

“Thanks. Watch this.”

Lighting the leg with his torch he drops it on the ground. As it is pulled back to the Timberwolf it came from, the flames spread to the rest of the beast. It runs away screaming. Seeing such a sight, the rest of the wolves retreat as well. Shadow sheathes his knife and nods at Arc approvingly.

“Not bad for your first time out here.”

Snowflake grins. “Better than my first anyways.”

Shadow chuckles. “I remember that day.”

“Oh? What happened?”

“About the same thing I did in your cage the other night.”

Shadow sniffs the air. “And just now it would seem. Let’s head back, shall we? Snowflake, lead the way.”

Grunting, Snowflake does as she is told. An hour’s walk later the trio finds themselves emerging from the woods with the cottage in sight. Walking over to an outbuilding Shadow pulls a key from his pack and unlocks it. A terrible stench wafts forth as he opens the door. Arc grimaces.

“What is IN there?!”

“Dead rotting corpses.”

Snowflake nods. “My dad makes some of the beast’s hides into leather.”

“Right.”

He tosses the dead cockatrice onto a nearby table.

“This one’s feathers can be used to make quills. It’s a low value item, of course. But waste not, want not.”

“What do you do with the rest of the bird?”

“Fertilizer for some of the herbs my wife grows inside. After it’s composted, that is.”

Snowflake looks hopeful. “Can he have it?”

“When I’m done with it, yes. Until then I have something else I want you to do, beast.”

“What is it?”

“Take Snowflake behind the barn and give her and that cloak a bath.”

Snowflake frowns. “I can clean myself up, dad.”

“Not very well you can’t. You know your mother has to thoroughly wash you whenever you do that. But since she’s not here, he’ll have to substitute.”

Arc sighs. “Okay.”

Snowflake groans as she and Arc head outside. Walking behind the barn Arc looks up at the hot afternoon sun overhead.

“It sure warmed up.”

“I guess.”

“Want me to fill up the tub for you, Snowflake?”

“Not really. But that’s the best way to get clean around here.”

Arc pulls the lever and the tub begins to fill. Snowflake turns to him as he works.

“I’ll be right back.”

She hurries off to the house as Arc muses to himself.

“Maybe she wants a bath toy, or something.”

A few minutes later Snowflake returns with a small, round ball. She waits for the tub to fill before tossing it in. The water begins to bubble violently as steam escapes its surface.

“It’s a little something my mom came up with. She calls them ‘thermal bulbs’. They heat water up really quick as well as get really nasty smells out of fur.”

Arc puts a finger in the water. “It really is warm! How does it work?!”

Snowflake shrugs. “I dunno. We sell a lot of these in our shop though. After all, nopony wants to take a cold bath, even in summer.”

“Myself included.”

Snowflake giggles. “Sorry about that. I should’ve brought you one when you took a bath earlier. But my dad doesn’t like giving away stuff we could sell.”

“Want me to help you out of that robe?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “No! I mean… I usually keep it on when I bathe. After all, it needs a good washing too. Just help me in.”

Reaching down, Arc picks the filly up and carefully lowers her into the tub. Her hooves touch the bottom leaving only the hood of her cloak sticking out.

“You okay?”

“Fine. I just needed to get wet first.”

“Anything I can do to help?

“There’s a bar of soap on the shelf as well. Make some lather with a rag and it’ll foam up.”

Arc does as he is told. Rubbing the soap and rag together Arc gets a lather going. Snowflake nods approvingly.

“Now just rub it on my robe and it’ll clean it right up.”

Doing so, the robe is quickly covered in soap. Snowflake looks herself over for a few moments before turning to Arc.

“Now I’ll rinse off.”

Taking a deep breath she momentarily submerges. A few seconds later she pops up and looks to Arc.

“Let me see the soap. I still need to wash my mane.”

“Need help with that?”

“No, I can do that myself.”

Arc hands over the block. Taking it, the filly pulls it inside her robe as she lathers it in her mane before tossing it back to Arc.

“Now to rinse.”

Taking a deep breath, she submerges again, this time for significantly longer. Suds float to the surface as the soap does its thing. Almost a full minute later Snowflake resurfaces with a gasp.

“You okay?!”

Snowflake nods, breathing heavily. “Y-yeah, fine.”

“All clean now?”

“I think so. Help me out?”

“Sure.”

Reaching in, he wraps his arms around the filly’s midsection and pulls her out of the tub. Setting her down carefully on the ground she stands there dripping.

“Want me to get you a towel?”

“Nah. I’ll dry shortly.”

She looks him up and down.

“But you might need one.”

“I think the sun will take care of that.”

“Follow me.”

They walk around the barn to a large rock. Snowflake hops up onto it and lays down on her stomach.

“This’ll help me get dry faster.”

She sighs.

“As you can probably tell, it’s a process.”

“Yeah. Um… does this happen often?”

“Kinda. Truth be told, that’s why my dad calls me ‘Snowflake’.”

Arc looks to her, confused. “But isn’t that just your name?”

“Yeah. But he says it has a double meaning.”

“Oh?”

“Snow is a really fragile thing. It doesn’t take much for it to be messed up. That and it has a tendency to make things unpleasantly… wet.”

Snowflake sighs before continuing.

“I’ve always been kinda… sensitive. And when things go wrong, I… just kinda lose bladder control.”

“Well, I guess everyone’s afraid of something. Those timberwolves certainly weren’t friendly looking.”

“Yeah, but I do that all the time. You’d think eventually I’d just kinda stallion-up and be braver.”

“Not everyone is meant to fight, I suppose.”

Snowflake sighs. “Like you did?”

“I didn’t do that much.”

“Maybe not. But you didn’t seem to be too scared of either that manticore or the timberwolves. Are you sure you’ve never fought before?”

Arc shrugs. “Who knows? Maybe I’m a soldier, or something.”

“From the way you fight along with you demeanor, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was true.”

She thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Maybe you’re part of the Earth Pony Kingdom.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well… you’re really strong like they are. It would make sense that you’d be with them.”

“I guess so.”

Snowflake sighs. “Well, that doesn’t really help you now. After all, you’re stuck here with the rest of us.”

“Has anyone ever gotten away?”

“Not really. At least we don’t think so.”

“Oh?”

“Anypony that leaves is never heard from again.”

“You think they get eaten?”

Snowflake shudders as she nods. “Probably. After all, there’s any number of creatures in the forest whom could eat a whole pony. That and we wouldn’t even know which way to travel to escape the forest.”

“There has to be a way.”

“You just stay with us. I know my dad may be a bit… harsh. But he’s the best at what he does. You’ll be safe here.”

Arc frowns. “As it stands, I don’t think I have much of a choice.”

Chapter 7 - Breakout

Arc and Snowflake walk toward the outbuilding. Snowflake has completely dried off and trots next to Arc happily.

“That feels much better!”

“Good. Um… I was just thinking…”

“Oh?”

“You didn’t take anything off before jumping into the tub. Won’t the water have a negative effect on your leather armor?”

“Probably over time, yes. But my mom says I’m growing fast enough that she has to make me new armor every year anyways. That and this set is already getting kinda tight on me.”

They reach the outbuilding. Shadow walks out holding the cockatrice by the legs minus the feathers. He tosses it to Arc.

“I got what I wanted from it. This thing’s all yours.”

“Thanks.”

“Help him build a fire behind the barn, Snowflake. That is unless he wants to just eat it raw.”

Arc grimaces. “No thanks. I think I’ll roast it first.”

“Better get to it if you want it to be ready by sundown. The mayor was by while you were cleaning up my daughter. He wanted to know if the town could borrow you to guard the town again tonight.”

“Can I assume you said ‘yes’?”

Shadow nods and rubs his hooves together. “I did. After we agreed upon a proper rental fee, that is.”

Snowflake groans. “Dad!”

“What? Have to earn a profit to offset the extra cost of feeding him, right?”

“So I’m back to my cage?”

“Pretty much. But it’s just for half the night. A few of the sentries are taking turns the rest of the time.”

“So when’s my shift start?”

“Sundown.”

Snowflake motions for him to follow. “Come on! Let’s get that bird cooking!”

Arc sighs and hurries after her. Reaching the back of the barn Snowflake grabs some firewood that is stacked nearby. Pulling the sparking rocks from her nearby saddlebags she gets a fire going. Arc sets up a makeshift spit as Snowflake pulls a small knife from her pack. He turns to her, confused.

“What are you doing?”

“We have to remove the head and organs before putting it over the fire.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that. Do you want me to…?”

“I can handle it.”

Snowflake deftly slices off the bird’s head and makes a long incision in its torso. Reaching inside she begins cutting. One by one the organs are put into a pile. Finishing her task, Snowflake gives the bird to Arc.

“Now you can put it on the spit.”

“Uh… thanks. But what about the organs?”

“My mom will want to render them down into soap. Waste not, want not is how we think in our village.”

“Makes sense not to waste what can be used.”

Arc puts the bird over the fire as Snowflake puts the organs in a nearby pot.

“I’ll just run these into the house real quick. Be right back.”

Nodding, Arc sits there and stares at the fire. The smell of the cockatrice cooking fills the air. Snowflake returns a few minutes later with some bottles. She walks over to the bird and pours some over it before turning to Arc.

“Seasonings.”

“Thanks. Have you done this before?”

“Kinda. My mom and I sometimes cook supper together. It isn’t meat, of course, but I can’t imagine it being much different. Sometime my dad and I make jerky too. That’s what these spices are for.”

“But I thought you didn’t eat meat.”

“We don’t. It’s used as bait for some of the larger creatures in the forest.”

“Bait?”

Snowflake nods. “My dad puts the jerky in a pile and waits in a tree overhead. When something big starts to eat, he pounces down and stabs them through the back of the neck with a spear. That way it’s over before it even starts.”

“But if you don’t eat the meat, what are the bigger creatures hunted for?”

“Teeth for weapons mostly. Hide is made into leather for armor and other things. The bones are used to reinforce parts of our armor. Meat is for more jerky for bait. Fat and organs are rendered down for soap.”

“Sounds efficient.”

“It’s a lot of work processing something as big as a manticore. But the supplies it gives us are really worth it. “

“Then why did we let that manticore from earlier go?”

“Probably because we didn’t have the element of surprise. Like I said, my dad waits overhead with his spear and catches them off guard. He says it’s a LOT easier and safer to catch them that way and kill them with one blow.”

“Makes sense. After all, the back doesn’t have claws and teeth.”

“Right.”

Sometime later Arc pulls the bird off the spit and tastes it.

“Not too bad.”

Snowflake eyes the meat. “It smells… interesting.”

“Want a bite?”

Snowflake shakes her head vehemently. “No thanks!”

Arc shrugs. “Suit yourself.”

As he eats, Shadow walks around the corner of the barn.

“Smells like someone’s eating well tonight.”

He turns to Snowflake.

“Your mother says supper will be ready in about five minutes. Go wash up.”

“Okay, dad.”

“And no sneaking out tonight or your mother will have a fit.”

Snowflake sighs. “Yes sir.”

Shadow looks to the remains of the bird as Arc finishes his meat.

“Filled up now?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Thanks for the chicken.”

“It was a cockatrice.”

“Oh… right. Sorry, but it just tastes like chicken. Well, most of it did anyways.”

“In any case, let’s get you down to the village before it gets too dark to see. You’ll be safe in the same cage as last time.”

Arc sighs as he stands. “Great…”

They walk toward town together. Coming to the cage Shadow opens it for him and gestures for him to enter.

“Your office.”

Rolling his eyes Arc steps inside. Shadow closes the door behind him and locks it.

“Be sure to call out if you see anything. I’ll get a bonus if you do.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Shadow nods and walks back the way he came. Arc sits down in the pile of hay and sighs.

“It’s going to be a long night without Snowflake here to talk to.”

He turns and watches the sun slowly setting.

“So this is my life now. Seems kinda simple, I guess. But I can’t help but think I left others behind somewhere.”

Before long ponies begin lighting torches all around the village. They slowly head inside for the evening as Arc looks around.

“And so starts my vigil.”

Sometime later the moon rises and the stars come out. Arc hears a rustling of leaves nearby. Turning, he seen nothing.

“Guess I’m just getting paranoid.”

Looking all around he listens intently, but hears nothing more. Shrugging, Arc continues his shift for some time. Eventually he spots some movement near one of the buildings.

“What… is that?”

Squinting, he gets as close to the bars as he is able. A small figure in a dark robe walks the deserted streets.

“Snowflake? What’s she doing out here?”

Watching intently Arc sees her pull out a key and open a door into what appears to be a shop of some kind.

“That must be the family store she keeps mentioning.”

A few minutes later the door bursts open and the Crimson from the other day runs out. Arc gasps.

“Oh no… CRIMSON! CRIMSON!!!”

Stallions rush out of nearby houses and look to the cage. Arc points a finger at the creature as it spreads its wings and takes off. Several townsponies throw spears at it, but to no avail. Shadow comes running down the path and over to the cage.

“What’d you see?!”

“A Crimson ran out of that building over there!”

“OUT?!”

“Right!”

“Did you see it go in?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But I did see someone a lot… smaller poking around the shop a few moment before the Crimson ran out.”

Shadow runs toward the building, pausing only briefly to draw his knife before cautiously entering. A few minutes later he slowly emerges with an unconscious Snowflake on his back. The mayor walks over and looks at the filly.

“Do you think she intentionally let it out, Shadow?”

“I don’t see how else it could have escaped. That and my daughter was supposed to be in bed.”

“The Crimson’s hold on her seems to be tightening! Perhaps it would be wise to…”

Shadow grits his teeth. “Don’t say it.”

“This can’t go on. You know it… I know it… we all know it. They’ve somehow infected her. Perhaps your wife…”

“Leave her out of this! I’m taking Snowflake home now!”

“Back to her bed?”

“Where else would I put her?”

“How about in there?”

The mayor points a hoof at Arc’s cage. Shadow frowns.

“You can’t be serious.”

“It’s for the good of the town. She and your wife either need to leave the village, or she needs to be locked up.”

“What if there was somepony watching her all the time? Someone we knew for sure wasn’t corrupted?”

“That would probably be for the best. But you can’t foalsit her all the time, what with having a full-time foraging job to think about.”

“I could have Sunrise keep her in the shop when I’m gone.”

“For all we know your wife is the culprit!”

“I keep telling you, she…!”

Shadow calms himself before glancing at the cage and looking to the mayor.

“What about that beast?”

The mayor rolls his eyes. “What about him?”

“He’s called out two Crimson sightings now.”

“What’s your point?”

“That he hasn’t been influenced by them. And if Snowflake were to be controlled again he’s strong enough to subdue her.”

“I suppose that’s true. Will he do it?”

“He belongs to me and will do whatever I tell him to.”

“Very well. But I’d like them both locked up together tonight… just in case.”

Shadow sighs. “…fine.”

He walks over to the cage and unlocks it. Opening the door he motions for Arc to follow him before looking to the mayor.

“I’ll lock them in my barn tonight. Is that high enough security for you?”

“Yes, that will do.”

With a nod, Shadow and Arc head down the path toward the cottage. Shadow grunts angrily.

“I can’t believe they suspect HER of doing this!”

Arc purses his lips. “Well, she did go in there.”

“Yes, but… the Crimsons have some kind of hold on… certain ponies in town.”

“Oh?”

“Snowflake at least. We’re assuming they have others, of course. But this is the first time there’s been any real proof.”

“So they were controlling her?”

“Yeah.”

“Is there any way to break the hold?”

Shadow shakes his head. “Other than to kill whoever’s doing it. And no we can’t just walk over to the Crimsons and ask.”

“So what happens now?”

“Like I said back there, you’re going to be Snowflake’s… keeper. I don’t want you to leave her alone. Wherever she goes, you go. Understand?”

“I think so.”

They arrive back at the homestead. Shadow leads Arc over to the barn and opens the door for him.

“Make her comfortable in there. Like I told the mayor, I’m locking you two in there for the night.”

Arc nods as he picks Snowflake up off her father’s back. “I’ll take care of her.”

“You do that.”

Arc enters the barn as Shadow closes and locks the door behind them. Walking carefully through the darkness, Arc comes to the makeshift bed. Carefully laying Snowflake down he pulls back her hood and puts two fingers on the side of her small neck.

“Asleep. I just hope she won’t freak out when she wakes up.”

Sitting with his back against the wall, Arc lays a hand on Snowflake’s robe as she shivers slightly.

“It’s okay. You’re not alone.”

Eventually Arc falls asleep. He dreams of bits and pieces of Ponyville and his friends. At some point his thoughts turn to a familiar light purple unicorn filly and her gray coated mother. Gasping, he opens his eyes. The sound of rain falling on the tin roof above rings out heavily and a peal of thunder rumbles in the darkness. Snowflake moans and sits up groggily.

“Ugh… what happened? Where…?”

“In the barn.”

“How…?”

“Your dad carried you home.”

Snowflake sounds confused. “What are you talking about? I walked to bed myself.”

“What’s the last thing you remember?”

“Going to sleep.”

“You don’t remember leaving the house?”

“No. Hey! Aren’t you supposed to be guarding the town!”

“I did.”

“But it’s still nighttime!”

“Yeah… about that… I saw you go into your parent’s store. The next thing I knew that Crimson your dad took the other day ran out.”

“What?! But who let it out?!”

“You did apparently.”

“No, I didn’t!”

“Well, the whole town thinks you did after your dad went inside to investigate and found you.”

Snowflake puts a hoof to her head. “This… this doesn’t make any sense! All I did was go to sleep in my own bed! The next thing I knew I was in here!”

She quickly stands up and walks toward the door.

“I’m going to go ask my dad what happened! There has to be a logical explanation to this!”

She pushes on the door, but it doesn’t budge.

“Must be stuck. Wanna give me a hoof?”

“It’s locked.”

“Why?!”

“You dad put the padlock on when he put us in here.”

“WHAT?!”

“The mayor insisted on it.”

“But… but I didn’t do anything WRONG!”

“Your dad said something about you being… controlled by a Crimson, or something. So I guess he thinks you’re innocent too.”

“Okay, that’s something. Did he say anything else?”

“Yeah… um… he ordered me to… watch you.”

“Watch… me?”

“If you get possessed again he said I’d be strong enough to stop you.”

Snowflake sighs and lays down in front of the barn door.

“So I’m a slave now too, huh?”

“No way! He just wants to make sure you don’t do anything that will make the villagers any more angry than they already are!”

“Really?”

“Right. They looked really upset back there. But I’ll do my best to see to it you’re safe at all times.”

“…thanks.”

“But we should probably get some sleep now. Nothing more to be done tonight.”

Snowflake stands and slowly walks back toward the makeshift bed. “Right. I… I’m just… really nervous about what’s going to happen to me now.”

“Like I said, I’ll watch out for you.”

“Against what?”

“Anything.”

“Even the villagers?”

Arc nods. “Sure. After all, you and I are the same now.”

“We are?”

“Right. Both of us have now done things we can’t remember.”

“I guess that’s true. Um… could you… stay by me tonight?”

“If you want me to, sure.”

Snowflake lies down on the makeshift bed next to Arc. He pats her head before leaning back against the wall

“Aren’t you going to lie down?”

“I think I’ll sit up a little while. Got some thinking to do.”

“Oh… okay.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Snowflake sits up and turns to Arc.

“Hey, um…”

“Something wrong?”

“Not… exactly. I was just thinking about… what to name you. Any ideas?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. You?”

“Actually, yes. Now feel free to tell me this is a bad idea if you want, but… I was kinda thinking…”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“…Big Brother.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Well, I’m an only foal. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have an older sibling. I know it sounds stupid, but…”

“I don’t think it’s stupid at all. We’re both feeling kinda alone right now. Let’s stick together through this, okay?”

Snowflake giggles. “Okay! We’ll do everything together!”

“That’s exactly what your dad told me to do. Stick with you and make sure you’re safe from the Crimsons and whatever else is out there.”

“Thanks! It’s going to be great having a big brother!”

“And I rather like the idea of having a little sister. But right now you need to get some sleep.”

“Aw… do I have to?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Snowflake. I’m sure tomorrow’s going to be a busy day after all.”

Snowflake yawns. “Okay. Good night, Big Brother.”

She puts her head down and closes her eyes. A short time later Arc hears her breathing slow and become more rhythmic. Sighing, he muses to himself.

“I wonder what really happened back there. None of this makes any sense. Snowflake had no reason to release that Crimson, but I know I saw her go in there. Like her dad said, she must’ve been controlled by someone. However, if there really is someone out the who can do that, aren’t we all at risk?”

Chapter 9 - Sink or Swim

Early the next morning Arc awakens to the sights and sounds of dawn. Birds chirp and the wind blows through the trees. He sits up and looks down at the filly before him.

“Snowflake? Time to wake up.”

She groans as she slowly raises her head.

“Alright, dad. I’ll get breakfast going with mom.”

Arc chuckles. “I don’t think that’s going to be necessary.”

Snowflake rubs her eyes and looks around.

“Where… am I?”

“In the barn with me, remember?”

“Kinda. It’s slowly coming back to me.”

She puts a hoof to her head and rubs her temples.

“Head kinda hurts.”

“You okay?”

“I think I am. But what exactly happened last night?”

“No idea. I’m kinda hoping your father can tell us more.”

A short time later the sound of the barn door opening can be heard. Snowflake’s mother hurries over to her daughter as Shadow waits by the door.

“Oh, Snowflake! Are you alright?!”

“I’m fine, mom.”

“Your father told me what happened! What were you THINKING letting that Crimson go?!”

“I don’t even remember doing it!”

Sunrise smiles at the filly as she leads her toward the door.

“Let’s get you inside for a nice breakfast. Maybe it’ll help you remember.”

Shadow clears his throat loudly. “There’s a few things we need to go over first.”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

“First, the townsponies are very… unnerved about what you did last night, Snowflake.”

“They’re mad?”

“Very. Some of them even suggested banishing you.”

Sunrise wraps her hooves around Snowflake. “What?! But… but they CAN’T! After all, she’s only a filly!”

“I know, Sunrise. But the mayor’s really on the fence here.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “On the fence?”

“He’s trying to balance the security of the village against Snowflake’s personal safety. Let’s just say if she was older I don’t think he’d have let her stay after what happened last night.”

“What DID happen?”

Shadow sighs. “Nopony knows. But I found you unconscious next to the open basement door. And that was just after our town crier here saw the Crimson fly out the door.”

“That is true, yes. You went inside and it came out.”

Sunrise looks to Arc. “Are you sure nopony else could have done it?!”

“I didn’t see anyone else around, no. But your daughter was walking kinda funny. The idea she was being controlled is definitely plausible. So I don’t see how what happened is actually her fault.”

Shadow groans. “Try telling that to everypony else.”

Sunrise continues holding Snowflake. “So where do we go from here?”

“I was able to convince the mayor to let this go by assigning our beast here to keep an eye on her at all times.”

“You mean he’s going to be my personal servant, or something?”

“More like your caretaker actually. You won’t be giving him any orders. If anything he’ll be telling you what to do. Kinda like your mother and I.”

He turns to Arc.

“I’m giving you the job of keeping Snowflake here out of trouble. See to it she doesn’t cause any more mischief. If she does you are free to punish her as you see fit.”

Sunrise gasps. “But why HIM?!”

“Because he’s big enough to subdue Snowflake if she gets out of line again.”

Arc turns to Sunrise. “Has this happened before?”

“Several times, yes. Truth be told, I’ve been working on a cure for some time to break the hold these Crimsons have on her.”

Snowflake frowns. “Hold? But I’ve never done anything!”

“You have actually.”

“Huh?”

Sunrise nods. “Several times in the past when the Crimsons attacked you’ve helped them by giving them food and other supplies.”

Shadow sighs. “You’ve tried to follow them before as well. Fortunately either myself or your mother was able to hold you back before you left town with them.”

Arc turns to Shadow. “What do you suppose they want with her?”

“Food probably. I don’t know why else they would want her.”

Snowflake looks to her mother, sadly. “Mom? Is… is that why everypony in town hates me?”

Sunrise nods sadly. “Yes dear. Several times it’s taken me along with several other villagers to hold you down.”

“But I don’t remember any of that!”

Shadow frowns. “You never do. That’s why you need a caretaker.”

Sunrise looks to her husband. “Are you sure he’s strong enough though?”

“Based on what I saw the other day during our foraging, yes.”

Snowflake nods. “He took on some Timberwolves! That and a manticore ran when they saw him!”

Sunrise grimaces. “Could he be too strong then? I don’t want Snowflake hurt by him.”

“Well… let’s see.”

He turns to Snowflake.

“I want you to run for the door while your pet here tries to stop you.”

“Okay.”

“Snowflake… RUN!”

The filly makes a dash for the door. Arc dives forward and wraps his arms around her. She tries to get away, but he pushes her to the ground. For a solid minute Snowflake flails around trying to escape. Eventually she sighs and shakes her head.

“He’s got me.”

Sunrise gasps. “Are you okay?”

Snowflake nods as Arc lets her up. “Yes mom.”

“You see, dear? A perfect caretaker for our daughter. If she really gets out of hoof he could always use his larger mass to pin her down. All he’d have to do is lie on her.”

Arc sighs. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Sunrise shudders as Shadow turns his attention back to Arc.

“You’ll be with her at all times and I mean at ALL times! That also means you’ll be sleeping in Snowflake’s room from now on.”

“YAY!”

Sunrise’s eyes twitches. “Are you sure that’s wise, Shadow? I mean, you told me yourself just yesterday that he eats meat!”

“He’s already protected our daughter twice now. That’s good enough for me. Now then, I want you two to get cleaned up for breakfast.”

Sunrise heads for the door slowly. “The porridge should be just about done simmering by now. So don’t take too long.”

“Okay mom.”

They leave the barn and head for the pump behind it. Snowflake shakes her head as Arc washes his hands and face.

“I just don’t get it, Big Brother. What’s happening to me?”

Arc shrugs as he wipes his hands on his shirt. “No clue. Truth be told, I’m as confused by this as you are.”

Snowflake walks toward the pump. “What else am I doing that I don’t remember?!”

Arc leans heavily on the handle. “There might be more your parents aren’t telling you. But if something like this happens again, I’ll be sure to watch you carefully and let you know exactly what’s up.”

Snowflake frowns as she holds her hooves under the stream of water. “Thanks. Not really sure I want to know though. I mean… this is scary enough as it is.”

“Well, next time you won’t be alone. I’ll be there to stop you.”

“That’s great and all, but… um…”

“Something wrong?”

Snowflake looks at the ground nervously. “I, uh… kinda have to pee.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“My dad said you were supposed to stay with me at all times though, remember? Does that mean you’re going to watch me when I… you know…?”

“Oh… um… how about I wait just outside the door then?”

Snowflake sounds relieved as they walk toward the outhouse. “Yeah. I don’t want anypony to see me without my cloak on.”

Meanwhile, quite some distance away, Sereb stands and stretches before turning and nudging the fillies.

“It is time to rise, little ones.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Are you… sure?”

Apple Bloom sits up and looks out the tent flap. “Yup. We need to get an early start, right Dinky? Dinky?”

The little unicorn sighs and sits up.

“Yeah…”

Sweetie Belle looks to her friend. “You okay?”

“I just didn’t sleep very well… that’s all.”

Apple Bloom nods. “We understand if you want to rest a bit longer.”

“Indeed.”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, we need to keep going.”

Sereb holds the tent flap open as the fillies pass him. Opening his saddle bags, he turns back to them.

“We should eat a bit before moving on.”

Apple Bloom pulls out some apples and passes them to the others. “Sereb’s right. We need to keep our strength up.”

Sweetie Belle nods as she takes a bite. “So what IS our next step?”

Sereb turns to Dinky. “That is up to her.”

Dinky sighs as she rests a small hoof on her father’s gauntlet. “We already checked the lake and didn’t find anything. But finding this proves that my dad was here. Can you pick up a trail, Sereb?”

Sereb shakes his head. “It has been too long, I’m afraid.”

“So we don’t know which way to go?”

“Pretty much. Unless we can find some kind of clue.”

Dinky smiles. “I believe we already have one.”

Sereb appears confused. We do?

Dinky looks down at the gauntlet. “Sereb, you found this in the lake, so it stands to reason that my dad landed in or near the water. Since he was most likely badly hurt, I imagine he would have used that to his advantage.”

“How?”

Dinky points a hoof toward the waterfall. “The lake feeds a stream that runs away from the capital. Assuming he survived, the most logical escape route would be to let the current carry him away.”

Sereb nods. “There is a good chance he did.”

Apple Bloom grins. “So we start at the base of the waterfall?”

“Yes. Then we follow the river and look for clues.”

Dinky taps the gauntlet as she thinks. “This might be able to help us.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “How so?”

Apple Bloom gasps. “You thinking we could use it to open portals?”

Sereb looks to Dinky. “With your abilities that does not seem necessary.”

“Sereb’s right. We can go anywhere we envision instantly without a portal. But I was thinking to use this for sending things away.”

“What for?”

Dinky walks over to Sereb’s pack and pulls out Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags.

“I’ll show you two in a minute. Just finish your breakfast while I do something real quick.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shrug as Dinky heads back to the tent.

“Should we… follow her?”

“I dunno.”

“Give your friend some time to herself. She will come out when she is ready.”

Sometime later Dinky exits the tent and rejoins the others.

“Sorry. That took longer than I thought it would.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “What were you doing in there?”

Dinky holds up her school notebook.

“Writing a letter.”

“To whom?”

“My mom. I wrote down everything we learned so far and asked her to tell Miss Twilight. She can probably investigate this more officially.”

“That’s a great idea!”

“Yeah! We’ll do the legwork out here while they look into what was originally reported!”

Sereb nods approvingly. “A sound plan, to be sure.”

“I also asked her to tell Miss Rarity and Miss Applejack not to worry about us, as Sereb’s here too.”

“Oh?”

“I think Applejack will feel better knowing that.”

“Rarity too.”

Dinky nods as she picks up the gauntlet. “Now if I can figure out how to power this thing up, I can open a portal and send this note to my mom at home.”

Sereb looks to Dinky. “Are you certain she’ll notice it?”

“I sure hope so.”

A few minutes later, as her horn glows, Dinky is able to power up the gauntlet and open a portal. With a flick of her fetlock she tosses the note through and closes it. Turning to the others she sighs.

“Let’s get moving, shall we?”

Nodding, the fillies surround Sereb and put their hooves together. Vanishing, they reappear at the base of the waterfall. Looking at the churning water for a few moments soberly the gaze up at the top of the waterfall overhead. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom look to one another.

“That’s… really high!”

“Yeah. But I think Arc could’ve made it.”

Sereb stares at several larger branches twisting in the current. He turns to the fillies.

“Wait here a moment.”

Jumping into the water, Sereb submerges and disappears from sight.

“What’s he doing?”

“Looking for clues, maybe?”

Dinky grimaces. “I think he’s checking to make sure my dad’s body isn’t pinned underwater.”

“Don’t say things like that, Dinky!”

“Yeah! I bet your dad’s okay!”

Dinky sighs. “I sure hope so. But we’re either going to bring him home safe and sound… or for a proper burial.”

A few moments later Sereb surfaces and swims over to the bank. Hopping out of the water he shakes himself dry and looks to Dinky.

“I did not find him.”

Dinky appears relieved. “Thanks for looking.”

She turns to the others.

“We should check the riverbank next.”

“Which one?”

“Both actually.”

Sweetie Bell looks across the river. “Two on one side, two on the other?”

“That is inadvisable.”

Dinky nods. “Sereb’s right. We should stick together and stay safe. After all, if one group was attacked by wild animals, the other pair might not be able to reach them in time to help.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But what if Arc got out on the other side? We’d miss a clue.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “We could check both sides. Just one at a time.”

“I recommend walking on this side until noon. After lunch we could ford the river and head back via the other bank.”

Apple Bloom nods at the wolf. “With luck we would be back at the waterfall before evening.”

“Then what?”

“The next morning we would retrace our steps and walk this side until noon to get back to where we forded. Then we could search that side of the bank until evening, ford the river again, and make camp for the night before it gets too cool.”

Dinky grins. “Then we head back and keep repeating the process.”

Sweetie Belle appears nervous. “For how long though?”

Apple Bloom looks to Dinky, soberly. “Until we find something!”

“Yes. Or until we reach the ocean.”

Sereb sighs. “It is possible he drifted that far, yes. However that would be very unlikely.”

“I know. But I won’t give up my search. Now let’s pack up the tent and get moving.”

Nodding, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle turn and follow their friend back to the campsite. A short time later they set out with Dinky in the lead. Sereb turns to her as they walk the bank very slowly.

“Are you certain you wouldn’t like a ride?”

Apple Bloom nods from the saddle. “We could cover more ground in less time.”

Dinky keeps her eyes on the ground. “No thank you.”

“Are you sure? You’ve got to be getting tired. And I know you didn’t sleep well last night.”

“I don’t want to risk missing a clue. That’s the whole reason we’re out here, after all.”

Sereb frowns. “While I cannot argue with that logic, I must caution against such action.”

“Duly noted.”

Sereb smiles as Dinky pauses momentarily for a drink.

“Very interesting.”

Apple Bloom looks down. “Did you see something, Sereb?”

“Not a clue, no. I was just… thinking.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “What about?”

“Little Dinky here.”

“Me?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. I must say I’m very impressed with your focused mindset in this matter. But it’s important not to push yourself too hard.”

“My dad never gave up on me, or anypony else for that matter! And neither will I!”

“You remind me quite a bit of your father. While you were not present for most of our missions, your attitude is nearly identical to his.”

Apple Bloom turns to Sereb. “That’s a good thing though, right?”

“Somewhat. Arc did have a nasty habit of working too much and pushing himself too hard. However he was also very good at getting results.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “I think that’s one of the reasons my mom liked him so much. His goal driven mindset is really similar to hers, after all.”

As afternoon falls they stop for lunch. Dinky looks across the river at the opposite bank as her friends eat.

“This is a good place to ford.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Why’s that, Dinky?”

Dinky points a hoof at the water. “The river is really deep here, which makes for a slower current.”

Sereb appears to approve. “We can swim it without running the risk of being swept away.”

“How about something to eat, Dinky?”

“You haven’t hardly touched food since we left Ponyville.”

Dinky shakes her head. “I’m not really hungry. You two go ahead though.”

As they finish their meager meal Sereb stands up and stretches.

“Shall I ferry you three across on my back?”

Apple Bloom looks out to the water. “Nah. We can make it.”

Dinky nods. “Right. The river’s really slow here, after all.”

“Very well. However I will go first whenever you’re ready.”

Dinky walks toward the bank. “Let’s get moving.”

Sereb walks into the river and begins to swim. Dinky jumps in and paddles her way across as Apple Bloom turns to Sweetie Belle.

“You okay?”

“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I dunno. Just a feeling I had.”

Sweetie Belle gestures with a hoof. “You go on ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Okay.”

Apple Bloom trots into the water and swims after Sereb and Dinky. Sweetie Belle puts a hoof in the water and gasps.

“That’s cold!”

Sweetie Belle looks at her friends as the reach the halfway point. Taking a deep breath she steps into the water and begins kicking her legs. A minute later the others step out onto the opposite bank. Sereb shakes himself dry as Apple Bloom looks to Dinky.

“Kinda chilly in here for summer weather.”

“I read that this river is fed by runoff from the mountain peak Canterlot is built on.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “But we’re quite a ways from the city.”

“True. But water is more difficult to heat than the air around it.”

“I wonder why. Any ideas Sweetie Belle?”

They turn around to see the young unicorn roughly halfway to the bank. Sweetie Belle is visibly struggling to advance and appears to be having great difficulty staying afloat. Sereb turns and bounds back into the cold river as her head dips under the water. Within moments he reaches her and vanishes under the current. The pair surface a few moments later with the young filly coughing violently. Sereb ferries Sweetie Belle to shore on his back. Dinky and Apple Bloom run toward the pair and help Sweetie Belle down.

“Are you okay?!”

“What happened?!”

Sweetie Belle looks away. “I… don’t really know how to swim.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “But it’s easy!”

Sereb growls. “If you could not swim why did you not simply say so, little one?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Because the three of you seem to be good at all of this.”

“Huh?”

“Good at what?”

“Planning, foraging, living off the land, and swimming too.”

“Well, I learned all this from Applejack. Everything except swimming, that is. Big Mac taught me that.”

“Our tribe is taught from a young age to not just survive, but thrive in nature.”

Dinky nods. “I did a lot of reading prior to my family trip to the Winsome Falls.”

Sweetie Belle looks away. “Right. I don’t know the first thing about… any of this stuff. Rarity isn’t much for camping or outdoorsy stuff, so nopony ever taught me.”

“Then why didn’t you say something?!”

“I didn’t want to hold everypony back! Be a burden to you all!”

Sereb shakes his head. “There is no shame to admitting you cannot do something.”

Dinky nods. “Right. We don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Apple Bloom looks back toward the river. “Or worse.”

“Indeed. But we should get moving. Let’s talk on the way.”

Nodding, they begin walking. Sweetie Belle sighs.

“Sorry everypony. I’m not much use out here.”

“We’re friends, and stick together through it all!”

“Right! Beside, I’m sure there’s plenty of things you’re better at than we are.”

“Like what?”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin. “Well… um…”

“How about your voice?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Shrill like Rarity’s?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “I meant that it’s very melodic.”

“Your friends are correct. Everyone has at least one skill in which they excel in over everyone else.”

“Well, not me.”

“Perhaps it has not yet come to you.”

Dinky smiles at her. “Right. You just have to be patient, Sweetie Belle.”

“But what if it never comes?!”

“I’m sure it will. But even if it doesn’t, you’ll always be our friend. Right, Dinky?”

“Right. You just need somepony to teach you a few things. Starting with swimming.”

“How’d you learn, Dinky?”

“My dad taught me the basics back on Earth. But a… uh… friend of his showed me some more advanced techniques.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Oh? I thought you were pretty good back there.”

“Well, it was easy to learn when I had an expert showing me the ropes. You see, she was…”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “SHE?!”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Did Arc have a marefriend back on Earth?!”

“K-kinda.”

Sereb sighs. “He was very… interested in the one known as Hammer.”

“But what about Rarity?!”

“She and my dad weren’t actually dating. That and he we just trying to get to know her to get information on Princess Celestia’s captors.”

Apple Bloom breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! Applejack wouldn’t have liked that either. But if it wasn’t real love…”

“It… kinda was.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. Doesn’t your dad really like Rarity?”

Sereb grimaces. “He was very… conflicted about this subject back then. Whether or not he was able to resolve it in his mind is unknown to me though.”

“Well, we can ask him about it when we find him.”

“If he survived, yes.”

Sereb groans. “Sweetie Belle!”

“Oh my, I’m really sorry Dinky!”

“It’s okay. I’m… emotionally prepared to face whatever outcome befell my dad. If he survived we’ll bring him home. If not… I want to see him properly laid to rest back in Ponyville.”

Chapter 10 - Royal Assistance

Meanwhile, Derpy trots in place nervously in front of the Town Hall. Twilight and her friends rush over to her.

“Any sign of them?!”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nothing, sugarcube.”

Pinkie gasps. “You don’t suppose they went into the Everfree Forest, do you?!”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Not helping, Pinkie!”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “I doubt it. Dinky and the others are smarter than that.”

Fluttershy walks over. “But where could they have gone?”

Rarity sighs. “And why?”

Twilight shrugs. “We’ve asked everypony in Ponyville if they’ve seen them. So far not a trace though. But they couldn’t have gone far.”

Rainbow Dash points with a hoof. “Let’s expand our search to the outskirts.”

Derpy grins. “Maybe one of the foals at the orphanage knows something.”

The mares rush toward the edge of town and the Little Hooves Orphanage with Derpy in the lead. Arriving, they find everyone outside planting a small garden as Cheerilee and Peachbottom instruct them. Coco Pommel looks up as they approach.

“Derpy?”

“Dinky’s missing! Has anypony seen her?!”

The foals all shake their heads as Pipsqueak speaks.

“We haven’t seen much of her since the funeral.”

Aquamarine nods. “Yeah.”

Glynda gasps. “Can we help?”

Ginny motions with his talon. “The younglings and pegasi could try to spot her from the sky.”

Geoffrey points to the building. “I’ll run and get her other friends.”

Applejack sighs. “They’re missing too.”

Glynda gasps. “What?! Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle?!”

Rarity sadly nods. “Gone before breakfast.”

Cheerilee puts a hoof over her mouth. “This is terrible! Do you suspect foul play?!”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. She left a note saying she was going to try and find her father. But no other information.”

Peachbottom walks over. “Have you checked over at Light’s Hope? Perhaps she went to her father’s grave.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Been there, done that. Nopony there. Just their saddlebags.”

Twilight sighs. “We believe the message in the note was literal.”

Fluttershy looks toward the woods. “She and her friends must think he’s alive out there.”

Rarity nods resolutely. “I too am holding out hope for that.”

Applejack removes her hat respectfully. “It’s not likely. After all, as powerful as Arc is, if he really was okay I know he would have come back right away via portal.”

Pinkie looks down at the ground. “Or at least sent a message!”

“Gallus and I will help you look if that’s okay with you, Miss Pommel.”

“Of course. Take all the time you need.”

Joining the search, Natalya and Gallus fly away with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash as the others turn to leave the grounds. Derpy turns to Rarity and Applejack.

“How are you two holding up?”

Applejack sighs as she puts her hat back on. “Not the greatest. Big Mac and Babs Seed are still out looking. Nopony’s told Granny Smith yet. She thinks we’re all running errands.”

Rarity hangs her head. “I’m very worried, of course. However, I take solace in the fact they’re together.”

Twilight grimaces. “I hope they have the foresight to stick together… wherever they are.”

Derpy smiles. “I’m sure they will.”

She stops and puts a hoof to her forehead. The others rush to Derpy’s side.

“You okay, sugarcube?”

“I… just feel a bit… lightheaded.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her own head. “It’s the worry, I’m afraid. I’ve felt the same since hearing then news.”

Pinkie nods. “We should get you home, Derpy. A nap will do you good.”

Twilight turns to Derpy. “Pinkie’s right. You should rest.”

“Alright. But just for a bit.”

Arriving back at Derpy’s house Twilight and her friends help her over to the couch.

“There you are, sugarcube. Now just rest.”

“I… do feel better lying here. But…”

She pats the cushion with a hoof before continuing.

“…my house just feels so empty now. Like it’s lost its… I don’t know.”

Rarity sighs. “I know how you feel. My own home just won’t be the same without Sweetie Belle.”

“Nor will Sweet Apple Acres without my little sister.”

Twilight forces a smile. “They’ll come back. That is, unless we find them first.”

Pinkie nods happily. “Of course! As soon as we can, we’ll go back to looking for em!”

“I’m half expecting her to just bound through the door any moment.

Derpy looks to the sigil in the corner.

“Like Arc used to…”

Pausing, Derpy sits up and turns her head to get a better look.

“What’s that?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “A piece of paper.”

Derpy bounds off the couch and runs over to it.

“It’s from Dinky’s school notebook!”

Pinkie gasps. “Goody! Maybe it’s a ransom note!”

Twilight glares at her friend. “Pinkie!”

“What? Then we’d at least know where they were.”

Derpy unfolds the paper and begins to read it. Gasping, she turns back to the others.

“Dinky’s found something!”

Twilight smiles. “Arc?!”

“No, no! Like her original note said, they went looking for Arc, of course. But according to this latest note they actually found some clues!”

Rarity gasps. “What?!”

Applejack runs over. “Are they okay?!”

“Yes, she says they’re all doing well. Apparently Sereb went with them.”

Twilight frowns. “I thought he left with Ember.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Must’ve come back for some reason!”

“They found Arc’s sigil gauntlet along with some clues from the scene of the crime!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “So they’re in Canterlot?!”

Sounds like it.”

Rarity heads for the door. “We need to get over there right away!”

Twilight runs in front of her friend to block their advance. “Wait a second. Let’s finish here first.”

“Apparently they’ve left Canterlot to look into another lead and want us to do the same.”

Applejack sighs. “How?”

“Well, according to the official report, Princess Celestia blasted Arc through the windows to the east. However his body was never found.”

Twilight’s ears droop sadly. “Yes. What about it?”

“Dinky says they found Arc’s gauntlet in the lake to the west.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?! How did it get THERE?!”

“She thinks the princess and Captain Decimus may not have been honest about what happened back then.”

Twilight narrows her eyes. “To what end?”

“That the captain may be covering up the truth.”

“But Princess Celestia would NEVER lie about… ANYTHING!”

Pinkie frowns. “But who wrote the report?”

Applejack nods. “Pinkie’s right. Decimus probably wrote it himself and convinced the princess she was delusional, or something.”

Twilight gasps. “She was!”

Rarity frowns soberly. “All the more reason we need to get to the bottom of this!”

“Right. Dinky says as much here. Twilight, she wants you to go to Canterlot and see if you can get your hooves on any reports written about that night.”

“I… suppose I can do that. After all, I do have standing access to the Archives.”

Applejack motions to the door. “We can take the train to Canterlot this afternoon.”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “What about that creep Decimus though! He might think something’s up if we start asking questions!”

Applejack sighs. “Right. He might even do something drastic.”

“I doubt that. If something were to happen to me, Princess Celestia would turn the country upside-down looking for whomever did it.”

Rarity stomps the floor angrily. “Either way Arc deserves to be avenged. Or at the very least, have the truth about what happened that day be known.”

Derpy nods. “Let’s meet at the train station in three hours.”

Applejack grins. “I’ll be there.”

Pinkie hops up and down. “Me too!”

Rarity beams. “As will I!”

Twilight nods. “Count me in! And we’ll be sure to let Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy know as well.”

Derpy looks to all of them happily. “Thanks everypony. It’s good to know that Arc was planning to marry so many dedicated mares.”

The other’s force smiles and nod silently as they lead Derpy back to the couch. Meanwhile, Arc and Snowflake sit in the kitchen eating with Shadow and Sunshine.

“I don’t like this.”

Sunshine looks to her husband. “It’s very nutritious though.”

Shadow shakes his head. “No, I mean the beast sitting at the table.”

Snowflake frowns. “He’s not just a beast. I picked out a name for him.”

“Good. Now I know what to yell. What did you choose?”

“Big Brother.”

Sunshine raises an eyebrow. “That’s a rather… unique name.”

“I know, mom. But it just kinda came to me last night when I woke up in the barn with him.”

Shadow rolls his eyes. Well, call him whatever you want. Now let’s finish eating so we can get to foraging. After all, the shop won’t stock itself.

A short time later they move to leave the cottage, Snowflake turns to her mother.

“We’ll be back in time for supper.”

“Be careful out there.”

“Don’t worry. Big Brother will watch out for me.”

Sunshine smiles nervously. “Yes, I’m sure he will.”

“Come on, you two. Daylight’s burning.”

The trio heads out into the forest together. Shadow turns to Arc.

“Keep a close eye on Snowflake. She’s not much use in a fight, as I’m certain you’ve noticed.”

Snowflake frowns as Arc nods.

“I’ll do my best.”

Later that day, Derpy along with the Mane Six board the train to Canterlot. As the train flies down the tracks they look out the window silently for quite some time. Eventually Twilight speaks up.

“I’m sure we’ll be able to get some answers from our own investigation here.”

Derpy sighs. “I sure hope so. Maybe then Dinky can come home.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I still think we should be out there looking for them!”

Pinkie shrugs. “Where would we start?!”

Fluttershy looks out the window. “How about the countryside surrounding Canterlot?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “That’s quite a bit of land.”

Applejack grimaces. “It’d be like searching for a needle in a haystack.”

Rarity forces a nervous smile. “Yes. But now we know Sereb is with them. I’m sure they’ll be alright with him around.”

Rainbow Dash taps her hoof impatiently. “I sure hope so. But I’m going to fly around when we get there.”

Twilight nods. “Fine. We’ll meet you at the castle at dusk.”

As the train pulls up to Canterlot Station they disembark. Rainbow Dash flies off at top speed while the others turn to Twilight as she points a hoof.

“The castle is this way. Follow me everypony.”

Making their way down the street, Fluttershy looks to Applejack.

“What do you think we’ll find?”

“If we’re lucky, answers.”

Pinkie looks nervous. “And if we’re not?”

Derpy sighs. “Then we’d better hope Dinky and her friends can be persuaded to come home.”

Twilight turns to Derpy. “Do you really think they’ll do that?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. She’d never give up so easily. After all, she’s Arc’s daughter.”

Twilight spots a large tome in a shop window along with some designer quills and inkwells. She turns to the others sheepishly.

“I’ll catch up with all of you in a few minutes. Somehow I forgot to bring quills and notepads. We’ll need them for the Archives.”

Applejack chuckles. “Alright, sugarcube. We’ll meet you outside the Audience Chamber.”

Twilight nods and enters the shop as the others continue on. Arriving at the castle, they are stopped by a platoon of Royal Guards stationed at the drawbridge.

“State your business!”

Derpy steps back nervously. “We’re here to… um…”

“Do you have an audience scheduled?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “N-no. We just got into town.”

Applejack looks hopeful. “Right. But our business won’t take too long.”

“Nopony is to be admitted to the castle without either a royal summons or a scheduled audience.”

Rarity gasps. “What?! But Princess Celestia always has time for all her subjects!”

“Not at the moment she doesn’t. The princess is still quite weak from her battle with the Hero of Light. She’s been asked to keep audiences to a minimum until further notice.”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “What?! Who’s idea was that?!”

“Captain Decimus. Now then, if you don’t have either an appointment or royal summons, please…”

Twilight walks over with several quills sticking out of her saddlebags.

“What’s going on?”

Derpy sighs. “They won’t let us in.”

Applejack nods sadly. “Decimus’ orders.”

Twilight frowns. “Let me speak to them.”

Approaching the guard, she clears her throat.

“Excuse me sir, but my name is Twilight Sparkle. I’m the personal student of Princess Celestia, and as such she has given standing orders that I be admitted immediately and at any time.”

“We’ve heard of you, Miss Sparkle. My apologies, bit Captain Decimus gave strict orders not to admit anypony without either an appointment or royal summons.”

“Very well. But I can’t imagine her being too happy when she finds out I was turned away like this.”

Twilight turns to her friends.

“What do you think she’ll do to them?”

Applejack chuckles. “Have them guard the dungeons for a double shift?”

Pinkie rubs her hooves together wickedly. “Make them taste the food for poison?”

Fluttershy smile shyly. “Yell at them maybe?”

Rarity turns her nose up indignantly. “Tar and feather the louts?”

Derpy shrugs. “Fire them?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Oh, no. She’d do all of the above. After all, when Princess Celestia finds out my friends and I were turned away…”

“P-please, Miss Sparkle! I’d like to allow you entrance, but… if Captain Decimus found out about it I’d get much worse!”

Derpy looks to the officer. “Excuse me, sir. But did his orders say anything about Princess Luna?”

Pinkie gasps happily. “Good idea! Maybe she can help us!”

“Well… I suppose they didn’t. However, Princess Luna has turned over daily audiences to her sister and is not currently seeing anypony. If you’d like I can call for Captain Decimus to come out here and see you. But I wouldn’t recommend that.”

The guard lowers his voice and looks around before speaking.

“He’s a bit… on edge these days.”

Twilight nods. “Tell you what. You ask Princess Luna if we can see her, and I promise not to tell Princess Celestia about this.”

“The best I can do is make the request on your behalf.”

“Very well.”

The guard hurries off. Applejack frowns.

“Who does Decimus think he is?! Not letting anypony in to see the princess, my hoof!”

Pinkie giggles. “It’s a good thing you were here, Twilight!”

Rarity nods. “Indeed. But now I’m worried this won’t be as easy as we thought.”

Twilight sighs. “Agreed. Things are… not right here.”

A short time later the Royal Guard returns.

“Princess Luna’s aide has agreed to see you and your party, Miss Sparkle.”

Pinkie pulls out her Party Cannon. “Did somepony say PARTY?!”

Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “It’s just a figure of speech, Pinkie.”

Twilight nods apprehensively. “Right.”

She looks back to the guard.

“An aide is better than nothing. Lead the way.”

Crossing the drawbridge, Twilight and her friends are quickly admitted and led down several corridors. Looking around, they see that patrols are everywhere and armed to the teeth. Derpy turns to their escort.

“What’s going on?”

“Captain Decimus has ordered the castle be put on high alert to protect Princess Celestia.”

Rarity gasps. “Was there an attempt on her life?!”

“I’m… not at liberty to say.”

Leading the mares to a small office the guard knocks before opening the door and allowing Twilight and the others to enter. A heavily armored stallion sits behind a small desk as the guard salutes him.

“Twilight Sparkle and company here to see you, sir.”

“Return to your post.”

“Yes sir.”

He leaves the room as the stallion stands up and hurries over to them.

“H-hello again.”

Twilight appears confused. “I’m sorry, but do I know you?”

“Not exactly, no. I was stationed at Light’s Hope until… the incident.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “Wait a second. You were Arc’s sergeant, right?”

“Yes. My name’s Sandstorm Mirage. But after the commander’s death I was reassigned as Princess Luna’s aide.”

Derpy looks hopeful. “Can my friends and I see her please?”

“I can ask her highness, of course. But she hasn’t seen anypony in many days. However since you’re a friend of the commander I’m sure she’ll grant an audience. Please wait here. This won’t take long.”

Sandstorm Mirage leaves the office as Derpy turns to Twilight.

“Do you think she’ll really agree to see us?”

“No idea. I don’t have any kind of relationship with her, so…”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “You mean she doesn’t like you?”

“Pretty much.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Well, after you did such a wonderful job of organizing the summit, I’m sure she thinks higher of you now.”

Pinkie shrugs. “I dunno. She seemed to be giving Arc all the credit for that.”

Derpy appears confused. “Really? Was that a bad thing?”

Rarity shudder. “Yes and no. Princess Luna didn’t like a few of the choices I made back there. But Arc took the blame for them.”

Applejack nods. “I remember that. But she seemed to approve of them as soon as Arc told her that he was responsible.”

Twilight sighs. “Arc had her complete trust back then. Kinda like my relationship with Princess Celestia.”

Derpy smiles at her. “You both do seem to have an open door policy.”

“Yes, well… Arc’s was mandated by a standing order. He could see the princesses any time.”

Rarity frowns. “I thought you had the same agreement with Princess Celestia.”

“I did too.”

Sandstorm Mirage returns a short time later.

“Princess Luna will see you now.”

Applejack looks hopeful. “All of us?”

“She said Miss Twilight and all her friends are to come see her in her private chambers.”

Twilight gasps. “What?!”

Pinkie giggles. “It means her room, silly!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “That’s a bit out of the ordinary, isn’t it?”

Rarity nods her head fervently. “Very. The princesses typically don’t entertain guests in their bedrooms, after all.”

Derpy appears confused. “Why’s that?”

Fluttershy looks nervous. “It’d normally cause a scandal, I think.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. “Right. But those were her orders. If everypony is ready we can head over there right now.”

Twilight steps forward. “Alright. Let’s go.”

The sergeant escorts the group to the large double doors bearing Princess Luna’s cutie mark. He turns to them.

“Here we are. Shall I announce you, or do you need a few minutes?”

Applejack frowns. “A few minutes for what?”

“Most staff members need to work up their courage before going in there. If you’d like, I can help you with that.”

Derpy smiles. “You can?”

Rarity appears nervous. “How?”

Sandstorm Mirage walks across the corridor to a small decorative cabinet. Opening it he pulls out a tray containing a decanter and several glasses.

“A bit of a stiff drink to loosen your nerves.”

Applejack gasps. “Really? Ponies are THAT afraid of her?”

“Yes. She’s rather… abrasive sometimes. The commander was the only one with whom she acted… um…”

Pinkie moves her hoof in a circular motion. “Acted…?”

“…like a normal mare, I guess.”

Rarity appears suddenly nervous. “Did she… ever entertain Arc in her chambers?”

“Just once from what I’m told.”

Derpy smiles. “That was nice of her.”

Pinkie grins. “When was that?!”

“After he took her out for dinner. But if none of you need some of this liquor to calm your nerves, I need to announce you. We mustn’t keep the Princess of the Night waiting.”

He knocks lightly before entering. Rarity sighs as she looks at her reflection in a pane of glass.

“I… didn’t know I was sleeping with somepony who’d shared a bed with royalty.”

Applejack walks over to her. “You okay, sugarcube?”

“After all, what chance does a small town mare have against a princess? Whomever she want’s, she gets.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Rarity?”

“And if he makes her happy, doesn’t she deserve…”

Derpy puts a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “I agree with you. They both deserve the best. But Arc never really seemed too interested in the princesses.”

Fluttershy nods. “Right. It’s always been business between them.”

“Are you sure?”

Pinkie grins. “It might not be. He asked me to get a pineapple as a gift for her before their date. That’s not easy to do. Or cheap for that matter.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “A… pineapple?”

Pinkie shrugs. “Eh. It’s her thing.”

Sandstorm Mirage opens the door and looks out at the mares.

“You may enter.”

Stepping aside, he allows them to pass through the door. Closing it behind them he turns to the princess whom is staring out a window.

“Twilight Sparkle and her friends, your highness.”

“Very good. You may go now, sergeant.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Walking backwards, he nervously steps out the door. Twilight cautiously approaches the mare.

“Princess Luna?”

The alicorn slowly turns around and walks toward them.

“I know why you’re here, Twilight.”

“You… you do?”

Luna nods. “Yes. You’re here to see my sister.”

“Um… kinda.”

“But she was too busy to see you.”

“That’s not exactly correct, but…”

“So you or one of your friends came up with the idea to ask for an audience with me.”

Derpy raises a hoof nervously. “I think that was my idea, your highness.”

Luna turns and walks back to the window. “Well, if that was your intention, you wasted your time.”

Applejack frowns. “Your highness?”

“I don’t see much of Celestia these days.”

Twilight gasps. “Is she okay?!”

Luna sighs. “Yes and no. Yes, as her wounds have healed nicely after she had rested enough to regain her alicorn regenerative abilities. No, as she’s virtually a prisoner here in the castle.”

Fluttershy takes a step back. “Prisoner?!”

“I’m sure you noticed all the guards patrolling the corridors on your way here.”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “Yeah! What’s going on?!”

“Captain Decimus ordered it. He thinks to protect us from future abductions.”

Applejack steps forward. “Begging your pardon, Princess Luna, but he might be onto something there.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. Your sister was taken right under the guards noses.”

“That may be. But I do believe they’ll find she and I are not easy targets any longer. However I doubt you came here to inquire about the state of the castle. Tell me your little request so that I might inform you that I am powerless to do anything to grant it, and you can be on your way.”

Applejack frowns. “My sister’s missing.”

Rarity nods. “She ran off to Canterlot with my daughter and her friends.”

Luna sighs. “Then report it to the guards. Why did you think I would be able to…?”

Derpy steps forward soberly. “The third missing filly is Arc’s daughter.”

Luna is silent for a time before turning to them.

“Tell me everything you know.”

Chapter 11 - Correspondances

Author's Note

This chapter marks 2,000,000 words! In celebration of this, I've commissioned a special picture of the Lord Regent and his little family!

Chapter 11 - Correspondances

The mares tell Luna of Dinky’s letter. She frowns.

“This is… troubling. I find it very difficult to believe my sister would try to cover up such a thing.”

Twilight sighs. “I know what you mean, Princess Luna. It’s just not in her nature to kill somepony. Much less try to cover it up.”

“You don’t know my sister at all, Twilight.”

“What?”

Luna heads for the telephone, ignoring the question. “I will call Sandstorm Mirage and have him bring me copies of whatever reports were filed regarding Arc’s end.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

Applejack appears relieved. “This means a lot to us.”

Rarity nods happily. “Yes. Truth be told, when the guards at the gate told us Princess Celestia wasn’t holding regular audiences we were at a loss on what to…”

Luna frowns as she puts down the receiver. “What did you say?”

Rarity shrinks back nervously Um… about what, Princess Luna?

“About audiences. I was under the impression they were still somewhat active.”

Pinkie shakes her head. “It didn’t sound like it. Judging from what the guard at the drawbridge said.”

“This is… troubling. My sister always insisted that audiences be allowed to continue except under the most extreme circumstances.”

Applejack frowns. “What do you think changed?”

Derpy turns to Luna. “Well, she’s probably still trying to get over whatever happened to her on Earth.”

“Perhaps. But she has been far removed from the public eye in general since returning to the throne. A trait that does not befit her normal attitude. But let me request the reports so that we may go over them.”

Rarity gasps. “We, your highness?!”

Luna nods as she picks up the phone again and waits for the switchboard operator. “Yes. Arc was a good friend to me. For the sake of his daughter and her friend’s safety I will do all in my power to get to the bottom of this matter.”

Speaking into the receiver, Luna asks to be connected to Sandstorm Mirage. After giving him the order she hangs up and turns to the others.

“This may take quite some time.”

Pinkie appears confused. “Why’s that?! After all, the Archives are here in the castle, right?!”

“First he has to walk there from his office. Then wait in line to put forth the request with the proper steward. After that they have to locate the documents and bring them to the copy room, which will have a line of its own, before walking them here. However the result for your patience will be the information you requested.”

She turns to Twilight.

“However, if there isn’t anything you need to do at the moment, there is a task which you can assist with.”

“If we can help you with anything…”

Luna walks over to a large desk and pulls out a scroll along with an inkwell and quill before turning back to Twilight.

“Come here.”

Twilight nervously does so as Luna pulls back the chair.

“Have a seat.”

Fluttershy steps forward. “May we help?”

“You may observe.”

She turns back to Twilight and motions to the quill.

“Write what I tell you to.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Luna walks over to the balcony door and looks out them as she begins to speak.

“Dear Cadance. The state of affairs in the castle remain unchanged. My sister is elusive as ever since her return, and I’ve seen very little of her. Doctor Whooves assures me that her strength is returning quickly. However I can’t help but wish to be able to see this for myself.”

Luna pauses momentarily before sighing.

“I had a very special… group come to visit me today. Twilight and her friends from Ponyville. They wanted to see my sister, of course. But that was not possible for reasons I put forth in a previous correspondence. Needless to say, I’m grateful for the company in this dark time. Now I’ll allow Twilight, whom is writing this letter for me, to pen in her own message to her former foal sitter and friend.”

Twilight looks over to Luna, confused.

“Princess Luna? Isn’t this an official royal message though?”

“It is, yes.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Then why…?”

“I’m sure she’d enjoy hearing from both of us.”

Derpy turns to Luna. “But what should she say?”

“Whatever comes to mind. The rest of you may help if you wish.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “Oh… okay.”

Applejack grins. “How about you talk about the weather?”

“It’s a beautiful summer day here in Canterlot.”

Fluttershy looks to Twilight. “Say something about the robins flying through the skies.”

“The birds are chirping happily and the warm breezes are a welcome change from winter’s cold.”

Rarity giggles. “Tell her how beautiful she looked at the Grand Galloping Gala last year.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that kinda old news though?”

“Trust me. What mare doesn’t like somepony telling her how good she looked? Even if it was quite some time ago.”

“Rarity still speaks of the lovely dresses you and Princess Luna wore to the Grand Galloping Gala last season.”

Luna rolls her eyes and sighs as Pinkie pipes up.

“Be sure to thank her for inviting us to that peace summit!”

Applejack frowns. “You enjoyed that?!”

“Sure! It was a PARTY!”

“Pinkie wanted me to thank you for allowing her and the rest of us the opportunity to attend the peace summit at Light’s Hope. I’m sure you know just how much she loves a good party.”

Everyone turns to Derpy as Twilight speaks.

“Anything you’d like to say, Derpy?”

“Actually, yes.”

Derpy clears her throat and begins to speak.

“Dinky’s mother, Derpy, wanted me to pass on a message to you. She wishes you to know that she was very happy to see you and Princess Luna at Arc’s funeral. He meant a lot to her and Dinky, and she was very pleased to see that Arc meant a lot to you. Your duties as princesses are certainly time consuming and without end, so for two princesses to take time out to attend the memorial was very touching indeed. While the nation mourned his loss, she and Dinky felt his passing deeper than anypony. We understand that nopony could ever take his place, but please honor his legacy and do what is best for the kingdom and its inhabitants.”

Derpy sighs and walks over to join Luna in her vigil. Sitting down next to her, the gray pegasus puts a hoof on her back as she speaks.

“I know he meant a lot to all of us. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”

Luna sighs. “More so than you know.”

“Your highness?”

“Arc… protected this land from certain ruin on numerous occasions. Even going so far as to do our jobs for Cadance and I when we could not. He was more than just another soldier to us. Arc was a confidant and friend.”

She is silent for a long moment before turning to Twilight.

“Close the letter as you see fit.”

Twilight nods and looks back to the scroll.

“I hope you and Shining Armor are doing well in the Crystal Empire. You and I spoke at length of this when last we saw each other aboard The Equinox, and I just wanted to say again that I approve of you and him seeing one another. While I know he now has even less time on his hooves, what with protecting you and securing the Crystal Castle, I’m very happy that you two have reconnected after all these years. I still remember just how nervous he looked every time you would come over to foalsit for my parents. He’ll be a great help to you in these hard times.”

Smiling, Twilight continues writing.

“As I close this letter, I just want to tell you how much you mean to me, Cadance. You were my first friend, after all. Since that time I’ve learned so much about life, friendship, and even love. Arc was very special to my friends and I. The things I told you some time ago… even now they ring true. While I know it wasn’t exactly culturally acceptable, your advice will live on in my heart, now and forevermore. With warmest wishes… Princess Luna and Twilight.”

Twilight smiles and puts the quill back in the inkwell before rolling up the scroll and standing up. Derpy smiles.

“That was beautiful, Twilight.”

“I just wrote from the heart. Was that okay, Princess Luna?”

Luna nods. “Yes, Twilight. I’m sure Cadance will enjoy hearing from you.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Begging your pardon, Princess Luna. But isn’t this supposed to be your letter?”

“It is. However…”

There is a knock at the door. Luna looks momentarily at the clock and calls out.

“Come in.”

A Lunar Protector enters and salutes. A satchel slung over his shoulder.

“I have a missive for you from Princess Cadance, your highness.”

“Very good. Leave it on the table next to the door.”

Luna turns to the desk and picks up the scroll Twilight penned gingerly with her magic before wrapping it neatly with a black ribbon and affixing her seal. She then levitates it to the guard.

“See to it this letter is delivered to Princess Cadance in the Crystal Empire right away.”

“Yes, Princess Luna.”

“Dismissed.”

The guard salutes and backs out of the room, closing the door behind him. Luna looks at the scroll and sighs before turning back to the window and looking out it again.

“That scroll… one of you read it aloud.”

Applejack gasps. “Are you sure, your highness?”

Pinkie shudders. “Yeah! It might be super-secret personal princess stuff!”

Luna rolls her eyes. “Believe me when I say that it is not.”

Fluttershy, being closest to the scroll, reaches over and unrolls it.

“Dear Luna. Today the weather is rather cool. Almost unseasonably so. Things are going reasonably well here with but a few bumps in the proverbial road. With luck, my horn’s bruising will go down with no permanent scars. Best wishes… Cadance.”

Applejack frowns. “That wasn’t much of a correspondence.”

Rarity sighs. “Indeed. I for one would have thought the Princess of Love would have sent something a bit more… personal.”

Luna looks to Fluttershy. “Bring me the missive.”

“Y-yes, your highness.”

She walks over to the princess and holds out the scroll respectfully. Taking it with her magic, Luna looks over its contents for a few moments. Suddenly the paper bursts into flames as she drops it into a metal waste bin. Everyone gasps. Twilight is the first to speak.

“Princess Luna?!”

“That letter was actually written in code.”

Derpy appears confused. “Code?”

Applejack grimaces. “What for?”

“To appear to be nothing more than idle banter between two princesses. The actual message was really quite chilling.”

Pinkie stretches her neck out comically. “What was it?!”

Rarity frowns. “Pinkie Pie! That’s none of our…!”

“It’s fine. Truth be told, you six should know. The weather being cooler was Cadance reporting to me the ‘temperature’ of the Crystal Empire’s population. Their reaction to current events.”

Twilight gasps. “You mean from Princess Celestia’s return?”

Luna shakes her head. “More regarding her recent actions against our nation’s Hero of Light. The bumps in the road mean she’s having trouble maintaining order, but is managing with help. I’m assuming she means General Virtuous Lance, Captain Shining Armor, and Lieutenant Trixie.”

Twilight appears nervous. “And her horn?”

Luna sighs. “The horn is in reference to Celestia personally. Cadance hopes that her body and mind will recover soon without physical or mental scars.”

Applejack grimaces. “Are things really that bad, your highness?”

“Yes. My sister is… different these days. Reclusive… defensive… protected at all times. She never used to allow soldiers inside her room at night. But now she insists on around the clock surveillance.”

Derpy sighs. “But why?”

“Whatever happened on Earth has changed her.”

Pinkie looks to Luna. “Maybe you and Twilight could talk to her about it!”

Luna shakes her head. “I have tried several times. However she rebuffs every attempt at any meaningful contact.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That doesn’t sound like her at all!”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “Can we do anything to help?”

“No. Right now all we can do is monitor the situation and hope Celestia will come around in time.”

Twilight grimaces. “But… if she doesn’t… what then?”

Luna shudders. “I… don’t wish to think of that. After all, this sort of thing is the exact reason Celestia came up with the idea for a Hero of Light in the first place.”

Derpy’s ears droop. “But Arc’s gone.”

“Indeed. He would have known how to diffuse this situation. Of that I am certain.”

Pinkie frowns. “Are you sure that wasn’t her intention?!”

Twilight turns to her friend. “Pinkie?”

“I mean… that night Arc was the only casualty. Could he have been singled out because of his position?”

“I don’t think so. If you had seen Princess Celestia’s state of mind that night…”

There is a knock at the door. Luna calls out.

“Come!”

The door opens and Sandstorm Mirage walks in. Saluting, he stands there nervously. Luna appears confused.

“Where are the files?”

“The archivists were unable to locate them.”

Luna frowns. “Which ones?!”

“A-any of them, your highness.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! But EVERYTHING is stored there!”

Sandstorm Mirage pulls out a note. “Well, they were unable to find the transcripts of the interviews with Miss Twilight, Princess Celestia, Captain Decimus, Captain Shining Armor, Lieutenant Trixie, Admiral Gaston, or Lady Ashe.”

Twilight frowns. “Wait… what was that last name?!”

“Lady Ashe. She was recently appointed as her nation’s ambassador.”

Luna grits her teeth. “When?!”

“It’s been at least a week from what I’ve heard, your highness.”

Twilight frowns. “And you didn’t say anything?!”

“I didn't think it to be of importance, as she's just a bureaucrat here. No real authority or official duties have been assigned to Lady Ashe to the best of my knowledge.”

Luna turns and looks away. “This is... unsettling.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Why? I mean, she just seemed like an aristocrat’s daughter at the peace summit.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Yeah! What harm could she do?!”

Luna glowers. “Lady Ashe is…!”

She turns to Sandstorm Mirage.

“You are dismissed, sergeant.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Luna waits for him to leave the room before lowering her voice and continuing.

“This information does not leave this room. Do all of you understand?”

All assembled nod as Luna takes a deep breath.

“When Arc and I went to Griffonstone for the signing of the treaty we were attacked several times by the rebels. It was thought to be an attempt to prevent our nations from becoming allies. However, during the flight back to Equestria, Arc was attacked by the rebel leader whom had stowed away aboard the Lunar Destiny.”

Rarity nods proudly. “I imagine he showed them a thing or two.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! That punk probably didn’t know what hit em!”

Applejack smiles. “Darn right! So what ever became of them?”

Luna groans. “When we took the prisoner to the infirmary to treat their wounds, we found out that the leader was none other than Lady Ashe herself.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?!”

Fluttershy’s eyes grow wide. “But… but Arc allowed her to attend the peace summit!”

Derpy tilts her head to one side, confused. “He did?! But why?!”

Luna bows her head. “Probably to avoid raising suspicion. After all, it would have been disastrous to our diplomatic relationship had Lord Gestal learned whom really injured his daughter.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “You mean, he never found out?!”

“Arc was able to convince Lady Ashe to tell her father the rebels were responsible for her injuries. Not sure how he managed such a thing, but it’s for the best he did.”

Rarity grimaces. “But now she’s the ambassador!”

Applejack stomps her hoof angrily. “This HAS to be part of some larger plan!”

Twilight nods. “Agreed. But what?”

Pinkie gasps. “Maybe she wants to steal all our country’s secrets!”

Fluttershy turns to her. “Like what?”

“I dunno. It sounded good in my head though.”

Derpy shudders. “This isn’t good! We need to find out what really happened, now more than ever!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Something’s going on here in the castle. While I can’t imagine Princess Celestia being compliant in any wrongdoing, we still need to discover what the Griffon Kingdom is trying to do here.”

Applejack gasps. “Maybe it’s her trying to establish a rebel foothold!”

Pinkie nods. “Yeah! Their government might have nothing to do with it!”

Luna sighs. “That is possible, yes. But Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom don’t have the best past.”

Rarity frowns. “Are you saying this might be a way for them to get to us?!”

“We need to entertain all possibilities. No matter how remote.”

Fluttershy shrinks back. “What about Captain Decimus?”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Yeah! Arc’s killed him before, as have others.”

Derpy sighs. “He shows up and now there’s problems.”

“My Pinkie Sense says they’re connected somehow!”

Twilight turns to Luna. “The real question now is where do we begin our investigation?”

“I have an idea. It’s a bit risky, of course. But I have an expert I can put on it.”

Meanwhile, Sandstorm Mirage sits in his office with a small bud in his ear, listening. He sighs and shakes his head.

“They just can’t leave well enough alone. The Dark Lady won’t be too happy to learn of this new development.”

The phone rings. Picking up the receiver the stallion clears his throat before speaking.

“Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage.”

“I need you back in my quarters right away, sergeant.”

“Ma’am?”

“There is a very important job I need done. One that can make use of your special skills.”

“Yes, your highness. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Putting down the receiver, he sighs and stands up.

“I have no idea what Princess Luna has planned for me. But I’m quite sure I won’t like it.”

Chapter 12 - Breaking and Entering

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 13 - Coming Clean

Everyone meets back in the relative safety of the room. Luna looks around.

“It would appear all of you are accounted for. Does anypony suspect you?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not likely. Fluttershy and I were a pretty good distance down the corridor before Derpy and Rainbow Dash jumped the guards.”

Applejack facehoofs. “And the guards were too busy ogling my flank to notice Pinkie sneaking up on them.”

Sandstorm Mirage salutes. “I gave the guards from the Archives an out to save them from punishment. They took it, of course.”

“Very good everypony. Tell me, did you find what you were looking for?”

Rose nods. “Some, yes. However many files were indeed missing.”

Pinkie frowns. “Yeah! Somepony should take away their library card!”

Fluttershy turns to Luna. “Did somepony maybe request those documents before we did, your highness?”

“Unlikely. As I said before, they would have requested copies. Not the originals.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Then what did WE get?!”

Rose points to her head. “Digital copies.”

Derpy grins. “Great! Now nopony will know we have them!”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “What should we do now then?”

“We need to return to the library and print these up. Then we can read over the reports and see what’s being hidden from the general public.”

Luna nods approvingly. “And then what?”

“I… um…”

“Do you not have a plan of some kind?”

“Well…”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “We’re making it up based on what we find, right?”

Pinkie giggles. “Pretty much.”

Applejack sighs. “Not the best idea, I know.”

Rose nods soberly. “But sometimes that’s all one can do.”

Luna frowns. “You must do your best to think as far ahead as possible. It will make the job that much easier.”

Derpy gasps. “But that’s not always possible!”

“I know that, my little ponies. However, my sister taught me that lesson long ago.”

Rarity appears genuinely interested. “Really? What happened?”

“She blasted me with the Elements of Harmony. Truthfully, I had forgotten they even existed.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Wait! You knew about them beforehoof?!”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “But the history books say you knew nothing of them and their power.”

“That is simply not true. Celestia and I wielded their power together on several occasions. The last time being against a draconequus named Discord. The self-proclaimed ‘Lord of Chaos’.”

Rarity gasps. “But those things are supposed to be just a myth!”

Sandstorm Mirage shrugs. “One would think so, yes. But every myth has a bit of truth to it.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Like humans?”

Luna sighs. “Sometime more than a bit, I suppose. However, the Elements are useless to Celestia and I now.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “They are?”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side, confused. “But you said you used them in the past!”

“That I did. However now they are bound to you six.”

Twilight turns to Luna, nervously. “I’m glad you brought that up, Princess Luna. As you know, we lent our Elements to Sunburst to power his transdimensional device. Now, he’s certainly welcome to use them if they’re needed, of course. But since Princess Celestia has returned, we should probably have them back.”

Luna nods. “I will talk to him about that tomorrow morning. Forgive me, but I just assumed he returned them. After all, you had them at the peace summit.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “We had to get them back for that.”

Fluttershy sheepishly nods. “Arc wasn’t going back there during that time, so there wasn’t any reason for him hold onto them.”

Applejack shakes. “Considering what happened it was a good thing we retrieved them when we did.”

Rarity sighs. “Indeed. I shudder to think how those event would have ended without them.”

“They’ll be returned via special courier as soon as I can retrieve them.”

Pinkie giggles. “Goody! Now all we need to do is get home to Ponyville!”

Derpy shakes her head. “But the train doesn’t run this late.”

Luna clears her throat. “I can open a portal back to Ponyville for you if you’d like. That is if you don’t mind a bit of Dark Magic.”

Fluttershy takes a step back, nervously. “Is it… safe?”

“Oh yes. If everypony is ready we can begin.”

They nod. Luna’s horn glows as a dark portal forms in front of her. She steps aside to allow them to pass. Everyone looks around as Rarity speaks.

“Now the only question is who’s going first.”

Pinkie bounces past and through the portal. The others shrug and follow her lead. As Twilight moves to join them Luna puts a hoof on her shoulder.

“Twilight. As I said, Cadance and I have been writing letters to each other daily in code. But there was another reason.”

“Oh?”

“We both agreed that if the letters ever stopped, something had happened to me and to send help.”

“Help?! But you’re safe here in Canterlot Castle!”

Luna sighs. “Remember, ‘safe’ is a relative term, Twilight. After all, look at what happened to my sister.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Cadance is worried that something similar to what befell Celestia may happen to me.”

“Come back to Ponyville with us then. You can stay…”

Luna shakes her head. “No, my place is here. I just needed to tell somepony else… just in case.”

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

“Because of something Cadance wrote in her letters. That you and I should… become better acquainted. After all, you are my sister’s faithful student. I’d simply like to learn why Celestia thinks so highly of you. And allow you to get to know me as well.”

Twilight smiles. “I’d like that.”

“Remember this though, Twilight. Just because we’re surrounded by thick walls and guards does not make us safe. Should something happen to me, you and Cadance need to watch over Celestia.”

“We will, Princess Luna. I promise.”

Luna smiles. “Thank you. Now go. Your friends are probably wondering what happened to you.”

Pinkie pokes her head back through the portal.

“That we are! Come on, Twilight!”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “How did she do that? It’s a one-way portal.”

Twilight giggles as she walks toward the swirling energies. “It’s Pinkie Pie. She’s always doing the impossible. Take care.”

Luna waves a hoof as Twilight vanishes. Closing the portal she turns back the Sandstorm Mirage.

“I’m going back to my room now and rest.”

“Good night, your highness.”

Luna opens a portal, but looks back at the sergeant.

“Oh. Excellent work tonight. I’m glad I can count on you.”

“Thank you, Princess Luna.”

Stepping through her portal, Luna vanishes. Sandstorm Mirage sighs as it closes behind her.

“You really shouldn’t, your highness.”

Meanwhile, Twilight reappears in a large, dark room. The only source of light coming from the moon through the windows and Rarity’s horn.

“Light’s Hope?”

Rose nods. “Yes, mother.”

Applejack shrugs. “It makes sense. After all, Princess Luna has been here numerous times in the past.”

Rarity nods. “Probably more than any other place in Ponyville.”

Fluttershy calls out from hiding behind her tail. “Can… can we please leave now?!”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What’s gotten into you all of a sudden, Fluttershy?”

She points a shaky hoof at the window. Everyone sighs as Derpy looks to Pinkie, confused.

“I don’t get it.”

“Fluttershy’s afraid of the moon!”

“She is? But why?”

Fluttershy shudders. “I just am, okay!”

Rose walks over to Fluttershy and kneels down to her level. “Why don’t I carry you home then? After all, I can see in the dark.”

“Oh would you?! That would be wonderful!”

Rose picks up Fluttershy as she continues to cover her face and turns to Twilight.

“I’ll be home soon, mother.”

Twilight smiles. “Don’t stay out too late.”

They leave Light’s Hope together. The tall doors click shut behind them, locking securely. Rarity leads the way as she channels a Light Spell. Twilight grins.

“I can’t wait to start reading over these reports!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Well, you should probably get some rest first.”

Rainbow Dash yawns. “Yeah. It is pretty late.”

Pinkie looks back as she bounces around. “There’s always tomorrow, you know!”

Rarity smiles at Twilight. “And we’ll come by first thing to help you.”

“Thanks everypony. I guess I kinda have to wait though.”

Derpy nods. “Glad to see you’re listening to reason, Twilight.”

“Not so much reason, but logic. After all, Rose has to come home first.”

Pinkie grins. “That’s right! Those papers are in her head! Well, not literally IN her head but the memories of them are!”

“Right.”

They reach town and go their separate ways. Derpy arrives at her small house and puts a hoof on the doorknob. Slowly, she opens the door and steps inside. Walking toward her mat she looks down at it before turning and walking toward Arc’s room. Opening the door she steps inside and walks over to the beds. Looking Arc’s over for some time she jumps up on the bedspread, lays down, and buries her face in the pillow before inhaling deeply.

“I can still smell him a little. Dinky too.”

She lays there for some time before standing up and leaving the room. Walking over to her mat, Derpy lies down on it and closes her eyes. As an hour ticks by she sighs and stands.

“Need some air.”

Walking to the front door, Derpy heads outside to a warm summer night. Making her way down the path through town she looks around. Every building is dark and silent. The only sounds to be heard are the crickets and the wind blowing lazily through the trees. Continuing on she spots a single light in a window. Walking up to the building she comes to the front door and knocks lightly. A minute later it opens and Rarity peeks out.

“Derpy? Is… something wrong?”

“Can I come in please?”

“Oh, why yes, of course!”

Rarity steps aside, allowing the pegasus to enter. Closing the door behind her, she turns to Derpy.

“What are you doing up so late?! You should be in bed!”

Derpy sighs. “I tried to sleep. But… I couldn’t.”

Rarity nods understandingly. “Worried about Dinky?”

“Yes. I know she’ll be fine. Especially with Sereb watching over her and the other two. But… I think I’m not the only one who’s worried.”

“Oh?”

“Your light is the only one on in town.”

Rarity sighs. “I… suppose you caught me. When you knocked I was lying on Sweetie Belle’s bed.”

“That’s understandable. I was doing something like that earlier too.”

Rarity gestures to the stairs. “Why don’t we sit down? It’s been a long day for both of us.”

“Thank you. I’d like that.”

They walk up the stairs together. Rarity leads Derpy to her room and switches on the bedside lamp. It’s warm glow gives the room a nice homey atmosphere. Hopping up on the bed together they sit down.

“So… how are you holding up?”

Derpy looks away. “Okay, I guess.”

“Really?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. First I lost Arc. Then Dinky left. I always knew she would grow up and leave home someday, but…!”

Rarity sighs. “That day came a lot sooner than you thought.”

“Right. And now I’m all alone again. Just like before I met Arc.”

“But you’re not alone.”

“Huh?”

Rarity smiles as she puts a hoof on Derpy’s shoulder. “You’ve made so many friends since coming to Ponyville. We’re here for you in this time of need.”

“Thank you. I do appreciate that, but… right now I just feel like I’m just so… empty.”

“Ever since the funeral?”

Derpy nods sadly. “Yes. Until that point I hadn’t accepted the finality of this. In my mind Arc was going to come back and things would be normal again. Then… then Dinky left.”

“And you felt as if your last lifeline had been cut.”

“I did. How did you…?”

“You forget, I loved him as well. That and with Sweetie Belle gone, I too feel alone and adrift.”

“It’s a hard thing to handle. But you really do know what I’m going through.”

Rarity nods as she gazes around the room, wistfully. “I do. This place is just so empty right now. Just like your house is too I would imagine.”

Derpy looks down sadly. “Right.”

“How about you stay here for a time?”

“You mean for the night?”

“Until our daughters come home. You shouldn’t be alone right now.”

“Thank you, but I wouldn’t want to be a burden to…”

“…please?”

Derpy looks up to see Rarity forcing a smile. Tears hover in the corners of her eyes.

“Thank you, Rarity. I will.”

“Good! Well, we should get some rest. My bed may not be the best, but it’s large enough to hold us both. If you’re okay with that.”

“Yes, its fine.”

Rarity stands up and pulls back the covers. The pair lay down together as she uses her magic to pull the covers over them and turn off the light. In a few minutes their eyes adjust to the dark. Moonlight spills across the floor filling the room with a soft glow. Rarity turns to Derpy.

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Were you in love with Arc?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, very much so.”

“But you never said anything.”

“No.”

Rarity looks nervous. “Not even when I confessed my feelings to him.”

“You were just being honest with yourself back then.”

“And you weren’t mad that I might… steal him away from you.”

Derpy smiles. “Not in the least.”

“Why?”

“Because it would only make Arc unhappy. All I really want is for him and Dinky to be loved and protected.”

“That’s what I want for Arc and Sweetie Belle too.”

“We’re the same, you and I. Bad pasts… same friends… young daughters… no husbands… loved Arc… and now empty nests.”

“I… never really thought about it. Well, lately I haven’t really been able to think about anything other than Arc’s death and Sweetie Belle’s safety.”

Rarity sighs before continuing.

“Right now she’s so far away and I don’t know where she is! All the time I just want to burst into tears and scream! Tell me, Derpy. How are you keeping it together?”

Derpy smiles. “Our daughters are closer than you think.”

“They are?”

“Yes. Look out the window.”

Rarity turns her head and does so.

“What am I supposed to be looking at?”

“Do you see the moon, Rarity?”

“Yes.”

“Right now our daughters are out there somewhere, yes. But they’re looking up at the same moon. That’s one of the few things keeping me going. Well, that and knowing Dinky will come home when she finishes what she set out to do.”

Rarity sighs. “I wonder how Applejack is taking this.”

“She’s suffering too. Apple Bloom isn’t her daughter, of course. But she cares deeply for her little sister, after all.”

“That and she still has the rest of her family. They can lean on one another for support. We don’t have that luxury.”

Derpy shakes her head. “But we do.”

Rarity appears surprised. “Oh?”

Derpy opens her hooves wide and smiles at Rarity.

“We have each other. Our common bond makes us special.”

Rarity gives Derpy a small smile as she leans into her fetlocks. The pair embrace for what seems like forever as they stare up at the moon together. Eventually their eyelids grow heavy, and they fall asleep holding one another. Meanwhile, Arc lies on Snowflake’s floor as the filly tries to sleep through the commotion from downstairs. He pokes his head up and looks across the bedspread.

“What is he DOING down there?!”

Snowflake groans. “He’s ‘celebrating’ again. Remember, we had a pretty good haul today foraging.”

“I know you two are the experts, but was it really THAT good?”

“No. But like I told you before, the bar for what calls for a celebration is really low with him.”

The sound of glass breaking rings out. Snowflake groans.

“Sounds like he just finished another bottle.”

“Um… is your mother okay down there?”

“Usually, yes. Some mornings she still has glass and alcohol in her mane though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So she’s partying with him?”

“No. Mostly trying to keep my dad from hurting himself. Or, like I said before, breaking anything important. He should pass out sooner or later. Hopefully on the floor.”

“What? Doesn’t he have a bed?”

“Yeah, but… never mind.”

Arc looks out the window. “Well, this has been going on for hours.”

“I admit, he’s usually calmed down by now. That means he and my mom are… um… doing… special things.”

“What does that mean?”

Snowflake looks away. “All I know for sure is that dad told me that’s how I was made. Probably in one of mom’s cauldrons, or something.”

“Should we stop them?”

Snowflake shakes her head vehemently. “No way! Last time I went down there my dad got REALLY mad. Said it wasn’t something a filly should be seeing, or something.”

“We’ll it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be done anytime soon. But we both need our sleep for foraging tomorrow.”

“Usually I just bury my head under my pillow. Like this.”

Snowflake demonstrates as another round of crashing and banging is heard downstairs. She groans and pokes her head out.

“Not working tonight though.”

“I have an idea. Let’s sleep in the barn where it’s quiet.”

Snowflake gasps. “But my dad would see us come downstairs!”

“Then we won’t go downstairs.”

“How…?”

Arc stands up. “I’ll show you.”

Walking over to the window Arc opens it and crawls out to sit on the window sill. Looking down a few moments, he leans forward and drops to the ground. Snowflake gasps and runs over. Looking down she spots Arc standing up.

“You okay, Big Brother?!”

“Just fine. Now it’s your turn.”

“What?! But I’ll get hurt!”

“No you won’t. I’ll catch you.”

“Are you sure?!”

“Positive.”

Taking a deep breath, the little filly hops up onto the window sill and looks down.

“Okay… here I come.”

Jumping, Arc catches her and carefully sets the filly down.

“See? That wasn’t so bad.”

Snowflake sighs. “I guess not.”

“Come on. Let’s get some rest.”

Grabbing the lantern on the porch, Snowflake lights it and leads Arc to the barn. Opening the door, he allows the filly to enter first before he follows. Turning to the makeshift bed in the corner the pair walk over to it and lay down as Arc sighs contentedly.

“Much quieter.”

“Right. Good idea, Big Brother.”

The muffled sound of breaking glass is heard through the still air. Arc sighs.

“Well… it’s not perfect. But still a welcome improvement.”

“I’ll say. Now let’s get some sleep.”

“Yeah. But would you leave the lantern on?”

Snowflake appears confused. “Why?”

“In case your mother notices us gone from your room. If she starts looking, she’ll spot the light in here and know where we are.”

“Okay.”

She hangs the lantern on a hook near the door before returning to the makeshift bed and lying back down.

“Good night, Big Brother.”

“Good night.”

They are silent for a time as the muffled sounds from the cottage continue. Snowflake begins to sniffle.

“I think my mom’s going to be walking funny tomorrow.”

Arc sighs. “You’d know better than I.”

“My dad’s been hurting her sometimes.”

“Want me to go over there and check on her?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “No. That would just make my dad angry. She says she’s okay after a couple hours anyways.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

Another crash rings out as Snowflake shivers. Arc turns to her.

“You cold or scared?”

“Kinda both.”

She turns to him.

“Can I… sleep with you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But you are.”

“No, no. I mean… when I was younger, my mom would sleep next to me whenever I was scared.”

Snowflake looks toward the door as yet another crash rings out.

“But she hasn’t been able to do that for a while now.”

Arc nods. “I guess so. That is, if you really want to.”

Snowflake nods and stands up. Taking the few steps toward Arc, she lays down and presses her back against Arc’s chest. He carefully puts an arm around the filly. An especially loud crash rings out, causing Snowflake to yelp in fear. She rolls over and buries her face in Arc’s chest as he wraps his arms around her.

“It’s okay. You’re safe with me.”

Suddenly, Arc gasps and clutches his forehead. Snowflake looks to him, concerned.

“What is it?! Another memory?!”

Arc nods, straining with the pain in his head.

“Y-yes. I… I remembered holding a… a unicorn filly. Just like I’m doing to you now. She was light purple with a blonde mane and… and she was smiling happily and laughing.”

“I think we really need to start trying to figure out who you are and where you came from.”

“Admittedly I’d like to know that myself.”

“Let’s see… you’re really strong, good at fighting, pretty smart, not easily frightened, know a filly…”

“…have killed someone.”

Snowflake sighs. “You don’t know that for certain.”

“It was too detailed to be anything other than a memory.”

“I suppose. But maybe he was a bad stallion, and you were defending that fort… or something.”

“Hopefully. But it’s equally likely I was the invader.”

“You’ve gotta have more faith in yourself, Big Brother. After all, have you done anything bad since you got here?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Doesn’t that tell you something?”

“That maybe I’ve just forgotten how to be bad?”

“I meant that you’re a good beast. Not a cold-blooded killer.”

Arc sighs as another crash rings out from the cottage. “I sure hope you’re right.”

Snowflake instinctively presses her face against Arc’s chest again and puts her hooves on her ears.

“Ah!”

“Shhh… just try to get some sleep now.”

“Okay. We can talk more in the morning.”

“Sure.”

A short time later Snowflake's breathing slows. Arc feels the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest as he holds her close. Frowning, he looks up at the ceiling before closing his own eyes.

“I sure hope you’re right, Snowflake. But either way, I still have blood on my hands.”

Chapter 14 - A Sharp Eye

Very early the next morning Twilight and her friends meet at Derpy’s house. They sit at the table going over the files from last night. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“There really isn’t that much here.”

Applejack turns to her friend. “Are you sure this was absolutely everything, Pinkie?”

“Yup! I triple checked!”

Twilight sighs. “We’ll, let’s make the best of what we have.”

Rarity nods as she continues reading. “Yes. There has to be SOMETHING in here we can use!”

Rose shakes her head. “Not necessarily.”

Fluttershy turns to her. “What do you mean, Rose?”

“There were many times when Arc would gather information only to find it was useless to the current investigation.”

Derpy grimaces. “I can’t imagine working so hard to get clues only to find they won’t help.”

“But they sometimes led to another source of information.”

Twilight grins. “Right. So let’s keep at it.”

Rainbow Dash moans. “Fine. But wouldn’t this be easier at your library, Twilight?”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. It has more tables and chairs.”

Rarity looks over her shoulder to the sigil. “We choose here just in case Dinky sent us another message.”

Derpy stands and turns to the refrigerator. “Why don’t I make everypony something to eat? It isn’t much, but we can’t do all this on empty stomachs.”

Twilight appear relieved. “Thanks, Derpy. We really appreciate it.”

Derpy gets to work. Rainbow Dash looks up.

“Does anypony know if it’s normal for guards to go on leave?”

Applejack shrugs. “I would think so. What do you think, Twilight?”

“According to my brother, yes. As long as there isn’t some big reason to keep everypony around, they have rotating schedules. Why do you ask?”

Rainbow Dash holds up a paper. “Because it looks like there was a LOT of guards on leave at the time.”

Applejack thinks for a moment. “Maybe Arc gave them some time off?”

Rarity looks to her friends. “Or perhaps it was the soldiers injured during Arc’s previous mission.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “The Lord Regent wouldn’t normally be involved in such things though. That would be the job of the various commanders and the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Maybe you could ask Shining Armor about it, Twilight?”

Rose nods. “Yes. He may be able to give us some more insight into the staffing levels at the time.”

Derpy frowns. “What about Captain Decimus? Any reports on what he was doing there?”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth angrily. “Other than killing Arc, you mean?!”

Rarity shoots her friend a withering look. “Please, Rainbow Dash! Yes, I’m looking over his report of the incident now.”

Applejack looks over. “Anything interesting?”

“Admittedly, it’s a bit disconcerting. But he did report that Princess Celestia herself was the one whom blasted Arc out a window on the west side of the corridor.”

Derpy calls out from the kitchen. “But Dinky says the evidence shows Arc was actually thrown out the east side of the hall.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Why would the captain lie about that?”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “Or how?! I mean… a shattered window that big is pretty hard to disguise!”

Rarity sighs. “The report says pretty much every window in the corridor was destroyed by the magical backwash of Princess Celestia’s attack.”

Rose grimaces. “Saying Arc flew out a different window wouldn’t have been too difficult to cover up.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Yeah! Especially since he was the one doing the investigation!”

Applejack groans. “The thing I don’t get is ‘why’?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Why intentionally misdirect everypony?”

“Right. He could’ve just been honest about it. I mean… then at least somepony could’ve easily recovered Arc’s body for burial.”

Pinkie looks out the window. “I wonder where it ended up.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well… Dinky did say they found his gauntlet in that lake. So assuming he wasn’t obliterated, maybe he fell in and drifted down the river.”

Rose nods. “That is indeed possible, yes.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “So let’s go look! Maybe we can still…!”

Applejack interrupts. “Hold on just a minute. Don’t you know where that river leads?”

“Where?”

Twilight sighs. “Horseshoe Bay which is connected to the Celestial Sea. If he went that route, by now Arc arrived at the ocean for sure.”

Applejack nods sadly. “It’d be like searching for a needle in a haystack.”

Rarity bows her head. “A very large haystack, that is.”

Derpy trots in place. “But there’s still a chance we could…!”

Fluttershy turns to her. “Please Derpy. Arc wouldn’t want us to risk our lives trying to find his body that may or may not still exist.”

Rarity nods sadly. “Indeed not. Of that I am certain.”

“Then what should we do?!”

Twilight looks to Derpy. “Discover his fate and make the truth public. If we can do that, Princess Celestia will have no choice but to arrest Captain Decimus, Admiral Gaston, and anypony else involved in this plot.”

Applejack grins. “Well, I might have found something on that.”

Twilight looks over. “Oh?”

“Princess Celestia’s medical records. Nurse Redheart found an unknown compound in her blood when she was brough back to Arc’s ship.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What did Doctor Whooves say about it in his examination?”

“Nothing.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Nothing?!”

“Right. He couldn’t detect any such substance. Even in trace amounts. He did note it in his report. However, he believed the princess’ body was able to cleanse itself of whatever it was.”

Fluttershy shrinks back. “Could it have done… whatever it was supposed to?”

Applejack shakes her head. “I don’t think so. He also writes about it possibly being some kind of very powerful sedative.”

Twilight frowns. “That does make sense. After all, she was really out of it when I last saw her. But at the same time, she was really out of it until that night. Anything on that?”

Applejack holds up a paper. “A report here from Emerald Dream. She believes the princess to be emotionally scarred from her kidnapping and subsequent ordeal.”

Pinkie shudders. “What happened over there anyways?!”

Rose sighs. “There were no reports on that subject.”

Derpy gasps. “So somepony took them?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Or Princess Celestia just didn’t talk to anypony about it.”

“Both are equally likely, mother.”

Fluttershy turns to Rose. “So where does that leave us?”

“Nowhere at the moment.”

“Breakfast, everypony. Come get it while it’s hot.”

They rise and head for the small kitchen. Standing around Derpy’s small table they munch of eggs and waffles sadly. Derpy looks around the table as she speaks.

“I’m sorry I don’t have any more chairs.”

Twilight smiles at her. “It’s okay. Derpy.”

Applejack sighs. “Yeah. We’re just sorry nothing really came of all this research.”

Pinkie looks at the notes behind them. “We could go over everything again!”

Rose sighs. “Agreed. But it is unlikely we would find anything that hasn’t already been discovered.”

Rarity grits her teeth. “This just doesn’t feel right! Somepony HAD to alter or destroy quite a few of the records!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Yeah! They really didn’t want the truth getting out!”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “But what about what we found?”

Twilight shakes her head. “It was probably deemed safe enough to be kept on the record.”

Rose thinks for a moment before responding. “Or perhaps too dangerous to destroy.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Rose?”

“Think about it. If they were to get rid of ALL the records it would look suspicious. But if they did away with only the most incriminating ones there would be MUCH less chance of someone noticing and starting an investigation.”

Applejack sighs. “Right. But an investigation that goes nowhere is still no threat to anypony.”

Pinkie’s ears droop. “Like ours?”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes.”

They are silent for a time as they eat. Rarity taps her forehead with a hoof.

“There has to be SOMETHING we’re overlooking!”

Derpy looks sadly around. “Or maybe that’s all there is to find in these papers.”

Fluttershy furrows her brow. “But we can’t give up on this!”

Rose looks to the upset pegasus. “That’s true, Fluttershy. But like I said before, there were plenty of times where the evidence at hand wasn’t helpful to Arc. However, when he gathered more from another source sometimes he could piece it together with what he already had. It helped him gain a new understanding. One that couldn’t be attained otherwise.”

Applejack groans. “But what else do we have?”

Pinkie lays her head on the table dejectedly. “Right. It’s not like we could just interview Captain Decimus.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Could we?”

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

“Princess Luna is one of the ruling monarchs of Equestria. Couldn’t she just order Decimus to answer our questions?”

“I suppose she could. But I don’t think he’d be very cooperative.”

Applejack sighs. “That and anything he told us would probably just be more lies.”

Rose turns to her mother. “What about Princess Celestia herself?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! Twilight could go see her and ask some questions!”

Fluttershy gasps happily. “At least she’d answer honestly.”

“It’s certainly possible. However the hard part would be getting mother in to see her.”

Applejack appear hopeful. “Twilight’s her student though. So she should be able to see her if an audience can be scheduled.”

Twilight sighs. “Normally yes. However, I don’t think Captain Decimus would let that happen. I’m still going to try though, mind you.”

Pinkie grins. “So what do we do in the meantime?”

Rose gestures to the papers. “Like I said, we need another source of clues.”

Derpy sighs. “I guess Dinky and her friends will have to come up with something.”

Rarity puts a hoof on Derpy’s shoulder. “They can do it. Together they can do anything.”

Applejack joins Rarity behind Derpy. “Right! After all, they saved Arc from a fatal disease.”

Twilight nods happily. “And stopped the Plunderseed Vines with Arc and Aurora.”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles. “Sereb will see to it they can’t get into TOO much trouble, I suppose. But as a mother I can’t help but worry.”

Rarity nods sadly. “I know how you feel.”

Meanwhile, Dinky sits up and turns to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“Hey. Time to get up.”

The fillies slowly sit up and look around.

“Already?”

“It still feels like we just went to bed.”

Dinky stands and stretches. “Well, I want to eat and get moving as soon as the sun’s bright enough to see.”

She walks over to the mouth of the tent and peeks out. A cool mist surrounds them. Sereb raises his head from his place in front of them.

“Good morning. You’re up early.”

Dinky nods soberly. “We have a lot of ground to cover today.”

“Are you certain you don’t want to rest a bit longer?”

Dinky shakes her head as she rummages around in Sereb’s saddlebags. “I’m sure.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walk out of the tent as Dinky pulls some food from the bag. Sitting on the ground they begin to eat.

“It sure is foggy this morning.”

“Yeah. And a little chilly too.”

Sereb nods. “The mist should lift with the sun to allow for increased visibility.”

Dinky frowns. “Good. I want to get moving.”

They begin to eat. Sweetie Belle looks to Dinky.

“Something wrong?”

“Not really.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “You sure?”

Dinky sighs. “I just… don’t want to let my dad down.”

Sereb looks to the filly. “I do not believe that is possible.”

“He’s right. Arc was always really happy with you, Dinky.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That he was. Honestly, I… was a little jealous.”

“Me too actually.”

Dinky looks to her friends. “You both wanted him to be your dad, right?”

They nod as Dinky continues.

“I would’ve liked for the three of us to be sisters. My dad would’ve taken really good care of us and your older sisters. That much I know.”

Sereb nods approvingly. “Arc was certainly very caring.”

“That’s what we liked about him.”

“Yeah! I always felt safe when he was near. Ever since that time he found me in the Everfree Forest when I ran away.”

Apple Bloom turns to Sweetie Belle.

“How about you? When did you know Arc was the one for Rarity?”

“Well… you remember that time we went to Canterlot with our class?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. What about it?”

“Rarity told me she was really sick in the head back then. Arc saw to it she was taken to the hospital.”

“Like Applejack?”

“She told you about that?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Uh huh. That was when we had what she called… ‘the talk’.”

Dinky tilts her head to one side. “What exactly happened?”

Sereb frowns. “The mares all wanted Arc to… make a foal with them.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Um… okay. That’s kinda strange, I guess.”

Sereb sighs. “They were under the effects of a spell at the time, and didn’t know what they were doing. Had your father mated with them at that time they would have been disgraced when they recovered.”

Dinky bows her head sadly. “I wish I could have talked about that with him. There was a lot I heard about that time I didn’t understand.”

Apple Bloom smiles at her. “We’ll fill you in while we tear down the camp.”

“Right. Rarity told me all about sex and how foals are made.”

“Really? Because there were a few things I didn’t get, but was too embarrassed to ask Applejack.”

The pack up their camp and return the bedding to Sereb’s saddlebags. He looks at their surroundings.

“The mist does not appear to be dissipating.”

Sweetie Belle sounds frightened as she looks to Apple Bloom. “Is that normal?”

“It is pretty rare. But nothing we should be worried about.”

“But something could jump out at us!”

Sereb growls. “Worry not. I can hear and smell anything that might cause you three harm.”

Dinky nods fearlessly. “Right. The only problem is we’ll have to walk slower so as not to miss anything.”

Soon they are on their way. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell walk side by side with Dinky as Sereb follows them. Sweetie Belle turns her head nervously at every sound.

“I don’t like this.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Why not?”

“Because it makes everything look kinda creepy. And colder too.”

“There’s nothing to be scared of. After all, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen…”

Dinky holds up a hoof. “Wait!”

They stop as Dinky looks at something down the path. Apple Bloom squints.

“What… is that?”

Sweetie Belle falls backwards on her flank. “It looks like an alligator!”

Dinky frowns. “I don’t think it is.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “It is not moving or breathing. And has no scent.”

Dinky takes a deep breath. “I’ll take a look.”

She cautiously steps forward and looks it over before jumping on it and turning to the others.

“False alarm. It’s just an old log.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Yeah. From back here it really did look like a…”

Dinky gasps. “Wait a minute!”

She hops off the log and looks at something glittering in the mud. Reaching for it, Dinky picks up what appears to be a dirty stick. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle cautiously approach.

“What’s that?”

“Ew! It’s filthy!”

Dinky frowns. “I wonder if…”

She walks over to the river and tosses the stick in. Reaching out with her magic she pulls it out and levitates it in front of her face. Sereb gasps.

“Tha-that’s…!”

Dinky nods soberly. “Yes. My dad’s knife from the Griffon Kingdom.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “What’s it doing HERE?!”

Sweetie Belle looks at the weapon. “That means Arc really DID float down the river! Or at least his body did.”

Sereb walks over to the bank and looks around.

“No one move.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What? Why?”

“I’m trying to piece it together.”

Sereb is silent for a time as his eyes dart around the bank.

“Arc rode this log and crawled ashore. Badly wounded, he lay in the mud here for a time. At some point several large creatures approached and attacked.”

Dinky gasps. “Did he survive?!”

“There is evidence of a great struggle here. However, judging by the lack of a carcass, I would say Arc was able to drive them away. However, there are no footprints showing which direction he went in.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “No footprints? Did he fly away, or something?”

“Unlikely. I do however see some rather strange hoofprints leading into the forest. Perhaps they carried Arc away.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “That would be one strong pony!”

Dinky grimaces. “Are you sure about this, Sereb?”

“The only other possibility is that the beasts carried him away to eat elsewhere.”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head vehemently. “Arc wouldn’t have gone down without a fight!”

“And he certainly gave them one. But we need to consider that possibility.”

Dinky walks over to Sereb and opens his saddlebags. Pulling out her notepad and a pencil she begins to write. Apple Bloom approaches her.

“Dinky? What are you doing?”

“Telling my mom what we found here. Miss Rarity and her friends need to know about it.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Good idea. Then what?”

“One second.”

Finishing her note, Dinky pulls out her father’s gauntlet and opens a portal. Tossing the paper through she picks up the dagger.

“Might as well send this back too.”

She stands there for a long while looking at the weapon. Eventually, Dinky shakes her head and closes the portal before turning back to the others. Sereb appears confused.

“I thought you were going to send your dad’s knife back to Ponyville.”

Dinky sighs. “Yes, but… I really want to keep it with me.”

Reaching into the saddlebags, Dinky pulls out Sweetie Belle’s small pack. Opening it, she removes a piece of her father’s torn royal raiments. Carefully unfolding it to expose Arc’s Crest of Light, she looks it over before setting the dagger next to it along with the gauntlet and wrapping all three up. Smiling, Dinky puts them back in the bag and returns it to Sereb’s saddlebags as she mutters to herself.

“Another clue, dad. We’ll find out what really happened to you. I promise.”

Apple Bloom nods soberly. “And we’ll stick with you, Dinky.”

Sweetie Belle grimaces. “Right. But where to next?”

Dinky turns and points a hoof toward the forest.

“There.”

Chapter 15 - Royal Affairs

As the sun continues on its way, Twilight and her friends sit around Derpy’s kitchen table. Crumpled up notes and various papers lie strewn across the room. Rainbow Dash groans.

“Argh! All of us have been over every one of these papers at least three times!”

Twilight sighs. “Right. I guess there really isn’t anything else to learn from them.”

Derpy sighs. “That’s disappointing.”

Applejack groans. “I thought for sure if we just kept at it something would jump out at us.”

Rose shakes her head. “Not always. At least from my experience as I said before.”

Rarity looks to the others. “I’m not sure how I feel about this.”

Fluttershy turns to her. “What do you mean?”

“Well, like Rose said earlier, the fact we didn’t find anything shows that somepony went to a lot of trouble to remove certain facts from the official record.”

Twilight nods soberly. “That in and of itself is a clue. If we just had something to go on. Anything at all…”

The sigil in the corner lights up as a portal forms. Derpy gasps as she runs over to it.

“Dinky must’ve found something!”

Everyone walks over and waits patiently. Eventually a piece of paper drops though. Derpy snatches it up and reads as fast as she is able. Pinkie gasps hugely.

“Good news?!”

“Yes! They found Arc’s dagger!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes light up happily. “Where?!”

“On a riverbank some distance from the castle!”

Applejack frowns. “I don’t want to sound like a wet blanket, but could it have floated there by itself.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Metal objects don’t typically do that.”

“They found it near signs of a struggle!”

Rarity gasps. “You mean Arc was fighting somepony!”

Pinkie jumps up. “Are they sure?!”

Derpy nods. “Yes. Dinky says Sereb saw the signs of battle. Whatever those are.”

Applejack grins. “Could he pick up Arc’s trail?! Maybe he really is alive!”

Derpy shakes her head. “Sadly, no. But it says here that they’re going into to the forest to investigate.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “River that leads away from Canterlot. Forest… uh oh.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “What is it, Applejack?”

“I might know where they are.”

Rainbow Dash gaps. “Great! Where?!”

“There’s two forests on that route. The Foal Forest at the base of Foal Mountain just east of Canterlot.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Nothing too scary there! Just the odd rabbit and squirrel to worry about!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes, nopony really goes out that way, but I can’t remember ever hearing about anything too big coming out of there.”

Rarity appears relieved. “Good!”

Derpy turns to Applejack. “What’s the other forest?”

“Well… it’s not too likely they would’ve walked THAT far, but… there’s also the Hayseed Forest far to the east of Dodge Junction.”

Fluttershy gasps. “That IS quite a walk from Canterlot!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah. I don’t see them walking THAT far.”

Pinkie frowns. “They could if they were riding Sereb!”

Twilight sighs. “Right. So it’s equally possible that they might be at either location.”

Fluttershy shudders. “Oh, I do hope they’re not at the Hayseed Forest.”

Derpy looks to Fluttershy. “What kind of things are there?”

“Timberwolves, manticores, cockatrices, and even a few… other scary things.”

Rarity grimaces. “Oh my! We need to get over there and make sure they’re okay!”

Applejack nods soberly. “Right!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “But what if they’re at the Foal Forest?! We’d be searching at the totally wrong place!”

Pinkie frowns. “She has a point!”

Derpy looks to the others. “I think we should split up and check both forests.”

Fluttershy nods. “That’s a good idea. The only question now is who goes where?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Well… the Foal Mountains are pretty safe. So we only really need one of us to go there.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “How about…?”

Rarity smiles. How very nice of you to volunteer.”

“Uh… I was actually going to say Fluttershy should go.”

“Oh? Why me?”

Applejack sighs. “Um… well… you see…”

Pinkie shudders. “The Hayseed Forest will be REALLY scary! So you probably shouldn’t go there!”

Twilight sighs. “That was putting it delicately. But they are right, Fluttershy.”

“Thank you, everypony. But I think I’d rather go to the Hayseed Forest with all of you.”

Derpy gasps. “But what about all those bad creatures you said were there?”

“If anything, you’ll all need me to try and talk to them. With any luck we can reason with any creatures we come across. Maybe one of them even saw what happened!”

Rainbow Dash shadowboxes. “Yeah! And if that fails… POW!”

Applejack sighs. “Well, somepony needs to check out the Foal Forest.”

Rarity turns to her. “Why don’t you and I go?”

“Really?”

“Sure. After all, that’s probably where they are.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “You really think so?”

Twilight nods. “It stands to reason they’re there, yes.”

Derpy grins. “Then I’ll go with Applejack and Rarity.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well, I guess the rest of us will head to the Hayseed Forest then.”

Pinkie giggles. “When do we go?!”

Rose looks up at the clock. “There’s still the afternoon train to Canterlot. We could be there before dark.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Perhaps Princess Luna would let us stay the night in the castle again.”

Applejack nods. “That and we should report what we’ve found.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin. “While we’re there should we pick up our Elements?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Probably. Or we could grab em on our way back.”

Pinkie bounces toward the door. “Either way, let’s go!”

Twilight nods as she stands up. “Okay. Everypony meet at the train station at noon.”

They trot out the door together. Meanwhile, Arc opens his eyes to the sound of the barn door opening. He sits up to see Sunshine walking in with two bowls of oats. She steps gingerly, wincing with every step.

“I thought I’d find you two in here.”

“Snowflake couldn’t sleep so I suggested we come out here. Um… are you okay?”

Sunshine sets the bowls down and rubs her flank with a hoof. “I’ll be fine in a little while.”

She looks to Snowflake’s sleeping form.

“I thought I’d let you two sleep in a bit. After all, when Shadow and I have a late night, everypony does.”

“Yeah, thanks. Um… is Shadow coming out anytime soon?”

Sunshine shakes her head. “As hard as he celebrated last night I don’t think he’ll be up until this afternoon.”

Snowflake raises her head and yawns. She looks up to her mother.

“Mom? Are you… okay?”

“I’m fine, dear. Now then, eat your breakfast and, um…”

She looks away nervously. Snowflake sounds confused.

“And… do my chores?”

Sunshine shakes her head. “No, dear. Your father wanted you to go foraging today with your pet.”

Snowflake raises an eyebrow, confused. “But I thought you said dad was still out.”

Sunshine sighs. “He is.”

Arc grimaces. “So he wants us to go out there without him?!”

Sunshine nods. “Yes.”

Snowflake gasps. “What?! But…!”

“He was convinced the other day that your pet is more than capable of handling whatever comes your way.”

“Are you sure, mom?”

“Those were his words, yes. Quite high praise for… what did you call your pet, dear?”

“Big Brother.”

“Right. So you two had best eat quickly and do as he says.”

Snowflake sighs. “Okay mom.”

She smiles nervously and leaves the barn. Arc looks to Snowflake as they eat.

“Can we really do this?”

“If my dad says so, yes.”

“You really put that much faith in him?”

Snowflake nods. “He’s the best at what he does. That and he’s been trying to think of a way I could go out without him for months now. Purchasing you was probably his way of insuring I’d be okay.”

“Not sure how I feel about that. But I’ll try my best to keep you safe.”

“Thanks, Big Brother.”

They finish eating and bring the dishes back to the cottage. Sunshine is busy sweeping up glass while Snowflake puts the bowls in the sink as Arc waits on the porch. Snowflake runs upstairs to put on her armor. Returning to Arc’s side a few minutes later with her mother she trots in place nervously as Sunshine looks her over.

“You think I’ll really be okay out there, mom?”

Sunshine sighs. “If your father says so, yes.”

Arc nods. “I’ll watch out for her.”

“Thank you. Both of you be careful, and don’t take any more risks than you have to.”

“We won’t. See you this afternoon, mom.”

Arc and Snowflake walk down the steps and toward the forest as Sunshine looks after them. She sighs nervously.

“Be brave, Snowflake.”

Meanwhile, Dinky, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Sereb walk slowly through the forest. Sweetie Belle looks to her friends.

“So… do either of you actually know where we’re going?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “Kinda. If worst comes to worst, I can use the sun to get us back to the river. From there we can just follow it back to Canterlot.”

Dinky rolls her eyes. “You two are forgetting that we can just teleport.”

“Oh… right. Keep forgetting about that magic stuff.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Me too. Which is really embarrassing, what with me being a unicorn.”

“Either way, keep your eyes peeled for clues. You got anything, Sereb?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Nothing. I do not believe anything or anyone has come this way in quite some time.”

Apple Bloom turns to him. “How long would you say?”

“At least a week. After that my nose can’t tell. A bloodhound I am not.”

Sweetie Belle pats the wolf’s side. “I’m sure you’re doing your best.”

Apple Bloom spots something out of place. “What’s that?”

Dinky looks around. “Where?!”

Apple Bloom trots over to a thorny bush. Peeking inside it she squints.

“There’s something in there?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “I dunno. Let me try to fish it out of there with my magic.”

Carefully tugging at the item, she pulls it free and levitates it over to her friend. Dinky takes it in her shaky hooves.

“I… think this is a piece of my dad’s royal raiments! More accurately, his tunic!”

Sereb steps forward. “May I see it?”

Dinky holds it up to the wolf. He sniff it a moment before nodding.

“Unmistakable. This cloth bears the scent of Arc.”

Apple Bloom grins. “So he DID come this way!”

Sweetie Belle looks around. “That might not be a good thing.”

Dinky frowns. “How so?”

“Flip it over.”

Dinky turns the scrap over in her hooves. Dried blood coats the other side, robbing it of its original deep purple color. She sits down on her haunches silently for quite some time staring at the cloth.

“He… he’s alive. My dad’s alive and he came this way!”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions here, Dinky. After all, the wind could have blown that there.”

Sweetie Belle points a hoof. “Then how’d it get so deep in the bush?”

Sereb nods. “That is true. Such would have required the cloak to be dragged through it with significant force. More so than a normal wind would have allowed.”

Dinky stands and continues on. “We have to keep going!”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “But… um…”

Dinky turns to her. “What’s wrong?”

“I want to find Arc too. It’s just… well…”

She paws at the ground before continuing.

“You might not like what you find.”

Sweetie Belle scoffs. “What are you talking about?! Of course Dinky would like finding Arc!”

“I meant his body.”

“He came this far! Who’s to say he isn’t just holed up somewhere trying to heal?!”

“If that was the case, he has a sigil at Ponyville Hospital! Doctor Horse would have had him patched up and on his feet by now!”

“He didn’t have his sigil gauntlet, remember?! I’m just trying to help reunite Dinky with Arc!”

“And I’m just trying to keep her from finding a rotting corpse!”

Dinky clears her throat. “Hey.”

The pair stop arguing and look to Dinky. She keeps her gaze on the cloth in her hooves.

“I understand where you’re both coming from. It’s not likely my dad’s still alive at this point. But if there’s ANY chance he might be, I have to find him.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “And if he isn’t?”

“Before we left Ponyville, I made a promise at my dad’s grave. I would either find him and bring him home to mom. Or I’d make sure his body was recovered for a proper burial. And I intend to keep that promise.”

She walks over to Sereb and open his saddle bags. Pulling out the small bundle she adds the cloth to her collection. Gazing at the items, she smiles.

“Each of these is a piece of who my dad is. His life, how he lived, and even evidence of his death. But I won’t stop looking just because I might not like what I find. My dad deserves better than that.”

Apple Bloom walks over. “I’m… I’m sorry, Dinky. You’re my friend, and I don’t want you to… be sad at what we find out here.”

Sweetie Belle joins them. “And I’m just interested in seeing you and him together again.”

Dinky forces a smile. “Is that the only reason?”

“And to bring him back to Rarity. She really likes him.”

Sereb grunts. “We will not find Arc here though. Shall we continue on our way? After all, there is quite a bit more daylight left.”

Dinky nods. “Sure. Let’s get moving.”

Rewrapping the items, she puts them back in Sereb’s saddle bag and turns to look deeper into the forest. Several hours later Twilight and her friends, along with Derpy and Rose, arrive at Canterlot Station. They quickly make their way down the street and toward the castle. After being admitted, they are escorted to Luna’s chambers by half a dozen Royal Guards. Arriving at their destination they see a dozen more guards stationed outside the room. The doors are opened and they are allowed to enter. Luna stares out the window as she did last time as the guards close the doors behind them. Twilight addresses the monarch.

“Princess Luna, we…”

Without warning, Luna Blinks on top of Twilight, pushing her to the floor and covering her mouth with a hoof she speaks louder than normal.

“Twilight! So good to see you and your friends again! Tell me, did all of you enjoy that book on the history of magical physics?!”

She leans forward and whispers into Twilight’s ear.

“Say ‘yes’, and play along.”

Luna releases her hold and Twilight and steps off of her.

“Um… yes, Princess Luna. I’ve… already read it cover to cover several times. In fact, I was just telling my friends here all about it on the train ride over.”

Applejack nods as she forces a smile. “Yes, indeed! It was riveting!”

Rarity nods. “Quite a read, that one!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Meh, I’ve read better.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “I couldn’t put it… down.”

Derpy grimaces. “It’s a great book to just… sit in front of the fireplace and read cover to cover.”

Rose nods. “While certainly not light reading, I would categorically say…”

Pinkie frowns. “What the hay is everypony…?!”

Twilight puts a hoof in Pinkie’s mouth. “Would you like to hear about my favorite part?!”

Luna nods. “Yes I would, Twilight. Tell me every detail, and don’t skip over the historical excerpts.”

“What about the ancient parts?!”

“Start with those! Oh, but where are my manners?! All of you must be terribly sore after your long train ride!”

Twilight nods. “Yes we are, Princess Luna! What do you recommend?!”

“Let’s continue this conversation in the bathtub! You and your friends can soak those tired muscles and we can continue our lengthy talk there in comfort!”

“Of course!”

“Follow me, everypony!”

Leading them toward the bathroom door, Luna raises her hooves especially high. They clop on the marble floor noisily. A few steps before they reach the bathroom, Luna’s horn glows. Slamming the door noisily she immediately begins casting another spell. The room grow2 suddenly silent as Luna turns to them.

“My apologies for the… out of the ordinary greeting everypony.”

Applejack sighs. “It’s okay… I think.”

Rarity appears confused. “But what was that all about, your highness?”

Luna sighs and gestures to the couches. “All of you should sit down first. I believe this is going to take a while.”

Shrugging, everyone does as they are told. Luna paces in front of the fireplace as she speaks.

“Now we can talk freely. That Silence Spell should keep what we say here private.”

Pinkie pouts. “Does this mean we don’t get to take a bath?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not now, Pinkie. I’m guessing we’ve got bigger problems right now.”

“That we do.”

Applejack motions to the door leading to the corridor. “Can you start with why castle security is so tight?”

Derpy nods. “I’ve never seen so many guards before.”

Rose frowns. “Did something happen?”

Luna sighs. “That’s complicated.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Can you give it to us in bite-sized pieces then?”

“It all started the other night when all of you broke into the Archives.”

Twilight gasps. “Oh no! Did somepony figure it out?!”

Luna shakes her head. “No. While I’m certain Captain Decimus has his suspicions, Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage assures me that he is treating the incident as a series of unfortunate events and blamed it on two guards whom apparently left their posts.”

Applejack frowns. “Those guards from the ambassador’s office?!”

Rainbow Dash appears remorseful. “Did they get in much trouble?”

Luna nods. “A bit, yes. Both of them are currently in the dungeon for a month.”

Rarity gasps. “Can’t you commute their sentences?!”

Rose looks to Luna, pleadingly. “Yes. After all, they truly are innocent of any wrongdoing.”

“I would like to, but that would only serve to prove my involvement.”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “But… but that’s just so unfair!”

Derpy nods soberly. “Like the time Arc was sent to Tartarus for nothing!”

Twilight sighs. “I can understand your position, Princess Luna. But as the somepony whom sent an innocent to Tartarus…”

“It cannot be helped. Believe me when I say that they will be properly compensated when this matter is over. Now, let’s return to the matter at hoof.”

She clears her throat before continuing.

“Captain Decimus used last night’s breech to insist on even tighter security. My sister is magically teleported nearly everywhere now, and is always surrounded by well over a hundred guards at any given time.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide. “Woah! Talk about paranoid!”

Derpy sighs. “Well, she was kidnapped right under everypony’s nose last time.”

Applejack nods. “The captain might actually have a good idea there.”

Luna frowns. “I am not arguing the validity of his orders. However, total security was not his goal.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What else could he have wanted?”

“Control.”

Derpy appears confused. “Of what? The castle?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. Over myself and Celestia.”

Rarity gasps. “But you’re the princesses. Can’t you just order the guards to leave?”

“I could, yes. But they would almost immediately return on the orders of my sister. We could go back and forth forever on this matter, of course. But the soldiers aren’t accomplishing anything by wearing a rut in the corridor floor leading up to my chambers.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Captain Decimus already has pretty much unlimited power though, doesn’t he? Why would he need to keep you two under house arrest like this?”

“To separate us from each other and ween the public from us.”

Rose puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “An interesting concept. Given enough time the population would simply accept this as the new normal.”

Applejack grimaces. “All the while Captain Decimus would be free to put forth any order he wanted under Princess Celestia’s name!”

Derpy shudders. “It all sounds so cold and calculated.”

Luna nods. “It is. Now then, were you able to discern anything from the files you took?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nothing of interest.”

Pinkie nods fervently. “But somepony tried REALLY hard to cover something up! That’s for sure!”

Applejack frowns. “Right! Thanks to what will most certainly be blamed as a clerical error, all the incriminating information is conveniently missing.”

Rarity steps forward. “The fillies did have a bit of a breakthrough on their ends though.”

Luna appears hopeful. “Oh?”

Derpy holds up the note. “Dinky wrote to me this morning saying she found a chunk of Arc’s armor, his dagger, and a piece of his royal raiments to the east.”

Luna frowns. “Contrary to what Decimus told us. “

Rose nods. “They are continuing their search as we speak.”

Pinkie puts forth her best smile. “We came here to look for them!”

Rainbow Dash continues where her friend left off. “In the two forests to the east, she means.”

Derpy sighs. “We’re sure they’re okay. But…”

Rarity frowns. “But it just doesn’t seem right for fillies to be roaming the countryside without adult supervision.”

Applejack looks to Luna. “If nothing else, we’d like to join them in the search for Arc.”

“The chances of him being alive grow with each piece of evidence that is found. I do wish I could help, but my every move is observed and scrutinized.”

Twilight nods. “We understand. But is there anything we can do to help?”

“Actually, there is.”

She turns to Twilight and looks her over for a long moment.

“Tell me, are you still worried about my sister?”

Twilight nods. “’Very much so, yes! Is there any way you could arrange for me to see her?”

Luna shakes her head. “I cannot. At the moment the only one’s whom see Celestia are Decimus and anypony she personally summons.”

Rose puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “So you would either need to convince Captain Decimus to give you access to her, or wait for the princess to call for you, mother.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “There isn’t ANY other way?!”

“Short of breaking into the Audience Chamber or her personal quarters, no. So we’re left with only one other recourse. She must call for you.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Do you have a plan, Princess Luna?”

“I do. But it will require Twilight’s complete cooperation to put into motion.”

“What do I need to do?”

“This may sound a bit… odd, but Celestia has always kept her ear to the ground in regards to castle gossip.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Pinkie giggles. “She can’t help herself, huh?!”

Rarity nods matter-of-factly. “It’s practically an aristocratic sport here in Canterlot.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “So we need to create a rumor so incredibly juicy she summons one of us?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Probably just something about Twilight.”

Luna nods. “Yes. As I believe my sister will listen to whatever Twilight tells her, my planned rumor will be about her.”

Rarity gasps. “But if it’s THAT big it could forever tarnish her reputation!”

“I’m willing to do it, Princess Luna.”

Rose appears surprised. “Mother?”

“This needs to be done. I’ll convince Princess Celestia that Captain Decimus is a traitor and a murderer. Then he’ll be deposed and everything can go back to normal.”

She turn to Luna.

“So what rumor did you have in mind.”

“One that my sister cannot ignore. A steamy love affair.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “So… your plan is to make your sister believe Twilight has a stallionfriend?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not exactly. It needs to be so over the top that my sister sends for Twilight over the protests of Decimus.”

“Fine. Whom will I supposedly be having an affair with?”

“Somepony whom is also very close to Celestia. And is capable of spreading a steady stream of outlandish, but also somewhat believable, gossip fodder to the guards and Hoof Maidens. To the best of my knowledge there is only one pony whom could pull this off.”

Luna looks Twilight in the eye soberly before uttering a single word.

“Me.”

Chapter 16 - Lover's Guise

For several moments no one speaks. Eventually Rainbow Dash breaks the silence.

“So you want Twilight here to be your… you know…?!”

Luna nods. “Only as part of our ruse.”

“But… but why me?”

Applejack sighs. “I’m with Rainbow Dash on this one. Rarity would probably make a much better choice for this.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Why thank you. I’d certainly be willing to go along with this, your highness.”

Pinkie frowns. “But how would something like that even get started?!”

Fluttershy smiles. “We could always say that Rarity was measuring Princess Luna up for a new dress. After all, measurement taking is a very up close and personal matter.”

Derpy looks to the princess. “Rarity could even do it in front of some Hoof Maidens. They could be talking and laughing before the princess invites her to lunch, or something.”

Rose nods. “That would certainly be believable.”

Twilight sighs. “Agreed. That and Rarity is much better looking than I am.”

Luna looks Twilight and Rarity over. “That is true, yes. However a princess being involved with a seamstress, while indeed scandalous, isn’t exactly what I would call ground-breaking. My sister would probably hear of it, yes. Something like that might be enough for her to insist on some sort of correspondence via letters.”

She walks over to Twilight and looks down at her before continuing.

“But… should she hear that her sister is romantically involved with, how did she put that...? Oh yes… her most faithful student Twilight Sparkle, why, she wouldn’t be able to resist summoning you.”

“Um… summoning me for what exactly?”

Rose appears nervous. “Yes. Would Princess Celestia be angry or happy?”

Luna shrugs. “I don’t really know for certain. But she’d either be ecstatic or just plain furious.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “With Twilight or you, Princess Luna?”

“Either… both… her… me. Who’s to say?”

Rarity frowns. “I’m not certain Twilight is up to this.”

“Right. I don’t really know much about love.”

Luna sighs. “Neither do I. So it appears we’ll be winging it. Now then, I won’t order you to do this, Twilight. But I would certainly look on it as a great personal favor to myself, Celestia, and Equestria if you were to agree to become my lover.”

Pinkie’s eyes grow wide. “LOVER?!”

Applejack gasps. “I just thought you two were going to pretend to be marefriends, or something!”

Rarity shakes her head. “Marefriends aren’t really big gossip. It’s viewed as a bit… blasé.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head vehemently. “But this is a PRINCESS’ marefriend we’re talking about!”

Luna nods. “Indeed. But we need our story to be enough to get Celestia’s attention. I’ve had… special friends over the years, of course. However, never a lover. My sister will certainly want to know all the details straight from the mouth of her most faithful student.”

Fluttershy looks to the others nervously. “I… guess that does make sense.”

Applejack frowns. “Yeah. But I still don’t like it. This is an attempt to deceive Princess Celestia, for crying out loud!”

Rarity sighs. “But she’s the best candidate for this!”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “That she is! Oh, I can’t believe the egghead is going out with her teacher’s SISTER!”

Derpy grimaces. “That too. It just seems so… wrong!”

Rose looks to Twilight nervously. “I have mixed feeling about this as well, mother.”

Pinkie grins. “Best… plan… EVER!!!”

“Now then, the only thing left to ask is… will you do this with me, Twilight?”

The unicorn looks all around the room at those assembled before drooping her ears and sighing.

“Fine. When do we start?”

“Right away. One moment please.”

Luna walks over to the wall and presses a button. A moment later a guard responds.

“Yes, Princess Luna?”

“How is security outside my quarters right now?”

“No trouble, your highness.”

“Good. Are all the guards still present and accounted for?”

“Um… yes. Was there something you needed…?

Luna interrupts him. “Send somepony to the dining room to inform the kitchen staff that I will be eating supper there this evening with my lover.”

“Y-yes, Princess Luna! At once!”

“Carry on.”

She presses the button again and turns back to the others.

“Twilight and I will handle things on this end. The rest of you may stay the night and be about your own tasks tomorrow morning. I’ll have a meal delivered to your room.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Might they eat with us? The dining room is plenty…”

Luna shakes her head. “No, Twilight. For this plan to work the guards must believe this to be a dinner date. If they were to come, it would look more like a social outing.”

Pinkie raises both eyebrows seductively. “Or that Princess Luna was forming a harem!”

Applejack hisses. “Pinkie!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “But wouldn’t something like THAT get Princess Celestia’s attention that much faster?”

Rarity sighs. “Perhaps. But I don’t think that’s the kind of attention any of us needs.”

Fluttershy nods. “Right. And it would reflect negatively on the princess.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Well… should we leave you two alone?”

Twilight gasps. “D-Derpy?!”

“I mean… I’m sure you two have more planning to do.”

Luna nods soberly. “Truthfully, yes. I shall open a portal back to the room all of you used last time. Please be sure to get a good night’s rest.”

Rose turns to Twilight as the others walks through the portal.

“Shall I stay with you, mother?”

“No, Rose. I’d like you to go with the others to the Hayseed Forest and help scan for the missing fillies.”

“Very well. I’ll keep them safe.”

“Thanks. I’m counting on you.”

Rose nods and proceeds through the portal. Luna closes it and turns back to Twilight.

“Now then… there are a few things you should know before our dinner date.”

“Oh? Mannerisms, Princess Luna?”

“In a sense. If we’re going to pull this off, your part of the act needs to be as believable as possible.”

“I don’t understand.”

Luna sighs. “Let’s try some scenarios. Now then… let’s practice walking together.”

“Alright.”

The pair walk from one end of the room to the other side by side. Luna nods.

“Very good.”

Twilight appears confused. “But we were just walking.”

“Yes. But you were by my side the entire time. Most subjects know to walk behind a princes and stay a fair distance away.”

“They do?”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “You… didn’t know that?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I didn’t. But now that you mention it, I do remember everypony walking at least a bit behind Princess Celestia. Even her guards. Is it out of respect?”

“Yes. For a princess, or any other aristocrat for that matter, to allow somepony to walk by their side is a sign of either marriage, engagement, courtship, or… shall we say… intense physical attraction.”

Twilight gasps. “B-but Princess Celestia always had me by her side! Even as a filly! Are you saying she was… interested in me?!”

“Worry not, Twilight. I believe my sister was merely doing that in an effort to make apparent just how important you were to her back then.”

Twilight trots in place nervously. “But she never told me to stop! Even when I grew up! Now I know why everypony we passed here in the castle would always smile funny! They must’ve thought we were a couple!”

“Some may have, yes. But can I assume she never made any sort of advances?”

“Certainly not! Um… what kind of things would that entail?”

“Hugging, nuzzling, kissing on the cheek or mouth, stroking the mane with your hoof and touching anywhere on the back half.”

Twilight gasps. “We’ve both done ALL those things! Well, other than kissing her mouth, that is.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Really? Might I… tell me Twilight, are you attracted to Celestia?”

“N-no! At least I don’t think I am!”

“You sound uncertain.”

Twilight blushes. “I don’t really know much about love and affection. You don’t think she thought I was… you know… do you?!”

“Most likely not. However I am a bit concerned that Celestia allowed these things to go on without informing you of the breech of etiquette.”

“But why would she DO that?!”

“I can think of only two reasons. First, she may have interpreted your so-called advances as nothing more than a commoner expressing their admiration for someone significantly out of their league.”

“And the other?”

“It is possible, but unlikely, that she was expressing her feelings for you.”

“But I reciprocated! Oh my! I certainly hope she doesn’t think I was coming on to her!”

Luna smiles. “This may actually work out better than I thought.”

“Princess Luna?”

“As I said, her actions were most likely completely innocent, as you are very important to her. But if she truly is attracted to you she’ll very quickly call one of us in for an audience.”

Twilight sighs and looks away before responding.

“Maybe she is.”

“What makes you say that?”

“As long as I’ve known her, Princess Celestia has never once spoken about having a special somepony. Once when I asked her about it, she told me she didn’t need anypony else as long as I was around. Tell me, has she ever had somepony special in her life?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t believe so, no. But I don’t know what went on during the thousand years I was on the moon.”

Twilight again begins trotting in place frantically. “What do I DO about this?!”

“Trust Celestia.”

“Huh?”

“Believe that my sister would not force you into any kind of relationship. Nor would she use her position as your teacher to coerce you into doing anything inappropriate.”

“But what about the things I did?!”

“When you talk to her about this just be sure to apologize and state your intent to keep your relationship with her completely platonic. She’ll understand.”

“I’m sure she will. But I can’t help but feel nervous about the whole matter.”

“They’ll be time to worry about it later. For now let’s continue with our lesson.”

“Oh. Sorry about that.”

Luna clears her throat and continues. “Now that I’m certain that you understand the rules of this little game we’re going to play, you need remember only one thing.”

“Oh?”

“To break them.”

“What?!”

Luna nods. “Every chance you get. Let me see…

Looking toward a good sized rug nearby, Luna motions for Twilight to follow her.

“That will do. This way.”

“Yes, Princess Luna.”

Luna frowns as they walk. “That is another matter. From now on you shouldn’t call me ‘Princess Luna’.”

“Then what should I say when addressing you?”

“Just ‘Luna’.”

Twilight gasps. “I can’t do that!”

“Lovers would.”

“But we’re just pretending!”

“And as long as you treat this as such nopony will believe it. Now then, let’s pretend this rug in front of us is a chariot and that we’re going to take a stroll around the city.”

“I’ve done that with Princess Celestia many times. What should I do, Princess Luna?”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

“You!”

“What is my name again?”

“L-L-Lu-Luna…”

“Very good. Now whom gets in first?”

“You do, of course.”

Luna shakes her head. “No. The guard opens the door and you get in first.”

“I do?”

“Yes. It’s to show that you and I are intimately close. Now get aboard.”

Twilight steps onto the rug as Luna follows her. Sitting down, Twilight keeps her distance from Luna.

“How’s this?”

“Is that how you rode with Celestia?”

“Not… exactly.”

“What was different?”

“Well… I was a lot… closer.”

“How close?”

Twilight blushes. “I sometimes leaned against her.”

“Very good. Now then, I want you to do that now.”

Twilight slowly moves closer to Luna. Taking a deep breath she leans her head against Luna’s velvety coat.

“H-how’s that?”

Luna frowns. “Your whole body should be pressed against mine. From the hip all the way up to the cheek.”

Twilight does so. Luna nods approvingly.

“Good. Now put your hoof around me.”

“What?! But… isn’t this enough?!”

Luna sighs. “I don’t like this any more than you do, Twilight. But we need to act the part if this is to work.”

“Very well, Pri… Luna.”

“Very good.”

Sometime later Luna and Twilight open the door to the corridor. The guards stand at attention as they pass. Luna addresses them.

“To the Dining Room.”

The guards nod and turn. Marching in formation, the stallions behind them watch their every movement as Luna turns to Twilight.

“I’m so glad you could finally come for dinner, my dear.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Thank you for having me… Luna.”

The guard’s eyes grow wide as the princess responds.

“It means the world to me that you can be here during this… difficult time.”

“Anything for you, Luna!”

They arrive at the Dining Room. Two guards open the doors and allow the pair to enter. Hoof Maidens beckon them to two chairs across the table from one another. Luna furrows her brow as she addresses the Hoof Maiden in charge.

“What is the meaning of this?!”

“Your highness?”

“I gave strict instructions that I would be dining with my LOVER! Not some milksop stallion! She will be seated next to me from now on!”

“Yes, Princess Luna!”

They hurriedly move the place settings to the chair next to Luna’s. The princess glares at them as they do so.

“My dear Twilight deserves to be treated as my own! Not some common consort!”

Finishing their work they head to the kitchen. Luna turns to the guards.

“Everypony out.”

“But, Princess Luna… Captain Decimus insisted that you and your sister be properly guarded at all times!”

Luna frowns. “Is it asking too much that I’m allowed a nice meal with my lover, without guards watching us?! NOW GO!”

The guards bow and leave the room. Twilight turns to Luna.

“Do you think they bought it?”

“Maybe. Now we’ll seal the deal.”

“How?”

“By using the Hoof Maidens.”

“I don’t understand…”

Luna interrupts her. “They’re the few whom currently have limited access to my sister. Albeit only a few times a week or so.”

Twilight frowns. “Then why were we acting like that in front of the guards?!”

“Because the Hoof Maidens will go to them to ask about my behavior prior to allowing my sister to hear about this.”

The Hoof Maidens emerge from the kitchen carrying several covered plates. Luna buries her nose in Twilight’s mane as she pulls her close. Twilight leans into the embrace as she presses her own face into Luna’s bosom as she muses to herself.

“I sure hope this works.”

Luna and Twilight “enjoy” their meal together. Deciding to forego dessert, the pair are thereafter escorted back to the room. As they enter Twilight hurries to the bathroom and quickly closes the door. The guards look after her a moment before turning to Luna.

“Shall we call for Doctor Whooves, your highness?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. I do believe Twilight was merely holding in a bit too much during dinner.”

“Yes, Princess Luna. Shall we have the Hoof Maidens awaken you at the normal time?”

“Indeed. However I will require double the normal number of hooves in the morning.”

“Ma’am?”

Luna rolls her eyes. “Somepony needs to attend to my lover. Make her beautiful for me, do they not?”

“We’ll see to it more Hoof Maidens are prepared at the normal time.”

“Good. You are dismissed for the evening.”

“Are you certain you wouldn’t like some guards in here, your highness? Just as a precaution, of course. You sister has grown accustomed to their presence.”

Luna glares at him. “You wish to WATCH Twilight and I in BED?!”

“No, no! Please forgive me, your highness!”

“Leave us!”

The guards back out of the room as Luna slams the door behind them. They turn to one another.

“That mare must be something else to be able to stand HER!”

“Right. Princess Luna is beautiful, of course. But she’s just too abrasive for pretty much anypony to handle.”

“Well, it makes sense then.”

“What does?”

“That she’d chose Princess Celestia’s protégé. She’s smart, well-mannered, and educated in the affairs of royalty. A perfect companion for her.”

“But Princess Celestia views her almost like family!”

“Maybe that’s the reason.”

“What is?”

The guard grins scandalously. “Keeping a tight love circle. Rather than bringing somepony else in from outside, they’re just closing their hooves around somepony who’s already family to them.”

“That’s… a little messed up.”

“Whatever a princess wants, a princess gets.”

Meanwhile, Luna walks over to the bathroom door and knocks.

“Twilight? Is everything okay in there?”

Hearing no response she opens the door. Twilight’s head hangs under the sink’s faucet as she rubs her mane with her hooves.

“Did you get something from dinner in your mane? I can call for a Hoof Maiden to help you get cleaned up.”

Twilight shuts off the water and pulls back. Allowing the water from her soaked mane to flow down her back. She shudders before responding.

“I just… this whole thing is so… foreign to me.”

Luna walks over to Twilight and puts a hoof on her shoulder. “I know it’s hard. But this is for Celestia, remember?”

Twilight nods weakly. “Yes. That’s the only thing keeping me going right now.”

“Why don’t we get some sleep? Things will look better in the morning.”

Twilight yawns. “Thank you. I am pretty tired.”

Luna leads Twilight out of the bathroom and over to the bed.
“That’s alright, Pri… Luna. This is your room, after all. I’ll just sleep in a guest room.”

“We need to stay together to keep up the illusion.”

“Oh. Well, that couch looks pretty comfortable. Might I trouble you for an extra blanket though?”

Luna shakes her head. “You don’t understand. When I said we needed to stay together, I meant it literally.”

“What are you saying?”

Luna gestures to the bed. “That we need to sleep together.”

“We… we do?!”

“Yes. After all, you wouldn’t want the Hoof Maidens seeing you lying on the couch tomorrow morning, would you?”

“Would that be bad?”

Luna nods. “It would, yes. They would assume we had a fight, or something, and be afraid to talk about it to others.”

“So… do I just…”

Luna rolls her eyes. “Just get in.”

Twilight hops up onto the large bed and lies down on the far side as Luna removes her crown and hoof protectors before getting in as well.

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Luna?”

“Sleeping together means sleeping… together.”

“What should I…?”

“Lie next to me.”

“I… um…”

Twilight sighs before continuing.

“Very well.”

Scooching over, Twilight lays down next to Luna as she turns off the lights.

“Tell me, do you move much at night?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at all. The position in which I fall asleep is typically the one I awaken in. Why do you ask?”

“I was just considering the position we should be discovered in tomorrow morning.”

“Should I move?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Put your hoof around my fetlock and snuggle up to my chest.”

“But won’t that look just a bit… suggestive?”

“It will. And that’s what I’m counting on.”

Doing as she is told, Twilight takes the fetlock offered to her and presses her body against Luna’s before laying her head on the alicorn’s chest.

“Is this… alright?”

“Just fine.”

“Good night… Luna.”

Luna sighs. “Good night Twilight.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 17 - Filly's Folly

As evening falls over the forest Sereb spots a small clearing ahead.

“We should make camp for the night.”

Dinky does not look over. “I’d like to go just a bit further.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “It’s hard enough to see as it is.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That and we might not find another nice spot like this.

Dinky sighs. “Fine.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle get to work pitching the tent. Sereb forages for food as Dinky leaves to gather wood for a fire. Apple Bloom turns to Sweetie Belle.

“I’m getting a little worried about Dinky.”

“You too?”

Apple Bloom nods. “She’s been really hyper-focused on this whole thing.”

“Clues don’t find themselves, you know.”

“I guess not. But she hardly said a word all day.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “This can’t be easy on her. Losing her dad, and then finding out his death wasn’t what everypony thought it was has to be really hard to take.”

“Do you think there’s anything we can do to help?”

“Other than what we’re already doing?”

Apple Bloom appears hopeful. “Yeah.”

“Just sticking by her side is the best thing for her right now. That and… I really want to find the truth too. For Rarity’s sake.”

“So do I. Remember, my sister was head over fetlocks in love with him too.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “I just feel so… powerless right now!”

“Something wrong with your magic?”

“No, no! I mean powerless to help Dinky.”

“I wish we had some help right now.”

“We could always go back to Ponyville and get our sisters and their friends.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “You know they wouldn’t let us come along though.”

“Probably not.”

Meanwhile, Dinky picks up sticks with her magic. Holding them aloft she grumbles to herself.

“We could have kept going. No reason in the world to stop now.”

A familiar voice rings out behind her.

“They are merely concerned about you.”

Dinky whirls around, dropping the sticks, and turns to face the voice. She sighs as Sereb steps out of the foliage.

“You following me?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not THAT far from camp, you know. Not that there’s anything out here that could really hurt me.”

Sereb nods. “That may be. But if Arc were here, he wouldn’t want you to allow yourself to be lured into a false sense of security.”

“I know. But I can’t live my whole life in fear.”

“Nor can you let yourself be consumed by your task.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Gathering wood?”

“Searching for your father.”

“We’re just following a trail of clues like my dad used to.”

“Yes, I know. But to what end.”

“What are you talking about, Sereb?”

“This forest does not smell of danger. However, who is to say our travels will not lead us somewhere… less than safe?”

“But we won’t know if we give up! Are you saying we should just stop now and go home?!”

“I am not.”

“Then what ARE you saying?!”

“Ultimately, I advise you not to let your emotions guide your decisions, lest they lead you and your friends to disaster.”

Dinky sighs. “I…! I’ll try.”

“That is all anyone can ask for. Come now. Let us return to the others.”

Dinky follows Sereb back to their camp. The tent is pitched and a firepit built. She drops the sticks in a pile and allows Apple Bloom to stack them properly. Sereb steps forward with a couple logs. Soon a roaring fire burns before them. They sit around it and eat the various nuts and berries Sereb found earlier. Sweetie Belle looks around nervously.

“It’s a good thing we got this fire going when we did.”

Apple Bloom turns to her. “Why’s that? It’s not like it’s cold, or anything.”

“Maybe not. But these woods are creepy at night!”

Dinky looks around. “I guess they are. Truthfully, I hadn’t really thought about it.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Fortunately this area is fairly safe. At least as far as forests go, that is.”

“Well, I still think it’s scary out here.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Don’t worry. Heck, Sereb’s probably the most dangerous thing out here.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“No. That would be me.”

They whirl around to see a figure in a navy blue cloak walking toward them. Sereb growls menacingly as he positions himself between the fillies and newcomer.

“What do you want, Wiseman?!”

“Nothing much. I saw your fire and thought I’d check on you four.”

He looks to Sweetie Belle.

“And don’t worry about the woodland creatures out here. They’re all tame, Sweetie Belle.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that?”

“I am, yes.”

Sereb bears his teeth. “Get to the point or go away!”

Dinky steps forward. “Calm down Sereb. Just who is this anyways?”

Apple Bloom turns to Sweetie Belle. “Yeah. I wasn’t aware there were any other humans in Equestria.”

Sweetie Belle squints. “Um… is that you Mister Frank?”

“No, Sweetie Belle.”

Sereb shakes his head. “This… individual has presented himself to your father on numerous occasions, Dinky! Do not trust him!”

“Oh, that’s not very fair, Sereb. After all, I’ve helped Arc several times now.”

“You and I have very different definitions of the word ‘help’ then!”

Apple Bloom cautiously steps forward. “Did you… need something, sir?”

“Just a bit of company. As you said, the forest is quite dark and foreboding at night.”

Dinky gestures to a spot in front of the fire. “Have a seat. Are you hungry?”

“A bit.”

Sereb walks behind Wiseman and crouches down as the man sits. Apple Bloom tosses him an apple.

“Here you go. It’s not as good as the one’s we grow, but…”

“At Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Y-yeah. How did you…?”

“I’ve been there before.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Really? I’ve never seen you around.”

“I keep to the shadows. How’s Applejack holding up?”

“Um… okay, I guess.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “You sure ask a lot of questions.”

“I’m just concerned for her mental well-being.”

Sereb scoffs. “That is unlikely.”

“Hopefully she is able to stay strong. Or at least appear strong. Like Sweetie Belle’s sister, Rarity. How is Rarity these days?”

“Well… honestly at first, not too good. After Arc’s death she didn’t hardly leave her room for three days. Twilight and her friends had to come by and take care of her for almost a week.”

“She’s quite fond of Arc, that much is certain. Just like you three I would imagine.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah. We wanted him to be our dad.”

“Then we could have been sisters.”

“My dad was kinda thinking of marrying them and my mom.”

“And how is Derpy doing, Dinky?”

“I think… she handled it the best out of everypony.”

“Do you know why?”

“Not… really.”

“Because she didn’t allow herself to dwell on such a sad event. Rather, Derpy focused on the good times along with keeping herself busy.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “Are you saying the others handled it poorly?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “Not the word I would have used, certainly. More like… differently.”

Dinky turns to him. “Wiseman, can I ask how you know so much about stuff like this?”

“I’ve… lost many friends over the years, so I suppose you could say I’m no stranger to the pain of losing someone you care about.”

Apple Bloom appears hopeful. “Can you tell us about it?”

Dinky frowns. “Apple Bloom! He JUST said…!”

“Worry not, as it’s been quite some time. Now then, to understand what it means to lose someone you care about you also have to know what it feels like to lose an enemy.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “An… enemy?”

“Imagine someone you don’t like in the least. Now how would you feel if they died?”

Dinky grits her teeth. “I wouldn’t really care!”

Apple Bloom looks to her friend. “Dinky?”

“Diamond Tiara would have finally gotten what she deserved!”

“Really? You wouldn’t be sad in the least?”

“NO!”

“Then let me tell you a little story.”

Sereb rolls his eyes as Wiseman clears his throat.

“Many years ago, I met someone whom I viewed as my greatest enemy.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Were they mean?”

“Oh, very. At least that’s what I thought at the time.”

Sweetie Belle draws back. “What did they do?”

“Well… they were always telling everyone how they thought things should be done. But at the same time doing nothing to help them when the time came. I viewed them as self-righteous and a blowhard.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Kinda like Diamond Tiara. I bet you were happy when they passed away.”

“Actually… no.”

Sereb grunts. “That’s surprising.”

“As I got older and looked back at their actions I came to realize that they had only been doing their best to help those around them achieve their goals. That and their advice, in retrospect, was actually quite good. Brilliant even!”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Then why were they your enemy?”

Wiseman sighs. “Truthfully, at the time I thought I knew better than they did. Looking back, at that time it was I whom was truly naïve. I couldn’t see how everything fit into the big picture as they did. And my inability to do so caused so much pain to others.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “To whom?”

“My old friends, long gone now.”

Wiseman looks to Dinky.

“You would do well not to fall into the trap that ensnared me many times in the past.”

“Huh?”

“Think things through rationally, not emotionally.”

Apple Bloom grins. “But Dinky’s the smartest filly in our class!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Right! She always thinks things through!”

Wiseman chuckles. “Intelligence and wisdom are seldom combined.”

Dinky nods. “I’ll… remember that. Thank you, sir.”

Sereb clears his throat. “In any case, might I recommend we all turn in for the evening? It would be best to make an early start.”

“Yeah. I’m pretty tired.”

“Me too.”

Dinky stands up. “Let’s get to bed. You coming, Sereb?”

“I believe I’ll stay out here with our… guest.”

“Suit yourself.”

Wiseman turns. “Dinky?”

“Yes.”

“Your father loves you very much.”

Nodding, Dinky steps into the tent. Sereb growls at Wiseman.

“Can’t you just fade away like you usually do?!”

“I suppose I could. Would that make you feel better?”

“Yes!”

“Very well. See you tomorrow, Sereb.”

Wiseman stands and walks into the woods. Before long he leaves the range of the campfire’s light. Sereb frowns and lays down in front of the tent as he muses to himself.

“Wiseman would do well to heed his own advice.”

As the first rays of dawn stretch across the land Derpy and the others are flown to the eastern base of Canterlot’s mountain. They look to one another as the chariot flies away. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“I don’t like this!”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Then why did you come?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No, no! I mean Twilight staying with Princess Luna!”

Applejack groans. “Admittedly that whole lover idea is really out there.”

Pinkie grins. “I think it’ll work!”

Derpy sighs. “Work or not, we need to focus on the task at hoof.”

Rarity looks to the woods. “Right. Applejack, Derpy, and myself will head into the Foal Forest and search for any sign of the fillies.”

Applejack frowns. “How will we know when to stop though? I mean, assuming they really aren’t there, that is.”

Rose pulls a map from her pack. “The Foal Forest ends at the town of Filly Delphia. If you reach it without incident they must not have been there. You can stop and gather supplies before heading south through the Baltimare National Forest. Myself, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie will follow the river to the Hayseed Forest and explore the woods north of the train tracks. As previously agreed upon, we will meet in Baltimare at the Four Seasons Hotel. Princess Luna has already made reservations for us, so we just need to check-in at the front desk.”

Pinkie nods happily. “Where to from there?!”

Applejack sighs. “If we meet up at the hotel and neither group has found anything, we’ll follow the train tracks out of town and explore the southern Hayseed Forest.”

Rarity shudders. “It’s quite a bit bigger, so we’ll need to stay together to traverse it.”

Derpy looks around. “Wouldn’t it be best to split up? We could cover more ground if it came to that.”

Fluttershy’s eyes dart around nervously. “That might not be a good idea. The beasts that live in that forest are very… territorial.”

Rose nods. “Sometimes the larger animals from the Hayseed Swamp can be found in that forest.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “There’s strength in numbers!”

Applejack nods. “Right. Now everypony be sure to keep your eyes open and watch each other’s backs.”

Rainbow Dash puffs her chest out proudly. “I’ll make sure we get to Baltimare safely. You just take care of your group, Applejack.”

Rose rolls her eyes. “Actually my scanners will be doing most of the safekeeping.”

Fluttershy forces a smile. “Take care, everypony.”

Rarity nods. “You too.”

Derpy waves. “See everypony in about a week.”

They part ways as Rainbow Dash leads her group across the river to the southern bank. Applejack, Rarity, and Derpy begin walking on the northern shore. Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends rise and eat their breakfast around the smoldering remains of last night’s fire. Dinky turns to her friends.

“Did anypony else hear anything last night?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Negative. There was just the rustling of the leaves and the occasional owl hooting.”

“I kinda remember hearing… something though.”

“Really? I thought that was just a dream.”

Dinky frowns. “So did I. But I wanted to run it by you two just to be sure. Do either of you remember what it sounded like?”

“Kinda like wind chimes to me.”

“Right. But it was more than just random notes though.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah, it felt… intentional. Like somepony was making a tune. You sure you didn’t hear it, Sereb?”

“Indeed not. And I’m a very light sleeper.”

“You think it was something dangerous?!”

“All the way out here? Not likely. But what should we do?”

“Keep going and see if we can find the source, I suppose.”

Packing up their camp and dousing the fire the fillies mount Sereb and continue on their way. Dinky pricks up her ears.

“Let’s see if we can find the cause of that sound.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Good idea.”

Sweetie Belle looks at the river bank. “But what about looking for clues?”

“We’ll do that on the way, of course.”

Sereb shrugs. “That and who’s to say this isn’t a clue itself.”

Apple Bloom turns to him. “Do you think Arc’s there?”

“It is unlikely. However, he may have been drawn to it as you were.”

Dinky nods. “Worth a shot. Let’s go!”

Walking for several hours, they eventually come to two life sized statues of what appears to be ancient pegasi. One faces south while the other southeast. Apple Bloom gasps, clearly impressed.

“That’s really cool!”

Sweetie Belle turn to Dinky. “How do you suppose they got all the way out here though?”

“No idea.”

Sereb looks them over carefully. “Perhaps they were carved in this very spot hundreds of years ago.”

Dinky frowns. “But by whom. And why?”

Sweetie Belle narrows her eyes. “Regardless of where they were carved, somepony went through a LOT of trouble to put them here. And nopony does something like that without a REALLY good reason.”

Apple Bloom looks around. “Pegasi statues in the middle of the forest. Could we be standing in the middle of what used to be a town?”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “I doubt it. There isn’t anything else here to suggest that.”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “Wait a minute… those aren’t pegasi! Let me try something.”

Channeling her magic, Dinky pulls a small cloth from Sereb’s saddlebag and carefully rubs away the moss, leaves, dirt, and bird dropping from one of the statue’s wings. Sereb gasps.

“It looks to be of an early Lunar Guard. The wings are like those of bats, not feathery like a pegasus.”

Apple Bloom nods. “They kinda remind me of Arc’s squad.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Really? Which one?”

“None of them in particular. Just the general form.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“You’re close.”

Turning, they see Wiseman walking toward them with a burlap sack over his shoulder. Sereb frowns.

“I do not believe we require YOUR help!”

“Oh, maybe you do. Or maybe you don’t. But I was just passing through on my way to… somewhere.”

Dinky nods. “What’s in the bag?”

“Apples, potatoes, carrots, and a head of lettuce.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Hungry?”

“Not particularly. But I believe all of you are.”

Dinky sighs. “We ran out of food yesterday.”

“Yes, I saw Sereb here foraging for your supper.”

Apple Bloom looks to the sack longingly. “Maybe we can trade for some of what you have.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Yeah! I’d love to make a vegetable soup for lunch today!”

Dinky smiles. “Me too!”

Walking over to Sereb, Dinky opens his saddlebags to reveal their possessions.

“Take a look. Maybe you’ll see something of interest.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “We don’t have much that Sereb didn’t forage for us though.”

“Sure, I’ll take a look. And while I’m doing that why don’t one of you go through my bag and see what you want.”

Sweetie Belle trots over to Wiseman as he sets down the sack. Dinky watches the man as he proceeds to look through their things.

“Nothing in that purple parcel though. That’s… um… my treasures.”

“Very well. I wouldn’t think of taking anything that’s important to you.”

A few minutes later Sweetie Belle holds up several perfect vegetables.

“This’ll make a wonderful salad!”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Not a very big one though.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “I’d like to take more. But we don’t have much to trade for it.”

Wiseman pulls out Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags.

“How about I trade you for this?”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “You want all my stuff?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “Oh no. Just the bag itself.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “An empty filly’s saddlebag?”

“Yes. If you’ll give me this, I’ll trade it for the entire contents of that sack.”

Sweetie Belle gasps happily. “Really?!”

Sereb growls. “Wait, Sweetie Belle!”

“What is it, Sereb?”

“He offers you vegetables, but requests your jewel-encrusted saddlebags in return! How is that a fair trade for us?!”

Wiseman nods. “You are correct, Sereb. So I’ll throw in some very special information and practical knowledge to even the trade.”

Apple Bloom appears skeptical. “You’ll teach us something?”

Dinky nods. “What?”

“How about these statues and their secret?”

Sweetie Belle appears interested. “A secret?!”

“Yes.”

Sereb shakes his head. “This is not wise.”

Dinky sighs. “We need the food anyways. The information will just be a bonus.”

Apple Bloom looks to Sweetie Belle. “Won’t your sister be upset that you pawned off your custom made saddlebags for some vegetables?”

“Given the circumstances, I think she’ll understand.”

She turns back to Wiseman.

“Deal. Just let me get my stuff out of there and I’ll give it to you.”

Wiseman nods as Dinky and Apple Bloom begin transferring the vegetables to Sereb’s saddlebags. In a few minutes Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags are empty. She holds them out to Wiseman.

“Here you go.”

Wiseman chuckles as he accepts the saddlebags. “A pleasure doing business with you.”

Sereb growls. “Now what is the secret behind these statues?!”

“These aren’t Lunar Defenders at all.”

Dinky frowns. “They’re not?”

“No. Take a look.”

Rubbing his hand on the statue’s muzzle for a few moments reveals a row of razor sharp teeth protruding downward. Dinky gasps.

“What has teeth like THAT?!”

“A Crimson.”

Sweetie Belle looks around, clearly frightened. “But those are just a myth!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right! Something to scare fillies and colts around the campfire!”

“Real or not, these statues are magical in nature. They have the ability to call out to those whom have the innate ability to harness their energies.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “So they’ll give us… power?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “Not directly, no. But if you can activate them, you’ll be spirited away to the corresponding statue.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Where do these lead?”

“The statue pointing south will take you to the Southern Hayseed Forest. While the one pointing south-east will transport you deep within the Hayseed Swamp. I don’t recommend exploring the swamp. A lot of… humorless creatures there.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “So only powerful ponies can activate it?”

“Normally, yes. But if the three of you focus your energies, I’m sure it’ll work.”

Dinky looks Wiseman in the eye. “But why tells us all this?”

“Because your father, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, is not here.”

“You… you know where he is?!”

“Yes.”

Sereb seethes. “Then tell us!”

“He was taken by someone to this statue where they were spirited away.”

Apple Bloom’s eyes grow wide. “You SAW them?!”

Wiseman nods. “I did.”

Sereb groans. “Then why did you not STOP them?!”

“Because Arc was badly injured at the time. Any delay in getting him treatment would have resulted in his death.”

Dinky grins. “So he’s alive?!”

“Yes. And doing much better these days I hear.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Where?!”

“That you will have to discover for yourselves.”

Wiseman steps over to one of the statues and puts a hand on it.

“Simply put your hooves here and focus your energies. The statue will do the rest. Take care of yourselves and say hello to your father when you find him, Dinky. Oh, and do be careful in the Hayseed Forest. While it’s not nearly as dangerous as the Hayseed Swamp, you should be wary of your surroundings at all times there.”

He vanishes from sight as the three fillies look to one another. Apple Bloom turns to Sereb.

“Do you think he was being honest?”

“Most likely not.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Well, we’ve pretty much explored this entire forest and haven’t found anything.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Other than Arc’s knife on the riverbank. But that proves he was definitely here, so he had to go SOMEWHERE!”

Dinky looks at the statues. “Maybe Wiseman’s right, and the one whom rescued him took him through this portal to help him.”

Sereb growls. “Or maybe it’s just Wiseman manipulating our actions again!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “That is possible, yes. But why would he do that.”

Apple Bloom turns to Sereb. “Has he ever lied to Arc before?”

“I… don’t really know for certain. Just understand that Arc was very adamant that he not be trusted.”

Dinky frowns. “Well, I don’t really know about that, as we just met him. But it seems like we don’t really have any other leads.”

She turns to the others soberly.

“I need to do this. If you three don’t want to come though, I understand. I’ll help by opening a portal back to my mom’s house for you before I go.”

“Are you kidding?! We’re with you, Dinky!”

“Yeah! What are friends for?!”

“I will accompany you as well in honor of my previous Life Pact with your father. He would not want any harm to befall any of you.”

“Thanks everypony. Now let’s see if we can get this thing to work.”

They each put a hoof/paw on the statue. As the fillies concentrate, the statue’s eyes glow red as an eerie glow is cast from its base. Before anyone can say anything they vanish from sight as the statue returns to its previous state. For many hours all is silent. As evening falls Wiseman reappears and walks over to the statue.

“I knew you three could do it. Now there’s just one last thing to do.”

Looking down at Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags in his arms, he smiles and runs a gloved hand across its gleaming surface.

“Rarity really did a fine job on this bag. It’s a shame I have to do this…”

Grabbing the straps that hold the two bags together, Wiseman pulls. The sound of tearing fabric echoes through the trees. Taking one bag, he puts a hand on the same statue Dinky and her friends used. A portal opens and he tosses the bag through before carefully tying the strap to one of the statue’s hooves.

“There we are. Now that the pieces are in place, all that’s needed now is for them to be found by the proper individuals.”

Preface - Volume 31 - Love and Hate

In our previous volume, Luna and Shining Armor inform Dinky and Twilight of Arc’s apparent death at the hooves over Celestia. Dinky takes the news hard and has to be carried away by Twilight. Meanwhile, Arc awakens to immense pain surrounded by unfamiliar voices. As he attempts to free himself a deep, gruff voiced stallion hits him with a surgical tray. As a rainy day passes through Ponyville, Twilight and her friends speak about Arc and what he meant to them as they sit around the table in Carousel Boutique. Heading upstairs in an attempt to console Rarity, they find her crying on the bed. Confessing her carnal desires to them, Rarity is surprised to find that they too wanted to have sexual relations with Arc at some point.

Awakening strapped to a bed, Arc scares the crap out of a nurse. As the doctor returns with the stallion whom claims to have found him, Arc realizes he cannot remember whom he is. Unable to pay his hospital fees, the stallion is unable to take possession of Arc. The doctor informs him that he will be put in a cage and used as a guard for a time. Meanwhile, the entirety of Ponyville ushers Arc’s casket to a small plot behind Light’s Hope. Luna and Cadance deliver a short eulogy before the squad lowers the coffin into the ground. A twenty-one gun salute rings out before the princesses themselves lay flowers at the grave. Stepping back, they allow the others to approach the grave one at a time. Eventually they are along again as Derpy and Dinky stand silently before the stone. Tempest appears and pays her own respects to Arc’s memory before departing as quickly as she came. Luna asks Cadance to return to the Crystal Empire to protect her from Decimus’ reach. Twilight and her friends agree to remain in Ponyville and not take action against Decimus or Celestia for the time being. As night falls, Arc’s squad ferries Derpy and Dinky safely home.

Awakening late that night, Derpy sits up as she wakes from a dream. Dinky looks over to her mother and confesses that she herself was having a nice dream about the good times she had with her father. Getting up for a bit, Derpy finds Arc’s squad lying in front of her fireplace. Informing her that they were there with her permission, Derpy looks out the window at the falling rain before falling asleep at some point. Rising, she and Dinky find the squad cooking breakfast. They suggest she rests, but Derpy informs them that doing so would only make her more depressed. Meanwhile, Arc sits in the cage back in Knothole Village. After receiving a number of items to make himself some clothes, Arc sees a handful of memories regarding Rarity and sewing. As night falls, Snowflake joins him in watching for Crimsons outside the cage.

Luna enters the Audience Chamber and approaches her sister. Attempting to tell her of Decimus’ treasonous actions (presumably again), Celestia brushes her off and leaves the room. As she is escorted down the corridor, Captain Decimus himself approaches. Speaking for a few moments about the actions in the reports regarding Arc, Decimus informs the princess that Lady Ashe has been found in the dungeon. Hurrying to meet with her in an effort to stave off any further international complications, Celestia is surprised when Ashe requests the position of ambassador. Admitting to not having any qualifications for the job, she is able to convince the monarch by telling her of her desires to one day see the Griffon Kingdom run more like Equestria. Meanwhile, Arc sits in his cage in Knothole Village on late night guard duty. Luckily Snowflake joins him in an effort to keep him company. As they talk, she suddenly hears a rustling. Looking up, Arc spots a flying creature going right for her. Reaching out through the bars, he punches it in the face knocking it out in one blow. Calling for help, Shadow and a large portion of the town run outside to investigate. The Crimson is dragged off to Shadow’s basement as his wife runs over to inform him that the their daughter is missing. Snowflake emerges from the hay pile inside the cage and faces her parents. As everyone leaves, Arc finds that the filly has accidently peed in his hay.

Auriel enters the Library with a scroll from Cadance. Reading it, Twilight informs her that it’s love advice. Eventually the conversation turns to orgies as Aurora appears (somehow) from the basement. Meanwhile, back in Knothole Village, Shadow announces that he’s officially paid for Arc’s medical bills and leads the young man back to his land with Snowflake in tow. Sleeping in the barn that night, Arc hears Snowflake enter as the sound of breaking glass rings out from the cottage. Telling him that her father is drunk, Arc lets her have the makeshift bed and heads to the other side of the barn.

Awakened the next morning by Shadow, Arc bathes for the first time since his stay at the hospital. Meeting father and daughter at the cottage, he finds them waiting clad in leather armor. Giving Arc a staff to defend himself, they set off into the wood. Shadow instructs Arc to pick whatever Snowflake points out to him. As they stop for lunch Snowflake argues with her father about the amount of food Arc gets. Hearing a roar nearby, Shadow orders Arc to get Snowflake to safety before returning to help him. Throwing the filly up into a tree’s branches, he hurries back to aid Shadow whom is fighting a Manticore. However as the beast sees him, it turns and runs away. Hearing Snowflake calling out for help, they run back to find her beset upon by Timberwolves. Arc falls to his knees as memories again fill his mind. As the wolves move to finish him off however he counters with a massive blow with his staff. Lighting a torch, Shadow uses it to set their parts aflame before driving off the rest. Returning home, Arc takes Snowflake behind the barn and bathes her, robe and all.

After her bath, Arc and Snowflake head back toward Shadow’s workshop. He gives Arc the cockatrice and tells him he will be helping guard the village from the cage tonight. Snowflake helps him start a fire before gutting the bird and seasoning it. Later that night Arc spots Snowflake entering the family shop. A few moments later the Crimson from the other night rushes outside. Arc raises the alarm, but it is too late. Shadow enters his shop to see what’s happened, but returns with only an unconscious Snowflake on his back. The mayor insists that Snowflake be locked up after what she’s done. However Shadow convinces them to let Arc serve as her guardian instead. Returning them to the barn, he locks them in for the night. As the night wears on Arc awakens from dreams of Derpy and Dinky along with Snowflake. He informs her of what happened and their fate. Promising to protect her, Snowflake gives Arc a new name… Big Brother.

Dinky finds her friends in town and confesses to them her plan to go searching for the truth regarding Arc’s death. They agree to accompany her, and do so very late that night. Meeting at Arc’s memorial, they are met by Sereb, whom has returned to Equestria. Enlisting his aid, they teleport via the Crusader’s magic to Arc’s room in Canterlot Castle. Taking a magic cloak from the closet they walk down the corridor until they come to the scene of the crime. Looking around for clues, Dinky discovers that her father was blasted out the opposite window the report claimed. Teleporting down to the ground below, they look around the lake as Sereb searches in the water. He emerges with Arc’s sigil gauntlet in tow. Deciding to make camp a little ways away, the group pitches their tent and fall asleep.

Arc awakens the next morning next to Snowflake. She sits up with him as Shadow unlocks the barn door. Sunshine rushes in to hug her little filly as Shadow tells them of the need for a full time protector. He assigns Arc to stay with Snowflake at all time. Ordering him to demonstrate his abilities, Arc shows he is able to fully subdue the filly without hurting her. Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends rise and begin walking the river bank. Coming to a deep spot, they eat and prepare to ford. As Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sereb step out of the water, they look back to see Sweetie Belle struggling. Sereb bounds back into the water to save her. Admitting she can’t really swim, nor do anything else survival-based, Dinky and Apple Bloom encourage her to not give up looking for her special talent.

Derpy along with the Mane Six search Ponyville for the missing fillies. Finding nothing, they head for the Little Hooves Orphanage. The fillies and younglings report nothing out of the ordinary, but offer to help look for their friends. Twilight and the others take Derpy home to rest and in doing so find the note Dinky sent through a portal via her father’s sigil gauntlet. Learning that Dinky and her friends have found some evidence, they head to Canterlot to investigate on their end. After being stopped by the guards at the gate, Twilight convinces the guards to let them see Princess Luna’s assistant, Sandstorm Mirage. He gains them an audience with the Princess of the Night, and they plead their case before her. Upon hearing that Arc’s daughter is among those missing, Luna asks for more information.

Telling her all they know, Twilight and her friends along with Derpy learn that Celestia has not been herself lately. Refusing to see others as well as turning over control of her safety to Captain Decimus. Luna asks Twilight to write a letter for her as she dictates. Allowing the mare to add her own personal remarks to the letter, she seals it and turns it over to a stallion whom arrives shortly thereafter. Fluttershy reads a newly arrived letter from Cadance regarding a coded message to Luna. After learning that the records regarding the events leading up to Arc’s death are missing, Luna sends for Sandstorm Mirage whom has been listening in to her conversation via a secret microphone.

Twilight and her friends meet in their room with Luna to go over their parts in that night’s secret mission. Rarity and Fluttershy go out first to distract the guards around Ashe’s office. As they do so Rainbow Dash and Derpy knock the guards out. Finding their keys, they enter the office and wreck it. Meanwhile, Applejack does her own bit to distract the guards at the Archives to allow Twilight, Rose, and Pinkie access to the records. Applejack pretends to be a guard trainee as she watches out for trouble with Sandstorm Mirage. Convincing Captain Decimus that they’re on the level, Twilight and the other emerge from the room. As they head back to their room to meet up with the others Sandstorm Mirage puts the guards into a very compromising position before awakening them with a pitcher of water.

Returning to the room, Luna greets them and asks about their mission. Informing her that they were successful, she opens a dark portal and returns them to Light’s Hope. From there they walk back to their homes. Derpy tries to sleep, but is unable to. Getting up she walks out the door and down the path into town. Looking around at the dark houses, she spots a familiar one with a light on. Approaching, she knocks. Rarity greets her and allows Derpy inside. They confess their similar life situations as well as confessing their feelings to each other for Arc’s happiness. Agreeing to stay with one another, Derpy and Rarity fall asleep in one another’s arms. Meanwhile, Arc and Snowflake try their best to sleep over the racket downstairs. Suggesting they sleep in the barn, Arc jumps out the window before helping Snowflake down. Heading to the large outbuilding, they lay down together on the makeshift bed. Snowflake does her best to reassure Arc that he’s not a bad creature. Arc continues to struggle with the knowledge that he’s taken lives in the past.

Twilight and her friends do their best to find something of interest in the files taken from the castle. Failing at that, they take a break for breakfast before returning to their task. Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends awaken to a cool and misty morning. Walking along the back slowly as not to miss anything, they come to a large log on the bank. Spotting a muddy stick, Dinky washes it off to reveal the glean of Arc’s guardanium knife. Sereb is able to reconstruct the events leading up to Arc’s supposed demise. Announcing that Arc may have been dragged into the forest, Dinky leads everyone away from the river and into the forest.

Continuing to go over the files, Twilight and her friends give up on the dead end lead from the files. A note from Dinky arrives via portal. In it she tells her mother how and where they found Arc’s dagger. Agreeing to travel to Canterlot and begin a search for the fillies, Twilight and her friends along with Derpy and Rose head out. Waking to Sunshine opening the barn door with their breakfast, Arc and Snowflake sit up. Telling her daughter of Shadow’s plan for them to go foraging without him, Sunshine nervously allows the pair to set off together. As the fillies walk, they find a torn piece of Arc’s tunic. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle argue loudly over what to do next as Dinky look at the scrap in her hooves. Telling them that she promised to find her father, they continue on by her side. Twilight and the others arrive at Canterlot Castle later that evening. After being escorted to Luna’s room, the princess motions for Twilight to go with whatever she says. Forcing a conversation, she invites everyone to the bathroom for a long talk. After pretending to enter the room, she casts a Silence Spell to give them privacy. Telling the others that she has a plan, Luna announces her intentions to use Twilight to bait her sister. The rumor to be put forth is that both she and Twilight are now lovers.

Luna and Twilight practice how to pretend to be lovers before heading to dinner in the Dining Room together. Although difficult for her, Twilight is able to stomach the ordeal long enough to get back to Luna’s room. As the pair ready themselves for bed, Luna insists that they sleep together to keep up appearances. Suggesting that Twilight snuggles up to her, they prepare to be found in the morning by the Hoof Maidens.

Dinky and her friends make camp for the night. As she heads into the wood, Sereb approaches her. Advising the young filly not to let herself be consumed by her task, they return to their camp site. As they sit around the fire, Wiseman appears to give them some life advice based on his own experiences. The next morning Twilight’s friends are flown to the base of the mountain to begin their search for the fillies as Twilight herself stays with Luna. They split up to explore both the Foal Forest and Northern Hayseed Forest. Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends rise and talk around the remains of the campfire. Each of the fillies heard something the previous night, and set off to find out what it was. Several hours later they come to two ancient looking bat pony statues. Wiseman appears and identifies them as Crimsons. Offering to trade them Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags for a large sack of food, they agree on the condition that he also tell them about the statues. Informing the fillies that they can activate them with their magic, Wiseman vanishes. Doing as instructed, Dinky and her friends power up the statues and vanish. Later that evening Wiseman returns to the statues. Ripping the bags in half, he teleports one with the statue’s power before tying the other to the base of the other statue.

However, many questions yet remain. Will Twilight and her friends be able to overcome this new life’s hurdle? What of Rarity, whom was the closest of them to Arc? To say nothing of Derpy and Dinky. How was Decimus able to cover up the past year’s records? Why isn’t Celestia listening to those around her other than Decimus? What’s Snowflake’s dad’s problem? Why did Snowflake release the Crimson from her family’s shop? Why does Luna’s attitude shift anytime she learns the Arc in involved? Who is this ‘Dark Lady’ Sandstorm Mirage mentioned… again? Will the two guards from the Archives get their coffee? (we’re assuming yes) While I think we all know exactly what’s happening… what are Shadow and Sunshine REALLY doing at night? Luna and Twilight… how is THAT believable?! Why did Wiseman help the fillies but insist only on a pair of saddlebags?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - The Morning After

Twilight awakens to the sound of a door opening and hoofsteps walking toward her.

“Your highness, it’s time for your…”

Opening one eye a crack, Twilight sees the unmistakably large form of Luna. Her massive head laying neatly on Twilight’s head. Panicking, Twilight screams.

“AHHHHHHHHH!!!”

The Hoof Maiden stumbles backwards, terrified. Luna’s eyes fly open as Twilight jumps to her hooves and looks around.

“Twilight?!”

The Hoof Maiden gets up and hurries back to the bedside. “Are you not well, miss?”

“Forgive my lover’s outburst. She regularly suffers from nightmares.”

Luna turns to her.

“That’s what happened, was it not?”

Twilight nods weakly. “Y-yes, L-L-Luna.”

Luna takes Twilight in her hooves and holds her close as the pets her mane. “There, there, my dear. It’s going to be okay.”

She turns to the Hoof Maiden.

“Are the others waiting outside?”

“Yes, your highness. And as per your orders we’ve assigned two extra sets of hooves to see to your… um… special friend here.”

“Very good. Bring them in.”

The Hood Maiden bows and returns to the door. Opening it she beckons the others to enter. Two of them pour cups of tea when the other pair hurry into the bathroom. The sound of running water fills the room as does the smell of lavender. Luna stands and looks to Twilight.

“Come along, my dear.”

Shakily, Twilight walks over to the table with Luna. A Hoof Maiden offers her a tray of cookies as the other does the same for Luna.

“None for me, thank you.”

Luna giggles as she munches on a cookie. “You should try them, Twilight. They’re quite good. My sister’s own recipe.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m just… not very hungry at the moment.”

Luna sips her tea. “Well, I hope a nice bath will help put you back in the spirit of things. One must look their best for the day ahead.”

A short time later the Hoof Maidens emerge from the bathroom.

“We are ready for you, Princess Luna.”

Luna stands up. “Good. This is my favorite part of the day.”

Twilight forces a smile. “Have a nice time.”

Luna turns back to Twilight, confused. “But you’re coming with me.”

“I… I am?”

“Yes silly! After all, you and I share everything.”

“O-okay.”

Twilight nervously follows the princess into her large and luxurious bathroom. Several lavender scented candles burn around the room and a bowl of large bath bombs sits next to the tub along with a tray of sweets. She watches as Luna steps into the massive shower. Sitting down on a rubber mat with a contented smile, Twilight observes two Hoof Maidens approach and remove one of two nozzles from their places on the wall. One sprays a gentle mist of water over Luna’s body as the other works up a lather between her hooves and begins working it into her coat. Luna smiles and moans slightly as they work. As she watches, Twilight feels a light tap on her shoulder. Turning, she spots the other pair of Hoof Maidens behind her.

“Right this way, Miss Twilight.”

Taking her by the hoof, Twilight is led to a spot in the shower across from Luna. As they grab the other nozzle from the wall, Twilight squeezes her eyes shut. A moment later she feels the warm water cascading across her coat. Sighing, she allows the mares to continue their work. Twilight sits there silently as she feels gentle hooves rubbing soap all over her body. A short time later they rinse the shampoo from her coat as gently as it has been applied. Opening her eyes, she spies Luna with a maneful of shampoo. The Hoof Maidens turn to Twilight.

“Miss Twilight?”

“Y-yes.”

“Please close your eyes.”

Twilight does so. The feeling of her mane being lathered overcomes her and she hums happily. A slight tingling runs across her scalp and down her back as another bottle’s contents are applied in copious amounts. After a thorough rinse Twilight opens her eyes to see Luna looking her over.

“Much better, my dear.”

She turns to the Hoof Maidens.

“We are ready.”

Nodding, one of them rolls out a long narrow mat that leads to the bathtub as another drops a bath bomb into the hot water. Following the mat, Luna walks over to the tub. Stepping into the truly massive vessel she sits down on her haunches and lays back, leaving only her head exposed. Turning, she smiles at Twilight.

“Come on, Twilight. There’s plenty of room.”

“There… there is? Are you sure?”

“Yes. Come in. You’ll love this.”

Twilight nods and steps over to the tub. As she moves to get in she loses her footing and slips. Falling into the water face first Twilight emerges a few seconds later coughing and sputtering. As her vision clears she sees herself sitting directly in front of Luna. The larger mare giggles and bats her eyelashes seductively.

“That’s one way to get close to me, Twilight.”

She turns to the Hoof Maidens.

“Leave us. I want some alone time with my lover.”

They bow and quickly leave the room, closing the door behind them. Luna turns to Twilight.

“You can step back now.”

Twilight quickly does so and whispers apologetically.

“S-sorry!”

“No need to whisper. I cast a Sound Dampening Spell when we entered.”

“Oh… okay. But won’t that make your Hoof Maiden’s suspicious?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not in the least. Lately I’ve had guards in my room at times. I’ll do my best to stifle it today, but I sometimes let out some very… unladylike sounds when being oiled. No reason to give nameless guards a show, after all.”

Twilight appears confused. “Oiled?”

“You’ll see in a bit. Right now we’re in the middle of my morning soak.”

“Sorry for messing that up with me… um… falling in. And… sorry for tumbling into your lap.”

“It’s fine Twilight. Truth be told, I originally thought you did that on purpose.”

“That was an accident, I swear!”

Luna giggles. “Very well. But it certainly helped make our relationship more… interesting for the Hoof Maidens.”

“How so?”

“They’ve seen you in my fetlocks twice now.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “So I’m… doing well?”

“I suppose ‘well’ might be going a bit far. I would say ‘passable’.”

“What can I do to improve?”

“Try being more affectionate to me. It would help them believe this is real and get them talking.”

Twilight blushes. “I’m… not sure I can do that.”

“This is your first relationship, even if it is fake. You just need to overcome your fears and inhibitions.”

“Can I have some time to… get used to this? I’m really in uncharted territory here.”

“Very well, Twilight. Just do the best you can for now. Oh! And I… um… I’m… sorry for this morning.”

“Huh?”

Luna sighs. “I made you scream.”

“Oh! N-no, Princess Luna! I was actually…!”

“Who?”

“Sorry… Luna. But waking up in another mare’s fetlocks was really new to me.”

“Ah! I see. Truthfully, I thought it was something else entirely.”

“Like a bad dream?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. That was just my efforts to give you an ‘out’.”

“A what?”

“Giving you a way to recover from a mistake.”

“I see. Um… why did you… um… think I screamed?”

Luna blushes slightly. “Bear in mind I’m only telling you this because I’m sorry, but… when I woke up with my head on top of yours, I immediately realized I had accidently… drooled in your mane.”

“You did?”

“Yes. I’m sure the Hoof Maidens noticed it and properly cleaned you though. They’re pretty good about that. Normally I just drool in my own.”

“I hadn’t actually noticed.”

Luna looks away nervously. “Oh… well, in that case, I’d like to remove myself from this highly embarrassing conversation.”

“Yes, Luna.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Twilight breaks it.

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Why do you shower and then bathe? It just seems rather… counterproductive.”

“You will see shortly.”

A few minutes later the Hoof Maidens knock and enter the bathroom.

“Are you ready to be oiled, Princess Luna?”

Luna nods. “Yes.”

She stands and steps out of the tub. Two Hoof Maidens pat her dry while the others do the same to Twilight. Luna walks around a corner to what appears to be a large massage table. Lying down face first Luna stretches out and relaxes. She motions to a similar table next to her.

“Join me, Twilight.”

Nervously, Twilight does so. She turns her head to watch Luna, but finds the mare has turned her attention out the window. A Hoof Maiden pours a sweet smelling oil over Luna’s back while another carefully rubs it in with slow circular motions as a third carefully holds her mane to one side. Twilight tightens up as the same is done to her. The servants are careful to allow her an unobstructed view of Luna the entire time. Whether out of respect or from sensing her own fear Twilight is uncertain. Finishing, Luna turns over onto her back as the table elevates her head and upper body.

“Are you doing alright over there, Twilight?”

“Oh yes! This feels really nice! Tell me, Luna, do you do this every day?!”

Luna nods as the Hoof Maidens get to work oiling her chest. “I do. It helps keep my coat hydrated. After all, a princess must keep up appearances. As do you now, my dear.”

Twilight looks over as the other Hoof Maidens carefully roll her over. “Must I?”

“Yes. After all, you wouldn’t want to hurt my image, would you, Twilight?”

“Not at all! I’ll do whatever it takes to… make this work.”

“Good.”

The Hoof Maiden’s continue their task. They slowly work their way from the mare’s necks, to their chests and down to their bellies. Twilight smiles contentedly as one of the Hoof Maiden’s taps her shoulder.

“Miss, this next part may be a bit jarring. We’ll be as gentle as possible, what with this being your first time.”

Twilight nods happily. “Okay. Um… what’s next anyways?”

Luna looks over. “Your flank.”

“Wha-what?!”

“It’s just part of the process. No need to be scared, my dear.”

“But, I… um… I’ve never been…! Look, can’t we just skip that part?!”

Luna sighs. “I suppose so. But it’s necessary to maintain an even coat. Think of it like leaving a single spot unwashed every day. Eventually it would be quite noticeable. Would it make you feel better if I went first?”

“I… don’t know. Maybe.”

“Alright.”

She nods to the Hoof Maidens at the end of the table. They motion to someone around the corner. Another mare walks in levitating a different bottle of oil. Carefully pouring it on the princess’ flank she gets to work. Gently, she moves her hooves in a circular motion to rub in the oil. Luna’s breathing increases as the mare carefully works. In but a few moments she completes her task as Luna lets out a low moan. As the mare turns to wash her hooves Luna returns her gaze back to the purple unicorn next to her.

“Are you ready, Twilight?”

“Um… I guess.”

“Don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt.”

“Okay.”

Luna motions for the mare to carry out her task. As she does so Twilight begins to feel faint as the top of her head tingles. The world goes dark for an indeterminate amount of time. Twilight feels a hoof gently pat her cheek.

“Miss Twilight? Are you alright?”

Opening her eyes, Twilight spots the mares attending them previously washing their hooves at a nearby sink.

“I… think so. What happened?”

Luna giggles as she stands up. “I think you fell asleep. But you were making the cutest little sounds.”

“Sorry. Um… are we done?”

Luna nods. “Yes. At least with this part.”

Twilight gasps. “There’s more?!”

“Just one. A proper brushing.”

Twilight appears relieved. “That sounds nice.”

The Hoof Maidens lead them over to two vanities nearby. Luna motions to Twilight to sit down as the Hoof Maidens get to work. For the next hour they brush the pair’s coat, tail, and mane. One works on Twilight, while the other three attend to Luna. Eventually they step back, bow, and leave the room. Luna stands up and looks herself over in the mirror.

“Passable.”

Twilight looks Luna over. “Passable?! Luna your coat and mane look amazing!”

Luna giggles. “Thank you. It’s the oil.”

“Sorry about… you know.”

“Perfectly normal for your first time. I’m sure commoners don’t pay so much attention to their backsides. But you yourself look very nice now as well.”

“Thank you. And I suppose we don’t do much… down there. But might I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“That mare whom did… the last part for you. I saw her in the castle infirmary some time back.”

Luna nods. “She’s actually a nurse.”

“I see. Well, I suppose it’s for the best a healthcare provider takes care of those parts of our anatomy. What was in that bottle she used on you?

Luna blushes slightly. “It was a medicated version of the previous oil. I have certain… embarrassing problems down there.”

“Oh. Well… I wouldn’t have known just by looking at it. I MEAN YOU! LOOKING AT YOU!”

Luna rolls her eyes. “I know what you meant, Twilight.”

“What do we do now?”

“The Hoof Maidens will have picked up the tea dishes and other offerings from this morning and left breakfast in its place. Are you hungry?”

“A bit, yes.”

“Follow me.”

Luna leads Twilight out of the bathroom and over to the table. Two dishes with silver covers over them are waiting for them. They sit down and begin to eat as Twilight hums happily.

“This is wonderful!”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Do you have a busy schedule today?”

Luna sighs. “No, I don’t.”

“I’ll help with whatever you need done.”

“You don’t understand. Since my sister retook her place on the throne, I literally have NOTHING to do.”

“Oh… well… what did you do before she disappeared?”

“I was the one whom raised the moon and safeguarded ponies dreams.”

Twilight gasps. “Wait! You can enter dreams!?”

Luna raises an eyebrow, confused. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

“I just always assumed that such an ability was merely a legend!”

“No. Just very rare.”

“Can I watch?!”

“Um… I suppose so. However, it’s a very tiring experience.”

“How so? Aren’t you asleep?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. Just those whom I visit are. I’m fully awake when I delve.”

“Do you think we could delve together?”

“Entirely possible. But you might see things that frighten or… um… sicken you.”

“Like what?”

Luna sighs. “Not all dreams are good or lucid. Some are frightening beyond measure. However a small percentage are… well… less than desirable to witness.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Some ponies dream of doing… certain things with others.”

Twilight appears confused. “What exactly do they...”

“THEY DREAM ABOUT HAVING SEX, ALRIGHT?!”

The pair are silent for a time as Luna composes herself before continuing.

“I’m sorry for blowing up like that.”

“It’s okay. I was pressing the issue pretty hard. But different types of magic intrigue me. Are you okay?”

“Yes. Why do you…?”

Twilight points. “You’re hooves are shaking.”

“I… um…”

Luna sighs before continuing.

“What I said about those sexual dreams… they’re actually fairly common.”

“So you’re tired of seeing them?”

“No. I… I mean yes, but… look its more than the dreams. It’s… um…”

Twilight appears concerned. “This is really bothering you, isn’t it?”

“For many years, yes.”

Twilight smiles. “Well, I’ve found that if I can talk to somepony when something’s bothering me it makes things a lot easier.”

“With whom?”

“A trusted friend or my parents.”

Luna sighs. “I don’t have either of those.”

“Well, how about me then?”

“You? But we hardly…!”

“I won’t tell anypony if you don’t want me to. Now what’s the problem?”

Luna groans. “Alright then. The issue is that in a good number of those dreams, the ponies in question are…”

Luna takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.

“…are having sex with my sister!”

Twilight gasps. “With Princess Celestia?!”

“Yes.”

“And she ALLOWS it?!”

Luna shakes her head vehemently. “No, no! It’s just a dream, so it isn’t REALLY my sister. Just their mental image of her.”

“What does she have to say about this?”

“I’ve never told her.”

“She should know if others are thinking those sort of things about her. What do you normally do about it?”

“Move on to the next dream and let it play out.”

Luna is silent for a time before looking Twilight in the eye.

“It used to make me angry. But… not in a long time.”

“What changed? Did you accept it as nothing more than a dream?”

Luna sighs and shakes her head. “No. I bottled it up inside and… just held it there.”

“Your anger?”

“No. My… jealousy.”

Twilight gasps. “Jealousy?! You mean… you WANT stallions to think of you that way?!”

“Not really. But after seeing my sister in other’s dreams so many times, I began to notice that through all of it nopony ever… dreamed about me.”

“Ever?”

“No.”

“You might actually want to talk to Princess Celestia about this.”

“I… I did.”

“Really? When?”

“Over a thousand years ago.”

“And what did she say?”

Luna sighs. “Celestia merely told me that if I wanted stallions to looks are me the same way I should take better care of my outward appearance. Remember those treatments you and I underwent earlier in the bathroom this morning?”

Twilight blushes. “How could I forget?”

“They were what she used to stay beautiful. That’s why there’s two separate shower nozzles, massage tables, and vanity mirrors. We used to do that every day… together.”

“To make you more beautiful?”

“Yes. But it didn’t work. In the end that was what caused me to become Nightmare Moon. Jealousy of my sister.”

Twilight gasps. “I don’t understand. The history books say it was because everypony slept through your beautiful night.”

“That’s a lie perpetuated by my sister in an effort to salvage what was left of my reputation. After all, who would respect a princess whom tries to dethrone her sister over something as silly as stallions fantasizing about bedding them?”

“And Princess Celestia just sat on this all these years?”

Luna nods. “Yes. It was very noble of her. More so than I deserved.”

“I never knew.”

“Nopony does. Just her… me… and now you.”

Luna smiles.

“You were right, Twilight.”

“I was? About what?”

Luna looks out the window happily. “It does feel good to talk about this.”

Chapter 2 - Paydirt

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash, Rose, Pinkie, and Fluttershy follow the river toward their destination. Pinkie turns to Rose.

“So how long will it take us to get to the Hayseed Forest?!”

“At our current speed, roughly three days.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Then another four or more walking through the forest”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “You sure we shouldn’t split up? We’d cover a LOT more ground.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “And be more vulnerable to attack.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof. “But Fluttershy could just talk us out of it.”

Fluttershy shudders. “That’s something I’d like to avoid!”

Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… what about Rose’s sensors?!”

Rose sighs. “Also not 100% accurate.”

“You forgot about my Pinkie Sense!”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Yeah… I’m not putting my life on the line with that. But all I’m saying is that we’d be fine on our own. Or at least long enough to last until the others can help.”

Rose nods. “True. But that would assume that we hear something.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Rose is right. We need to stick together out here.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “You mean when we get to the forest though, right?”

“No. The whole time.”

“But…!”

Fluttershy stomps her hoof defiantly. “But NOTHING!”

Pinkie gasps. “Woah! That was unexpected!”

“I’m sorry. But I’m just worried about everypony’s safety.”

Rose continues on. “Then it’s settled. We stick together.”

Meanwhile, Arc sits up in the barn. He turns his head to look at Snowflake. Putting a hand on her shoulder he gently shakes her.

“Hey. Time to wake up.”

Snowflake sits up slowly and rubs her eyes.

“Ugh! Are you sure?”

“Well, the sun’s starting to come up, so…”

There is a slight rustling and a light moan in the hay next to Arc. Turning, he brushes away the pile to see Sunshine poke her head out. Snowflake appears surprised.

“Mom? What are you doing out here?”

“Your father… accidently knocked over one of my more potent jars last night.”

“One of the blue ones?”

“Green.”

Snowflake groans. “Ugh! That’s enough to knock a pony out!”

“It did. He passed out, but I couldn’t sleep in there due to the smell. So I decided to come out here.”

“Should we get breakfast now, mom? Big Brother and I have work to do.”

Sunshine winces. “You go on ahead. I… still need to get my bearings.”

Snowflake grimaces. “You want me to go inside?!”

“Don’t worry. Before I came out here last night I opened the windows. Everything should be aired out by now. Just try not to wake your father.”

“Okay mom.”

The filly trots out of the barn as Arc helps Sunshine up.

“Are you really okay?”

Sunshine nods as she rubs her flank. “Yes. It’s just some rather nasty… bruising.”

Arc frowns. “Did Shadow hit you?!”

“No, he…”

She looks around to make sure Snowflake is out of earshot before continuing.

“…he was just a little rough with my hindquarters last night.”

“Oh… um… look, I’m not trying to judge your lifestyle or anything. But… if he’s hurting you when you two are… um…”

“We’re actually trying to have another foal.”

“That’s all well and good. But… I don’t think doing it THAT hard helps.”

Sunshine looks up at him. “Do you have foals?”

“I don’t think so. It’s just a guess.”

“It… really has to get in there deeply to… conceive a…”

She winces and falls back down into the hay. Arc catches a glance under her tail and gasps.

“That looks pretty bad!”

“Am I bleeding?”

“I don’t see any blood. Just a lot of bruising. And by a lot, I mean a LOT!”

“Well, I’d better start walking this off. There’s a lot of work to do down at the store, what with all the things you and Snowflake found yesterday.”

“You don’t want Snowflake to see all that bruising though, do you?”

Sunshine shakes her head. “Not really, no. But to get it to get down I need some of my medicine from inside.”

Snowflake walks back toward the barn with three bowls of oats stacked on her back. Sunshine gasps as she turns back to Arc.

“Quick! Can I hide the bruises by sitting down?!”

“Not a chance!”

“Snowflake can’t see me like this!”

Arc grabs a blanket and throws it over Sunshine as Snowflake enters.

“I got each of us a bowl.”

Sunshine smiles at her daughter nervously. “Is your father still out?”

“Yeah. And snoring too. What’s with the blanket, mom? You cold?”

“I just got a bit chilled last night.”

“How about a warm bath then?”

“Good idea. Get one of those thermal bulbs and my red jar please.”

“Okay.”

The filly runs back to the cottage as Arc stands up.

“I’ll get the tub out back filled up. You stay here and rest.”

Sunshine nods as Arc leaves the barn. He walks around to the back and begins pumping. A few minutes later Snowflake trots around to join him. Tossing in the thermal bulb she turns to look around.

“Where’s my mom, Big Brother?”

“She’s still in the barn trying to keep warm.”

“Oh, okay. Um… do you think she’d mind if I used the outhouse real quick? I really have to pee!”

“Sure. I’ll take care of your mom.”

Snowflake gives Arc the jar and runs off in the direction of the outhouse as he makes a beeline for the barn and Sunshine.

“Snowflake had to go to the outhouse. Let’s get you to the tub.”

Arc leans down and picks the mare up carefully. She gasps in pain as he does so and runs toward the barn door.

“Sorry, I know I’m hurting you, but we need to hurry.”

Reaching the tub Arc carefully sets Sunshine into the warm water. She sighs contentedly.

“That’s MUCH better!”

Snowflake runs around the side of the barn and over to the tub.

“Hi, mom. Big Brother got you in there quick.”

“I didn’t want her to catch a cold. Best to get her warmed up.”

“Makes sense. Oh! What’d you do with that jar I brought you, Big Brother?”

Arc points a finger. “It put it on the shelf next to the towel.”

“We need that at the shop, mom?”

Sunshine nods. “Yes dear. Now would you be a dear and grab my work smock please?”

“Okay!”

Snowflake trots off as Arc turns to Sunshine.

“You’re heading to work after this?!”

Sunshine sighs. “If I don’t, there won’t be anypony to run the store.”

“What about your injuries?”

“That’s why I wanted Snowflake to get that smock. I can hide this under it.”

“I meant won’t you just be in pain all day?”

Sunshine points to the jar. “The medicine in there will dull the pain and heal them quickly.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“Y-yes. Fine. You and Snowflake eat your breakfast and head out to forage.”

Arc sighs. “Well… okay.”

A short time later Arc and Snowflake walk toward the woods together. Snowflake sighs.

“I hate when my dad does that.”

Arc looks away nervously. “Does what?”

“Drink too much. He always breaks something important.”

Arc mutters to himself.

“Or someone.”

“So what should we look for today, Big Brother?”

“How’s the shop doing on salve?”

Snowflake giggles. “We can’t keep it in stock.”

“Tell me, what’s the best item out there to make salve. No matter how rare.”

“That would be Equusroot. It’s only found in one place deep in the forest.”

“Can we get some?”

Snowflake shudders. “Only if the basilisk lets us.”

“The what?”

“A weird giant lizard with thick scales, horns, and spikes coming out of its back.”

“Sounds rather… dangerous.”

“They are. This one must’ve crawled up here from the swamps to the southeast. It’s been there since I was little.”

Arc grins. “Little?”

Snowflake sighs. “For as long as I can remember then.”

“Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”

“In any case, my dad and I sometimes pass by its lair while foraging.”

“Ever gone in for the Equusroot?”

“A couple times, yeah. But only when it was asleep or out hunting.”

Arc nods. “Stealth, eh?”

“Trust me, you don’t want to mess with this thing.”

“So it’s a meat eater?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Well, you said it made its lair next to the Equusroot. I kinda hoped it was using them as food.”

Snowflake shakes her head. “Dad says they grow in large patches really deep in the Hayseed Marshes. He figured this basilisk must’ve gotten some seeds caught in its scales before it migrated here, or something.”

“Makes sense.”

“If we want to get home before dark, we’ll need to head there right away.”

“Lead the way.”

Around noon Arc and Snowflake reach the basilisk’s lair. Arc surveys the scene before them.

“That’s interesting.”

“What is?”

“I was expecting a cave or something.”

Snowflake appears confused. “Why’s that?”

“Just figured it lived underground.”

“It does.”

“Then where is it?”

Snowflake picks up a large rock and gives it to Arc.

“Let’s see if it’s here.”

“Um… how?”

Snowflake points a hoof. “Just throw this as hard as you can.”

Arc does so. As the rock touches down a large beast bursts through the ground below it and roars. Looking around a few moments, it slowly crawls back the way it came. Snowflake sighs.

“Well, that’s that.”

“Huh?”

“We can’t get close to the Equusroot patch with it here.”

“Think it’ll go out to hunt soon?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “Not likely. They only eat a couple times a month, and we can’t wait here. It gets dangerous come nightfall.”

“What’s it eat?”

“Anything made of meat.”

“Any natural predators?”

“Nothing I know of. At least not that my dad ever mentioned. Why?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Just trying to come up with ideas.”

“For what?”

“How to get it to move.”

“Basilisks don’t move unless you give them a reason.”

“Like invading their territory?”

“Right. Then it’ll give chase either until it gets you, or you make it back to the tree line.”

“It won’t give chase further?”

“No. It prefers this rocky terrain. Not the forest.”

“So my escape route is just to reach the tree line. Sounds simple enough.”

“What are you saying, Big Brother?”

“That I still want that Equusroot.”

Snowflake rolls her eyes. “Yeah? And I want to keep living. Trust me when I say that it’s not worth it. My dad barely got out of there alive last time he did that!”

“What did he do?”

“Tried to run in there and grab it before the basilisk could get him. Needless to say he got chased. Didn’t get the plant either.”

Arc thinks for a moment as he looks at the terrain.

“You stay here. I’m going to try something.”

“Are you nuts?!”

“Probably. Keep an eye open for me. I’ll be right back.”

Stooping down, he picks up a good sized rock. Heaving it in the opposite direction of the plant, Arc very slowly takes a few steps toward a large boulder as the rock falls. As it lands with an audible thump the creature breaks through the surface near the rock. It looks around for a few moments before retreating underground. Arc grins as he picks up another nearby rock and throws it. This time he waits to walk until the creature pokes through the surface some distance away. Snowflake gasps.

“How is he doing that?!”

Stopping behind a boulder nearly adjacent to the small patch of flowers Arc grabs what he thought was a rock. However as he moves to throw it something pokes him.

“What the…?”

Looking at the stone more closely he sees a dull shimmer. Brushing aside the dirt and grim reveals it to be a strangely shaped stone of some kind. Shoving it in his shirt he grabs a rock and prepares to throw it. Stopping, he gently sets the rock down and leans out toward the Equusroot patch. Slowly and carefully Arc pulls at the tuft of flowers. It takes several minutes, but he is able to uproot the plants and stow them neatly in his pouch. Picking up the rock from earlier he hefts it over his head and waits before walking. Repeating the process he used to get there, Arc makes his way back toward the tree line. As he reaches Snowflake, he silently motions for her to follow him. They take a few dozen steps into the forest in silence before Snowflake turns to him excitedly.

“Did you get it?!”

Arc grins as he opens his pack and holds up the plant. “This one, right?”

Snowflake gasps. “Yeah, that it! Were there more though?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Just this one plant.”

Snowflake frowns. “Then you should have just picked a few of the leaves. Now it won’t grow back.”

“I actually had a better idea.”

Pulling out the Equusroot, Arc lays it carefully to the side as he turns to Snowflake.

“Help me fill my pack with soil.”

“Um… okay.”

A few minutes later the bag is filled with loosely packed dirt.

“Hold it upright for me.”

“What are you planning to do, Big Brother?”

“You’ll see.”

Removing a handful of dirt, Arc sets it aside before picking up the Equusroot and carefully lowering its roots into the soil. Replacing the soil, he packs it gently around the stem before turning to Snowflake again.

“Give me the water flask.”

Taking the flask, Arc unscrews the cap and pours a small amount of water around the plant before handing it back to Snowflake.

“Anything else, Big Brother?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I got what I wanted.”

Snowflake looks at the bag skeptically. “Which was a bunch of dirt we don’t need?”

“Kinda. I want to see if we can transplant this thing near your parent’s cottage.”

“So we can harvest it later?”

“Not exactly. With any luck we can take cuttings, yes. But ultimately I want the seeds.”

Snowflake grins. “So we can grow more of them!”

“It’s worth a shot.”

“I bet my mom could figure it out! Let’s get home so we can show her! Even my dad will be impressed by this!”

“Hopefully. But why don’t we take lunch before heading back?”

The blood drains from Snowflake’s face.

“I… forgot! Mom didn’t make us anything this morning!”

“So we don’t have any food?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “No. I’m sorry.”

Arc sighs. “It’s okay. But does that mean you have extra room in your pack?”

“Yes. Why?”

“I found something else while I was in there.”

He pulls the stone out. Snowflake’s eyes grow wide.

“Where did you get THAT?!”

“I found it behind that last rock. Any idea what it is?”

“This looks like a basilisk’s spine!”

“The things growing out of their back?”

Snowflake nods. “Right! It’s what my dad’s knife is made out of! With this he could make himself another one!”

“Sounds like we had a good day then. Let’s get back to the cottage.”

Setting off, they make their way back the way they came.

Chapter 3 - Chaos Ensues

Dinky, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Sereb reappear next to a statue identical to the one they left. Looking around they try to get their bearings. Sweetie Belle is the first to speak.

“Where… are we?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “While not very reliable, Wiseman did say this was supposed to take us to the Hayseed Forest.”

Apple Bloom looks around. “It kinda reminds me of the Everfree Forest.”

Dinky frowns. “Does it? I’ve never been there before.”

Sweetie Belle grimaces. “Be thankful, Dinky. Rarity told me it’s a really dangerous place. She and her friends have gone there a couple times. But always as a group. And even then Rarity’s kinda jittery when she gets back.”

“I can understand that. Ember and I used to go there often to spar.”

Apple Bloom gasps as she turns to Sereb. “’You did? Why there?”

“To train our senses. As one of us would gain an advantage creatures would lunge at us, having waited for an opportune time to strike. We would then both turn on them, which was often quite the surprise to our assailants. After they had been dispatched, we’d seamlessly transition back to our sparring.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin. “I guess that kinda makes sense, Sereb.”

She turns back to her friends.

“If it’s such a bad place, what were you doing there, Apple Bloom?”

“When Arc first came to Ponyville he got a job helping my family at Sweet Apple Acres. I thought he was a monster and… kinda ran away from home that night.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Really? And you went to the Everfree Forest why?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “I figured I could build a new apple orchard there in a clearing, and the beasts in there would keep Arc away.”

Dinky frowns. “But you went home before anything found you, right?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “No, I spent the night in a cave with my hoof caught between the floor and a rock. Arc found me and took me home the next morning though. But all night I lay awake listening to the cries of strange animals.”

“What were they?”

“Mostly Timberwolves.”

Dinky groans. “What did they sound like?”

“Kinda like this…”

Apple Bloom takes a deep breath and opens her mouth. The most mournful howling comes forth. Sweetie Belle gasps.

“That was pretty good, Apple Bloom!”

“Ah… that wasn’t me.”

Sereb growls. “We are not alone here!”

A dozen or more glowing eyes peer out at them from all directions. Sereb takes up a battle ready position and bears his teeth as the Timberwolves walk toward them. Sweetie Belle takes a step back.

“Wha… what do we do?!”

Dinky plants her hooves firmly in the dirt as her horn glows. “We’re gonna fight em!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “What?!”

Sereb growls. “That would be best! After all, we don’t even know which direction to retreat to!”

Sweetie Belle steps forward to join Dinky. “Let’s get this over with!”

“That’s the spirit! Take them out from a distance! Don’t let them close!”

Apple Bloom trots in place nervously. “What should I do?!”

Sereb turns to her. “Stay behind us! Their teeth will tear you to shreds, little one!”

Dinky nods. “Okay, Sweetie Belle. On the count of three, fire! One… two…”

Sereb lunges forward. “THREE!!!”

He pounces on two of the creatures, crushing them to splinters. With a mighty swing of his paw two more fall. Dinky and Sweetie Belle take aim and open fire on the rest, breaking them apart with their magic. Sweetie Belle grins.

“They’re not so tough!”

Dinky shakes her head as she looks around. “Keep your eyes open! That was too easy!”

Sereb grimaces. “They will regenerate in a few moments! Do as I do!”

As the creatures reform themselves, Sereb casts a Fire Spell on one of them. Bursting into flames the beast runs off. Dinky and Sweetie Belle each run over to one of their fallen foes and do the same. Reforming, the creatures find themselves ablaze and flee as their companions follow. Dinky grins.

“We won!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That’ll show em!”

Apple Bloom motions with a wave of her hoof. “Come on! We need to get out of here!”

Sereb looks to them. “Stay sharp! This place is not safe!”

The fillies jump on Sereb’s back as he runs by. He looks to Dinky over his shoulder.

“Where to?!”

“We need to find someplace safe we can rest!”

Apple Bloom nods. “A cave or even a hole in the ground would do right now!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “You mean we’re STAYING?!”

“We have to find out if my dad was brought here!”

Running for some time they eventually come to a massive, dead tree. Sweetie Belle points with a hoof.

“That looks like a good spot.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “For what?”

Sereb pants. “To rest I would imagine.”

Dinky frowns. “But there’s still a lot of daylight left!”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Well, we can at least catch our breath and think about what to do next.”

Dinky sighs. “I guess.”

Entering the tree, the fillies hop off and look around. Sweetie Belle takes in their surroundings.

“You know, if this tree wasn’t in the middle of a dangerous forest, it might make a nice clubhouse!”

Apple Bloom looks up at the sky through the rotted away trunk. “No way! This thing isn’t structurally sound!”

Dinky frowns. “Because it’s dead?”

Apple Bloom nods. “And the inside has already decomposed. There isn’t much holding this together.”

Sereb frowns. “We should move on soon anyways.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Dinky. “But where?”

“Any scents on the wind, Sereb?”

“Many. However none of them smell friendly.”

Sweetie Belle clears her throat loudly. “I think we need to pick a direction and just start walking.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “Or find a trail of some kind.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “A trail?! Way out here?!”

“Well, if we do find one, yeah. Trails lead somewhere, right?”

Dinky appears hopeful. “I guess there could be somepony living out here.”

Sereb growls. “That is unlikely. However, we should retrace our steps and return to the statue at once.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “What? Why?!”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Because this place is crazy dangerous!”

“All the more reason to find my dad!”

Apple Bloom nods with conviction. “Right! He could survive out here easily!”

Sweetie Belle looks to the wolf. “I’m with Sereb on this one.”

“Arc would not want you three to risk so much on the chance he yet lives.”

Dinky stomps a small hoof defiantly. “Well I’m not leaving until I find my dad!”

Sereb sighs. “Very well, Dinky. While I disagree, I will do my best to protect you.”

Dinky walks over to Sereb. “Let me get my dad’s gauntlet. I can open a portal home for Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.”

“What?!”

“No way are we leaving you!”

Dinky sighs. “This just got REALLY dangerous! You two should return to Ponyville where it’s safe.”

Apple Bloom nods soberly. “Fine. But only if you and Sereb come with us.”

“I can’t. My dad’s still out there.”

“Then we can’t leave either!”

“Thanks. But that still doesn’t tell us where we should go.”

Apple Bloom turns and looks at the saddlebags. “Well, first I think we need to lighten the load.”

She walks over to Sereb and starts rummaging around. Sweetie Belle looks confused.

“What are you looking for?”

“Things we don’t need. If something comes after us, we need Sereb to be able to run as hard and fast as possible.”

Dinky nods. “Let’s pull everything out and look it over.”

The fillies lay their gear in a pile in the center of the tree. Dinky points to the food from Wiseman.

“We can’t leave without that. Put it back in the bag, Apple Bloom.”

“Okay.”

Sweetie Belle points. “How about the tent? It is kinda bulky. Even folded up properly.”

Sereb frowns. “We may need the protection from the elements at some point.”

Dinky nods. “Makes sense. It stays, but we don’t actually need three sleeping bags.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I guess one would do.”

She tosses two sleeping bags across the tree as Dinky points.

“Those flashlights can go. After all, three of us can light the way with magic if need be.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “And this camping lantern too, I guess.”

Apple Bloom walks over to the pile and picks up a tattered rag.

“We could probably…”

“NO!!!”

Dinky grabs the bundle from Apple Bloom and holds it to her chest.

“We’re not leaving these behind!”

“I was going to say we could probably find room for these in there.”

“Oh… sorry.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “We know how important they are to you.”

Sereb nods. “I will bear that burden for you.”

“Thanks for understanding, everypony.”

The fillies finish thinning out their gear and repack everything remaining back in Sereb’s saddlebags as he turns to them.

“Should we press on, or camp for the night?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “It’s Dinky’s call.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Right. What do you want to do?”

“Well… I don’t really want to go out there this late. After all, we might not find proper shelter again before dark. This tree’s better than the tent at least.”

Sereb looks outside. “We could look around the perimeter for clues before evening falls.”

“Good idea. Then we come back here, make our food, and go to sleep.”

Dinky nods. “Okay.”

They hop on Sereb’s saddle as the wolf looks around.

“I don’t hear or smell anything dangerous.”

Dinky looks down at him. “Let’s get moving then.”

Sereb steps out of the tree and begins walking. Apple Bloom looks around.

“Keep your eyes open for trouble.”

Sereb grunts. “And clues.”

They walk for some time before the sun begins to fall toward the horizon. Sereb sighs and turns to Dinky.

“We should head back.”

“Can’t we keep going for a bit longer?”

Sweetie Belle groans. “You said that a half hour ago!”

Sereb nods. “Your friend is right. We should head back.”

Dinky sighs. “Fine. Let’s…”

Sereb’s ears suddenly perk up.

“Something is approaching!”

“What is it?!”

“Unknown. It’s moving… strangely.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Maybe we should…!”

Something whizzes through the air and strikes Sereb in the side. He topples over as Dinky and her friends fall out of the saddle and across the ground. Apple Bloom looks around.

“What was THAT?! Sereb, are you okay?!”

Sereb grunts in pain. “R-r-run…”

Dinky shakes her head and stands in front of Sereb. “No! We’re not leaving you! Eyes open you two!”

Standing flank to flank they fillies look all around for the source of the attack. A moment later a loud hissing is heard. Sweetie Belle’s pupils shrink.

“Is that a… a… a SNAKE?!”

Apple Bloom groans. “Aw, come on! Who’s afraid of an oversized worm?”

The grasses part as a massive snake slithers toward them. Dinky gasps.

“That could swallow us whole!”

Apple Bloom cries out. “And Sereb!”

Sweetie Belle takes a step back. “Together!”

“G-go. Run.”

Dinky looks to her friend as she charges up her magic. “Sweetie Belle! Shoot it with me!”

Dinky opens fire with her magic as Sweetie Belle screams and fires haphazardly. Their magic is absorbed by the snake’s scales as it continues to slither towards them. Opening its mouth, it spits three spines. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom cry out in pain as the barbs lodge themselves in their sides. The spine intended for Dinky is caught by Sereb’s massive paw as he calls out weakly.

“Go… save… self…”

Sereb passes out as Dinky’s friends lie on the ground and moan in pain. She dives behind Sereb and rummages around in his saddlebags.

“Come on! Where is it?!”

Finding her prize, Dinky picks it up with her magic and peeks over Sereb. The snake licks Apple Bloom’s face. She squirms weakly.

“It… it hurts…! Stop… it…! Somepony… help… me…!”

Dinky grits her teeth. “HEY!”

The snake turns and looks at her. Dinky plants her hooves defiantly as she stares the snake down.

“Why don’t you eat me first?!”

Lowering her head, Dinky starts walking toward the snake. Confused, it slithers toward her, mouth open. As Dinky feels it’s warm breath on top of her head, her horn glows. Arc’s knife sails over her head, through the snake’s open mouth, and out the back of its head. The creature falls to the ground, writhing. Grinning, Dinky runs over to Apple Bloom.

“Hey! Are you…!”

“Look… out…!”

Dinky turns just in time to see the snake fire one last spine. It lodges itself in her side as she falls to the ground. Immediately she feels an excruciating pain spreading throughout her entire body. Sweetie Belle crawls over and lays next to Dinky. She puts a hoof on the spine and pulls, but to no avail.

“We… have to… get back… to…”

Her voice trails off as she loses consciousness. Dinky takes her hoof as she reaches for Apple Bloom. The Earth Pony filly stretches out at the sight of her friend’s intent. Forcing a weak smile, her eyes roll into the back of her head as she collapses. Grabbing Apple Bloom’s fetlock, she holds it tight.

“It’s… okay. Apple Bloom… Sweetie Belle… we’re… together… like… best… friends… should… be. Th-thanks…”

Dinky struggles to remain conscious, but darkness overcomes her as blood pools around the three fillies and Sereb. Meanwhile, as the sun hangs low in the sky, Arc and Snowflake reach the edge of the forest.

“There it is!”

Arc appears relieved. “Good. I didn’t want to be out here when the sun went down.”

“Me either. That and I’m starving!”

“Those berries we found on the way helped a bit.”

“Yeah. But they weren’t very filling.”

As they approach the house Sunshine hurries out to meet them.

“I was getting worried about you two! Where did you go?!”

Snowflake grins. “To get THIS!”

Snowflake gestures to Arc’s pack. Sunshine gasps and looks at the plant carefully as Arc kneels down.

“Is that… what I think it is?!”

“Yeah mom! Equusroot!”

“This should make your father very happy! Come inside you two! He’s just finishing his supper!”

They enter the cottage to see Shadow putting his dishes in the sink.

“Dad! Look what we found!”

Shadow groans. “Hopefully it’s some more Lobelica Root. Your mother just sold the last of it to…”

He stops talking as he spots the plant. Silently walking over he carefully examines it.

“This is Equusroot! Where did you FIND IT?!”

“At the basilisk’s den!”

Shadow glares at Arc.

“I thought I told you to keep my daughter SAFE!”

“He did, dad! I wasn’t anywhere near that place!”

Arc nods. “Right. I went in alone to get this.”

Shadow looks him up and down. “You must be faster than you look.”

“That creature never came after me.”

Snowflake nods. “He must not be something the basilisk likes to eat.”

“Maybe Sunshine can plant this thing and harvest the seeds.”

Sunshine smiles. “Then we’d have an unlimited supply!”

Shadow grins wickedly. “The medicine you could create with it would be worth its weight in gold!”

Sunshine looks outside. “There’s still some daylight left. I could plant it now.”

Shadow shakes his head. “We can’t risk it getting eaten, blown away, or otherwise destroyed. Put it in a pot and set it in front of the window in Snowflake’s room. We need to coax some seeds out of this thing before the growing season ends.”

Sunshine nods. “I’ll get to it right away.”

Arc gives her the pack and turns back to Shadow.

“I also found this.”

He removes the stone-like object and gives it to Shadow.

“A basilisk spine?!”

“He found it in the lair.”

“It was near the plant.”

Shadow smiles. “Good work you two! I’ll get to work in the morning mounting this thing on a hilt!”

Sunshine looks up from the flowerpot happily. “You’ve wanted another one for as long as I can remember.”

“Right. And now I’ll have one. This, along with the Equusroot plant makes this the greatest haul ever!”

Snowflake gulps. “Uh oh.”

“This calls for a celebration! Sunshine, fetch me that special brew I’ve been saving!”

“Yes dear.”

She gives the pot to Arc and winces.

“Would you please take this upstairs to Snowflake’s room?”

“Okay.”

Sunshine calls out to them as they head upstairs.

“I’ll warm up some supper and bring it up to you two in a few minutes.”

“Thanks mom.”

They enter the small room. Arc sets the pot down in front of the window as Snowflake flops down on the bed.

“What a day!”

“At least we got back safe and sound.”

Snowflake sighs. “Yeah. But my dad’s going to be ‘celebrating’ again.”

“He seems to do that a lot.”

“Yeah. Give it about ten minutes and he’ll be toasted.”

Resting for a time, she eventually hops off the bed and over to the door.

“Let’s say we’re going to check on something and head to the barn. It’s going to be another loud night.”

“Um… why don’t you head over there and I’ll meet you there with supper?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll get the bed made again. Mom kinda messed it up last night.”

Arc hops out the window and jumps off the roof. After catching Snowflake she takes the lantern and heads for the barn. Going in through the front door he spies a small pot of stew on the stove. Shadow is holding Sunshine on his lap in the corner.

“Give me a few minutes, Shadow. Snowflake and her Big Brother need their supper.”

“Come on, Shunny. We n-need ta get dis sh-show moving.”

“You can wait for me to take the food off the stove.”

Shadow shakes his head. “Naw! Today’s… today’s a lucky day. If those ama… amat… beginners kin find… two… thingies… da universe must be smi… smilin’.”

Arc clears his throat. Shadow frowns.

“Wat you doin’ heer?! Dis heer’s my time!”

“I just came for the food.”

Sunshine points with a wave of her hoof. “It’s on the stove. Should be warmed up by now. Bowls are on the table.”

Arc hastily grabs the pot and turns to get the bowls. Sunshine gasps as Shadow licks her neck and pets her mane.

“S-spoons are in the drawer next to us.”

“Um… thanks.”

Arc walks over to get them as Shadow pushes Sunshine toward the table. As Arc turns around to leave the room he spots Shadow mounting his wife on the kitchen table and grinning at him.

“Yu… wanna watch? See how a… a REAL stallion make a foul?”

“I… um… don’t think so. Kinda hungry.”

Shadow laughs as Arc hurries out the front door. “Yer loss!”

Arc makes his way back to the barn and closes the door behind him. Snowflake looks over from their corner of the barn.

“What took so long?”

“N-nothing really. Your dad was just… asking me something real quick.”

Snowflake sniffs the air. “That does smell good.”

Arc spots a small crate on the other side of the barn. Pushing it over to the makeshift table, he sets the pot on it along with the bowls and spoons. Snowflake looks around.

“Didn’t you get cups?”

“Opps. Sorry.”

Snowflake trots toward the door. “It’s fine. I’ll just run back to the house and grab a couple.”

“Wait!”

Snowflake stops as she puts her hoof on the door. “What is it?”

“It’s getting kinda late. We should hurry up and eat so we can get to bed.”

“But it won’t take but a minute to…!”

“That and your dad’s in one of his moods. We probably shouldn’t cross him right now.”

“Oh… that makes sense. Thanks for saying something.”

Arc pours the soup from the pot into the bowls and the pair enjoy a nice hot meal.

“We should get some sleep now. Morning comes early, after all.”

Snowflake sighs. “I guess. And sorry for forgetting the food today. Usually my mom’s pretty good at reminding me.”

“Everyone makes mistakes.”

Arc lies awake long after Snowflake has fallen asleep snuggled up to him. A few hours later the din from inside the cottage stops. Sitting up, he carefully rises and makes his way over to the barn door.

“Better check to make sure Snowflake’s mom is okay.”

Making the quick walk to the cottage, Arc quietly enters through the front door. He spies Sunshine lying on the floor. The smell of the evening’s ‘activates’ still hang in the air. Hurrying over to her, he puts a hand on her shoulder and gently shakes her.

“Sunshine? Can you hear me?”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks up at him.

“Huh? Where… where am I?”

“The kitchen floor.”

Sunshine tries to cover up the liquids leaking out her backside with her tail, but fails.

“That looks pretty bad. Should I take you to the doctor?”

“I… I’m okay. Shadow… might have finally gotten me pregnant this time.”

“What makes you say that?”

Sunshine gestures to her backside. “Can’t you tell?”

“Where is he?”

“Flopped over the bed most likely.”

“Um… want me to help you in there?”

“No. I… usually just sleep on the floor where Shadow finishes. I’ve learned that on nights like this he takes up the whole bed.”

“You can sleep in the barn with Snowflake and I if you want.”

“That does sound nicer than the floor. Can you grab me a dishtowel though? I don’t want my daughter to see me like this.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.

Grabbing a nearby dishtowel he wets it down and gives it to Sunshine. She reaches back in an attempt to wipe her backside, but fails.

“Do you… think you could lend me a hoof?”

“I… guess so.”

Taking the cloth, Arc carefully wipes away a combination of blood, urine, and… ya know. Sunshine shakes in pain as he does so.

“How… does it look… back there?”

“Red, swollen, and inflamed. I’m no doctor, but it looks like Shadow was pretty rough with you.”

Sunshine grimaces. “That’s how we had Snowflake.”

“What?!”

“Our long nightly sessions finally paid off.”

Arc frowns. “If that’s what you like, I can’t really stop you. But how about we get you to the barn?”

“Yes, I’m pretty tired after that.”

She shakily gets to her hooves. Taking a couple steps her back hooves give out, sending her crashing to the floor. Arc leans down and picks her up.

“I got you.”

“Th-thank you.”

Carrying the mare across the field, she shivers.

“Something wrong?”

Sunshine looks to him, her teeth chattering. “S-sorry. I just get cold very easily. That’s why I burrowed into the hay last night.”

“We’ll be there in just a minute.”

Entering the barn Arc quietly makes his way back over to Snowflake. Setting her mother down on the makeshift bed, he looks at her.

“You can sleep here with Snowflake.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll sleep in the other corner.”

Sunshine shakes her head. “No, no. This is your bed. We can share it.”

“Well… okay. But only if you’re sure.”

“I am. Um… after all, you do look very warm.”

Arc lies down between Snowflake and Sunshine. As he does so both snuggle up to him. Wincing, he puts a hand to his forehead as a brief memory of Derpy and Dinky doing the same comes to him.

“Is everything alright?”

“Y-yeah. Good night.”

Sunshine smiles. “Good night.”

Chapter 5 - In Defense

Two days later Arc emerges from the forest with Snowflake at his heels. He is dragging two massive dead snakes behind him. Snowflake looks to Arc proudly.

“That second one really put up a fight!”

“Yes, well… you really handled yourself well back there, Snowflake. I didn’t even see that one until it was coming right at me!”

“Thanks! Hanging out with you, Big Brother… I just feel like I could do ANYTHING!”

“You had that in you the whole time. All I can figure is that you just needed the proper partner.”

Snowflake giggles. “We do make a pretty good team.”

A voice rings out nearby.

“That you do.”

They spot Shadow stepping out of a nearby shed. Snowflake runs over to him.

“Look what we got, dad!”

“Good work. Their skin can be used to make some pretty durable armor.”

“Can we make Big Brother something to protect him?”

“Well… I don’t like the idea of…”

Sunshine walks over. “It may save his life one day, Shadow. Think of all the materials he’s already brought us.”

“That may be, but…”

Sunshine sighs. “But all that could end with one swipe of a claw. Then you’ll lose your proverbial golden goose.”

Snowflake gasps as she puts her front hooves around Arc’s leg. “I don’t want to lose Big Brother! Please, dad!”

Shadow sighs. “Fine. I’ll get to work skinning this thing and treating the flesh. As long as your mother will stitch everything together.”

Sunshine nods. “Alright. I’ll take his measurements later and tailor some proper protection when the time comes.”

“Shouldn’t take more than a day or so for me to treat the skins. But you two should take a bath. That snake blood is pungent stuff.”

Snowflake grins. “I’ll get a thermal bulb!”

Sunshine calls out after her daughter as she runs toward the house. “Better get two. We just finished work on an extra-large tub for you and your pet.”

“Okay!”

Sunshine turns to him. “You should be able to fit in this one a bit better.”

“Thank you. That other one was a bit cramped.”

“I’ll get supper cooked while you and Snowflake bathe. It’s still going to be a while though.”

Arc makes his way behind the barn. Spotting the new tub, he grins.

“No more knees to the chest now.”

Filling the tub from the pump, Arc muses to himself absentmindedly. A few moments later Snowflake bounds around the corner and hurries over to him with several items.

“Here’s the thermal bulbs!”

“Thanks.”

“And here’s that soap from last time! Mom just made a fresh batch!”

Arc takes it as he sits down in the tub. Dropping in the bulbs the water temperature rises considerably. Sighing, he leans back against the side of the tub and closes his eyes.

“Washing myself and my clothes at the same time. Not sure how I could be more efficient.”

The sound of a small splash rouses Arc from his thoughts. Opening his eyes he spots Snowflake desperately treading water as she tries to keep her head above the water. Grabbing the struggling filly he picks her up as she coughs violently.

“Snowflake?! What were you…?!”

“I need a bath too, remember?”

“Yeah, I guess you do. But this tub’s a lot deeper than the other one.”

He looks around. Spotting the bucket from last time Arc grabs it and pushes it under the water. Allowing it to fill, he turns it upside-down and sets Snowflake on it.

“There you go. Now you won’t have to worry about drowning.”

“Thanks, Big Brother!”

A short time later Sunshine walks around the barn with something on her back. She smiles as she watches Arc rinsing Snowflake off.

“How’s it going in there, you two?”

“I’m all clean now, mom!”

Sunshine nods approvingly. “You do look so, yes.”

She lays something on a nearby shelf.

“I made you some fresh clothes, Big Brother. There’s a few more sets in the barn next to your bed.”

“Thanks! That should make things a bit easier in the hygiene department.”

Sunshine giggles. “Oh no, thank YOU! For all your hard work, I mean.”

“What do you mean, mom?”

“He’s been getting me everything I’ve asked for lately. It’s nice to have somepony around to do that for me.”

“No problem.”

Sunshine turns to her daughter.

“Snowflake, I made you a new cloak as well. It’s lying upstairs on your bed.”

Snowflake hops out of the tub. “Thanks mom!”

She bounds away without even bothering to dry off. Sunshine giggles as she turns back to Arc.

“She’s such a sweet little filly. Even with her… deformities.”

“That she is.”

Sunshine lowers her voice before speaking again.

“Again, thank you for everything.”

Arc nods nervously. “Shadow’s been going down a lot faster these past couple of nights.”

Sunshine grins. “That he has.”

“Um… how’s your… backside.”

Sunshine smiles and turns around. Lifting her tail she exposes her genitals.

“Much better. As you can see the bruising’s completely gone now.”

Arc blushes as he turns away. “Th-that’s good.”

“Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing!”

“Maybe you’ve been in there too long. You should finish up and put on your new clothes. But in any case, I need to get back to the stove.”

“Okay.”

Sunshine walks away as Arc puts a hand to his forehead.

“That was… I don’t know.”

Smacking himself a few times, Arc soaks for a bit longer before getting out of the tub.

“In any case, I should get dressed.”

Tossing off his old clothes, Arc dries himself off judiciously before slipping into his new outfit.

“This is a lot softer than the old ones. I wonder what Sunshine made it out of.”

Picking up his old clothes, Arc hangs them up to dry as Sunshine’s voice rings out behind him.

“How do they fit?”

Arc turns around quickly. “Sunshine?! I… didn’t hear you walk up!”

“Sorry if I startled you.”

“It’s fine. And the clothes fit very well, thank you. Tell me, how did you make the inside so soft?”

“If you look a bit closer you’ll see that it’s actually a few layers of material. The outside is rough and rugged like your previous outfit. However with this one, I specially treated the inner fabric to allow it to glide over your skin. It’s a rather complex, time consuming, and material intensive process.”

“Well, thank you for going through all that trouble.”

“In all honesty, I felt that I really had to do something to repay you. After all, you’ve done so much to help treat my injuries and made sure Snowflake didn’t notice them.”

Arc frowns. “Yeah, you deserve better than that though.”

Sunshine blushes slightly. “I thank you for your concern, but… what I want is what I want.”

Arc sighs. “That’s why I haven’t tried to stop you and Shadow. Because you told me you don’t want me to.”

“Yes. Just please continue to keep what happens to me at night a secret from Snowflake. She’s too young to understand.”

“I can do that. Um… can I assume your earlier plan is working?”

Sunshine nods. “It is. When I go to fetch him his first drink, I simply add a small amount of Lobelica Root before giving it to him along with his tankard. He barely has time to mount me, of course. But Shadow’s somehow always able to finish before he passes out on the floor. That much I’m sure you saw from my flank.”

She turns and gestures with a wave of her hoof.

“But why don’t we head to the house? Supper should be almost ready.”

“Alright.”

Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends sit around a small table in Doctor Lighthoof’s room. Sereb limps in and sits down next to Dinky.

“The doctor will be here with some of the soup soon.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Great! I’m starving!”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Are they cooking it outside?”

Dinky sniffs the air. “Sure smells like it.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. There is currently a large pot in the center of the village. Everyone is lined up outside to get some when it is done.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “They must be REALLY low on food then!”

Sweetie Bell puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, Doctor Lighthoof did say the ponies in this town were pretty hungry.”

Dinky frowns. “Yeah. But I can’t help but think there’s more to it than that.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Apple Bloom turns to her friend. “What makes you think that, Dinky?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Yeah. These ponies don’t seem any different from the one’s back in Ponyville to me.”

“I know, but… something here just seems a bit… off. Sorry, but I just can’t put my hoof on it.”

Doctor Lighthoof enters the room levitating five bowls of steaming hot soup. She sets one before each of them including Sereb on the floor.

“There we are! The first bowls from the pot! Eat up, everypony!”

She sits down and begins to eat ravenously. Dinky looks to her.

“Doctor Lighthoof, can you tell us anything about this town?”

Lighthoof nods and speaks between bites. “What… do you want… to know?”

“Well… how did this town get started?”

“I’m told… it was formed by… ponies… fleeing… something or other a long time ago.”

Apple Bloom appears nervous. “Monsters?”

Sweetie Belle grimaces. “War?”

Sereb frowns. “Disease?”

Lighthoof finishes her soup with a slurp and sighs contentedly.

“Nopony really remembers. After all, it was MANY years ago. We’re all just descendants of the original settlers, after all.”

Sereb nods. “How many years would you say that was?”

“Several hundred, at least. But if everypony will excuse me, I’m going to see if there’s any more of that soup! All of you please stay here and don’t hurt yourselves.”

The doctor bounds out the door with her empty bowl as the fillies look to Dinky.

“She seemed pretty normal to me.”

Sweetie Bloom shrugs. “Well… for somepony who was REALLY hungry, that is.”

Sereb grimaces. “I agree with Dinky. Her body language was strained and her heart rate elevated.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “That’s troubling.”

Apple Bloom looks to Sweetie Belle. “What should we do about it?”

“Not much we can right now. Remember, all of us still have holes in our sides from those barbs.”

Sereb shakes his bandaged paw and looks at his side. “Some of us more. Even if we were to discover anything, we would be unable to act on it.”

Dinky sighs. “I suppose that’s true. But we need to keep our real objective in mind. Finding out if my dad came this way.”

Sereb nods. “Basic logic says he would have either come here, or the other village the doctor mentioned.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Knothole Village?”

Sweetie Belle shudders. “I hope he didn’t end up there. Those ponies are thieves!”

Dinky frowns. “Nopony here knows for sure they did anything. We shouldn’t just jump to conclusions.”

Meanwhile, Doctor Lighthoof enters the village chief’s hut and calls out.

“Mistress?”

“You have news of our little guests?”

“Yes. They’re asking a lot of questions about the village.”

The chief chuckles. “They’re fillies. Very inquisitive by nature.”

“We should help them move on quickly.”

“Where to? Knothole?”

The doctor sighs as the chief continues.

“They need our help, Lighthoof. Even if uninjured, they would not do well in the forest unaccompanied.”

“So what should be done? Are you suggesting we allow them into the Family?!”

The chief shakes her head. “I am not. After all, they must have domestic ties elsewhere. Fillies don’t just appear out of nowhere. Tell me, you mentioned before that they claimed to be looking for somepony, correct?”

“Yes. The purple unicorn’s father. However they have not said more on that matter since that time.”

“I can only assume they are as fearful of us as we are of them.”

“What are you instructions, mistress.”

“See to it they’re fed and wounds tended to while trying to find out more about the filly’s missing father. Perhaps we can help each other.”

Later that day, as the sun sinks below the horizon and the moon comes out, Arc lays on his back in the barn. Snowflake has long since fallen asleep snuggled up to him. He stares up at the wood beams overhead as the nightly sounds coming from the cottage intensify. Sighing, he muses to himself.

“This… just doesn’t feel right. I know Sunshine said she enjoys it, but… they need to think about how this’ll affect Snowflake.”

He looks over at the filly lying next to him and puts a hand on her back.

“Eventually she’s going to figure out what her parents are doing in there every night. Then what?”

Groaning, he closes his eyes.

“Snowflake adores her mother and respects her father, of course. But… what will she think of them when she learns that…?”

Arc’s thoughts are cut off as he hears a high pitched scream ring out from the direction of the cottage. Carefully and quietly getting up in a way so as not to wake Snowflake, he runs over to the barn door and slowly opens it. Stepping out into the warm summer night he hurries to the house and peeks in. Shadow is thrashing violently as Sunshine lies on her back under him. She struggles to escape, but cannot break free of the combined might of her husband’s weight and his hooves smacking her in the face. Arc runs over and, grabbing a nearby vase, smashes it over Shadow’s head. Pushing the now unconscious stallion off Sunshine, she jumps up and wraps her hooves around Arc’s neck as she shakes uncontrollably.

“It’s okay, Sunshine! I’ve got you! What happened?!”

“I… I put the Lobelica Root in his drink, but… s-something went wrong! He went out of control and started hitting me!”

“How many did he have?!”

“One!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Just one?”

“Is he alive?!”

Arc puts his head to Shadow’s chest and listens.

“I hear him breathing just fine and his heart is beating. Should we take him into town to see the doctor?”

“Oh, no! He absolutely HATES going there! The doctor and my husband don’t exactly like each other. Shadow even made me promise not to take him there no matter how severe the injury.”

Arc sighs. “So do I just put him to bed?”

“Please do.”

Picking up his owner, Arc walks the stallion to bed and lays him down. Returning to the kitchen he sees Sunshine struggling to stand.

“Wait! Let me help you!”

Running over to her, Arc is able to catch Sunshine before she falls.

“What hurts?!”

“Nothing in particular. I think I’m still just a bit… rattled by all this.”

“Do you want me to carry you to bed?”

Sunshine shakes her head. “I’m worried that he’ll wake up and have a relapse.”

“Well, there’s always the barn with Snowflake and I. If it wouldn’t make you too uncomfortable.”

“Thank you, I’d like that.”

Arc carries Sunshine out the front door and to the barn. He lays her down carefully before taking his place next to Snowflake.

“Sorry it isn’t very… um… are you okay?”

Sunshine shakes her head as she shivers.

“I just… this has never happened before!”

“Scared?”

“Y-yes.”

She continues to shake as Arc reaches for a blanket.

“This should help.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Get some rest. We can look into this in the morning.”

Pressing her body against Arc’s, Sunshine sighs contentedly as she closes her eyes. Meanwhile, Dinky’s friends sleep peacefully in their rooms. Sereb lies at the foot of Dinky’s bed as the filly stares up at the ceiling muttering to herself.

“Something just doesn’t feel right here.”

Sereb raises his head and turns to face her.

“Is something wrong?”

“I… don’t know. Something in the air just feels… off.”

“Do we need to act?”

“Maybe not so much ‘act’ as ‘observe’.”

Dinky slowly stands up and pulls back the corner of a heavy shade covering the window. Peeking outside she frowns. Sereb grunts.

“What do you see?”

“Nopony.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Maybe. Then again, I find it kind strange that a town like this wouldn’t have any guards keeping watch.”

“Perhaps they are watching from high overhead?”

“That might be it. But I’m still sensing some really weird energy, and can’t figure out where it’s…”

Dinky suddenly stops talking. Sereb frowns.

“What is it?”

There’s something out there!”

“A beast of some kind?”

“I don’t know. It looked kinda like a pony. Or at the very least ran on four legs like us.”

“Could it have just been a pony?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No way. It was definitely an animal of some kind.”

“Perhaps I should go outside and sniff around.”

“Let’s ask Doctor Lighthoof first. Maybe whatever is out there is already known and harmless.”

Sereb growls. “Or deadly.”

“That would certainly explain why nopony is outside. Other than the fact it’s the middle of the night, that is.”

Getting up, Dinky makes her way slowly out of her room. Walking across the corridor she knocks on the doctor’s door. She answers momentarily.

“Dinky? What’s…?”

“I saw something outside!”

“That’s not likely. There are wards all around the village to keep the beasts of the forest at bay. But just in case, everypony stays inside after dark for safety. What… exactly do you think you saw anyways?”

“A four legged creature about the size of a pony.”

“Oh my! I think that may have been somepony from Knothole Village!”

“But it wasn’t a pony!”

“How could you tell?”

“It’s features were definitely… different.”

Lighthoof smiles at the filly before her. “Tell you what. You just go back to bed and forget whatever it is you saw out there.”

“But…!”

“It can’t get inside, so we’re all safe here. Now come along back to bed.”

Lighthoof takes Dinky’s hoof and leads her back to her room. After putting the filly back to bed, she closes her door and sighs.

“This is… disturbing.”

Returning to her own room she closes her eyes. Lighthoof concentrates and speaks.

“Mistress.”

The voice of the village chief rings out in her head.

“Yes, Lighthoof?”

“One of the fillies here just informed me that they saw what sounded like a Crimson outside the clinic.”

“Yes. However I’ve already dealt with them.”

“What happened?”

“They became… agitated, and had to release their aggression. Fortunately they did not turn their attention toward Knothole Village.”

“Perhaps it would have been for the best.”

“They don’t need any more reasons to hate or fear us.”

“Yes, mistress. But what are your instructions?”

“Keep the fillies inside, sequestered, and safe from anything that might hurt them.”

“That’s it?”

“It’s all we can do at the moment.”

Lighthoof sighs. “They can’t stay here forever.”

“Yes, I know. But for the moment they cannot leave, lest the denizens of the forest feast on them.”

“What about after they’re healed?”

“I will have to give that matter more thought. But for the moment we need to do our part to keep them safe, but in the dark.”

Chapter 6 - For Your Consideration

A few days pass. Sunshine walks around the barn to where Arc and Snowflake are bathing after a hard day of foraging. She holds up her latest completed project.

“I finished your snake skin armor, Big Brother.”

Snowflake gasps. “Wow! It looks great, mom!”

“Agreed.”

Sunshine turns around. “I’ll leave it in the barn for you to try on when you get done bathing.”

“Thank you.”

Snowflake giggles as Arc pours a bucket of water of her cloak. “Looks like my mom put a lot of time into that armor.”

“Oh? What makes you say that?”

“All the seams were perfectly aligned and triple stitched. She really doesn’t want it going to pieces in the forest!”

“That’s good. I’m not too keen on something failing when I need it either.”

Arc helps Snowflake out of the tub and over to a warm rock.

“I’m going to try my new armor on. You okay out here?”

Snowflake nods happily. “Sure. By the time you’re done with that, I should be dry.”

Heading to the barn, Arc steps over to the makeshift bed. Spotting the armor neatly laid out, he pulls off his wet clothes and throws them over a nearby sawhorse to dry. Slipping into a new set of clothes, he puts on his new scale armor and looks it over.

“Nice fit. Sunshine really did a good job on this.”

“Thank you.”

Arc whirls around to see Sunshine peeking out from behind a crate.

“What are you…?”

“I was just curious about what you were hiding under wraps.”

“You were watching me… change?!”

Sunshine nods. “Oh, yes. I hid so as to see what you would do in a natural setting. Your uncovered body is quite… interesting to behold. Similar to a pony stallion in its general form, I suppose. That is, if stallions walked on their hind legs. That and your stallion parts are very similar to my husband’s in shape and form. Well, other than the lack of a sheath, that is.”

Arc frowns. “That’s a little bit… unnerving.”

Sunshine appears confused. “I don’t see how. You’ve seen my mare parts.”

Arc looks away. “It makes me feel a bit… uneasy being uncovered. More so that someone’s looking at my… stuff.”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed about a natural part of your body. After all, you and every stallion have the same genitals. I suppose the only difference would be that yours are a bit bigger. But in any case, how does the armor fit?”

“Um… very well, thanks.”

“Good. Armor that’s tight without being constricting is best. You don’t want it sloshing around, after all. But too tight and it will hinder movement.”

“Well, I think you got it right.”

“Wonderful! Truth be told, I was worried it might be too tight in… certain places. But in any case, I’d still be interested in studying your physiology further. After all, you’re significantly stronger than your outer frame would suggest to the naked eye.

Arc looks around nervously. “Wouldn’t Shadow be mad about something like that?”

“I don’t see why he would be. After all, he knows I can’t resist recording new information on various plants and animals.”

“I still think that might not be a good idea. He might get the idea something else was going on.”

Sunshine narrows her eyes. “You know, I could just have my husband order you to submit to my exams.”

“Are you going to?”

Sunshine sighs and shakes her head. “No. You’ve treated me well in the past, so I want to return the favor. But I am hoping you’ll open up to the idea willingly.”

Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends sit around the table in Doctor Lighthoof’s quarters eating platefuls of grass and leaves. Sweetie Belle sighs.

“I miss Rarity’s cooking.”

Apple Bloom hisses. “Shush! These ponies don’t have anything to spare! They’re being really nice sharing with us.”

Dinky sighs. “They kinda have to. After all, we gave them every last bit of our food.”

Sereb looks toward the door. “Perhaps I can forage for something.”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “You can’t go out there in your condition!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Right! Who knows what else is out there?!”

Dinky frowns as she puts a hoof to her chin. “We should do something to help everypony out though.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “Like get them some food?”

Sweetie Belle turns to Dinky. “How about we head back to Ponyville for some supplies?”

“That’d be a good idea. But we need to be at full strength first.”

Sereb grits his teeth. “We may not have time for that. After all, you yourself said that something was… off in this town.”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “Maybe we could do something about that. Make it safe to go out at night.”

Dinky sighs. “Yeah. I for one wouldn’t want to be a prisoner in my own hometown.”

Meanwhile, Derpy, Rarity, and Applejack walk through the Foal Forest. Applejack looks at the map.

“If we keep going, we’ll reach the edge of the woods by tomorrow afternoon.”

Rarity frowns. “And we haven’t seen even a trace of Sweetie Belle or her friends.”

Derpy sighs. Maybe they didn’t come this way after all.

Applejack groans. “Considering how dangerous the Hayseed Forest is, that really isn’t encouraging.”

Rarity grits her teeth. “We can’t give up! If nothing else, we have to reach Baltimare and meet up with the others!”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Maybe they’re having better luck on their end.”

Applejack sighs. “We can only hope.”

They are silent for a time as they look around. Eventually Derpy breaks the silence.

“Can I ask you two something?”

Rarity appears surprised. “What is it?”

“How… are you both coping?”

Applejack groans. “With Arc’s death, or the disappearance of the fillies?”

“Both, I guess.”

Rarity’s ears droop sadly. “Not very well, I’m afraid. It’s so hard to keep moving forward with two of the most important individuals in my life gone.”

Applejack glares at her. “Hey now, they’re not gone yet!”

“Arc is.”

Derpy forces a smile. “He may not be.”

Applejack sighs. “Derpy… you need to face facts. Nopony could have survived an attack by Princess Celestia.”

“Who’s to say Arc won’t be the first?”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “It is possible, I suppose. After all, he’s made it through other very dangerous situations and lived to tell the tale.”

Applejack frowns. “I hope you’re right. But I just can’t imagine…”

Derpy gasps and points a hoof as a strange looking statue some distance ahead of them comes into view.

“What’s that?!”

Applejack squints. “Some kind of rock?”

“It looks more like an old statue to me.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide as she cries out.

“It CAN’T be!”

Running over to the statue, Rarity looks at something hanging from it.

“Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags!”

Applejack gasps. “So she and the others DID come this way!”

Derpy nods happily. “They must’ve, yes!”

Applejack appears hopeful. “Anything inside it, Rarity?!”

Rarity opens the clasp and looks inside. “Nothing at all. But… this is only half of it.”

Derpy appears confused. “Half?”

Rarity nods as she holds up the bag to show the torn strap. “Yes! It seems to be torn where it rested on her back!”

Applejack’s eye twitches. “Do you think something was chasing her and the satchel just got caught, or something?!”

Rarity shakes her head. “I don’t think so. The saddlebag was tied up there neatly. Had they been running it’d be lying on the ground, or something.”

Derpy looks it over. “It’s also pretty clean, so I don’t think it’s been rained on.”

Applejack sighs. “Hopefully this is a signal that they’re doing okay. But why would they leave this behind?”

Rarity smiles. “Maybe as a sign to others that they’d been here! Sweetie Belle had to know we’d start looking for her and her friends sooner or later!”

Derpy looks past the statues. “We should keep going then. After we finish our search, we can head to Baltimare and buy supplies for when the others meet us at the hotel.”

Applejack grins as she runs ahead. “Come on, you two! Time’s a wasting!”

They hurry on their way. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and the others trudge through the northern Hayseed Forest cautiously. Rose looks around defensively. Her weapons at the ready. Fluttershy shudders nervously.

“This forest is creepy!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “It isn’t so bad.”

Pinkie nods as she bounces along. “’Yeah! But I can see why more ponies don’t come out here! It’s really off the beaten path!”

Rose sighs. “We’ve only been attacked twice today”

Rainbow Dash grins as she shadowboxes. “And we made short work of those pansies!”

Fluttershy gasps. “A dozen Timberwolves are pansies?!”

Rose nods soberly. “The odds never were in their favor.”

Pinkie giggles. “You did take care of them pretty fast! How’d you do that, Rose?”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. It was like you knew where they were going to be ahead of time.”

“Probability and learning their brain patterns.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“Think of it like doing the same thing over and over again. Soon enough you learn how to do it without thinking.”

“Like Pinkie Sense!”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “I’m not sure that’s the best way to describe it.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Maybe not. But I’m having a blast out here!”

Pinkie shrugs. “It’s not so bad with Rose here to protect us!”

“Thank you everyone. But I do hope the others found them already. Heading to the southern Hayseed Forest isn’t exactly what I would call a good time.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Why not? You’ve been kicking flank and taking names this whole time!”

“That forest is less explored than this one. No one knows exactly what’s in there.”

Fluttershy shudders. “It’s considered FAR more dangerous than the Everfree Forest too!”

Pinkie gasps. “Really?! Then why haven’t we heard of it before?!”

Rose purses her lips. “Because anyone who goes in there… is never heard from again.”

Fluttershy’s eye twitches. “WHAT?!”

Rainbow Dash struts along through the air. “Yeah?! Until now you mean!”

Rose sighs. “It’s not so much our safety I’m concerned with. But fillies wouldn’t stand a chance in there.”

Meanwhile, Twilight and Luna stand at the balcony door and look out at the setting sun. Luna smiles.

“I have to say, Twilight. It’s been nice having company while delving into pony’s dreams.”

“It’s absolutely incredible! Until a few days ago, I had no idea such things were even possible!”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Truth be told, so am I.”

“Helping others does give one a good feeling.”

“Yes, I had forgotten that.”

Twilight turns to her. “Sequestering yourself away for as long as you did… it’s not surprising.”

Luna sighs. “Longer than you think.”

“Oh?”

“I haven’t done this since long before my banishment.”

“Why’s that?”

“My jealousy was all-consuming. For longer than I care to remember, I could think of nothing else but revenge.”

“Even when the spell was broken and you came back?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Before you and your friends used the Elements of Harmony on me, I had every intention of carrying out my plan of belated retribution against Celestia. Truthfully, I’m not sure how she was able to take me back as she did.”

“Princess Celestia is a very understanding mare. When I’d make a mistake, she was always the one to encourage me to try again.”

“Did she now?”

Twilight nods. “Yes.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “I wonder… what was her reason for not trying again?”

“Trying what again?”

“To banish me for another thousand years. I know she had to have sensed my dark power growing the last hundred years or so.”

“Maybe she was hoping there was still some good in you.”

“Or she was too afraid to finish the deed she started.”

Twilight frowns. “Princess Celestia isn’t afraid of ANYTHING!”

“That’s where you’re wrong. My sister does indeed have many fears.”

“Like what?”

“Well… her greatest is… failure.”

“Failure?”

Luna nods. “Yes, indeed. Part of the reason she was so patient with you was the fact that your failure was her failure too.”

“That I don’t understand.”

“It’s how Celestia’s mind works. Accept it or don’t, because you won’t easily change it.”

“Is that…bad?”

“Yes and no. Yes, as Celestia in the past has often made up her mind ahead of the facts. No, since a leader needs to show that they’re committed to their beliefs.”

Luna turns to Twilight.

“Perhaps that’s why she connects so well with you.”

“Huh?”

“Spending this time with you, I remembered a mare I once knew a long time ago.”

“An old friend?”

Luna nods. “Yes. We were inseparable back in the old days.”

“Tell me about her.”

“She was brave, headstrong, reckless at times even. But when she decided she was going to accomplish something, there wasn’t anything that anypony could do or say to dissuade them. Her devotion to others and me was… something I haven’t seen in a long time.”

“What was her name?”

“Celestia.”

“Your sister?”

Luna smiles. “She’s not my sister.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?! B-but all the history books say…!”

“…what Celestia and I told them to write.”

“Are you saying the two of you intentionally lied about that?!”

Luna shakes her head. “No, Twilight. The reason we refer to each other as sisters is because we grew up together in an orphanage with other unicorns prior to the land’s Unification. Back then we were never apart. But when a soldier came to test us, Celestia passed and was to be taken away. I… couldn’t let her go. I wouldn’t! So I too proved myself and was taken to be trained by Star Swirl the Bearded.”

Luna sighs and looks out at the setting sun.

“I told Arc this some time ago. The true history of Celestia and I. He took it rather well.”

“Because he hadn’t been raised to think otherwise would be my guess.”

“No, Twilight. Because he too is an orphan. Arc knew what it was like to be abandoned. Left behind when everypony you ever knew either died or moved on. It’s… hard to continue forward after that.”

“But you did!”

“As did he.”

Twilight bows her head. “Yes. He moved forward. Right into an early grave.”

“No. Arc followed the path he wanted to. One that allowed him to aid so many. I told him of the dangers that came with becoming the Hero of Light. But it was something he wanted to do. And I’m sure he never regretted his decision.”

“Well I do!”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I…! I…”

“You loved him, didn’t you?”

Twilight blushes. “…yes.”

“Were you ever able to tell him?”

“Fortunately, yes. All of my friends did actually.”

“Really?”

“Really. In fact, we were tentatively planning to… form a herd with him.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “You were?”

“Yes.”

“But that is no longer legal.”

“That’s true. But isn’t the Hero of Light above the law?”

“I… suppose so.”

“And even if we weren’t, couldn’t an exception have been made via royal decree?”

Luna nods. “Yes. However did you really expect Celestia to allow such a thing?!”

“I did. After she got to know him, I’m sure even she would have agreed to this plan.”

“And if she didn’t?”

“Arc could have asked you for such a document.”

“And if I refused?”

“Our last resort would have been to travel to the Crystal Empire and make our request to Cadance. As the Princess of Love I’m sure she would have agreed and signed the document.”

“But Celestia may not have accepted the validity of it outside the borders of the Crystal Empire. What then?”

“We were totally willing to relocate to the empire permanently if it meant being with Arc as his wives.”

“I see. And if that had failed?”

“Cohabitation without a legal marriage, I suppose.”

“And if the law had come to your door and ordered you to stop?”

Twilight sighs. “Our final recourse would have been to place the Elements of Harmony back into the S.P.E.A.R. and relocate to Earth… permanently.”

“They allow such things there?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. But we would have been happy just cohabitating with him there. Nopony could have stopped us then.”

“I see that you’ve really thought this matter through. But I am surprised you would so easily leave Equestria unguarded.”

“What do you mean?”

“You and the others are the Element Bearers. Nopony else can control them.”

“Then somepony else would have had to step forward and pick up where we left off.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say those things.”

Twilight smiles. “When you love someone with all your heart… nothing else matters other than the thought of being with them.”

“An interesting concept.”

“Haven’t you ever been in love, Luna?”

Luna sighs. “No. I was always too busy with my studies and duties to see anypony. Even after Celestia and I took the thrones, we agreed not to do such things.”

“Why?”

“For the betterment of the country. We didn’t want somepony to attempt to gain power and prestige through a relationship with us. That’s why I was so against your brother and Cadance’s relationship.”

“He mentioned that. I kinda thought you were overreacting when he told me.”

“And now?”

“You… may be right. But Shining Armor would NEVER do that to Cadance! He really cares about her!”

“It’s best that Celestia does not know about their relationship yet. She would certainly tell her to break it off.”

“Would Cadance do it?”

“Probably. After all, she’s always been obedient to my sister. Understanding that she does what is best for the greater good above all.”

Twilight sighs. “Sometimes you have to be just a bit selfish. After all, what good is it to make everypony else happy… if you yourself are miserable?”

“There is wisdom in your words. Tell me, Twilight… where did you hear that?”

Twilight smiles and puts a hoof to her chest.

“My heart told me.”

“Celestia and I believe the opposite. The needs of the population must come before all else.”

“Do you think Arc lived by that as well?”

“He seemed to, yes.”

Twilight nods. “You’d be right then. When I mentioned the herd idea, he refused to even consider it until Princess Celestia had been rescued.”

“What about his fiancée, Miss Cherry?”

“The two of them were planning a long engagement. One that would last until he returned with Celestia. Then he was planning to resign and marry her.”

Twilight sighs.

“As you know… that didn’t work out.”

“Seeking one’s own happiness… interesting. You’ve given me a lot to think about, Twilight.”

“Arc always did that to me as well.”

“Did he?”

“Speaking to him, I was constantly being forced to re-evaluate that which I had always thought to be true.”

“Such as?”

“Humans… life… love… and my place in this world. You see, until I met him, I always assumed I would be by Princess Celestia’s side for the rest of my life. I never considered there to be anything better.”

“And you now think a herd is better than a prestigious position in the castle?”

Twilight nods with conviction as the sun sinks below the horizon. “With all my heart, yes.”

She turns to Luna as the moon rises. It’s glow exposing a smile.

“But for now, there are ponies whom need our help to give them pleasant dreams.”

Luna grins. “Indeed. We must not let them down.”

Chapter 7 - Myths

Derpy, Applejack, and Rarity arrive at the Four Seasons Hotel haggard from their nearly week long journey through the woods. Walking into the lobby they approach the front desk. A rather stuffy looking stallion looks down his nose at them.

“Can I help you?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. We have a reservation.”

The stallion rolls his eyes. “I’m sure you do.”

Applejack frowns. “But we honestly have one!”

“Under who’s name, may I ask?”

Derpy steps forward. “Princess Luna.”

Chuckling, the stallion puts a hoof on his cheek as he leans on the desk. “Do you now? Will she be meeting you here personally?”

Derpy shakes her head. “I don’t think so, no.”

Applejack sighs. “Just check your books and you’ll see.”

“Oh, I’m much too busy for such games. Now then, if you don’t have any REAL business with our establishment please move along.”

Rarity glares at him. “We really do have a reservation! I know it’s hard to believe, but we’ve come here with the blessing of Princess Luna herself!”

“Very well. I’ll contact Canterlot Castle and get to the bottom of this.”

The stallion reaches for the telephone. Putting a hoof on it, he turns back to the mares.

“Are you sure you don’t want to end this little charade? My next phone call will be to the guards.”

Applejack grins wickedly. “Go ahead.”

Shrugging, the stallion dials and is connected to Canterlot Castle’s switchboard.

“They’re transferring me to Princess Luna’s personal assistant.”

A few moments later the stallion clears his throat and begins to speak into the receiver.

“Hello, this is the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimare. I have three mares in front of me whom claim to be here at the behest of Princess Luna herself. Can you confirm this?”

The stallion listens as Sandstorm Mirage’s voice barks at him. The blood drains from his face.

“Y-yes sir! I’ll see to it at once!”

He quickly puts down the phone and waves for several concierges to approach.

“I’m very sorry for the misunderstanding! Our bellhops will carry your things up to the Royal Suite as ordered!”

The trio remove their saddlebags and give them to the bellhops one at a time.

“That’s better.”

Applejack nods. “Much appreciated.”

Derpy smiles as she passes. “Thank you.”

They lead the trio to the elevator and take them to the top floor. Walking toward a large, extremely ornate door one of them unlocks it before stepping aside. The mares enter to a very posh apartment as the bellhops set their saddlebags in the corner before quickly leaving the room together. Applejack gasps.

“This place is almost as beautiful as… I don’t know.”

Derpy giggles. “It kinda reminds me of Arc’s room back in the castle. If it was an entire apartment, that is.”

Rarity nods fervently. “Indeed! But we should do our best to keep the furniture clean and tidy. Why don’t we take a look at the shower here?”

Applejack looks them over. “Good idea. I’m not this dirty after working in the hot summer sun from sunup to sundown.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her head. “I’m not sure if this slimy feeling in my mane is sweat or tree sap at this point.”

They enter the bathroom together. Applejack gets the massive shower going as showerheads pointing in several different directions suddenly come to life. Rarity trots into the shower as water cascades over her coat and mane. She moans happily as the dirt and grime snakes toward the drain.

“That’s feels SO good!”

Applejack chuckles. “Mind if we join you in there, your majesty?”

“Not at all! The more the merrier! That and we all need this right now.”

Applejacks steps in with Rarity as Derpy hangs back nervously.

“I… think I’ll just wait my turn.”

“Something wrong, sugarcube?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Um… I just don’t want to be underhoof.”

“Come now, Derpy. Applejack and I will help you get clean.”

Applejack nods. “Right! As filthy as we all are, it’ll take a couple extra hooves to get all this dirt and grime out.”

Derpy sighs and enters the shower. Rarity and Applejack start by rinsing the mud and thistles from her coat.

“Now then, doesn’t that feel good my dear?”

Derpy sighs contentedly as Applejack picks up a bottle of shampoo.

“Let’s start with the top.”

The pair lather up Derpy’s mane. Rarity frowns.

“What kind of conditioner do you use, Derpy?”

“Um… I… don’t know what that is.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Something you put in your mane after washing it.”

Rarity appears surprised. “You’ve never done your mane?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Nope.”

“Why not?”

“Nopony ever taught me how.”

Applejack smiles at her. “We can help with that.”

“Yes indeed! After we’re all clean, of course.”

They spend nearly an hour in the shower attempting to remove the last vestiges of the Foal Forest from themselves and each other. After a nice hot soak in the jacuzzi they dry off and return to the living room. Derpy smiles broadly.

“That feels better!”

Applejack nods. “Yes, it does!”

Rarity puts a hoof in her mane. “I still think it’s going to be awhile before I feel normal again.”

“Hey, what’s that?!”

Derpy points to a scroll in the center of the table. Rarity levitates it to herself and looks it over before gasping.

“It’s from Princess Luna!”

Applejack smiles. “Good! Maybe there’s been some news!”

Rarity breaks the seal and reads it over carefully. Her ears droop as she does so.

“Apparently there have been no developments on their end. Her and Twilight are getting along well enough though.”

Applejack sighs. “That’s good. I was kinda nervous about that.”

Rarity groans. “Me too. Twilight isn’t exactly the easiest mare to befriend.”

Derpy appears confused. “What do you mean?”

Applejack shakes her head. “She’s kinda… set in her ways. Thinks everything should be done with efficiency and lots of planning.”

Rarity chimes in quickly. “Which isn’t a bad thing, mind you.”

“Right. Her planning keeps everything moving along.”

Derpy frowns. “Sorry, but I’m just not seeing what the problem is.”

“Princess Luna is most likely very similar, being a princess of Equestria. After all, they’re both very intelligent and headstrong.”

Applejack nods. “Exactly. Two mares like that don’t usually get along. What else does the letter say though, Rarity?”

“Princess Luna says we can call the front desk and ask for any services we may need.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Services?”

“You mean like room service, or something?”

Rarity nods as she rolls up the scroll and puts it back on the table. “A place like this probably has arrangements with stylists, masseurs, master chefs, tailors, and any number of other trades. If it’s legal, they can get it.”

Rarity sighs as she walks over to a floor to ceiling window.

“Normally I’d jump at the chance to sample such luxuries. But right now I can’t stop worrying about Sweetie Belle.”

There is a knock at the door. Opening it, Applejack steps aside to allow the bellhops to pass with several familiar looking saddlebags. They are followed by Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Rose.

“Hi there, everypony!”

Rainbow Dash grunts as she lands on a very fancy looking rug and looks around. “We made it!”

Fluttershy giggles. “See? I told you we would.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Oh, I knew that. It was more a matter of whether or not we could survive the boredom between bouts of action.”

Rose nods. “Our route was a bit longer as well.”

Rarity trots over to them. “I’m happy everypony made it here safely. But it appears that all of you need some time in the shower.”

Fluttershy sighs. “That we do.”

Derpy gestures to the bathroom door. “Right this way everypony.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she forges ahead. “Great! I think my fur was beginning to grow mold!”

Pinkie bounces past her. “I’ll wash your back if you wash mine!”

Rose turns to the kitchen. “Take your time in there. I will just clean myself at the sink.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No way! You’ve got dried blood all over yourself!”

Fluttershy motions with a hoof. “Come on, Rose. We’ll see to it you’re properly cleaned up.”

Pinkie grins as she pushes the dirty android into the bathroom. “Yeah! It’s the least we can do!”

Applejack frowns. “Wait a sec! Didn’t you already go in the bathroom, Pinkie?!

“Yup!”

“Then how are you out here?!”

Pinkie giggles as she enters the bathroom with Rose. “Just lucky, I guess.”

Derpy calls out after them. “We’ll get some food cooking while you four are bathing.”

They close the door behind them as Derpy, Rarity, and Applejack head for the kitchen. Opening the double wide refrigerator they find it fully stocked with any number for delectable meal choices. All of them gasp.

“Oh my goodness!”

“The princesses must eat VERY well when they come here!”

“I’ll say! Why, a pony could feed an army with this!”

“It’s a good thing you and Derpy are here, Applejack. I’m not exactly what could be considered a good cook.”

Derpy grimaces. “Cooking might be a bit of a problem, as I don’t actually know what most of this stuff is.”

Applejack sighs. “Me either. But we have to make SOMETHING!”

Derpy taps her forehead with a hoof. “Well… there’s some base ingredients here in the fridge. Fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, and whatnot. How about I whip us up a large salad?”

Applejack rummage around. “I can use the milk and eggs to make a cake for later. If we can find a few other ingredients, that is.”

Rarity nods. “Simple, yet charming.”

They get to work. Quite some time later the others emerge from the bathroom to the smells of a cake baking and sounds of sizzling coming from the kitchen. Entering, they find Derpy busy cooking eggs as Rarity garnishes them with seasonings. Applejack is just putting the finishing touches on a large bowl of salad as she turns to them.

“Sit down, everypony.”

Derpy giggles. “Yes. You all look so hungry.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Are you kidding?! I could eat a house!”

Pinkie giggles. “Me too!”

Rarity turns her head. “I hope everyone likes these eggs. The spice rack I found just has so many exotic seasonings!”

Fluttershy smiles. “They smell delicious!”

Rose walks toward them. “Can I help?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Oh no. Please sit down with the others, Rose.”

A few minutes later they begin to eat. Derpy looks around to those assembled.

“Now that everypony’s cleaned up and has some food, how did things go on your end?”

Fluttershy sighs. “We didn’t find any sign of them.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Not so much as a hoofprint!”

Pinkie grins. “That’s kinda good though! It means they weren’t there!”

Rose nods. “Indeed. Nothing showed up on my sensors the entire trip. This is indeed encouraging. But what about your search?”

Rarity smiles. “We did find something, yes.”

Reaching out with her magic, Rarity pulls Sweetie Belle’s saddlebag to her. Setting it in the middle of the table she continues.

“This was found in the Foal Forest about a day’s walk from Fillydelphia.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Is that…?!”

Applejack nods. “Yup. Sweetie Belle’s saddlebag.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her mouth. “They’re torn! Was there any evidence of… something bad?”

Derpy shakes her head. “None at all. In fact, it was neatly tied to an ominous looking statue.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. I know it may sound a bit far-fetched, but I believe they were left there for us to find.”

Pinkie hops up and down. “Oh! Like a beacon?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That might not be far from the truth. Sweetie Belle would’ve known they would stick out in the forest.”’

Fluttershy turns to Rose. “But why would she have done that?”

“The bag does appear to be in good shape. Other than the large tear in the connecting strap, that is. Tell me, was there any sign of the other side?”

Rainbow Dash frowns “Other side?”

“This is only one saddlebag. I don’t see the other.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “She may have kept it with her.”

Applejack sighs. “I hope so. After all, if she had the time to tie it up neatly I hope that means she and the others are doing okay.”

Pinkie giggles. “If things get too bad they could always teleport back home though, right?!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “Theoretically, yes. But that power they share isn’t exactly understood.”

Derpy appears confused. “Dinky and Sweetie Belle combining their magic does make sense. But my daughter told me they’re doing it with Apple Bloom as well.”

Applejack groans. “She told me the same thing. I’m sad to say at the time I kinda thought it was a game they were playing.”

Pinkie gasps. “Oh, I love games!”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Did you find anything else?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Sadly, no. But I get the feeling that Sweetie Belle didn’t just tie her saddlebag to that statue on accident.”

Rose nods. “You believe she was trying to tell us something?”

Applejack sighs. “It makes sense. After all, it’s still a bit weird to see such a thing literally in the middle of nowhere.”

Fluttershy looks to her friends. “So where do we go from here?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “All we have is that statue to go on. You know anything about something like that, Rose?”

“There are innumerable landmarks throughout the land. Can you three attempt to describe the statue to me?”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “Well… it was certainly very old. Some kind of pony-like creature.”

Rarity nods. “And it had outstretched bat wings. Kinda like Arc’s squad.”

Derpy frowns. “What really struck me was the mouth though.”

Pinkie gasps. “Was it big?!”

Derpy shakes her head. “No more so than a normal pony, I suppose. But the teeth were kinda… pointy.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “Like fangs?”

“Yes.”

“That isn’t encouraging.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “So you know something about them?!”

“Kinda. It’s an old myth actually.”

Fluttershy looks nervous. “About fanged ponies?!”

“Something like that. The legends say that they were a violent subspecies of equines.”

Derpy appears confused. “Equines?”

Rarity turns to her. “Ponies, dear.”

Rose nods. “Right. They were said to attack on sight though.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Anypony know what they wanted?”

Pinkie pipes up. “You mean did anypony try talking to one?!”

“Attempts were made. However, they were either not willing or not able to communicate. It’s said they were more mindless beast than pony. This legend has been pointed to as being the origin of the bat pony race that now serves mostly as Lunar Protectors in the military. Sadly, this theory has neither been proven or refuted. Another idea is that they are the early members of the Nightborn whom delved too deeply into Dark Magic. It’s thought that perhaps the dark energies that power their special… abilities warped their minds and twisted their bodies.”

Rarity shudders. “A frightening thought!”

Applejack looks to Rose. “Any proof of that second theory?”

“None, I’m afraid. But that’s mostly due to nopony being able to directly speak to the Nightborn about it.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Not that they’d admit to something like that though!”

Fluttershy smiles innocently. “Maybe they’re just… misunderstood.”

Pinkie nods. “Fluttershy might be able to talk to them! Get them to listen! And if not, there’s always… the STARE!”

Fluttershy gasps. “I… might be able to. That is if was can find one.”

“It’s unlikely they ever existed. The few sightings were sketchy at best, and date back several hundred years ago.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “So nopony’s seen one in centuries?”

“Yes. That is, assuming they ever existed at all.”

Rarity frowns. “What do you mean ‘if’?”

Derpy nods. “Right. Somepony took the time to carve both those statues and put them out there, after all.”

“During my time on Earth I read many things on mythical creatures. One that constantly came up was the idea of a beast known as ‘Bigfoot’.”

Pinkie frowns. “What was it?!”

“A very large human-like creature covered in fur that supposedly roamed the wilds. There have been many documented sightings of these creatures. However, no concrete physical evidence is available to the public. The pictures that exist are of poor quality and difficult to ascertain their contents. That and if there were indeed sufficient numbers to sustain the species, one would think at least one body would have been discovered and presented to the scientific community for study.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying a lot of humans on Earth have seen them. But you don’t believe they exist?”

“It is actually very difficult to definitively prove a creature does not exist. One would theoretically have to observe every point of known reality simultaneously to know for sure. However, to prove something DOES exist merely requires physical proof which, at this particular point in time, is lacking.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin. “That does make sense. But what of the statues?”

“They may simply be a similar, albeit ancient, mythological creature. Humans have created many works of art depicting what they believe Bigfoot looks like, after all. It is entirely possible that ponies from that time period did the same.”

Fluttershy appears relieved. “So what should we do then?”

Rose sighs. “While I am loathe to admit it, there are unlikely any further leads to be gained from what has already been searched.”

Applejack groans. “Where to next then?”

“The Southern Hayseed Swamps would be the next logical choice.”

Fluttershy’s eye twitches. “What?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “We’ll head there at first light, right?”

Applejack nods. “Yeah.”

Rose clears her throat loudly. “I must also point out another bit of information.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “What is it?”

“As already stated earlier, Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle have the power to teleport. It’s certainly possible that they could be literally anywhere in Equestria. Even safely back home in Ponyville.”

Rarity nods. “I’ve already thought of that. Sassy Saddles has been staying at my place just in case Sweetie Belle and the others came home. She was instructed to call the hotel and leave a message if that happened.”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side. “So… nothing?”

Rarity sighs as she shakes her head. “No. I called her while you and the others were in the shower on the off chance a message had been lost. She reports there has been no change to the situation at my place nor any new messages left at Derpy’s house via the sigil.”

Rose continues “There is certainly no guarantee that Dinky and the others are in the Southern Hayseed Forest. However, I will still do my very best to protect all of you if you still wish to go there.”

Derpy nods soberly. “I do, yes.”

Applejack groans. “Darn right!”

Rarity appears worried. “If there’s any chance in the world that they could be there, we have to find them!”

The others nod in agreement. Meanwhile, Snowflake and her mother work in the cottage together.

“Mom? Can I talk to you about something?”

“Of course, dear. What is it?”

“Are you and dad… okay?”

Sunshine raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand the question.”

“Well… lately you’ve been sleeping in the barn with Big Brother and I an awful lot.”

“Oh! Well… you know how you father gets into his moods. Nopony should get in his way when he does.”

“He’s been working in his workshop a lot lately too.”

“I did ask him about that. Shadow says that since you and Big Brother took over his responsibilities he’s been able to get a lot more inventory processed during the day. That’s led to higher profits at the shop.”

Snowflake sighs. “That’s why he’s been ‘celebrating’ more?”

“Yes, dear. We’ve never been this efficient in the past. I suppose it just goes to show what a bit of extra help can do.”

“Yeah, I know. Um… I was also kinda wondering if maybe… uh… you and Big Brother were… ah… if you two liked each other.”

“That we do. After all, he’s quite friendly.”

“Is there more to it than that?”

Sunshine puts her tools down and looks at Snowflake.

“What… do you mean?”

“Well… you made him special coverings, gave him food laced with your vitamin extracts, and crafted him the finest looking armor in town, besides mine and dad’s. That and you always seem to be staring at him when he’s not looking.”

“Yes, that’s true. He lacks fur, so his skin requires special coverings to protect. The nutritional requirement for a hunter should be maintained to keep him, and by proxy you, safe. His armor is for that same purpose. Another effort to keep you safe while foraging. And I am constantly looking him over in an attempt to learn and record more about his species.”

Snowflake sighs. “Oh.”

“Snowflake, what are you getting at?”

“I… was kinda hoping he could be… like another member of the family. Dad’s always so busy all the time, and when he is here all he does is drink lately.”

“Are you saying you want Big Brother to be… your father?”

Snowflake looks down at the floor nervously. “Kinda. I mean… I do love dad, and all. But sometimes he’s kinda hard to talk to. Does he… um… really care?”

“Why wouldn’t he?”

“He’s always so critical of everything. Literally every mistake I make is like a personal insult to him.”

Sunshine frowns. “Shadow’s always been that way. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you, dear.”

“Well, Big Brother’s just the opposite. He’s always taking care of and looking out for me. That and he’s so nice! Why can’t dad be more…?”

“Why don’t we make something a bit nicer for supper tonight?”

“Like what?”

“How about Spiced Potatoes? They’re your favorite, right?”

“Yeah! But what’s the occasion?”

“How about you and Big Brother doing so well foraging lately? I’m sure even your father couldn’t deny that.”

“I guess. Not sure if Big Brother likes potatoes though.”

“Why don’t you go ask him then?”

“Okay mom.”

The little filly runs of the front door and toward the barn. Sunshine looks after her and smiles as she mutters to herself.

“I’m glad you have a good friend in Big Brother, Snowflake. You’ve just given me an interesting idea.”

Chapter 8 - Cloak and Dagger

The next morning Ashe and Gaston walk toward the Dining Room together.

“What is your take on the situation, admiral?”

“Things are going quite well as far as the Griffon Kingdom is concerned. However, I still do not understand why exactly you wanted this position.”

“To represent my country abroad. Why else?”

“Really, Lady Ashe?”

She stops and looks out a massive window at the city below.

“Ever since I met Lord Arc, I’ve been fascinated with Equestria. Their way of life was so… foreign to me.”

“How so?”

“Every right, privilege, and honor I have in Griffonstone is readily available to everyone here. The ability to pursue happiness, eat and drink good healthy food, and petition their leaders is there for the masses.”

“Every griffon citizen has the same capability, Lady Ashe. It’s more of a matter of how hard they’re willing to work for it.”

“Then why does no one get there?”

“Because our citizens are content to be where they are.”

“No. They are not.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because I’ve seen the poverty and hunger personally. However, Equestria has no such problems. In fact, their population appears to be almost entirely happy with their lot in life.”

Gaston rolls his eyes. “Unlikely. You were shown what it took to make you believe that.”

“I don’t think so. After all, Lord Arc had nothing to gain by deceiving me or the Griffon Kingdom.”

She turns and continues on down the corridor.

“That and he was given no advance warning of my arrival.”

Gaston frowns. “I thought we were scheduled to visit Canterlot after Yakyakistan.”

Ashe giggles. “A little white lie on my part, admiral.”

“Then it was only luck that Lord Arc intervened when he did.”

“More or less.”

Gaston smiles inwardly as Ashe continues on ahead of him.

“Play your little games all you like, Ashe. You believe yourself the trickster. Yet it’s I who am manipulating you.”

Arriving at their destination the guards part to allow then entrance to the dining room. Entering, they find Decimus sitting across from Celestia as they eat. The pair stand as Ashe and Gaston walk over to them.

“Lady Ashe. Admiral Gaston.”

Ashe courtesies. “Good morning, Princess Celestia.”

Gaston bows respectfully. “I trust you’re feeling stronger today, your highness?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, I’m slowly regaining my strength, thank you.”

Decimus gestures to the seats next to him. “Please sit down. I’ll order something brought out for the both of you.”

Ashe smiles at him. “Thank you, sir.”

They take their seats as Decimus stands and walks toward the kitchen. Celestia turns to Ashe.

“How are you enjoying your stay in our land, Lady Ashe? Or I suppose I should call you Ambassador Ashe.”

“Either is just fine with me, your highness. And I’m enjoying your land immensely.”

“If I may, what would you say is your favorite part?”

“That would be the tone of the land.”

Gaston appears confused. “Tone?”

“The fact that everyone here seems so happy and content with their lot in life.”

Decimus nods as he returns to the table. “Our land is very proud of its citizen’s rights.”

Celestia sighs. “I hope sometime soon I can reconnect with them.”

“At the moment that is very dangerous, your highness. At least until your attacker’s body is found, that is.”

Gaston nods fervently. “Agreed. From what I saw that night, he is a force to be reckoned with.”

Ashe groans. “I still can’t believe such a thing could happen. Lord Arc always seemed to be quite the noble soul to me.”

Decimus turns to Ashe. “Do not feel too bad about that. He fooled many in this land, Lady Ashe. Most of the population still revere him as their staunch protector.”

Celestia frowns. “That isn’t possible.”

“If I may, why is that, your highness?”

“Because humans are cold and calculating creatures that are only interested in finding ways to sate their own wants and desires!”

Decimus grins. “And the human certainly fit that bill perfectly.”

“Agreed. After all, he even went so far as to discredit Captain Decimus in my sister’s eyes.”

Ashe sighs. “Those are certainly high crimes, your majesty. However, as the admiral told me, he hasn’t been seen since the night Captain Decimus rescued you from his clutches.”

“Indeed. The captain and I together were able to free her royal highness and extract her from your captivity here in the castle along with Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.”

Decimus shakes his head. “I’m still at a loss as to how anypony could hold all three of you prisoners in your room.”

Celestia groans. “I’m not surprised at all, captain. He’s certainly a master manipulator to be able to pull off such a feat.”

Ashe turns to Decimus. “Incidentally, how goes the search?

Gaston chuckles. “For the pieces, right?”

“I have troops scouring the land for his remains even as we speak.”

“Any leads?”

Decimus shakes his head. “None, Princess Celestia. It’s like he simply vanished without a trace.”

Gaston nods. “Had I not seen the princess herself impale and blast the lout I might be convinced he’s still alive out there.”

“He may yet be. That’s why I’m insisting that Princess Celestia remain largely hidden from the public eye. It’s for her own protection.”

Celestia smiles at him. “Thank you, captain. I’ve always been able to count on you.”

Decimus stands and bows. “I live to serve, your highness. However, now I must begin my daily rounds. The castle won’t secure itself.”

“Yes, of course.”

Gaston turns to Decimus. “Might I accompany you, captain? I’d like to see how you Equestrians handle matters of security.”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “Admiral, I’m sure the captain is quite capable of…”

Decimus nods. “I’d relish the opportunity to compare notes with our new allies across the sea. Perhaps we can teach each other a few tricks.”

“Indeed. Shall we be off?”

Decimus gestures to the door. “Right this way.”

The pair leave the dining room as Celestia turns to Ashe.

“It is good to see our officers getting on so well.”

“Yes, Princess Celestia. Truth be told, I never actually believed such a thing was possible.”

“Griffons and ponies working together toward a common goal. Such a thing was merely a pipe dream not that long ago. Might I ask what changed?”

“Truthfully, Lord Arc was the one whom united our lands when he proposed the treaty to the Council of Lords.”

Celestia frowns. “Did he now?”

Ashe appears confused. “Do you believe that was not the correct choice?”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, no. I’m merely concerned, that’s all. You see, I believe his idea to unite the lands was merely part of a larger plan to destabilize the entire world.”

“For what purpose?”

“To make conquering all the lands much easier.”

“How do you know this?”

Celestia grimaces as she looks away. “I know human-kind… all too well.”

They are silent for a time as Celestia composes herself and again turns to Ashe.

“In any case… I actually called you here today to speak of a different plan entirely.”

“Oh?”

“Captain Decimus and I have been talking recently about strengthening the ties between our two nations.”

“For what purpose?”

“It has always been a dream of mine for our countries to see eye to eye. From what I’ve read, the treaty we now have is, generally speaking, largely ceremonial. Trade, diplomatic ties, and legal definitions mostly.”

“Is there something not to your liking with the treaty, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Not inherently, no. But I’d like to see it… expanded.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Meanwhile, Arc awakens to Sunshine staring him in the face soberly.

“Um… good morning?”

“I need you to get me a few things from the forest today.”

Snowflake sits up groggily. “Mom? What’s going on?”

“Nothing, dear. I was just here to give Big Brother this note.”

She gives Arc a piece of paper.

“These items are for a very special potion I need to brew for a very desperate individual.”

Snowflake gasps. “Who…?”

“Now, now. They have a very… embarrassing problem and therefore don’t want anypony else knowing about it. Let’s get you two some breakfast so you can get to it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… okay.”

Sunshine leaves the barn as Snowflake looks to Arc.

“I don’t get it. What’s this all about?”

“No clue. But the look on your mom’s face tells me it’s pretty serious.”

“Maybe somepony in town is really sick.”

“We’ll find out later. Let’s do as she says and get moving.”

“Breakfast first though, right?”

“Let’s just grab something quick and be on our way.”

“Okay.”

Meanwhile, Derpy and the others put on their saddlebags and leave the hotel. Walking south, they leave town together. Rose looks to Rarity.

“Are you completely sure this is what you want to do?”

Rarity nods soberly. “Yes.”

Rose frowns. “You do realize that death is a very real possibility once we cross the river and enter the Southern Hayseed Forest, correct?”

Applejack purses her lips. “We all do, yes.”

“As an android, I’m having trouble understanding why then.”

Derpy appears confused. “Why what?”

“I do not feel pain nor can I be killed. At worst my frame could be demolished, certainly. However all that would do is require mother to build me a new one and upload my most recent backup files to it. While not a quick and easy solution to my destruction, it would ensure that I continue on my journey.”

Rose sighs as she looks the others over.

“However, all of you are made of flesh, bones, and blood… which can easily be spilled.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Well, that’s not going to happen!”

“Right! I have my Pinkie Sense ready to go!”

Fluttershy appears confused. “I didn’t know it was something that could be turned on and off.”

Pinkie shrugs. “It can’t! I just like saying that!”

Applejack frowns. “We’re not afraid of what’s out there, Rose.”

Derpy shudders. “But we are afraid of those fillies facing it alone.”

Rarity sighs. “We let them have their little adventure only because they were traveling with Sereb, and through fairly safe areas.”

Applejack nods. “But now they’re going into really dangerous forests. I don’t know how they convinced Sereb to let them do that. But we can ask them when we meet up.”

Derpy heads for the edge of town. “Right! With luck we can reach the river by lunchtime.”

Meanwhile, Decimus and Gaston walk the corridors of Canterlot Castle. Coming to Decimus’ office they enter and sit down. Gaston is the first to speak.

“This is going well.”

Decimus nods. “Yes, it is. Celestia doesn’t remember a thing from after she was ‘rescued’ by me from her room until after she did the deed.”

“Perfect. And from the sound of it, she believes your story.”

“Completely.”

He puts his back hooves up on the desk and leans back.

“After all, why wouldn’t she believe her loyal Captain of the Royal Guard? I’m above reproach in her mind.”

Gaston chuckles. “She just doesn’t yet know what it will cost her.”

“And by the time she figures it out… this will all be over.”

“Yes. But we need to do our best to weed out any other opposition that could present a problem to the change in leadership that is coming.”

“The young Dragon Lord has already departed Equestria along with her Warchief companion. I’ve already seen fit to reassign the previous Hero of Light’s soldiers to guard duty aboard his former ship, The Equinox. Although I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the vessel had departed to the Crystal Empire with Princess Cadance aboard.”

Gaston raises an eyebrow. “But wouldn’t that make her a loose end?”

Decimus shakes his head. “Not at all. With her out of the country, she’s also out of the way.”

“And Princess Luna?”

“She, like Cadance, has always deferred to Celestia’s decisions. However, just to be on the safe side, I’ve seen fit to request she stay in her room.”

“Under house arrest?”

“Not quite. She’s still free to come and go as she pleases. However, I’ve convinced her that there may be those out there trying to capture her and Celestia. Therefore she’s agreed to stay under constant guard.”

“What if she becomes bored or impatient though?”

Decimus chuckles. “It seems fate has been kind to me lately. I’ve heard rumors floating around the castle that say Luna has developed a… how should I say this… a rather salacious relationship with a common unicorn mare.”

Gaston raises an eyebrow. “How far along are they?”

“According to the guards, the two of them have been staying in the room together every day. The Hoof Maidens claim they’re even sleeping together.”

Gaston grins wickedly. “Nothing like a good sex partner to make a ruler forget all about their royal duties. But Luna’s backside really is too good for a commoner.”

Decimus rolls his eyes. “And you think you could tame that wild mare?

Gaston chuckles. “I wouldn’t even try. Even though I must admit, she does have quite the flank.”

“Whatever floats your boat.”

“Getting back on subject, you’re saying there’s no one else whom could be a problem to our plan, correct?”

Decimus shakes his head. “Everypony who could possibly stop us, or recognize what’s happening, has been removed in one way or another. Whether that means being reassigned, left of their own accord, or… in the Hero of Light’s case, been flung through a window and falling to a watery grave.”

“Are you sure he didn’t survive?”

“Positive. His magic was sealed at the time so he couldn’t have Blinked to safety or cast any spells to slow his fall. Believe me when I say his body is decomposing at the bottom of the Horseshoe Bay by now.”

“What of the public though? He was a very well-known figure.”

“At the moment we’re keeping the commoners in the dark on this matter.”

“Eventually they’ll press for the truth though.”

Decimus swivels to look out the window. “True. But by the time they do, this will all be over.”

Chapter 9 - Leathery Wings

Arc and Snowflake emerge from the forest together that evening. Snowflake looks over the list for the hundredth time.

“That was a LOT of materials!”

“I’ll say. This must be SOME potion! Any idea what it could be?”

Snowflake shrugs. “No clue. There’s any number of concoctions my mom could make with these reagents.”

“Well, I hope whatever it is…”

Shadow walks out of the shed. “You get everything?”

“Yeah, dad.”

He points toward town. “Sunshine wanted me to tell you to bring this stuff to the shop when you got back.”

Snowflake frowns. “What about me?”

“You can help me process some materials.”

“Aw…”

Shadow chuckles. “You two are so efficient, I can’t keep up.”

Arc turns to head down the path. “I’ll come back as soon as I can to lend a hand.”

“Nah. Help Sunshine at the shop. With me here and Snowflake foraging she has to be behind on quite a few things.”

“Alright.”

Shadow calls after Arc as he leaves.

“And be sure to tell her to mark that potion’s price up! We don’t typically forage for individual needs!”

“I’ll let her know.”

Heading for town, Arc sighs.

“A full day trudging through the woods and now more work. I really have to get my memories back.”

Arriving at the shop Arc walks in the front door. The bell overhead jingles as he enters. A few moments later Sunshine emerges from the back room in her work smock. Smiling, she walks over to him and eyes his satchel.

“Did you get everything?”

“Yes. Snowflake checked the items off as we found them, and triple checked before we came back.”

“Good.”

Taking a few steps past Arc, Sunshine walks over to the sign. Flipping it to ‘closed’, she heads for the back room.

“This way, please.”

Following the mare, Arc steps into the back room. Innumerable pills, potions, and reagents line the shelves that stretch from floor to ceiling. Sunshine motions to a workbench. Arc sets his bag down and begins unpacking it.

“Looks like you two found everything I needed, and then some!”

“That’s good, right?”

Sunshine nods. “Yes. With all this I’ll be able to make a few other things I’ve been wanting to try.”

“That’s good. Um… Shadow told me you might need some help around here though.”

“Oh… yes. Uh… how about you sweep the floor.”

“Okay.”

Taking the broom, Arc gets to work. Sunshine looks over her shoulder at him as she works to prepare the mixture.

“Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“There is… one other reagent I need for this to work.”

“If you need me to, I can head back to the forest.”

“No, no. It’s something we have right here in town.”

“Oh?”

“A few drops of blood.”

Arc looks nervous. “Mine?”

Sunshine shrugs. “Really any stallion will do. But you’re right here though, and I just need a few drops.”

“Fine.”

Sunshine hands him a small knife. Looking at it for a moment, Arc brings it across his palm. Taking his hand Sunshine holds it over the liquid she’s been compounding for several moments before pulling his hand to herself and dabbing at it with a cloth.

“That’s enough.”

“Anything else you need?”

Sunshine shakes her head. “No, that should do it. Now all that’s left to do is to let this mixture steep for one day.”

“Some kind of chemical reaction?”

“Yes. It should be ready tomorrow evening at dusk. But in any case, we should probably get back home now. I need to get supper going and you need a bath.”

“Sorry about that.”

Sunshine giggles. “It’s fine. After all, I’m the one who told Shadow to send you right over with these reagents.”

She leads the way out the door and down the road. Sunshine turns to Arc as the moon rises to light their way.

“Tell me, how is Snowflake doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean… does she know… what Shadow and I are doing at night?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. We go right to sleep once we get to the barn.”

“Good! She’s still a bit… young to understand.”

“Yeah, probably. Um… but…”

“Hm?”

“I… I just wanted to say… that I don’t agree with what Shadow is doing to you.”

“But this is how foals are made.”

“That may be. But I haven’t seen anyone else in town who’s backside looks like yours did not that long ago.”

Sunshine stops and looks around a few moments before beckoning Arc to lean down close.

“I… don’t really want this getting around, but… Shadow has certain… reproductive issues.”

“Oh. Um… is that who the potion is for?”

“It is.”

“But he wanted me to tell you to raise the price on the customer.”

Sunshine sighs. “He doesn’t know, but I’ve been administering this to him daily for quite some time.”

“How long?”

“Since we decided to try and conceive again.”

“Was that how you had Snowflake?”

Sunshine nods. “Yes. But please don’t tell her. I don’t want her thinking she’s less special because of that.”

“I kinda see it as her being more special.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. You went through all that trouble to get pregnant. It shows how dedicated you are to her. At least to me, that is.”

“Thank you for saying so. Shadow was so proud when he became a father.”

“But if that’s the case, why does he drink so much?”

Sunshine sighs. “I don’t know for sure. But I think it has to do with him being depressed. It’s likely he knows that he’s the reason I’m not pregnant yet. But that new batch of potion will change everything.”

“How so?”

“Taking it will greatly increase a stallion’s potency. This new batch is perfectly made with only the finest ingredients and care. It can’t fail.”

“So you’ll finally be impregnated?”

“Yes.”

“Um… congratulations, I guess.”

Sunshine frowns. “Not happy about another mouth to forage for?”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not it. I just… don’t think Shadow’s a very good father, that’s all.”

“I do agree with you, considering how he treats Snowflake. But the new addition to our family will give him another chance.”

“Just because…”

A colossal crash rings out behind them. Turning, Arc and Sunshine see several figures fly down the road toward them. A stallion runs after them from a nearby building.

“They got into the storehouse!”

Sunshine gasps. “Look out!”

“I got em!”

Stepping in front of Sunshine, Arc reaches out and grabs the creature as it passes and slams it to the ground. As it struggles weakly to free itself, Arc punches it in the face. It’s companion hovers in front of Arc and hisses violently. Sunshine tugs at Arc’s tunic.

“Let it go! That’s a Crimson!”

Arc looks at the sack it’s carrying. “Sure. As soon as it drops what it took.”

The Crimson screeches angrily. Even in the moonlight Arc can make out the unmistakable shape of its fangs dripping hungrily. It flies straight at the young man in an effort to knock him down. Arc ducks and grabs the satchel of supplies. His opponent tries desperately to fly away with the bag, but Arc holds it tightly. With a colossal tug and grunt Arc swings the beast and bag into a nearby tree. A loud thump rings out as his opponent is crushed between the supplies and tree trunk. It falls to the ground and does not rise. Arc leans down and rolls it over as Sunshine runs over with most of the village behind her.

“Is it dead?!”

Arc shakes his head as the mayor walks up. “No. Just unconscious. What is this thing?”

The mayor scowls. “A Crimson. Savage beasts that make our very existence here a constant chore.”

“Sunshine mentioned that, yes. But I want to know more.”

Arc grabs a torch from a nearby post. Running back to the creature, he hold the light to it. Everyone gasps.

“It… it’s a… pony?”

The mayor shakes his head. “No. It’s a beast.”

Arc frowns. “But it looks so much like everyone else.”

“Are you blind?! It’s ears are misshapen, it’s mane longer, the coat’s unkempt, it has fangs, can’t converse in anything more than screams, and is significantly stronger than any of us here! So what makes this monster like us?!”

“Just a general observation.”

Sunshine steps forward. “He’s right, Mayor. This thing looks very similar to a pegasus. Just with different wings.”

The mayor puts a hoof to his chin. “Interesting.”

Arc turns to him. “You see it now?”

“Yes.”

He points a hoof at Sunshine as he turns to the others.

“She may be with them!”

Sunshine gasps. “What?!”

“Think about it, everypony! Every time these beasts attack, she’s been nearby!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Wait! That doesn’t prove anything!”

“Right! I’m innocent! See?!”

Sunshine opens her mouth wide to reveal her normal pony gums and teeth. The mayor nods, skeptically.

“Maybe you’re right. Then again… there was somepony else in town during many of the attacks.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You don’t think I’m one of them now do you?”

“We don’t believe so, no. But nopony has seen her daughter without that black cloak since she was very little! She could be one of them too!”

Sunshine screams. “What?! NO!!!”

The mayor frowns. “Then take us to your daughter and pull that cloak off of her. Show us all what she really looks like.”

Those assembled nod angrily as they close in around Sunshine. Arc steps in front of her and clenches a fist.

“You want to get to Sunshine or Snowflake, then you’ll have to go through me first!”

He gestures to the unconscious Crimson.

“I took TWO of them down! Does anyone REALLY want to take me on?!”

A guard steps forward and looks to Arc.

“I’m going to have to ask both of you to step into the cage. You’ll be released after we examine the filly’s body.”

Sunshine grits her teeth. “Stay away from her!”

Arc nods fervently. “Right! That and neither of us are going in there!”

The guard points his spear at Arc. “Oh yes you are!”

Angrily, Arc grabs the spear from the guard and smashes it against the nearby tree. The head shatters as several more guards approach. Pointing what’s left of the spear, Arc glares at them.

“Either let us pass, or take me on right now!”

“But how do we know you aren’t with them?”

“Simple. I sounded the alarm when the first one escaped, and I stopped these two. Had I been a traitor I would have just let them pass.”

Those assembled look to each other and nod as Arc stares down the guards.

“So what’s it going to be?”

The mayor sighs. “You do make a strong case. But Sunshine and her family may yet be sympathizers. We can’t…”

“I’ll watch them both then. After all, they wouldn’t dare try to get away from me.”

Arc tosses the spear aside as he steps toward the guards.

“Let us pass.”

The mayor turns and nods to them. Everyone steps back as Arc motions for Sunshine to follow him. The mayor pokes one of the Crimsons with his hoof.

“Now then… what do to with these?”

Arc shakes his head. “Lock them in the cage. What else would you do?”

The guards move to do so as Arc and Sunshine walk down the deserted path. Leaving town, Sunshine suddenly sits down and gasps.

“Are you alright?”

“I… kinda. That was quite the harrowing experience back there!”

“Yeah. Um… is that normal?”

Sunshine shakes her head. “No. I mean… everypony’s always been a bit on edge. But they’ve NEVER openly accused anypony of being a traitor before!”

She looks to Arc, sheepishly.

“You don’t think I’m with the Crimsons… do you?”

“No way. You were home with Shadow the first time. And this time you were with me. There’s no way you could have had anything to do with either of those attacks.”

Sunshine breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you! I really don’t know what happened back there!”

“Let’s just get home and tell Shadow.”

“Yes, he can probably think of a way to fix this.”

Arriving at the cottage, Arc and Sunshine walk inside. Shadow is just tapping a new keg.

“Took you two long enough.”

Arc sighs. “We had a bit of trouble in town.”

“Oh? What happened?”

Sunshine frowns. “There was an attempted theft. The mayor and townsponies believe Snowflake and I are with the Crimsons.”

Arc nods. “I stopped the Crimsons, but somehow they blamed Sunshine because she’s supposedly in the general area when things like this happen.”

Shadow grits his teeth angrily. “That’s just ludicrous! Of COURSE she was in town during pretty much every attack! Sunshine runs the shop all day, EVERY DAY! Where else would they expect her to be?!”

“What are we going to do, dear?!”

“Nothing!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

“Right. We’ll continue foraging and working from here. Me in my shed and Sunshine in the house.”

“But wouldn’t that just make us look more guilty?”

Shadow shakes his head as he grins wickedly. “On the contrary. I want to show those fools just how much they really need our shop.”

Arc shrugs. “Not a bad idea, I suppose.”

Sunshine sighs. “That and it’s not like we have a shortage of work to do here.”

“Right. Now if you’ll get over here, Sunshine, I’ll pour some of this brew and we can get started.”

Arc backs toward the door. “I’ll… let you two get to it then.”

He looks around momentarily.

“Uh… where’s Snowflake?”

Shadow pours a tankard. “In the barn for some reason.”

Arc looks to Sunshine. “You going to be okay?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Shadow chuckles. “I’ll take care of her.”

Sometime later that night, Dinky lays on her bed in the hospital staring up at the ceiling. Hearing a strange sound outside she sits up. Sereb raises his head as she turns to him.

“Did you hear that?”

Sereb growls “Yes, I did.”

Dinky gets up quickly. “Come on. We have to figure it out this time.”

Slowly making her way toward Sereb’s saddlebags in the corner, Dinky pulls out her father’s magic cloak. Pulling it over herself and Sereb they walk to the door and down the corridor. Reaching the exterior door, Dinky Blinks them both outside. Looking around they see a pony in a long white robe looking up at the sky. A few moments later two rough looking stallions with leathery bat wings land in front of her. Dinky gasps.

“Do those stallions have fangs?!”

Sereb frowns. “Yes. As well as red eyes and rather strange looking ears.”

“What’s wrong with them?”

“Unknown, as I’ve never seen anything like it. But… their scent is rather… strange.”

“Huh?”

“You see…”

Sereb is cut off as another figure in a black robe with the same leathery wings sticking out lands behind them. A strange looking crossbow hangs from their back as they approach the white cloaked individual.

“Got em back, Chief.”

“Good work.”

She turns to the pair and speaks harshly.

“What were you two THINKING?!”

“We were just trying to get some food for the village.”

“There isn’t much left, and they have a ton over there!”

“Every time you do that is a risk! Especially without my permission!”

The crossbow wielding individual nods. “Yup. Especially when you get caught.”

Gasping, the chief looks to both of them. “You two were captured?!”

“Yes, mistress.”

“But it wasn’t our fault! You see…!”

“I don’t want to hear it! Get to your dwellings, now!”

“Yes, mistress.”

They run off together as the Chief turns to the stallion’s liberator.

“How did it go?”

“Not too bad. I saw those two in a cage when I flew over the village. It was a simple matter to knock out the guards, take their keys, and open the lock.”

“Did they give you any trouble?”

“Nah. But they couldn’t really resist. After all, I’m more powerful than they are.”

“That is true. Thank you for your assistance tonight, Guardian. Sorry you had to come all this way for those two.”

“It’s fine. Then again, it’s not like I have a choice, right?”

The pair chuckle for a moment before continuing.

“In any case, you’re welcome to stay here.”

“For the night, or permanently?”

“Either.”

Guardia shakes their head. “I can’t. There’s a lot of ponies that need me. Thanks for understanding though. I mean… you could always just order me to stay.”

“Yes, well… I understand you have a life in the land beyond. Just remember to keep who and what you truly are a secret.”

Guardian sighs. “No arguments there. I don’t think anypony would understand if they knew the truth.”

“Now if you’ll excuse me… the night is young, and I must feed with the others.”

“Take care, mistress.”

“ You too, Guardian.”

The pair spread their leathery wings and take flight before parting ways. Dinky turns to Sereb and motions for him to turn back to the door. Blinking them back into the hospital, they walk quickly back to their room and close the door. Frowning, Dinky pulls off the magic robe and puts it back in the saddlebag as she turns to Sereb.

“What was that all about?!”

“Unknown. While I did not sense any malice in their voices or body language, the entire event made me feel uneasy.”

“Me too. Um… do you think we’re in danger?”

“I do not believe so, no. After all, these ponies have done nothing but care for us since our arrival.”

“That’s true. But it’s obvious they’re hiding something big here!”

“Had they wanted to bring about harm to us I do believe they would have done so when we were badly injured. Letting us heal gives us the opportunity to defend ourselves.”

“That and risks us learning their secret.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it. They don’t have anypony guarding our rooms. We’re free to come and go as we please, day or night.”

“Perhaps they merely assumed that little fillies would be asleep at such a time.”

“Maybe. But it was still quite a risk. What do you think she meant by ‘joining the others to feed’?”

“There were others flying high overhead during the conversation. I had assumed them to be pegasi at the time. However, given what we just witnessed, they may have been more of those strange creatures.”

“I guess the real question now is where we go from here?”

“That answer I do have.”

“Huh?”

“Bed.”

Chapter 10 - Heart's Desire

The following evening Arc and Snowflake leave the forest and return to the cottage. They head over to the shed where Shadow is working. Arc is the first to speak.

“Anything happen today?”

“Quite a few ponies came up here actually.”

Snowflake grimaces. “Trouble?!”

“Nah. Just wanted to know why we weren’t open.”

“What’d you tell them, dad.”

“That is was too dangerous to be open, what with everypony accusing Sunshine of working with the Crimsons.”

“But ponies need medicine!”

Shadow scoffs. “Well, your mother shouldn’t have to put up with everypony making baseless accusations against her. Remember, this isn’t the first time they’ve done that.”

Arc frowns. “Really?”

“Yeah. They’ve said as much in the past, behind our backs of course, about Sunshine and Snowflake. Without any kind of proof, mind you. But after what happened late last night they changed their tune.”

“Something else?”

Shadow nods. “The pair of Crimsons your pet caught escaped last night. The stallions guarding them were found locked in the cage early this morning.”

Arc gasps. “What happened?”

“They claim something hit them from behind. Didn’t get a look at who did it though. But everypony knows we were here last night, as the mayor posted a couple guards to watch our property.”

Snowflake gasps. “They did?”

Shadow nods. “Yup. I saw them out there. But in any case, you two should get cleaned up for supper.”

Arc nods. “Alright.”

Snowflake looks to the house. “I think I’ll check on mom first.”

“Suit yourself.”

Arc and Snowflake head for the house together.

“I thought my mom looked kinda upset this morning.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. She was a wreck last night.”

“You were with her the whole time though?”

“Yeah. We were walking home last night when it happened.”

Snowflake gasps. “So you know my mom’s innocent?!”

“Right. Like I said, she and I were together the whole time. She couldn’t have done anything without me seeing.”

Entering the house, they find Sunshine sitting at her workbench. She smiles and stands up.

“Welcome home you two. Did you have a good day?”

“Yeah, mom. But are YOU okay?!”

Sunshine nods. “Just fine, dear. Big Brother here was able to convince the townsponies to let me go yesterday.”

She smiles at him before continuing.

“Thank you again for that.”

“No problem.”

Snowflake gasps. “What about next time you go into town though?! They’ll be looking for you!”

“I’ll be okay. Everypony was just worked up last night.”

Arc frowns. “You sure?

“Yes. Give it a few days and they’ll let it go. But you two should get cleaned up for supper.”

Snowflake sighs as she picks up a thermal bulb. “Okay mom. But you’re sure everything’s going to be okay, right?”

“Yes, dear. Trust me when I say things will be fine.”

Arc and Snowflake leave the cottage as Sunshine returns to her work. Sitting down, she smiles.

“Don’t you worry, Snowflake. I have a plan to make everything all better.”

Meanwhile, Arc leads Snowflake around the barn and over to the tub. Filling it, Snowflake tosses in the bulb to heat the water.

“This is scary.”

Arc sighs as he steps into the tub. “Yeah. But let’s get clean.”

Snowflake groans as she hops into the tub. “Mom doesn’t deserve this! I mean… she didn’t DO anything!”

“That I can attest to, yes.”

“Everypony in town’s always looking at her suspiciously though.”

“They do? Why?”

Snowflake sighs as Arc rubs soap into her robe. “Her being involved with the Crimson isn’t a new idea. Everypony has it in their mind that she’s a traitor.”

“I don’t get it. Has she ever actually done anything to warrant that kind of suspicion?”

“Nothing. But she’s always around during an attack, so she gets linked to it.”’

“Can’t we do anything?”

“My dad will think of something.”

Finishing their bath sometime later, Arc heads into the barn to change as Snowflake lays on the rock to dry herself. Sighing, he puts on dry clothes.

“It doesn’t make sense. Sunshine seems like a decent enough mare. Why make her into the patsy?”

Shrugging, Arc heads to the cottage. Sunshine meets him on the porch.

“Big Brother, I need you to do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“Do you remember that potion I made the other day?”

“The special one?”

Sunshine nods. “Yes. It should be done by now. Could you head to the shop and pick it up, please? I’d go myself, but… I don’t think I’d be welcomed in town right now.”

“Sure, no problem.”

“The shop key is on the kitchen table. Just grab the potion and return home for supper.”

“Where should I put it? I’m guessing you don’t want Shadow to see it.”

“No need to be sneaky about it. After all, he doesn’t know what it’s for. And it’s not uncommon for me to bring work home either.”

“Okay. See you in a bit.”

Hurrying inside the cottage, Arc grabs the key off the table and makes his way down the path toward town. As he walks down the street, ponies step aside to give him a wide berth. Arc sighs as he muses to himself.

“Guess I’d rather be feared than hated.”

Coming to the shop, he lets himself in and heads for the back room. Spotting the potion where Sunshine left it, Arc picks it up.

“Warm to the touch. I sure hope that’s normal.”

Leaving, he locks the door and heads back the way he came. Entering the cottage he spots Sunshine and Snowflake putting the food on the table.

“Welcome back. Anypony give you trouble?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. But they did move as I walked by though.”

“They think you’re scary.”

“Well, I am a lot bigger.”

Sunshine giggles. “That you are.”

She turns to Snowflake.

“You and Big Brother can tell Shadow supper is ready.”

“Okay, mom.”

“Be right back.”

Snowflake runs out the door as Arc follows. Sunshine glances out the window before walking over to her workbench and picking up a vial.

“Looks like I got this made just in the nick of time.”

Arc and Shadow return a few minutes later with Snowflake in tow. Sitting down they begin to eat. Shadow turns to his wife.

“Pretty nice supper, Sunshine.”

“Yes, well… I may have overreacted about last night. You know how I get when I’m worried.”

Snowflake turns to Arc. “Mom cooks a lot when that happens.”

“Oh?”

Shadow rolls his eyes. “Right. Food or potions, she makes a lot of them.”

“Well, you three have been working really hard lately. It just seems right to reward you all with something special.”

They continue eating. Arc turns to Shadow.

“So… are we going back to business as usual tomorrow?”

“Yup. After all, the townsponies need us. No matter what they think of Sunshine and Snowflake.”

“Yes, dear. We are the only business in town, after all.”

Snowflake sighs. “I guess. But this still doesn’t feel right.”

Arc frowns. “Which part?”

“None of it really. I mean… everypony thinks mom and I are bad.”

Shadow nods. “That’s true.”

“But it’s our job to forage for stuff everypony needs.”

Sunshine smiles at her daughter. “Right, Snowflake.”

“We have the most dangerous job in the village. But at the same time, get treated like bad ponies!”

Snowflake looks to Arc.

“That and everypony’s afraid of Big Brother!”

Arc shrugs. “I can’t really begrudge them that. After all, I was pretty angry last night.”

Sunshine nods. “For good reason I would say. But what are you getting at, Snowflake?”

“It just seems like everypony in town should be… I don’t know… admiring us for all we do!”

Shadow chuckles. “Really should be, yes.”

“Or at the very least, showing us a little bit of respect!”

Sunshine pats the filly’s head. “Now, Snowflake… we don’t do what we do for fame or glory. But because it needs to be done.”

Shadow grins. “Yeah! But the bits do help.”

“But…!”

Arc turns to the filly. “Look at it this way, Snowflake. The thing about gratitude is this. It doesn’t mean much when you have to ask for it.”

“I guess so. But I’d be happy enough if everypony at least didn’t accuse mom of things they couldn’t prove.”

Sunshine sighs. “And I’d be happy if they’d leave you out of it, Snowflake.”

Shadow scoffs. “Yeah, well… we can’t change their minds.”

Arc frowns. “Maybe not. But it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“How, Big Brother?”

“Just do the best you can. And if that’s not enough, nothing will convince them.”

Sunshine groans. “There must be something more that we could do.”

Shadow goes back to his plate. “Your best is your best. There’s nothing more to give.”

They finish eating and clear the table as Shadow walks over to a keg nearby.

“Nothing like a nice tankard after a fine meal.”

Snowflake grunts. “Come on, dad! You do that all the time!”

Shadow grins. “I know! It’s what I live for!”

Arc frowns. “Don’t you think you should slow down? After all, doing that every night can’t be good for your liver.”

Shadow pats his belly. “But the workout Sunshine gives my heart gets afterwards more than makes up for it.”

“Why don’t you put Snowflake to bed upstairs, Big Brother? It looks like she’s had a busy day.”

Arc sighs. “Sure.”

Snowflake yawns as Arc helps her down from the chair and leads her upstairs. Entering her small room, she hops up into the bed and lays down. Arc looks at her, confused.

“You don’t want to head to the barn?”

Snowflake shakes her head sleepily. “Nah. I’m tired enough to fall asleep right here.”

She fluffs the pillow as Arc covers her up.

“Good night, Big Brother.”

“Night.”

Arc lays down on the floor and does his best to make himself comfortable. A few minutes later he hears Snowflake’s light snore in the stillness of the room. Staring up at the ceiling he frowns.

“Shadow should be getting to it any time now.”

He waits, but hears nothing. A short time later the sound of hooffalls coming up the stairs can be heard. The door opens and Sunshine pokes her head inside.

“Excuse me.”

Arc sits up. “Sunshine? What’s…?”

“Would you follow me, please?”

Getting up, Arc does as he is told. Walking downstairs with Sunshine he spots Shadow sitting at the table. A tankard sits next to the unconscious stallion.

“Can you put him to bed for me?”

“Sure.”

Picking Shadow up, Arc carries him to bed. Laying him down, Sunshine covers her husband with a blanket before tenderly kissing his forehead.

“Good night, dear. Don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll take care of everything.”

Confused, Arc leaves the room with Sunshine. They return to the kitchen together.

“Shadow must drink pretty fast. I was just upstairs with Snowflake for a few minutes.”

Sunshine shakes her head. “Not this time.”

Arc frowns. “What do you mean? He was OUT!”

“Take a look at his cup.”

Arc walks over to the table and picks up the tankard.

“Full?”

Sunshine nods. “He didn’t have a drop tonight.”

“Then why did he…?”

Sunshine holds up an empty vial. “Just a bit of this in his supper.”

“Some kind of sleeping tonic?”

“Yes. And a bit in Snowflake’s food as well.

“What?! But… why would you…?”

“Big Brother, I need your help.”

“Um… with what exactly?”

Sunshine walks over to her workbench and picks up the potion Arc retrieved for her earlier.

“It’s ready.”

Arc looks at the bottle. “There… appears to be a bit missing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, that bottle definitely had more in it when I… um…”

Sunshine smiles as she sets down the bottle. Arc frowns.

“Sunshine… you…?”

“I drank some, yes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s was a few mouthfuls at least. Are you sure that’s safe?”

Sunshine nods. “Only a sip for me. The rest was mixed into your food.”

“WHAT?!”

“Don’t worry. It won’t hurt you.”

“But why would you do that?!”

“Like I said a moment ago… I need your help.”

Sunshine walks over to the table and puts her front hooves up on it as she swishes her tail to one side. She turns her head and smiles at Arc.

“I want you to breed me right now.”

“But… but Shadow…!”

“…is impotent.”

“How did you two have Snowflake then?!”

Sunshine sighs happily. “A very long night of hard, rough, passionate sex. He shouldn’t have been able to impregnate me. But somehow he did. However, lightning seldom strikes the same place twice.”

“But, I can’t…!”

“You asked before if you could help! If I get pregnant, Shadow won’t hurt me anymore trying to accomplish the impossible!”

“Why me though?! I mean… we’re not even the same species!”

“Because your strong, brave, powerful, and so forth. But you’re also Kind, nurturing, and best of all… loving.”

“Th-thank you?”

Sunshine blushes as her eyes drift down to the front of Arc’s pants. “That and I’ve seen you uncovered before. Your phallus should be more than long enough to reach my womb.”

“But I don’t…!”

“Come now. I told you before that I wanted to study your body. Think of this like you studying mine too if that helps.”

Arc backs away. “Look, Sunshine. I… I like you and all, but this is a bit of a stretch.”

Sunshine hops down from the table and walks over to him. “And I like you too. After all, I wouldn’t lift my tail to just anypony. Not even for science.”

She backs him into a wall as she speaks. Arc trips and falls backwards.

“You’ll make a wonderful father. And I’m sure Snowflake would be thrilled that such a loving stallion was going to be taking care of us both.”

“What about Shadow though?!”

“He was never much for commitment. After all, I’ve seen him going into several mare’s houses before.”

Sunshine grins as she looks into his eyes.

“If you’d like, we’ll leave here tonight with Snowflake and start a new family together somewhere else.”

“But it’s safe for you and Snowflake here in town!”

Sunshine sits down in his lap and nuzzles his chest. “True. But if what I’ve been told about you really is true, you’ll be able to protect us.”

She looks into his eyes and smiles.

“If you’ll do that for Snowflake and I, you have my word that I’ll lift my tail for you anytime you want. So… will you help me build a real family together?”

“What?! NO!”

Arc pushes Sunshine off his lap and runs out the door. Grinning, Sunshine gives chase. He runs to the barn and closes the door behind him. Breathing heavily, Arc pushes a heavy crate in front of it before walking over to the makeshift bed and flopping down on his stomach.

“What’s gotten into her?! Sunshine’s always been a very timid mare from what I’ve seen!”

Rolling over onto his back, he spots Sunshine standing over him, grinning. Arc sits up quickly.

“How did you…?!”

“Window. Now then… let’s get to work!”

Sunshine jumps on him and presses her body against his. Arc notices her breathing has increased and her face is flushed.

“My body… is ready to be bred! Take me! Give me your seed! Put a foal in my belly right now!”

“Sunshine, STOP!!!”

The mare pulls back at Arc’s sudden outburst. Rolling off of him, she begins shaking uncontrollably.

“What… what am I doing?!”

She looks to Arc, clearly frightened.

“H-help me!”

“What do you need?!”

“TO BREED!”

She shakes her head and bangs it against a wall several times before falling to the floor.

“Sunshine!”

“Help… me…”

“How?!”

“Tie… tie me up! Rope… in the corner!”

Arc runs over and picks up the rope. Returning to Sunshine’s side he quickly ties her hooves together.

“Now what?!”

“Gag me!”

“Huh?!”

“So I can’t talk! Use a rag!”

Grabbing a nearby cloth, Arc quickly ties it around the mare’s head to silence her.

“Now what?!”

Sunshine attempts to say something, but cannot. Arc pulls it away.

“Feel my forehead!”

Arc gasps as he does so. “It’s hot! Are you sick?!”

Sunshine shakes her head. “No, it’s a side effect! Now listen! You cannot for any reason untie me until my forehead feels normal, okay?!”

“How long will that take?!”

“Probably all night. Please breed me!”

She bangs her head on the floor again violently and struggles to free herself.

“S-sorry! Whatever I do or say, DON’T untie me until my fever’s gone!”

“Okay. Anything else?”

“Just… rut me! Fill my womb with your seed!”

Sighing, Arc puts the gag back over Sunshine’s mouth as she continues to writhe on the floor.

“Let’s get you to bed.”

Picking up the frantic mare, Arc carries her to the makeshift bed and lays her down. Her breathing quickens as her tail raises violently to reveal her genitals. Arc sits down and puts his hand on her head.

“It’s okay. Everything’s going to be fine.”

The mare squirms aggressively trying to free herself. Arc grabs a spare blanket and throws it over Sunshine as she screams violently into the gag. Sighing, he pulls her close as she grinds on his thigh. Forcing her head against his chest, he looks down at her.

“Listen to me, Sunshine. I’m going to take care of you until this… passes. You’re going to be okay. Now please try to get some sleep.”

The mare continues to squirm as Arc holds her close. He feels something wet leaking through her blanket and sighs.

“It’s going to be a long night.”

Chapter 11 - Honesty

The next morning Arc awakens at dawn. Looking down at Sunshine he sees her face still pressed against his chest. Sitting up, he puts a hand to the mare’s forehead.

“Feels normal to me.”

As he unwraps the blanket the unmistakable scent of the mare’s nocturnal secretions greets him strongly. Arc sighs.

“Kinda figured that’s what that was.”

Slowly and carefully Arc unties Sunshine. Soon her hooves are free from their bonds. Arc cautiously removes the gag. Not surprisingly, he finds it soaked with her saliva. Standing up, Arc makes his way back to the house for a thermal bulb. Returning, he fills the tub behind the barn before heading inside to get Sunshine. Picking the mare up, she groans and slowly opens her eyes.

“You okay?”

Sunshine nods groggily. “What… happened?”

She sniffs the air as her eyes widen.

“It wasn’t a dream!”

“What wasn’t?”

“Me… um… wanting to be bred.”

Arc shakes his head as he walks out the barn door. “No, that really happened.”

Sunshine covers her face with her hooves as she blushes deeply.

“I… don’t really know what to say.”

“Let’s get you cleaned up. Don’t want anyone seeing you like this.”

“Or smelling.”

“That too.”

Carrying her around to the back of the barn, Arc carefully lowers Sunshine into the large tub. She winces in pain as she touches the bottom.

“What is it?”

“My fetlocks!”

She lifts a hoof from the water. Arc sees bruising all around it.

“Sorry. I must’ve tied you up too tight.”

Sunshine shakes her head. “No… that was from me struggling so much.”

“Maybe. You were really… active last night.”

Sunshine sighs as she lowers her chin to sit just above the waterline. “I… do remember that, yes.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Sunshine breaks it.

“Big Brother, I… um… need to apologize for what I said and did.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, it really isn’t!”

Arc shrugs. “What’s done is done.”

Sunshine leans back against the wall of the tub and sits on her haunches. Looking down at her belly, she puts her front hooves on it and smiles weakly.

“I… suppose that’s true. Now, I want you to know that Shadow doesn’t need to know the truth about this.”

“Truth?”

“That he isn’t the father of my foal.”

“Wait, what?”

“Believe me, it’s for the best. If he knew that you were the one whom impregnated me, I’m sure he’d be quite upset.”

“But I didn’t!”

“Didn’t what?”

“Have sex with you last night!”

Sunshine looks up at Arc, clearly confused. “You… didn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “No! After I tied you up I held you to try and keep you from squirming so much and getting hurt!”

“So… you didn’t… give me what I asked for?”

“You weren’t yourself back then.”

“I… thank you.”

“No problem.”

“Look, I need to say something.”

“What is it?”

Sunshine sighs. “The things that happened last night… they were completely and one-hundred percent my fault.”

“Not exactly. You were under the influence of the potion, weren’t you?”

“Yes. But I… I chose to add it to your food.”

“We all make mistakes.”

“I did that knowing full well what it would do to me. And… to you.”

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

“That potion increases fertility, of course. But one of the side effects is a dramatic increase in hormone levels.”

She looks away before continuing.

“I… was hoping you’d be so overcome with lust that you wouldn’t think twice about impregnating me.”

“What about Shadow?”

“The things I told you last night weren’t lies. He really is impotent.”

“Then why is he trying to get you pregnant every night?”

“Shadow is in denial on that subject. He thinks that if he puts his load in me enough times it’ll work.”

“But it won’t I’m assuming.”

Sunshine shakes her head. “Not a chance.”

“How did the first time happen then?”

“A miracle is all I can come up with.”

She turns to look at Arc as she rests her hooves on the side of the tub.

“I really do want another foal though. If you’d be willing, I’d still like you to mate with me at some point.”

Arc sighs. “Look, I don’t feel right taking someone else’s wife like that. It just feels so… wrong.”

“He’ll never know. And I’m sure Snowflake would like to have a little brother or sister.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Sunshine.”

“Why not?”

“Because… for some reason I feel as if there’s someone out there waiting for me.”

“Did you get your memory back?”

“No. It’s… just a feeling I have.”

Sunshine smiles at him. “That’s very noble. If you ever change your mind, please let me know and I’ll put some sleeping potion in Shadow and Snowflake’s food again. You won’t have to worry about us being discovered that way.”

“Um… thanks. I think.”

Meanwhile, Dinky rises with the sun and makes her way to her friend’s rooms to tell them of her discovery.

“And that’s what we found.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “So you’re saying you saw some kind of weird bat/pony hybrid outside last night?”

“Yes.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Are you sure you didn’t just dream it?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Sereb was there too.”

“Indeed. Everything transpired just as Dinky says.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “So let’s just assume that’s true. What do we do now?”

Sereb growls. “Move on before they can do anything about it would be my suggestion.”

Apple Bloom turns to Dinky. “We probably should. I mean… we’re pretty much healed up now.”

“Right. And I don’t feel good eating all their food.”

Sweetie Belle nods as she turns to Dinky. “So when do we go?”

“How about right now?”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I guess we should probably leave before we eat another meal here.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Now then, do we just walk out the front door? Or maybe leave somewhat more covertly?”

Sereb smiles toothily. “Subterfuge would be best right now.”

Dinky nods. “Agreed.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But we can’t leave without doing something for them in return!”

Dinky smiles at her friend. “And we will, Apple Bloom. We’ll use my dad’s gauntlet to teleport to Ponyville. It’s still really early, so nopony should be around.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “But where will we get food from? Sweet Apple Acres?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. There’s a bunch of supplies at my dad’s old base that’s just sitting there.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “You’re suggesting we STEAL the food from Light’s Hope?!”

Sweetie Belle shrinks back, clearly nervous as she looks to Dinky. “But… isn’t that a really big crime?!”

“Stealing from the military is, yes. But I think this is a prime example of extenuating circumstances.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Were Arc here I am sure he would authorize it.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I agree. But what do we do if we get caught?”

“Run?”

Dinky shrugs. “There hasn’t been any soldiers stationed at Light’s Hope since my dad became Lord Regent again.”

Sereb nods. “That is true. As far as I know there has not been any movement whatsoever from Canterlot to either permanently close the facility or reclaim its supplies.”

“Right. They’re just sitting there waiting to be used. So, are you three with me or not?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Sure! Let’s help these ponies!”

Sereb grins. “Such would have been the will of Arc. I too will aid you.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Fine. But if we get caught, I’m blaming you three.”

“Okay! Let’s get moving!”

Dinky walks over to the saddlebags with Sereb. The large wolf uses his magic to pick them up and fasten them along with his saddle. Removing Arc’s gauntlet, Dinky uses it to make a sigil on the floor before stepping onto it.

“Let’s go everypony.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walk over to stand with Dinky and Sereb. Powering up the sigil, they are transported to Arc’s quarters in Light’s Hope. Dinky sighs and looks around.

“I… sorta hoped he’d be here.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “I know what you mean. Some days I think my own parents are going to walk right through my front door.”

Sereb nods soberly. “Indeed. You must not give up hope, Dinky.”

“Can you three give me a few minutes alone please?”

Sweetie Belle looks to the door. “Want us to wait in the hall?”

Dinky shakes her head as she heads for the back door. “No. I just need a few minutes alone.”

Leaving the building, Dinky closes the door behind her. Looking around the field she sighs and walks over to her father’s memorial. Reaching it, she puts a hoof on the shiny marble and sits down.

“Your scent still lingers in your quarters, dad. It… kinda feels like you’re just on a faraway trip somewhere and that you’ll come back to me someday. I still believe you’re alive though, and hope you’re doing well. This journey with my friends… is this what it’s like to go on a mission, dad?”

Smiling, Dinky pauses to gather her thoughts.

“It hasn’t been easy. We all got stung by a really big snake and were hurt pretty bad. Just like you were during that trip to Griffonstone for the treaty signing. I wish I could have come with you. Have come on all your adventures actually. You wouldn’t have had time to spend with me, of course. But I’d be happy just being by your side. Even if things were dangerous, I promise I wouldn’t be afraid.”

Taking a deep breath, Dinky clears her mind and remembers her father for a few minutes before speaking again.

“I’m going to find you again, dad. Whether that means bringing you home safely… or burying you here properly like you deserve. I’m sorry I had to run away from home and leave mom behind. But… but this journey is just something I feel like I need to do. The problem right now is that I don’t really know where to go from here. If you can hear me… can I get an idea?”

Silence ensues as a warm breeze blows through the trees. A very slight clattering is heard. Dinky looks up at the marble monument and spots a small piece of her father’s armor. Standing up she looks at it for a long moment before nodding soberly.

“Thanks dad. Now I know where to go next.”

Turning, Dinky heads back toward the base. Returning to her father’s quarters she looks to her friends.

“Sorry to keep you all waiting. Now let’s go.”

They nod. Dinky leads them out to the corridor and toward the cafeteria. Entering the empty room they make a beeline for the kitchen. Apple Bloom turns to Sweetie Belle.

“So what should we grab?”

“Probably nothing in the refrigerators are good anymore.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Right. Now then, let’s grab everything in the pantry. Sealed packages and canned goods will be best for long term storage in the village.”

Sereb looks around. “I can push the table aside to give you room to place a sigil, Dinky.”

“Good idea. We can set everything down on it and teleport it all at once.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Now that we have a plan, let’s do it!”

Sweetie Belle nods happily. “Right! Those ponies over there have suffered long enough!”

They get to work passing the food from hoof to hoof from the pantry to the new kitchen sigil. As they reach the halfway point, Sereb’s ears prick up as he turns from his place in the pantry.

“Someone is coming!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “What?!”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “But there’s nopony here. Maybe you…”

She is cut of as the kitchen door opens and Arc’s squad walks in. Dinky casts a spell and the pantry door slams shut behind her. Everyone stands there for a moment silently. Max is the first to speak.

“Um… hi, Dinky.”

Hugh looks at the food on the floor. “You, uh… you hungry?”

Viktor smiles nervously. “We can cook you and your friends something if you want.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. Um… what they said.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “We’re in trouble, aren’t we?”

Xenos looks away. “What for?”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Trying to steal food.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Sweetie Belle!”

Max nods soberly. “Dinky… I need you to tell me exactly what’s going on here.”

“We… came here to take the food from the pantry with my dad’s gauntlet.”

Hugh frowns. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Viktor groans. “Not in the least. There’s plenty of food over at the orphanage for you to eat if the need arises.”

Xenos walks over to Dinky. “I know you miss your dad, Dinky. But he taught you better than to steal.”

“We’re not really stealing it, Mister Xenos.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right! We’re… um… what would you call this?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Um… borrowing?”

Hugh frowns. “We’re you planning to return it?

Sweetie Belle sighs and looks down. “Are we under arrest?”

Max shakes his head. “No, but I’m surprised at you three. Why in Celestia’s name would you even consider…?”

He is cut off as the pantry door opens and Sereb walks out.

“Our need was great.”

Xenos gasps. “Sereb?!”

Hugh frowns. “What are you doing in there?!”

“Assisting Dinky and her friends in their efforts to remove the food from the panty.”

Viktor gasps. “You were HELPING THEM?!”

“Yes.”

Max grits his teeth. “Why?!”

“There is a village of ponies in need of proper nutrition.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“We were taking the food from the pantry, as we believed there was no longer anyone stationed here.”

Sweetie Belle nods fervently. “Right! They need it!”

Dinky sighs. “We were trying to do what my dad did for Abyssinia.”

Apple Bloom gestures with a hoof. “Just on a smaller scale.”

Hugh turns to Max. “What should we do?”

“This is against regulations.”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah. But we can’t let others starve!”

Hugh nods. “Xenos is right. The commander wouldn’t want us to sit on food stores if others needed them.”

Max looks to Dinky.

“We’ll help you stack this stuff up so you can take it.”

“Thank you, Mister Max. We’ll leave enough for you and the others though.”

“No. It sounds like you need it more.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “But what will you eat?!”

Xenos sighs. “We’ll start doing writs to make ends meet.”

Hugh nods. “Yeah. We don’t need much, what with housing already covered.”

Viktor grins. “All of us will be like the commander when he first came to Equestria.”

Sereb’s horn glows. “Let us get to work.”

With the aid of Arc’s squad they quickly transfer the entire contents of the pantry to the kitchen sigil. Dinky turns back to the squad and smiles.

“Thanks a lot. We need to get back there now though so we can deliver this food and continue our journey.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Right. Can you tell my sister I’m doing okay?”

Xenos nods. “Sure. What’s with the bandages though?”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “We had a run-in with something kinda big and mean in the forest.”

Dinky cuts in. “We’re doing okay though.”

Sereb nods. “Right. I will stay with them until this matter is resolved.”

“Tell Applejack I’ll be home when I can.”

“And let my mom know I’m okay too please.”

Max gasps. “Wait! Your mother hasn’t been at work lately.”

“Huh? Where did she go?”

Hugh shrugs. “No idea. We went to check on her one day and she wasn’t there.”

Apple Bloom groans. “Maybe she went to Canterlot to look for us?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Probably. She’ll come back when she doesn’t find us there though.”

Xenos turns to Dinky. “You should leave her a note at your house though.”

Hugh nods. “Right. I’m sure she’d appreciate hearing from you when she gets back.”

“Okay. We’ll run down there so I can leave her a note. Thanks for understanding, everypony.”

Xenos grins. “It’s cool.”

Hugh smiles. “Right. You just stay safe out there.”

Viktor salutes her. “We’ll be here if you need anything.”

Max pats Dinky’s head. “Take care.”

The squad listens to the sound of their small hooves running down the corridor. The front doors open and click shut as they turn to one another. Xenos is the first to speak.

“Did we really do the right thing?”

Viktor sighs. “You mean letting them go?”

Hugh shrugs. “What else could we do?”

Max frowns. “Right. Those three have powers we can’t even begin to understand. I’m just glad they’re using it for good.”

Xenos shakes his head. “Equestria help us if they ever did otherwise.”

Viktor chuckles. “The commander did his best to instill proper morals into her. When he had time to do that is beyond me though.”

The others nod in approval. Meanwhile, Dinky and the others hurry down the path toward town. Reaching the small house they run inside.

“Mom!”

There is no answer. Sweetie Belle looks to the dark fireplace.

“It doesn’t look like she’s been here in a while.”

Dinky trots over to the kitchen table. “Well, just let me write a quick note letting her know we’re okay and we’ll be off.”’

As Dinky sits down Apple Bloom spots something nearby.

“Hey, what’s that on the sigil?”

Walking over to it, she picks it up and trots over to Dinky.

“Looks like a note.”

“Let me see.”

Dinky takes the note from Apple Bloom and unfolds it.

“It’s from my mom!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “She must’ve had the same idea!”

Apple Bloom grins. “What’s it say?!”

“Let’s see…”

Dear Dinky,

I hope this letter finds you well. If you’re reading this then I guess I’m not back yet. Twilight and her friends left town with me to try and find you. Hopefully you’re alright. But I guess if your reading this you’re doing okay. We’re going to Canterlot to try and meet up with you, but somehow I doubt you’ll be there when we arrive.

Reading over that last part, I’ve found that I’m not very good at writing letters. So I guess I’ll just say a few things I wish I had said when you were here. I’m so very proud of the young mare you’re growing up to be. You’re strong, honest, brave, and smart… just like your father. All of us know you’re doing the best you can to find him. We’re working on investigating things here in Canterlot too. Hopefully together we can figure this mess out and bring your father home. Just stay safe out there. You know your father and I wouldn’t want you to get hurt over this.

Rarity and Applejack are worried about Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Please remember their safety too before acting. Listen to Sereb, and be sure to think through a situation before things get out of hoof. I really wish I had some better advice for you, sweetie. But as you know… I’m not a smart mare. Which is why I’m so very glad somepony like Arc took you in and saw to it you were raised to be such a good filly.

I’m looking forward to the day when we can all be together again.

Stay safe,

Mom

Dinky folds the paper back up and lays it down.

“Mom… is supportive of my decision to… look for dad?”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “I thought she’d be telling you to come home.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Rarity would have for sure.”

Sereb smiles. “Perhaps it would be best if you wrote your own letter so we could be off, Dinky.”

Dinky nods as she picks up a pencil with her magic. “Right. And I think I know exactly what I want to say now.”

Chapter 12 - Unlikely Sources

Stepping onto the sigil in the corner of the room with the others, Dinky powers it up. A split second later she regrets that decision as they appear on top of the stacked up food, scattering it across the room. Arc’s squad rushes in with Max in the lead.

“What happened?!”

Dinky sighs as she looks around. “Let’s just say that we should’ve walked back and leave it at that.”

Apple Bloom groans. “Yeah.”

Sweetie Belle lays on her back. “We feel kinda silly right now.”

Sereb chuckles. “At least no one was hurt.”

Xenos grins. “In any case, let’s get this mess cleaned up.”

Hugh nods. “Right.”

A short time later the provisions are restacked on the sigil. Dinky pulls out her father’s gauntlet and hops up on the pile.

“I’ll get this stuff over to the village.”

Sereb frowns. “And us?”

“As soon as I can I’ll open the portal.

Sweetie Belle waves. “We’ll be waiting.”

Dinky grins and powers up the sigil. A moment later both she and the food vanish. Reappearing on the sigil back in her hospital room, Dinky moves to hop down. However, the pile shifts and she crashes noisily to the floor. Doctor Lighthoof runs into the room.

“Dinky?! Are you…?!”

She stops talking as her eyes rest on the pile of food.

“What’s… where did…?!”

“Um… it’s kinda complicated.”

Lighthoof helps her up and sighs.
“It’s still very early, you know. I’m sure your friends would like to sleep a bit longer. Please try not to wake them. Now then, about this…”

“They’re already up.”

“Oh? How do you know?”

“Because we… um… left for a bit.”

Lighthoof puts a hoof on Dinky’s head. “Now, now. You shouldn’t be going outside in your condition. It’s not safe.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I don’t understand.”

“One second. I need to get my friends back here first.”

Dinky channels her magic into the gauntlet and opens a portal. Doctor Lighthoof gasps.

“What is…?!”

“You’ll see.”

A few moments later Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Sereb walk through. They look to Lighthoof as Dinky closes the portal. Sweetie Belle grimaces.

“Uh oh.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “We can explain!”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed. But it will not be simple, I assure you.”

Dinky nods. “You see… we need to be moving on. But at the same time, all of us wanted to repay you for your kindness.”

“Oh, you don’t have to…”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Yes, we did. None of us would have made it out of the forest without everypony’s help.”

Sereb smiles. “And you tended to our wounds. For that, we thank you.”

Apple Bloom gestures to the pile. “Consider this a gift from the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

Lighthoof raises an eyebrow. “The what now?”

Dinky giggles. “Sorry. That what we call our little group. Please see to it that this food is properly distributed.”

“I… um… I will. But you four really shouldn’t leave just yet. Your wounds are still tender.”’

Apple Bloom rubs her backside. “We’ll be okay.”

Dinky nods. “Right.”

“Well, thank you very much for the food. All of you are welcome here in Safe Haven anytime you need a place to rest.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “We might take you up on that someday.”

Sereb gestures to the floor. “Might we leave this sigil here?”

“That circle thing on the ground?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. We can use it to come back later if need be.”

Apple Bloom turns to the doctor. “Having a link to an out of the way hospital might come in handy at some point if we run into trouble.”

“By all means, it’s the least we can do for you!”

Dinky appears relieved. “Thanks. Well, take care of yourself, Doctor Lighthoof.”

She opens a portal and motions for the others to walk though. Lighthoof calls out to her.

“Dinky?”

“Yes?”

“Who are you really?”

“I’m just Dinky.”

“You have to be more than that! No filly is as brave or thoughtful as you!”

“Honestly, I’m just a filly who’s looking for her dad. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

Lighthoof smiles. “And I hope you find him. Be safe.”

Dinky nods and steps through the portal. The doctor looks at the food for a long time. Eventually she smiles and turns to leave the room.

“The chief will be very pleased to hear of this.”

Meanwhile, Dinky steps out of the portal and walks over to her friends.

“What are we doing at the Winsome Falls, Dinky?”

“Yeah. I mean, it’s really pretty and all. But we have a job to do.”

Sereb nods. “I am sure you have your reasons.”

Dinky walks over to Sereb’s saddlebags. “Right.”

She pulls out the scrap of her father’s cape. Unwrapping it, she looks over the items they’ve found thus far. Putting the gauntlet back with the other mementos, she returns the wrapping to its place in the saddlebag before turning back to the others.

“The trail’s gone cold in the forest. While I get the feeling my dad was there, I know he wouldn’t want us traveling through there by ourselves.”

Apple Bloom looks around. “What does that have to do with this place?”

“We know that Captain Decimus was there when my dad was thrown out the window. So he knows the truth regarding what really happened back then.”

Sereb nods soberly. “Indeed. However, I do not believe he would tell us were we to ask.”

Sweetie Belle shudders. “Right. Nor is he out here.”

Dinky turns and looks toward the falls. “Well, if I can’t ask him, I’ll do the next best thing and ask a friend of his.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Who?”’

“Tempest.”

Sereb growls. “What?!”

Sweetie Belle looks around cautiously. “She lives around here?!”

“In an abandoned village a couple hours walk from here.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “How do you know that?!”

“We found it during our family vacation to the falls.”

Sereb growls. “How?!”

“My dad thought he heard voices during the night. The next morning we just started walking as my dad followed his instincts.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “That was a lucky break.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Or not, considering who Tempest is.”

“Well, I know she and Decimus are friends. And it’s normal for friends to tell each other their deepest, darkest secrets. So she might be the only other pony in all of Equestria who knows what actually happened.”

Sereb frowns. “But will she tell us.”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Probably not.”

Sweetie Belle shudders. “Right! She’s a really mean pony!”

Dinky sighs. “That’s true. But we really don’t have any other leads to follow.”

Sereb looks toward the tree line. “If you can give me directions I will carry you three to your destination.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure? You’re not exactly fully healed yet.”

“Neither are you three.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “He raises a good point.”

Dinky turns to Sereb. “Kinda. Are you sure we won’t hurt you, Sereb?”

“I am. The three of you are much lighter than anyone else to ride me in the past.”

“Let’s take him up on it. We’ll get there that much quicker too.”

“But be sure to let us know if you need to take a break.”

“Very well, but that goes for you three as well.”

Mounting Sereb, they make their way in the direction Dinky indicates. Eventually Sweetie Belle points a hoof ahead.

“Hey! Is that an old road?!”

Apple Bloom pulls out a paper. “There isn’t anything on the map.”

Dinky grins. “Trust me, that fact came up last time I was here too.”

Sereb turns to the fillies. “If we follow this, where will it lead?”

“A forgotten town called ‘Stableton’.”

Apple Bloom looks over the chart. “I don’t get it. How could an entire town just be left out on the map.”

Dinky sighs. “Because everypony living there disappeared a long time ago.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “What?! And we’re GOING there?!”

Sereb frowns. “So it would seem.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Right. But you two can’t tell anypony where this town is, or even that it exists.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Because its sole survivor wouldn’t be too thrilled.”

Sweetie Belle appears nervous. “You mean…?”

“Yes. Tempest Shadow.”

Following the path, they eventually reach the edge of town. Apple Bloom gasps.

“There really IS a town way out here!”

“I can’t believe it either!”

Sereb growls. “We would do well not to stay here longer than absolutely necessary.”

Dinky frowns. “Yeah, well… we can’t leave until Tempest tells us something we can use!”

“Where should we start looking?”

“It’s not a very big town, but…

Dinky hops off Sereb’s back. “Tempest’s house is this way.”

“While I’m almost afraid to ask this, but… how do you know that, Dinky?”

“I’ve been there before with my dad.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “What for?!”

“We stayed the night. She may be kinda scary, but Tempest isn’t exactly the cold and calculating mare everypony makes her out to be.”

Sereb growls. “I have only seen the screeching banshee in that light before!”

Apple Bloom turns to Sweetie Belle. “Well, we did see her in Baltimare helping feed the hungry.”

“Maybe she isn’t really all THAT bad then.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Doubtful.”

Dinky leads them down the overgrown road. Eventually they come to Tempest’s house.

“I think the rest of you should stay on the road. She might not take so many visitors at once very well.”

Sereb frowns. “I do not like the idea of you going to that door alone!”

Dinky sighs. “Neither do I. But Tempest kinda respects me due to our… shared history, I guess.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’m confused too.”

“Back at the New Beginnings Orphanage I really impressed her. She thought that I’d be something special someday.”

Sereb nods. “Your father believed that too. However…!”

“Sereb, I… I need to do this. Now please stay back with the others.”

“…very well.”

Dinky walks up the steps and over to the front door. Taking a deep breath, she knocks loudly. A few seconds later Light’s Bane stabs through the door about a foot or so over Dinky’s head. Pulling the spear back inside, the door flies open and Tempest looks around. Turning her gaze down, she glares at Sereb and the others as the wolf frantically pulls Dinky back with a Telekinesis Spell.

“I have you!”

“What are YOU doing here?!”

Dinky frowns as she walks forward to stand on the porch again. “My friends and I need to talk to you!”

“About WHAT?!”

Dinky narrows her eyes as she looks up at Tempest. “I think you already know.”

There is a long and tense silence which none of them attempt to break. Eventually Tempest throws her spear over her shoulder and turns to walk inside.

“Come in.”

Dinky motions to her friends to follow. They slowly enter the dim house together as Sereb positions himself between Tempest and the fillies as their host walks toward the fireplace and sits down on her haunches.

“Sit with me, Dinky.”

Sereb growls. “I don’t believe…!”

“NOW!”

Dinky calmly walks toward the mare and sits down across from her. They look at each other for a long time before Tempest cracks a smile.

“You’re just like your father.”

“How so?”

“He was one of the few stallions in my adult life to be able to look me in the eye without his knees knocking.”

“You don’t scare me.”

Tempest grins wickedly as she looks to her weapon. “With just a flick of my fetlock I could end your life.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“And that thought doesn’t frighten you?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know you won’t.”

Tempest laughs as she tosses the weapon behind her.

“From the moment I laid eyes on you, I could tell you were special.”

“Thanks. But I didn’t come here to talk about the orphanage days.”

Tempest nods. “I figured.”

“What do you know about my dad?”

“That he’s no longer among the land of the living.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “How do you know?”

Sweetie Belle appears frightened. “Did you see his body?”

Tempest shakes her head. “I did not. However from what Decimus told me, he couldn’t have survived both his wounds and the fall.”

“What exactly happened?”

Tempest shrugs. “I don’t actually know.”

Sereb growls. “We’re wasting our time here, Dinky!”

“Maybe. But I think Tempest is hiding something.”

“What reason would I have for lying about it now? Nopony could take me in, nor would it bring Arc back.”

“Maybe not. But my friends and I are looking for him.”

“Chasing after ghosts now?”

“Either we find him alive and well, or we bring his body back to Ponyville to properly lay to rest.”

Tempest nods soberly. “Very noble of you.”

“So can you help us?”

Tempest sighs. “I honestly don’t know, as I wasn’t there.”

Sereb seethes. “But you’re the mate of Decimus! He HAD to tell you!”

“Honesty, I was as upset about that whole matter as your four were.”

She sighs and stands to walk over to the window.

“Arc meant more to me than you know. But I doubt you came here to listen to me talk about adult matters.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Tell me.”

“Alright then. In all honesty, I owed your father a great debt.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “You did?”

Sweetie Belle looks to the mare, clearly skeptical. “How so?”

“There was an incident back in Ponyville some time ago. I became… infatuated with Arc via magical means. Back then I could think of nothing more than having him breed me.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Miserable banshee! Arc would never…!”

“He didn’t take me!”

Dinky speaks in an even tone. “Why not?”

“Because he was a true gentlepony. I was cared for and cured by him back then. Later there was the incident with my sister…”

Sereb scoffs. “When you stabbed her?!”

Tempest sighs. “Yes.”

Apple Bloom nods. “It didn’t look like you did it on purpose from where I stood.”

“Had Arc not acted as he did, I would have killed her. He took her to the hospital for treatment and then back home. She became enamored with him after you and the others visited Baltimare and helped us feed the poor.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “That was fun!”

“Was it?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah!”

“Why?”

Dinky sighs. “We just liked helping out. Same as you, Tempest.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re trying to protect this world and everypony in it. My dad was no different in that regard.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “Methodology, perhaps.”

Dinky turns. “Sereb!”

“No, he’s right. But you need to understand that Decimus and myself… were the same. We’ll do whatever it takes to safeguard this land. No price is too high to achieve that goal. After all, what point is there in victory if everypony is dead or homeless?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Simple. We can rebuild. Those left would make Equestria a land of light and hope again. “

Apple Bloom smiles. “It wouldn’t happen overnight. But I’m sure that by working together anything is possible.”

Sweetie Belle shudders. “That and I wouldn’t want to live the rest of my life knowing I sacrificed others for the sake of our continued survival.”

Tempest grins at Dinky. “I see your friends are just like you.”

“We’re a team. But with the trail cold, we’ve run out of leads. That’s why we came to you. Now then… can you help us?”

“I honestly don’t know for sure what happened, as Decimus isn’t talking to me about it. However, I do have something that… belongs to you.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “What is it?”

“Give me a few minutes.”

Walking over to Light’s Bane, she picks it up and slashes at the air in front of her. Opening a dark portal she walks through it and vanishes from sight. Sereb growls.

“We would do well to leave while she is away!”

Dinky shakes her head. “But she might really have something!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Or she could be going to get somepony to help her take us out!”

Sweetie Belle shudders. “I don’t think she would need help to do that.”

Tempest returns in short order with a sack slung over her shoulder. She drops it in front of Dinky.

“You should have this.”

Opening the bag Dinky reaches inside. Her eyes grow wide as she pulls out the large object inside.

“M-my dad’s helmet?!”

Tempest nods. “Decimus took it from the scene before anypony else arrived. He’s been keeping it ever since.”

Sereb glares at Tempest. “WHY?!”

“As a trophy, I guess.”

Dinky holds the helmet to her chest and smiles.

“Are you there, Miss Cherry.”

Cherry calls out sadly. “Yes, Dinky. I’m here.”

Tempest frowns and steps back, her spear at the ready.

“What was that?!”

“Miss Cherry. She and my dad were going to get married before she… um… passed away.”

Sereb snarls. “By one of your own, Tempest!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Cherry calls out. “It was General Wind Rider. He killed me in an attempt to get to Arc.”

Tempest frowns. “I never liked that coward. However, I’m not taking responsibility for his stupidity.”

Sereb scoffs. “We wouldn’t expect you to.”

Dinky looks at the helmet’s front. “Miss Cherry. We need to know something very important.”

“So do I. What happened to Arc?”

“We… don’t really know?”

Sereb sighs. “The official story is that he was killed by Celestia in self defense.”

Apple Bloom nods soberly. “Yes. But we can’t accept that.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Our hope is to either find him safe and sound, or bring him home to Ponyville for a proper burial.”

Dinky grimaces. “But we’ve run out of leads. Can you tell us exactly what happened that night, Miss Cherry?”

“It… all happened so fast. One moment Arc was talking to Captain Decimus and Admiral Gaston. The next he was…”

Cherry’s voice breaks as she struggles to keep it together.

“…he was stabbed in the back!”

Sereb roars. “WHAT?!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “By who?!”

“Princess Celestia herself!”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes grow wide. “But she would never…!”

Dinky holds the helmet tightly. “Miss Cherry, are you ABSOLUTELY certain of this?!”

“Yes! I saw the whole thing happen! She stabbed your father with her horn before throwing him aside!”

Tempest frowns. “But why would she do that?!”

“I don’t know! Decimus said something strange and the princess… she… she shot Arc with all her might!”

Apple Bloom groans. “That just doesn’t make sense! After all, everypony knows Princess Celestia is a kind and honest ruler!”

Cherry scoffs. “Well, in that moment all I saw was a vicious ANIMAL!”

Sereb frowns. “Can you explain, Miss Cherry?”

“She didn’t appear to be herself. I don’t know if it had to do with what happened to her on Earth, or if she somehow just lost it, but… but that was ANYTHING but princess-like!”

Dinky looks to Tempest. “We have to tell somepony about this!”

“Nopony would believe you.”

Sereb growls. “Says the traitor!”

“Think about it, you beast! You’d be accusing the legitimate ruler of Equestria of committing cold-blooded murder! Do you really think anypony would believe that?!”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “I heard it straight from an eye witness and even I’m having trouble.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe my sister could tell Miss Twilight! She’d know what to do!”

Dinky sighs. “But she’s also the personal student of Princess Celestia. There’s no way she’d take our side over hers!”

Tempest grins at Dinky. “Sounds like Celestia’s little stooge won’t be of help to you.”

“Right.”

Cherry gasps. “We have to do SOMETHING though?!”

Sereb nods soberly “And we will!”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “But what?”

Sweetie Belle turns to Dinky. “We need an airtight case before we can bring our accusations forward.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Right. And it seems to me there’s only one other person who knows exactly what happened then.”

Cherry sighs. “That’s not possible, Dinky. We were the only witnesses to the act.”

“No. My dad was there too. If we find him, he can march straight in to see Princess Luna and tell her about what her sister did.”

Tempest shakes her head. “You amaze me, Dinky. All this talk of toppling a ruling monarch is just plain madness.”

“What else can I do?! She tried to KILL my dad!”

Cherry sniffles. “In all honesty, she may have been successful. The spell she used against your father was unlike anything I’d ever seen or heard of before, Dinky. It literally obliterated Arc’s hydra scale armor!”

Apple Bloom nods. “We’re still with you though, Dinky!”

Sweetie Belle steps forward. “Right!”

Sereb growls. “I will not rest until this matter is fully laid bare for all to see!”

Cherry calls out. “Take me with you too! I’ll help if I can! Even if it’s just to testify against Princess Celestia.”

Tempest nods approvingly. “Very brave of you. She may retaliate against you for your treachery.”

“Seeing as I’m already dead, there isn’t anything she could do to me that would scare me into keeping quiet!”

Dinky sighs. “I guess we’ll have to go back to the forest and keep looking.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Which forest?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “The Southern Hayseed Forest.”

Apple Bloom waves a hoof. “Sweetie Belle, hush!”

Tempest frowns. “You’re going BACK there?!”

Dinky nods. “We don’t have any other choice. If there’s ANY chance my dad is there, we have to keep trying.”

Tempest sighs. “I’m guessing there’s nothing that will dissuade you.”

“Right!”

“Very well.”

She reaches out and pulls Light’s Bane to herself.

“Then I’m coming with you.”

Sereb roars. “WHAT?!”

Cherry screams. “NO!”

Dinky appears confused. “But why, Tempest?”

“I owe your father for all he’s done for me. Even though this is clearly a fool’s errand, he wouldn’t want you to get hurt, Dinky.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “So you’re going to do… what exactly?!”

“Watch your backs. I’m fully aware of every species of animal that dwells in the various forests of Equestria.”

Sweetie Belle forces a small smile. “That’s… almost reassuring.”

Tempest looks them over. “Judging from the bandages on all of you, I’m assuming things weren’t going well over there for you.”

Dinky grimaces. “We got attacked by a big snake. It shot some kind of poisonous spines at us.”

“I’m surprised you survived. But you would do well not to rely so heavily on luck. That and I do have an idea of where we could go for some help.”

Sereb turns to Dinky. “What should we do?”

“You’re asking me?”

“This journey is yours. We will follow you to the end of it. However the choices we make now must be yours.”

Dinky looks to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They smiles at her.

“Whatever you decide to do, we’ll follow.”

“You haven’t led us astray yet.”

Sereb nods. “Do what you believe is right.”

Cherry sighs. “And know that Arc would most certainly approve.”

Dinky nods and turns back to Tempest. She looks at the mare for a long moment before speaking.

“Very well. You can join us, Tempest.”

Chapter 13 - Dark Aid

A short time later Dinky and her friends, along with Tempest, trudge through the Southern Hayseed Forest. The helmet sits on Dinky’s back as Sereb turns to the helmet.

“I’d like to go on record as saying I don’t like this.”

“Neither do I!”

Tempest frowns. “Frankly, I don’t really care. And judging from the bandages on you, fleabag, you couldn’t keep these three safe anyways.”

“I was merely unprepared last time! In the future…!”

Tempest turns and hurls Light’s Bane to her left. A ear splitting howl rings out from the brush as she reaches out a hoof to pull her weapon to herself.

“Anything else?”

Sereb says nothing, but growls. Dinky turns to Tempest.

“So where exactly are you taking us?”

“To the Nightborn Citadel.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Nightborn… where have I heard that name before?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “I can’t seem to place it either.”

Dinky sighs. “They’re a shadowy organization that more or less worship Princess Luna.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “How exactly do you know that, Dinky?”

Tempest appears impressed. “I too would like to know. After all, their existence isn’t something that’s well known by the general public. Must less a filly.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “My dad’s a pretty high ranking member.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “He is?!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Wow, Arc really DOES stay busy!”

“I mean my biological father, Moonlit Dusk.”

Tempest chuckles. “There’s more to you than meets the eye, little one.”

Dinky groans. “How long will it take us to get there?”

“An hour or so from here.”

Sereb appears skeptically. “And they’re friendly?”

Tempest scoffs. “Hardly.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “What?! Then why are we going there?!”

“Because none of you has any idea where to look next!”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I suppose that’s true.”

Cherry calls out. “We really don’t have any choice, do we?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Not really, no.”

Stepping out into a large clearing, everyone looks around. They spot a large stone building built directly into the underside of a large cliff. Dinky nods approvingly.

“Natural camouflage.”

“Correct, Dinky. That’s why nopony can find this place from the air.”

Apple Bloom looks around. “What about the ground?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Anypony could see it from here.”

Tempest chuckles. “Very true. However, nopony would be foolish enough to walk around such a dangerous place without either a very good reason or a death wish.”

Sereb growls. “Let us enter then.”

Cherry shudders. “Yes. And get this over with!”

Tempest approaches the door. Stepping on a number of specific stones on her way, she then bangs on the door. A pony’s voice rings out inside.

“Speak.”

“Darkness incarnate arrives with underlings.”

A click is heard as the lock disengages and the door swings open. Tempest motions for them to follow her. As they enter the building they see a large, round Main Hall illuminated by torches around the perimeter. Ponies in black robes walk to and fro as one beckons them. The one before them speaks with the voice of a female.

“Tempest! Why have you brought those so young into our sanctum?!”

Tempest gestures to Dinky. “This one requires the use of the All-Seeing Eye, Speaker.”

“Are you MAD?! We can’t entrust such an item to a FILLY!”

“She is no ordinary filly. This is the Hero of Light’s daughter, Dinky.”

The Speaker nods. “I see. We have great respect for one connected to the Hero of Light.”

Tempest grins and points a hoof at the mare.

“HA!”

Everyone stops and turns to them as Tempest continues.

“You were sloppy!”

“How so?”

“You used present tense when speaking about the Hero of Light!”

Dinky gasps. “You mean he IS alive?!”

“I did not say…”

“Please! I have to know!”

Apple Bloom hurries forward. “We’re trying to…!”

Tempest yells. “Silence!”

Sereb frowns. “But…”

Tempest looks back to the mare. “It is not wise to give information to those whom won’t do the same in return.”

Cherry calls out. “We could tell them something as a show of good faith. After all…”

The mare walks toward the helmet.

“Is this the Hero of Light’s… helmet?”

Tempest nods. “It is.”

“So the tales on the wind were true.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “What tales?”

“We had heard the Hero of Light had imbued a soul into his armor. Naturally we assumed such things were merely idle chatter.”

Cherry sighs. “No, I’m really in here.”

“Were you absorbed upon death?”

“Yes.”

“We would like to hear more of your experience with such a lost dark arte.”

Tempest steps between them. “Very well. But in return, we seek an audience with the Listener.”

The Speaker nods. “Very well. However, I don’t believe he’ll be very happy to see you, Tempest.”

“As if I cared.”

“Shall we strike the bargain?”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Do what now?”

Tempest turns to Dinky. “Agree to her terms. We give them the helmet for a time and in return we get to see the Listener. They’re the head of the Nightborn Citadel.”

Sereb growls. “Arc would not agree!”

Apple Bloom nods fervently. “Right! How do we know they won’t hurt Miss Cherry?!”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Or take us to see the Listener at all?!”

The Speaker sighs. “We are always true to our word. To do anything less would be an affront to the Night Mother.”

Tempest nods. “She’s right about that. They’re pretty stuffy about such things.”

Dinky turns to the helmet. “What do you think, Miss Cherry?”

“Will I rejoin the others when our interview is done?”

“Yes. In this you have my word.”

“Then I accept.”

Dinky sighs. “Are you sure, Miss Cherry?”

Sereb grunts. “Yes. We can find another way.”

“I am. How do we proceed?”

The mare holds up a dark hoof.

“A simple shake will make our agreement binding.”

She looks at the helmet again before speaking

“However, this is a bit… awkward.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “What is?”

“The helmet does not have hooves with which to make an agreement.”

“Can another do it for me then?”

“Yes. The little one whom bears you will suffice.”

Dinky steps forward and raises a hoof. It clops lightly against the much larger one in front of her.

“The bargain is struck. Come. I will take you to the Heart of the citadel, and the Listener.”

Dinky falls into step behind the Speaker as the others follow closely behind.

“So you’re the Speaker. What does that mean?”

“That I speak for the Listener. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “It’s a fancy way of saying she’s the second-in-command here.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “And the top pony is the Listener?”

“Correct. They alone may converse with the Night Mother, should the need arise that is.”

They come to a large double door. Motioning to the guards, the doors open. They step into a small, dimly lit room. The perimeter holds innumerable books, scrolls, tomes, and various magical artifacts. A figure sits behind a large desk at the end of the room going over several books. The Speaker approaches and kneels respectfully.

“Listener, we have very special guests.”

The Listener nods but does not look up. “Oh?”

“Special Agent Tempest has brought the Hero of Light’s helmet to us.”

“And how is that of interest to me?”

“The rumors about it are indeed true.”

The Listener puts down their quill and looks up at the group. They are silent for a few moments as if weighing what to do.

“I will converse with the helmet privately. Everypony, leave us.”

“Begging your pardon, Listener, but a bargain has been struck to achieve that.”

“Has it now?”

“They would allow an examination and conversation with the soul that resides in the helmet in return for an audience with you.”

“Very well. However, the Earth Pony, white unicorn, and the beast will wait outside with Tempest.”

Tempest growls. “What?!”

“I have spoken!”

“We had a bargain! You can’t…!”

The Speaker shakes her head. “You have no such thing, Tempest. The filly whom holds the helmet is the one whom struck the deal.”

Tempest frowns. “Fine.”

She turns to the others.

“Let’s go.”

They are led out of the room by the Speaker whom closes the door behind them. Dinky turns to the Speaker and grits her teeth.

“Hello again… Moonlit Dusk.”

Sighing, the stallion lowers his cowl and looks at Dinky.

“How did you know it was me?”

“Your voice is burned into my memory.”

“Is it now?”

Dinky nods angrily. “Yes! I still remember the time you told me I wasn’t your daughter!”

Moonlit Dusk frowns. “Whom have you told this to?”

“Nopony.”

“Good! If word of that got out, I’d have quite a few problems.”

Dinky narrows her eyes. “How horrible for you.”

Moonlit Dusk glares at Dinky. “I’ve worked very hard for YEARS to get where I am today! And I’m not too keen on a FILLY of all things being my undoing!”

Cherry gasps. “Undoing?”

“Yes! But let’s get back to the matter at hoof.”

Dinky scoffs. “Fine with me.”

She levitates the helmet over to Moonlit Dusk. He takes it and looks it over.

“Strange…”

“What is?”

“I don’t see any runes on you. And while I definitely feel the enchantments, none of them are powerful enough to bind a soul to an inanimate object.”

“Yet here I am.”

“Indeed. Had I not seen this with my own eyes…”

Dinky stomps her hoof. “We need your help!”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “With what?”

“Tempest said something about me using The All-Seeing Eye.”

Moonlit Dusk drops the helmet. Dinky grabs it with her magic before it hits the ground.

“Is she insane?!”

Dinky shrugs. “Probably.”

“The All-Seeing Eye is our most sacred artifact!”

Cherry gasps. “Is it powerful?”

“Very! The Night Mother herself created it while banished to the moon! It’s one of the few objects that connects us with her!”

Dinky frowns. “What exactly does it do?”

“It can show someone acts that happened in the past. Think of it like looking through a window at a scene unfolding before you.”

“Does it really work?”

“Yes. But only if taken to a place of great dark magic. Now then, what is so important that you need something of such power?”

Dinky looks at Moonlit Dusk soberly. “I need to be able to see what happened to my dad after Princess Celestia shot him.”

“You want us to waste it on something like THAT?!”

Cherry calls out. “Please! She only wants to know the truth of whether or not her father still lives! Is that so much to ask?!”

“It is, actually. You see, the artifact can only be used for a few minutes. And even then only once a year.”

“That would be enough.”

Moonlit Dusk shakes his head. “No, it won’t. You’re not getting anywhere near it!”

Cherry groans. “Isn’t there anything we could do to change your mind?”

Moonlit Dusk shakes his head. “No. Now if there isn’t anything else I suggest you two leave before I grow angry.”

“What about if you and I made a bargain?”

“What could you possibly offer me?”

“We’ll be reporting whatever we find here to Princess Luna. If you help, I’ll tell her you were personally responsible for our success.”

“You would?”

Dinky nods. “Yes.”

“Such a grand accomplishment would be quite the proverbial feather in my cap.”

“All you have to do is lend us the All-Seeing Eye and tell us where we can find a place to use it.”

“Very well. I will do this if you will give me the credit for making this idea happen.”

Dinky holds out a hoof. “Fine.”

Grinning, Moonlit Dusk bumps Dinky’s hoof with his own.

“The bargain is struck.”

“Now what?”

“I will personally hold the artifact until we reach our destination. At that time I will…”

Dinky gasps. “Wait! You’re coming WITH us?!”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “How else would the Eye be transported?”

“Tempest could probably…”

“Not a chance! She’s not to be trusted!”

“But they let her in here so easily.”

“Only because of her past as a Special Agent. That doesn’t mean I have to like her, or her Council of Shadows.”

“Fine. We’ll all go together then.”

Moonlit Dusk narrows his eyes. “I don’t want Tempest there!”

Dinky points a small hoof at him. “And I don’t want YOU there! Besides, who’s to say you’ll hold up your end of the bargain without somepony like her to witness it?!”

Moonlit Dusk nods soberly. “You are a tough negotiator, Dinky. We will leave later today. Meet me at the Hero of Light’s base.”
Cherry gasps. “Light’s Hope?”

“Yes.”

“Fine. But why there?”

“It’s fairly close to a certain very powerful font of Dark Magic within the Everfree Forest. Such will serve our purpose well. That is, if you still want to do this.”

Dinky nods. “I made a deal. We’ll be there. But I’d like to be allowed to bring the others with us too.”

“More bodyguards?”

“Something like that.”

“That is fine. I will be at Light’s Hope tonight as the moon rises.”

Dinky frowns. “Wait! In the middle of the night?!”

Moonlit Dusk smiles. “Such is when a Nightborn is at their most powerful. I can summon creatures of shadow to aid us if things go awry.”

Dinky sighs. “While not encouraging, given our past, I accept.”

“You’re a smart filly, Dinky. Your mother did well raising you.”

“She did her best.”

“The Hero of Light should be proud as well. You’ve apparently inherited his courage and tenacity.”

Dinky scoffs. “’That’s more than I got from you!”

Moonlit Dusk shrugs. “Think what you will of me. But I did what needed to be done. Then… now… and will do more in the future.”

“I doubt that.”

“The world is a MUCH more complicated place than a filly such as yourself could ever know.”

“I’m sure it is. But just keep your end of the bargain.”

Moonlit Dusk grins. “That I will. After all, a Nightborn’s word is his bond.”

Dinky narrows her eyes skeptically. “Yeah… right.”

“Now then, I have quite a few more questions for the helmet.”

Cherry groans. “I do have a name, you know.”

“Do you now?”

“Yes!”

“Just a moment. I want to write all of this down for our records.”

Dinky sighs as Moonlit Dusk pulls out a blanks scroll and begins to write.

Chapter 14 - Turn of Events

Meanwhile, Arc and Snowflake walk through the woods together. She bounds along happily.

“We did pretty good today!”

“Thanks to your keen eyes.”

Snowflake giggles. “It’s easy to see this stuff when I don’t have to worry about something trying to eat me.”

“That may be. But just remember that I’m not infallible.”

“Well, it might also be due to the fact that I’m closer to the ground.”

Arc sighs. “Or that, yes.”

“Something bothering you, Big Brother?”

“…kinda.”

“Maybe you’re just hungry.”

“Yeah.”

They walk on in silence for a few moments before Arc stops. Snowflake looks back, confused.

“What is it? See something?”

“No. Um… can I ask you something?”

“Sure!”

“Your parents don’t have any other… foals, I guess. Does that… bother you?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “Not really. I mean, it’d be really nice to have a younger sibling, I guess.”

“Maybe you just never really thought about it.”

“Nopony’s ever asked.”

She sighs.

“Anything, that is.”

“What are you talking about?”

“When I go into town, nopony even wants to look in my direction. Most of them just turn around and pretend not to notice me. If I’m lucky, that is.”

“And if you’re not?”

“They suddenly look REALLY mad!”

“Why’s that?”

“Because they think my mom and I are helping the Crimsons.”

“Your mother mentioned that the other day.”

“After she was accused?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Snowflake sighs. “We didn’t DO anything!”

“I believe you.”

“Thanks. It means the world to hear somepony say that.”

She turns and looks up at Arc solemnly.

“If I had a little brother or sister, I wouldn’t let ANYPONY hurt them!”

“Oh?”

“That and I’d teach them everything I knew!”

“Like what?”

“How to identify helpful herbs while avoiding the poisonous ones. That and I’d show them how to properly brew potions just like mom taught me.”

“Anything else?”

Snowflake grins. “And… and I’d love them with all my heart! They wouldn’t feel abandoned like I do! Even if they turned out to be a freak like me, I’d still take care of them!”

“You’re not a freak, Snowflake.”

Snowflake sighs. “Trust me. If you knew what I looked like under this robe, you’d agree with me.”

“I’d really like to make that decision for myself.”

“Maybe… um…”

She paws at the ground nervously.

“Sorry. My dad told me not to. After all, it’s not a pretty sight.”

“Well, if Shadow told you to do something, you should probably listen.”

Snowflake sounds relieved. “Thanks for understanding. I mean… it’s not like I WANT to look like this. But it’s… it’s just really hard when you don’t look like everypony else.”

Arc sighs. “That I do understand.”

“Yeah, I suppose you do. Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. You’ve been through more than I have probably.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… I’m guessing wherever I’m from everyone looks like me.”

“So nopony would look twice at you?”

“Again, probably.”

Snowflake sighs. “My dad came up with this cloak idea. The other ponies in town don’t make fun of me now.”

“Do you really think that was the best idea?”

“What do you mean?”

“Maybe it would have been better to let them get used to you as you are rather than just hide under a cloak.”

“I don’t see how. After all, I really am a freak when compared to everypony else.”

She sighs before continuing.

“My mom is the only one who can stand to look at me without this thing on.”

“What about your dad?”

“Like I said, it was his idea to cover me up.”

“How do you feel about him?”

Snowflake groans. “I don’t know. He must care about me somewhat since he keeps me around. But sometimes I wonder if that’s just because my mom wouldn’t let him toss me out.”

“What makes you say that?”

“He’s always just so… cold towards me.”

“Shadow seems to treat everyone that way from what I can tell.”

“I guess. But… I always wished he treated me like mom does.”

“Like what?”

“Like his daughter, and not just his employee. To be completely honest, I think he likes you more than me, Big Brother.”

“Really?”

Snowflake nods. “Yeah. You may look different than we do. But you’ve proven you’re really useful. Me… not so much.”

“That’s not true. After all, I don’t know which herbs are safe and which aren’t yet.”

“But you’re learning pretty fast.”

“You don’t think Shadow’s trying to replace you, do you?”

“Maybe. After all, you’re more useful than I am.”

Arc looks away. “What if… he was replaced?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Imagine someone else was your dad. Would that make you happy?”

“Probably, yes. But it would depend on whom was replacing him, I suppose.”

“What kind of stallion would you like?”

“Somepony nice, I think.”

“Is that all?”

“No. They’d also love both mom and I. That and be there for us when we needed him.”

Snowflake sits on her haunches and looks down at the ground.

“And… not hurt her.”

“Hurt?”

“I’ve seen the bruises on my mom. Dad’s kinda rough on her when I’m not around.”

“Yeah.”

Snowflake sighs. “They think I don’t notice because I’m just a little filly. But they forget that I have eyes and ears too.”

She walks over to Arc and puts her front hooves on his shoulders as he kneels down to her level.

“I know what you’ve been doing for my mom. Letting her sleep with us. Putting her in the tub early in the morning. Getting her medicinal herbs for the pain and swelling. You take pretty good care of her. More so than my dad does from what I’ve seen.”

“Snowflake, I…”

“Thanks for doing all that, Big Brother. It means a lot to me. And my mom too I would imagine.”

“Um… you see…”

Arc sighs.

“You’re welcome, Snowflake. But we need to get home right away.”

“Huh?”

“I need to talk to your mom about something.”

“Okay. Let’s get moving.”

The pair stand and begin walking again. Soon they arrive back at the cottage. Snowflake runs inside.

“We’re back, mom!”

Silence echoes through the cottage. Arc sets his satchel on Sunshine’s workbench before turning to Snowflake.

“She must be working at the shop.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. She’s been home at this time these past few days though.”

“That was just your dad’s way of getting back at the town though, remember?”

“Oh… right.”

“Why don’t you go see if Shadow needs help in his workshop? Tell your dad I’ll bring our finds to her.”

“Okay. And you can have that talk with her.”

“Y-yeah.”

Snowflake heads for the door. “See you at suppertime!”

Arc nods wordlessly as Snowflake leaves the cottage. She sighs as she heads for the shed.

“I hope whatever it is you have to say to mom will help, Big Brother.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks back over to his and Snowflake’s satchels. Looking them over silently for a few moments, he eventually picks the bags up and leaves the cottage. Frowning, he makes his way toward town.

“I… can’t sit here and do nothing. Can I?”

Groaning, he muses to himself.

“Snowflake deserves better. But am I really the one to make that happen? While I’d like to think so, I… I don’t really know. Am I really a good individual? After all, I might find I’m not someday when my memories come back. And then what? Do I just up and leave Sunshine and Snowflake? Do I take them with me? Or… or might I harm them?”

Continuing on, Arc sighs.

“I don’t really have much of a choice here.”

Soon Arc comes to the familiar store. Entering, the bell over the door jingles. A few moments later Sunshine trots out of the back room.

“What can I do for…?”

She stops and blushes as she spots Arc.

“Oh… h-hello.”

“Hi.”

Arc shifts on his feet uneasily before holding up the bags.

“I… uh… brought today’s goods.”

“Th-thank you. Can you please bring them back here?”

“Um… okay.”

Arc follows Sunshine behind the counter and to the back room. She points to her workbench.

“You can just put them there.”

Nodding, Arc does as he is told. Sunshine shifts uneasily on her hooves as Arc turns back toward her.

“Are you okay?”

“Kinda. I mean… I’m still a bit upset with myself for… what I said and did the other day.”

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh?”

“I… had a little talk with Snowflake today in the woods.”

Sunshine looks around nervously. “What did you tell her?!”

“Nothing really. In fact, it was more about what she told me.”

“What she told…?”

“I asked her about her feelings on how things are going.”

“And what did she say?”

Arc sighs. “That she wished things were different.”

“Anything specific?”

“For starters, she knows what’s going on in your house.”

Sunshine blushes. “What?! How?!”

“Not from me. All I can figure is that she put two and two together.”

Sunshine sighs. “I assume she’s pretty upset.”

“Not really. More along the lines of feeling like this isn’t a normal family dynamic.”

“What can I do to make her feel better?”

“She… kinda wants what you suggested the other day. To start fresh somewhere else.”

Sunshine looks up at him, hopefully. “And you want that too?”

“I… just want you and her to be happy. If you’d like, I agree to help you and Snowflake get out of town and find a new one.”

“That’s… a bit complicated.”

“It is?”

Sunshine nods. “Yes. You see, other than the Crimsons, we’re the last town in the land.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oh, yes. There hasn’t been any contact with the ruins of the old countries for around a thousand years. If there was anypony else out there we’d have heard from them by now.”

“So where am I supposed to take you then?”

“Anywhere but here would work, I suppose. However, there is one place I’d really love to see.”

“What’s that?”

“Many long years ago, during the time of the original Three Kingdoms, there lived a great and wise unicorn named Star-Swirl the Bearded. I’ve always wanted to see his old home for myself. Although I admit it may not have survived the ensuing war, its existence always fascinated me.”

“Where is it?”

“Legend has it the castle once stood far to the west of here. But we’re talking some time ago.”

“Maybe that’s where we should go. After all, if others did survive that war you mentioned, it stands to reason they would have settled around the castle.”

“That does make sense. Then we could live in a real town too!”

“Maybe. Um… but do you think they’d be able to accept Snowflake’s deformities?”

“I suppose we won’t really know until we get there. Maybe we’ll even find some of your kind too.”

“That would be nice, I guess.”

“Second thoughts?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. But what if they treat her like the townsponies here?”

“Then we’ll make a place of our own somewhere. Just the three of us. Then she won’t have to worry about others ridiculing or belittling her. She can run and play without having to cover up all the time.”

“I think she’d like that.”

“Yes, she would.”

“So… when should we go?”

“Probably as soon as possible.”

“Something wrong?”

Sunshine sighs. “I think Shadow is getting suspicious of us sleeping together.”

“But we aren’t doing anything.”

“True. But it does look a bit odd when a mare sleeps with her daughter’s pet more than her husband.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“Now then, let me gather a few things to make a couple sleeping potions and we’ll head home to make supper.”

“A couple sleeping potions?”

Sunshine nods. “Yes. I want Snowflake to be asleep for this. If she were allowed to stay awake, she might not want to leave everything behind. It’s for the best though.”

“I guess so.”

A short time later Arc and Sunshine walk the path toward the cottage. Her saddlebags are stuffed to the brim with pills, potions, reagents, and instruments that Arc cannot identify. He notices a new spring in her step.

“Happy?”

“I am, yes. Why do you ask?”

“Well… I would have thought the idea of leaving behind everything you’ve ever known would be kinda… off-putting.”

“This does kinda frighten me, yes. However, the knowledge that my daughter will be happy wherever we end up more than makes up for it. But what about you?”

Arc shrugs. “I wasn’t really here long enough to put down roots. That and the townsponies kinda look at me suspiciously too.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed that. But no matter where we end up, I’m sure we’ll make the best of it. Now then, you have some time before supper. I recommend you take the time to rest and gather your few belongings before supper.”

“Probably a good idea. After all, we’ll be traveling all night.”

“Yes. I’ll put that medicine in Shadow and Snowflake’s food again, just like I did last time.”

“And it’ll keep them both out, right?”

Sunshine nods. “Yes. All night long. By the time Shadow wakes up, we’ll be long gone.”

“You think he’ll come after us?”

“Maybe after a few days of drinking, yes. However by then our trail will have grown cold and we’ll be in the clear.”

“It sounds like you’ve got this all figured out.”

“Don’t tell anypony, but I’ve kinda been fantasizing about this very thing for quite some time. I’m not really sure if it’s because I’m starved for a normal relationship, want sex with somepony who doesn’t make me walk funny, or because my husband is cheating on me with other mares.”

“That reasoning makes me a bit nervous.”

“I think this is more for Snowflake than myself. After all, she deserves the chance to grow up in a loving home. The abuse I take from Shadow… it honestly doesn’t bother me. Ends and means, I suppose.”

“But…?”

“But Snowflake doesn’t need to see that continue as she gets older.”

“So this is all for her?”

“Not completely. After all, I do still want to make another foal.”

“I’m not promising to do that.”

“Understood. While I do hope you change your mind one day, it’ll be nice to know Snowflake has a chance to be happy.”

“You don’t think she’ll be mad, do you?”

Sunshine sighs. “Perhaps. But this is what a parent’s job entails. To make decisions for a foal that are too big for them.”

“I guess.”

Arriving back at the cottage, Sunshine turns to Arc.

“I’ll get supper going. As I said before, you should get some rest while you can.”

“Okay. But I think I’ll take a bath first.”

Sunshine reaches into her saddlebag. “I thought you might say that. Take this.”

She gives him a thermal bulb. Parting ways, Sunshine heads for the cottage as Arc turns and walks behind the barn. Filling the tub, he tosses in the bulb and gets in.

“I’m not really sure if I’m doing the right thing here. But if Sunshine stays here, she’ll just keep getting hurt.”

He sighs and submerges his head under the warm water.

“What else can I do though?”

Sometime later Arc lays down on his makeshift bed in the barn. Staring up at the ceiling, he frowns. The sounds of small footsteps fills the air as Snowflake walks in.

“Big Brother? Are you in here?”

Arc sits up. “Yeah.”

“My dad ran out of something and wants us to run down to the shop to get more real quick.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

They hurry down the path toward town. In short order the pair arrive at the shop. Snowflake unlocks the door and runs into the back room. She looks all around as Arc joins her.

“So what are we looking for here?”

“Talc powder. I know it’s around here somewhere… there it is!”

She points a hoof at a nearby shelf.

“Help me up there!”

Arc picks Snowflake up and holds her to the shelf above them. Grabbing the bottle, the corner of her robe catches the jars on either side of it.

“LOOK OUT!”

Arc turns his head down as the containers fall past him and smash on the floor below. Snowflake groans.

“Not again!”

“Again?”

“I do that every so often unfortunately.”

Arc sets her down and looks at the mess. “Why don’t you bring that jar to your dad? I’ll get this mess cleaned up.”

“You sure? That stuff doesn’t sweep up very well.”

“I’ll take care of it. Tell your mom that I might be a bit late for supper though.”

“Okay. Sorry for the trouble. “

Arc reaches for a nearby broom. “Mistakes happen.”

Hurrying out the door, Snowflake runs home. However as she nears the cottage she hears the sound of loud arguing. Trotting up to the front porch she peeks through a window. The filly spots her mother and father quarreling loudly and angrily. Unable to clearly hear what they are saying, Snowflake watches intently as she tries to figure out what to do. Sunshine slaps Shadow across his muzzle. Clearly enraged, the stallion turns and bucks the mare into a massive shelf of reagents. Several bottles fall from their places onto Sunshine’s head as she slumps to the floor. Walking past her, Shadow kicks the shelves over. The creaking of wood causes Sunshine to turn her head just in time to see every bottle come crashing down on top of her followed by the heavy shelf itself. Chuckling, Shadow picks up his tankard and pours himself a drink before stumbling out the front door. Horrified, Snowflake runs over to him.

“DAD! We need to help mom!”

Shadow frowns as he pushes past the filly and keeps walking. “Let her help herself.”

Hurrying into the cottage, Snowflake rushes over to the shelf.

“MOM! Can you hear me?!”

“Ugh… Snowflake? Is that you?”

“I’m here, mom! Don’t worry! I’ll get you out of there!”

Grabbing the edge of the shelves, Snowflake lifts will all her might. However she is unable to even budge the heavy furniture.

“It’s too heavy for you, Snowflake. Run out to the barn and fetch Big Brother.”

“Dad sent us to the shop! He’s still over there cleaning something up!”

“Get… get help! Hurry…!”

“I will, mom! Just hang on!”

Running past her father as he heads for the shed, Snowflake rushes down the path toward town as fast as her hooves will carry her. Several ponies look at her as she runs over to them.

“I need help! My mom’s trapped under a shelf! I think she’s hurt!”

Frowning, they turn and walk away. Snowflake repeats the process several more times with those she sees, but receives the same response. Finally reaching the shop she bursts through the door and into the back room.

“Snowflake? What’s…?”

“Mom’s trapped under her reagent shelf back home!”

Arc jumps up. “Is she hurt?!”

Snowflake nods fervently. “I think so, yes!”

“Let’s go!”

Chapter 15 - Eclipsed

The pair run through town and down the path back toward the cottage. Shadow is lying on the front porch, unconscious. His empty tankard on the ground next to him. Snowflake leads Arc through the door and points.

“Sunshine, can you hear me?!”

“I… yes.”

“I’m going to lift this off of you very slowly! You just let me know if I’m hurting you!”

“O-okay.”

Grabbing the shelf, Arc tips it back as Snowflake peers underneath.

“Big Brother’s going to get you out of there, mom!”

“How am I doing so far?! Any pain?!”

“Not really. I think I’m just pinned.”

Slowly but surely Arc lifts the shelf off the mare and pushes it away from her. Sunshine is breathing heavily as she looks up to them.

“Th-thank you very much. I…”

Snowflake gasps as she looks at the copious amounts of blood oozing away from her mother.

MOM! You’re bleeding!”

“I am?”

Arc grimaces. “Yes! We need to get you to the hospital right away!”

Sunshine puts a hoof to her stomach. “I don’t feel so good.”

Arc carefully stoops down and picks the injured mare up. Holding her in his arms, the pair run out the door and back towards town. A steady stream of blood runs away from her body and down both of Arc’s arms. Sunshine begins to shake.

“Why’s it… so cold all of a sudden?”

Arc grimaces. “I think you’re going into shock!”

“Hang on, mom! We’ll be at the hospital soon!”

“I don’t think it’s as bad as you think. After all, the pain isn’t too severe.”

Arc shakes his head. “We’ll get you looked at anyways!”

As they enter the hospital Arc looks to the nurse on duty.

“I need help!”

She points to a gurney and hurries to get the doctor. Arc lays Sunshine down and covers her with a blanket as several more nurses run down the corridor toward them with the doctor. He looks her over for a few moments before turning to the staff.

“Get her to the operating room, stat!”

Sunshine looks to Arc weakly and forces a smile.

“Take care of Snowflake until I get back.”

“I will.”

They wheel her away as Arc turns to Snowflake.

“What happened to her?!”

“My dad and her were fighting when I got home. He hit her and pushed the shelf over onto mom.”

Arc clenches a fist. “On purpose?!”

Snowflake nods as tears flow from her eyes. “Yes.”

“Was he drinking?”

“He had a cup in his hoof at the time.”

“We need to tell the guards about this right away!”

“But my dad will get in trouble then!”

“I know, Snowflake. But this is serious. He needs help too.”

“O-okay. But what about mom?!”

“The doctor will take care of her. Right now we need to see the mayor.”

Walking out the door, they head to the Town Hall. The mayor is just locking up for the night. Snowflake tells him everything she saw as the stallion waves over a few guards.

“Go the Shadow’s house and arrest him at once.”

Arc sighs. “You shouldn’t have much trouble there. He was passed out on the porch when we left.”

“Lock him up in the cage until a full investigation can be completed.”

The guards nod and run off toward the cottage as the mayor looks to Arc.

“You did the right thing. Shadow’s been on the edge of the law for years now. Not sure what pushed him to do this, but he won’t get away with it.”

Snowflake looks down. “Th-thank you.”

“Now then, I recommend you go back to the hospital and await word from the doctor.”

Nodding, Arc leads Snowflake back toward the hospital. Sitting down in the waiting room, they are quiet for a time. Eventually Snowflake shakes her head sadly.

“Mom… I couldn’t do anything, as usual.”

“This isn’t your fault, Snowflake.”

“If I had run in there, dad might not have done what he did.”

“Or you could have both been trapped under there.”

“Dad wouldn’t have…!”

“Don’t be so sure. After all, look what he did to your mom.”

Two hours later doctor walks in and whispers something to the nurse. She nods and leaves before the doctor heads over to Arc and Snowflake.

“How is she?!”

Shaking his head, the doctor sighs.

“I’m sorry. We did everything we could.”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

Snowflake tears up. “I… I don’t understand!”

“Miss… your mother passed away a few minutes ago.”

Arc frowns. “How?!”

“Right! She said it didn’t even hurt much!”

“I’m not surprised she didn’t feel anything. There was a large chunk of glass lodged in her spine.”

Arc grimaces. “What does that mean?”

“That her spinal cord was cut. She couldn’t move or feel pain in the lower half of her body. My initial examination found several large pieces of glass cutting through several major veins and arteries. Frankly I’m amazed she held on long enough to make it here at all.”

“So she’s really… gone?”

The doctor nods. “I’m afraid so, yes.”

Arc sighs. “Can we see her?”

“Yes. Follow me.”

He leads Arc and Snowflake down the corridor. They stop in front of a room as several nurses leave pushing a cart with heavily soiled hospital linens.

“I’m going to call for some orderlies to take her body to the morgue. But you can have a bit of time to see her before then.”

They step inside as the doctor closes the door behind them. Walking over to the bed they see Sunshine’s body lying there covered in a sheet. Snowflake walks over to the bedside and hops up onto it.

“Mom?”

There is no answer as the filly continues talking.

“Mom, we have to get going. It’s…it’s past suppertime.”

Arc sighs. “Snowflake…”

The filly begins choking up.

“That and you have a lot of potions to make at the shop. And… and…”

Arc puts a hand on her small shoulders as the filly continues.

“…and you have so much more to teach me! You CAN’T be dead!”

“Snowflake… she’s gone.”

“No! There’s been a mistake! She’s just sleeping!”

Snowflake lies down next to her mother and nuzzles her cold side.

“I’ll keep her warm until she wakes up! Then we’ll go home, get the cottage cleaned up, and have some supper together before heading to bed! It’ll be just like it’s always been! You’ll see! She’s… she’s not…!”

Putting a small hoof on her mother’s chest, Snowflake waits for the rise and fall of her breathing. But nothing happens.

“Come on, mom! Take a breath! Mom? MOM!”

Snowflake begins to cry as a couple orderlies enter the room. She looks up to them before turning back to her mother.

“They’re going to take you away, mom! You have to get up! You have to show them you’re okay!”

“Snowflake… she’s gone.”

“NO! It’s not true! You’re wrong! You’re ALL WRONG!!!”

The filly jumps off the bed and runs down the corridor. Arc sighs and motions to the orderlies. They cover Sunshine up and wheel her bed out of the room. Frowning, Arc looks after them before turning to go after Snowflake. Asking those nearby, he learns she ran back towards the cottage. Hurrying after her, Arc arrives back at the scene of Sunshine’s death. Snowflake sits on her haunches looking at the pool of blood mixed with glass and reagents. Arc walks over to her and kneels down.

“I’m right here, Snowflake.”

“I let her down.”

Arc shakes his head. “No you didn’t. There wasn’t any way you could have stopped a full grown stallion.”

“Should’ve… done more.”

“You ran and got me. That’s all there was to do. We got her to the hospital as fast as possible too. None of this is your fault.”

“Then who’s to blame?!”

“Shadow. He did this to your mother. Not you.”

“I… I know. But maybe if I had…”

“Snowflake, stop.

“Huh?”

“Your mother wouldn’t want you to blame yourself for her death.”

“What do we do now though?!”

“I… think we should probably go to bed.”

“But… why?”

Arc sighs. “Because it’s been a long day. Tomorrow we’ll go into town and… figure out what happens next.”

“I really don’t want to…”

“Neither do I. But let’s go.”

Arc leads Snowflake up to her room and helps her into bed. She sniffles lightly as he does so.

“Everything’s just too quiet now.”

“I know, Snowflake. But please try to sleep.”

“Will you stay with me?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I won’t go out to the barn tonight.”

“Thank you.”

Snowflake rolls over and faces the wall as Arc lays down on the rug at the foot of her bed. Eventually they both fall asleep. However, later that night they both awaken to a frantic pounding at the front door. Opening the window, Arc sticks his head out.

“Who’s down there?!”

The mayor and several guards step off the porch and look up at him.

Have you seen Shadow tonight?!”

Snowflake looks outside next to Arc. “My dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not since you arrested him, no.”

“Isn’t he supposed to be locked up?”

“He’s escaped! We thought he’d have come back here for his armor and weapons!”

A guards points a hoof. “The shed door is open, sir!”

“Check it out!”

The guard does so. Entering the building he looks around before turning back to the mayor.

“Nopony here, sir!”

He gasps and points to the barn across the way.

“Smoke’s coming from the barn though!”

Snowflake gasps. “Oh no!”

Jumping out the window, she runs into the smoky building as Arc hops out the window after her. The mayor’s guards stop him.

“Wait! It’s spreading too fast!”

“But I have to get Snowflake out of there!”

He shoves past them just in time to see the filly run out of the barn dragging a burlap sack.

“What was so important that you charged into a burning building?!”

“This!”

She gives Arc the sack. He opens it and frowns.

“My armor?”

“My mom made that! I had to save it!”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Fool! Don’t you know animals like you belong in a barn!”

They turn to see Shadow perched on the roof of the cottage. Arc seethes.

“You were trying to KILL me?!”

“Yes! You… you cost me EVERYTHING!!!”

“What are you TALKING about, dad! YOU killed mom!”

Shadow points a hoof at Arc. “Only because she was lusting after this ANIMAL! Sunshine got what she deserved!”

The mayor frowns. “Come down from there and answer for your crimes!”

“I think not… mayor. You see… I’m beyond you lowly fools. Always have been. Observe…”

Turning around, Shadow gazes at the moon. Suddenly two large leathery wings appear on his sides. The mayor gasps.

“So Sunshine really wasn’t with the Crimsons!”

Shadow laughs. “No. It was me. It was ALWAYS ME!!!”

Arc points at Shadow. “I don’t care WHAT you are! Get down here and face me!”

Shadow grins. “Oh, but where’s the fun in that?”

“NOW!!!”

“You really want to die that badly? Fine.”

He glides down as the guards rush forward to meet him. Drawing his knife from his belt, Shadow makes quick work of them before turning his attention to Arc.

“You still want to do this, peon?!”

“Yeah!”

“Fine. But let’s make it interesting. Come find me in the woods. If the creatures there don’t kill you, I will!”

Shadow takes flight and disappears into the trees. They mayor rushes over to Arc.

“He has to be stopped by any means necessary! Bring Shadow in… dead or alive!”

“I will.”

Snowflake frowns. “You mean WE will!”

Arc sighs. “Snowflake, this is going to be…”

“You’ll need somepony to watch your back out there, Big Brother.”

“She is correct! I’ll head back and rally the guard! We’ll meet you there!”

Arc frowns. “Fine.”

“Let’s head to my dad’s workshop and get you a weapon.”

“Good idea.”

They run into the shed and look around. Snowflake points a hoof to a workbench.

“There!”

Arc spots a knife made with the basilisk spine they found some time ago. Picking it up he looks it over.

“Why would your dad leave this here?”

“Probably because he hasn’t had time to field test it. That and he’s got his own knife. Old faithful, that one.”

“I guess that makes sense. But… are you okay with this?”

“With what?”

“If I win, you’ll lose a second parent.”

Snowflake hangs her head. “He has to be stopped, yes. But… no I don’t really want to lose him. For better or worse, I only have one dad.”

“What should we do then?”

“Try to convince him to give up peacefully.”

“Do you really think he’ll do that?”

Snowflake sighs. “No. But what else can we do?”

Leaving the shed, Arc dons his scale armor as Snowflake runs back to the cottage for her own armor. Returning, they head for the woods together.

“It’s creepy out here at night.”

Snowflake nods. “That it is. And there’s a thousand places to hide and ambush us.”

Arc looks all around nervously. “Wish you hadn’t brought that up.”

They continue walking. Ahead of them looms a clearing.

“I think I see my dad up ahead.”

“Let’s go.”

Leaving the foliage, they spot Shadow standing there waiting for them.

“Glad you two could make it.”

“Shadow… you need to come with us.”

Shadow grins wickedly. “I don’t ‘need’ to do anything!”

“Please, dad! We can talk about this rationally!”

“Also incorrect.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But I want to know one thing. Why did you do it?”

Shadow rolls his eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because my WIFE was wanting an animal to BED her!”

“But Big Brother would never do that!”

Arc nods. “Right! That and I told Sunshine as much!”

“I don’t believe you. But it doesn’t really matter now. After all… this battle is going to be pretty one-sided.”

“I doubt that, as I’m stronger than you.”

Shadow chuckles. “There’s more to battle than brute strength, oaf. But I don’t really expect you to understand that.”

“Yeah well… let’s get to it.”

Shadow grins as he draws his weapon. “I hope you’ve made your peace with whatever god you worship, beast. You’ll be seeing them soon enough.”

Arc lunges forward, knife at the ready. Shadow meets him half way and the pair cross blades face to face.

“You took my wife! Now I’ll take your LIFE!”

Arc grits his teeth. “No! You did that to yourself!”

Shadow laughs as he hoofs Arc in the face. “HA! Shows what YOU know, beast!”

Arc carefully gets up. He does not take his eyes off Shadow as he does so.

“Think what you want. But I still need to take you in.”

“Fine. Just try it!”

Shadow rushes forward at an intense speed. His knife grazes Arc’s face as a small stream of blood courses down his cheek.

“That was a freebie. You ready to turn tail and run away?”

Arc turns to face Shadow. “No!”

“Brave. Let’s keep going then!”

Arc kneels down as Shadow prepares to attack again. Grabbing a handful of dirt, he throws it into Shadow’s face as he nears, temporarily blinding him. Punching the stallion in the face, Shadow flies across the field into a tree trunk as Snowflake gasps.

“Dad, please just come with us!”

“And let the villagers execute me for being a Crimson?! No way!”

Looking up, he spots a branch high overhead. Throwing his knife, it cuts through effortlessly as Snowflake gasps.

“LOOK OUT!”

Arc dives out of the way as the limb crashes loudly to the ground. Shadow frowns at Snowflake.

“Who’s side are you ON?!”

“I… I don’t know.”

Shadow grits his teeth. “I’ll deal with you as soon as I butcher the beast.”

Arc frowns. “Deal with?!”

“Sunshine must be lonely in the afterlife. I just want to send her somepony to talk to. And what better conversationalist is there than one’s own daughter?”

“Wait! You’re planning to KILL Snowflake?!”

Shadow rolls his eyes. “Yes, I believe that’s what I was attempting to explain to you in great detail.”

“But WHY?! She didn’t do anything!”

“Betraying her father is NOTHING?!”

“That wasn’t betrayal! She’s just trying to stop you from ever hurting anyone again!”

Snowflake paws at the ground nervously as Arc and Shadow go back to fighting. She looks from one to the other.

“I… I’ll have to make a choice soon. What do I do though? I want to be with mom. But I… I don’t want my dad to kill me.”

She slowly backs away until her flank hits a tree. Meanwhile, Shadow hoofs Arc in the chest. A large welt forms as he stands up again.

“If you’re done fooling around, maybe you’d like to start actually TRYING, beast?!”

“But… Snowflake would be…!”

“Fight properly or die!”

Shadow lunges at Arc again and throws his shoulder into it. The knife flies out of Arc’s hand and clatters to the ground some distance away. Knocking him onto his back, Shadow stands over Arc and grins menacingly.

“Not much of a…”

He is cut off as Arc grabs a nearby rock and heaves it at Shadow’s smug face. Staggering back, the stallion’s face begins oozing blood. He laughs as the wound slowly begins to heal.

“FOOL! You’ll have to hurt me a LOT more than that if you want to make it stick!”

“Big Brother! Crimsons can regenerate!”

Arc groans. “Now she tells me.”

Shadow takes flight as Arc slowly stands. He dives at the young man over and over again, smacking him with his hooves as Arc tries unsuccessfully to hit him. Eventually Arc falls to his knees. Breathing heavily, he looks up at Shadow hovering before the full moon.

“I thought you were stronger than this.”

“This is everything I have!”

Shadow shakes his head. “No, it isn’t! When you were protecting Snowflake out here, I saw a LOT more determination in your eyes!”

“What’s your point?!”

“I want to see that again. I want to FACE that!”

Snowflake gasps. “But why, dad?!”

“Don’t you see?! I’m the hunter and he’s the ultimate prey! Strong, fearless, and above all… intelligent.”

Arc grits his teeth as he holds his bruised side. “I… can’t!”

Shadow frowns. “Why not?”

“Because Snowflake doesn’t want you to die!”

“Right! Let’s just go home, dad! You can serve your time in the cage, and I’ll come visit you every day! Don’t you want that?!”

“No, Snowflake! This is all that matters to me! The thrill of the hunt!”

“Then why have me and Snowflake forage while you stay home?!”

“Because the beasts of this land had lost their edge! I know exactly how each species fights! There was no longer any challenge in my life! But with you… oh, with you… I’m looking for the most exhilarating fight imaginable! Finally I get to face somepony who is my equal!”

He looks down at Snowflake with obvious disdain.

“I had originally hoped that would be you, Snowflake.”

“M-me?!”

“Yes. I wanted you to one day take up your weapon and strike me down in glorious combat! But you… you were too SOFT! Too weak to EVER have that killer instinct!”

“That’s her greatest strength! Snowflake’s kindness is who she is!”

“What are you talking about?!”

“She’s always accepted me as I am. Even though I’m not a pony like she is. Sunshine did the same. Even going so far as to wanting me to give Snowflake a younger sibling.”

Snowflake gasps. “She did?!”

“Yes, Snowflake. But I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t go behind your father’s back and sleep with his wife.”

“Why not?! Was she not good looking enough for you, beast?!”

“She was pretty, yes. But if we were to have a foal together it would have ruined your little family.”

“How so?”

“Think about it. Snowflake would have been yours. But the new foal would have been mine. Two fathers, one mother. Snowflake and her new sibling would have been confused by the extra parent.”

Shadow shakes his head. “There wouldn’t have been two fathers, no.”

“What do you mean, dad?”

“Because I would’ve killed you as you slept! Just as I tried to do so back at the barn a little while ago!”

“You really did want to kill us?!”

“Of course!”

“Why, dad?!”

“To send you to your mother, Snowflake! You and your so-called ‘Big Brother’!”

Arc clenches a fist. “You’re insane!”

“Am I?! The weak can never understand what motivates the strong! All they can do is sit back, watch, and wait to die!”

Shadow flies headfirst down at Arc. Slamming into his torso, the stallion pushes him into a tree. Arc’s mouth hangs agape as Shadow smiles. Stepping back, he withdraws a bloody knife from Arc’s belly. Snowflake gasps.

“Dad, why?!”

“Because I’m strong, and he’s not!”

Shadow hoofs Arc in the jaw, knocking him over. He holds his gut and gasps for breath.

“Leave him alone!”

Shadow looks up at Snowflake as he walks over to Arc. “Make me.”

Shadow stomps on Arc over and over again as Snowflake begs him to stop. She begins to cry as Arc’s gasps echo in her ears.

“He doesn’t deserve this, dad! Please let him go!”

“You could stop me if you wanted! Just do it, Snowflake!”

“I… I CAN’T!!!”

“Then say good bye to your friend!”

Shadow laughs for a few moments before raising his front hooves high. Suddenly Snowflake smashes into him, catapulting him into the brush. She runs over to Arc and puts her front hooves on his chest.

“Big Brother! Say something!”

Arc slowly sits up and opens his eyes. Raising a hand, he points behind her.

“Look… out…!”

Snowflake turns just in time to take a hoof from her father to the face. She rolls along the ground for some distance before coming to a stop. Slowly raising her head, she sees her father resume his relentless attack on Arc. Getting up, she spots Arc’s knife lying on the ground nearby. Hobbling over to it, she carefully picks it up. Looking again at the scene before her, she sighs.

“I…”

Shadow calls out. “Come on, Snowflake! I’m getting bored over here! Try to take me on! You know how!”

“I can’t! I just can’t hurt you, dad!”

Shadow frowns and looks down at Arc struggling to breathe. “A shame, really. I held out hope that you’d eventually develop some guts. But it looks like I was wrong.”

Shadow reaches for his belt and pulls another knife.

“Well, it appears I’ve toyed with you long enough, beast. Time to end this.”

He raises the knife and smiles.

“DIE!!!”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 16 - Like a Phoenix

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay in uploading chapters, but I believe it was worth the wait. The holdup was... well... you'll find out if you read this chapter :pinkiehappy:

Lots of catching up to do, so expect a bit of extra reading to become available over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. :twistnerd:

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 16 - Like a Phoenix

The sound of something small rustling quickly through the grass can be heard. A split second later Shadow drops his knife and looks down to see a blade sunk deep into his chest. He looks to Arc, clearly amazed.

“H-how…?”

Snowflake looks to her father sadly from across the way. “I slid Big Brother’s knife over to him. He did the rest.”

Arc cracks a weak smile. “Y-yeah…”

Shadow falls backwards and looks up at the moon as Arc’s hand falls to the ground with the knife still in it. Snowflake walks over to her mortally wounded father and looks into his face as he puts a hoof over his injury.

“Snowflake… had you… been the one… to do this… to me… I would have been… the proudest father… ever.”

“I just couldn’t, dad. But I knew Big Brother could.”

“You’re still a coward.”

Snowflake sniffles. “I know, dad.”

“Take care of yourself, Snowflake. Big Brother and I will… keep your mother company for you.”

Shadow gasps as his eyes roll into the back of his head.

“Dad? DAD!!!”

She sobs uncontrollably for a time before looking over to Arc.

“I failed you too. Why do I let everypony around me down?!”

Arc raises his head, weakly.

“You… didn’t.”

“Big Brother?!”

She runs over to him.

“You’re alive!”

“Not… for long… I think.”

He coughs up a mouthful of blood before continuing.

“You’re… a really brave… filly. But… now you’ll… have to be… on your own.”

“I’ll get you back to town! See to it the doctor treats you!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think… I’d make it. Getting hard… to breath.”

“Big Brother, just hang on!”

“Run… back to town. Stay there. Stay… safe.”

Arc passes out from his injuries and blood loss. Snowflake gasps.

“What do I do?! What do I DO?!”

She stands there for a few moments considering her options.

“There’s only one thing I can do. Save Big Brother.”

Taking a deep breath, she throws back the hood of her cloak. Raising her head skyward, she looks up at the moon. Snowflake’s breath quickens and her heart pounds.

“ARGH!!!”

Her mane grows in length as leathery wings tear through the back of her cloak. Two fangs spring forth from the roof of Snowflake’s mouth as her eyes turn blood red. Turning her gaze back toward Arc, she sighs.

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me for what I do now, Big Brother.”

Kneeling down next to Arc, Snowflake reaches for his head. Putting her hooves gently on either side of his face, she turns it away from her. Taking a deep breath, she lowers her head and sinks her fangs into Arc’s neck. Blood flows from the wound and into Snowflake’s mouth. She gags in disgust but does not pull away. Several moments later she makes a strange sound as a dark liquid oozes out around her fangs and into the wound. Tears flow down Snowflake’s cheeks as she continues. Arc writhes in pain.

“I know this hurts a lot. But… but I have to save you, Big Brother! Please don’t resist! It’ll all be over in a few moments!”

Pulling her fangs out of Arc’s neck, she licks the wound carefully.

“That’ll stop the bleeding and dull the pain. I wish I could do more for you, but…”

A voice rings out nearby.

“Stop!”

The mayor and a large contingent of guards rushes toward them. They tackle Snowflake and slam her to the ground.

“What happened here?!”

“B-Big Brother tried to stop my dad! He wanted to kill all of us!”

The mayor points a hoof to the pair lying on the ground across from each other. “Check them!”

A guard walks over to Shadow and looks him over.

“Dead, sir.”

“And what of the beast?”

“He’s… alive! Somehow his wounds appear to be closing on their own!”

The mayor looks to Snowflake, angrily. “What have you DONE?!”

“I… I bit him.”

“You did WHAT?!”

“It was the only way to save him! Big Brother would have died without my help!”

“So your plan was to take advantage of him and make him your slave?!”

Snowflake shakes her head vehemently. “NO! I only wanted to save his life!”

One of the guards turns to the mayor. “Sir, we should take care of both of them here and now.”

The mayor sighs. “We can’t kill a filly though. Can we?”

“It’s not a filly, sir. This is a Crimson.”

“I know, but…”

Snowflake squeezes her eyes shut. “Do whatever you want with me! But please… don’t hurt Big Brother! Let him go, and I’ll come quietly!”

The mayor sighs. “Very well. We’ll take you back to town and put you in the cage until we decide what to do about… all of this.”

He looks to the guards.

“Tie her up.”

They nod and do so. Snowflake shakes fearfully as she looks to Arc lying on the ground nearby.

“You’ll be okay. Just… just forget about me and get to safety when you wake up.”

“What about the beast, Mayor?”

“Let me take a look.”

The mayor walks over to Arc. Looking him over, he sees Arc’s skin is cold and clammy along with being very pale. Putting a hoof to Arc’s chin, he pulls his mouth open and looks inside.

“Fangs?”

The guards gasp. “That can’t be!”

Sighing, the mayor steps back. “It is. This beast has become a Crimson just like Snowflake.”

“He won’t hurt anypony though! I’ll see to that! Believe me!”

“What should we do, sir?”

“We can’t leave him here. He’ll just follow us back to town to retrieve his mistress.”

Snowflake gasps. “But I won’t let him hurt any of you!”

The mayor feels a hand on his shoulder.

“Right.”

Snowflake gasps happily. “Big Brother!”

Arc sits up and puts a hand to his temples. “My head. What… happened?”

“I… um…”

The mayor frowns at Arc. “Your friend here is a Crimson just like Shadow apparently was.”

Arc frowns. “That isn’t…!”

Snowflake looks away. “It’s true.”

“What?!”

“Yes. My dad turned me into one during a foraging trip. I was badly injured by a Timberwolf and bleeding badly. He did what I just did to save you.”

“Wait! So I’m…!”

Snowflake nods sadly. “Yes. A Crimson just like me.”

“I… I don’t…”

“Sorry. You were dying, and this was all I could do!”

Arc grunts as he stands. “We’ll… talk about this in the morning. Let’s go home, Snowflake.”

The guards aim their spears at the pair. “No! For the safety of the village you both need to be locked up!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Who says?”

“The law! Crimsons are not permitted within the town limits!”

“What about my parent’s house?! It’s not in town!”

The mayor shakes his head. “I… can’t allow that.”

Arc frowns. “What are we supposed to do then?!”

“Let’s go to my office. We need to talk.”

Arc and Snowflake walk back to town with the mayor under escort. Entering the office, he turns to the guards.

“Leave us.”

“But sir…!”

“I will handle this myself. Return to your duties.”

Sighing, the guards leave the room. The mayor looks Arc up and down.

“It would appear the process is complete. You’re now a creature of the night like the other Crimsons.”

Arc looks down at his hands. “What can I do to be cured of this?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “There isn’t a cure. My mom was working on one, of course. But nothing ever came from it.”

“Correct.”

Arc turns to the mayor. “Wait a minute! You knew about this, didn’t you?!”

“Yes. Snowflake and her father’s… condition were always known to me.”

Snowflake gasps. “It was?!”

“Why do you think your parents lived outside of town?”

“I just thought it was because my dad didn’t like other ponies.”

“True. But it was one condition of allowing him and you to stay. But now I see that isn’t an option.”

Arc frowns. “What are you saying?”

“The guards will tell their families about what happened here tonight. They’ll never let you two stay after this.”

Snowflake’s lower lip trembles. “But… but we don’t have any place else to GO!”

The mayor points out the window. “You could try to find the Crimson’ village. It’s somewhere to the west of here. However they might not be too accepting of newcomers.”

Arc sighs. “Anywhere else?”

“Not in this area, no.”

He looks to Snowflake.

“That makes this especially difficult.”

Snowflake takes a step back. “Wha-what do you mean?”

“With both of your parents dead, you’re now an orphan. However, given that you’re a Crimson, nopony here will let you stay in town. Much less take you in.”

Arc glares at him. “But what’s she supposed to do?!”

“Can’t I live with Big Brother?! We’d stay at our cottage! You’ll never even hear from us!”

“The law says that an orphan foal must stay with a suitable guardian. Big Brother, as you call him, is an animal.”

“But he can do it! He’s already been taking care of me!”

Arc sighs. “Snowflake… I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“But… but why not?!”

“Because I still don’t remember who I am. For all we know I could be a terrible creature.”

“But you’ve always been so nice to me! I REALLY want you as my guardian!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Snowflake. I can’t.”

“Don’t you care about me?!”

“Yes. And that’s why I can’t. When my memories do come back, if I’m a bad creature… I just don’t want to hurt you.”

Snowflake takes a deep breath and looks Arc in the eye soberly.

“You WILL become my guardian!”

Arc shakes his head. “I already said no.”

Snowflake steps toward him and grits her teeth as if concentrating. “YOU WILL BECOME MY GUARDIAN!!!”

“No, I can’t! What’s with you all of a sudden?!”

The mayor looks to Arc. “She turned you into a Crimson, so she’s your mistress. You should have to do what she says.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… no, I don’t think so.”

Snowflake stomps the floor angrily. “But… but you shouldn’t be able to resist!”

The mayor sighs. “That explains a few things.”

Arc appears confused. “It does?”

“Yes. Remember when you let the Crimson out of your father’s basement, Snowflake?”

“But I didn’t…!”

“Your father turned you, which made him your master. He must’ve ordered you to do what you did.”

Arc frowns. “But why doesn’t she remember it then?”

“A master controls their thrall, both mind and body. Shadow must’ve commanded her to forget the events of that night.”

Snowflake grimaces. “What?! That… he wouldn’t DO that! Would he?!”

Arc nods. “Considering what he’s done, I wouldn’t put it past him.”

“Indeed. But that doesn’t explain why you’re able to resist Snowflake’s orders.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m older than her.”

Snowflake appears exasperated as she tugs angrily on Arc’s tunic. “Come on! You HAVE to stay with me!”

Arc frowns. “Calm down, Snowflake.”

“Yes, master.”

She gasps.

“I… I mean…!”

The mayor turns to Arc. “That explains it. You must have a significantly stronger will than Snowflake does.”

Snowflake jumps on top of the desk. “That can’t be right! I…!”

Arc points to the floor. “Snowflake, get off the desk and sit down.”

“Yes, master.”

Snowflake immediately does as she is told. The mayor frowns.

“It appears I have no choice in this matter. Snowflake will stay under your command for the rest of her life.”

Arc gasps. “What?! But… but that’s impossible!”

Snowflake sighs. “It’s true.”

The mayor clears his throat. “Now then, I have a request of you… Big Brother.”

“What is it?”

“As I said before… the two of you can’t stay here. I’m asking both you and Snowflake to leave town tonight.”

Snowflake sulks. “Do we have to?!”

“For your own safety, yes. If you don’t I believe the rest of the townsponies may riot. Capable as you are, Big Brother, I don’t believe you could take everypony on all at once.”

Arc bows his head. “Nor would I want to.”

“So you’re agreeing to take the filly and leave?”

Arc sighs and nods. “I have no choice. But where could I take Snowflake?”

The mayor stands and lowers his voice.

“There is a place far from here where she would be safe.”

Snowflake shudders. “Where would that be?”

“I will tell you. But only if what is said here remains a secret.”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. It’s not like anyone would listen to us anyways.”

“The townsponies believe the war over a thousand years ago destroyed everything and that we are all that’s left.”

Snowflake gasps. “You mean we’re not?”

“No. The world survived and rebuilt. Shadow used to travel there every year or so to gather items we could not make ourselves. If you go through his things I’m certain you’ll find a map of our land showing a town named ‘Vanhoover’.”

Arc frowns. “What’s so special about that town?”

“He once told me it houses the land’s orphans. It’s known as the ‘New Beginnings Orphanage’. Take Snowflake there.”

“I will.”

“But…!”

Arc turns to her. “Let’s go back to the cottage and see if we can find that map.”

The mayor appear hopeful. “Can I assume you’ll be gone by first light?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’ll never see us again after tonight.”

Snowflake sighs. “Do I really have to go to that orphanage?”

“Yes, Snowflake. I’m really sorry, but you’ll be safe and cared for there. Now let’s go.”

“Yes, master.”

Arc sighs as he stands up. “You don’t need to say that.”

“My mind keeps telling me to.”

The pair leave the office. The mayor looks out his window and watches them head for the path out of town toward the cottage.

“I wish you both well.”

Arriving back at the cottage Arc turns to Snowflake.

“Where did you dad keep his stuff?”

“A large chest in the basement.”

“Are you sure?”

Snowflake nods. “Yes. But I was never allowed down there.”

“Let’s take a look.”

She points a hoof. “The trapdoor is in the corner next to the fireplace.”

Arc walks over to the spot. Reaching down he finds a latch and gives it a tug. A trapdoor opens neatly. Hopping down he looks up to Snowflake.

“Come on, I’ll catch you.”

“But I’m not allowed down there.”

“Given the circumstances, I don’t think your parents would mind.”

“O-okay.”

Hopping down into Arc’s arms, he sets her down on the earthen floor and looks around at the various supplies strewn around the room. Snowflake points a hoof.

“That should be it.”

Arc walks over to the chest. Opening it, he rummages around for a few moments before pulling out a map.

“Here we go. Now then, let’s see here… we’re here, and Vanhoover is… all the way over there.”

Snowflake gasps. “That’ll be quite the trip!”

“Yeah. So we’d best get started. How much longer until winter?”

“A few months. Why?”

Arc shivers involuntarily. “Because I don’t want to have to trudge through the snow.”

“You really think it’ll take that long?!”

“Maybe. I don’t know how far that really is.”

Snowflake peers into the chest. “This must be where my dad kept his traveling gear.”

“Like for traveling outside the forest?”

“Yeah. The mayor said he used to do that. Let’s see…”

She pulls out an old backpack and opens it.

“There’s a compass in here along with a tent, sleeping bag, canteen, first aid kit, a pot, and a few utensils.”

“It’s enough to get started. You go fill up the canteen while I fill the rest of this bag with food.”

“Okay.”

She takes the canteen and hurries up the ladder ahead of Arc. He grabs several bags of oats and preserves as Snowflake returns.

“Filled to the top.”

“Good. Now, head up to your room and fill your saddlebags with anything you think you might need. Just remember we have to carry everything we bring though.”

“I think I’ll just bring a couple spare cloaks.”

“Oh! About that…”

Arc holds up a large, black cloak.

“I found this at the bottom of the chest. Now we’ll match.”

Snowflake gasps. “That’s my dad’s magic cloak!”

“What’s it do?”

“Let’s you turn invisible.”

“How’s it work?”

“Just put it on and concentrate really hard.”

Arc slips into the cloak. “Let me try.”

Doing as Snowflake suggests, Arc vanishes from sight. Snowflake grins.

“Looks like it still works.”

“Good. We might need to keep a low profile.”

“Why? You’re stronger and smarter than anypony I’ve ever met!”

Arc sighs as he reappears. “Sometimes it’s best to go around trouble. But is there anything else you’d like to do before we leave?”

“Um… actually, yes.”

Snowflake motions to Arc to kneel down. Nervously she whispers something into his ear before stepping back.

“Would that be okay, Big Brother?”

Arc nods soberly. “Of course. You take care of things on this end and I’ll head back into town to take care of… my part of your plan.”

“Thanks.”

Two hours later Arc and Snowflake stand in her parent’s room in foot of the bed. Sunshine and Shadow’s bodies lay next to one another on their backs with their hooves over their bellies. Snowflake pulls the covers over both of them.

“Goodnight mom… goodnight dad.”

She gently kisses each of them on the forehead sadly before stepping back.

“The mayor said we have to leave town. He told us about an orphanage far to the northwest. I really don’t want to go, of course. But my master… Big Brother says it’s for the best.”

Arc nods. “I’ll see to it she gets there safely. You have my word.”

“We need to get moving now. Dad… please keep mom company until Big Brother and I join you in the afterlife.”

She bows her head sadly.

“I’ll… I’ll make you both proud. Promise.”

Arc smiles and puts a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure they already are, Snowflake. You’re very brave to do something no one other than your father has ever done. Leave the safety of the village.”

“Thanks. I’ll do my best to serve you as your thrall.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t really need a slave.”

“Then what am I?”

“How about a friend?”

Snowflake smiles nervously. “I’d like that. After all, I’ve never had a friend before. But I don’t really know what to do. How to be a good friend.”

“We’ll figure it out together.”

“Okay.”

“Shall we be off?”

“One last thing.”

She runs to her room and returns with a picture. Snowflake turns to the bed as she holds it up.

“Mom, dad… I drew this a few days ago. It’s the four of us in front of our cottage… smiling. You see, I was hoping someday that this would be us. You two, me, and Big Brother. I think he really made our family complete.”

She sighs before continuing.

“But… now this’ll never come to pass. I suppose I’ll leave it behind with you two and everything else. Um… I guess that’s all there is to say. Goodbye.”

Snowflake sets the picture on the nightstand before walking into the kitchen with Arc. They grab their bags, take a final look around, and head out the door. Looking back, Snowflake whispers.

“Goodbye home. I wish I could say I’ll miss you. But I don’t think I will.”

They step out onto the porch together. Arc picks up the lantern from the steps and turns to Snowflake.

“Do you want me to do it?”

Snowflake shakes her head. “No. This is my job to finish.”

Nodding, Arc hands her the lantern. She looks to him a bit worried before taking a deep breath and throwing it through the open cottage door. The glass shatters and the oil within splatters across the floor. It spreads like lightning through the thick layer of straw strewn about the floor. In a few moments the sticks around the perimeter of the bedroom begin to burn, helping ignite the walls. The flames snake their way toward the oil soaked wood stacked under the bed. Snowflake turns to Arc as she hops up onto a large rock next to him to watch it burn.

“This just feels right somehow.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Your parents deserve to be properly laid to rest before we leave. But this serves two purposes.”

“It does?”

“Oh, yes. It also means we don’t have any place to come back to. Whatever happens now… it just means we have to start fresh somewhere else.”

“I’d like that.”

“Me too.”

“Big Brother?”

“Hm?”

“Years ago when I was born my mom was the one whom named me. My dad didn’t like what she picked out though, and started calling me ‘Snowflake’ because I was always whining and crying about everything. If it’s okay with you, I think I’d like to go back to my original name now.”

“If you want to, sure. What was it?”

The filly sighs and pulls back her hood. As it falls to the ground Arc sees her head for the first time in the light from the flames. She looks sadly at the cottage, her mane understandably unkempt, and forces a small smile.

“Scootaloo.”

Preface - Volume 32 - Nomads

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 1 - Discoveries

After a time Arc turns to Scootaloo.

“We should get moving. There’s nothing more to do here.”

Scootaloo nods sadly. “Yeah.”

The pair turn to walk away. Heading into the forest Scootaloo looks back just in time to see the cottage’s roof collapse into the inferno. Sighing, she falls back into step behind Arc. Meanwhile, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Sereb, Tempest, and Moonlit Dusk meet in the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. Moonlit Dusk looks around.

“Is everypony ready?”

Sereb growls. “As ready as one can be.”

Tempest glares at him. “This had better not be some wild goose chase, Listener!”

“I assure you, it is not.”

Moonlit Dusk reaches into his cloak and pulls out an amulet.

“As you can see, I have the All-Seeing Eye right here. And I’m sure you know I wouldn’t remove it from the vault without a VERY good reason.”

Tempest frowns but says nothing. Moonlit Dusk turns to Dinky.

“Are you certain you still want to do this?”

“Yeah.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “We kinda have to.”

Sweetie Belle grimaces. “If somepony else has a better idea I’m all ears.”

Cherry groans. “I’ve been trying to think of something. But so far nothing’s come up. Sorry.”

Moonlit Dusk gestures with a wave of his hoof. “Well then, let’s be off.”

Moonlit Dusk’s horn glows. The world around them fades to darkness as they all vanish. A moment later the group reappears on an ancient looking sigil in the middle of a dark forest. Everyone looks around nervously as Sweetie Belle speaks.

“Can somepony remind me why exactly we came here at night again?”

Moonlit Dusk chuckles. “This is why.”

Opening a portal, the Listener calls forth several large creatures. They stand before him waiting for orders.

“Form a perimeter around our group.”

The shadow beasts noiselessly obey as Moonlit Dusk turns back to the others.

“The spring is this way.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Spring?”

“Didn’t I mention that earlier?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “No. You didn’t say anything about a spring.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “Right. Just that we had to take the All-Seeing Eye to a place of great dark power.”

“First we need a new crystal to power it.”

Tempest grunts. “And you wanted us to come along and watch your back.”

Moonlit Dusk chuckles. “Well, it certainly wasn’t for your dry wit, Tempest.”

Sereb growls. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Very well. The spring is roughly a day’s walk from here. This way please.”

Moonlit Dusk takes the lead. The next morning, Twilight’s friends, Derpy, and Rose continue their journey through the Southern Hayseed Forest. Rainbow Dash moans.

“This place is the PITS!”

Applejack sighs. “I’m with you on that one. But we have to keep going.”

Rarity nods. “Right! Sweetie Belle and her friends had to come through here!”

Derpy turns to Rose. “Are we sure?”

“It stands to reason that since they were not in the woods we’ve checked they must’ve taking this route.”

Fluttershy looks over her shoulder at yet another sound. “Well, I hope we find them soon!”

Pinkie bounces along. “Me too! This place is just so DRAB!”

Rainbow Dash squints. “There’s something up ahead!”

Applejack gasps. “What is it?”

“Another one of those creepy statues.”

Fluttershy shudders. “Can’t we go around that please?!”

Applejack frowns. “There’s something on it though.”

Rarity gasps. “Why, that’s…!”

Running toward the statues Rarity grabs the item hanging from it and looks it over as the others run up. Pinkie is the first to speak.

“Is that what I think it is?!”

Rarity nods fervently. “Yes! The other half of Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags!”

Derpy smiles. “That means she and her friends DID come this way!”

Rose looks over the statue. “Interesting.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “You find a clue?”

“Something like that. Based on your earlier description, this statue is identical to the one you claim to have found in the Foal Woods, Applejack.”

“Is that noteworthy?”

“Yes. In addition to it pointing in the general direction of the other one, I’m detecting some latent magical energy.”

Rarity appears confused. “What does that mean?”

“That the statues are somehow magically connected to each other.”

Derpy frowns. “Why was the bag tied to them though?”

“I can only surmise that Dinky and her friends were somehow able to activate them. As to why the saddlebags were left behind, I can only assuume that they did so intentionally so as to leave evidence of their presence at both locations.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “But why?”

“In case someone came looking for them I would imagine. A proverbial breadcrumb trail, if you will.”

Fluttershy looks around. “Which way did they go would be the next question though.”

Pinkie points with a hoof. “How about that-a-way?!”

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

Pinkie shrugs. “Just a feeling I have!”

Applejack sighs. “Pinkie Sense?”

“Yup!”

Rarity nods. “Very well. Let’s go, everypony.”

They walk in the direction Pinkie indicated. Meanwhile, Arc walks through the forest. Scootaloo follows closely behind him. She lets out a large yawn as Arc turns back to her.

“Maybe we should stop and rest.”

“What for?”

“Well, for starters, we’ve been walking all night.”

Scootaloo looks around. “When did the sun come up?”

“About an hour or so ago.”

“I… didn’t notice. Being able to see in the dark has that effect on a pony.”

Arc nods. “We changed back to our original forms too. Um… that is normal, right?”

Scootaloo nods. “Sunlight turns me back to my pony form. I can imagine the same would happen to you. Even if you are a… whatever you are.”

“Let’s pitch the tent and get some sleep then. After all, we should travel at night whenever possible.”

“Why’s that?”

“A couple reasons. First, we’re less likely to see others.”

Scootaloo grins. “Or they’re less likely to see us.”

“That too. Second, we’re stronger in our… other form. Should something come after us we’d stand a much better chance of taking it down.”

“Did you have wings?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not that I saw, no.”

“I wonder why not. After all, you had fangs and your voice was kinda raspy like mine. You sure they weren’t under your clothes?”

“Positive.”

They find a clearing and set up the tent. Arc holds the flap open as Scootaloo walks inside and looks around.

“It’s really dark in here.”

“Maybe that was intentional.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. Shadow made the outside a mix of browns and greens. It’s pretty well camouflaged. That and since he was a Crimson, it stands to reason he would like a dark place to sleep during the day if need be.”

“Makes sense.”

“You hungry?”

Scootaloo nods and yawns. “I am. But I’m too tired to eat.”

“Me too. Let’s get some sleep.”

Removing the sleeping bag from his backpack Arc unrolls it.

“Why don’t we sleep on top of it? That’ll make things a bit more comfortable versus a single layer between us and the cold, hard ground.”

“Good idea. It’s too warm anyways.”

Unzipping the sleeping bag, Arc lays it flat on the floor of the tent. Scootaloo grins.

“Perfect fit.”

“Maybe Shadow had the same idea as…”

Arc stops talking and looks at the sleeping bag. He clutches his head as he envisions fragments of his camping trips with Derpy and Dinky.

“Big Brother?!”

“I… just had another memory.”

“What about?”

“A tent and sleeping bags. There was a little filly in one image. And creatures that looked similar to me in others.”

“Friends?”

Arc nods. “I felt that, yes. But let’s get some rest.”

He removes his magic cloak and wads it up into a makeshift pillow. Lying down, Arc yawns and closes his eyes. Scootaloo curls up on the other side of the tent. She fidgets and fiddles for some time. Eventually Arc looks over to her.

“Can’t get comfortable?”

“That’s not it. I just… don’t feel right.”

“Sick?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “That’s not it. I think everything that happened is kinda catching up to me.”

“Your parent’s deaths?”

“No, I mean literally everything. My dad hurting mom. Him being short with me. Everypony in town treating me like dirt. All the bad times are just crushing me right now! Kinda have been for a while, I guess.”

“You won’t have to deal with those things ever again.”

“Thanks. But… I just realized something.”

“What is it?”

“Sleeping’s been hard for the longest time. But ever since you and I started sleeping in the barn… I don’t really know how to describe it.”

“Good or bad?”

“Calming, I guess. When I’m with you, I sleep really well.”

“Do you want to sleep with me like you did back there?”

“Could I?”

Arc holds out a hand to her. “Come over here.”

Scootaloo stands and walks over to Arc. She lays down and nuzzles his side as he puts and arm around her.

“Better?”

She nods happily.

“Good night.”

“Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“Um… I just wanted to say… thank you.”

“What for?”

“Being… you, I guess. I’ve never really felt like this before.”

“Like what?”

“Safe from my troubles. It’s like they’re just gone when you’re around.”

Arc smiles. “I’m glad you feel better. But I’m really sleepy. We can talk about this more while we walk tonight, okay?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.

“Night.”

“Good night, Big Brother.”

The pair fall asleep together. Meanwhile, quite some distance away, Rainbow Dash turns to the others.

“Does anypony else smell that?”

Applejack turns to her. “Smell what?”

“Something cooking.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “All the way out here?”

Pinkie sniffs the air. “I smell it too!”

Fluttershy flaps her wings and gets some altitude. Sniffing the air, she turns to the others.

“It’s stronger up here.”

Derpy looks around. “But where is it coming from?”

Rose looks up at Fluttershy. “The most logical conclusion would be from the direction the wind is blowing.”

“Let me take a look.”

Flying upward, Rainbow Dash hovers for a moment as she looks into the wind. Returning to the others she points a hoof.

“There’s a clearing in the distance. I saw what looked like some houses there too.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “A town?”

Fluttershy gasps. “Way out here?”

Rainbow Dash points with a hoof. “Want me to fly over there and check it out?”

Derpy shakes her head. “That would take quite a while for a round trip though.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Not as long as you think!”

Rarity sighs. “We should stick together and just walk.”

Pinkie nods. “Strength in numbers!”

Rose puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Prudent, yes.”

Applejack turns to Rainbow Dash. “Agreed. Now then, which way was that village?”

“This way!”

The rainbow-maned pegasus leads the group toward the scent. Several hours later they arrive at the edge of the village. Rose looks around.

“This is a good sized town for something not on any maps.”

Derpy turns to Applejack. “Where should we go first?”

“Let’s head for the largest building. That should be the Town Hall or something similar.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “What makes you so sure about that?”

“Think about any town you’ve ever been to. Ponyville, Canterlot, Baltimare, Cloudsdale, and so on.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Makes sense, I guess.”

Derpy nods. “Then that’s our destination.”

She points to a large building in the center of town. Everyone leaves the foliage and walks towards it. Several ponies spot the group but go about their business. Entering the structure, which is really just a large single room, they spot an elderly mare sitting on a large cushion. As she appears to be sleeping, Rarity walks over and loudly clears her throat. The mare does not stir. Doing so again yields the same results. Applejack shakes her head.

“Out. Just like Granny Smith at nap time.”

Rose turns to the others. “Should we come back later?”

Rarity sighs. “That may be prudent.”

Pinkie grins. “I have an idea!”

Rainbow Dash looks to her “What is it?”

Turning around, Pinkie pulls out a large helmet and a yovidaphone. Taking a deep breath, she blows into the instrument. A loud noise is expelled, causing the mare to jump to her feet anxiously.

“What the…?!”

Applejack removes her hat respectfully. “Sorry about that. My friend here is a bit… impulsive. We just wanted to talk to you.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. You see…”

Pinkie bounces up and down. “We smelled something really good cooking this way! Was that you?! Is there any left?! Can we have some?!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Calm down, Pinkie. Let her get a word in edgewise.”

The mare appears confused. “Begging your pardon, but… who are all of you?”

Derpy steps forward. “Sorry about that. My name is Derpy and these are my friends Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rose, and…”

She looks around, confused.

“Where’s Fluttershy?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I don’t know.”

Applejack frowns. “Didn’t she follow us inside?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. She’s still outside.”

Rarity turns to the elderly mare. “You’ll have to forgive her. She’s a bit shy around strangers.”

“That’s fine. I’m sure you’ve already gotten the cold shoulder here in our town. We don’t get many visitors. Now then, was there something you wanted to ask me?”

Applejack nods. “We mostly came here to say ‘howdy’. But I suppose we did have a few questions.”

Derpy looks to the elderly mare. “For starters, where are we?”

“This is Safe Haven. One of the few truly secure places in the Southern Hayseed Forest. And I am the Chief of this village.”

Pinkie grins. “What should we call you, chief?!”

“Just ‘chief’ will do. But I’m a bit curious as to what all of you are doing all the way out here. We’re certainly off the beaten path.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “We’re looking for some missing fillies actually.”

Applejack nods. “Right. My little sister and her two friends.”

“Rarity and I are the mothers of the other two. We know it’s a long shot, but did they maybe come this way?”

“Can you describe them?”

Rose clears her throat. “Dinky. Unicorn. Light purple coat and blonde mane. Apple Bloom. Earth Pony. Yellow coat and red mane. Sweetie Belle. Unicorn. White coat and mixed mane of purple with pink.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Did anypony see them?”

The chief nods. “Oh yes.”

“WHAT?!”

“No need to shout. I can hear just fine.”

Applejack gasps. “Are they still here?!”

Rarity trots in place. “Are they okay?!”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Can you take us to them?!”

“Calm yourselves. They’re not here anymore, no.”

Rose looks out a window. “Which way did they go? And how long ago?”

“A day or so, I think. Time is a rather strange thing when you get to be my age. As for which way they went… that’s a bit complicated.”

Applejack groans. “Just point and we’ll head that way!”

“That’s just it. I’m told they used some strange metal device to teleport away and then back again a short time later.”

Derpy gasps. “Arc’s gauntlet!”

Pinkie grins. “Dinky’s using it!”

Rarity looks to the chief. “Did they say where they were going?!”

“You’ll have to ask Doctor Lighthoof. She was the one looking after them at the clinic.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Clinic?!”

“Well, we don’t have an inn. So it’s the only extra beds in town.”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief. “I’m glad they weren’t hurt.”

The chief sighs. “Oh, they were.”

Applejack eye twitches. “What?!”

“Follow me. I’ll let the doctor explain.”

Standing, she leads the group across the town square and toward a building with a red cross over the door. Entering, she heads toward a door and knocks. A few moments later a mare answers.

“Yes, chief?”

“Doctor Lighthoof, we have some guests here who say they’re looking for three missing fillies. They match the little visitors we had the other day.”

“Yes. Please come inside, everypony.”

Lighthoof steps back to allow them to enter her quarters. They sit around a large circular rug in the middle of the room as the doctor walks to the head of the room.

“Some of our guards found them in the woods nearby. They had been attacked by a poisonous snake’s barbs.”

Derpy gasps. “How are they?!”

“Doing alright. They were brought to me in time to administer a counter-poison. I did have to operate in order to remove the barbs though. But they all regained consciousness the next morning.”

Rarity appears relieved. “Good! Will there be lasting effects?!”

The doctor shakes her head. “None. Even their pet was greatly improved the next day.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Pet?”

“That talking gray wolf they were traveling with.”

Rose looks confused. “That sounds like Sereb. But I thought he went back to the Dragon Lands after Arc’s funeral.”

Derpy turns to Pinkie. “Did he?”

“Yup! Him and Ember left together!”

Applejack sighs happily. “In any case, it’s a good thing he returned. I don’t think any of them would’ve gotten this far without his help.”

Doctor Lighthoof sighs. “He had two barbs in him. I can only assume he had been protecting the fillies. Unfortunately, you missed them.”

Rarity trots in place. “Did they give ANY indication where they were going next?!”

Rose nods. “Even a guess would be good right now.”

Lighthoof sighs. “They didn’t say.”

“Is the strange symbol still on the floor?”

“Yes. It’s unchanged, but there.”

Applejack turns to the doctor. “Can we see it?”

“Of course. Right this way.”

She leads them down the corridor. Entering Dinky’s hospital room, they see the sigil. Rose looks it over.

“No doubt about it. This is indeed identical to the sigils Arc used to travel around the world in the past.”

Rarity looks to the android. “Can you track which way they went, Rose?!”

“The magical essences point to the northwest.”

Applejack grimaces. “Can you narrow it down any further?!”

“Sadly, no. Had I been here when they used this sigil, maybe. However all I can say for certain is that they must’ve gone somewhere Arc had previously placed a sigil.”

Derpy frowns. “Can I see the map?”

Rainbow Dash reaches into her saddlebags. “Sure.”

Pulling out the rolled up paper she gives it to Derpy. Unrolling it, she lays it on the floor and looks it over carefully before pointing to a spot with her hoof.

“They’ve gone to the Winsome Falls!”

Applejack gasps. “How can you be so sure?”

“Arc once placed a sigil there the be somewhat close to an abandoned town called ‘Stableton’.”

Rose nods. “I know it’s location from our previous visit. But why would they go there?”

Rarity gasps. “You don’t suppose they went to talk to Tempest, do you?!”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No way! Dinky and the others are WAY too smart to do something like that! Right, Derpy?”

“I would hope so. But Dinky’s a brave filly. If she thought Tempest knew something, she’d go there in a heartbeat.”

Pinkie grins. “So we’re heading to the falls?!”

Rose nods. “Yes.”

The chief clears her throat. “I recommend staying the night here and getting a fresh start in the morning.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Thank you. But we need to get moving! Our fillies may be in danger!”

Applejack nods. “Right. Tempest isn’t exactly what I would call trustworthy.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Yeah! She might hurt em!”

Derpy sighs. “I don’t think she would.”

Rose appears confused. “Oh?”

“She’s certainly a bad mare. But I don’t think she does things out or anger or spite.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What other reason would she have for…!”

“Arc trusted her in the past… to a degree. She’s bound by what she believes is right. At least in her eyes.”

Rose nods. “Yes. After our initial meeting at her home, we were allowed to spend the night there without incident.”

Derpy groans. “So were we. While I want to catch up with Dinky and her friends, I don’t think we’ll do it by not resting when we have the chance.”

Applejack sighs. “Fine. We’ll spend the night and get an early start.”

“I can have a couple guards escort you to the western border of the forest. From there it’s only a short walk to Dodge Junction.”

Rose turns to the others. “We can take the train to Vanhoover. From there we can head to the Winsome Falls and Stableton.”

Rarity sighs. “Very well. While I don’t like the delay, I also admit that I’m too tired from all this walking to argue.”

Doctor Lighthoof turns to the chief. “We should get started on lunch soon.”

“They should have already begun.”

She turns to the others.

“All of you are welcome to join us in a communal meal, of course.”

Applejack smiles. “Thank you. But can we help?”

“I suppose you could. But I recommend you use the time to clean up and rest. We’ll call you when the food is ready.”

Derpy appears relieved. “Thank you. We’ll do that.”

Lighthoof and the chief nod and step out into the corridor with the others.

“All the rooms are empty at present. Feel free to use them as you see fit.”

Rarity smiles at Rainbow Dash. “I can’t wait to take a shower.”

“Me too. And I don’t usually care all that much.”

Applejack heads for the front door. “I’ll go get Fluttershy and tell her the plan.”

The chief smiles after them. “We’ll let you get settled in then.”

She and the doctor leave the clinic and walk down the street together.

“What do you suppose this is all about, chief?”

“I don’t really know. But it’s obvious that Dinky and her friends are in over their heads.”

“Should we act?”

“No. Their family and friends don’t appear overly concerned by this.”

“Not concerned?! But they came all this way!”

“I believe Dinky and her friends are more than capable of looking out for themselves. After all, they got this far on their own.”

“But with life threatening injuries!”

“True. But somehow I get the feeling their story is not yet over.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“When you’ve been alive as long as I have, you just know some things.”

Doctor Lighthoof sighs. “I hope you’re right.”

“So do I.”

Chapter 2 - Perception

Meanwhile, the Cutie Mark Crusaders along with Sereb, Tempest, and Moonlit Dusk walk through the Everfree Forest together. Several large shadow creatures surround their group’s perimeter. Dinky looks to Moonlit Dusk.

“So what’s the story with this crystal we’re going to get?”

“Its dark powers will fuel the All-Seeing Eye.”

Tempest frowns. “Think of it like a very powerful magic battery.”

Apple Bloom looks to Sweetie Belle. “I didn’t know something that small could power something so… powerful, I guess.”

“Me either.”

Moonlit Dusk points to a small gem in the center of the amulet. “Well, this can. Or at least it did once before.”

Tempest nods. “It’s a one-time use only.”

Dinky sighs. “So that’s why we’re going to the spring, right? To get another of these crystals?”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Yes. One should be ready by now.”

“Then we take it where exactly?”

“A very… special spot at the heart of the Everfree Forest. It’s a heavily tainted place.”

Sereb growls. “Is it safe?”

Moonlit Dusk shrugs. “More or less.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “More inasmuch as the dark energies keep away pretty much all the creatures of the forest.”

“Less since we have to brave those creatures to get to both places.”

He gestures with a hoof to the shadow creatures surrounding them.

“Which is why I summoned these before we set off.”

Sereb looks to the shadow creatures surrounding them. “I would imagine their presence would be quite the deterrent. But how much longer until we reach our destination?”

“Several hours.”

Tempest turns to Moonlit Dusk. “Shortly before dawn?”

“Correct. The spring will ward away anything that may wish to eat us, so we’ll make camp there for the day.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Day?”

“We need to be well rested for journey ahead. It wouldn’t do to have us exhausted when we reach our final destination.”

Apple Bloom looks to Sweetie Belle. “That kinda makes sense.”

“I suppose it does.”

Sometime later, as the sun sets, Arc stares up at the tent overhead. Sighing, he gently nudges Scootaloo.

“Hey. Time to get up.”

She opens her eyes and looks around.

“What… what’s going on? It’s… still dark out.”

“Do you remember what happened last night?”

Scootaloo looks all around and sighs.

“That wasn’t a dream, was it?”

Arc shakes his head sadly. ”No, I’m afraid it wasn’t.”

“S-so… um… yesterday… yesterday really… happened?”

“Yes, Scootaloo.”

She lays back down and rolls over to look away before speaking again.

“And my parents really are… gone?”

“I’m sorry, but yes.”

“It’s… all just so hard to believe. Up until then my life was… normal. Maybe not the best, but… it was everything to me. But now it’s gone.”

“I know how you feel.”

Scootaloo nods sadly. “You really do. And now I do too. What’s it like to lose everything. Having to leave behind everything you’ve ever known. And now… what it’s like to be a slave.”

“Now wait just a minute. You’re not a slave to me.”

“I really am. You could tell me to do anything, and I’d do it.”

She puts a hoof on her chest.

“It’s a very… strange feeling. Being owned both mind and body.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Look, Scootaloo. I’m not going to hurt you, or anything. If nothing else, I’m taking care of you.”

“I know that, but…”

Sighing, Scootaloo rolls over to look Arc in the eye.

“…but I should feel different than I do.”

“Oh?”

“Part of me is sad after losing everything and everypony I ever cared about. But the other part is happy and excited to be serving somepony who honestly cares about me and my well-being.”

“Your dad didn’t really care much, did he?”

“I was just a challenge to him. And he used his powers to control and manipulate me. Made me do some pretty bad things.”

“He must’ve cared at least a little bit. After all, you didn’t remember anything, right?”

“Not a bit. But I always knew when something had been done.”

“How so?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Just a feeling of mental intrusion, I suppose.”

“I won’t be doing that to you. Anything I tell you to do will be a conscious act.”

“Thank you, Big Brother. That really does make me feel better.”

“Why don’t we eat a little something and pack the tent up? We have a long way to go.”

“Okay. Should I get our breakfast ready first?”

“Sure. You do that while I get everything ready to go back into the backpack.”

A short time later the pair sit down to eat. Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“So how long do you think it’ll us to get to Vanhoover?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea what kind of scale that old map used.”

He reaches into the pack and pulls it out.

“Take a look. We’re walking west toward this road here.”

“Why that way?”

“Because there’s a town right there called Dodge… Dodge…”

He puts a hand to his forehead as fragmented visions of Cherry, Ruby, and the ranch fill his head. Scootaloo appears concerned.

“More memories?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Anything concrete?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just bits and pieces really. But let’s hurry up and finish eating so we can get moving.”

“Okay.”

A short time later they stand. Arc picks up his backpack as Scootaloo slips her saddlebags over her small back.

“Just let me know if you get tired and we’ll stop.”

Scootaloo grins. “You know, we could just transform. We’d be a lot stronger and fully able to take on anything that comes at us.”

Arc shrugs. “That makes sense. How do we… transform as you call it?”

“Just look at the moon. Like this.”

Throwing back her cowl, Scootaloo looks skyward. Her breathing intensifies as her body quickly undergoes the dark metamorphosis. She turns back to Arc and smiles a toothy grin.

“See? Nothing to it.”

“That looked… painful.”

“It’s more along the lines of uncomfortable. Give it a try, Big Brother. It’ll make traveling a LOT easier.”

“Well… okay.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc too looks up at the full moon. Wincing, his skin pales as he transforms. Straightening up, he turns to look over at Scootaloo.

“I feel… interesting.”

Scootaloo laughs. “Is that what you call it?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Alright. Then how about I feel like I could accomplish ANYTHING!”

“Together we probably could. But at least we don’t have to worry about something out here eating us.”

Arc grins as he motions for Scootaloo to follow him. “Yeah? Now I kinda hope they do. It’ll be a nice workout.”

“Well, we should probably do our best to keep hidden. While that’s not really going to be a problem way out here. Once we leave the forest it’ll be a totally different story.”

“What do you mean?”

“There’ll be other ponies out there whom probably won’t take our presence very well. Especially if we look like this.”

“We’ll figure something out.”

“Like traveling by day and keeping these forms out of sight?”

Arc nods. “If we have to, yes. But as it stands I feel as if I could walk all night.”

Scootaloo giggles as she spreads her wings. “Or fly.”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “Well, as you can see, I didn’t get wings.”

“Maybe you got some other kind of powers? Do you feel anything?”

“Not really. Other than stronger, faster, and more energized, that is.”

“Well, I’ll try to help you figure it out.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, master.”

“Please don’t call me that.”

Scootaloo giggles “Sorry.”

Meanwhile, Dinky and the others approach a clearing. A large pile of rocks sits in the center with glowing dark blue water gushing out of it and pooling in a large stone basin. Tempest frowns as she looks to Moonlit Dusk.

“So this is it, huh?”

“Yes. The Nameless Font.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

“The Nameless Font.”

Dinky shrugs. “I don’t get it either. You’re saying it’s called… what?”

Moonlit Dusk groans. “Again, The…”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “But if it’s nameless…”

Apple Bloom looks to the stallion. “…then why are we calling it…?”

Moonlit Dusk rolls his eyes. “You know what? I don’t get it either. So let’s just get what we came here for.”

Stepping forward, Moonlit Dusk reaches into the pool. Feeling around for a few moments he pulls out a pea sized orb. Removing the All-Seeing Eye from his cloak, he places the gem into the socket and returns it to his cloak before turning to the others.

“Now we have what we need. Let’s make camp for the day.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You mean night, right?”

Moonlit Dusk chuckles. “No.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Whatever. In any case, I’m going to gather some wood for a fire.”

“That’s not really necessary. As I said before, the beasts of the forest won’t attack us here due to the energies coming from the Nameless… okay I admit, that name really is ironic. But there’s nothing to fear.”

Sweetie Belle looks around the darkened forest nervously. “I’d still like some light.”

Apple Bloom shudders. “Other than the creepy kind coming from that spring, you mean?”

“Yeah!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Fine. The fillies will pitch the tents while I get the wood.”

Dinky steps forward. “I’ll come with you.”

“Why? Are you afraid something will lunge out and eat me?”

“There’s strength in numbers. That and somepony needs to watch your back.”

Sereb growls. “I will come as well.”

“No, Sereb. You stay here with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.”

“But, I… very well.”

Tempest and Dinky turn around and vanish into the brush. Sereb sighs and returns to the others.

“Be careful out there, Dinky.”

Tempest picks up several large branches as Dinky collects kindling. She watches the filly out of the corner of her eye.

“Something tells me you wanted to get me alone for a reason.”

“Yeah, kinda.”

Tempest smirks. “Why? You looking to try to finish me off, or something?”

“No. I just wanted to talk.”

“What about?”

“My dad.”

“I doubt if I know any more about him than you do.”

“You and him had a very… interesting relationship.”

Tempest scoffs. “That’s putting it mildly.”

“I was just wondering… how you felt about him.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“Well… I know you wanted my dad to do certain things to you a while back.”

Tempest blushes. “That was because of a stupid spell, or something! What?! You think I would normally…?!”

“You’re not saying no.”

Tempest opens her mouth to retort. However nothing comes out. They look at each other for a long moment, silently.

“I… guess I wanted the same thing any mare does.”

“A husband?”

“No. Somepony to love, and be loved back.”

“You don’t have anypony like that, huh?”

“I… used to.”

“Who?”

“Captain Decimus.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “HIM?!”

“Yes!”

“Why?!”

Tempest glares at Dinky. “Because he pulled my sister and I out of poverty and homelessness! He took me in when NOPONY else would!”

“You don’t owe him anything.”

“I owe him my very LIFE!!!”

Tempest breathes heavily as she attempts to regain her composure.

“You should understand that, Dinky! After all, Arc took you in and raised you when your real father wouldn’t!”

“That’s right. But he didn’t ask for anything in return. If nothing else, he did nothing but give and give and GIVE!

“So does Decimus!”

“Give what?!”

“EVERYTHING!”

“You’re just seeing what you want to, Tempest! That stallion only cares about himself!”

“I’ve known him longer than you’ve been ALIVE, runt! So if you know so much, then tell me this! Why would he have brought me this far if he didn’t care, huh?!”

“Because you’re useful.”

“Of course I’m…!”

“But the moment that ceases to be true he’ll toss you aside.”

“He wouldn’t. He needs me.”

“For now maybe. But will that always be true?”

“Huh?”

Dinky smirks. “You’ll eventually get old and slow down. Retirement will come, and your legend will fade as the years pass.”

“Shows how much YOU know!”

“Oh? You’re immune to the passage of time now?”

“I…!”

“Listen to me, Tempest. That’s the difference between him and my dad. Decimus will use somepony until they have nothing more to give. My dad would fight until HE had nothing left to give.”

“There’s no way he was that perfect.”

“Oh? I saw that look on your face when he was near. You saw something in him you had long ago.”

“And what would that be?!”

“Somepony who took an interest. Somepony who genuinely cared about you. Somepony whom you wanted to spend the rest of your life with.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “I will spend it with him!”

“Is that what he wants?”

“Of course!”

“How do you know?”

“Because he told me so!”

“When?”

“Years ago! He used to…!”

Tempest stops talking as Dinky nods.

“So he hasn’t told you that in a while, huh?”

“Because I already know!”

“Who are you trying to convince, Tempest? Me? Or yourself?”

Tempest shakes her head and turns away.

“Let’s get this wood back to camp. I’m sure the others are waiting for us.”

Heading back the way they came the pair return to the Nameless… okay I admit that REALLY was a terrible name for it. In any case, Dinky and Tempest head back and get a fire going. They eat a small meal together before heading to the tents. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom look back to Dinky.

“Aren’t you coming?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Not yet. You two get some rest now. I’ll catch up.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Okay. But don’t stay up too late.”

Dinky giggles. “Okay, mom.”

Sereb follows the fillies into the tent. Tempest watches them do so before shaking her head and retiring to her own shelter. Dinky sits in front of the fire alone for a time. Eventually she sighs and calls out.

“I know you’re back there.”

Moonlit Dusk steps out from behind a tent.

“How?”

“You told me.”

Moonlit Dusk frowns. “I most certainly did nothing of the…!”

“Yes, you did. When you stepped out into the open, that is.”

“You mean…?”

“I honestly didn’t know where you were. But after you thought I did, you figured there wasn’t any reason to stay hidden.”

Moonlit Dusk chuckles as he sits down across from Dinky. “Clever. Make your opponent think you know more than you do.”

Dinky shrugs. “Just a bit of word play.”

“Crude, but effective.”

They sit there silently for a time. Eventually Dinky breaks it.

“So what did you want?”

“What makes you think I wanted anything?”

“You were watching me.”

“How do you know I was?”

“Because there isn’t anything else around here worth looking at. That and I knew you hadn’t gone into your tent yet. It was a simple process of elimination. The only thing I don’t know is why.”

“I want to know what you and Tempest were talking about.”

“My dad.”

Moonlit Dusk appears surprised. “Me?”

Dinky frowns. “No. My real dad.”

“But I…”

“Donated the sperm. Nothing more.”

“You don’t really need to stick to that story here. After all, there isn’t anypony around.”

“But it’s true. My dad cared about me… cared FOR me… and was always there when I needed to talk.”

She looks at Moonlit Dusk with a sneer on her face.

“What have you ever done?”

Moonlit Dusk shrugs. “I didn’t think you needed anything else. After all, the former Hero of Light sounds like quite the parent.”

“He is.”

“You mean ‘was’.”

“I meant what I said.”

“Miss, you need to face reality. Knowing the truth won’t bring him back.”

“That’s true, yes.”

“Then why are we out here in the middle of nowhere? What is it you’re really after?”

Dinky sighs. “Cloture. I need to know exactly what happened.”

“To what end?”

“My dad deserves to be found. I feel as if he’s still out there somewhere.”

“You know that isn’t very likely, right?”

“I do, yes. But… but even if he really is dead, I want to bring him home for burial. Then I’ll tell everypony the truth about what really happened.”

“So you don’t believe the official story, huh?”

“Not for a second!”

“Why not?”

“Think about it. My dad risked his life along with his troop’s lives to rescue Princess Celestia and bring her home to Equestria. Why would he throw all that away by trying to kill her?”

“Power? Influence? A permanent seat on the throne?”

“He wouldn’t do that!”

“One never really knows.”

“No, I mean why would he have risked so much to actually save her?”

“What are you saying?”

“If he wanted to get rid of her, it probably would have been a simple matter to kill her on Earth. Defending somepony versus a full retreat is quite a bit more complicated and dangerous.”

“Perhaps. Or he was waiting for the right time to make his move.”

“The right time was inside the castle, surrounded by guards, during a full scale search?”

“Maybe he’s just not very good at planning.”

Dinky narrows her eyes. “The one whom fully laid out and executed a plan to assault a military base with zero fatalities wasn’t a planner?”

“Stranger things have happened, I suppose. But you do raise a good point. After looking at it this way, things seem a lot less certain.”

“So now you understand why I’m doing this?”

“Not really. After all, even if you knew the truth, who’s going to believe a filly and her friends?”

Dinky scoffs. “You just leave that to me.”

Chapter 3 - Reality

The next day Derpy and the others emerge from the forest as the sun sinks below the horizon. Rose points a finger.

“There’s Dodge Junction.”

Derpy turns to their escorts. “Thank you very much for guiding us.”

They nod and turn back as Rainbow Dash squints.

“There’s a train parked at the station.”

Applejack breathes a sigh of relief. “Looks like we got here just in time.”

Rarity grins. “Let’s not be late!”

Pinkie bounces happily. “Yeah! The train only runs once a week, after all!”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “How do you…?”

“I saw the schedule last time I was here!”

Rose motions for the others to follow her. “This way, everyone.”

Hurrying toward the town they arrive at the station, purchase tickets, and head to their car. Sitting down on their respective benches they turn to one another as the train begins to move. Applejack is the first to speak.

“Not a moment too soon!”

Fluttershy sighs happily. “Yes, we were fortunate.”

Rainbow Dash turns to her friend. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something, Fluttershy.”

“What is it?”

“Do you know the chief of Safe Haven?”

“Wha-what makes you say that?!”

“She kept looking over at you during supper the other day.”

Applejack frowns. “Yeah. And you’d look the other way.”

“I… um… you see…”

Derpy waves a hoof dismissively. “Now, now, everypony. You’re making Fluttershy uncomfortable.”

Rarity nods. “Indeed. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”

Rose looks out the window. “We have a clear ride to Vanhoover now. According to the schedule, we’ll arrive at the station late tomorrow evening. From there we’ll have to walk, of course. But my calculations say we should be at Stableton shortly after sunrise the following day.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “How about after lunch?!”

“What for?”

“Um… so Tempest will be in a better mood? I know I’m on edge if somepony interrupts my meal.”

Applejack sighs. “We don’t really know what time she eats. Even then it’d just be a crapshoot.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! That and I think she’s ALWAYS in a bad mood!”

Rarity shudders. “Well, let’s hope she’s home when we get there.”

Derpy nods. “Right. And that Dinky and her friends are there too.”

Rose purses her lips. “I’m sure Sereb will see to it they’re kept from harm. But everyone should endeavor to rest during this train ride. After all, once we arrive it will be non-stop walking from Vanhoover to Stableton.”

Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends awaken to Sereb nudging them.

“The sun is setting.”

Apple Bloom sits up. “Already?”

Sweetie Belle groans. “So… are we supposed to get up?”

Dinky nods as she stands. “Yup.”

Apple Bloom looks outside the tent. “This is a really strange feeling. Being on opposite schedules.”

Sereb chuckles as he picks up the helmet with his magic. “Think of it as getting an extra early start.”

Cherry sighs. “Well, this is beyond early for anything!”

Dinky motions for the others to follow. “Come on. Let’s eat and get going.”

Stepping out of the tent they spot Tempest and Moonlit Dusk sitting around the roaring campfire. Tempest frowns.

“Decided to rise, eh?”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Are we late?”

Moonlit Dusk shakes his head. “Not really. But I’d very much like to get moving the moment it gets dark.”

Sereb grins. “Frightened?”

“Hardly. I just have other things to do back at the citadel.”

Tempest scoffs at this. “Then head back. I’ll take the fillies the rest of the way.”

Moonlit Dusk frowns. “Not a chance! I’m responsible for the All-Seeing Eye, and I need to return with it personally!”

“Have it your way.”

They eat a quick meal and pack up the campsite. As they turn to leave Dinky looks to Moonlit Dusk.

“So how long will it take to get to our destination?”

“We should be there just before dawn. At least I hope we do.”

Apple Bloom appears surprised. “Why’s that?”

Moonlit Dusk gestures to his freshly summoned creatures. “Because when the sun rises, we lose our escorts here.”

Cherry gasps. “What?!”

Sweetie Belle looks around nervously. “But what about the return trip?!”

“I can transport us back to the Nightborn Citadel at the proper time.”

Tempest grins. “Or I can open a portal to my house.”

Dinky nods soberly. “That and we can just teleport as we see fit too.”

Sereb grins. “Many options. A good situation to be in.”

Moonlit Dusk motions with a hoof. “Let’s go.”

As they walk Apple Bloom looks around before turning to Sweetie Belle.

“This place really is creepy!”

“I’ll say!”

Sereb scoffs. “There is nothing to fear. We are stronger together than we could ever be apart.”

Dinky nods. “Sereb’s right. If we stick together we’ll be fine.”

Tempest shrugs. “More or less.”

Moonlit Dusk turns to her. “Tempest?”

“Special Forces are trained to work alone. It allows us to move quickly and remain undetected.”

Dinky frowns. “But if something goes wrong, you don’t have anypony to help you.”

“Which is why we’re so highly trained. For that very reason, a single mistake could be the end of us.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “The Nightborn are similar in their beliefs. You won’t usually see us in large numbers, as we can more easily act in small groups against a larger force by calling for our shadow allies.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “What about Arc?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah. He was always traveling with others.”

Tempest shakes her head. “That made him only as strong as his weakest link. Not an enviable position to be in if you ask me.”

Cherry scoffs. “But he made it work.”

“That may be true. But I do believe he would have been much more effective acting alone, as the other Heroes of Light did in the past.”

Tempest nods in response to Moonlit Dusk’s statement. “Indeed. They were always seen as the greatest of the Special Forces. Hiding in plain sight, but able to act in a moment’s notice.”

Many hours later they arrive at a massive structure. It’s crumbling walls and toppled towers are illuminated in the moonlight. Dinky and her friends gasp.

“Where… where are we?”

Moonlit Dusk looks up stoically. “The Castle of the Two Sisters.”

Tempest nods. “Quite a sight to behold.”

Sereb turns to her. “Have you never been here before?”

“No. There isn’t really anything out here that would warrant my attention normally.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin. “We read about this place in history class.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Did we?”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “I remember that! Supposedly Princess Celestia fought her sister here to stop her from taking over the kingdom!”

Dinky nods. “Right. And after that the capital was moved to Canterlot.”

She looks around.

“But I would have thought there’d be remains of the town that was here.”

Cherry calls out. “Maybe it was destroyed in the battle.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “But why would the castle survive, but not the rest of the buildings?”

Moonlit Dusk chuckles. “Stone is much hardier then wood and straw. With nopony to care for them, they’ve long since rotted away.”

Tempest motions for them to follow. “Let’s head inside. Everypony stay on guard though. We don’t know what could have taken up residence within this structure.”

Heading for the entrance they step into a large Main Hall. Dinky turns to Moonlit Dusk and frowns.

“Which way?”

“Follow me.”

Sereb growls. “Where exactly are we headed?”

“The basement.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Why there?”

“Because this castle was built over it.”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “To hide it from others?”

Tempest shakes her head. “No. To protect it.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Why?”

Dinky grits her teeth. “A dark creature could feed on it and grow stronger.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Very perceptive.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Who’s to say nothing has done so already though?”

Cherry calls out. “I can’t imagine the princesses knowing this was here and not leaving behind some kind of defense.”

“They did. Time.”

Apple Bloom turns to Tempest. “Time?”

“The greatest shield of all. To allow something to be forgotten by all and allowed to fade into obscurity.”

Sweetie Belle looks around. “But how could everypony forget something so powerful?! And big!”

Moonlit Dusk chuckles. “How could everypony forget that Princess Luna existed?”

Cherry sighs. “Without seeing or hearing about her, as we do with Princess Celestia, it only makes sense that later generations would not be told of her.”

Moonlit Dusk grits his teeth. “An error that was perpetrated by Princess Celestia herself!”

Tempest frowns. “It had to be done and you know it.”

“Perhaps. But I’d prefer preparation and planning over blissful ignorance any day.”

Dinky turns to the stallion. “What do you mean?”

“The Night Mother swore to return when the seal broke. The Nightborn have been awaiting her arrival since then.”

Sweetie Belle looks over. “But she’s back now.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Why aren’t you with her?”

“She ordered us to carry on as usual.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Lapdogs.”

Cherry groans. “I would have imagined she would have ordered you disbanded.”

Moonlit Dusk grins. “Why? We’re part of Equestria’s Special Forces, after all.”

Sereb frowns. “A shadowy force does tend to make others worried.”

“The danger you don’t see is much worse than the one you do.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Huh?”

Dinky grimaces. “He means they keep the land safe, I think.”

“More or less. Like it or not, we’re needed.”

He looks to Dinky.

“Had we not intervened at your father’s base during his so-called peace summit Tempest and her forces would have overwhelmed the vanguard.”

Tempest frowns. “Yeah. Thanks for messing that up.”

Sweetie Belle turns to her. “What were you doing there anyways?”

“It’s complicated.”

They come to a large double door. Dinky puts a hoof on it and looks up.

“Princess Luna’s cutie mark?”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Yes. This is her old room.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “The dark font is in here?”

“No. But this is the only entrance to it.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Why here?”

Tempest chuckles. “Because Princess Luna was guarding it.”

Cherry calls out. “She was?”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Yes. Her and Princess Celestia agreed that she was the stronger of the two, and therefore capable of withstanding the temptations of the dark power.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “What about Nightmare Moon?”

Tempest sighs. “She gave in.”

Entering the room they see a myriad of broken furniture and faded pictures. Moonlit Dusk walks over to a strange design on the floor.

“Over here, everypony.”

Cherry gasps. “A sigil?”

Apple Bloom hurries over. “It kinda blends in to the design on the floor.”

Sweetie Belle brushes away the dirt with her tail. “I wouldn’t have even noticed it.”

Dinky grins. “Hiding it in plain sight.”

Tempest nods. “Sometimes that the best spot.”

His horn aglow, Moonlit Dusk activates the sigil. A moment later they vanish and reappear. Moonlit Dusk casts a Light Spell as Dinky and Sweetie Belle do the same along with Sereb. Cherry calls out to Moonlit Dusk.

“Where… are we?”

“Several miles under the castle.”

Sereb frowns. “Straight down?”

“Yes.”

Sweetie Belle shudders. “But if the font is down here, how did it corrupt Princess Luna?”

Moonlit Dusk points with a hoof. “Through the sigil. This entire cave is very heavily warded. Nopony can teleport here except via this single sigil. Think of it like a hole in a boat that lets water in.”

Tempest nods. “But holes can work both ways.”

“Right. The dark energies were able to emanate from here back to the Night Mother’s room and, over time, corrupt her mind.”

Sereb growls. “We should hurry on, lest we ourselves face the same fate.”

Moonlit Dusk shakes his head. “I wouldn’t worry about that. It took many long years to do such a thing to our princess.”

Dinky sighs. “In any case, let’s press on.”

Walking down a large tunnel, they eventually come to a massive door. Moonlit Dusk casts a Dark Spell at the overhead sigil. Slowly it opens into an equally large room with a strange looking seal in the center. Entering, the doors close behind the group. They look around cautiously as Sweetie Belle turns to Moonlit Dusk.

“Where are we now?”

“The Heart of Darkness.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “What?”

“A powerful source of dark energy. This is probably the only known place in Equestria we can use the All-Seeing Eye.”

Dinky steps forward. “What do I have to do?”

“Take the pendant and stand on the seal.”

He hands the amulet to Dinky and she walks toward the seal. Standing on it, she turns back to him.

“What now?”

“Put the amulet to your forehead and speak your request.”

“Then what?”

“The amulet will do the rest.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “I don’t think this is such a good idea, Dinky.”

Cherry grimaces. “I’m with Sweetie Belle. This whole place seems wrong to me.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “Yeah, I feel it too. But I have to do this.”

Sereb growls. “Arc would not have wanted you to risk your life.”

Cherry calls out. “Sereb’s right, Dinky! Think about it!”

“I have thought about it. And I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t want to live the rest of my life wondering what really happened to my dad. Not when I have this one chance to know for sure.”

Taking a deep breath, Dinky puts the amulet to her forehead.

“Show me the events leading up to my father’s… disappearance.”

The seal glows with an eerie light. It spiderwebs around the room to numerous other seals hidden under dirt and dust. Sereb grabs Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“Get back!”

Cherry gasps. “What’s going on?!”

Moonlit Dusk grins. “It’s starting!”

Tempest glares at him “What exactly…?!”

Apple Bloom points a hoof. “Look!”

They turn to see Dinky levitating a few feet above the floor. The All-Seeing Eye affixes itself to her chest and begins drawing power from her horn. Sweetie Belle gasps as she turns to Sereb.

“It’s hurting her!”

“We have to get Dinky out of there!”

Moonlit Dusk shakes his head and blocks their advance. “You can’t! She has to leave on her own! Any interference now would be disastrous!”

Tempest furrows her brow. “To her or us?!”

“Both!”

Meanwhile, Dinky opens her eyes. Looking around she frowns.

“Canterlot Castle? How did I get here?”

She turns to see Captain Decimus and Admiral Gaston standing before Arc. Running over to him, she looks up.

“DAD!”

Arc ignores her and addresses the pair before him.

“You two just made the biggest mistake of your lives!”

Gaston scoffs. “How so? There are two of us, and only one of you.”

Decimus turns to his companion. “Do not take him lightly. This usurper is cunning beyond words.”

“Says you! I’ve taken you down before, Decimus! There’s no way I can’t do it again!”

“Perhaps. But before we fight yet again I just want to ask you one thing.”

“Oh?! And what’s that?!”

“Why did you take the Equestrian throne? The other two princesses were certainly capable of holding it while Celestia recovered.”

“Because someone had to do it! They were in no position to effectively govern in their mental state!”

“So you pulled off a bloodless coup.”

Arc rolls his eyes and turns to Gaston. “Where’s Princess Celestia?! Tell me, and I may yet be merciful!”

Decimus grins. “And what about me?”

Arc points his spear at Decimus. “Oh, believe me, I’m not planning on even TRYING to take YOU alive!”

“Is that your final answer?”

“Yes!”

“That’s all we needed to hear. Now then…”

Decimus clears his throat before continuing.

“Human, it was you who smashed my alabaster plate.”

Arc frowns. “What are you talking…”

He is cut off as an excruciating pain suddenly rips through his gut. Gasping, he looks down to see a long, white unicorn’s horn poking through his armor. Before he can act Arc finds himself picked up and thrown roughly down the corridor. As he lands, Arc’s helmet and spear clatter noisily past him as Cherry screams out.

“ARC!!!”

Dinky gasps. “DAD!”

She dives at Princess Celestia in an attempt to knock her away. However the filly passes through the visage. Arc puts a hand to his stomach as blood oozes through his fingers. Coughing, he reaches out for his helmet.

“Ch-Cherry…”

Gaston runs over and kicks the helmet down the corridor as Decimus walks to Arc, flanked by an expressionless Celestia. He looks Arc in the eye coolly.

“You were the best one to lead Equestria in its time of need, I’ll admit that. But with the return of Celestia, and her substantial power, I’m afraid you’ve outlived your usefulness.”

Grinning wickedly, Decimus chuckles and points a hoof at Arc.

“Goodbye… Lord Regent.”

Celestia charges up her magic as Arc weakly gets to his feet. She unleashes a powerful blast that shatters nearly every window in the corridor. It hits Arc squarely in the chest, completely destroying what’s left of his armor and launching him through a window to the east. Decimus and Gaston smile and look toward the ruined window. Dinky runs through them and peers out at the darkness below.

“DAD!!!”

The scene before her melts away. Sobbing, Dinky falls to the floor where she remains for some time. Eventually she gets to her hooves and grits her teeth.

“That isn’t everything! Show me what happened next!”

The scene refocuses and Dinky finds herself standing on a riverbank. She looks up to see Canterlot Castle in the distance.

“What? But my dad isn’t even…”

She looks upstream to see a log floating toward her. Arc holds on weakly to the dagger lodged into it. Paddling as best he is able, Arc brings the log toward the shore. As he nears, he pulls out the knife and flops onto the bank. Lying there on his back, Arc looks to the log for a moment before giving it a solid kick. As the last rays of sunlight fades, he watches his previous mode of transportation float away and out of sight. Coughing, Arc looks skyward as the sun sinks beneath the horizon. The moon rises and the stars come out as he smiles weakly. Hearing movement nearby, Arc turns his head. He spies numerous glowing yellow eyes looking at him from the foliage. Grimacing, Arc does his best to stand as he turns and holds up his knife. The beasts step out of the woods and slowly surround him. An overwhelming stench fills the air as they continue pacing. Drool flows down their fangs as they look over their injured prey. Arc frowns. Snarling, they lung at him as one. Arc throws himself out of the path of the first timberwolf that lunges at him. Landing, he cries out in pain as fresh blood pours forth. Quickly rolling over onto his back, Arc turns to face the next beast whom comes for him. Slashing at it with his dagger he knocks the creature away, scattering its body parts.

“You guys aren’t so tough!”

As he does so however, two more approach from either side. Arc is able to beat one away, but the other chomps down hard on his arm. Yelling out in pain he smacks the beast with the butt of the knife. It too collapses, but not before ripping several sizable holes in Arc’s arm and forcing him to drop his knife. Before he can react yet another timberwolf leaps onto him from behind, knocking Arc’s face into the riverbank mud. As it claws at his backside, Arc is able to roll partially out of the way, but into a waiting pair of jaws and claws. As they resume slashing at Arc, he looks over to see the previously defeated timberwolves reassembling themselves. Gritting his teeth, Arc makes a final attempt to flee. However, one of his assailants chomps down on his leg and violently picks him up to slam his body into the side of a tree. Falling to the ground Arc’s head strikes a gnarled root. As the world dims around him he speaks in nearly a whisper.

“Dinky… I’m… sorry…”

As his assailants prepare to finish him off, one of them bursts into flames. The others jump back and look all around as two more of their numbers explode. As the beasts retreat, a figure clad in a black robe emerges from the forest wielding a crossbow held up by magic. Arc looks up at them for a brief moment before passing out from the pain, blood loss, and blow to the head. They grab onto Arc’s collar and drag him away. Dinky gasps.

“What happened next?!”

The Knothole Hospital room comes into view. Dinky watches as the doctor and several nurses operate before the scene goes black again.

“There has to be more! Did he survive?!”

A scene revealing a cottage and a few other buildings come into view. Dinky’s eyes grow wide as she sees her father walking out of the barn with a robed filly.

“He’s walking normally! But where! Where is he?! TELL ME!!!”

Reality seems to crack around the filly. A few moments later there is an ear shattering explosion as Dinky is blown back. Opening her eyes, she raises her head to look around. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom look into her face, clearly frightened.

“Dinky!”

“Are you okay?!”

Dinky nods weakly. “I… think so. What happened?”

Moonlit Dusk walks over. “The crystal in the All-Seeing Eye reached the end of its life. When it did, your consciousness was returned to your body.”

Tempest frowns. “What did you see?”

“Princess Celestia… she…”

Dinky’s eyes roll into the back of her head as she loses consciousness. Sereb gasps.

“Dinky!”

Cherry screams. “What happened?!”

Moonlit Dusk sighs as she takes the amulet from Dinky’s hoof. “It would appear she just tired herself out.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Probably. Let’s get topside.”

Sweetie Belle grimaces. “What about Dinky?!”

Sereb steps forward. “I’ll carry her.”

Carefully picking the filly up, he lays her on his back as they retrace their steps. Returning to Princess Luna’s room, Moonlit Dusk looks to them.

“I need to get back to the citadel. You going to be okay?”

Tempest nods. “Yeah. I’ll take Dinky and her friends back to my house.”

Calling forth Light’s Bane, Tempest opens a portal and motions for the others to follow her.

Chapter 4 - Two Truths

Derpy and the others walk through the forest together. Rose points to a spot some distance ahead.

“There’s Stableton.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “It really IS here!”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “Why is that so surprising?”

“I dunno. Maybe just the fact that a whole TOWN is here without anypony knowing about it.”

Derpy sighs. “Nopony lives out here anymore.”

Rarity shudders. “Other than Tempest?”

Applejack frowns. “I sure hope that’s true. Can you imagine having her for a neighbor?”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! I’d bring her a pie!”

Rarity turns to Derpy. “Do we know which house is hers?”

“It was this way I think. Rose?”

“Yes. Follow me.”

Leading the way, Rose walks down the overgrown streets. Eventually they come to a moderately kept up house. Derpy nods soberly.

“That’s the one.”

Applejack turns to the others. “So… do we just… knock?”

Derpy shrugs. “Last time Tempest kinda found us, so I don’t really know how we should…”

The door opens and Sereb walks out. Turning to them, he smiles.

“I thought I heard something out here.”

Rose gasps. “Sereb?”

“Tis I.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Are they…?!”

“Just fine. This way.”

Turning, he walks back into the house. Entering, they see Tempest dozing on the couch. She straightens up as they enter.

“What are you…?!”

Sereb growls. “These are the families of the fillies.”

Tempest looks at Derpy. “Now I remember you. Dinky’s mother.”

“Is she okay?!”

Tempest turns to Sereb. “Show them to the bedroom.”

Sereb motions with a wave of his paw. Walking to a door, he pushes it open with his magic and steps aside. Inside they find Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle asleep on a large bed. Hearing the floorboards creak, two of them slowly open their eyes and sit up.

“Sweetie Belle! Are you alright?!”

“I’m fine, mom.”

“How about you, Apple Bloom?!”

Apple Bloom yawns. “Just really tired.”

She puts a hoof on Dinky’s back as Derpy approaches.

“Is she… okay?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Just very tired.”

Rainbow Dash turns to the others. “We should get them to a doctor as soon as possible!”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. They’ve had quite a journey.”

Tempest enters the room with Arc’s helmet under her fetlock and clears her throat. Rose turns to her.

“Tempest?”

“I think this belongs to you.”

She holds out the helmet. Derpy takes it and looks it over.

“Cherry? Can you hear me?”

“Yes, I’m here. And you don’t need to worry about the fillies. Tempest took very good care of them.”

Rarity appears relieved. “Thank you very much. I hope Sweetie Belle wasn’t too much trouble.”

“They weren’t any trouble at all.”

Applejack grins. “Well, thanks just the same.”

“My scanners show all of them to be in perfect health, if just a bit fatigued.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Rose. “Anything we can do for them?”

“I recommend a nice long rest in a warm bed.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Yeah. That’s what I said when we got back here twenty minutes ago.”

Sereb nods. “Dinky had to be carried.”

Derpy looks to Tempest. “We appreciate the help. Now we should probably be going.”

“Back to Ponyville?”

Applejack nods. “Yup. They have beds waiting for them there.”

“I can help you with that.”

Pinkie grins at Tempest. “Do you have a hot air balloon, or something?!”

“No. But I can open a portal back to Arc’s base for you.”

Derpy smiles. “That would be very helpful, yes.”

Tempest nods and calls forth Light’s Bane. Opening a dark portal, the others step back instinctively. Fluttershy hides behind her tail.

“Wha… what is THAT?!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Just a portal. Step through and it’ll take you back home.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “We should probably take it. After all, it is a long walk.”

Rarity nods as she looks to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. “That and these fillies have been through a lot.”

“Dinky more than us.”

“Yeah.”

Sereb turns to the others. “The portal is quite stable. We’ve taken a couple of them since starting this journey.”

Rose looks the swirling energies over. “I can confirm that.”

Derpy smiles as she picks Dinky up and lays her in Sereb’s saddle. “Let’s go.”

They walk though one at a time. Derpy stops and looks to Tempest for a long moment before wordlessly putting her hooves around the mare’s neck.

“Thank you for taking such good care of my baby.”

Tempest grimaces. “No… problem.”

Stepping back, Derpy walks through the portal and vanishes. Tempest snorts and closes it as she muses to herself.

“Hugs. Ugh.”

Turning back toward the bed, she puts a hoof on the quilt.

“It was… nice to have company, I suppose.”

Meanwhile, Derpy steps out of the portal and looks around. Light’s Hope stands before them. Sereb heads for the front door and pounds on it. Rose appears confused.

“What are you doing?”

“There are plenty of beds here. That and I don’t think any of us have the strength to walk to town right now.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I could, but… let’s just stay here.”

Applejack sighs. “If we can, that is.”

Rarity appears confused. “But there’s nopony here anymore. Who would…?”

The door opens and Max steps outside. Seeing the disheveled manes of the mares before him he quickly steps aside.

“Come in, everypony!”

Turning his head, he calls out.

“MAIN HALL!”

Viktor, Hugh, and Xenos run down the corridor toward them. Spotting their guests, they hurry to help them. Picking up Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, they walk down the corridor. Viktor motions ahead.

“This way.”

Xenos nods soberly. “We’ll take you to the barracks.”

Hugh sighs. “It may not be much, but it’s safe and the sheets are clean.”

Rose looks to Derpy. “Why don’t you take Dinky to Arc’s room? I’m sure she’d be happy to wake up there.”

Max turns and nods. “Right. We all know the commander wouldn’t mind.”

Derpy nods. “Thank you. That does sound good.”

Entering Arc’s quarters with Max and Rose, Sereb heads for the bedroom with Derpy. Carefully laying the unconscious filly in the bed he helps Derpy in next to her and heads for the door.

“I’ll be in the Living Room. Call if you need anything.”

Turning to walk slowly back to close the door he sees that the pair have already fallen asleep in each other’s fetlocks. Smiling, he quietly closes the door behind him. Meanwhile, Xenos and Viktor carry the other two fillies into the barracks as Hugh holds the door open for them.

“Take any bunks you want.”

“They’re all about the same.”

“Right. But they do the job.”

Laying the two fillies together in a bunk, they step back and head for the door together.

“We’ll let you all rest now.”

“Pleasant dreams.”

The others flop down on bunks and are soon asleep. Heading for Arc’s room they spot Max and Rose leaving it. Viktor is the first to speak.

“How are they?”

“Sereb says they passed out as soon as their heads hit the pillow.”

Viktor turns to Xenos. “What do you suppose happened?”

“No idea. But at least they didn’t appear hurt.”

Rose nods. “Most likely the culmination of a long journey and what transpired on it. As far as Dinky is concerned, that is.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Where were they?”

“We caught up to them at Tempest’s house. What happened before that point is unknown at present.”

Xenos stomps the floor angrily. “Tempest?!”

Hugh gasps. “They must’ve been desperate to go to her for help!”

Max puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe. Or perhaps she was the only one that could help them.”

Viktor sighs. “We’ll ask when they wake up.”

Rose looks to Max. “Perhaps we should prepare a meal for them. It would appear none of them have been eating properly.”

“Good idea.”

Xenos grins. “To the kitchen!”

They walk down the corridor together as Rose looks to the door and sighs.

“Whatever happened, Dinky… I hope it was worth it.”

She turns and follows Arc’s squad. As the sun reaches its noonday position Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle awaken. Sitting up, they look around.

“Where… are we?”

“No idea. But there’s Rarity!”

“And Applejack!”

They get up and run over to their respective family members.

“Rarity!”

“Ugh… Sweetie Belle? What are you doing up? Go back to bed.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Can’t stay in bed all day, Applejack!”

“Wha… Apple Bloom!”

She jumps out of the bed.

“Are you okay?! Tempest didn’t hurt you, did she?!”

“I’m fine.”

The others sit up. Rainbow Dash grabs her pillow and covers her head with it.

“Can everypony please keep it down? I need my awesome-sleep.”

Fluttershy sits up and looks them over. “Both of you seem okay. Are you?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yes. Everything’s fine. I think anyways.”

Pinkie grins. “Maybe all they need is a good meal!”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof on her belly. “That does sound good.”

“But first we should get cleaned up.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof. “There’s a locker room and showers over here.”

Applejacks grins. “That does sound nice. Come on, Apple Bloom. I’ll wash your back if you wash mine.”

“Okay.”

“This way, Sweetie Belle.”

“Aw… but the water makes me feel funny.”

Everyone heads for the showers. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak.

“This feels good!”

Applejack nods as she rinses her sister’s mane. “I know, right. Usually I’m not much for this sort of thing.”

Pinkie grins as she looks to the others as she sports a shower cap and floaties. “But we all REALLY needed it!”

Fluttershy giggles. “Yes, we did.”

Rarity calls over from lathering up Sweetie Belle. “You know, this reminds me of when we used to have spa days.”

Applejack chuckles. “We haven’t had one of those in a while.”

Pinkie grins. “That was fun! Except for the time I dropped a cake into the tub!”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Well, we were the ones telling you to slow down!”

Fluttershy sighs. “Now, now. It’s in the past.”

Apple Bloom trots in place with Sweetie Belle. “Can we hurry up, please?”

“Yeah. I want to check on Dinky.”

Applejack smiles. “Rose scanned her and said she’s going to be fine.”

Rarity nods. “Right. She’s just a bit tired. Derpy’s with her though.”

Pinkie runs over to Applejack with a bottle of shampoo. “Let me help!”

She pours shampoo in her friend’s mane and begins rubbing it in.

“You sure are grubby!”

Applejack sighs. “I guess. Say, somepony get to work on Pinkie’s mane. I think there might be some sticks in there.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Let me take a look.”

She walks over and begins lathering up the curly mane.

“This’ll take quite some time to fix. But I’ll do my best.”

Rarity giggles. “And while you’re doing that, I’ll tend to your mane, Fluttershy.”

“Thanks!”

Rainbow Dash flies over. “And I’ll wash yours, Rarity.”

Pinkie laughs. “Shampoo train! But what about you, Rainbow Dash?!”

“Apple Bloom and I will take care of it!”

“Yeah! We’re already cleaned up!”

They get to work pulling the mud, sticks, and thistles from each other’s manes. Soon everyone is covered in a thick coating of suds. Looking at each other they giggle loudly. Turning to hear the sound of hoofsteps approaching, Sweetie Belle turns and points.

“Hello, Mister Xenos! Are you here for a shower too?!”

Xenos blushes heavily at the scene before him. “I… uh…”

Apple Bloom grins. “We can all pitch in to help you!”

Xenos quickly sits down on his haunches and places his hooves in front of his… you know… “No, no! I just… came to wake you all for… lunch, I guess.”

Applejack looks over her shoulder as her wet mane and soap runs down her back. “We’re going to be awhile yet. I hope that’s okay.”

“It’s fine! Um… please come to the cafeteria when you’re… done!”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head to remove the mane from her eyes. “We’ll get done as fast as we can! I’m hungry!”

“N-no rush! It still needs to cook! I-I’ll let you get back to… um… getting cleaned up now!”

Turning awkwardly on his haunches, Xenos stands and quickly runs out of the room. Apple Bloom turns to her sister.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“We’ll explain it when you’re older.”

Sweetie Belle turns to her mother. “Does it have something to do with us being in here?”

“Kinda. You see… um… a stallion sometimes gets a bit… warm when seeing mares doing things like this.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Yeah! Especially if they don’t get with a mare for a long time!”

Fluttershy sighs. “They’re all alone out here, so I doubt they have.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “What does that have to do with it?”

Applejack bows her head. “Well, since everypony else just started trying to explain it… he was getting aroused.”

“Oh! I get it now!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Me too! It’s like when Rarity goes to her room at night and starts moaning while calling our Arc’s name!”

Rarity gasps and turns beet red. “SWEETIE BELLE!!!”

“What? Is that not normal?”

Rainbow Dash falls over laughing. “Didn’t know you had it in you, Rarity!”

Pinkie grins. “Well, you stand kinda funny when Arc’s name comes up in conversation and shift your flank a lot!”

Rainbow Dash grins mischievously. “Yeah, I do. But you all know why.”

Apple Bloom looks up at her sister. “What’s she mean, Applejack?”

“We all wanted Arc to… um…”

She sighs.

“…breed us.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Rarity. “Is that true?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, it is.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “But why?”

Pinkie giggles. “Because we all love him, silly!”

“I don’t understand.”

Fluttershy steps forward. “Well, you and your friends said that it’d be nice if Arc was your father, right?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yes. But what does that have to do with breeding?”

Applejack smiles sheepishly. “We wanted that too, yes. But in addition… fillies of our own.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “You wanted to be a mother, Applejack?”

“I did, yes.”

Rarity smiles. “When you find somepony to spend your life with, all you can think about is being with them.”

Fluttershy blushes happily. “Yes. And doing… certain things.”

Rainbow Dash takes several steps awkwardly toward the two fillies. “You want to get closer and closer, until you touch. Then you want to get even closer!”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “How can you get closer than touching?”

Pinkie giggles wickedly. “They go INSIDE you!”

Rarity frowns. “PINKIE!”

“What?! That’s what happens!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “She’s right. We all wanted him inside us. I’m sorry if this comes as a shock to you two. But we’ve all talked it over, and really wanted that.”

Rarity nods. “Indeed. I hope you’re not too upset.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Upset? No way!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Yeah! We’d love it if Arc gave you all foals!”

“We’d all be one big happy family!”

“And we want you to be happy too!”

Xenos listens from around the corner. Slowly walking out the door he sits down on the cool corridor floor to… calm himself down.

“The commander really did have quite the harem forming! I knew he was popular, but this…!”

He sighs and looks down between his legs.

“I better stay sitting a bit before I head back to join the others. They’re never going to believe this though.”

Sometime later everyone finishes showering and brushes their manes. Heading down the corridor they sniff the air. Fluttershy turns to Rainbow Dash.

“What is that?”

Rainbow Dash drools. “It smells like pizza!”

Applejack chuckles. “Let’s go find out.”

Heading for the cafeteria, they find Derpy and Dinky sitting at a table together. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom run over to them.

“Are you okay, Dinky?!”

“You’re not hurt, are you?!”

Dinky shakes her head sadly. “I’m okay. But I… um…”

Derpy puts a hoof on her shoulder. “Please, sweetheart. Let’s get some food in your little belly before you tell everypony the news.”

“Okay, mom.”

The squad emerges from the kitchen each carrying a pizza. They set them down on the buffet before putting various slices on plates and setting them before the mares.

“Everypony eat up.”

“Just be careful. They’re still pretty hot.”

“Yeah. We’ll get some drinks for you all directly.”

“I hope water’s okay. We don’t actually have anything else right now.”

Derpy smiles at them. “That’s fine.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Hey, this is pretty good! Did you guys make this?!”

Max nods. “Yes. It’s the commander’s recipe.”

Dinky smiles. “I thought it tasted familiar.”

Pinkie gasps. “His secret recipe?!”

Hugh shakes his head and looks toward the kitchen. “Not exactly secret anymore. He wrote it down so Saffron could make it once a week.”

Rarity grins. “It really is quite tasty.”

Apple Bloom munches away happily. “I love the olives!”

Sweetie Belle sighs contentedly. “It’s like a hot salad!”

The squad heads for the kitchen. Returning with Rose, they begin pouring glasses of water for everyone as Max turns to Dinky.

“So how did it go?”

Viktor looks over the group. “Everypony looks to be okay.”

“We’re fine, I guess. But my dad isn’t.”

Xenos bows his head. “Yes. All of us were very sad to hear about his…”

Dinky shakes her head fervently. “You don’t understand! He’s alive!”

Rose sighs. “Dinky… we all miss him, but…”

“I saw what happened!”

Rarity gasps. “What?!”

Rainbow Dash jumps up. “How?!”

Apple Bloom looks away sheepishly. “We went to the Nightborn Citadel and…”

Hugh’s eyes grow wide. “Woah, woah, WOAH! You went WHERE?!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Tempest convinced them to let us in.”

Viktor gasps. “She did?! Why?!”

Sereb pipes up. “Because she also wanted to know the truth. It was a long and arduous journey, but we were successful in our mission.”

Dinky nods. “Right! They let us use an ancient artifact known as the All-Seeing Eye. After we took it to the Castle of the Two Sisters I was able to see into the past.”

“What did you see, sweetie?”

Dinky grits her teeth angrily. “I saw Princess Celestia STAB my dad from behind!”

Fluttershy is clearly frightened by this. “She did WHAT?!”

“Then she blasted him out the window! All in cold blood!”

Applejack frowns. “This is pretty serious, Dinky. Are you saying she murdered him?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. My dad survived.”

Sereb appears hopeful. “How?!”

“He floated downstream on a log. After he reached a quiet riverbank he stopped there.”

Pinkie gasps “Was he hurt bad?!”

“It looked like it, yes. Some Timberwolves attacked him and hurt him even worse though.”

Rainbow Dash shudders. “How did he get away?!”

“He didn’t. Somepony is a dark cloak ran up and shot the wolves with a crossbow.”

Rarity looks relieved. “Did they help him?!”

“I think so. They dragged him away somewhere. The next vision was of him in a hospital before I saw him on some kind of homestead with what looked a robed foal.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “Was he still injured?”

“It didn’t look like it, no.”

Sereb growls. “We need to find him right away!”

Dinky shakes her head. “In all honesty, I don’t think we do.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “What?! But why not?!”

Max nods. “Because if he’s staying there he has a good reason.”

Xenos grins. “The commander always has a plan.”

Viktor turns to Hugh. “What could it be though?”

“Maybe he’s biding his time. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike back at Princess Celestia.”

Rose appears confused. “Um… isn’t that a bad thing?”

Sereb growls. “Is he not still the Hero of Light?”

Derpy nods with conviction. “Yes, he is.”

Rarity frowns. “That means he’s the only one who can legally assault a princess.”

Rainbow Dash smacks her hooves together. “And it sounds like she NEEDS to be assaulted!”

Fluttershy draws back at this outburst. “Calm yourself, Rainbow Dash. That kind of talk will only make trouble.”

“Yeah! For HER!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “We need to have faith in Arc’s plan.”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “Whatever it is.”

Max nods and turns to Xenos. “Yes. But somepony should notify Princess Luna.”

Xenos frowns. “Won’t she just tell her sister?”

Hugh shakes his head. “I don’t think so. That and she may need to retake the throne if and when the commander takes Princess Celestia down.”

Viktor grimaces. “She is next in line, after all.”

Derpy looks to the others. “Why don’t we finish eating and see about catching the afternoon train to Canterlot?”

“Mom?”

“Yes, Dinky?”

“We can teleport, remember?”

“Oh… right.”

Sereb grins. “There’s also the gauntlet.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “That may be more prudent.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Can I… see it please?”

Sereb looks to Dinky. She nods. Opening his saddlebags, the wolf removes the bundle and sets it on the table. Dinky unwraps it and picks up the gauntlet.

“Here you go.”

Rarity takes it in her hooves and looks it over. Smiling, she rubs her face with it and sighs contentedly.

“It’s not the same as his real fingers. But this is indeed a close second.”

Max sighs and motions for the others to follow him back to the kitchen. Entering, they turn to him.

“What’s up?”

“Yeah. Things were just getting good.”

Max frowns. “They need some time to talk amongst themselves.”

“You sure that’s not the only reason?”

“What do you mean?”

Xenos smiles. “We can tell you’re still thinking of Miss Shelly.”

“How…?”

Hugh grins. “You talk in your sleep.”

Max sighs and bows his head. “You’re right. Every night my she comes to me as I dream.”

“But she’s back on Earth.”

“And there’s no way back. Not since the commander ordered the S.P.E.A.R. destroyed.”

“I know that. But I just can’t give up the idea that maybe someday her and I will be able to see one another again.”

Hugh sighs. “But you told us she didn’t want anything to do with you ever again.”

“Right.”

“Then why…?”

Max sighs happily. “When you love somepony… you… you just can’t accept that. Ever.”

Chapter 5 - 'R' Rated

Rainbow Dash hovers over the table angrily. “We need to tell Princess Luna about this right away!”

Apple Bloom sighs. “But what can she do about it?”

Sweetie Belle nods sadly. “Right. That and we don’t really have any physical proof of anything.”

Rose frowns. “Regardless, she must be informed of her sister’s actions that night.”

Pinkie grits her teeth angrily. “Yeah! If she’s lying about this, what else aren’t we being told?!”

Fluttershy’s ears droop. “It’s hard to believe Princess Celestia could have done such a thing. And to Arc, no less!”

Applejack nods fervently. “Well, we need to get this ball rolling.”

Rarity looks around. “But how do we make her believe us?”

Sereb frowns. “By presenting the truth in a calm, collected, and logical manner.”

Cherry calls out. “I think I might have a better idea though.”

Apple Bloom looks to the helmet. “What is it, Miss Cherry?”

Meanwhile, Twilight paces around the room as Luna looks out the window stoically.

“You really do need to calm yourself, Twilight.”

“I know. But I’m just so nervous!”

“You heard Sandstorm Mirage. Your friends have returned safely to civilization and requested an immediate audience with me to discuss their findings.”

“That’s what has me upset!”

“Oh? You’re worried they haven’t found anything useful?”

“Worse. What if they’ve found out that Princess Celestia really is guilty?!”

Luna sighs. “If that’s the truth, so be it.”

“But what if…?!”

“Twilight.”

“Yes?”

“You know my sister better than anypony in the kingdom. She’s shared her knowledge and wisdom with you since you were a filly, correct?”

“That’s true, yes.”

“Then you should trust her judgment. Hasn’t she always acted in the best interests of everypony?”

“I… suppose she has.”

“And has she ever done anything you would consider… a mistake?”

“Never! She’s flawless in that regard!”

“Then it should be a simple task for you to have faith in her.”

“But she’s been so distant since Arc brought her home! Whatever was done to her out there may have… altered her in some way!”

“You have to understand that the role of princess is always a risky one. At any time one could be…”

There is a knock at the door. Luna opens it with her magic. Sandstorm Mirage walks in and salutes as Luna addresses him.

“Have Twilight’s friends arrived?”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “No, your highness. They have just sent word requesting you to instead meet them at Light’s Hope.”

Twilight appears confused. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“Unknown, miss. However they said all would be clear there.”

Luna stands. “Very well. We will travel there momentarily. Inform the guards my lover and I do not wish to be disturbed for the rest of the afternoon.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But won’t that raise suspicion?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. In fact I have an idea to use it to our advantage. Please follow me, Twilight.”

“Oh, um… okay.”

Walking over to the bed Luna lies down and rolls over to look away from the door. Motioning for Twilight to lay down on the bed in front of her, she turns her head to the sergeant again.

“Is any part of Twilight visible from the door?”

“No, Princess Luna.”

Luna looks to Twilight. “Put one of your rear hooves on my hip.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

“On my cutie mark to be exact.”

“But…!

“We don’t have time for this, Twilight. Do as I say.”

“Y-yes.”

Taking a deep breath, Twilight raises a rear hoof and gently places it on Luna’s backside as instructed.

“Like that?”

“Yes, Twilight. Sergeant?”

“Your highness?”

“Can you see Twilight’s hoof from the door now?”

“I can, yes.”

Luna nods soberly. “Good. Now when you leave the room I want you to open the door wide, turn back, slowly bow, wish me a good rest of my day, and close the door very slowly. Then inform the guards that whomsoever interrupts my lover and I before supper will suffer dire consequences.”

“Yes, Princess Luna.”

Twilight appears confused. “What should I do?”

“Just lie there and very still and don’t make a sound. I’ll do the rest.”

She motions for the sergeant to leave. As he unlocks the door, Luna begins throatily moaning. The guards outside turn at such sounds and look inside as Sandstorm Mirage opens the door wide.

“I do hope you enjoy the rest of your day, Princess Luna.”

Luna breathes heavily as she almost screams out the words. “Oh yes! Yes! Yes I will!”

She continues crying out in mock ecstasy as Sandstorm Mirage closes the door behind him and turns to the guards.

“As all of you could probably hear, Princess Luna is having some… private time with her lover. She does not wish to be disturbed for the rest of the afternoon. Failure to do so will result in… shall we say… dire consequences. Does everypony understand?”

They nod silently as the sergeant turns and walks down the corridor. Looking to one another, they nod and grin approvingly. Meanwhile, Luna stands and walks to the center of the room. Twilight joins her, looking confused.

“What was that all about?”

“I wanted the guards to believe you and I were having a very passionate afternoon of sex.”

“WHAT?! WHY?!”

Luna chuckles. “To keep them away.”

“I would think that would do the opposite!”

“Oh, believe me, they wouldn’t DARE spy on me!”

“Um… why not?”

Luna grins darkly. “Because they know I wouldn’t stop at just killing them.”

Twilight gulps. “I… don’t think I want to hear any more.”

“Yes, that’s probably for the best. But in any case, we should probably get moving.”

“To Light’s Hope?”

“Indeed. Follow me.”

Channeling her magic, Luna opens a dark portal. Gesturing to it she looks to Twilight.

“Right this way.”

Stepping though the pair reappear in the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. Arc’s squad stands ready to receive them. Max is the first to speak.

“Right this way, your highness.”

“What is this about?”

Xenos shrugs. “No idea, Princess Luna.”

Hugh sighs. “They were kinda too busy to explain it at the time.”

Viktor nods. “But little Dinky says she can make it work.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Dinky?! So they found the missing fillies?!”

Max smiles. “Yes. They’ll explain everything.”

Arriving at Arc’s office, they enter to Twilight’s friends hurriedly setting up a strange looking machine. Pinkie is the first to notice the newcomers.

“Twilight!”

Twilight waves happily. “Hey there everypony! Um… you’re all okay, right?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “We’re fine.”

Applejack bows her head. “A bit tired. But otherwise unhurt.”

Rarity gestures to the fillies with a wave of her hoof. “And that goes for these three too. More or less, that is.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “It really was an interesting trip.”

Apple Bloom rubs her still tender side. “Yeah. And painful.”

Sereb sighs. “Our wounds have mostly healed. However, we cannot rest until this matter is resolved.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about? What matter?”

Derpy puts her hooves on Dinky’s shoulders. “My little one here says she’s discovered the truth behind what happened that night in the eastern wing of the castle.”

Luna nods. “I’m interested to know that myself. However, why did you feel it was necessary for us to meet here instead of Canterlot Castle?”

Rose puts her hand on a device. “Because of this.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “The projector prototype?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I remember that thing. Arc used it to show us what had happened during his battle at the New Beginnings Orphanage.”

Max turns to Rose. “Ma’am, how did he…?”

“It receives the electronic pulses in someone’s brain and translates them into visible images that are then projected on the screen across the room.”

Luna points to several crystals nearby. “It can also record those memories in a crystal for later viewing.”

Viktor gasps. “You mean this actually works?!”

Rarity giggles. “That it does.”

Luna sighs. “Indeed. But the cost of materials are far too high to mass produce them. To date, there are only three working models.”

She turns to Dinky as she sits down next to the machine.

“Tell me… were you there that night, little one?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, Princess Luna.”

“Then how were you planning on showing me anything regarding that event?”

Sweetie Belle pipes up. “We went to the Nightborn Citadel and got something called the All-Seeing Eye.”

Luna gasps. “What?! Impossible!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Dinky used it at the Castle of the Two Sisters to see what really happened that night.”

Derpy smiles. “You were very brave to do that, Dinky. I know it can’t have been easy to see such things.”

Fluttershy shudders. “I don’t really want to see this. But… I do want to know the truth as well.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Let’s get this thing going!”

Rose turns to the others. “Alright. Everything’s set up. Dinky, there’s a crystal next to the projector. Please pick it up and concentrate on the events in question when you are ready.”

“Okay. Here goes.”

Closing her eyes, Dinky focuses. A few moments later the screen displays Arc standing before Captain Decimus and Admiral Gaston. Words are exchanged as Arc appears to be losing his patience with the pair before him. Suddenly, Celestia’s horn impales Arc’s midsection. Everyone present gasps. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak.

“She really did do it!”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “That’s terrible!”

Fluttershy sobs. “How awful!”

Rarity stomps a hoof angrily. “She’s a monster!”

Applejack stands there, mouth agape. “He… didn’t even DO anything to her!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her head. “How… why…?”

Sereb frowns. “There is more.”

Rose nods. “Yes. Keep watching everyone.”

Arc is blasted out a window. He floats down the river holding his wounds. Eventually he heads for the bank only to be attacked by Timberwolves. Trying in vain to defend himself, Arc is wounded further. Luna winces as she speaks.

“What an end for such a brave…”

She stops talking as a pony in a black cloak drives away the assailants and drags Arc away. The final scenes shows Arc in a hospital of some kind before walking with a foal in a black cloak. Dinky sighs and looks to Luna.

“That’s all there is.”

“So he IS alive!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Rose smiles. “Now all we have to do is find that place.”

Apple Bloom steps forward. “Dinky already had an idea regarding that.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Yeah.”

“I think we shouldn’t go after him.”

Twilight gasps. “What?!”

“If my dad is staying away, he must have a really good reason.”

Rose puts a finger to her chin. “Right. Arc always has a plan. What it is still eludes me though.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Well, we still have to act on this end!”

Applejack appears confused. “Act?”

Rarity nods indignantly. “I think she means Princess Celestia along with Captain Decimus and Admiral Gaston need to be held accountable for their actions.”

Fluttershy frowns. “They did lie about it to everypony.”

Twilight gasps. “But… but Princess Celestia wouldn’t have done that without a good reason! R-right, Luna?!”

“I want to believe that, Twilight. However, it did appear she acted with great malice and decisively.”

Rose holds up the filled crystal. “Would this be enough evidence for a conviction?”

Rarity grimaces. “I would hope so!”

Luna shakes her head. “Unlikely, no.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “What else would we need?!”

Twilight sighs. “Lacking any other evidence, a confession from either the captain or the admiral would do it.”

Rainbow Dash moans. “But they’ll never give us that!”

Pinkie nods fervently. “Right! They’re the bad guys!”

Apple Bloom trots in place nervously. “Is there any other way?!”

Max nods. “An eyewitness account.”

Viktor sighs. “But there weren’t any other witnesses.”

Xenos grits his teeth. “Yes, there was.”

Hugh appears confused. “What? Who?”

Dinky nods. “My dad.”

Rarity grins. “If he were to come back and publicly testify against Princess Celestia, there would be no doubt!”

Twilight’s ears droop. “I suppose not. With this crystal and his testimony, it would be an open and shut case.”

Applejack turns to her friend. “Twilight?”

“This… this is just so much to take in! I’m still having trouble believing it’s real!”

Luna sighs. “As am I, Twilight. But we must do what is right for the country. These wrongs must be made right at any cost.”

Rainbow Dash clops her hooves together. “So are we going to bust into Canterlot Castle and confront her directly?!”

Sereb growls. “That would be suicide.”

Rose sighs. “Right. Everyone saw Princess Celestia’s power. She could just vaporize all of us to keep the matter quiet.”

Pinkie frowns. “So we’re not going to do ANYTHING?!”

Rarity gasps. “There must be some way to…!”

Luna nods. “There is. But we need Arc to spearhead whatever offensive takes place.”

Max stands at attention. “I volunteer to join the fight when that time comes!”

Xenos grins. “Me too!”

Viktor takes up a battle ready position. “This is what we signed up for!”

Hugh appear apprehensive. “But aren’t we supposed to defend the princesses? This just doesn’t seem right to me.”

Luna turns to the squad. “Your sworn duty is to protect and serve Equestria alongside the Hero of Light. His entire purpose for existing is to stop a power hungry monarch who has gone astray. Now I know that may not sound like something you can do, but with Arc’s help it can be accomplished.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “If we just let this go, who knows just how far Princess Celestia will go?!”

Derpy nods. “It would be nice if we could gauge just how far she’s gone already. Any luck with the lover plan, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nothing yet, no.”

Luna sighs. “I too am a bit concerned. Celestia should have called for Twilight the moment word reached her.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Maybe it just hasn’t.”

“It should have. After all, Twilight and I have been going at it pretty hard while everypony else was gone.”

There is an awkward silence. Eventually Luna bows her head and breaks it.

“That… came out wrong.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “I don’t get it.”

Applejack blushes slightly. “That’s fine, Apple Bloom.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Dinky. “Is there anything else we can do?”

“No. We got this evidence, so I think the rest is up to the Element Bearers.”

Rarity looks to Twilight. “It is?”

“Dinky’s right. It’s our job to not only wield the Elements of Harmony, but to help maintain order.”

Fluttershy takes a step back, nervously. “We are?”

Luna nods. “To a degree, yes.”

Rose smiles as she looks to Twilight and her friends. “While no official decree or law currently exists on the books, the Elements have always been used to protect the peace of this land.”

Twilight nods with conviction. “The Princess Celestia I remember would have wanted us to do that.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “What about her though?”

Twilight sighs. “No matter what happened to her, she’d want us to do the right thing.”

Rainbow Dash raises a hoof. “Crazy idea here, but… couldn’t we use the Elements of Harmony to send her to the moon… or something?”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “For a thousand years?!”

Twilight gasps. “I’d never see her again!”

Sereb sighs. “That may be for the best.”

Luna frowns. “While a hard decision to make, I agree. Celestia must be stopped, and her accomplices arrested.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “But not until Arc comes back though, right?”

“Sadly, yes. He’s the only one with the authority to take or order such action against a ruling princess.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “So what now?!”

“Luna and I will return to the castle and continue with our plan. The rest of you should go home and wait for a message from us.”

Applejack gasps. “What?!”

Pinkie shakes her head. “We should be at the castle with you!”

Max sighs. “I know you all would like that. But it’s best for everypony if you stay here in Ponyville where it’s safe.”

Hugh nods. “If something happens they can send word to us here.”

Viktor grins. “We’ll get you out of here if it appears danger is coming.”

Xenos stomps a large hoof. “Yeah. You can count on us.”

Luna looks to the Element Bearers. “There is one other matter I need to inform you of. I sent word to Sunburst the other day to request the Elements of Harmony be returned.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Great! Where are they?!”

“He… doesn’t have them.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“According to the message I received from him, Captain Decimus’ guards came to him and insisted that they should be taken to the vault. Sunburst refused, and the Elements were taken from his safe by force.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! So they STOLE them?!”

“It would appear so, yes.”

Rainbow Dash angrily takes flight. “So, let’s go pound him!”

Rarity holds up a hoof. “Wait! Remember, this is Captain Decimus we’re talking about!”

Derpy nods. “Right. Even Arc couldn’t kill him.”

Dinky steps forward. “You need to keep quiet about this. If Decimus feels somepony was going to do something he could just move them.”

Rose sighs. “Then you’d never find them again.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Apple Bloom. “So… what then?”

“I dunno.”

Luna frowns. “We need to stay the course with my plan to make my sister call for Twilight. As of right now there really isn’t anything else we can do.”

Rainbow Dash rubs her front hooves together wickedly. “I know something that might help!”

Applejack bow her head and sighs. “Break into the Audience Chamber?”

“BREAK INTO THE AUDIENCE CHAMBER, YES!!!”

Pinkie grins. “I have my party cannon right here! Let’s do it!”

Rose shakes her head. “That would be unwise.”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. Captain Decimus would simply call down the full force of the Equestrian military upon you.”

Luna grimaces. “Which is currently stationed at Canterlot Castle, no less.”

Derpy sighs. “And we can’t risk losing our Element Bearers.”

“Yeah. My dad wouldn’t want all of you to get hurt on his account.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Ugh! Fine! I’m gonna go take a nap!”

She flies out the door and vanishes from sight. Luna turns to Twilight.

“Will she be alright?”

“I think so. Rainbow Dash isn’t wrong though. More so as the Element of Loyalty.”

Max nods. “After seeing a princess betray someone so faithfully loyal to our nation… well… we know how she feels.”

Viktor sighs. “We haven’t had any correspondence with the capital since the funeral.”

Hugh grimaces. “Canterlot appears to have forgotten us here.”

Xenos grits his teeth. “Yeah. Or could it just have been Decimus’ way of getting us away from the castle?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “That is possible, yes. You four are certainly loyal to the Hero of Light, after all.”

Twilight smiles. “But with that, he has made his first mistake.”

Dinky appears confused. “Miss Twilight?”

“Think about it. You four are our aces in the hole. If something comes up here in Ponyville, you have the training and the skills to handle it.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. You could get the Element Bearers along with these fillies to safety.”

Rose shudders. “They are indeed high value targets.”

Applejack gasps. “We are?”

Luna sighs. “Very. With the Hero of Light missing, you six are the only ones with the power to stop my sister should the need arise.”

Pinkie salutes. “We’ll do our best!”

Fluttershy stands up bravely. “Yes we will!”

Rarity puffs out her chest. “Arc would be proud of us.”

Applejack stomps a hoof. “Darn right!”

Twilight’s ears droop sadly. “I’ll… do what I have to as well.”

Luna smiles. “Good. I’m sure I can count on all of you.”

Meanwhile, Sandstorm Mirage listens in from the other side of the door. Turning around, he frowns and opens a dark portal.

“This is… unexpected. I’ll have to inform the Dark Lady of this turn of events right away!”

Chapter 6 - Small Potatoes

An evening about a week later Arc and Scootaloo reach the edge of the forest. They peek out across the way to see the town of Dodge Junction. Scootaloo points a hoof.

“That has to be it!”

Arc looks at his map. “Yeah. No doubt about it.”

“Think it’s okay to just… go down there?”

“Probably not. After all, the citizens of Knothole Village weren’t exactly welcoming of me.”

“Well, we have to go into town for supplies.”

“I know. We ate the last of our food a couple hours ago.”

“So… do we just head for the store?”

“We didn’t bring any money.”

“Oh… right. Sorry, but I’m just so used to walking into my parent’s store and taking what’s needed.”

Arc sighs. “It’s fine. But now it looks like our only option is to find jobs.”

“What kind of stuff could we do?”

“No idea. Let’s just walk through town and see if we come across something.”

“We?!”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“You can’t be seen! Everypony would just freak out!”

“Well, you kinda stick out too with that cloak and wrap over your face.”

Scootaloo sighs. “True. But I's so used to covering up that don’t know what to do about it.”

“You could just take it off.”

“And let everypony make fun of my freakishly small wings and weird voice?!”

“I guess you could leave it on.”

“But what about you?”

“My cloak lets me turn invisible, remember? I’ll be right behind you the whole time. The only problem will be communicating.”

“That’s not too hard. As my master, you can talk to me telepathically.”

Arc appears confused. “I can?”

“Yeah! Just focus your thoughts on me. Like this…”

Scootaloo thinks very hard.

“Can you hear me?”

“Y-yes. Your voice is in my mind?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yup. Only masters and thralls can do this though. And since I’ve never bitten anypony else, this’ll be a private channel.”

“Should work. Ready to head into town?”

“I guess. We should hurry though. If it’s anything like Knothole Village, the shops will be closing soon.”

“Let’s go.”

Cloaking, Arc steps out of the forest. He looks around for a few moments before calling out to Scootaloo.

“No one around. Come on out.”

Scootaloo looks around a few moments before hopping out of the foliage.

“The only problem is that I can’t see you, Big Brother.”

“You just walk. I’ll follow a few steps behind you and call out directions.”

“Okay.”

Heading across the path, they walk toward the town. Arc looks around and winces. Scootaloo calls out to him.

“I can sense your pain! Are you okay?!”

“I… I’ve been here before.”

“You have? Are you sure?”

“Everything is so familiar.”

“Maybe you lived here?”

“No idea.”

“Well, with luck, somepony here might recognize you!”

Arc sighs. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Huh?”

“Remember, I recalled a memory a while back of killing a stallion in armor. I could very well be a criminal.”

“That’s… possible, I suppose. But you’re just so nice!”

“Thanks. But that could just be due to the fact I don’t remember anything else.”

“We still have to find out for certain. I mean… don’t you WANT to know the truth?!”

“I guess. But let’s focus on one task at a time.”

Entering town, they begin walking down the main street. The shopkeepers appear to be closing for the night. Arc calls out to Scootaloo telepathically.

“Head for the place with the most ponies.”

“What?! I thought we were trying to keep a low profile!”

“We are. But at the moment we need to figure out where to find work.”

“There’s a lot of ponies walking that-a-way.”

“Follow them.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo turns a corner and trails the stallions.

“Looks like they’re all heading for that big building.”

She wrinkles her nose as they approach.

“Ugh! It smells like that drink my dad used to make!”

“Yeah. I’m guessing they make that here too.”

“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”

“Probably not. But I’m guessing this’ll be the best place to get information.”

“So what do you want me to do?”

A short time later Scootaloo walks under the swinging doors of the Saloon with her hood up. She looks around to see stallions sitting at various tables talking loudly and laughing happily. Mares walk around carrying trays of alcohol and food. Arc calls out to her.

“Head for the bar.”

“Why there?”

“Because that stallion behind it looks like he’s in charge.”

“How can you tell?”

“He’s the one calling out orders to those mares working here.”

“Makes sense.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo walks up to the bar. She attempts to hop up onto a stool, but miscalculates and hangs there with her flank hanging off. Arc gently gives her a push up onto the stool with his foot as the barkeep walks over.

“We don’t let foals in here!”

Scootaloo shrinks back nervously. “I’m just looking for… um…”

Arc calls out to her telepathically. “Water.”

“…for a drink of water.”

“We don’t serve that here!”

“Please, sir! I’ve been walking for a really long time, and I’m very thirsty.”

Sighing, the barkeep pulls out a tankard and fills it with apple juice. He sets it down on the counter and frowns.

“I’m assuming you don’t have any money.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Fine. This one is on the house. Now drink it and go!”

“Thank you.”

Scootaloo drinks thirstily and sets the empty tankard on the bar.

“I… uh… was wondering if there was any work in town.”

The barkeep shakes their head as the fill a tankard for another patron. “None for a foal, no.”

“Tell him it’s for your big brother.”

“Oh, it’s not for me. My older brother is the one looking for a job.”

The barkeep points a hoof toward the door. “Then tell him to check the Writ Board. It’s just down the street at the main corner. Can’t miss it.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll let him know right away.”

She moves to hop off the stool but again miscalculates. Tumbling to the floor, Scootaloo lands in a heap face first. The patrons laugh heartily as the little filly does her best to get up. A burly stallion walks toward the vacated stool. As he passes he hoofs her in the side, knocking Scootaloo down again.

“Out of the way, runt!”

Arc calls out to her telepathically. “Scootaloo, teach him a lesson.”

“Wha-what?”

“Get up and challenge him.”

“Are you serious?!”

“Very.”

“Why?!”

“We’re going to earn you some respect. Make him apologize.”

Scootaloo stands up and turns to the stallion.

“Hey! That wasn’t very nice!”

“So what? You gonna do something about it?”

“Y-yes!”

The stallion laughs. Turning to face the filly, he sits down on his haunches and grins with outstretched hooves.

“Go ahead. Take a shot.”

Everyone in the saloon turns to watch. They chuckle as Scootaloo walks toward him. Arc calls out to her.

“I want you to hit him in the face as hard as you can.”

“But I’m… just me right now! No Crimson powers!”

“Trust me.”

Scootaloo takes a deep breath and lunges at the stallion. As her small hoof makes contact with his face, Arc leans forward and plants his fist on their assailant’s jaw. The stallion flies head over fetlocks over the bar and into a wall before falling into a heap on the floor. Scootaloo walks over to him and pulls a bag of bits from the stallion’s hip. Tossing them to the barkeep, she looks up into his surprised face.

“This should cover the damages to the place. Thank you for the drink.”

Turning, she walks out the door leaving everyone speechless. Stepping into a nearby alley, Scootaloo sits down on her fetlocks and leans against a building as she breathes heavily. Arc grins as he calls out.

“You did great back there!”

Scootaloo nods with her back against a brick wall. “I’m guessing that was actually you though.”

“That it was. But you had the courage to stand up to that guy.”

“Only because I had to.”

“Were you scared?”

“Of course I was! But in the back of my mind I knew you wouldn’t have told me to do something like that without a good plan.”

“I’ve got your back. But let’s go check out that Writ Board the bartender was talking about.”

“Okay. It should be just down the street here anyways.”

Returning to the road, Scootaloo turns a corner and finds what appears to be the board. She looks over it with Arc.

“Looks like there’s lots to do in this town. Which one should we take?”

“How about a bounty?”

“What’s that?”

Arc points a finger at a paper. “Take a look.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “At what exactly?”

“Oh… right. Forgot you can’t see me.”

Reaching out, Arc pulls a piece of paper off the board and allows it to fall to the ground. Scootaloo looks it over.

“It says this stallion here is a wanted criminal.”

“But if you look at the crimes listed, he hasn’t really done anything terribly dangerous.”

“And you want to find this stallion, why?”

“Because there’s a one hundred bits reward for his capture. I’m guessing that’s money.”

“It is, yes. But not really all that much.”

Arc shrugs. “Have to start somewhere though. That and don’t you recognize the picture?”

Scootaloo gasps. “The stallion from the saloon!”

“Right. So all we have to do is wait for him outside. If we’re lucky, he’ll just come with us to the jail.”

“And if not?”

“Then we teach him another lesson. Let’s go.”

Sighing, Scootaloo walks back toward the Saloon. Sitting down on the steps of the building across the street, she waits. An hour later the stallion leaves and walks down the street. She stands and calls out after him.

“Hey!”

The stallion turns around and looks at Scootaloo.

“You again?!”

“Yeah, me again!”

“What do YOU want?!”

Scootaloo holds up the wanted poster.

“You’re going to follow me to the jail so I can collect on this!”

The stallion laughs. “Oh! And why would I do that?!”

“Because… I… really need the money?”

Rolling his eyes, the stallion reaches into his belt and pulls out a bit. Tossing it at the filly he turns and walks away.

“Here. Go buy yourself a rattle. I’m outta here.”

Arc calls out to her. “Pick it up.”

“What?”

“Throw it at him.”

“But that’ll make him mad!”

“Exactly.”

Scootaloo grabs the bit and lobs it through the air. It hits the stallion in the flank. Turning around, he glares at her.

“I guess my charity isn’t wanted.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “I want to earn my money!”

“Fine. Then I’ll give it to you in exchange for a beating!”

“Let’s do it then!”

The stallion charges at Scootaloo. She grimaces and calls out telepathically.

“What do I do now?!”

“Dodge to one side at the last second.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo throws herself aside as the stallion passes her. Arc follow suit and kicks the stallion in the ribs as he passes. He falls to the ground gasping for breath.

“You… you’re pretty strong for a… a runt.”

Scootaloo frowns. “And you’re pretty dumb for an stallion.”

“Oh, I’ll make sure you regret those words.”

Standing, he turns and bucks a large barrel at Scootaloo. Stepping in front of her, Arc holds out a hand to effortlessly stop it. Scootaloo takes the cue and jumps up on top of it to get some air. Lunging at the stallion, she hoofs him in the eye before dodging another blow from him. She runs back toward the barrel and jumps behind it. Bucking it with her hind legs, Arc gives it a swift kick himself. The barrel explodes outward pelting the stallion with shrapnel. He reels back as Scootaloo again runs at him.

“Take THIS!”

Jumping over him, she bucks him in the flank as Arc gives him a swift kick. The stallion flies down the road and into the side of a building. Scootaloo walks over to him as some nearby ponies cheer her on.

“You ready to give up?”

Slowly getting up, the stallion lumbers over to Scootaloo. Breathing heavily, he looks down at her. Jumping, Scootaloo uppercuts him in the jaw as Arc does the same. He flies backwards into the fetlocks of the local sheriff, unconscious. He nods to her approvingly.

“That was some mighty fine fighting, little one.”

“Th-thanks. Um… can I get the reward now?”

“I suppose you’ve earned it. Follow me.”

A short time later Scootaloo leaves the Sherriff’s Office with a small bag of bits. She grins as Arc pats her on the back.

“You were very brave back there, Scootaloo.”

“It wasn’t too hard to be. After all, I knew you were there too, Big Brother.”

“Well, we should probably look for a place to sleep.”

“How about heading back to the forest?”

“That would probably work. But first we need to get something to eat.”

He looks down the road.

“All the shops are closed, so it looks like our only option is the saloon. Um… do you think you can handle going back there?”

Scootaloo grins. “Don’t worry about that, Big Brother. I got this.”

Chapter 8 - A Little Action

Arc and Scootaloo sleep peacefully through the day. As the sun begins to set Arc opens his eyes and looks around. Nudging the filly next to him, Arc pats her face.

“Time to wake up.”

Scootaloo slowly opens her eyes. “Do we have to?”

“Yeah. Ruby will be expecting us there before nightfall.”

“I guess she will.”

Arc frowns. “Something wrong?”

Scootaloo looks confused. “No. Why?”

“I thought you enjoyed working last night.”

“But I did.”

“Then why do you just want to stay in bed?”

Scootaloo sighs. “It’s not like that.”

“Enlighten me then.”

“You see… ever since you and I started hanging out together, I’ve been more… balanced. Things don’t seem as bad as they were. Even losing my parents was bearable because you were there with me, Big Brother.”

“Oh… um… I’m glad for that.”

“But there’s more. When we sleep together I just feel so safe and calm. Like nothing in the world could hurt me.”

She looks up at him and smiles.

“I really like you being my master. Now I know you don’t like when I call you that. But it’s the truth.”

“Thanks. In truth, I’m also really glad you’re my… um… what was it called again?”

“I’m your thrall.”

“Yeah… that.”

“You don’t like that word either, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no.”

“We don’t have to use them if you don’t want to.”

“That would make me feel better about this situation, yes.”

“Can I keep calling you Big Brother though?”

“Yeah, that part’s okay. But we should eat something before we head over to the ranch.”

“There’s still some bits left from catching that bad stallion the other day. Want me to head out and get us some food from the store?”

“Sure. But I could just as easily come with you.”

“I suppose. But this would be a good time to test out some abilities.”

“What do you…?”

“As your thrall, you can see and hear what I do if you concentrate hard enough.”

“I can?”

“Sure. At least you should be able to. Can we give it a try?”

“Um… okay. Go down the street and buy us some vegetables and bread.”

“Okay. Now as soon as I leave try focusing on me like you do when we speak telepathically.”

“I’ll try.”

Scootaloo grabs her cloak, throws it on, and runs out the door. Arc hears her small hooves echoing down the corridor. Focusing, he calls out to her.

“Scootaloo?”

“I hear you.”

“Now what do I do?”

“Focus harder.”

“How?”

“I dunno.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s helpful.”

“Hey, I’ve never been thrall before! Well, unless you count my dad making me do stuff I don’t remember.”

“I’ll keep trying.”

“Focus on my consciousness.”

“Not sure how, but I’ll try.”

A few moments later Arc sees the street from down low.

“WOAH!”

Scootaloo giggles. “Sounds like you figured it out.”

“Y-yeah. This is kinda disorienting.”

“It is?”

“Your head bobbing from walking. It’s messing me up as my brain feels like I’m walking, but I know I’m not.”

“It feels kinda funny to me too.”

“Doesn’t hurt though, does it?”

“No, no. Just a new sensation having somepony in my head. And being conscious of it, that is.”

“I can get out if you want.”

“Um… I kinda like it actually. If you want, you could even directly control me.”

“Let’s save that for another time. This is a bit much for me at the moment.”

“Okay. I’m about to head into the store now. You want anything in particular?”

“Just whatever you think would be good.”

Arc watches as Scootaloo looks over the racks of produce before picking up a basket and filling it with an assortment of goods before walking toward the counter to pay. Spotting a jar of cherries, she stops to look it over.

“Kinda gives one a sense of accomplishment to see these here.”

Arc smiles. “I doubt they’ve processed the one’s we harvested already.”

“Maybe not. But…”

She is cut off as a commotion rings out nearby. Scootaloo turns her head to see a gruff stallion holding a knife in the cashier’s face. Arc calls out to her.

“Get behind that shelf!”

“But…!”

“Now!”

Scootaloo does as she is told. Peeking through the display, she watches as the stallion forces the cashier to open the register and empty its contents into his saddlebags. Smirking, he pushes the mare hard, knocking her into a produce bin before running out the door. Gritting her teeth, Scootaloo steps out from her hiding place. Arc calls out to her again.

“Don’t go after him!”

“What?! But I could…!”

“I’m not with you!”

“We can’t just…!”

“Yes, Scootaloo, I know. But now isn’t the time. Pay for the food in your basket and come right back.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yes sir.”

Waiting for the cashier to compose herself, Scootaloo pays for the few things in her basket and returns to the Inn. Entering, she sets the basket down on the small table and frowns.

“That just felt wrong!”

Arc nods. “I know. Trust me, if I’d been there too we’d have mopped the floor with that scumbag.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Want to go look for him?”

“I doubt he’d hang around town. If it were me, I’d have run off to my hideout.”

“Where do you suppose that is?”

“Somewhere outside of town most likely.”

“We could go looking for it.”

“I suppose so. But let’s gather more information first.”

“Why? We could take him, Big Brother.”

“Probably. But I want to know just who we’re dealing with before we charge into this. Now then, let’s eat and get moving.”

A short time later Arc and Scootaloo walk up to the farmhouse. Scootaloo knocks and waits patiently. Ruby opens the door a few moments later and smiles down at her.

“Back for more cherry picking?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes, ma’am. Big Brother and I had a lot of fun last night.”

“That’s good to hear. Now then, I’ve already put the wagon out in the orchard along with a pile of empty sacks. Is there anything else you need?”

Arc calls out to her telepathically. “Ask her about what happened in town.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Nothing really. But I was wondering if you could tell me something.”

“What is it?”

“I was at the grocery store earlier today when a mean looking stallion pulled a knife and robbed the cashier.”

Ruby gasps. “What?! When was this?!”

“A couple hours or so ago.”

Ruby frowns. “Sounds like they’re at it again.”

“Who is?”

“A while back there was a gang of outlaws that terrorized Dodge Junction. Their leader was taken down, and his group scattered. But every so often they come by to cause trouble.”

“And nopony’s caught them?”

“It’s not usually something this serious. A fight at the saloon or a few missing items at the shops is all. To hold up the store itself sounds pretty brazen though.”

“What about the guards?”

Ruby sighs. “We only have a single lawpony in town. He can’t take on a whole gang though. I’m sure he’ll petition Canterlot for assistance after this though.”

“Good. They need to be taught a lesson.”

“That they do. But don’t you go after them though. I heard what you did in town the other day. Mind you, I think you were very brave to take on a bounty. However, I don’t want you getting hurt over this.”

“Thanks, ma’am. I’ll leave it up to Big Brother though.”

“Good. Well, I’m going to turn in for the evening.”

“Night, Miss Ruby.”

With a nod Ruby heads inside. Scootaloo turns and walks down the path to the orchard. Arc follows her silently.

“You’re thinking, aren’t you?”

“Yup.”

Scootaloo grins. “I’m pretty sure I already know, but what about?”

“What we could do about that gang.”

“That’d be great! Especially if there’s some kind of bounty on them!”

“I admit, I’d like to be paid for taking care of this matter. But if there are guards coming, we could just wait for them to handle it.”

“Yeah. After all, that IS their job.”

“We’ll go see the sheriff about it tomorrow.”

“Why not right now?”

“Two reasons. One, he’s probably at home having supper right now. And two, we have work to do.”

“Makes sense.”

Arc and Scootaloo work through the night picking cherries in their own special way. As the sun rises over the horizon they hear Ruby walking toward them and the full wagon. She smiles at their progress and gives Scootaloo two large bags of bits.

“Another fine night’s work.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Would you and your brother like to stay for breakfast? I’m sure you’re both hungry after all the work you did last night.”

“Politely tell her no.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No thank you, Miss Ruby. Big Brother and I need to be going now.”

“Alright. Take care.”

She waves after the filly as she leaves. As Arc and Scootaloo crest the hill they look over the town. Sighing, Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“I know you wanted to see the sheriff later today, but could we maybe do it now?”

“If he’s around, sure.”

Entering town, they spot a stallion putting something up on the Writ Board.

“I think that’s him.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Let’s go see.”

Walking up to the stallion they spot the gold star on his shirt. Scootaloo clears her throat.

“Excuse me.”

Looking down, the sheriff nods.

“Yes, miss?”

“I wanted to ask you about some bad stallions that have been causing trouble around town lately.”

“Oh? Why?”

Arc calls out to her telepathically. “Tell him you witnessed the grocery store robbery.”

“I was in the grocery store yesterday when it was robbed.”

The sheriff sighs. “Quite a bit of commotion over that one. I’d like to go after the lot of em. But I’d need help to do that.”

“More guards?”

“A posse, yes.”

“Can I help?”

He chuckles and pats her head. “No, no. You just stay out of their way.”

“But I can help!”

“I know you probably could. After all, you took care of that other stallion the other day. But nopony can handle this mess on their own. It’ll take teamwork, planning, and superior numbers to bring this menace to heel.”

Arc grins as he calls out to her. “Ask if you can help weaken them.”

“What if I could help in some other way?”

“Like what?”

“Do any of their members act independently?”

“Pretty much all of them do. After their leader was collared they left town for quite some time. They only returned recently.”

“Why’s that?

“Probably because we’re a fringe town. Other than Cherry Hill Ranch, there really isn’t anything out here.”

“So there isn’t really anypony to stop them?”

“Right.”

“Sheriff, I think we can help each other out.”

“How?”

“Like you said, nopony can stop this on their own. But I might be able to pick them off one or two at a time.”

The sheriff sighs. “If it was anypony else suggesting this, I’d tell them to think twice. But you’ve shown that you can handle yourself. Tell you what. Canterlot reimburses us for reward bits paid out on wanted posters. I’ve just pretty much stopped putting them up since nopony around here wants to risk going after them. You can have them if you’ll do me a favor.”

“What do you need?”

The sheriff gestures to the Writ Board and the wanted poster he just put up.

“This stallion here is a real piece of work. The innkeeper tells me he’s been staying there for a week now, but never pays. When they changed the locks to keep him out he just broke down the door. You bring him in and I’ll pay his bounty in addition to giving you the whole stack of wanted posters. Do we have a deal?”

Scootaloo nos. “Sure. What can you tell me about this stallion?”

“He’s pretty big, but not really dangerous unless you cross him. Only other bit of information I could get out of the innkeeper was that he’s kinda slow. Both physically and mentally.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Talk to the innkeeper if you want to know more.”

“Will do.”

Scootaloo reaches up and grabs the wanted poster. Turning, she trots toward the Inn as the sheriff shakes his head.

“I’m not sure if that’s the bravest or most foolhardy filly I’ve ever met.”

Entering the Inn, Scootaloo heads for the front desk. The innkeeper looks down at her.

“Hello again. Something I can do for you?”

“Actually, I was kinda hoping to help you.”

“Huh?”

Scootaloo holds up the wanted poster.

“I’m told this stallion is staying here.”

The Innkeeper sighs. “That he is. But he’s never once paid for his room. The sheriff said he’d talk to him, but I don’t think it went too well.”

“Well, I’m here to see him about paying up and leaving.”

“He’ll wreck this place if you make him mad!”

“What if we fought outside?”

“I suppose that would be best. But what could a little filly do about somepony as big as him?”

Scootaloo giggles. “You just leave that to me. Now then, what time does he come out?”

“Early. He’s a morning pony apparently. Should be down anytime.”

Arc calls out to Scootaloo. “Wait outside until he shows.”

“I’ll wait for him outside then.”

“Very well. Just please be careful!”

“No worries there.”

Scootaloo leaves the Inn and sits down on the porch across the street. A short time later a massive stallion walks out and heads down the street. Looking at the wanted poster, Scootaloo nods soberly as she calls out telepathically to Arc.

“That’s got to be him.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But that is one big stallion!”

“We can take him.”

“It’s just that you might get hurt in the process.”

“I’m tougher than I look!”

“Yes, well… let’s not test that theory.”

“What should we do then?! Let him get away?!”

“Oh, I didn’t say that. Follow him.”

Scootaloo grins as she stands. “You hoping he leads us to others?”

“No. I’m guessing he’s going to head out of town though.”

Following the stallion, they leave town and walk a short distance. Arc turns around and looks back.

“This should be far enough.”

“For what?”

“To take him down without anyone else seeing. Call out to him.”

Scootaloo clears her throat and yells out.

“HEY!!!”

The stallion stops and looks back. Spotting the filly, he rolls his eyes.

“Wut?”

“I want you to do something for me!”

“If it’s about buying filly scout cookies, I’m not interested.”

Scootaloo pulls out the wanted poster and holds it up.

“This you?”

The stallion narrows his eyes. “What if it is?”

“Then you’re coming with me!”

The stallion laughs throatily as Scootaloo frowns.

“You’re going to take ME in?!”

“Yeah! Me and Big Brother are going to teach you a lesson!”

He chuckles as he looks around. “And where is this brother of yours?”

“He’s… he’s invisible!”

“That makes sense. Look, I have things to do today. That and I’m not too keen on fighting a filly. So why don’t you and your imaginary friend head back to town now?”

“Sure. But you’re still coming with me!”

The stallion sighs and again turns to face Scootaloo. “Tell you what. If your imaginary brother wants to fight me, I’ll take HIM on anytime. But I’m not going up against somepony who barely comes up to my knees.”

Arc walks toward the stallion as he calls out to Scootaloo telepathically. “I’ll take him up on that.”

Scootaloo grins. “He says he’s ready to go right now!”

“Fine! Tell him to come over here and I’ll teach him a lesson he won’t ever…!”

The stallion is cut off as Arc’s fist meets his jaw. Looking around, he sees nothing. Suddenly another blow comes out of nowhere and hits the other side of his mouth. Scootaloo laughs.

“Give up yet?”

“Unicorn Magic, huh?! Your brother must be a real coward!”

He looks all around and shouts.

“Come out and fight me like a real stallion!”

Arc taps the stallion in the shoulder. Turning, he puts himself in just the right position to take a boot from Arc to the gut. Doubling over as the wind is knocked out of him, Scootaloo walks over and looks him in the eye.

“You looking to give up now?”

“N-n-never!”

He swings at Scootaloo, forcing her to step back. Arc grabs the stallion’s tail and throws him into a rock. Looking up at the filly walking toward him, he gazes around frantically.

“Who… who ARE you?!”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

Jumping, she hits the stallion in the jaw. His head slams against the rock, knocking him out. Grinning, she looks at her quarry.

“We did it!”

Arc grins. “That we did. But he was right about one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You need some kind of alias.”

“A what?”

“Something for everyone to call you without giving up your true identity.”

“Like what?”

“Crimson Eyes?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Little too on the nose.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Come on. We can discuss it on the way back to town.

Sometime later the townsponies turn and stare as a filly appears to drag the stallion down the street and toward the jail. The sheriff motions for her to follow him inside. Opening a cell he allows Scootaloo to toss the massive stallion inside. With a flick of his wrist Arc sends the stallion rolling into the lockup. As Scootaloo walks back outside a cheer rings out from several onlookers. Turning, she spots the sheriff walking toward her with the bounty.

“Here’s your reward… um… what’s your name?”

“Just call me… um… the Scarlet Filly.”

The innkeeper hurries over with her original bag of bits.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you like! No charge, miss!”

“Thanks. Not sure how long I’ll be in town though.”

The sheriff nods. “Well, in any case, we appreciate the help.”

“No problem. Now, I need to rest after that little diversion. But I’ll come see you later, sheriff.”

Those gathered part as Arc and Scootaloo walk past them and back to the Inn. Returning to their room Scootaloo turns and grins.

“That was awesome!”

“You did great back there.”

“Thanks, Big Brother! What are we gonna do next though?!”

Arc chuckles as he heads for the bathroom. “Take a shower.”

“Huh?”

“After working all night in the orchard and taking down that stallion, we need to get cleaned up.”

Scootaloo looks down at her dirty cloak.

“Guess that makes sense.”

Arc removes everything down to his shorts as Scootaloo tosses her cloak aside. Together they enter the bathroom and start the process of cleaning up.

Chapter 9 - Stallion Against Stallion

Having showered, Scootaloo and Arc head back to the Sheriff’s Office. Entering, they find him behind the desk going over a stack of papers. The stallion from earlier lies in a cell. He calls out angrily.

“YOU!”

Scootaloo mock salutes him. “Hi. Enjoying your stay?”

“When I get my hooves on you…!”

The sheriff frowns at him. “You already had your chance.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. Give somepony else a turn.”

She turns to the sheriff.

“In any case, I think you have some posters for me.”

“They’re over there on the desk. Help yourself.”

Scootaloo turns to see a stack of posters.

“There must be a hundred here!”

“A hundred and twenty five actually. The gang’s been growing lately. Or at the very least… trouble has.”

“Why now?”

“Trouble in Canterlot I imagine. There’s been less guard patrols out here, so they’re becoming more brazen in their schemes.”

“Anypony hurt?”

The sheriff shakes his head. “Nothing serious. But we shouldn’t wait until that happens to act.”

“So what are you doing about this?”

“Not much admittedly. I contacted Canterlot for help some time ago, but received word that their forces were needed elsewhere. Whatever that means.”

Scootaloo takes the stack of posters and turns to leave. “I’ll see what I can do. No promises though.”

The stallion in the cell laughs. “Your funeral!”

Scootaloo and Arc return to their room at the inn. She sets the stack on the table and frowns.

“This is going to be a LOT of work.”

“That it is. Admittedly I wasn’t planning on staying here longer than it took to earn enough money to buy supplies though.”

“We going after these marks?”

“Probably should. You want a nap first though?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Nah, I’m good.”

“Okay. Let’s go over these then.”

Sitting at the table, the pair skim the posters. Scootaloo frowns.

“Looks like the sheriff was right. Nothing here is really too serious.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose not. But there are a few really bad apples in here.”

“Oh?”

Arc holds up a paper. “This one put someone in the hospital.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Are they okay?”

“Yeah. But next time this individual might go farther. Let’s stack the posters from most dangerous to least.”

“How?”

“By bounty amount.”

They set to work. As Scootaloo finishes she looks at the top poster.

“That should do it.”

“The top couple are little more than errand boys.”

“So we skip them, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. If anything, we start with them.”

“Why? You said they weren’t dangerous.”

“They’re not. But if we can interrupt communication between the gangs, it’ll cause them trouble.”

“How so?”

It’ll either force them to send others with messages, or cut off communication with their other camps.”

“What makes you think they have numerous camps?”

“Over a hundred criminals in one place would be easy to spot. But spread out and it makes the job of tracking them down that much more difficult. And if we can make them waste time communicating they’ll have less time to act.”

“So we should head out and looks for what?”

“Paths. We find the messengers, and they’ll lead us to the camps.”

“Clever, Big Brother. When do we leave?”

“This evening at dusk.”

“What about Miss Ruby and cherry picking?”

Arc sighs. “We’ll run down to the ranch now and tell her our plans. Then we should head for the store for a quick purchase before returning here to rest until dusk.”

“But I thought you said we were going after these messengers.”

“That we are. However I don’t want to go into this tired.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Okay.”

Arc cloaks and follows Scootaloo to Cherry Hill Ranch. Spotting Ruby in the orchard with her workers they walk over to them. Ruby smiles at their approach.

“Hello again.”

“Hi, Miss Ruby. Big Brother wanted me to tell you that we won’t be around for a while.”

“Oh?”

“We’re working on ideas to stop a group of bad ponies from hurting anypony else.”

Ruby gasps. “You are?!”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. We’ve already taken down two of them. But we don’t have time to do that and work on the ranch. Sorry.”

“It’s alright, dear. But I do wish you wouldn’t do this. Those stallions are nothing but trouble, yes. However you’re just one filly!”

“I’ll be okay. Big Brother will be with me.”

Scootaloo yawns before continuing.

“Well, I’ll let you get back to work. I need to get some rest for tonight. Bye!”

She turns and hurries back toward town. One of the mares picking cherries turns to Ruby.

“What was that all about?”

“She’s been coming here at night to pick cherries. Quite a strong little filly.”

“Her brother too?”

Ruby shakes her head. “I’ve never seen her with anypony else before. Don’t tell her this, but I believe her so-called ‘Big Brother’ is either just a figment of her imagination or an imaginary friend.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo head back to town. Entering a store, Arc directs her on what to purchase before they return to the Inn to rest. As the sun sets the pair head out of town together. Arc looks around before pointing.

“That looks like a good spot.”

“The cliff? But anypony could see us up there. Well, me anyways.”

“By the time we walk all the way over there it’ll be nightfall. You’ll be practically invisible at that point.”

Heading to the vantage point, they look up at the sheer cliff before them. Arc turns to Scootaloo.

“Look at the moon and fly up there.”

“Yes sir. But what about you?”

“I’ll climb, I guess.”

“You sure you can’t fly?”

Arc nods. “Pretty sure, yes. I mean, I think I’d notice if something grew out of my back.”

“Maybe you could get up here another way.”

“How?”

“Crimsons have some limited magical abilities.”

“Magic?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. Well, I don’t myself. I mean, I don’t know how to anyways. But some of them can ‘Blink’. That means disappearing and reappearing somewhere else.”

“I could try it, I guess. Nothing to lose.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc concentrates as he looks up to the cliff above. In a moment he vanishes and reappears on top of the rock formation.

“I… I did it!”

Scootaloo grins as she flies up to join him.

“That was great! I wonder what other things you can do!”

“Thanks. But let’s focus on the task at hand. Looking for our quarry.”

“Where from though?”

“Could be any direction really. But these might help.”

Reaching into Scootaloo’s saddlebags he pulls out a couple pairs of binoculars. Handing her one, Arc kneels down to show her how to use it.

“These are really cool! I can see so far!”

“Just keep an eye open for movement of any kind.”

“Okay. But I don’t understand one thing. What makes you think they’ll be traveling at night?”

“That’s the safest way to see to it no one intercepts their messages or follows them to the camps. You see…”

Arc suddenly stops talking and looks around.

“You hear that?”

“Hear what?”

“Sounds like a pony running.”

“I don’t hear anything.”

“It’s coming from that direction.”

Scootaloo spreads her wings. “Want me to check it out?”

“Sure. Fly overhead though. I’ll watch through your eyes.”

“Right!”

Taking flight, Scootaloo streaks off into the night. Arc focuses and takes in what she does.

“You were right, Big Brother. Somepony IS running down there.”

“Good. I’ll head over there now.”

“Try Blinking to me.”

“Um… okay. But I want you to fly over the stallion first. With any luck we can get the drop on him.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo drops in elevation and flies over the stallion.

“Ready!”

Arc concentrates and Blinks. Reappearing next to Scootaloo, he falls onto the stallion. Looking all around the pony attempts to escape, but cannot see what is holding him down. Scootaloo lands in front of him and calls out.

“Right here!”

Pulling her cowl back, she looks at him with her blood red eyes. A long moment passes as the stallion’s struggling becomes weaker. Eventually he stops moving altogether.

“You can let him up now, Big Brother. He’s under my control.”

“Wait! You can do that?!”

Scootaloo nods. “I guess the rumors about the Crimsons were true.”

The stallion stands and looks at Scootaloo silently.

“We can ask him to do anything now.”

“Anything?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yup.”

“Hop on one foot?”

He does so, albeit rather shakily. Scootaloo giggles.

“We should have no trouble taking him back to town now.”

Arc shakes his head. “Wait. First I want to know what his message was.”

“Give me your saddlebags.”

The stallion does so. Scootaloo opens them and pulls out a note.

“Looks like they were organizing with another group to rob the train tomorrow morning at dawn.”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

Scootaloo holds up the paper. “These were the final coordination plans. But now that we have them, they won’t be able to…”

“I have an idea. Give him the note back.”

“What? But he’ll just…”

“…deliver it? Of course.”

Arc turns to the stallion.

“Continue to your destination. But inform them that the one whom sent you is planning to go it alone and keep all the train’s cargo for themselves. Then return to whomever sent you and tell them the same thing. Do you understand?”

The stallion nods.

“Good. Now be off.”

Arc watches as the stallion hurries away. Scootaloo sighs.

“Not sure if the others will believe him.”

“Maybe not. But we can still follow him there.”

Scootaloo grins. “And take them out?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not yet. Fly after him and make sure he does as we told him.”

“Okay.”

Scootaloo takes flight and follows the stallion. He delivers the message and hurries off. The stallions there stomp around angrily.

“They look mad.”

“I can see that.”

“I guess they’re not taking the news too well.”

“With luck neither will the other group. Now keep following that stallion and we’ll figure out where the other camp is.”

Keeping watch on the stallion below, Scootaloo observes him entering a cave some distance away. Creeping up to it she hears the sound of angry ponies ringing out.

“Looks like you were right. Now what?”

Arc chuckles. “Wait for it…”

A short time later the stallions dash out of the cave and down the path.

“Where do you suppose they’re going?”

“They’re probably on their way to take on the other group.”

Scootaloo gasps. “What?!”

“Yes. They just left as well. I’m guessing they’ll meet each other half-way.”

“But won’t that be too many for us to take on?”

“Probably. However, I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Tail them again and watch what happens.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo flies behind the group. A cloud of dust in front of them indicates the approaching, but opposing, stallions. Running headfirst at one another they begin to fight savagely. Arc calls out to Scootaloo.

“Land in those bushes nearby.”

Scootaloo does so as Arc Blinks to her. They look through the foliage to watch the battle before them.

“They’re going to destroy each other!”

Arc grins. “Exactly.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. Why should we fight them if they’re willing to do it for us?”

“Ah! Good idea!”

A short time later the fighting ends with both sides bruised and bleeding. Scootaloo hops out of the bushes and walks over to them.

“Okay, everypony! Now that you all have THAT out of your system, please follow me to Dodge Junction and the sheriff’s office.”

They chuckle as a large stallion approaches her.

“We… ain't going nowhere with you, short-stuff.”

Scootaloo looks at him evenly. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Is that your final answer?”

“It is.”

“Okay.”

Turning around, Scootaloo bucks the stallion in the face just as Arc’s fist connects with him. Flying over the group, the stallion lands in a heap a short distance away.

“Anypony else want to disagree?”

The others quickly raise their front hooves in surrender. Scootaloo grins.

“That’s better.”

Sometime later the townsponies of Dodge Junction awaken to the sound of many hooves walking down the street. Looking out their windows they see a hooded figure leading the stallions by a rope toward the Sheriff’s Office. They cheer at such a sight as the sheriff walks toward them with a couple others.

“Thanks. We’ll take them from here.”

He turns to the stallions.

“Hope you boys don’t mind sharing cells. We’re short on space with all the newcomers.”

Groaning, they allow themselves to be led away. Scootaloo giggles.

“I don’t think they have the strength to cause you any more trouble for a while.”

“Probably not, but we’ll watch em good and close.”

Scootaloo turns to leave. “Good idea. I’ll come by tomorrow morning for the bounties.”

The sheriff calls out after Scootaloo as the sun slowly rises.

“Wait! Just who are you exactly?!”

Scootaloo stops and looks back. “Like I said before… I’m the Scarlet Filly. Good night.”

Returning to their room at the Inn, Arc closes the door behind them. Scootaloo looks to him happily as she removes her cloak.

“That was a night and a half!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“Something wrong, Big Brother?”

“Maybe. Do you think I overdid it?”

“What do you mean? We got them sent to jail before anypony got hurt.”

“That we did. But now that I think about it, the rest of them won’t take this well.”

“You mean they might try to free their friends?”

“It’s a possibility, yes. So I think we need to rest for a bit and head back out there. Maybe we can take a few more of these stallions down before the rest come knocking.”

“Thin their numbers a bit?”

“Exactly.”

Arc looks across the room at Scootaloo as she lays down on the bed. Blinking over to her, he sighs.

“I wish I knew more about what powers I have.”

“They’ll certainly be of use in the coming days.”

“At least they WILL be… if I can figure them out.”

Chapter 10 - Crime and Punishment

Arc and Scootaloo enter the Sheriff’s Office sometime later. He waves them over and pulls several massive bags of bits out from his desk drawer.

“I’ve added up the bounties of everypony you rounded up, and I gotta say it’s a chunk of change!”

Scootaloo nods as she takes her earnings. “Thanks for the bits. But I’m a bit worried their boss will come calling soon.”

“You took down almost half the troublemakers last night. He’s a lot less dangerous now with fewer hooves at his disposal.”

“Any idea where the leader holes up?”

The sheriff sighs and shakes his head. “None whatsoever. But it has to be somewhere within walking distance of town.”

“That’s unfortunate. I was hoping we could…”

The sound of hooves running toward the office rings out as the door flies open. An out of breath stallion runs inside and hurries over to the lawpony.

“Sheriff! A couple here in town reports their fillies are missing!”

“How long?!”

“No idea! They weren’t in their beds this morning!”

Scootaloo frowns. “Do they suspect foul play?”

“Yes! Their room’s window was open! Both parents and their friends are out and about looking for them right now!”

“Get a posse together to search outside of town. We’ll see if we can’t turn something up.”

Scootaloo turns to the sheriff as the townspony runs out the door.

“Would you like some help?”

“Nah. You’ve done enough already. That and there’s no bounty for something like this.”

Scootaloo nods and turns to leave the office. “Well, I’ll be in my room at the Inn. Call for me if you need me.”

Arc and Scootaloo walk down the street together.

“I hope they turn up soon.”

“So do I, Scootaloo. But it sounds less like kidnapping and more like runaways.”

“How do you know?”

Arc frowns. “He said the window was open, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a forced entry. That and there’s no past history of such problems in town. And if you recall, the sheriff didn’t seem too worried.”

“But he’s forming a posse!”

“That’s his job though. We should probably leave this matter to him.”

“What now?”

“Let’s take those bits to the shops and buy some supplies. We should probably be moving on soon.”

“But what about the rest of the gang?”

Arc sighs. “We’ll try and take them down before we go. Failing that, we’re only two individuals. The town might need to put together a bigger posse and take care of that problem themselves.”

“Maybe. But I don’t like the idea of leaving without taking care of them.”

“No promises, but I’ll try to think of something.”

The pair visit nearly every shop in town to purchase everything they might need on their journey. Eventually Arc looks at Scootaloo’s bulging saddlebags and chuckles.

“Maybe we should head back to our room and drop this stuff off.”

“That… might be a good idea. This stuff’s heavy! Do I have to carry all this as we travel?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be carrying most of it. That and we’ll both be stronger since we’ll be traveling at night.”

“That’s a relief.”

Arriving at their room, they immediately notice the door slightly ajar.

“Big Brother, look!”

Arc frowns. “Let me go in first. You wait in the hall.”

“But…!”

“Don’t argue with me!”

“Yes sir.”

Arc pushes the door open and looks around. Walking around their room Arc sees nothing out of place other than a single piece of paper on the table. He calls out to Scootaloo telepathically.

“You can come in now. It’s clear.”

Entering, Scootaloo sees Arc decloak and pick up the paper. Looking it over he frowns.

“What’s that?”

“A letter from some of the stallions still out there.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Uh oh. Dare I ask what they want?”

“They say they’ve taken those two fillies hostage!”

“Oh no!”

“It says here that the Scarlet Filly needs to turn herself over to them if the parents want their foals back.”

Scootaloo gasps. “What are we going to do?!”

Arc sits down on the bed and continues to read the paper.

“We can’t let them have you. After what we did to their comrades, I can’t imagine them letting you live.”

“I could wait until tonight. Then we’d have the advantage, as none of them can see in the dark.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, they say we have until noon to meet them. After that the fillies will never be heard from again. That and if we tell the sheriff they’re as good as dead too.”

“They wouldn’t… would they?”

Sighing, Arc holds up something. Scootaloo grimaces.

“Wha-what is that?!”

“I think it’s the tip of an ear.”

“One of the fillies?!”

Arc nods. “Probably.”

“Why would they DO that?!”

“To show that they’re serious about killing them.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth angrily. “Can we go now?!”

“You’re okay with risking your life?”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Yes. I can’t let them die because of what I did.”

“You mean what WE did.”

“Call it what you will. But we need to go NOW!”

Arc stands. “Fine. I have a plan to get the fillies back safely and keep you alive too.”

“What is it?”

“Come on, I’ll explain on the way.”

Leaving the room, the pair head out of town. Following the crude map drawn at the bottom, they quickly come to a cave. Looking down at the terrain below they spot several stallions patrolling the grounds. Scootaloo frowns as she turns to Arc.

“Looks like they aren’t messing around this time.”

“Yeah. No one’s getting past them unseen. And I’m guessing there’s a few in the cave as well. You clear on the plan?”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “I am.”

“Scared?”

“Of course. But not as much as those fillies must be.”

“Probably.”

“I need to get going. Wish me luck.”

“Yeah. Luck.”

A few minutes later the stallions on guard look up to see a confused looking pegasus filly trotting toward them. She looks up at them sadly.

“Excuse me sir, but I’m lost. Can somepony tell me how to get back to Dodge Junction please?”

“Sure! But we’re waiting for somepony right now. You’ll have to stay here until then.”

Scootaloo tilts her head to one side, confused. “I do? Why’s that?”

“Because we said so! Now come with me!”

Scootaloo grimaces. “B-but…!”

One of them grabs Scootaloo by her mane and roughly drags her into the cave. Before long they approach a couple stallions guarding a cage with two fillies in it. One of them has a crude cloth bandage tied around their ear. Both appear to have been crying for some time. They draw back fearfully as the stallion opens the cage.

“I brought you a little friend. Play nice now.”

He shoves Scootaloo into the cage with them and slams the door behind her. She hurries over to the pair and tries to comfort them.

“It’ll be okay. We’ll be fine as soon as somepony finds us.”

The stallion laughs. “Ain't nopony gonna look way out here.”

“Yeah. And if that Scarlet Filly does show up, we’ll have to teach her a lesson in minding her own business!”

He turns to the foals, a wicked grin on his face.

“You three can watch.”

The fillies start to cry again. One of the guards turns to his companion.

“Why’d you have to go and say that? We just got them to stop bellyaching!”

“Yeah! Now they’ll never shut up!”

Scootaloo turns to them, pleadingly. “Please let us go! We didn’t do anything to you!”

“We’ll let you go when the Scarlet Filly gets here.”

One of his companions shakes his head. “Nah. They’ve seen our faces, so we can’t let any of them live.”

The fillies burst into fresh hysterics as Scootaloo glares at the stallions.

“Why are you doing this?!”

“To teach somepony a lesson. Trust me, it ain't personal.”

“Yeah. And don’t worry that it’ll hurt. We’ll kill each of you quickly so you don’t suffer too much.”

He walks toward the mouth of the cave and looks out before calling back to Scootaloo.

“And judging by the lack of shadows out there, it’s almost noon.”

“So say your goodbyes to each other.”

“We’ll give you a few minutes.”

Turning to the foals, Scootaloo walks between them and puts her front hooves around their necks as she lays down and whispers.

“Keep your heads down, close your eyes, and don’t move until I tell you to no matter what you hear. Okay?”

The fillies do as Scootaloo tells them. A few minutes later the stallion returns and walks toward the cage.

“It’s time. Now then, just let me sharpen my knife and we can…”

He is cut off as blood suddenly sprays forth from the guard’s necks. They gurgle softly before falling to the ground. The stallion gasps and turns to run away but Arc drops his knives and Blinks between him and the mouth of the cave as he decloaks. Reaching forward he grabs the terrified stallion by the throat and pushes him roughly to the ground. Terrified, the stallion gasps frantically.

“Wha-what are…?!”

Arc looks at him coldly. “Your executioner.”

Closing his fingers around the stallion’s windpipe a few gasps ring out before his throat is crushed. Arc stands and looks back at the cage. Blinking over to his knives, he picks them up and calls out to Scootaloo telepathically as he walks to the cave entrance.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Nodding in affirmation, Scootaloo keeps her head down with the crying fillies as screams of unbridled terror fill the air outside. A few moments later however they all fall silent. Arc returns to the cage with a bloody key and unlocks it as Scootaloo does her best to coax the fillies to stand.

“You’re safe now.”

Scootaloo pats their heads as they open their eyes.

“It’s going to be okay. But we need to get back to town now.”

Slowly the fillies turn to look at the open cage door. They spot the three dead stallions and scream before fainting from the shock. Arc enters the cage and picks them up as Scootaloo looks to him.

“Are they…?”

“Yes. Every one of them is dead. Now let’s go.”

Walking back to town, Arc stops just shy of the ridge overlooking the town and looks to Scootaloo.

“You sure you can do this?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. I kinda have to anyways.”

A few minutes later the residents of Dodge Junction gasp as the Scarlet Filly enters town with the unconscious fillies on her back. Their parents are called for and rush them to the local hospital. The sheriff runs over to the robed figure.

“What happened?!”

Scootaloo reaches into her robe and pulls out the note.

“They were kidnapped and held in a cave nearby.”

“Are they…?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Just in shock. But otherwise fine.”

“Can you show us where this happened?! We need to make sure those varmints don’t get away with this!”

“I can take you there. But I don’t think they’ll be giving you any more trouble.”

“They sure won’t! I’ll lock them up and throw away the key!”

“No need for that. Everypony involved in the kidnapping is dead. Now, if you’ll follow me, we can clean up the bodies.”

The sheriff, along with several other stallions follow Scootaloo out of town and to the cave. They load up the dead bodies in a nearby wagon and head back toward town as the sheriff turns to Scootaloo.

“What exactly happened?”

“They kidnapped those fillies to use as bait to lure me out. That note I gave you back in town was on my table when I returned to the Inn this morning. I would have told you about it sooner, but as you can see they warned me not to.”

“Yes, I can see that. But did you have to… you know…?”

Scootaloo frowns as the wagon passes them. “They were about to kill the fillies when I arrived. It was the best way to see to it they never hurt anypony ever again.”

Returning to the Inn sometime later Arc and Scootaloo head for their room. She flops down on the bed with a sigh.

“That was awful.”

Arc nods soberly. “It had to be done.”

“I know. But where do we go from here?”

“We can’t stay. After all, the rest of the gang is still out there. And they apparently know where we’re staying.”

“You think they’ll come back?”

Arc nods grimly. “I guarantee it.”

“So we’re leaving town?”

“Just the Inn. We’ll head for our old camp in the woods.”

“Aw… I’d gotten used to sleeping in a real bed too.”

“It’s for the safety of the townsponies as well as ours, Scootaloo.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Arc grabs his backpack. “Come on. Let’s get going so we can get some sleep.”

Heading out the door, Scootaloo returns the key to innkeeper at the front desk.

“Leaving so soon?”

Scootaloo nods and sighs. “I’ll stay in the area.”

“The whole town’s heard about what happened. You’ll always be welcome here anytime.”

“Thank you sir.”

Leaving, Arc and Scootaloo head for the forest again. Setting up their tent, they unroll a new sleeping bag and lay it flat. Scootaloo yawns and lays down with Arc.

“Good night, Big Brother.”

“Night.”

“Um… do you think those fillies will be okay.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. Something like that isn’t easily forgettable. The road to recovery will be long and hard for them. But at least they have their lives.”

“And they have their parents.”

“That too.”

Scootaloo is silent for a time as she presses her face against Arc’s chest and whimpers.

“I… I miss my mom.”

Arc puts his arms around her. “I’m sorry she’s gone. If there was anything I could do to bring her back, I would.”

“Thanks. But I know there isn’t. I’d really like to help those fillies through this though.”

“Oh? What’d you have in mind?”

As the sun sets, Arc and Scootaloo awaken. After eating a quick meal they head back into town. Arc calls out to Scootaloo telepathically.

“Are you sure about this?”

Scootaloo nods. “I’ve never been more sure about anything.”

Coming to the hospital they enter the building. Walking up to the front desk Scootaloo asks for the filly’s room number. Heading there, they find their parents dozing in chairs next to the bed. Scootaloo walks over to them, but keeps her voice low.

“How are they?”

“Not too good.”

“The doctor gave them some medicine to help them sleep.”

Their mother turns to the bed. “They needed it. After all, today’s been quite the day.”

“Thank you very much for rescuing our little ones. I don’t know what we would have done had something happened to them.”

“We’ll see them through this though.”

Scootaloo sighs. “That’s actually what I came to talk to you about. If you’d like, I can help them.”

The stallion appears confused. “You can? How?”

“It’s one of my powers. The only thing I ask for in return is that you both wait in the hall.”

“Will it hurt them?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “They’ll be perfectly safe.”

“Well… okay. Come along, dear.”

The pair leave the room together. Scootaloo throws back her cowl and walks over to the beds. Gently shaking them, she wakes the fillies up. They gasp and look around the room, clearly frightened.

“It’s okay. You two remember me?”

Y-yes.”

“You were in that awful cage with us.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. Now I know you’re scared. But I’m here to take that away from you.”

“How?”

“You just need to trust me.”

“What do we have to do?”

“Close your eyes for a moment.”

“That’s it?”

Scootaloo nods. “To start with, yes.”

The fillies do as they are told. Scootaloo walks over to the window and looks up at the moon. Her features become that of a Crimson as she hops up onto the bed to stand before the pair.

“Open your eyes and look at me.”

They do so. Each lets out a small gasp before Scootaloo hypnotizes them with her gaze.

“They’re under my control now, Big Brother. Can I get started?”

“Go ahead.”

Scootaloo takes a deep breath before speaking again.

“Listen to me. Both of you were kidnapped early this morning. One of you lost part of an ear in the process, but were otherwise unharmed. When I release you from my spell, neither will remember the gory details of your imprisonment or exactly what happened to your captors. Just that it happened and you’re both safely back in Dodge Junction. Do you understand?”

The pair nod slowly with empty eyes as Scootaloo continues.

“Now then… what happened?”

“We were kidnapped and taken to a cave.”

“But what exactly happened there is kinda fuzzy.”

Scootaloo grins. “Good. You also won’t remember my face or who I really am. Just that you were rescued by the Scarlet Filly. Got it?”

Again, they nod. Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“Anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I think you covered everything. Release them.”

Scootaloo puts her hood back up and claps her front hooves together a couple times. The fillies look at her a few moments, confused.

“Where… are we?”

“The hospital?”

Scootaloo jumps off the bed. “I’ll let your parents know you’re awake.”

Opening the door, Scootaloo peeks out.

“You can come back in.”

The pair hurry into the room and over to their daughters.

“Are you two okay?!”

“I think so.”

“We were kidnapped… right?”

Their mother nods. “Yes! What happened back then?!”

“It’s all kinda fuzzy now.”

She reaches up and touches her bandaged ear.

“This kinda hurts. Can I have some medicine please?”

The mare nods with tears in her eyes. “Y-yes! Of course.”

Smiles, the stallion turns back. “We can’t thank you enough Scarlet…”

Looking around, they find no trace of Scootaloo. As the pair walk down the street toward the edge of town Arc calls out to her.

“That was a nice thing you did.”

“They shouldn’t have to live with the horror of that event.”

“Could I do that too?”

Scootaloo nods. “You should be able to. Why?”

“I could help you move past your own pain. It can’t be easy to live with what happened that night.”

“Thank you for the offer, Big Brother. But I think I’d like to keep my memories of that time.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Because while it was a terrible experience, I don’t want to forget a moment of my life. Memories are what make us special after all.”

“Fine. But then why were you so eager to suppress their memories?”

“They suffered more than I ever did. To be forcefully taken from your home like that has to be awful. At least my own dad cleared the memories of the worst of it from my own mind.”

“It that’s what you want, I won’t force you to undergo that.”

“Thank you, Big Brother.”

Chapter 11 - Transport

Later the next day, Arc and Scootaloo awaken and head back into town. They spot the two fillies from yesterday playing happily. Everypony stops and waves to Scootaloo as she passes. Arc calls out to her telepathically.

“Looks like you’re getting pretty popular.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I guess. However, it’s not really me they’re waving to, but the Scarlet Filly.”

“Yes, well… let’s get to the Sheriff’s Office and see what’s up.”

Entering the office, they see the sheriff pacing nervously. He runs over to them.

“Perfect timing, Scarlet Filly!”

“What’s the problem?”

“Canterlot has ordered me to transport these criminals to the castle for trials.”

“That’s good.”

She looks over at the crowded cells.

“After all, you don’t really have the space here for everypony.”

“However, it’s a good bet that this will give the rest of the gang a perfect chance to rescue their comrades.”

“I suppose it would. So will you be joining them on the train?”

“Normally, yes. But if the gang sees me do so, they might decide to attack the town in my absence.”

“How can we help?”

“Canterlot is offering a ten thousand bits reward to anypony whom can safeguard the train and it’s prisoners on their journey. That’s where you come in. I need you to make sure nopony prevents the train from reaching its destination.”

Arc grins. “Tell him we’ll take the job.”

Scootaloo nods. “I can do that. When do we leave?”

“A specially scheduled prisoner transport train will arrive in a few hours at noon. I will escort the prisoners to the station and make sure they’re secured before disembarking. You’ll take it from there.”

“Okay. I have a few things to take care of before then, so I’ll meet you at the station.”

“Very well. Just don’t be late.”

Scootaloo nods and leaves the office. Walking down the road she calls out to Arc.

“This should get us part way to Vanhoover at least.”

“Yeah. That much less walking anyways.”

He pulls out the map and looks it over.

“That’s about half our travel time.”

“We could probably even catch a train from Canterlot to Vanhoover if you didn’t want to walk.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I don’t like the idea of taking a public train. Too many eyes.”

Scootaloo appears relieved. “Okay. That will give me more time with you before… um…”

“You know, I could stick around Vanhoover after I take you to the orphanage.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. After all, I don’t really have anywhere else to go.”

“Thanks! That’d be great!”

“I’ll stay there until you’re adopted anyways.”

Scootaloo looks away. “That might take a long time. After all, who wants a broken and deformed filly like me?”

“You can’t control what your body looks like, Scootaloo. But you can keep being the cutest and bravest filly out there.”

“I’ll try to anyways. So, are we heading back to camp?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. There’s someone we have to say goodbye to first.”

Leaving town, they head for Cherry Hill Ranch. Spotting Ruby on a laddet they hurry over to her.

“Miss Ruby?”

Smiling at her, Ruby climbs down the ladder and walks over to the filly.

“Hello again. What brings you here today?”

“I… actually came by to say goodbye.”

“Leaving town already?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. The sheriff asked us to escort the prisoners we caught to Canterlot.”

“Oh my! Are you coming back soon?!”

“No, ma’am. We’ll be moving on from there to… elsewhere. I don’t think we’ll be heading this way again either.”

“Well, in that case, thank you very much for all your hard work. And do be careful out there. Those scoundrels are up to no good! I can just feel it!”

“We will. Take care of yourself, Miss Ruby.”

With a wave, Scootaloo turns and walks away. Ruby sighs and goes back to work.

“That is the bravest little filly I’ve ever seen. I do wish Arc could have met her.”

She sighs and forces a smile.

“If he had been a pony, I would have believed she was his daughter.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo return to their camp. Packing up, they head to the train station. Spotting a bench on the platform, they sit down to wait.

“Big Brother?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think the bad stallions will try to stop the train?”

“It’s an even money bet, yes.”

“How do you think they’ll do it? Blow up the tracks and derail the train?”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably not that way. They’d run the risk of killing our prisoners. That and I don’t think the capital would still view them as small time bandits after such a brazen attack. It might even give them an excuse to deploy the military on them.”

“Makes sense. So… what now?”

“Just wait for the train and the sheriff to arrive. You sleepy?”

“A little.”

“You can take a nap if you want.”

“But shouldn’t I be more concerned with my… with the Scarlet Filly’s image?”

“I suppose so.”

Arc looks around for a few moments before turning back to Scootaloo and opening his magic cloak.

“Hop in.”

“Um… okay.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo enters the cloak and sits down on Arc’s lap. He pulls her back against his chest before picking her carefully up to hold like a baby. She giggles.

“This… might just work.”

Arc nods. “At least no one can see you in here.”

Scootaloo smiles and closes her eyes. “Yeah. This kinda reminds me of my mom holding me when I was little. Back when the world was simple and good.”

“Well, you can go back to that for a bit. I’ll keep a lookout.”

“Thanks, Big Brother.”

Arc thinks to himself as Scootaloo dozes in his arms.

“Is this really for the best? Having Scootaloo with me? I mean… I guess it can’t be helped for now. After all, it’s not like anyone else could take her to the orphanage, right?”

Laying his head back, Arc considers the question.

“I guess Ruby could. She seems like a decent enough mare. Or the sheriff. He could see to it she made it there safely with a deputy… or something.”

Looking down at the filly sleeping in his arms, Arc smiles.

“I’d love to keep you, Scootaloo. But that just wouldn’t be fair to you. You deserve a proper family… and the chance to be adopted.”

Sometime later a train pulls up to the station. The sound of it rolling along wakes Scootaloo from her nap.

“I’m up! What did I miss?!”

“Nothing yet. The train just pulled up to the platform.”

“Anypony around?”

“Not that I can see. Want me to put you down now?”

“Yes, please.”

Arc carefully sets Scootaloo in his lap and allows her to step out of his cloak. She hops down from the bench and walks toward the train. A few minutes later the sheriff walks onto the platform leading the stallions. They are flanked by a number of armed volunteers. He opens the door and looks back to the bandits.

“Get aboard and into the cell. Roll call is in two minutes.”

The stallions slowly obey as the sheriff turns to Scootaloo.

“They shouldn’t give you any trouble, being locked up and all. Your only issue would come from outside interference.”

“I can handle it.”

“Yes, I’m sure you can. Now, for the sake of safety, the train’s crew will be locked in the engine car. They’ll be relatively safe in there from anypony trying to hijack the train. Only problem is that if something does go wrong, they won’t be able to help you.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Understood.”

The sheriff holds out a key.

“These open the doors aboard the train in addition to the cell inside. Don’t let anypony else have it.”

Scootaloo nods as she takes the key. The sheriff sighs.

“Any questions?”

“No, I think I’m good.”

“Perfect. Now then, the train should arrive in Canterlot first thing tomorrow morning. You’ll be met at the station before it opens to the public by a representative. Give him that key so he can take the prisoners off your hooves and pay your fee.”

“Sounds like a plan. But when this job is done, I’m moving on.”

“Very well. Thank you for all your help, Scarlet Filly. I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for out there.”

Scootaloo turns to the train and boards.

“So do I.”

The sheriff heads to the prisoner’s car. Locking the cells, he takes a roll call before heading to the other passenger car. Scootaloo sits on a bench in the otherwise empty car.

“All prisoners have been accounted for. The doors are locked and you’re ready to proceed.”

“Alright. Take care of this town, sheriff. I’ll make sure these stallions get what’s coming to them.”

Extending a small hoof, Scootaloo and the sheriff shake on the matter. Departing the train, he walks down the platform and into the building. Entering a small office, the sheriff picks up a radio and speaks into it.

“Canterlot bound, you’re clear to head out. Good luck.”

The conductor nods out the window as he speaks into the radio. “Thank you, Dodge Junction station. Moving out.”

With a whistle and a puff of steam, the train slowly pulls away from the station. Scootaloo falls onto the floor.

“Whoa!”

“You okay?”

Scootaloo grimaces as she stands up. “Y-yeah. That was just a bit… surprising, that’s all.”

“Makes sense. After all, I didn’t see anything like this back in Knothole Village.”

They ride in uneventful peace for some time. Eventually the sun begins to slip beneath the horizon. Scootaloo rests on a bench as Arc watches the terrain fly by.

“You know, this land really is scenic.”

“Yeah, I guess it is.”

“Kinda makes me wish I knew where my place in it was.”

“We could’ve asked Miss Ruby about that. You said you remembered something about her.”

Arc shudders. “Her hitting me. Maybe she was an ex-girlfriend, or something.”

“Maybe.”

“Well, I guess now we’ll never know.”

Scootaloo turns to look behind them. “We could go back.”

“Nah. I still need to get you to…”

The frantic voice of the conductor suddenly comes over the cabin speakers.

“Scarlet Filly! A large group of stallions is rushing the train!”

Arc runs over to an intercom with Scootaloo. Holding her up to the speaker, she presses a button.

“From which direction?!”

“Both sides and behind!”

“I’ll take care of them.”

She hurries back toward her seat and picks up the key. Tossing is to Arc she sighs.

“Think you can hold onto this?”

“Sure. But we need to get to the roof.”

“Why there?”

“So we can see what their plan of attack is.”

Running toward the back of the car, Arc climbs a ladder which leads to a hatch. Opening it he jumps onto the roof and reaches down to help Scootaloo. Slamming the hatch shut they look around to see fifty or so stallions approaching the train.

“Follow me!”

Running along the roof, they come to the prison car. Jumping to it, he makes his way over to the hatch that leads to the cells.

“I think they’ll try to get in through here!”

Scootaloo nods. “Agreed! What do we do?!”

“Try to hold out until the moon rises! Then we can use it to go into our Crimson Forms and destroy these guys!”

“There might be too many of them, even for that!”

“You have a better idea?”

Scootaloo sighs. “No.”

“Then let’s do it!”

The stallions grab onto the ladders on either side of the train cars and begin climbing. Reaching the roof, they run toward Scootaloo as she calls out to them angrily.

“Everypony, this train is bound for Canterlot. I’m going to have to ask you to get off and find your own ride.”

A large stallion frowns and shakes his head. “Nah! YOU get off!”

Rushing forward, Scootaloo lunges at the stallions. Arc catches her in midair and holds her up as she swings her hooves. Watching her movements closely, Arc hits the stallions in tandem with Scootaloo. Several of them fall off and roll to a stop next to the tracks. The stallions back up nervously.

“How… how can a pony fly like that without wings?!”

“Wouldn’t you like to know! Now give up and get out of here!”

“NEVER!”

They charge forward to engage Scootaloo again. She and Arc continue fighting them off. As they fight on, the train begins to slow down.

“What the…?”

Turning, she spots a stallion climbing up to the roof via the front ladder. He holds up a pin in his hoof and grins. Arc and Scootaloo watch as the passenger car along with the engine roar off into the sunset. Scootaloo turns to Arc as the car begins to slow down.

“What now, Big Brother?!”

“Now we have no choice but to take them all on!”

“Why don’t you use your knives?!”

“Because I don’t really want to hurt these guys that bad!

Scootaloo frowns. You did it before!”

“Those kidnappers had it coming though!”

The pair continue knocking the stallions away from the hatch and off the slowing train car. Before long it comes to a stop. The bandits begin climbing up the car unhindered as the moon comes out. Scootaloo grimaces.

“Now, Big Brother?!”

“Yeah!”

They look at the moon and transform into their Crimson forms. Scootaloo plants her hooves firmly as innumerable stallions walk toward them. Still others move to surround the car as a large stallion walks toward them.

“That must be their leader.”

“Yup. Still think we can take these guys on AND him?”

“Um… it might be a stretch. You have any ideas?”

“Working on it.”

The leader looks up at the Scarlet Filly and grins.

“Nice to finally meet you, troublemaker.”

Scootaloo points a hoof at him. “You’re the one hurting others!”

“So what?! If they can’t defend themselves, they get what they deserve!”

He chuckles and looks to the others.

“Get ready, fellas!”

Scootaloo backs up. “Big Brother…?”

“I have an idea.”

“Great! What is it?!”

“Into the car! Hurry!”

Scootaloo runs toward the hatch. Arc quickly unlocks it, throws the hatch open, and grabs his little friend as he jumps down. Reaching up he slams the hatch shut and locks it behind them. The stallions begin pounding at it and the door.”

“Great. Now we’re trapped in here.”

Arc grimaces. “Our last stand.”

“Hopefully not.”

“Ready for part two of my plan?”

Scootaloo sighs. “I hope it’s better than the first one.”

“Not really, but it’s all I got.”

A few minutes later the leader finishes bashing the hatch in. He jumps down into the car with the rest of his forces.

“What the…?”

Looking ahead, he spies his captured stallions standing outside the cells wordlessly as the Scarlet Filly sits in the middle of the large cell. Walking over to her, he grins.

“So you decided to release them AND imprison yourself, eh?”

“Not exactly.”

The leader raises an eyebrow. “Oh really. What else could you be doing?”

“Locked in here, I’m safe from you and your stallions.”

“And you’ll just sit there while we make our getaway with the others?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Nah. Our reinforcements will take care of you.”

The stallion laughs heartily. “Reinforcements?! We’re in the middle of nowhere?! How are you going to call for…?!”

Clearing his throat, Arc calls out.

“Servants, take these invaders out.”

The leader raises an eyebrow. “What…?”

He gasps as the captured stallions start walking toward them with empty looks in their eyes. Arc grins.

“Don’t let any of them escape! Charge!”

The stallions run at their former friends. Forced to take on their comrades, confusion breaks out as the fight expands outside the car. Scootaloo breathes a sigh of relief as a stallion smashes against their cell.

“We’re safe in here.”

Arc nods and holds up the key.

“Yup. And as soon as their done, we’ll let ourselves out to clean up the mess.”

As the din of battle lessens, Scootaloo takes the key and unlocks their cell door. Stepping out of the train car they look around. Stallions lay on the ground moaning in pain. A few of Arc’s servants stand around motionlessly.

“Looks like that’s taken care of. What now though, Big Brother?”

“I’m guessing the engine will be back sooner or later. But we need to be ready for them.”

Early the next morning, a platoon of Royal Guards stands ready at the Canterlot Station. The train pulls up and comes to a stop. Everyone gasps as they see the damage to the prison car. A few moments later a robed filly steps out of the passenger car and hops down onto the platform. As she waits patiently, a stallion walks toward them and looks down with obvious disdain.

“I am Captain Decimus. Who is in charge of this transport?”

Scootaloo looks up at him. “That would be me.”

“You?”

“Yes.”

“And where are the rest?!”

“It’s just me.”

Decimus gestures to the ruined train car. “That would explain the damage! What was that sheriff THINKING?! Leaving a filly in charge! Is he MAD?!”

Scootaloo holds up the key. “I was successful in my mission.”

Decimus frowns as he grabs it and tosses it to a subordinate. “Unlikely. But let us see.”

He motions for his forces to board the train. They begin unloading the prisoners and lining them up. Sandstorm Mirage hurries over to Decimus with a clipboard as he finishes counting.

“Report.”

“There appears to have been a clerical error, sir. By my count there are four dozen stallions extra!”

“Count them again!”

“I did, sir. Three times.”

Decimus turns to Scootaloo.

“How is this possible?! Are those yokels in Dodge Junction so daft that they can’t properly count prisoners?!”

“The count was correct when we left. However, on the way we took some extra prisoners.”

“Where from?!”

“A force attempted to overtake the train and free their friends. As you can see, they failed and were taken prisoner themselves.”

Sandstorm Mirage grins. “Very impressive!”

Decimus glares at him. “Shut up, sergeant.”

“Yes sir.”

Decimus looks Scootaloo up and down silently. “What’s your name?”

“I’m the Scarlet Filly.”

“Obviously I mean your real name!”

Scootaloo frowns. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, captain. I got the prisoners here, plus extra. Now you owe me some bits.”

Decimus nods soberly before grinning. “All business, eh? Well, I suppose I can’t argue with results. The sergeant will see to it your payment is deposited in the Canterlot Back. You can pick it up there.”

“Along with the extra bounties, correct?”

Decimus nods. “Oh yes. I always pay out for a job well done. Now then, if you’re looking to make some big money, I have a mark for you to hunt. You interested?”

“Always. You have a picture?”

“I do.”

He motions for a soldier to approach. Taking a paper from a stack in his hooves, the captain looks it over for a moment as he grits his teeth.

“This is our nation’s most wanted criminal. There’s a one-million bit reward for either their capture or proof of death.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“You do that. Judging from the results of this little operation, I’d say you’re eminently qualified for this job.”

He folds the paper twice and gives it to Scootaloo. She accepts it as the captain turns to the sergeant.

“See to it the rest of those posters are put up all over town. Also print stacks to be sent to every town in the country.”

“Yes sir.”

He scurries away as Decimus turns back to Scootaloo.

“I’m looking forward to hearing from you… Scarlet Filly.”

With a nod, he turns and walks away. Boarding a royal carriage, he grins.

“That so-called Scarlet Filly is just dripping with Dark Magic. I wonder if she’s another creation of the Dark One.”

Chuckling, he leans back in his seat.

“Either way, with her power and resourcefulness, she shouldn’t have any trouble tracking that filth down.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo walk down the street together. Spotting an alley, they walk down it and sit behind a dumpster.

“That went well.”

“Y-yeah.”

“Something wrong, Big Brother?”

“That captain… I know him.”

“You sure?”

Arc nods. “I am.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I had a feeling him and I didn’t get along.”

“Not get along with a military officer?”

“Right. I still have that memory of him and me fighting. But I thought I killed him.”

“Maybe it’s a good think you didn’t say anything.”

“In any case, we need to move on.”

Scootaloo holds up the paper. “What about this bounty? We could live on that for life!”

“I suppose if we run into them we could nab ‘em and collect. Let’s see who our target is?”

Scootaloo gives Arc the paper. He unfolds it and looks the wanted poster over for a long moment. Eventually Scootaloo speaks.

“So who’s it for?”

Arc looks to her nervously.

“Me.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 12 - Out of Options

Scootaloo gasps.

“What do you mean ‘you’?!”

Arc turns the paper to her. Scootaloo grabs it and looks it over.

“Wanted. Former Hero of Light Arc. Needed for questioning in the attempted regicide of Princess Celestia, attempted murder of Captain Decimus, and attempting to overthrow the monarchy.”

She looks at the picture for a long time before speaking again.

“Did… did you…?”

“I don’t know, Scootaloo. Maybe…”

He sighs before continuing.

“…maybe I did.”

“No way!”

“But I have a distinct memory of fighting the captain!”

“There had to be a good reason for that!”

“Could I have been trying to take over? Are these charges against me really true?”

He looks at the wanted poster again for a long moment.

“Arc. So that’s my real name.”

“And you were the Hero of Light… whatever that is.”

“Yeah.”

“We need to find out more. See if you really did all that stuff.”

Arc shakes his head. “No… we don’t.”

“Huh? But don’t you want to…?”

“What I want to do right now is to get you to the orphanage safely.”

“But what about you?!”

“After you’re safely dropped off I’ll get to digging. See what I can turn up regarding this mess.”

“I could help!”

“Thanks, but… I want you to stay at the orphanage where it’s safe and find a nice family. One that cares for you, loves you, and…”

“Like you do, Big Brother?!”

“More so than me.”

“I don’t really see how that’s possible. After all, you’ve looked after me for a while now.”

Arc pats her head. “You’re a really nice filly, Scootaloo. And I want you to stay that way. If you keep hanging around with me, who knows what’ll rub off on you.”

“Only good things I would think.”

Arc sighs. “I can’t take that chance. You have a bright future ahead of you. Let’s not jeopardize that.”

He looks around and stands up.

“In any case… let’s get out of here.”

“But what about all those bits for the bounties?”

“Forget that. Every moment we stay here is dangerous. As soon as those posters go up with a reward that high, everyone will be looking for me.”

“Makes sense.”

The pair quickly leave Canterlot and head for the woods west of the city. Later that afternoon, Twilight’s friends enter Luna’s chambers together along with Derpy, Dinky, and Sereb. Applejack is the first to speak.

“We got here just as fast as we could, sugarcube!”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah! What’s up?!”

Twilight frowns. “There’s been some very serious… developments.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Did Princess Celestia finally send for you?”

Luna shakes her head. “She did not.”

Pinkie frowns. “Then is it about the posters going up?!”

Twilight sighs. “Yes. But how did you know about that? We had everypony flown here by chariot for that very reason.”

Pinkie grins. “I have great eyesight!”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “What did the posters say?”

Luna points a hoof. “There’s a copy of one on the table. Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage delivered it to me early this morning.”

Trotting over to the table, they look at the paper. Sereb appears confused.

“A wanted poster?”

Derpy turns to Twilight. “What does that mean exactly?”

“It’s a notice to everypony that they should be on the lookout for the pictured individual.”

Dinky gasps. “But that’s my dad’s face on there!”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “WHAT?! But he didn’t do ANY of those things!”

Rarity nods with conviction. “Right! Had he wanted to overthrow the monarchy he had ample opportunity!”

Applejack frowns. “Even before Princess Celestia came back! I mean, not that he would have or did!”

Dinky holds the poster in her hooves. She shakes as rage overtakes her.

“Why… why would somepony say these things about him?!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. If anything, Arc himself is the victim of these crimes.”

Luna nods. “I agree. But look at the name at the bottom of the paper.”

Dinky grimaces. “Decimus!”

Derpy’s hoof flies to her mouth. “Oh no!”

Applejack grits her teeth. “He must believe Arc’s alive too!”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What makes you say that? I mean, he hasn’t done anything since the incident.”

Pinkie sighs. “If he didn’t believe it, I don’t think even the captain would have everypony out there chasing ghosts!”

Rarity shudders. “Ghosts?!”

Fluttershy frowns. “Probably not the best way to put it.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Meh. It was the first thing that came to mind.”

Twilight looks to her friends. “As hard as it is to say this, I believe this is good news.”

Derpy gasps. “Good that Arc is being hunted?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. This is just more proof that Arc is indeed alive and well.”

Sereb grins. “That is most likely true, yes.”

Dinky plants her hooves firmly. “So where do we go from here?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Princess Luna could start by having Decimus arrested.”

Luna sighs. “I wish I could. However, he has the blessing of my sister. And the troops follow them loyally.”

Rarity groans. “Well, we can’t let him get away with slandering Arc’s name like this!”

Applejack nods fervently. “Darn right!”

Fluttershy grins wickedly. “I agree. But isn’t there some way the captain could be stopped a little less… officially?”

Pinkie gasps. “Woah! Are you suggesting assassinating him?!”

“Maybe not outright killing him. But somepony could… make him disappear for a while.”

Rainbow Dash rubs her front hooves together. “Leave that to me!”

Luna shakes her head. “As tempting as that idea is, we can’t do that.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Why not?!”

Sereb growls. “I would be willing to help.”

Twilight frowns. “Because if he disappears, Princess Celestia would be vulnerable to attack or kidnapping!”

Rarity grits her teeth and frowns. “That’s a bad thing how exactly?!”

Derpy appears confused. “Rarity?”

“She’s done NOTHING but cause trouble since Arc rescued her! If he were here right now, I’m sure Arc would march right into the Audience Chamber and remove her from her station! Forcefully if necessary!”

Dinky nods angrily. “Yeah! She’s out of control!”

Twilight holds up a hoof. “Please, everypony! That’s Luna’s sister and my mentor you’re talking about!”

Luna bows her head. “They are correct, Twilight.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Darn right we are!”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “So she needs to be… removed?”

Applejack sighs. “But no normal weapon can hurt her.”

Pinkie nods. “Other than the Dagger of Eternal Slumbers, you mean!”

Rarity gasps. “But Arc still has it in his ring!”

Sereb turns to Luna. “Is there perhaps a second method?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. According to the official records found in the forbidden wing in the Archives, my sister only allowed one knife to be made before destroying the blueprints personally.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That does make sense. After all, only the Hero of Light can legally take action against a sitting princess.”

Sereb growls. “While that was prudent of her, it doesn’t help in our current situation.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “What about Fluttershy’s earlier idea to make Captain Decimus disappear? Could we maybe…?”

Luna sighs. “As tempting as that may be…”

“I think my mom means could we do that to Princess Celestia.”

Pinkie grins. “Kidnap a princess?!”

Applejack nods. “That isn’t a bad idea. We wouldn’t hurt her, of course.”

Rarity’s eyes light up. “And with her gone, Princess Luna would be free to retake the throne and oust Captain Decimus!”

Fluttershy gasps. “Arc would hear about it and come back!”

Sereb smiles toothily. “It is a sound idea. The only question now is the method by which we would accomplish such a feat.”

Twilight taps her chin thoughtfully. “If somepony could get close to her, they could administer some kind of poison. Nothing lethal, mind you. Just enough to knock her out.”

Luna sighs. “How would she be carried away? It would take several strong stallions to ferry her to a cell.”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “What about that Matter Compacting Spell?”

“I’m not sure it would work on an alicorn.”

“Oh, it would.”

Luna nods. “Yes. Arc cast it on me during our date to make me appear to be nothing more than a commoner.”

Sereb looks hopeful. “And Arc also used it on Celestia during her rescue.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Great! Now we have a plan!”

Rarity smiles. “All that’s left is to figure out a way to get close enough to Princess Celestia to make it happen!”

Twilight sighs. “That’s been holding us back all this time.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What about Spike?! Couldn’t he send the princess a message via his… um… dragon’s breath, or whatever?!”

Luna shakes her head. “The Audience Chamber and her room have been magically warded for protection.”

Twilight nods as her ears droop sadly. “That’s why I can’t just Blink in there either.

Fluttershy sighs. “Oh my! This is really complicated!”

Applejack groans. “I’ll say.”

Pinkie stands on her hinds legs. “We need something that’s so spectacularly HUGE that Princess Celestia CAN’T ignore it!”

“Princess Luna and I’s supposed relationship should have been enough to do that.”

Sereb frowns. “What is preventing her from requesting your presence?”

Derpy looks to the others. “Could she just be REALLY busy?”

Dinky gasps. “Either that or something’s wrong. Like maybe she’s been kidnapped again.”

Luna shakes her head. “No, she’s still in the castle. I can feel her magical aura. But it is a bit… different.”

Rarity appears confused. “Can you elaborate?”

“It almost feels… foreign to me. Like she’s someone else.”

Applejack gasps. “Could it be an imposter?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, it’s definitely her. Of that I’m certain.”

Fluttershy shudders. “That only leaves the idea that she’s not noticing.”

Derpy shrugs. “But what else can we do?”

Dinky grins. “We might just have to be forceful in our next move.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed. Failing all passive routes, Arc would normally use an escalating role of violence at this point.”

Rainbow Dash shadowboxes. “Why don’t we just create a distraction and bust in there then?!”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Then what?! Take her prisoner?!”

“No! Find our Elements and blast the princess with them!”

Applejack nods. “That might actually be the best idea. After all, they’re non-lethal.”

Fluttershy smiles. “And it’ll bring about whatever needs to change to bring her back to us.”

Twilight gasps. “Or it could banish her like it did Luna!”

Luna sighs. “Perhaps that is for the best.”

“WHAT?!”

“We need to think of the citizens as a whole. Not just Celestia.”

Twilight seethes. “But… but you’re her SISTER, Luna?! How could you even suggest that we…?!”

“It’s BECAUSE she’s my sister.”

Sereb nods. A noble endeavor.”

Derpy turns to him. “Sereb?”

“If anyone is to go against the Princess of the Sun, it should be someone close to her. They would stand the best chance of reasoning with her. Failing that, however…”

Dinky nods soberly. “It might need to be done.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “I still like the idea of using the Elements of Harmony on her. Less violence that way.”

Luna bows her head. “That… may not be an option.”

Twilight: Luna?

“As I told you before, I made some inquiries to Sunburst recently in an effort to recover everypony’s respective Element. However, he reported that the safe containing them had been forced open and the Elements taken. Presumably to the vault.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “So let’s just march over there and get them.”

Twilight nods. “We’d need Cadance or Decimus to help Luna open the vault though.”

“Not exactly. Further inquiries show that the vault has not been opened in some time. Which can only mean that he, or somepony else, stored them elsewhere.”

Rarity gasps. “Where?!”

Luna bows her head. “Nopony knows.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Oh my! This is terrible news!”

“My Pinkie Sense is telling me he’s up to no good!”

Sereb growls. “I do not believe such magical senses are needed to ascertain that, Miss Pinkie.”

Twilight nods soberly. “That only serves to convince me that he knows we’re on to him and his plot!”

Derpy grimaces. “Right! With Arc gone, you six are the only ones whom could have stopped the princess!”

Luna frowns. “I may be able to overpower my sister. With proper help, that is.”

Dinky gasps. “But that might just be what Captain Decimus wants!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “He WANTS a hoof in the mouth?!”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, no! A princess fighting another princess would lead to a civil war! It might even destabilize Equestria even more than it is right now!”

Sereb growls. “The little one is most likely correct. We could be playing right into Decimus’ hooves.”

Rarity groans. “So we’re back to square one in the planning department then?!”

Luna shakes her head. “Not completely. I… have one last idea.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “What is it, Luna?”

“It is rather… difficult to say. Everypony, please stay here in the castle. Everything will be explained later.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Princess Luna?”

Rarity frowns. “Why…?”

Luna looks away. “Please! It… I just… look, I’ll have some guards escort everypony to a large suite.”

Twilight heads for the door. “Come with me, everypony. I’ll see to it you’re settled in before…”

“You will remain with me, Twilight.”

“But…”

“I have spoken!”

Rainbow Dash smiles. “We’ll be okay, Twilight.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. That and Princess Luna needs you right now.”

Pinkie giggles. “Right!”

Fluttershy perks up at the newfound positivity. “See you soon.”

Sereb frowns. “We shall not be far.”

“Come along, Dinky.”

“Yes, mom.”

They leave the room, shutting the door behind them. Twilight turns to Luna nervously.

“Is… is everything okay?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not in the least. But now is the time to act.”

Walking over to her bedside table, she opens a drawer and pulls out a sealed scroll. Looking at it for a long moment, Luna sighs and returns to Twilight.

“Take this.”

Twilight accepts the sealed parchment, clearly confused. “What is it?”

“Just hold onto it for the moment. Now I need you to listen closely, Twilight, as these may very well be the most important instructions I will ever give you.”

Luna speaks at length for some time. Eventually she sighs and nods.

“That should be everything.”

“I… I don’t…”

“Believe me when I say it has to be this way, Twilight.”

“But what will you…?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes, Luna.”

Luna puts a hoof under Twilight’s chin and raises it to look her in the eye.

“Then please do as I have instructed.”

“Is this an order?”

Luna shakes her head and smiles at her. “No, Twilight. Just a very important request. Will you do it?”

“Yes, Luna.”

“Very good. Do as I have told you, and everything should be fine.”

“But what if…?!”

“You’re a smart mare, Twilight. I’m sure you can figure it out.”

Turning away, Luna’s horn glows. A dark portal opens and she walks toward it. Stopping just before entering, she looks back and shoots Twilight a sad smile.

“Take care, my friend.”

Twilight nods wordlessly as Luna vanishes from sight and the portal closes. Walking over to the balcony door, she sits down in front of it and sighs.

“I’ll do my best, Luna.”

Several hours later, as the sun sinks toward the horizon, the doors burst open and a dozen heavily armed and armored Royal Guards enter the room. Twilight stands and turns to face them as they level their weapons at her. For a time no one moves. Several tense moments pass before a stallion in back turns and motions with a hoof. The sound of hoofsteps echoes down the corridor, growing louder by the second. Eventually the guards part, forming two rows leading up to Twilight as Celestia herself enters the room. Looking around slowly she sighs and motions to the guards.

“Leave us.”

“But your highness! Captain Decimus gave strict orders for us to…!”

“Now.”

Without another word the guards march out of the room and close the door behind them. Celestia and Twilight look at one another wordlessly for a time. Eventually Celestia reaches out a hoof and smiles. Twilight grins widely and runs to her old friend. Meeting, they begin nuzzling each other affectionately.

“Oh, Princess Celestia! I… I’m just so happy to see you again!”

Celestia smiles happily “As am I, Twilight. As am I.”

They embrace for what seems like an eternity. Eventually Celestia steps back and looks down at her student.

“Twilight. I need you to tell me something.”

“What is it?”

“Where is my sister?”

“She’s… gone.”

“Yes, that much I could sense. What I don’t know is where she’s gone.”

Twilight holds out the scroll.

“Princess Luna asked me to give this to you.”

Celestia nods and accepts the scroll. Breaking the seal she reads it over silently before rolling it back up and turning to Twilight.

“Did she say anything else?”

“Just that I should wait here and give you the scroll when you arrived. But how did she know you would come?”

“Alicorns can sense each other’s power. When Luna departed her power left with her.”

“I’m sorry she’s gone.”

“As am I, Twilight. Now then, I need you to do something very important for me.”

“What is it?”

“With Cadance back in the Crystal Empire and Luna’s departure I now rule Equestria alone again. It’s… such a heavy burden to bear.”

“Can I help?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. From now on I want you always at my side. This is a precarious time for our nation. The decisions I make in the coming days may very well shape this land’s future for generations to come.”

“What should I do?”

“Remain by my side as my faithful student and friend. I need those around me whom I can trust now more than ever! Will you do this for me?”

Twilight nods happily. “Of course, Princess Celestia.”

“Thank you, Twilight. I knew I could count on you.”

Celestia and Twilight return to the corridor together. The soldiers salute as they pass. Walking next door, they enter Celestia’s quarters together. Later that night as Twilight lays in the bed, sleeping soundly, Celestia again opens the scroll. Turning on the bedside lamp, she begins to read.

Dearest Sister,

It has been a long time since we were able to speak face to face. Sometimes I even forget that you have returned. While I don’t necessarily blame you for taking the steps you have, as a fellow princess I must caution you against this path you are on.

Over a year ago you were taken from us. Kidnapped and imprisoned in another land far away. Kept from your friends and loved ones, you must’ve longed for the comforts of home and hearth. I know you did, sister, as I too felt that way on the moon not so long ago. Every day looking down on the planet below was an eternity. Admittedly, during my imprisonment… I hated you. Hated you with every fiber of my body. Every molecule of my being. Every waking thought I dreamed only of returning and exacting my revenge on you and our land for what had been done to me. And as you know, I attempted to carry out my plans upon my return. Fortunately, Twilight and her friends were able to stop me by using the one power I still dreaded… the Elements of Harmony.

You’re probably wondering what I’m going on about, what with my sudden departure from the castle. You see, I’ve come to the realization that you yourself are edging toward a slippery slope. The same one I fell down oh so many centuries ago. You’ve forgotten how to trust others and be yourself. I still remember the way you used to be when we studied under Star Swirl. Headstrong, brash, short-sighted. But you rose above that and became the princess Equestria needed. This was necessary to maintain balance between the three pony races. I became jealous of your new popularity, and let it consume me. In the end, I nearly destroyed that which we and Star Swirl worked so hard to create.

As for where I’ve gone and why… it’s complicated, dear sister. Please know that I will always love you. But for now I need to operate from the shadows. To act as the final buffer between you and the complete destruction of everything. Know that I will be watching from the darkness. Watching and waiting. You know the reasons why already. Yet you continue to ignore my council.

As I close this letter, I want to remind you to draw strength from those around you. Especially Twilight. You know she and I have had our differences in the past. However, in the time you were gone I’ve gained a new respect for her and her friends. Those whom protect Equestria without any thought to their own safety. They’ve proven themselves to me. Yes sister… the mares whom thwarted my plans as Nightmare Moon have shown me the commitment that lies in their hearts. Heed their council in the days to come and do not listen to those whom would seek to hide you away from the citizenry.

With all my love,

Luna

Celestia sighs and rolls the scroll back up. Levitating it for a few moments, she tosses it into a nearby wastebasket and turns to stroke Twilight’s mane.

“I’m here, Twilight. I’m back, and I’ll never again leave you or Equestria unprotected again. Ever.”

Preface - Volume 33 - A Heroine is Born

In our previous volume, Arc and Scootaloo leave the burning cottage behind as they head into the woods. Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends along with Tempest and Moonlit Dusk leave Light’s Hope. After teleporting them into a dark forest, Moonlit Dusk summons shadow creatures to protect them as the begin their journey to a dark magical spring. The next morning Twilight’s friends discover Sweetie Belle’s saddlebag next to a statue. Sensing the latent magical power, Rose announces that the statue before them is connected to the one found in the Foal Forest. As their group continues on their way, in another forest completely, Arc and Scootaloo make camp for the day. Arc recalls his camping trips with Derpy and Dinky as he lays down with the filly. Admitting that she feels safe and secure with him, Scootaloo falls asleep next to Arc. Sometime later that day, Derpy and her friends stumble upon a hidden village by following their noses. Heading for the largest hut, they find the village chief napping on a cushion. After being awakened by Pinkie, she is asked about the three missing fillies. Admitting that they did indeed come through town, she tells the mares about how they left via portal. Asking to see the sigil, they are led into the room formerly occupied by Dinky. Rose confirms the sigil was made by Arc gauntlet and traces the latent magical energies to the northwest. As Derpy looks over the map she tells everyone of a sigil at the Winsome Falls. Surmising that the fillies have gone to see Tempest, they decide to spend the night in the village and accept an escort to the western edge of the forest come morning.

As the sun sets, Arc and Scootaloo awaken together. In her half asleep state Scootaloo questions what has happened. Arc reminds her as she laments the past. Assuring the filly that he won’t do anything to her without her knowledge, they pack up the tent and eat. Agreeing to travel in their Crimson forms, Scootaloo shows Arc how to transform. Unable to fly like Scootaloo, they turn to walking. Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends reach what Moonlit Dusk calls The Nameless Font. After retrieving a new crystal from a dark pool he announces they will spend the day camping near the font. Dinky and Tempest head into the woods to gather firewood. As they work, Dinky asked the mare about her relationship with Arc. She tells the filly about the spell that turned her into a half-crazed mare some time ago as well as her affection for Decimus. Doing her best to convince Tempest of Decimus’ machinations, Dinky compares him to her father. Planting the seeds of doubt in Tempest’s mind, they head back to camp together. Eating a light meal, everyone retires for the day to sleep. Dinky sits up for a time staring into the fire. She calls out to Moonlit Dusk whom has been watching her since the others went to sleep. Tricking him into revealing his actions, the stallion asks her what she and Tempest had been talking about. Admitting that they had been talking about her father, Moonlit Dusk believes they to have been speaking of him. Calling him a sperm donor, Dinky defends Arc’s parenting methods over her biological father’s. Informing him of her plans to learn the truth and publicize it, Moonlit Dusk tells her to get over it.

Derpy and her friends are escorted to the edge of the forest by several guards. Seeing Dodge Junction from the tree line they thank their escorts and hurry to the town. Purchasing tickets, they board the train and begin the journey to Vanhoover. Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends awaken just as the sun sets. Leaving the tent, they eat a quick meal before starting out again. Quite some time later they arrive at their destination… The Castle of the Two Sisters. Entering, Moonlit Dusk leads them to a room with Luna’s cutie mark over it. Entering, he explains that it was her former room. Pointing out a sigil in the floor, he activates it and teleports the group miles below the castle. Entering a large room known as The Heart of Darkness, Moonlit Dusk gives Dinky the All-Seeing Eye and instructs her on how to use it. Being warned by her friends not to, Dinky ignores them and holds the amulet to her forehead as she speaks her request. All at once the room comes alive with magical energy. Dinky levitates a short distance above the floor as the others step back out of caution. Finding herself in Canterlot Castle, Dinky spots Decimus and Gaston approaching her father. She moves to join him as they speak. Watching in horror, Dinky sees Celestia stab Arc from behind and toss him aside before blasting him out the window. Falling to her fetlocks in tears, Dinky composes herself and calls out into the darkness, asking to see what happened next. Seeing her father floating down the river on the log, heavily wounded, she witnesses the attack by the timberwolves and her father’s futile attempt to defend himself before an unknown pony steps in to save him. Next she sees him in the Knothole Hospital and later walking out of Shadow’s barn with a filly. As she asks where he is now, reality breaks all around her as the amulet reaches the limit of its power source. Waking to the others standing around her, Dinky has but a few moments to speak before losing consciousness. Putting her on his back, Sereb carries her back to the sigil where everyone is teleported back to Princess Luna’s room. Retrieving the All-Seeing Eye, Moonlit Dusk leaves them to return to the citadel. Tempest opens a portal of her own and escorts the group back to her house in Stableton.

Derpy and the others arrive in Stableton. Walking to Tempest’s house, they are greeted by Sereb know leads them inside to the sleeping fillies. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom awaken and greet the others. Dinky however needs to be carried away. Tempest opens a portal and sends the group back to Light’s Hope. Arriving, they are allowed inside the base by Arc’s squad. Leading them to the barracks, they leave to make lunch while the others rest. Awakening sometime later they all get clean together in the adjoining showers. Forming a chain, everyone helps those in front of them wash their manes as Xenos walks in. Getting an immediate boner, he struggles to tell them that lunch will be ready soon and awkwardly leaves the room. The two fillies ask the mares what just happened, and are told what arousal is. Confessing to the fillies that they all wanted foals by Arc, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle give their heartfelt approval. Heading to the cafeteria, they eat and listen to Dinky’s story. Telling everyone that Princess Celestia stabbed Arc in the back, she is met with skepticism. Informing them that Arc is still alive somewhere in the land, she also tells them that they need to let her father come forward when he is ready. The squad leaves the room to give them some space as Max confesses his continued feelings for Shelly.

Luna and Twilight receive word that to meet their friends at Light’s Hope. Faking an intense lovemaking session, Sandstorm Mirage order the guards not to disturb the pair for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, the pair take a portal to Light’s Hope. Being escorted to the office, they watch everything Dinky saw via her father’s magical projector. Learning that Celestia did indeed attempt to murder Arc, they agree not to take direct action against her until Arc returns to do so himself. Luna also informs everyone that the Elements of Harmony were reportedly ‘stolen’ from Sunburst’s safe on order of Captain Decimus. Overhearing the conversation from outside the room, Sandstorm Mirage leaves to inform someone referred to only as the ‘Dark Lady’ of the situation.

A week later Arc and Scootaloo leave the forest that borders Dodge Junction. Entering the town, Arc remembers his time there. Telling Scootaloo to head for the Saloon for information on potential jobs, he instructs her to ask for a drink at the bar. The bartender begrudgingly gives her an apple juice and tells her about the town’s Writ Board. As she turns to leave a stallion knocks her away. Angered by this, Arc tells Scootaloo to attack the stallion. As she does so, Arc hits him sending the stallion flying head over fetlocks over the bar. Leaving, the pair make their way over to the Writ Board. Finding a wanted poster for that very stallion, they sit outside and wait for him to leave. As he does so, Scootaloo engages him along with Arc. Making quick work out of him, they collect the bounty and head back to the Saloon with the bits for a meal.

Rising early, the pair head back into town to check the Writ Board for more easy bounties. Not finding any, they spot an ad for a job at Cherry Hill Ranch. Heading there, Scootaloo enquires about night work for her elder brother. Agreeing to the proposal, Ruby Jubilee tells her to come back that evening. The pair return to their campsite to rest until evening. As the sun sets they head back to the ranch. Ruby shows them to the orchard and points out the sacks in the back of the wagon and heads back to the house to go to bed. Arc and Scootaloo transform into their Crimson forms and get to work. They fill every sack in the wagon and in turn are paid a thousand bits for their labors. Heading back to their campsite, they pack up and get a room at the Inn together in order to properly bathe. Showing Scootaloo what a shower is, they get cleaned up together before heading to bed.

Getting up the next morning, Scootaloo heads to the store alone to buy groceries for them. Testing another Crimson ability of seeing through his thrall’s eyes, the pair watch as a stallion robs the store and assaults the cashier. On Arc’s orders, Scootaloo pays for her items and returns to the Inn. That night as they visit Cherry Hill Ranch, Arc tells Scootaloo to ask Ruby about the incident. Revealing to them that they are the leftover remnants of Buffalo Bull’s disbanded gang, she tells the filly to stay safely away from them. The next morning Ruby pays Scootaloo for their work and invites the pair inside for breakfast. She refuses and heads into town. Spotting the sheriff, Scootaloo askes him about the robbery. Admitting he is unable to stop the gang, the sheriff offers to give her the stack of wanted posters if she can bring in a certain low level member who’s been staying at the hotel without paying. Waiting for the stallion outside, Scootaloo and Arc follow him out of town. When they are a safe distance away Scootaloo challenges him. Arc stealthily approaches him and proceeds to beat the stallion. Dragging him back to town, they turn him in for the bounty. Announcing herself as the ‘Scarlet Filly’, Scootaloo returns to the Inn with Arc to get cleaned up.

Returning to the sheriff’s office, Scootaloo gets her pay as a stallion hurries inside with news of missing fillies. Informing the sheriff that the parents and others are searching, he leaves to organize a search. Returning to the Inn, the pair find a note in their room from the bandits along with a slice of ear. They claim to have captured the fillies and promise to execute them if the Scarlet Filly does not turn herself over to them. Arc and Scootaloo leave town at once to find the location drawn on the paper. Arriving, Scootaloo approaches the stallion without her cloak and pretends to be lost. Being dragged into a nearby cave, she is tossed into a cage with two fillies. Pushing them to the floor of the cage, she covers their faces as Arc mercilessly kills their kidnappers in the cave before turning his attention to those outside. After dealing with them, Arc carries the fillies back to town before putting them on Scootaloo’s back to take into the town. Turning them over to the authorities, she leads the sheriff and others back to the cave to clean up the bodies. Returning to the Inn, the pair pack up and return to their old campsite outside of town. As night falls they head to the hospital together. Asking to help the fillies, Scootaloo has the parents leave the room before using her Crimson powers to mesmerize them. Forcing them to forget the details of that night, she releases her control and calls the parents back in.

The next morning Scootaloo and Arc return to the Sheriff’s Office yet again. This time he has a job for them on behalf of the town itself. The stallions whom were captured need to be transported to Canterlot for trial. Scootaloo, as the Scarlet Filly, agrees to take on the job. She and Arc head to Cherry Hill Ranch to say goodbye to Ruby before returning to their camp and packing up. Making their way to the train station, Scootaloo dozes on Arc’s lap while they wait. As the train rolls up, she awakens. Approaching the sheriff as he leads the prisoners to the car, she accepts the key and heads to the passenger car. A short time later the sheriff enters and informs her that all prisoners are accounted for. Getting underway they are beset upon by the rest of the gang whom wants to free their companions. Climbing the ladder to the top of the train, they position themselves over the hatch to the prisoner’s car and defend it from the invaders. The stallions pull the pin to detach the car from the rest of the train forcing it to stop. Unable to wait any longer, Arc and Scootaloo retreat into the prison car. A short time later the stallions force their way inside to find their companions free and the Scarlet Filly in the cage. Having mind controlled the stallion prisoners, Arc orders them to attack their former companions. The next morning when the train arrives at the Canterlot Station they turn over the prisoners with quite a few extras. Clearly impressed, Decimus gives the Scarlet Filly a wanted poster of the most wanted individual in the land before leaving. Ducking into an alley the pair unfold the paper to find that it’s for Arc’s capture.

Arc and Scootaloo quickly leave Canterlot and head for the safety of the woods to the west of the city. Meanwhile, The Mane Six meet in Luna’s room regarding the wanted poster. They discuss various methods by which they might act including kidnapping Celestia or Decimus. Failing to come up with any real plan, Luna sends everyone to a private suite as she speaks to Twilight alone. Finishing, she gives the mare a scroll and leaves the castle via dark portal. Sometime later guards storm the room. Securing the room they motion to Celestia to enter. Ordering her troops to leave, she and Twilight share a wonderful reunion before heading to her room together. As Twilight sleeps Celestia again reads the scroll from Luna. In it she cautions her sister against her current actions and implores her to listen to those around her. Throwing away the scroll, Celestia promises to never leave Twilight along again.

However, many questions remain unanswered. Why is Moonlit Dusk still a #$%&? Did Tempest really help them out of the goodness of her heart? Will Twilight and Luna be able to succeed with their plan? Will Arc be able to keep himself hidden from prying eyes? How will Arc provide for Scootaloo on the open road? What will become of the Scarlet Filly and her new reputation? Why did Decimus change his tune about Scootaloo so fast? Why is Arc public enemy number one? Where did Luna go? Better yet, why did she go? What will Arc and Scootaloo do now?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Precarious Plans

That night Arc and Scootaloo walk through the forest west of Canterlot. The moon overhead does little to light their path. However they are unhindered due to their innate ability to see in the dark. Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“So… what do I call you?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, now that we know your name is ‘Arc’… do I call you that instead?”

“If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather you just keep calling me ‘Big Brother’. After all, now that I’m wanted my real name would only serve to bring trouble our way. Something I hope to avoid.”

“Okay.”

They are silent for a time.

“Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to say… that I don’t believe for a minute what that wanted poster said about you.”

Arc sighs. “At least that makes one of us.”

“Really?”

“I’m still not convinced. After all, you and I took down that gang so easily.”

“What does that have to do with…?”

“My mind was filled with numerous ways to defeat them. Some with violence. Others with foresight and guile.”

“Anypony could have thought of any number of plans.”

“But mine were very precise and calculated. Like I was a trained killer.”

Scootaloo stops walking as Arc himself does the same. Neither makes a sound for some time.

“Big Brother? Is this about my dad?”

“Yeah.”

“You had to kill him.”

“Did I?”

“What do you mean?”

“I can think of any number of other ways that could have ended. We could have imprisoned him, misdirected him, knocked him out and fled…”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “My dad was a master hunter and tracker. He would have found us no matter where we went.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. But now we’ll never know.”

“He wanted to kill me, Big Brother. You saved my life and for that I will always be grateful. Trust me when I say that what you did was not only the best course of action, but the only thing that would have worked.”

Arc sighs. “While that may be true, I know I’m going to be second guessing myself on that for quite some time.”

Scootaloo nods and motions ahead. “We should get moving. The night is only so long.”

“Yeah.”

Continuing on their way, Scootaloo looks up to Arc again.

“So what’s our next stop?”

“There’s only one other town between us and Vanhoover, so we’ll be living off the land.”

“Nothing else?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe some small settlements here and there that aren’t officially recognized, I suppose. But we shouldn’t count on that.”

“How far does this forest go?”

“Quite a ways fortunately.”

He pulls out the map and kneels down to Scootaloo’s level as he points.

“When we hit these train tracks we’ll follow them north through the mountain pass. After that we’ll come to the forest at the base of the Smokey Mountains. We’ll follow the forest west until we come to the North Luna Ocean.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What’s an ocean?”

“Think of it like a really big lake.”

“That should be interesting!”

“Probably, yes. I’ve never seen it myself, so this will be new for me as well.”

“Then what?”

“We follow the coast north to avoid the city of Tall Tale. The forest also follows the coast too, so that’s a bit of luck. When we emerge from the northern tip of the foliage we should be in view of Vanhoover.”

“How long will that take?”

“Well, if we get to the mountain pass in a few weeks, I guess it’ll take another month to get to Vanhoover. Assuming we don’t come across anything that slows us down, that is.”

“What could do that?”

“Bad weather, injury, forced detours… that sort of thing.”

“So events out of our control, huh?”

“Unexpected circumstances, yes.”

Scootaloo grins. “I hope lots of those pop up!”

“What?”

“So you and I can stay together longer!”

Arc sighs and looks away. “I… kinda want that too.”

“Then let’s forget Vanhoover!”

Arc shakes his head. “We can’t. You need to be placed in a proper home and I need to figure out what happened to me.”

“I could…!”

“No, Scootaloo. I don’t want you to get hurt. Please understand that I just want what’s best for you.”

“But you care for me!”

“Yes. However wandering around the country is no life for a filly. You need to go to school and make some friends.”

“What’s ‘school’?”

“A place where you learn. They didn’t have that back in Knothole Village?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Nah. Everypony’s parents just kinda passed on what they knew about their job to their foals.”

“Then you’ll be the first to go to a real school.”

“Will I like it?”

“Probably. They’ll be other foals your age.”

“That makes me nervous.”

“It does?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. They’ll probably think I’m a freak just like everypony in Knothole Village did.”

“I don’t think your small wings are what defines you, Scootaloo.”

“They don’t?”

“Right. You decide that.”

“But what about… you know…”

She motions to her bat wings and fangs. Arc sighs.

“Yeah… that you might want to keep to yourself.”

“And you?”

“There’s a reason we’re sticking to the forests. And not just because I’m apparently a fugitive.”

“What else is there?”

“If anyone saw us like this, I’m sure we’d both be in hot water.”

Scootaloo shudders. “Agreed.”

Meanwhile, as Twilight and Celestia sleep, Twilight’s consciousness finds itself in a lush, green field. Moonlight spills across the flowers and illuminates the grove in its pale light. Looking around she spots a large gazebo. Walking toward it Twilight climbs the steps and walks into the center. Candles all around the perimeter suddenly burst to life as the sound of hoofsteps walking toward her ring out.

“You came.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Yes. As you ordered me to.”

Luna sighs and sits down across from Twilight.

“I know this is hard for you. But it needs to be done.”

“Yes… but… where are we?”

“The Lunar Realm. I’ve reimagined it after the… earlier incident.”

She gestures to the field all around them before continuing.

“Somehow this just feels more appropriate given my royal station.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look around you and tell me what you see?”

Twilight does so.

“Endless fields and flowers. What else is there to see?”

“Nothing.”

“I don’t understand.”

Luna sighs. “This gazebo is sometimes what it feels like to be a princess. Surrounded by a large cage filled with every imaginable comfort a beautiful surroundings, but otherwise alone. How my sister did this during my banishment is quite the mystery to me.”

“Luna, I…”

“I’m sorry for making this about me, Twilight. We need to stay focused on the task at hoof. Tell me, how did it go?”

“Yes, well… as you predicted, Princess Celestia came to your room just after sunset. She told me she felt your presence leave the castle and had come to investigate.”

“And you did as I asked?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I said nothing about Arc or the state of the nation along with her mental state. She wants me by her side from now on though.”

“Good. It’s just as I thought. She couldn’t resist me being out of range.”

“Range?”

“To sense my power. In the back of her mind, my sister still worries that I’ll succumb to darkness and become Nightmare Moon again.”

“Is that possible?!”

Luna sighs. “I suppose it is. But I won’t give in as easily as she thinks. Now then, you understand what it is I want you to do?”

“Observe and report mostly.”

“Yes. I have to know what she’s doing as best you’re able to tell.”

“But why?”

“To monitor my sister’s mental health. I still worry that she is… unbalanced by whatever transpired on Earth.”

“But what about Arc?! He’s being hunted!”

Luna chuckles. “Decimus can put up as many wanted posters as he wants. But it will bring him no closer to capturing Arc.”

“How can you be so sure of that?!”

“Because since that night my sister attacked, there has been no sign of him. His daughter confirmed that he survived and recovered via the All-Seeing Eye.”

“If that’s true why doesn’t he come back to clear his name?”

“Arc must have his reasons. Have faith in him as I do.”

Twilight frowns. “I have faith! But I want to help his as well! If I could just talk to Princess Celestia… tell her of all he’s done, she might…!”

“…perceive him as a greater threat than she already does.”

“But the Archives are filled with reports of his exploits! Surely she couldn’t refute all his actions!”

“True. However, Captain Decimus has made sure that just about everything on him was redacted, altered, or otherwise misrepresented. If she were to read the reports as they now are, it would only serve to convince her that he needed to be found and eliminated.”

“So what should I do?!”

“As I said before, stay with my sister and watch her closely.”

“I can do more than just spy on her for you.”

“Yes, you can. You should also do your best to convince her you’re still her most faithful student and able to be trusted.”

“Trusted? But she already…”

“That means no bringing Arc up to her in any way. When he is ready to formally return, I will come and join him before my sister to reveal the truth. His accomplishments, if told by myself and others whom she trusts, cannot be ignored.”

“But what if she still won’t listen?! He’ll stay a wanted criminal! And if somepony comes after him, Arc might be forced to kill them! Then he’d be arrested for murder!”

Luna shakes her head. “He’s still the Hero of Light. Should somepony attack him, they would do so at their own risk. Arc would have every right to slay them on the spot. That much I am certain of.”

“I just don’t like how this may play out. Too much could go wrong!”

“Agreed.”

“Wait! You’re AGREEING with me?!”

“Yes.”

“Then why are we doing it this way?!”

“Because it’s the best way to keep my sister and Arc safe. Believe me, if there was another way, I’d gladly do it. But at the moment this is an evolving situation. We’ll meet here every night when you fall asleep to discuss the events of the day.”

“And you’ll do what exactly?”

“I’ll do my best to advise you on what to do and say.”

“What advice do you have for me right now?”

“At the moment, just be yourself. And don’t tell her you and I are conversing. Celestia wouldn’t like that.”

Luna sighs.

“Although any other time she’d probably be overjoyed to hear you and I were getting along so well.”

“Huh?”

“Celestia’s been trying to get you and I to talk for some time now.”

“She has?”

Luna nods. “Yes. But… I didn’t feel comfortable forming any kind of friendship with the one whom Celestia used to replace me.”

“You did mention feeling that way. But earlier you said you didn’t know how she kept it together all those years.”

“But now that I’m back… she’s still keeping you around! That used to bother me quite a bit.”

“You can have more than one friend, Luna. It would be no different than having multiple siblings.”

Luna sighs. “I understand that now. Only recently did I discover why she chose you.”

“Oh?”

“You’re strong, smart, loyal, and the like. But above all, you’re willing to do what’s right.”

“Even if it hurts me to do so, yes. My teacher’s life needs to come first though.”

Luna nods approvingly. “Very commendable. Tell me, are your friends still in the castle?”

Twilight nods. “They should be, yes. Was there something else they should be doing?”

“I would recommend sending them home. At the moment they can do nothing to support the plan or you.”

“Yes, well… it’s a great comfort to know they’re near.”

“I will leave that choice up to you, of course. But if things go wrong, their lives may be in danger.”

Twilight gasps. “Princess Celestia would never…!”

“Captain Decimus might though.”

“I… suppose he might, yes. This is something I’ll have to speak with them about.”

“Is my sister allowing you freedom of movement?”

“We… haven’t actually talked about that.”

“What were you doing then?”

“Hugging mostly.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Hugging?”

“It’s been so long since I was able to do that.”

Luna sighs. “That’s… understandable. However, please make an effort to stick to the plan in the future. Celestia’s fate as well as that of our land may very well hang in the balance.”

Early the next morning Twilight enters her friend’s room in the castle. They are just getting up. Pinkie bounces over to her.

“Twilight!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “How’d it go?!”

Twilight smiles. “Perfectly. Princess Celestia came and spoke to me personally.”

Applejack appears relieved. “That’s great news, sugarcube!”

Fluttershy giggles. “Oh, yes indeed! Were you able to convince her to drop the charges against Arc?”

“Not… exactly.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Twilight?”

“Luna and I have a plan to set everything right. We just need time.”

Dinky gasps. “But my dad’s innocent!”

Rarity nods fervently. “That he is!”

Sereb growls. “It is not good or just to allow this to stand!”

Twilight sighs. “I know. However, we all need to look at the bigger picture right now.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “What could be bigger than my dad’s safety?!”

“The future of Equestria.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “What are you talking about?!”

“Look, this is a really precarious time for our land. If things aren’t done properly it could have lasting effects.”

Applejack shakes her head. “I’m sure Arc wouldn’t want that. But the idea of sitting on the truth while Arc is hunted isn’t very Honest.”

Rarity nods. “I agree, Applejack.”

Rainbow Dash lands nearby. “Me too! We can’t just let him stay in exile over something he clearly didn’t do!”

Fluttershy groans. “I don’t like this either. But Twilight and Princess Luna know what they’re doing. We should trust them.”

Pinkie nods. “Right!”

Sereb growls. “I still do not like this.”

Derpy frowns. “Yes. Arc doesn’t deserve to be used like a piece on a game board.”

Dinky sighs. “Agreed. But all I can figure is that it must be part of his plan. After all, he hasn’t come back yet. Even though he’s completely healed.”

Rarity smiles. “But he will! Of that I’m certain!”

Rainbow Dash pumps a hoof with feeling. “Yeah! But we need to do something to help speed this along!”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Actually, I was going to ask everypony to head back to Ponyville.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say again?”

“Right now I have the right to approach Princess Celestia at any time. Captain Decimus wasn’t too keen on the idea, of course. But he can’t really do anything about it.”

Sereb growls. “So what is the problem?”

“Decimus can’t directly act against me without drawing the suspicion of the princess. But all of you don’t have that same level of protection.”

Pinkie’s lower lip trembles. “What are you saying, Twilight?!”

“That for your own safety… everypony should return to Ponyville as soon as possible.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “WHAT?!”

Rarity shakes her head. “But you aren’t safe here!”

“I understand that. But I need to do this.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “We could help though!

“Yes, but… please just let me handle this everypony.”

Derpy sighs. “I’m sure you know what’s best, Twilight. But I worry that harm will still befall you.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “Yeah! That captain is a really dangerous stallion!”

“Thank you for the concern. But there are others whom need all of you more right now.”

She looks all around before continuing.

“Apple Bloom needs her big sister. Sweetie Belle needs her mother. Ponyville needs its weather pegasus. The animals need their protector. Sugarcube Corner needs its resident party planner. Your tribe needs your leadership, Sereb. And the Little Hooves Orphanage needs their cook.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose that’s true.”

Dinky groans. “It still doesn’t feel right though.”

Rarity sighs. “Would you at least call somepony every night to check in?”

Twilight nods. “I’ll do my best to do that, Rarity. Even if it’s just a few minutes to say I’m doing okay.”

Pinkie appears relieved. “That’d be great!”

Rainbow Dash takes up a battle-ready stance. “And if you stop calling, we’ll come back here and bust you out!”

“I might need the help, yes.”

Rarity smiles. “I’ll be near my phone in the evening awaiting your call.”

“Thanks. Now then, there’s a train leaving for Ponyville in an hour. I really want all of you to be on it.”

Sereb groans. “Yes, well… I will return to the Dragon Lands and my tribe. However, should I be needed, send word across the ocean via Brightwing.”

“I’ll do that. But would you do one thing for me, Sereb?”

“What is it?”

“Don’t tell Ember that Arc’s still alive.”

Derpy gasps. “What?!”

Dinky frowns. “But she cares about him a lot!”

Applejack nods. “That she does.”

Pinkie giggles. “So much that if she know he was alive, she might lead the other dragons here and tear everything apart to find him!”

Rarity shudders. “That’s a scary thought!”

Sereb grunts. “Indeed.”

He turns to Twilight.

“I will keep this matter to myself. However, Ember has other ways of gathering information on Equestria.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Brightwing?”

“Yes.”

Dinky grimaces. “She’ll tell her eventually.”

Derpy nods. “If she hasn’t already, that is.”

Fluttershy frowns. “I would imagine we’d know if she had.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! We’d be under attack!”

Twilight shudders. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Chapter 2 - Catching up with an Old Friend

Twilight awakens to the feeling of the bed frame creaking. Opening her eyes, she looks up to see Celestia slowly moving to the side of the bed.

“Good morning.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was trying to get up without waking you, Twilight.”

Twilight smiles at her old friend. “It’s alright. Can I assume you were about to raise the sun?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, I was. Would you care to watch?”

“I would!”

Hopping out of bed, Twilight trots over to the balcony window with Celestia. Her horn aglow, the Princess of the Sun slowly raises the sun and sets it on its path. She breathes heavily and sits down.

“Princess Celestia! Are you okay?!”

Celestia offers her a weak smile. “I am. However recent events have left me in a rather weakened state.”

“Shall I call for the doctor?!”

“No. It will pass.”

A few moments later she stands, albeit shakily.

“Now then, breakfast will be here soon. Shall we get cleaned up?”

Twilight nods. “Of course. You have to look your best for the day ahead.”

The pair head for the bathroom together. Turning on the shower, Celestia steps into the large enclosure and lies down. Twilight gasps.

“Are you alright?!”

Celestia nods as she closes her eyes. “I am. This is one thing I did miss during my captivity on Earth. A proper shower every morning.”

Twilight steps over the shower. “Princess… might I make a rather… strange request?”

“What is it, Twilight?”

“I’d like to wash you.”

Celestia smiles. “Like you did when you were a filly?”

“Yes.”

“I’d like that very much.”

Twilight wastes no time picking up the shampoo with her magic. Pouring it over her mentor’s head she works up a lather and begins spreading it throughout the rainbow-colored mane before her. Celestia sighs contentedly.

“It does feel good to get clean.”

Twilight giggles. “I remember you saying that before.”

“Nothing’s changed in that regard. I like to take solace in small pleasures.”

“We used to do this a lot when I was a filly.”

Celestia smiles. “Yes. You’d always miss certain spots of your mane. I can’t tell you how many times you emerged from the bathroom with foam still hanging from your scalp.”

“That was when we started bathing together, right?”

“Right. But there was another reason.”

“Oh?”

“You were so tiny back then that I just couldn’t help it. That and you were such a sweetheart. Hanging over my shoulder and gobbling up every word I spoke.”

“It sounds like I was more of a nuisance than anything else.”

Celestia shakes her head. “Quite the opposite. It was refreshing to have somepony around who didn’t bow and scrape all the time.

“I was a bit too young to understand formalities.”

“Thankfully, yes.”

Sometime later the pair towel off and head back to the bed. Sitting down, they brush each other’s manes before turning to the dishes on the table nearby.

“Hungry, Twilight?”

“A bit, I guess.”

“Let’s eat then.”

Sitting down at the table they remove the covers over several stacks of pancakes. Celestia eats hungrily as Twilight picks at her food.

“I’ve missed this!”

“Huh?”

“Real food! When I was captured they only gave me nutrients through a tube. Not very fulfilling.”

“What else did they do?”

Celestia looks away. “I’d rather not talk about it right now, Twilight. Maybe another time.”

“Um… okay.”

“At the moment I’m more worried about you.”

Twilight appears confused. “Me?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. This is your favorite food, after all. Yet you’ve hardly touched it.”

“Oh! Well… you see… I… um…”

Celestia smiles knowingly. “It’s somepony special, isn’t it?”

Twilight drops her fork nervously.

“H-how did you…?!”

“When you’ve been around as long as I have, you just know. Now tell me about them.”

“There isn’t really much to say. That and I don’t really know where to begin.”

“How about at the beginning?”

“Well… I met him while doing a… science experiment.”

Celestia giggles. “That does make sense. Was he a fellow researcher, or the research?”

“Kinda both. You see… I was conducting some experiments on plants at the time. He was… inadvertently thrown into the mix because of a small… miscalculation on my part.”

Celestia appears concerned. “Nopony was hurt though, right?”

“Not at the time, no. But it wasn’t due to another event that just happened to come up shortly thereafter. There was just lack of foresight on my part… and his to a degree, I suppose. He did recover, albeit quicker than I thought he would, at the library after being discharged from the hospital. But I never expected him and I to form such a bond.”

Celestia smiles at her student. “Interesting! Tell me more!”

“Well… we started out a friends, naturally.”

“A good place to start, yes. Your first stallionfriend?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Other than my brother, I haven’t had much experience dealing with stallions on a personal level.”

“I’m glad to see you broadening you horizons, Twilight. But if you two had just met, why did you have him stay at your home?”

“That was kinda born out of necessity. You see, he was new in town back then. Didn’t have a place to stay yet. And it really was my fault that he got dragged into my research and injured.”

“Taking responsibility for one’s actions is paramount. Very good, Twilight. Tell me, does he still live with you though?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no! He moved out as soon as he recovered and found a job. Applejack hired him to help out around her orchard.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Oh? I thought he was into academia, like you.”

“He is… kinda. More of a student of life than anything else though.”

“Experience over coursework?”

“Exactly.”

“Very different than you in that regard. I would have thought somepony like that would rub you the wrong way.”

“I admit it was a bit… new to me. But we actually got along very well.”

“Can you explain to me how?”

“How what?”

“Well… how you two became such good friends for starters.”

“I just feel like he… completes me. Compliments my shortcomings.”

“And your other friends? Do they know about him?”

“Oh yes. We’re all quite close.”

“Quite the feat. After all, you and your friends are very different from one another.”

“I guess we are. Do you think it’s the Elements that keep us together?”

“To a degree, yes. But no magic in all of Equestria can make friendship. That comes from within.”

“From within, huh? I didn’t really think about that.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting him sometime. Tell me, is he back in Ponyville now?”

“Um… not exactly.”

“Oh?”

Twilight sighs. “He’s… gone.”

“Missing?”

“Kinda.”

“Shall I send for Captain Decimus? He could probably track your friend down.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That’s okay. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

“Twilight, if you believe your friend is in trouble…”

“Oh, I know he’s okay. He’s quite the planner, after all. Probably just traveling at the moment.”

“So you believe he’ll come back when he’s ready?”

Twilight nods fervently. “Yes, that much I know.”

“Tell me more about this stallion. Is he smart?”

“Very much so! But it goes further than that.”

“Oh?”

“He’s not as book savvy as I am. But he always has the solution to whatever problem comes around.”

“So he’s wise then?”

“Yes. He’s also strong, brave, noble, perceptive…”

Celestia giggles. “And you like that, don’t you?”

“Y-yes.”

“How far have you two gotten?”

“I don’t…”

Celestia frowns. “Have you slept together?”

Twilight blushes heavily. “Y-yes, we have.”

Celestia sighs. “Twilight, I understand that you’re not a filly anymore and have certain wants and desires. However…”

Twilight waves her hooves in front of her face frantically. “Oh no, we didn’t do THAT!”

“You didn’t?”

“No! I mean, I wanted to, but…”

“Something stopped you?”

Twilight sighs. “He did.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Did he not feel the same way about you?”

“No, he… really does like me.”

“Then why didn’t he…?”

“Because he didn’t want to do anything that would have jeopardized our relationship. We’d have become lovers, not friends.”

“And that isn’t what he wanted?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No.”

“But how do you feel about that?”

“Conflicted.”

“Explain.”

“Well… I’m really happy that he values my thoughts and feelings so much. But at the same time I… I really do want to take our relationship to the next level.”

Celestia smiles at Twilight slyly. “You want him to breed you, don’t you?”

Twilight nods and blushes. “Yes, I do. Is that so wrong?!”

“Not at all, Twilight. You’re a fully grown mare, after all. And I’m very happy this stallion you have your heart set on thinks enough of you not to use you for mere carnal pleasure. But does he want a relationship?”

“He didn’t. At least not right away.”

“But you changed his mind?”

“Yes. My friends and I did it together. They think he’s a very special individual as well.”

“What’s his position on your relationship now then?”

“He… wanted to finish something before settling down. After that he was open to relationships… and maybe more.”

Celestia nods approvingly. “I’d like to meet this stallion for myself, Twilight. Do let me know when they’re back in town again.”

Twilight looks to her mentor sheepishly. “You’re not angry, are you?”

Celestia smiles. “Not in the least. In truth, I’m only interested in getting to know the stallion whom was able to turn your head.”

“To make sure he’s good enough for me?”

“Something like that. But if everything you’ve told me is true, and I have no reason to believe he isn’t, I’d like to take him on as another student.”

“Like you did for me?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. Somepony like him really is one in a million. A mind like that needs to be cultivated and nurtured to be allowed to reach its full potential.”

She looks to Twilight and reaches across the table to take her hoof.

“Like yours.”

“Mine?”

Celestia nods. “Why do you think I took you as my personal student?”

“I… guess I never really gave it that much thought. Why?”

“Because I knew you would grow up to do great things. But that could go either way.”

“What do you mean?”

“You have to understand that the term ‘great’ doesn’t always mean ‘good’, Twilight. I worried that without proper guidance you might have one day become a threat to Equestria. Like those currently imprisoned in Tartarus.”

“You were afraid I might have grown up to be… bad?”

Celestia sadly nods. “I did, yes. When you’ve seen the rise of as many villains as I have, you start to see patterns emerge.”

“Why not just imprison me then?”

“Because that isn’t right or just, Twilight. Punishing you for crimes you may or may not commit in the future isn’t fair to you or Equestria.”

Twilight appears confused. “Fair to Equestria?”

“Had I let you rot in prison, you would not have bloomed into the Element of Magic. Equestria would not have had the pleasure of enjoying you and your friend’s protection then.”

“I’m not fully sure how to feel about that. After all, how much damage could one mare do?”

Celestia sighs. “In regards to my sister… quite a bit.”

“The Nightmare Moon incident?”

“Yes. I… I saw it coming, but couldn’t bring myself to raise a hoof against her. At least not until I was forced to do battle for the fate of Equestria.”

“Fighting a loved one must be hard.”

“It is. More so than you know. But mostly because you know that you failed them.”

Twilight looks away before speaking again. “I… let him down so many times.”

“Did you now?”

“Yes. But every time I screwed up… he somehow found it in his heart to forgive me. Although I’m not sure how he did it, I’m very grateful nonetheless.”

“Ah, so he’s understanding?”

“More so than words can describe.”

“Very impressive.”

“Huh?”

“Your friend sounds very… desirable.”

“Oh, he is.”

“Is he seeing anypony else?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. I mean, others have asked. But he gave them the same answer as I got. He’s too busy right now for love.”

“While he does sound charming, I must caution you against waiting for him too long.”

“What do you mean?”

“It sounds to me like he’s a workaholic like you, Twilight. Now, please understand that dedication isn’t a bad thing. Quite the opposite. But if he wants you to wait for years, well… you have to ask yourself just how long is too long. That and how many other opportunities you’ll be missing out on in the meantime.”

“Other opportunities?”

“There are other stallions out there, Twilight. Don’t spend your whole life chasing after just one fish in the vast ocean.”

Celestia sighs.

“I did that many years ago.”

“You did?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. And it was a very… painful experience.”

“Can I hear more about it?”

“Maybe another time. Even now, the wounds are still there.”

Twilight looks to her old friend. She sees a sadness in her eyes and decides to change the subject.

“Princess Celestia, what are your plans now?”

“I suppose I can tell you, Twilight. After all, you’ve always been my faithful student.”

Twilight looks at her mentor and nods soberly as she speaks.

“Right now is a rather… difficult time for our nation. Forces within and outside threatened the land in my absence. Even now I am beset upon by those whom would see me dethroned.”

“Dethroned? As in… permanently?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. Captain Decimus was successful in orchestrating my rescue from Earth. However, my captors have most certainly followed me here.”

“You mean humans?”

Celestia sighs. “There have been sightings of one or more residing in Ponyville. I’m told he even attempted to overthrow the monarchy in my absence.”

“That isn’t exactly true, Princess Celestia.”

“It isn’t? Let me double check the reports.”

Levitating a sheaf of papers over to herself, she looks them over carefully for several minutes before speaking again.

“It appears you were correct, Twilight. Apparently he DID take over the country for a time before being cast out by Luna and Cadance. Tell me, did you know of this?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I can categorially say that my friends and I didn’t know anything of the sort.”

Celestia frowns. “That in itself is troubling.”

“It is?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. It means our enemy is capable of extreme subterfuge, cunning, and above all… resourceful.”

“Maybe not.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… if he’s all that… why hasn’t he attempted to come for you yet?”

“You mean again?”

“Huh?”

Celestia grits her teeth. “He already tried. Fortunately Captain Decimus and Admiral Gaston of the Griffon Kingdom were here to intervene.”

“If he survived, he’d come back.”

Celestia nods and grins wickedly. “He won’t get the chance. Captain Decimus has locked down the castle until that vile creature has been either captured or killed.”

Twilight winces slightly as Celestia continues.

“As I said, this is a hard time for Equestria. But with strength and courage we’ll get through it.”

“So what now?”

“I’ll wait here until the all clear is given.”

“What about audiences?”

“Suspended indefinitely until further notice. Captain Decimus is working hard to bring the creature to justice even as we speak. We just need to be patient.”

“Are you certain this is the best course of action, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia appears confused. “I’m not sure I understand your reasoning. After all, what else could we do?”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Maybe… talk a bit?”

“Yes, I intend to do just that.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

“I will enjoy listening to the beast’s last words.”

“Huh?”

“Before he’s terminated, that is. Whether he’ll beg for mercy or make some empty threats is anypony’s guess though.”

“Maybe that won’t be necessary.”

Celestia frowns. “Considering what he did to this land in my absence… it is most certainly warranted. And as leader of our country I intend to see this matter through to its logical conclusion.”

Twilight gasps. “But that will most certainly be dangerous!”

“Maybe. However I will do whatever it takes to safeguard my little ponies, Twilight. Whatever… it… takes.”

That night Twilight opens her eyes to the same field of flowers and gazebo. Walking over to the structure, she finds Luna waiting for her.

“How did it go?”

Twilight sighs. “Princess Celestia is… pretty much the same mare I’ve known for years.”

“Pretty much?”

“She’s become a literal shut-in though!”

“That much we already knew.”

“But now I know why.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Do tell.”

“Captain Decimus has convinced her that Arc’s a longstanding threat to Equestria!”

“WHAT?!”

“It’s true! He’s even taken credit for rescuing her from her captors on Earth, and claims Arc overthrew you and Cadance in the past!”

Luna grits her teeth. “Again Decimus attempts to thwart us!”

“But Princess Celestia has been given official reports that corroborate everything Decimus is saying!”

“He’s being aided by those in the clerical wings! That’s the only way such reports could have been complied!”

“What are we going to do?!”

“Nothing at the moment.”

Twilight gasps. “Nothing?! But the longer she’s fed these fake reports the harder it’s going to be to convince her that they’re bogus!”

“I understand that, Twilight. However, if we were to burst in there now as things stand, it would only serve to convince her that such a plot is even deeper than it is now.”

“Even if you were to…?!”

Luna sighs. “Especially me. I’ve… done terrible things in the past. Things that Celestia still remembers.”

“As Nightmare Moon?”

“Yes. Even though nopony alive, other than her of course, has any true memory of those times.”

“I wasn’t there, so I can’t really relate, I suppose. But I did learn something from Arc that’s pertinent at this time.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Forgiveness.”

“But she has…”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Luna. You need to forgive yourself.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s obvious you’re still blaming yourself about what happened back then. You need to let it go and move on.”

Twilight sighs before continuing.

“Arc’s been doing that for me pretty much since we met.”

“You’ve made mistakes in your relationship?”

Twilight nods. “Big ones, yes.”

“And he’s okay with that, isn’t he?”

“How, I don’t know.”

“Arc has always been wise and fair in his decision making. That’s why I had no fear of returning control of the nation to him recently.”

“He was supposed to come right home after rescuing Princess Celestia, you know. Then he and my friends were going to start dating.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Dating?”

“We all love him. It was supposed to be a time for getting to know one another more intimately.”

“I’m very sorry, Twilight. But the fate of the country and my sister were in the balance. I needed to be with her and couldn’t do that while leading the nation.”

“Please understand that I’m not blaming you for this, Luna. But the only reason I didn’t fly off the handle when it happened was because Arc showed me that such things don’t help a situation.”

Luna nods. “If Arc is indeed alive he will return one day. Of that I am certain.”

“What will be done in the meantime?”

“You need to stay with Celestia at all times. See to it she’s kept safe from Decimus and his cronies.”

“Why can’t you help with that though?”

Luna sighs. “Because I need to make preparations and remain on standby… just in case.”

“In case what?”

“If all Tartarus breaks loose and Celestia vanishes again. Then I’ll no choice but to return to Canterlot to retake the throne with my own forces. That will prevent Decimus from following the Order of Succession to himself.”

Twilight frowns. “The sounds like it could get messy.”

“It most likely will. That’s why it’s so important that you stay with Celestia and report what’s going on. I’ll advise you as best I can, of course. We’ll keep things together until either Arc returns or Celestia comes to her senses and tosses Decimus out.”

“Which do you think will happen first?”

“Either would work. But I do think we’d be better off if Arc were to face my sister and… deal with the threat right in front of her.”

“How?”

Luna grits her teeth. “By killing Captain Decimus… again.”

Chapter 3 - Destination

Arc and Scootaloo continue their journey. Days turn to weeks, and weeks turn to, well… you get the idea. Eventually one evening they come to a hill at the edge of the forest. Looking out they spot a town. Consulting the map, Arc nods soberly.

“That’s got to be it.”

“Vanhoover?”

Arc sighs as he folds up the map and puts it back in his pack. “Yeah.”

“Do we really have to do this, Big Brother?”

“Yes, Scootaloo.”

“But why?!”

“We’ve gone over this already. You can’t stay with me. It’s just too dangerous.”

“I…!”

“Listen. Your life with me… it just wouldn’t work out. As it stands you have no family or friends. No one to show you how life works or what you should be doing.”

“You can do that!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I can’t. Truthfully, I don’t really know anything about your kind other than what I picked up in Knothole Village and in our travels.”

“Big Brother…!”

“Enough, Scootaloo. Come. We’re heading into town.”

“N-now?!”

Arc sighs. “Remember how I told you not to look at the moon earlier?”

“Yeah.”

“This is why. I knew we were getting close.”

“So did I, but… I didn’t know it was THIS close.”

“Now then… remember, you can’t let anyone find out about your past and your Crimson powers.”

Scootaloo groans. “I know.”

Arc activates his magic cloak. “Follow me.”

Walking down the hill Arc and Scootaloo enter the town. As they make their way down the crooked streets, they come to the Town Square. Finding a board with a town map Arc looks it over carefully.

“Looks like the orphanage is on the edge of town. We need to head north down this road and follow the signs.”

“Can we find some food first?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But we ate just an hour ago.”

“I’m a growing filly!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We need to get you to the orphanage.”

“But…!”

“Scootaloo, this is hard for me too. Now please… follow me.”

Sighing, she does as Arc tells her. Soon a large building comes into view. Every window is dark and foreboding as the wind rustles through the trees overhead. Scootaloo looks at the double doors atop the steps for a long moment before turning back to Arc.

“Please don’t make me do this, Big Brother!”

“You… you have to.”

“But I really don’t want to! I just want to keep traveling with you!”

“I’m sorry, but… that can’t happen.”

“We could…!”

“You already know why.”

Scootaloo bows her head and nods. A tear courses down her cheek as she speaks.

“You… don’t want me around anymore?”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not it at all, Scootaloo. I’ve loved every minute we’ve spent together.”

“R-really?”

“Really. You’ve always been kind to me. But right now I need to do what’s best for you. And that means leaving you here.”

Scootaloo cries as she turns to Arc. “But… but I want to stay! With you, Big Brother!”

“I want that too.”

“Then let’s do that!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry. I… I just can’t.”

“What about your memories?! What if they come back and you’re not a bad stallion?!”

“Huh?”

“Would you… could you come back and get me?!”

“I… I’d like to, yes.”

“Then promise me you’ll do that if you can!”

Arc kneels down in front of the sad filly and puts his hands on her shoulders.

“Sure. If at all possible, I’ll return for you if I can. But you have to promise me something as well.”

“Wha… what’s that?”

“That you’ll do your best to find a family and make friends here. Don’t wait for me to come back. Okay?”

“I… I…”

“Promise me, okay?”

Scootaloo nods. “I… I promise, Big Brother.”

She lunges forward into Arc’s arms. Pressing her face against his chest, Scootaloo cries for a long time. Arc wraps his arms around her in an effort to muffle her sobs and console her. Eventually the little filly has no more tears left to cry. Sighing, Arc sets her down and steps back.

“You’ll make friends here, Scootaloo. Now walk up to the door and knock.”

She nods and wipes the tears from her eyes. “I…! Okay… Big Brother.”

Scootaloo slowly ascends the stairs and stands before the doors. Looking back to Arc, she sees him nod and cloak. Taking a deep breath, she knocks. Hearing no reply she knocks again, this time louder. Waiting for some time, the filly looks back to where Arc is presumably standing.

“Um…”

“Maybe their bedrooms are too far from the door. Let’s hop the fence and see if we can find another way in.”

Helping her up, Arc tosses Scootaloo over the wood fence before jumping over himself. Landing on the ground next to her they look around. Scootaloo points a hoof at several large holes in the wood fence across the yard.

“Look at THAT!”

Arc frowns. “I wonder what happened…”

He clutches his head as he sees fragments of his battle with Tempest.

“More memories, Big Brother?”

“I… yeah.”

“What was it?”

“There was a mare here. She was wearing leather armor and looked REALLY mad.”

“A friend of yours?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We were fighting.”

“Here? At the orphanage?”

“Yeah. No idea the reason though.”

He looks at the holes in the fence again.

“I’m not sure why or how, but… I know for a fact I made those holes during the battle.”

“What now?”

“See if you can find an unlocked window, or something. I’ll start over here. You try around the corner.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Okay.”

Arc begins testing the windows as Scootaloo walks slowly around the building. A few moments later she runs back to Arc.

“Big Brother, I found something!”

“A way in?

“Kinda!”

Leading him around the building, Scootaloo points to a large hole in the side of the structure.

“We could easily walk in there.”

Arc grimaces. “I… that hole… I made it too.”

“The battle?

Arc nods and steps forward. “Let’s get in there and look around. There has to be a night shift on duty somewhere.”

Helping Scootaloo through the hole, Arc hops in after her. They walk down the corridor together as Arc frowns.

“This place looks pretty run down.”

“Does it?”

“Oh, right. I forgot that you’re not in your Crimson form.”

Rummaging around in his pack, Arc pulls out a flashlight and hands it to Scootaloo.

“Try that.”

“Thanks.”

Flicking the switch, Scootaloo shines it around.

“You weren’t kidding about this place!”

“The staff here must be beyond lazy to leave such a mess. I mean, they could at least cover the giant hole in the wall!”

Scootaloo shudders. “Now I REALLY don’t want to live here!”

“Come on. Let’s find someone.”

Walking upstairs they come to the Dormitories. Scootaloo shines the light on the rows of empty beds. Several large blotches overhead show the telltale signs of severe roof leaks. The smell of mold and mildew permeates the air. Arc frowns.

“This can’t be right.”

“Big Brother?”

“No orphanage could be THIS bad!”

“Maybe its abandoned?”

“It has to be. After all, there’s no one here. Staff or orphans.”

Scootaloo walks over to a bed and sets her saddlebags on the footlocker before hopping up on the mattress.

“Maybe they’re just on a trip, or something.”

“That’s a possibility, I guess.”

“Should I… wait here for them to come back?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Scootaloo. I’m not leaving you here.”

Scootaloo grins widely. “You mean…?!”

“Yeah. You can come with me.”

The filly jumps on the bed happily for several moments before bouncing into Arc’s arms.

“I’ll be the best little filly you’ve ever seen!”

Arc chuckles. “You already are. But I do appreciate your enthusiasm nonetheless. That just leaves the problem of where we go from here.”

“We have to figure out how to get your memories back!”

“Right. But I mean the here and now.”

“Oh?”

“Let’s look around. See if there’s anything here to jog more memories.”

Walking around the facility they look in every room they come to, but to no avail. Scootaloo sighs as they descend the stairs.

“Nothing, Big Brother?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m drawing a blank. Which is kinda a good thing.”

“It is?”

“Yes. Considering what I remembered out in the yard I shudder to think why I was doing what I did.”

Coming to what appears to be a cafeteria, they proceed into the kitchen. A moldy smell emanates from the refrigerators. Scootaloo walks cautiously toward it.

“I wonder what…”

“Scootaloo.”

She turns to Arc. “Yes?”

“Whatever you do, don’t open that door.”

“Why not?”

“It smells bad enough in here as it is. Judging by the look of this place, whatever is in there has to be completely rotten by now.”

Scootaloo steps back. “Makes sense.”

“Let’s see if there’s anything to eat in the pantry.”

“Why would that be any better?”

“The stuff in there doesn’t go bad. At least not for a long time, that is.”

Finding boxes of food, they take them back to the cafeteria and sit down. Scootaloo sets the flashlight down and turns to Arc.

“Can I look at the moon now?”

Arc shrugs. “Yeah, I guess so.”

Running over to the window, she looks up. Gazing at the moon, Scootaloo transforms and walks back to Arc. Turning off the flashlight, she pours a bowl of cereal and begins to eat. Arc appears to be thinking.

“Planning our next move?”

“Something like that.”

“What’s the plan?”

“If the orphanage isn’t here anymore, they must’ve relocated somewhere else.”

“Okay. But where?”

“No idea.”

“So where do we go from here?”

“Well… we can try to find it ourselves.”

“How? Ask somepony?”

“Yeah. But…”

“Something wrong, Big Brother?”

“I keep remembering the bits of a battle here with a mare. Not sure I want to leave you in her care.”

“So… can I stay with you then?”

“For now, yes.”

“REALLY?!”

“Really. But if we find a loving family that’s looking to take in a filly…”

Scootaloo groans. “Do I have to?”

“Yes. But I’ll stick around for a while to make sure you’re happy with them before I leave, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Let’s finish eating and head back to the Town Square.”

“Sure. But what for?”

“I want to see if they have a Writ Board.”

“Looking for work?”

“In a manner of speaking. While we don’t really need the money, we can’t just sit around doing nothing.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Think there’s an orchard here that need fruit harvested?”

“Maybe. But we could also look for more bounties.”

“Yeah! That was fun!”

“Agreed. But I’m only interested in catching those whom would hurt others. Make the world a better place.”

A brief visage of Frank flashes in Arc’s mind as the words leave his mouth. Scootaloo frowns.

“Another memory?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But this time of a creature like me.”

“Not a pony?”

“No.”

“Maybe we could find a town with more creatures like you.”

“I suppose that’s possible. After all, I can’t be the last of my kind.”

“Right. So let’s keep going.”

“My idea has a second part to it though.”

“It does?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We’re going to spread the reputation of the Scarlet Filly.”

“Um… okay. But why?”

“I’m hoping we can use it to gain notoriety. Maybe a few criminals will think twice about causing trouble if we’re around. That is, if you’re up to it.”

“Sure. All we have to do is catch a few bounties in every town we come to and we’ll be famous in no time.”

“That and you could always just take your cloak off to hide in plain sight. We’ll do that here in Vanhoover before maybe heading south to Tall Tale and doing the same.”

“But what if there’s no bounties to be found?”

“Then we do other writs to get our name out there.”

“Okay. But that’s only two towns. Where else could we go?”

Arc leans down and opens his satchel. Pulling out the map, he opens it and lays it on the table.

“How about this? We stay a few days in Vanhoover before moving on to Tall Tale. From there we catch a train north to the Crystal Empire.”

“Sounds big.”

“Right. Big places can have big problems that need solving.”

“You okay taking the train?”

“I suppose so. That and you can’t be walking across the country all the time.”

“But I can handle it!”

“Oh? Why do you think I offered to carry you as often as I did?”

“Um…”

“You looked tired. That and I’m guessing it’s not good for someone so young to be traveling like that.”

Scootaloo looks over the map. “How about from there we…”

“Woah there! Let’s just see how well this goes before we make larger plans.”

“Okay. Should we head into town now?”

“Might as well. I sure don’t want to stick around this place.”

“Yeah. It’s kinda creepy here.”

Leaving the building, the pair return to town in the glow of the moonlight. Finding the Writ Board in the square they look it over.

“Hm… no bounties.”

Arc shrugs. “Guess they must have a large enough force here that they don’t need to rely on the public for help.”

“Not good for us though.”

“Like I said, we could do other things.”

“You see something?”

“Maybe. There’s an apothecary who needs someone to hunt down certain reagents in the wild. Sounds like it might be right up our alley.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yeah. But that just reminds me of my dad.”

“We don’t have to do that if you really don’t want to, Scootaloo. But you are probably the best one for such a task.”

“I suppose so. Want to head over to their shop?”

“It’s the middle of the night. Let’s try in the morning.”

“Makes sense. What now then?”

“That looks like an Inn over there.”

“How can you tell?”

“It’s the only building with lights on. Only one way to find out though.”

“Let’s go.”

Heading for the building, they see a sign indicating it as the Inn. Entering, Scootaloo walks up to the counter, puts a large bag of bits on it, and rings the bell. A young stallion sleepily walks over to the desk from a nearby room and looks around. Scootaloo clears her throat loudly, prompting the stallion to look down.

“Hi. I’m looking for…”

“You’re the Scarlet Filly, aren’t you?!”

“Um… yes. But how did you…?”

“I heard about you from my grandfather. He runs the inn over in Dodge Junction. From what I gather you really did a number on that gang! Supposedly those left are all in hiding right now.”

“Actually, I caught the rest of them along with the leader. They’re in Canterlot right now.”

“Impressive! You looking for more work?!”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. But at the moment I need someplace to get cleaned up and rest. Do you have a room with an extra-large bed?”

“We do indeed. But why do you need a larger bed?”

“I’m… restless when I sleep. A normal sized one just doesn’t work too well for me.”

“Sure. One moment.”

He pulls a key off a nearby board and steps around the counter.

“This way, please.”

The stallion leads them upstairs and to a large door.

“Our… larger guests use this room. You may find the furniture to be a bit oversized. But the bed should fit you needs.”

Opening the door, he steps aside and lets them enter.

“I’ll let you get some rest now.”

Scootaloo nods as she takes the key from him. “Thank you for your help.”

“Pleasant dreams.”

He closes the door as Scootaloo drops her saddlebags and Arc decloaks.

“That really is a big bed!”

Arc nods. “Yup. But it’ll do.”

“Yeah. Even though I’m not really that tired.”

“Well, we should probably get on a normal sleep schedule now. Don’t need to be trudging around the woods at night.”

“But we can see in the dark.”

“True. But it’s still not as good as sunlight to help us see.”

“I suppose not. Well, should we hit the hay for the night then?”

“Not just yet. There’s something we need to do first.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

Arc gestures to the bathroom. “Take a shower. After all that time in the forest, we’re ripe.”

Chapter 4 - Agressive Wildcrafting

As the sun rises, Arc and Scootaloo walk down the street together. Scootaloo looks around as those whom see them whisper to each other.

“Everyone is staring at me, Big Brother!”

“From what I’ve overheard it sounds like a few of them have heard of the Scarlett Filly.”

“Yeah. It’s kinda nice. Sort of.”

“What do you mean?”

“They’re not immediately judging me poorly.”

Coming to the town square they look around. A map on another billboard points them to the apothecary’s shop. Entering, they see an elderly stallion behind a counter mixing herbs. He looks to Scootaloo as she walks up to the counter.

“Sorry, but we don’t have the cure yet.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What cure?”

“The one that’s affecting the town’s fillies, of course! Say… shouldn’t you be in bed?!”

“Um… I feel fine.”

“Oh. Sorry. I just thought… what can I get for you?”

Scootaloo lays the writ on the counter.

“I’m here about this.”

“My writ?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. I want to take the job.”

“You know about herbs?”

“More than most ponies, yes.”

The stallion sets several jars in front of her. “Think you can name these?”

Scootaloo points with a hoof as she talks. “Astralagus, Thuja, Sambucus,
Umcka, Sage, and Cardamom.”

“That’s… pretty good.”

“So can I help?”

The stallion sighs. “I suppose. Nopony else has volunteered thus far.”

He walks over to a nearby table and picks up a paper. Returning to the counter he gives it to Scootaloo.

“I need a hooffull of each of these plants.”

“To make something for fillies?”

“Yes. You see, about a week ago at the local school there was an outbreak of some kind of strange illness. It seems like every one of them has the same symptoms.”

“What is it?”

“Something new as far as I can tell. It’s like influenza, but doesn’t respond to normal treatments. The herbs on that list are ones that I think could be used to whip up a cure.”

Scootaloo heads for the door. “I’ll see about getting this done quickly then.”

“Thanks. By the way, I don’t think I caught your name, little one.”

Scootaloo turns back as she puts a hoof on the doorknob. “I’m the Scarlet Filly.”

“Who?”

Scootaloo smiles as she opens the door. “You’ll find out.”

As she leaves the shop, the stallion shakes his head.

“I’m glad she’s not sick like her schoolmates. But I do think that oversized mask is a bit much.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo head for the southern edge of town together.

“I’m pretty sure I saw most of the stuff on this list when we were walking here.”

“You sure?”

Scootaloo giggles. “Trust me. I know my plants.”

As they walk Scootaloo points out numerous flora to Arc whom carefully picks them before stowing them in his bag. As the sun begins to set, Scootaloo grins and points once more.

“That’s the last of them.”

“Are you sure we got the right ones? I mean, you did have me pick quite a few more than was on the list.”

“Extras for that stallion to experiment with.”

“Good idea.”

“I wish he’d told me more about that sickness. Maybe I’ve seen it before.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “That’s right. Your mother was the town apothecary back in Knothole Village.”

“Yeah. She taught me a lot about herbs and how to mix up tinctures. Now I kinda wish I’d saved some of her books from our cottage.”

“Probably for the best we didn’t, as I don’t think either of us want to lug big, heavy books across the country.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I suppose you’re right, Big Brother. But we should head back now.”

“Okay. Follow me.”

Arc leads the way back toward Vanhoover. They arrive back at the shop just as the sun slips beneath the horizon. The stallion from before is just locking up for the night as Scootaloo runs over to him.

“I have your herbs!”

“Oh! Hello again. Let’s take a look at what you have.”

Unlocking his shop, he opens the door and let’s Scootaloo inside. Walking over to a table he sits down.

“I’ll read off the list and you give me what I ask for.”

“Okay.”

Giving the stallion the herbs as he calls them out, the list is soon complete.

“Here’s a few more that I think will help you.”

“Thank you. I have to admit, when you first came here I didn’t really think you could do this. No offense, of course.”

“None taken.”

The stallion steps behind the counter and pulls out a bag of bits. Giving them to Scootaloo, he nods happily.

“Thank you for your help… what was it you were called again?”

“The Scarlet Filly.”

“Ah, yes. Hopefully I can devise a cure with these reagents.”

“About that. Can you tell me anything about this sickness?”

“They symptoms are similar to influenza. Coughs, sore throat, runny nose, aches, fatigue, etcetera. However as I said earlier, it doesn’t respond to our normal treatments. The only other thing we know is that it only seems to affect foals for some reason.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “No adults at all?”

“None whatsoever.”

“Where are the sick foals now?”

“The hospital ward is full of them at the moment. So far they’ve remained somewhat stable. However, they’re certainly not getting any better.”

“I’d like to see them for myself.”

The stallion frowns. “As capable as you appear to be I don’t recommend that. You’ll most likely fall ill yourself.”

“My immune system is, shall we say… above average. But I thank you for your concern. In any case, I should let you get going. It looked like you were leaving for the evening when I walked up.”

“Yes. But now that I have these reagents I want to get to work on potential cures.”

“You look pretty tired, mister. Maybe you should rest now and get to work tomorrow morning.”

“Maybe you’re right. I’ll head home and get a few hours rest before returning to start experimenting.”

“Rest well.”

She leaves the shop. Arc falls into step behind her as she passes him. They converse telepathically.

“A sickness that only affects foals.”

Scootaloo nods. “There are some that would make the rounds during the colder months back in Knothole.”

“Just foals though?”

“Usually, yes. You see, foals have weaker immune systems than adult mares and stallions. As we grow and mature physically, our bodies build up immunity to a host of different illnesses. So by the time we’re grown up, the ailments of our youth no longer affect us.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“My mom told me that one time when the village was going through a wave of sickness.”

“But you were immune?”

“I’m guessing my Crimson blood is to thank for that.”

“So I’m immune to sickness too?”

“Probably.”

“Good. I have a bit of an idea.”

“What is it, Big Brother?”

“How about you and I see those sick foals for ourselves?”

“You don’t believe the apothecary?”

“It isn’t that. But he might have accidently overlooked something.”

“Unlikely. If he’s anywhere near as good as my mom was… well… they’re trained to take everything in.”

“No one’s perfect.”

“You want to head over there in the morning?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Right now.”

“What? Why? It’s already late enough.”

“That’s the reason. The hospital will be quiet and run by a skeleton crew. I can slip in there, take a look around, and get out without being seen.”

“What about me?!”

“Sorry, but you should stay in our room at the Inn. I don’t want to risk you catching whatever’s over there.”

“But I’m immune to…!”

“I know. But just chalk it up to an overabundance of caution and do as I say.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Okay. But can I at least watch?”

“Through my eyes? Sure.”

“Thanks. I’ll do my best to help.”

“I’m sure you will. Head back to the Inn while I check the map for the hospital location.”

The pair part ways. Arc returns to the Town Square and looks over the map. Finding the hospital on it, he makes his way there. As he approaches, a mare walks through the front door. Arc slips in as the door closes behind her. Looking over the directory on the wall he heads for the foal’s ward. Scootaloo calls out to him.

“Those double doors should be it.”

“Right. So you can see everything I do?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. But only because you’re letting me. You can always cut me off, but I can’t do the same to you.”

“Because you’re a thrall?”

“Yup. Your mind’s more powerful, so that’s why you can force me to do things.”

Arc sighs. “I wish you wouldn’t put it that way.”

“Well, I’m okay with it.”

“Glad one of us is. But let’s get this over with.”

Pushing on the double doors before him Arc quietly enters the darkened ward. Looking around he sees two rows of beds filled with foals, sleeping.

“They don’t look too bad.”

“Don’t be fooled. If they’re in the hospital something is very wrong with them. Feel their foreheads.”

Arc turns to the nearest foal and carefully does so.

“Hot.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Sweaty?”

“Yeah.”

“Listen to their breathing.”

“How?”

“Just put your ear to their chest. That’s what my mom always did for others.”

“What should I be listening for?”

“Not actually sure. But she could tell what was wrong by doing just that. Sometimes anyways.”

Arc slowly pulls back the covers and puts his head against the foal’s hospital gown.

“It sounds kinda… rattly.”

“I hear it too.”

“What does that mean?”

“That there’s trouble in their lungs.”

“I know that much.”

“Trouble breathing and feverish is a bad combination. Their bodily systems are really out of balance.”

“But if the doctors here can’t figure this out…”

“The apothecary’s working with them, I’m sure. Together he and the doctors will come up with something.”

“Are you sure?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. My mom used to talk to the doctor back in Knothole Village regularly to come up with treatment plans for things they couldn’t do anything about separately. It’s probably the same way here.”

“Anything else we need to know?”

“Can you check the chart at the end of the bed?”

“What for?”

“See if they have any preexisting conditions.”

“Okay.”

Arc looks over the clipboard.

“Nothing of note here.”

“Check the others while you’re there.”

Doing as Scootaloo asks, Arc examines every chart one by one.

“Only two have any past issues.”

Scootaloo sighs. “And they’re both infirmities from birth so nothing helpful there.”

“I’m going to head back to the inn. We’ve learned all we can from this.”

“Okay. But before you do, can you check one more thing?”

“What is it?”

“Feel the lymph nodes in their neck.”

“The what?”

“Hold on a second. I’ll show you.”

Scootaloo runs into the bathroom and stands in front of the mirror.

“Look through my eyes.”

“Okay.”

Scootaloo points with her hoof. “Feel them here and here.”

“What should I feel?”

“Hopefully nothing. But give it a try.”

Arc reaches forward and gently rubs his fingers along the foal’s neck. Suddenly their eyes fly open as they make a sound partially between a gurgle and a scream. He instinctively pulls his hand back inside the magic cloak and steps back. Several other foals awaken and cry out as a doctor and several nurses rush into the ward and over to one of the foals.

“What’s going on?!”

“Something… was on my neck! It felt like small tentacles!”

“It was just a bad dream, little one. You’re safe here.”

“But… but I SAW them!”

A nurse turns to the doctor. “Maybe it’s the fever.”

“Agreed. Double his medication and check again in the morning.”

“Yes, doctor.”

Arc slips out the door as he follows a nurse. Making his way out of the hospital he quickly heads for the inn.

“That was close!”

“I’ll say.”

Arc grimaces. “Turn on the shower for me.”

“Okay. But why?”

“I need to get cleaned up. Don’t want to be spreading whatever they have to you now.”

“Pretty sure I’m immune to whatever it is they have. But I’ll do as you say, Big Brother.”

“And open a window. I don’t want to go through the lobby.”

Arc reaches the Inn and spots the open window. Nimbly jumping, he grabs onto the windowsill and pulls himself in.

“You okay, Big Brother?”

“Yeah, I think so. Let me get cleaned up now.”

Scootaloo nods as she closes the window. Arc heads for the bathroom and closes the door behind him. Removing his clothes, he lathers up and sighs as a voice rings out.

“What’s wrong?”

Arc gasps. “Scootaloo?!”

“Just talking to you telepathically. Remember, you didn’t close the link from earlier.”

“Oh… right. But you’re not watching though… right?”

“No. I knew that would make you uncomfortable.”

“So… any ideas?”

“This reminds me of a few things my mom treated in the past.”

“Like what?”

“The common cold for starters.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But every foal in town?”

“It can move fast, yes. But shouldn’t put every foal in the hospital, that’s for sure.”

“What else?”

“While unlikely, there are a number of poisons that would produce the symptoms we’ve seen.”

“Are you saying someone did this on purpose?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Possible, but extremely unlikely. After all, who would want to poison foals?”

“Hopefully no one. Any other ideas?”

“Judging from the sound that one foal’s lungs were making, it could also have been an airborne pathogen. Naturally occurring, of course.”

“Yeah, I’m hoping this is just a really bad case of sickness making the rounds. We’ll get some sleep and see if the apothecary can come up with anything.”

“He might need more time than that. After all, herbalism isn’t something that you get right on the first try. Not usually anyways.”

“I suppose you’re right. After all, you know more about such things than I do.”

Stepping out of the tub, Arc puts on clean clothes and leaves the bathroom. Scootaloo looks to him.

“Bedtime?”

“Yeah. It’s really late.”

Arc lies down on the massive (by pony standards) bed. Scootaloo hops up next to him and lays down.

“Tired?”

Scootaloo nods. “I am, yes. But at the same time I’m worried about those foals. They looked really upset when you woke that one up.”

“Yeah.”

“By the way, how did their neck’s feel?”

“There were two swollen spots on either side.”

Scootaloo frowns. “That’s not good.”

“Why not?”

“It’s a sign of infection.”

“Any idea what kind?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “It could be any number of things. The only thing I know for sure is they’re really sick.”

“Well, we can’t do any more to help them tonight. The rest is up to the hospital staff and apothecary.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Yeah.”

Chapter 5 - Treatments

Late the following afternoon Arc and Scootaloo return to the apothecary’s shop. Entering, they find the elderly stallion looking over some paperwork. He smiles sleepily at them as the approach.

“Hello again. What can I do for you?”

“I was just wondering if you came up with any kind of cure yet.”

The apothecary sighs and shakes his head. “Sadly, no. In fact, I was just going over my notes again in an effort to figure out why it’s not working.”

“Well, I know your craft requires a lot of trial and error.”

“Admittedly, yes. However when you’ve been doing it as long as I have, you can usually figure something new out fairly quickly.”

“Any ideas what makes this sickness so special?”

“No idea. My tests show that the foals should be responding to the medicine. But there’s been no change.”

Arc calls out telepathically. “Ask him if it could be something in the air or water.”

“Could the symptoms be from either the water source or the air?”

The stallion puts a hoof to his chin. “I suppose it is possible. However one would think that would also cause the adults at least some degree of discomfort.”

“I suppose it would.”

“But you have brought up a good point. One that would answer a few questions.”

“Which part?”

“The notion that the foal’s symptoms could be caused by a stimuli other than the traditional bacteria or a virus.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Sadly that doesn’t bring us any closer to an answer though.”

“I suppose not. But it is a possibility, of course.”

“Maybe I could look into that.”

“How?”

Scootaloo turns and heads for the door. “I’m… not really sure yet. But I’ll think of something.”

The apothecary smiles and calls out after her as she leaves the shop.

“You do that.”

Meanwhile, Arc falls into step behind Scootaloo. She sighs as Arc calls out to her telepathically.

“What do you think about this?”

“That there’s more going on than we can see.”

“Agreed. But we need to think about what could be causing it. With any luck we might be able to stop it. Then the apothecary’s medicine would work.”

“Yeah. But I don’t have any idea where to start!”

“We’ll probably have to do some snooping.”

“Some what?”

Arc chuckles. “Investigate covertly.”

“That didn’t really clear it up.”

“Be nosy.”

“Oh… why didn’t you just say that?”

“I thought I did.”

“Well… what exactly did you have in mind?”

“Let’s look around town tonight after dark.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Why not now?”

“Because it’s easier to get away with stuff after the sun goes down.”

“Like how we were traveling at night?”

“Kinda, I guess.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “But we did that for a good reason though, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Transforming gives us more energy and strength. Remember what happened when those Timberwolves attacked us?”

Scootaloo grins. “Nothing left but splinters when you punched the first one in the face.”

“Exactly. But I didn’t want anyone to see me do that.”

“Why not?”

“They might’ve seen that wanted poster and followed to wait for an opportunity to catch us off guard.”

“That’s a scary thought.”

“Yeah. That and…”

“And what?”

Arc sighs. “I was worried someone might want to take you away.”

“But I thought you were taking me to the orphanage for that very reason.”

“That’s true, yes. Nevertheless… I really do like your company.”

“Then why did you want to leave me at the orphanage? I mean… don’t you care about me?”

Arc smiles. “It’s because I care that I did that. Like I said before, you deserve a chance at a real family adopting you. That much hasn’t changed. But in any case, let’s get something to eat and rest up for tonight.”

“Okay. And, Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks.”

They return to the Inn together. As the moon rises Arc and Scootaloo look out their window together at it. Transforming, Arc opens the window and jumps nimbly down. Looking up, he catches Scootaloo as she hops into his arms. Setting her down, the pair look around the back of the Inn.

“Where to now, Big Brother?”

“Let’s look around the town.”

“But nopony’s around.”

“Right. At this time of night pretty much everyone will be at home in bed. That means if we do see someone, it’ll be suspicious.”

“I guess that makes sense. Why don’t we…?”

Arc interrupts. “Shh!”

Cloaking, he pulls Scootaloo into the magic robe and presses his body against a wall as the sound of hooves echoes nearby. The apothecary walks by and looks around. A few moments later a shady looking stallion approaches from the opposite direction. He walks over to the apothecary and looks around before the elderly stallion speaks softly.

“Did you get it?”

The stallion nods and sets down his saddlebags. “Always.”

Looking over the contents of the bag the apothecary groans. Pulling out several cloth sacks he sniffs them momentarily before tasting the contents and nodding.

“Powerful stuff.”

The stallion chuckles. “I don’t disappoint.”

“No, I suppose you don’t.”

“So which of these do you want?”

“All of it.”

The stallion sounds confused. “All of what?”

“Everything.”

“You sure?

The apothecary nods as he looks around nervously. “Yes. I have lots to do and not much time. Same arrangement as before?”

“Put the bits you know where, as usual.”

“Very well.”

Picking up the saddlebags, he turns and walks away as the shady stallion does the same. Arc frowns as Scootaloo calls out to him telepathically.

“What was that all about?”

Arc frowns. “Some kind of purchase.”

“But why out here?”

“Whatever he bought must’ve been illegal.”

“So we going to take it?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that would just raise suspicion. That and if it really is illegal I don’t want us caught with it. Now then, you follow the apothecary, and I’ll take the other one.”

“Okay.”

Scootaloo walks out of the robe and after her quarry as Arc does the same. The shady stallion heads for the edge of town. Looking around, he suddenly begins to run. Arc chases after him as the pair enter the foliage. Reaching a cliff the stallion leaps off and throws away his cape. Spreading his wings, he takes flight and is lost in the cloud cover in mere moments. Arc groans as he calls out to Scootaloo.

“I lost him.”

“How?!”

“He must’ve heard me following him. That pegasus was FAST! Anything interesting happening with the apothecary?”

Scootaloo groans. “Maybe. He just got back to his shop and went straight to his workbench. I’d like to watch him. But he’d probably see me if I stood in front of the window for any length of time.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Hurrying back into town, Arc finds Scootaloo at the now familiar shop. She waits for him to get into position in front of the window before stepping into the cloak and watching the apothecary with him. Arc looks down at the filly.

“What’s he mixing?”

“Impossible to tell from here. I’d have to get to the bench and look it over.”

“That would take time though.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. And make noise.”

“We could mesmerize him.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Being an apothecary, he’s probably pretty smart though.”

“What does that have to do with it?”

“He might be able to resist it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s a thing?”

“Why do you think those bandits fell under our control so easily?”

“Because they’re dumb?”

Scootaloo nods. “That one way to put it. The term ‘weak-minded’ would have been a bit more accurate though.”

“Okay, we’ve gotta have a long talk about how to use all these powers properly. This is getting complicated.”

“Tell me about it.”

“But how exactly do you know so much about them?”

“Reading my mom’s books. I figured knowing what to look for would be the best way to counter them.”

Scootaloo sighs as she continues.

“I never thought I’d be passing this information on though.”

“So any powers that could help us out here?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “We could just rush him. The two of us could easily knock him out before he heard anything.”

“You’re probably right. But I don’t feel like we should be hitting someone that old. We could really hurt him.”

“The next best thing would be to wait for him to go to bed then sneak inside to check out what’s in those saddlebags.”

Arc nods. “Yes, let’s try the non-violent approach first.”

A few hours later the apothecary yawns for the hundredth time. Scootaloo groans.

“Is he EVER going to call it a night?!”

Arc sighs. “If he keeps this up we’ll have to work around him as we check that workbench.”

Scootaloo grins. “Hey, I think he’s finally going to head out!”

The apothecary carefully returns the reagents to the saddlebags and puts them over his gnarled back. Arc groans as he watches.

“Great. He’s taking his work home with him.”

“What now, Big Brother?”

“We tail him.”

“Want me to follow him from overhead?”

“Nah. You’d be visible.”

As the stallion leaves the shop and locks the door, Arc and Scootaloo quietly follow him on foot. Walking slowly down several side streets, they eventually come to a small but well-kept one room cottage on the edge of town. Entering, the apothecary sets his saddlebags down on a small table and flops down on a nearby bed. In moments the sound of his rhythmic snoring can be heard. Scootaloo sighs, clearly relieved.

“Sounds like he’s out.”

“Yeah.”

“We going in?”

“That we are. Follow my lead though.”

“Wait. You’re going in too?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Didn’t you hear all that noise earlier? Those floorboards are a minefield of squeals and squeaks.”

“So how are we supposed to get the bag?

Scootaloo grins. “You just leave that to me, Big Brother.”

A few moments later Arc pushes the unlocked front door open. Scootaloo, having removed her cloak, flies cautiously past him and to the table. Hovering over it, she reaches down and picks up the strewn reagent jars. Putting them carefully in the saddlebags, she looks over to the apothecary as he stirs slightly. A few moments later he rolls over and groans before snoring loudly. Arc motions for Scootaloo to fly toward him at the door. She does so very slowly, being careful not to let the bag’s contents jostle around too much. Flying past him, Arc closes the door softly behind her as he breathes a sigh of relief.

“Good job.”

Scootaloo grins weakly as she puts her own cloak back on. “I thought he was gonna wake up for sure back there.”

“Fortunately you paused long enough. Too much noise would’ve caused that to end very differently. But in any case let’s get this back to the Inn.”

“Why not just look it over here?”

“We need some privacy and a table. I don’t want to lose, spill, or otherwise make it appear anyone’s been in his stuff anymore than necessary.”

Hurrying back to their room Arc gives Scootaloo a boost up to the window before jumping through it himself. They close the window and curtains before turning on the lights and walking over to the table.

“Let’s see what we have here.”

Carefully removing each container, Arc lines them up neatly as Scootaloo carefully reads each label.

“These are all reagents my mom’s used in the past.”

“Anything special about them?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. They’re all rare, but have a thousand uses.”

“Such as…?”

“In different combinations you could treat headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, gum disease, and a few things that mom said only adult stallions get.”

“Can you narrow it down?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Not really, no. This is a really diverse reagent bag. Combine that with what he has in his shop and somepony could theoretically cure anything imaginable.”

Arc groans. “So no lead here, huh?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “There is one more thing I’d like to point out.”

“Oh?”

“Somepony could also make any number of poisons with this stuff.”

“Poisons?!”

Scootaloo nods. “Rat poison, weed killer, insecticides…”

“So anything poisonable you could imagine.”

“He’s a apothecary, after all. They make whatever their customers need.”

“That isn’t a good sign. “

“You think he’s the one making those foals sick?”

“Maybe. But this isn’t proof of that in the least.”

“Agreed. Just having the reagents to make poison doesn’t mean he’s using it in that manner. That and a lot of medicines contain small amounts of these things anyways.”

“They do?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. They undergo a chemical reaction with some kind of catalyst, which is another ingredient, to become a completely different chemical entirely. Sometimes if you mix the right poisons together in the proper amounts it makes very potent medicine.”

“Interesting.”

“I saw my mom do that a million times.”

“Could you mix up something with this stuff?”

“Depends what you need.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Well, you said earlier that the foals in the hospital looked like they were suffering from colds.”

Scootaloo nods. “The symptoms matched, yes.”

“Can you make a simple cold remedy?”

“That’s really easy, yes. But I wouldn’t need any of these exotic reagents to do that though.”

“What would you need?”

“Just some common herbs and equipment. We can probably find everything I need back at the apothecary’s shop.”

She looks at the reagents on the table.

“We could uses these. But that would be such a waste.”

Arc sighs. “That and he might notice some jars are lower than before.”

“Right. As many bits as he paid for them, I’d say they’re just as rare here as back in Knothole Village.”

“Should we gather what we need from the forest then?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Nah. What I need I saw back at his shop in really big containers. He won’t notice if a few small scoopfuls are missing.”

“Alright. But let’s take this bag back to his house first.”

“Okay.”

Returning to the apothecary’s house nearby they return the saddlebags, and their contents, to the table. Heading to the darkened shop they spot an open window on the second floor. Arc looks to Scootaloo.

“Fly up there and go inside. I’ll wait for you here.”

“You don’t want to come with me?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’ll watch. If the apothecary wakes up he’ll probably come straight back here. Can you work in the dark?”

“Sure. It’s a fairly simple recipe. Just add the correct ratios and stir.”

Scootaloo flies through the window as Arc keeps watch. A few minutes later she tops lightly on the exterior door. Arc looks around one final time before calling out to her telepathically.

“All clear. Come on out.”

Opening the door, Scootaloo walks out with a small vial in her hoof. Arc looks at her, clearly impressed.

“That was fast.”

“Like I said, it’s a really simple recipe. And I did test it already.”

“How?”

“I took a little sip.”

“Is that safe?”

Scootaloo nods. “Uh huh. That’s how my mom always did it. Well, smell first then taste. But what should we do with this? Bring it to the hospital?”

Arc shakes his head “No. It needs to come from the apothecary. They’d never take a vial of medicine from an unknown source.”

“Well… there is another option.”

“I’m listening.”

A short time later the pair enter the hospital together, cloaked. Scootaloo looks through Arc’s eyes as he carries her.

“Now all we need is a nurse.”

Arc frowns. “At this time of night there shouldn’t be too many around.”

Scootaloo grins. “Perfect for our purposes.”

“Yes, well… I think I know the perfect place to find someone… unmotivated.”

Walking down a corridor, Arc enters a room marked ‘Lab’. Inside they find a single nurse sitting at a desk looking as if she may nod off. Arc looks down to Scootaloo as he speaks to her telepathically.

“Think you can handle this?”

“I’m not sure. Being a nurse I’d guess she’s pretty smart. They’re hard to deal with.”

“Give it a try anyways.”

Scootaloo nods as Arc kneels down next to a desk and lets her down. She steps around it and heads for the mare.

“Excuse me.”

The nurse shakes herself awake and looks at Scootaloo.

“What… how did you get in here? You should be in bed.”

“I’m fine. Just look at me.”

The nurse does so as Scootaloo’s eyes meet hers. She smiles as the nurse begins to wobble slightly. However a moment later she puts a hoof to her forehead and grimaces.

“What… happened? How did you…?”

Scootaloo grimaces. “It isn’t working, Big Brother.”

“Keep trying.”

The nurse grunts as she composes herself. “I… need to…!”

She reaches for the telephone.

“Big Brother!”

“On it!”

Arc dives over the desk and tackles the mare. Landing on top of her, he decloaks. She tries to scream, but he puts a hand around her snout and holds it shut.

“Look at me!”

The nurse attempts to turn away, but Arc uses his hold on her muzzle to force her to keep her gaze on him. A few moments later her body language softens and she ceases to struggle.

“I think I got her.”

Scootaloo appears relieved. “And not a moment too soon!”

“Now then… I’m going to let go of your mouth, and you’re going to stay quiet. Understand?”

Nodding, Arc releases his hold on the mare’s muzzle. She lays on the floor silently. Arc stands and looks down at her.

“Get up.”

The mare wordlessly does so as Scootaloo hands him the vial. Returning his gaze to the mare he holds it out to her.

“I want you to test the contents of this. Analyze it and let me know if it’s safe for a foal.”

Accepting the vial, she walks over to a machine. Taking a drop, the nurse places it onto a pad and stick it into a slot. A few moments later readouts form on a nearby screen. However the mare does not move. Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“I think the analysis is done.”

“Then why isn’t she reporting it to me?”

“You told her to stay quiet. Remember?”

“But I just didn’t want her to scream for help.”

“Well, you have to clear that order if you want a report.”

“Okay. Nurse.”

Turning to him, the mare wears a blank stare as he addresses her.

“You may speak again.”

“Yes, master.”

“Have you analyzed the substance?”

“Yes, master.”

“What is it?”

“A treatment for a cold.”

“Is it safe to administer to a foal?”

“It is safe, master.”

“Very good. Take the vial and administer this medicine to one of the foals in the ward immediately. Then return to this room.”

“As you command, master.”

She turns and walks toward the door. Scootaloo jumps into Arc’s arms as he again cloaks. They follow her down the corridor and to the ward. Walking over to a young filly, the mare gently shakes her. Groggily, the filly opens her eyes and sits up.

“Is it medicine time already?”

The nurse nods and puts the vial to the foal’s lips. She drinks it slowly and coughs.

“What WAS that?! It tasted terrible!”

Without a word, the nurse takes the empty vial and leaves the room. Arc and Scootaloo follow her back to the lab. She closes the door behind them, but does not move from just inside the threshold.

“You have to tell her to move again.”

Arc groans. “Sit before me.”

“Yes master.”

She slowly walks toward Arc and sits. Arc kneels down in front of her and looks the nurse in the eye.

“As soon as we leave you will return to your desk. Lay your head down and rest. When the door opens again you will awaken with no memory of myself or the filly with me. It was all just a dream. Do you understand?”

“Yes master.”

“Good.”

Arc turns and cloaks. Leaving the room he closes the door behind him. The nurse sits back down at her desk, lays her head on her fetlocks, and closes her eyes. Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo leave the hospital together and return to the inn. Entering through the window, Arc looks down at Scootaloo as she closes the curtains.

“How long will it take for that medicine you made to take effect?”

“That filly should feel a lot better by morning.”

“Really?”

Scootaloo nods. “It’s pretty powerful stuff.”

“In that case, let’s head to bed ourselves.”

“Okay. But what will we do tomorrow? Or today, I suppose.”

“Visit the apothecary.”

“Again, Big Brother?”

Arc grins. “Yup. We’re going to help him make a delivery. But for now, we rest.”

The pair lie down together on the bed and are soon fast asleep.

Chapter 6 - Unseen

As the sun rises, the apothecary slowly walks toward his shop. Looking up, he sees Scootaloo waiting for him.

“Good morning, Scarlet Filly.”

“Likewise, sir. But are you alright?”

The apothecary yawns. “I’m feeling a bit tired. Been up late working the shop since this business started.”

“This has been keeping you busy?”

“Yes, indeed. Everypony in town’s been asking for more treatments to ward away whatever this is.”

“I don’t understand.”

“My shop also sells herbal treatments that fortify the immune system faster than you can blink an eye. Everypony’s worried it’ll start affecting adults soon.”

“Will it?”

“It hasn’t yet. But who’s to say. Now then, are you here for some medicine as well?”

“Truthfully, I was wondering if you needed some help.”

“With gathering more herbs?”

“Whatever needs doing really.”

“Hm… well… actually there is something you can do to help. You see, I bring medicine to the hospital every morning. Only problem is with as many salves and tinctures that need to be made it puts me behind schedule.”

“Do you want me to bring it to the hospital for you?”

“That would be helpful, yes. Follow me.”

Opening the door to his shop, the stallion heads for the back room. Returning with a box, he sets it on the counter and looks to Scootaloo.

“These are today’s treatments. Just bring them to the nurse at the front desk and tell them I sent you. They’ll take it from there.”

Scootaloo nods and puts the box in her saddlebags as several customers enter the shop. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks. Looks like I’m going to be extra busy today.”

Leaving the shop, Scootaloo passes several more ponies heading for the door. She turns and watches as they queue in front of the counter before continuing on her way.

“I don’t trust that stallion.”

Arc frowns. “He does stand to profit from this pandemic, yes.”

Scootaloo sighs as she looks at her saddlebags. “So what reason is there for him to help cure it?!”

“Dead customers don’t spend much money. He’d do well to keep them alive.”

“Well, I want to take a look at these vials.”

“Agreed. Head over to those crates.”

Scootaloo does so. She looks around momentarily before pulling the box from her saddlebags and opening it. Pulling out a vial she looks it over carefully.

“This isn’t the right color for what it’s supposed to do.”

Opening the vial, she gives it a sniff.

“Smells about right though.”

“Uh… maybe you shouldn’t taste it.”

“We have to know for certain. “

“But you could be poisoned!”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “I’m not swallowing this. Good or bad, I’ll spit it out.”

Holding the vial up, she tips it so a single drop falls into her mouth. Spitting it onto the ground beside her she turns to Arc.

“Tastes… similar to what it’s supposed to.”

“Is that bad?”

“I don’t know. The normal reagents are in there. It’s just that there’s something else present that I’ve never tasted before.”

“So… should we tell someone about this?”

“Not sure what we’d tell them. That and I would assume the hospital tests them for purity and accuracy before administering to the patients.”

“Well, we’re going to make sure they do.”

A short time later Scootaloo enters the hospital waiting room. Walking up to the front desk she pulls the box from her saddlebags and sets it down on the counter.

“I have a delivery here from the town’s apothecary.”

The nurse smiles. “Ah! We’ve been waiting for that!”

She picks up the phone and pages a nurse before turning back to Scootaloo.

“I’ll see to it this is taken care of.”

“Okay. See you later.”

Heading out the door, Scootaloo walks back toward the Inn. She mutters to herself as she walks.

“Good luck, Big Brother.”

Meanwhile, Arc waits next to the front desk. A few minutes later a nurse walks over, picks up the box, and carries it down the corridor. Arc follows her closely. Soon they come to the lab from the other night. Entering, the nurse sets the box on another desk.

“Morning delivery.”

The other nurse nods and takes out a vial. Putting a drop into a machine, she waits as it’s analyzed. Arc looks over her shoulder at the screen.

“You seeing this, Scootaloo?”

“Yeah. Shouldn’t take but a few more moments though.”

As the machine dies down, text comes up on the screen. Arc frowns.

“Uh… can I assume red is bad?”

“Not necessarily. It could just mean that the sample contains naturally occurring chemicals that don’t directly affect the final product.”

“Like what?”

“Flavoring, preservatives, emulsifiers… things like that.”

“What about poisonous interactions?”

“It detects that too. But the nurses don’t seem bothered by the readouts. Without knowing more I would say the sample is safe to use.”

“But is it effective?”

“That’s a different matter entirely.”

“Great. I’m going to follow that box and check on that filly who got your medicine last night.”

“Good idea. I’ve been wondering about that myself.”

Following the nurse out the door they proceed to the Foal’s Ward. Entering, Arc looks to the filly’s bed. Scootaloo frowns.

“She doesn’t look any better than last night.”

Arc grimaces. “I’m going to look at her chart.”

“Just remember not to pick it up! We don’t need everypony in here thinking the hospital is haunted.”

Kneeling down, Arc looks over the top page as he calls out telepathically.

“No real change recorded here.”

“That’s really strange.”

“What do you mean?”

“Even if it isn’t a cold, that medicine I made last night should have at least treated her symptoms.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

Arc stands and turns to watch as the nursing staff continue administering the medicine. Scootaloo appears relieved.

“Nopony seems to be rejecting it.”

“Define ‘rejecting’.”

“Throwing it up. That’s actually a good sign.”

“How so?”

“If it was poisoned, some of the recipient’s bodies would be more apt to reject it outright. Hence vomiting.”

“I guess it’s good that they’re not doing that. But by the same token, they’re still suffering.”

“We have to figure this out, and fast!”

“Agreed. And right now the apothecary is our prime suspect.”

“What now?”

“We go back to the shop, report the job done, and get paid for it.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I mean regarding the investigation.”

“That is the next step. Now, here’s the plan…”

A short time later Scootaloo enters the shop. Numerous stallions and mares stand in line waiting their turn. Spotting a bench, Scootaloo sits down to wait. The apothecary spots her and calls out.

“I’ll be with you as soon as I catch up over here.”

Scootaloo nods. “No rush.”

Meanwhile, Arc quickly makes his way past the stallion and into the back room. Looking around he calls out telepathically.

“You there, Scootaloo?

“Yeah, I’m watching.”

“See anything out of place back here?”

“Not really. Truth be told it kinda reminds me of my parent’s back room in the store in Knothole Village.”

“Let’s look over the reagent bottles.”

Looking at each bottle’s label, Scootaloo watches from the other room.

“Nothing there stands out as being out of the ordinary.”

“What about the machines back here?”

“All standard fare for an apothecary. At least for the most part.”

“Oh?”

“Well, there is a rather large ‘still’ back there.”

“Is that normal?”

“Maybe. After all, Vanhoover is a rather large town by comparison. It would stand to reason he’d need to do more and larger batch size extractions than my mom did back in Knothole Village.”

“Well, that’s another dead end idea.”

“But we’re not giving up on this, right?”

“Nah. We still have one other lead.”

“We do?”

Arc nods. “The robed stallion the apothecary was talking to behind the inn.”

“But you said he flew off.”

“Right. I was still invisible, so he couldn’t have seen me though.”

“Maybe he heard you following him.”

“Probably. But running off forced me to match his speed. Which means he definitely knew something was after him.”

“So how do we find him?”

“There really isn’t a way to do that.”

“Then how…?”

“He needs to come to us.”

Scootaloo groans. “But he’ll be ready for us then! Assuming he comes back at all, that is.”

“I’m guessing he’s a regular ‘supplier’ of the apothecary here. So it stands to reason that he’ll be back.”

“No clue when that will be though.”

“Right. Unless the apothecary calls for him.”

“Why would he do that though? He has plenty of materials from that last shipment.”

Arc grins. “We’ll just have to change that.”

Later that evening, as the sun sets, the apothecary sighs wearily as he flips the sign to ‘closed’. Walking slowly toward the workbench with his head down, he puts a hoof on it to grab his bag. Not feeling the familiar satchel, he looks up.

“What the…?”

Looking around, he frowns.

“I know it’s around here somewhere.”

Heading to the back room he scans the benches and tables to no avail. Meanwhile, Arc peeks through a window and nods as he pats the bag under his arm. Looking all around the shop the stallion groans.

“Where could it be?! I need those reagents!”

Groaning, he walks to the phone behind the counter and picks up the receiver.

“Looks like I’ll have to pay for rush delivery.”

As he speaks to someone on the other end of the line Scootaloo calls out to Arc from their room at the Inn.

“Did we have to do it this way, Big Brother?”

“It’s the only reason he’d call for more supplies.”

“Want me to follow him this time?”

“Not really. After all, we don’t know what he’s capable of.”

“I could fly overhead. Then he wouldn’t hear me.”

“Well…”

“Please?!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But I’m going to be watching everything.”

“Deal!”

As the moon rises, Scootaloo follows the apothecary. Flying high overhead she peers down at the stallion waiting patiently in an empty field.

“Nothing so far, Big Brother. But are you sure that stallion from before will show up?”

Arc shrugs from their room at the Inn. “If he doesn’t, the apothecary is waiting around for nothing.”

“True. But maybe… wait!”

“Action?”

“Yeah! Somepony in a black cloak just walked up!”

“Let’s see if they do the exchange like last time.”

Arc and Scootaloo watch as the apothecary looks through the saddlebags. Nodding, he takes the satchel and the pair part ways.

“Should I follow him?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We need to talk to that robed individual.”

“What about the apothecary?”

“He’ll just head to his cottage or shop. This one here is the real wild card.”

Scootaloo does as she is told. The figure walks to the edge of the clearing and enters the foliage. Squinting, Scootaloo keeps her eyes on him.

“I wonder where he’s going.”

“According to the map there shouldn’t be anything out there other than the North Luna Ocean.”

Scootaloo grins. “Think he’s going for a swim?”

“If he keeps going that way, yes.”

The stallion heads for the water as Scootaloo frowns.

“I was just joking. But he may very well be going to jump.”

“If he does, we’ll lose him for sure.”

“Why don’t I try talking to him?”

“You planning to make a purchase?”

“Just to get him talking.”

Arc shrugs. “Worth a shot. Just keep your distance. If he moves to attack, get out of there.”

“Okay.”

Turning down, Scootaloo dives toward the ground. Pulling up, she lands twenty feet behind the stallion. He turns around quickly, clearly surprised.

“What the…?!”

“Hey. I’m looking to…”

The stallion hisses angrily as he looks her over.

“A Crimson?! Here?!”

“H-how did you…?!”

Without warning, the stallion lunges at her. Scootaloo takes flight as Arc calls out to her.

“Get back to the Inn! I’ll handle him!”

“Fine! But I don’t really see why he’s so mad!”

“We’ll ask once we’ve taken him down!”

Reaching town with the stallion hot on her heels, Scootaloo heads for the Inn. However, with a burst of strength, the stallion catches up and wraps his hooves around her back. Unable to flap her wings, she along with her assailant, plummet to the ground. Throwing her weight to one side at the last minute, Scootaloo forces the stallion to take most of the blow. Rolling aside, she squares off against him as he slowly gets to his hooves.

“What’s the big idea?! I just want to…!”

Growling, the stallion charges her. Dodging the attack, Scootaloo watches the stallion smash into the side of a building. Lights come on in several nearby windows and the townsponies step outside to see what all the commotion is about. Scootaloo looks around nervously and adjusts her hood.

“We’re making quite a scene here!”

“Get him to chase you behind the apothecary’s shop! I’ll meet you there!”

Turning, Scootaloo does as she is told. The now half-crazed stallion runs after her haphazardly. He bangs into several nearby crates, buildings, and even a lamp post in his attempt to catch his prey. Scootaloo dashes around the shop as Arc lies in wait. As soon as his head comes into view, Arc grabs him by the throat and throws him through a window. Jumping in after him, Arc spots the stallion attempting to get up. Taking hold of a nearby flask, he smashes it against the robed stallion’s head. He falls to the floor, unconscious as Arc calls out to Scootaloo telepathically.

“Get in here quick!”

Scootaloo does so as the sound of numerous hooves approaches the building. Several guards along with numerous townsponies peek inside. Hopping through the smashes window the guards walk over to the unconscious stallion before looking to the robed filly before them.

“What happened here?!”

“I saw this stallion skulking around outside the town. When I approached, he went crazy and attacked me.”

“Why?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “No idea.”

A townspony calls out. “He forced her down!”

“Right!”

“I saw it too!”

Scootaloo nods. “Then he chased me back here. I got the jump on him and threw this fella in here. Smashed a bottle over his head to stop him.”

The front door of the shop opens and the apothecary hurries inside.

“What’s going on in…?!”

He stops dead in his tracks as he sees Scootaloo, his contact, and the guards standing in his shop. Scootaloo steps forward and points a hoof.

“He was meeting the apothecary out there!”

The citizens gasp. “WHAT?!”

A guard steps toward the apothecary. “Is that true?”

“Not… exactly.”

“Well, either way, assaulting a foal is pretty serious. We’d better take him in.”

One of them shackles the stallion as the other turns to Scootaloo.

“Are you absolutely certain you saw the apothecary dealing with this stallion?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. He was making some kind of transaction.”

“I was, yes. But that isn’t a crime.”

One of the guards nods soberly. “That depends on what the deal entails.”

Scootaloo points a hoof. “What he bought is in his saddlebags.”

“We’ll search them.”

He turns to the apothecary.

“Show us what you bought.”

Sighing, the apothecary sets his saddlebags down on the floor and steps back. The guard looks through them carefully before frowning and looking to the elderly stallion before him.

“There are several illegal herbs in here. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I… n-nothing.”

“We’ll take them both in. Get the other prisoner ready for…”

He is cut off as the stallion suddenly gets to his hooves, snaps his bindings, jumps out the window past the townsponies, and runs toward the tree line. Scootaloo and one of the guards hurry after him. As Scootaloo catches up to him, the stallion sidesteps behind a tree. Turning, she lunges toward him… right into a bush. Looking around, Scootaloo frowns as the guard approaches her.

“What happened?!”

“I don’t know. He just disappeared around here.”

“Were he a unicorn I would have said he just Blinked away.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Right. But he’s a pegasus.”

“Let’s get back to the other prisoner. Maybe he can tell us more about this escapee.”

Looking around one last time, Scootaloo hops out of the bush. Hearing a slight rustling she looks back. Seeing nothing, the guard escorts her back to town. Arriving back at the shop, the pair find half the town stomping their hooves angrily as the other guard escorts the apothecary out.

“What’s going on here?!”

“The crowd’s split on this! Half think the apothecary’s innocent, while everypony else thinks he’s behind the sick foals up at the hospital!”

The townsponies nod and call out angrily.

“Yeah!”

“My filly’s been just fine until recently!”

“He’s been nothing but helpful for years though!”

“Right! Nopony can deny that!”

“Maybe he’s been poisoning them this whole time!”

“Maybe he’s been poisoning all of us!”

The apothecary cries out. “But I’m innocent!”

A guard frowns. “Let’s go, you.”

“Where?”

“To the jail.”

“What?! But I’m needed here to…!”

Scootaloo frowns. “You’d better do as he says. This crowd might turn violent at any time.”

Sighing, the apothecary nods and turns to the guards.

“Lead on.”

They escort the elderly stallion down the street as the rest of the citizens continue arguing. Arc motions to Scootaloo as he climbs out the window.

“We need to get back to the Inn.”

“Yeah. But what about the apothecary?”

“He’s certainly been up to something. Whether or not that led to the foals getting sick is anyone’s guess though. Either way, this’ll lead to an investigation that will hopefully uncover the truth.”

“I’m not sure that’s for the best.”

“What do you mean?”

“That crowd was really mad.”

“They were, yes. But finding out the truth is the first step in getting those foals the help they need.”

“Does that mean we’re done here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not in the least. We’ll continue our own investigation.”

Meanwhile, back in the forest, the bush Scootaloo jumped into moves ever so slightly. In the blink of an eye it changes back into the robed stallion. He grits his teeth and looks back toward the direction of town.

“Damn that Crimson! Now I have to…!”

A voice rings out in his head.

“Report.”

“There’s been a… complication, Dark Lady.”

“Define ‘complication’.”

“A Crimson showed up and…”

The voice hisses. “A Crimson?! In Vanhoover?!”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Did you eliminate them?!”

“I… I tried to, but…”

“They must be dealt with immediately! The plan cannot be halted at this point! And we’re so close!”

“What should I…?”

“I don’t CARE! Whatever it takes, you need to get them out of town! And soon!”

“Very well, your highness. I’ll see to it they’re removed from the equation as soon as possible.”

Chapter 7 - Sickening Truths

Arc and Scootaloo walk down the deserted road together. Scootaloo turns to him.

“Do we have to do this now?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Why not in the morning?”

“Because we need to get this thing figured out before someone gets hurt.”

“The foals?”

“Or the apothecary.”

Entering the station, Scootaloo walks up to the guard on duty.

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Um… hello? Aren’t you out a bit late?”

“Not really. I need your help.”

“Are you lost?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No. I’m the Scarlet Filly, and I…”

“Wait! You’re the one whom caught the apothecary?!”

“You could say that. I’m hoping you’ll let me talk to him.”

“I’m sorry, but nopony’s allowed to see him at the moment due to worries from the brass. They’re afraid somepony whose foal he poisoned might try to off him, or something.”

“Has he confessed?”

“No. But the evidence against him is damning at best. This’ll most likely be an open and shut case.”

“That may very well be. But don’t you think it’s a little strange that he still won’t confess?”

“He’s always been kinda stubborn.”

“Even when a confession could make his plea for leniency more plausible?”

The guard shrugs. “Some criminals have a lot of pride. They’d take a harsher sentence over tarnishing their reputation any day.”

“I’ve done a couple odd jobs for him in the past. He might talk to me more freely.”

“Well…”

“And you don’t really think a filly would cause a problem, do you?”

“I suppose not, but what’s your angle on all this?”

“Like I said, I’ve done a few jobs for that stallion. That and I want to see those foals recover.”

The guard sighs and motions for Scootaloo to follow him.

“I suppose you’ve shown a knack for getting results. Follow me.”

Leading Scootaloo down a corridor, he walks her past numerous cell doors. Various delinquents eye them menacingly through their door’s small window as they continue on their way. Eventually the guard stops and pulls out a key.

“Here we are. I’ll give you ten minutes with the prisoner.”

Scootaloo nods as the door is unlocked. Stepping inside she finds the apothecary pacing nervously. The door is closed behind her as she looks at the stallion before her.

“Scarlet Filly? What are you doing here?”

“Looking for the truth.”

“Is that why you were fighting my supplier?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No. He came after me. I just wanted to talk.”

“Then why are you here?”

“For the same reason. To talk.”

“About what?”

“There’s a lot of sick foals at the hospital. That and I don’t think you were the one whom poisoned them.”

The apothecary sighs. “At this point, you might be the only one in town who thinks that.”

“You don’t strike me as the kind of stallion whom would intentionally hurt others. But at the same time you apparently were buying illegal reagents.”

“I had no choice.”

“Did you?”

“The traditional methods weren’t working. Those reagents are completely safe when properly mixed and dosed.”

“Then why are they illegal?”

“Some are endangered species of plant life. Others aren’t allowed outside their native regions for reasons of being extremely invasive.”

“There are any number of different options. Why didn’t you go for something domestic?”

“Because those foals don’t have time!”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you seen them?”

“Yes. They were sick, of course. But their charts didn’t show any deterioration.”

“I’ve been doing this job a long time and have seen more than my fair share of illness. Believe me when I say that a patient that isn’t recovering can only go one direction.”

“And you were trying to stop that?”

The apothecary bows his head and sighs. “I was, yes. That’s why I needed those specific reagents. They’re known to greatly enhance the healing properties of what they’re mixed with.”

“But the hospital would have picked that up when they sent the medicine in for testing.”

“I already convinced them of the potential for a false positive if they were tested and was told they would just take my word for it.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that kinda dangerous?”

“When you have as much experience in this as I do, ponies are willing to take a leap of faith if I say it’s safe.”

“But they were indeed testing them.”

“They were?”

“Yes. And those things did show up.”

“So they weren’t administering them to the patients?!”

“They were, yes.”

“Are you certain?!”

“I saw it with my own eyes.”

The apothecary puts a hoof to his chin. “That may be the only thing keeping them going at this point.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Like I said earlier, a patient that isn’t improving…”

“Well, what can be done?”

“I was hoping by now the hospital would have figured the cause out. Sadly, that isn’t the case. The only reason I’m able to keep them stable is due to my supplier.”

“What can you tell me about that stallion?”

“He’s been living around here for almost a year now. Doesn’t say much to anypony though. Keeps to himself mostly.”

“What’s he do for a living?”

“Professional wildcrafter and businesspony… more or less.”

Scootaloo frowns. “How can he be a businesspony if he doesn’t talk to anypony?”

“He’s able to acquire what I need at a somewhat reasonable price.”

“And you never thought to ask where it comes from?!”

“Given the circumstances, I didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“Are you sure that the reagents themselves aren’t causing the sickness?”

“Yes, I’ve tested every one for purity and safety in the past prior to mixing.”

“I need to talk to your supplier. He might know something about this that you haven’t been told.”

“That’s not likely. But I do admit that somepony needs to investigate this matter. And quickly.”

What’s his name, and where does he live?”

“In a cave overlooking the North Luna Ocean. As for his name, he never gave me one.”

“No name?”

“He would get upset when I pressed that matter. And since I needed his help…”

“…you didn’t press the matter further.”

The apothecary nods. “Right. Now I’ve told you everything I know. But I need something from you now.”

“What is it?”

“Whatever you do, don’t let the guards arrest him.”

“But he might be the one behind all of this.”

“Without his reagents, those foals may very well be doomed. You need to think of the larger picture before taking action against him.”

“I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Sighing, the apothecary nods as the sound of a key sliding into the door is heard. “That’s all I can ask for.”

The guard enters and looks at Scootaloo.

“Times up.”

Nodding, Scootaloo leaves the cell with the guard. The apothecary sighs and sits down on his cot dejectedly.

“It’s all up to you now, Scarlet Filly.”

Meanwhile, the guard leads Scootaloo back the way they came.

“What did he say?”

“I got another lead regarding the stallion that attacked me and ran off.”

“Oh?”

“He’s the one who’s been supplying those illegal reagents.”

“We’ll get him. Where’s he live?”

“I’ll take care of it myself.”

The guard frowns. “This is our job though.”

“Right. But a large force of armed and armored guards would only alert him to danger. I can get in quietly and see what he’s hiding in there.”

“We’ll be following you.”

Scootaloo chuckles. “You’re welcome to try.”

As Scootaloo rounds a corner Arc opens his cloak and pulls her inside. As the guard looks back, he gasps.

“What the…?!”

Running to the front he calls for reinforcements as Arc walks right past him with Scootaloo in his arms.

“You did great back there.”

“Thanks, Big Brother. He gave me more than I thought he would.”

“Ready to check out that stallion’s place, or should we do that first thing tomorrow morning?”

“I won’t be able to sleep anyways. Let’s go now.”

The pair head for the edge of town in the light of the moon. Sometime later they come to the cliff edge from the other day. Arc frowns as he looks around.

“This is where I lost him last time.”

“You think there’s a cave somewhere on the cliff’s face?”

Arc nods. “I guarantee it.”

“Want me to fly down there and take a look?”

“Yes. But I’ll be watching through your eyes. As soon as you find it we’ll go in together.”

Tossing aside her cloak, Scootaloo spreads her leathery wings and takes flight. A few minutes of flying around later she calls out telepathically.

“You see that, Big Brother?”

“I do.”

“Think it’s worth checking out?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Land above the cave entrance so I can find you.”

Scootaloo does so. Soon Arc meets up with her and looks over the edge carefully.

“Not much of a ledge down there.”

“I could probably get you in there.”

“How?”

“Grab my hooves and I’ll carry you.”

Arc winces. “Even in that form I don’t think you’re strong enough.”

“Not for long distances, no. But I could fly you that far.”

“You sure?”

“Pretty sure.”

“Maybe we should try it here on the ground before over those jagged rocks down there.”

“Okay.”

Taking flight, she extends her hooves. Arc grabs them and they take off. Flying a few feet off the ground, Scootaloo huffs and puffs as she attempts to maintain flight. Letting go, Arc drops to the ground.

“Not bad. You’re stronger than you look.”

Scootaloo nods as she lands breathlessly. “Th-thanks. Just give me a minute to rest before we do this.”

“No problem.”

A short time later Scootaloo flies over the edge with Arc holding her front hooves. Doing a 180, she turns back toward the mouth of the cave. Upon entering, he lets go and drops to the floor. Scootaloo faceplants some distance away as she makes a not so graceful landing. Arc calls out to her telepathically.

“You okay?”

Scootaloo gasps. “Just… give me a bit to… catch my breath.”

Arc stands and hurries over to Scootaloo. Covering her with his cloak, he renders her invisible as she attempts to regain her composure.

“You see anything, Big Brother?”

“Nah. I’m guessing that stallion isn’t home.”

“Probably long gone after what happened earlier.”

“Maybe. But I’m betting he couldn’t have moved everything that fast. You feeling better?”

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

Picking Scootaloo up, Arc begins walking. The tunnel widens into a large cavern. Looking around they spot numerous reagents in bottles on a myriad of shelves. “

“Look like he’s got quite the stash.”

“Yeah. Way more than my mom did back home.”

“But it doesn’t make sense.”

“Huh?”

“Look around. All there is to see are reagents on shelves. No food, furniture, cooking utensils, or even a bed of any kind.”

“Is that a clue?”

“It means he must actually live elsewhere.”

“But it stands to reason he wouldn’t leave such a treasure trove of ingredients unguarded.”

“Makes sense. However…”

Arc is cut off as something falls on his head. Reaching up, he feels something wet and slimy on his magic cloak. Scootaloo wrinkles her nose.

“What IS that?!”

“No idea. It just fell on me from the ceiling. Maybe some kind of cave…”

Looking up, Arc stops talking.

“What the heck?!”

Above them hangs a large green sack of some kind. Scootaloo gasps.

“That’s… just so weird looking!”

Arc turns to Scootaloo. “You ever seen anything like it?”

“Never. But I’m not sure I want a closer look.”

“If I could fly, I would.”

“So I have to be the one to look that… that thing over?”

“Yup.”

Scootaloo sighs and spreads her wings. “Alright. Just don’t stand right below me.”

“Why not?”

“In case I hurl!”

Taking flight, Scootaloo circles the cavern as she gains momentum and elevation. Coming to the sack overhead she stops and hovers as she looks it over. Arc sighs as he speaks.

“Nothing in it.”

“That’s a relief.”

“It’s certainly big enough to hold a pony though.”

“But how would they get inside?”

She puts a hoof unsteadily on the pod.

“I don’t see any kind of…”

Scootaloo is cut off as she is violently sucked inside. Flailing around, she noiselessly tries to escape.

“SCOOTALOO!”

Drawing his knife, Arc takes careful aim and throws. The blade deftly cuts through the stem holding the pod to the roof of the cave. It plummets downward at a sickening angle and slams into the floor below. Arc runs over to it and plunges his other knife deep into the green skin of the pod. Slicing it open, he reaches inside and pulls the frightened filly out of the green goo with a sickening slurp. She coughs uncontrollably as Arc does his best to wipe the slime from her eyes and nose.

“Are you okay?!”

“I… I think so.”

“What happened?!”

“That thing just kinda pulled me in. No idea how though.”

Arc frowns as he looks down at the ruined pod on the ground.. “This just became a whole new level of bizarre.”

“I’ll say. It felt kinda like I was being eaten!”

“That may not be far from the truth.”

“Huh?”

“Look up again. See those root-like things?”

Scootaloo nods. “What about them?”

“They lead deeper into the cave.”

“You think there’s something down there making them?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. Let’s find out for sure though.”

Scootaloo shakes the slime from herself as best she is able. “I’m totally going to need a bath or five to get this stuff off.”

Walking on, they follow another tunnel deeper into the cave. Again it opens up into a large cavern. However, what they see before them leaves both speechless.

Chapter 8 - Breakthroughs

The pair stand there silently looking around. Eventually Scootaloo speaks.

“B-Big Brother! Wha-what are we looking at here?!”

“The same kind of pods in the other cavern. These look like they’re not empty though.”

Walking up to the nearest pod, Arc peeks inside. A strange form floats within the thick green slime. Scootaloo joins him.

“There’s something in there!”

“Yeah. But what?”

“Only one way to find out, right?”

“I guess. Stand back.”

Drawing one of his blades, Arc steps to one side and slams it into the top of the pod. Jerking it down, he deftly slices the pod from top to bottom. Vile green slime gushes forth onto the cavern floor as the encased form falls out. Scootaloo’s eyes grow wide as she turns to Arc.

“Is that…?”

Arc nods grimly. “Yes. That’s appears to be a pony.”

“Are they… alive?”

Arc kneels down and puts his fingers on the stallion’s neck.

“There’s a pulse, yes. I think he’s just unconscious.”

“That’s a relief!”

Arc nods as he stands and looks around. “We need to get them out of whatever these things are right away. Take this.”

He gives Scootaloo one of his blades. Running to the opposite end of the room, she begins slicing pods open as Arc does the same. Meeting in the middle, they look over the unconscious mares and stallions that now lay on the floor. Arc is the first to speak.

“They’ll be coming around soon I hope.”

“Yeah. Better get back under wraps, Big Brother.”

Arc cloaks as Scootaloo moves to the center of the room. Several of the ponies slowly try to stand. They look around, clearly dazed.

“Where… are we?”

“I… don’t know. It’s all so hazy.”

Scootaloo clears her throat loudly. “Everypony listen to me! You’ve just been freed from some kind of green sacks. I know all of you must be feeling really out of it right now. But we need to get you out of here, and soon. This way.”

Motioning for everyone to follow her, Scootaloo leads them back to the mouth of the cave. They look around, confused.

“How are we supposed to get out of here?!”

“Everypony wait here. I’ll fly back to town for help.”

Spreading her wings, Scootaloo takes flight and returns to the cliff above. Looking around to get her bearings, she quickly heads back toward town. Reaching the police station she runs up to the guard on duty.

“Back again so soon?”

“I found a bunch of ponies who’ve apparently been kidnapped!”

The guard frowns. “What are you talking about?”

“They’re being held in a cave to the west! I need some help to get them out of there and back to town!”

“Okay, first of all there’s been no reports of missing ponies. Second, there’s no caves to the west.”

Scootaloo frowns. “You can’t just ignore this!”

The guard sighs as he picks up his phone. “Fine. I’ll call for a couple guards. They’ll investigate your claims and report back.”

A few minutes later Scootaloo leaves the station with two guards.

“Which way?”

Scootaloo points a hoof. “Follow me!”

Taking flight, they fly to the west. Scootaloo lands on the cliff’s edge and points down.

“There’s a cave directly below us! The missing ponies are down there!”

A guard rolls their eyes. “Are you sure?”

“We’re not aware of any caves in this area.”

“I’ll prove it to you!”

Diving off, Scootaloo spreads her wings and glides back down into the cave as the guards follow her. Landing, they look around at the slimy and scared ponies around them.

“Oh my Celestia!”

“There really IS a cave down here filled with ponies!”

The victims hurry forward.

“You’ve got to get us out of here!”

“I need to let my family know I’m alright!”

“Now, now everypony. We’ll look all of you over before ferrying everypony topside one at a time. No need to panic.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“You sure about that?”

Turning, they spot another guard standing in the mouth of the cave. Scootaloo points at him as she turns to the guards.

“Where did he come from?!”

“I don’t know. Only two of us were sent.”

The stallion chuckles. “Quite so, yes. Truth be told, I’m not actually a guard.”

“Impersonating a guard is a serious crime! Come along quietly! You have a lot to answer for!”

“Oh, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

One of the guards draws his weapon. “Are you resisting?!”

“Not at all. But I think you will.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “What are you…?”

“I can’t very well let this little secret become common knowledge. Therefore I have no other alternative other than to bury all of us with the truth.”

Without another word, the stallion bucks the stones around the entrance. With a low rumble the rocks tumble down, sealing the entrance. Coughing as several unicorns struggle to cast Light Spells, Scootaloo and the guards rush forward to survey the damage.

“This isn’t good.”

“It’s completely sealed.”

Scootaloo waves the dust away with her hooves. “There has to be a way out! Maybe we could…!”

The sound of coughing near her hooves rings out. Scootaloo pushes a few rocks away to reveal the imposter guard pinned under the rubble. Copious amounts of blood surround him as he looks up at her weakly.

“Mission… accomplished.”

“Mission? What are you talking about?”

The stallion coughs up a mouthful of blood. “The Dark Lady… will be… victorious…!”

Gasping, he strains to smile wickedly up at them as he breathes his last and expires. Scootaloo turns to the guards.

“Who’s this ‘Dark Lady’?”

“No clue. Well, it doesn’t really matter now. After all, we’re not getting out of here.”

“Don’t give up yet! There’s still a chance another way out is around here somewhere.”

One of the victims shakes their head. “We checked the room you found us in! It’s a dead end!”

“That and the other room only connected this corridor with the entrance! We’re really stuck in here!”

A guard turns to Scootaloo. “Any ideas, Scarlet Filly?”

“I’m thinking.”

A mare looks to her. “Scarlet Filly?”

“The one whom brough a whole gang to justice in Dodge Junction single-hoofedly?!”

“That’s me! But as for your earlier question, I might need some more time to figure this one out.”

She looks at the guards before continuing.

“Take everypony to that larger room back there and see if there’s any other options available to us. I’ll work on this little problem here.”

Nodding, the guards do as they are told. Looking over her shoulder to make sure she’s alone, Scootaloo calls out to Arc telepathically.

“What are we going to do, Big Brother?!”

Arc sighs as he puts a hand on the rubble covering the exit. “I’m not sure. These rocks won’t budge.”

“Even if we did manage to move some of the smaller ones, the larger ones above us might give out and crush us.”

“Yeah, it’s really…”

Arc gasps as he holds his head. A vision of him escaping the abandoned mine with Minerva and the Shards comes to him.

“What did you see?”

“I think I was rescuing a group of creatures like me from a place similar to this.”

“How?”

“Not fully sure. But in a few of the memories, I… I was using some kind of strange power.”

“To do what?”

“Climb a shaft at one point. I disappeared and reappeared some distance up.”

“That sounds like Blinking.”

“But I wasn’t a Crimson back then. How could I have…?”

“Magic!”

“Like what unicorns have?!”

“Yeah!”

“But I don’t feel magical.”

“Maybe not. But they’re your memories.”

“I guess they are. But that doesn’t help us here.”

“It just might!”

“What do you mean?”

“Remember how I said we could get crushed if we tried to dig our way out of here?”

Arc nods. “Yes. What are you getting at though?”

“If you were powerful enough to Blink all the way up a mine shaft maybe you could use your magic to get us out of here.”

“Probably not. After all, I wouldn’t even know where to start. That is, unless you have an idea of how to cast spells.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Only unicorns have magic, so I don’t know how it works other than what I’ve heard.”

“I’ll take whatever insight you have.”

“You have to focus on what it is you want to do.”

“Then what?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “No idea. That was just what parents back in Knothole Village would tell their foals when teaching them to use their powers.”

“So… do I just… um… “

“I don’t really know any more than that.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

“Why don’t you try picking something small up?”

“Alright.”

Holding out a hand, Arc attempts to pick up a rock nearby. However, nothing happens. Scootaloo thinks for a moment before responding.

“Maybe you need to put a little more umph into it?”

“Let me try something…”

Focusing, Arc tries again. However this time the rock shoots upward like a rocket. It smashes into the stone ceiling overhead and explodes from the sheer force. Scootaloo gasps.

“Big Brother! That was amazing!”

“Th-thanks. Although I think I put a bit too much into that one.”

“It might be enough to get us out of here though!”

“By moving rocks?”

“Kinda. I was thinking more along the lines of one big push outward.”

“Could work. Or it could also bring the whole hillside down on our heads.”

“We have to try something. After all, as it stands, we’re not getting out of here. That and nopony else knows where we are.”

Arc looks over his shoulder as the sound of hooves approaching can be heard echoing down the corridor toward them. “I’ll let you handle this.”

“Me?!”

“Just do what I tell you to.”

“Okay.”

The others return with the guards in front. They appear dejected.

“No other ways out exist.”

“It appears our only other way out is to start digging and hope for the best.”

Arc calls out telepathically. “Tell them to get back.”

“I might be able to do something. Everypony stand back.”

They do so as Scootaloo looks toward the sealed entrance. Arc continues.

“Sit down on your flank and hold your front hooves toward the rocks.”

Scootaloo holds out her hooves and takes a deep breath.

“Here goes nothing.”

Arc nods soberly. “Same.”

Focusing his energies, Arc pushes with all his magical might. With a rumble, the rocks blocking the entrance are thrown outward into the North Luna Sea. Everyone present gasps.

“H-how did she…?!”

“I thought she was a pegasi!”

Scootaloo nods. “That I am.”

“Then how did you…?!”

“Come on! We have to get everypony back to town for medical attention!”

The guards nod. One by one they ferry those whom can’t fly up to the cliff. While still very weak everypony is able to walk, albeit slowly. Arriving back in town they are approached by a guard captain. Stepping forward, the guards with Scootaloo’s group salute him.

“Report.”

“Sir, on the word of this filly, we found these ponies trapped in a cave outside town.”

“That and somepony tried to seal us in there!”

The captain rolls his eyes. “And where are they?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Dead. Crushed by their own attempts to keep us sealed in there.”

“And everypony here?”

“I work at the bakery.”

“I’m a nurse at the…”

Interrupting the, the captain turns to the guards. “Arrest these individuals!”

“Sir?”

“Nopony has been reported missing. In fact, I’ve seen several of these ponies at their jobs as late as this evening.”

“B-but…”

“They’re pulling some kind of elaborate hoax here, and I intend to get to the bottom of it!”

He waves a hoof toward the ground. His guards run to surround everyone.

“Now then, if everypony will quickly and quietly follow me to the…”

A similar voice rings out.

“Not so fast!”

Turning, the captain looks for the source of the familiar voice. A lone stallion steps forward and points a hoof at the captain.

“This isn’t the captain!”

Scootaloo gasps. “What?!”

The guard nearest them appears confused. “How can you be so sure?!”

“Because I AM!”

Stepping into the light of a streetlamp, he turns back to the guards. They quickly salute.

“S-sir!”

“Arrest that imposter!”

“What?! NO! I’m the real guard captain!”

“No, I am! Don’t you all recognize me?!”

“He’s the imposter!”

Scootaloo calls out to Arc telepathically. “This is getting complicated, Big Brother.”

“That it is.”

“Who’s the real one though?”

“The one with us, I would imagine.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“If he was an imposter, I don’t think he would have been imprisoned with the others.”

“Makes sense. But what do we do about this?”

“Start by taking out the fake. Hit him!”

Scootaloo grins. “Yeah!”

Charging forward, Scootaloo lunges at the armored captain. As she makes contact with him, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell. The stallion flies head over fetlocks as he slams into the side of a building. He falls to the ground, unconscious. The real captain walks over to him with the guards.

“Sir, how did this stallion…?”

The captain holds out a hoof. “Give me your weapon.”

“Sir?”

“We need to know for sure before proceeding.”

Nodding, the guard hands his superior his spear. Turning back toward the unconscious imposter on the ground, the captain drags the tip of the blade across the stallion’s cheek. A small stream of blood flows out as everyone gasps.

“Green?!”

The captain grits his teeth. “It’s as I thought. This is no ordinary stallion.”

“What is he then?!”

“A changeling.”

“Sir?”

“They’re creatures that can take on the guise of anypony or anything they imagine.”

Scootaloo frowns. “So these ponies were captured and replaced?!”

The captain nods. “It looks like it… whomever you are.”

“I’m the Scarlet Filly. Let’s just leave my real name out of it. But what do we do now?”

“We’ll head to the hospital and have everypony checked out. After we’re sure they’re really ponies, we’ll send guards to their homes to arrest their doppelgangers while the hospital staff gives them a full examination.”

The captain leads the way to the hospital. After explaining the situation to the nurse at the front desk, they are lead to a large ward. Doctors and nurses examine everyone and report their findings to the captain.

“Everypony here has red blood.”

“Good. I’ll call headquarters and have reinforcements sent over. We’ll need them to arrest the fakes.”

He turns to Scootaloo.

“It looks as though we owe you a great debt of gratitude, Scarlet Filly.”

“Yeah! We would have been stuck there forever without you!”

“Right! Thank you, Scarlet Filly!”

Everyone claps their hooves and cheers.

“I’m just glad this mess is figured out. But what about the apothecary?”

The captain appears confused. “What?”

“We arrested the town apothecary earlier this evening, sir.”

“He was in possession of illegal reagents. It was thought he was the one behind the foal’s being ill, sir.”

Scootaloo nods. “That is true. However, he was only using the reagents to try and boost the power of his treatments for the foals.”

The captain turns to the doctor. “Is that true?”

“It is, yes. We tested the batches and found trace amounts of certain illegal compounds in the medicine.”

“Then why did you administer it?!”

“Because it was a safe, viable treatment. Desperate times… desperate measures.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “They did what had to be done.”

The captain sighs and shakes his head.

“By rights I should arrest you for this. But I won’t, as you acted in the best interest of your patients.”

Scootaloo turns to the captain. “Can the apothecary be released now?”

“I’ll look over his case when I return to my office. But if what I’ve been told is true, I see no reason to keep him imprisoned.”

“Thank you, sir. Well, it appears you have the situation well in hoof here. I’ll be heading out now.”

“Vanhoover thanks you for your service, Scarlet Filly.”

Nodding, Scootaloo leaves the ward and walks into Arc’s magic cloak. Picking her up, he walks down the corridor toward the main entrance. Scootaloo sighs contentedly.

“I’m certainly glad that’s over.”

“Oh?”

“I mean… I like helping everypony like that. But I’m really tired.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, we have been up all night. Let’s head back to the inn for some sleep.”

Walking down the road, they come to the Inn. Entering the empty lobby, they head for the stairs. Arc sets Scootaloo down in front of their door as he reaches into his pocket for the key.

“I’m going to sleep like a log after this, Big Brother.”

“After a nice shower first though, right?”

“Probably fall asleep in there.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s fine. I’ll clean you up and put you to bed.”

Opening the door, they step into the darkened room. Scootaloo closes the door behind them and locks it dutifully before removing her cloak and tossing it aside. Yawning, she heads for the bathroom. However halfway there the sound of hooves slowly clapping ring out in the still room. Turning around, Scootaloo gasps.

“You?!”

The robed stallion from before stands and walks toward her.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Scarlet…”

He frowns as he looks her over.

“A little Crimson filly. Most impressive.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “What do you want?!”

“Mostly to congratulate you.”

“Congratulate me?!”

“Yes. After all, it’s not every day our plans are thwarted by one of your kind. Much less a filly.”

“I just don’t understand. What the heck were you trying to do here?!”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. “Enlighten me.”

“My companions and I have been here for months grooming this town. Making it ready for the harvest.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “I get the feeling you’re not talking about vegetables.”

“Ponies.”

“Ponies?”

“Indeed. For you see… they are quite a precious food source.”

In a flash of green flames the stallion changes. His body turns black and reveals a number of large holes in it. The once sheen coat turns to chitin, and his voice becomes much more sinister. Smiling wickedly at Scootaloo, he continues.

“After all, we too need to feed.”

“Wha-what ARE you?!”

“A changeling, you fool! Have you never been told of the animosity between our two races?!

“No!”

“Crimsons and changelings… two sides to the same coin! Both creatures of the night, born to rule the darkness and feed on the weak!”

“You wanted to eat everypony in town?!”

“Just their love.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“We are drawn to it like a moth to a flame. But we are many, and this town was not enough.”

“What have you done?!”

“Nothing much. We simply used our powers to make the fillies ill.”

“But why?!”

“For the love it would produce.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!”

“We’ve found that bringing about suffering triggers an emotional outpouring of love from the adults. And what easier way to do that but to hurt their offspring?”

Scootaloo seethes. “How?!”

“A few changeling secretions regularly supplied to the foals was all it took. We switched places with one of each foal’s parents to continue their poisoning. That allowed us to feed on the love of the other parent while simultaneously poisoning them as well.”

“Eventually the town would fall to you without so much as a fight.”

“Exactly. It would have become a veritable love farm with them as the cattle.”

Scootaloo points a hoof angrily. “Well, you failed in that!”

“Yes, we did. Without the regular secretions administered daily the foals will soon recover naturally. However, we can simply start again.”

“But now that you’ve told me, the citizens here will be ready for you!”

The changeling chuckles. “Little fool. Why do you think I’m telling you all of this?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“Because you won’t be alive long enough to tell anyone!”

In a flash of green flames, the changeling morphs into a large wolf. He bears his teeth and snarls at Scootaloo.

“Goodbye… Crimson filth!”

Charging forward, the wolf lunges at Scootaloo. However before he reaches her, Arc decloaks and punches the wolf in the head. Flying across the room, he lands in a heap on his side. Slowly getting up, the wolf shakes himself and looks to Scootaloo.

“What was…?”

He stops talking as he spots Arc walking toward him.

“Y-you!”

“You know me?”

“You’re the Hero of Light! But… but how are YOU here?!”

“Just lucky for this town, I guess.”

The changeling wolf lays down. “I cannot best you!”

Arc frowns. “Not so lucky for you.”

Kicking the wolf in the belly, he knocks the wind out of him before grabbing his large furry head and slamming it down on the floor. Several teeth fly out as the sickening crack of the wolf’s jaw breaking can be heard. The wolf cries out in pain as he struggles to talk.

“P-please! I beg of you! Mercy!”

“And what mercy did you give those you kidnapped? What mercy did you show those sick fillies?”

“We… I…!”

“They were just food to you. Something to be used as you saw fit.”

Kneeling down over the wolf, Arc grabs his head as he frowns.

“You want mercy? I’ll give it to you.”

“Th-thank you.”

“A painless death.”

“What?!”

With a quick movement, Arc breaks the beast’s neck. It gasps slightly before going limp. Scootaloo walks over to him and nods soberly.

“That should help keep everypony safe.”

Arc nods as he stands. “I going to assume he was the leader of this little operation. With him dead, I imagine those left will either flee or be caught when the guards catch up with them with the real citizens.”

“What do we do now?”

Arc grabs the wolf and throws him out the window to fall to the ground below.

“We head out and report this to the guards. They can take care of the body.”

“Now?”

“No time like the present. That and I’m sure the guards would rather clean up a freshly dead corpse than one that’s been lying there all night.”

“Fair enough.”

“Come on. I’ll carry you.”

“Thanks.”

Grabbing her cloak, she walks over to Arc and hops into his arms. Cloaking, he hops out the window and walks down the street. A few minutes later Scootaloo falls asleep. Stroking her mane, Arc smiles.

“You take a little nap, Scootaloo. After all, you’ve certainly earned it, my brave little pony.”

Chapter 9 - Solutions

The following day, Scootaloo and Arc return to the apothecary’s shop. They find the captain from last night speaking with the elderly stallion.

“And that’s where we stand, sir.”

“Most troubling.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What is?”

The captain nods to her. “Good morning, Scarlet Filly. We were just discussing the sick foals at the hospital.”

“How are they doing?”

“According to the hospital staff, only marginally better.”

The apothecary nods. “Yes. However, with no further poisoning, they believe full recoveries will come in time.”

“That’s good to hear. How was the poison administered?”

The apothecary sighs. “Some of the nurses were apparently changelings masquerading as some of our own.”

Frowning, the captain nods. “They were adding poison to the foal’s food at mealtime.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Well, so much for that.”

The elderly stallion grimaces. “That only leaves the matter of what exactly they wanted.”

“The one I brought you last night told me they had wanted to use Vanhoover as a source of food.”

The captain puts a hoof to their chin thoughtfully. “Yes, well… that seems rather unlikely. Given how far we are from The Badlands, that is.”

“He seemed so certain of himself though.”

The apothecary turns to the captain. “We would do well not to dismiss the cunning of our enemies so easily. After all, had the Scarlet Filly not intervened, I believe we’d all be in deep trouble by now.”

“Yes. They had infested every level of our city. At least as of last night, that is.”

Scootaloo sounds hopeful. “They’ve all been rooted out?”

“Every changeling that was switched with our citizens was rounded up late last night.”

The apothecary smiles. “That brings an end to their plans here.”

“Indeed. And we’ll be more vigilant from now on too.”

The captain turns to Scootaloo before continuing.

“We all owe you a great debt, Scarlet Filly. I’ve seen to it your name was prominently part of the official report I sent to Canterlot regarding this matter. Last night I even called Canterlot to inform them of the comings and goings here. Captain Decimus of the Royal Guard has already spoken to me and asked that you be officially congratulated and properly rewarded.”

“Oh? Thank you.”

“Stop by the station later for payment.”

“I will. But there was something else I wanted to ask you, captain.”

“What is it?”

“How big a threat are these changelings to the land?”

“Until this event, they hadn’t been seen or heard from in years.”

The apothecary nods. “They were quite the problem many years ago. However, Princess Celestia dealt with them when I was but a foal.”

“She did? How?”

“By leading our army to wipe them out.”

The captain sighs. “Rather bloody. But it had to be done.”

“We knew they were still down there in The Badlands. However, the princesses promised not to invade again as long as they kept to themselves.”

The captain nods. “They had done as told up until now. But I guess nothing lasts forever.”

Shaking his head, the apothecary grimaces. “This may very well lead to another war between Equestria and the leader of the changelings, Queen Chrysalis.”

Scootaloo shudders. “I hope not. But we all need to be ready.”

“Right. In fact, I’m heading back to the station to go over our emergency plans with the other captains. Would you join me, Scarlet Filly?”

“I’m not much for such things.”

“That’s understandable. However, I do need to give you your reward and a personal message from Captain Decimus.”

“A message?”

“Yes. It was flown here via special courier very early this morning. It sounded urgent.”

“Very well, captain.”

“Let us be off.”

“One moment.”

She turns to the apothecary.

“I just wanted to say, from one herbalist to another, how lucky this town is to have somepony like you.”

“Thank you, miss. And I just want to say that Equestria is lucky to have such a dedicated protector as you.”

“Maybe our paths will cross again one day.”

“One never really knows what the future holds.”

“I suppose. Take care of yourself.”

“And you as well, Scarlet Filly.”

“In any case I wish you well, mister… I’m sorry, but I guess I never actually asked your name.”

The apothecary chuckles.

“Grand Pear, miss. Take care out there.”

Scootaloo nods and leaves the shop with the captain. Making the short walk to the station, they head for his office.

“So… what exactly does this Captain Decimus want with me?”

“No idea. The letter was sealed. It could be anything really.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Great.”

Arriving at the office, the captain holds the door open and allows Scootaloo to pass before closing the door behind her. Motioning to a large bag of bits on the desk he turns to her.

“That’s for you from the capitol.”

Scootaloo nods and puts the sack in her saddlebags as the stallion sits down at his desk and pulls open a drawer. Removing a sealed scroll, he holds it out to her.

“And this is directly from the office of the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Accepting it, Scootaloo dutifully puts it in her saddlebags next to the bits.

“I’ll read it later in private.”

“A prudent idea. After all, a personal message from the castle is something to be taken seriously.”

“Captain, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you believe this incident was isolated?”

The captain sighs and shakes his head.

“I do not. The fact that the changelings have reached so far into our land shows either a mindset of bravery or desperation. However, neither will end well for Equestria.”

“That makes sense.”

“In any case, please do whatever Captain Decimus asks of you. It may sound less than meaningful, but believe me when I say that everything he asks is of great importance.”

“I understand. When I met him in Canterlot he tasked we with hunting down a very high level bounty.”

“The Hero of Light?”

“Yes sir.”

“That matter is a very… difficult one to understand.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hero of Light Arc was very well known throughout the land before his disappearance under mysterious circumstances. While his methods may have been a bit… out of the ordinary, Equestria will have need of all its heroes in the days to come. Especially if the changelings do decide to invade.”

“Do you believe he’s innocent?”

“Honestly, I don’t know what to think in this matter. Part of me wants to believe it’s all just a big misunderstanding. But the other part wants to find him and put him on trial for his actions.”

“Trial? But I thought…”

“At least then he’d have the opportunity to explain his actions before the nation. Maybe even prove his innocence. If he were still here, I don’t think the changelings would dare attack in force.”

“If I see him I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Heading for the door, Scootaloo leaves the office. The captain looks at the closed door for a long time before speaking.

“I’m sure you will, Scarlet Filly.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo return to their room at the inn. Closing the door, Scootaloo sighs and looks out the window absentmindedly. Arc sits on the end of the bed and looks to her.

“What are you thinking?”

“You could just read my mind.”

“I guess so. But I’d rather you told me willingly.”

“This whole matter with you being a criminal doesn’t sit right with me.”

“Admittedly I don’t feel like a bad guy. But what can I do about it?”

“Well… maybe you could turn yourself in.”

“What?!”

“Hear me out on this. The captain said you’d get a chance at a trial. If you’re really innocent you can prove it then.”

Arc sighs. “Remember, I don’t know if I am innocent though. Really need my memories to be sure.”

“There has to be a way to get them back.”

“Like magic?”

“Something a bit more tangible.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“A potion maybe?”

“You know of one?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No. But that doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist.”

“If it did, I’m sure your mother would have said something.”

“Maybe we just need to ask another apothecary. Somepony more experienced. Like Grand Pear!”

“Well, it’s worth a shot. Let’s go.”

Leaving their room, they make the short walk to the apothecary’s shop. Entering, they find Grand Pear resting his head on the counter. Walking up to him, Scootaloo gently nudges the sleeping stallion’s shoulder.

“Grand Pear?”

Slowly raising his head, the stallion looks down.

“Oh… hello again, Scarlet Filly. I figured you’d left town already.”

“I will soon enough. But before I go, I was wondering if you knew anything about the existence of a potion that could restore lost memories.”

“Maybe, yes. Let me consult some of my books on the topic though.”

Walking over to a bookshelf, Grand Pear pulls a large, old tome from its place. Returning to the counter he sets it down and opens it.

“Let’s see here…”

Flipping through the pages he eventually comes to the one he wants and scans the page.

“Can I assume you mean loss of memory due to trauma?”

“Kinda, yes.”

“Was it caused by a physically or mentally traumatic event.”

“Um…”

Arc calls out to her. “Kinda both.”

“I’d have to say both actually.”

“Oh my! Are you alright?!”

“It’s not for me, sir. Truth be told, I have a friend who’s been through quite a lot though.”

“Well, it looks like there is such a potion to fit that bill.”

“Great! What is it?!”

“You need a Potion of Tranquil Thoughts.”

Scootaloo sounds confused. “’Tranquil… thoughts? But they’re not angry, or anything.”

“Memory loss caused by both physical and mental trauma make scars that run deep. The memories are indeed still there, of course. However the mind has repressed them forcefully. The potion I mentioned will help calm their psyche and unblock the memories.”

“What do we need to make it?”

“That might be a problem. You see, a few of the reagents are very rare. Some of them might not even exist anymore.”

“I have to try!”

Grand Pear nods. “Alright. You’ll need…”

1 - Crystal Vial
1 - Cup of Pure Spring Water
2 - Drops of Ogre’s Blood
5 - Petals of Lavender (dried and powdered)
1 – Dash of Turmeric
2 – Sage Leaves (dried and powdered)
2 – Drops of Dragon Fruit juice
1 – Dash of Poison Joke pollen

Scootaloo grimaces. “Any idea where I’d get this stuff?”

“The vials are produced in the Crystal Empire to the northeast. Nopony has seen an ogre in many long years, so I can’t be of help there. Lavender, Turmeric, and Sage can be found in my back room. Dragon Fruit was once found in the Dragon Lands across the Celestial Sea to the east. And the Poison Joke is said to be found somewhere in the Everfree Forest just south of Ponyville.”

“That’s a lot of traveling!”

“Yes, it is. But for such a powerful potion your friend might believe it’s worth the time and effort. I’ll write this all down for you and give you the common reagents that I have on hoof.”

A short time later Scootaloo trots out of the shop. Arc joins her as she walks down the street. Reaching their room at the inn, they enter. Arc flops down on the bed and sigh as he stares up at the ceiling. Scootaloo grins.

“This is great! With this recipe we’ll finally be able to restore your memories!”

“Y-yeah.”

“You don’t sound very excited, Big Brother.”

“Well… part of me looks forward to remembering. But another part is really enjoying traveling with you.”

“That doesn’t have to change. I mean, you’ll still be you.”

“Will I?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Maybe I’m a bad individual. Maybe I’m a nice guy. Heck, I might just be a real jerk.”

“That isn’t likely.”

“One never knows.”

Scootaloo sighs as she puts her hooves on the side of the bed. “You might be right, Big Brother. But don’t you want to know the truth?”

“Kinda. But what if…?”

“There isn’t any other way to know other than to just remember. Now as nice are you are I’m betting there’re others out there whom care for you. As long as you’ve been gone, they’re probably worried sick.”

“Alright. But I want you to do something for me, Scootaloo.”

“What is it?”

“If I turn out to be a jerk, don’t feel like you have to stick around.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I’m your thrall, so I don’t really have a choice in that.”

“Is there any way for me to release you from that?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Only when you die, I suppose.”

Arc groans. “Great.”

“Why don’t we think about our next move?”

“Which is…?”

“Reading that letter from Captain Decimus.”

Arc nods and sits up. “Guess we might as well do that.”

Scootaloo pulls the scroll out of her saddlebags and gives it to Arc. He appears confused.

“But this is supposed to be a letter to the Scarlet Filly.”

“I know. However, I’d feel a lot better if you read it.”

“Okay.”

Breaking the seal, Arc unrolls the scroll and begins to read.

Scarlet Filly,

Word has reached me in Canterlot of you actions in Vanhoover regarding the discovery of a potential infestation of changelings. I’m told you were most efficient in dealing with the threat, and did so without any loss of life (enemy combatants notwithstanding). Hopefully you will be as efficient if you happen to come across the individual from the wanted poster I gave you during our earlier meeting.

In any case, there is another matter that I need handled. My scouts report that a group of rebels have formed a settlement south of the Rainbow Falls. Attached to this note is a map with the exact location of this unofficial settlement. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to assess the capabilities of this group. You’re to infiltrate them, learn their objectives, and if necessary eliminate the one in charge of them. There is very little intel on their leader… not even their appearance is known to us. However, from what we’ve gathered they’re very large, powerful, and able to keep their minions in line through sheer intimidation. Bring proof of their demise and you will be handsomely rewarded for your efforts.

My gut reaction says that I don’t need to tell you just how precarious this time for our nation is. With the lack of proper royal leadership we’re vulnerable to attack from the surrounding nations. While we can do little to avert that potential threat, we must do our best to thwart any internal power struggles, lest our enemies capitalize on Equestria’s precarious situation.

I look forward to hearing a favorable report from you.

With regards,

Captain Decimus

Arc rolls up the scroll and tosses it back to Scootaloo. She grins.

“Sounds like a big reward awaits us!”

“Probably.”

“You don’t want it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. But I’m more concerned with just how Captain Decimus learned of what we did.”

“I’m sure a report was filed after the captain got off the phone with him.”

“Of course. But for it to be sent to the capital, delivered to his desk, prioritized over everything else, read, write us a letter, and have it sent here is something that should have taken much longer than it did.”

“I admit it does sound a bit suspicious when you put it like that. But what about stopping a potential rebellion then?”

“It sounds like the captain doesn’t really know what to make of this group. They could be harmless.”

“We won’t know for certain if we don’t investigate though.”

“I suppose not. Very well then.”

“So we’re going?”

Arc shrugs. “Might as well. But first I want to take the train to the Crystal Empire to buy a crystal vial.”

“I hope we have enough money for that.”

Arc glances at her saddlebags. “That bag of bits is pretty big. I’m sure it has to at least be close.”

“What if it isn’t?”

“Then we do a few odd jobs to raise the rest of the money. A city that big has to have a huge Writ Board.”

“And from there we head to that spot on the map?”

Arc nods. “Right. Look here. See this gap in the mountains?”

“Yeah.”

“We’ll head south and pass through here. Then we’ll walk the plains north of the Neighagra Falls until we come to the river. From there we just follow the plains north of that lake to the town. It’s quite a journey, but should be somewhat safer than what we’ve been doing.”

“More nocturnal walks?”

“Might as well. After all, we don’t want to be seen.”

“That and I like the calm of the night. It’s really nice.”

“Because you’re a Crimson?”

“Maybe. But we both have more endurance in those forms.”

“Makes sense.”

“When do we leave?”

Arc pulls out a schedule from the bedside drawer. “It says here there’s a train leaving for the Crystal Empire in a couple of hours. I want us to be on it. Let’s do a little shopping and take a shower before heading out.”

“Okay.”

Chapter 11 - Over so Soon

The branch hits the ogre squarely in the back. Crying out in pain, he picks up a large rock and hurls it toward the mare. She runs back toward the cave.

“You’ll never hit me with that!”

“Wanna bet?!”

Throwing it, the rock sails through the air. Grabbing it with her magic, she redirects it slightly so that it shatters against the boulder pinning Arc to the wall. A piece hits her in the head, knocking her unconscious. Now free, Arc runs toward the ogre with all his might. Dodging rocks and fireballs, he eventually reaches his opponent. Toppling him, Arc forces him to drop Scootaloo as he pulls back the hood and allows the sunlight to shine on his victim. Crying out in apparent pain, the ogre turns back to what can only be described as his original form and falls to the ground. While still notably green, he is much less physically imposing. Removing his own cloak, Arc allows himself to change back before looking down.

“It’s over.”

Nodding, the ogre sighs weakly.

“Yes… it is.”

Scootaloo gasps as she catches her breath. “You won’t hurt anypony else now.”

“No. I’m… not long for this world.”

Arc frowns. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ve lived… so long. So much energy expended… my body is… just so old that I can feel it shutting down.”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “His energy’s gone now. You took it, remember?”

“I didn’t take THAT much!”

“It was… enough. Use what I had… to make the world right.”

“But I don’t want to conquer!”

The ogre sighs. “You don’t… understand. My original… mission… was to do… just that.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Protect and serve. I went out into the world… to attain that lofty goal. But… somewhere along the way I… I lost sight of what was important.”

He looks up into the trees overhead as he closes his eyes.

“Father… forgive… m…e…”

A single tear courses down his green cheek as the ogre breathes his last. Arc and company stand there wordlessly for a long time. After a while Arc kneels down and pulls his knife as Scootaloo turns to tend to the mayor. Making a small incision, he draws out the required amount of blood. Allowing it to fall into the crystal vial, he replaces the cork and shakes it slightly before returning to stand with Scootaloo. Eventually Arc turns to the shattered pieces of the large rock that had been thrown at him earlier.

“Big Brother? What are you doing?”

“Help me finish this.”

Picking up an armful of rocks, Arc walks back to the ogre and drops them on top of him. With Scootaloo’s help they cover him completely. Arc sighs.

“Rest in peace.”

Turning to the Scootaloo, he sighs.

“We should go back to town now.”

“But what about that moss?”

“The villagers can harvest it themselves now that the ogre is dead.”

Looking to the mayor he kneels down and picks her up.

“Let’s get her back to town and into a nice warm bed.”

“Good idea.”

Cloaking, Arc vanishes from sight as he pulls the mare into his robe. Walking back to town, he heads straight for the mayor’s small house. Entering through the back door he lays her down on the bed. Heading for a nearby window he opens it to allow Scootaloo in. Hopping inside she looks to the unconscious mare.

“How’s she doing?”

“Just unconscious. I think she took a blow to the head from that rock exploding earlier.”

“Yeah, that looked painful. So, do we just… leave her here?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But I do hope she wakes up soon.”

As the sun sinks closer to the horizon, the mare slowly stirs. Sitting up she spots Scootaloo sitting next to her bed.

“What… happened?”

“You saved my Big Brother.”

“Who?”

“That robed thing with me.”

“I… did?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yep. He’s waiting for us in the other room. We should probably go see him.”

Nodding, the mayor slowly stands and walks with Scootaloo to the door. Arc sits in front of the fireplace waiting for them.

“You’re finally awake. Feeling okay?”

“Y-yes. Just a bit sore.”

“Good.”

She looks to the pair, confused. “I’m sorry, but I have to ask… what are you two?”

“A filly. Mostly anyways.”

“And I’m her guardian. Her parents died so I’m taking care of her.”

“But aren’t they criminals?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No. I just said that so you wouldn’t ask too many questions about them.”

“How did that lead you here though?”

“We’re on a bit of a journey to collect some magical reagents.”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. The fact that there was an ogre here was especially lucky for us.”

“How so?”

Arc holds up the crystal vial with a number of drops of the ogre’s blood.

“His blood was needed for the potion. But I have a question for you now.”

“You do?”

“Yes. What was that ogre trying to do exactly?”

“I don’t really know. He would trade us bits of moss from the cave for our energy. While not exactly pleasant, it did allow us to survive out here.”

“Why are you out here? I mean, there’s any number of towns that would be more hospitable than this tundra.”

“Everypony here has a bit of a past. We’re ultimately hiding from something or somepony.”

Arc frowns. “Is that why everyone is wearing those black cloaks?”

The mayor shakes her head. “Actually, no. The ogre required it. Said it did something to make draining our lifeforce easier. Not sure how it worked, but it constantly drained us.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore now that he’s been dealt with.”

“I guess not. But it also leaves us vulnerable.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Vulnerable?”

“Any threat to the village was always met with swift action by the ogre. After all, he couldn’t allow his source of energy to be imperiled. But now we have no such guard against wild animals or other threats.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Isn’t that better than being enslaved though? Being used as cattle?”

“I suppose time will tell.”

She turns to Arc and sighs.

“So… what do you want us to do?”

“…what?

“You absorbed the ogre’s power, so I assume we’re your slaves now.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not really into the slavery idea.”

“Huh?”

Scootaloo grins. “I’m his thrall, but he doesn’t really make me do anything I don’t want to.”

“With the cave and its contents open to you, hopefully you can make this town a bit more livable.”

“I don’t really understand, but thank you nonetheless.”

“We should probably be going now. Come along, Scarlet Filly.”

Scootaloo stands up. “Right behind you.”

“Scarlet Filly?”

Arc and Scootaloo leave and walk down the street. The mayor follows them outside and watches them as they move to the edge of town, as does the rest of the population. They turn to her, confused.

“Mayor… what just happened?”

“We… we went to the cave after you delivered the summons. But it… it didn’t go at all like I thought it would.”

“What happened?!”

“That filly and her… friend, they… they killed the ogre!”

Everyone gasps as they look to one another, confused.

“What happens now?!”

“We can’t live without the protection of the ogre! Can we?!”

“Everypony, please! We’ve been given a great opportunity here!”

“We have?”

The mayor nods. “Yes! For too long have we labored under oppressive yolks! Many of you were abused and burdened with the responsibilities not of your choosing! But look around you here and now! With the death of the ogre, there is nopony left to force their ideology on us! Nopony to abuse and threated us! And nopony to lord over us! So let us here and now build a town of peace, prosperity, and most importantly… freedom! We will create a place where everypony can exist on level hoofing with all others! This can and must happen! All of you will be safe, secure, and equal…!”

She removes her cloak and tosses it aside.

“Now everypony, tear off your robes! We’re not bound to the will of the ogre any longer! You will have peace and freedom…!”

Grinning as she watches the others remove their robes, the mayor concludes her speech.

“…or my name isn’t Starlight Glimmer!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo walk into the hills nearby. Scootaloo looks to her friend, confused.

“Where exactly are we going?”

“Back to that cave.”

“The one we just left?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Why?! You already have his blood.”

“That ogre offered to trade you for various items. There might be something there we can use.”

Arriving back at the cave they step inside and pass the green torches, changing them back into their Crimson forms. Making their way to a winding tunnel, the pair find themselves in the middle of a vast corridor of glowing iridescent moss.

“This must be what the townsponies were after.”

Arc nods. “Yes. And I imagine they’ll be up here to take it freely soon.”

“We should leave before then.”

“And we will. But first I want to see what this ogre had to bargain with.”

Making their way to a large cavern, they look around to see shelf after shelf of trinkets, odds and ends as well as numerous books. Scootaloo runs over to the items and looks through them before frowning.

“Nothing here looks too useful.”

“Agreed. So let’s continue on to his quarters.”

“Quarters?”

“Where he slept.”

“Why there?”

“Because that’s where we’ll find the really useful stuff.”

“Like what?”

“Information.”

Walking on, they come to a smaller room with a modest bed of straw and a small table and chair. A book lies closed on its surface. Arc looks down and picks it up as Scootaloo pipes up.

“What’s that?”

“A journal of some kind. Let’s see…”

Flipping through the pages, Arc skims the writing within.

“Looks like he started out pretty well. When the village was formed, he was its generous protector.”

“You mean the ponies and him lived together in harmony?”

“Sounds like it.”

“What changed?”

“His powers.”

“How so?”

“He mentions chronicling that which he discovered about himself after being bitten by a rogue Crimson a thousand years ago. Apparently that ogre was a student of his new found powers.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing inherently. But his desire for knowledge clouded his mind. As the entries go on he becomes more entitled and arrogant.”

“A mental shift of some kind?”

“More like a change of beliefs. It sounds like it didn’t happen overnight, but he started to believe himself above all others. Or at the very least, higher than the ponies of that nearby town. He mentions previous journals here too.”

Scootaloo points to a nearby bookcase.

“Like them?”

Arc turns to the shelf. Walking over to it, he reaches for the first volume. However as his fingers touch it, the tome crumbles to dust.

“What the…?”

Arc sighs. “Old.”

“How old would something have to be to DO that?!”

“Very. He might not have been lying when he said he was a thousand years old.”

Arc turns his attention back to the journal in his hand.

“Faced with the knowledge that his end was inevitable, he discovered a way to drain the lifeforce from other creatures.”

“Like he tried to do to me?”

“Right. It was an effort to extend his life. But he found that as more time went on he needed more and more lifeforce to maintain himself. Starting with plants, he worked up to small animals and whatnot. After a time… ponies.”

Arc closes the book and sighs.

“Fear of death.”

“Which is what made him trade the pony’s lifeforce for the moss.”

“Right. And what gave me the edge against him at the end.”

“How… how did it feel?”

“Intense, exhilarating… like I was strong enough to do anything!”

He looks down at his hands.

“And my injuries lessened.”

“Could you do it again?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. Back there I was just copying him though.”

“Give it a try.”

Arc looks around. “On what?”

“Me.”

Arc frowns. “What?”

“Just for an experiment. I know you won’t drain me too much.”

“You sure about this?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. That ability may be useful at some point.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc kneels down and puts his hand on Scootaloo’s forehead. Looking her in the eye for a moment, he closes his and concentrates. Slowly he feels the filly’s energies leaving her and entering him. Pulling back, Arc opens his eyes and looks at Scootaloo. She appears winded but otherwise unharmed.

“You okay?”

“I… I am. Just a bit tired now. What about you?”

“Like I just got my second wind.”

“So it really is the ability to take lifeforce.”

“I guess.”

“Where do you suppose he wrote his findings?”

“Probably not in the journal.”’

“Another book?”

“Most likely. Let’s look around.”

“Hopefully it’s in better shape than this one though.”

“Right.”

Looking around, Scootaloo lets out a yelp as she opens a chest.

“This is it!”

Arc hurries over to her. Scootaloo gives him a large tome. Opening it, he is greeted by the musty smell of old paper and dust.

“It reads like a proper textbook.”

“Is that good?”

Arc grins. “Yes. I can probably learn everything he did from reading this.”

“A nice thing to read on the road.”

“Or after we’ve made camp at night.”

“How about that mist ability he used?”

“What about it?”

“Did he write in there how to do it?”

“Let’s see…”

Flipping through the pages, Arc eventually stops and points.

“Here it is. He called it ‘Dark Mist’.”

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. “Not very original.”

“It says here that by clearing his mind and focusing his energies in a very specific way, he found he could transcend the flesh and become one with the darkness. The end result was the mist we saw at the beginning. Needless to say, this only works when in Crimson form.”

“Oh! I want to try that one!”

“I’d probably work in here. Give it a shot.”

Arc hands Scootaloo the book and points to the relevant passages. Concentrating, Scootaloo focuses and melts away into mist. It floats around the room as it expands and contracts. Arc chuckles.

“Looks like you’re enjoying that.”

Scootaloo giggles in an ethereal voice. “You should try it, Big Brother! This is amazing!”

“Sure, why not.”

Concentrating, Arc dematerializes… clothes and all. He floats around the room for a time before speaking.

“It’s certainly a very… interesting experience.”

“Yeah! It’s like flying, but without the need to flap my wings! Everything’s just so… effortless!”

“Well, we should probably get moving.”’

The pair rematerialize and leave the room. Arc carries the book under his arm as Scootaloo turns to him.

“Where to now?”

“Well… we still need some pollen from a Poison Joke plant and the juice of something called Dragon Fruit. All we have to do is figure out which one to go after now.”

“How about the Poison Joke in the Everfree Forest?”

“If you want to, sure. Even though we are technically closer to the Dragon Lands as it stands.”

“But we don’t know how to get there.”

Arc puts a finger on his chin thoughtfully. “True. Everfree Forest it is. After we report our findings to Captain Decimus in Canterlot, that is.”

Leaving the cave, they begin walking. Scootaloo looks to Arc as he reads the book.

“Anything in there about the ability to use magic?”

“Is that what I did?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. But like I told you in that changeling’s cave, only unicorns can do that stuff.”

“You mean you can’t?”

“Nope. Not even in my Crimson form.”

“Not a word of it in here either.”

“Maybe ogres can use magic too.”

“You think that’s what I am?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I dunno. But you two didn’t really look similar enough to be of the same species.”

Arc sighs as they continue onward. “Guess I’ll have to wait until I get my memories back to know for sure.”

He pulls out the map and looks it over.

“Looks like there’s a town to the south called Hollow Shades. I’m guessing we could make it there in a week. From there we could grab a train to Canterlot.”

“Did you say it was to the south?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“The wind is blowing.”

“What’s that have to do with…?”

“We could wait for dark and then go into our Crimson forms. It might be quicker to fly there with Dark Mist.”

Arc shrugs. “Worth a shot.”

Sitting down, the pair rest as they wait for night to come.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 12 - An Auspicious Day

A couple days later a train pulls into the station at the base of Canterlot. Arc and Scootaloo look out the window together.

“We’re here.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“Nervous?”

“When your face is plastered all around town with a massive reward, it makes one a bit jumpy.”

“I guess so. Um… do you want me to go see Decimus alone then?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I’ll come with you. After all, we have a few hours to waste.”

Cloaking, Arc follows Scootaloo to the exit. They leave the train car and head for the street only to find a Royal Guard standing at the base of the steps holding a sign that says ‘Scarlet Filly’. Scootaloo calls out to Arc.

“What do we do?”

“Approach him and announce yourself.”

Scootaloo does so. The guard salutes as she approaches.

“Welcome to Canterlot, Scarlet Filly. I’ve been ordered to bring you to my commanding officer as soon as you arrived. If you’d be so kind as to board the chariot, we’ll get underway.”

“Thank you.”

Stepping onto the large platform, Scootaloo sits down on one side to leave enough room for Arc himself to take a seat. The guard motions to the stallions and the chariot begins its trek down the cobblestone street.

“The captain was very surprised to receive your call the other day.”

“Didn’t he think I could do it?”

“Oh, yes. I only meant that your task was completed in what he referred to as record time. He had thought such an undertaking would have taken several months.”

“I’m very efficient. But why all this for me?”

“The captain will explain that personally when you meet.”

A short time later they arrive at the castle. Pulling up to the drawbridge, they disembark and walk inside. Scootaloo is quickly ushered through the corridors. Looking around she spies innumerable guards marching to and fro.

“Something happen?”

“Nothing. The captain is merely being proactive regarding castle security.”

Reaching an office the guard turns to Scootaloo and motions for her to come closer as he lowers his voice.

“Do be quick to conclude your business here, miss. The captain is a very busy stallion with a myriad of other tasks to complete. “

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Nodding, the guard opens the door and steps inside. Turning to the desk, he stops and salutes the stallion going over mountains of paperwork.

“The Scarlet Filly, as ordered, sir.”

“Very good. Leave us.”

The guard backs out of the room and shuts the door behind him as Decimus stands and walks around the desk.

“Welcome back, Scarlet Filly. I trust you have good news for me?”

“That’s debatable. However I have completed the mission set forth in your letter.”

“Very good. Let’s hear it.”

“The so-called rebels you spoke of were not plotting any sort of action against the country. Instead, they were merely victims of a very… ambitions ogre.”

Decimus raises an eyebrow. “An ogre?! That far out?! Are you certain of this?! Could they have been lying?!”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, sir. I saw him personally.”

Decimus grabs the telephone receiver. “I must handle this at once! We can’t very well let…!”

“That will not be necessary.”

“But such a creature must be…!”

“I have already dealt with the ogre in question.”

Decimus appears surprised. “In what way?”

“As per your instructions, I eliminated the problem.”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

“Brute force.”

“Where is he now?!”

“I buried him under a pile of rocks in front of the cave.”

“May I ask why?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “It didn’t seem prudent to leave a dead body lying around.”

Decimus nods soberly. “Very good, Scarlet Filly. I will send scouts to verify the ogre’s existence and defeat, of course. When confirmed I will personally order your payment transferred to the Canterlot Bank. However, it sounds like you’ve taken care of everything over there.”

“Thank you, sir. Maybe now those in that little settlement can live out their lives in peace.”

“Yes, well… I have bigger issues to deal with right now. To be honest, your arrival is well-timed.”

“Oh?”

“Princess Celestia will be making a very important speech this afternoon. You have a role to play in it.”

“What do you need me to do? Work security?”

Decimus shakes his head. “Nothing like that, per say. You may have heard this already, but your name is getting around.”

“Is it now?”

“Oh yes. The Defender of Dodge Junction, Savior of Vanhoover, and soon to be Slayer of Monsters, I’m sure.”

“Not sure how I feel about all that. After all, I didn’t really do THAT much in those places.”

“You’ll find that the common citizens are always in need of a hero to look up to. Somepony they can point to and say ‘they keep us safe’.”

“I suppose that knowledge would help them sleep easier at night. But that doesn’t explain what it is you want me to do.”

“You’re needed as a figurehead of sorts. An icon to allow the citizens to know that peace and order are still being maintained. This speech will be broadcast all over the country and I want you to be a part of it.”

“In what way?”

“I’ve already informed Princess Celestia of your exploits and asked her to talk about you in her speech. She’ll let the whole country know you exist. In addition, she’ll tell everypony what you’ve done thus far, praise your efforts, and give you a medal for all your efforts.”

“Th-thank you, I guess.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Not exactly. I’m just not much for large crowds.”

“Don’t worry about that. The speech will be given from her majesty’s balcony far above the spectators. I’ll see to it there’s a special platform for you to stand on so everypony can see you though.”

“Sounds like you’ve thought of everything, captain.”

“I do try, yes. Now then, all that’s left is for you to accept.”

“I’m not so sure I…”

Arc calls out telepathically. “Do it.”

“…I could pass up such an opportunity. I accept.”

“Wonderful! Now, there’s quite a bit of work for me to do before the tonight’s event, so I’m going to have to get back to it. The guard outside will escort you to one of our finest suites. You’ll have plenty of time to rest, clean yourself up, and make ready for tonight’s affair. But before we part, do you have any questions?”

“No, sir.”

“Good. Now then, I’ll personally come get you when the time is right. Dismissed.”

Nodding, Scootaloo leaves the office. The guard from earlier appears relieved as he motions for her to follow.

“That was a surprise.”

Scootaloo turns to him. “What was?”

“To hear somepony give the captain a report and not hear him yelling constantly.”

“I thought he was going to be upset at one point.”

“Oh, that I heard. How’d you diffuse him?”

“All I did was remind him that I was merely following his orders.”

A short time later they come to a large door. The guard pushes it open to reveal a luxurious room.

“I’m sure you’ll be quite comfortable in our…”

He is cut off as another guard runs over to them and looks down at Scootaloo.

“Scarlet Filly?!”

“Yes?”

“Princess Celestia would like to invite you to breakfast in the Dining Room!”

“She would? When?”

“Right now, miss!”

“I’m not really that hungry…”

Arc calls out to her. “Go ahead. I’ll wait here.”

“…but I suppose I should come anyways.”

“Please follow me.”

The guards lead Scootaloo down the corridors yet again. Soon they come to two large double doors. Several platoons come to attention as they pass. Nodding to the guards on either side of the doors, they push them open and step aside to allow Scootaloo to enter. Before her lies a truly massive room with a long table at which the head is Celestia. Twilight sits on her right side, looking nervous. Seeing their guest, the princess stands and nods cordially.

“Welcome to Canterlot Castle, Scarlet Filly.”

“Thank you, your highness. It’s quite an honor to be here.”

“And it’s quite an honor for me to meet the one whom has been on everypony’s tongue lately.”

She motions to the chair on her left with a hoof.

“Please join us.”

Scootaloo walks over to the chair and sits down. Celestia gestures to the mare next to her.

“This is my personal student, Twilight Sparkle.”

“H-hello.”

Scootaloo nods. “A pleasure, miss.”

Arc muses to himself as he calls out to Scootaloo telepathically. “Twilight Sparkle?”

“You’ve heard of her, Big Brother?”

“Yeah. Somehow. Let’s just play this by ear though.”

Celestia smiles at the filly. “We have a few minutes before the food is ready. Might I ask you a few questions?”

“Certainly, your highness.”

“Word of your exploits has reached us here in Canterlot. But I wanted to ask you personally if everything they say about you is true.”

“I’m not sure what it is they’re saying, your majesty, as I’ve been in the wilderness for some time now.”

Twilight clears her throat before speaking. “We’ve heard that you rescued two fillies whom were kidnapped by a gang of thugs.”

“That is true. They were being guarded by half a dozen stallions in a cave near the town.”

Celestia appears concerned. “How did you save them?”

“The only way I could think of. By killing their captors.”

Twilight gasps. ”Wasn’t that going a bit far?!”

“No. Their ultimatum was for me to personally turn myself over to them in exchange for the fillies. They stated that if I did not, they would have killed their hostages. In that moment they sealed their fates.”

Celestia turns to the mare. “It may sound cruel to you, Twilight, but sometimes justice can only be found at the tip of a blade.”

“Yes, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia continues. “It’s also said that you took down a gang of a hundred vigilantes alone while defending a prison train bound for Canterlot.”

“That I did.”

Twilight frowns. “Might we know how? After all, a filly wouldn’t normally be capable of such extraordinary feats.”

“It was simple really. I just caused a bit of infighting between the stallions. Before they knew what was going on, a full-on brawl was underway.”

“Couldn’t a more peaceful solution have been reached?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Not that I could see, no.”

“There isn’t always a non-violent solution to every problem, Twilight.”

“That and I’m just one filly.”

Celestia turns back to her. “Are you?”

“Your majesty?”

“I do admit, you appear to be a filly, yes. However, it is difficult to believe one so small would be capable of accomplishing so much.”

Twilight hisses. “Princess!”

“No, Miss Twilight. Your teacher is right to question that.”

She turns back to Celestia.

“While I may be a filly, that is not all I am.”

“Explain.”

“It’s difficult to put into words, but I had certain… abilities bestowed upon me to enhance my otherwise frail form. While I really am a filly, both in mind and body, I’m also more than that.”

Twilight frowns. “I don’t understand.”

Celestia nods. “Yes, I can indeed sense your… power.”

“Will that be a problem?”

“No. After all, you’ve proven yourself to be a capable individual as well as exhibiting a desire and willingness to do that which is right. It would be pointless for me to take action against one whom has thus far only used their dark powers for good.”

Twilight gasps. “Dark powers?!

Celestia nods. “You’ve had little exposure to Dark Magic, Twilight. I’m not surprised you can’t sense them.”

“But Dark Magic is a bad thing!”

Celestia frowns. “Is it?”

Twilight nods fervently. “Yes! King Sombra, The Dark One, Tempest, and any number of villains in the history books used it!”

“Those individuals are, or were, certainly threats. However, it was not their power that made them so.”

“What else could have…?!”

“They made choices of their own free will to act as they did. Their Dark Power was merely a tool used to achieve their goals.”

Scootaloo nods. “There are bad mares and stallions in this world, yes. However, we shouldn’t shift the blame to their powers. After all, they were the ones whom made their own choices.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes, well… I only see their Dark Magic as the common denominator.”

Celestia sighs. “There was another, Twilight.”

“Oh?”

“Each of them chose to sacrifice others to attain their own goals.”

She gestures to Scootaloo before continuing.

“However, this filly has done nothing but help others since arriving on the country’s stage. We would do well not to dismiss them due to their powers.”

“Yes, Princess Celestia.”

A number of Hoof Maidens enter the room and serve them breakfast before returning to the kitchen. Scootaloo eats carefully in order not to dirty her robe.

“Please forgive my student. She’s a bit… overprotective of me.”

Twilight groans. “Considering what happened to you, the caution is warranted.”

“I suppose it is, Twilight. But one can’t live in constant fear their entire lives.”

Scootaloo nods. “That’s understandable, your highness. Honestly, I agree with Miss Twilight.”

Twilight appears surprised. “You do?”

“Yes. Princess Celestia is a very important mare. And should any harm befall her it would be catastrophic to this land. That’s why Captain Decimus has asked me to stand by your side this evening during the speech.”

Twilight gasps. “He has?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. Did he also mention the other reason?”

“The captain did say something about a medal.”

Twilight frowns. “What for?”

“Rounding up the gang terrorizing Dodge Junction and finding the cause of a sickness affecting Vanhoover’s foal population.”

“I’ve also just returned from what was thought to be an unmarked rebel town to the northeast.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Have you now? What did you find?”

“I’m sure it’ll be in the report Captain Decimus will be filing, but I discovered that the ponies there weren’t rebels at all. In fact, they were themselves being oppressed by a rogue ogre.”

Celestia frowns. “An ogre, you say.”

“Yes. Sadly I was forced to kill him.”

Twilight narrows her eyes. “What was his crime?”

“Using the energy of the ponies in the nearby town to sustain his own life.”

Twilight gasps. “HOW?!”

“By using dark powers to drain their lifeforce. Captain Decimus is sending scouts now to verify my claims.”

“Very interesting. Ogres haven’t been seen in many years.”

Twilight turns to Celestia. “There was one in Ponyville not that long ago, princess.”

“Oh?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. He was attending a peace summit hosted nearby. Hero of Light Arc organized it on behalf of your sister.”

Celestia frowns. “Luna. She must’ve been manipulated into allowing it.”

“With all due respect, it did go fairly well.”

“Did it?”

“Well… there was a bit of a battle at the end, but…”

Celestia grits her teeth. “Then I am glad it failed. We can’t be responsible for the degradation of diplomatic relations regarding the neighboring countries.”

“If you could have been there, I’m sure you would have agreed that everything was done with the best of intentions. Both Princess Luna and Cadance agreed to make him the Hero of Light, after all.”

“I do understand that, Twilight. However, I’ve seen first hoof just how cunning and manipulative humans can be. This one must’ve had both of them along with you and your friends completely under their power.”

Scootaloo frowns. “A frightening thought.”

Twilight sighs. “Nonetheless, I do wish you could have met him.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “If Captain Decimus is correct, I may yet.”

“I do hope he’s alive and well.”

Scootaloo calls out telepathically. “She sounds like she really does know you, Big Brother.”

“Yeah. And I’m sure I know her too.”

“Should I say something?”

“No. Princess Celestia would just attack me on sight.”

Celestia continues. “In any case, we cannot allow this rogue human to take our focus off the true objective. The safety and security of our citizens.”

She turns to Scootaloo.

“I’m hoping I can count on you to help keep this land safe.”

“Yes, your highness.”

They finish their food and stand up. The guards escort Scootaloo back to her room as Celestia turns to Twilight.

“Now then… can I also count on you to do what is needed, Twilight?”

“Yes, Princess Celestia. I’m ready to help you in any way I can.”

“While that is admirable, there is a higher priority than I.”

“There is?”

Celestia nods as they walk down the corridor surrounded by guards. “Yes. Our nation as a whole.”

Meanwhile, Scootaloo returns to the room and shuts the door. Arc sits on the bed and holds his head in his hands.

“Big Brother?”

“I… I should’ve gone with you.”

“Why’s that?”

While I did see Twilight Sparkle through your eyes, I feel as if it would have helped to see her face to face.”

“But Princess Celestia would have sensed you!”

“I know. However, her student may have been able to help me figure this mess out.”

“Don’t worry about that. As soon as we finish that potion you’ll have all the answers you want.”

“Assuming it works, you mean.”

“I guess.”

“What do you think will happen if it fails?”

“Generally potions that aren’t compatible with an individual don’t do anything. You’ll be okay. Just try to have hope.”

“Yeah. It’s really all I have left.”

Later that day, as the sun begins to set, there is a knock at the door. Scootaloo walks over to it as Arc cloaks. Opening the door she spots Captain Decimus waiting for her in the corridor.

“Is it already time?”

“Actually, no. I just wanted to talk to you in private.”

“Oh… well… won’t you come in?”

Steeping aside, Decimus enters and walks over to the balcony door. He gestures to the city below as Scootaloo walks over to him.

“Tell me, Scarlet Filly… what do you see?”

“The city of Canterlot.”

“Yes indeed. But it’s so much more than that. It’s the culmination of centuries of planning, building, and expanding. A few of the structures here at the city’s center are the originals. Including the castle itself.”

“Interesting. How have they stayed standing so long?”

“Those whom engineered them looked to the future and did their best to plan for whatever disaster might befall them.”

He turns and looks down at Scootaloo.

“Much like we do now.”

“What do you mean, sir?”

“The city itself is built, yes. However, we must always be fortifying it… watching it… protecting it.”

“From what?”

“Whatever may come. It may be an enemy army. Perhaps a domestic attack. But whatever happens, this city and castle MUST remain standing at any cost!”

Decimus puts his hoof on the glass as he continues.

“Should this city or its monarch fall, the effects would be felt all throughout the kingdom, if not the world.”

“Why are you telling me all of this?”

“Because I sense in you great power. The ability to do amazing things for the betterment of everypony.”

“But I’m only a filly.”

“A filly, yes. But a filly whom has already proven themselves to be a great asset. If you are this efficient and dependable now, I look forward to see what you can do as a fully grown mare.”

“I suppose time will tell.”

“Yes, indeed. But you would do well to cultivate your power now while you are young.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re exuding dark energy like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I know somepony whom could teach you how to manipulate your power if you’re interested.”

Arc calls out telepathically. “Make an excuse and be vague about it.”

“Thank you. But I’m kinda in the middle of another mission for somepony.”

“Oh?”

“They’ve hired me to acquire some hard to find reagents for their alchemical research.”

Decimus smiles at her. “I understand. But when you finish that, I would recommend returning here for training.”

“I’ll… consider it.”

“You like to work hard just like somepony I knew a long time ago. But it’s not good to always be working.”

“Well, I like to stay busy.”

“That’s fine. But you should find a way of unwinding. Let me show you.”

Motioning for Scootaloo to follow him, Decimus leads her down the corridor to another room. It is filled with all manner of different plants.

“What is all this?”

“My way of unwinding. I’ve always enjoyed botany, so I keep a bit of a greenhouse here. It’s nice to come here and work after hours. Relaxing, and I’m still accomplishing something important to me.”

Scootaloo points with a hoof. “Is that fluxroot?”

Decimus nods, clearly impressed. “Why yes, it is. Are you an herbalist as well?”

“My mother was an apothecary… before she died.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“She passed on a lot of what she knew, so I guess you could say that I’m above average in my plant knowledge.”

“Most of these plants are fairly rare, so I’m surprised anypony would recognize them.”

Scootaloo looks around and points with a hoof as she speaks.

“Fjord Raspberry, Bleeding Betty, Pygmy Rock Fern, Blessed Holly, Canis Clove…”

“Very impressive! Your mother taught you well! Tell me, are there any plants here that would help you finish your other mission faster?”

“Probably not, but let’s see.”

Walking up and down the rows of plants under their grow lights, Scootaloo eventually stops in front of a single pot.

“Would this be Poison Joke by any chance?”

Decimus nods. “It is.”

“Might I have some of its pollen?”

“If you really need it, yes. But be careful, as the effects can be… unexpected at the very best. How much do you need?”

“Just a dash.”

“One moment.”

Grabbing a pair of gloves and an envelope, Decimus carefully bends a stem. Tapping it gently the pollen falls into the envelop. Sealing it, the captain gives it to Scootaloo.

“There you are.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Let’s drop that off back at your room and head over to the princess’ quarters, shall we?”

Nodding, Scootaloo follows Decimus out the door and back the way they came. After putting the envelope in her saddlebags they head to Celestia’s room. The guards on duty part to allow them entrance. Walking over to Celestia, Decimus salutes.

“We’re here, your highness.”

“Very good. Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage tells me we should be ready to start in just a little while.”

She turns to Scootaloo.

“Now then, all you need to do is stand on my left and wait for me to give you your award. Do you have any questions?”

“No, princess.”

“Good.”

A short time later the sergeant enters the room and walks over to Celestia.

“We’re ready, your highness.”

“Are the transmitters running?”

“Yes. Everypony will be able to pick this up.”

“Good. I don’t want a single subject to miss this.”

She walks toward the balcony as Decimus and Scootaloo follow. Arc calls out to her.

“You okay over there, Scootaloo?”

“I guess. Where are you?”

“Watching from our room’s balcony.”

“Um… how many ponies are out there?”

“All of them.”

“What does that mean?”

“You’ll find out.”

Scootaloo steps out onto the balcony with Celestia and Decimus to the din of hooves clapping and voices chanting. As they reach the edge she gasps as the streets are filled with innumerable ponies. Celestia waves as the citizens continue cheering. Eventually she motions for silence.

“Good evening my little ponies. Today is a grand day for us all, and I have several announcements to make. First, I would like to take this opportunity to honor a young filly whom, against all odds, has saved dozens of fillies from a deadly illness as well as brought over a hundred criminals to justice.”

She motions to Scootaloo. Stepping onto the platform, she gazes out at the throng.

“This is the Scarlet Filly! An ally to good and defender of the righteous path! May we all aspire to follow her lead!”

They cheer as Sandstorm Mirage steps forward with a small case. Celestia picks up the medal with her magic and drapes it around the filly’s neck.

“May your future deeds be numerous, Scarlet Filly.”

Scootaloo nods and looks to the sergeant. He motions for her to step down. Walking over to him, he smiles at her.

“Good work!”

“Thanks. Um… should I go now?”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “No. Just step to the side so that everypony still knows you’re here.”

“Okay.”

As Scootaloo does so, Celestia again addresses the crowd.

“I now have the honor of bestowing yet another great honor! Captain Decimus has served as a protector of this land since he took over for his father many years ago! Never once did he waver in his diligence to duty!”

Sandstorm Mirage steps forward with an item which he presents to Celestia as he kneels. Picking it up with her magic she turns to the captain as he too kneels.

“Captain! As the ruling monarch of Equestria, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Hero of Light! May you use your new authority to protect us all from harm and bring about peace to the land!”

Decimus takes the Crest of Light and puts it on his armor. It magically affixes itself to the metal as another round of applause rings out.

“Thank you for this great honor, Princess Celestia. I promise to use this new position to root out those whom would endanger our country and its ideals.”

“I am certain that you will.”

Bowing, Decimus steps back as Celestia smiles and clears her throat.

“Lastly, I would like to address the rumors of my sister’s departure. Princess Luna is currently away on personal business and may be for some time. However, with Princess Cadance ruling the Crystal Empire, I’ve seen fit to bring on somepony to help me in my royal duties.”

She turns and motions for someone behind them to step forward. The sound of hoofsteps approaching can be heard as Celestia continues.

“We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion. My most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, has done many extraordinary things since she moved to Ponyville. She has learned about the power of friendship, been the driving force behind uniting the Element Bearers, and even surprised me with what a small group of dedicated friends can accomplish.”

She pauses and looks around with a smile before continuing.

“Fillies and gentlecolts! May I present to you, for the very first time… PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!!”

Twilight sheepishly steps forward, her new lavender colored wings spread wide. She stands there in her new gown specially tailored for her new body as Spike enters behind her carrying a crown. It's design is clearly based on the Element of Magic resting on a velvet pillow. Celestia picks it up and carefully places it upon her student’s head as the crowd roars in celebration. Waving nervously, Twilight turns to Celestia.

“Wha-what do I do now?”

“Address them.”

Celestia steps back as Twilight takes her place. Waiting for the cheers to subside, she eventually speaks.

“A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship. Which was something I didn’t really care much about. But now… on a day like today… I can honestly say… that I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for the friendships I made with those I met there. Each one of them taught me something about friendship. And for that I will always be grateful. Today I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria!”

The crowd cheers. Decimus nods as the new monarch continues to smile and wave her hoof.

“Everything is coming together very nicely.”

Preface - Volume 34 - The Final Reagent

In our previous volume, Arc and Scootaloo fled the city of Canterlot together. Following the forest to the west, Arc lays out their route through the northern mountain pass, around Tall Tale, and along the western coast to Vanhoover. That night Twilight enters the Lunar Realm and tells Luna all that has happened. Agreeing to say nothing to Celestia about Arc, she reaffirms her commitment to Luna regarding the nation as a whole. The next morning Twilight visits her friends in their suite. Informing them of the complicated nature of their plan, she asks everyone to return home and let her deal with the matter at hand. They agree to do so.

As Twilight awakens the next morning, she spies Celestia attempting to get up. Rising with her, Twilight watches her raise the sun albeit with great difficulty. The pair head to the bathroom where Twilight bathes her old friend before brushing her mane and eating breakfast together. Celestia hints at Twilight having a stallionfriend and encourages her to speak to her on the matter. Without telling her friend of Arc’s name or species she describes him accurately and completely. Approving of him, Celestia expresses her desire to meet with Arc when he returns one day. As the conversation shifts, Celestia informs Twilight that Decimus is hunting an errant human down whom has done many heinous things against the nation and it’s inhabitants. When Twilight suggests that she speak to him, Celestia announces that she looks forward to listening to his last words before execution. Later that night Twilight informs Luna of her sister’s plans. Luna tells her of her own plans to stay in hiding until either Arc returns of Celestia comes to her senses.

Many weeks later Arc and Scootaloo arrive in Vanhoover. Locating the New Beginnings Orphanage, Arc tells Scootaloo to walk up the steps and knock. When her pounding elicits no response they hop the fence to look for another way in. Scootaloo approaches Arc as he tries windows and shows him a large hole in the building’s wall. Entering, Arc remembers his battle with Tempest but not the why behind it. Looking around, they see the tell-tale signs of abandonment. As they look around the empty dormitory Arc agrees to take Scootaloo with him. Leaving the building, they return to the town square and look over the Writ Board. Spotting a job searching for reagents they agree to look into it in the morning. Heading for the Inn, they get a room and head for the shower together.

The next day the pair head for the apothecary’s shop. Entering, they elderly stallion behind the counter believes Scootaloo to be a sick foal. Explaining that she’s only there to answer his writ, he gives her a list of herbs he needs and sends the filly on her way. Scootaloo and Arc find the reagents in the woods around town and return that evening. Impressed by her work, the apothecary pays her and gives her more information on the sickness afflicting the foals of the town. Arc sends Scootaloo back to the Inn before heading to the hospital to see the foals for himself. Examining them with Scootaloo’s remote help, he accidently goes to far and awakens a foal. Making his escape, Arc return to the Inn and showers. Talking with Scootaloo about his findings, she agrees that the illness is indeed real. However she is unable to narrow down any particular cause or treatment methods.

Returning to the shop again, they ask if the stallion has had any luck coming up with a cure. Shaking his head, he admits that he has been unsuccessful. Scootaloo suggests several of her theories from the other day. While the apothecary believes them to be plausible, it brings them no closer to a solution. Leaving their room at the Inn that night, the pair are about to go exploring when they hear a sound. Cloaking, the see the elderly apothecary meet up with a shady looking stallion. After checking his goods, the stallion takes the entire bag and heads back to his shop. Scootaloo follows him as Arc does the same for the shady stallion. As he follow the stallion, he breaks into a run and escapes. Rejoining Scootaloo at the shop they wait for the apothecary to leave for the evening. Following him home, they break in and steal the reagents. Taking them back to the Inn, they go over them together. Scootaloo informs Arc that they could be used with the ones in the shop to cure pretty much anything… or make any poison. After returning the satchel to its rightful place, they enter the shop and mix up a simple cold remedy. Entering the hospital, they mesmerize a nurse and have her test the medicine before giving it to a sick foal. Their work completed, the pair head back to the Inn and get some sleep.

As the apothecary opens the shop for the day he finds Scootaloo waiting for him. Offering to help, he tasks her with the job of bringing the daily treatment to the hospital. Stopping to examine the contents of the box, Scootaloo is confused by the sight of the medicine. While it smells and tastes as it should, she also detects something else within the vials. Taking them to the hospital as ordered, she turns them over to the nurse on duty. Arc stealthily watches as the box is taken to the lab for testing. Watching the readouts, they see several red lines of text come up. Following the nurse to the Foal Ward, Arc witnesses her and others giving the foals their medicine. He also notices that the foal from the other night appears no better than she did before. Heading back to the apothecary, Arc sneaks into the back room to look over the supplies there. Scootaloo confirms that he has nothing out of the ordinary. That night Arc swipes the satchel of reagents from the shop, forcing the apothecary to order new ones from his shadowy accomplice. Flying overhead, Scootaloo watches the deal go down before following the mysterious stallion. Approaching him at the edge of a cliff, she calls out. As soon as the stallion spots her, he calls out angrily as he identifies her as a Crimson. Flying after her, she hurries toward the apothecary’s shop where Arc lies in wait. Grabbing the stallion as he flies by, Arc throws him through a window before smashing a flask on his head. The guards and townsponies come running. Scootaloo tells them what happened as the apothecary enters the shop. After hearing Scootaloo’s story they search his bags only to find several illegal reagents. As they take him into custody, the stallion get up and flees. Going after him with a guard, Scootaloo loses her quarry and heads back to town. They find the city in an uproar as the citizens take sides either for or against the apothecary. Meanwhile the shrub Scootaloo flew into earlier turns back into the stallion as a female voice rings out. Identifying it as the Dark Lady, he reports the actions of the light before being ordered to get rid of the Scarlet Filly once and for all.

Heading to the station, Scootaloo is able to convince the stallion in charge to allow her to see the now imprisoned apothecary. Interviewing him, she learns that the stallion she was chased by was indeed the apothecary’s supplier. A wildcrafter and businesspony, the apothecary used his reagents to greatly empower his treatments in an effort to cure the foals. Telling Scootaloo where he lived, she and Arc head back to the cliffside. Holding onto Scootaloo, Arc is flown into a cave on the face of the cliff. Finding a room filled with reagents, they look up to see a green pod hanging from the ceiling. Flying up to it, Scootaloo suddenly finds herself sucked inside. Arc throws a knife to cut it down before slicing the pod open to free his friend.

Continuing down the corridor, they come to a large room filled with numerous pods. Slicing them open the pair find them filled with ponies. As they regain consciousness Scootaloo encourages them and flies back to Vanhoover to get help. Convincing the skeptical guard at the station of her need for aid, he sends her back to the cave with two guards. Flying down to the mouth of the cavern they are surprised to find her story to be true. As they prepare to leave another guard appears at the mouth of the cave. Revealing himself to be an imposter, he sacrifices himself by collapsing the entrance. Before dying he announces the victory of the Dark Lady. Scootaloo sends the others away to search the cave for another way out. Discovering that Arc has some non-Crimson magic, Scootaloo convinces him to push the rubble out into the ocean which he does with gusto as everyone looks on. Returning to town with the other ponies, they are stopped by a guard captain whom orders them arrested as imposters. Fortunately the real captain was among them and exposed the fake by showing everyone the color of his blood. Heading to the hospital, they find everyone with them is a real pony. Calling the station for reinforcements, the captain orders the imposters rounded up as Scootaloo leaves. As she and Arc enter their room at the Inn they are met by the apothecary’s supplier. Telling her their entire plan, he transforms into a massive wolf to kill Scootaloo. Arc decloaks and stops him. Knowing he cannot beat the Hero of Light, the wolf begs for mercy. Responding by giving him a quick death, Arc and Scootaloo leave to tell the guards about the dead changeling lying outside the Inn.

The next morning the pair return to the apothecary’s shop. Finding the rescued captain there as well, he tells them of the roundup of all the masquerading changelings. The apothecary informs them of the slight improvement of the foals now that they’re not being poisoned by changeling nurses. Telling Scootaloo of a reward and letter from Canterlot, the captain takes her back to his office to retrieve both. Voicing his concern about Arc’s wanted level, Scootaloo leaves and returns to their room to read the letter with Arc. In it, Decimus asks her to investigate an unauthorized town of potential rebels. Returning to the apothecary’s shop, she asks him about a potion to restore lost memories. An old book tells of one made with very hard to find reagents. Arc agrees to head to the town in Decimus’ letter after they take the train to the Crystal Empire for a crystal vial.

Weeks later they arrive at the settlement indicated on Decimus’ map. Removing her cloak, Scootaloo attempts to speak to the citizens, but fails. Approaching the mayor’s house, she tells the mare that her parents abandoned her in the woods while they fled from the law. Inviting her inside, the mare gives her some moldy bread and water before putting her to bed. Waking Scootaloo, she tells her to follow her on a supply trip. Arriving at a cave they enter together. As the mayor calls out, a misty figure materializes. Revealing himself to be an ogre, he decloaks Arc and the pair lock horns. Being defeated, Arc offers to forget about the whole matter if the ogre leaves the townsponies along. As he turns to leave however the ogre pins him to the wall with a huge boulder and again goes after Scootaloo. In an effort to help her, the mayor uses her magic to swing a branch at the ogre.

Retaliating, the ogre holds up a large rock. The mayor runs to stand in front of the boulder holding Arc to the wall. Dodging the attack, it hits the boulder, helping Arc escape. The mayor takes a blow to the head from the shrapnel and collapses. Arc lunges toward the ogre and, doing as he witnessed earlier, begins draining him for a time. Pulling back the ogre’s hood, he watches as he turns back to normal. Collapsing, the ogre dies. Arc takes some of his blood before he and Scootaloo return to town with the mayor. Making sure she’s alright, they inform her of the ogre’s death and leave the town. They mayor rallies the citizens to start anew to build a town built on freedom and equality as she swears to make it a reality. So says Sunset Shimmer. Arc and Scootaloo return to the ogre’s cave to look for anything useful. Finding an old journal, they discover that he originally was a good and noble ogre. However years of study and cultivation of his powers had left him with no choice but to feed on others. Discovering how to go into a mist form, the pair wait for night to fall and follow the breeze to the town of Hollow Shades where they plan to catch a train to Canterlot.

Arriving in Canterlot a couple days later, a guard meets them at the train station. Escorting Scootaloo to the castle to see Captain Decimus, she reports the success of her mission. Sending scouts to verify her claims, Decimus asks her to stay for a special ceremony being held later that evening. As the filly is being escorted to a suite, a guard hurries over to her to relay an invitation to breakfast from Princess Celestia herself. Accepting, she is escorted to the Dining Room where the princess and Twilight are waiting for them. After questioning Scootaloo about her recent exploits Celestia approves of them while Twilight has her reservation. Later that day before the ceremony Decimus speaks with the Scarlet Filly regarding her future. Offering to introduce her to someone whom can help train dark powers, he leaves it as an open invitation. Finding that she needs certain reagents for a potion, Decimus shares some Poison Joke pollen with her before they head to the ceremony. As the entire city watches, Scootaloo is presented with a medal from Celestia as Decimus is appointed as the new Hero of Light. Lastly, Celestia announces the coronation of a brand new monarch… Princess Twilight Sparkle.

However, many questions remain unanswered. What IS Luna’s plan? Will Celestia really try to execute Arc? What is the apothecary up to? And his accomplice… what was his angle? Who is this Dark Lady really? What the heck are those pods DOING there?! Why would Decimus care about a supposed rebellious town? Will Starlight Glimmer follow the same path as she did in the show? Why did Celestia appoint Decimus as the new Hero of Light?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Choo-Choo

As night falls, Arc and Scootaloo walk down a cobblestone road together toward the train station. Mares and stallions celebrate all around them as the entire city appears to be alive. Scootaloo looks around.

“Looks like everypony liked the speech.”

Arc seethes. “Yeah!”

“Big Brother?”

“Celestia, she… she REPLACED ME!”

“What are you…?”

“Remember what that captain we rescued said back in Vanhoover?! I’m Hero of Light Arc! And she just gave away my position to HIM!”

Scootaloo shrugs. “He doesn’t really seem like all that bad a stallion.”

“Decimus… I must’ve been fighting him for a reason back then!”

“It sounds like an important job. Somepony needs to be doing it, right?”

“Maybe. But they could have at least verified my death first, or something!”

Scootaloo sighs. “Then they’d know for sure you were alive and be actively hunting you. Trust me when I say that this is a good thing.”

Arc grunts. “I suppose it is. But it just really bothers me that everyone just so casually cast me aside.”

“What about the new princess? Maybe she could help you.”

“While I do have fragments of memories with her in them, I’m not sure that’s the way to go about this.”

“Well, we have to get to the Dragon Lands somehow.”

“I know. But we don’t really have anyone to turn to in that regard.”

“Maybe we should call it a night? We could sleep on the problem and take a look at it again in the morning.”

“I don’t really see how that would…”

Scootaloo suddenly stops and points ahead of them.

“That might be our solution!”

Arc looks to see a shop with a display of dragon scales in its window.

“I wonder if those are real.”

Scootaloo grins. “If they are…!”

“…they must know where to find real dragons! We find the dragons, we find a way to the Dragon Lands!”

Entering the shop, Scootaloo walks up to the clerk on duty.

“Excuse me, ma’am.”

“Can I help you, Scarlet Filly?”

“I hope so.”

She points to the display.

“Can you tell me if those dragon scales are real?”

“Oh yes indeed. We have a supplier that brings them to us from, well… I don’t actually know the exact location they’re taken from.”

“Please, ma’am! It’s very important that I find a dragon!”

The mare sighs. “Very well. The crates that arrive, along with a number of other goods, are marked as coming from Trottingham. If you ask around they might be able to point you in the right direction.”

“Thank you very much!”

Scootaloo trots out the door as Arc falls into step behind her.

“Now all we have to do is take the train to Trottingham!”

Arc grins. “Seems simple enough. Let’s head to the station and see if they have a direct route.”

Stepping onto the platform Scootaloo waits her turn in line. Walking up to the ticket booth she looks at the stallion behind the glass. He speaks in a monotone voice.

“Destination?”

“Trottingham.”

The stallion rolls his eyes.

“Very funny, miss. Now then, where do you really want to go?”

Scootaloo frowns. “I really need to get to Trottingham!”

Looking past Scootaloo the stallion calls out.

“Next!”

A burly stallion pushes past Scootaloo. Stomping away the little filly grits her teeth.

“What’s his problem?!”

“No idea.”

“Where is Trottingham anyway, Big Brother?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know. Let’s find someplace a bit more private and check the map.”

Looking around, Scootaloo spots a storage shed with an open door. Walking toward it she and Arc slip inside. Pulling the map from his backpack, Arc unrolls it and lays it on the floor in front of them. After a couple minutes Scootaloo frowns.

“Where is it?!”

“It’s gotta be on here somewhere.”

Arc groans and points.

“There it is.”

“An island?”

“Looks like.”

“No wonder that stallion thought we were joking.”

Arc sighs. “Well, he still could’ve said something.”

“So I guess now we need a ship to get there.”

“Yeah. Let’s see…”

He looks over the map before continuing.

“It would appear both Baltimare and Manehattan are cities on the coast. One of them would probably have ships that could take us there.”

Scootaloo points a hoof. “Baltimare is closer to Canterlot.”

“Right. But I’m guessing Manehattan would be more likely to take us there as it’s a much shorter boat ride.”

“So what do you want to do?”

“Take the train to Manehattan and see about finding a boat from there.”

“Alright. Back to the ticket booth?”

Arc nods as he rolls up the map. “Back to the ticked booth.”

A short time later Scootaloo again approaches the stallion behind the glass.

“One ticket to Manehattan please. Private room.”

Nodding, the stallion takes her bits and pushes a ticket to her. Stepping aside to look it over, she grins.

“Looks like our train leaves in an hour.”

“Good, that means we can board. And good job remembering to get us a private room.”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes sir! I know what you like!”

“It’s more about not being discovered and having to fight off the other passengers, you know.”

“And it’s more scenic.”

“That too.”

Entering the train, Scootaloo hands her ticket to the uniformed mare. After escorting the filly to the cabin, she bows and leaves. Wasting no time, Scootaloo closes the door and opens the window a few inches. A strange mist flows through it and congregates at the center of the cabin as Arc rematerializes.

“That was MUCH easier!”

“I’ll say. Smuggling you aboard last time was quite the exploit.”

Arc shudders. “Yeah. I had to jump over several ponies to avoid bumping into them in the narrow corridors.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Well no more of that.”

She yawns and rubs her eyes.

“But I’m kinda tired from all the excitement. Think we could turn in early?”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose so. However we’ll miss the nightlife.”

“Yeah, well… we can party another time.”

“It’s fine. I’m not much for such things anyways.”

“Is that because we’re on the run, Big Brother?”

“Maybe. Not actually sure.”

“So you might actually be really sociable?”

“I guess.”

“That’s another thing we’ll figure out when you get your memories back!”

Arc sighs as he sits down on the lower bunk. “Yeah.”

“You’re not looking forward to it?”

“Well, kinda. I mean, I do want to know a few things, yes. It just means leaving this current life behind.”

“What do you mean?”

“No responsibilities other than you and me. Being the Hero of Light sounds like a lot of work.”

“You must’ve liked it to get so upset when somepony else took the job though.”

“I… guess.”

Scootaloo jumps in Arc’s lap and puts a hoof on his shoulder as she looks him in the eye.

“Nopony’s going to make you take the potion when we make it. But do you really want to spend the rest of your life wondering what you left behind?”

“N-no. No I don’t.”

“Then let’s see this through together!”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah. After a good night’s sleep though.”

He flops down on the bunk as Scootaloo looks to him.

“Um… Big Brother?”

“Hm?”

“I was just wondering something.”

“What is it?”

“When you get your memories back… what’s going to happen to me?”

“You’ll come live with me, of course. That is, until we find you a real home.”

“Promise?”

Arc smiles. “Yes. But what’s this all of a sudden?”

“Sorry. I was just a bit worried that you’d leave me.”

“Not a chance.”

Scootaloo grins. “Thanks.”

The pair fall asleep as the train begins its journey east. Late the following evening they pull into Manehattan Station. With a screech of brakes the train stops. Scootaloo peeks through the curtains.

“Looks like we’re here.”

Arc stands up. “Great. Let’s get going.”

“Where to?”

“How about the docks?”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “It’s kinda late for that.”

“I know. But I was kinda hoping to keep this ball rolling.”

“That’s great and all, Big Brother. But if you want to keep us on a normal sleep schedule we should both get some rest now. Maybe there’s an inn nearby.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Disembarking, they step down off the train. All the other passengers have long since walked away, and the pair now stand on an empty platform. Scootaloo gasps.

“This platform is HUGE!”

“I’ll say. Ornate too.”

The sound of hooves approaching them can be heard nearby. Several rough looking stallions walk over.

“Give us your money!”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Why?”

The leader pulls a club. “Because if you don’t, we’ll make dog food outta ya!”

Scootaloo scoffs. “I’d like to see you try!”

“Ha! You’re that Scarlet Filly everypony’s talking about, huh?”

The stallions behind them back away quickly. “S-Scarlet Filly?!”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah!”

The leader turns back to his thugs. “I ain’t afraid of her!”

He looks over his shoulder to Scootaloo with a wicked smile.

“I could take this loser!”

Charging at her, the thug attempts to hoof her in the face. Scootaloo drops to the floor as she swings a small hoof. Arc steps forward and knocks the stallion’s legs out from under him, forcing him to the ground. Stepping forward together they approach the rest of the gang. All of them run away except for one.

“You!”

Swinging a club at her, Arc catches it before it hits Scootaloo’s head. She turns and bucks the stallion in the face as Arc throws him across the platform with a Telekinesis Spell to land in a heap. The leader slowly gets up.

“Oi, you’re gonna get it now!”

Charging forward, Scootaloo does the same with Arc. As the stallion and filly meet head to head Scootaloo jumps onto his face as Arc grabs him by the throat. Using Scootaloo’s momentum, he slams the stallion backwards into the pavement. The little filly hops off and walks away as the thug moans on the ground.

“Ugh… pretty tough… after all.”

Scootaloo stops and turns around. The leader weakly tries to get away as she walks toward him, but fails.

“I have a question.”

“Wha-what is it?!”

“I need to get to Trottingham. How would I find a boat to take me there?”

“It… you want the East Docks in the Warehouse District!”

“They have a passenger ship?”

“No, no! Cargo only!”

Scootaloo raises her hoof angrily. “Well, how does that help me?!”

“It’s the only way to Trottingham! That ship ferries miners to and from the island along with the stuff they buy and sell!”

“You still haven’t told me how…!”

“A shopkeeper or somepony important might need a courier for their goods! You could get a pass that way!”

Scootaloo smiles. “Thank you. You’ve been most helpful.”

The little filly turns and walks away, leaving the gang members to help their leader. Stepping out onto the street the pair look around.

“I thought Canterlot was bustling! But this place is just over the top thriving!”

Arc nods. “Yeah! Even though the sun has set everyone’s still running around like it’s daytime!”

“You still want to find the inn?”

“A place this big must have a number of them. But the ones around here look like they’d cost more than we’d ever have.”

“What should we do then?”

“There has to be something a bit less… luxurious around here somewhere. Let’s just start walking and see what we find.”

“Fine. But which way?”

“How about toward the Eastern Docks that punk told us about?”

“But it’s got to be closed this time of night.”

“True. But if it’s an industrialized area that means the rent would be cheaper.”

Scootaloo frowns. “That doesn’t sound very safe to me.”

“We wouldn’t go all the way there. Just far enough to get away from this red light district.”

Scootaloo points to a stallion pulling a yellow carriage with white and black checkered stripes.

“Maybe they could take us there.”

“I guess that would beat walking.”

“Do we have enough bits?”

“Yeah. Plenty.”

Scootaloo grins as she walks over to an empty taxi. “This is gonna be fun!”

As she hops aboard Arc grabs onto the back of the carriage. The stallion ‘driver’ turns to her.

“Where to?”

“Um…”

Arc calls out to her telepathically. “Have him take us to an inn somewhere close to the Eastern Docks.”

“I need a cheap place to stay that’s in the area of the Eastern Docks.”

Nodding, the stallion begins trotting. Looking around, Scootaloo marvels at the massive buildings all around her as she calls out to Arc.

“These houses and shops are WAY bigger than the ones we’ve seen elsewhere, Big Brother!”

“I’m guessing they’re the biggest in the land.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I can’t imagine anything could be bigger. But I do wonder how ponies could construct things like this with only hooves.”

“Magic and hooves working together maybe?”

“Probably. It’d be really cool to see how they do it though.”

“Should I ask the driver?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Another time.”

Quite a long ride later they come to a somewhat run-down inn. The stallion turns to Scootaloo

“How’s this?”

Arc calls out to her. “It’ll do.”

“Just fine, thanks.”

Hopping down, she drops a bag of bits on the seat and heads into the guesthouse. A dimly lit lobby greets her with the smell of old furniture and mold. Scootaloo again calls out to Arc.

“You sure you want to stay here?”

“Not really. But it’s only for a day or so, right?”

“I hope so.”

Walking up to the front desk, Scootaloo taps a small bell that doesn’t appear to actually work. Knocking her hoof on the old wood, a mare steps out of the back and looks down at her.

“What is it?”

Scootaloo sets some bits on the counter. “I need a room.”

“Do you now?”

“Y-yes. Is that a problem?”

The mare shrugs as she writes something in a book. “Nah. We don’t ask a lot of questions around here, after all.”

Tossing the filly a key, she points toward the stairs.

“Up there and to the left.”

“Thanks.”

As Scootaloo walks up the stairs the mare shakes her head.

“Runaways… they get younger every year.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo walk down the corridor to their room.

“I don’t see our number.”

Arc points a finger at a door. “That’s probably it.”

“Which one?”

“Oh, right… invisible.”

Kneeling down, Arc puts a hand on Scootaloo’s head and turns it to look at a door. She frowns.

“Are you sure? It doesn’t even have a number on it.”

Arc nods. “Look at the numbers of the rooms on either side of it. “

“213 and 215.”

“We’re 214. This has to be it.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I guess.”

Sliding the key in the lock, Arc pushes the door open. Flicking the light switch illuminates a single bulb overhead. Several cockroaches scatter and the sounds of small claws running away fills the room. Arc sighs.

“Not the best in town, I’d wager.”

“Yeah. But like you said, it’s not long term, right?”

“I sure hope not.”

“Want to take a shower?”

“Probably should.”

Entering the bathroom they turn on the shower and wait. After several minutes the icy cold water begins to run at what can’t even be called lukewarm. Arc hurriedly bathes Scootaloo as her teeth chatter.

“What is wrong with this place?!”

“Probably not enough money for repairs.”

“I think my wings are shrinking!”

Arc chuckles. “They can’t get much smaller in your normal form.”

“Hopefully not!”

Finishing, Scootaloo jumps out of the shower as Arc drapes a towel over her.

“Get dried off while I clean up.”

Scootaloo nods as she shivers. “O-okay.”

She leaves the bathroom quickly. Sighing, Arc removes his undergarments and puts his head under the spigot to wash his hair.

“This is definitely… unpleasant.”

Completing his task as quickly as possible, Arc shuts off the water and dries himself off. Putting on fresh clothes, he leaves the bathroom. Stepping into the room he spies Scootaloo flapping her small wings as fast as she can in an effort to dry her coat.

“Looks like you survived that.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “It was a treacherous endeavor, but I rose above and endured.”

Scootaloo shivers as she giggles. “I wish I didn’t have all this fur right now. Your skin dries so easily!”

Arc shivers as he heads for the bed. “True. But it doesn’t do much for keeping me warm.”

“I guess that’s right. In any case, I’ll be over as soon as I finish over here.”

She flaps her wings even harder to speed the process.

“It’s alright. Just come to bed, Scootaloo.”

“But I’m still a bit damp.”

“So am I. Come on.”

Scootaloo runs toward the bed and hops on as Arc covers them both with a thin blanket. She quickly snuggles up to him and sighs contentedly.

“Warm now?”

“Getting there.”

“Me too.”

“Big Brother?”

“Hm?”

“Thanks.”

“What for?”

“Taking such good care of me.”

Arc smiles. “You’re welcome, Scootaloo.”

The filly yawns and smiles as Arc holds her close.

“Good night, Big Brother. I love you.”

Fragments of memories regarding Dinky saying those exact words fill Arc’s mind. He squeezes his eyes shut and mused to himself.

“I just HAVE to get my memories back! I… I have to know the truth!”

Lightly kissing the top of Scootaloo’s damp head, Arc smiles and falls asleep. Meanwhile, Twilight and Celestia enter a large room prepared just for her. Massive bookshelves line every stitch of wall and a large desk stands proudly in one corner.

“I hope this is to your liking, Twilight.”

Twilight gasps. “Like it? I LOVE IT!!!”

She throws her hooves around Celestia and embraces the alicorn excitedly as she continues.

“I knew you’d feel right at home here. Now then, for security reasons you’ll be doing your work and taking your studies here for the time being.”

“But I thought you were always against mixing personal spaces with administrative work.”

Celestia sighs. “And I still am. However circumstances have forced this compromise. Hopefully the danger will soon pass, and you and I can begin to rule as we should.”

“What about Luna?”

Celestia appears confused. “What about her?”

“She might come back and rule with us too. The same might one day be said of Cadance, right?”

Celestia purses her lips. “That is… unknown. In any case, we need to be ready, able, and willing to rule this nation together. Just the two of us.”

“But…!”

“Now then, it’s been a long day. Please lie down and get some sleep, Twilight.”

“Y-yes, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia giggles. “It’s just ‘Celestia’ to you now. Remember, now that you’re a princess you don’t need to be so formal.”

“I’ll… keep that in mind. Good night, princess.”

Celestia nods and leaves the room. As her guards rejoin and flank her, they escort her to her own room as she mused to herself.

“You’ll get into the swing of things before too long, Twilight. I have faith in you.”

Meanwhile, Twilight sighs as she walks over to her new bed and lies down. Staring up at the ceiling, she closes her eyes and falls asleep. Opening them a moment later she spies the now familiar gazebo. Walking over to it, Twilight sees Luna sitting on her haunches as she stares up at the moon.

“Luna?”

There is no response. Sitting down behind the elder alicorn, Twilight waits patiently for Luna to speak.

“That was… unexpected.”

“Which part?”

“I thought her idea to crown you the Princess of Friendship was just a ruse to lure me back to Canterlot. That’s why I didn’t come to the speech.”

Twilight looks back at her new wings and sighs. “But it wasn’t. I really am an alicorn now, aren’t I?”

Luna nods. “Yes. There’s no falsifying that.”

“This isn’t what I signed up for!”

“Oh?”

“I agreed to stay close to Princess Celestia in order to keep her safe! Not to become a princess!”

“Then why did you agree to it?”

“Because…! Because she was so insistent that another princess was needed by her side to balance her out!”

“And you don’t think that’s true?”

Twilight shakes her head vehemently. “No! She ruled just fine in the years before I met her!”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! Princess Celestia was always so calm and collected! She had everything under control at all times!”

“Are you so certain of that?”

“What do you mean?”

Luna bows her head. “The life of an alicorn princess isn’t all glitz and glamor. It’s also a very… painful experience.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Long hours, little real attention, and the knowledge that nothing but more servitude is in one’s future.”

“But I’ll get to spend it by Princess Celestia’s side!”

Luna turns and looks Twilight over in the moonlight. She steps forward and speaks slowly and clearly.

“This may be hard for you to believe or understand, but… the day will most likely come when you want nothing more than to be free of Celestia and your position.”

“How can you be so sure of that?”

Luna puts a hoof on her shoulder. “Because I’ve been there, Twilight.”

Chapter 2 - The Courier

The next morning Arc and Scootaloo rise, eat a small breakfast from their packs, and leave the Inn. Walking down the street Scootaloo looks around.

“This place never slows down.”

Arc yawns. “Apparently not. At least not from what I heard last night.”

“I was totally out of it. What happened?”

“The sounds outside just never died down like I thought it would.”

“How did that not wake me up?!”

“One of your ears was pressed against my chest. The other one I covered with my hand.”

“Thanks. Um… but where are we going?”

“To find a guard.”

“Why?”

“We need directions.”

Scootaloo frowns. “To the docks? But we don’t have a pass to board a ship.”

“I know. We’re not going there just yet.”

“How about we just sneak aboard then? It’d certainly be easier.”

“Probably. But then we’d have to hide the whole time. No bed, no toilets, no showers, and no food.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Admittedly, that doesn’t sound very good.”

“Right. That’s why we’re going to try to do things the right way first.”

Spotting a guard on a street corner, Arc calls out to Scootaloo.

“There’s one.”

“What’s the plan?”

“Ask him…”

A few moments later Scootaloo walks over to the guard. Looking up at him she calls out.

“Excuse me.”

Looking down, the guard appears bored.

“What is it?”

“I’m looking for the Writ Board. Does Manehattan have one?”

The guard points a hoof as he yawns. “Down the street, take a left, and walk for two blocks. Can’t miss it.”

“Thank you.”

Turning, she walks down the street with Arc following as usual. Soon they reach the Writ Board. Scootaloo gasps.

“This thing is HUGE!”

“Well, it stands to reason a large board would be needed for a large town.”

“But it takes up the whole side of this building!”

Arc shrugs. “Look on the bright side. At least it’s all in one place.”

“I guess. Where should we start?”

“You go to the far end and I’ll start here. We’ll meet in the middle.”

“Okay.”

Setting to work, the pair begin reading. This is especially hard for Arc, as he has to constantly watch out for others whom can’t see him. A short time later Scootaloo pulls down a writ and calls out telepathically.

“I found one that might be a nice fit.”

“What is it?”

“There’s a writ for somepony to bring a custom ordered outfit to Trottingham. All paperwork will be provided at the time of acceptance by the… yada, yada, yada. Says here the customer’s already paid for the garment and has agree to a courier’s fee, so there’s no reason for us to have to come back. I wonder why that’s important?”

“Maybe some whom take care of Writ Boards travel from town to town. It wouldn’t do to have to make a trip back just to get paid.”

“Makes sense. So you want this one?”

“Definitely. Who do we have to go see to get the outfit?”

“Somepony named ‘S.P.’ at this address.”

“Let’s go.”

Hopping into a taxi, the pair give the driver the address and are soon on their way. Scootaloo calls out to Arc.

“So what does a courier do?”

“Takes an item or items from one point to another.”

“Like a delivery pony?”

“Probably. But they usually deal in expensive or one of a kind items. Things you don’t want to trust going through the mail or normal delivery service.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Sounds boring.”

“If we’re lucky it will be.”

Arriving at a large boutique, the pair enter through the main entrance. A bell overhead jingles as a salesmare behind the desk smiles at the filly.

“Um… hello. Are you perhaps lost?”

Scootaloo shakes her head and holds up the writ.

“I’m here to see S.P. about this.”

The mare takes the paper and looks it over before responding.

“It’s not likely she would approve of letting somepony as young as you are be responsible for one of her most expensive works.”

“Could you ask her please? I really, REALLY need to get to Trottingham.”

“Well…”

Arc calls out telepathically. “Give her some bits.”
“How many?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know. Try around ten.”

Reaching into her saddlebags, Scootaloo pulls out a hooffull of bits and sets them on the counter.

“All I want you to do is talk to her and see if she’ll go for it. Nothing more.”

Nodding, the mare takes the bits with a quick sweeping motion.

“Very well. I’ll be right back.”

She disappears into the back room as Scootaloo calls out to Arc.

“That worked.”

“Maybe.”

“Why’d you have me give her bits anyways?”

“Just a little bribe to make her bend the rules a bit and see our point of view.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Not sure how I feel about that.”

“What else could we do? Like you said, we need to get to Trottingham.”

A few minutes later the assistant returns with another mare behind her. She approaches the counter and looks down at Scootaloo.

“And you are…?”

“I’m… the Scarlet Filly.”

The mare appears bored. “The one whom was on the radio the other day?”

Scootaloo nods. “That was me, yes.”

“And I’m supposed to believe you’ve come all the way from Canterlot to accept a lowly courier writ?”

“My business is my own, miss. However, I do need to get to Trottingham as soon as possible.”

The mare rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “Let me see if I have this clear in my mind. You would like me to just give you a garment that costs more than you’ve EVER seen in the hopes that you’ll bring it to one of my most valued clients?!”

“Pretty much.”

“And what assurance do I have that you won’t just abscond with my property?”

“Um… well…”

Arc calls out to her telepathically. “Show her the award.”

Scootaloo opens her saddlebag and pulls out the medal.

“Princess Celestia seems to think I’m trustworthy.”

The mare rolls her eyes as she speaks. “If I recall, she said you were powerful and cunning. There was nothing about trustworthy in there.”

“What can I do to convince you that I can handle this job?!”

Grinning, the mare rubs her hooves together. “How about you do something else for me first?”

“Name it.”

“I need somepony to head to the docks and see what’s holding up a shipment of mine. Get them to bring it here right away.”

“And if I do this you’ll trust me enough to do the courier job?”

“Yes, indeed. Now run along.”

Scootaloo hurries out the door as she chuckles. The salesmare appears nervous.

“Weren’t there reports of gang violence delaying shipments?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Then why send a filly?!”

The mare grins mischievously as she returns to the back room.

“They’ll figure it out soon enough. And as you know… it takes some small-town fillies a while to learn it's everypony for herself in the big city. Now be a good assistant and bring me some coffee, m'kay?”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo head for the docks together.

“This’ll be easy!”

Arc frowns. “I doubt it.”

“What do you mean? It’s an errand. How hard could it be?”

“If it was that simple, she could have just used the telephone on the counter next to her.”

“Wait! Then why are we doing this?!”

“To prove ourselves.”

Arriving at the docks they spot a small office. Entering, they approach the clerk and inquire about the shipment.

“We’re terribly sorry about the delay. But you see, some rather nasty stallions have taken to accosting our dock workers. “

Scootaloo frowns. “So why don’t you call the guards?”

“They just hide when the guards show up. But as soon as they leave…”

“Rinse and repeat, huh?”

“You got it. We’re pulling our employees back until they can be dealt with. When enough shipments fall behind the shopkeepers will complain and THEN things will get done.”

Scootaloo groans. “How long do you think it will take to get to that point?”

The clerks shrugs. “Probably a couple more weeks. This happens off and on.”

“Well, I don’t have time to wait that long!”

“Sorry. Not really sure what else I can tell you.”

Scootaloo grins. “How about where the shipment I’m looking for is?”

A few minutes later Scootaloo leaves the building and heads toward a warehouse. A group of stallions are rummaging through various crates. One of them looks up and spots Scootaloo.

“Boss! It’s that filly from the other day!”

The leader hops down with a dozen stallions behind him.

“What do YOU want?!”

“I’m looking for a shipment of good destined for one of the shop owners.”

The leader gestures mockingly to the door of the warehouse. “Oh, sure. It’s in there somewhere.”

“Thank you. Now then, if all of you would be so kind as to clean up this mess…”

The gang laughs throatily as Scootaloo waits patiently for them to finish. Eventually the leader turns back to her.

“Look here, missy! We don’t take orders from fillies. Now then, the guys and I have been itching for some payback for what we took from you the other day. So if you don’t want to get hurt too badly, I suggest you just stand there and take a few blows to even things out.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “You know what, I have a better idea. How about we all head into the warehouse, find the crates I’m looking for, and you and your gang can carry them to the shop for me.”

The leader appears confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You do that for me, and I’ll call us even.”

Laughing, the leader eventually looks back to Scootaloo. “Are you insane?! There are twelve of us, and one of you! What do you have to say about THAT?!”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “Do you want to call for reinforcements?”

“GET HER!!!”

About an hour later the door to the shop opens and Scootaloo enters. She looks to the salesmare.

“I have your shipment outside. Can you take a look at it?”

“Do you? Well, I don’t know how you did it, but I’ll get my boss right away.”

Disappearing into the back room she returns with the mare from before. She looks to Scootaloo, skeptically.

“Now then, what’s this I hear about you having my shipment?”

“I was able to retrieve it, yes.”

The mare laughs haughtily. “Were you, now? Well then, where is it?”

“Just outside. Please follow me.”

Leading the mares out the door she points a hoof. Standing there, with crates on their backs, are the gang members from before. Scootaloo motions for them to proceed.

“Come on, let’s get this stuff inside.”

The stallions limp through the door and carefully set the crates down before walking slowly out of the shop as Scootaloo waves after them.

“Thanks for your help! Stay out of trouble!”

Turning to the mares, Scootaloo pats the crates.

“There you are. What do you…?”

She stops as she spots them just standing there, mouths agape.

“Um… hello? You two okay?”

The assistant gasps. “I… I don’t…!”

Her boss puts a hoof to her head. “That isn’t possible! How did you…?!”

“I just asked them nicely. It’s amazing what ponies will do if you’re polite. But in any case, I held up my end of the bargain.”

The mare sighs and heads for the back room. “Very well. One moment.”

Returning with a neatly folded set of clothes she sets them on the counter for the assistant to package up and turns to Scootaloo with several papers.

“These are the garments that need to be delivered. And this paper contains the address of the stallion in Trottingham whom ordered the clothes.”

She walks over to another shelf and pulls out a yellow paper. Writing a few things on it, she signs her name and give it to the filly.

“And this is my request to the cargo ship’s captain for you to sail with them on official business. Now then, once you get to Trottingham please locate the customer immediately and deliver the items. No holdups.”

Scootaloo nods as she accepts the papers. “Thank you. I won’t let you down, miss…?”

“Polomare. Suri Polomare.”

Scootaloo rushes out the door with the items. Suri shakes her head as the salesmare smiles uncontrollably.

“That Scarlet Filly is really something!”

Suri rolls her eyes. “A delivery filly is interesting?”

“Oh yes! At her age she’s already traveling all over Equestria! I’ve never even left Manehattan!”

“Just remember that there’s something to be said for stability. It may not be as glamourous as an adventurer, but the path does lead somewhere other than doom.”

“Yes, Miss Polomare.”

Suri smiles as she heads for the back room. “I hope you realize how fortunate you are to have me as a mentor. Now get me some coffee!”

Meanwhile, Scootaloo grins as she heads down the sidewalk.

“That wasn’t too hard.”

“I suppose not. But like I said, it still wasn’t as easy as you thought it would be.”

“You were right. By the way… how did you know she was setting us up?”

“There was a certain air about her. I got the feeling she was used to getting her way as well as barking orders to those below her.”

“Should we head to the docks now?”

“Might as well. After all, we definitely want to be on the next ship out of here.”

“Something wrong, Big Brother?”

“Not really. I just don’t like this city very much.”

Hailing a taxi, Arc and Scootaloo head for the docks. The sun is high overhead and a cool wind blows.

“Feels like fall is coming.”

Arc nods. “The leaves are starting to turn.”

“What should we do when winter hits?”

Arc chuckles. “Hibernate?”

Scootaloo gasps. “You can DO that?!”

“It was just a joke.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Very funny, Big Brother. You had me going there!”

“Yes, well… in all seriousness, that’s another reason to get my memories back.”

“Oh?”

“I’m hoping I have a house somewhere.”

Arriving at the docks, they see numerous workers unloading a large cargo ship. Scootaloo walks over to the one directing them and pulls out her papers.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I have a delivery to make in Trottingham. The shopkeeper, Suri Polomare, told me this would explain everything.”

Giving the captain the papers, Scootaloo waits patiently as he reads them. Looking down at her, he raises an eyebrow.

“Is this some kind of a joke?”

“Sir?”

“Sending a filly across the ocean is just plain cruel. While I know Suri Polomare is a harsh boss…”

“I really need to get to Trottingham though. And not just because of this delivery either.”

The captain sighs. “Fine. But only because it’s obvious that you honestly want to go. Not just because Polomare said so.”

“Thank you, sir! When do we leave?!”

“As soon as the cargo is unloaded and the supplies being sent over are stowed below deck. Probably in a couple hours.”

He looks Scootaloo over a moment before sighing.

“Normally couriers sleep in the commons with the crew. But I think I’ll let you have a room to yourself.”

“Oh… okay.”

“I have only one request. That you stay in your room for the duration of the voyage.”

“Very well, sir. But may I ask why?”

“For the same reason I’m giving you a private room. The crew doesn’t need to know there’s a mare aboard.”

Scootaloo frowns. “But I’m just a filly.”

“Let’s just say I don’t want anything… bad to happen to you.”

“Like…?”

Arc grunts as he calls out to her. “I’ll explain it to you later, Scootaloo.”

“Yes sir. Should I board now?”

“Not just yet. Wait until we finish loading so I can send the crew to the Mess Hall. Then I’ll escort you to your quarters secretly. Wait in the office for me.”

“Okay.”

Scootaloo turns and heads to the office as the captain shakes his head.

“Couriers… getting younger every year.”

Waiting in the office for several hours, the door opens and the captain walks in. With a wave of his hoof he beckons her to follow him.

“Sorry for the wait. In any case, the lads are all eating, so now’s a good time to get you to your room.”

“Yes sir.”

Following the captain aboard the ship, they walk the corridors together until they come to a small door.

“This will be your room. I’ve already stocked it with some canned goods, water, and a few other things. Again, I only ask that you do not leave this room until we arrive at Trottingham.”

“Yes sir. Just how long will that take?”

“Three days. We’ll arrive early in the morning on the fourth. I’ll come get you at that time.”

“Thank you, captain.”

“Well, I’ll let you settle in.”

He leaves the room and shuts the door behind him. Arc decloaks and removes his robe. Opening a door he spots a small bathroom with a toilet and shower.

“Good.”

“Big Brother?”

“I was worried we’d be peeing in bottles.”

“Oh.”

She peeks out a porthole at the sunset.

“He had us waiting all afternoon!”

“Better to wait than have the crew come after you.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “About that. I don’t get it.”

“Well… you understand where foals come from, right?”

“Yeah. But what does that have to do with me?”

“You remember what your dad used to do to your mom, right?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Unfortunately.”

“He’s worried that if the crew knew you were here, they might want to try… doing that to you.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “But I’m just a filly.”

Arc is silent as Scootaloo processes that thought.

“Ew.”

“Yeah.”

“That’s not going to happen though, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a chance.”

“Are you sure?”

“They’d have to get through me first.”

Scootaloo appears relieved. “Thanks!”

“Well… this rocking sensations is kinda making me a bit tired. Should we turn in for the night?”

“I guess.”

Arc sits down on the bed and removes his boots. Scootaloo lies down on the bed next to him.

“So what’ll we do tomorrow?”

“How about we read that book from the ogre’s cave?”

“Sure! It’ll be fun learning more about our powers! And if we get to sleep now, we might wake up before the sun rises!”

Arc chuckles. “You looking to do some practicing?”

Scootaloo grins. “Might as well. After all, practice makes perfect.”

Chapter 3 - Trottingham Troubles

Several days later Arc and Scootaloo disembark the ship with the captain.

“Thank you for the safe voyage, sir.”

“No problem. I’m sorry for your rather unsightly… accommodations.”

“I understand your reasoning, sir.”

“Will you need a ride back to the mainland?”

“Maybe. It depends how things go here.”

“If you do, we’ll be here until around noon before putting back out to sea. We stop here once a week if that helps.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, sir. Take care of yourself.”

“You too.”

Waving after her, the captain smiles to himself.

“What a polite little filly.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo walk down the dirt road toward town.

“That wasn’t so bad.”

Arc sighs. “I guess not. But I don’t think I’d like to make a career out of it.”

“So what now?”

Arc looks to Scootaloo’s saddlebags. “Let’s find a guard and deliver this parcel first.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Yeah. Wouldn’t want to forget about that.”

Approaching a guard, they ask directions to the address given to them by Suri Polomare. Walking the streets of the city they come to a truly massive house.

“Are we sure this is the right place, Big Brother?”

“The address checks out.”

“Um… do we just… knock?”

“I guess. Let’s find out.”

Walking down the path toward the steps they approach the front door. Spotting a large button, Arc presses it. Loud chimes ring out inside as he steps to the side. A short time later an elderly butler opens the door and looks down at Scootaloo.

“Can I help you?”

Scootaloo removes the package from her saddlebags. “I have a delivery here from Suri Polomare of Manehattan.”

“Very good. I’ll take them.”

Giving the butler the clothes he accepts them and motions for the pair to follow. Entering the spacious Main Hall the stallion leads them through numerous hallways into a vast study with numerous plush couches and floor to ceiling bookshelves.

“I will put these away and return with your reward.”

Bowing slightly, the butler leaves the room. Scootaloo looks all around, clearly impressed.

“There must be a million books in here!”

Arc nods. “That might not be far from the truth.”

“Do you think we’d be in trouble if I looked some of them over?”

“Maybe. How about you just use your eyes and not your hooves?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Fine.”

They look over numerous bookshelves while they wait. About a half hour later the butler returns with a small bag of bits.

“Here you are, miss. Payment for a job well done.”

Scootaloo nods as she accepts the sack. “Thank you, sir.”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you in town before. Are you new?”

“We… I just arrived here this morning.”

“Alone, miss…?”

“Yes, I’m the Scarlet Filly.”

“Ah! The young filly from the princess’ speech!”

“Yes sir. I’m here looking for something.”

“Oh?”

“I heard from a shopkeeper in Canterlot that somepony here in Trottingham is supplying them with real dragon scales.”

The butler nods. “That would be the master of the house’s company, yes.”

“Can you tell me where they come from?”

“Might I ask why?”

“This may sound a bit strange, but I’m hoping to find a way to get to the Dragon Lands. I thought that if there was a source of scales here, there might be real dragons whom could help me get there.”

“A logical conclusion, yes. However, only the master knows the answer to that.”

“Can I see him?”

“I’m sorry, but he’s very ill.”

“Oh. Well, maybe he’ll feel better by tomorrow.”

The butler sighs. “That is not likely, miss. Years of long hours and little sleep have left his body in quite a state. Sadly, he’s known about this for quite some time but chose to do nothing to change it.”

“So you mean he worked himself to exhaustion?”

“Death might be a better analysis.”

“His condition is that bad?”

“Yes. The doctor said he could go at any time. But, as a courtesy to you as one whom the princess has honored, I will notify you if the master regains enough strength to talk.”

“Thank you. I hope he feels better soon.”

“Might I recommend asking around town. It is possible somepony else knows of a lead you could follow.”

“I’ll do that.”

Nodding, the butler leads them to the front door. Closing it behind them he sighs.

“Good luck with your search.”

Meanwhile, the pair walk towards town. Scootaloo calls out to Arc.

“What should we do now, Big Brother?”

“Check the Writ Board?”

“Worth a look, I suppose.”

Asking directions from a local, they soon come to the Writ Board. Arc nods approvingly.

“Lots to do here.”

“Yeah. But most of it is just gathering assignments from that butler.”

“I’m guessing he’s running things here for his boss while he’s sick.”

“Well, if what he said was true, he’s going to be doing it full time soon enough.”

Arc looks around. “Funny thing.”

“What is?”

“I heard that this place was supposed to be a mining town.”

“So?”

“If it is, why are there no writs associated with that?”

“Like what?”

Arc shrugs. “Trying to hire more miners or other employees related to office work.”

“Maybe they have everypony they need.”

“It’s possible. However I think there’s more to it than that.”

“Where do you want to start?”

“How about by checking out the mines?”

“Worth a shot.”

Looking at a nearby town map, they find the mines. A red sticker over it says ‘closed’. Scootaloo frowns.

“The mines are permanently closed?”

“According to this they are.”

“Why isn’t this town abandoned then?”

“Good question. Things look busy enough around here. Commerce is flowing and everyone looks relatively happy.”

“There has to be more to it though.”

Arc nods. “Right. Let’s wait here and see if anyone comes by to look at the Writ Board.”

“Why?”

“So we can ask them some questions.”

An hour later a stallion runs over to the board. Looking over it frantically he eventually sighs. Arc calls out to Scootaloo.

“Him.”

“What should I…?”

“Just get him talking.”

Scootaloo walks over to the stallion. “What’s wrong, sir?”

“I overslept is what’s wrong! Missed all the good writs!”

“Like what?”

“Rare gems and trace minerals mostly.”

“Sorry, but I’m new in town. How does this work?”

“You take a writ from the board and try to find whatever’s on it. In the evening there’ll be a table here with the foreman trading completed writs for pay.”

“Do a lot of ponies participate?”

“Pretty much the whole town. After all, it’s our only source of income since the mines shut down a year ago.”

“Why’d they close?”

“Supposedly they ran dry. Allegedly anyways.”

“You don’t believe that?”

The stallion shakes his head. “Nah, I worked in the mines. There was plenty of ore hauled out every day.”

Scootaloo frowns. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“I know. But the one whom owns it says it’s closed, so it’s closed.”

“The stallion whom lives in that really big house by any chance?”

“Yeah. He’s been really sick lately though. Not sure if he’s gonna make it.”

“What if he dies?”

The stallion sighs. “Nopony knows. He’s the source of pretty much all the bits in town. I mean, we got other businesses. Shops, an inn, the tavern… but anything that pays decent enough goes through him. Now then, if you’ll excuse me I need to get to work.”

“Okay. Good luck.”

Grinning, the stallion runs off with a couple writs. Scootaloo looks at the board again.

“There has to be something here we can do.”

Arc chuckles. “We can always use more bits, I suppose.”

“Staying busy helps too.”

“Yeah. What about that one?”

“Which one?”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry. Forgot I was invisible again.”

Pulling down a writ, he lets it flutter to the ground. She groans.

“A job in a library?”

“I thought you’d like a bit of a rest from all the more dangerous things we’ve been doing.”

“It just sounds kinda… boring.”

“Probably. But it is safe.”

“I’m safe with you by my side though! That and I’m tougher than I look!”

Arc chuckles. “You are pretty hardy, I’ll give you that. But I feel bad for making you do all that stuff since we left Knothole.”

Scootaloo grins. “Are you kidding?! I’m having a BLAST!”

“Well, hopefully our little adventure is coming to an end.”

“Wait… what?”

“When I get my memories back I’ll be able to continue wherever I left off.”

“Me too though, right?”

Arc sighs. “With any luck, someone I know will be able to take you in. Give you a good home.”

“But I already have a home! With you, Big Brother!”

“Traveling all over the world as a caped crime fighter is no life for a little filly.”

“What could be better?!”

“You being able to grow up in a loving home and making friends your own age.”

Arc smiles as he continues.

“I just want you to be able to have a real life. And I’ll come visit you often.”

“But I don’t want to…!”

“Scootaloo, please. I just want what’s best for you.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Thanks… but…”

Arc frowns. “Sorry for making this into a big ordeal. Please understand that I really do care about your future. Now then, please head to the library and remember that I’ll be right behind you.”

Nodding, she turns to walk down the road. Eventually Scootaloo arrives at the large stone building. Entering, she spots an elderly mare sitting at the front desk sorting books on a cart. The mare looks up and smiles at the newcomer.

“Good morning, dear. Can I help you find something?”

Scootaloo sighs as she holds up the writ. “I’m actually here about this.”

The aged unicorn takes the writ and looks it over.

“Gracious! I had almost given up hope that somepony would answer this!”

“Why’s that, ma’am?”

“We don’t pay much here. Can’t afford to, as our budget is pretty much nonexistent. But I am happy to have help now. Please follow me.”

Sighing, Scootaloo does as she is told. The librarian leads her into the back room where the scent of old paper and dust hangs in the air. She points to several large piles of books on the floor.

“These are our damaged books. Most just need a bit of tape, or have a loose binding. Nothing terribly hard.”

“How do I know what each book needs though?”

The librarian picks up a book and points. “There’s a post-it note that I wrote the issue on stuck to each cover. Like I said, it usually isn’t anything too difficult. I just haven’t had the time or energy to take care of them myself.”

She gestures to the piles.

“As you can see, they’ve really piled up. Now then, do you think you can handle this?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. I’ll head back up front to reshelf some books. Call me if you need anything.”

Nodding, Scootaloo is left alone in the dimly lit room. Sighing, she sits down in a chair and takes the first book from the table. Arc calls out to her.

“Want some help?”

Scootaloo jumps in surprise. “B-Big Brother?!”

“Sorry about that. You looked a bit upset.”

“I can handle it.”

“How about we do this together? After all, it’ll get done that much faster.”

Scootaloo smiles. “I’d like that.”

Arc reaches over and picks up a smaller pile of books. Setting them down on the table between them, he and Scootaloo get to work. A short time later Scootaloo grins as she looks over the dwindling pile.

“This is kinda fun!”

Arc nods. “That it is!”

“I thought this was going to be boring too!”

“Alone it probably would have been. But working together makes is much easier.”

“Why is that?”

“Probably because we’re spending time together.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “But we do that every day.”

“Well… think of this more as quality time than anything else.”

“What’s that?”

“Spending time with someone you care about to bond with them.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Give it time.”

A few hours later the sound of hooves slowly approaching rings out. Arc cloaks as Scootaloo puts another book on the finished pile. The librarian walks in and looks at the stacks.

“Oh my! It looks like you’re making wonderful progress in here!”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah! Once I got going, it really came together!”

“Well, it’s lunch time. Would you like a sandwich, miss… oh my… I just realized that I never asked your name.”

“I’m the Scarlet Filly.”

“From the princess’ speech?!”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Come along with me and I’ll make you a nice sandwich for you, little hero.”

“Thank you.”

Arriving at the kitchen, the librarian quickly makes them two sandwiches as Scootaloo pours them each a glass of milk. Sitting down across from the filly the elderly mare watches her eat hungrily.

“So what brings you to our little town, Scarlet Filly?”

“I’m looking for dragons.”

The librarian smiles. “Well, I don’t think you’ll find them here in the library.”

“Probably not, I suppose. But I’ve reason to believe they might have been here.”

“Oh?”

“A shop in Canterlot that sells scales says they get their shipments from this very town.”

“That they do.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “You know where they come from?!”

“Oh, yes.”

“Tell me!”

“You see, they’re a very rare find. Many years ago, when the Dragon Lands invaded Equestria, there was a massive battle on this very island. When it was over many scales littered the ground and were trampled underhoof. But every so often the rains will allow the tip of one to come to the surface. Those with good eyes can sometimes spot them.”

Scootaloo frowns. “So there aren’t any dragons around here?”

“I’ve lived on this island my whole life and haven’t seen or heard of one, no.”

Scootaloo groans. “Great.”

“If I may, why do you want to find a dragon so badly?”

“To find out how to get to the Dragon Lands.”

“Oh, that’s a dangerous place, Scarlet Filly! You’d do well to stay away from there!”

“I need to find something that only grows there. It’s very important.”

“Sorry, but I don’t think anypony around here can help you with that.”

“Well then… I guess I’ll have to come up with a new plan.”

“Tell me, do you have any plans in the meantime?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Not really, no.”

“I was hoping you could help me with a little problem.”

“Maybe. What is it?”

“This town is home to a good number of foals. We used to have a daily story time here in the afternoon.”

“Used to?”

The librarian sighs. “Our stock of foal’s books are pretty much depleted. Over the years the fillies and colts have read every one. The few we have left aren’t enough to keep their attention during story time, as they’ve heard them all so many times. As time went on the groups got smaller and smaller. Eventually foals stopped coming in altogether.”

“So you want me to fetch some more books?”

“Not quite. You see, we don’t have the money for that. So I was hoping you could lead a very special story time this afternoon.”

“I guess I could do that. But I thought you said nopony came to them anymore.”

“True. But they will if I call every mother and tell them a real hero will be leading the story time.”

“Won’t that take a long time?”

“Not really. I know everypony in town, so it’ll just take an hour or so. So will you do it?”

Scootaloo nods. “Sure. If it means that much to everypony.”

“Thank you, thank you! I’ll get to work calling everypony right away!”

She hurries out the door as Arc rematerializes and picks up one of Scootaloo’s sandwiches.

“This should be interesting.”

“Oh?”

Arc chuckles. “With any luck you’ll get to make some new friends.”

“How?”

“You’ll see. But let’s see how many more of those books we can fix before showtime.”

A couple hours later the librarian trots into the back room.

“We’re ready!”

“Did anypony come?”

The librarian grins. “Are you kidding?! Every foal in town is in there!”

“Really?”

“It’s not every day they get to have a real hero honored by a princess read them a story!”

Scootaloo stands up. “Well, I guess I shouldn’t keep them waiting. But what book will I be reading?”

“I’ve taken the liberty of putting every foal’s book we have left next to the big reading chair. Feel free to read whatever you like.”

Leading the robed filly out of the back room the librarian escorts her into a large brightly colored room. The foals gasp as Scootaloo comes into view.

“Everypony, this is the Scarlet Filly. She’s the one Princess Celestia gave a medal to a few days ago.”

Scootaloo holds up a hoof. “Hello, everypony.”

A colt calls out. “Can we see your medal?!”

Scootaloo reaches into her cloak and pulls out the small award. Holding it up, everypony gasps and cheers. The librarian motions to the large chair at the head of the room. Scootaloo walks slowly up to it and sits down as the librarian puts a hoof on the stack of books.

“Would you like to pick out a story, Scarlet Filly?”

“Oh, well… any one is fine with me.”

“Well then… how about ‘The Hungry Little Parasprite’?”

The foals groan in unison.

“We’ve heard that one a zillion times!”

“Yeah! Don’t you have anything new?!”

The librarian sighs. “I’m sorry, but…”

“Can you tell us a story about one of your adventures, Scarlet Filly?!”

“I want to hear about the kidnapped fillies!”

“What about the train heist?!”

The librarian appears hopeful. “Now, now everypony. It’s up to the Scarlet Filly.”

Scootaloo looks at the sea of expectant faces before her.

“Well, I suppose I could tell you about my adventure in Dodge Junction.”

“Where’s that?!”

“It’s southeast of Canterlot.”

“I don’t get it.”

“I’ll show you.”

Standing up, Scootaloo points to a large map on the wall.

“We’re here in Trottingham.”

She moves her hoof to the center of the map.

“Here’s Canterlot, the capital of Equestria.”

Sliding her hoof to the southeast it comes to rest on the proper spot.

“And this is Dodge Junction.”

“You’ve come a long way!”

“How did you travel?!”

“A couple train rides. But there was also a LOT of walking.”

Tapping Canterlot again, she traces her route to Vanhoover.

“Once I walked all the way from Canterlot to Vanhoover.”

“That must’ve been a lot of fun!”

“Can we hear about that story too?!”

“Maybe next time. That one isn’t actually very interesting. Now then… who wants to hear about my very first adventure in Dodge Junction?”

All the foals cry out in unison. “WE DO!!!”

Scootaloo tells the tale (with Arc’s help) of her exploits after arriving in Dodge Junction. Everything from the first bounty, to rescuing the kidnapped fillies, as well as how she captured the rest of the gang as they attempted to free their companions.

“…and with that I left Canterlot and started walking to Vanhoover.”

“What then?!”

Scootaloo looks at the clock overhead. “I think that’s a story for another day. After all, it’s getting close to suppertime.”

“AWWWW…”

The librarian steps forward. “Now, now, everypony. Let’s all give the Scarlet Filly a big round of applause for telling all of us that wonderful story.”

The foals smile and clop their hooves loudly as the librarian joins them.

“Will you be here again tomorrow?!”

“Yeah! I wanna hear more!”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I can try to be, sure. If it’s okay with the librarian.”

“Of course. See everypony tomorrow.”

She and Scootaloo wave as the foals stand and rush happily to the door.

Chapter 4 - To the Heavens

Later that evening, as the sun slowly sets, Arc and Scootaloo walk down a dirt road together toward the center of town. Arc frowns.

“There has to be an Inn around here somewhere.”

“We can check the map next to the Writ Board.”

“Good idea. Not that I mind wandering around this town.”

Scootaloo giggles. “It’s a lot nicer than Manehattan was, that’s for sure.”

“Maybe not ‘nicer’ as much as… um… more personal. Homelike even.”

“Hey, what’s going on over there?”

Looking ahead, they see a table set up next to the Writ Board. A long line of ponies stand in front of it. Arc looks it over from afar before responding.

“Remember, that stallion told us everyone comes here to get paid for their writs.”

“Oh… right.”

Walking past, they consult the town map. Arc points to a spot.

“There it is.”

“Makes sense. It’s the one place we didn’t look. Wanna head over there now, Big Brother?”

“Why don’t we check out that restaurant next to it first?”

“What’s a restaurant?”

“It’s a place where you can get food that’s already prepared.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I’m not really up for that to be completely honest.”

“Something wrong?”

“Not… really. I just kinda want to head to the Inn, if that’s okay.”

“Sure.”

Arriving, Scootaloo approaches the bed and flops down on it. Arc walks over to her and sits down.

“Something bothering you?”

“I just… feel like such a fake!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Being the Scarlet Filly.”

“But you ARE the Scarlet Filly.”

Scootaloo sighs and shakes her head. “No. You are.”

“Scootaloo…”

“You do all the work, Big Brother.”

“I don’t understand. What brought this on all of a sudden?”

“Today at the library when I was telling everypony that story the truth hit me. That wasn’t MY story to tell. It was yours.”

“You’re part of it too.”

“I was just kinda there though. Considering what I did, I really don’t have any right to take credit for anything.”

“No, Scootaloo. You have every right to take the credit.”

“How so?”

“Think about it. Someone needs to be there to take the spotlight.”

“But that honor should be yours!”

“Mine, huh? The nation’s number one most wanted criminal? The one whom everyone wants to take in? The one who can’t show their face in public?”

“It’s not right!”

“Maybe it is. We won’t really know until I get my memories back.”

“I couldn’t do anything without you though, Big Brother!”

“You could also look at it this way. I couldn’t do anything without you, Scootaloo.”

“Huh?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I suppose I COULD have done what I did without you. But it would have only led others to question who was really behind it. With you there it made everything a bit more plausible.”

“But other than that, what did I contribute?”

“You seamlessly went along with whatever I did, which only added to the illusion.”

Arc puts a hand on her back and pats it gently.

“That and you were very brave to face whatever foe stood before us. After all, it wouldn’t have worked if you had been quaking in fear the whole time.”

“I don’t know, Big Brother. Right now I still feel like just a fake.”

“Those foals at the library didn’t think so. Remember, you showed them something they’d never seen before. A very strong, brave filly.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc stands and cloaks as Scootaloo sits up.

“Who could that be?”

Arc shrugs. “Only one way to find out.”

Hopping to the floor, Scootaloo walks slowly to the door. Opening it, she sees what appears to be a messenger pony. He holds out a small scroll.

“Special delivery for the Scarlet Filly.”

“Th-that’s me.”

Giving her the scroll, he nods and walks away. Scootaloo closes the door and look at it closely.

“I don’t recognize this seal.”

“Open it and we’ll see what’s up.”

Breaking the seal, Scootaloo unrolls the parchment and begins to read.

“Scarlet Filly. Word of your arrival here in Trottingham have reached my tired ears. I have been told of your exploits on the mainland and believe you to be a brave and capable filly. It is for that reason that I’m writing to you now in my darkest hour. While my story is long and convoluted, I’ve come to find that I have need of your special services for a very difficult job. Should you succeed and complete my task, the reward will indeed be great. While I know the hour is late, please come visit me at the address below as soon as you finish reading this. My apologies for the hasty message and equally cryptic tone, but I don’t have time to waste. I await your arrival with earnest anticipation. Signed… Iron Hooves.

She look to Arc, confused.

“Who is this?”

“Let me see.”

Accepting the letter, Arc looks it over and scans it.

“Don’t you recognize the address? It’s the same place we delivered those clothes to earlier.”

Scootaloo gasps. “You’re right! How did I miss THAT?!”

Arc chuckles. “No one’s perfect.”

“So do you want to see what this stallions wants?”

“Truth be told, not really.”

“Oh?”

“We’re still in the middle of trying to figure out how to get to the Dragon Lands. Everything else really should be secondary.”

“But he went out of his way to write this. That and it was sent via special courier.”

Arc sighs. “I guess we could listen to his story and tell him we’ll get to it when we can.”

“That’d work.”

She trots over to the door.

“Let’s go!”

“Right now?”

“Why not?”

“Well, for starters, we haven’t eaten anything for supper.”

“Come one, Big Brother! We can wait a little while longer!”

Arc sighs. “I guess.”

Heading out the door, the pair walk down the path toward the address. Coming to the manor Scootaloo knocks. Before long the butler from before answers.

“Please come in, Scarlet Filly. Master Iron Hooves is expecting you.”

“Thanks.”

Stepping inside, the butler closes the door behind her and walks toward a large ornate stairway.

“This way please.”

Ascending the stairs, the stallion leads them down a long corridor. Paintings hang on the wall of a handsome young stallion and an equally beautiful mare sitting together happily. Scootaloo pipes up.

“What’s this about, sir?”

“I’m afraid I don’t know, miss.”

“Has your employer been feeling better?”

The butler sighs. “No. Which is why I’m worried about this meeting. He’s so weak right now and should be resting.”

Coming to a large, beautifully ornate oak door the butler stops and turns to Scootaloo.

“This is the master’s bedchambers. Now then, I ask that you do your best to keep this visit as short as possible. As I said before, the master needs his rest.”

“I’ll do my best, sir.”

Opening the door, the butler enters first and looks to the massive bed before him. Scootaloo looks around.

“This place is just beyond extravagant!”

“Yeah! Our room in Canterlot Castle wasn’t this nice!”

The butler walks over to the bed and speaks in a hushed tone.

“Sir?”

The stallion lying on the bed slowly turns his head to look at him.

“The Scarlet Filly is here to see you.”

“Thank you. Leave us.”

The butler nods as he turns. Closing the door behind him, he sighs and sits down to wait.

“I hope you receive the answer you’re looking for, sir.”

Meanwhile, the bedridden stallion looks to Scootaloo and motions to her weakly with a hoof.

“Approach.”

Taking a deep breath, Scootaloo slowly walks toward the bed. Sitting on her haunches, she looks up at the stallion as he speaks.

“Are you… the one I’ve heard about…from the princess’… speech?”

Scootaloo nods. “I’m the Scarlet Filly, yes.”

“Then I must ask… for your help.”

“Um… I might be able to, mister… Iron Hooves, was it?”

Iron Hooves nods weakly. “Yes. You… are the only one… in this town… that I can entrust… with so important… a… task.”

“What is it?”

“A delivery… to somepony very… special.”

He puts a hoof on the bedside table.

“Open… the drawer. Remove… what you… find.”

Scootaloo steps forward and pulls on the handle. As the drawer slides open she spots a small combination lockbox on top of a large manila envelope. Pulling them out she sets them on the table before her.

“What is this?”

“Open… the envelope.”

Nodding, Scootaloo complies. Pulling out an 8x10 photograph of a sad looking gray mare with an unkempt blonde mane she looks to Iron Hooves as he speaks again.

“This… this is a picture… of my daughter… Derpy.”

“She’s not here I’m assuming.”

Iron Hooves shakes his head. “No… she’s not. That’s your… task.”

“Find her and bring her home?”

“Not… exactly.”

He pats the ornate lockbox affectionately before continuing.

“I’m… not proud… of what I did… in the past. Nothing… nothing will ever… erase the things… that were said and… done. Many mistakes… many… regrets. Many… many things left… unsaid. But there is… no time for that.”

“Sir?”

“Take… this lockbox. Find my… daughter and give… give it to her. Sh-she’ll know what… to do… with it.”

“I’ll try. Um… where should I start?”

Iron Hooves puts a hoof to his face. “No… idea. More regret… there too.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Sir, I’m going to be honest with you. This might very well be like looking for a needle in a haystack. If there’s ANYTHING at all you can give me to go on, I’ll need to know.”

Iron Hooves shakes his head sadly before speaking.

“She… she left home… about a year… ago. I said… I said things… did things… to her… that I… I shouldn’t have.”

“I won’t ask for the details, sir.”

“That is… appreciated.”

He stares up at the ceiling as he continues.

“Can you… find her?”

“The picture isn’t much to go on. But I’ll certainly try.”

“Thank… you.”

“Well, I should probably let you rest now. Your butler told me to keep this short.”

The stallion nods as she takes the lockbox and the envelope before turning away.

“Scarlet… Filly?”

Scootaloo turns. “Yes?”

“Do you… have a family? Parents… whom care for you?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Not anymore.”

“I’m… sorry to hear that. Hopefully… they did a better… job… than I… did.”

“They really didn’t.”

“So… certain?”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t… know the details. But… from what I can… see, you became… somepony… somepony strong… and brave. While they… might not have… been the best… parents… they made you… into the young mare… you were meant… to be.”

“Maybe. But that doesn’t excuse the rest.”

“No. But… it is… whom you are.”

“Rest now, sir. I’ll see what I can do.”

Leaving the room, Scootaloo closes the door behind her. The butler stands and approaches her. Looking at the lockbox he bows his head soberly.

“Can I assume you’ve concluded your business with the master?

Scootaloo nods as she looks to the lockbox in her hoof. “Yes. He wanted me to…”

“Whatever was said in there was for your ears only.”

“Um… okay.”

“The day is late. Would you like to stay the night as the master’s guest?”

“I, uh…”

Arc calls out to her. “Say yes.”

“…would like that, thank you.”

“Please follow me.”

Scootaloo is lead down wide hallway to a large double door. Pushing it open, the butler gestures for her to enter. Doing so, the filly sees a room nearly as resplendent as the one the lord of the manor was in earlier.

“I… this is just…!”

“Will this suffice, miss?”

“Y-yeah! Thanks!”

“Very good. Now then, can I get you something to eat?”

“I am kinda hungry, yes. Nothing too elaborate though please.”

“Anything in particular you’d like?”

“Not really. Just… bring a lot of it.”

“Very good.”

He bows at the waist, turns, and leaves the room. Arc appears and looks through the curtained windows.

“This place is huge!”

“That it is. But why do you suppose the butler asked us to stay?”

“I’m guessing his master told him to extend an invitation. Not that he’d notice anyway, as big as this house is.”

A short time later the butler returns with a large dinner cart. On it are numerous delicacies kept warm under heat lamps along with cold food on a lower shelf that are on ice. He carefully steps back.

“Is everything to your liking, Scarlet Filly?”

“It sure is! Thanks!”

“Do you need anything else?”

Scootaloo shakes her head as she sits down at the table. “I don’t think so. But I’d like to be alone with my thoughts to eat if that’s okay.”

“Very well. Should you require anything else, feel free to use the telephone next to the bed to call for room service.”

Bowing again, the butler leaves the room. Arc steps over to the door, locks it, and heads to the table to join Scootaloo.

“This should be a meal and a half!”

“Yeah! Let’s eat!”

The pair eat their fill (and then some) before stacking the remainder on the cart and pushing it into the corridor. Turing back, Scootaloo closes and locks the door.

“Now what?”

“Try calling room service.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Why? Do you want more desert?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. They should send someone by to get that cart. Wouldn’t want it sitting there attracting flies, would we?”

“I guess not.”

Walking over to the phone, Scootaloo picks it up and puts the receiver to her ear as a mare’s voice comes over the line.

“How can we serve you, Scarlet Filly?”

“I… just wanted to call and tell you that I finished my meal. The cart’s in the hallway since I don’t know where to take it. Is that okay?”

“Yes, ma’am. Did you get enough to eat?”

“Oh yes. Thank you.”

“Very good. Will there by anything else?”

“No, thank you. I think I’ll head to bed now.”

“Pleasant dreams.”

Hanging up the phone, Scootaloo removes her cloak and tosses it onto a nearby chair as Arc does the same.

“Ready for bed?”

“Definitely.”

The pair lie down together. Scootaloo snuggles up to Arc as he pats her back.

“Big Brother?”

“Hm?”

“What are we going to do now?”

“Sleep.”

“I mean about getting to the Dragon Lands.”

Arc sighs. “No idea. Worst case scenario I suppose we could head back to Canterlot and ask Captain Decimus for transport.”

“Think he’d go for it?”

“Worth a shot.”

Arc yawns and closes his eyes. “But right now all I want to do is get some shuteye.”

“Good night.”

“Night.”

Sometime later that night, Arc and Scootaloo are awakened to a loud knock at their room door. Scootaloo sits up groggily.

“What is that?!”

Arc frowns. “I don’t know. But it’s way too early for breakfast.”

“So… do we ignore it?”

Arc shakes his head as he sits up. “No. Go ahead and answer it.”

Sitting up and sighing, Scootaloo jumps down and grabs her cloak. Putting it on, she walks to the door and opens it. A bleary eyed butler looks down at her and sighs.

“I’m… sorry to awaken you at such a late hour, miss. However this cannot wait until morning.”

“What’s going on?”

“Master Iron Hooves has asked to see you.”

“Now?”

The butler nods. “Yes. He was most insistent. Please follow me

Walking quickly toward the master bedroom they hear the sounds of yelling coming from the door. Two nurses run into the room together and shut the door behind them. The butler motions for Scootaloo to wait with him. A short time later the door opens and what appears to be a doctor walks toward them.

“How is the master?”

The doctor shakes his head and sighs. “I’m sorry.”

“What?!”

“We did everything we could. But it wasn’t enough.”

“Did he say anything before passing away?!”

The doctor turns to Scootaloo.

“Just to the Scarlet Filly here.”

“To me?”

“Yes. His last words were ‘Scarlet Filly’, ‘letter’, and ‘table’.”

The butler appears confused. “What does that mean?”

“When we entered the room he was frantically writing something. One of the nurses grabbed it and set it on the nightstand next to his bed so we could work on him. I can only assume it was a message to you, little one.”

“I should go see what he wanted. May I enter the room?”

“Of course. We’ll give you some time before notifying the hospital to come and retrieve his body.”

Scootaloo and the butler enter the room as the nurses leave. Walking over to the bed they spot the still form lying under the covers. The butler walks to his master’s side and bows his head respectfully.

“Rest well, sir. Your pain is at an end.”

Turning to the nightstand he picks up a single piece of paper. Walking over to Scootaloo he gives it to her. She begins to read aloud.

“Dear Scarlet Filly. There were a few things I left unsaid during out last meeting. And judging from the growing pain, I assume we will never meet again. A short time ago I received word that a very special ship is heading this way to pick up an order from one of my suppliers. The captain owes me a favor from a few months ago. Since I’m not going to be around to cash it in, it seems only fair that you use it. Show them this letter and tell them that I will consider their debt repaid if they will ferry you one way to whatever destination you wish to visit. Please use it to find my daughter and give her that lockbox. My butler will know where to meet the ship, and will put you in contact with my foreman of operations. The future of…”

The letter ends abruptly. Scootaloo nods soberly and puts her hooves on the bedside.

“I’ll find your daughter, sir. I promise.”

The butler smiles. “Thank you, miss.”

He turns and opens a wardrobe to reveal a familiar looking outfit. Scootaloo gasps.

“Is that…?”

The butler nods as he takes it down from its hook.

“Yes, miss. The suit my master wanted to be buried in.”

He looks to the bed and sighs.

“I’ll see to it he’s properly laid to rest next to her wife, Lady Silver Hooves. But for now I’ll show you to the docks.”

“But shouldn’t you…?”

“He would want this taken care of immediately anyways. That and we don’t have much time.”

The butler lays the suit out on the bed before motioning for Scootaloo to follow him. Returning to her room momentarily to allow her to grab her saddlebags, he leads the filly to the front door. Kneeling down the stallion opens a cabinet nearby and pulls out a lantern. Lighting it, he steps out onto the porch to walk the path toward town. As expected every window is dark as they make their way toward the docks. Arriving to the sound of waves crashing against the shore they spot a single light in a small office.

“That’s our destination.”

“Who could be up at this hour?”

“The foreman. He sees to it all orders are properly filled. This particular customer always comes at night for some reason, so he stays up to meet them.”

Walking up to the office door he knocks lightly before entering. An elderly stallion sits behind the desk, dozing. He stands as the butler enters with Scootaloo.

“Did the customer call it off?”

“No. But there has been an… incident.”

“The master?”

“Yes.”

He motions to Scootaloo before continuing.

“The Scarlet Filly here has a very important mission from the master to track down his daughter. His final request was for her to leave with the customer. She has a letter that says as much to show the captain.”

“So… what now?”

“We complete this last order, for starters. After that… I don’t know.”

The sound of engines approaches quickly as the foreman looks out the window.

“Sounds like they’re here.”

“You have their order?”

“It’s already on the dock, as usual. I’ll head out there to make sure everything goes smoothly and to let them know what happened.”

The butler nods as the foreman and Scootaloo leave the office together. They walk down the dock as a simple looking ship lies moored at the end. A single black-robed bipedal individual stands there waiting for them. They are wearing a large mask to hide their appearance.

“Captain.”

“You have everything we asked for?”

The foreman nods. “Yes. In those crates there. However, there’s been a incident. Master Iron Hooves passed away a little while ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“He did have one request of you. Supposedly you owe him a favor.”

The captain nods warily. “Sort of. Why?”

The foreman gestures to Scootaloo. “This is the Scarlet Filly. She’s been tasked with finding the master’s daughter.”

“What’s that have to do with us?”

Scootaloo pulls out the letter. “He wrote that you’re to take me anywhere I want to go. One way only though.”

The captain takes the letter and looks it over before sighing.

“Guess I don’t have much of a choice.”

Turning back to the gangplank the captain motions for her to follow. Entering the ship, Scootaloo is escorted to a small cabin. The captain stops as she opens the door.

“So… where do you want to go?”

“The Dragon Lands.”

The captain laughs heartily.

“Very funny! Now where do you really want to…?”

“I’m serious. My business there is urgent.”

“That’s not exactly the safest place to moor a ship.”

“If you’d like you can drop anchor while I swim to shore. No need for you to take any more risks.”

“Very well. But remember that this is a one way trip. You’ll have to find your own way back to the mainland.”

“Agreed. How long will it take to get there?”

“I can have you there by dawn.”

Scootaloo gasps. “That soon?!”

“This ship is faster than she looks.”

“Very well, Captain…”

The figure tosses back their mask to expose their face.

“Celaeno. Captain of the Solar Macaw II. Now then, I need to head back up to the deck and make sure our cargo is all present and accounted for. You need anything before I leave you?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, thank you. I’m just going to turn in for the night.”

“Very well. I’ll let you settle in and get some rest for now.”

“Let me know the moment we arrive though.”

“No problem there. We’re not sticking around that place any longer than we have to.”

Entering the cabin, Scootaloo closes the door. Arc decloaks and looks around.

“Definitely a far cry from the room we left.”

“Yeah. But now we’re on our way. Or at least we will be shortly.”

“Let’s get some rest. There’s no telling what we’ll find in the Dragon Lands.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yeah.”

They toss their cloaks aside and crawl into the bed together. Scootaloo buries her face in Arc’s side.

“You okay?”

“Are you excited, Big Brother?”

“Excited?”

Scootaloo nods. “Tomorrow we’ll find the last ingredient for the potion, and you can finally get your memories back!”

“Kinda. I mean… I do want to know the truth, but… I suppose the truth is not always a pleasant thing to know.”

“But isn’t that better than living like this?”

“Yes. That’s why we’re doing this. I do want to know the truth, even if it hurts.”

“Big Brother? Um… can I…?”

“Can you what?”

“When you get your memories back, do you think you could… take me in?”

“You mean adopt you?”

“Yes.”

Arc stares up at the ceiling for a long time.

“I… don’t know if that’s a good idea. After all, I don’t really know what I’ve been doing before I met you.”

“It can’t have been THAT bad.”

“You’re not afraid I’ll hurt you?”

“Big Brother… you’ve had every chance to do so and haven’t so far. That and I just feel so safe when you’re with me. I’d like for you to be my real big bro… no… for you to be my new dad.”

“Are you sure that’s what you really want?”

“More than anything in the whole world!”

Arc sighs. “Very well. If I get my memories back, and you still want me to, I’ll look into how to adopt you.”

“Really?!”

“I might not be allowed to, of course. But if I can, and have the ability to care for you, I’ll do it.”

She throws her small hooves around his neck and grins happily.

“I’ll be the best daughter in the whole world!”

Arc smiles as he returns the hug. “You already are, Scootaloo. You already are.”

Chapter 5 - Journey's End

Arc and Scootaloo sleep peacefully through the night. As the ship lurches slightly, Arc opens his eyes and looks around. Hearing little more than the hum of engines, he looks out the porthole.

“The moon looks especially big tonight.”

A flock of birds fly past the window. Arc frowns as he sits up.

“What the…?”

Standing, Arc takes a closer look out the porthole. Gasping, he sees the moonlight reflecting off the waves some distance below them. Scootaloo groggily opens one eye.

“Big Brother? What’s wrong?”

“We’re flying!”

“We are?”

“Yeah!”

“Oh. That explains why we aren’t rocking.”

“And how we can move so fast. Sorry for waking you up though.”

Scootaloo yawns. “It’s fine. After all, I need to be awake and alert when we get there.”

Arc nods as he puts a hand on his forehead. “I guess.”

“You get another memory?”

“Yeah. That captain from last night.”

“Celaeno?”

“I feel like we’ve met before.”

“How so?”

“There were memories of a ship that looked just like this one. Flames were everywhere, and she was unconscious.”

Scootaloo’s eyes grow wide. “Woah! Really?!”

“Not sure how we got out of it safely.”

“Obviously you two made it through whatever was going on.”

Arc puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “I wonder how. We were in the middle of the ocean at the time if I recall correctly.”

“Maybe she flew you somewhere safe.”

“While I’m sure she’s pretty strong, I’m also not sure if just anyone with wings can fly across an ocean. Much less carrying someone as heavy as I am.”

“A rescue vessel then maybe?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s the most plausible idea. But at this point your guess is as good as mine on that.”

“Well, when we get a Dragon Fruit we’ll have our answer.”

“Yeah.”

There is a slight knock at the door. Both Arc and Scootaloo grab their respective robes and don then. Scootaloo heads for the door as Arc cloaks. Opening it, she sees what appears to be a cabin boy.

“Um… hi. The captain told me to come down here and tell you that we’re almost to the Dragon Lands.”

“Oh! Um, thanks… mister…?”

“Marco. Is something wrong?”

“Not… really. I was just thinking you’re a bit young for this.”

“I am?”

“Kinda. I mean…”

“Well, what about you? Traveling all over the world and fighting baddies.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I kinda have to though.”

Marco appears confused. “You do? Why?”

“Sorry, but I… I can’t really say.”

“Some kind of secret mission?”

“Yeah.”

Marco shrugs. “Then I won’t press you on it. Come on. This way to the deck.”

Scootaloo follows the young parrot up the nearby stairs and to the main deck. Celaeno is waiting for them.

“Rise and shine, Scarlet Filly. We’re within sight of the Dragon Land’s shores.”

“That was amazingly fast! How did we cover so much ground so quickly?! I mean, the ship ride from Manehattan to Trottingham took…!”

Marco grins. “It’s easier when you’re not fighting the waves.”

Celaeno nods. “That and there’s the trade winds. We rode them all the way out here.”

Marco looks out over the sky. “Smoothest ride we’ve ever had.”

“Thanks. Get me as close as you can and I’ll swim the rest of the way.”

“We’ll get a bit closer, but…”

Mullet hurries over to her.

“Captain! There’s a problem with the engines!”

“What?!”

Marco listens intently. “They sound fine to me.”

“The internal temperature is slowly rising! Two or more of the coolant pumps must’ve gone awry!”

Celaeno groans. “So we have to land?!”

Mullet nods. “Afraid so. I’ve already told Squabble to bring us down on the beach ahead.”

“We can’t land in the water?”

“Afraid not, ma’am. We’ll need to check out a few things that can only be accessed from outside the ship.”

Celaeno sighs. “It can’t really be helped. Although I do wish Mythic Honor was here right now.”

Marco grins. “He does have a knack for making things work in the strangest ways.”

Mullet shrugs. “We’ll make due.”

Celaeno turns to Scootaloo. “I guess you won’t be going for a swim after all, miss.”

“What about the dragons? Won’t they come after the ship?”

Mullet grimaces. “Probably. But not until later in the day.”

Celaeno chuckles. “They’re primarily late risers.”

“Oh? Then why didn’t you want to land to drop me off?!”

Celaeno frowns. “Because we’re loud.”

Mullet shudders. “Anything that comes between a dragon and their rest gets torn apart.”

Arc calls out to Scootaloo telepathically. “This might work out in our favor.”

“Big Brother?”

“If we can find that Dragon Fruit before they finish repairing the ship we could hitch a ride back to the mainland with them.”

“That’s a lucky break for us.”

Arc grins. “Things are looking up.”

A short time later the Solar Macaw II sets down on the sands of a secluded beach. The crew of the ship jump off and start removing access panels as Mullet calls out from the deck.

“I’ll head to the engine room and take care of repairing the pumps. Make sure the coolant didn’t leak and corrode anything in there.”

Scootaloo looks to the captain. “Do you want me to stay with your ship?”

“Why?”

“In case a dragon shows up. I can help protect everypony while the repairs are being made.”

Celaeno shakes her head. “Thank you, but we’ve made it this far on our own. Go ahead and tend to your business here… whatever it may be.”

“Okay. Um… I’m not sure how long it’ll take. But if I get done before the repairs are complete, do you think I could head back with you? I can pay for the return trip to the mainland if you want.”

Celaeno raises an eyebrow. “Depends on where you want to go.”

“Not really sure yet.”

“Give it some thought. Just remember that we’re not hanging around this place any longer than we have to. I want to be back in the air long before the midday sun.”

“Okay! I’ll try to find the Dragon Fruit quickly then!”

Celaeno gasps. “Dragon Fruit?!”

Scootaloo turns back to her. “Something wrong with that?”

“That can’t leave the island as per the Dragon Lord’s decree! I won’t allow any of it aboard my ship!”

“What if I bring it aboard in my tummy?”

“I… guess that would be fine. Just don’t bring the fruit itself or any seeds back with you that aren’t being digested.”

“Deal. Now all I have to do is find them.”

Lix looks over. “I can help you with that.”

“You can?”

“Sure! They’re short, stubby bushes that grow in groves near beaches. If you follow the waterline it’s likely you’ll find some in no time.”

Scootaloo grins as she runs down the beach. “Thanks!”

Celaeno frowns as the filly disappears into the darkness around a bend.

“I don’t like this.”

Squabble looks over. “Which part, captain?”

“Any of it. A lone filly traveling the world unaccompanied. Wanting to be taken to a place as dangerous as this one. And to top it all off all she wants is a taste of Dragon Fruit?!”

Lix sighs. “It does sound suspicious when you put it like that, captain.”

Marco turns to Celaeno. “But what should we do? Leave her here?”

“Not if she gets back in time, which I hope she does.”

The captain turns and heads toward the flight deck.

“After all, I don’t need a filly’s memory haunting me for the rest of my life.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo hurry down the beach together.

“If we’re lucky we can find a grove, make the potion, have you drink it, and be back aboard the Solar Macaw before they leave!”

“That would certainly be ideal. Not sure how else we’d get off this rock.”

“You’d think of something.”

Arc sighs. “How can you be so sure of that? From what I’ve remembered thus far, I’m pretty good at getting in trouble.”

“But you’re also really good at getting out of it.”

“How can you be so sure of that?”

“You’ve survived everything so far.”

A few minutes later Scootaloo stops. She points a hoof at a dark patch of land just off the beach.

“There!”

Arc nods. “Let’s take a look.”

Hurrying over to the bushes, Scootaloo grabs a piece of fruit and looks it over.

“This looks just like the picture in Grand Pear’s book back at the shop!”

Arc nods. “It has to be Dragon Fruit!”

“Well, let’s get to it!”

Kneeling down, Arc opens his backpack. Pulling out the crystal vial he uncorks it as Scootaloo holds a Dragon Fruit above the mouth of the vessel. Squeezing, she allows two drops of the juice to fall into the vial. They seamlessly incorporate themselves into the mixture as Arc corks it again. Scootaloo sits down.

“Now all we have to do is wait a few minutes for it to glow!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“You’re not having second thoughts again are you, Big Brother?”

“Kinda. Like I said before, I do want to remember my life before this happened. But I’m still kinda worried that I’ll learn just how bad I really am.”

“How about this? No matter what, I’ll stick by you.”

“You aren’t the least bit worried?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No. After all, you stayed with me even after my parents died.”

“I kinda had to. You couldn’t look after yourself.”

“Maybe not. But at the same time you could have just fled into the night and abandoned me to the villagers.”

“I don’t think they would have been too happy. My guess is that they’d have blamed you for the death of the town’s only apothecary.”

“That’s true. But I’m sure somepony could learn from my mother’s old books in the shop. It’s not like they’re completely lost in that regard. In fact, if you had left me there, I’m sure they would have kept me alive to run the shop, as I have years of experience watching my mother mix potions and salves.”

“But that would have made you a slave.”

“Like you.”

Arc sighs. “I guess. You deserve better than that though.”

Scootaloo points a hoof at the vial as its energies gently light the surrounding ground.

“So do you, Big Brother.”

Arc looks at the vial for a few moments before speaking.

“You’re right, Scootaloo. I… I want to… no… I NEED to know the truth. Who I really am. That is, if this thing really works.”

Scootaloo smiles as she puts a hoof on his knee. “If it doesn’t, we’ll keep searching for a way. I won’t leave you no matter what though. That much I owe you.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks. Well… here goes nothing…”

Uncorking the bottle, Arc upends the contents into his mouth and swallows. He makes a face.

“That tastes… AWFUL!”

“Did it work though?!”

“I don’t feel any…”

Suddenly Arc gasps as a torrent of memories break through to the forefront of his mind. He sees vividly every event, deed, and action since his arrival in Equestria. Both good and ill. Holding his head, Arc cries out in physical and mental pain as he falls to his knees. Scootaloo rushes to his side.

“Big Brother! You can do this!”

“I…! I…!”

“Believe in yourself as I do!”

Throwing her hooves around his neck, Scootaloo holds on tight as Arc continues to writhe from the strain. Eventually his breathing normalizes and he is able to sit up, albeit slowly.

“Big Brother? Did… did it work?”

Arc nods as he slowly stands and makes his way over to a tree. Leaning against it heavily, he slides down it and puts a hand against his forehead.

“Yes, Scootaloo. I’m just… having trouble processing everything.”

“What do you…?”

“Have you ever remembered something long forgotten? The memory washes over you as it comes to the front of you mind. Although in my case it was more like a tidal wave. Several actually.”

“So… where do we go from here?”

Arc stands up straight and walks back toward the beach. “First we have to head back to the Solar Macaw.”

“Yeah. We don’t want her leaving us here.”

“True. But we’re not leaving just yet.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What else could we have to do here?”

“See an old friend.”

“Uh… Big Brother. Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Arc turns around, confused. “What is it?”

“You’re still visible.”

“I don’t really care about that now.”

“But you’re still in Crimson form!”

“Oh… uh… that I do care about. And one last thing…”

Grabbing a Dragon Fruit off a nearby branch he bites into it hungrily. Scootaloo watches in horror.

“Are you sure that’s safe?”

Arc nods. “Completely. I’ve had this before. You want some?”

“I don’t know…”

“It’s really sweet. You’d like it.”

“Well… okay.”

Walking over to a bush, Scootaloo takes a piece of the fruit and eats it.

“That… really IS sweet!”

“It is indeed. But let’s get moving, shall we?”

Pulling his cloak over his face, Arc leads Scootaloo back toward the airship as the sun peeks over the horizon. Celaeno stands on the deck overseeing the repairs as they ascend the gangplank. She gasps as Arc approaches her.

“S-sir! Is that really you?!”

Arc nods. “It’s me, captain. But right now I need your help.”

Mullet frowns. “How do we know it’s really you though?!”

Lix gasps. “The news reports say you died!”

Squabble looks him over cautiously. “Yeah!”

“I suppose you have every reason not to believe me. But remember that I was the one whom brought all of you to Redemption Village to start a new life after releasing you from the Canterlot dungeons. We then met again as you left the village to gather herbs for Mythic Honor.”

He turns to Lix.

“He was swimming in your soup.”

They nod soberly. The captain is the first to speak.

“It really is you, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Mullet grins. “What happened?!”

Marco pokes his robe. “Yeah! Where’d you go?!”

Lix nods, wide-eyed. “And how’d you get here?!”

“It’s quite the story. But now I need to go inland for a little while.”

Scootaloo grins. “And we’ll need a ride off the island later.”

Celaeno grimaces. “We’d like to help you sir. Really we would. But when the sun comes up, so do the dragons.”

Mullet nods. “They’d tear us to pieces!”

“Understandable. Captain, is the ship ready to take off yet?”

“We should be able to soon.”

“Good. As soon as you can get the ship in the air. Fly out over the ocean as far as you can, but watch the shore here. I’ll be back as soon as I can for pickup.”

“Yes sir. We won’t let you down.”

“I’m sure you won’t. Come along, Scarlet Filly.”

“Right behind you.”

Descending the gangplank, the pair head into the interior of the island. The crew look to one another nervously as Mullet turns to Squabble.

“Did that… really just happen?”

“Either that or he’s a ghost.”

Lix looks to the captain. “Is that… possible?”

“Never mind what happened! Get this ship airworthy! I’ll even help!”

Mullet tosses her a wrench as they return to work. Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo continue their trek on foot.

“Where exactly are we going?”

“A small town called Pyreston.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Is it a…?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Scootaloo. A dragon town.”

Chapter 6 - Overdue Rendezvous

Arc and Scootaloo walk on for some time as the sun rises overhead. At mid-morning they come to the edge of the foliage. Peeking through, they spot the town. Scootaloo shudders.

“We’re actually going in there?!”

“Yup.”

“Won’t they attack us?!”

“Not if they’re smart.”

“So…”

Arc shrugs. “Eh… fifty-fifty.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I don’t much like those odds.”

“Neither do I. Just stay close to me.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Okay.”

Stepping out of the foliage, Arc enters the town with Scootaloo by his side. Several dragons spot them and growl menacingly. Undeterred, Arc continues walking as Scootaloo calls out to him.

“They don’t look happy to see us.”

“We’ll be fine.”

The biggest one charges as Scootaloo gasps.

“You were saying?!”

“Don’t show any fear. I’ll handle this.”

As the dragon approaches Arc backhands the beast, sending it crashing into a nearby wall. His companions snarl and move to answer the hostility. Reaching out a hand, Arc picks them up with a Telekinesis Spell. Throwing them violently against their larger companion, he and Scootaloo continue along their way. Scootaloo looks back and breathes a sigh of relief..

“That was a close one. I thought we were dead!”

“It’s not my first time here.”

“Really?!”

“Yup. In truth, I don’t generally have any problems.”

“What changed?”

“Usually I’m wearing my signature armor.”

“Oh… so you look different.”

Arc nods. “Pretty much. Sadly it was destroyed by the one whom injured me originally.”

Arriving at the Throne of the Dragon Lord, they are stopped by the guards. The one whom appears to be in charge addresses Arc.

“State your business!”

“I’m here to see Ember.”

The dragon guard raises an eyebrow. “You can’t be serious.”

“Just tell her Equestria’s Hero of Light is here to speak to her. I’m sure she’ll…”

The dragon laughs throatily, as do his companions. Arc frowns.

“What’s so amusing?”

“The blatancy of your lies! Equestria’s Hero of Light was here just the other day to speak with Dragon Lord Ember! And you bear little resemblance to HIM!”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Decimus!”

“Now I suggest you leave now before my patience for your little charade expires!”

“Nevertheless… I still have to see the Dragon Lord. You can either stand aside and let me, or take a beating. Your choice.”

Laughing again, the dragons fall to the ground as they hold their sides. Arc waits patiently for them to finish.

“Can I assume that’s a ‘no’?”

“You can ‘assume’ whatever you’d like! But you’re not getting past us!”

“Is that your final answer on the matter?”

“It is!”

“Okay.”

Lunging forward, Arc topples the large dragon before him. Punching him in the face over and over again as he sits on his chest. As the other dragons move to help their companion Scootaloo slams into them, knocking the smaller drakes away.

“Big Brother! We need to…!”

Throwing Arc off of himself, the large dragon stands and grins.

“You have guts, little one! Both of you, actually! Tell you what. If you really want to see the Dragon Lord that badly I can announce you to her. But it’s a sure-fire death sentence for you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“She’s been in a foul mood lately. Still want to risk it?”

“I do.”

“Fine. Whom shall I say is requesting the audience?”

“The Hero of Light.”

“We’ve already gone over this! He already…!”

“Just tell her.”

The dragon shrugs as he turns away. “Fine. Your funeral.”

He leaves the pair with the other guards. Scootaloo calls out to Arc.

“What’s a Dragon Lord?”

“The leader of the dragons and ruler of the Dragon Lands.”

“And you know them?!”

“Yup.”

“How?!”

“It’s a really long story.”

Scootaloo giggles. “I totally want to hear that one!”

“Another time.”

The sound of the dragon’s footfalls approaches. He frowns as he again stands before Arc.

“She… wasn’t too happy to hear you’re back, sir.”

“Understandable.”

Scootaloo turns to him. “How so?”

“She probably still thinks I’m Decimus.”

“Yeah. And when she sees you’re not, well… I imagine we’ll be making the two of you into barbeque shortly thereafter.”

“Can we get moving then?”

The guard grins. “Sure. I’m hungry.”

They are led into the large structure. As they approach the exit, and the Throne of the Dragon Lord, they hear a familiar voice calling out angrily.

“Come on, Decimus! I haven’t got all day!”

As they approach the dragon guard bows to Ember respectfully.

“I have brought the one whom claims to be the Hero of Light to you, Dragon Lord. Shall we cook them now?”

Arc scoffs. “Just try it.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide as she drops the Bloodstone Scepter. It clatters loudly to the ground as everyone in attendance is silent. Charging forward she pushes roughly past the large dragon before her.

“Outta my way!”

As they step aside Ember marches up to Arc. She looks him over for a long moment before turning to those assembled.

“Everyone leave!”

“Dragon Lord?”

“NOW!!!”

Every dragon flaps their wings and takes flight. As the skies clear, they are left alone with her. Ember again looks him over quizzically.

“You sure do look like him.”

Arc chuckles. “Last I checked, yes.”

“I have to be sure though.”

Turning, she casts a Telekinesis Spell and pulls the Bloodstone Scepter to herself. Raising it high, the gem in it glows as a magical aura surrounds them. Appearing in her small house, they look around. Scootaloo gasps.

“What the…?”

Ember looks Arc in the eye evenly.

“Now then… I want you to tell me something only I would know.”

“Like what?”

“Surprise me.”

“Fine.”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“You’ve always wanted to bear my eggs.”

“Everyone knows that!”

“Well, you cried for days in this very house after your mother passed away.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Half the Dragon Lands heard that! I need something NO ONE else could possibly know!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. After we rescued Princess Celestia, you, myself, and Auriel soaked in the bathtub together. And you two couldn’t look me in the eye.”

Ember gasps and nods, clearly flabbergasted.

“It… it really IS you!”

“What happened was…”

He is cut off as a fist from Ember catches his jaw. Slamming into the wall Arc falls to the floor. Turning to Scootaloo he holds up a hand to stop her as he turns to look at Ember.

“What was that for?!”

Ember looks to him angrily. “LEAVING!”

Stomping over to him, she kneels down and presses her scaly lips against his. Kissing him for a long moment, Ember smiles and moans contentedly before drawing back happily.

“Still tastes the same.”

“Um… thanks.”

Ember stands and looks to Scootaloo.

“Is that you under there, Dinky?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. That’s Scootaloo.”

“H-hi.”

“That has GOT to be quite the story!”

Arc nods. “Oh, it is. Scootaloo, this is Ember. She’s my friend in addition to being the Dragon Lord. But we don’t have time to sit around talking.”

Ember bares her claws menacingly. “We heading to the capitol?!”

“Not just yet, no. There’s much to do first.”

“What could possibly be so important that…?!”

“I need to see my daughter first.”

Ember nods understandingly.

“Okay. That does make sense.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Daughter?!”

“Yes, Scootaloo. I have a filly around your age that I adopted some time ago.”

“Is she nice?”

“Oh, yes. You’ll like her. But before I leave I need to get Sereb.”

“Who’s that?”

“My trusty steed. As soon as I get him, the three of us can…”

Ember frowns. “You mean the four of us, right?”

Arc gasps. “You’re coming too?”

“Uh… yeah! Why wouldn’t I?!”

“I just thought you had a responsibility as the Dragon Lord.”

“Not yet I don’t. I’m in command, but only as my father sees fit.”

“Oh? I didn’t see him on his throne, so I just assumed…”

“Yeah, well… he’s been taking some time off to think, or something.”

“About your mother?”

Ember shrugs. “Probably a lot of things. I’ll let him know we’re leaving.”

Closing her eyes, Ember concentrates. She stays like that for a few moments before responding again.

“Okay, we can go now.”

“What… exactly did you do?”

“Dragon Telepathy. It’s kinda complicated.”

Arc nods to Scootaloo. “She and I can do that too.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Of course you can. Another long story?”

“Yup. Um… any way the Bloodstone Scepter could teleport us to Forsaken Village?”

Ember grins. “Sure. It can take us anywhere in the Dragon Lands.”

“You ready, Scootaloo?”

“I guess.”

Ember focuses and the scepter glows. “Here we go!”

In a flash of light they vanish and reappear on the sands just outside Forsaken Village. Ember takes a deep breath before calling out.

“SEREB!!!”

The sound of footfalls running through the brush rings out. Sereb leaps out and hurries to Ember.

“I thought my nose was in error!”

“What?”

Sereb motions to Arc. “I’ve sensed Arc scent on the wind since early this morning. It is good to see you again, my friend.”

“You too, Sereb. Scootaloo, this is Sereb. He’s my mount and partner.”

Ember frowns. “Hey!”

“Well, one of my partners.”

“Hello!”

“If I may, what is the plan, Arc?”

“We need to head back to Equestria and survey the situation there.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Before or after we take back the country?!”

“Take back?”

“Right! Decimus is in charge over there!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t Princess Celestia still on the throne though?”

“In name only! The captain is taking care of everything these days though! Administrative, military, and even diplomatic!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, your guard mentioned he had come to the Dragon Lands recently. What for?”

Ember clenches a fist. “To bring forth a peace treaty between our nations!”

Sereb sighs. “He did the same here, Ember.”

“I hope Matriarch Iris didn’t sign it!”

Iris joins them.

“Neither myself or the Warchief affixed our pawprint to any documents, no.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good.”

“We couldn’t. As I said at the summit, the Forsaken cannot have such official alliances.”

Sereb growls. “That may be. However, now that Arc has returned, I once again must honor our Life Pact.”

“I understand, Sereb, and will take care of the tribe in your absence.”

“Thank you, mother.”

“Big Brother, we should head back to the beach. I’m sure the captain is anxious to get out of here.”

“Agreed.”

Ember frowns. “Captain?”

“Celaeno. She flew us out here.”

Sereb motions with a paw. “Shall we be off?”

Ember turns to Arc. “Where to?”

“The northwest beach. They’ll pick us up there.”

“Alright. Here we go!”

Channeling the power of the Bloodstone Scepter, she teleports Arc and company to the desired location. Arc looks out over the water as Scootaloo squints.

“I don’t see the ship.”

Ember frowns. “Nor do I. Sereb?”

“They are moving this way. Assumedly to pick us up.”

Arc grins. “Good.”

Ember sticks the Bloodstone Scepter in the ground. Moments later it vanishes from sight.

“My dad recalled it. Can’t be letting something like that go beyond our borders.”

A short time later the airship lands on the beach and the gangplank lowers. The crew gasps as they see Ember board. The captain hurries forward to address them.

“D-Dragon Lord! To what do we owe this pleasure?!”

“I’m looking to join Arc here on his return trip to Equestria.”

Arc nods. “I’ll pay for her and my other friend here.”

Sereb shakes his head. “That will not be necessary, Arc. As Warchief of my tribe…”

As they speak to the captain the rest of the crew whispered to one another. Mullet turns to Squabble.

“So many important figures here!”

“Yeah! The Hero of Light, Dragon Lord, Warchief, and the Scarlet Filly!”

Lix grins. “At least we don’t have to worry about being attacked by dragons now.”

Marco chuckles. “Or anyone for that matter.”

Before long the ship takes off. The crew charts a course to the northwest, as the passengers sit on the deck and catch up. As the sun sets, Celaeno escorts Arc and his companions below deck.

“Are you certain you won’t reconsider, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “We won’t take you or your crew’s quarters, captain.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. It’s just one night, after all.”

Entering the small room from before, they see a stack of extra blankets in one corner.

“This room is a bit small for any more than one. But as per your instructions, we’ve removed the few obstructions in here.”

Sereb nods. “It was the best you could do.”

Scootaloo yawns. “Yeah. That and I’m pretty tired after such a day.”

“I’ll let you get some rest then.”

Leaving the room, she returns to the Bridge. Sereb looks around.

“Now the big question is who gets the bed.”

Arc chuckles. “Scootaloo can have it.”

“I’d rather sleep with you by my side, Big Brother.”

Ember grins mischievously. “Me too!”

“The bed won’t hold all three of us though.”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Remember our sleeping arrangements in the Southern Temple?”

Arc nods. “That could work. Let’s lay the blankets out.”

Arc and Scootaloo get to work making a large bed with the blankets. Sereb lies down at the head of it as Arc leans back against his side. Motioning to the others, they step forward.

“Scootaloo on one side, Ember on the other.”

Snuggling up to him, Ember smiles as she whispers.

“I’ve missed this.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Good night, Ember.”

Sereb switches off the lights with his magic and lays his head down. Scootaloo looks up into Arc’s face nervously.

“Big Brother?”

“Hm?”

“Um… are you still planning to… you know… adopt me?”

Ember grins. “Better run that by Dinky first.”

Sereb nods. “Aye. Don’t want her getting jealous, after all.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin. “Dinky… that’s your daughter’s name, right?”

“Yup. You two should get along very well.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You’re both strong… and brave… and very sweet.”

“So does that mean…?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Scootaloo.”

Early the next morning, even before the sun peeks over the horizon, the Solar Macaw II touches down on the landing pad in front of Light’s Hope. Arc and company turn to the captain.

“Thanks for the ride.”

Ember grins. “Yeah! We made great time!”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Scootaloo yawns. “That was a trip and a half!”

“So what now, sir?”

“Continue on your way and don’t tell anyone you saw us.”

Ember frowns. “Arc?”

“I’m a fugitive at the moment, remember?”

Sereb growls. “We would do well to keep a low profile.”

Arc removes a bag of bits from his ring and hands them to the captain.

“Take this as payment for our fare.”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

Arc turns and heads for the gangplank. “Let’s go everyone.”

They step off the ship and walk toward the building as it takes off. Ember looks to him with a pained expression.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“There’s… something you need to see.”

“Oh?”

Sereb nods. “It’s over here.”

The large wolf leads them to the stone monument just as the sun peeks over the horizon. It’s light dances across the surface of the stone illuminating its words. Arc look it over silently for a time before speaking.

“So everyone really does think I’m dead, huh?”

Ember sighs. “Afraid so.”

Sereb bows his head. “It was a lovely service.”

“Sereb!”

“But it was.”

Arc frowns. “Who came?”

Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. “Ponies from all over the country. That and the entire town of Ponyville.”

Sereb nods. “To say nothing for two princesses.”

“Right.”

Arc looks to Sereb. “No Celestia though, huh?”

“No.”

“Good.”

“Big Brother?”

Arc clenches his fist angrily. “I don’t want the one whom tried to murder me anywhere near those I care about!”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “On a more positive note, it would appear several individuals regularly leave flowers.”

Looking down, they see a number of somewhat fresh bouquets laid on the ground in front of the marker. Arc kneels down and picks one up. A fancy bit of silk lace hangs from it.

“Rarity…”

Ember bows her head. “She… took the news hard.”

Sereb growls. “It was to be expected though. And it appears she has not let you go yet.”

“Oh?”

“Look at the flowers. They appear to be fresh.”

Scootaloo nods. “What about the ones on top?”

Pointing with a hoof, Scootaloo gestures to two single flowers in a small holder atop the stone. Sereb sniffs them.

“The scent of Derpy and Dinky rests on them.”

Ember smiles. “They always were devoted to you, Arc.”

“Yeah. I… need to go see them.”

Pricking up his ears, Sereb turns his head to look at Ember.

“Follow me.”

“What? Why?”

“You too, Scootaloo.”

“Um… okay.”

Arc appears confused. “What’s going on, big guy?”

“Stay here, Arc.”

The wolf leads the pair around the building to the patio as Arc turns and waits. A few moments later he hears the familiar sound of clopping hooves. Stepping off the road, Derpy and Dinky approach the marker with their heads down. Each of them carries a single flower in their mouths. As they near, Derpy looks up. Gasping, she stops and drops the flower.

“Mom? What’s…?”

Silently, Derpy points a hoof toward the man standing in front of the memorial. Dinky turns and looks at him wordlessly for a long moment. Eventually, Arc kneels down and spreads his arms. Both of them run at top speed toward him into a loving embrace.

“DAD!!!”

“ARC!!!”

“Where have you been?!”

Arc smiles happily. “I’ve been traveling for a while now. Ever since I lost my memory.”

Derpy gasps. “Are you all right though?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Derpy. I remember both of you now.”

“Are you here to stay, dad?!”

“For a day or so, yes.”

Derpy appears confused. “Arc?”

“I’ve heard what’s happened since Celestia tried to kill me. How Captain Decimus has taken control of nearly everything and how he’s searching for me.”

Dink gasps. “But… but you didn’t DO anything!!!”

“Right. However, right now I’m a wanted criminal.”

Derpy shakes her head vehemently. “No, you’re not! You’re a hero!”

“Well, either way I still have a job to do.”

Dinky frowns. “But I thought you were done after Princess Celestia was back, dad.”

“I was supposed to be, yes. However as it stands I’m the only one who can stand up to, and potentially kill Decimus.”

He looks toward the sunrise with his little family before continuing.

“And if necessary… take down Princess Celestia herself.”

Chapter 7 - Home Again

Arc leads Derpy and Dinky around the building to the patio. Ember, Scootaloo, and Sereb nod approvingly. Ember is the first to speak.

“Love this sight.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Me too.”

Sereb smiles toothily. “As do I.”

Dinky gasps. “Sereb! Ember! You came back!”

Sereb nods. “Arc came to the Dragon Lands and got us.”

Ember offers a thumbs up. “We couldn’t leave him hanging!”

Derpy smiles. “But how? Dinky found your gauntlet in a lake, Arc.”

“Well, actually Sereb found it. Did you Blink all the way here, dad? And who’s this?!”

“I ran into Captain Celaeno in my travels. They took me to the Dragon Lands for the final ingredient necessary to restore my memories. As for who this is… she’s a friend I made in my travels.”

Scootaloo waves nervously. “Hello. I’m… the Scarlet Filly. Nice to meet you all.”

Dinky looks the filly over. “H-hi.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Do you suppose the captain is still around?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. They probably flew back to Redemption Village, or something. In any case, let’s head inside and have something to eat.”

Derpy gasps. “But I need to get to work.”

Ember shrugs. “Sereb and I will cover for you.”

Dinky shakes her head. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary. After all, Miss Cheerilee and Miss Peachbottom take care of the meals with Miss Natalya and Mister Gallus when mom takes a day off.”

Sereb chuckles. “Then I’ll run down there and let her know you won’t be in today.”

Derpy appears pained. “She’ll want a reason though.”

Arc turns to Sereb. “Tell Coco Pommel there was a… family emergency. That should satisfy her.”

“Very well.”

Sereb runs down the road as Arc leads the others back into the building.

“I hope we have pancake mix.”

Dinky looks away nervously. “That’s not likely.”

Ember frowns. “Don’t tell me they took all the supplies from this place!”

“No. At least not as far as I know. But…”

She sighs and looks to her mother. Derpy smiles.

“It’s a long story, Arc. We can talk about it later. Right now we need to notify your squad that you’re still alive.”

“They’re here?!”

“Yeah, dad. And it smells like they’re cooking breakfast too.”

Arc grins. “In that case, I’ll give them a surprise inspection.”

Ember and Dinky giggle as they enter the cafeteria. Arc walks over to the kitchen door and opens it. Max and Hugh stand at the stove cooking as Viktor rummages around in the refrigerator. Turning his head, Arc spots Xenos standing in the pantry doorway. He is frozen in place, staring at his commanding officer.

“G-g-g-guys?!”

Hugh looks over. “What’s wrong?”

Viktor frowns. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”

“I… think I am.”

Xenos points a hoof at Arc. The others turn to look. They too freeze as Arc waves at them.

“Um… hi.”

Max grins. “C-COMMANDER!!!”

Hugh smiles. “Is it really you?!”

Arc laughs. “I think so!”

Viktor gasps. “Where did you go?!”

Xenos looks him over. “Are you alright?!”

“It’s one heck of a story. But I’m really hungry right now. Think you can whip up some breakfast for us?”

Max nods fervently. “Right away, sir!”

Xenos laughs. “Good thing we went shopping yesterday, huh?”

Hugh nods. “Right.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Shopping?”

Viktor sighs. “Canterlot isn’t sending supplies anymore, sir.”

Dinky smiles sheepishly. “That and I… kinda took all the food from the pantry, dad.”

Ember frowns. “Uh… why?”

“I gave it to a village of hungry ponies.”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “Okay, this story I have GOT to hear!”

Derpy giggles. “We should probably eat first though, Arc. It’s a REALLY long one.”

Xenos nods. “Give us a few minutes to put on some more pancakes and eggs, sir.”

Ember turns to him. “How about everyone else, Arc? We should get them here right away to tell them you’re alive.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Think you can fly around town and tell them to come to Light’s Hope for me?”

“Sure.”

Sereb walks into the room panting as he heads for Derpy.

“Miss Pommel has been notified, and wants you to know that you can take off all the time you need, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Sereb.”

Ember waves a claw as she passes. “Come on, big fella.”

“Where are we going?”

“To gather the others! Now come on!”

Sereb and Ember leave the room. Arc walks over to stove.

“Now then, let me help you guys.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “But aren’t you tired, sir?”

“Not really. Why would I be?”

Viktor smiles nervously. “Being dead tends to do that I hear.”

Hugh eyes him suspiciously. “You weren’t though… were you?”

“Almost was, yes. A couple times actually. I’ll tell the story over breakfast though.”

Dinky grins. “Can I help?!”

Derpy raises a hoof. “Me too!”

Scootaloo giggles. “Me three!”

“Sure! Now then, let’s make a breakfast that will make everyone happy.”

They get to work. Sometime later Ember and Sereb return with the Mane 6 in tow, sans Twilight. Rainbow Dash yawns.

“Why are we here now?”

Fluttershy sniffs the air. “Smells like breakfast.”

Applejack grins. “I don’t mind a hearty meal, but I have work to do today.”

Pinkie giggles. “Smells good though!”

Rarity’s ears droop as she looks around. “Well, I for one don’t really want to be here! Too many painful memories!”

Ember frowns. “You’re staying and that’s that!”

Sereb turns to her. “Ember, please.”

Rarity groans. “At least tell us why though!”

Ember looks away. “It’s… important, okay?!”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “That cleared it up.”

Derpy and Dinky happily exit the kitchen with plates off eggs and hash browns.

“Good morning!”

“I hope everypony slept well!”

The squad walks out with drinks, plates, and silverware.

“Here we go.”

“Plenty for everypony.”

“We’ll get this stuff laid out.”

“Are the pancakes coming out soon?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “They smell about done.”

Rarity frowns. “Wait! If all of you are out here, who’s taking care of the stove?!”

Pinkie grins as her head twitches. “I know who it is!”

Arc steps through the kitchen door carrying a serving platter of pancakes.

“I hope everyone’s hungry! We made enough to…!”

He is cut off as the mares lunge at him. Derpy takes flight and reaches up to take the platter from him as Arc is knocked to the floor. Rarity reaches him first.

“ARC!!!”

Applejack smiles happily. “We were so worried!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Idiot! We all thought you were dead!”

“My Pinkie Sense said he was fine though!”

Fluttershy gasps. “When?”

“Just now!”

Rarity giggles and presses her lips against Arc’s cheek.

“Well I for one am very happy to see you.”

Applejack chuckles. “We all are.”

“And I’m glad to be back too. Have I got a story to tell.”

Derpy sets the platter on the table. “Why don’t you tell it over this meal though?”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! After you introduce the last guest.”

“Sure.”

Turning to the kitchen, Arc calls out.

“Come on out.”

Scootaloo walks slowly into the room carrying the syrup. Arc clears his throat.

“Everyone, this is…”

Pinkie grins. “The Scarlet Filly!”

Fluttershy gasps. “Really?!”

Scootaloo waves a hoof nervously. “H-hello.”

Applejack smiles approvingly. “She’s a new hero!”

Rainbow Dash grins ear to ear. “A really cool one too!”

Fluttershy nods. “Even Princess Celestia thinks so.”

Rarity frowns. “Well, I’m not so sure about the royal pain’s opinion right now.”

Pinkie giggles. “How’d you two meet?!”

“That will be explained. But first why don’t you tell them who you really are?”

Scootaloo gasps. “Wha-what?”

“It’s okay. You can trust them.”

“But what if they think I’m a freak?”

Dinky smiles at the filly. “We won’t. Promise.”

“Okay. Here goes…”

Unfastening the clasp, Scootaloo allows the cloak to fall to the floor. She looks down nervously.

“My real name is… Scootaloo.”

Rarity squeals. “She is just the cutest little thing, Arc!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Oh yes! I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before!”

Applejack walks over and shakes hooves. “Welcome to Ponyville. You’ll like it here.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! I’ll throw you a ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party’ just as soon as I can!”

Rainbow Dash puts her hooves on either side of her face. “She even SOUNDS cool!”

“I do?”

“YES! You are just the most awesomest pony I’ve EVER met!”

Derpy turns to Dinky. “They do kinda sound similar.”

“I hear it too.”

Rainbow Dash beams. “Maybe we’re long lost sisters!”

“I don’t think so. After all, I’m an only foal.”

“Are you sure?!”

Scootaloo sighs. “Very.”

Applejack clears her throat loudly. “Well, let’s continue our conversation as we eat. Now that Arc’s back, I finally have an appetite again.”

Rarity bats her eyelashes seductively. “As do I!”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “Can I sit next to the Scarlet Filly?!”

“I guess so. But I’m sitting with my Big Brother.”

Rarity giggles. “Only if I get to sit on the other side of him!”

Ember frowns. “What about me?!”

Sereb chuckles. “You got to sleep next to him last night though.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Fine. Everyone just take a seat. I’m starving!”

The squad serves the meal as the story is told. Arc looks around the table as he finishes.

“And that brings us to today. Any questions?”

Rainbow Dash raises a hoof. “Yeah. Just for clarification’s sake… both you and the Scarlet Filly are… what now?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Crimsons.”

Arc nods. “They’re kinda like vampires back on Earth. I’m just glad I don’t need to drink blood to stay alive though.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow quizzically. “So you… control her?”

“I’m capable of doing that, yes. But Scootaloo is free to do as she wishes.”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “Sorry to hear about your parents.”

“It’s okay. Big Brother was there for me.”

Pinkie appears confused. “Why do you keep calling him that?”

“Because at the time I wanted him to be my real brother. Like I said earlier, I’m an only foal.”

Fluttershy turns to Arc. “After the incident you floated down the river, right?”

“Yes.”

Applejack sighs. “The fillies found your gauntlet and dagger! It’s back at Derpy’s house.”

Dinky grins. “I guess we really were on the right track back there.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“I’ll need to collect those later. What about Cherry?”

Derpy smiles. “She’s at the orphanage right now.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Doing what?”

Applejack chuckles. “Tutoring mostly.”

Dinky nods. “She needed something to do to pass the time.”

Fluttershy sighs. “It can’t be easy not being able to move.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t understand. If everyone thought I was dead, why didn’t she move on to the afterlife?”

Rarity puts a hoof on his hand. “She said that she believed you were still alive out there somewhere and would stay until there was proof of your demise.”

Dinky nods. “We found her with Tempest.”

“What was she doing there?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Apparently she didn’t fall out the window with you.”

Pinkie nods. “Captain Decimus took her along with your spear we’d imagine.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “We need to get that back too!

Arc shakes his head. “Low priority right now. After all, I doubt Decimus is just going to hand it over.”

Pinkie grins wickedly. “Oh, he might be convinced!”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw his face on the front page of the newspaper a few days after Twilight’s coronation! In fact, I have that issue right here!”

She reaches behind her and pulls out a newspaper. Setting it on the table, Pinkie points a hoof.

“See what he’s holding?!”

Sereb growls. “That arrogant…!”

Ember seethes. “Arc’s spear!”

Applejack bows her head. “Makes sense. After all, these days it’s seen as the Hero of Light’s signature weapon.”

Rainbow Dash smacks the table with a hoof. “Well then, how about we head over there and take it back along with Arc’s position!”

Rarity nods with conviction. “Yes! Make that coward pay for all his lies and betrayals!”

Arc sighs. “In due time. Right now we have the advantage.”

“We do, Big Brother?”

“Yes. Remember, everyone thinks I’m dead.”

Xenos grits his teeth. “But what about those wanted posters?”

Max nods. “Yeah! They’re in every town by now!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Probably just in case Arc survived. I mean, come on… a one-million bits reward?! There’s no way they’d ever pay that out!”

Applejack sighs. “I bet they would. After all, Decimus HAS to know Arc’s the only one who can stop him now.”

Arc frowns. “Well, there’s always Cadance and Luna, I suppose.”

Pinkie bows her head. “Not anymore.”

Fluttershy nods soberly. “Princess Cadance returned to the Crystal Empire.”

Rarity nods. “And Princess Luna returned to the castle with Twilight to implement a bit of a… different plan.”

Ember turns to Rainbow Dash. “Can we get in touch with them covertly?”

“Not anymore we can’t.”

Fluttershy sighs. “She left so that her sister would have to call for Twilight.”

Rarity looks to Arc. “Their plan was for Twilight to tell Celestia the truth about what happened that night. Decimus would be arrested, and your name would be cleared.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “It didn’t work?”

Applejack smiles. “Oh, it did.”

Pinkie nods happily. “She’s the Princess of Friendship now!”

Arc smiles. “I saw the coronation with my own eyes, yes. But why didn’t she say anything to Celestia?”

Max shrugs. “Who knows?”

Xenos frowns. “It might be part of her master plan, or something.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Or she just values her friendship with the princess over yours, Arc!”

Sereb sighs. “That seems rather likely right now.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “No way! Twilight’s as loyal as they come!”

Hugh turns to Arc. “If I may, she didn’t seem the betraying type, sir.”

Viktor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “But it is strange that nothing has happened since she took the throne.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Maybe she’s been kidnapped?”

Viktor shakes his head. “Nah. I hear that she parades around the city every day smiling and waving to the citizens.”

Arc frowns. “I’ll have to ask her myself then.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea, Big Brother?”

“Twilight could be in trouble. I have to make sure she’s okay.”

Rarity sighs. “That might be harder than you think, Arc.”

Ember nods fervently. “Right. Celestia can sense powerful magic. Yours would show up like a candle in a darkened room.”

Sereb looks around. “Perhaps someone else could get a message to her.”

Applejack shakes her head. “Too risky. We could blow her cover. Then she’d REALLY be in trouble!”

Derpy shudders. “What should we do then?”

“Dad?”

“At the moment, I’m not sure. I’ll have to give the matter some more thought. But right now I need to see Cherry. Let her know that I’m okay.”

“But you can’t go out there, Big Brother!”

Sereb grins. “Ember and I could head back and ‘borrow’ her.”

“Yeah! We could say Derpy and Dinky are having a rough time with their ‘family problem’ and need her help.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Would that work?”

Dinky giggles. “Sure! Miss Cherry’s the one everypony goes to at school with their problems!”

Max grins. “Right! Even the younglings look up to her!”

Viktor nods. “It’s a plausible story. But she’ll be with Miss Pommel this time of day.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “She stays in Coco Pommel’s room at night.”

“That’s good. But right now… I have a promise to keep.”

A short time later there is a knock at Coco Pommel’s office door.

“Come in.”

Derpy and Dinky enter together with a robed Scootaloo. They close and lock the door behind them.

“Good morning, you two.”

Cherry calls out from her place on the desk. “Is everything alright?”

Derpy grins. “Yes. Better than alright actually.”

Dinky nods. “We need your help though, Miss Pommel. But first somepony needs to say ‘hello’.”

Arc decloaks and tosses back his hood. Cherry gasps along with Coco Pommel.

“ARC!!!”

“How did you…?! Are you alright?!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s a long story, you two. But right now I really need Cherry in my head.”

Picking up the helmet, he carefully puts it on. Cherry enters his mind and sighs contentedly.

“I’ve missed this.”

Arc chuckles. “So have I. But we have someone here whom needs our help.”

Derpy points a hoof to the robed figure. “This is the Scarlet Filly. We heard about her on the radio a while back.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Oh yes, I remember that.”

“You see, ma’am… I’m an orphan.”

“Are you now?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. My dad murdered my mom before he was killed himself by the Hero of Light here.”

Arc nods grimly. “It had to be done.”

“Do you have any family, little one?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, ma’am. It was just mom and dad.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “I’ll try to locate somepony just in case.”

“There really isn’t anyone, Coco Pommel. She was born and raised in a village that doesn’t officially exist.”

Scootaloo appears nervous. “Is that a problem?!”

Coco Pommel smiles as she walks over to the filly. “Not at all. You see, the Little Hooves Orphanage is here for any foal whom has nowhere to go. It’ll be your home as well for the time being.”

“That won’t be necessary. You see… I made her a promise a while back to…”

There is a loud banging at the door as a familiar voice rings out.

Chapter 8 - Official Orders

“Open up!”

Arc frowns. “Uh oh…”

Cherry gasps. “Decimus!”

“You’d better hide, dad!”

Coco Pommel points a hood. “In my quarters! Hurry!”

Arc Blinks into the next room as Derpy unlocks and opens the door. Captain Decimus enters quickly wearing armor very similar to the traditional Heroes of Light. His Crest of Light is prominently displayed on his shoulder.

“Matron! I have need of some of your facilities for a few days or so!”

“Sir?”

“Canterlot is sending over a number of troops to aid me in my duties. They will need to be housed here while the base down the road is modified.”

Coco Pommel frowns. “But this is an orphanage!”

“It’s a government owned building, and I have need of it temporarily. After all, I’m sure you have extra beds available.”

Scootaloo steps forward. “Captain.”

Decimus smiles as he removes his helmet. “Ah, Scarlet Filly! Forgive me, but I didn’t see you back there.”

“No offense taken, sir. But if I may, what are you doing so far from the capital?”

“As the new Hero of Light I’m planning to use the base down the path as my center of operations. But first it needs to be properly cleaned and organized.”

“I’m not attempting to tell you how to operate, captain, but wouldn’t it be easier to work from Canterlot?”

“Not for something like this. I’m looking for the fugitive former Hero of Light.”

Coco Pommel frowns. “But he passed away!”

Derpy nods as she points a hoof. “Yes! His grave is just down the road!”

Decimus scoffs. “Just a memorial there. My taking his base serves to cut him off from a potential seat of power.”

Dinky frowns. “You think he was trying to take over?!”

“Most likely. That and he had many allies in this town. My presence will keep him away. But I assume that’s what led you here, Scarlett Filly.”

“Truthfully, I had another reason to visit this facility.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. You see, I’m actually an orphan.”

Decimus nods soberly. “Not to sound callous, but I assumed as much.”

“I came here to see what my options were.”

Coco Pommel clears her throat loudly. “She claims to not have any other known relatives.”

Decimus rolls his eyes. “And?”

“The law clearly states that she is to be entrusted to my care until proper adoptive parents can be found and approved.”

“That may be the case normally, yes. However, the Scarlet Filly is an exceptional individual.”

Derpy appears confused. “She is?”

“Oh yes. If you’d read the reports of what she’s accomplished thus far I’m sure you’d agree that she can’t be contained to this shabby orphanage.”

“But she’s much too young to be traveling the land unaccompanied!”

Decimus frowns. “Then have ‘Emancipation Papers’ drawn up.”

“That’s a rather lengthy process though. She’d have to appear before the princesses for an interview and prove that she’s capable of paying her own bills, cooking her own food, and holding a steady job.”

Decimus waves his hoof dismissively. “No need for that. Just write up the papers and I’ll sign them.”

“But the law clearly states that only the princesses themselves can authorize…!”

“You seem to forget that I hold the same power to authorize such things, matron! Now then, as the Hero of Light, I hereby ORDER you to draw up those papers immediately!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Very well.”

Pulling two blank forms from her desk Coco Pommel writes a few things before pushing them toward Decimus.

“I just need your signature on both forms along with the Scarlet Filly’s.”

Decimus picks up the pen and signs his name before giving it to Scootaloo to do the same. Coco Pommel looks them over for a moment before nodding.

“I’ll send this one to Canterlot today.”

Decimus nods. “Be sure the other copy is issued to her.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you for your help, captain.

Decimus nods. “It’s no trouble. After all, heroes such as ourselves can’t be held back by petty bureaucracy. Now then, I’ll leave you to your investigation.”

Turning, he leaves the office. Scootaloo sighs as Arc steps back into the room.

“That didn’t go as I had hoped.”

Derpy appears confused. “How so?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. If Decimus hadn’t done that, you’d have to stay here at the orphanage.”

Coco Pommel slides the other form to Scootaloo. “With this, you’re not bound by a legal guardian or my own authority.”

Dinky turns to Derpy. “What’s that mean, mom?”

“I don’t actually know.”

Cherry calls out. “That she can come and go as she pleases. Like an adult.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Right.”

“But that isn’t what I wanted!”

Coco Pommel appears confused. “It isn’t?”

Arc sighs. “Like I was saying before Decimus showed up…”

Dinky gasps. “Dad! Decimus is heading to your base!”

“Yes, I heard that.”

Derpy turns to look out the window. “But everypony’s still there!”

“Not anymore.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Arc?”

“As soon as I heard that I used the phone in your quarters to call the base. By now our friends and squad have all fled.”

Scootaloo breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good, I suppose. But it doesn’t change anything for me.”

Dinky turns to her father. “What was the plan then, dad?”

“I promised that I would adopt Scootaloo myself.”

Scootaloo looks to Coco Pommel, hopefully. “Can we still do that?!”

Coco Pommel sighs and shakes her head as she holds up the other form. “I’m afraid not. With this document you’re legally considered an adult and ineligible for adoption.”

Arc kneels down and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Look, Scootaloo. I may not be able to legally adopt you. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t stay together.”

Dinky walks over to the sad filly. “Right. After all, you’re an adult now.”

“Can I still call you Big Brother?”

“Sure. And we can still travel together.”

Cherry gasps. “Travel?!”

Derpy frowns. “But you just got here, Arc!”

“I know. However with Decimus looking for me, it would be very dangerous for me to stay in town.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “That’s not fair! Decimus is the bad stallion, not you, dad!”

“Agreed. But until I have some kind of plan, I need to lay low.”

Coco Pommel nods sadly. “But where would you go?”

“We could go stay with Ruby back at the ranch, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Cherry. Then SHE’D be in danger.”

Derpy frowns. “But you have to stay somewhere, Arc!”

“I know, Derpy. Let’s go meet the others. See if they have any ideas.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Others?”

“Rarity said everyone would head to her shop. We can meet them there.”

“And you have a sigil just outside, dad! Just let me run home real quick and fetch it for you along with your knife!”

She runs out the door. A short time later Dinky returns with the gauntlet and knife in her saddlebags. Arc takes them and nods as he calls forth a portal and turns to the matron.

“In any case, thanks for the help Coco Pommel.”

“You’re welcome. I’m only sorry I couldn’t help you as originally intended. Be careful out there.”

Allowing the others to go first, Arc raises his hood before following them through. Hurrying inside the shop Rarity closes and locks the door behind him. Decloaking, he looks around the room.

“Sorry about the quick exit, everyone.”

Applejack smiles warmly. “It ain’t your fault, Arc.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! It’s that mean old Decimus’!”

Rainbow Dash clops her front hooves together. “How about I head over there and try to catch him?!”

Fluttershy grimaces. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

“Why not?!”

Rarity sighs. “For starters, because it would be treason.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What’s that?”

Arc looks to her. “Betraying your country. You see… uh oh…”

Rarity turns to him. “Arc?”

“Where’s Ember and Sereb?”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “They said something about taking care of… something!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Great! They’ll deal with Decimus!”

Arc facepalms. “That’s bad!”

Derpy looks to Arc. “How? I mean, they’re not citizens of Equestria.”

Arc frowns as he heads for the door. “That’s worse! It’ll cause a war!”

Opening the door, Arc sees Ember and Sereb standing there as they prepare to knock.

“Where were you two?!”

“Taking care of something.”

“Get in here!”

Shrugging, they enter. Arc closes the door and looks to them.

“Please tell me you two didn’t go after Decimus!”

Sereb growls. “Decimus is here?!”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear. “No! But I will now!”

Scootaloo walks over to them. “Please calm down, miss! If Big Brother says it’s a bad idea, we should believe him.”

Arc groans. “Think about what the resulting war would do to our nations!”

Sereb frowns. “We were not even aware he was in town.”

Arc chuckles. “Oh… right. I don’t recall saying why everyone had to leave the base. Sorry about that. So where do you go?”

“To get this.”

Opening Sereb’s saddlebags Ember pulls out a small box. Handing it to Arc, she smiles.

“I figured you missed this.”

Reaching inside the box, Arc pulls out a cupcake.

“Thanks you two.”

Taking a bite, Arc sits down in a nearby chair.

“Well… now what?”

Ember grips her spear tightly. “We could take down Decimus!”

“Didn’t I just explain how that’s a bad idea?!”

Sereb growls. “As was his idea to attempt to kill you, Arc!”

“He’ll get what’s coming to him. But first we need to know more of his plans.”

Scootaloo frowns. “If he’s so bad why not just off him?”

Dinky sighs. “Because he’d just come back.”

“How?!”

Derpy shrugs. “We have no idea.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Right! That guy must have nine lives!”

Rarity appears hopeful. “You could stay here with me, Arc.”

Applejack steps forward. “Or at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Mom and I would like it if you were close by too, dad.”

“Thanks for the offers everyone. However, I can’t stay in Ponyville at the moment.”

Ember pipes up. “How about the Dragon Lands?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of… something at least on the continent.”

Sereb growls. “Anywhere in Equestria would put you in danger, Arc.”

“Well, I want to be able to come right back if trouble arises.”

“Big Brother!”

“Yes, Scootaloo?”

“I know where we can go!”

Oh?”

“The Crystal Empire!”

Derpy tilts her head to one side, confused. “Why there?”

“It’s part of the mainland, but not actually affiliated directly with Equestria, right?!”

Rarity sighs. “That’s only partially true, dear. It’s a separate country, yes. But at the same time ruled by the princesses.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Crystal Empire, huh? That might work.”

Derpy appears surprised. “Arc?”

“Not so much the location, but who’s in charge over there.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Princess Cadance?”

Fluttershy nods. “Remember, she went back there after the funeral.”

Arc looks up. “Who’s funeral?”

“Yours, sugarcube.”

“Oh?”

Pinkie nods. “It was really nice too! You’d have loved it! Say, why didn’t you come?!”

Max rolls his eyes. “He was kinda believed to be dead.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll try to make it to the next one.”

Xenos sighs. “The only problem now is how to get there.”

“Right. I don’t have a sigil anywhere near that place.”

Ember grins. “We could take Sereb.”

“I don’t think he could carry all of us.”

Derpy frowns. “Huh?”

“Me, Ember, and Scootaloo.”

“What about mom and I, dad?!”

“You two are safest here. Remember, I’m a criminal at the moment.”

Derpy smiles. “We wouldn’t mind…”

“If I get caught, you’ll go to jail with me. Then who’ll take care of Dinky?”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Hugh looks out the window. “How about the train?”

Viktor nods. “Right! You could take it to Canterlot, and from there get a transfer to the Crystal Empire!”

Scootaloo grins. “We could get a private room like we did last time. That worked out pretty well.”

Sereb chimes in. “And I could stay in my Cub Form to avoid unwanted attention.”

Ember nods. “It’s plausible. When’s the next train out of here?”

Applejack sighs. “Tomorrow morning.”

“That means you can come home with us, dad!”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Probably not a good idea.”

Dinky frowns. “Why not?”

Pinkie hangs her head. “Because that’s one of the first places they’d think to look!”

Fluttershy nods. “Everypony knew Arc had a room at Derpy’s house, after all.”

Rarity clears her throat. “In that case, you could stay here tonight. Nopony would think to look for you at my house, as our relationship is still a secret to pretty much everypony.”

“Thanks. But what about Ember and Sereb?”

Applejack steps forward. “They can spend the night in our guest room on the farm.”

Ember grins. “Awesome! Then tomorrow we’ll be off!”

Sereb nods. “On another adventure, no less.”

Arc looks around at those assembled. “Okay, it sounds like we have a plan.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “But what about today?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What about it?”

Pinkie thinks soberly. “They need something to kill time, right?”

Scootaloo nods. “I guess so. But like Big Brother said, anywhere we go will make somepony a target.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “There’s one place we could lay low for the day.”

Cherry calls out. “What about everypony’s safety?”

“Not to worry. I’ve got it covered.”

Arc turns to the Mane 6.

“There’s a few things I need to take care of anyways.”

Rarity looks hopeful. “You’ll be back before nightfall though, right?”

“Oh yes. That much I can assure you. But right now I need to take Derpy and Dinky for a bit.”

“Dad?”

Derpy smiles. “We’d love to come, of course. Nevertheless, it’d be nice to know what this is about.”

“Trust me. All will be explained shortly.”

Ember frowns. “What about us?!”

“I’ll see you and Sereb here at Rarity’s tomorrow morning.”

“But…!”

Sereb interrupts her. “Arc must have his reasons.”

Ember frowns. “Fine.”

Arc nods sadly and raises his gauntlet to open a portal. Motioning for Derpy and Dinky to enter along with Scootaloo he turns back to the others.

“I’ll see everyone tomorrow. Take care.”

Stepping through, Arc vanishes as the portal collapses. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak.

“What the heck do you suppose THAT was all about?!”

Applejack shrugs. “No idea. But he didn’t look too thrilled about it.”

Pinkie grins. “Why wouldn’t he be happy?! After all, Arc LOVES spending time with his family, right?!”

Fluttershy smiles warmly. “Of course. Maybe he just wants some time with them before heading to the Crystal Empire.”

Rarity nods. “That’s probably it. After all, who knows when he’ll be back.”

Ember clenches a fist. “He’ll be back when it’s safe.”

Sereb turns to her. “When do you suppose that would be?”

“As soon as Decimus bites the dust… AGAIN!!!”

Rainbow Dash spreads her wings. “I’m with you, Ember!”

Applejack frowns. “You two heard what Arc said though. No bloodshed.”

Ember turns and heads for the door. “Yeah, yeah, I know. Doesn’t mean I have to like it though.”

Chapter 9 - Difficult Conversations

Arc emerges from the portal. Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo stand there waiting for him.

“Sorry for making everyone wait.”

Derpy smiles. “It’s fine, Arc.”

Scootaloo looks around. “But where are we?”

“Redemption Village. It guards the Gates of Tartarus.”

Dinky gasps. “Tartarus?!”

“Yes. We needed someplace quiet and safe to talk.”

Derpy appears confused. “About what, Arc?”

“It’s… complicated.”

Dinky frowns. “What about your armor, dad?”

“Huh?”

“You don’t have any.”

Derpy nods. “Maybe this would be a good time to talk to Mythic Honor about acquiring something new.”

“Yes, well… that can wait until after…”

Derpy shakes her head vehemently. “No, no! You need armor! If somepony finds you, it’ll go a long way in safeguarding your life!”

“Yeah dad! Let’s take care of that first!”

“They’re right, Big Brother. Who knows when somepony will try to collect that reward on your head.”

“Um… okay.”

Entering the town the make their way to the Town Hall. Mythic Honor is napping on the upside-down cauldron. Arc nudges him gently.

“Mythic Honor?”

The stallion jumps up with a start.

“Why, hello there! Say, there’s something different about you today, Arc! Did you do something different with your armor?!”

“Um… no. In fact, I don’t have it. Remember?”

“Oh, right! But the good news is that I sent scouts out to find it! Well, what was left of it, that is.”

Cherry sounds hopeful. “To reforged it?”

“I tried, mind you! But it’s no use!”

Derpy frowns. “What do you mean ‘no use’, sir?”

“Follow me! I’ll show you!”

Leading the way into the Town Hall, he gestures to a large crate in the corner.

“It’s in there!”

Arc steps forward and puts his hand on the box. His armor lies within, but is not smooth as it was before. Innumerable bumps over the surface litter the armor, giving it a strange appearance.

“What the…?”

“Whenever I melt it down, all I get is this when it cools!”

Dinky puts her hooves on the table and peeks into the box. “How could that have happened?!”

Mythic Honor sighs. “The hydra scales that composed your armor appear to have been altered somehow!”

Derpy gasps. “What could do that?!”

“Nothing I can think of! Well, other than some insanely powerful spell hitting it, that is!”

Arc chuckles. “Oh… that.”

“Eh?”

“Princess Celestia fired some kind of massive spell at me. Not actually sure how it didn’t kill me, but…”

Cherry groans. “That was scary!”

Scootaloo looks to Mythic Honor. “Can nothing be done to make it look as it did before?!”

“Afraid not! It’s also very brittle now! Well, not so brittle it’ll fall apart! But I don’t recommend taking this into battle again!”

Arc sighs as he pulls the ruined armor into his ring.. “Well, thanks for trying.”

Cherry calls out. “We should head to the inn now, Arc.”

Mythic Honor chuckles. “Looking to spend some time in town, eh?!”

“Just the day.”

“Well then, let’s get you settled in!”

Derpy smiles. “Oh, you don’t have to…”

“I’ll make sure you get the finest room again!”

“Thanks. That’ll help.”

The group follows Mythic Honor to the inn. He approaches the elderly mare behind the counter.

“What can I do for you today, sir?”

“Our town’s savior needs to borrow the top room for the day.”

Arc nods. “We’ll be leaving before sundown.”

“Certainly. It’s the least we can do.”

Standing up slowly, the mare heads for a shelf. Picking up a key she gives it to Arc.

“Please enjoy your stay, on us.”

“Thank you.”

Mythic Honor cackles. “Well, I’ll let you get to whatever it is you need to do, Arc! Uh… I still can’t figure out what’s different about you!”

He looks down at Scootaloo.

“I’m getting the same vibes from your companion here too!”

Scootaloo sounds nervous. “R-really?”

“Sure am! Whatever it is, I hope you two get it figured out soon!”

“Okay. See you later.”

They part ways. Mythic Honor thinks as he walks. Meanwhile, Arc leads his group down the corridor to the room. Unlocking the door he steps aside to allow the others to pass before closing the door behind them. Dinky looks around with Scootaloo.

“This is a nice room!”

“It is, yes.”

Derpy smiles. “Thank you for this, Arc.”

“Y-yeah. But right now we need to talk.”

He gestures to the table.

“We should sit down.”

Everyone does so as Arc looks at Derpy.

“Do you remember how I told you Scootaloo and I have been traveling the land together?”

“Yes, Arc. But you were kinda vague about that.”

“We did a few… interesting jobs around the country.”

Dinky giggles. “If by ‘interesting’ you mean taking down a one hundred stallion gang, then yes.”

Scootaloo smiles. “That was kinda fun.”

“I suppose it was. But right now we need to talk to you about the last job we did.”

Cherry calls out. “Was it bad?”

“Not at all. We accepted it before I got my memories back though. It was to find… you, Derpy.”

“Me?”

Scootaloo gasps. “I thought I recognized her the moment we met, Big Brother. So she’s the one in the picture?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes. Of that I’m certain.”

“What does all this mean, dad?”

“Scootaloo, show them the picture we were given.”

Opening her saddlebags, Scootaloo pulls out the photo and sets it on the table. Derpy’s eyes grow wide as she picks it up.

“It’s me!”

“You look so sad though, mom.”

Derpy sighs. “This was taken shortly before I met your… before I met Moonlit Dusk, sweetie.”

She looks up at Arc.

“How did you get this?!”

“Your… father gave it to us.”

“He did?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes, ma’am. He hired the Scarlet Filly to find you.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Does he… want to see me again?”

Arc sighs. “Not… exactly.”

Grimacing, he turns to Scootaloo again.

“Give it to her.”

Nodding, Scootaloo opens her saddlebags. Pulling out the lockbox, she sets it on the table. Derpy gasps.

“My father gave this to you?!”

“Yes. He wanted Scootaloo to track you down and make sure you got it.”

“What is it, mom?”

“Something my father told me never to touch. It’s sat on his desk for as long as I can remember.”

Scootaloo looks to Derpy. “Can you open it?”

“I think so.”

Pressing the switches, Derpy nods as the lock opens.

“Figures.”

Arc turns to her. “Derpy?”

“The combination was the date that he and my mother met. He always told me it was the happiest day of his life.”

Sighing, she opens the box and reaches inside. Pulling out a scroll, Derpy looks it over.

“That’s odd.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What is?”

“This scroll looks somewhat fresh.”

Arc frowns. “Is that a problem?”

“Not… really. But I thought it would be old and yellowed.”

“Would you like us to leave you alone to read it, mom?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, dear. I’d like everypony to hear.”

Breaking the seal, Derpy unrolls the scroll and begins to read, albeit slowly.

Dear Derpy,

A month has passed since you left. I had assumed that you would have come back with your tail between your legs to beg for my forgiveness by now. But it appears you took my words to heart and left the island. While you probably hate me for what I put you through, please know that I don’t blame you in the least. Your whole life… every time I laid eyes on you… it was as if I was looking at the one whom took my love from me. Silver Hooves was gone and you were left in her place. I am not trying to apologize, but am merely stating the facts as I saw them.

However… nothing I did to you was warranted. I threw myself into my work and tried my best to forget about you. But before I knew it, you were grown up… up into a fully grown mare. A mare with completely normal thoughts and desires. The stallion whom impregnated you was probably the first one to show you any interest. Had I brought you up as a father should have, maybe you wouldn’t have fallen prey to his lustful will. Again, the blame for that is purely mine.

Soon you will give birth. Hopefully successfully to a healthy colt or filly. I… wish I could be there to see my grandchild being born and hold your hoof through the pain of foal bearing. But I don’t deserve that. I don’t deserve to feel such happiness, and as such I have decided to cultivate and grow my fortune. You never knew this, but I’ve been sick for quite some time. While it isn’t unbearable, the doctor says it will only get worse as time goes on. Nopony truly knows just how long they have, I suppose. I do hope that wherever you settle, it will allow you to make a fresh start.

Since the day you left, I’ve learned something. Something I suppose I’ve always known, but never really believed. In the end, family is really all you have in this world. Money… a mansion… extravagant possessions… none of it really matters without somepony to enjoy it with. As you know, I have enough bits to purchase anything, anywhere, and at any time. But I’ve found it all to be meaningless. As futile as chasing after the wind. Had I learned that earlier in life, perhaps things would have worked out different for us. Since this realization, I’ve done my best to better the lives of those in Trottingham by offering employment via the Writ Board. It’s allowed everypony whom wants a job the ability to support themselves since the closure of the mines.

As I close this letter I want to apologize for everything I did and said to you over the years. It was cruel, unnecessary, and did nothing to make you a better mare. While I know this will do little, if anything, to make up for the years I abused and neglected you, I felt it necessary to tell you before I died. Many times I thought of sending others to look for you. However I always came to the conclusion that it would only serve to drive you further away. Perhaps even from the new life you’d made for yourself. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, I know. But by the time this reaches you… I will have passed. All I have left in this world now belongs to you. Every material possession, property, and asset is now yours. If you would like to return and run my affairs I have instructed my butler and foreman to assist you in learning how to manage. Something I should have done myself long ago. Or, if you prefer not to come back to Trottingham, there are those whom can run things on your behalf. You will receive a monthly stipend of the profits as is your birthright. With it you will be able to live comfortably wherever you choose to. The phone number for the main office in at the bottom of this letter. Please make your decision and notify the foreman as soon as possible to allow those employed indirectly by me to be allowed to keep working. Whichever choice you make, please be sure to reward the bearer of this letter appropriately. The time and effort they took to find you must have been great. Stay safe and know that I love you, Derpy. Farewell…

With a heavy heart,

Your father

P.S. A bit of fatherly advice to you. Find somepony special to love and share your life with. One that can care for you and your foal. And… don’t become a slave to your work like I did. Raise your foal to be happy and free.

Derpy sighs and lays the letter on the table.

“I… don’t ever want to go back to Trottingham. Is that wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Derpy. What happened to you there isn’t something one can just move past.”

“Yeah, mom. Dad’s right.”

“I wish now that I could have been there for him at the end.”

Cherry gasps. “Derpy?”

“As cruel as he was, he did provide for me for many years. Kept me safe and fed. While I don’t feel as though I owe him anything, I still wish I could have told him a few things.”

Arc nods. “Like what?”

“That Dinky was safely born thanks to a very special human. And that she’s as smart as the day is long.”

Derpy puts a hoof on the letter and smiles as a tear rolls down her cheek.

“Despite everything, I never hated him. In a way, I think he was like me.”

Cherry calls out. “How so?”

“We both missed my mother. But he wasn’t able to move on from her death.”

Scootaloo bows her head. “I… know how you feel.”

“You do?”

“Yes. My father killed my mother right in front of me. Big Brother and I had to find and take him down for that. And then the mayor told us we both had to leave town. I had to leave behind everything I knew that night.”

“It was a sad day, Scootaloo. What your dad did couldn’t have been ignored.”

“But in the end you had to be the one to do the deed.”

Cherry sighs. “From what you described, it had to be done.”

“Yeah. Shadow had to go down.”

Derpy looks to Scootaloo. “If you don’t mind me asking, how do you feel about him?”

“About my dad?”

“Yes.”

“I hate what he did to mom! And not just how he killed her! He always treated her like an object!”

Dinky frowns. “That’s terrible!”

Cherry sniffles. “You poor little thing!”

Scootaloo looks to Arc and smiles. “But then I met Big Brother here. He took care of me and showed me what it meant to be able to do what was right.”

“We both needed a friend back then.”

“Like how Arc took care of me in foalbirth.”

“I couldn’t just leave you there in labor.”

“Dad’s really good at making everything right.”

Derpy holds up the letter. “In that case, what should I do about this, Arc?”

“Well, since you said you don’t want to go back to Trottingham, the only real solution would be to notify the foreman of you intention to let them handle the business.”

Cherry sighs. “But there aren’t any phones here in the village.”

“She can call them from Ponyville when we leave this evening. “

He turns to Derpy.

“That is, unless you want to call them now.”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, no. We can wait until tonight. Um… but I was wondering one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Did you… speak to my father?”

Scootaloo pipes up. “I did, yes.”

“What do you think? I mean, was he serious about the things in that letter?”

“Very. He was on his deathbed when Big Brother and I saw him.”

“Yes, and… he died that night.”

“Sorry we couldn’t get here sooner.”

Dinky bows her head. “It couldn’t be helped though, right?”

“Not really. I didn’t have my memories back yet.”

Cherry sighs. “There was nothing you could have done, I’m sure.”

Derpy’s ears droop. “Yes, Arc. I don’t hold this against you or little Scootaloo.”

Later that evening Arc and his family appear on the sigil outside Carousel Boutique. Heading inside they are greeted by Rarity.

“Welcome back, everypony. I hope you had a good day.”

Dinky sighs. “Well, it was certainly eye opening.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Rarity, can we use your phone please? Derpy has to make an important call.”

“Right this way.”

She leads them to the back room. Pointing to the desk, Rarity turns to Derpy.

“Feel free to take as long as you need.”

“Thank you, Rarity.”

Arc turns to her. “You going to be okay doing this, Derpy?”

“I… think I would feel better if you were with me, Arc.”

“Should I sit with you?”

“Yes, please.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Scootaloo and I will wait outside.”

“We will?”

“Yes.”

“Um… okay.”

Scootaloo leaves the room with Dinky and Rarity. They close the door behind them as Arc pulls the letter from his ring and gives it to Derpy.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you. I’m just so nervous!”

“Want me to hold your hoof?”

“Can I be honest with you, Arc?”

“Always.”

“Would you please… hold me?”

“If you want me to, sure.”

Picking Derpy up, he sets her in his lap and pulls the phone over to her.

“Better?”

Derpy nods. “Much.”

Dialing the number, she waits as it rings. Eventually a stallion picks up.

“H-hello? This is Derpy. Derpy Hooves. Um… my father sent me a letter telling me to call you.”

She listens as the stallion on the other end of the line speaks. Arc gently strokes her mane.

“No, I… I don’t believe I’m qualified to lead my father’s organization. Yes, that’s fine. I’ll leave everything to management there. What’s that? Oh, yes. Send it to the bank in Ponyville. Thank you for everything. Goodbye.”

She hangs up the phone and sighs.

“They’ll handle everything, just like my father said they would.”

“Something wrong with that?”

“I… I wish I was smart enough to carry on my father’s business. Make him proud of me.”

“We all do what we can, Derpy. But I’m sure your father IS proud of you.”

“Oh?”

“After all, he hired the Scarlet Filly to track you down.”

“Is that… good?”

“I think so. But you and Dinky should be getting home soon. You going to be okay?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, Arc. Um… thanks for helping me with that phone call.”

“It’s no problem. After all, you did all the work there.”

Standing up, he sets Derpy on the floor before heading to the door with her. Dinky and Scootaloo are waiting for them patiently.

“Sorry for making you two wait.”

“It’s fine, mom. Um… can Scootaloo spend the night too?”

“I… suppose she can. That is, if it’s okay with her… what is she to you again, Arc?”

Scootaloo smiles. “His thrall.”

Arc sighs. “Please don’t say that, Scootaloo.”

“It’s true!”

“That’s fine with me.”

Dinky grins. “YAY! Slumber party! Can Sweetie Belle come too, Miss Rarity?!”

“She’s actually spending the night at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Aw…”

Derpy smiles. “Maybe next time, dear.”

Nodding, the fillies run outside as Arc turns to Derpy.

“You sure you’re up to this? I mean…”

“Yes, Arc. While I’m sad that my father is gone, I have to keep going. For Dinky’s sake.”

“Alright. Just don’t forget to take time out for yourself.”

Derpy nods happily as they hear hoofsteps running around outside. “I won’t. You and Rarity have a nice time tonight, okay?”

“Oh! Th-thanks.”

Derpy walks out the front door with Dinky and Scootaloo.

“Do you think Big Brother’s going to be okay?”

Derpy nods. “Sure. Why wouldn’t he be?”

“My dad will be fine in the Crystal Empire. Princess Cadance wouldn’t betray him. Right, mom?”

“Yes, sweetie. She’s the Princess of Love, after all.”

Chapter 10 - Nothing Hidden

Arc and Rarity sit down to a nice supper together. Catching up on what’s been going on in the interim as they eat. Finishing, they do the dishes together. Rarity giggles as Arc looks over to her.

“What’s so funny?”

“Us working together like this.”

“I don’t get it.”

“It’s like we’re married!”

“Oh! I guess.”

She batts her eyelashes at him suggestively.

“In any case… why don’t we go upstairs and get cleaned up?”

“Good idea. I want to be clean before heading out tomorrow.”

“Right this way.”

Rarity leads him into her bathroom and pulls back the shower curtain. Turning the water on she sets the temperature before looking to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I was just wondering if… maybe… you and I could…?”

“You want to shower with me?”

Rarity nods as she blushes slightly. “I understand that you and Twilight were in a bathtub filled with scented water, so she couldn’t see anything. But a shower is all I have here.”

“That’s fine.”

“If it’s asking too much, I’d understand if you want to keep your shorts on.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I was okay with it last time. Let’s take a shower together.”

Rarity turns to grab two towels which she hangs up on the railing next to the tub. She turns back to Arc just in time to see his trousers fall to the tile floor. Looking at his… you know… for a few moments, she eventually is able to bring herself to say something.

“Oh my! You ARE excited!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… not really sure what you mean, Rarity.”

“Your stallionhood is out of its sheath!”

Arc looks down at his nether regions. “Um… humans don’t have sheathes.”

“So it just… dangles there?”

“Pretty much. Does that bother you?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not at all! I’m just…!”

She sighs and hangs her head.

“I’m just a bit… nervous. After all, it’s my first time showering with a stallion. Well… other than when I burned you, that is.”

“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, Rarity.”

Rarity looks at his… you know, again before responding. “Oh, I want to. Really!”

“Okay then. Let’s get in.”

Arc allows Rarity to step over the small ledge and into the stream of water. Her back hoof catches the ledge sending her crashing face first into the tile floor.

“You okay?”

Rarity sighs. “Yes. Fine. Like I said, I’m just a bit nervous.”

Arc smiles and steps into the shower with her. Kneeling down, he helps her sit up. Grabbing the shower nozzle from overhead with his magic Arc pulls it to his hand as he sits down behind Rarity.

“Would you be okay with me bathing you?”

“I suppose, but… would you be averse to me… bathing you first?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

Taking a washcloth in her hoof, Rarity gets a lather going.

“Let’s start at the top and work down, shall we.”

“Fine with me.”

Rarity carefully washes Arc’s face before moving down to his neck and chest. Stepping around him, she washes his back. Arc sighs contentedly.

“This feels nice.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“Sorry I’m so big.”

Rarity blushes. “Wha-what?”

“There’s a lot more of me to wash.”

“Oh… right. Well, I for one am enjoying this experience. Now then, please stretch your legs out so I can clean them too.”

Arc nods and does so. Rarity starts with his feet and works up his calves to his thighs. As she comes to his genitals she nervously pulls back.

“I… think I’ll stop there.”

“Okay. It’s understandable if you don’t want to do that part.”

“No, I really do! But… I might hurt you!”

“As long as you don’t squeeze too hard, probably not. But I won’t be offended if you’re worried about it.”

Rarity takes a deep breath before looking Arc in the eye.

“I’d… like to wash… everything.”

“Go ahead.”

Blushing, Rarity carefully cleans between Arc’s legs. She unconsciously begins to smile. A minute later Arc clears his throat loudly.

“Um… Rarity? I… think they’re clean now.”

“Oh! Right!”

Blushing profusely, Rarity squeezes out the washcloth and tosses it into the hamper.

“Sorry about that.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t be. Judging by the look on your face you were really enjoying yourself.”

Rarity giggles as she covers her face with her hooves. “Yes, I was!”

“Ready for me to wash you now?”

“Please.”

Turning around, Rarity sits down on the tile floor and wait expectantly as Arc lathers up the soap for her on a clean washcloth. Arc chuckles as he works.

“What’s so funny?”

“It’s like you said before. Feels like we’re married.”

“We could be someday, you know.”

“It would be nice to settle down, yes.”

Rarity sighs. “But I understand that you have things to do still.”

“Sorry.”

“No, no. It’s not your fault. After all, you aren’t the one causing these problems. The princess and Decimus are!”

“Easy there, Rarity. For all we know Princess Celestia may very well be just another victim here. She’s emotionally fragile right now.”

Rarity grits her teeth. “She sure didn’t sound that way during her speech the other day!”

“I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt for now. After all, she must be somewhat in her right mind.”

“How so?”

“She made Twilight a princess.”

Rarity sighs. “That… worries me.”

“It does?”

Rarity nods. “The timing just seems… wrong. With all that’s going on in the country, along with Princess Cadance and Princess Luna’s departure, to unilaterally declare somepony a princess just seems… out of place.”

“I suppose it does. But at the same time she needs to think of the nation as a whole.”

“What do you mean?”

“If something were to happen to her again, someone would need to be able to step into her position.”

“But there’s still the Order of Succession.”

“It could be that she was trying to keep Decimus off her throne. With Twilight legally declared a princess, she would be next in line to rule.”

“But then Decimus might just get rid of her too!”

“He could, yes. But if she truly is an alicorn he won’t be able to kill her.”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out the Dagger of Eternal Slumber.

“At least not as long as I still have this.”

“That’s reassuring. But I still worry for Twilight’s safety, as well as her mental state.”

“I see it the other way. It’s nice knowing she’s close to Princess Celestia. It’ll make anything Decimus is planning that much more difficult.”

Moving from her hooves, Arc makes his way up her fetlocks to her upper thighs. Stopping short of her genitals, Arc pulls back.

“I should probably let you clean back there.”

“Oh?”

“Behind your tail, that is.”

Rarity looks up at him with a small smile. “You let me clean yours. It’s only fair that I let you do the same to me.”

“Are you sure? I mean, after what was… done to you back then, you’re probably…”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“You can say the word. Back then… I was raped.”

“Which is why I stopped.”

“And I thank you for being so conscientious of my feelings. That night innumerable stallions used me for their own pleasure. They didn’t care about my thoughts on the matter at the time. Just how many of them could mount me.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. Rarity smiles and places her hoof on it before continuing.

“But not you, Arc. You’ve gone out of your way to protect and be there for me. I honestly believe with all my heart that you care for me. Love me dearly.”

“I do, Rarity.”

“It’s for that reason that I… I want you to clean me. All of me.”

Nodding, Arc takes the cloth in his hand as Rarity lies down on her side and moves her tail. Arc carefully wipes the soapy cloth over the extremely sensitive skin. Rarity moans lightly as he does so.

“That does feel nice.”

“I’m trying to be gentle.”

Rarity smiles. “I know you are.”

Finishing his task, Arc leans back against the tile wall and pulls Rarity into his lap. She presses her body against his and sighs contentedly.

“Heavenly.”

“Hm?”

“That’s how this feels.”

Arc smiles contentedly. “It does feel nice, yes.”

“We’ll have to do it more often.”

“That we will.”

“Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Can I… come with you?”

“To the Crystal Empire?”

“Yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “That probably isn’t a good idea. After all, you’d be in danger the whole time we’re there.”

“But you’d keep me safe!”

“I’d certainly try, yes. But the safest place right now for you and Sweetie Belle is Ponyville.”

Rarity sighs. “That’s true, yes.”

“Sorry. I wish you could come too.”

Rarity smiles as she nuzzles his chest. “We’ll just have to make the most of the time we do have then.”

Arc nods and looks down at Rarity as she raises her head. Putting a hand under her chin, he gently kisses her lips.

“I believe we are.”

Sometime later they turn off the water and step out of the shower. Arc kneels down and towels Rarity off.

“There you go. That’s as dry as I can get you.”

Rarity grins. “I did enjoy that immensely.”

“Me too.”

“Can I dry you off now?”

“Sure.”

Grabbing a towel with her magic, Rarity gets to work wiping Arc down. She smiles as she works.

“Your skin dries much faster than a pony’s.”

“Lack of a coat ensures that.”

“That it does. Now then, you should get dressed now, Arc. I don’t want you catching a cold.”

“The days are getting cooler, I suppose.”

Arc pulls some fresh clothes from his ring and lays them on the counter. Rarity watches with rapt attention as he dresses. Finishing the task he picks up a brush.

“Going to brush your hair?”

“I was actually hoping to brush yours, Rarity.”

“Mine?”

“Would that be okay?”

“Oh yes, of course! Right this way!”

She leads him out of the bathroom and across the hall to her room. Hopping up onto the bed, she lies down as Arc sits next to her. Petting her still slightly damp mane for a few moments, he eventually gets to work.

“This brings back memories.”

Rarity appears confused. “But you’ve never…”

“I used to brush my mom’s hair when I was a little boy as we watched television at night.”

“Television?”

“It’s an Earth thing. Actors perform to create shows that you can watch from your living room.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You kinda have to be there to get it.”

“Maybe one day?”

“You want to go to Earth?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. If I did that I could become a human mare, right?”

“I suppose. But you could do that here too.”

“Can you turn me into one?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, no. I don’t actually know that spell, as I’m always the target, not the caster.”

Rarity looks away. “Oh…”

“What’s this about, Rarity?”

“It’s just… I want to be like you. Hands and finger… feet and toes… small nose and smaller eyes.”

“You think it’ll make us closer?”

Rarity nods. “I want to know what it’s like to be held as a human. To look and feel like one. No coat, horn, or mane between us. Just… just skin on skin. So, yes… I’d like to get closer. Is that a possibility?”

“Maybe someday.”

Rarity smiles as she lays her head on his chest and sighs contentedly. “That’s really all I can ask for.”

Preface - Volume 35 - A Woman Scorned

In our previous volume, Arc and Scootaloo board a train to Manehattan in order to locate a ship. Being attacked by muggers at the station, they make short work of them before getting advice from the leader on how to get a ship ride. Taking a taxi to the low rent district, the pair take an involuntary cold shower and get in bed together. Scootaloo tells her ‘big brother’ that she loves him for the first time, causing memories of Dinky to flood Arc’s mind. Meanwhile, Celestia shows Twilight to her new room filled with books. Going to sleep Twilight finds herself in the Lunar Realm again. Approaching Luna she confesses her anger at having to becoming a princess. Luna tells her that she will one day regret her decision.

Arc and Scootaloo leave the Inn the next morning and head to the Writ Board. Finding one that asks for a courier, they make their way to the shop. Entering, Scootaloo bribes the assistant into getting her boss. Offering her services, the mare is unimpressed. Offering the filly a chance to prove herself, she sends her to the warehouses to retrieve an overdue order. Arriving, Scootaloo finds the thugs from earlier. Beating them to a pulp (with Arc’s help) she forces them to bring the order to the shop. Gaining the trust of the owner, Suri Polomare, Scootaloo gains passage on a ship bound for Trottingham.

Arriving at their destination, they find a guard and gain directions to the customer. Arriving at a truly massive house they ring the bell and are greeted by a butler. Leading them into the house he pays them for the job. Leaving, Arc and Scootaloo find the Writ Board and take a job fixing books in the local library. Over a sandwich with the librarian she tells her alias and is asked to do a special story time with the townsfoals. Not wanting to hear the books they’ve have read to them a hundred times, Scootaloo tells them of her adventures in Dodge Junction. As evening approaches she sends them home.

Leaving the library, the pair find the Inn and get a room. Shortly after arriving a messenger delivers a letter to their room. Reading it, Scootaloo realizes she has been summoned by the master of the house they delivered the clothes to earlier. Returning, the butler escorts her to the bedside of a sick and failing stallion. He gives her a lockbox and an 8x10 photo of a gray mare with an unkempt mane. Telling her she is his missing daughter, he asks her to search the land and give her a small lockbox. Leaving the room, the butler escorts Scootaloo to a lavish guest room and orders food to be brought to her. Later that night she and Arc are awakened to a loud knock on the door. Answering, they find the butler waiting for them. He informs them that Iron Hooves wishes to see her. Heading for the room they are just in time to see several nurses run inside. Waiting for the doctor, he informs them that the master of the house has died. Entering, the butler finds the note on the table and gives it to Scootaloo as he pulls the suit she delivered from the wardrobe. Escorting Scootaloo to the docks, he explains what happened to the foreman. Introducing her to the ship’s captain, Scootaloo presents her letter and asks to be brought to the Dragon Lands. Agreeing, the captain takes her aboard and gives her a room. As they wait for the ship to leave the dock Scootaloo expresses her desire to be adopted officially by Arc. Promising to look into the matter if he is able to she hugs him and promises to become the best daughter ever.

The next morning a young cabin boy named Marco wakes them up. Telling them they are approaching the Dragon Lands, they head up to the deck to meet with the captain. As they are about to part, Mullet runs over and tells of a problem with the engines. Being forced to land on the beach they get to work fixing the ship as Arc and Scootaloo head down the beach. Finding a Dragon Fruit bush, they add the required amount to the potion and wait for it to glow. As before, Arc voices his concerns regarding whether or not he should remember. Scootaloo convinces him that it’s for the best and he drinks the potion. Remembering everything in a colossal way, Arc returns to the ship with Scootaloo. Convincing the captain not to leave them there, the pair head inland to Pyreston.

Arriving at the Throne of the Dragon Lord, Arc is able to convince Ember that he is indeed whom he says he is. She teleports them to Forsaken Village where they retrieve Sereb. Heading back to the Solar Macaw they board and, flying through the night, reach Light’s Hope as dawn breaks the next day. Sereb leads Ember and Scootaloo around the side of the building as Derpy and Dinky approach Arc’s memorial. Spying Arc standing there, both run to him happily and embrace.

Entering the base, Arc and company head for the kitchen together. Arc announces himself to his squad and helps them prepare a large breakfast as Ember and Sereb gather the rest of the Mane Six. Arriving, Arc emerges to a tidal wave of loving embraces. He introduced the Scarlet Filly to them and lets them know her secret identity. Sitting down to eat they all compare notes about what’s been going on in the meantime. Heading to the orphanage to check in with Coco Pommel, they attempt to speak to her about Scootaloo’s future. However before they can do that there is a loud knock at the door.

Captain Decimus opens the door and looks to Coco Pommel. Announcing that he needs to quarter his soldiers at the orphanage for a few day, she protests but is overruled. Scootaloo approaches Decimus and tells him of her reasons for being there. Decimus orders Coco Pommel to write up emancipation papers for Scootaloo which they all sign. Leaving, Scootaloo laments not being able to be adopted by Arc. Dinky retrieves her father’s knife and gauntlet from their house and returns to the office. Arc opens a portal to Rarity’s shop and hurries inside with the others. They decide Arc should relocated to the Crystal Empire until it’s safe to return. Taking his family through a portal Arc vanishes from sight.

Emerging from the portal, they find themselves in Redemption Village. Entering, Derpy and Dinky insist that Arc talk to Mythic Honor regarding armor. Heading for the Town Hall, they learn that the elder pony sent scouts to recover the pieces of Eidolon’s Ward. Although they were successful, he was unable to properly reforged the armor due to it being magically altered by the blast from Celestia. Escorting the group to the Inn, Mythic Honor sees to it that they get the finest room. Sitting Derpy down, Arc and Scootaloo tell her of Iron Hooves death and give her the lockbox. Inside is a letter in which he apologizes for how he treated her and leaves all he owns to her. Calling the foreman back in Trottingham, Derpy leaves the business management to him, opting to receive a monthly allowance rather than run things herself. Scootaloo levels with Derpy, telling her how her own father had used and abused her. Later they return to Ponyville together. Derpy and Dinky head home with Scootaloo in tow as Arc hides out at Rarity’s place.

Having a nice dinner together, Arc and Rarity do the dishes together. Inviting him upstairs to shower, Rarity gets her first look at a human’s… you know. Stepping into the shower with Arc, Rarity cleans him intimately before he does the same to her. Retiring to the bedroom together, Arc brushes Rarity’s mane as they talk. Asking to come with him to the Crystal Empire tomorrow Arc refuses, asking her to stay in the relative safety of Ponyville with Sweetie Belle and the others.

Two days later Arc, Ember, Sereb, and Scootaloo step onto the platform at the Crystal Empire train station. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie stick their heads out the window and call out to them. Leading Arc and company to a small outbuilding they are met inside by Derpy, Dinky, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Hearing that audiences have been put on hold, Arc explains a plan to see Cadance. Approaching the castle, they are stopped by the guards. Pretending to be there on a diplomatic mission regarding an international incident, Rarity introduces Ember, Sereb, and Scootaloo before warning the guard that failing to secure a resolution would most likely lead to war. Calling for his superior officer, they order the group to be brought to their office immediately. Arriving at the office they find the officer in question to be Trixie. Explaining their need, she takes them to the Audience Chamber at once. Entering, they find Cadance with Shining Armor at her side. Dismissing the guards, they inform them of Arc’s survival as he decloaks. Telling him he is no longer safe in Equestria, Cadance suggests he relocate to Earth for a time. Producing both the Elements of Harmony and a compact version of the S.P.E.A.R, Cadance tells Arc to say his goodbyes. Saving Rarity for last, they share a passionate kiss before he grabs Scootaloo and dives through the portal.

However, many questions still remain. What will become of Trottingham without Iron Hooves? Did Derpy do the right thing turning over control of the business to others? Will Scootaloo ever make good on her promise to tell the foals of Trottingham another story? Will Ember really be able to hold out for so long? And what of Rarity? Will Twilight really be okay in Canterlot without her friends? What is Decimus’ plan really?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 2 - Reunification

As the sun sets, Arc, Sereb, and Scootaloo drive down the road in Arc’s Jeep. Scootaloo looks all around.

“This is your hometown, Big Brother?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. I know it’s not exactly what you’re used to, but this is how humans live.”

Sereb turns to the little girl. “After you learn the ins and outs of their culture, it’s quite a sight to behold.”

“So where does your friend live?”

“In an abandoned house outside of town.”

Sereb hops into the front seat and looks to Arc. “Do you believe the rest of the Shards are there as well?”

“Probably. They’re pretty loyal, after all.

Scootaloo frowns. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

“In the past, bad.”

Sereb growls. “Do you suppose anything has changed since you rescued them, Arc?”

“Hopefully they’ve learned their lesson and aren’t causing trouble for the town.”

Scootaloo puts a hand to her chin. “That human who brought the pizza looked to be pretty nice.”

Sereb shakes his head. “They’ve all committed heinous acts against innocent citizens though.”

Arc sighs. “I know. But let’s give them the benefit of the doubt… for now.”

Leaving town, they drive for a time before Arc pulls into a nearly hidden driveway. As they approach the house they see lights in the windows.

“That’s odd.”

“Arc?”

“It looks like the power’s on.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “But your house has lights.”

“This is supposed to be abandoned though.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “We should investigate.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Pulling close to the house they are surprised to see a large number of cars parked off to one side. Finding a spot at the end of the row Arc pulls in and shuts off the engine before looking to Scootaloo.

“Keep your eyes open here.”

“What should I be looking for?”

Sereb growls. “Trouble.”

“Something like that.”

Stepping out of the vehicle, Arc looks down at Sereb.

“Bark.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Just do it.”

Sighing, Sereb complies as he launches into five seconds of non-stop barking. The front door of the house flies open and Jackal runs outside.

“DOGGIE!!!”

Hurrying over to Sereb, he kneels down and pats his head before looking to Arc.

“You came!”

“I told you I would. Is Frank around?”

Jackal nods “He inside! Comon!”

Leading them into the house, they are greeted by warm lights and numerous voices talking quietly. Arc turns to Jackal.

“This place looks a lot better than the last time I saw it.”

“Ya! We’s been fixing it up! This way!”

Entering Frank’s room, Jackal motions for them to sit down.

“The boss is just finishing a lesson downstairs. I’ll tell him you here.”

“Thanks.”

Leaving, he shuts the door behind him. Arc and Scootaloo sit on a long bench in one corner of the room. Scootaloo frowns.

“That human’s a bit… off, isn’t he?”

Sereb nods. “You could say that, yes.”

“He’s a bit slow, I suppose. But don’t call him a human. Say ‘person’ instead.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Okay. There sure are a lot of word rules to learn.”

“You’ll get it in no time.”

A few minutes later Frank enters the room. Grinning, he hobbles over to Arc as they stand up.

“Welcome back, my friend!”

“Hi, Frank. Um… you’re looking well.”

“Thanks to your land’s training I’ve been able to completely recover from my previous… episodes.”

“That’s good to hear. But there’s someone I want you to meet.”

He puts a hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder before continuing.

“This is a new friend of mine. Her name’s Scarlet.”

“H-hello.”

“Good day to you, miss. So, you live with Arc?”

“Yes sir. He took me in after my parents died.”

“My condolences.”

He looks back to Arc.

“Tell me, old friend. Is she from… a faraway land?”

“What do you mean?”

Frank chuckles. “Coy, Arc?”

Arc smirks. “I suppose there’s no fooling you. Yes, she’s from Equestria.”

“Big Brother?!”

Sereb sighs. “Frank’s been there before.”

“Indeed. I know much of Equestria and your ways from my time there. Tell me, what’s your real name, little one?”

She turns to Arc. He nods.

“Scootaloo.”

“A very pretty name. On both counts, that is. Did you come up with ‘Scarlet’ yourself?”

“No, sir. Big Brother did.”

“That’s what she called me back there. I had amnesia at the time and didn’t remember my real name.”

Frank gasps. “Amnesia?! Where you injured in the ensuing chase?!”

Arc nods. “I was. But nothing serious back then. It’s kinda a long story.”

“If you would like to tell it, I’d love to hear it, my friend.”

“Okay. But we should probably sit down first.”

Frank hobbles over to his bed as Arc and Scootaloo sit down on the bench. Giving his friend the short version, Arc tells him of the recent events that unfolded in Equestria.

“So you’re an exile then?”

“Voluntarily, yes.”

“I still don’t like that, Big Brother.”

Frank frowns. “Agreed. After all you did, it should have been the princess herself whom was removed.”

“That would have caused a lot of turmoil in the land. It was safer for me to just leave and come back to Angel Grove.”

“If you believe so, my friend. Tell me, how is your little family?”

“They’re just fine. Derpy and Dinky, or Dawn and Daisy if you prefer, are back at my parent’s old house.”

“It’s nice that you could bring them with you.”

“Yeah. I don’t think I’d have been able to go on if I had to come alone.”

“Same here. Big Brother and I are connected, after all.”

Frank sighs. “I still don’t understand that whole ‘thrall’ business.”

Arc sighs. “Think of it like the human version of a vampire. Fortunately, I don’t need to drink blood to survive, or burn in the sunlight though.”

“You look the same to me though.”

“Because I haven’t looked at the moon. That would trigger the transformation. At least it did back in Equestria.”

“And here?”

“I haven’t tried. We just got in this morning.”

“You’d do well to hide something like that, my friend. I don’t imagine the townsfolk taking too well to news of a vampire living among them.”

“Agreed. But what about you? Jackal said you were teaching a lesson in the basement when we arrived.”

Frank nods. “Yes. In fact, I need to talk to you about that, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “Want me to help tutor the others?”

“Actually yes. But probably not in the subjects you imagine.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I’m confused.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “As am I.”

Arc sighs. “Why don’t you just spell it out for us, Frank?”

“Very well. As you know my boys were trapped in those glass tubes for… an extended period of time.”

“Yeah. Didn’t look like fun to me.”

“Since you rescued them, they’ve exhibited some very strange abilities.”

“Describe them?”

“They have magic, Arc.”

“How many?!”

“All of them.”

Arc clenches a fist. “The treatments in the tube?!”

Frank nods. “It’s the only thing I can think of.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But they don’t have horns!”

Sereb gestures to his nub. “Humans with magic, like Arc and Frank, apparently don’t need a focus like a unicorn or my tribe does.”

Arc nods thoughtfully. “That explains something.”

Frank appears hopeful. “Oh?”

“Back at Damocles Base, Hammer tried to escape after we took out her subordinates. However, before she could do so something knocked her down. At the time I just thought she slipped, or something. But now I’m thinking one of your guys accidently pulled her back with a Telekinesis Spell.”

“I would guess it was Snake. He’s the most powerful among the Shards. Other than myself, that is.”

Sereb growls. “That is disconcerting.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

Arc nods. “Kinda. He’s not the nicest person around here.”

“Like it or not, everyone here now has the gift of magic.”

Sereb looks over his shoulder. “Any incidents?”

“A few at first. At least before we figured out what was going on. After that I was able to teach them how to control their powers.”

“Like we did for you back in Equestria?”

“Exactly, my friend.. It was a simple task to teach them some Telekinesis Spells to practice on before moving on to something a bit more advanced.

Sereb appears skeptical. “Such as…?”

“Fire Spells and Blinking, as Arc calls it.”

“Why those?”

“Because they use a tremendous amount of energy. Perfect for diffusing magical buildup. That and we still light a lot of campfires out back.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What for?”

“Ambience mostly. It gives off a nice camping vibe.”

Arc nods. “So, you used what we taught you back in Equestria to help the others?”

“Originally I tried to, yes. However, I found that we were in need of more knowledge than I possessed.”

Arc frowns. “Where did you find it?”

“Ironically, it found us.”

Scootaloo raises and eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

Frank stands. “Follow me.”

Arc and Scootaloo walk out the door with Frank and down to the basement. There they find a large number of wooden benches lined up facing a lectern. Frank walks over to it and puts his hand on a large, leather-bound book.

“One night several days after you liberated my boys from that military base a strange looking robed man appeared in the house. He walked silently over to me as I was attempting to help one of my men with a magical imbalance. Laying a hand on his forehead, he was able to quell the turmoil in the individual.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But how?!”

“I have no idea really. When I asked him, he simply reached into his cloak and pulled out this book. He handed it to me silently before turning and walking out the door.”

“Did he have a strange looking white mask on?”

Frank nods. “Yes, he did. Friend of yours, Arc?”

“Not a friend, no. However I’ve run into Wiseman, as he calls himself, numerous times both here on Earth and in Equestria.”

Frank gasps. “How is that possible?!”

“I wish I knew. But Wiseman has power the likes of which I can’t even fathom.”

Scootaloo points to the lectern. “What was in the book?”

“Take a look.”

Offering the book to Arc and Scootaloo they open it and begin to read the table of contents.

“Looks like pretty basic stuff here at the beginning.”

Scootaloo looks over his shoulder. “What about later chapters?”

“It gets more in depth. I’ve never even heard of a lot of these spells.”

Frank frowns. “That is not encouraging.”

“But I have to admit that I’m not an expert on the subject by any means.”

Arc looks at the book’s cover for a few moments silently.

“I’ve seen a book just like this before.”

Scootaloo appears uneasy. “In a bookstore, I hope.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. On a pedestal in the Canterlot Armory.”

Frank raises an eyebrow, confused. “Armory?”

“It’s where the most dangerous items in the kingdom are kept.”

“I see. That would explain a few things.”

“Like what?”

“Take a look at the last third of the pages.”

Arc flips through the book as Frank instructs.

“What the heck?!”

“Big Brother?”

“It’s nothing.”

“That’s good, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I mean there’s literally nothing here. See?”

He turns the book to face her.

“They’re blank.”

Frank nods. “It was like that when we got it.”

“But why?”

“Wiseman must not have wanted that information to get out.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Too dangerous?”

Arc shrugs. “Must’ve been.”

He turns back to Frank.

“Has it really been that helpful?”

“Extremely.”

“We should leave it with them, Big Brother.”

“Agreed. After all, I’m not seeing anything here that really makes me worried. Just a lot of utility spells and a couple weak offensive spells. But I suppose it’s more a matter of what’s done with them.”

“We’re not planning to use the magic within for nefarious purposes, if that’s what you mean.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “If you say so. But I’m still left wondering what exactly you plan to do now.”

“Have a seat and I’ll tell you.”

Sitting down, they face each other as Frank continues.

“The day after my boy’s return, I lay on my bed considering what to do. With limited resources I found myself unable to come up with any ideas to lead me back to the original plan.”

Sereb frowns. “Which was…?”

“A place for those whom have none.”

Scootaloo nods. “That sounds like a noble goal.”

Arc sighs. “It’s all about how it’s done.”

“With the few resources left to me, I scraped enough money together to purchase this house and the land surrounding it.”

“So, you’re here legally now?”

“Yes. The papers are all upstairs in my room. Signed, sealed, and legal, I assure you.”

“I believe you, Frank. But why here?”

“Because this is where it all started, Arc. Where we used to live together as a family.”

Sereb growls. “Is that the only reason?”

Frank chuckles. “And it’s the only place I could afford.”

Arc looks around. “Makes sense. After all, considering its location and condition, this place probably went for a song.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

“It’s an expression that means he bought it for almost nothing.”

Frank smiles. “I then started instructing the boys on how to properly control their new powers. As they became accustomed to magic, I sent them out into the town to seek gainful employment.”

Sereb appears surprised. “No more stealing?”

Frank shakes his head. “We’re going to try doing it Arc’s way now.”

“Oh?”

Frank nods. “You were the one whom told me to keep to our original goals. I’m the one whom led the Shards down the path of crime after you left, after all.”

“How’s that working out?”

“Not too bad. Those whom are ready to work donate a small portion of their pay to the Shards. We’ve been using it to purchase materials to fix up this old house and the surrounding land.”

He chuckles before continuing.

“Especially with winter coming.”

Arc shivers. “I don’t like to think about those cold nights.”

“No more of them for us. A few days ago we had a contractor come in and completely replace the old furnace with a modern one. Works like a charm.”

Sereb nods soberly. “Keep this up and your new accommodations will outshine the other base.”

“As far as I’m concerned, they already do. We didn’t notice it at the time, but everything was too rigid there. Even so, we could never have kept that place going.”

Arc chuckles. “It was pretty much falling apart.”

“If we care for this little nook as we should, I’m sure it will last us for many years.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Yes, it will.”

They turn to see Wiseman standing there. Arc glares at him.

“I freaking hate you.”

Wiseman shrugs. “That’s a rather harsh thing to say to the one whom saved your life.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Saved my…?! You left me floating on a log down the river while my guts were hanging out!”

“And yet here you are. Safe, recovered…”

“And angry! You could’ve at least taken me to a hospital!”

“To be found by Captain Decimus and his toady Admiral Gaston?”

“I could have taken them!”

“In that condition, I assume not.”

Wiseman looks to Scootaloo.

“That and you would not have met this charming young filly here, nor been around to take care of her when her parents died. What do you think the villagers would have done had you not ferried her away when you did?”

Scootaloo shudders. “I don’t think I would have been adopted, that’s for sure.”

Frank grimaces. “Wiseman, was it? You knew what would happen, didn’t you? That Arc would get hurt, but also recover.”

“To a degree, yes. But that’s thanks to Kronos. Not my own abilities.”

Arc groans. “Look, just tell me what you came here to, and get out!”

“Very well. General Mustang is still operating.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I assumed he was, yes.”

Sereb growls. “That man did not strike me as a quitter.”

Frank clenches a fist. “The question is what he’s doing.”

“Continuing with his plans.”

Arc moves his hand in a circular motion. “Which are…?”

“Something you’ll have to talk to him about to learn.”

Scootaloo frowns. “But if he’s a bad man why would he tell us anything?”

“Because he wishes to speak with you, Arc.”

“How do you know that?”

“The same way I know everything else.”

Frank furrows his brow. “Not very helpful, are you?”

Wiseman chuckles. “That depends on how you look at it. Prior to this new development, Arc was planning to spend some time at home with his family and friends. Now he has a purpose again.”

“I’ve always had that.”

“Boldly spoken for one whom was preparing to retire.”

“So you’re saying I’m just supposed to walk back into Damocles Base and TALK to the general?!”

“There would be a bit more action than that were you to do so. Mostly coming from a very, shall we say… spunky mechanic and tank pilot.”

Arc grimaces. “Hammer.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “What about her?”

“I… was dating her before the mission.”

“That I do remember. But why would she be angry with you? Did you dump her, or something?”

Arc sighs. “Worse. Since I didn’t think I was coming back, I… may have come clean regarding everything in a letter I sent to her.”

“That was probably a good idea, Big Brother. Being honest is…”

“I included a photograph of everyone in their uniforms. Including me with my helmet off.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Maybe that was a bit too much honesty.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face. “Agreed.”

Frank shakes his head. “That… was unwise, Arc.”

“I know that now.”

Wiseman looks to Arc. “What do you think, Cherry?”

Cherry sighs. “That I gave Arc some very bad advice back then.”

“Maybe. But it was my decision to make.”

Wiseman puts a glove to his mask. “I warned you against doing such things, and you ignored me.”

Arc frowns. “Wish I could ignore you now.”

Frank turns to Wiseman. “Tell me, why do you believe that Arc has to return to the base?”

“To finish what he started.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “All things considered, I believe it would be best left to this world’s authorities.”

“Such as…?”

Arc sighs. “No one else could stand up to Diva and her subordinates.”

Frank smiles. “We could help you, Arc.”

Sereb growls. “And allow the military to retake everyone?!”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “Maybe we should just do this ourselves.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Frank brings up a good idea.”

Cherry gasps. “You want him to help?”

“Maybe at some point, yes. I’ve spent far too long trying to go it alone only to make incremental progress.”

He looks down at the little girl next to him and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Since meeting Scootaloo here, I’ve learned that together we can accomplish so much more than could be done separately.”

Sereb nods. “So what shall we do then?”

“First things first. Intel. I’ll scout the base with Derpy and Dinky running the computers in the basement.”

Scootaloo smiles sheepishly. “And me?”

“I’ll need someone to get me some footage from overhead. Think you can handle that?”

“Sure. If you turn me back into a pony, that is.”

Frank turns to his friend. “Anything we can do at this point, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not for gathering info, no. I want to keep that party small. You just make sure everyone is ready when it’s time for the real mission.”

Frank grins. “We will be!”

Sereb raises a paw. “I have only one question.”

“Yes, Sereb?”

“What if you run into Hammer?”

“Run.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Is she really that powerful?”

Cherry calls out. “If she sees Arc, yes.”

“Then I’ll just have to make sure she doesn’t see me.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Could you potentially apologize and try to make up with her?”

“Believe me, I’d love to do that. But I probably wouldn’t survive the encounter. That and it would be kinda hard to explain to Shelly and Lily why I’m with her and not with Rarity.”

Frank gasps. “Have you not seen them yet?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Like I said earlier, we just got into town this morning.”

“I see.”

“Something wrong?”

Frank sighs. “I think you need to get that story directly from them.”

Arc frowns. “I will.”

Chapter 3 - Sad News

Later that night, Arc sits at the kitchen table and explains to Dinky what Frank said regarding his friends. Dinky looks to her father nervously.

“You don’t suppose something’s wrong with Miss Shelly, do you dad?”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, I think so.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Shelly?”

“She’s an old friend of mine. You’d like her.”

Sereb frowns. “Frank was quite vague about it though.”

Arc nods. “That worries me too.”

Hearing their voices, Derpy enters the kitchen.

“Is everything alright?”

“We’re not sure, mom.”

“Frank asked if I’d seen Shelly since coming back to town. But he wouldn’t say what happened.”

Sereb nods. “We drove by the restaurant. However the lights were all out by that time.”

“Right. And I didn’t want to wake them. After all, if Shelly really is doing poorly she needs her rest.”

Derpy gasps. “Oh my! We should go check on her tomorrow morning!”

“Agreed.”

Sereb looks up. “Might I suggest getting some sleep now, Arc?”

“That’s probably a good idea.”

They head upstairs together. Derpy walks to the guest room with Dinky as Scootaloo makes her way to Arc’s old room. Arc calls out to everyone.

“Good night.”

Derpy smiles. “Pleasant dreams.”

“See you in the morning, dad.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Night.”

Closing the door behind him, Arc flops down on his parent’s bed and stares up at the ceiling. Cherry calls out to him.

“I’m sure Shelly’s all right, Arc.”

“Yeah.”

“After all, Frank would’ve said something had there been some kind of imminent threat to her life.”

Arc sighs. “I’m a terrible friend.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“How could you of all humans be a bad friend, Arc?”

“I just left her and Lily.”

“You had to.”

“But I did so without telling them the truth.”

“That wouldn’t have been good for either of them and you know it. After all, they’d have just worried about you. Especially when that news story of Minerva’s hit.”

Arc groans. “I have to tell them.”

“When?”

“No idea.”

“When it’s the right time, you’ll know it.”

Arc rolls over and closes his eyes.

“Hopefully soon.”

An hour later there is a slight knock at the door. Arc raises his head slightly as he calls out.

“Come in.”

The door opens as Dinky and Scootaloo poke their heads inside.

“Dad? Can we talk to you?”

“Sure. Come and sit down.”

They walk over to the bed and take their places in front of Arc.

“Now then, what’s on your minds?”

Scootaloo looks away. “I… don’t really understand something.”

“Oh?”

Dinky sighs. “Scootaloo’s having trouble with the whole idea of being part of a family.”

“What do you mean?”

“When we first arrived, she wouldn’t let mom or I help her get dressed. That and she’d only let you practice walking with her.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I don’t get what the problem is.”

“Dinky means that being part of a family is partially about supporting each other.”

Dinky nods. “Right!”

“But you need to understand something too, Dinky.”

“What’s that?”

“How Scootaloo was brought up.”

“By her parents, right?”

“Kinda. Her dad was always… abusing her mom.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I was always expected to pull my own weight around the cottage and the family business. Everyone in Knothole Village lived that way.”

Dinky frowns. “Didn’t they care about one another?”

Arc shakes his head. “From what I saw it was more along the lines of mutual survival.”

“Right. We worked together, or we’d die out there.”

Dinky appears confused. “I don’t understand that.”

“It was a different culture, Dinky.”

He turns to Scootaloo.

“You’re going to see some things that make you happy here, as well as that which reminds you of Knothole Village.”

“Like when you were chased out of Equestria versus the mayor telling you to get me out of there?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda. But I did both willingly. It just wasn’t safe to stay there.”

“What about here?”

Dinky appears confused. “Huh?”

“You and Big Brother have been telling me that I have to act a certain way… talk a certain way… think a certain way! Why can’t we just stay the way we are?! Be accepted somewhere?!”

She bows her head as a tear rolls down her cheek.

“I just wanna live someplace where I can be myself and not have to worry about being something I’m not!”

Dinky puts a hand on her shoulder.

“I… kinda felt the same way when I followed my dad here the first time. His reasoning for me acting like a human didn’t make much sense. But I’ve come to realize that humans and ponies really aren’t much different when you get right down to it.”

Scootaloo looks up. “They’re not?”

Dinky shakes her head. “There’s some humans who would probably love to get their hands on a unicorn like me and a pegasus like you. We’d be sold like vegetables and never see our loved ones again.”

She smiles up at her father before continuing.

“But there’s others here like my dad whom are different. He doesn’t care that we’re different species or how we’re not related by blood. We’re important to him.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I still don’t get that part. How I came to care about Big Brother even though I didn’t really know him all that well back then.”

Arc smiles at her. “It was because you were willing to open your mind and heart to new ideas. Some people, or ponies, won’t do that. The people I’ve fought here on Earth would use you to get rich. While others, like Shelly and Lily, would still like you two if they knew what you really are.”

“They sound really nice, Big Brother.”

“That they are. You’ll meet them tomorrow at their restaurant.”

Scootaloo appears nervous. “Do I have to?”

“Scared?”

“More along the lines of overwhelmed. But at the same time, I can’t tell you ‘no’ when you give me an order.”

“I won’t force you to come, Scootaloo. But I would ask you to trust me on this.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Okay.”

Dinky yawns. “We should get some sleep, dad.”

“Right. I’m pretty tired too. But… do you think I could sleep here with you, Big Brother?”

“Me too, dad!”

Arc chuckles. “Sure.”

Lying back, Arc reaches out with his magic and turns off the lights. Dinky and Scootaloo snuggle up to him as he puts his arms around them.

“Sleep well.”

Waking early, Arc sits up to the sound of rain hitting the windows. Looking out, he sees lightning flash and a low rumble follows. Dinky raises her head as she and Scootaloo awaken.

“Dad? What is it?”

“Just a storm, sweetheart.”

Scootaloo groans. “Is it morning already?”

“Yes, Scootaloo. Are you ready to get up?”

“I guess.”

“Can we still go to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yes, sweetheart.”

Scootaloo grunts. “What’s that?”

“A restaurant my dad’s friends own. They have REALLY good food there!”

“Agreed. Now then, I want you two to get cleaned up before we all go out. I’ll go wake your mother, Dinky.”

“Okay, dad.”

She bounds out of bed as Arc puts a hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder.

“Do you want to come with us?”

“I… think it would be best, yes.”

“Best?”

“It’ll give me a chance to see more of your world, Big Brother.”

“Alright. Go join Dinky in getting cleaned up.”

“Okay.”

Standing, she walks through the door. Arc gets up and stretches before heading out into the hallway himself. Sereb is sitting down on the steps with Derpy. Looking down at the pair, he sighs.

“Trouble sleeping?”

Derpy nods. “A bit, yes. Remember, I’m used to rising very early to cook breakfast for the orphans back in Equestria.”

Nodding, Arc turns to Sereb.

“You know, you could just sleep at the foot of my bed like any other dog, Sereb.”

“I did not want to interrupt your family time.”

“Huh?”

“Spending time with Dinky and Scootaloo. They see you as their father, you know.”

“Dinky does, yes.”

Derpy smiles up at him. “As does Scootaloo, to a degree.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m her ‘big brother’, after all.”

Sereb nods. “A father figure is what she requires. You fit the bill nicely, my friend.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

Derpy appears confused. “Does that bother you?”

“No, no! But I can’t help but wonder what would have become of her had I not been there.”

Cherry calls out to them. “I have a theory, Arc.”

“Do you Cherry?”

“Lacking guidance, it is likely she would have wandered until something ate her.”

Sereb nods. “Most likely, yes.”

Derpy sighs as she looks down. “Or found somepony to latch onto for… physical and emotional support.”

“Either scenario is less than ideal. But there was a third potential negative outcome. At least in my mind, that is.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Oh?”

“She could have been found by someone like Decimus and raised to be a living weapon.”

Sereb shudders. “A sobering thought.”

Derpy frowns. “Agreed. I’d hate to think of that sweet little filly growing up to be like Tempest.”

Cherry sighs. “Perhaps that potential lies in everypony.”

Sereb nods. “We are all creations of our circumstances, I suppose.”

“Yeah. But everything worked out for us. No reason we can’t help Dinky and Scootaloo turn out the same.”

Derpy giggles. “With the proper role models, yes.”

“We’ll do it together. But in any case, do you two want to go to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast?”

Derpy grins. “That sounds wonderful, Arc!”

Sereb nods. “I will come as well.”

“Good. The little ones are getting cleaned up in the main bathroom.”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “They are finishing.”

“Okay. When they’re done Derpy and I will brush our teeth and comb our hair before setting out.”

A short time later they pile into Arc’s Jeep and make the short drive to the restaurant. Arriving, they find the parking lot empty. Dinky looks to her father.

“This doesn’t look good, dad!”

Arc looks through the window. “The sign says they’re open though.”

Derpy squints. “But there aren’t any other customers in there that I can see.”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps due to the weather?”

Scootaloo nods as she looks out the window. “It is pretty nasty out there.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Shall we wait for a lull in the rain?”

Cherry calls out to them. “Arc could drive up to the door.”

Arc grins. “Where’s the fun in that? Let’s just go for it.”

Parking, Arc throws open his door and grabs Scootaloo.

“What are we…?”

“You’re a bit new to that body to be running.”

Carrying the little girl under his arm, Arc leads them in charging toward the building. Arriving at the awning over the main entrance they stop to catch their breaths before walking into the building. Looking around they see no one.

“Where do you suppose Miss Lily and Miss Shelly are, dad?”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “There is the sound of movement in the back room.”

“They must be getting everything ready for today.”

Derpy turns to him. “Why don’t we all sit down while you say ‘hello’, Arc?”

“Good idea.”

Dinky leads the group toward their regular table as Arc heads for the back room. A sign off to one side reads ‘please ring bell for service’. He pauses momentarily in front of it before turning and heading for the swinging doors leading to the kitchen. Entering, he stops and looks around as the door closes behind him. A moment later the sound of Lily’s footsteps coming out of the pantry can be heard. As she turns toward the kitchen, she spots Arc. Standing there for a few moments, Lily eventually drops her load and runs to him. Jumping into his arms she squeezes him tightly.

“Arc!”

“Good to see you too, Lily.”

They embrace for a long moment before Lily pulls back and grins hugely.

“It’s so good to see you again!”

“You too. Um… Frank said something was wrong though.”

Lily sighs and looks down at the floor before speaking.

“It’s Shelly.”

“Bad news?”

Lily nods. “Very. But I’m sure Shelly would want to tell you herself.”

“Alright. Um… I brought Dawn, Daisy, Sereb, and a new little friend with me though. How up to company is she right now, or should this just be a one-on-one conversation?”

“I’m sure she’d love to see you and those with you, Arc. Shelly talks about them often, you know.”

“Yes, well… we’ll go see her in a few minutes.”

“Oh?”

Arc gestures to the packages lying on the floor. “Right after I help you pick up this mess.”

A few minutes later he leaves the kitchen with a tall glass of orange juice. Heading over to the table with Lily at his side, he looks to Scootaloo.

“Lily, this is Scarlet. She’s from Dawn and Daisy’s hometown.”

“Ponyville?”

Arc nods. “That’s the one. Scarlet, this is my longtime friend, Lily.”

“H-hi.”

Lily puts out her hand. Scootaloo appears confused as Arc turns to the little girl.

“You’re supposed to shake it.”

“Like this?”

Scootaloo takes Lily’s hand and quickly moves it side to side. Arc chuckles and shakes his head.

“No, no. Like this.”

He takes Lily’s hand and demonstrates before looking apologetically at his friend.

“Sorry. She’s new to our land and hasn’t learned the customs yet.”

“It’s fine. She’ll learn from you, I’m sure. But let’s head upstairs now. Shelly needs that juice to take her medicine, after all.”

Derpy looks around. “What about the business?”

“No one’s usually here this early. That and the storm will keep even the early risers safe at home.”

Dinky giggles. “Other than my dad, you mean!”

Arc grins. “You know it!”

Heading for the stairs, they slowly walk up them single file. Entering the apartment together, Lily heads for the kitchen for the familiar pills as Arc motions for the others to wait for him in the living room. Knocking on the bedroom door, he waits patiently for Shelly to call out.

“I’m dressed, Lily. You can come in now.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc opens the door. Shelly sits on her bed, breathing heavily.

“Good morning, Shelly.”

Smiling widely, the young woman turns to face him.

“ARC!”

She moves to stand but only falls back to the bed. Arc hurries to her side.

“Shelly!”

“I’m… I’m alright. Just a bit… weak.”

“Are you sure?! You don’t sound well. Can I listen to your breathing please?”

“Sure.”

Arc leans down and puts his head on Shelly’s chest.

“You sound awfully rattly. I’ll get your inhaler.”

“It’s on the desk.”

Picking up the medicine, Arc puts it in Shelly’s hand and watches as she inhales two puffs. Breathing in and out, her breathing slowly returns to normal.

“Thank you. That feels much better.”

“That’s good. If you’re up to it, Daisy, Dawn, and Sereb are waiting in the living room with a new friend whom wants to meet you.”

Shelly nods happily. “Yes! I’d love to!”

Arc helps Shelly stand up. She takes a few steps before stumbling. Putting a hand behind her back, Arc picks her up and carries his friend to the living room. Setting her gently down in her chair, he steps back to sit with the others as Sereb hops into Shelly’s lap.

“How are you feeling now, Shelly.”

Shelly smiles as she pets Sereb. “Okay, I suppose.”

She turns to Scootaloo.

“Who’s your new friend?”

“This is Scarlet. I took her in after her parents died.”

“Hello.”

“Scarlet, this is Shelly. She, Lily, and I have been friends since we were little.”

Shelly nods. “You can count on Arc to take very good care of you.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah! He’s always been there for mom and I.”

Derpy smiles. “That he has.”

“Now then, Frank said you weren’t doing well when I saw him yesterday.”

Lily sighs. “No, she’s not.”

“That may be. But at least we were able to get some answers as to what exactly is wrong with me.”

Arc frowns. “A lot if the past diagnoses are to be believed.”

Shelly nods soberly. “Right. But recently they found out that everything is connected.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So they can help you?!”

Lily shakes her head. “Sadly, no.”

“All the pain and infirmities are being caused by abnormalities in my cell’s DNA.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Which cells?”

Shelly sighs. “Apparently… all of them. Or at least every sample they took.”

Derpy gasps. “How did they just now find this?!”

Arc nods. “Right. This isn’t exactly new science. I mean, we learned about stuff like this in high school biology class.”

Lily frowns. “Well, this IS new.”

“My results have been sent to every major research facility in the nation for analysis. As of a few days ago, I’m officially patient zero for this.”

“What’s ‘patient zero’, dad?”

“It means she’s the first recorded case.”

Scootaloo gasps. “So, the doctors can’t do ANYTHING?!”

Shelly shakes her head. “Not at this time, no. They’re doing experiments on my samples in an effort to attempt to reverse this.”

Arc groans. “But that will take time.”

Derpy looks to Lily, nervously. “How long?”

“Years, probably.”

Shelly nods. “Time I don’t have.”

Dinky grimaces. “There has to be SOMETHING that can be done!”

Shelly nods. “Yes there is, Daisy.”

“What is it?! We’ll help! Right mom?!”

“Of course!”

“Use the time I have left as best I’m able.”

Arc looks to his friend. “How long do they say you have?”

“It’s just an estimate, of course. But…”

Shelly sighs.

“The doctors believe this will probably be my last Christmas.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Shelly, I… I don’t know what to say.”

“We all knew this was coming.”

Lily sighs as she puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Yes, but… it always seemed so far away!”

Arc looks to Shelly. “Is there ANYTHING we can do?!”

Shelly smiles at him. “You already have, Arc. Lily and you have been the best friends to me ever since we were little. Let’s just spend this time together and be happy, okay?”

“If that’s what you want.”

Shelly turns to Lily.

“Any customers?”

“Not in this weather, no.”

Derpy looks to Lily. “Do you need help down there later?”

“I don’t think so. After all, we’ve been able to hire on a few part time employees since…”

Her voice trails off. Scootaloo appears confused.

“Since what?”

Shelly sighs. “I haven’t been able to help in the restaurant for… some time now.”

Arc nods soberly. “The sign by the register?”

Lily nods. “I work both the kitchen and the front most days.”

Shelly sadly looks to Arc. “While I wish I could at least run the register I haven’t had the strength to even go downstairs lately.”

“How about today?”

Shelly shakes her head. “This is the strongest I’ve been in weeks.”

She smiles at Arc before continuing.

“Probably because I’m so happy you’re back.”

Lily nods happily. “Yes, what brings you home, Arc? Not that you need a reason, of course.”

Derpy grimaces. “There’s been some… trouble back home in Ponyville.”

Arc sighs. “Right. A lot of… political upheaval.”

Dinky shudders. “It was too dangerous for us to stay there any longer.”

“Right. So Big Brother brought us here.”

Lily appears confused. “Big brother?”

“That’s just what she’s always called me. But I had to get them out of there when the country’s leadership changed.”

Dinky sighs. “The new ruler isn’t exactly a nice… person.”

Shelly gasps. “What about Rarity, Arc?”

Lily nods. “Yes, did she leave with you?”

Arc sighs and shakes his head. “Sadly, no. She… has a life there. Her and her daughter, that is.”

Shelly appears concerned. “Will they be okay?!”

“Oh yes. The new guy in charge just really doesn’t like foreigners. I’m sure the natives will be fine though.”

Lily looks hopeful. “So… you’re planning to stay awhile?”

“Yes, Lily. I don’t see being able to go back anytime soon.”

There is a knock at the door. Lily stands to answer it as Scootaloo turns Shelly.

“Company?”

“Our employees most likely.”

The sound of the apartment door opening can be heard. A few moments later Lily returns with Snake, Jackal, and Wolf. Arc appears surprised.

“You three… work here?”

Wolf rolls his eyes. “Uh… yeah.”

Snake nods soberly. “What about it?!”

Lily giggles. “For the past month or so, yes. Frankly I’m happy to have some help around here.”

Arc frowns. “Then what’s with the sign by the register?”

“They’re only part-time.”

Wolf shrugs. “We got other things to do, after all.”

Jackal grins. “Yeah! Like learn all abouts our powers!”

Snake jerks a thumb toward the large man behind him. “What he said.”

Arc groans. “Oh boy…”

“Frank sent them over when he learned I couldn’t hardly move most days. It was so hard lying here knowing Lily was running the whole place by herself.”

“We made it work somehow.”

She turns to Jackal.

“Can you get things going downstairs? When the storm clears up, we’re going to be swamped.”

“Ya! Me do it!”

Jackal hurries down the stairs as Arc turns to Shelly.

“Uh… are you sure it’s a good idea to have him in the kitchen alone?”

Lily nods. “Oh, yes. He’s quite competent in there.”

“Really?”

“Strange powers or no. He’s actually quite the chef.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Powers?”

Wolf levitates a hair net out of his pocket. “Yeah. What of it?”

Snake grins. “Ever since the town’s hero busted us out, we’ve been able to do a lot of cool stuff!”

Wolf chuckles. “Jackal even figured out that magical fire can cook food faster than the stove.”

Derpy gasps. “It can?”

Shell nods. “He figured that out when the gas went down.”

Lily sighs. “It took me ten minutes to notice he was cooking with no gas.”

Scootaloo giggles. “You’ll save money by using it instead of gas, right?”

Snake shakes his head. “Nah. It takes too much energy to keep a flame going.”

Wolf shrugs. “Other than for the big guy, that is.”

Lily looks to the others. “Would you and the others like to have breakfast?”

Dinky nods happily. “I would!”

Derpy smiles. “Me too.”

Arc looks to his friends. “Sure, sounds great. Uh… can the rest of you head down please? I want to talk to Shelly alone for a minute.”

Derpy stands. “Of course. Come along, you two.”

“Okay mom.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

They make their way down the stairs, closing the door behind them. Arc turns back to Shelly.

“Are you really okay?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I’m not talking about your health.”

Shelly sighs and looks down at her hands.

“To be honest with you, I’m still a bit upset with Max. I mean… what did he take me for? An idiot?”

“I… uh… don’t know.”

“Is he back in town as well?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He and the others are working at the orphanage Dawn had to leave behind.”

“Good. I don’t know what I would do or say if I saw his face again.”

“You still like him, don’t you?”

Shelly nods sadly. “He’s a wonderful man, yes. But when he dumped me and made up that ridiculous story about being from another world, well… you know I can’t abide a liar.”

Arc nods sadly. “You two always looked so happy together.”

“We were. And even though he broke my heart, I don’t regret the time I spent with him in the least.”

“So you think maybe you and he might someday…?”

Shelly shakes her head. “You and I both know that I don’t have the time.”

Chapter 4 - All Work and No Play...

Sometime later Arc and his friends walk in the front door together. Derpy looks to her daughter.

“Shelly’s really brave to be able to face something like this.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. I think I’d be really scared.”

Sereb sighs. “As one whom has faced death in the past, I would have to agree.”

Cherry calls out. “Really, Sereb?”

“To die to something without the ability to face it head-on is… disturbing to me.”

Scootaloo shudders. “I’ve been in bad situations in the forest before. But at least then we could usually see trouble coming and do something. Whether that was preparing to fight or getting out of there, we were able to make the choice ourselves.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “You should go see her as often as you need to. I’ll watch the fillies.”

“Thank you, but I…”

A familiar voice suddenly reverberates in Arc’s ear.

“Arc? Can you hear me?”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Is that… Miss Rarity?”

“Yeah. How the heck…?”

Dinky giggles. “You might want to answer her and find out, dad.”

Touching his ear, Arc replies.

“This is Arc. Is that you, Rarity?”

“Yes! We’re all here!”

Rainbow Dash calls out. “Hey, Arc!”

Applejack grins. “How’s the weather over there?”

Pinkie bounces around. “Eating well?!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “Is everypony doing alright?”

“Y-yeah, we’re all good. Um… how are things back in Equestria?”

Rarity sighs. “About the same. Well, other than having to put up with Decimus’ soldiers patrolling the town, that is.”

Rainbow Dash takes up a battle ready stance. “I still say we oughta drive em out of there!”

Applejack frowns. “Good way to end up in the dungeon there.”

Fluttershy sighs. “That and I don’t think we could take them all.”

Sereb growls. “How many soldiers does he have over there?!”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “Enough that they’re going to be able to fill Light’s Hope to capacity when it’s ready!”

Dinky sighs. “He’s taken over the town?”

Rarity nods. “I’m afraid so. But he’s not interfering with businesses or citizen’s daily lives though.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “At least not yet.”

Derpy appears concerned. “You think he will?”

Scootaloo nods. “He looks down his nose at those whom are thought to be below him. After all, before he learned what the Scarlet Filly was capable of, he did that to me.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. But after that he really seemed to like you, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo sticks out her tongue and gags. “Ew!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I don’t mean like that.”

Dinky puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “He seemed really interested in her future back in Miss Pommel’s office the other day though.”

Arc nods. “That reminds me. Are the orphans okay?”

Rarity smiles. “Yes. They’re a little frightened though, what with the Main Hall being filled with soldiers every night.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “The scoundrel!”

Applejack sighs. “We just wanted to let you know that everything’s going to be okay over here while you’re gone, Arc.”

“How ARE you doing this?”

Pinkie grins. “A device Auriel whipped up! Come on! Say something, silly!”

There is a slight pause before Auriel’s voice comes over Arc’s earring.

“H-hello, Arc.”

“Auriel?”

“Y-yes, it’s me.”

“Good job getting this to work!”

“Thank you. It was just something I came up with using parts Twilight and I had lying around the lab though.”

Derpy nods approvingly. “That’s pretty impressive. Arc wanted a similar transmitter some time ago.”

Dinky frowns. “Sunburst said it would be too expensive to build though.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she looks at the demoness before her. “Well, Auriel here’s smarter!”

“Maybe not the word I’d have used. But I had some theories to test out. Fortunately they worked.”

Arc nods. “Say, how big is that device you built, Auriel?”

“It’s about the same size as you are, Arc. Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering if it was portable.”

Rarity sighs. “Maybe with a crane, yes.”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “Not really as it stands.”

Pinkie shakes her head vehemently. “We could never even hope to lift it!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “You worried about something happening, sugarcube?”

“Kinda. Decimus in town makes me worried for your safety.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “We’ll be okay here. Decimus is far too busy looking for you to worry about us.”

Auriel sounds surprised. “He is?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Yeah. Haven’t you seen all the wanted posters in town?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Those things are EVERYWHERE!”

Auriel smiles sheepishly. “I don’t go out much.”

“About that. Auriel, you should probably stay out of sight as much as possible.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Why’s that?”

“Because Decimus might use her as a scapegoat. After all, she is half human.”

Rarity gasps. “He could even learn where you are, Arc!”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “The oaf wouldn’t get anything outta ME!”

Applejack turns to the demoness. “We’ll take turns keeping you fed, Auriel.”

“Thank you, everyone.”

Arc frowns. “That might not be enough.”

Sereb growls. “Arc is right. After all, everyone in town knows Auriel is there. If one of them slips up, he could send troops to the library.”

Pinkie gasps. “We should get her out of here then!”

Fluttershy pipes up. “She can hide in my cottage. It’s outside the town limits.”

Dinky stands on the couch to get closer to the earring before speaking. “Or my mom’s house.”

Arc shakes his head. “I was thinking someplace a bit more… remote.”

Rarity grins. “Earth?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “The Dragon Lands?”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “The Crystal Empire?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite that remote. Redemption Village would be a better fit for her, I think. The Crystal Empire and Dragon Lands are really out of the way compared to what she’s used to. I don’t want Auriel to have to leave the country over this. Unless she wants to though, of course.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Equestria is my home now. I’d like to stay in it if at all possible.”

“Good. If someone over there can show her the way, I’d appreciate it.”

Applejack raises a hoof. “I’ll help transport her equipment, Arc.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “Me too!”

Rarity nods with conviction. “And I’ll take care of packing it securely for the trip.”

Fluttershy grins. “I’ll lend a hoof.”

Pinkie giggles. “Me too!”

Auriel smiles. “Thank you, everyone. But considering my past with the citizens of that village, I don’t think they’d be willing to take me in.”

Rarity smiles smugly. “They will if Arc’s name is involved.”

Arc nods. “Right. That and if you recall, you weren’t harmed by them when you left Tartarus originally.”

“I may have been dragging you to safety at that point though.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Oh my!”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “Great! Maybe they’ll remember that part!”

Arc grins. “It’s worth a try. Auriel, I’d like you to pack up that machine and head to Redemption Village.”

Auriel nods. “If you think it’s necessary, I will.”

“Good. Get relocated over there and set up your machine again. Mythic Honor can probably help you acquire whatever you need as well as give you a spot in the Town Hall for it. Take Rose with you too.”

Rarity sounds nervous. “Um… she… isn’t here.”

“Oh?”

Auriel sighs. “A few days ago when I came upstairs to make coffee I found a note on the table. She wrote that she was going to Canterlot to see her mother.”

“Did she get there safely?”

“That’s the worst part. Rarity asked Twilight about it and was told she never arrived.”

Sereb frowns. “Where is the last place she was seen?”

Rarity’s ears droop. “We don’t know. The clerk at the station says she never boarded a train.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “How did she intend to get to Canterlot then?”

Pinkie shrugs. “The only other way would have been for her to walk!”

Scootaloo gasps. “What?! But that’s so far!”

Dinky thinks for a moment before speaking. “Well, she doesn’t need to sleep, right? So maybe she could have just kept walking day and night.”

Arc calls out. “Rainbow Dash, can you go look for her?”

“Already did. Rose would’ve taken the most direct route, so that’s the way I flew. But I didn’t see her anywhere.”

Sereb frowns. “That isn’t like her.”

“Do you suppose she’s okay, dad?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin as he thinks. “As strong and smart as Rose is I can’t imagine her coming to harm anywhere between here and Canterlot. Did she say anything to you about this beforehand, Auriel?”

“She had said in the past that she wanted to see more of the world. That and she’s been acting kinda strange since Twilight left.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “What should we do, Arc?”

“At this point there isn’t much you can do. It’s possible that Rose just needed to get out of town for a while.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Then why didn’t she take the train?”

Sereb sighs. “Perhaps she just needed more time to think.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “A long walk?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “That’s especially long though.”

Rarity clears her throat. “Twilight promised to send some Royal Guards to look for her when we spoke last night.”

“Good. Now then, I need you to do something for me, Auriel.”

“Okay. What should I be doing though?”

“Other than hiding, you’re going to be my link to Equestria. If something over there changes and I’m needed back there, you need to be able to send word right away.”

Derpy gasps. “But how would you get back, Arc?!”

“There’s still the Crystal Mirror. Uh… is it still around?”

Auriel nods. “Sunburst had it shipped to the Crystal Empire after you returned with Princess Celestia, Arc.”

Derpy smiles. “That was a good idea on his part.”

Applejack sighs. “Not really. It was actually Twilight’s idea.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “The new princess?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “She wasn’t at that point though.”

Rarity nods. “Twilight did mention that during one of our nightly conversations. She was worried the Princess Celestia might see it and figure out where Arc came from.”

Fluttershy shudders. “She was the one whom summoned him here, after all.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “In this case though it could be used as a secret return point to Equestria.”

Scootaloo appears thoughtful. “Are there any others?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not with the S.P.E.A.R. dismantled, no. At least none available to us.”

Applejack grins. “Right. But there are other ways to get to Earth.”

Derpy looks to Arc, clearly surprised. “There are?”

“Right. After all, Sunset Shimmer and Wiseman seem to have it figured out.”

Fluttershy appears suddenly frightened. “Um… any sign of them over there?”

Arc shakes his head. “None fortunately. Well, other than Wiseman occasionally showing up to give me cryptic and largely useless advice, that is.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “But the other one might show up, right?!”

“I’m assuming Sunset Shimmer doesn’t know where I live, no.”

Applejack gasps. “How can you be so sure?!”

“Because with her temperament, she would have stormed over here and attacked by now.”

Derpy shudders. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

Sereb growls. “That banshee has no patience!”

Dinky grins wickedly. “And even if she did show up, my dad would send her packing!”

Scootaloo nods with conviction. “We’d all pitch in!”

Derpy smiles. “That we would!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “I would tear out her AND Kane’s hearts!”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks everyone. But I’d rather just avoid that witch if at all possible.”

Rarity appears relieved. “That would be for the best, Arc. I spoke to Twilight about her, and she’s quite powerful.”

Fluttershy shudders. “Maybe even more so than you yourself are.”

“I appreciate the warning. Now if things get dangerous on your end, Redemption Village is the fallback point. Get in touch with me and we’ll figure something out.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Like you coming back to take care of it?”

“That’s always a possibility.”

“What about Miss Shelly though, dad?”

Scootaloo nods. “She needs you too!”

Arc sighs. “I’d really like to be here for her, now more than ever. But if it comes down to a decision of her versus the safety of an entire country…”

Derpy gasps. “But that wouldn’t be fair to Shelly!”

“If she knew, she’d agree.”

Applejack bows her head. “Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Rarity composes herself and speaks. “Right. Well, you enjoy this time with your family and stay safe.”

“You too, Rarity. That goes for everyone though.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Equestria will be fine, Arc. You just enjoy this little vacation.”

Pinkie giggles. “Right! It’s not like there’s going to be some kind of hostile takeover resulting in the country crumbling from within, right!?”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Oddly specific.”

Applejack groans. “She just means worst case scenario.”

Fluttershy shudders. “A scary thought!”

Rarity nods. “We’ll see to it that doesn’t happen though.”

“Good. Um… see everyone later.”

Rarity smiles. “Bye!”

Auriel touches a button, severing the connection. Sighing, she turns to the others.

“I’ll see about getting this machine disassembled and ready for transport.”

Applejack nods. “Let me head back to the farm and get my wagon. Wanna help me pull, Rainbow Dash.”

“Meh. Not really. But I’ll do it anyways.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to his family. Sereb frowns.

“That was unexpected.”

Arc grins. “But not unwelcome.”

Derpy smiles. “It was nice to hear from Equestria.”

Dinky nods. “Now we’ll know if something happens over there.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “Assuming Captain Decimus doesn’t track them to the place you mentioned, Big Brother.”

“It isn’t on any map so that seems unlikely.”

He looks Scootaloo up and down before continuing.

“Tell me, how confident are you in your walking?”

“I’m not falling down anymore. Well, not usually anyways.”

Derpy appears confused. “Were you planning something, Arc?”

“Maybe if the rain stops.”

Sereb pipes up. “The weather channel said it should be over before noon.”

“And after that?”

“Clear skies and sunny.”

Arc grins. “Perfect.”

Derpy shrugs. “What should we do in the meantime?”

“How about we go grocery shopping?”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Food? But we just ate.”

Dinky looks to her mother. “Well, we do need to refill the refrigerator.”

Derpy nods. “And it would help Scootaloo learn to walk better.”

Sereb chuckles. “Practice makes perfect.”

“Right. But I was thinking more along the lines of getting her more used to being out in public.”

Dinky appears confused. “Used to… what?”

“Scootaloo’s accustomed to hiding under a cloak. We need to get her comfortable with not doing that.”

Scootaloo nods. “It quite the change, yes.”

“Let’s head out then.”

Heading for the Jeep, they make the short drive to the store. Walking the aisles they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables along with various frozen goods. Leaving the store Arc and company find the rain has since stopped and the sun has come out. Dinky grins.

“Look! The pavement’s almost completely dry!”

Derpy smiles. “And it’s nice and warm.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Is that important?”

Arc chuckles as they make their way back to the vehicle. “Kinda. It’s a nice day to play outside.”

“Play?”

Dinky nods happily as Arc and Derpy put the groceries in the back of the vehicle. “Sure! You wanna?!”

“I don’t understand.”

Derpy turns to Scootaloo. “You’ve never played?”

Scootaloo shakes her head as they climb back into the Jeep. “No. Back in Knothole Village we had work to do.”

Dinky frowns. “What did you do when not working then?”

“Rest. It was important to keep our strength up.”

Arc thinks as he gets into the driver’s seat. “Now that you mention it, I don’t remember seeing any toys in your room, Scootaloo.”

“What are ‘toys’?”

Derpy smiles at her. “Things you play with.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think that cleared it up.”

Sereb pipes up. “Your life is familiar to me, little one. Playing was not something we did in Forsaken Village either.”

Dinky looks to the wolf. “What did you do then?”

“Hunt and train.”

Arc starts the Jeep. “Well, why don’t we drop this stuff off at home and show Scootaloo what playing is like.”

“How?”

Arc grins. “You’ll see.”

Heading for home, they bring the groceries inside and put them away. Returning to the Jeep, Arc backs out of the driveway as Sereb turns to him.

“So where are we headed?”

“The park.”

Derpy smiles. “Like back home in Equestria?”

“They’re a bit more advanced here.”

A short time later they pull into a small parking lot. Dinky looks out the window.

“There’s so many foals here!”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah! What’s that they’re doing?”

Arc parks the vehicle. “Playing on what’s called ‘playground equipment’.”

He points as he talks.

“Swings, slides, a merry-go-round, and a few other things I can’t think of.”

Scootaloo turns to him. “Is it for some kind of combat training?”

“Nah. Just to burn off some energy and have fun. With fall officially here, everyone knows there aren’t many warm days left before the snow flies.”

Sereb sighs. “Shall I play as well?”

Arc appears suddenly nervous. “Uh… about that. You see, we have what’s called ‘leash laws’ here.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “You can’t be serious.”

Arc pulls out a collar and leash.

“I am.”

“Perhaps I will just sit in the Jeep then.”

Derpy looks to him pleadingly. “Come on, Sereb. You need to get out too.”

Arc chuckles. “You heard Derpy. Let’s go.”

Sereb sighs. “Very well.”

Hopping into the front seat, he allows Arc to put the collar around his neck and attach the leash to it. They step out of the vehicle together. Arc motions for everyone to follow him over to a picnic table. Sitting down, he looks toward the playground. Two young children run over to them as Arc greets them.

“Hey, Mia. I see you have Alex with you today.”

“Yeah. Mom wanted us to enjoy the weather while we could.”

“Do you two remember Daisy?”

Mia nods. “Sure! It’s been a while!”

Dinky waves happily. “Hi!”

Alex looks to Scootaloo. “Wanna play with us?!”

“I’m not sure if I… um…”

Dinky takes Scootaloo’s hand. “Come on! It’ll be fun!”

“Thanks, but I think I’d rather stay here.”

Mia shrugs. “Okay. Come on, Daisy!”

The trio run toward the playground. Arc motions for Scootaloo to sit with him. She appears suddenly nervous.

“Are you mad at me?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But you really should learn to play.”

“What for?”

“You’re only a kid once.”

Derpy nods. “That’s right. If you have a chance to play, you should take it.”

She lowers her head before continuing.

“My dad… never took me to places like this when I was little. Anywhere really.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Neither did mine. Well, other than to go foraging.”

“That wasn’t exactly what I would call fun though. More like inherently dangerous.”

Sereb whispers as he looks to Dinky along with Mia and Alex. “They appear to be having a very good time over there.”

“I think I’d rather just stay here with Big Brother and watch.”

“Fine. But if you change your mind and want to join them, go ahead.”

“Okay.”

They sit there for a time watching the little ones play. Eventually Derpy looks to Arc.

“I know this might sound a little strange, but… do you think I could join them?”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You want to play?”

Derpy nods. “Like I said, my father never took me to places like this when I was little. I’d really like to see what playing is like.”

“Let me show you then.”

Arc stands and walks over to Dinky on the swings. Mia and Alex are taking turns on the swing next to her.

“Daisy, your mother would like to try the swings.”

“Oh… okay.”

Hopping down, Arc motions for Derpy to take her place. She sits on the rubber seat and looks to Arc.

“Now what?”

“I’ll push you.”

Pulling the swing back, Arc lets it go to start. As Derpy swings back he pushes her from behind. She goes higher and higher, grinning all the way. Eventually Arc steps back and watches with Dinky.

“Mom seems to be having a lot of fun.”

“Yup. You’re never too old for the swings though.”

Mia turns to him. “You want a turn, Mister Arc?”

Alex nods. “We’re done with it.”

“Sure. Thanks.”

Sitting down, Arc grabs the chains on either side of him as Dinky runs over.

“Want me to push you, dad?!”

“Sure, sweetheart.”

Dinky goes back and forth for the next ten minutes pushing her father before doing the same for her mother. Meanwhile, Sereb turns to Scootaloo at the picnic table.

“They appear to be having a nice time.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I guess.”

“Would you like to join them?”

“Kinda.

“Why not do so then?”

“I’m… just not ready yet.”

Sereb appears confused. “Ready?”

“Since meeting Big Brother, I’ve had to question pretty much everything I thought was true. He’s opened my eyes to so many things I didn’t even know existed.”

“But…?”

“But, while I look like a human filly… girl, I’m not ready to be one just yet.”

“I know this is a lot to take in at once. But Arc and his family will help ease you into it.”

“Yeah, well… I don’t know if I want that yet.”

“Which part?”

“Being anything other than what I am.”

“And what are you?”

Scootaloo turns to him. “Huh?”

“I’m asking what you think you are.”

“The Scarlet Filly. Somep… someone others can look to and feel safe.”

“You’re also a filly at heart. There is no need for you to keep the façade up at all times.”

“But what if I mess up and make Big Brother look like a fool?”

“Arc is very understanding. He won’t get mad at you, or anything.”

“I know that. But I still want to make him proud of me.”

“Like a father?”

Scootaloo nods. “Mine was never really happy with what I was. Not that he was wrong, mind you. I was pretty pathetic back then.”

“What changed?”

“I met Big Brother. He helped me to become something more than I currently was.”

“How did he do that?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I don’t really know. But whenever I’m around him, I just feel so… confident. Like I could do anything.”

“That feeling is familiar to me. I too was the least in my tribe. Yet when Arc took me as one with whom he would make a Life Pact, everything changed.”

“Can you tell me about it?”

“He showed me that much of battle was planning, watching, and waiting. The actual action was generally over before it began that way.”

“You fought him?”

“Yes. It was required before the Life Pact could be made. He defeated me with relative ease, using nothing but his natural talents.”

“No weapons?”

Sereb shakes his head. “None. Just his mind mostly.”

“I’ve seen him handle many problems that way.”

“Things generally work out for him when he thinks it through.”

Scootaloo grins. “Yeah. I want to grow up to be just like him!”

“I do not believe that is what Arc would want.”

“What do you mean? After all, isn’t that the lesson to be learned from your story?”

“No. Arc doesn’t make others like him.”

“Then what…?”

“He shows others how to be themselves.”

“How?”

Sereb turns to watch everyone play again. “Stay with us and you’ll find out.”

Chapter 5 - Books!

A month passes and the days grow cooler and shorter. Arc and his little family sit on the couch one evening watching the news together. Derpy and Scootaloo sit on either side of Arc as Dinky sits in his lap. She looks up at her father.

“There’s a lot of bad things going on in this world, dad.”

“Agreed. With so many people though that’s bound to happen.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “It is?”

“Sure. After all, everyone has their own opinions on how things should be run.”

Derpy turns to him. “And not everyone’s ideas work with the other’s. Right?”

“Exactly.”

Sereb frowns. “You accomplished much in the past by simply talking though. Is that not the case here?”

“There is a lot of talk, yes. But too often the negotiators come to the table with a long list of immovable issues. So in the end not much gets done.”

Scootaloo grins. “Do you think the Scarlet Filly could do something here, Big Brother?”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it. After all, they won’t listed to each other. What chance would an outsider have of convincing them?”

Sereb shrugs. “Sometimes such an individual is best used as an intermediary.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

Dinky turns to her mother. “Someone who goes between two or more sides to try and act as a bridge between them.”

Arc grins as he tousles Dinky’s hair. “Sounds like someone has been paying attention in school.”

“Yup. Miss Cheerilee taught us that during a lesson on the Hero of Light.”

Scootaloo looks to the little girl. “Can you tell us about it?”

“Well… she referenced some of what you did as the Lord Regent, dad. How you met with the leaders of the other countries.”

Derpy appears genuinely interested. “What did he do?”

“Acted as an intermediary between the ponies of Equestria and the yaks of Yakyakistan.”

Arc nods. “And Abyssinia too a couple times.”

Sereb chuckles. “And the griffon nation.”

Scootaloo nods, clearly impressed. “Sounds like a lot of responsibility.”

“It was. One wrong word could have set off a political powder keg.”

“Did it ever not go well, Big Brother?”

“Just one time. When I was in the Griffon Kingdom for the signing of the peace treaty. An assassin was trying to poison Princess Luna, but go me instead. I was delirious and ended up killing a number of rebels in my madness.”

Sereb smiles wickedly. “I fail to see how that was a bad thing.”

“Well, the Council of Lords could have interpreted my actions as me slaughtering their citizens and retaliated against Equestria.”

Derpy gasps. “Oh my!”

“Fortunately they saw it as me doing what needed to be done in an effort to save them from their kidnappers.”

Scootaloo appears relieved. “Very lucky.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“Well… that’s behind us. We should probably focus on where to go from here.”

Dinky grins. “Um… you mean dessert?”

Derpy giggles. “I don’t think so, dear.”

“Right. I meant regarding our future here on Earth.”

Cherry calls out to them. “We could be here for a while.”

Derpy looks to the girls. “Should we start with Dinky and Scootaloo’s education?”

Arc nods. “I was thinking the same thing.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“You two need schooling.”

“Aw… do we have to, dad?”

“Yes. The only problem is you can’t attend a normal human school.”

Sereb frowns. “They can’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We’d need birth certificates and other various identifying paperwork.”

Cherry sighs. “I guess you and Derpy will have to teach them.”

Derpy bows her head. “Sadly, I don’t think I know enough about anything to be able to teach it.”

“What are you going to teach us then, dad?”

“Math and reading mostly.”

“But I already know how to read!”

Scootaloo nods. “Me too!”

“Well, you should probably be reading more age appropriate books.”

Sereb tilts his head to one side. “Such as…?”

“Chapter books. They’re a lot longer and use more advanced vocabulary. Think of it like exercising your brains.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Do we have anything here they could read?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. But there is a library nearby that would have something.”

He looks up at the clock before continuing.

“And they’re open for another two hours. Want to check it out?”

Dinky grins. “Sure!”

Scootaloo appears nervous. “Okay.”

Derpy smiles. “Can I come too?”

“If you want to.”

“I’ll remain here if that’s alright, Arc.”

“Fine. The library doesn’t allow dogs anyways.”

Grabbing his keys and wallet, Arc heads for the door with the others behind him. Putting on their coats they head for the Jeep. A short drive later they find themselves pulling into the parking lot of a large building. Dinky frowns.

“This doesn’t look anything like Miss Twilight’s library.”

Arc chuckles as he shuts off the engine. “We don’t make buildings out of hollowed out trees here on Earth, sweetheart.”

Entering, they look around. Dinky and Scootaloo marvel at the rows and rows of books before them. Derpy turns to Dinky.

“This is MUCH larger than the Golden Oaks Library!”

“It is!”

“How many books are IN here Big Brother?!”

“Quite a few, I’m sure. But let’s head for the children’s section. Follow me.”

Leading the way Arc brings the group to the proper section. Rounding a corner he points to a shelf.

“Looks like they’re still here.”

Derpy gasps. “They’re so many!”

Dinky hurries over to the shelves with Scootaloo. “What should we get, dad?”

“I always liked this series, sweetheart.”

Pulling a book off the shelf, he holds it up. Derpy reads the title aloud.

“The Boxcar Children?”

Arc nods. “Yup. This is the first in a series about four children, two boys and two girls, whom leave their home when their parents die.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Who takes care of them?”

“The older brother goes out and earns money by doing odd jobs for a man named Doctor Moore. While he’s gone the older sister takes care of the younger two.”

Derpy smiles. “Kinda like a mom and dad?”

“Exactly.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “Where do they live?”

Arc points to the cover. “In an old abandoned boxcar that they find in the middle of the woods during a storm.”

Dinky giggles. “Is that why they’re called the ‘Boxcar Children’?”

“Right. It becomes their new home.”

Derpy appears confused. “But don’t they have an orphanage to go to?”

“Probably. But they do have a living relative whom they’re hiding from.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Who?”

“Their grandfather. You see, they’re afraid to be sent to live with him because he didn’t approve of his son marrying their mother.”

Dinky grimaces. “So he wouldn’t like them?”

“Something like that.”

Derpy looks at the book. “That sounds really interesting.”

“Why don’t we check this book out then? I can read a chapter to everyone before bedtime.”

“That sounds great, dad!”

Scootaloo nods. “I’ve never been read to before.”

Derpy sighs. “Me either. “

Arc grins as he hands the book to Derpy. “I think you’ll enjoy it. But in any case, you two should take a look at other chapter books. Get a few you think you’d like and I’ll check them out for you.”

“What about me, Arc?”

“How good are you at reading?”

Derpy sighs. “About the same as Daisy here, I’m afraid.”

“Then you should probably get some books from this section too, mom.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Dinky takes her mother’s hand. “We’ll look together!”

Scootaloo smiles. “Me too!”

“Sounds like a plan. And while you three are doing that, I’m going to check out the young adult section.”

“You looking for books too, dad?”

“Yes. There’s a series I always liked over there.”

Scootaloo waves. “See you in a few!”

Arc walks to the other side of the library. Turning to look at the familiar shelf, he grins and picks up a book.

“Here we are. ‘Tom Swift and his Flying Lab’. Always like this one. Well, it’s been a while since I read these so I might as well start with the first one.”

Looking over the shelf again, Arc peruses the rest of the series before grabbing a few more volumes. He is about to leave when Scootaloo’s voice reverberates in his head.

“Big Brother!”

“What is it, Scootaloo?”

“There’s several strange powers coming toward the building!”

“Is there?”

“Can’t you feel it?!”

“Actually, no. Are you sure about this?”

“Very!”

Arc frowns. “Let me try using that Detect Magic spell I saw in Frank’s book.”

Looking around to see if anyone is watching, Arc casts the spell. His eyes grow wide as he does so. Scootaloo calls out again.

“Any luck?!”

“Now yes!”

“What should we do?!”

“You stay with Derpy and Dinky. I’ll check this out.”

“They’re coming in now!”

Arc peeks through a bookshelf toward the main entrance. His eyes grow wide as three people walk in together.

“Oh, crap…”

“Who is it?”

“Stingray, Hammer, and Mio!”

“…um… who?”

“Three women who will be very unhappy if they spot me! Tell Derpy and Dinky to stay put until I come for them!”

“I will! But you need to get out of there!”

Arc grimaces as the women stop to chat with each other. “I can’t! They’ll see me for sure!”

“Just Blink over here!”

“Mio could probably detect that.”

As he says that, Mio stops and looks around. Arc gasps.

“I think she just felt me!”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the magic nullifying ring and quickly puts it on. Mio continues to look around for a few more moments as the other two look to her. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Something wrong?”

Mio frowns. I thought I felt… something.

Stingray raises an eyebrow. “Felt?”

“I suppose ’detected’ would be a better word.”

“Who?”

Mio sighs. “It’s gone now.”

Hammer frowns. “Probably nothing.”

Stingray nods. “Agreed. You’ve been working too hard lately. Let me pick up that book I put on hold from the main desk and we’ll be on our way.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Not so fast! I want to see if they have the latest ‘Popular Mechanics’ here!”

Mio smiles. “And I would like to see if they have ‘Relativity – The Special and the General Theory’ by Albert Einstein.”

Stingray appears confused. “What’s it about?”

“Physics.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Yeah, that’d be REALLY helpful in your spellcasting studies.”

“I think it might be.”

“How?! Magic isn’t science!”

Stingray chuckles. “Oh, but it is, Hammer. Just a new branch of it that has yet to be fully researched and cataloged.”

Hammer scoffs. “You’re sounding more like Mio now.”

Mio frowns. “Well, we all have our own interests.”

Hammer throws her hands up in despair as she head for the periodicals. “Fine! Do whatever you want!”

Mio turns to Stingray and lowers her voice.

“She’s still not the same.”

“Yeah. Normally that would have taken a lot longer.”

Mio shakes her head. “No, no. I mean…”

“I know what you meant, brain-trust. But what can we do about it?”

“No clue. She won’t tell us what’s on her mind.”

Stingray sighs. “But we both know what’s bothering her.”

Mio sighs. “Indeed.”

“Who would have thought that a man could have gotten to Hammer?”

Mio puts a finger to her cheek and smiles. “Well, he was pretty cute.”

“I suppose so. But I’m more interested in how he survived their second date.”

“Second? I thought that was their third.”

Stingray shrugs. “Either way, I can’t remember.”

“Arc must’ve been much more than meets the eye to continue dating Hammer after what was left of The Riders went after them at that pizza place.”

Stingray grins wickedly. “Agreed. If he ever comes back, we’ll have to ask him.”

“Would that be before or after we tell Hammer?”

Stingray looks over at Hammer standing beside the magazine racks. “Before. Definitely before. We don’t need our sister to be hurt any more than she already has been.”

“Really? I would have thought you’d want to get them back together. After all, he made Hammer very happy.”

“And we will. After he’s tested further.”

“For Ascension?”

Stingray nods. “Someone like him would be a valuable addition to the Organization’s forces, after all.”

“If he survives Colonel Diva, you mean?”

“As capable a man, I’m sure he would find a way to do so. Perhaps even surpass her one day.”

Mio giggles. “Such a vivid imagination, Stingray.”

Stingray turns toward the main desk. “In any case, I’ll see about my book while you do your own thing.”

“Very well.”

Arc watches as the pair go their separate ways. He breathes a sigh of relief as he looks at the anti-magic ring.

“Sure glad I kept this.”

“Should we make a break for it, Big Brother?”

“No. We need to wait for them to leave. Hammer’s at the magazines while Stingray’s talking to someone the front desk.”

Scootaloo gasps. “That just leaves the third one.”

“I overheard her say she wanted to check out a book by Einstein.”

“Is that good?”

“Kinda. After all, that’s in the non-fiction section.”

Scootaloo sounds confused. “Um…”

“It’s on the other side of the library. I’ll keep watch here for them to leave. Then we can…”

A voice rings out behind him quietly as an arm reaches past him for a book.

“Excuse me, but I just need to…”

Arc turns to come face to face with Mio. Her eyes grow wide as she focuses on him. Before he can say a word she grabs him and Blinks away. Reappearing in the middle of a cool wind, Arc looks around.

“Where…?!”

Mio frowns. “Just outside the library. See?”

She points a finger. Arc turns and looks through the foliage to see the library before looking back to Mio.

“How did you…?!”

Mio glares at him. “Don’t worry about it!”

“Big Brother?!”

“I’m fine, Scootaloo. Stay where you are.”

Mio folds her arms over her chest. “You and I need to have a talk!”

“Um… what about?”

“Hammer!”

“Is she still mad?”

Mio grits her teeth. “Not really. But I am!”

Charging up, she casts a Telekinesis Spell and slams Arc into a tree some distance away.

“Whoa!”

Mio glares at him as she Blinks in front of him. “You get one chance to change my mood! Make it good!”

“What?!”

“I want you to tell me why Hammer should even CARE about what I’m going to do to you!”

“She… she shouldn’t.”

“Oh?”

“I left her to chase after my work. That’s no life for her, or any woman for that matter.”

Mio appears surprised. “What… what are you saying?”

“That Hammer’s right to be mad, sad, or whatever at what I did.”

“Darn right! You DUMPED her!”

“I just didn’t want her waiting around for me!”

“Why?!”

“In case I didn’t come back!”

Mio slowly lowers her hand. The pressure against Arc’s chest lessens and he is again able to move normally.

“Keep talking.”

“My most recent job was the most dangerous of all. Locate and extract a kidnapped woman. Failure was almost guaranteed considering the people whom had her.”

“Why didn’t you ask Hammer for help then? Or were you too proud to have her come along?!”

“You don’t understand. She did ask to come with me.”

“No way!”

“It’s true.”

“Then why didn’t she?!”

“Because I convinced her to stay with you and Stingray.”

“To be rid of her?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. To keep the three of you together.”

Mio releases Arc completely. She looks at him coolly for a long moment before speaking.

“She’s head over heels in love with you, idiot.”

“I… I know.”

“Hammer hasn’t been the same since you left. What did you do to her?”

Arc sighs. “Just… cared too much, I guess.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll tell you. But only if you promise not to say anything to Hammer about this conversation.”

Mio narrows her eyes. “And why would I do something like that?!”

“Because I know your secret.”

“Wha-which one?”

“What you’re keeping in your locker at the bus station, for starters.”

Mio gasps and takes a step back.

“I… don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Oh really? Then why are you sweating?”

“It’s hot out here!”

“It’s fall!”

The pair are silent for a time. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“I…”

Arc slowly walks toward her. “You have several duffel bags of clothes in a bus station locker.”

“That’s not…!”

“You really should do laundry more often though. I could smell the sweat through the vents.”

“There’s no way you could…!”

“Tell me, how long have you had a membership down at the Angel Grove Youth Center?”

Mio frowns. “I don’t have one!”

“Yeah, I know. That’s why you were breaking into the place at night.”

“Lies!”

Arc stops a few feet from her and looks Mio in the eye. “Lies, huh? So you weren’t lifting weights, running on treadmills, AND trying to do chin ups?”

Mio is silent as Arc closes the distance between them.

“You weren’t very good at anything there though. Especially the chin ups.”

“All you have are your words. Nothing more.”

“Really? How about these then?”

Reaching into his coat, Arc carefully removes a few pictures from his ring. Pulling them out, he holds them up to Mio.

“You’re saying this isn’t you?”

Mio gasps as she steps back. “H-how did you…?!”

“I’m a professional, Mio. Investigating is what I do.”

Mio seethes. “You don’t know me! You don’t know me AT ALL!”

“Oh? Tell me, did you find that book you were looking for? The one by Einstein?”

“Not before I found you!”

“And I doubt you would have.”

“What do you mean?!”

Arc chuckles. “Looking for a physics book in the science fiction section?”

“I was just a bit… lost, that’s all!”

“Then why were you reaching for a Tom Swift book when you saw me?”

“You see… I just… well…”

Mio continues backing up as Arc steps forward. Eventually she finds herself up against a large tree trunk. She sighs and bows her head.

“My sisters can’t find out about this.”

“Why not?”

Mio looks to him angrily. “They just CAN’T, okay?!”

“Depends. What’s it worth to you?”

Mio lunges forward and makes a grab for the photos. Arc steps back and holds them just out of reach with one hand as the other he places on Mio’s forehead to hold her back. Eventually she gives up and falls to her knees, defeated.

“What… what do you want?”

Arc kneels down in front of her. “All I want is some information.”

“On what?!”

“Your sisters, among other things.”

“Why?!”

“Don’t worry about that. I’m not going to hurt anyone. You included.”

Mio glares at him as he continues.

“Tell you what. If you’ll agree to talk to me later, I’ll give you those pictures right now.”

Mio nods fervently. “I have to have them!”

“Fine. Take them.”

Arc holds the photos out to her. Mio slowly moves her hand toward them inch by inch. As she nears, she snatches them out of Arc’s hand. Casting a quick Fire Spell they go up in a puff of smoke. She grins and looks Arc in the eye.

“Guess there isn’t any reason for me to worry now!”

“No, I guess not. Now then, about our future meeting.”

Mio smiles wickedly. “What meeting?”

“The one you agreed to a few moments ago.”

Mio rolls her eyes as she turns to walk back to the building. “You have nothing left to bargain with. Consider our business here finished.”

“Oh, I have more up my sleeve.”

Mio stops walking, but does not turn around.

“...what?”

“You burned the pictures, yes. But I have more of them and the negatives stored safely away.”

Sighing, Mio turns around, her head bowed.

“You win. What do you want from me?”

“A meeting. I want you to meet me on the street in front of your apartment at midnight tomorrow night. Come alone.”

Mio sighs. “Fine. I’ll be there. Can I go now?”

“Yes.”

She turns to leave.

“Mio?”

“What?”

“Don’t say a word to either of your sister that you saw me, would you kindly?”

Nodding, Mio continues walking. Entering the warm library again she spots Stingray and Hammer at the checkout desk. Hammer frowns.

“Where the heck have you been?!”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “Forget your library card again?”

“N-no. I just… stepped outside for a bit of air.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

“I just had to, okay?!”

Stingray shakes her head. “Fine. Let’s check out and get going.”

Hammer turns to her sister. “Did you find your book, Mio?”

Mio turns away nervously. “No, they… didn’t have it.”

Stingray looks to her, concerned. “You okay?”

“Fine. Why?”

Hammer frowns. “You’re acting really weird all of a sudden.”

“Oh? Like you did a couple weeks ago when…!”

Stingray snaps at her. “Mio!”

“What?!”

“I told you to let that go!”

Mio grunts. “Fine.”

She seethes inwardly as Hammer and Stingray have their library cards scanned.

“My pride is worth a lot to me. Hopefully the price of that fool’s silence isn’t too high.”

Arc waits in the woods for a time. Eventually Stingray, Hammer, and Mio leave the building. As they get into a Jeep, Mio looks in his direction. He nods soberly at her as she grits her teeth. Watching the vehicle drive down the road for a time, Arc heads back inside the library and makes a beeline for the children’s section. As he approaches his family they look up to him eagerly.

“Dad!”

Derpy appears frightened. “Is everything okay?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Everything’s fine. Well, now at least.”

“Who the heck was that, Big Brother?!”

“Mio. She’s Hammer’s sister.”

Dinky gasps. “Miss Hammer was here!?”

“She was, yes.”

Derpy grimaces. “Was she upset?”

“I didn’t talk to her.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “But you did talk to her sister.”

“I did. Now then, let’s get these books checked out and head for home. The library will be closing soon.”

Walking up to the front desk Arc presents his library card. The clerk takes it and scans the books one at a time. Heading back to the Jeep, Dinky looks up at her father.

“Dad, is everything really alright?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I can’t sense Mio, so her and her sisters didn’t double back.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Why would they?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

Piling into the Jeep they head for home. Walking in the back door Sereb greets them.

“Did you have a nice time?”

Derpy sighs. “Mostly.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Dinky sighs. “Miss Hammer and her sisters were there.”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “Still not sure how that woman had magic. Uh… that WAS a human woman, right?”

“I think so.”

Sereb growls. “Next time I will come with you, Arc!”

Arc shrugs. “Things worked out alright.”

“Tell us all about it, dad!”

“Okay. But we have to sit down on the couch first.”

They do so. Arc tells the tale of Mio Blinking him outside to talk about Hammer. Informing his family of how he was able to counter Mio’s arguments in addition to turning the talks to his favor, they gasp.

“You really showed her, Big Brother!”

Dinky frowns. “I don’t know. Miss Hammer’s sister doesn’t sound like a bad person to me.”

“She isn’t. Well, not really.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Then why are you making her meet you tomorrow, Arc?”

“She and I need to talk privately.”

Sereb growls. “What about?”

“Hammer, mostly.”

Cherry calls out to them. “That isn’t all though, is it?”

“No. I also want to know what their so-called Organization has been up to in the meantime if I can.”

“Why, dad?”

Derpy gasps. “Yes. You got Princess Celestia out of there. It’s over.”

Arc sighs. “I wanted to believe that. But that whole operation stunk to me.”

Sereb sighs. “Things may not have gone completely according to plan, of course. However we were able to adapt to the changing situation thanks to your backup plans, Arc.”

“No, Sereb. We got out of there because General Mustang let us.”

Scootaloo frowns. “You did?”

Sereb shakes his head. “You give him too much credit, Arc!”

“Do I? Couldn’t you feel his magical power?”

“I could, yes. However if he was so powerful, why not take us out then and there?”

“I’ve been wondering that myself ever since then. Well, since I got my memories back, that is.”

“What did you come up with, dad?”

“That he wanted us to leave with the princess.”

Cherry sounds skeptical. “After taking such steps to keep her?!”

“It’s the only thing that makes sense, yes.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I don’t get it. If this human is so powerful, why is he not in charge of this world?”

Arc shrugs. “His power is great, yes. But it felt very… different from anything I’ve encountered to date.”

Derpy appears confused. “Felt?”

“Until recently I could only sense immense magical power levels. Mostly just the princesses themselves.”

“What changed, dad?”

Scootaloo grins. “Was it that spell from the book, Big Brother?”

“Yes. After using it I was able to sense Mio and her sisters approaching. But how could you feel it, Scootaloo?”

“No idea. It’s just something I can do. Probably just another Crimson ability. Frankly I was surprised you didn’t have it.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Mio must be able to sense us when we’re cloaked with that ability.”

Sereb growls. “All the time?”

Arc shrugs. “She must recast it regularly.”

Dinky frowns. “Or she’s good enough at the spell that she can cast it once a day. Like when she first wakes up.”

Derpy giggles. “Well, now that goes both ways.”

Cherry calls out. “Derpy?”

“Mio and her sisters won’t be able to sneak up on Arc now.”

Arc sighs. “That’s a nice way of looking at it. But it also means I can’t use that power without Mio sensing me too.”

He holds up his hand to the others.

“I was able to get this ring on in time earlier. Without it, Mio would have surely sensed me fully and alerted her sisters that the Hero of Light was near.”

Dinky shudders. “That’s a frightening thought. But how didn’t she sense you at the mall, dad?”

Sereb frowns. “Right. You said she was in the dressing room in front of you and Hammer.”

“I have a theory on that. When she approached with her sisters, they were arguing.”

Cherry sounds confused. “How would that have prevented her from sensing you?”

“This is just a guess, mind you, but I’m thinking that she was so busy arguing that her focus was purely on that.”

Dinky nods. “A caster requires concentration for a spell to work, yes.”

Sereb sighs. “It is possible. Novice casters can be easily overcome if distracted.”

“Lucky break for me.”

Derpy looks at his hand. “So you’re going to keep that ring on, Arc?”

“Probably should for the time being. But I have a plan for that too.”

Chapter 6 - Forceful Meals

The following night Mio stands out front of her apartment. She is clad in a black cloak and looks around nervously. At exactly midnight a gray dog runs up to her happily. Mio looks down at it, confused.

“What the heck…? This feeling…!”

The dog turns and runs away.

“Hey! Wait!”

Chasing after him down the street, Mio follows him into a nearby alley. He runs to the dead end and stops before looking back at his pursuer and wags his tail playfully as Mio slowly approaches him.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re just going to take a quick trip to a nice doctor’s office. You’ll get a warm meal and a place to…”

Before she can react, Mio finds herself pushed violently into a wall. A hand claps itself over her mouth as Arc whispers in her ear.

“Don’t scream, don’t move, and close your eyes.”

Mio nods fearfully as Arc holds out his gauntlet to open a portal. He turns back to her and continues whispering.

“We’re going to take a little walk now. I’ll steer.”

Putting a hand on her shoulder, Arc turns Mio around and pushes her forward gently. Sereb bounds into the portal ahead of them as the pair slowly walk forward. Passing thought they find themselves in a dimly lit room.

“Open your eyes.”

Mio slowly does so. They grow wide as she looks around. A pizza sits under a heat lamp keeping warm as a two liter of Coke rests in an ice bucket.

“Wha… what’s all this?”

“Just a little midnight snack. After all, I want us both to be comfortable while we talk.”

Leading Mio over to the table Arc motions for her to sit down. She gulps nervously but does as she is told. He gestures to the cheese pizza.

“There’s no meat on this. I hope that’s alright.”

“It’s… um…”

“You’re a vegetarian, right?”

Mio gasps. “How did you…?!”

“Hammer told me.”

Mio sighs. “Of course she did.”

“Although she didn’t say if you ate dairy products or not. I did also request a salad. After all, I didn’t want to eat alone.”

Arc walks over to the buffet and picks up the pizza and a salad nearby. Returning to the table he sets it down and takes his seat. Taking a slice of pizza, he begins to eat. Mio appears confused.

“Um…”

Arc looks up. “Something wrong?”

“What… is it?”

“What’s what?”

“This food.”

“Pizza?”

Mio eyes it suspiciously. “Is this what Hammer was going on about?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah, I was a bit confused by that too. You mean you three haven’t had pizza before?!”

Mio shakes her head. “No. At least nothing like this.”

“To be honest with you, I originally thought she was making that up.”

“Are you saying Hammer’s a liar?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. She was genuinely confused by it. Kinda like you are now.”

“If it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll just sit here.”

“Fine. I’ll enjoy it myself then.”

Arc begins to eat. Pouring himself a glass of soda, he begins to speak.

“Scared?”

“Why would I be?”

“Because you’re sensing something you can’t put your finger on.”

Mio frowns. “How do you…?!”

“And you’re shaking slightly.”

Mio glares at him. “I have just been, for all intents and purposes, kidnapped and taken to an unknown location. So forgive me if I’m not all smiles and laughter.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry about the rough treatment earlier. Oh, and feel free to ask your questions now.”

“Questions?”

Arc nods as he takes another slice of pizza. “I know you can feel them.”

“Yes, I sensed that dog’s magical aptitude as soon as I saw him.”

“And why do you suppose that is?”

“It must’ve been a mistake. After all, there aren’t any animals outside of… in any case, he can’t really have…”

“Magic?”

“You said it, I didn’t.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe he was made by the Organization.”

Mio gasps slightly. “How do you…?!”

“Oh, I know lots of things.”

“Like what?!”

“There was quite the news story some time back regarding Damocles Base and the ruckus that went on there. I wonder how the media knew to be there.”

Mio appears uncomfortable as Arc continues.

“The security over there isn’t the greatest, after all. Maybe he escaped?”

Mio shakes her head. “That isn’t possible! Doctor Rieper disposed of all the…!”

Her hands fly to her mouth as she blushes and stops talking. Arc chuckles.

“Relax. You didn’t say anything I don’t already know.”

“Where did you get him then?!”

Arc motions to a dark corner of the room as Sereb approaches him. “Damocles Base isn’t the only source of magical creatures, you know.”

“There’s others?!”

Arc shrugs as he tosses Sereb a wad of cheese. “Of course.”

“Where?!”

“Sorry. Professional secret.”

Mio looks toward the corner Sereb came from. “You have another animal back there?”

“Not an animal. But certainly not a human either.”

Looking to the corner again, Arc nods. The sounds of footsteps ring out in the otherwise silent room as a small figure in a black cloak approaches. Mio gasps.

“What… is this thing?!”

“A friends of mine. And please don’t refer to her as a ‘thing’ again. She has feelings too, after all.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right.”

“This thing talks?!”

Arc frowns. “What did I JUST say about not calling her a ‘thing’?!”

“Where did you get HER?!”

“Like I said, the Organization isn’t the only place to find…”

Mio slams her hands down on the table as she stands. “Stop beating around the bush!”

“Stop denying what I already know then.”

Mio frowns. “I can’t tell you anything about the Organization!”

Arc chuckles. “Can’t or won’t?”

“BOTH!”

Mio clenches her fists as she gestures to Scootaloo. “It’s obvious what you’ve done! You used your relationship with Hammer to get sensitive data on our experiments! This… CREATURE was the result!”

“So you’ve created something like her then?”

“I didn’t say that!”

Arc smiles wickedly. “Oh, but you did. Remember, you said that I copied data from the Organization to bring about my friend here. If that’s true, you must’ve already had the same technology for me to steal.”

“How DARE you use Hammer like that! She’s a kind but simple-minded woman with simple minded pleasures!”

Seizing the knife from next to her plate, Mio brings her hand back to stab Arc. Lunging forward Sereb knocks her over as Scootaloo grabs her wrist. The sudden movement causes the girl’s hood to fly back. Mio gasps as she looks into Scootaloo’s face to see her pale skin, red eyes, and fangs.

“What… what are you?!”

Scootaloo looks the woman in the eye angrily. “Drop it!”

Arc peeks over the table at the young woman on the floor. “You should listen to her. As I’m sure you’ve already noticed, she’s much stronger than you are.”

Scootaloo gives Mio’s wrist a firm squeeze. Wincing in pain, she let’s go of the knife as Sereb swoops in to grab it in his mouth.

“Now then, are you willing to cooperate? Or should I let my little friend make a meal out of you?”

Scootaloo grins and licks her fangs hungrily. Mio turns away and squeezes her eyes shut fearfully.

“Y-yes! Please, just call her off!”

Arc nods to Scootaloo. She stands and takes a step back as Sereb growls at Mio.

“Now then, please sit back down and refrain from doing anything else that might provoke my two friends here.”

Mio sets her chair back up and sits down. A look of resentment crosses her face as Arc turns to Scootaloo.

“Hungry?”

“Sure.”

“Why don’t you eat Mio’s salad. That is unless she wants it.”

Mio shakes her head vehemently as she pushes the food toward the little girl. “What is it you want from me?!”

Arc folds his hands and chuckles. “Quite a bit actually. But I’d like to start with the most important topic.”

“Which is…?”

“Hammer.”

Mio narrows her eyes. “You stay away from my sister! Do you hear me?!”

“That isn’t a problem. In all honesty that’s something I want to make right.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah. I… kinda bailed on her.”

“For the next job, huh?”

“Something like that.”

Mio looks down her nose at him. “How’d that work out for you?”

Arc shrugs. “I’ve had better outcomes. But I came back to Angel Grove partially to check in on her.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“Think what you want. Now then, how is she?”

“Not the greatest after you left town.”

“She was pretty attached to me.”

Mio sighs. “Like peas in a pod, as Hammer once said.”

“It’s been a few months now. Didn’t she get over me?”

Mio shakes her head. “Not really, no.”

“Elaborate.”

“Hammer’s really on edge all the time. She’ll randomly bail out of conversations, and is constantly muttering to herself.”

“What about?”

“No idea. It’s all under her breath. All I’ve seen are her lips moving.”

“Anything else?”

“She’s started… hiding things from us.”

“Her comings and goings?”

Mio shakes her head. “No. Literally hiding things. Hammer has this old toolbox that she’s always claimed was lucky. Stingray and I never really thought much of it until recently though.”

“Oh?”

“Now she carries that thing EVERYWHERE!”

“I didn’t notice it when I saw you three at the library.”

“We were somehow able to convince her to leave it in the vehicle for the first time since you left her.”

“And you don’t know what’s in it?”

“No. And please don’t tell me to find out. Hammer’s emotionally fragile enough as it is without her having to worry about me going through her treasure.”

Arc sighs. “Not to worry. I already know what’s in there.”

“You do?”

“A pretty good guess anyways. Believe me when I say that you don’t want to know.”

Mio gulps as Scootaloo looks up from the salad.

“This is pretty good!”

Arc smiles at her. “Want some pizza?

“Yeah!”

“Help yourself.”

Scootaloo does so as Arc puts a slice on a plate for Sereb. Mio frowns.

“What are you doing?”

“My friends need to eat too. That and it shouldn’t go to waste.”

“Dogs don’t eat pizza!”

“They do if they want to. And he’s not a dog.”

Mio groans. “I should’ve guessed.”

“There’s still time for you to have some before we eat it all.”

“Thanks, but I’ll abstain.”

“Fine. Shall we move on then?”

“To what?”

“Your favorite subject.”

“Which is…?”

“Magic. I know you, Hammer, and Stingray all have it.”

Mio sighs. “You know that much.”

“Where did you get it from? I’m assuming your weren’t born with it.”

“We were not.”

“Still don’t want to talk, huh?”

“It’s top secret!”

“So is what you’ve already told me, I’m sure.”

“Yes.”

“How about a deal then?”

Mio frowns. “What kind of deal?”

“Tell me, how much do you love Hammer?”

Mio sneers at him. “If you lay one finger on her, I swear I’ll…!”

“Calm down. I didn’t mean it like that. Now answer my question.”

Mio sighs and attempts to compose herself before continuing.

“We have our disagreements, of course. But I truly do love both of my sisters, and want what’s best for them.”

“And you’d like Hammer to recover from my disappearance too, right?”

“Of course. But at the same time I don’t want you trying to rekindle that flame.”

“I might be able to help her through this without getting back together. What would that be worth to you?”

Mio narrows her eyes. “Why would you be willing to do that?”

“Because I really do like her.”

“Is that the only reason?!”

Arc sighs. “That and her current state is completely my fault.”

“And you want to make that right?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Believe what you want. But I can’t do this without your help.”

Mio rolls her eyes. “The all-seeing detective needs help from me?”

“I do. Now are you going to help me, or not?”

Mio nods sadly. “Yes. But it’s not like I really have a choice. You have those pictures and negatives, after all.”

“That I do. But I’d rather that you agree to this willingly.”

“You’re not getting that.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “I guess we’ll have to take what we can get.”

“Agreed, little one. Now, how was the salad?”

“Really good!”

She looks to Mio and grins.

“Your loss.”

“It could have been poisoned!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh, yes. I always let my friends eat poisoned food alongside me.”

“Look, it’s obvious you’re several steps ahead of everyone. For all I know you could have used something the three of you are immune to.”

“Or you could look at it this way. It makes no sense for me to poison the sister of the woman I’m trying to help.”

“Maybe if it furthered your needs.”

Arc frowns. “I’m trying to help Hammer. Do you think losing you would help that along, or hinder it?”

Mio is silent for a time before responding.

“I still don’t trust you.”

“And I don’t trust you.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Then you’re both in agreement on something. But remember, he could have just ordered me to bite you. You’d have become my willing thrall whom would have answered all our questions.”

Mio gasps. “Why didn’t you?!”

Arc chuckles. “As a show of good faith I did not give her permission to do that. We’re not your enemies, Mio. Nor do we want to harm you.

“I don’t have any assurances that what you’ve told me is true.”

“No, I suppose you don’t. But you need only remember two things.”

“What?”

Arc holds up a finger. “One… that I’m trying to fix the problems I created.”

“And?”

“Two… you don’t really have much choice.”

Mio sighs. “Fine. What do you want me to do?”

“Meet me in that same alley exactly one week from today.”

“Like you said, I don’t have much choice. But why?”

“I’m going to try something. But I need someone to tell me how the plan is going.”

“You want me to be your mole?”

Arc nods. “To put it negatively, yes.”

“Fine. I’ll do this for you. But only because I have to.”

“Good. Now then, there is one last thing I need from you.”

“I’m listening.”

Chapter 7 - Discouraged

The next day Hammer lies on her bed. There is a knock at the front door, however she makes no attempt to rise and answer it. A few attempts later, Mio Blinks through the door and looks around. She sees a sink filled with dirty dishes, an open and empty refrigerator, and an overflowing trash can with flies circling it. Moving on to the living room she finds it strewn with dirty clothes and the TV on but muted. Shaking her head she muses to herself.

“I do hope this plan of yours works, Arc.”

Carefully stepping over various garbage strewn about, she makes her way cautiously to the bedroom. Finding her sister lying on her side facing the wall, Mio clears her throat loudly. However, Hammer does not move. Lacking any other ideas to get her sister’s attention she calls out.

“Hammer? It Mio.”

As expected there is no response.

“I… um… came by to check on how you’re doing. You haven’t been to our apartment in… quite some time.”

Hammer responds sadly. “It’s not my home.”

“Stingray and I are worried about you. After all, you seem to be fine at Damocles Base during the day. But the state of your apartment shows otherwise.”

“It’s nighttime.”

Mio looks out the window. “So it is. But how’s that different than when we’re working? You seem okay then.”

Hammer sighs. “I don’t have anything to do.”

“Should I help you find a hobby?”

“No. I mean… the nights are so lonely.”

“So come back to the other apartment with me. Stingray and I will…”

“That’s not what I mean.”

She rolls over to face Mio. Her eyes are red from crying. Mio immediately spots the familiar took box in her sister’s arms.

“Every night I remember all the nice things Arc and I did together. The places he took me… the good times we had… the wonderful new things he showed me… and the feelings I felt then.”

“You didn’t know him that long though, Hammer.”

Hammer smiles weakly as she looks down at the toolbox. “Long enough.”

Mio’s gaze turns to the box. “You’ve always liked that, haven’t you.”

“Yeah. Now more than ever.”

Mio reaches toward it slowly. “Maybe you should…”

Moving like lightning, Hammer grabs Mio’s wrist and squeezes.

“Back off!”

Mio winces in pain. “Hammer, I just…!”

“You just WHAT?!”

“I just want to help you!”

“Do whatever you want! But don’t you EVER touch my toolbox!”

She roughly pushes Mio’s arm away before turning to face the wall. She strokes the box lovingly.

“Nothing will ever come between me and you.”

“Who are you talking to?”

“My toolbox.”

“Um… okay. Why?”

“It holds my fondest memories. As well as something Arc gave me.”

“What was it?”

“His greatest secret. The ultimate truth. And it’s mine. All mine!”

“And what are you going to do with it?

Hammer turns and looks over her shoulder, a wild gleam in her eye. “Keep it secret! Keep it… SAFE!”

“Safe? Safe from what?”

“Everyone! Have to protect it! Have to defend it!”

Mio takes a small step backwards. “Hammer, you’re really creeping me out.”

“I’m sorry, Mio. But I have to do this. For myself as well as Arc.”

“Hammer, I… I don’t understand. What exactly did he DO to you?!”

“Everything, and nothing!”

“What?”

“Arc showed me the wonders of friendship and food. How others could be loving and kind.”

“Stingray and I both love you, Hammer.”

“I know that! But this…”

She turns to face Mio, stroking the toolbox’s lid.

“…this was different. Everything and nothing… together.”

“Tell me about the ‘nothing’, Hammer.”

“Arc gave me everything. Changed my outlook on the world. In return I wanted to give him everything I had.”

“What did you have to give?”

“My body.”

Mio blushes and gasps. “So you and him…?!”

Hammer shakes her head sadly. “No, Mio. I wanted him to get in bed with me so… SO badly! But he didn’t give in to my willingness to be taken.”

Mio appears genuinely surprised. “Oh?”

“I think he was trying to tell me something back then. No idea what, but I’ll figure it out before he comes back.”

“Hammer, I don’t think…”

Hammer frowns. “He’s coming back! I know it!”

“How can you be so sure? You told Stingray and I that he dumped you.”

“Arc didn’t DUMP ME!”

“Then what did he do?”

“Broke it off in case he didn’t make it back safely, I’m sure! But I know in my heart that he’s fine!”

“Why isn’t he here then?”

“Like Arc told me before, he’s a professional. I’m sure he’s just busy with work, that’s all.”

“Sounds more like he’s putting you second.”

“Arc’s trying to find someone who’s been kidnapped, Mio! They’ve gotta be really scared! Don’t you see?! He’s just thinking of others!”

“Tell me this then. If he cares so much about you, why hasn’t he tried to contact you since he left?”

“Because he’s a workaholic, that’s why! Just like me! Besides I know that he’ll contact me one of these days! I’ve been carefully checking the mail every day since he left!”

Mio glances back to the living room. “Yes, I saw quite a few unopened envelopes next to the trash can in the kitchen.”

Hammer sighs. “They weren’t from him though.”

“Hammer, have you…?”

Mio takes a deep breath as she forces herself to say the words.

“…checked your email?”

“For what?”

“Well… I know you don’t really keep up on it. But maybe Arc’s sent you a message that way.”

Hammer shakes her head. “I never gave it to him.”

“But you told Stingray and I that he’s really good at figuring things out. Don’t you think someone like him could have…?”

Hammer bolts upright and gasps. “Yeah, he could have!”

Jumping up, Hammer runs over to her computer. Setting the toolbox on the desk she presses the button and waits impatiently for it to load.

“Come on! Hurry up and load you stone age piece of junk!”

Finally displaying the desktop, Hammer navigates to her browser and makes her way frantically to her email. Clicking wildly she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before allowing herself to see her inbox. Mio calls out from the bed.

“Anything?”

Hammer grins. “There’s a message here!”

Clicking on it, she begins to read. As she silently does so, her hand involuntarily reaches for the toolbox. Stroking it gently, tears of joy stream down her face.

“Hammer?”

“He… he didn’t forget about me!”

“Oh?”

“Arc says that he was able to locate and rescue that missing person!”

“Then why didn’t he come back?”

“Because their family needed his expertise again!”

“What for?”

“He doesn’t say! Well, other than that it was a matter of great importance and that innumerable lives hung in the balance!”

Swiveling around in the office chair, Hammer turns to Mio and grins hugely.

“And you doubted him!”

Mio sighs. “Well, I suppose no one’s right all the time.”

“See! You’re not infallible!”

“I never said I was. But don’t you think you should be ready for him?”

Hammer appears confused. “Ready?”

“For if he comes back.”

“What do you mean ‘IF’?!”

“Well, let’s say Arc walked through that door right now. What would he see?”

The blood drains from Hammer’s face as Mio continues.

“A messy kitchen with overflowing garbage. No food in the refrigerator. Trash all over your living room as well as the smell of this place.”

She stands and walks over to Hammer. Putting her hands on the woman’s shoulders, she leans down and whispers in her ear.

“And this isn’t meant to be rude, but… you don’t smell very nice either.”

Hammer gasps. “I really don’t! And my place here is a disaster!”

“Would you like me to help you clean it up?”

“Oh, would you?!”

Mio nods. “Yes, indeed. But I do have one request.”

“What is it?”

“That you take a shower first.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “But I need to get to cleaning!”

“And what if Arc walked in? Would he rather see a clean apartment, or a clean you?”

Hammer nods and runs for the bathroom. “Don’t worry! I’ll be out in a jiffy!”

Mio calls out after her. “Take your time!”

The door slams shut as the water turns on. Mio sighs as she walks into the kitchen and pulls the bulging bag from the trash can.

“It’s good to see you looking happy again, Hammer. But I can’t help but wonder if I did the right thing. I mean… you needed SOMETHING to pull you out of that blue funk. But was Arc’s plan really the answer to that?”

Frowning, Mio turns toward the bathroom door as Hammer begins singing in the shower happily.

“You don’t deserve this kind of devotion, Arc. Not from Hammer.”

Meanwhile, Arc sits at the computer in his basement. Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo look over his shoulder.

“Looks like Mio did what I asked her to.”

Derpy turns to him. “Is that good?”

Arc nods. “Yup. She was able to convince Hammer to check her email.”

“How do you know that, dad?”

Arc points to the screen. “The message I sent her had a read receipt attached. So I know she opened it.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I still don’t understand why you’re so interested in helping somep… someone whom is supposed to be an enemy, Big Brother.”

Arc sighs. “Hammer’s not a bad person. At least I don’t believe that she is.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah. She was really nice to me at the beach. Miss Hammer even showed me some new swimming techniques.”

Arc groans. “Yes, well… to answer your question, Scootaloo, I… did some things a while back that I’m not proud of.”

“Like what?”

“I… manipulated Hammer into falling in love with me.”

“How?!”

“By just being there for her.”

Dinky looks to her father. “What would that do?”

“Hammer didn’t have anyone in her life that showed real interest in her. So when I did, she naturally gravitated toward me. When I saw that she was beginning to trust me, I… I used that to gain information necessary for my mission to save Princess Celestia.”

Derpy puts a hand on his shoulder. “Arc… what you did was wrong. But I’m sure you did it for the right reasons.”

“Yeah, dad.”

Cherry calls out to him. “They’re right, Arc. That and I certainly encouraged you to do so. I’m as guilty as you are here.”

“No, Cherry. I made the decision on my own. And now… now I have to try and make this right.”

Scootaloo sighs. “But how?”

“By attempting to get close to Hammer again. But this time I’m planning on letting her down slowly and easily… face to face. Apparently me choosing to do so via a heartfelt letter was a big mistake.”

Cherry groans. “You didn’t have a choice at that point. It was only hours before the mission start time, Arc.”

“Yes. But I choose to wait until the last minute. My procrastination led to Hammer’s pain.”

Derpy smiles. “We know you’ll do the right thing, Arc. But you need to think of your feelings in this matter too.”

“Huh?”

“Mom’s right. Not everything can be fixed.”

“But if Big Brother’s determined to try, we should support his actions.”

Arc forces a smile. “Thanks, Scootaloo. Derpy is right, I know. This whole thing has been very painful for me as well. Although I deserve everything I’m feeling right now, I still need to try and help Hammer before this thing spirals out of control any more than it already has.”

His earring chirps. Touching it Arc calls out.

“Arc here.”

Rainbow Dash’s voice comes over the air.

“Hey, Arc. Um… are you guys busy?”

Derpy smiles. “We were just using the computer when you called.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah! Dad was showing us how this new kind of mail works!”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I still don’t get it.”

“Oh! Um… if this is a bad time to talk, I completely understand.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. What’s up?”

“Can I talk to you privately, Arc? It’s kinda personal.”

“Sure. Just let me head upstairs. One sec.”

Turning to the others Arc smiles.

“I’ll show you that other website in a bit.”

Derpy nods understandingly. “Take your time, Arc.”

“Yeah, dad! We’ll be waiting!”

Arc tousles his daughter’s hair and hurries up the stairs. Dinky turns to her mother.

“What was that other… website called?”

“I can’t remember. Scootaloo?”

“YouTube.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks past Sereb in the corridor. Motioning to his earring, Sereb nods and walks downstairs. Entering his parent’s room he flops down on the bed and clears his throat.

“I’m alone now. What’s on your mind, Rainbow Dash?”

“Can anypony hear us?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. We’re completely alone right now.”

“Are you completely sure?!”

“Yes. What’s wrong? This isn’t like you.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Sorry. I just… look, I kinda have a reputation around Ponyville and I need to maintain it.”

“Listen, whatever’s bothering you, we can talk about it in absolute secrecy.”

“Promise you won’t tell anypony?”

“I promise.”

“Okay. Just give me a second…”

Arc hears her take a deep breath before continuing.

“It’s about a conversation we had while helping Auriel transport her gear to Redemption Village.”

“Oh?”

“Well, it was actually after we got her there. Safely, I might add. We were on our way back with Applejack’s wagon. I helped pull it there, so Pinkie volunteered to take my spot on the way back.”

“That was nice of her.”

“Yeah, I guess. Anyways, I’ve never been much for walking. Flying’s more my thing. But at one point Pinkie started bouncing around like she always does. Normally that’s fine, of course. However when you’re hitched to a wagon with another pony, it’s kinda a bit rough.”

“Uh oh. Is Applejack okay?”

“She’s fine. Pinkie just accidently knocked her hat off. When she bent down to grab it, Rarity picked it up with her magic and pulled it away. That’s when it started.”

“An argument?”

“Nah, nothing like that. Rarity just commented that she had an amazingly beautiful mane. Even when she works from sunrise to sundown on the farm, it always seems to be perfect. The others agreed with her as Rarity put the hat back on her head and we continued on.”

“Isn’t that a good thing? I mean, it sounds like Rarity was just trying to compliment her.”

“She was, yeah. But I was flying over everypony at the time, and it got me thinking about a few things.”

“Like what?”

“Well… remember, you promised not to tell, okay?!”

“Of course.”

“I started thinking… Applejack really is pretty. Her long blonde hair, toned figure, and her attitude are really… um…”

Rainbow Dash fumbles for the words as she continues.

“…attractive. But that wasn’t the problem.”

“Then what was?”

“Like I said, I was flying above everypony at the time. What was said made me look at the others too. Pinkie’s happy-go-lucky attitude and high energy. Fluttershy’s melodious voice and kind disposition. To say nothing for Rarity’s beauty. I mean… she’s a total knockout! And Twilight’s a genius, proficient in schools of magic I don’t even know exist, and now a princess of Equestria beside Princess Celestia!”

Arc sighs. “I think I see where this is going.”

“You do?”

“Yes. But please continue.”

“I didn’t say anything to anypony at the time. We got back to Sweet Apple Acres to return the wagon and went our separate ways. Flying home as fast as I could, I went to my bathroom and looked in the mirror. All I saw was a rough mane and matted fur.”

She sighs before continuing.

“Jumping into the shower I started going over even more things in my head. Applejack’s an expert of anything apple related. Pinkie’s a master party planner and has her Pinkie Sense. Fluttershy’s knowledgeable in every creature in Equestria, and can even talk to most of them. Rarity’s so creative and business savvy. And Twilight’s forgotten more things since she came to Ponyville than I’ve ever learned!”

“What about you?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “All I can do is fly really fast. FLY! Just like every other pegasus in Equestria! That and I don’t even have a cute voice like pretty much every other mare out there! It always sounds like I have a sore throat!”

“It seems to me like you’re feeling a bit jealous.”

“Maybe a little, I guess. But that isn’t the real problem.”

“Oh?”

“When I got out of the shower and toweled off I looked in the mirror. My mane was everywhere like normal. So just for once I decided to try and brush it.”

“Did it help?”

“That’s… complicated.”

“How so?”

“For starters, it took me half an hour to find my brush. By that time my mane had dried and I had to get in the shower again to wet it down.”

“Then what happened?”

“I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and put the brush to my scalp. However when I tried to pull it through all that happened was it got stuck partway.”

“Tangled?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Very. I mean, I’ve always known my mop was pretty much unworkable. But since I’m in the air so much I just never gave it much thought. So to make a long story short, I spent the next twenty minutes trying to remove the brush from my mane.”

Rainbow Dash is silent for a time before continuing.

“I need to ask you something, Arc. Point blank.”

“Shoot.”

“Are you interested in me?”

“Of course! I want to get to know all of you better when I get back.”

“No, no! I mean… is it just because of my social group? Did you include me because my friends and I are kind of a package deal?”

“No, Rainbow Dash. I…”

“Then answer me this. Given that the rest of my friends are physical AND skilled knockouts… why are you wasting your time with me?”

“You’re not…”

“I’m just trying to be honest here! We all know that I’m not very good looking and sound like a broken kazoo! So I really need to know exactly what makes me worth your time!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… are you done?”

“Huh?”

“I keep getting cut off.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “And my mannerisms aren’t like the others. Sorry.”

“In all honesty, I think you’re really nice.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Kinda tomboyish, of course. But I still like you just the same.”

“I don’t really understand how.”

“In that case, how about I turn this around?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’ve been asking myself the same question.”

“Which one?”

“Why are you six interested in me?”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Are you KIDDING ME?! You’re the total package, Arc!”

“Am I? I’m so much bigger than everyone else. My diet and customs are completely different. Not to mention that I can’t give any of you foals. So why am I such a love interest?”

“Because you’re so darn NICE! Not to mention you’re smart, caring, brave, considerate, and strong!”

“And there aren’t any stallions who fit that bill?”

“None as amazing as you, Arc!”

“I don’t look anything like a pony though.”

“I don’t care about that! After all, it’s who you are on the inside that really… really…”

Rainbow Dash’s voice trails off as she considers her own words.

Arc smiles as he finishes her sentence. “It’s what’s on the inside that really counts?”

“R-right.”

“That’s what I like about you and our friends, Rainbow Dash. You don’t look anything like a human girl. But that’s not important to me. “

“And foals?”

“You and the others can’t give me them, no. But I’ve come to terms with that fact.”

The line is silent as Rainbow Dash considers this for a time. Eventually Arc speaks.

“I just want to add that if you or any of the others ever have second thoughts about this whole thing, please tell me.”

“Second thoughts?”

“Like if you don’t want to form a herd, or meet a real stallion, I don’t want you to feel pressured into continuing down this path.”

“Well, that works both ways, Arc.”

“I suppose it does.”

“Then tell me this. What is it that YOU want?”

“To be able to spend some quality time with you and the others. We really need to get to know each other a LOT better if we’re going to start relationships.”

“I’d like that, Arc. We all would.”

“Then let’s go with that.”

“With what?”

“Dating.”

Rainbow Dash blushes. “D-dating?!”

“It’s something that needs to be done. After all, we wouldn’t want to form a herd just to find out it’s not meant to be.”

“I… suppose not.”

“Look, we’ll get everything figured out together.”

“You and I?”

“All of us.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Thanks, Arc. I really feel a lot better after talking to you about this.”

Chapter 9 - Updates

Several days later Mio walks into the alley. She is wearing her black cloak from last time as she treads down the unlit backstreet slowly. Looking around nervously, she gasps and falls backwards as Sereb and Scootaloo jump out from behind a large dumpster. Mio frowns as she gets up.

“You could’ve just stepped out normally!”

Scootaloo grins. “I guess. But it’s kinda fun scaring you.”

Mio scowls as she looks left and right. “Where’s your master, bloodsucker?”

Arc clears his throat. “Right behind you.”

Jumping ahead, she whirls around to see Arc.

“How’d you DO that?!”

“Professional secret. After all, moving silently is important for someone in my position.”

“What do you want from me this time?!”

“A status report.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. But not here.”

“Where then?”

Arc chuckles. “Somewhere a bit more… comfortable.

Putting a hand on Mio’s shoulders, he nods to Sereb. Returning to his normal form, the wolf’s horn glows as he casts a sleep spell on Mio. As she loses consciousness Arc sweeps her off her feet and turns to the others as he opens a portal.

“Let’s get moving.”

Stepping through, Arc sets Mio down in a chair. Turning to Sereb as he closes the portal, Arc nods. Casting another spell to revive the woman, she looks around. They are in the middle of the same dining room. As before a pizza, bottle of soda, and salad are waiting for them. Arc motions to the food before them.

“I do hope you’ll eat something this time.”

Scootaloo grins. “Yeah. That salad was pretty good.”

Arc nods. “As is the pizza.”

“Can I have hers if she doesn’t eat it again?”

“I guess.”

Mio picks up the salad and sits it down before her. Picking up a fork she stabs it into the greens and takes a bite.

“It’s not bad.”

Arc chuckles as he sits down with a plateful of pizza. “Not afraid it’s poisoned?”

Mio shakes her head as she swallows. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “What do you mean?!”

“If any harm comes to me, you’ll lose your only link to Hammer.”

Arc nods. “You’re right. But as I said last time, we’re not going to hurt you or your sisters.”

Mio narrows her eyes. “Forgive me if I still don’t believe you.”

Arc sets a sealed bottle of water before Mio. She takes it and cracks it open as he serves Scootaloo a slice.

“Thanks!”

Arc nods as he sets some food on the floor for Sereb. “Plenty for everyone.”

Mil turns to Scootaloo. “Before we get started, have a questions for your little friend, Arc.”

“Me?”

“Yes. How does a vampire like you eat food?”

Scootaloo appears confused. “A what?”

“You’re supposed to get your nutrition from drinking blood, are you not?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I think you’ve been watching too many movies, Mio.”

Scootaloo sticks out her tongue, clearly disgusted. “Yeah! Why would I drink blood?!”

Arc nods. “Right. Pizza probably tastes better too.”

“So she isn’t a vampire?”

Arc grins mischievously. “Oh, I didn’t say that.”

Scootaloo flashes her fangs menacingly as Mio looks at her. Arc continues as she does so.

“She can still enslave you if you’d like.”

Mio instinctively draws back. “I’ll pass.”

Scootaloo grins. “How about I drain her life force then?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. She’d weaken too fast.”

Mio gasps. “You say that so casually.”

“I’m used to this situation. You’re the newcomer here. But enough chit-chat about whatnot. I need to know how things are going on your end.”

“When Hammer read your initial email I thought she was going to swallow her own tongue.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Is that… good?”

“Yeah. But what exactly did she say?”

“She was excited beyond words to hear from you. And just in time too. Her apartment along with her physical and mental state were all disaster zones.”

Arc frowns as he tosses Sereb another bite of pizza. “Was she now?”

Mio nods fervently. “Yes! Everything was a mess when I got there that day!”

Scootaloo scoffs. “It couldn’t have been that bad.”

“Oh really? Hammer along with her apartment smelled like rotting food and body odor mixed together.”

Arc wrinkles his nose. “Yuck.”

Mio sighs. “I tried talking her back to normal before doing it your way.”

“And…?”

“She ran into the shower to get cleaned up after I reminded her that you wouldn’t like seeing her in that state.”

“Good. Sounds like she needed it.”

“Together we cleaned the apartment from top to bottom before going to the store for food to fill her empty refrigerator.”

“How was she at the store?”

Mio groans. “Hammer talked about you endlessly. I tried to change the subject a few times, of course. But it didn’t do me any good. She always found a way to get it right back to you.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Give us an example.”

“While walking the isles she kept asking me what kinds of food should she have on hand for when you came back.”

“What else?”

“She also wanted my help picking out an outfit from her closet to wear for you.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Clothes?”

Mio nods. “I found a little black dress. No idea where she got it though.”

Arc chuckles. “From the mall.”

“Nice try. But Hammer’s never bought anything like that when she, Stingray, and I went there.”

“I bought it for her during our second date.”

Mio gasps. “You were the one who was behind that?!”

“That I was.”

Mio moves to stand, but Sereb growls at her viscously. Sitting back down she looks Arc in the eye.

“If you so much as even TRY to molest Hammer, I’ll…!”

Scootaloo licks her fangs. “You’ll what?!”

“…take you down before her dress has a chance to hit the floor!”

Scootaloo glares at the woman. “I’d like to see you TRY!”

Arc frowns. “Let it go.”

He turns back to Mio.

“I’m not trying to do anything that might hurt Hammer.”

“Any more than you already have, you mean?!”

“Yeah.”

Mio appears confused. “Wait, what?”

“I’m agreeing with you. After all, I’m the one at fault here.”

“That you are.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Hey! He’s trying to make it right!”

Mio shakes her head. “I just don’t know what to make of you, Arc.”

“What do you mean?”

“You claim to want to help Hammer. However, you’re forcing what appears to be a little girl at your side as an ‘enforcer’.”

“I’m not a little girl.”

“Right. And although she’s my thrall, I do take very good care of her.”

Scootaloo nods fervently. “That he does!”

Arc folds his hands and looks the young woman in the eye evenly. “But tell me something, Mio. How did Hammer’s mindset change during the rest of the week?”

“She’s been getting progressively better. This afternoon she was pretty much back to normal.”

Arc nods. “I’m glad my daily e-mails are helping.”

“They are. But it’s a band-aid on a broken leg.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What?”

“She means it’s a nice thought, but ultimately doesn’t solve the real problem.”

Mio nods. “Precisely.”

Scootaloo frowns. “So what will?”

“I’m still working on that.”

Mio narrows her eyes. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Help Hammer. I mean, it’s not like you really care about her.”

Arc sighs. “I guess I did give that impression based on my actions. But she’s a really nice woman.”

“Whom you befriended for nefarious purposes!”

“We did become friends, yes. She was so happy when we were together. So kind and innocent.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “We ARE talking about the same person, right?”

Arc nods. “I am, yes. Are you?”

“Probably not. Hammer isn’t capable of what you’re describing.”

“How so?”

“She’s… for lack of a better analogy… a few sandwiches short of a picnic lunch.”

Sereb growls as Arc motions for him to be silent.

“What makes you say that?”

“I’ve known her a lot longer than you have! She’s quite the extremist!”

Scootaloo frowns. “Explain.?”

Mio grins wickedly. “Should she ever find out how you manipulated her into serving your own ends, her love for you will quickly turn into the most intense hatred you’ve ever experienced.”

Scootaloo clenches a small fist. “Bring it on! We’re ready!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we’re not.”

“But…!”

“I’m not fighting Hammer. After all, I deserve whatever she dishes out.”

Mio nods smugly. “Believe me when I say that it’ll be a full course meal.”

“Thanks for the warning.”

Mio stares at Arc, dumbfounded. “What’s your endgame here? I mean, you can’t just e-mail her forever.”

Scootaloo scoffs. “We don’t have to tell you anything!”

“Calm down.”

He turns to Mio.

“Ultimately, I’m trying to let her down lightly. Break up with her in a way that doesn’t leave her in a catatonic state.”

“I’m not sure if I should be thanking you or stopping you.”

“Me either.”

“Not that I believe you. It’s just that I don’t have anything else to go on.”

Mio looks Arc in the eye soberly.

“But if I believe that Hammer is in any real danger from your antics, I won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to protect her.”

“No arguments there.”

“Big Brother?!”

Arc sighs. “It’s more than I did for Hammer.”

Mio groans. “Can I go now?”

“Sure. But I’ll need to contact you regarding out next rendezvous.”

Mio rolls her eyes. “Want my cell phone number?”

“You got one?”

“No!”

Arc looks at her evenly for a long moment. Eventually Mio sighs and looks away.

“…yes.”

Arc grins as he pulls a notepad from his pocket. “What is it?”

Begrudgingly, Mio recites the number as Arc writes it down before standing up.

“I think we’ve got everything we need for now.”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “What do we do with her?”

“You want a lift back to your apartment?”

Mio frowns. “Thanks, but I think I’ll call a cab.”

“Fine. But we have to be going.”

Heading for the door, Arc motions for Sereb and Scootaloo to follow him. Mio begins dialing as they leave.

“That scumbag. Hammer really has bad taste in men.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his friends walk around to the back of the restaurant. Looking around, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to his basement. Stepping off of it, he looks to Sereb.

“What did you think?”

“I didn’t sense any deception in her words tonight.”

Scootaloo frowns. “How about last time?”

“Mixed.”

“She’s telling me exactly what I need to know to fix this.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “I thought you wanted to know more about some organization.”

“Ultimately I do. But helping Hammer should come first.”

Sereb sighs. “May I ask why?”

“Because she didn’t deserve to be used like that. And if I help her sister, Mio might let more information slip.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “That seems unlikely.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “So your plan is to get inside Mio’s head now?”

Arc nods. “In a manner of speaking.”

“How is that different than what you did before, Big Brother?

“I’m not trying to manipulate Mio into any kind of a relationship. Just into giving me what could be lifesaving information on her sister. That and if we can expose this so-called Organization’s plans we might be able to turn that information over to the authorities.”

Sereb nods. “Many lives would be saved.”

“Exactly. Stop them before things go any further.”

Scootaloo sighs. “What now though?”

“I want you to get some sleep now. Cherry and I need to go see someone about following up on a lead.”

“You don’t want me to come?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, it’s really late. That and this person isn’t connected to the Organization in any way. I’ll be just fine with them.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Fine.”

Scootaloo heads for the stairs as Arc powers up his sigil and vanishes. Frowning she looks back at the sigil.

“Watch yourself out there, Big Brother.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears on a rooftop. He gazes out over the silent city wistfully for a time before sighing.

“Things look so peaceful from up here.”

Cherry giggles. “I think everypony is just sleeping.”

“Angel Grove’s always been a pretty quiet town. The Shards were probably the biggest disturbance to that.”

“Do you think they still pose a threat?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Frank’s learned that there’s a new path for him and the others to follow. Getting real jobs and pooling together shows that much.”

“But what do you think they’ll do when their powers mature? Not everyone will take the high road.”

“We’ll handle that problem if it comes. Right now they all deserve a chance to prove themselves. But let’s get inside and see your old friend.”

“It has been awhile.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc Blinks downward. Looking around for a moment before removing his cloak, Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward. As it melts away he steps out and turns around to face it.

“I think I’ll let you go see her.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Yes, that’s probably for the best.”

Walking down the hall, the armor puts a gauntlet on the knob. Pushing gently, the door opens slowly. Entering the room Cherry looks toward Minerva’s bed. Seeing her friend lying there peacefully sleeping she smiles inwardly. Turning back to the living room she approaches Arc on the couch.

“She’s asleep.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, it IS nighttime after all.”

“I don’t really want to wake her.”

“Kinda hard to talk with her asleep though.”

“There is another option, you know.”

Arc frowns. “Not a big fan of that one.”

“Why not?”

“Because that’s our special little place.”

“You’ve let others in there before!”

Arc sighs. “I guess that’s true.”

“And she’s done everything asked of her.”

“Fine, fine…”

Arc lays down on the couch and closes his eyes. Eidolon’s Ward watches over him until his breathing slows and he falls asleep. Adjusting his cloak to properly cover his face, she heads for the bedroom again. Walking over to the bed Cherry looks at her friend for a long moment before sitting down in the chair next to her. Carefully removing her helmet she slowly and meticulously places it on Minera’s head. Transferring her consciousness to the helmet the armor lifelessly leans back in the chair. A few moments later Minerva awakens in the Sanctuary. She looks around, clearly confused.

“Where…? Cherry’s farm?”

“Ranch, actually.”

She turns around to see Cherry walking toward her.

“I must be dreaming.”

Cherry giggles. “You kinda are, yes. We’re in the Sanctuary again.”

Minerva gasps as Cherry helps her up. “H-how?!”

“The Hero and I came back to Earth.”

“That’s wonderful!”

Cherry sighs. “Normally I would agree.”

“What’s wrong?”

“There was an… incident back in my homeland. But I should probably let the Hero tell you about it.”

“He’s here too?”

Cherry nods and points a hoof. “Yes. He’s inside the house. Shall we?”

Minerva nods. “Lead the way.”

Cherry and Minerva walk toward the house. Entering, they find Arc sitting on the couch. He stands as the approach.

“Hello again, Minerva.”

“Welcome back to Earth. Cherry said there was some kind of problem back where you come from.”

“Yeah. It’s kinda a long story though.”

“I’d be willing to keep it to myself.”

Cherry turns to him. “She can be trusted, Hero.”

“Very well. I was able to find the one I was searching for.”

“In that military base?”

“Yes.”

“Who was it?”

“A mare by the name of… Princess Celestia.”

Minerva gasps. “Royalty?!”

Cherry nods soberly. “Our land has been searching for her for some time now.”

“But how did she get here?!”

Arc shrugs. “We don’t know. All that mattered was that we had to get her away from the military and back to Equestria safely.”

“We all saw you escape the military.”

Cherry gasps. “The whole town?”

“Probably most of the country. That story aired on every major network domestically and even international.”

Arc groans. “Great. I’m famous now.”

“More along the lines of ‘infamous’. Depending whom you talk to, that is.”

Cherry appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“I did just what you asked of me, Hero. Back then I reported on your attack of that military base. However, the military and the population are not exactly thrilled with what you were able to accomplish.”

“Yes, well… I knew it would most likely end that way.”

“Then why did you…?”

“To expose the military’s new toys. They would be forced to use them in order to counter my attack.”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “You wanted humans to see what weapons they had?”

Arc nods. “Yes. To the best of my knowledge they’ve never announced anything even close to what we saw back there.”

Minerva puts a hand to her chin. “Various news organizations have polled their viewers. They’re split roughly half and half on whether or not the government was justified in hiding these machinations from the general public.”

Cherry looks to her friend. “And what do you think?”

“That we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. If they were able to hide things like that along with a pony princess, well… my journalistic side wants to know what else they’re keeping down there.”

Arc frowns. “Wait. That base is still active?”

“Of course. As costly as they are to build, you don’t abandon a base just because of a security breach. They replaced the door you blew up and installed more defenses both inside and outside the wall.”

“How much more secure is it?”

“If you thought it was a fortress back then, it’s more so now. By a lot.”

Arc shrugs. “Oh well. It’s not like we need to get in there again. Princess Celestia is back on her throne and Equestria is safe.”

Cherry looks skeptical. “Is it?”

Arc sighs. “Not really.”

“What happened over there?”

Cherry grimaces. “We’re… kinda in hiding.”

“But I thought you said you rescued the princess.”

Arc nods. “That we did. I even retook the throne for a time so the other two princesses could devote their time to caring for her.”

“I would have thought you’d be lauded as a hero.”

Cherry sighs. “He was. That is until an old enemy returned and convinced Princess Celestia that the Hero was actually the villain.”

“So they’re manipulating her?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“Then why are you here?”

Cherry’s ears droop. “It isn’t safe for the Hero back in our land. What with that traitor looking for him.”

“Fortunately the device we used to get here back then was dismantled by its creator.”

“So he can’t follow us.”

Minerva frowns. “Who’s to say that inventor isn’t on his side though.”

“I doubt it. Besides, the power source was taken and hidden away by one of the other princesses. No power, no portal.”

Minerva nods. “So what’s the plan?”

“One of my close friends is the personal student of Princess Celestia. She’s going to try and convince her of my true intentions.”

“But why would royalty listen to a lowly student?”

Cherry grins. “Because before we left she elevated her to the rank of ‘Princess of Friendship’.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “What does that even mean?”

“I’m not really sure. But that makes her a bona-fide princess.”

He points to his earring.

“When the time is right she’ll contact me via my earring. Then I’ll have to wait for my friends to open a portal for me from there, as my own recall device doesn’t work without its dismantled counterpart.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Not with the matters back in Equestria, no. But you can be useful in my current investigation.”

Cherry nods. “The Hero is trying to figure out what the commanding officer of that base is going to try next.”

“Right. I can’t imagine the general just giving up on his plans.”

“That much I do understand.”

Cherry appears confused. “Minerva?”

“Every day numerous trucks enter the base delivering supplies. At the time I just assumed you did a LOT of damage down there. But now I can only guess that they’re starting a new project.”

“Any idea what it might be?”

Minerva shakes her head. “Not a clue. No one over there is talking, and we can’t contact a live person for a statement.”

“Hero, we should do something.”

“I agree. But what?”

“Maybe we could break in there again. See for ourselves what’s going on.”

Minerva shakes her head. “Not a good idea. The defenses are impenetrable now. You’d be easily captured. While I’m sure there are numerous military officials whom would love to meet you, that probably isn’t the way to make friends.”

“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll have to give the matter some more thought.”

“Please do. We don’t want anything happening to you.”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “We?”

“Those whom support the Hero’s actions. You see, all of us were a bit shaken to know our military was keeping such things from us. Like I said, some people viewed it as a necessary evil while others took your side in exposing what was going on down there.”

Minerva thinks for a moment before continuing.

“If you’d like, I can arrange another interview.”

Cherry appears confused. “Interview. Whatever for?”

“A chance to tell your side of the story. Let our viewers know exactly what you found down there.”

Arc chuckles. “Believe me when I say that most people couldn’t handle what we found down there, Minerva.”

Cherry shudders. “Yes, it wasn’t pretty.”

“What did you find?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. You already know they were holding Equestria’s princess down there. She appeared to have been heavily tortured and experimented on.”

“For what purpose?”

“She’s an embodiment of all three pony races…”

Minerva interrupts him. “Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi?”

Cherry smiles. “I told her how our country works.”

Arc nods. “Yes. She’s strong, has wings, and a horn with which to cast spells. Princess Celestia is also capable of regenerating at an amazing rate.”

“And they were trying to figure out how she did that?”

“Not exactly. I’m guessing they were able to siphon off some of her power and artificially imbue some humans with magic.”

Minerva gasps. “That’s not good!”

Cherry frowns. “The facility you’ve seen from the road is just a front.”

Arc sighs. “Right. The main base is underground. And it’s HUGE!”

“What kind of facility is it?”

“Research mostly.”

“Any other projects?”

“Just the Shards.”

Minerva gasps. “They created the Shards?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But they did kidnap them some time ago. When I caught up with their leader a while back he told me they had somehow been given magical powers.”

“Wait! The Shards now have… MAGIC?!”

Cherry bows her head. “They do, yes.”

“Shouldn’t we call someone?!”

“Who?”

“I don’t know! The police or even the national guard might need to be mobilized!”

“That will not be necessary.”

“But they were dangerous enough as thugs! Now they can use powers like yours, right?!”

Cherry nods. “Yes. But they’re not the same humans you encountered in the past.”

“They’re currently learning to control their powers. Somehow it’s given them a bit more… temperament.”

“Are you certain they won’t just turn on us and try to take over?!”

“Pretty sure, yes.”

“And if they do?!”

Arc cracks his knuckles. “Then they know I’ll be there to stop them.”

Cherry turns to her friend. “The Shards have been given a second chance. We should let them use it to the best of their ability.”

Minerva groans. “I suppose you know what’s best, Hero. It’s not like I can do anything to stop you anyways. But if there’s nothing else I can do for you, might I be allowed to return home now? Morning comes early these days.”

Arc chuckles. “You’re forgetting something.”

Cherry giggles. “Right, Minerva. At the moment you’re still asleep.”

Chapter 10 - Oversights

The next day Arc and his family leave Shelly’s Kitchen together. Scootaloo burps.

“Those things were awesome!”

Dinky grins. “I know, right!”

“What were they called again, Big Brother?

“Cheeseburgers.”

Derpy smiles. “It’s surprisingly tasty for meat.”

“Can we go to the park, dad?”

“Sure.”

Dinky turns to the other little girl. “Do you want to play this time, Scootaloo?”

“I’ll try it.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Good.”

Arriving at the park, Dinky jumps out of the Jeep. Turning, she grabs Scootaloo’s hand.

“Come on! Let’s go!”

Arc and Derpy turn to each other and laugh as the two girls run toward the playground. Leading Derpy over to a large tree, Arc sits down and leans against it. Derpy does the same as they watch the pair play.

“This is a nice spot.”

Derpy sighs contentedly. “I’ll say. The grass makes for a nice cushion.”

“More so due to the memories.”

“Oh?”

Arc looks up into the orange and red leaves overhead. “My dad used to take me to this very park when I was a little boy. I would swing and run and slide for hours while he would sit under this very tree in this very spot.”

“You’ve come full circle.”

“Yup. And it feels…”

He is cut off as his earring chirps.

“I think I’d better take this in the Jeep. Don’t want people thinking I’m talking to myself.”

Derpy giggles. “Go ahead. I’ll stay here and watch the girls.”

“Thanks.”

Arc jogs to his vehicle. Getting into the driver’s seat he closes the door behind him and touches his earring.

“Arc here.”

“Um… hello?”

“Applejack?”

“Hey, Arc.”

“Is everything okay over there?”

“For the most part, yes. Rose turned up this morning.”

“Was she okay?!”

Applejack sighs. “Yeah. She went to Canterlot like she said she would. Rainbow Dash didn’t see her because she took an out of the way route.”

“Took the scenic path, eh?”

“Heck, yes! Said she wanted some time to think before seeing her mother.”

“How did that meeting go?”

“It didn’t happen. The guards at the gate didn’t let her inside the castle.”

Arc frowns. “I was afraid of that. But at the same time it’s still quite interesting.”

“Arc?”

“Rose could’ve taken those guards to the cleaners. But she made the conscious choice not to.”

“Looks like you were right about her.”

“A good thing too. I can’t imagine the powers that be just letting her walk away after doing something like that.”

“Hopefully she stays out of trouble too.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t she?”

“Rose told us that she wanted to do a little traveling. See Equestria and all it has to offer.”

“Did she say where exactly she was going?”

“No. Just that she’d return if needed.”

Arc sighs. “I guess that’s all we can ask of her. After all, she’s her own person now. Without directives, no one can order her around. Not me, not Twilight, not even Decimus.”

“About that. Decimus has doubled his efforts to find you.”

“Has he now?”

“That he has. There’re messengers and scouting parties coming and going at all hours overhead. Light’s Hope is where he coordinates from these days, what with it being so centrally located.”

“I think there’s more to it than its location.”

“Huh?”

“It’s a victory throne for him. He’s been trying to take me down since the day I became the Hero of Light.”

“And now he thinks he’s done it.”

Arc chuckles. “Nah. He’s worried.”

“That you’ll show up and slit his throat?”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“Considering what he’s done, you certainly have every right to take him down.”

“This actually works to my advantage.”

“Which part?”

“Me staying on Earth. He can search every nook and cranny on Equestria a thousand times over. But I’m not there to be found.”

“How does that help you?”

“It’ll make him more and more worried.”

Applejack chuckles. “I’ll tell Twilight not to convince Princess Celestia too fast then.”

“Nah. We don’t want him getting TOO paranoid. Then he might take things too far.”

“One of us will tell you if it comes to that point.”

“Good. I’ll give him the beating of his life if need be.”

“Can you still legally do that?”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s the Hero of Light, after all.”

“So am I, right?”

“Well… you’re supposed to be dead though. Don’t you lose it at that point, or something?”

Arc shrugs. “If someone asks me, I’ll say that I was appointed by two princesses, and that no one has told me otherwise.”

“I’m serious, Arc! We don’t want you getting in trouble over us!”

“So am I. After all, I swore to fight for what was right no matter the danger. Independent of my employment status, I’ll still uphold that oath.”

“We’ll all lend a hoof if need be, Arc. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.”

“Some parts of it I do. After all, if one of you were to attack Decimus he would have full legal authority to declare you all traitors and take you down.”

“We aren’t afraid of that! Just remember that the Element Bearers are defenders of Equestria too!”

“I know that. It’s just… um…”

Arc is silent for a time before continuing.

“…I don’t want to lose you.”

“Wha…?”

“You, Rarity, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie… you’re all special to me.”

“We are?”

“Of course! Do you really think I’d have even considered the whole herd idea if I wasn’t interested in everyone?”

“I… guess not.”

“That’s why you and the others need to stay safe. It’s so when this is all over we can continue with our plans.”

“We’re all looking forward to it. Um… but can I talk to you about something else, sugarcube?”

“Sure. Anything.”

“It’s about Apple Bloom and Babs Seed.”

“Oh?”

“They’re… excited.”

“About what exactly?”

“Us… getting together.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But that’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“Normally I’d agree. But they’re talking like it’s already done.”

“Ah!”

“I don’t really know what to tell them either. After all, it isn’t exactly a straight-forward yes or no.”

“That’s a tough one. I’m sorry I can’t give you an answer right now, Applejack.”

“It’s alright, sugarcube. What we proposed…everypony understood that it isn’t something one should rush into. That and you’ve got your own problems right now, what with being exiled and all that.”

“So do you.”

“Huh?”

“After all, you have two fillies over there who want answers, and you don’t have them.”

“At the moment the best I can do is to try and change the subject. Other than that, I don’t know what to do.”

“How about this? Just be the Element of Honesty.”

“But I am.”

“I mean that you should sit down with your sister and Babs Seed and explain everything.”

“That isn’t going to be easy.”

“Neither is dodging the issue. How much have you told them?”

“That all of us want to get married.”

“And what else?”

“Nothing really.”

“They’re very young, Applejack. All they’ve ever known is that two people whom love each other very much can sometimes get married. Anything other than that is a new concept to them, after all.”

“So I just sit them down and do what exactly?”

“Tell them that something like this is a big and important decision for me, you, and all your friends. And that we have to make sure everyone involved is okay with everyone else. Them included.”

“They don’t have anything to do with this.”

“Yes they do, Applejack. After all, if you and I get married, I’ll become a member of the Apple family. That’ll make me a regular part of their lives. For that reason their approval is important here too.”

Applejack giggles. “They’ll be fine with it. After all, both of them completely idolize you.”

“And I love them too. But you need to make sure they understand this is a long and winding road.”

“I will, Arc.”

“Soon though.”

“Give me some time to figure out what to say and I’ll do it. But I do wish you were here to give them that talk with me.”

“Me too. But I did speak to them about their idea for me to adopt them some time ago if you recall.”

“Maybe I can build on that.”

Arc nods. “Probably. Just be sure to not do all the talking and listen to what they have to say as well. A one-sided conversation won’t benefit anyone.”

“Sound advice. Listen, I’ve got a lot of thinking to do between now and when I have this talk. Think I better get to that.”

Arc chuckles. “Alright. Take care, Applejack.”

“You too. Bye.”

Arc touches his earring to sever the connection as he leans back in his seat and muses to himself.

“That’s not going to be an easy conversation for her. But I’m sure Applejack can handle it.”

Cherry calls out to him. “She’ll be fine.”

“I should be there though.”

“But you can’t be!”

“Yeah. But that doesn’t make me feel any better about the situation.”

Meanwhile, Stingray sits in her cubicle typing out a report. Mio walks over and clears her throat. Not looking over, Stingray responds.

“What?”

“I, uh… just wanted to talk to you about Hammer.”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “Again?”

“Look, I know you’ve noticed her acting so down lately.”

“A blind person could see that.”

“Well, have you seen how her mood has improved over the past week?”

“She’s just had to put on her big girl panties and step it up.”

“There’s more to it than that!”

“Oh, is there now?”

“Y-yes.”

“What could possibly…?”

Mio interrupts. “She’s being manipulated by Arc.”

Stingray stops typing and swivels around to face her sister.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed this Mio, but Arc isn’t around anymore. Remember he dumped Hammer and jumped on a plane to Timbuctoo, or somewhere.”

“No, he didn’t.”

“And how do you know that?”

“Because, I… I saw him.”

Stingray frowns. “Where?”

“At the library last week.”

Stingray raises an eyebrow. “And you’re bringing this up now… why? I mean, if you’re so concerned with Hammer’s feelings why didn’t you just blast him then and there?”

“I… couldn’t.”

“Well, I don’t mean IN the library. But you could have waited until he walked outside to…”

“That was my original plan, yes. I actually Blinked us to the woods nearby.”

“Smart move there. No witnesses. You did call Damocles Base to pick up the body though, right?”

“There was no body.”

Stingray grins. “Obliterated him, huh? Well, I don’t really see how he could do any more harm to Hammer now.”

Mio shakes her head. “There was no fight. But we did talk.”

“About what? Hammer?”

“No… well yes, but… there were a few other subjects.”

Stingray narrows her eyes. “Elaborate.”

“He… knew a lot about me and my secrets.”

“Such as…?”

Mio blushes heavily. “I don’t want to talk about them!”

Stingray groans. “Fine. What else?”

Mio looks around for a moment before lowering her voice and whispering to her sister.

“He knows about Damocles Base.”

Stingray frowns. “HOW?!”

Mio shrugs. “I don’t know. But he’s familiar with the Organization, Damocles Base, as well as the existence of magic.”

“Hammer did say he was a detective of sorts. But this is far beyond what I thought he was capable of.”

“Arc certainly isn’t a normal detective, that much is certain.”

“We knew that from the time we sent The Riders after him on his date with Hammer.”

“No normal person could have taken them. Not even with Hammer’s help.”

Stingray puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “I always wondered what happened back there. Hammer didn’t really say though.”

“Think she knows?”

“Yeah. You went out that night and weren’t around when she got home.”

“What happened?”

Stingray chuckles. “She just asked if we were the ones whom sent them after her and Arc.”

Mio appears suddenly nervous. “Did you tell her?”

“I did.”

“Why?!”

“There was no reason to keep it from her. That and one of them squealed on us as well.”

“Was she… angry?”

“For a minute, yes.”

“What did she do in that minute?”

“Let me explain why.”

Mio appears surprised. “That’s all?”

Stingray shrugs. “I just told her we merely wanted to be sure that Arc was worthy of dating her. And that we were testing if he was potentially worthy of Ascension.”

“Did that work?”

Stingray nods. “Of course. If Arc would have been gifted with Ascension he would have joined us in the Organization. Then Hammer could have seen him every day. And then there was her… other idea.”

“Hammer with an idea?”

Stingray shakes her head. “She wanted to form a… duo with him.”

“A what?”

“Her words, not mine. I can only assume she wanted to become his partner in battle.”

“What about us?!”

Stingray sighs. “She held him in such high regard. His return as well as the knowledge he contains however is… troubling.”

Mio nods fervently. “I believe he’s a legitimate threat to everything. We should tell someone about this.”

“So they can do what? Bring him in for questioning? He’d just rat us out!”

Mio gasps. “And then Hammer would be court martialed for giving him top secret information!”

Stingray grimaces. “He’s smart, I’ll give him that. Arc’s been able to cover his tracks to get this far.”

“But why expose himself now?”

“Because he knows we can’t touch him.”

Mio sighs. “Arc revealed that he had certain… evidence against me.”

“And he used that to blackmail you into giving him information.”

“Tried to anyways.”

“Did you give him anything?”

“Not much.”

“And now you’re in his pocket as well.”

Mio nods sadly as Stingray clenches her fist.

“That can only mean one thing.”

“What’s that.”

Stingray grits her teeth. “He’ll go for me next.”

“We can’t let that happen!”

“Or… maybe we should.”

“Stingray?”

“I think we both know what’ll happen if he talks. We need to make sure that never happens.”

“You have a plan?”

Stingray grins. “That I do, Mio. That I do.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“How does he get in touch with you?”

“Arc made me give him my cell phone number.”

“Good. When he contacts you, I want to know about it. Then we can plug this little security hole for good.”

“I’m… not sure that’s a good idea. “

“Uh… why not?”

“Because Hammer’s really happy to hear from him. Arc’s been e-mailing her every day, after all.”

“So?”

“So if he stops Hammer might just regress back into a slobbering mess!”

Stingray shrugs. “Calculated risks.”

“We need to think of Hammer’s best interest here!”

“I am, Mio! Arc’s the real problem here, and needs to be removed from the equation! After that we can deal with his emotional hold on her. Get her some psychiatric help, or something.”

Mio looks around nervously. “Whatever you do needs to be done quietly. After all, if Hammer finds out about this, she’ll either try to stop US or help HIM.”

Stingray chuckles. “She can’t stop what she doesn’t know about though. We have to keep it that way until the deed is done.”

Mio nods. “Agreed.”

Meanwhile, Hammer listens via headphones from her office in maintenance. Gritting her teeth she mutters to herself.

“Even now you’re trying to break us up?! Typical. It’s always been about you, Stingray. Mio was certainly a surprise, but not much of one seeing as how much you and her have in common.”

She leans back in her chair and smiles wickedly. The toolbox sitting in her lap gently stroked by her hand.

“You two do what you want. And I’ll do… what I have to.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 11 - Hard Choices

A week or so later Mio sits on the couch in her shared apartment as the sun goes down. Her cell phone rings. Holding it up she looks to Stingray.

“Unknown number.”

Stingray nods soberly as she mutes the television. “Answer it.”

Mio nods. Turning up the volume to maximum she takes a deep breath and presses the green button.

“H-hello?”

Arc’s voice rings out. “It’s me. Are you alone?”

“Yes.”

“We need to meet up to discuss Hammer.”

“W-when?”

“Tonight at midnight.”

She looks to Stingray. Nodding, the young woman begins texting as Mio continues.

“Alright. I’ll be outside as before. But can we please go somewhere else this time?”

“Another restaurant?”

“I was thinking somewhere a bit more… open. That place you take me to makes me feel claustrophobic.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“There’s an old roadside park just outside town to the north. Can we meet there?”

“Sure. Would you like me to bring something to eat though?”

“No, thank you.”

“Alright. But like I said, be there at midnight. And while I doubt I need to remind you… come alone.”

Mio grimaces. “I will.”

The line is severed as Arc disconnects. Mio sets her phone down on the couch next to her as Stingray continues typing.

“Some guys will meet us there.”

“How many?”

Stingray grins. “Quite a few. They’ll stay hidden until you give the signal though.”

“M-me?!”

Stingray nods as she puts down her phone. “Yes. Arc will be expecting you and only you. And that belief will be his undoing.”

“What about Hammer?”

“She doesn’t need to know.”

“No, I mean what if she stops by this evening before we head out? We’d have a hard time explaining us leaving at so late an hour.”

“Unlikely, but certainly possible. But I have a plan for that.”

Pressing a few buttons on her phone, Stingray puts it to her ear as it rings. A few moments later Hammer answers.

“What’s up?”

“I just called to see if you were still at the base.”

“Yup. I’m overhauling the Charger. Why do you ask?”

“Just wanted to see if you were going to be ready for tomorrow.”

Hammer sounds confused. “Why? What happens tomorrow?”

“The general’s exhibition, of course.”

“…what?”

“You know. General Mustang wanted to personally see the Charger put through its paces.”

“And that’s… tomorrow?”

Stingray groans. “Yes! Didn’t you hear me mention it days ago?!”

“Guess my mind was elsewhere.”

“Well, is your vehicle ready?”

“Pretty much.”

“Did you take care of that knock?”

“What knock?”

“The one I told you about the other day!”

Hammer gasps. “No, I didn’t!”

“You’d better get on that right away then. General Mustang will want everything in perfect order tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll make sure it is even if I have to work all night!”

“Do you want Mio and I to help?”

Hammer scoffs. “Nah. You two would just be in the way.”

“Alright. Good luck, Hammer.”

“See ya tomorrow.”

Disconnecting, Stingray turns to Mio smugly.

“And that’s how it’s done.”

Mio giggles. “She’ll be looking for that knock all night too. Where was it anyways? The engine?”

Stingray shrugs. “I dunno. Engine, transmission, exhaust system. You know I don’t understand vehicles.”

“You mean…?”

Stingray grins. “I made it all up. Now we can be sure that Hammer won’t show up unexpectedly.”

“At least she’ll be ready for the general tomorrow.”

“About that. It’s actually next week Tuesday.”

“Perfect! When she questions it you can just say you got your wires crossed on the date!”

Stingray stands up. “Exactly.”

Meanwhile, Hammer removes her headphones and lays them on her workbench.

“So Arc really is back in town. He must want to make sure Stingray and Mio are forced to accept him before coming to me. Smart move on his part.”

Walking over to the toolbox, she pats it lovingly.

“But it sounds like my sisters have a plan to chase him off tonight. Well… we won’t let them do that, will we?”

Looking at the clock, she grins wickedly.

“Guess I’d better get ready too.”

Across town, Arc sets his phone down as his family looks on nervously. Sereb growls.

“This is certainly a trap, Arc!”

“I know.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Then why did you agree to it, Big Brother?!”

“Because we can take Stingray and Mio.”

Sereb growls. “That we can. However it is likely their antics will be formidable.”

Derpy grimaces. “You should really skip this meeting, Arc.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Right! Who knows what could happen out there!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I owe it to Hammer to see that this is made right.”

“At least come up with a plan, dad!”

“Oh, I’ve already done that, sweetheart. Here it is…”

Sometime later Mio sits at a picnic table on the edge of the roadside park. The light from the streetlamps dimly illuminates the entire area. Hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot Mio turns to look. She spots Arc walking toward her from the direction of the road. He looks at his watch momentarily before turning his attention back to Mio.

“Looks like I’m right on time.”

“I suppose you are.”

“May I sit down?”

Mio nods and Arc sits across from her as he begins to speak.

“From my end, it appears Hammer’s doing very well. Is that your opinion as well?”

“Yes, she’s much more… personable now. Pretty much back to normal as far as I can tell.”

“Good. It’s like you said though. She deserves better. “

Mio appears confused. “What are you saying?”

“I meant it when I admitted to that back at the library.”

“Among other things, yes.”

“Now that I’ve held up my end of the bargain, I expect you to do the same.”

“Huh?”

“You still want those pictures, and the negatives, right?”

Mio nods fervently. “Of course! But there are still a lot of things I can’t say!”

“Right.”

“Tell me something, what’s you part in all of this?”

“Making the world a better place.”

Mio scoffs. “Really?”

“Actually, yes.”

“Elaborate.”

“What the military is doing at Damocles Base can’t be allowed to continue.”

Mio rolls her eyes. “And you think you know better than we do?”

“Maybe.”

“Tell me, what IS wrong with what we’re doing?”

Arc counts on his fingers. “Kidnapping, wrongful imprisonment, and human experimentation for starters.”

“What the heck are you TALKING about?!”

“The Organization did that and more to the Shards they captured.”

“No, we didn’t!”

Arc frowns. “Really? Then what happened after Diva and your sisters took them?”

Mio looks away. “I… I don’t know.”

Arc clenches a fist. “You don’t know?”

“We were ordered to forget it!”

“And that makes it okay?!”

“I’m a soldier whom follows orders! Like Stingray and Hammer, we do what needs to be done!”

“And if your orders were to jump off a bridge, would you do it?!”

“If it would help the objective, yes!”

Arc shakes his head. “You really don’t get it, do you?”

“Get what?!”

“What General Mustang is trying to do!”

“Make the world a better place! What else?!”

“Why would that require a bio-lab?”

“Cellular research!”

“Is that what you were told?”

“Yes!”

“But you’ve never actually seen inside the lab, right?”

Mio shakes her head. “Only researchers approved by… the person in charge are allowed in there.”

Arc grins. “Only Rieper, eh?”

“How do you…?!”

She stops talking. Arc nods and continues.

“The Shards were kept in there for some time.”

Mio scoffs. “Ha! You expect me to believe they LIVED in the lab?!”

“In containment tubes, yes.”

“For what purpose?”

“That’s for you to find out.”

“You know, I don’t believe a word you’ve said.”

Arc frowns. “Really? Then why are you still listening?”

“I don’t have a choice.”

“Yes, you do. Simply get up and walk away.”

“But then you’ll expose my dirty laundry!”

“All the while I’m talking about The Organization’s dirt. Do you want me to stop?”

“No.”

“Fine. Then tell me… what was in that vault?”

“What vault?”

Arc groans. “The one guarded by a LOT of soldiers.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I think you do. But let me guess… you were ordered to forget its existence.”

“Maybe.”

“I’ll accept that, so I’ll tell you. Inside was a creature taken from a faraway land to act as the source of The Organization’s magic.”

“That’s preposterous!”

“You’re a woman of science, Mio. Tell me this… energy cannot be created nor destroyed, right?”

Mio nods. “Correct. That’s the Law of Conservation of Energy. It can only be converted from one form to another.”

“So where did your magical powers come from?”

“From the Procedure I would imagine.”

“And you think that came from what? Electricity?”

“…perhaps.”

“It was siphoned off that creature!”

Mio shakes her head. “There’s no technology that would allow for such a thing!”

“Oh? And I suppose what Hammer did to Bloodletter didn’t happen either?”

“I have no idea what you’re… it can’t have been…”

Mio puts a hand to her forehead weakly as she continues.

“You can’t have… you’re lying! That has to be the solution! You’re trying to confuse and trick me! Well, so much for that!”

Standing, Mio turns and looks off to one side. From the foliage all around them steps Stingray along with several dozen Riders. Each of them brandishes a melee weapon and a wicked grin. Arc frowns and looks around before turning his gaze back to Mio.

“So that’s your response to things, eh? Silence anyone whom says something you don’t agree with?”

Stingray frowns. “No. But we can’t have you spewing this nonsense everywhere. If the media picked it up, we’d have conspiracy theories flying everywhere.”

Mio nods fervently. “Your lies need to be silenced.”

Arc points a finger. “Everything I’ve told you is the absolute truth, Mio. Ask Stingray about it.”

Mio sighs. “Fine. Stingray, tell Arc here that he’s nothing but a liar and a cheat.”

“I… can’t.”

“What do you…?”

“Some of what he said could be true.”

“Which parts?!”

Stingray sighs. “Pretty much all of it.”

“Huh?!”

“Remember, I’m in charge of the day to day supplies over there. What Arc said is completely plausible from a logistics standpoint.”

Mio gasps. “But… but we’re trying to make the world a better…!”

Stingray interrupts her. “You have to look at the big picture, Mio! We’re not talking about the individual here, but the entire world’s future!”

“Wha-what are you talking about?!”

“It’s not important. All that matters is that you trust our commanding officer to make the right choices. Now then… do you?”

Arc frowns. “You sure you want to follow a man who justifies kidnapping, wrongful imprisonment, and attempted murder?”

Mio gasps. “Murder?!”

Arc nods. “The Shards in that mine. Diva was going to kill them to cover it up.”

He turns to Stingray.

“Am I wrong?”

“You’re in no position to…!”

Mio grimaces. “Stingray? Tell me that isn’t true!”

“It’s… complicated.”

“Explain it to me then!”

“The Shards are nothing more than tools to be used to their fullest ability. Something to be discarded when no longer useful.”

Mio gasps. “But… but they’re PEOPLE!”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Yeah. They more or less are.”

Turning, they see Hammer walking toward them. Stingray is the first to speak.

“H-Hammer?! What are you…?!”

“Just wanted to join the party. You know… the one you forgot to invite me to.”

“We just… you see… this isn’t what it looks like.”

“Really, Stingray? Because it looks like you’re planning to do something awfully bad to my boyfriend over there. How you holding up, Arc?”

“Okay, for now.”

Mio turns to her sister. “Hammer, listen to me! Arc isn’t who he claims to be!”

“He isn’t?”

“No! He blackmailed me into helping him!”

“You helped him do what now?”

“Arc wanted me to… um…”

“Help him and I reconnect?”

Arc nods sadly. “Not exactly. There’s a bit more to it than that, but…”

Stingray looks nervous. “Hammer, you have to trust me on this one! Arc’s the enemy here! Help us take him in!”

Hammer grins. “Oh, I’m planning to help all right.”

Reaching into her pocket, Hammer pulls out a strange device. Pressing a few buttons and turning some knobs she looks back up to the group.

“In a few minutes all you Riders are going to be running for your lives. I suggest you start now.”

Stingray grimaces. “No! Stay and help us take this guy in!”

Arc turns to her. “Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do or say to make you change your mind, Stingray?”

“Nothing.”

“Fine.”

Arc makes a motion with his hand. Scootaloo jumps out of the foliage and runs over to him in her Crimson form as does Derpy. She sports her Templar Armor as well as the Spear of Devotion as Arc turns back to the group before him.

“You see, you’re not the only one with backup, Stingray.”

“We still outnumber you over ten to one though.”

Hammer walks over to Arc and takes his arm as she looks to her sisters.

“How about now?!”

Mio gasps. “Hammer? What are you DOING?!”

Stingray frowns. “Yeah! Get over here!”

Hammer shakes her head. “No, Stingray! There’s been a lot of shady things going on back at Damocles Base! That and there’s no answers in sight!”

“We don’t need answers! We need to follow orders!”

“That’s not good enough for me anymore! So if you want to try and take Arc, you’ll have to go through his friends AND me!”

Mio stammers. “Hammer… don’t make us do this!”

Stingray nods. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Just come back over here and we’ll forget the whole thing.”

“No.”

Stingray sighs. “Fine. We’ll take you and him back to base.”

She turns to The Riders.

“Incapacitate Hammer and the man. Kill the other two.”

Grinning, the thugs walk toward them as Hammer turns to Arc.

“Glad to see you again.”

“You too, Hammer. But this isn’t looking the best.”

“Knowing you, there’s something else up your sleeve.”

“Kinda.”

Hammer soberly pulls her gun and turns to the horde before them. “Better play that trump card quick then.”

“Agreed.”

Holding out an arm, Arc points to the ground next to him. A loud roar rings out as the sound of feet running toward them at high speed can be heard. Sereb, in his true form, charges to stand next to Arc with Eidolon’s Ward on his back. Stingray and Mio gasp.

“H-him again?!”

“I thought he was gone for good this time!”

The armor dismounts and looks to Derpy. She tosses her spear to them. Looking over the group of wary bikers before pointing it at them menacingly. Arc turns to Hammer.

“How are the odds now?”

“Much improved!”

Mio steps back. “Stingray?!”

“Stick to the plan! We need to get Hammer some help!”

She points to Arc as she looks to the Riders.

“Get started already!”

They look at Arc’s group fearfully. Eidolon’s Ward continues to threaten them by taking a single step forward. In turn they step back as well.

“Come on, you cowards! I’ll fight with you!”

Appearing to restore their confidence, the Riders again advance on Arc and his friends. Suddenly they hear the roar of an engine. The Riders grin in anticipation as Stingray calls out.

“Sounds like our reinforcements are here.”

A few moments later two bright headlights break through the darkness as a large armored vehicle screeches to a stop next to Hammer. Mio gasps.

“Is… is that…?”

Hammer nods. “Yup. The Charger II! Working as intended along with the remote control functions. Watch!”

Pushing a few buttons, the main cannon swings around and points at their assailants. As it does so the Riders turn and flee into the foliage. Stingray calls out after them angrily.

“Get back here! We can take them!”

Mio shudders. “Can we?”

“WE HAVE TO!”

Drawing her whip, Stingray charges forward. Before anyone can do or say anything Sereb lunges at her. Catching the woman in midair he slams her to the ground. She reaches into her jacket and pulls out a knife. However the wolf bites down hard on her forearm forcing her to drop it. Crying out in pain Stingray gasps for breath under the beast as Arc calls out to him.

“Let her up, big guy.”

Growling, Sereb does so. Mio runs up to her.

“Stingray!”

The young woman clutches her arm. “That crazy…! Help me up!”

Mio gasps. “No, no! Stay down! You’re losing a lot of blood!”

As she moves to tend her sister’s injuries, Stingray shoves her aside and charges at Arc. Suddenly a fist catches her squarely in the jaw. She falls back to the ground face down. Rolling over, Stingray looks up to her assailant.

“H-Hammer… why…?”

Hammer rubs her fist. “It just had to be done.”

Kneeling down, she pats her sister’s cheek and smiles.

“I’m sorry. Hopefully one day you can forgive me for this.”

Winding up, she punches Stingray in the face again. The young woman loses consciousness as Hammer looks to Mio.

“Now then… who’s side are you on?”

Mio backs away. “I… um…”

Arc puts a hand on Hammer’s shoulder, stopping her.

“Let it go.”

“LET IT GO?! After what she and Stingray did?!”

“Yes. Don’t do something in anger that you’ll regret.”

Seething, Hammer turns to Mio.

“Just get her to a hospital. That is, if you’re still on her side.”

“I… I’m sorry, Hammer. But Stingray is right. Our best chance of changing the world lies with the Organization.”

“Fine. You do what you want. But I’m out.”

Mio sighs and pulls a handkerchief from her pocket in an attempt to slow her sister’s bleeding. However, unbeknownst to Arc and his friends, Stingray slowly pulls the knife to herself with her magic. As it touches her hand she deftly wraps her fingers around the handle. Moving like lightning she flings it straight at Arc’s heart. Derpy screams.

“LOOK OUT!!!”

Throwing herself at Arc, Derpy pushes him aside. The blade lodges itself in his shoulder as Scootaloo rushes Stingray. With a swing of her small fist, she again knocks the woman out. Hammer helps Arc sit up.

“Looks like you’re both going to the hospital.”

“Nah. I’m fine.”

Derpy gasps. “But your bleeding everywhere!”

Scootaloo shrugs. “He can just heal himself though.”

Hammer frowns. “What? How?”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll show you.”

Looking up at the moon, Arc winces as he transforms. Hammer gasps and takes a step back as Arc opens his now glowing red eyes.

“What the…?!”

Arc points to his arm. “The bleeding’s already stopped.”

Derpy looks him over. “Are you in pain now, Arc?”

“Nah. It just stings a bit when a wound closes, that’s all.”

Mio steps forward and looks over his cut shirt. She appears astonished.

“Even the blood’s disappearing! How is this possible?!”

Scootaloo grins. “He’s a Crimson, just like me.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s kinda like a vampire… sorta. But we need to get out of here so Mio can get Stingray to a hospital.”

Hammer turns to Mio. “How’d you get here?!”

“A portal. I’ll get Stingray some help, of course. But I think she’ll want to see you and I together when she wakes up.”

“That’s not happening. I’m leaving with Arc and his friends.”

Mio grimaces as she points to Arc. “Even when he looks like… that?!”

Hammer nods. “Yup.”

Arc sighs. “Let’s go everyone.”

Derpy points to Hammer. “But what about… her?”

Everyone looks to Arc as he thinks for a moment.

“Alright. You can come with me, Hammer. I have a lot of hard to believe things to tell you anyways.”

Hammer grabs his arm as Mio opens a portal and drags Stingray through it. “They can’t be THAT bad. You know… considering what I already know.”

Arc sighs. “Trust me. Some of these stories are going to be out of this world.”

Preface - Volume 36 - Home for the Holidays

In our previous volume, Arc, Scootaloo, Derpy, and Dinky relocated to Earth in an effort to keep Arc safe. Entering his house, he leads everyone upstairs to change into humans and clothe themselves. After she is dressed Arc begins the process of teaching Scootaloo how to walk like a human. When their pizza arrives he is surprised to see Jackal on his front steps holding it. Telling the man that he will visit Frank at the old hideout that evening, he heads back inside with the food.

That night Arc, Scootaloo, and Sereb head to the old Shard hideout. Finding it surrounded by cars and with the lights on, Arc orders Sereb to bark. Doing so he summons Jackal. The man leans them inside and to Frank’s room. Telling his old friend of their new plan, Frank reveals to him that they all now have magic from their time in Damocles Base. Showing him a book of spells left to them be Wiseman, the mysterious man appears with them. He informs Arc that Damocles Base and General Mustang are still operating. Hesitant to get involved with anything that might reunite him with Hammer, Frank volunteers himself and the Shards to aid him when the time comes. Frank tells Arc of certain trouble Shelly and Lily have been having. He promises to go see them the next day.

Telling Derpy and Dinky what Frank said about Shelly, they decide to go see her first thing tomorrow morning. Dinky and Scootaloo come to Arc’s room for advice on how family and different cultures work before falling asleep with their father. The next morning they head to Shelly’s Kitchen in a stormy downpour. Lily is overjoyed to see them again and takes the group upstairs to see Shelly. Carrying her to the Living Room, Arc sets her down in her chair and introduces Scootaloo. Snake, Jackal, and Wolf enter the apartment to report for work. Heading downstairs together they leave Arc and Shelly alone. He asks how she’s holding up after Max’s honesty. Shelly admits to still having feelings for him, while at the same time glad that he did not come too.

Arc returns home with the others. As they do so he receives a mysterious transmission over his earring. Finding it to be the Mane Six, sans Twilight, and Auriel they tell him about Decimus’ tightening grip on Ponyville. The also inform him of Rose leaving town without saying a word to anyone. Suggesting that Auriel take her machine and relocate to Redemption Village, he signs off and heads to the grocery store with his family. Buying food, they return home, put it away, and head out again. This time to the local park. After putting Sereb on a leash he sits down on a bench while Dinky goes to play with Alex and Mia. Sometime later Derpy asks to play on the swings. Arc takes her over to them and swings with her awhile. As they do so Scootaloo sits with Sereb. Expressing a desire to play too, she informs him that she’s too scared of not making Arc proud of her.

A month or so passes. Arc sits on the couch with his family watching the news. Agreeing with Derpy that they need to think about the filly’s future, Arc suggests going to the library to find some books. Driving there, he escorts them to the children’s section for some early chapter books. Leaving them to find something from the young adult section, Arc suddenly hears Scootaloo’s voice in his head. Telling him that three powerful magical powers are approaching the building, Arc lies in wait to see whom it is. Gasping, he spots Stingray, Hammer, and Mio enter the building. Quickly putting on his anti-magic ring, he watches them part ways. A few minutes later Mio accidently sneaks up on him. Immediately recognizing him, she Blinks them to the woods outside and uses her magic to slam (and hold) Arc against a tree. Admitting that he dumped Hammer because she deserved better, Mio relents and releases him. Playing his hand, Arc attempts to blackmail Mio with the pictures he took of her during the investigation Hammer sent him on. Telling her to meet him the following night in front of her apartment building, Mio returns to the library to rejoin her sisters. After they leave Arc enters the library again to meet up with his family. Checking out their books they head for home. Once there Arc explains the situation and his desire to meet with Mio to talk about Hammer and the current state of Damocles Base.

The next night Sereb allows Mio to chase him into an alley. As she tries to catch him, Arc grabs her from behind. Telling her to close her eyes, he opens a portal and pushes her through. Arriving at Roberto’s Pizza, they sit down to a meal together. Refusing to eat anything, Arc asks her a number of questions. Trying to stab Arc, Scootaloo knocks Mio over as Sereb grabs the knife. As she does so, Mio gets a looks at Scootaloo’s Crimson face. Getting her back in the chair, Arc tells her of his intention to help Hammer get over him. Conscripting Mio into his plan, he gives her instructions on what she has to do for him.

Mio heads to Hammer’s apartment the following night. Blinking through the door she finds the apartment a mess and Hammer lying on her bed in filth. Trying to talk to her results in only anger and defensiveness. Suggesting he check her email for a message from Arc Hammer does so. Finding one it gives her the strength to continue on. Brining to Hammer’s attention that both her and the apartment are a mess, Mio agrees to help clean it up if Hammer will shower first. Meanwhile, Arc and his family get the notification that his message was opened. A chirp from his earring rings out as Rainbow Dash’s voice reverberates in his head. Asking to speak to him privately, Arc goes to him parent’s room. As Rainbow Dash talks she tells Arc of her feelings of inadequacy when compared to her friends. Arc convinces her that she’s beautiful inside and out in her own way.

Heading downstairs, Arc meets Derpy along with the two girls heading up to bed. After helping her tuck them in the pair sit on the couch. Arc asks Derpy about her thoughts on joining his herd. Admitting that she’s had his eye on him for some time, Derpy confesses that she didn’t say anything until then in order to not come between him and the others. Meanwhile, Scootaloo and Sereb head to Dinky’s room to talk to her. Asking to learn more about family, Dinky does her best to tell her what she knows about it. As she does so her father heads for the show. As he cleans himself he speaks to Cherry about how he didn’t notice Derpy’s affection toward him. Cherry reminds him how she told him some time ago of this. Heading to his parent’s room, Arc finds Derpy on the bed waiting for him. Asking to sleep with him, he agrees. They talk about what he did to Hammer as well as considering if the woman had been abused as a child.

Arc meets Mio back at Roberto’s Pizza several days later. She reports that Hammer is much improved since Arc now e-mails her daily. Doing his best to convince Mio that he only wants to do what’s best for Hammer, the pair part ways. Returning to the basement via sigil, Arc drops off Sereb and Scootaloo before taking the sigil to Minerva’s apartment. Talking to her via his Sanctuary, he and Cherry inform her of the political upheaval in Equestria. In return she tells them that Damocles Base is still operational. Wanting to get to the bottom of the matter, Arc confesses that he would rather give the information to the authorities than deal with it himself this time.

After a breakfast at Shelly’s Kitchen, Arc and his family head for the park together. As he and Derpy watch the girls play he receives a transmission from Equestria on his earring. Going to the Jeep to take it, he hears Applejack’s voice. She tells him that Rose has indeed returned, but has decided to do some traveling since being denied the opportunity to see her mother in Canterlot. Voicing her concern regarding the fillies in her household, she tells Arc that they are acting as if they are already married. Encouraging her to speak to them on the matter instead of trying to bury it, Arc gives her some pointers before signing off. Meanwhile, back at Damocles Base, Mio approaches Stingray. Telling her sister the truth about how Arc has returned and is now forcing her to help him get back in contact with Hammer, the pair conspire to stop Arc once and for all. However, unbeknownst to them, Hammer herself listens in on their conversation as she holds her toolbox on her lap.

A week later Arc calls Mio on her cell phone for another meeting. Asking him to come to a roadside park outside of town, Arc agrees to do so at midnight. Stingray calls for The Riders to join her in lying in wait for Arc. Knowing that meeting is a trap, Arc’s friends beg him not to go. Insisting, Arc lays out his plan. Arriving at the park, Arc attempts to tell Mio what he knows about The Organization’s past deeds. Not believing him, she motions for Stingray and her ilk to come forward. As they do so Arc calls for Scootaloo and Templar Derpy to join him. Before they can fight though Hammer arrives and joins Arc’s side. As The Riders approach with Stingray in the lead, Arc motions for help. Sereb and Eidolon’s Ward run toward them and join the group. As the bikers lose their nerve Hammer’s tank, the Charger II drives itself over the hill and toward Hammer. Taking out a remote, the young woman aims it at the group before them. The gang understandably flees in terror leaving Stingray and Mio to face Arc and his friends alone. As Stingray moves to attack, Sereb pounces and chomps down hard on her arm. Bleeding badly, she pushes Mio aside in an effort to go after Arc again. Meeting Hammer’s fist she falls to the ground. Playing possum, she pulls her knife to herself and throws it at Arc. Derpy pushes him away as the knife grazes his shoulder. Scootaloo dives forward and knocks Stingray out as Hammer tells Mio to get her some help. As the young woman drags Stingray through a portal Hammer turns to Arc and announces her intention to stay with him and the others.

However many questions still remain. How will the Shards deal with their new powers? Will Shelly really be alright? Will Max and Shelly be able to make things right between them? How long will it take for Scootaloo to adjust to her new life. What the heck was Arc THINKING when trying to blackmail Mio?! Will Rainbow Dash be able to come to terms with whom she really is? How will Hammer react to Arc’s return? Is Hammer really THAT mentally unstable? Will she really want to stay with Arc when she learns the truth?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Cards on the Table

Arc and company step out of a portal in his basement. Hammer looks around as her eyes adjust to the light.

“Where… are we?”

“My base of operations.”

Hammer grins. “Your bat cave?”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “His what now?”

“Human reference. Now then, I think some introductions are in order.”

Hammer looks around nervously. “Is… everyone here… human?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. You and I are the only real humans here, Hammer.”

He turns to Scootaloo and pulls off her cloak.

“This is Scootaloo.”

The little girls smiles nervously. “Or ‘Scarlet’ here on Earth.”

Walking over to Derpy, he pulls her helmet off to reveal her face.

“While I know you two have already met, this is Dawn. She’s the good friend from the faraway land I mentioned in my letter to you.”

“Wait! Daisy’s mom?!”

Derpy nods. “That I am.”

“So you’re a warrior too?!”

“It’s… complicated.”

Arc gestures to Sereb. “My loyal steed.”

“Greetings.”

Hammer gasps again. “He talks?!”

Sereb nods. “Yes.”

“And this is my armor, Eidolon’s Ward.”

It waves as Hammer eyes it suspiciously.

“So… who’s in there?”

“No one.”

Hammer appears confused. “Uh… someone HAS to be moving it.”

“Let me show you.”

Stepping forward, the armor melts away to reveal its inner parts are indeed empty. Arc steps inside and it closes up again. Turning to Hammer he removes the helmet and looks to her.

“As to how it moves on its own, well… do you remember my letter?”

“Which part?”

Arc sighs. “When I talked about my fiancée.”

“Yeah. What about her?”

“Her soul is inside my armor.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“Say hello, Cherry.”

“Good evening, Hammer.”

“WOAH!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s a bit disconcerting, I know.”

“What about when you’re not wearing the armor?”

“Then she resides in my head.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s cozy in there.”

The sound of small footsteps running down the stairs rings out. Dinky hurries over to her father happily.

“Dad! You’re back!”

Kneeling down, he embraces the little girl.

“I missed you sweetheart.”

“Me too, dad.”

Looking over at the newcomer, she smiles.

“You brought Miss Hammer with you this time!”

“Yeah. Things… didn’t exactly go the way I wanted them to tonight.”

“Everything okay?”

Hammer gives her a thumbs up. “That they are, Daisy.”

She turns back to Arc and looks him in the eye.

“I need to know some things though.”

“Yes, I suppose you do.”

“What is the truth and what was a lie?”

“Well for starters, like I said… you and I are the only humans here. Cherry is, or more accurately was, an Earth Pony. Dawn is a Pegasus named Derpy. And Daisy along with Scootaloo are very young fillies named Dinky and Scootaloo respectively.”

Scootaloo nods. “I’m a pegasus and Dinky’s a unicorn.”

“Um… what?”

Arc turns to her. “They’re just in these forms to fit in.”

Hammer sighs. “If anyone else had told me that I wouldn’t have even considered it.”

Sereb frowns. “I sense that you do not believe Arc, Hammer.”

“It’s a hard story to swallow, yes.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Maybe we should show her.”

Dinky puts up a hand excitedly. “Oh! I volunteer!”

Arc nods. “Sure. Sereb?

His knub aglow, Sereb casts the counter spell. In a flash Dinky returns to her true form. Stepping out of her now oversized jammies, she looks at Hammer and smiles.

“See?! I’m a Unicorn!”

Hammer grins and gasps. “And you’re just so CUTE!!!”

Rushing over to the filly, Hammer picks her up and holds her close.

“And so soft!”

“Thanks!”

Holding the filly up, Hammer spins in place happily as the pair laugh excitedly. Eventually she sets Dinky down and turns back to Arc.

“I didn’t think it was possible for her to be any cuter, Arc.”

“Agreed. But let’s get her back to human form.”

Pulling a cloak out of his ring, Arc wraps Dinky up in it as he turns to Sereb.

“Ready.”

His horn aglow, Sereb casts the spell. In but a moment Dinky is again a human girl. Derpy picks up the little girl’s clothes and leads her toward the bathroom.

“Come along, Dinky.”

“Okay, mom.”

“Hey, where are they going?”

Cherry calls out. “To get dressed. Dinky’s bare under that robe, after all.”

Arc nods. “Right. We have a system around here for things like that.”

Hammer scratches her head. “How about that faraway country you say you’re working for, Arc? Are they from there?”

“Yes. It’s very far away though.”

“Your letter said it was beyond the stars. Was that true?”

Cherry giggles. “Very. Arc comes here along with us via a very special portal.”

Arc grins. “It’s a land called ‘Equestria’.”

“Can I see it?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Sadly, no.”

Arc sighs. “I’m… kinda stuck here for the moment.”

Derpy and Dinky emerge from the basement bathroom and rejoin the others.

“But we’re having fun!”

Derpy smiles. “That we are. Before Arc was too busy to see Dinky or I very much.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Busy with what? Coming to Earth?”

“My duties as the Hero of Light.”

Sereb nods. “It’s his title back home.”

“What do you do?”

“Whatever I feel needs doing.”

“I don’t get it.”

Cherry calls out. “The Hero of Light is officially above the law. They can do whatever they want in order to protect the innocent.”

Arc yawns. “Pretty much. Now then, there’s a lot more to tell you, Hammer. But it’s getting late and I’m really tired.”

“I’ll take her upstairs to my room, Big Brother.”

Dinky gasps. “Then where will you sleep?”

“With Big Brother.”

“I guess you could.”

Hammer clears her throat. “If it’s all the same to you, I’ll just crash down here with your employees, Arc. Uh… where are they?”

“Back in Equestria.”

Dinky smiles. “You’ll have the whole basement to yourself.”

Sereb frowns. “Not completely. I too will sleep here.”

“Suit yourself. Uh… could I trouble you for a shower, Arc?”

Arc points. “There’s a bathroom right over there.”

Dinky grins. “I’ll get her some night clothes!”

Derpy looks to him. “Arc, we should probably get a shower too. It was kind of a dirty night.”

“Just a quick one. I’m pooped.”

Heading upstairs with Derpy and Dinky, Arc looks back towards the now closed basement door. Sighing, he muses to himself.

“Did I make the right choice?”

“Dad?”

“Bringing Hammer home with me.”

Derpy pats his shoulder. “You didn’t have much of a choice.”

“But now she knows where we live.”

Dinky shrugs. “So what?”

“If she betrays us we’ll lose this fallback position.”

Derpy smiles. “I don’t think she will. After all, she just betrayed her sisters to follow you, Arc.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah. If anything she’s the one with nowhere left to go.”

Derpy nods to the door. “And Sereb will watch her like a hawk tonight.”

“I suppose you two are right.”

“Hop in the shower and wash away your troubles, dad.”

“Yes. I’ll take Dinky back to bed.”

“Okay. Good night you two.”

They part ways at the bathroom. Arc enters and steps into the shower.

“That mostly went to plan.”

Cherry calls out. “How did you know Mio would betray you tonight though?”

“Her asking to choose the place tipped me off. That and there wasn’t much reason for her to keep helping me anyways, as I’d given her what she wanted.”

“Oh?”

“Mio was only concerned with having her old sister back. After Hammer recovered mentally my services were no longer necessary.”

“But will she be okay when you tell her the rest of the story?”

“About my potential herd back home?”

“Yes.”

Arc sighs. “I… I don’t know. But like Wiseman said when I was stringing Hammer along, the truth will set me free.”

“So you’re going to be honest with her?”

“Completely. More lies now would only make things worse for both of us.”

Toweling off, Arc puts on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before leaving the bathroom. Walking down the hall, he comes to his parent’s room. Closing the door and flopping down on the bed, Arc stares up at the ceiling for a time to watch the shadows of tree branches moving in the wind. An hour passes before Cherry speaks.

“You really need to calm your mind, Arc.”

“I know. But right now I just can’t help but wonder how Hammer will take the news.”

“Being well rested will help you concentrate on what to say.”

“Yes, however…”

There is a small knock at the door. Arc sits up.

“Come in.”

As the door opens, Sereb sticks his head inside and looks toward the bed.

“Sorry for waking you, Arc.”

“I wasn’t asleep yet. What’s up?”

“Hammer would like to speak with you. Is that acceptable?”

“Sure. Send her in.”

“Certainly.”

Stepping back, Sereb allows the young woman to enter first as he follows closely and looks to Arc.

“Shall I remain?”

“No thanks. I’ll be fine.”

“Very well. But I shall be in the hallway.”

“Fine.”

Sereb turns and leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Hammer nervously fidgets as she looks at the floor. Arc walks over to her and motions to a chair.

“Have a seat.”

“Th-thanks.”

Sitting, Hammer looks down at her lap as Arc takes his place at the end of the bed.

“So… what’s on your mind?”

“I… just… really need to know something.”

“Anything.”

“There’s no good way to ask this, but… how is your relationship with… your armor?”

“You mean Cherry?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m still very fond of her.”

Cherry giggles. “Yes. And I rather enjoy…”

Hammer jumps up, nervously. “She’s still in your head?!”

“Yeah. Sorry about that.”

Cherry calls out sheepishly. “Should I leave you two alone?”

Hammer gasps. “You’d… you’d do that?”

“If Arc wants me to, yes.”

“No, wait!”

Cherry sounds confused at Hammer’s outburst. “I thought you wanted…?”

“The truth of the matter is… I should ask you this. Are you still in love with him?”

“Yes.”

Hammer sighs dejectedly.

“Fine. I won’t try to…”

“But I’ve let the notion of us spending a lifetime together go.”

“Huh?”

Arc nods. “Cherry told me to see others. Find someone else to marry quite a while back.”

Hammer looks to him sheepishly. “Anyone in particular?”

“Actually, yes.”

“You mean… you already have someone?”

Arc sighs. “I… I do. Sorry.”

Hammer nods sadly. “Man… don’t nothing turn out right for me.”

“Hammer, I… I was planning to tell you this tomorrow, but… I think I need to do it now.”

“Okay. Just promise me something first.”

“What is it?”

“That you’ll be honest about it. No matter what it is.”

“Sure. I promise.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing.

“After the death of Cherry I was really depressed for quite some time. While I tried my best to hide it after the funeral I was constantly rocked by guilt for not being able to save her. To cope with the pain I threw myself into my work so as not to think about her or love again.”

Cherry continues where he left off. “Fortunately I was contained in the gem in the center of the Hero’s… I mean, Arc’s armor. Thanks to that I was able to stay with him.”

Hammer frowns. “Your work in the other world, Arc?”

“Yes.”

“The land of… horses?”

“Ponies.”

“Right. So she’s a… what now?”

“I am… was, an Earth Pony.”

Hammer appears suddenly nervous. “You were going to marry a… pony?”

Arc nods. “Cherry was very lovely to look at, and had a heart of gold.”

Reaching into his ring Arc pulls out the pocket watch and opens it. Walking over to Hammer he allows her to look at Cherry’s picture.

“She gave me this as an engagement present. While I know it sounds strange to you, I was looking forward to spending my life with her.”

Hammer looks at the picture. “She’s… really pretty, and all. More so than I thought a pony could be. But you found someone else in that land?”

“I did. Or more accurately, she found me. There were a handful of friends I made back there. While I always viewed most of them as just platonic companions, eventually one of them stuck out.”

“What’s her name?”

“Rarity.”

Cherry giggles. “She owns a clothing shop in a small town called Ponyville.”

“Horses… ponies wear clothing?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not a regular occurrence over there, but yes.”

“And she’s… special to you?”

“Very. To tell you the truth, she was the first mare who turned my head after Cherry’s death.”

“Tell me about her.”

“Well… she’s a clothing designer. Very conscientious about her looks for that reason. Extremely generous. And she has a young daughter named Sweetie Belle.”

“No mate, er… husband?”

Arc shakes his head. “She’s a single mother. Dinky and her daughter are friends. They go to school together.”

“Ponies have schools?”

“They have most of the basics we have here, yes. But we’re getting a bit off topic.”

Hammer sighs. “Sorry. Continue.”

“Well, after a rather… eventful date, we confessed our feelings for one another. One thing led to another and we ended up spending the night together.”

Hammer blushes heavily. “With a… um… pony?”

“I didn’t have sex with her. We went right to sleep holding each other.”

“Oh… good. I think. Not really sure of anything at this point.”

“In any case, she and the rest of her friends had their eye on me. All of them are especially close, after all. For a bit there I was worried our relationship would come between their friendships.”

“Sounds like it was kinda messy. How’d they figure it out?”

“A long talk over tea.”

“And the decision?”

“They proposed the idea of forming what’s called a ‘herd’.”

Cherry calls out. “It’s exactly what it sounds like.”

“Is that… allowed?”

“I’m told marriage is allowed only between two over there. Kinda like here. But as the Hero of Light I’m above the law. So theoretically I could do that.”

“How many mares were in this group?”

“Seven in total.”

Cherry giggles. “You’re forgetting somepony, Arc.”

“Seven mares and one female demon.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “A demon? Like… a literal one?”

“Yes. But she’s really friendly. You’d like her.”

Cherry sighs. “Indeed. She’s half human though.”

“Right. That and you’ve already met her.”

Hammer gasps. “I have?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Remember my secretary?”

“Auriel?!”

“Right.”

“But she was so beautiful!”

Cherry calls out. “She was in her human form, of course. But her true self is very pretty as well.”

“That’s right. Auriel’s really into science as well. She even volunteered to have my children if I wanted.”

Hammer chuckles. “Sounds like you’re quite the busy guy, Arc.”

“Sorry for all of this.”

Hammer sighs. “I am too.”

Arc looks to her sadly. “Are you mad?”

“More hurt than anything else. Why did you go out with me when you already had so many fiancées?!”

“While I’m ashamed to admit it, I needed access and information to Damocles Base.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “So you were using me?!”

Arc looks away. “Yes, Hammer. I’m sorry to say that, but it’s the truth.”

“Tell me. What was so important that you needed to infiltrate the base like you did with your guys?”

“General Mustang was holding one of the land’s princesses captive. We broke in there to save her as well as liberate the Shards.”

“You mentioned that to Stingray and Mio earlier. How much of what you said back there was true?”

“All of it. “

Hammer bows her head. “So my sisters and I… we helped Colonel Diva KIDNAP those guys?!”

“You did.”

“What was she going to do with them?”

“I’m not fully sure what their endgame was. But they were most likely test subjects for magical experiments.”

Hammer gasps. “Ascension?”

“Yeah.”

“So they can use magic?!”

“Right.”

“How many of them?!”

“According to Frank… all.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “We were told it was something reserved for only the brightest and best! Not a bunch of thugs taken off the street!”

Arc frowns. “General Mustang must’ve wanted to expand his magical soldiers.”

“I just… don’t know what to believe anymore! The general knew… Stingray knew… and you knew! Everyone’s been lying to me for such a long time… and I didn’t even know it!”

“I’m really sorry, Hammer. What I did was wrong and I wouldn’t blame you a bit if you wanted to punch me in the mouth for what I did.”

Hammer sighs and shakes her head. “Yeah, well… I kinda do. But at the same time you’re the only one who’s come clean about anything. Even my own sisters didn’t say anything until forced to do so.”

“Nothing makes up for that, I know. But I do appreciate what you did this evening.”

“Taking your side over Stingray and Mio?”

“Yeah. It was really brave and loyal of you.”

Hammer frowns. “I can’t be a part of that anymore. Hopefully, with time, they’ll come around as well.”

“What will you do now though?”

“If you’ll let me, I’d like to help you with whatever needs doing, Arc. After all, there isn’t much for me to do now. That and I need to start making up for what I did to you as the Hero of Light.”

“Considering what I did to YOU, I’m not holding anything against you, Hammer.”

“I still want to stay though. Can I?”

“Sure.”

“Can I ask you one more question, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“About your relationships with Rarity and her friends. Are there… I mean… would it maybe be possible for me to… join the herd?”

“I… don’t know, Hammer. After all, we don’t really know each other too well. That and I’ve been lying to you ever since we met. Why would you want to stick around?”

“Because unlike Stingray and the general, I believe that you’re genuinely sorry for what you did to me. And I find that really… REALLY hot.”

“Yes, well… I don’t understand how.”

“So do you think I might join your herd someday?”

“As of now, I haven’t even fully committed to the idea.”

Cherry calls out. “Right. Arc only promised Rarity and her friends that he would think about it.”

“That and I don’t know how they would feel about letting others in.”

“Is it because I’m not a pony?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Hammer. But it’s just too soon to be making plans like that. Why don’t you stick around and see how this stuff works. Then all of us can make informed decisions about the future.”

Hammer nods. “That sounds fair. Well, more than I deserve considering how many times I’ve attacked you.”

“You went after the Hero of Light. Not me, Hammer.”

“Same thing!”

“In any case, why don’t we get to bed? I’m exhausted, and I can’t imagine you’re any more rested.”

“Yeah, you’re right. But do you think you could do one thing for me?”

“Oh?”

“The last time we met, I… wanted to spend the night with you. Since Rarity sounds like she’s okay with multiple partners, do you think I could… fall asleep in your arms.”

She looks him over nervously before continuing.

“That is, if it’s okay with you, Cherry.”

Cherry calls out. “Arc’s free to do what he wants with whomever he desires.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Um… thanks.”

“Would you two like some privacy?”

Hammer nods and blushes as well. “Kinda, yeah.”

“Can I borrow your armor, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Standing, Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward. As the front melts away he steps out. Hammer grins.

“That’s a neat trick.”

“Yes, well… we’re just going to sleep.”

“I understand.”

Eidolon’s Ward heads for the door. “Well, just in case you two decide to do more, I’ll leave you alone.”

She leaves the bedroom. Closing the door behind her Sereb raises his head.

“I don’t like this.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to him. “Then head on in there.”

“Not a chance.”

“Either accept it or do something, Sereb.”

“I will… abstain. But will remain on guard out here.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

Sereb cocks his head to one side. “You don’t trust her?”

“Not really, no. She seems like a very sweet human woman, of course. But I still remember all the trouble she gave us in the past.”

“Then why are you out here?”

“Because while I may not trust Hammer, I do trust Arc’s judgment.”

Chapter 2 - Breakfast Conversations

Arc awakens as the first rays of light shine through the windows. Looking down he spots Hammer’s face pressed against his side. Sighing he nudges her gently. Slowly opening her eyes she looks up at him with a sleepy smile.

“Thank you for last night.”

“Huh?”

“It was amazing.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But we just went to sleep.”

Hammer giggles. “Yeah. But I’ve been dreaming about sleeping together for quite some time.”

Grinning wickedly, Hammer continues.

“Maybe next time we can do more.”

“I don’t think so, Hammer.”

Hammer sighs. “Worth a shot.”

Arc sits up and swings his legs over the side of the bed. Sitting there for a few moments to collect his thoughts, he feels Hammer’s arms wrap around his neck as she presses her body against his back.

“Can I be serious with you about something?”

Arc nods.. “Always.”

“I know you said that you have some special friends waiting for you in that other land, and all. But I… I’d still like to take our relationship to the next level.”

“Hammer…”

“Now hear me out. They’re horses, or ponies if you prefer, which means they can’t give you kids. I on the other hand am ALL woman! If it turns out that your demon friend isn’t able to, I’d LOVE to have your babies, Arc.”

“I… appreciate that, Hammer. But I don’t think I’m anywhere near being ready to have my own kids.”

“But you already have one!”

Arc sighs. “And I don’t have time for her as it stands. What I really need to do is figure out how to fix Equestria so I can head back there and retire.”

“What then?”

“Start taking care of Dinky, for starters. Then I’d like to become a bit more social.”

“Think I could get in on some of that action?!”

Arc chuckles. “You really do have a one track mind, don’t you?”

Hammer grins as she brushes her fingers across his cheek. “Only when I see something I want.”

“Well, right now I want breakfast. Care to join me?”

“Sure. I could go for a bowl of cereal.”

“We usually cook breakfast around here.”

“Cook?”

“Yeah. What do you eat at the base?”

“Well… according to the signs over the buffet… eggs, toast, bacon, hash browns, and cereal. But it tasted like they should have said grease, sawdust, rubber, and sweat socks… in that order. That’s why I just ate the cereal.”

“And your sisters never cooked at home before?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Just cereal there too.”

“Let’s head downstairs and we’ll show you how it’s done.”

“We?”

“Derpy and Dinky, or Dawn and Daisy as you know them, usually get up early like I do to make breakfast.”

“What about… what was her name again?”

“Scootaloo. Or Scarlet as we call her here on Earth. She doesn’t usually get up until I call for her. So how about we get moving?”

Hammer looks away nervously. “I’d just be in the way. After all, I don’t actually know how to cook.”

“We can teach you.”

“That would be nice.”

“Come on then.”

As he rises, Hammer latches onto his arm. Sighing, Arc heads for the door. As they descend the stairs Sereb rises and falls into step behind them as he looks to Arc.

“Sleep well?”

“Just fine, yes.”

He looks up at Hammer and growls lightly.

“Did she give you any trouble?”

Hammer frowns. “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“If you recall, we have engaged you and your sisters on numerous occasions. You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t immediately accept you into our inner circle.”

“She’s with me, big guy.”

“That is the only reason I’m not blasting her.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Very funny.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Who is laughing?”

Arc sighs as they enter the living room. “While Sereb could certainly do it, he won’t if I tell him not to.”

“That is correct.”

Eidolon’s Ward calls out from the couch. “Good morning, everypony!”

“Hi, Cherry. Did you have a nice, uh… evening?”

“Oh, yes. I watched several movies as well as some news stations. But might I ask what you three were discussing on the way down here?”

Sereb turns to the armor. “My ability to defend Arc if need be mostly.”

Hammer turns to him. “What about you, Arc?”

“Huh?”

“You could do the same though, right?”

“I guess.”

Sereb nods soberly. “Easily. Your magic is significantly more powerful than my own.”

Arc shrugs as he opens the cupboard. “Practice makes perfect.”

“Indeed. However you are especially gifted, my friend.”

Hammer giggles. “In more ways than one.”

Eidolon’s Ward heads for the refrigerator. “That we agree on.”

“Thanks… I think. But let’s get some food going. With luck we’ll wake up the others with the smell.”

Arc hands Hammer a box of pancake mix.

“All you have to do is add the right amount of water to this and stir. Then I’ll show you how to cook them.”

“Sounds simple enough.”

Sereb pulls a bowl from the cupboard with his magic and passes it to Hammer. He watches her carefully as she reads the directions on the box and begins mixing. As she turns to pass the bowl to Arc the young woman trips. The bowl flies out of her hands and sails through the air. Reaching out a hand Arc catches it with his magic in mid-air. Hammer gasps.

“You can DO that?!”

“Um… yes.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Do you not remember your battles with the Hero of Light? He used magic numerous times in your presence.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Right. Arc did things like that all the time.”

Hammer sighs. “Yeah. But I’m still having trouble coming to terms with you being him, Arc.”

Arc chuckles as he sets the bowl on the stove. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“Because you just seem so… nice and down to earth.”

Arc smiles as he pulls a frying pan out of a nearby cupboard. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It just seems like the more powerful a magic user becomes the less they care about others.”

Sereb frowns. “Such as…?”

“General Mustang, Diva, Mio, Stingray… in descending order.”

Eidolon’s Ward shakes her head. “That’s only four people.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s all the magic users I’ve met.”

Sereb growls. “Perhaps Hammer is not completely wrong.”

Arc turns to the wolf. “What do you mean, Sereb?”

“I believe you once told me an old saying that went something to the effect of ‘power corrupts, while absolute power corrupts absolutely’.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

“That those whom become too powerful often times lose sight of the opinions and thoughts of those around them. Thinking that they know what’s best for others.”

“And you, Arc?”

“I suppose I’ve changed a bit since growing in power.”

Sereb nods. “Only for the better from what I’ve seen.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “Right.”

“It’s a path I’m trying really hard not to go down. But in any case, first we have to turn the heat on medium, like so.”

Lighting the burner, Arc sets it to a small flame. Reaching out to the refrigerator he pulls out a large container of margarine. Holding a spatula, Arc scoops out a bit and drops it onto the pan’s hot surface. It begins to sputter and melt quickly as Hammer jumps back, surprised.

“Woah!”

Sereb sighs. “Easy there.”

“The margarine will help prevent the pancake from sticking to the bottom of the pan as well as add a bit of flavor to it.”

Grabbing a ladle from another drawer with his magic, Arc scoops out a bit of the batter and pours it into the pan.

“Make them about this size. Any bigger and it gets hard to flip.”

“Flip?”

Sereb nods. “Both sides require cooking.”

Eidolon’s Ward points to the pancake. “See those bubbles on top?”

“What about them?”

Arc picks up a spatula. “When they start to pop is when you need to flip them.”

A short time later Arc shoves the spatula under the pancake and picks it up. Turning it over he allows it to fall back into the pan. Hammer frowns.

“Is it supposed to be that color?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Golden brown is preferred.”

Pulling out another pan from the cupboard he hands it to Hammer.

“Care to give it a try?”

“I… I dunno. It looks pretty tough.”

“You won’t be able to master it without trying. While you’ll probably make a few black ones, we have plenty of mix. Give it a go.”

Nodding, Hammer does her best to follow Arc’s example. Taking her hand, he helps her pour the mix into the pan.

“Just like that.”

“Now we wait?”

“Yup.”

A short time later Hammer flips the pancake.

“How’s that?”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “A bit overcooked, but still okay. Very good for a first try.”

Arc nods. “Right. Do it a few more times and you’ll have it down pat.”

Through trial and error Hammer is able to help cook a large stack of pancakes. Putting them in the oven to stay warm they hear the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Dinky and Scootaloo run into the kitchen together as Derpy brings up the rear.

“I’m sorry I overslept, Arc. We’ll get to work now.”

“That’s okay, Derpy. We’ve got a good start on things already.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah! That was fun!”

“Can we cook some eggs now, dad?!”

“Sure!”

He turns to Hammer.

“I’ll let Dinky teach you how to make eggs. Truth be told, she’s better at it than I am.”

“Okay.”

Dinky grins as she pulls out a fresh pan. “YAY!”

As they cook Arc’s earring chirps. Hammer looks around, confused.

“What the heck was that?!”

“My earring.”

“Uh… is that bad?”

“Hopefully not. It just means someone’s trying to get ahold of me. Go ahead and get started without me. Not sure how long this is going to take.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods as she takes his place at the stove. “Take your time. I’ll make sure everypony is well fed.”

“Thanks, Cherry.”

Heading upstairs to his parent’s room Arc sits down on the bed. Touching his earring, he calls out.

“Arc here.”

“Hello, Arc. “

“Rarity! How are things over there?!”

“A bit… odd, actually.”

“Define ‘odd’.”

“Well, I guess that wasn’t the best word to describe it. But everypony’s a bit on edge over here. Every major town’s been searched from top to bottom for you.”

Arc chuckles. “Can I assume they didn’t find me?”

“Not so much as a clue. But I’ve been talking about this with some of my customers during fittings.”

“Canterlot nobles gossiping?”

“Something a bit more substantial. They say that Princess Celestia has been talking with the Town Council about restricting access to Canterlot.”

“She’s getting paranoid.”

“Yes, indeed. They’re looking at stopping all access via train and requiring a Royal Summons to enter the city.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How were they planning to stop pegasi from just flying over the walls?”

“According to the newspapers a magical dome was cast a few hours ago without announcement or warning.”

“What?!”

“That’s when I felt that I had to contact you, Arc.”

“This is more than I thought would happen. Any world from Twilight?”

“Just that Princess Celestia has her touring the nation in the Lunar Destiny.”

“She’s trying to keep the peace?”

“Everypony’s still giddy here over the news of a new princess. Pretty much everywhere she goes raises morale.”

“Is she going to cities after Decimus?”

“Why, yes. How did you know?”

Arc clenches a fist. “She’s clever.”

“Arc?”

“Celestia’s using Twilight to help make the citizens forget the intrusion by Decimus and his Royal Guards!”

“You may be on to something there. Captain Decimus pretty much takes apart any town he visits.”

“Then Twilight shows up to take their minds off the oppression.”

“Everypony hurries to clean up the mess. Then they come out to see her the second she lands. Princess Celestia chose Twilight wisely.”

“And how does Twilight feel about this?”

“She says she’s happy to do her part during this so-called goodwill tour. Even if it’s just to smile and wave.”

“Smile and wave…”

“Did you say something, Arc?”

“Twilight’s just being used as a puppet by Decimus and Celestia.”

Rarity lowers her voice. “You don’t think they’d hurt her, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She’s too valuable to lose. That and she’s immortal now, right?”

“She is, yes. I suggested she test that with a small cut on her cheek. Just like Princess Cadance it healed in but a few moments. Even should Decimus turn on her, he would be able to do very little damage. Can I assume you still have the weapon Princess Luna gave you?”

Arc nods as he pulls the Dagger of Eternal Slumber from his ring. “Right here in my hand, yes.”

“Good! We need to keep that far from his traitorous hooves!”

“It stays in my ring at all times. But do you think I need to come back and deal with Decimus?”

Rarity sighs and shakes her head. “While I wish you would, there would be little you could do as it stands. The populace still holds both Princess Celestia and Decimus in high regard.”

“But only thanks to Twilight.”

“Her tour does help, yes.”

“What’s her take on this matter?”

“Twilight still believes she can convince the princess that you always acted in the best interest of the country. However her efforts are still being stymied by Decimus, whom also has Princess Celestia’s ear.”

“Any progress at all?”

Rarity sighs. “None, I’m afraid. Whenever Twilight tries to bring up tales of your heroics, Decimus counters with different ways your actions were most likely self-serving.”

“Kinda figured that.”

“I’m sorry I don’t have better news, Arc.”

“That’s okay. I do appreciate the update nonetheless. And it gives you and I a chance to talk again.”

“Yes, indeed. I admit, it’s not the same as doing so face to face, of course. But is a nice diversion nonetheless.”

The pair laugh together happily before Rarity continues.

“The biggest concern of mine right now is that I don’t know when you’ll be able to come back.”

“As it stands, maybe never.”

Rarity gasps. “Don’t say things like that!”

“We might need to come to terms with that very real possibility.”

“No, Arc! You WILL be able to come back someday! After all you’ve done, it would be a crime to keep you away!”

“If it keeps the land from tearing itself apart, then I’ll stay here on Earth.”

“What about us?!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t like us being apart any more than you do. But our personal feelings need to take a back seat to the safety and stability of Equestria.”

“I…! I know. However I’m not sure just how long I’ll be able to justify that statement in my mind. Sweetie Belle’s been asking about you too, you know.”

“How’s she doing?”

“Missing you along with Derpy and Dinky. She says school isn’t the same without them around.”

“They could return if necessary.”

“I suppose. But you need emotional support as well.”

“It is nice having them here. We get to spend every day together.”

“And every meal too.”

“That’s true.”

“While I know it’s not very lady-like, I have to admit I’m a little bit jealous of them.”

“I know you want to be here too.”

Rarity groans. “More so than words can say.”

“But Princess Cadance was right to caution against it. While I care about you and Sweetie Belle, the country needs its Element Bearers.”

“I… question that. But will respect her wishes, as well as yours.”

“No, Rarity.”

“Arc?”

“If that were the case… you know what I’d ask.”

“For me to come?”

“Yes.”

“I feel the same. Believe me when I say that I’d like nothing more than to jump on a train to the Crystal Empire and follow you to Earth with Sweetie Belle. While I know I can’t, the idea gives me a bit of comfort these days.”

“If need be I could sneak back some night in one of my magic cloaks.”

“While it would be wonderful, please don’t. After all, if you were caught I’d never be able to forgive myself.”

Arc sighs. “I still think it would be worth the risk.”

Rarity giggles. “That’s very sweet, Arc. But I can wait for you to return with a cleared name and restored reputation. Now then, I should probably let you get back to making breakfast. I know how everypony over there is an early riser.”

“Yeah. Take care of Sweetie Belle.”

“I will. Goodbye, Arc.”

“See ya.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Sighing, Arc lays back on the bed and groans as he puts and arm over his face.

“I didn’t mention Hammer to her! While I doubt Rarity or the others would be jealous, still… they have a right to know.”

Chapter 3 - Raided

Sometime later the scent of food becomes too much for Arc to resist. Leaving the room, he walks downstairs where the others are eating happily. Derpy looks to him nervously.

“Everything okay, Arc?”

“Mostly, yes.”

Dinky grimaces. “Trouble back home, dad?!”

“Decimus is… being his usual self.”

Hammer appears confused. “Who?”

Sereb growls. “A very bad stallion.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Right. He was the one responsible for many heinous acts back there.”

“Like what?

Derpy grimaces. “He poisoned two of the princesses and tried to overthrow the government when Arc was in charge.”

Sereb sighs. “And he attempted to sabotage a peace summit between the nations Arc had organized.”

“Don’t forget about putting a wanted poster out with Big Brother’s face on it.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “That and he tried tossing my dad out a window to his death!”

Hammer turns to Arc angrily as she draws her signature gun from behind her. “Let’s head back there and waste that guy then!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Where the heck were you concealing that?!”

“Does it really matter?! That punk’s earned himself a well-deserved death warrant in my book!”

Derpy puts a hand on Hammer’s shoulder. “Please calm down, miss.”

Dinky nod. “Yes, Miss Hammer! My dad’s already done what he can!”

“Then let me go a few rounds with em! I’ve got a few ideas that’ll make an example out of him!”

Sereb scoffs. “Such as…?”

“Putting a laser beam through his brain!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think that would stop him.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Might slow him down though.”

Hammer grins. “Like your style, kid!”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, Decimus has a nasty habit of not staying dead.”

Dinky shudders. “Yeah. He’s come back from worse.”

Hammer grins wickedly. “Want me to try my tank?”

Arc shakes his head. “While your enthusiasm is… appreciated, this stallion has survived his skull being caved in and brain turned to soup. Then he was incinerated down to his armor by me personally.”

Sereb grins toothily. “Don’t forget about the time Ember put her spear through his heart after Trixie stabbed him.”

Hammer frowns. “How the heck…?!”

Derpy shrugs. “He just keeps coming back somehow.”

Hammer grins as she brandishes her weapon. “Bet I could make it stick! Or at the very least, have fun trying!”

Arc shakes his head. “We don’t need him knowing about you, Hammer. Or that I’m alive either.”

“Big Brother’s our land’s trump card in case things get out of hoof.”

Dinky clears her throat. “Hand, not hoof though. Hopefully it won’t come to that though.”

Sereb nods. “Right. With any luck Twilight will be able to convince Princess Celestia that Arc here is not the enemy.”

Hammer grits her teeth as she sits down and puts her gun away. “Fine. But if you change your mind, my offer still stands.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll remember that.”

They finish eating and clear the table. Derpy turns to Dinky.

“Let’s get these dishes done.”

“Can I watch cartoons after that?”

“It’s up to your father.”

“Sure, Dinky. After you do a bit of reading with your mother.”

“Which book should I read?”

“One of the science books from the library. If you can’t go to school you should at least keep on learning independently.”

Hammer nods fervently. “Your dad’s right. Knowledge is power.”

Sereb grins. “Indeed.”

“What about me, Big Brother?”

“I want you to read with Dinky and Derpy as well. After all, when we get back to Equestria you’ll have to start school.”

Scootaloo groans. “Do I have to?”

“Yes, Scootaloo. You’ll need an education to be productive as an adult mare.”

“Fine…”

Hammer turns to him. “Arc, can you do me a favor?”

“Sure. What is it?”

Hammer pulls at the t-shirt and grins. “Now, I don’t mind wearing your clothes. Kinda like it actually. But I need a few things from my apartment if I’m going to stay here.”

Sereb growls. “That may not be wise.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Right! Your sisters might be there waiting for you!”

Hammer laughs. “Nah. They’re at the base by now.”

Derpy looks to Hammer. “Are you sure?”

“If nothing else, they’re dedicated to their work.”

Arc sighs. “The others are right, Hammer. Going back there would be really dangerous. Whatever you need I can buy you from the mall.”

“Not this you can’t.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “What is so important?”

“My… uh…”

She says something quietly under her breath that the others cannot hear. Sereb appears confused.

“I am not sure what that is.”

Arc frowns. “Uh… didn’t catch that. Look, Hammer… if you need some undergarments, they have plenty at the…”

Hammer blushes. “I don’t care about that! My diary’s still in the apartment!”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What’s that?”

Derpy shrugs. “I’m not sure.”

“Me either. Dad?”

“It’s a book that you write in regarding what’s on your mind at the time.”

Hammer sighs. “Right. I’ve kept one since meeting you, Arc.”

Derpy turns to Hammer. “What for?”

“Just in case I ever needed to remind myself of something we did on our dates. I wanted to chronicle them, as I’d never felt this way about someone before.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Why not just start a new one then?”

Hammer shakes her head vehemently. “NO! We have to get that one!”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “What did you write?!”

Hammer sighs. “The item Arc left me in the toolbox… I wrote about it in my diary.”

The blood drains from Arc’s face as he slowly turns to Hammer.

“You mean…?”

Hammer nods soberly. “Yeah. Anyone who reads that thing will know the Hero of Light’s real name.”

Dinky gasps. “We have to get it then!”

Scootaloo clenches a fist. “I’ll help!”

Sereb looks to Hammer. “Won’t your sisters have retrieved it by now?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No. They don’t know that I keep one. But it’s possible that they might search my apartment.”

Derpy shudders. “If they haven’t already, that is.”

“They’d most likely do it after work today. I’m guessing Mio and Stingray spent most of last night at the hospital trying to get her stitched up.”

She turns to Sereb.

“You did good back there, big fella!”

Sereb frowns as he sighs. “I didn’t want to harm her. My body just… reacted.”

Arc nods soberly. “You did fine, Sereb. But what Hammer is saying makes sense. They’d have been at the hospital most of the night before returning home for a few hours of sleep before work this morning.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “So there’s a real chance the place is untouched!”

Scootaloo grins. “Makes sense. That gives us time to make our move.”

“I’ll make the move. You stay here with Derpy and Dinky for reading time.”

“But you might need me, Big Brother!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “That role can be filled by me.”

Arc nods as he uses his magic to pull his car keys to his palm. “Yeah. You, Hammer, and I will take this one.”

Arc and Hammer grab their shoes and hastily put them on before standing and heading toward the front door together. Derpy calls out after them.

“Be careful out there you three!”

Sereb grins toothily as he walks with Arc. “I shall guard him with my life!”

Hammer chuckles as they make their way out the door. “We’ll be fine!”

Closing the door behind them, Scootaloo turns to Dinky.

“I still wish Big Brother would have let me come with him.”

“He just doesn’t want you to get hurt.”

Derpy nods. “That and your studies should come first. Now then, shall we begin?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Not sure if I’ll be able to concentrate on anything.”

“We’re all going to be worried about my dad until he and the others get back.”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles. “Yes. But I learned long ago to trust that Arc always has a plan.”

“Really, mom?”

“It may not be the best or most clear. But he always has one, sweetie.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Sereb, and Hammer jump into the Jeep. Hurrying down the road, Arc addresses Hammer.

“Any ideas?”

“On what?!”

“Going in there.”

Hammer shrugs. “I was planning on just walking in. Why?”

Sereb growls. “We may not be the first one’s there.”

“Believe me, Stingray and Mio didn’t have time to come over and rummage through my stuff!”

“Are you sure?”

“Completely!”

Sereb sighs. “We should still be cautious.”

Hammer reaches behind her back and pulls out her gun. “I got your ‘cautious’ right here!”

Arc frowns. “With any luck we won’t need it.”

Hammer disables the safety. “Best to be prepared.”

Arriving, Arc parks the Jeep and looks to Hammer.

“Ready?”

Hammer nods with a smile. “I was born ready!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I shall go first.”

“That might…”

“They would not think much of a dog walking by, Arc.”

Hammer nods. “He’s right, you know.”

“I was actually going to agree with you, big guy.”

“Oh? My apologies.”

Hopping out of the Jeep, Sereb runs across the street and through the door, which he opens with his magic as Arc and Hammer watch from the vehicle.

“He’s quite loyal to you.”

“That he is.”

A few moments later Sereb pokes his head outside again. Motioning for the pair to follow, Arc and Hammer step out of the Jeep and enter the building together. Hammer looks to Sereb.

“See? I told you it was safe.”

Sereb shakes his head. “You were not correct in that regard, Hammer.”

“Huh?”

“We are not the first to arrive.”

Arc frowns. “Stay sharp! Sereb, how many are in there?!”

“At the moment, none. We missed a dozen humans by several hours.”

Pushing past Arc, Hammer draws her weapon and peeks past her ruined front door into the dark apartment. Arc joins her momentarily as she looks to him.

“I’ll go first!”

“Why you?!”

Hammer motions to her weapon. “Because I’m the one with the gun!”

Arc grins. “Oh… well, if that’s all it takes…”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out a gun identical to Hammer’s. Her eyes grow wide at the sight of it.

“Where did you get THAT?!”

“Your basement storehouse.”

“Oh… that explains the mana bomb you used to get out of Damocles Base.”

Sereb growls. “Can we discuss this later?”

“Right. Let’s go.”

They enter the apartment with Hammer in the lead. Her meager furniture lies in ruins and possessions are strewn around the floor. She carefully makes her way through each room before turning to the others and sheathing her weapon.

“All clear.”

Arc nods as he puts his own gun in his ring. “Good. Sereb, you watch the door while Hammer and I take a look around.”

Hammer sighs as she looks around. “Where do we even start?”

“How about the kitchen next to the front door? We can work our way from there.”

“Fine.”

Entering the kitchen they find the dishes on the floor. Anything made of glass or ceramic lie in pieces. Pots and pans are strewn around the room haphazardly. The contents of the refrigerator lie on the floor and smeared on the walls. Hammer frowns as she looks around.

“Stingray and Mio didn’t have to do all this. After all, why would I hide something in here?!”

Sereb calls out from the door. “Their scents are not strong here.”

“What does that mean?”

Arc scowls. “That they didn’t do this.”

Hammer gasps. “So I was burglarized?!”

“I don’t think so. After all, simple thieves would have just quietly searched the place for valuables. These people did everything they could to cause damage. “

“Let’s move on to the living room.”

Walking through the kitchen they enter the living room. Hammer’s couch lies overturned and sliced open. Her television is smashed and the heart shaped box of chocolates lies in the corner. Foil wrappers litter the floor along with various garbage from the kitchen. Arc sighs.

“More of the same in here.”

Hammer sadly. “Yeah.”

“The couch has me wondering something though.”

“What is it?”

“Why cut it open?”

“They must’ve been looking for something.”

Arc nods. “Right. And not very subtly.”

Sereb growls. “Do you suppose they know about the diary?”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Nah. Besides, I wouldn’t have stored it in my couch.”

Arc nods. “Good point. Let’s continue on.”

Passing the bathroom they find the contents of the medicine cabinet on the floor along with the glass from the mirror. Entering Hammer’s bedroom they look around, horrified. Clothing is strewn around the room, the bed lies in tattered ruins, every dresser drawer lies upside down on the floor, and there are numerous holes in the wall. Hammer grits her teeth as she walks over to a single piece of paper on her pillow.

“Looks like whomever did this left a note.”

Arc frowns. “How nice of them.”

Picking it up, Hammer reads aloud.

“We have your diary and will release its contents to the public if you don’t meet us at the old base tonight at sunset. Bring your new boyfriend with you as well. All of us have unfinished business to attend to. Bloodletter.”

“You think your sisters put him up to this?”

Hammer nods soberly as she tosses the note aside. “Probably. They don’t want to fight me themselves so this was the next logical choice.”

“Can I assume the ‘old base’ is what’s left of the abandoned hospital?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. There isn’t much there now, I suppose. But he probably wants to go there for irony. Bloodletter may be an idiot, but he has a flair for the dramatic.”

“Oh?”

“Making a statement to his boys like this helps keep him in power. Anything to stay on top.”

“Great. And we’re the examples, huh?”

Hammer sighs. “Looks like it. In any case, I can handle this on my own.”

“But the note says he wants both of us there.”

“I don’t care what that idiot wants! It’s my problem, and I’ll handle it my way!”

“There’s no shame in having help. That’s a lesson I’ve been struggling with myself for a long time.”

“You? But your boys support you from the basement. I saw all that equipment down there.”

“I mean hands-on stuff. They were always held back… kept at a safe distance.”

“Didn’t they help you against Bloodletter last time?”

“Yeah. But that was the first time I let them. And it made the job a LOT easier. Not sure I could have won without their help.”

Hammer sighs. “You’re going to come even if I tell you not to, aren’t you?”

“Pretty much.”

“I’d like to go on record as saying that this is my problem, and I should be the one to solve it.”

“And I’d like to go on record as saying that I’d like to watch your back.”

“This isn’t going to be easy OR safe, Arc.”

“For either of us I would assume.”

“Probably not.”

“Well… either way, Bloodletter and I have a score to settle in addition to retrieving your diary.”

Hammer nods as she kneels down to pick up some undergarments.

“Right. Just let me grab some unmentionables and we’ll get out of here.”

“Anything else you want to take?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. Other than what’s in my toolbox back at your house, I don’t really have any possessions with sentimental attachments.”

She looks around the room and gestures with a hand.

“Besides… this place is done for. Nothing left to save here. I’d like to just make a clean break from it and start again.”

“Maybe that’s for the best. This isn’t the safest place to live.”

Hammer grins. “Right. That’s why I’m starting fresh with you, Arc.”

“Me?”

Hammer nods as she stands up. “Yup. I’m starting a new life with you.”

“You know I already have others back in the other country whom are waiting for me to marry them.”

Hammer takes his hand and looks him in the eye. “I do. But I’m hoping us and them can come to some kind of… agreement.”

“I’m… not sure how something like that would work out.”

“Can we at least ask them?”

“If you want to. But I haven’t actually made any real commitments to anyone there or here yet.”

“So there’s a chance?!”

Arc sighs. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told them. All I want to do is get to know everyone before going further.”

Chapter 4 - Claws and Steel

That evening Arc and Hammer sit on the couch together putting on their shoes as the others look on nervously. Derpy frowns.

“Can’t we stand with you too?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time. Stingray and Mio will certainly be in on this and ready for you and the others.”

Hammer nods soberly. “My sisters don’t make the same mistakes twice. This isn’t going to be a cakewalk.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “We should at least be in the brush nearby!”

“Yeah, dad! As it stands, they won’t be able to help you two!”

Arc sighs. “A ways down the road is close enough to help while not being directly involved.”

Hammer nods. “It’s the best way for everyone’s sake.”

Eidolon’s Ward raises a gauntlet. “What about me? I’m not magical or alive so Mio shouldn’t be able to pick me up, right?”

Hammer shrugs. “Not sure. But if she did it would put Arc and I in more danger.”

“I’ll have my sights on everything going on at all times. If you need help call out to us, Big Brother.”

“That I will.”

Sereb growls. “When that time comes I will ferry your armor and Miss Derpy to your side as quickly as possible, Arc.”

“Good. It’s the best we can do. Now then… we ready?”

Hammer pulls her gun and looks it over. “I am!”

Sereb grins. “As am I.”

Derpy nods soberly. “Yes.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. Let’s get this over with.

Arc turns to his daughter. “You sure you’re going to be okay alone, Dinky?”

“Y-yeah. I’ll just sit down here and watch some television until you and mom get back, dad.”

Sereb frowns. “It would be wiser to get some sleep, little one.”

Dinky sighs and hangs her head. “There’s no way I’d be able to until everyone’s home safe and sound.”

Arc tousles her hair. “That’s fine, Dinky. Just run upstairs and grab your pillow and blanket. I at least want you to lie down.”

Nodding, Dinky does as she it told. Taking her place on the couch Arc and Derpy cover the little girl up. Derpy takes her hand as Arc leans over and kisses her forehead.

“Don’t you worry about a thing, Dinky. Everything will turn out alright if we all work together.”

Hammer gives a thumbs up. “I’ll look out for your dad!”

Sereb nods. “As will I.”

Derpy clenches a fist. “Me too, sweetie.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “We all will.”

Dinky smiles sleepily as she takes her father’s hand. “Thanks. But I still want everyone home safe when this is over.”

Nodding, Arc leads the group to the basement. Stepping onto the sigil he takes his gauntlet from Eidolon’s Ward and powers it up. A split second later they find themselves on a small hill overlooking the hospital. Arc turns to the others as he returns the gauntlet to his armor.

“This is it. Everyone get ready.”

Eidolon’s Ward calls out. “Aren’t you going to put me on?”

Arc shakes his head. “They’ll be expecting Hammer’s boyfriend, after all. Not the Hero of Light.”

Hammer frowns. “True. But if they read my diary, they already know that someone named ‘Arc’ IS the Hero of Light.”

Derpy grins. “But they can’t put a face to the name.”

Scootaloo nods. “We can use that to our advantage!”

Sereb growls. “It would be wise to keep your appearance from them.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks to Arc. “Agreed.”

“Okay. We’ll do it that way.”

Walking toward the armor, it opens to allow Arc to enter. Stepping inside he takes a deep breath as the chest plate reforms around him. Turning to Hammer Arc motions for her to come to him.

“Let’s go.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Right with ya.”

Arc takes Hammer’s hand and Blinks the pair to the side of the hospital. They hear voices around the side of the building.

“They’re waiting for us.”

Hammer checks her weapon one last time. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”

“Put that away.”

“What?! Why?!”

“It’ll only escalate this right off the bat. If possible I’d like to keep this thing civil and talk it out.”

Hammer shakes her head. “That ain’t gonna work!”

“We have to try.”

Hammer frowns as she puts her gun behind her. “Fine.”

Stepping around the ruins of the building, they are greeted by Bloodletter and what appears to be the remains of his gang holding flashlights and lanterns. Hammer glares at them.

“What do you idiots want?!”

Bloodletter grins wickedly at her. “Oh, not much. I just wanted to say ‘hello’. Mostly…”

Hammer scoffs. “Fine! You said it!”

Bloodletter chuckles. “So what bring you here?”

Hammer grimaces. “You have something I want!”

“Not you, Hammer. Him.”

He points a finger at Arc.

“Your letter to Hammer said to bring her boyfriend.”

Bloodletter nods. “Yes, it did.”

Arc clenches a fist. “What do you want?”

Bloodletter chuckles. “I just had to see this for myself. The great and mighty Hammer reduced to the Heroes’ slave.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Oh really?”

He holds up the diary and smirks.

“You wrote in here that your boyfriend, whom has been codenamed ‘Arc’, was doing some jobs for you. Considering the steamy nature of the entries as time went on, you clearly wanted him to plow you.”

Hammer blushes angrily as she barely holds herself back. Bloodletter looks her in the eye as he continues.

“I think that a guy such as myself would make a much better host for your sexual needs.”

“Quantity over quality there!”

“Well, you ARE clearly out of your mind.”

“Says who?!”

“Your actions.”

“What?!”

“Think about it. You told me that you fought the Hero of Light a few times in the past and lost every time. And you expect me to believe that now all you want him to do is to pound your holes?!”

Hammer points a finger at him angrily. “It doesn’t matter WHAT you believe, freak! I’ll have sex with whomever I darn well please!”

Bloodletter appears suddenly agitated. “What did you say?”

“What, are you deaf too?! I said that I’ll spread my legs for whomever I want, freak!”

Jumping to his feet Bloodletter glares at her.

“NO! You belong to ME, Hammer!”

Hammer makes a face. “What the heck are you TALKING about?! Since when do you have an interest in me?!”

“I always have! But you just never noticed!”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Not much TO notice. Well, other than the colossal failures of you and your gang, that is.”

Arc frowns. “Enough. Both of you.”

The armored young man looks to Bloodletter as he takes a step or two forward.

“Look, I think it’s pretty obvious to everyone here that Hammer doesn’t really have an interest in you, big fella. So why don’t you just give her back the diary and we can all be on our way?”

Bloodletter nods. “Hammer may leave, certainly. But you and I still have business to attend to, runt.”

Hammer frowns. “What the heck are you rambling about?!”

“The matter of whom is worthy of Hammer’s love and affection!”

Arc shakes his head. “That isn’t really how love works.”

“It is if I say it is, punk!”

Hammer grins wickedly. “Yeah! So let me give you a taste!”

Reaching behind her, Hammer pulls her gun and levels it at Bloodletter. However, before she can fire, he reaches out a hand and pulls it to himself. Gasping is surprise, Hammer cries out.

“How did you…?!”

Bloodletter laughs as he hold the weapon. “A bit of a side effect from the injection you gave me when last we met, my dear!”

Hammer gasps. “The syringe?! It was just supposed to temporarily turn you into a beast! Not give you magical powers!”

Bloodletter grins. “Supposedly. But in any case… it’s time for the rest of the show! Behold!”

He turns to the moon as it peeks over the tree line. As he gasps in pain hair begins growing out of him at an alarming rate as the man rips out of his clothing. Growing to more than double his former height, Bloodletter lets out a blood curdling howl as he continues looking happily at the moon before turning to face the pair again. Arc turns to Hammer.

“Hammer?!”

“This… this shouldn’t have been POSSIBLE! Stingray specifically told me that the serum was temporary!”

“Well, all things considered, I'm thinking that she lied to you.”

Hammer turns back to Bloodletter. “Where are my sisters, monster?!”

Bloodletter shrugs. “No idea.”

“Wait! They didn’t put you up to this?!”

Bloodletter laughs. “I’m my own man now! No handlers for me!”

Arc grins. “So Stingray and Mio didn’t have anything to do with you breaking into Hammer’s apartment?”

“None!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “Then what were you DOING there?!”

“If you must know, originally I went there looking for your dirty panties, Hammer! But then I found something much more JUICY!”

Arc frowns. “Gross.”

“My diary?!”

“Yes!”

Hammer seethes. “Who told you where to find it! I hid it perfectly!”

Bloodletter narrows his eyes. “Hammer, hiding something of great value under your pillow is hardly a good place to conceal anything, Hammer.”

He grins toothily before continuing.

“That is, unless you WANTED someone to find it!”

“Trust me, I really didn’t!”

“Yeah, yeah. But now I have the knowledge along with the power! Now get over here and stand by my side, my dear!"

Bloodletter points to his pelvic region before continuing.

"As you can plainly see, in my current form I have more than enough manhood to please even you!”

Hammer retches as she looks down between his legs. “Um… gross!”

“You can’t tell me that this weakling can pleasure you!”

Arc shakes his head. “Okay, I'm really not liking the direction this conversation is going.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Me either. So just for the sake of clarification, Bloodletter… my sisters aren’t waiting to jump out and join us, are they?”

Bloodletter laughs. “If they do, I’ll rip them apart along with you!”

“Great.

Hammer turns to Arc and smirks as she continues.

"Hero?”

“On it.”

Focusing, Arc calls out to Scootaloo.

“Join us!”

“On our way!”

Scootaloo looks down at Sereb as she speaks.

“Let’s go! Big Brother needs our help!”

Nodding, Sereb runs toward the ruins to join Arc and Hammer as Templar Derpy flies after them. Meanwhile, Bloodletter motions to his gang.

“Remember this much you lunkheads! Hammer is MINE! Anyone so much as knocks a hair out of place on her glorious head will be ripped in half! Do whatever you want with the other one!”

Arc points a finger at them. “I think you might find that a bit more difficult to do than you originally thought.”

Sereb runs around the side of the building and over to Arc as Templar Derpy lands and points her spear at the group. The pair yell at those assembled.

“Surrender!”

“NOW!!!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “We’ll take you all on if we have to!”

The gang appears suddenly nervous. Bloodletter scoffs.

“What?! He doesn’t even have weapon!”

Arc ignites both of his magic blades. The thugs take a few steps back at the sight. Bloodletter roars out.

“Let me put it this way, you cowards! All of you can either fall to him, or fall to ME!”

Pulling out clubs and chains the gang slowly approaches Arc and his companions. Derpy hovers a few feet about the ground as she levels her spear and looks to Scootaloo.

“Don’t you think you’d best change too?!”

Scootaloo looks to Arc and grins. “Can I Big Brother?”

Arc nods. “Go ahead. Just try not to hurt anyone too bad.”

Scootaloo looks up at the moon. Grinning, she feels her body change. Tossing aside her cloak, she looks at the gang members ominously with her luminous red eyes. Seeing her they stop in their tracks. Bloodletter roars at them.

“Don’t tell me you guys are going to be stopped by a little kid!”

Slowly advancing again, Hammer looks to Arc’s magic blades.

“I could use a weapon.”

“Agreed. Scootaloo?”

“Yes, Big Brother?”

“Get yourself and Hammer a club or something.”

“No problem. Let me try something.”

Concentrating, the little girl bursts into mist. Snaking her way forward, she rematerializes between to Riders. Latching on to their weapons Scootaloo vanishes in a puff of mist to return to Arc’s side. Holding up a club and chain, she turns to Hammer.

“Which one do you want?”

Hammer grins. “I’ll take that club!”

Scootaloo nods and tosses it to her. “That leaves me with the chain. Not that I need it, mind you.”

Gasping, the gang looks back to Bloodletter. Brandishing his claws, he looks them over.

“Last chance! It’s me or them!”

Charging forward, they meet Arc and his companions head-on. Sereb bats them away with his massive paws as Scootaloo mists and moves to flank the group along with Templar Derpy. Finding themselves surrounded the gang members begin to panic. As Arc and Hammer join the fray they begin clawing over one another to get away. Hammer hits several of them in the head with the club as Arc slices deftly through their weapons, forcing them to either take him on unarmed or flee. Derpy knocks members off their feet with large sweeps of her spear as Scootaloo follows up with blows of her own. Wrapping the chain around her fist, she makes quick work rendering unconscious the gangers on the ground. In a short time the remaining Riders grab their companions and flee into the night screaming in terror. Bloodletter growls and chases after them.

“Get back here you cowards!”

Derpy looks to Scootaloo. “Let’s go!”

“On it!”

Grabbing Derpy, they change to mist together. Flowing along the ground the pair rematerialize directly in front of Bloodletter. Hitting him in the chest simultaneously the wolf staggers back. Sereb runs over and latches onto the beast’s tail. With all of his might he tosses their opponent through the air to land in front of Arc and Hammer. The young woman grins as she looks down at Bloodletter.

“That’s more like it. Ready to give up?”

“NEVER!”

He lunges for Scootaloo, thinking her to be the weakest of the group. However she vanishes in a plume of mist and reappears overhead. Landing on his shoulders, she kicks him in the neck causing the massive beast to fall to the ground. Derpy smacks him with the butt of her spear in the head before aiming it at his neck. Sereb jumps onto the creature’s back, using all four of his paws to pin the large limbs to the ground. Arc walks over, his magic blades still aglow as Hammer uses her magic to pull her gun from Bloodletter’s claws.

“Nighty, night.”

Kneeling down, he punches Bloodletter in the face. As the beast loses consciousness Arc turns to Hammer.

“That was unusual.”

“I don’t think he’s so special.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I mean how easy that was.”

Hammer frowns. “That was EASY?!”

Derpy shrugs. “Kinda was, I suppose.”

“What’s so different from the other stuff we did, Big Brother?”

Sereb steps off the now unconscious beast. “The fact that we did it together. Everyone did their part and together we emerged victorious.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “All this time you’ve been trying to take on everything alone. I mean, usually it works, but…”

Arc nods sadly. “But I could have been so much more effective had I just let others give me a hand.”

Sereb chuckles. “Such as when you allowed the squad to help take this beast down the first time.”

Hammer nods. “I saw the footage of that. It really was incredible.”

Scootaloo grins. “We’ve all learned something here tonight.”

Arc turns to her. “That we can accomplish anything as a team?”

“No! That I can do that cool mist thing too!”

Everyone laughs heartily as Hammer walks over to the diary on the ground. She picks it up and looks it over for a long moment. Eventually Arc walks over to her.

“Looks like we got what we came here for.”

Hammer nods sadly. “Y-yeah.”

Derpy appears confused. “Is something wrong?”

“I… I just wanted to remember.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Remember what?”

“The times we spent on dates originally. That’s the whole reason I started a diary in the first place.”

Cherry calls out to her. “Nothing wrong with that.”

“But it caused so much trouble!”

Sereb sighs. “Perhaps certain facts shouldn’t be recorded on paper.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. But they’ll still live on in your heart.”

“I guess.”

Derpy looks to Hammer. “What now?”

“This.”

Hammer tosses the diary back down on the ground. Concentrating, she holds out a hand. One of the gang’s lanterns floats into her hand. Dropping it, the glass shatters as oil covers the diary, which quickly ignites. The smell of smoke fills the air as she turns to Arc.

“I’ll keep your secret in my heart from now on.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. “Um… couldn’t you have just… oh, I don’t know… ripped out the pages that had sensitive information in them?”

“Guess I could have.”

She looks down at the diary, now fully engulfed in flames.

“Kinda late now.”

Cherry sighs. “What’s done is done.”

Sereb looks down at the creature nearby. “Now that just leaves the matter of what to do with this thing.”

Hammer grins as she points her gun at Bloodletter’s head.

“I got it.”

Arc gasps. “Wait!”

“He could wake up at any time! We have to do this now!”

Derpy shakes her head. “But can we? I mean… he’s a bad human, and all. But shouldn’t he be turned over to the guards, or something?”

Sereb sighs. “Most likely.”

Scootaloo frowns. “We could. But I’m with Miss Hammer on this one.”

Hammer looks to Arc.

“Two votes for, two against. What’s it going to be, Hero?”

“We can’t just kill him while he’s unconscious like this.”

Hammer appears confused. “So… we wait for him to wake up?”

Sereb growls. “He is still weakened. It would not be necessary.”

Scootaloo clenches a fist. “We can’t just leave him here though!”

Arc nods. “True. But at the same time we can’t let him go.”

Derpy giggles as she raises a gauntlet. “I think I may have an idea.”

Chapter 5 - Plots and Pies

Arc and company walk up the basement stairs together. Dinky runs into the kitchen to greet them.

“DAD! Is everyone okay?!”

Arc nods as he tousles her hair. “Yes sweetheart. Everyone’s fine.”

Derpy giggles. “We all stayed safe by watching each other’s backs.”

Scootaloo grins. And by having fun!

Sereb sighs as he puts a paw over his face. “I am not sure the ‘fun’ part was necessary.”

Cherry calls out. “Probably not.”

Hammer grins as she puts her gun over her shoulder. “Maybe so. But it sure made for a great evening!”

Arc looks at the clock and takes Dinky’s hand.

“Come with me.”

“Dad?”

Hammer laughs. “We gotta show you something!”

Leading the group over to the couch, Arc steps out of his armor and sits down with Dinky. The others pile onto the sofa with him as he grabs the remote with his magic and presses the ‘power’ button.

“Kinda late to be watching television isn’t it, dad?”

Derpy sits down with them. “This time we’ll make an exception, sweetie.”

Switching stations, they wait a few minutes for the eleven o’clock news. In time the anchor comes on the screen.

“Good evening, Angel Grove. Tonight’s top story… trouble at the local zoo. Our own Minerva Moore comes to us live from the scene.”

The screen splits as Minerva’s face appears.

“That’s right, Tom. The police received an anonymous tip a short time ago that a strange looking man was seen breaking into the grounds here.”

“For what purpose?”

“From what we can tell… to be with his own kind.”

“Minerva?”

“Take a look for yourself, Tom.”

Dave turns the camera and films a rather punchy looking Bloodletter lying in the center of the wolf exhibit.

“What IS that?!”

“It appears to be the creature from a story I did some time back on the Hero of Light against The Rider’s leader.”

Tom gasps. “That’s HIM?!”

“I would say so, Tom. After all, no one but him could pull off that look.”

“Do the authorities have any plans for his immediate future?”

“Police have notified Animal Control. They’re on their way over as we speak to take this creature into custody.”

" Isn’t that a bit… unorthodox. After all, he is still a man under all that hair."

“Yes he is, Tom. However Marshal Raynor made the judgement call to bring them in, as he doesn’t have the facilities to house him. The police will stay with him until further notice pending official word from a judge tomorrow morning.”

“A judge?”

“This being a rather unique case, the police tell me they’ll require judicial guidance on how to legally proceed.”

“And if he turns back?”

“Then he’ll be immediately arrested and transferred to our local jail.”

The camera pans over to several Animal Control agents tranquilizing Bloodletter and the surrounding wolves. Carefully entering the exhibit, they cautiously load the beast into a large cage. Lowering the hook from a small crane they hitch up the cage and hoist it up and onto a nearby truck. Tom nods approvingly.

“Looks like a simple capture.”

“Yes, Tom. We were worried someone could be hurt. But the creature appears to be a bit out of it.”

“Maybe from a night on the town?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, Tom. This has been Minerva Moore reporting live from the Angel Grove Zoo.”

“Thank you, Minerva.”

Minerva nods as the anchorman looks back at the camera before proceeding.

“We’ll keep you updated on this story as it unfolds.”

Arc raises the remote and turns off the television. Dinky grins at him.

“You and the others must’ve really gone hard on him. That guy looked pretty out of it.”

Sereb grins toothily. “We acted with the appropriate amount of force necessary to subdue the creature known as Bloodletter.”

Hammer shrugs. “It was more than he deserved, but yes.”

“How’d you do it?!”

Derpy smiles. “Well… as soon as Arc learned that the man wasn’t actually in cohorts with Hammer’s sisters he called us in to help.”

Scootaloo grins. “Right! We intimidated his gang before moving on to him!”

Hammer shudders. “Still not sure what exactly you did to him though, Arc.”

“Something Scootaloo showed me some time ago. Crimson Manipulation.”

Dinky appears confused. “I don’t get it.”

Scootaloo steps forward. “You remember when your dad and I were explaining how we tricked two stallions into betraying their gang in Dodge Junction, right?”

Arc chuckles. “And the nurse at the Vanhoover Hospital too.”

“Yeah. What about it?”

Scootaloo grins. “We can make those with weak minds do or think whatever we want!”

Arc nods. “While not exactly easy, Scootaloo and I were able to dominate him and rearrange a few things in his head.”

Dinky frowns. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Derpy puts a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “It had to be done, sweetie. That and it was my idea.”

“Mom?”

“It just kinda came to me when we were discussing what to do. After all, we couldn’t just leave him there like that. He’d just go on to hurt others.”

Hammer grins. “So Arc and Scootaloo here used their Crimson magical mumbo jumbo to convince him that he and I never met.”

Sereb nods. “So any memory that involves Hammer is disassociated.”

“Including my diary!”

Dinky gasps. “But he can still transform though!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. I decided to implant a small psychological… trigger. ”

Derpy turns to Dinky. “Arc convinced him that he’s deathly afraid of the moon.”

Arc nods. “Just like Fluttershy, he’ll now collapse in fear if he comes into a situation where he’s exposed to the moon again.”

Scootaloo giggles. “And with that your mom and I flew him to the zoo and tossed him with the wolves.”

Hammer laughs. “While they got back from their little errand I called the police and tipped them off!”

Sereb chuckles. “The result is what you saw on the news.”

Derpy nods. “And with that we deemed the mission a complete success.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “It went as smoothly as any operation I’ve been involved in.”

“That’s good. Because there may well be more of them to come.”

Cherry calls out. “What do you mean, Arc?”

Dinky frowns. “Yeah, I don’t see that guy getting away anytime soon.”

“I mean back in Equestria. Rarity contacted me earlier this morning to say that Decimus is still looking for me.”

Sereb growls. “You would think he would have given up by now.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “He knows that my dad can still stop him!”

“I could if I knew what he was up to.”

Hammer brandishes her weapon. “Should we shoot him?”

Derpy sighs. “Probably not the best idea, no.”

Arc groans. “Right. Like I told you before, Decimus is a slippery one. If we take him on without proof and a plan we’ll be in the wrong.”

Scootaloo grins. “So what now?”

Dinky yawns. “How about we head to bed? I’m worn out just listening to this story.”

Derpy stands. “Good idea. Come along, Dinky. You too, Scootaloo.”

They stand and follow Derpy up the stairs. Hammer turns to Arc.

“Why don’t we follow their lead and get some sleep?”

Arc nods and stands. “Sounds like a plan.”

Hammer grins as she puts her arms around his shoulders. “Or… we could celebrate this victory with something a bit more… exotic.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “No thanks.”

Hammer shrugs as she heads for the basement door. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”

Sereb hops off the couch and falls into step behind Hammer. She looks back at him.

“You going to watch me sleep, or something?”

“More or less.”

Hammer scoffs. “Whatever.”

Arc heads upstairs and flops down on his parent’s bed. Crawling under the covers he sighs contentedly as Cherry calls out to him.

“Tonight went very well.”

“The best.”

“Can I ask you something, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Did you mean what you said back there? About needing to work together to stop Decimus?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But in all honesty, I hope that I’m wrong.”

“Wrong?”

“About having to stop him ourselves. With luck, Twilight will be able to make Princess Celestia see reason and we can go home.”

“At least you have another ally in that fight now.”

“Hammer?”

“She’d follow you back to Equestria even if you didn’t want her to come.”

“You’re probably right.”

“That and she’s pretty good in a fight too. Scootaloo as well.”

“We might need both of their help.”

“Let’s talk about it more another time, Arc. You’re dozing off as it is.”

Arc yawns. “Yeah. Good night, Chery.”

“Good night, Arc.”

Drifting off to sleep, Arc is unfortunately awakened a short time later to a light knock on his door. Opening one eye he looks toward it and calls out.

“Come in.”

Derpy and Hammer enter the room and close the door behind them as Arc sits up.

“Something wrong?”

Derpy nods. “Kinda.”

Hammer sighs. “Sorry to wake you, but… I just couldn’t sleep down there.”

“Something tells me it’s more than just an uncomfortable mattress though.”

Derpy sighs. “Right.”

“It’s just… I don’t know where to begin.”

Cherry giggles. “How about over a slice of pie?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “At this hour?”

“In our Sanctuary, silly!”

“Oh… that makes a bit more sense.”

Hammer frowns. “Your what now?”

Derpy sighs. “It’s kinda complicated.”

Cherry calls out again. “Seeing it is easier than trying to explain it.”

“Fine. What do we have to do?”

Arc motions to the pillow next to him. “Just lie down with me.”

Hammer grins. “I’m liking this plan!”

Derpy giggles. “Me too!”

Laying back, Arc puts his arms around the pair and pulls them close. Hammer looks to him happily.

“What now?”

“Just fall asleep. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Alright. Just one last thing.”

“What is it?”

Hammer presses her lips to Arc’s cheek and whispers in his ear.>

“I’m so ready for this.”

Derpy kisses his other cheek and smiles.

“Let’s get started.”

Arc chuckles. “Good night, you two.”

They close their eyes and drift off to sleep. Sereb listens from the hallway and lies down outside the door.

“Hopefully the three of you can come to some kind of… agreement.”

Meanwhile, Hammer and Derpy awaken in some tall grass. Sitting up they look around.

“Where… are we?”

Derpy giggles. “Cherry Hill Ranch.”

“That didn’t clear it up.”

Derpy stands up and extends a hand to Hammer. “Cherry’s home.”

Hammer appears confused as Derpy pulls her up. “Arc’s fiancée?”

“Yes.”

She looks all around before turning back to Hammer.

“They must be in the house. Let’s go see.”

“Lead the way.”

Walking toward the farmhouse, the smell of sweet cherry pie hits their nostrils. Hammer grins.

“Something sure smells good!”

“That’s Cherry’s famous pie! I had it when Arc and I visited her some time back.”

Entering the kitchen, they find Arc rolling out some dough. He looks up at them and grins.

“You two made it.”

Derpy nods happily. “Yes indeed.”

“Derpy tells me this here is called Cherry Hill Ranch. Is that right?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes and no. It’s not really the ranch, no. But on the other hand, it’s as real as you want it to be.”

Derpy looks around. “Where’s Cherry?”

“She went to the cellar to get another bag of sugar.”

The sound of hooves coming up the stairs rings out. Hammer turns just in time to see Cherry step out of the hatch with a sack on her back. She gasps and takes a step back.

“You… you really are a… a pony!”

Cherry giggles. “That I am.”

Derpy appears confused. “Was it that hard to believe?”

“Kinda. Not sure how though. I mean… I say Dinky get turned into a pony and back again.”

Derpy smiles. “I’m a pony too if you recall. Well… a Pegasus anyways.”

Arc nods. “Right. You want to go back to that, Derpy?”

“Yes. But just for a moment. I want Hammer to see what I really look like.”

Arc concentrates. A moment later Derpy changes back into a pony. Hammer grins.

“That’s really cool!”

Derpy appears confused. “What is?”

“A horse with wings!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, that’s what a Pegasus is.”

“Yeah. But until I saw it myself, I just couldn’t believe it. Do they really work? Your wings, I mean.”

Derpy giggles as she flaps her wings and hovers. “That they do.”

“Awesome! Arc, can you turn me into a Pegasus too?!”

“Sure. After all, I can do anything here.”

Concentrating, Arc changes Hammer into a pegasus version of herself. She grins hugely.

“This is AWESOME!”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “That was surprising.”

Derpy turns to Cherry. “It was?”

“Usually others are a bit… off-put being changed into something they’re not used to.”

Hammer trots in place. “Not me! Oh, it feels great to be like this!”

Arc looks to her. “Why’s that?”

“For starters, I have wings!”

She flaps them a few times to get some air before landing and continuing.

“Best of all, I’m naked!”

Derpy frowns. “What’s ‘naked’.”

Arc blushes. “It means being without clothes. Which I suppose Hammer is right now.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Never did like feeling constricted. Most days when I get home I take a shower, towel dry, and just hang out with everything hanging out!”

Cherry turns to the new pegasi. “Well, would you like to help me bake some pies, Hammer?”

“Sure! What would you like me to do?!”

“How about roll out the crust? That should be pretty easy.”

Derpy looks to Cherry. “And me?”

“You can mix the filling. We’ll need a lot.”

“Oh? Are we expecting company?”

Cherry giggles. “No. But you forget how much Arc can eat!”

Arc grins. “It’s just so good though!”

“Looking forward to this now!”

Arc turns to the table. “Then we’d best get to work.”

Hammer puts her front hooves on the table. Looking confused and lacking balance, she places her fetlocks on the table and leans forward to pick up the rolling pin. However it slips through her hooves and onto the floor. Kneeling down to pick it up, Cherry giggles.

“Fortunately my floor is clean enough to eat off of.”

Hammer watches as Cherry picks the rolling pin up in her teeth and sets it on the table in front of her.

“I, uh… seem to be having some trouble getting my hooves to work right.”

Derpy nods. “It does take some getting used to.”

Cherry smiles. “That it does.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “How would you know? After all both of you were born ponies.”

Arc turns to her. “When I took Derpy to Earth originally, she and all the others from the other country had to learn how to walk and use their fingers properly.”

Derpy sighs. “It was a bit disconcerting at first. But as Arc helped me, I was able to stand on my own in no time.”

Cherry looks over. “I too had trouble learning to walk as part of Arc’s armor. However with practice it all came together.”

Arc puts a hand on Hammer’s head. “They were able to become humans. So I believe that you can learn to be a pony if you want to. If you’d rather not though I can change you back.”

“I think I’d rather try again. After all, how often does someone have the opportunity to do something like this?”

Cherry looks to Hammer. “Can I give you some pointers. From one pony to another?”

“Sure.”

“First off, don’t rest your fetlocks on the table. It limits your mobility.”

“But if I don’t, I’ll fall over!”

“Watch me.”

Standing on her hind legs, Cherry balances on her back hooves as she places her front hooves on the rolling pin. Shifting her weight, she is able to push and pull the dough with her tool. Hammer gasps.

“How’re you doing that?!”

Cherry giggles. “It’s all about keeping your center of balance.”

“You make it look so easy!”

Derpy smiles. “I thought the same about walking when I first became a human.”

Hammer puts her hooves on the table. “Can I try again?”

“Sure.”

Stepping back, Cherry allows Hammer to again take the rolling pin. Following the mare’s advice she carefully rolls the dough flat slowly but surely.

“I’m doing it!”

Derpy nods. “Very good!”

Arc grins. “See? A little practice makes all the difference.”

Cherry turns to the bowl of filling. “Now then, let’s get these pies going!”

Sometime later they head to the front porch. Arc gestures to the steps.

“How about we have a seat?”

Derpy nods. “Sounds good.”

Cherry giggles. “Indeed. The pies will take quite some time to fully cook before we can eat them.”

Sitting down, Cherry takes her place on one side while Hammer sits on his other. Derpy smiles and sits on the other side of Cherry. Arc turns to Hammer.

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

“Well… it’s about… um… my sisters.”

“Stingray and Mio, huh?”

“Yeah. I was lying on one of the bunks down in the basement thinking about how we were a team up until recently.”

Derpy cocks her head to one side. “A team?”

Cherry frowns. “You mean in battle?”

“More so than that. We used to fight a lot, yeah. But at the same time we were able to do more together than anyone around us. On the battlefield and in the office.”

“You three did go hoof to hoof with Arc and his squad back at Damocles Base.”

Arc nods. “In addition to Rose, Auriel, and Ember I might add.”

Derpy gasps. “That IS impressive!”

Cherry shudders. “I thought it was going to be a massacre!”

Hammer grins. “We surprised you, huh?”

Arc chuckles. “That you did. In fact, until Ember joined the fight we were pretty much evenly matched.”

Derpy looks to Hammer. “Do you miss them?”

“Kinda, yeah. I mean… we’ve been together forever, after all.”

Arc sighs. “If you went back to them, would you be in trouble?”

“A bit, yes. Nothing that would earn me more than a week or so in the brig though.”

Cherry groans. “Would you like to return to them?”

“My sisters, yes. But not Damocles Base. General Mustang is poisoning those around him with that pheromone stuff. I can’t fight for someone who does things like that.”

She looks over to Arc and smiles as she puts her hoof on his knee.

“That’s why when I found out that Mio and Stingray were planning to ambush you, I knew I couldn’t just sit there and do nothing.”

“Even though I was blackmailing Mio?”

Hammer scoffs. “Blackmailing? HAH! If anything, you were trying to get her to help ME! Something she and Stingray couldn’t do themselves. At least not alone.”

Derpy frowns. “But I thought they cared about you. Why try to stop someone who only wants to help?”

Hammer sighs. “Because they wanted to bring you before General Mustang. It would have certainly impressed him to no end. After all, they both want his attention. So in the end it was them who was using YOU!”

Cherry frowns. “Stingray, maybe. But Mio appeared genuinely sad when you left.”

“She’s always been a nice person. Not as serious or dutiful as Stingray though. I know our relationship probably looks complicated to you all. But that’s because it is.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. Do you like your sisters or not?”

“Both actually.”

Derpy smiles. “So you want to be with them, but at the same time… don’t?”

“Exactly right, but at the same time, no.”

Arc looks her in the eye. “Why don’t you just tell me what you mean then?”

Hammer takes a deep breath. “What I really mean is… that I’d like to be able to make my sisters see reason. Show them that the general isn’t the shining beacon of manliness they believe him to be.”

Cherry’s ears droop. “But they dismissed the evidence that proved it.”

Derpy sighs. “Then what could be done?”

Hammer grits her teeth. “There has to be SOMETHING!”

Arc shakes his head. “At this point, there may not be.”

“So I should just give up on them?!”

“I didn’t say that. What I mean is that there isn’t anything you could do change their minds at this point in time.”

“Then what should I do?!”

“For starters, keep in touch.”

Derpy perks up. “Write them?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of calling Stingray and Mio on the phone. Either ways work though.”

Hammer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That might be a good way to reopen a dialogue. Writing, I mean. But what do I tell them?”

Cherry grins. “How about you start with all the good times you’re having with Arc?”

Derpy nods. “Right. But you might want to leave out the whole Hero of Light part.”

“A letter telling them what I’m doing? But won’t that be kinda boring?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. But if they really care about you, it’ll help them to know that you’re doing well.”

Derpy looks to Hammer. “Start with breakfast and chores. From there move onto what books you’re reading along with anything interesting on television. Above all, stay busy and stay connected.”

“I still think it’ll be pretty boring.”

“If my sister Ruby had left with a stallion, I’d certainly want to know how she was getting along.”

Arc nods. “If that goes well, you might try calling them on the phone.”

Hammer appears suddenly nervous as she looks to Arc. “And you’re okay with that?”

“I don’t own you, Hammer. You’re free to come and go as you please. Go to the store, out to eat, see a movie, heck you could go see your sisters and it wouldn’t bother me.”

Derpy nods. “Just don’t let them know where you’re staying. We don’t want them blasting down Arc’s door.”

Cherry shudders. “Right. It might not end well. For anypony, that is.”

Hammer appears relieved. “Thanks for being so understanding, Arc. It’s nice to know I finally have a considerate boyfriend.”

She clops her hooves together excitedly.

“That’s what I’ll do!”

Derpy appears confused. “Hammer?”

“Write to my sisters and tell them about you, Arc! About how you’re taking such good care of me and not trying to force me to do anything I don’t want to!”

“If that’s what you want, then sure.”

“I’ll do it first thing in the morning! Uh… what time IS it?!”

“One sec…”

Closing his eyes, Arc concentrates before opening them and grinning.

“It’s still the middle of the night. We’ve got plenty of time.”

Cherry grins. “For talking?”

“That too. Mostly for eating pie!”

Derpy sighs. “But they still need to cook for some time.”

Arc grins as he concentrates. “No they don’t.”

Cherry sniffs the air. “Well, they do smell done.”

“They are.”

Hammer gasps. “How?!”

“This is my Sanctuary. It’s a little pocked dimension that I’m fully in control of.”

Cherry giggles. “He’s the master of his own domain.”

Derpy stands. “Well, we’d better take them out before they burn then.”

Cherry follows suit. “And let them cool.”

Arc laughs. “I’ll take care of that too.”

Hammer grins as she turns to him. “You sure do like your food, Arc!”

Arc smiles at Hammer as they head for the screen door. “Once you taste this pie I think you’ll agree with the steps I’ve taken to hasten the cooking time.”

Chapter 6 - Icky Sticky

Arc, Derpy, and Hammer awaken as the first rays of dawn shine through the windows. Hammer sits up quickly and looks around the room. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Are we… back?”

Derpy smiles as she sits up. “We never left.”

“I still don’t get that part.”

Arc chuckles. “Our bodies stayed here while our consciousnesses entered the Sanctuary.”

“The words coming out of your mouth don’t make any sense, Arc!”

Derpy giggles as she sits up. “Don’t worry about it too much. I’ve been there before and still don’t understand it.”

Arc stretches. “I’m told it’s something only very powerful magic users can do.”

Hammer sighs as she stands. “While I knew you were really powerful, even I didn’t think you were capable of something like THAT!”

Arc looks out the window as a flash of lightning illuminates the gray sky and a cold rain pelts the glass.

“We can talk about it more if you’d like. After all, it doesn’t look like we’re going out today.”

Derpy nods. “I’ll get breakfast going.”

Arc stands. “Me too.”

“Can I help too? The other day was a lot of fun!”

Derpy grins. “Sure!”

“Thanks. Uh… do you think I could ask for some help afterward, Arc?”

“What do you need?”

Hammer looks to him sheepishly. “Someone to sit with me while I write a letter to my sisters.”

“I can do that, sure.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc calls out.

“Come in!”

Sereb steps inside and looks to them.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I believe something is wrong with Dinky.”

Derpy jumps to her feet. “Oh no! Is she hurt?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. But you and Arc should go see her at once.”

Arc nods. “We’ll do that. Come on, Derpy.”

Walking quickly out the door, they come to Arc’s old room. Entering, they find Scootaloo looking over the young girl. She turns to the pair as they enter.

“What’s going on?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Dinky’s sick.”

She rolls off the bed to allow Arc and Derpy to approach. Dinky is shaking but sweating profusely as she opens her eyes.

“M-mom? D-dad? I don’t feel so good. Can I have another blanket please?”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Should we take her to the hospital?!”

Arc shakes his head as he places a hand on Dinky’s forehead. “I don’t think she’s that bad.”

Scootaloo nods. “Dinky probably just has a cold. I saw this same thing a million times in my parent’s shop.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “What do we do?!”

“A bit of rest should have her feeling good as new soon. Let’s take her temperature though.”

Derpy appears confused. “Take her… what?”

“I’ll show you.”

Picking Dinky up, Arc carries her to the bathroom past Sereb and Hammer. Setting her on the toilet lid he turns to Hammer.

“There’s a thermometer in the medicine cabinet.”

“On it!”

She opens the cabinet as Derpy kneels down in front of Dinky and takes her shaking hand.

“She looks really bad!”

Arc puts a hand on Derpy’s shoulder. “We’ll take good care of her.”

“Found it!”

Tossing a digital thermometer to Arc, he turns back to Dinky. She appears suddenly frightened.

“Wha-what’s that thing?!”

“Just a thermometer, sweetheart.

Cherry calls out. “It’ll tell us how bad your fever is.”

Arc nods. “Now I need to lift your shirt a little and put it under your arm. Is that okay?”

Dinky nods nervously. Arc carefully raises her shirt to expose a warm underarm. Sticking the probe under her armpit he lowers it and turns the device on.

“Keep your arm there and we’ll have an answer soon.”

A short time later the device beeps. Arc removes it as Derpy puts the little girl’s shirt down.

“Looks like you’re at one-hundred and one, sweetheart.”

Derpy gasps. “Is that bad?!”

“Not terribly, no. I’ll get her some medicine to lower it. Can you get the shower going for her, Derpy?”

“Yes, of course!”

Dinky begins to cry as her father leaves the room. “Mom, I’m scared!”

Hammer steps forward. “You stay with her. I’ll get the tub going.”

“Thank you.”

Derpy takes Dinky’s hands as Hammer sets the water temperature.

“It’s going to be okay, Dinky. Your father’s going to see to it that you get better soon.”

Scootaloo nods from the doorway. “Yeah, Dinky. Like I said before, my mom treated a lot of ponies with symptoms just like yours.”

Hammer looks over. “We should probably get her in the tub now. That’ll bring the fever down in no time.”

Derpy quickly undresses Dinky and tosses her sweaty nightclothes in the hamper. Hammer turns and picks the little girl up as Scootaloo pulls back the shower curtain. Setting her down on the floor of the tub they allow the warm water to wash over her. Dinky sighs contentedly as Scootaloo looks her over.

“Warm enough, Dinky?”

“That does feel nice.”

“Is there anything else you need, sweetie?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, mom. I just kinda want to lie here for a bit.”

There is a small knock at the door. Arc opens it a crack as Hammer walks over.

“I brought some medicine. Can you give it to her?”

“Sure.”

She takes the small medicine cup and hands it off to Scootaloo. Turning back to Arc she smiles.

“Thanks.”

“How is she?”

“Much better now that she’s in the tub. I think the warm water will do her a world of good.”

Scootaloo comes to the door. “Should we get breakfast going, Big Brother?”

“If Derpy doesn’t need help, yes.”

Derpy sighs. “I’ll stay with her, Arc.”

Hammer puts a hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder. “Come on. Let’s give your little friend some privacy.”

Nodding, Scootaloo follows Hammer out of the bathroom. Derpy sits on the floor next to the tub and carefully puts the medicine to Dinky’s lips.

“Drink this, sweetheart.”

“What… is it?”

“I don’t actually know. But your father said it was some kind of medicine.”

Allowing the medicine to be poured in her mouth, her eyes fly open and she begins gagging.

“What… what IS this stuff?!”

“Don’t spit it out, sweetie! Swallow it!”

Doing as she is told, Dinky chokes the medicine down. Derpy pats her head lovingly.

“Good. I’m sorry it tasted bad. But your father wouldn’t have given you something if it was going to hurt you.”

Dinky nods and lays back. Sometime later the smells of breakfast waft into the room. Derpy looks to her daughter.

“Are you hungry?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, mom. My stomach feels kinda funny right now.”

Her face contorts as her hands fly to her belly.

“Something… something’s happening!”

“What do you…?”

Derpy is cut off as Dinky retches violently and vomits all over herself. She looks to her mother for help as fresh tears flow.

“Mom! What’s wrong with me?!”

“You just threw up, sweetie. Let me clean you up.”

Standing, Derpy picks up the shower nozzle and brings it down close to Dinky’s body. Washing off the bile and whatnot she carefully sprays it toward the drain.

“Where did that stuff come from?!”

“Your stomach, sweetie. You must have a belly sickness.”

“What’s that?!”

“I was told as a filly that sometimes you can get a bug in your stomach. It can make you feel bad and do things like throw up and get warm while feeling cold.”

“What do we do?!”

“Rest mostly. That’s what I did. But I think your father may be able to help. He and Scootaloo are pretty smart, after all. We can ask him when he calls us to breakfast.”

Dinky grimaces and closes her eyes. “I don’t think I even want to LOOK at food right now, mom.”

A good while later Arc comes upstairs. Knocking lightly he opens the door a few inches before speaking.

“Everything alright in here?”

“Dinky threw up a little while ago.”

“Uh oh. How much?”

Dinky calls out from the tub. “A lot!”

Derpy sighs. “Everything that was in her empty tummy, that is.”

Arc grimaces. “Including that medicine.”

“Sorry dad.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. How do you feel right now?”

“Not so hot anymore.”

“Can I take her out now, Arc?”

Arc calls out. “What do you think, Dinky?”

“I really want to, yes.”

“Alright. Derpy, can you get her dried off? I’ll go fetch her some clean clothes.”

“Okay.”

Turning off the water, Derpy helps her daughter out of the tub. Sitting her down on the toilet lid she pats her skin dry. Arc knocks lightly before opening the door part way and tossing a t-shirt and shorts in along with fresh undergarments with socks. Derpy carefully dresses Dinky and opens the door.

“She’s ready.”

Arc steps into the bathroom and picks Dinky up.

“Let’s get you downstairs, sweetheart.”

“I don’t think I can eat anything, dad.”

“That’s okay. We’ll lay you on the couch. Sereb, get a pillow and light blanket for her, would you please?”

“Very well.”

Heading downstairs, Arc lays Dinky on the couch. Sereb hurries toward them with the requested items. Arc takes the pillow and puts it under Dinky’s head as Derpy covers her with the blanket. Scootaloo walks over with a large mixing bowl and hands it to Arc. Derpy shakes her head.

“I don’t think she can eat anything yet.”

“It’s empty.”

“Oh?”

Arc kneels down and hands Dinky the bowl. “You just hold onto this, sweetheart. If you feel like you’re going to throw up again do it in here.”

“Okay.”

Hammer walks out of the kitchen with a spatula. “The foods getting cold everyone.”

Arc looks to her. “I’ll sit here with Dinky. The rest of you eat.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “What about you, Arc?”

“I can bring you a plate, Big Brother.”

“No thanks. I’ll just wait for all of you to be done. Save me some, okay?”

They nod and head for the kitchen as Arc sits down at Dinky’s feet. Picking up the remote, he turns on the television and pulls up some cartoons. Dinky smiles weakly as the show starts.

“This one’s my favorite, dad.”

Arc chuckles. “Sam and Max?”

Dinky appears surprised. “You’ve heard of it?”

Arc grins. “I used to watch it when I was a kid. Where’d you hear about this show?”

“From Mia’s little brother, Alex. He loves watching it with his dad.”

“Which one’s your favorite character?”

“Sam.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“He’s the voice of reason. Kinda like you, dad.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks. But what about Max?”

“I still like him. After all, we wouldn’t have much of a show with only Sam.”

“They work well together, that’s for sure. Max is the crazy, random one while Sam keeps him in check.”

“Like you and Miss Ember?”

“Kinda. Um… please don’t tell her that.”

Dinky grimaces. “I won’t.”

A short time later Derpy walks over to the couch with Hammer.

“Feeling better, kid?”

Dinky shakes her head. “I’m just kinda tired and achy right now.”

Derpy smiles at her. “We’ll stay with you while your father eats.”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. Scootaloo is warming your food up on the stove.”

Arc stands. “Thanks. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Derpy takes Arc’s place on the couch at her daughter’s feet. Patting them gently, she smiles.

“You’ll feel better soon, sweetie.”

Dinky sighs. “I sure hope so.”

“That bug just has to work its way through your system.”

Dinky gasps. “You mean crawl through it?!”

Derpy shakes her head. “It should be digested soon enough.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Digested?”

“The bug that’s making Dinky sick.”

“You mean germs?”

Derpy appears confused. “What are those?”

“Microscopic creatures that make you sick.”

“Small bugs though, right?”

Hammer sighs. “Not exactly.”

Dinky grimaces. “Can you tell us more, Miss Hammer?”

“Not really. I just know the basics, which is pretty much what I just told you.”

“Aw…”

“We can ask your father when he’s done eating. I’m sure he could point us in the right direction.”

A short time later Arc and Scootaloo return to the couch. Arc gives Dinky a tall glass of water as Derpy moves over to give him back his spot. Scootaloo looks Dinky over.

“You’re still pretty warm. How do you feel?”

“Kinda icky.”

Arc chuckles. “It’ll pass, sweetheart. You just need to rest. That and drink this.”

Dinky appears nervous. “What is it?”

“Just water. You see, when your sick you need to stay hydrated so your body can expel the infection. More so now that you threw up.”

Derpy turns to him. “About that, Arc. Can you tell us what germs are?”

“Bacteria or viruses that make us sick mostly.”

Dinky gasps. “Bacteria? Viruses?”

“Little organisms that infect your body’s cells, use their resources to make more of themselves, and eventually destroy the cell from within.”

Derpy turns to Arc frantically. “Oh my! Will Dinky be okay?!”

“She’ll be fine. Her antibodies will take care of the sickness.”

Scootaloo nods. “That they will. Maybe with a little help from some medicine though.”

Derpy frowns. “Immune system?”

Hammer grins. “Derpy thought that it was literal bugs that made someone sick.”

Derpy sighs. “I’ve never heard of these new terms before.”

Dinky pulls the blanket up to her chin. “Me either.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Can you tell us more?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well… when your body detects an infection, it increases production of what are known as ‘white blood cells’. They fight off the infection by killing the invading germs.”

Dinky looks down at her belly. “So there’s a battle going on inside me right now?!”

“You could say that.”

Derpy gasps. “But what if those cells can’t stop the germs?!”

“Then her symptoms would get progressively worse. That would be a sign that she needs professional medical attention.”

Hammer nods. “We’d take her to the hospital to get some more powerful medicine.”

Scootaloo looks to Dinky. “My mom had a regimen she would follow for certain sicknesses. They got more and more powerful the further down the list you went.”

Dinky frowns. “Why not just start with the most powerful treatments then?”

“Because they had a lot of nasty side effects. That and if she wasn’t careful it could even kill the patient.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “The first treatments were the safest?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. But they were also the most generalized.”

“Sounds like what we do here on Earth too.”

Hammer appears surprised. “We do?”

“Sure. Let’s say you went to the doctor with a stomach ache. They’d probably tell you to get some rest and drink plenty of fluids.”

Derpy frowns. “No medicine?”

“Probably just some over the counter ones. But what if the problem didn’t go away?”

Hammer clenches a fist. “I’d go back to the doctor and tell them to fix it now, or else!”

Arc nods. “Right. Then they’d probably look at it more in depth. Maybe some tests would be ordered along with a change in diet.”

Dinky gasps. “What if that didn’t work?”

“The doctor could perform a procedure called an endoscopy that involves putting a camera down your throat to try and find anything unusual in your stomach.”

Scootaloo frowns. “That doesn’t sound like much fun.”

Arc sighs. “It isn’t. I went with Shelly to an appointment to have such a procedure done. She looked really uncomfortable the entire time.”

Derpy shudders. “What if that doesn’t work?”

“They can do another procedure called a ‘lower endoscopy’. It involves inserting a camera up your… other end.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “You mean…?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Up the flank.”

Dinky grimaces. “That sounds terrible!”

“Shelly thought the same thing. But she said it didn’t actually feel that bad. They numbed her up before starting though.”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “I’m seeing the pattern here. Like you said before, each time you go to the doctor for the same problem it results in a less desirable test.”

Arc shrugs. “Not always. But it was the best example I could think of.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Did they figure anything out from it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. The best they could do for her was try and control the symptoms.”

Dinky shrinks back nervously. “Is that going to happen to me?!”

“I don’t think so, sweetheart. Tell me, how do you feel?”

“Still kinda icky and achy.”

Derpy gasps. “Is it getting worse?!”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. But I do feel really tired.”

Arc feels her forehead. “That’s your body’s way of telling you to rest so it can fight off the infection.”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “Should we take her up to bed?”

“I’d rather stay here with everyone else.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh… couldn’t she infect all of us?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But we’ve been around her this long.”

Derpy nods soberly. “I won’t leave her.”

Arc pats Dinky’s head. “Me either.”

“We’re immune, Big Brother. Crimson’s don’t get sick for some reason.”

Cherry calls out. “That’s a relief!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Arc smiles. “So… I guess we’re staying in today then.”

Dinky looks out the window. “If not for me being sick, we’d probably still do that.”

Hammer frowns. “Yeah. It’s pretty nasty out there.”

Scootaloo grins. “I kinda like it.”

Arc turns to her. “Do you now?”

“Yeah. Part of me wants to spread my wings and fly through it!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Wings?”

Arc looks to Hammer. “She’s a Pegasus.”

“Oh, right!”

Arc sighs. “I know this might sound crazy, but I know how you feel, Scootaloo.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You do not have wings though, Arc.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Well, there were those two times…”

Hammer gasps. “Say what now?!”

“It’s… complicated.”

“You have wings too, Arc?!”

“Kinda. I mean, they’ve only ever come out when I was extremely… emotional would be the word, I suppose.”

Cherry sighs. “When your life is in grave danger you mean, Arc.”

“I guess. My magic spikes and I can do pretty much anything for a short time.”

Sereb nods. “But afterwards you’re weakened.”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing’s perfect.”

His earring chirps. Hammer looks to it.

“Sounds like someone wants to talk.”

“Go ahead, Big Brother. Dinky’s going to be fine.”

"Yeah, dad. It might be important."

“Alright. You just rest, sweetheart.”

Standing, Arc heads upstairs to his parent’s room. Closing the door behind himself, he touches his earring and flops down on the bed.

“This is Arc.”

There is no reply.

“Hello? Is someone there?”

“H-hi?”

“Fluttershy? Is that you?”

“Yes. I, um…”

“You okay?”

“Kinda. I… just wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Can we keep it between us, please?”

Arc nods. “If that’s what you want, sure.”

“Thank you.”

Fluttershy fidgets for a few moments before speaking again.

“Well… as you know I take care of a great number of woodland creatures in my cottage.”

“That I’ve heard, yes.”

“I’m fully capable of the day to day needs and basic medical care as well as a few… other things.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Okay. Did something happen over there?”

“This morning I helped two of my animals… copulate.”

“In the fall?”

“It is a bit rare, yes. However when nature says it’s time, it’s time. It’s pretty easy to know… due to the smell. From there it’s just a matter of looking around to see whom it’s coming from.”

“I’ve read that some breeders here on Earth have to help with that particular procedure as well.”

“It’s really not all that hard. Sometimes I just have to… um…”

She pauses before continuing.

“…assist them in… lining it up.”

“Well, it can’t be easy without hands. For them, I mean.”

Fluttershy sounds particularly nervous. “Are you… mad?”

“About what?”

“Me touching my animals’ genitals when they’re in heat.”

“Not at all.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Why would I be mad?”

Fluttershy sighs. “I’ve never thought much of it. But now that I’m in a position to form a herd, I… I just…”

Taking a deep breath, she forces herself to speak.

“…I felt like I was cheating on you.”

“Cheating?”

“Once in a while I have to help the male… prepare for mating.”

“How so?”

“By… um… lubricating their genitals before helping slip it into the female. It’s not uncommon for them to need my help in that regard.”

“That’s understandable.”

“Well, this time was different. You see, when I smelled the odor I was in the middle of thinking about you. To tell you the truth, I… I originally thought it was coming from me.”

“Okay. That’s natural, I think.”

Fluttershy blushes. “It wasn’t! I mean… the smell wasn’t from me! My bear recently found a mate and she was the one whom was ready!”

“So you did what needed to be done.”

“Not exactly. You see, I’ve always been a bit squeamish when I have to get up close and personal with genitals. But since I’m the only one who can do it safely, I just get it done and that’s the end of it.”

“But it didn’t go that way?”

“No. I… wanted to try a new technique I read about in a book. It suggested that while the caregiver prepares the male for mating, they can help calm their own mind by thinking of something more pleasant.”

“Sounds like good advice. Did it work?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Yes.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“You’d think so. But what I was thinking about was not exactly what I would call… appropriate.”

“What was it?”

“When I was working up the male, I was thinking about… you, Arc.”

“Me?”

“More along the lines of… fantasizing, I suppose.”

“Fantasizing about you and I having sex?”

“Yes. But I went too far with it.”

“Uh oh. What happened?”

“I… literally went too far. Before I could stop myself, I… I was covered in bear semen.”

“Ouch! Are you okay?!”

“Yes. I immediately ran to the bathroom to clean myself up, of course. But… but as soon as I saw myself in the mirror, I saw that it was everywhere. In my mane, on my face, in my feathers, and even inside my ears. Without realizing it, I just started dreaming about… about you doing that to me yet again.”

Arc blushes. “Me… covering you in… that?”

Fluttershy’s voice cracks with a mix of embarrassment and shame. “You must think I’m a perverted little mare now. If you want to exclude me from the herd I won’t think any less of you, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Fluttershy. You were just a little… pent up.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Some mornings, more than a little.”

“It’s natural to want to be close to the one you love though.”

“That I do! I want to be held, and petted, and nuzzled, and… and…!”

She sighs again, realizing that her breathing has increased.

“I just… worked myself up again.”

“It’s okay. And if you want to break off being part of the herd to be with someone else, I totally understand.”

“No, no! You’re the only one for me, Arc!”

“Are you sure?”

“More than words can say! I don’t mind telling you this, but… you’re the first stallion to ever make me… moist.”

“Thank you? I think.”

Fluttershy giggles nervously. “It was meant to be a compliment, yes.”

“Then I’ll take it as such.”

“It does feel good to confess what I did to you.”

“And I’m glad you feel as though you can trust me with such things too, Fluttershy.”

“I’ll try to keep it in check though. After all, I don’t want the townsponies to think you’re taking a sick mare for a wife.”

“They won’t think that. Everyone in town thinks the world of you.”

“Thank you, Arc. You have my word that I’ll do my very best to make myself worthy of that.”

“You already are in my book.”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“That… means a lot coming from you. It’s made we weak in the knees.”

“Would some rest help settle your butterflies?”

“I think it might.”

“Then why don’t I let you go for now so you can rest?”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes, I’ll do that.”

“Good. Take care, Fluttershy.”

“You too.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Staring up at the ceiling, Arc muses to himself for a few minutes.

“Fluttershy. I hope we can be together soon. All of us.”

Cherry calls out to him. “She really wants that.”

“So do I.”

“Sex with her?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda. But it’s more along the lines of making them happy than carnal pleasures.”

“I never thought Fluttershy to be pent up sexually.”

“Me either. But that just makes me think.”

“What about?”

“That I know so little about all of them.”

Cherry giggles. “And what is the solution to that?”

“Get to know them. All of them.”

Chapter 7 - Blink!

Arc returns to the living room. Derpy looks to him nervously.

“Everything alright?”

“Yeah. That was Fluttershy.”

Dinky gasps. “She went all the way to Redemption Village to call you?”

“Looks like it.”

Hammer appears confused. “Fluttershy? Redemption Village? Is that code for someone in New Jersey, or something?”

Arc chuckles. “She’s someone from the other country.”

Hammer grins. “Another lover?”

“Kinda.”

“Uh…”

“She’s another one of the mares whom wants to form a herd with me.”

Scootaloo puts a hand to her forehead. “This is very confusing.”

Hammer nods as she frowns. “Yeah. How many other horses are you seeing?!”

“It’s… complicated.”

Dinky looks to Sereb. “Is it?”

“Very.”

Hammer grunts. “Come on! Give me a number at least!”

“Okay.”

Arc takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Two Unicorns, three Pegasi, two Earth Ponies, one demoness, and a dragon.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Three Earth Ponies if I was still alive.”

Dinky frowns. “What about Miss Lily?”

“I don’t think she’d want to be part of a herd, no.”

Hammer grins. “Well, I do!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Derpy giggles. “We’d be sister wives!”

Scootaloo frowns. “I want to get to know these individuals better before my Big Brother gets too close to anypony!”

Dinky nods. “Me too. But I would love to be sisters with my two best friends back home.”

Arc sighs. “We all need to do a lot of thinking, learning, and planning before doing anything about this.”

Hammer looks down at her belly. “Yeah! Like who gets to make babies first!”

Arc groans. “And that’s my cue to table this discussion.”

Hammer puts her hands on her hips. “You know I have the body for it.”

The phone rings. Arc hurries to answer it as Cherry giggles.

“Perfect timing.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Cherry.”

Picking up the receiver, Arc puts it to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Good day, my friend.”

“Frank?”

“Tis I.”

“What’s up?”

“We’ve been quite busy on this end. Today’s big event was getting this landline installed. You’re our first call.”

“That’s good news. Sounds like you’re doing well over there.”

“Yes, indeed. How are things with your household?”

“Dinky has a bit of a cold at the moment.”

“Oh my! Will she be alright?!”

“Oh, yes. She’s lying on the couch resting right now. While her mother and I look over her.”

Hammer calls out. “What about Sereb and I?!”

Scootaloo grins. “Don’t forget about me!”

Frank frowns. “Sounds like you have a full house over there, Arc. But we must be having a bad connection.”

“Sounds good on this end.”

“Yes, well… I thought for a moment that I heard Hammer’s voice over there.”

“Uh… you did.”

Frank narrows his eyes. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am. You see…”

The line suddenly goes dead.

“Hello? Frank?”

A magical backwash is felt as Frank Blinks into the room. Turning his gaze to Hammer, he stretches out a hand and casts a powerful Telekinesis Spell at the young woman. Lifting her off the couch as he glares at her.

“Don’t resist, worm!”

Arc calls out. “Frank, stop!”

Frank does not take his eyes off the woman before him as he begins to choke her. “You don’t know what she did to my boys in that base, Arc!”

“I know she was partially responsible, yes! But she’s changed!”

Sereb growls. “If Arc desires you to release her, I highly recommend you comply.”

Frank looks Hammer in the eyes as she struggles to breathe. Arc puts a hand on his shoulder and squeezes firmly.

“Release her.”

Grunting, Frank complies. Hammer takes a sudden breath as she falls back onto the couch. Glaring at him, she clenches a fist and closes the distance between them.

“What’s the big idea?!”

Frank grits his teeth. “I could ask the same of you, traitor!”

Arc pushes the pair apart. “Please, both of you. Mistakes were made on all sides, yes. But this bickering won’t solve anything.”

“What is she DOING here, Arc?!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “I’m living here! You got a problem with that?!”

“Indeed I do!”

Arc sighs. “Hammer doesn’t have anywhere to go right now.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. She betrayed her sisters to help Big Brother recently.”

“She can’t be trusted!”

“Says you!”

Sereb shrugs. “Both speak the truth!”

Derpy grimaces. “Can we please talk about this like civilized individuals?!”

Dinky puts a hand to her forehead and grimaces. “Yeah. That and all this noise is starting to hurt my head.”

Hammer glares at him. “Quit causing a fuss, Fontaine!”

Frank points a finger. “This woman…!”

Arc looks to them angrily. “Both of you stop, NOW!”

There is a tense silence as Arc looks between the pair.

“There’s been wrongs done to both of you, by one another. No one here would argue that point. However, for you two to fight over it here and now would be a meaningless gesture at best. Now then… there’s nothing to be done about the past, so let’s just work on the present for a more amicable future.”

Hammer sighs. “Fine.”

Frank lowers his hands. “Very well. But I want to go on record as saying that I do not trust this woman.”

“Duly noted. “

Hammer turns to leave the room. “I’m gonna go write a letter to my sisters.”

Frank gasps. “Wait…!”

“She does that every day, Frank. Let her go.”

Frank seethes as Hammer heads for the basement. Arc clears his throat in an effort to change the subject.

“As long as you’re here, how are things back at the base?”

“We’re doing well enough, I suppose. The training of the other members in the arte of magic is slow, but sure.”

“I’m more interested in knowing that they’re learning to respect their powers too.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Respect… power?”

Sereb nods. “Those whom do not keep their abilities in check can succumb to lording it over others.”

Derpy frowns. “How?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Taking what they want and thinking they’re in charge by default.”

Frank nods. “I’ve done everything in my power to instill that mentality. Everyone agrees that to misuse this power is to stand in direct opposition to everything the Shards stand for.”

He glances at Dinky and lowers his voice.

“Might I speak with your privately, my friend?”

“Sure. Where would you like to go?”

“Perhaps Shelly’s Kitchen would be a good place. After all, it has been quite some time since I saw our old friends.”

Arc turns to Dinky. “How do you feel, sweetheart?”

“Not too good. But I’m okay.”

Derpy puts a hand on Dinky’s forehead. “Sereb and I will stay with her.”

“Indeed.”’

“Alright. Want me to drive, Frank?”

“That will not be necessary. Blink?”

“Fine.”

Putting a hand on Arc’s shoulder, he concentrates and Blinks the pair to their destination. Lily walks over to them nervously.

“Is everything okay?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Lily. We’re both fine.”

“Good morning, Lily. Arc and I have come for a bite to eat over a friendly conversation.”

“Would you like your regulars?”

“Yes please.”

“Me too.”

Lily sighs. “I’ll get that right in. Shouldn’t take long as slow as we are. This kind of weather always does that.”

Frank smiles at her. “No rush, my friend.”

Lily heads back toward the kitchen as the pair head for a booth together. Frank turns to Arc.

“We really should do this more often.”

“Agreed. Um… dare I ask why Lily wasn’t concerned with you Blinking in here like this?”

“Because she’s fully aware of, and accepts, that I have magical powers. Not to worry though. I didn’t tell her of your own powers.”

“I appreciate that.”

“However, you should do that yourself.”

Arc sighs. “While I’d like to, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Oh?”

“What could that knowledge do other than to make her and Shelly worry about me? That is assuming they believed me at all.”

Frank nods. “They would. Of that I am certain. Although I do understand where you’re coming from in your intent to keep that knowledge a secret.”

“I don’t like it either. Hopefully when this is all over we can sit down and tell them everything from start to finish.”

“Everything?”

Arc nods. “About me being the Hero of Light, who Derpy and Dinky really are, Equestria’s existence, and even how and why I originally left town for a year or so.”

Lily returns a short time later with their food. Setting it down on the table she smiles at them.

“Here you are.”

Frank grins. “Thank you. How’s Shelly today?”

“Pretty good. If you’d like to head upstairs and see her, I’m sure she’d like that.”

Arc grins. “Sounds good. Frank?”

“Let’s do that, yes.”

Picking up their food and drinks Arc and Frank head for the stairs. Entering the small upstairs apartment they find Shelly shuffling weakly toward the kitchen. Her eyes light up as they enter, even though her voice is hoarse.

“Arc! Frank!”

Frank smiles. “Hello, my dear.”

“We’ve come to keep you company.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Better now that you two are here! You’re just in time for breakfast!”

Arc points to the door. “Want me to head downstairs and get you something? It sounds like you need to get over a bit of a cold.”

Frank sighs. “That will not be necessary, my friend.”

“Oh?”

Shelly nods sadly. “He’s right. I have my food right here in the refrigerator.”

Frank nods soberly. “I’ll fetch it for you.”

Heading for the refrigerator Frank pulls out a gallon of distilled water as Shelly sets a large glass on the kitchen table. Opening another bottle she fills the glass about a quarter of the way with a syrupy liquid. Frank steps over to her and tops the glass with the water before returning it to the refrigerator. Arc eyes it, confused.

“What is it?”

“My breakfast.”

Frank nods as he stands behind Shelly’s chair. “That it is. Shelly’s condition has been deteriorating for some time now, as we all know.”

“While the cause is still unknown, my organs are slowly shutting down. Now my stomach is unable to digest normal food, hence this specialized nutrition drink. It’s independent of the cold I have right now though.”

Arc gasps. “You can’t eat ANY normal food?!”

Shelly shakes her head. “No. Just this.”

Frank sighs. “It contains enzymes and proteins her body needs, but is no longer producing.”

“That’s why I’ve had such… trouble in the bathroom lately.”

“So it’s your muscles, lungs, heart, nervous system, and now the stomach?”

Frank nods. “The entire digestive system actually.”

“Right. These drinks are much easier for my intestines to handle. Nutrients aren’t being properly absorbed anymore either.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “And they can’t fix it, can they?”

Shelly sighs. “Just treat the symptoms, really.”

“I’ve been coming by as often as I can to look in on her. Mostly on days my boys have off, that is.”

Shelly nods sadly. “While I really don’t want to be more of a burden to anyone, most days I can’t be alone.”

“My boys working here allows Lily to stay upstairs more often. She knows Shelly’s condition better than anyone, after all, and can help her with bathing, eating, and going to the bathroom.”

Arc groans. “I didn’t know it was this bad!”

Shelly weakly picks up the glass. “It’s slowly but steadily worsening. Fortunately due to the slow moving nature of my condition I’ve been able to deal with whatever my body throws at me.”

“Is there anything we can do for you?”

Shelly smiles and takes his hand. “Just keep doing what you’ve always done, Arc. Be a good friend to me and Lily.”

Frank grins. “We will.”

“Right.”

Arc picks at his food as Shelly slowly drinks her breakfast. Frank frowns at him.

“You should eat before it gets cold, my friend.”

“I’m… not really all that hungry right now.”

Shelly appears concerned. “Are you feeling ill too, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Daisy isn’t great, but I’m… okay in that regard.”

“Oh my! Is she alright?!”

“Yeah. Dawn and Scarlet along with… another friend are with her on the couch right now.”

Frank nods. “I think she just needs some rest.”

“That’s good.”

They continue their meal. Frank and Shelly talk, but Arc hardly hears them. Thoughts fly through his mind at lightspeed. Eventually Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“If you want to say something, now’s the time.”

“I do. But…”

“You’re afraid of the consequences.”

“…yes.”

Cherry sighs. “Shelly isn’t going to bite you, Arc. She might be upset, of course. But she’s one of your oldest friends.”

“That’s why this is so hard.”

“I don’t understand.”

“If she was just an acquaintance this would be easy. I could just come right out and say something.”

“Then do that.”

“But Shelly’s different. If I were to confess what I’ve really been up to, I’d also be admitting to lying to both her and Lily all this time about a great deal of things.”

“That couldn’t have been helped and you know it, Arc.”

“Maybe not. But I can’t stop thinking about what would have happened if I had just been honest with Shelly and Lily from the start.”

Cherry groans. “They would have worried about you non-stop. Especially when you went back to Equestria for extended periods of time.”

Arc sighs. “Exactly what I’ve been telling myself. But… we aren’t kids anymore. Could they have handled the truth? Was I wrong to keep it from them?”

“Whatever you decided to do in the past is over and done with, Arc. All you can do now is deal with what you have.”

“Yeah. But what I have now is a terminally ill friend along with a guy who suddenly woke up with magic.”

“And nothing will change those things. So do yourself a favor and do what needs to be done.”

“Which is…?”

“Making sure both Shelly and Lily know the truth before it’s too late. Like Shelly said… this will probably be her last Christmas. And judging from how fast she’s deteriorating, I’d say she’s right.”

“I know. But it isn’t easy to say.”

“Easier than it is for her.”

“But she’s strong. Shelly’s never been afraid of dying to this thing. She always known it was coming, after all.”

“I get the feeling she’s only acting that way for those around her.”

“What?”

“You, Lily, Frank… all of you would be devastated if she started showing her pain. Shelly’s been holding it in for a long time.”

“How can you tell though?”

“I can’t.”

“Then how do you know…?”

“Think of it more like a mare’s intuition. Humans… ponies… demons and even dragons. We all feel the same things the same way.”

“In any case, I still wish there was something I could do for her.”

“You can.”

“Oh?”

“Just be there for her to the end.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“I know you will, Arc.”

There is a knock at the door. It opens to Jackal carrying a tray.

“Me bring yous all some more juice and milk.”

Frank nods approvingly. “Thank you, Jackal. Tell us, how are things going downstairs?”

“Everything running smoothly, sir. Snake taking orders and Wolf taking care of the cash register.”

“Very good. All of you do your best now.”

Jackal grins. “Yes sir! Working here fun!”

Shelly smiles at him. “Thank you for all your hard work.”

“You’re welcome, Miss Shelly. Me go back downstairs now though. Have to get back to helping Miss Lily in kitchen.”

He hurries downstairs as Shelly turns to Frank.

“He and the others really are doing very well.”

Arc forces a smile. “That’s good. Um… can I ask you something, Shelly?”

“What is it?”

“If you could have one wish, what would it be?”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

Shelly smiles weakly and ponders the question.

“I wish to have a very special Christmas this year.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “In what way?”

“Do the things I wish I could have done as a little girl. Write a letter to Santa. Build gingerbread houses. Make homemade eggnog even.”

Arc grins. “We could do that.”

“Really?!”

Frank nods. “Sure. We spend the holidays together anyways. No reason we can alter our traditions a bit to accommodate.”

Shelly appears nervous. “You two don’t think it’s childish, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Besides, Daisy and Scarlet would probably like that. After all, they don’t have those traditions back in their homeland.”

Shelly smiles. “It would be like we’re a real family!”

Frank nods. “That would be nice. After all, we’ve all been friends long enough to be family.”

“Then its settled. Frank and I will make sure we all have a bunch of fun with this, Shelly.”

Shelly claps her hands together happily. “I can’t wait for Christmas to come now! Lily will be excited too!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “There’s just one thing. I don’t think this will fit into just one day.”

Frank snaps his fingers. “We could spread it out over a week or so if you wanted to.”

Shelly smiles. “Sure! I’d even be willing to close the restaurant that week so Lily could join us!”

Frank looks around the room. “That would give my boys time to fix up a few things around here as well as practice with their magic.”

Arc nods. “Sounds like we have ourselves a plan.”

“A plan, eh? That gives me an idea.”

Shelly appears confused. “What is it?”

Frank chuckles. “I’m not sure yet how to pull it off. But I’ll figure it out. In the meantime we’ll go back to figuring out how to give you the best Christmas ever, Shelly.”

Chapter 8 - Infection

Sometime later Arc reappears in the living room of his house with Frank. Derpy looks over to him from Dinky’s side and smiles.

“She just fell asleep.”

Arc nods. “Good. Some rest will do wonders for her.”

He looks around before speaking again.

“Uh… is Hammer still writing her letter?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. She came upstairs some time ago complaining she didn’t feel well.”

Frank frowns. “That may also just be a front.”

Scootaloo sighs. “If she was acting, it was pretty good. Not sure how somepony fakes a fever and chills.”

Arc sighs as he puts a hand on Dinky’s forehead. “At least Dinky feels almost normal. Where is Hammer now?”

“I had her lie down on the couch for a bit. But she said the television was giving her a headache.”

Sereb motions with a nod of his head. “She went upstairs to sleep.”

Frank narrows his eyes. “Which room?”

“The one Arc typically sleeps in.”

Arc looks to the stairs. “I’ll go check on her. Frank, you should probably get back to the hideout.”

“Agreed. It’s about time for the mid-morning lessons anyway.”

“Take care.”

“You too. And watch Hammer like a hawk!”

Sereb nods soberly. “That I will.”

Frank Blinks away as Arc makes his way up the stairs. Heading to his parent’s room he quietly opens the door and peeks inside.

“Hammer?”

The young woman under the covers does not stir. Arc walks over to her and puts a hand on her forehead. It is hot to the touch. Frowning, he gently shakes her. Hammer slowly opens her eyes and smiles up at him.

“Hey, Arc.”

“Hi there. Um… I’m told you’re not feeling well now.”

Hammer sighs. “I think Dinky gave me her cold.”

“Sorry about that.”

“It’s not your fault. I choose to stay with her.”

“How do you feel?”

Hammer puts an arm over her face and groans. “Really tired and achy. My stomach isn’t too happy with me right now either.”

“Did you throw up?”

“Earlier, yeah. Right into the sink though fortunately.”

“Did it help?”

“Not really. That’s when everything seemed to hit me all at once. Derpy suggested I rest up here where it’s quieter.”

“You’re really hot.

Hammer grins weakly. “Thanks. So are you.”

“I mean your temperature.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But you can’t blame a girl for being optimistic.”

“Did you take any medicine?”

“Derpy offered some of that stuff you gave Dinky. But I’m not much for that sort of thing.”

“How about a shower to cool you off?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. I just came up here and flopped down.”

“What’s your temperature?”

“Hot.”

“You didn’t take it?”

Hammer frowns. “Like I said, I’m not much for that sort of thing!”

“Would you let me do it then?”

“Yeah. But only because you’re you.”

Sighing, Arc leaves the room and heads for the bathroom. Picking up the thermometer he returns to Hammer’s side. She eyes it suspiciously.

“Always hated those things.”

“Why? It’s just going under your arm.”

“I just do!”

“Well, do you want to do this, or should I?”

“Go ahead.”

Arc pulls the covers back, which brings Hammer’s bare chest into view. Blushing slightly, he looks her in the eye.

“Are you naked under there?!”

“I was hot! That and it’s not like I’m walking around the house.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he puts the thermometer under her arm and turns it on. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Hammer chuckles weakly. “Kinda. I really was hot though. Seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“But you knew I would come to check on you when I got home.”

“That you did. And there’s no other men here to see these perky puppies other than your mongrel. But I don’t think he counts.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You know he can hear us, right?”

Hammer frowns. “Is he outside the door, or something?!”

“Maybe. But you have to remember that he’s a canine.”

“Uh…”

“That means he has sensitive hearing.”

Hammer mutters under her breath. “Darn crazy magical mutt…”

A short time later the thermometer beeps. Arc pulls it out and looks at the display.

“One hundred and three. That’s pretty high.”

Hammer rolls over. “I’ll be fine. Just let me get some rest.”

“Can I please get you some medicine?”

“Already told you that I’m not a fan of that stuff.”

Arc sighs. “Then at least take a warm shower.”

“That I can do. “

Hammer tosses the covers aside to reveal her birthday suit. Arc shakes his head.

“Even now?”

Hammer smiles weakly and coughs as she sits up. “You know you like what you see.”

“Fine, whatever. Let’s go.”

As Hammer stands up she stumbles and falls to the floor. Arc rolls his eyes.

“Quit playing around. We need to get that fever down.”

“I ain’t!”

“Huh?”

Hammer shivers. “Right now I just feel so weak.”

“Are you serious?”

“As a bullet wound!”

He sighs. “Fine. I’ll help you.”

Arc kneels down next to Hammer and pulls her arm over his shoulder as he puts his own around her back.

“Let’s go.”

Hammer smiles as they head for the door together. “If I wasn’t feeling so bad, I’d be loving this.”

“Har, har. Honestly, that sounds like something Ember would have said in a situation like this.”

“Who?”

“Let’s get you in the tub first.”

Entering the bathroom, Arc leads Hammer over to the tub. Helping her lie down he sets the water temperature and aims the shower nozzle at her midsection. Sighing, he pulls the shower curtain shut.

“There you go.”

Hammer sighs contentedly. “Thanks. That does feel pretty good.”

“I thought it would. In any case, I’ll come by to check on you in a bit.”

“Hold on there a second.”

“What is it?”

“We need to finish our chat first.”

“Chat?”

“About someone named ‘Ember’.”

“Oh… that.”

Hammer chuckles. “She another one of your herd-mates?”

“That’s… complicated.”

“So sit down and explain it to me then.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Sitting down on the lid of the toilet Arc clears his throat before speaking.

“Ember is one of the individuals whom is interested in me back in Equestria.”

“I gathered that much. Tell me about her?”

“What do you want to know?”

“Which kind of pony is she, for starters.”

“She’s actually a dragon.”

Hammer whistles. “That’s impressive.”

“I had to duel her, and by winning became worthy of becoming her mate.”

“That’s even more impressive! So what’s the problem? Would the sex not work out due to a size difference, or something?”

“No, she’s only a tad shorter than I am.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“She’s the daughter of the Dragon Lord.”

“Uh…”

“The leader of all dragon-kind.”

Hammer nods and smiles. “Talk about shooting for the stars. Getting between her legs would certainly be something to brag about.”

“I didn’t do anything like that.”

“Why not? Her old man not like you, or something?”

“We started out on rocky footing. After all, she being next in line to be Dragon Lord meant her mate had to be capable of impregnating her. That and I’m a LOT smaller than he is.”

“How big is he?”

“About the size of a mountain.”

“I actually meant… never mind.”

“But I was able to prove myself in his eyes. Some time ago he even proclaimed that I would be given an exemption and allowed to take his daughter.”

“Nice! So you’re royalty now?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Her and I are still just friends.”

“She good looking?”

“Pretty, yes.”

“Sounds like she’s the total package then. Attractive, interested in you, royalty, and all that mushy stuff. She like a princess over there, or something?”

“Kinda, yeah. But not in the traditional sense of the word.”

“Oh?”

“Like I said earlier, you remind me of her.”

“How so?”

“Well… you’re both outspoken and loyal, for starters.”

Hammer frowns. “Not sure how I should take that.”

“Headstrong?”

“Now you’re just being mean! I think.”

“She doesn’t care much about her physical appearance. And she’s always making sexual advances and inuendo.”

Hammer laughs. “Sounds like the kinda girl I’d get along with. When do I get to meet this Ember chick?”

“Not sure if that would work out.”

“Why not? She sounds awesome!”

“She wouldn’t take the news of you and I living together very well. Ember would probably attack you on sight.”

“Come on! She could at least get to know me first!”

“Trust me, you and her have met.”

“When?!”

“She’s Dragon. The Hero of Light’s partner.”

Hammer is silent for a time before speaking again.

“I could take her.”

“Hammer!”

“What?!”

“Please don’t.”

“What’s she got that I don’t?!”

“A spear for starters.”

Hammer grins. “I gotta gun, remember?!”

“Somehow I doubt your weapon would piece either her armor or her scales.”

“Wanna bet?”

“But if they did, you’d have her father after you.”

Hammer gulps. “The mountain thing?”

“Yup.”

“Maybe her and I would find some common ground, or something.”

“That would be nice.”

Hammer sighs as she closes her eyes.

“Do you think her and I could ever get along? You know… considering out past.”

“You mean after what happened between you two at that farmhouse some time ago?”

“Yeah.”

“Sure. If you both wanted to, that is.”

“I would. If it would make you happy, that is.”

Arc chuckles. “It would, yes.”

“But what about her?”

“That’s the ten thousand dollar question right there.”

“Any guesses on which way she’d go?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I could probably convince her to give you the benefit of the doubt… if you wanted me to, that is.”

“Thanks. She big on second chances?”

“Not exactly.”

Hammer sighs. “Great…”

They sit there in silence for quite a while. Sometime later Hammer calls out.

“I’m feeling a lot better now.”

“Good. Just let me get you some clean clothes.”

Standing up, Arc heads for the door. Retrieving a clean pair of shorts and a t-shirt he returns and sets them on the sink.

“There you go. Can I assume you can get out of the tub by yourself?”

Hammer giggles. “I’m not sure that I can. Think you can help me dry off and get dressed?”

“Are you serious?”

“I am if you want me to be.”

Arc shakes his head. “Hammer…”

“Fine, fine. I can take care of it myself.”

“Good. I’ll see you in the hallway.”

“Can’t blame a gal for trying.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he closes the door behind him. “Guess not.”

Turning off the water, Hammer stands and towels off. Looking in the mirror at herself she gazes down at her chest.

“Maybe I just need bigger tits.”

Arc calls out from the hallway.

“You look fine, Hammer.”

“A-Arc?! How did you…?!”

“I told you I was waiting out here, remember?”

“Wait! I said that out loud?!”

“Yes, you did.”

Hammer blushes heavily. “Do you… like girls with smaller…?”

“Again, you look fine!”

Giggling, Hammer dresses. A few minutes later she steps out of the bathroom. Arc is sitting on the steps waiting for her.

“Feel any better?”

“Quite a bit, actually.”

“Why don’t we take your temperature just to be sure.”

“Fine with me.”

Returning to the room, Hammer lies back down on the bed as Arc picks up the thermometer from the nightstand. Hammer grins as he looks at her.

“Go ahead.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “And what?”

“Pull my shirt up.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he pulls the collar of the t-shirt down to expose Hammer’s armpit. Sticking the thermometer under her arm, he pushes it down gently before pressing the button and looking her in the eye.

“There’s a reason I picked this old shirt.”

“Oh?”

“The collar was already blown out.”

“Is that important?”

Arc nods. “It is if I don’t want to pull your shirt up to do this.”

Hammer groans. “You’ve got me figured out.”

“Ember gave me some practice.”

“She want to bed you as much as I do?”

“Maybe more.”

“That’s hard to believe.”

Arc sighs. “She’s pretty brazen sometimes. But I think that’s mostly her cultural upbringing.”

“Uh… what’s that mean?”

“Dragons aren’t much for subtlety. If they see something, or in my case someone, that they want they’ll just go for it.”

Hammer grins as the thermometer beeps. “Sounds like my kind of folks! Say, you don’t suppose I could become a dragon too, do you?!”

Arc rolls his eyes as he pulls the device out. “I would guess not.”

“Ya gotta admit, it’d be pretty cool though, huh?!”

“Think what you want.”

Looking at the readout he smiles.

“Your fever is down to only one-hundred. That’s quite the improvement.”

“I feel a lot better too. Still kinda achy though.”

“There’s medicine downstairs that will help with that and the fever.”

Hammer shakes her head vehemently. “No thanks.”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. I won’t try to force you.”

“Thanks.”

“In any case, I’ll let your rest.”

“Could I get some help with that?”

“How would I…?”

Hammer grins weakly. “It’d be nice to fall asleep in your arms.”

Arc sighs. “I need to get downstairs and check on Dinky.”

“Oh… right. Sorry.”

Arc leaves the room as Hammer rolls over and groans.

“Darn it. Cockblocked again.”

Chapter 9 - Unwanted Visitor

Two months pass with Arc and his friends living (for the most part) harmoniously together. One morning Dinky awakens to a strange but familiar sound outside. Sitting up she looks out the window to see big fluffy snowflakes falling from the sky. Grinning, she turns and shakes her mother awake.

“Mom, mom!”

Derpy slowly opens her eyes and looks to Dinky.

“What is it, sweetheart?”

“It’s snowing!”

“Is it?”

Derpy sits up and looks outside at the falling snow. Smiling, she turns her gaze back to her daughter and pats her head.

“So it is.”

“Let’s wake up dad so he can see it too!”

Jumping out of bed, Dinky runs down the hall toward the master bedroom. Throwing the door open she leaps onto the bed and crawls onto Arc.

“DAD! DAD, IT’S SNOWING!”

Opening his eyes Arc sits up and looks out the window.

“So it is.”

Hammer walks over to the open door and rubs her eyes as Derpy follows.

“What’s going on in here?”

Arc turns to her. “Dinky was just announcing the first snowfall of the season.”

Derpy giggles. “In the most excitable way.”

“Can I ask Mia and Alex if they want to play in it, dad?!”

“Sure, sweetheart. They’re off of school for Christmas break. But you have to eat breakfast first.”

“Let’s go!”

Grabbing Arc’s hand she pulls at it until he gets up. Leading him down the stairs with her mother and Hammer in tow the little girls grins hugely. Reaching the kitchen she hurries over to the refrigerator and begins rummaging around in it. Derpy approaches her.

“What are you looking for, sweetheart?”

“The milk! I’m just going to have a quick bowl of cereal!”

Hammer frowns. “Don’t you want to have a proper breakfast with us?”

“How about we do lunch?!”

Arc nods. “That’s fine, sweetheart. Go ahead and eat.”

Derpy walks over to the refrigerator for eggs as Dinky pulls a bowl out of the cupboard. Hammer tosses her a spoon.

“Thanks, Miss Hammer!”

“No problem, kid.”

She turns to Arc as Dinky pours herself some cereal.

“We got any more of those little breakfast sausages?”

“In the back of the freezer, I think.”

Derpy giggles. “Those things are kinda tasty.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, about that. Aren’t you supposed to be an herbivore though. As a pony, I mean.”

Derpy nods. “Yes. But I worked up the courage to try meat from watching Arc eat.”

“I think it was actually Dinky who persuaded you to try it, Derpy.”

“Oh, right. After she had a Shelly Burger with you.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

“It’s a restaurant a few blocks away. “

Hammer nods as she thinks for a moment. “I think I’ve driven by it a few times in the past. Any good?”

Arc nods. “Very. A couple girls I grew up with run it together.”

Hammer grins slyly. “More friends of yours?”

“Yes. Shelly and Lily are…”

“You know what I mean!”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, yeah. I found out a while back that Lily’s had a crush on my since we were kids.”

“Did you bed her?”

Derpy covers Dinky’s ears. “Now, now. Little ears.”

Dinky sighs. “I know what it means, mom.”

Arc frowns. “Yes, well… that’s not something you should be exposed to, Dinky.”

He turns back to Hammer before continuing.

“And no, I didn’t do that.”

“How far DID you go?”

“We kissed before my last mission.”

Dinky grins. “Way to go, dad! I bet Miss Lily loved that!”

Derpy puts her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “Now, Dinky. It’s none of our business how your father’s love life is going.”

Hammer laughs. “I bet he loved it too!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, Lily’s really special to me.”

“How come you’ve never introduced me to her?”

“Because you don’t leave the house.”

Derpy nods. “That and she’s usually busy with the restaurant.”

Dinky swallows before speaking. “Dad’s invited you to breakfast with us a number of times. Why don’t you come?”

Hammer sighs. “I guess I could. But I’m still worried that Stingray or Mio will spot me.”

Derpy appears suddenly nervous. “Would they be upset?”

“Probably.”

Arc turns to her. “Any luck with the e-mails?”

Hammer shakes her head. “None. I know they’re opening them as I get notifications for that. But neither of them has written back.”

Dinky frowns. “Do you miss your sister’s, Miss Hammer?”

“Kinda. I mean, we care about one another. Usually, that is.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Maybe we could invite them over for Christmas dinner.”

Hammer groans. “That isn’t a good idea. After all, they still think I ran off with the Hero of Light. If I’m seen with Arc it’ll be obvious who he really is.”

Arc puts a finger to his chin. “It’s a shame though. I’m sure you’d like to see them again.”

“Yeah. But now I have you. Uh… one question.”

“Yes?”

“Does this Lily chick know about me?”

“I did mention that you were staying with us, yes.”

“Dad told them you’re a… what was that term again, dad?”

“A hard luck case.”

Derpy appears confused. “What does that mean, dad?”

“That she’s going through a hard time and needs a place to stay.”

Hammer frowns. “Ain't that kind deceptive, Arc? I mean, I’m flattered and all. But I don’t want to be responsible for you getting in trouble with an old friend.”

“What I told her was true. You really don’t have anywhere else to go as it stands.”

“Fine and dandy. But have you told Rarity? Or any of your other herd-mates?”

Arc sighs. “No. I’ve been meaning to do that when they call. But I just can’t think of how to bring it up.”

Dinky looks to him soberly. “They do need to know though, dad.”

“Yeah. I’ll try to do that next time they call.”

Derpy smiles. “I’m sure they won’t have a problem with it. But as Dinky said, they deserve to know the truth.”

Hammer nods as she pulls a skillet out of the cupboard. “That they do. But let’s work on some breakfast now.”

They begin cooking as Dinky finishes her cereal. Tossing the bowl into the sink she runs for her coat.

“I’m heading out!”

Arc calls out after her. “Have a nice time, sweetheart!”

Derpy giggles. “Come inside if you get too cold!”

They hear the front door open and close before the sound of the screen door slamming rings out. Hammer grins as she cooks.

“It’s an interesting life you lead, Arc.”

“Is it?”

“Hero of Light. Able to defeat anybody around! And what does he decided to do? Spend time with his family.”

Arc chuckles. “Greatest adventure ever.”

Derpy turns to him. “Is it, Arc?”

“Yes. Why do you ask?”

“You don’t miss the action and excitement of your old life?”

“Nah.”

Hammer appears impressed. “Honestly, I thought I’d miss it when I left my sisters that night. But after hanging out here for these past couple months I’ve come to realize that what I thought I wanted wasn’t what I actually wanted. So now I don’t want my old life back, but rather I want this one instead.”

Derpy appears confused. “Um…”

Cherry calls out. “Hammer means she appreciated the new sense of family she has with us.”

“Well, yeah. But I just said that.”

Arc shrugs. “In kinda a roundabout way, I suppose.”

Cherry continues. “Are you and Frank going to the orphanage like you did last year at this time, Arc?”

“Yes, we are. But he wants to spend Christmas Eve with them.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Orphanage?”

“It’s in Farburg. Frank and I grew up there together with Lily and Shelly.”

Derpy smiles. “Can I come too?”

“I don’t see why not.”

Hammer grins. “How about me?”

“Sure. The more the merrier.”

Sereb walks up from the basement and sniffs the air. “Smells like breakfast is nearly ready.”

“Morning, big guy.”

Cherry giggles. “Sleep well?”

“Just in the basement, as it’s nice a quiet down there.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, it is. At least my guys liked it when they were here.”

Scootaloo enters the room, rubbing her eyes. Hammer grins.

“Morning, kiddo!”

“Hey.”

Arc turns to her. “Sleep well?”

“Okay, I guess.”

Derpy appears concerned. “Something wrong?”

“I… kinda miss my mom.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I feel the same way this time of year.

Derpy turns to Arc. “Why’s that?”

“It’s a time for family. When I was growing up everyone at school would talk about how excited they were about Christmas get-togethers. How they were going on road trips to see their family whom lived out of state… that sort of thing.”

Sereb nods. “And you felt left out?”

“Yeah. I mean, it wasn’t their fault they were excited about Christmas. That and I had Shelly and Lily to make that time a bit more bearable. We had each other, but… that part of my life just felt really empty to me.”

Hammer frowns. “What about your friends Shelly and Lily? Did they feel the same?”

“Not exactly. Neither of them had any concrete memories of their parents. I mean, Lily just had bits and pieces while Shelly had no memories whatsoever.”

Derpy smiles. “It’s good you three stuck together then.”

Cherry giggles. “Four actually.”

“Right. Frank.”

Scootaloo gasps. “That magical human?”

“You remember him, right?”

“Yeah. He’s pretty powerful, and all.”

A voice rings out from the next room.

“That he is.”

Throwing his spatula aside, Arc storms into the living room. He immediately sees Wiseman sitting on the couch.

“And here you are again!”

Scootaloo frowns. “What IS this?!”

Sereb growls. “Trouble!”

Wiseman tilts his head to one side. “Is something wrong?”

Arc clenches his fists. “Yeah something is wrong!”

He turns to Hammer.

“Hit me in the head with a frying pan!”

“Say WHAT?!”

“But why Big Brother?!”

“Because I might lose my memory again!”

Hammer gasps. “You had amnesia?!”

“Yeah!”

Derpy appears confused. “Why would you…?”

Arc points angrily at Wiseman. “Because the whole time I was wandering around Equestria in more or less a daze, THIS GUY COULDN’VE DONE SOMETHING ABOUT IT!”

“Yes indeed.”

Sereb growls. “Then why did you not?!”

“We all have our roles to play in the grand story of life.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “And you’re saying it was Arc’s, what… fate?!”

“A strong word. But not completely accurate.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “We’re wasting our time here! He’ll never give a straight answer!”

“Not entirely true or false. Remember, I did give you the password to Rieper’s computer.”

Hammer gasps. “So that’s how Arc got that information! Wait! How the heck did YOU know what his password was?!”

“I have my sources. But I am not here to talk about them today.”

Arc groans. “Wonderful.”

Derpy grimaces. “Can we please hurry this along? After all, Arc’s breakfast is getting cold.”

Wiseman shrugs. “By all means, feel free to eat.”

Arc glares at the intruder. “I think I’ll wait to do so until you’re out of my house.”

Sereb growls. “Give us your cryptic words and begone!”

“Very well.”

Wiseman clears his throat before continuing.

“In truth, I don’t have a message for you today, Arc.”

“THEN LEAVE!!!”

“Instead, I have a request.”

Hammer frowns and points a finger at Wiseman. “So do we! Get out of here RIGHT NOW!”

Stepping forward, Hammer throws a mighty punch. Holding up a gloved hand Wiseman effortlessly stops it. She appear surprised and confused as he speaks.

“Please be careful, Hammer. I would hate to be forced to hurt someone as pretty as you.”

Releasing her fist, Wiseman allows Arc to pull her back.

“Get to your request or we’ll see how well you stop MY attacks!”

“Very well. I have need of your help, Arc.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “The all-powerful Wiseman needs my help?”

“Yes.”

Sereb scoffs. “It would appear that you are not as wise as you would like us to believe.”

Hammer rubs her fist. “You sure do have a funny way of getting volunteers.”

Scootaloo nods. “Whatever you are.”

“I’m just as human as Arc is, Scarlet. Or should I call you Scootaloo?”

Sereb growls. “Just get to your request so we can decline it!”

“If you recall, that is what I have been trying to do for some time now.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Shoot.”

“I require assistance locating a particular item that has… been out of my reach for many years.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “You want us to go on a scavenger hunt now?”

“In a matter of speaking.”

Derpy nods. “To find what exactly?”

“A lock.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “That makes sense.”

Arc frowns. “That’s a bit too specific. Could you be a bit more vague?”

“Yes I could, Arc. But I’m sure you don’t want me to be.”

“It’s sarcasm!”

Derpy steps forward. “Could we ask what kind of lock you’re looking for?”

“One to fit this…”

Reaching into his cloak, Wiseman pulls out an ancient and rusty key. Sereb growls impatiently.

“There are innumerable locks in this world! Do you expect us to walk the streets trying to find…?!”

Arc frowns. “Hold it! Let me see that!”

Wiseman holds out the key to Arc whom grabs it frantically and looks it over. He glares at the masked man before him.

“Where did you get this?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “I found it years ago.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Do you know what it’s for, Arc?”

“I do! It’s to my grandfather’s old chest in the basement!”

Hammer gasps. “How the heck did this fruitcake get it?!”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “A very good question!”

Arc looks at Wiseman suspiciously. “How about it? You want to tell us the truth for once?”

“I already did. As stated earlier I found the key years ago.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Where?!”

“On the floor of this same living room between the television and the wall.”

Sereb groans. “How did it get there?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “I suppose we should ask Arc that question.”

“Well, I guess I probably left it on the entertainment center. It must’ve gotten pushed back slowly before falling off the back.”

Derpy turns to him. “What’s in that chest, Arc?”

“No idea. When I moved back home at age eighteen I found the key in a box with several other items on the table. I did try to open the chest, of course. But the lid wouldn’t budge.”

Hammer looks over Arc’s shoulder “Well, in any case, that key looks like it’s been through a lot. Can I take a look at it?”

“I guess.”

Handing the key to Hammer, she looks it over for some time before responding.

“Strange metal you got here.”

Scootaloo frowns. “It is?”

“Yup. Most old skeleton keys were made out of either brass or iron. This is neither.”

Derpy appears surprised. “How can you tell?”

Hammer tosses it to herself a few times. “The weight’s wrong. It’s far too light.”

She rubs it on the sleeve of her shirt for a few moments.

“Let’s see if we can get rid of some of this tarnish.”

With a bit of effort she is able to get down to the metal. Looking over the key again, she frowns.

“That doesn’t make sense. Look at this, Arc.”

She hands the key back. Arc takes it and holds it up to the light.

“Blue?”

Chapter 10 - Exotic Antiques

Sereb appears confused. “Eh?”

“The metal is faintly blue for some reason.”

Derpy looks over his shoulder. “Could it have been treated to look like that?”

Hammer shakes her head. “I don’t know what could do that. Especially given the technology all those years ago.”

Scootaloo steps forward. “Let me see it.”

Arc hands the key to Scootaloo. She tosses it to herself a few times before looking at it closely.

“My mom had a few instruments that were made out of this metal back in Knothole Village.”

Sereb appears hopeful. “Oh? What kind of metal was it?”

“She told me they were pure mithril.”

Cherry calls out to them. “That’s pretty rare back in Equestria. How about here, Arc?”

“Mithril doesn’t exist on Earth.”

Hammer nods. “Right. It’s not real.”

Scootaloo turns to Hammer. “In our land it is.”

Arc nods. “Right. Several components of the vehicle we used to get away from the military’s forces were built from it.”

Hammer grins. “I wouldn’t mind getting under the hood of that baby then!”

“Yes, well… it’s not currently in my possession. In any case, let’s get back to this key. Scootaloo, are you completely sure this is mithril?”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “One hundred percent.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “But what does that mean?”

“That the chest isn’t of this world. The thing I don’t understand is how my grandfather would have come into possession of something like this.”

Sereb frowns. “Can I assume that we cannot ask him directly?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He died when I was just a boy.”

Cherry sighs. “So I guess that means the only way to figure this out would be to use the key to open the chest.”

“I suppose so. But like I said, I tried it in the past and got nowhere.”

Derpy grins. “You’ve grown a lot since then though. Maybe it just needs a bit of force to open?”

Wiseman chuckles. “Let up adjourn to the basement and find out.”

Heading downstairs along with the others, Scootaloo looks around.

“I’ve never seen a chest down here before. Where is it, Big Brother?”

“Before my squad moved in down here I moved it to the side room next to the furnace. Let me get it.”

Opening a door, Arc steps inside. A few moments later he emerges pushing a large chest roughly two feet tall. Sereb closes the door behind him as Arc steps back.

“Here it is.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “It’s certainly… an odd shape.”

Scootaloo nods. “And looks really old.”

Cherry gasps. “Any idea when it was constructed, Arc?”

“Not a clue. But it’s been in this house since long before I was born.”

Hammer looks the chest over. “The material it’s made of has a really strange patina to it.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

Arc nods. “It’s a layer of oxidation that forms on metal that’s old.”

“I’ve seen green, tan, and dark brown patinas. But this one is new. It doesn’t look like it should.”

Wiseman looks at them. “And why do you suppose that is?”

Derpy raises a hand. “Is it perhaps made of an exotic metal like the key?”

“Yes, Derpy. Both are not of this world.”

Hammer frowns. “But how is that possible?! Are you saying Arc’s grandfather was an alien, or something?!”

Wiseman shakes his head. “No. He was as human as they come. However if you’d like to know more you must open the chest.”

Arc sighs. “I guess there’s no other way.”

Stepping forward, Arc puts the key in the lock. Turning it, he attempts to open the lid. Tugging as hard as he is able it does not move.

“Just like last time.”

He turns to Wiseman.

“But I get the feeling you know how to open it.”

Wiseman nods. “Indeed.”

Hammer groans. “Care to share that information, bucko?”

Wiseman nods. “Of course. Just put your hand on top of the chest as you turn the key.

Derpy appears surprised. “That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Sereb growls. “Arc, this may not be prudent. After all, we have no idea what’s in there.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Whatever it is has been here for a long time, so I doubt it’s too dangerous.”

Cherry sighs. “And Wiseman’s never let us down before.”

Arc frowns. “I disagree with that statement.”

Hammer steps forward. “Well, how about I do it then?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “You could, Hammer. But that would not work.”

Hammer grins. “Just you watch!”

Putting a hand on top of the chest, Hammer turns the key in the lock several times. But nothing happens.

“As I said, it will not work for you. Arc must do this himself.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Hammer steps back and allows Arc to approach. Kneeling down, he puts a hand on the chest’s top and takes ahold of the key. Sighing, he looks to the others.

“Here goes nothing.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Good luck!”

Turning the key, Arc is pushed back as the top of the chest distends rapidly into a dome-like surface. Hammer grabs Arc’s arm and pulls him back as Sereb jumps in front of Derpy and Scootaloo.

Hammer looks to Arc. “What the heck?!”

Scootaloo turns to their guest. “Wiseman, what’s going on?!”

“It’s activating. Please be patient.”

A few moments later a cone of light extends upward and a visage shines forth. Arc slowly stands, not taking his eyes off the light.

“This… this is IMPOSSIBLE!”

Derpy looks to him. “What…?”

Sereb growls. “Something’s coming forth!”

Slowly a form takes shape. Arc can only stammer as it does so.

“G-Grandpa?!”

Wiseman shakes his head. “It’s only a magical hologram of sorts. Think of this like an old recording.”

As the visage finishes materializing it smiles and begins to speak.

“Hello, my descendant. If you are seeing this, I can only assume there is once again trouble in Equestria.”

Arc gasps. “Wait, what…?”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “How does he know about…?!”

“If you are truly of my bloodline, then you should have no problem opening this vessel and claiming those items within which can render aid. Clear your mind and allow only that which is pure and good to fill it. Then... turn the key to receive that which you require.”

The visage fades. No one speaks for a moment. Eventually Hammer breaks the silence.

“What the heck was that all about?!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Pure thoughts.”

Sereb frowns. “Come again?”

Derpy grins. “Your thoughts are the key, Arc!”

Cherry calls out. “Maybe only someone who is good can open it?”

Wiseman chuckles. “You’re close, Cherry. Only one of Arc’s bloodline can open this chest.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Be careful, Big Brother. I don’t trust all this talk.”

“Neither do I, Scootaloo. But… I have to do this.”

Focusing, Arc reaches for the key again. Taking it in his hand he slowly turns it. A slight click is heard as he does so. Putting both hands on the lid, Arc gently pushes it open. With a slight creak and a groan the lid gives way and swings upward on its hinges. Gazing into the chest Arc spies a very old looking scroll sitting on top of a large dark purple cloth. Carefully picking it up and unrolling it he begins to read aloud.

“To you whom seeks… pull back the cloth and don that which you find. Then stand before me again to learn more.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh…”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Is there any more?”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s it.”

Sereb looks inside the chest. “Pull back the cloth, eh?”

Cherry calls out. “There must be something useful under it.”

Arc shrugs. “One way to find out.”

Stepping forward, Arc grabs the cloth and pulls it away. Reaching inside he pulls out a chest plate. Cherry gasps.

“Armor?”

Hammer nods. “Looks like it.”

Scootaloo grabs something and pulls it out. “Here’s a strange looking helmet!”

Sereb puts his paws on the side of the chest. “And a pair of boots with matching greaves.”

Derpy picks up the cloth and looks it over. “This has a chain on it. I think it’s a cape of some kind.”

Cherry gasps. “Looks like there’s also gauntlets and pauldrons in there as well.”

Wiseman nods. “A full set of armor.”

Arc turns to Wiseman. “What do I do with it?”

Derpy looks to Arc. “The scroll said to put it on.”

Scootaloo frowns. “But why?”

Sereb shrugs. “No idea. However there is no harm in doing so.”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. After all, it’s just metal.”

“I guess.”

Sitting down, Arc pulls on the boots.

“If nothing else, they’re comfortable.”

Scootaloo steps forward. “Here’s the greaves, Big Brother.”

Putting them on, Arc looks down.

“Nice fit.”

Hammer grins. “Next the chest plate.”

She assists Arc in putting on the armor as Derpy approaches.

“The gauntlets.”

Arc nods and holds up his hands. Derpy slips them on him as he wiggles his fingers.

“These joints work perfectly!”

Wiseman holds out the items. “And lastly… the pauldrons and helmet.”

His horn aglow, Sereb assists Arc in putting them on his shoulders before levitating the helmet over to him. Taking it in his hands, Arc looks at the faceplate for some time silently.

“It… looks like a lion.”

Sereb nods approvingly. “Very appropriate.”

Derpy giggles. “Yes it is. Try putting it on, Arc.”

Doing so, Arc looks all around. Hammer grins and nods.

“Looking sexy, Arc!”

“Thanks. Um… this is a bit odd.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Is something wrong?”

“I can see… everything.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Well, it has eyeholes for a reason.”

“No, no! I mean that the helmet isn’t hindering my vision. It’s just like Eidolon’s Ward’s helmet.”

Cherry gasps. “You’re saying it’s enchanted?!”

Arc nods. “That’s the only thing I can think of, yes.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Enchanted?”

“I’ll explain it to you later. Right now I’d like to finish what was started.”

Kneeling down, Arc closes the chest and stands before it. The dome again forms on top as the visage once more presents itself.

“My name… is Daniel Williams. Many years ago I along with my two sisters, Megan and Molly, were transported to a faraway land known as Equestria. It was a relatively peaceful land benevolently ruled by a wonderful king and queen.”

Arc frowns. “What the…? A king and queen?”

Sereb shrugs. “I have never heard of this.”

Cherry calls out. “Shush! I want to hear the story!”

“Megan, being the oldest, was entrusted with a powerful magical artifact known as the Rainbow of Light. It gave us the power to defeat several wicked denizens whom desired to bring about ruin to the land.”

Hammer frowns. “And where exactly is this so-called Rainbow of Light now?”

Arc chuckles. “I’m pretty sure this is just a recording of…”

“It is located within this dome and is currently projecting my visage. Please do not remove it before attaining all the answers you seek from me.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “That was… unexpected.”

Derpy grins. “I’ll say! Do you think we can ask it other things?”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s a projection! I doubt we could just…!”

“Yes. Ask and I will attempt to answer.”

Arc frowns. “Um… okay. What exactly are you?”

“A magical manifestation of Daniel Williams.”

Scootaloo looks it over cautiously. “Are you alive?”

“I am not. Think of me as an echo of the person I represent.”

Sereb taps the dome with a paw. “Were all the memories of this human stored within the chest?”

“Many of them were, yes. However the chest is only a container. The real magic is held within the Rainbow of Light.”

Hammer turns to him. “Maybe we ought to start with what you’re wearing, Arc.”

“Agreed. What can you tell us of this armor, grandpa?”

“To understand that would require a detailed explanation of several events in the past. Shall I start at the beginning?”

“Sure.”

“The land of Equestria was originally a very peaceful place. The equine inhabitants lived their lives with little regard to the dangers that occasionally popped up. When the land was in danger, or if we simply wanted to, my sisters and I would use the power contained within the Rainbow of Light to cross the transdimensional barrier separating our two worlds.

Hammer gasps. “Other worlds?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Hammer. Earth is one side and Equestria is another.”

“Are there others?”

Daniel nods. “While the one whom gave us the Rainbow of Light did confirm the existence of other worlds, he was unsure how to access them.”

Cherry calls out. “Unsure?”

“We never knew if he was hiding the information or honestly didn’t know. Since it was of little importance we let the matter go.”

Derpy appears as if an idea strikes her. “Who was this individual? Was it Star Swirl the Bearded?”

“I am not familiar with anyone by that name. The individual in question was a gnome by the name of ‘The Moochick’.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What’s a gnome?”

“A small humanlike creature with magical powers. His were exceptionally powerful though.”

Sereb frowns. “You spoke earlier of using the power of the Rainbow of Light to fight enemies of the land. What became of that battle? Were you victorious?”

“For the most part, yes. Many creatures were defeated in this manner.”

Hammer grins “So you brought peace to the land?”

“For a time, yes. However, eventually a creature surfaced that proved too much for the Rainbow of Light’s powers.”

Arc grimaces. “What happened?”

“A terrible darkness befell the land, corrupting all that was wholesome and good… twisting it to further its borders.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Darkness has borders?”

“This did, yes. It creeped along the ground, leaving nothing but ruin in its wake. Think of it like the movement of shadows as the sun crosses the sky.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “So some were able to escape?”

“Many were, yes. They fled to the Dream Castle as it was the final bastion of hope.”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “What made it so special?”

“That was where Megan and the Rainbow of Light resided. The darkness was prevented from encroaching on the castle or its grounds as long as that remained true.”

Arc sighs. “But that didn’t last forever, did it?”

“No. Eventually the creatures whom had been corrupted by the darkness began assaulting the castle. While they were weakened within the confines of the castle grounds they made up for it through sheer numbers. The armor you now wear was constructed for me on orders of the king and queen to protect me as I did my best to defend the castle.”

Hammer grimaces. “Did the castle fall?”

“That is… complicated.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Can you elaborate?”

“The king and queen knew it was only a matter of time before the walls were breached and all hope would be lost. Not willing to allow their entire race to be wiped out, together they cast a very special spell on the Rainbow of Light. It allowed the queen to use her great and powerful magical abilities to open a portal to safety. As unstable as it was though, only a handful of the inhabitants made it through before the enemy breached the Throne Room. Myself and the king held them back to give the ponies time to flee.”

Sereb nods approvingly. “A valiant stance.”

“As the final few ran for their lives from the unstoppable onslaught, the king ordered me to take his wife and run. I threw my weapon aside, ran straight for her, and shoved her through the closing portal as the king himself coved our escape.”

Scootaloo grins. “So she made it to safety?”

“Not exactly. While she was physically unharmed, the queen had used more mana than anyone thought possible. With her final bit of strength she cast a spell on herself. In a flash of light she was gone. And in her place a small crystal sapling grew before our eyes.”

Derpy gasps. “A sapling? Like a tree?”

“Yes. The queen’s voice reverberated in our heads at that point. She commanded us to bring forth her daughters.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “What for?”

“To safeguard the fillies. Two pods formed around them and filled with fluid as they closed their eyes.”

Cherry gasps. “You just let the tree have them?!”

“The queen told us it was necessary for the survival of their race.”

Arc frowns. “What happened next?”

“My sister Megan was appointed ruler then and there by the queen. She then told us that the spell she had cast did not teleport us to another world. But instead had brought us to the future.”

Hammer’s jaw drops. “Wait, what?!”

Arc frowns. “The future? What about that shadow that had threatened to destroy everyone?”

“It was significantly weakened from the centuries of having nothing to feed on. Taking the Rainbow of Light from Megan, I climbed the ancient stairs to the tallest tower in the castle. Holding it up, the land was bathed in a rainbow colored light. The shadows were dissolved nearly immediately, of course. However the damage was done.”

Scootaloo frowns. “To the castle?”

“To the world. Nothing was left alive and eternal night reigned. It took the combined efforts of every magic wielding unicorn to again raise the sun so the land would again be bright. Only then could the monumental task of rebuilding commence.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “The two filly princesses… what were their names?”

“Celestia and Luna.”

Arc frowns. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Derpy appears confused. “Arc?”

“Luna specifically told me that she and her sister weren’t actually blood related and were raised for some time in an orphanage.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Why would she have lied about something like that?”

Hammer looks to the visage. “I somehow get the feeling you had something to do with that.”

Daniel nods. “That I did. With the death of the queen and her rebirth as the crystal tree of sorts, I was tasked with removing the remnants of the shadow’s creatures while Queen Megan ruled the land with Chancellor Molly by her side.”

Arc frowns. “Why you?”

“Because I possessed the only suit of armor left that could resist the shadow’s power. Anyone else would have been corrupted.”

Hammer grins. “Did you complete the mission?”

“Yes and no. While the world again knew peace, I could still sense darkness at the fringes. Sadly I was never able to fully root it out.”

Arc sighs. “What of the princesses?”

“They remained in their cocoons. That is, until my sisters came up with a plan along with the tree.”

Scootaloo grins. “Tell us of this plan.”

“A very powerful spell was cast with the aid of the tree. One that covered the entire world in an instant.”

Arc nods. “And the purpose of this spell?”

“To simultaneously wipe everyone’s memory of the past. It caused them to forget all about the shadow that destroyed the world in addition to the previous royal family.”

Derpy gasps. “What about your sisters?”

“The tree believed that our citizens needed to be able to stand on its own. Megan and Molly agreed with it and lent their support. After the spell was cast, they and I returned to Earth with the Rainbow of Light… never to return.”

Sereb sighs. “And that was the end of that forgotten chapter in history.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Without a leader in place the pony races banded together to form the three nations. Warring amongst themselves for many years before being brought together again by a plan orchestrated by Star Swirl the Bearded.”

He looks to the visage again.

“Did you have anything to do with that plan?”

Daniel nods. “Yes. In truth, I was summoned back to Equestria by the tree a number of years later to put into motion its plan. The tree released the unconscious Celestia and Luna, whom hadn’t aged a day since the last time I saw them, and asked me to carry them to a specific building in the Unicorn Kingdom.”

Arc gasps. “The orphanage?”

“They would be raised in the new culture of the land until Star Swirl the Bearded could locate them.”

Sereb frowns. “Locate? You mean the tree wasn’t working with him?”

“Our former queen wished to help, yes. But not to directly involve herself as she had in the past. The ponies of the land needed to believe that it was of their own doing that peace was attained. I did that for her before using the Rainbow of Light to return home to Earth again.”

Arc nods. “The soldier arrived at the orphanage with the orb. Celestia touched it and made it glow. Luna did so as well and did something similar. They were brought up by Star Swirl to be the future monarchs of the land.”

Cherry giggles. “And the rest everypony already knows.”

Hammer appears confused. “Uh…”

Derpy turns to her. “They’ve ruled the land since that time centuries ago.”

Arc nods. “And maintained the peace.”

He looks to Wiseman before continuing.

“I don’t understand. What does this have to do with me?”

“Your grandfather Daniel fought to save the land many years ago. However his story did not end there, nor did Equestria’s troubles.”

Daniel nods. “Correct. Creatures of shadow did pop up from time to time in an effort to regain a foothold in the land. Eventually even Princess Luna herself was corrupted and forced into exile by her sister. Worried that she herself would fall prey to a similar fate, she created the Hero of Light.”

Sereb frowns. “But how do you know of that?!”

Derpy nods. “Right! That happened centuries ago!”

“After Nightmare Moon attacked, Princess Celestia was on the edge of madness herself after what she had done to her only remaining family member. In response, she cast an ancient and forbidden spell. One that would summon aid in the greatest hour of need. That spell opened the path between our worlds and summoned me through space and time to help safeguard the land once again.”

Cherry gasps. “Wait! Safeguard the land?! You mean you were…?!”

“Yes. I was the very first Hero of Light.”

Arc frowns. “But that was so long ago.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow suspiciously. “Just how old are you?!”

“At the time of this story I was but a young man. However at the time of your question… I am deceased.”

Scootaloo turns to Daniel’s visage. “Did you ever see what become of either princess?”

“Oh, yes. Many years later I even fought by Princess Celestia’s side.”

Derpy sounds confused. “But they were fillies when you originally met. By the time you were grown weren’t you too old for combat?”

“While I am not sure how exactly it was done, I was pulled through space and time to be where I needed to be in order to render aid.”

Hammer frowns. “And who the heck was able to do THAT?!”

“Princess Celestia herself.”

Cherry grins. “With the Rainbow of Light?”

“No. That was in my possession back on Earth at the time. In the dark days of a bloody war with the Griffon Kingdom and the Great Demon Kingdom all hope was lost. Using the forbidden spell, Celestia called forth the land’s greatest hero. At that point in history that honor fell to me.”

Arc nods. “So you helped her end the war?”

“Yes. With the land again safe from its enemies, I was appointed Hero of Light and tasked with the duty of safeguarding the kingdom from any who might cause harm. Even if the danger came from Princess Celestia herself.”

Sereb growls. “So you lived out your life in Equestria?”

“I… did not. While I was torn between Earth and Equestria for a long time I choose the latter.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What made you change your mind?”

“Before I had been summoned, I had met and courted a young woman. While I lacked the courage to ask for her hand in marriage, my time in Equestria gave me a new vigor and determination. Using a magical mirror I found in one of the castle’s storage rooms I was able to return to Earth without alerting anyone.”

Arc gasps. “You mean you did it in secret?”

“Yes. You see, Princess Celestia had become too dependent on me to keep the peace in her kingdom. Rather than let her lose all that had been built I decided to leave her and return to my former life.”

Hammer grins. “Did you marry your sweetheart?!”

“Yes. She and I had children together and raised them as best we could.”

He looks to Arc happily.

“It would appear you were the eventual offspring of our children’s descendants. Now then, I have a question for you?”

Arc gasps. “Me?”

“Yes. What need of you for my old armor?”

“I was told I would need it soon.”

Wiseman nods. “Indeed. Equestria will again be in danger as will its rulers.”

Daniel sighs. “Very well. Unfortunately, the Rainbow of Light is old and devoid of much of its power due to many years of disuse. It is not likely it can return you to Equestria without first being transferred to another vessel.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Another what now?!”

Sereb growls. “We will need to find an item capable of containing the power within that artifact.”

Derpy sighs. “But where would we find something like that?”

Scootaloo grimaces. “And here on Earth, no less.”

“Do you have any suggestions on items we could use for this purpose, grandpa?”

“Anything well made of precious metals would suffice. Gemstones would be even better.”

Wiseman looks to Arc. “What about Cherry’s pendant?”

“I’m not sure I want to…”

Cherry calls out to him. “Please do, Arc! This will almost certainly be of use if you need to return to Equestria quickly!”

Arc sighs. “Very well.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out the pendant. He looks it over for a long moment before holding it up to the visage.

“Will this do?”

“It will, yes.”

“What do I have to do?”

“Simply touch it to the dome. I’ll handle the rest.”

Stepping forward, Arc does as instructed. A blinding light fills the room momentarily as the transfer is made. Opening their eyes everyone stares at the pendant nervously. Derpy is the first to speak.

“Did it… work?”

Scootaloo gasps. “Looks like it.”

Sereb steps forward. “I can sense the raw power of this item all the way over here!”

Hammer points a finger. “That and it’s glowing now!”

“Huh?”

Looking at the pendant, Arc sees a weak glow in the largest central ruby. Daniel sighs and shakes his head.

“It would appear the power left in the Rainbow of Light was less than I thought. While definitely still there, you will need to recharge this new artifact before it can be used for this purpose.”

Sereb groans. “That would take significant amounts of energy to rekindle, would it not?”

“Indeed. Several powerful magic users will be needed.”

Arc bows his head. “I… thank you, grandfather. I’ll use the armor and this item well.”

Daniel smiles at him. “That much I can tell. However, with the energy gone from the Rainbow Heart, this device will cease to function very soon.”

Hammer gasps. “Can’t you transfer to that thing in Arc’s hand too?!”

“Yes. But I was not asked to.”

Arc grins. “Please do so.”

“Very well.”

The visage closes its eyes and concentrates. A few moments later it fades away as the light from the heart in Arc’s hand glows slightly brighter.

“Can you still hear me, grandpa?”

“I can, yes. While I cannot instruct you further on the path you should take, I am certain you will find a way to bring this new Rainbow of Light up to full power.”

Arc nods as he looks at the heart in his palm.

“That I will, grandpa. That I will.”

For a time no one speaks. Eventually Derpy breaks the silence.

“What now, Arc?”

Sereb turns to him. “Shall we ask Frank and his Shards to help?”

“Not right now. Right now only one thing matters to me.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

Arc sighs. “Making sure Shelly’s last Christmas is memorable.”

Wiseman steps forward. “I can help with that.”

Derpy appears surprised. “With Christmas?”

Sereb growls. “Please don’t.”

“I meant empowering the pendant.”

Arc groans. “What do we have to do?”

“Simply allow me to channel some of my power into it.”

Arc holds out the pendant, allowing Wiseman to touch it. With a flash of light the central ruby glows brightly for a time before appearing to go dormant. Derpy looks it over cautiously.

“Did it… work?”

Hammer joins her. “I hope so.”

Wiseman nods. “Yes. This new Rainbow of Light is now capable of opening a portal from Earth to Equestria, and vice versa. Simply concentrate on any location you have a sigil, or the Crystal Mirror itself, for the best results.”

Arc grimaces. “If this thing works I’ll thank you.”

Wiseman chuckles. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Cherry giggles. "Look on the bright side, Arc. At least now you'll be protected in future battles."

Arc sighs. "I was kinda wondering what to do about that."

Hammer grins. "Well, your family had your back."

Sereb chuckles. "And now our enemies won't stand a chance."

Derpy smiles. "That's right. But now that you have this armor, what now?"

Arc looks down at his gauntlet and sighs. "Nothing in that regard has changed. All I want is to give Shelly a proper Christmas. Everything else can wait."

Chapter 11 - Toy Story

A few weeks later Arc, Dinky, and Scootaloo walk down the aisles of the toy store. Scootaloo turns to him.

“Remind me what it is we’re doing here again, Big Brother?”

“Buying toys for the orphans.”

“I get that. But don’t they already have toys?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But this is for Christmas.”

Dinky grins. “It’s a time for family and celebrating!”

“And giving toys?”

“Presents, yes.”

“But for what reason are we…?”

Arc interrupts her. “You’ll understand when you see the children at the orphanage.”

Dinky gasps. “Dad, look!”

Grabbing her father’s hand, Dinky points to a nearby display. Arc chuckles.

“I can’t believe it. They actually made those things.”

Before them stands a shelf laden with action figures. Arc picks one up that looks rather familiar as Scootaloo raises an eyebrow.

“Is that supposed to be you?!”

“Yup!”

Dinky giggles. “Here’s Dragon too!”

Arc grins. “And here’s the ‘Faithful Steed’. Guess they couldn’t come up with anything more original.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What… are these things?!”

“Action figures. Kids play with them.”

“How?”

“Well… they imagine a storyline of some kind and then use the action figures to help act it out.”

“Can you show us, dad?”

“Okay. But I’ll need your help, Dinky.”

“Me?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ll say a line as the Hero and you say one that Dragon might use.”

Scootaloo looks at the action figures. “Can I help too?”

Dinky giggles. “Do you want to be the Faithful Steed?”

Scootaloo shakes her head as she picks up another toy from the racks. “How about the villain?”

She holds up a Bloodletter action figure and grins. Arc chuckles.

“Sure. Now then, I’ll go first and stand here as Dragon hurries in.”

Taking a Hero of Light action figure along with a Dragon, he stands them up across from each other on the floor before speaking.

“Dragon! The Riders are trying to take over City Hall! We have to stop them!”

Dinky grins. “Not to worry! I’ve got your back, Hero!”

Scootaloo speaks in a low growl. “I shall ferry you two there!”

Arc pumps a fist. “Good! Wonder Warriors, away!”

Dinky appears confused. “Wonder Warriors?”

Arc nods sheepishly. “That’s just the first thing that popped into my head.

Scootaloo shrugs. “Well… let’s go with that.”

Arc puts the Hero and Dragon action figures on Sereb’s back as Scootaloo trots away as he continues.

“Stop here, Faithful Steed! Dragon and I will take on these brigands!”

Dinky pulls the Dragon action figure off Sereb’s back in a mock flip. “That we will!”

Scootaloo lightly growls. “I will fight by your sides!”

“Very well, Faithful Steed! Let us show these brutes the meaning of pain!”

Arc grabs a handful of nearby various actions figures to act as enemy combatants. Setting them up quickly, he along with Dinky and Scootaloo make various fighting sounds as they knock down their opponents. Dinky throws up her hands happily.

“We are victorious!”

Scootaloo moves Sereb’s paw into a pointing position. “Yes! But the leader comes!”

Arc tosses Scootaloo the Bloodletter action figure. She walks it toward them menacingly as Dinky holds up her Dragon action figure.

“Give it up, Bloodletter!”

“You and your friends were able to beat my minions, Hero! But you won’t take me down so easily!”

Arc grins. “We’ll see about that! Crimson Power!”

Dinky appears confused. “Crimson what-now?”

Arc shrugs. “Have to call it something, right?”

Scootaloo sighs. “I guess so. But how about Crimson Transformation?”

“We can do that. Crimson Transformation!”

Lunging at the wolfman before him, Arc tackles the action figure with his own. Bloodletter flies to the other side of the isle as Dinky cheers.

“Victory is ours, Hero!”

Scootaloo gasps. “Wait! He’s coming back!”

Grabbing the Faithful Steed figure, she gallops across the aisle to pounce on the Bloodletter figure. Making growling and slashing sounds, she turns to the others happily.

“Now we are victorious!”

Arc laughs. “Hooray for us!”

Dinky cheers. “It’s all thanks to you, Hero!”

“I couldn’t have done it without you, or my Faithful Steed though, Dragon! But what should we do now?!”

“Let’s make sure the mayor is okay!”

Scootaloo giggles. “How about lunch first?”

Dinky shakes her head. “I don’t think the Hero would stop to eat before…”

“No, no. I mean for us. I’m starving!”

Arc chuckles. “Sure. Just as soon as we grab a bunch of these action figures.”

“For the orphans, Big Brother?”

Arc grins. “Us too though.”

Filling the cart with toys, the trio makes their way to the checkout lanes. Paying for their goods they return to the Jeep and load up. Getting into their seats Dinky turns and looks to her father happily.

“Thanks for the toys, dad!”

Scootaloo smiles. “Yeah! Playing was really fun!”

“You two are welcome. Just think of them as early Christmas gifts.”

“What else are we planning to do, dad?”

“Well… Christmas is just ten days away now. Remember, we’re planning to have both Shelly and Lily over that week.”

Scootaloo gasps. “The whole week?”

“Something wrong with that?”

“N-no. I just… um… I’m a little nervous about the new additions to the household.”

Dinky frowns. “Hammer?”

“It’s all happening so fast!”

Arc chuckles. “They’re not going to be staying with us forever, mind you. Just for the week.”

“You’re looking forward to that, aren’t you dad?”

“Yeah. It’ll be just like when the three of us lived together when we aged out of the orphanage.”

Scootaloo sighs as she looks out the window. “Sure…”

“Where should we go for lunch, dad?”

“We could get a pizza.”

“That sounds good to me!”

Arc turns around. “What do you think, Scootaloo?”

“Huh?”

“My dad’s asking what you want for lunch.”

“Anything really.”

“Roberto’s?”

Scootaloo sighs. “That’s fine.”

Pulling onto the highway Arc makes the drive to his favorite pizzeria. Parking, he shuts off the engine and unbuckles.

“Here we are.”

“YAY!”

Arc and Dinky get out and close their doors. Turning, Arc spots Scootaloo still in her seat looking out the window. He looks to Dinky.

“Would you mind if we made it an order to go?”

“Sure, dad.”

“I’ll go inside and make the order. Can you please stay with Scootaloo?”

“Okay.”

Arc heads inside as Dinky gets back in the Jeep. She turns around and kneels on the seat to face Scootaloo.

“We’re getting an order to go.”

Scootaloo does not respond, but continues to look out the window. Dinky hops into the back seat and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey. You okay?”

Brushing the little girl’s hand away, Scootaloo frowns.

"I… don’t want to talk.”

“My dad says that when you don’t want to talk is usually when you need to.”

Scootaloo frowns. “That doesn’t make any sense!”

“I thought so too. But then I realized that if I didn’t talk to someone nothing about my situation would change.”

“If I, DID talk about it, nothing would change.”

“How do you know if you don’t…?”

Scootaloo groans. “Look, Dinky… I get that you’re just trying to help, but you don’t understand me or my situation. So please just… just let it go.”

Dinky sighs. “Fine. But if you need to talk, me and my dad are here for you.”

Arc returns a few minutes later. Sliding into his spot in the driver’s seat he closes the door behind him.

“It’ll be ready in about twenty minutes.”

“Okay, dad. Should we just wait here then?”

“Yeah. But then again, maybe we shouldn’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll show you.”

Starting the engine Arc drives the vehicle behind the building. Shutting it off, he turns to the pair.

“Everyone out.”

Stepping out of the vehicle, Arc looks around a few moments before casting the Matter Compacting Spell. As the Jeep shrinks Arc kneels down and picks it up. Storing it in his ring he calls forth his gauntlet, makes a sigil, and opens a portal.

“Let’s go.”

Shrugging, Dinky and Scootaloo do as they are told. Arc follows them through as the portal collapses. Reappearing on the sigil back in his basement Dinky looks to her father, clearly confused.

“We’re home, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ll pop back there to get the food in a bit. Could you head upstairs and tell your mother and Hammer that we’re having pizza for lunch?”

“Okay dad.”

She heads upstairs as Hammer passes her with the clothes hamper.

“We’re having pizza for lunch, Miss Hammer!”

“Cool!”

She reaches the bottom of the stairs and walks over to the washer. Looking over at Arc she smiles sheepishly.

“Derpy says she’s going to teach me how to sort and do laundry.”

“Good. Where is she now?”

“Taking a leak in the upstairs bathroom. She said she’d be right down though.”

“That’s fine. I’ll leave you to it then. This way, Scootaloo.”

“Huh?”

“Come with me.”

Nodding, the little girl follows Arc upstairs. Leading her into his room, he closes the door behind them.

“Have a seat.”

Scootaloo nods and sits down in a chair as Arc plops down on the end of the bed.

“So what’s up?”

“Big Brother?”

“You were really out of it back in the Jeep earlier.”

“I… I just… don’t really want to talk about it. “

“That much I do know.”

Scootaloo looks suddenly nervous. “You know what I did?”

Arc nods soberly. “To Dinky, yes.”

Scootaloo lowers her gaze “Are you… mad?”

“Not really, no. But I did see what you did in the Jeep earlier. Now then, I want you to understand that under normal circumstances I don’t generally look through your eyes without saying something.”

“You don’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “I see it as being really invasive. After all as a filly you deserve a certain amount of privacy. More now that you’re a human girl.”

“That doesn’t make any sense to me though.”

“Then why don’t we stick to what’s bothering you?”

Scootaloo sighs. “It’s been bothering me for some time now.”

“I know.”

“You do?”

"Yes.”

“So you can see what I’m thinking?!

“Not exactly. But anyone can see that you haven’t been yourself lately.”

“Do I have to tell you, Big Brother?”

Arc sighs. “I suppose I could order you to do so. But I don’t really want to do that.”

“Can we just leave it for the time being then?”

“If that’s what you want, yes. Just understand that all I want is what’s best for you. And I can’t do that if I don’t know what’s going on.”

Scootaloo nods. “I just… need to sort a few things out in my head first.”

“Well, if you ever want to talk about it I’ll be here to listen.”

“Thanks, Big Brother. And I will talk to you about it sometime soon.”

“Good. Now then, I’m going to put my Jeep in the garage. Think you could give me a hand?”

Scootaloo appears confused. “With what?”

“You’ll see.”

Heading downstairs they make their way outside to the garage. Arc removes the Jeep from his ring and sets it gently on the concrete. Stepping back he holds up a hand and casts the Matter Compacting counter spell to return it to normal. Opening the back hatch Arc turns to Scootaloo.

“Bring these toys inside and put them in my room. I’m going to head back and get our pizza order.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. As he steps forward Scootaloo calls out to him.

“Big Brother!”

Arc turns. “Yes?”

“I… I’m sorry for what I said and did to Dinky.”

“Don’t tell me that. Tell her.”

“Okay.”

Arc enters the portal and vanishes. Reappearing on the sigil behind the pizzeria, Cherry calls out to him.

“You were kinda hard on her.”

“I don’t think I was.”

“No, no. I mean… something’s bothering her.”

“Anyone could see that.”

“While I hate to pry, maybe you should have pushed her a bit harder for details.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Didn’t you just say I was too hard on her?”

Cherry sighs. “I don’t really know which way is right at the moment.”

“Neither do I.”

“Really?”

“While I could have just ordered her to tell me what was going on… I mean… as my thrall she couldn’t have said no.”

“But you didn’t.”

Arc nods. “Right. Because she’s more than just a thrall to me.”

“Oh? What do you view her as?”

Arc chuckles as he walks around the building. “A very special friend.”

Meanwhile, Derpy and Hammer hear a strange sound as they sort the clothes. Hammer frowns.

“What the heck IS that?!”

Derpy shrugs. “I don’t know.”

Sereb raises his head and pricks up his ears.

“It is Scootaloo banging her head against the back door.”

Derpy and Hammer call out in tandem. “WHAT?!’

They hurry upstairs and open the door. Scootaloo stands there with her arms laden with bags from the toy store.

“Let us help you with that!”

“Yeah! You’ve got quite a load there!”

Scootaloo appears relieved as they take the bags. “Thanks. They’re not really that heavy. Just bulky. That and I guess I didn’t stop to think how I was going to get the door open with my hands full.”

Hammer gasps. “There more of this stuff out there?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes, but I’ll get it.”

A few minutes later Scootaloo enters Arc’s parent’s room. She spies Derpy and Hammer unpacking the boxes. Derpy turns to Hammer.

“These are Earth toys?”

Hammer shrugs. “I guess. Not really much to look at though.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Well I think they’re cool. Big Brother was showing us how to play with them in the store.”

“Right!”

Scootaloo turns to see Dinky walk in.

“We made up a story and acted it out with action figures.”

Hammer appears confused. “How?”

Dinky grins. “I’ll show you!”

She kneels down and holds up an action figure. Derpy looks it over cautiously.

“Is this… supposed to be Arc?!”

Hammer squeals happily. “Dibs!”

Hammer grabs the Hero of Light figure as Dinky hands her mother the Dragon Figure.

“I’ll be the Faithful Steed! Scootaloo, do you want to be…?”

Turning, she finds that the young girl has left. Sighing, Dinky returns her gaze to the figures before her.

Chapter 12 - Company's Coming

Several days later Derpy, Hammer, Scootaloo, and Sereb sit on the couch together watching television. Derpy turns to Hammer.

“You okay with this?”

Hammer sighs. “I don’t know. Even before I met Arc I wasn’t much for meeting people. My sisters always told me I had too much personality.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

“That I scare people away, what with being so open and whatnot.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “We are not afraid of you.”

“Well, I suppose that might be because you and Arc beat me on several occasions before.”

She grins and snaps her fingers.

“That might be the solution!”

Derpy appears confused. “Oh?”

“I’ll just have Arc’s childhood friends beat me up first!”

Scootaloo frowns. “That probably isn’t a good idea.”

Sereb grins. “Sounds good to me.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Considering Shelly’s personality and condition, I don’t think she’s capable of harming anyone.”

“But it could work!”

Sereb chuckles. “As much as I would like to observe such an experiment, I do not believe Arc would approve of it.”

Hammer groans. “Fine. But let’s not forget the idea entirely.”

A short time later Sereb pricks up his ears and turns to Derpy.

“They are here.”

Derpy stands up quickly. “Let’s get ready, everyone!”

They all put on their coats and boots. Heading out the front door the group watches as Arc’s Jeep slowly pulls into the driveway and stops. Arc gets out and pops the back hatch before turning his attention to people waiting for him just inside the back door.

“Lily and I will get Shelly inside. Everyone else grab the stuff in the back please.”

He opens the door as Lily unbuckles their friend. Shelly turns her head and smiles at them weakly.

“I’m sorry you two.”

Arc shakes his head as he puts an arm under her legs and behind her back. “Don’t be. I was the one who wanted to take you to the store.”

Lily sighs. “That might have been a bit too much for you, Shelly.”

“Yes. But I loved it very much.”

Picking Shelly up, Arc turns and carefully carries her toward the house. The others grab numerous bags of groceries as well as several suitcases underneath. Sereb holds the door open with his backside as Arc passes him and heads for the couch. Setting his friend down on it he turns to the others following them.

“Take the groceries to the kitchen, Hammer.”

“On it!”

“And the suitcases go in the guest room.”

Derpy and Scootaloo nod as they head upstairs. Arc kneels down to remove Shelly’s boots as Lily carefully removes the young woman’s coat. Shelly looks over at the door as it clicks shut. Shelly appears impressed.

“Sereb closed the door?”

“Yes. It’s a very useful trick.”

Lily smiles. “I’ll say.”

Arc motions to Sereb with a point. Nodding, he walks over to Shelly and hops up onto the couch with her. She winces in pain causing Sereb to jump back as Lily turns to her friend along with Arc.

“Shelly?! What happened?!”

“I think I know what it is.”

Removing his friend’s socks, he points to her swollen feet. Lily sighs.

“I told you not to walk the isles.”

Shelly nods sadly. “Yes. But I won’t be able to do that for much longer, if at all.”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s okay, Shelly. We’ll take care of it.”

Hammer returns from the kitchen. Arc turns to her.

“Can you get me a couple pillows from the basement, please?”

“Sure.”

She turns and heads downstairs as Arc turns back to his friends. Lily appears confused.

“Arc, who is that woman?”

“A former client of mine. I’ll introduce you to her when she gets back.”

Returning, Hammer hands Arc two pillows. Putting them under Shelly’s head, he takes the throw pillows and uses them to elevate her feet. She smiles weakly as Arc looks to her.

“How’s that?”

“Much better, thank you.”

“Shelly… Lily… this is Hammer. She’s been staying with us for a while now after I finished her case.”

Hammer waves nervously. "H-hi there."

Lily forces a smile. “H-hello.”

Shelly nods weakly and extends a hand. “How do you do?”

Hammer takes Shelly’s hand and shakes it vigorously. Shelly winces in pain as Arc stops her.

“Remember, you have to be careful with Shelly!”

“I thought I was.”

Lily frowns. “Treat her limbs like they were made of eggs. Too much pressure there especially hurts her a lot.”

“Sorry about that.”

Shelly smiles weakly. “It’s… okay.”

“So you were one of Arc’s clients?”

Hammer nods. “Sure was! He got my cases done lickety-split though!”

Arc shrugs. “I got a few lucky breaks.”

Shelly appears interested. “What was it about?”

Hammer turns to Arc. “Can I tell them?”

“You were the client, so it’s up to you.”

“Well then, my first case was for him to find out what my sisters were up to. At the time I thought they were being blackmailed, or something.”

“Oh my!”

“Are they all right?!”

Hammer gives a thumbs up. “Sure are! Turns out the whole thing was just one big misunderstanding!”

Lily breathes a sigh of relief. “Were there other cases?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. But those are kinda sensitive. They were about my sisters again. But this time my gut was right.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t know if they’d want someone talking about it though.”

“Right. So I’d better keep what happened to myself.”

Shelly appears hopeful. “But they’re safe, right?”

Hammer sighs. “Kinda.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “In any case, Hammer helped me out of a bind on another investigation. Because of that thought she’s on the run.”

Lily gasps. “From whom?”

“My… old boss.”

Shelly turns to Arc. “Can Marshal Raynor help?”

“I don’t think so. It’s just important that she stays under wraps until this thing blows over.”

Lily frowns. “How long will that take?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. I’m trying to figure out something a bit more permanent for her though.”

Shelly smiles. “Well, I for one thank you for helping our friend, Hammer.”

“It was my pleasure. Especially after all he did for me.”

Dinky runs in the front door. She smiles widely as she spies Shelly and Lily.

“Miss Shelly! Miss Lily! “

Running over to Lily, she throws her arms around the young woman’s waist. Sereb hops off the couch and moves to close the front door as the little girl looks up at Lily.

“Are you really going to spend the entire week with us?!”

Lily smiles and nods. “Shelly’s health permitting, yes.”

“YAY!”

Shelly giggles. “What would you like to do first, Daisy?”

Dinky pats the young woman’s hand. “Help you feel better.”

Arc gestures to the kitchen. “How about we cook everyone a nice lunch, Lily? Shelly’s feet should recover by then.”

“Sure. Is there anything special you’d like to eat, Shelly?”

“No, Lily. Whatever you and Arc want to cook is fine with me. But I think I’d like to lie down upstairs and take a little nap before lunch.”

Arc nos. “Sure. I’ll carry you.”

Hammer raises a hand. “I can handle that.”

Lily appears suddenly nervous. “Well, that might not be the best idea…”

Shelly interrupts. “Thank you, miss. I’d like that.”

Hammer nods and carefully picks Shelly up. Carrying her toward the stairs Sereb gets up and follows the pair. Shrugging, Arc and Lily head for the kitchen together. Meanwhile, Derpy and Scootaloo finish unpacking their guest’s suitcases. Closing the last drawer Derpy turns to Scootaloo.

“That’s everything.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yeah.”

Derpy turns to the little girl. “Scootaloo?”

“Miss Derpy, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“When Big Brother and I saw your father in his last days he sounded really sorry for what he did to you.”

Derpy looks away. “You would know better than I would.”

“Was what he did to you really that bad?”

“Yes. Every day was spent trying to keep away from him. Even the servants, seeing how much he hated me, chose to mistreat me. And every time I thought someone cared they soon proved me wrong.”

“And did you hate him for that?”

“No, dear.”

“Why not?”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles. “Because… above all else… I didn’t want to grow up to be like him.”

“What kept you going?”

“The thought that I at one time had a mother whom loved me enough to give her life to create mine. Tell me something, Scootaloo. Did your mother love you?”

“I… want to believe she did, yes. But I don’t really know. She… sometimes would look at me nervously when she thought I didn’t notice.”

“And why was that?”

“Because she knew I was a monster inside.”

“A monster?”

Scootaloo nods sadly. “You’ve seen what Big Brother and I turn into at the sight of the full moon! Neither of us is normal!”

“Did she still care for you?”

“Care for…?”

“Cook for you. Clean you up. Keep you safe from…”

“Yes.”

“Then what makes you think she didn’t care about you?”

“Because… um… she… she was always just so… weak.”

“What do you mean?”

“Whenever my dad wanted… a certain something she would just give it to him. No matter how much pain she was in.”

Derpy smiles. “But did her weakness mean she didn’t love you?

“I must’ve!”

“Could it have meant that she just didn’t know what else to do?”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What do you mean?”

Derpy turns and looks out the window. “I remember when I first found out I was pregnant with Dinky. While I so very desperately wanted to be a good mother to her, I knew that I didn’t know how.”

“Didn’t know how? How to what?”

“Love.”

“I don’t… how do you learn something like that?!”

Derpy giggles and turns as she looks the little girl in the eye. “From watching others.”

“Big Brother?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. He showed me what love was. While I learned much from Twilight and her friends while he was in Tartarus, he was the one whom showed me the basics.”

Scootaloo puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “My mom didn’t know how to love?”

“I believe you have some thinking to do. Why don’t you go to your room and do that?”

“What about Big Brother…?”

Derpy smiles at her. “Don’t worry. I’ll explain it to him.”

“Okay. Thanks, Miss Derpy.”

Hammer enters the bedroom carrying Shelly. She looks to Derpy and Scootaloo.

“I have someone here who needs to take a nap.”

Derpy nods. “Okay. We were just finishing up here.”

“Y-yeah.”

Scootaloo walks out of the room with Derpy and down the hall as the woman heads downstairs. Reaching Arc’s old room she flops down on the bed and stares at the ceiling.

“Mom… I… I never ever considered…”

Meanwhile, Hammer lays Shelly on the bed.

“I hope I didn’t hurt you this time.”

Shelly smiles. “Not at all. You were very gentle.”

Hammer appears suddenly nervous. “Sorry about before.”

“It’s alright. But I have to admit, you’re a lot stronger than I originally thought.”

“I was in the military. My sisters and I are a lot stronger than we first appear. Well, Stingray and I, that is.”

Shelly lowers her voice. “Is… does Arc know about that?”

“About what?”

“You being in the military.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh… yeah. What’s wrong with that?”

Shelly sighs. “He’s never been too fond of that particular organization.”

“Really? Why’s that?”

“Let’s just say it’s something from his past and leave it at that.”

Hammer frowns. “What’s the…?!”

“Please. You need to hear it from him.”

“It’s never been brought up before.”

Shelly appears relieved. “Then I guess Arc’s finally gotten over it.”

“Over what?!”

“He’ll tell you when he’s ready.”

Hammer groans. “Great. Say, are you okay?”

Shelly winces as she looks down at her legs. “Muscular problems. It’ll pass.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

“My legs tighten up like this when I overexert myself. Do you think you could massage them for me? You don’t have to if that’s a bit weird for you.”

“No problem.”

Sitting down on the bed next to Shelly, Hammer begins massaging her calves.

“Just let me know if I’m being too rough.”

Shelly winces. “A bit harder please. They’re really tight.”

“I can feel that. What exactly did you do? Try to run a marathon through the store?”

“Just walking.”

“All day?”

“Half an hour.”

“Well, your muscles are really small. No offense, mind you.”

“None taken. They’ve always been that way.”

“Can’t you exercise, or something? Work up to something a bit more normal?”

Sereb growls from the doorway. Shelly looks over to him and smiles.

“It’s alright, Sereb.”

She looks back to Hammer before continuing.

“But to answer your question, not really. The best I can do is to walk around my apartment to get food and head for the toilet.”

“I… have some friends that might be able to help you with some… experimental treatments.”

Shelly shakes her head. “Thank you, but no.”

“You sure about that? After all, wouldn’t you like to be able to keep up with Arc and Lily?”

“I would, yes. But at this point my body is too far-gone.”

She sighs before continuing.

“That and I don’t want to give Arc and Lily a false hope that I’ll be okay.”

“Is that really what you want?”

“Ultimately, yes. I would like to stay with them as long as I can with what I am.”

Hammer frowns. “You don’t want to be something better?”

Shelly shakes her head. “That’s not my goal.”

“Then what is?”

“To spend as much time as I can with them before my eventual death next year.”

Hammer gasps. “Next YEAR?!”

Shelly nods. “Yes. The doctors said this is going to be my last Christmas. Arc wanted to make this one special for me.”

“He’s… quite a guy.”

Shelly giggles. “That he is.”

Hammer muses to herself as she continues massaging the young woman’s legs.

“There’s gotta be something I can do for her.”

A few minutes later a smile spreads across her face as a thought enters her mind.

“And I think I know just what it is.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Lily began cooking downstairs.

“It’s been too long since we did this, Arc.”

“That it has. By the way, when was the last time?”

“Last Christmas.”

Arc chuckles. “It really has been awhile then. Sorry for not being around more though.”

“We understand. Shelly and I know just how hard you’re working to become a successful member of society.”

Cherry calls out to him, giggling. “If she only knew just how much you’ve already accomplished.”

“Let’s not give her a heart attack.”

“Agreed.”

Arc continues. “Nothing worth doing is ever easy.”

“I suppose not.”

“How are you and Shelly doing though?”

“Alright. She’s becoming more and more work though.”

“Do you need help with that?”

Lily shakes her head. “You already do enough. That and to me it’s so enjoyable.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. It’s like… like caring for a small child. She needs to be bathed, clothed, taken to the doctor, and consoled like a baby some days.”

“Consoled?”

Lily sighs. “Shelly has been asking to be put in a nursing home for a while now.”

“What?! Why?!”

“She wants me to be free of caring for her.”

“I do remember her saying as much to me a while back.”

“What did she say?”

“Shelly asked how you and I put up with her needs. Why we didn’t just put her in a home and live out our lives.”

Lily gasps. “Because we both love and cherish her!”

“Right. “

“If we didn’t there’s no way we’d have done as much as we have.”

“We’ve both had to help her go to the bathroom more times than I can count.”

“And clean her up if we didn’t make it.”

Arc sighs. “The first time I had to do that when she moved in with me… I thought it would be the most disgusting thing imaginable. But it wasn’t.”

“Oh?”

“I mean… it did smell awful. But that was okay because Shelly deserved better than sitting in her own waste. And I wanted to help her feel the love and dignity that she deserved.”

Lily shakes her head. “Dignity. Something I don’t think she’d get in a nursing home.”

Arc sighs. “Not if what’s on the news is to be believed.”

“She always puts on a strong front for us. And I just accepted the fact that she was a bit frail. But… but now…”

Derpy walks into the kitchen.

“Sco… I mean Scarlet will be down later.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Is something wrong?”

“She just needed some time to think. So I came down to help myself.”

“Um… okay.”

Derpy turns to Lily. “So what are we making?”

“Homemade chicken noodle soup and biscuits.”

Arc looks to Derpy. “Can you make up some dough for the latter, Dawn?”

“Sure.”

Walking to the cupboard she pulls out a bag of flour and begins measuring. Sighing inwardly, she frowns.

“You need to let others help you, Scootaloo. If you don’t you’ll never be able to open your heart to others.”

Chapter 13 - Tree Trimming

The next day Arc and his friends stand at the base of the ladder leading up to the attic. Hammer turns to Lily.

“What’s Arc doing up there again?”

“Looking for the Christmas tree.”

Dinky giggles. “And the ornaments too!”

Scootaloo sighs. “I don’t get this tradition at all.”

Derpy turns to the little girl. “We celebrated it with Arc last year. He put up a fake tree and we decorated it with colored orbs and lights.”

“What for?”

Lily smiles. “Fun, mostly.”

Shelly nods. “Some people use a real pine instead. But Arc never liked the idea of killing a tree for such a purpose.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Why not? I mean, it’s just one tree, right?”

Lily frowns. “True. But if a million families cut down a tree just to throw out after the first of the year… that’s a million trees.”

Shelly shakes her head. “Per year I might add.”

Derpy looks up. “That and it’s kinda like throwing money away.”

Arc nods as he pokes his head through the hatch.

“Right!”

“Did you find it, dad?!”

Arc grins. “Sure did. I’ll pass the pieces down to everyone.”

Starting with the steel base, Arc hands it through the hatch followed by the lower, middle, and upper sections of the tree.

“Bring those to the living room while I hand down the boxes of ornaments and lights.”

Dinky grabs the base while Hammer picks up the lower section. Derpy takes the middle and Scootaloo follows with the top. Passing down the a fore mentioned box to Lily, Arc turns and looks back to the messy attic.

“I’ve really got to clean this place up one of these days.”

Lily giggles. “You’ve been saying that for years, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I’ve meant it for years too.”

Descending the ladder, Arc picks up the box of ornaments while Lily closes the attic hatch behind him. As they head downstairs they hear laughter from the living room. Entering, they see Sereb sitting on the couch with Shelly and Dinky lying on the floor trying to guide the lower tree section into the steel base as Hammer and Derpy hold it up. Hammer frowns.

“Sure wish I could see what I’m doing.”

Derpy sighs. “Me too.”

Shelly giggles as she pets Sereb. “I’m sorry for laughing, Daisy. You just look so adorable with your little feet sticking out.”

Dinky smiles. “It’s fine. I think I got it! Down!”

The pair above lower the center into the base. Dinky grins as she sees the shaft pass between the bolts.

“Let me tighten these up and we’re in business.”

Scootaloo peeks under the tree. “Be sure to get them nice and tight.”

Lily nods. “While I don’t think the tree is any danger of falling over, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to make sure it’s properly secured.”

Arc chuckles. “Right.”

Scootaloo turns to Derpy. “So what’s next?”

“Now we decorate it, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. First the lights need to go on.”

Walking over to the box, Arc removes the cardboard the lights are wrapped around. Hammer eyes it suspiciously.

“What do you have there, Arc?”

“My dad’s way to making sure the light’s didn’t get tangled.”

Shelly giggles. “I remember our first Christmas together. Before you showed me that I thought you’d be trying to get the wires straight for hours.”

Dinky frowns. “But I thought my dad said…”

Arc turns to her. “The staff at the orphanage didn’t do it this way. They’d just throw the lights in a box at the end of the season.”

Lily sighs. “Then they’d spend hours the following year trying to straighten them out.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “But why? I mean, if they knew it was going to be a problem, why not try to find a better way?”

Shelly groans. “Because they just did everything as quickly as possible so they could go back to lounging around.”

Arc nods. “But in the end it cost them more time and headache. Now then, let’s get these lights on so we can decorate.”

“Aren’t we forgetting something, dad?”

“Oh?”

Derpy giggles. “Music!”

Arc smiles. “Right! Let me tune something in on the radio.”

Flicking the switch, Arc turns the dial until the sounds of Christmas music fills the air. Hammer grins.

“That’s more like it!”

Lily nods approvingly. “Yes. Much more festive.”

Arc grins. “Now for the lights.”

Walking around the tree, he slowly unravels the cord and lays it on various branches. Snaking it up the tree Arc eventually reaches the top. Derpy brings him a chair to finish the job as Scootaloo looks on.

“So do we turn them on now, Big Brother?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not yet. Next we need the ornaments.”

Dinky runs over to the box and drags them over to the tree. Reaching inside she pulls out a set of dividers holding the orbs.

“Here we go!”

Derpy joins Dinky in decorating as Hammer and Lily start on the opposite side. Arc turns to Shelly.

“Would you like to help too?”

“Very much so, yes. But I’m not sure how much help I’ll actually be.”

Lily giggles. “Come on, Shelly! It’ll be just like old times!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’ll help steady you.”

Shelly smiles weakly. “Thank you, Arc. I’d like that.”

Walking over to his friend, Arc leans down to her. Wrapping her arms around his neck he helps her stand. Extending the crook of his arm to her, Shelly puts her hand on it and allows herself to be slowly led over to the tree. Dinky hands her an ornament with a smile.

“Here you go, Miss Shelly!”

“Thank you, dear.”

Taking the orb, she carefully reaches up and places it on a branch. Smiling, Shelly looks back down at Dinky whom hands her ornament after ornament. Coming to the bottom of the box she turns to the little girl beside her.

“I still remember when your father along with Lily and I used to do this.”

“Was it a long time ago?”

Lily closes her eyes and smiles. “It feels like it sometimes.”

Shelly sighs and looks down at her hand on Arc’s stout arm. “Yes, it does. I was a lot stronger back then and able to still do things for myself.”

Derpy smiles. “You still do alright.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Lily and I know you’re doing your best.”

“Thank you for saying so. But even after doing this small task, I’m quite tired.”

Arc appears suddenly concerned. “Should I take you upstairs to rest?”

Shelly shakes her head. “Not yet. First I want to see the tree lit.”

Lily turns to Arc. “But we have to do one last thing first.”

“Right. Daisy, would you like to…?”

Dinky interrupts him. “Actually, I think Scarlet should have a turn. After all, I did it last time.”

“Alright.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Do what?”

Arc turns to her. “Put the star on top of the tree.”

“Star?”

Derpy walks over to Arc with a small box. Handing it to him, he opens it and removes a golden star.

“This goes on top of the tree.”

Scootaloo looks up. “But I can’t reach it.”

Dinky grins. “Don’t worry. My dad will hold you up there.”

Hammer smiles approvingly. “Sounds like quite an honor to me.”

“So do you want to do it?”

“I… guess so.”

Kneeling down, Arc gives Scootaloo the star. Picking her up, he carefully lifts her. Reaching out the little girl puts the star up on top before turning to look back at Arc.

“How’s that?”

“Perfect.”

Setting her down, Arc motions to Derpy. She closes the shades as Arc kneels down next to the plug. Putting it into the socket the lights spring to life. Everyone marvels at the beauty of the sight before them for some time happily. Eventually Hammer breaks the silence.

“Looks great!”

Derpy smiles ear to ear. “It’s just as magical a sight as last year.”

Lily nods wistfully. “Every year since we came here.”

Dinky leans against her father happily. “I love this holiday!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Me too, Daisy.”

Derpy turns to him. “Why don’t we get supper going now, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Lily nods. “I’ll help.”

Dinky grins. “Me too!”

They turn and head for the kitchen as Arc looks to Scootaloo. She sits off to one side, clearly mesmerized by the sight of the tree. He calls out to the others.

“I’ll be there in a bit.”

Hammer walks over to the couch. “Do you want me to carry you to your bed now, Shelly?”

Shelly shakes her head. “No, thank you. I’d just like to sit here for a while and look at the tree.”

Arc frowns. “Are you sure? You look really drained.”

“Yes. Now if only there was someone to keep me company right now…”

Sereb walks over and hops up onto the couch. Walking over to Shelly he lays down next to her and allows himself to be petted. She looks over to Scootaloo.

“Would you like to join me, Scarlet?”

“I… um…”

“You shouldn’t be left alone right now.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. Seeing him nod soberly she sighs.

“Yes, I’ll stay with you Miss Shelly.”

Shelly smiles. “Good.”

Scootaloo stands and walks over to the couch. Sitting down on the other side of Shelly, she returns her gaze to the tree. Arc calls out to her telepathically as he heads for the kitchen.

“Stay by her side and do whatever she asks of you.”

“Yes, Big Brother.”

Shelly turns to Scootaloo.

“Do you like the sight before you?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “It’s okay.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah. Why do you…?”

“You were looking at the tree strangely a few moments ago.”

“Strangely?”

“Perhaps that wasn’t the best word to use. But I have seen it many times over the years.”

“You have?”

Shelly nods. “Oh yes. New arrivals at the orphanage often wore it for some time.”

“Both of my parents are dead.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Well, I’m not.”

“Really?”

“A lot of bad things happened to me back then.”

“Like what?”

Scootaloo looks away before speaking. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”

Shelly smiles. “That’s understandable. But all orphans have to learn to open up to someone they trust.”

“Like Big Brother?”

“Anyone whom you can confide in, yes.”

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Then it’ll just keep knawing at you. Eventually it’ll burst forth like a dam if you let it.”

“I can take it.”

“By all means, you can try to. But I’ve yet to see anyone who had such mental baggage bear it forever.”

“Miss Shelly?”

“Hm?”

“Why are you telling me all of this?”

Shelly giggles slightly. “Because us orphans have to stick together.”

Sometime later supper is cooked and eaten. Adjourning from the kitchen table, they head for the living room to talk around the tree. Hammer looks to Dinky and shakes her head.

“Nah, we never put up a tree this time of year.”

“Why not, Miss Hammer?”

“Always too busy with work. That and me and my sisters weren’t much for such things.”

Lily sighs happily. “The three of us couldn’t let this time pass without setting up the old tree.”

Shelly nods. “Right. It’s almost a member of our family now.”

Arc chuckles. “That might be going a bit far.”

Derpy smiles. “As long as everyone’s happy though… that’s all that matters.”

Scootaloo winces as Sereb looks to her. He turns to Arc and yawns hugely. Nodding, Arc stands.

“Well, it’s getting kinda late. Why don’t we all head to bed and get a good night’s sleep. After all, tomorrow is the big day.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “I thought it wasn’t until evening though?”

Lily nods. “Right. But we have a lot to do to make sure things go well.”

Shelly smiles. “True. After all, we can’t let them down.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And we won’t.”

Derpy stands and takes Dinky’s hand.

“Come along, sweetheart.”

“Okay, mom.”

Hammer gets to her feet and stretches. “I think I’ll hit the hay too. Goodnight everyone.”

She and Sereb head for the basement together as Lily helps Shelly stand up.

“Can you make it?”

Shelly smiles sleepily. “If you’ll help me, yes.”

Arc looks after them as they head toward the stairs. “Pleasant dreams you two.”

Lily giggles. “Good night, Arc.”

Shelly nods. “Are you heading to bed too?”

“I will in a bit.”

The pair head upstairs as Arc turns to look at Scootaloo. She stares wordlessly at the tree in all its colorful glory. He waits to speak until Shelly and Lily reach the bedroom and shut the door behind them.

“Scootaloo?”

The little girl does not respond. Arc sits down next to her and puts a hand on her small shoulder.

“Are you sleepy?”

She shakes her head as Arc continues.

“Something is really eating you up inside, isn’t it?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yes.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I really don’t. But Miss Shelly told me that I need to speak to someone I trust.”

“She’s right, you know.”

“I trust you, Big Brother.”

“Are you ready to talk now?”

Scootaloo nods and looks at the tree again.

“It’s this thing here.”

“The Christmas tree?”

“Yeah. That and this holiday.”

“Spending time with family?”

Scootaloo bows her head. “Something I never really felt I had. At least not like everyone else.”

“Even before your parents died?”

“I was… different. You know why though.”

“That I do.”

“There’s more to it though.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve always just felt so… alone.”

“Is that what’s been bothering you lately?”

“Yes. I was told Christmas is all about family.”

“It is, yes.”

“But I don’t have any! My mom and dad are dead!”

“None of us do.”

“Huh?”

“Remember, other than Dinky no one here has parents.”

“Then why…?”

“Shelly, Lily, and I formed our own family. Derpy and Dinky joined it too.”

“And Miss Hammer?”

“I don’t think she has anyone other than her sisters. And they’re not exactly open to seeing her ever since she betrayed them.”

Scootaloo frowns. “But none of you are actually related.”

“That’s not important.”

“What is then?”

“Spending time with those you care about. It’s like that for all races, colors, creeds, and even species. Now then, do you understand?”

“I think so. But… there’s more to my problem.”

“Oh?”

“As you know, back in Knothole Village my dad was always having sex with my mom in hopes of having another foal.”

“That I saw for myself unfortunately.”

“Usually my dad didn’t go after her until he was totally drunk though.”

Arc shudders. “Yeah. Then your mom would take her place at the kitchen table.”

“I know. I saw them do it before.

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You did? When?”

“Well… promise you won’t tell anyone about this?”

“I promise, yes.”

S"One day I asked my mom where foals come from. She told me about how a stallion’s sperm fertilizes a mare’s egg to make a foal."

She sighs as Arc puts an arm around her.

“I didn’t really understand what a lot of those things meant. How the sperm got into the mare’s belly or when it was supposed to come out.”

Arc nods. “I’m guessing you were a bit too young to fully understand yet.”

“Mom told me that my dad and her were trying to have another foal. That’s when I got my idea.”

Scootaloo sighs as she continues.

“So I decided to watch what they did at night. See if I could spot the sperm or the egg.”

Arc frowns. “How much did you see?”

“The whole thing. But that wasn’t the worst of it.”

“What was then?”

“As my dad… finished, mom looked up and saw me. I hurried back to my room as quickly as I could, of course. But she came after me a few minutes later.”

“To try and explain things?”

“Sort of. Mostly she told me that what I’d seen was just what mares and stallions whom loved each other would do. It was how they made a family together.”

Arc sighs. “The way they did it was wrong.”

“How so?”

“Having drunk sex every night while their filly listens isn’t appropriate for any species. That’s why I made sure to get you out of there when they did it. Tell me, didn’t they make you feel uncomfortable?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. Quite a bit actually.”

“I don’t want to be responsible for making you feel that way.”

“Is that why you don’t have sex with Miss Derpy or Miss Hammer?”

“Not exactly.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “But don’t you care about them?”

“Yes, I do. But that’s why I don’t want to do that with them at the moment.”

“If your nervous I could probably help.”

“How?”

“I could talk to them both. See what it is they want from a stallion and let you know what they say.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Scootaloo. This is just something I need to do myself.”

“I… I’m sorry, Big Brother. I just wanted to try to repay you for all you’ve done for me.”

“Don’t. At least not in that way. I know you miss your parents, but getting involved in someone else’s relationship just to cope with it won’t help you at all.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But I want to be…!”

She stops talking as Arc looks to her, confused.

“You want to be what exactly?”

“I want… to be part of a real family.”

“Like ours?”

Scootaloo sighs. “That I don’t know.”

“Something about this is holding you back?”

“Yes, Big Brother. You see, several stallions would come to my parent’s shop regularly for some very special… medications.”

“Define ‘special’.”

“My mom told me they all have venereal diseases.”

“I suppose that happens. Did it make you uncomfortable?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No. Well… yes. But not for the reason you think.”

“Oh?”

“I understood what sex was by that point. However what really upset me was the fact that all of them were married.”

Arc frowns. “So they were cheating?”

“Yes, Big Brother.”

“What did your mom say about that?”

“Just that sometimes things like that happened sometimes.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes. But it isn’t something that one should think is a good idea.”

Scootaloo nods. “Some of them had families though. When I brought that up my mom just said that not all families work out.”

“And you were worried ours wouldn’t?”

“Kinda. I mean, I was hoping it would. But I didn’t want to have to deal with the fallout of another broken family.”

Arc sighs. “Those really are valid points you bring up, Scootaloo.”

“What should I do though?! I really do want to be part of a real family! But at the same time I don’t want to have to go through something like what my parents did ever again!”

“Our relationships are different though.”

How so, Big Brother?”

“For starters, they’re not based on sex or making foals.”

“I did notice that pretty quickly though.”

Arc smiles. “That and we’d be happy to have you as part of our family. If you’d like that, I suppose.”

“So… you’re all okay with someone like me joining your family too?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Scootaloo. We’d all like that very much.”

She throws her arms around him as the pair embrace. They sit there on the couch for a long time happily. Eventually Arc sits back and looks Scootaloo in the eye.

“When we get back to Equestria I’m going to take you to see Emerald Dream.”

“Who?”

“A mare who provides therapy in Ponyville. She helped the griffon younglings and foals whom were abused deal with their problems.”

“But I don’t need anyone other than you to help me, Big Brother.”

Arc bows his head. “Believe me when I say that you went through more abuse than you understand, Scootaloo.”

“Do I have to go?”

“Are you going to make me order you to go?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, Big Brother. If you say I need to go, I’ll obey willingly. After all, you’ve always done what’s best for me.”

Arc smiles at her. “Good. Now, if you even need to talk about this, or anything else for that matter, I’m here for you. Our family may not be perfect, but we do our very best.”

“Thanks. While my brain is telling me that this is too good to be true, I get the feeling that you’ll always take care of me and the rest of your family to the best of your ability, Big Brother.”

Arc chuckles. “You’re a bit off.”

“I am?”

Arc smiles and tousles Scootaloo’s hair. “Right. Remember, they’re your family now too.”

Chapter 14 - Navigating

Arc awakens on the couch early the next morning, even before the sun has risen. He looks down at Scootaloo lying there on the other end of the couch. Sitting up, he leans over and gently shakes her.

“Scootaloo? It’s time to get up.”

Opening her eyes, she looks around with a dazed look on her face.

“Where… are we?”

“Downstairs on the sofa.”

“Shouldn’t we get to bed?”

“It’s actually morning.”

“But the sun isn’t even up yet.”

Arc nods. “And it won’t be for another hour.”

“Can’t we go back to bed then?”

Arc shakes his head as he stands up. “Nope. We have quite a bit of work to do today. So let’s get it started with a good breakfast.”

“Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

Scootaloo nervously looks to him. “Can we please keep what was said last night to ourselves?”

“Sure. You’ve got enough to deal with already.”

“Thanks.”

Heading to the kitchen, Arc washes his hands at the sink before turning to the refrigerator. Scootaloo looks confused as he pulls out a sealed plastic container.

“What are you doing with that, Big Brother?”

Arc chuckles. “Just trying to make today memorable for everyone. Bring me two skillets, please.”

“Okay. What should I be doing?”

“There’s a bottle of peanut oil in the cupboard. Get it out and pour it into that machine on the counter.”

Scootaloo grins. “Yes sir.”

A short time later Dinky sits up and sniffs the air. Turning, she nudges her mother.

“Mom?”

“Huh?”

“Do you smell that?”

Derpy nods as she sits up. “What… is it?”

“I don’t really know. But it smells familiar.”

Getting out of bed she walks over to the door. Opening it Dinky spies Shelly and Lily just stepping out of the master bedroom.

“Do you and Miss Shelly smell that, Miss Lily?”

Lily nods. “Yes we do.”

Derpy appears confused. “What is it?”

Shelly smiles at the little girl as she hobbles out the door. “I think I know. But we’ll have to go downstairs to see for ourselves.”

Derpy and Lily help Shelly down the flight of steps to the main level and into the kitchen as Dinky leads the way. She immediately spies her father at the stove hovering happily over two skillets. He looks up at them as they enter the kitchen.

“Happy Christmas Eve, everyone!”

Derpy looks to the stove. “What’s all this, Arc?”

Shelly giggles. “I thought I smelled beef.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Hamburgers for breakfast, Arc?”

Scootaloo calls out from the deep fryer nearby. “Big Brother said he wanted to make today memorable for all of us.”

Hammer walks up from the basement and looks at the food cooking. Squinting, she turns her gaze to the wall clock.

“Uh… did I really sleep all the way through to supper?”

Dinky laughs. “No, Miss Hammer! My dad’s just making supper for breakfast!”

Arc nods. “Shelly Burgers for everyone! Or at the very least my version of them.”

Scootaloo nods as she pulls the strainer out of the deep fryer. “And french fries on demand!”

Shelly smiles. “Can we help?”

“I do need someone to slice some lettuce and tomatoes for toppings.”

Lily walks toward the refrigerator. “I’ll fetch them.”

Shelly giggles. “And I’ll chop them up.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Daisy and I will get the table set for you.”

Hammer grins. “What about me?”

“Can you grab the soda from the fridge and set it out with a few ice trays?”

Scootaloo frowns. “For breakfast?”

Arc chuckles as he pulls the patties off and lays them in a pan in the oven to keep warm. “Yes, Scarlet. We’re all going to eat like I do for breakfast.”

Lily sets the lettuce and tomatoes in front of Shelly as she sits down with a cutting board. Taking a sharp kitchen knife, she makes short work of the vegetables. Hammer gasps as she puts the bottles on the table.

“Woah! That was FAST!”

Shelly smiles. “I do my best to run the kitchen in my restaurant. Before we had help I had to get as much done as possible before Lily returned to help me.”

Dinky appears confused. “Why’s that, Miss Shelly?”

“Because she had enough work to do without me adding to it.”

“You’re still the fastest between us with a knife, Shelly.”

Dinky giggles. “My mom’s pretty good with one too.”

Derpy smiles happily. “Practice makes perfect.”

Lily sighs. “I was never too good with it.”

Shelly puts a hand on her friend’s arm. “To be fair, I’m not very good at bussing tables. Everyone’s orders get all jumbled up in my head.”

Scootaloo nods. “We all do what we can.”

Arc chuckles as he flips the burgers. “Right.”

“Uh… Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“This thing isn’t working right.”

“Huh?”

He looks over to see the deep fryer has stopped working. Shelly grimaces.

“That isn’t good.”

Lily sighs. “Right. A burger without french fries is like a day without sun.”

“I can finish cooking them on the stove.”

Hammer grins. “Don’t worry. I can fix it.”

Derpy appears surprised. “You can?”

“It’s probably just a loose connection. You got a screwdriver around here, Arc?”

Arc points to a drawer. “In there.”

Dinky runs over and pulls out the tools. She hurries over to Hammer and hands them over.

“This should do just fine. Let’s just unplug this and see for ourselves.”

Scootaloo pulls the plug as Hammer removes the screws holding on the back panel. Looking the electronics over for a few moments she reaches inside and makes a few quick movements before replacing the cover and looking to Scootaloo.

“Try that.”

Plugging the machine back in, she flicks the power switch. The light comes back on and bubbles begin forming in the oil again. Hammer grins triumphantly as she looks to the others.

“Nothing to it.”

Derpy nods happily. “That was very impressive!”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah! We always have to call someone when something around here breaks!”

“You don’t know how to fix things, Arc?”

“Sadly, no. When it comes to repairs I have to admit that I’m all thumbs.”

Lily looks to Shelly. “We could use that expertise once in a while back at the restaurant.”

“Agreed. It seems to take forever to get a technician out when something in the kitchen breaks.”

“Well, if you two gals ever need a hand getting something to work, I’m the one for the job!”

Lily smiles. “Thanks. We can pay the going rate too.”

“Aw, you don’t have to…”

Shelly interrupts her. “Oh, yes we do. After all, your skills are very valuable and must be paid for.”

“I’m used to working on much bigger pieces of equipment for the military. Little stuff like this is nothing.”

Scootaloo appears genuinely curious. “What’s the biggest job you ever did, Miss Hammer?”

“Other than working on The Charger, that would be re-piping the gas lines in the kitchen back at the base.”

Arc chuckles. “That sounds like a big job!”

“Oh it was, mind you. But I had all the stuff to do it along with the know-how. So it wasn’t too hard, just time consuming. That’s half the job, don’t ya know. Having the right tools for the work I mean.”

“What’s the other half?”

Hammer grins as she watches Scootaloo pull out the finished golden fries. “Patience.”

A short time later they sit down together to their early breakfast. Hammer grins hugely as she eats.

“These are great! What did you call them again, Arc?!”

“Cheeseburgers and french fries.”

Lily frowns. “You’ve never had this before?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nope.”

Shelly gasps. “Not even growing up?”

“I don’t think so, no. But if they were as good as these are I’m sure I would have remembered it! And these potato sticks go really well with it!”

Dinky giggles. “French fries?”

“Yeah! After a meal like this I’ll be able to accomplish anything!”

Derpy turns to Arc. “What’s the plan for today?”

“We need to get all those presents for the orphans wrapped.”

Shelly appears hopeful. “Can we all help?”

Arc nods. “I’ll need it to get everything ready by tonight.”

Lily turns to Arc. “What else needs to be done?”

“We’ll need to go to the store to get ice cream, chocolate syrup, ground nuts, whipped cream, and cherries.”

“What are you going to make with all that, dad?”

“Another specialty of Shelly’s Kitchen. Sundaes.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow, confused. “Like the day of the week?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Hammer. Sundaes are something to eat.”

Hammer grins. “I’m noticing a trend with you. Everything has to do with food.”

Lily laughs. “Well, good food does make life a lot more enjoyable.”

Shelly nods. “And people to eat it with.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, this food is for the orphans.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Does that mean we can’t have any?”

Arc chuckles. “I didn’t say that.”

Derpy smiles. “Knowing Arc like I do, he’ll buy more than enough for everyone.”

“That I will.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “Can I come to this thing tonight, Arc?”

“I don’t see why not. Just as long as you understand that Frank’s going to be there at some point.”

“Oh, um… maybe I should just…”

Dinky gasps. “Come on, Miss Hammer! I’m sure my dad will talk to Mister Frank before things get started!”

“I can, yes.”

Lily smiles. “Shelly and I will too.”

“Of course. He’ll listen to us.”

“Well, in that case… I suppose it’d be okay.”

They finish their meal and stack the dishes on the counter. Shelly hobbles over to the sink with Derpy and Lily’s help.

“We’ll get the breakfast dishes done.”

Lily nods. “It won’t take long.”

Derpy smiles. “I’ll lend a hand too.”

Dinky grins. “Scarlet and I will help dry and put away.”

“We will? I mean, right!”

Hammer turns to her friend. “Should we get going to the store then, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t have a big enough freezer to hold all the ice cream. Frank and I would usually just buy it from a local convenience store in Farburg on the way there. But with all this snow we’ll have to leave early to make it there before noon.”

“So what do we do now then?”

“Get the presents wrapped and out to the Jeep. That’s going to take a couple hours at least.”

Shelly looks over from the sink. “We’ll be up to help in a bit, Arc.”

Lily giggles. “Save some fun for us.”

Arc chuckles. “No problem.”

Arc and Hammer head upstairs to the master bedroom. Pulling the toys out of the bags Arc turns to her.

“We need to separate the toys for boys versus girls first.”

“That’s all good here. But how will we know which is which once they’re wrapped? You take a corner too hard and they’ll all get mixed up.”

“I have two colors of wrapping paper. The toys for boys are wrapped in green while the girl’s toys are wrapped in red.”

“Very festive. But what if a kid doesn’t want a doll, or something?”

“They can always trade it with someone else. That’s half the fun of giving the gifts each year. Watching them swap amongst themselves to get exactly what they want.”

“I don’t get why.”

“You’ll see.”

Sometime later Lily and Hammer help Shelly into the back seat as Derpy and Arc finish loading the gifts in the back of the Jeep. Dinky calls out from the front porch.

“Doors locked, dad!”

“Thank you, Daisy. Hop in the front and buckle up.”

“Okay!”

Bounding over to the driver’s side, she gets in and slides into the center seat. Hammer steps back and turns to Arc.

“Shelly’s all buckled in.”

Lily nods. “And I double checked to make sure we have enough gifts.”

Derpy smiles as Arc shuts the back hatch. “Good! We should get moving if we want to beat the snow.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Then we’d better hurry.”

Arc nods as he looks up at the darkening sky. “Right. Let’s…”

Hammer interrupts him. “Hey, Arc?”

“Yeah?”

“The weather’s only going to get worse as we near Farburg. Apparently they’ve already been hit hard by a big snowstorm.”

“That’s why we’re leaving extra early. “

Dinky nods soberly. “Better safe than sorry!”

“Well, you might want to leave the driving to me then.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve been through every hazardous driving training with every vehicle the military has. Cars, trucks, semis, tanks, planes, etcetera. You name it, I can drive it.”

“Alright. Catch!”

Arc tosses her his keys and heads for the back seat with Scootaloo as Derpy hops into the front passenger side. Lily steps aside and lets them slide in next to Shelly before getting in next to him. Closing the door behind her she looks to Arc as Scootaloo sits down in his lap. (Disclaimer: Not safe, I know). Lily giggles as she looks past Arc to Shelly.

“This is going to be a blast!”

Shelly nods sleepily. “Yes, indeed. I too am looking forward to a fun night back at the orphanage.”

Hammer looks behind her. “We ready?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Let’s get moving.”

Hammer backs out of the driveway and starts their journey down the snowy streets. Arc looks to Shelly.

“Why don’t you get some rest?”

Lily nods. “Yes, it’s going to be quite a late night for all of us.”

Shelly yawns. “I think I’ll do that.”

Lily sighs. “I’m sorry, Shelly. We should have brought you a pillow.”

Arc chuckles. “You can always use me.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to do that. After all, I’m pretty boney.”

“It’s fine, Shelly. Come here.”

Putting his arm around his friend, Arc pulls her close. She smiles and snuggles up to him.

“Thank you, Arc. You always know just how to take care of us.”

Arc turns to Lily. “You want to take a nap too?”

“That might not be a bad idea. After all, we’re not getting home until the wee hours of the morning anyways.”

Arc chuckles. “Leave it to me, your friendly neighborhood pillow.”

Derpy looks to Dinky. “We should probably follow their example, dear.”

“But I’m not even tired, mom!”

“Then you can just rest.”

Arc smiles. “Do as your mother says, Daisy.”

“Okay.”

Scootaloo snuggles up to him as well as Dinky and Derpy doze in their seats together. Hammer chuckles as she deftly navigates the treacherous roads.

“Glad to see everyone’s getting into the holiday spirit.”

“Something like that.”

Hammer looks at him in the rear view mirror. “Why don’t you get some rest too, Arc? Like you said, it’s going to be a long night.”

“I think I will, thanks.”

They drive on in silence for three hours. Eventually they come to the Farburg town limits. Hammer frowns and pulls into a parking lot. Turning to look at Arc she gently pokes him. Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks around.

“Huh…?”

“We’re here in Farburg.”

Arc rubs his eyes sleepily. “Did you find the store?”

Hammer nods. “I did. But we have a bit of a problem.”

She points to a sign in the window that reads ‘closed’. Arc frowns.

“What the…? It’s supposed to be open on Christmas Eve.

Hammer sighs. “Well, the sign on the front door says they changed their hours because of the snowstorm.”

Arc looks out the window. “I guess that makes sense. After all, it is coming down pretty hard out there.”

“Should we see if something else is open?”

Arc shakes his head. “I chose this place because it was the only thing open in town on Christmas Eve. Literally every other store is closed today.”

“So, what should we do?”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“Not to worry. I have a plan.”

CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL - VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 16 - A Visit From Saint Nick

Arc sits in the back seat with Shelly and Lily as the Jeep makes the long trip home. They lie on his shoulders asleep as Dinky snuggles up to her mother’s side. Hammer looks in the rear view mirror and grins as she speaks.

“You three sure look comfy back there.”

Arc chuckles. “That we are. It’s nice to be able to spend time with them like this.”

“You usually drive though, right?”

“Yeah. Before it was just the three of us, so I never got to hold them like this.”

Hammer grins. “Lucky for you I don’t have a jealous bone in my body.”

“Um… thanks.”

“So what now?”

“We go home and sleep until late morning I would imagine.”

Hammer shakes her head. “No, no. I mean your plans for tomorrow. Sorry if I worded that wrong.”

“Oh. Well, most of the day is spent cooking for Christmas dinner and watching our favorite movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’.”

“Never heard of it. What’s the plot?”

“A man who’s done everything right in life is in danger of going to jail for a crime he didn’t commit.”

“Lots of action?!”

“Very little actually.”

“Isn’t he on the run from the law?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. His plan is to kill himself so that his family can cash in on the life insurance policy. With it, they can make everything right. Or so he believes.”

Hammer frowns. “Not sure about this movie, Arc. Sounds kinda… boring.”

“If you don’t want to watch with us, I understand.”

“I’ll think about it.”

She checks the rear view mirror.

“Looks like Cybil’s able to keep up.”

“Good. Try not to let her fall behind.”

Hammer chuckles. “Don’t worry. I’m keeping it under a hundred.”

“Very funny.”

“By the way, not that I mind the extra company, but why did you invite them home with us?”

“Cybil’s really strapped for cash right now, what with having to prove that she’s able to care for Angel. Buying all that furniture along with a modest vehicle to be able to visit her daughter at the orphanage has taken every cent she’s earned. She probably didn’t have a tree set up or much of anything to put under it for that matter.”

“Didn’t want them spending their first day back together alone, huh?”

“There’s that too. We’ll make sure this Christmas is even more memorable for them than last year was.”

“What happened back then?”

“I was able to take Angel home with me after obtaining temporary guardianship of her for the holiday. Cybil was staying with us at the time as she recovered from a long stint of alcoholism.”

“A tough thing to beat if what I’ve heard is true.”

“She’s doing it though.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You got a thing for older women?”

Arc shakes his head. “We’re just friends. That and Angel deserves a bit of happiness after her father died in an apartment fire.”

“Yeah, I was just messing with you. But I am sorry to hear about her old man. It was an accident though, right? The fire, I mean.”

“Yeah. Something to do with burning leaves nearby, I think. Can’t quite remember though.”

“Well, they have a good friend in you, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

He looks out the window as they drive on.

“The roads are a lot better than when we left.”

Hammer nods. “That was a lucky break. It’s hard enough to drive through a blizzard in the daytime. Doing so at night isn’t something I was looking forward to.”

“You did a great job getting us to the orphanage though.”

“What can I say? I’m good at what I do.”

Sometime later they pull into the driveway. Cybil parks behind them as Hammer gets out and heads for the rear hatch. Opening it, Arc turns to her.

“I’ll carry Shelly inside. Can you use my keys to open the door please?”

Hammer nods. “Sure.”

Derpy smiles as she looks down at her daughter. “Looks like I’ll have to do the same for my little one as well.”

Arc looks up. “I can come back to help if you need me to.”

“No thanks. I can carry her.”

Gently nudging Lily, she awakens. Arc motions for her to step out. Following her around the Jeep, he carefully opens Shelly’s door and picks her up. Walking past Cybil’s car he spots her carefully picking up a sleeping Angel as Scootaloo gets out of the back seat with her (it was just safer this way). Closing the vehicle doors for them she takes up the rear of the procession into the house. Arc enters first with Shelly followed by the others. He silently walks upstairs and lays the young woman on his parent’s bed. Lily enters behind him and lowers her voice.

“I’ll get her undressed and comfortable for the night.”

“Okay. Do you need me to send Dawn in to give you a hand?”

Lily shakes her head. “Thank you, but I can manage.”

“Yes, well… I think I’ll hit the hay myself.”

“Good night, Arc. And thank you for taking us with you this year.”

“No problem.”

Leaving, Arc heads downstairs. Returning to the living room he finds Cybil sitting on the couch holding a sleeping Angel in her arms.

“Let me show you to your old room.”

“That’s alright. I can just sleep here on the couch with her. After all, you really do have a full house this year.”

“It’s fine. After all, I want you both to wake up tomorrow refreshed and ready for a day of fun.”

“But…”

“Please, I insist.”

“Well… thank you.”

Arc takes Angel from Cybil’s lap and carries her upstairs as her mother follows. Laying the little girl down on his old bed, Arc steps back and lowers his voice.

“I’ll let you take it from here.”

“Thanks. See you in the morning.”

Arc nods and leaves the room. Cybil removes her coat and shoes. Tossing them over a nearby chair she bends over and carefully removes Angel’s snow boots. The child stirs slightly and opens her eyes.

“Where…?”

Cybil whispers to her. “Hey. Sorry for waking you. Just lie still.”

Angel does as she is told. Cybil removes her daughter’s coat and sets it in a corner with the boots. Getting in next to her, she gives the little girl a kiss on the forehead as she snuggles up to her.

“Go back to sleep, okay?”

“Mom?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Are we… going to be together forever?”

Cybil smiles and nods. “We are, yes.”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes, Angel. I promise I’ll never let you go ever again.”

Angel closes her eyes and falls back asleep. Smiling, Cybil holds her close and listens to her rhythmic breathing for a time before nodding off herself. Meanwhile, Arc finds Derpy and Dinky in the bathroom brushing their teeth.

“Be sure to clean off all the sugar from earlier, dear.”

“Okay mom.”

Scootaloo walks into the room, yawning.

“That was a night to remember.”

Arc nods. “Yes it was. But we should brush our teeth and head to bed too.”

Scootaloo yawns again. “No arguments there.”

Derpy giggles. “Thank you for inviting us, Arc.”

“Yeah dad. We had a blast.”

Sereb calls out from the doorway. “It sounds like it. Can I assume you’ve borrowed little Angel again this year?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time. She’s officially allowed to live with her mother again.”

“That is good. A cub’s place is with their parents, after all.”

“Agreed.”

Leaving the bathroom, Arc turns to Derpy.

“Why don’t you head to bed with Dinky and Scootaloo?”

“What about you?”

“I’ll head to the basement and hit one of the bunks.”

Dinky smiles. “We could all share the bed up here, dad.”

“That might be a bit crowded, what with there being four of us.”

Derpy giggles. “I wouldn’t mind.”

“Thanks, but I’ll see you three in the morning.”

“Very well. Come along girls.”

Dinky and Scootaloo follow her to the guest room as Arc and Sereb head downstairs. Heading over to the couch Arc sits down and looks at the tree.

“Are we not heading to the basement?”

“In a bit. Right now I just want to sit and think.”

Cherry calls out to him. “What about?”

“Everything.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “That is quite broad.”

“I guess it is. But I… I was thinking that so much has happened thus far. Even just since returning to Earth.”

Cherry giggles. “Never a dull moment with you around, Arc.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“My grandfather… I can’t believe he fought for Equestria.”

Cherry sighs happily. “It would appear heroism runs in your blood.”

“Maybe. But he… never said a word about it.”

Sereb frowns. “And what if he had?”

“Right. Would you have believed him?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably not. But then again, I think he did.”

“Did what?”

“Tell me.”

Sereb tilts his head to once side. “Oh?”

“When I was a little boy my grandfather would tell me crazy stories about a fantasy land far away. As a kid I just thought they were fairy tales. But hearing what that hologram of him said, I can only assume he was recalling his adventures in Equestria.”

Sereb smiles toothily. “If he was even half as powerful as you were, the land was in good hands.”

“Oh, yes. But I admit that I for one would certainly like to hear more on that part of our land’s history.”

Arc sighs. “It’s ancient by now. Forgotten by everyone except for the sister princesses.”

Sereb shrugs. “Perhaps it’s for the best.”

“Sereb?”

“What good would knowing that chapter of history do? At this point it would only serve to bring about fear and uncertainty for the population.”

Arc frowns. “I have mixed feelings on that. On one hand I would say that it’s best to record important matters for future generations to hear. But I do understand that it might also bring about fearmongering.”

Cherry gasps. “So what should be done?”

“No idea. But I should probably talk to Luna about this when I go back.”

Sereb sighs. “When? Don’t you mean ‘if’?”

“I can’t stay here forever.”

Cherry groans. “Neither can Derpy and Dinky. That and you’d miss your tribe as well, wouldn’t you?”

Sereb nods. “To a degree, yes. However my Life Pact with Arc comes first.”

“That seems somewhat… sad.”

“Miss Cherry?”

“While important, a promise shouldn’t be something that is a burden to either party.”

Arc turns to him. “Admittedly, I do feel kinda bad for keeping you from your tribe, Sereb.”

“Please do not, as I am quite happy with my life as it stands. Thanks to you, Arc, I’ve been able to have so many new experiences and have had contact with numerous different cultures in two different worlds.”

“I mean, if you’re happy that’s great. But I can’t help wonder how things might have been had I made different choices.”

Cherry calls out. “Arc?”

“What if I had never accepted the mantle of Hero of Light? Would my life have been better?”

“Can I assume you mean in regards to Miss Cherry?”

“Y-yeah. I’d never have been in the Crystal Empire during the yak invasion. Therefore Cherry wouldn’t have lost her memory because of General Wind Rider. Nor would she have… have…”

Cherry sighs. “Been killed by him?”

“Right. We’d probably be happily married by now too.”

“That thought has crossed my mind in the past.”

“What do you think?”

“One never knows the destination of the path not traveled, Arc. We shouldn’t spend too much time dwelling on what might have been.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Perhaps you should look at it another way.”

“Oh?”

“Had you not become the Hero of Light we would not have met. In fact, nearly every individual you’ve met outside of Ponyville would never have had the pleasure of knowing you either. That includes Auriel, presumably Rose, Aurora, the princesses, Trixie, your squad, Minerva, and even Hammer.”

Cherry sighs. “Then again, I do wonder if Equestria would still be standing.”

“No one would have been able to stop Captain Decimus from taking the throne, Dragon Lord Torch from invading, the treaty with the Griffon Kingdom, and diplomatic relations with Abyssinia, Yakyakistan, the Ogre Nation, and now the Demon Kingdom.”

“I do worry that the land would have torn itself apart had you not been there to intervene, Arc.”

Arc frowns. “Someone would have come up with something.”

“Maybe. But if my life had to be lost in order to save an entire world, I gladly accept that.”

“Very admirable, Miss Cherry.”

Arc sighs. “I…”

The front door opens and Hammer walks in. She removes her jacket and hangs it up as she turns to the others.

“It’s snowing again.”

Arc appears surprised. “Is it? Uh… what were you doing out there anyways?”

Sereb chuckles. “She was shoveling.”

“Ah! Thanks, Hammer. I’ve always hated doing that.”

“No problem. It just seemed like the least I could do since you’re letting me stay here rent-free.”

Arc suddenly yawns. He looks to Hammer apologetically.

“Sorry about that. I guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

Hammer chuckles. “We all are. Why don’t we hit the hay for the night?”

Cherry calls out. “She’s right, Arc. You need to rest. After all, tomorrow is another day.”

“Indeed.”

Arc stands. “Yeah, I suppose it is.”

“Might I borrow Eidolon’s Ward, Arc?”

“Sure.”

He calls forth his armor. Stepping out of it he turns to face the familiar helmet.

“I want to be able to watch the snow fall.”

Sereb tilts his head to one side. “Eh?”

“It’s a thing for me. After all, you don’t really appreciate the simple things in life while alive.”

Arc smiles. “Makes sense. In any case, we’ll leave you to it. Good night, Cherry.”

“Night.”

He heads for the kitchen with Hammer as the helmet turns to look at Sereb.

“You aren’t going with them?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. I too would like to watch the snow accumulate.”

“But you’re usually the one afraid something bad will happen to Arc.”

“Indeed. However I do my best to give him some alone time when the chance to mate presents itself.”

“While he certainly likes Hammer, I don’t think they’re anywhere near that point.”

“Time will tell.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Hammer descend the stairs together. Coming to the bottom she turns to him, clearly confused.

“Something you want to talk to me about, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Oh no. I just came down here to get some sleep.”

Hammer grins hugely. “With me?”

“We’re a little short on beds around here at the moment.”

“Oh, right! Cybil and Angel come back with us!”

“You forgot?”

Hammer nods sheepishly. “Yeah. I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

Arc yawns. “In any case, we should get some rest. It’s going to be quite a day tomorrow.”

“I guess so. Well, I still need to brush my teeth and use the toilet before bed.”

Turning off the lights, Arc climbs into a bunk and lies down facing the wall. A few minutes later he hears the bathroom door open and sees light spilling across the floor before Hammer shuts it off. A few moments later the bed shakes as she flops down next to him and presses her body against his back.

“Hammer? What are you…?”

“I need to ask you something.”

“Oh?”

“What… should I be doing?”

“Huh?”

“I’m just freeloading here. While I appreciate you taking me in, I just feel like I should be contributing something. Like rent money, or at the very least something to make you feel… more relaxed.”

She takes his hand and puts it on her hip.

“What are you…?”

“Anything you want, Arc.”

Pulling his hand back, he shakes his head.

“Hammer, I really like you. But I’m not interested in you exchanging your body for rent.”

Hammer grins hugely in the dark. “I’m okay with that.”

“Well, I’m not.”

“What else of value do I have other than my body though?”

“Let’s talk about this another time. Right now we both need to get some sleep.”

“Okay. But… there is something more I can do for you right now.”

“I just told you…”

Hammer presser her body against Arc’s and sighs contentedly as she speaks.

“I can keep you warm tonight.”

“That… would be fine, yes. As long as it’s all you’re doing.”

Hammer closes her eyes as she gives him a peck on the cheek. “Good night, Arc.”

“Good night.”

Hammer falls asleep quickly. Arc however stares up for wall over an hour. Eventually he sits up and Blinks out of bed. Standing and heading for the stairs, Arc climbs them and heads for the living room. He sees Derpy sitting on the couch looking out at the falling snow. She looks over to him, confused.

“Arc? What are you doing up at this hour?”

“I couldn’t sleep. And you?”

“Same.”

“What happened to Cherry?”

Derpy points to the back door. “She headed to the backyard with Sereb. Said she wanted to lie on her back and watch the snowflakes fall for some reason.”

“Ah.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Derpy breaks it.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“I need to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Do you think I’m a good mother?”

“Of course!”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because it’s true!”

“How? I mean, I’ve only been able to get this far in life thanks to you.”

She sighs before continuing.

“You’re the real parent here.”

“I was actually thinking the same thing about you.”

“Me?”

Arc nods. “Yes. After all, you’re the one raising Dinky while I’m off doing whatever I deem necessary.”

“Yes. But you’re the one she gravitates to when we’re together.”

“Do you feel that you’re not doing enough as a parent?”

Derpy sighs. “I really do, yes. But how did you know that?”

Arc looks down at the floor. “Because I feel the same way.”

“We both have feelings of inadequacy it appears.”

“Yeah.”

“So… what should we do about it?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know.”

“Neither do I. But… I did have an idea.”

“That’s good. What is it?”

“Us becoming closer.”

“Oh?”

“Dinky just wants a real family. Together with the others, we can make that a reality for her and the other fillies.”

“The herd idea again?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. That is, if you decide to go that route.”

“What if I don’t?”

“Then nothing about our bond needs to change. After all, a relationship is a two way street. It can’t be unilateral.”

“That’s true. But what about the others?”

“What about them?”

“They’re dead set on the herd plan.”

Derpy smiles. “I know. But it’s up to you. Don’t forget that.”

“Yes. But I do really like them all.”

“Then get to know everyone properly. Go out with us one at a time and see who you like, who you love, and who you want to be with.”

“But what if I like everyone?”

“Form a herd then.”

“And what if no one really strikes my fancy?”

“Then we can all just stay friends. But whatever you do, please be honest with all of us.”

“Well… I already know I really like Rarity, so she’s in.”

Derpy smiles. “What about the others?”

“Not fully sure yet.”

He turns to Derpy as she continues to look straight ahead.

“And you?”

“Huh?”

“How do you feel about me?”

“I… would very much like to get to know you better as well. You’re the Kindest, gentlest, most Generous stal… man I’ve ever met.”

Arc smiles. “And you’re the strongest-willed mare I’ve met to date.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Thank you. But I… don’t really know about all that. After all I couldn’t even bring myself to admit this much to you without first checking with the others.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I didn’t want to accidently come between you and them. That and back then I wasn’t sure how you felt about me. If I had just been able to ask you directly, maybe then I could have found the courage to… act.”

“Derpy?”

“Yes?”

“What do you want?”

“For Dinky to be happy.”

Arc shakes his head. “I mean what do you want for yourself?”

“Ultimately, my answer would be unchanged, Arc. All I want in this world is for Dinky to be happy. And I believe a loving man such as yourself would do very well at that task. But if I had to make a second choice it would be that I was loved and cared for by someone I felt the same toward.”

Arc smiles and pulls Derpy close. Smiling, she turns and puts her arms around his neck. Pulling herself into his lap Derpy tenderly kisses Arc’s cheek and allows him to hold her. They sit there for what feels like forever just watching the snow and holding each other. Eventually Derpy stands and helps Arc up.

“Thank you for the talk, Arc. But I think we’re both ready for bed now.”

“Agreed.”

“Good night, Arc.”

“Good night, Derpy.”

They part ways. Derpy climbs the steps as Arc descends to the basement. Returning to Hammer’s side he carefully climbs over her and lays down. She immediately lays an arm over his chest and snuggles up to him. Arc sighs contentedly.

“So many care about me. How… how did I ever get so lucky?”

The next morning Arc awakens to Hammer’s smiling face. She whispers happily.

“Well hello there, sleepyhead.”

“Huh? What time is it?”

“About eight, so not too late.”

Arc sits up. “Christmas morning.”

“Guess so. Wanna get up and make something to eat?”

Arc sniffs the air. “Smells like someone else is already doing that.”

Rising, they climb the stairs to the main level. Opening the door at the top they spot Derpy and Dinky at the stove as Cybil and Angel set the table. Dinky runs over to her father and jumps into his arms happily.

“Merry Christmas, dad!”

Arc grins. “Merry Christmas, Daisy!”

Derpy looks over from the stove and smiles. “Sleep well, you two?”

Hammer gives them a thumbs up. “Like a log!”

Arc: looks to his daughter. “You two are up early.”

Dinky giggles. “We get up earlier than this every day, dad! Remember!”

“Oh, I suppose you do.”

Cybil smiles. “Daisy, why don’t you tell your father about the late night visitor we had.”

“Huh?”

Dinky giggles. “I came downstairs last night for a drink about an hour after we went to bed and heard a strange sound. Coming into the living room I saw a large man in a red coat with white trim and a red stocking cap leaving presents under the tree.”

Hammer laughs. “Frank was here?”

“Yeah, I mean, he turned and saw me. Not knowing what else to do, I waved. He just smiled and waved back.”

Arc chuckles. “Santa, huh?”

Dinky grins. “Isn’t that who Mister Frank dressed up as last night?”

Hammer nods. “Yup! Santa Claus! He always delivers toys to good girls and boys on Christmas Eve!”

Angel looks over from the table. “He must’ve stayed a while then. I heard something down here about 4:00 AM as well. Kinda a loud bump. When I came down he was putting presents under the tree.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “We’ll have to thank Frank the next time we see him.”

“Agreed. But right now I’m going to head up and help Lily get Shelly up.”

Going upstairs, he slowly opens the bedroom door to see his friends lying there peacefully. Smiling, he walks over to them and puts a hand on Lily’s shoulder. Her eyes slowly open and turn to look at him.

“Arc?”

“Sorry to wake you, but breakfast will be ready soon.”

Lily yawns and sits up. “Thanks.”

She turns to Shelly and gently shakes her.

“Shelly? It’s time to get up.”

Slowly opening her eyes, she giggles happily.

“Christmas morning?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Shelly. Can I help you up?”

“Yes please.”

Bending down, Arc allows Shelly to wrap her arms around his neck. Picking her up, he carries the young woman to the bathroom. Sitting her on the toilet lid he steps back to allow Lily to enter behind him.

“We’ll shower and be down in a little while, Arc.”

“Okay. See you soon.”

Sometime later Arc and all his friends sit around the kitchen table together. Sereb and Scootaloo have since joined them along with Shelly and Lily. Angel eats hungrily.

“This is great!”

Derpy giggles. “I’m glad you like it.”

Dinky looks to the little girl. “The stuff at the orphanage isn’t too good?”

Cybil puts a finger to her cheek thoughtfully. “Well, I wouldn’t say it’s bad per say. But I suppose a home cooked meal will always be better than mass produced cafeteria food.”

Arc chuckles. “Ironically, that was one of the first things I did when I got out of there. Order a pizza.”

Scootaloo smiles. “So what do we do today?”

Lily giggles. “There’s always the old ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ tradition.”

Dinky nods happily. “That sounds like fun. It was a pretty good movie, after all.”

Cybil looks to Angel. “Yes, it was.”

“Can we watch more movies after that?”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose so. Was there one in particular you wanted to see?”

Angel nods. “Something called ‘Home Alone’.”

Derpy appears interested. “What’s it about?”

Arc chuckles. “I remember that one. My dad showed it to me when I was little. It’s about a young boy about Dawn’s age who accidently gets left home alone after his entire family flies to France for Christmas.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “France?”

Hammer points toward the window. “It’s a country to the east across the ocean. Real long flight from what I’ve heard.”

Arc nods. “Right. He thinks he wished them away though after getting in trouble the previous evening.”

Shelly thinks for a moment as she turns to Lily. “I remember seeing a commercial for that back at the orphanage.”

“That’s right! It was one movie I had wanted to see back then but never had the chance!”

Arc grins. “Well, we still have the old VHS tape here from when I was a kid. How about we watch it while we wait?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Wait? Wait for what?”

“Dinner to cook.”

Shelly nods. “We spend much of the morning preparing food for dinner and watch a movie while it cooks.”

Lily giggles. “Then after we eat we watch more movies while talking about the past and what’s going on in our lives.”

Angel looks confused. “What for?”

Arc turns to her. “It’s kinda a way to stay close. Setting a day aside to just talk and enjoy each other’s company.”

Cybil sighs as she puts a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “It sounds like a really good idea. After all, if I’d done that maybe I wouldn’t have made the choices I did in life.”

Dinky walks over to the sink. “Let’s get the dishes done so we can…!”

There is a knock at the door. Sereb looks toward the living room as Derpy looks after him, confused.

“Who could that be?”

Arc chuckles. “Probably Frank. I invited him to join us in the festivities.”

Standing, Arc and the others walk to the front door. Opening it they see Frank standing there with a pie.

“Merry Christmas, old friend.”

“Come on in, Frank. We were just talking about getting started.”

Frank enters as Dinky runs over and take the pie from him. Derpy helps him remove his coat as Dinky looks him over carefully.

“You were Santa Claus last night?”

Frank nods. “Indeed I was.”

Arc winks. “Thanks for the presents, Santa.”

Frank grins. “It was my pleasure.”

He walks over to Shelly and Lily. Giving them each a hug, they make their way to the kitchen and begin meal preparations. Two hours later the food is either in the refrigerator or the oven cooking. Arc and company sit on the couch, in chairs nearby, or on the floor happily as they watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘Home Alone’, and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’. As the third movie concludes Arc turns off the television and looks to Dinky, Scootaloo, and Angel.

“So how did you like the movies?”

“They were awesome, dad!”

Scootaloo nods happily. “Yeah! That Kevin kid was really creative!”

Angel shrugs. “I guess he was. But when he called the police near the end I couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t just do that in the first place.”

Frank chuckles. “Because it wouldn’t have made for much of a movie.”

Shelly turns to Lily. “Entertainment value?”

“Yup.”

Derpy smiles. “I really liked that last movie with Charlie Brown.”

Cybil frowns. “Where were all the adults though?”

Arc shrugs. “They’re never shown and are seldom referenced. Once in a while there’s a droning sound that’s supposed to represent them talking.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “I didn’t hear anything though.”

“The movie didn’t have any lines for them. Believe me, you’d have noticed that sound.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “What’s it like?”

“Kinda like a broken kazoo.”

Hammer frowns. “Not sure what that is.”

Arc laughs. “Sorry, but I don’t really know what else to compare it to.”

Sereb raises his head and sniffs the air. Barking once, he looks to the kitchen as Shelly smiles.

“Sounds like Sereb is ready for dinner.”

Lily stands up. “It smells ready. I’ll go check.”

Hammer rises from the couch. “I’ll help.”

They leave the room as Arc looks to Derpy and Dinky.

“Let’s see about getting the table set. I want to be ready to eat as soon as the food’s done.”

“Okay, dad.”

Scootaloo stands. “Can I help too?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Let’s go.”

Pulling dishes from the cupboard, Arc hands them to the girls as they approach him. Cybil and Angel lend a hand as well. In but a few minutes the living room table is set. Hammer pulls the cold food out of the refrigerator with help as Arc and Lily carry the steaming pans to the table. Shelly smiles as she sits down.

“It smells like the roast is cooked to perfection.”

Frank looks to Shelly and smiles. “All thanks to your secret blend of seasonings I would imagine.”

Dinky grins. “A secret recipe?”

Scootaloo thinks for a moment. “Like a formula?”

Arc nods. “Something like that. You see, back in the old days every family had recipes they handed down from mother to daughter. One family might have a recipe for a special cake, while another for chicken. Still others might have the perfect beverage recipe.”

Cybil: And at Christmas time everyone would get together and make their signature dish for everyone to enjoy for dinner.

Frank grins. “A meal filled with secret recipes, like Shelly’s Roast Beef.”

Lily laughs. “‘Secret’ as in written down in the recipe box.”

Shelly nods happily. “Yes, I don’t mind sharing that one with everyone.”

They sit down to eat the meal before sitting back from the table contentedly to talk. Hammer turns to Frank happily.

“That was a meal and a half!”

“Yes! The best I’ve ever had!”

Shelly giggles. “You say that every year though.”

“And I mean it every year.”

Lily looks at Angel sitting in her mother’s lap happily. “So what’s your plan now, Cybil?”

Cybil smiles as she strokes Angel’s hair. “For the moment I just want to hold her.”

Arc nods. “I know that feeling.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I’m away from Daisy a lot, so when I do see her all I want to do is hug her and hold her close.”

Dinky jumps into her father’s lap. “Me too, dad!”

Scootaloo sighs. “It is nice to have someone to love you.”

Cybil looks out the window. “As soon as they’re open, I need to go down to the local school and have my daughter enrolled at Angel Grove Elementary.”

Angel groans. “Aw… do you have to, mom?”

“Yes, dear. You need to go to school, after all.”

“But then I won’t be able to see the other kids from the orphanage!”

“You made friends?”

“Yeah!”

Frank smiles. “While that is commendable, it would be quite the commute for your mother every day.”

Arc nods. “Hours driving daily doesn’t sound like much fun to me.”

Dinky looks to the little girl. “You’ll make new friends too, of course. But that doesn’t mean you have to forget about the old ones.”

Scootaloo grins. “Right. They’ll still be there.”

Derpy turns to Cybil. “Could you go visit them sometimes?”

“Of course. Even though Angel no longer lives there, I was kinda hoping to be able to keep volunteering at the orphanage on my days off.”

“Could I come with you, mom?”

“Yes, dear. We’ll go there when we can.”

“YAY!”

Dinky looks out the window at the falling snow. The sound of children laughing rings out. Arc turns to her.

“Sounds like Mia and Alex are playing outside together.”

“Can we join them?!”

Derpy nods. “Of course, sweetie.”

Angel looks up at Cybil. “Can I go too, mom?”

“Sure, dear. Just be sure to bundle up nice and warm.”

The kids put on their hats and gloves along with their coats and boots before running out the front door together. Arc and the rest of the adults laugh happily. Franks muses aloud.

“Ah, to be so young again.”

Arc chuckles. “A simpler time.”

Derpy sighs. “Before the responsibilities of life take hold.”

Shelly nods. “Indeed.”

Lily turns to Frank. “How are you and the Shards doing?”

“Very well, actually. Ever since we realized our powers, it’s been nothing but learning and studying them.”

Cybil looks to him. “Like in school?”

“Something like that. However this is more than just practical knowledge we’re learning. It’s partially to keep our powers in check.”

Shelly grimaces. “We heard that on the news with Minerva Moore interviewed you a while back.”

Lily appears suddenly nervous. “So are you and the others in any… pain?”

Frank shakes his head. “Not anymore. Originally the pressure inside was more that I could bear. However, thanks to the teachings from a certain book or two we were able to bring that under control.”

Arc nods. “What will you all do now?”

“Make our little corner of the world that much nicer for everyone.”

Derpy appears nervous. “I heard some others at the store referring to you and the Shards as a cult.”

Frank sighs. “That is how we’re known now, yes. But we’re working very hard to try and change the negative image surrounding us.”

Cybil turns to Frank. “How so?”

“For starters, we’ve began organizing various community outreach activities that we’re planning to implement after the first of the year for those of us whom don’t have to work on Saturday.”

Shelly smiles. “Can you give us an example?”

“Certainly. Our first outreach act will be to walk down Main Street with bags and pokers to pick up trash. We’ll also sweep out the gutters and make sure the storm drains are clear to prevent the street from flooding come spring.”

Lily nods. “That should help convince the town you’re not a threat anymore.”

“Hopefully, yes. Another idea was to help out at the local homeless shelter and food bank. We’d serve food at mealtimes, do minor janitorial work, and some basic repairs.”

Cybil smiles at him. “Sounds like you’ve found your place in life.”

“Everyone’s looking to belong somewhere. Although it sometimes takes a bit longer to figure out where that place is.”

Cybil sighs. “I’m still trying to figure out where my life will lead.”

Derpy puts a hand on Cybil’s shoulder. “It wasn’t that long ago that I was in the same place.”

Hammer gasps. “Really? You look to have it all together though.”

“Now I do, yes. But back when I got pregnant with my daughter I literally had nowhere to go. My father threw me out and the one whom I thought loved me left town in the middle of the night. Luckily I found my way to Ponyville and was able to start a new life there among quite a few very supportive friends.”

Cybil bows her head. “That’s what I did when Arc sobered me up. Got away from the old life and people in it whom were dragging me down and started fresh here in Angel Grove.”

Hammer grimaces. “Was it hard?”

“Not really. At least when I figured out that the people in my life weren’t my friends. All they were was drinking buddies. When we didn’t have that in common anymore, I found that we didn’t have any other common ground. Haven’t spoken to or had any of them try to contact me since last Christmas.”

Shelly nods. “That’s probably for the best.”

Lily looks to the young woman. “Yes. After all, Angel needs you now more than ever.”

Cybil smiles as she looks out the window at the children playing. “That’s what keeps me going down this new path. The knowledge that I’m needed.”

They continue talking through the afternoon. Dinky and the others come in several times to change into dry clothes before heading back outside. As the sun sets Arc opens the front door and calls out.

“Time to come in everyone!”

“Okay, dad!”

She turns to Mia and Alex.

“I have to go home now.”

Mia giggles. “Okay! See you later!”

Alex waves happily. “Bye!”

She runs toward the house as Scootaloo and Angel stomp the snow off their boots on the porch. Entering, they hang up their outerwear and shiver. Arc points to the stairs.

“Why don’t you three head upstairs for dry clothes again?”

Hammer heads to the kitchen. “I’ll make everyone some hot chocolate.”

Scootaloo looks confused. “What’s that?”

Angel grins. “It’s really good! You’ll like it, Scarlet!”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! Be down in a few minutes!”

They bound upstairs as Arc and Hammer head for the kitchen together. Grabbing the teapot, Hammer fills it with water at the sink as she turns to Arc.

“Sounds like they had a blast out there.”

Arc nods as he opens the refrigerator. “That they did. I hated to tell them to come in, but the sun’s almost down.”

Hammer looks out the window. “Already?!”

Lily calls out from the living room. “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Shelly “They enjoyed themselves out there while we had fun in here.”

Frank pokes his head into the kitchen. “Can I help out in there, Arc?”

“That’s okay. I just need to pop these in the oven and wait.”

Cybil appears confused. “You’re making supper?”

“Lily and I prepared it while everyone else was watching the last movie. It’s all ready to go.”

Sometime later Dinky and her friends descend the stairs. Running into the living room, they giggle happily. Angel hurries over to her mother.

“Sorry we took so long.”

Scootaloo appears embarrassed. “Yeah. We smelled pretty bad after sweating all day, so we took showers.”

Dinky points back to the stairs. “I’ll put the coats and snow pants in the wash, dad.”

Hammer chuckles. “No need to do that. I already took care of it.”

A buzz rings out from the basement.

“Sounds like they’re done.”

Cybil heads for the basement. “I’ll go put them in the dryer.”

Angel sniffs the air. “What’s that smell?”

Derpy giggles. “Arc’s cooking pizza for supper.”

Scootaloo appears happy at the prospect. “Great! I’m starving!”

Frank chuckles. “How can you be hungry after such a large dinner?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, they did burn it off.”

Shelly nods approvingly. “That they did.”

Lily smiles. “At least everyone will sleep well tonight.”

The pizzas come out of the oven and are sliced. They eat happily in the glow of the tree’s light. As Derpy collects the empty dishes Arc turns to the presents under the tree.

“Now that the little ones have been so patient, it’s time to open these up.”

Dinky throws up her hands happily. “YAY!”

Angel grins. “Oh boy! I can’t wait to see what Santa left me!”

Arc sits down at the foot of the tree and begins passing out presents. As they open them everyone turns to thank the recipient. Sereb nudges Arc and walks behind the tree. Arc frowns.

“Looks like there’s a few more presents back here.”

Lily appears surprised. “I didn’t see those before.”

Shelly shrugs. “Me either.”

Hammer looks over as Arc pulls them out. “Who are they from?”

“It doesn’t say.”

Hammer grins. “Must be from Santa then.”

Frank chuckles. “Well, let’s pass them out.”

Arc reads off the labels. “Looks like there’s one for Angel, Daisy, Cybil, and Scootaloo.”

Derpy smiles. “You go first, sweetheart.”

“Okay, mom.”

Opening her gift, Dinky reaches into the box and pulls out a small mat. Unrolling it, she gasps.

“It looks just like yours, mom! Just a bit smaller!”

Derpy nods. “That it does! Santa must have good taste!”

Arc chuckles. “Agreed. You go next, Angel.”

Grinning, the little girl pulls the top off her box. She does not move for a long moment. Reaching inside she carefully pulls out a small picture frame. Hammer is the first to speak.

“What is it?”

“I… it’s…!”

Cybil looks over her daughter’s shoulder and gasps.

“Angel! Is that…?”

Angel nods. “Yeah, mom. The family picture of you, me, and dad.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that good?”

“It is! But it should have burned up in the apartment fire!”

Derpy smiles. “Maybe one of the firefighters found it and gave it to Santa.”

Hammer grins as she turns to Cybil. “One here for you too.”

Cybil smiles nervously. “Let’s see what Santa has for me.”

Opening the box, she pulls out a single piece of paper. Looking it over for a few moments Cybil’s eyes grow wide. Derpy looks over to her.

“What is it?”

“This is a receipt from the bank showing my car loan’s balance at zero!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Someone paid off your car?”

Cybil nods happily. “Yes! With the money I’ll save on that I can start to save up for a down payment on a house!”

Lily smiles. “That’s wonderful!”

Shelly looks to Scootaloo. “How about you, Scarlet. What did you get?”

Ripping the top off her box, Scootaloo gasps as she pulls out a worn and faded book.

“My mother’s journal! From our old cottage!”

Lily smiles. “Back in Ponyville?”

Arc frowns. “It’s a lot further than that. But it should have burned up in the fire.”

Scootaloo grins. “Yeah! But I’m still glad to see it!”

Opening the book, a piece of paper falls out. Scootaloo picks it up and looks at it for a long moment.

“Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“I think you need to see this!”

Arc walks over to her and sits down. Scootaloo hands him the paper.

“This is… the picture you left in the cottage!”

Scootaloo nods. “I know! How did…?!”

Arc shrugs. “I really have no idea.”

Shelly giggles. “Looks like everyone got what they wanted for Christmas!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. I guess so.”

An hour or so later they stand at the door together putting on coats and hugging. Hammer walks in the back and calls out.

“I got the cars loaded!”

Lily nods to her. “Thank you. Shelly?”

“Yes?”

“Do you want help to the car?”

Shelly sighs. “I think I need it.”

Arc nods. “I’ll carry you out there in a minute.”

He turns to Cybil and Angel.

“Thank you for inviting us! We had a wonderful time!”

Angel grins as she holds the picture frame to her chest. “Yeah! I got the best Christmas present ever!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, it looks like Santa nailed it this year.”

He winks at Frank before turning to Shelly.

“Ready?”

Shelly nods happily. “Yes.”

Picking the young woman up he carries her carefully out the door and to Lily’s car. Setting her down in the passenger seat as Lily takes her place in the driver’s seat, he buckles Shelly in and gives her a quick kiss on the forehead.

“Sleep well, you two. And drive safe.”

Shelly smiles. “We will.”

“Good night, Arc. And thanks again for having us this week.”

“Yes. That was a Christmas to remember.”

“It was my pleasure you two.”

Closing the door, Lily starts the engine and drives slowly down the street. Arc turns and helps Angel over to the vehicle.

“Thanks for the food, Mister Arc! It was great!”

“Glad you enjoyed it.”

Cybil smiles at him. “Hopefully next year I can entertain you and your friends at my place.”

“That would be really cool. Now you two head on home and enjoy the time together.”

“We will. Good night, Arc.”

“Night.”

Arc steps back and watches the vehicles slowly drive away. Turning to head back inside, he almost walks face first into Hammer.

“Woah!”

Hammer smiles sheepishly. “Sorry about that. I… got a call from Stingray just now.”

“You did?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. She said Christmas just wasn’t the same without me there. I know it’s really late, but could you let me borrow the Jeep?”

Arc nods as he hands her the keys. “Sure.”

“Thanks! I’ll be back tomorrow. And I promise I won’t let them know that you’re… you know.”

“I appreciate that. Um… you’re sure this isn’t a trap, right?”

Hammer grins. “Stingray and Mio are really bad liars. Believe me, they’re being honest with me.”

“Alright. Take care, Hammer.”

Nodding, she steps forward and plants her lips on his. Wrapping her arms around him, Hammer grins and looks him in the eye.

“Have a nice night with the family.”

“You too.”

Turning, Hammer heads for the Jeep. Starting it, she makes her way down the road as Arc heads back inside. Derpy and Dinky are waiting for him on the couch.

“Where’s Miss Hammer, dad?”

“She went to go visit her sisters.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “At this hour?”

Arc shrugs. “Apparently they really miss her.”

Frank chuckles. “Do they now?”

“Hammer was convinced so, yes. So we’ll just have to respect her wishes.”

He turns to Frank.

“By the way, great job on those presents, Santa.”

Frank appears confused. “I didn’t give those.”

Derpy frowns. “You didn’t?”

Frank shakes his head. “No. I mean, I gave the first ones, yes. But those last few behind the tree weren’t from me. In fact I was just as surprised as everyone else.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Then where… how did…?”

“I have no idea other than…”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc?”

“Frank, what time where you here?”

“About 1 A.M or so."

Derpy gasps. “But Angel said she saw someone down here three hours later.”

Sereb frowns. “Are you sure that’s what she said?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes, completely.”

Cherry sounds nervous. “Who could it have been then?”

Arc shrugs. “The real Santa Claus?”

Frank rolls his eyes. “Very funny, my friend.”

“You got any better ideas?”

“Sadly, no. But at the very least everyone got what they wanted for Christmas. Even some impossible gifts.”

Dinky gasps. “Maybe it was…?”

A strange feeling washes over them as Arc frowns. Derpy appears concerned.

“Arc? What is it?”

“Some really strange energy.”

Sereb growls. “I felt it too!”

Frank clenches a fist. “As did I!”

Dinky looks nervous. “Yeah! What’s going on, dad?!”

“I don’t know.”

A few moments later there is the sounds of snow crunching underfoot and a knock on the back door. Arc turns and looks to it, confused.

“Who could that be?”

Frank frowns. “I don’t know. But I have a bad feeling about this.”

Cherry calls out as Sereb sniffs at the door. “Sereb?”

“Arc should answer it.”

Dinky frowns. “Are you sure?”

“Very.”

Nodding soberly, Arc walks over to the back door. Unlocking it, he turns the knob and opens the door. Gasping, he stumbles back as the visitor come into view. A young woman stands on the steps smiling at him in a blue full body length coat. Arc stammers as he tries to find his voice.

“R-Rarity?!”

Rarity smiles up at him. “Hello, Arc. It’s been quite a while.”

“I… uh… please, come in!”

As Arc closes the door behind her he feels a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he sees Rarity looking at him.

“I’ve come here to tell you something very important, Arc.”

“What… what is it?”

Rarity smiles. “Happy Hearths Warming, my love.”

Arc grins and looks her in the eye. "Merry Christmas, Rarity."

She wraps her arms around Arc’s neck and pulls her body tight to his. The pair kiss passionately as the others look on approvingly.

Author's Note

I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas Specials this year. The wife and I will be taking some time off to read ahead now, as this is where we stopped. Before I go any further in the story I think I'm going to pop on back to the first couple volumes and rewrite them. Stay tuned for notifications regarding the remastered beginning chapters in the coming weeks. :twilightsmile:

From Arc's family to yours, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. :pinkiehappy:

Preface - Volume 37 - Internal Conflict

In our previous volume, Arc returns to his basement with the others and Hammer. Revealing their true identities and actual races, he heads to bed. After an hour or so of not sleeping Sereb enters the room and informs him of Hammer’s desire to speak with him. Allowing her in, Arc tells her the rest of the story regarding the idea to form a herd back in Equestria. Taking the news surprisingly well, she spends the night in Arc’s bed.

Awakening the next morning, Hammer asks Arc if she can join with his other marefriends in the herd. He admits to being unsure whether or not it will even form as the pair head downstairs. Teaching Hammer how to cook, Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo enter the kitchen to help. As they do Arc’s earring chirps. Heading upstairs to answer it he hears Rarity’s voice. Telling him of Decimus’ tour around Equestria ahead of Twilight tips him off of their true intentions. Asking about Sweetie Belle and the others Rarity again tells Arc of her desire to join him on Earth. Telling her again of how Equestria needs its Element Bearers, he finishes the conversation and laments not telling her of Hammer.

Returning to the kitchen to eat, Arc enjoys his breakfast with the others. Asking to go back to her apartment, Hammer reveals that she kept a diary since meeting Arc. Telling them that it has Arc’s real name in it, they head over to retrieve it. Finding the apartment ransacked, Hammer proceeds to her bedroom. Seeing the diary gone, she spots a note on the pillow. It tells her to meet at the old Rider’s base with her new boyfriend and signed by Bloodletter.

Proceeding to the location in the note, Arc and Hammer approach the back of the ruined hospital. Meeting Bloodletter and his gang, he reveals his obsession with Hammer and beckons her to join him. Refusing, Bloodletter transforms in the light of the full moon into his beast form in a sick effort to sway Hammer to his way of thinking with a more powerful body and bigger… well, you know. Admitting that Stingray and Mio had nothing to do with his actions, Arc calls for the others to join him. The battle is joined as Arc and his friends charge forward. Defeating their foes nearly effortlessly, they each take a swing at Bloodletter, toppling the beast with relative ease. As they muse on what do to with him, Derpy cries out with an idea.

Returning home, Arc and the others watch the news with Dinky. They see Bloodletter being taken away by Animal Control. Explaining that Arc and Scootaloo used their Crimson powers to remove all memories of Hammer and make the man afraid of the moon, they head upstairs to bed. Sometime later Hammer and Derpy knock at the bedroom door. Admitting that she has something to talk to him about, Arc invite both Hammer and Derpy into his Sanctuary. They lie down with him and fall asleep. Awakening in the Sanctuary the two head inside the house. Finding Arc inside already with Cherry, Hammer marvels at the realism. Asking to be turned into a pony, Arc does so. Hammer suddenly transforms into an Earth Pony and prances around happily. Learning how to use her new hooves to do simple tasks, she helps Arc, Derpy, and Cherry make pies. Waiting for them to cook, they head to the front porch. Arc askes Hammer what it is she wanted to talk to him about. She confesses that she is worried about her sisters. Still desiring to make them see the truth, she asks Arc for advice. Suggesting that she keep an open dialogue with them, Arc and the others suggest various things they could talk about to reassure them that she is alright with Arc. Agreeing to write her sisters, they stand and head inside to eat the pie that Arc has ‘willed’ into being done.

Awakening the next morning, Sereb enters the room to inform Arc that Dinky is not well. Hurrying to her room they find her feverish. Taking the little girl down the corridor to the bathroom Arc takes her temperature. Leaving to get her some medicine, Derpy undresses her and Hammer puts her into the bathtub. Arc returns with a cup of medicine. Leaving with Hammer and Scootaloo, Derpy stays with her daughter. A short time later she throws up whatever is in her stomach along with the medicine. Spraying the vomit away, Derpy gets her daughter cleaned up as Arc returns. He carries her downstairs and lays the girl on the couch to watch television. Staying with her as the others eat, they watch Sam and Max together. Finishing their meal, Derpy and the others relieve Arc. After explaining to them what germs are, his earring chirps. Heading upstairs to answer it, Arc is surprised to hear Fluttershy’s voice on the other end of the line. Nervously, she confesses have had very intimate fantasies while helping her bears copulate. Going too far, Fluttershy accidently forces her male bare to ejaculate on her. Admitting that she thought of Arc when she saw herself, she apologizes for having such thoughts about him and even volunteers to withdraw from his future herd. Telling her that he understands that what she did was an accident, Arc is able to convince her that she did nothing wrong. Letting Fluttershy go to rest, Arc lays back on the bed and talks the matter over with Cherry.

Returning to the main level, Arc tells everyone that he was speaking to Fluttershy. Hammer asks who she is, which prompts a quick conversation regarding whom gets to make babies with Arc first. Being rescued by a ringing telephone, Arc picks it up to hear Frank’s voice. He informs him that the Shards have just gotten a telephone installed and he is their first call. Telling Frank that Dinky is sick, Hammer calls out to him. Hearing her voice Frank Blinks over and attacks her. Arc is able to convince him that Hammer has changed before leaving with Frank to talk at Shelly’s Kitchen. After ordering, they take their food upstairs to sit with Shelly. She reveals to Arc that she can no longer eat normal food and must instead sustain herself on a nutritional drink. Asking the young woman what she would do if given one wish, Shelly asks for the perfect Christmas doing many traditional activities, as she could not do them as a child. Frank suggests that such a thing would take more than one day, to which Shelly announces she will close the restaurant for one week so that both she and Lily can enjoy the season together.

Returning to the house, Frank returns to his base as Arc looks to Derpy. She tells him that Hammer went upstairs some time ago complaining that she didn’t feel well. Going upstairs to check on her, Arc finds the young woman heavily feverish. Unable to convince her to take medicine of any kind, he is able to coax her into taking a shower to lower her temperature. Sitting up, Arc immediately sees that Hammer is naked. Sitting with her in the bathroom as she showers Arc tells her about Ember and their relationship. Hammer sees similarities between her and the young dragon. Hoping to spark a friendship, she asks Arc to put in a good word for her before getting out of the tub and putting on fresh clothes that Arc retrieved for her. Leading her back to the room, Arc lays her down and retakes her temperature before heading back downstairs to check on Dinky.

A couple months later Dinky awakens to see it snowing. Waking her mother, the pair head for Arc’s room to show him as well. Going downstairs, Dinky quickly eats a bowl of cereal before running outside to play with the neighbor kids. As the others continue to cook breakfast, a voice in heard in the living room. Arc throws aside his spatula and storms in to face the intruder. Seeing Wiseman sitting on the couch, he questions what he wants this time. Claiming to be looking for a certain lock, the man holds out a key in his gloved hand. Hammer looks it over as she removes some of the tarnish. Telling Arc to look it over he notices it is blue in color.

Scootaloo tells them she has soon tools made of the same material in her parent’s shop. Identifying it as mithril, Arc frowns. Explaining to the others that mithril is not of Earth, they head down to the basement to check the chest. Unable to open it, Wiseman tells Arc to think positive thoughts as he turns the key. Doing so a visage of Arc’s grandfather appears. Telling him to open the chest and put on what he finds, Arc does so. Donning the armor inside they visage appears and identifies itself as Daniel Williams (from Generation 1). Telling all assembled of the true history of Equestria, he gives them the Rainbow of Light. Informing Arc that it is how he and his sisters traveled between the two worlds many years ago, Daniel assists Arc in transferring the power from the Rainbow of Light into Cherry’s engagement pendant. Wiseman lends his power to empowering it, making the item fit for use once again. Being asked what to do next Arc announces his intention to go forward with his original plan to give Shelly a wonderful last Christmas.

Arc along with Dinky and Scootaloo walk the isles of the toy store. Spotting a Hero of Light action figure along with Dragon and Faithful Steed ones, they play a role playing game on the floor as Arc teaches the pair how to do so. Paying for their purchases, they leave the store and load up the Jeep. Asking what they want for lunch, Arc notices Scootaloo appears to be distant emotionally. Driving to Roberto’s he puts in an order to go and takes a sigil home with the shrunken down Jeep. Sending Dinky to tell her mother and Hammer that they’re having pizza for lunch, he takes Scootaloo upstairs to talk. Revealing that he saw what transpired in the Jeep between her and Dinky, the little girl worries that Arc will be upset with her. Reassuring her that he isn’t mad, Scootaloo asks to keep the matter to herself for now. Arc does not press the matter, but instead takes Scootaloo to the garage. Unshrinking his Jeep he tells her to bring the toys inside while he teleports back to the pizza place to pick up the order. A short time later Derpy and Hammer hear a strange sound. Sereb informs them that is it Scootaloo banging her head on the back door. Hurrying outside to help her, they spot the little girl carrying most of the toys in her arms. Taking the bags upstairs Derpy and Hammer look over the toys as Scootaloo watches. Dinky enters and volunteers to show them how to play. Turning to ask is Scootaloo wants to play as well, she sees that the little girl has already left the room.

Several days later Arc returns home with Shelly and Lily. They bring their things inside along with some groceries as Arc carries Shelly inside. Laying her on the couch the remove her boots and massage her swollen feet. Derpy and Scootaloo unpack the two women’s suitcases and put them in the dresser. As they do so Scootaloo tells Derpy of her own problems with her now dead parents. How her mother was always so weak and how she just let Shadow do whatever he wanted to her. Suggesting that perhaps Sunshine didn’t know what else to do, Derpy sends the little girl to her room to think about what was said. Hammer carries Shelly upstairs to the bedroom and lays her down. As she massages Shelly’s spasming legs they talk about her military career. Shelly warns Hammer that Arc isn’t fond of that particular organization, but does not say more. Meanwhile, Arc and Lily cook homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and rolls in the kitchen. Derpy comes downstairs to help them.

Removing the Christmas tree from the attic, Arc and his friends decorate it. They sit around talking before making supper together. Scootaloo stays with Shelly to keep her company on the couch. Shelly speaks to her about her own experiences as an orphan. As the others head to bed, Scootaloo stays behind to talk to Arc about her own problems. Confessing to him that she is nervous about becoming part of another family, Arc is able to convince her that they all honestly do care about her and only want to include her if she wants that as well.

Waking up together on the couch, Arc and Scootaloo get up early and begin cooking. The others rise from the smells coming from the kitchen only to find Arc cooking cheeseburgers as Scootaloo makes french fries. Sitting down to eat their supper for breakfast, Arc informs them that they’ll be wrapping presents for the orphans that day. Loading the vehicle, Arc lets Hammer drive as they head to Farburg. As everyone sleeps, they reach a convenience store in Farburg. Hammer wakes Arc to tell him that it’s closed. Grinning, Arc announces that he has a plan.

Telling Hammer to park in the bank’s lot across the street, Arc Blinks out of the vehicle. Donning Eidolon’s Ward and a magic cloak, he Blinks to the store’s roof and down into the building. Grabbing a cart he picks out the ice cream and condiments. Feeling a whack on top on his head, Arc pulls his magic blades and prepares to defend himself. Spotting a clerk with a broom he retracts his blades and begins to apologize. Recognizing him as the Hero of light they woman, Lorna, squeals happily. Joined by her brother Pietro Arc poses for several selfies before they head to the front to ring up his purchases. Leaving the building Arc returns to the Jeep with the supplies before telling Hammer to take them to the orphanage. Arriving, they help Shelly inside and head to the Day Room to find Headmistress Kulara. She leads them to a partitioned area for special needs children. They find Cybil and Angel playing with them. Seeing the older children with little to do, Hammer asks to borrow Arc’s Jeep. Returning some time later with a cartload of goods, they return to the Day Room to set up a number of Xboxes and wall mounted televisions while the children play outside. Returning, Kulara announces to the orphans Hammer’s generosity before turning them loose to play. Allowing them to play for some time, Arc leaves the room with Dinky. Giving her a bag, he points out a bathroom in which she can change her clothes. Doing so, Arc tells her to head to the Jeep for the next stage of the plan. Returning to the Day Room, Arc nods to Kulara. She tells the children to gather round as she reads an old Christmas poem. As she does so Frank and his men, dressed as Santa and his elves, Blink into the room with presents along with Dinky. Leaving once done, he returns a short time later to help Hammer set up tables and chairs for ice cream. Vowing to take her out should she harm Arc, Hammer is somehow able to convince Frank of her true feelings for Arc. Eating, they watch as the orphans fall asleep one by one. At midnight Kulara tells those still awake to head to bed before thanking Arc and his friends. The night secretary brings the headmistress a letter that had somehow been missed earlier that day. Opening it, she finds a court order to restore Cybil’s parental rights. Signing the enclosed forms, Kulara informs the woman that she is free to take Angel home that very night.

Hammer drives Arc and his family home. Arriving, he heads for the house with Shelly is his arms along with Cybil who is carrying Angel. Derpy, Dinky, Hammer, Lily, and Scootaloo follow. Arc escorts Cybil and her daughter upstairs and puts them to bed as Derpy does the same for the girls. Sitting down on the couch with Sereb, Arc confesses his bewilderment that his grandfather once fought for Equestria. Realizing that the old man’s stories were not just random ramblings of a mind fading away, Arc heads to the basement to bunk with Hammer. To his (but not ours) surprise she slides into the bunk with him. Hammer easily falls asleep while Arc lies awake for some time. Eventually he Blinks out of the bunk and heads upstairs. Finding Dinky sitting on the couch, he joins her. Confessing her feelings of inadequacy as a parent, she tells him of her desire for Dinky to grow up happy as well as to join his herd. They part ways and head to bed. Waking early, Hammer and Arc head upstairs for breakfast. Dinky tells her father of seeing a man dressed in a red coat with white trim putting presents under the tree. Chuckling, Arc believes it to be a visit from his friend Frank in the Santa costume. After bringing Shelly downstairs for breakfast, they sit down for a nice meal. Talking about how much better the food is than that which was at the orphanage, the conversation turns to which Christmas movies to watch. Frank arrives and together they begin their movie binge. Afterwards they sit down to a nice Christmas dinner together. Talking about Cybil and Angel’s plans for the future, the conversation turns to Frank and the Shards. He informs them that they are doing well with their magical studies and is planning some community outreach programs to help improve their image. As the adults spend the afternoon talking, Dinky and Angel run outside to play with the neighbor kids Alex and Mia. Coming inside as it gets dark they sit down to some Christmas pizza for supper before moving on to opening presents. As they do so several special presents are found behind the tree. Dinky’s contains a smaller version of her mother’s rug back home in Equestria. Angel receives a framed picture of her mother and father before the fire killing him. Scootaloo finds a package containing her mother’s journal from their cottage. And Cybil opens her package to find a bank statement showing her car loan completely paid off. An hour or so later they load up the cars. Arc carries Shelly to Lily’s car as Cybil walks Angel to hers. As they drive away Hammer approaches Arc to tell him that she just got a call from Stingray asking to get together for the holidays. Arc lends her his Jeep and the young woman speeds off into the night. Heading inside Arc and his family are about to head to bed when there is a strange magical backwash. Feeling it, Arc and the others suddenly hear a small knock at the back door. Sereb tells Arc that he should answer it. Doing so he finds a human Rarity standing on his back deck smiling at him. Allowing her inside, she informs him that she comes with an important message, which is…

“Happy Hearths Warming, my love.”

However many questions remain unanswered. How the heck was Hammer able to take Arc’s confessions so well? Will the mares back home in Equestria be able to accept Hammer? Why the heck did it take Arc so bloody long to learn about the magic of teamwork? Will Hammer ever become a pony again (I sure hope so)? Seriously… how pent up is Fluttershy? How will Arc and the gang give Shelly the perfect Christmas? Will Hammer and Ember get along when they meet? What will Arc do with his grandfather’s armor? Is Scootaloo really okay? Will the Shards be able to recover from their past? How will Angel do in her new home and school? Why did Stingray wait until late Christmas Day to call for Hammer?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Surprise Visitor

Author's Note

Happy New Year everyone! A bit of good news before we resume. I went back and REMASTERED the first two volumes of the story. Some chapters were combined with quite a bit more content added in an attempt to bring them up to a higher standard. Hopefully everyone likes them as much as my wife did. Now without further ado, in the words of Stuffwell... BACK TO ADVENTURE!!!

Chapter 1 - Surprise Visitor

Arc and Rarity kiss for what feels like forever. Eventually he breaks it off and looks her in the eye. Tracing her face with a finger, Arc begins to speak.

“Rarity…! How…?!”

The young woman smiles as a tear escapes the corner of her eye. “I couldn’t stay away any longer, my love. I just had to see you again.”

Derpy gasps. “So you went to the Crystal Empire to use Sunburst’s device?”

Rarity nods. “That I did.”

Dinky looks past the woman. “Where’s Sweetie Belle?”

“She’s staying at Sweet Apple Acres for the moment. My friends told me to take as much time as I needed.”

Rarity looks up at him, a hopeful look in her eyes.

“Is it… okay for me to stay, Arc?”

“Of course!”

She looks around at the sink full of dishes.

“I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. We just finished our Christmas celebration and were about to head for bed.”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. It’s been a long day for us.”

Derpy looks to the little girl. “Scootaloo, why don’t you and Dinky brush your teeth? I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

Nodding, they do as instructed. Rarity turns to her.

“Derpy, I… um…”

“Yes?”

“Please forgive me for coming without notifying anypony. I… wanted it to be a surprise for him.”

Derpy smiles. “I understand.”

“So you’re not… upset?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not at all. But I should get upstairs to make sure Scootaloo and Dinky get to bed soon.”

“Yes, well… good night.”

Derpy nods and heads upstairs. Rarity looks back at Arc.

“My apologies for arriving so late. The machine had a bit of a flutter when it was started. Princess Cadance wouldn’t allow me to use it until Sunburst finished checking and rechecking every component.”

“That’s just fine. But I’m glad you came when you did. Any later and we’d have been in bed.”

Rarity shudders as she wraps her arms around herself. “It would’ve been a rather cold night for me then.”

“I’m guessing Sereb would have heard you knocking and said something though. But can I assume you’re tired?”

“That I am. I’ve been waiting all day for the go ahead to come here. The stress nearly had me tearing my mane out!”

Arc takes her hand. “Well then, let’s get to bed.”

Rarity looks up at him expectantly. “Might I sleep with you, Arc?”

Arc chuckles. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Leading her upstairs, Arc takes Rarity to his parent’s old room. She sits down on the bed happily as Arc takes her coat and, after laying it on a nearby table, heads for the dresser. Looking confused, she questions him.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“Getting you something to wear.”

Rarity looks herself over, perplexed. “But I’m already wearing something.”

“Yes, you are. But I think you’ll find that rather uncomfortable to sleep in.”

Rarity smiles as she begins unbuttoning her blouse. “Not to worry. I was just planning to remove them before we got into bed.”

Arc turns and walks over to her with a pair of shorts and a t-shirt as Rarity’s blouse opens completely.

“While that is… extremely tempting, I think you’ll find this outfit acceptable.”

Rarity sighs. “Very well.”

Tossing her blouse onto her coat, Rarity undoes her skirt and sets it aside as she puts on the clothes as Arc does the same. Looking up, he sees her pulling the shirt over her head. Doing a little twirl she smiles warmly at him.

“So, how do I look?”

“Great!”

Rarity giggles. “No, I don’t.”

“You look good in anything, Rarity.”

Rarity gives a playful wave with her hand. “Oh, stop it.”

“In all honesty, you look amazing as a human.”

Blushing, Rarity puts her arms around his neck.

“Then how about I show you the rest?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s really late. We need some rest.”

Rarity groans. “Fine.”

“Sorry.”

“No, no! I… didn’t mean to sound like that! It’s just been a very long day for me.”

Arc takes her arm and they sit down on the bed together. Smiling, he takes her hands in his.

“So has mine. But this is a wonderful way to end it.”

Leaning forward, Rarity’s lips meet Arc’s. They kiss for quite some time as the pair embrace and lay down together. Eventually they break off and Arc pulls the covers over them.

“Comfy?”

Rarity nods happily as she turns toward the light switch.

“Oh, yes. Just let me get that.”

Looking at the switch on the wall she appears to be concentrating. A frowns spreads across her face as she puts a hand to her forehead.

“I… must be more tired than I originally thought.”

“Your magic isn’t working, is it?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Sadly, no.”

“Dinky had the same problem when we arrived. Remember, as a human you don’t have a horn to act as your magical focus.”

Rarity pouts. “So… no magic?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, no.”

She sighs and shrugs.

“Oh well. I’ll just have to get used to it.”

Arc nods and reaches out a hand. Flicking the switch with a Telekinesis spell he lays back onto the pillow as Rarity rolls over to cuddle.

“This feels amazing.”

“Yeah. I never thought you’d be here.”

“Me either. But the heart wants what it wants. Good night, Arc.”

“Night.”

They are silent for a time as the sound of snowflakes pelting the window being the only thing heard. A moment later Arc turns to Rarity soberly.

“Rarity… I need to tell you something.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“I… um… sorry.”

“Whatever for?”

“Well… when I was preparing for the mission to rescue Princess Celestia, I… did some really bad things.”

“You did what you had to do, my love. Of that I’m certain.”

“I… no. No I didn’t.”

“How bad could it have been?”

Arc sighs. “At one point I needed information on the base she was being held in. The idea came to me when I took Auriel and Dinky to the clothing store for some summer attire.”

“What’s wrong with clothes shopping?”

“Nothing. But while they were in the changing room, I… saw one of the women that I’ve been fighting as the Hero of Light. Her name’s Hammer.”

Rarity gasps. “You did?! Oh my, are you alright?!”

“Yeah. I didn’t have my armor on, of course. But she only knew the Hero of Light, not Arc.”

“So she didn’t attack you?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda wish she had now.”

“Were you able to get any information out of her then?”

“Not at that point, no. However, I did take her out to dinner to try and learn a few things.”

“On a… date?”

“Yes. I wanted to get close to her so she’d tell me what I needed to know.”

“Did it work?”

“Better than I thought. She gave me a fake badge to get into the base and even let me borrow hers to get through a few doors.”

Rarity smiles. “Sounds like it helped the mission go well for you and the others.”

“It did let me scout out the base and nail down a plan, yes.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“She… asked me to investigate her sisters. They were acting strangely and she thought they were being blackmailed, or something.”

“Were they?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was all just a misunderstanding.”

Rarity appears relieved. “I imagine that pleased her.”

“That it did. A bit too much actually.”

“What happened?”

“She… fell in love with me.”

Rarity giggles. “I can understand that.”

“And I… started to feel bad about what I was doing. Manipulating her emotions to get access to the base, and all that.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Arc, you did what you had to in order to save Princess Celestia. One human woman’s hurt feelings isn’t worth more than that. She’ll move on.”

“I tried to fix it when I got here with Derpy and Dinky.”

“Did you now?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I saw her and her sisters at the library. The magic user of the trio ran into me and Blinked us outside. Probably so she could finish me off or take revenge for what I did.”

Rarity grins wickedly. “I’m sure you showed her the error of her ways.”

“Kinda. Truth be told, I… kinda blackmailed her.”

“What? Why?”

“To give me her sister’s e-mail address. I started writing to her as a way to try and wean her off of me. You see, she was really depressed when I told her the truth about who I was and what I was really here to do in a letter I wrote before the last mission.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “So you told her everything?”

“About my identity, yes.”

“How did she take it?”

“Her sister Mio said she improved greatly after reading my first e-mail. But during one of our meetings she and her other sister, Stingray, came after me.”

“To kill you?!”

“To protect her from my interference mostly. Somehow Hammer found out what they were up to and crashed their little ambush by planning one of her own.”

“Against you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Against her two sisters.”

“She choose you over them?!”

“Yes. Hammer was head over heels in love with me. More so than she felt for her sisters it appears.”

“What happened to them?”

“Stingray moved to attack, but Sereb stopped her by biting her arm.”

“Did she survive?”

“It wasn’t life threatening. Mio got her some help, I’m sure.”

“And Hammer?”

“I brought her back here.”

“Why?!”

“Because she came to my aide. In doing so, she threw away her career and relationship with her sisters.”

“Couldn’t it have been a trap?”

Arc shakes his head. “If it was, we’d have been taken down by Hammer and her tank. The last one I only stopped by throwing an aircraft at it.”

Rarity sighs. “You did what you had to, I suppose. So… how much does she know?”

“Everything.”

“Do you… care for her?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Rarity props herself up and her elbow. “I don’t understand. Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you deserve to know the truth, Rarity.”

“Is she still here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Left right before you got here to see her sisters.”

“Do you still want me here? I mean, if you care for her… I’d just be in the way.”

“Of course I still want you here! I love you, Rarity!”

“Have you told her?”

“About you?”

“Yes.”

Arc nods. “She knows the whole story. How we met, that we went on a dinner date at your shop, and what happened… afterwards.”

“And how did she take that?”

“Well, she wasn’t happy about it. But at the same time she admitted that I was the only one who was being honest with her. Kinda ironic after what I did, but those were her words.”

“So… where do we go from here?”

“I’m guessing she’ll be back tomorrow at some time. It would probably be for the best if I introduced you two.”

“What’s she like?”

“Very positive… and very strong.”

Rarity giggles. “Kinda like you, Arc?”

“You’ll have to make that choice yourself when you meet tomorrow. She’s also very mechanically minded as well. That’s something I don’t really have going for me.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Do you think she’ll… like me?”

Arc yawns hugely. “Oh yes. She gets along very well with Derpy and Dinky. They both really seem to like her.”

“That’s encouraging. Tell me, do you think she’ll be okay with…?”

Rarity looks over to see that Arc has fallen asleep. Sighing, she lays her head on his chest and closes her eyes.

“I guess I’ll find out in the morning.”

As the sun rises and shines weakly through the clouds Arc slowly opens his eyes and stares up at the ceiling. Smiling, he turns his head to look at the woman sleeping peacefully next to him. Sitting up, he puts a hand on her shoulder and gently shakes her.

“Rarity?”

Slowly opening her eyes, Rarity looks up at him.

“What… is it?”

“Morning’s here.”

She giggles and presses her face against Arc’s chest.

“We don’t need to get up this early though, do we?”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose not. But we typically do.”

Rarity sighs. “Well, I suppose I could use a shower.”

“You do that and I’ll get some breakfast going.”

“Very well. I’ll try to be quick.”

Getting up they go their separate ways. Arc descends the stairs to the main level to the sounds of clanging pans and dishes. Entering the kitchen he spots Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo pulling pots and pans out of the cupboards.

“Morning dad!”

“Good morning, Arc.”

Scootaloo looks over to him. “Sleep well?”

“Very. But I think we’re all still a bit jet lagged from yesterday.”

Derpy appears confused. “What’s that?”

“It means we’re going to need another day to recover from the festivities.”

Dinky gasps. “Is that bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. This happens every year. So why don’t we head over to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast?”

Dinky grins excitedly. “That sounds awesome, dad!”

Derpy raises an eyebrow, confused. “But won’t they be… jet lagged as well?”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably. It’s another Christmas tradition of ours. Going there for breakfast the next morning to help out. But I don’t think that last part will be necessary now that they’ve hired help.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Either way, I want another one of those Shelly Burgers.”

They all laugh happily before Arc continues.

“Everyone get cleaned up and we’ll leave as soon as Rarity’s out of the shower.”

Heading upstairs, Arc puts on fresh clothes along with the others. His eyes wander over to Rarity’s clothes nearby.

“Uh oh. I don’t think she remembered to bring something clean to wear into the bathroom.”

Picking up the clothes from yesterday he sniffs them.

“She probably didn’t wear these for very long. Still good for today.”

Walking to the bathroom door, Arc knocks lightly before opening it and calling out.

“Rarity?”

“Yes?”

“I brought you the clothes you had on when you arrived. Is that okay, or would you like me to get something from Derpy’s closet?”

“Those are fine. I only wore them for an hour at most yesterday. Um… might I trouble you for some fresh undergarments though? I feel a bit strange about wearing them again.”

“No problem. Be right back.”

He lays the clothes on the sink before hurrying to Derpy’s dresser for a pair of panties and a bra. Returning to the bathroom he opens the door just in time to see Rarity step out of the tub. Respectfully, he turns away as Rarity’s gaze meets his.

“Is something wrong?”

“Sorry. Just bringing the undergarments.”

Rarity giggles. “I don’t mind you seeing me bare, Arc. After all, I’ve seen all of your parts now.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s true. But I’ll wait downstairs for you to get changed.”

Closing the bathroom door, Arc heads for the stairs. Entering the living room he sits down on the couch next to Sereb. The wolf turns to him.

“Are you alright, my friend?”

“Fine. Why?”

“Your heart rate is quite high.”

“Oh… I… saw Rarity as she got out of the shower.”

Sereb smiles toothily. “From the scent coming from you, I imagine you liked what you saw.”

Arc sighs. “Your super nose strikes again.”

“It is perfectly normal for two whom love each other to want to engage in sexual intercourse.”

“Somehow it sounds worse when you say it.”

“But I am correct, am I not?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, you are. But I can’t be doing that with her now.”

“Why not?”

“We haven’t even officially started dating yet.”

Sereb sighs. “Do whatever you wish, Arc. But be wary not to allow your quarry to wander too far.”

“Hunting analogy?”

Sereb shrugs. “I am what I am.”

A short time later Rarity and the others descend the stairs dressed and hair brushed. Arc stands up and grabs his coat.

“I hope you all don’t mind a little early morning walk. Remember, Hammer has my Jeep.”

Rarity takes his arm happily. “We can manage.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, Arc. It’s not far.”

Dinky frowns. “I just hope my boots are dry after yesterday.”

Scootaloo turns to the little girl. “Your mom put them in front of the heating vent last night before we went to bed.”

“Good idea.”

Making the short walk, they find the restaurant open but with no customers. Derpy appears confused.

“No one here?”

Arc shrugs. “This is actually pretty normal. The day after Christmas is always a slow one for them.”

Entering, they spot Lily coming out of the kitchen. She smiles and hurries over to Arc to give him a hug.

“Good morning!”

“Hey there, Lily. Sorry for keeping you and Shelly out so late last night.”

Lily giggles. “You say that every year.”

“And every year I mean it.”

He turns and motions for Rarity to step forward. Lily smiles at her.

“Another friend of yours, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Lily, this is Rarity from Ponyville.”

Rarity extends a hand. “How do you do?”

Lily takes her hand and gives it a gentle shake. “Very well, thank you.”

She turns to the others.

“Why don’t we get everyone to the booth and get some food in your bellies?”

Dinky nods. “That sounds great!”

Walking over to their normal spot, they sit down with Rarity sliding in first with Arc next to her and Derpy bringing up the rear. The children slide in across from them as Lily pulls out her order pad.

“Can I start you off with some drinks?”

Scootaloo turns to Lily. “Can I have a…?”

Arc interrupts her. “I think we’ll all have pancakes and milk this morning, Lily.”

“Sure. Everyone in agreement?”

Scootaloo raises a hand. “I’d like…

Arc kicks her lightly under the table.

“…extra blueberries in mine, please.”

“Sure. I’ll get that right in for you.”

She heads to the kitchen as Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“Big Brother?”

“We’re going vegetarian today.”

“Dad?”

Derpy puts a hand on Dinky’s head. “Arc doesn’t want to make Rarity feel uncomfortable.”

“Right.”

Rarity appears confused. “Oh?”

“Normally when I come here I order a cheeseburger and fries.”

“What’s a cheeseburger?”

“A ground beef patty between a bun.”

“Beef?”

“Cow meat.”

Rarity looks suddenly ghastly.

“I… don’t think I’m quite ready to see that, Arc. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. That and I think you’ll like the pancakes here.”

Sereb looks up. “The bacon and sausages are quite…”

“Sereb.”

“Yes?”

He looks at the dog for a few moments silently. Eventually Sereb turns to Rarity.

“My apologies.”

Lily emerges a few moments later with tall glasses of milk for everyone. Setting them down, she looks to them apologetically.

“Here you are. I’ll start cooking the pancakes in just a few minutes.”

Derpy looks toward the kitchen. “Is Shelly not back there?”

Lily shakes her head. “No, she’s still resting upstairs. After all yesterday was quite a day for her.”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “Is she okay?”

“Yes, dear. She’s just a bit tired.”

Arc frowns. “No help in the kitchen today from Frank’s men?”

Lily sighs. “No. I gave them the day off. After all, we’re always slow today. Mostly just small orders to go and coffee.”

Scootaloo grins. “Well, how about we help out in the kitchen then?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, we’d love to.”

Dinky raises a small hand. “Count me in!”

“Thank you, everyone. It’d be quite a help.”

She turns to Arc.

“You could go upstairs and introduce Rarity to Shelly. I’m sure she’d like that.”

“I’d like that. Arc?”

“Sure. That is, if you don’t think she’d mind.”

“She’d love to see you two together. Now scoot.”

Lily leads the others toward the kitchen as Arc heads for the stairs with Rarity. He lowers his voice as they walk.

“Just remember that Shelly and Lily don’t know I’m the Hero of Light or that I’ve been to another world. They think Ponyville is just across the sea.”

“Alright. Anything else?”

“She knows about your shop and work already. But I told her your daughter’s name is ‘Belle’. It’s a bit more human sounding.”

“I’ll do my best to keep your secrets.”

“Thanks. If they knew the truth it would kill them inside.”

Knocking lightly, Arc opens the apartment door and calls out.

“Shelly? It’s Arc.”

“I’m on the couch.”

Walking in, they find the young woman lying there covered with a blanket. She smiles at them happily as Arc kneels down to give her a hug.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

“It’s good to see you, Arc. Thank you for yesterday.”

“It was my pleasure. But right now there’s someone I want you to meet.”

Shelly looks at the newcomer with a smile.

“Is this Rarity?”

“Why, yes I am. How did you know?”

“Arc told us about you.”

Sitting up with great difficulty, Arc helps her stand. She shuffles over to Rarity and shakes her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Thank you. I love the look of your restaurant downstairs.”

“Is Belle down there too?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, she’s still back in Ponyville.”

“How are things going over there?”

Rarity frowns. “It’s a bit… tense there now. They’ve declared martial law.”

Shelly gasps. “Oh my! Is there a war?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “No. There’s a big internal struggle going on right now. Some big shot in the military is trying to flex his muscle.”

“No one’s been hurt as of yet. But Arc had to leave, as the powers that be aren’t looking too kindly on outsiders right now.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. So the country’s on lockdown?”

Arc sighs as he turns to Rarity. “Just Ponyville, I think.”

“Yes. They say a very dangerous criminal is hiding out nearby and that they’re trying to catch him.”

“Oh my! Do you think he’s there?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sure he’s long gone by now.”

Shelly appears relieved. “Good. Belle shouldn’t be in any danger then, right?”

“She’s staying with a friend of mine at their orchard.”

Arc nods. “They’re the owners of Sweet Apple Acres.”

Rarity smiles. “Yes. The Apple family has run it for three generations.”

Shelly winces. “That’s… good.”

Arc looks concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Sorry, but I need to sit down. My legs can’t take any more.”

Arc lowers her back down onto the couch before sitting down next to her and looking to Rarity.

“Shelly’s very weak these days.”

“Sorry I’m not a better host.”

“Oh, no. Your health comes first. Should I pop downstairs and fetch you something to eat?”

Shelly shakes her head. “I have a special nutrient diet these days. But thank you nonetheless.”

She looks back to Arc.

“Who else is with you today?”

“Daisy, Dawn, Scarlet, and Sereb are downstairs.”

“Would they like to come up and sit at the kitchen table while they eat?”

Arc nods. “I think they would.”

“Good. I’d love the company.”

Rarity turns to the stairs. “I’ll run down and tell them if you’d like to stay with Shelly, Arc.”

“Thanks, Rarity.”

The young woman heads downstairs as Arc helps Shelly lie back down.

Chaper 2 - The After Party

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 3 - Exodus

Arc returns home with Hammer and Sereb. As they reach their destination Arc turns to her.

“How’re your legs?”

Hammer winces. “Stiff and sore mostly.”

Sereb looks her over. “Can you walk?”

“I think so.”

Arc gets out of the driver’s seat. “Well, I’ll help you inside.”

Hammer blushes slightly. “Thanks. Um… I’m sorry about the smell.”

“It’s… fine, Hammer.”

Arc walks around the vehicle to the rear passenger side. Opening it, he puts his arm around Hammer’s shoulders and allows her to lean on him. Sereb follows after returning to his Cub Form. Entering via the back door he helps the woman upstairs and into the bathroom. Sitting her down on the toilet seat, he steps back and looks her over.

“Are you sure nothing’s broken?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. Diva really did a number on me. But I don’t think she wanted to cause any permanent damage. Uh… do you think you could help me get undressed and into the tub though?”

“Sure.”

Carefully removing her clothes, Arc helps Hammer into the shower. Aiding her in sitting, he turns on the water and adjusts it before handing her the shower nozzle and looking down at her.

“Think you can manage from here?”

“Yeah, I got this.”

Arc turns to leave. “I’ll wait outside.”

Hammer grimaces. “Um… please don’t think less of me for this, but… I really don’t want to be alone right now.”

“What if I just sat on the toilet here?”

“That would be fine.”

He closes the shower curtain and sits down. Hammer grimaces slightly as the warm water washes over her body. Arc is the first to speak.

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Stingray got the drop on you, right?”

Hammer clenches a fist angrily. “Yeah. In the corridor leading to the apartment.”

“What was it she wanted?”

“To bring me back into the fold. My sisters and I… we’re a team. Always have been.”

“You think that whole kidnapping bit was her idea?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No way. That whole thing had ‘Diva’ written all over it. Stingray must’ve been under orders to bring me in for interrogation.”

“What kind of things did they ask you?”

“Where I’d been exactly.”

“Did you tell them?”

“No, I didn’t rat you out. In fact, I refused to tell them anything about anything.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sure Diva didn’t like that.”

“Actually she did.”

“Huh?”

“It gave her a chance to torture me.”

Arc frowns. “How?”

“A lot of punching, kicking, and some… um… electrocution.”

“Wait, what?”

Hammer sighs. “That’s part of the reason I pissed myself. She put electrodes… down there just so I would do that. I really did have to pee after a few hours anyways.”

“All that just to get to me?!”

“I guess.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead and sighs. “Hammer, I’m really sorry you had to go through that on my account.”

“Don’t be. After all Diva and Stingray were to blame for that. But I still can’t believe that Stingray would DO that to me!”

“Betray you?”

Hammer nods. “Right! I mean, I know that orders are orders but…!”

“Maybe she didn’t know what was going on in there. Is that possible?”

“Not a chance. That cell is specifically designed for… intensive questioning, after all. She HAD to know what would happen to me inside. By the way, did you run into her while you were in there?”

“She was waiting just outside the door when we arrived.”

Hammer sighs. “I’m guessing she was there to help me to the infirmary when Diva finished with me.”

“You would know better than I.”

Hammer groans. “Well, I guess that kills my plans.”

Arc looks up, confused. “Huh?”

“I was planning to go job hunting after Christmas. You know, start pulling my weight around here.”

“But now they’ll be looking for you.”

Hammer winces. “Actively I would imagine. Looks like I’m stuck inside.”

She grins and giggles as Arc peeks inside the shower to check on her.

“What’s so funny?”

Hammer reaches out and puts a hand on his face. “Truth be told, I was looking for an excuse to spend more time with you. While I admit this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, it is a nice thought nonetheless. But I’ll find some way to pay you back for those ruined clothes I was wearing.”

“Clothes?”

Arc’s eyes grow wide before he continues.

“Hammer, I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“A few minutes after you left last night we had a visitor.”

“Who was it?”

“Rarity.”

Hammer gasps. “Your fiancée?”

“That might be a strong word right now, but yes.”

“Is she here?”

Arc nods. “Derpy, Dinky, and Rarity are at Shelly’s Kitchen helping out.”

Hammer shrinks back nervously. “Uh… does she know about me?”

“Yeah. I told her what happened and how you were staying with us now when we were in bed last night.”

Hammer grins wickedly. “You and Rarity got horizontal! Way to go!”

Arc sighs. “No. But I do feel a bit bad now.”

“What for?”

“Two-timing you and her. Well… more so if you want to talk about the others.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You feel like you’re cheating on them?”

“Kinda am.”

“I thought you said they wanted to form a… what did you call it again?”

“A ‘herd’.”

Hammer snaps her fingers. “Yeah, that thing. How’s us just lying together in bed fully clothed, for the most part, any worse than that?”

“I… I don’t know. But I don’t feel right about it.”

“Which part?”

“Any of it right now!”

Hammer puts a hand on his. “Arc? Do you care about me?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I do.”

“Do you care about all of them?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What are you getting at?”

“It just seems like you’re overthinking this.”

“How so?”

“Look, they’re okay sharing you, right?”

Arc nods. “They said that before, yes.”

“And you’re okay being shared?”

“By them, yes.”

Hammer grins. “So what’s a few more gonna do?!”

Arc appears surprised. “You… wanna to join too?”

Hammer puts a hand to her face thoughtfully. “Well, not necessarily. I mean, I’d have to meet everyone first and see how we got along.”

“Really? What would your sisters say about you getting involved in something like this?”

“Mio would be all for it if it made me happy. On the condition she could study and observe my new sister wives, that is.”

“And Stingray?”

Hammer frowns. “She’d definitely not approve of such an arrangement.”

“That’s not surprising.”

“Then again… maybe she would.”

Arc looks up. “What do you mean?”

“The night you and your friends attacked Damocles Base, Stingray and Mio had to help me back to my apartment. They told me, amongst other things, that you weren’t coming back and that I should get over you.”

Arc sighs. “Kinda deserve that.”

“Yeah, well… I think they saw just how much I cared for you, because they told me later that they both promised that if you did come back that they’d give you a fair chance.”

“I’m not sure if I should be happy or horrified.”

Hammer chuckles. “Either way, that doesn’t happen too often. Them actually banding together to agree with me.”

“In any case, I don’t think I’ll be strolling into that apartment anytime soon to try and get them to make good on that promise.”

“Me either.”

They are silent for a time as Hammer rests her head on the wall to allow the water to soothe her injured body.

“Hey, Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… just wanted to say thanks… thanks for coming to get me. That really means a lot.”

“Considering what I put you through when I attacked Damocles Base, it seemed the least I could do.”

Hammer turns her head and looks at him soberly. “Look, Arc… I don’t hold all that stuff against you. After all, you had a job to do and you did it. No one was killed and my sisters and I sustained only minor injuries. Mission accomplished. Um… but do you think you could do me one favor?”

“Anything.”

“Help me out of here. My fingers are starting to get all pruney.”

Chuckling, Arc stands up. Heading for the shower he turns it off and helps Hammer out. Wrapping her up in a large bath towel he helps her over to his parent’s old room and lays her on the bed.

“How do you feel now?”

Hammer rubs her bruised arm. “Like a steamed clam. Well, a clam that’s been tenderized.”

“In a lot of pain?”

“I’m sore, but I think I’ll be okay. Do you think you could look me over though just to be sure?”

“If you want me to.”

Pulling back the towel, Arc looks Hammer’s body over from top to bottom.

“I’m seeing a lot of bruises and some light scratches on your face. But other than that you look okay.”

“That’s a relief. Any major swelling anywhere?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not that I see, no.”

Hammer grins wickedly. “Good. One last question though. Do you like what you see?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Ha, ha.”

“I’m serious! Do I look good to you?”

“Well, I do think that you’re very pretty, yes.”

“With or without clothes?”

Arc frowns. “Now you’re just doing that on purpose.”

Hammer laughs. “Kinda. But I really would like your honest opinion on that matter.”

“Like I said, you look fine. But let’s get some clothes on you before you catch a cold.”

Fetching her some clean clothes along with undergarments, Arc carefully slides fresh panties onto Hammer. She moans slightly as he does so.

“Don’t get any funny ideas.”

Hammer bites her lower lip and squeezes her eyes shut. “I can’t help it! This just feels SO GOOD!”

As he finishes dressing her Sereb knocks lightly on the door. Arc calls out.

“Come in.”

Entering, the wolf looks to Arc nervously.

“The others have returned.”

“Already?”

“They were gone for a few hours.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “Is this going to cause a problem?”

“I… don’t know. But I do want you and Rarity to meet right away. That is, if you’re feeling up to it.”

Hammer nods. “I’m really sore right now, but I think I’ll manage.”

“Okay. I’ll go tell everyone what happened and bring her upstairs.”

Hammer nods as Arc leaves the room. Heading downstairs he finds everyone in the living room taking off their coats and boots. Dinky runs over to him happily.

“We’re home, dad!”

“Welcome back. Did you have a good time?”

Scootaloo grins. “Yeah! I didn’t know cooking was so similar to what my mom used to do!”

Rarity smiles as she steps away from the coat hooks. “Needless to say, we all had a great time and I for one LOVED meeting your childhood friends!”

Derpy appears confused. “So where did you go, Arc?”

“Uh… Wiseman called and asked me to meet him outside the restaurant… in my Jeep.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow, confused. “But I thought you said your friend borrowed it last night.”

“She did. Apparently her sister set that up to kidnap her.”

Dinky gasps. “What?!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth and runs for her coat. “We have to rescue her!”

Arc shakes his head. “Wiseman and I already did that. “

Derpy appears relieved. “Is she alright?!”

“Yes. Hammer’s resting upstairs.”

Rarity turns to him. “Is there anything we can do for her?”

“Actually I was kinda hoping you could talk to her, Rarity.”

“Me?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Just a quick meeting.”

Derpy shrugs. “We could get lunch ready while you and Arc do that, Rarity.”

“If you really want me to, then yes. I’ll do it.”

“Great! Right this way.”

Arc leads Rarity upstairs to his parent’s room. Entering, Rarity walks over to the bed with Arc.

“Hammer, this is Rarity.”

“H-hi there.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Hello.”

Hammer nods. “Arc’s told me a bit about you already.”

“Yes, he mentioned that. Um… he also told us about your… ordeal earlier this morning.”

“Yeah, it… wasn’t the best time I’ve had.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Hammer looks to Rarity and speaks.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Are you really a… pony?”

Rarity nods. “Why, yes. I’m a unicorn. Is that a problem?”

“No. I mean, after all, Dawn and Daisy are ponies too. Or Derpy and Dinky if you prefer.”

Arc nods. “Personality-wise, they’re the same as humans. At least in my opinion.”

Rarity giggles. “Truth be told, the girls and I were talking about that very thing when last we had tea.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Which part?”

“About humans and ponies. The conversation was roughly what Arc just pointed out. How we’re really the same when you get right down to it.”

Hammer shrugs. “Only difference would be our histories, I suppose.”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s actually pretty similar too.”

“It is?”

Rarity sighs and nods. “I suppose so. It’s filled with war, senseless violence, and intolerance.”

Hammer turns to the young woman. “Hey, uh… can you do something for me, Rarity?”

“What is it?”

“Come closer.”

Rarity steps toward the bedside and sits down. Hammer looks her over for a few moments before taking her wrist. She looks up into Rarity’s face for a long moment before responding.

“Scared?”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon?”

“My fingers can feel your heartbeat. It’s pretty high. Or is that normal?”

“I’m a little… nervous at the moment, yes.”

“Because of me?”

“Kinda.”

“Why?”

“That you might want to take Arc for yourself.”

Hammer smiles. “Nah. You seem like a really nice gal. I wouldn’t do that to ya.”

Rarity appears relieved. “Thank you very much!”

“At least not if you let me join that herd your forming.”

Rarity gasps. “What?!”

Arc sighs. “Oh boy. I still haven’t agreed to anything in that regard.”

Hammer grins. “Well if you do, keep me in mind.”

Rarity appears confused. “You… want to be part of a herd with… ponies?”

“I’d like to be able to discuss it with you and the others if I could.”

“That would probably be for the best. We all need to get to know each other a lot better before committing to something like this.”

“Agreed.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Well, why don’t we head downstairs for lunch now? It smells like it’s coming along nicely.”

“Yes, it does. Can I help you up, Miss Hammer?”

“Sure. But please just call me ‘Hammer’.”

“Very well. If that’s what you want, that’s what we’ll do.”

Extending her arm, Hammer takes it and limps out the door with Arc following them closely. Hammer turns to Rarity.

“So Arc tells me you have your own business.”

Rarity nods. “I do. Carousel Boutique is my pride and joy. We sell the most fashionable dresses.”

She turns to Arc and smiles.

“And the most debonair clothing for human heroes as well.”

Arc chuckles. “Quality all the way.”

“We aim to please. But why do you ask?”

“I just thought it a bit strange. Ponies wearing clothes, and all.”

“Mostly just for special occasions. But there are a few whom prefer to be a bit more decorative at all times.”

Reaching the kitchen they sit down to a simple meal of soup and sandwiches. As Derpy clears the table Dinky looks to Hammer.

“Are you really okay, Miss Hammer?”

“I will be in a day or so. Thanks to your dad and his friend, that is.”

Arc frowns. “Calling Wiseman a friend is really pushing the definition of that word.”

Rarity appears confused. “What is he then?”

“Lazy mostly.”

Hammer smiles. “He can’t be all that bad. After all, he helped you rescue me earlier today.”

“Yes, well…”

His earring chirps. Frowning, he touches it.

“Arc here.”

“Arc, this is Cadance!”

“Is something wrong?”

“Kinda. You see… things have been escalating in Equestria these past few days. Shining Armor here just returned from confirming the reports.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “They have? I haven’t noticed anything different.”

Shining Armor’s voice rings out. “It’s been kept quiet, but yes.”

Arc frowns. “What’s going on?”

“Decimus’ troops have become much more stringent in their duties.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “How so?”

Shining Armor shuffles some papers in the background. “I have confirmed reports in hoof of two ponies being taken from their homes in Ponyville on suspicion of treason.”

Derpy gasps. “What?! Who?!”

“The local blacksmith and his wife.”

Arc seethes. “Treason?! Them?!”

Cadance sighs. “Our sources tell us that they’ve been rather… vocal lately about your innocence, Arc. Decimus is intent on stopping that kind of talk before it gets out of hoof.”

Dinky appears suddenly worried. “What’s going to happen to them?”

Cadance groans. “I don’t know for certain. But I also can’t imagine it’s going to be good. While I hate to ask for you to come back, at the moment you’re the only one who can legally stand up to Hero of Light Decimus.”

Sereb looks to him. “What shall we do, Arc?”

Standing, Arc looks around the table for a moment before responding.

“Everyone get packed. We’re heading back to Equestria. Cadance, you can expect us to return in roughly one hour.”

“Very well, Arc. I shall inform Sunburst to ready the Crystal Mirror to summon you and your friends back.”

“Thanks. I’ll call back where we’re ready to leave.”

Chapter 4 - Briefing

An hour or so later Arc and company stand in the middle of the living room. He looks around at the others.

“Is everyone packed?”

Derpy nods. “Dinky and I will only be taking what we came with.”

“What did we bring, mom?”

“Just ourselves and your little robe.”

Rarity gestures to herself. “Remember, I just brought what I was wearing.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I didn’t have anything.”

Hammer grins as she holds up a knapsack. “I’ve got several changes of clothes and my gun.”

Arc gasps. “Wait! You’re coming too, Hammer?!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh… yeah. Something wrong with that?”

“This is going to be dangerous.”

“So?”

“And we’re not just going overseas. This is across dimensions.”

Hammer sighs. “Look, Arc. I really care about you, which means being there for you when you need me. That and I can’t exactly stay here after what happened.”

“She’s right, dad. The bad people have to be looking for her by now.”

Derpy turns to him. “Hammer will probably be safer in Equestria as it stands.”

“Yeah, Big Brother. Here she’ll be in constant danger here!”

Hammer grins as she pulls something out of her military backpack. “That and I’m bringing the thunder! I got the Charger II right here!”

Sereb looks at the vehicle in Hammer’s hand. “Like that it could pass for a toy model.”

Arc chuckles nervously. “Yeah. Wasn’t really sure what else to do with it. Um… would everyone please give me a moment?”

Cherry calls out to him. “Is something wrong, Arc?”

“Yeah, I need to make a quick call.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Now?!”

“I don’t want to leave without saying something to Shelly and Lily.”

Sereb nods approvingly. “A noble idea.”

Derpy smiles. “Yes. After all, who knows when we’ll be able to come back.”

Dinky sighs. “Hopefully soon.”

Hammer grimaces. “Probably not. This whole thing sounds to me like it’s just going to escalate from here.”

Cherry gasps. “Oh?”

Arc nods soberly. “Probably. After all, I don’t think Decimus will just let the Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer go without a fight.”

Sereb growls. “Then we shall have to give him one.”

Arc nods as he walks over to the stairs. “That we will. Just give me a second.”

Heading to his parent’s room, Arc sits down on the bed and dials the familiar number. A few moments later Lily answers.

“Hello?”

“Lily? It’s me.”

“Hi, Arc! How are things?!”

“Kinda messed up right now.”

“Oh?”

“Is Shelly there?”

“Right next to me actually. Why?”

“Put us on speakerphone.”

“Um… okay.”

Pressing the button, Lily hangs up the receiver.

“We can both hear you now.”

Shelly frowns. “Is something wrong?”

“Actually, yeah. You see, we just received word that things are getting out of hand in Dawn and Rarity’s hometown.”

Lily gasps. “Oh my! Is Belle okay?!”

“As far as we know, yes. But we need to head back to make sure she and a few other families stay safe.”

Shelly shudders. “When are you leaving?”

“In just a few minutes.”

Lily’s eyes grow wide. “What?!”

“I have a flight lined up for all of us.”

Shelly leans forward. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Arc? I mean… couldn’t you just call over there and see if everything’s okay?”

“Sadly, no. They’re cut off at the moment. Only way to do this is to physically go there and see for ourselves.”

Lily sighs. “Okay, Arc. You just be careful and come home safely.”

Shelly nods sadly. “We understand. I’m sure Rarity is beside herself with worry right now.”

“She is, yes. Well, I need to be going. Just didn’t want to leave without saying anything.”

Lily forces a small smile. “Thank you for that, Arc. You and Rarity are just so cute together. We appreciate you bringing her over to meet us.”

Shelly nods. “Hopefully next time Belle will be able to join you.”

“I’d like that. Take care you two.”

Lily moves to press a button on the phone. “Goodbye, Arc.”

Shelly gasps. “Wait, Arc!”

“Shelly?”

“I know this is really last minute, but… how is Max?”

“Um… okay last I knew. Why do you ask?”

“It’s been bothering me lately. After all, he was so sweet and loving when last he was here. At least up until he told me that outlandish story before you and your friends left last time.”

Arc grimaces and hangs his head. “ Shelly, I… um… is there anything you want me to tell him? If he asks, I mean.”

“Just one thing. When he’s man enough to be honest with me, I’ll be waiting.”

“I’ll tell him if I bump into him.”

“Please do. “

“Bye.”

Hanging up the receiver, Arc puts his head in his hands.

“That whole thing was my fault. If I had just been honest with her and Lily… backed Max’s story up, she would have believed him.”

He sighs before standing up.

“I gotta talk to Max about this. But I also need to figure out a real plan to make this right.”

Frowning, Arc heads downstairs. Hammer looks up to him and sighs.

“You say your goodbyes?”

“Yeah.”

Sereb nods to the back door. “Good. Now we can be off.”

Scootaloo frowns. “And not a moment too soon.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “All that’s left is for Arc to make the call to Sunburst.”

“Let’s do that now.”

Touching his earring, Arc calls out.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“Right here, sir. Are you ready to return?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Is everything ready on your end?”

“That it is, sir. I have the Crystal Mirror here in the castle’s throne room. We’re ready to receive you and your entourage.”

“Alright. We’ll head to my backyard now and await a portal. Just wait two minutes before starting.”

“Yes sir.”

“Uh… this is safe, right?”

“It is, yes.”

“Good. I’m counting on you, Sunburst. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Looking to the others Arc nods.

“It’s a go. Coats and boots everyone, and hurry.”

They do as Arc says and head outside. Arc is the last one out. Turning around, he locks the door behind them and joins the others at the base of the steps.

“Now all we have to do is wait.”

Thirty seconds later a strange looking portal forms. It starts very small, but quickly grows in size and intensity. Arc looks to the others.

“Let’s go!”

Rarity takes his hand as Hammer grabs the other. Taking a deep breath, Arc steps forward as Derpy, Dinky, Scootaloo, and Sereb follow. Entering the portal they find themselves transported to the Crystal Castle’s Throne Room. Hammer looks around, clearly astonished.

“This place is amazing!”

Sunburst steps forward with Cadance. Derpy, Dinky, Sereb, and Rarity all kneel respectfully. Hammer turns to Arc and whispers.

“What’s everyone doing?”

“Bowing before royalty.”

He clears his throat as Cadance reaches them and smiles.

“Welcome back, Arc!”

“Thanks for having me. Well, us.”

He gestures to Hammer before continuing.

“Cadance, this is Hammer. She’s a new friend of mine. Hammer, this is Princess Cadance. Ruler of the Crystal Empire.”

“Like a queen?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not really. This land is governed by the three princesses.”

“Arc explained that to me. What I mean is… there’s no king and queen?”

Trixie shakes her head. “No, miss.”

“And everyone’s a pony?”

Arc nods. “For the most part, yes. But just to finish the introductions… this is Lead Sage Sunburst, Captain of the Guard Shining Armor, and his aide Lieutenant Trixie.”

Hammer nods at them respectfully as Arc continues.

“Can you bring me up to speed on exactly what’s been going on here, Cadance?”

“That will take all of us. Shining Armor will start us off.”

“Very well. As you know, Captain Decimus has retaken his position as Captain of the Royal Guard of Canterlot Castle in addition to being appointed Hero of Light after your presumed death, Arc.”

“Didn’t like watching that.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Me either. And I still don’t understand why exactly.”

Shining Armor sighs. “He’s taken Light’s Hope as a base of operations and declared martial law in Ponyville until further notice.”

Rarity gasps. “Martial law?! What about the curfew?!”

Trixie bows her head. “Expanded greatly.”

Derpy trots in place nervously. “What of the orphanage?”

Shining Armor turns to her. “Largely unaffected in terms of its operation in regards to housing orphans. School remains in session with only foals being allowed to go straight to school and straight home afterwards. All outdoor activities have been halted as well as all businesses ordered to close with the exception of Barnyard Bargains making deliveries.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “So it’s a total lockdown… of an entire town and an ORPHANAGE?!”

Cadance nods soberly. “Pretty much.”

Arc frowns. “What exactly prompted this? I mean, I know Decimus thinks I’m still alive and would probably go back to my base at some point. But what does that have to do with the town itself?”

“Trixie believes he is baiting you.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Baiting?”

Sereb growls. “It makes sense. The more miserable the townsponies become the harder it would be for Arc to stay away.”

Cherry calls out to them. “But he’s just assuming Arc survived. Remember, Decimus has no real evidence to support his idea that Arc is still alive.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Very true. However he also has not received confirmation that Arc is indeed dead either.”

“Trixie knows this puts his plans in jeopardy, as Arc is the only one whom can challenge his authority at this point.”

Cadance frowns. “There is one other way.”

Arc appears hopeful. “What is it?”

Sunburst clears his throat and begins to speak. “According to the law, for a Hero of Light to be appointed requires a majority vote of the princesses. Similarly they can be removed from their position by the same vote.”

Rarity frowns as she turns to Cadance. “So why don’t you and Princess Luna just vote to remove him?”

“Decimus knows that as well. To do such a thing Luna and I would have to come together and confront Aunt Celestia.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “That could be part of Decimus’ plan. With all three princesses in one place he could take them prisoner and, by the power granted to him under the Order of Succession, proclaim himself Lord Regent of Equestria.”

“This is purely theory, of course. But Trixie wouldn’t put it past him.”

Dinky looks to the princess. “So that’s why you’re here, Princess Cadance?”

“Yes. He can’t do a thing here in the Crystal Empire without causing a diplomatic nightmare.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really? What about when I came here as the Lord Regent during the trouble with Yakyakistan?”

Hammer frowns. “That isn’t a real country, is it?”

Derpy sighs. “Afraid so.”

“Weird.”

Cadance continues. “That was done under extenuating circumstances. Technically, General Wind Rider was the final say at the time. However when you relieved him from duty you were able to assume command in his stead.”

Dinky grimaces. “So if the other leaders had wanted to, they could have resisted my dad’s authority?”

Sunburst nods. “Technically, yes. However I don’t think anypony in this land would have dared to do such a thing. Especially when there was literally a hostile army pounding at the gates.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Now that I think about it, those commanders that I saw in the castle didn’t initially follow my commands to call out the soldiers.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “They hesitated?”

Cherry giggles. “Yes. That is until Arc got mad and yelled at them.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That wasn’t the time for politics.”

Cadance sighs. “Moving on… this morning I received word from Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage, Luna’s secret agent in the castle, that the Hammers had been arrested and transferred to Canterlot Castle’s dungeon to be held without visiting privileges.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “On what charge?!”

“High treason and inciting dissent.”

Shining Armor frowns. “The official report said they were trying to organize a rebellion against Canterlot and its ruler.”

Rarity shakes her head vehemently. “There’s no way that’s true!”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Sunburst turns to him. “Do you know them, sir?”

“I do. While I can’t tell you the details, know that they are above reproach in their loyalty to Equestria and the princesses. Of that I’m certain.”

Trixie gasps. “You’re saying the charges are completely without merit?”

“One hundred percent, yes.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “We need to get them out of there then!”

“Agreed. Any more information on Canterlot Castle?”

Sunburst bows his head. “I’ve been in constant contact with Spike since leaving the capital. He tells me the place is a literal fortress these days. Guards patrol the corridors at all hours of the day and night along with the grounds.”

“Trixie thinks you’d need an army to assault the castle in its current state, sir.”

Derpy turns to Cadance. “What if we went with the whole vote idea? Remove Decimus without a single casualty.”

Dinky sighs. “But that would put the princesses in great danger. After all, who knows what he might have planned?”

Scootaloo shudders. “Right. I’ve met Decimus in the past. He’s quite enigmatic.”

Rarity grins. “What if Princess Luna and Princess Cadance were accompanied by Arc, his forces, and the Element Bearers? The soldiers stationed there wouldn’t dare attack all of us. Even if ordered to by Celestia herself, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a good idea. We’d be on his home territory at that point.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Decimus strikes me as the kind of stallion whom views completion of the mission above all else.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “She’s right. Now I know this might sound crazy, but worst case scenario the captain could take extreme action to stop you. For example, when Trixie attacked the Canterlot Castle he blew up the drawbridge which caused a fair amount of damage to the building without so much as a second thought. Who’s to say he wouldn’t do the same to the entryway or a corridor everypony was walking down?”

Trixie frowns. “He’d effectively be killing a number of birds with one stone.”

Sunburst sighs. “That and such an event, if coupled with the disappearance of Princess Celestia again, would cement his position on the throne.”

Cadance frowns. “And give him probable cause to extend martial law across the land indefinitely.”

Arc clenches a fist and grits his teeth. “The Griffon Kingdom.”

Rarity appears confused. “Arc?”

“He’d make Equestria like them. Ruled over by a small governing authority, such as the Council of Shadows, in which the citizens have zero say or representation. Guards would be stationed on every street corner as well as a government takeover of all major industries.”

Scootaloo gasps. “He and his allies would reap all the benefits of total control.”

Dinky’s ears droop. “While everypony else would live in misery.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’ll never let that happen!”

Hammer grins. “Right!”

Derpy looks to the princess. “So I guess the real question now is… where do we go from here?”

“I have some ideas. But we don’t have much time.”

Sereb grins toothily. “We are listening.”

“While the need to rescue the Hammers is great, there is a more pressing matter to attend to.”

Rarity gasps. “What could possibly be more important?!”

“According to Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage, Aunt Celestia’s personal warship is nearly completed. As it stands, it’s much more powerful than either the Lunar Destiny or The Equinox.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Airship?”

Arc turns to her. “Like the one I used to escape in last time.”

“It didn’t look too tough to me.”

Sereb chuckles. “We escaped though, didn’t we?”

“Touché.”

Arc points to Sunburst. “But with the Lead Sage here, who’s…?”

Sunburst interrupts him. “I finished the plans along with Hard Hat some time ago, sir. All that was left for the engineering corps to do was follow them.”

Shining Armor groans. “With that ship in the air, nopony would be able to stand against it.”

Trixie nods soberly. “Yes. That’s why we have to prevent it from reaching completion.”

Cadance sighs. “Agreed. It must be sabotaged at once.”

Cherry calls out anxiously. “But they’ll just build another one, right?”

Shining Armor nods. “That’s the second part of the plan. While inside the castle you’ll need to acquire the plans for the ship along with the advanced weapon schematics and O.R.B. defensive system.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Sabotage, espionage, AND a prison break?! Anything else you want him to do while he’s there?!”

Sunburst smiles nervously. “Actually, yes.”

Sereb sighs as he turns to Hammer. “You had to ask.”

Sunburst continues. “There’s still a chance they’ll be able to repair the ship and finish the systems with the help of my mother and Hard Hat.”

“Trixie believer that together they could potentially recompile the plans from memory.”

Hammer facepalms. “And now he needs to kidnap two people?!”

Derpy turns to her. “Ponies.”

“Whatever!”

Cadance nods. “Only if they refuse to come, yes. Remember, the alternative is much less pleasant.”

Sunburst gulps as Dinky steps forward.

“There’s no way anypony could do all that in one shot! Especially without raising the alarm!”

Shining Armor nods as he turns back to Arc. “Agreed. It’ll take more than one team acting independently without any communication whatsoever, lest it be intercepted.”

“I think I can come up with a plan for that. Do we have the plans for Canterlot Castle?”

“Trixie has them in her office. Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage smuggled a copy out for us.”

Arc grins. “Good. Now, I just need to know one thing.”

Cadance turns to him. “Yes?”

“Is Twilight still there?”

“She is, yes.”

“Good. She could be of help in this.”

Sunburst frowns. “That… may not be the best idea, sir.”

“Why not? She’s a princess now, and can go anywhere she wants.”

“That may be. But Trixie believes she may have been compromised.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “So she needs rescuing too?!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not exactly. Her job there originally was to convince Princess Celestia that Arc was not the culprit that night in the castle.”

Trixie nods. “Right, as he himself was a victim of Captain Decimus and Admiral Gaston along with her.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Has she made any headway on that yet?”

Rarity sighs. “When I left, no.”

Cadance furrows her brow. “We’re operating under the assumption that she’s either been manipulated by Captain Decimus or sided with Aunt Celestia.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Twilight knows the truth! She’s would NEVER allow herself to throw that away for a lie!”

Shining Armor soberly nods. “I agree. Which leads me to believe she’s being controlled.”

Arc looks to Cadance. “Do I grab her while I’m in there too?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No, Arc. We’re already treading on dangerous ground as it stands. If we kidnap Twilight and bring her here, it would be an act of war. Aunt Celestia would mobilize everything at her command to get her back.”

“Trixie believes this. From what I witnessed the princess views her as family.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, she does. Speaking of family, where’s Luna?”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “Maybe she can help!”

Cadance sighs. “Nopony knows for certain, as she hasn’t been seen since your funeral, Arc.”

“Disconcerting.”

Derpy turn to Arc, confused. “Which part?”

Cherry cries out. “All of it!”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Cadance sighs. “Luna sometimes contacts me via my dreams to hear what I’ve learned. However she’s yet to make any kind of a move or reveal her location.”

Dinky looks to Shining Armor. “Has anypony checked the Nightborn Citadel?”

“Where?”

Cadance turns to him. “The headquarters of Luna’s… group.”

“Trixie can think of a better name for them!”

Sunburst clears his throat loudly. “While we don’t know for sure if she is, it’s impossible to verify it one way or another since they don’t open their doors to just anyone.”

Dinky frowns. “I didn’t see her when I was there.”

Derpy appears confused. “When you were where, sweetie?”

“The Nightborn Citadel.”

Arc gasps. “How did you get in?!”

“We were in Stableton and ran into Tempest. She got us inside.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “Tempest?! Whatever were you doing with HER?!”

“Trying to find out exactly what happened to my dad. They helped me see that he was alive and well by using something called The All-Seeing Eye.”

Arc frowns. “Dinky, why would you do something so dangerous alone?!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “Sweetie Belle went with her.”

Sereb bows his head. “Apple Bloom and I went along as well.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I knew she would go even if forbidden to do so. As a final tribute to you I decided to safeguard them on their journey across this land.”

Hammer grins. “Then they were probably pretty safe, right?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not as much so as I would have liked. I can still see a scar under my daughter’s coat where she was wounded.”

Dinky puts a hoof on her side. “I still have one here too.”

Arc groans. “When this is over you and Sereb are grounded!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow, confused. “What…?”

Arc turns and glares at him silently. The wolf shrinks back and whispers.

“Yes sir.”

Derpy looks to him pleadingly. “Please don’t be too angry with them, Arc. They were only trying to uncover the truth.”

Rarity nods. “All of our friends went out to find them too. Fortunately we met up with them in Stableton.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Okay, I don’t want to know any more right now. Cadance, how do I get to Canterlot?”

Rarity looks to Shining Armor. “How about the sigil in Arc’s room?”

“Sandstorm Mirage reports it’s been removed on order of Captain Decimus.”

Cadance nods. “That and we don’t want Aunt Celestia sensing the magical backwash it causes. Fortunately I’ve already come up with a plan to get everypony into the castle.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’m listening.”

“Aunt Celestia has requested that we perform a joint military training exercise of sorts.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “What kind of exercise?”

“She wishes to know how our forces would take prolonged deployment. Captain Decimus has suggested using an airship flying over Canterlot to test the mental fortitude of our troops and crew under such duress.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “But why?”

Shining Armor frowns. “Captain Decimus has convinced her that we need to be ready for a potential war.”

Derpy tilts her head to one side, confused. “Against who?”

“Trixie thinks whomever we make angry first.”

Cadance sighs. “It’s more along the lines of general preparedness. In the interest of keeping the peace between the Crystal Empire and Canterlot I’ve agreed to send The Equinox back to house this test. The compliment will be the normal Bridge crew along with your squad, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Good. I think I’ll need them for this.”

Hammer grins. “And us too, right?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, I’d like to help as well.”

Derpy raises a hoof. “Me too!”

Sereb growls. “Let us fight beside each other yet again!”

Scootaloo grins wickedly. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah!”

Cherry calls out. “It looks like you’ll have plenty of help on this one, Arc.”

“Yup. And a bit of flying to nail down a plan. When do we leave, princess?”

“I didn’t agree to a specific time. However I was told Aunt Celestia was very interested in getting underway as soon as possible.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “The departure time is completely up to you, sir. However we should first see about getting you some new armor.”

Dinky giggles. “No need for that!”

Hammer gives them a thumbs up. “Yup! Arc already has it covered!”

Sunburst appears confused. “Sir?”

“Observe.”

Calling forth his new armor, Arc removes the helmet and looks to Cadance.

“It’s a little odd fitting. But feels pretty strong.”

Trixie gasps. “Where did THAT come from?!”

“My grandfather apparently helped defend this land before the formation of the three kingdoms. I’ll need to have it altered a bit to fit me better, but this should work in the meantime.”

Shining Armor turns to Cadance. “Shall we call for an armorsmith?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. We can’t risk somepony learning of Arc’s continued existence at this point. That is unless Arc himself deems it necessary.”

“No, that would be an unnecessary risk. I want to keep this quiet at least until the mission is complete.”

Derpy grimaces. “But you’ll probably be seen during the operation, right?”

“Probably. Hopefully not until I find and release the Hammers though.”

Rarity grins. “They could help alter that armor for you, Arc.”

“That’s the plan.”

Hammer points toward the door. “So let’s get moving!”

“Agreed. We’ll take a portal to my quarters aboard the Equinox if you’ll give the orders for the crew to prepare for the operation.”

Cadance smiles. “Very well, Arc.”

“Trixie suggests all of you stay in those quarters until the ship is in the air though.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right. The maintenance workers and porters might see you otherwise. But in any case…”

He motions to Trixie. She steps forward with a scroll and gives it to Arc as Shining Armor continues.

“This is a summary of your overall mission objectives. Give it to Captain Tight Ship so he knows Cadance is behind this plan all the way.”

“Thanks. That should make this a bit easier. Let’s go everyone.”

Opening a portal, Arc motions for the others to enter as he turns to Sunburst.

“Let me know via my earring when we’re about to take off.”

“Yes sir. Um… might I make a request of you?”

“What is it?”

“Please don’t hurt Stellar Flare. For better or worse, I only have one mother.”

“Why would I hurt her?”

“She’s very stubborn. If you can’t get her to follow you, the next logical thing to do would be to… you know…”

“Kill her?”

“It’s the only way to be sure she won’t be there to recreate the systems aboard the new airship.”

“It won’t come to that. If nothing works I’ll knock her out and take her prisoner.”

“Please be gentle.”

Arc nods and steps into his portal as it closes behind him. Cadance walks over to a rather nervous Sunburst.

“Don’t worry about Stellar Flare. Arc will do everything in his power to convince her before moving to more drastic measures.”

Sunburst sighs. “I’m sure he will. But my mother isn’t easily swayed. She’s still not happy I defected to the Crystal Empire.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Give it time. She’ll see soon enough that there’s something rotten in Canterlot.”

Sunburst bows his head. “Yes, I’m sure she will. But by that time it may be too late.”

Chapter 5 - Airborne

Arriving in Arc’s room aboard The Equinox, they look around. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Woah! This is a helluva nice place to sleep!”

Derpy smiles. “I’ve always liked this room.”

Dinky jumps on the bed. “Yeah!”

Arc emerges from his portal as it closes and looks to Hammer.

“Welcome to The Equinox.”

“It’s an… airship, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes. My personal flagship. Not sure why it’s in the Crystal Empire though.”

Rarity turns to him. “Princess Luna told Princess Cadance to take it with her when she returned to the empire after your funeral.”

Scootaloo grins. “Probably wanted to keep it out of Decimus’ hooves.”

Sereb nods. “A wise idea, yes. But for safety’s sake we should probably send Miss Derpy and little Dinky back to safety.”

Derpy gasps. “Leave?”

Arc sighs. “This is going to be dangerous. I need you two to stay safe.”

“But dad, I wanna help too!”

“Maybe next time sweetheart. Right now I need you and your mother to head back to the Little Hooves Orphanage. They’re probably really scared right now.”

Rarity sighs. “Short staffed too.”

Derpy looks up at him with a pleading look on her face. “I’d really like to stay as well, Arc.”

“I know, and I’m really sorry about this. But I’d feel terrible if something happened to either of you.”

“Can’t you stay too, dad?!”

Arc shakes his head. “You know I can’t, sweetheart. After all, someone in my position is the only one whom can legally do any of this.”

Derpy nods. “Dinky and I will go, Arc. But only on one condition.”

“What is it?”

“That you bring Rarity and the other Element Bearers with you.”

Rarity smiles. “Yes, I’d love to come!”

“But I…!”

“Please, Arc. Send us back to Ponyville with Scootaloo as the Scarlet Filly. She can gather up the others and have them head to the sigil behind Rarity’s shop.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “That might not be a bad idea.”

“You too, now?!”

“If they are here, it will be that much easier for you to keep an eye on them.”

“I’m not getting your logic.”

Hammer grins hugely. “That and I’d get to meet the rest of your future herd, Arc.”

Cherry giggles. “It’d be very nice for the them to be able to use this time to get better acquainted with one another.”

Arc sighs. “Fine, fine. But if we’re going to do it this way Derpy and Dinky might as well stay too.”

Derpy shakes her head. “While I’d certainly like to, if what Rarity says is true then Dinky and I are needed at the orphanage.”

“Yeah. The other foals need somepony there to help them keep it together right now. Just get this done as soon as possible, dad.”

“I’ll try, sweetheart.”

She and Derpy run forward and wrap their hooves around Arc as he hugs them back.

“Be good for your mother and stay strong for the other foals.”

“I will, dad.”

Derpy nuzzles him. “We’ll be waiting for word that you’re okay.”

Arc nods as he opens a portal.

“This will take you back to the storage room in the orphanage.”

Arc gives them a smile before motioning for them to head out. Nodding, they enter together as Arc calls out after them.

“Tell my friends to be packed and ready to go by this evening.”

Scootaloo turns and nods. “I won’t let you down, Big Brother.”

Arc watches as Scootaloo follows Derpy and Dinky. Closing the portal he turns back to the others.

“I guess all there is to do now is wait.”

Hammer elbows Arc with a mischievous look on her face. “Wish we could tour this flying fortress.”

“We can after the ship lifts off. Until then there really isn’t anything to do but kick back and relax.”

Sereb lies down on the floor and sighs contentedly. “I suppose.”

Arc recalls his armor and heads for the bed. Laying down on it he closes his eyes. A few moments later he feels Rarity and Hammer climb in after him. They snuggle up to his chest and giggle softly. He sighs contentedly.

“If nothing else, I’m glad you two are getting along so well.”

Rarity looks up at him, confused. “Really? Why wouldn’t we?”

Hammer chuckles. “You thought we’d be jealous, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. Most women don’t want to share a guy. Much less with as many marefriends as I have.”

Rarity giggles. “Well, Arc… as smart as you are, I would have thought you’d have figured this out by now.”

“Huh?”

“My friends and I aren’t like most mares. We have a special bond with one another. It can’t be broken by something as silly as jealousy over a stallion. Or in your case… a human male.”

“What about you, Hammer?”

Hammer shrugs. “I see it less like a competition and more like a real family. Something I’ve always wanted. If those mares are anything like the people I’ve seen you with so far, Arc, they’re very happy when you’re around.”

Rarity nods. “That we are. Although that isn’t very often these days sadly.”

Hammer appears confused. “Oh? Why’s that?”

Arc groans. “My job as the Hero of Light always kept me very busy. I had little time for Derpy and Dinky. Sadly, even less for Rarity and our other friends.”

Rarity smiles. “But we never held that against you. After all, you were fighting to protect the entire kingdom and its citizens.”

“How could you wait though?”

“Because we knew that one day you would keep your promise to Dinky and retire to Ponyville. Even it if took years… perhaps decades… we were fully prepared to wait well into our golden years”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “That’s really impressive. I don’t think I could have done that.”

Arc chuckles. “Even I didn’t think you and the others were that dedicated to me.”

“We are, Arc. Don’t forget that.”

Hammer sighs. “Well, I for one feel kinda unprepared now.”

Arc turns to her. “Oh?”

“Your fiancées all sound extremely loyal. And I’m afraid that I’m just not at that point yet.”

Arc takes her hand. “It’s not a matter of being as good as someone else, Hammer. What’s important are your feelings and desires. Is this really something you want? Are you okay with having to wait? And is being part of a… unique family like this really something you would be happy with?”

“I think so, yes. But I’d like to see more of what this entails first.”

Rarity smiles at the young woman. “We’ll show you the ropes, miss. If there’s something about our culture you don’t understand please feel free to speak up.”

Arc nods. “It’s pretty simple when compared to some of the problems back on Earth.”

“Oh?”

“For example, some problems there just don’t exist here. Smog, traffic, rampant crime, and hunger just aren’t things that are known to the inhabitant of Equestria. Oversees is another story though.”

Hammer grins. “Sounds good. Can I move here permanently?”

Rarity sighs. “We do have our problems. Political struggles lately, the threat of war, international incidents, and now tyranny.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Hopefully we can put a lid on those things before long. If we let him go too long, Decimus might just break things here beyond repair.”

Hammer nods soberly. “I’ll help with that. After all, if we can bring about peace soon, Arc will have time for a relationship.”

Rarity claps her hooves together happily. “That would be wonderful!”

“It’d certainly be simpler and less dangerous. But if you two don’t mind, I’d kinda like to take a little afternoon nap.”

Hammer yawns. “That does sound nice.”

Rarity smiles. “Yes, indeed.”

Putting his arms around both of them, they drift off to sleep. Several hours later, as the sun is setting Arc’s earring chirps. Startling him awake he sits up suddenly, waking the other two. Hammer frowns as she opens her eyes.

“What the heck?!”

“Arc?”

“Sorry. It’s just my earring.”

Touching it, he calls out.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Sunburst. We’ve received confirmation that the ship is fully loaded and ready to disembark. Your squad has been ordered to report to the Bridge early on into your flight, and the crew should be getting permission to take off any time now.”

“Good.”

“Please act judiciously in this mission, sir.”

“I will. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. A short time later the ship takes off. Hammer grins as she looks out the window.

“This… is… AWESOME!”

Rarity smiles as she joins the woman. “I must admit, it’s a very invigorating experience.”

Sereb chuckles. “That it is.”

Arc stands and looks out the window as they reach their cruising altitude. Grinning, he looks down at the city as they fly over the wall. Hammer gasps.

“This land is gorgeous!”

Rarity nods. “Agreed.”

Sereb grins toothily as he looks down. “A land made of crystal can always shine.”

Arc smiles. “I thought so too when I arrived. But we’re outside the city limits now. Let’s head to the Bridge and announce ourselves.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Now?”

“No time like the present. That and we have a lot to do this evening.”

Rarity sighs. “I suppose so.”

Sereb heads for the door. “Let’s be off.”

Leaving the private cabin, Arc leads Rarity, Hammer, and Sereb down the corridor to the Bridge. The door slides open as they approach. Stepping onto the Bridge, Lemon Hearts is the first to see them. She cries out in fear.

“AHHHHH!!!”

Wrangler runs over to join her as she points a hoof. “What in tarnation?!”

Lemon Hearts hides under her station. “It’s a ghost!”

Moon Dancer approaches Arc cautiously. “That isn’t possible, as the existence of ghosts has never been scientifically proven.”

Thunderlane gasps. “Then how do you explain THIS?!”

Arc chuckles. “Simple. I’m alive.”

Soarin looks him over nervously. “Um… welcome back, sir?”

“Thank you.”

Tight Ship looks over Hammer and Rarity. “Returning from the land of the dead with two angels, sir?”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “What am I?”

Hammer chuckles. “Chopped liver at the moment it would seem.”

Arc gestures to the pair. “This is Hammer and Rarity. They’ll be helping during our mission.”

Soarin frowns. “Mission, sir?”

Arc removes the scroll from his ring and gives it to Tight Ship.

“This should explain everything, captain.”

Tight Ship looks the scroll over carefully before responding.

“This is indeed Princess Cadance’s hoofwriting. She says we’re to report to Canterlot for the earlier briefed mission. However the Hero of Light has his own objectives to accomplish which we are to help him complete in any way he deems fit.”

Wrangler appears confused. “Sir? That doesn’t make any sense. This is just a training mission.”

Moon Dancer nods. “It’s also a science experiment. We need to know just what exactly happens when ponies are kept from the outside world.”

Thunderlane grins. “Flying non-stop for a week should be a dream come true.”

Soarin sighs. “I get the feeling that it won’t be though.”

Arc nods. “Right. In any case, I need to speak to my squad regarding the upcoming mission specifics. Page them for me, Lemon Hearts.”

“Yes sir.”

She speaks into her microphone. A few minutes later Max, Xenos, Hugh, and Viktor enter. They look at Arc, confused. Max is the first to speak.

“Sir?”

Xenos gasps. “When did you get back?”

“Several hours ago.”

Viktor points a hoof. “Is that… Hammer?!”

Hammer waves. “Yo!”

Hugh groans. “Make another friend, sir?”

“Kinda. It’s complicated.”

“Hello everyone.”

Max turns his attention back to Arc. “It’s good to see you again, sir. But might we ask to what we owe the pleasure?”

“A serious situation has come up. We’ll talk about it in my office.”

He turns to Tight Ship.

“Captain, you’re to continue with the mission as laid out. For now anyways.”

“Yes sir.”

“When are we scheduled to reach Canterlot?”

Soarin steps forward. “First thing tomorrow morning.”

“Good. I’ll check back in with you prior to that.”

He motions for everyone to follow him.

“Let’s go.”

Stepping through the door, the squad falls into step behind Arc. The bridge crew looks to one another, confused. Lemon Hearts is the first to speak.

“Sir, what exactly is going on here?”

Wrangler nods fervently. “Yeah! The Hero of Light went from being dead to ordering us on another mission!”

Soarin turns to the captain. “Is he even still the Hero of Light? I mean, that’s supposed to end with their death.”

Tight Ship holds up the scroll. “Yes, well… in any case, we have our orders from Princess Cadance. She still refers to him as the Hero of Light in this correspondence.”

Moon Dancer shrugs. “I suppose we have no choice but to obey then.”

Tight Ship frowns as he takes his seat. “That much hasn’t changed.”

Thunderlane looks over. “Sir?”

“We’re soldiers, and go where we’re told.”

Meanwhile, Arc leads the group down the corridor to his office. Motioning to the couches they all sit down.

“Everyone… we have a job to do.”

Xenos groans. “Yeah. Test how we last in virtual isolation up here.”

Hammer shakes her head and grins. “Nah. We’re going to be stretching our legs pretty soon.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Exercise?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. The best kind though.”

Arc looks to them soberly. “A mission to Canterlot Castle.”

Max turns to Arc. “What kind of mission, sir?”

“Do you four remember the blacksmith and his wife from Ponyville?”

Viktor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Yes sir. They reforged all the weapons in the armory when you took possession of Light’s Hope.”

“Well, they’ve been arrested.”

Hugh gasps. “Really?!”

Xenos frowns. “What for?”

“Speaking out.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “What else?”

“Nothing.”

Viktor grits his teeth. “That doesn’t make sense. Everypony has the right to say what they want.”

Rarity frowns. “Tell that to Decimus.”

Arc nods. “He ordered them taken to Canterlot Castle’s dungeon and held there on charges of treason.”

Hugh stomps his hoof. “But they were so nice! Could there be some sort of mistake?!”

Max seethes. “Yes. On the part of the new Hero of Light.”

Xenos shrugs. “Well, what can we do about it?”

Viktor sighs. “Right. He has full authority to act as he sees fit.”

Arc grins wickedly. “You forget that so do I. We all know of Decimus’ crimes against the princesses and the country. He can’t be allowed to continue on.”

Max nods fervently. “Are we going to take him out sir?”

Xenos chuckles. “Again?”

Sereb growls. “Hopefully.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. Well, probably not anyways.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Again?!”

Arc nods as he turns to Hammer. “He’s died several times. But somehow he keeps coming back to life.”

“How?!”

“If I knew that, I’d stop him. But let’s get back to the matter at hand.”

He looks back to the squad.

“Breaking the Hammer’s out of the dungeon is actually the final objective of this plan.”

Xenos frowns. “Sir?”

“While we’re there we need to sabotage the construction of Celestia’s new airship.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “That’s going to be quite the challenge. After all, the shipyard is always quite heavily guarded.”

Viktor groans. “And they’ll be security everywhere else in the castle.”

Hugh looks to Arc. “How bad do we have to mess up that ship?”

“Bad enough that we destroy the O.R.B. system and the new weapons.”

Sereb growls. “Experimental, but supposedly very dangerous.”

Max gasps. “But they’ll just build another one, sir.”

Rarity grins. “Not if we take the plans.”

Xenos shakes his head. “Wouldn’t do any good, as Chief Engineer Stellar Flare could probably build them again from memory though.

Hammer laughs. “We’re taking her too.”

Viktor whistles. “We’re really shooting for the stars with this workload, sir.”

“I know it’s a lot to accomplish, yes. But we need to do everything at roughly the same time. As soon as we either blow up the bridge of the new ship or attack the dungeon they’ll put the entire castle on high alert.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “We’ll never get back in there after that.”

Arc nods. “Right. Now then, here’s the plans for the castle.”

He removes the blueprints from his ring and lays them on the table between them. Max gasps as he looks them over.

“These are pretty high level plans!”

Hugh nods as he points with a hoof. “Right! They even show all the secret escape routes!”

Xenos grins. “Looks like getting in and out will be simple and clean.”

Viktor sighs. “Assuming we can stay out of sight, that is.”

Hammer frowns. “Yeah. This is going to take a lot of planning.”

Arc nods as he stands up. “That it is. We’ll be there by tomorrow morning, so there’s time to plan something special. I’ll leave the blueprints here if you guys want to look them over before we turn in for the night.”

Max sighs. “It might be best to do that tomorrow morning, sir.”

Hugh yawns. “Right. Get a fresh take on it.”

Xenos looks toward the door. “We’ll mull it over in our bunks.”

Viktor chuckles. “That we will.”

Arc shakes his head. “Take a couple of the VIP suites, you guys. I need everyone at their best.”

Xenos grins. “Thanks, sir!”

Hugh turns to the others. “We’ll sleep like babies!”

Rarity giggles. “Believe me, babies don’t sleep that well.”

Hammer appears confused. “They don’t?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But I’ll see you guys bright and early tomorrow. Dismissed.”

They salute and leave the room together. Parting ways they pair up and enter the VIP suites as Arc heads for his quarters with Hammer and Rarity. Hammer turns to Arc.

“That went well.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Did it?”

Hammer shrugs. “Well, they didn’t attack me.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “Surprisingly enough.”

Arc grins. “I wasn’t expecting them to.”

Hammer turns to him. “How did you know?”

“Because you were with me.”

Rarity sighs. “Believe me, they were watching you like a hawk in there though. What exactly did you do to make them so suspicious?”

“I… might have shot at all of them on a few occasions.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc nods. “Some of those shells really messed up Eidolon’s Ward.”

Rarity points a hoof. “She did that?!”

Sereb nods. “That she did.”

“I didn’t know it was Arc!”

“Things were different back then, Rarity. I trust Hammer not to do that again.”

Rarity frowns. “Very well. But I’ll be watching her too from now on.”

Hammer sighs. “Guess I deserve that.”

Sereb chuckles. “Yes, you do.”

Arriving back at Arc’s quarters, he walks to the center of the room and concentrates for a few moments wordlessly. Hammer raises an eyebrow.

“Uh… you okay over there?”

Rarity waves a hoof. “Shush.”

“What’s he…?”

“I don’t know. But leave him be.”

A few minutes later Arc opens his eyes and looks at the pair.

“Sorry about that. I was just talking to Scootaloo.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Talking?”

“Telepathically. Her and I can do that.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Are the others ready?”

“Yeah. She just wanted to let me know that we’re getting a couple extra.”

Hammer appears confused. “Who?”

“You’ll see.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. A few moments later Rainbow Dash flies through followed by Pinkie, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Scootaloo steps through with Auriel and Rose in tow. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak as she and the others hurry over to Arc.

“Good to see you again!”

Applejack grins. “Darn right!”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “Things aren’t going the best right now.”

Fluttershy looks at Hammer. “Who is this?”

“Everyone, this is Hammer. She defected from our enemies to come and help us.”

Hammer sheepishly waves. “Um… hi there.”

Rose smiles at her. “Hello again, Hammer.”

Auriel looks to Hammer nervously. “H-hi.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow as she glares at Hammer. “Something wrong with your tongue?”

Hammer frowns. “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Oh, nothing. I’m just not too keen on being around a traitor!”

Applejack frowns. “Rainbow Dash!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “TRAITOR?!”

“Yeah!”

Rose sighs. “She was working for General Mustang and Colonel Diva though.”

Pinkie gasps. “You mean Sunset Shimmer?!”

Auriel nods. “That she was. But she and Arc have been through a lot since that time.”

Rose gestures to the filly with them. “Agreed. Much has happened since then according to Scootaloo here.”

“Right.”

Rainbow Dash stomps a hoof angrily. “Where was I when she was talking about that?!”

Applejack groans. “Eating loudly and then taking a nap if I recall.”

“Well, I don’t trust traitors!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “And I don’t trust horses, so we’re even!”

“I’m a pegasus!”

“Whatever!”

Cherry calls out. “Please, Rainbow Dash! Arc trusts her, so you should too!”

“Oh, I know all about trust! Remember, I’m the Element of Loyalty, after all! But it’s not something I just give out on a whim! That and she’s already betrayed the one’s she worked for originally!”

“Why you little…!”

Arc puts a hand on Hammer’s shoulder as she steps forward to confront Rainbow Dash.

“You’re right.”

Auriel appears confused. “She is?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Rainbow Dash hasn’t said anything that isn’t true. Hammer left the military and her two sisters to work with me.”

Applejack gasps. “Your family too?”

Hammer nods sadly. “They wouldn’t see reason even when I showed them proof.”

Rose groans. “Irrefutable proof I might add.”

Arc looks over those assembled. “She took my side over her family. That’s not something one can just do on a whim, after all.”

Cherry sighs. “That was a rather scary time for all of us.”

Scootaloo steps forward. “It’s true. Their forces were planning to take us all out. But if you really want to talk about traitors… I’ve been in constant contact with Decimus.”

Rarity gasps. “WHAT?!”

Arc frowns. “We were, yes. He really respects the Scarlet Filly, and even offered her the wanted poster of me ahead of everyone else.”

Fluttershy’s eyes grow wide. “He trusted a filly with something like that?!”

Applejack groans. “Probably was banking on Arc not wanting to fight someone so young.”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “Only because he’s too chicken to fight Arc himself!”

“We’ve already fought. Remember, I vaporized him.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “But that doesn’t make you a traitor, kid! You didn’t know he was a bad stallion, right?!”

“I did, yes. But I had to maintain my cover.”

Sereb nods. “Just as Hammer did.”

Hammer bows her head. “I was spying on my sisters at that point. When I heard they were going to ambush Arc I knew I couldn’t let them do it.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Why do you care what they do?!”

“Because I love him!”

Rainbow Dash misses a flap of her wings and crashes to the floor.

“Say what?!”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “When did this happen?!”

“Before he attacked my base!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. And I wasn’t too happy with myself for doing that.”

“I already forgave you.”

Fluttershy looks to him. “What did you do, Arc?”

Rainbow Dash brushes herself off. “His job!”

“Right… kinda.”

Sereb sighs. “It was… complicated.”

“You see… I needed intel on the base. Ultimately, a way in. I met Hammer at the store one day by accident.”

Auriel giggles. “Dinky and I were trying on some new clothes while Arc waited outside.”

Rose nods. “They talked and Arc got her phone number.”

Pinkie gasps. “You were hitting on her, Arc?!”

“No. We were just talking.”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. I offered him my number because he was really smart!”

Rainbow Dash looks to the young woman suspiciously. “No other reason?!”

“Well… I did think he was cute too.”

Fluttershy looks to Arc. “What does that have to do with betrayal though?”

“I was just using her to get into the base back then.”

He looks at Rainbow Dash and sighs.

“If you want to see a traitor… here I am.”

“But… that’s…!”

“And I was seeing Hammer without telling you girls what I was doing, so I was also cheating on everyone.”

Applejack shakes her head. “That’s not cheating, Arc. You were just trying to save Princess Celestia.”

“Well I still feel bad about it.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “That just means you have a conscience, Arc. You’re not a traitor in the least.”

Rarity looks to Rainbow Dash. “Right. But neither is Hammer.”

“She most certainly…!”

“I’ve spoken to her and watched intently. And I have to say that so far I like what I see.”

Auriel steps forward. “She was always nice to us back on Earth. And that’s coming from a bona-fide traitor to her race like me.”

Sereb growls. “We shall all be traitors soon enough.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “What are you talking about, Sereb?”

Arc sighs. “The mission I have is to infiltrate Canterlot Castle and break out Steel Hammer and his wife, Silver Hammer.”

Rose frowns. “Break them… out?”

“They were arrested.”

Rainbow Dash explodes. “WHAT?! WHY?!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Treason supposedly.”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “Decimus is behind this!”

Sereb sighs. “Apparently so.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. He’s the only bad traitor here.”

Rainbow Dash stomps a hoof. “Well, I’m taking him DOWN!”

Applejack puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “No, you’re not!”

“Who’s going to…?!”

Arc steps forward. “I will.”

“Why?!”

Sereb nods. “It is treason to attack the Hero of Light.”

Rose sighs. “You would become a traitor to Equestria and hunted down.”

“Fine. But I want in on this mission!”

Arc chuckles. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “You’re letting me?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. This is way too big to handle on my own, after all.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “That’s… surprising.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Yes. Usually you’re very insistent on doing things alone.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Did something happen?”

“Back on Earth recently a great beast wanted to take me out. However I was able to take him down easily with the help of Hammer, Scootaloo, and Sereb.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “He wasn’t so tough.”

Scootaloo grins. “Not when we all worked together.”

“Right. In the past I just didn’t want to see anyone else get hurt. However I’ve come to the conclusion that it shouldn’t be done that way. If I’m going to take on bigger and more important tasks, I need to be able to share the risk.”

Applejack appears relieved. “That would make it a lot safer. Everypony would bear just a bit of the danger. I’ll join up too.”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “And if something goes wrong there’s others willing and able to step in and reinforce you, Arc! Like me!”

“Right.”

Rose smiles. “This is the best course of action from a tactical standpoint. I’ll help as well.”

Auriel nods. “Glad to see you taking this approach. We’ll take care of everything together.”

Rarity steps forward bravely. “Here, here!”

Sereb growls. “As usual I will guard your backside.”

Scootaloo jumps up on the table. “And I’ll be a second set of eyes!”

Arc smiles. “Thanks everyone. Now then we can brainstorm with my squad on a plan tomorrow morning.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “How hard could it be to run in, get them, and fly out?”

Hammer sighs. “There’s more to it than that.”

Sereb nods. “We also need to grab some files and sabotage the country’s new airship as well as take Stellar Flare and Hard Hat into custody.”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “Malicious destruction of property, assault, and kidnapping. Like Sereb said earlier, this will make us all traitors.”

Arc looks to his friend. “You okay with that, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Yeah. Because he needs to go DOWN!”

Rarity nods. “I agree. But right now we should all get some rest.”

Auriel giggles. “Yes. That and figure out the other problem.”

Arc appears confused. “What ‘other problem’?”

“The question of who’s going to share your bed tonight, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Some things never change.”

Chapter 6 - Mass Infiltration

The following night Arc stands in his quarters aboard The Equinox. He looks around at his friends and squad.

“Is everyone clear on their part of the operation?”

Max nods soberly. “Yes sir.”

Xenos chuckles. “I think we have the easy part.”

Hugh sighs. “Assuming everything goes as planned, yes.”

Viktor turns to him. “Why wouldn’t it?”

Auriel looks to them. “You four HAVE to succeed though!”

Sereb nods. “Yes, you’re the first part of the plan.”

Cherry calls out to them. “And the signal for phase two to start.”

Arc turns to Fluttershy and Rarity. “You two have your disguises?”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “Y-yes.”

Rarity giggles. “Don’t worry. We’ll be convincing.”

Pinkie grins as she pulls out her party cannon. “And if you’re not, the rest of us will finish the job!”

Applejack stomps a hoof. “That we will!”

Rainbow Dash clops her hooves together angrily. “They better HOPE we don’t get to that point!”

Scootaloo looks up to Arc. “I’ll be there to play my role as well.”

Sereb groans. “It’s a bit… unbelievable though.”

Cherry sighs. “He’ll believe it if it comes from the Scarlet Filly.”

“That’s what I’m counting on. Decimus has a, for lack of a better term… a sweet spot for her, after all.”

Scootaloo makes a face as she puts up her hood. “Ugh.”

Auriel frowns. “We can use that for only so long though.”

Rose nods as she turns to Arc. “But if this works, it’ll only strengthen his trust for her.”

“Right. And you, Auriel, and Sereb will be in position when the second signal goes out.”

Sereb growls. “That we will.”

Auriel appears suddenly nervous. “How will we know when…?”

Cherry interrupts her. “Sereb can hear things most of us can’t. He’ll notify you when it’s time to move.”

“Indeed.”

Arc looks at the clock on the wall before turning to his squad. “Looks like it’s almost time. But before we get underway I need to talk to you, Max.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc motions for the others to depart. “Head to the main hatch. We’ll meet you there shortly.”

They nod silently and head out the door. Arc turns to Max.

“I have something to say.”

“Sir?”

“What happened back on Earth between Shelly and you… it shouldn’t have.”

“I understand your reasoning, sir. But I…”

Arc interrupts him. “No, Max. What I meant was… I was wrong. I never should have tried to come between you two like I did. Shelly was just so happy when you were around and I took that away from both her and you.”

Max sighs. “I don’t think it matters at this point, sir.”

“Kinda does.”

“What do you mean, sir?”

“When I was there recently, Shelly… asked about you.”

“Did she?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She wanted to know how you were doing. Unfortunately I couldn’t tell her, as I honestly didn’t know. But she did want me to tell you something for her.”

Max grins with hope in his eyes. “Yes?!”

“Shelly said that she’d like to see you again.”

“She did?!”

“But not until you’re ready to come clean and tell her the truth.”

Max appears confused. “I don’t understand. What I told her was exactly that.”

“That is true, yes. However it was really out there in terms of believability.”

“So I should have lied to her?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But I should have backed you up when you did. Had I gone upstairs with you and told Shelly that you were being honest… she would have believed me, and in turn you.”

“Is there… possibly any chance we might go back one day, sir?”

“I hope so, Max. I really do. But right now we have a job to do. Can I count on you to do it with me?”

Max nods. “Yes sir. We’ll get this thing done and get out of here!”

“Good. I’d like you to know that I’m going to figure out a way to make this right between you and Shelly. Just… now really isn’t a good time.”

“I understand, sir.”

“Thanks. It’s more than I deserve right now.”

They head out the door and down the corridor to the main hatch. Rose turns to him.

“We’ve just begun our approach of the capital.”

Arc nods. “How much longer until we pass over the castle?”

“A few minutes. After one pass the ship will land inside the Hanger until the test is scheduled to start tomorrow morning.”

Arc turns to the pegasus beside him. “You ready, Rainbow Dash?”

“AW YEAH!”

Reaching for his ring he pulls out black saddlebags. Putting them on Rainbow Dash he turns to the others.

“Here we go.”

Casting the Matter Compacting spell on everyone other than Rainbow Dash, they quickly begin to shrink down. When they reach around six inches tall he stops. Carefully picking each one up, Arc puts them gently in the saddlebags before casting the spell on himself, Blinking into the bag, and calling out.

“Go ahead!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Hang on!”

Opening the outer hatch, Rainbow Dash runs out onto the turbulent deck. The roar of the engines is all around her as the cold night air blow across her coat and mane. Shivering slightly, she takes flight and dives straight for the castle below. Leveling off as she nears the ground, Rainbow Dash looks around for a few moments before spotting her destination. Landing in the middle of the Royal Gardens she looks all around for a few moments before calling out.

“The coast is clear.”

Arc pulls his guardanium knife and slices the bottom of the bag, making a large hole. Dropping down, he lands and catches each of his friends as they jump toward him. Motioning for them to line up, he casts the counter spell to return them to their normal sizes. Looking at them all for a few moments he motions for them to disperse, which they do. Turning to Sereb, Arc pulls a magic cloak out of his ring and quickly puts it on.

“No turning back now. We have to do this.”

“Indeed.”

Meanwhile, Scootaloo flies close to the ground out of the gardens and into Canterlot. Making several turns, she eventually comes to the drawbridge and hurries toward the Royal Guards on duty.

“I need to see Captain Decimus at once!”

The Royal Guard commander on duty rolls his eyes. “Oh, do you now? And whom shall I say is requesting such a late night audience?”

Scootaloo looks the stallion right in the face as her eyes glow red.

“The Scarlet Filly.”

Gasping, the stallion hurries inside. A few minutes later he returns with the captain. He looks pleased to see Scootaloo and even smiles at her.

“Ah, to what do I owe this pleasure, Scarlet Filly?”

“I’ve tracked my quarry to the castle, sir!”

Decimus raises an eyebrow. “Are you certain?”

Scootaloo nods with conviction. “Yes.”

“For what purpose?”

“It’s come to my attention that a new airship is being built and would make a tempting target.”

Decimus narrows his eyes. “How did you hear about that?!”

“I keep an ear close to the ground, sir.”

“Very well. We shall see for ourselves. Come with me.”

Scootaloo nods and falls into step with Decimus as they head inside the castle. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Hammer hurry quietly down the corridor toward the castle’s hanger. Peeking inside they find the room quiet with only a few lights left on for safety. Hammer turns to Rainbow Dash.

“Looks like the coast is clear.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

She peeks around the corner, but sees no one.

“Now it’s clear.”

Hammer looks around. “I can handle this part myself. Why exactly did you come along?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “To keep an eye on you, traitor!”

“Fine. Just don’t get in the way.”

Running into the massive room, she looks around for the target. Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to figure out where the ship is.”

“I’ll do that.”

Taking flight, she soars around the room silently as she looks around. A few moments later she lands behind Hammer.

“It’s this way. Follow me.”

Hammer shrugs. “Lead on.”

Walking for some time, they eventually reach a massive ship similar in size to the Lunar Destiny. Hammer gasps.

“Ponies sure don’t go partway when building a ship, do they?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nope. Now then, let’s get moving.”

Walking up the gangplank, they come to a card reader. Hammer pulls out a card from her pocket.

“Let’s see if this thing from Sunburst works.”

Inserting it, the door slides open. She puts it back in her pocket and silently motions for Rainbow Dash to follow her. They enter the massive ship and walk a corridor. Reaching a curve, the pair peek around it. The door to the Bridge lies ahead, but is guarded by half a dozen Royal Guards. Hammer kneels down as she draws back from the corner and checks her gun. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“What is THAT?!”

“A magic gun. Why?”

“Is it loud?”

“Well, it certainly isn’t quiet if that’s what you mean.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “That could tip off the other guards in here.”

“How do you know there are others?”

“How do you know there aren’t?”

“Good point. So what should we do?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I dunno. You’re supposed to be the soldier, aren’t you?”

“We could either rush em head-on…”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Like that plan!”

“…or lure them over here with a distraction.”

“That first idea sounds like more fun.”

“Well, the second one will let us get the drop in them. Less chance of us getting hurt that way.”

“What kind a distraction then?”

Hammer grins. “I’ve got just the idea.”

A few moments later Rainbow Dash crawls on her belly around the corner breathing heavily and waving a hoof.

“H-help! There’s a monster over here!”

The guards look at her quizzically for a few moments before something grabs her tail and pulls her roughly back. Two of the guards steps forward to investigate. As they round the corner Hammer grabs their helmets and slams them together as Rainbow Dash calls out in her best stallion impression.

“Take that, beast! You… help that cute mare! And don’t even think about taking advantage of her in that condition! Yes, I know she’s so toned and hot, but…!”

Hammer looks at Rainbow Dash and rolls her eyes. Frowning she continues talking.

“Look out! I think that pretty mare is sick or something! We need to hold her down! Stay away from her hindquarters though!”

She turns and looks toward the corner.

“We need some help restraining this nice-looking mare! Can you give us a hoof so we can get her tied up?”

Two more guards around the corner, but have their faces smashed against a wall by Hammer. Rainbow Dash grins as she continues.

“It’s not enough! We can’t hold her! Get help!”

The last two stallions run to comply. As they pass by, Hammer reaches out and clotheslines the pair. Rainbow Dash nods approvingly.

“Well, that’s that.”

Hammer chuckles. “And you wanted to rush em.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I thought it would be more fun!”

“How was my way?”

“A blast! But let’s get moving!”

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

Rainbow Dash groans. “Why not?!”

She offers Hammer a sly smile as she continues.

“Or are you suddenly interested in more than just the mission?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No way! But someone walking by could spot them lying here!”

“So what are we going to do?”

“Follow me.”

Grabbing the four stallions by a hind leg, Hammer drags them to a nearby room. Tossing them inside the pair close the door and head for the Bridge. Entering, Rainbow Dash looks around at the numerous stations.

“Great. Which one is tactical?”

Hammer points. “That one.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “How do you know?”

“Trust me. I know my guns.”

Running over to the station, Hammer kneels down and opens an access panel. Reaching into Rainbow Dash’s other satchel, she pulls out some explosives. After setting them and priming the detonators, she replaces the panel cover and turns to the mare.

“One down.”

Rainbow Dash turns back to the door. “Now we head to engineering?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. From there we can take out the engines.”

“Fine. Lead the way.”

“Follow me.”

Hammer leads Rainbow Dash through the door and toward the stairs. The pegasus appears confused and suspicious.

“How do you know it’s that way?”

“Because the engine room is always on the lower levels on human ships.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

“To keep it separate from the Bridge and living quarters as much as possible.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Just…! Let’s go.”

“Fine. Just watch out for trouble.”

As they continue on their way the pair come across a few patrols. They are easily dispatched by either Hammer’s fists or Rainbow Dash’s hooves though. However as they near Engineering the sounds of several guards talking rings out. Grabbing Rainbow Dash as she hovers next to her, Hammer dives into a small storage room. Grabbing the doorknob, she quietly closes the door just enough to peek out as Rainbow Dash looks to her, dazed.

“What are you…?!”

Quickly putting a hand on her muzzle, Hammer holds the pegasus’ mouth shut as she looks through the crack in the door. A patrol of a dozen stallions marches by as they sit there in silence. As the sound of their hoof falls quiets Hammer releases Rainbow Dash’s mouth. She squirms loose and flies out the door angrily before turning back to the young woman angrily.

“Are you some kind of sicko?!”

Hammer frowns. “Sicko?! I grabbed you to save your life!”

Rainbow Dash makes a face. “You had your filthy hands all over me!”

“Fine! Next time I’ll just let you get caught! I mean, it’s not like I was grabbing at your chest, or anything!”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow, confused. “My chest? What’d be wrong with that?”

Hammer groans. “I was trying to stay away from your breasts, okay?! But sorry if I bumped them, or something!”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Well, next time try harder! I thought you were going to pop em!”

“Pop what?!”

“My breasts! I mean, they’re not very big, but still…!”

Hammer frowns. “What are you talking about?! My arm was WAY lower than that!”

Rainbow Dash hovers and points a hoof down below her belly. “Yeah! And that’s where they are!”

Hammer blushes as she looks down and spots the mare’s teats near her hips.

“Oh, um… I’m really sorry about that. On a human female they’re a lot… higher.”

Rainbow Dash looks at Hammer’s chest and sighs. “Yeah, I can see that. Sorry for blowing up.”

The mare turns to walk away before looking over her shoulder and grinning mischievously.

“Well, I guess we’re married now.”

Hammer gasps. “WHAT?!”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “I’m just messing with you… honey!”

Hammer breathes a sigh of relief as she chuckles. “Good. But in any case, let’s finish this up and get to the secondary point, cupcake.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Right behind you, babe.”

Entering the Engineering Deck, Hammer plants explosives on several different panels and activates them. After using all her explosives she turns to Rainbow Dash and gives her a thumbs up.

“All done. Now let’s get out of here.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “No arguments there.”

They leave the ship and head back to the corridor. As they leave, Hammer reaches into her pocket and pulls out a detonator. Turning it on, she looks to Rainbow Dash with a sly smile on her face.

“You wanna do it?”

Rainbow Dash nods heartily. “Yeah!”

Taking the detonator, a smile spreads across Rainbow Dash’s face as she brings a hoof down on the plunger. A large explosion rocks the ship and the platform. Hammer nods approvingly as she takes back the device.

“Good job, sweetheart.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, pumpkin.”

Hammer grins as she pulls a magic cloak from the saddlebags. “Which way is it to the next objective, sugar.”

Rainbow Dash gestures with a hoof. “Right this way, buttercup.”

Hammer cloaks and pulls Rainbow Dash inside the robe. Holding her carefully she hurries down the corridor as she looks down.

“Comfortable, precious?”

Rainbow Dash giggles. “Very much so, cutie. And take a left up ahead. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover.”

As the pair run, Decimus and Scootaloo approach from the opposite direction. Quickly surveying the scene before them, they spot smoke coming out of several large holes in the ships anterior and posterior. Several windows are blow out and numerous stallions are rushing up the gangplank to combat the flames. Decimus stops a team of medics as the hurry out the main hatch with a stallion on a stretcher.

“What happened?!”

“A mare along with a strange looking human-like creature ambushed us, sir!”

Decimus grits his teeth. “Human?! Are you certain of this?!”

“Yes sir.”

Scootaloo turns to the wounded stallion. “Was it the renegade former Hero of Light?!”

Stallion shakes his head. “No, miss. Of that I am certain. This one appeared to be a human mare.”

Decimus groans as he motions for the medics to continue onward. Finding the commanding officer on the ship’s deck they hurry over to him.

“Commander! Report!”

“The ship was infiltrated and bombed from the inside. While the Bridge is largely intact, it appears the attackers were able to completely destroy the new O.R.B. system.”

Scootaloo points a small hoof. “Then why is there smoke coming out of the back?!”

“I have reports that the engine room was also bombed.”

Decimus gasps. “How badly?!”

“Totally destroyed, sir.”

Decimus slams his hoof on the metal deck angrily. “Get this fire put out and the ship repaired as soon as possible!”

“Yes sir.”

He turns and walks down the gangplank with Scootaloo.

“This doesn’t make sense. The ship was capable of being flown away. Why not steal it?”

Scootaloo nods. “And the fact there’s a human mare running around now.”

“I believe that guard was either delirious or incompetent. The rogue Hero of Light was the only human in Equestria.”

Scootaloo turns to Decimus. “So you think he’s just here to cause wanton destruction?”

Decimus shakes his head. “No. He would never do such a thing without rhyme or reason. He’s after something.”

“But what?”

“We’ll find out. Since we didn’t encounter them on the way here, they must’ve run the opposite direction. Follow me!”

Meanwhile, Fluttershy and Rarity hear the blast some distance away. Turning to Applejack and Pinkie, Rarity nods soberly.

“There’s the signal.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Let’s get this over with.”

As they charge around the corner, the guards stationed at the door are surprised to see two mares run over to them in nurse uniforms. Rarity is the first to address them.

“How is she?!”

“Ma’am?”

Rarity points to the door. “We received word that Princess Twilight was very ill and needed medical attention!”

“But we’ve heard nothing of the sort. Princess Twilight does not like to be disturbed after supper for any reason either.”

Fluttershy trots in place nervously. “But we really need to make sure she’s okay!”

Rarity nods. “Right! She could be dying!”

The guard sighs. “Very well. But understand that if something bad happens to you in there that it’s on your head.”

Pushing the door open, Rarity and Fluttershy rush into the room. Rarity uses her magic to close the doors behind them as Fluttershy runs over to Twilight. She finds her lying on a rug with a book in front of the fireplace.

“Um… h-hello?”

Twilight does not look up. “If this is about tomorrow’s meeting just leave the itinerary on the desk please.”

Fluttershy looks around nervously. “Oh… n-no, it’s not about any meeting.”

“Then what…?”

Rarity runs over and pulls something out of her uniform’s pocket. Levitating it over to Twilight, she slips it over her horn. Gasping slightly, Twilight looks up as her horn is touched.

“What are you…?! Fluttershy?! Rarity?! What’s…?!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her friend’s mouth. “No time for pleasantries, dear! Right now we need your help to safeguard the land!”

Twilight appears confused. “Safeguard… what now?!”

Fluttershy nods. “Please listen, Twilight. Here’s what we need you to do.”

Meanwhile, Applejack counts softly to herself.

“98… 99… 100.”

She turns to Pinkie and sighs.

“Time to do this.”

Pinkie grins wickedly. “Good! I’m tired of waiting!”

Applejack sighs. “I’d still rather wait for Rainbow Dash and Hammer though. More backup never hurt.”

“But we can’t wait for them anymore!”

“Yeah. Let’s…”

The sound of footfalls approaching grows louder as Hammer decloaks and pulls off the robe. Letting go of Rainbow Dash, they look to Applejack. Hammer is the first to speak.

“We late?!”

Pinkie grins. “Right on time actually.”

Applejack nods soberly. “Let’s do this!”

Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Hammer round the corner and charge the guards. Making quick work of the group, Hammer grabs the last semi-conscious guard and looks him in the in eye before grinning.

“Nighty night.”

Punching the stallion in the face, she tosses him aside as Rainbow Dash pushes open the door. They hurry inside and lock the double doors before running over to Twilight and the others. Hammer is the first to speak as she turns to Rarity.

“Is she with the program?!”

Rarity nods. “Yes. Now all that’s left is…”

Applejack puts a hoof on the furniture. “How attached are you to this table, Twilight?”

“Attached? Well, it’s really fancy, of course. But it isn’t what I’d call culturally significant. Why do you…?”

Without another word Applejack turns and bucks the table through the balcony doors, smashing them. It flies over the railing and deep into the Royal Gardens. Twilight gasps.

“Why in Celestia’s name did you…?!”

“You just need to trust us right now, sugarcube! Everypony out the balcony door and to the secret hatch below!”

Twilight frowns. “Secret… what now?!”

Pinkie smiles apologetically. “Sorry, Twilight! We’ll explain later!”

Fluttershy sighs as Rainbow Dash flies over to her. “Just say what we told you, okay?”

The yellow pegasus pulls a coil of rope out of her medical satchel and tosses it to Applejack as she runs over. As the others make their way to the ground, she quickly ties Twilight’s hooves together snugly and looks her over before making her own escape. Twilight frowns as she lies on the ground completely bound and unable to move. Sighing, she talks to herself.

“I really hope this plan… whatever it is… works.”

Chapter 7 - Emergency Exfiltration

Hammer leads the group over to a large shrub. Pushing it aside, she allows Rainbow Dash and Applejack to begin digging. Hitting wood, they push aside the last of the dirt to reveal a trap door. Opening it, the ponies hop inside and out of sight. Hammer brings up the rear as she lets go of the shrub and pulls the trap door back down. Meanwhile, Sereb pricks up his ears and turns to his partners.

“The window has been smashed.”

Auriel grimaces. “Are you certain?”

Sereb nods. “I am.”

Rose reaches into her pack and pulls out two black cloaks. “Good. Let us begin.”

Pulling the cloaks over themselves and obscuring their eyes, Rose and Auriel step forward to confront the six whom stood guard in front of the Archives. Seeing figures approaching the commander of the group orders his troops to form up. Pointing their spears at the newcomers, he calls out to them.

“This area is off limits for the night! Turn around and walk away now!”

Auriel and Rose say nothing but continue walking forward. The slightly unnerved commander continues.

“If… if you refuse to step away, we shall have no choice but to engage you! Turn back now!”

As before, neither slows, speaks, or turns away. The guards take a step back as they see those whom approach are humanoid in form. Nervously they talk amongst themselves.

“It… it can’t be!”

“Hero of Light Arc?!”

“But he’s DEAD!”

“These must be some kind of clones then!”

The commander takes another steps back as he calls out to his troops. “Prepare to engage!”

As they approach, both women break into a dead run. Calling forth her L-Blade, Rose slashes at the guards before her, deftly cutting through all of their spears in a single motion. Auriel jumps over her and begins pounding the soldiers as Rose turns her attention to the commanding officer. Walking toward him as the sounds of the nearly frantic guards rings out, her eyes glow red as she approaches the visibly shaking officer. Coming within inches of his face, she modulates her voice to be much deeper before uttering a single word to the stallion before her.

“Boo.”

Screaming out in terror, the stallion’s eyes roll into the back of his head as he collapses to the floor. Rose steps over him as a small stream of yellow liquid oozes away from him. She makes her way over to Auriel who is surrounded by the unconscious forms of the other guards. Looking around a moment she turns to the demoness.

“Did they give you any trouble?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. But it would appear they believed either you or I were Arc, which gave us the advantage.”

Sereb hurries over to the pair.

“You must find the files at once! I will guard your backs!”

Rose nods as she turns to Auriel. “This way, father!”

Auriel sighs. “Right behind you, Rose!”

Sereb begins tossing the unconscious guards into a nearby break room with his magic as Auriel and Rose start searching the cabinets for the files. A few minutes later Auriel cries out.

“I have the notes!”

Rose grins. “Good. Now we need the blueprints. They should be in a separate room for secure viewing and storage.”

She looks around for a few moments before pointing to a door.

“That has to be it.”

Auriel runs over and tries the door.

“Locked.”

Rose giggles. “Not to worry. I have the key.”

Auriel steps aside as Rose approaches. Grabbing the doorknob she slams her shoulder into the steel door literally ripping it from its hinges and partially dislodging the doorframe from the solid concrete wall. Pushing past the demolished door they enter the room together. Auriel calls out.

“Those long flat drawers hold blueprints!”

“A good place to start.”

A few minutes later Sereb hears the sound of hooffalls approaching. Turning, he runs into the room and calls out.

“We’re about to have company!”

Auriel groans. “Great! We’ve only found the prototype engine’s blueprints!”

Rose looks to the wolf. “You have to slow them down while we look for the O.R.B. blueprints, Sereb.”

“I will do my best!”

Hurrying back to the corridor Sereb sees a large and small shadow running toward him. Looking around for inspiration, he spots the windows on one side of the corridor. Casting a Telekinesis Spell he smashes them, forcing the pair to slow down to avoid slipping on the broken glass that now lies all over the marble floor. Pulling down several statues and adding their fragments to the mess, Sereb begins pulling down overhead chandeliers to cause more mayhem. Still the pair come at him. Stepping out into the corridor Sereb roars loudly, causing the duo to momentarily stop. Decimus gasps and points a hoof.

“It IS the Hero of Light doing all this! There’s his mount!”

Scootaloo looks around. “Then where is he?!”

“In the Archives! Look, he left his beast to stand guard!”

“Can we get past him?!”

Decimus grits his teeth. “We HAVE to!”

Focusing his magic, Sereb slams Decimus to the floor with a Telekinesis Spell. Seeing this, Scootaloo drops as well. The stallion looks to her.

“Can you… get him?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “He’s too powerful!”

Decimus strains to talk. “Not to… worry. That much… magical energy can’t… be focused… for too long. Just… wait it out.”

Sereb growls as he muses to himself.

“He’s right. I hope Rose and Auriel hurry.”

Thirty seconds later Rose runs out of the room and over to the doorway Sereb is standing in.

“We have it!”

Sereb strains to maintain the spell. “Did Auriel take the secret passage out of here?”

Rose nods. “Yes. She took the plans and notes. We need to get moving now.”

“Not a moment too soon.”

Ceasing his spell, Sereb allows Rose to mount him. Decimus quickly gets up and gasps in horror as he spots a figure in Sereb’s saddle.

“He IS alive!”

Scootaloo chuckles inwardly. “Impossible!”

“Let’s get him!”

Sereb runs the opposite direction down another corridor as a platoon runs to Decimus’ side and helps clear the debris from in front of him.

“Don’t just stand here helping me! Go after them!”

“We can’t, sir.”

Decimus frowns. “Why not?!”

“Orders from Princess Celestia, sir. We’ve received reports that Princess Twilight was attacked in her room a short time ago. You’re needed there.”

Decimus growls and calls out down the hallway.

“YOU WIN THIS ROUND, HUMAN!”

Turning, he and Scootaloo run toward Twilight’s room. Entering the royal accommodations, the pair hurry to Twilight’s side as the two guards from outside unsuccessfully attempt to untie her. Drawing his blade Decimus cuts through her bonds easily and helps her up.

“What happened, Princess Twilight?!”

Twilight grimaces. “I… was feeling a bit under the weather, so I sent for a couple nurses to look me over. A few moments after they began attending to me, a human burst through the door and attacked me!”

Scootaloo looks her up and down. “Are you hurt, princess?!”

Twilight shakes her head and touches her horn. “No. He just tied me up after putting something on my horn. I tried to Blink away, but couldn’t!”

Decimus looks at the ring on her horn before carefully lifting it off with a hoof. Twilight puts a hoof to her belly as he does so. Looking the object over, he frowns.

“This is a magic nullifier. It, for all intents and purposes, turns off a unicorn’s magic when placed on the horn.”

He looks it over for a moment before turning to Twilight.

“However, one such as this doesn’t typically work on alicorns.”

Scootaloo clears her throat before speaking. “No disrespect intended, but Princess Twilight only recently became an alicorn. She probably just hasn’t had the centuries of learning and practice her teacher has.”

“Perhaps that’s it. In any case, I would still like to know what exactly he’s hoping to accomplish here. Please continue, princess.”

“For a moment I thought for sure he was going to kidnap me. But for whatever reason he suddenly jumped through my balcony window and down to the path below.”

Scootaloo frowns as she looks out the door. “I don’t get it. Why go through all the trouble of tying her up and nullifying her magic then, sir?”

Decimus grimaces. “It can only mean one thing.”

Twilight appears confused. “What’s that?”

“This was merely a diversion to take our attention from his real target!”

Scootaloo looks over her shoulder at the corridor. “I would have thought it would have been the airship.”

“Indeed. Simply destroying parts of the ship wouldn’t have stopped us from rebuilding it.”

“Perhaps that wasn’t his goal at all.”

Twilight turns to her. “Scarlet Filly?”

“Could it be possible that he did INTEND to blow up the entire ship?”

Decimus raises an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting he ran out of time?”

“Or perhaps his explosives failed.”

Twilight grimaces. “Or were delayed to cause a secondary diversion. We’d be left chasing our tails while he escaped.”

Decimus nods. “That we would be. But I can’t think of what other target he might have here.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What about Princess Celestia?!”

Twilight gasps. “He could want revenge on her!”

Decimus shakes his head. “I don’t think so. Had that been the plan, he wouldn’t have maneuvered us to your room, Princess Twilight. After all Princess Celestia’s quarters are only a hooffull of meters away.”

He looks around before continuing.

“In any case, where did the nurses go?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Nurses?”

Decimus nods. “The ones whom were tending to you when you were attacked.”

“Oh! I ordered them to return to the Infirmary and rest. They were quite shaken after this whole ordeal.”

“Do you remember their names?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Sadly, no. They were only here a minute at most before the attack. After that, things are a blur. Tell me, is Princess Celestia all right?”

Decimus gestures to the door. “Yes, she has innumerable guards outside her quarters as we speak. Trust me when I say that nothing more will be happening tonight.”

Scootaloo nods as she smirks. Calling out to Arc, she gives him the news.

“You’re all set to do your part, Big Brother.”

Arc smirks. “Did everyone get away safely?”

“From what I could tell, yes. With any luck, everyone not in your group should be back aboard The Equinox by now.”

“I’ll try to be quick on this end then.”

Sighing, he turns to his squad.

“Did you guys reconnoiter the dungeon and surrounding hallways?”

Max nods. “Yes sir, we did that after returning to the ship with our ‘guests’. But the news isn’t good.”

Hugh sighs. “There’s quite a few guards on duty down there right now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why so many? I mean, the couple times I was down there it was just a few.”

Viktor frowns. “They assign more at night, as that’s usually when there’s trouble.”

Xenos shrugs. “Statistically, yeah. Under the cover of darkness… that sort of thing.”

Max grins. “Right. However we do have one advantage. If someone guards the stairs up, they won’t be able to run for help.”

Hugh motions down the corridor. “The dungeon only has one way in. It’s supposed to make it more defendable and easily secured.”

Viktor chuckles. “But this time it’ll be different.”

Arc looks to Max. “Good. Now that only leaves the matter of whom will guard the stairs. And I know exactly who’s going to do it.”

“Who, sir?”

“Me.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “That’s actually pretty surprising, sir. Forgive me, but you usually like to be leading the charge.”

“Well this time I’m going to leave it to you guys. But not for lack of motivation. If anything, I want to stay under wraps for the time being.”

Hugh: Sir?

Arc: Remember, no one has actually seen me show my face here tonight. It’ll help freak out the guards and hopefully Decimus if they don’t have absolute confirmation that I’m behind this.

Viktor grins. “It’ll be like he’s swinging at shadows.”

Max nods. “Or ghosts.”

Xenos laughs. “The thought of either should be enough to keep them awake at night, sir.”

“Exactly. While it won’t really give us any clear advantages, I still want to mess with Decimus.”

Max nods. “We understand, sir. Shall we be off?”

“Yes. Let’s get down there and get this final act underway. I’ll stay at the top and knock down anyone whom gets past you guys.”

Xenos grins. “On it, sir!”

They walk down the stairs as Arc takes his position at the top. For a few moments nothing happens. Then all at once the sound of battle erupts. It lasts for only a few minutes before dying down altogether. Max’s voice echoes up the stairs.

“Area secure, sir.”

Descending the stairs, Arc looks around. Numerous guards lie on the floor unconscious. The squad is busy putting them in cells as Arc nods approvingly.

“Very good. Now then which cells are my friends in?”

Max walks over to the record book. “They’re supposed to be in the highest security cell at the end of that corridor, sir. Here’s the key.”

He tosses Arc a ring with a few keys on it.

“Thanks. I’ll go get them. You guys hold this area.”

Xenos nods. “Yes sir. We’ll be waiting.”

Walking down the stone corridor Arc approaches the heavy steel door. Opening it, he is immediately hit with the stench of blood, bile, and urine.

“Ugh! What the…?”

Quickly casting a Light Spell, he looks around the large room. It is filled with various torture devices. Gritting his teeth Arc enters and begins inspecting the machines. Several of them are covered in blood, fur, and pieces of meat. Passing a rack and turning a corner he spies a terrible sight.

“Oh… my…!”

Both Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer are strapped to a single table, one on top of another. A large press overhead sandwiches them together. Gasping, Arc runs over to it and releases the pressure. Pulling Silver Hammer off of her husband, he lays the mare on the ground and touches her neck.

“A weak pulse. At least it’s something.”

Turning back to Steel Hammer he does the same.

“Both alive, but barely. I need to get them out of here.”

Arc yells for Xenos. The sound of hooffalls echoes as he approaches.

“You need…?!”

He gasps as he sees the state of the pair before him. Arc motions for him to approach. Laying Steel Hammer on Xeno’s back he turns to carefully pick up Silver Hammer before hurrying back to the main room with Xenos.

“We’ve gotta get out of here!”

Xenos nods soberly. “Right! These two need help now!”

Hugh looks to him. “Portal to the ship, sir?!”

Max shakes his head. “The dungeon is magically warded! We need to get away from it!”

Viktor looks around. “How far?!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Doesn’t matter! We’ll make it!”

Rushing across the room, Arc hurries up the stairs with his squad. Max, Viktor, and Hugh pass them and run ahead. They make quick work of anyone whom gets in their way as they run down the corridor. Arc tries again and again to open a portal as they do so. Eventually succeeding, they return to The Equinox and hurry to the Infirmary. Laying the pair on cots, one of the squad hurries to fetch Nurse Redheart. Running out of her office she looks at the pair before her in horror for a few moments before getting to work checking their vitals and looking to Arc.

“What happened?!”

“I found them like this in the castle dungeon. They were in a torture device when I arrived.”

“Describe it to me!”

“Well, it was a large horizontal table with mounting for two sets of straps. They were fastened to the table facing one another with a massive weight over a large plate on top that was nearly crushing the life out of them.”

Redheart grimaces. “I’ll take have to take x-rays of their chests, of course. But it looks like they have some serious trauma. Recommend getting them to a full hospital as soon as possible, sir.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “But the princess is expecting us to do this study. If we leave now it could blow our cover.”

“Irrelevant! We’ll head out now!”

Running out of the Infirmary, Arc hurries to the Bridge. Entering, he looks over to the comms station.

“Is everyone aboard, Lemon Hearts?!”

“With the exception of the Scarlet Filly, yes.”

Gritting his teeth, Arc reaches out to the filly.

“Where are you?!”

“With Decimus still. Take a look.”

Arc looks through her eyes and sees them patrolling the corridors along with innumerable guards.

“It looks like we’re heading to the Hanger. You and the others should get going.”

“We have a medical emergency here. Redheart says her patients need a real hospital right away. Can you get away from Decimus?”

Scootaloo groans. “Not without blowing my cover, no.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

“Just go. I’ll catch up.”

“Actually, can you do something else for me?”

“What is it?”

Arc and Scootaloo converse for a few more minutes before Arc breaks the link and turns back to Lemon Hearts.

“She’s staying here. But we’re leaving.”

Tight Ship raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“We have injured in the Infirmary. They need more care than Redheart can give.”

Wrangler frowns. “Then I guess we’ll have to fly em to safety.”

Soarin nods. “Right. Lemon Hearts, radio for clearance to leave Canterlot airspace.”

“Yes sir.”

She does as she is told. A few moments later a grim look crosser her face as she turns to Arc.

“Their refusing to give clearance at the moment, sir.”

Moon Dancer gasps. “Why?!”

Lemon Hearts sighs. “Because the castle is still under lockdown. Nopony is allowed in or out of the hanger until the all clear is given.”

Wrangler groans. “And they won’t do that until the guards find the infiltrators.”

Arc crosses his arms over his chest. “Understood. Thunderlane, prepare the engines for immediate takeoff.”

“S-sir?!”

“You heard me.”

“Aye sir.”

Soarin hurries over to him. “But sir, the blast doors are still closed because of the lockdown!”

“Wrangler, charge weapons and prepare to fire.”

Wrangler gasps. “Inside the castle?!”

“You have a better idea of how we’re getting out of here?”

Moon Dancer looks over. “Perhaps if we contact the command center and explain the situation to them, they might be convinced to…”

Arc shakes his head. “…come and retrieve the prisoners that I’ve forcefully taken from the dungeon.”

Soarin takes a step back nervously. “Sir? What… exactly were you doing here?”

“My duty as the Hero of Light. Now I’ll explain everything in time. But first we need to get out of here.”

The crew looks to Tight Ship for guidance. He looks to Arc evenly for a few moments before responding.

“Princess Cadance would not have sent you here without knowing the full story herself. I’ve always trusted the princesses in the past and will continue to do so now. Carry out the orders, everypony.”

The engines begin their startup process as the weapon systems come online. Thunderlane turns to the captain.

“How much of the startup checks should we skip, sir.”

“Everything we can. Get us airborne as soon as possible.”

Lemon Hearts grimaces. “And our clearance, sir?”

Soarin turns to her. “Hold off on that until the last minute.”

Moon Dancer frowns. “This is rather dangerous, sir. Both to us and anypony down there.”

Wrangler chuckles. “It’s the middle of the night. Nopony is working in here right now.”

Arc smiles. “Good.”

Looking out the window, Arc spots Decimus running into the Hanger with Scootaloo and a contingent of guards. Thunderlane grins.

“We’re ready for takeoff, sir!”

Soarin calls out to Lemon Hearts. “Tell the command center that we’re taking off now.”

“Aye, sir. But they won’t be happy about it.”

Arc shrugs. “Can’t be helped. Wrangler, are the weapons ready?”

“Aye, sir. But are you absolutely sure you want to do this? I mean… attacking Canterlot Castle is a bit much, even for the Hero of Light.”

“Lives are at stake here. Fire.”

Nodding, she presses a button on her console. A cannon fires a shot, damaging the door. She continues firing, but the door does not move. Arc heads over to the Tactical Station.

“Power up the O.R.B., Wrangler. We need to get moving.”

“Aye, sir.”

Putting his hands on the spheres, Arc charges the system for several moments before turning to Wrangler.

“Activate the O.R.B. system and focus all power on the forward shields! Thunderlane, take off at full speed and ram that door!”

Thunderlane grips his controls as sweat forms on his forehead. “Yes, sir.”

The ship lifts off and charges forward. A blast from the engines knocks Decimus and Scootaloo down as well as the Royal Guards. Slamming into the blast doors The Equinox rips through them taking a large chunk of the wall with it before gaining altitude and flying north. Decimus gets up and watches as the ship vanishes into the darkness. He shakes his head, clearly enraged.

“Arc. It has to be you. It HAS to be!”

Scootaloo steps forward.

“Can we pursue them in another ship?”

Decimus shakes his head and sighs. “No. They heavily damaged the new ship. And now we know why.”

“Let me guess. It was the only one capable of catching up?”

Decimus nods as he continues.

“He knew exactly how and where to hit us before getting clean away.”

Turning, Decimus walks toward the corridor.

“Continue your own hunt, Scarlet Filly. I have to analyze his attack and find out exactly what he did here tonight.”

“What are you hoping to find?”

Decimus stops but does not turn around. “Answers.”

Chapter 8 - Painful Debriefing

As The Equinox reaches its cruising altitude Arc turns to Wrangler.

“Any damage to the ship?”

Wrangler shakes her head. “None, sir. The O.R.B. took it all.”

“Lemon Hearts?”

“The command center… isn’t very happy with us right now.”

Soarin sighs. “We’ll explain everything next time we’re there.”

Tight Ship frowns. “Indeed.”

Arc looks to the pilot. “You okay over there?”

Thunderlane lies slumped back in his seat. “Let’s just say… that is something I’d like to never have to do again, sir.”

“Understood. Now if everyone will excuse me, I need to get back to the Infirmary.”

As Arc leaves the Bridge the crew look to one another, dumbfounded. Soarin is the first to speak.

“Did… that really just happen?”

Tight Ship facehoofs. “If you mean did we really just break out of Canterlot Castle, then the answer is a solid ‘yes’.”

He looks at the now closed Bridge door and sighs.

“But I for one would like to know exactly why.”

Thunderlane calls out. “What heading should I set, sir?”

Moon Dancer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “The Hero of Light didn’t actually say.”

Lemon Hearts turns to Soarin. “While the nearest hospital is probably Cloudsdale, I get the feeling we won’t exactly be welcomed there.”

“Probably not.”

Tight Ship sighs. “For now set a course to the Crystal Empire.”

Wrangler looks over. “What if that isn’t what he wants?”

Tight Ship frowns as he stands and walks toward his office. “Then he should have specified before leaving.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads for the Infirmary. Entering, he finds Redheart looking over the pair. She turns to him.

“I’m still examining the patients, sir.”

Arc grimaces as he looks at them. “That’s going to take a while, isn’t it?”

Redheart nods. “I’m afraid so, sir.”

“I’ve told the crew to get us to a hospital.”

“That’s very important right now. But you should probably check on the others. Make sure everypony’s okay. I’ll try to have some answers for you by then.”

“Good idea.”

Leaving the Infirmary, Arc smells food cooking. Heading down to the Mid-Deck he finds everyone in the Cafeteria eating happily. Max spots his commanding officer. Hurrying over to him he salutes.

“Forgive us, sir. But we were quite hungry after that mission.”

“It’s fine. Um… where are your… uh… you know…?”

“Please follow me, sir.”

Leading Arc to a pair of bunkbeds a few steps down the corridor, Max points. Arc spots Hard Hat on one bunk and Stellar Flare on another.

“Are they alright?”

Max nods. “Yes sir. We were afraid that they would refuse to come, so we just went straight for the direct approach. A bit of sleeping gas worked wonders.”

“Good work. How much longer until they wake up?”

“It should be anytime. But we could speed that along with some smelling salts if you’d like.”

“That would probably be a good idea. I’d like to be here when they awaken.”

Max nods and walks over to a med-kit on the wall. Pulling out two small packages, he hands one of them to Arc. They break them open and hold the exposed packs under the mare and stallion’s noses. Coughing, they come around in short order. Hard Hat is the first to speak.

“Wut the…?”

Stellar Flare looks around groggily. “Where… are we?”

Arc clears his throat. “Aboard The Equinox. Mid-Deck to be exact.”

The pair sit up groggily and look at him, wide-eyed.

“Sir! We… we heard you were…!”

Stellar Flare gasps. “Dead and buried!”

Arc chuckles. “The rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated. In any case, you’re both here because I need your help.”

Hard Hat appears confused. “With what, sir?”

“I’m not fully sure yet. But it was important that I take you both away from Canterlot Castle.”

Stellar Flare puts a hoof to her forehead. “I admit, it hasn’t been the best working experience I’ve have to date. But we do have our duties to do.”

Hard Hat nods. “Yeah. Decimus is looking to have the new airship in the air in the few days’ time.”

Max frowns. “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

“Oh?”

Arc sighs. “We… might have sabotaged it.”

Stellar Flare narrows her eyes. “Define ‘sabotaged’, sir.”

“Blew up the O.R.B. and destroyed the engine room.”

“WHAT?!”

Hard Hat groans. “But why, sir?!”

“I didn’t want Decimus in control of a ship that powerful. He’s already got too much as it is.”

Stellar Flare rolls her eyes. “But sir, he IS the Hero of Light, just like you are!”

Arc clenches a fist. “All things considered, he’s not worthy of that title.”

Hard Hat shrugs. “He’s not exactly the most congenial stallion I’ve met. But his past exploits can’t be ignored, sir.”

“He was behind the poisoning of Luna and Cadance, attacked Light’s Hope after trying to sabotage the peace summit, and has been confirmed to be working with enemies of the state.”

Hard Hat bows his head. “We’ve heard the reports, sir. But it’s a really tough pill to swallow.”

Stellar Flare nods. “Right. He’s an accomplished hero to this land. The idea that he could fall so far is very hard to believe.”

“Come with me.”

They walk upstairs to the Infirmary. Standing in the doorway, Arc points to the hospital beds. Redheart is examining the patients diligently.

“I rescued these two from the castle dungeon. They were arrested for speaking out against Decimus and his policies regarding Ponyville.”

Stellar Flare frowns. “What’s wrong with them?”

“Redheart is trying to figure out the extent of the damage.”

He turns to her.

“Pull the sheets back.”

Redheart raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I want to see the superficial damage.”

Doing as she is told, Redheart carefully pulls back the covers. Stellar Flare and Hard Hat gasp in horror. Innumerable cuts and bruises dot their bodies with dried blood, pus, and excrement caked in their coat and manes. Arc turns to the pair.

“You still think Decimus is a hero?”

Stellar Flare turns away and retches. “This is terrible!”

Hard Hat looks to Arc. “Why… why would he do this?!”

“To send a message.”

Stellar Flare gasp. “To whom?!”

“Anyone whom would speak out against him. Has this happened before?”

Hard Hat shakes his head vehemently. “Never, no!”

Stellar Flare bites her lip as she turns to Arc. “It… may have.”

“Oh?”

“There were a few assistants whom spoke up a few days after your death, sir. As is policy, I reported the matter to the powers that be. A few hours later a squad of Royal Guards came and took them away.”

Hard Hat frowns. “What happened to them?”

“I was told they were reassigned elsewhere. At the time I just figured it was because we couldn’t have anypony working on such a project whom wasn’t totally loyal.”

She looks at the pair on the beds and puts a hoof to her stomach.

“Did I… damn them to a similar fate?! Or something far, far worse?!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t know. We’ll see if an investigation can be started once we reach the Crystal Empire.”

Hard Hat raises an eyebrow. “The Crystal Empire?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I took The Equinox back with the blessing of Princess Cadance herself. Getting you two was part of the infiltration plan, after all.”

Stellar Flare appears confused. “I don’t understand, sir. Why us?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. Right now I need to have a debriefing and announce to the bridge crew exactly what we were doing.”

Redheart covers the pair up again as Arc and company leave the room. Touching his earring, he calls out.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.”

“I need Captain Tight Ship and Commander Soarin in the Cafeteria at once for a meeting.”

“They’re on their way, sir.”

“Good. I’d also like you to turn on the intercom so the rest of the Bridge Crew can listen in and participate as needed.”

“Yes sir, I’ll take care of it.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

Touching his earring to sever the connection Arc returns to the cafeteria to find everyone finishing their snack. He walks to the front of the room soberly. A few minutes later Tight Ship and Soarin enter. Arc clears his throat and begins to speak.

“Alright. Time for a debriefing everyone.”

Hammer chuckles. “My first one here in Equestria.”

Rose smiles. “Fortunately that mission appeared to go well.”

Auriel turns to him nervously. “Did it, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “For the most part, yes.”

He looks to the captain and commander.

“Let me start by bringing the ship’s crew up to speed on this. Can you hear us on the Bridge, Lemon Hearts?”

“Loud and clear, sir.”

“Good. Now then, as I’m sure you now know, the point of that mission was not to conduct a scientific experiment. Although we were planning to comply with that aspect of it had the situation not changed so drastically.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “I still say we should have taken that creep down!”

“Another day, Rainbow Dash. In any case, our mission was multi-faceted and fully supported by Princess Cadance herself. One… we needed to disable the new airship being constructed to safeguard the skies.”

Hammer laughs. “We did that job but GOOD, eh blue!”

Rainbow Dash grins as she ‘fist bumps’ Hammer. “You know it, cupcake!”

Stellar Flare frowns. “But that’s what that ship was built to do, sir.”

Hard Hat nods. “Yes, it was to be an improved version of this one.”

“That may be. But we couldn’t have let it fall into Decimus’ hooves. I think we all remember the crimes he committed against Equestria and the princesses themselves.”

Tight Ship sighs. “We understand that, sir. However he’s currently the nation’s Hero of Light as appointed by Princess Celestia herself.

Soarin nods in agreement. “I’m sure she knows what she’s doing.”

“I question that strongly. But please let me finish explaining the rest of our mission. Second… we were to find and steal the plans for the improved engines and O.R.B. system from the Royal Archives. That would ensure that the engineers would be unable to repair the damage to the new ship’s core components.”

Rose smiles. “That mission was accomplished successfully.”

Sereb grins. “No problems we couldn’t handle.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “I took the plans and notes with me. They’re safely in your office.”

“Good. They may come in handy later.”

Stellar Flare frowns. “Sir, you shouldn’t just take things like that from the Royal Archives!”

Hard Hat nods. “If you really wanted them, you could have just made a request as the Hero of Light.”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “Seeing as he’s a fugitive, I don’t think that would have gone over too well.”

Stellar Flare looks to Arc, clearly confused. “I’m sorry, a what?”

“There’s currently a one-million bit reward on my head. Dead or alive.”

He reaches into his ring and pulls out the notice Scootaloo got from Decimus. Walking over to Stellar Flare he holds it up. Her eyes grow wide as she looks it over.

“This is… there has to be some sort of mistake!”

Hard Hat gasps. “Yeah! The Hero of Light can’t be pursued and arrested like this! He’s above the law for a reason!”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Those posters were all over Ponyville.”

Rarity nods. “And Canterlot.”

Pinkie frowns. “Yeah! How did you two not see them?!”

Stellar Flare sighs. “We don’t go out much.”

Hard Hat puts a hoof to his forehead. “Too busy with the new ship project.”

“Well, that brings me to the third objective. Capturing both you and Hard Hat.”

“Us, sir?”

“But we’re nopony special.”

Arc chuckles. “On the contrary. You’re both experts in the fields you occupy. We believed that together the two of you would have found a way to repair that ship. That couldn’t be allowed to happen. And lastly… while everyone was either completing their objectives or causing a distraction, I went to the dungeon with my squad to liberate Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer.”

Tight Ship frowns. “You broke criminals out of the dungeon, sir?!”

Soarin gasps. “Why, sir?!”

“Because their only crime was speaking their mind in front of the wrong individuals.”

Stellar Flare sighs as she turns to the captain and commander. “I saw them. Tortured and bloody, the likes of which I’d never seen before.”

Hard Hat shudders. “Yeah. It was like something out of a horror book!”

Max bows his head. “They were in really rough shape.”

Viktor appears anxious. “I hope Redheart can help them.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. But they need a LOT of work done on them.”

Hugh looks hopeful. “I’m sure they’ll get the help they need at the hospital.”

Arc looks to the overhead speaker. “Right. We just need to get them there. Lemon Hearts, what’s our heading?”

“As per the captain’s orders we’re returning to the Crystal Empire.”

“Good. Now then, I’m sure some of you have questions. Feel free to ask them now.”

Wrangler raises a hoof. “Are we really fighting Canterlot?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just Decimus. At least for now.”

Soarin stands. “Why didn’t you just return to Canterlot and announce yourself, sir? After all, you’re still the Hero of Light.”

Arc clenches a fist. “The last time I was there, Celestia herself nearly killed me with her horn. Literally.”

Tight Ship frowns. “Why would she do that, sir?!”

“I’m of the opinion that Decimus is somehow controlling her actions. Forcing her to do whatever he says.”

“Sir, I disagree. I spoke to her just a few days ago via hologram.”

Lemon Hearts sounds surprised. “You did, sir?”

“Yes. She inquired if I would return to Canterlot to command the new ship for its first mission.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What was it supposed to be?”

“Patrolling Equestrian airspace.”

Wrangler turns to the captain. “For what purpose, sir?”

“She had information that a dangerous terrorist group was planning something big against her and wanted to be prepared.”

Auriel gasps. “A terrorist group?!”

Hammer pulls her gun. “Bring em on! I’ll give em some terror!”

Max stands. “Sir, we can’t let this group attack!”

Hugh nods fervently. “We have to do something!”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s exactly what Decimus wants.”

Viktor grits his teeth. “Either way, if it means protecting the citizens we need to act, sir!”

Xenos stomps a hoof. “Yeah! They’re counting on us!”

Arc grimaces. “Think about it this way. If Celestia said that, the information had to come from somewhere.”

Cherry calls out to them. “But where?”

Arc slams a fist down on the table. “Decimus. Don’t you see? To him, WE’RE the terrorists!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “But we only did what was necessary.”

Rose sighs. “That is true. However it most certainly will not be reported that way.”

Arc sighs. “Right. I’m just waiting to see how he spins it.”

He looks to Tight Ship.

“What do you say, captain? “

“I… don’t know what to think.”

Soarin frowns. “Me either.”

Wrangler puts a hoof to her forehead at her console. “This is a LOT to take in, sir.”

Arc looks to the speaker. “Is anyone coming after us though?”

Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “No chatter on the radio, sir.”

Moon Dancer frowns. “Scanners show nothing.”

Thunderlane grins. “Skies look clear to me.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “The only ship capable of catching us was damaged, after all.”

Stellar Flare looks to Arc. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“I’d… like to help.”

“Oh?”

“Remember, I’m the Chief Engineer of The Equinox. I’d like to be allowed to retake my previous position.”

“That’s fine.”

Hard Hat stands and salutes. “I’ll join you too, sir. Not sure what I’ll be doing, but I serve the ponies of Equestria… not Decimus.”

“Thank you. Now then, when should we arrive, Lemon Hearts?”

“Due to the modifications to the engines, by first light tomorrow morning.”

“Good. Everyone did great out there tonight. If no one has anything else to say, we should all get some rest now.”

Nodding, the captain and commander stand and head for the door. As they leave Soaring turns to Tight Ship.

“What do you make of all this, sir?”

Tight Ship sighs. “I don’t really know. Let’s stop by the Infirmary though.”

Entering, they spot Nurse Redheart next to Silver Hammer’s bed with the bathing cart. She looks up at them as they enter.

“Good evening, you two.”

Tight Ship removes his cap. “Sorry to barge in like this. Can you tell us how they’re doing?”

“Very poorly, I’m afraid. Their bodies have been through severe trauma.”

Soarin frowns. “From the dungeon?!”

Redheart shakes her head. “No. For a prolonged period of time. Years even.”

Tight Ship appears confused. “Explain.”

Redheart points a hoof at their x-rays. “There’s evidence of innumerable injuries on several of their bones. I also found a large number of scars under their coats.”

Soarin gasps. “They’re supposed to just be a blacksmith and jeweler though. Not exactly dangerous jobs there.”

Tight Ship turns to the nurse. “Could it have been one large accident years ago?”

Redheart shakes her head. “I don’t think so. The injuries are literally all over their bodies. To the best of my knowledge there is no single accident that could have befell them that would leave such things behind.”

Soarin frowns. “How many would it take to do that?”

“At least a dozen for each of them. Frankly I’m surprised I didn’t find massive amounts of painkillers in their blood samples. Some of the former wounds would have left behind some very painful permanent damage.”

Soarin looks to Tight Ship. “None of this makes sense. They along with Hero of Light Arc were from Ponyville, so it makes sense that they would know each other. But…”

“True. However I find it hard to believe, from a tactical standpoint, that he would risk so much to save two ponies. After all, it’s just not strategically sound.”

“Do you think there’s more to this matter than we’re being told, sir?”

Tight Ship nods as he motions for Soarin to follow him. “Yes, commander. I guarantee it.”

Chapter 9 - Endless Pain

The next morning the ship lands in the Crystal Empire in front of the castle. Medics board and help transport Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer to the nearby hospital. Arc and his friends walk down the street to join them. Hammer is the first to speak.

“I, uh… hope you’re friends make it, Arc.”

Arc nods but does not looks toward her. “Me too. But Redheart said they were slowly going downhill all night.”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “That really sucks and all. But I still don’t get why Decimus went out of his way to go after them.”

Fluttershy nods sadly. “Yes, they’re very nice ponies.”

Applejack sighs. “Skilled craftsponies too!”

Rarity shudders. “He must’ve had a chip on his shoulder for them.”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “They didn’t deserve what he did!”

Auriel bows her head sadly. “Agreed. Both of them welcomed me into their shop when I was new in town. Neither treated me different because of my race either.”

Sereb nods. “They did the same for me as well. Very understanding ponies, those two.”

Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“Nopony knows who they really are, do they?”

Arc sighs inwardly. “I didn’t mention it to anyone, no. After all, they wanted to remain anonymous due to their past deeds as the former Heroes of Light. And now I see why.”

“You think Decimus knows who they really are?!”

“It makes sense. After all, what other reason would he have to go out of his way to hurt them?”

Reaching the hospital, Arc and company walk up to the front desk.

“I’m here to see the doctor about Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer.”

The nurse nods respectfully. “Yes sir. I apologize, but they’re still being examined at the moment. Shall I have you escorted to one of our family waiting rooms?”

Arc nods. “Yes, thank you.”

She calls for another nurse whom leads them down a long corridor. Hammer looks around clearly impressed before turning to the nurse.

“Nice hospital you got here.”

“Thank you. It’s the largest one in all the Crystal Empire.”

“Empire, huh? So you’re ruled by an emperor?”

The nurse shakes her head. “Princess Cadance is the ruling monarch, ma’am.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Just her?”

Applejack nods. “Yup.”

Fluttershy smiles. “She must be doing well. After all I hardly ever hear anything bad from this corner of Equestria.”

Rarity shrugs. “Other than circumstances outside of her control, that is.”

Hammer frowns. “Oh? Like what?”

Arc sighs. “The Yakyakistan invasion, for starters.”

Hammer chuckles. “Let me guess? Large talking yaks?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You got it, cupcake.”

“Wait, what?!”

Auriel turns to Hammer. “Is something wrong?”

“I was just joking! You mean it really is a country of yaks?!”

Arc groans. “It’s a bit strange to me sometimes too.”

“Are they friendly?”

Sereb sighs. “That is… complicated.”

Arc looks to Hammer. “Yes and no. You really have to be able to understand their culture to talk to them properly.”

“Does a princess rule over them too?”

Pinkie shakes her head. “Nah! Their leader is Prince Rutherford! He’s a REALLY big yak! Friendly too!”

Arc shrugs. “Friendly if you talk his language.”

“He’s bilingual?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “No, I meant you have to follow his cultural traditions to get him to listen.”

“Can you give me an example?”

Arc looks away. “Well… when I went there during their invasion of this city he told me that the former leader, General Wind Rider, had offended him in some way and that we wanted revenge for that.”

“How did you get him to stop?”

“By speaking his language.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “He punched Rutherford in the face!”

Rarity frowns. “Rainbow Dash, please! It sounds bad when you say it like that!”

Fluttershy nods. “But that’s really what happened.”

Sereb frowns. “We were out of options by that point. Something drastic had to be done in order to avoid all-out war.”

Hammer shrugs. “I can respect that. After all, I’m a big fan of using violence to stop violence.”

They arrive at the family waiting room. A very happy looking room with numerous couches and comfortable chairs sit around the perimeter of the room. A table and chairs in the center of the room has prepackaged snacks on it. The nurse turns to Arc.

“Will you need anything else, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you. Just let us know when the doctor has something to report.”

“Yes sir, I’ll pass on your orders immediately.”

Bowing slightly, she backs up and closes the door behind her. Hammer turns to Arc and grins.

“You really have the ponies of this land bowing and scraping!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Well, he is the Hero of Light after all.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “And the former Lord Regent too!”

Rarity looks up to Arc proudly. “It’s only natural for them to want to show respect for such an individual.”

“Truth be told, I’m not a big fan of it.”

Auriel appears surprised. “Really, Arc?”

“Yeah. In fact, that’s what I like about all of you. You just treat me like a normal citizen.”

Applejack chuckles. “That’s probably because we knew you before things really took off.”

Pinkie bounces up and down. “You’re still Sugarcube Corner’s number one customer!”

Arc walks over to a window and looks out over the city.

“Another reason is that I can always count on all of you to be frank with me. Tell it like it is without being worried about how I’ll respond.”

Hammer nods. “Honesty, huh?”

Auriel sighs. “I had similar issues back in Tartarus. No one could be trusted, as they were only after my position. Fortunately since I stayed out of sight in my father’s library it wasn’t too big an issue for me.”

Sereb frowns. “But Arc cannot stay under wraps.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Not for long, anyways.”

Pinkie giggles. “He does kinda stick out in a crowd.”

Applejack shrugs. “Well, that can’t really be helped. Think about how many ponies saw him just on the way here earlier.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Yeah, well… this is the life I’ve chosen. Or I suppose one might say… it chose me.”

Rarity walks over to stand by his side.

“That may be. But you don’t walk this path alone.”

Hammer stands on his other side and puts an arm around him.

“Right. We’re with you too.”

Sometime in the late afternoon a nurse enters the room and walks over to Arc.

“Sir, the doctor wishes to speak to you now. May I escort you to the patient’s room?”

“Yes please.”

As he turns to leave Rarity gives his hand a quick squeeze along with a comforting smile. Giving her cheek a quick touch with his fingers, he smiles sadly and leaves the room. Hammer looks to Rainbow Dash.

“Everything’s… going to be okay, right?”

“Probably.”

Applejack sighs. “I don’t think so.”

Pinkie appears confused. “What?!”

“That look on the nurse’s face. I’ve seen it before.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Where?”

Applejack turns and looks out the window. “A doctor’s face when my parents…”

Meanwhile, the nurse leads Arc to the patient’s room. Knocking lightly, she opens it and steps inside.

“Doctor, the Hero of Light is here to see you.”

The doctor nods soberly. “Let him in.”

She steps aside to allow Arc entrance. He walks slowly over to the beds and looks at his friends. Innumerable machines run to both of them as the rhythmic beeping of the electrocardiograms and the small hiss of a respirator down Silver Hammer’s throat being the only noise. Not taking his eyes off of either, Arc speaks.

“What is their condition, doctor?”

“Not good, I’m afraid. First, I must apologize to you for taking such a long time to appraise you of their condition. They’ve been in and out of surgery all day now in an attempt to stabilize them.”

“What exactly happened?”

“Both of them have needed to be defibrillated numerous times today. They’ve been on the edge most of the time.”

“And now?”

“Tentatively stable. However, they’re not out of the woods yet.”

“What was the damage?”

The doctor speaks as he looks over their charts. “Fractured legs, concussions, and nearly all ribs were broken in both patients. But that doesn’t even come close to the damage internally.”

“Oh?”

“Your Chief Medical Officer tells me they were found strapped down and facing each other. Is that correct?”

Arc nods. “Yes. That’s how I found them.”

“Were they perfectly lined up?”

“I guess so. Is that important?”

“It does explain how it happened then. You see, ribs are connected in the center of the chest by a larger bone called the sternum. It’s a very durable bone that helps maintain structural integrity of the ribs which in turn protects the major vital organs. However, with both sternums pressed together, there was no place for the force to go other than down. And when the pressure became too much it broke almost every rib in both of them.”

Arc gasps. “That sounds beyond terrible!”

“It must have been absolute agony for both of them. Especially since I don’t think the pressure stopped there. The only saving grace for them was that they most likely passed out shortly thereafter from the pain.”

“Organ damage?”

“Mostly to the heart and lungs. Their hearts were strained and both sets of lungs had several puncture wounds from the ribs being stabbed into them. It’s a miracle they didn’t bleed out before receiving medical care.”

“So they’re both the same?”

“No sir. Silver Hammer was hurt much worse than her husband. Tell me, was she on top or bottom?”

“Top.”

The doctor sighs. “That explains the extensive damage to her hooves, fetlocks, and legs. It was much worse than Steel Hammer’s.”

“I don’t understand.”

“This is just a theory on my part, of course. But I believe she had been attempting to hold the press up to allow them both to breathe. However when the pressure became too great her legs broke and she was pressed sternum to sternum with her husband.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And that’s when the ribs broke.”

“Yes sir. However… it’s a bit more complicated for her.”

“How could it get any worse?!”

“We looked over the x-rays from your ship’s Chief Medical Officer as well as took our own to verify the results. It would appear that Silver Hammer also has a broken back. Judging from the damage, it would appear it broke long before her legs did.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “So you mean that she kept pushing the plate up… with a broken back?”

“Yes sir.”

Arc looks at his friends for a long moment before turning back to the doctor.

“Will they recover?”

“Steel Hammer will have an extended stay along with physical therapy over the next six months or so. While he may never fully recover, at least he has a chance to come back from this horrible event.”

The doctor turns to Silver Hammer.

“His wife… not so much.”

“What do you mean?”

“The damage to her back is extensive. I spent several hours doing surgery just to stabilize her. However, the trauma to her spine was more serious than we originally thought. Does she have any other family?”

“A daughter. But she’s just a filly.”

“You might want to contact somepony to bring her here.”

Arc groans. “I’ve already done that. She should be arriving here on today’s train.”

The doctor looks up to the clock. “It was scheduled to arrive about twenty minutes ago.”

“Just a moment, doctor.”

Concentrating, Arc reaches out to Scootaloo.

“How’s it going over there?”

“Not the greatest, Big Brother. Platinum Valve is really upset about her parents. All I was able to tell her was that you got them out.”

“Are you still on the train?”

“We’re walking up the steps to the hospital now.”

“Alright. I’ll send word to have you two brought here immediately.”

He turns to the doctor before continuing.

“She’s just arrived. Notify the front desk to have her brought here at once.”

“Very well, sir.”

Picking up a telephone he rings the front desk. A few minutes later Scootaloo opens the door leading a very nervous Platinum Valve. She gasps and hurries over to the beds.

“MOM! DAD!”

Looking to the doctor she speaks with a broken voice.

“Are they… going to be okay?!”

“I was just talking to the Hero of Light about that, miss. Both of your parents were critically injured. Your father will most likely recover with a good bit of rest and physical therapy.”

“And my mom?!”

“The damage to her spine was more than originally thought. It’s likely that her spinal cord was… damaged.”

Platinum Valve chokes back tears. “Wha… what does that MEAN?!”

“She may be paralyzed.”

With a shaky hoof, she reaches out to touch her mother’s fetlock. As she does so, the heart monitor increases its beeping. The doctor looks at it as Platinum Valve steps back.

“Did I do something wrong?!”

“No, miss. In fact, that was quite a good sign.”

Arc turns to him, confused. “Doctor?”

“Even though she’s in a coma, the fact she responded to your touch indicates that she felt your hoof. Perhaps there is hope yet for her spine.”

Platinum Valve turns to the doctor. “What happens to them now?”

“Lots of bedrest here in the intensive care unit with around the clock care.”

“How much longer until they wake up?”

“We don’t know, miss. At the moment it’s very helpful to the healing process, as they need all the rest they can get.”

“What can I do to help?”

“Stay with them and talk. If they can hear you it will be a great comfort to them to hear your voice.”

Platinum Valve appears hopeful. “Can I stay here?”

The doctor shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but hospital rules say that visiting hours for the intensive care unit are only from…”

Arc interrupts him. “Irrelevant, doctor.”

“Sir?”

“You will allow this filly to stay here by her parent’s side as long as she wishes. No matter how long it takes.”

“But, I… yes sir.”

“Thank you. Can you tell us anything else about their condition?”

“Only that whomever did this was clearly very skilled at it. Perhaps even a literal monster. I certainly hope you took care of them, sir.”

Arc clenches a fist. “No. But believe me when I say that they will be… dealt with.”

“I’ll let you two have some time with them while I check on my other patients.”

Platinum Valve nods as she looks down at her parents. “Thank you, doctor.”

Leaving the room, the stallion closes the door behind him. Platinum Valve looks to Arc, clearly shaken.

“What… who did this to them?!”

“I’m guessing it was either Decimus, or someone under his command on orders to torture them.”

“But why?!”

Arc sighs. “Probably to bait me into coming out.”

Platinum Valve turns back to the bed as she speaks. “My parents… they weren’t a threat to anypony!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as he kneels down to her level. “As I told the doctor, you can stay here with them. Or if that’s too much, I’ll have a room prepared for you in the Crystal Castle.”

Platinum Valve shakes her head as she looks Arc in the eye. “I want to stay here. Be by their side when they wake up. Is that okay?”

Arc nods. “Yes. That’s fine.”

She sniffles as fresh tears course down her face. Holding out his arms she rushes into them and sobs. Arc holds her close as she continues crying.

“It’s going to be okay, Platinum Valve. I’m going to find whomever did this… and I’m going to end them.”

Chapter 10 - Calm Before the...

Arc and his companions head for the Crystal Castle’s Audience Chamber with Arc himself in the lead. Coming to the Audience Chamber he pushes them both roughly open causing the heavy doors to hit the walls on either side with a fair amount of force. Cadance and Shining Armor appear surprised at his demeanor as they hurry over to him.

“Arc! How did it go?!”

“Not the greatest.”

Hammer holds up the blueprints soberly. “We did get these.”

Auriel nods as she offers them the notes. “And the papers to go with them.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “The ship won’t be flying anywhere without major repairs either.”

Scootaloo nods. “And I did my part to direct Decimus on the path Big Brother wanted him on.”

Shining Armor appears relieved. “It sounds to me like your mission was largely successful, Arc. Tell me, how are the Hammer’s doing?”

Arc clenches a fist. “They’re at the hospital in critical condition.”

Cadance gasps. “WHAT?!”

Shining Armor grits his teeth. “Did something go wrong during the rescue?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I found them both in that state. Decimus must’ve ordered them tortured.”

Cadance shudders. “How much…?”

“Broken ribs, broken sternums, a broken back and possible paralysis.”

Cadance sits down on her haunches and puts a hoof to her forehead in an attempt to compose herself.

“This is… just so hard to believe, Arc. How could Decimus…? Are you absolutely certain of this?”

Arc nods soberly. “They were strapped into a torture device when I found them. It was the kind that broke their bones by pressing their bodies into each other. That thing forced them to hurt one another against their wills.”

Shining Armor turns to the princes. “This is monstrous, Cadance! We have to do something!”

“Yes, I agree.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest as he speaks. “Any ideas? Well, other than me going back over there and putting Decimus in that machine.”

Cadance sighs. “While he certainly deserves it, I don’t think it would solve anything.”

Rarity grimaces. “Right. He’d just come back.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Somehow.”

Fluttershy shudders. “Any clues on how he does that?”

Cadance shakes her head. “None, I’m afraid. And until we know, killing him is not going to help anypony. But we currently have larger problems.”

Applejack frowns. “What could be bigger than Decimus torturing innocent ponies?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “This.”

He walks over to Arc with a scroll. Taking it, Arc quickly reads it as he seethes.

“Decimus wants WHAT?!”

Pinkie appears hopeful. “Good news?!”

Cadance frowns. “Not in the least. He assumed The Equinox was flying here to the empire, and has ordered us to return it to Canterlot at once.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “For how long?”

Shining Armor grits his teeth. “Until further notice.”

Arc crumples up the scroll and tosses it aside. “He’s not getting my ship!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Right! We don’t need some power hungry freak like him gaining air superiority!”

Rainbow Dash looks to Cadance. “You don’t actually have to listen to him, do you princess?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Legally, no. However, The Equinox is still owned by Equestria. Not me or Arc personally.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “You don’t suppose he’d send somepony here to try and take it, do you?”

“No. That would be an act of war. As long as the ship is in the Crystal Empire’s airspace, that is.”

Shining Armor bows his head. “However the next time it crosses over into Equestrian airspace he could try to seize it.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Decimus probably would too!”

Auriel turns to Arc. “You wouldn’t let him do that though.”

“Right! He’d have to take it over my dead body!”

Rose turns to Arc, confused. “I didn’t know you were so possessive of that ship.”

“Truthfully I’m not. But I know he wouldn’t do anything good with it.”

Scootaloo nods with conviction. “That we can all agree on.”

A guard enters the room and hurries over to the throne. Cadance frowns.

“I gave strict orders that we were not to be disturbed while in conference!”

The guard bows nervously. “Yes, your highness. Please forgive me, but a missive just arrived for you.”

Shining Armor steps forward and takes it. The guard rises and hurries out of the room. Giving the scroll to Cadance, she opens it and begins to read. As she does so the blood drains from her face. Pinkie grins.

“Now I know THAT’S good news!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “More threats from Decimus?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. This one is from Aunt Celestia herself.”

Sereb growls. “What does she want?”

“The return of The Equinox to act as her personal flagship and compensation for the damaged ship along with the Hanger.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc. “How much damage did you DO?!”

“Enough to allow us to escape with the Hammers.”

Auriel sighs. “He means a lot.”

Scootaloo grins. “We could have done more.”

Cadance nods soberly. “I assume it was justified?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Oh yes. But don’t worry. Like Scootaloo said, next time they’ll be a LOT more carnage! And you can tell Celestia that!”

“She’s also ordering the return of the command crew as well as the blueprints that were taken.”

Hammer scoffs. “And if we don’t comply?”

Cadance looks up. “That’s what has me worried. The last line of the letter says that she’s prepared to take ‘drastic action’.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

Sereb bares his teeth. “That she’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants.”

Shining Armor shrugs. “Which admittedly isn’t much. Unless she’s willing to make an international incident of this.”

Scootaloo frowns. “She might though.”

Cadance bows her head sadly as she rolls up the scroll. “That’s very unlikely.”

Hammer frowns as she turns to the princess. “I don’t get it. How would it be an international incident if your two lands are all part of Equestria?”

“The Crystal Empire is technically its own country. However, Equestria annexed it after the defeat of King Sombra.”

Shining Armor nods. “Well, somepony had to be in charge. After the king was destroyed, there was chaos in the streets. The Equestrian military had to come here to restore order.”

Cadance sighs. “I was sent here as well to act as a temporary governor while the matter was sorted out. Surprisingly enough the citizens liked me so much that they overwhelmingly requested that my position become permanent.”

Shining Armor looks to Hammer. “They also willingly became part of Equestria, but kept their sovereignty.”

“How does that work?!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “It must, as I’ve never heard of there being a problem until now.”

Applejack groans. “Well, that leaves the matter of what the hay to do kinda up in the air, doesn’t it?”

Cadance nods sadly. “Very much so, yes.”

Shining Armor looks to the princess. “So what should we do, Cadance?”

“I believe I shall write a letter back apologizing for the misunderstanding and politely decline Aunt Celestia’s request.”

Hammer frowns. “That doesn’t sound like much.”

Arc sighs. “It really isn’t. But the only other option at this point would be open hostilities.”

Auriel holds up the papers. “What about these blueprints and notes?”

Rose nods. “We can’t give them back!”

“I will say in my letter that I did not have anything to do with their disappearance. After all, I cannot return what I don’t have.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Gotta love loopholes!”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “That isn’t true though.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yes it is.”

Pinkie grins widely. “Right! Rose and Auriel have them!”

Auriel appears confused. “I don’t get it.”

Sereb turns to her. “It is so she can still be technically honest with Princess Celestia regarding the blueprints and notes.”

Applejack sighs. “That still sounds like a bad idea to me. I mean, what if somepony comes here for them?!”

Arc looks to Applejack. “Let me put it to you this way. If we give them up now Decimus will just use them to repair the airship and hurt others.”

“Yes, well… I’ll defer to you on this, Arc.”

“Thanks. But the contents of that outgoing scroll are totally up to Cadance.”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Oh! She could say ‘having a wonderful time and wish you were here’!”

Rainbow Dash clops her front hooves together angrily. “So do I! After all, it would give me a chance to teach her a lesson!”

Hammer grins at the pegasus. “I’m with you, blue!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You two are getting along better.”

Hammer chuckles. “We came to an agreement.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah!”

“I suppose that’s good. But I do want to know one thing, Cadance.”

“Oh?”

“Just how far do you think Celestia will go?”

“You mean will she take action against the empire?”

“Yes.”

Cadance sighs. “I would hope not. After all, both our nations are similar in terms of military strength.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “At best we would come to a stalemate.”

Fluttershy looks to the princess nervously. “And at the worst?”

“We would fight to resource exhaustion.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Um… not liking that second theory.”

Shining Armor shrugs. “I don’t believe she would go that far. After all, with both of our lands weakened it would be a paltry task for one of the surrounding nations to march in and take whatever they wanted.”

Cadance appears hopeful. “Aunt Celestia knows this, of course. So it would be unlikely things would get to that point.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Well, I don’t just want to sit around doing nothing!”

“I’m with Big Brother on this one!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. We must be proactive.”

Hammer grins. “Could we beef up the land’s defenses?”

Pinkie appears confused. “Beef?”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “I believe that’s cow meat.”

Applejack sticks out her tongue. “Yuck!”

Hammer chuckles. “Don’t knock it till you tried it.”

Cadance clears her throat before continuing. “I’ve already put the military on high alert. We’re ready to defend the realm if the time comes.”

Shining Armor frowns. “That may send the wrong message, Cadance.”

“I understand that. However the safety of the citizens must come first.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now then, is there anything we can do to help at the moment?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not really. I suggest we wait for more information from Equestria while you rest, Arc.”

“Me?”

Pinkie giggles. “Yes you, silly!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “It’s not like you have much time for things like that, Arc.”

Applejack chuckles. “Right. Gotta rest when you can.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah!”

Rarity looks up to Arc. “Might I offer a suggestion?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Don’t you worry about a thing, Arc. I’ll handle everything with my friends here.”

Auriel sounds worried. “Not sure I like the sound of that.”

Sereb sighs. “They can be trusted, little one.”

Hammer raises a hand. “I’ll help too if you want.”

Rainbow Dash turns to the young woman. “We wouldn’t dream of leaving you out of this, cupcake!”

“Thanks.”

Arc frowns. “Um… admittedly I’m getting a little nervous about this too.”

“How about some time to rest then, Arc?”

“Well…”

“Shining Armor, escort Arc to our most lavish suite.”

“Right away.”

He turns to Arc.

“Follow me.”

Arc shakes his head. “While I do appreciate the thought, I’d rather go back to the hospital and see if there’s been any change to the Hammer’s condition.”

Rose turns to him. “If it would help, I could do that.”

Scootaloo raises a hoof. “Or me.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Platinum Valve would most likely enjoy the company of another filly around her age.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose she would, but…”

Cherry calls out to him. “Remember, she can notify you telepathically if there’s anything you need to know, Arc.”

“That’s true. However…”

Rarity interrupts him. “Please, just trust us. We won’t let you down.”

She bats her eyes seductively as Arc sighs.

“Fine. Just let me take Scootaloo back to the hospital and speak to the doctor first. Then I’ll come back and rest.”

Sereb motions to his saddle. “I will take both of you there.”

“But I can walk.”

Cadance narrows her eyes. “Just take the ride, Arc.”

“Um… okay. Let’s go.”

Arc, Sereb, Rose, and Scootaloo leave the Audience Chamber together as everyone looks to Rarity. Applejack is the first to speak.

“So what ARE you planning?”

Pinkie grins. “I bet it’s a PARTY!”

Rarity giggles. “You’re actually pretty close, Pinkie.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “She is?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. But it’s not going to be a party like Pinkie’s used to throwing though. This one will be a very… exclusive one.”

Cadance cracks a smile. “I do believe I understand what you’re planning, Rarity. Please understand that you have my blessing and full support.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “To do what?”

Hammer scratches her head. “Yeah, I’m a bit confused on this one too.”

Rarity giggles as she looks around and smiles.

“We’re going to organize a very special time for Arc.”

Cadance smiles. “Good. Somepony needs to keep an eye on him.”

Pinkie straightens up and salutes. “Want me to tail him?!”

Shining Armor chuckles. “I think what Cadance means is that somepony needs to make sure Arc doesn’t burn himself out.

Rarity sighs. “Yes. He’s… not very good about doing that himself.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Is it really that bad?”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. When he worked on the farm with my family he would often go without breaks to get the job done. Now I’m all for hard work, but that was a bit much.”

Pinkie frowns. “Especially since he was still hurt!”

Fluttershy bows her head. “It was a hard thing to watch.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “He never slows down! And while that is REALLY hot, I also know it isn’t healthy. I mean, look at me. Master flier AND nap taker!”

Cadance nods as she steps toward the doors. “Well, in any case… I leave this matter to all of you. Let’s continue the royal duties, Shining Armor.”

“Very well, Cadance.”

The pair leave the room together as everyone turns to Rarity. She smiles and motions for them to come closer as she explains her plan.

Chapter 11 - An Evening to Remember

Arc walks back toward the Crystal Castle as night falls. Shining Armor turns to him.

“My apologies.”

Arc appears confused. “What for?”

“Coming to get you.”

Arc sighs. “That was probably necessary.”

“I’m sure you didn’t mean to spend all day there.”

“They’re my friends. That and Platinum Valve just looked so sad. I couldn’t leave her like that.”

“Yes sir.”

“Scootaloo’s with her though.”

“I know. Remember, she left with you and Sereb earlier.”

“Oh… right.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Now I see why Cadance sent me to get you.”

Arc turns around to look behind them. “Do you really think the Hammers will be okay while I’m gone?”

“Of course. After all, there isn’t really anything you can do for them at this point. Remember, the doctor said they’re showing no signs of awakening.”

“That’s what has me worried.”

“They’re in good hooves. But right now we need to get you back to the castle.”

“So what exactly are my friends planning?”

“My apologies, sir. But I’ve been ordered not to speak a word about it.”

Arc forces a small smile. “Fine, keep your secrets.”

They arrive back at the castle a short time later. Shining Armor escorts Arc to a very posh looking room. Walking over to a wardrobe, the stallion opens it to expose a dark suit as Arc raises an eyebrow.

“That looks familiar.”

Shining Armor nods. “I’m told you wore something similar to this some time ago.”

“Yeah. When Rarity invited me over for supper before the peace summit.”

“I’ve been ordered to request that you wear this and be ready at exactly seven.”

“Yes, well… I think I see where this is going.”

“Good. That makes this easier. Can I report that you plan to do as asked then?”

Arc nods. “Sure. I’ll play along. Truthfully, it sounds like fun.”

“All things considered, you could use a bit of a diversion, sir.”

Arc sighs. “I’d contend that point, but I think I’d lose.”

Shining Armor grins. “Fortunately I’m not permitted to argue with the Hero of Light. In any case, I’ll leave you alone to prepare yourself.”

“Alright.”

Shining Armor salutes and leaves the room. Arc pulls the hanger out of the wardrobe and heads for the bathroom.

“If I’m going out I should get cleaned up properly.”

He turns on the water and steps into the shower. Sighing, Arc calls out to Cherry.

“What do you think?”

Cherry sounds confused. “Regarding…?”

“Their plans for me.”

“I think we both know what they are.”

“A proper date?”

Cherry giggles. “You know it!”

“I’m… not really sure how to proceed.”

“But you’ve been on several, Arc.”

Arc groans. “Not a bona-fide, honest to goodness, authentic one, no.”

“Are you… nervous?”

“A little.”

“Want some advice?”

Arc chuckles. “Wouldn’t hurt.”

“Just be yourself.”

“And?”

“That’s all.”

“Seriously? You couldn’t give me even a bit of insight here?”

“A stallion being honest about themselves is a good way to impress a mare. Well, not that you need to impress anypony, that is.”

“But…!”

Cherry interrupts him. “Arc, they’re your friends. You’ve never felt nervous around them before.”

Arc looks up at the ceiling. “Thanks. Not sure where those cold feet came from.”

“I think it’s because you still think of them as just friends.”

“But they are.”

Cherry sighs. “Remember, you told them you’d consider forming a herd, Arc. Going from friends to wives isn’t a simple or healthy transition.”

“Yes, that’s true. I need to start thinking of them as more than just my friends.”

“That you do.”

“I just…”

“Second thoughts?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, but I thought there’d be more time now. After all, Celestia’s back on the throne and ruling.”

Cherry growls. “I question that.”

“So do I.”

“While I wish it wasn’t so, there’s still work for you to do as the Hero of Light. “

Arc sighs. “That there is.”

“If it was anything else, I would just tell you to let somepony else deal with it and focus more on your love life.”

“Believe me, I’d love to do that. But we both know that I’m probably going to have to do things that only I can do.”

“Like face Decimus?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Yes. But it probably won’t stop there.”

“Oh?”

“Celestia herself may have to be… dealt with.”

“And Twilight?”

“I’m going with the assumption that she’s more of a victim right now. After all, being the new princess probably means she hasn’t earned the respect of either the nation or Celestia.”

“She does seem to be more of a figurehead right now. At least from what I’ve heard. But that’s not what I meant when I brought her up.”

“Oh? Then what…?”

“I know you may have to face Princess Celestia again. Please remember how important she is to Twilight.”

“Yeah.”

“Hurt her mentor and it’s not likely she’ll forgive you.”

Arc nods soberly. “That’s true. But at the same time I can’t allow this to continue.”

“You could lose her not only as a potential wife, but as a friend as well.”

“I know, Cherry. But this is bigger than her and I. It could be the fate of a country.”

“And you’re okay with a princess hating you?”

Arc hangs his head. “No. I’ll do what I need to though.”

Getting out and drying himself off, Arc pulls a small bottle from his ring and sets it on the counter. Cherry sounds confused.

“What is that?”

“A bottle of cologne that Shelly gave me for Christmas a few years ago. I’m not usually up for such things, and it was probably expensive, so I try to save it for special occasions.”

Cherry giggles. “I’m glad to see you’re taking this so seriously, Arc.”

“Yes, well… I need to.”

“Oh?”

“Tonight is all about them. I need to make a good impression.”

“A good… impression?”

Arc nods as he applies the cologne. “I sorta feel like they’re still a bit nervous about this whole herd idea. After all, it’s not something that’s traditionally done anymore. If I can make them more comfortable with the idea, it’ll make considering this that much easier for all of us.”

“A refreshing attitude. Thinking of their needs too. Just don’t forget to consider yourself, Arc.”

“I’ll try not to. But do me a favor, will you?”

“What is it?”

“If tonight’s conversation starts to drift in the wrong direction, give me a shout please.”

Cherry giggles. “That’s going to be a bit hard to do.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I’m not going to be there, silly!”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “Where else would you be?”

“Anywhere but there or here. This evening is about you and your future wives, Arc. I need to distance myself from you during these times. Neither you or they need a bodyless spirit hanging around when love is in the air.”

“I wouldn’t really mind it. And I don’t really think…”

Cherry sighs. “Trust me on this one, Arc. They’re going to want you all to themselves tonight. Especially if things go well.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Cherry, I… really don’t think any of us are truly ready for that kind of thing.”

“Well, just in case the mood strikes then. Remember to be gentle though. They’re a lot smaller than you are.”

Arc groans. “Can we please change the subject?”

Sometime later Arc emerges from the bathroom. Looking himself over in the full length mirror next to the bed he nods happily.

“Clothes look good and fit perfectly.”

“Yes, you do look quite dapper.”

He looks at the clock over the fireplace and smiles.

“Half an hour to go.”

“Right you are. In any case, could you lend me Eidolon’s Ward for the evening please? I’d like to make myself scarce.”

“Sure. But where are you going?”

“To the Royal Library. I think I’ll see about catching up on some reading this evening while you’re out.”

“All night?”

“One of the advantages of being a spirit is that I don’t get tired, Arc. That’s also a disadvantage too sometimes. But that’s neither here or there.”

Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward before stepping out of it. Turning, he puts a hand on the pauldrons.

“Cherry… thanks.”

“What for?”

“Staying with me. You’ve been such a great help since… the incident.”

“I’m just happy I could be there for you, Arc. Our time together was far too short.”

Arc looks away. “Yeah.”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on his cheek to turn it back to her. “But here’s to hoping you and the others have many more happy days ahead of you. In any case, I should get moving. After all, it’s almost time.”

“Cherry?”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to say… thanks for being so helpful with this whole thing. Sadly, I think a lot of others in your position would have tried to make it work between us.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “While I would love for us to spend a lifetime together as husband and wife, as things stand I can’t be there for you. Helping find you another mate, or in this case mates, is the best I can do.”

“It’s appreciated. Sorry if my earlier statement sounded a bit strange. But I couldn’t think of how else to phrase it.”

“You have a nice time tonight, Arc. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Leaving the room the armor walks down the corridor toward the Royal Library. Meanwhile, Arc sits down at the vanity mirror and looks at himself in the mirror. Combing his hair absentmindedly he sits there thinking to himself for some time. A small knock at the door brings Arc back to reality with a start. Falling backwards off the stool he quickly stands up, dusts himself off, and moves toward the door.

“Nerves.”

Taking a deep breath, he slowly opens the door and peeks out. Rarity stands there in an exquisite dress and matching tiara. Smiling up at him, she speaks in little more than a whisper.

“Good evening, kind sir.”

“H-hi, Rarity. Uh… won’t you come in?”

“Thank you.”

Stepping aside, he allows her entrance. Walking into the room Rarity moves with such elegance that Arc is taken aback. She turns to him as he closes the door.

“How do I look?”

“Amazing! And me?!”

“Very handsome, indeed. Now then, are you ready for our date?”

“Our… what now?”

Rarity giggles. “Date, silly.”

“B-but we can’t!”

“Oh? And why not?”

“Because someone might see me.”

Rarity smiles at him. “If you recall, you were seen walking the halls of the castle on your way to see Princess Cadance when you returned from Canterlot.”

Arc sighs. “I guess my cover is blown then.”

“Not necessarily.”

“Huh?”

“Only the most trusted and loyal guards are permitted here, Arc. Everypony has been personally vetted by Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. They were ordered to forget they ever saw you and not mention it to anypony.”

“So… I’m still presumed dead?”

“In the eyes of Equestria, yes.”

“What about me walking the streets earlier?”

Rarity shrugs. “Nothing to be done about that.”

“But won’t word spread to Equestria?”

“Not likely. After all, Crystal Ponies don’t really socialize with anypony outside their borders.”

Arc appears confused. “Why not?”

“It’s probably due to lingering memories of King Sombra. They’re naturally distrustful of outsiders now.”

“I don’t understand what that has to do with it.”

“King Sombra was an outsider whom grew up here. He took over forcefully after assassinating the princess. Because of that distrust, it’s not likely the knowledge of you being alive will cross the border. But just to be safe you should probably stay under wraps.”

Arc groans. “Then I really can’t leave.”

“The castle, yes. However, we have something special in mind.”

“Huh?”

Rarity takes his hand in her hoof and gives it a tug.

“All will be made clear if you’ll just come with me.”

She leads him out of the room and down a corridor. Arc looks down at her.

“Where are we going?”

Rarity smiles. “You’ll see.”

Coming to a door, Rarity pushes it open with her magic. Before them sits a small round table with full place settings. A sealed bottle sits in a bucket of ice next to a Victrola which is softly playing a violin solo. The room is dark with the curtains drawn and the only light comes from the candles on the table along with a cozy fireplace. Leading Arc into the room Rarity closes the door behind them. Arc looks around for a moment before speaking.

“What… is all this?”

“Something we’ve both wanted for a long time, Arc. A date.”

“Really?”

Rarity nods happily. “Yes, indeed. Well… as real a date as we CAN have, what with having to keep you hidden.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about this.”

“Don’t be, Arc. I knew what I was potentially getting into when I confessed my feeling for you. Now come and sit down. We can have a drink together before supper.”

“I, uh…”

Rarity giggles as she walks toward the table. “It’s just juice, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

Walking over to a chair, Arc pulls it out for his date. She smiles and sits down.

“Thank you, Arc.”

He sits down across and looks to her.

“You’re looking especially beautiful tonight.”

Rarity smiles happily. “And you’re looking positively striking as well.”

“I think it’s the light from the candles that does it. It’s so…”

“Romantic?”

“That too. But I was thinking more along the lines of ‘care-free’ or ‘personal’.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Is that… good?”

“Very!”

He reaches a hand across the table and puts it on her fetlock before looking directly into Rarity’s eyes.

“Rarity, I need to say something.”

“What is it?”

“It’s really hard to say, but… sorry.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “You’re… sorry?”

“Yes. Remember, I was supposed to retire after returning with Princess Celestia. As you know, that didn’t happen.”

“But you couldn’t have left the princesses in such dire straits!”

“I could have, yes.”

“What do you mean?”

Arc looks away. “Had I refused, Shining Armor would have taken temporary control of the nation. It didn’t have to be me.”

“But…?”

“But I knew I was the best candidate for the job.”

“So you took it.”

“Yes.”

“So ultimately you’re acknowledging that you did what you had to do. All the while apologizing for it.”

“I… guess so.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Arc, we were willing to wait for you back then, and even more so now.”

“How can you do that? At this rate I’ll never be able to…”

Rarity cuts him off. “Because we know that such a wonderful thing is worth the wait. But why don’t we order now?”

Arc frowns. “Order?”

Rarity picks up a nearby bell with her magic and gives it a small jingle. A mare walks out from behind a nearby curtain. She is wearing a Hoof Maiden’s uniform and levitating two menus with her magic. Arc looks her over.

“Trixie?!”

“Welcome to the, uh… the restaurant. Please look over these menus while Trixie pours you two some refreshments.”

They accept the menus and look them over as Trixie removes the bottle of juice from the pail and opens it. Uncorking it, she carefully pours its contents into two crystal glasses nearby. After a few moments Rarity looks to her.

“What would you recommend, miss?”

“Trixie suggests the Spaghetti Under Glass with the Chef’s Fruit Salad.”

Rarity nods. “That does sound lovely. I believe that’s what I’ll have.”

Trixie smiles as she removes a notepad and pencil from her apron to write the order down. “Very good. And for the gentleman?”

“I… think I’ll have the same.”

“Yes sir. I’ll take your orders to the kitchen at once.”

Bowing slightly, she picks the menus up with her magic and quickly leaves the room. Entering the corridor she giggles happily as she walks.

“Trixie thinks this is fun!”

A short time later she enters the vast kitchen. Walking over to a large table she sets down the paper from her pad.

“Two orders of Spaghetti Under Glass with a side of Chef’s Fruit Salad.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That should be pretty easy!”

Applejack appears relieved. “Darn right. I was worried that our menu items wouldn’t exactly be romantic enough.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “How did they appear, Trixie?”

“Trixie thinks they looked to be quite pleased with the scene before them. While it’s not exactly polite, Trixie did listen in to their conversation.”

Auriel giggles. “What were they talking about?”

“It’s not exactly something Trixie should repeat.”

Pinkie bounces in place excitedly. “Come on! Give us a hint!”

Trixie bows her head sadly. “Just understand that Arc is feeling a little… blue at the moment.”

Hammer grins. “Well, we’ll change that!”

She turns to Fluttershy before continuing.

“Looks like they ordered our menu items, so we’re up!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Yes! Let’s give it our all!”

Rainbow Dash looks over from the refrigerator. “Yeah! Fluttershy makes the best salads in Ponyville! Fruit or otherwise!”

Auriel looks to the mare. “How did you get so good at it?”

“I make it almost every day for Angel Bunny. He’s a rather picky eater, after all. So it has to be perfect.”

Applejack turns to the young woman. “How about you, Hammer?”

Hammer sighs. “The spaghetti recipe is what my sister Mio often made when she was too tired to cook anything more complicated. When we were really busy, this might be our supper every night.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “Can we help?”

“Sure. There isn’t really much too it though. First we just need to get a pot of water boiling on the stove.”

Applejack heads for the table. “While you’re doing that I’ll help Fluttershy cut the fruit for the salad.”

Rainbow Dash flies over with a pot. Hammer turns on the burner and looks to the pegasus.

“I need some pasta sauce too, blue.”

“What’s that?”

“Trixie will get it.”

Leaving, she heads for the pantry. Returning a few minutes later with a can in her magical aura she sets it down on the table she turns to the others.

“Princess Cadance is the only individual Trixie knows of whom eats spaghetti.”

Pinkie appears confused. “Oh! Why’s that?!”

“It’s extremely messy.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

Trixie lowers her voice. “Don’t tell anypony, but Princess Cadance requires her Hoof Maidens to properly clean her after eating it.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Oh my!”

Hammer shrugs. “Probably quite an ordeal to eat without hands. Now then, while we wait for the water to boil…”

“Trixie begs your pardon, but would you like the sauce recipe?”

Hammer appears confused. “Recipe? But it’s just tomato sauce.”

“That may be. But it’s pretty bland straight out of the can. Trixie knows the chef has a recipe to make it in that book over there.”

She points to a large binder with numerous recipes in laminated pages. Hammer reads it over carefully as Rainbow Dash calls out from the pantry.

“What do you need, cupcake?”

Hammer chuckles. “You’re still on that, blue?”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Oh, yeah. Now let’s get cooking!”

Hammer calls out for basil, dried parsley, brown sugar, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and pepper. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie bring them to her as quickly as they can. Mixing the ingredients together in a large bowl they look at the concoction with visible concern. Pinkie is the first to speak.

“It looks kinds strange!”

Hammer frowns. “That it does.”

Sticking a finger into the bowl, she brings a bit of the red liquid to her mouth.

“It’s great!”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “Really?”

Hammer nods happily. “Yeah! Try some!”

She puts a spoon to the pegasus’ lips. Taking a small lick, Rainbow Dash grins.

“That’s awesome, cupcake!”

Hammer grins. “I bet it’ll taste even better after its warmed up on the stove next to the pasta!”

Auriel walks over. “Can I try some?”

“Sure!”

Auriel puts a claw into the bowl and sticks it in her mouth. Smiling widely, she nods enthusiastically as Pinkie calls out from the stove.

“The water’s boiling! Let’s get cooking!”

Ten minutes later Hammer pours the now cooked noodles into a strainer over the sink. Steam billows out from them as she shakes it. Pouring them back into the pot they cooked in she returns to the table. Pinkie hops over with two plates as Hammer uses tongs to place the noodles into position. Rainbow Dash ladles the sauce into two separate bowls and puts them on a serving tray as Auriel carries the now covered noodles over. Fluttershy and Applejack join them with two salads. Adding them to the serving platters they look the food over one last time. Fluttershy giggles.

“It looks wonderful!”

Applejack nods. “Smells good too!”

Rainbow Dash looks around at everyone. “I think we did it, girls!”

Pinkie giggles. “Yup!”

“Trixie will run this over to the happy couple now.”

Hammer gives her a thumbs up. “Okay. We’ll finish up here.”

Trixie pushes the dinner cart out the door as Pinkie turns to Hammer.

“I think you may have mismeasured!”

Hammer appears confused. “Oh?”

Rainbow Dash looks into the pot and sighs. “Yeah. You cooked WAY too many noodles, cupcake!”

Hammer smiles slyly. “Oh no I didn’t.”

Applejack holds up the pot of tomato sauce. “Well, what are we supposed to do with this?!”

Fluttershy sighs. “Yes, even if Arc and Rarity ask for seconds, this is just too much.”

Hammer laughs. “It’s for us!”

Pinkie grins hugely. “OHHHHHHH!!!”

Auriel claps happily. “Wonderful! I’ve been salivating ever since setting eyes on their meal.”

“I’ll serve everyone some noodles. Y’all can try them without the sauce then with it to taste the difference.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Sounds like a plan!”

Meanwhile, Trixie returns to the room. Knocking lightly she enters with the cart. Carefully setting the plates on the table she steps back and smiles.

“How does it look?”

Arc smiles. “Very nice. Smells good too.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, it does.”

“Trixie will come check on you two in a bit.”

Arc grins as he looks through his dish’s lid. “Thank you.”

She bows respectfully and leaves the room with the cart. Closing the door, Trixie sits down on her haunches and looks out the window at the stars.

“Trixie thinks about twenty minutes should do it.”

Chapter 12 - Indigestion

<Meanwhile, Arc and Rarity uncover their dishes. Arc inhales deeply and smiles.

“That really does smell good!”

Rarity smiles and nods. “I agree.”

Picking up his bowl of sauce, Arc carefully pours it on the pile of pasta before him. Mixing it in, he swirls the noodles around his fork and takes a bite. Rarity watches him carefully.

“How is it?”

“Amazing! You should try it!””

Nodding, Rarity picks up a fork and knife with her magic. Arc watches as she begins manipulating her utensils.

“Rarity, what are you doing?”

“Cutting it.”

“Why not just eat it like this?”

He demonstrates again with his fork. Rarity shakes her head.

“Oh, I could never do that. It’s unbecoming a lady.”

“But we’re alone.”

Rarity sighs. “I just couldn’t bring myself to do that.”

“At least try it with some of the sauce. It’s amazing!”

Rarity shakes her head, vehemently. “Not a chance! Such a garnishment could potentially stain this wonderful dress Princess Cadance ordered made just for tonight!”

“Good point. But I think I may have an idea.”

“Oh?”

“Why don’t you just take that dress off?”

Rarity gasps. “We’re on our date though, Arc! I have to look my best!”

“I won’t force you to, of course. But I would really like it if you could try this food.”

Rarity sighs. “If that’s what you want, then I shall do so.”

Standing up, she walks nervously over to the bed. Carefully unzipping the dress, Rarity uses her magic to pull it off over her head. Hanging it up neatly in a nearby wardrobe, she returns to the table. Looking away cautiously, she speaks in almost a whisper.

“Is this… okay?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Rarity. You still look amazing.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Th-thank you.”

“Now please, try the noodles before they get cold.”

Casting a Telekinesis Spell, Rarity pours the sauce over her spaghetti and picks up her fork again. Bringing it to her mouth, she chews it gingerly as Arc nods approvingly.

“How did you like it?”

“Heavenly! I’ve never tasted tomato sauce quite like it!”

“Me either.”

“I wonder how the girls did this?!”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

Rarity giggles. “My friends are the ones whom cooked this meal.”

“All of them?”

“Yes. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Auriel, and Hammer were waiting in the kitchen for our order.”

“And the menu?”

“Just a list of things at least one of them has experience with.”

She spears a baby tomato with her fork and smiles.

“This salad has Fluttershy written all over it.”

“How about the spaghetti?”

“I’m not sure. We’ll have to ask them that.”

Arc grins. “Oh, I will. This recipe is one that I want for my own collection.”

They go back to eating. Eventually Arc looks up to his date as he refills her glass.

“Rarity, I was just wondering something.”

“Yes, dear?”

“How’s Sweetie Belle doing?”

“Truthfully, she was a bit under the weather up until recently. I think she really missed you, Arc.”

“How is she now though?”

“All right I suppose.”

“Do you think it was because I separated her and Dinky during Christmas?”

Rarity sighs. “That may have been it, yes. I’m told she was much improved when school started again yesterday.”

“I see.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. Sweetie Belle’s a tough cookie, after all.”

“Yes, well…. I’ll try not to split them apart again.”

“Split them?”

Arc nods. “Yes, she, Apple Bloom, and Dinky have a very special bond together.”

“That’s what worries me.”

“Me too.”

“Even you?”

“Even me.”

“Then why did you send Dinky back?”

Arc sighs. “Because I can’t keep them apart. That trio really needs one another. Kinda like a matched set.”

“And you think it’s for the best that they continue to see one another?”

“I do, yes.”

Rarity breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! For a moment there I thought you might suggest they should be kept apart.”

“Truthfully, I did briefly consider it.”

“What made you change your mind?”

“Dinky told me about how they went on an adventure together when I was gone.”

“We tried to find them for the longest time, Arc! Really, we did!”

“I’m told that too. But they were always one step ahead of you and the others.”

“Sweetie Belle said they were able to teleport with their powers like they’ve done in the past as well as use your sigil gauntlet.”

Arc chuckles. “They certainly stayed busy.”

“And Sereb was with them as well.”

“That I’m grateful for.”

“So please don’t be too upset with them.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Upset?”

“They were only trying to find you, after all.”

“Yes, I know. And it’s in the past.”

“But it still bothers you, doesn’t it?”

Arc nods as he toys with his food. “I know Dinky and her friends are powerful, and all. However, to me at least, she’s just my little girl.”

Rarity smiles and puts a hoof across the table. Patting Arc’s hand she smiles up at him.

“We both want what’s best for our fillies. The day will come when they have to spread their wings and leave the nest though.”

“I know. But I’d like to stay with her as long as possible.”

“Me too.”

They continue eating for some time. Eventually there is a small knock at the door. Trixie quietly enters with another bottle of iced juice on her dinner cart. Wheeling it over to the pair she swaps out the new bottle for the old and turns to them.

“Trixie hopes everything was to your…”

She stops talking as her gaze falls on Rarity. Staring back, Rarity appears confused.

“Is something wrong?”

“I, um…”

Rarity points a hoof toward the wardrobe. “If it’s about the dress I carefully took it off so as not to get tomato sauce on it.”

Trixie shakes her head. “N-no, I… uh…”

Arc frowns. “What is it Trixie?”

Trixie points at Rarity with a hoof. “Her… face.”

Rarity gasps. “WHAT?!”

“Forgive Trixie! She didn’t mean it in that way! There’s just something on it.”

Arc squints. “I don’t see anything.”

“May I escort you to the restroom, miss?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, please.”

Rising, she turns to Arc.

“I’m sorry. It’s probably just a bit of running mascara or whatnot. Be back in a few minutes.”

Trixie leads Rarity to the adjoining bathroom. Arc takes the fresh bottle of juice and begins pouring. As he does so a blood curdling scream rings out. Dropping the bottle he runs to the bathroom. Entering, he sees Rarity desperately rubbing her face with both of her hooves as Trixie stands to one side nervously holding a towel.

“What’s going on?!”

“Trixie, um… can’t really say.”

Rarity grabs the towel and rubs her face vehemently. “Arc, please!”

“Rarity?!”

“Wait for me in the other room! I need to fix this before you see me again!”

Looking to Trixie, Arc sees her grimacing. Nodding, he does as Rarity asks. Hearing the door click shut she pulls the towel down and looks in the mirror, her eyes shut.

“Is it still there!”

Trixie nods sadly. “Yes.”

Rarity groans as she falls backwards onto the floor.

“Of all the worst possible things that could happen, this is the WORST… POSSIBLE… THING!!!”

Trixie nervously approaches as Rarity sobs. “Is there… um… anything Trixie can do for you?”

“No! I want to be alone! I want to wallow in… whatever it is that ponies are supposed to wallow in! Do ponies wallow in pity?! Oh, listen to me! I don't even know what I'm supposed to wallow in!”

She wails loudly and rolls as Trixie looks around for inspiration. Spotting a bathrobe hanging on the back of the door she grabs it and hurries back to the wailing mare.

“Rarity?”

Looking up at the unicorn before her, she spots the robe and groans.

“That won’t fix my problem!”

“No, it won’t. But hear Trixie out.”

“I don’t…”

“What can you tell Trixie about this?”

Rarity looks at it for a few moments, sniffling. “It’s a garment from the Polomare line that was endorsed last year by fashion critic Hoity Toity.”

“Does that mean it’s quality?”

Rarity turns away to look at the wall. “Yes, very much so.”

“Then I suggest you look at it a bit closer.”

Rarity rolls over and looks at the robe again.

“It looks fine. What is the problem?”

“Shining Armor taught Trixie to identify holes in security and flaws in designs. Look here… the stitching is out of alignment here, here, and here.”

Rarity sits up and grabs the robe. Looking it over she gasps.

“Yes… yes it is! How in Celestia’s name did I not notice that?!”

“Because you were only looking at the name on the outside. Not what really mattered on the inside.”

“What are you saying?”

Trixie sighs as she hangs up the robe. “Trixie means that you should think more on what you can’t see on the inside than what’s on the outside. Arc certainly does.”

“How… do you know that?”

“When Trixie was caught by him, she was arrested and thrown into the dungeon. Beaten and forced to sign a document that stated Trixie had done innumerable terrible things that she had not, Arc came and took her out of there. When Trixie told him what she had been forced to do he broke into Captain Decimus’ quarters and stole the confession. Without that piece of evidence, Trixie was spared a life in prison.”

“Arc… did that for you?”

“Yes.”

“Why? I mean… you were a criminal back then.”

“Trixie can only assume he did it for the same reason she was recommended for promotion to lieutenant. Because he and others saw something inside Trixie that even she herself could not. The ability to become something more.”

She kneels down and pats Rarity’s shoulder.

“If you go out there right now and carry on as though nothing has happened I’m sure Arc will overlook it.”

“Are you sure?”

“If Arc can look past Trixie’s crimes from back then he should have no trouble overlooking… that.”

Rarity nods and stands up. Turning, she looks in the mirror and forces a small smile as she speaks.

“Would you please go out there and get my dress? I want to look my best for my dinner date, after all.”

Trixie smiles and nods. “Yes, miss.”

Leaving the bathroom, Trixie hurries over to the dress. Picking it up with her magic, she looks to a very concerned Arc. Smiling and nodding she rushes back to the bathroom. A short time later both mares exit together. Rarity returns to her seat in front of Arc as Trixie quickly clears the table before pulling out her notepad again and clears her throat.

“Can Trixie interest you two in some dessert?”

“That sounds nice. Um… how about you, Rarity?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, please. But please tell the chefs not to go to any trouble.”

“How about some Chocolate Covered Strawberries?”

“That sounds lovely, yes!”

Trixie looks to Arc. “And you, sir?”

“I could go for a bowl of ice cream.”

“Very good. Trixie will bring that right out.”

She hurries to the door and quickly exits. Meanwhile Arc turns to Rarity.

“You okay?”

“I am now, yes.”

“Good.”

“Trixie and I just had a little talk.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What about?”

“A bathrobe.”

“A… what?”

Rarity giggles. “Nothing, my dear. Um… I would like to ask you one thing though.”

“What is it?”

“How do you feel about me?”

“I love you very much.”

Rarity shakes her head as she motions to her face. “No, no. I mean… how do you feel about… me.”

Arc smiles warmly. “That I’m with the most beautiful mare imaginable.”

A tear escapes Rarity’s eye and runs down her face as she smiles uncontrollably. Hopping off of her chair she runs to Arc and lunges into his arms. Catching her, she presses her face against his chest as she wraps her hooves around him. They sit there embracing for a long moment before Rarity looks up into Arc’s eyes.

“And you’re the most handsome stallion I’ve ever seen.”

Arc looks away. “Less so now.”

Rarity sits back, confused. “What do you mean?”

Arc puts a hand to his belly. “I’ve developed quite a few more scars since you first saw my body in your shower before the peace summit. Under these clothes… isn’t a pretty sight anymore.”

Rarity smiles and puts her front hooves on his chest.

“I don’t mind, Arc. After all, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

She looks into his eyes as Arc does the same. He moves toward her lips as she does too. Moments before they kiss though, Rarity draws back. Arc appears confused.

“Rarity?”

“I… just wanted to be sure. My face… it doesn’t bother you that I…”

Putting a hand on the back of her head, Arc pulls her into a kiss. Her eyes soften and tears flow from them as she leans into his embrace. They continue for some time before Arc pulls back and smiles.

“No, Rarity. It doesn’t bother me at all.”

A short time later Trixie returns with her dinner cart. She knocks and enters softly. Looking over she spots Rarity sitting on Arc’s lap as he gently strokes her mane. Trixie wordlessly walks over and sets the desserts before them before stepping back and speaking softly.

“Will there be anything else, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you. You are dismissed.”

“Yes sir.”

As she turns to leave, Rarity stretches out one of her back hooves and taps Trixie. As she turns back Rarity mouths the words ‘thank you’ and smiles. Understanding, the mare returns the smile and pushes her cart to the door wordlessly. Giggling as she walks back toward the kitchen, Trixie grins.

“Trixie thinks Rarity worries too much. A blind pony could see that Arc is smitten with her.”

Arriving back at the kitchen, Trixie finds everyone just finishing the dishes. Rainbow Dash groans as the mare enters.

“Please tell me they’ve had enough!”

Trixie nods. “Yes. Arc dismissed Trixie for the evening.”

Pinkie giggles. “Aw… I had hoped he’d want some cupcakes!”

Fluttershy sighs. “It’s not good manners to overeat while out on a date.”

Applejack shrugs. “I guess that’s true.”

Auriel turns to the mare. “Yes, well… did everything go as planned, Trixie?”

“For the most part, yes.”

Hammer grimaces. “Uh oh. What happened?”

Trixie sighs. “Apparently the same thing that happened to everypony here.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her mouth. “Oh… that.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “Was Arc upset?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head vehemently. “No way! He doesn’t care about stuff like that!”

Pinkie bounces in place. “Right! I’m sure he thought Rarity was still beautiful! Even with the fur around her mouth stained red!”

Hammer chuckles sheepishly. “I hope you apologized to her for that. Honestly, I didn’t even consider how the tomato sauce would stain fur when I made it.”

Applejack sighs. “Nopony did.”

Fluttershy giggles nervously. “A mistake on our part.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she looks at her reflection in the pan. “Well, I think it looks kinda cool!”

Trixie clears her throat loudly. “Yes, well… now I know why Princess Cadance requires the help of her Hoof Maidens after a meal of spaghetti. She needs their assistance to remove the stains from her muzzle.”

Auriel looks them over. “Do you think they could lend their aid tomorrow?”

“Trixie will be sure to pass that on to them in the morning. Not sure how they do it, but Trixie has also never seen Princess Cadance look anything but radiant.”

Applejack shrugs. “Whatever they do must work then.”

Hammer tosses a dishcloth in the nearby hamper. “Well, we’ve got the kitchen back in order, clean, and the dishes put away. I say we’ve done our good deed for the day.”

Pinkie grins. “Not quite!”

Fluttershy tilts her head to one side. “Oh?”

Applejack frowns. “What else is there to do?”

Auriel giggles. “I get it now!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Someone want to let me in on what the heck’s going on?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Who’s going out with Arc next is what they mean!”

Auriel raises a claw. “I wouldn’t mind a turn.”

Hammer laughs. “Me either.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “You’ve already been on several, cupcake!”

“Yeah, but that was when Arc was just trying to get information out of me!”

Fluttershy sighs. “That sounds bad when you say it out loud.”

Applejack groans. “Yes, it does.”

Hammer shrugs. “Don’t worry. I already forgave him.”

Pinkie’s eyes light up happily. “I think I have an idea that could solve this?!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What? Draw straws?”

Pinkie shakes her head. “No, silly! Have Hammer and Auriel go with Arc together!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “That’s kinda… impersonal.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “Yeah! That and I don’t think they’d be willing to…”

Auriel interrupts her. “I’d be okay with it. Orgies among demons are quite commonplace, after all.”

Hammer grins wickedly. “And I wouldn’t mind sharing Arc with someone as good looking as you, Auriel. Might be kinda kinky.”

Auriel giggles happily. “Honestly, I was thinking the same thing about you, Hammer. You can help make my first time special.”

“I can?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Be sure and tell me if I’m doing something wrong.”

“Oh! Uh… that might be kinda hard.”

Rainbow Dash elbows Hammer with a sly smile on her face. “What’s wrong, cupcake? Got cold hooves all of a sudden?”

Hammer hangs her head. “Nah. It’ll be my first time too.”

Auriel appears surprised. “Really?!”

“Yeah. I never did too well with my love life. Guess my sisters were right about me being too forward.”

Rainbow Dash puffs out her chest. “Well then, I guess I’ll have to show you girls the ropes!”

Fluttershy turns to her friends. “Oh? And how many ponies have you been with, Rainbow Dash?”

“A lot! Wait! I mean…!”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “Name one.”

“Well… I’ve never been… with somepony before. But I fantasize about it a lot!”

Fluttershy blushes. “Oh… my…”

Auriel turns to the others. “Has anyone here ever had sex before?”

They look around and shake their heads. Trixie decides to speak up.

“Well, that should be okay. After all, Arc’s more interested in what’s on the inside than anything else.”

Pinkie grins slyly. “Right! But just like Hammer and Auriel, we ALL want some cream filling too! Who’s with me!”

The other mares cheer happily as Hammer and Auriel facepalm.

“And now I’m worried.”

“Me too.”

“Trixie thinks this will not end well.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 13 - Declaring Her Intentions

Meanwhile, Arc and Rarity rise from the table and sit on the couch front of the fireplace for a long time. Rarity is the first to speak as Arc uses his magic to toss another log onto the dwindling fire.

“It’s still rather cold these nights.”

“A good fire makes all the difference.”

Rarity looks up at him lovingly. “And a good companion.”

Arc smiles as he boops the tip of her horn. “That it does.”

Rarity gasps and shudders as Arc looks to her sheepishly.

“Sorry about that. I forgot a unicorn’s horn is rather… sensitive.”

Rarity rolls into his lap. “No, Arc. I liked it and would love for you to give me more.”

Arc smiles and strokes her mane. “That we really do need to wait on.”

“Oh?”

“I wouldn’t feel right going that far with any of you until we’re properly married.”

“Is that a human tradition?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not as a whole, no. But it’s how things are done in my family.”

Rarity whispers. “I wouldn’t tell.”

“Rarity…”

Rarity giggles. “Alright. If that’s what you want, that’s what we’ll do.”

“Thank you for understanding. But I want you to know that if I’m ever asking too much of you and the others please let me know.”

“Of course. But we’d like to ask the same of you.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you’d ever like to take things to the next level, you have but only to ask. Any one of us would be willing and able.”

“Th-thanks.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Not really. I was just wondering something?”

“What’s that?”

“Is all of this real?”

Rarity appears confused. “I beg your pardon?”

“Sorry, I mean… look, do you remember that incident quite some time ago where you and Applejack wanted me to bed you on your shop floor?”

Rarity blushes and looks away. “Yes. Thank goodness Sweetie Belle didn’t have to see me that way.”

“I was just thinking. Could it be possible that you and the others are just having a relapse?”

“That’s not likely, no.”

“But you’re saying it IS possible?”

“I don’t really know how things like that work, so I’m not the one to advise you on such matters.”

“That would be terrible.”

Rarity giggles as she nuzzles Arc’s belly. “Not for us.”

“Yes it would be.”

“Huh?”

“I care for all of you very much, of course.”

“And we for you, Arc!”

“Yes, well… I’ve just been wondering lately if that’s really the case. Tell me, how much do you remember from that time?”

Rarity sighs. “Everything was a haze when we had an episode, so I couldn’t really say for certain. How bad were we?”

“All of you were to the point that I could have had my way with any one of you.”

“Thank you for not doing that to us then. But remember, things have changed. All of us honestly want you to…”

“…bed you?”

“Ultimately, yes.”

Arc sighs. “I’d really like that too if we’re being totally honest here.”

Rarity smiles slyly. “Then let’s do it.”

“Sorry, Rarity. But I need to know for sure that this isn’t being caused by the toxin from back then.”

“Very well. What should we do?”

“You and the others should probably have an examination by Doctor Horse in Ponyville when you get back. He can take some blood samples to find out for sure.”

“I’ll pass that on to the others tomorrow morning.”

“Sorry if it sounds like I don’t trust all of you.”

Rarity shakes her head and smiles. “Oh no, quite the opposite.”

“Huh?”

“You’re so concerned for our feelings that you want us to make sure we’re doing all of this of our own accord.”

Arc groans. “I just don’t want to find out it was all due to some old plant no one remembers.”

Rarity sits up and puts a hoof on his cheek lovingly.

“There’s something I need to say to you, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“The love I feel for you, as well as that from my friends… all of it is real. We all love you and want to spend the rest of our lives with you.”

“I’d like that too. But we have to be sure.”

Rarity smiles. “If that would help, we’ll comply.”

She moves in and presses her lips against Arc’s for a light kiss. He wraps his arms around the mare in his lap and smiles.

“I love you, Rarity.”

“And I love you too, Arc. We all do.”

Sometime later they remove their formal attire and carefully hang them up. Climbing into bed, the pair hold one another and look into the other’s eyes.

“Thank you for a wonderful evening, Arc.”

“I just showed up. Our friends are the ones whom are deserving of thanks.”

Rarity giggles. “And I’ll mention that to them tomorrow, of course. But none of this would have been possible without your approval.”

Arc appears confused. “My… approval?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. My friends and I never thought you would be interested in the whole herd idea. Yet here we are.”

Arc shrugs. “I admit, it did make a lot of sense after I had time to think about it.”

“So… is that a ‘yes’ then?”

Arc shakes his head. “I need more time to be sure. Things need to calm down before anything more can be done about it.”

“When do you suppose that would be?”

“Twilight convincing Celestia that what she’s been told is a lie would do it.”

“Anything else?”

“Decimus’ permanent death would certainly help as well. Along with Admiral Gaston’s, that is.

“What about the ambassador?”

Arc appears confused. “Who?”

“The new arrival from the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Goldstone?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Lady Ashe.”

Arc clenches a fist. “What?!”

“I’m sorry, I thought you knew.”

Arc groans. “Of all the griffons whom could have… who’s idea was that?!”

“Twilight says Lady Ashe approached Princess Celestia personally and was granted her request. The three of them have breakfast together most days as of late.”

Arc frowns. “Do they now?”

“Oh, yes. Twilight says she’s a very nice individual. Always trying to learn more about our land’s traditions.”

“I think she’s feeling us out.”

“Feeling… what now?”

“Spying.”

Rarity gasps. “But Twilight’s already taken her on as a student! She spends several hours a day tutoring her on Equestrian history, etiquette, and geography!”

Arc groans. “Great. Can this get any worse?”

“It just might. Decimus promoted her protector, Admiral Gaston, to the position of Captain of the Royal Guard just before Hearth’s Warming.”

“It got worse.”

“Twilight says he’s a very kind individual and has shown himself to be a very good student.”

“Student?”

“He takes lessons from Twilight as well on Equestrian etiquette and history mostly. Well, when he isn’t doing his job, that is.”

Arc puts his hand over his face and growls.

“That slime.”

“Arc?”

“He was there when Celestia tried to kill me. Trust me when I say that he’s up to no good.”

Rarity gasps. “Is Twilight in danger?!”

Arc shakes his head and pulls out the Dagger of Eternal Slumber. “No. He can’t kill her without this.”

“But he could hurt her!”

“Yes. However, if everything I’ve heard about Celestia is true, she’d immediately kill him with extreme prejudice.”

“She is very protective of Twilight, yes.”

“I’ve heard that too. But this whole thing needs to end soon.”

“Agreed. But why don’t we get some sleep now, Arc? After all, there’s nothing more to be done about it tonight.”

Arc yawns. “Yes, I guess you’re right.”

Rarity nods and snuggles up to Arc. For a time there is only the sound of their breathing. Eventually Rarity breaks the silence.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“You’re worried about Twilight, aren’t you?”

“I am, yes.”

“She’s a smart mare. If anypony over there tries anything funny, she’ll see it coming from a mile away.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive!”

Arc sighs. “I sure hope so. But I won’t be happy until this is over and Twilight’s out of there.”

Rarity sounds confused. “Out of… where?”

“Canterlot.”

“But she’s a princess now, Arc. Her place is in the castle.”

“I disagree.”

“Where should she be then?”

“Wherever she’s happy.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “And you don’t think that’s Canterlot?”

Arc shakes his head. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because she was always happiest when with all of us.”

“I’m sure she’s making friends over there too.”

“That would be for the best.”

Rarity nods. “After all, a Princess of Friendship with no friends is rather hard to imagine. Tell me something though, Arc. Did you see the coronation?”

“I was on a nearby balcony, yes.”

“How did she look?”

“Truthfully?”

“Yes.”

“Sad.”

“Sad?”

“That she did.”

“I would have thought that event would have been one of the happiest imaginable!”

“Most of the time she stood back from Celestia, alone. I imagine she had wanted you and the others with her.”

Rarity sighs. “We weren’t notified of the coronation. Nopony in Equestria was. All we heard was that Princess Celestia was going to address the nation.”

Arc clenches a fist under the covers.

“Celestia… loving ruler.”

“Arc?”

“I’ve heard a lot about her since coming to Equestria, of course. But to date I’ve seen very little of what she’s supposedly supposed to be like.”

“Give it time. Remember, she went through quite a lot this past year.”

“That’s what worries me.”

“Oh? “

“She may have been mentally damaged beyond what is known.”

“Given how experienced she is, I trust she’ll be able to work through these problems. With the help of Twilight, that is.”

“I do hope you’re right.”

Early the next morning Arc and Rarity are awakened to the sounds of frantic poundings on the door. Getting up quickly, Arc pulls a set of his normal clothes out of the magic ring as Rarity groggily sits up.

“Arc…? What’s… going on?”

Arc grimaces as he pulls up his pants. “I don’t know. But it sounds important.”

Walking over to the door he opens it to find Trixie standing there trotting in place frantically. She salutes as best she is able.

“Trixie is sorry to disturb you, sir! But Princess Cadance has urgent need of you in the Audience Chamber!”

Arc nods soberly. “Alright. One moment.”

He turns and looks over his shoulder at Rarity as she gets up.

“I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

Rarity sighs. “It’s fine. I’ll go raise our friends. This sounds to be a very serious matter indeed.”

“Trixie thinks that’s probably a good idea!”

They leave the room and go their separate ways. Arc turns to Trixie as Rarity takes a different corridor.

“What’s going on?”

“Trixie is not at liberty to say. But it seems to have something to do with the sun not rising.”

Arc looks out the window at the moon overhead. “Dare I ask what time it is?”

“Mid-morning.”

“And everyone waited this long to come get me, why?!”

“Forgive Trixie, but she was under orders not to disturb you two during your… um… sleep.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks. But we need to do something about this, and soon. However, I need to take care of one thing first.”

“Sir?”

“Where’s the nearest bathroom?”

A short time later the pair arrive at the Audience Chamber. Rarity and the others are already outside waiting. Applejack is the first to speak.

“Morning, Arc.”

Pinkie giggles. “Have a nice time last night?!”

“I did, thanks. Um… but it looks like all of you need the same help Rarity does with those tomato stains.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Perhaps later. Right now we need to see Princess Cadance!”

Fluttershy nods soberly. “Right. Is everypony ready?”

Auriel yawns. “Sort of.”

Rose puts a hand on her shoulder. “Maybe you should go back to bed.”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, I might be able to help.”

Hammer motions toward the doors. “Let’s go!”

Entering, Arc approaches the throne where Shining Armor and Cadance are gathered with Arc's squad and Sereb. They look over at the newcomers as they approach with bleary eyes. Trixie looks around before speaking.

“Trixie would say that everypony is present and accounted for, Princess Cadance.”

“Yes. Thank you for coming, everypony. I apologize for the short notice, but this matter is beyond me.”

Arc frowns. “What’s going on, Cadance?”

“I fear something terrible has happened to Aunt Celestia.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “As far as anypony knows, she’s never once failed to raise the sun on time.”

Hammer appears confused. “Raise the sun?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “She literally has to use her magic to start the sun on its trip across the sky, cupcake.”

Rarity looks out a window. “Yes, she’s always very punctual on that matter.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Maybe she overslept?!”

Applejack sighs. “It’s not likely. After all, she has an army of servants to help see to it that doesn’t happen.”

Max groans. “And this is causing considerable panic amongst the citizens of the Crystal Empire.”

Xenos nods. “And Equestria too, I would imagine.”

Hugh turns to Viktor. “Do you suppose Captain Decimus has made his move?”

“It seems so, yes.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Oh my!”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Couldn’t you just raise the sun for her?”

Arc raises his hands and looks toward the windows. “I suppose so.”

Cadance cries out. “Arc, wait!”

“What…?”

Shining Armor frowns. “This might be exactly what Decimus wants!”

Rose sighs. “The use of such powerful magical powers could be linked back to either you or Princess Luna.”

“Trixie believes it’s possible that he’s looking to capture her royal majesty.”

Sereb growls. “Or confirm once and for all that you’re still alive, Arc.”

Arc groans. “So what should we do then?! Leave the moon where it is?!”

Rarity turns to the princess. “Could you do it, Princess Cadance?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Sadly, no. My magical powers are nowhere near that level yet.”

Auriel gasps. “Wait! Are you saying…?!”

Cadance smiles sheepishly. “Yes. Arc eclipsed my power quite some time ago.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Really?! Just how powerful do you suppose he is?!”

Shining Armor grimaces. “We were discussing that as everypony entered.”

Sereb nods. “It is likely that Arc is currently roughly as powerful as Princess Luna as it stands.”

Rose puts a finger to her cheek thoughtfully. “Perhaps more if we were to factor in his Dark Magic.”

Auriel gasps. “Dark… Magic?”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Your powers as a Crimson are indeed formidable, yes.”

Rainbow Dash appears relieved. “I’m sure glad he’s on our side.”

Hammer puts a hand on the pegasi’s head. “You and me both, blue.”

Rarity frowns. “So what is the plan then? Have Arc travel to Equestria and take on Decimus again?!”

Applejack grits her teeth. “I sure hope not.”

Fluttershy gasps. “The entire Council of Shadows might come after him!”

Max turns to Arc. “That may be what they’re planning. Drawing you in for the kill, sir.”

“Wish you hadn’t worded it like that.”

Cadance sighs. “I wish Luna was here right now. She’d know what to do about…”

The doors to the Audience Chamber fly open. Scootaloo runs in breathlessly wearing her traditional cloak.

“Big Brother! We’ve got trouble!”

“What’s wrong?!”

“You see, when the sun didn’t rise I decided to come over here and see if I could help out somehow! Or more accurately, the Scarlet Filly did!”

She reaches into her saddlebags and pulls out a scroll.

“A messenger was pacing in front of the Audience Chamber doors when I arrived. He had wanted to deliver this, but the guards wouldn’t let him in.”

Shining Armor nods. “I gave orders that we were not to be disturbed, yes.”

“Trixie wonders how you were allowed entrance though.”

Scootaloo sighs as she allows the scroll to be taken from her hoof by Cadance’s magic. “I… may have manipulated their minds.”

Rainbow Dash squeals, trots in place, and gushes. “You can DO that?!”

“Y-yeah. I’m not too proud of it, but…”

Arc interrupts her. “It’s fine, Scootaloo.”

Auriel looks to Cadance. “What does the letter say?”

Rose frowns. “Can we assume it’s from Princess Celestia?”

Cadance grits her teeth. “Yes. Aunt Celestia has… decided to send troops here to the Crystal Empire.”

Rarity gasps. “What?!”

Fluttershy looks out the window nervously. “Oh my!”

Rainbow Dash shadow boxes. “Bring em on!”

Applejack grimaces. “But why?!”

“She claims to be after stolen Equestrian property.”

Shining Armor stomps a hoof angrily. “The Equinox and the papers you took from the castle, Arc.”

“We can’t let her have either!”

Cadance nods. “I agree.”

Max straightens up. What are your orders, princess?

“This matter is… unfortunately… out of my hooves.”

Trixie appears confused. “Princess Cadance?”

“The Equinox was presented to Arc by Luna. While it is technically still the property of Equestria, I cannot order Arc to turn it over to either myself or Aunt Celestia due to his status as the Hero of Light.”

Hammer grins. “So, let’s fly it out of here!”

Sereb motions with a paw. “We could head for the Dragon Lands.”

Scootaloo grins. “Right. I don’t think anypony would be able to follow us, as we took out their new warship.”

Cadance nods. “And the Lunar Destiny is still here in my possession.”

Rose appears thoughtful. “Removing the objects she desires from the Crystal Empire would certainly deter her from attacking it.”

Auriel shrugs. “After all, why try to conquer it after we’ve left?”

Shining Armor frowns. “Cadance and the Crystal Heart may also be their targets as well.”

“Trixie thinks we should evacuate them at once!”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. The Crystal Heart is needed here to protect the empire. As am I.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Cadance…”

“My subjects need me. I will not turn tail and abandon them.”

Rose nods soberly. “Very commendable, your highness. I must also point out that the worst thing Decimus could do would be to capture you, as he is unable to kill a princess as it stands.”

Applejack groans. “But that would give him a powerful bargaining chip!”

Rarity bows her head. “Two if you include the Crystal Heart.”

Cadance looks to Arc. “What should we do?”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, I think we need to meet this aggression head-on. Show them that we won’t be intimidated by either Celestia or Equestria.”

Auriel gasps. “What are you saying, Arc?”

“I think Cadance understands.”

Cadance nods soberly. “Yes. Trixie, bring me a blank scroll and a quill please.”

“Right away, your highness.”

Bringing forth the items, Cadance begins to write. Beads of sweat form on her forehead as she grits her teeth and does so. With a final strike, she puts down the quill and rolls up the scroll. Shining Armor takes it and puts the empire’s seal on it before turning to Scootaloo.

“Take this back to the messenger. Tell them to fly as hard and fast as they are able to get this back to Princess Celestia.”

“Yes sir.”

She grabs the scroll and runs out the doors. Rarity looks to Cadance.

“If I may, your highness, what did you write?”

Cadance grimaces. “A message stating that we would meet any and all aggression with appropriate force.”

Fluttershy shudders. “You… you mean…?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes. The Crystal Empire… is going to war.”

Preface - Volume 38 - Royal Problems

In our previous volume, Arc leads Rarity upstairs for a good night’s sleep as Derpy does the same with the girls. Giving her some night clothes, the pair lie down together. Nervously, Arc confesses to Rarity what he did to manipulate Hammer as well as his new found feelings for her. Accepting his honesty, Rarity assures Arc that he did the right thing. The next morning Arc and company walk to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast. After introducing Rarity to Lily, they sit down and order pancakes. Taking Rarity upstairs to meet Shelly, they tell her of the trouble back in Ponyville. Rarity heads downstairs to tell the others of their plans to eat upstairs as Arc watches Shelly.

Rarity and the others return shortly with stacks of pancakes, plates, cups, and silverware. Derpy and the girls set the table while Arc gets Shelly’s nutrition drink ready. Sitting down together, they talk about the trouble back in Derpy and Rarity’s homeland. Telling Shelly that there is an individual whom is manipulating the ruler of the land as they eat, they are able to convince her of the normalcy which Arc and Rarity have in returning. Clearing the table, they help Shelly back to the living room before Derpy and the girls head downstairs to help Lily run the restaurant. As Arc and Rarity are left together Shelly, the phone rings. Rarity answers it and informs them that it is a man asking to speak to Arc. Thinking it to be Frank, Arc takes the call. The caller reveals themselves to be none other than Wiseman. He tells Arc that Hammer has met with treachery from Stingray and to meet him in the restaurant parking lot immediately. Sereb joins Arc as he hurried downstairs. Finding his Jeep Arc gets inside to find Wiseman in the passenger seat. Driving to the base, Arc pulls over and gets out with the others. Wiseman transfers the sigil enchantment from Eidolon’s Ward’s gauntlet to his new one. Lending his power, he also helps Arc Blink down into the base. Meeting heavy resistance, they follow Wiseman to the detention area. Finding Stingray outside waiting for them, she calls forth a large contingent of new battle androids. Finding them MUCH stronger than the last, Wiseman picks them all up, crushes them with his magic, and allows the parts to fall to the ground around them. Arc engages Stingray only to be thrown violently across the room. Wiseman takes over and impales the young woman with wooden shrapnel from her own attack. Allowing her to live, he, Arc, and Sereb head for a steel door. Knocking, Diva opens a small shutter thinking it to be Stingray. Ripping the door off its hinges, Wiseman immobilizes Diva as Arc grabs Hammer. Leaving the room, the masked man then helps Arc opens a portal back to his Jeep. As they return to the outside they find that Wiseman has vanished. Arc and his trusty steed help Hammer into the vehicle and hurry back toward town.

Returning home, Arc helps Hammer inside and to the bathroom. Having urinated herself earlier, he carefully lowers her into the shower. Staying with her, Hammer tells him of the events leading up to her capture and how Diva had tortured her. Thanking him for rescuing her, Arc helps her back to the bedroom to dress her properly before laying her down. Sereb enters the room to inform him that the others have returned. Heading downstairs he brings them up to speed on his earlier actions that morning. Asking Rarity to follow him to meet Hammer, she agrees. She and Hammer nervously exchange pleasantries as Arc looks on. Mentioning that she too is interested in joining the herd, Rarity is taken aback by the young woman’s forwardness. Helping her downstairs, they sit down to a simple lunch. However as they eat a call comes over Arc’s earring from Cadance. She tells them of Decimus’ actions the past few days, including his taking into custody Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer. Telling the others to get packed, Arc prepares to return to Equestria within the hour.

Meeting up in the living room, Arc calls for Sunburst to open a portal in the next few minutes. Entering, they find themselves in the Crystal Castle’s Throne Room. Arc introduces Hammer to Cadance and those assembled. Cadance tells him of the multi-faceted mission to infiltrate Canterlot Castle. She gives him a blueprint of the castle and his objectives which include sabotaging the new airship, stealing the blueprints, kidnapping Hard Hat and Stellar Flare, and rescuing the Hammers. Leaving via sigil to his airship, The Equinox, Cadance reassures Sunburst of his mother’s safety during the mission.

Arc and his friends appear in his room aboard The Equinox. Laying down, Arc, Rarity, and Hammer rest as the ship is loaded for its mission. Sometime later Arc is notified via his earring of the ship’s imminent takeoff. As it does so he and the ladies head for the window for a view of the city below. Marveling at the Crystal Empire, Hammer appears transfixed. As they reach cruising altitude Arc heads to the Bridge with the others to announce himself. Giving the orders from Cadance to the captain, he orders his squad summoned to the Bridge. When they arrive he lays out the general plan to infiltrate Canterlot Castle. As Arc’s party regroups in his office he tells them everything that must be done the following night along with its importance. Returning to his quarters with Hammer and Rarity, Arc opens a portal to allow the rest of the Element Bearers to come to him. Auriel and Rose accompany them. Informing them of the mission ahead they agree to help as well before retiring for the night.

As the ship nears the castle, Arc and his forces shrink themselves down and stow away in Rainbow Dash’s saddlebags. She runs out onto the deck and deftly flies down to the castle gardens below. Making sure the coast is clear, she calls out. Arc slices a hole in the bag and helps the others out before returning them to normal size. Splitting up, Hammer and Rainbow Dash head for the hanger. Locating the new airship, they enter and head for the Bridge. Faking that she’s being attacked, Rainbow Dash is able to convince the guards on duty to try and help her. As they do so, Hammer takes them down two by two. Entering the Bridge they plant the explosives on the O.R.B. controls before making their way toward Engineering. Hearing a patrol, Hammer grabs Rainbow Dash and hides them both in a nearby room. As they pass Rainbow Dash accuses the woman of hurting her mammary glands. Hammer, not realizing that pony anatomy is different in that regard, apologizes. Rainbow Dash, seeing it to be an honest mistake, forgives Hammer as the pair joke around about the whole ordeal as they leave the hanger. Detonating the explosives, the pair run off to join the next team in their mission. Decimus and the Scarlet Filly run up and survey the damage. Talking to one of the guards they learn that a human mare was responsible for the damage to the ship. Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy are joined by Hammer and Rainbow Dash as they prepare to make their own move. Dressed as nurses, Rarity and Fluttershy run up to a door claiming Twilight is sick. After being admitted they quickly put something on Twilight’s horn and explain the situation to her somewhat. Applejack, Hammer, and Rainbow Dash attack the guards and enter the room together. Locking the door, Applejack bucks a table through the patio door and hurries to tie up Twilight as the others make their escape.

Sereb, hearing the window being smashed with his keen hearing, notifies Auriel and Rose to begin their assault. Wearing black robes, they attack the guards on duty in front of the Archives before breaking in to find the notes and blueprints of the new ship and its addons. Hearing Decimus and Scootaloo approaching, Sereb breaks windows, topples statues, and even brings down overhead lights to slow them down. Finding what they need Auriel takes a secret passage to escape while Rose jumps on Sereb’s back and rides away. As Decimus attempts to give chase a patrol hurries to his side with orders from Celestia for him to report to Twilight’s room. Doing so, he and the Scarlet Filly learn that two imposter nurses entered her room while the guards outside were attacked. As they are busy with Twilight, Arc and his squad attack the dungeons. Entering the high security area, Arc finds his two friends strapped to a torture device and barely alive. Putting Steel Hammer on Xenos’ back he takes Silver Hammer in his arms and carefully heads back toward the Hanger. Entering his ship, he learns that everyone other than Scootaloo is aboard. As she volunteers to stay, Arc orders the crew to take off and blast their way out. As they do so Decimus watches them fly away angrily.

Heading for the Infirmary, Arc is told by Redheart that his friends are critically injured. Heading to the Cafeteria he finds Max and makes inquiries about Stellar Flare and Hart Hat. Max leads him to their bunks and aids him in waking them with smelling salts. After showing the pair the heavily wounded Hammers, they are convinced to hear him out. Calling a meeting of his forces along with the Bridge Crew Arc explains the true mission they just completed. Stellar Flare and Hard Hat agree to join him in going against Decimus. As the meeting breaks up for the night the captain and commander head to the Infirmary to see the patients for themselves. Redheart tells them of a prolonged period of massive injuries and scars that litter their bodies. Suspicious, the pair leave with more questions than answers.

Landing in the Crystal Empire, the Hammers are airlifted to the hospital as Arc and company follow them on foot. Entering the hospital they are let to a private waiting room as the doctor examines them. After a nearly twelve hour wait a nurse arrives to escort Arc to the patient’s room. As he looks over his friends, the doctor explains the hard truth about the pair’s condition. Broken ribs, punctured lungs, failing organs, and more. As Scootaloo arrives with Platinum Valve the doctor breaks the news of her mother potentially being paralyzed. Leaving the pair to check on his other patients, the doctor gives them some alone time. As he holds Platinum Valve in his arms Arc vows to kill the one whom did such things to her parents.

Returning angrily to the Crystal Castle, Arc barges into the Audience Chamber with his friends at his heels. Reporting the success of his mission, Arc then informs them of Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer’s conditions. As they talk, a guard enters quickly with a missive from Canterlot. As Cadance reads it she informs them that it is a personal letter from Celestia herself. She demands the return of The Equinox as well as compensation for the damages to her ship and castle. Agreeing to deny the request, or any admittance of guilt on the part of her or the empire, Cadance watches Arc head back to the hospital with Scootaloo and Rose. As he leaves Rarity announces her intentions to help Arc rest. The others naturally agree to help with the plan.

Arc and Shining Armor return to the castle together. Leading the man to a very posh room in the castle he reveals a nice suit in the closet. Leaving to allow Arc to change, he goes to tell the others of Arc’s acceptance of their plan. Showering, Arc gets some basic dating advice from Cherry whom also helps calm his nerves. Dressing, Arc combs his hair nervously before a small knock at the door brings him back to reality. Answering it, he finds Rarity dressed in her formal dress. She leads him to another room with a small table and two chairs lit by candles and a romantic fireplace. Trixie emerges from behind a curtain dressed as a Hoof Maiden and serves them juice. Pulling out an order pad, she takes their dinner orders and head to the kitchen. The mares within help Hammer cook spaghetti and homemade pasta sauce, both for the couple and themselves. Trixie returns to the room with the food and serves the pair. Leaving, she waits outside and looks at the stars.

As the pair uncover their food they begin to eat. Arc marvels at the sauce’s flavor and implores Rarity to try is. Worried that she will stain the dress Cadance had made for her, Arc suggests that she take it off. Doing so, Rarity eats the spaghetti and agrees with Arc’s assessment of it. As Trixie returns with another bottle of juice she points out something on Rarity’s face. Escorting the mare into the nearby bathroom Arc hears her scream out momentarily. Rushing inside, he sees Rarity rubbing her face with her hooves as Trixie stands to one side. Frantically asking him to leave the room, Rarity wallows in self-pity. Trixie convinces her that Arc is more interested in what’s on the inside than the outside. Asking again for her dress, Trixie retrieves it and helps Rarity put it back on. Returning to the table, the pair finish their meal. As Trixie brings the cart back to the kitchen after being dismisses for the evening she notices everyone else’s mouth stained red from the tomato sauce. The mares talk about whom will get to date Arc next after it is suggested that Auriel and Hammer go on a double date with Arc.

The pair sit together for a time before heading to bed together. Arc voices his concerns that Rarity and the others may be under a similar spell that inhibited them before and asks that they get checked out. Falling asleep in each other’s arms, they are awakened early the next morning by Trixie. Telling Arc that he is needed in the Audience Chamber, they part ways while Rarity heads to get her friends. Meeting them outside the room, they enter together. Cadance informs Arc of her suspicions that something has happened to Celestia as the sun has not yet been raised. Preparing to do it himself, Arc is told that it is likely a ruse by Decimus to lure out either him or Luna. As they discuss what to do next Scootaloo runs in with a missive from a recently arrived messenger. Reading the note, Cadance tells everyone of Celestia’s intention to do whatever is necessary to retrieve The Equinox along with the other information stolen from Canterlot. At the suggestion of Arc, she writes a message back declaring her intention to safeguard the land with appropriate force if needed.

However, many questions yet remain.

Will Hammer be able to keep to the straight and narrow? Why did Stingray betray Hammer? What is Decimus REALLY up to? Why did he take down the Hammers? How mad is Celestia going to be after Arc’s mission? Will there be any lasting problems stemming from Arc’s infiltration of Canterlot Castle? What will Celestia do now that there has been an attack on the castle? Will the Hammers be alright? To say nothing for Platinum Valve’s state of mind. Was that REALLY the best time for a date? How would a double date work out? What will come of the hostilities between Canterlot and the Crystal Empire?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Hard Decisions

Everyone gasps. Auriel is the first to speak as Scootaloo returns to Arc’s side.

“Is Shining Armor correct, Princess Cadance?”

Cadance nods sadly. “I’m afraid so.”

Rarity grits her teeth. “But… but you CAN’T fight against Equestria!”

Fluttershy frowns. “Right. They’re ponies just like us!

Arc nods with conviction. “We won’t be fighting against the citizens. Celestia and Decimus will be our only true targets.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “They are?”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “But… but you worked so hard to save her from the bad humans on Earth!”

Rose puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “She may yet be the victim here.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Right! Decimus may simply have her as his prisoner!”

Auriel looks to the scroll. “Wasn’t that note signed by her though?”

“Trixie believes she may have been coerced to do such a thing.”

Sereb growls. “Perhaps by threatening one whom she holds dear.”

Auriel gasps. “Twilight!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “If he is, we’ll rescue them both.”

Hammer frowns. “But what if they aren’t prisoners?”

Cadance sighs. “Then Arc will carry out his duties as this land’s Hero of Light and… do what needs to be done to bring about peace.”

Applejack grimaces. “You mean…?”

Arc nods soberly as he pulls out the Dagger of Eternal Slumber. “Yes. I’ll do whatever it takes to stop both Decimus and Celestia.”

Rarity gasps as she looks at the knife in Arc’s hand. “What about Twilight?!”

“If anything, she’s being manipulated. I’ll be sure not to harm her.”

Shining Armor breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Arc. That’s a load off my mind.”

“Trixie believes that we’ll need her in the future. Especially if Princess Celestia truly is beyond redemption.”

Auriel appears confused. “What do you mean?”

Rose steps forward. “With Princess Celestia dead, Princess Luna would need to ascend the throne to replace her with someone by her side.”

Cadance nods sadly. “I’m needed here in the Crystal Empire, so that task would naturally fall to her.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Well, I’m not much for all this talk of assassination and replacing!”

Arc sighs. “Neither am I, Rainbow Dash. But we need to be prepared for a potential worst case scenario outcome.”

Hammer grins. “He’s right, blue. If you’re ready for the worst, and it doesn’t happen, the rest is a cakewalk.”

Pinkie salivates. “Cake…”

Scootaloo backs away from Pinkie as Cadance looks to Arc.

“I leave this matter in your hands, Arc. What should we do now?”

“Bring the Crystal Empire up to high alert and address the populace. They need to know what Celestia has decreed as well as be assured that you’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.”

Trixie grimaces. “And us?”

“I recommend putting someone in charge of the defense of the city. Just in case Celestia makes good on her threat to attack.”

Shining Armor turns to Cadance. “General Virtuous Lance would be the best choice for that task. After all, he knows the city’s defenses in and out.”

Cadance bows her head. “I agree. However, the general is no longer within the city.”

Scootaloo tilts her head to one side, confused. “Did he retire, or something?”

Hammer frowns. “Fine time for that!”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. I found a resignation letter on his desk yesterday.”

Shining Armor gasps. “WHAT?!”

Trixie groans as she turns to Cadance. “Where did he go?!”

“Equestria.”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “So he’s a traitor?!”

Cadance sighs. “No. The general is a close and personal friend of Aunt Celestia. His letter said he was returning to Canterlot in order to protect the innocent and keep the peace.”

Arc frowns. “Then it’s likely Decimus will use his knowledge of the city to plan an attack on the Crystal Empire soon.”

Rose nods. “Right. We need to be ready.”

Arc turns to the stallion next to Cadance. “Then Shining Armor should head the defense of the city.”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “I can’t. Remember, I’m Cadance’s personal protector.”

Trixie steps forward soberly. “Trixie will do it.”

Applejack gasps. “Trixie?”

“The captain taught Trixie everything she knows about warfare. Trixie knows she can do this.”

Cadance nods. “Very well. I hereby promote you to the rank of ‘colonel’ with full authority to administer your duties in the defense of the city.”

Trixie salutes respectfully. “Trixie will not let you down, your highness.”

The princess turns to Shining Armor.

“Trixie will coordinate the defense of the city. However, I need you to oversee this war as a whole.”

“M-me, Cadance?”

“Yes. I admit that my own experience regarding the military and war is sadly almost non-existent. However, you have been in combat numerous time and emerged victorious.”

“But I’d be going up against Decimus and Virtuous Lance! They’re legends in the field!”

Scootaloo chuckles. “In that you have the advantage.”

“I do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Neither of them ever allowed you to lead in the past. So what you’ll do will certainly be a surprise to them.”

Rose grins. “It will keep them guessing.”

Hammer shrugs. “Tactically sound, I suppose.”

Shining Armor looks to Cadance soberly. “Then yes… I accept.”

“Very well, General Shining Armor. You will have full authority to act on my behalf on all matters. An order from you will carry the same weight as if it came from me.”

“I’ll do my best, Cadance.”

Sereb looks to the alicorn. “What will you be doing then, princess?”

“I will focus my time and energy in taking care of the day to day affairs of the land and its citizens. That will give Trixie and Shining Armor the chance to focus solely on their duties.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“Now all that’s left to do is figure out what you’ll do.”

“I’ll head to Canterlot with some soldiers to assault the castle and try to bring this whole thing to an end before it can even get started.”

Rarity grimaces. “That sounds very dangerous!”

Scootaloo nods. “It will be, yes. But if we’re successful the citizens will be saved from a potentially long and drawn out conflict.”

Hammer sighs. “While I’m sure they’d like that, I’m not convinced even you could pull something like that off, Arc.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah. This could just be a plot to force us out into the open.”

Cadance frowns. “Agreed. But you must do what you will, Arc. Before you arrived I instructed Shining Armor to order your troops from Light’s Hope to board The Equinox.”

Shining Armor sighs. “They should already be aboard and situated along with enough supplies to feed all of you for at least six months.”

Fluttershy turns to Trixie nervously. “You don’t really think it will take that long… do you?”

“Trixie hopes not. But it’s better to err on the side of caution.”

Scootaloo looks to Cadance. “We should get going then.”

“That would be for the best, yes.”

Shining Armor looks out the window to the south. “With The Equinox gone, Equestria will have no reason to attack us… hopefully.”

Auriel turns to him. “Might I accompany you as well, Arc?”

“I suppose so. But this is going to be dangerous.”

Auriel smirks. “You forget our last trip to Earth then.”

“Touché.”

Rose steps forward. “I will come as well.”

Sereb growls. “Our Life Pact is still intact. I am coming too.”

Hammer grins wickedly. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’m in.”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised as she turns to her friend. “But this isn’t your fight, cupcake. Why would you risk your life to…?”

“For better or worse, this is my home now. It’s not like I can just go back to Earth and forget everything I’m seen, blue.”

“Then I’ll come too!”

Cadance frowns. “I caution against that.”

“Trixie thinks the five of you would do better back in Ponyville.”

Shining Armor nods. “Things will be really hectic for a while. Everypony could help the mayor keep order.”

Fluttershy shudders. “My animals must be getting worried about me too.”

Applejack nods. “That and Rarity and I need to get back home to take care of Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.”

Rarity sighs. “I suppose we do. However, I also feel that my place is by Arc’s side as well.”

Arc kneels down and takes her hoof. “This is going to be really dangerous, Rarity. I’d prefer you return to Ponyville with the others and stay safe.”

“But…!”

“Remember what happened last time someone I cared for tried to help during a battle?”

Rarity nods and sighs before continuing.

“Yes, well… Sweetie Belle and I will be waiting for you back home then.”

Pinkie bounces happily. “We all will!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “So come back safe!”

Hammer chuckles. “I’ll watch his back.”

Sereb grins toothily. “As will I.”

Auriel raises a claw. “Don’t forget about me!”

Scootaloo giggles. “And me too!”

Rose calls forth her R-Cannon and L-Blade. “Or me.”

Max salutes. “We’ll be there too.”

Xenos grins. Nothing’s getting past us.

Hugh nods. “Right!”

Viktor grits his teeth. “At least not in one piece.”

Arc turns to the mares as he calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Right. Now you five head back to Ponyville and see if you can keep things running smoothly there. At least until I can get a lid on this situation.”

Each one of them nods silently and hugs Arc, turning to give him words of encouragement before passing through the portal to Rarity’s shop one at a time. Applejack is the first to approach.

“Take care of yourself.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Yes, it seems all we do these days is say goodbye. But be careful out there, Arc.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Hammer. “Watch out that Arc doesn’t do anything TOO crazy, cupcake.”

“No problem, blue!”

Pinkie grins. “We’ll throw you a victory party when you get back!”

Rarity stops and looks at him a long moment, apparently unable to think of anything to say for the occasion. Eventually Arc takes her in his arms and hugs her. They then kiss passionately for a time before Rarity steps back and smiles. Tears form in the corners of her eyes.

“I… I love you, Arc.”

“And I love you too, Rarity. See you soon.”

Nodding, she walks through the portal and vanishes. Sighing, Arc closes it and turns to the others.

“Let’s get to the ship everyone.”

Nodding, they line up as Arc opens a portal to his quarters aboard The Equinox. As the last individual vanishes, he turns to Cadance.

“I hope this will be over soon.”

“As do I.”

Shining Armor steps toward him. “Arc?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, general?”

“Do what you can to save Princess Celestia. And please get Twilight out of there if things go south.”

“I will.”

“Trixie knows you will act judiciously.”

“That I will, colonel.”

He smiles at them before entering the portal himself. Trixie turns to Cadance.

“Princess?”

“Yes?”

“Trixie was just wondering what our chances of making it through this are.”

“Very good, as our walls are strong and our military ready.”

Trixie shakes her head. “No, no. Trixie meant our chances as a nation. Could this potentially destroy us?”

“Not likely, no. But even if it does we can always rebuild and move on.”

Shining Armor looks to the spot where Arc had opened a portal mere moments ago. “Yes. And remember that our best hope will be flying south to try and keep things together.”

Meanwhile, Arc steps out of the portal and looks around.

“Thanks for volunteering everyone. It means a lot to me.”

Sereb grins toothily. “We are bound until death, Arc.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “And I love a good fight!”

Max grins. “We’re with you too, sir!”

Xenos nods soberly. “Yeah! You took us in when we were at our lowest.”

Hugh smiles. “That and showed that we could be a force for good!”

Viktor stomps a hoof fervently. “This mission isn’t done yet though. We need to rescue the princess… again.”

Auriel frowns. “Yes. From herself.”

Rose looks to Arc. “A difficult task. But one we must undertake together.”

“Then let’s get started. Max, take Xenos, Hugh, and Viktor to the Mid-Deck and see to it that my troops are properly geared and settled in down there. I’ll make sure the others are given rooms before heading to the Bridge to see the captain.”

Max salutes. “Yes sir.”

They leave the room as Arc motions for Auriel, Rose, and Hammer to follow him. Leading them to the VIP suites he assigns them rooms. Hammer looks around hers approvingly.

“Nice!”

Auriel giggles. “Very. But we’d be comfortable on the Mid Deck with the soldiers, Arc.”

Rose frowns. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

“Why not?”

Hammer crosses her arms over her chest. “A bunch of guys with a couple females. They’d start getting ideas.”

Arc sighs. “Let’s try to avoid that. In any case, we’ll be taking off soon so get ready.”

Rose appears confused. “Ready for what?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

As they enter their rooms and close the door Arc turns to Scootaloo. She appears confused.

“Am I staying in your room, Big Brother?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Scootaloo. Truth be told, I have a very special assignment for you.”

“What is it?”

“I’d like you to be a spy for me.”

“A what?”

“You need to go back to Canterlot and keep an eye on Decimus.”

“And then tell you what’s going on there?”

Arc nods. “Exactly.”

“I guess I can do that. But I’d rather be fighting by your side.”

“So would I. But we need intel right now, and Decimus already knows and likes you.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Fine. Should I take the train?”

“Yeah. I’ll radio the castle to have a first class room prepared for you on today’s train.”

“Thanks. I won’t let you down, Big Brother.”

Arc smiles as he tousles her mane. “I know you won’t… Scarlet Filly.”

She giggles and hurries toward the main hatch as Arc heads for the Bridge. Stepping onto it Soarin announces his presence.

“Hero of Light on the Bridge.”

“Commander, is the ship ready to take off?”

Soarin shakes his head. “Not quite. We’re still being loaded.”

Wrangler shrugs. “Lots of supplies for some reason.”

Moon Dancer appears apprehensive. “Are we being deployed oversees, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Moon Dancer. It’s just a precaution in case this takes longer than we originally thought.”

Lemon Hearts frowns. “What exactly are we doing, sir?”

“I’ll go over our objectives after we’ve taken off. Until then we just need to make ready for anything.”

Wrangler grins. “Is there gonna be shooting, sir?”

“Could be.”

“I’ll make sure we’re combat ready then.”

“Good. Where’s the captain?”

Soarin gestures with a hoof. “Resting at the moment in his cabin, sir.”

Thunderlane chuckles. “He’s not as young as he used to be, sir.”

Lemon Hearts’ hoof hovers over a button. “Shall I hail him, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, let him rest. But I do need something from you.”

“Sir?”

“Hail the Crystal Castle and order them to have one first class ticket ready at the station for the Scarlet Filly. She’s taking the train back to Canterlot.”

“Aye sir.”

Soarin appears confused. “Sir?”

“Yes, Soarin?”

“I’ve been told that Stellar Flare is back in Engineering along with Hard Hat.”

“Is there something wrong with that?”

“No, sir. But how can they work for us again after being kidnapped by you?”

“I simply explained the situation to them when they came around and showed them evidence of my claims. They understand that I did what had to be done. But right now I need to make a phone call.”

He turns to Lemon Hearts before continuing.

“Give me a ten-minute head start. Then I want you to contact Carousel Boutique in Ponyville and have the call routed to my office.”

“Yes, sir.”

Arc grins as he heads for the door. “Thanks. And let me know the moment the ship is ready to take off.”

Soarin salutes. “I’ll see to it, sir.”

As the door slides shut behind him, the crew looks to one another. Thunderlane is the first to speak.

“I don’t like this.”

Wrangler groans. “Me either. It’s a lot of cloak and dagger.”

Moon Dancer turns to the others. “But the Hero of Light did allow us to listen in on the debriefing the other day.”

Lemon Hearts sighs as she puts through Arc’s request to the Crystal Castle. “True. But he might have just figured we’d be listening in anyways.”

Soarin sighs. “I’m skeptical of our mission as well. Whatever it is. But he has the support of Princess Cadance, so it can’t be all that bad.”

Meanwhile, Arc enters his office and sits down behind the desk. A few moments later the phone rings. Picking it up Arc puts the receiver to his ear.

“Hello?”

“I have the owner of the business in question on the line for you, sir.”

“Thank you. Put her through at once.”

“Yes sir.”

The line goes dead for a few moments as Lemon Hearts makes the connection. Eventually Rarity’s voice comes over the line.

“Arc? Are you there?”

“Yes, I’m here. How are things going?”

“Alright, I suppose. Is something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I just wanted to make sure you and the others made it home safely. We have some time before takeoff and I thought I’d use it to check up on you.”

Rarity giggles. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

“Well, I did want to hear your voice too.”

“See? Was that so hard to admit?”

“Kinda. After all, I don’t want you to think of me as being too clingy.”

Rarity sighs. “Most of the time I wish you were more so.”

“Hopefully soon I’ll be home to stay. But no promises there.”

“We understand.”

“Is the lockdown still in effect?”

“Oh, yes. I called City Hall to confirm as soon as I got home.”

“Uh oh. How did the others get by it then?”

“Applejack took Fluttershy to her cottage by making a big detour far outside of the town limits. Pinkie Pie disguised herself as a bale of hay with a trench coat, fake glasses, and a mustache for some reason. And Rainbow Dash said she’d take a cloud back to her house.”

“Sounds like everyone has a way home then.”

“Yes, well… they had been thinking of how to get back without being arrested since last…”

Arc interrupts her. “Hold on! Arrested?!”

Rarity sighs. “From what Mayor Mare told me, anypony caught outside is escorted home the first time. The second time they’re taken into custody.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Like the Hammers?”

“Yes. However, they were the only one’s taken away as far as I know.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Well, there isn’t much we can do about it right now.”

“Right. I guess I’ll just use it as more incentive to finish this up and get rid of Decimus… again.”

“Do you really think that will work?”

Arc sighs. “No. But I’ll probably have to go through him to get to Celestia.”

“What will you do when you get to that point?”

“I’m… still working on that.”

Chapter 2 - Mission of Justice

Rarity giggles as they continue the conversation.

“This is nice.”

“What is?”

“Just… talking.

Arc chuckles. “Yeah. It’s a good chance for us to get to know more about one another. But I did want to say something.”

“Oh?”

“I was kinda surprised that you and the others didn’t object to going back to Ponyville.”

Rarity sounds surprised. “Why would we?”

“With Decimus more or less taking over things I figured you’d want to stay.”

“We did talk about that before the others left, yes. However, every one of us has a job to do here as well as friends and family that needs us. That and Decimus hasn’t actually hurt anypony other than the Hammers.”

Arc sighs. “Not really sure if that’s reassuring or not.”

“I did talk to the mayor about what’s been going on lately. She told me that Decimus hasn’t even been here for some time.”

“What? Does she know where he went?”

“He flew back to Canterlot shortly after we left. Probably to help defend the castle, and Princess Celestia, from you.”

Arc frowns. “That will make this a bit more difficult then.”

“Arc?”

“I was kinda hoping he wouldn’t be with Celestia when I faced her.”

“You didn’t want to fight them both, right?”

“That’s not it. I just figured it would be harder to convince her that I’m not a bad human if I have to kill Decimus right in front of her.”

“Oh… I suppose that does make sense.”

“But it looks like that isn’t going to be an option anymore. Not sure what’s going to happen when I do this now.”

Rarity sighs. “Me either. But if things degrade over here I’ll gather the others and make a trip to Redemption Village.”

“Good idea. Why don’t you and the other head there now though?”

“What for?”

Arc groans. “Because you five need to be kept safe. I never should have sent you back to Ponyville with Decimus on the loose.”

“While I do appreciate the thought I don’t believe we’re in any real…”

“Rarity, please. Call the others and tell them to pack a few things before heading to the village.”

“Well… all right then. We’ll leave tonight as soon as it gets dark.”

“Thanks. I’ll come get you when this is over.”

Rarity giggles. “Hopefully soon.”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Hold on a second, Rarity.”

Putting the receiver down, he touches his earring.

“Go ahead.”

Lemon Hearts’ voice fills his ear. “Sir, we’ve just received confirmation that the ship is fully loaded and ready for takeoff.”

“Very good. Have Thunderlane get us in the air as soon as possible.”

“Our destination, sir?”

“Canterlot.”

“Yes sir. We’ll get underway in a few minutes.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection as he picks up the telephone receiver with the other.

“Looks like we’re about to get in the air.”

Rarity sighs. “Guess we have to cut this short.”

“Until next time.”

“Hopefully soon, my love.”

“Yeah. Take care, Rarity. Love you.”

Rarity makes kissy sounds into the receiver before hanging up. Squealing happily, she trots in place. Meanwhile, Arc leans back in his chair as a knock on the office door rings out.

“Come in.”

The door opens and Eidolon’s Ward enters.

“Is this a good time?”

“Always! But where have you been, Cherry?”

“I found a few books that looked interesting last night and sat down to read them. However the castle’s ambiance wasn’t to my liking.”

“Oh? But that library is massive!”

“A bit TOO big for my tastes. So I took the books to The Equinox’s smaller library and read them there. But when I finished the last one, I felt vibrations below.”

“That must’ve been the last of the cargo being loaded. We’re about to take off.”

“Oh? Where to?”

“Canterlot.”

The ship takes off with a start. Arc stands and heads for the door.

“And that’s my cue.”

“To do what?”

“Address the crew. They need to know exactly what we’re trying to do. And why.”

“Can I come along for the ride?”

“Sure. But you kinda have to now that we’re in the air.”

They make their way to the Bridge. Entering, Tight Ship stands and looks to him.

“Hero of Light on the Bridge.”

Arc gestures out the main window. “I see we’re on our way.”

Soarin nods. “Yes sir. All systems are running normally.”

Wrangler grins. “Including the weapons and O.R.B. systems!”

Moon Dancer looks to him. “Sir?”

“Yes, Moon Dancer?”

“We haven’t yet been briefed on the scope of our mission yet.”

Thunderlane frowns. “It’d be nice to know what to expect, sir.”

“Agreed. In fact, I came here to do just that. Lemon Hearts, I need to address the entire ship.”

Nodding, the mare gives him a microphone. Pushing a few buttons, she nods. Arc clears this throat and begins to speak.

“Attention all crew and troops. We’re now in the air and on our way to our destination. I’m sure you’re all wondering where we’re going and why. The truth of the matter is… right now I need your help. At this very moment we’re flying to Canterlot Castle to bring down a traitor whom I believe has corrupted, enslaved, or in some other way is controlling Princess Celestia. This traitor is… supposed Hero of Light Decimus.”

The crew gasps as Arc continues.

“While this may be a distasteful endeavor, we need to put the collective needs of the nation first. As for Princess Celestia herself, I will do everything in my power to take her into custody peacefully. However, if she will not come quietly, I am fully prepared to do my sacred duty as the true Hero of Light. Rest assured that if such a thing comes to pass Princess Twilight will rule the nation until the return of Princess Luna to Canterlot. I want to be perfectly clear on this… we are not going there to overthrow the government. Rather, we are going there to restore it. While I am expecting heavy resistance, I also have every confidence that everyone here is ready and able to do what is asked of them. Unlike the Royal Guards in the castle, all of you have been trained and drilled daily since coming under my command. And now it’s time to put that training to the test.”

Arc frowns before speaking again.

“My squad and other friends will lead the charge along with all of you while I take on Decimus and Princess Celestia. As you all know, only I have the legal right, means, and abilities to take down a ruling monarch of Equestria and another Hero of Light. It is for that reason I have decided to undertake that part of the mission alone. Everyone will be expected to do their duty so as to bring this matter to an end. That is all.”

He motions for Lemon Hearts. With a shaky hoof she presses the button to shut off the intercom. Tight Ship stands angrily.

“Sir! Do you actually plan to KILL Princess Celestia?!”

“No. If nothing else I need to take her in alive.”

“But you just told everypony…!”

Arc interrupts him. “That is a last resort, captain. It’s what she would want us to do. That is… if she could see what she’s done.”

Tight Ship stomps a hoof angrily. “I do not agree with…!”

“Think what you want. But we all have a duty to the citizens of this land. And I WILL carry out that duty to the best of my ability.”

He looks at the stallion evenly for a moment before continuing.

“You have my word that I will do everything in my power to reason with and take Princess Celestia into custody for medical and psychiatric treatment. But if that isn’t possible… I’ll do what I have to.”

Tight Ship nods soberly, his eyes narrowed.

“Very well… sir. You do what you have to, and I’ll do what I have to.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Turning on his heel, Arc leaves the Bridge. Tight Ship heads for his office as he calls out to Soarin.

“You have the Bridge, commander.”

“Yes sir.”

Slamming his door, the crew looks to one another. Lemon Hearts is the first to speak.

“What was that all about?”

Soarin bows his head. “The captain is a close and personal friend of Princess Celestia.”

Thunderlane sighs. “That makes this kinda complicated, doesn’t it?”

Wrangler nods. “Maybe he doesn’t want to command the Bridge on a mission like this.”

Moon Dancer looks around. “But we all have our jobs to do.”

Lemon Hearts shrugs as she looks over her console. “And if Princess Celestia really is a danger to the country, she does need to be removed from power. I mean… we all know what Decimus did in the past.”

Soarin grits his teeth. “Yeah. And now he’s Hero of Light.”

Wrangler grimaces. “It just don’t seem right!”

Thunderlane turns to Moon Dancer. “Do you suppose Hero of Light Arc was serious?”

“About which part?”

“Taking down a princess.”

Soarin sighs. “Yes. But given his actions in the past, I do believe him when he says that really will be a last resort.”

Meanwhile, Arc looks out the window and sighs.

“This isn’t going to be easy. But it has to be done.”

Cherry calls out to him. “You’re worried, aren’t you?”

“Of course. While this isn’t the first dangerous thing I’ve done, it will be the first time I’ve openly defied a princess.”

“And one whom has already nearly killed you.”

Arc clenches a fist. “She won’t have the chance to do that again!”

“Don’t underestimate Princess Celestia, Arc! She’s more powerful than anypony knows!”

“How so?”

“There’s innumerable legendary acts written about her in the history books.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Which she probably helped write.”

“Maybe some of them have been exaggerated, yes. But you have to admit that her magical abilities are certainly powerful enough to take you down. Even with your armor on.”

Arc nods soberly. “It was heavily damaged, of course. However I believe that had it not been, that fight may have gone differently.”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose she did have the element of surprise on her side as well.”

“That too.”

“Just don’t get overconfident. I don’t know if your body could survive being blasted out another window!”

“Me either. So I’ll have to be more careful if we do indeed fight again.”

“She wouldn’t be alone either.”

“Yes, I’m sure Decimus will be there along with a contingent of soldiers as well.”

“No, Arc. Somepony else would be there.”

“Twilight?”

“Twilight.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, I’m not fighting her!”

“You may not have a choice, Arc!”

“I’m told she’s very loyal to Celestia.”

“Normally that would be an admirable trait.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. But in this case she’s standing with a crazed mare.”

“Can you at least try to convince her to not interfere?”

“I have to. The only other option would be to fight her first.”

“And I can’t imagine Princess Celestia taking that lying down.”

“Agreed. But I should probably do something before we arrive at Canterlot.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

Arc shrugs. I dunno.

“How about you rest? As Sereb once said ‘a tired warrior is soon a dead one’.”

“Please don’t word it like that, Cherry.”

“He’s right, you know. If you don’t properly prepare for a battle, your strength may fail when you need it most.”

“Yes, well… I suppose a bit of a nap wouldn’t hurt. And it’s going to take a while to get to Canterlot.”

“You should make use of this time then.”

“All right. Then I will.”

“Might I come along for the ride?”

“Sure. I’d like the company, after all.”

Eidolon’s Ward open to allow him inside. Entering Arc’s head, Cherry giggles.

“It’s good to be back in here.”

Arc chuckles as he recalls his armor. “Welcome home then.”

Walking down the corridor Arc soon reaches his room. Lying down on the massive bed he closes his eyes. Sometime later his earring chirps, waking him up. Sitting up he shakes his head to clear it before touching the earring and calling out.

“Yes?”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir. We have the capital in visual range and will be reaching the castle in about half an hour.”

“Alright. Bring the ship up to red alert and tell everyone to get ready for battle.”

“Aye, sir.”

“I’ll join you on the Bridge shortly. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection and stands up. Walking to the door he turns and heads down the corridor. Hearing the alarm klaxon going off he nods soberly.

“We’re really doing this. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but…”

As he passes his office the door opens and a hand pulls him inside.

“What the…? Hammer, now isn’t the time to…!”

The lights turn on to reveal Wiseman standing before him. Arc groans.

“Great. Look, I really don’t have time for whatever games you’re playing right now.”

“No games, I assure you.”

Cherry calls out. “Is something…?”

Wiseman turns to Arc. “You need to call Rarity!”

“But I just talked to her a little while ago. If I call her now I’ll just look like an obsessed boyfriend, or something.”

“It cannot wait until later!”

“What?! Did something…?!”

"Do it!"

Arc frowns as he touches his earring. “Arc to Bridge.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.”

“I need a line opened up to Carousel Boutique in Ponyville again.”

“Yes sir. Shall I patch the call through to your office?”

“I’m there now, yes.”

“One moment, sir.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

Heading for his desk, Arc sits down to wait. Glaring at Wiseman, he groans loudly.

“While I do enjoy speaking to her, there are other things I should be doing right now to prepare for our assault.”

Wiseman glowers at him. “This is more important, I assure you.”

A few moments later the phone rings. Picking it up Arc waits for them to be properly connected. As they are a shrill voice calls out.

“Whomever this is, send help!”

“What?! Rarity, it’s Arc!”

“Oh, thank Celestia! We need you back here now!”

“Calm down, Rarity! What’s going on!”

“I was just sitting in my bedroom when I heard Rainbow Dash yelling at somepony! Looking outside I saw her being tackled and dragged away by Royal Guards! She saw me and screamed for me to call for help! They’re pounding at my front door as we speak!”

“The guards are?!”

Rarity nods frantically. “Yes! We didn’t DO anything though!”

“Jump out the window and make a run for it then!”

“They’re outside the window too! We’re trapped!”

The sound of Sweetie Belle screaming something rings out as Rarity gasps.

“Arc, there’s smoke coming from town! I think the guards are…!”

There is a colossal crash as the sound of breaking wood and glass fills Arc’s ear. The sound of screaming fills the air for a split second before the line goes dead. Gritting his teeth he slams the receiver down and looks to Wiseman.

“Why didn’t you warm me of this sooner?!”

“I just did!”

Arc pushes past Wiseman and runs down the corridor. Entering the Bridge, Soarin announces him.

“Hero of Light on the…”

Arc hurries over to the helm. “Thunderlane, change course!”

“Sir?”

“Get the ship to Ponyville as fast as you can!”

Moon Dancer appears surprised. “What about stopping Princess Celestia, sir?”

“We’ll come back to that! Right now Ponyville is under attack!”

Wrangler gasps. “Say what?!”

“I just got off the phone with the owner of one of the businesses there! She says there’s fire and that the guards are forcing their way into her home!”

Thunderlane nods. “Course changed, sir.”

“Good! How long will it take to…?!”

Arc suddenly falls to the floor, unconscious. Lemon Hearts runs over to him with Soarin, Wrangler, and Moon Dancer. Wrangler reaches him first and turns to Lemon Hearts.

“What the heck happened?!”

“I’ll call for Redheart!”

Moon Dancer looks him over. “Perhaps he snapped from the stress, sir.”

Soarin shrugs. “I suppose that is possible.”

A figure steps onto the Bridge in a navy blue cloak. Wrangler gasps and lunges at him. Sidestepping, Wiseman allows her to pass before grabbing one of her rear hooves in midair and holding her out.

“No need for alarm. Arc is merely unconscious due to a spell I cast on him.”

“Put me down!”

“Gladly.”

Letting go, the mare falls to the floor and lands on her head. Getting up, she takes a battle ready position as Wiseman points to Arc.

“I think you have more pressing matters to attend to right now.”

Moon Dancer frowns. “Such as…?!”

“Carrying out your orders. Arc was indeed correct. Ponyville is currently under siege and in need of aid.”

Soarin turns to the helm. “Thunderlane, full power to the engines! Get us there, and I mean NOW!”

“Aye, sir!”

Wiseman steps aside as Redheart runs onto the Bridge. She looks Arc over and turns to Soarin.

“What happened?!”

“He just collapsed.”

Wrangler points a hoof. “Yeah! This varmint says he used a Sleeping Spell on him!”

Redheart looks around. “Who?”

As the crew raises their heads they see that Wiseman has vanished. Thunderlane frowns.

“Where did he…?!”

Tight Ship emerges from his office and looks around.

“Commander, what is going on out here?”

“A strange being came and apparently put the Hero of Light to sleep.”

“What?!”

Redheart looks up. “It’s true, sir. He’s simply unconscious.”

Lemon Heart nods. “Right before the incident he ordered the ship to fly to Ponyville though.”

Moon Dancer appears nervous. “He claimed it was under attack.”

Tight Ship shrugs. “That seems rather unlikely. But if it means he stays away from Princess Celestia then we’ll investigate his claims.”

Redheart sighs. “I’ll bed him down in the Infirmary.”

“Good idea. Wrangler and I will transport him there.”

With some difficulty, Arc is lifted on Soarin and Wrangler’s backs. They leave the Bridge and head down the corridor together followed by Redheart. Tight Ship takes his place in the captain’s chair and looks to Thunderlane.

“Full speed ahead to Ponyville.”

“Yes sir. Commander Soarin already gave the order.”

Moon Dancer nods. “Right. We’re on our way.”

Tight Ship turns to the comms. “Lemon Hearts. Are you picking up any distress calls?”

Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “No sir. I’ve already scanned all frequencies and heard nothing.”

Thunderlane raises an eyebrow. “Nothing? As in nothing suspicious?”

“No chatter whatsoever. This in and of itself is quite strange, sir.”

Tight Ship frowns. “What about the standard military channels?”

“Dead.”

Moon Dancer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “While it is possible that there is literally nothing going on, there does exist the possibility that somepony is intentionally jamming all radio signals.”

Thunderlane gasps. “Is that… possible?”

Moon Dancer nods. “Over a small area, yes. Anything bigger than a town would require a concentrated effort though.”

Lemon Hearts shrugs. “I’ve certainly never heard of such a thing being attempted before, as there’s really no reason to do such a thing.”

Moon Dancer sighs. “That’s not completely true, Lemon Hearts.”

“Oh? What reason would there be for…?”

“To prevent somepony from calling for help.”

Chapter 3 - Mission of Mercy

Groaning, Arc awakens. Looking out the window instinctively he notices that the sun has set and the moon has risen.

“Ugh… what… happened?”

The sound of hooves approaching rings out.

“The Infirmary, sir.”

Arc turns to see Redheart looking at him. “Why…?”

“I’m told you collapsed on the Bridge. Can you tell me what you were doing there?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“I was… telling Thunderlane to… uh…”

Suddenly he sits straight up and gasps.

“…change course!”

“Sir?”

“We have to get to Ponyville right away!”

“And we will. But you should rest now.”

Arc shakes his head and stands.

“No! I have a job to do!”

Running back toward the Bridge, Arc reenters and runs over to the helm.

“Thunderlane! Where are we?!”

“About ten minutes from Light’s Hope, sir.”

Tight Ship nods from the captain’s chair. “We’re almost there.”

Arc turns to the comms. “Any chatter on the radio?!”

Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “No sir. It’s dead.”

Soarin frowns. “We’ve already verified that our own receiver is indeed working. There just isn’t anything to pick up.”

“Weapon systems?!”

Wrangler grins. “Online, sir.”

“Scanners!”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “No other ships in range, sir.”

Arc clenches a fist as he turns toward the door. “Lemon Hearts, give the order for all of my forces to assemble in the Cargo Bay at once!”

“Yes sir.”

Soarin turns to him. “Where shall we land, sir? Light’s Hope?”

“In front of the Town Hall!”

Arc runs down the corridor as Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out over the intercom. Cherry calls out to him.

“I’m sure Rarity’s okay. She’s a pretty tough mare when she wants to be.”

“Yeah. But she’s still no match for soldiers.”

“What could they have been after?”

Arc grits his teeth angrily. “I don’t know. But they’ll tell me when I get my hands on them, or else.”

Reaching the Cargo Bay, Arc hears the sounds of innumerable hoofbeats running toward him. The soldiers line up with the squad in front along with Sereb. They salute and wait silently for him to speak.

“Everyone, Ponyville is under attack and radios are down! We need to get down there and figure out what’s going on! All Pegasus troops step forward!”

They do so quickly. Standing before him, he points to each one individually as he says numbers one through four.

“Group one will go with Max to search the north. Group two is with Xenos to the south. Group three will reconnoiter the west led by Hugh. And lastly group four will investigate the east with Viktor. Keep flying and look for any citizens in trouble. If you’re attacked by anyone wearing armor you have permission to engage. Even if they’re Royal Guards, don’t hold back. Scout your sectors and meet back to the Town Hall where the ship will be parked and guarded by the Earth Ponies and Unicorns. Sereb, you’re with me. Are there any questions?”

Max raises a hoof. “Is this an invasion, sir?”

“Worse. I think it’s the work of traitors. That’s why all of you have permission to engage friendly forces if necessary. Anyone else?”

The room is silent as Arc nods. Hurrying over to a panel, Arc opens it to expose a large lever. Grabbing it, he pulls with all his might. The cargo bay doors open as he turns to the Pegasi and shouts over the din of the engines and wind.

“Max’s team, GO!”

They all jump out and take flight. One by one Arc orders his four groups out before turning to the others.

“When we land the rest of you will form a perimeter around the ship! Keep it secure so we can maintain a fallback position!”

Every guard nods soberly and salutes as they hold their weapons at the ready. A short time later the mammoth ship sets down on the soft ground near the Town Hall. Motioning for his forces to follow, Arc calls forth his new armor and jumps out of the ship. His troops fan out and surround the ship as massive floodlights come on, bathing the area in light as bright as day.

“Hold this ground and await the return of the recon teams!”

Arc jumps on Sereb’s back as the wolf begins running away from the ship. As Arc looks around he spots his forces flying all around the streets and peeking into various houses. Arriving at Carousel Boutique he spies one of his guards moving to land in front of it.

“Continue on! I’ll scout this building myself!”

The Pegasi nods and takes flight as Arc dismounts Sereb and makes his way toward the building. He immediately spots the ruins of the front door which is lying inside the shop in pieces.

“RARITY! SWEETIE BELLE!”

Hearing no reply, he hurries upstairs with Sereb following closely behind. Coming to Rarity’s room, Arc sees the door hanging at a sickening angle from a single hinge. Grabbing it, he rips the wood away to enter the room. Looking around he spots the furniture utterly destroyed, the lights smashed, and the single window overlooking the town shattered and blown inward. Cherry calls out to him.

“What’s that in the center of the room?”

Wordlessly, Arc casts a Light Spell and holds it aloft. Kneeling down he puts his gauntlet in a red spot on the floor.

“Blood!”

Cherry gasps. “They really were taken forcefully!”

Sereb growls. “So it would seem. I’m smelling several different stallion’s scents.”

Quickly standing, Arc looks around at the carnage. Clenching a fist, he seethes as he picks up a picture of Rarity and Sweetie Belle hanging on the wall. Staring at it for a long time Arc eventually speaks.

“But why?! They were innocent!”

Cherry sighs. “We should get back to the ship, Arc. Maybe some of your forces found something by now.”

Arc nods angrily as he puts the framed photo in his ring. “Yeah. Someone had to see something. Or at the very least they’d better have!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“Because I need something to direct all this rage toward!”

Running down the stairs, Arc smashes through what’s left of the front door sending fragments of it over the path before him. Pausing only long enough to jump on Sereb’s back, they make their way quickly back to The Equinox. He spots his forces landing one by one in front of the open Cargo Bay doors. They salute and stand at attention as Sereb runs over to them and allows Arc to dismount.

“Report!”

Max salutes. “Nopony in my sector, sir.”

Hugh shakes his head. “Nothing but empty houses and a couple smashed doors, sir.”

Viktor sighs. “Same on my side, sir.”

Xenos points a hoof. “I saw a lot of lights on in the orphanage, sir.”

“Did anyone see any sign of life anywhere else in town?”

All the soldiers shake their heads as Arc looks them over. Turning, he motions for everyone to follow.

“Unicorns, take defensive positions around the perimeter of the ship! Everyone else follow me to the orphanage! Double time!”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Wait!”

Arc turns to see Hammer running down the gangplank toward him.

“I wanna help too!”

“Sure. The kid gloves are off though if we meet any resistance though.

Hammer grins as she pulls her gun. “Just the way I like it!”

Running down the path toward the outskirts of town, Arc’s squad flanks him on either side along with Hammer as his forces follow closely behind. Meanwhile inside the orphanage, Derpy works in the kitchen with Dinky, Coco Pommel, Natalya, and Gallus. The gray mare turns to her superior.

“We don’t have much food left, Miss Pommel.”

“I know, Miss Derpy. But we have to keep everypony properly fed.”

Gallus nods soberly. “That much we do understand, ma’am.”

Natalya sighs. “But our stores were only meant to feed the orphans and staff! Not the entire town of Ponyville!”

Coco Pommel shrugs. “That’s right, Miss Natalya. However we need to do all we can until all of this mess blows over.”

Dinky looks up. “Or help arrives.”

Gallus scoffs. “Help?! Hero of Light Decimus’ troops are keeping us in here for whatever reason!”

Natalya looks to her brother. “Remember, the official documentation from Canterlot stated that it’s to keep us and the town’s population safe from an impending attack.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Yeah… right.”

Coco Pommel frowns. “Decimus may be onto something though. You saw what happened to Rarity and Sweetie Belle.”

Derpy nods. “Something out there really hurt them badly.”

Natalya shudders. “And it must still be after them, because he’s sequestering them in the storage room.”

Gallus narrows his eyes. “Or he and his cronies did that!”

Coco Pommel bows her head. “I suppose that’s possible. After all, neither Sweetie Belle nor Rarity can tell us what happened.”

Dinky sighs. “They’re still out cold. Well, Sweetie Belle is anyways.”

Natalya turns to her. “Oh? Did they let you in to check on her?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. I mean, I tried but the guards outside the door told me to go back downstairs. Normally I can contact her telepathically though.”

Derpy frowns. “And she isn’t talking back?”

“Not since they brought her and Rarity here, no.”

Coco Pommel turns back to her food preparation duties. “In any case, this can’t go on much longer. Whatever it was that hurt Rarity has to be nearby. The Hero of Light will most certainly kill it and we can all go back to our normal lives.”

Gallus groans. “I still have a bad feeling about all this.”

Natalya sighs. “Well, we can’t do anything about that, so let’s just focus on the here and now.”

“Which is…?”

“Keeping everyone fed and calm.”

Meanwhile as they reach a bend in the road Arc motions for his troops to stop. They do so as he motions for his squad to follow him. Moving forward slowly and quietly they peek through some bushes and see the orphanage fully guarded by a large number of Royal Guards. Xenos grits his teeth as they look over the grounds.

“They’d better not have hurt Miss Pommel!”

Hugh grits his teeth. “We’ll make them pay if they did!”

Viktor frowns. “Even Decimus wouldn’t dare!”

Max sighs. “Let’s try to keep level heads here. Look through the side windows.”

Arc squints. “I’m seeing a number of the townsponies in there.”

Cherry calls out. “It looks like the Main Hall is pretty full.”

Arc frowns. “Yes. But I don’t think they’re having a party.”

Sereb sniffs the path nearby. “I sense that innumerable ponies walked this way not too long ago.”

Xenos grits his teeth. “How many?”

“Perhaps the entire town. There are so many fresh hoof prints here as well to back up that assumption.”

Arc turns to him. “What about Rarity and Sweetie Belle?!”

“Their scent is not here, no. However if they were taken forcefully it is possible they were flown here by Pegasi.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “Sir, while it might sound callous right now, we really need to think of the townsponies as a whole.”

Viktor gasps. “Max! Miss Derpy and little Dinky are probably in there too!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I know. So let’s think of a plan, shall we.”

Hugh clutches his weapon. “Perhaps a direct approach would be in order, sir.”

Hammer grins. “Now your talking!”

Xenos shakes his head. “That would be beyond risky!”

Sereb growls. “To them, yes!”

Hugh turns to Arc. “I’ve seen the troops sparring, sir. Trust me when I say that they’re definitely better trained and equipped than the soldiers over there.”

Xenos squints. “I think you’re onto something there, Hugh.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “You mean his idea?”

“No. Take a closer look at the guards on patrol.”

Viktor frowns. “What about them?”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Their armor and weapons appear to be rather… old and poorly maintained.”

Hammer looks to him, confused. “What does that prove?”

Arc clenches a fist. “That Decimus doesn’t care about them in the least.”

Hugh looks them over. “Our forces’ weapons would tear their armor to pieces in no time.”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps that is exactly what Decimus wants.”

Hammer gasps. “Are you saying he WANTS to lose troops?!”

“Not so much ‘lose’ as ‘sacrifice’.”

Xenos shrugs. “That comes to about the same thing though, doesn’t it?”

Arc chuckles. “Very clever of him.”

Hammer turns to him. “Arc?”

“We charge in there and butcher his forces with ease. He jumps out from wherever he’s hiding and attacks with reinforcements in front of the windows. Everyone inside sees us trying to kill his troops while they ‘defend’ the building.”

Hugh gasps. “The townsponies are released and testify to whomever investigates this matter on how they saw our forces killing guards!”

Max grits his teeth. “We’d be branded as traitors!”

Xenos sighs. “Well… more traitorous.”

Viktor groans. “Princess Celestia would have no other alternative than to give Decimus more forces to hunt us down!”

Sereb growls. “All while Decimus looks like a hero in the eyes of the public.”

Arc nods. “A clever plan, yes. Or he might take it another direction. Maybe he has a lot of forces hidden from sight. Maybe he has troops in the trees waiting to take me out personally. Maybe Celestia herself is out there watching the building right now with him. The possibilities are certainly endless.”

Hammer groans. “How could it go any worse?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m sure it could. But unlimited speculation doesn’t help us right now.”

Xenos turns to him. “Why don’t you just Blink inside, sir?”

Hugh grins. “You could place a sigil and portal everypony somewhere safe!”

Viktor shakes his head. “Wouldn’t work.”

Max points a hoof. “See those machines all around the area? They’re portable magical disrupters.”

Hammer gasps. “So Arc and the unicorns won’t be able to cast spells?!”

Max shakes his head. “Those don’t seal casting. But they do nullify any magic that tries to pass them. So no Blinking into the building or blasting at it to open an escape path. That goes for both us and the unicorns inside.”

Arc nods soberly. “Clever. Decimus is forcing us to make a bold first move.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “What will that move entail though?”

“Here’s the plan…”

A short time later four stallions clad in black cloaks approach the orphanage together. Walking up to the troops stationed in front of the main entrance, the figure in front motions for the three others to stop as they alone approach the sergeant in charge whom addresses them skeptically.

“You are…?”

“Nopony of consequence to you, peon!”

The sergeant puts a hoof on his weapon as his troops move to back him. “I suggest you become more forthcoming with answers. My guys here aren’t the most patient, after all.”

“Neither are mine.”

“You wanna rumble?!”

“Yes, indeed. It would give my pets some exercise and nourishment.”

The sergeant rolls his eyes. “Are you out of your MIND?! Who do you think you are?!”

“Don’t you recognize the agents of the Nightborn, peasant?!”

“N-Nightborn?! Why… would you…?!”

“We have come here on the personal orders of the Night Mother herself!

“Princess Luna?”

The robed stallion scoffs. “Yes, I believe that would be correct, simpleton.”

“For what purpose?”

“The Night Mother does not approve of your presence here. She hereby orders you and your troops to depart at once.”

“B-but, we can’t do that!”

“Are you questioning the Night Mother’s orders?!”

“No, sir! But we’re under orders from the Hero of Light himself!”

“To do what, exactly?”

“We were tasked with guarding this facility after the Hero of Light and his forces personally evacuated the civilians here for safekeeping.”

“Safekeeping?! From what?! Angry squirrels?! Perhaps even violent robins?!”

“I’m… not really sure, sir. He didn’t say.”

“The land must truly be secure if he can waste time on such frivolous tasks.”

“It isn’t for me to say. Me and the others here have sworn to defend this facility, and its occupants, with our very lives!”

“I see. And where is the Hero of Light now?”

“Unknown, sir. He just brought everypony here, gave us our orders, and quickly pulled out.”

“And the duration of your orders?”

“Until relieved.”

“I see. Well, for your own safety I suggest you and your soldiers pull out now.”

“…what?”

“The Nightborn will be taking over your vigil.”

“Apologies, but we cannot leave our post.”

“It was not a request.”

The sergeant shakes his head. “We have our orders.”

“As do we.”

“The best I can do is to allow you and your… associates to join us in guarding the citizens.”

“Unacceptable.”

“Well, I don’t really know what else to tell you. If we leave, Hero of Light Decimus will have our heads.”

“And if you don’t, we’ll take them ourselves! Behold the power bestowed upon us by the Night Mother herself!”

The trio behind him begin chanting softly as the foliage nearby begins to rustle. Mournful moans ring out as armored stallions caked in mud lumber forth. The robed stallion laughs as the soldiers before him slowly back up.

“The Nightborn now command the dead! What say you now?! “

“Tha-that’s IMPOSSIBLE! No magic is powerful enough to…! No! We have to hold them here! Get ready everypony!”

The soldiers prepare to defend themselves as the mud caked warriors continue to lumber toward them. Holding up a hoof, they stop ten or so feet from the defenders. The robed stallion chuckles wickedly.

“You should be honored, sergeant. All of you will now bear witness to the full extent of this power! BEHOLD!”

Pointing a hoof toward the foliage, a massive warrior lumbers forth on two feet. Even caked in dirt and mud the armor before them is still unmistakable in the moonlight. The sergeant’s hooves shake as he appears too afraid to move.

“H-H-Hero of Light Arc?! But… but you’re DEAD!”

“Not anymore! His power now serves the Night Mother! Advance, undead hero! Show these fools your loyalty to the…!”

The sound of hooves charging forward rings out nearby. Decimus, leading a small contingent of Royal Guards busts into the clearing. Charging at Eidolon’s Ward, they knock it to the ground and pierce it with their spears. Kicking the helmet off, Decimus plants the Spear of Righteousness in the dirt where the head should be. However its tip finds only dirt.

“What… is all this?!”

Decimus looks angrily to the robed stallions before him.

“This sorcery is not of the Nightborn! Who are you?!”

The sound of chuckling rings out nearby. Decimus looks all around as do the others.

“Whoever you are, show yourself!”

Eidolon’s Ward’s helmet suddenly flies back into the brush. A few moments later Sereb bursts through the foliage and roars loudly with Arc, clad in his new armor, on his back. He holds the helmet to his forehead for a few moments before tossing it aside. Decimus grits his teeth angrily.

“Who are you?!”

Chuckling, Arc removes his new helmet and looks Decimus in the eye.

“Someone that you tried VERY hard to kill not so long ago.”

The sergeant gasps. “It’s… it’s HIM!”

Decimus grits his teeth. “So you ARE alive!”

Arc nods wickedly. “Yes, I am. And now you’ve fallen right into my trap.”

“Your… trap?”

“Yes. I knew you wouldn’t show yourself unless I did. You left these troops out here in front of the orphanage to try and coax me out. And as soon as I did you would jump out and the trap would be sprung.”

Arc motions to Eidolon’s Ward lying on the ground.

“So I sent my old armor out here to bait YOU.”

Decimus grins. “Very impressive.”

“Thank you.”

“No, I mean it. You’ve completely undermined that which I had hoped to accomplish. Or did you?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest “Let me guess. The idea was to hold the townsponies hostage in my favorite building in hopes of luring me out.”

“Partially, yes. Honestly I didn’t really believe you had survived. At was actually Admiral Gaston whom convinced me to act as if you had though.”

Arc frowns. “He is quite a pain in the…”

“My plan was to continue the search endlessly though.”

Arc nods. “I see it now. If I or my body wasn’t found, you could continue throwing troops and resources at the search efforts. All the while keeping a stranglehold on the nation and its leaders.”

“Very perceptive. You’ve certainly used the time since we last met to hone your detective skills.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “There’s just one thing I don’t understand.”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Why did you hurt the owner of Carousel Boutique?”

“She was one of a few whom didn’t come quietly. My forces were authorized to take all necessary steps to get EVERY citizen to this building.”

Arc pulls the guardanium knife from his ring and points it at Decimus. “Well, you’ve got me here. So why don’t we end this matter?”

Decimus sighs. “Again?”

“As many times as it takes.”

“You can take me down, but I’ll always come back.”

“Then I will kill you… AGAIN AND AGAIN!”

“In any case…”

Decimus. motions for his forces to make ready before turning to Arc again.

“Are you certain you don’t want to give up and surrender yourself to me?”

“Never!”

The sergeant looks to Arc. “Please, sir! You don’t have the numbers to take our forces on!”

Decimus chuckles. “Or the strength to face me!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Then let me even things up.”

He motions with his hand. Hammer runs over with Auriel and stands with Arc. Pointing her gun at Decimus, Hammer calls out to him.

“We’ve got his back, freak!”

Auriel nods soberly. “Yes. You don’t stand a chance.”

Decimus laughs heartily. “The scales are believed to be tipped with the arrival of two more warriors?!”

“How about this then?”

Arc turns to look up at the moon. Gritting his teeth he changes into his Crimson form and looks to Decimus with blood red glowing eyes.

“My power has grown considerably since last we met, Decimus. Are you sure you want to do this?”

Decimus grits his teeth. “Yes! We’ll still be able to…!”

A powerful blast from behind them knocks the sergeant and his troops aside as Templar Derpy and Paladin Coco Pommel fly past them to join Arc and his forces. Derpy points the Spear of Hope at the traitor.

“How about now?!”

Coco Pommel lands next to her. “I’m done letting you push us around, Decimus!”

The sergeant and his forces quickly get to their feet, clearly confused. Looking at the newcomers he frowns.

“That voice… could it be…?”

He is cut off as the citizens of Ponyville rush past them to stand with Arc. Applejack points a hoof at Decimus angrily.

“You’ll have to take us all on then!”

Pinkie stomps a hoof angrily. “Yeah, meanie!”

Fluttershy frowns. “Right!”

Rainbow Dash grins at Decimus wickedly. “We’ll send you back to Canterlot in a BOX!”

Arc turns to his forces. “Everyone, prepare to…!”

Decimus pulls a strange looking gun from his belt. Aiming it high, he fires a shot onto the roof. Smoke begins pouring forth as the flames quickly spread. Turning back to Arc and his friends he laughs throatily.

“A roof heavy with dried brush and wood makes for quite the barbeque.”

Derpy gasps. “NO!”

Coco Pommel points her spear to Decimus, clearly enraged. “YOU MONSTER!”

Flying toward him at breakneck speed, she levels her spear at his chest. Stepping aside, Decimus smacks Coco Pommel away with the Spear of Righteousness as she passes. She rolls toward the orphanage as her helmet flies off. In the light through the windows the sergeant and his troops see her face as she moves to stand.

“M-Miss Pommel?!”

“It’s really her!”

“What do we do, sergeant?”

The stallion looks to Decimus, clearly enraged as he points his spear at the stallion.

“GET HIM!!!”

They rush forward as Arc turns to his own forces.

“PEGASI, EVACUATE THE ORPHANAGE! EVERYONE ELSE, CHARGE!!!”

Arc and Derpy run over to Coco Pommel and help her stand.

“Are you alright?!”

Coco Pommel nods weakly. “I’m… okay.”

Derpy gasps. “That was quite the blow! Are you certain?!”

“Yes! But we have to get everypony out of there!”

“My forces will get the foals and younglings out! Where’s Rarity and Sweetie Belle?!”

Derpy points a hoof. “In the upstairs storage room!”

Coco Pommel grimaces. “But they’re locked in there and guarded for resisting!”

Arc clenches a fist. “I’ll get them! Help with the evacuation!”

He runs toward the building as the little one’s start pouring outside. Passing them he spots Dinky herding the others from the back of the line. She has a small, red pack on her back as she runs. Motioning for her to keep going Arc runs up the stairs and toward the storage room. The two guards stand resolutely next to the door. As Arc approaches they call out to him with weapons raised.

“Sir, you don’t have the authority to…!”

Throwing his guardanium knife it hits the first guard right between the eyes, cutting through his helmet as if it were paper. Raising a hand as he runs, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell and crushes the helmet of the other. As the pair fall to the floor he pulls his knife to himself and deftly slices through the lock. Opening the door to a wall of smoke, he hears Sweetie Belle coughing. Running inside the otherwise empty room he spots the filly trying desperately to pull her mother toward the door and away from the source of the smoke.

“ARC!”

Arc runs over. “I’ll get her! Run outside and stand with the others!”

Kneeling down he picks Rarity up and runs downstairs. Exiting the building Arc lays her down in the grass and listens to her chest. Sweetie Belle looks to him, clearly terrified.

“How is she?!”

“She’s got a pulse and is breathing.”

Derpy runs over with Natalya and Gallus.

“Are you alright, Arc?!”

“Fine! Is everyone out?!”

Natalya nods. “Cheerilee and Peachbottom used the emergency roll call list to verify that all the foals are accounted for!”

“What about the adults?!”

Gallus grins. “Everyone was on the first floor and ran out when Miss Pommel did… whatever it was that she did.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “I will see to it the building is empty!”

As Sereb runs inside Arc returns his attention to the battle. He spots his soldiers along with Hammer, Auriel, and all the townsponies standing there watching something. Hurrying over, he sees Decimus’ forces lying motionless on the ground. Coco Pommel is fighting Decimus tooth and nail as the sergeant and his soldiers keep the others back. Knocking him onto his back, she lunges forward and plants her spear firmly in his belly. Gasping, Decimus slumps to the ground and looks up at her as the spear is pulled from his body.

“You… traitor. This isn’t… over.”

Coco Pommel looks down at him angrily. “Nopony hurts these little ones! Do you hear me?! NOPONY!”

Turning, she walks back toward the others as Hammer steps forward. Decimus looks up at her as he coughs up a mouthful of blood.

“What… do you want… freak?”

Without a word the young woman points her gun at Decimus’ chest and fires, killing him instantly. Turning back to the others, Hammer rejoins Arc. He nods soberly and turns to those assembled.

“Pegasi, get that fire out! Fly to town and get…!”

Derpy grins. “I don’t think that’s going to be necessary, Arc.”

“What?! But..!”

A raindrop falls on Arc’s helmet with a loud ‘plink’. A few moments later the heavens erupt into a torrential downpour. Looking to the roof they see the flames die down and the smoke stops rising. The sergeant walks over to Coco Pommel with his soldiers and kneels respectfully as he removes his helmet.

“Miss Pommel, please forgive me and my forces for what we’ve done. We had no idea what was really happening.”

Coco Pommel extends a hoof. “It’s alright, Onyx Armor. After all you were only following orders.”

“You… remember me?”

“I remember every foal who’s ever been in my care.”

“Thank you for everything, ma’am.”

He looks at Decimus’ body nearby and sighs.

“It was nice to see you again, Miss Pommel. But right now I need to turn myself in.”

Coco Pommel appears confused. “What for?”

Onyx Armor sighs. “For the murder of the Hero of Light. I won’t let you take the blame for that act.”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “No, do not throw your life away for the ‘crime’ of freeing the innocent.”

“But what else could I do?”

“Join the true Hero of Light in righting this wrong.”

Arc walks over. “We need to leave this place though. I can’t imagine Decimus attacking without first notifying Canterlot that we were here.”

Onyx Armor salutes him. “My soldiers and I will join you then, sir.”

“Good. We need all the help we can get.”

Touching his earring, Arc calls out.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“Fly the ship to the landing pad at Light’s Hope and pick us up.”

“Yes sir. We’ll be airborne in just a few minutes.”

“Good. And notify the crew that we’re going to be taking on quite a few more passengers.”

Soarin calls out. “Sir?”

“We need to evacuate the entire town of Ponyville. Arc out.”

Severing the connection, he turns to his forces.

“The Equinox will be at Light’s Hope soon. I want all of my soldiers to head there now with the townsponies. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Derpy gasps. “Where will you be?!”

“I’m going to check on the building. Make sure it isn’t still smoldering inside.”

Sereb steps forward. “I will join you.”

Hammer grins. “Me too!”

Auriel hurries over to him. “You can count on me too.”

“Let’s go.”

Arc and his friends enter the building as Coco Pommel and the other staff gather up the foals and younglings and head down the road toward Light’s Hope.

Chapter 4 - Betrayed

The Equinox slowly takes off as Arc leads the last of the citizens onto the Mid Deck. He gestures to the rows of bunk beds with a wave of his hand.

“Everyone can bed down here. Further on is another bay of more beds which can be used if these are all filled. However that wing will be mostly for military personnel. If anyone needs medical attention we have facilities upstairs. Between the bays down the way is the cafeteria. We have plenty of supplies, so don’t worry about us running out anytime soon. Everyone has free reign of the ship with the exception of the Bridge and Engine Room. We have a Library, Rec Room, and an Observation Deck that is available for use.”

Mayor Mare approaches Arc. “Thank you, sir. We appreciate the hospitality.”

Arc sighs. “It seems the least I can do, considering all that happened because of me.”

Applejack frowns. “None of that was your fault, Arc!”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “Yeah! It was all Decimus!”

Fluttershy grits her teeth. “That stallion was nothing but bad news!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Well, we took care of his troops while Hammer finished the job!”

Hammer nods soberly. “He didn’t deserve to keep sucking air.”

“Thanks for the support everyone. But right now we need to see about keeping the citizens here safe until they can return home.”

Derpy raises a hoof. “I’ll take care of the meals.”

“Yeah! Mom and I have lots of experience cooking back at the orphanage!”

The Cakes step forward.

“My husband and I can help in the kitchen as well.”

“Right. We’re mostly pastry chefs though.”

Derpy smiles. “That will be quite helpful. I’m not very good at desserts personally.”

Arc turns to his troops.

“See to it everyone is settled into a bunk and send anyone whom is injured upstairs to the Infirmary.”

Max salutes. “We’ll see to it, sir.”

Xenos nods soberly. “Yeah. These ponies have been through a lot already.”

Hugh motions to the Kitchen. “Afterwards we’ll see about helping out in here.”

Viktor sighs. “They’ll need all the help they can get.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll see if I can lend a hand later too. But I need to take care of business right now.”

“We’ll have food ready soon, dad!”

Derpy giggles. “Yes. Don’t be late for meals now.”

“I’ll try not to be. See you later.”

Arc turns and quickly leaves via a teleporter. Dinky looks to her mother.

“Mom? Is dad okay?”

Derpy shakes her head. “He’s… not really.”

Fluttershy nods sadly. “Rarity looked like she was hurt pretty badly when they brought her in. Rainbow Dash too.”

Applejack smiles. “We could go see them later. I’m sure both Rarity and Rainbow Dash would like that.”

Apple Bloom looks to her older sister. “Can Dinky and I come too?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. I’m sure Sweetie Belle’s feeling really sad right now. She’s still not returning my calls.”

Auriel appears confused. “Calls?”

“Telepathic calls, that is.”

Auriel shrugs. “Maybe she’s asleep.”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “No, she’s awake. That I can feel too.”

Sereb bows his head. “Sometimes we all just need a little space alone to work through things in our minds.”

Rose puts a hand on pair of fillies’ heads. “Right. Give her some time.”

Meanwhile, Arc appears on the teleporter pad on the Bridge. He walks over to the captain’s chair to find Soarin sitting there nervously.

“Um… everything okay?”

Soarin shakes his head. “No, sir. Thing are really… out of whack in here right now.”

“I know having so many extra passengers is going to be tough, but…”

Lemon Hearts interrupts him. “That’s not what he means, sir.”

“Oh?”

Wrangler looks away nervously. “We’re… short on crew.”

Moon Dancer bows her head. “One very important member, that is.”

Arc frowns. “What are you all getting at?”

Thunderlane sighs. “The commander found Captain Tight Ship’s resignation on his desk a short time after everypony boarded.”

Arc gasps. “Tight Ship’s gone?!”

Soarin nods sadly as he holds up a paper. “Yes sir.”

“Why?!”

“He said he couldn’t fight against his oldest friends.”

“Celestia?”

Wrangler nods. “And Decimus.”

“They have a history?”

Moon Dancer bows her head. “Yes sir. I remember hearing stories from him about their academy days.”

Thunderlane sighs. “Best friends those two.”

Arc clenches a fist. “But he knows everything that’s happened thus far! Why would he even CONSIDER helping Decimus or Celestia at this point?!”

Soarin grimaces. “Apparently he believes in their judgement and wants to be there for them when he’s needed most.”

The stallion sighs as he stands and looks at Arc and hands over the letter.

“He recommended me as his successor, sir. But ultimately the choice is up to you.”

Arc nods. “I trust that you can command this ship, Soarin?”

“Yes sir. But I’m not as good at it as…”

“That’s because you aren’t.”

“Sir?”

Arc puts a hand on Soarin’s shoulder. “Don’t try to be Tight Ship. Just do the best you can as you are.”

He turns to the rest of the crew.

“Can I count on everyone else to do what they can to help me stop this madness?”

Lemon Hearts stands. “I’m with you, sir. After all, every act I’ve witnessed has always been for the betterment of everypony in the land. But right now Princess Celestia’s newly appointed Hero of Light isn’t even trying to protect anypony.”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “Yeah! He’s just going around and trampling ponies under his hooves to get to you, sir! We have to stop him and show the princess that she was wrong to try and give him your job!”

Thunderlane frowns. “We can’t just sit idly by while the citizens are forced to suffer this tyranny. It has to end, and you’re the only one with the authority to do anything right now.”

Moon Dancer looks to Arc. “I’ve analyzed the situation and have found that nearly everything that both the princess and Decimus have done to be in direct contrast with what protocol calls for. You don’t imprison innocents against their will and use them as bait in the name of trying to protect them from a phantom menace.”

Soarin looks to Arc soberly. “Captain Tight Ship is a stallion I’ve always looked up to. He’s brave, honest, loyal, and kind. But the thing that always impressed me was how he had such a great relationship with Princess Celestia and Captain Decimus. I can honestly say that they were always the best of friends. But now he’s blindly following Celestia as she leads Equestria off a proverbial cliff by Decimus’ side.”

“Thanks, everyone. I’ll need all the help I can get.”

Arc turns to Soarin before continuing. Clearing his throat he speaks.

“As the Hero of Light, I hereby promote you to captain of The Equinox, Soarin. Always do your best to keep this ship and its occupants safe.”

“I will, sir.”

“Good. Now we need to get moving.”

Thunderlane grins. “Where to, sir?”

“Canterlot. I need to stop Celestia as soon as possible. Hopefully before Decimus… respawns, or whatever he does to keep coming back.”

Moon Dancer looks over her console. “I’ll keep watch for incoming threats, sir.”

Wrangler grins. “And the weapons will be standing by.”

Lemon Hearts puts on her headphones. “If there’s anything interesting on the radio I’ll see to it you hear about it, sir.”

Thunderlane grips the controls. “And I’ll get you there quickly and safely, sir. Give me two hours and we’ll be in Canterlot’s air space.”

“Thank you, everyone. With any luck this will be over before we know it. But if you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on someone.”

Leaving the Bridge, Arc heads for the Infirmary. Entering, he finds Sweetie Belle lying on a bed next to her mother. She looks up sadly as Arc walks over to them.

“Hey.”

Arc forces a smile. “How is she?”

“Nurse Redheart says she’ll be okay with some rest.”

“Can you tell me what happened?”

“Some really mean looking guards broke into Carousel Boutique when Rarity didn’t answer the door. They smashed through the bedroom door where we were hiding. Rarity… tried to fight them off by throwing some stuff at them. But that just made them mad.”

She puts a small hoof on Rarity’s fetlock before continuing.

“When they charged at us, Rarity… my mom threw herself on top of me. They started hitting her… calling her bad names and telling her to just come quietly. A few times they hoofed her in the head, but she wouldn’t budge. Mom… started bleeding when they slammed her face into the floor one time too many. Eventually she went limp and they dragged us to the orphanage.

Arc takes Rarity’s hoof as he gently pats Sweetie Belle’s head.

“I’m sorry this happened. You and Rarity were very brave to stand up to them.”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “No, Arc. My mom was just too frantic to think rationally.”

“What do you mean?”

“When we got to the orphanage they let me walk on my own. I saw that nopony else was hurt. Just Rarity and Rainbow Dash.”

A weak voice rings out as Rarity’s fetlock moves slightly.

“…right.”

They looks down to see Rarity gazing up at them through her two black eyes. Arc gasps.

“Rarity!”

“MOM!”

Rarity forces a smile. “I’m… all right, Sweetie Belle. Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine! Arc’s here too, mom! He killed the bad stallions!”

“I knew… he would.”

“My troops did most of that. I was busy getting you two out of there.”

Rarity coughs. “Thank… you.”

“But why did you fight back, mom?! We both could have just walked out of there!”

“Because… I thought… they were there… to take you away… from me… Sweetie Belle.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “What?! But why would they have…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Now, now. Let’s not dwell that too much.”

Rarity looks around. “Where… are we?”

“The Equinox. My Infirmary to be exact.”

“What happened… in Ponyville?”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Arc and his soldiers came and saved everypony! We’re flying away now with the entire town!”

“Everypony?”

Arc nods. “Yes. They’ll be safe from Decimus in here.”

Sweetie Belle appears suddenly nervous. “Where are we going now?”

“Canterlot. My forces and I are going to confront Celestia about this matter right away.”

Rarity frowns. “Matter?”

“He rounded up the entire town and held them hostage in an attempt to lure me out of hiding.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Do you think the princess told him to do that, Arc?!”

“No idea. But either way she has to know what he did. And if she refuses to see reason, I’ll knock her right off that throne!”

“Arc… you… you can’t!”

Arc nods. “Oh yes I can. I’m the only one who can legally challenge her right now.”

Rarity shakes her head weakly. “No… please don’t! She’ll… she’ll… kill you!”

“Maybe. But I’m not letting this go. I was wrong to suggest you and the others return to Ponyville. What happened to you and the rest of the townsponies is squarely on my shoulders.”

Sweetie Belle nods soberly. “The princess can’t be allowed to keep doing things like this to innocent ponies!”

Rarity grimaces. “But… without her… who will…?”

“If she goes down I’ll call for Cadance to take the Equestrian throne while I try to find Luna.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “What about Miss Twilight?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. She’s… a princess… too.”

Arc sighs. “That may be true. But I don’t think she’ll be in any shape emotionally to do anything if I take down her mentor. Hopefully it won’t come to that though.”

Redheart’s office door opens. She and Rainbow Dash walk out together as the Pegasus gnaws at the restrains on her wing.

“Now remember to rest yourself properly. And for Celestia’s sake keep those bandages on!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “But I can’t let Arc see me like this! He’ll think I’m a…!”

She turns to see Arc frowning at her, his arms crossed over his chest. A few moments of silence passes between them. Rainbow Dash nervously moves her head away from the bandages holding her wing to her side.

“It’s… really not that bad. In fact, it doesn’t even hurt anymore!”

Redheart rolls her eyes as she pokes the pegasus’ wing. “Not even here?”

Rainbow Dash gasps and falls to her knees in pain as Rarity looks to Redheart.

“How… is she?”

“Quite a bit better than you, miss. A fractured wing along with numerous bumps and bruises.”

Arc helps the mare stand up. “Did the guards get you too, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yeah. I saw a bunch of them going from house to house from the sky. When I turned to fly away a couple of them came after me.”

“So you flew to Rarity’s place?”

“Not exactly. A couple more flew out of a nearby cloud and forced me to the ground in front of the shop. When Rarity peeked out the window I told her to make a run for it. That must’ve set off the guards, as the next thing I knew they were breaking down the shop’s front door.”

Rarity grimaces. “Why… did they…?”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “I don’t know, Rarity. It all just happened so fast!”

Arc frowns. “Well, they won’t be doing that to anyone else. My squad tells me all of Decimus’ forces were killed in the skirmish.”

Sweetie Belle appears relieved. “That’s good!”

Arc turns to the nurse. “What’s Rarity’s condition, Redheart?”

“She sustained a mild concussion as well as a few fractured bones.”

“Will she be okay?”

“With some bedrest, yes.”

Arc appears relieved. “Good. Now then I need to deal with Celestia before Decimus comes back.”

Rarity gasps as she attempts to get up. “But you…!”

Redheart puts a hoof on the mare’s chest. “Calm yourself, miss. You’re in no condition to be moving around.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Not to worry. I’ll go with him.”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “With a fractured wing?”

“I can still fight!”

Arc shakes his head. “That may technically be true. But you’re also in a significantly weakened state.”

“Well, I have to do SOMETHING!”

“Then stay here in the Infirmary and keep Rarity company.”

“But I don’t want to lie around and…!”

Redheart frowns. “I was leading you out here to do just that though!”

Arc chuckles. “That settles it.”

“But…!”

Arc points to the mattress next to Rarity. “Bed. Now.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “…fine.”

She climbs in as Redheart fluffs the pillow. Covering the mare with a blanket, Arc smiles at her.

“Thanks.”

“What for?”

“Not arguing too much. After all, I know you don’t like lying around. But I want you to recover properly.”

Rainbow Dash blushes slightly as Arc turns back to Redheart.

“Keep them both in bed until you believe they’re recovered enough to move around.”

“Yes sir.”

Rarity turns her attention back to Arc. “Getting ready for… the mission?”

“Yeah. With our improved engines it shouldn’t take too long for the ship to reach Canterlot.”

Rainbow Dash appears worried. “You be careful down there.”

Sweetie Belle smiles nervously. “Right, Arc. My mom and I will be waiting.”

“I will. Get some rest you three.”

As he turns to leave the Infirmary, Applejack suddenly runs in breathlessly.

“Arc! We’ve got trouble!”

“What’s wrong?!”

“Sereb and Hammer caught a saboteur!”

“Where?!”

“This way!”

The pair hurry out of the Infirmary and down the corridor together. They soon come to the Cargo Hold where Sereb has his paws on the chest of a yellow pony with a fiery mane. As he does so Hammer presses her gun to the mare’s temples. Arc looks over the scene before him as he approaches.

“What’s going on here?!”

Sereb cautiously steps back and turns to Arc as Hammer takes his place holding the captive down.

“I smelled someone down here whom did not enter the ship with the others from Ponyville!”

Hammer nods angrily. “She won’t say a word though. Want me to make her talk, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Let’s hold off on that for now. Besides, I already know who this is.”

He motions for Hammer to step away as he looks the mare over.

“It’s been a long time, Lieutenant Spitfire.”

The mare glares at him as he continues.

“Somehow I don’t think you were down here for supplies.”

Spitfire looks daggers at him. “Just kill me at get it over with, will you?!”

Arc frowns. “Wait. Kill?”

“You’re a monster!”

Sereb growls. “Watch your tongue, morsel!”

Spitfire points a hoof to Applejack. “And you’re a traitor too!”

“Wha?!”

“You’re an Element Bearer! How DARE you betray Equestria!”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “I don’t know what the hay you’re talking about! Arc here is trying to SAVE this land!”

Arc nods. “Right. But why don’t we start with what you were doing down here.”

“I was sent here to disable your ship.”

Hammer’s fingers dig into the mare’s fetlocks. “Why?!”

“To protect the princess from him!”

Arc frowns. “How?”

Stellar Flare walks over with a device under her fetlock. “She came here with an EMP. It would have fried enough of the electronics to force the ship to land.”

Spitfire grits her teeth. “I’m still not sure how you knew I was here!”

Sereb growls. “You reek of treachery!”

Hammer nods fervently. “Yeah! What he said!”

Arc looks to the intruder. “Let me guess. When we crashed, someone would have been waiting on the ground to finish the job?”

Spitfire looks away. “Figure it out yourself, beast! But I do have a question for YOU!”

Applejack grits her teeth. “You’re not in any position to…!”

Arc interrupts her. “What is it?”

“I wanna know why!”

“Why, what?”

“Why did you betray Princess Celestia?!”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “Playing dumb won’t change anything. “The whole kingdom knows how you tried to kill her!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “You have that backwards.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Right. In truth it was Celestia whom tried to kill ME.”

Spitfire suddenly breaks free and lunges forward to attack Arc. Hammer grabs her rear hoof, stopping the mare mere inches from Arc as Sereb slams her to the deck with a blow from one of his massive paws. Hammer puts the barrel of her gun on the back of Spitfire’s head.

“I’d stay down if I were you.”

Spitfire turns to Hammer. “Don’t trust him! This… this THING will stab you in the back the moment he gets the chance!”

Arc shakes his head. “Believe what you will about me. But when we met, I took you for an intelligent officer.”

“Don’t insult me!”

“I’m not. But you need to look at everything that’s happening and ask yourself one question.”

Spitfire scoffs. “What’s that?!”

“Do you really want to be a part of this?”

“That’s why I joined the military originally! To keep the land safe from things like YOU!”

“Then your efforts are a bit… misguided. I’m not the dangerous one here. Decimus and Gaston are plotting something.”

Applejack nods with conviction. “Right! He tried to use the citizens of Ponyville as bait to lure Arc out into the open!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “And tried to torch the building they were in!”

“That’s a lie!”

She points a hoof to Arc as she continues.

“He’s the one whom set fire to Ponyville!”

Sereb growls. “Arc did not have anything to do with the orphanage fire!”

Applejack stomps the deck angrily. “Yeah! In fact he was the one whom freed all of us before the fire could spread!”

“There’s no way that’s true! This monster set fire to the entire town!”

Arc nods. “Last I checked it was still standing.”

Spitfire groans. “Why do you keep lying like this?! It’s a simple matter to verify what the survivors told us!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Survivors?”

“A few guards escaped and radioed the report back to Canterlot. Before leaving you ordered your ship to set the town ablaze!”

“No, we didn’t.”

Spitfire looks away. “I’m just wasting my breath! You’re so deep in lies that you can’t remember how to tell the truth!”

Sereb raises a massive paw as he looks to Arc. “I’ve heard quite enough! Allow me to silence this traitor!”

“No. I’ll deal with her myself. Let her up.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You sure about this, Arc?”

“Very.”

Warily, Hammer and Sereb release Spitfire. She looks to him coldly.

“Going to finish me off yourself, huh?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. Attack me.”

“…what?”

“You heard me.”

Spitfire grins. “Looking for a challenge?”

“I’m sure you’d like the chance to complete your mission. Come at me.”

Spitfire looks Arc over for a few moments. Spreading her wings she zooms forward at breakneck speed. However as she nears Arc he sidesteps and grabs her by the mane. Using her own momentum, he redirects the mare to do a 180 only to slam into the deck. Groaning, she wipes away the blood forming in her nose. Arc leans forward and speaks to her softly.

“I didn’t attack Ponyville.”

She turns her head and looks daggers at him. Hammer and Sereb walk over to her.

“We’ve gotta get rid of this mare!”

“Yes. She’s out of her mind.”

Spitfire coughs. “Just do whatever you had planned and let’s get this over with.”

Arc nods. “Fine. Applejack, tie her up.”

“Uh… okay.”

Grabbing a nearby rope, Applejack soon has Spitfire’s hooves tied together. She look up at him bravely.

“Coward.”

“Think whatever you want of me. But what you believe isn’t the truth. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a job to do.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Picking her up he tosses the bleeding mare through before closing it again. Hammer grins.

“Where’d you send her?”

“My old room in Canterlot Castle.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “What?!”

Sereb frowns. “Why?”

“Because she’ll be able to get some medical attention there. That and I don’t have the facilities to hold her aboard the ship.”

He turns to Stellar Flare.

“Any idea how she got in here?”

Stellar Flare nods as she holds up the mare’s saddlebags. “There’s a master key in here. It’s able to open any of our locks.”

Hammer frowns. “Shouldn’t something like that that be with the captain?”

Stellar Flare bows her head. “It was.”

Arc frowns. “You mean…?”

Stellar Flare sighs. “Yes. This belonged to Tight Ship.”

Chapter 6 - Intercontinental Intervention (Part 2)

Early the next morning Arc opens his eyes and looks down at the fillies in his arms. Sweetie Belle and Dinky lie against his chest peacefully. Turning his head Arc sees Rarity and Rainbow Dash in their own beds next to his. Slowly rising, the fillies wake up and look around. Sweetie Belle is the first to speak, albeit half asleep.

“Mom…?”

Arc motions with a nod of his head. “She’s right over there, Sweetie Belle.”

The filly looks up to him groggily as Dinky pats her back.

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “What’s going on?”

“You two fell asleep in my arms yesterday. So when night fell I just kinda crashed here.”

Dinky gasps. “We missed supper?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Neither of you stirred. Not even when Redheart woke Rarity up every two hours.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “She… did? Why?”

“To make sure she was still okay.”

“Is she?”

Arc looks to Rarity as she groans and opens her eyes. “See for yourself.”

Hopping down, Sweetie Belle hurries over to Rarity’s bedside and looks into her mother’s face.

“Mom!”

Rarity forces a small smile. “Good morning, dear.”

“How do you feel?!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “Like I’ve been hit by a cart.”

Arc and Dinky stand and walk over.

“Glad to see you awake and talking better today.”

“Yeah, Miss Rarity. You didn’t look too good yesterday.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Gotta agree with them on that one.”

Arc turns to her. “And how are you feeling today, Rainbow Dash?”

“Really sore, actually. Not sure if it’s because I’ve been in bed so long or because of what they did to me the other day though.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Rarity. “Do you remember what happened, mom?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, Sweetie Belle. But I knew Arc would come and save us.”

Arc looks to her soberly. “Always.”

“But tell me, was anypony besides Rainbow Dash hurt?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “The whole town is safe. But… um…”

“What is it?”

Arc grits his teeth. “Celestia made a speech yesterday. She said that I burned down Ponyville.”

“WHAT?!”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “But if anything you tried to SAVE the town!”

“How did THAT happen?! After all, when we left I remember hearing rain!”

Dinky bows her head. “Decimus must’ve come back with more troops and set the buildings on fire.”

Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “He might’ve been lying about it though. After all, nothing else that was said in that speech was true.”

Arc looks out the window sadly. “I hope that’s the case. But we need to assume that everything is gone. Carousel Boutique… Sweet Apple Acres… Sugar Cube Corner… maybe even the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Rarity leans back on the pillow and sighs. Sweetie Belle looks to her mother, clearly concerned.

“It’s gonna be okay, mom. We’ll build another shop for you.”

Rarity shakes her head. “It’s not that, dear. I’m just happy everypony made it to safety. After all buildings can be replaced, dressed can be resewn, and livelihoods can be rebuilt. But nothing can ever replace the ones I care about.”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Yeah! Um… do you suppose my house was destroyed too?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe.”

“Great.”

“We’re all homeless right now, Miss Rainbow Dash. But if we stick together I’m sure everything will work out.”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Right. Especially after I take care of the root of this… problem.”

Redheart’s office door suddenly opens. She emerges with two charts and walks over to her patients.

“How are we feeling today, you two?”

Rarity groans. “My head feels really heavy.”

Rainbow Dash pats her wing. “And I’m feeling really sore.”

“I’ll examine both of you now, of course. But I do believe that you’re on the road to recovery.”

Soarin steps into the room and clears his throat. The others turn to him as he approaches.

“Sir, we’re approaching the shores of the Dragon Lands.”

“Is there trouble?”

“A horde of dragons have gathered on the beach. Intentions unknown.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “They here for a fight?!”

Soarin shrugs. “As I said, we don’t really know.”

“Let’s not be the ones to throw the first blow. Right dad?”

“Exactly. I’ll address them when we land.”

Rarity grimaces as Redheart looks over the bumps on her head. “Be careful, Arc!”

“No worries there. As soon as they see who I am it’s likely they’ll back down.”

Heading for the doorway, he turns back to Rarity.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Rarity smiles as Redheart writes on her chart. “Please do. I miss you when you’re gone.”

Arc nods as he heads out the door with Soarin. “Me too, Rarity.”

A short time later the ship lands on the beach. The group of dragons fly onto its deck and stand in front of the main hatch. As it opens, they step back at the armored figure before them. Arc groans as he looks to the dragon in front of the pack.

“I’m not here to buy scout cookies, Garble.”

“Huh?”

Arc sighs. “I guess you wouldn’t get that one. So let me just ask what it is you’re doing here so we can get this thing moving.”

Garble frowns. “Dragon Lord Ember was really angry the last time you Equestrians came around! We’re here to send you packing before you get to Pyreston!”

Arc shakes his head and removes his helmet. “You… and what army?”

Garble and his friends step back as Arc’s face comes into view.

“Y-you again?!”

“Yes, me again. So if we’re going to fight, let’s get that going so I can beat you up and head inland.”

“No way! We’re not interested in tangling with the Dragon Lord’s… um… you know…”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What?”

“Her… bedmate.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“We heard you and her going at it from the street one time you were here! There was crashing and banging aplenty!”

Arc facepalms. “Look, can we just move this along? I’m kinda on a schedule here.”

“Fine, whatever.”

Arc turns to the others as he and Garble turn to walk away. “And don’t mess with my ship! You do and I’ll start breaking bones!”

They gulp and snap to attention. Arc opens a portal and motions for Garble to follow. He looks at it nervously.

“What the heck is…?!”

Losing patience, Arc plants a boot on Garble’s backside, knocking him though. Following, he finds himself in Ember’s small house. Garble stands and dusts himself off, clearly indignant.

“What’s the big idea?! And where are we?!”

“Ember’s house in Pyreston.”

“Wha…?”

“Think she’s here?”

Garble shakes his head nervously. “Not a chance! She’s been staying with her dad!”

“Take me there.”

Garble hurries to the door and scurries out while Arc follows. As they walk down the street the dragon turns to him.

“So… you must be tougher than we though.”

“I would hope so. But what makes you say that?”

“Well, uh… you banged Ember for starters.”

“This again?”

“The whole street heard it! What was it like?! Was she as good as we all think she is?!”

“Okay, I am NOT having this conversation with YOU of all dragons!”

Garble frowns. “Fine. But we just want details.”

“So ask Ember then.”

“I’d kinda like to keep living.”

“Then remain in ignorance.”

Reaching the Throne of the Dragon Lord’s outer chambers Garble approaches the two burly guards standing in front of the doors. He jerks a claw in Arc’s direction.

“This guy wants to see the Dragon Lord.”

The guards look him over before speaking.

“Is he expected?”

Garble turns to him.

“Are you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a chance.”

“Then you may not.”

Garble puffs his chest out arrogantly. “I don’t think you know who this is.”

“Should we?”

“Yeah! He’s the one who bedded Dragon Lord Ember!”

“Is he now?!”

“Trust me, she’d want to see HIM!”

“Very well. Whom should I say is requesting an audience?”

Arc sighs. “Just tell her the Hero of Light is here to see her again.”

Nodding, the guard turns and enter the doors. Returning a few minutes later, he motions for the other guards to approach with their weapons drawn. Garble looks around nervously.

“Wha-what’s going on?!”

“The Dragon Lord will see you, sir. But first she wanted us to show you some… dragon hospitality.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“We’re going to beat the crap out of you!”

Meanwhile, Ember sits on the throne with her father. He frowns as he looks to her.

“DARE I ASK WHY YOU GAVE SUCH AN ORDER, EMBER?!”

Ember seethes. “Because I TOLD Decimus that’s what would happen if he EVER came back here!”

She grits her teeth angrily as she continues.

“That and his outlandish assertion that I BED him some time ago needs to be answered!”

“AGREED! IF HE DESIRES TO MAKE SUCH BOLD CLAIMS, LET HIM BACK THEM UP!”

The sounds of a scuffle ring out beyond the doors. Ember grins wickedly as she listens intently.

“Have fun, you prick!”

Suddenly the doors fly open as several burly guards and launched through them. They attempt to rise but are unable to do so. Ember narrows her eyes and calls forth her armor and spear as she stands.

“Must I do everything myself around…!”

She stops talking as Arc walks out. He approaches her and removes his helmet.

“Hi, Ember. It’s been a while.”

“I… I…”

Arc points a finger at the guards. “Sorry about the mess.”

Ember blushes heavily and smiles as she turns away. “It’s… um… fine. How… how are you…?”

“Not the greatest. I was actually hoping to ask you and your dad something.”

“GREETING, ARC! YOU NEED NOT BE SO COY THOUGH! MY DAUGHTER DOES INDEED DESIRE TO MATE WITH YOU!”

“Dad!”

“IT IS THE TRUTH, IS IT NOT?!”

“Well, yeah. But I…!”

Arc groans. “I think there’s been some kind of a misunderstanding here. Right now I need to ask about airships coming from the Griffon Kingdom.”

“AH! THAT WOULD BE UP TO EMBER TO SAY!”

Ember nods nervously as she speaks. “Yeah. Some dragons saw an armada flying toward the Equestrian coast the other day.”

“Did you make any attempt to stop them?”

“No. We figured it was due to the new treaty.”

Arc appears confused. “New treaty?”

“Celestia sends me weekly correspondences. Lately she’s been working with the Griffon Kingdom through the new ambassador.”

Arc groans. “Please tell me it’s not Admiral Gaston!”

“It’s not.”

“Good!”

“It’s Lady Ashe.”

Arc facepalms. “That’s just as bad!”

Ember nods soberly. “Yeah, I know. But we didn’t go after the airships due to them being called for by Celestia herself.”

“So the new treaty is an alliance?”

“Think of it more like an extension of the original treaty you and Princess Luna signed a while back. Just with military aid written in.”

Arc groans. “Great. That makes this a LOT harder!”

“You trying to get to Celestia?”

“Yeah. Decimus attacked Ponyville and burned it down.”

Ember’s eye twitches. “WHAT?!”

“Then he blamed it on me.”

“I’LL KILL HIM MYSELF!”

“Glad to see we’re on the same page there.”

“Why aren’t you in Canterlot right now then?!”

“We tried. But the a fore mentioned warships stopped us.”

Ember clenches a fist. “We’ll take every dragon whom can fly and SMASH that blockade!”

Torch growls. “NO, YOU WILL NOT!”

“Why not, dad?!”

“THE DRAGONS WILL NOT ENTER INTO UNPROVOKED OR SHOW ANY KIND OF AGGRESSION TOWARD EQUESTRIA NOW OR IN THE FUTURE!”

“Again, why not?!”

“BECAUSE, THANKS TO YOU EMBER, WE HAVE A WRITTEN TREATY WITH THEM!”

“I’ll burn it then!”

“EVEN IF YOU DID, THE AGREEMENT WOULD STILL BE BINDING!”

“But that was a mistake!”

Torch nods. “YES! ONE THAT YOU AND OUR NATION MUST NOW LIVE WITH! UNLESS EQUESTRIA DIRECTLY MOVES TO ATTACK OUR SHORES, WE CANNOT RAISE A CLAW AGAINST THEM!”

He turns and looks to Arc.

“SURELY YOU UNDERSTAND THIS!”

“I do, actually. You have to do what’s best for the Dragon Lands. After all, if an agreement has already been made…”

Ember interrupts him. “How is that for the best?! I signed that document to keep Equestria SAFE! But now you’re saying it might do the opposite!”

“At the moment, yes. But can I ask why you did that, Ember?”

Ember sighs. “It was after your presumed death. I… wanted to make sure Equestria and your loved ones would always be safe from dragons and the rest of the world.”

“AGAINST MY ADVICE, I MIGHT ADD!”

Arc looks to Torch. “Sir?”

“A TREATY IS NOT REQUIRED TO KEEP DRAGONKIND FROM HARMING PONIES, NOR IS IT NEEDED TO RENDER AID TO THE LAND OF THE EQUINES! HOWEVER, EMBER INSISTED ON MAKING IT OFFICIAL AND PUTTING SUCH THINGS IN WRITING!”

“Yeah. To be honest with you, Decimus has been after me for a while now to send warriors to help defend the land as per our treaty.”

“But you haven’t done that, right?”

“I told him the last time he was here that since there is no foreign aggression of any kind that we would not help him. That’s also why I ordered you attacked earlier.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You thought I was Decimus?”

Ember nods. “He was told what would happen the next time he came here in regards to this matter.”

“Well, thanks for not helping him. “

“Oh, I can do more than that!”

“Huh?”

“I’m going with you as a representative of the Dragon Lands.”

“Wouldn’t that cause in international incident though?”

Ember shakes her head. “On the contrary. The way I see it, Celestia broke the law when she attacked you, Arc. And by me coming with you I’m merely aiding you in the pursuance of your sworn duty.”

“EMBER MAKES A GOOD POINT, ARC!”

“But this could cause friction between Equestria and the Dragon Lands.”

Ember clenches a fist. “We’re following the law here! They’re not! So if they want a fight, we’ll give it to them!”

“Alright, Ember. You can come along. As long as it’s just you, that is.”

“Fine. It’ll be just like old times.”

“BE MINDFUL OF THE DRAGON LAND’S REPUTATION WHILE ABROAD, EMBER!”

“I will, dad.”

“REMEMBER, YOUR EVERY ACTION WILL A REFLECTION OF OUR LAND AS A WHOLE!”

Arc nods. “As will mine.”

“INDEED!”

Ember motions to Arc with a claw. “Well then, shall we go?”

“Sure.”

Arc looks to Torch.

“I’ll be sure to return Ember to you safe and sound.”

“WHILE I AM CONFIDENT THAT IS NOT REQUIRED, I THANK YOU JUST THE SAME! GO IN PEACE, SON OF EQUESTRIA!”

Ember takes Arc’s arm and turns to leave with him. Passing through the doors Garble grumbles and flies away.

“Lucky bum…”

As they leave, Ember turns to Arc.

“Can we head back to my place for a bit? I need to pick something up.”

“Alright.”

Opening a portal, Arc and Ember return to her house. She turns to him mischievously as he looks around.

“What is it you need, Ember?”

“You, silly!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Not this again.”

Ember grins. “I can’t help it! That new armor is just drop dead sexy on you! The Hammer’s and Mythic Honor really outdid themselves this time!”

“I actually found it.”

“Where?”

“That chest in my basement.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “The one I used to set the laundry basket on?”

Arc nods. “Until I moved it, yes.”

“Why weren’t you using that then?!”

“I didn’t know it was there!”

“Maybe you’d have been properly protected from harm!”

Arc shrugs. “Probably. But not to worry, as I won’t be wearing Eidolon’s Ward anymore.”

Cherry calls out. “It’s nice to know Arc’s safer these days too.”

Ember grins. “How’re you doing in there, Cherry?”

“Better now that I’m back with Arc and his friends. But can I ask you something, Ember?”

“What is it?”

“Earlier your father referred to Arc as a ‘son of Equestria’. What did he mean by that?”

“I’m curious about that as well. After all, I wasn’t born in Equestria.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Perhaps he thought you were for some reason?”

“It’s a dragon thing. He was just saying that Arc personifies the Equestrian nation in the way he carries himself. Believe me when I say that it was a major compliment.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s good. But we should probably get moving.”

Ember appears hopeful “Can we cuddle first?”

“Ember…”

“Fine, fine. Mister all business here.”

“Sorry, but I’ve got some sizeable problems to deal with.”

“I know. Decimus and Celestia out to get you and all that.”

“And the entire town of Ponyville aboard my ship on the beach.”

Ember does a double take. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Take it literally.”

“Wow. You really do have the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

“Yeah. Ready to get back there now?”

“Let’s go.”

Opening a portal, Arc teleports them to his quarters aboard ship. Arc’s friends are waiting for them. Pinkie, naturally, is the first to speak.

“You got Ember!”

Ember waves sheepishly. “Hi, everyone. Um… sorry to hear about Ponyville.”

Applejack sighs. “No more than we are.”

Hammer grins. “How’s it going, Dragon?!”

“Um… okay, I guess. Wait! What are you doing here?”

Arc sighs. “Trouble back on Earth. She bailed me out of it but wrecked her relationship with Stingray and Mio in the process.”

“Yeah! Then they kidnapped me after Christmas dinner!”

“Wiseman and I had to go rescue her.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I’m sure that went well.”

Arc chuckles. “It actually did.”

Sereb grins toothily. “Arc has been working on his teamwork skills recently. Our efficiency has been much higher since then.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Oh? How so?”

Hammer smacks her fists together. “We took out that Bloodletter fella, for starters!”

Arc nods. “And in record time too.”

“That’s a good sign. No injuries?”

Sereb shakes his head. “None.”

Ember grins. “This should be easy then.”

Rose smiles. “With the proper planning and resources, yes.”

Auriel giggles. “Right. No need to put the cart before the horse.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“I’m sorry. That was just an expression I heard back on Earth.”

Fluttershy looks to Ember in an attempt to diffuse the situation. “So how have you been? We haven’t seen you since the funeral.”

“I’ve been ruling next to my dad. He’s trying to teach me how to be a real Dragon Lord. But now I’m here to help all of you with this problem.”

Auriel grins. “That’s a relief!”

Rose looks out the large window over the ocean. “Yes. We require all the help we can get.”

Ember looks around. “Where’s Rainbow Dash and Rarity? They with Twilight in Canterlot?”

Arc frowns. “In the Infirmary.”

“Decimus?”

“Yeah.”

“They okay?”

Arc nods. “Given time, yes.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Then we’ll have to think of a way to get Decimus back for all of this!”

Sereb growls. “And find more allies to aid us in this endeavor.”

Cherry turns to Arc. “I’m sure you have a plan.”

“That I do. But it involves a really long round trip flight.”

Pinkie jumps up and down happily. “Let’s do it! I’m not busy!”

Applejack chuckles. “Me either.”

Fluttershy smiles sheepishly. “Yay!”

Hammer grins. “Yeah! I mean… how bad could it be?!”

Ember sighs. “Famous last words.”

Chapter 7 - Intercontinental Intervention (Part 3)

Returning from the Bridge, Arc looks around his quarters at those assembled.

“The course is set. We’ll be there at dusk.”

Ember scoffs. “Assuming lazy bones Princess Celestia decides to do her job and actually lower the sun on time, you mean.”

Arc nods soberly. “That was part of the trap she put us in. The griffon forces hid in misty darkness while we approached.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Good thing you raised the sun when you did.”

Pinkie bounces happily. “Yeah! We’d be sitting ducks otherwise!”

Fluttershy gasps. “Ducks?!”

Hammer shrugs. “Just an expression, Fluttershy.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “So what do we do until tomorrow?”

“Not much we can do. Other than rest and relax, that is.”

He looks out the window at the midday sun before continuing.

“I’m not much for either though.”

Ember steps forward. “Arc? Can I speak to you privately please?”

“Of course. Would everyone please excuse us?”

Hammer nods. “Sure thing.”

Applejack motions with a hoof. “Come on, Hammer. I’ll show you to the Game Room.”

Pinkie giggles. “Oh! I LOVE games! Can I come too?!”

Hammer grins. “Sure! The more the merrier!”

Auriel points a claw. “Rose and I will head down to engineering then. See if we can help out down there.”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “And I’d like to see the countryside from the Observation Deck.”

Sereb turns to her. “I will join you.”

Everyone laughs as they leave the room, closing the door behind them. Ember walks over to it and turns the latch to engage the lock. Arc frowns.

“Ember, now isn’t the time for…”

“Arc, stop.”

“Huh?”

She turns and walks over to him. Looking up into his eyes, Ember appears sober and collected.

“Arc, I need you to do something for me.”

“Oh?”

“Let me see your body.”

“What?!”

“Remove your clothing for me.”

Arc frowns. “We’re not making eggs, Ember!”

“I understand that. But I want to see that your wounds from the mission to save Celestia have fully headed.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But you won’t like what you see.”

Pulling off his shirt, Arc tosses it onto the bed and turns to her. She gasps, clearly shocked. Stepping forward she runs a claw along a nasty looking scar that lies almost center of his belly.

“Is this… where she did it to you?”

Arc nods. “Yes. That’s where Celestia’s horn blew through.”

He turns around to show her the entry point. Ember traces it with a claw as he speaks.

“I was fortunate that she didn’t hit my spine. Had she, I don’t think I’d be standing here.”

“Let me see the front again.”

Doing as she asks, Arc sighs as she looks over the scars on his chest.

“Where did these come from?”

“A very angry stallion with an extremely sharp knife.”

Ember grits her teeth. “What’s his name and where is he?!”

Arc removes Shadow’s knife from his ring and holds it up.

“Shadow. And he’s a pile of ashes in his cottage.”

“Anyone else we should take vengeance on?!”

“No, Ember. But do you remember that filly I had traveling with me?”

“Yeah. Where is she?”

“Canterlot.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“She’s on a recon mission to work with Decimus and report back what he does.”

“That sounds very unlike you, Arc. But what does she have to do with anything?”

“She’s Shadow’s daughter.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Can she be trusted?”

Arc frowns. “Lay off. She’s as much a victim here as I am.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, Scootaloo can be trusted.”

“How sure are you?”

“Ember!”

Ember looks up at Arc with sober eyes as she speaks. “Arc… I’ve nearly lost you a few times now. This isn’t something I’m willing to leave up to fate.”

Putting a claw on his scars she continues speaking.

“I love you. I want you. And I still desire to make eggs with you. That much will never change.”

Arc nods and puts his hand on her shoulder.

“Ember… I care about you too. But at the same time, I don’t have… those kinds of feelings for you.”

Ember nods sadly. “Yes, I know. However that doesn’t change my wants and desires in the least.”

“Do you want to help?”

“But I am.”

“I mean to help out around here.”

“Doing what?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. Helping in the kitchen. Tutoring the younglings and foals that need it. Things like that.”

“Sure. But don’t we have other things to do?”

“I do, yes. Head to the Infirmary and…”

Ember gasps. “Are you hurt?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m fine. But Rarity and Rainbow Dash are laid up in bed. Decimus’ forces hurt them.”

“I… I’m sorry to hear that. How are they?”

“Do you want to see them yourself?”

“Yes, I would.”

“This way.”

Grabbing his shirt, Arc and Ember leave the room and head for the Infirmary. Ember says ‘hello’ and quickly excuses herself to give them and Arc some time alone. As evening falls, the sandy shores come into view. Arc stands on the Bridge with Soarin and the rest of the Bridge Crew. Wrangler sighs.

“Never thought we’d come back here again.”

Moon Dancer turns to her. “Why’s that?”

“The inhabitants aren’t exactly the best friends with Equestria.”

Lemon Hearts raises an eyebrow. “In the past, you mean.”

Thunderlane shrugs. “Right. Lots has changed in the past year or so.”

Soarin turns to Arc. “Sir, we’ll be leaving international waters soon. Now would be a good time to send a message to the capital announcing our presence and intent.”

“Good idea. Lemon Hearts, open a channel to…”

Moon Dancer calls out. “Incoming hostile projectiles!”

Wrangler presses several buttons. “Raising shields!”

Soarin sits back in his seat. “Go to red alert! Announce battle stations and order all passengers to the Mid-Deck!”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Aye, sir!”

A series of dull ‘thuds’ is heard as the projectiles detonate on the ship’s shields. Arc turns to Thunderlane.

“Hard left! Follow the coast, but don’t get any closer to it!”

“Aye, sir!”

“Lemon Hearts, I need a channel!”

“I’m reaching out on all frequencies, sir!”

Soarin grits his teeth. “Where are they coming from?!”

Thunderlane scans the horizon. “No idea! Skies are clear!”

Moon Dancer frowns. “Scanners report the projectiles are being fired from below us, sir!”

Soarin gasps. “That’s impossible! Nopony was there a few moments ago!”

Arc looks to the captain. “Let me check!”

Calling forth his armor, he Blinks through the hull but close to the ship. Arc looks through the shields as he falls. Channeling his magic again he Blinks back onto the Bridge and turns to Soarin.

“Submarines of some kind! Any luck hailing them, Lemon Hearts?!”

“No sir! Not a word!”

“Are you sure they hearing you?!”

“Yes! But nopony’s responding!”

“Let me try!”

She gives him the microphone and motions for him to talk.

“Attention hostile vessels! This is the Equestrian airship ‘Equinox’! We have mares and fillies aboard! Please cease your attack!”

Another round of explosions ring out in response as Arc continues his pleas.

“Repeat, this is the Equestrian airship ‘Equinox’! This is Lord Arc requesting that you stop firing!”

Wrangler calls out from her station. “Sir, they don’t believe you! That and our shields can’t keep taking hits like this forever!”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “Recommend firing back or retreating, sir!”

Arc frowns. “We can’t do either! It’ll cause in international incident!”

Thunderlane points a hoof down. “Well, what do you call what they’re doing, sir?!”

“Defending their shores.”

Soarin turns to Arc. “Orders, sir?!”

“Take us in close to the water, Thunderlane! Then full stop!”

Thunderlane gasps. “What?!”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “We can’t surrender, sir!”

Arc runs for the door. “I’m not giving up! Just making a statement!”

Doing as he is told, Thunderlane lowers their altitude to just a handful of feet from the water. Spotting the submarines closing in he touches his earring.

“Arc to Moon Dancer!”

“Yes sir?”

“Are we out of range?!”

“For a few moments, yes.”

“Good! Wrangler!”

“I’m here, sir.”

“Lower the shields for three seconds!”

“Aye, sir.”

Looking at the largest submarine approaching, Arc waits for the shields to fall. As they do so he Blinks through and onto the oncoming vessel’s deck. Spotting a nearby hatch, he runs towards it as the ship begins to dive. Finding it locked he Blinks inside and drops down into a narrow corridor below. Running toward a large door, Arc grins as Cherry calls out.

“Do you suppose that’s the Bridge?!”

“One way to find out!”

Grabbing the handle, he throws the door open and lunges inside. Seeing numerous stations around a single chair, he calls forth the Spear of Righteousness and cries out.

“STOP SHOOTING AT MY SHIP!”

Everyone turns to looks at him as the captain approaches, his own blade at the ready..

“Identify yourself!”

“Lord Arc of Equestria! Like I said on the radio!”

“Can you prove this claim?”

Arc removes his helmet and throws it to the floor, revealing his face.

“Is that a good enough ID for you?! Stop firing NOW or I’ll MAKE you stop!”

The captain turns to his crew. “All weapons hold! Comms, signal the fleet to break off the attack!”

The crew complies as the captain puts away his weapon and slowly walks toward Arc.

“My apologies, sir. But we were under orders to fire on any foreign ship to approach our shores.”

“What?! Why?!”

“No one is allowed to enter the land for any reason on order of the king.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well, I need to see him.”

The captain turns to the comms. “Hail the capital. Inform them of Lord Arc’s request.”

A few moments later the officer removes their headset and looks to the captain.

“He’s… a bit upset and demanding to speak with you.”

“Very well.”

Taking the headset, the captain winces as he puts it on. Arc can only make out unintelligible screeches as the captain listens with a pained look on his face before sighing and handing back the device.

“The king has agreed to speak with you at once via the communication device in my office. It’s right this way, sir.”

Arc returns his spear to the ring and follows the captain to an adjoining office. “Good.”

Opening a door, he leads Arc into a small office and gestures to a viewscreen.

“The king will be connected in a moment. You’ll have absolute privacy here to state your business, Lord Arc.”

“Stay.”

“Sir?”

“Close the door and stay.”

“Very well, sir.”

Motioning to the comms officer, the captain closes the door and stands off to one side. Arc motions for him to stand by his side. As the viewscreen comes to life the faces of the king and queen come into view. They appear pained and remorseful. Arc greets them.

“Good morning King Felix. I trust you and Queen Fiona are doing well?”

“Y-yes, Lord Arc. Everything’s… fine here. I… would just like to take this opportunity to… apologize for the treatment you and your ship endured.”

Arc nods. “The captain here tells me that he was under orders not to allow outsiders into your territory. Is this true?”

Fiona sighs. “Yes, Lord Arc. However I believe we should talk more about this matter face to face. You will be allowed to fly to Abyssinia to come sample some of our hospitality.”

“Thank you, your highnesses. I will be there shortly.”

The captain presses a button on the console, cutting the feed. He turns to Arc, mortified.

“Please forgive my earlier transgressions, sir.”

“Yes, well… you were just doing what you were told. No shame in that, I suppose. Do be more careful in the future though, captain…”

“Frost, sir.”

“Keep a close eye out for trouble then, Captain Frost.”

Arc opens a portal, steps through, and vanishes from sight. Captain Frost sits down heavily in his chair and puts a paw to his forehead as he removes his cap.

“The king and queen were clearly unnerved at the very sight of this creature. How can one… whatever he is hold such sway with them?”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears in his quarters and hurries back to the Bridge. Entering, he turns to the Bridge Crew.

“Lemon Hearts, inform everyone that the danger is past and that we’re continuing on to the capital with the blessing of the this land’s rulers.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc turns to the tactical station. “Wrangler, stand down from red alert and power down the weapons.”

“Aye sir.”

“Thunderlane, full speed ahead.”

Thunderlane grins. “Here we go!”

The ship accelerates as Arc leaves the Bridge. Moon Dancer turns to Soarin.

“That was quite impressive!”

“Which part?”

“One moment we’re being shot at. The next we’re being allowed to pass unharmed.”

Wrangler grins. “I was still hoping for some action!”

Thunderlane sighs. “If our luck doesn’t hold out, you might just get your wish.”

Lemon Hearts shudders. “Then let’s hope that it does.”

A short time later the ship lands outside the walls of Abyssinia. Arc, Hammer, Sereb, and Ember step out onto the deck and look around. Hammer frowns.

“Pretty uninviting terrain.”

Sereb nods. “Sand as far as the eye can see.”

Hammer tugs at her shirt as she begins to sweat. “Hot too.”

Ember grins. “Really? I think it’s perfect.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You would. After all, you’re hot-blooded.”

Ember laughs. “Yeah! And loving it!”

Sereb grins toothily. “Perhaps we should head to Yakyakistan next.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Please don’t.”

Arc chuckles. “In any case, let’s get a move on.”

Mounting Sereb, Arc looks toward the city gates.

“Onward.”

Sereb turns to him. “Aren’t we forgetting something?”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t think so.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Shouldn’t Arc be surrounded by guards?”

Arc shakes his head. “You’re thinking of back when I was the Lord Regent though. That and I don’t want to send the wrong impression here.”

Ember looks toward the city. “Seems hard to do.”

Hammer turns to her. “What do you mean?”

“The king and queen practically eat out of Arc’s hand.”

Sereb nods soberly. “At one point the entire population did that quite literally. But Miss Cherry does raise a good point. You should be better protected, Arc.”

Hammer pulls her gun and steps over to Arc’s left. “I got ya covered!”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear before moving to his right. “Me too!”

Arc shrugs. “Off we go.”

Walking down the gangplank, Sereb carries Arc down the main street and toward the palace. Hammer looks around, clearly surprised as the feline citizenry stop what they are doing as Arc passes and bow respectfully.

“Cats?”

Ember frowns. “Something wrong with that?”

“Not really. I just wasn’t expecting it, that’s all.”

Arc smiles and waves. “This world is full of amazing creatures, Hammer. While I’ve seen a good bit of it, there’s still a lot left for me to see.”

Ember looks around. “At least they’re looking healthier.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Was there some kind of sickness going around before?”

Arc sighs. “An extreme lack of food actually.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Starvation was approaching at the time!”

Sereb growls. “It was not a pretty sight, as the inhabitants lacked the strength to even leave their house back then.”

Hammer gasps. “How did you change that, Arc?”

“I gave out food at the city gates. Everything the ship had aboard was prepared.”

“But that doesn’t seem like it would feed an entire country.”

Ember sighs. “It didn’t. He teleported back to Ponyville to buy apples and other goods to bring back.”

Sereb chuckles. “He didn’t stop there though.”

Arc nods. “I also gave them blueprints and some supplies to build aquaponics systems.”

Hammer appears confused. “Aqua-what?”

“Aquaponics. There’s a system in the palace courtyard that will blow your mind.”

Hammer grins. “This I’ve got to see.”

Arriving at the palace, they find King Felix and Queen Fiona standing just inside the gates waiting for him. They bow respectfully as Arc dismounts Sereb and turns to them.

“Good morning, Lord Arc.”

“Welcome back to Abyssinia.”

Felix holds out a paw in remorse. “Again, I must apologize for your earlier treatment.”

“It’s fine. After all, I’m sure you had a good reason for issuing such orders.”

Fiona sighs. “That we did. But let us head inside for refreshments and a chance to talk.”

Felix gestures to the sun overhead. “Yes, the heat of the day has yet to fully show itself.”

Fiona motions to the palace with a wave of her paw. “May we show you, Lady Ember, and your Honor Guards to a suite to freshen up before breakfast?”

“Yes, please. But I must inform you that my friend here is not actually my guard.”

Hammer shrugs. “Kinda am.”

“In any case… her name is Hammer, and she hails from the same land as I do back on Earth.”

Felix turns to her nervously. “Forgive the mistake, miss.”

“Yes, we meant no disrespect.”

Hammer chuckles. “It’s cool, I guess.”

Felix nods to the guards. They opens the doors.

“This way please.”

The guards part to allow them entrance into the palace’s cool halls. Hammer groans contentedly as the doors close behind them.

“Much better!”

Felix turns to her. “You are not much for the heat, Lady Hammer?”

“Not really, no. And it’s just ‘Hammer’.”

Fiona smiles at her. “Forgive us, but someone of great importance such as yourself is generally referred to by such a title. “

Felix nods. “We will abstain if it bothers you though.”

Hammer chuckles. Fine. You can call me whatever you want, your highnesses.

Arriving at a large door, the guards open it to an exquisite room with a massive pile of pillows, couches, and bowls of fresh fruit. A fountain in one corner of the room feeds water to a large channel that runs along one side of the room. The queen turns to Arc.

“We believe you will be quite comfortable here.”

Felix nods. “Breakfast will be ready in about an hour.”

“We will come and personally escort you and your entourage to the Dining Room at that time.”

“Let the guards outside know if you need anything.”

Arc smiles. “Thank you. We shall.”

As the monarchs leave the room Hammer lets out a high pitched whistle.

“This room is just great!”

Ember grins. “I’ll say. It’s Canterlot Castle level stuff.”

Sereb turns to his friend. “Arc, might I voice a suggestion?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“You may wish to bathe before heading to breakfast.”

“It has been awhile, I suppose.”

Hammer sniffs herself. “Me too, I guess.”

Ember wrinkles her nose. “I wasn’t going to say anything before, but you two stink!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… when you’re as busy as we are basic things like hygiene seem to be the first to go.”

Hammer laughs. “Let’s check out this bathroom then.”

Entering, they see numerous showerheads and a massive bathtub. Hammer gasps.

“This place is bigger than the barrack’s showers on most military bases!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Is that… good?”

Sereb nods. “It is if a party is trying to be expedient.”

Arc looks around. “Or it could be for intentional communal bathing.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But I always thought cats were solitary creatures.”

Arc chuckles. “Domestic cats can be, yes. But felines in the wild sometimes band together. Or so I’ve read anyways.”

Ember gestures with a claw. “That would explain the extra nozzles.”

Cherry calls out to him. “In any case, I suggest all of you hurry. You don’t want to be late for breakfast.”

“I’ll take a bath if you and Hammer want to take the showers, Ember.”

“Sounds good. My scales could use a good rinse.”

Sereb turns to leave. “I will wait out here for all of you.”

They each go their separate ways. Arc fills up the tub and jumps in. Sitting down he hears the showers start up and the giggling summarily begin. Grabbing a bottle of shampoo, he gets to work washing his hair. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“The king and queen seemed a bit nervous to see you this time, Arc.”

“I’m going to assume they heard Celestia’s speech.”

“You don’t suppose they’re planning something, do you?”

“Probably not. But there’s really no way to be sure other than to just let this thing play itself out.”

Dunking his head underwater, Arc washes out the shampoo before grabbing a bar of nearby soap. Lathering up, he chuckles happily as Cherry again speaks to him. This time in a confused tone.

“Arc?”

“Sorry, but the bubbles tickle.”

“I’m glad to see you loosening up.”

“It’s not every day I get to do this. Have to take the opportunity when it presents itself.”

After rinsing, he lays back to rest. Closing his eyes, he hears the sound of wet feet and claws on the tile floor leave the bathroom.

“They got done fast.”

A few moments later the bathroom door opens again. The sound of feet on tile again rings out, but this time approaches the tub. Ember calls out to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“You okay?”

“I was just trying to relax.”

Hammer grins slyly. “We can help you with that.”

Arc opens his eyes and turn around. He spots both Hammer and Ember (now in her human form) standing there in the nude, dripping wet.

“What are you…?! Ember, how did…?!”

“Hammer acted as the human target to allow Sereb to cast the spell.”

“We wanted to join you in that fancy looking tub.”

Ember grins wickedly as she puts her hands on her breasts. “And it wouldn’t be fair for me to do so without my human female… assets.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… get in then.”

Hammer and Ember jump into the massive stone tub together. Ember sits on his right while Hammer takes the left. They each latch onto an arm as Arc rests his head on the tub’s sill and looks up at the ceiling.

“You two planned this, didn’t you?”

“Yup! It didn’t take much to convince Ember!”

Ember grins. “We decided it would be better to work together on this one.”

“That and I haven’t had the chance to bath with you properly yet.”

She looks down into the soapy water and frowns.

“Although it’s a shame the water’s so murky. Otherwise you could see our womanhoods.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that even a word?”

Ember shrugs. “I guess it is now.”

Hammer grins. “Yup!”

“Although I get the feeling you were thinking of seeing something else when you mentioned looking into the water.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Guilty as charged.”

Chapter 8 - International Intervention (Part 4)

Sometime later Arc, Ember (whom has returned to her dragon form), and Hammer lie on the pillow mountain together. Both women cling to him happily in fresh clothes while Arc wears his royal raiments. Sereb looks Arc over and chuckles.

“If Miss Rarity could see you now.”

Arc shrugs. “She’d be fine with this.”

“I was talking about the outfit.”

“Oh… right.”

Ember grins. “She’d freak out to see you lying here with it on. That’s for sure.”

Hammer appears confused. “Why?”

Arc sighs. “Because it’s getting wrinkled.”

Sereb nods. “She is a true professional in her field. Like whomever designed those pillows.”

Hammer pats one with a hand. “Gotta admit, I never thought lying on cushions like this would be so comfy.”

Arc chuckles. “Now I know what a housecat feels like.”

Ember grins as she turns to him seductively. “Meow!”

Hammer laughs. “This makes coming along on this trip totally worth it.”

Arc turns to her. “Glad you’re having fun.

“A blast actually! More so if somepony comes after us!”

Arc appears confused. “Some…pony?”

Hammer gasps. “Opps! I meant ‘someone’!”

Ember laughs. “Looks like someone’s really getting into the pony vernacular.”

“It’s a really cool culture! I mean, three races living in perfect harmony? What’s not to love and admire?!”

There is a light knock at the door. Arc stands and straightens his raiments as Sereb moves to answer the door. She turns to him and hisses.

“Quick! How do I look?!”

“Uh… fine.”

“How about my hair?!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’s with you all of a sudden?”

“We’re having breakfast with royalty, remember?!”

Arc snickers. “Apparently you didn’t.”

“I was too busy getting close to you!”

Ember smiles. “At least you have a great excuse.”

Sereb calls out from the door. “If you three are done fooling around, we should open the door.”

Arc nods. “Yes, you’re right. Go ahead, Sereb.”

Using his magic, the large wolf turns the knob and opens the door before stepping aside to allow the monarchs to enter along with their guards. Felix is the first to speak.

“I’ve just received word that breakfast is served.”

Fiona gestures with a wave of her paw. “Please follow us to the Dining Room.”

Leaving the room, they walk down the corridor together. Hammer marvels at the architecture.

“Nice place you got here!”

Felix smiles at her. “Thank you, Lady Hammer. It was built many years ago by my great-grandfather.”

Arc turns to him. “Oh?”

Fiona sighs. “Yes. But as you can see from our small stature, we’re not much for construction work.”

Sereb nods understandingly. “How was such a feat possible then?”

Felix frowns. “With the aid of our nation’s allies at the time, the Griffon Kingdom.”

Fiona nods sadly. “That was apparently quite some time ago. Long before my husband and I were born, of course.”

Arc turns to the king. “Does anyone alive remember those days?”

Felix shakes his head. “Sadly, no. All we have are the accounts contained in the history books sadly.”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Griffons, huh? Well, why not.”

Fiona raises an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon, Lady Hammer?”

Ember quickly steps forward. “You’ll have to forgive her, your highnesses. She’s still quite new to this land.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Until recently she believed that Pegasi, Unicorns, griffons, and felines that can talk to be mere fantasy.”

Sereb chimes in. “It was not meant as a slight though.”

Felix smiles understandingly. “No offense is taken. After all, before Lord Arc came it was assumed that humans were mythical as well.”

Cherry calls out to them. “It is easy to prove something exists. Proving it does not is the hard part.”

Fiona frowns. “Is it really?”

Felix puts a paw to his cheek. “After all, if you can’t present evidence that something exists does that not prove it doesn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. You’d have to watch every spot on the planet simultaneously to actually do that.”

Ember shrugs. “Or planets if you want to get technical.”

Hammer stops along with the others. “How does someone realistically get to the point where they admit something CAN’T exist though?”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose it takes a bit of faith. Believing something to be true, or not true as the case may be, without perfect scientific evidence to either support or refure it.”

Arc chuckles. “Twilight would love this conversation.”

Fiona raises an eyebrow. “Princess Twilight?”

“Yes. She’s a good friend of mine.”

Ember nods. “First one you made when you came to Equestria, right?”

“Right. She’s the one whom accidently brought me here too.”

Felix appears surprised. “Forgive me for being so forward, Lord Arc. But are you on a first name basis for all the princesses?”

“All except Princess Celestia, yes. Sadly, at the moment her and I don’t see eye to eye. In fact, that’s what we came here to talk to you two about.”

Fiona nods and gestures down the corridor. “Very well. But let us enjoy a meal together first.”

Arc and company are led into the well-lit Dining Room as attendants stand around the perimeter waiting for a chance to serve. The king motions for his guests to sit as the queen takes her place at his side. Looking to the servants and guards, he motions for them to leave before turning to Arc again.

“Please enjoy the culinary bounty that our land has to offer.”

Fiona nods happily. “Yes. It’s quite an honor to provide a meal to you and your group, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you. This all looks delicious.”

Hammer grins. “I’ll say!”

Sereb looks over the table. “You’ve been able to do so much with fruit!”

Felix smiles as he takes a salad for himself and his queen. “Yes, indeed. But this is all thanks to Lord Arc’s Generosity.”

Fiona nods heartily. “Indeed. Our land probably wouldn’t be here today without it.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Pardon me, but is that fish I smell?”

Ember looks around. “Yeah. Where’s it coming from?”

The king nods and lifts the silver cover off a nearby serving tray to expose several large fish sausages.

Felix nods sheepishly. “Forgive us. Our staff was supposed to be instructed not to cook any meat for breakfast today.”

Fiona smiles nervously. “We were unsure of your party’s dietary needs, Lord Arc.”

“Not to worry there, as all of us do enjoy such things. Although I must admit that I’ve never had fish sausage before.”

Felix chuckles. “Then you should all indulge.”

He rings a nearby bell to summon an attendant. Instructing them to bring a platter, they quickly do so. Arc and his group each take a sausage and cut into it before taking bites. Arc is the first to speak.

“Very nice flavor!”

Hammer grins. “I’ll say! It’s perfect!”

Ember speaks between bites. “Delicious!”

Arc picks up a sausage and gives it to Sereb. The wolf returns to his Cub Form and devours it hungrily.

“Most impressive!”

Fiona smiles. “Then it’s unanimous.”

Felix picks up a sausage and holds it up. “This dish is a favorite among our citizens since it’s invention.”

“Yes, we can hardly produce enough fish to meet the demand.”

Hammer chuckles. “Well, you just be careful not to overfish the coast. After all, it’d be awful to deprive future generation of this kind of food.”

“No worries there.”

“Yes, our fishing industry is rather small thanks to the larger aquaponics farms we’ve been able to set up.”

Hammer frowns. “There’s that word again. What exactly are ‘aquaponics’.”

Arc turns to her. “It’s the idea of growing food without soil.”

“Is that even… possible?”

Sereb grins toothily. “It must be, as we’re eating food grown that way.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. I saw it myself the last time I was here, and even I don’t believe it.”

Felix gestures toward a large window at the endless sea of sand. “You see Lady Hammer, our land is very arid and dry. Very little rain falls here with which to grow crops.”

Fiona nods. “For many years we were forced to rely on fishing and importing our food from our neighbors in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Yes. It was a source of great stress for us and our citizens.”

“A year or so ago we were beset upon by a vile pirate gang whom robbed our nation without mercy. When we could no longer pay for our imported food, we were left to succumb to a slow and painful death of starvation.”

Hammer grimaces. “Arc mentioned that on our way here.”

Sereb nods. “And how he brought in food from Equestria.”

Ember sighs., “Not my favorite memory of this place.”

“That I did. However, after that my crew and I went after the pirate stronghold some distance away.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “I hope you taught them but GOOD!”

“They’re all dead.”

Sereb quickly adds. “But not by Arc’s hand.”

Fiona sighs. “Yes. The Storm King, as he called himself, chose to kill his own forces and destroy the base himself rather than be taken in by Lord Arc. I only know this because I was there to inform him of the danger he was in.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “Wait a second. You mean to tell me that you were TELLING the guy, who was starving your citizens, that someone was coming for him?!”

Fiona nods sadly. “I did, yes. He told me that my people would suffer horrible deaths if I didn’t comply.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “In any case, we’ve been able to move past that time and work together to provide for the Abyssinian’s culinary needs via aquaponic farms.”

Felix nods. “Getting back to the original question, well… um…”

Sereb motions to the door with a wave of his paw. “Perhaps it would be simpler to just show them what these devices are.”

Fiona smiles. “That would probably be for the best.”

Arc chuckles as he takes a handful of various berries. “After this wonderful meal though, yes?”

Felix laughs. “Yes, indeed.”

A short time later Arc sits back in his chair and sighs contentedly.

“Quite the meal there, your highnesses.”

Sereb grins. “Yes, it was wonderful!”

Ember pats her belly. “Yeah. I’m stuffed!”

Fiona smiles. “Thank you, everyone.”

Felix nods. “We’re glad you liked it.”

Hammer looks toward the door. “Yeah! But I’m anxious to check out what this whole aquaponics thing is all about!”

Sereb turns to the monarchs. “You must forgive Hammer. She is very… focused.”

Arc turns to the king. “That’s true, yes. But I’m also interested in seeing these larger farms for myself.”

Felix stands. “Right this way.”

“Dear, why don’t we head to the gardens first though? It would be easier to explain this matter via small scale first.”

“Agreed. We’ll do just that.”

Taking a short walk deeper into the palace, they come to a large double door. Opening it, they squint as the hot sun nearly blinds them. The king and queen lead them over to a good sized greenhouse. Entering, they walk over to a large tank as the queen turns and begins to speak.

“These are where some of the fish we had for breakfast came from.”

Hammer grins. “At least they were fresh.”

Sereb chuckles. “Any fresher and they’d still be swimming.”

Arc motions to the massive pool before them. “Right. But this tank doesn’t have filters anywhere on it.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Then how do the fish not poison themselves?!”

Felix looks up at a timer overhead. “This is how.”

A small motor turns on and begins pumping water from the tank into the surrounding pipes that hold the plants as Fiona continues talking.

“As you can see, the plants are watered from the tank. The fish’s… defecations are the perfect fertilizer for the various plants here. “

Felix points to a loop in the pipe which dumps back into the tank. “By the time the water returns to the tank it’s been cleaned by the plant’s roots.”

Arc nods. “That and the motion of the water dumping back into the tank also puts air back into the water for the fish to breathe.

Sereb looks down into the water. “A very symbiotic relationship.”

Ember sighs contentedly. “And oddly satisfying to watch.”

Fiona motions around her. “Indeed. The plants here grow especially fast due to them receiving these nutrients numerous times a day. And the fish grow big and fat in the tank from the plentiful food of their own.”

Hammer looks all around. “This is incredible! Arc, don’t you realize that this could end world hunger back on Earth?!”

“I suppose it could, yes. That and it’s already in use back home.”

“It is?”

“Yup. If we ever go back there I’ll show you some videos of them in action on YouTube.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I don’t understand. If this is something that already exists back on Earth, why is there still hunger?”

“A lot of reasons. Climate, war, political upheaval, and whatnot. That and some people are content to keep things as they are for their own selfish gains.”

Ember grits her teeth. “And some folks just plain being stubborn.”

Felix frowns. “We understand that completely.”

Fiona sighs. “The Griffon Kingdom was most pleased to keep us indebted to them.”

Sereb bats at the water with a paw. “Well, you will never have to worry about that again.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Hammer turns to the king. “So if this is small scale… does that mean you have bigger farms elsewhere?”

“Oh yes. Would you like to see them?”

“Yes, please.”

Leaving the gardens, they walk through the palace until they reach the rear of the building. Exiting via a back door, the king gestures with a wave of his paw.

“These are our main greenhouses. “

Before them stand several very large buildings. Arc marvels at their construction along with his friends. Bidding them to enter, the queen leads them over to a massive in-ground pool with shoulder to shoulder plants floating in smaller grow trays.

“This is a more efficient version of the system you saw earlier. Felix, would you please?”

“Of course, dear.”

Lifting the tray, he exposes a complex set of roots growing through the holes of the tray.

“As you can see, this plant is extremely healthy and vibrant.”

Hammer looks it over. “What is it?”

“Watercress. Would you care for a bite?”

“Sure!

Taking a leaf, Hammer partakes. Grinning, she turns to the others.

“Tastes like mustard.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Mustard?”

Arc chuckles as he takes a spring himself. “Yeah. My mother used to make something called ‘Aioli’ with it. I used to make sandwiches with it.”

Sereb tilts his head to one side, confused. “What was in it?”

Arc counts on his fingers as he speaks. “Watercress, mayonnaise, eggs… I can’t remember the rest. But it was pretty tasty.”

Felix chuckles. “We cultivate it for the extreme nutritional value.”

Fiona nods. “Yes, it’s very high in vitamins A, C , and K.”

“In addition to potassium and a host of trace nutrients.”

“Our citizens have never been healthier!”

Hammer grins. “That’s wonderful!”

Sereb makes a gesture with his paw. “Are there fish in these tanks too?”

Ember looks around. “I don’t see any down there.”

Felix shakes his head. “No. They’re housed in another building. Right this way.”

Leading the group outside, they come to a large building which is mostly comprised of one massive tank. Fiona speaks as they enter.

“This is our fish house. All the other buildings are fed from this one tank.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Forgive me, but I assumed that it would smell… foul.”

“The plants see to it that the water stays clean.”

Hammer marvels at the size of the operation. “Is this the only facility of its kind in Abyssinia?”

Fiona shakes her head. “Oh no. Every major city has its own version of this system.”

Felix nods. “They’ve very similar, but grow plants the citizens request.”

Hammer grins. “What happens if you grow too much though?”

Ember chuckles. “Then they just eat more meals.”

Fiona giggles. “That too. But we’ve developed a system of preserving food from a book Lord Arc sent over some time ago.”

Felix puts a paw on a nearby guardrail as he gestures toward the horizon through one of the massive windows. “Each city has a food stockpile of their produce in case of some kind of unforeseen event occurs.”

“Starvation will always be a possibility in this region. However, we’ve done what we can to mitigate the risks.”

Sereb looks around. “But isn’t all of this very expensive to build and operate?”

Felix nods. “Initially, yes. However we project that in the next few years they will have paid for themselves.”

“And we’ve been able to drastically lower the cost of food for our population. It makes for a happy public.”

Arc nods. “Well, it sounds like you have quite the system here. Tell me, have you considered selling some of the excess product internationally?”

Felix frowns. “Yes. Such an idea was proposed only a few months ago.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Was there a problem?”

Fiona sighs. “There was. But we should return to the palace to speak of it.”

Heading back, Arc and company are lead to a posh Day Room. The king calls for numerous platters of fresh fruit and vegetables to be brought to them as they sit on comfortable cushions on the floor. Motioning for the servants to leave the room, he turns to Arc.

“In answer to your question, yes it was suggested as a way to help fund these food growing projects.”

“We even approached the Griffon Kingdom to see if they were interested in a business arrangement.”

Sereb appears surprised. “And they weren’t?”

“Oh no, they were. However they recently signed another treaty with Equestria.”

“This one joined them militarily.”

Hammer grimaces. “And you’re worried about them invading?”

“Not really. However, we have heard of the incidents recently in your land, Lord Arc.”

“Oh?”

Fiona sighs. “How a new Hero of Light has been appointed and the new policies he’s implemented.”

Sereb nods soberly. “You’re referring to the lockdowns?”

Felix grits his teeth. “Yes! Holding citizens as virtual prisoners disgusts us!”

“We had wondered why you hadn’t stepped forward to address this issue. That is until we heard Princess Celestia’s speech the other day.”

Arc sighs. “The one declaring me a criminal?”

“That’s the one, yes.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Well, all of that is nothing but a lie!”

Hammer nods fervently. “Right! Arc didn’t attack Ponyville! In fact, he was the one who saved the citizens and brought them aboard his ship to safety!”

Sereb growls. “Decimus is the real criminal! Not Arc!”

Fiona appears relieved. “And the attack on Canterlot?”

Ember smiles nervously. “That.. was partially true.”

Arc nods. “You see, I had planned to fly straight from Ponyville to Canterlot in an effort to confront Princess Celestia regarding the treatment of the citizens and Decimus’ policies. However I was turned away by airships from the Griffon Kingdom.”

Felix appears hopeful. “Were you planning a coup, Lord Arc?”

“Not exactly. A coup is when power is seized unlawfully. As the Hero of Light it’s literally my job to prevent an out of control princess from harming the citizens.”

Fiona grimaces. “By what methods?”

“Whatever I deem appropriate. My plan was to approach Celestia and see to it she was aware of the plight of the citizens.”

Ember smacks her claws together. “Failing that… pow!”

“And you would again take control of the nation as the Lord Regent?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. That’s only the case if there is no other princess able and willing to take the throne. Had I needed to remove Celestia I would have immediately appointed Princess Twilight as ruling monarch pending the return of Princess Luna and/or Princess Cadance.”

Fiona makes a circular motion with her paw. “And what are their thoughts on this… exchange of power?”

“Princess Cadance was the one whom originally notified me of the problems in Canterlot. She is all for me doing my duty and trying to resolve this situation with her aunt. However, Princess Luna has gone into hiding and is not available for consul.”

Felix nods soberly. “And now we come to the reason for your visit. Our aid?”

“With the arrival of the airships from the Griffon Kingdom, I’m unable to get inside the city to confront Celestia. As things stand, I’ll need help.”

“Military aid?”

“Possibly.”

Felix sighs as his head droops. “Lord Arc… while we sympathize with Equestria’s plight, we both know that Abyssinia is in no position to send troops abroad.”

“As you know, it wasn’t so long ago that we lost nearly all our standing forces to the Storm King.”

Hammer stands up, enraged. “What the heck?!””

Sereb turns to her, surprised. “Hammer?”

“Ever since we arrived in your country, I’ve heard nothing but how much Arc and Equestria’s helped you and your citizens! But now that they need your help, you suddenly can’t be bothered?!”

Arc puts a hand on her arm. “Hammer, please.”

Felix sighs. “It’s not that we don’t want to help, Lady Hammer.”

“Right. But we have very few soldiers to send.”

“And sending them away would leave us vulnerable to attack.”

The king turns to Ember.

“I would be interested to hear what Dragon Lord Ember has to say on this matter however.”

“Yes. I’m sure you can spare quite a few warriors to help Lord Arc.”

Ember sighs. “My father has decided not to involve the Dragon Lands.”

Felix raises an eyebrow. “Really? No offense intended, but we thought he would have been delighted to partake in such an endeavor.”

“Normally, yes. However, I too signed a peace treaty with Equestria recently which prevents unprovoked attacks. My father insists that we uphold it, as a dragon’s word is their bond. I myself am only here because I’m not technically the Dragon Lord yet.”

Sereb grits his teeth. “My own tribe has a similar stance. We do not involve ourselves with such matters other than in the pursuance of our rider’s Life Pact.”

Arc turns back to the king. “Which leads me to you, your highnesses.”

“We cannot provide troops at this time, Lord Arc. However, there are other ways we can help you.”

“Oh?”

“You discovered our submarines on your way here. They could be useful if you needed to establish a beachhead when returning to Equestria.”

Fiona nods. “We are also willing to offer shelter and a safe haven for you and the citizens of Ponyville here in Abyssinia.”

“Can we assume that you also are in need of provisions?”

Arc nods. “Kinda, yeah.”

Ember turns to him. “But isn’t your ship full of supplies, Arc?”

“It is, yes. However they will go quickly with the extra troops we took on from Ponyville.”

Sereb sighs. “An army fights with its stomach.”

Felix puts a paw to his chin thoughtfully. “If the ponies aboard your ship will agree to help with making our preserves, we will donate all that they produce to your efforts at no charge to you or Equestria.”

Fiona adds quickly. “In addition to a fair wage paid to them for their labors. We aren’t asking anyone to work for free, after all.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “But what’s the catch?”

“My queen and I have quite the personal and political debt to repay to Equestria.”

“In addition to Lord Arc personally, that is.”

“While I appreciate the offer of a place for the citizens of Ponyville to stay, that might prove problematic. After all, there’s an entire town’s worth of ponies along with the orphans.”

Felix appears confused. “Orphans?”

“Oh my! Were their parents killed in the attack?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. Ponyville housed the country’s orphanage down the path from where the peace summit took place.”

Sereb sighs. “Both foals and griffon younglings call it home.”

Felix raises an eyebrow. “Griffons?”

Arc nods. “As per our treaty with the Griffon Kingdom, yes.”

Ember grins. “They’re really sweet.”

Sereb turns to the king. “Mostly because they’ve not been raised to think like the griffons you know.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “It really would be best to leave the ponies here when we attack the mainland. A warship is no place for them during a battle.”

Fiona nods. “We can have temporary structures built to house everyone.”

“It won’t be what they’re used to, of course. But it will be safer here than with you when the time comes to fight.”

Arc appears hopeful. “And the younglings?”

Felix sighs. “We will allow them to enter our land temporarily with the rest of your citizens, Lord Arc.”

Fiona nods. “While they may not be accepted as warmly as their pony counterparts, we will still provide them with all the same basic rights and privileges given to the equines refugees.”

“Thank you. I’ll bring your offer before Mayor Mare and the citizens.”

Felix appears remorseful. “I’m sorry this is all we can do for you, Lord Arc.”

“It’s appreciated nonetheless.”

Ember looks to the queen. “Yeah. I’d have thought you’d be against the younglings coming into the country.”

“Normally, yes. However since Lord Arc vouched for them, we shall accommodate.”

Sereb turns to the monarchs. “Perhaps you can learn something from each other’s cultures.”

“It wouldn’t hurt, I suppose.”

“We will make the effort, Lord Arc. This we promise you.”

Hammer sighs. “So I guess the real question now is… where do we go from here?”

Ember puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “I’d say we need more allies to attack the capital!”

Sereb groans. “Indeed. But where would we find them?”

“How about the ogres beneath your city of Vanhoover?”

“Or Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan?”

Ember grins. “Maybe even Lord Gestal would help. Covertly, of course.”

Sereb growls. “He should, considering how many times you’ve ‘saved’ his daughter, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “I admit that any of those suggestions would bolster our chances of success. However, the more we talk about this, the more worried I get about the fallout should this fail.”

Fiona appears confused. “Lord Arc?”

Hammer frowns. “You mean the repercussions?”

“Right. If Celestia and Decimus were to win, anyone whom helped me will be their next targets.”

Felix appears hopeful. “We’d be willing to say that our aid was forced through coercion.”

Hammer shrugs. “It might work.”

Sereb groans. “But it also might not.”

Ember sighs. “Well, if that’s not an option, what’s the plan, Arc?”

“There’s only one way to protect everyone.”

“What is that?”

“By me challenging Celestia directly.”

“How?”

Sereb growls. “The Equinox is certainly capable of transmitting to Canterlot.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But how will we be sure the message makes it to the princess?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “It’ll have to be the perfect delivery vehicle.”

Fiona appears hopeful. “And you have one?”

“Yes.”

Ember smiles as she looks to Arc. “And what is it?”

“Twilight.”

Chapter 9 - Being Subtle

The group stares at Arc, dumbfounded for a few moments. Eventually Ember breaks the silence.

“So let me just make sure I have this clear in my mind. You want Twilight, whom is now a bona-fide Princess of Equestria, to deliver a message for you?”

“Yup.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “How would we even get the message to her?”

Hammer grimaces. “Right. That place is like Fort Knox.”

Cherry calls out. “And how much information would you be giving her?”

Auriel sighs. “Right. Twilight isn’t one to not ask questions, after all.”

“I’ll have to send a messenger to give her the message.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “You want to send a messenger to Twilight… to deliver a message… and then she’s supposed to deliver that message to somepony… to deliver to Celestia?!”

Hammer frowns. “It sounds complicated when you put it that way.”

Arc nods. “Something like that, Ember.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “But how could we be certain the message would not be lost or altered along the way?”

“It has to start with someone very dependable. And I know just the one.”

He turns to the monarchs.

“I’ll need to head back to my ship in order to speak to the others. We’ll let you know what we come up with.”

Felix nods understandingly. “Very well, Lord Arc.”

Fiona smiles at him. “We’ll do our best to help however we are able.”

“Before I go through… how are relations between Abyssinia and the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Tense.”

“Hence the military guarding that shore. We feared of an attack by Equestria to the west.”

“Or the Griffon Kingdom to the northwest.”

Sereb grins. “A strong defense would give the nation time to defend itself.”

Hammer nods approvingly. “It’s a good plan. See the enemy coming from a long ways away, that is.”

Fiona sighs. “The political tone may shift regardless.”

Felix grimaces. “Yes, it is likely your ship registered on the Griffon Kingdom’s radar on the way here.”

Auriel groans. “So they’ve probably already notified Canterlot of your complicity in this matter.”

“What is done is done.”

“We’re still willing to house and provide for the citizens of Ponyville though.”

Arc appears relieved. “Thanks. But I won’t take up any more of your time.”

They stand as Arc opens a portal.

“We wish you luck in this endeavor, Lord Arc.”

“May things go well for you from now on.”

Arc nods to the monarchs. “And with Abyssinia as well.”

Entering the portal, Arc and the others reappear in his room aboard The Equinox. Ember turns to him.

“Do you think Abyssinia will be safe when we leave?”

“Probably. I don’t see the griffons invading them unless provoked.”

Sereb frowns. “What makes you say that?”

Hammer shrugs. “They’re already stretched thin enough as it is, what with sending forces to Equestria already.”

Arc looks out the window at the sand dunes. “Right. Invading Abyssinia would leave their land even more vulnerable than it is now.”

Ember raises a claw. “Hey. Crazy idea here, but…”

Arc cuts her off. “We are not invading the Griffon Kingdom, no.”

“Come on! You know you want to!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh, yes. I’m interested in ruining the lives of everyone in that entire country just to get what I want.”

Sereb chuckles. “I sense the sarcasm in your words, Arc.”

“Well, I would hope so, as I’m laying it on pretty thick. But right now we need to speak to the citizens and see if they’ll be willing to relocate here temporarily.”

Heading to the Bridge, Arc orders Lemon Hearts to page Mayor Mare. She enters along with his friends.

“You wanted to see me, sir?”

“Yes.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “Are they going to help us?!”

Applejack glares at her friend. “Rainbow Dash!”

“What?! I’ve been waiting all morning for an answer to that!”

Pinkie bounces happily. “Me too!”

Fluttershy clears her throat softly. “I’m sure Arc will tell us when he’s good and ready.”

“Well… to be honest with everyone, the meeting didn’t go quite as planned.”

The mayor grimaces. “Bad news, sir?”

“Yes and no. It’s good inasmuch as they’ve offered food and shelter to all the displaced ponies of Ponyville.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But they’re not going to help us fight, right?!”

Sereb nods. “That is correct.”

Arc sighs. “And I’m just as happy as they are about that fact.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “But I thought we came here for just that reason.”

“We did. But the more I talked to them about this, the more I realized that this will take a delicate touch over strongarm tactics.”

Hammer grins. “So what’s the plan then?”

“First, Mayor Mare… I want you to spread the word to the others that I’ll need them to stay here where it’s safe.”

“I think I can convince everypony that it’s for the best.”

“Lemon Hearts, inform Hard Hat of the need to build some bunkhouses and a temporary Town Hall here in Abyssinia”

“Yes sir.”

“Wrangler, you and my squad will run him over to the palace as soon as possible to get started. When he’s ready, have every able bodied set of hooves that can be spared go over there and start building.”

“Aye sir.”

“Thunderlane, head down to Engineering and get Sunburst. I need a consultation with him regarding my plan.”

“On my way.”

Arc nods and turns back to the group.

“Now then, where was I?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “I dunno. You haven’t really told us much since we got here.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Whatever you do though, we want in on it.”

Fluttershy shudders. “Not sure how we could help, but…”

“Um… I… actually was going to ask you to stay here with the others.”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “You can’t be serious.”

“It’ll be safer.”

Pinkie gasps. “We’re fine by your side, Arc!”

Applejack nods with conviction. “Right!”

Fluttershy appears suddenly serious. “That and if this has anything to do with Twilight, we’re in!”

Hammer turns to Arc. “Don’t think you’re talking them out of this one, Arc.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Arc sighs. “I guess not.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “Right! Being part of a herd means doing what’s best for everypony! Not just letting them run off and do whatever!”

Auriel nods affectionately. “We will stand by your side as long as it takes, Arc.”

Ember grins as she makes a fist. “Me too! But I figured that went without saying.”

“Thanks everyone.”

A short time later Hard Hat, Sunburst, Thunderlane, and Rose step onto the Bridge. Rose is the first to speak.

“I hear we’ll be staying here for a while.”

Ember shrugs. “Just the citizens.”

Hammer nods. “Right. The rest of us are helping Arc with his plan.”

“Hard Hat, I need you to help build some living quarters for the citizen and a Town Hall here. The monarchs have agreed to help with that.”

Mayor appears hopeful. “Is there ample food and water for everypony?”

Rose nods. “I’ve scanned the city using the ship’s sensors and found ample water supplies throughout the area.”

Arc chuckles. “Those must be the aquaponics systems, Rose.”

Ember licks her lips. “That and they’ve got TONS of food for everyone!”

Sereb nods. “It would be much safer for everyone than following us into battle.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Right. While I have faith that Arc will emerge victorious, we shouldn’t endanger everypony else.”

Mayor turns to Arc. “I’ll inform everyone of this change, sir.”

“Thank you. Just make sure they understand that it’s for their own good, and that I don’t exactly know just how long this will take.”

“Yes sir. Thank you for protecting the townsponies from harm.”

She bows respectfully and leaves the Bridge. Arc turns to Hard Hat.

“Take Wrangler and my four personal guards and head to the palace. I want the housing project started as soon as possible.”

“Yes sir. I’ll see to it.”

“And make sure everything’s perfect. They might be here a while.”

Ember nods. “I’ll go with him.”

Hammer grins. “Me too. Need something to get my hands dirty anyways.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Maybe I can be of help too.”

“Fine with me.”

Hard Hat motions with a hoof. “Alright. Off we go.”

Bowing, Hard Hat leaves the Bridge with the others as Arc turns to Sunburst.

“And now we come to the meat and potatoes of my plan.”

Sunburst appears nervous. “S-sir?”

“Sorry. That was just a human expression. Please come with me.”

He leads Sunburst down the corridor and to his office. Closing the door behind them, Arc turns to the stallion.

“Now then… here’s what I want you to do.”

“Whatever I can do to help, sir.”

“Good. I want you to pick up my telephone and call Spike.”

Sunburst appears confused. “My assistant?”

“Yes.”

“Very well, sir. Um… what shall I tell him?”

“Just get him on the line and keep him talking for a few minutes. I’ll tell you what needs to be done.”

Sunburst does as he is told. Arc concentrates and calls out.

“Scootaloo?”

“Hey, Big Brother! “

“Everything going well over there?”

“Pretty much. Decimus is still looking for new ways to increase the castle’s security. I mean… I know it’s supposed to be top notch, and all. But how much is too much?”

“Are the griffon airships still there?”

“Yup. And they’re not going anywhere if Decimus has his way.”

“Kinda figured you’d say that.”

“Sorry I don’t have better news.”

“It’s fine. How about the princesses themselves? Any movement?”

“Negative. Both of them rule from their rooms most of the time. Occasionally I walk one of them to the Royal Office just off the Audience Chamber. They meet there once a day, you know.”

“Other than that the castle’s still locked up tight, eh?”

“Right. Nopony’s getting in here without being detected. Not even you, Big Brother.”

“That’s fine.”

“What?!”

“I’m working on a new plan.”

“Do I have a part in it?”

“Probably, yes. But for now here’s what you need to do…”

A few days later there is a knock at Princess Twilight’s door. Opening it, she finds Spike standing there smiling up at her. He calls out to her.

“Hey, Twilight!”

“Spike! Well, this is a surprise! Come in!”

The baby dragon trots into the room as Twilight closes the door behind him as she speaks.

“So how have you been doing?”

“Oh! Uh… just fine, Twi… I mean… your highness.”

“Oh Spike. You don’t have to call me that.”

“What should I…?”

“Just ‘Twilight’. Nothing’s different between us now that I’m a princess.”

Spike nods nervously as Twilight walks over to a nearby cabinet. Pulling out a few gems, she levitates them over to him.

“I’m sorry I don’t have much more to offer you. But I didn’t expect you to drop in like this.”

He accepts the gems and sucks on them for a moment before continuing.

“So… what’s it like being a princess?”

Twilight sighs. “In all honesty… it’s pretty dull. Considering all I’d read about Princess Celestia fighting against evil forces throughout history, I thought it’d be at least a little more… interesting.”

“Well… how about you and I hang out then?”

Twilight grins. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

“What do you wanna do?”

“How about you and I read together. Remember how much you used to like doing that?”

“I… guess so.”

She walks over to a large bookshelf nearby with Spike.

“Go ahead and pick something out. And if you don’t see something you like, I’ll have it brought from the Royal Library.”

“Alright.”

Looking over the shelves, Spike pulls out a book and gives it to Twilight.

“This one!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You want to read about trees?”

Spike nods. “Uh huh!”

“That’s fine. But why?”

“I’m just… trying to broaden my horizons.”

“Alright then.”

Sitting down on the rug in front of the fireplace Twilight and Spike look over the book together.

“Do you want to start at the beginning?”

Spike holds out his claws. “Let me see.”

Flipping to the Table of Contents, he looks it over for a few moments before turning to a specific page.

“Let’s start here.”

Twilight giggles. “Okay. Here we go.”

She clears her throat before starting.

“In botany and horticulture, deciduous plants, including trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials, are those that lose all of their leaves for part of the year. This process is called ‘abscission’. In some cases leaf loss coincides with winter especially in temperate or polar climates. In other parts of the world, including tropical, subtropical, and arid regions, plants lose their leaves during the dry season or other seasons, depending on variations in rainfall.”

She looks to Spike.

“This is pretty general stuff. Are you really sure this is what I should read?”

“Well… I suppose you’re right. Let me try looking for something a bit more… specific.”

Taking the book from Twilight, he turns the pages again. Coming to a specific page, Spike returns the book to his friend and points.

“Try this.”

Twilight clears her throat and speaks. “The ’Quercus alnifolia’, commonly known as the Golden Oak, is an evergreen oak species of Cyprus. Its common name refers to the golden colored lower surface of its leaves. Quercus alnifolia belongs to the endemic flora of the island and it is confined to the igneous geological complex of the…”

Twilight looks to Spike, quizzically.

“You’re awfully interested in trees all of a sudden. Is there something you want to tell me, Spike?”

Spike shakes his head. “No, no. I just… thought it’d be a good thing to study. After all, Equestria is just covered in trees.”

Twilight laughs. “Well, you’re right about that. I’d bet that there’re more trees in Equestria than ponies.”

“Maybe. How about you skim the pages and let me know if you spot anything interesting.”

“Sure.”

She reads silently for a time before calling out.

“Did you know that oak trees don’t produce acorns until they’re at least twenty years old?”

“Really?”

Twilight nods. “And an oak usually lives for around two hundred years.”

“Do they?”

Twilight gasps. “Listen to this! It says here that the oldest oak tree is called the Two Sisters Oak Tree at an estimated age of over a thousand years!”

“How did it survive this long?!”

“It says here that Princess Luna and Princess Celestia planted the seed together as a tribute to the beginning of the newly formed country of Equestria!”

Spike grins. “Where is it?!”

“Just south of Canterlot in the town of…!”

Twilight gasps.

“Ponyville!”

“Really?!”

Twilight nods fervently as she turns the book to him, revealing a picture. “Yes! The Golden Oaks Library was formerly known as the Two Sisters Oak Tree!”

“Wow! I knew it was big for an oak tree, sure! But this is beyond what I was expecting to find!”

Twilight grins. “It’s incredible! You and I lived there for so long studying and doing tests on so many different things! All the while the most interesting specimen was around us the entire time!”

“Yeah! We really were living in a science experiment!”

“I could have been running so man tests on it! Was it allowed to grow naturally, or magically enhanced to grow faster?! What’s it’s exact age?! And why did the princesses convert it into a library?!”

“We could just ask them.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, we can’t. Princess Celestia is always so busy with paperwork and the day to day activities of ruling that her and I don’t have time for idle chatter.”

Spike turns and trots over to the patio doors. “Well… I suppose the only other way to find out would be to go down to Ponyville and run some tests.”

“That’s a great idea! We could…!”

Twilight’s ears droop as she sighs.

“I forgot myself there. We’re not supposed to leave the castle.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “We?”

“Princess Celestia and I. Decimus insists that we remain under heavy guard at all times for security’s sake.”

“Oh? What for?”

“He still thinks Arc’s a criminal, and that he’ll come after us if given the chance.”

Spike scoffs. “That’s silly!”

“I know. But Princess Celestia believes that the danger is real.”

Spike narrows his eyes. “She might be a bit biased in that matter.”

“Yes, well… I’m trying to humor her until the truth comes out.”

“Well we know that Arc’s not a threat to anyone who doesn’t deserve it, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“So let’s go!”

“But security has to be…”

Spike interrupts her. “Before this whole mess with Arc, Princess Celestia used to be flown all over the country in her chariot. Nothing ever happened to her, right?”

“I suppose not. But that was before the castle lockdown.”

“You admitted that Arc isn’t a threat a few moments ago. So there isn’t any reason for you to be afraid to travel.”

“That’s true.”

She puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully.

“I wonder how I could convince Princess Celestia to let me go back to…?”

Spike rolls his eyes. “You’re a princess, Twilight! Nopony can tell you what to do anymore!”

Twilight trots in place nervously. “Oh, I know! But… I really need to ask permission!”

“From whom?”

“I… don’t really know.”

She thinks for a few moments silently before continuing..

“At the very least, I need to notify the somepony to organize an escort. After all, Princess Celestia is never unaccompanied.”

“So…?”

Twilight groans. “I don’t really want to tell Captain Decimus about this though.”

“Anypony else?”

“Well… Luna used to have all of her affairs handled by a stallion named Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage.”

“He could probably organize something.”

Twilight smiles. “Or tell me who to contract. It’s perfect!”

She hurries to the phone and waits for the operator.

“Yes, Princess Twilight?”

“I need to see Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage in my quarters right away.”

“It will be done, your highness.”

“Thank you.”

Hanging up the phone, she grins.

“That was easy enough.”

Spike frowns. “You thought it wouldn’t be?”

“I kinda believed they’d ask for a reason.”

“Does anypony ask Princess Celestia why she does things?”

“Well, no. But I’m the new princess here. You’d think there’d be a warmup period, or something.”

A few minutes later there is a knock on the door. Spike opens it to find a stallion standing before him wearing a sergeant’s insignia.

“Won’t you come in?”

“Uh… thanks.”

Entering, Spike closes the door behind him. Approaching Twilight, he bows respectfully.

“What can I do for you, Princess Twilight?”

“I’d like to quietly visit a nearby town.”

Sandstorm Mirage looks up at her, confused. “Your highness?”

“There’s some very important scientific data that I need to take, and time may be of the essence.”

“But, Princess Twilight…!”

Spike frowns and point a claw at the stallion. “Hey! That’s the princess you’re talking to!”

“Yes, I understand that, but…”

Twilight continues. “You will prepare transportation for me and my friend here along with a hoofful of guards to keep us safe.”

“But…!”

Twilight glares at him. “Have I made myself clear?!”

“Yes… Princess Twilight. When would you like to leave?”

“Oh! Um…”

Spike pipes up. “How about in three days?”

Twilight frowns. “What? Why such a long…?”

Spike counts on his claws. “We need to make preparations, gather supplies, look over maps, make lists of everything we’ll need out there, organize security, reserve a ship of some kind…”

Twilight groans. “Yes, I suppose that will take some time. After all, we’ll want to be prepared to perform any number of experiments. I’ll need quills, parchments, saddlebags…”

The princess continues making a verbal list as Scootaloo listens in along with the guards in the corridor. Smiling under her hood she muses to herself.

“Sounds like it’s all going according to plan. I just hope you know what you’re doing, Big Brother.”

Chapter 10 - Taken

A few days later Decimus sits in his office going over paperwork. Hearing a small knock he looks over.

“Come in.”

Scootaloo enters with her traditional cloak. Decimus looks up as she approaches the desk.

“It looks like the guards are prepping for a mission in the Hanger.”

Decimus nods. “In a manner of speaking. Princess Twilight has ordered it prepared for a trip back to Ponyville.”

“Want me to go with her?”

Decimus shakes his head. “That will not be necessary. She’s requested only a single platoon to join her.”

“Then I suppose she’ll be pretty well protected. Not that it’s a dangerous place, I guess.”

“For a normal pony, no. But for a princess every movement is a risk.”

“Understandable. I was surprised with Princess Celestia didn’t try to put a stop to this trip though.”

Decimus chuckles. “She can’t because she doesn’t know about it.”

“Sir?”

“Celestia’s a princess, yes. But so is her protégé. Neither can tell the other what to do legally. And I don’t answer to either one of them as the Hero of Light, so there’s no reason for me to try and step in here.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Aren’t you worried about her though?”

Decimus shakes his head. “No. My spies report that the former Hero of Light’s ship, The Equinox, is still in Abyssinia. And even he can’t do anything to her from there.”

“Well… as long as you’re certain of that, I’ll keep patrolling the grounds then.”

Decimus stands. “Just a moment.”

Walking over to her, Decimus smiles.

“I just wanted to say… that you’re doing a fine job, Scarlet Filly.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Someday in the future you’ll make one heck of an officer. Perhaps even be the one to take over for me.”

“Well, that’s quite a ways down the road.”

“No reason not to plan for the future though.”

“True. But at the moment I’d prefer to focus on the here and now. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

Scootaloo leaves the office as Decimus smiles and nods.

“So young and so focused. You’ll serve our future purposes well, my dark little filly.”

Picking up his phone he dials a number and waits before speaking a single sentence into the receiver.

“It’s a go.”

Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike go over their saddlebag’s contents again. Spike nods approvingly as he checks the final item off his list.

“That should do it!”

“Are you sure, Spike? I still feel like we’re forgetting something.”

Spike rolls his eyes. “Maybe we should go over everything again.”

“Great idea! I’ll…!”

“It was a joke, Twilight.”

“Either way, it’s not a bad idea.”

There is a knock at the door. Tossing the list aside, Spike heads for the door as he mutters to himself.

“Perfect timing.”

Opening it, he spies Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage standing in the corridor. Motioning for the stallion to enter, he steps aside to close the door. Turning to face Twilight, he salutes respectfully.

“Princess Twilight, the chariot is ready for departure.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Chariot? Why not a ship?”

Twilight sighs. “Decimus offered me the Lunar Destiny to ferry us to Ponyville, yes. But I requested a chariot instead. No need to prep a vessel as large as that for such a short trip.”

“But what about guards?!”

“I’m having a platoon follow us.”

“That’s more than Princess Celestia usually has around her.”

Twilight nods as she grabs her saddlebags. “Yes, I know. But it was the easiest way to get Decimus off my case. Between my magic and their numbers, we’ll be fine.”

Walking to the Hanger, Sandstorm Mirage escorts Twilight to a large chariot. She and Spike embark and take a seat as the Pegasi Royal Guards fall into step behind the vehicle. Twilight looks to Sandstorm Mirage.

“Thanks for setting all this up.”

Sandstorm Mirage salutes. “Just doing my duty, princess.”

Twilight turns to the stallions pulling the chariot. “Let’s get moving.”

Nodding, they start running and take flight. The Pegasi behind them do the same. Flying higher and higher they eventually rise above the clouds. Spike turns to Twilight.

“This brings back memories.”

“That it does. It feels like only yesterday that Princess Celestia was sending me to Ponyville for the first time.”

Spike grins. “And you didn’t like it one bit!”

“At the time, no. Now I wouldn’t have traded that for anything in the world.”

Sometime later they begin to descend. Twilight giggles.

“I’m looking forward to taking on another research project here!”

Spike appears hopeful. “Can we make a run to Sugarcube Corner first?”

“I suppose so. After all, Auriel isn’t much for keeping sweets around.”

“Why not? Doesn’t she like them?”

“Oh, she does. But anytime we had something sweet in the pantry or refrigerator she would devour it in no time.”

“How about a cake then?”

Twilight smiles. “I was thinking more along the lines of cupcakes. After all, that way if you’re trying keep track of how many…”

Spike gasps and points downward. “SWEET CELESTIA!”

“What is it, Sp…?!”

As the town comes into sight, they see the charred remains of homes, businesses, and even the Town Hall. Twilight turns to the drivers.

“Get us down there!”

“But your highness, the Pegasi following us have yet to form a defensive perimeter.”

Twilight seethes. “NOW!!!”

Nodding fearfully, they waste no time landing the chariot in the center of town. Twilight and Spike jump down to the ground and look around, dumbfounded. Spike is the first to speak.

“What… happened here?!”

“I don’t know, Spike!”

She turns to the Pegasi guards as they land.

“I want every one of these buildings searched from top to bottom!”

“Princess Twilight?”

“We have to check for survivors! Start from the north and work your way…!”

“Begging your pardon, Princess Twilight, but that’s already been done.”

Twilight gasps. “It has?!”

The guard nods. “Yes, your highness.”

“How many of the citizens survived?!”

“According to the reports… none.”

Spike grits his teeth. “Not one?!”

The guard shakes his head. “I’m afraid not.”

Twilight grabs the guard by the front of his armor. “Who did this?!”

“It was the former Hero of Light Arc, your highness. He set fire to the town before killing everypony here. Including the guards stationed at the base down the road.”

Twilight falls to her fetlocks. “…what? Are you sure that’s what happened?!”

“Yes, ma’am. The few guards whom escaped with their lives and made it back corroborated the story.”

Twilight seethes. “And where was Decimus when this was going on?!”

Spike nods angrily. “Yeah! Light’s Hope is just down the path!”

“He and his forces tried to stop the previous Hero of Light, but failed.”

Twilight looks at the destruction around her. “This… this can’t be happening!”

Spike puts a claw on her shoulder.

“It’s okay, Twilight. Somepony had to make it out. That and I can’t imagine Arc doing something so heinous!”

Twilight sighs. “I agree. But for now let’s head to the library. Maybe Auriel saw or heard something.”

Running, Twilight and Spike make their way past the rubble toward the library. Rounding a corner they gasp at the sight that greets them. The remains of the tree lie before them in a charred mess. Books (or what’s left of them) cover the lawn in various states of destruction and decay. Broken glass from the windows is strewn around the lawn. Neither says a word for several seconds. Eventually Twilight shakes her head to clear it and runs toward the tree, screaming.

“AURIEL!!!”

Entering through a large hole in the trunk, presumably where the door used to be, Twilight and Spike run to the basement. Looking around they find nothing but ruined lab tables and equipment. Twilight falls to the ground, utterly defeated.

“Auriel… she… didn’t make it.”

Spike puts a claw on his friend’s shoulder. “I didn’t see any bodies on the way here. Could they have been lost to the fire?”

“Maybe. But that’s not likely.”

“Survivors?”

“Yes. I don’t see EVERYPONY just sitting in their homes as they burned around them!”

She turns back to the guards whom followed them inside.

“Right?”

“I’ve read the reports, princess. The investigation team took the liberty of collecting the bodies and returned them to Canterlot for study.”

Spike frowns. “Study?!”

Twilight glares at him. “They deserve proper burials!”

“The powers that be wanted that too. But everypony was so badly burned that identifying them wasn’t possible. Eventually it was ordered that their bodies be collectively cremated and disposed of.”

Spike points a claw. “Disposed of?! Those were our FRIENDS!”

“There wasn’t anything else to do, your highness.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Were there ANY survivors?!”

“None other than the few guards I mentioned earlier.”

Spike gasps. “What about Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Burned to the ground along with the orchards. It appeared he knew exactly where every household was in and outside the town limits.”

Twilight groans. “And… the orphanage?”

“I do believe it’s still there.”

Spike smiles sadly. “In ruins or still standing?”

“Mostly intact.”

Twilight gasps. “What?!”

“The Hero of Light attempted to burn it down, but our forces were able to put it out before being slaughtered.”

“Take me there!”

“Your highness, maybe this is a bit much for…”

“NOW!!!”

Nodding, the guard turns and leads Twilight out of the basement. Returning to the road, the platoon escorts her and Spike through the town toward the outskirts. Looking around they see only the barest skeletons of what were once houses. Twilight shudders.

“This is just so… AWFUL!”

Spike frowns. “Yeah. Why would anypony DO this?!”

The guard turns to her. “We don’t know, your highness. But other than Light’s Hope, the Little Hooves Orphanage was the only building still standing when reinforcements arrived.”

Arriving at the orphanage, they look it over. Spike is the first to speak.

“It looks okay.”

“Our forces were able to put out the fire before it got out of hoof.”

Twilight grimaces. “What about the orphans?”

“Gone. Presumed taken by Hero of Light Arc.”

Spike turns to Twilight. “We should check inside to be sure though.”

“Agreed.”

Entering, they walk to the center of the Main Hall as a light rain begins to fall. A low rumble rings out as a flash of lightning momentarily illuminates the room fully. Spike gasps.

“A storm?! Now?!”

Twilight sighs. “That only means the Rainbow Dash didn’t make it. With no weather pony to keep things in check, it was only a matter of time until…”

The guard notices something and draws his weapon.

“Hold it right there!”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “What is it?”

“There’s somepony here!”

Twilight looks around. “What?! Where?!”

“In the shadows over there! I saw them when the lightning…!”

The sound of footsteps rings out as they near. As he approaches, the guards take a step back.

“Who… are you?”

Removing his helmet, Arc’s face comes into view. The guards shakily take a step backwards toward Twilight. She pushes past them and runs toward her friend.

“Arc! You’re…!”

The guards hurry forward and grab Twilight.

“Hero of Light Arc?! Princess, WAIT!!!”

Twilight stops and looks back.

“What?”

“The former Hero of Light is a criminal, remember?!”

Arc clears his throat. “I’ve come here to see Princess Twilight.”

“Defensive formation!”

They move to surround Twilight, weapons at the ready.

“Somepony get the princess out of here! We’ll keep him busy as long as we can!”

Twilight frowns. “No.”

“Your highness, please run!”

“Don’t let our sacrifice be in vain!”

“Stand down, everypony.”

Nervously, the guards step back and allow Twilight to pass. She walks calmly to Arc and looks up into his eyes soberly.

“I need to know one thing.”

“What is it?”

“Did you burn down Ponyville?”

Arc shakes his head. “No.”

Twilight nods sadly. “I… believe you. Do you know who did?”

“Decimus and his forces.”

“Princess, he’s manipulating you! The reports clearly stated…!”

Twilight turns to him angrily. “Reports are just ink on a page!”

“But…!”

“I could write a report the said a horde of pandas did this!”

Spike nods. “Yeah! But that wouldn’t make it true!”

“Either way, we need to take the former Hero of Light into custody.”

Arc draws his spear. “Do you now?”

“Yes! We are sworn to uphold the will of the princesses and the law!”

The sound of hoofsteps echoing nearby rings out. Turning, they see Coco Pommel walking down the stairs with her saddlebags. She looks at the guard as she speaks.

“Very commendable, Lightning Burst.”

“M-Miss Pommel?!”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“But how did you know…?”

Coco Pommel smiles as she approaches the group. “Like I told the sergeant that was here the other day, I remember every foal I’ve ever cared for.”

“Please get behind us, ma’am! We’ll do our best to protect you from this criminal!”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “That will not be necessary.”

“Miss Pommel?”

Walking over to Arc, she turns back to the guards.

“What was written in the report is not the truth.”

Lightning Burst narrows his eyes. “What are you saying, Miss Pommel?”

“That Decimus is a lying, manipulating, and kidnapping stallion.”

Arc nods. “I called a friend of mine whom lived here that night. They were screaming that guards were breaking into their house. Rushing here I found everyone in town held prisoner here in the orphanage.”

“There’s no way that could be…!”

Coco Pommel interrupts him. “…true?”

Lightning Burst nods fervently. “Right! Hero of Light Decimus was elevated to his position by Princess Celestia herself!”

Coco Pommel sighs. “So was Matron Tempest.”

The guards look to one another and murmur amongst themselves as Coco Pommel continues.

“As capable a ruler as she is, even Princess Celestia makes mistakes. While I’m sure she does her best, nopony is infallible.”

Arc steps forward. “Decimus was the one whom kidnapped the residents and sent them here. Decimus was the one whom authorized force to be used against the innocents whom wouldn’t come quietly. And Decimus was the one whom set fire to this building with many still inside.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Right. Had Arc not have shown up to fly everypony to safety, this story may have ended very differently.”

Twilight grins. “Wait! So nopony died?!”

Arc nods. “Just Decimus.”

Coco Pommel points a hoof out the window. “Everypony else escaped via The Equinox.”

Twilight gasps happily. “So my friends are still alive?!”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes. They’re safe from harm in Abyssinia right now.”

The guard frowns. “We heard you fled there after running from the griffon airships.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “While his ship could have theoretically taken them on, Arc worried that having civilians in the ship at the time would only endanger them.”

“I went straight to Canterlot in an effort to end this thing right away. That was a mistake, as I hadn’t considered the safety of the ship’s passengers.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What… exactly was your plan anyways?”

“To confront Celestia regarding Decimus and his actions against the citizens of Ponyville.”

Spike appears relieved. “So, just… talking?”

“I was prepared to take morel… drastic action.”

Twilight grimaces. “You mean… removing her from power?”

“As a last resort, yes.”

“But…! But you CAN’T!”

Lightning Burst turns to Twilight. “Begging your pardon, princess, but he can.”

Spike shrugs. “I guess that’s true.”

Arc frowns. “I was told that the whole reason the Hero of Light position was created was to be a force to reel in an out of control princess should they go rogue. Luna said that I would have full authority to bring the situation back under control.”

Coco Pommel nods soberly. “As it stands, Princess Celestia is acting very strangely. She no longer holds audiences with anypony. No longer corresponds with officials whom run the various government facilities such as this one. Not only that, but she has sequestered herself away from the public eye while blockading the capital with foreign warships. And last but not least… she attacked the legitimate Hero of Light when he was doing his duty to apprehend two criminals whom had kidnapped and manipulated her.”

She looks Twilight in the eye evenly before proceeding.

“If that isn’t considered ‘out of control’, then I don’t know what is.”

“But… she must have a good reason for doing such things!”

Arc sighs. “That may be. But she needs help. Is Emerald Dream making any headway over there?”

“Princess Celestia… isn’t seeing her anymore.”

Spike gasps. “What?! Why not?!”

“She said that there wasn’t time anymore.”

Arc frowns. “She’s making no attempt to heal her mind, Twilight. I have to remove her from the throne.”

Lightning Burst grimaces. “But who would run the land, sir?! Equestria needs a princess on the throne if at all possible!”

“And we’d have one.”

Arc gestures to Twilight.

“My plan was to take Celestia into custody and replace her with Twilight.”

“M-me?!”

“Yes, you.”

“What about you?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Me?”

Twilight nods. “Couldn’t you just become the Lord Regent again?!”

“Only if there were no available princesses. Or extenuating circumstances.”

Lightning Burst looks to Twilight. “As a princess you’d be next in line for the throne, your highness. Not the Hero of Light.”

Twilight gasps. “But we can’t just fly in there! The griffon blockade would shoot you on sight, Arc!”

Spike steps forward. “That’s why Arc asked me to get you here.”

Twilight appears confused. “You, Spike?”

“Right. Remember that book we read?”

“What about it?”

“Rose suggested it to Arc, as she knew you wouldn’t be able to resist rushing back here to verify what you read.”

Arc nods. “I’m sorry for the deception, Twilight. But I needed you here to make my plan work. All I want now though is you cooperation.”

Twilight looks over her shoulder to the guards.

“We’re here for you, princess.”

“But what should I do?!”

“That’s not for us to say. We’re sworn to protect you, after all.”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “No, you’re not.”

“Miss Pommel?”

“The oath every soldier takes is a vow to protect Equestria and its inhabitants. Not exclusively the princesses.”

“But…!”

“If you really believe in what you’re doing, then I can’t stop you. However, I thought I taught all of you better than that.”

Twilight turns to Arc and nods soberly.

“I’ll agree to think about it. But right now I need you to do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“Take me to see our friends.”

Spike gasps. “Twilight?”

“I need to see that they’re safe.”

“You don’t think Arc hurt them, do you?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Spike. But I’d like to hear their side of this story before making a final decision.”

Arc nods. “Very well.”

He looks to Coco Pommel.

“Did you get everything you needed?”

Coco Pommel pats her saddlebags. “Yes. All my most important files are in here.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Files?”

“In case Decimus comes back. These really need to be kept safe.”

Arc nods and powers up his crystals before opening a portal. Concentrating, he turns to the guards.

“Head on through.”

“But, sir…!”

Twilight points a hoof. “You heard the Hero of Light! MOVE!!!”

Nodding, the guards step through with Coco Pommel. Spike hops up on Twilight’s back as she heads for the swirling energies. She turns to Arc and smiles.

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks. But right now we have work to do.”

Twilight nods as she and Arc walk into the portal and vanish.

Chapter 11 - Reunions

Twilight and Spike step out of the portal and look around.

“The Equinox?”

Spike nods approvingly. “Now THAT’S portal range!”

Twilight turns to Arc. “So we are…?”

“In Abyssinia.”

Arc gestures to his largest window. Twilight walks over with him. Looking through, she gasps.

“We’re here?!”

Spike grins. “It really is Abyssinia!”

“Yup.”

Twilight turns to Spike. “How did you know that?!”

“I’ve been here before.”

“When?!”

“I stowed away on the Lunar Destiny a while back.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead. “Oh… right. Now I remember.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, we should find the others. I’m sure they’ll be very happy to see you.”

Coco Pommel gestures with a hoof. “They should be helping out with the orphans today on the Observation Deck.”

Spike grins. “Let’s go see!”

Coco Pommel leads them, along with Twilight’s guards, out the door and down the corridor. Twilight turns to Arc.

“So… what’ve you been up to?”

“It’s a crazy long story.”

Spike turns to him. “I wanna hear it!”

“How about after supper? It’ll make for a nice bedtime story.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Twilight giggles. “Me too!”

Entering the Observation Deck, they spot Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Applejack, and Fluttershy going over lessons with the younglings. Pinkie’s ears flop strangely. Looking up, she gasps.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

Running over, she is joined by the others whom giggle and nuzzle her. Twilight smiles as tears flow. Applejack is the first to speak.

“What’s wrong, sugarcube?”

“I… I thought all of you were dead!”

Pinkie appears confused. “Why would you think that?!”

“After I saw what happened to Ponyville, I just assumed that nopony survived the fire.”

Rainbow Dash sighs as she rubs her tender wings. “Yeah. We heard Celestia say that in her speech.”

Fluttershy sighs. “But we hoped she was wrong.”

Twilight bows her head. “Sadly she wasn’t. Everything was burned to the ground.”

Pinkie gasps. “Everything?!”

“Even Sugar Cube Corner, yes.”

Pinkie puts her head in her hooves and sighs.>

“I can’t take much more of this!”

Arc steps forward. “Don’t worry, Pinkie. Buildings can be rebuilt as can livelihoods.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! But at least nopony died!”

Applejack nods. “Right. They can’t be replaced like things though.”

Twilight smiles. “I’m really glad everypony’s okay though.”

She looks around, confused.

“Um… where’s Rarity?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “In the Infirmary.”

“What happened?!”

Rainbow Dash gestures to the bandages on her wings. “The same thing that happened to me.”

Applejack groans. “Rainbow Dash got caught and tacked in front of Carousel Boutique. Then Decimus’ thugs charged into her place.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I was just calling her at the time. She was crying out about how some stallions were breaking into the shop. Next think I heard was her and Sweetie Belle screaming.”

Coco Pommel nods soberly. “The guards rounded up everypony in town and brought them to the orphanage. I still remember seeing them drag Rarity up the stairs, unconscious.”

Spike gasps. “WHAT?!”

Applejack removes her hat and looks down. “They locked her in a storage room on the second floor with Sweetie Belle. It was awful to watch!”

Twilight looks to Fluttershy. “How badly was she hurt?!”

“Pretty seriously. There’s a reason she’s still in the Infirmary.”

Pinkie nods sadly. “We should bring you there to see her, Twilight.”

Spike appears hopeful. “Me too?!”

Applejack smiles at him. “Of course!”

Twilight looks away nervously. “I… we should probably let her rest.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Twilight?”

“That and she probably doesn’t want to see me.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “Why wouldn’t she?”

“Well… it’s kinda my fault she got hurt. If I had just been there, maybe everypony’s businesses and homes wouldn’t have been…”

Pinkie cuts her off. “Woah, woah, woah! This is NOT your fault, Twilight!”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Right. Decimus is just a scum sucking varmint!”

Fluttershy frowns. “He’s the guilty one here, not you.”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Right. There’s nothing for you to apologize for.”

Twilight nods sadly as she turns to Arc. “Could you please tell her I’m here?”

“Sure. Would you like to wait in the hall?”

“I would, yes.”

Arc turns to the guards. “Why don’t you guys head to the Cafeteria for a bit to eat?”

“But sir, we have to guard…!”

Twilight interrupts the stallion. “I’ll be fine in Arc’s care. Please get some food and await further orders.”

They nod and leave the Observation Deck. A short time later Arc leads his friends back down the corridor. As agreed to earlier, Arc enters the Infirmary with the others as Twilight waits outside. Walking over to Rarity’s bed he smiles down at her as she slowly sits up.

“Easy there, Rarity.”

Pinkie puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Careful! You’ll get all dizzy again!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “How’re you feeling today?”

“A bit better. At least the room isn’t spinning at the moment.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “Any idea when you can get up?”

“A day or so. Redheart tells me that I’m getting better, but will need to take things slow for a while.”

She turns to Arc.

“But enough about that. How is everypony else doing?”

“Just fine. In fact, I brought you a visitor.”

“Oh? Who?”

Arc turns to the doorway. “Come on in.”

Twilight sheepishly enters with Spike on her back. Rarity squeals and lets out innumerable happy noises.

“Twilight! Spike! It’s so good to see you two again!”

Spike hops off of Twilight and hurries to the bedside. “How’re you feeling?! Anything I can do for you?!”

“Oh, that’s all right, Spike. Nurse Redheart just says I need rest at this point.”

Twilight sighs. “Hi, Rarity.”

Rarity appears confused. “Whatever is the matter?”

Pinkie sighs. “She thinks you’re mad at her.”

“What?!”

Applejack frowns. “Pinkie!”

Pinkie shrugs. “It’s the truth!”

Arc sighs. “I suppose it is. But would you please tell Twilight how you feel, Rarity?”

“Honored that you would take time out of your busy schedule to come see me mostly.”

Twilight raises and eyebrow. “You… are?”

“Why, of course! What makes you think I’m angry?”

“Because I didn’t stop Decimus, for starters. Tell me, is Sweetie Belle okay?”

Rarity nods. “Oh, she’s fine. Redheart just kept her here for a day under observation.”

“And you?”

“Just some bumps and bruises mostly. That and a few cuts.”

Spike grimaces. “Are you sure that’s all?”

“Well, there was some trouble with my head. That’s technically what’s keeping me in this bed.”

Twilight gasps. “What happened to it?”

“A guard… may have hit me.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “Did you get his name?! I’ll see to it he’s sent to the dungeon for LIFE!”

“Oh, no need to do that, Twilight.”

Spike clenches a fist. “Oh, yes there is!”

“Not to worry. Arc’s forces already killed the traitors.”

Twilight puts her hooves up on the bed as she looks into Rarity’s eyes.

“Rarity, if there’s anything I can do to make this up to you, I will! There’s no excuse for what was done to you!”

“Well, if you really want to do something, help Arc fix the country.”

“That… might be a bit of a tall order.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah. But he’s the only one who can do anything about it!”

Twilight nods soberly and turns to Arc. “What can I do?”

“I need you to arrange a meeting with Celestia.”

“You want to… talk to her?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She and I have a few things to say to one another.”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “Yeah! With his fists!”

Spike gasps. “What?!”

Applejack groans. “Rainbow Dash!”

Fluttershy bows her head. “She’s right, you know. This will probably end in violence.”

Pinkie grins wickedly. “But Arc can take her!”

“Maybe. However I’d like to try and convince her to change things back to normal herself.”

Rarity appears nervous “And if she won’t?”

Arc shrugs. “Then I’ll do what I can to make her death as painless as possible.”

Twilight frowns. “You can’t kill Princess Celestia, Arc!”

“I can if she’s a threat to the country.”

“Then I’m not helping!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Come on, Twilight! This can’t go on!”

Applejack grimaces. “She’s right. What if Decimus were to lead his forces on another town? A big one like Manehattan.”

Fluttershy shudders. “They might not be as lucky as Ponyville was.”

Spike turns to his friend. “Twilight… ponies could die next time. This really needs to happen.”

Twilight nods soberly. “I… understand. But there’s something I need from you before I help, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“The Dagger of Eternal Slumber.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “What?”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side, confused. “But how would Arc fight Princess Celestia without it?!”

Applejack sighs. “He wouldn’t be able to take her down.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “It’d be like fighting a brick wall!”

Fluttershy turns to her friend. “Please, Twilight! We all need to…!”

Arc interrupts. “Fine.”

He removes the dagger from his ring and holds it up. Twilight reaches forward to take it, but Arc pulls back.

“However I need you to do something for me too.”

“What is it?”

“You will bring this weapon with you during the confrontation. Keep it secret, and keep it safe.”

Twilight nods. “Agreed.”

Extending the weapon to her, Arc releases it. Twilight looks it over for a moment before giving it to Spike to hold onto.

“Now then, what do you want the message to say?”

Arc removes a scroll from his ring. “I’ve actually already written it.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “You have?!”

Arc nods. “I knew Twilight would go along with this if I asked her nicely, so I chose to be proactive.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Roughly speaking, it’s a ransom note.”

Pinkie gasps. “You kidnapped somepony, Arc?!”

“Not really.”

“Then who…?!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “It’s Twilight.”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “He didn’t kidnap her!”

Fluttershy nods. “But Princess Celestia doesn’t know that.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. In a few hours I’m sure someone will be sending a platoon to see why Twilight didn’t come back yet.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Um… about that. I… may have said that I didn’t want any interruptions.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “So it could be a while until somepony comes looking for you.”

“Right. Sorry, everypony.”

Arc shrugs. “Oh well. That gives us time to spend here together.”

Applejack grins. “You have a plan on what you want to do, Arc?”

Rainbow Dash looks to Arc seductively. “I can think of a few things.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Me too.”

Pinkie shakes her head vehemently. “You’re injured, Rarity!”

Fluttershy giggles. “Don’t worry. We’ll take good care of Arc for you.”

Twilight gestures toward the window. “While you’re all doing that, I’d like to take this opportunity study Abyssinian culture. I’m told it’s quite different from what we’re used to back in Equestria.”

Arc sighs. “About that… you probably shouldn’t leave the ship, Twilight.”

“Why not?”

Cherry calls out. “Somepony might kidnap you for real.”

“And we don’t want word getting back to Canterlot that fast.”

Applejack smiles. “That’s a refreshing attitude, Arc.”

“Huh?”

Spike nods. “Yeah. Usually you’re all gung-ho to get to work.”

Rainbow Dash swishes her tail side to side. “So you really do want to spend time with us, huh?!”

“Of course. But this is more to make sure everything goes well for the citizens of Ponyville. The monarchs here have volunteered to house our Ponyville refugees while we head to Equestria to figure this mess out.”

Fluttershy blushes nervously. “But… will there be time for something fun in the evenings?”

Applejack sighs. “Not sure we’ll have the energy after working all day. So when does that project start?”

“It’s already underway. Everyone who isn’t cooking meals or caring for the orphans is out there working.”

Applejack motions with a hoof. “Then let’s get moving!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! We’ll get this done so we can laze around again!”

Arc calls out. “The monarchs have also offered jobs in their agricultural sector for everyone.”

Pinkie giggles. “It doesn’t sound like we’ll have much time to lay around!”

Twilight sighs. “I wish I could help.”

Spike turns to his friend. “Well, why don’t you stay here with Twilight, Arc?”

“I suppose I could. After all, someone needs to guard her.”

Twilight smiles. “We could keep Rarity company.”

Fluttershy nods. “That’s not a bad idea.”

Rainbow Dash motions for the others to follow her. “Let’s go everypony!”

Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash hurry out the door. Rarity giggles weakly as they do so and turns to Arc.

“I’m actually feeling a bit tired at the moment.”

Spike gasps. “You should take a nap then, Rarity.”

“While I do, why don’t you spend some time with Twilight, Arc?”

“Oh?”

Twilight appears confused. “What for?”

“Well, if we’re thinking about a herd, everypony should get to know each other better. No reason to waste an opportunity after all.”

Spike raises a claw. “I’ll stay with Rarity. In case she needs something, I mean.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “That does sound nice. What do you think?”

“Sure. As long as Spike’s okay hanging out here, that is.”

Spike puffs his chest out. “No problem. Leave it to me.”

Arc leads Twilight out of the Infirmary as Spike turns to Rarity.

“So… can I… fluff your pillow? Get you another blanket? Fetch you a warm glass of milk?”

“No thanks, Spike. I just need to rest.”

“Oh… uh…”

“Are you tired?”

“Not really.”

Rarity pats the mattress under her. “That’s fine. I was just thinking that there was plenty of room up here, and you really should be comfortable during our…”

In the blink of an eye Spike tosses the Dagger of Eternal Slumber onto the bedside table and dives under the covers to rest his head on the pillow next to Rarity’s.

“Pleasant dreams!”

Rarity smiles as she lays back and closes her eyes. “Likewise, Spike.”

As Spike snuggles up to her and closes his eyes Rarity muses to herself.

"Have a nice time, Twilight."

Chapter 12 - Bed Talks

Arc and Twilight walk down the corridor toward his quarters. Entering, he gestures to the couch.

“Why don’t we have a seat?”

“Th-thank you.”

As they sit down, Twilight looks out the window nervously. Arc turns to her.

“So… um… you’re a princess now.”

“Yes, I… I suppose I am.”

Arc looks her over for a few moments. “Other than the crown and wings, I don’t really see anything new.”

Twilight sighs. “Princess Celestia told me that I would change slowly over time. It’d be gradual enough that I wouldn’t really notice. It would help ease me into my new role.”

“Are you… okay with that?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well…”

“After all, you should have seen how happy everypony looked at my coronation.”

“Twilight…”

“They were cheering, and laughing, and waving, and… and…”

“Twilight…”

Twilight: …and my parents looked SO proud of me. Oh! And Princess Celestia as well. Everypony just…

Arc: Twilight!

Arc: That wasn’t the question.

Twilight: Huh?

“I asked if YOU were okay with this.”

“With what?”

Arc: Becoming a princess.

Twilight sighs. “Princess Celestia needed me.”

“Again…”

Twilight frowns. “I don’t know!”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Twilight breaks it.

“Sorry. But I… I just… I was just told that I was needed.”

Arc shakes his head. “Did Celestia stop to ask if that’s what you wanted though?”

“Nopony asked about that. I mean… I could have said ‘no’, of course. But… Princess Celestia’s done so much for me over the years. I just didn’t want to… you know…”

“Let her down?”

Twilight nods as Arc frowns.

“That is really… loyal of you, Twilight. But what she was asking wasn’t something simple.”

“It looked that way.”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

“I just went with her to the Celestial Realm. We saw all my actions portrayed on screens all around us before I was picked up by very powerful magic and changed into an alicorn… somehow.”

“I don’t mean the process was simple, Twilight. What I meant was that she asked too much of you.”

“It really isn’t a problem for me. After all, I’ve been listening to her for almost as long as I can remember.”

“She asked you to leave behind everything and everyone you’ve ever known to take a thankless job that saps your energy and mental stability.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Oh, I don’t think it’s THAT bad.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You haven’t ruled yet, Twilight.”

“How would you know…?”

He looks at her silently for a time as Twilight processes what he said. Eventually she nods soberly.

“I… guess you would know, huh?”

“Yeah. I really don’t want that burden placed on you.”

Twilight sighs. “Well, it already was. Nothing to do about that.”

“Yeah.”

For a few moments no one says a word.

“I’m sorry, Twilight. But I just didn’t like how this matter was apparently decided for you without any kind of consent.”

“And I appreciate that. But what’s done is done.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I did think your coronation speech was very nice.”

Twilight appears surprised. “You… you were there?”

Arc nods. “On a balcony some distance away, yes. I saw the whole thing.”

“Why didn’t you…?”

“I hadn’t gotten my memory back yet. But at the time I felt something was very wrong. In my mind I was certain I knew you. However that was all. Just a feeling.”

“Could you bring me up to speed on what exactly happene?”

Arc sighs. “Now would probably be a good time, yes. Better get comfortable. This is going to take a while.”

He takes several hours to explain his and the Scarlet Filly’s exploits to Twilight. When done, she appears rattled.

“That’s… just so much to take in!”

“You don’t believe me?”

“Oh, I do. But… it’s beyond an adventure. At least any that my friends and I ever went on.”

“Yeah, I suppose so.”

“Dinky went after you, you know.”

“She did mention that.”

“And we went after her.”

“Thanks. From what I was told, she and her friends were in over their heads.”

“They’re okay, mind you.”

“Yeah. But I… I don’t know what I would have done had that not been the outcome.”

“You don’t want to lose her, I know.”

“You’re right. I don’t. But at the same time I know that I can’t just shelter her from everything.”

Arc looks at Twilight and smiles as he puts a hand under her chin.

“Kinda like you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I really don’t want the life of a princess for you, Twilight. But as things stand, I can’t really change that for you.”

“You could, yes.”

“How?”

Twilight smiles and blushes. “You forget… we’re looking at forming a herd, Arc. If you wanted, you could just make me give up my position as a Princess of Equestria as part of the marriage vows.”

“I don’t think you understand…”

“Remember, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work after all.”

“And I do appreciate your enthusiasm. But I don’t want you to think that I can control you like that.”

“But you can! You’re the Hero of Light, after all.”

“And you’re a princess. But even if you weren’t, our herd doesn’t mean that you and the others will be my property… right?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Kinda. At least that’s how it worked in the past.”

“What?!”

“That’s why Princess Celestia outlawed it years ago. She wanted to free everypony from such things.”

“And you knew this the whole time?!”

Twilight nods. “I did, yes.”

“Then why did you suggest forming something like this?!”

Twilight smiles as she looks Arc in the eye. “Because all of us trust you, Arc. You’ll never make us do anything that we don’t want to. And even if you did, the girls and I all understand that it would be what’s best for us.”

“I… I don’t want to… it wasn’t my intention…”

Taking a deep breath, Arc continues.

“Twilight, you and the others are individuals with rights and feelings like everyone else. Do they know what herds entail?”

“Yes. That was the first thing we talked about.”

“What were their feelings about that?”

“They all said roughly what I already did. We all want you to be with us for the rest of our lives. And we’d be very happy with you caring for and protecting us.”

“Aren’t you afraid that I could just lord over you?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Arc. We know you would never do that.”

“How can you be so sure?!”

Twilight puts a hoof on his hand. “Because we know you, Arc. It isn’t in your nature to hurt others. I mean, look what you did with the Scarlet Filly.”

“Scootaloo?”

“Yes. She’s literally your… what did you call it again?”

“My thrall.”

“You own her. Mind, body, and soul. But you refused to use her in such a manner as her father did.”

“She deserves better than that.”

“Right. That’s why we have no qualms about turning our lives and hearts over to you to do with them as you wish, Arc.”

“Even if we do this, I refuse to take any of you as property.”

Twilight smiles as she leans against him.

“And that’s why we trust you so much. You care for us so much that our happiness is always in the forefront of your mind.”

“Twilight?”

“Hm?”

“Are you still okay with all of this?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, you ARE a princess now.”

“I am, yes. But I’m still the same mare inside. With the same feeling, wants, and desires.”

“Does the law say anything about an alicorn princess joining a herd?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. But all laws regarding herds were nullified when they were banned. Remember, such things don’t apply to you though.”

“About that… am I still the Hero of Light.”

Twilight sits up, confused. “Um… yes. Why wouldn’t you be?”

“Well, Decimus was appointed to the position, so I just thought that maybe that would have revoked my… authorization, I guess.”

“The law doesn’t say how many Heroes of Light there can be at once. Remember, the previous ones were a duo. But they still shared the same power and responsibilities.”

“What about when Celestia finds out I’m still alive? Couldn’t she just… fire me, or something?”

“I actually already considered that. Checking the law, I found that the Hero of Light is a lifetime appointment and cannot be removed under normal circumstances.”

“Ever?”

“Well, there is a section that states how appointments work. A simple majority of the currently sitting princesses have to agree on the matter for somepony to be elevated to the position. At the time that was Luna and Cadance, so you’re appointment was completely legal.”

“That’s good. So Celestia can’t just unilaterally dismiss me, huh?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. There’s another part of that legal section that does state how to remove a Hero of Light though.”

“Oh?”

“Just like with appointment, removal has to be agreed upon by a majority of the sitting princesses. It’s never been done before, but the language is in there.”

“So we could use that to remove Decimus from his position?”

“Yes. But Princess Celestia would never agree to that. After all, she’s always telling my how much she admires him. Their family has served for generations though, so they’re pretty well established friends.”

“But I can still take him out, right?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. As you know, the Hero of Light is effectively above the law. Meaning that they’re the only ones whom could confront one another. Again, on paper. But do you really think it’ll come to that?”

Arc sighs. “I can’t see it ending any other way.”

“Princess Celestia will be furious though.”

“I’m already mad enough that he burned down Ponyville.”

“But she could…!”

“We can’t just let either of them continue on, Twilight. Both of us are here to serve the public and to protect the innocent, after all. And to do nothing would mean betraying the trust of those whom look to us for safety.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes, you’re right. I’m just a little… nervous about having to do this to my friend and mentor.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “But that’s why Celestia put you here.”

“Huh?”

“She knew you would do what’s right for the nation.”

“I’ll certainly try. But I can’t do this alone.”

“Alone?”

“If you have to… remove Princess Celestia, that is.”

“You won’t have to. I’ll be there by your side until either Luna or Cadance comes back to help.”

“Do you promise?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Twilight. Believe me when I say that I won’t leave you alone with such a burden.”

“Thank you, I do appreciate that.”

She looks up at him as he smiles.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… I love you.”

“And I love you too, Twilight.”

Putting his hands on her cheeks, Arc draws close to her. Their lips meet as they share a passionate kiss together. Twilight wraps her hooves around his neck and leans into the embrace. Falling backwards to lie on the couch, they continue kissing for some time. Eventually Twilight breaks the embrace. She lies on his belly, smiling happily.

“That… was incredible!”

Arc chuckles. “First time?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. But it just felt right.”

Arc grins as he muses to himself. Twilight appears confused.

“What is it?”

“I was just thinking. What I’m doing right now… most only dream about.”

“Oh?”

“Kissing a princess.”

Twilight giggles. “And more someday, right?”

“You still want foals, huh?”

“Yes. But at the same time we’ve accepted that it’s probably not possible for us to be impregnated by you. Even with Auriel’s help, that is.”

“And you’re all okay with that?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Auriel can still be the one to carry on your bloodline. And we’ll all help raise the foals that she bears for you.”

“I’d… like that.”

“To make foals with Auriel?”

“To raise them in a loving home.”

Twilight giggles. “We’ll all do our best.”

She locks lips with him again before they fall asleep together on the couch together. Napping for a time, Arc eventually wakes up and carries Twilight to the bed. Laying her down, he carefully takes his place next to her and gently strokes her mane as he muses to himself.

“I never thought I’d feel this way about someone. Let alone a group of someones.”

Cherry giggles telepathically. “Or ponies for that matter.”

“Yeah, well… life’s kinda strange sometimes.”

“I know you’ll make them very happy, Arc.”

“Thanks. It’s just… I still wish you could be a part of it.”

Cherry sighs. “Arc, we’ve gone over this. You need to move on and find others to share your life with.”

“Yes, I know. I just mean that I wanted you to be part of the herd.”

“I’d have loved that, Arc. But what can’t be, can’t be.”

Arc groans inwardly. “Yeah. But it doesn’t change how I feel.”

“Me either. The real difference is that I’ve gotten past it.”

“Can I ask how?”

“It’s… complicated. Your mindset changes a lot after death, I suppose. It broadens your horizons a bit. Let’s you see that which you couldn’t when alive.”

“I don’t really get it.”

“Sorry, but I don’t really know how else to describe it.”

Twilight opens her eyes and looks to Arc.

“Did you say something, my dear?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Dear?”

Twilight blushes. “S-sorry! I thought I was still dreaming!”

Arc grins. “Nope. You’re awake.”

Cherry calls out audibly. “Arc and I were just talking.”

Arc nods. “Sorry if we woke you.”

“It’s alright. “

Rolling over, Twilight lays on top of Arc. Putting her hooves around his neck, she sighs contentedly.

“Someday this may be the norm for all of us.”

“I hope so.”

“Do you think we could live in Canterlot, Arc?”

“Not sure how the others would feel about that.”

“They’d all have their own private rooms to do with as they wished. And we could have a really big communal one for… fun times.”

“Don’t you think you should run that by Princess Celestia first.”

Twilight gasps. “Oh no!”

“What’s wrong?”

“She HATES humans!”

“Um… yes, I know. Do you think that’ll be a problem?”

“It will be!”

“So… what should we do?”

Twilight jumps out of bed and starts pacing. “Idon’tknow, Idon’tknow, Idon’tknow!”

“Maybe Canterlot wouldn’t be the best place for everyone then.”

“But I have to live there! I’m a princess!”

“Cadance doesn’t.”

Twilight stops to consider this. “I…! I suppose that’s true.”

“How about Ponyville?”

“Permanently?”

Arc shrugs. “We’ve all already put down roots there. Everyone has a job already too.”

“But where would we live? Nopony has a house that could fit us all.”

“Well… I suppose we could hire someone to build one for us.”

“Build one? You mean from the ground up?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Like you said, everyone could have their own room and personal space. That way we would have a place to call our own while still living together.”

“Where would we build it?”

“I’m not sure. We’d have to talk to the mayor about building permits and parcel sizes first.”

Twilight giggles. “You forget that the law doesn’t apply to you, Arc.”

“That may be. But I do try to follow it whenever possible. After all, you can’t enforce the law if you don’t first obey it yourself.”

“I guess that makes sense. But we’d need a huge place to make that work! Something along the lines of a literal mansion.”

“I have most of the money I’ve been paid as the Hero of Light, and all my wages as the Lord Regent.”

“Is that a lot?”

Arc chuckles. “My safe at Light’s Hope was full to bursting last I knew. I finally had to call Canterlot and tell them to start depositing my pay in the bank.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You’ve been having your pay kept at the base?”

“I didn’t like the idea of Filthy Rich having my money in his bank.”

“Fair enough. I’ll try to help if I can too.”

“Sorry if this sounds rude, but… how much does a princess get paid?”

Twilight shrugs. “I don’t actually know. Princess Celestia told me an account had been created at the Canterlot Bank in my name. But I didn’t ask any more about it at the time and haven’t inquired as to how much is in it.”

“With housing, food, clothes, and utilities paid for I can understand why you wouldn’t check regularly.”

“Exactly. But I’ll try to keep up on this better in the future.”

“It’s fine, Twilight. After all, nothing’s going to happen anytime soon.”

“It’s not?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Remember, I have yet to deal with the Celestia and Decimus matter. And even if it was resolved tomorrow, all of us need to get together and see what exactly it is that we want.”

“Regarding…?”

“First and foremost that this whole herd thing is what we really want.”

“That we do.”

“I don’t want to form something like this only to find that we can’t coexist.”

Twilight sighs. “Admittedly, I would be sad if only some of us formed a herd, of course. But at the same time everypony needs to be in agreement here.”

“Right.”

“The question now is where do we start?”

“By talking.”

“Like we are now?”

Arc nods. “Right. It’s like building a house. There’s lots of planning, meetings and things written out on paper before even one spoonful of dirt is moved. A blueprint needs to be agreed upon before we should even consider actually doing anything.”

“Taking it slow.”

“I know that probably isn’t what you or the others want to hear. But it’s for the good of everyone.”

Twilight giggles. Arc appears confused.

“Not exactly what I was expecting.”

“I’m just so very happy, Arc.”

“That I’m dragging my feet on this?”

“No. You’re concerned enough to force us to think about this rationally. Anypony else would have jumped at the chance to marry this many mares.”

“And a princess.”

Twilight grins. “Right."

Chapter 13 - Exchanges

A couple days later, as the sun sinks toward the horizon over Ponyville, a chariot pulled by two Lunar Defenders touches down in front of the library. A small figure in a black cloak hops out and looks around. The guards unhitch from their vehicle and stand before the Scarlet Filly.

“Check the remains of the library. Make sure the princess is alright.”

Saluting, the pair head into the burned out trunk. Returning a few minutes later they run up to Scootaloo.

“There’s nopony here, ma’am!”

Scootaloo hops back into the chariot. “Fly me to the orphanage. Maybe she took shelter there.”

Hitching back up to the chariot, they spread their wings and fly. A few minutes later they touch down in front of the Little Hooves Orphanage. Scootaloo looks around the outside of the building for a moment before turning to the guards.

“No light on that I can see. One of you head inside and see if Princess Twilight is here. The other will go to Light’s Hope and check that building.”

They salute and go their separate ways as Scootaloo tosses each of them a key. Grabbing the orphanage’s front door handle to insert the key, the entire handle mechanism falls to the ground with a colossal thud. Scootaloo shakes her head as the stallion walks inside. Looking around, the guard shines his flashlight from place to place in the Main Hall. Glancing outside he spots Scootaloo’s glowing red eyes as she investigates the outside. Gasping, he stumbles back a few paces before composing himself and continuing as he mutters to himself.

“Those red eyes creep me right out!”

Sometime later both guards reconvene. Scootaloo walks around the side of the orphanage and approaches them.

“Report.”

“Light’s Hope was locked up tight. No lights in the windows. I used the key you gave me and looked inside. Nopony was there, but it did appear that renovations had just completed.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Decimus did mention that to me. He’s supposed to return to take full possession of the base tomorrow.”

She turns to the other guard.

“How about the inside of the orphanage?”

“The orphanage was completely devoid of anypony and appears to have been that for at least a day or so.”

“How can you tell?”

“It was the same temperature inside as it was outside. Therefore nopony’s been running the units to condition the air in any way.”

“Ma’am, I did notice that the road from the orphanage to Light’s Hope was covered with tracks. Pony, griffon, foal, and youngling alike.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yes, I noticed that too. Not a good sign.”

“Could Princess Twilight have simply packed up and left.”

The other guard nods. “Perhaps she’s on her way back to Canterlot as we speak.”

Scootaloo heads for the chariot. “Possibly, but unlikely. Fly me over the town and we’ll see if her chariot’s around.”

Saluting, they quickly do so. Scootaloo looks down from the vehicle as they fly as low as they dare. Spotting something she points a hoof.

“There’s the princess’ chariot up ahead. Land there.”

Hopping out, she runs over to the chariot and looks it over.

“This has been sitting her for a day or so.”

“Ma’am?”

Scootaloo points to the ground. “The wheels have sunk into the mud from that heavy rain we had the other night.”

She turns and walks back to her chariot.

“Raise Canterlot so we can contact Decimus.”

One of the guards reaches for a radio in the chariot and presses a few buttons before giving it to Scootaloo.

“Scarlet Filly to Canterlot. Come in please.”

“This is Canterlot. What do you see over there, my dear?”

“The library along with Light’s Hope and the orphanage are all deserted. There’s nopony here.”

Decimus groans. “Did you locate Princess Twilight’s chariot?”

“Yes sir. I’m standing right next to it. Judging from the amount the wheels have sunk into the mud I would say it hasn’t moved in days.”

“And her guards? Any bodies?”

“None. But they certainly visited the library. I’ve got fresh hoofprints going both into and out of here.”

“Did you send your guards to investigate the building’s interiors?”

“Yes sir. All three buildings have been fully searched inside and out. None of them are here.”

Decimus taps his desk. “It doesn’t make any sense. My sources state that the former Hero of Light along with his ship are still in Abyssinia.”

“Who could have done this then?”

“Hero of Light Arc MUST be behind it! Nopony else would be that brazen! Did you see any human-shaped prints in the mud.”

“None, sir. What should our next step be?”

“I’ll speak to Princess Celestia first thing tomorrow morning. Break the news to her gently. We can go from there.”

“Good luck, sir.”

Decimus sighs. “Thanks. I’ll need it. Feel free to use my quarters in Light’s Hope to get some rest before flying back here. Decimus out.”

Scootaloo gives the radio back to the guard and sighs.

“Princess Celestia isn’t going to be pleased to hear about this. But in any case, would you two like a few hours’ sleep before we head back to Canterlot?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“It’s a rather long trip for wings.”

“Fine. Let’s head back to Light’s Hope. But I still want to back at the castle by dawn.”

Making the walk, the guard with the appropriate key unlocks the door and holds it open for his companion and Scootaloo. Turning, she looks at them, her eyes aglow in the darkened Main Hall.

“Head for the barracks and get some sleep. We’ll head back at first light.”

They salute and walk away. Scootaloo gazes around the renovated entryway. New, more expensive looking furniture fills the room. Looking up, she frowns.

“There was a mural up there when I was here with Big Brother. Decimus had it painted over. Probably to try and cover up the fact he ever existed. At least in his mind.”

Walking down the corridor, Scootaloo comes to a large round metal door. She puts a hoof on it for a moment as she looks around.

“This looks original. Some kind of security vault.”

Shrugging, she turns and makes her way toward Arc’s quarters. Coming to a very ornate looking door, she pulls a key from her cloak and unlocks it. Entering, dim lights immediately come to life via a sensor. Scootaloo looks around clearly disgusted. Luxurious furniture now lines the perimeter with numerous expensive looking paintings and rugs. Heading to the bedroom Scootaloo removes her cloak and tosses it onto a gold-plated chest of drawers. Hopping up onto the bed she lays down and reaches for the lamp. Something on the nightstand catches her eye though.

“What the…?”

She spots a gem-encrusted picture frame. Picking it up she sees a smiling, winking, unicorn with a dark purple coat and a broken horn. Scootaloo shudders as she puts the frame back where she found it.

“Now THAT’S scary!”

Turning off the light, she rolls over and sighs. Laying there for a few moments the little filly looks back at the picture. Reaching over, she gives it a turn to face away from the bed.

“That’s better.”

Taking a deep breath, Scootaloo calls out.

“Big Brother? Can you hear me?”

Arc reaches out to her telepathically. “Yes. How are things going over there?”

“Decimus sent me to Ponyville to check on Princess Twilight. I told him she wasn’t here just like you wanted me to.”

“Good. What did he tell you to do?”

“Spend the night here at Light’s Hope before flying back in the morning.”

“Is my base a lot different?”

“Yeah. Lots of fancy furniture, expensive flooring, art, and gold plated stuff around here at the moment.”

“Ugh. Sounds more like a country club now.”

“The good news is that the vault doesn’t appear to have been touched.”

“I wonder if that was an oversight on his part.”

“You did tell me that it was supposed to be really secure though. Maybe he just couldn’t get it open.”

“Or he’s got more important things to do.”

“What’s in there anyways?”

“A ton of bits.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Big Brother?”

“That’s a bunch of paychecks for being the Hero of Light. It’s going to be used to build us a house when I retire.”

“I wondered why you wanted me to check on that.”

“At the time I was more worried that Decimus might have used it to support his Council of Shadows, or something. But let’s get back on topic here. What did Decimus say about your report?”

“That he’d wait until tomorrow to tell Celestia. Honestly I would have thought he’d have wanted to do it as soon as possible.”

“All I can figure is that Celestia is like her sister and niece in that regard. Cranky if you wake them up in the middle of the night.”

Arc chuckles to himself. Scootaloo frowns.

“What’s so funny?”

“I just learned something.”

“Big Brother?”

“I’m braver than Decimus.”

“…what?”

“A couple times in the past I’ve had to wake a sleeping princess.”

“How’d that go?”

“Blasted once. Near-miss the second time.”

“So what should I do?”

“Get some sleep, but be sure to be back in Canterlot before dawn like I told you.”

“Okay. But what for?”

“So you can tell me what Decimus and Celestia do. Then I can figure out the next step of our plan.”

“I’ll do it, Big Brother. You can count on me.”

“Yes, I know I can, Scootaloo. Pleasant dreams.”

“Good night.”

Scootaloo smiles as Arc cuts the telepathic connection. Sighing, she stares up at the ceiling for a long time.

“Thanks for believing in me. But I’m still not sure if you can do what needs to be done next, Big Brother.”

She sighs and looks over at the picture frame again. Putting a hoof to it, Scootaloo lays it face down before turning herself to look the opposite direction and closing her eyes.

“Creepy.”

Meanwhile, Arc lies in his bed and stares up at his own ceiling. Twilight reaches over to him smiles.

“Everything alright, Arc?”

“So far, so good.”

“Are you sure there isn’t anything I could do to help?”

“You’re already doing it.”

“Oh?”

Arc takes her hoof in his hand. “You being gone will certainly get to Celestia. She’ll do whatever it takes to get you back safely, right?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. That much I know for sure.”

“If all goes well, I’ll be able to talk her out of this.”

“And if not? After all, you don’t have the Dagger of Eternal Slumber.”

Arc sighs. “Then I guess I’d need to get out of there very quickly.”

“Princess Celestia would never let you. And even if you did manage to get away, she’d hunt you to the ends of the land forever.”

“Calculated risks.”

Twilight frowns. “How can you say that?! Don’t you understand just how much my friends and I love you!?”

Arc nods. “I do. That’s why I’m doing this.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“You and the others deserve to be safe in your own country and homes. With Decimus in command and Celestia in such a state, that can’t happen. I need to resolve this for everyone’s sakes.”

“We could just leave! Relocate to Earth!”

Arc shakes his head. “Celestia would just follow us. That and what would become of those we left behind?”

“But…!”

Arc puts a finger to her lips.

“It has to be this way, Twilight. You know this to be true.”

Twilight nods sadly. “I do, yes. But my heart aches even thinking about it.”

“Don’t worry. It will all be over by tomorrow night.”

She buries her face in his chest for a long moment before looking up at him soberly.

“Then I need you to do something for me.”

“Oh?”

“Follow me.”

Getting up, Twilight leads Arc out the door and down the corridor. Entering the Infirmary, the pair walk toward the bed slowly. Redheart greets them as they approach.

“Good evening, your highness. “

She turns to Arc.

“Sir.”

Spike waves happily. “Hi, Twilight!”

Rarity calls out from her bed. “Good evening. It’s rather late for a visit though.”

Twilight looks to the nurse. “How is Rarity doing?”

“She’s able to move around now with a bit of help.”

Rarity sighs. “Admittedly, my balance is still a bit off.”

Spike grins. “But I’ve been helping her stay strong by helping her move around the room here!”

Arc nods. “That’s good to hear. But if that’s the case why is she still in the Infirmary, Redheart?”

“Because I’m afraid she wouldn’t do too well in the Mid Deck right now.”

Rarity grimaces. “It’s rather crowded at the moment.”

Twilight turns to Redheart. “Could she leave though?”

“If there was a private room for her and somepony to keep an eye on her, yes.”

Rarity appears confused. “What are you getting at, Twilight?”

“Rarity? Would you like to spend tonight with Arc?”

“Oh yes, indeed! But you’ve been his constant bedmate since arriving. Which is fine, of course!”

“Well, I’d like you to take my place tonight.”

Spike grimaces. “WHAT?!”

Rarity gasps. “But… but you’re a princess now!”

Twilight shrugs. “What does that have to do with it?”

“Well… you should have the best of everything!”

“But what about Arc?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

Twilight’s ears droop. “I admit that I’ve been hording his attention all for myself these past few days.”

Spike frowns. “You haven’t seen him in a long time though!”

“That’s true, yes. But I need to remember that he’s not exclusively mine.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Twilight, what are you saying?”

“I mean that you should spend the night with him, Rarity.”

“B-but my mane must look a fright! That and I haven’t even…!”

Arc steps forward. “Rarity?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“I don’t mind if you’re not perfectly clean or have a brushed mane. You’re still beautiful to me.”

Rarity smiles happily. “Then, yes! Yes I’d love to spend the night with you, Arc!”

Arc looks to Redheart. “Can she?”

“Yes, sir. With certain limitations.”

Rarity appears confused. “Oh?”

“Please be careful not to be too… rough with her tonight, sir.”

“What?”

“I’m certain you both have certain needs. But be sure to treat Rarity with tender care tonight. No rough love making.”

Arc blushes. “Yes, I’ll… take good care of her.”

He walks over to the bed and carefully picks Rarity up. She puts her hooves around his neck as she nuzzles his cheek and looks to her friend.

“Thank you, Twilight.”

Twilight smiles. “You deserve it, Rarity. Take care of her, Arc.”

“I will. Good night.”

Arc walks out of the Infirmary with Rarity in his arms. Spike grits his teeth as he turns to Twilight.

“What’d you go and do that for?!”

“Because it was the right thing to do, Spike.”

“But what about me?!”

Twilight frowns. “Come with me, Spike.”

“Where are we…?”

“Now.”

Getting up, Spike hops down from the bed and follows Twilight out the door and into the corridor. Walking a short distance they come to a door. Knocking, Twilight steps back. A few moments later Applejack opens it and look to them with a smile.

“Hey there, Twilight. Hi, Spike.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m sorry to bother you at this hour. But we need to talk to you.”

“Sure. Come on in.”

She moves to allow them in. Closing the door, she motions to a couch.

“Have a seat.”

They do so. Spike sits between the mares as Applejack speaks.

“So what can I do for you two?”

Twilight gestures to the young dragon. “I’m sure you’ve noticed Spike’s behavior around Rarity in the past.”

Applejack chuckles. “A blind pony could see that.”

“He has quite the crush on her.”

Spike shakes his head vehemently. “It’s not a crush! I’m in love!”

Applejack turns to Spike. “Are you now?”

“Yes! She’s the most beautiful mare I’ve ever seen!”

Twilight frowns. “Is that all?”

“What else is there?!”

“A lot, sugarcube.”

“Huh?”

Twilight puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Spike… love is a wonderful thing. But it’s a two way street.”

“I know! Rarity loves me too!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Is that what she told you?”

“Well… not exactly. But we’re always together!”

Twilight nods. “Doing what?”

“I help her out in the shop. She always brings me snacks and tells me how good a worker I am.”

Applejack makes a circular motion with her hoof. “And…?”

“And I want to marry her someday!”

Twilight sighs. “Spike… I should have told you about love before we got to this point.”

“What’s there to tell? You meet somepony you like, fall in love with them, and get married.”

Applejack frowns. “Then what?”

“Live happily ever after.”

Twilight shakes her head. “There’s a lot more to it than that.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“Building a relationship. Learning about each other. Talking endlessly about what you both want. Growing along with one another mentally and physically.”

“But we’ve done all that!”

Applejack bows her head. “No, you haven’t Spike.”

“What’s left to do then?!”

Twilight sighs. “Everything.”

Spike frowns. “That doesn’t make any sense!”

Applejack nods. “As far as a relationship goes you and Rarity never got past friends.”

“That’s where it starts!”

Twilight turns Spike’s head to look at her. “Right. But think of it this way. A relationship is like a plant. First comes the seed. Sometimes it sprouts. Sometimes not. Part of it is taking care of and providing what the seed needs. Light, water, and time.”

Applejack smiles. “Let’s say it does grow. What then?”

“You water it more and help it grow, right?”

Twilight nods. “Right. But does that always work?”

Spike shrugs. “I dunno.”

Applejack shakes her head. “You can do everything right, and still lose the plant. It’s the same with a relationship.”

“What can cause that?”

Twilight sighs. “Any number of things. Say that you planted a seed and did your best to take care of it. But the plant itself didn’t grow.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “Maybe you didn’t give it enough water or sunshine. Maybe it was planted out of its normal growing season. Maybe the soil wasn’t right. Maybe the seed wasn’t viable. You won’t always be able to figure it out.”

Twilight looks at Spike soberly. “What we’re saying is that you can do everything that you believe needs to be done, and still not have your plant blossom and bloom.”

“Like my relationship with Rarity?”

Applejack nods. “Afraid so, Spike. Rarity likes you as a friend, yes. But she wants something different in a husband.”

Twilight smiles at him. “You’re a very nice dragon, Spike. And I believe that you think you’re in love.”

“But I am!”

Applejack sighs. “Then you want what’s best for Rarity?”

“Of course!”

“That’s Arc.”

“But I can be there for her too!”

Applejack shakes her head. “She wants him though. So if you really love her, you’ll let her be happy with him.”

Twilight quickly interjects. “Now, that doesn’t mean you two can’t stay friends.”

“Right, sugarcube. But you need to understand that she’s head over fetlocks in love with Arc.”

Spike puts his head in his claws. “I… don’t really know what to think right now.”

Twilight pats his head. “You’re a smart little dragon, Spike. I know you can figure this out and do what’s right.”

Applejack nods. “We have faith in you.”

“Do I have to let her go?”

Twilight sighs. “Romantically, yes. Like we said, if you really care for Rarity, you’ll do what’s best for her.”

Applejack smiles. “The day may come when somepony does that for you, Spike.”

“For me?”

Twilight nods. “As nice and handsome as you are I’m sure you’ll be very popular when you get older.”

“And maybe you’ll turn a somepony’s head whom already has somepony’s eye on them.”

Twilight appears sober. “Right. Wouldn’t you want that individual to do what was best for you and them?”

“I guess so. But what about Rarity? Am I just supposed to forget about how I feel about her?!”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, sugarcube. However, I might just have the solution to your problem.”

“What’s that?!”

“Confess your feelings to her.”

Twilight appears confused. “Applejack!”

“That might be for the best, Twilight. After all, we both know Rarity’s completely smitten with Arc. And Spike here deserves to know how she feels too.”

“But we already told him about…!”

“It needs to come from her mouth. That and she’s better at explaining things like this.”

Twilight sighs. “Fine. But I only ask one thing of you, Spike.”

“What’s that?”

“That you listen to what Rarity has to say. Whatever it is just remember to respect her thoughts and wishes.”

Spike grins. “Okay! I can do that!”

Chapter 14 - Getting the Ball Rolling

Shortly before dawn Scootaloo’s chariot touches down in the hanger of Canterlot Castle. Sighing, she turns to the guards.

“Thanks for the ride. Report that we’ve arrived to your commanding officer and get some rest.”

They salute and hurry away as Scootaloo turns and makes her way inside the castle. Walking down a corridor, she makes her way to Decimus’ office. Knocking, Scootaloo enters to find him pacing the floor.

“You’re up early.”

Decimus frowns. “I never went to bed.”

“Oh?”

“How could I sleep with a princess missing?!”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I did.”

Decimus chuckles. “You’re a cold one, Scarlet Filly. I like it.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“But that won’t help me with Princess Celestia in an hour or so when she gets up to raise the sun.”

He looks to her, hopeful.

“Can you think of anything at all that you saw in Ponyville that might lead us to Princess Twilight?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, sir. But I think you already know who’s to blame for this.”

Decimus stomps a hoof angrily. “The former Hero of Light. It HAS to be him!”

“Isn’t he still in Abyssinia though?”

“His ship is, yes. However he must’ve found some way of returning to Equestria without crossing the ocean.”

“Using his ship as a mechanical red herring. Very clever.”

Decimus grimaces. “Let not the left hoof know what the right is doing. I thought his actions thus far had been brazen. But now I see that it was all part of a much larger plan.”

“To kidnap the princess?”

“No. I believe that she is part of a larger conspiracy of his design.”

“I don’t understand, sir. What could be bigger than holding a princess of Equestria hostage?”

“Using her as bait for a larger fish.”

Scootaloo gasps. “You mean…?!”

Decimus turns to her, soberly. “Yes. He means to use the junior princess to get to Celestia.”

“But how?!”

“If I knew that, I’d stop him… permanently.”

“What now though?”

Decimus looks at the clock. “Just counting down the minutes until Arc’s luck runs out.”

“But he has the upper hoof right now.”

“Or so he thinks.”

“I don’t understand.”

“That foolish pup thinks her can lure Celestia out of hiding by using her former student. Unfortunately for him that will probably work.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “So we’re ultimately giving him exactly what he wants?”

“Yes. But he’ll regret it soon enough.”

Meanwhile, Arc opens his eyes and looks down happily at the mare in his arms. Kissing her lightly on the top of her head, he strokes her mane until she awakens.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

Rarity smiles and nuzzles his chest happily. “Good morning, dear.”

“Sleep well?”

“Very. My injuries even feel better this morning.”

“That’s good news.”

He sniffs the air and smiles.

“Smells like the kitchen is already busy cooking breakfast.”

Rarity nods as she carefully stands up. “Yes. Shall we?”

Arc sighs. “Probably should. After all, I’ll need to implement the next stage of my plan soon.”

Putting his arms around Rarity’s midsection, he picks her up and carries her toward the door and down the corridor. Entering the Cafeteria they find it empty save for the Mane Six, Hammer, Auriel, Ember, Spike, and Sereb. Arc walks over to them.

“Where is everyone else?”

Hammer shrugs. “Still asleep, I’d guess.”

Applejack chuckles. “Right. Do you have any idea just how early it is, Arc?”

“Very.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Arc hopefully. “Is it time yet?”

“Not quite. I’m still waiting for word from Scootaloo.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “I’m sure that the Scarlet Filly is quite capable, and all. But I still don’t like that you sent her to Canterlot.”

Pinkie shudders. “And she has to put up with that blowhard, Decimus!”

Rarity smiles at them. “Come now, everypony. Arc knows what he’s doing.”

Spike looks nervously to Rarity. “How are you today, Rarity?”

“Much better after last night in Arc’s bed.”

Applejack smiles. “Glad to hear that.”

Twilight clears her throat. “Yes. But why don’t we get some food before everypony else rises?”

Sereb nods. “A sound plan, yes.”

Auriel turns to the kitchen. “I’ll tell Derpy and Dinky you’re here, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

Auriel disappears into the kitchen. A few moments later Dinky and her friends run out to greet him.

“Morning dad!”

Apple Bloom grins hugely. “Hey there!”

Sweetie Belle points a hoof. “Thanks for taking such good care of Rarity!”

“Good morning, you three. How’re things coming along in there?”

“Just fine, dad.”

Apple Bloom nods. “It’s a lot easier with extra hooves.”

Sweetie Belle giggles, her horn aglow. “And magic.”

Derpy walks out with a food cart and dishes. “Hello everypony. I’ve got enough made for us to eat.”

Applejack grins as she helps unload the cart. “I sure hope so. Today’s going to be busy.”

Arc steps forward and takes two plates from Derpy as they are passed. “So what’s going on today?”

Rainbow Dash looks up from her food. “We’re trying to finish up the Town Hall today.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What about the dormitories?”

Pinkie giggles. “They’re done! The furniture is moving in today!”

Fluttershy nods. “We’ll head over there later to make sure it goes smoothly.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “So everypony will be settled in?”

Auriel smiles. “With luck, yes.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Maybe I’ll have time to come see them tomorrow.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why not today?”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed. Your plan won’t take all day, after all.”

Auriel nods. “That and I thought you were going there this evening.”

“I am. But I wanted to spend today with Derpy and Dinky.”

Dinky throws her hooves up happily. “YAY!”

Derpy smiles. “That would be wonderful!”

“Yeah! Can my friends play with us too?!”

“If you want to, sure. But we have to hurry up and eat. After all, I don’t know when Scootaloo will give me the signal that…”

Suddenly Arc stops talking and puts a hand to his forehead. Nodding, he sighs and turns back to the others.

“Scootaloo just reached out.”

Pinkie appears hopeful. “Good news?”

“Kinda. She’s on her way to Celestia’s room with Decimus to inform her of your disappearance, Twilight.”

Ember grins. “How I wish I could be there to see the look on her face.”

Auriel frowns. “Ember, please! That’s Twilight’s friend you’re talking about!”

Sereb growls. “It is also the mare whom tried to kill Arc!”

Arc grimaces. “I’m more upset about what happened to Ponyville.”

Fluttershy gasps. “But Princess Celestia didn’t have anything to do with that!”

Rainbow Dash flares her wings. “Or so we think!”

Twilight sighs. “I’m sure she didn’t. Nothing in the world could have made her do such a thing.”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “I believe you. But this still needs to be done.”

“That does make me feel a bit better. But I still feel like I’m betraying Princess Celestia.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Like she betrayed Arc?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Enough, Rainbow Dash. We’ll do this and bring Princess Celestia back into the fold.”

Applejack nods fervently. “It’s likely all she needs is a healthy dose of reality.”

Rarity sighs. “Along with distancing her from Decimus.”

Arc nods as he pulls a letter from his ring. “Right. This should make that clear to Celestia.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “What’s that?”

“A ransom note. It says that I have Twilight and want to arrange a meeting between myself and her.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Where?”

“In front of the remains of Town Hall in Ponyville.”

Sereb growls. “Oh?”

“I want her to see what Decimus did to it with her own eyes.”

Auriel nods nervously. “A good idea. After all, no one can dismiss something that’s literally all around them.”

“That was my plan, yes.”

Arc turns to Twilight as he pulls his guardanium knife from the ring.

“There’s just one more thing I need from you to make sure this letter is believed to be genuine.”

“What’s that?”

“I’d like it if you’d allow me to cut a bit of hair from either your mane or tail to send along with the letter.”

Spike frowns. “What?! Why?”

Applejack sighs. “So Princess Celestia will know that Arc really does have Twilight.”

“Right. “

“That’s fine. Take it from wherever you want.”

Arc kneels down and grabs a clump of Twilight’s mane between his thumb and forefinger. Carefully maneuvering the knife, he slices cleanly through the hair in one swift motion.

“Got it.”

Placing the hair neatly in the center of the paper, he folds it numerous times to seal it in before calling forth his gauntlet.

“Now I’ll just send it to my old room in Canterlot where Scootaloo will pick this up and makes sure it finds its way to Celestia.”

Pinkie waves a hoof dismissively. “Aw, you don’t have to do all that, Arc!”

“Oh?”

Rainbow Dash points. “Right. Spike can just send it directly to Celestia.”

Auriel frowns. “He can?”

Twilight nods. “Sure. That’s how I submitted my reports to Princess Celestia in the past.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Then why didn’t you get in touch with her in that way back at the castle?”

“Because Princess Celestia’s quarters are magically warded these days. The letter never would have reached her.”

Spike nods. “Right. So I can send it, but nothing will happen unless it’s done when she’s in the corridor, or something.”

Arc smirks. “Alright. Let me try something.”

Focusing, Arc calls out to Scootaloo.

“I’m going to watch through your eyes for a bit.”

“Yes, Big Brother.”

As Arc works, he sees a dimly lit corridor of Canterlot Castle.

“It’s a bit odd to see it this close to the ground.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “See what?”

“I’m looking through Scootaloo’s eyes.”

“That’s still kinda creepy, dad.”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “It doesn’t hurt her, does it?”

“Not that she’s told me. But I need to focus now.”

Sereb frowns. “What if…?”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to the wolf’s mouth. “Shush! Arc’s trying to concentrate.”

Meanwhile, Decimus and Scootaloo approach the heavily guarded quarters. He turns to the guards.

“We’ll need to see the princess when she gets up.”

“Yes sir. It should only be a few minutes.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Why not now?”

Decimus sighs. “Trust me, that’s not safe.”

“Oh?”

“We’d be in the clutches of an angry god with one heck of a temper. Not a good place to be.”

“Then what do we…?”

Decimus gestures to the skylight overhead. “Wait until the sun begins to rise. That way we’ll know she’s up and about.”

“Understood, sir. I did think it strange that was up there. After all, it does present a potential security breech.”

“Not really. It’s solid diamond.”

The guard nods. “If anything it’s to maintain security. At least ours, that is.”

Decimus turns to the stallion. “Guard?”

“Yes sir?”

“Shut up.”

A short time later the sun begins to rise. Decimus puts a hoof on the door and pushes it open. They spot Celestia looking at the now rising sun. She turns to them and smiles warmly as she motions for the guards in the room to leave.

“Good morning, Decimus. Scarlet Filly.”

Decimus nods stoically. “Likewise princess. Did you sleep well?”

“Very. Now then, what’s happened?”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Happened?”

Celestia nods. “The only time I get visitors this early is when something is amiss.”

Decimus sighs. “There is a problem, your highness.”

“Do tell.”

“A couple days ago Princess Twilight left the castle.”

“Oh? For what purpose?”

“To perform some science experiments in Ponyville.”

Celestia groans. “That’s so like her. Did the guards report her asleep on her lab table again?”

Decimus shakes his head. “No, your highness. In fact there has been no word from her since that time.”

Celestia frowns. “Send somepony there to check on her immediately!”

“I’ve already done that.”

He gestures to Scootaloo.

“The Scarlet Filly herself just returned a short time ago.”

“And?”

“She was gone along with the guards whom accompanied her.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Gone?”

“I found evidence that she was indeed at her library before heading to the orphanage outside of town.”

“And then?”

“Nothing. The trail just ended.”

Celestia frowns. “This is most troubling. Twilight is a very responsible mare, after all. She wouldn’t run off without telling somepony where she was going.”

Decimus steps forward. “Ma’am, I believe the former Hero of Light is to blame for this.”

Celestia rolls her eyes. “Not likely. He’s already received the punishment all traitors deserve.”

Scootaloo clears her throat. “Nevertheless, I suspect foul play, your highness. Her chariot appeared to have been sitting there for an extended period of time.”

“Perhaps a bit more searching is in order. Return to Ponyville with three platoons, Scarlet Filly. Search the entire town from top to bottom if need be.”

Decimus nods. “I will lend my aid as well, Princess Celestia.”

“Thank you. However I do believe Twilight is fine. As I said, she’s a very capable young mare, after all. More than likely she is simply engrossed in her work and lost track of the passage of time.”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes, your highness. Now before I leave on this task, might I escort you to the Dining Room?”

“You may.”

Decimus salutes. “I will prepare the troops and rendezvous with you in the Hanger, Scarlet Filly.”

“See you in a bit, sir.”

They leave the room and go their separate ways. Celestia looks around and smiles.

“It is nice to actually be walking somewhere for a change.”

Scootaloo turns to her. “You’ve been taking portals pretty much everywhere from what Decimus told me.”

“Yes, well… past events have made it abundantly clear that such measures are required.”

“I’m sure Decimus only has your safety in mind.”

“Regarding the added security?”

“Indeed.”

Celestia shakes her head vehemently as they approach the Dining Room. “Oh no, that was my idea! I won’t let myself be taken again! I’ll die first!”

“Princess Celestia?”

“Please forgive my outburst. I was merely…”

A strange green smoke appears in front of Celestia. It forms into a letter and falls into her outstretched hoof. Scootaloo gasps.

“What the…?!”

Celestia grins. “It must be from Twilight!”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because this was sent via Spike. He’s her dragon assistant.”

Celestia looks the envelope over carefully as she and Scootaloo enter the Dining Room together. Frowning, she motions for the guards to leave the room.

“It must be very important. She usually sends her reports via scroll.”

Shrugging, Celestia unfolds the letter and begins to read. A few moments later she gasps.

“Oh, no… no, no, no, no, NO!”

“Your highness?”

“Twilight HAS been taken!”

“By whom?!”

“The former Hero of Light!”

Scootaloo gasps. “WHAT?! It has to be a trick! That’s not possible!”

Celestia channels her magic and picks up the scrap of hair. “He really has her!”

“We have to rescue her! What does the note say he wants?!”

“That monster wants me to meet him in Ponyville this evening!”

“We’ll be there to nab him, your highness!”

“I have to go alone.”

“Out of the question! He’s already taken one princess! It’s a plot to take another!”

Celestia grits her teeth. “I know that! After all, he says here for me to come alone! But this upstart won’t find me to be easy prey!”

“What will you do then, Princess Celestia?”

“The only thing I can do. Meet him as he says.”

“I’ll come along with Decimus and we’ll get…!”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, Scarlet Filly. I will handle this matter… personally.”

“But…!”

“You are not to tell anypony about this. Do you understand me?”

“Nopony at all?”

“Correct.”

Scootaloo sighs. “If you say so, your highness.”

“Very good. Now then, go to the hanger and tell Captain Decimus that Princess Twilight has just sent word to me that she is just fine. He can call off the search.”

“Yes, your highness.”

She turns and leaves the Dining Room. Grinning, she calls out to Arc.

“Did you hear that, Big Brother?!”

“That I did. Celestia’s going to try and take care of me alone.”

“Then you and the others will be waiting for her.”

“Nope. Just me.”

“One on one?”

“Yup. Remember what she did last time? I can’t let anyone else take that kind of risk with me.”

“But she’ll kill you!”

“I have my new armor this time. That and there’s a reason I chose sunset to meet her. If things look to be going badly I can just wait for her to lower the sun and go into my Crimson form.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“Then I lower the sun myself.”

“Well… this does have the best chance of success, I suppose.”

“That and if I show up with a posse she’ll really get nervous.”

“What about Princess Twilight? Is she coming with you?”

“No. If things get really bad I’ll escape and head back to The Equinox and we’ll reevaluate the situation.”

“Are you absolutely sure that’s for the best?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not. But there really isn’t any other choice available to me other than to take the Dagger of Eternal Slumber and kill Celestia.”

“That might actually be for the best.”

“Twilight would never forgive me for it though. That and she still has the dagger.”

“But what about…?!”

Arc frowns. “No, Scootaloo. We’re doing it this way and that’s final.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - Confessions

Arc opens his eyes to see everyone around him eating. Derpy looks to him sheepishly.

“Sorry, but the food was getting cold.”

“Everything okay, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I just watched the whole scene play out in the castle.”

Spike appears hopeful. “So the princess got the letter?”

“Yup.”

Ember grimaces. “How’d she take it?”

“She’s not very happy.”

Sereb frowns. “Can you elaborate?”

“She’s willing to do whatever it takes to get Twilight back.”

Twilight gasps. “You mean she’s willing to come to Ponyville alone this evening?”

“That she is.”

Hammer cracks her knuckles. “And then we get her, right?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “You’re going to face her without us?!”

“I have to. After all, I’m the only one whom can legally fight a princess, right?”

Rarity nods nervously. “That is true, yes.”

Applejack looks to him soberly. “We wouldn’t mind though.”

Pinkie stomps the floor. “Yeah! What’s she gonna do?! Throw us in prison?!”

Fluttershy shudders. “Please don’t say things like that, Pinkie.”

Twilight sighs. “Go easy on her though, Arc. Princess Celestia’s not herself these days.”

“No promises. But I’ll do my best.”

Derpy steps forward. “Why don’t I heat your breakfast back up, Arc?”

“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Rarity. “Not hungry?”

“Just a bit… nervous, that’s all.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof to her chin. “Maybe she just needs some more rest.”

Applejack smiles “Good idea. Why don’t you take Rarity back to Arc’s room, Spike?”

“Me?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I think she needs to lie down.”

Arc looks to the mare next to him. “Should I carry you back to the room, Rarity?”

“Thank you, but I think I can make it.”

“I’ll meet you there after breakfast then.”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, no! You spend the day with Derpy and Dinky like you promised them.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure, Rarity?”

Applejack interrupts. “She is. Get going with her, Spike.”

“Okay.”

Rarity stands along with Spike. Slowly they make their way out of the Cafeteria. Hammer turns to Rainbow Dash.

“That was weird.”

“What do you mean?”

“Rarity didn’t look too bad to me.”

Dinky shrugs. “Right. If anything she should just go to the Infirmary though.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Spike will take good care of her.”

Applejack nods knowingly. “That he will.”

Meanwhile, Spike leads Rarity into Arc’s quarters and over to the bed. She hops up onto the mattress and lays down as Spike pulls a blanket over her.

“Comfortable?”

Rarity nods. “Oh, yes. Thank you, Spike.”

“Do you need anything?”

“I think I’ll be alright. Although I don’t know why Twilight and Applejack were so insistent that I rest.”

Spike looks away nervously. “Oh, they probably just want you to feel better soon. You were pretty badly beaten.”

“I suppose so. And thank you for volunteering to come with me. I’d hate to spend the day alone.”

“Rarity?”

“Yes, Spike? Would you like to play a game, or something?”

“I… think I know why.”

“Oh, do you?”

“Yeah. It’s due to some… advice Twilight and Applejack gave me the other day.”

“What about?”

“Me growing up.”

Rarity giggles. “You’ve definitely gotten bigger since we met.”

Spike shakes his head. “I don’t think I have, but thanks. No, it wasn’t about my size.”

“Then what?”

“My heart.”

“Spike… what is it you’re trying to say?”

“That I… I…”

He clears his throat and looks Rarity straight in the eye before continuing.

“…I think you’re the most beautiful mare in the world.”

Rarity smiles. “Why thank you, Spike. You’re very handsome as well.”

“And I’d… like it if you’d consider…”

Rarity moves a hoof in a circular motion. “Consider…?”

“Consider… maybe…”

Spike gulps and speaks quickly.

“…maybegoingoutwithmesometime!”

Rarity sits there silently for a time just blinking as Spike blushes heavily.

“I’m sorry, what?”

Spike looks to her as he tries to calm himself. “I’d like to go out on a date with you sometime, Rarity.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “That’s what I thought you said.”

“So… how about it?”

“Spike, I… um…”

“We could head over to Sweet Apple Acres and watch the sunset together! I know the perfect hill for a little picnic as we wait too!”

“That… does sound nice. But, I…”

“I’d make sure there was an extra blanket in case you got cold! After all, it’s coming up on fall now! That and I don’t think…!”

“Spike, dear. Please stop.”

“Rarity?”

“I… Spike…”

“Something wrong?”

“Yes. Hasn’t Twilight told you about Arc and I?”

Spike looks away innocently. “What do you mean?”

“We’re already looking to start dating.”

“Are you two dating?”

“Well… not yet, but…”

“Then it’s okay for you and I to go out, right?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No it isn’t, Spike. I’m in love with him, and he with me.”

“Give me a chance! I can be…!”

“What brought this on all of a sudden?”

“I’ve been in love with you ever since the day Twilight and I came to Ponyville!”

“You have?!”

“Yes! When I saw you it was like a million violins started playing all at once!”

“Really? I mean, I knew you really liked me and all, but… back then I just thought it was a dragon thing.”

“Is it because we’re different species?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not at all. Remember, Arc’s not a pony either.”

“Then it’s fine, right?”

“Spike, listen to me. I really like you, yes. But as a friend.”

“What is it about me that you don’t like! I can change!”

“It’s not…”

“Is it my size?! How about my breath?! I can bathe more often if you’ll just…!”

Rarity puts a hoof to Spike’s mouth as she speaks.

“No, Spike. I like you just the way you are.”

“Are you sure?!”

Rarity nods. “Yes. In fact I know exactly how you feel.”

“How?”

Rarity sighs. “I had the same thoughts myself a while back. That I needed to change myself to appeal to Arc.”

“Did you?”

“Yes. But he told me I was fine just the way I am.”

“Of course he did! You’re amazing, Rarity!”

“While I appreciate you saying that, I don’t think it’s appropriate, Spike.”

“Why not?! It’s the truth!”

“Because I’m in love with somepony else, and you already know it.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“You say that you love me, but aren’t really showing it.”

“I don’t…”

“If you really cared about my happiness you’d understand that I’ve found it with somepony else.”

“But…!”

“Spike, listen to me. I’m in love with Arc, want to marry him, and raise foals together. Now I’m sorry to be so frank with you about it, but these are my feelings on the matter. Please respect them.”

“Rarity, I… I don’t know if I can. You’re the most amazing mare I’ve ever met.”

“Please try.”

Spike sighs as he sits down on the side of the bed. “I will. But it won’t be easy.”

“I know, Spike. And I’m sure it took a lot of courage to confess your love like this. Sorry that I don’t feel the same.”

“How could you possibly know how I feel right now?!”

“Because as I said earlier, went through the exact same thing with Arc. Being afraid to tell him how I felt and almost losing him forever because of it.”

“If I had just said something sooner, then maybe…”

“Don’t dwell too much on the past, Spike. It will only serve to hold you back from a nice future with somepony whom you love and loves you back.”

Sometime later that day, as the sun began to set, Arc stands from the board game on his desk and looks down at the fillies before him.

“Well, it’s about time I got moving.”

“Do you have to, dad?”

Arc nods sadly. “Yeah. The sun’s setting. It’s almost time to meet Celestia.”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “Be careful, Arc!”

“I will.”

Sweetie Belle looks up at him. “Um… Arc?”

“Yes, Sweetie Belle?”

“Can we tell you something before you go?”

“Sure. What is it?”

Apple Bloom looks around nervously. “It’s… kinda private. Can we go to your room and talk to our sisters about it with you?”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

Dinky runs over to the door. “I’ll get Applejack and my mom and meet you in the bedroom.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “See you there.”

They make the short walk toward Arc’s quarters. A few minutes later Applejack and Derpy walk toward them with Apple Bloom and Dinky. Apple Bloom looks around the corridor happily.

“Looks like we’re all here”

Applejack walks over to Arc. “Any idea what’s going on?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just that they want to talk to us.”

Derpy looks to her daughter. “Is there something you want to say, Dinky?”

“We’ll explain it inside, mom.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

Arc opens the door and lets them enter before he follows, closing the door behind him. Rarity is sitting on the couch looking out at the sunset alone. Sweetie Belle trots over to her.

“Hi mom.”

“Hello, Sweetie Belle. Did you have a nice day with Arc?”

“Yeah! He showed my friends and I around Abyssinia’s aquaponics farms and the palace! Then we had lunch and played games all afternoon!”

Arc chuckles. “It was a lot of fun. But Sweetie Belle says she wants to talk to both of us.”

“Oh? What about?”

“Can we sit down first?”

Arc nods. “Go ahead.”

Following her to the couch, Arc stands in front of the window as Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Applejack, and Apple Bloom take their places on the couch. Derpy and Dinky sit on the floor in front of them facing Arc as Sweetie Belle begins to speak.

“My friends and I… we’ve been doing a lot of thinking for a while now, mom.”

“Yes? Is something wrong?”

Apple Bloom sighs. “Sorta. It’s about you and Arc.”

Arc grimaces. “Are you worried about us dating when things settle down?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Not at all. In fact, we’re looking forward to that.”

Rarity looks to her daughter. “Do you think we’re going to be moving away?”

Arc smiles. “The plan is to stay in Ponyville, after all.”

“No, no. Nothing like that, mom. You see… I’ve been thinking about a certain talk you and I had.”

“Which one was that?”

“The one where we talked about how foals are made.”

Arc nods. “Was there something you didn’t understand?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “A few things actually.”

Rarity smiles at her daughter. “Arc and I will try to sort them out for you.”

“Right.”

Apple Bloom steps forward. “Miss Cheerilee and Miss Peachbottom already did. We had a unit on this in school just before we left.”

Dinky sighs. “I missed it when I was on Earth. But my friends here told me all about what was said.”

Applejack smiles nervously. “What can we do to help?”

Derpy nods. “Anything we can do, we will. Although I’m a bit lost on this matter myself.”

Dinky pats her mother’s fetlock. “I’ll explain it to you later, mom.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

Sweetie Belle clears her throat loudly. “Anyways… my friends and I have been talking about you a lot, Arc.”

Apple Bloom nods happily. “And our sisters.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Sweetie Belle, what exactly are you and your friends getting at?”

“We just wanted to tell you, Applejack, and Miss Derpy that we… um…”

Apple Bloom cuts her off. “That we support your decision to maybe form a herd together one day.”

Dinky nods. “Right. But there was one other thing. It was… the sleeping arrangement.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re wondering about our…?”

Applejack frowns. “I don’t really see how that’s so important.”

Derpy giggles. “Right. We can rotate, or something.”

Dinky appears nervous. “Miss Cherry already talked to us about that. You see…”

Cherry calls out to them. “You three fillies are holding something back. Now then, for the good of everypony, please tell your families what you’re really thinking.”

Sweetie Belle nods as she takes a deep breath. “Okay. Here goes…”

She puts a hoof on her mother’s fetlock and smiles up at her before continuing.

“Mom. My friends and I all agree that we’d like you and Arc to do what we talked about in school.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Which part?”

Apple Bloom grins. “Applejack, what we’re trying to say is… that we’d like it if you were to have foals with Arc.”

Dinky looks up at her mother. “Right. After all, we can tell you all really love him.”

Derpy blushes. “Dinky, I… um…”

Rarity does her best to remain calm. “Just so we’re clear, Sweetie Belle… you want Arc to… sleep with us?”

“No, mom. We want him to have sex with you.”

Rarity nods silently as Applejack blushes and covers her face with her hat. Derpy looks to Dinky.

“Is that what you want too, sweetie?”

“Yeah, mom. But only if that’s what YOU want too.”

Arc looks to the fillies. “This is very… um… personal stuff.”

Apple Bloom looks away. “We’re sorry if it’s bad to say. But this is honestly how we feel.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “It’d be really cool to have a little brother or sister!”

Dinky giggles. “All of us would help take care of them!”

Derpy smiles as she puts a hoof on her midsection. “I’d… like that. To be able to carry Arc’s foal in my tummy.”

Rarity sighs happily. “Truthfully, so would I.”

Apple Bloom turns to her sister. “Applejack? How about you?”

“I… have to be honest with everypony. Up until now I hadn’t really considered having a foal with anypony. I mean, I’d kinda dreamed about it, I guess. But that’s a far cry from actually doing it.”

Cherry calls out. “Don’t feel like you have to, Applejack. Nopony should feel forced into such a thing.”

Applejack nods as she walks over to Arc. “It isn’t that. I just… would want to make sure the time was right.”

She looks up into his eyes and smiles before continuing.

“Arc?”

“Yes, Applejack?”

“I just wanted to say… that I would be honored to carry your foal inside me.”

Rarity nods fervently. “So would I. It would be amazing to be able to carry the foal of a stallion whom I love, respect, and adore.”

Derpy smiles. “And I’d love for Arc to be there to hold my hoof as I give birth. I know he’d care for both me and the foal as much as he always has.”

Arc looks around the room. “All of you want that?”

Rarity nods. “The others want the same, Arc.”

Applejack sighs. “But we’re willing to wait as long as we have to.”

Derpy giggles. “Yes. You just let us know when the time is right and I’ll follow you to the bedroom. Or anywhere else you’d like to do it.”

“Auriel said she’d try to make that work. But it could take years. Assuming it isn’t impossible, that is.”

Rarity puts a hoof on her stomach. “We’ll be patient. Even if it isn’t possible, we’d all still enjoy lifting our tails for you.”

She giggles nervously before continuing.

“As long as we’re bearing our souls here, I… always dreamed of you and I doing such things in a fancy hotel room in Canterlot.”

Applejack blushes. “I… kinda had a fantasy about doing it for the first time in the loft of our family’s barn myself.”

Derpy appears nervous. “Um… I don’t know if this would be okay, but… I’d kinda like to be bred on the shores of that beach you took us to on Earth, Arc. It’d be perfect during the sunset, just as the sun slips beneath the horizon.”

Dinky smiles. “Sounds romantic, mom.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yours too, Applejack.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Rarity. “I’d love for you to have your wish come true, mom.”

“Well, that’s up to Arc.”

Applejack nods. “Right. He’s the one who’ll let us know when the time’s right.”

Derpy looks toward the door. “Yes. The others too.”

Arc sighs. “It won’t be for a while though. If at all, I mean.”

Rarity looks to Arc. “That’s fine. We’re patient.”

Applejack grins. “All the girls are. But that didn’t stop us from telling each other our ideas.”

Arc appears confused. “Which ideas were those?”

Rarity giggles. “Our fantasies. Every mare has one.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Oh, yes. But we should let them tell Arc themselves.”

Applejack nods. “Agreed.”

“Um… okay.”

Cherry clears her ‘throat’ loudly. “In any case, we need to get moving, Arc.”

“Yeah, about that… I’d… kinda like you to stay here this time, Cherry.”

“What? But why?”

“To look after everyone while I’m gone. I’m told you’ve become quite the popular figure with the schoolchildren.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, she has.”

“If that’s what you want, then that’s what I’ll do.”

“Thanks.”

Calling forth Eidolon’s Ward, Arc looks around a moment before Cherry releases him. Stepping out, he kneels down to the fillies.

“Be careful, dad.”

Sweetie Belle nods soberly. “Come home soon.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Kick Celestia’s flank!”

Applejack gasps. “Apple Bloom! Language!”

Rarity grits her teeth. “She really deserves it though.”

Derpy nods. “Agreed.”

“I’ll be back before you know it though. This is just a chance for us to have a little chat, mind you.”

Cherry sighs. “Do you really think this will work, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head as he opens a portal. “Not really.”

Dinky gasps. “Then why…?!”

“This little meeting is more about gauging Celestia’s willingness to see reason.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But that’ll be really dangerous!”

Rarity grimaces. “Right. Twilight still has the Dagger of Eternal Slumber.”

“I know that. However I did promise her that I’d do my best to resolve this peacefully.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Is that why you’re facing her alone?”

“No. It’s to try and keep things from escalating. She might be more willing to talk then.”

Dinky looks to her father’s ring. “But you’ll have your armor on, right?”

“My letter said no armaments. She won’t have anything, so I shouldn’t either.”

Derpy frowns. “But what’s to stop her from just taking you down?!”

“The knowledge that I have Twilight. That should keep me safe. At least in theory.”

Applejack sighs. “I still think this whole plan is an awful idea, Arc.”

Arc nods sadly. “So do I.”

Dinky gasps. “Then why…?!”

“Because sometimes we all have to do things that we don’t want to in order to make something right, sweetheart. I’ll see how Celestia responds to my presence and the location before taking a portal to safety.”

Eidolon’s Ward looks out the window. “Then you’d best get moving, Arc.”

“Yes… you’re right.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Waving, he steps through and vanishes. Rarity looks at the sigil for a long moment before Sweetie Belle takes her mother’s hoof and smiles.

“He’ll be fine, mom.”

Rarity smiles. “I know, dear.”

“Then why do you looks so sad?”

Applejack puts a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. “When you love somepony, you want to be with them all the time.”

Derpy sighs. “Being separated is hard, yes. But that also makes the time you spend together that much more valuable.”

Dinky turns to her mother. “Why don’t we bake something special for when dad gets home, mom?!”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, sweetheart.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Can we help too?!”

“It’s up to your sister, dear.”

Applejack nods. “Sure. Sounds like fun. Let’s get Pinkie Pie and ask her what Arc likes in the cake department.”

Dinky turns to Sweetie Belle.

“You coming?”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “I think I’ll stay here with my mom.”

They leave the room as Sweetie Belle looks out the window with Rarity at the setting sun.

“You didn’t want to go with your friends?”

“Nah. We don’t get a lot of time to spend together, mom.”

“Sorry about that. “

“I know your business keeps you busy. But I’m worried that you’ll work yourself to death someday.”

“I’ll try to do better in the future, dear.”

“Mom?”

“Hm?”

“Can we go on vacation together?”

“Where?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “I dunno. Just somewhere you can’t work would be fine with me.”

“Well then, let’s talk about it.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears on the sigil in the orphanage. Sighing, he heads for the door as he dons a magic cloak.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Walking down the path toward town, Arc makes his way toward the Town Hall. Arriving, he looks up at the sun and calls forth his armor.

“She should be here any time now.”

A short time later the sound of large wings flapping rings out. Arc looks ahead to see a large while coated mare land and slowly walk toward the remains of the Town Hall. As he decloaks she stops a dozen or so meters away and looks him over a few moments, her voice encrusted with ice.

“Arc, I presume?”

“Yes, Princess Celestia. I’ve heard quite a bit about you from Twilight.”

“And I’ve heard a lot about you from Decimus! Now tell me, where is Twilight?!”

“In a safe place, I assure you. I’m just here to talk.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “I want to see her!”

“Eventually you will. But like I said, now I need to talk to you.”

Celestia scoffs. “Unless it’s about you standing down and surrendering to meet justice, we have little to say to one another!”

“Face justice? What for?”

Celestia gestures with a hoof as she speaks angrily. “Look around you, human! This town lies in ruins with its citizen butchered!”

“I didn’t do this.”

“My most loyal servant and his protégé believe otherwise.”

“That’s a lie! I came here to STOP Decimus from carrying out his plans!”

“So you admit assaulting the Hero of Light, do you?!”

“I’M the Hero of Light!”

“No, you’re not!”

“Luna herself appointed me along with the approval of Cadance!”

Celestia shakes her head. “That may be! But I’m certain you manipulated and coerced them into doing so! That makes your appointment null and void as far as the law is concerned!”

“Where did you get THAT idea?!”

“From the true Hero of Light, Decimus!”

Arc groans. “Can’t you see that he’s the villain here?!”

“All I see is a cretin who’s too cowardly to face me properly on the field of battle! You resort to kidnapping and blackmail to get what you want!”

“Twilight is fine. I haven’t harmed a single hair on her head… or back… or anywhere else on her body.”

“What is it you want from me?!”

“To stop the madness.”

“I didn’t start it!”

“Yes, you did! When you gave in to Decimus’ ideas you betrayed the trust of the citizens! Stop it now!”

Celestia frowns. “As Princess of Equestria, I hereby ORDER you to surrender to me here and now. You have my word that you will be given a fair and just trial if Twilight is returned safely.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yeah, right. Like you would give me…”

He is cut off as massive object slams into him from behind. Flying into the side of a tree, Arc shakes his head to clear it. Hearing a slight rustling, he looks up just in time to see a large armored hoof knock his helmet off. Wasting no time, they roundhouse kick Arc in his now defenseless head. He loses consciousness as the helmet rolls to a stop in front of Celestia. Reaching down she slowly picks it up.

“This… this is…!”

The armored figure turns to Celestia and calls out to her.

“Sleep with the sun high overhead.”

Celestia collapses as she drops the helmet. The figure walks over to the princess and removes it from her grasp. The sound of footfalls rings out behind her.

“All too easy, Mistress Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset chuckles. “That it was. My former teacher was so busy with what was before her that she failed to account for anything else.”

Kane motions to Arc. “As did the human.”

“He could not predict that you and I would have followed him here.”

“As you taught me, do what you can to prevent your opponent from reading your moves.”

“Indeed. Stealth and waiting for the right moment is paramount for success.”

“What do we do now?”

Sunset looks to the unconscious alicorn before her. “Make use of this perfect opportunity that has been afforded to us while you see to it the human doesn’t wake up.”

As Kane casts a Sleeping Spell on Arc, Sunset Shimmer tosses the helmet under Arc’s cloak before walking over and gently shaking the princess as she calls out.

“Princess Celestia! Please, wake up!”

Slowly but surely Celestia opens her eyes. Looking up at the figure before her she groggily calls out.

“Sunset? Is that you…?”

Sunset appears relieved. “Yes, Princess Celestia. I’m back, and just in time it would appear.”

She gestures with a hoof toward Arc’s unmoving form along with Kane.

“Fear not. My steed will keep him out.”

Celestia shakes her head in an effort to clear it. “What… happened?”

Sunset points to Arc. “I saw this human and you together. While I was surprised to see the condition of the town, I was more so amazed to hear you talking to it.”

“He has Twilight!”

“That is troubling. But I’m sure he was planning to take you in as well. Fortunately my beast was able to take the human down while I finished him.”

Celestia nods as she looks to Arc lying on the ground. “Indeed. But this gives me an interesting idea.”

“Your highness?”

“One moment.”

Raising her head, Celestia fires a magical projectile into the air. It bursts overhead into a shower of sparks as she turns back to her former student.

“That will bring my troops running.”

“You mean…?”

Celestia smiles. “You didn’t really think I would walk into such an obvious trap as this without backup?”

“I would guess not.”

A few moments later a contingent of Royal Guards land and form a perimeter around Celestia. She points a hoof at Arc.

“Take that traitor into custody!”

Sunset nods soberly. “And keep him unconscious! You don’t know what he’s capable of!”

They move in cautiously. Kane steps back to allow them access. Chaining Arc’s hands behind his back, they wave to an overhead chariot. It lands just long enough for Arc to be loaded onto it before taking flight again. Celestia turns to Sunset.

“I suppose you have some explaining to do.”

Sunset bows her head. “Yes, Princess Celestia. I… I used the Crystal Mirror to travel to another world.”

“For what purpose?”

“To gain a greater understanding of magic. I thought that if I could do that, maybe I could become as brave and powerful as you yourself are.”

She motions for Kane to approach.

“When I returned, I heard that this human had usurped control of the nation from Princess Cadance and Princess Luna. So I traveled to the Dragon Lands in search of the Forsaken Tribe.

Kane nods. “Mistress Sunset Shimmer found and defeated me in honorable combat. We have been together ever since.”

Celestia looks to Kane soberly. “Yes, I remember your tribe. You fought in the Great War prior to the creation of Equestria.”

“That is true, your highness. Our custom is to…”

“I am aware of your ways. However I do not approve of one whom would simply follow somepony whom had bested them in combat.”

“Forgive me, your highness. But I have another reason for joining my mistress.”

Sunset steps forward. “The former Hero of Light himself took a steed from their village as a battle partner and helped him become their new Warchief.”

Kane growls. “He did so thorough stealth and guile rather than honorable combat though. I fight now to free my own tribe members as well as your land.”

“Very well. And you, Sunset?”

Sunset sighs. “I know that what I did in the past was wrong. However I’ve come back to try and make amends for that in the only way I know you’ll respect. Through my deeds and actions. Hopefully I have shown my intentions by helping capture this traitor.”

Celestia nods. “Return to the castle with me, my dear. There is much to do.”

Sunset appears hopeful as a large chariot lands in front of them. “Then you… you forgive me for the mistakes of the past?”

Celestia turns and boards the chariot. Holding out a hoof, she takes Sunset aboard and motions for her to sit by her side.

“Time will tell, my little pony. Sooner or later… time will tell.”

Preface - Volume 39 - Serving Time

In our previous volume, Arc reassures everyone that he will do what needs to be done to take down Celestia and Decimus. Cadance promotes Shining Armor to general and Trixie to colonel to defend the Crystal Kingdom as she continues dealing with the day to day affairs of the nation. Arc sends the mares back to Ponyville, Scootaloo back to Decimus, as he and the others board The Equinox in preparations to return to Canterlot and end the danger to the land that resides therein. Giving the Bridge Crew their orders, Arc does not tell them the true nature of their mission before heading to his office. Lemon Hearts contacts Rarity and connects her to the office where she reports the trouble in Ponyville. Telling Arc that Decimus’ grip on the small town is tightening, he tells them to lay low while he does what he can to rectify the problem himself.

Arc calls Rarity to kill time as he waits for the ship to be loaded. Being notified that it is ready to fly he finishes the conversation and heads to the Bridge as the ship takes off. Asking to speak to the crew, Arc announces the true nature of their mission to Canterlot. Telling the crew that he has no desire to overthrow the government, he admits that he is going there to do his sacred duty and free the country from an out of control princess. Ending his speech, Tight Ship approaches Arc and informs him of his displeasure with the mission. Arc overrules him and the pair part on unhappy terms. Returning to his room to rest, he and Cherry speak of the situation at hand before Arc goes to sleep. Being awakened by Lemon Hearts via his earring, Arc is told they are within visual range of the capital. Heading to the Bridge, Arc is roughly pulled inside his office by Wiseman. Telling him to call Rarity immediately Arc complies. As they are connected Arc hears her calling out for help. The sound of glass breaking as Rarity tells him of soldiers breaking in rings in his ears for only a few seconds before the line goes dead. Running out the door, Arc heads for the Bridge and orders Thunderlane to change course to Ponyville. Before he can do more though Arc passes out. Wiseman appears behind him and confesses that he put Arc to sleep with a spell. Soarin and Wrangler carry him to the Infirmary as the ship flies toward its new heading.

Waking up in the Infirmary, Arc runs to the Bridge to ascertain their position. Learning that they are only about ten minutes from Light’s Hope he orders the ship to set down in front of the Town Hall. Meeting his soldiers in the Cargo Bay he numbers them into platoons and commands his squad to lead them in searching the city for its citizens. Without even landing, Arc opens the Cargo Bay doors and orders his forces through. As they land the rest of his forces form a perimeter to guard the ship as Arc mounts Sereb and heads down the road. Arriving at Carousel Boutique he find the doors broken down and windows smashed. In a fit of anger he runs out the door and rides Sereb back to The Equinox to hear the scout’s report. Having found no one in the town, he is told that there are lights on at the Little Hooves Orphanage. Leading his forces toward the facility they hold back to survey the scene before them. Deciding on subterfuge, Arc orders his squad to pretend to be with the Nightborn. They tell the guards in front of the orphanage that they are to leave at once. Refusing, Max pretends to summon undead warriors which are actually Arc’s forces covered in mud. Eidolon’s Ward walks out to seal the deal and is immediately attacked by Decimus and his reinforcements. Finding no one inside the armor, Decimus looks around as the real Arc in his new armor steps forward on Sereb’s back. Auriel and Hammer rush over to join him as Arc transforms into his Crimson form. Coco Pommel and Derpy burst through the orphanage doors with Arc’s friends and other residents of Ponyville to stand with him. Being the sore loser that he is, Decimus sets the orphanage roof on fire with a flare gun before Arc orders his troops and others to charge. Heading inside the orphanage himself, he kills the guards outside the storage room and rescued Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Joining the others outside he watches as Decimus is stabbed by Coco Pommel’s spear. Warning him to never again hurt one of her orphans, she turns and walks away as Hammer approaches the wounded stallion. Shooting him in the chest, she finishes him off as the rain begins to fall. The roof is subsequently doused preventing the orphanage from burning down. Arc calls for The Equinox to land at Light’s Hope and tells them to expect the entire town to board with them.

Boarding the ship with the entire population of Ponyville Arc escorts them to the Mid Deck’s Living Quarters. Derpy and Dinky along with the Cakes volunteer to take care of meals while they are aboard. Going to the Bridge, Arc is told by Soarin that he found Tight Ship’s resignation on his desk. After appointing the commander as the new captain and ordering the ship to head for Canterlot, Arc heads for the Infirmary to check on Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Finding the filly next to her mother, they tell him what happened as Redhead and Rainbow Dash leave the nurse’s office together. Ordering Rainbow Dash to bed next to Rarity, Applejack runs in to tell Arc of an intruder. Leading him to the Cargo Hold, Arc spots Sereb and Hammer holding down Lieutenant Spitfire. She accuses Arc and Applejack of being traitors, killing the townsponies, and burning Ponyville to the ground. Ordering her let up, the mare lunges at him but is immediately slammed to the deck by Arc. Maintaining his innocence Arc orders her tied up. Sending her back to Canterlot Castle via portal he is told that she brought an EMP with her in an attempt to disable the ship and force it to land. Stellar Flare reveals that the keycard used to allow her into the ship belonged to none other than Tight Ship.

Returning to the Bridge, Arc gives the keycard to Soarin. Informing them that Tight Ship apparently gave it to Spitfire to infiltrate the ship they continue on toward Canterlot. Approaching, they notice that the sun has still yet to rise. Spotting dense fog around the mountain Canterlot sits upon, Arc charges up the O.R.B. system as a precaution. After forming the shield, he uses his magic to raise the sun to its normal position. As its warm light cuts through the fog, they spot the airships below it. Approaching The Equinox, Arc orders the ship to turn around. Doing so, they are hailed by the invaders. Admiral Gaston tells Soarin of his orders to protect Canterlot from attack as per a new treaty with Equestria. Arc tells them to fly to the Dragon Lands for a safe place to land. Heading to the Cafeteria to check on the others he is hailed by Lemon Hearts whom informs him that Celestia will be addressing the nation. Listening to her speech via the speakers Arc and his friends along with the entire town hear Twilight introduce Celestia and step aside. Telling the nation that Arc attacked Ponyville and burned it down, she announces the coming Griffon Kingdom forces whom will reinforce their own in an effort to hunt down Arc and those whom help him. After the speech Arc offers to drop off anyone whom doesn’t wish to leave in Baltimare. However they are warned that they will be targets, as they know the truth of what really happened. All decide to stay aboard. Arc and Dinky head to the Infirmary to check on their friends. Finding Sweetie Belle sleeping but with tear stained cheeks, Arc picks her up in an effort to console her along with Dinky.

The fillies awaken the next morning in Arc’s arms. Explaining to them that they had spent the entire latter half of yesterday and all night asleep, he looks to Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Redheart examines them as Soarin enters the Infirmary to report a large contingent of dragons awaiting them on the beach. As the ship lands the dragons storm the deck and wait for someone to emerge. As Arc does so and reveals his identity. Forcing Garble to escort him to where Ember now resides, the guards attack him as ordered. Defeating them, he approaches Ember whom is now ready to fight, and removes his helmet. Seeing who it is, she tells him of the new treaty Equestria has with both the Griffon Kingdom and Dragon Lands. Wanting to mobilize every dragon, Torch reminds Ember of their own treaty which she has signed. Offering to go with him as an emissary of the Dragon Lands, Arc decided to take her along. Returning to The Equinox via portal Arc’s friends bring her up to speed on what’s been going on. Arc announces that his next plan involves a very long round trip.

Returning to Equestria, Arc makes the trip via The Equinox to Canterlot. However, as they near the city they notice that the sun has not been raised. Afraid to use his own power to do it, as such would be a sure sign that he was still alive, the continue their approach. Seeing a dense fog around the base of the mountain Canterlot was built into, Arc orders the shields raised as a precaution. Not picking up any transmission on the radio they take the risk and have Arc raise the sun. As the mist dissipates they see a fleet of griffon airships taking off. Retreating so as not to fight their so-called allies, they fly east toward the coast. Arc offers to let the citizens of Ponyville off at Baltimare as he warns them of the dangers of remaining in Equestria. They decide to stay with him for a flight across the sea to Abyssinia. However as they arrive the ship is attacked by what is essentially U-boats. Blinking down onto the deck of one, Arc enters the ship, makes his way to the Bridge, and intimidates the captain and crew to cease their attack. Learning that King Felix has ordered all foreign ships fired upon Arc requests to speak to the monarch. Doing so via video conference call he assures the king and his queen that he only wishes to speak to them. Giving him permission to come inland the ship flies to the capital, lands, and allows Arc and company to disembark. Arriving at the palace they are led inside and to a luxurious suite to rest before the meal is ready. Arc, Ember, and Hammer head to the bathroom to shower and then bathe together for a time.

Arc and the others leave the bathroom and rest on the pile of cushions together. Eventually the king and queen come to fetch them for breakfast. As they eat they speak of the status of Abyssinia and their current problems. Hammer asks to see that aquaponics facilities to learn what they are. The monarchs give them a tour of the now vast facilities as well as the fish that call it home. Returning to the castle to speak of diplomacy they tell Arc of their fears of Equestria having military treaties with their enemies and of this displeasure in learning of the Ponyville occupation. While not being able to promise any military aid, they do offer to allow the Ponyville refugees to stay in Abyssinia until it is safe to return home. Speaking of what to do next, Arc suggests the simplest option… him facing Celestia personally. When Ember asks how he plans to do that, he volunteers Twilight.

Calling together all his friends and staff, Arc has a meeting on the Bridge. After ordering Hard Hat to help in building shelters for the Ponyville refugees he speaks to Sunburst in his office privately. Asking him to call Spike in Canterlot Castle, Arc contacts Scootaloo via telepathy. Spike goes to visit Twilight in her room for a social visit. Happy to see her old friend, they decide to read together just like they did in the past. Picking out a book on trees, Spike directs Twilight to several pages. Subtly helping her discover that the Golden Oaks Library was a very special and magical tree planted by Celestia and Luna together many years ago, Twilight suddenly wishes to go visit it. Calling for Sandstorm Mirage, she orders him to make the arrangements.

Twilight and Spike fly via chariot to Ponyville with a platoon of guards. Arriving, they find the Golden Oaks Library destroyed along with the town. Running inside to try and find Auriel, Twilight believes her friend to have perished with the rest of the townsponies. After being told by the commanding officer of the guards that the orphanage is still standing she orders him and the others to escort her there. Arriving, they find the building deserted. Looking around the Main Hall they spy Arc in a flash of lightning. Calling him out, the guards draw their weapons. Revealing himself they tell Twilight to run while they buy her time. Coco Pommel descends the stairs and calls out to the commanding officer. Explaining to him that Celestia was wrong in what she did, Twilight learns that the townsponies did indeed survive the burning of their town. Arc opens a portal to reunite them as Twilight and her guards hurry though.

Arriving back in Arc’s quarters aboard ship, Twilight is escorted to the Observation Deck to see her friends. They welcome her back happily as she notices Rarity is missing. Informing her what happened to the mare at the hooves of Decimus’ forces, Arc and the others head for the Infirmary as Twilight waits outside. After speaking to Rarity for a few moments Arc calls for Twilight to enter. She apologizes for what happened and promises to do her best to make it right. Announcing that he intends to dethrone Celestia (but probably more), Twilight initially refuses to cooperate. However, in an effort to both keep her promise to Rarity and help Arc’s plan, Twilight requests the privilege of holding on to the Dagger of Eternal Slumbers. Even though her friends disagree, Arc relinquishes the weapon to Twilight. As the rest of them head to into town to help with the construction, Rarity suggests that he and Twilight spend some time together while Spike keeps her company. The pair leave as Spike and Rarity take a nap together.

Returning to Arc’s room, they pair sit down on the couch together. Arc takes the opportunity to tell Twilight everything that’s happened to him since his ‘death’. Twilight, while still wanting to form a herd with him, is concerned about what Princess Celestia will say or do. Arc is able to somewhat calm her down before they speak about future days with the others. Volunteering to commission the construction of a house just for them, Arc tells Twilight of his significant wealth, having saved nearly all his wages since taking the position of Hero of Light. Twilight admits to having some money of her own as a princess’ allowance. They rest together on the bed as Cherry and Arc talk between themselves.

Several days later Scootaloo travels to Ponyville aboard a chariot pulled by two Lunar Defenders. Checking the library, orphanage, and Light’s Hope she confirms that Twilight is missing. Radioing Decimus back in Canterlot she relays the news to him. Telling her to get some rest back at Light’s Hope, he announces his intention to tell Celestia tomorrow morning. Scootaloo finds the inside of Light’s Hope to be decadently furnished, up to and including the master suite. Lying down in the new bed, she calls out to Arc in order to appraise him of the situation. Arc tells her to return to Canterlot before dawn so she can witness Celestia’s reaction and relay it to him. After severing the connection, Arc and Twilight head to the Infirmary. After hearing that Rarity is recovered enough to leave, she asks Arc to take her to his bedroom for the night. As they leave Twilight escorts a somewhat upset Spike to Applejack’s room. Together they try their best to explain why he needs to let his long time crush go.

The next morning Scootaloo returns to Canterlot Castle. Heading to Decimus’ office she finds him pacing. Unable to sleep with a missing princess, he awaited the hour of Celestia’s awakening. Heading to the princesses’ room together they enter and deliver the news of Twilight’s disappearance. Believing Twilight to be fine, she orders the Scarlet Filly to take more troops to locate her. As Decimus makes the preparation Scootaloo escorts Celestia to the Dining Room. However as they arrive Arc’s letter materializes before her. Reading it she realizes that Twilight has indeed been ‘kidnapped’ by Arc. Demanding to see her alone in front of the ruined Ponyville Town Hall, Celestia tells Scootaloo to say that Twilight is fine and to call off the search. Arc announces to Scootaloo his intention to see Celestia in earnest and alone.

Arc opens his eyes to see the others eating. As Derpy reheats his food he tells the others of Celestia’s reaction to Spike’s letter. Rarity, looking tired, is taken back to Arc’s room by Spike. Finally totally alone with her, Spike confesses his feelings for Rarity and asks her out on a date. Rarity, somewhat surprised, gently turns him down. Feeling inadequate, Spike offers to change whatever he has to in order to make Rarity love him. Telling him he’s fine just the way he is, Rarity asks Spike to accept that she is in love with Arc and not him. Meanwhile, Arc spends the day with Dinky and her friends. As evening falls they ask to speak to him privately with Rarity, Applejack, and Derpy. Assembling everyone, they tell their respective parental figure of their desire for younger siblings. Surprised but pleased, the mares all agree that they do want to have foals with Arc. As Arc takes a portal to meet with Celestia, the others leave as well. Sweetie Belle stays with Rarity to have a private talk. She asks her if they can go on vacation somewhere together to get Rarity away from her work. Arc meets with Celestia in front of the ruins of Ponyville Town Hall. He tells her of his desire to end the nation’s trouble while she insists that he surrender. However, Kane knocks Arc against a tree as Sunset Shimmer kicks his helmet off and knocks him out. As the wolf keeps Arc unconscious with a magic spell Sunset Shimmer uses a keyword to knock out Celestia. Awakening her mentor she tells Celestia that she has returned in order to help free Equestria from Arc’s tyranny. Calling for her reinforcements, Celestia orders Arc taken away. As he is, she invites her former student into her private chariot and flies away.

However many questions remain unanswered.

Why is Decimus singling out Ponyville’s citizens for mistreatment? Why did Wiseman wait to tell Arc of Ponyville’s plight? How with Celestia deal with confirmed reports of Arc being alive? How could Tight Ship not see the evidence against Celestia and Decimus? Is Decimus’ hold on Celestia really so complete that she believes Arc to be a murderer? How many more times will Arc find himself in bathroom with beautiful females? Will the citizens of Ponyville be safe in Abyssinia? Since when is Spike so versed in manipulating Twilight? What kind of home would Arc and Twilight build with the others? What exactly was Arc THINKING facing Celestia alone?!

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Jailed and Nailed

Arc groans and opens his eyes. Attempting to look around he sees only darkness on all sides. As he tries to rise a strong hoof pushes him back down.

“Stay down!”

Arc grunts. “Diva?!”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “Not at the moment.”

Stomping him roughly with a hoof, she grins.

“As you just felt, I’m not a human right now.”

“I see it did little to temper your attitude.”

Sunset scoffs. “And I see that your experiences did nothing to teach you how to avoid capture.”

“Capture?!”

“You really don’t remember at all, do you?”

“Enlighten me.”

“You attempted to kidnap Princess Celestia after blackmailing her into a meeting with threats of holding Princess Twilight hostage.”

“I just wanted to talk.”

Sunset scoffs. “Say what you will. You’re already in our custody.”

“The Council of Shadows?”

“If only you were so lucky.”

“Then who?”

“Equestria’s, you fool.”

“Equestria? Why would they arrest me?! You’re the real criminal here!”

A massive blow wracks Arc’s body as claws are dragged along his back. Hearing a snarl, a familiar voice rings out.

“Address the mistress with all due respect!”

Arc grimaces. “Kane?!”

“It is I, yes.”

“I should have left you with the ogres!”

“Most likely. However that is neither here nor there.”

Sunset nods smugly. “Agreed. However you have bigger problems now.”

“Do I?”

“Yes. You are currently on your way to Equestria’s highest security penitentiary commonly known as ‘Luna Bay Prison’.”

“For what?!”

Kane chuckles. “Many crimes, too numerous to remember or recite.”

“But not to worry. Equestrian law says you’ll receive a fair trial.”

“Good. When?”

“After all the evidence in your case has been reviewed and approved by the judge in question.”

Sunset grins. “That’s going to take quite a while as there’s a lot of it. In the meantime you’ll be a prison inmate.”

She leans in close and whispers in his ear.

“Do try not to die before then. I’d hate to have to tell your family and friends of your demise.”

Suddenly furious, Arc attempts to break free from his bonds. Sunset rolls her eyes.

“Give it a rest. Those chains are made of the strongest substances known to ponykind.”

Focusing his magic, Arc attempts to Blink out of the restraints. However instead of reappearing elsewhere a surge of magical electricity flows into Arc. He cries out in pain as Sunset grins savagely.

“What… what the…?”

“Did I forget to mention the magic feedback system? You try to cast a spell and the mana will be drained from you only to be redirected back in a rather… painful manner. But I’m sure you already know that.”

Arc breathes heavily. “I’ll… I’ll beat this. And when I do… you’ll be one of the first I come after, Diva!”

“Go ahead. First of all… you won’t get out.”

Kane nods. “Second, we’d find you if you did.”

“Third, you’d only add to the truly astronomical list of charges levied against you.”

Kane grins toothily. “Do be smart about this.”

“Smart?”

Sunset nods. “Just sit back, relax, eat some slop, get some sleep… and let us deal with the day to day monotony of protecting Equestria.”

“And what makes you think I’ll do that?”

Kane growls. “Because you don’t really have a choice.”

Sometime later, the sound of metal clanging can be heard. Numerous voices ring out as Sunset turns and walks away. Strong hooves step toward Arc and drag him out of the vehicle. Unable to properly move, Arc finds that he has no choice but to endure the pain of his skin on concrete and steel. Eventually he is thrown onto a hard metallic table of sorts. A few moments later there is a cool sensation of metal on his neck as a collar is fastened and locked into place. Voices bark orders to one another as his clothes and magic ring are forcefully removed. Innumerable hooves and magical auras go over his body searching for weapons or other contraband. When they are satisfied the ponies leave the room with his belongings (or what’s left of them.) Arc is left lying on the table for a time, naked and alone. A hissing sound is heard as a chemical is released into the chamber. His eyes heavy, Arc loses consciousness. Sunset watches from the control room with several guards along with a stallion and mare. She turns to them and nods soberly.

“He’s all yours, warden.”

The warden nods stoically. “Thank you. You may inform Princess Celestia that her assailant will not be causing any more trouble.”

His assistant nods. “I’ll see to that personally.”

Sunset produces a document. “In any case, sign here.”

The warden looks it over carefully before signing and returning it to Sunset. She looks it over before speaking.

“I’ll take this back to the princess personally.”

The mare nods. “Please do. I’m sure she’ll be very interested to hear that…”

Sunset turns and walks out the door. The mare turns to the warden.

“That was… unexpected.”

“She’s probably on a tight schedule. But in any case, I want to see this prisoner in my office immediately.”

“Yes sir. I’ll gather a contingent of guards at once.”

Sometime later Arc groggily awakens. Still able to see nothing, he turns his head to look around. Hooves are placed on his shoulders as the cloth is removed from his head. Arc notices they are in a spartan looking office in front of a large desk. Looking down at himself he spies a bright orange one piece jumpsuit. Guards surround them on all sides of the room as the stallion in front of the desk speaks.

“Welcome to Luna Bay Prison.”

Arc squints as his eyes adjust to the light. “General Virtuous Lance?”

“Hello again.”

He gestures with a hoof to the mare next to him.

“I assume you remember my aide-de-camp.”

“Lieutenant Spitfire?”

Spitfire looks at him angrily. “Don’t ask for any favors!”

“What… am I doing here?”

“Prisoners are not permitted to speak unless spoken to!”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “He asked a valid question, lieutenant.”

Turning back to Arc, Virtuous Lance clears his throat and begins to speak.

“You’re charged with kidnapping a princess in addition to attempted blackmail of royalty and attempting to kidnap a second princess.”

“I am?”

Spitfire nods. “As of now, yes. However we’ve been informed that many, MANY more charges will come in the future as they are examined.”

“Such as…?”

Virtuous Lance narrows his eyes. “Pretty much everything you did as the Hero of Light.”

“What?! But Princess Luna said that the Hero of Light was above the law!”

Spitfire smirks. “Indeed. However Princess Celestia believes you manipulated the other two princesses into appointing you.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “If found to be true, every action you took as the Hero of Light constitutes fraud. Anypony you killed will be counted as murder, even if done in self-defense.”

Arc sighs. “Great. What now?”

Spitfire clears her throat. “As per Canterlot’s orders, you’ll be placed in with the general population until your court date.”

Virtuous Lance points to Arc’s collar. “As you’ve no doubt already felt, you’ve been fitted with the latest in anti-magic technology to prevent you from escaping.”

“The shock?”

Spitfire grins. “Try all you’d like. The more powerful the spell, the more you’ll hurt yourself.”

Virtuous Lance puts a hoof on Arc’s file laying on the desk. “Please bear in mind that any trouble you cause here will be part of the court record.”

“I recommend you don’t dig yourself in any deeper.”

“As per the law, I’m required to ask if you’d like to make a statement to be made part of the official record regarding your case. Would you?”

Arc looks up. “Who will see it?”

“The court as well as Princess Celestia.”

“Alright. Here’s my statement.”

Spitfire rolls her eyes and pulls out a paper and pencil. “Go ahead.”

“Not guilty.”

Spitfire looks up, her brow furrowed.

“…and?”

Arc is silent as the pair stare each other down. Virtuous Lance clears his throat.

“Is that all you’d like to say, sir?”

Nodding, Arc turns to Spitfire.

“Did you get all of that?”

“I did.”

Virtuous Lance looks to Spitfire. “Take him to his cell and see to it that statement is sent to Canterlot.”

“Yes sir.”

She looks to him and grunts.

“This way, maggot!”

The guards grab Arc and help his stand. Shuffling as best he is able in the restraints, he is led out of the office and down the corridor. Arc looks to her.

“Where am I going?”

“Level five. The pit.”

“I assume that isn’t good?”

“For the country it is. Not so much for you.”

“Uh…”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “All prisoners are divided into security levels. One are the lowest security while five are the worst of the worst. Murderers, rapists, and traitors mostly. You’ll be surrounded by the most vile Equestria has to offer.”

Twenty minutes later they come to a large iron cage in the middle of an otherwise empty room. Spitfire stops and motions for the guards to open the door as she gestures for him to step inside.

“This will be your home from now on. Be sure to play nice, or else. Now turn around and let my troops remove your shackles.”

Arc does so as the guards close and lock the door before unlocking his restraints. They clatter noisily to the floor as they drag them through the bars. Arc looks to Spitfire as he rubs his wrists and frowns.

“Thanks for walking me here. You may go, lieutenant.”

Spitfire frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

Arc shrugs. “Am I supposed to be guarded 24-7?”

“That won’t be necessary. Level five prisoners do that for each other.”

“How?”

Spitfire smirks. “You’ll find out. And don’t expect anypony here to give a damn about whom you used to be.”

“Does that go for you too?”

Spitfire looks away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You and I both know I don’t belong here.”

“What I believe is not relevant. And don’t think I owe you anything because of last time.”

“Last time?”

“I was ordered to disable your ship. Nothing more.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Didn’t question that at all, did you?”

“Soldiers don’t ask questions. They just get the job done.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll remember that.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“No. Not that it would do me any good. After all, I’m in here and you’re out there.”

“Smart.”

“By the way… why do they call this ‘the pit’?”

“You’ll see.”

She motions to a guard up in the observation tower. Pressing a button, the floor of the cell drops out. Yelling, Arc falls some distance into a pool of slimy green water. Gagging, he makes his way to the surface just in time to see Spitfire poke her head over the edge and grin.

“Any other questions?”

Arc spits out some slime. “No.”

Spitfire mock salutes. “Have a pleasant stay.”

She nods to someone Arc cannot see. The doors overhead close, plunging the room into total darkness. A few moments later a dim bulb flickers to life over a nearby table. On it is a ratty towel and dry jumpsuit. Removing his clothes, Arc tosses them under the table, dries himself, and puts on the fresh clothes as he mutters to himself.

“At least they gave me shoes.”

As he finishes dressing, Arc notices a paper and a parcel on another nearby table as the bulb over it comes on. Walking over to it, he spies the words ‘cell assignment’ and ‘prisoner ID’ The package appears to be nothing more than a few spare changes of jumpsuits. Sighing, Arc looks toward the only other door in sight.

“Guess this is for real. Might as well get to my cell and meet my fellow convicts.”

Opening the door, Arc is immediately hit with the stench of unwashed flesh, urine, feces, and a few other things he’d rather not think about. Everyone around stops talking and gazes at the newcomer. Nodding curtly, he looks at his paper and starts walking. A massive stallion walks over to him and knocks the parcel from his hands.

“Butterhooves.”

Arc frowns. “Excuse me?”

“You can’t even hold on to your stuff. Keep that up and you won’t have nothing in a day or so.”

Arc nods as he kneels down to pick up the package. “I’ll remember that.”

The stallion grins. “Do that. But as long as you’re down there, my underside could use some… maintenance.”

“Does it now?”

“Yeah. So make your lips useful and do a good job. Prove yourself to me and I might just make you my pet.”

Arc scoffs as he moves to stand up. “I’ll pass.”

The stallion puts a massive hoof on the top of Arc’s head and growls.

“This isn’t a request, fresh meat! Get to it!”

Grabbing the stallion’s hoof, Arc pushes him back as he stands up with his parcel.

“I don’t swing that way.”

“You’ll do what you’re told, or bleed! Which is it going to be?!”

Arc chuckles. “Oddly enough, I was going to tell you the same thing.”

Charging forward angrily, the stallion lunges at Arc. Turning and stepping out of the way, Arc allows the stallion to pass before planting his foot firmly between his hind legs. Crashing to the floor, the stallion curls up into the fetal position as unearthly squeals and moans are heard coming from him. Arc looks around the room and frowns.

“Anyone else want me to service them?”

Those gathered turn to look away as Arc looks down the corridor.

“I thought not.”

Continuing on his way, Arc only has to punch three stallions in the head, crack five ribs, and fracture eight hooves on his way. So considering where he is I guess you could say he made it there relatively easily. Coming to the door with the proper number on it Arc takes a deep breath before opening it and stepping inside. His ‘room’ (and I’m using that term generously) consists of nothing more than a single bulb overhead, a mattress lying on the floor, and a foul smelling hole in one corner. Tossing his pack of clothes on the bed, he spies a small key on the floor. Looking over to the door he tries it. Amazingly, given its condition, it works.

“Well, at least that should keep my clothes safe.”

There is suddenly a knock at the door. Frowning, Arc walks over to it as he muses to himself.

“I hope it isn’t the welcoming committee. Or worse yet, that horny stallion from earlier.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc turns the latch and opens his door. A small stallion grins up at him.

“Good day to you, sir. I’m the…”

Arc steps back and points. “Wait a second! I know you!”

“Yes sir. I sold you some furniture quite some time ago.”

“Right, uh… Fortunate…”

“…Ire, sir.”

“Yeah, it’s all coming back to me. Uh… won’t you come in?”

Fortunate Ire shakes his head. “Nah. It’d send the wrong message to the other inmates.”

“They’d think you’re a stoolpigeon, or something?”

“A what?”

“A sellout.”

Fortunate Ire appears confused. “But I am.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I’m kinda the commissary down here.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, a sellout is… forget it. Why are you here?”

“In prison or talking to you now?”

“Yes.”

“I’m in here for… shall we say, less than legal business practices.”

“Ripping off customers?”

Fortunate Ire shakes his head. “Quite the opposite. I always came through for everypony whom hired me. But my sources weren’t always completely on the up and up. As for why I’m here talking to you, I always introduce myself to any new customers whom arrive.”

“Sorry, but I don’t have any bits.”

Fortunate Ire chuckles. “Not to worry. Nopony does. Or at the very least aren’t supposed to. We use a bartering system down here mostly. There’s an understood standard, but it’s kinda subjective. What you want to trade is worth as much as somepony is willing to give you for it naturally. Unless you’re looking for a loan, that is.”

“Loan?”

“Say you wanted a bag of cereal from me, or anypony else for that matter. If I gave it to you on loan the standard repayment rate is 1:3.”

“So you give me one bag and I have to pay you back with three?”

“You’re catching on, yeah.”

“But what if someone didn’t pay up?”

“Then the King hears about it. He gets too many complaints about an individual and they get their legs broken by his thugs.”

He looks Arc up and down before continuing.

“You’ll probably be hearing from him soon.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But I haven’t had time to rip anyone off.”

Fortunate Ire shakes his head. “No, no, no. I mean for recruitment.”

“To become an enforcer?”

“Exactly. You get plenty of benefits. Leeway when bartering for goods, a position of power around here, and more food than the rest.”

“I’m not really looking for employment though.”

Fortunate Ire chuckles. “Good luck with that. When the King wants somepony to work for them, they do. Besides, it’s pretty easy work.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

“No problem. So, you looking for some goods to make yourself a bit more comfortable here?”

“Like I said earlier, I don’t have anything to trade for yet.”

Fortunate Ire points a hoof at his packet in the corner. “Yeah, you do.”

“Those are just clothes.”

“We call those ‘starter packs’ around here. They sometimes have a bit more than just clothes wrapped up in there.”

“Uh… like what?”

“Shampoo, combs, magazines… stuff like that. But the most sought after is candy.”

“Candy?”

Fortunate Ire nods. “Chocolate to be precise. If you’ll take a look maybe we can do business.”

“Maybe later. So… what exactly can you offer me?”

“Edible items mostly. But a few other things naturally. Soap, toilet paper, non-sugary snacks, coffee, noodles, sleeping pills, and whatnot.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Why do I get the feeling that’s not all you stock?”

Fortunate Ire chuckles. “Always knew you were a smart customer. Yeah, I can get you contraband too.”

“Like what?”

“Alcohol, drugs, chewing gum, disallowed books, banned food, and a few other things for certain individuals. You want something, just ask.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. But aren’t you worried someone will turn you in?”

Fortunate Ire rolls his eyes. “To who?”

“The guards.”

“Have you seen any?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Now that you mention it, no.”

“There you go.”

“Care to explain that?”

“Because this is ‘the pit’. We can do pretty much anything we want down here, as we’re self-governing.”

“The King and his enforcers?”

“Right. He’s the final say down here. You want to complain, go see him. Not advisable, but he’s there.”

“What about me?”

Fortunate Ire appears confused. “What about you?”

“I’m still the Hero of Light, you know.”

Fortunate Ire shakes his head. “Fancy titles don’t mean a thing down here. You’re no more special than anypony else.”

“Anything else I should know?”

“Keep your head down, keep things civil, follow the King’s rules, and things can be bearable down here. Try to go against the powers-that-be will be met with… correction.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

Fortunate Ire grins. “No problem. You’re the customer, and I’m the wheel stallion. But in any case, there should be three nasty looking stallions on their way here now to administer your Baptism.”

Arc frowns. “I’m guessing that’s not shower time.”

“This happens to everypony down here. You’re challenged to a fight to determine your rank.”

“Rank?”

“Do more damage to those stallions to increase it. A higher rank means more and better food for you, a slightly nicer room, and an advanced place in the general pecking order down here.”

The sound of hoofsteps rings out as several burly stallions walk calmly toward them. Fortunate Ire points.

“That’s them now.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

Chapter 2 - Trial by Fire

Arriving at Arc’s cell, the smallest stallion (subjectively, as he’s still quite large) looks him up and down.

“You again?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You want another thrashing?”

He turns to the others and walks away.

“This punk already beat me. Next.”

Fortunate Ire chuckles. “Nice. You’ve proven yourself worthy.”

“Of what?”

The next stallion steps forward. “Being ‘C’ Rank.”

Arc sighs. “Wonderful. Are we done here then?”

“Not a chance. You gotta take me on next.”

“But why?”

Fortunate Ire rolls his eyes. “To go for the next rank.”

Arc turns around and heads back inside his room.

“Not interested.”

The stalling charges into the room and slams Arc against a wall. Pressing his quarry with all his might, he whispers something in Arc’s ear.

“Give up yet, snowflake?”

Arc grits his teeth and elbows the stallion in the side. He drops to the floor gasping. Turning around, Arc puts a foot on the stallion’s head.

“Surrender.”

The stallion nods. Fortunate Ire and the first stallion enter the room and drag him out as Arc returns to the corridor. Grinning, Fortunate Ire turns to him.

“Nice one! You’re a ‘B’ rank now!”

“I’m assuming that doesn’t mean we can stop now.”

Shaking his head, the largest stallion approaches him. The floor literally shakes as he walks toward his quarry. Even in the dimly lit corridor Arc can see the chiseled features of the walking mountain before him.

“You stop when we done! Not earlier!”

“So now we’re gonna fight?”

“It gonna be more of a massacre than anything else.”

Arc gestures to the other stallions. “You so sure about that?”

“Ya! Me strongest there is!”

He turns and bucks Arc. Hitting the young man directly in the chest, Arc is thrown down the corridor to land in a heap at the end in an empty laundry cart. Getting up, he spies the stallion running toward him. Jumping out of the cart and back onto his feet, Arc nimbly dodges every blow that comes his way.

“Stand still!”

“Why?!”

“So I can hit you!”

Arc frowns. “But then I’d get hurt.”

The stallion stops and scratches his head. “Gee… never thought of that.”

Taking the opportunity, Arc lunges at the stallion. His fist catches him in the face, but does no damage. Arc drops back and rubs his hand.

“What are you MADE of?! Steel?!”

The stallion laughs. “That’s why they call me Boulder! My body’s hard as a rock!”

Arc groans “Wonderful.”

Going back on the defensive, Arc looks around for inspiration. Spying the laundry cart from earlier, he runs over to it.

“Hiding won’t save you!”

“Just might!”

Playing literal ring around the rosy with the cart, Arc eventually gets into position. Shoving the cart as hard as he is able toward his opponent, the stallion falls into it face first. Continuing to push the cart, it comes to a laundry chute at the end of the corridor. Without slowing down it slams into the wall, dumping the stallion down the chute. Arc turns back to the other stallions defiantly.

“Now are we done?”

“Guess so. Congratulations.”

“For what?”

Fortunate Ire hurries over to him. “You’re ‘A’ rank now! That’s a big step up!”

The first stallion nods and motions with a hoof. “Yeah. Grab your stuff and follow us.”

Arc points back toward the laundry chute. “Uh… should we help him first?”

“He’ll find his way back upstairs eventually.”

Fortunate Ire grins as Arc picks up his package and follow the stallions. They come to a slightly nicer corridor, inasmuch as they’re properly lit and painted. Opening a door, they gesture inside.

“This’ll be your room from now on.”

Flicking a light switch Arc looks around. A properly furnished suite lies before him. While not perfect, it resembles the quality of living accommodations he was used to from living with Derpy.

“Our local fixer here can hook you up with whatever else you need.”

Fortunate Ire nods. “That I can!”

“Uh… I still don’t have much to barter with.”

The stallion points to a package on the table. “You’ll find some stuff to get you going in that care package.”

“Thanks. I guess.”

“Don’t thank us. We’re just doing our jobs, after all.”

Fortunate Ire looks to Arc. “Now you should probably go see the King.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. He insists on personally meeting all new ‘A’ ranks and looking them over.

Fortunate Ire grimaces. “It’s a rule.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Anything I should know first?”

“Just be respectful and don’t touch anything in his room.”

Fortunate Ire shudders. “He hates that.”

“We’ll take you there on our way to the showers.”

Closing and locking his door, Arc follows the stallions a down the corridor. They stop in front of a very posh looking door.

“Here we are. The King’s quarters.”

Fortunate Ire grins. “Mind your manners and just do whatever he tells you to.”

“We’ll see.”

He walks up to the door and looks back to the others.

“So… do I knock, or what?”

The stallion shakes his head. “You just walk in and wait to be announced.”

“Alright.”

Entering, Arc finds himself in a very nice looking apartment-like room. Looking around he sees furniture that appears to be something that would have been found inside Canterlot Castle. The lights are warmly lit and everything present appears to be without dirt or grime. Arc frowns.

“Okay, I can’t imagine the powers that be being anywhere near this generous.”

The sound of hoofsteps from an adjoining room ring out. Two mares in tight-fitting maid’s outfits enter and look to him quizzically. Not really knowing what else to do, Arc raises a hand and waves slightly.

“Um… hi.”

Screaming, they run back the way they came. Arc sighs.

“That went well. Wonder what I…”

A few moments later the sound of hooves running toward him can be heard as a familiar stallion’s face comes into view. Growling, he glares at Arc.

“YOU?!”

Arc nods as he grits his teeth. “Hello again, Buffalo Bull.”

Buffalo Bull seethes as Arc steps forward.

“How’d you get in here?!”

Arc points. “The door, idiot.”

“I mean in prison!”

“A colossal misunderstanding, I assure you.”

Buffalo Bull scoffs. “That’s everypony here if you ask them!”

“I suppose so. But in my case it’s true.”

“You got a death wish, fella?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I was told I needed to come here and say ‘hello’ by your… enforcers, I suppose.”

“They give you your Baptism?”

“Yeah.”

“And…?”

“Rank ‘A’, for whatever that’s worth.”

“That’s to be expected.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I did beat you back then.”

Buffalo Bull laughs heartily. “True! But as you can see, I’ve bulked up since then!”

Arc looks the stallion over. “Yeah, I can see that.”

“I’ve been training every day since I got thrown down here.”

“What for?”

“To stay on top of the food chain mostly. After all, somepony needs to keep the masses in line. Truthfully I never dreamed I’d be able to thank you for what you did to me back in Dodge Junction.”

“Wait, what?!”

“I normally try not to sully my own hooves with other’s blood. Usually I send somepony else to do that.”

“How efficient of you.”

“But in your case I think I’ll make an exception!”

Charging forward, Buffalo Bull lowers his head and prepares to splatter Arc. Rolling his eyes, Arc holds out a hand. As the stallion’s head comes into range Arc shoves him violently to the side. He crashes over the couch and smashes into a wall.

“What the…?”

Arc grins. “Not as easy as you thought it’d be, huh?”

“But… but I trained so HARD! I HAVE to be better than this!”

Storming over to Arc, Buffalo Bull swings a massive hoof as he just stands there and waits. Raising a hand, Arc effortlessly catches the hoof in his palm and looks the stallion dead in the eye.

“Now look… we can do this one of two ways. Either you give up your idea of revenge and try to get along, or we can duke it out. Just bear in mind that I haven’t actually thrown a single punch yet.”

“Fine!”

He whistles loudly. The mares from earlier run in and bow respectfully.

“Spread the word that we have a new ‘A’ rank prisoner.”

“Yes sir!”

“Right away!”

They hurry to comply as Buffalo Bull eyes them. Arc frowns.

“I have a question.”

“What do I look like? A tour guide?!”

“How the heck did you get mares in here?!”

Buffalo Bull grins slyly. “What’s the problem? After all, they’re prisoners too.”

“In a ward for stallions?!”

“There’s a mare’s wing on the other side of the prison. All of us take our meals together though so it’s just a matter of them agreeing to follow us back here.”

“Why aren’t there foals running all over the place down here?!”

Buffalo Bull rolls his eyes. “It’s called ‘birth control’, you idiot!”

“So all the mares just…?”

“In the water! Works for both mares and stallions! Everyone in here with us is shooting blanks! Any more stupid questions?!”

“Not at the moment, no.”

“Then get out of here!”

Arc turns on his heels and walks toward the door. “Fine. See you later.”

Buffalo Bull seethes as he watches Arc leave. Returning to the corridor, he spies Fortunate Ire waiting for him.

“Sounds like it didn’t go so well in there.”

“Not really.”

“Well, you’re still alive.”

Arc shrugs. “He couldn’t take me.”

Fortunate Ire laughs. “Yeah, right! Nopony takes on the King and gets out alive!”

“I did.”

“Just now?!”

Arc nods. “And a year or so ago.”

“We should probably keep this between us. After all, if word got out that you had some kind of past with the King, things might get ugly.”

“Yeah. I’ll sit on it for now.”

“Watch your back though.”

“Think he’ll want to put a knife in it, eh?”

“Wouldn’t you in his position?”

“Touché. So what now? Do I have some kind of job to do around here?”

Fortunate Ire shakes his head. “You’re ‘A’ rank, so not really.”

“What do the others do?”

“All of the ‘B’ ranks are the unofficial police down here. They keep the peace, more or less. ‘C’ rank do all the hard jobs that require some muscle. And lastly, ‘D’ rank have the dirtiest, nastiest, most mind-numbing jobs imaginable.”

“Like what?”

“You saw the hole in your previous cell, right?”

“Where a toilet probably should have been?”

“Who do you think cleans that out?”

Arc makes a face. “The ‘D’ ranks?”

“You got it. They do a lot of nasty stuff you’re better off not thinking about.”

“Do they at least get paid?”

Fortunate Ire shakes his head. “Nope. All they get is a place to sleep and crumbs to eat.”

“Literally?”

“Yeah. But you’ll see come mealtime.”

“How about the others?”

“An allowance of goods from the prison. You can barter for other stuff with me or anypony else though. As an ‘A’ you get the best weekly payouts too.”

“I guess that’s good. Uh… so do I just go back to my room and settle in now?”

Fortunate Ire shrugs. “You can pretty much do anything you want down here now. Well, other than leave, that is.”

“Thanks for the info. I’ll be seeing you around, I guess.”

Fortunate Ire chuckles as Arc walks away. “That you will.”

Arriving back at his room, Arc unlocks it and walks in. Flopping down on the bed, he frowns.

“Not the worst spot to be. Well, compared to that first room, I guess.”

Taking a deep breath, he concentrates and calls out telepathically.

“Scootaloo?”

“Big Brother?! Where are you?!”

“Prison.”

“What?!”

“Yeah, I don’t get it either.”

“I thought you were above the law!”

“Apparently not.”

“So what happened?!”

“Celestia doesn’t accept that I’m the legitimate Hero of Light. In her mind I manipulated Luna and Cadance to get here.”

“Did you?!”

“Of course not! It was their idea! Well, technically it was the former Heroes of Light, but that’s beside the point.”

“I’ll see what I can do to figure out which prison you’re in.”

“No need. It’s called ‘Luna Bay’.”

“Like the body of water far to the west of Canterlot?”

Arc chuckles. “You’ve been studying maps?”

Scootaloo nods. “With Decimus. We’re trying to prepare a number of contingency plans.”

“For…?”

“Invasion by the yaks, invasion by the Abyssinians, invasion by the Crystal Empire, invasion by the Griffon Kingdom, invasion by Earth, etc.”

“Is he really that paranoid?”

“It’s not actually a bad idea. Preparedness makes life easier after all.”

“Yeah, well… did he come up with an counter for an invasion by me?!”

“Actually, yes.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Fifteen of them to be exact.”

“Nice to know I’m viewed as more of a threat than all the surrounding nations combined in his mind.”

“Yeah, he’s petrified you’re gonna find a way out of there!”

“And I will.”

“Want some help with that?”

“Nah. It’ll give me some time to come up with a proper plan.”

“For escaping or for getting to Decimus?”

“Neither. Right now I want to come up with a way to get to Sunset Shimmer, Kane, and Celestia.”

“Why them?”

“Because they’re the biggest threats. Can I assume they’re back at the castle?”

“Yup. Decimus’ promoted Sunset Shimmer to the position of Captain of the Royal Guard with Celestia’s blessing.”

“Wow. I was sure she’d have to prove herself someway first.”

“Something wrong, Big Brother?”

“Uh… I’m in prison, for starters.”

“No, no. I mean that this whole conversation you’ve been really sarcastic.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about that. I think it’s just my brain trying to cope with everything that’s going on. Me breaking out of prison is just another item on my ‘to do’ list right now.”

“Anything you want me to do?”

“Stay there and keep monitoring the situation along with Decimus. That and send word to Captain Soarin aboard The Equinox. Have him inform Derpy and Dinky along with my friends what happened.”

“Anything else?”

“That and I don’t want them to do anything at all to break me out or retaliate against Equestria in the meantime. We don’t need to give Celestia and her ilk more reason to go after the Abyssinians.”

“Good idea, Big Brother. Is that all?”

“Tell them to remember that the safety of the citizens must come first. I’ll meet back with them as soon as I can.”

“How long do you think it’ll take for you to get out of there?”

“No idea. But I’m wearing a collar that prevents me from using my magic.”

“What about your Crimson form?”

“I’m down in what they call ‘the pit’. Can’t see the sky or moon from down here.”

“Sounds like they have your number, Big Brother.”

“Yeah. As for what exactly they have planned for me, I’d rather not find out.”

“Decimus told me that Princess Celestia is working on getting all the information together for a trial.”

Arc frowns. “Somehow I doubt it’ll be a fair one.”

“Probably not. But it would be a good way to escape.”

“What do you mean?”

“The trial is going to be a public one here in Canterlot. We could organize something to act as a diversion or even a frontal attack.”

“Truth be told, I’d rather have my court date.”

“Big Brother?”

“It would give me a chance to prove once and for all that I’m not guilty of anything other than doing the job I swore to do.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Better than letting everyone think I’m guilty forever.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Good point.”

Chapter 3 - Justice by Force

Sometime later the sound of a bell rings out through the halls. Arc pokes his head out the door and calls to one of the ponies walking down the corridor.

“What’s going on?”

“Lunch.”

He follows the herd down the corridor to a large elevator. A short time later it begins to rise. Reaching its destination, it screeches to a stop. Arc follows everyone down a long corridor toward a bright light. Exiting, he squints as the sun radiates down on them. Before them await innumerable stallions standing in groups on one end of the yard. On the other side are a similar number of what appear to be mares. He spots Fortunate Ire and walks over to him.

“Question for you.”

Fortunate Ire turns to him. “Oh?”

“Is this every prisoner?”

“Other than those in solitary confinement or the infirmary, yes.”

“Why all together?”

Fortunate Ire points a hoof upward. “See all those guards?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s easier to watch one big group than a number of small ones.”

“Kinda makes sense. So what are we waiting for?”

“The gruel to be served.”

Arc looks around. “I don’t see any tables.”

Fortunate Ire points a hoof to one side. “It comes out those big pipes and into the main trough.”

As if on cue there is a loud gurgling as gallons of gruel spew into the trough. Fortunate Ire holds up a hoof as Arc moves to pass him.

“Wait.”

“What for?”

“The warden has to give the signal first.”

A few minutes later a shrill whistle is heard over the din. Arc watches as Buffalo Bull and his lieutenants step forward and begin to eat. Fortunate Ire turns to him.

“They’ll eat their fill. When you see them turn back toward the group that means the ‘A’ ranks can approach and eat.”

“And then when we’re done the ‘B’ ranks go next?”

Fortunate Ire nods. “Yup. In descending order.”

Arc watches for a time before Buffalo Bull and the others step back. The ‘A’ rank prisoners walk forward as Fortunate Ire turns to Arc.

“Uh… that’s your cue.”

Arc shakes his head. “I think I’ll just watch.”

“Your choice.”

Arc stands off to one side as the ‘A’s, ‘B’s, and ‘C’s eat their fill. As the last ‘C’s return to the group the ‘D’s, which are the largest portion of the prison population, run at top speed toward the trough. Pushing and shoving, they each fight tooth and hoof for the last bits of gruel. As they finish, Arc watches a number of elderly stallions and mares licking the trough in vain. He turns to Fortunate Ire.

“Is this how the meals are handled every time?”

Fortunate Ire nods. “Yup. It’s always this way.”

“I see.”

As the prisoners head back toward the buildings, Spitfire turns to Virtuous Lance.

“It looks like our newest prisoner isn’t eating.”

Virtuous Lance chuckles. “He appeared to be observing.”

“Do you suppose he’ll refuse food as part of a protest?”

“Unlikely. We shall continue to observe though.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc returns to his quarters and lays down on the bed. Frowning, he turns toward the wall.

“I think I’ll have a word with Buffalo Bull about this at supper.”

Sometime later the bell rings. Arc sits up and heads for his door. Returning with the others to the courtyard, he watches as the trough is again filled with gruel from the pipes. Buffalo Bull and his lieutenants walk toward it and begin to eat. Stepping forward, Arc is stopped by Fortunate Ire.

“What are you doing?! It’s not your turn yet!”

“Just going to have a word with our so-called king.”

“Not a good idea. He hates being interrupted when he’s eating.”

“Yeah? Well this can’t wait.”

Pushing past the stallion, Arc approaches Buffalo Bull and taps him on the shoulder. Turning, he glares at the human before him.

“WHAT?!”

“Sorry to interrupt you meal, but I couldn’t help but notice something at lunch.”

“This is what we eat! If you don’t like it…!”

“There were a number of older folks whom only got to lick the trough.”

One of the lieutenants looks over his shoulder. “We call them ‘bottom feeders’.”

Buffalo Bull nods. “Right. They’re too old to contribute much, so that’s all the food they deserve.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “After a lifetime of working?”

Buffalo shrugs. If they want more, they need to increase their rank.

“They can barely walk though.”

Another lieutenant shrugs. “Sounds like a personal problem to me.”

Buffalo chuckles. “Agreed. The food needs to go to the strong first. Next you’ll be telling me that the ‘D’ ranks aren’t getting enough.”

“Well, that was the second thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

Buffalo Bull pokes Arc’s chest with a hoof. “Look here, punk. You’re an ‘A’ rank, which means you get some of the best stuff around here.”

The largest lieutenant nods fervently. “Don’t go shaking the boat now.”

“I just think we need to distribute the food more evenly. From what I saw everyone other than the ‘D’s were able to totally gorge themselves while others went hungry.”

Buffalo Bulls steps toward Arc and grabs him by the front of his prison outfit. “The mighty make the rules! If you don’t like it, use your own strength to change things!”

“Fine.”

Roughly pushing Buffalo Bull back, Arc puts up his fists.

“Let’s do this!”

“You want to take me and my boys on?!”

“Yeah! Right here, right now!”

Spitfire motions to the guards. “Prepare to…!”

Virtuous Lance interrupts her. “Stand down!”

“S-sir?”

“Let this play out.”

“But it could escalate into a full on prison riot!”

“You have your orders.”

Buffalo turns to his lieutenants.

“Waste him.”

As they charge forward, he turns around and goes back to eating. The sound of a scuffle rings out behind him. A few moments later there is a tap on his shoulder.

“Well, I certainly hope you boys taught him a lesson he won’t soon…”

“Funny. I was about to say the same thing.”

Whirling around Buffalo Bull spots all his lieutenants lying on the ground motionless. Arc looks at him and grins.

“Thanks for the warmup. Now it’s your turn.”

Fuming, Buffalo Bull takes a swing. Sidestepping, Arc takes a quick shot at his leg. The so-called King falls to the ground, gasping.

“My… my bad leg! How did you…?!”

Arc chuckles. “You forget, I’m the one whom gave that to you. Now then, are you willing to talk?”

“About what?!”

“A bit more fairness in the food chain.”

“N-never! We need to keep the dregs in line!”

“Well then, I suppose we need some new leadership around here.”

He turns around and faces the lieutenants whom are slowly getting to their feet.

“I’m in charge around here now! Anyone of you have a problem with that?!”

They shake their heads wordlessly. Arc looks around at the mares and stallions that stand there watching.

“Does anyone challenge me?! Speak now!”

No one says a word as Arc nods soberly.

“Then I declare myself King!”

Buffalo Bull fumes. “You… you can’t DO that!”

Arc turns to him. “Why not? Didn’t you say that the strong were needed to keep the weak in their place, or something like that?”

“We are!”

“Well, we’re going to do things a little differently around here from now on.”

Turning to the ‘D’s, Arc spots an elderly stallion whom can barely stand. Putting his hand into the trough, he removes a bit of gruel. Walking over to the stallion, Arc kneels down to his level. Extending his hand, he offers the food to him.

“Eat.”

The stallion extends a shaky hoof and accepts the bit of gruel. Eating it hungrily, he looks up at Arc with his sunken eyes.

“Th-thank you, sir!”

Reaching down, Arc picks the stallion up and carries him to the trough. He motions to the others whom are weak with hunger.

“The elderly eat first from now on. Help them over here.”

Obeying, the prisoners help the oldest and most feeble prisoners toward the trough. They eat slowly but hungrily. Tears rest in the corners of every eye as they do so. Eventually they eat their fill and step back. Arc turns to the masses again.

“Now the ‘D’s will eat. Come forth.”

“They charge forward hungrily. Arc holds up his hands.

Arc shouts. “STOP!!!”

Every hoof grinds to a halt as he looks over them.

“Are you animals?! Walk to the trough and eat slowly and carefully! Now let’s try again!”

The prisoners walk forward slowly and line up at the trough. They begin to eat as instructed while Arc watches them. Eventually they step back with the others. Arc calls out.

“Everyone else may now come forward in an orderly and dignified manner!”

Walking toward the trough, they begin to eat. Arc turns and walks over to Buffalo Bull. He glares up at him.

“Come to finish me off?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Come on.

Grabbing the stallion’s hoof, he helps him stand and assists him in making his way over to the trough.

“Go ahead and eat.”

Buffalo Bull gasps. “What?!”

“Everyone needs to keep their strength up. Even you.”

Arc watches as everyone eats their fill and begins filing back down the corridors toward the elevator. Suddenly Spitfire’s voice rings out overhead.

“Former Hero of Light Arc… the warden would like a word with you!”

A ladder is lowered as Spitfire motions to it.

“Let’s go!”

Nodding, Arc climbs the ladder and looks to Spitfire.

“So where is he?”

Spitfire motions with a hoof. “Follow me.”

Leading the way, several guards fall into step behind them. Arc looks to Spitfire as they walk.

“What’s this about?”

Spitfire frowns. “You’ll have to hear it from the warden himself.”

Arriving at the office, Spitfire opens the door. Inside on the desk are two simple plates of food. Virtuous Lance sits at the desk in front of one as a lone chair sits across from him in front of the other. He motions to the guards.

“Wait outside.”

They salute and leave the office as Virtuous Lance motions for Arc to sit down. Doing so, he looks across at the stallion evenly.

“You must be hungry.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You didn’t eat at the noonday meal nor at this one. Please share a bite with me.”

Nodding, Arc sits down, picks up his silverware, and begins to eat. The warden looks him over as he does so.

“Very interesting.”

“What is?”

“The fact you’re still eating like a civilized being, for starters.”

Spitfire clears her throat. “He’s been down there less than a day, sir.”

“True. But he’s also brought about more civility in these few hours than anypony else has.”

“I suppose that’s true, sir. But we can’t ignore his past crimes!”

Arc looks to her. “And which crimes would those be?”

“You attacked Princess Celestia!”

“First of all… no, I didn’t. Second, even if I had, is that not my job as the Hero of Light?”

Virtuous Lance chuckles as he eats. “I think he’s got you, lieutenant.”

“We have our orders though, sir.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “I suppose we do.”

“I’m curious, sir. Why did you call me up here and then send your guards away?”

“Because they wouldn’t help me.”

“What?”

“I just saw you take down the meanest criminals in here without breaking a sweat. What challenge would a few guards pose to you?”

“Little, I suppose.”

Spitfire grimaces. “Sir, this is madness! You’re in grave danger!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “From what?”

“YOU!”

“Oh, I don’t think I’m that dangerous. At least not to you or the general.”

Virtuous Lance chuckles. “Warden, remember?”

“Sorry. I still remember you as the general whom advised me at the Lord Regent and protected the Crystal Empire.”

“That seems so long ago.”

“I know what you mean.”

Virtuous Lance puts down his utensils and looks to Arc. “Sir, let me ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Why are you still here?”

“Because I’m a prisoner.”

Spitfire scoffs. “But we all know that even without your magic you should be able to find a way out!”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Indeed. So why have you not?”

“Because I’m innocent.”

“Oh?”

“You know that.”

Spitfire frowns. “So then tell us why you’re here?!”

“Because I want my day in court.”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “Wait a moment. You WANT to stand before a judge and answer for these charges?!”

“Yes.”

Spitfire gasps. “Why?!”

“To prove to Princess Celestia, and the rest of the country, that I’m not the monster she thinks I am. That way I can go home to my friends and family a free man with my head held high. If I were to escape I’d just constantly be on the run.”

Virtuous Lance nods approvingly. “An interesting concept.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Clearly you’ve thought this through.”

Arc shrugs. “Have you, lieutenant?”

“What are you…?”

“Think about it. You have to see what’s happening.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t you?”

“No, I don’t!”

“Then let me spell it out for you. Celestia created the Hero of Light position to counter an out of control monarch. So what would be the first logical step in any plan she might have?”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “To remove anypony whom might be a threat to her.”

Arc nods. “And whom would that be.”

Spitfire grimaces. “You?”

“Exactly. She knows I’m the only one whom can legally challenge her. So I’ve been sent as far away from Canterlot as possible while still in her clutches.”

He turns to Virtuous Lance before continuing.

“She then appoints a general whom specializes in security to watch over the cage I’m in to assure that I won’t be heard from again. At least not for the time being.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “For what reason though?”

“I wish I knew.”

Spitfire looks to the general. “She must’ve had a good one, sir!”

Arc shakes his head. “Maybe in her mind. But I’m not so sure the rest of the nation would agree.”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “It’s not our place as soldiers to question the motives of our superiors.”

Virtuous Lance turns to Arc. “What would you have me do though, sir? Release you?”

“No. As I said, I want my court hearing.”

“That will most likely take quite some time. I’m been informed that the evidence against you is vast and complicated.”

Spitfire nods. “It’ll take weeks, if not longer, for them to go through everything to prepare a case against you.”

Arc shrugs. “Makes sense.”

Spitfire narrows her eyes. “That’s not a good thing.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Lots of evidence means lots of counterarguments you’ll be forced to make.”

“I’ll beat this thing.”

“How can you be so sure of that?”

Spitfire smirks. “Yes. We’ve already told you that there’s virtually no hope of an acquittal.”

“Because I took an oath to protect this land from whatever comes. And I’ll never break that promise… ever.”

Spitfire puts a hoof on her weapon. “Is that a threat?!”

Arc shakes his head as he finishes his meal. “No. Just a statement of fact.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “And to what lengths would you go to in order to keep such a promise.”

“The ends of the world and back again if need be.”

Chapter 4 - Military Transfer

Several days later, the Mane Six, Hammer, Rose, and Ember disembark The Equinox along with all the residents of Ponyville. Ember turns and looks back at the ship angrily.

“Piece of junk.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow “Ember?”

“I said this thing is WORTHLESS!

Applejack frowns. “What’s gotten into you?”

Ember points a claw at The Equinox. “Princess Luna gave this to Arc so he could safeguard Equestria! It couldn’t even keep HIM safe!”

Fluttershy steps toward Ember. “Now, now. We’re all upset by the news. But blaming the ship won’t help.”

Twilight sighs as she hangs her head. Right. That and I think this is exactly what Arc wanted.

Hammer gasps. “Wait! You mean he WANTED to get captured?!”

Rarity nods sadly. “Agreed. Arc had to know he couldn’t take on Celestia back then.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Then why didn’t he bring reinforcements?!”

Pinkie turns to her friend. “Because he didn’t want anypony else to get hurt, Dashie!”

Rose smiles. “Arc cares for all of us, as he does for Equestria. I’m sure he’s going to do everything in his power to protect it and us.”

Ember groans. “Well, that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Twilight looks to Ember. “Remember the message from Scootaloo. No violence unless provoked.”

“Yeah. That’s the only thing stopping me right now.”

A short time later they come to the makeshift town. King Felix and Queen Fiona are there to meet them along with Hard Hat, Sunburst, Stellar Flare, and Auriel. The king and queen are the first to speak.

“Good morning everyone.”

“We’d like to welcome you to your new homes.”

Hard Hat gestures with a wave of his hoof. “Everypony’s done their very best to get these buildings off the ground in as short a time as possible.”

Stellar Flare grins. “It’s meant a lot of long hours and sleepless nights.”

Sunburst turns toward the buildings. “But we’ve been able to put together something that will help everypony stay comfortable until we can return home.”

King Felix nods. “All of you are welcome here as long as you’d like.”

Queen Fiona claps her paws. “And with that we declare the town of New Ponyville, open!”

Everyone gathered clops their hooves together happily as the monarch step aside to let them enter their new town. The Mane Six approach with the others as Twilight looks to the monarchs.

“Thank you very much for all your help, your majesties.”

“Think nothing of it Princess Twilight.”

“Your nation has done so much for us in our hour of need. It was merely time for us to repay that kindness.”

Hard Hat nods. “The buildings may not look like much, but they’re sturdy and safe.”

Stellar Flare grins. “And cool.”

Sunburst looks up at the rising sun. “That they are. Our citizens will certainly need it if they’re to survive out here.”

Auriel turns to Rose. “The geothermal cooling was a magnificent idea.”

“Thank you. But it’s really just something I read about back on Earth.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Geo-whatsits?”

Applejack shrugs. “Something to do with the ground?”

Pinkie nods happily. “It’s cold down there!”

Fluttershy appears confused as she turns to Pinkie. “How do you know?”

Rose giggles. “She helped us dig.”

Auriel nods approvingly. “I wondered where she went.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I figured she was goofing off, or something.”

Pinkie shakes her head. “Nope! I was in DEEP!”

Applejack facehoofs. “That just sounds wrong.”

Auriel clears her throat loudly. “Shall we explain how this system works?”

Felix nods. “Please do.”

Rainbow Dash wipes the sweat from her brow. “Yeah! But can we go somewhere a bit cooler first?”

Applejack points a hoof. “How about the new Town Hall then? There shouldn’t be anypony inside at the moment.”

Twilight grins. “Good idea.”

Entering the building, they are blasted by a cool wave of air. Sighing contentedly they close the doors behind them. The queen is the first to speak.

“It’s so cool in here!”

Stellar Flare taps the floor with a hoof. “It’s accomplished by circulating fluid through a series of large tubes deep underground.”

Rarity appears confused. “But isn’t it just as hot down there?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nope. You go down far enough and the temperature stays around fifty-five degrees all year long.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Just like your root cellar?”

“Right.”

Rose nods. “Water is circulated through tubes that run through the ground. The heat is bled from them in this way. By the time it returns to ground level the water is MUCH cooler.”

She points up at a large device in a corner before continuing.

“The tubes cross a number of times on this coil. It increases the surface area the air blows through it.”

Auriel picks up the explanation. “As the heat from the air is absorbed by the coil it warms the water but cools the air.”

Stellar Flare points down. “Then the water is pumped back into the ground where the process starts all over again.”

Felix nods approvingly. “A very interesting invention.”

Fiona stands in front of the cool air flow. “Had I not felt it with my own skin, I would not have believed it.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “How do you cool your palace though?”

“Several very thick walls with spaces in between them filled with insulation.”

“By the time the heat of the sun starts to get through, it’s setting.”

Felix grins. “The warmth by that point of the day is rather nice, as our nights are quite cold.”

Rarity gasps. “But how will everypony stay warm then?!”

Applejack shrugs. “More blankets?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “Not quite. You see, this system can also run in reverse.”

Auriel nods. “Instead of releasing the heat underground, it can absorb it to diffuse in the room as well.”

Pinkie giggles. “Sounds like you’ve thought of everything!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Right. We’ll be quite comfortable here.”

Twilight turns to her friends. “That’s a relief. I’m glad everypony will be okay.”

Rarity looks to Twilight. “Including you.”

“It’s… more than I deserve.”

Felix appears confused. “Princess Twilight?”

She walks over to a large window and looks out over the new town. Ponies are scurrying everywhere in an attempt to move their things into their assigned properties as soon as possible.

“This is all my fault.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “What?! How?!”

“I wasn’t able to convince Princess Celestia of Arc’s innocence.”

Applejack sighs. “We’re sure you tried, sugarcube.”

Pinkie nods. “Right! Everypony fails sometimes!”

“But I didn’t even try.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“Luna told me not to, as it would hurt my relationship with my mentor.”

Ember frowns. “Well, what’s Arc supposed to do then?!”

“She said she had some kind of plan, and would act from the shadows.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “What does that mean?”

“I don’t know.”

Sunburst steps forward. “Princess Luna is quite a capable mare. If she believes there is a best way to do something, we should believe her.”

Stellar Flare shudders. “Admittedly, she still makes me a bit uncomfortable though.”

Hard Hart sighs. “That and her disappearing when the country needs her isn’t helping confidence levels.”

Twilight nods. “I’ve spent quite some time with her lately, and can safely say that I believe in her ability to plan ahead.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Oh, does she call you every night now, Twilight?”

“Yes, she does.”

Pinkie gasps. “Really?!”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “How so?”

“We can meet in my dreams. She’s been asking how things are going for us here in Abyssinia.”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Don’t tell me you fell for her during that whole lover plan!”

Twilight bows her head as her ears droop. “Not as a marefriend, no. But as a regular friend… yes.”

Ember clenches a fist. “I don’t really see her or Cadance as very reliable right now! After all, they know she attacked Arc and still did nothing!”

Auriel looks down at the floor. “Kinda like we did?”

Rose shakes her head. “That was a bit different. We weren’t sure that she was responsible until after Arc returned and told us.”

Hard Hat looks around. “So the real question now is… where do we go from here?”

Stellar Flare looks to Twilight. “Perhaps Princes Twilight should return to Canterlot and inform Princess Celestia that the citizens are indeed fine.”

Sunburst shakes her head. “That might not be the best idea.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why not?!”

“Somepony could take her into custody along with Celestia. Then Decimus would be clear to take over.”

Fluttershy shudders. “A frightening thought!”

Rarity grimaces. “He’s right, Twilight. You should stay safe here.”

Felix nods. “Indeed, your highness.”

Fiona smiles. “We will grant you and the others amnesty within our borders if it would help.”

“Thank you, but I don’t really know what our long terms plans should even be.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “I can think of a few ideas.”

Rainbow Dash turns to her. “Does it involve a lot of fire and violence?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m in.”

Auriel grits her teeth. “Me too.”

Rarity gasps. “Wait! I’m sure Arc and Princess Luna have some kind of plan in place!”

Applejack nods. “Right. If we go charging in there with the cavalry it’ll probably mess everything up.”

Pinkie shrugs. “But what if that IS the plan?!”

Fluttershy sighs. “I suppose what we do next is up to Twilight.”

Rose looks to Twilight. “So what will it be?”

“We’ll wait for some kind of word. In the meantime all of us need to do our parts to see to it the citizens of Ponyville can live in peace and safety.”

Meanwhile, Decimus walks down a corridor in Canterlot Castle with another figure. Arriving at Celestia’s room they are immediately admitted. Celestia nods to them as they enter.

“Good morning, Decimus. What can I do for you today?”

“I’ve come to report on the state of affairs regarding our rebel situation.”

“Any word on Twilight?”

“My spies report that she has not left Abyssinia, your highness.”

“And whom has verified this claim?”

Decimus gestures to his companion. “The best of the best.”

Lowering their cowl, they address the princess.

“Hello again, your highness.”

Celestia smiles. “Ah, your protégé. Although I thought you had requested a transfer to the New Beginnings Orphanage.”

Tempest frowns. “I was ousted from my position, your highness. Ironically by the human in question.”

Celestia sighs. “It appears he has been able to influence every level of government here in Equestria.”

Decimus looks to Celestia soberly. “Sadly, yes. But nothing is so badly damaged that it cannot be repaired.”

Tempest nods. “Correct. However certain steps may need to be taken.”

“Such as?”

“While I did see Princess Twilight in Abyssinia, she appeared to have joined they royals there in a new project of theirs.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “A new project? What do we know of this?”

“It appears the Abyssinians have taken a large number of our citizens and are holding them in the capital.”

“Are you certain of this?!”

Tempest nods. “Yes, your highness. I saw them with my own eyes. Stallions, mares, foals, and younglings even.”

Decimus grits his teeth. “Even the citizens of the Griffon Kingdom are not safe from the former Hero of Light’s reach.”

“But why Abyssinia?”

“When he was in charge, former Hero of Light Arc made several very strong ties with other nations. The greatest of all was gained by bribing the monarchs of Abyssinia as well as pardoning them for various crimes committed on Equestrian soil.”

Tempest frowns. “What they hope to gain from this is most likely a favorable position in the new government.”

Celestia gasps. “New government? Was the human attempting to overthrow them?!”

Decimus shakes his head. “No, Princess Celestia. He was trying to take Equestria.”

Tempest nods. “It appears they are still aiding him in that regard.”

“And the civilians?”

“Potentially a future bargaining chip, should he need one. However it appears he planned to keep them there for an extended period of time for a most nefarious plan.”

“Oh?”

“A small town has been built within the capital to house them. Every day they leave their new homes and head to the various indoor farms nearby.”

Celestia gasps. “Slave labor?!”

“It would appear so, your highness. They are packaging and canning a large amount of food before shipping it to underground warehouses.”

Decimus frowns. “Yes. But I do not believe this to be merely a preventative measure against future food shortages.”

“You think this is part of a larger plot?”

“The extra food would keep for a long time, and be invaluable to an invading force.”

“But I thought their army had been all but destroyed.”

Tempest nods. “It was. However, the army in question may not be theirs.”

Celestia stomps the floor with a hoof. “The human!”

“Indeed. I saw a large number of our own troops with his ship and in that town patrolling the streets.”

“He’s been able to corrupt our own forces?!”

Decimus bows his head. “I’m sorry to say so, your highness. That and… Princess Twilight herself.”

“What?!”

Tempest frowns. “The new princess freely walks the streets with a number of others.”

She reaches into her armor and removes a photograph.

“See for yourself.”

Celestia levitates the photo to herself. Looking it over for a few moments, her eyes grow wide.

“Twilight and the Element Bearers! All six of them!”

Decimus grimaces. “He has chosen his targets wisely. It is believed that they still maintain possession of their respective Elements as well.”

Tempest looks to the princess. “The question now is just how many more of our forces may secretly be loyal to him over you, your highness.”

Celestia shakes her head. “This is all just so… troubling! Decimus, what should I do?”

“Maintain the balance of our nation and prepare for war, your highness.”

“War?”

Tempest nods. “It may be unavoidable at this point. We can’t allow Abyssinia to take any more of our citizens to fuel their own economy.”

“Agreed. Put our military on standby, Decimus.”

“That is another matter I’d like to discuss with you. I believe we need a new supreme commander to oversee this campaign.”

“Whom did you have in mind?”

“Tempest here is fully trained in tactics and has experience leading troops into battle. That and she’s earned my trust.”

Celestia nods. “Very well. I hereby promote her to the Head of the Army.”

Tempest bows respectfully. “I will not let you down, your highness.”

“Yes, I’m sure you won’t, General Tempest.”

Meanwhile, Gaston listens in with Ashe in her office. The ambassador frowns.

“This is monstrous!”

“I know, Lady Ashe. Never would I have thought the Griffon Kingdom would be allied with Equestria in a civil war.”

“Yes, indeed. However I’m still having trouble believing that Lord Arc just decided to betray his country like that.”

“Perhaps he’s lost his mind.”

“Not likely. But I need to report this to my father at once.”

“For what purpose?”

“He may need to send more troops.”

“You believe the standing Equestrian forces to be inadequate?”

“As was said in the meeting, who knows just how many of Equestria’s forces are loyal to Lord Arc? It could devolve into a bloody mess very quickly. Perhaps even spilling over to the Griffon Kingdom’s own civil unrest.”

Gaston nods. “I’m told the guards there are working overtime to stay on top of matters. After all, with a large chunk of our own military here that leaves a bit less domestically to fight against the rebels and their plans.”

“A conflict here could destabilize the entire world. We need to do our part to bring it to heel.”

Gaston grins. “I couldn’t agree more, Lady Ashe. Shall I escort you back to the ship?”

Ashe stands. “No, thank you, admiral. I’m capable of walking.”

She leaves the room as Gaston picks up the phone. Dialing a number, he waits to be connected. A few moments later a familiar female voice rings out.

“Captain of the Royal Guard Sunset Shimmer here.”

“It’s me.”

Sunset rolls her eyes. “Oh. And here I thought this might be important.”

“It is. Lady Ashe is doing just as The Dark One predicted.”

“Calling her daddy for more troops?”

“Exactly.”

Sunset chuckles. “Good. We’ll need all the forces we can spare for the coming battle.”

Gaston raises an eyebrow. “You really believe that the human will come back here?”

“I guarantee it.”

“Care to let me in on your mindset?”

“Think about it. He’s been here for over a year. In that time the ape has made friends, gained wealth, power, and prestige. However all of that is useless with his reputation in question.”

“You forgot one.”

“Did I?”

“He’s also the kind of beast whom can’t help but get involved in problems.”

“And what bigger problem than the overthrow of a monarch?”

“Indeed. Torching that little hamlet got him back quick as you please.”

Sunset grins wickedly. “That it did. We’ll use that methodology when the time is right.”

Gaston smiles. “I love a good campfire.”

“So do I, worm. So do I.”

“How do we get this party started though?”

“First we need to make sure that hairless wonder hears about it.”

“Which I doubt he will inside that maximum security prison.”

“Yes. We’ll have to figure out a way to get him out of there in the most negative way possible.”

“How’s that?”

“He needs to escape.”

Gaston shrugs. “Should be simple enough for a bug such as him.”

“Yes. Magic or not, he’s quite the force to be reckoned with.”

“So do we start hurting his family and friends now?”

Sunset sighs. “You’re very subtle, Gaston. Like a broken leg.”

Gaston narrows his eyes. “The sarcasm is not lost on me.”

“Well I think the methodology is though.”

“How so?”

“Think about it. If we hurt somepony now, how would he hear about it in PRISON?!”

“Makes sense.”

“What we really need to do is create some kind of chaos in there for him to react to. Something he can’t resist.”

“Blow up the prison?”

“Think small!”

“Burn it down?”

“I said THINK SMALL!”

Sunset sighs and put a hoof to her forehead as she shakes her head before continuing.

“Never mind the methods. I’ll handle that myself.

Chapter 5 - Nightly Revelations

Spitfire escorts Arc, along with two guards, back to The Pit. She frowns as they walk.

“I don’t know how you did it.”

“Did what?”

“Convinced the warden of your innocence.”

“Would you like me to explain it to you?”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “I wish you would.”

“It’s actually simple really. When you tell someone the truth, it’s easy to believe.”

“Or at the very least, your version of it.”

“You still think I’m guilty, don’t you?”

“You are!”

“Oh really?”

Spitfire nods. “We have a note with your signature on it claiming to have kidnapped Princess Twilight!”

“You might want to get her side of that before prosecuting.”

Spitfire scoffs. “You WANT her to testify at your trail?!”

“Yes. And I want that note entered into evidence.”

“That’s already taken care of.”

“Thanks.”

Spitfire stops and turns to him. “Are you completely insane?!”

“Not last I checked, no.”

“You’re HELPING the prosecution lay the groundwork for your case!”

“Just trying to be accommodating.”

“Well if you’re going to go that far, fill out a confession and I’ll send it in.”

“It’d be blank.”

“Because you didn’t do anything wrong?”

“Exactly.”

“Even though we have evidence against you.”

“Do you?”

“YES!”

She puts a hoof against her forehead before continuing.

“The pressures of your position have apparently twisted you grasp of reality. I’ll be sure to include that in my personal report to Canterlot.”

“Write whatever you want.”

Coming to the cage from earlier, Arc steps inside. The guards lock the door and approach to remove his shackles as Spitfire looks him over.

“Have a nice night.”

“Likewise.”

With the press of a button Arc is again dropped in the foul smelling water. Making his way to the tank’s edge, he pulls himself out and sits on the floor for a moment to catch his bearings.

“Somebody’s gotta change that water more often.”

Standing, he heads for the door. However upon opening it he finds Fortunate Ire waiting for him.

“Um… what’s up?”

Fortunate Ire grins. “I just wanted to be the first one to pay tribute.”

“Tribute?”

“Yeah. Here you go.”

Reaching into his jumpsuit, the stallion pulls out a chocolate bar. Arc frowns.

“I thought those were supposed to be really rare down here.”

“They are. Which is why I want you to have it.”

“Um… okay.”

Accepting the item, he turns to walk down the corridor as Fortunate Ire follows at his heels.

“Anything else I can get you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I’m just looking to get cleaned up and head to bed.”

“I’ll escort you back to your room then.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Fine.”

Approaching the door from before, Arc opens it and sighs.

“Home sweet home.”

Fortunate Ire raises an eyebrow. “Begging your pardon, sir. But this isn’t your room any longer.”

“What do you mean?”

“You dethroned Buffalo Bull, sir. Remember?”

“Well, where am I supposed to sleep then?”

“The King’s quarters.”

“Really?”

Fortunate Ire nods. “Of course. You now have all the rights and privileges that come with his old position.”

Arc sighs. “Lucky me.”

He grabs his few belongings before allowing Fortunate Ire to lead him back to the ornate door. The stallion turns the knob and opens the unlocked door to allow him access.

“Anything else I can get for you, sir?”

“Just see to it I’m not disturbed tonight. I need to rest.”

Fortunate Ire grins. “Yes sir.”

Closing the door Arc looks around at the posh accommodations and sighs.

“At least I have a nice cage now.”

Stepping forward, Arc heads for the bathroom. Spying the shower he grins.

“Great. Now I can wash this stink from that pool off of me.”

Stripping down, he turns on the water and steps into the massive shower enclosure. Letting the water cascade over him for a time, Arc sits down on the floor, lays back, and closes his eyes as he sighs contentedly.

“After the day I’ve had, this is a little slice of heaven.”

A few minutes later he dozes off. His subconscious grants him visions of Rarity and Twilight. They lay down with him and nozzle his side happily for a time. Eventually the pair stand over Arc and lay their bellies on his. Moving back and forth while standing side by side they smile seductively and look down at him as they moan happily. Thoroughly enjoying himself, Arc grins and reaches out for them. As his hands touch their cheeks they draw back with small, fearful gasps. Confused, Arc opens his eyes. He looks up to see two mares over him trying their best to rub their bellies on him as they avoid his hands.

“What the…?!”

He jumps back, smashing his head on the tile wall behind him. The mares lower their faces to the ground reverently.

“P-please forgive us, your highness!”

“We were afraid you would hurt us with your strength!”

Arc rubs his head as he speaks. “Oh… um… I wasn’t…”

“Shall we continue washing you?”

“Washing… me?”

One of the mares nods. “Yes sir. The previous king was very insistent that we clean him all over using nothing but our soft belly fur.”

“All except his genitals. For that he used our manes.”

Arc frowns. “Well I’m not interested in that sort of thing. “

She appears relieved. “Thank you, sir. How shall we wash you?”

“I’ll do that myself.”

“Shall we…?”

Arc points to the door. “Just… just wait outside please.”

“Yes sir.”

They quickly exit the bathroom, closing the door behind them. Arc groans as he stands up and grabs the soap.

“Buffalo Bull… what else were you up to?”

Finishing his shower, Arc dresses in a new jumpsuit and leaves the bathroom. Looking around a few moments he spies what appears to be the bedroom door. Pushing it open he sees the two mares inside. One is lying on her stomach with her side learning against the headboard, while the other sits on her fetlocks next to the bed waiting for him.

“What now?”

“I’m used as a pillow, sir.”

“And I’m your stress toy, sir.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Stress…?”

The mare on the floor bows her head. “I’m to be used as you see fit.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not interested in using you as a pillow or raping your friend if that’s what you mean.”

“What shall we do then, sir?”

“Look, I’m too tired to talk about this right now. Why don’t you two head back to your rooms for the night.”

“Sir, we… um… don’t have rooms.”

“What?”

“We sleep here as per the former king’s edict.”

Arc sighs. “Great. Tell me, is there an extra pillow and blanket around here somewhere?”

“Yes sir, I’ll go fetch it for you.”

She bounds off the bed and over to a nearby closet. Pulling out the requested items she hurries over to Arc.

“Here you are, sir.”

“Thanks. You two can sleep in here.”

“Sir?”

Arc points back to the Living Room. “I’ll just take the couch for tonight.”

Leaving the room, Arc heads for the sofa as the two mares look to one another, confused. Making himself comfortable, Arc closes his eyes and sighs.

“This couch is more comfortable than the bed in the room I left. This should make my stay here a bit more tolerable.”

Drifting off to sleep Arc dreams of a large, moonlit field. The grass rustles slightly as the wind blows through it. Sitting down, he looks up at the moon and sighs.

“All this beauty and no one to share it with.”

A voice rings out behind him.

“Perhaps I can help you with that.”

Turning, Arc spots the Princess of the Night walking toward him.

“Luna? What are you doing here?”

“This is my domain.”

“The Lunar Realm?”

Luna nods as she motions for Arc to follow her. “Yes. I called you here for a very special reason. But for now please follow me.”

Standing, Arc follows Luna into the field. Waving a hoof, a large gazebo materializes directly in front of them. They ascend the stairs together as candles all around the perimeter spring to life. Arc looks around.

“It’s very… picturesque.”

“Thank you, Arc. But let us change you into something a bit more… appropriate.”

With a glow of her horn, Arc is changed from his prison jumpsuit into his royal raiments.

“Much better.”

Arc grins. “Thanks. Wasn’t really a fan of that outfit. But why does the Lunar Realm look like this now?”

“I wanted to make a change from my previous… visions.”

“Visions?”

“Forgive me, that’s what I call the… setting of my realm. After all, none of this is truly real.”

“That much I understand.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Do you now?”

“Oh yes. In truth, I’ve been able to create my own little pocket dimension as well.”

Luna appears surprised. “You… you have?”

Arc nods. “It’s not nearly as large or detailed as yours, but I’m happy there most nights.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Well… it’s made from my memories of Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction.”

“You… um…”

Arc bows his head sadly. “Yes. Cherry’s place.”

“That is understandable.”

“I’ve been able to entertain several guests there in the past. For me, it’s kinda like a mini vacation.”

“With Cherry?”

Arc nods. “And others, yes.”

“In a place close to your heart.”

“Right. Is that normal?”

Luna sighs. “Arc, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.”

“Oh?”

“Please keep this between us, but… my original realm was fashioned after the inside of Star Swirl the Bearded’s castle.”

“Because you grew up there?”

“Exactly. It… was the only home Celestia and I ever really knew. As I’m sure you understand, the orphanage wasn’t exactly… personable.”

“Yeah.”

“It remained that way until the day I… fell from grace.”

“The Nightmare Moon incident?”

“Yes.”

Arc puts a hand on Luna’s shoulder and smiles at her.

“It’s in the past.”

“I know. But something like that is not easily forgotten.”

“Tell me then, when did you decide to change it to Canterlot Castle?”

“After I regained my powers.”

“Regained?”

Luna nods. “When Twilight and her friends changed me back with the Elements of Harmony, I… found that my magic was quite weak. Whether from the power of the Elements or my own magical imbalances all those centuries ago, I’ll never know. It took me some time to be able to cast magic properly again.”

“It’s good that you were able to find yourself again, Luna.”

“Thank you, but I need you to do something for me, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“Promise me that if I should again threaten the realm… that you’ll take me down quickly.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “This is rather sudden, Luna.”

“The darkness that resides in my heart is always nagging at me. Taunting me to retake my former position.”

“You mean your conscience?”

“Something like that, yes.”

“I suppose everyone has those kinds of thoughts.”

“Except for you I would assume.”

Arc shakes his head. “Oh, no. I’ve been tempted.”

“Tell me more.”

“Every time I was appointed Lord Regent in the past I sat alone and unchallenged. It would have been a simple task to overthrow the surrounding nations. Equestria already has the Crystal Empire, so the next logical step would have been Yakyakistan.”

“That would have allowed you to control the entire continent.”

“Right. From there Abyssinia would have been a cakewalk to overthrow. Heck, when I first arrived there, the king and queen literally handed me their crowns in exchange for protection from the Storm King.”

“Then on to the Griffon Kingdom I assume.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Ember could have probably convinced her father to invade them alongside me and my new forces from Yakyakistan’s warriors and Abyssinia’s conscripts. Together we would have crushed the Griffon Kingdom’s forces and overthrown the Council of Lords, their king, and that entire corrupt system.

Luna sighs. “As Equestria’s sole ruler and Hero of Light, it is unlikely that anypony could, or would have attempted to, stop you. That and I know you already have strong feelings regarding the Griffon Kingdom’s policies. Yet you recommended a treaty versus a war. May I ask why?”

“Because as much as I would have loved to overthrow them, the King and Council of Lords would have certainly thrown everything they had into defending the land.”

“What about a silent coup?”

“I did consider that. If memory serves correctly, Ember suggested that very thing and volunteered to help.”

“There would have been only a hoofful of casualties outside of a few guards and the rulers themselves. But…?”

“But even though my intentions would have been to free the public, they still would have seen me and my forces as invaders. Many would have rallied to the rebel’s cause in an effort to free their land from the new ruler across the sea.”

“You would have brought freedom.”

“It would have looked like tyranny.”

Luna nods. “I suppose so.”

“That’s why I suggested the treaty. First and foremost to get the younglings off the streets. Second, to establish ties in an effort to bring about social change through diplomacy. Ultimately I wanted them to change themselves.”

“A very noble goal. Such things do not happen overnight though, Arc.”

“I know.”

“It is very unlikely that you will live long enough to see the fruits of you labors.”

“Yes. All I could do is plant the seeds and hoped they sprouted. I owed it to those homeless younglings.”

Luna smiles. “Very impressive, Arc.”

“Huh?”

“I now know that Cadance and I made the right decision back then regarding your appointment.”

Arc sighs. “Tell that to Celestia.”

“Yes, I am aware of her claims of illegitimacy.”

“Think you could convince her otherwise?”

“Sadly, no.”

“Have you tried?”

Luna shakes her head. “I cannot. She is sequestered away all hours of the day in warded rooms. No magic or spell could reach her.”

Arc sighs. “I see.”

“Forgive me, but for now I operate from the shadows as I did in the past.”

“I heard that you left Canterlot so Twilight could gain an audience with her mentor. Could she pass something on to Celestia about…?”

“No, Arc. I actually asked her to avoid that subject altogether.”

“Uh… why?”

“Because she needs to maintain her position in Celestia’s eyes.”

“What about me?”

“I’ve actually just finished meeting with the warden of your prison. He informed me of your desire to have your case go to court.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“May I ask why?”

“So I can plead my case before Princess Celestia.”

Luna frowns. “You’d have to stay in prison until she’s ready to see you then. That could take several months.”

“I know.”

“But you’re innocent!”

“That’s exactly why I want to plead my case.”

“In truth, that’s one of the reasons I called you here tonight.”

“Oh?”

“I’d be willing to order the Nightborn to assault the prison tomorrow night. You’d be a free man before the sun rises.”

“By ‘free’ you mean on the run.”

Luna shakes her head. “No. Cadance has agreed to grant you amnesty in the Crystal Empire. You’d have a room in the Crystal Castle as well as anything else you need.”

“That’s very generous of her.”

“It seems a small thing to give the one whom did so much and received so little goodwill in return. Especially from my sister. Virtuous Lance is even willing to make a small hole in the security which we could then use to gain access to your ward.”

“Thank you, Luna. But I have to refuse.”

Luna groans. “Arc…”

“I have to do this. Please respect my wishes.”

Luna sighs and nods.

“Very well. If that is truly what you want, the Nightborn and I will not interfere. At least not at this point.”

“Thank you, Luna.”

“However, there is yet another reason I had for summoning you here tonight.”

“Oh? Is something wrong?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, Arc. In fact everything is going very well. I’m merely granting the request of a very special individual.”

Closing her eyes, Luna concentrates. A few moments later Twilight and her friends appears. They grin and run over to him. Pinkie reaches him first.

“She did it!”

Applejack chuckles. “You doubted her?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not in the least.”

Arc grins. “Hi everyone. How’s it going?”

Fluttershy giggles. “Oh, we’re doing okay in Abyssinia.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Yeah! Better than you are apparently, jail bird!”

Twilight sighs. “What happened?!”

“Sunset Shimmer and Kane got the jump on me.”

Twilight gasps. “They’re back?!”

“Yup. And from what I heard in my semi-conscious state, they sounded like they left together on somewhat pleasant terms.”

Luna frowns. “Surprising, considering what Twilight told me regarding their past.”

“Princess Celestia was furious when she left via the Crystal Mirror. I can’t imagine how she forgave that.”

Luna shudders. “It is likely she is still under Decimus’ influence.”

Arc nods. “I guarantee it. But there’s something I need to know.”

Rarity smiles warmly. “Anything, Arc.”

“How are Derpy and Dinky doing?”

Applejack grins. “Just fine.”

Rainbow Dash nods happily. “They’ve started up school aboard your ship with Coco Pommel and the two teachers.”

Fluttershy appears suddenly nervous. “Every day when their parents go to work, they head for your ship. Um… is that okay?”

“Fine with me. Frankly I’m glad to see it’s being used for peaceful purposes.”

Applejack sighs. “Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle have been doing their best to help the other students adapt to the changes. Cherry’s been instrumental in her role as well.”

Pinkie bounces around happily. “Yeah! It’s a lot easier now that she has your old armor to act as a body too!”

Rainbow Dash flaps her wings excitedly. “Yeah. But I think they could all use some help.”

She flies over close to Arc and nudges him with an elbow.

“Any chance you could get the Scarlet Filly to make an appearance?”

Twilight facehoofs. “Rainbow Dash…”

“Just a short one! Please!”

Applejack chuckles. “That’s some serious hero worship right there.”

“She’s just so COOL!”

Arc shrugs. “Scootaloo’s really busy in Canterlot at the moment.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Doing what?!”

“Keeping tabs on what Decimus is up to mostly.”

Twilight frowns. “Isn’t that dangerous?”

Pinkie grins wickedly. “Not for her! She’s bad! But in a good way!”

Arc nods. “Right. Scootaloo will be just fine. After all, she’s Decimus’ protégé.”

Luna shudders. “A frightening thought.”

“If things get bad she can always escape.”

Rarity sighs. “You’re putting a lot of faith in a filly, Arc.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Are you sure she’s really okay over there?”

“I’ve seen what she’s capable of. She’ll be fine.”

Rainbow Dash shadowboxes. “So when are we busting you out of jail, Arc?!”

“When I’m found innocent at my trial.”

Pinkie gasps. “WHAT?!”

Applejack frowns. “You know Celestia isn’t going to give you a fair one!”

“Oh, I think she will. After all, everyone knows that she’s a fair and just ruler, right?”

Rarity grits her teeth. “Not anymore!”

Twilight sighs. “I’m beginning to question that myself.”

Luna nods soberly. “I will be observing the trial myself when the time comes. Just to be sure Celestia plays fairly.”

Arc appears relieved. “Thanks, Luna. But might I ask for a bit of a favor now?”

“Oh? What is it?”

“You have full control of this realm, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Any chance you could whip us up a kitchen?”

“I suppose so. But whatever for?”

“So we can cook up a midnight snack.”

Rarity giggles. “That’s Arc for you. Always thinking with his stomach.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Prison food that bad?”

Arc nods. “Oh yeah. Trust me, you do NOT want to go to jail.”

Luna smiles, her horn aglow. “One kitchen coming right up.”

Chapter 6 - In-House Investigations

The next morning Arc awakens on the couch with a smile on his face.

“That was a nice evening. Good company and good food.”

He puts a hand on his rumbling belly and frowns.

“If only that food had been real though.”

Sitting up, he spots the mares from the other night bowing before him.

“Um… a simple ‘good morning’ would suffice.”

“Good morning, sir.”

“How can we serve you today?”

Arc groans. “Would you please stand up?”

The pair quickly do so as Arc continues.

“Tell me, what are you duties?”

“We serve the king and sate his every desire.”

Arc frowns. “Like in the shower?”

“Would you like us to bathe with you now, sir?”

“No, no. I mean… what other kind of things did Buffalo Bull have you do for him?”

“Clean him in the shower, warm his bed, watch his backside while walking his domain, keep his quarters tidy, entertain his lieutenants, relieve his stress by…”

“Okay, okay! Enough! You were his slaves.”

“No, sir. We were well compensated for our services.”

“How?”

“Safety.”

“From what?”

“We… witnessed a murder in the other prison and reported it to the guards.”

“The one whom did it put a price on our heads.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A price? With what bits?”

“Ten chocolate bars a head.”

“Twenty five if they brought both at the same time.”

“So how did you convince Buffalo Bull to take you in?”

“We approached him at meal time and begged to be granted his protection.”

“He granted it. But on the condition of servitude.”

“And even then we first had to prove our loyalty.”

Arc grits his teeth. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but how?”

“We both had to crawl underneath him while he ate and… pleasure him in front of everypony.”

“What?!”

“My sister and I did a good enough job that day. So he decided to let us stay as long as we kept him happy.”

They again bow with their faces to the floor before continuing.

“We’re begging you! Please keep us in your employ, sir!”

“Right! We’ll do anything you ask of us without question!”

Arc sighs. “You can stay with me for the time being. But tell me, is anyone else in your position?”

“In our… what?”

“Being forced to do things against their will.”

“No, sir.”

“Right. The other mares on this side are with their stallionfriends.”

“Yes. They can leave at any mealtime.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Are you certain?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. I don’t like the idea of someone being held against their will. But that still leaves the problem of what to do with you two.”

“We will serve you to maintain our safety, sir!”

“Always!”

Arc sighs. “Like I said, you can stay with me for now. Uh… do I have anything that I need to be doing? As king, I mean.”

“The former king would usually walk around the facility at this time.”

“He said it was important to maintain… what was the way he said it?”

“Keep up appearances.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Kinda like walking the streets of Canterlot.”

“Sir?”

“Nothing. Well, let’s go then.”

They leave the room and head down the corridor together. The mares flank him as they walk. Arc turns to them.

“I just realized that I haven’t asked your names yet.”

“My name is Aloe, sir.”

“And I’m Vera, sir.”

“You two can just call me ‘Arc’.”

Aloe gasps. “Forgive us, sir! But that just wouldn’t be proper!”

Vera nods. “Yes! What would the other inmates think?!”

“If it bothers you that much, just call me ‘sir’ then.”

“Yes sir.”

“That we can do, sir.”

They continue on in silence for a time. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“So… what are you two in for?”

Aloe grimaces. “We… killed our parents.”

Vera bows her head. “Not proud of it, but we did.”

“Why?”

“They were both wanted criminals with long rap sheets.”

“Let’s just say they weren’t the best role models for us.”

“We were taught that if you want something bad enough, you should be able to just take it.”

“Our dad’s final lesson was on that.”

Arc raises and eyebrow. “Oh?”

Aloe frowns. “He… was in the mood for some fun, and our mom wasn’t around.”

Vera grimaces. “So he tried to make me to… lift my tail for him.”

“I walked in just in time to see him force Vera’s back legs apart.”

“The next thing I knew there was a wet sounding thump. Suddenly blood was everywhere and Aloe was standing over our dad beating him with her hooves.”

Aloe sighs. “There wasn’t much left of him when I finally came to my senses.”

“That was when mom showed up.”

“She saw what I had done and came after me with a knife.”

“After what Aloe had done for me I couldn’t let that happen to her. So I grabbed a bottle and hit our mom in the head with all my might.”

“Problem was… the bottle was full at the time. So instead of it breaking, my mom’s head did.”

“We ran to get help, of course.”

“But there was nothing to be done for either of them.”

“During questioning we admitted to what we had done.”

“So we were sent here.”

Arc nods as they walk. “How long ago was that?”

“Three years ago.”

Aloe sighs. “Seventeen more to go.”

“At least we’re together.”

“Even when we had to do certain… things for the former king, the knowledge that we’d someday be free kept us going.”

“With luck, we’ll be able to stay together until we get out of here.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“NOW!”

Three burly stallions jump out of the shadows and lunge at Arc. Moving like lightning, Aloe and Vera both engage a target and start beating them. The largest one moves to take on Arc personally. Shaking his head, the young man punches the stallion in the head. He falls to the ground, unconscious. Seeing their leader fall, the stallions turn tail and run away. Aloe and Vera move to give chase as Arc calls out after them.

“No, let them go.”

Aloe turns back, confused. “Sir?”

Arc grabs the stallion he felled earlier and grins.

“This is all the information we need right here. Follow me.”

A short time later they arrive at the room with a large pool of water. The mares look around, confused.

“The Welcome Room?”

“What are we doing here, sir?”

“Welcome Room, eh? Well, we’re going to wash away some filth.”

Throwing the stallion into the pool, he quickly regains consciousness.

“What the…?!”

Looking up, he sees Arc staring at him. Trying to swim away he backs up into a wall before turning back to the man before him.

“Wha-what do you want?!”

“Information.”

“Huh?!”

“Why did you attack me?”

“We… we just wanted to… um… increase our rank in this place! You know… being in charge is better than being an underling!”

Aloe turns to Arc. “Many attack the king, sir.”

Vera nods. “It’s why he has us following him around. To weed out the weak.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t believe him.”

“Sir?”

“The way he came at me. This one didn’t fight with determination, malice, or desire in his eyes.”

“Then why did he…?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Fear.”

He looks to the stallion again.

“Who put you up to this?”

“I… I can’t say, sir! She’ll kill me!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. "Her... interesting."

Aloe turns to Arc. “Regardless of what this worm says, it was most likely the former king attempting to retake his throne.”

Vera nods. “He throws a few weaklings at you in hopes one of them gets lucky. If they win, Buffalo Bull regains his throne.”

“If they fail, he hasn’t lost anything of value.”

Arc nods as he chuckles at the stallion before him. “Clever of him, don’t you think?”

“What are you going to do to me?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. Normally I’d say you should be locked up. But… I suppose for you that would be rather… redundant.”

Aloe grits her teeth. “We should confront Buffalo Bull about this at once, sir!”

Vera nods fervently. “Yes! Then we could take care of that vermin for good!”

“I suppose that wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

He looks back to the stallion.

“You. Get over here.”

The stallion quickly does what he is told as Arc looks around the room.

“Am… am I free to go, sir?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. You still need to be punished for your crimes against me.”

“I… I do?!”

“Yes. Your sentence will be…”

Arc gestures to the room around them before continuing.

“…to clean this room from top to bottom.”

“…what?”

“You heard me. Make it shine.”

He points to the pool.

“Especially this thing!”

“How…?”

“Drain it, scrub it, refill it.”

“But that’s too big a job for one stallion, sir!”

“Agreed. Go find you companions from earlier. I want them to help you with this task.”

“Y-yes sir.”

He runs out the door as Arc turns to the mares.

“So where do I find Buffalo Bull?”

Aloe gestures to the door. “He’s usually working out before breakfast.”

“Where?”

Vera nods toward the corridor. “This way, sir.”

The pair lead Arc down numerous dank hallways. Eventually they come to a large double door. Pushing them open exposes a massive room filled with rudimentary workout equipment. Buffalo Bull is lifting weights in the corner with his lieutenants surrounding him. Arc walks over to them flanked by Aloe and Vera. As they approach Buffalo Bull glares at them.

“What do YOU want?!”

“Just to talk.”

“It isn’t enough that you dethroned me?! Now you want a dialogue?! I don’t have time for your nonsense.”

He motions for his lieutenants to step forward. Arc clenches a fist as they do so.

“Now listen here. I already took you guys down yesterday at chow time. Now I have reinforcements. You really want to do this?”

They look to one another and step back nervously. Buffalo Bull grits his teeth and looks at his weights.

“Good help is so hard to find these days.”

Winding up, he heaves a weight at Arc.

“DUCK!”

The mares drop to the floor as Arc grabs the weight in one hand. Using its momentum he does a 360 and hurls it back at Buffalo Bull. Catching it, the stallion flies back into the concrete wall. Arc motions for the mares to stay with the lieutenants as he steps toward his target.

“Now then, are you ready to talk?”

Buffalo grits his teeth as he rubs his chest. “What about?!”

“Three punks attacked me in the corridor earlier. Said something about being put up to it by someone. I wonder whom that could have been.”

“And you think I did it?”

Arc shrugs. “If the boot fits…”

Buffalo Bull scoffs. “Believe me, if I wanted you taken down, I’d have sent the brightest and the best. Like my lieutenants over there.”

Arc looks over to the stallions. One of them caresses Aloe’s cheek as she instinctively draws back. Frowning, Arc picks up a nearby water bucket. Dumping its contents on the floor, he hurls it toward the stallion in question. It hits him squarely in the head, knocking him across the room. The others look to Arc fearfully as he speaks.

“Keep your hooves off of them.”

They take a step back from the mares as Arc continues.

“Anyone touches you again, make them regret it.”

The mares nod as Arc turns back to Buffalo Bull

“So you’re saying you didn’t put out a hit on me?”

Buffalo rolls his eyes. “Yes, I believe that’s what I was just trying VERY hard to explain to you!”

“I’m inclined to agree.”

“You are?”

Arc nods. “Oh yes. After all, it wouldn’t do for you to send weak opponents after me. We’re all locked up in here together. That and I always know where to find you.”

Buffalo Bull grimaces as Arc gestures to the mares.

“You miss them?”

“Certain parts, yes.”

Arc frowns. “They tell me you saved them from the other prisoners.”

“That I did.”

“But you also made them do certain… other things.”

“They had to pay for my services somehow.”

“Well, they’re mine now. You have a problem with that?”

“No. I’m sure they’ll do whatever you tell them to.”

“I’ve already discovered that. But in any case, I do want to remind you to stay out of trouble.”

Buffalo scoffs and looks away. “Whatever. You’re the boss now.”

“And don’t you forget it.”

Turning, he heads for the door. Motioning for the mares to follow him, they close the doors behind them as the stallions turns to Buffalo Bull.

“What now, sir?”

Buffalo Bull stands up slowly. “We need to get out of here.”

“Sir?”

“Somepony’s got that freak in their sights. Something happens to him and he’ll come right back here to me.”

“But we didn’t do anything!”

“Right. However I have the most to gain from him getting whacked! Naturally he’s suspicious of me!”

He heads for the door.

“Let’s go back to my room. I need to do some plotting and planning.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the mares walk down the corridor together. Aloe turns to him.

“Sir, why didn’t we just take care of that problem right then and there?”

Vera nods. “Yes, it’s obvious he’s behind that attack.”

Arc frowns. “I’m not so sure about that.”

“Sir?”

“It’s too convenient. And he was right back there. If he was going to come after me it wouldn’t make sense to attack with weaklings. He’d do best to come at me with everything he had when I least expected it.”

Vera shudders. “So who’s really behind this then?”

“No idea. But that punk we interrogated was sure scared of them.”

Aloe grimaces. “Somepony powerful on the outside?”

Arc sighs. “That’s a scary thought. It’d be a lot of trouble to organize something like that from the outside without getting caught I would think.”

Vera nods. “Extremely, sir. Everything that is sent down here is heavily monitored to prevent such things.”

“How about the guards?”

Aloe shakes her head. “Personally vetted by the warden.”

Vera grins. “And they’re watched too.”

“So it’s impossible to get messages or whatnot back and forth?”

“No sir. There is a way.”

“How?”

Vera sighs. “Fortunate Ire.”

Arc groans. “Where is he?”

“In his room probably.”

“That little fink doesn’t get up until the breakfast call.”

“When is that?”

“Not for another hour, sir.”

“Well then, let’s go see him. Lead the way.”

Walking down numerous corridors, they eventually come to a very secure looking door. Arc looks it over for a moment.

“Paranoid much?”

Aloe shrugs. “Well, he does have quite a bit of product in there.”

Vera chuckles. “You want it, he can get it.”

“Yes, I’ve heard that. So… do we just knock?”

“We can, yes. But he won’t like being woken up.”

Arc shrugs. “And I don’t like someone coming after me either, but you don’t hear me complaining.”

“Understood, sir.”

The mares approach the door and bang their hooves. A few moments later the sound of stomping rings out as the occupant opens the sliding peephole and yells out.

“Hours are from after breakfast to lights out! Why can’t anypony…?!”

He gasps as Arc kneels down to his level and frowns.

“I’d like to have a chat.”

“Y-y-yessir! Right away!”

He closes the peephole. Immediately thereafter the sound of innumerable locks being fiddled with rings out. A full minute later the door opens and the stallion within steps aside to allow them entry.

“Come in, come in! What can I get for you today, sir!?”

Arc frowns as they enter. “I need some information.”

“On what, sir?”

“Three stallions tried to take me out a little while ago.”

Fortunate Ire nods soberly. “It was most likely Buffalo Bull, sir. He’d do anything to retake his throne.”

“I’m aware of that. But it got me thinking about something.”

“What would that be, sir?”

“How does one get messages into and out of the facility?”

Fortunate Ire grins. “I offer that service, sir. It’s normally at a fee, of course. But for you I’ll do it for free. Whom do you want to contact?”

“No one really. But how would one get a message from the outside in?”

“I do that too.”

“How?”

“Professional secret, sir.”

“Any incoming messages from mares?”

Fortunate Ire nods. “Lots, sir. Mostly just marefriends and wives of prisoners though. Although I get the occasional sister or cousin too.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You have a radio, don’t you?”

Fortunate Ire sighs and nods.

“Let me see it.”

Walking to his bunk, Fortunate Ire presses a hidden button in the frame. The mattress raises and the boards which hold it up lower down into a makeshift ladder.

“This way. But there isn’t room for everypony.”

Arc turns to the mares. “You two stay up here. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Leading Arc down into an underground room, he walks over to a small table and puts his hoof on a makeshift radio connected to a rather strange looking computer.

“Here it is, sir.”

“That’s… really impressive. But how did you get all that stuff past the guards?”

“Professional secret, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Of course it is. So how’s this thing work?”

“I receive transmissions via radio waves. This computer translates them into text for me in real time.”

A light comes on and the computer boots up.

“Looks like I’m getting something.”

A printer below the computer spits out a page. Fortunate Ire picks it up and reads it silently as he grins.

“Wow.”

“What is it?”

“A very… colorful letter to one of the stallions.”

He holds it out to Arc. Reading it over, he blushes before giving it back.

“They’re very… descriptive.”

Fortunate Ire grins. “Yeah, that’s pretty normal. After all, being separated from each other is very hard long term as far as sexual health goes.”

“In any case, can you pull up past messages?”

Fortunate Ire nods. “Sure. But they’re mostly like this one.”

He leers at Arc before continuing.

“Looking for a little something to spice up your alone time, sir?”

“Not exactly. I want to see copies of any… how shall I put this… non-sexual messages.”

“Oh. Well, that narrows it down a bit. Can you be a bit more descriptive though?”

“Anything that sounds out of the ordinary then.”

“Um… anything?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Yes.”

“Anything at all?”

“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”

Fortunate Ire sighs. “Well… the king, I mean… Buffalo Bull gets a lot of coded messages.”

“Coded how?”

“They’re just worded really weird. But I can’t give them to you.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“Because he’d kill me!”

Arc clenches a fist silently as he narrows his eyes. Fortunate Ire sighs as he turns back to the computer.

“But I suppose that’s preferable to being killed right now.”

Arc nods. “Smart move.”

Pushing a few keys, the printer spits out a piece of paper. Picking it up, Fortunate Ire gives it to Arc whom reads it aloud.

“The shipment of red sticks you requested has been delivered to the normal place. No witnesses. Payment has been remitted via the normal means and we await your next message.”

He looks to Fortunate Ire.

“Red sticks?”

“Contraband in here has special names. ‘Red Sticks’ means licorice.”

“So you’re telling me that Buffalo Bull took the time to pay someone to bring him licorice?”

Fortunate Ire nods. “Yup. He must really like the stuff too. I got in a whole crate of it earmarked just for him.”

“A crate of licorice?”

“Everyone has their needs.”

“Any other messages?”

“Yeah. Here’s one.”

Printing another page, Arc takes it and looks it over.

“Now he’s getting bricks?”

“Code for ‘chocolate bars’. That one was a lot smaller package though. But it was HEAVY!”

“Any idea why?”

Fortunate Ire shrugs. “None.”

“But you’re sure it was chocolate?”

“That’s what the box said, yes.”

“Did you open it to see?”

Fortunate Ire shakes his head. “Not a chance. Buffalo Bull would’ve knocked my head in for that!”

“So you don’t really know for sure that it was chocolate?”

“Sir, a stallion in my position just gives his clients what they want. It doesn’t make sense for me to question things when they’re happy with a delivery. Especially when they’re roughly the size of a building and specifically tell me not to.”

“So Buffalo Bull told you he didn’t want you verifying the goods beforehand?”

“Exactly. Granted, I’m a professional and do my best to make sure every order is filled properly. That means verifying what’s in the box is the same as what’s on the label. Just not in his case as per his wishes.”

“Makes sense. Anything else come across as weird to you?”

“Just one more thing. Take a look at this.”

Printing another paper, he gives it to Arc. Reading it, the young man scratches his head.

“He asked for sand? I mean, I know that isn’t what it is, but…”

“Code for sleeping pills. He got a really big bottle in a while back.”

“Huh… insomnia.”

He turns and looks up the ladder at the mares waiting for him.

“Does Buffalo Bull have trouble sleeping?”

Aloe shakes her head. “No, sir.”

Vera shudders. “If anything he pretty much fell asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow… er, me. That is, when he wasn’t rutting us.”

Arc turns back to Fortunate Ire. “Could he be stockpiling it to parcel out to others?”

“No way. I’m everypony’s supplier down here. That and he wouldn’t lower himself to a common merchant. His words, not mine.”

“Anything else you can tell me?”

“One other thing. A while back he got in a LOT of canned goods.”

“Define ‘a lot’.”

“He could survive on that for a month.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So either he’s a grade A-1 weirdo or he’s up to something.”

“Like what?”

“No idea. Those things don’t really have much to do with one another. Well, other than being food, that is.”

Fortunate Ire shrugs. “He could just be turning into a doomsday prepper.”

“No necessarily a bad idea. But not so practical in prison.”

“So… you satisfied?”

“Not really. I didn’t really learn anything of value here today.”

Aloe sighs. “What now, sir?”

Vera grins. “You could just ask Buffalo Bull forcefully. Beat the truth out of him.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t really think that would work. After all, he’d just say whatever I wanted to hear to make me stop.”

“Then what should we do, sir?”

Fortunate Ire shudders. “Whatever you do, please don’t tell him I was the one who let the beans slip.”

Vera raises an eyebrow. “The what?”

Arc chuckles. “Spilled the beans.”

Fortunate Ire frowns. “Whatever that means.”

“It means… aw, skip it.”

Fortunate Ire rubs his hooves together greedily. “In any case, can I interest you in anything today, sir?”

“Like what?”

“I just got some rope in.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not planning on escaping if that’s what you mean.”

Fortunate Ire points a hoof. “Naw, I mean for tying up your mares there.”

“Why would I…?”

Aloe sighs. “Buffalo Bull used to like doing that.”

Vera nods. “Yeah. He’d tie my front hooves to the headboard and tell Aloe to lie down under me, belly to belly.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

“He said he wanted Aloe to… feel every thrust he made into me.”

“That and he got a kick out of various… uh… liquids coating both of us.”

Fortunate Ire grins slyly. “I can acquire any toys or restrains you’d like for them, sir.”

Arc sighs as he turns and climbs the makeshift ladder out of the tunnel. “Not interested.”

Fortunate Ire calls out as he does the same. “Well, you know where to find me if you change your mind.”

Arc opens the door and steps out into the corridor with the mares. Sighing, he walks down the hall.

“Something wrong, sir?”

“You seem a bit upset.”

“It’s not your fault. I was just hoping to get a lead on whatever Buffalo Bull was planning.”

He turns to Vera.

“But I think I will take your suggesting from earlier.”

“Sir?”

“About asking Buffalo Bull what the heck he’s doing with all that stuff.”

Aloe rubs her front hooves together as she smiles wickedly. “Would you like some help with that, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. I’m just planning on talking to him.”

Vera frowns. “He probably won’t let it stay civil though, sir.

“That… is up to him.”

Chapter 8 - Early Release

Arc returns to his room with Aloe and Vera. They close the door and look to him.

“Did you find out what you wanted to know, sir?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“What would you have us do?”

Arc flops down on the couch and stares out at the ceiling.

“Nothing.”

Aloe appears confused. “Nothing sir?”

Arc nods. “Absolutely nothing at all.”

Vera shrugs. “If… that’s what you desire, that’s what we’ll do, sir.”

“And you won’t ask why?”

“No, sir.”

Arc looks to Vera. “But you’re not curious as to what Buffalo Bull said?”

“We are, sir. However it’s not our place to…”

“There’s going to be an escape.”

Aloe raises an eyebrow. “From…?”

“Here.”

Vera gasps. “But… but there’s never been a successful escape from The Pit, sir!”

“First time for everything.”

“Yes sir.”

“Buffalo Bull’s organizing it. He’s going to facilitate some kind of breakout tonight.”

Vera looks to him nervously. “Should we prepare to…?”

“We’re not going anywhere.”

“Sir?”

“It’s just… look, you two will stay with me during… whatever’s going to happen.”

Vera turns to him, quizzically. “Don’t you want to leave though, sir?”

“Not really, no.”

“Really, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “That and it’s like I was told before. There’s never been a successful escape from The Pit. Why would this attempt be any different?”

“So we’re to continue guarding you while everypony else escapes?”

“Yes. Believe me when I say that you will be safest with me.”

Meanwhile, Buffalo Bull and his lieutenants sit around a small table. He puts a crate of licorice down and opens it. Setting an inner box from within it on the table gently he turns to the other stallions.

“Here it is, boys. The culmination of a month’s planning.”

“Candy, sir?”

Buffalo Bull rolls his eyes. “Yes, you idiot. We’re going to break out by giving it to the guards.”

“Is it poisoned?”

“Some kind of sleeping drug, sir?”

“It’d have to be powerful to…”

Buffalo Bull groans. “That was sarcasm! Look!”

Removing a stick of licorice he sets it down on the table. Pulling out a knife, he carefully cuts one end off before turning it and pouring a black powder into an empty tin can with a fruit label attached to it.

“Everypony do what I just did. We need to get this thing going.”

“What are we doing though, sir?”

“Yeah, boss. It just looks like we’re filling cans with pepper.”

“Well, that ‘pepper’ as you call it is actually gunpowder.”

“Sir?”

“It’s part of my plan, knucklehead. We’re going out with a bang!”

“But those cans aren’t nearly powerful enough to blast a hole in the wall, sir.”

“Yeah. Worst they’ll do is stain it black.”

“You dummies just let me do the thinking here. I’ve accounted for everything.”

Later that day as the sun begins to set, Virtuous Lance stands behind his desk looking out the window. A small knock rings out.

“Come in.”

The door opens and Spitfire walks in. Approaching the desk, she salutes before speaking.

“I’ve just received word that the Scarlet Filly and her forces have taken their ordered positions outside the wall.”

“Very good.”

“Sir, I just want to go on record as saying this is not the proper way to conduct an operation.”

“Agreed.”

“Then why…?!”

Virtuous Lance turns back to his desk and sits down. “Because it was on orders from the Hero of Light, lieutenant.”

“But sir…!”

“We’re soldiers. Following orders is what we do.”

“We don’t even know where this information came from though!”

“That’s right, we don’t. In my opinion this entire situation is nothing but hot air. Rumors and hearsay, nothing more.”

“Then why are there soldiers out there lying in wait?!”

“Because on the off chance this thing is real they need to be ready to act.”

“And we’re just supposed to stay here and do nothing?!”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Incorrect. We are to do our jobs and carry on as if we knew nothing was amiss.”

“Yes sir.”

“With any luck, this will all be over before the sun rises.”

“Assuming there really is something going on.”

“Either way, yes.”

Sometime later there is a knock on Arc’s door. Aloe moves to answer it, but Arc holds up a hand. Standing, he walks over and opens the door. Standing on the other side is Buffalo Bull, frowning.

“We need to talk.”

“Fine. Come in.”

Buffalo Bull steps inside and turns to Aloe and Vera.

“Alone.”

Arc looks to the mares. “Head to the bedroom you two.”

Nodding, they do as they are told. Buffalo Bull grins as he turns to Arc.

“You have to admit. Those two have some nice flanks.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “In any case… why are you here?”

“Because I’m hoping to secure a bit of an insurance policy.”

“Sorry. This window’s closed.”

“We could use your help here.”

Arc chuckles as he sits down on the couch. “Doing what? Escaping?”

“Yes. It’s going down very soon.”

“Do what you want. I’m staying right here.”

“Even though we could all get away?! Disappear without a trace into the night?!”

“I’m good.”

Buffalo Bull grits his teeth. “You’re making this harder than it has to be.”

“Then why don’t you just spit out exactly what it is you want me to do?”

“Cards on the table. Fine.”

Sitting down, the stallion removes a paper and pencil. He begins drawing hastily as he speaks.

“Tonight at supper my lieutenants will be planting a high powered explosive device on the wall here.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “In the courtyard?”

“Yes. It’s the one place both stallions and mares have access to.”

“So everyone’s going to be eating with a bomb next to them?!”

“In a manner of speaking. It’ll be inactive until just after we finish eating. At that time somepony will press a button to start the timer.”

“How long will you and the others have to get away?”

“Two minutes. Then the bomb goes off and takes out most of the outer wall.”

“What about the safety of everyone else?”

“They’ll be in the corridors waiting for the elevators, which I’ll have sabotaged beforehoof.”

“How?”

“Another of my lieutenants will have the power cut to the elevators. That way nopony gets stuck in The Pit or on the elevator after the blast. And they’ll be safe from any shrapnel from the bomb.”

Arc nods. “Everyone runs out of the corridors and back into the courtyard where a large hole will be opened up to the outside.”

“Right.”

“And the guards are just going to let you do this?”

Buffalo Bull shakes his head. “I’ve got a separate plan for them.”

“Do tell.”

“We’ve ‘damaged’ the pipes leading to The Pit. Right now we’re on the emergency backup supply.”

“And that helps you how?”

“Because it means a certain prisoner has been sent to the mechanical room to fix it. He’s already dumped a bunch of crushed up sleeping pills into the water softener by now. A majority of the guards will be getting punchy by suppertime.”

“Won’t they just drink more coffee?”

“I’ve had somepony switch it with decaf. That and they brew it with water from the tap.”

“So the more they drink the more sleeping pills they’ll ingest.”

“Right.”

“And the guards that don’t go down to that?”

“I’ve filled a number of tin cans with gunpowder in one of the supply rooms. That extra-long fuse will be lit as soon as the call for supper goes out.”

“The guards hear it and order everyone back to the elevators as they run to check it out.”

“By the time they get there, the real explosion will be going off. They’ll be too far away to stop us by then.”

“What’s this so-called ‘real explosion’?”

“At lunch we placed a few packs of candy bars under one of the benches.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Must be some really special candy.”

“Those ‘candy bars’ are actually C-4. When they blow it’ll take a large chunk of the wall with it.”

“And you want me there to do what?”

“Insure that no guards follow us.”

Arc scoffs. “Right. I’m totally willing to commit a crime to help a bunch of criminals escape.”

“You’re the one whom said you wanted to stay.”

“I’m not helping you with this.”

“If you won’t help, would you at least give me your word that you won’t interfere?”

“Fine. That much I can agree to.”

“Thanks. We’ll take care of the rest then.”

“I’m sure you will.”

“This’ll probably be the last time we see each other then.”

Arc frowns. “I hope so anyways.”

“Likewise. But I do want to know one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Is it true what happened to Cherry?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re still thinking about her?!”

“Of course! A beautiful mare like that is one in a million!”

“Well, that would depend on what you were told.”

“I heard that her funeral was held some time ago in Dodge Junction. Is that true?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. She’s gone.”

“How?”

“Murder.”

Buffalo Bull seethes. “I’ll hunt down the dog whom dared to take such a pure maiden from me! Who was it?!”

“A stallion named General Wind Rider. And don’t worry about avenging her. I already did that.”

“Did you now? Are you sure it stuck?”

“Very. A blade to the chest and I watched him die.”

“Good. I now have a bit of respect for you.”

“Thanks, I guess. But I didn’t think you were still carrying a torch for her.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Aloe and Vera.”

“I don’t get your meaning.”

Arc clenches a fist. “You were using them as sexual pincushions!”

“It was consensual. A stallion’s got needs, after all.”

“Yeah, they told me all about that.”

“What are you gonna do about it?”

Arc looks away. “Nothing right now. But let’s just say that you and I’d better not cross paths again. Ever.”

“Fine. When I get out of here I’m heading to Dodge Junction though.”

Arc frowns. “What for?”

Buffalo sighs. “To lay a dozen roses at Cherry’s grave. I know she was buried on her property, after all.”

“Then why did you ask…?”

“Because I had to hear it from one of the only individuals that knew for sure.”

He looks away before speaking again.

“I… I loved her.”

Arc nods soberly. “That makes two of us.”

“What?”

“We were engaged to be married.”

“None of that matters now though.”

Standing, Buffalo Bull groans and heads for the door. “Goodbye. I hope we never meet again.”

Arc watches as the stallion leaves the room. He sits there for a long moment before calling out.

“Aloe! Vera! You can come out now!”

The bedroom door opens and the mares cautiously walk out. Aloe appears nervous.

“Is he gone?”

“Yes.”

Vera shudders and looks to Arc. “Might we ask what he wanted?”

“My help with his escape plan.”

Aloe appears hopeful. “Did you promise it to him?”

“No. We’re still staying right here.”

Vera sighs. “Yes sir.”

“Although I do want to ask you two something.”

“Sir?”

“How do you feel about Buffalo Bull?”

“He’s a pig!”

“The lowest!”

“What should happen to him?”

Aloe appears confused. “Happen?”

“I mean, if you could press charges on him, would you?”

“No sir.”

“Right. We had a deal.”

“He protected us, and we allowed him to use us as he saw fit.”

Vera blushes slightly. “And we did like it. Well, most of it.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Let’s drop this conversation while we wait then.”

Aloe grimaces. “Wait for what?”

“Supper.”

A short while later they hear the sounds of hooves walking down the corridor. Aloe looks to him.

“Shall we be off, sir?”

Arc nods. “I suppose we should.”

Vera turns to him. “Something wrong, sir?”

“Not exactly. The escape is about to take place.”

“What should we…?”

“Just do as I tell you to and everything will be fine.”

Leaving the room, Arc and the mares join the others on their walk. Riding the elevator, they come to the top and start walking toward the courtyard. Stepping to one side Arc motions for Aloe and Vera to do the same. As the last stallion passes them he turns to lean against the wall. Aloe frowns and turns to Arc.

“What now, sir?”

“Don’t move.”

Vera sighs. “No supper?”

“Everyone will be back soon enough.”

A few moments later the sound of what could be gunfire echoes through the corridors. An alarm goes off as the stallions begin quickly rushing back inside the corridor. Arc spots Buffalo Bull nodding to one of his lieutenants. They stand on the elevator waiting for it to move, but it does not. In short order there is a ground shattering blast as the plastic explosives detonate. Pieces of the wall rain down for a full ten seconds before Buffalo Bull runs to stand in front of the group.

“The wall is down! Follow me to freedom, everypony!”

Cheering, the stallions run after Buffalo Bull. As they enter the courtyard the mare side runs out to join them. Jumping, pushing, and generally trying to get ahead of the others everyone makes their way outside the walls. Arc, Aloe, and Vera walk out of the corridor and watch. Arc sighs and shakes his head.

“They’ll never make it.”

Aloe appears confused. “Sir?”

“We’re a couple week’s walk from the nearest town. That and I’m sure Vanhoover will be on high alert for a while.”

Vera sighs. “Some of them would have been here for the rest of their lives otherwise. So for them it’s worth the risk.”

Aloe shudders. “I suppose it is. But I’d hate to die of hunger, thirst, or exposure to the elements.”

A small contingent of guards flies down into the courtyard led by Spitfire. They run over to the trio, weapons at the ready.

“What are you DOING?!”

Arc shrugs. “Waiting for supper.”

“Don’t give me that! I know you masterminded this!”

“Oh? Then why am I still here?”

“I don’t know! But I’ll figure it out later!”

She motions for her soldiers to follow. They fly through the hole in the wall as the sounds of a scuffle rings out. Aloe gasps.

“It sounds like the guards are already after everypony!”

“Not everypony’s going to make it back alive!”

Arc nods. “Right. That’s why I was so insistent that you two not leave.”

Aloe gasps. “You… you saved our lives!”

Vera grins. “We’ll be part of the few whom can walk away from this unscathed.”

“I told you I’d keep you safe, and I did.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Vera smiles at him seductively. “When this is over, we’d love to show you our… appreciation.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Aloe leans against him. “Are you certain, sir? We’re quite good at what we…”

A mare’s scream rings out. Arc and the pair turn to see Spitfire attempting to crawl back through the hole and back into the courtyard. A sizable wound in her side is visible for but a moment before several sets of hooves grab onto her and drag her back outside. Arc frowns and runs toward the hole as he turns to the mares. Arc frowns as he turns to Aloe and Vera.

“Stay here! I’ll be right back!”

Charging through the wall, Arc spies two stallions over Spitfire. One hoofs her in the head, knocking her out. Meanwhile the other grabs her uniform and rips it down the center, exposing her chest fur. Rolling the unconscious mare onto her belly, one of them holds Spitfire’s tail up as the other gets into position behind her. As he is about to… you know… the stallion feels a hand on his own tail. Looking back, he has but a moment to see Arc’s angry face before being forcefully pulled back. Throwing him like a ragdoll at his companion, the pair land in a heap and do not rise. Turning back to the unconscious mare, Arc tears a sleeve from his jumpsuit. He presses it to her side to slow the bleeding before picking her up and heading back to the courtyard. Aloe and Vera look at him confused as he lays her down on the ground in front of them.

“Sir, what are you…?”

“Keep pressure on her wound! We have to slow the bleeding or she won’t make it!”

“But she’s a…!”

“DO IT!”

The mares quickly move to obey. Arc pulls the remains of Spitfire’s uniform off of her body and begins going through the pockets. Aloe frowns.

“Sir, is this really the time to be doing that?!”

Arc nods frantically. “Yeah! Come on, where is it…?!”

A few moment later he pulls a keycard from one of the pockets.

“Now I just need to find a place to use this!”

Vera gasps. “That should open an emergency egress ladder!”

Aloe points a hoof. “The card reader for it is over there!”

Running toward it, Arc scans the card. A number of rungs slide neatly out of the wall. Climbing them up to the catwalk overhead he looks around before choosing a direction.

“Gotta get Spitfire some help!”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 9 - Checking Out

Arc hurries down the abandoned corridors. Spotting unconscious guards every so often, he sighs.

“Buffalo Bull really did think of everything.”

As he runs, Arc calls out to his thrall.

“Scootaloo! Are you there?!”

“Kinda busy right now, Big Brother!”

“How are things going out there?!”

“We’ve established a perimeter! Nopony’s getting away from us!”

“Are you sure?!”

“It’s just a matter of time now! How about you?!”

“I’m looking for some medical help for a lieutenant!”

“Need help in there?!”

“No, don’t blow your cover! Stick to the plan!”

“Yes sir!”

“And be careful out there! Remember, the sun’s still up so no Crimson powers right now!”

“I’ll be fine! Watch your back in there!”

Arc severs the connection as he reaches the medical facilities. Grabbing a first-aid kit and a few other thing he begins the run back. However as he nears the catwalk overlooking the courtyard the security shutters in front of him close suddenly, blocking his advance.

“Great! Now what?!”

Looking around for a moment, he spots a card reader. Swiping Spitfire’s card the reader’s light remains red. He frowns.

“I guess I’ll need the warden to release the lockdown. Or at the very least his keycard.”

Turning, Arc runs in the general direction of the wardens office. Eventually coming to it, he tries the knob. Finding it locked, he puts his shoulder into it. A few good blows later the door is ripped from its hinges and falls to the floor.

“Virtuous Lance! Are you in here?!”

Looking around, Arc finds the light switch and flicks it on as he enters the now lit office and calls out again.

“Anyone in…!”

Arc stops talking as he spies a trail of blood snaking its way away from the desk. Running behind it he spots Virtuous Lance on the floor holding his side and facing the wall. Opening the med kit, Arc gets to work trying to stop the bleeding. Groaning, the warden attempts to raise his head.

“Who… who’s there?!”

“Hero of Light Arc, sir! What happened?!”

“I… don’t really know. One moment I was standing up to answer a persistent knock at my office door. The next… something flew through my window and… and stabbed me.”

“Who was it, sir?!”

“Don’t know. Not a… pony though. Had magic and… and carried a… weapon of some kind with it.”

“We’ll figure this mess out, sir! Just let me see if I can do something about all that bleeding!”

Arc presses a piece of gauze to the wound and applies pressure. The warden cries out in agony as he does so.

“What… what happened… out there…?!”

“A prison break. Everyone in The Pit is loose.”

“Did you see… my lieutenant out there?”

“Yeah. She was hurt pretty bad.”

“N-no! You left… her?!”

“A couple mares are looking after her. I went for medical supplies to help treat her wounds, but got stopped by a security shutter.”

“How… bad?”

“Not nearly as bad as you.”

Virtuous Lance points a hoof toward his desk. “You can… release the lockdown… from my… terminal.”

“Sure. Just let me finish…”

“Hurry!”

“Fine.”

Arc rushes over to the computer. He looks over the screen for a few moments before turning back to the warden.

“What’s your password?!”

“It’s… ‘the light of day’. All… one word.”

Typing, Arc gains access. The screen shows red all over it as Arc turns back to Virtuous Lance.

“What now?!”

“Security tab.”

Locating it, Arc presses a few buttons. A few moments later he finds an option marked ‘courtyard’ and presses it. A popup informs him that the area is in lockdown. After going through a double prompt, he is able to disable it. Down the corridor the sound of a door sliding open rings out.

“I think that did it.”

Meanwhile, Aloe and Vera tie a knot in the makeshift bandage wrapped around Spitfire’s waist. Moaning, she slowly opens her eyes and looks around.

“Where…?”

Aloe frowns. “Please lie still.”

Vera nods. “Yes, you’ve been badly injured.”

Spitfire looks over to see the mares in orange jumpsuits standing over her. She instinctively jumps back to put some distance between them. Crying out in pain, she holds her side and moans.

“What… did you two do to me?!”

“We’re trying to help you.”

“Yes, our boss told us to.”

They step forward slowly. Spitfire spots the emergency egress ladder and rushes up it. Reaching the top she presses a button to retract it before limping down the corridor as she mutters to herself.

“I… I’m coming, general!”

Meanwhile, Arc steps away from the computer and hurries back to Virtuous Lance’s side.

“We need to call for help! How do we do that?!”

“It’s… automatic. Canterlot… has already been… notified of this… breech.”

“Can I send for medical help now?”

“Panic button… to the left of the… computer. Under… desk.”

Arc looks under the desk. Spotting a small, white button he presses it a few times before looking over to the warden.

“Now what?”

“Control room… will send somepony. We just… wait.”

Sitting down, Arc rips off another section of his prison jumpsuit and presses it to the stallion’s wounds.

“Come on! Stay with me, general!”

“Getting… cold.”

“Help’s on the way! Just hang on a bit longer!”

“They’re… a ways out. Emergency will have… them scrambling… other places.”

He reaches up and grabs the tatters of Arc’s jumpsuit as he looks him in the eye.

“Listen. You… need to do… something… for me.”

“What is it?”

“I… I know you’re innocent… of the charges… against you. Somepony… wanted you gone… out of the way for… some reason.”

Arc nods. “Decimus and Celestia.”

“Find proof. Stop them. Protect… Equestria. Protect… Celestia. Protect… look out…!”

Arc turns just in time to see a glowing horn. A split second later he is violently thrown across the room and into a wall. Before he can act, Arc takes a massive blow to the gut, knocking the wind out of him and forcing him to the ground. Looking up, Arc feels a massive weight over top of him and hears a familiar voice coming from it.

“Stay down.”

“Kane?! What are you…?!”

“Observe.”

Arc looks to Virtuous Lance lying next to his desk. A familiar mare walks over to the wounded stallion.

“Sunset Shimmer?!”

“One moment.”

Pulling a spear to herself, Sunset deftly manipulates it with her magic. It’s point pierces Virtuous Lance’s chest. With a gasp, he stops breathing as Sunset turns her attention back to Arc.

“Now then… where were we?”

Arc seethes as he struggles to breathe under Kane’s weight. “Sunset… why?!”

“Why? Why what?”

“He… didn’t do anything to you!”

“You’re right.”

“Then… why…?!”

“…did I kill him? Why, my dear hairless ape, that’s where you’re mistaken.”

“Huh?”

Sunset smiles wickedly as she drops the Spear of Righteousness next to Virtuous Lance’s dead body.

“You were the one whom killed him.”

“But I…!”

Kane nods. “That will be the logical conclusion from whomever arrives next.”

Sunset sighs as she turns to look at the stallion. “It’s a shame we arrived just a few moments too late to save him.”

Kane looks down at Arc. “Fortunately we were able to capture his murderer.”

Sunset nods and walks over to Arc. Kneeling down on her fetlocks, she looks him in the eye and pats his cheek with a hoof as she smiles wickedly.

“Your time… is over.”

Hoofing Arc in the side of the head, she knocks him out. Kane casts a spell on him to make sure he stays that way as the sound of hoofsteps running haphazardly down the corridor rings out. A few moments later Spitfire hobbles into the room. Spotting Virtuous Lance, she half stumbles half falls to get to him.

“W-warden…? Can you hear me?”

Sunset sighs and shakes her head. “I’m sorry, miss, but he can’t.”

“What… happened?”

“I saw the door knocked open and ran in here to investigate with my partner here.”

Kane nods. “We entered just in time to see this human stab the warden in the chest.”

“While we were able to subdue him, your superior never stood a chance.”

Kane gestures to Arc’s unconscious form. “Rest assured, he will not get away from me.”

Spitfire lays a hoof on Virtuous Lance’s neck. Not feeling anything, she puts her head to his chest and listens. Tears begin to form in the corners of her eyes.

“He… he can’t be gone. General… get up!”

Virtuous Lance lays there motionless as Spitfire buries her face in his side and sobs.

“You were always the one whom believed in me! I can’t… I can’t go on without your guidance!”

Sunset Shimmer walks over to Spitfire and puts a hoof on her shoulder.

“I know this is a hard time for you. But you can’t fall into the jaws of depression and sadness right now.”

“What else do I have to live for?!”

Sunset points a hoof at Arc. “See to it your superior’s murderer is kept here securely so he can be brought to justice.”

Kane grins. “Indeed. And we shall assist you.”

Spitfire nods as she sits up and wipes her eyes. “I… I will, thank you.”

Walking over to the phone, she picks it up and dials a number.

“This is Lieutenant Spitfire. The warden has been murdered by one of the prisoners. Prepare… The Hole.”

She hangs up the phone and turns to the pair before her.

“It’s our most secure holding cell. He won’t be getting out of that one so easily.”

Looking to Arc, she seethes.

“I had wanted to keep him in there rather than ‘The Pit’. But… the general…”

Kane stands. “Good. Shall we carry him there now?”

Spitfire nods as two medics rush into the room and look over the warden. “One moment.”

They look over Virtuous Lance for a few minutes before stepping back and turning to Spitfire.

“I’m sorry, but there’s nothing we can do.”

“Understood. Have a team go over this room carefully before you move his body to the morgue. I’ll write a report and notify Canterlot of this matter first thing in the morning. One of you will follow me.”

They comply as Sunset Shimmer helps Kane load Arc onto his back. Walking out the door, Spitfire leads the way deeper into the prison. Sometime later they come to a large metal grate built into the floor. A small door in the center appears to be the only way in or out of the cylindrical cell. Two unicorn guards stand on either side of the grate. One produces a key as they approach and opens the door as the other waits patiently for them. Spitfire grabs Arc and tosses him toward the guards as she speaks.

“I’m going in.”

The guards nod and use their magic to lower Arc and Spitfire into The Hole. The cell is empty, save for a stone bed built into the floor and a hole in the wall that reeks of urine and feces. Landing, Spitfire picks up heavy duty chains and fastens them around Arc’s wrists and ankles. After looking them over to make sure everything is secure, she looks up at the guards.

“Send down the medic.”

Doing as they are told, the stallion is lowered down carefully as she continues to speak to the guards.

“Tighten the chains.”

Manipulating several levers, the chains are pulled into the wall to remove all the slack. The unconscious young man is left dangling a foot of so off the ground. Spitfire turns to the medic.

“Administer 30cc of adrenaline.”

“Ma’am?”

“I need to talk to him.”

Nodding, the medic complies. Pulling a shot from his pack he administers the treatment and steps back.

“Pull the medic up.”

The guards do so with their magic as Arc groans and looks around.

“What the…? Where am I?”

“Nice of you to wake up.”

“Lieutenant? What… happened?”

Stepping forward, Spitfire hoofs Arc in the side hard.

“Better?!”

“What was that for?!”

Spitfire hoofs Arc in the face a few times before stepping back angrily.

“For what you did this evening!”

“You’re mad that I saved you?!”

“YES! I mean, no! I…!”

She appears suddenly faint. The medic looks down at her and calls out.

“Ma’am, we really need to get you to the infirmary to get checked out.”

Sunset nods as she peers into the cell. “You should listen to him, miss.”

Kane grins. “This fool isn’t going anywhere.”

“Very… very well. Lift me out.”

The guards do so. Stepping forward the medic helps Spitfire down the corridor as Sunset looks down at Arc and smiles wickedly.

“Enjoy your stay, hero.”

She chuckles as Kane follows her. Arc grunts as he looks around.

“This… is clearly the worst situation yet.”

Sighing, he looks up at the guards.

“Uh… any chance you could lower me down.”

They say nothing.

“Come on! This is really uncomfortable!”

Unmoving, Arc frowns and leans back as best he’s able. He calls out telepathically.

“You still there, Scootaloo?”

“Yeah, Big Brother. We’ve recaptured all the prisoners and are waiting for reinforcements now. You okay?”

“Not really. They’ve put me in some kind of solitary confinement cell.”

“What?! Why?!”

“I’ve been blamed for killing the warden.”

“But you didn’t, right?!”

“No. Sunset Shimmer did that.”

“As soon as my relief comes I’ll head inside and get you out.”

“No, Scootaloo. You need to maintain your cover.”

“But what about you?!”

“I’ll be okay for a bit. But at much as I hate to admit it… I do think someone needs to come get me this time. Spitfire looked REALLY mad before she left.”

“Understood. I’ll contact Princess Twilight about it. See what we can figure out.”

“Good. I’ll try to get some rest until then.”

“Okay. We’ll get you out of there somehow, Big Brother.”

“I know you will.”

Cutting the connection, Arc does his best to rest. However he quickly finds being hung up by chains is less than comfortable. A short time later a guard enters the command tent and hurries over to Scootaloo as he salutes.

“Final count shows everypony accounted for, ma’am. Our reinforcements have just arrived and are now disembarking.”

“Good. We can’t let them get away at this point.”

“Also, your relief is here.”

“Show them in.”

Stepping outside, the guard returns with a mare in tow. She walks over to Scootaloo and salutes as the filly addresses her.

“I’m told you’re here to take over for me, miss…?”

“Sunset Shimmer. And yes, I’ll take care of things. You need to get back to Canterlot and report to Hero of Light Decimus.”

Scootaloo nods as she hurries out of the tent. “Yes, I’ll do that at once.”

Heading for the nearest transport, Scootaloo orders the pilot to get her back to Canterlot, post haste. Sunset looks up at the vessel as it flies away. Grinning, she turns to the prisoners lying on the ground and walks over to Buffalo Bull.

“Can I assume you’re the leader of this rabble?”

“Yeah. What of it?”

Sunset smiles as she looks to the soldiers around her. “Everypony, follow my lead.”

Pulling a knife from her belt, she deftly stabs Buffalo Bull in the belly. He falls to the ground as the rest of the guards step forward, spears in hoof. As the world around him dims, he closes his eyes to the sounds of screaming stallions and mares as they’re butchered where they stand. Eventually the cries die down as blood covers the ground. Sunset looks around approvingly as Kane approaches her.

“And that is how it’s done. No loose ends and nopony to testify on that hairless ape’s behalf.”

Kane appears confuse. “I don’t understand, mistress. Why let him live though? It would have been a simple matter to kill him in the warden’s office.”

Sunset frowns and turns away. “Because General Mustang says he still has his uses.”

Several hours later Arc shifts yet again in an attempt to find at least a bit of comfort. Hearing the sound of metal on stone, he looks up just in time to see a robed figure unlocking the cell door overhead. The chains around his wrists and ankles suddenly begin to loosen as one of the figures jumps down into The Hole. Arc eyes them suspiciously.

“Who… are you?”

“Someone who loves you.”

“Ember?!”

Throwing back her hood she smiles and plants a kiss on his lips. Turning her attention back to the shackles, Ember grabs them and deftly rips them apart. Another robed figure drops a rope to them as Ember turns to Arc.

“Can you climb?”

Arc shakes his head as he rubs his heavily bruised wrists. “I don’t think so.”

Ember grabs the rope. “Then we’ll pull you up.”

Tying the rope around Arc, she flies up and out of the hole. The other figure pulls him up. Reaching the top, he spots the unconscious guards as he rolls over to lie on his back looking up. Stooping down, they and another throw back their own hoods.

“Hey there, handsome. How’s prison?”

“Hammer?!”

“You know it!”

“But… how did you two get in here?! This is a maximum security prison!”

Ember grimaces. “We… had some help.”

Hammer jerks a thumb behind her to another robed individual. “Says she’s a friend who owed you one.”

“Calling me a ‘friend’ might be going a bit far.”

Tossing the hood back, Arc gasps.

“Tempest?!”

“So your vision still works. Lucky you.”

Calling forth Light’s Bane, she deftly slices the air in front of them to open a portal. Arc frowns as he looks at it.

“Where are we going?”

Tempest hefts her spear over her shoulder as she turns to him.

“Somewhere that isn’t here.”

Ember and Hammer put their arms around Arc’s back and help him through the dark portal as Tempest brings up the rear.

Preface - Volume 40 - Renegade Leaders

In our previous volume, Arc awakens bound and his eyes covered. Trying to move he is stopped by Sunset Shimmer and Kane. Revealing that he was captured, they tell Arc that he is being taken to Luna Bay Prison pending his trial. Arriving, he is processed and taken to the warden’s office. Finding the warden and his aide to be none other than Virtuous Lance and Spitfire, Arc makes a statement for the record of ‘not guilty’. Being taken to ‘the pit’, Arc is attacked numerous times before he finds his ‘room’. Before being able to settle in however he is visited by Fortunate Ire (yes, the pawnbroker from Volume 1). He explains the system to Arc and tells of his impending ‘baptism’, which is a fight to determine his rank in the prison.

Three burly stallions approach Arc. Defeating them each one by one earns him an ‘A’ rank amongst the prisoners. The stallions and Fortunate Ire lead him down a corridor to the King’s room. As he enters, two maids come to greet him. Not knowing what to think of him they scream and run away terrified. The King runs into the room to see the new prisoner himself. Arc immediately recognized him as Buffalo Bull from Dodge Junction. As the stallion attacks, Arc is able to effortlessly defeat him without so much as throwing a single punch. Returning to his own room he lies down and calls out to Scootaloo. Telling her where he is, Arc orders her to inform his friends of the situation. However he instructs her to tell them not to try and break him out. Wanting a court date to plead his case before Princess Celestia and the country, he decides to wait patiently in jail.

Lying on his bed, Arc hears a bell going off. Following the others prisoners, they come to an elevator. Riding it, they come to a large courtyard with the mare prisoners. As the food trough is filled with slop, the king and his lieutenants step forward to eat. Arc watches as they follow the ranks to see whom eats first. As the ‘C’s finish, the ‘D’s charge forward to get the last little bit of food left. Several even lick the trough in an attempt to feed. At the next meal Arc brings up this problem to Buffalo Bull as he eats. Sending his lieutenants to beat Arc to a pulp, he is surprised when Arc emerges unscathed. Taking the king down, Arc declares himself the new leader of the prison before grabbing a handful of slop and taking it to a weak and failing stallion nearby. Picking him up, Arc announces that the ‘D’s will now eat first. Forcing the others to approach the trough at a walk, he watches as they eat with dignity. Spitfire calls out to Arc in order to relay Virtuous Lance’s invitation to his office. Sitting down to a meal with the warden, Arc tells the stallion of his desire to wait for his court date. When asked why Arc tells the pair that he wishes to prove before the nation as a whole that he has always acted in their best interest and is innocent of any wrong doing.

Twilight and her friends attend the grand opening of ‘New Ponyville’ in Abyssinia. After the other citizens begin to move their few possessions into their new homes the Mane Six along with the monarchs head to the Town Hall. Rose and Auriel help explain how the air conditioning works before discussing their next move. Meanwhile, Decimus enters Celestia’s quarters with Tempest. They tell her of the comings and goings in Abyssinia. Convincing her that Twilight, her friends, and the citizens of Ponyville are being used for forced labor as Ashe and Gaston listen in from the ambassador’s office. Ashe leaves to call her father for more troops as Gaston notifies Sunset Shimmer of the situation. She decides to handle it herself and tells Gaston to stay out of it.

Spitfire and her guards escort Arc back to The Pit. After dumping him back in the filthy water, Arc finds Fortunate Ire waiting for him. Attempting to get in his good graces, the stallion gives him a chocolate bar. Walking him back to his room, Arc is informed that he no longer lives there. Showing him to Buffalo Bull’s room, Arc decides to shower in an effort to remove the pungent smell of the pool he fell into. Falling asleep as he bathes, Arc dreams of Twilight and Rarity rubbing up against him. However as he reaches for them they yelp and jump back. Opening his eyes he sees the two mares from earlier rubbing their bodies against him. Begging forgiveness, they bow nervously. Arc tells them to leave the room as he finished bathing. Dressing, he walks to the bedroom to find the mares there waiting for him. One is used as a pillow while the other for ‘stress relief’ (take that any way you want). Asking for a blanket and pillow, Arc gives them the bed and goes to sleep on the couch. Opening his eyes to a moonlit field, he spies Luna approaching him. She dresses him in his royal raiments and the pair talk about the state of affairs. Offering to break him out of prison via the Nightborn, Arc refuses saying he would rather have his day in court. Luna reluctantly agrees before summoning the Mane Six to the Lunar Realm. After talking matters over for some time, Arc requests a kitchen so they can cook together.

Awakening the next morning he spots the mares from last night kneeling before him nervously. Identifying themselves as Aloe and Vera, he learns that they were Buffalo Bull’s personal… call mares. Admitting to killing their parents, while in self-defense, they were each given a twenty year prison sentence to be served in Luna Bay Prison. Heading out the door with them, three stallions jump Arc. Aloe and Vera take two on as the bigger one heads for Arc. Knocking the stallion out with a single blow to the head causes the other two to run away. Arc picks his opponent up and heads for the ‘welcome room’ with the green, nasty pit of water. Tossing the stallion in, he awakens to find Arc and the mares looking at him angrily. Refusing to tell Arc whom put them up to attacking them, Arc orders him to clean the room with the other stallions as punishment as he heads to see Buffalo Bull. Accusing the stallion of sending the thugs after him, Arc is forced to defend himself from a flying weight. Sending if flying back at his assailant, Buffalo Bull maintains his innocence in the matter. As Arc and the mares leave so does he along with this lieutenants. Arc heads to Fortunate Ire’s room to question him about incoming messages. Telling the ‘shopkeeper’ that he knows he has a radio, Fortunate Ire leads him into a secret passage under his bunk. Spotting a radio hooked up to a computer, Arc reads numerous messages sent to Buffalo Bull from a supplier outside the prison whom has sent him licorice, candy bars, and canned goods. Not learning much from the coded messages, he and the mares leave the cell and proceed down the corridor together.

Heading to breakfast, Arc spots Buffalo Bull along with his lieutenants waiting for food. Approaching them, he is offered to sell the mares with him. Refusing, they stand ready to fight the stallion’s lieutenants. Convincing them to retreat, Arc asks to speak to Buffalo Bull privately. Heading back down the corridor toward the elevator, he interrogates the stallion whom reveals his escape plans for the entire Pit. Offering Arc a chance to escape, he refuses. As Buffalo Bull returns to the courtyard to eat Arc contacts Scootaloo telepathically. He tells her of what he’s learned and is surprised to hear that Decimus is aware of the plan. Scootaloo informs Arc that she has been assigned the task of leading the soldiers in their operation of rounding up the escapees and her more recent training by Decimus personally.

Returning to his room, Arc informs Aloe and Vera that there will be an escape soon. However, they will not be leaving, nor will he. Buffalo Bull makes preparation for that evening with his gang before heading to Arc’s room for a chat. Asking again for his help, Arc refuses even after hearing the entire plan. Heading out for supper, they wait in the corridor as the plan begins. As the diversion goes off on the other side of the prison, the prisoners head back to the large elevator. A few minutes later the real bomb exploded clearing a hole in the wall. Buffalo Bull leads the prisoners out it and into the night. Arc leads Aloe and Very to the courtyard to watch. They thank him for saving their lives and offer a few… questionable things as a reward as Spitfire and her guards fly out the hole after the prisoners. Hearing her scream, Arc steps outside the wall just in time to see Spitfire about to be raped. Stopping the stallions, he takes her back inside the courtyard and orders Aloe and Vera to apply pressure to her wounds. Checking what’s left of her uniform, Arc finds a keycard which allows him to access the catwalk. Looking around, he starts running to find the injured mare some help.

Locating the medical facility, Arc grabs a med-kit and hurries back toward the catwalk. However, before he arrives the door leading to it is sealed. Finding the warden’s office, he forces the door open only to find Virtuous Lance gravely wounded. Doing his best to help the stallion, Arc is suddenly overpowered by Kane and held down. Sunset Shimmer looks to him for a moment before deftly killing Virtuous Lance. Returning her gaze to Arc, she informs him that he was the one whom killed the warden before knocking his out. Spitfire arrives and, seeing the scene before her, assumes Arc to be the killer. He fears are confirmed by Sunset Shimmer along with Kane whom tell her that the arrived moments too late. Helping her take Arc to a maximum security cell known as ‘The Hole’, Arc is lowered down and chained up by his wrists and ankles. Wishing to speak to him, Spitfire orders a medic to administer a stimulant to awaken Arc. Opening his eyes, Arc is beaten by Spitfire before her own medical condition catches up to her. Being pulled out of the cell, the door overhead is locked as guards watch over him wordlessly. Calling out telepathically, he informs Scootaloo of the situation. She promises to contact Twilight and rectify the situation. Sometime later that night Arc is broken out of prison by Ember, Hammer, and Tempest. Opening a dark portal, Tempest leads them through to relative safety.

However many questions remain unanswered. Why is Arc so concerned with clearing his name? What is Gaston’s true goal here? How fair of a trial did Arc expect? What will become of Aloe and Vera? Why is Decimus so fascinated by Scootaloo? Will Spitfire ever learn the truth about Arc? How did Twilight contact Tempest? And why is she now helping Arc?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - More Than Guilty

Arc slowly opens his eyes as the first rays of dawn hit his face. Groaning, he sits up and puts a hand to his forehead.

“What a dream. It just… felt so real.”

Feeling movement next to him, Arc turns to see Ember lying beside him. She smiles happily.

“Morning, sleepyhead.”

Another voice rings out behind him.

“That it is.”

Arc looks to see Hammer on the other side of him.

“Oh, um… good morning, you two. I’m… sorry to wake you so early.”

Ember presses her face to his side. “We’re just glad that…!”

Arc gasps in pain as Ember draws back, clearly surprised.

“Arc?!”

Hammer looks him over quickly. “You okay?!”

“That really hurt!”

Ember appears confused. “But I’ve done that so many times!

Hammer frowns and pulls back the tatters of Arc’s prison jumpsuit. A massive bruise covers his side.

“That would explain it.”

Arc looks down at what’s left of his orange jumpsuit before putting a hand to his side.

“It… wasn’t a dream?”

A voice rings out from across the room.

“No. It wasn’t.”

Looking up, Arc spies Tempest standing in the doorway.

“Surprised to see me?”

“Kinda. Um… are we still in the prison?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “No, you idiot! This is my house in Stableton!”

“How… did I get here?”

Ember frowns. “Tempest came to Abyssinia and told us of Decimus’ plan.”

Hammer nods. “She also offered to help us get you out of there.”

“Tempest?”

“I owed you one. Now we’re even.”

“Thanks, I think. But what happened to Sunset Shimmer?”

Ember gasps. “Princess Celestia’s old pupil was there?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “No idea who that is. Bad guy?”

Tempest turns to Hammer. “She’s a mare actually. Well, I guess that’s kinda subjective.”

“What are you talking about?! Either she’s a mare or she ain't! Which one is it?!”

Arc sighs. “Hammer.”

“Yes, Arc?”

“Tempest’s right.”

“She is?”

“Yeah. Sunset Shimmer is Diva in her original pony form.”

There is a stunned silence as Hammer tries desperately to put her thoughts together. Eventually she finds her voice.

“My sisters and I were… taking orders from a… pony?!”

Ember shrugs. “I’ve done worse.”

Tempest nods. “Sunset Shimmer, or Diva if you prefer, is part of the Council of Shadows.”

Arc groans as he turns to Tempest. “Makes sense. But why did she…?”

“Why did she what?”

“Kill General Virtuous Lance.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about? That wasn’t part of the plan.”

Ember glares at her. “Then what was?!”

Hammer points an accusatory finger at the mare. “Yeah! All you told us was that we had to get Arc out of there!”

“And I was correct about that, wasn’t I?”

Arc puts a hand to his tender side. “That you were. Had I stayed there, Spitfire would have slowly killed me.”

Ember frowns. “Spitfire? The general’s aide?”

“Right. She blames me for the general’s death.”

Tempest shrugs. “Well, you WERE there.”

“I didn’t do it!”

“Oh, I believe you. But try telling HER that.”

Ember brandishes her claws as she looks at the welt. “She lays another hoof on Arc and I’ll rip it off!”

Hammer pulls her gun. “You’ll have company for that!”

“Tell me something, Tempest. Why help me back there?”

“Like I said, I owed you one.”

“Yeah, yeah. But Decimus told me awhile ago that with Celestia back I wasn’t needed anymore.”

Tempest sighs. “He and I differ on that opinion”

Ember appears skeptical. “Do tell.”

“He sees you as nothing more than a loose end. I’m of belief that you don’t throw away a perfectly good spare part.”

Hammer grips her gun tightly. “Arc isn’t a PART! He’s a human being!”

Arc grimaces as the movement of the bed causes him additional pain. “Thanks, I needed that.”

Ember points a claw angrily. “Well, the same goes for you, Tempest!”

“Oh?”

“When this is all over, YOU’LL be the one thrown out!”

Tempest grits her teeth and takes a step forward. “Why you little…!”

Arc groans. “Enough, both of you. All of you helped me out last night, and I’m grateful. Even to her.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Whatever. But we need to figure out where to go from here.”

Ember nods soberly. “Anywhere but here would be safer.”

Tempest scoffs. “You three don’t get it, do you? With that little stunt we pulled back there, Arc will be hunted down mercilessly until captured.”

Arc sighs. “So what do you suggest?”

Hammer holds up her weapon. “How about we solve that little problem with a really big gun!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Or a dragon invasion! End this thing once and for all!”

Tempest shakes her head. “You two are very subtle. Like a broken leg. Think about it.”

Arc nods. “Tempest is right. Decimus has already accused me of trying to overthrown the princesses. We march in there with an invasion force now and it’ll just prove that those charges were true.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “So what do we do then?”

Tempest points a hoof out the window. “I’d recommend leaving the country.”

Ember seethes. “Arc shouldn’t have to…!”

“Agreed.”

Ember turns to him, surprised. “What?”

“I need to get out of here. Any populated area I go to will make it a target.”

Hammer gasps. “But…!”

“We don’t need any more incidents like Ponyville.”

Ember frowns. “Fine. We can take you back to the Dragon Lands. You’ll be granted asylum there.”

“I need to get back to everyone else.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You want to go back to Abyssinia?”

“Yeah.”

“But the Dragon Lands would be safer. Equestria wouldn’t dare attack us there.”

“That may be. But I don’t want be away from my friends and family.”

Tempest nods approvingly. “Very admirable.”

“Huh?”

“You’re choosing happiness over personal safety.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I thought you above all would say that’s a foolish idea.”

Tempest gestures with a hoof. “Look around. My house is literally in an abandoned village.”

Hammer frowns. “Then why stay?”

“Memories. That and I can just pop over to Baltimare any time I want to see my sister, Cerulean Skies.”

She looks out the window before continuing.

“But if I couldn’t do that… I’d probably go crazy out here.”

Arc nods and stiffly stands. Walking over to her he puts a hand on her shoulder.

“I suppose that’s the life we’ve chosen.”

Tempest nods. “A warrior’s path is often a lonely one. But you don’t walk it alone, Arc.”

“Right. But we need to get moving.”

Tempest turns to him. “How?”

“I can probably open a portal to The Equinox with my magic. Won’t be the smoothest ride, but…”

Tempest scoffs. “With your magic sealed?”

“Huh?”

He reaches up and feels the collar around his neck.

“Oh… right. Forgot about that.”

Tempest shakes her head. “Let me take care of that for you.”

Putting her nub of a horn to it, Tempest casts a spell. With a click the device opens and falls to the floor with a clank. Arc rubs his neck

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Channeling the power of his crystals, Arc opens a portal. Motioning for Ember and Hammer to make their way through he turns back to Tempest.

“You wanna come too?”

Tempest shakes her head. “No, thank you. My path is a different one from yours.”

“Fine. Take care of yourself, Tempest.”

“You too.”

Walking through his portal with Ember and Hammer, Arc reappears on the sigil in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Ahead of him stand Derpy and Dinky. They run over to him as he kneels down to their level.

“DAD!”

“Arc!”

The pair throw their hooves around his neck as Arc does the same.

“We missed you so much, dad!”

“Are you okay, Arc?!”

“I’ll be fine. Just a bit of bruising.”

Smiling, Ember and Hammer stand to the side watching. Eventually they break the embrace and stand up. Derpy looks to Arc.

“Why don’t we let you get cleaned up? I’m sure you’d like a shower and a nice meal though, Arc.”

“We could make you some breakfast, dad!”

“That does sound nice.”

Hammer points a thumb behind her. “Ember and I will take Dinky to the kitchen and get to work.”

“We will?”

Hammer glares at her.

“Fine.”

Derpy gasps. “Oh, but that’s not really…”

Hammer interrupts her. “Why don’t you stay here with Arc then? Make sure he gets to the Cafeteria safely.”

“Yeah, mom! I’ll be okay!”

“Well, alright then. But only if all of you are sure.”

Arc walks them to the door as Hammer turns to him.

“Don’t take too long in the shower now.”

“No promises.”

Ember plugs her nose. “Please do. You smell like rotting peas.”

Arc sighs. “That’s what the prison smelled like. Not sure why though.”

Hammer grimaces and turns away. “Well, hopefully it comes right out. But give yourself an extra scrubbing, would you please?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

They leave the room as Arc closes the door behind them. Ember turns to Hammer as Dinky bounds down the hall ahead of them.

“What the heck are you doing?!”

“Getting Arc some breakfast.”

Ember glares at Hammer. “We could have joined him in the shower, you idiot!”

Hammer sighs. “I know. But Derpy needs some time alone with him right now.”

“Well… I suppose that’s right. She’s and Arc have a very special bond, what with raising a filly together.”

“She loves him, you know.”

“Yeah, she told me that quite a while back.”

“And you’re okay with it?”

“Yup.”

Hammer appears relieved. “That’s cool. I thought dragons were more… um… greedy.”

“We are. But something Derpy told me a while back during a similar conversation about Arc made me rethink our relationship.”

“Oh? What was it?”

“I told her she needed to say something to him about her feelings. Otherwise someone else might just take him away from her.”

“Did she?”

Ember shakes her head. “Not back then, no. She just said something like… ‘if that’s what he wants, then I’ll be happy that he’s happy’.”

Hammer smiles. “That’s… really sweet of her.”

“Agreed. By the way, good call giving them some alone time.”

“I’m patient.”

“Really?”

Hammer grins. “Nah. But Arc’s worth waiting for. That and I had a lot of alone time with him back on Earth.”

Meanwhile, Derpy leads Arc toward the bathroom.

“Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Arc chuckles. “You going to help?”

“I will if you need me to. Do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, I’m good.”

As he enters the bathroom, Derpy closes the door behind him. She sits down and listens to the sound of water flowing for a few moments before Arc’s voice rings out.

“Derpy?”

Poking her head into the bathroom, she calls out.

“Yes, Arc?”

“This is kinda embarrassing, but I forgot the my magic ring was taken before I got to the prison. Can you please grab me something to wear from the dresser here?”

“Sure. Be right back.”

Trotting happily over to the dresser, Derpy opens it and removes undergarments, pants, and a tunic before returning to the bathroom to set them on the counter.

“Here you are.”

“Thanks. I kinda just got used to having instant storage at my fingertips.”

“It certainly made things more convenient.”

“Yeah. Didn’t lose as much stuff.”

Derpy laughs nervously as she turns to look at the closed curtain.

“I… um… suppose I’ll wait in the other room.”

“Okay.”

Sighing, she leaves the bathroom. Sometime later Arc steps out, towels off, and dresses. Returning to the main room he spots Derpy sitting on the couch staring out the window overlooking Abyssinia. Walking over to her, he sits down.

“So what’s on your mind?”

“W-what makes you think…?”

“I can tell.”

Derpy sighs. “It’s about the future.”

“How far?”

“After your name is cleared.”

“The herd?”

“My place in it.”

“You don’t want to be a part of it?”

“Oh, I do. But I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since we were on Earth.”

“Do you want to share?”

Derpy nods happily. “Yes. Do you remember how you and I sat on your couch alone one night?”

“I do. Did I do something wrong?”

“Not at all. In fact, everything was just right. That is until you pulled me into your lap and kissed me.”

Arc blushes. “I’m really sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. It won’t happen again.”

Derpy puts a hoof on his hand. “No, Arc. That made it perfect.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“When we kissed, a million thoughts were running through my head all at once.”

“Were they good ones?”

“Kinda. They started off with… Moonlit Dusk.”

Arc appears surprised. “Dinky’s father?”

“Yes. After all, he was my first kiss as well as my… other first. That feeling when you kissed me was the same one I got from him back then.”

“What feeling was that?”

“The idea that I was safe, secure, and would be cared for. While he never followed through on his promise to take me with him, I knew you wouldn’t do the same. Then when I found out I was pregnant… I was so excited. I thought that it would be so wonderful to have his filly. That he and I would raise them together in a loving home.”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles as she puts a hoof on Arc’s leg.

“Arc, I… I need to be honest with you about something. Looking back at how my life was… altered by pregnancy, I realized something.”

“Oh?”

“That it was the scariest time of my life.”

“I’m guessing you don’t want to go through that again.”

Derpy smiles as she looks up into his eyes. “It was scary because I was alone back then. In all honesty I’d love to bear another little one, Arc. If it’s at all possible, I’d… I’d like to be the one to carry your foal, Arc.”

“Auriel said she’d see what could be done to make our DNA compatible, so it’s not completely off the table.”

“That sounds like a lot of work.”

“It probably is, yes.”

“Then why don’t you just turn me into a human woman and impregnate me?”

Arc sighs. “We’d have to talk to everyone about that first.”

Derpy appears surprised. “We would?”

“Yes. After all, being part of a herd is all about communication.”

“It is?”

“We’re talking about you and the others being my wives, not my sex slaves.”

“Either would be okay with me.”

Arc gasps. “Wait! Derpy, you’re okay with being a slave?!”

“Just to you, Arc.”

“How could you…?!”

Derpy interrupts him. “Because I’ve seen how you treat your slave already.”

“What are you talking about?!”

“Natalya.”

“But she’s not my…!”

“Legally she is, Arc. And you’ve done everything in your power to see to it she’s cared for and happy. That’s why I’d be willing to turn myself completely over to you.”

“That’s very… nice, Derpy. However you need to understand that you and the others would be the same in my eyes. It would take some work, but I’ll do my best to love and care for each of you equally.”

“I know that, Arc, and I trust you completely. But at the same time I want you to be aware that I’m ready and willing to carry your foal.”

Arc puts his arm around Derpy and pulls her close. She nuzzles his side happily for a time as they watch the sun come up together.

Chapter 2 - Brainstorming

Sometime later Arc, Derpy, Dinky, Hammer, and Ember walk down the corridor together. Dinky turns to him.

“I can’t wait for you to see the new settlement, dad!”

Derpy smiles. “It’s very cozy, yes.”

Hammer shrugs. “Meh. It’s okay.”

Ember chuckles. “Better than I thought it would be myself.”

“Remember, I was there when it was designed.”

“But a picture is worth a thousand words, dad.”

“I suppose so. However…”

A familiar voice rings out in Arc’s head.

“Big Brother?!”

“Scootaloo?!”

He stops walking and puts a hand to his forehead. Hammer grabs his arm.

“You okay, Arc?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just getting a message from Scootaloo.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “That’s still kinda creepy.”

Scootaloo calls out telepathically. “Can you hear me?!”

“Loud and clear.”

“What happened?! I’ve been trying to call out to you most of the night!”

“Sorry. I was unconscious. Can I assume you just got up?”

“Yeah. Haven’t even used the toilet yet. Are you okay?”

“I am now.”

“Where are you?”

“Abyssinia.”

“How?!”

“Portal.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Without your gauntlet?!”

“Yup. Granted it took a lot out of me though. How are things in Canterlot?”

“Not good. They’ve just released a new wanted poster of you.”

“Why?”

“New charges were added.”

“Breaking out of jail?”

Scootaloo sighs. “No… for the murder of the warden and the mass murder of the other prisoners at Luna Bay.”

“WHAT?!”

“The guards there all say they saw you butchering them.”

“How many were killed?!”

“All of those whom tried to escape.”

“I wasn’t even out there for more than a moment to get Spitfire!”

“That I saw you do.”

“So you’re a witness that says I didn’t do it.”

“According to the official report, you committed the crime shortly after I was called back to Canterlot by Decimus.”

Arc grits his teeth. “He’s behind this!”

“Probably, yes. But what should we do about this?”

“I’ll run it by the others. See what we can come up with.”

“Let me know if I can help.”

“I will.”

Sighing, Arc turns to the others. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Something wrong?”

“We’ll talk about it in a bit. Right now we really need to get to the Town Hall.”

Leaving the ship, Dinky leads the way down the main street. The Abyssinians they pass bow respectfully. Ember grins as she nudges him.

“They’ve got this all figured out.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know. The whole bowing and scraping bit.”

Hammer chuckles. “Nice to see that they understand just how great you are, Arc.”

“I could do without it.”

Derpy giggles. “You were never much for such things.”

“Nah. It’s just not in my nature.”

“Well, you did save their land, dad.”

Ember nods. “And taught them how to feed themselves without having to rely on the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc shrugs. “I just gave them the tools. They’re the ones whom used them.”

Arriving at the edge of town they pass through a large gate. On the other side sits The Equinox on a new landing pad. Walking under it, they see the new town before them. Grinning, Dinky gestures with a hoof.

“Welcome to New Ponyville, dad!”

“It’s very similar in style to the old town.”

Hammer grins. “That helped the ponies feel right at home.”

Ember sighs. “I’m not much for the name myself. But everyone else seems to like it.”

Arc looks around. “Where are the other citizens?”

Derpy points a hoof. “Already at work in the aquaponics farms.”

Hammer wipes her forehead with the back of her hand. “They get an early start to avoid the hottest part of the day.”

Ember shrugs. “Why I don’t know.”

Arc turns to her. “Is it true that dragons literally swim in lava?”

“Yeah, why?”

Arc looks at her, as do the others wordlessly. Eventually his point sinks in.

“Point taken.”

Arc chuckles. “In any case, what about my other friends?”

Dinky bounds ahead. “They’ll meet us in the Town Hall. This way everypony.”

Walking toward a building that looks exactly like the one that stood in Ponyville, Dinky pushes the doors open and trots inside. Sitting around a table are Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Sereb… whom sits in a corner watching them all carefully. They smile as he and the others approach. Sereb is the first to speak.

“Welcome back.”

Rarity smiles warmly. “It’s so good to see you back in one piece, Arc.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah! We thought Princess Celestia would have vaporized you again!”

Applejack frowns. “Rainbow Dash!”

Pinkie giggles. “No such luck on her part it seems!”

Fluttershy groans. “Not you too, Pinkie.”

“What?! He’s fine!”

Arc sighs. “Not really.”

Twilight gasps. “Did Princess Celestia hurt you?!”

“Truth be told, someone else got the drop on me.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Really? Who?”

Dinky gasps. “They must’ve been REALLY strong!”

“It’s a long story. So why don’t we sit down and I’ll tell you.”

Arc and the others take their seats. Clearing his throat, Arc speaks.

“While I was doing my best to feel Celestia out during our meeting in Ponyville, she continually insisted that my appointment to Hero of Light was illegitimate.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Uh… how?”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes, both Luna and Cadance agreed.”

“She believes I somehow manipulated them into that.”

Applejack sighs. “If you had put them into an altered state of mind that would be true, yes.”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Oh! Like somepony getting married to a stranger in Las Pegasus while they’re drunk?!”

Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “Something like that, Pinkie.”

Rarity gasps. “But they weren’t. We all saw them appoint you, Arc. They were just fine.”

Arc groans. “Try telling that to her.”

Dinky shakes her head. “She must still be under Decimus’ control.”

Sereb growls. “Agreed.”

Hammer smacks her fists together. “Whatever. I sure hope you showed her but good, Arc.”

Twilight appears nervous. “Did she get hurt badly?!”

“Not at all. In fact, someone got the drop on me before I could take my first swing.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Who?”

“Sunset Shimmer along with Kane.”

Twilight and Sereb’s eyes grow wide as they call out in tandem.

“WHAT?!”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Her again?!”

Fluttershy hides behind her tail. “Eep!”

Rarity seethes. “That traitor!”

Rainbow Dash shadowboxes. “Let me at her! I’ll make her pay!”

Arc sighs. “Tempest says she’s part of the Council of Shadows now.”

Dinky frowns. “So she’s that much more dangerous.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Anyone can be taught to bleed!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What about your brother, Sereb?”

Ember turns to the wolf. “Yeah. Don’t you want to rescue him?”

“I have no brother!”

Rainbow Dash attempts to change the subject. “So they took you down, Arc?!”

Applejack purses her lips. “They must’ve been training awfully hard.”

“Maybe. But they worked as a team when they did it. Before I knew what was happening I saw Sunset Shimmer’s hoof knocking me out. Next thing I knew I was on my way to Luna Bay Prison.”

Derpy gasps. “That must’ve been one fast trial.”

“Didn’t get one.”

Applejack frowns. “Wait! That’s illegal!”

Twilight bows her head. “Not really. A case like Arc’s would have taken a long time to gather evidence for. As a flight risk, he would have been detained in the meantime.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “In a maximum security prison?”

Twilight nods sadly. “Nothing else could have held you.”

Hammer grins. “And it did. For a little while, that is.”

Ember looks to Arc. “So where do we stand?”

“On the way over here I got a message from Scootaloo.”

Rainbow Dash starts gushing. “Is she okay?!”

“Fine. In fact, she led a contingent of soldiers on a secret mission to stop a mass escape that was forming. No one got away.”

Fluttershy appears relieved. “That’s good.”

Pinkie nods fervently. “Right! Those bad ponies need to be locked up!”

“Agreed. But after reinforcements showed up she returned to Canterlot on Decimus’ orders.”

Hammer shrugs. “Might as well. All the action was done, right?”

“Not in the least. The guards that came with her slaughtered every prisoner whom had been recaptured outside the wall.”

Derpy gasps. “What?!”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “Did they try to run for it again?!”

“According to the official report, probably yes.”

Sereb frowns. “And you don’t believe that, do you?”

“Scootaloo told me that they were surrounded and had already surrendered. But it makes sense why Decimus would have done such a thing.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Oh?!”

“Because he’s now officially charged me with the mass murder of those prisoners.”

Everyone cries out together.

“WHAT?!”

Applejack scoffs. “What a liar!”

Rarity nods prudently. “He most likely ordered the whole thing himself!”

Arc sighs. “Probably, yes. After all, he’s the one whom knew about the plot to escape before it even happened.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “That monster!”

Hammer groans. “Well, at least it can’t get any worse.”

Arc turns to her. “Wanna bet?”

Ember sighs. “You’ve hit the bottom, Arc. Nowhere to go from here but up.”

“Sunset Shimmer showed up and killed the warden.”

Fluttershy gasps. “But why?!”

“To blame that on me too.”

Sereb growls. “But there is no proof of that deed.”

“Spitfire walked in and saw me in there with the body. Naturally she blamed me for the murder after both Sunset Shimmer and Kane told her they saw me do it.”

Derpy gasps. “How terrible!”

Ember groans. “Digging through rock now, Arc.”

Arc nods soberly. “Scootaloo tells me he’s already had new wanted posters printed with the new charges.”

Applejack bows her head. “You’re his scapegoat now, Arc.”

Pinkie seethes. “That meanie will do everything he can think of and blame it on you!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Right!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “So we need to do something about it.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“An invasion!”

Arc groans. “Ember…”

“Nothing to lose at this point! Your reputation is now officially trash in Equestria! Might as well finish off Decimus and Celestia while you’re at it!”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide at this. “What?! NO!”

Arc shakes his head. “Celestia’s probably still being influenced. If anything, we need to save her.”

Derpy appears nervous. “But what if she’s with Decimus on this?”

“Then I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Applejack groans. “How?”

Pinkie sighs. “Right! Arc’s lost his ring!”

Fluttershy bows her head. “And with it, the Dagger of Eternal Slumber.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “No, he didn’t.”

Sereb looks to her. “Miss Twilight?”

She reaches into her saddlebag and pulls out the ornate sheathe. Exposing the dagger with her magic, she holds it up soberly.

“I’ve kept it safe, as promised.”

Arc nods. “Thanks.”

Rainbow Dash raises a hoof. “So… crazy idea here.”

Applejack sighs. “I don’t think anything could be considered ‘crazy’ right now.”

“Could it be possible that Decimus and his ilk wanted Arc’s ring to get that dagger?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “It’s possible, I suppose.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “But isn’t it also standard procedure to confiscate a prisoner’s belongings prior to incarceration?”

Fluttershy nods. “I think I’ve heard that somewhere before.”

Hammer groans. “That’s how it’s done back on Earth too. Can’t have prisoners having a bunch of belongings, after all.”

“So my dad’s ring is… where exactly?”

Derpy sighs. “Wherever he was processed.”

“I’m guessing that was the prison itself.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “So we’ve gotta go all the way to Luna Bay to get it?!”

Dinky frowns. “That’s quite a trip!”

Sereb looks out the window to the west. “So it would seem, as Arc doesn’t have a sigil there to recall to.”

Ember grins wickedly. “Fine. Let’s take the ship there and tear that place apart!”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Twilight turns to him, confused. “Really?”

“Yes.”

Applejack shrugs. “Well, he does need that spear back too.”

Rarity grins. “And his armor’s in there as well!”

Fluttershy lowers her gaze. “That’ll come in handy when facing Princess Celestia and Captain Decimus.”

Ember nods. “Right. Can’t have Arc dying on us now.”

“Again.”

Sereb turns to him. “This is quite surprising, Arc.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Normally you do your best to avoid conflict. However at the moment you’re suggesting doing the exact opposite.”

“Yes, well… this situation is a bit different than the others we’ve faced before.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Twilight looks to Arc. “I don’t see how.”

Arc stands and walks over to the window. Looking out at the scenery before them, he sighs before speaking.

“Everything else I’ve done has with the full support of Canterlot, the princesses, and the Equestrian military on standby. Had things not worked out as planned, they could have come to the rescue.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “But now they’re the ones we’re fighting!”

“Yes. I’ve done my best to play by the rules before. Even though they didn’t apply to me in this position.”

Dinky nods soberly. “And the citizens have always respected and admired that attitude, dad.”

“However I can’t keep doing that.”

Derpy gasps. “Arc?”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Right. If the enemy isn’t going to play by the rules, we can’t either!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Glad everyone’s finally coming around to my way of thinking!”

Sereb growls. “Decimus and his allies must fall! No matter the methods required!”

Twilight taps the table with a hoof to get everyone’s attention. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. After all, I’m still a princess of Equestria.”

Arc nods. “I understand that, Twilight. But remember that me and my forces are also not beholden to you.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Arc?!”

Rarity nods. “That’s correct. Princess Celestia created this position for just such a situation, after all.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! We need to act!”

Applejack smacks the table with a hoof. “Darn right!”

Pinkie hops out of her chair. “The ponies of Equestria are suffering right now under Decimus! They have to be made free again!”

Dinky looks to the mares. “As the Element Bearers, aren’t you supposed to help too?”

Twilight sighs. “I… suppose so. But we don’t have the same legal protections as the Hero of Light.”

Sereb frowns. “Then what will you do, Princess Twilight?”

“Princess Celestia needs to see reason. I might be able to do that if I…”

Ember interrupts her. “You had time to try that before!”

Hammer makes a fist. “Right! Now it’s our turn!”

Arc sighs. “I won’t hurt anyone, Celestia included, unless forced to do so, Twilight. Sorry, but that’s the best I can offer.”

Twilight nods. “That’s reassuring, Arc. But I’d still like to hold onto the Dagger of Eternal Slumber.”

Dinky frowns. “But, Miss Twilight…”

“Fine. You can for the time being. But if I feel that I might need it you need to return it on my command.”

“I don’t know if I can do that, Arc.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Then we should take it now!”

Arc holds out an arm, stopping Ember’s advance as he looks to Twilight.

“Very well.”

Derpy frowns. “Arc?”

“I’m trusting you to do the right thing, Twilight. Not just as a princess, but also as my friend.”

“Th-thank you.”

Hammer groans. “What’s the plan then?”

“First things first. We fly back to Luna Bay and get my stuff back.”

Sereb points to The Equinox through the window. “That will be a bit difficult in a ship this conspicuous.”

Ember sighs. “Right. Anyone sees us and the navy will show up.”

Rainbow Dash clops her hooves together. “Bring em on!”

Applejack appears hopeful. “But isn’t your ship the fastest around, Arc?”

“Supposedly, yes. That and I’d rather escape than needlessly fight our own military right now.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “Do you have a route picked out, Arc?”

“I do.”

He instinctively reaches for his ring before frowning and looking to the others, sheepishly.

“Uh… anyone have a map?”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Oh! I do!”

Reaching into her mane, Pinkie pulls out a neatly folded map of Equestria. Smiling, she gives it to Arc.

“There you go!”

Dinky appears confused. “Um… do you always walk around with maps in your mane, Miss Pinkie?”

“Doesn’t everypony?!”

Rarity shakes her head. “No. That’s what saddlebags are for.”

Pinkie groans. “Aw… but they’re so cumbersome!”

Arc sighs as he unfolds the map. “In any case, let’s see here.”

Laying the map down on the table, he picks up a nearby pencil and looks it over for a few moments before drawing a line.

“How about this? We fly southwest over the Dragon Lands to avoid the ocean.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Avoid the ocean?”

Hammer frowns. “Why?”

“There’s always the possibility that Decimus or his allies in the Griffon Kingdom could be lying in wait.”

Twilight nods. “But flying through another nation’s airspace would assure you that they couldn’t be there, right?”

“Exactly. Ember?”

“It’s fine with me. I can send word to my father to inform the rest of the dragons of the trip.”

Hammer grins. “So that’s taken care of. What then?”

“From there we fly due west toward the coast of Equestria. We’re going to pass right over the Southern Temple so as to avoid major Equestrian airspaces as well as the Badlands.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with the Badlands?”

Fluttershy shudders. “It’s supposed to be the homeland of the changelings. They might not take kindly to our presence.”

Twilight nods soberly. “And the magic based engines might not work properly over it.”

Rarity appears confused. “Why’s that?”

Twilight shrugs. “Nopony knows. It’s supposed to be an anti-magic area for some reason.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “Bet I could make it!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Across a scorching desert?”

Sereb shakes his head. “You’d fall from lack of water before reaching the other side.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “Let’s not test that theory.”

“Agreed. We’ll fly south of the Badlands and across the Forbidden Jungle until we come to Luna Bay. From there I plan to follow the coast northwest until coming to the peninsula where we tested Auriel’s original artificial sun.”

“Why there, dad?”

“Because there’s no one living around there.”

Ember nods. “And it’s not likely to be patrolled regularly like inland would be.”

Sereb grins toothily. “We would also be over land most of the time in case an emergency landing was required.”

Hammer frowns. “Hopefully not though.”

“Right. From there we’ll continue northwest over the bay to land just west of the prison.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof. “But it would be a shorter flight to land to the east of the facility, Arc.”

“Very true. But we’d be open to attack from reinforcements there.”

Ember gestures to the west of the prison. “If we were here, they’d have to fly over the prison to get into firing position.”

“Exactly.”

Rarity looks to Arc. “So who’s going on this one?”

“Me along with my squad, Sereb, and Ember.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What about us?!”

“This is very illegal, Rainbow Dash. I don’t want any of you to get into more trouble than you already are.”

Applejack grins. “We don’t mind.”

Fluttershy nods. “Right.”

“Thanks, but this should be a quick and easy smash and grab mission.”

Derpy appears confused. “A what?”

Hammer chuckles. “Smash and grab. It’s where you go in hard and fast, grab what you can, and get out before anyone tries to stop you.”

“Right. The prison does have plenty of guards, but nothing we can’t handle.”

Pinkie frowns. “But we’d still like to come!”

“Next time. I’ll have need of all of you on a future mission after all.”

Rarity smiles. “You will?”

“Yes. Until then we need you six especially to stay safe.”

Twilight sighs. “Very well, Arc. We’ll do as you say.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “We will?”

Applejack frowns. “Yes. We will.”

“Fine.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “However I would feel better if you took Rose with you, Arc.”

Ember nods. “Not a bad idea.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “That metal chick?”

Sereb sighs. “More or less.”

“I suppose her sensors would be of help locating my ring.”

Derpy smiles. “And avoiding trouble.”

“Please take her, dad!”

“Alright. You talked me into it.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “Me too?”

“I think we have enough…”

Ember interrupts him. “Come on, Arc. The more the merrier, right?”

Arc groans. “Fine.”

Hammer grins. “I call shotgun!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… I don’t know what that means.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll explain it to you later, Ember.”

He turns to Twilight.

“Tell Rose to report to The Equinox right away.”

“Very well. But when are you going?”

“As soon as possible. Within the hour if Captain Soarin can have the ship ready.”

Rarity gasps. “But you just got here!”

“I know. However I really need to get my stuff out of there.”

Pinkie nods fervently. “Right! Who knows when something will come up that requires Arc’s attention?!”

“Exactly. I’ll have time aboard ship to come up with a more concrete plan as well.”

Ember grins. “We’ll help too.”

Hammer turns to the door. “Right. Let’s get moving then.”

The Mane Six stand and look to Arc sadly. Applejack is the first to speak.

“Take care out there, sugarcube.”

Pinkie mane deflates. “Watch out for baddies!”

Fluttershy shudders. “And angry woodland creatures.”

Rarity smiles and bats her eyelashes. “Come back safe, my dear.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! And we’ll throw you a party, or something!”

Twilight nods. “Remember, stealth over everything, Arc. You don’t have your armor at the moment.”

Hammer gives them a thumbs up. “We’ve got this!”

Ember clenches a fist. “Right!”

Sereb growls. “They will know fear!”

“Thanks everyone. I’ll be back before you even know I’m gone.”

Chapter 3 - Comparisons

A short time later The Equinox takes off and flies toward the Dragon Lands. Arc walks down the corridor with his squad and Sereb. Max turns to him.

“Are we really doing this, sir?”

“Breaking into a prison, yes.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Without armor?”

“We have plenty of it in the armory.”

Xenos frowns. “I think he means for you, sir.”

“Yes, well… I had a couple mithril suits made up a while back just in case. Guess they’ll come in handy now for Hammer at least.”

Viktor sighs. “That’s another thing, sir. How do you know Hammer’s really on your side?”

“We’ve been through quite a bit together since the night we attacked Damocles Base. That and she really has nowhere else to go.”

Max groans. “Here or on Earth.”

Sereb growls. “Both.”

Xenos grimaces. “We’ll keep an eye on her, sir.”

“Very well. Just don’t lose sight of the mission at hand.”

Ember and Rose step out of a VIP suite and walk over to them.

“I contacted my dad. He’s agreed to allow passage as well as informing the other dragons of what we’re doing.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How’d you do that?”

“It’s a dragon thing.”

Max gasps. “Telepathy?”

Ember appears confused. “…what?”

Rose speaks up. “He means talking with the mind.”

Arc nods. “Like Scootaloo and I do.”

“Something like that, yeah.”

Rose turns to Arc. “The captain has informed us that everything is running smoothly.”

Xenos appears nervous. “With any luck we should get there without incident.”

Wrangler’s voice rings out from the intercom.

“Commander, we’ve had a breach of security down in the Cargo Bay. Please come to the Lower Deck immediately.”

Ember turns to Xenos angrily. “You just HAD to jinx it, didn’t you?”

Sereb frowns. “I don’t believe him saying anything could have possibly caused a breach.”

“Yes, well… I’ll go see what’s up down there. Dismissed.”

The squad salutes and hurries away. Hammer and Ember look to Arc quizzically as the young woman speaks up.

“Uh… you’re going to check a security breach, right?”

“Yes. Why?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Because you sent away your troops, idiot!”

Arc motions with a hand. “Sereb’s still here.”

Hammer frowns. “Yes, but you don’t usually do that without backup.”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “I will accompany you.”

Ember nods. “Me too.”

Hammer raises a hand. “Me three.”

“See, I knew you’d all volunteer.”

Rose giggles. “I’ll head back to the Bridge then.”

Ember appears confused. “You don’t want to come too?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. Considering what awaits you down there, I don’t think I’ll be needed.”

They part ways as Ember turn to Hammer.

“What do you suppose that meant?”

Hammer shrugs. “Dunno. Maybe she’s chicken.”

Arc chuckles. “Rose is as brave as they come. I can only assume her sensors have already told her what’s down there.”

Sereb grits his teeth. “Why did she not share that with us then?”

“No idea. But we’ll know soon enough.”

Heading down the stairs Arc and company reach the Cargo Bay. Wrangler and a few guards are standing around a crate vigilantly. She salutes as they approach.

“I’m sorry you had to come down here, sir. But I don’t really know what to do about this.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

“This crate has been tampered with.”

Ember frowns. “Uh… so what?”

Hammer grimaces. “It could be booby-trapped.”

Wrangler nervously nods. “Right. While that’s unlikely, I wanted you to be the one to make that decision, sir.”

Sereb sniffs the area around the box. “You may safely open this, Arc.”

“You sure?”

“Completely.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “That nose of yours can smell traps now?”

“It cannot.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Then how do you know it’s safe?!”

“You will know when you open the crate.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Wrangler steps forward. “Shall I do it, sir?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah. Let me.”

Sereb chuckles. “Arc should be the one to do it.”

“Uh… okay.”

Stepping forward, Arc raises the lid a few inches and peers inside. Sighing, he throws the lid back and reaches inside. Straightening up, he lifts a white unicorn out of the crate. Rarity waves and smiles nervously.

“H-hello, everypony.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh, you’ve got to be KIDDING me!”

Wrangler frowns. “Shall we take her into custody, sir?”

Arc shakes his head as he sets her down. “No. This is my…”

Rarity interrupts him. “Marefriend.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. That just sounds off.

“Well, it’s true!”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda is, I guess.”

Wrangler steps back nervously. “Oh… my apologies, sir. But we can’t allow mares to hitch rides in the Cargo Hold like this.”

Rarity sighs and bows her head. “I’m sorry. It was kind of a last moment idea. You see I saw a few boxes being loaded hastily so I pushed one with the others and hopped in.”

Arc looks to Wrangler. “Let’s check all crates prior to being allowed aboard AND after being loaded from now on.”

“Aye, sir.”

He turns back to Rarity.

“I guess that leaves the problem of what to do with you.”

Sereb chuckles. “We could turn back.”

Ember frowns. “But we’re on a schedule here!”

Hammer nods. “Right. Any detours would throw everything off.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose the most obvious thing to do would be to just open a portal.”

“My apologies. But I… um…”

Rarity shifts nervously on her hooves before looking to him.

“Can I… stay?”

“Sure. But on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You don’t try to follow me down when the mission starts.”

Rarity grins. “That I can do.”

Ember sighs. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, we should probably get back to it, Arc.”

“Back to what?”

“Planning the mission.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose so.”

Hammer looks to Rarity. “Why don’t we have a nice little chat first though?”

Rarity appears confused. “Oh?”

“Just you, me, and Arc.”

Ember shrugs. “We do have quite some time until we land.”

Sereb nods stoically. “That is correct.”

“Well… okay. Let’s head back to my quarters then.”

Arc leads Hammer and Rarity upstairs as Wrangler turns to Ember.

“What just happened?”

“Not sure I get your meaning.”

“That mare went from stowaway to marefriend.”

Sereb chuckles. “It is a strange thing, yes.”

Wrangler facehoofs. “That came out wrong. I mean, I’m assuming he’s known her for a while now.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah, they’ve been seeing each other whenever possible.”

“So she really is his marefriend?!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Is that a problem?”

“No, no! It’s just… really hard to imagine the Hero of Light as anything other than a warrior.”

Ember frowns. “Not really. I mean, he has feelings too.”

Sereb grins toothily. “And desires.”

“Sereb!”

Sereb puts a paw over his eyes. “That came out wrong.”

Meanwhile, Arc enters his quarters with Rarity and Hammer. Closing the door he gestures to the couch.

“Why don’t we sit down?”

Hammer nods. “That might make this easier.”

Walking over to the couch Arc and Rarity sit down. Hammer looks at them nervously as she takes her place on the other side of Arc.

“Now then, what shall we talk about?”

Hammer fidgets. “I, uh… wanted to speak to you with Rarity.”

“With me?”

“Yeah. Do you remember how we met?”

“You were lying in bed after being rescued by Arc if I recall correctly.”

Hammer nods. “Right. We talked for a few minutes before lunch. Then all of us had to come to Equestria.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong with that?”

“Not exactly. But I wanted to get to know you better, Rarity.”

“For the herd idea?”

“It sounds really interesting.”

Arc frowns. “Interesting?”

“A bunch of women, or mares in this case, all living together with one man. It’s something that’s been in the back of my mind for some time now.”

Rarity appears confused. “Which part?”

“The idea of a… family, I guess. Raising children together and all that.”

Arc chuckles. “Dinky and her friends running around happily as sisters?”

Hammer looks to him. “That and our own, Arc. They would grow up together.”

Rarity smiles at the woman. “And that’s something you’re interested in doing?”

“It’s something I’d like to consider, yes. Like I told you back then, I really want to spend more time with you and the other mares. Get to know you better and learn about your culture.”

Arc nods approvingly. “This really is something we all need to take slowly, Hammer.”

“I agree. After all, who wants to be married with other females and then find out there’s going to be problems?”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What are you suggesting?”

“When this is all over… cohabitation.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “You think we should all live together?”

“Think of it like a trial run. We’d all have our separate rooms but come together at meal times and whatnot.”

Rarity smiles. “That’s actually a very good idea, Arc.”

“What about the fillies?”

Hammer shrugs. “We should probably put them together. Get them used to the idea of being a family.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “That would take a truly massive house!”

“I’ll say.”

Hammer grins. “What about Light’s Hope?”

Rarity shakes her head. “It doesn’t have enough rooms for everypony, I’m afraid.”

“That and I don’t actually own it.”

Hammer groans. “Government building?”

“Yup.”

Rarity looks to Arc. “We could probably pool our money together to have a house built for all of us, Arc. If everypony donates we could probably afford something decent.”

“I’ve actually been considering that very fact.”

Hammer appears surprised. “You have?”

“Well, not the whole cohabitation thing. But the idea of having a house.”

Rarity smiles. “What kind of home were you looking at?”

“I spoke to Hard Hat about it before I left for Earth to rescue Princess Celestia. When he asked about my budget I showed him my vault.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Vault?”

“In Light’s Hope. It’s filled with bags of bits.”

Rarity’s eyes light up. “How many?”

“Too many to count.”

Hammer grins. “So you’re single, sexy, AND loaded?!”

“Kinda, yeah. I had to open a bank account a while back when I ran out of room though. It probably has the same amount as the vault though.”

Rarity gasps. “Where did they all come from?!”

“My position as the Hero of Light is really high paying. But whenever I was the Lord Regent, well… let’s just say my vault filled up pretty fast when both of those paychecks starting rolling in.”

Rarity giggles. “So you could have any house in town!”

Arc nods. “He said I should be able to afford something about the size of the Rich family estate as it stood.”

Hammer rubs her hands together happily. “So we’ll be living in a mansion?!”

Arc sighs. “Probably not. After all, when Decimus took Light’s Hope it’s possible he opened the vault and cleaned it out.”

Rarity groans. “And as a criminal you’re assets in the bank are frozen too I would assume.”

“Probably. Haven’t actually checked.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “So you’re penniless?”

“Yup. Still want to be with me?”

“Hell yeah!”

Rarity puts a hoof on his hand. “I don’t care if we live in a mansion or a shack, Arc. The important thing is that we’re together.”

Hammer grins. “All of us!”

“Glad you two feel that way. Because the way things are going, that shack outcome is looking pretty likely.”

Hammer shrugs. “You’ll make more money when this thing blows over, right?”

Rarity nods. “We all will, yes.”

“Well, I’m quitting when this is done. So no more big paydays for me.”

Hammer looks out the window. “I’ll find work, as will you I’m sure.”

Rarity giggles. “Right. There’s always the Writ Board.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow, confused. “The what?”

Arc chuckles. “Odd jobs around town. A decent amount of money in them if you’re willing to work hard.”

Hammer flexes. “You just leave that to me!”

Rarity turns to Arc. “I’d like to expand my line of clothes to other towns. That’ll allow me to reach a much larger demographic and get my name out there. It’ll be a lot of work initially getting everything set up. But after that I can hire somepony to manage it and just focus on Carousel Boutique.”

Her ears droop sadly as she continues.

“After we rebuild it, that is.”

“I’ll lend a hand.”

“So will I!”

Rarity smiles at them both. “Thank you. But it’s going to be a long process, what with everypony else in town doing the same.”

Arc shakes his head. “Let’s not think about that right now then.”

Hammer grins. “Right. Just think about the herd idea and those whom are going to be in it. Uh… who else IS going to be there?”

“Well, the mares you met will be. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Twilight.”

Rarity sighs. “I’m not sure about Twilight at the moment.”

Arc frowns. “Oh? Something happen?”

“Well, she IS royalty now.”

“I suppose so.”

Hammer nods. “Met all of them briefly.”

Arc appears surprised. “You haven’t spoken to them?”

Rarity looks to Arc. “We’ve been pretty busy trying to get New Ponyville up and built.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah. Working from sunup to sundown most of the time.”

“I suppose that makes sense.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “Anyone else?”

Rarity giggles. “Derpy, of course.”

“Her I know the best.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Did you get along well?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. She’s a real sweetheart. Dinky too. Must get that from her mother.”

Arc continues. “There’s also Auriel.”

“I remember her from parties on the beach.”

Rarity smiles. “She’s very timid, but nice when you get to know her.”

“And then there’s Ember.”

Hammer frowns. “Not sure how that’s going to work out.”

“Me either.”

Rarity sighs. “I do admit she’s a bit… brash. But it’s nothing a bit of time and talking won’t fix.”

“That and the fact that she’s royalty too.”

Hammer snaps a finger. “Dragon Lord, right?”

Arc nods. “Exactly. She has obligations in the Dragon Lands just like Twilight has in Canterlot.”

Rarity turns to Arc sadly. “It wouldn’t be the same without them.”

“Fortunately we have plenty of time to figure things out though.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah. I want to get to know everyone though. Starting with Rainbow Dash.”

Rarity appears surprised. “Why her?”

“Blue and I really bonded on that mission to Canterlot Castle. She was kinda brisk with me at first, but let’s just say that we found some common ground.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Yeah, I saved her from getting caught by a patrol. But didn’t realize at the time that her teats were… down there.”

Rarity gasps and blushes heavily. “Oh my! Was she angry?!”

“At first, yeah. But after I explained that I had been trying to avoid her chest for that very reason, she saw that it was an honest to goodness mistake and let it go.”

Arc grins. “That’s pretty impressive.”

Hammer makes squeezing motions with her hands. “Yeah, they were pretty soft.”

“No, I mean that you and her got along.”

Rarity sighs. “Rainbow Dash isn’t the easiest pony to befriend.”

Arc looks Hammer over. “But now that I think about it, you two do have a lot in common.”

“We do?”

“Right. You’re both really outgoing, don’t care what others think of them, strong fighters, like being loud…”

“Hey!”

Rarity giggles. “He is right, you know.”

“I guess so. But is all that really good?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. That and I do think both of you are really cute.”

Hammer blushes. “You… you do?”

“I wouldn’t be interested in forming a heard if I wasn’t attracted to both of you.”

Rarity looks to him nervously. “What about me, Arc?”

“You’re pretty, business-savvy, motherly, and reliable. A very nice package to be sure.”

Hammer frowns. “And the others?”

Rarity nods. “Right. We’re all so different.”

“Everyone has things about them that I find attractive, yes.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But we’re not all the same though.”

“That what makes everyone so nice though. The differences.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow, confused. “I’m afraid I don’t quite follow your logic, Arc.”

“It’s more along the lines of the synergy everyone has together. Everyone has faults, naturally. Myself included, of course. But what one is weak in, another can compensate for.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “Can you give us an example?”

“How about Rainbow Dash?”

Rarity appears confused. “What about her?”

“She can be hot-headed and quick to judge as well as being extremely extroverted. But Fluttershy is the exact opposite. Calm, collected, and slow to come to conclusions but cowardly and introverted. Her and Rainbow Dash together make quite a pair.”

Hammer frowns. “I don’t really see it though.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, well… I believe I understand that.”

“Then there’s Twilight. She’s very intelligent, studious, serious, and always ready to help if the need arises. However she’s also guilty of being overly focused to the point of obsession and takes things too far. While Pinkie is certainly very similar in some regards, the way she approaches a problem is pretty much the opposite of Twilight. That can be either good or bad depending on the situation.”

Hammer shudders. “She’s really out there in terms of sanity sometimes. At least from what I could tell from my limited exposure to her.”

Rarity giggles. “But Pinkie means well.”

“That she does. But then there’s you, Rarity.”

“Me?”

“You’re generous, kind, and artistic. But you’re also emotional at times to the point of hysteria. Your opposite would be Applejack, whom is similar to you in terms generosity and beauty, is more able to control her emotions and keep a level head during a bad situation.”

Rarity sighs. “We all sound pretty bad when you put it like that, Arc.”

Hammer nods fervently. “Darn right.”

“If I may… why do you want us if we’re all so flawed though, Arc?”

“Because I’m imperfect just like everyone else. I work too hard and take too many risks all in the name of getting the job done. Taking time off is nearly impossible for me, regardless of my position. That and I’m constantly getting into trouble for failing to allow others to help me in my tasks. It makes the job that much more difficult.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow, confused. “But you let us help you fight Bloodletter.”

“Yes. But you don’t know just how hard it was for me to get to that point. Some days I think to myself how things might have been different had I chosen the path of cooperation versus going it alone.”

Rarity looks away sadly. “I… wonder that too, Arc. What if you hadn’t been alone when facing Celestia? Either time, I mean.”

Arc sighs. “I believe it would have led those with me to their deaths.”

Hammer shrugs. “Maybe. But I’d have been there in a heartbeat.”

“As would I, Arc. You needn’t do anything alone. Not anymore.”

“I’m trying to come to terms with that. I really am.”

“We believe you, Arc. Right, Rarity?”

“Yes, indeed. Now then, we understand that some things only you can do. But those need to be few and far between.”

She leans in close and lowers her voice.

“After all, you need to stay alive to bed me properly.”

Hammer grins. “Me too. Um… would that be okay with the rest of the mares though?”

Rarity smiles. “That’s their decision to make, of course. But I’ll put in a good word for you, Hammer.”

“Thanks.”

Arc nods. “I’d like that too. But there’s something else I’m working toward.”

“Oh?”

“What’s that?”

Arc smiles as he looks to them. “Becoming a man unburdened by his job and able to dedicate himself to the role of a full-time husband and father.”

Chapter 4 - Jail Bird

A few days later the Luna Bay Prison’s tower guards spot something with their lights. Radioing to the other towers, they focus their lights on the point indicated. Two guards open the gates and run out, spears at the ready.

“Halt!”

“This is a restricted area! State your business!”

A creature walks up to them in gleaming golden armor and plants their spear in the ground, tip up.

“I’ve come to speak to the warden regarding a bounty!”

One of the guards frowns. “We don’t handle such things here! Take up your case with…!”

The creature rips off their helmet and looks at the pair before her.

“I am Dragon Lord Ember! Supreme ruler of the Dragon Lands! You WILL deal with this problem with ME and IMMEDIATELY !”

She motions to the four honor guards in black robes with her to come forward. They do so with a large, brown sack.

“I picked THIS up in my domain!”

Swinging her spear, she deftly cuts through the bag to expose its contents. The guards gasp in horror and surprise. Arc lies on the ground bound by several heavy chains hand and foot. He makes grunting noises but can do little else with the gag over his mouth. Ember looks to the guards again.

“Is Equestria not willing to take care of its own fugitives now?!”

“We’ll take him in right away, your highness!”

They step forward cautiously, spears at the ready. However Ember blocks their advance with an angry wave of her own weapon.

“Just a moment!”

“Dragon Lord?”

Ember pulls a paper out of her armor and tosses it to them. “What does this say?!”

Picking it up, one of the guards looks it over quickly.

“A wanted poster?”

“Right! This says he’s worth one million bits, and I intend to collect!”

“Of course, Dragon Lord. However we don’t have those kind of funds lying around.”

“It’ll have to be sent over via special courier in the morning.”

Ember groans. “Very well. However I can’t leave him until this debt has been paid.”

“That’s up to our superior, your highness. Now then, might we be allowed to take this prisoner back into custody?”

“He’s quite dangerous after all.”

Ember scoffs. “Maybe to you lightweights. Now take me and my honor guards to see your superior officer!”

“Right away!”

The other guard speaks into his radio.

“Open the gate and wake the warden. We have a very special royal guest out here.”

As the gates swing open Ember motions with a slight movement of her neck. Her robed honor guards grab Arc’s arms and drag him into the prison. Several more guards join them as they are led deeper into the facility. Sometime later they approach the warden’s office. Knocking lightly, the guard in the lead opens the door. An angry looking yellow coated mare paces impatiently in front of the desk as one of the guards introduces them.

“Dragon Lord Ember this is Warden Spitfire. She’s the highest authority within the prison’s walls.”

Ember scoffs as she looks Spitfire up and down. “I’d like to speak with someone a bit higher than the lowly keeper of a jail!”

Spitfire frowns. “ I can speak for Equestria in this matter.”

Ember sighs indignantly. “Fine.”

“First I need to look over the prisoner to verify his identity.”

Ember chuckles. “Could there really be any doubt?!”

Spitfire looks Arc over for a moment before grinning and turning to Ember.

“That is indeed our errant Hero of Light, yes.”

“I’m told the bits for his capture will have to be ferried over.”

“Yes, ma’am. Not to worry, as Equestria always pays its debts. Now then if you’d like, I can put you up in our guest room until morning.”

Ember gasps. “You mean I have to stay HERE?!”

Spitfire nods. “We don’t have large amounts of bits lying around to pay off bounties, ma’am.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yes, your underling here already told me that much.”

“I’ve already notified Canterlot of this turn of events. They tell me Hero of Light Decimus is coming here personally to see the prisoner and to pay you the reward for his capture.”

“Good. And when will he arrive?”

“Mid-morning tomorrow. He’s ordered a transport ship to be loaded with a million bits and flown here.”

She looks back to Arc and grins wickedly.

“You hear that, beast?! The Hero of Light is coming here personally to make sure you don’t get away this time!”

Ember shrugs. “Seems like a waste of his time to me. I mean, doesn’t he have better things to do than pull guard duty?”

“Normally I would assume so, yes. But this prisoner is very high profile. Wanted by both the Hero of Light and Princess Celestia personally.”

Smugly smiling at him, she continues.

“Then you’ll get what’s coming to you, murderer!”

Raising a hoof, she swings at Arc with all her might. There is a slight clink as Ember’s claw meets the hoof, catching it in mid-air. She glares at the mare before her as the honor guards move to flank her.

“Don’t damage my prisoner.”

“Ma’am?”

“Until you’ve paid me every bit, he’s mine! Keep those hooves to yourself!”

There is a tense silence as Spitfire considers her options. Eventually she nods and frowns.

“Very well. I’ll do it your way, ma’am.”

Spitfire looks to Arc and grunts.

“But the moment you’re paid… he’s mine.”

“Whatever.”

Spitfire turns to her guards. “In any case, I’ll need to process him.”

Ember frowns. “Process?”

“Check him for weapons, record his capture, store his belongings, and confine him to a cell.”

“Very well. However my guards will be with him at all times.”

Spitfire nods. “That is acceptable. However my own forces, commanded by me personally, will also need to guard him as well.”

Ember scoffs. “Do you believe my troops to be inadequate?!”

“No, ma’am. However regulations state that he cannot be left alone, being such a high flight risk.”

“Fine. Do what you will.”

Spitfire gestures to the door. “If you and your guards would be so kind as to follow me, I’ll escort you to the processing room.”

Motioning to her honor guards, they grab Arc and drag him to one side. Ember follows the warden out the door and down numerous corridors with Arc in tow. Eventually they come to a large door with several guards outside. Entering, they spot a large table with an empty tray on it as Spitfire turns to Ember.

“The prisoner will now be searched by my staff.”

“Very well.”

“Would you please remove his restraints?”

Ember shakes her head. “No.”

“Ma’am?”

“With a million bits on the line, I can’t risk him getting loose and escaping. You may search him, but those chains stay on.”

“But how are we supposed to change him into a prison jumpsuit?”

Ember growls. “He’s not your prisoner until I receive my pay and turn him over to you. Afterwards you can do that.”

Spitfire grits her teeth. “Fine. But my staff still need to search him as best they can.”

The guards step forward and go through Arc’s pockets and pat him down. Taking the meager items from his pockets, they drop them into the waiting tray as a lone guards writes down the contents for posterity. Completing their task they look to the warden and salute.

“The prisoner is clean, warden. No hidden weapons were found.”

“Good. The transport is bringing another magic nullifier. We’ll just have to wait until they get here to put it on him. Everyone stay sharp and watch out. He’s a slippery one.”

She turns to the guard writing on a clipboard.

“Take his things and file them in the Property Room.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“The rest of you will help me escort this prisoner to The Hole until proper precautions can be taken.”

The guard picks up the tray and leaves the room as Ember’s honor guards again surround Arc. They drag him out of the room and down the corridor as the guard takes the seized property and walks the other direction. Coming to a door, they pull a set of keys from their belt and open it. Walking down several long aisles the stallion comes to a bin in the racks. Pulling it open they dump the few items taken from Arc into it and walk back the way they came. As the door shuts behind them the sounds of footsteps moving quickly toward the bin rings out. It is pulled out slightly as Hammer decloaks, peers into it, and frowns.

“Where is it?!”

Her eyes darting around the bin, she frowns.

“Great. The ring isn’t here.”

Reaching to her hip, she pulls out a small radio and flicks it on.

“Hammer to Dragon. Call me.”

Ember hears Hammer’s voice and turns to Spitfire.

“I need a bathroom.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “But we need to get the prisoner secured.”

“It’ll only take a minute.”

“Can’t it wait for…?”

“You really want to tell the Dragon Lord to WAIT?!”

“Very well, ma’am. We have a guard’s bathroom right over there. While I’m certain it’s not exactly what you’re used to…”

“It’ll do the job.”

Ember walks into the room and shuts the door. Tapping the side of her helmet, she whispers.

“I’m here. Did you get it?”

“No. The ring isn’t here.”

Ember groans. “Great.”

Hammer chuckles. “Plan B?”

“Plan B.”

“Love that plan.”

“You just catch up to us and we’ll get that moving.”

“Fine. Arc doing okay?”

“Sure. He’s got the easy job of just lying there.”

“Keep your eyes on him. We don’t need someone going after him in that state.”

“Yeah. Gotta go though.”

Ember turns off the transmitter and heads for the door. Spitfire and the honor guards are waiting for her patiently.

“Let’s go.”

Arriving at The Hole, Spitfire motions to the guards to open the hatch. Ember steps forward.

“Hold it.”

Spitfire sighs. “What is it, Dragon Lord?”

“We should search him again.”

“But that was already done.”

“He’s a tough character to catch. Don’t want him having ANYTHING that could be used to escape. Especially before I’ve been paid.”

“Very well.”

She motions to her guards to approach. They feel Arc all over for what feels like forever. A strange sound comes over Ember’s helmet radio as an invisible hand rests on her shoulder lightly. Ember looks to the guard.

“Nothing?”

“Yes, Dragon Lord.”

Spitfire frowns. “Satisfied?”

“Very.”

The unicorn guards lower Arc to the floor of The Hole with their magic. Ember and Spitfire fly down and remove his chains before stepping back and returning to the hatch overhead. Spitfire nods to the guards and they close the metal grate. It clicks locked as Ember turns to Spitfire.

“I just remembered something.”

She pulls the knife Arc took from Shadow out of her armor and holds it up.

“He had this on him when we took him.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “A dagger?”

“You might want to put this somewhere special.”

“Why? It doesn’t look especially dangerous.”

“It may not look like much, but it has some kind of latent magical powers.”

“Oh?”

Ember nods. “He fought us tooth and nail when we caught up to him. That is until we forced him to drop that knife. Then it was like his strength all but left him.”

Spitfire grins. “Interesting. I’ll turn it over to Captain Decimus when he arrives.”

“Can I help you secure that in the meantime?”

“I’m sure it will be secure in the regular…”

Ember frowns. “Trust me. It needs to go somewhere that there’s NO chance he could get to later.”

Spitfire sighs. “Very well. I’ll put it in my…”

Ember growls. “Shush! We don’t want him knowing where it is!”

“Fine. Follow me.”

“I’ll leave my honor guards here to help secure the prisoner in the meantime.”

“Very well.”

Walking back the way they came, Spitfire leads Ember back to the warden’s office as Hammer follows them both closely. Closing the door behind them, she walks over to a large picture of the prison. Sighing, Spitfire pulls it away from the wall. It swings away easily to reveal a large safe. Turning the combination lock dial, she opens the oversized door to reveal a number of shelves inside. Looking them over for a moment, she places the dagger next to Arc’s magic ring and armor. Ember clears her throat and nods as she gestures with her head. Hammer grins from her place nearby as she watches the safe door close. Spitfire turns back to Ember as she returns the picture to its original place.

“It should be safe in there.”

“Agreed. Now then, I’d like to return to the prisoner’s cell and guard him personally.”

“As would I, Dragon Lord.”

As the pair leave the office, Spitfire turns off the lights, locks the door, and gestures for Ember to follow her. Hammer wastes no time pulling back the picture. She inputs the combination, which she witnessed from Spitfire, and quietly opens the safe. Spotting Arc’s ring, armor, and knife she grabs them and stuffs them haphazardly into the ring. Placing it safely in her satchel, Hammer turns her attention back to the safe door as she closes it. Reaching back into her satchel she removes a pack of plastic explosives which she places on the door and hooks up a detonator. Finishing her task she looks around the office for inspiration. Spotting the desk she pushes it over to face the safe and heads for the door. Pulling out a detonator, she turns it on and waits for the lights on the remote to turn green. As they do so she pulls out the radio and again speaks into it.

“Got the stuff. Bomb’s in place too. I’ll head your way and give you the ring. Just call out the codeword when you’re ready to start the show.”

Nodding, Ember continues down the corridor toward ‘The Hole’ as numerous guards surround it, their spears at the ready. Spitfire looks around the room confidently.

“This is a wonderful sight.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“A room full of guards watching over the most wanted criminal in the land.”

“It certainly appears secure.”

“One way in, one way out. And there’s over a hundred spears and horns pointed at him right now.”

Ember grins. “He’s not getting out of there.”

Spitfire nods. “At least not in one piece.”

Ember looks down through the grate at Arc lying on the bed. “Doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. And he knows that.”

“Agreed. Now then, might I show you to my guest suite? You could rest there safely knowing we’re on duty here.”

Ember shakes her head. “No. I’m not leaving this spot until Decimus shows up with my payment. Not even if it takes all night.”

“That’s about how long it’s going to take, ma’am.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest as she leans against a wall. “Fine. For a million bits, I can be patient.”

They stand there wordlessly for a time. The guards on duty keep their gaze solely on Arc as he lies on the bed. A hand softly taps Ember’s shoulder. Opening a claw behind her, Hammer places the ring securely in Ember’s palm. She closes her claws around it and slowly walks around the room for a time, looking bored. Spitfire turns to her.

“Something wrong, Dragon Lord?”

“Not really. Dragon’s just aren’t known for their patience.”

“My offer for a warm and secure bed still stands, ma’am.”

Ember nods as she walks over to the grate above Arc’s bed. “That might be prudent right now. After all, he’s not going to be leaving us anytime soon.”

Grinning, Hammer pulls the remote from her satchel and reactivates it. Pressing a button an explosion rings out some distance away. Spitfire gasps as the guards turn momentarily to look down the corridor. Not wasting a moment, Ember deftly drops the ring through the bars and into Arc’s waiting hand. He quickly puts it on and puts his hands behind his head as the guards turn their attention back to him as Ember turns to Spitfire.

“What was THAT?!”

Spitfire grimaces as she runs over to a nearby phone. “No idea! But I’m going to figure it out!”

Speaking into the receiver, she frowns as the news is relayed to her.

“Are you sure the explosion came from my office?!”

She nods as someone on the other end of the line speaks quickly.

“I’m on my way!”

The mare hangs up the receiver and turns to the guards.

“Half with me, half stay here and guard the prisoner! Let’s go!”

Spitfire leads her guards down the corridor as Ember calls out after her.

“We’ll keep our eyes on him for you!”

“Thanks! Don’t take your eyes off of him even for a moment!”

Ember watches as the troops run around a corner before turning and walking back toward the hatch. Passing over it, she taps her foot on the bars three times, Arc slowly stands and leans against the wall. Looking up, he pretends his back is hurting him, which gives the young man an excuse to put his hands behind his back. Reaching for his ring, he pulls out the guardanium knife. Jumping, Arc is aided by Ember whom casts a Telekinesis Spell which allows him to grab the bars overhead. Slicing through the locking mechanism deftly, the guards have little time to react as he pulls himself up through the hatch. Tossing the knife into the air, they look at it instinctively as Arc calls forth his new armor. Casting an omni-directional Telekinesis Spell of his own, Arc slams the guards against the wall, knocking many of them out. Turning, he reaches up and grabs the knife as it falls into his gauntlet. Blinking behind her, Arc puts his arm around Ember’s neck. He turns her roughly toward her honor guards, the knife in the other hand pointed at her back.

“Stay back!”

The honor guards comply as an alarm goes off, presumably from the guards watching the cameras. Arc backs the honor guards out the door with his hostage. A few moments later Spitfire and her guards rush back down the corridor toward them. Arc whispers in Ember’s ear.

“Tell them to stop, Dragon Lord.”

“Warden, wait! He’s got a knife!”

Spitfire and her guards screech to a stop. She grimaces at the situation before them as Arc motions for Ember’s honor guards to join Spitfire’s group as the warden herself calls out to him.

“Put the weapon down and release the hostage, prisoner!

Arc shakes his head. “Not a chance!”

Ember gasps. “Do what he says! I’m too important to be killed here!”

Spitfire grimaces as she looks to Arc. “What do you want?!”

“A trade!”

“Huh?”

“I’ll give you the Dragon Lord in exchange for two prisoners.”

“Who do you want?”

“Aloe and Vera along with their prison records. They’re both in The Pit.”

“I’ll have them and the records brought here at once.”

Arc shakes his head. “No! Have them meet us at the courtyard where meals are taken!”

Ember nods fearfully. “Hurry! He’s out of his mind!”

Groaning, Spitfire gives the order. She and her guards slowly back up as Arc and his hostage advance one step at a time down the corridor. Eventually they come to the courtyard. Arc looks over the side of the catwalk to see two mares shackled and lying on the ground with several guards standing over them. Spitfire turns to Arc.

“Here they are. Prisoners Aloe and Vera.”

A stallion approaches and drops two large packets on the ground next to them. Arc nods as he looks to Spitfire..

“See? You CAN be reasonable, lieutenant.”

“Don’t call me that!”

“Fine. But I need to verify that those really are the mares you claim they are.”

Blinking, Arc and Ember reappear next to the mares. He calls out to them.

“Roll over.”

The pair silently do so, albeit nervously. Their eyes grow wide as they see Arc’s face, but say nothing. He turns to the honor guards.

“Pick those mares up and take them through here.”

Raising a gauntlet, he opens a portal. Ember looks to her honor guards.

“Do as he says! Hurry!”

Doing as instructed, they pick up Aloe and Vera along with the packets and vanish through the portal. Spitfire seethes.

“You got what you wanted! Now release the Dragon Lord!”

Arc tightens his grip on Ember. “No. She’s coming with along as an insurance policy that says you won’t come after me.”

Spitfire grits her teeth. “Murderous coward! How many more will you kill before it’s enough for you?! Well?!”

Arc frowns. “I didn’t do that in the past and won’t in the future. Everyone I’ve ended has deserved it fully.”

“What about Virtuous Lance?!”

“I didn’t kill him.”

“LIAR!”

Arc sighs. “Believe what you want. But it doesn’t change what really happened.”

“I know what I saw!”

“No, lieutenant. While I may never be able to change your mind, I’m still going to see this thing through to the end.”

Backing up, he and Ember vanish through the portal’s swirling energies. Spitfire charges and lunges forward in an attempt to go after him, but misses as the portal closes. She lands face first on the ground. Spitfire slams a hoof down angrily as she cries out.

Chapter 5 - Magitek

Arc and Ember reappear on the sigil in his quarters aboard The Equinox. They look up to see Max and Xenos carefully laying Aloe and Vera down on their backs. The mares look around nervously as Arc approaches them and turns to Xenos.

“Tell the Bridge that we’re aboard and to retrace our previous course to return to Abyssinia at once.”

“Yes sir.”

He runs out the door as Arc turns his attention back to Aloe and Vera. Kneeling down, he looks them over before turning to Hugh.

“Think you can get those chains off them?”

“That I can, sir.”

“Do it.”

The stallion produces a lockpick and gets to work. Sometime later the chains and locks sit in a pile in the middle of the floor. Aloe and Vera lay there shakily and look around.

“Please don’t hurt us!”

“We’ll do whatever you want!”

Ember chuckles. “Easy there. You’re safe with us.”

Aloe looks to her. “How can you say that?!”

Vera nods. “Aren’t you a prisoner too?!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… no.”

Arc smiles as he holds up a hand. “That whole kidnapping ruse was just a plot to get my magic ring back. That and I decided to get both of you out of there as well.”

Max grins. “Right. The commander had us under orders to go along with that plan.”

Viktor looks around. “Uh… where’s Hammer?”

“Right here!”

She decloaks causing the mares to cry out in terror. Arc groans.

“Hammer!”

“Sorry about that.”

Ember looks at the young woman. “Why don’t you and I grab a shower?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Arc stands and looks around. “Good work out there tonight everyone. A solidly executed plan.”

He turns to his squad.

“You four hit the showers and get some rest.”

They salute and leave the room with Hammer and Ember. Arc turns back to the mares on the floor.

“Why don’t you two get cleaned up as well?”

Aloe grimaces. “S-sir?”

“Prison’s a dirty place, after all.”

Vera nods. “Yes sir. We’ll do as you say.”

Arc gestures to the bathroom nearby. Aloe and Vera walk into it and close the door. Sighing, Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

Lemon Hearts voice rings out. “Go ahead, sir.”

“Anything on the radar?”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “A small transport ship is on a direct course with Luna Bay Prison, sir.”

“That must be Decimus. How far out is he?”

“Several hours.”

Wrangler grins wickedly. “We could double back and shoot him down before he gets there though.”

Thunderlane turns around. “Shall we, sir?”

“Negative, Thunderlane. Follow my previous orders and get us back to Abyssinia. There’s much work to be done.”

Soarin nods. “Yes sir. I’ll see to it.”

“Thank you, captain. Anything else out there to report?”

Lemon Hearts sighs. “The prison’s sent out a general alarm.”

Soarin shrugs. “We’ll be long gone before reinforcements arrive from the capital though.”

“So nothing we need to worry about?”

Wrangler shakes her head. “No, sir.”

“Very good. Let me know if that changes. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, he severs the connection and sits down on the couch. Sighing, he muses to himself.

“Sorry, Spitfire. You’ll take the blame for this. But it had to be done.”

Sometime later Aloe and Vera walk cautiously out of the bathroom. Arc stands and walks over to them.

“Feeling better?”

“Yes sir.”

“What are your orders?”

“Follow me.”

He leads them out the door and down the corridor. A short time later they arrive at the Infirmary. Redheart steps out of her room a few moments later groggily.

“Do you need help, sir?”

Arc nods as he gestures to Aloe and Vera. “I need you to do a full checkup of these two.”

“Anything specific I should be looking for, sir?”

“No. But be very thorough.”

She gestures to two hospital beds.

“Both of you lie down and we’ll get started.”

Aloe takes a step back. “Will it hurt?”

“A few of the tests will be a bit uncomfortable, yes. But I’ll do my best to make them quick as well as warn you before we start them.”

Vera grimaces. “How long will this take?”

“An hour or so for each of you, I’m afraid. There’s quite a bit to do. Now then, who wants to go first?”

Aloe raises a hoof. “I’ll start.”

“No, sister. You’re exhausted. Let me go first.”

“Okay. But I’ll stay awake to watch over you.”

Arc sighs. “Get some rest, Aloe. Nothing bad is going to happen to Vera.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc turns to Redheart. “Mind if I crash here too?”

“It’s your ship, sir. Do whatever you like.”

Arc flops down on a bed and lays back as Redheart gets to work. In what feels like only a few moments he feels someone gently shaking him. Rolling over, he spots Redheart’s hoof on his shoulder.

“Sorry to wake you, sir. But the tests are complete.”

“Did you find anything?”

“Both patients are a bit underweight, but otherwise fine. Blood samples showed nothing out of the ordinary and every physical test shows them to be relatively healthy. I did take the liberty of giving them both a bag of IV nutrients though.”

“Thank you, Nurse Redheart.”

He turns to Aloe and Vera.

“Please follow me.”

Arc leads them down a corridor. Aloe looks out the window at the rising sun.

“Beautiful.”

Vera sighs happily. “It’s been a long time since we saw that.”

Arc turns to them. “Oh?”

Aloe speaks but does not look over. “The prison walls are so high that we can’t actually see the sun until midday.”

“I see. Well, you can view it better from here.”

He gestures to a door. Unlocking it, Arc pushes it open to reveal a very posh room. They gasp in amazement. Aloe turns to him.

“What are we doing here, sir?!”

“You’ll be staying here for the time being.”

Vera gasps. “We will?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Now then, shall I order some food brough to you?”

Aloe shakes her head. “No thank you, sir.”

Vera yawns. “We’re still really tired.”

“So am I. Now the two of you are still prisoners, so you can’t leave this room unaccompanied. They’ll be guards stationed outside to escort you wherever you want to go.”

Aloe raises an eyebrow. “You mean we won’t be locked in here?”

“No. You’re free to go to the Cafeteria, Game Room, Library, Observation Deck, and whatnot. But you must be accompanied at all times. Cause any trouble and these privileges will be revoked. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir!”

“We understand!

“Good. Sleep well.”

Arc turns and leaves the room. Aloe and Vera sigh contentedly as they climb into their beds and fall asleep looking at the sunrise. Meanwhile, Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

Lemon Hearts voice rings out. “Go ahead, sir.”

“Have Wrangler assign around the clock guards to watch VIP suite number one. The mares within are to be escorted to any non-restricted area aboard ship they wish to go.”

Wrangler nods. “Yes sir, I’ll see to it.”

Soarin calls out. “Is there anything else we can do, sir?”

“Not right now, no. As soon as the guards arrive though I’m going to be taking a portal to visit someone though.”

Lemon Hearts grins. “Shall we enable radio silence with you, sir?”

“That won’t be necessary. Let me know if I’m needed and I’ll return, post haste.”

Wrangler chuckles. “Aye, sir.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. A few minutes later several guards approach and salute him. Reiterating his earlier orders, Arc returns to his room and looks out the window for a few moments.

“I need to do this.”

Opening a portal, Arc takes a deep breath and steps through. Reappearing in a small hospital room he looks around. Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer, and Platinum Valve are just finishing their breakfast.

“Sorry, is this a good time?”

Steel Hammer motions for him to approach. “It’s always a good time for you, old friend.”

Silver Hammer nods. “Yes, please join us.”

Platinum Valve grins. “My parents are doing a lot better these days!”

Arc smiles nervously. “That’s good.”

He turns to Silver Hammer.

“How… um… are you…?”

Silver Hammer sighs as her ears droop. “My… back half doesn’t work anymore.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that.”

Steel Hammer nods sadly. “No more than I myself am.”

“I had to keep you safe, dear. We’ve always had each other’s backs in the past, after all.”

“This time literally.”

Platinum Valve puts her hooves up on her mother’s bedside. “It was broken badly. But the doctor says mom will be able to walk again with a wheelchair similar to the one Stellar Eclipse uses.”

Silver Hammer sighs. “Not for a long time though, I’m afraid.”

“I’m really sorry about all this, you two.”

Steel Hammer appears confused. “Arc?”

“You got in trouble for defending my good name.”

Silver Hammer shrugs. “All we did was speak the truth.”

Steel Hammer appears hopeful. "Yes. Nopony knew it would lead to this. But what about you, Arc?"

Platinum Valve nods soberly. “We all heard on the radio that you kidnapped Princess Twilight and burned Ponyville to the ground along with everypony there.”

Silver Hammer frowns. “All lies, we assume.”

“I didn’t have anything to do with what happened to Ponyville. The truth of the matter is that I went back there to save everyone.”

Steel Hammer gasps. “Are they alright?”

“Yes, everyone was relocated to Abyssinia. They’ve even built a town there in the capital called ‘New Ponyville’.”

Platinum Valve smiles. “Is it nice?”

“Not as much as the old town was. But everyone’s safe, yes.”

He shifts uneasily before continuing.

“The part about Twilight is… mostly true.”

Steel Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You kidnapped a princess?!”

“Well… it was more or less consensual. I wanted to use that act to get Celestia’s attention.”

Platinum Valve looks him over. “They said on the news that you were taken prisoner!”

“I was. Broke out when Sunset Shimmer framed me for killing the warden.”

Silver Hammer gives him a smile. “It sounds like you’ve had a hard time lately.”

“Not as hard as you two.”

Steel Hammer sighs. “We can heal and rejoin the others. You can’t as things stand.”

Silver Hammer nods sadly. “Right. You’re a fugitive now.”

Platinum Valve grits her teeth. “Which is totally unfair!”

“I know. But I’m working on something that will even the odds.”

Silver Hammer appears hopeful. “Oh?”

“We need to stop Celestia and Decimus soon, before anyone else gets hurt.”

Steel Hammer grins. “Remember, you’re above the law.”

“And I’ll need to use that to my advantage in the coming weeks.”

“You mean…?”

Arc nods. “Our enemies aren’t playing by the rules when they should be. So in order to fight them, I need to be willing to do the same.”

Steel Hammer nods understandingly. “Not everything Silver and I did was strictly… morally right.”

“However we did what needed to be done for the greater good of Equestria.”

Platinum Valve smiles. “We still believe in you, sir.”

“Thanks. Right now I need all the support I can get.”

Steel Hammer looks hopeful. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

“Just rest and get better. Platinum Valve needs you both.”

Silver Hammer giggles. “As does Princess Luna, I’m sure.”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc. “How is she?”

“Luna left Canterlot some time ago. She’s staying with the Nightborn for the time being, I’m assuming.”

Silver Hammer grimaces. “That’s not good.”

“Oh?”

Steel Hammer sighs. “She told us once that they were her failsafe.”

Platinum Valve appears confused. “Failsafe?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Her private army. She confided in us that they would be the ones to help her cleanse any evil from the land should the need arise.”

Steel Hammer shudders. “Their summoned monsters are about as temperamental as a bull in a china shop though.”

Silver Hammer groans. “Right. So any help they could give would probably also destroy anything they were trying to defend.”

Platinum Valve gasps. “Doesn’t Princess Luna care that she might destroy that which she’s trying to save?!”

Steel Hammer shrugs. “She believes in the ‘scorched earth’ method.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Better to destroy it yourself then let the enemy have it?”

“Exactly.”

Arc frowns. “I’ll have to see to it things don’t get to that point then.”

Steel Hammer nods approvingly. “We know you can do it, Arc.”

“Thanks. The only down side is that I don’t really know where to go from here.”

Platinum Valve gasps. “I might have an idea!”

“Oh?”

Platinum Valve points a hoof to a stack of newspapers lying on the floor nearby. “I’ve been reading to my parents every morning. Helping them keep up with world events as they’re reported.”

Steel Hammer smiles. “And what do you think, Platinum Valve?”

“That Decimus is going to try something very soon.”

Silver Hammer nods. “I agree. But what?”

Platinum Valve picks up a paper. “Remember what dad said this morning about Decimus wanting to control the masses?”

Silver Hammer nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“I believe he may be trying to do that literally.”

“Oh?”

Platinum Valve holds out the newspaper to Arc. “Well, this would certainly help him do just that!”

Arc looks the paper over, clearly confused.

“A… statue?”

“It’s to commemorate Princess Celestia’s return to Equestria.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t understand. How could a statue do anything?”

“Because of this!”

She points at the orb in the statue’s hooves.

“I still don’t get it.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “It’s going to be centrally located, have its own power source that’s independent from the local power grid, and the orb will be made out of pure crystal!”

Silver Hammer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Where have I heard that before…?”

Platinum Valve continues. “A long time ago King Sombra used a similar item to control his slave troopers. The light it emitted brainwashed everypony in the Crystal Empire in just a few minutes!”

Arc gasps. “Everyone would be in his grasp!”

Steel Hammer frowns. “This could just be a test run.”

Silver Hammer shudders. “And if it works they’ll probably look into building and deploying these to every town in the nation!”

Platinum Valve grits her teeth. “Right! Decimus would win without a single life lost!”

Arc frowns. “Very clever of him. He expects me to be looking for a sizable military force. When in reality his weapons will have won over the hearts of the citizens with the push of a button.”

Steel Hammer looks to Arc. “He has to be stopped!”

Silver Hammer sighs. “But how?”

Arc clenches a fist. “I’ll head over there and see about this whole statue thing.”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “You wouldn’t know what to look for though!”

Steel Hammer nods. “Right. Something like this requires a very specialized eye.”

Arc looks to them. “Got anyone in mind?”

Platinum Valve raises a hoof and grins. “How about a Magitek Engineer?”

Silver Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You, dear?”

“Right. I know what to look for, can fit in small places, and nopony will look twice at a filly.”

Steel Hammer chuckles. “You could always just say you were lost, or something.”

“Right.”

Arc shrugs. “Well… I suppose you could help with the planning and initial investigation. But what about your parents?”

“Silver and I will be fine.”

“Right. After all, we’re being looked after by the finest medical staff in the Crystal Empire. That and Equestria needs everypony to do their part, especially right now.”

Platinum Valve giggles. “I’d love to help!”

Arc nods. “Alright. But you need to give me your word that you’ll do whatever I tell you to, no questions asked.”

“Sure! I promise! What are we going to do first?!”

“Head back to New Ponyville and talk this over with the others.”

Steel Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Others?”

“My squad and friends.”

Silver Hammer frowns. “Be careful in that regard, Arc. They don’t have the same legal protections as you do.”

“I’ve already gone over that with them. Everyone’s in agreement that this can’t be done alone and are willing to take the risk.”

Steel Hammer sighs. “We understand that, Arc, and know that you’ll do the right thing. But be sure that they realize that only YOU can legally approach Celestia to do what needs to be done.”

Platinum Valve looks to her father. “But if she’s so bad, why does it matter who stops her?”

“It’s important for the history books.”

Silver Hammer nods. “Right, dear. If anypony other than the Hero of Light were to dethrone a princess, it would be recorded as just another internal power struggle. One pony trying to take the land over another.”

Steel Hammer gestures to Arc. “That’s the role of the Hero of Light. Their entire reason for existing.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Platinum Valve nods soberly. “We both will.”

Chapter 7 – Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral

The next day there is a loud knock on Decimus’ office door in Canterlot Castle. Groaning he turns to Gaston.

“Great. More interruptions.”

Gaston shrugs. “Oh well. Best see what it’s about.”

Decimus clears his throat and calls out.

“Come in!”

A Royal Guard hurries in and shakily salutes.

“Sir! The rogue Hero of Light’s ship has just been spotting approaching Horseshoe Bay from the east!”

Gaston rolls his eyes. “So what?”

Decimus shakes his head. “He must be here to try and take us down.”

The guard salutes. “Sir, what are your orders?!”

Decimus stands. “I’ll head to the princess’ room and speak to her about this before handling t personally. Return to your duties, soldier. Follow me, Gaston.”

The three of them leave the office. Decimus and Gaston go one way as the guard heads the other. Gaston turns to Decimus.

“Looks like you were right.”

“Aren’t I always?”

“Lord Arc is playing directly into our talons.”

“That he is. The young fool is going to put himself right where we want him to. But we need to make sure we’re in the proper position as well.”

They arrive at Celestia’s room a short time later. After being admitted by the guards, the pair enter. Celestia is anxiously pacing the floor as Decimus approaches her and speaks.

“Good morning, princess. How are you feeling today?”

“Decimus! I’ve just received a letter from Princess Twilight!”

Decimus raises an eyebrow, confused. “You… you have?”

“Yes! Look!”

She levitates a scroll over to the stallion. Taking it he begins to read as Celestia speaks.

“Apparently the traitorous human has corrupted her in totality! She’s being forced to back his cause now!”

Gaston frowns. “Are you certain of this, your highness?”

“I am! The scroll was delivered via magical means that only she and her assistant are capable of casting!”

Decimus looks up from the paper. “It says here that he’ll be making his way to the capital along with his forces to remove you from the throne.”

“Does he have the resources to do that?!”

“Not likely, your highness. However, for the sake of your personal safety, I’d like to recommend that we temporarily relocate you to my base just outside of Ponyville.”

Celestia groans. “But what would the citizens think of that?! Me turning tail and running away from a common usurper!”

“We’ll do it in secret, princess.”

Gaston nods. “No one would have to even know you’re gone.”

“I and my forces will personal protect you, your highness.”

“And what of Canterlot?!”

Decimus grins. “I will give orders for the defense in your name.”

Gaston salutes. “I too will lend my talon to your cause, Princess Celestia.”

“Very well then. And thank you, admiral. It’s good to know that I can count on you and Decimus in this difficult time.”

With a glow of his horn, Decimus opens a dark portal and escorts Celestia though. Arriving at Light’s Hope, Celestia looks around to see a fully-staffed base bustling with activity. She turns to Decimus, clearly confused.

“What’s all this?”

“I was concerned that something may be done by the human. Therefore I prepared this base to act as a secret fallback position for you.”

Gaston motions with a wave of his talons. “We’re fully able to command the nation from here, your highness. There’s a direct line to Canterlot via the War Room.”

Decimus nods. “Fully stocked with food, weapons, personnel, and soldiers to protect you in this dark time.”

Celestia smiles. “It would appear you’ve thought of everything.”

Decimus nods as he motions with a hoof to some soldiers nearby. “That I have. Now then, I’ll have a squad escort you to your room. Please rest for now and let me handle this.”

“Very well. Let me know if the situation changes or if you need me.”

“Yes, princess.”

Celestia leaves with the guards as Gaston turns to Decimus.

“And now the human will attack an empty castle.”

Decimus laughs. “Not empty in the least.”

“Oh?”

“After all, we need to keep up appearances. Now then, I need to make a call.”

“To whom?”

“My forces in Baltimare.”

Picking up a phone, he dials a number.

“Start the operation.”

Hanging up, the turns back to Gaston.

“That should do it.”

“Slowing him down?”

Decimus chuckles as he motions for Gaston to follow him. “In a manner of speaking. It’s not so much time that we’re gaining, but forcing him into a very specific route. Now then I need to make a few more calls before we can just sit back and watch the show unfold.”

Meanwhile Arc stands on the Bridge looking out the window toward Baltimare with Rarity by his side. She gazes at the city happily.

“Beautiful.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s a bit too big for my tastes.”

“I’d like to open a boutique there one day.”

Arc chuckles. “More customers, eh?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. But it’ll take quite some time to settle on a location, purchase materials, order props, sew dresses for them, and all the other little things I’m forgetting.”

She leans against Arc as he kneels down and puts an arm around her.

“There’s a lot of very nice restaurants there as well.”

“Like in Canterlot?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Oh no. They’re very flavorful.”

“You and I should go there sometime then.”

Rarity giggles. “Thinking with your stomach again?”

Arc grins. “What can I say? I like good food.”

They laugh easily together and continue to look out at the scenery. Scootaloo’s voice rings out in Arc’s head.

“Big Brother? Can you hear me?”

Arc: Loud and clear. What’s going on over there?”

“I just received a phone call from Decimus. He’s left the castle for Light’s Hope.

“Why?”

“He says it’s his scheduled move in date.”

“And Celestia?”

“No idea. The guards are still in front of her room though.”

Arc frowns. “But it wouldn’t make sense for him to leave her there.”

“You think he took her to Light’s Hope with him then?”

“Maybe. But we won’t know for sure until we get there.”

“Canterlot Castle or Light’s Hope?”

“It’d be slightly closer for us to head for my base. We could hit it, take out Decimus, and see if Celestia is there.”

“If not she has to be in Canterlot, right?”

“Exactly.”

“But it would probably be better to take the capital first. You could use it as a more advanced center of operations for tracking down Celestia.”

“Not a bad idea. One second.”

He turns to Thunderlane.

“How long would it take us to reach Canterlot?”

“At full speed we can be there in three hours, sir.”

Wrangler nods soberly. “We should go up high alert right now though, sir.”

Soarin turns to the comms station. “Agreed. Lemon Hearts, give the order to…”

Lemon Hearts gasps. “Sir! I’m receiving an emergency transmission!”

Moon Dancer looks to her. “What?!”

Soarin frowns. “From whom?!”

“Baltimare! It’s a general alarm!”

Rarity points a hoof at the main window. “There’s smoke coming from several buildings!”

Wrangler grabs her binoculars and scans the horizon. “I see it too! That and… oh my Celestia!”

Arc groans. “Uh… I’m going to have to call you back later, Scootaloo.”

“Okay. What’s…?”

“Talk later!”

Arc quickly severe the connection and turns to Wrangler.

“What is it?!”

“Several buildings just collapsed, sir!”

Rarity looks to Arc. “We have to help!”

Soarin grimaces. “But if we do, Celestia will have more time to prepare for our arrival.”

Thunderlane looks over his shoulder at Arc. “Sir! Your orders?!”

“Change course at once. New heading… Baltimare Town Hall.”

“Aye, sir.”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “It… it doesn’t make sense. How could this happen?”

Moon Dancer turns to her. “Wrangler?”

“Buildings don’t just fall down. Somepony planned this.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. It’s too convenient. But let’s get over there and see if we can lend a hand.”

He turns to Lemon Hearts.

“Bring the ship up to red alert and order my forces to prepare to disembark. Also have Redheart on standby.”

“Aye sir.”

Soarin looks to Arc. “Shall we raise the Town Hall on the radio, sir?”

“Yes. Let’s see where we’re needed.”

Lemon Hearts speaks into her headset. A few minutes later she turns to Arc.

“I have Duke Carleon on hold, sir.”

“Put him through on the speakers.”

A few moments later Lemon Hearts turns to him.

“Go ahead, sir.”

“Duke Carleon, this is Hero of Light Arc. What is Baltimare’s situation?”

“Three separate buildings have collapsed, sir! I’ve dispatched the Town Guards, but they’re stretched thin!”

“We’ll set down near the closest building to lend aid.”

“Yes sir. Um…”

“Was there something else?”

“I… just wanted to say… that if not for this catastrophe I wouldn’t allow you access to my city.”

Wrangler frowns. “Allow?! Nopony tells the Hero of Light what he can and can’t do!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Understood. However now is not the time for such things. We’ll see if we can save some lives.”

Carleon sighs. “Very well. I’ll send over the addresses of the other two buildings. Please don’t cause any trouble right now though. We have enough of that at the moment.”

“I’ll try not to. Arc out.”

He motions for Lemon Hearts to cut the feed, which she does. Thunderlane frowns.

“The nerve of that stallion! Talking to the commander like that!”

Arc heads for the door. “We’ll worry about pleasantries later. Right now we have a job to do. Order all forces to the Main Hatch.”

Soarin nods. “Aye sir.”

Heading down the corridor, Arc meets up with his troops. Dividing them up into three groups he puts Hammer in charge of one platoon, Ember over the second, and himself over the third. As soon as the ship touches down the door flies open and his forces swarm outside. Going their separate ways Arc calls to his group.

“Earth Ponies and Unicorns, start digging through the rubble for survivors! Bring them here for treatment as necessary! MOVE!”

The guards turn and hurry to carry out their orders as Arc looks to his squad and Redheart.

“Max, you and the guys will get an emergency triage area set up on the deck!”

“Yes sir! Let’s move!”

“Redheart, I’ll leave you my Pegasus guards to ferry those whom you can’t treat to the hospital!”

“Yes sir, I’ll take care of it!”

“I’m going to help join the rescue effort! Anyone have any questions?!”

Max shakes his head. “No sir!”

Xenos nods soberly. “We got this!”

Arc grimaces as he runs down the ramp. “Stay with Redheart, guys! Help her as best you can! Sereb, help sniff out survivors!”

They nod as guards begin ferrying the injured up to the deck. Arc hurries into the ruined building. Looking around he spies guards and other pony volunteers running around and frantically digging through the rubble. Several stallions tug at a massive piece of precast concrete to no avail. Arc runs over to them.

“Stand back!”

As they do so he casts a powerful Telekinesis Spell to lift the rubble. Setting it down on the sidewalk he watches as the volunteers pull out several injured ponies.

“Get them to my ship! We have medical help waiting!”

Nodding, they hurry past him. Repeating the process over and over again as the sun travels across the sky, Arc eventually sits down on large chunk of wall to rest. Rarity hurries over to him with a canteen of water.

“Drink this!”

“Save it for…”

“You haven’t eaten or drank anything in hours, Arc!”

“I… suppose that’s true.”

Taking the bottle, he upends it and takes a large swig. As he moves to hand it back, Rarity puts a hoof on his hand.

“Drink the rest.”

“There’s others whom…”

“I’ll get more. We have crates of these back at the ship. Besides, we have to hurry. Nightfall is coming.”

“That it is.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“Get the flashlights out of the Cargo Hold and out onto the deck. I want them dispersed to anyone whom needs one.”

Soarin nods. “I’ll see to it personally, sir.”

“Good. How is the triage area holding up?”

Wrangler shudders. “Nearly at full capacity, sir. I was about to head over there to see if I could help along with Thunderlane.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

A short time later the sun dips below the horizon and the moon rises. Arc sighs and nods to a couple Pegasi as he lays two mares on a stretcher together.

“To the hospital morgue.”

They nod and take off. Rarity puts a hoof on Arc’s side.

“Everypony’s finding more and more dead bodies.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. The number of the living ponies being pulled out of the wreckage has been zero for about three hours now.”

“You should rest now, Arc. There’s little more you can do at this point.”

“I disagree.”

“Oh?”

Arc stands. “I can keep looking for bodies.”

“Even you can’t raise the dead, Arc.”

“You’re right, I can’t. But I can send to them to the hospital for identification. Then at least their families will have some cloture along with the ability to properly bury them.”

Rarity bows her head. “A lot of ponies won’t get that.”

Arc nods as he walks through the ruins with her. “I know. For the past hour I’ve been pulling out pretty much nothing but body parts. While it’s not likely they’ll ever be properly laid to rest, I can’t just let them lie there and rot.”

“But you’re exhausted!”

“I can keep going for a bit longer.”

“Would you please rest? For me?”

“In a bit. Now then, let me transform. I’ll get a lot more stamina from that.”

Arc looks up at the moon. Awakening his Crimson powers he stands up straight and stretches as Rarity looks him over.

“How do you feel now?”

“Great. Now then, let’s get back to digging for…”

He suddenly stops talking. Rarity appears confused.

“Arc? What is…?”

“Shush!”

They are silent for a time as Arc listens. Turning, he walks to the back of the ruins. Rarity follows him as he speaks.

“There’s someone here somewhere!”

“How can you be so sure?!”

“I can hear crying!”

Turning to a large pile of rubble, Arc carefully casts a Telekinesis Spell. Raising it little by little, he eventually exposes the bodies of a mare and stallion. From the visible state of their bodies the pair can easily tell that they’re dead. Rarity shakes her head and sighs as the turns away.

“I’ll go get somepony to take them to the morgue.”

“Sure. I’ll just… wait a minute!”

“Arc?”

Stepping toward the bodies, Arc quickly pushes them aside to expose a bruised and bloody filly. He quickly puts his head to her chest.

“She’s alive!”

Rarity grins. “I’ll go fetch Redheart at once!”

“Hurry!”

As Rarity runs away Arc carefully pats the filly’s cheek. She sniffles lightly and opens them a crack as Arc calls out to her.

“Can you hear me, miss?”

The filly nods slightly. Her own movement causes her to yelp in pain. Arc spies a trail of blood snaking its way away from her.

“It’s going to be okay. I’ve sent my friend to go get help.”

“For… my mommy and… d-daddy?”

“For… all three of you, yes.”

She grimaces. “Don’t… don’t leave… me!”

“Shh… don’t strain yourself. What’s your name?”

“T-Toola… Roola. It… it hurts… so… bad.”

“Help is coming. Just hold on.”

“So… thirsty…”

Arc takes the flask from his hip and opens it. Putting it to the filly’s lips he carefully raises it to give her a drink. She wheezes contentedly and looks up at him with a pained smile.

“That… feels a bit… better. Is… help… coming…?”

Arc nods as the carefully takes her hoof. “Yes. A nurse is on her way.”

Toola Roola looks over at her parent’s bodies. “Help… help mommy… and daddy… first please.”

“Don’t… don’t worry about it.”

“Can… you do something… for me…?”

“What is it?”

Toola Roola slowly pulls one of her front hooves out from under her belly. In it she holds a small teddy bear covered in dirt and blood. She smiles at it weakly before turning back to Arc and holding it out to him.

“Please… give teddy… to my parents. They’ll… they’ll take care of him… for me… while I rest.”

Arc nods and takes the bear in his hand. Toola Roola forces a smile as she speaks to her stuffed animal.

“Be… good… while I… sleep, teddy. You’ll… you’ll be… s-safe… with… with him.”

Reaching out a hoof, she gently pats the bear’s head before closing her eyes and laying her head down. Sitting there motionless for a few moments, Arc hears the sound of hoofsteps approaching. Stepping back as Redheart hurries over, she pulls a stethoscope from her bag and listens to the filly’s chest for a few moments. Shaking her head, she turns to the Pegasi whom followed her.

“She’s dead.”

Rarity gasps. “WHAT?! B-but Arc said…!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. She was.”

Redheart turns to her assistants. “Take these three to the hospital Morgue.”

The Pegasi nod and lay the stallion on the stretcher before picking up the mare and laying her on top of her husband. However as they turn to pick up Toola Roola, Arc holds up a hand.

“No.”

Redheart appears confused. “Sir?”

“Don’t touch her.”

“But sir, we can’t just leave her here.”

“I… I know.”

Kneeling down, Arc carefully picks up the limp filly in his arms. Using his magic, he places the teddy bear on her chest and wraps her hooves around it. Wordlessly standing, Arc turns and walks away from the scene with the Pegasi carrying her dead parents behind him. Redheart turns to Rarity.

“What… what just happened?”

Rarity bows her head. “He couldn’t save her.”

“There’s a lot here today that we couldn’t save.”

Rarity sighs as she picks up the flask. “That’s true. But she died right in front of him.”

Redheart nods soberly. “We all did our best.”

Rarity turns to walk away. “Yes. And this time… it wasn’t enough.”

Chapter 8 - Farewells

Late the following morning Arc lays on his bed aboard The Equinox staring up at the ceiling. Rarity lays on her side next to him.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“You did your very best back there.”

Arc sighs. “I know. But my best wasn’t enough.”

There is a knock at the door. Rarity stands and walks over to open it. Finding the squad along with Hammer, Ember, and Sereb standing there she steps aside to let them enter as Arc sits up slowly with the bear in his hand. Max is the first to speak.

“The last of the rubble has been cleared of survivors and fatalities, sir.”

“Are you sure?”

Xenos nods soberly. “Yes sir. We are.”

“Good.”

Hugh points to Arc’s hand. “What… do you have there, sir?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “A teddy bear?”

“Yeah. A… little filly asked me to watch him until her parents could take him.”

Viktor appears nervous. “Is she okay?”

“She’s… not.”

Sereb bows his head respectfully. “That is sad to hear.”

Arc sighs as he looks at the blood stained bear in his hand. “Toola Roola. I… didn’t have the heart to tell her that her parents were already dead.”

Ember nods soberly. “I’m sure you made her as comfortable as you could, Arc.”

“Yes. But she was more concerned with this stuffed animal than her own pain. Her last words were to make sure he had someone to… take care of him.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “We need to figure out who did this.”

Hugh grits his teeth. “I think we all know the answer to that question.”

Ember groans. “But why?!”

Hammer frowns. “To slow us down!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. He knew that Arc would not have left those in trouble without aid.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “How did things go at the other two buildings?”

“About the same as the one you oversaw.”

Ember sighs. “Right. A lot of dead ponies were pulled out of the rubble.”

Max steps forward. “We were able to save quite a few though.”

Hugh stomps a hoof. “But we need to make sure something like this never happens again.”

Viktor nods. “Right.”

Xenos clears his throat. “Captain Soarin said he’d received word that Duke Carleon wanted to see us.”

Sereb frowns. “Oh? What about?”

Max shrugs. “Who knows.”

Rarity turns to him. “Arc, maybe you should go see him later this afternoon. You didn’t sleep very well last night.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’ll head over there now.”

“Fine. But I’m coming as well.”

Ember grins. “Me too!”

Hammer pulls her gun. “I’ll watch your back!”

Sereb nods. “And I shall carry you there.”

“That isn’t really…”

Rarity turns to him. “Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Very well.”

Heading for the Main Hatch, he calls forth the Lionheart and mounts Sereb with Rarity. Ember and Hammer walk on either side of him. Making the rather quick journey to the Town Hall, they enter and head for the large office. Duke Carleon appears to have been up all night. He walks over to them slowly.

“Hello again, sir.”

“Hi.”

“As you saw… it was a busy night.”

“Yeah.”

“First, I want to thank you and your forces for doing so much to help save my citizens.”

Ember nods soberly. “It’s what the Hero of Light does.”

“Second… I wanted to apologize for what I said the other day. After what you did yesterday you’re welcome in Baltimare anytime.”

“Thank you, sir. But I get the feeling you didn’t call us here just for that.”

“Correct. High Justice Gavel notified me that she wanted to speak with your regarding a certain legal matter.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “Is she blaming Arc for this?!”

Carleon shakes his head. “No. And while I don’t know exactly what she wants, she was most insistent that you visit her at the courthouse.”

“I’ll do that. Was there anything else you wanted?”

“No.”

Nodding, Arc heads for the door with the others. As he does so Duke Carleon calls out after him.

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“If you do manage to figure out who did this, do me a favor.”

“What is it?”

“Repay them in kind.”

Nodding, Arc leaves the office with his friends. Returning to the street, he hops up into Sereb’s saddle with Rarity. Sereb turns his head to look at Arc.

“To the courthouse?”

“Yeah.”

Hammer frowns. “Are you sure you don’t want to…”

Arc looks straight ahead as he interrupts her. “Now.”

Heading to the familiar building nearby, they enter and are immediately escorted to High Justice Gaval’s office. She stands and steps forward to greet him as they approach.>

“It’s good to see you again, sir.”

“Likewise, ma’am. Are things running smoother now?”

Gavel nods. “Yes sir. I’m doing my very best to see to it everypony whom comes before me has their case heard properly.”

Ember grins. “Very commendable.”

Hammer shrugs. “I guess it is.”

Sereb turns to her. “You do not know what happened the last time we were here.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Yeah. I had to remove the previous High Justice from his position for perverting justice.”

Rarity turns up her nose indignantly. “He got what was coming to him at the peace summit though.”

Gavel appears confused. “Oh? What happened?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Prince Tugem fought and killed him.”

Ember scoffs. “It’s his fault for not accepting the prince’s offer of mercy before they started.”

“In any case, I’m told you wanted to see me.”

Gavel nods. “Yes. I’ve seen the wanted posters around town.”

Hammer reaches for her weapon. “You trying to arrest him?!”

Gavel shakes her head. “I can’t.”

Rarity appears surprised. “Oh?”

“The Hero of Light is above the law. He cannot be tried for any crimes levied against him whatsoever.”

Hammer gasps. “So he can literally do ANYTHING?!”

“Not exactly. You see, while the princesses appoint the Hero of Light, they are also capable of removing one.”

Ember frowns. “How?”

“A vote.”

Sereb growls. “Sounds simple enough.”

“If a majority of the sitting princesses decides that the Hero of Light is not acting in Equestria’s best interests they can remove them from that post. After that he or she can be tried just like anypony else.”

Arc sighs. “And can I assume that with only Celestia in power she alone voted to oust me?”

“I’m sure she would have, yes. However I am unable to ascertain that.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “So he’s still in power?”

“Right.”

Ember grins. “Good.”

“I spoke to Princess Cadance just the other day about this very matter. She claims no such vote ever took place. And even if it had, both she and Princess Luna would have voted in your favor, sir.”

“So where do we stand?”

“Princess Celestia acted unilaterally to appoint Captain Decimus to the position of Hero of Light. That is a power that no princess alone possesses.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “So she broke the law?”

“Correct. As per the decree that established the position of Hero of Light, a minimum of at least two princesses must agree on a candidate before they can be confirmed to the position.”

Arc nods. “Both Luna and Cadance did just that.”

“Yes, that’s what Princess Cadance told me as well. So you’re legally the Hero of Light, while Decimus has no legal protections whatsoever.”

Hammer grins as she pulls her gun. “So let’s go waste that guy!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Who knows. Maybe he’ll stay dead this time.”

Arc frowns. “Not likely. But where do we go from here legally?”

“You have the right to carry out your duties… no matter what they may be, sir.”

Rarity looks to Gavel. “Up to and included removing a royal from power?”

“Correct.”

“Thank you, your honor. It’s good to know that what I’m doing is still allowed.”

Gavel appears nervous. “Yes, well… there was another reason I called you here, sir.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“You’re familiar with my secretary, I believe.”

“Cerulean Skies?”

Gavel nods. “She wished to see you as well about something.”

“Where is she?”

“In the Record’s Room at the moment.”

“I’ll go see her next.”

“Very well, sir. But there is one more bit of information I wish to share with you.”

“What is it?”

“While Celestia is still in power, she most certainly will not go quietly. Remember that.”

Nodding, Arc and his friends leave the room. Gavel sighs as she speaks to no one in particular.

“Good luck.”

Walking down the corridors, they come to the Main Hall. Arc turns to the others.

“The Records Room is off limits to everyone, so I’ll head in there alone.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Can I…?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time, no.”

Ember chuckles. “Even you can’t get into too much trouble surrounded by files, Arc.”

Hammer sighs. “At least we sure hope not.”

Sereb sits down. “We shall wait here then.”

“I’ll try to keep it short. After all, we need to be going.”

Rarity watches him walk down the corridor. Hammer puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Worried?”

“Very.”

Ember chuckles. “Arc can handle this.”

Sereb frowns. “He has been acting very strange since… that time.”

Hammer nods. “And he won’t put down that teddy bear either.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

Rarity sighs. “Because he made a promise to a filly to keep it safe. And Arc doesn’t break his promises.”

Meanwhile, Arc approaches the Record’s Room. The guards cross their spears to block his advance.

“Look… you two both know who I am.”

Neither moves as Arc folds his arms over his chest and continues.

“We can either do this the easy way… or the hard way. Your choice.”

Arc stares at the pair for a long moment before they relent, allowing him to pass.

“Good move.”

Entering the room, Arc looks around as he closes the door behind him.

“Cerulean Skies?! Are you here?!”

A familiar voice rings out nearby.

“She’s in the mare’s room at the moment.”

Arc whirls around to see Tempest looking at him from a nearby table. Suddenly overtaken by an intense rage, he reaches out with a Telekinesis Spell. Tempest gasps as invisible fingers close around her neck and lift her off the ground.

“Why Tempest?!”

“Why… why what?!”

“You did this!”

“It… it wasn’t… me!”

The sound of a door opening nearby rings out as Cerulean Skies leaves the bathroom. She gasps at the scene before her.

“S-sir?!”

“Not now, Cerulean Skies! I’m interrogating your sister!”

“For what?!”

“She knows who’s behind the buildings collapsing yesterday!”

Tempest nods fervently. “Y-yes!”

“SEE?!”

Cerulean Skies runs over to him. “That’s why I asked to see you, sir! So she could tell you what she knew!”

Arc frowns as Tempest continues to gasp for breath. Eventually he releases his hold on her and allows the mare to fall to the floor. She breathes heavily for some time trying to recover.

“Spill it, Tempest. What do you know?”

“This act… wasn’t done by the Council of Shadows.”

“Then who…?”

“The Griffon Liberation Army.”

“What?! But why?!”

Tempest grunts. “I have no idea.”

Cerulean Skies shudders. “Tempest was trying to track them down just the other day.”

“I was too late though.”

“How do you know it was them?”

“Because of the blasts.”

“That doesn’t…!”

“It was done with griffon explosives.”

“How do you know?!”

“From the sound and level of destruction. Equestria doesn’t have anything THAT powerful!”

Arc scoffs. “So you just assume it was the griffons?!”

“They’re the world leader in weapons. That and their leaders wouldn’t have ordered such senseless slaughter. Whom else could it be?”

Arc looks away. “I… can’t say.”

“You know something!”

“Maybe. But like you, I don’t have any proof.”

Cerulean Skies turns to her sister. “That’s… kinda true, Tempest.”

“So is the fact he’s hiding something!”

“Yeah.”

Tempest stamps the ground angrily.“Tell me who you think did it, and I’ll see to it they’re properly interrogated.”

“And then what?”

“They’ll face justice!”

“That part bothers me.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Somepony has to do your job!”

“And it will be done. Decimus is your man, right?”

“You know he is!”

“So then offer to take up the investigation. Check the shrapnel and other leavings to see whom really is responsible before loping heads off.”

Tempest scoffs. “I don’t need his permission!”

“Then start investigating!”

“Alright then, I will!”

She calls forth Light’s Bane and cuts open a portal before turning back to Arc.

“Take good care of my sister.”

As she leaves, Arc turns to Cerulean Skies.

“Dare I ask what she meant by that?”

“She was just reminding you to be nice to me, I think.”

“Oh. Um… sorry about blowing up earlier.”

He looks down at the bloody teddy bear sadly before continuing.

“I’m kinda having a hard time with this whole thing.”

Cerulean Skies smiles. “It’s fine, sir. Um… I’m sorry you had to come here to be treated that way.”

“It’s fine. But do you know anything else about what happened?”

“Sadly, no. I’m sure they’ll be an exhaustive investigation, of course. But at the moment everypony is just trying to make sure that all the bodies are recovered for proper burials.”

“Y-yeah.”

Cerulean Skies motions to the stuffed animal. “Did you lose somepony?”

“A filly died right in front of me. I’ve been holding her bear ever since.”

Cerulean Skies bows her head. “I understand.”

“You do?”

“Yes. Remember, Tempest and I lost our parents very suddenly one day. One morning they were there, and that evening they weren’t.”

“I don’t understand what that has to do with…”

“For all intents and purposes, my parents died that day.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Cerulean Skies holds out a hoof.

“May I?”

Arc gives her the stuffed animal. Cerulean Skies looks it over for a long moment before sighing.

“She didn’t deserve to die.”

“None of them did.”

“And we didn’t deserve to lose our parents.”

Holding up the bear, she looks Arc in the eye.

“Don’t let it consume you, Arc. The regret, the pain, the longing… it’ll only leave you saddened and bitter.”

“Like Tempest?”

Cerulean Skies nods soberly. “She shouldered the most pain to spare me. And for that I’ll always be grateful. Avenge that little filly, of course. But do not allow this matter to cloud your judgment.”

“Thanks for the talk. I… need to be going though.”

“I understand. Tempest will get ahold of you if she finds anything though.”

“Right.”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts! There’s trouble reported in Manehattan!”

“What kind of trouble?”

“A large number of warships just flew over the city from the east!”

“The Griffon Kingdom?”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “Sounds like it!”

“Are they heading for Canterlot?”

Soarin shakes his head. “The Crystal Empire!”

“What?!”

Moon Dancer looks over her screen. “The radar shows them heading straight for it, sir!”

“Can we beat them there?!”

Thunderlane clutches the controls. “Yes sir! But we have to leave now!”

“Fine. Are all crew members accounted for?”

Soarin calls out. “Everypony except you and your party, sir!”

“Take off. I’ll get us back there via portal.”

Thunderlane grins. “We thought you’d say that, sir. I’ve put the engines on standby and will have us in the air in just a few minutes. Shall I set in an interception heading?”

“No. I want to beat them to the city and make our defense from there with the empire’s standing forces.”

Wrangler grins wickedly. “We’ll send those squawkers back across the ocean in body bags!”

Arc frowns. “With luck we can avoid that. But if push comes to shove, we’ll do what needs to be done in order to prevent mass destruction.”

Chapter 9 - Calm Before the Storm

Arc sits down in his office aboard ship. Groaning, he looks out the window.

“Of all the times…”

The phone rings. Arc hurriedly picks it up.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve just spoken with Princess Cadance in the Crystal Empire. She said she would welcome your help, but refuses to speak about the situation over the airwaves.”

“That kinda makes it hard for me to do anything though.”

“Yes sir. But as it stands we’ll arrive before the enemy does though, so you’ll have plenty of time to formulate a strategy.”

“There’s never enough time for these sort of things. I’ll head over there now and talk to her face to face. Notify Captain Soarin that I’m leaving the ship for a time.”

“Yes sir. Good luck.”

Hanging up the phone, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and sighs.

“Here we go again.”

Opening a portal, Arc steps through and reappears in Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer’s hospital room. They appear confused.

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“Were you and Platinum Valve able to…?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing on that yet, no. Sorry I don’t have time to talk, but right now an armada from the Griffon Kingdom is heading this way!”

“What?!”

“Why?!”

“Not sure yet. I’m here to see Cadance about it.”

“Don’t let us keep you then!”

“Yes! Help Princess Cadance with all due haste!”

Arc nods as he removes a magic cloak from his ring and quickly puts it on.

“That I will.”

Cloaking, Arc Blinks through the window and drops to the ground. Looking around, he Blinks up onto the hospital’s roof to get a better view. Spotting the Crystal Castle, Arc concentrates and focuses his power. Blinking across the city, he arrives at the castle and quickly makes his way inside. Heading for the Throne Room, Arc decloaks and motions for the guards to stand aside. They quickly do so, allowing him access. Cadance paces nervously as Shining Armor does his best to reassure her.

“Cadance, you have to remember that Arc is…”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Did I miss anything?

Cadance gasps and runs over to him. Throwing her front hooves around his neck, she pulls him into a bear hug.

“Arc! I’m so glad you’re here!”

Arc grimaces. “Cadance…?!”

“Yes?!”

“Too… tight…!”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Let him breathe, Cadance.”

“Oh my! I’m sorry!”

She releases him and steps back nervously as Arc speaks.

“It’s fine. What’s the situation?”

Shining Armor steps forward. “We received advance warning from Manehattan of an armada of Griffon Kingdom ships flying over the city heading this direction.”

Cadance sighs. “Naturally we tried to speak to them on the radio. But nopony would pick up.”

Arc frowns. “Not talking, eh? Any idea why they’re attacking now?”

Shining Armor frowns. “Actually, yes. Cadance?”

Cadance picks up a scroll from the seat of the throne. “This arrived by royal courier late last night.”

Arc takes the scroll and opens it. Frowning, he looks to Shining Armor.

“Is this thing for real?!”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Yes, Arc. As you can see, it’s by Princess Celestia herself.”

“But this is a declaration of war!”

Cadance sighs. “From Equestria to the Crystal Empire, I know.”

“She’s attacking her own citizens?!”

Shining Armor shrugs. “Or at the very least allowing a foreign nation to do so with reckless abandon.”

“This is insane! I know she was mad about you giving me The Equinox back and whatnot. However this will amount to literal MURDER!”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on Cadance’s shoulder. “Princess Celestia is going to force us to fight our allies.”

Cadance bows her head. “I know. But what other choice do we have?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Is there anything we can do to stop this?”

Shining Armor purses his lips. “There’s a list of demands printed further down.”

Arc clears his throat and reads aloud. “One… Princess Cadance and all of her officers are to turn themselves over to Hero of Light Decimus for the crime of treason. Two… the Elements of Harmony are to be returned to Equestrian custody. Three… before leaving the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadance is to publicly denounce the traitorous former Hero of Light as nothing more than a usurper and common criminal. Four… Princess Cadance is to publicly appoint the commander of the Griffon Kingdom’s forces as Chancellor before leaving the Crystal Empire. Five…”

He throws the scroll across the room angrily.

“Unconditional surrender! That’s her idea of diplomacy?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “So it would seem.”

Cadance looks to Arc pleadingly. “What should we do?!”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “I recommend giving the order for citizens to shelter in place.”

“Agreed. But that doesn’t really solve the core problem.”

He turns to Cadance.

“What defenses does the city have?”

“We have our ground forces, of course. However those will be rather ineffective if the griffon ships decide to bombard the city.”

Shining Armor grits his teeth. “A likelihood given their known weapon systems.”

“Shining Armor is capable of casting a powerful Shield Spell, which would protect us from that.”

“Right. But it’s not likely to stand up against a prolonged assault should the situation degrade to that point.”

“I can help strengthen it with my Alicorn Magic. But again that still only buys us time.”

Arc turns to Shining Armor. “What about our own air support?”

“Other than The Equinox and our Pegasi forces, we have no other airships.”

Arc groans. “Great…”

The Audience Chamber doors open and an armored stallion rushes inside. He approaches Cadance and salutes.

“Your highness! We…!”

He stops talking and hastily salutes again as Arc turns to him.

“S-sir?!”

“Flash Sentry?!”

“You’re here! This is wonderful!”

“Yeah, I’m glad to be back and all. But what’s the problem?”

“A small armada of Equestrian airships are headed straight for us from Canterlot!”

Cadance sighs. “It appears they are sending everything they have in terms of flight.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Aerial superiority?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir. They will control the battle as it stands with sheer numbers and firepower.”

Cadance groans. “Most of our forces won’t be able to even get close.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “The Equinox will help, of course. But even it can’t take on two armies simultaneously.”

Arc looks out a window toward the east. “We might have to. But that’s not what troubles me.”

Flash Sentry appears confused. “Sir?”

“This doesn’t seem right. Celestia and Decimus have to know that you’d call for me as soon as you learned of the attack.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. But what does that have to do with…?”

“It’s likely they’re either trying to distract us from something much larger, or wear our forces down.”

Shining Armor muses to himself. “Our forces.”

Cadance turns to him. “Shining Armor?”

“That might just be it!”

Arc frowns. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”

“The Griffon Kingdom, Crystal Empire, and Equestria all start fighting. It’s likely all sides would take heavy losses. We would then lack the ability to retaliate against either Canterlot or whatever other attacks are prepared.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Three birds, one stone. This has the Council of Shadows written all over it!”

Cadance grimaces. “But what can we do?”

“Stop the fighting before it starts. This battle needs to be won, but with a minimum of collateral damage.”

Shining Armor appears hopeful. “You have a plan, Arc?”

“I just might. Tell me, when will the ships from the Griffon Kingdom reach the Crystal Empire?”

Shining Armor looks at a wall clock. “Two hours.”

“And the forces from Canterlot?”

Flash Sentry sighs. “About the same.”

Cadance shudders. “The griffon ships are much faster than the ones from Canterlot. So even though they’re much further out…”

Arc nods. “They’ll arrive together.”

Shining Armor grits his teeth. “A coordinated attack will follow.”

“How fast are they?”

Flash Sentry frowns. “It’s likely that they’re faster than anything we have, sir.”

“Then we just need to use that to our advantage. Here’s what I had in mind…”

A short time later Arc sighs and looks around the group.

“Does anyone else have any other ideas?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. I think that’s it.”

Shining Armor sighs. “While I wish we could do more, this’ll have to do.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Agreed. I’ll command the ground forces with pride, sir.”

“I know you will, lieutenant.”

Cadance shudders. “With any luck it won’t come to that.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Right. But we’re prepared nonetheless.”

“Yes, well… if anyone comes up with any new ideas let me know.”

Cadance smiles nervously. “We will.”

Shining Armor turns to him. “Would you like to rest before the battle, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. But I would like to see Flash Sentry.”

“Me, sir?”

“It’s about a… personal matter.”

Cadance heads for the door. “Then we won’t pry. Come, Shining Armor. We have our own preparations to attend to.”

“Right behind you, Cadance.”

The pair leave the Audience Chamber as Arc turns to his former lieutenant.

“So… how’ve you been?”

“Very good, sir! Raven and I get to see each other every day now!”

“So things are going well between you two?”

“The best! Every weekend we go on a nice date. Dinner, a show, or even just walking around town together.”

“And how is Raven doing?”

“Why don’t we ask her together, sir?”

“That would be nice. If she isn’t too busy, that is.”

“For you, sir, I think she can make time.”

The lieutenant leads the way down several corridors before coming to a large, ornate door. Pushing it open, they come to a well-furnished office. Raven sits at a desk next to a large double door. Looking up, she grins and hurries over to them.

“Commander!”

“Hi, Raven! How’re you doing?!”

“Much better. I’ve been seeing a therapist here in the city since we arrived. They’ve even had Flash Sentry and I doing a few couple’s sessions.”

Flash Sentry blushes slightly. “A bit of pre-marital counseling, sir. Not sure how I feel about it, but it makes Raven happy.”

“Oh, I’m all for that. After all, you can never know someone too well.”

Raven sighs. “Even though I’m the one with the baggage.”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof on her shoulder. “You’re still perfect, Raven. Like a pretty peach.”

“A bruised one.”

“Now, now. You remember what the therapist said about self-loathing.”

“I know. But it still nags at me.”

She looks back to Arc.

“Sir, I know you have your own problems right now, but might I ask if there’s been any… developments in my case?”

“Sadly, no. Luna and Cadance were working on the paperwork and procedure before… Celestia came back. But now that she’s in charge again I haven’t heard of her doing anything about it.”

Raven bows her head. “Oh… I see.”

“Sorry, but I can’t really tell you anything more.”

“That’s… fine. “

Arc shakes his head. “No, it isn’t. When there’s time I’ll speak to the princesses about how to move forward in this case. There has to be something that can be done.”

Flash Sentry turns to him. “Sir, could we possibly approach the griffon ambassador about this?”

“Ashe isn’t exactly what I would call ‘capable’. She’s just kind of a placeholder in Canterlot.”

Raven sighs. “That’s a shame. When we heard that there was a new ambassador, Flash Sentry and I were hoping that would be a breakthrough.”

“Sorry. But Ashe isn’t someone whom can help. In fact, the griffons are the whole reason I’m here right now.”

Raven appears confused. “Oh?”

Flash Sentry groans. “It’s going to be announced shortly, but a fleet of airships from the Griffon Kingdom are heading this way as we speak.”

“What?!”

Arc nods. “It’s true. The Equinox is on its way to intercept them, but another fleet is also coming up from Canterlot.”

“But WHY?!”

Flash Sentry grits his teeth. “Princess Celestia believes that the Crystal Empire betrayed Equestria by helping the commander.”

“But that’s CRAZY! He’s the Hero of Light for Celestia’s sake!”

Arc clenches a fist. “A fact it appears I will have to remind her of when next we meet.”

“I’ll be commanding our forces on Princess Cadance’s behalf.”

“You will?!”

“Most likely from the castle, but yes.”

Raven breathes a sigh of relief. “So you’ll be safe?”

Arc nods. “As safe as anyone will be when the fighting starts. I’ll do my best to stop this before it gets out of hand, but it’s going to be an uphill battle.”

“We’ll defend this city with everything we have though, sir!”

“I know you will. But who knows just how far Celestia will go?”

Raven seethes. “She’s clearly out of her head!”

“Agreed. But I believe there’s more going on here than meets the eye.”

Flash Sentry raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“Just concentrate on the coming battle.”

A strange sound rings out from a nearby radio. Arc turns to it, confused.

“What the heck?!”

Raven gasps. “That’s the emergency alert system!”

Flash Sentry nods. “It sounds like Princess Cadance is announcing this matter to the general public.”

“But won’t that cause a panic?”

Arc frowns. “Maybe. But it’s important that everyone has time to prepare.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “It won’t help anypony if we’re just carrying on with business as usual when the fleets show up.”

Raven puts a hoof to her chin. “I suppose that’s true.”

Arc smiles as he looks to Raven. “Yes, well… in any case, I need to get moving.”

“It was good to see you again, sir.”

“Likewise, Raven. Take care.”

“I will.”

Arc calls forth a gauntlet and opens a portal. Stepping through he vanishes as Raven turns to Flash Sentry.

“What do you suppose our chances are?”

“Pretty good with the commander on the job.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears on the sigil in his quarters. Ember and Hammer are waiting for him.

“Arc! What’s this I hear about us flying to intercept a fleet of airships from the Griffon Kingdom?!”

“It’s true, yes.”

“Then open me a portal!”

“I’m sure I know the answer to this, but why?”

“To call forth dragon reinforcements! What else?!”

“Are you forgetting that you signed a peace treaty with Equestria?”

“What’s that have to do with…?!”

Hammer sighs. “It’s on Equestrian soil. Your forces would be seen as invaders.”

“I… uh… guess that’s true. But so what?!”

Arc frowns. “It could spark open hostilities between all three nations.”

Hammer smacks her fists together. “That has Diva written all over it!”

“You might be right. She’s a manipulator?”

“Not as smooth as General Mustang, but still able to hold her own.”

“With any luck, her and I will be able to settle this.”

“I doubt it. She’s not much for directly interfering unless it’s to put on a show or make some kind of point.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Well in that case, I’ll make it worth her while to attend.”

Arc grins wickedly. “You’ll have company.”

Hammer laughs. “Me too.”

Arc turns to her, confused. “Hammer?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You’re okay fighting your former commanding officer?”

Hammer grins as she pulls her gun. “Absolutely!”

Arc chuckles. “Glad you feel that way. Because this is probably going to get rough.”

His earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’re withing visual range of the fleet from the Griffon Kingdom. They have not yet returned any of our hails.”

Thunderlane calls out from the pilot’s seat. “And their course remains unchanged.”

Wrangler grins. “Want me to warm up the weapons?”

“Yes, Wrangler. This time we need to be ready to fight.”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “What are our chances, sir?”

“That depends on who’s commanding that fleet.”

Soarin sounds hopeful. “You think you can talk them out of this?”

“Hopefully, yes. But in any case, Captain Soarin, bring the ship up to red alert and notify my soldiers to prepare for battle!”

Chapter 10 - Fowl Dialogue

Arc stands in front of the Main Hatch with his troops. Looking them over, he grimaces.

“Alright everyone. There isn’t much time left until something has to give. I’m going to head to the Bridge and try talking to the oncoming fleet personally. Everyone stay here and be ready to move out on my signal.”

They nod as Arc hurries past them toward the Bridge.

“Sure hope this works.”

Arriving, he runs over to Lemon Hearts.

“Anything?”

Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “Nothing, sir. But at least one of them has to be receiving us.”

“Agreed. Moon Dancer, how far out are they?”

“Five minutes until they’re upon us, sir.”

Wrangler grins. “Four minutes until they’re in range of our weapons.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Alright. Thunderlane, turn the ship to point toward the incoming fleet.”

Soarin turns to him nervously. “Sir, that will minimize our offensive options.”

“I understand that. We’re making a statement.”

Thunderlane sighs. “Aye, sir.”

The ship does a quick turn to face the oncoming ships. They loom before them out the main window. Arc turns back to Lemon Hearts.

“Open a channel. I want to try speaking to them directly.”

“Yes sir.”

Pressing a few buttons, Arc takes the microphone from her and clears his throat before speaking.

“Attention griffon fleet. This is Lord Arc of Equestria. On my authority as this land’s Hero of Light, I hereby demand that you turn around and depart our land immediately.”

Silence ensues. Arc continues.

“Failure to do so will result in a less than desirable outcome for both our nations… and crews.”

He turns to Moon Dancer.

“Any change?”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “Nothing, sir. They’re still coming at us at full speed.”

Arc nods soberly as he turns back to the microphone. “Very well then. I shall meet your fleet with the full might of the…”

Moon Dancer gasps. “Sir! They’re slowing down!”

Lemon Hearts turns to Soarin. “Sir! I’m receiving a hail as well!”

“From where?”

“The command ship!”

Arc grins. “Patch it through.”

Pushing a few buttons, Lemon Hearts points a hoof to Arc.

“This is Lord Arc. To whom am I addressing?”

“Hello again, Lord Arc. This is Lord Adalbert of the Council of Lords.”

“What exactly are you doing here?”

“Assisting our Equestrian allies in the task of retaking the Crystal Empire.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… I was just there. Believe me when I say that it’s still in Princess Cadance’s control.”

“Indeed. But she’s been labeled a traitor to the country by Princess Celestia and your counterpart, Hero of Light Decimus.”

“Lord Adalbert, what you’ve been told is a lie.”

“Eh?”

“Celestia and Decimus are the traitors!”

“So you’re saying Princess Cadance is completely innocent in this regard?”

Arc nods. “She’s just been doing her job leading the Crystal Empire! What did they say she did?!”

“Rebellion and succession.”

“WHAT?!”

“We were given copies of her letters to Princess Celestia. In them she flatly refused to turn over national treasures as well as aided certain… shall we say… individuals on the run.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Oh, believe me, running is the last thing on my mind right now.”

Adalbert laughs throatily. “Not to worry, Lord Arc. We’re not here to try and take you into custody. After all, that’s a matter between you and your government. However if they decide to take action against you, the Griffon Kingdom can’t interfere.”

“But you’ll do so in this instance?”

“Pretty much.”

“Why though?”

“Because I want something that we haven’t had in a LONG time!”

“Which is…?”

“A good fight!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… okay. Isn’t this going a bit far though?”

“Not really. Hero of Light Decimus personally requested the Griffon Kingdom’s aid after the new treaty was signed.”

“Wait! New treaty?!”

“You’re a bit out of the loop, aren’t you?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Let’s just say that I’ve been… busy.”

“Very well. Ambassador Ashe recently contacted her father regarding Princess Celestia’s desire for an expanded version of the former treaty. One that would call for military aid should the need arise.”

“Like now?”

“Like now.”

Arc frowns. “So you’re okay with sending your troops to their doom in what clearly amounts to nothing more than a fake civil war?”

“Yes! We crave the thrill of battle!”

“You’ll have to go through me and my forces if you want to go any further.”

Adalbert chuckles. “I was hoping you would say that, Lord Arc. Come! Let us engage in glorious combat! You shall have the honor of striking first!”

Lemon Hearts turns to Arc. “Sir! The channel has just been closed!”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “The enemy is charging their weapons, sir!”

Thunderlane calls out. “All enemy ships are deploying their soldiers for aerial combat!”

Arc heads for the door at a quick pace as he calls forth his armor. “Prepare the O.R.B system, Wrangler! The moment they fire, deploy it!”

“Aye sir!”

Running down the corridor, Arc returns to his troops at the Main Hatch and puts a hand on the door release button.

“Everyone, prepare to move out! Once on deck form up into three rows! Earth Ponies in front, Pegasi in the middle, and Unicorns in the back!”

Opening the door, he runs out onto the deck followed by his troops. As ordered they line up quickly and silently. Arc kneels down and places a large sigil on the deck under them before standing and turning to his troops.

“Standby for further orders!”

Focusing, Arc Blinks over to the enemy command ship. Kneeling down, he places another large sigil on their deck and activates it. His troops appear on it with him as the ships open fire on The Equinox. Arc looks around momentarily to gauge the situation as the griffon soldiers close in on them.

“Unicorns and Pegasi… hold this position! Don’t let them inside the ship! Earth Ponies with me!”

The Unicorns fend off the griffons with their magic as the Pegasi move to defend them. Running over to the door, Arc grabs the handle and rips it off its hinges. Throwing it aside, he charges inside with his Earth Pony forces behind him. Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the Spear of Righteousness and looks over his shoulder to his forces.

“Take Engineering! I’ll deal with the Bridge! Radio me there when the area is secure!”

Nodding, they part ways. Arc heads one way as his forces charge down a different corridor. Following the signs, he comes to a large steel door. Trying the latch he finds it locked. Rolling his eyes, Arc sighs.

“Of course.”

Pulling out his guardanium knife, he focuses his magic into it and slices a triangular hole in the door. Punching it out, he peeks inside and gives a wicked grin to the Bridge crew.

“Here’s Johnny!”

They cry out in a mixture of terror and surprise at this. Reaching through the hole, Arc smacks the door release. A small hiss rings out as the locks disengage. Pulling his arm back through the hole, Arc steps through the now opening door and points his spear at what appears to be the command chair.

“Is this enough of a fight for you, Lord Adalbert?”

Chuckling, the lord swivels around at the sound of Arc’s voice. He grins wickedly as he stands, wearing very ornate armor. A sword and shield in his talons gleam menacingly.

“Not even close, Lord Arc.”

Lunging forward, the griffon lord swings to land a mighty blow. Arc sees his intent and blocks it with his spear. Lord Adalbert attempts to knock his opponent off balance with a blow from his shield. However Arc doubles down and throws the griffon over his head. He nimbly flips over in midair to land on his back legs, smiling happily.

“Very good, Lord Arc! But let us take this fight outside to get the full effect!”

“We’re fine where we…!”

Arc is cut off as the lord runs out the door and down the corridor. Groaning, Arc gives chase the way he came. Coming back to the deck, Lord Adalbert looks at those fighting around him.

“All griffon forces off the deck! I want a real fight!”

Arc emerges from the ship and points his spear at Adalbert.

“So do I! A real short one!”

“I’ve ordered my forces to stay back, Lord Arc! Do the same for yours!”

Arc turns to his troops. “All of you stay back! He’s mine!”

Grinning, Adalbert flies forth and locks his sword with Arc’s spear. Laughing maniacally, he looks Arc in the eye.

“This… THIS is the feeling I’ve been missing! The wind in my feathers! The exhilaration of my heart pounding!”

Arc glares at him. “So go take a flight once in a while, you nut!”

“One shouldn’t fly alone!”

“Get a girlfriend then!”

Adalbert grins. “Ah, but you’re so much more interesting!”

Arc grunts as he strains to push his opponent back. “I’m flattered, but already… more than taken!”

He punches Lord Adalbert in the beak, sending him flying backwards into the railing. Arc’s soldiers back up to give him room. Standing as he chuckles, Adalbert throws his sword and shield up into the air. A griffon dives forward to catch them as the lord again turns his attention to Arc. Raising an eyebrow, Arc looks to his opponent quizzically.

“So… does this mean you’re giving up?”

“Not even close!”

He cracks his talons menacingly before continuing.

“I’m ditching the weapons. Give me a real fight, Lord Arc!”

Arc shrugs as he puts his spear back into his ring. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

Charging forward, Adalbert tackles Arc, knocking him down the corridor from whence they came. The griffons look to the Pegasi and Unicorns on the deck. Shrugging, the soldiers land and await further orders. Meanwhile, Arc throws the griffon off of him and into a pipe. The hiss of pressurized steam rings out as Arc dives through it onto his foe.

“Got you!”

Adalbert laughs heartily. “No I got YOU!”

Using his hind legs, the lord shoves Arc off of him and down the corridor. Swinging, Arc moves to the side as the blow intended for his head whizzes past and into a wall. Clanging, the panel dents as Lord Adalbert’s talon hits it. Rolling aside, Arc looks to the wall before turning his attention back to his opponent.

“You’re pretty strong for someone who sits on a pedestal all day.”

“Every griffon is taught from a young age to be ready for a fight at any time! Lords are no different!”

Arc charges forward and knocks the griffon through a door (yes, THROUGH the door) as he chuckles.

“Good. Then I don’t have to worry about not hurting you!”

“Hold nothing back!”

“Fine! Let’s do this!”

Allowing the griffon to get to his feet again, Arc waits for him to make the next move. Taking flight, Lord Adalbert tackles Arc. As he stands over him, he headbutts the young man savagely. Arc retorts with a much more powerful headbutt of his own. Knocking the griffin back, Arc uses the opportunity to get to his feet. Diving at the his opponent, Arc slams him through a wall and into a storage room. Kicking over a pile of crates, Adalbert rolls away as Arc is buried under them. Grinning, the griffon stands on them and bends down as he speaks in a mocking tone.

“Come on out, little one. You’re about to be…”

Adalbert is cut off as Arc’s gauntlet suddenly reaches out between two crates and grabs the griffon by the front of his armor. He quickly moves to punch Arc in the face, but is rebuffed by a quick movement of the young man’s wrist as it effortlessly knocks away the blow. Countering, Arc punches Adalbert in the stomach, sending him flying back through the wall, across the corridor, and through the other wall to land in a heap in what appears to be a large bathroom. Stepping forward, Arc spots an open toilet stall with a very surprised looking soldier apparently caught mid-defecation. Walking past the stall, Arc clears his throat before speaking.

“Carry on.”

The griffon nods and slowly closes the stall door as Arc reaches down and grabs Adalbert. Holding him up to look the griffon in the eye, he frowns.

“Are we done now?”

Adalbert chuckles weakly. “Sadly, yes.”

“Oh?”

“It’s… like I told you. I just wanted a fight. And you’ve given me one to remember for the rest of my days.”

Arc sighs as he releases his opponent. “So… what now?”

“I’d like to head back to the deck.”

“We going to go back to fighting?”

“That is… unknown.”

Slowly getting to his feet, Arc follows the injured griffon back to the deck of his ship. They find Arc’s forces on one side of the deck with the griffon soldiers are on the other. While Arc’s troops appear mostly fine, the griffons are noticeably more beat up. Adalbert looks them over sternly.

“You were defeated?!”

A griffon, whom appears slightly more ornately dressed than those around him, speak. “Their formation was unbreakable to us, sir.”

“How so?!”

Arc chuckles. “The Unicorns fired at them while the Pegasus held back any whom got too close, Lord Adalbert.”

“That is correct, sir. We couldn’t even get close.”

Adalbert glares at them. “All of you have shamed the Griffon Kingdom by failing to meet your opponents with vigor and tenacity! I fully intend to reprimand all of you when this mission is over!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So you’re still planning to continue on to the Crystal Empire?”

“We must, Lord Arc! The honor of my command hangs in the balance!”

“Honor?!”

“To return to our homeland in defeat is not something I’m willing to tolerate! We must press on and draw steel against the enemy!”

The griffons cheer as Adalbert grabs a radio from a subordinate.

“All ships, prepare to move out!”

Arc smiles wickedly. “I think you’re forgetting something, Adalbert.”

“Oh? And what might that be?”

“That my own ship still blocks your path.”

“Then I suggest they heave-to.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Understandable.”

Speaking into his radio, Adalbert addresses his fleet.

“All ship target the Equestrian vessel and prepare to fire.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?”

Adalbert shakes his head. “Not really, no. But our mission must be carried out for the glory of the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Is there any way I could talk you out of that?”

“No, Lord Arc. As long as my forces are capable of continuing, we must do so.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because to do anything less would be an affront to our honor!”

“Honor, huh? Tell me, what honor is there in attacking a land filled with innocents? Destroying their homes and livelihoods? Subjugating them?”

“Such is not our intent. However, it is the will of your leaders for this part of your nation to be brought to its knees. And that is what we have sworn to do in order to honor our new treaty.”

“This treaty… what exactly does it say in this regard?”

“That we must heed the call to arms by our ally in their time of need. In return, we will be compensated handsomely for our services.”

“Money?!”

Adalbert shakes his head. “Not so much the tangible kind. We only desire to fight and reclaim our nation’s past glories.”

“Just to make sure… you’re saying that there’s nothing I can do to convince you to leave peacefully?”

“Nothing I can think of, no.”

“But if I COULD convince you to leave, your honor wouldn’t allow for you to betray that, would it?”

Adalbert narrows his eyes. “What are you getting at, Lord Arc?”

“I’ll show you.”

Turning to his forces, Arc clears his throat before calling out to them.

“Pegasi, grab a Unicorn and take flight!”

Doing as they are told, the deck is quickly vacated of ponies. Arc touches his earring.

“Kill the engines.”

Adalbert raises an eyebrow, confused. “You’re telling your crew to crash your own ship?”

“Not my ship. Yours.”

“I don’t understand…”

“You will.”

Pulling out his guardanium knife again, Arc kneels down and plunges it deeply into the steel deck. Taking the handle in both hands, he grips it tightly. A few moments later the ship begins to list slightly. Frowning, Adalbert calls out into his radio.

“Bridge! What’s going on?!”

“We’ve suddenly lost all power, sir!”

“Call Engineering and tell them to get it back on then!”

“There’s no response from that deck, sir!”

“Send someone down there at once to figure out what the devil’s going on!”

“Yes sir!”

Adalbert turns to Arc.

“This is your doing, isn’t it?”

Arc shrugs as the ship’s nose tilts downward. “Perhaps.”

A few moments later they begin to lose altitude. Adalbert grabs onto a guardrail and holds on. His radio crackles.

“Sir! The Equestrians have taken Engineering and shut down the engines!”

“Then restart them!”

“We can’t do that from here!”

“WHAT?! Send a squad down there to…!”

“You ordered all forces to engage the Equestrians outside the ship, remember?!”

Adalbert looks to the soldiers nearby and calls out to them.

“Get to Engineering and push back the invaders!”

They salute and fly quickly toward the Main Hatch. However as they near, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell, knocking them roughly away from the ship.

“Can’t let you do that.”

“Why not?!”

“My own honor. I won’t let you regain control of you ship. That is, unless you’d like to make a deal.”

Adalbert groans. “What do you want?!”

“Your personal assurance that if I order my troops to restart the engines that you and your forces will leave Equestria and return to the Griffon Kingdom.”

“But I can’t do that!”

Arc grins. “Fine. Then we’re all destined for quite a rough landing.”

The ship quickly descends as the engine power falls to zero. Adalbert glares at Arc.

“Tell your forces to stop this madness!”

“Do you promise to leave?!”

“NO!”

“Then this operation continues.”

“Fine then! My honor will remain intact!”

“Will it?!”

Adalbert nods. “Yes! A warrior’s death await! They’ll tell the tale back home for years how my forces and I fell!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Don’t make me laugh!”

“What are you…?!”

“They’ll tell the story, all right! How you refused to save yourself and your crew! How you willingly allowed such a valuable ship to crash to the ground! And how you died from, of all things… FALLING!”

Arc laughs heartily as he nods to Adalbert’s wings.

“Imagine that! A bird whom was killed from a FALL!”

Grimacing, Adalbert mutters something under his breath. Arc calls out to him.

“Did you say something?”

“I… give up.”

Arc puts a gauntlet to his ear mockingly. “What was that? I can’t hear you too well over all this wind.”

Adalbert groans. “I SAID THAT ‘I GIVE UP’!”

“So you surrender?”

“Yes.”

“And that you and your forces will leave Equestria?”

“Yes!”

“Really?”

“YES!!!”

Arc grins. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

He touches his earring.

“Restart the engines!”

A voice rings out over his earring. “Yes sir.”

Adalbert yells into his radio as the whine of the turbines restarting rings out. “BRIDGE, PULL UP!”

The roar of the engines again fills the air as the ship slowly levels off and returns to its cruising altitude. Adalbert lets go of the guardrail as Arc pulls his knife from the deck.

“You’ll honor our agreement?”

Adalbert nods and sighs. “I have no choice. As per my word, I am honor-bound to comply.”

He grunts before continuing.

“A shame. This was a perfect opportunity for us to prove ourselves in battle.”

Arc frowns as he puts away his knife. “I get the feeling there’ll be plenty of chances in the future for such things.”

“Perhaps. But one never really knows what the future holds.”

“In any case, I need to get back to the Crystal Empire. There’s still the matter of the incoming fleet from Canterlot.”

“I understand. But before you go, might I impose a bit of personal advice on you, Lord Arc?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“A country divided cannot stand.”

“Um…”

“I do not recommend that you fight against your own nation like this. It will only lead to problems down the road.”

“Thank you for your concern, sir. But I’m not fighting Equestria.”

Adalbert raises an eyebrow. “To those outside the country it appears you are. Whom are you fighting then?”

“Ultimately… tyrants.”

“Lord Arc?”

“As I mentioned a while back, we’ve had trouble with the Council of Shadows and their agents. It’s my belief that they’ve found a way to somehow control Princess Celestia. Or at the very least, manipulate her.”

“A sobering thought.”

“Now it’s my turn to give you some advice from one leader to another.”

“Very well.”

“Do not let the rebels gain a foothold in your land.”

Adalbert scoffs. “They’re little more than dust these days, as there have been very few sighting lately.”

“Just remember that when you least expect it, they’ll strike.”

“Yes, Lord Arc. Now then, we must be going.”

Arc nods as he touches his earring. “All forces return to deck. We’re pulling out.”

Looking up, Arc calls out to the Pegasi and Unicorns.

“Return to the ship!”

Adalbert looks to Arc as he calls the Bridge to disable the O.R.B. system.

“A very competent young leader. It will be interesting to find out if he can successfully defend the Crystal Empire against what’s coming.”

Chapter 11 - Mechanical Mayhem

Arc returns to The Equinox with his troops. As they enter the ship he turns to them.

“Good work back there. Everyone get some rest now and a bite to eat. We’re going to be plenty busy when we get back to the Crystal Empire.”

They salute and hurry away as Arc makes his way to the Bridge. Entering, he walks over to Soarin.

“Any changes, captain?”

Soarin shakes his head. “Nothing came over the radio from Princess Cadance since you left, sir.”

Wrangler grins. “No news is good news, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Hopefully that holds true. Wrangler?”

“Sir?”

“Keep the weapons on standby. Moon Dancer, what is the status of the griffon fleet?”

“They’re turning around and flying east, sir.”

“Good. Keep monitoring them and make sure they don’t double back. Lord Adalbert gave me his word, naturally. But that doesn’t mean we should just accept that blindly. Thunderlane, set a course for the Crystal Empire at maximum speed.”

“Aye, sir.”

“We’re not out of the woods yet. Everyone stay sharp. Lemon Hearts, I need a secure line to Princess Cadance. Patch her through to my office when you can.”

“Right away, sir.”

Arc leaves the Bridge and heads back to his office. Sitting down at the desk, he swivels around in his chair to look out the window.

“That’s one less thing to worry about. But I can’t help but wonder just how exactly Celestia and Decimus convinced the griffons to help them.”

A few minutes later the phone rings. Arc picks it up.

“Hello?”

“Arc, this is Cadance. Is everything alright?”

“Yes. I was able to convince the griffons to turn around and fly back to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Cadance sounds relieved. “That’s good! We don’t need to be forced to fight on two fronts, after all.”

“Right. How are things going over there?”

“Shining Armor and I have made the announcement to the public regarding the impending attack. They’ve been ordered to take refuge in the Crystal Castle rather than sheltering in place.”

“You think this is going to get bad?”

“I do. We’ve picked up a very large force heading our way. It’s much bigger than originally thought.”

Arc frowns. “More ships? Where from?”

“No idea. It could be some kind of interference, I suppose.”

“Could it be a malfunction?”

“Possible, but unlikely. My technicians tell me that the instruments are working as intended.”

“So we have to go with the assumption that Celestia and Decimus have indeed put together a larger force to attack us with.”

“It would appear so. Although where they came from is certainly a mystery.”

“Well, I’ll be back there in an hour or so. Then we can wait for this new threat together.”

“That is indeed a comforting thought. Our soldiers became quite distressed when they heard you had departed, Arc.”

“Oh?”

“You’re presence gives everypony hope for a positive outcome. After all, you’ve presided over several conflicts now.”

“Nothing major though.”

“Canterlot when Decimus attacked, the peace summit against the Council of Shadows, and most recently Ponyville.”

Arc frowns. “That last one didn’t end well though.”

“Did anypony lose their life?”

“Not on our side, but…”

“Then that’s a victory. Buildings can be rebuilt and inhabitants returned to their homes. But a dead loved one is gone forever.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“With you here, our soldiers will be emboldened to fight even harder. Of that I am certain.”

“Then I shall try not to disappoint.”

“That’s all we can ask of anypony. In any case, I recommend you get some rest while you still can, Arc.”

“I’ll try.”

“See you soon.”

“Bye.”

Arc hangs up the phone and leans back in his chair for a few moments. Opening a portal, he returns to his room and lies down. Staring up at the ceiling, he muses to himself.

“It doesn’t make any sense. There weren’t that many ships in Canterlot Castle’s Hanger. Where did this force come from?”

Groaning, he puts a hand over his face and sighs.

“This is just so… wait a minute! Scootaloo!”

Reaching out, Arc calls to his thrall telepathically.

“Can you hear me, Scootaloo?”

“Yes, Big Brother. What’s up?”

“Princess Cadance just told me that a large airship force has been detected coming from the direction of Canterlot.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Any idea where it came from?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Not from our hanger, no. That much I’m completely sure of.”

“Did Decimus say anything about it?”

“Not a word. But word from him has been pretty scarce ever since he retreated to your base in Ponyville.”

“Alright. Let me know if something changes.”

“Okay. Um… are you okay, Big Brother?”

“I suppose. Why do you ask?”

“Remember, as your thrall I can sense things from you. You’re worried right now, aren’t you?”

“Very.”

“Do you want me to do anything?”

“Just keep doing what you’ve been doing and let me know if something on your end changes.”

“Okay. There is one thing that kinda bothers me though.”

“Oh?”

“With both Decimus and Celestia gone, the troops have started coming to me for directions on what to do. I’m even being referred to as ‘commander’ by the guards now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Did Decimus tell them to do that?”

“I already asked them that. Frow what I gather he didn’t say anything to anypony before leaving the castle.”

“Is there anyone else there with any significant rank?”

“Nopony above a sergeant, no.”

“That doesn’t make sense. Decimus is doing absolutely nothing to defend Canterlot or the castle.”

“Almost like he expects you to try and take it.”

“Yeah. But one thing at a time, I suppose. First we need to make sure the Crystal Empire stays standing.”

“Good luck out there, Big Brother.”

Arc grins. “You too… commander.”

He severs the connection and closes his eyes.

“Decimus… what are you up to? None of this makes any sense. Have you just abandoned Canterlot because it isn’t of value to your plans? Or are you putting all your eggs in one basket with this attack?”

Sighing, Arc rolls over to lay on his side.

“Again very few answers.”

Sometime later Arc awakens to the sound of his earring chirping. Groggily, he touches it.

“Arc here.”

“This is Lemon Hearts, sir. We’ve just entered the Crystal Empire’s airspace.”

“Good. Head for the castle and land in front of it. Notify my soldiers to meet me on deck as soon as possible. Keep the ship ready for takeoff though.”

“Yes sir.”

“With luck we’ll make it through this. Arc out.”

He severs the connection and stands. Stretching, Arc groans as he calls forth his armor.

“Well… let’s get this thing started.”

Heading for the Main Hatch, Arc steps out onto the deck. His forces stand in rows on either side forming a path toward the gangplank. Each Earth Pony and Pegasi soldier has a rifle slung over their shoulders as they await orders. They salute as he makes his way toward the gangplank. Sereb stands at the top awaiting him. Arc walks past his troops silently and mounts him. Pulling the Spear of Righteousness from his ring, Arc points.

“Follow me!”

Silently descending the gangplank, Arc looks around at the innumerable citizens making their way to the castle. They stop and step to either side of the street as Arc and his forces make their way off the ship. Leading the soldiers down the road, the Crystal Ponies clop their hooves happily as they see Arc leading the procession. Sereb turns to look over his shoulder.

“It would appear we’re drawing a crowd.”

Arc nods. “That we are.”

“You’re giving them hope. Things were rather… dreary while you were gone.”

“Was it that bad?”

“Worse, actually.”

Arc chuckles. “Then let’s give them a reason to smile.”

“How, Arc?”

“By turning back this invasion.”

Continuing on toward the city wall, Sereb carries Arc up to the ramparts where a very nervous looking Lieutenant Trixie is waiting for him. She salutes as he dismounts.

“We’re all ready, sir.”

“Have all preparations been carried out exactly as I ordered?”

Trixie nods. “Yes sir. Trixie has seen to it personally.”

“Good. How much longer do we have?”

“They’ll be within visual range in fifteen minutes, sir.”

“Alright.”

He looks around and sees the Crystal Defenders lined up on the walls, their horns primed and ready. Turning back to his troops, he motions with a wave of his spear.

“Advance to the wall! Take up positions between the Crystal Defenders!”

They obey silently. In moments the troops are in position. Trixie looks again to Arc.

“Sir, Trixie believes that the troops could use some encouragement from you before the fighting starts.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

He clears his throat before jumping up onto the wall and speaking.

“LISTEN UP, ALL OF YOU! FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THIS NATION’S UNIFICATION WE WILL BE FIGHTING A BONA-FIDE BATTLE ON EQUESTRIAN SOIL! FOR OVER A THOUSAND YEARS THINGS WERE PEACEFUL, AND THE LAND KNEW NOTHING OF THE SWORD AND SHIELD! THAT CHANGES HERE AND NOW! PRINCESS CELESTIA BELIEVES A QUICK VICTORY IS IN ORDER! THAT HER FORCES WILL COME AND DESTROY OUR RESOLVE WITH A SHOW OF AEIAL MIGHT AND MILITARY FORCE! THERE MAY COME A DAY WHEN THIS LAND FALLS! BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! THE DAY MAY COME WHEN THE HAPPY TIMES ARE ALL BUT FORGOTTEN! BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! THE DAY MAY COME… WHEN THIS CITY IS TAKEN FROM THE MARES AND STALLIONS WHOM CALL IT HOME! BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! LET THOSE WHOM WOULD SEEK TO DRIVE US AWAY KNOW THAT WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT! THAT WE WILL NOT SURRENDER THIS CITY WITHOUT A FIGHT! THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE AND IT’S INHABITANTS ARE GOING TO LIVE ON! THEY’RE GOING TO SURVIVE! BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY… WE’RE NOT BACKING DOWN! NOT NOW, NOT EVER! SHOULD WE FAIL HERE, THERE IS NOTHING STANDING BETWEEN THE ENEMY AND OUR FAMILIES IN THE CASTLE! IF ANYONE HAS ANY THOUGHTS OF GIVING UP… OF RETREATING… I WANT THEM TO REMEMBER THAT! REMEMBER… THAT IF WE DO NOT HOLD THIS LINE HERE AND NOW… THEN OUR ENEMY WINS! AND FOR THAT VERY REASON THERE WILL BE NO SURRENDER… AND NO RETREAT!

The soldiers cheer as Arc hops down from the wall. A short time later he looks out toward the approaching armada and grimaces as he touches his earring.

“Lemon Hearts. Open the master secure channel.”

“Yes sir.”

A few moments later Cadance’s voice rings out.

“Cadance here, sir.”

Arc grimaces. “Please don’t call me that.”

Cadance sighs. “Alright.”

“Are you and Shining Armor ready?”

Shining Armor calls out. “We are, Arc.”

Cadance nods. “The Crystal Heart is in position and ready for our spell.”

“Good. Anything I should know before we start?”

Shining Armor replies nervously. “Just one thing, Arc. Ember is gone.”

“Gone?”

Cadance bows her head. “She told me that there was something she had to do and just flew off a short time ago.”

Arc puts a gauntlet to his chin. “That’s not like her at all. But I suppose that doesn’t matter at the moment. We’ll continue with the plan as laid out.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Yes sir.”

Arc clears his throat. “You get that, Flash Sentry?”

“I did, sir. All communication lines are open and my scouts are in position around the city. They’ll call out any pertinent information to me for analysis so we can adapt our plan if necessary.”

“Let me know if we need to make any changes on the fly.”

“Yes sir.”

“What’s the status of the big guns?”

Sunburst calls out over the radio. “Ready to deploy, sir.”

Stellar Flare speaks as the sound of a metal access panel slamming shut rings out. “We just put the finishing touches on the second gun. It’s finally ready, and not a moment too soon.”

“Very good. Get yourselves and copilots aboard and prepare for battle.”

Sunburst and Stellar Flare reply in unison. “Aye, sir!”

Arc looks toward his ship as he speaks. “Captain Soarin, get The Equinox in the air and prepare weapons.”

“Yes sir. And the O.R.B?”

“Divert all non-essential power to the weapons. We need maximum firepower to pull this one off.”

Wrangler grins. “Aye, sir. I’m packin’ and itching to get started!”

Moon Dancer calls out nervously. “Sir, scans show the enemy fleet to be changing formation.”

“Oh?”

Thunderlane looks through a pair of binoculars. “They’re lining up. Probably to maximize their firepower. But… those don’t look like any Equestrian ships I’ve ever seen before.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “My scouts can’t identify them either.”

Cadance grits her teeth. “This changes nothing. We still have no choice but to fight!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But let’s wait for our opponents to make the first move here if possible.”

Flash Sentry calls out over the radio. “Sir, I have visual confirmation! A new experimental ship is moving to the front of the pack!”

Sunburst groans. “That complicates this.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow, confused. “Sir?”

Stellar Flare sighs. “This prototype has extremely thick armor plating. It’s not likely anything here, other than The Equinox itself, could do any real damage to it.”

Wrangler grins. “Then I’ll just have to see to it that’s a priority!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. That’s also where the commander of this mission probably is. If we can take them down with any luck the command structure will fall apart.”

Moon Dancer sighs. “Please bear in mind that it was most likely built from the most advanced plans, sir. Every major design flaw was ironed out with the building and testing of the Lunar Destiny and The Equinox.”

Soarin sighs. “I wish we knew more about it.”

Flash Sentry grimaces. “It’s a near perfect design.”

Sunburst chuckles. “Not quite. Remember, that ship won’t have the advanced engines, weapons, or an O.R.B. system installed.”

Stellar Flare gasps. “Right. Can’t build anything without blueprints.”

Arc grins. “Let’s use that to our advantage then.”

Cadance frowns. “How?”

“Keep an eye on it. When it gets within range we’ll let them have it. For now, deploy the big guns.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Aye, sir.”

He motions to an aide. They send the message as Arc turns to gaze out over the wall. A few minutes later two very fast armored vehicles speed into view from opposite directions. They stop just in front of the wall after turning to face the incoming enemy forces. As the top hatches of the first vehicle open Hammer and Auriel peek out of one. They look up and wave. Hammer is, naturally, the first one to speak.

“Hey there, handsome! I’m told you need some cover fire!”

“Probably will, yes.”

Auriel nods soberly. “We’ll keep them away from the walls as best we can!”

The second vehicle gets into position and parks. It opens to allow Sunburst and Stellar Flare to poke their heads out. Stellar Flare calls out first.

“We’re here, commander!”

Sunburst pats the tank, clearly impressed. “Indeed! This piece of technology is amazing!”

Hammer grins as she turns to him. “That it is. Just be sure to keep my other baby in pristine condition. I don’t want to see her blown up again.”

Sunburst appears suddenly nervous. “A-again?!”

Stellar Flare gasps. “What happened?!”

Hammer points a thumb at Arc. “Some jerk through an aircraft at it.”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry about that.”

“Nah, my sisters and I kinda deserved it. Now then, you two familiar with the modifications?”

Sunburst nods. “We are.”

Stellar Flare looks down at the controls below her. “I’ve been practicing for some time now, yes.”

Arc looks to them. “And you two are okay doing this?”

Sunburst sighs. “We kinda have to.”

Stellar Flare groans. “Right. Nopony else qualified to operate this machine is available right now.”

Arc nods. “I suppose not. Just remember what’s at stake here.”

Sunburst salutes. “Aye, sir.”

Arc looks around. “Uh… anyone seen Rose?”

Hammer looks around. “She’s finishing up a charging session. Said she’d be here in time for the fight though.”

As if on cue, Rose hurries up the stairs to the wall.

“Sorry I’m late. My calculations say that we’ll need every bit of energy to defeat the oncoming foes.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine, Rose. Thanks for coming. But for now … we wait.”

Lemon Hearts calls out. “Sir, the enemy fleet is slowing down.”

“Range?”

“Too far to have any accuracy with projectiles or magic.”

Rose nods. “Agreed. Any offensive action now would be useless.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Steady everypony. This has to be a…”

A familiar voice rings out over the radio and Arc’s earring.

“…trap?”

Arc frowns. “What the…?”

Hammer gasps. “Colonel Diva?!”

“Sunset Shimmer at the moment, traitor.”

Arc groans. “Great. Let me guess. You’re commanding this fleet?”

“As per my former teacher’s orders, yes.”

Sunburst grits his teeth. “Did Princess Celestia put you up to this?!”

“Put me up to? Lead Sage, this operation was her idea.”

Auriel gasps. “Impossible!”

Sunset Shimmer giggles. “And yet here I am.”

Rose frowns. “What is it you want?!”

“I do believe the terms of surrender were in Celestia’s most recent letter to her niece.”

Arc frowns. “None of that is happening! Go back to Celestia and tell her that…!”

Sunset Shimmer cuts him off. “You can tell her yourself when I drag you before her in chains, animal!”

Auriel calls out. “Wait! Miss, I just want to ask you one thing!”

Sunset Shimmer scoffs. “Ah, yes. Doctor Knowles’ little demon bastard. What is it?”

“Why are you doing all of this? None of it makes any sense!”

“Our ends are well beyond your understanding, peon. Now then, I will give you one final chance to surrender before all of you are steamrolled by our new allies.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What new allies?!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “More androids?!”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head and grins wickedly. “No. These ones are flesh and blood. Well… more or less. And they’re anxious to get started.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll bet they are.”

Cadance frowns. “Arc… your orders?”

“Shining Armor… Cadance… do it.”

Chapter 12 - Brother Against... Brother?

Cadance and Shining Armor look to one another and join hooves with the Crystal Heart between them. Channeling their magic, they project a massive barrier around the entire city and surrounding countryside. Sunset raises an eyebrow.

“Interesting. I did not think that you would be so bold as to deploy the Crystal Heart, Hero.”

Arc shrugs. “Desperate times… that sort of thing.”

“You do realize that this will only slow me down, right?”

“Just worry about your own tactics, Diva.”

Sunset chuckles. “Oh, I shall. Did you really think I didn’t have a backup plan?”

Hammer appears hopeful. “Kinda.”

Rose frowns. “We can but hope.”

Sunset grins. “Observe.”

Pressing a button, she changes the frequency and speaks into the radio again.

“Deploy troops!”

Meanwhile, Arc and company look on as the ships release innumerable soldiers. Flash Sentry frowns.

“What the…?”

Sunburst gasps. “It CAN’T be!”

Arc squints as he looks to the forming enemy lines. “Someone want to tell me what we’re looking at here?”

Moon Dancer calls out into her radio. “Sir! Those are Changelings!”

Rose nods soberly. “Confirmed. My scanners show them to be anatomically identical to the members of the Changeling Hive.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Interesting. I read about them in a book a while back.”

Sereb growls. “But the real question is how Princess Celestia was able to convince them to help her.”

Stellar Flare frowns. “And why?”

Hammer looks over her instruments. “Uh… might want to think more about the here and now! They’re moving to attack positions!”

“Trixie was told that barrier will only keep out the ships and their firepower, sir! The infantry can pass under it readily with a little digging!”

Flash Sentry turns to Arc. “And our enemies know it, sir.”

“Well, let’s prepare a… warm welcome for them then.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir. Stellar Flare… Hammer… deploy Artillery Mode.”

Hammer and Stellar Flare reply in unison. “Aye, aye!”

Pressing buttons on their consoles, several large pikes shoot out of the sides of the tanks and embed themselves in the ground. The cannon rotates to expose a much larger one below it that rises at a forty-five degree angle as exhaust ports open in the tank’s sides. Rose hops off the wall and moves to stand between them as she calls forth her R-Cannon and L-Blade. Stellar Flame looks over her gauges before calling out.

“Deployed!”

Hammer grins. “Let’s show these bugs the BOOT!”

Rose nods soberly. “I shall fight to protect the innocent as well!”

Meanwhile, Diva looks at the tanks in their new siege modes. Smiling, she speaks into the radio again.

“All forces, advance! Start digging under that barrier and bring me their heads!”

Shrieking loudly the Changelings do as they are told. Running toward it as fast as their hole-filled legs will allow, they line up at the base of the barrier. Several in front transform into large mole-like creatures and quickly begin digging. They vanish from sight as dirt and rocks pour out from their holes. Arc turns to the troops.

“Safeties off everypony! Unicorns, prepare to cast!”

Every horn glows as the tell-tale clicking of safeties disengaging rings out across the otherwise empty field. A few minutes later a dozen or so massive holes form as the moles burst through. Changing back, they line up as reinforcements charge down the tunnels to join them. Arc frowns.

“Are we in range?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nope! No way we could shoot THAT far!”

Trixie frowns. “Clever.”

Rose looks out over their opponents. “They’re staying as far back as possible in order gather forces on this side of the dome to mount a more focused strike against us.”

Wrangler grimaces. “Smart move.”

Soarin calls out over the radio. “Sir. Your orders?”

Arc grimaces as he puts away his spear and pulls out the gun he took from Hammer’s safehouse.

“Stay back and support us with the cannons. Be careful with your aim though, Wrangler. I don’t want any friendly fire to hit either us or the dome.”

“Aye, sir.”

Flash Sentry looks through his binoculars. “Equinox, fire as soon as you’re in position. We need to disrupt their lines and force them to either advance or retreat.”

Thunderlane grins. “Give us fifteen seconds, lieutenant.”

Wrangler puts her hooves on the controls. “Keep it steady though. These shots need to be perfect.”

A few moments later Moon Dancer calls out.

“In range!”

Soarin yells. “FIRE!”

Wrangler does so. Magical salvos burst forth from the cannons, obliterating the forces in a wide swath. Chuckling, Sunset speaks into her radio again.

“All forces, CHARGE!!!”

Shrieking angrily, the Changelings begin running toward the city wall. Flash Sentry calls out as they do.

“Chargers… fire artillery!”

The cannons of the tanks let loose with ear-piercing roars as they fire their payloads. Hitting their targets along with The Equinox, they take out a sizable chunk of the enemy forces. However more pour through the holes dug under the barrier. Diva rolls her eyes as she calls out to her forces.

“Spread out, you idiots!”

They disperse to avoid the artillery blast’s area of effect. Flash Sentry calls out to Trixie.

“Get ready, lieutenant!”

“All forces, prepare to fire!”

“Wait for it…”

Trixie readies her horn. “Take aim!”

Seconds tick by as the enemy gets closer and closer. Sweat beads form on Trixie’s brow as she holds her hoof up. Flash Sentry calls out.

“Now!”

Trixie grimaces as she brings down her hoof. “FIRE!!!”

A barrage of bullets and magical blasts flies across the no-man’s land. Scores of enemies fall to it as more come forth to take their place. Flash Sentry grits his teeth as he calls out.

“Keep firing!”

Trixie cries out. “FIRE AT WILL!!!”

The troops along with The Equinox, Chargers, and Rose continue their barrage. However their enemy’s numbers appear to be without limit. Sunburst turns to his mother in the cockpit.

“We aren’t making a dent!”

“But we have to hold them here!”

Arc calls out over his earring as he fires his magic gun. “Everyone in the castle is counting on us! We can’t let them down!”

Flash Sentry gasps. “Sir, there’s movement outside the barrier!”

“Elaborate!”

“The Changeling ships are beginning to move again!”

“Moon Dancer! Trajectory!”

“They’re heading straight for the barrier, sir!”

Wrangler chuckles. “Kind of a waste… for them.”

Thunderlane grits hit teeth. “I get the feeling they’re not just doing this to sacrifice themselves!”

Rose nods. “Correct. That would not be logical.”

Lemon Hearts sounds surprised. “Incoming transmission, sir!”

Arc frowns. “Now?!”

Soarin turns to her. “What’s the message?”

“It’s just one word. ‘Die’.”

Arc groans. “Great…”

Diva’s voice again rings out over the radio. “Are you done playing around with my bullet catchers yet, Hero?”

Arc frowns. “Playing?!”

Rose scoffs. “We have the upper hand here!”

Diva smiles. “Really? Let’s see just how true that is. Unless of course you want to surrender.”

Arc frowns. “Not a chance.”

Diva shrugs. “Have it your way.”

Changing frequencies, she barks orders into the microphone. The smaller Changeling ships, which have deployed all their forces, accelerate greatly as they close the gap between them and the barrier. Arc calls out.

“Moon Dancer! Can our shield take this hit?!”

“Not a chance, sir!”

Rose grits her teeth. “Agreed! Zero percent chance!”

Arc turns to his forces. “EVERYONE GET DOWN!!!”

Flash Sentry calls out. “SUNBURST! AURIEL! BARRIERS!”

Dropping down on his hands and knees behind the ramparts, Arc and his troops take cover as the pair below cast Barrier Spells over their respective tanks. Rose runs and dives behind Auriel and Hammer’s Charger. A few moments later the ships crash into the barrier simultaneously, utterly obliterating it. Jagged pieces of magical material shower down over the vanguard. As they do so, Shining Armor and Cadance are knocked roughly away as the Crystal Heart shatters. Cadance screams.

“NO!”

She runs forward with Shining Armor to look over the pieces.

“Let’s gather these up!”

Cadance nods. “Right! Even destroyed we can’t let the enemy have this!”

Arc and his troops look out over the wall as the dust settles. They spot the changelings walking toward them as they do their best to avoid the pieces of their airships, which lay on the ground all around them. Flash Sentry calls out.

“RESUME FIRING, LIEUTENANT!”

Trixie gives the order. “ALL FORCES, FIRE AT WILL!!!”

The vanguard jumps to their feet and begin shooting/casting yet again as the entirety of the Changeling army approaches them undeterred. Arc looks over to the Chargers which lie on their sides in shambles. Looking to Sereb, he jumps into the saddle and points.

“Get us down there!”

Jumping off the wall, they land nimbly and hurry over to the first tank. Ripping open the top hatch, Arc reaches inside and pulls out Stellar Flare and Sunburst. Sereb looks them over.

“Are you two alright?!”

Stellar Flare calls out frantically. “I’m fine! But my baby is hurt!”

“It’s just a bump, mom.”

“We’ll get you to the doctor right away, dear!”

“They probably have bigger things to worry about right now.”

Arc nods. “Right! Both of you get ready to fly!”

Casting a Telekinesis Spell, Arc throws the pair up to the relative safety of the wall. They land unceremoniously on it and get to their hooves. Hurrying over to a rack, Stellar Flare picks up a rifle and loads it.

“Mom? What are you doing?”

Stellar Flare grits her teeth as she disengages the safety. “Fighting!”

She runs back to the wall and joins the stallions in shooting at the invaders. Sunburst hurries to join her. Lending his own magic to the cause, he glances over to her.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just use your magic, mom?”

“This is more accurate, dear!”

Arc and Sereb run over to the other tank. As they approach, Hammer kicks the hatch open and half-crawls half-falls out.

“Are you alright, Hammer?!”

Hammer shakes her head to clear it. “I think so. Just a bit rattled.”

Rose hurries over to them. “Where is Auriel?!”

Hammer gasps. “She’s still in there!”

Turning back to the tank, Arc jumps onto it as Rose joins him and forces open the hatch. They look inside to see Auriel slumped over her controls. Reaching down under her armpits, Arc pulls the injured demon out. A steady stream of blood flows from a nasty wound in her belly. Several jagged pieces of metal stick out of her. Rose scans her.

“I’m detecting internal damage.”

Arc grits his teeth. “We need to get her some help!”

Sereb nods. “Agreed!”

Arc charges up his magic. “Get ready!”

Focusing, Arc Blinks them all up onto the wall. Running over to a medical tent nearby he spies nearly every bed filled with injured stallions. Spotting an empty cot, he runs over and lays Auriel down. A doctor hurries over to them. Looking the demon over for a few moments, he frowns.

“This isn’t the worst I’ve seen today.”

Hammer grimaces. “Can you help her?!”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll get to work on her right away.”

Arc turns to leave. “Good. I’ll head back to…!”

He stops talking as small hand fills his. Looking down, Arc spies Auriel looking up at him sadly.

“Arc?”

“Yes, I’m here!”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? What for?”

“For failing you.”

“Auriel?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?!”

Rose smiles. “Agreed! You did great back there, father!”

Sereb nods. “I too was most impressed.”

Arc smiles at her. “Right. You did your best.”

Auriel looks away. “And it wasn’t enough.”

“We haven’t lost yet, and I don’t intend to let us.”

Arc spots a nurse approaching with a surgical tray.

“Auriel, you stay here and let the doctor patch you up.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be out just as soon as…”

The doctor shakes his head. “No miss. You need to rest.”

Hammer gives Auriel a thumbs up. “Right. We’ll take care of the rest.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Count on it.”

“But…!”

The doctor looks to her as he begins cutting her shirt open. “I need to get started.”

Rose pats Auriel’s hand. “Just take it easy.”

“Okay. Um… Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Come here.”

Tugging on his arm, she motions for him to come closer. As he does so, Auriel reaches up and pulls his head down. Kissing him on the lips tenderly, she moans lightly as Arc squeezes her hand. Breaking off the embrace, the doctor turns with a syringe.

“Forgive me, but all I have are localized anesthetics right now, miss.”

Auriel nods. “Do what you have to, doctor.”

Rose points to the mouth of the tent. “Arc, we must go.”

“R-right.”

Auriel smiles up at him as their eyes meet. “I love you, Arc.”

Arc pats her face. “And I love you too, Auriel.”

Hammer groans. “Yeah, yeah! Save the mushy stuff for when we don’t have an army on our doorstep you two!”

Heading for the door, Auriel watches them leave as the doctor begins pulling the shrapnel from her belly. Meanwhile, Hammer turns to him and grins as they head back to the wall.

“When I get hurt, are you going to do the same for me?”

Arc frowns. “When?!”

Hammer nods. “It’d totally be worth it!”

“Don’t say things like that, Hammer.”

Rose nods soberly. “Indeed. I believe that is known as tempting fate.”

Sereb grimaces. “We need everyone whom can hold the line fighting.”

Returning to Trixie’s side, they look out over the wall. The soldiers have their guns pointed down, firing as the Changelings climb the wall as easily as if it were the ground. Trixie gasps.

“What in Celestia’s name…?!”

Flash Sentry calls out. “They’re insects!”

Arc groans. “Of course they are. Must’ve missed that part.”

Hammer frowns. “You didn’t know?! I thought you read up on them!”

“Didn’t have time to finish the book.”

Trixie grunts as she fires at the invaders. “I think we need a new plan, sir!”

Arc nods. “Agreed!”

Rose looks to Arc as she fires her R-Cannon downward. “We can’t keep doing this forever!”

Arc groans as he draws his gun. “I’m open to suggestions!”

Flash Sentry calls out. “Sir! If we could topple their command ship they would be disorganized!”

“Trixie thinks it’s our only hope right now!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. We cannot hold against these numbers.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Rose, can we Blink inside that ship?”

“Sadly, no. My scanners show it to be made of an anti-magic material.”

Hammer smacks her fists together. “What if we hit it REALLY hard with one?!”

Rose shakes her head. “Any spell or magical based weapon levied against it would fail. Of this I am certain.”

Arc sighs. “So it would need to be some kind of physical force.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Do we have such a weapon?”

Trixie grunts. “Sadly, no.”

Flash Sentry gasps. “What if we hit it from the inside?”

Rose nods. “That may be our only option right now.”

Hammer groans. “But we can’t Blink in there.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Then we Blink onto the deck and force our way inside. Like I did to Lord Adalbert’s ship.”

Sereb smiles toothily. “It may be our only chance. Shall we try?”

Flash Sentry looks over the scene before him with the binoculars. “Whatever we do, it needs to happen quickly. Mana and bullets won’t keep the enemy out as it stands.”

Rose turns to him. “Your orders, Arc?”

“All of you hold the line. I’ll take care of Diva and our little airship problem.”

Sereb frowns. “You should not go alone.”

Hammer nods nervously. “Right. Your track record against Diva isn’t the greatest.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Trust me, I’ll go with some help. Stay here.”

Charging up his magic, Arc Blinks. Trixie turns to Hammer.

“Trixie found that surprising.”

“So did Hammer. I mean me! I mean… I don’t know.”

Sereb sighs. “We must buy Arc time to implement his plan. Let us take defensive positions.”

A short time later Arc appears on the deck of the invading ship with Cadance and Shining Armor. Beating down the door with Shining Armor’s help the three make their way to the Bridge. It is empty save for a single young woman looking out the main window at the battle below. She smiles wickedly and turns around as Arc pulls his spear.

“So we meet at last, Princess Cadance.”

Cadance appears surprised. “Do I know you?”

Diva shakes her head. “Not really. You came after I left Celestia’s side years ago.”

Shining Armor steps forward. “Sunset Shimmer. You have committed numerous war crimes against the Crystal Empire. Come quietly and you’ll be spared. Resist and we’ll have no choice but to…”

Diva laughs as Cadance furrows her brow.

“What is so amusing?”

“You really think that I’ll just give up?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Stranger things have happened.”

Diva scoffs. “Yes. Such as your continued survival whenever we meet.”

Shining Armor grits his teeth as his horn glows. “He didn’t come alone!”

“Indeed. The cowardly often times band together in order to survive.”

Arc frowns. “Oh, you think I’M a coward?!”

“If the shoe fits…”

Shining Armor points an accusatory hoof. “You came here with a fleet, and an army!”

“Yes. And you can see how well that’s faring. At this rate my forces will overwhelm yours in a matter of minutes.”

Cadance steps forward. “In any case, I don’t believe you can take on a Princess of Equestria along with two of the most powerful magic users in the country.”

“I suppose not. At least not on a level playing field.”

Arc grits his teeth. “So you DO have more up your sleeve?!”

“Oh, yes. Observe.”

Diva turns and presses a button on the console. The ship immediately surges ahead. Shining Armor scoffs.

“Running doesn’t help much if we’re aboard, you know.”

Diva smirks. “That would be true. If I were running away, that is.”

Flash Sentry’s voice rings out in Arc’s ear.

“Sir! The enemy ship’s course has changed! It’s heading straight for the Crystal Castle!”

Cadance gasps. “WHAT?!”

Shining Armor grits his teeth. “But all the citizens are in there!”

Cadance turns to Diva. “Stop this madness at once!”

Diva laughs wickedly. “Not a chance! Good luck stopping this one!”

With a wave of her hand, Diva opens a portal and vanishes through it. Arc and Shining Armor run over to the console and look it over.

“How the heck do we stop this thing?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “We can’t!”

Cadance grimaces. “There has to be a way!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “The course is set and the console locked with the captain’s password!”

Arc points to the door. “Let’s get to Engineering! Take out the engines!”

Cadance grins. “Good idea! This way!”

Running out the door, they hurry to the Lower Deck. Passing through the Cargo Hold, they reach the Engine Room. Shining Armor looks around.

“So do we just start breaking things?!”

Cadance shudders. “Not a good idea. We could destroy the ship while still inside it.”

“Let me get Stellar Flare on the line.”

Arc touches his earring.

“You there, Trixie?!”

“Yes sir.”

“I need to talk to Stellar Flare right away!”

“She’s kinda in the middle of shooting at the moment, sir. But I’ll try to get to her.”

Hopping up and over several stallions, Trixie eventually gets to Stellar Flare.

“Miss, the commander needs to talk to you!”

They huddle down behind cover as Trixie gives Stellar Flare her radio.

“This is Stellar Flare, sir.”

“I’m aboard the enemy command ship which has been locked into a course that leads it to crash into the Crystal Castle.”

“Locked? As in with the captain’s code?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s not good.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because there’s no way to override it other than by the Chief Engineer’s code!”

Shining Armor appears hopeful. “Would you have one of those?”

“For The Equinox, yes. But not that ship.”

Arc grimaces. “What do we do?”

“You need to cut the engines and crash the ship before it gets any closer to the castle!”

Cadance grins. “How do we do that?!”

“The fastest and easiest way would be to shut down the mana intake manifolds. That will starve the engines of needed fuel.”

Arc nods. “Tell me how.”

“Look for a large console marked ‘mana disbursement’.”

They all look around. Shining Armor points a hoof.

“There!”

Arc calls out as they hurry over to it. “We found it, Stellar Flare!”

“You should see half a dozen knobs there.”

“Okay. What do we do with them?”

“Turn every one of them clockwise as far as they’ll go. That will choke the engines and cause the ship to crash. Don’t stick around after that though.”

“Will do. Arc out.”

He severs the connection as Shining Armor follows the directions. Finishing, they trio run to the Upper Deck and the Main Hatch. The ship’s engines begin to die down as they lose power and the nose of the ship points down. Cadance trips and falls to the deck. Arc and Shining Armor turn and rush back to help her. She waves them away.

“No! Get out while you can!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Sure! Together!”

Lunging between Cadance and Shining Armor, Arc sits and casts a Telekinesis Spell. They slide down the corridor toward the Main Hatch. As they careen out onto the deck, Arc Blinks them to the ground. Skidding to a stop some distance away, Arc and Shining Armor throw themselves over Cadance to shield her as the ship crashes to the ground in front of the castle, showering them and the surrounding arear with debris. As the din of the crash lessens Arc sits up with Shining Armor. They both look down to Cadance.

“You okay?”

“I am, thanks to you two. But why did you stop for me? I’m an alicorn, after all, and immortal.”

Arc grins. “Because I don’t leave others behind.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yeah. That and I would rather die than see any harm befall you, Cadance.”

Arc gets to his feet and touches his earring. “Enemy command ship is down. What’s the status of the ground forces, Flash Sentry?”

“Holding, but barely. You’d better get back to the wall and help our forces… wait… what the heck?!”

“Talk to me, lieutenant! What’s going on?!”

“Sir… this may be hard to accept, but… the enemy is being flanked!”

Shining Armor gasps. “Reinforcements?!”

Cadance smiles. “How?!”

Arc nods. “By whom?!”

“I… don’t really know how to say it, sir. You should probably just go see it for yourself.”

As the trio hurries back to their positions on the wall, they run up the stairs and over to Trixie. They immediately notice a total lack of shooting and casting from the soldiers. She nervously salutes him.

“H-hello again, sir. Your highness.”

Cadance cries out. “What in the world…?”

Looking out over the ramparts they see the remaining Changelings being chased and trampled by what appear to be heavily armored yaks. As they Blink down together a yak runs over to them with Ember on its back. He appears somewhat better dressed than the others.

“Hello again, sir!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… hi?”

Shining Armor looks to Arc. “You know this individual, sir?”

“Not really.”

Ember frowns. “Yes, he does.”

The Yak Commander nods happily. “Ya! You bring pretty birdie to Yakyakistan long time ago! Yak been waiting patiently for her to return to yak. And yak rewarded for yak’s dedication!”

Arc turns to Ember. “I heard you left.”

“To get help, mind you.”

Shining Armor looks out at the thinning changeling army. “And you were very successful it seems.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Cadance looks to the commander. “Sir, as princess of the Crystal Empire, I hereby thank you for your efforts to protect our land and way of life.”

“Uh… yak not know what that mean.”

Arc clears his throat. “She’s grateful that you and the others were willing to risk your lives to help out.”

“Does that mean yaks won?!”

Cadance appears confused. “Won the battle?”

Ember sighs. “Yes, you won the game.”

“Hooray! Yaks best at EVERYTHING! We hurry back to Yakyakistan to tell other yaks of this new game! See you later, pretty birdie!”

Ember shudders as he bounds away. Arc turns to her.

“Now I remember him. Wasn’t he the one whom gave you flowers?”

Ember groans. “Shut up.”

Shining Armor looks around. “Well, it appears the stragglers are on the run. Shall we pursue them, Arc?”

“No. Right now they’re of little concern. We need to head to Light’s Hope and…”

He is cut off as Lemon Hearts calls out to him.

“Sir! We’ve just received an emergency communication from Canterlot!”

Arc groans. “What now?”

“An unidentified source withing the castle has passed on Lord Regent Decimus’ decree ordering all citizens to be put under house arrest!”

Shining Armor gasps. “They’re prisoners in their own homes!”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Yes! Nopony’s been hurt, but tensions against the monarchy and the crown are at the breaking point!”

Cadance turns to him. “What will you do, Arc?”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Head to Canterlot and take out Lord Regent Decimus… again!”

He turns to the soldiers.

“Good work everyone! All of my forces are to return to The Equinox! Eat, shower, and get some rest! You’ve earned it! And we’ll need everyone well rested in order to retake Canterlot!”

Chapter 13 - Aftermath

Cadance gasps. “Is there no other way?!”

Arc sighs. “None that I can see.”

Hammer makes a fist. “Right! He needs to go DOWN! Uh… who’s that again?”

Sereb turns to her. “Remember that stallion you shot in the head back in Ponyville?”

“Yeah. Why?”

Ember nods. “That was him.”

Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “He survived?!”

Arc grits his teeth. “This isn’t the first time he’s come back from the dead, so yes.”

Shining Armor steps forward. “Might I accompany you, Arc?”

“Trixie too!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time. You two stay here and defend the Crystal Empire.”

He touches his earring before continuing.

“Flash Sentry?”

“Yes sir?”

“Keep watching for more trouble. We don’t know if the Changelings really are gone or not.”

“Sir, might I be allowed to come with you?”

“To storm the castle?”

“Right.”

“This is going to be dangerous.”

“I know, sir. But I can’t just sit back while you save the kingdom.”

Trixie steps forward. “Sir, I could take over for him.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right. This is our job, after all.”

“Very well. Head for The Equinox and meet me in my office.”

He turns to Cadance.

“Can I borrow Raven Inkwell?”

“Of course.”

Arc mouths the words ‘thank you’ before speaking again. “And tell Raven to get aboard too.”

Flash Sentry sounds confused. “Sir?”

“I’ll might need her clerical expertise at some point.”

“Yes sir, I’ll personally notify her.”

“Very good. Um… actually I’ll see both you and Raven after I get a shower and some rest. Arc out.”

He closes the channel and turns back to Cadance.

“Take care of Auriel while I’m gone.”

Cadance nods soberly. “I’ll see to it she’s admitted to the hospital if the doctors deem it necessary, of course. But might I have a bit of your time before you go, Arc? I… need to speak to you privately.”

“Yes, of course.”

Raising a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Hammer, Ember, Sereb, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Trixie walk through it together. Appearing back in Arc’s quarters aboard the Equinox, he turns to them as Rarity moves to stand by his side happily.

“All of you get some rest.”

Hammer frowns. “What about you?!”

Rarity gasps. “Yes, Arc! You’ve just been through a battle for Celestia’s sake!”

Sereb nods. “They have a point, Arc. You have a tendency to push yourself too hard.”

Cadance smiles at them. “I’ll keep our conversation brief. Promise.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Well, I’m waiting outside the door to make sure you get some rest as soon as that’s done.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Rarity, would you please wait outside with the others as well?”

Rarity looks surprised. “Oh! Um… yes, of course.”

Shining Armor looks to Cadance. “Trixie and I will be in the corridor.”

Trixie salutes. “We’ll escort you back to the castle when this business is complete.”

Bowing, the pair leave the room with the others. Closing the door behind them, they stand on either side of it resolutely. Meanwhile, Arc gestures to the couch.

“Would you like to sit down, Cadance?”

“No thank you. But I do wish you would.”

“Huh?”

“You appear exhausted, Arc.”

Arc yawns as he allows himself to be taken by the hand. “Yes well… I’ll rest on the way to Canterlot.”

Cadance pulls him over to the couch and gently pushes him down onto it. Frowning, she looks at him.

“Might I see you without your armor?”

“Cadance?”

“I apologize. But what I have to say… well… I need to be able to look you in the eye as I do it.”

Nodding, Arc recalls him armor. Cadance sits on her haunches, which puts her at roughly eye level with Arc.

“First of all, I wanted to thank you again for safeguarding me when escaping that ship back there.”

“Just doing my duty.”

“It was greatly appreciated. Second… I… um…”

She fumbles for the right words before continuing.

“I… understand that Aunt Celestia has done some very… questionable things since returning.”

“You could say that again.”

“She’s greatly overstepped our laws numerous times since then!”

“Well, that will stop when I get to her.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Please understand that I love my aunt very much. However, my love for Equestria and its inhabitants is…”

Arc interrupts her. “You want me to spare Celestia, don’t you?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“I want you… to do your duty as the Hero of Light. Do everything you can to stop an out of control princess from destroying everything. No matter the cost.”

“That may come to blows.”

“Understood.”

“And you’re okay with me potentially killing her?”

Cadance bows her head. “I’ve known Aunt Celestia for nearly my whole life, Arc. She’s the kindest, gentlest, most understanding mare I’ve ever met. Believe me when I say that she would rather meet her end by your hand than live as a danger to Equestria.”

She raises her head to looks Arc straight in the eye before continuing.

“So what I want from you is simple. If it comes to deciding between the country and her… please make it quick.”

“I will. After we retake Canterlot, I’ll retrieve Twilight from Abyssinia and install her on the throne. We’ll re-evaluate the situation at that point. If things look bad I’ll ask Twilight for the dagger back.”

Cadance appears confused. “You don’t have it?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I left it with her for safekeeping.”

“That may have been for the best. After all, our enemies may have wanted to retrieve it from your ring when you were arrested.”

“Yeah, I was kinda thinking that too.”

Cadance nods and smiles. “Twilight has already told me about what she and her friends have planned, you know.”

“Oh?”

“Regarding the herd idea.”

“I see. Are you upset?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not in the least. Her and I have spoken at length about it, and I agree that it’s a sound plan you have in dating everypony separately.”

“I didn’t promise any of them anything more though.”

“That is for the best. But I did want to inform you that should all of you meet with resistance in forming such a herd in Equestria, please know that the Crystal Empire will receive you and your future wives with open hooves.”

“Thank you, Cadance.”

Stepping forward, Cadance wraps her front hooves around Arc’s neck and whispers in his ear.

“Please take good care of Twilight for me.”

“I will.”

“I know.”

She gives him a quick peck on the cheek before stepping back.

“Well, I should let you get some rest.”

“Thanks for the talk though, Cadance. It really put my mind at ease. Regarding everything, I mean.”

Cadance giggles. “I’m the Princess of Love, after all. What else could I do?”

“Try to stop me, for starters.”

“Yes, well… we all have our duties to do. Take care, Arc.”

“You too.”

Walking her to the door Arc opens it and allows Cadance to pass. Shining Armor and Trixie move to flank her.

“We’ll get you back to the safety of the castle now, Cadance.”

Trixie nods soberly. “You can count on us.”

Cadance smiles. “Thank you. Let us be off.”

Arc watches them walk down the corridor for a moment before Ember snaps her claws in his face.

“Ember to Arc! Wake up!”

“Huh?”

Hammer eyes him suspiciously. “You were in a daze there. Everything okay?”

“Y-yeah.”

Rarity walks over to him. “Anything you want to tell us?”

“She… Cadance just… told me to do what needed to be done.”

Hammer moves her hand in a circular motion. “And…?”

“That’s about all.”

Ember grins. “Great! We have her permission to take Celestia out!”

“I don’t really want to do that.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Why not?! She’s a real piece of work!”

“This land’s inhabitants love her. As does Twilight.”

Rarity sighs. “You may not have a choice though, my dear.”

Ember shrugs. “But you’ll do what needs to be done though, I’m sure.”

“Right. In any case, we all need to get some rest now.”

Hammer gestures down the corridor. “How about something to eat first?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m too tired.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “You sure?”

“Yeah. I’ll eat before we land in Canterlot though. Promise.”

Hammer sighs. “Fine. Get some sleep though. You look like hell.”

“Thanks.”

He slowly walks into the room with Rarity at his side. Closing the door behind him, Hammer turns to Ember.

“That was weird.”

“Which part?”

“He doesn’t want to kill the banshee that caused him so much trouble, for starters!”

Sereb nods soberly. “That’s just how he is. Arc doesn’t enjoy slaughtering his enemies or getting revenge. Ultimately, he just wants everyone to be safe and happy.”

Hammer looks to the dragon next to her. “Speaking of that… what about your happiness, Ember?”

“What do you…?”

Sereb turns around. “And that is my cue to leave.”

Hammer grins as Sereb walks away. “I see how he looks at you.”

Ember appears confused. “He does?”

“Yeah! You’re really special to him!”

Ember as she turns to look out a window. “I suppose.”

“You… SUPPOSE?!”

“Arc’s… complicated.”

Hammer shrugs. “What man isn’t?!”

“He’s fine with pretty much anything that leads to a happy settlement. Even in the love department.”

“So what is it he’s after?”

“A family.”

“Doesn’t he have that with Derpy and Dinky?”

“I guess. But I’m sure he want’s something more.”

“What’s that?”

“Not sure.”

Hammer smiles slyly. “I can think of a few things.”

“Believe me, I’ve tried.”

“You’ve told me that before.”

Ember sighs. “Well, it didn’t work.”

Hammer walks over and whispers in Ember’s ear. “Are you open to suggestions?”

A grin spreads over Ember’s face at this.

“I’m listening.”

While Ember and Hammer finish their talk Rarity returns to the corridor.

“Excuse me.”

Hammer appears confused. “Something wrong?”

Rarity sighs. “A bit, yes. Might I impose on one of you for a bit of a… personal favor?”

Meanwhile, Arc steps into the bathroom and tosses his soiled clothing aside. Turning on the water, he hops into the shower and lathers up as the ship takes off. Frowning, he muses to himself as he sits on the cool tile floor and allows the water to flow over him.

“That was strange. I thought Rarity would have been happy to join me. Guess I must’ve smelled worse than I thought.”

Sighing, he leans forward against his knees.

“I’m not alone very often. But now that I am things just feel so… empty.”

The bathroom door opens quietly. A moment later the light sound of bare human feet walking toward the shower rings out. Arc smiles happily as he smells Rarity’s perfume and feels two hands on his shoulders. The sound of skin touching down on the tile behind him meets his ears. They gently massage his tired muscles causing the young man to moan slightly.

“Thanks, Rarity. I really needed that.”

Nodding silently, she continues her massage as Arc continues talking.

“Sorry I haven’t had more time for you, what with the country in such a state.”

She sighs, but says nothing.

“It’s not that I don’t want to, mind you. I mean… I’d love for us to be able to go out and get dinner together. See a show, or something too.”

Giggling slightly, she begins running her hands down his shoulders. Arc smiles as she begins kissing the back of his neck tenderly.

“I know I was against you coming along on the expedition originally. But I’m really glad I didn’t stick with that mindset. After all, we need to spend more time together.”

Nodding, she sits down on the floor behind him and gently scratches his back with her fingernails.

“Please understand that I’m not trying to blow off the others. They’ll have a turn too, of course. But you and I… we need to… I don’t really know how to say it.”

Arc thinks for a few moments before continuing.

“I’d like for us to become more… intimate. Kinda like we’re doing now.”

She groans. Arc pipes up quickly.

“I meant everyone! Sorry if I came across as only being interested in you. Do you think that’s a good idea?”

Laying her chin on his shoulder, she giggles sweetly and nods lightly. Arc breathes a sigh of relief.

“I’ll try to word things better from now on. After all, we should be able to more easily avoid misunderstandings that way.”

She nibbles on his ear, causing Arc to gasp in surprise.

“You’re feeling especially forward today.”

He closes his eyes happily as two arms wrap around his midsection. She uses him as an anchor and pulls her body against his, pressing her breasts against his back.

“I love you, Rarity.”

Smiling, she finally speaks.

“And I love you too, Arc.”

His eyes fly open as he turns his head around and gasps.

“Ember?!”

Ember grins “Yes?”

“What are you…?!”

He moves to stand up, but Ember pulls him backwards. As he crashes to the tile floor, she rolls over on top of him and puts a finger to his lips.

“Don’t talk… listen.”

Ember takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Arc… you know that I love you. How I’ve wanted to bathe with you again since that day we returned from rescuing Celestia.”

He moves to speak, but Ember clamps a hand over his mouth.

“No, no! I’m not done yet.”

Looking him in the eye, Ember speaks again.

“As you know, Rarity was going to wait for you in the bedroom. She declined your invitation to come in here to bathe with you for a little… romantic retreat.”

She grins mischievously.

“You were probably confused when she turned you down. But that was so that she could organize something special for you.”

Ember leans back and grins as the water washes over her naked body.

“She was worried that you’d become tired of just being with her. So she asked if Hammer or I would come in here and give you a little something new to look at.”

Arc appears surprised. “You and… Hammer?”

Ember nods. “Oh yes. She volunteered, of course. But Rarity told her how I’d wanted to do this for a LOT longer. Admittedly I was surprised when she gave in so easily. I mean, I was cool with both of us getting in here. However Rarity said that would be a bit too much for you right now. So I called for Sereb, had him turn me back into a human, sprayed some of Rarity's perfume on me to cover up my own battle musk, and walked in here. Sorry for the deception.”

“It’s… um…”

Ember sighs and looks away. “I know you’d rather have Rarity sitting on your legs right now.”

Arc sits up and looks Ember in the eye as she sits on his lap. “I… I just…”

Ember forces a smile. “This whole thing was Rarity’s idea, yes. But when you thought I was her I just decided to play along.”

<he sighs and looks away.

“I really liked when you said ‘I love you’ to me though. Although it was meant for Rarity, it made me feel… special.”

“You are special.”

Ember looks down at the floor and speaks sadly. “Not like Rarity and her friends though.”

Arc puts a hand on her chin and turns it to look her in the eye.

“Ember. You’ve always been special to me.”

“I… I have?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. No matter what happened, you always stuck with me. Even when things got dangerous or you disagreed with my plans, you never once walked out on me.”

“Why would I have?”

Arc chuckles. “Because some of my plans were absolutely terrible.”

Ember grins sheepishly. “Yeah. That they were.”

“Then why did you go along with them?”

“Because I believed in you, Arc. And because I didn’t want you getting hurt.”

She puts a hand on his cheek.

“That and… I don’t think I could have lived with myself if you had been injured. Or worse.”

Arc smiles at her. “And that’s why you’re special to me.”

Ember blushes as she turns away. “You’re the only one who makes me act like this.”

“Sorry.”

“No, no! I… I really like it! Having feelings for someone special was something I didn’t understand until I met you, Arc.”

She takes a deep breath and looks at him soberly before continuing.

“That’s why… I want in.”

“In?”

“To the herd.”

“I…”

“Please, Arc! Hear me out! I… I love you. I want to be with you. And I… I want to make eggs with you, yes. But there’s so much more.”

She fidgets as she continues.

“These things that I want… aren’t just raging hormones or my duty to the Dragon Lands. I honestly want you inside my body because I… I want us to be together forever.”

Arc nods. “And I’d like that too.”

“But Arc, I… wait what?”

“I said I’d like us to be together.”

Ember smacks the side of her head. “Sorry. Think I got some water in my ears, or something.”

“Oh. Well in that case, how about I tell you another way.”

Wrapping his arms around Ember, he pulls her close and plants a passionate kiss on her lips. Her eyes widen in shock, naturally. However after a few seconds Ember reciprocates. Pushing Arc onto his back, she continues the kiss with more fervor than even she thought possible. Eventually she pulls back but continues to lay on Arc.

“That was amazing!”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry if it sounds really shallow, but… I’ve been practicing.”

“Rarity?”

“Yeah. Hammer and even Lily too.”

Ember grins wickedly. “Lily, eh? Think she’d be into this too?”

“I doubt it.”

“We could ask.”

Arc sighs. “She’s got enough on her plate with Shelly being so sick.”

Ember sighs. “I guess so. But she is really sweet. Didn’t know you were involved with her though.”

“I’m not. She confessed, through Shelly, that she’s had a crush on me for a long time.”

“And you don’t?”

“Don’t what?”

“Have a crush on her.”

“Huh?”

“I saw how you two looked at one another. It was adorable!”

Arc frowns. “Well, I know she wouldn’t be into this herd idea. It’s way too much for her.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Fine. Then I won’t mention it again.”

“Thanks.”

Ember grins as she puts her hands on either side of her breasts to make them look bigger. “Now then… do you want to do anything else with me?”

“Actually yes.”

Ember blushes and closes her eyes. “Fine. Go ahead.”

“Okay.”

Arc stands up and turns off the water. Stepping out of the shower he grabs a towel and starts drying himself off. Ember opens her eyes as he throws a towel in her face.

“Arc? What are you…?”

“You asked if I wanted to do anything else.”

“Uh… yeah? And?”

“We’re doing it.”

“Doing what?”

“Getting some sleep. I’m exhausted.”

Ember laughs throatily as she stands and begins drying off. “Darn! I thought that was going a whole different direction!”

Arc chuckles. “You wish.”

“So do you!”

Arc shrugs. “What can I say?”

“You’ve really changed since I met you, Arc.”

“We all have, Ember. That and you really are pretty like that.”

“As a human?”

“That too. But I meant your personality. Now then, how about we get some sleep?”

Ember tosses the towel into the hamper and puts her hands on her hips. “Can we sleep like this?”

“Can I be honest with you about something?”

“What is it?”

Arc pulls a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from his ring. “You really do look cute in stuff like this.”

Ember groans. “Please don’t call me ‘cute’.”

Arc grins. “It’s true.”

“And I do like the attention, yes. But could you call me something else?”

“Like what?”

Ember shrugs. “Anything, really. Hot… sexy… stuff like that.”

“Well, I still think you’re cute.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Fine. Call me that if you really want to. But please… just don’t do it in front of the others.”

Arc smiles as he dresses. “I’ll try to remember that. No promises though.”

Chapter 14 - Liberating the Skies

Arc awakens to the sound of his earring chirping. Sitting up, he touches it.

“Arc here.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir. The capital is now in visual range.”

“How much longer until we arrive?”

Moon Dancer calls out. “One hour, sir.”

“Good. Bring the ship up to red alert, notify the crew to be ready by then, and make sure everyone has something to eat before we start.”

Soarin nods. “I’ve already made sure of that, sir.”

Wrangler grins. “The Cafeteria has been very busy with everypony getting a bite in before or after they rest.”

Thunderlane sighs. “You might want to have a word with everypony before we get there though, sir.”

Lemon Hearts grimaces. “Right. Everypony’s kind of… on edge.”

“Yeah. I’ll do that. Anything else I should know?”

Soarin looks through his binoculars. “Just that the capital is still defended by the Griffon Kingdom’s airships.”

Wrangler rubs her hooves together happily. “We’ll be in range of their cannons in about forty-five minutes, sir.”

“I’ll hurry then. Arc out.”

He severs the connection and turns to Ember as she stares at him, smiling.

“Love lying here with you like this!”

“Um… we’ve done this a million times, Ember.”

Ember grins as she sits up. “Yeah. But never after making out in the shower.”

Arc groans. “It sounds bad when you say it like that.”

“Everyone was okay with me doing it. Yourself included.”

“Well, right now we have bigger problems.”

“Right. The pompous Lord Regent Decimus sitting on the throne!”

Arc nods soberly. “We need to get him off of there if Equestria is going to have a future.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah! And I want to kill him myself… AGAIN!”

“No, Ember. I should be the one to do that.”

“Why?!”

“Well, for starters, you doing it could spark and international incident.”

“But I did it before!”

Arc sighs. “Yes. And I told Trixie to put in the report that she did the deed.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You did?”

“The Dragon Lord killing someone like him is bad for diplomacy. Trust me, that was the right choice.”

Ember grins seductively. “Oh, I do. With my body and soul.”

“Yes, well… let’s get going.”

Arc stands and pulls his shirt over his head as Ember removes her clothes. Turning to her, Arc rolls his eyes.

“Ember?”

“Yes?”

“What are you doing?”

“Getting ready. Why?”

“I’m afraid to ask this, but what exactly…”

Ember: Watch.

She opens the door a crack and calls out.

“Sereb!”

A few moments later footfalls echoes down the corridor. The sound of muffled knocking can be heard. Ember pulls the door open and allows the wolf inside. He turns to Ember.

“Can I assume you are ready?”

“Not really. But like Arc just said, we have work to do.”

Sereb’s horn glows as the counter spell is cast. A few moments later Ember returns to her dragon form. She turns to Arc and smiles sheepishly.

“Um… do you still think I look… um…?”

“Cute?”

Ember nods as Arc chuckles.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because I’m covered in scales, have horns, claws, and sharp teeth.”

“True. But I’m more interested in what’s in here.”

He puts a hand on his chest before continuing.

“It’s what’s on the inside that counts, after all.”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “While I hate to interrupt, this conversation will have to wait.”

Arc grimaces. “Agreed. You two head to the Cafeteria and eat. I need to make a few calls.”

Ember nods. “Meet you there?”

“Sure.”

Nodding, Ember walks over to Arc and kisses his cheek as she whispers in his ear.

“Don’t be long.”

She and Sereb leave the room together. Sereb turns to her and grins toothily.

“Did you… enjoy yourself?”

Ember giggles. “More than words can say!”

“I am glad.”

A few moments later they hear Lemon Heart’s voice over the ship-wide intercom.

“By order of the Hero of Light, all troops are to report to the Cafeteria for a mission briefing. Repeat… all troops are to report of the Cafeteria at once. Thank you.”

Sereb looks to Ember. “It sounds like Arc has a plan.”

“That he does.”

“Is it a good one?”

Ember sighs. “I’m still on the fence on that decision.”

Arriving at the Cafeteria, they find the room filled with soldiers. As they wait the rest of the troops arrive. Hammer joins the pair along with Rarity.

“Busy place.”

Rarity nods as she turns to Hammer. “What’s going on?”

“Arc’s going to be explaining the strategy in a bit.”

Sereb nods. “It would be wise to tell everyone of what is to come, lest confusion and chaos break out.”

A few minutes later Arc enters the room along with Twilight. Gasping, the soldiers quickly line up, remove their helmets, and bow respectfully. Twilight looks around nervously and takes a step back. Extending a hand to her, Twilight puts her hoof in it and allows Arc to lead her down the row to the front of the room. Turning, Arc addresses the group.

“Everyone, listen up! Decimus and Celestia have made a grave mistake and the time for our attack has come. In less than an hour we’ll be assaulting the city of Canterlot… and the castle itself!”

The troops murmur to one another nervously as Arc continues.

“Celestia has apparently left the city in the clutches of Decimus, whom is ruling as the sitting Lord Regent! We need to bypass the airships guarding the perimeter, infiltrate the city, and ultimately storm the castle to depose him!”

He gestures to Twilight standing next to him.

“As everyone knows, the title of Lord Regent is only to be bestowed in times of extraordinary crisis as per the Order of Succession! However none of that matters as long as there is a princess ready, willing, and able to take the throne! With Celestia’s withdrawal to Light’s Hope, Luna’s departure from the capital, and Cadance ruling over the Crystal Empire, Princess Twilight is legally the next monarch to rule! Even if Celestia appointed him to that position temporarily, it would be a moot point as soon as Twilight enters the city!”

Arc turns to her.

Princess… are you ready and willing to take your position on the throne?”

Twilight nods nervously. “Y-yes. I will do my duty.”

“Very well, your highness. As Equestria’s Hero of Light, I will do my very best to see you safely escorted and seated on the throne.”

“Thank you, Hero of Light Arc.”

“Is there anything you’d like to say to the troops before we get started?”

Twilight nods. “Yes.”

She turns to those assembled and clears her throat.

“As you all know, I was only recently appointed as Equestria’s Princess of Friendship. I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to be a good and loyal friend since studying under my mentor and friend, Princess Celestia. She taught me so many things and saw to it I was sent to a place where I could learn more from an entire town of ponies. However… since that time, she’s… grown distant from the citizens and has shut herself away from the public. This is certainly not proper behavior for a princess. Though, when she turned the land over to Decimus, Princess Celestia crossed a line. While I don’t know what caused this change in her, as the Princess of Friendship it is my duty to help my oldest and wisest friend in her time of need. But before I can do that, the land and its inhabitants must be freed from the false Hero of Light whom even now sits on the throne of Equestria. Now I must ask… will all of you help me? Will you defend this land and its citizens from those whom would seek to subjugate the masses? Will you follow me, as you are sworn to do? Or will you continue to bow and live under a ruler whom is no longer herself? Whom breaks the law to prop up their own agenda? Whom drove her own sister and niece from the land? While I cannot force anypony to follow, please help us… please fight for a better and kinder tomorrow.”

Arc calls forth the Spear of Righteousness and taps it firmly on the floor as he salutes. “You have the approval and aid of the Hero of Light, Princess Twilight!”

Ember calls forth her armor. “And that of the Dragon Lord!”

Sereb growls. “And the Warchief of the Forsaken!”

Hammer draws her gun. “And this sergeant!”

Rose steps forward soberly. “And your daughter, mother!”

The soldiers stand at attention, put on their helmets, and salute formally. Arc nods and smiles.

“It would appear that you have yourself a small but loyal army now, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight smiles as she looks over those assembled. “Thank you, everypony. I’ll do my best not to let you down.”

Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out over the intercom.

“We are approaching Canterlot now! Enemy fleet moving to attack position! All crews to their action stations!”

Arc points with his spear. “Everyone get moving! We have a city to liberate!”

The soldiers cheer as they run out of the Cafeteria. Arc grins as he motions for Twilight and his friends to follow. They run down the corridor together as he turns to her.

“Great job, Twilight!”

Ember grins. “Yeah! You really motivated those guys!”

Hammer laughs throatily. “Rallying the troops without threats or a show of violence?! I loved it!”

Sereb growls. “We must now focus on the task before us!”

Twilight grimaces. “Right. The Griffon Kingdom fleet.”

Arc chuckles. “Not to worry. I have a plan.”

Ember appears skeptical. “Is it well thought out?”

“Kinda.”

Hammer groans. “Now I’m worried.”

“Trust me on this one.”

Sereb smiles toothily. “We do, Arc. We do.”

Arriving at their destination Arc turns to Thunderlane.

“Full stop.”

Thunderlane grimaces. “Stopping now, sir.”

“Wrangler?”

“Weapons and O.R.B. systems are on standby.”

“Moon Dancer?”

“All ships have their weapons trained on us, sir.”

“Fine. Lemon Hearts, hail them.”

“Whom, sir?”

“The commander of the fleet. Someone is in charge over there.”

“Very well sir.”

She presses a button and begins to speak.

“Griffon fleet, this is The Equinox. We request to speak with whomever is in charge of your forces.”

A few moments later a familiar voice rings out.

“Hello again, everypony.”

Soarin gasps. “Captain Tight Ship?!”

Tight Ship nods soberly. “Admiral of the Canterlot Defense Force at the moment. Princess Celestia has tasked me with the safekeeping of the capital until her return.”

Wrangler frowns. “But, sir… the princess is right here.”

“Oh?”

Moon Dancer sighs. “Not Princess Celestia, sir. But a princess nonetheless.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s right. Why don’t you say hello?”

Twilight clears her throat. “Hello, sir. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and as you know I’m the Princess of Friendship.”

“What can I do for you, your highness?”

“I’ve heard that Decimus is acting as Lord Regent at the moment. Is that correct?”

“Yes, your highness. He’s recently returned to the castle and is taking care of the day to day affairs of the nation.”

“Very good. You shall escort my forces and I to him at once.”

Tight Ship sounds confused. “Ma’am?”

“As per the Order of Secession, I’m taking the throne.”

“But Princess Celestia gave strict orders not to…!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Princess Celestia is over the Princess of Friendship?”

“Yes sir. Her word supersedes Princess Twilight’s.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Even when she’s gone?!”

Hammer scoffs. “Right! She appointed a stand-in and then left!”

Sereb growls. “I do believe a princess is supposed to sit on the throne whenever possible, admiral. Is that not so?”

“Normally, yes. However, I’ve been told of the supposed Hero of Light’s brainwashing techniques. He will not pass!”

Arc gasps. “Brainwashing?!”

Twilight shakes her head vehemently. “Admiral, I assure you that I am acting on my own free will!”

“Princess Celestia told me you’d say that, your highness! You don’t even realize you’re being used to further the human’s goals?!”

Arc slams his fist against a wall. “And YOU don’t realize that Celestia turned her back on Equestria!”

Tight Ship frowns. “That is ludicrous! Even now she’s seen to it that the land is safeguarded from you and your assassination attempts!”

Arc points out the window. “With foreign military support garnered by another treaty?!”

“Desperate times, sir! Now then, as the one tasked with defending this city I hereby order you and your forces to stand down!”

Twilight frowns. “And as a Princess of Equestria I’m ordering YOU to stand down, Admiral!”

Rose clenches a fist. “We will not be dissuaded! Follow my mother’s orders of feel our wrath!”

Hammer nods smugly. “Darn right!”

Arc grits his teeth. “What would the Griffon Kingdom say about their forces being used as pawns in a civil war, Tight Ship?! Would you care to reconsider your…!”

“Hold on just a moment.”

Sereb grins toothily. “You wish to surrender?”

“I’m receiving word from the Lord Regent.”

Rose rolls her eyes. “Are you now?”

“Yes. His exact words are… ‘turn back now and we won’t give chase’.”

Arc shakes his head. “We can’t do that.”

Tight Ship sighs. “Very well then. You give me no choice but to show the land and everypony in it your true intentions, sir.”

Lemon Hearts appears confused. “What does that even…?!”

Moon Dancer gasps. “Sir, the prototype airship you sabotaged is launching from the castle’s hanger!”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “It’s headed right for us!”

Thunderlane turns to the captain. “Sir! Orders?!”

Soarin gasps. “I… we can’t fight Captain Tight Ship!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Don’t you get it?! That’s what he wants!”

Arc turns to her. “Hammer?”

“If we turn tail and run now it’ll just show the land that their leaders are cowards! That when things get hard they’ll just retreat and leave them to their fate!”

Ember nods. “Agreed! We have to stand up to him here and now!”

Soarin turns to the Science Station. “Moon Dancer! Scan that ship!”

“The ship’s propulsion is at roughly half what it should be. No life signs detected aboard save for one on the Bridge. However I’m detecting a large amount of explosives in the Cargo Hold!”

Tight Ship calls out from the pilot’s seat. “Equinox, I am currently piloting the ship with zero assistance. No weapon systems, no tactical officer, and no engineers. As it stands I can only fly. And that’s what I intend to do.”

Soarin calls out. “Sir?! Your Cargo Hold is full of…!”

Tight Ship interrupts him. “…nothing! There was no reason to load supplies for this task, after all!”

Moon Dancer gasps. “But sir…!”

“Soarin… I’ve taught you and Thunderlane everything I know about flying and command. You know there is an order of priority at all times.”

Soarin bows his head. “Yes sir.”

Wrangler looks to the captain. “The princess’ safety trumps everything else. Even the crew and ship itself.”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “Sir, the new ship is on a collision course with The Equinox!”

Thunderlane turns his head. “If he hits us with all that ordinance aboard it’ll destroy us both!”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “Contact in two minutes!”

Tight Ship continues speaking. “As you’ve noticed, I’ve locked my ship onto yours. Now then, carry out your sworn duty. Protect Princess Twilight from any harm that might befall her and retreat to a safe distance now.”

Arc looks to Thunderlane. “Can we outmaneuver the new experimental ship?!”

“Most likely, yes.”

Moon Dancer goes over her instruments. “We need to hurry and get underway then! The ship will need time to get up to speed before…!”

Soarin stands. “No.”

Rose looks to him, confused. “What are you saying, captain?”

“Admiral Tight Ship. This ship will not run. This ship will not fly around you. This ship will not attempt to outsmart you. However, as we do have a duty to protect the princess, we will act as necessary to fulfil that duty.”

He turns to Wrangler.

“Target the ship’s engines.”

“Sir?”

“It’ll force him down. Tight Ship is more than capable of making a safe crash landing.”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “Normally, yes! However the explosives will make the ship a literal bomb!”

Lemon Hearts frowns. “But we can’t attack a friendly vessel!”

Tight Ship nods. “That is correct. Leave now and you may yet salvage your reputations. Stay and either be destroyed or shoot me down… and show the citizens what terrorists truly looks like.”

Arc looks to Soarin. “We can’t back down now. This mission MUST continue!”

Soarin nods and speaks into the radio. “Sir. Even if we’re branded as traitors and hated by the masses… we’ve all taken an oath to defend the land and its citizens from their enemies. And right now the capital is being held by a foreign power’s forces. I can do nothing else other than to fight for those whom have put their faith in me. For the crew… for the princesses… and for Equestria!”

He turns to Wrangler.

“Fire.”

Wrangler nods soberly and presses a button. The Equinox’s cannons spring to life as they fire magical blasts at their target. The prototype’s engines explode as the ship noses downward. Tight Ship fights the controls as the doomed ship spirals out of control. Sighing and forcing a small smile, he speaks into the radio.

“Take care… of the princess, my friends.”

Everyone looks down as the vessel crashes. It smashes into the ground before exploding from the sheer force of the impact and cargo. Moon Dancer gasps.

“What… what have we done?!”

Soarin looks at the floor as he speaks. “Lemon Hearts, can you…?”

“The signal is… gone, sir.”

Arc speaks softly. “Open it anyways.”

Lemon Hearts does so.

“Admiral Tight Ship… can you hear us?”

Nothing but static rings out over the speakers. The crew stands and salutes as one. Thunderlane is the first to speak.

“Goodbye… Captain Tight Ship.”

Wrangler sighs. “I’m sorry, sir. You gave us no choice.”

Soarin removes his cap. “Rest in peace, sir. We promise to keep this land safe along with Princess Twilight and Hero of Light Arc.”

Moon Dancer nods sadly. “That we will. You can count on it.”

Lemon Heart smiles with tears in the corners of her eyes. “Thank you… for being the shining star that we could all look up to, sir. Now… literally. Please watch over us as we continue this fight.”

Twilight puts a hoof on her shoulder as she sniffles.

“I’m sure he would have wanted that, miss. Now then… close the channel and we’ll honor his memory by freeing this land.”

Lemon Hearts nods and presses a button. Arc turns to Soarin.

“We need to enter the city now.”

Soarin looks to Moon Dancer. “Any movement from the griffon fleet?”

“None, sir. But their weapons are powering down for some reason.”

Sereb nods. “We should do the same then.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

Rose folds her arms over her chest. “As an act of good faith.”

Thunderlane grimaces. “Maybe we should…”

Lemon Hearts gasps. “Captain, we’re being hailed!”

“By whom?!”

“Unknown!”

Arc appears hopeful. “Patch them through.”

Lemon Hearts does so. Arc clears his throat before speaking.

“This is Hero of Light Arc. With whom am I speaking?”

A familiar voice rings out from the speaker. “Fleet Commander Blackbeak, sir.”

Arc nods. “It’s been a long time, general.?

“Yes sir. Forgive our earlier actions, but we had our orders.”

“And what do those orders say now?”

“I was contacted a short time ago by Lord Adalbert of the Council of Lords. His orders were to observe your actions and react accordingly.”

“So… are we going to fight now?”

Blackbeak scoffs. “Hardly. Is Princess Twilight still there?”

“Yes, I’m here.”

“My fleet will now return to the Griffon Kingdom. We no longer have any interest in continuing our involvement in what has certainly devolved into nothing more than a civil war.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Not that I’m complaining, but what about our nation’s treaty?”

“It states that we will come to the aid of the other in the event of an attack by a hostile outside power. At the time we were told that was you, Lord Arc. However it is clear to me that Princess Celestia and Hero of Light Decimus are fighting against another domestic governing body. One that is just as legitimate as yours is.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, sir. Um… what does that mean for our two nations?”

Blackbeak sighs. “I don’t know, your highness. That’s up to my superiors to decide. However with your permission, Princess Twilight, we shall excuse ourselves.”

“Y-yes, of course. Um… have a… safe trip home.”

“Farewell, your highness.”

Arc nods to Lemon Hearts. She closes the channel as Arc walks over to Thunderlane and watches as the griffon ships turn and fly east. Rose is the first to speak.

“What now, Arc?”

“Now we have a clear path.”

Ember grins wickedly. “So we attack?!”

“In a manner of speaking. Thunderlane?”

“Sir?”

“Land the ship just outside the city.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

Hammer frowns. “Ain’t we hitting the castle?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I want to take the castle, not destroy it. The building itself must remain intact if at all possible.”

Wrangler frowns. “Begging your pardon, sir. But in the end, it’s just a building.”

Lemon Heart nods. “Yes. Something that can be rebuilt stronger and better than before should then need arise.”

Twilight gasps. “But everypony looks to Canterlot Castle as a beacon of hope!”

Ember scoffs. “Yeah. One that’s gone out.”

Hammer grins. “Then we’ll have to relight it!”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Rose smiles as she looks to Twilight. “Someone has to. And I believe mother will be able to do just that.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Arc puts his hand on her shoulder. “That’s all we can ask.”

He turns and points the Spear of Righteousness toward the city walls outside.

“Now then… let’s get this over with.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - Assaulting the Castle

A short time later The Equinox lands outside the city. Arc and his forces rush out onto the deck and look around. Ember frowns.

“It’s quiet. Too quiet.”

Rose looks down at Sereb. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Think of it like the calm before the storm.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He looks to the door. A quick movement with his hand brings Twilight out on deck. She looks around nervously as the mithril armor over her body glistens in the evening sun.

“Canterlot…”

“I will keep you safe, mother.”

Arc looks to her. “We all will.”

He turns to his guards before continuing.

“All forces, form a perimeter around the base of the gangplank. We need to get Princess Twilight to the castle safely.”

Ember appears confused. “Why not just use the sigil in your room, Arc?”

“Yeah, I already tried that. No go.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “They washed it off… or something?”

Rose frowns. “Or wards have been installed.”

Twilight sighs. “Either are possible, of course. But neither brings us any closer to our goal.”

Arc makes a final gaze around the ship. “Right. Let’s get moving.”

Leading Twilight down the gangplank, Arc escorts her to the center of the group. She shudders slightly as the guards crowd around her.

“Sereb, you and Rose will be the princess’ Honor Guards.”

“We will not fail you!”

“Right! You’ll be fine, mother.”

Twilight nods nervously. “Th-thanks.”

“Ember, fly overhead and call out anything that looks suspicious.”

“On it!”

Taking flight, she looks all around as Arc turns to Hammer.

“You and I are on point.”

Hammer pulls her gun. “Best place to be, right?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, if something happens we’ll know right away.”

He motions for Hammer to move to the front. Arc kneels down in front of Twilight. Looking her armor over, he checks her belts one last time before looking her in the eye soberly.

“You ready?”

“I suppose so.”

“Everything okay?”

“Sorta.”

Rose looks over the stallions before her. “Mother?”

“I’m scared.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “We shall defend you with our very lives, your highness!”

Twilight groans. “That’s what I’m afraid of. Others getting hurt protecting me.”

Arc nods. “Such is the role of a princess.”

“Yes, I know.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as they look one another in the eye.

“We’ve been through quite a bit since I came here.”

Twilight grimaces. “Mostly you though.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.”

“I’m a bookworm. Not a real leader like you, Arc.”

“Then that must change.”

Rose smiles. “Yes. Equestria needs you, mother. You can’t let our land down.”

Sereb nods with conviction. “You have much inner strength, Princess Twilight. Now you must act.”

Taking a deep breath, Twilight puts on a brave face and wraps her hooves around Arc’s neck in a passionate embrace as she whispers in his ear.

“Just watch your back, Arc.”

“I will.”

Standing, Arc turns and Blinks to the front of the procession. He looks toward the massive city gates, which are now closed, and frowns.

“We’ve got to get past these first.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “If I had the Charger I could probably blast a hole through them. What about your ship’s cannons?”

Arc shakes his head. “Too much chance of destroying civilian buildings. We’ll have to do it the old fashioned way.”

“Which is…?”

“This.”

He looks up to Ember and points at the gates. Nodding, she flies over the wall. A few minutes later the gates slowly swing open as Ember flies over to them and lands.

“What did you see over there, Ember?”

“Nothing.”

Twilight appears relieved. “That’s good.”

Ember shakes her head. “No, I mean there’s literally no one anywhere.”

Hammer shrugs. “Maybe they’re hiding.”

Rose looks through the now open gates. “My scanners show that to be the case. Everyone currently within my range is hiding underground.”

Arc nods. “You mean in their basements?”

Ember grimaces. “It’s the safest place right now.”

Sereb growls. “Agreed.”

Hammer pats her gun. “Yeah. In case fighting breaks out we don’t want to have to worry about civilians getting in the way.”

Arc turns back to Ember. “See anything else up there?”

“Nothing we didn’t all see from the ship. The gates leading to the castle are closed as well.”

Rose sighs. “That is to be expected. It will certainly deter us.”

Arc turns to face the city as he speaks. “But not stop us. Everyone… move out!”

As he begins walking, Arc leads his forces through the deserted streets. Looking around they spot a few frightened eyes staring out at them through closed shutters and heavy curtains. Twilight nervously waves at them as they pass. Rose turns to her.

“Please do not become distracted, mother.”

Sereb’s eyes dart side to side as he speaks. “Agreed. We need to focus right now.”

Twilight sighs. “But this is what I’m best at. Smiling and waving. Princess Celestia said it gave other hope.”

Rose smiles at her. “Your very presence does that.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. I can hear their heartbeats soften as you pass, princess.”

“Is that… good?”

“Very. It means you are subliminally calming them.”

Eventually they reach the castle gates. Ember takes flight to scout the area before landing in front of Arc again, her face grim.

“I don’t see a way to open these.”

Sereb groans. “It is likely within the castle along with the drawbridge controls.”

Rose looks to Twilight. “What should we do, mother?”

“Leave this one to me.”

Turning to a nearby panel, Twilight aims her horn at it. Casting a spell, the gates swing open freely. Sereb nods approvingly.

“Very impressive, your highness.”

“How did you do that, mother?”

“Princess Celestia gave me full access to the castle, so I have my ways of getting in after normal visiting hours.”

Arc clutches his spear. “Let’s keep moving.”

Leading them toward the castle, they immediately see that the drawbridge is up. Arc turns to Twilight.

“Uh… you have a spare key for this door too?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Sadly, no. Princess Celestia probably didn’t bother to since this bridge is pretty much always down.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Want me to head inside and find a switch, or something?!”

“No, thanks.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Say what?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and closes his eyes. “We’ll wait for it to open.”

Sereb frowns. “We will?”

Rose nods. “Very well.”

A short time later a clang rings out. Arc looks up as the massive wood and steel drawbridge lowers for them. Grinning he calls out telepathically.

“Good job, Scootaloo.”

“Thanks, Big Brother. You going to be here soon?”

“We’re heading straight for the Audience Chamber. Is that where Decimus is?”

“Yeah. He’s been calling the shots from there ever since getting back from Light’s Hope. Do you want me to join you there?”

“Negative. You head back to Decimus and let me know if something changes over there.”

“Okay. Be careful, Big Brother. He’s… kinda upset right now.”

“You too.”

Marching across the drawbridge, Arc and his forces enter the castle together. Just like the city, it is deserted. Arc turns to Rose.

“Scanners?”

“I’m not detecting anyone in the castle. At least within sensor range.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Nor do I smell anyone.”

Ember frowns. “Anywhere?”

Rose sighs. “There are several rooms that I can’t pierce. The royal bedchambers of Princess Celestia, the Dining Room, and the Audience Chambers.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “So, let’s take the Throne Room and end this!”

“Agreed. This way everyone.”

Leading them down a number of corridors, Scootaloo calls out to Arc telepathically.

“Big Brother! Decimus and his soldiers just took a portal to the Audience Chamber!”

“Oh?”

“He looks REALLY mad though! And the guards with him are plenty nervous!”

Arc clenches a fist. “The scumbag and his soldiers looking to make a final stand?”

“Looks like it. He told me to stay by his side no matter what happens though.”

“Keeping his friends close it seems.”

“Something like that. Um…”

“Something else?”

“Do you really have to kill him, Big Brother?”

“Probably, yes. Why do you ask?”

“He’s been nothing but nice to me ever since I came to the castle. Decimus taught me so much about tactics, fighting styles, and even how to properly lead troops. I honestly believe he feels as if he’s doing the right thing here.”

Arc frowns. “That may very well be, Scootaloo. But remember that this is the guy who’s tried several times to take over the country, gone after the princesses, and tried VERY hard to kill me.”

“I’m just saying there’s more to him than you know!”

“Fine then. I’ll give him one chance to surrender peacefully and stand down.”

“Maybe I can talk him into it.”

“No, Scootaloo.”

“But…!”

“I’ll do all the talking on this one. You just watch for anything suspicious.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Okay.”

Arc and his forces reach the large waiting room outside the Audience Chambers. Looking around they find it completely empty, save for one mare standing before the large double doors. Motioning for his troops to halt, Arc turns to the blue spandex clad Pegasus as she approaches him.

“Hello again.”

Arc frowns. “Lieutenant Spitfire?”

Spitfire nods angrily. “Yeah.”

“I’m sure I already know the answer to this, but why are you here?”

“Defending my land from you!”

“Alone?”

“Yes!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You do realize that Decimus sent you here to die, right?”

Sereb growls. “There is no chance you could defeat us without aid.”

Hammer motions with her gauntlet dismissively. “Right. Just step aside and let us get to work, missy.”

Twilight grimaces. “Yes. Please stand down so that we can end this.”

Spitfire narrows her eyes as she looks the group over. “Don’t worry, Princess Twilight. This will all be over soon.”

Rose clenches a fist. “Are you threatening my mother?!”

Spitfire shakes her head. “No. I’m going to rescue her!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow, confused. “Rescue?!”

“If I can kill this traitor, his hold over you should lessen. Then you’ll have a chance to free yourself.”

“But I’m not a prisoner.”

Spitfire grits her teeth. “He’s controlling you, your highness! Don’t you see?! This traitor is only concerned with how much power and influence he can obtain!”

Ember scoffs. “Ha! You’re confusing him with Decimus!”

“Not to worry, Dragon Lord. You’ll be freed as well when the traitors are dead.”

Hammer aims her gun at Spitfire. “Not gonna happen!”

Arc’s troops aim their spears at Spitfire along with Rose’s R-Cannon. She looks to him.

“Your orders?”

Arc holds out an arm. “Everyone stand down. I’m the one she wants.”

Spitfire smiles slyly. “So… you’re surrendering?”

Arc shakes his head. “I can’t, no. We need to get Decimus off of the throne.”

Spitfire shakes her head. “To control the nation in its entirety.”

“Think what you will of me, lieutenant. But know that I’m doing all of this for the citizens of Equestria. You included.”

Spitfire scoffs. “Right.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “It’s true! He could have stayed safe and sound back on Earth with his friends!”

Ember nods. “But he chose to come back here and free the land from Decimus and Celestia!”

Sereb growls. “Caring nothing for his own personal safety, he even allowed himself to be held in prison for a time!”

Rose points at the ground with conviction. “But when he heard that things were out of balance here, Arc immediately returned to set it right!”

Twilight motions to Arc as she speaks. “I would have been content to live out my life with him back there. But right now all of us have a duty to uphold.”

Spitfire seethes. “You’ve manipulated the princess into LOVING you?! Does your depravity know no bounds?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Cower behind ignorance if you will. But the public deserves to know the truth.”

“Fine then. Give me that which I want and you can pass.”

“What do you want?”

“A fight. One on one. No holds barred.”

Ember laughs. “Are you NUTS?!”

Hammer scoffs. “He’ll KILL you, red!

Rose sighs. “Miss, my scanners show that there is only a 0.001% chance that you will survive such an encounter.”

Sereb growls. “Why do you want to throw your life away?”

Spitfire points an accusatory hoof at Arc. “To show everypony just how wicked and vile this creature REALLY is! The one whom killed General Virtuous Lance returns and kills a lone lieutenant whom faithfully stands guard over her ruler!”

Twilight gasps. “You… wish to be martyred?!”

“If that’s what it takes, yes!”

Spitfire turns back to Arc as she continues.

“So what’s it going to be?!”

“Fine. Let’s do this.”

Ember grabs his arm. “Arc, don’t!”

Sereb growls. “Let me face her!”

Hammer steps forward. “Or me!”

Rose points her L-Blade at Spitfire. “I’ll make it quick for her.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. This burden is mine to bear.”

He motions for his troops to fall back. They move to the far side of the room, still surrounding Twilight. Ember, Hammer, Sereb, and Rose watch from the perimeter as Spitfire clutches her spear resolutely and mutters under her breath.

“I’m coming, general. Wait for me.”

Flying headlong at Arc he slams his spear into the marble floor and awaits her attack. As she nears, Arc sidesteps, grabs her spear, and uses the lieutenant’s own momentum to throw her across the room. Spitfire crashes into a pillar and falls to the floor face first. Slowly rolling over onto her back she looks up to see Arc walking toward her with the spear he took from her in his gauntlet. Smiling weakly, she closes her eyes as he nears.

“Go ahead. Show everypony just how much of a monster you really are.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Raising the spear over his head Arc brings it down hard. As it implants itself in the marble floor the echo of the blow rings out through the entire castle. A few moments later Spitfire opens her eyes to see her spear firmly embedded in the floor a couple feet away. Arc looks down at her and shakes his head.

“Lieutenant. You just rest there.”

Spitfire grits her teeth. “I’ll… I’ll follow you in there if you don’t finish me off here and now!”

Sighing, Arc kneels down and grabs the mare by the front of her Wonderbolts’ uniform. Sitting her up, he looks her in the eye.

“Spitfire… I didn’t kill General Virtuous Lance.”

Punching her in the face, Arc lets go of the suit and allows the now unconscious mare to fall to the floor. Shaking his head, he turns and opens a portal. Grabbing Spitfire’s fetlock, he tosses her through before allowing the portal to close. Ember appears confused.

“Where did you…?”

“The sigil behind Rarity’s shop. Or what’s left of it.”

Sereb frowns. “Why there?”

“Because it’s fairly safe there. That and it’s far enough away that she won’t have time to fly back before we finish this.”

Hammer groans. “You do realize that she’ll just keep coming after you, right?”

Twilight nods soberly. “She’s right, Arc. You should have at least taken her into custody.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Yeah. Or actually finished her off.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Spitfire is just being used by Decimus. Her death would have meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.”

He gestures to the doors before him.

“Now then, let’s finish this.”

Arc and company approach the doors together. Hammer turns to him with a grin as they do so.

“Shall we knock?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Let’s surprise him.”

Putting both hands on the door Arc gives them a mighty push. The doors fly open, smashing against the walls on either side with a colossal bang. Looking around, Arc sees that the room is full of what may very well be every soldier in the castle. Decimus stands at the front of the group with the Scarlet Filly by his side. He glares at them as Arc calls out to him.

“It’s over, Decimus!”

Ember points her spear at him. “Yeah!”

Hammer narrows her eyes as she looks down her sight. “Easy way or hard way, punk?!”

Sereb growls. “Surrender now, or forfeit your life!”

Arc nods. “Right. Now then, are you going to come peacefully?”

Decimus frowns. “I think we both know the answer to that question.”

“Fine. But I had to ask.”

Decimus gestures to Twilight with a wave of his hoof. “I know why you’re here, usurper. You seek to install your own little royal puppet on the throne.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Like you did?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m here to put a proper ruler back on that seat.”

“You know I can’t let you do that.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really see how you plan on stopping us.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah!”

Decimus chuckles. “Considering we outnumber your forces at least four to one, I’d say our chances are pretty good.”

Sereb takes up a battle ready stance. “Nevertheless, we shall emerge victorious!”

Twilight calls out. “Um… excuse me.”

Arc turns around just in time to see Twilight push her way past the guards to the front of the group.

“Please stay back, princess.”

Ember nods, not taking her eyes off Decimus. “Right. It’s hard to protect you like this.”

“Thank you, but there’s something I have to say.”

Twilight turns to the soldiers that are rallied against her.

“Everypony, please listen to me. You included, captain.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“All of you have served the princesses faithfully in the past. However, until this moment, there wasn’t a princess here for you to serve. I’ve come here to change that.”

Pointing to Decimus, she frowns.

“This stallion is a traitor and a monster! As long as he lives, nopony is truly safe! He must be removed at once!”

Hammer grins. “And we’re here to do just that!”

Ember chuckles. “Hopefully with a nice fight!”

“As the Princess of Friendship, I’m asking all of you to join with me and Hero of Light Arc in ridding this land of the corruption that has taken hold of it!”

Decimus laughs throatily. “You expect these soldiers to just fall into line and support YOU, Princess Twilight?!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Why not? After all, she IS a princess.”

Decimus shakes his head. “Just existing doesn’t make you worthy of respect. It takes years of hard work, experience, and sacrifice to earn such a thing. Something you have not yet done… your highness.”

Arc nods. “But she will.”

Ember sighs. “I agree that Twilight shouldn’t be sitting on the throne alone right now. But what other choice does Equestria have?”

Decimus stomps a hoof defiantly. “Me leading it with Celestia’s blessing, of course.”

Rose shakes her head. “We cannot allow that to continue.”

Sereb growls. “You’ve already made a shamble of things!”

Decimus frowns. “We’ll see about that.”

He points a hoof at Twilight.

“Guards, kill everyone present and escort Princess Twilight to the dungeon. Celestia will deal with her personally.”

None of the guards move. He turns to them angrily.

“What are you idiots waiting for?!”

Three guards steps forward and speak.

“Sir… we’re supposed to serve and protect the princesses. Not imprison them.”

“That and she’s legally next in line to take the throne, sir.”

“The public would sleep better at night knowing…”

He is cut off as Decimus grabs a guard’s spear and lunges forward. Heading straight for Twilight, Arc and the others step in front of her in an effort to stop the insane stallion. However just before he reaches them a griffon drops down on him, spear in talon. Ashe seethes as she pierces the back of his skull, killing Decimus instantly. Letting go of her weapon she turns to look at Arc and Twilight.

“Please forgive me. But that had to be done.”

Arc gasps as he looks at the bloody scene before him. “Ashe? Why…?”

“Because I’ve seen what’s happened to this city. How it used to be full of life and happiness. Under Decimus though things slowly degraded. First audiences were limited. Then removed completely. A curfew was put into place before also being expanded to holding ponies as prisoners in their homes.”

She looks down at the dead stallion at her feet before continuing.

“This place began to remind me of my own homeland. And I couldn’t bear to see this city of lights and magic fall to such a fate. But for that to happen… Decimus had to die.”

Arc nods soberly as he looks past Ashe to the guards. “And what of all of you?”

Ember looks around. “It’s time to make a choice!”

Scootaloo steps forward. Looking to Twilight she bows.

“The Scarlet Filly sides with the ponies of this land. I bend my fetlock to you, Princess Twilight.”

Stepping aside, the guards part to allow a path to the throne to open. Saluting, they stand at attention. Arc motions for Twilight to give him her hoof. She puts it in his gauntlet and the pair walk toward the throne. Ascending the steps, they stop in front of the nation’s seat of power. Turing to the guards assembled Arc speaks.

“Everyone… go out into the city and proclaim that a new ruler will be presented to them shortly. Everyone whom is able should come to the balcony outside of Princess Celestia’s room to receive them.”

They troops, as well as Arc’s friends, salute, turn, and hurry away to carry out Arc’s orders. Ashe and Scootaloo leave the room together and close the doors behind them. Twilight looks to Arc with a pained expression on her face.

“I… I shouldn’t be here.”

“You’re a princess now, Twilight. It’s time to start acting like one.”

“But I don’t know how!”

“Neither did Luna and Celestia when they took their places on the throne.”

Twilight groans. “They were bred for years on how to…!”

“As were you.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you see? Celestia took you on as her student not just to teach you, but to prepare you for just this moment. One where Equestria lacked proper leadership and a head of state. You Twilight… you were her failsafe.”

“But I’m not ready!”

Arc sighs. “Twilight… there is no ‘ready’ for any first-time ruler.”

Twilight turns away. “That may be. But Equestria needs somepony with experience right now to lead it. And that… that isn’t really me.”

She puts a hoof on the throne while taking Arc’s hand again with the other.

“It’s yours.”

Arc nods soberly. “I cannot force you to take the throne, Twilight. Should you refuse to do so I will again sit here as the Lord Regent. But it wouldn’t be what’s best for Equestria right now.”

“But you’re an accomplished leader and ruler, Arc!”

“I was, yes. However at the moment I’m still just a criminal on the run. On the way here I saw dozens of posters telling me that.”

Twilight grits her teeth angrily. “Lies! All of them!”

“Agreed. But if I take the throne right now everyone will just think I did so to overthrow Celestia and kill Decimus. Since she’s not here anymore, I’d be blamed for making that happen.”

“I’d certainly tell them you weren’t involved with…!”

“Twilight… do you really think they’d be willing to listen to someone who’s too afraid to do her sworn duty to Equestria and rule?”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“You need to do this, Twilight. Not just for you friends, your country, and your mentor. But also for yourself. I know you can do this. You just have to believe in yourself.”

An hour later the entire population of Canterlot stands gathered nervously around the balcony. Arc walks to the edge clad in his royal raiments and flanked by the Element Bearers. Turning, he motions for the guards to open the doors behind them. Doing so, Twilight slowly walks out in a magnificent gown. The public gasps and cheers as the youngest princess comes into view. She looks to her right and left as her friends smile and silently encourage her. Walking to the edge of the balcony to look out over the crowd, Twilight stands silently as Arc motions for Spike to approach. He does so with a velvet pillow upon which the Element of Magic sits. Carefully picking it up, Arc slowly turns to Twilight and places it upon her head before stepping back and, with a wave of his hand, speaking to the crowd.

“ALL HAIL PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE! RULER OF EQUESTRIA!”

The roars of glee from the public echo across the city. Meanwhile, Decimus and Sunset Shimmer look on from the spire of a nearby building. Sunset frowns.

“This makes things… difficult.”

Decimus chuckles. “Indeed. I thought for sure the errant human would once again seek to rule as Lord Regent.”

Sunset rolls her eyes. “I suppose this puts a kink in your plans to further slander his name.”

Decimus shakes his head as he looks on over the festivities. “Mayhap. We can still continue with the master plan regardless of the flank on Celestia’s throne.”

“Oh?”

Decimus chuckles as he opens a portal and motions for her to follow him. “This was but one paving stone in the road to victory. And all roads have bumps. Believe me when I say that this is not yet over.”

Preface - Volume 41 - Homefront

In our previous volume, Arc wakes up next to Hammer and Ember in Tempest’s house. Their hostess reveals to him that she broke him out of prison as a personal favor in return to all he did for her. Asking her to join them, Tempest refuses. Returning to The Equinox, Arc finds Derpy and Dinky waiting for him in his room. Embracing them for a time, Hammer takes Ember and Dinky to the Kitchen to get breakfast going as Arc showers. Finishing, he finds Derpy sitting on the couch looking outside. Joining her, she reveals her thoughts of a time after his retirement. How she wishes to bear him a foal in human form if need be and her total trust in him as well.

Arriving in Abyssinia, they lead Arc to the New Ponyville Town Hall. Finding the Mane Six there, Arc brings them up to speed on what happened after he faced Celestia. Informing them that Sunset Shimmer killed the warden and how the soldiers butchered the escaped prisoners he breaks the news of him being framed for everything. Deciding that they must act, Arc hatches a plan to enter Luna Bay Prison again to retrieve his magic ring. Twilight holds onto the Dagger of Eternal Slumber as a sign of good faith from Arc as he goes over his tentative plans with the group.

The Equinox takes off and begins its very roundabout flight to Luna Bay Prison. On the way Wrangler calls for Arc to examine a suspicious crate. Opening it, Arc finds Rarity inside. Confessing that she stowed away, Arc allows her to stay. Asking to speak to him and Hammer privately, they head back to his room and sit down on the couch. Hammer voices her desire to learn more about the herd idea. They speak about a building a large house in which to cohabitate before officially forming the herd. In the course of the conversation Arc is asked why exactly he’s interested in all of them. Pointing out their good points as well at their flaws, Arc ends with a self-examination of himself.

A few days later Ember approaches the guards on duty outside the prison. Identifying herself, she presents Arc as her prisoner and orders the bounty be paid to her. Unable to immediately do so due to a lack of bits, the guards escort her inside and to the new warden, Spitfire. She informs her that Decimus himself is on his way with her reward money to take him into custody. Insisting to stay with Arc until she’s been paid, she accompanies him to ‘The Hole’ where she and Spitfire lock him up. Handing over a knife, Ember tells Spitfire that it has magical properties and that she should lock it up securely. Following the mare back to the office, Spitfire opens a hidden safe and puts the knife inside. Leaving with Ember, Hammer decloaks and opens the safe to retrieve Arc’s property. After planning plastic explosives, she returns to Ember and gives her the ring. At the proper time Hammer detonates the explosives to get everyone to look away for a moment. Dropping the ring down to Arc, she waits for Spitfire to leave with many of her guards. Helping Arc up to the bars, she watches as he dispatches the guards and takes her hostage. Walking them down the corridor, Arc demands the release of Aloe and Vera along with their files. Handing them over, Arc opens a portal and orders the mares taken through as he keeps Ember hostage and escapes along with her.

Returning to The Equinox, Arc has Hugh pick Aloe and Vera’s shackle locks before dismissing the squad. The others part ways as he escorts the mares to a posh suite. Informing them that they are still prisoners, he orders Wrangler to place guards outside their doors to escort them around the ship as they desire. Returning to his room, Arc looks out the window for a few minutes before opening a portal to the Crystal Hospital. Spotting the Hammers finishing their breakfast he inquires how they are doing. Silver Hammer tells him of her lower body paralysis and her husband’s long recovery time. Platinum Valve points out Decimus’ likely next move… a mind control crystal in a statue being erected in Manehattan. Needing expert help with the task, Platinum Valve volunteers to accompany him in this task. Her parents wish her well as she and Arc return to The Equinox.

Sometime later Arc, Platinum Valve, and the others discuss their mission to stop the mind control device under construction. They end their meeting with the task of trying to decide on a name for Arc’s new armor. Not hearing anything he really likes, Arc pulls out Cherry’s pendant and asks the hologram of his grandfather if he named the armor. Telling his grandson that the armor is called ‘Lionheart’, Daniel informs him that it is the last anti-magic armor in Equestria. Going outside to test that theory, the armor disperses a magical attack by Hammer. Ember, being much more powerful, is able to knock Arc to the ground with her own magic attack. Getting up, Arc asks her to do the same again. However this time he smacks the spell with a gauntlet, more or less shattering it. Twilight explains how the armor works as Rainbow Dash monologues about her future sexual antics with Arc. Heading for the ship with Ember, Hammer, Platinum Valve, and Rarity, the others return to the Town Hall.

Meanwhile, Decimus and Gaston learn of The Equinox’s approach to Equestria’s shores from a messenger. Heading to Celestia’s room, they are immediately told of a letter Twilight sent to Celestia. Reading it they learn that Twilight is working with Arc to overthrow Celestia. Leading their ruler through a portal to Light’s Hope, Decimus informs her that it is a fallback position to protect her from Arc and his forces. After parting with Celestia, Decimus picks up a phone and tells someone on the other end to begin the operation. Informing Gaston of his desire to Arc to follow a specific path, they continue on their way to finish preparations. As they do so Arc and Rarity stand on the Bridge of The Equinox overlooking Baltimare on the horizon. She tells him of her desire to one day open a shop there as Lemon Hearts calls out a general alarm. Telling him of the trouble in the city, Arc orders a transmission sent to Mayor Duke Carleon. Offering his aid, the duke begrudgingly accepts it. Arc orders his forces to the deck as they land and sends them on their way with Hammer and Ember commanding them. He himself stays to coordinate the rescue operation at ground zero. Helping dig out innumerable ponies, Arc rests an Rarity gives him a flask of water. Transforming into his Crimson form, Arc hears something some distance away. Digging, he finds a mare and stallion buried under debris, dead. Pushing them aside Arc finds a young filly whom is still alive. Rarity runs to get help as Arc helps her drink some water. Asking him to take care of her teddy bear, she closes her eyes to rest. As Redheart examines her, she announces Toola Roola’s death. Picking her up, Arc carries the filly to the hospital Morgue personally.

Lying on his bed the next day with Rarity, Arc’s squad along with his friends come to report to him. Informing Arc that the rubble has been cleared of ponies, he is told that Duke Carleon wishes to speak to him. Making the walk to the Town Hall they enter the office together. The duke apologizes for his earlier statement to Arc and thanks him for his help. Passing on High Justice Gavel’s desire to speak with him, they walk to the courthouse. Meeting with Gavel, she informs Arc that his own appointment to Hero of Light was indeed legitimate. However, as Celestia unilaterally appointed Decimus, his rank was in violation of Celestia’s own law. Heading to the records room to see Cerulean Skies, Arc runs into Tempest there. Furious, he begins strangling her. Cerulean Skies exits the bathroom and stops him, telling Arc that her sister came to tell what she knew. Accusing the Griffon Kingdom of being behind the terrorist attacks, Tempest agrees to investigate the matter herself before leaving. Cerulean Skies, noticing the bear in Arc’s hand, advises him not to let his anger over what happened consume him. Lemon Hearts calls Arc on his earring to inform him that an invasion force has been detected crossing the ocean from the east. He orders The Equinox to take off and make for the Crystal Empire in an effort to beat the invaders there and prepare a proper defense.

Traveling to the Crystal Empire via his only sigil in that land, Arc reappears in the Hammer’s hospital room. Giving them a quick rundown before Blinking outside, Arc teleports to the castle and makes his way to the Throne Room. Entering, Cadance and Shining Armor show him Celestia’s terms for surrender, which are unconditional. Refusing to give up, Arc, Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flash Sentry formulate a plan amongst themselves before splitting up to implement it. Meanwhile, Arc and Flash Sentry head down the hall to speak to Raven together. Admitting that her case is stalled for the moment, Arc reaffirms his commitment to see her receive justice before warning her of the incoming invasion. Taking a portal back to The Equinox, Flash Sentry does his best to reassure Raven that everything will be alright.

Approaching the oncoming griffon fleet, Arc makes contact with their commanding officer, Lord Adalbert. Hearing that they were summoned by Celestia as she cited their new treaty, Arc fumes over their willingness to allow the innocent to suffer. Refusing to let the ships pass, Arc is challenged to a battle to sate Adalbert’s bloodlust. Blinking his forces from The Equinox’s deck to the griffon command ship, he orders the Pegasi and Unicorns to hold the deck while he and the Earth Ponies charge inside. Ordering them to take Engineering, Arc heads for the deck. Forcing his way inside (and taking the opportunity to make an 80’s reference) Arc storms the Bridge. Attempting to get Adalbert to surrender, he is unsurprised with the elderly griffon turns to him with armor and weapons. The pair head to the deck to fight things out before Arc deftly defeats him. Giving up, Adalbert announces his intention to continue on to the Crystal Empire to aid in the attack. Unable to convince him to cease his invasion plans, Arc orders his Earth Pony forces to kill the engine. Using the ship going down to convince Adalbert to order his forces back to the Griffon Kingdom, he returns power to the ship which allows it to level off. Arc orders his forces to withdraw as Adalbert does the same.

Returning to The Equinox, Arc and his forces set a course back to the Crystal Empire. After contacting Cadance to inform her of the griffon fleet’s retreat, Arc heads to his room to rest. Contacting Scootaloo, he learns that she is, more or less, in command of Canterlot Castle due to a lack of officers. As they arrive at their destination Arc orders his troops to the deck. Sereb meets them there and ferries Arc to the city walls facing the enemy advance. Arc makes a speech to the gathered Crystal Guards to rally them before calling for their mechanical defenses. Hammer and Auriel drive up to the base of the wall in the Charger while Sunburst and Stellar Flare do the same with the second vehicle. Rose joins Arc on the wall as he orders a channel opened to connect all command forces. Finding everyone in position, the channel is hijacked by Sunset Shimmer aboard her new prototype airship. She announces herself and gives them one last chance to surrender. Ignoring her request, Arc tells Cadance and Shining Armor to begin their part of the plan.

Combining their power, Shining Armor and Cadance channel their magic into the Crystal Heart and use it to create a barrier around the city. Releasing her changeling army from the ships, Diva orders them to dig underneath. Transforming into large moles, they do so. Massing just inside the barrier, Arc orders The Equinox to fire upon them. Forcing the changelings to either flee or advance they charge forward into the Charger’s range. Hammer and Auriel fire their artillery shells next to Sunburst and Stellar Flare as the forces close in on the wall. Trixie order the troops to fire when given the word by Flash Sentry. Holding them back, Diva orders her smaller ships to hit the barrier together. Doing so, it shatters along with the Crystal Heart itself. Cadance and Shining Armor pick up the pieces to keep them from the enemy as Arc and Sereb jump off the wall to help the Charger pilots. After pulling out Sunburst and Stellar Flare, whom are fine, they move to do the same to the other machine. Hammer falls out bruised but otherwise fine. However Auriel is badly injured. Taking her to a medical tent behind their lines, Arc turns Auriel over to a doctor for treatment before returning to the wall to fight. Seeing that their defeat is inevitable as it stands, Arc finds Cadance and Shining Armor. Together they Blink over to the enemy command ship and break in. Making their way to the Bridge they find Diva standing there alone. She locks the navigation computer before escaping, leaving the ship on a crash course with the Crystal Castle. Not wanting to see the citizen harmed, the trio head for the Engine Room. Shutting of the flow of magic to the engines they escape the ship just before it slams into the ground. Returning to the wall again they find the changelings being routed by an army of yaks. Ember rides over to them on their commander as the last of the enemy is chased away. Lemon Hearts calls out to Arc to inform him that an unidentified informant, Scootaloo, has sent a message telling of the orders by Decimus for the citizens there to stay in their homes at all time. Furious at this, Arc orders his forces back to The Equinox and tell Cadance of his plans to fly to Canterlot to take out Decimus again.

After giving Flash Sentry permission to come with him, Arc asks for Raven to also come. Returning to The Equinox with his friends, Arc asked everyone to leave the room so he can talk with Cadance in private. She tells him how much she loves her aunt in addition to sharing Celestia’s love for Equestria. Asking him to do his duty she asks only for Arc to make it quick. Moving on to brighter matters, Cadance offers Arc and his future wives amnesty in the Crystal Empire should their herd not be accepted in Equestria. Escorting her to the door, Arc watches her leave with Shining Armor and Trixie. Ember gets his attention as he zones out. Heading inside his room with Rarity, Ember and Hammer have a girls only talk about Arc. Rarity leaves the room and asks the pair for a personal favor. Getting into the shower Arc is a bit miffed that Rarity did not want to join him. Hearing her enter, he smiles as she puts her hands on his shoulders. Listening to him for a time, Ember eventually reveals that she is not Rarity. Forcing Arc down she tells him her feelings of true love for him and her desire to join the herd regardless of her status as Dragon Lord. Arc agrees much to the surprise of Ember. Getting out of the shower she asks if they can sleep naked. However Arc tells her she looks better in a t-shirt and shorts.

Awakening sometime later Arc and Ember rise together. Stripping, Ember calls for Sereb whom turns her back into her dragon form. Arc orders the ship brought up to combat readiness before heading for the Cafeteria to address the troops. Telling them like it is, he is able to convince every one of them to remain loyal to him and Twilight. Heading for the Bridge, Arc is surprised to hear that Tight Ship is commanding the fleet before them. Piloting the experimental airship, he attempts to chase The Equinox away. However, Soarin orders the ship fired up in order to protect Twilight and their mission. They do so as Tight Ship asks them to protect the princess. His ship destroyed, The Equinox turns its attention back to the griffon fleet. Being hailed, Arc learns that General Blackbeak is leading the fleet. Deciding that the battle is nothing more than an out of control civil war, he leads his ships away from the capital, giving Arc’s forces a clear path.

Landing outside the city, Arc disembarks along with his forces and friends. After securing the deck and surrounding area he motions for Twilight to step out of the ship. Doing so in her mithril armor, Twilight nervously allows the soldiers to surround her. Making their way to the castle they spy numerous citizens peeking at them through their windows. Arriving at the castle, Twilight opens the gates with a spell to give them access to the grounds. Seeing the drawbridge down, Arc calls out to Scootaloo telepathically. She finds the controls to let them in before heading to the Audience Chamber to stand by Decimus’ side. Entering the castle interior Rose and Sereb are unable to detect anyone. However Rose admits that she is unable to scan certain room. Walking the corridors, they come to the Audience Chamber doors. Spotting a lone mare dressed in a tight blue jumpsuit Arc orders his forces to stop. Calling out to her, Arc recognizes her as Lieutenant Spitfire. Wanting the chance to martyr herself to further hurt Arc’s reputation, she lunges forward. Arc grabs her spear and uses it to propel her into a solid stone wall. Rolling over she sees him approaching her. Closing her eyes, Spitfire asks Arc to end her life. Impaling her spear into the floor next to her, Arc refused to kill her. Swearing to follow him, Arc tells the mare that he did not kill General Virtuous Lance before punching the mare in the face. As she loses consciousness Arc opens a portal and tosses her through. Admitting to sending her to what’s left of Ponyville, they head for the Audience Chamber doors. Pushing them open violently, Arc leads his forces inside where Decimus and innumerable soldiers are waiting. Asking Decimus to stand down and surrender, Arc is not surprised to learn Decimus will not do so. As he and the others prepare to fight, Twilight steps forward to address the soldiers. After asking them to do the right thing, Decimus orders them to kill everyone and take Twilight prisoner. Refusing to do so, they stand there as Decimus grabs a spear and lunges at Twilight. As Arc and his friends move to protect her Ashe drops down from the ceiling and kills Decimus with a spear to the skull. Flabbergasted, Arc asks Ashe why she did such a thing. Telling him that she saw Canterlot turning into the Griffon Kingdom in regards to how they conduct business, Ashe confesses her love for Equestria and her loyalty to its population. Arc orders the troops to go through the city and tell everyone that a new leader will be appointed soon on Celestia’s balcony. As they leave Arc and Twilight alone in the Audience Chamber she turns to him. Admitting that she cannot lead the nation, Arc tells her that no one is ever truly ready. Sometime later he walks across the balcony along with the Element Bearers in his royal raiments. As the doors are opened, Twilight walks across the balcony to stand before the citizens. Spike brings forth the Element of Magic on a velvet pillow. Arc picks it up and places it on Twilight’s head as he declares her the legitimate ruler of Equestria. As he does do Decimus and Sunset Shimmer watch from a nearby tower. Admitting that their plan does not revolve around whom leads the nation, the pair leave together via magical portal.

However, many questions remain unanswered. How long can Tempest turn a blind eye to the wicked deeds perpetrated by Decimus and the Council of Shadows? Seriously, why leave the dagger with Twilight? How would Arc and his fiancée’s handle living together? Why can’t all of Arc’s plans go as smoothly as the Luna Bay Prison escapade? Is it really a good idea to bring a filly on a mission such as this? No… but we’re doing it anyways. What will Arc do when he next sees Decimus (nothing good, I assure you)? Was the Griffon Liberation Army really behind the terrorist attacks on Baltimare? What the heck is Celestia THINKING?! Similarly, what was Adalbert THINKING?! Why does Arc have such an aversion to sleeping naked? Why, Tight Ship? Just… why? Will Twilight be able to hold the nation together while hunting for Celestia and Decimus?

Time will tell. Sooner of later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Laying the Groundwork

Arc escorts Twilight down the corridor to Celestia’s room with Scootaloo and Rose. He looks to her as they walk.

“From what I saw back there everyone seemed to be happy with your decision.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes.”

“You’re scared, mother?”

“That I am. What if I can’t…?!”

Arc interrupts her. “Now, now, don’t start that again. After all, the others agreed to stick around and help you with your duties.”

“Admittedly that’s the only thing keeping me going right now.”

Arc continues. “I’ve ordered some of the soldiers to visit the castle’s employees tonight. Let them know to report for work tomorrow morning.”

“Good. We can’t run the country without clerical aides, Hoof Maidens, janitors and everypony in-between.”

“Yes, well… I’ll try to help out too. But that’s going to be difficult.”

“I understand. You have a different job to do.”

“Someone has to go get Celestia and Decimus when he… respawns, or whatever it is he does.”

“But you’ve sent scouts to Light’s Hope, correct?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just the Scarlet Filly in the morning. I told her I’d give her a portal there just before first light.”

Scootaloo groans. “Decimus should be happy to see me.”

Rose turns to her. “Do you have your story straight?”

“I escaped from the guards before they could lock me in the dungeon and made my way to Light’s Hope via magical means.”

Twilight grimaces. “This still sounds pretty dangerous.”

Scootaloo smiles nervously. “Not for me. After all, Decimus trusts me completely.”

Arc sighs. “That’s the only reason I’m allowing you to continue, Scootaloo.”

“I’ll be okay. And somepony needs to report what’s going on in there, after all.”

“Yeah. If things look good I’ll organize a strike force to assault the base and take Celestia prisoner.”

Twilight gasps. “Do you have to?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Twilight. It’s for her own good.”

Scootaloo smiles. “We can find a way to bring her around after that.”

“Right. That is unless you’ve come up with something better.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, I haven’t.”

“Then we don’t really have any other choice.”

Arriving at the room, Arc turns to the guards on either side of it.

“Anything to report?”

“Yes sir. The mares whom are serving as Princess Twilight’s… advisors entered the room a short time ago.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “They did?”

Scootaloo frowns. “What for?”

Rose shrugs. “I have no idea.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess there’s only one way to find out.”

Opening the door, Arc steps inside with the other two. Pinkie grins as she bounces over to them.

“Welcome back!”

Twilight appears confused. “What’s going on here?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “To be honest with you, we were kinda worried.”

Applejack walks over and puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “She means that we don’t think you should be alone right now, Twilight.”

Rarity nods. “So we’ve decided to guard you tonight.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Yes. That is, if it’s okay with you.”

“That’s fine, yes. But there’s only one bed here.”

Scootaloo looks to it. “I don’t think it’s big enough to hold all six of you.”

Arc chuckles. “If you want this to be a regular thing, I can have someone add some beds tomorrow, Twilight.”

“Yes, I’d like that. Um… but who would handle that?”

“Kibitz is already back in his office getting everything caught up.”

Rose giggles happily. “That and I’ve agreed to help him by acting as your personal aide, mother.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What about security? Who’s in charge right now?”

“I’ve appointed Lieutenant Flash Sentry to serve as Captain of the Royal Guard. He’ll make sure the castle is secure when I have to leave at some point.”

Fluttershy breathes a sight of relief. “That’s good. He’s a very capable officer from what I’ve seen.”

Applejack yawns. “Yeah. But we should probably get some rest now. After all, her royal highness has a busy day ahead of her tomorrow.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “Please don’t call me that, everypony. I’m still the same old me, after all.”

Pinkie shrugs. “If that’s what you want, sure! But what exactly are we now?!”

Arc chuckles. “Advisors, officially.”

Rose nods. “We were originally going to call you councilponies, but were afraid of alienating the Canterlot Town Council.”

Twilight shudders. “Right.”

Arc gestures to the door. “In any case, everyone get some rest and we can deal with what to do next in the morning.”

Scootaloo turns to him. “You too, Big Brother.”

“Huh?”

Applejack frowns. “Yes, when was the last time you slept?”

“I had a nice nap on the way to Canterlot.”

Fluttershy gasps. “How about before that?”

“Uh… I can’t actually remember.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah, you’d better sleep in tomorrow then.”

“Sadly I can’t do that.”

Rarity frowns. “Why not?!”

“Because I have to raise the sun.”

Pinkie points a hoof. “Can’t Twilight do that?!”

Applejack nods. “We’ll make sure she wakes up for it.”

Twilight bows her head. “No, I can’t.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Not a morning pony?”

Rose clears her throat. “I believe what mother means is that she is unable to complete such a task due to a lack of magical prowess.”

Arc groans. “Rose!”

Twilight looks out the window at the setting sun. “No, she’s right. I’m just not powerful enough to do such a thing.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of that duty for you.”

“Thanks, Arc”

Rarity giggles. “In any case, let’s get ready for bed.”

Twilight looks over to Arc. “Um… can I talk to you privately for a moment?”

“If you really need to, sure.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “But you need your rest, Twilight!”

“It won’t take long. Let’s just step into the bathroom.”

“Alright.”

Arc and Twilight walk into the bathroom and close the door behind them. The others shrug, confused. Meanwhile, Arc turns to Twilight.

“What’s up?”

“I… uh… just wanted to say ‘thank you’.”

“Oh?”

“For talking me into this. Taking the throne, I mean.”

“Someone has to do it.”

“Right. That and if Princess Celestia knew about it, I’m sure she’d understand. Well… the princess I know, that is.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You think the princess we rescued was a fake?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I already talked to Rose about that. She confirmed that the bio-scans of my friend match Princess Celestia. It really was her.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very much so. When she could talk normally again I asked her a number of things that only she would know. I even threw in a few ‘red herrings’ for good measure.”

“To trick her?”

“Yes. Had she answered incorrectly I would have known she was a fake. She answered everything correctly, but… still wasn’t herself.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“I can’t quite put my hoof on it. But I could feel that she was… different. While I know this doesn’t help, I did want to tell somepony.”

“Yes, well… we’ll have to do our best to bring the real princess back then.”

“If we can, yes.”

“Twilight?”

“Like you said. She’d be happy knowing I’m taking her place. But I need to think of the country as a whole.”

She sighs and looks up at Arc.

“Princess Celestia… may need to…”

Arc kneels down and puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder as he looks her in the eye.

“I’ll do everything I can to make sure she comes back.”

“But it may not be possible.”

“Let’s not think about that right now. You just worry about leading the country while I figure out what to do about Celestia.”

“Alright. Um… there is one last thing I need to tell you though.”

“What is it?”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s cheek and smiles. Leaning forward, she presses her lips against his. Arc puts his arms around her and pulls Twilight into an embrace. They continue for a few moments longer before breaking it off.

“I just wanted to say… that I trust you completely with my mentor and friend’s life, Arc.”

“Thanks. But we really need to get some rest.”

“Agreed. That and if we stay in here much longer, somepony’s going to come in after us.”

As if on cue, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash fall through the door. They quickly get up and look away nervously.

“Whoops! Guess I slipped!”

“Yeah! Me too!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s okay, you two. I was just leaving anyways.”

He exits the bathroom and heads for the door.

“Good night, everyone.”

With a quick wave, Arc leaves the room with Scootaloo. Turning to walk down the corridor together, she looks to him.

“Big Brother?”

“Yes, Scootaloo?”

“I just wanted to say… thank you.”

“What for?”

“For showing me how to be brave. That I can make a difference in this world for the greater good. And that I don’t have to be afraid.”

“You had it in you the whole time.”

“But you helped me realize that.”

Arc chuckles. “In that case, you’re welcome… Scarlet Filly.”

They laugh together as they approach a room. Scootaloo puts a hoof on it.

“Well, here’s my quarters.”

“You okay alone?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Oh, no reason. I mean… I’m still remembering when you would snuggle up to me every night.”

“I guess I’ve… been able to face my fears and come to terms with who and what I am.”

“That’s good.”

“And I would assume you’ll have some other bedmates anyways.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve seen how those mares look at you, Big Brother.”

Arc smiles nervously. “Well, you see…”

“It’s fine. After all, I know you’ll treat them gentler than dad did with my mom.”

“But I’m not doing THAT with them!”

“At some point you will though.”

“…probably.”

Scootaloo smiles. “I know you want to. We’re connected, you know.”

“Does that bother you?”

“Not at all, Big Brother. You’re a stallion and have certain biological needs. Well, I won’t keep you any longer. Good night.”

“Good night, Scootaloo.”

Kneeling down, he gives her a hug and kiss on top of her head. Smiling, they go their separate ways. Arriving at his room Arc opens the door to find Ember, in her human form, and Hammer sitting on the bed together. Both are wearing only their bras and panties. Arc chuckles as he closes the door behind him.

“Kinda figured I’d find you two here”.

Hammer grins. “What can we say? You do it to us, Arc.”

Ember smiles nervously. “Yeah. Um… you’re not upset about what I did aboard The Equinox, are you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Truth be told, I really enjoyed it.”

Ember blushes as her gaze lowers to his pants. “That I noticed back there.”

Hammer frowns. “I want in on that action next time then!”

Ember grins as she points to the bathroom. “There’s a huge bathtub in there. We could all go soak in it.”

Arc groans. “Not tonight. I’m pretty worn out.”

Hammer smiles. “Aw… well, I’m patient.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Really, Hammer?”

“I haven’t jumped you recently.”

Ember shrugs. “Me either! Want to yeah, but…”

Arc groans as he begins undressing. “Seriously… I really need to get some rest. After I make a call, that is.”

Hammer frowns. “Can’t it wait?!”

Ember puts her hands on her hips. “Yeah, mister ‘I’m too tired to do anything’!”

“Trust me. This is important.”

Sitting down at the nearby desk in a T-shirt and shorts Arc picks up the receiver and waits for the operator to pick up.

“Yes, sir?”

“I need to speak with someone at the Crystal Hospital.”

“Yes sir. Whom shall I connect you with?”

“How about the front desk? They can direct me to whomever can help me.”

“One moment, sir.”

Arc is put on hold for a few minutes. Eventually a mare’s voice rings out.

“Crystal Hospital. How can I help you, sir?”

“I need to talk to someone about one of your patients. Her name is Auriel.”

“Yes sir. Um… forgive me, but she’s… not a pony, right?”

“Correct. Auriel is a demon.”

“Let me connect you with the nurse’s station in her ward. They’ll be able to tell you more about her condition.”

“Thank you.”

“One moment.”

He is put back on hold for a few moments before another mare’s voice comes on the line.

“Good evening, sir. I’m told you wish to know about a patient named Auriel.”

“Yes. How’s she doing?”

“The field doctor was able to remove most of the shrapnel from her belly. However there were some pieces he was unable to get to with the equipment at hoof.”

“Oh? So what was done?”

“She was brough here for a more intense surgery.”

“Has it concluded?”

“Yes sir. The patient was sent to a private room less than an hour ago.”

“Do you have the report?”

“It was just delivered. Let me see…”

The sound of papers shuffling can be heard before the mare speaks again.

“All shrapnel was successfully removed from the patient. An x-ray was performed to verify this. No major organs were hit and the patient is resting peacefully in her room thanks to some heavy painkillers.”

“And the recovery time?”

“Unknown, sir. We don’t have any data on her species. However it is believed that demons heal significantly faster than equines.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Believed?”

“Rumor and hearsay, sir. I’m sorry, but there just isn’t an established standard for this patient’s species. When sedating her for surgery we had to constantly monitor her vitals and adjust the flow of drugs so as not to kill her.”

“Very good. Do you have any idea when she could be transferred?”

“Forgive me sir, but we’re the finest hospital in the country, so there really isn’t a better place for her than here. Where did you want her to be sent?”

“Canterlot Castle’s Infirmary. I… wanted to speak to her personally about a few things.”

“We can call you when she wakes up for a phone interview tomorrow, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “What I need to say should be done face to face. So whenever it’s safe to move her I want to be notified.”

“I’ll put a note in her file for the doctor to see when he checks on her in the morning. However please understand that this will have to be handled carefully, as we don’t want any harm to come to her from a premature transfer.”

“Agreed. If I can I’ll come over there sometime tomorrow to see how she’s doing personally.”

“Yes sir. Is there any particular treatments you want us to give her?”

“No. Just use your best judgment in that regard. And consult her personally when she wakes up. Auriel may be able to advise you on her species’ medical facts. In any case, thank you for your time.”

“It was my pleasure, sir.”

“Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the phone and leans back in his chair. Ember and Hammer hang their heads.

“Sorry, Arc.”

“For what?”

Hammer looks away nervously. “We… kinda forgot about Auriel.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah. Here we are trying to bed you, and she’s hurt on the other side of the continent.”

“I’m sure she doesn’t hold that against either of you. But now I really need to get some sleep.”

Hammer nods soberly as she stands. “Right. We won’t keep you then.”

Ember follows her. “Yeah. We’ll head to our rooms.”

“Oh… okay. But…”

Hammer turns back. “Something else you need?”

“I’d still like it if you both stayed.”

Ember’s eyes light up happily. “You mean…?!”

“Yeah. I do like sleeping with you two.”

Hammer grins. “Knew you’d come around!”

“I mean literally sleeping.”

“Uh, yeah. What did you think Hammer meant?”

Arc chuckles. “We both know the answer to that.”

Hammer shrugs as she and Ember turn and walk back to the bed. “Can’t blame a gal for trying though.”

Chapter 2 - First Order of Business

The next morning Arc awakens and stares up at the ceiling for a time. He looks to his right and left at Ember and Hammer snuggled up to him. Sighing, he looks out the window at the pre-dawn light. Holding out a hand he begins the sun on its daily journey just as Kibitz enters the room. The elderly stallion slowly walks over to him and bows respectfully.

“Good morning, sir. Did you sleep well?”

Arc nods. “Yeah, I did.”

Ember and Hammer slowly open their eyes as Arc continues.

“Is something wrong, Kibitz?”

“No, sir. I just… thought that you and I should wake the new princess up together.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Are you worried she’s going to blast you, or something?”

Kibitz looks away nervously. “Um… perhaps.”

Hammer grunts. “Are you telling me that you’re afraid of that cute little purple unicorn now?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, she IS a princess.”

Ember scoffs. “She’s still Twilight though. Nothing’s really changed.”

“Agreed. Kibitz, would you please turn around?”

“Sir?”

“That’s an order.”

Nodding, the stallion turns to face the door. Arc motions for Hammer and Ember to get up. They do so as Arc looks to the bathroom.

“Why don’t you two get dressed?”

Hammer sighs. “Fine.”

Ember winks at him as she calls out seductively. “Don’t be long though.”

Grabbing their clothes, the pair head for the bathroom and close the door behind them. Arc chuckles as he looks to Kibitz.

“You can turn around now.”

Kibitz does so as he looks Arc over.

“Um… might I suggest bathing before we head to Princess Twilight’s room, sir?”

Arc sniffs himself. “Yeah, I suppose I am a bit smelly at the moment.”

“Indeed, sir. But I would recommend washing off the smell of last night’s… activities, lest the princess…”

Arc frowns. “Woah there! We just went straight to sleep!”

“Of course, sir. But I still recommend a shower.”

Arc: sighs. “Fine. I’ll try to hurry.’”

Walking quickly toward the bathroom Arc opens the door to find Ember and Hammer in the shower together. Both are currently covered in soap and giggling. Shrugging, he closes the door behind him and walks over to them.

“Room for one more?”

Hammer grins seductively. “You looking to get in here with us?”

Ember looks down at Arc’s shorts. “About time you came around on that! But I get to go first!”

Hammer gasps. “What?! Why you?!”

“Because I’ve known him longer!”

Hammer sits down on the shower floor. “Fine! But I’m gonna watch!”

“Uh… I really need to get moving.”

Ember leans against the tile wall and looks over her shoulder as she licks her lips. “So? Be quick then!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Brazen.”

Ember laughs as she turns back around and shrugs. “Can’t blame me for trying.”

Hammer facepalms. “Darn. I thought we were finally going to get some action.”

Arc sighs as he steps under a shower head. “Kinda busy right now. Kibitz is still waiting out there to escort us back to Twilight’s room.”

Ember folds her arms across her chest. “Fine.”

A short time lather, er later… they step out of the shower together, towel off, and put on fresh clothes. Ember looks Arc over and gasps.

“Where are your raiments?!”

“I’m not the Lord Regent right now, remember?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Raiments?”

“Fancy clothes Arc wore when he led the nation.”

“But why would he put those on now?”

Ember grins. “Because they make him look sexy. Remember what he wore last night to the coronation?”

Hammer’s face lights up. “Yeah!”

“Those clothes.”

Hammer turns back to Arc. “OHHHHH! Put em on then! They made you look GOOD!”

Arc groans. “Fine.”

Reaching into a nearby closet he pulls out the outfit and quickly puts it on as the ladies dress behind him. Turning around, he calls out.

“Happy?”

Ember nods approvingly. “Very!”

Hammer catcalls him. “Looking good, Arc!”

“Thanks. Can we go now?”

Ember motions with a wave of her hand. “Lead the way.”

Arc heads for the door. Opening it, he finds Kibitz pacing.

“Sorry for the wait.”

Ember mutters under her breath. “I’m not.”

Hammer grins. “Me either.”

Arc does his best to ignore them. “In any case, let’s go.”

Kibitz heads for the door. “Please follow me.”

The elderly personal assistant leads them down the corridor. Arc turns to him.

“So… anything happen last night?”

Kibitz shakes his head. “Not really, sir. The town was abuzz with activity, of course. But nothing like when Princess Twilight was crowned originally.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. I would have thought everyone would have been happy to be freed from that tyrant’s yoke.”

“They don’t really know what to think. After all, the new monarch is really unknown right now. But not to worry, sir. We’ll fix that.”

“You have a plan?”

Kibitz nods. “I do indeed, sir.”

Ember groans impatiently. “Well? Let’s hear it!”

“You see…”

Sometime later they arrive at Twilight’s room. Kibitz turns to Arc.

“Here we are, sir.”

“Want me to head in?”

“Please do.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “How bad could it be?”

Hammer cracks her knuckles. “Well, we got your back, Arc.”

Kibitz steps back. “Actually, I was thinking he should probably go in there alone.”

Ember groans. “Um… why?”

“I’m not sure just how well Princess Twilight would take three individuals waking her and her friends.”

Hammer scoffs. “Is everyone around here a bloody coward?!”

Kibitz shakes his head. “No, ma’am. But we’re in uncharted territory here.”

Arc chuckles. “Fine. Ember, you and Hammer wait out here. I’ll be back.”

The guards salute as he approaches the door. Sighing, Arc opens it and steps inside. Closing the door quietly behind him, he looks around. Twilight lays on the bed as the others snore softly under blankets nearby. Rose looks up from her place on a nearby coffee table as he approaches the bed. He motions for her to stay quiet as he puts a hand on Twilight’s cheek and whispers in her ear.

“Twilight? It’s time to wake up.”

The mare slowly opens her eyes.

“Where… am I…?”

“Your room in the castle.”

Twilight looks around bleary eyed. “But… this looks like Princess Celestia’s room.”

“And now it’s yours. Don’t you remember?”

Sitting up, Twilight looks around with a sigh.

“I thought it was all just a dream.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. This is real, Twilight.”

Pinkie raises her head and looks out the window. Gasping, she jumps to her feet.

“It’s MORNING!!!”

Fluttershy sits up and yawns. “Already?”

Applejack sighs as she stands. “Everypony, up and at em!”

Rarity groans and rolls over. “Just five more minutes please. I was in the middle of a very nice dream with Arc and want to see if I can get back into it.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “But he’s already here.”

Bolting upright, Rarity tosses aside the sleeping mask and gets to her hooves. She looks around for a few moments before focusing on Arc and batting her eyelashes.

“G-good morning, Arc. How are you today?”

“I’m fine. Um… how did all of you sleep?”

Fluttershy shrugs. “Okay, I guess.”

Rainbow grunts. “The floor was hard and cold!”

Applejack glares at her. “Rainbow Dash! Hush!”

Rose smiles. “I did volunteer to try and locate some more bedding.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Oh, but it was far too late by that time. Besides, it was only for one night.”

Pinkie bounces happily. “No it’s not! This is going to be for a while!”

Arc nods. “Yes, indeed.”

Twilight looks around. “True. But with the return of the servants and Hoof Maidens I’ll be sure they reorganize this room to be able to hold all of us.”

Rainbow appears hopeful. “Real beds, right?”

Arc shrugs. “I think that can be arranged, yes. That is, if Twilight doesn’t mind the furniture being moved out of here.”

“That’s fine with me, yes. But everything?”

Rose nods as she looks to Twilight. “It is likely that will be necessary to accommodate six separate beds, mother.”

Rarity gasps. “But what about other furniture? I mean, this room IS divine, but… some of us need a few other things.”

Applejack looks to Rarity and laughs. “Like a place to put a bunch of other clothes?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Well, I need someplace for my critters to live.”

Pinkie giggles. “Party planning takes a desk and a bunch of files too!”

Rainbow Dash lays back down on her bedding. “And I need some place to take naps.”

Everyone turns to her as she grins sheepishly.

“What? I have needs.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “On second thought, everyone should probably be given their own private room so they can have some alone time if needed. Even Twilight.”

Twilight appears surprised. “Me?”

Rose nods. “Yes, mother. After all, even friends sometimes need time apart.”

Arc looks around as he speaks. “I suggest this room be used for sleeping only. Twilight, your private room could be next door in Cadance’s room.”

Rainbow grins. “That’s a good idea.”

Applejack nods. “Right. She isn’t using it right now.”

Fluttershy turns to her friend. “What do you say, Twilight?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Pinkie gasps as she pulls out her party cannon. “First royal decree! This calls for a…!”

Rarity interrupts her. “This really isn’t the time for that, Pinkie Pie. Perhaps another time.”

Rainbow rolls her eyes. “Yeah. Like when this is over.”

Rose smiles. “That will be a reason to celebrate.”

Arc gestures to the bathroom. “I’ll talk to Kibitz about making all of this happen. Why don’t all of you get cleaned up for breakfast and we’ll see about…”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Why don’t you join us?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But I am.”

“No, no! I mean in the bathroom!”

“W-what?!”

Pinkie nods happily. “We’d like to shower with you too!”

Twilight hops off the bed and walks toward the bathroom. “Now, now, there’ll be time for that later. We’re all going to be very busy, so let’s just get cleaned up now.”

Arc points to the door. “Yeah. I’ll wait for everyone in the hall.”

He turns and leaves the room as the mares head for the bathroom. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“This would have been a perfect time for it too!”

Pinkie groans. “Yeah! What gives, Twilight?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Arc’s not the kind of stallion to do a lot of… group activities.

Rarity nods. “Right. Think about how long it took for one of us to get him in bed.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “He is a bit shy in that regard, yes.”

Applejack chuckles. “Right. We shouldn’t push him into something that makes him feel uncomfortable, after all.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yeah, I guess everypony’s right.”

Twilight turns to the pegasus. “You’re very… interested in getting closer to him, aren’t you?”

“Right!”

Applejack shakes her head. “But the harder you push for it the more reason he’ll have to back off.”

“So what should I do?!”

Rarity puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Be yourself. Arc loves things like that.”

“That means I should just be… awesome?”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! Right?!”

Fluttershy sighs. “No, it means you should just act natural.”

“Naturally awesome?”

Twilight groans. “Not really.”

“Well, I’m sorry, but I just don’t understand what everypony’s saying then.”

Rose puts a finger to her cheek. “It is difficult to put into words.”

Rainbow Dash looks to the android. “What would you suggest then, Rose?”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! You’ve been with him the most out of all of us!”

“My advice would be to just sit down and talk with him.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “About what?”

“Whatever comes to mind.”

Pinkie frowns. “I don’t get it.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Me either.”

“Arc appreciates simple pleasures. A nice meal with friends and good conversation.”

Rarity smiles. “Right. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. An offering from the heart is most desirable in his eyes.”

A short time later Twilight and her friends step out into the corridor. Arc waits patiently with the guards, Kibitz, Ember, and Hammer. Ember frowns.

“Took all of you long enough.”

Hammer nods soberly. “The food will be stone cold!”

Kibitz clears his throat as he looks over a clipboard suspended in front of his face by a Telekinesis Spell. “Not to worry. The staff are masters at keeping food fresh. Come along, your highness.”

Twilight sighs. “Lead the way.”

As they walk Pinkie nudges Rainbow Dash. She motions to Arc silently. The rainbow maned unicorn looks over nervously.

“Uh… Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… I was just wondering… if you’d like to get something to eat.”

“That I would.”

Rainbow Dash’s face lights up. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. But we’re on our way to the Dining Room now.”

“Oh… right.”

Pinkie pipes up. “She means…!”

Rainbow Dash glares at Pinkie whom quickly changes her response.

“…that she can’t wait for this meal!”

Arc chuckles. “Ah, yes. I see what you mean.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Well, we’re going to have an interesting day nonetheless.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Interesting? More like boring.”

Arc smiles. “If we’re lucky, yes.”

They arrive at the Dining Room. The guards outside the doors open them to allow the group access. Arc leads Twilight over to a chair. Sitting down, she looks around the massive table as her friends sit down as well.

“This… doesn’t feel right.”

Rose turns to her. “Mother?”

Twilight looks around the table. “We’re all so… far apart.”

Ember appears confused. “We are?”

Hammer shrugs. “I don’t think so.”

Rarity turns to her friend. “What do you mean, Twilight?”

“That this table is far too large for all of us.”

Kibitz steps forward. “Shall we move to another room then, your highness?”

“I’d like that, yes.”

Arc gestures back toward the corridor with a jerk of his thumb. “How about the Conference Room? That table’s big, but not like this one.”

“I’m familiar with it, yes. But it’s still too… impersonal.”

Hammer sighs. “So why not just get another table?”

Kibitz nods as he writes on his clipboard. “I can order another one, Princess Twilight.”

“Thank you. Nothing fancy, please. But I want it to be round.”

Kibitz looks up, confused. “Round?”

“Yes.”

“Very well, your highness. I’ll see to it the changes are made by this evening.”

Applejack gasps. “That fast?!”

Rainbow grins. “Whatever a princess wants, a princess gets!”

Pinkie giggles. “Looking forward to it.”

Arc turns to the stallion. “We’ll need a few more things, Kibitz.”

“Sir?”

“Every mare here will need their own private room. That and I want all the furniture removed from Celestia’s quarters to accommodate six beds.”

Twilight nods. “They don’t need to be custom made, or anything. Just enough that we can all sleep together in the same room every night.”

“I’ll see to it, your majesty.”

A short time later the food is served. Arc and the others eat hungrily. Rainbow Dash grins and calls out between bites.

“This is really good!”

Applejack grins. “Darn right!”

Pinkie finishes chewing an entire stack of pancakes. “So good!”

Rarity nods matter-of-factly as she holds up a teacup. “Only the best for royalty.”

Fluttershy smiles as she munches on a muffin. “Everything’s just perfect!”

Twilight turns to Kibitz. “Yes. My compliments to the chef.”

“I’ll pass that on, your highness.”

Ember looks to Arc. “So what’s the plan for today?”

Hammer grins. “Fortify the castle would be my vote.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s already a fortress as it stands.”

Twilight sighs. “Agreed. Right now we have bigger problems.”

Rose nods nervously. “Yes, mother. Like figuring out what our enemies will do next.”

Arc looks up. “Platinum Valve had an idea in that regard.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “The smith’s daughter?

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “How could she have possibly…?!”

Twilight frowns. “Don’t underestimate her. She’s quite gifted in the art of magic and invention.”

Ember nods. “Right. She’s helped Arc out in the past.”

Fluttershy appears surprised. “She has?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Applejack chuckles. “With what?”

“She’s done work on Eidolon’s Ward.”

Rainbow Dash waves a hoof dismissively. “So she helped her parents with repairs?”

“That too I would assume. But she was the one whom integrated the Hoof Cannons I took from Tempest into my gauntlets.”

Rarity gasps. “By herself?!”

“More or less. She did so with the blessing of her parents and me.”

Ember nods soberly. “Let’s give her a chance then.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Fine. What is it?”

Arc turns to Twilight. “According to the newspapers, before Decimus and Celestia left Canterlot they had ordered construction of a new monument to commemorate the princesses’ return.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “A monument?”

“Supposedly it was going to have a large crystal built into it.”

Rarity grins at the thought. “Oh! That sounds very nice!”

Hammer frowns. “Somehow I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”

Arc nods. “Right. She brough up the fact that a stallion from a long time ago named King Sombra used such a thing in the past to control his slave army.”

Twilight gasps. “That’s right! But the methods used to cast such an enchantment on crystals were lost centuries ago!”

Arc frowns. “Our enemies are resourceful. Knowledge like that would have been recorded somewhere, right?”

Kibitz looks up. “A tome describing such a thing would most likely be found in the Royal Armory, sir.”

Hammer grins. “So, let’s go see!”

Twilight sighs. “We… can’t.”

Ember groans. “Yeah. The lock require two princesses to disable.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Could we get Princess Cadance to help Twilight open it?”

“Sadly I don’t know the unlocking spell.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “Maybe you could learn it.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I bet you could!”

Rarity giggles. “Yes! How hard could it be?!”

Rose frowns. “Likely, very. After all, one wouldn’t want just anyone learning it.”

“So it would take a long time.”

Twilight looks out a nearby window. “Right. And we can’t be away from our respective countries for extended periods of time. Especially now.

Arc sighs. “Well, that’s out.”

Rose looks to Twilight. “If it makes you feel any better, mother, I’ve already scanned the city with The Equinox’s sensors. Such a device is not present in the city.

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Could it be below it?”

Arc shrugs. “That’s a good question. Twilight?”

“Not likely. The sheer amount of rock and distance such a thing would have to be in order to avoid detection would also render it ineffective. However, we should call for the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

Arc turns to her. “Because the security of the castle and city falls to him.”

He looks to Kibitz.

“Have him report to the Audience Chamber at once along with Platinum Valve.”

“Right away, sir.”

Applejack turns to Twilight as the stallion hurries to carry out his instructions.

“You don’t really think something like this is possible, do you Twilight?”

“It’s been done in the past. That and we can’t risk such a thing befalling Equestria. We’ll investigate this matter and go from there.”

Chapter 4 - Loyalties

That evening, Arc enters the Audience Chambers as the last citizens leave for the day. He looks to Twilight whom is visibly fatigued. The rest of the Mane 6 appear equally tired.

“Looks like we all made it.”

Twilight forces a tired smiles. “Somehow, yes.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “That was a LONG day!”

Applejack sighs. “I couldn’t believe just how many ponies needed a judgment!”

Pinkie leans back in her chair. “Yeah! And most of them were over almost nothing!”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “Well you have to remember that Arc took care of the more challenging cases.”

Rarity turns to him. “What kind of cases did you get, Arc?”

Arc counts on his fingers. “Property disputes, divorces involving large amounts of assets and/or foals, admiralty…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “What’s that last one?”

“Disputes over something that happened in large bodies of water.”

Fluttershy’s eyes grow wide in amazement. “Wow. So ponies even argue over the water?”

Arc shrugs. “Mostly about what happens in or on it. In this case a couple of nobles crashed their yacht into someone’s private pier.”

Pinkie gasps. “How?!”

“Not having someone at the controls while the anchor was up.”

Twilight sighs. “Thanks for covering that stuff, Arc.”

Applejack facehoofs. “Yeah. We wouldn’t have known what to do about any of that stuff.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “What kind of audiences did you get?”

“A lot of petty squabbles. Minor damage claims, intellectual violations, and a few misdemeanors.”

“How did you do?”

“Not the greatest.”

Applejack chuckles. “Don’t sell yourself short, Twilight.”

Pinkie nods happily. “Yeah! You did GREAT!”

Rarity giggles. “Agreed. I certainly couldn’t have done it.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Me either.”

Rainbow Dash looks around the group. “Anypony else hungry?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her belly. “Staving.”

Arc frowns. “Didn’t you break for lunch?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Kibitz suggested it, yes. But there were so many cases that we all just ordered smoothies from the kitchen and chugged them between two audiences.”

Rarity turns to him. “What did you eat, Arc?”

“Uh… actually nothing.”

Applejack gasps. “Why not?!”

“Probably for the same reason. Just so busy.”

Twilight stands from her throne and walks toward him. “Well, let’s see if we can fix that.”

She leads the group toward the door as Kibitz enters.

“Well done, everypony! That catches up audiences completely!”

Arc grins. “So tomorrow will be much easier, eh?”

“It should be, yes. But there’s more to that though.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “There is?”

Kibitz nods. “Yes. Colonel Flash Sentry is preparing a report as we speak.”

Arc sighs. “How long until it’s done?”

“Not long, sir. Lieutenant Hammer and Dragon Lord Ember have been helping him compile it.”

He looks to the others assembled.

“Might I recommend adjourning to the Dining Room until then?”

Pinkie bounces toward the doors. “Sounds good to me!”

Applejack follows her. “Me too!”

Rainbow Dash runs after them. “Let’s go already!”

Twilight nods. Kibitz opens the doors to a contingent of soldiers. They form a perimeter around them as Arc’s squad stands closest to him and Twilight. Offering his arm to Twilight, she takes it and motions for the procession to move out. As they walk down the corridors, the mares talk amongst themselves. Fluttershy turns to Rarity.

“I wonder what’s for supper?”

“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be wonderful!”

Twilight giggles. “Agreed. After all, I’ve never had a bad meal here.”

She turns to Arc.

“That reminds me. I’m told your former chef from Light’s Hope has returned as well.”

“Saffron?”

“Yes. She was most eager to serve you again.”

“And I’m most happy to have her back. Soups and salads can only take me so far in the dietary department.”

He looks suddenly pained.

“Um… everyone?”

Applejack turns to look over her shoulder at him. “What is it?”

“If Saffron is back it’s likely she’ll be cooking me something that isn’t a plant.”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “What are you saying, Arc?!”

“That it’ll likely be meat.”

Rarity frowns. “And you think that’s a problem?”

“I just don’t want to… gross you six out.”

Fluttershy smiles at him. “Different creatures eat different things, Arc. For example, Barry the bear sometimes catches fish outside my cottage.”

Applejack grimaces. “I’ve seen him do that before. Gotta admit, it really freaked me out the first time though.”

Pinkie sticks out her tongue. “Yeah, I remember that! There was blood EVERYWHERE!”

Rarity swoons. “Was there?”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes. But when I talked to him about it, he said that he needed the nutrition to fatten up for winter.”

Twilight sighs. “What he did wasn’t out of malice toward the fish or a desire to kill for sport. He felt he needed to eat.”

She turns to Arc and smiles.

“We understand that your diet is a bit more… exotic than our own. That and if we’re all going to be together for the long term… well… it’s just something that we need to get used to.”

A short time later they arrive at the Dining Room. The doors are swung open to allow them access by those stationed outside. Before them sits a newly constructed large round table. It is laden with fruits, vegetable dishes, covered dishes, and several dessert trays. Numerous Hoof Maidens and other various servants stand around the room waiting to assist them should the need arise. Arc leads Twilight to her place in the largest chair and take a seat next to her. Meanwhile the others sit down in chairs bearing their respective cutie marks. Applejack taps the table with a hoof and grins.

“Nice construction!”

Pinkie hops up on top of the table. “I’ll say! We could probably hold a dancing competition on this!”

Rarity grimaces. “Please don’t, Pinkie.”

Pinkie giggles as she hops back into her seat. “What?! I didn’t say right now!”

Fluttershy looks to the others. “Shall we eat?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah! I’m starving!”

Kibitz clears his throat loudly. “It is customary to allow the princess to take the first bite.”

Twilight giggles. “We can do away with that for now. Everypony go ahead.”

They all take servings of whatever strikes them as Arc turns to Kibitz.

“I smell something… tasty cooking.”

“Chef Saffron is indeed cooking you something special, sir. It should be ready soon. Might I interest you in a bit of a leafy appetizer while you wait?”

Applejack looks over with a mouthful of lettuce hanging from her muzzle. “Yeah, Arc! This stuff is great!”

“Well then, I’ll give it a try.”

Filling his plate with salads and fruit, Arc looks around at the others eating ravenously.

“Wow! You six really were hungry!”

Twilight blushes slightly. “I guess smoothies weren’t a proper lunch after all.”

Rainbow Dash drinks a glass of water with gusto. “Nope! But this stuff really makes up for that!”

Fluttershy looks to him. “Aren’t you hungry, Arc?”

“Oh, I am. Just a bit nervous, that’s all.”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “About what?!”

“This whole situation. Decimus… Celestia… the direction the country may have to take.”

Applejack appears confused. “The direction of the country?”

“Right. What if we can’t convince Celestia to come quietly?”

Rarity shudders. “I think we all know what would have to happen there.”

Arc sighs. “But can we really do that?”

Rainbow Dash clops a hoof on the table with feeling. “You can, yeah!”

“I know I legally can, yes. But what about the rest of the country? I’d have to tell them that I had to kill their most favored ruler.”

He turns to Twilight before continuing.

“No offense.”

“None taken. That and I know you’ll do what needs to be done.”

Fluttershy nods. “And bloodshed will be your last resort.”

Applejack smiles at him. “After you give her the chance to do the right thing, of course.

Arc pushes his plate away. “Agreed. I’m just not looking forward to her saying ‘no’.”

The doors to the kitchen swing open and Saffron emerges pushing a dinner cart. She approaches Arc and bows respectfully.

“Hello again, sir!”

Arc smiles. “Hi, Saffron. It’s been a long time.”

“Yes sir! Too long! I’m here to make sure you eat properly from now on.”

“Thanks. I’ll need it.”

He gestures to the cart.

“What’s on the menu for today?”

“Steak with a side of buttery mashed potatoes and green beans.”

“That sounds great!”

She sets the dish in front of Arc and removes the cover. On the platter sits a sizable steak with all the a fore mentioned trimmings.

“Thanks, Saffron! Um… did you make more?”

Saffron nods. “Yes sir. I made the same for your human companion and the Dragon Lord. It’s staying warm in the kitchen.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. I don’t know what I’d say if she were to come in here and see me…”

As if on cue the doors fly open. Flash Sentry, Hammer, and Ember hurry inside. Ember is the first to speak.

“Arc! We just…!”

Hammer stops and sniffs the air. “Wait a second! What smells so good?!”

Arc gestures to his plate. “Just like back home.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah! Uh… you going to finish that?”

Arc chuckles as he slides the plate across the table to an empty chair. “Eat up, Hammer.”

He turns to Saffron.

“I’ll take the other one.”

“Right away, sir.”

Ember frowns as she calls out after Saffron. “Hey! What about me?!”

“I have yet another dish for you, ma’am.”

“Perfect!”

Hammer sits down and begins to eat hungrily. Arc pushes his glass of water as he turns to Flash Sentry and Ember.

“So you’ve found something?”

Ember grins. “That we have!”

Flash Sentry looks around the room at the servants. “We might want to speak of this in private though.”

Nodding, Arc turns to Twilight.

“Do you agree?”

“Yes, indeed. All servants and Hoof Maidens are dismissed for the moment.”

Bowing, they leave the room as Arc looks to Flash Sentry.

“Go ahead.”

“We’ve just had a breakthrough, sir!”

Twilight smiles. “Oh! Regarding what exactly?”

Ember grimaces. “That tip you got from Platinum Valve does appear to be Decimus’ next plan!”

“Great. Although I was hoping she was wrong.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Uh… which tip was that?”

Arc turns to her. “She believed that our enemies would attempt to control the masses with some kind of magical mass hypnosis like King Sombra did a long time ago.”

Rarity gasps. “But that isn’t possible! Right, Twilight?!”

“The technology really did work though. He used it to control his slave army for many years.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Ponies forced to do his bidding?!”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “But that’s just so… MEAN!!!”

Applejack groans. “He could have ordered them to do ANYTHING!”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “But an army with little to no training wouldn’t be that dangerous. Would it?”

Rarity shudders. “In large enough numbers, yes.”

Rainbow Dash pounds the table with a hoof angrily. “Decimus would have no problem throwing their lives away!”

Ember clenches a fist. “That and he knows we’d be very hesitant to raise a hoof against civilians.”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed. This can’t be allowed to happen.”

“Yes sir. We’ve located the location where this new device will be deployed.”

Hammer looks up from her plate. “Yeah. Gotta admit, it was a pretty good plan on our enemies’ part too.”

Ember shrugs. “They’re planning to use something called the ‘Mare Statue’.”

Twilight gasps as she drops her silverware. “WHAT?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… is that bad?”

Twilight nods fervently. “It’s a statue that was commissioned by Princess Celestia herself after our nation’s Unification!”

Rarity grimaces. “The mare is supposed to symbolize the hope of all ponykind.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “And Decimus plans to WEAPONIZE it?!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Indeed.”

Arc frowns. “How so?”

Hammer turns to Arc. “Think of it like the Statue of Liberty back home, Arc. Just like it, this one has a book in one hoof and a torch in the other.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “There’s been some rather… intense renovations around the statue for a week now.”

Twilight looks to the colonel. “What makes you so sure that’s where they’re going to deploy the weapon?”

“Most of the work has been revolving around refitting the torch with a new, especially powerful ‘lightbulb’.”

Arc gasps. “The crystal!”

Hammer nods. “Right! That and they’ve been running a LOT of extra power lines to it. There’s no way it’s just to provide power for one bulb.”

Ember sighs. “We’ve already run this by Lead Sage Sunburst. His preliminary analysis says that the range of the crystal will be the entirety of Manehattan.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But how long would those under its influence be affected?”

Flash Sentry bows his head. “As long as they stay in Manehattan they would be controlled.”

Fluttershy looks around. “But their army couldn’t go very far then.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Right. So that’s one good thing.”

Ember grimaces. “Not exactly.”

Hammer sighs. “We’ve received reports that the towns of Las Pegasus and Fillydelphia also have similar devices being constructed.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “It’s possible that the ‘Mare Statue’ may be just a prototype.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Or it’s a main crystal that’s set to be part of a relay to other crystals around the country!”

Hammer nods. “If it works, the next logical step would be to figure out a way to make mobile versions of this technology.”

Twilight gasps. “With that they could freely roam the land!”

Applejack grits her teeth. “And it would enslave any forces sent against them too!”

Arc turns to Flash Sentry. “Most of this is speculation. However, are you completely certain of the crystal being in the ‘Mare Statue’?”

“Sadly no, sir. But all the evidence points to it. In fact I’ve just received word that there’s supposed to be a dedication ceremony scheduled to take place tonight just after sunset.”

Arc stands. “Then we have to act immediately!”

Rarity gasps. “Arc?!”

“Colonel, order The Equinox readied for flight and see to it my troops board immediately!”

Flash Sentry nods as he pulls out a radio. “Yes sir. I’ll give the word.”

Twilight appears nervous. “What are you going to do, Arc?”

“Take out this weapon before it enslaves a major city.”

“How?!”

“By shooting it with The Equinox’s cannons.”

Twilight gasps. “We can’t lose that statue, Arc!”

“Well, we also can’t lose our citizens either!”

Applejack turns to Twilight. “Arc’s right, sugarcube.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. Historical significance aside, it is just a statue.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “We can always build another one.”

Rainbow Dash jumps up and takes flight angrily. “Right! Innocent ponies are in trouble and they don’t even know it yet!”

Pinkie looks to Arc. “Can’t we just call them and order the ceremony stopped?!”

“There’s no guarantee that our orders will reach the proper individual without being intercepted.”

Hammer shrugs. “Right. And they might just ignore them anyways.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Platinum Valve and Sunburst are still working on a way to destroy the crystal.”

“Working on?”

Rarity frowns. “A stone that large won’t break easily, Arc.”

Twilight groans. “Right. It’s not so much how hard it’s hit, but HOW it’s hit.”

Flash Sentry shrugs as he puts away his radio. “I don’t get it either, sir.”

“Well tell them to get aboard The Equinox and figure it out in the air. We’re moving out as soon as possible.”

“Um… sir… I have something else to report.”

Arc groans. “There’s more?”

Hammer sighs as she puts down her utensils. “There’s always more.”

“The political spectrum in Equestria has shifted as of late. Many ponies don’t know what to think.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “So what?! We have a job to do!”

“That’s just it. The country is currently split on who’s currently in charge. Baltimare, Dodge Junction, Vanhoover, Canterlot, Appleloosa, and the Ponyville refugees have sided with Princess Twilight and you, sir.”

Fluttershy gasps. “And the others have taken Celestia’s side?!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Right. As of now Las Pegasus, Fillydelphia, Cloudsdale, Trottingham, Rainbow Falls, and Tall Tale’s leaders have sworn to support Princess Celestia and Decimus.”

Ember appears hopeful. “What about Manehattan?”

“Still neutral.”

Rarity frowns. “But that will change when Arc goes after the statue!”

Fluttershy’s eyes grow wide. “It’ll look like an invasion to them!”

Applejack bows her head. “Right! But what else could he do?!”

Pinkie frowns. “There has to be something!”

Rainbow Dash jumps up onto the table. “Right! Go in there and expose the weapon for what it really is!”

Hammer shakes her head. “There probably isn’t time for that, blue.”

Arc sighs. “Right. Should our mission fail the population would be turned into Decimus’ slaves along with us.”

He turns to Twilight.

“I’m sorry. But the monument needs to go.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Very well.”

His earring chirps. “Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Sunburst. I’ve done the math, and we should be able to reach Manehattan just as the ceremony starts.”

“No way to get there sooner?”

“Not without ruining the engines again.”

Hammer chuckles. “We won’t do any good dead, Arc.”

“Fine. How long until the ship can take off?”

“Ten minutes, sir.”

“I’m on my way. Arc out.”

He closes the channel as he turns back to the others.

“There’s no more time.”

Twilight’s ears droop. “We… understand, Arc. Go.”

Nodding, he turns to Hammer and Ember.

“Let’s move.”

Hammer grins. “Finally! Some action!”

Ember takes her place at his side. “Right behind you!”

They hurry out of the room as Twilight groans.

“Good luck.”

Rarity sighs. Poor Arc.

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Rarity looks toward the kitchen. “Oh, yes. But he didn’t actually get to eat his supper.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the others hurry down the corridor together. Hammer turns to him.

“You do realize that Decimus is playing you, right?!”

Arc nods angrily. “Yeah! But what choice do I have?!”

Ember frowns. “Right! We can’t just let all those ponies get mind controlled!”

Hammer groans. “He’s forcing this confrontation. You’ll be vilified in the citizen’s eyes, Arc.”

“As long as they survive… I’m fine with that.”

Chapter 5 - Assault on Liberty

Arc along with Hammer board The Equinox and head for the Bridge. Ember is already there along with Sereb and the squad. She frowns at Arc as they approach.

“About time you got here!”

Sereb nods soberly. “We are ready to depart.”

Max salutes. “As are we, sir!”

Viktor looks toward the main window. “Let’s get this show on the road!”

Xenos stomps the floor hard. “Yeah! And make Decimus pay!”

Hugh looks to Arc. “Will he even be there, sir?”

“No idea. But either way we can’t let this happen.”

He turns to the captain.

“Get us underway as soon as possible, Soarin.”

“Yes sir.”

Thunderlane turns from the pilot’s seat. “Our flight path is locked in and ready, sir.”

Moon Dancer smiles. “Scanners are prepped.”

Lemon Hearts calls out. “Comms are clear.”

Wrangler grins. “Weapons will be ready as soon as we’re in the air!”

Arc shakes his head. “Negative. Put everything you can into propulsion. Right now speed is everything.”

Soarin nods as he presses a button. “I’ll let the Engine Room know, sir. Stellar Flare will get us there in one piece.”

“Good.”

Ember look to Soarin. “Anything else we can do to help?”

“No, ma’am. We’ll take it from here.”

Sereb sighs. “Then I recommend we all get some rest.”

Hammer stretches. “Agreed.”

Ember yawns. “Yeah. I’m pretty tired from today anyways.”

Lemon Hearts looks to Arc. “I’ll be sure to wake you in time for our arrival, sir.”

“Alright. I’ll be in my quarters.”

He turns to his squad.

“Get some rest too. We need to be ready for anything.”

They salute as Arc leaves the Bridge with Hammer and Ember. Heading to his room Arc opens the door and steps inside. Sitting down on the bed he sighs. Hammer raises an eyebrow.

“Everything okay?”

“Not really.”

Ember walks over to him. “Want to talk about it?”

“I’m playing right into Decimus’ hoof.”

Hammer frowns. “We know.”

“But what else can I do?”

Hammer shrugs. “Nothing really.”

Ember puts a claw on his shoulder. “If we fail, those ponies are going to become mindless slaves.”

Arc looks out the window. “Yeah. And if we succeed they’ll think we’re the invaders.”

Hammer sighs. “Isn’t that better than the alternative?”

“It is, yes. That’s the only reason I’m doing this.”

Ember puts her chin on his shoulder. “We know you’ve had a long day, Arc. Why don’t you lie down and take a nap?”

“The two of us will keep watch over you.”

“Fine.”

As Arc lies down Hammer and Ember sit down on the couch together. A few minutes later his rhythmic snore rings out in the otherwise quiet room. As the ship takes off Ember looks to the young man on the bed and smiles.

“That’s a nice sight.”

“Yeah. He’s really cute like that.”

“I remember thinking that very thing when we were flying back from the Dragon Lands. Arc had just gotten his memories back and had introduced us to his new friend, the Scarlet Filly.”

“For what it’s worth, I did believe she was a bit… different when I originally met her back on Earth.”

“Scootaloo’s very… mature for her age.”

Hammer nods. “Like a little adult.”

“Not sure if that’s good though.”

“What do you mean?”

“It just seems like she should be running and playing with other foals. Not flying around with us.”

Hammer chuckles. “Jealous?”

“Not really. I mean… it’s not like Arc’s in love with her, or anything.”

“Yeah. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who’s into that sort of thing.”

“Arc’s like a father to that little filly. She’d follow him to the end of the world.”

“Like us?”

“I guess.”

“What do you mean ‘I guess’?”

“Well… as powerful as we all are, getting killed just really hasn’t been something I thought about until…”

Hammer interrupts her. “…until Arc was believed to be dead?”

Ember nods before she continues.

“I’ve done a lot of thinking since then, and came to a conclusion.”

“Which is…?”

Ember looks over to the bed and smiles before turning back to Hammer.

“That the road to moving past Arc’s death was long, winding, and hard to walk. Death comes for all of us at some point. Even dragons eventually. But moving on may take years. Decades even.”

“I guess. I mean… I didn’t know anything had even happened when I was waiting for him back on Earth.”

“Be glad you didn’t. Everything was a constant reminder of him and the time we spent together.”

“You said dragons live a long time, right?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“So you’ll outlive all of us?”

“In theory, yes.”

“How are you planning on coping with Arc’s real death.”

Ember looks away. “I don’t know yet. I… just don’t…”

Hammer puts a hand on her shoulder. “Then let’s just make sure he stays alive for as long as we can.”

Ember nods as the pair turns to look out the window again. A short time later they lean back and fall asleep where they sit. As the sun reaches its lowest point, twilight covers the land. The sound of Arc’s door opening rings out as light hoofsteps quietly move toward the bed. As they reach the halfway point, Ember peeks out from around the sofa and watches the intruder for a moment as she mutters to herself.

“Oh no you don’t.”

Jumping over the sofa, she lunges as the pony knocking them head over heels across the floor. Arc wakes up and turns on the light near his bed. The illumination spills over the room identifying the attacker. He gasps.

“Spitfire?!”

Charging toward Arc, she is knocked away by Ember whom throws herself toward the mare. Flying to the other side of the room, Spitfire gets up and makes a break for the door on foot. Hammer draws her gun, takes aim, and fires. Hitting the mare in one of her hind legs she cries out in pain as the smell of burning fur and flesh fills the room. Taking flight, she again tries to get away, but Ember does so as well, reaching the door before her and blocking her escape.

“Oh no you don’t!”

Drawing a knife from her belt, Spitfire hurls it at Arc. Calling forth his armor it bounces harmlessly away from him as Hammer leaps over the couch to tackle the intruder. As she drops onto the mare Hammer grabs one of her hinds legs. Making a quick twisting movement a snap rings out. Crying out, Spitfire pulls another knife to ward the woman away. Seeing this, Ember calls forth her spear and smacks the hoof with it, forcing her to drop the knife as the sound of her other leg breaking rings out. Lunging off the bed, Arc joins them in attempting to restrain the mare. She resists with such intensity that Arc eventually lays on top her in an effort to pin her to the floor. Her wings flapping wildly, Ember and Hammer turn and nod to one another. In tandem they strike her wings, Ember with the butt of her spear and Hammer with the butt of her gun. Two sickening snap rings out as the do so. Screaming as tears flow down her face, Arc slowly lets the pressure off and steps back.

“What the heck…?!”

Spitfire gasps through the pain. “Go ahead… end it…!”

Arc sighs. “Believe me, I’d love to. But I have more important things to do right now.”

Touching his earring, Arc calls out.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“I have a medical emergency in my quarters. Send for Nurse Redheart and tell Wrangler to come here along with a stretcher.”

“Right away sir!”

“Arc out.”

Closing the transmission, he turns back to Spitfire. She seethes as every movement she makes sends unimaginable pain throughout her body.

“What’s next?! Torture?!”

Ember looks at the mare and shakes her head. “Think we already did that.”

Hammer grimaces. “Yeah. That looks… painful.”

“IT IS PAINFUL!!!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Let’s address the elephant in the room. Why are you here this time?”

“Because he needs to go DOWN!”

Arc sighs. “You still think I killed the general, don’t you?”

“YOU DID!!!”

“No, I didn’t.”

The door opens. Wrangler enters first as Redheart hurries inside pushing a gurney. She gasps at the sight before her but gets right to work as Wrangler turns to Arc.

“What happened, sir?!”

“Looks like we have an assassin on our hands.”

Ember seethes. “Right! She tried to kill Arc!”

Hammer grins as she holsters her gun. “So much for that!”

Arc looks to Redheart. “Can you stabilize her?”

“Yes sir. But these injuries look pretty bad.”

Spitfire grits her teeth. “I’ll tell you NOTHING!”

Arc frowns. “Keep her restrained at all times, Redheart. I don’t think she’s in any condition to get away, but don’t take chances.”

Wrangler nods. “Agreed. I’ll order some around the clock guards to watch her until we get back to Canterlot, sir.”

“Good. She’s as dangerous as they come.”

Spitfire cries out as she is strapped down to the gurney. “Fool! You’d better just kill me, because I’m not going to stop!”

She turns to Arc as best she can, clearly furious.

“Do you hear me, you murderer! I’M NOT GOING TO STOP!!!”

Ember jerks a thumb towards the door. “Get her out of here!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Yeah! Before I give her what she’s asking for!”

Wrangler and Redheart carry the stretcher out of the room as Ember follows them and closes the door. Turning back to the others, she frowns.

“What the heck was all THAT about?!”

Arc groans. “She’s still convinced that I killed her former commanding officer.”

Hammer scoffs. “If he was anything like her, he had it coming.”

“But I didn’t kill him. Diva did that.”

Ember nods soberly. “We believe you, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks. But try telling that to her.”

Hammer cracks her knuckles. “We could if you want us to.”

“Nah. Just let Redheart and Wrangler deal with her for now.”

He frowns and turn toward the door.

“Let’s head to the Bridge.”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah. We’ve got to be getting close.”

As they walk out the door, Arc turns to them and smiles.

“Sorry for not saying this sooner, but thanks for the save you two. What exactly happened though?”

Ember grunts. “I heard something. Thought it was you heading to the bathroom for a moment before I realized that the steps were too loud for that.”

Hammer chuckles. “What a wakeup call.”

“You did great too, Hammer.”

Hammer shrugs. “I just kinda reacted.”

“Yeah. I’m just glad she woke me up.”

Arc grins. “Me too.”

Arriving at the Bridge they approach the squad along with Soarin. The stallion looks to him as they approach the command chair.

“We’re almost there, sir.”

Max nods as he points a hoof at the others. “And we’re ready to go.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “I was just about to call you, sir.”

“Someone beat you to it.”

Moon Dancer appears confused. “Who?”

Ember brandishes her claws. “An assassin.”

Thunderlane gasps. “What?!”

Soarin’s eyes grow wide. “All the way up here?!”

Arc nods. “Somehow, yes.”

Hammer shakes her head. “They were the medical emergency.”

Soarin puts a hoof to his chin. “Well, that explains why Wrangler isn’t back yet.”

Arc looks to the Bridge door. “She’s probably watching the prisoner like a hawk.”

Hammer laughs. “Not that they could get away with injuries like that.”

Ember frowns. “Well, we shouldn’t take chances at this point.”

Arc looks to Thunderlane. “In any case, are we in visual range yet?”

“Just barely, sir.”

Soarin hands Arc a pair of binoculars. “You can just see the ‘Mare Statue’ from here, sir.”

Arc looks through the binoculars and nods.

“Yup. That’s our target.”

Thunderlane appears confused. “Sir?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “No one briefed you guys?”

Soarin shakes his head. “No, sir. I was just told to be ready to fly to Manehattan.”

Ember chuckles. “We’re going to blow up the statue.”

Moon Dancer gasps. “What?!”

Hammer groans. “It sounds bad when you say it like that, Ember.”

Arc shrugs. “She’s not wrong.”

Lemon Hearts grimaces. “Sir, I understand that you’re above the law. But why exactly are we going to destroy a priceless piece of history?”

“Because we believe that the new torch has a mind control crystal in it.”

Thunderlane raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I know it’s hard to believe, but we need to do this in order to save the citizens of Manehattan.”

Soarin appears nervous. “Does Princess Twilight know we’re doing this, sir?”

“Yes. She was present for the situation report. While not exactly happy about it, she agreed that the citizen’s safety needs to come first.”

Moon Dancer sighs. “What’s the plan, sir?”

“I need to speak to Platinum Valve and Sunburst about that.”

Touching his earring, Arc calls out.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“Sunburst here, sir.”

“Any headway on how to destroy that crystal?”

“It’ll take a single blast from our cannons. But only at the right frequency.”

“How do we figure that out?”

“Platinum Valve and I are still doing the calculations. It’s going to take a bit more time though.”

Ember frowns. “Time we don’t have!”

Hammer nods soberly. “Can’t you speed it up?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Haste makes waste, you two. Get it done correctly.”

“Yes sir. How much longer until we arrive?”

“The statue is in sight through binoculars.”

“Oh my! You’ll have to stall for a bit then!”

“I’ll buy you as much time as I can.”

“A bit of advice, sir. Monologue.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Mono… what?”

Sunburst chuckles. “Just start talking. The ponies will most likely listen to what you have to say. However whether or not they’ll agree with it is another matter entirely. If you’re lucky you can convince whomever is in charge of the project to willingly shut it down.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “That’s hoping for a lot.”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. After all, who stops after coming this far?”

Sereb frowns. “It is worth a shot, yes?”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose. In any case, I’ll buy you as long as I can.

“One more thing, sir. We believe there is still a chance that this is all just a setup.”

Sereb growls. “Setup or not, we must act!”

Sunburst nods as he continues. “Agreed. But Platinum Valve believes she has an idea.”

“I’m listening.”

“She’s volunteered to infiltrate the statue and verify the setup inside the body of it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?”

“It would be the easiest way to determine if the statue truly is a threat to public safety. If it isn’t she’ll call and advise you on what to do next.”

Hammer frowns. “That’s putting a lot of faith in a filly.”

Ember nods soberly. “And a lot of risk too.”

Max turns to Arc. “Sir, we could infiltrate the statue instead.”

Hugh nods. “Yes, we’re trained for that sort of thing.”

Xenos grins. “Like you said before, you can buy us time.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You understand how this device is supposed to work?”

Viktor chuckles. “I know how a lightbulb is supposed to be wired up. If it’s more complicated it’ll prove something isn’t right.”

Platinum Valve steps forward and speaks into the radio. “That may be. But you won’t know exactly what. I’ve seen the original schematics taken from King Sombra many years ago and know the general layout of the Mare Statue from the blueprints.”

Sunburst sighs. “She is certainly… qualified for this, sir.”

Ember groans. “But she’s a filly!”

Hammer frowns. “Yeah! Why don’t you just go, mister smarty-pants?!”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “Because Sunburst needs to stay here and continue trying to figure out how to destroy the crystal.”

Arc sighs. “There really isn’t anyone else I can send to do this, is there?”

Soarin looks to Arc. “How about an escort of some kind for her?”

Sereb nods. “I would be willing to go with her.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “But you’re too big.”

“I can go into my Cub Form.”

“Even still, you should go with Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why, Platinum Valve? I mean, I can spare him to keep you safe.”

“Because if he isn’t in sight Decimus will know something’s up.”

Wrangler nods soberly. “He would too.”

“That and even if somepony spots me I could just say that I got lost.”

Moon Dancer looks to Arc. “It would certainly be plausible, sir.”

“Worst case scenario they’d take me to the guards and try to find my parents.”

Lemon Hearts gasps. “But we’d never find you in there!”

“Arc’s wolf friend could sniff me out.”

Sereb nods. “I suppose I could, yes.”

Arc thinks for a moment before speaking. “Do you have an entry point?”

Platinum Valve nods. “There’s an access panel at the base of the statue. It’s hidden behind some bushes to keep up appearances. However that also means that I could take it off without anypony noticing something was up.”

Moon Dances sighs. “Sounds like she has it all figured out, sir.”

Arc groans. “I still don’t like this idea.”

“Please let me, sir! I want to… no… I NEED to do my part to stop Decimus’s plan!”

Looking around the group wordlessly for a few moments Arc eventually sighs and nods.

“Alright. But only if you go in wearing one of my magic cloaks. Do you know how to use one?”

“I can do that, yes.”

“Alright, get to the Bridge and we’ll get started.”

Platinum Valve turns and runs for the door. “On my way!”

Sunburst steps forward again. “She just left, sir.”

“Good. Do you need anything else from us?”

“Just time.”

“Alright. We’ll do what we can. Arc out.”

Severing the connection, he turns to Thunderlane.

“Continue our present course. I need to get closer to see what’s going on.”

Hammer makes a swinging motion with her fist. “So we can clobber em?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… more along the lines of so I can formulate a plan.”

Ember frowns. “You mean…?!”

“Yeah. Might have to go in there without one.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face and groans. “Why am I not surprised?”

A short time later Moon Dancer calls out.

“Strange readings coming from the statue, sir!”

Soarin frowns. “Where from?”

“The torch!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Guess that confirms it.”

Ember mutters. “Was hoping you were wrong.”

Hammer frowns. “Arc’s never wrong!”

Arc groans as Wrangler hurries onto the Bridge and takes her place. “Trust me, that’s not accurate. Any other ships nearby?”

Wrangler grins. “Yeah! Give me something to shoot!”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “Nothing on radar, sir.”

Lemon Hearts looks over to him. “Comms are clear as well.”

Thunderlane frowns. “They could be on the ground waiting.”

Sereb looks out the window. “Not likely. The statue is on a small island with little to no cover.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “At least the weapon isn’t online yet… right?”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “At the moment, no.”

Lemon Hearts calls out. “Incoming transmission, sir.”

Arc appears surprised. “From who?”

“It’s a city-wide broadcast to dedicate the statue.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “I don’t get it. If they’re just going to enslave everyone, why bother making a speech?”

Arc grits his teeth. “Because Decimus is a blowhard. He wants to put on a show to make himself feel good in front of the Council of Shadows. Kinda like General Mustang.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Right.”

Arc turns to Lemon Hearts. “In any case, put it on the main speakers.”

“Aye, sir.”

As she does so Decimus’ voice rings out from the radio. Arc frowns as he calls out.

“Do we know where Decimus is broadcasting from?”

Thunderlane gasps. “The statue itself!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How do you…?”

“Because I can see him!”

Arc runs over and takes the binoculars from Thunderlane’s hoof. Looking through them he frowns.

“That arrogant little…!”

Ember frowns. “Arc?”

“He’s standing at the foot of the statue!”

Hammer grins. “So let’s blast that little rat!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a good plan. There are a number of civilian crafts all around the island listening to him live.”

Soarin groans. “Living shields.”

Moon Dancer gasps. “That’s monstrous!”

Thunderlane turns to Arc. “Orders, sir?”

“Turn and orbit the statue at roughly this range.”

“On it, sir!”

“Lemon Heart’s order my all other forces to head to the prepare to reinforce me if needed.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Wrangler, ready the weapons. But do not fire until I give the order.

“Aye, sir.”

“Moon Dancer, watch for energy spikes from the torch. Let me know if it begins to power up.”

“Yes, sir.”

Platinum Valve rushes onto the Bridge as the others stand around Arc. He turns and motions for her to approach as he holds out a magic cloak.

“Put this on and get in close! We’re Blinking in!”

Hurrying to do so, she takes her place and vanishes. Arc calls forth his armor and powers up his crystals.

“Here we go!”

In the Blink of an eye Arc and company vanish and reappear in front of Decimus’ platform. Platinum Valve, unseen to everyone present, quickly and quietly moves toward the plants that conceal the access panel. Pulling a tool from her saddlebags she gets to work opening it. In seconds it swings open.

“Here we go.”

Meanwhile, Decimus glares at the new arrivals.

“YOU!”

Arc pulls his spear and looks to Decimus. “Yes me!”

Turning to a nearby stallion, Decimus points.

“Cut the feed!”

Hammer lunges at the stallion over his control panel, knocking him to the ground. With a single blow she knocks him out and turns back to Arc.

“Asset secured, sir.”

“Thank you, Hammer. Everyone else, secure the perimeter. I’d like to have a… a few words with this so-called Hero of Light here. See to it that we are not interrupted.”

They fan out as Arc steps forward, spear in gauntlet. Decimus glares at him.

“So it appears the reports were true.”

Arc nods as he walks across the podium to stand across from his nemesis. The reports of my death were greatly exaggerated.

He narrows his eyes before continuing.

“I wonder how that happened?!”

“But I… we all thought…!”

“Of course everyone believed me dead and gone! After all, you yourself wrote the report about it!”

Decimus rolls his eyes. “Well, of course I did! I was THERE!”

“Conveniently.”

“Remember, YOU’RE the traitor here, not me!”

Sereb turns to Arc and whispers something to him. Nodding, the young man looks sternly at Decimus.

“Am I? Then answer me this… why are you sweating?”

With a flick of his wrist, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell. Decimus’ cybernetic Hero of Light helmet flies across the stage with a clang. Sweat pours down his face as he glares at Arc.

“How did you know…?”

“A little birdie told me. Or… a really big one. Now then, why don’t you finish your speech, Decimus?”

Meanwhile, Platinum Valve hops inside the statue. Spotting a number of cables snaking upward she begins climbing. Coming to a small vent she peeks through and looks around as best she is able as she listens intently. Hearing nothing, the little filly turns and bucks the grille knocking it loose. The metal clangs noisily to the side as she sits there silently and waits. A few seconds pass before she climbs out and hops down to a catwalk below.

“I must be around the belly. Let’s see here… how to get to the torch.”

Picking a direction, Platinum Valve run until she spots a door marked ‘keep out’. Trying the knob she finds it locked. Grinning, she pulls out a lockpick.

“Let’s see if I remember what dad taught me.”

Fiddling with the tumblers for a few moments, she slowly puts pressure on the knob before giving a final prodding with her pick. The door’s lock clicks as it disengages. Putting the pick back in her saddlebags, Platinum Valve hurries through the now unlocked door and finds a ladder going up. Sighing, she starts climbing.

“Never knew being a hero was such hard work.”

Reaching the top, she looks around a good sized room. Taking off the magic cloak, she folds it up and quickly shoves it in her saddlebags. Platinum Valve’s eyes follow the massive cables which snake upward into a dome overhead. Hurrying over to an electrical panel she pulls out a screwdriver and gets to work.

“Gotta disconnect the power first.”

Meanwhile, Arc looks to Decimus.

“No, really. Continue.

“I would love to. But that’s rather… difficult with you here.”

“Oh don’t feel the need to stop on my account. Tell me, where did you leave off? And don’t worry. Everyone in Manehattan can still hear you.”

“Well… I was just reminding everypony of the… cultural significance of this statue.”

Arc makes a motions with his gauntlet in a circular pattern. “Go on.”

“And how important it is to remember our nation’s history.”

“Uh huh.”

“You see, the new… renovations to the statue will see to it that it… stands for generations to come.”

“Will it now?”

Decimus nods as he gestures to the towering building around them on the mainland. “Oh, yes. Everypony all across the city will be able to bask in its glow.”

“Yes, yes. At least for a little while.”

Decimus appears confused. “Little while?”

“Until that crystal in the torch does its thing, right?”

“Crystal?”

“Oh yes. My ship detected it with its sensors.”

“I don’t understand. Why would I have a…?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I think we both know about King Sombra from the old history books.”

“How does that…?”

“You know… the guy whom enslaved the Crystal Empire. Tell me, how did he do it?”

Decimus looks away. “I… don’t seem to recall.”

“Then let me tell you. He did so by utilizing large statues with specialized gemstones in them to control the population.”

“And you think I’m trying to do the same?”

“Something like it, yes.”

Decimus chuckles. “Quite the imagination you have there. Do you have any tangible proof of this?”

“Well, there was a lot of work done to the torch, wasn’t there?”

“Yes. A new style of bulb, new housing, new electrical panels, new wiring…”

Arc interrupts him. “New wiring, you say?”

“That’s what I said.”

“Well then, let’s take a look at that wiring, shall we?”

He points to the statue’s outstretched hoof and nods to Ember. Taking flight, she slashes at the statue’s fetlock which holds the torch to expose the large cables inside. Gravity pulls them into view as the squad shines a couple commandeered spotlights on them. Platinum Valve gazes at the noise down the ladder for a moment before going back to work.

“Good thing I just pulled the disconnect… for whomever did that.”

Hopping onto a nearby ladder leading up into the torch itself, Platinum Valve makes the smaller climb in but a few seconds. Reaching the highest point of the statue she looks out at Manehattan.

“Nice view!”

Returning to her task, she looks around to see innumerable plates which point in all directions. Frowning, she mutters to herself.

“I don’t see any light bulbs up her.”

Tracing the wires back to a central hub, she finds a panel and opens it. Inside sits a rather large crystal which pulsates with an eerie glow. Staring at it for a few moments, Platinum Valve shakes her head as if to clear it before slamming the door shut and rolling away from it to lie on her back. Breathing heavily, she groans.

“That… that isn’t good.”

Reaching into her saddlebags, the filly pulls out a radio and flicks it on.

“Platinum Valve to Sunburst!”

“Sunburst here. Find anything?”

“This thing… it’s not good!”

“What do you see?”

“Plates aimed in all directions connected to a weird crystal inside a housing.”

Sunburst frowns as he looks over the schematics before him. “A similar design as the one from King Sombra’s time.”

Platinum Valve grimaces. “Y-yeah. Just looking at the crystal made me feel like my brain was being stirred with a spoon.”

Sunburst gasps. “YOU OPENED THE HOUSING?!”

“Had to be sure.”

“That’s beyond dangerous though!”

“So is letting this thing activate. Believe me, I knew the risks.”

Sunburst groans. “We need to get you to the Infirmary aboard ship to make sure you’re alright. Can you make it?”

Platinum Valve nods as she struggles to her hooves. “I… I think I can. Did you figure out… how to destroy this thing yet?”

“Sadly, no.”

“Plan B then?”

Sunburst sighs. “Indeed. I’ll call the Bridge to have the message relayed to him. Are you ready for your extraction?”

Platinum Valve nods as she looks toward the skyline. “Give me a… a bit of a head start before you call Arc.”

“What does he need to do?”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Decimus as he points to the now exposed wires hanging down.

“That’s an awful lot of cables for just one bulb.”

Decimus glares at him. “It’s a much more powerful one though. More electricity was required.”

“Along with the new electrical panels?”

“Yes! They needed to be modernized!””

Arc points a gauntlet at the nearby electrical panels. “If you replaced them for that reason, then why are the old ones still there?

“Because we just added to the old to save money! Listen… we can talk about this later. Right now I need to finish my speech.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “So do I.”

As Decimus turns back to his microphone Arc puts a finger to his earring. Listening intently, he nods.

“Fine. Tell her that she’s the signal.”

As Arc looks up at the torch, Platinum Valve crawls over to one of the floor to ceiling windows. Pulling a good-sized tool from her saddlebags, she heaves it at the window. The glass shatters, causing chunks of glass to fall all around Decimus and the podium. Half stumbling and only barely conscious, the filly throws herself out the window. The spotlights trained on the torch by the squad illuminate the filly’s small body as it falls. Arc Blinks to her, wraps his arms around the filly, turns away to position his body (and armor) between her and the statue while calling out a command.

“FIRE!!!”

A beam of light screams across the sky toward the statue from the west. It hits the torch, obliterating it as small debris rains down on everyone. Those in boats in front of the island start them up and flee in terror. Sereb looks all around with Ember before pointing to a large chunk falling from the sky.

“There!”

Ember spreads her wings and takes flight. Matching the speed of the falling object, she is joined by Arc’s squad in carrying it to the ground below. Hammer assists by aiming a camera at the group trying to carry the crystal together. As they let go it lands in the dirt in front of the podium, along with a large portion of the statue’s hoof and torch which falls on top of Decimus. Arc frowns as he Blinks in front of it and calls out.

“Arc to Moon Dancer. I need confirmation of what I’m looking at.”

Moon Dancer grimaces as she looks over her instruments. “That matches both Platinum Valve's report and the scans from earlier, sir. It’s a bona-fide mind control crystal.”

Chapter 6 - Grievous Gems

Hammer frowns as she looks to Arc.

“Why’s it still in one piece then?!”

Wrangler sighs. “Sunburst was unable to discover a way to modify our weapon’s output to do that.”

Moon Dancer nods. “So the best we could do was to destroy the enemy’s capability to activate the weapon.”

Arc looks down at Platinum Valve. “You okay?”

“I… I don’t feel so good.”

“Do you need medical attention?”

“Y-yeah.”

“I need Redheart to be prepared to receive Platinum Valve in the Infirmary.”

Lemon Hearts nods. “Yes sir, she’s standing by.”

“Good.”

Opening a portal, Arc carefully pushes the filly through before closing it and stepping toward the crystal.

“Now all we need to do is…”

Lunging out from underneath a pile of rubble, Decimus charges at Arc. Before anyone can react Sereb leaps over Arc to plow into the heavily armored stallion. Without his helmet, Sereb bites down hard on Decimus’ neck, effectively tearing it out in one swift motion. Tossing the body aside, he turns to Arc.

“Forgive me, but your life was imperiled.”

“Thanks, big guy.”

He reaches down and picks up the boulder sized crystal lying nearby.

“Can’t leave this sitting around.”

Ember steps forward. “Want me to carry it to the ship?”

“Yeah. Not sure if I should be Blinking or traveling through portals with this thing.”

Giving Ember the crystal, she takes it in her gauntlets, spreads her wings and takes flight. Turning to the others he motions for them to approach. Max is the first to speak.

“That wasn’t so hard.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah.”

Hugh turns to look at Decimus’ body. “I wish they were all that easy.”

Viktor chuckles. “If they are, we’ll be done in no time.”

Hammer gives Arc a thumbs up. “That’d be nice.”

“Right. But in any case let’s go.”

Opening a portal, Arc allows everyone to pass before following. Arriving back in his room he touches his earring and speaks.

“Arc to Bridge.”

Lemon Hearts calls out. “Go ahead, sir.”

“Tell Thunderlane to get the ship back to Canterlot as fast as he dares. I want to get that crystal under lock and key as soon as possible.”

Thunderlane grins. “Yes sir. We’re already underway.”

Wrangler frowns. “You sure they won’t just make another one of those, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea the process, so that is a possibility. But in any case, we won the day so that’s a plus.”

Ember enters the room carrying the crystal. Arc puts it in his magic ring as he continues to speak to the Bridge Crew.

“How long until we get back to Canterlot?”

Thunderlane looks over his charts. “There’s a nearby current we can ride. Shouldn’t take us more than two hours.”

“Good. Tell me, Wrangler. Did our prisoner give the guards any trouble while I was gone?”

“No, sir. A model prisoner. But that’s probably because she can’t really move. Restraints or not.”

Hammer rubs two fingers together as she grins. “Let me play the world’s smallest violin for her.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Max frowns. “That traitor doesn’t deserve our pity!”

Xenos stomps his hoof. “Yeah! Or our bandages!”

Hugh grits his teeth. “She’s lucky the commander was merciful.”

Viktor nods fervently. “Right.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll go see her for myself in a little while along with Platinum Valve. In the meantime, Lemon Hearts, establish a secure channel to Princess Twilight. I need to report what happened here tonight.”

“Yes sir. Shall I patch her through to your office or quarters?”

“Office. It’s just down the hall from the Infirmary.”

“It will be done.”

“Good. Anything else?”

Soarin calls out. “Yes, sir. As you know, we… just heavily damaged a priceless cultural landmark.”

Ember shrugs. “So?”

“The media in Manehattan is already abuzz with reports labeling you as a terrorist, sir.”

Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

Lemon Hearts sighs. “And a monster for what your steed did.”

Sereb growls. “But that was my doing! Not Arc’s!”

Wrangler looks to a screen depicting a local newscast. “That’s not how they’re portraying it though. However that’s probably for the best as it means the Dragon Lands are off the hook for it.”

Ember bares her claws. “They should reconsider that!”

Arc frowns. “Enough. Keep up the good work everyone.”

Ember grimaces. “You do realize that your name is pretty much mud in Manehattan right now… right Arc?!”

“Yes, I do.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “And that doesn’t BOTHER YOU?!”

“Not at all.”

Sereb gasps. “How?!’

Arc sighs. “I’d rather the citizens be safe and hate me… than see them fall to our enemies.”

He turns to the door as he continues.

“Everyone get cleaned up and rest. You all did your parts and made this work.”

Arc leaves the room and heads for his office. Sitting down he looks out the window at the stars and sighs.

“I did what had to be done.”

A few minutes later the phone rings. Arc picks it up.

“Hello?”

“This is Lemon Heart’s, sir. Princess Twilight is holding.”

“Patch her through.”

A moment later her familiar voice fills the receiver.

“Arc! Are you alright?!”

“I’m fine, yes. The only one whom had any kind of problem was Platinum Valve.”

“Oh my! Is she alright?!”

“I think it was just the shock of her jumping from the torch of the Mare Statue. But I’ll go check on her after I’m done talking to you.”

“That’s a relief! I had the most bizarre imaginings that you weren’t going to make it!”

“Well, I’m glad you were wrong about that.”

“Me too!”

They laugh together happily before Arc continues.

“The good news is that I was able to stop Decimus’ plans for dominating Manehattan.”

“And the statue?”

“Damage was mostly limited to the torch and the hoof that held it. The rest of the statue appeared to be relatively unharmed.”

“We can see about restoring it when this is over.”

“Yes, well… there was something else I needed to tell you.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Before we arrived, I was resting in my room with Ember and Hammer.”

“Nothing wrong with that.”

“Yes, well… there was a fourth.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I don’t recall that bed being so big.”

“I meant that there was an assassin.”

“AN ASSASSIN?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes. Lieutenant Spitfire came into my room and tried to kill me.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “I’ll see to it she hangs for this!”

“Let’s keep this in perspective, Twilight.”

“Attempted assassination of the Hero of Light is a high crime, Arc! It’s treason of the highest caliber and carries the same legal ramifications as attempting to do the same to the princesses!”

“Well, she’s secure in my Infirmary at the moment.”

“She’s still alive?!”

“I didn’t kill her, no.”

“Arc, you have every right to do so in the future! She’s clearly out of her mind to do such a thing twice now!”

Arc sighs. “Seeing as she has four broken hooves and two broken wings, I think that point was made.”

“I’ll have guards meet The Equinox when it lands to escort her directly to the dungeon!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… on a stretcher?”

“Normally no. But as dangerous as she is…!”

“Let’s allow Doctor Whooves to make that decision, shall we?”

Twilight groans. “Very well. Anything else?”

“Just one more thing. I’ll need somewhere safe to store this crystal.”

“The one from the Mare Statue’s torch?”

“Yes.”

“How did it survive?!”

“We couldn’t figure out the frequency to deal with it in time so I ordered Wrangler to fire the weapons as they were.”

“Very well. I’ll see to it Sunburst continues working on a more permanent solution.”

“What about in the meantime?”

“I suggest keeping it under heavy guard if you have to.”

“If I have to?”

“You could just store it in your ring.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes. Why?”

“I was just worried something bad might happen if I did that.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Generally no. After all, your ring is just a gate to a pocket dimension. There’s no danger as the ring is the only gateway.”

“Alright. I’ll store the gem in there when we’re done talking. Thanks for the advice.”

“I should be thanking you. After all, you’ve been instrumental in keeping things together since…”

Twilight sighs before continuing.

“…since Princess Celestia left again.”

“Twilight…”

“I really do think somepony else should be in charge here. After all, I’m no leader.”

“But you will be with practice.”

“That might take…”

“…years?”

Twilight nods sadly. “Exactly!”

“How long do you suppose it took Celestia to get to where she was? An established ruler with a proud reputation and a respectable place on the international stage doesn’t come about overnight.”

“I know, but…!”

“Twilight, like I told you before… you need to have faith in yourself first and foremost.”

“I’m trying! I really am!”

“I know you are. And we’re here for you right now. So don’t think that you’re leading all on your own.”

Twilight sighs. “Sorry for that outburst, Arc. I just feel so inadequate these days.”

“So did I when I started. Believe me when I say that it will pass as you become more comfortable in your position.”

“I’ll just have to take things a little at a time.”

“Right.”

“Um… about that. Do you have anything planned for tomorrow night, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at the moment, no. But if something comes up…”

Twilight grins. “Perfect! Try to keep that open!”

“What’s up?”

“We have a little surprise for you.”

“Can I get a hint?”

Twilight giggles. “No, silly! We want it to be a surprise!”

Arc chuckles. “Fine then. Keep your secrets.”

“You just come back to Canterlot safely and get some rest. Tomorrow’s another day, Arc.”

“That goes for you as well, your highness.”

“I’ll go back to my room just as soon as we’re done talking.”

“Sorry for waking you up.”

“Not at all. I was just pacing around my private quarters waiting to hear something. Considering what was at stake, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep.”

“Alright. Tell the others ‘good night’ for me then. I’ll be back in Canterlot in a couple of hours.”

“Fly safe.”

“See you in the morning, Twilight.”

“Bye.”

Twilight hangs up the receiver and breathes a sigh of relief.

“Situation under control. No loss of life or major collateral damage. Well done, Arc. Very well indeed.”

Smiling, she leaves the room and orders the guards to escort her back to the shared bedroom. As Twilight enters the room the others rush over to her. Rarity is the first to speak.

“How is he?!”

Pinkie appears nervous. “Just fine, right?!”

Twilight nods, clearly surprised. “Y-yes. Arc and his friends are okay.”

Applejack grimaces. “And the crystal?!”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “Did he destroy it?!”

Twilight bows her head. “Unfortunately no.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Why not?!”

Applejack puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Calm down, sugarcube. I’m sure he had a good reason.”

Twilight nods. “They couldn’t figure out how to modify the ship’s weapons to be able to do so.”

Rose frowns. “So what did he do then, mother?”

“The Equinox destroyed the torch to disable the weapon housing before capturing the gem itself.”

“A wise strategy. Without it Decimus will be unable to power any future weapons with it.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “But who’s to say he only had one?!”

Fluttershy hides behind her tail and mane. “Eep!”

“It’s not likely. The history books all agree that they were INSANELY difficult to produce.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Expensive?”

Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, a crystal THAT big…!”

Rarity steps forward to face the group. “It’s more than just size. After all, I’m guessing it would have to be specially grown for that purpose.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Growing gems like vegetables?”

Twilight nods. “There’s a bit more to it than that. But it’s a good analogy, yes.”

Fluttershy peeks out. “Did you… get around to asking Arc about the other idea?”

“Yes, and he said if nothing comes up it’s a go.”

Meanwhile, Arc stands and returns to his room. Walking over to the giant crystal in the corner he picks it up and carefully shoves it into his ring before heading out the door again. Making the quick walk to the Infirmary he spies Sunburst and Redheart next to Platinum Valve’s bed.

“How is she?”

Redheart looks over the filly’s chart. “Just fine. I don’t see a thing wrong with her considering what happened.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something other than her jumping out a window?”

Sunburst sighs. “She… opened the housing’s access panel to verify that the crystal was genuine.”

“Was she not supposed to do that?”

“No, sir. It’s very dangerous to be exposed to powerful magical artifacts when they’re active.”

“Is it still a danger?!”

Sunburst shakes his head. “No sir. With the destruction of the device the crystal was returned to its inert state. Without a power source of some kind it’s little more than a very large paperweight.”

Arc turns to Redheart. “Prognosis?”

“She’ll just need a good night’s sleep to recover from the brief exposure. I’ll still monitor her closely just to be sure.”

“Thank you, Redheart.”

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I should look in on our other patient.”

Arc nods as Redheart steps behind a curtain nearby. Platinum Valve slowly opens her eyes and smiles weakly.

“Did we… do it?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, we did it. In no small thanks to you.”

“I was happy to help.”

Sunburst frowns. “Now do you understand the dangers of magical exposure, young filly?”

“Yeah. But we had to know for sure if it really was a mind control crystal or just a red herring from Decimus.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose that’s true. But please don’t put yourself in such a position again.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you.”

Arc turns to Sunburst before continuing.

“Was there anything else you wanted to add?”

Sunburst bows his head. “Yes sir. I want to apologize for failing to come up with a solution to the crystal issue.”

“It’s fine, Sunburst. I’m sure you and Platinum Valve did your best.”

Platinum Valve sighs. “Yes sir. But the more we looked for a solution, the more it appeared that there may not be one.”

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

Sunburst grimaces. “The gem in question may very well be indestructible, sir.”

“That isn’t encouraging. But there must be a solution. After all, the citizens of the Crystal Empire were freed from their mental bonds, right?”

Platinum Valve nods. “Yes. However we don’t really know how.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You don’t know?”

Sunburst shrugs. “All the history books on that subject simply say that Princess Celestia personally led our nation’s forces to lay siege to the tower which held the crystal in question. It was always assumed by historians that she also destroyed the gem within it as well.”

“Could the one we found possibly be the same gem?”

Platinum Valve frowns. “That’s not possible.”

Sunburst nods. “Right. Magical items lose their potency if not used regularly.”

“So there’s no way to, for lack of a better word, ‘preserve’ them?”

“No, sir. Like an unused battery, they weaken over time.”

Platinum Valve puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “There might be a way, yes.”

“Oh?”

“On paper, that is. It would have to involve some kind of magical stasis.”

Sunburst turns to Arc. “Think of it like suspended animation for inanimate objects, sir. Star Swirl the Bearded originally coined this magical theory.”

Platinum Valve sighs. “I know he was never able to prove a viable method existed. However that doesn’t mean that nopony ever figured it out.”

Sunburst raises an eyebrow. “But any scholar whom was able to find a way would have been instantly famous! They would have been elevated to the ranks of the highest scholars in the land overnight!”

“What if they didn’t want that though?”

Arc frowns. “Maybe someone did unravel that mystery and just sat on the results.”

Sunburst shrugs. “Possible, yes, but unlikely.”

“So that would mean that the crystal in my quarters might really be the original, huh?”

“I suppose it just might be, sir. There’s really no way to know though.”

Platinum Valve giggles. “Other than to ask Princess Celestia personally, sir.”

“That’s out. For now anyways.”

“What should we do with this thing in the meantime then?”

Arc holds up his hand, exposing his ring. “I put it in here for safekeeping. Twilight says that should be safe. Sunburst?”

“Agreed. It should be just fine in there, sir.”

“I’ll take care of that before I head to bed then. Speaking of which, why don’t you two get some rest too.”

Platinum Valve raises an eyebrow. “What about you, sir?”

Arc points a thumb to a nearby curtain. “I need to check on our guest from earlier.”

Sunburst gasps. “That assassin?!”

Platinum Valve looks to the curtain. “What?! HERE?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Came after me in my room. Fortunately my friends had my back. Sunburst, you and Platinum Valve should continue working on this matter after a good night’s sleep though. I still want to destroy this thing.”

“Yes sir.”

“We’ll do our best!”

Arc enters the curtained area. Redheart looks over a chart as Spitfire lies there unconscious. He walks over to her as two guards watch on nearby. Saluting respectfully, they make no noise as Arc waits for Redheart to finish her tasks. Ten minutes or so later she sets down her clipboard and turns to him.

“Would you like a status update on this mare now, sir?”

“I would, yes. How is she?”

Redheart sighs as she turns to him. “Four broken legs, two shattered wings, and three fractured ribs, sir.”

“Is she in a lot of… pain?”

“Yes, sir. That’s why we’re keeping her sedated. Although she was a bit… difficult.”

“Define ‘difficult’.”

“Even with all her injuries, she still kept trying to get away.”

She gestures to the guards before continuing.

“It’s fortunate that they were here. Even in such a state, she’s a force to be reckoned with.”

“How so?”

“The lieutenant kept trying to roll away.”

“Roll?”

“Literally, sir. After all, none of her limbs worked.”

“What about restraints?”

Redheart sighs. “With so many serious injuries they would have been extremely painful as well as counterproductive to treatment. The sedatives were a more merciful measure.”

“Very well. Um… is she going to recover?”

“She’ll walk again, yes. But most likely with an extreme limp in at least two of her legs. But as far as her wings go… I’m afraid they’ll never be the same.”

“From a break?”

Redheart nods. “A broken pegasus wing can heal, yes. However hers were shattered. That’s… difficult to treat at best.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

“At least she’ll never be able to come after you again.”

“Not much consolation there. Can anything be done for her?”

“I’ll do what I can, of course. But in this case a return to her former life may very well be impossible.”

“Do your best… please.”

Redheart puts a hoof to her forehead and winces. “Yes… sir.”

“Are you okay, Redheart?!”

“I’m fine, yes.”

“Headache?”

“Perhaps I’ve just been working too hard, sir.”

“Get some rest then. I’ll come see you in the morning.”

She nods as Arc turns to leave. As he walks, Sunburst and Stellar Flare round a corner together. Stellar Flare is the first to speak.

“Now, now. It’ll just take a few moments.”

“But I’m telling you I’m fine mom!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What’s the problem?”

“I’m taking my son to the Infirmary for a full body examination, sir!”

“Is he hurt?!”

Sunburst shakes his head. “I just tripped and fell, that’s all.”

“You could have a concussion!”

“I didn’t even hit my head!”

“Well, just to be safe we should…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Stellar Flare, you should let Sunburst be the judge of that. After all, he is an adult… and the Lead Sage of Canterlot.”

Stellar Flare nods. “Yes sir. I’ll do as you say.”

“Good.”

Sunburst turns and raises an eyebrow. “Really, mom?”

“Of course, Sunburst. Now why don’t you get some rest? I know you’re tired after all that research.”

“But I was originally going to the Cafeteria for a snack!”

“You need your sleep though. Now come with…”

Arc interrupts her again. “Stellar Flare?”

“Yes sir?”

“I’m sure Sunburst knows his own needs. Now then, why don’t you return to your quarters and get some sleep? It’s been a long day, after all.”

“Right away, sir.”

She turns and hurries down the corridor. Sunburst frowns.

“That was… strange.”

“What was?”

“My mom’s never given up so easily before.”

“Well, she can’t really argue with me. Now then, get yourself a bite to eat and follow your mother’s lead.”

“Yes sir.”

Returning to his room Arc flops down on the bed. Sereb walks over to him from a corner as Hammer steps out of the bathroom and grins at him.

“Hey there, handsome.”

“Oh… hi Hammer.”

“Tired?”

“Yeah. It’s been quite a day.”

“Want me to snuggle with you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not tonight. It’s been a crazy day.”

“Gotcha. But shouldn’t you take a bath first?”

“I suppose I probably should, yes. Never did like going to bed dirty.”

“Want me to come in there and help you wash your back?”

“No thanks.”

“Okay!”

Arc frowns. “You alright, Hammer?”

“Fine. Why?”

“You just seem a bit… different.”

Hammer appears confused. “How so?”

“I can’t quite put my finger on it. After all, you’re still lively and happy like normal.”

“Does that please you?”

“Um… yes, I suppose.”

“Then I’ll try to be more like that.”

“Thanks. I think.”

“Is there anything I can do for you though?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. Why don’t you get some sleep in your quarters?”

“Alright. See you in the morning.”

She turns and walks quickly out of the room. Sereb walks over to Arc and frowns as he watches the door close.

“She’s acting a bit off.”

“Yeah. Usually Hammer’s a lot more… physical.”

“Maybe she just didn’t want to do that in front of me.”

“Hopefully. In any case, I’m hitting the showers.”

“Very well.”

There is a knock at the door. Groaning, Arc moves to answer it. He finds Ember standing there with a grin on her face.

“Hey. Sorry for interrupting, but…”

“Ember, is something wrong?”

“Uh… no. Why do you ask?”

“It’s… never mind.”

“You’re going to take a shower now, right?”

Arc nods. “I was about to, yes.”

“Well, I don’t think you should do that alone.”

“I’ve managed this long, haven’t I?”

Ember grins wickedly. “True. But someone of your station shouldn’t have to do certain things for themselves, now should they?”

Arc sighs. “You’re not giving up, are you?”

“Nah.”

“Fine. Come in then.”

Holding the door open for her, Sereb walks past them and toward the corridor.

“I shall give you two some alone time then.”

Ember smiles at Sereb. “Thanks!”

Walking toward the bathroom, Ember follows him inside wordlessly. Arc removes his clothes as she gets the shower going. Stepping back, Ember allows Arc to enter first. The young man sits down on the tile floor and leans against the wall with his face in his hands.

“This is all my fault.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What is?”

“Spitfire’s condition.”

“If I recall, she came after you.”

“I could have stopped Hammer and you before things went so far. Then maybe Spitfire wouldn’t be in the Infirmary.”

Ember sighs as she picks up the soap and a washcloth with her claws and passes them to Arc.

“She made her choice though.”

“Yeah. And so did I.”

“But you didn’t do anything wrong, Arc.”

“That’s why I’m mad at myself.”

“You can’t… um… shouldn’t… uh…”

Arc turns to her. “Ember?”

“Sorry. I’m just having trouble putting my thoughts together right now.”

“You’re probably tired just like I am.”

“Y-yes. I do feel…”

She yawns widely and shakes her head to clear it.

“…feel really groggy.”

Arc chuckles. “Come over here and I’ll get you cleaned up first then.”

Ember smiles weakly. “Yes sir.”

Taking her place in front of Arc, he takes the washcloth and gets a lather going before running it over her scales. Ember’s head bobs up and down as she struggles to stay awake. Arc notices this and smiles.

“You really are tired, aren’t you?”

Ember nods and yawns again as Arc smiles and sighs.

“That’s fine. After all, you’ve done a great job lately as my partner.”

“Thank… thank you.”

“How about you dry off and lie down out there? I’ll be in shortly.”

“Very well.”

Arc grins as she stands. “And make sure to dry off completely. I don’t want you catching a cold.”

Hopping out of the shower Ember grabs a towel and vigorously begins drying herself. A few minutes later she tosses the towel into the hamper and leaves the room wordlessly. Frowning, Arc lathers up.

“Spitfire… that was my fault.”

A short time later he steps out of the shower and dries off. Pulling a t-shirt and shorts out of his ring Arc dresses and steps out of the bathroom. Rubbing his eyes he walks over to the bed. Seeing it empty he looks around for a moment before spotting Ember lying on the floor at the foot of the bed. Frowning, he calls out.

“Um…?”

Ember lifts her head slightly. “Yes?”

“What are you doing?”

“You told me to get some rest.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “In the bed, yes. Not on the floor in front of it.”

“I’m sorry, master. Please forgive…”

Arc gasps. “Woah! What’s gotten into you, Ember?!”

Ember looks at the floor as she speaks. “Please forgive me, master! Whatever it takes, I’ll make you proud to call me your…!”

“I… but…!”

Arc looks down at his ring and frowns.

“It… it can’t be.”

Chapter 7 - Field Experiments

Reaching for his ring, Arc removes the crystal from earlier and tosses it toward the corner of the room. Turning back to Ember, he kneels down to her.

“Hey… you okay?”

Ember puts a claw to her head and nods. “What happened?”

Arc frowns as he looks her over. “I have a theory. But tell me, how did you feel a few minutes ago?”

“Well… it’s all so hazy. All I remember is feeling really… strange.”

“Can you describe it to me?”

“It was like… as if I was in physical pain when I believed that I had let you down. My body actually hurt and I can’t remember exactly what I said.”

“You said that you’d do whatever it took to make me proud of you.”

“I did?”

Arc nods. “Yes. That and you were almost frantic about it.”

He turns and points to the gem in the corner before continuing.

“And I’m guessing that did it.”

“But how? It was in your ring at the time.”

“True. But that’s the only thing that makes sense about this.”

“I guess. But we should be certain before doing anything.”

“Are you suggesting a test?”

“Yup. It’s really important, after all.”

“But whom would we test it on?”

Ember shrugs. “I dunno. Um… but shouldn’t we get some rest now though? I mean, it’ll be dawn by the time we get back to Canterlot.”

“Yeah, I suppose that’s true.”

They walk over to the bed and flop down together. Arc stares up at the ceiling as Ember lies down by his side and turns to face him.

“Um…”

“Hm?”

“Arc? Are you… proud of me?”

“Very.”

“Why?”

“Ember?”

“I couldn’t even hold my own against that crystal thingamabob. You must think I’m really weak minded after that.”

“Not at all. Remember, it supposedly enslaved an entire city once upon a time. What hope does a single individual have against it?”

“Not much, I guess.”

“Then don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“But I need to be… um…”

“Be what?”

“More!”

“More than what though?”

Ember groans. “I don’t know! Just more!”

“To be a good Dragon Lord?”

“The entire dragon race needs someone to look up to. That’s supposed to be me before long.”

“After your father… you know?”

“Yeah. But I’m nowhere near that point!”

“And what can you do about that?”

“That’s the thing! I have no idea!”

“I have a suggestion.”

“What is it?”

“Practice.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Practice?”

“Yeah.”

“That doesn’t make any…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Remember how I gained experience leading Equestria? Giving audiences, seeing to the public’s needs, and taking down threats to the land.”

“So…”

“I ‘practiced’ by doing the job.”

“What else though?”

“That’s it.”

Ember moans. “Great.”

Arc puts a hand under her chin and raises it to look her in the eye before speaking.

“Hey. I think you’re going to be a great Dragon Lord someday.”

Ember blushes slightly. “Do you… do you really mean that?”

“Of course.”

“How can you be so sure of that?”

“Because I know you always do your best even when things aren’t the greatest. That and you don’t give up and always strive to do the right thing.”

“But there’s so much more to leading than that!”

“True. However that’s the foundation of a good leader. So believe in yourself and just do the best you can.”

Pulling her close, Arc kisses Ember’s forehead gently. Blushing, she recovers her faculties and leans in to plant a kiss of her own on Arc’s lips. Stroking her cheek, Arc makes no attempt to break the kiss for some time. Eventually Ember leans back and grins as she looks him in the eye.

“That… was amazing!”

“Feel better now?”

Ember nods fervently. “Like I could take my dad’s place right now!”

“That’s good.”

“Um… but I did notice that you didn’t pull back. Does that mean that you finally have… feelings for me?”

“I’ve always cared about you, Ember.”

“But more so now?”

“Yeah. That kiss… it just felt right.”

Ember smiles slyly as a claw runs down Arc’s cheek. “Want to do more to me?”

Arc shakes his head. “Let’s not. After all, there’s a lot to do tomorrow.”

Ember groans. “And here I thought we’d finally get down to it.”

“Down to what?”

“You know.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, I do.”

“Look… I love you and you just admitted that you love me. What’s stopping us from expanding on that?”

“At the moment, my energy levels.”

Ember frowns. “Fine. But I’m going to do some serious snuggling tonight.”

Arc chuckles as Ember hops on top of him and lays down on his chest.

“Alright. Goodnight, Ember.”

“Night.”

The pair sleep through the remainder of the night. As the first rays of dawn stream through the window the ship reaches Canterlot airspace. Touching down with a light bump, they awaken and sit up. Ember looks around groggily.

“Morning already?”

“Yup. You can keep sleeping if you’d like though.”

Ember shakes her head as she stands. “No thanks. I’d rather join you.”

Arc chuckles as he starts the sun on its daily journey. “Suit yourself. But I don’t think my day’s going to be all that interesting.”

Ember points a claw at the crystal in the corner. “Shouldn’t we start with testing that… thing out though?”

“Yes, I suppose so. However I can’t really think of anyone we could…”

His earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We were given a message by the control tower when we landed.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“The Griffon Kingdom’s ambassador has asked to see you immediately upon your return.”

“Lady Ashe? What about?”

“Unknown, sir. That was all. Shall I relay anything back?”

“Send a messenger to inform her that I’ll come see her directly.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

Severing the connection, he turns to Ember.

“Wonder what she wants.”

Ember chuckles. “If you recall, she was the one whom got the drop on Decimus in the Audience Chamber.”

“What about it?”

“Well, she can’t be all bad then.”

Arc frowns. “Knowing Ashe, she has some kind of ulterior motive.”

“Like what?”

“I wish I knew.”

“So… do we just head over to her room, or what?”

“Probably should get this out of the way. The only problem is that I don’t actually know where her room is.”

“We could get directions from a guard.”

“I guess. You ready?”

“Yup.”

“Then let’s go.”

Leaving his quarters, the pair head to the Main Hatch. Ember turns to Arc.

“What about the others?”

“I’m going to let them sleep. They all need it.”

Heading out onto the deck, Arc spots a Royal Guard patrol and waves them down. They hurry over and salute.

“Sir?!”

“I need to see Ambassador Ashe. Can you show me to her room?”

“Yes sir. However at this hour she’s usually flying around the castle.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Exercise, she says. However she will be returning to her quarters after that.”

Arc nods. “Lead the way.”

Following the patrol they eventually come to a large door. The guard motions to it.

“This is Ambassador Ashe’s room, sir. Shall we announce you?”

Arc shakes his head. “That will not be necessary. Return to your duties.”

Saluting, the guards leave as Arc turns to the door. Ember looks to him.

“Should we knock?”

“Nah.”

Entering, Arc looks around a few moments before stepping inside and motioning for Ember to do the same. They see a lavish room complete with all the comforts one could imagine. Ember frowns.

“Why the heck does she get a nicer room than you?!”

“Ashe is used to elaborate and decadent surroundings. It’s a noble thing.”

“And you?”

“Utilitarian more or less.”

He walks over to a couch and puts a hand on it before turning back to Ember.

“That and if things are this nice, you’ll always be too afraid of them getting damaged to actually enjoy them.”

Ember frowns. “So… what do we do?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “We wait.”

“How about we sit on the…?”

Arc grins. Sure. Let’s get Ashe’s couch ‘dirty’.

They sit down and rest. A short time later the sound of flapping wings reaches them as Ashe lands nimbly on the stone balcony guardrail. Hopping down, she makes her way inside and gasps at the sight before her.

“What are you two DOING?!”

Arc shrugs. “Sitting.”

“Do you have ANY idea just how much that couch COSTS?! You have to use the cushion protectors!”

Arc turns to Ember as they stand. “See?”

“Now I understand.”

Arc turns to Ashe and sighs.

“I’m told you wanted to see me about something.”

“Yes, I did.”

“This isn’t going to be like our previous conversation, is it?”

Ashe thinks as she speaks. “I don’t… no, no it won’t be.”

“Good.”

“In all honesty, I… was kinda hoping you would do… something for me.”

“Something?”

Ashe nods as she gestures out the window with a talon. “Yes. As you know, I was appointed to my current position by Princess Celestia herself. However with her and Decimus being ousted, I’m not really sure if I’m even still supposed to be here.”

Ember frowns. “And you want him to do what exactly?”

“Today I’m planning to plead my case before Princess Twilight. It would be helpful to have you… vouch for me.”

“In what way?”

“I’d like to remain the ambassador to your country.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Might I ask why?”

“Right. You’re not exactly the type to do something without wanting the favor returned.

“As you no doubt saw, I just returned from a flight around the city. Or more accurately… over it.”

Ember scoffs. “But isn’t that normal for a griffon?”

Ashe shakes her head. “It really isn’t. You see, back home in the Griffon Kingdom, I’m seldom alone. That and there’s no way I would ever be able to just fly around the city unguarded as I do here.”

Arc nods soberly. “You’re a prisoner there.”

“So I’m beginning to see, yes.”

Ember turns to Arc. “She did help us overthrow Decimus in the Audience Chamber.”

“That’s another thing I’ve been meaning to ask you, Ashe. Why did you do that?”

“Because I love this land, and want to see it remain free. Many of the policies enacted by Princess Celestia and Hero of Light Decimus were frighteningly similar to those in place back in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ember nods soberly. “And you didn’t want to see that happen here?”

“No, I don’t. That’s why I’d like to stay here where everyone is free and relatively safe from the talons of the governing bodies.”

Arc thinks for a moment before speaking. “Tell you what, Ashe. If you’ll agree to a little experiment with the Ember and myself, I’ll consider putting in a good word for you.”

“What about…?”

“You and I both know who you really are. What reason do I have to trust you at this point?”

Ashe sighs and nods. “Understood. Will the experiment be painful?”

“No. I only wish to test a magical item’s properties.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad. Very well, I accept.”

“Fine. This way please.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal. Leading Ashe and Ember through it, they reappear back in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Gesturing to the couch Arc walks over to the crystal in the corner.

“Have a seat and we’ll get started.”

Doing so, he puts the gem back in his ring and walks over to stand in front of Ashe with Ember.

“Now then… um… do you like living in the castle here in Canterlot?”

“Very much so, yes.”

“Do you have any problems with anyone here?”

Ashe appears confused. “Problems?”

“I mean, does anyone get on your nerves?”

Ashe turns away nervously. “Well… I… shouldn’t really say.”

She puts a talon to her forehead as Arc lays his ring hand on her shoulder.

“It’s okay. You can tell me.”

“I… feel a bit… funny.”

“That’s normal. Now then… about my question.”

“Celestia.”

Ember appears surprised. “The princess?”

Ashe nods. “Yes. She was wearing quite the façade.”

Arc frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Everything about her screams cold and calculating. Like the nobles back in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Really?”

“Yes. She and Decimus really are similar in that regard. Frankly, your country is better off without him or her leading them.”

“And Celestia?”

“You would do well to find and kill her.”

“Would I?”

Ashe nods. “Yes. Then you could take the land and rule it unopposed, sir.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “An interesting idea. Tell me, would you be willing to help me achieve that goal?”

“I would, sir. You would do well upon the throne, I’m sure.”

“What about after I took over? Would you like to serve me?”

“Yes, sir. Any task given to me would be carried out with all due haste.”

“Very good. What position should I give you in my administration?”

“I would like to serve as ambassador, as I do now.”

“And if I want you to serve in another capacity, would you also do that?”

“Without question, sir.”

“How about a maid?”

Ashe appears confused. “Sir?”

“I’d like to see you cleaning the castle every day. Would that be acceptable to you?”

“Yes sir. I will serve you in whatever position you desire.”

“Very good. Why don’t you show me just how dedicated you are?”

“What would you like to see me do?”

Arc points to the bathroom. “Clean my toilet.”

Ashe nods and stands. “Yes sir.”

Arc and Ember follow Ashe to the bathroom. Opening a cabinet she removes the proper cleaners and gets to work. Nodding, Arc smiles at her.

“Be sure to get every little spot clean. Even in back.”

Ashe nods as she works. “Yes… I shall not fail you, master.”

The pair watch as the griffon carefully cleans the toilet. As she finishes the task Ashe turns to him nervously.

“Your toilet is now clean, master.”

“Oh? I think you missed a spot in back.”

Ashe looks under the toilet and rubs it vigorously with a cleaning rag. “Forgive me, sir!”

Arc chuckles. “Still there.”

“I’m sorry, sir! This is the best I can do!”

“Should you still be kept in your position if you can’t do something as simple as clean?”

Ashe gasps and bows with her face to the floor. “No, master! But I will serve you for the rest of my life! Or if you wish, please take my life now!”

“Return to the couch now and sit.”

Ashe hurries past him to comply. Sitting down, she turns back to him.

“What would you have your servant do now, master?”

“You will close your eyes and sleep. However when you awaken you will remember nothing of our conversation here.”

Closing her eyes, Ashe does as she it told. Her breathing slows and becomes rhythmic. Ember turns to Arc.

“That was amazing!”

Arc looks down at his ring and frowns. “Yeah. That spoiled brat would’ve done whatever I told her to.”

“Are you certain she wasn’t faking?”

“Positive. Ashe would NEVER have agreed to do such a dirty job as cleaning a toilet. At least not without gagging and great amounts of protesting.”

“That crystal really works!”

“So it would seem.”

“You should report this right away!”

“Agreed.”

Ember points a claw at Ashe. “Uh… what do we do with her?”

“I have an idea.”

Removing the crystal, he places it back in the corner before walking over to Ashe and gently shaking her.

“Ashe? Wake up.”

Slowly opening her eyes, she looks around.

“What… happened?”

“We were looking at a magical item and you got a bit bored, I guess.”

Ashe sighs. “I must’ve nodded off.”

Putting a talon to her head she sighs.

“Don’t… remember anything.”

“Well, you held up your end of the bargain. I’ll tell Princess Twilight that she should consider your case.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. But the rest is up to you.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc. When will you speak to the princess?”

“Right now.”

“I appreciate you being so prompt.”

“Yes well… you helped me, and now I shall help you.”

Standing, she slowly walks toward the door and out it. As Ashe leaves the room Ember grins at Arc.

“That went well.”

“Yup. Now then, let’s go see Twilight.”

Grabbing the crystal, he shoves it into his ring again before turning and opening a portal. The pair step through and find themselves in his room in Canterlot Castle. Ember looks down at the portal.

“Good thing you put this back, huh?”

“Yup. Saves a lot of walking.”

Leaving the room, the pair head down the corridor. Entering the Audience Chamber he sees Twilight and her friends just sitting down. They smile as he approaches them. Rarity is the first to speak.

“Arc! You’re back!”

Pinkie looks him up and down happily. “Safely too by the looks of it!”

Applejack chuckles. “I knew Decimus would be no match for you, sugarcube.”

Fluttershy looks around nervously. “Yes, well… he IS dead, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not likely. He’ll be back soon enough.”

Rainbow Dash takes up a fighting stance. “Can I take him on next time?!”

Ember frowns. “I don’t think you’d be able to keep him in the ground any better than Arc here.”

“What if you and I teamed up then! We’d be unstoppable!”

“Uh… maybe another time.”

Arc clears his throat loudly as he turns to Twilight. “Yes, well… there’s been a complication.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“This.”

Removing the crystal from his ring, he sets it down on the floor before them. Twilight frowns.

“It looks just like the one in my history books.”

Rarity pokes at it cautiously with a hoof. “So this can really… make slaves of ponies?”

Arc nods. “Yes, it can.”

Applejack gasps. “How can a rock do that though?!”

Ember shrugs. “No idea. But we’ve already tested it twice now.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Tested?”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “I… accidently took control of Ember here.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Accidently?”

Fluttershy takes a step back. “But I thought she was your friend!”

Ember nods. “I am. However when Arc accidently used the crystal on me, well… things got kinda hazy after that.”

“She was completely under my power, yes. However as soon as I stopped ‘using’ the crystal she returned to normal.”

Twilight grimaces as she looks at the crystal. “Perhaps you should keep that in your ring then, Arc.”

“I tried that.”

Ember sighs. “Yeah. That’s when I became mesmerized.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my. This is quite the problem. Can you control it, Arc?”

“To a degree, yes. Just to be sure this really was the case, I tested it on Lady Ashe a short time ago.”

Applejack gasps. “How?!”

“My communications officer received a message that she wanted to see me upon my return. I agreed to ask Twilight to see her in exchange for her helping me test the crystal’s capabilities.”

Twilight nods. “How did it go?”

“First she started calling me ‘sir’. Then started telling me how she really felt on certain… sensitive issues.”

Rarity’s eyes light up. “Such as…?”

“How she really feels about Princess Celestia.”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “She’s a meanie!”

Applejack sighs. “That may be true. But she’s still Twilight’s friend and teacher.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, indeed. Uh… how does Lady Ashe feel about her?”

“She believes that Celestia was putting up a false front when they met.”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “Probably was.”

Ember taps the crystal with a claw. “In any case, we can’t leave this gem in Arc’s ring. He’ll just keep mentally dominating others.”

“Right.”

Fluttershy gasps. “But where could we store it?”

Applejack groans. “The Royal Armory can’t be opened with just one princess.”

Pinkie raises a hoof happily. “Couldn’t Princess Cadance come here and help Twilight open it?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “I don’t know the spell required and Cadance doesn’t have time to teach me.”

Rarity sighs. “Then what can we do?”

Ember turns to Arc. “Is there a secure location in the Crystal Empire?”

“There has to be something over there.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Cadance does indeed have a safe, yes. Shall I call and ask her if we can use it to temporarily store this crystal, Arc?”

“Yes please. The sooner the better.”

Nodding, Twilight’s horn glows as she pulls the emergency transmitter out from behind a nearby curtain. Pressing a few buttons, Cadance and Shining Armor’s visage appears shortly thereafter.

“Good morning, Twilight.”

“Is everything alright over there?”

Twilight waves nervously. “Hi, you two. Um… kinda not, no.”

Pinkie nods frantically. “We need help securing something dangerous!”

Arc holds up the crystal. “I took a relic from Decimus that can be used to enslave others.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “And you want to secure it now, right?”

Applejack appears hopeful. “Do you think you could help us out, Princess Cadance?”

“Of course. Why don’t I pop over there and teach you the spell to open the vault, Twilight?”

“N-now?!”

“Yes. After all, that item does sound very dangerous.”

Rarity turns to her friend. “It’s probably for the best that you learn how to do this, Twilight.”

“But… but what would Princess Celestia say?!”

Cadance sighs. “Twilight, you’re forgetting that you’re a princess now too. Aunt Celestia would want you to have the skills necessary to fulfil your duties.”

Shining Armor smiles with evident pride. “She’s right, Twilight. You’re in charge over there now as well.”

“Well… I suppose that’s true.”

“Shining Armor and I can take a portal directly to the Audience Chamber if you’d like.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You can?”

Cadance nods. “Yes. It’s part of our Alicorn Magic.”

Twilight giggles. “Sounds like I have a lot to learn then.”

“Someday when there’s time, yes.”

Shining Armor looks to his sister. “Shall we pop over there now, Twily?”

“Yes, please.”

Cadance stands. “Okay. We’ll let the guards know we’re leaving and be right over.”

Shining Armor waves. “See you soon.”

The visage vanishes as Pinkie pushes the set back where it came from. A few minutes later a portal opens in the middle of the room. Cadance and Shining Armor step out and turn toward the throne. Twilight stands and runs over to them happily.

“Cadance! Shining Armor!”

Embracing in a three way hug, they share a moment as Arc and the others watch and nod to one another. Eventually Cadance turns to her friend.

“That throne suits you, Twilight.”

Shining Armor nods. “It really does.”

“I’m sure Aunt Celestia would agree if she were here.”

“How are you acclimating to your new position?”

Twilight sighs. “It’s all so… overwhelming at times. I’m lucky to have Arc here to advise me on what to do.”

Cadance looks out the window. “All of us will have to get together over tea sometime to talk about it. But right now we all have a very busy schedule.”

Twilight nods. “You’re right. Let’s get moving.”

Arc and Shining Armor lead the procession. Cadance and Twilight are quickly surrounded by the other mares with Ember bringing up the rear. As they leave the Audience Chamber the ponies waiting outside quickly step aside and bow respectfully. A number of Royal Guards moves to surround the mares and turns to Cadance.

“Where shall we escort you and your entourage, your highness.”

Shining Armor frowns. “That question should be addressed to Princess Twilight. She’s the monarch in charge here.”

“My apologies.”

He turns to Twilight before continuing.

“Where shall we escort you, your highness?”

“To the vault, please.”

Nodding, the stallion motions to his troops to follow them. Twilight looks at the crystal in Arc’s hands.

“I still don’t understand how Arc was able to use this crystal while it was in his ring.”

Ember frowns. “Right. I mean, it didn’t have any power going to it at the time.”

Cadance looks to the gem. “It’s possible that it did.”

Arc appears confused. “Oh?”

“As you know, your ring is the gateway to a private pocked dimension, Arc. A doorway, if you will.”

Rarity appears confused. “What does that have to do with it, Princess Cadance?”

“Doors open both ways, do they not?”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Are you saying that he was the power source?!”

“Or the dimensional power of his ring, yes.”

Twilight giggles. “An interesting theory, Cadance. One that I’d like to investigate further when there’s time.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Trust me, Twilight. This is one mystery that we shouldn’t try to uncover.”

Arc nods. “Right. I don’t want this thing to see the light of day until we’re ready to properly destroy it.”

Arriving at the large metal door the guards, and Arc’s friends, respectfully step back and form a perimeter around it. Cadance motions for Twilight to approach with her.

“This door is actually very simple to open with the right spell, Twilight.”

“Can you teach it to me?”

Cadance giggles. “You already know it.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I do?”

“Yes. As a princess, you now have Alicorn Magic.”

“How do I use it?”

“A more in depth explanation will have to wait for another day I’m afraid. Right now let’s just teach you the basics. First, clear your mind.”

“How?”

“Let it go blank.”

“Okay.”

“Now then, focus your energies into a beam. While you cast it at the receptacle concentrate on your duty to Equestria.”

“Um… how will that…?”

Shining Armor interrupts her. “Just listen to Cadance, Twilight.”

Twilight sighs. “Alright. Here goes.”

Twilight does as Cadance suggested as the elder alicorn casts her own spell. A few moments later the door swings open slowly. Gasping, Twilight grins as her friends surround her. Pinkie jumps up and down happily.

“I knew you could do it!”

Applejack nods with pride. “Darn right!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Twilight can do ANYTHING!”

Fluttershy looks to the gem nervously. “Yes, indeed. Now then, let’s get this thing put away.”

Rarity shudders. “Agreed. That thing is creepy.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Yeah.”

Shining Armor turns to join the guards. “I’ll remain out here with the others.”

Cadance smiles. “Thank you. We won’t be long.”

Arc enters the vault with Cadance and Twilight. Pointing a hoof at a nearby shelf, Cadance speaks.

“This would be a good spot.”

“Alright.”

Setting the large crystal on the shelf, he turns back to the others.

“Mission accomplished.”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not quite.”

Twilight appears confused. “Cadance?”

“There is something we need from here first.”

Walking over to a cabinet, Cadance sighs as she turns back to the pair.

“Do either of you know what is in here?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Princess Celestia didn’t let me in here very often.”

Arc shrugs. “And I’ve only been in here with you and Luna.”

Cadance puts a hoof on the cabinet. “I myself have only ever seen what’s in here once. But I know that Arc should have it.”

“Me?”

Cadance nods. “Yes, Arc. It should prove invaluable to you in the future.”

Stepping forward, Arc puts a hand on the ornately carved wood. Looking to Cadance, she nods. Opening the door with a slight creak, they all peer inside. On a large silk pillow lies an ornate shield. Twilight gasps.

“What… is it?”

Cadance sighs. “Something Aunt Celestia commissioned long ago. What for I don’t know.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is it… magical?”

Cadance giggles. “Quite the opposite actually. This shield absorbs it.”

Twilight gasps. “But that isn’t possible.”

“Are you so sure, Twilight? Try pulling it to yourself with a Telekinesis Spell.”

Nodding, Twilight turns her horn toward the shield. She attempts to pick it up, but fails.

“Incredible!”

Arc touches the shield’s face. “It appears exquisitely made certainly. But at the same time doesn’t appear to have ever been used.”

Cadance smiles. “Well, I think you should change that, Arc.”

“Me?”

Cadance nods soberly. “Yes. You’ll need something to even the odds against Aunt Celestia when next you two meet. This shield is fully capable of absorbing any spell levied against it. Including Alicorn Magic.”

Twilight grimaces. “Cadance?!”

“He needs to be prepared.”

“But…!”

Cadance interrupts her. “It’s what Aunt Celestia would want, Twilight."

“I… suppose so.”

Arc nods as he picks up the shield and turns to Cadance.

“Thank you. I’ll use it well.”

Cadance smiles weakly as she gestures to the door. “Yes, Arc. I’m sure you will.”

Chapter 8 - A Special Treat

Later that evening, Arc lays on his bed in his royal raiments. He stares up at the high ceilings as he waits. A knock on the door rings out and Hammer walks in along with Ember and Scootaloo. Ember is the first to speak.

“Looks like you’re ready.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah.”

Scootaloo looks him over. “Very nice, Big Brother.”

Arc sits up at the sound of the small filly’s voice and looks to her.

“Scootaloo?! What are you doing here?!”

Scootaloo sighs. “Decimus sent me out to gather intel on the state of affairs here in Equestria.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean…?”

“He had the same idea you did!”

Ember laughs. “Using her as a spy, that is.”

Hammer chuckles. “Sneaky.”

Arc tousles her mane. “I guess.”

Scootaloo clears her throat and attempts to change the subject. “What’s with the getup there, Big Brother?”

“These are just my royal raiments. Not sure why exactly you told me to wear these, Ember.”

“You’ll want to look your best for tonight, Arc.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “But for what?”

“I think I know why. But I’m still waiting for the final confirmation before rushing to a conclusion.”

Hammer grins. “You’ll just have to trust us.”

“Oh, I am.”

Ember appears confused. “Then what’s the problem?”

Arc sighs. “Nothing really. I’m… just not much for surprises. Especially after what’s happened in the past.”

Scootaloo tilts her head to one side. “Big Brother?”

“Surprises just kinda remind me of what happened to Cherry nowadays.”

Hammer looks suddenly nervous. “So… we shouldn’t be doing this?”

Arc looks out the window at the setting sun. “It’s okay, I guess. After all, I can’t live in the past forever. Cherry wouldn’t want that. Speaking of which, how’s she doing in New Ponyville, Ember?”

“I’m told very well. The orphans all really like her. Probably even more so now that she has Eidolon’s Ward full time.”

“So she’s happy over there?”

Hammer points to the sigil in the middle of the floor. “Why don’t you just go see for yourself one of these days?”

“I’d love to, of course. But I’m just always so busy.”

“She probably misses you, Arc.”

“And I’ve missed having her in my head. But at the same time she deserves the freedom to choose her own path. Not just sit in my head and be forced to do and see what I want to. That and if she’s happy over there I don’t want to be the one to take her away from all that.”

Scootaloo smiles. “That’s really nice of you, Big Brother.”

Ember looks to the clock. “Yeah. Um… but in any case we should be going.”

Hammer grins. “It’s almost time.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I still don’t get what’s going on.”

Ember motions to Scootaloo. “We’ll explain it to you. Come on, Scarlet Filly.”

Scootaloo shrugs as she follows the pair out the door. Arc stands and walks over to the balcony door to look outside. Gazing at the sunset before him he smiles slightly as he muses to himself.

“Guess I’ll just have to wait and see exactly what they have planned for me. And if what Ember said is to be believed, which I do, I won’t have long to wait.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Chuckling, Arc walks toward it as he talks to no one in particular.

“I wonder whom that could be.”

Reaching the door, he opens it to find Rarity standing there with a large smile on her face. The colorful sunset shining through the windows behind her strike Arc as being just perfect. After a few moments of silence she speaks.

“Good evening, Arc. Might I come in?”

“Oh! Um… yes, of course.”

Stepping aside to allow the mare into the room Arc closes the door behind her and turns to face his guest.

“So what brings you here tonight, Rarity?”

“Well, you do remember how we all agreed that you needed to take periodic breaks, correct?”

“Um… kinda.”

“Well… the girls and I have planned a little relaxation for you tonight in honor of all you’ve done for both Equestria and us.”

Arc chuckles. “Have you now?”

“Yes indeed. And I believe that you’ll be most happy with what we have picked out for you.”

“I look forward to it.”

Rarity motions to the door. “Are you ready?”

“Sure. Let’s do it.”

“My, you’re anxious tonight! Now then, all that’s left to do is to fetch your evening’s companion.”

Arc appears surprised. “But isn’t that you?”

Rarity giggles. “Perhaps another time, Arc.”

“I’m confused.”

“Remember, you and I have probably spent more time together than everypony else combined.”

“Oh… I just thought…”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “Sorry. I was under the impression that you were planning some kind of date for you and I tonight.”

“Originally I was. However I also want to share you with the others. And the best way to do that is to allow you to get to know all of them more intimately.”

“So who did you six settle on?”

Rarity smiles. “It was actually ten. Ember and Hammer wanted in on this as well.”

Arc groans. “Oh boy. How did that go?”

“We eventually decided to just draw straws on the matter to settle it.”

She gestures to the door with a hoof before continuing.

“And the one whom drew the longest straw is waiting for you behind that very door right now.”

“I see. Well, I probably shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

He takes a step toward the door as Rarity runs to stand between him and it.

“Wait!”

“Rarity?”

“Let me leave first. I want to look her over beforehoof. Make sure everything is perfect before I head back to my room and you two get underway.”

“Oh. Um… okay.”

Rarity giggles as she trots to the door. “She’ll knock when ready.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Rarity leaves the room as Arc sits down on the couch. He nods and smiles sadly.

“Really thought it would be a date with Rarity. But I suppose she is right about one thing. If we’re going to form a herd I need to get to know the others too. Still wonder whom they picked though. Well… I suppose there really is no way to know for certain since they were chosen at random.”

Several minutes later there is a knock at the door. Standing, Arc straightens his raiments and glances in the mirror for a moment before walking over to the door. Taking a deep breath, he opens it.

Before him stands Fluttershy in a beautiful green dress draped over her back. Its hem has a row of silk flowers sewn onto it with a blue sash laid over the mare’s backside for decoration. A butterfly choker holds the dress in position and matches her earrings perfectly. He notices that Fluttershy’s mane has been meticulously brushed and adorned with silk flowers held strategically in place by barrettes. Green slippers adorn her hooves with yellow tight fitting silk stockings. Patterns of vines snaking up the stockings help pull the entire outfit together. Arc gasps at the sight.

“I, um… Fluttershy?”

She smiles nervously and turns her head to ‘hide’ her face behind her mane as she speaks softly.

“May… I come in?”

“Yes, of course.”

Arc steps aside to allow her to slowly enter the room. Although clearly nervous, Fluttershy moves with an elegance Arc hadn’t noticed before. Or perhaps it was just to prevent her knees from shaking. She comes to the center of the room and turns back to face Arc as he closes the door.

“Do I… look okay to you?”

Arc nods. “Very! You look amazing!”

Fluttershy turns away slightly at the compliment as she blushes. “Th-thank you.”

“I… admit that I don’t really have anything planned for tonight, so…”

“That’s alright. Rarity took care of everything already.”

“She did?”

Fluttershy nods as she reaches into her mane. Pulling out a small card she gives it to Arc sheepishly.

“Sorry. I didn’t really have anywhere to put this, so Pinkie just kinda… shoved it in there.”

Arc chuckles as he accepts the card. “That does sound like something she’d do.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously as Arc looks it over. He nods as he reads.

“It’s an itinerary.”

“A… what now?”

“It’s a schedule of things to do.”

“Oh! Um… that… should help.”

“It says here that Twilight has ordered a carriage to be waiting for us on the castle drawbridge at 7:00.”

Fluttershy looks to the clock. “That’s in ten minutes.”

Arc nods. “Right. We should probably get going then.”

“Um… okay.”

Opening the door for her, Arc and Fluttershy make their way down the corridor toward the main entrance. As they arrive the pair spot a royal carriage waiting for them. A stallion opens the carriage door and turns to Fluttershy with his hoof extended respectfully.

“Madame.”

Shakily giving him her hoof, he gently steadies the mare as she enters the carriage. Following her, Arc sits down across from Fluttershy whom is wringing her hooves nervously. The stallion turns to Arc from the doorway.

“Where would you like to eat, sir?”

Arc turns to Fluttershy. “Anywhere special you’d like to go?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “Anywhere is fine with me.”

“There are any number restaurants, sir. Shall I pick one for you?”

“That will not be necessary. Take my date and I to ‘The Tasty Treat’.”

The stallion looks confused. “Where, sir?”

“It’s just off of Restaurant Row.”

“Forgive me, but I’m not familiar with that establishment.”

“Do you have a map?”

“Yes sir.”

Reaching into his coat the stallion produces a folded map. Opening it he looks it over carefully before turning it to Arc.

“I don’t see it on here, sir. Perhaps you are mistaken?”

“Trust me, it’s there.”

Looking over the map, Arc points to a spot next to what is labeled as an alley.

“Tell those pulling the carriage to take us here.”

“Yes sir. I’ll do that at once.”

Closing the door, he walks over to the other stallions. Explaining the situation to them they nod and get underway. Arc turns back to Fluttershy as they begin to move.

“And we’re off.”

“Y-yes, we are.”

“Nervous?”

Fluttershy nods shyly. “I am. This is actually my first date.”

Arc smiles at her. “Well… if it makes you feel any better, think about it this way. Tonight is my first date with you too.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin. “That… kinda makes sense. But it doesn’t help me know what do to.”

“Just enjoy yourself.”

“How?”

“Let’s just take it one step at a time, okay? After all, a good meal is a perfect way to start things off on the right foot.”

“Oh… okay.”

Sometime later they arrive at their destination. The stallion from before unhitches himself and walks over to open the carriage door. Bowing as he does so, he turns to Arc.

“Your destination, sir.”

“Thanks.”

He helps Fluttershy down as the stallion looks to him.

“Shall we wait here for you, sir?”

“Yes, please.”

Fluttershy gasps. “But isn’t it a bit too cold for standing around, Arc?”

“Agreed. You four can wait inside the carriage if you’d like. I think I saw some blankets overhead.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Extending his arm to her, Fluttershy nervously takes it as they walk down the narrow street. She gasps as the sound of dripping water rings out loudly nearby. Arc looks down to her and smiles.

“Not to worry. I’ll keep you safe.”

Gulping, Fluttershy nods in agreement. A few minutes later they come to their destination. Arc opens the door and escorts his date inside as a bell rings out overhead. Looking around, they see several other groups gathered around various tables. Coriander Cumin hurries out of the kitchen to greet them. Gasping at the sight of Arc, he bows respectfully.

“Welcome back to ‘The Tasty Treat, sir! Can I show you and your friend to the private dining area?”

Arc shakes his head. “Oh, I wouldn’t want you to have to go to all that…”

Fluttershy squeezes Arc’s hand lightly. Looking down at her, she nods fearfully. Arc turns back to Coriander Cumin.

“On second thought, I believe that would make my date much more comfortable.”

Coriander Cumin motions with a hoof. “Right this way, sir.”

Leading the pair into a dimly lit room, he walks over to a small table in the center. Lighting the candles in the middle of the table, Arc pulls back a chair and looks to Fluttershy.

“Have a seat.”

Fluttershy nods and slowly walks over to the chair. Carefully sitting down, she allows Arc to push the chair forward slightly before sitting down across from her. Coriander Cumin smiles at them.

“Can I start you two off with some drinks?”

“Fluttershy?”

“Huh?”

“Are you thirsty?”

“I… I am, actually.”

Coriander Cumin smiles at her. “We have water and a number of juices, miss.”

“Can I… have some apple juice please?”

“Yes, ma’am. And for you, sir?”

Arc folds his hand as he looks his date in the eye. “Make that two.”

“Right away, sir.”

The stallion leaves the room but returns shortly with two glasses of apple juice along with menus.

“Forgive me, but I forgot to bring these with us from the front.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine.”

“I’ll let you look them over for a bit.”

Fluttershy nods shyly. “Thank you.”

As he leaves the room, the stallion closes the door behind him. Fluttershy yelps and jumps slightly as it clicks shut.

“Are you okay?”

Fluttershy nods fervently. “Y-yes. Like I said, I’m just a bit nervous. Sorry about that.”

“No need to apologize for it. I know you’ve always been a bit… timid.”

“Sorry.”

“Actually, I was quite surprised when you voiced a desire to join the theoretical herd.”

Fluttershy appears surprised. “You… you were?”

Arc nods. “Yes. In truth, I didn’t really know you were interested in me.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously and blushes. “Honestly I’ve always thought you were… interesting. But after you spared that Ursa Minor’s life at the peace summit, well… I knew I wanted to get to know you better.”

“Well, feel free to ask me anything you’d like.”

“Honestly?”

“Sure. Whatever you want to know.”

“Okay. Um… I need an honest opinion about something.”

“What is it?”

“What do you think of my dress?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Think?”

“Do you believe it’s… overdone?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. In fact, I think you look absolutely amazing in it!”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “R-really?”

“Yes! I mean, you’ve always been really pretty to me. But that dress really draws out your natural beauty.”

“While I thank you for saying so, I’m not really much for dressing up. I’m actually much more comfortable with nothing on.”

“Oh! Well… if you’d feel better, you can certainly slip out of that dress.”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “Oh, no. Rarity worked far too hard on this to do that. That and I… really do like looking my best for you.”

“Alright. Whatever makes you comfortable.”

Fluttershy glances at the menu. “That just leaves the problem of what to order.”

“What kind of things do you eat?”

Fluttershy looks away nervously. “Oh, you know. Pretty much the same things everypony else eats.”

“Then I think you’d like pretty much anything on the menu. Uh… how do you feel about spicy food?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “I don’t really like that. Uh… unless that’s what you want to order, I mean. This is also my first time eating at a restaurant.”

“Really?”

“Yes. You see, my parents were very poor when I was growing up in Cloudsdale. “

Coriander Cumin returns with an order pad.

“Now then, have you two decided on what you’d like to eat?”

Fluttershy smiles weakly. “Well, I… um…”

Arc points to the menu. “Can we get two of these sampler platters, please? My date is rather unsure of what to eat.”

Coriander Cumin nods as he writes. “Yes sir. Coming right up.”

He takes the menus and hurries out of the room. Fluttershy appears relieved.

“Thank you, Arc. Truthfully I didn’t really know what to say.”

“Yes, I could see that. You weren’t kidding when you said you never went out to eat, huh?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Things like that weren’t something my parents could afford.”

“I see. So you never once went out?”

“No. The best they could do was take-out. And even that was only on somepony’s birthday, or something equally important.”

“What other occasions were there?”

“Well… when I graduated from school my parents took me to the local ice cream shop for a single cone.”

“What did your parents do for a living?”

“My father works at the Rainbow Factory. He was promoted a few years ago, so he now makes a decent living. And my mother was a stay at home mom. She was always pretty busy taking care of my younger brother, Zephyr Breeze.”

“Taking care of? You mean more than just when he was a colt?”

Fluttershy sighs and nods. “Yes, he’s what one might call… the black sheep of the family.”

“Oh?”

“Zephyr, he… doesn’t really take life seriously. Nor does he stick with any one thing for long.”

“What does he do for a living?”

“He goes through stages. Find a job, earn some money, move out of our parent’s house, quit or get fired, be evicted, and move back in with our parents while he looks for a job to begin the cycle yet again.”

“How long has this been going on?”

“Pretty much his whole adult life. Zephyr probably works harder trying to get others to do his work for him than he would just doing it himself.”

“At least he has a bit of a safety net, what with your parents letting him come back every time.”

Fluttershy groans. “I think that may be the problem.”

“Oh?”

“He knows that every time he gives up my parents will be there to clean his mess up.”

“You may be on to something there.”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Arc. We’re supposed to be having a nice date, and all I’m doing is complaining about my family.”

“I’m glad you did.”

“But why?”

“Because if we form a herd, they’ll be my family too.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin. “I… guess that’s true.”

“While it honestly wasn’t my intention to dig up unpleasant memories, I’m glad you shared that with me nonetheless.”

A short time later Coriander Cumin returns with a cart carrying two large trays of food. He uses his magic and sets them down before the pair with a smile.

“Two variety platters for the lovely couple. Can I get anything else for you two?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thank you. This looks great.”

Fluttershy smiles as she looks over the food before her. “Thank you, sir.”

“Enjoy.”

He leaves the room to allow the pair to eat. Fluttershy sniffs at the food cautiously as Arc chuckles.

“I know it looks a bit strange. But believe me when I say that you’ve never tasted anything quite so flavorful.”

Fluttershy gulps nervously. “I’ll… give it a try.”

Taking a small bite she chews cautiously before gasping happily.

“Amazing!”

Arc nods as he holds up a fork. “I knew you’d like that one. Try this.”

Putting the fork to her lips Fluttershy takes a bite.

“Unbelievable! How have I never heard of this place before?!”

“Their food isn’t exactly well known around Equestria.”

“The girls would love this!”

“Derpy, Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle came here with me once before.”

“Did they like it?”

“Immensely.”

“That’s good. Truth be told, I don’t always eat the best, what with so many animals to care for.”

“Oh really? I wouldn’t have guessed it by looking at you.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Yes! Sometimes I even…!”

Her face suddenly grimaces as she drops her fork onto the plate and stops talking. Arc appears concerned.

“Fluttershy?! Are you okay?!”

“Y-yes. Fine.”

“You sure?”

Fluttershy nods as she silently picks up her utensil and goes back to eating. Sometime later they finish and sit back happily in their chairs.

“That was quite the meal.”

“I agree, Arc.”

Coriander Cumin enters the room with the check. Setting it down, he turns to Arc.

“How was everything?”

“Great, as usual.”

Fluttershy smiles at the proprietor. “Very interesting flavors, sir.”

“I am glad you liked it, miss.”

He turns back to Arc before continuing.

“Forgive me, sir, but will you be paying with bits or shall I send this bill to the castle?”

“I’ll pay for it myself.”

Removing a bag of bits from his ring he sets them on the table before turning to Fluttershy.

“Shall we be off?”

“Yes. Let’s.”

Standing, Arc takes Fluttershy’s hoof and leads her out of the room as Coriander Cumin begins clearing the table. He looks after them and smiles.

“Have a nice evening, you two.”

The pair reach the street and look to the carriage. Arc turns to Fluttershy.

“Is there anything else you’d like to do?”

Fluttershy appears suddenly nervous again. “Nothing in particular, no. Um… did Rarity have any suggestions?”

Arc nods as he pulls the card from his pocket. “She says there’s a performance at the Canterlot Symphony Hall.”

“That sounds nice.”

“Or we could head to Market Avenue. Many of them stay open late for the nobles.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “I’m not much for crowded places.”

“Ah! Here’s one! There’s an indoor nature preserve right here in Canterlot!”

Fluttershy gasps. “I didn’t know that!”

“Want to go see it?”

“Yes indeed!”

Chapter 9 - After Dinner Conversations

As they approach the carriage the stallions hop out and hitch back up. Arc turns to them as he helps Fluttershy inside.

“We’re looking to go to the indoor nature preserve.”

“Very good, sir. We’ll have you there in a few minutes.”

A short ride later they arrive at the large building. Entering, Arc pays the entrance fee and leads Fluttershy inside. She gasps at the large overhead dome.

“It’s so warm!”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll say. Quite a change from the weather outside.”

Fluttershy sees a robin flying through the air and hurries over to it as it lands on a nearby bench.

“Hello there.”

The bird chirps at her happily. They converse for a time before Arc walks over.

“Interesting conversation?”

Fluttershy nods. “Oh, very! This little bird is very happy to be in here!”

“They told you that, eh?”

“Yes. Animals have a language all their own.”

“But you can understand them.”

“That I can. Sadly I’ve never met anypony else whom could though. Well, other than Prince Tugem of the Ogre Nation, that is.”

“He is a rather… interesting individual. I’m told he took you home after the battle at Light’s Hope.”

“Yes, he did.”

She gasps before continuing.

“Was that okay?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Okay?”

“You aren’t… mad at me, are you?”

“No. Why would I be?”

“Well… I was alone with another male after we suggested forming a herd.”

Arc smiles as he puts a hand on her shoulder. “Fluttershy, even if we do form the herd I don’t own you and your friends.”

“Um… I don’t really…”

“What I mean is that you’re free to associate with whomever you want.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! After all, I do want you to be happy.”

Fluttershy smiles as they walk deeper into the facility. “And I want to make you happy too.”

“That’s the first step to a good relationship, you know.”

“It is?”

Arc nods. “Oh yes. After all, it can’t be all one sided. That doesn’t lead anywhere good.”

Fluttershy nods as she muses on this. “That’s how I learned to speak the language of the animals.”

“I don’t understand.”

Fluttershy giggles. “The first thing was that I thought about their feelings above my own. That also helped them to trust me.”

“Trust, huh?”

“Yes. For it to work requires both parties to be in harmony with one another. And that starts with trust.”

“So you think anyone could learn how to talk to animals?”

“Maybe. But I don’t think most ponies would be willing to spend the time to try and learn a creature’s idiosyncrasies.”

“Like what?”

“Think of it like advanced body language. When an animal has something to say they can’t use words like ponies do. So the best they can do is to communicate via signs.”

“Can you give me an example?”

“Sure. When a cat wants to be left alone they sometimes make a hissing sound. Or they could be angry about something else entirely. I’d have to look at the other signs to know for sure before trying to talk to them.”

“Trying?”

“Just because they can talk doesn’t mean they want to all the time. Like a pony, you can’t force them to communicate.”

Arc chuckles. “You mean there isn’t a spell that lets someone talk to animals?”

Fluttershy giggles. “That’s a question better directed to Twilight, of course. But to the best of my knowledge the answer is ‘no’.”

“Or maybe no one has yet figured one out.”

“That’s also equally possible. However even if that were true, it wouldn’t be of use to me as a pegasus.”

“I suppose not.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Maybe you’ll be the first.”

“Anything’s possible.”

“Would you like to try?”

“Sure. I’ll give it a go.”

Fluttershy looks around for a few moments before resting her eyes on a nearby squirrel. Making some strange noises, it runs over to her outstretched hoof. Picking it up she holds the small creature up as Arc kneels down.

“Go ahead, Arc.”

Clearing his throat Arc looks to the squirrel and speaks.

“Um… nice weather, eh?”

The squirrel rolls his eyes and looks to Fluttershy before making a series of squeaks and chirps. The mare gives Arc a pained expression.

“He said something to the effect of sarcasm.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “To the effect of?”

“Not all animal words have a proper pronunciation. I think he believes your patronizing him.”

“But why would I be…?”

“Remember, the weather doesn’t change inside this building.”

Arc facepalms. “Oh… now I do feel a bit silly.”

“That’s fine. Keep trying.”

“Can I attempt the magical solution?”

“Of course.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc closes his eyes and concentrates.

“Hello again. Sorry for the misunderstanding.”

The squirrel raises an eyebrow as Arc continues.

“I’d like to be able to communicate better with all the creatures of the land.”

Fluttershy looks to him. “He wants to know why, Arc.”

“Because in the event of a conflict, communication is sometimes the difference between life and death for a great many.”

Nodding, the squirrel makes a series of clicks and squeaks as he looks to Fluttershy.

“He says you’re on the right track there and you seem very nice, but…”

“…but?”

“This little guy can sense the raw power within you. And it kinda scares him.”

“He can feel my magic?”

Fluttershy nods. “Animals can be very perceptive, Arc. They can sense things that nopony else is able to.”

“Like what?”

“How honest a creature is, for starters. They can sense intentions and emotions to a degree.”

“Interesting. Ask him if I frighten him.”

“He understands you just fine, Arc.”

She listens to the squirrel for a time before speaking.

“He says that he is unsure of what to think. This little guy understands that with a single wave of your hand you could end their life. But at the same time acknowledges that you are unlikely to do so.”

“They can sense that from me how exactly?”

“Scent, tone of voice, body language, etcetera. He’s very curious about one thing though.”

“Oh?”

“How do you contain yourself?”

Arc looks the squirrel in the eye. “Simple. I have to.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Neither he nor I understand.”

“Think about it this way. If I were to go off the deep end it would most likely end with a lot of innocents getting hurt. And that’s not something I want to live with.”

“He has some advice for you, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“Stretch out with your magic.”

“Um… how do I…?”

Fluttershy shrugs. “I’m not really sure. Remember, I don’t have such powers.”

Focusing his power, Arc calls out.

“How’s this?”

A strange voice rings out. “Understand… some?”

Arc hops back, clearly surprised.

“WOAH!”

Fluttershy and the squirrel jump back, clearly startled.

“Arc?!”

Arc points at the squirrel. “I… I heard him!”

Fluttershy gasps. “You did?!”

“Yes! He asked if I understood him!”

“That’s amazing! How did you…?!”

“I just did what he suggested! Focusing my magic, I was able to…!”

The squirrel interrupts with a series of squeaks and squeals. Fluttershy puts a hoof to her forehead.

“No… no that can’t be right.”

“What is it?”

“He says that there was a dim light coming from your chest a few moments ago.”

“Yes, I was using my crystals to amplify my magical power.”

“According to him, only one lit up though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s strange. Usually when I do that they all light up.”

“Can you open your shirt please? I’d like to see for myself.”

Loosening his tunic, Arc opens it to expose the gems as Fluttershy speaks.

“Let’s try again.”

Nodding, Arc concentrates as he again looks to the squirrel.

“Can you understand me?”

“Some… what.”

Arc grins. “Say something.”

“You… amateur.”

“Hey! I’m trying my best here!”

“Chest… stones… glow.”

“They are?”

Fluttershy points a hoof. “He’s right! Look!”

Arc looks down to see the pink gem glowing weakly.

“That’s… new.”

“See if you can put more power into just that one, Arc.”

“I’ll give it a try.”

Concentrating again, he looks to the squirrel.

“How about now?”

“Yes. You speaks ours words well.”

“Do I?”

The squirrel nods. “For new speaker, yes.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Such high praise!”

Arc chuckles. “I’m doing my best.”

“Understood. However nature is… untrusting of most creature’s words. Not willing to listen or talk.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What’s different about me then?”

“You walk with the Mother. She trusts you very much and wants you to take her into your lair in order to…”

Fluttershy gasps. “No!”

Arc turns to her. “Fluttershy?”

“I… I’m sorry.”

The squirrel appears confused. “This one does not understand mother’s hesitancy. It is only natural for living things to desire to…”

“Please stop!”

“Very well, Mother.”

Arc clears his throat. “Um… should we change the subject now?”

Fluttershy nods profusely. “Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes!”

“Do you talk to others?”

“Only those whom are my brethren usually. It is dangerous to talk to those outside of our circle.”

Fluttershy looks to Arc. “He means predators.”

“Makes sense.”

The squirrel turns to Fluttershy. “We are wondering one thing though.”

“What’s that?”

“How did the Great Light go away?”

“I don’t understand.”

Arc frowns. “What ‘Great Light’?”

“Biggest of ponies has left the eye of nature again. None have seen her in some time. Nature is worried.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Mother Nature?”

The squirrel shakes his head. “Mother of ponies give life to the land. Allows food to grow, rain to be falling, peace to be kept.”

Fluttershy gasps. “You mean Princess Celestia?”

“Big white pony, yes.”

Arc looks away nervously. “She’s… a bit out of sorts right now.”

“You help her?”

“I’ll try. But that may not be possible.”

The squirrel appears hopeful. “Prune her?”

Fluttershy grimaces. “I’m not sure that’s a very good idea.”

“Old saying. Sometimes you have to cut away to restore the plant.”

Arc frowns. “So I need to take down Celestia?”

“Hoping’s not. Big pony drip with magical energies. Can’t feeling right now.”

Arc looks through the glass at the castle in the distance. “She’s probably not going outside.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Such a shame. She’s missing the best part of the season.”

The squirrel nods at Arc. “Yes. Great Sleep coming.”

“Great Sleep?”

“World cold. Animals hide and rest until land warm again.”

“What does that have to do with…?”

“We sleep easy knowing large pony watches over everything. Not feel that last season.”

Fluttershy sighs. “So you’d like to see her come back. But at the same time understand that she might need to die?”

“What you call ‘die’ we know as ‘the end’. All creatures great and small come to it at some point.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That makes sense.”

“We ask only one thing. And that you do the best to safeguard white pony.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Fluttershy nods happily. “Yes, you can trust Arc’s word.”

“We believe in you, Mother. But this newcomer is still… new. Not fully trust his scent yet.”

Arc gestures to the foliage. “I’ll prove myself to everyone. Even the creatures of the forest.”

“They will not be trusting you without the Mother by your side.”

Arc grimaces. “To keep her safe, that may not be an issue.”

The squirrel nods. “You can see what needs be done. Now all that is left is to see it through.”

“I’ll do my best.”

They walk around the facility for several hours talking to the squirrel. Eventually Fluttershy yawns.

“I think we should get back soon.”

“Yes. Mother needs to close her eyes and restore herself.”

“Agreed. Would you like to return to the castle, or go somewhere else?”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Where else could we go?”

Arc looks away nervously. “Well…”

“Squirrel will let you get to your mare matters, Mother.”

“Th-thank you.”

He hops away as Arc pulls the itinerary from his pocket and looks it over for a few moments.

“Rarity did have several very nice… hotels listed here.”

“What for?”

Arc blushes slightly. “I think she just wanted to be prepared in case things went… especially well between us.”

“Mating?”

“I guess you could call it that.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Sorry. I’m used to referring to sex that way, what with being surrounded by animals all the time.”

“It’s fine. Let’s head back to the carriage now. I’ll have them take us back to Canterlot Castle.”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… had a really nice time tonight.”

“So did I.”

“That and I don’t really want it to end.”

“Well, we do need some rest.”

“Um… if it’s okay with you… might we head to a… hotel?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You… want to do more?”

Fluttershy blushes fervently. “K-kind of! But I… I know I’m not ready for anything too… intimate yet.”

“Truth be told… I don’t think I am either.”

“Honestly, I’d just like to spend some more time with you. Is that… okay?”

“Sure. I’d like that too.”

Heading back to the carriage, Arc motions to the stallions.

“We’d like to go… uh… here.”

Arc points to a name on the list. The stallion nods as he looks to Arc.

“Sir, might I make a suggestion?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“The princesses have a five star room available to them all times at the Four Season’s Canterlot branch.”

Arc chuckles. “I don’t think any of them would mind if we used it.”

“No, sir.”

“Very well. Take us there.”

Bowing, that stallion grins and returns to his place in front. Directing the others, they arrive at the hotel in short order. After being announced Arc dismisses the carriage before he and Fluttershy are escorted up to the top floor which is actually just one massive suite. Dismissing the concierge, Arc turns to Fluttershy whom is starstruck at the sight before her.

“How’s this?”

“Amazing! But are you sure it’s okay for us to be here?”

“Remember, the only princess still in Canterlot is Twilight. And I don’t see her using this room anytime soon.”

“Well… only if you’re sure.”

“I am.”

“Then why don’t I slip out of this dress?”

Arc blushes. “Huh?”

“I’d hate to damage it. After all, Rarity worked so hard on this.”

“Oh. Uh… I think I’ll do the same. Would you like to use the bathroom first?”

Fluttershy giggles. “I’m guessing a place this big has several.”

“Probably, I suppose.”

Fluttershy walks toward an open door. “Then I’ll see you in a bit.”

The pair go their separate ways. Arc enters a large bathroom and removes his raiments. Putting on some of his normal clothes he looks in the mirror and grins.

“Interesting. I’m actually looking forward to this. Spending the night in a hotel room with a mare.”

Thinking for a moment, he puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully before continuing.

“Although it is a bit strange that Fluttershy asked for this. She’s usually so timid and reserved.”

Shrugging, Arc returns to the main room. Walking over to the fireplace he places some wood in it and casts a spell. A few moments later a roaring fire illuminates the room with a cozy glow. The bathroom door opens and Fluttershy walks out. She smiles sheepishly as Arc turns to face her.

“Feeling better?”

“Much. I do feel more at home in my own skin.”

“Well, you really looked nice in that dress.”

“Thank you, Arc. Um… might I sit down though?”

“Yes, of course.”

Sitting back, he motions for her to join him on the posh rug in front of the fire. Doing so, she stares into it for a long moment before turning to him.

“Arc, I… I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Well… if we’re going to be maybe forming a herd… someday… you need to know one thing about me first.”

“Okay.”

“You see… I…”

Her voice trails off. Arc smiles and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Fluttershy, whatever it is you can tell me. I won’t be upset, or anything.”

“I know. But… I’ve just never told anypony this before.”

“Why not?”

“Because… because it’s just so… vile. You might not want to see me when you hear about it.”

“Do you trust me?”

“More than you know!”

“Then tell me whatever it is you wanted to. I promise that I’ll listen with an open mind.”

“Alright. Here goes.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Do you remember… uh… our conversation during dinner?”

“Which part?”

“When I told you I don’t always eat right.”

Arc nods. “Yes. But what’s wrong with that?”

“Well… some days I’m too tired to cook something proper for myself, so I… I…”

She turns and looks Arc in the eye.

“…sometimes I just… eat my animal’s leftover food.”

“Um… you mean…?”

“Yes. I’ve had cat food, dog food, bird seed, worms, grubs, small animal pellets, and whatever else they didn’t finish.”

She looks away, clearly disgusted with herself.

“You… must think me vile right now. A mare whom eats such things.”

“Not really.”

“Huh?”

“We all have a few quirks, after all.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “So… so you still want to be with me?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?!”

“But it’ll be bad for your reputation to be with a lowly mare like me!”

“I don’t care. You’re an amazing mare, Fluttershy, and I’d be honored to be with you.”

Grinning widely, Fluttershy leaps into Arc’s arms. They embrace for a long time as the only sounds being the fire crackling on the hearth. Eventually, Fluttershy pulls back, smiles, and with a colossal tug pulls Arc down on top of her. The pair look to one another for a long moment nervously. At some point Fluttershy smiles innocently and nods to him. Arc moves in closer to her, feeling her warm breath on his face as he closes his eyes and presses his lips to hers. Fluttershy leans in, wrapping her front hooves around Arc’s neck and moaning lightly. They continue kissing for some time before Arc pulls back.

“Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy lies there and calls out weakly. “Y-yes?”

“You okay?”

“I’m better than all right. That was amazing!”

“First kiss?”

She nods and blushes.

“Thank you for making it special.”

“It was my pleasure. But maybe we should get to bed soon. After all, there’s only about six hours until dawn.”

“While I’d love to lie here and do more, I understand what you mean.”

“Should we each take a room?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “I’d very much like to sleep together. That is, if it’s alright with you.”

“Sure.”

Picking the mare up, he walks Fluttershy to the master bedroom and lays her down. After lying down next to her, Arc puts an arm around her midsection and holds her close before quickly falling asleep. Fluttershy lies awake for some time just listening to his breathing. Sighing, she pats his hand with a hoof.

“Thank you for accepting me as I am, Arc. But please forgive me for keeping certain secrets from you. After all, there are certain things that nopony can ever know.”

Chapter 10 - Proactive Posturing

As the early morning rays of light shine through the window Arc awakens. He looks down to see Fluttershy still in his arms. Looking at the clock and raises a hand to start the sun on its daily journey. Looking back to Fluttershy he gently strokes her mane and back for some time before she awakens, lifts her head, and looks around.

“Where… where am I…?”

“The Four Seasons Hotel.”

She turns to him, nervously.

“Did I do anything… odd last night?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. But then again I was pretty tired and just kinda fell asleep. Sorry about that.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “You’re sorry?”

“Yeah. I had kinda wanted to cuddle with you for a while.”

“Oh?”

“Your mane’s really soft and silky.”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “Thank you. But shouldn’t we get back to the castle?”

“I suppose so. If we don’t, they’ll probably get worried.”

The pair stand up and stretch as Arc calls forth his gauntlet. Opening a portal, he extends a hand to her.

“Ready?”

“Arc?”
“
“Yes?

Motioning for him to come down to her eye level, she looks at him happily for a moment before leaning forward and wrapping her hooves around his neck. They stay like that for a few moments before Fluttershy whispers in his ear.

“Thank you very much for last night. It was absolutely magical.”

Arc nods and continues to hug her.

“I had a great time too.”

Eventually they break off the embrace. Arc takes Fluttershy’s hoof and together they walk through the portal. Reappearing back in his room inside the castle, they head for the door. Arc turns to her.

“The others should be in the Dining Room. Hungry?”

“I am actually. Um… but…”

“Something wrong?”

Fluttershy looks suddenly nervous. “Do you… do you think you could keep what I told you about my diet last night a secret?”

Arc smiles at her. “Sure.”

“Thank you. It’s not something I’m proud of, after all.”

Leaving the room they hurry down the corridor together hand in hoof. Arriving at their destination the guards salute and push the doors open for them. As the pair pass they grin to one another and nod approvingly. The rest of the Mane 6 along with Ember, Hammer, Scootaloo, and Platinum Valve are sitting around the table eating. They smile and stand as the couple walks over to them. Applejack is the first to speak.

“There’s the two lovebirds now!

Rarity giggles as she puts a hoof to her mouth. “We were just talking about you two.”

Pinkie bounces around them. “Have a good time?!”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Of course they did! After all, they stayed out ALL… NIGHT… LONG!”

Twilight clears her throat loudly. “You two look hungry. Please, sit down and we’ll get two more plates.”

She motions to the servants to do so as Arc and Fluttershy sit down. Hammer leans forward.

“Nice time, Arc?”

“Yes, we had a lot of fun.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Arc took me to a very special restaurant and then to an indoor garden!”

Ember frowns. “Indoor… plants?”

Arc nods. “Yup. They keep it warm so that the citizens can enjoy nature all year round.”

“Whatever floats their boats.”

“Fluttershy really liked the animals there.”

“Oh yes! And Arc even learned how to talk to a squirrel!”

Twilight gasps. “Wait, what?!”

Platinum Valve raises an eyebrow. “Is that even… possible?”

Scootaloo grins. “If it could be done, Big Brother would figure it out.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not so much a skill as it was magic though.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I’m not familiar with any spells like that. Can you elaborate, Arc?”

“Yes. Remember these gems in my body?”

Rainbow Dash shudders. “Who could forget your Crystal Poisoning?!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Poisoning?!”

Arc turns to her. “It was a long time ago, Hammer. I’ll tell you all about it later.”

“Darn well better!”

“Well, when I started being able to understand the squirrel, Fluttershy noticed that the pink gem in my chest was glowing through my tunic.”

Rarity gasps. “So you used the power of just one gem?!”

Ember pokes his tunic. “Normally it’s all of them.”

Arc nods. “Right on both accounts.”

Pinkie smiles hugely. “So you’re like Fluttershy now?!”

“Not exactly. She can do it on command without help. I need the aid of this crystal.”

Twilight sighs. “This is a very puzzling situation. If we weren’t going to be so busy, I would have liked to study them again.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “Oh? Did something happen while we were gone?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Kinda.”

Applejack sighs. “We received reports of unrest in Manehattan.”

Hammer nods. “The population is rather split on the events of that night at the Mare Statue.”

Rarity groans. “About half the citizens believe that Arc and the others acted in the best interests of the populace by stopping Decimus and that ceremony.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So they believed me when I said that there was a mind control device in the torch?”

Platinum Valve grins. “Yes. Their own forensics teams have confirmed that from the wreckage.”

Applejack bows her head. “The bad news is that the other half now believes that both you and Twilight here are nothing more than usurpers of the throne, terrorists, and traitors after what was done to Decimus.”

Pinkie grits her teeth. “They’re just being meanies!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I was afraid that would happen.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Me too. That’s why I ensured that the broadcast kept going. Uh… at least from that end.”

Platinum Valve looks to Hammer. “Not to worry. Reports say that everypony in the city heard everything in its entirety.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin. “I don’t get it. If that’s true, why are some ponies against Big Brother and Princess Twilight?”

Arc frowns. “Because part of that is true.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “It is?!”

“Yes. Remember, we DID overthrow the capitol to install a new leader, after all.”

Applejack gasps. “But she’s the rightful ruler with Celestia gone!”

Fluttershy grimaces. “Yes, but there are rumors that Arc and Twilight made her disappear intentionally.”

Ember clenches a fist angrily. “What?! They would never…!”

Arc turns to her. “Ember, calm down.”

“But those are just LIES!!!”

“I know. But if we fly off the handle it will just make us look more guilty. Like when I publicly ordered The Equinox to fire on the statue’s torch.”

Hammer grunts. “That really did make him look like a terrorist.”

Platinum Valve raises a hoof. “We can help change public opinion by ending this matter quickly though.

Scootaloo groans. “How though?”

Twilight stands and puts her front hooves on the table. “By retaking Light’s Hope and… capturing Princess Celestia.”

Rainbow Dash grins and takes flight. “Great! Let’s move out!”

Hammer shakes her head. “We can’t, blue.”

“Why not, cupcake?!”

Twilight frowns. “Because of the scout’s reports on the status of the base.”

Arc groans. “Let me guess. He raised the shields?”

“Right. And we don’t currently have any way of penetrating them.”

Applejack gasps. “So you’re saying the situation is hopeless?”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “Not exactly. After all, no power source or mechanical device can stay online forever.”

Hammer grins. “Right. At some point they’d have to take it offline for either maintenance or repairs.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “Assuming it doesn’t run out of energy first.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“The best known method would be to wait for the magical energy to run out. That would cause the shield to fall and the base to be vulnerable.”

Rainbow Dash taps a hoof impatiently. “Well, how long would that take?!”

Platinum Valve sighs. “We’ve looked over the manifests of goods heading over to the base since Decimus became the Hero of Light. It looks like quite a large amount of magical batteries were sent over before the capital’s fall.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Almost like he knew it would.”

Pinkie nods angrily. “Right! This stallion plans for EVERYTHING!”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “How long will the barrier last?”

Twilight sighs. “Six months at least.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “He’s playing the waiting game.”

Ember grits her teeth. “I HATE THE WAITING GAME!!!”

Fluttershy appears confused. “But what would that gain him other than time?”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. In the end the base would still fall.”

Arc frowns. “Politics.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “Most likely.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I don’t get it.”

Twilight looks out the window as she speaks. “While they’re safe and sound inside Light’s Hope, Decimus or Princess Celestia could organize others to carry out various events throughout the country that we would be forced to respond to.”

Scootaloo groans. “That would deplete our resources and even make us look bad if we handled them wrong.”

Arc nods. “Exactly. If they could turn enough cities against us in the interim, by the time the shield falls Equestria could be embroiled in a full-scale civil war.”

Ember shakes her head. “Not happening!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! We’ve just got to hold things together until then!”

Hammer fist bumps her friend. “Right, blue!”

Applejack bows her head. “That may not be possible.”

Rarity grimaces. “Eventually somepony is going to get a bit… impatient and take matters into their own hooves.”

Twilight looks around soberly. “They’ve already tried that and failed once.”

Pinkie turns to her. “Twilight?”

“Think about it. Arc was flying toward the capital when three buildings in Baltimare were destroyed. Our enemy must’ve hoped to turn that city against us.”

Fluttershy nods. “But the opposite happened.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Right. However they probably were hoping that I would have just continued on in an effort to take the capital.”

Scootaloo gasps. “It would have made you look as if you didn’t care!”

Platinum Valve grimaces. “Or even that you committed the deed yourself.”

Rainbow Dash smiles smugly. “So much for that!”

Ember grins. “Right. Arc’s forces saved a lot of lives that day.”

Arc sighs and pulls something from his ring. Looking at it for a long time he sets it down on the table before them. Platinum Valve looks at it before speaking.

“What’s that?”

Hammer frowns. “That filly’s teddy bear?”

Arc nods as he remembers the filly. “Toola Roola. She told me to watch him… before she died.”

Rainbow Dash slams her hoof down on the table, clearly furious. “THIS is the kind of crap our enemies are doing?!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “They’re merciless!”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “Could we find her parents and give them the bear? I’m sure they’d be grateful if we could…”

Rarity bows her head. “They’re dead too.”

Arc sighs. “Right. Toola Roola was the only one still holding on when I found her.”

He looks at the bear for a long moment before continuing.

“They’re together now. But this isn’t the end of the matter.”

Ember nods soberly. “Not by a long shot!”

Applejack looks around the table. “Right! But what should we do?!”

Pinkie seethes. “Stopping these meanies would be a start!”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “I wish we could, yes. But they’re beyond us at the moment.”

“Arc?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“There… is something that we can do right now. It won’t help the situation at hoof right this second, but still…”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “What could POSSIBLY be more important than…?!”

“I’d like you to go to Cloudsdale and see about turning the townsponies to our side.”

“But what about the other mind control devices in Las Pegasus and Fillydelphia?”

Hammer grins as she gives him a thumbs up. “Our scouts reported that construction on them has ground to a halt with the failure of the Mare Statue plan in Manehattan.”

Ember shrugs. “They probably just don’t have anything to power them now that Arc took their crystal.”

Twilight nods. “Agreed.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “But why Cloudsdale?”

Applejack shrugs. “Well, it is centrally located.”

Ember put a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “And could be used as a possible staging ground for attacks against the capital.”

Twilight nods. “That is true, yes. However, Colonel Flash Sentry pointed out to me yesterday that it does have a strategic significance due to its facilities.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “The Rainbow Factory!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “The what, blue?”

Fluttershy looks to Hammer. “It produces clouds and helps control the weather of Equestria.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “They could use it to alter the normal weather patterns and make life difficult for any town that isn’t under their banner.”

Ember groans. “Probably hard to grow crops with flooded fields.”

Platinum Valve nods soberly. “Or dry ones.”

Rarity shudders. “A frightening thought.”

Scootaloo frowns. “So what’s Big Brother supposed to do? Conquer the city?”

Twilight sighs. “Frankly I’d like to avoid something like that. Nopony wants to see their homes damaged, after all.”

“I’ll go with you, Big Brother.”

Arc smiles at Scootaloo. “Sure. Someone will have to watch my back, after all.”

Ember stands. “Like me?”

“Uh… I guess so, yes.”

Rainbow Dash jumps up onto the table. “You’ll need a guide!”

“I will?”

“Yeah! Remember, that’s my hometown!”

“It is?”

Hammer shrugs. “Makes sense to bring along a liaison of some kind.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “He won’t need a… whatever it was you said, cupcake! I’ll be there!”

Rarity clears her throat loudly. “Yes, well… the rest of us will stay here and monitor the situation, gather information, and help Twilight govern the nation.”

Applejack nods. “Right. This isn’t a one pony job, after all.”

Arc thinks as he speaks. “Okay so it’s Rainbow Dash, Ember, Scootaloo, and myself on this one.”

Ember grins. “And Sereb.”

Arc nods. “Probably would be a good idea to bring him along on this one. Where is he anyways?”

Applejack gestures to the doors. “He’s helping patrol the castle grounds. Says he wants to sniff out trouble before it gets too close.”

Platinum Valve stands. “I’ll go let him know about the mission before heading back to Lead Sage Sunburst’s office.”

She leaves the room as Arc turns to Twilight.

“I’ll do my best in Cloudsdale, of course. But it may not end the way you want it to.”

“Yes, well… we can’t just sit around waiting for the land to fall around us. I’ll get our best and brightest busy trying to come up with a way to pierce the barrier sooner, of course. If Equestria is going to survive we need to act swiftly and decisively.”

Pinkie grins. “Nice speech, Twilight!”

Applejack chuckles. “Yeah! I feel all inspired now!”

Scootaloo looks around the table. “She’s right too. If nothing changes, our enemy will be able to just steamroll us when they do make their move.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Either way they’re going to have to act eventually.”

Rarity sighs. “Agreed. But how hard a fight they are forced to face is completely up to us.”

Fluttershy looks up at Arc. “I… kinda wish I could come with you. But I know I’d just be in the way.”

“Did you grow up in Cloudsdale too, Fluttershy?”

“Yes. Like I said last night, my father is one of the higher-ups in the Rainbow Factory.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Him and my dad are friends. That’s how Fluttershy and I met.”

Fluttershy nods. “He might be able to help you too, Arc.”

“Yeah! My dad and him go way back!”

Ember turns to him. “That might be worth looking into.”

Hammer gives him a grin and a thumbs up. “Right. You’ll need allies to help support your cause.”

“Alright. When we get there, I’ll be sure to look up Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy’s dads.”

Rainbow Dash does an aerial backflip. “Awesome! It’s been a long time since I went home!”

Ember frowns. “Just one little problem. Only Pegasi can go to Cloudsdale.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “I thought the Hero of Light could do anything!”

Twilight sighs. “Except violate the laws of physics, yes.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Princess Twilight?”

“Cloudsdale, like the name suggests, is made entirely out of clouds. Only those of the Pegasi race can walk on them. Anypony else would just fall through.”

“And dragons, right?”

Twilight sighs. “Be happy you can fly, Ember. But even you can’t hover forever.”

Rarity raises a hoof. “Fortunately there’s a spell for that.”

Applejack gasps as she remembers. “There is! Remember that time we all went to Cloudsdale together in Twilight’s hot air balloon?!”

Pinkie bounces around happily. “That was AWESOME!!!”

Fluttershy nods. “She cast a spell on all of you that allowed you to walk on clouds.”

Twilight bows her head. “Indeed. But I won’t be there this time to cast it.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Think you can teach it to me?”

“I could, yes. But I should be getting to audiences soon. However I could lend you a spell book so you could learn it on the way there in The Equinox.”

“That would work. Anything else I need to know?”

“Don’t fall off the edge of a cloud without being ready to Blink back up there. The spell just lets you walk on clouds, not ignore gravity.”

Scootaloo shudders. “I think I’d better stay extra close to you, Big Brother.”

“Yeah. So now all that’s left is to determine when we leave.”

Hammer nods. “The Equinox probably needs to restock before she can fly again. Uh… where is Cloudsdale anyways?”

Rarity points a hoof toward the window. “About an hour’s flight northwest of Canterlot.”

Ember frowns. “You don’t think they’d try to stop us from docking though, right?”

Applejack shrugs. “Anything’s possible considering they’re siding with Princess Celestia, after all.”

Arc sighs. “And they might not be too happy about what I did to one of their own.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Did?”

“Lieutenant Spitfire. She found a way aboard The Equinox and tried to assassinate me on my last trip.”

Hammer draws her gun. “We took care of her though!”

“Yes, well… Redheart’s prognosis isn’t too good. She’ll never walk properly again and won’t likely fly again. By now she’s been transferred off my ship and to the castle’s Infirmary.”

Ember nods soberly. “It needed to happen though.”

Scootaloo turns to Rainbow Dash. “Will they have heard about it though?”

“Maybe. After all, there are any number of Pegasi here in the castle. Any one of them could have called home to tell them what they saw.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, all we can do about that is to not try and hide it further. That and be honest if asked.”

Hammer frowns. “And if they’re upset?”

“Then we cross that bridge if we get to it.”

Chapter 11 - Cloudsdale

Later that morning Arc, wearing his new armor, along with Rainbow Dash, Ember, Sereb, and Scootaloo disembark The Equinox. Looking around at the town from the ship’s deck they survey the area. Scootaloo frowns.

“No one to meet us?”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Did we announce our visit though?”

“Nope. I figured that would be safest.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Bring em on! I prefer a straight fight to sneaking into town any day!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Well, some of us would rather do this without filling up the hospital.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right.”

Rainbow Dash appears relieved. “Thanks for understanding, Arc. I grew up around most of these ponies and don’t really want to see any of them get hurt.”

Arc sighs. “While admirable, don’t forget that such a thing might not be possible.”

“I know.”

Sereb grunts. “Where shall we go from here?”

Arc shrugs. “We could start by getting a room at an inn.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “That probably isn’t a good idea. Ponies here are very… easily swayed.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Does this have anything to do with Arc not exactly being popular here?!”

“Yeah. “

Scootaloo frowns. “Staying in town might be too dangerous.”

Rainbow Dash gestures to the ship. “Right. So we should probably stay aboard The Equinox at night to avoid trouble.”

Scootaloo moves her hoof in a circular motion. “So… where to then?”

“How about my parent’s house? We should probably check in with my mom first, after all.”

Ember scoffs. “Why? Is she some kind of official?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. She’s a stay at home mom.”

Arc nods. “Fine. We can ask her about the state of Cloudsdale then.”

Scootaloo grins. “Ready to try out that new spell, Big Brother?”

Ember grimaces. “On whom though?”

“Myself.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “But you do not have wings.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Right! If it doesn’t work, you’ll fall!”

Arc shrugs. “Then I’ll just Blink back up here or quickly open a portal.”

Ember reaches out to him. “Or I could catch you.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “That may not be helpful to Arc’s… image, Ember.”

Scootaloo giggles. “But it’d sure be funny!”

Ember frowns. “Fine. Test your spell. But if it doesn’t work…”

“Alright. Here goes nothing.”

Casting the spell on himself, Arc takes a deep breath before walking down the gangplank. Looking down at the clouds for a few moments he takes a large step off. Landing safely on the pillowy ‘ground’ he turns back to the others.

“Looks like I survived.”

Ember frowns. “Har, har.”

Arc wastes no time casting the spell on the others, minus their Pegasi companions. Finishing his task he turns to Rainbow Dash.

“Ready to go?”

Rainbow Dash looks around nervously. “Um… not quite yet. Can I talk to you privately for a moment?”

“Now?”

“Yeah, sorry. It’s REALLY important!”

“Fine.”

Looking to the others, Arc sighs.

“We’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Okay, Big Brother.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Whatever.”

Sereb plants his feet firmly. “I shall remain on guard.”

Motioning for her to follow, Arc leads Rainbow Dash back onto The Equinox’s deck. Calling forth his gauntlet he places a sigil on it and powers it up. Teleporting them both to his quarters he turns to her.

“So… what’s up?”

Rainbow Dash looks at him with a pained expression on her face before speaking.

“There’s… something I didn’t tell you before about my parents.”

Arc groans. “Great. Don’t tell me they don’t like humans.”

Rainbow Dash waves her hooves in front of her face as she shakes her head vehemently. “No, no! At least I don’t think they do. But, um…”

She wrings her hooves and looks away before speaking again.

“I… never actually told them… about you.”

Arc shrugs. “Oh. Well that’s no problem. We can meet your mom first before…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “That’s not what I meant!”

“Then what…?”

“They don’t know about the whole ‘herd’ idea!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You didn’t tell them about your plans?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’ll be really upset! I mean… it’s complicated!”

“Well, they’re going to find out eventually.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “I know. But now probably isn’t the best time to deal with this, what with all the political crap going on. That and our relationship is kinda… different.”

“How so?”

“It’s… complicated.”

Arc groans. “Fine, we’ll do this your way for the time being. However I want you to remember that just putting this off won’t make the task any easier in the long run.”

“I’ll tell them when the time is right.”

“Thank you. Was there anything else you wanted to say?”

“Not right now, no.”

“Alright. Let’s get back to the others.”

Powering up the sigil Arc teleports them back to the deck. Walking down the gangplank the pair rejoin the others. Rainbow Dash smiles nervously.

“Sorry for the wait, everypony.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Is the matter resolved?”

“For now.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah! I’d sure like to…!”

Rainbow Dash hurries forward. “This way, everypony!”

Leading them down the street, the others look around. Ember looks to Rainbow Dash.

“So this town is built almost entirely out of clouds?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “About ninety-five percent of it is, yes.”

Sereb looks around. “And the other five?”

“Mostly furniture.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “But how do you build things out of clouds?!”

“We do more than just control the weather here. Pegasi have been doing research on clouds for hundreds of years.”

Sereb chuckles. “That would make any race an expert on the matter.”

Scootaloo turns to Rainbow Dash. “Does it have anything to do with that Rainbow Factory you mentioned earlier?”

“Yeah. You see, that’s where clouds are manufactured. A lot of them are used for normal weather activities, of course. But some are altered to make whatever we need up here.”

Ember frowns. “What about rainbows?”

“We make them too, of course.”

Arc grins. “Hence the name of the factory?”

“Oh no. That’s named after the family that originally pioneered cloud control.”

Sereb appear impressed. “Your family?”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “I wish! Nah, they all died out centuries ago.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “From what?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Old age mostly.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“As I’m sure you’ve noticed, there’s a LOT of single mares in Equestria.”

“Admittedly I hadn’t really thought about it.”

Scootaloo looks to Rainbow Dash. “Why is that?”

“A lot of ponies just don’t get married and have foals.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “I have noticed a distinct lack of youngling’s smells since coming to Equestria with Arc.”

Ember frowns. “So ponies just don’t have a lot of sex?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head as she blushes. “What?! No, no! We do! I mean I don’t! But… um…!”

Arc chuckles. “Calm down, Rainbow Dash.”

“Sorry. I’m just… look, this matter is really… personal to me.”

Scootaloo appears suddenly interested. “How so?”

“Well… um…”

Arc interrupts. “Can I assume the birthrate in Equestria is low?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. A mare actually getting pregnant is pretty rare these days. But I assure you it isn’t from lack of trying.”

“Is this a problem?”

“Not really. All it boils down to in the end is a really slowly growing population. Which is kinda good.”

Ember frowns. “How is that a good thing?”

“The more ponies living in Equestria the more food we’d have to grow. And while that wouldn’t be too hard, I suppose, they’d also need to find employment to be able to afford such things.”

Arc looks confused. “But assuming it happened gradually over time wouldn’t the land and economy simply grow with it?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “That’s more of a ‘Twilight’ question. I mean, it sounds plausible, yeah. But there has to be more to it.”

Sereb chuckles. “Well, from what I’ve seen, everyone in this land appears to be relatively happy with their lives.”

Scootaloo looks to Rainbow Dash. “What about couples whom don’t want to have a foal?”

“The mare just goes to their doctor and gets a shot. It stops her ovulation cycle.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “And if they change their minds later?”

“It’s not permanent. If they meet a stallion and want to try for a foal then the mare just goes back to their doctor and gets a different shot to restart ovulation.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Do a lot of mares do this?”

“Most, yeah. It’s kinda a rite of passage when a filly becomes a mare. Their mother takes them to the hospital and askes for ‘the shot’.”

Arc looks away as he speaks. “And did you… um… you know…?”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Nervous, Arc?”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. And to answer your question, yes. I got the shot just before moving to Ponyville a number of years ago. And before you ask, no I don’t know about the others.”

Arc sighs as he mutters under his breath.

“Rarity…”

“Did you say something, Big Brother?”

“Just thinking to myself.”

Ember elbows him with a certain look on her face. “Look on the bright side, Arc. At least you won’t get Rainbow Dash here pregnant.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks, Ember.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Rainbow Dash sighs as she stops and turns to the others.

“We’re almost there. Now then, I do have one request of everypony. Please don’t say a word to anypony here about… the herd thing, okay?”

Sereb nods. “Very well.”

Ember shrugs. “Don’t get why, but okay.”

Scootaloo groans. “I’m still kinda fuzzy on what that thing even is.”

Arc looks down at her. “You and I will have to have a talk about it later, Scarlet Filly.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I’m serious here, everypony! My parent’s need to hear about this from me, and me only! And not until the time is right!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. The last thing we need are them getting mad at me. Well… more mad.”

“Thank you. But I’m not actually sure where they stand on this whole political spectrum.”

Continuing on their way the group eventually comes to a decently sized house. Scootaloo gasps.

“This place is pretty big!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Cloudsdale houses usually are, what with them being so easy and cheap to build.”

Ember laughs. “I can’t imagine clouds costing much.”

“Exactly.”

Sereb chuckles. “Shall we knock?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No need to do that. Come on.”

She pushes the door open and steps inside before calling out.

“MOM! I’M HOME!”

The sound of hooffalls running toward them echo down the corridor. A few moments later a middle-aged mare hurries toward them.

“Rainbow Dash! Welcome home, dear!”

Rainbow Dash appears suddenly slightly embarrassed. “H-hi mom.”

“Look at you! You’re getting so BIG!”

“I’m a mare now, mom!”

“Well, you’ll always be my little star! I still remember back when you…!”

The mare looks over her daughter’s shoulder at those behind her.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t notice your friends, sweetheart!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “How could you miss them?!”

“I’m just focused on you!”

“Well focus on something else right now.”

She motions to the group to approach before starting the introduction process.

“This is the Scarlet Filly. She got a medal from Princess Celestia herself recently!”

“Yes, I do remember hearing that on the news.”

Scootaloo nods respectfully. “Hello, ma’am.”

“She’s kinda shy, but just so COOL! And this is Ember. She’s the Dragon Lands’ next Dragon Lord.”

“Sup.”

“Oh my! Such an important individual!”

Rainbow Dash gestures with a hoof. “And this here is Sereb. He’s the Warchief of the Forsaken Tribe.”

“How do you do?”

“He can talk?!”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “MOM!”

“I’m sorry. Forgive me, sir.”

“No offense taken.”

Rainbow Dash sighs happily. “And I’ve saved the best for last. This is…”

She looks around before frowning.

“Where did he go?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Outside.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I’ll go get him.”

She hurries out the door as Rainbow Dash turns to her mother.

“Sorry. I’m not sure what the problem is here. He’s usually not so… elusive.”

Meanwhile, Scootaloo looks around. Spotting Arc leaning against the house nearby she hurries over to him.

“Come on, Big Brother! Rainbow Dash’s mother is waiting to meet you!”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Kinda late to be thinking that now. Let’s go!”

Taking his gauntlet, Scootaloo leads Arc into the house. Rainbow Dash gestures with a wave of her hoof before speaking.

“And this is Equestria’s Hero of Light, Arc.”

“Oh! Um… I…”

She steps back nervously as Rainbow Dash frowns.

“What’s gotten into you, mom! You’re embarrassing me!”

She takes her mother’s hoof and leads her over to Arc.

“This is my mother… Windy Whistles.”

Arc waves nervously. “Uh… hello.”

Windy nods as she forces a smile. “H-how do you do?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Don’t you have anything else to say to him?”

“What would I…?”

“You’re always so excited to meet somepony new, mom. I can’t tell you how many times I saw you just randomly give somepony a hug over the years. But now you can’t even shakes hooves! Uh… fingers?”

“I… just didn’t know what was proper to do.”

“He’s really down to the ground on social stuff. You don’t need to put on airs, or anything.”

Taking a deep breath, Windy Whistles takes a few steps forward and nervously extends a hoof to Arc.

“H-hi. W-w-welcome to… Cloudsdale.”

Arc nods and takes her hoof in his gauntlet gently. She yelps as he makes contact and jumps back slightly.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. Did I squeeze too hard?”

“N-no. My apologies, but this is all just so sudden! Everypony here is just so… so… important!”

Rainbow Dash looks around at the group. “I guess they are. But there’s no reason to act like that.”

Arc clears his throat. “Rainbow Dash, I think I have an idea.”

Rainbow Dash facehoofs. “Whatever it is, do it.”

Arc nods and recalls his armor to reveal his normal clothes. Windy Whistles appears momentarily confused.

“You’re…?”

“Sorry if my armor scared you.”

“It’s… okay.”

Arc kneels down to looks the mare in the eye. Extending a hand to her, she cautiously takes it and shakes it.

“Was that better?”

“Yes, sir.”

Stepping back, she turns to Rainbow Dash.

“So what brings you back home, dear?”

“We heard that Cloudsdale is siding with Princess Celestia and Decimus over Princess Twilight.”

“Cloudsdale has always been loyal to the true rulers of Equestria, sweetheart. Nothing’s changed here in that regard.”

“But…!”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “Perhaps we should look around the city.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Good idea.”

She stomps toward the door.

“Follow me, everypony.”

They leave the house as Rainbow Dash slams the door behind them. Windy Whistles sighs and bows her head. Meanwhile, Arc and company follow Rainbow Dash back down the path toward the street. Ember is the first to speak.

“That could have gone better.”

Scootaloo nods. “Agreed.”

“I’m sorry about my mom, everypony. She’s usually pretty smart.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean? She just seemed nervous to me.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Saying nothing’s changed here! Everything’s changed!”

Sereb looks around. “Has it?”

“Yes! Just look everywhere!”

They do so. Nearly every house has a banner depicting Celestia along with the Crest of Light. Ember frowns.

“Looks pretty clear whose side this town is on.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Maybe we’re wasting our time.”

Arc nods sadly. “That’s a possibility, yes. But we can’t just abandon this town to Celestia and Decimus.”

Rainbow Dash stomps the ground angrily. “Right! They’ll just trash it!”

Sereb looks to her. “So what should we do?”

“Let’s head to the Rainbow Factory and see my dad. Hopefully he’ll be more helpful than my mom was.”

Ember shrugs. “Lead the way.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Maybe that isn’t such a good idea.”

Sereb growls softly. “Yes. Others are looking at us… negatively.”

They look around to see Pegasi crossing to the other side of the street to avoid getting near their group. Frowning, Rainbow Dash throws up a hoof to a mare as she calls out.

“Hey there, Fleetfoot!”

The mare turns and raises her hoof happily at the sound of her friend’s voice. However once she lays eyes on Arc she quickly moves to act as if stretching and turns away. Scootaloo frowns.

“That was odd.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Yeah! What the heck?!”

Arc sighs. “I think we all know why she did that.”

Ember clenches her fist. “Yeah! And it’s still a bunch of crap!”

Sereb growls. “Especially after all you’ve done for this land!”

Rainbow Dash looks up at him. “I’m really sorry for this, Arc. If you’d just like to leave, I totally understand.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Rainbow Dash. We need to do this.”

Scootaloo nods with conviction. “Right.”

Ember grins. “I’ll stay if Arc does.”

Sereb paws the ‘ground’ nervously. “Indeed.”

Rainbow Dash appears relieved. “Thanks, everypony. Now come on. The factory is this way.”

Turning, she leads them down the street.

Chapter 12 - In the Rainbow Factory...

Rainbow Dash leads the group through the streets of Cloudsdale. Most give them a wide berth as Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“I wonder whom they’re frightened of the most?”

“Probably me.”

Sereb growls. “I might be eliciting such a response.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Or it could be Ember with her armor.”

Ember frowns. “What about Arc?!”

“But I’m not wearing mine.”

“You of all of us should be!”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Come on! You don’t really think somepony’s going to take a shot at him, do you?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Most likely not.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “I hope they do! It would give me something to direct all this rage towards!”

Arc sighs. “Not really helping.”

Scootaloo attempts to diffuse the situation. “Uh, so… Rainbow Dash…?”

“Yeah?”

“What’s your dad like?”

“He and my mom are usually pretty similar in personality.”

Arc groans. “Uh oh. Does that mean he’s not going to like me either?”

“Not really sure to be honest. But there’s really only one way to find out.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

Approaching the gates to the factory, they spot two Pegasi guards on duty. The look to the group nervously before addressing them.

“State your business.”

Ember smirks. “We’re here to see… um… someone.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face. “That cleared it up.”

Rainbow Dash steps forward. “I’m here with some dignitaries to see my dad.”

“Hello, Rainbow Dash. Didn’t know you were back in town.”

“Just got in this morning. Needed to talk to the old guy about something pretty important.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Um, no.”

“We’re very sorry, but this facility is closed to all but employees and those scheduled to be here.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes as she gestures to Arc. “Don’t you two know who this is?!”

They look to Arc whom smiles and waves.

“Hero of Light Arc, we would assume.”

Ember taps her foot impatiently. “So let us in!”

“I’m sorry, but I have my orders.”

Sereb growls. “You have chosen poorly!”

Scootaloo puts hoof out to stop the wolf. “Easy, Sereb. We can’t just…”

One of the guards gasps. “Wait!”

He walks over to the filly and looks down.

“Are you the Scarlet Filly?!”

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

“Hardly! You were honored by Princess Celestia herself!”

“Do you have your medal with you by any chance?!”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. He nods. Reaching into her saddlebags she pulls out the award and holds it up.

“Amazing!”

“We’ll call for an escort to take you and your group up to see the foreman right away!”

Rainbow Dash glares at them. “Hey! Why didn’t you…?!”

Ember puts a claw over the mare’s mouth and hisses into her ear. “Don’t argue with someone when they’re giving you what you want.”

Frowning, Rainbow Dash nods. A short while later two other guards arrive and motion for them to follow. Walking through the factory, they notice a startling number of guards. Scootaloo turns to their escorts.

“Did something happen?”

“Ma’am?”

“There’s just so many guards.”

“We’re on high alert at the moment.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Ember frowns. “Care to explain why?”

“We’re… not at liberty to say.”

“The foreman will have to make that decision.”

Arriving at a small office overlooking the factory floor they knock and enter. A large blue coated stallion sits behind a desk. His rainbow colored mane appears ruffled and unkempt. He also appears to be overworked as evidenced by his appearance along with the massive stacks of paper on his desk. Not looking up, he speaks.

“Yes?”

The guard approaches. “The Scarlet Filly and her entourage to see you, sir.”

Sighing, the stallion continues working. “I thought I made it clear that I was not to be disturbed by…”

Rainbow Dash calls out. “Hi dad!”

The stallion drops his pencil and looks up. Grinning hugely, he quickly stands and runs over to Rainbow Dash. Picking her up, literally, he holds her close.

“Rainbow Dash! How’s my little gal?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I’m okay, dad.”

The foreman laughs as he motions for the guards to leave. “And I see you’re keeping quite the company these days!”

“Yeah, dad. Everypony, this is my dad, Bo Hothoof. Dad, this is…”

“The Scarlet Filly, Dragon Lord Ember, Warchief Sereb, and Hero of Light Arc!”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Um… right. How did you…?”

“I have a subscription to every major newspaper in Equestria! Every recent story involving you four I’ve saved!”

Returning to his desk, Bo pulls out a scrapbook and opens it. Pointing a hoof at the first page, he talks as he turns the pages.

“Here’s the first mention of you, sir! A small story about a new Hero of Light being chosen! And here’s the one about you liberating the orphans of Vanhoover! Oh, and let’s not forget the time you ran into that burning shop during the Cherry Festival in Dodge Junction!”

Setting the book down, he pulls out another and opens it.

“Then there’s the story of the Scarlet Filly taking down a gang a few at a time! Rescuing two kidnapped fillies! Escorting prisoners to Canterlot! Getting your award from Princess Celestia herself! Oh, it’s just too much to take in!”

Ember clenches a fist. “What about us?!”

Sereb chuckles. “Do we have scrapbooks as well?”

Bo nods. “You two share one, yes.”

Ember seethes. “Share?!”

“Yes. The media likes to portray you two as a duo, after all. Here’s you two…!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Okay, okay! We get it, dad!”

“Sorry, sweetheart. I just got a little carried away.”

“We’re actually here on a very important mission.”

Bo looks through a stack of periodicals. “You are? I haven’t seen anything on that in the newspapers.”

“It’s not in there, dad.”

Ember grins. “Yet.”

Arc steps forward. “Sir, I’ve come here on the behest of Princess Twilight.”

“Oh? What for?”

“She says that Cloudsdale is siding with Princess Celestia and Decimus.”

“Well, of course we are. They’re in charge, after all.”

Sereb growls. “Not anymore.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah. Those two left the capital and are hiding out in a stolen military base!”

Arc continues. “Princess Twilight is a legitimate leader and was appointed by Princess Celestia herself. With no one on the throne she was next in line to lead.”

Bo sighs. “I understand that. But it doesn’t exactly strike the public as legitimate when you have to install a leader by invading, sir.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “He had no choice, dad! Decimus didn’t want anypony on the throne!”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes sir. It was vacant at the time, save for Decimus himself.”

Ember smiles smugly. “I’m sure you understand the Order of Succession.”

“The Hero of Light is next to sit on the throne, yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “Unless there is a princess whom is ready, willing, and able to hold the position.”

Sereb stomps the floor. “We simply upheld the law as written.”

Bo sighs. “That may be true. But it’s not how most of Cloudsdale sees it.”

“Come on, dad! What else could he have DONE?!”

The stallion looks away and puts a hoof to his forehead before continuing.

“I… don’t know, Rainbow Dash.”

Scootaloo clears her throat. “Sir… maybe what the Hero of Light did wasn’t exactly what everypony thought he should do. But the fact of the matter is that had he not acted, Equestria would still have an imposter sitting on the throne.”

Arc nods. “Right. Sometimes I have to do things that even I don’t really want to do. Had there been another option I gladly would have taken it. But there wasn’t. Hate what I did if you want, but it needed to be done.”

Bo Hothoof nods and smiles.

“Well put, sir.”

Ember moves her hand in a circular motion. “So… is Cloudsdale going to join with Princess Twilight now?”

Bo shakes his head. “No.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

“I mean that it’s not my decision to make. Remember, I’m just the foreman of the largest company in the city. But that doesn’t make me leader of the town.”

Ember turns back to the others. “Someone wanna remind me why we came here again?”

“Because I believed my dad could come up with something that could help us.”

Bo nods. “That I can do.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “Sir?”

Bo gestures to a large window overlooking the factory floor. “As you’ve no doubt noticed, we’re under heavy security here at the Rainbow Factory.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, they didn’t even want to let ME in.”

Sereb growls. “A decision they would have regretted.”

“The security is indeed warranted.”

Ember taps her foot impatiently. “So what’s going on?”

Bo sighs. “Ponies and materials have been disappearing from the facility lately. I’ve informed the powers that be, of course. But it’s still an issue with no end in sight.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side. “I don’t get it. What do you mean ‘disappearing’?”

“Literally. Workers clock in and start their shift. However they fail to clock out.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps a silly question, but could they simply have forgotten to clock out?”

“Not a chance, as they don’t return to work the next day.”

Ember shrugs. “A couple disgruntled workers walking off the job is normal though, right?”

“We treat our employees well, ma’am. While I admit that we’ve certainly had isolated incidents of certain individuals walking off, this is FAR too many workers to be simply a fluke.”

Sereb frowns. “How many workers are missing?”

“A dozen.”

Scootaloo looks to the stallion. “And how many employees do you have?”

“Two hundred fifty six on the payroll, including myself.”

Sereb growls. “That is around five percent of your workforce.”

“Right. It isn’t straining us at the moment. However, if this keeps up, we’ll start losing workers to resignations.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah. I mean, who wants to work at a place where you might just disappear?”

Arc turns to Bo. “You said materials were disappearing too, right?”

“That I did. But those can be easily replaced. My employees are the ones at risk and need to come first.”

Scootaloo looks out an exterior window. “Have you informed the city guard?”

“Yes indeed. They’ve sent over extra guards and beefed up patrols around the plant inside and out.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “But no one to investigate this?!”

Bo shakes his head. “They told me an investigator would have to be sent from Canterlot. But no word on when that would be.”

He looks at Arc with a hopeful look in his eyes.

“Is that why you’re here, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. In fact, this is the first I’ve heard of this matter.”

“Did you try actually sending somepony to Canterlot, dad?”

“I went there myself, dear. But they told me Princess Celestia wasn’t seeing anypony due to health reasons. A message was taken by them and I returned to Cloudsdale.”

Arc groans. “That must’ve been before Twilight took the throne.”

“Yes sir. However I didn’t have time to spend on another round trip. That’s where you come in.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Huh?”

“Word of the missing workers has spread through the city like a northern trade wind. The citizens are beginning to panic. If you want them to be willing to follow Princess Twilight, this matter needs to be settled, and soon.”

Ember grins. “So if Arc solves this mystery the town will switch alliances?”

“As I said before, I don’t have a say in that. But it would go a long way in convincing the Town Council. They’re the ones whom make those decisions, after all.”

Arc nods. “We’ll look into this. While I can’t promise results, I’ll certainly give it my best shot.”

Bo appears relieved. “Thank you, sir. I’ll notify the guards that you’re to be allowed full access to the plant at once.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight excitedly. “That should help!”

Ember cracks her knuckles. “Yeah. And it’ll save a lot of guards losing their teeth.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That won’t help our situation here.”

Sereb motions with a paw to the ponies below. “Or theirs.”

Scootaloo turns to Bo. “Can you tell us any more about this situation, sir?”

“Sadly, no. Like I said, workers come in but don’t leave.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “So they’re either being smuggled out somehow or are still here.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Like hiding, or something?”

Sereb shakes his head. “That seems a bit unlikely.”

Arc nods. “I agree. It doesn’t make sense to keep them where they could be found. So it’s likely they’re being smuggled out somehow.”

Ember clenches a fist. “So let’s find out how it’s happening and put a stop to it!”

Scootaloo sighs. “Easier said than done.”

Sereb growls. “Right. We need a plan.”

Arc snaps his finger. “I think I have one.”

He turns to Bo Hothoof.

“When do the workers leave for the night?”

“In exactly three hours.”

“Are there any night watch or after hours security?”

“Normally, yes. However for the safety of everypony we’ve pulled all our private security officers off of third shift and replaced them with Town Guards.”

Sereb frowns. “Is that normal?”

“It isn’t, no. But they’re better trained and more heavily armed and armored than our security guards.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Have any of them gone missing?”

“Not as of yet, no. But I’m worried that if this is allowed to continue they may become brazen enough to start taking them too.”

Scootaloo shudders. “A sobering thought.”

Sereb nods. “Whom is in charge of the Town Guards that patrol your facility?”

“They report directly to me.”

“At home, dad?”

Bo shrugs. “I’ve been sleeping here most nights in order to…”

“WHAT?!”

“Somepony needs to be here to coordinate the guards.”

“Why you though?!”

“Because this factory and its workers are MY responsibility.”

“But…!”

Sereb interrupts them. “Pardon me, but if the workers are disappearing during their shifts, what exactly are you looking for?”

Bo sighs. “Anything, really. As it stands we literally have zero leads, no clues, and an increasingly unnerved workforce. I can’t just sit at home and wait for something to turn up.”

Arc looks to Bo soberly. “Sir, I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything.”

“There will be no questions answered or reasons given at this time though.”

“Sir?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You can trust him, dad. Believe me, his skills are BEYOND impressive. And that’s coming from ME!”

“Very well. What do you want me to do, sir?”

“An hour before quitting time today I’d like you to make up some kind of an excuse and head back to your house.”

“But somepony needs to…!”

“It’ll be handled.”

“How…?”

Arc interrupts him. “That’s a question.”

“Yeah, dad. Don’t worry about it. We’ll…”

Arc shakes his head. “I’ve got it. Tell everyone that inquires that you’re going home to a nice homecooked meal with your wife and visiting daughter.”

Scootaloo grins. “Nopony would question that, right?”

Sereb shrugs. “Not likely, no.”

Ember turns to the pegasus. “You’d have to be seen leaving with him though, Rainbow Dash.”

“Why?!”

Arc nods. “To make the story believable mostly.”

“But I want to…!”

“Rainbow Dash.”

“What?!”

“Trust me on this one.”

“I…! You see…!”

She groans and bows her head.

“Fine.”

“Thank you. Now then, you stay here with your dad while the others and I head back to The Equinox.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “And what exactly will we be doing?”

“Making preparations, plotting, and planning.”

“Big Brother?”

Arc chuckles as he calls forth a gauntlet and opens a portal. “I’ll explain more aboard ship. Enjoy a nice evening with your parents, Rainbow Dash.”

“Uh… sure.”

“Stay here with your dad until the plant closes for the day. Then make sure everyone sees you two leave together.”

Rainbow Dash nods but says nothing. The others walk through the portal as Arc brings up the rear. Bo Hothoof turns to his daughter as the portal closes, confused.

“What do you suppose he’s up to?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “No clue. But I do know one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“We need to do what he says.”

Bo chuckles as he looks out the window with his daughter. “Nice to see you finally listening to somepony.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah, well…”

“So… how about we get to work?”

“Work?”

Bo gestures to his desk. “This stuff doesn’t do itself, you know.”

“Don’t you have a secretary, or something?”

“I did, but she vanished with the others.”

Rainbow Dash groans as she walks toward the desk with her father. “Fine…”

Meanwhile, Arc and company reappear on the sigil aboard The Equinox. Ember turns to him and grins.

“So, I’m assuming this will be another example of problem solving ingenuity with a long and convoluted trail of clues, interviews, and accusations.”

Sereb sighs. “If so, this will take quite some time.”

Scootaloo grins. “I’m looking forward to seeing it play out, Big Brother.”

Arc chuckles. “While I’m glad to hear that, in answer to Ember’s question, no.”

“No, what?”

“With any luck this will be an open and shut case.”

He heads for the door with a grin on his face as he continues.

“I just need to enlist some very special help.”

Chapter 13 - Third Shift Inspections

As the final whistle blows for the day Rainbow Dash and her father walk through the front gates of the factory with the rest of the workers. As they walk up to the guards, Bo Hothoof looks to them.

“I’m heading home with my daughter for the night. Begin your rounds and call me with the results.”

They nod and salute as the pair leave the grounds. As they walk, Rainbow Dash turns to her father.

“Are you really okay with this, dad?”

Bo sighs. “Not really, no. The factory is my responsibility after all.”

“And you’ve always done your best to see to it things were done right there.”

“Yes. But I have to admit, I’m at my wit’s end here on what to do about this problem.”

“What have you tried?”

“Personally searching every nook and cranny of the plant. Three times.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “When did you have time to do THAT?!”

“At night.”

“ALONE?!”

Bo shrugs. “It was the best course of action. After all, you know that any other time I have loads of work to do.”

“But did you do it alone?!”

“Yes.”

“Why?!”

“That way nopony would distract me from my task.”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “But that wasn’t the only reason, was it?!”

Bo chuckles. “You can see right through me, dear.”

“Darn right! Now say it!”

Bo nods. “Fine. It was so I didn’t have to risk anypony else’s safety on this.”

“And what about YOUR safety?!”

“Rainbow Dash…”

“Mom and I need you, dad!”

Bo chuckles. “A fully grown mare still needs her father, eh?”

“Darn right!”

“And I’d like to be able to be there for you. But those whom are missing also have families whom are anxiously awaiting news of their fates. Some of them have colts and fillies as well.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Well, they won’t have to wait for long.”

“Oh? Do you know something about this matter I don’t?”

“Yeah, I do.”

Bo stops walking and turns to his daughter. “Then you need to tell me right now.”

“Fine. The one who’s going to be investigating this matter is the absolute BEST stallion for the job!”

Bo rolls his eyes. “Simply being the Hero of Light doesn’t make somepony the ‘best’, Rainbow Dash.”

“I know, dad. But he’s really good at what he does. I’ve personally seen him in action more than once.”

“Have you now?”

“Yeah!”

“I’d like to hear more about it over supper then.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Supper?”

“Of course. That and I’m sure your mother will be overjoyed to see you again.”

“It has been quite some time since I last visited, I guess.”

“Right.”

Rainbow Dash looks away nervously. “I’ve… been busy.”

“Too much to write or call?”

“Like you?”

“That’s not really a fair comparison.”

“It isn’t?! How?!”

Bo frowns. “I… I have a factory to run and workers whom are counting on me.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Sorry, dad. I’m honestly not trying to blame you for not having time. But you need to understand that I have my own job and responsibilities now too.”

Bo chuckles. “You’re right, of course. We both try too hard sometimes.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Two peas in a pod, like mom used to say when I was a foal.”

“Still does when you come up.”

“She’s not… mad, right?”

“About what?”

“Me leaving.”

“What?! Not at all! What makes you say that?!”

“I think we both know the answer to that, dad.”

Meanwhile, Arc enters his quarters aboard The Equinox and gives everyone assembled a thumbs up.

“We’re all set up for tonight.”

Ember grins. “What’s the plan?”

“Truth be told, I’m still working on that in my head.”

Sereb frowns. “That is not reassuring, Arc.”

Scootaloo groans. “Maybe we should do this another night? Give you time to figure out a more detailed plan, Big Brother.”

Arc sighs. “I would really like to do that, yes. However those missing ponies need to be found right away.”

Sereb grunts. “That may be, but…”

“Tonight’s the night. Trust me on this.”

Ember frowns. “Fine. But I want in.”

“I figured you would, so I’ve made you part of the plan already.”

“Does that involve me watching your back?”

“Actually…”

Later that night, in the light of the full moon, a strange mist snakes its way through the skies of Cloudsdale. It creeps over the Rainbow Factory’s wall and under the large doors. Continuing through the facility, it comes to a smaller door. Making its way inside the gas congregates in the center. Arc and Scootaloo materialize in their now trademark black cloaks. Looking around and listening for a time, they eventually speak to one another telepathically.

“Anything?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “I don’t hear anypony.”

“Good.”

Turning, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. Sereb steps out in his Cub Form with Rose. Closing the portal, Arc recalls his gauntlet and looks to the pair.

“Ready?”

Sereb nods. “I am.”

Rose grins. “As am I.”

“Good. Any last minute questions?”

The pair shake their heads as Arc removes another magic cloak from his ring and gives it to Rose. She quickly puts it on and, turning to Sereb, kneels down before opening it to allow him inside. Picking the small wolf up she looks to Arc.

“Ready.”

“Scootaloo and I will follow in our mist forms. You just use your scanners to find us something we can go on.”

Rose looks the pair up and down. “How long can you two stay in that form?”

Scootaloo grins. “Together, indefinitely.”

Arc shrugs. “While we haven’t done any endurance tests, I’m guessing at least an hour.”

Sereb growls. “We shall try to be quick then. But I must confess, I don’t really know why I’m here. After all, Rose’s sensors are far superior to my natural senses.”

Arc chuckles. “You may be able to smell something she can’t.”

“Right. Mother was never able to heighten my sense of smell beyond that of a normal human, after all.”

Scootaloo looks around. Remember, we have your backs.

Nodding, Arc picks up Scootaloo and the pair again turns to mist As Rose cloaks. Slipping back under the door, they wait for Rose and Sereb to leave together. A few moments later the door opens halfway before closing again. The light sounds of Rose’s feet on the tile floor barely break the deafening silence. As they walk through the facility, Rose looks all around as Sereb sniffs the air. Eventually they come to the warehouse. Racks upon racks line the walls and are arranged into aisles. As they reach the corner furthest from the door Sereb suddenly turns his head and growls. Looking down at him, Rose whispers.

“What is it?”

Sereb points a paw. “Scan that crate.”

Doing so, Rose shakes her head before responding.

“It’s just full of condiments, presumably for the cafeteria. The crate’s label here says so and my sensors confirm it.”

Sereb frowns. “Then why do I smell the scent of guards on it?”

“That is suspicious, yes. But hardly something criminal, save for if they’re helping themselves to…”

“We need to investigate further.”

“Very well. Shall I open the crate?”

Sereb nods “Please do.”

Rose reaches up and pushes open the top of the crate. Peeking inside they see roughly half of the contents are gone. Sereb frowns.

“The scent is strong within.”

“I will have to take your word on that. But what use are condiments to guards?”

“Unknown. Perhaps they are simply…”

The sound of hoofsteps approaching is heard. Quickly shoving the top back over the crate they step back between two boxes nearby and wait in silence. A few moments later a pair of guards approaches the crate they examined earlier. Reaching inside one stallion pulls out a box of ketchup packets and tosses it to his companion whom is frowning.

“Idiots didn’t put the lid back properly!”

His companion shrugs as he tosses out a box of relish packets. “So what?”

“We need to leave everything as close to its original condition as possible! You know that!”

So, talk to the others. You know I didn’t do this.”

“I will!”

Taking several more boxes, they replace the wooden lid and head for the door. Sereb frowns and motions with a paw for Rose to follow them. Doing so they are ‘led’ down numerous corridors toward the cafeteria. Entering, the pair see a number of other guards sitting at tables waiting impatiently.

“What took you two so long?!”

“Yeah! We’ve been waiting for what feels like forever!”

“Well SOMEPONY left the crate open… AGAIN!”

“No way! I’m sure it was closed after last night!”

“Then why did we find it…?!”

“Forget about it! Let’s get started!”

The others nod and stand. Heading for the door to the kitchen they enter closing the door behind them. Rose and Sereb wait for a time before Sereb looks up at Rose.

“I do not hear them.”

Rose frowns. “They’ve also vanished from my scanners.”

“How could that be possible?”

“Teleportation would normally be the most logical explanation. That is, if there were magical residue… which I don’t detect.”

“Analysis?”

“Unknown.”

Sereb looks to the door. “Hm… so we just have to… go in?”

“Yes. But only at extreme risk to our cover.”

Sereb sighs. “I don’t see us having any other choice here.”

“Agreed.”

Walking toward the door Rose reaches out to turn the knob. However a familiar voice rings out.

“Wait.”

“Arc?”

“Let us go in first.”

The mist slips effortlessly under the door. A minute later the door opens and Arc steps aside as he motions for Rose to enter. Doing so she looks around the room with Sereb.

“Empty?”

“Indeed. However we clearly saw them come in here.”

Scootaloo looks up at Rose. “Did they Blink, or something?”

Rose shakes her head. “No. That I would have been able to detect if they did, as well as the latent magical energies.”

Arc turns to Sereb. “Can you smell anything?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Yes, their scent still lingers in the air.”

“Ideas?”

Walking around with his nose to the ground, Sereb searches the room. Coming to a large walk-in freezer he stops and points.

“Their scent is here.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “So they went into that room?”

Arc frowns. “It’s a freezer.”

Rose puts a hand on the door’s cool surface. “Right. However that does not make sense, as it’s too cold in there for anyone to survive for long.”

Sereb growls. “We’ll have to enter ourselves and see what we find.”

Rose looks through the window and sighs. Opening the door, they are all hit with a blast of freezing cold air. She steps inside and looks around.

“Nothing but frozen food in here.”

Arc looks around. “Scanners?”

“Again, no magical energies detected.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Then where could they have gone?”

Arc looks at a nearby stainless steel shelf and points.

“There.”

“How can you be so sure, Big Brother?”

“There’re scratches on the floor, indicating that this shelf has been moved back and forth numerous times.”

Sereb grins. “We should find a way past it then.”

“Scootaloo and I will do that. You and Rose hold position here. Don’t let anyone in or out, got it?”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “In or… out?”

“Of the secret passage.”

“But my scanners don’t show anything back there other than the wall.”

Sereb growls. “That may be. But I do feel a very slight draft coming from behind the shelf.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Didn’t notice that, but you’re right. In any case, you two stay here and hold this spot.”

They nod and step back as Arc turns to Scootaloo.

“Ready?”

“Yeah. But how do we open this thing?”

“No time to figure that one out. Come on.”

Jumping back into his arms, Scootaloo turns to mist along with Arc. Exploiting the drafty spot they slither inside and find a dark corridor. Rematerializing, Arc sets Scootaloo down and looks around.

“A corridor inside a kitchen freezer made out of clouds.”

Scootaloo chuckles. “Pretty sure that’s not on the factory tour.”

“Let’s see where it leads.”

Walking slowly and carefully, they come to a curve with light coming out of it. Returning to their mist forms, Arc and Scootaloo enter the room and look around. They find the guards opening boxes of condiments and tossing them inside steel cages containing a number of malnourished mares and stallion. Scootaloo calls out to Arc telepathically.

“There they are!”

“That’s why Rainbow Dash’s dad couldn’t find anyone. He never would have thought to look in the freezer.”

“I kinda thought they’d been taken from the facility.”

“Still wondering what they’re doing.”

“Feeding them I would assume.”

“Not much of a meal though.”

Scootaloo chuckles. “How about we change that?”

“Yes. Let’s.”

“What’s the plan?”

“We need some answers, so we need to take prisoners.”

“Must we?”

“Uh… yes. Why?”

“They’re literally torturing these ponies! I say we take em OUT!”

“If they resist you’ll get your wish. With luck the survivors will surrender and allow us to take them into custody.”

“Shall we get started then, Big Brother?”

“By all means.”

Drifting over to the cage, Arc and Scootaloo rematerialize as one of the stallions tosses a hooffull of ketchup packets. Holding out a hand Arc catches them in midair with his magic and crushes them. The red liquid drops to the floor and splatters. No one makes a sound for several long moments. Eventually Arc speaks.

“All the prisoners had best put their heads down and close their eyes.”

Returning his attention to the guards in front of him, Arc continues.

“We can do this one of two ways. The easy way…”

Scootaloo grins wickedly as she pulls her father’s dagger from her belt. “Or MY way!”

Seeing the pair’s red eyes, the guards suddenly scream out angrily and charge forward as one. Scootaloo lunges at them slicing through their soft necks with relative ease. Two charge straight for Arc as he holds out his hands. Picking them up by their necks via a Telekinesis Spell, they continue to writhe and flail in an attempt to get to him. Shaking his head, he makes a sudden movement with his wrist. With an audible ‘pop’ the young man breaks their necks and tosses their bodies aside. Scootaloo makes short work of those around her leaving only two guards standing. They back toward the passage, spears at the ready, as Arc and Scootaloo approach them.

“I wouldn’t try running that way.”

Scootaloo nods wickedly. “Right. Our allies are waiting for you in the freezer.”

Turning to one another the guards wordlessly nod. As one, they simultaneously impale each other through the chest before falling to the ground… dead. Arc frowns.

“Great.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Those last two were nuts!”

Arc turns back to the other bodies. “Not like the others were much smarter.”

He walks quickly to the cage where the prisoners lie with their hooves over their ears and eyes squeezed shut.

“You’re safe now, everyone. Give me a few moments to call for reinforcements and we’ll get you out of there.”

Touching his earring, Arc calls out.

“Arc to Equinox.”

Lemon Hearts calls out. “Equinox here.”

“You there, Ember?”

“Yup. What’s up?”

“I want you and Hammer, along with all my forces, to surround the Rainbow Factory and detain any and all guards on duty on, in, or near the property.”

“Um… what?”

“They may be involved with this conspiracy. Any whom resist arrest can be taken down as necessary. Inform the troops that lethal force is authorized.”

Ember grins. “Fine. You okay down there?”

“We’re good, but hurry and carry this out.”

“Right. See you later.”

“Be careful. You still there, Lemon Hearts?”

“Yes sir.”

“Notify Redheart to prepare for a large number of patients. Then I want you to call the local hospital in my name and order them to send medical staff to The Equinox to assist Redheart.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection as Scootaloo approaches him with a key.

“Found this on one of these guys.”

Arc gestures to the cage. “Get this thing open.”

Nodding, Scootaloo hurries to comply. Opening the cage door she steps inside and looks to those assembled.

“Attention everypony! Listen to us!”

“I’m Hero of Light Arc. Your captors are dead and you are now free. However I’d like all of you to come to my ship and be examined by my medical officer before leaving. This is not mandatory but highly encouraged.”

He opens a portal as Scootaloo points a hoof to it.

“Everypony head on through now.”

Slowly, the mares and stallions stand and walk toward the portal’s swirling energies. As the last pony passes Arc closes the portal behind them. Scootaloo turns and looks at the bodies lying around the room.

“What a mess.”

“More so than you realize.”

“Big Brother?”

“Check everyone here for a pulse.”

Splitting up, the pair examine each guard one at a time. Standing up from the last one Arc shakes his head.

“Nothing.”

Scootaloo pokes a guard with a spear in his chest. “These two really didn’t want to be taken alive.”

“Yes. Almost as if their only thought was to take what they knew to the grave.”

“But what could have been THAT important?!”

“No idea. But I think you’re missing something pretty important there.”

He plants a boot on the other guard with a spear in his chest and pushes hard. Rolling the body over, Scootaloo gasps.

“Green blood?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Just like those creatures back in Vanhoover, the Crystal Empire, and now here in Cloudsdale. Changelings.”

“Are they EVERYWHERE?!”

“That may not be far from the truth.”

“But we can’t tell them apart from normal ponies!”

“I can.”

“How?”

“Like this.”

Pulling his helmet from his ring, Arc puts it on Scootaloo. She turns to the bodies again and gasps.

“They’re… hideous!”

Arc nods. “Not exactly the stallions we’re used to seeing, that’s for sure.”

“How is this possible?!”

“Remember how Wiseman transferred my old armor’s enchantments?”

“Yeah.”

“It had True Sight on it. That let me see through illusions and apparently their own camouflage.”

“We need to report this to Princess Twilight right away!”

“Agreed. But first let’s make sure the ponies we rescued are going to be all right and send some real guards down here to investigate.”

“And clean up this mess.”

“That too.”

Scootaloo sighs as they head for the passage. “We should also tell Rainbow Dash’s dad about this.”

“Agreed. But one thing at a time.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 14 - Reassurances

Returning to the top of the stairs, Arc turns to Rose and Sereb.

“I need to head back to the ship. You two okay to stay here for a bit longer?”

Rose nods. “Sure. But what happened down there?”

Sereb looks past him at the steps. “Assumedly the same that transpired up here.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What happened?”

Rose motions to the now open freezer door. “A number of stallions entered the kitchen a few minutes ago.”

Sereb growls. “They appeared to be in a hurry.”

Scootaloo grins. “Didn’t want to talk, eh?”

Rose shakes her head. “Nope.”

“But we took care of them. ”

“Sadly none of them were willing to surrender though.”

Arc sighs. “Good work. After my troops finish securing the building they’ll head down here with some real guards to investigate. Don’t let anyone down there whom isn’t with my forces.”

Rose appears nervous. “Very well. But you two are okay, right?”

“Just fine.”

Scootaloo motions with a hoof. “Better than those things down there anyways.”

Arc nods and opens a portal. Scootaloo runs through it as he turns to the others.

“Thanks for having my back.”

Sereb grins toothily. “It was a good time.”

Chuckling, Arc turns and walks through the portal. As it closes behind them Rose and Sereb continue their vigil. Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo reappear on the sigil in his room aboard ship. She looks around, confused.

“Where is everypony we rescued?”

“I put a sigil in the Infirmary before we left.”

“You did?”

Arc nods as they head for the door. “Yeah. Just in case there was trouble. Not sure why I didn’t do that a long time ago though.”

Heading for the Infirmary, they are passed by Wrangler whom is leading a number of medical Pegasi from town.

“Make way!”

Arc and Scootaloo stand to either side to allow them to pass. Following them, they find the prisoners have filled the cots while several of them lie on the floor in the fetal position. Arc frowns.

“What happened down there?!”

Redheart looks up from examining a patient. “I’m a bit too busy to figure that out right now, sir!”

Wrangler turns to the medics. “Everypony, let’s get to work!”

Arc and Scootaloo step back out into the corridor as the ponies get to work. Scootaloo looks over the room before speaking.

“They look terrible!”

Arc sighs. “Hopefully whatever was done to them wasn’t permanent.”

“What should we do now? Help Ember?”

“I think she’s got things covered down there. We’d just be in the way.”

Arc motions for Scootaloo to follow him. Stepping onto the Bridge they are greeted by Soarin.

“Sir, reports just in say that the Cloudsdale Guard is revolting!”

“How many?!”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “All of them!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Lemon Hearts, send word to Ember and Hammer in the field! Let them know the situation and to not trust any guards not under my command!”

“Aye, sir.”

Arc looks out the window at the city and frowns.

“Every guard…”

Thunderlane calls out from his station. “I can’t speak for everypony, but I’d really feel betrayed right about now if I was down there!”

Moon Dancer frowns. “Betrayed?”

“Think about it. The citizens put their faith in Princess Celestia and Decimus. Look what it got them.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We have to bring the guards to heel! If they’re not willing to uphold their sworn duty to protect the citizens, I’ll strip them of their power myself!”

He looks to Lemon Hearts.

“I’m heading out to help deal with the Town Guard. Coordinate patrols with Ember and Hammer. We need to weed out the traitors.”

“Yes sir. But what about the citizens?”

“Issue a ‘shelter in place’ order citywide in my name. Detain anyone whom is found to be in violation.”

Arc and Scootaloo hurry down the corridor and down the gangplank. The sound of emergency sirens rings out as they do so. Scootaloo turns to him.

“Things really got bad fast!”

“You can say that again! Now then, let’s see what we can do to change that!”

Working through the night, Arc and his forces hunt down and subdue the remnants of the Cloudsdale Town Guard. As dawn breaks everyone reconvenes in the Town Hall. Arc looks around the table at the exhausted group.

“How’d we do last night?”

Rose sighs. “Nearly every guard that wasn’t a pony has either refused to be taken alive or fled the city at high speed.”

Ember grins. “Mostly the first thing though.”

Hammer shrugs. “No one’s perfect.”

Sereb growls. “It would appear that around half percent of the guards in this city were changelings.”

Arc frowns. “How about the guards we spoke to at Rainbow Factory’s gates yesterday?”

“Real guards, all of them. They’ve been cleared for duty and added to your command, Big Brother.”

“Good. How about the city leadership?”

Rose purses her lips. “All changelings.”

Ember sighs. “Sadly they fled their residences before we arrived.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “From the mayor to the town council, all of them were fakes!”

Arc turns to Rose. “Which direction did they fly off to?”

“The southeast. In the general direction of the Badlands.”

Sereb puts a paw on the table. “Back to their queen it would seem!”

“We need to go after them, Big Brother!”

Arc shakes his head. “I wish we could. But this isn’t the time.”

Ember gasps. “How could it not be…?!”

“You’re forgetting that attacking the Badlands would require an army, Ember.”

“So?! Call Canterlot and have them send over troops!”

Sereb groans. “Much of the standing military forces stationed around Equestria still follow Princess Celestia. Deploying our own forces to engage the changelings would result in our own territory being made vulnerable to attack.”

Max hurries into the room, runs over to Arc, and whispers in his ear. Nodding, Arc sighs before responding.

“Send them in.”

Nodding, Max again hurries away. Ember frowns.

“More bad news?”

“Not really. Just a very concerned family.”

A few moments later the doors open and Rainbow Dash flies inside. Her parents follow behind on hoof.

“Are we being invaded?!”

Hammer sighs. “Kinda are, blue.”

Windy Whistles gasps. “Oh my!”

Bo looks to Arc. “Sir, what happened last night?!”

Rainbow Dash grits his teeth. “Nopony will tell us anything!”

“Just a moment.”

Calling forth his helmet Arc looks over Rainbow Dash and her parents. Satisfied, he returns the helmet to his ring before continuing.

“Sorry for that. But right now we can’t really be too careful.”

He turns to Bo before speaking atain.

“The good news is that we recovered your missing workers.”

“Good! Are they alright?!”

Rose nods. “Our Chief Medical Officer has confirmed that nopony is in critical condition. However all of them are suffering from malnutrition and general fatigue.”

Arc gestures out the window. “All of them have since been transferred to Cloudsdale Hospital for further treatment.

Windy steps forward. “I’d like to visit them! Many in the secretarial pool are my friends! Would that be possible, sir?!”

“The doctors looking after them would be the ones to make that decision.”

“Might we be allowed to go ask then, sir?”

Bo grimaces. “Right. We were stopped on the way here several times.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Well, the city is still under lockdown.”

Arc nods. “But that will end after our meeting. Assuming no one has anything to report that deems it necessary to keep it up.”

Rose shakes her head. “No, Arc. It would appear that the danger has passed.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “A shame.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “How can we be sure they will not return?”

“We can’t. But forcing everyone to stay indoors without a good reason won’t help anything.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to The Equinox.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“Notify all of my forces along with the Cloudsdale Town Guard that the lockdown is being lifted effective immediately. With the exception of the Rainbow Factory all businesses are permitted to open as usual and citizens are to be notified of the ‘all clear’.”

“Yes sir. I’ve just received word that the reinforcements from Canterlot will be here within the hour.”

“Good. As soon as they arrive have the squad leaders begin relieving our patrols. Everyone’s exhausted from last night’s activities.”

“I’ll see to it, sir. Will there be anything else?”

“Not at the moment. We really need to play this one by ear. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Hammer looks out the window at the dawn’s early light.

“Convenient.”

Arc looks to her. “Hammer?””

“Think about it. So many of the town’s guards and every leader was a changeling.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “What does that prove?”

Ember clenches a fist. “That Chrysalis was trying to take over the town!”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “WHAT?!”

Bo groans. “She pretty much did.”

Windy appears rattled. “Who’s to say she won’t try again?!”

Rose turns to Arc. “It would be unwise to leave this town as it is.”

“Agreed. I’ve already suggested to Princess Twilight that Cloudsdale should be temporarily moved closer to Canterlot.”

Sereb nods. “It would be easier to defend them.”

Ember appears skeptical. “But will the population agree?”

Hammer frowns. “Can’t you just order them to move, Arc?!”

“I suppose so. But that would make us no better than Celestia and Decimus.”

Bo raises a hoof. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“I’d be willing to vouch for your character when I announce what happened last night to my workers.”

“Thank you. But the factory’s reopening will have to wait.”

Scootaloo frowns. “It does?”

Rose nods. “Yes. A thorough investigation is needed first.”

Rainbow Dash slams her hooves down on the conference table. “But ponies need to get back to work!”

Sereb looks to her. “That may be. However it is important that the matter be properly investigated as well.”

“I don’t see how…!”

Bo puts a hoof on his daughter’s shoulder. “Rainbow, he’s right.”

Windy steps forward. “Yes. Everypony needs to know that this matter is completely settled before we can all move on.”

Rose nods. “I suggest that you address the public along with mother as soon as possible, Arc.”

Hammer grins as she offers him a thumbs up. “Right. They need to know you’ll look after them.”

Scootaloo groans. “The only problem with that is how to set it up.”

Ember shrugs. “All the town’s leaders are in the hospital, after all.”

Bo nods soberly. “I’ll call the meeting. After all, they’ll listen to me.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah, you pretty much know everypony in town, dad.”

Windy smiles sadly. “But first we need to find out how the victims are doing.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. It won’t do any good to call a meeting if we don’t have anything concrete to report.”

“My wife and I will head over there now, sir.”

“Thank you.”

The pair turn to leave as Rainbow Dash looks to them and Arc several times as if unsure of what to do. Eventually Sereb speaks.

“Perhaps your parents could use an escort.”

Ember shrugs. “Probably could.”

“Yeah! Wait up!”

Running after her parents, Rainbow Dash leaves the room as Rose looks to Arc.

“Do you really think this will work?”

“Which part?”

“Rainbow Dash’s parents being able to convince the public to accept Canterlot’s help.”

Sereb grunts. “At this point we don’t really have a choice.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Other than strongarm tactics.”

Ember grins. “I’m up for that.”

Arc frowns. “Well, I’m not. Rainbow Dash believes in her parents, and I believe in her.”

Scootaloo nods fervently. “As does Princess Twilight, I would assume.”

Rose smiles. “That too.”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“S-s-sir?!”

“What is it, Lemon Hearts?”

“The first transport carrying our reinforcements just arrived and landed next to The Equinox.”

Ember raises an eyebrow, confused. “Uh… isn’t that a good thing?”

“Princess Twilight was aboard it!”

Arc gasps. “WHAT?!”

“She’s escorted by an entire contingent as well as the Captain of the Royal Guard!”

“I’ll meet her at once! Where is she?!”

“Heading for The Equinox as we speak!”

Arc jumps up and runs out the door. A moment later he sticks his head back inside and looks to the others.

“Meeting adjourned!”

As the others follow his lead and hurry down the corridor Ember turns to him.

“Is this really the best idea, Arc?!”

“We have to get over there and make sure she’s not captured by the changelings, or something!”

Hammer grunts. “I think Ember means us running there.”

“How else would we…?!”

Scootaloo looks up at him. “A portal maybe?”

Arc groans as he skids to a stop. Calling forth his sigil gauntlet he opens a portal. As they hurry through Arc and company find themselves on The Equinox’s deck. The sound of hoofsteps on the steel gangplank ring out as Twilight and Flash Sentry come into view along with a multitude of troops. Stopping, she turns to the colonel.

“Dispatch our forces to assist in guarding the city, colonel. See to it personally.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Motioning for the guards to follow, they turn and hurry back down the gangplank and toward the city. Twilight approaches Arc and company as Rose rushes to meet her.

“Mother!”

Twilight smiles. “Hello, Rose. How are things going here?”

“I think I should let Arc tell you.”

Arc nods soberly. “Fine. But you should have told me you were coming, Twilight.”

“Sorry about that. It really was a last minute decision on my part.”

“Well, I suppose I can’t really tell you not to come at this point.”

“Because she’s a princess, Big Brother?”

Arc shrugs. “That and the fact she’s already here.”

Hammer sighs. “Makes sense.”

Arc returns his gaze to Twilight. “In any case, there’s something I want to do before we proceed.”

He calls forth his helmet and looks Twilight up and down. Nodding, he returns the helmet to his ring and smiles.

“Perfect.”

Twilight blushes happily. “Why thank you, Arc.”

“I mean that you’re not a changeling.”

“Oh… um… well, this is embarrassing.”

Hammer grins. “That was funny!”

Sereb snickers. “Indeed.”

Arc motions to the ship’s main hatch. “Let’s get you inside, Twilight.”

“I’d actually like to see the city right now.”

Ember frowns. “Now’s not the best time for that.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. The citizens are a bit on edge as it is.”

“But we need to reassure them that Canterlot is here for them now.”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Rainbow Dash’s parents are going to take care of that. They just need a bit of time at the hospital.”

“Oh no! Were they hurt?!”

Rose shakes her head. “No, mother. They just wanted to check on those whom were kidnapped.”

Ember nods. “They’re resting comfortably in the hospital as we speak.”

Twilight appears relieved as she turns to Arc. “Good. Um… then I suppose I’ll take you up on that offer to enter the ship.”

Arc motions for Twilight to enter with the others as he and Ember take up the rear. Arriving at his quarters, Arc motions for everyone to sit down.

“Now we can talk securely. Let me start with that, while I am happy to see you Twilight, why are you here?”

“We need to handle this properly. A personal appearance is exactly what Princess Celestia would have done if she were here.”

Hammer frowns. “You sure about that?”

Twilight nods. “Positive. She was adamant that such things helped relieve the public when she arrived. And while I certainly don’t have her level of trust, I still feel as though this is what I need to do.”

Arc nods soberly. “Very well, Twilight. I’ll inform Rainbow Dash’s parents when she and they return.”

“I do have one request though, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“Might you make the statement with me?”

“Sure. We can do it together.”

Later that day, Twilight and Arc sit in the mayor’s office together on an oversized couch. She turns to him nervously.

“Is it almost time?”

Arc turns to look out the window. “Yes. And it appears pretty much the entire town’s come out to hear you.”

“You mean ‘us’.”

“Mostly you.”

Twilight sighs. “Then I guess it’s a good thing Rainbow Dash’s father went on the radio earlier today.”

“I do believe that helped, yes.”

There is a light knock at the door. A few moments later Flash Sentry enters the room, approaches the pair, and salutes.

“We shall be ready in ten minutes, your highness.”

“Thank you, colonel. Tell me, what is the… pulse of the crowd?”

“From what I’ve gathered they don’t really know what to think right now. But are open to… something, I suppose.”

Arc frowns. “Being all but abandoned by the previous administration, I can see why.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Abandoned?”

“Bo Hothoof told me that they tried to get help from Canterlot before you took the throne, but couldn’t see Celestia.”

Flash Sentry nods soberly. “Right, your highness. Distrust of the capital is at an all-time high right now throughout the land.”

“Then I will work to change that! We can’t let everypony down! Not anymore!”

Arc nods approvingly. “Well said, Twilight. This will be the first step to reunifying the land.”

Twilight sighs. “I just wish Princess Celestia was here.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Please, your highness. That would only serve to undermine our efforts.”

“What I meant was my old friend, teacher, and mentor. Not the princess she’s apparently become. She would know what to do.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “As do you.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it, Twilight. Every decision you make is in line with what she taught you, isn’t it?”

“As best I can, yes.”

“Don’t you see? She was preparing you for this.”

Flash Sentry nods. “So it would seem. Princess Celestia has always been able to look far ahead and prepare for whatever befalls the land.”

Twilight’s ears droop as does her head. “But she couldn’t see what was coming for her.”

Arc shrugs. “No one is perfect.”

Flash Sentry motions to the large doors. “We should probably head over to the balcony soon, your highness.”

“Very well. But might I have a word with Arc privately first?”

“Of course, Princess Twilight.”

Saluting, he turns and leaves the room. Arc looks to Twilight.

“What’s on your mind?”

“I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“I’m… not a very good princess.”

“You just took the job. No one is a master overnight.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That’s not what I mean.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “Then what…?”

“I don’t have the respect, authority, or same air as Princess Celestia did. The best I can be is a poor imitation.”

“That’s the problem.”

Twilight appears confused. “What?”

“You’re trying to be someone else.”

“But that’s what Equestria needs right now!”

“No, Twilight. It NEEDS a princess. Not a Celestia clone.”

“Clone?”

“Try as hard as you want. But you’ll never be Celestia.”

“Then what should I do?!”

“Become your own version of a leader. It’s fine to try and follow in your mentor’s footsteps. But at the end of the day you need to be YOU!”

“How do I do that?”

“By being yourself.”

“I don’t…”

“Just focus on being someone that the citizens can look up to. They need you to give them hope right now.”

Twilight groans. “Hope won’t keep them safe.”

“Right. That’s where everyone else comes in.”

“Huh?”

“Flash Sentry, our friends, Ember, Sereb, Scootaloo, the support staff, Kibitz, Raven, and myself. It’s not your job to fix things as much as its to delegate what others do and represent our nation on the international stage.”

“That last one really makes me nervous.”

“It’s not easy. But I’ll help as much as I can, as will the others.”

“Thanks. I don’t think I’d be able to do this alone.”

Arc puts an arm around Twilight and smiles at her.

“You won’t have to.”

Sighing contentedly, she leans against him.

“I’ll be happy when all of this is but a distant memory.”

“As will I, Twilight.”

“Then we can focus on… more important matters.”

“The herd?”

Twilight nods. “I know it sounds selfish, but I am looking forward to spending more time with you.”

“Me too, Twilight. Lately we’ve just been together in a business-like atmosphere.”

“While I have enjoyed that, it’s so… impersonal.”

“You want intimacy, don’t you?”

Twilight blushes. “We all do. Rarity, Ember, Fluttershy, and Hammer have all spent some very… special time with you.”

“We did too in Celestia’s bathroom if you recall.”

“Yes, and I loved that. So much so that I want more.”

“So do I. But we both know now is not the time.”

Twilight sighs. “That I am acutely aware of, yes.”

“We should get a move on. The others should be waiting for us on the balcony already.”

“Agreed. Just one last thing though.”

Turning her head, Twilight gives Arc a kiss on the side of his lips and whispers in his ear.

“I may be a princess, Arc. But I still want to be cared for.”

Nodding, Arc turns and gives her a hug as he returns the whisper.

“One day, Twilight. One day.”

Standing, they head for the door. Flash Sentry escorts them down the corridor accompanied by Arc’s squad. Coming to a large set of double doors Twilight takes a deep breath and nods to the colonel as Arc motions to his squad. Stepping ahead, Flash Sentry walks forward as the squad pushes the doors open for him. Facing the crowd, the stallion clears his throat and speaks with all the authority of his station.

“PRESENTING HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND HERO OF LIGHT ARC!”

The nervous clopping of hooves follows as Twilight steps forward with Arc at her side. The pair move to join the rest of the Mane Six whom stand there stoically and look out at the crowd. Waiting for the citizens to finish, Twilight begins.

“My fellow Equestrians… I come to you today as a Princess of Equestria. While I know you have every reason not to listen to me, I ask that you hear me out.”

She looks around before continuing.

“When ponies started disappearing from the Rainbow Factory the plant foreman went to Canterlot to ask for help. As you may know, he was unable to see Princess Celestia, nor secure any sort of aid for Cloudsdale.”

The citizens nod and murmur amongst each other as Twilight continues.

“I do not make any excuses for that, nor will I stand before you and try to justify the lack of action in the past. When I sent Hero of Light Arc here to Cloudsdale, I was not aware of the reason why the town had turned from Canterlot’s rule. And by the time I was informed, he had already remedied the problem as well as rescued those whom were missing. You were told that this act was planned and carried out by the changelings and their operatives. How they captured and replaced workers and leaders in the local government. And their desire to see you turn away from Equestria as a whole. While I could simply order my forces to put Cloudsdale under martial law, that isn’t what I came here to do. In truth, quite the opposite.”

Frowning, the ponies below are silent as she pauses for a moment.

“I believe that everypony… nah every living being, should be allowed to live free from tyranny and oppression. It is you whom need our help right now. However, I will not force that upon the city.”

A look of confusion crosses the masses’ faces as the speech continues.

“With your city’s leaders weakened and lying in the hospital, I want to extend an invitation to the city itself. By my decree, you will be allowed to temporarily mover it closer to Canterlot. Such proximity will allow us to watch out for each other, as ponykind has done for centuries. Should you choose to do so know that I will do my very best to help the city in this trying time. However I also want to say that if you decide to keep the city here I will still do my best to help and serve you from the capital. The choice, as it always has been, rests with all of you. Thank you for your time.”

<he steps back as the Pegasi applaud respectfully. Twilight turns to Arc and her friends.

“How did I do?”

Applejack smiles. “Just fine, sugarcube.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! But I think Arc should say a few words too.”

Fluttershy nods. “Oh yes. It will most certainly help to ease tensions here.”

“Alright. Here goes nothing.”

Stepping forward, Arc looks out over the crowd.

“Everyone… since I came to Equestria I’ve seen cooperation and unity the likes of which I didn’t realize were possible. Three very different, very unique races forming such a deeply connected and united country wasn’t something I thought to be possible. However at the present time there is a threat to that unity. While I don’t know the reasons why, there are those whom would like to see all Equestrians scattered and divided. Now, more than ever, we need to stick together. For if the changelings are indeed conspiring against the nation, we are all in great danger. Should the unthinkable happen and they invade, we must be united in our cause and ready to defend this land. But we can only do that if our nation and its inhabitants remain steadfast and resolute. Equestria must stand together… or we will all fall separately. Thank you.”

Stepping back, Arc motions for everyone to follow him inside the Town Hall as Flash Sentry gives the closing remarks. As the doors are shut behind them Arc lets out a sigh.

“That’s the best we can do.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “I still wish we could do something else.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Such as…?”

Applejack shrugs. “I dunno. But I’m with Rainbow Dash on this one.”

A voice rings out nearby.

“Right.”

They turn to see Bo Hothoof and Windy Whistles walking toward them. Rainbow Dash grins and walks toward them.

“Thanks for backing us up on this one, you two.”

Bo grins. “We couldn’t leave our favorite daughter hanging.”

Windy nods. “Right. I believe that speech gave everypony something to think about.”

Bo looks over to the group with a strange look on his face.

“Is that you, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy nods shyly. “Y-yes sir.”

Windy tilts her head to one side. “It’s been a long time. But what are you doing here?”

“I’m just doing my part to support the town and my friends.”

Bo shakes his head. “No, no. She means what are you doing HERE?”

“But, I don’t…”

Windy interrupts her. “We thought you’d be at the hospital.”

Applejack frowns. “Why? She’s perfectly healthy.”

Bo sighs. “Because her parents are there.”

Fluttershy gasps. “WHAT?!”

Rainbow Dash turns to her father. “WHY?!”

“Remember how I told you my secretary was missing?”

“You mean…?!”

Bo nods sadly. “Yup. Mrs. Shy.”

Preface - Volume 42 - Dinners and Divisions

In our previous volume, Arc walks down the corridor of Canterlot Castle toward Twilight’s room. Informing her of his orders for all castle staff to return tomorrow morning, Arc reiterates his desire to help her lead the nation. Arriving at the bedroom, he finds the rest of the Mane 6 waiting for them. Asking to speak to him privately, Twilight and Arc head to the bathroom for a chat. Thanking him for convincing her to take the throne, Twilight also informs Arc that Celestia is indeed the genuine article. Insisting that her mentor was not a changeling in disguise, they kiss and leave the bathroom. Arc heads down another corridor with Scootaloo in tow. Going over their plans to have her infiltrate Decimus’ ranks in Light’s Hope, the two part ways again as they arrive at Arc’s room. Entering, he finds Ember (in her human form) and Hammer sitting on his bed wearing nothing but their bras and panties. Beckoning him to the bed, Arc tells them of his need to make a phone call. Asking the switchboard operator to connect him with the Crystal Hospital, he inquires of Auriel’s condition. Being told that they were successful in removing the shrapnel, he asks to be notified when Auriel is fit to be transferred to Canterlot Castle’s Infirmary. Turning back to Ember and Hammer, the pair appear regretful in their advances on him while Auriel lies in a hospital bed alone on the other side of the country. Moving to leave, Arc calls them back. Admitting that he does enjoy sleeping with them, they lie down for a good night’s rest.

Awakening, Arc raises the sun and continues lying with Ember and Hammer. Kibitz enters to wake them. Asking for help rousing Twilight, Arc tells Kibitz to turn around while his bedmates head to the bathroom to shower. Following them, Ember takes his presence as a desire to… you know. The women argue for a few moments on whom will be first before Hammer sits down to watch. Turning them both down, Arc gets to showering. Heading to Twilight’s room sometime later Arc enters alone and wakes Twilight and the others before waiting in the corridor for them to get ready. Making their way to the Dining Room for breakfast, Arc tells Kibitz of the changes to the sleeping arrangement that will need to be made before the conversation turns to more important matters. Informing Twilight of Platinum Valve’s fears that Decimus and Celestia may be trying to dust off an old trick of King Sombra, it is suggested that they look in the armory for information regarding such enslavement technology. Twilight admits that she cannot help open the vault door and Cadance cannot do it alone. Sending for Flash Sentry and Platinum Valve, Arc and company continue to brainstorm ideas of what to do next.

As the stallion and filly arrive, Arc and company explain the situation to them. Flash Sentry assures Twilight that such a device could not be present in Canterlot. Platinum Valve voices her concerns regarding a potential red herring left behind by Decimus. A guard arrives to report a large number of ponies at the gates. Investigating, Ember tells them that they are simply there for audiences. Arc volunteers to help Twilight get them caught back up before she asks to speak to him alone. He soothes her inhibitions by informing Twilight that no one is ever truly ready to lead. Asking for a kiss, Arc does so with gusto. Giving Twilight the needed push to be able to lead, he leaves the room with Kibitz to take a place in the Conference Room. As her friends return they talk about an idea Twilight had regarding Arc.

As audiences end for the day Arc returns to the Throne Room. From there he and the others head to the Dining Room for a well-deserved meal. Hearing Saffron is back he warns the others that they may be disturbed by his upcoming meal as it will most likely contain meat. The reaffirm their feelings that Arc needs such things to remain healthy. Sitting down at the new round table they munch on delicacies as Saffron brings Arc a steak. Flash Sentry, Ember, and Hammer enter the room with a report of a suspected mind control device inside Manehattan’s Mare Statue. Presenting their evidence to Twilight, Arc insists that the statue be destroyed to protect the citizens. Flash Sentry also reports of the civil unrest all over the country. He tells them that Baltimare, Dodge Junction, Vanhoover, Canterlot, Appleloosa, and the Ponyville refugees have sided with Princess Twilight. However conversely Las Pegasus, Fillydelphia, Cloudsdale, Trottingham, Rainbow Falls, and Tall Tale’s leaders have sworn to support Princess Celestia and Decimus. Hearing that Manehattan is neutral, Arc still insist that the Mare Statue needs to go. Hammer warns him that he is playing into Decimus’ hand with such a plan, as it will make him look like a terrorist. Arc however refuses to allow the citizens to be mentally enslaved by their enemies.

Arc and Hammer board The Equinox together. Meeting the others on the Bridge Arc orders the ship to take off as soon as possible. Ember and Hammer convince him to go back to his room to sleep as they sit on his couch together and talk quietly. Eventually they too fall asleep. As the sun sets a figure walks into the room silently. Ember, hearing the clopping of hooves, lunges at the intruder. Knocking them away, she inadvertently wakes the others up. They pull a knife and throw it at Arc whom calls forth his armor just in time. Trying to escape they head for the door as Hammer fires at them, hitting their fetlock. Arc recognize the assassin as Spitfire and orders Wrangler and Redheart to report to his room. As the mare it taken away they head to the Bridge. Nearing the city they all Blink down together. Platinum Valve runs off on her own mission to confirm the presence of a mind control crystal. Entering the Mare Statue via an access panel, she climbs electrical cables to get into the main catwalk. Meanwhile, Arc stalls Decimus by letting him monologue. Platinum Valve picks the lock for a door that leads to a ladder. Climbing it she finds herself inside the torch. Spying a large number of metal plates aimed in all directions, she opens a housing to expose a large crystal. Slamming the cover shut again she pulls a radio and reports her findings to Sunburst. Notifying Lemon Hearts, he passes on the filly’s instructions on their next phase. Throwing a tool at the glass, Platinum Valve stumbles out the window. Arc Blinks up, catches her, turns around to protect her, and orders his ship to fire at the torch. As The Equinox does so they spot the crystal flying through the air. Arc’s squad along with Ember catch it and drop it in front of the podium which is now covered in debris. Moon Dancer confirms that the gem in question is indeed a mind control crystal.

Arc sends Platinum Valve back to The Equinox via portal for medical treatment before turning his attention back to the crystal before them. However as he approaches it Decimus leaps out from under some rubble and lunges at Arc. Before anyone can do anything Sereb tackles the stallion and bites his throat, killing him. Returning to his quarters with the crystal and the others he tells them to go get cleaned up before heading to the Infirmary. Learning that Platinum Valve will recover with a good night’s sleep, the conversation turns to the crystal in question. Arc checks on Spitfire behind a curtain. Finding her unconscious he is told that she will never fully recover physically. Heading back to his room he runs into Stellar Flare and Sunburst whom are heading to the Infirmary. Ever the overbearing mother, she insists that her son needs an examination to which Sunburst disagrees. Arc reminds her that he is a fully grown stallion whom is capable of caring for himself. Parting ways, he returns to his quarters to Hammer coming out of the bathroom. Asking to sleep with him, Arc declines saying he’s too tired for such things. A few moments after she leaves there is a knock at the door. Opening it, Arc finds Ember standing before him. Asking to help him get cleaned up, he relents being too tired to fight with her. Getting into the shower Arc voices his regrets over how he handled Spitfire’s attack. Appearing tired, Arc bathes Ember before sending her out of the bathroom to rest. After cleaning himself up he dresses and returns to his room. However he finds Ember lying on the floor at the foot of the bed. Asking her why she is doing such a thing Ember appears very upset and refer to him as ‘master’. Promising to do better for him, Arc looks to his ring and frowns.

Removing the crystal from his ring, Arc chucks it into the corner before turning his attention back to Ember. She returns to normal with little recollection of what just happened. Heading to bed as the ship continues its journey, Arc and Ember awaken as the ship lands early the next morning. Lemon Hearts calls him to pass on a message from Ashe requesting a meeting. Heading to her room with Ember, Arc asks what it is she wants. Telling them both that she wishes to remain in Equestria, Arc offers her a deal in exchange for a good word. Taking her back to his quarters aboard The Equinox Arc puts the gem back in his ring and attempts to mentally dominate Ashe. A short time later he is able to convince her to clean his toilet both inside and out. Ashe becomes nearly frantic when Arc presses her to do a better job. Returning her to the couch Arc releases his hold on her and convinces her that she merely fell asleep. Heading to the Audience Chamber with the crystal, Arc reports his findings to Twilight and the rest of the Mane 6. Calling Cadance in Canterlot, she helps Twilight open the vault to safely store away the crystal. However before they leave she presents to Arc a very old shield that nullifies any magic levied against it.

The next evening Arc puts on his royal raiments and waits in his room. Ember, Hammer, and Scootaloo come to check on him together. Upon seeing her, Arc questions what Scootaloo is doing there as she’s supposed to be with Decimus. Telling him that Decimus told her to return to Canterlot and act as a mole in Twilight’s administration, she then questions what he is wearing. As the three leave Arc continues waiting. A knock rings out a short time later to Rarity standing at his door. Inviting her inside, Arc assumes she is his date. Revealing that she is only there to explain the events leading up to this evening, Rarity leaves to check up on his real date. A few minutes later another knock rings out. Answering the door again Arc is met with the sight of Fluttershy in a formal gown. She gives Arc a card which contains a list of date options from Rarity. Heading to the castle drawbridge they find a carriage which takes the pair to ‘The Tasty Treat’. As they wait for their food, Fluttershy tells Arc of her brother, Zephyr Breeze, whom is the black sheep of their family along with her very humble upbringing. Finishing their meal they leave the restaurant and decide to visit a local indoor nature preserve.

Arriving at their destination Arc pays the entrance fee and leads Fluttershy inside. She marvels at the lengths taken to make it an authentic experience. Arc watches her speak to a robin before asking more about her ability to speak to various creatures. Asking him to try, she motions for a squirrel to approach them. Arc tries unsuccessfully to communicate with the squirrel before being given some advice on how to do so. Taking the suggestions, Arc is able to crudely talk to the creature which surprises both him and Fluttershy. The squirrel raises his concerns regarding Celestia’s absence and recommends that Arc act decisively in the matter. Leaving the preserve several hours later Arc notes that Rarity listed several hotels for them to stay at afterwards. Fluttershy asks to go to one surprisingly and their escort recommends a five star room privy only to royalty. Taking Fluttershy there, they take off their formal clothes before meeting up in front of the fireplace. Fluttershy confesses to eating her animal’s food sometimes rather than cooking herself a proper meal. Thinking Arc will be horrified, she is surprised to find that he is indifferent to such things. Overjoyed, she leaps into his arms to give him a hug before pulling him down on top of her. Locking lips, the pair kiss for a long moment as Fluttershy enjoys her first kiss. Lying down together Arc falls asleep as Fluttershy laments the fact that she is still keeping secrets from him.

Arc and Fluttershy awaken early the next morning and return to the castle. Heading to the Dining Room they are greeted by the others. Telling them of their date, Fluttershy informs everyone of Arc’s newfound ability to talk to animals. While Twilight voices a desire to study such a thing more in depth she admits that they have much more important matters to attend to. After telling the others that Light’s Hope is currently impregnable she then breaks the news to them that they most likely have enough fuel to last six months. In the meantime she suggests sending Arc to Cloudsdale on a mission of diplomacy. He agrees to do so as Ember, Scootaloo, and Rainbow Dash volunteer to accompany him.

‘Landing’ at Cloudsdale, Arc and company disembark together. Asking to speak to him alone, Arc takes Rainbow Dash back to his quarters aboard ship. She confesses that she has not told her parents about their relationship or the herd idea. Arc warns her against hiding such things from them and she agrees to tell them when the time is right. Returning to the others they walk to Rainbow Dash’s parent’s house. Opening the door for them, Rainbow Dash calls loudly for her mother. A middle aged mare hurries to meet her. She appears nervous as the others are introduced to her. Coming to Arc however they see that he is no longer present. Scootaloo goes outside to look for him. Finding Arc leaning against the house she leads him back inside and over to Windy Whistles. She appears very frightened and even leaps back as she touches his gauntlet. Recalling his armor Arc tries again to shake her hoof properly, this time with slightly better success. Windy tells her daughter that Cloudsdale has always supported the proper rulers of the land, which leads to Rainbow Dash storming out with the others. Walking away from the house she apologizes for her mother’s behavior. Suggesting that they go see her father at the Rainbow Factory they begin heading there.

Arriving at the factory they announce themselves. Even though he is the Hero of Light the guards still do not want to admit him or even Rainbow Dash. Spotting the Scarlet Filly among them the guards begin gushing over her before calling for an escort to admit her party. Heading to the office they find Rainbow Dash’s father, Bo Hothoof, sitting behind a desk working. Calling out to him the stallion hurries over to his daughter to embrace her properly. Explaining why they’re there Arc asks for the stallion’s help. Bo Hothoof tells Arc of the city’s opinion regarding him marching into Canterlot with soldiers to take the castle. Rainbow Dash and the others do their best to convince him that such a thing had to be done. Admitting to having his own problems, which Canterlot did nothing to help with, he enlists the aid of Arc and his friends in an attempt to find the missing workers. Arc forms a plan in his head before telling Rainbow Dash to leave at the end of the day with her father. Returning to The Equinox with the others he tells Ember that his plan will be a simple one with the proper help.

Returning to The Equinox, Arc briefs his friends on the plan after calling for some reinforcements. Later that night a mist snakes its way through Cloudsdale, over the factory wall, and into the building. Rematerializing, Arc opens a portal. Sereb and Rose step through and turn to him. Giving Rose a magic cloak, he tells her to take Sereb and scan everything while he and Sereb follow in their mist forms. Walking through the factory they find little out of the ordinary. That is, until they come to the warehouse. Finding a crate they open it and peek inside. Rose does not see anything out of place. However Sereb smells the guards on the contents. Hearing someone coming they close the crate back up haphazardly before stepping back to wait. Two guards approach and removes several boxes of condiments. Following them back to the cafeteria they watch as the group of stallions disappears into the adjoining kitchen. As Rose attempts to follow them Arc and Scootaloo rematerialize. Deciding that they should go first, they return to the mist form and sneak under the door. A few moments later Arc opens it to allow Rose and Sereb to enter. Looking around they see no sign of the group that entered before them. Sniffing the room Sereb smells their scent coming from the walk in freezer. Opening it, Rose steps inside and performs a scan. Finding nothing, Arc notices a shelving unit with numerous scratches on the floor near it. Deciding to leave Rose and Sereb behind to cover the entrance Arc and Scootaloo mist behind the shelves and re-materialize in a corridor. Walking on they find the guards feeding the condiments to a group of ponies in cages. Watching for a time, Arc eventually materializes between the guards and their prisoners. Giving them a chance to surrender, the guard go into a fit of rage and charge at the pair. Forced to kill all but two, the final guards commit suicide by stabbing each other through the chest. Arc calls for Ember and Hammer to surround the factory and detain anyone in or around it. Ordering medical reinforcements sent to his ship, he opens a portal to the Infirmary for the prisoners to use to escape.

Returning to Rose and Sereb, Arc asks them to hold their position until reinforcements arrive. Taking a portal back to The Equinox, Arc and Scootaloo find Redheart up to her neck in patients. Wrangler arrives with medical staff from the town and orders them to get to work. Heading for the Bridge Arc is told that the Cloudsdale Town Guard are revolting. Ordering his forces to detain the guards, Arc leaves to help weed out the traitors after giving ‘shelter in place orders’. The next morning he and his allies regroup at the Town Hall to talk over their success. Having taken no prisoners of value, Arc is told that the changeling forces either fled or were killed. Lemon Hearts contacts Arc to inform him that Canterlot’s soldiers have arrived and are being led by Twilight herself. Hurrying back to the ship he greets the princess on the deck as she orders Flash Sentry and his guards to begin rendering aid to the standing forces. Arc convinces Twilight to return to the safety of his own ship. That evening she addresses the city to pledge Canterlot’s protection to them by offering to allow the city to be moved into Canterlot airspace. Arc follows up with a call for unity in such a trying time before letting Flash Sentry make his own closing remarks. As they leave the balcony the group is met by Rainbow Dash’s parents. Surprised to see Fluttershy there, Bo informs her that Mrs. Shy is currently in the hospital.

However many questions remain unanswered. How will Auriel recover from her wounds? What will be the long term ramifications of an inexperienced leader on the throne? How does the Mare Statue fit into Decimus’ larger plans? What was Decimus REALLY trying to do in Manehattan? Will Platinum Valve really be okay? Why did Celestia commission that particular shield? What is Fluttershy (really) hiding? What else is Fluttershy keeping from Arc? Will everything turn out alright in Cloudsdale? What were those guards THINKING?! What exactly happened to Fluttershy’s mother?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Present and Past

Fluttershy heads for the door.

“I have to go see them!”

Arc steps toward her. “Wait, Fluttershy! I’ll come too!”

The yellow pegasus stops dead in her tracks and looks over her shoulder nervously.

“Oh! Um… that might not be a very good idea.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why not?”

“Indeed. I would have thought they would be interested in meeting…”

“My parents are very… shy individuals.”

Applejack sighs. “I can attest to that.”

Pinkie nods. “Once when I tried to welcome them to Ponyville they both ran away screaming! No idea why!”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “I wonder.”

Rainbow Dash flies over. “Well, I’ll come with you, Fluttershy. They already know me.”

“Thanks.”

Windy Whistles calls out after her daughter. “See you back at the house, dear.”

The two Pegasi leave the room and head down the corridor together. Bo Hothoof turns to Arc.

“Tell me, sir. Will you be staying in town long?”

“At least until the investigation into this matter is complete.”

Windy turns to him. “Do you have a place to stay?”

“My ship has quarters for me whenever I…”

Bo interrupts him. “You might be better off staying with us.”

Twilight appears confused. “He would?”

Windy nods. “Right. It’ll help show everypony in town that our family has accepted you.”

Rarity smiles. “It might be helpful in terms of putting everypony’s mind at ease.”

Ember shrugs. “I think every little bit counts right now.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Indeed.”

“Well… alright then. But only if I wouldn’t be imposing.”

Bo grins. “After what you did for my employees, it seems the least we can do.”

Scootaloo raises a hoof. “Can I come too?”

Windy giggles. “We have room for you as well, yes.”

Twilight looks to the door. “I’ll head back to Canterlot with Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie then.”

Ember grins. “Have a nice trip.”

Flash Sentry steps toward Arc. “Sir, perhaps it would be safer for Princess Twilight to return to the capital via portal.”

“Agreed. Everyone ready?”

Applejack nods. “I am.”

Pinkie grins. “Me too!”

Rarity bats her eyelashes at him. “Take care of yourself, Arc.”

“I will.”

Holding up his sigil gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. He waves as the mares pass by and vanish from sight with Flash Sentry taking point. Closing the portal he turns to Bo Hothoof.

“Shall we be off?”

Bo looks at the spot where the portal once stood. “Uh… yeah, sure.”

Windy gasps. “How did you…?”

Ember clears her throat. “Hammer, Sereb, and I will head back to The Equinox now, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Sure, go ahead.”

Hammer grins. “We’ll help with the factory investigation tomorrow too.”

“I’ll join you in the morning then.”

Bo turns to Arc. “As will I, if that’s allowed.”

“That would probably be quite helpful.”

Windy points a hoof. “In the meantime, why don’t we head back to our house? I’ll get some supper cooking and we can talk.”

Bo chuckles. “Be careful, sir. When my wife gets to talking, there’s no stopping her.”

“That’s fine with me. I too enjoy a good talk.”

Heading out the doors to the street, Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“Will Fluttershy’s parents really be okay?”

“I think so, yes. After all, everyone from the other night was able to walk out of there. Albeit slowly.”

Bo turns to the pair. “How about my secretary?”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Fluttershy’s mom?”

Windy nods. “Yes, her family and ours have been friends for three generations.”

“They’re like family to us.”

Arc sighs. “Unfortunately I’ve never met Fluttershy’s parents, so I don’t really know what they look like.”

Scootaloo looks away nervously. “I’m sure Rainbow Dash can fill us in when she gets back later.”

Arriving back at the house, Bo opens the door with Windy and leads them inside.

“Welcome to our home.”

“Yes, we’re happy to have you.”

Scootaloo turns to the stallion. “We were here earlier.”

“You were?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Rainbow Dash brought us here to… to meet her mother.”

Windy sighs. “I apologize for that.”

“Windy?”

“When our daughter and the Hero of Light arrived, I… may not have been the most gracious host.”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s fine. “

Scootaloo shrugs. “Rainbow Dash didn’t really give you time to say much either.”

Bo grins. “Well then, we have some making up to do.”

Windy gestures with a hoof. “Yes indeed. Now then, why don’t I head to the kitchen and get some food cooking while you show our guests to their room, Bo?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

He turns to Arc and Scootaloo.

“Right this way.”

As Windy Whistles walks toward the kitchen the three of them head upstairs together. Pushing open a double door they look around a large room with two rather ornate looking beds.

“I hope this will do, sir.”

“It looks very nice.”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. Thank you, sir.”

“Anything for the Hero of Light and Scarlet Filly. Now then, I’ll let you two settle in while my wife cooks. Feel free to look around the house as you see fit. My home is your home.”

“Thank you.”

The stallion leaves as Scootaloo walks over to a window and looks outside. Arc moves to join her as she puts a hoof on the glass.

“It’s just so surreal.”

“I know what you mean, Scootaloo. We’re literally in a house made of clouds.”

“Surrounded by Pegasi.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… is that good?”

“Real Pegasi.”

“Hold on just a minute there. You ARE a real pegasus.”

Scootaloo sighs as she pulls off her cloak and tosses it aside. Flapping her miniscule wings, she sighs.

“I can’t even get off the ground though. Well, clouds in this case… unless I go into my Crimson form.”

“So what?”

“Big Brother?”

Arc kneels down to her level. “Scootaloo, you’re so much more than just your wings.”

“Well, I don’t really feel all that important.”

“Are you kidding?! Rainbow Dash’s dad was really impressed just by meeting you!”

Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “He kinda was, yeah.”

“And he didn’t even know you were a Pegasus.”

“But isn’t that a bad thing?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. After all, I’ve never heard anyone anywhere in Equestria complain about someone based on their race.”

“Why do you suppose that is?”

“Probably because each race has its own advantages and disadvantages. Pegasi can fly. Unicorns have magic. And Earth Ponies are strong and dexterous.”

“But I can’t fly!”

“And no one looks at you differently for that fact.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Everypony except Rainbow Dash, you mean.”

“She was a bit… overzealous when meeting you, granted. But you’re just really impressive to her.”

“Can’t see why.”

“Because she likes things that are awesome.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “I’m awesome?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She totally has some serious hero worship going on.”

“That I noticed.”

“How did it feel?”

“How did what feel?”

“Having someone making a big deal about you.”

“Kinda… nice, I guess.”

“And she’s seen you without your cloak on too. Small wings or not, you’re her hero.”

Scootaloo grins. “Thanks, Big Brother.”

“Just pointing out the facts.”

Sometime later there is a knock at the door. Scootaloo runs to answer it. Bo stands there patiently and smiles at them.

“Supper’s ready, you two. I hope you’re hungry.”

Scootaloo giggles. “I kinda am.”

Arc stands. “Me too.”

They leave the room and head downstairs with their host. Bo leads them to a large Dining Room as his wife flies out of the kitchen with two large covered dishes. As she spots them, her wing misflaps and she drops her dishes. Arc gasps.

“I GOT IT!”

Holding out a hand, he grabs the falling dishes with a Telekinesis Spell. The spilling food floats back into their respective containers as if time itself had been rewound. Setting the dishes down gently on the table Arc looks to their nervous hostess.

“Are you alright, ma’am?”

“Oh yes, I’m fine. Just a bit of a flutter there.”

Bo appears relieved. “It’s a good thing you caught that, sir! It’s my wife’s famous Potato Soup!”

Scootaloo sniffs the air. “That does smell good.”

Windy motions to the table. “Why don’t we sit down and eat before it gets cold?”

Arc looks around. “Is Rainbow Dash back yet?”

Bo shakes his head. “Not yet, no.”

“But it’s not like her to miss a meal.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Maybe she just doesn’t know the food is ready.”

Bo chuckles. “We always eat at the same time, so…”

The doors to the Dining Room burst open and Rainbow Dash flies through. She lands and looks to her father, chuckling.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Bo frowns. “Rainbow Dash! You know better than to burst in here when we have company!”

Wind nods soberly. “Yes, dear. It isn’t proper manners to do so. After all, the Hero of Light is a very important figure in our land.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. Frankly, I was kinda expecting her to do that.”

Scootaloo sighs. “You too, Big Brother?”

At the sound of her voice Rainbow Dash gasps and hurries over to Scootaloo.

“You’re here too?!”

“Um… yeah.”

“Are you staying for supper?!”

Bo nods. “I invited her and the Hero of Light to stay with us while they’re in town.

Rainbow Dash gasps happily. “AWESOME!!!”

Windy gestures to the table. “Well then, now that we’re all here, let’s sit down.”

They do so as Windy flies around the room serving everyone else. She looks to Arc as she puts a bowl of Potato Soup on his plate.

“I do hope you like this, sir. Admittedly I was a bit nervous cooking for you, as I’m not sure what you like.”

“This will be just fine, thank you.”

“Yeah, mom. Arc here isn’t a picky eater at all.”

Bo glares at his daughter. “What did you call him, young mare?!”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Uh… Arc? What else would I…?”

Windy puts a hoof to her daughter’s mouth as she turns to Arc apologetically. “Forgive her, sir. Rainbow Dash isn’t usually so… rude.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I don’t get it.”

Bo nods angrily. “Rainbow Dash! You will address the Hero of Light respectfully!”

Arc turns to Bo. “Sir, I’m sorry but there seems to have been a bit of a miscommunication here.”

“There has?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You see, I’ve known your daughter since arriving in Ponyville.”

“That’s right. We’ve been friends ever since. Even before he became the Hero of Light.”

Windy tilts her head to one side, confused. “So you’re on a… familiar basis?”

Arc chuckles. “Oh yes. Truth be told more than…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts. “Hey mom, why don’t you offer Arc some of that special cider in the basement?!”

“Should I have?”

Bo grimaces. “It doesn’t have any… pep to it though.”

“That’s good! He doesn’t like alcohol!”

Arc nods. “Right. Bad memories. But you don’t have to…”

Windy takes flight. “Nonsense! I’ll go fetch a bottle right away!”

She hurries back to the Kitchen as Rainbow Dash turns to her father.

“Dad, does the cellar door still stick?”

Bo nods. “That it does. I should go help you mother open it. Would you please stay with our guests, dear?”

“Sure dad.”

Bo leaves the room as Arc turns to Rainbow Dash.

“You sure did a good job getting them out of here.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Um… thanks?”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “Is that normal?”

“Not really.”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously. “Well, you see… I… uh…”

She wrings her hooves as Arc looks at her evenly.

“You still haven’t said anything to them, have you?”

“Sure I did! I greeted them when I flew in here!”

Arc frowns. “I meant about us.”

Rainbow Dash sighs as her ears droop. Shaking her head she looks to Arc, sadly.

“No, I haven’t. But it isn’t for the reasons you think.”

“She did just come home, Big Brother.”

Arc keeps his gaze on Rainbow Dash. “Right. But I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”

“You see… my family has been friends with Fluttershy’s for a long time now.”

“And you worry that they won’t approve of you, her, and the others forming a herd?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yes and no.”

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

“Well… mostly ‘yes’ then. I mean, it’s illegal and not even close to culturally acceptable here!”

Arc shakes his head. “We’ve gone over that though, Rainbow Dash. I can do what I want, or ask for an exemption via royal decree.”

“There’s another reason though. But I gotta warn you two… it’s a big one.”

Scootaloo groans. “What could possibly be bigger than the first one?”

“My parents have… kinda arranged a marriage for me.”

Arc eyes grow wide. “Wait! You’re ENGAGED?!”

“…sort of.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof on her head as she rests an elbow on the table. “This whole conversation is over my head.”

Arc frowns. “It doesn’t make much sense to me either.”

“You see… when Fluttershy and I were foals we used to play together a lot.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. But her brother was kinda… um… awkward.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Fluttershy has a brother?”

“Yeah. Name’s Zephyr Breeze.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “She did mention that to me not too long ago.”

“What else did she say?”

“Rainbow Dash… are you engaged to him?”

“NO!!!”

Arc looks at her silently for a time. Eventually she groans and rolls her eyes.

“It was my parent’s idea!”

Scootaloo frowns. “That you two should get married?”

“They’ve always wanted to join our two families through a marriage. That and I was his only friend when we were growing up.”

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. “So they just assumed you liked him?”

“Something like that.”

Arc shakes his head. “Why not just tell them the truth?”

“Because it would kill them along with Fluttershy’s parents! I’m their only daughter, so they see this as their only chance!”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “This doesn’t sound very fair to me.”

“It isn’t. At least not from my point of view. Does this happen a lot in Equestria, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No. Arranged marriages are actually illegal.”

Scootaloo sounds relieved. “That’s good.”

“So they can’t actually force you to get married?”

“Nope.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Then what’s the problem?”

“I don’t want to marry Zephyr Breeze, of course. But at the same time I still can’t tell my parents ‘no’.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well, you have to do one or the other.”

“Not necessarily.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “Not sure I like where this is going.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. Why do you…?

The doors to the Dining Room open as Rainbow Dash’s parents return. Each of them have a bottle of cider in their hooves along with glasses. Windy looks to Arc apologetically.

“Sorry for taking so long.”

Bo points a hoof over his shoulder. “That door was really stuck this time.”

Arc nods. “It’s fine.”

Windy looks over at him as she pours a glass of cider. “I hope you weren’t too bored.”

“Not at all. Rainbow Dash was just telling us about her past.”

Scootaloo puts her hooves on the table and stands. “Yes, she was! And I have to say that I…!”

Arc stuffs a yeast roll in the filly’s mouth.

“Now, now. You’re still a growing foal, Scarlet Filly.”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously. “That’s right! How about I get you some more soup there?!”

“I just…!”

Arc calls out to her telepathically.

“Drop it and roll with whatever Rainbow Dash says.”

Scootaloo sighs. “…don’t want to eat too much. Have to stay in shape.”

Windy smiles at the filly. “Well, I wouldn’t worry about that. My cooking is all very healthy. Please have some more.”

Arc continues telepathically as Rainbow Dash ladles more soup into Scootaloo’s bowl.

“Don’t say another word about Rainbow Dash getting married.”

“But it isn’t right, Big Brother!”

“I know. However it’s making her really uncomfortable. Look at her face.”

Scootaloo looks at the rainbow maned mare. She is sweating nervously and overfilling the bowl before her.

“That’s enough for me, thanks.”

Rainbow Dash snaps back to reality. “Huh? OH! Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine. I’ll be sure to eat it all.”

Sometime later they finish eating and sit back from the table. Arc turns to Windy Whistles.

“That was quite the meal, ma’am.”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes, thank you.”

“Glad to see you’re still the best cook around, mom.”

Windy smiles. “Thank you. I’m glad everypony liked it.”

Bo looks around the table. “Anypony up for desert?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not me. I’m pretty full.”

Scootaloo leans back and pats her belly. “Me too.”

Windy turns to her daughter. “Rainbow Dash?”

“N-no, thanks.”

Bo raises an eyebrow. “Really? That isn’t like you.”

“I’m just… trying to watch my figure like mom’s been telling me to do for years.”

Windy eyes her daughter slyly. “Ah! Do you have a special somepony then?!”

Bo appears hopeful. “Is his name ‘Zephyr Breeze’ by any chance?!”

“What?! NO!”

Arc looks to Windy. “I don’t believe I know that name.”

“He’s the colt of another family that’s close to ours.”

Bo nods. “Rainbow Dash has been playing with him since they were little.”

“Dad!”

Windy giggles. “They were so cute together. Our daughter and him used to play a game they liked to call ‘wedding’.”

Bo laughs. “Those two have been ‘married’ over a hundred times already.”

“We were just foals back then though!”

Windy smiles at her daughter. “That may be. But you two are still so cute together.”

Bo grins. “Yes, you are. I can still remember back when…”

Rainbow Dash jumps up and frowns. “I’m really tired. Heading for bed now.”

Windy appears surprised. “Oh! Um… good night, dear.”

Without another word, Rainbow Dash flaps her wings and flies out the door. Bo turns to Arc sheepishly.

“You’ll have to excuse our daughter’s behavior.”

“Yes, she’s usually not so rude.”

Arc chuckles. “Oh, don’t worry about her. I’m used to it.”

“Maybe we should follow her lead, Big Brother.”

“That might not be a bad idea. I am pretty tired, and we have a lot of work to do tomorrow.”

The four of them stand and face one another. Bo is the first to speak.

“Well, I’ll show you two back to your room.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something, Big Brother?”

“Ah! It is about that time.”

Turning, Arc walks to the large window overlooking the town. The sun has sunk to its lowest point in the sky. Taking a deep breath, he holds out his hands and presses down. As the sun sinks he lifts his palms and raises the moon to its proper place. Bo and Windy gasp.

“Incredible!”

“That it was!”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “But he does this every day.”

Arc nods. “Twice actually.”

Windy smiles nervously. “Forgive us, but we just thought Princess Twilight was taking care of that.”

Bo nods. “I didn’t even realize that a non-alicorn could do such a thing.”

“Typically, no. It’s just something I had to learn when I became Lord Regent the first time.”

Windy raises an eyebrow. “And Princess Twilight?”

“Not yet powerful enough to do that, no.”

Bo looks to his wife. “I’m sure she’ll get there eventually.”

“Agreed. Just give it some time.”

Arc looks to the doors. “Yes, well… I am rather tired after doing that.”

“Of course, sir. Please follow me.”

Bo escorts Arc and Scootaloo back to their room before returning to help his wife clear the table.

Chapter 2 - Ongoing Investigation

The pair sleep well on their cloud mattresses (but then again, who wouldn’t). As the sun peeks over the horizon Arc sits up and stretches.

“Another day.”

Scootaloo groans as she calls out from under her covers.

“I miss our traveling days, Big Brother.”

Arc turns to her. “The freedom of movement? Lack of larger responsibilities? Perhaps the luster of nature?”

Scootaloo peeks out from under the covers. “No. The knowledge that we didn’t have to get up until the sun went down.”

“I suppose there was that too.”

“Any chance we could go back to that?”

“It’s not likely, no.”

Scootaloo grunts as she sits up and rubs her eyes.

“So… a slight chance then?”

Arc chuckles. “I hope not. After all, it wasn’t much fun being on the lam.”

“Well, I had fun.”

“That I’m glad of.”

He sniffs the air and chuckles.

“But it smells like Rainbow Dash’s mom is already cooking.”

Scootaloo jumps out of bed. “Let’s go!”

“What happened to being tired?”

“I’m over it! Let’s go!”

Arc chuckles. “Alright. Just let me take care of something real quick.”

Turning to look out the window, Arc lowers the moon and starts the sun on its journey before heading for the door.

“Now we can go.”

Leaving the room they head downstairs together. Following their noses the pair enter the kitchen. Windy Whistles stands in front of the stove cooking. She gasps slightly as they approach.

“My apologies for breakfast not being ready, sir! I wasn’t sure when you and the Scarlet Filly would be up!”

“It’s fine, ma’am.”

Scootaloo looks to their hostess. “Can we help?”

Windy shakes her head. “Oh, no! That just wouldn’t be…!”

“Careful there.”

Holding out a finger, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell to flip the pancake in the pan.

“Sorry. It was starting to burn.”

Windy appears surprised. “You can… cook?”

Arc nods. “Can I have a skillet?”

“Certainly, sir.”

Hurrying to the cupboard she removes another pan. Giving it to Arc, he sets it on the stove next to hers. Pouring some batter into it he turns on the heat. A couple minutes later Arc flips it with a flick of his wrist. Windy gasps.

“That was amazing!”

Scootaloo grins. “How’d you do that, Big Brother?!”

“It’s all in the wrist. And a lot of practice.”

Bo enters the kitchen. Yawning and bleary-eyed he approaches the coffee pot and pours himself a mugful.

“Morning, honey.”

Windy points nervously to Arc and Scootaloo. “Um… dear?”

Bo sits down at the table and unrolls the newspaper next to his plate. “That smells good. We having eggs with it?”

Windy gasps. “I forgot to make them!”

“Well, no big deal. Pancakes are still plenty filling.”

Arc chuckles. “Want me to make some?”

Bo spits out his coffee as he whirls around to look at the stove. “S-sir?!”

“Good morning.”

Scootaloo waves a small hoof. “Hi!”

“What are you…?!”

“We just came down to see if we could help.”

Scootaloo trots over to the refrigerator. “I’ll get some eggs cooking.”

Bo stands nervously. “Oh, please don’t go to any…!”

Arc turns back to his pan. “Don’t worry. It won’t take but a few minutes.”

Scootaloo pulls the eggs from the refrigerator and gives them to Arc. As he cracks them she sprinkles salt and pepper. A few minutes later Arc puts them on a large serving plate.

“There we are. No trouble at all.”

Windy nods approvingly. “Very impressive, sir!”

“Eggs are pretty easy.”

Bo grimaces. “Forgive us, but we didn’t think you were, uh… versed in cooking.”

Arc chuckles. “I know my way around a kitchen. Probably not as well as your wife, but I do alright.”

Scootaloo nods. “He even showed me a thing or two.”

Windy looks toward the door. “Let me go call for Rainbow Dash so we can eat.”

Bo heads for the cupboard. “You do that and I’ll get the table set.”

Scootaloo joins him. “I’ll help.”

Windy sighs. “Maybe everypony shouldn’t wait. After all, it’s hard getting her up in the morning.”

Arc chuckles. “How about I get her then? Worst case scenario I’ll carry her to the table.”

Bo raises an eyebrow. “Uh… sure.”

“Be right back.”

Arc heads upstairs and looks around.

“Great. Which one is… oh… that makes it easy.”

Spying a door with his friend’s cutie mark on it, he approaches and knocks lightly. Hearing no response Arc opens it and walks inside. Spotting Rainbow Dash lying on her back with the covers all around her he gently nudges her. She swats his hand away with a hoof and groans.

“Just five more minutes, mom.”

Arc grins. “I would, but the food is already…”

With a gasp Rainbow Dash’s eyes fly open and she sits up. Quickly wiping away a line of drool from her cheek she jumps up and begins flying around the room.

“Sorry about that! I was just taking a five minute break from my morning workout!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Were you now?”

“Yeah! Gotta stay in shape!”

“Right. In any case, are you ready for breakfast?”

“Sure am!”

“Uh, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash turns back. “Huh?”

Kneeling down, he removes a rag from his ring and rubs it on the corner of the mare’s mouth.

“There you go.”

“What was it?”

“A bit of drool, I think.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head vehemently. “Nah! That was sweat! Come on! Let’s eat!”

Falling into step with Arc, they descend the steps together. Rainbow Dash looks around nervously before whispering.

“Remember, don’t say anything about us to my parents, okay?”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Arriving at the kitchen, both of Rainbow Dash’s parents gasp.

“Rainbow Dash!”

“You’re up!”

“Uh, yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Windy appears relieved. “I usually have to spend at least an hour trying to…”

Rainbow Dash hurries to her chair. “Let’s eat before it gets cold!”

They sit down to enjoy the mean together. Bo turns to Arc.

“What’s first on the agenda, sir?”

“I need to head to the hospital and check on the victims along with Fluttershy.”

Windy turns to her daughter. “How were they last night?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “No idea. Everypony was pretty much unconscious when they were transferred from The Equinox to the Cloudsdale Hospital. There were so many patients all at once that the hospital staff were totally overwhelmed. Everypony was taken to patient rooms to rest while the doctors saw them as soon as they could.”

Bo appears hopeful. “And Fluttershy?”

“She’s sat by her parent’s bedside the whole time. I only left last night because she didn’t want me to miss supper.”

Arc nods. “We’ll check on them first then.”

Finishing their meal, they stack the dishes in the sink and head out the door together. Bo and Windy take the lead as Arc, Scootaloo, and Rainbow Dash follow. Arriving at the hospital, Bo approaches the front desk.

“Excuse me, but we’re here to see Mr. and Mrs. Shy.”

The nurse shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but they’re currently unconscious and cannot have visitors right now.”

Rainbow Dash steps forward. “Well, we need to check on their daughter at least!”

Windy turns to the nurse. “Is she still in the room with them?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Then why can’t wo go see them?”

The nurse sighs. “We tried to persuade their daughter to return home last night. However she refused to leave. Even our largest orderly couldn’t remove her.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Woah! Really?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Fluttershy’s really tough when she’s motivated. Remember at the peace summit, Arc?”

“Makes sense.”

He turns to the nurse.

“However I need to see the doctor in their room regarding the investigation into this matter.”

The nurse nods. “Very well, sir. They’re in Room #113. I’ll page the doctor and have him meet you there.”

“Thank you. We’ll try to keep it brief.”

Walking down the corridor Rainbow Dash frowns.

“Try to keep ME from Fluttershy, will she?!”

Scootaloo turns to the Pegasi next to her. “Calm down, Rainbow Dash. That mare was only doing her job.”

“To keep friends apart?!”

Bo shakes his head. “No. To help the healing process by promoting peace and quiet for them.”

Windy nods. “Right. And after what happened, they’ll need it.”

Arriving at the room, Arc knocks lightly before entering. He spots Fluttershy asleep in a chair in between her parent’s beds. Walking over to her he gently pats her mane. Groaning, she lifts her head.

“Huh? What’s…?”

Arc shushes her. “Shh… it’s only us.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she walks over to her friend. “I told you I’d be back, Fluttershy.”

Bo motions to the beds. “How are they?”

Fluttershy sighs. “The doctors ran a bunch of tests yesterday, but didn’t find anything.”

Windy raises an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

Arc looks to the mare and stallion before him. “Then why are they unconscious?”

Fluttershy groans. “Well…”

The door opens and a doctor enters. He walks over to Arc.

“Hello, sir. Are you investigating this situation?”

Arc nods. “For the moment. What can you tell us about these two?”

The doctor looks over his chart. “Nearly identical to the others, I’m afraid. Their bodies are extremely malnourished and show signs of atrophy.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide. “They were STARVED?!”

Bo frowns. “How? I mean, they weren’t gone THAT long?”

Scootaloo nods. “And they didn’t appear to be restrained.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “What if the victims were kept intentionally weakened, doctor?”

“That would certainly account for some of this degradation, yes. However such a thing would be simply monstrous. Akin to torture even.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “But resting should help, right?!”

“Yes and no. They need to rest and recover, of course. However to speed that recovery time requires that the patients begin moving around as soon as possible to prevent further atrophying.”

Windy gasps. “Can we do anything other than wait?”

Bo nods. “Yes, how about some sort of stimulation, doctor?”

“They’ll wake up when their bodies have the energy to do so. Rushing the process won’t help in the long run.”

Arc motions to the door. “Can I assume the rest of those rescued were the same?”

“Yes sir. As I said, everypony is in nearly an identical state. We’ve ruled out infection already. With luck removing them from their captors will give them a chance to recover.”

Scootaloo smiles. “So your prognosis is rest?”

“That is correct.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “You can’t do ANYTHING else for them?!”

“Not at the moment, no. Sadly we don’t have much data on changeling biology, save for what we’re learning via their autopsies.”

Bo gasps. “You’re… cutting them open?”

“At Princess Twilight’s request, yes.”

Windy puts a hoof to her stomach. “Is that really necessary?”

Arc nods. “I believe it is, yes. After all, if the changelings are going to be a threat we’ll need all the information on them we can get to counter… whatever it is they did to the victims.”

He turns back to the doctor.

“Anything else you can tell us?”

“Just that we’re monitoring everypony closely, but expect them to make full recoveries in time.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chest. “That IS a relief!”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is.”

“Well, I need to continue my rounds.”

Bo appears relieved. “Thank you for your time, doctor.”

Nodding, the stallion turns and leaves the room. Fluttershy looks to Arc with tears in the corner of her eyes.

“Do you… do you really think my parents will be alright?”

“The doctor seemed confident.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “I still think we could find something to do for them.”

Scootaloo looks to her. “Like what?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I dunno. But I hate the idea of just sitting here doing nothing.”

Fluttershy looks down at the floor. “So do I.”

“Fluttershy! I didn’t mean it like…!”

“It’s okay. I know what you meant.”

Bo clears his throat in an effort to change the subject. “Miss, we need to head to the factory and figure this out now. Are you going to be okay?”

Windy steps forward. “I could stay with her.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Me too.”

Arc nods. “That would be fine. The Scarlet Filly, myself, and your dad will look into this then.”

Smiling, they watch as the trio leaves the room. Walking outside Arc and company make their way down the street. Bo shakes his head.

“This is unbelievable.”

Scootaloo turns to him. “Which part?”

“Any of it!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Then we’d better hurry and get to the bottom of it.”

Arriving at the Rainbow Factory they stop at the front gate where numerous heavily armored and armed guards stand at the ready. Spotting Arc, they quickly step aside and allow him and his party to pass. Sereb is waiting for them just inside the gates.

“Good morning.”

Arc nods. “Likewise, big guy. What’s the status of the investigation?”

“Rose spent all day yesterday going over the base with a forensics team to gather evidence. She’s compiling that data as we speak.”

Scootaloo grins. “Where?”

“In the foreman’s office.”

Bo raises an eyebrow. “I don’t really mind, but why there?”

“Because it was centrally located.”

Heading for the office, Sereb pushes the door open with his magic. Entering, they see Rose sitting at the desk with her eyes closed. Approaching her, Sereb clears his throat loudly. Rose’s eyes flutter open.

“My apologies for being in such a state, but I required charging.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine, Rose.”

He looks around the office before continuing.

“Uh… where’s Hammer?”

“I… don’t really know.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “She’s still organizing the patrols of the grounds, remember?”

Rose puts a hand to her forehead. “Oh… that’s right. Sorry.”

“You have been working on this very hard, after all.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “We’re just hoping it wasn’t for nothing.”

Rose sighs. “Sadly, that’s not far from the truth.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“I’ve walked every bit of the factory with Ember and Sereb. Sadly, we’ve found almost nothing that we can use.”

Bo grins. “But you did find something though, right?”

Ember groans. “Kinda.”

Rose stands. “Let me explain.”

She walks over to a nearby whiteboard hanging on the wall. Picking up a marker, Rose begins to draw a number of generic looking ponies quickly.

“Let’s say these represent your employees.”

Rose then draws a number of ponies above the first group all in a line.

“These represent the mayor, town council, and guards.”

Crossing out the mayor, she draws a changeling next to them with an arrow pointing from them to the pony.

“The mayor was taken and replaced with a changeling drone.”

Continuing, she crosses out most of the guards and the Town Council after drawing changelings with arrows pointing to each of them.

“As they replaced one of these, a drone took their place.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “To avoid suspicion?”

Ember nods. “Most likely.”

Crossing out a number of ponies from the employee pool, she turns to the group again.

“However, as you know, ponies taken from your employees were not replaced.”

Arc frowns. “That was strange, yes.”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. After all, they had to know it would cause an uproar in town.”

Bo looks to Rose. “Any idea why?”

Rose sighs. “I can only surmise that it was intentional. Perhaps to sow fear and distrust among the population.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin. “Is it possible that they simply lacked the numbers to replace everypony?”

“Not likely. If what is known about changelings is correct, they are capable of exponential reproduction.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Then why aren’t we overrun?”

Sereb bares his teeth. “This town would certainly have been an easy target after replacing enough leaders.”

Scootaloo frowns. “And citizens.”

Rose puts down the marker. “There can be only one solution. A lack of a basic need required by all living creatures.”

She looks around the room soberly before continuing.

“Food.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “But Equestria is full of it.”

“Not the kind they eat, no.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Ponies?”

Rose shakes her head. “Love.”

Arc frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Changelings are sustained by draining love from their victims.”

Bo gasps. “But how?”

“The exact methodology and science behind this are largely unknown to ponykind. However we do know that it’s done via an, understandably, understudied magical school known to us only as Changeling Magic.”

“Big Brother, could that be similar to a certain… ability you and I possess?”

Sereb turns to Scootaloo. “What do you mean, little one?”

Arc groans. “She’s talking about a spell we learned about on our travels.”

Rose appears surprised. “Which school of magic is it under?”

“Crimson Magic.”

“I have never heard of that school before you brought it to my attention. But then again you and the Scarlet Filly are certainly a pioneers in that regard.”

Bo sighs. “It’s news to me too. But then again Pegasi don’t really study magic.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Can you explain how it works?”

“Well… first I have to be in my Crimson Form, of course.”

Rose nods. “Naturally.”

“Then I have to make physical contact with the target.”

Scootaloo chimes in. “Usually the head or face is best.”

“Right. Like this.”

Taking a step forward, Arc kneels down to Sereb’s level and puts his hands on either side of his head.

“After that, I can feel their essence and draw it out of them and into myself.”

Sereb appears suddenly nervous. “But you can’t right now?”

“Right, since I’m not in my Crimson Form. The energy drained is added to my own for physical and mental stamina.”

Rose nods thoughtfully. “An interesting concept. However, I have to admit, it doesn’t sound anything like how the changelings do it.”

Bo turns to her. “Can you elaborate on that, miss?”

“From what we know, they do not require physical contact. Their victims are also generally not aware that something is amiss.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “So it’s a very slow process?”

Rose shrugs. “Apparently.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “The last time I did it, the results were very quick. That and the ogre I was fighting was certainly aware of what I was doing to him.”

Sereb frowns. “Similar, but still different.”

“That and, while it certainly goes without saying, I don’t need to do that in order to survive.”

Ember nods. “Right. You can eat food as we do.”

Bo groans. “That still doesn’t tell us why the changelings were taking and not replacing my employees though.”

Scootaloo turns to the android. “Anything else to go on, Rose?”

“Arc did tell me that they were feeding their prisoners condiments.”

“Right. I can only assume they didn’t really understand the dietary needs of ponies.”

Sereb growls. “Or they did it to keep them weak and easily contained.”

Scootaloo nods sadly. “That’s also possible, yes.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Or they just like watching others suffer!”

Rose sighs. “There’s no way to know for certain other than to ask them.”

Bo frowns. “And they didn’t allow that.”

Arc shakes his head. “Those whom weren’t killed by the Scarlet Filly and myself committed suicide by stabbing each other in the chest.”

Sereb growls. “An honorless death!”

Rose grimaces. “They meant to take what they knew to the grave.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Like the changeling we saw in Vanhoover, Big Brother!”

“Right.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I am not familiar with that story.”

“A stallion, whom had to be a changeling, intentionally collapsed the mouth of a cave in order to seal us inside.”

Scootaloo nods. “He was crushed to death in the process.”

Sereb shakes his head. “That sounds more like the idea that he had to do so to stop you, Arc.”

Rose interjects. “Perhaps. But it does show us that our enemy isn’t worried about their own personal safety when it comes to safeguarding secrets.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Or anyone else’s safety either.”

Ember seethes. “So what do we do about all this?!”

Bo stomps the floor angrily. “Right. We have to act!”

Sereb bows his head. “Sadly we lack the ability to do much.”

Arc nods. “Right. Keeping the land united until Princess Celestia can be brought in needs to take top priority.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “But won’t the changelings just come back when we leave?”

Ember grins. “Probably not. After all they have to know we’re onto them now.”

Sereb nods. “It would stand to reason they will act much more cautiously from now on.”

Arc turns to Bo. “Right. I’ll advise Twilight to send word to all Equestrian towns regarding what happened here in Cloudsdale, and to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.”

“Can’t we do more?”

“Actually, yes.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “What would that be?”

Arc gestures out the window toward the hospital. “See to it those affected are able to fully recover.”

Rose nods soberly. “We’ll need their testimony of what happened to them in order to make future defensive plans.”

Bo grins. “I can help with that when the time comes, sir. After all, I know each and every one of them.”

“That will certainly help.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “What should we do now though?”

“Good question.”

He turns to Rose.

“Are you absolutely certain there’s nothing more to learn from this?”

“Sadly, no. We could return control of the factory as it stands.”

“Very well. I’ll allow the Rainbow Factory to reopen whenever it’s ready.”

Bo nods. “Thank you, sir. I’ll begin the process of notifying my workers to return to work tomorrow morning.”

Ember grimaces. “You might want to have a meeting or something though.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed. Let them know what we’ve learned.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “But shouldn’t Princess Twilight know about it first?”

“Yes, I’ll call her from my ship as soon as we’re done here.”

Bo walks over to his desk and sits down. “And I’ll keep this under wraps until that meeting tomorrow morning.”

Rose nods. “That is best, yes.”

Arc looks around the room. “Good job everyone. Now then, let’s get Hammer and head back to…”

The phone suddenly rings. Bo looks to Arc whom nods. Picking up the receiver he speaks into it.

“Bo Hothoof here.”

Listening, his eyes grow wide.

“When?! Are they alright?! Good, good! We’re on our way!”

Slamming the receiver down he turns to Arc.

“That was Rainbow Dash! She says Fluttershy’s parents are showing signs of waking up!”

Ember grins. “Then let’s get over there!”

Sereb grimaces. “Perhaps that isn’t the best idea.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. If they’re anything like Fluttershy, that is.”

Rose turns to Bo. “What should we do then?”

“I should probably go in first and see them. If they’re doing alright I’ll call for someone to take their statements.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Who though?”

Bo motions with a hoof. “The Scarlet Filly would be a prime candidate.”

“Me?!”

“They do trust you, after all.”

He looks around the room apologetically before continuing.

“That and you’re the only one other than myself whom is a pony. No offense intended, sir.”

“None taken. And it’s a good plan.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Whatever. Let’s implement it.”

They head for the door together and rush toward the hospital.

Chapter 3 - Cloud Shipping

A short time later Arc and company arrive back at the hospital. Heading for Fluttershy’s parent’s room Bo enters alone as Sereb turns to Arc.

“Do you suppose they’ll be up to talking?

“I hope so. We really need answers.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Yeah. So I know who to gut!”

Scootaloo looks to Ember. “Easy there. We need to be smart about this.”

Rose nods. “Agreed. Wanton violence never solves anything.”

A few minutes later Bo, Rainbow Dash, and the doctor leave the room together. They turn to Arc as Bo speaks.

“It’s a no-go right now, sir.”

The doctor sighs. “Agreed. They’re conscious, but only intermittently.”

Ember appears hopeful. “So could we have a few minutes?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “That isn’t really going to help right now.”

Looking over the charts in his hooves the doctor nods. “The mare and stallion are mostly incoherent. Their daughter is doing her best to be there for them, of course. However the most she can do is hold their hooves and try to encourage them.”

Bo turns to look at the door. “Fluttershy asked for more time alone with them.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Is that wise?”

Sereb groans. “She isn’t exactly the strongest emotionally, after all.”

Rose looks to Arc. “However that may be for the best.”

“Rose?”

“Additional company isn’t what they need right now.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Then what are we supposed to…?!”

Bo interrupts her. “Head home for lunch?”

Arc appear surprised. “What about your wife?”

“Mom left a little while ago to check up on Fluttershy’s parent’s house. Take in the mail, water the plants, a little light cleaning, that sort of thing.”

“Doctor, how about the other patients?”

“About the same, unfortunately. Sadly, I don’t think they’re going to be coherent anytime soon.”

Ember groans. “Great…”

Scootaloo grins. “Maybe there’s something else we could do.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“How about we take a walk around town.”

Arc frowns. “What for?”

“Public appearances are important. Especially right now.”

Bo nods. “She’s right, sir. After all, the public is still rather… uncertain of everything that’s been going on.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “Uncertain?! He and the Scarlet Filly SAVED everyone!”

Rose sighs. “That is true. However there is still the issue of whom to trust.”

“I don’t see how after…!”

Arc interrupts. “Ember, they’re right. I need to be seen more right now.”

Sereb frowns. “Doing what though?”

Bo points a hoof toward a window. “Walking our streets with your allies, shopping in our stores, and eating at our restaurants would go a long way in that regard.”

Scootaloo turns to Bo. “Me too?”

“That would help, yes.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. How about I take everyone out to lunch then?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That sounds awesome!”

Ember raises a claw. “I’m in.”

Sereb nods. “As am I.”

Scootaloo takes her place at Arc’s side. “Let’s go!”

“You in, dad?”

“I think I could go for lunch, yes.”

Arc looks to Rose. “How about you?”

“I would like to return to The Equinox and help with maintenance.”

“Are you sure? After all, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to anymore.”

“Understood. But this is what I want.”

Arc smiles. “Alright. But come find us if you change your mind.”

She nods and turns to walk away. Rainbow Dash grabs Arc’s hand and pulls him down the corridor.

“This way! I know a great place just down the street!”

Bo watches his daughter for a few moments before turning to Scootaloo.

“Is this… normal?”

“Huh?”

“For Rainbow Dash to act this way toward the Hero of Light?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I guess so? Ember?”

“Oh yeah. They’re really close.”

Bo raises an eyebrow. “Are they now?”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. Observe and you will see that for yourself.”

Bo chuckles as they begin walking. “I think I will.”

Heading out to the street, Rainbow Dash leads Arc towards a restaurant nearby as the others follow. Heading over to a large booth she motions for him to enter first before sliding in beside him. As the others join them a waitress walks over.

“What can I get for everypony?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “We’ll take a family platter and milk for everyone.”

Bo facehoofs. “Now, Rainbow Dash, maybe the Hero of Light would like…”

Arc interrupts him. “Oh no, that sounds fine.”

Ember shrugs. “I’m hungry enough to eat anything anyways.”

Sereb nods. “Deferring to the others, I agree.”

Scootaloo looks to Rainbow Dash as the waitress turns to put in their order. “What is the family platter anyways?”

“A full size tray of grilled vegetables, rice, and bread all served around a huge pot of their signature chili.”

Bo raises an eyebrow. “Chili?”

“Yeah dad. Don’t you remember taking me here when I was a filly? I always asked for this.”

“Oh yes. But I knew there was no way we could have eaten all of that.”

“Well now with everypony’s help, we can!”

Ember chuckles. “So you came here a lot with your dad?”

“Every weekend.”

“If you woke up early enough, that is.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “DAD!”

Sereb grins toothily. “Trouble waking up?”

Bo nods. “Oh yes.”

“Come on! Don’t tell everypony that!”

Scootaloo smiles nervously. “I have trouble getting myself up early too. So don’t feel too bad about it.”

Rainbow Dash gasps happily. “You mean we have that in common?!”

“Um… yes.”

Rainbow Dash squeals happily as she turns to Arc.

“Hear that?! The Scarlet Filly and I have something in COMMON!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, I suppose you do.”

Sometime later two waitresses carry the massive platter to the table. Setting it down, a third hovers above the table setting their drinks in front of them. They step back respectfully and smile.

“Enjoy!”

Rainbow Dash is the first to grab a bowl and ladle chili into it.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this!”

Ember laughs. “Wish I could get that worked up over food.”

Sereb chuckles. “Like Arc and cupcakes?”

Arc shrugs. “We all have our weaknesses.”

As they eat, everyone is sure to try every course. Arc grins as he turns to Rainbow Dash.

“Looks like you especially liked that rice.”

“Yeah, it was good.”

Sereb grins. “More so than you think.”

“Huh?”

Arc points. “You have some stuck in your fur.”

Picking up a napkin, Arc carefully wipes the mare’s cheeks. Bo chuckles.

“Some things never change.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Oh?”

“Rainbow Dash has been doing that since she was a filly.”

Ember smirks. “Messy eater, huh?”

Rainbow Dash blushes. “A little, I suppose.”

Sereb points. “Then what’s that?”

Pointing a paw at her mane, he chuckles as Arc looks her over.

“That’s surprising.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“A crouton.”

Reaching into her mane, Arc takes the hard bread and pulls it out. Rainbow Dash blushes slightly.

“How’d THAT get there?!”

Sereb shrugs. “Well, you were eating quite fast.”

Ember laughs. “I saw it bounce off the plate, but just kinda figured it fell on the seat, or something.”

Tossing it up into the air, Arc catches it in his mouth and chews before speaking again.

“Still good though.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she stands on the seat and puts her front hooves on the table. “Oh yeah?! What’s THAT then?!”

She points a hoof at Arc’s face as Ember chuckles.

“She’s got you there, Arc!”

“Oh?”

Sereb nods. “There is rice clinging to the corners of your mouth.”

Rainbow Dash giggles as she picks up a napkin with her hoof and dabs away the rice. Bo watches silently as he remembers doing the same for his daughter not so many years ago. A short time later they leave the restaurant. Scootaloo grins.

“That was really good!”

Ember gives them a thumbs up. “I’ll say!”

Sereb burps lightly. “I too enjoyed myself.”

Rainbow Dash nods matter-of-factly. “Knew you’d all like it.”

Arc turns to Bo. “Tell me something. If I were looking to buy a gift for someone… something that really personified Cloudsdale, what would I get?”

“Probably something with rainbows. We’re known for controlling the weather here, after all.”

Rainbow Dash beams. “Or some Wonderbolt’s memorabilia! Their training facility isn’t too far from here! Wanna see it?!”

Sereb growls. “That might not be a good idea.”

Ember groans. “Yeah. We’ve had trouble with them in the past.”

Bo raises an eyebrow. “You did?”

Rainbow Dash turns to Arc. “When?”

“One of them came after me recently.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Twice now.”

“Well, that should be the last time.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah. Hammer and I took her OUT!”

Rainbow Das gasps. “She’s dead?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I wanted her alive.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Not sure why though.”

“That mare was just acting on bad information. She’s was a victim too in her own right. But at the moment I’d like to see some gift ideas.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof. “This way!”

Leading the group toward a number of shops nearby, she pulls Arc into a variety store.

“So what are you looking for?”

“Something for Derpy and Dinky.”

“Like what?”

“I… don’t really know.”

The others enter the shop and look around as well. Scootaloo turns to Sereb.

“This sure is a lot of… stuff.”

“I believe they’re called ‘knick-knacks’.”

Ember looks to the wolf. “What do they do?”

“Decorate a space.”

Bo nods. “Among other things, yes. Some are a bit more functional than others though.”

Ember suddenly grins. “Like treasure?”

“I don’t think most of what’s in here would be considered valuable.”

Scootaloo turns to walk away. “Well, I’m going to look around anyways.”

Sereb chuckles. “As will I.”

Ember groans. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Bo waits by the front counter and watches his daughter point out various items to Arc. Picking out a rainbow snow globe, cloud-themed earrings, a book, and a blanket with a sun on it, she leads him to the counter to pay. After doing so, Ember walks over with a few items along with Sereb.

“Are you sure about this?”

Sereb nods. “Very.”

“Alright.”

Tossing over a number of bits, the dragon and wolf head outside to where Arc and the others are talking. They spot Arc putting the items in his ring as Scootaloo looks them over.

“What’s all that for?”

“Gifts for Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle.”

He holds out the book to her.

“And you.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Huh?”

“It’s on various Equestrian plants. I thought you might like it.”

“I would, thank you.”

Accepting the book, she puts it in her saddlebags as Rainbow Dash turns to Ember.

“So did you find something too?”

“Y-yeah.”

“What…?”

Sereb frowns. “It’s best left unsaid for the moment.”

Arc shrugs. “Alright. We won’t pry.”

He looks at the position of the sun before turning back to the others.

“I think we should head back now. Rainbow Dash’s mother has to be wondering what’s keeping us out so long.”

Bo chuckles. “She’s probably gone home by now.”

Ember looks away nervously. “Yeah, um…”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

“No, I just… think Sereb and I should head back to the ship now.”

“We have certain… things to talk about privately.”

Arc shrugs. “Okay. Let me know if you need anything.”

Nodding the pair hurry off. Rainbow Dash turns to Arc.

“What was that all about?”

“No idea. But I’m sure they’ll say something when they’re ready.”

As they turn to walk down the street Bo hangs back and listens to their conversation wordlessly. Eventually they arrive back home. Bo grabs the mail as his daughter continues on with the others. Leading the group inside, Rainbow Dash trots ahead to push open the doors. She looks to the group as they enter.

“So what should we do now?”

Bo points to his home office. “I need to start calling my employees and let them know they can come back to work tomorrow.”

Scootaloo looks up from her book. “Um… I was planning to stretch out on the bed upstairs and continue read this.”

“And I should probably call the ship and see if they can connect me to Canterlot. Make sure everything alright over there.”

Bo looks to his daughter. “Could you tell your mother to come see me in the study, dear?”

“Sure dad. What’s up?”

“I just wanted some personal advice, that’s all.”

“Okay.”

The group parts ways. Bo heads to his office and sits down at the desk. Getting to work, he calls three ponies before Windy enters the office. Finishing his conversation, he hangs up the receiver and turns to his wife.

“Everything alright, dear?”

Bo nods. “Oh yes. More so than you know.”

“That’s good. But what did you want to see me about?”

Bo holds up a scroll and passes it to his wife.

“Take a look at what came in the mail today.”

Accepting the scroll she unrolls it and looks it over. Grinning, Windy turns back to her husband.

“He’s finally coming back?!”

Bo nods happily. “Yes indeed. Zephyr Breeze says here that he’s finished with college and is coming back to Cloudsdale.”

“That should make Rainbow Dash very happy! Do you remember how much fun they used to have playing as foals?!”

“Like it was yesterday.”

“But do you suppose our daughter is ready for dating?”

Bo chuckles. “Had you asked me before I would have said no. However, what I saw from her today proved to me that she’s a fully grown mare.”

“Oh?”

“When we went out with Hero of Light Arc, she doted on him heavily.”

“Doted?”

“Showed her ability to express herself and her inner beauty. When he had a bit of food on him, Rainbow Dash saw to it that it was wiped away with a napkin. That and she helped him pick out several fine gifts later in one of our local shops.”

“But what does that…?”

“She was just so… friendly and helpful. Two characteristics that will serve her well in the future.”

Windy giggles. “As Zephyr’s wife?!”

“We can but hope. I think they’d make a lovely couple.”

“When is he coming?”

“I just got off the phone with him and he’s anxious to reunite with our daughter. I suggested he come to dinner tonight.”

Windy gasps. “Tonight?! I’d better get to cooking then! We have to make a good first impression on him!”

Bo laughs. “Oh yes. It’s not like we’ve known him since he was a colt, or anything.”

“But this is DIFFERENT! He’s all grown up just like Rainbow Dash, and will expect more than just milk and cookies!”

“I’ll leave the food to you, dear. Now then, should we make this a formal gathering?”

“That may be for the best. It would help Rainbow Dash put her best hoof forward, after all.”

“You’re right. Fortunately we both knew this day was coming. The custom-made dress is still hanging up in the guest room closet. It just needs a bit of ironing I would imagine.”

“Do you think you could handle that, dear? I’ll be a bit busy in the kitchen.”

Bo chuckles. “Sure. But you’ll have to help our daughter put it on.”

“I’ll start dinner preparations now and get it to the point that all things will need is a bit of stirring now and then.”

“That I can handle.”

Windy hurries to the door. “This’ll be the beginning of a new chapter in Rainbow Dash’s life!”

Bo holds out a hoof. “Wait! I just had a better idea!”

“How could it get better?!”

“As her mother, should you really be slaving over a hot stove to put on a meal for such an auspicious occasion?”

“Somepony has to!”

“Agreed. But I think that should be somepony else. We can eat out at a fancy restaurant under the guise of having an impromptu family night out.”

“What about the Hero of Light?”

“We’ll invite him along as well. After all, it would be wonderful to have his blessing over the two lovebirds’ relationship.”

“That would certainly help our daughter ease into this, knowing her friend was behind her in it.”

Bo puts his hoof on the telephone. “I’ll call Zephyr and tell him of the plan. We can sit down and bring him in when the time is right.”

“When would that be?”

Bo shrugs. “No idea. We’ll have to play that part by ear.”

Windy heads for the door. “In that case I’ll go ready tonight’s outfits while you call Zephyr and the rest of your workers. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get ready for tonight.”

“I will, dear.”

Picking up the receiver as his wife hurries out of the room Bo grins.

“This’ll be a night to remember.”

Chapter 4 - Dinner Companions

That evening Arc, along with Rainbow Dash and her parents, enter a fancy restaurant in the heart of Cloudsdale. All of them are wearing their finest clothes and have their manes done. Following a stuffy looking waiter to a large table they sit down and are handed menus. Arc turns to Bo.

“Quite the place they have here.”

Bo nods. “Only the best for our guests.”

Windy sighs. “I’m only sorry the Scarlet Filly didn’t want to come.”

Arc chuckles. “She’s not much for this sort of thing.”

Rainbow Dash tugs at the neck of her dress. “Neither am I. Did I really have to wear this thing?”

Bo looks to his daughter. “It’s part of the dress code here, dear.”

Windy giggles. “That and you do look lovely.”

Bo turns to Arc. “Don’t you think so, sir?”

“Oh, yes. You do look very nice, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously. “Oh! Um… thank you.”

A waiter approaches with crystal glasses of water. Setting them before everyone he looks around the table.

“Good evening. Can I start everypony off with some appetizers?”

Bo nods. “We’d like some hors d' oeuvres along with a bottle of your finest wine, please.”

“Yes sir. Right away.”

He hurries away as Rainbow Dash turns to her father.

“So what’s the occasion, dad?”

Bo chuckles. “We’re just doing our best to help the Hero of Light be seen.”

Windy grins. “That and it’s not every day you come home for a visit.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I suppose it has been awhile.”

Bo smiles. “Right. Certainly cause for celebration.”

“I’d have been happy with burgers and hay fries though.”

The waiter returns and sets a large platter in the center of the table. Finishing, another waiter follows him and begins filling glasses. Arc holds up a hand as they reach him.

“None for me, thank you.”

Bo appears confused. “Are you not happy with the wine, sir?”

Windy speaks up. “We can order you something different if you’d like.”

“No, no, it’s fine. I just don’t consume alcohol.”

Bo puts a hoof to his chin. “Oh yes. I do remember you saying that the other day.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I’ll take his then!”

“Alright then, dear. Just be careful. We remember what happened the last time you had too much cider.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What happened?”

Windy groans. “She fell down the stairs, broke through the front door, and rolled halfway into the street.”

“That must’ve been quite the tumble.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I think I was trying to take flight and just kinda… miscalculated.”

Bo puts a hoof on his daughter’s shoulder. “She wasn’t hurt, or anything. But it was a bit of a wakeup call for Rainbow Dash.”

“I’m a lot more careful these days.”

Arc appears relieved. “That’s good.”

A short time later the waiter returns.

“Are you ready for the main course?”

Bo nods. “I do believe so, yes. I’ll have the Spinach Quiche.”

Windy points a hoof at her menu. “And I’ll take the Sweet Potato Canapes.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Give me an Apple Pecan Salad.”

Arc nods. “Make that two.”

As the waiter turns to leave, Bo touches his shoulder and whispers something into the stallion’s ear. Nodding, the server continues on his way as Windy Whistles turns to Arc.

“So… what’s it like being the Hero of Light.”

Bo chuckles. “I would assume it’s very exciting.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “From what I’ve heard, it is!”

“Well, it certainly isn’t boring.”

Windy giggles. “Any interesting stories?”

“Sadly much of what I do should probably be kept secret. Sorry.”

Bo nods soberly. “We understand, sir. But it must be a bit more interesting than running a factory.”

“While I can’t disagree with that, I’d much rather have your job than my own.”

“Oh?”

“It’s very… mentally taxing as well as physically dangerous. Frankly I’m surprised that I’m still alive at this point.”

Rainbow Dash shudders. “Especially after what Celestia did to you!”

“That too.”

Bo clears his throat in an effort to keep the conversation moving. “Well, there have to be some perks to the job.”

Rainbow Dash taps the table with a hoof. “Unlimited power, prestige, extremely good pay…”

Arc interrupts her. “The best part I suppose is being able to make a difference.”

Windy nods. “As the Lord Regent?”

“That too. But with my position I’m able to investigate and act on information far faster than anyone else in the land could. Princesses included.”

Sometime later several waiters set the food before them. As one of them places a plate in front of an empty chair next to Rainbow Dash she turns to her father.

“You expecting somepony else, dad?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Windy grins. “A very special guest actually.”

“Anypony I know?”

Bo nods. “That you do.”

Raising a hoof, he beckons to someone across the room. The sound of hooves rings out as a stallion approaches and puts a hoof on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder.

“It’s been a long time, Rainbow.”

Her jaw dropping, Rainbow Dash’s neck turns to look at the newcomer.

“Z-Z-Zephyr Breeze?!”

“Tis I, my dear.”

“What are you…?!”

“Your father didn’t tell you yet?”

Bo shakes his head. “No. I was just waiting for the right moment.”

Zephyr smiles. “Of course.”

He turns back to Rainbow Dash before continuing.

“I’ve finally finished with my college courses and wanted to come right back to Cloudsdale to see you.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “See… me?”

“Of course. You haven’t forgotten me, now have you?”

“Of course not!”

“Then you remember…”

Bo motions to the empty chair. “Now, now. Sit down and have a nice meal with us, Zephyr. We can catch up.”

Windy beams. “Yes. There’ll be time for talk of that kind later.”

Zephyr nods as he sits down. “Of course. We shouldn’t rush these things after all.”

Bo motions to Arc. “But where are my manners. Zephyr, this is Hero of Light Arc. Sir, this is Zephyr Breeze. Cloudsdale local and jack of all trades.”

Zephyr extends a hoof to Arc. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

Arc nods and shakes his hoof cordially.

“Likewise.”

They sit down and begin to eat. Windy looks to Zephyr.

“So, how was college?”

Zephyr yawns. “A trifle dull actually. But when you’re as learned as I am, it’s something one has to simply accept.”

Rainbow Dash turns to him. “And you’re here to stay?”

“That I am, Rainbow.”

Bo chuckles. “Looking for a job?”

“Not really. After all, I’ve already had many, MANY offers in just this town alone.”

Windy appears impressed. “In what areas?”

“Corporate management mostly. A few advisory roles here and there, of course.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is there a lot of that here in Cloudsdale?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not really. Outside the Rainbow Factory, that is.”

Zephyr chuckles. “More so than you know. After all, business is what drives the economy forward.”

Bo grins. “Well put.”

Windy giggles. “It is good to see you back in town again. I still remember all the trouble you and our daughter used to get into.”

Arc chuckles. “Childhood friends?”

Zephyr nods. “We were, yes. However the two of us have planned much… MUCH more.”

Windy giggles. “Their favorite game back then was ‘wedding’.”

Bo chuckles. “I can’t remember how many times I had to ‘give away’ Rainbow Dash.”

Zephyr sighs. “My apologies for that, sir. I know now just how busy a stallion you were.”

“Nonsense. You’re a foal only once, after all. And it was nice seeing Rainbow Dash so happy back then.”

Windy pats her daughter’s back. “Yes, she was a very… competitive filly.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A sports star?”

Rainbow Dash laughs nervously. “Something like that.”

Zephyr chuckles. “Don’t sell yourself short, Dash! You were number one in pretty much everything!”

Windy nods matter of factly. “That she was!”

Bo grins. “And we were there to cheer her on all the way!”

Rainbow Dash facehoofs. “Literally.”

Zephyr laughs. “I do remember that. But even after all this time I still wonder one thing. Where in Celestia’s name did you get all those Rainbow Dash hats, helmets, and banners?”

Windy smiles. “Every one of them was made specifically for a type of event by yours truly.”

Bo grins. “She got pretty good at it.”

Rainbow Dash cuts in to change the subject. “So… how long do you think you’ll stay in Cloudsdale, Zephyr?”

“I was actually here to see about answering a number of job offers. It would be so nice if I were able to live near my parents again.”

Arc turns to Zephyr soberly. “That makes sense. Any news on their condition?”

Zephyr appears suddenly confused. “I don’t believe I understand what you mean.”

Windy gasps. “Didn’t you hear?!”

“No. Did something happen?”

Bo sighs. “Your parents went missing a couple weeks ago.”

“WHAT?! We have to…!”

Windy interrupts him as she holds up a hoof. “Not to worry about that. Hero of Light Arc has already located them along with the other missing citizens.”

“Where are they?!”

Bo points a hoof toward the window. “In the hospital at the moment.”

Zephyr stands up quickly. “I need to go see them at once!”

Windy nods. “Yes, of course. I’ll take you straight to them.”

Bo bows his head. “Sorry for not saying anything earlier on the phone. I just figured you had already been notified.”

Zephyr turns to his childhood friend. “Forgive me for running off like this, Rainbow. But I’m needed by my parent’s side.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “I’ll try to contain myself.”

Zephyr and Windy Whistles hurry out the door together as Arc turns to Rainbow Dash.

“It’s… nice that you have such a friendly childhood friend.”

“Don’t remind me.”

Bo turns to his daughter. “So… what did you think, dear?”

“About what?”

“Zephyr!”

“Um… he’s a bit… different than I remember him.”

“You mean he grew up?”

“Not exactly.”

Bo turns to Arc as he stands up. “Sorry for the abrupt ending to our evening, sir.”

“It’s alright.”

“In any case, I should probably be getting home. Have to be at the Rainbow Factory early tomorrow.”

“That’s okay, dad. I’m getting kinda tired too.”

Bo waves over the waiter and asks for the check. A few minutes later they walk out the doors and step out onto the cloud sidewalk (no, I don’t get it either). Her father yawns as Rainbow Dash takes his hoof.

“Come on, dad. Let’s get you home.”

Arc speaks up. “I think I can help with that.”

Holding out a gauntlet, he opens a portal. Bo steps back instinctively.

“What the…?”

“It’s fine, dad. Arc uses these all the time.”

Bo sighs. “I’m too tired to put up a fuss.”

Leading her father through, Arc follows the pair. They step out into Arc’s room in the large cloud house.

“Glad I put a sigil here.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Me too.”

“Well, thank you for that, sir. I’m going to hit the hay.”

“Me too. Goodnight.”

Arc nods. “Night.”

As they leave the room, Scootaloo steps out of the bathroom with a towel over her mane.

“Big Brother? You’re back sooner than I thought.”

“Yeah, well… something came up.”

“What was it?”

“An old friend of Rainbow Dash’s.”

“Out of the blue?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, they ordered food for him ahead of time. Rainbow Dash looked really surprised though. I’m pretty sure she didn’t expect him to be there.”

“That’s weird.”

“He left as soon as someone told him about his parent’s being in the hospital. Not that it’s out of the ordinary though. I’d have been in a hurry too.”

“And Rainbow Dash’s parents?”

“Her mother took Zephyr Breeze, that was the friend’s name, to the hospital to see his parents. Rainbow Dash’s father looked really tired, so I brought us home via portal. He’s probably in bed by now along with Rainbow Dash.”

“We should probably get to bed too then.”

“I guess. But I think I’d like to enjoy a bit of time on the balcony.”

“It was pretty warm today, I guess.”

“Must be weather magic, or something.”

Scootaloo yawns. “Well, you can figure that one out. I’m heading to bed.”

“Goodnight.”

The filly crawls into her bed as Arc opens the door to the terrace. Closing it gently behind him, he walks over to a cloud bench and sits down. Sighing contentedly, he closes his eyes as a gentle breeze washes over him. Sometime later the sound of flapping wings approaching reaches his ears. Opening his eyes, Arc turns to see Rainbow Dash landing just in front of the terrace door. As her hoof reaches out to it he calls to her.

“Rainbow Dash?”

She gasps slightly and draws back. Turning, she spots him on the bench and smiles nervously.

“Um… hey.”

“Hi. Couldn’t sleep?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Sleep?”

“That what you told your dad you were going to do when you two left my room a little while ago.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I… may have told a little white lie.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“It’s… kinda complicated.”

“Want to sit down?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Thanks. That might help.”

Moving over, Arc allows the mare to take a seat next to him. She sighs and looks away.

“I… wasn’t planning to go to bed at all.”

“Oh?”

“In truth, I was going to… fly away.”

“Um… okay. Why though?”

“Because I… don’t want to be here anymore.”

“I don’t understand.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “My parents and I get along fine, as you’ve seen. But they’re kinda… overbearing sometimes. Like when I was a filly, they would come to all my games, matches, meets, whatever, and… cheer me on.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“It was way beyond what anypony would consider normal encouragement. They would shout at the top of their lungs while wearing hats of my face and waving banners of my cutie mark.”

“That does sound a bit… much. Did they do this all the time?”

“Even at practice.”

“And no one told them to stop?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. My dad’s the top pony over at the Rainbow Factory. Pretty much everypony is connected to it in some way.

“So no one tells him anything, huh?”

“Nah.”

“I wouldn’t consider embarrassing parents as grounds to leave in the middle of the night though.”

“It isn’t them. Truth be told… it’s Zephyr.”

“Your old friend?”

Rainbow Dash sighs and nods. “Yeah.”

“Something you’re not telling me about him?”

“Well, you heard about that game he and I played as foals.”

“But you were both little. Everyone does kinda silly things when they’re a kid.”

“We did it a LOT though.”

“And that bothers you now?”

“Yeah. Um… my parents always told me that they wanted his family and ours to be joined one day.”

“As in a real marriage?”

“Right. We were okay with that too, since we were such good friends.”

“Were?”

“Truth be told, we kinda drifted apart when we got older.”

“Before you moved to Ponyville?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “He’s the reason I moved.”

“Wait, what?”

“Zephyr was always coming by with flowers and candy. Anything to try and ask me out. I always had an excuse handy to keep from going with him though.”

“I don’t understand. Why not just tell him the truth?”

“Believe me, I tried. But he just always thought I was joking!”

“So he still thinks you’re interested in him?”

Rainbow Dash nods sadly. “Right. Sorry.”

“Sorry?”

“You and I are supposed to be an item, after all.”

“I’m not jealous if that’s what you mean.”

Rainbow Dash breathes a sigh of relief. “Really? Good!”

“But I am a bit miffed that you didn’t mention him until now.”

“I kinda thought that chapter in my life was over. That he’d find somepony else and would settle down.”

“It sounds like he’s doing well though.”

“And I’m happy about that. But his life’s about to take off with an exciting new career. And I’m happy right where I am.”

“Sounds like you two need to have a talk.”

“He’ll never believe it.”

“Well, you have to try. And if that doesn’t work you could always bring this up to your parents.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “No, I can’t!”

“Why not?”

“Because they have their hearts set and Zephyr and I getting together!”

“Which isn’t what you want though.”

“Right!”

“So you can’t see yourself getting married to Zephyr. But at the same time don’t want to let your parents down.”

“Or him. What do I do?!”

“You need to be honest about it. The two of you might have had feelings for each other years ago, but that time has passed.”

“But we promised each other that we’d get married!”

“Huh?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Before he left to go to college Zephyr told me that he’d come back successful and be ready to take me as his wife. I didn’t think much of it at the time, since he’s always been a blowhard.”

“But…?”

“But he’s kept a torch burning for me all this time! How do I tell him I was just kinda accidentally leading him on?!”

“You could start by being honest about your feelings. That and tell everyone that we’re kinda dating.”

“Trust me, that isn’t what he needs to hear right now.”

“Why not?”

“Because he respects you somewhat.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What’s that have to do with…?”

“Diplomacy!”

“Diplomacy?”

“If he got mad at you, word would get around quickly! It might really hurt our chances of fully turning Cloudsdale to Twilight’s side!”

“So what are you going to do?”

Rainbow Dash looks away. “I… I don’t know.”

“Really?”

“If I have to… I’ll do what’s best for Equestria.”

“And what’s that?”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “In the name of keeping the peace, I’d be willing to… marry Zephyr.”

“Would he make you happy?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I guess. I mean, we were friends in the past. No reason we couldn’t be again. But what about you?”

“Remember, I told you and the others not to wait for me if someone else came around that you liked.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Great. I was kinda hoping you’d be mad.”

“Well, I’m not exactly happy about it.”

“At least then this would be easier for me.”

“You mean…?”

“I could probably convince my parents and Zephyr that me marrying you would help cement relations between Cloudsdale and Canterlot, or something.”

“But that wouldn’t be the truth.”

“Yeah, I know. But no matter what I do, there’s still that chance it could backfire terribly.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Tell you what. I’ll support you in whichever path you decide to take.”

Rainbow Dash smiles sheepishly. “Really?”

“Really.”

“So if I get with Zephyr… you won’t get mad?”

“No. I’ll wish you both the best and hope for a better future. But only if that’s REALLY what you want for yourself.”

“Thanks. Um… I think I have some more thinking to do though.”

“Maybe you should really get to bed now.”

“I think I will.”

Standing up, she turns to him and puts her front hooves around his neck. Hugging Arc, Rainbow Dash whispers in his ear.

“Thanks for being so understanding, Arc. And I’m really sorry for not saying something sooner.”

Giving him a quick peck on the cheek, she turns and takes flight. Arc sighs and leans back on the bench as he muses to himself.

“My potential herd might just have one less member before it even gets started. While I want what’s best for you, Rainbow Dash, I’m not certain even you know exactly what it is that you want.”

Chapter 6 - Difficult Discussions

That evening Arc and Scootaloo get ready in their room. Arc looks over to see Scootaloo putting on a fresh cloak.

“Are you sure you want to wear that? After all, this is an auspicious occasion.”

Scootaloo nods. “I have to maintain my secret identity. And I’m still here as the Scarlet Filly after all.”

“Yes, well… if that’s what you want I won’t try to stop you.”

“So what are we doing again?”

“Getting ready for dinner.”

“Yes. Why though?”

“Rainbow Dash’s parents invited over an old childhood friend of hers. He’s… kinda into her.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?”

“What I mean is… Zephyr likes her a lot.”

“But I thought YOU liked her, Big Brother.”

“That I do. But I don’t actually have any sort of, how do I put this… claim on her.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means that we’re not officially dating, or anything. That and I told all of them when this all started that if they met someone else… not to wait for me. After all, they shouldn’t let potential husbands pass them by while I’m busy doing my job.”

“That was very conscientious of you. But you deserve to be happy too, Big Brother.”

“And I am. But I’m not too worried about Zephyr taking Rainbow Dash away from me.”

“Oh?”

“She’s not actually attracted to him.”

“Is he ugly, or something?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not really the best one to ask about what makes a stallion attractive. But I think it’s mostly his attitude. You see, he just graduated from college and has a bunch of job offers waiting for him to respond to. From the limited time I spend with him the other night I found that he kinda has that ‘I’m better than everyone else because I’m really smart’ mentality to him.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Being smart, no. Letting everyone know it, yes.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because then you just come across as a jerk.”

“This sounds complicated.”

“It kinda is. But it’s also one of those things you kinda have to see for yourself to understand.”

“Then I’ll try to pay attention at dinner.”

“You do that.”

Leaving their room, the pair head down to the Main Hall. Rainbow Dash along with her parents are waiting there patiently. Each of them are wearing their finest clothes. Rainbow Dash grunts as she shifts uneasily.

“I still don’t see why I have to wear this thing!”

Windy smiles as she looks over her daughter’s outfit. “Now, now… you want to look your best for Zephyr, don’t you?”

“Kinda… I guess.”

Bo nods approvingly. “You look wonderful, my dear. As pretty as a picture on a postcard.”

Scootaloo walks over. “He’s right, Rainbow Dash. You do look very nice.”

Rainbow Dash squeals. “The Scarlet Filly thinks I look NICE!!!”

Arc chuckles. “Very fetching, yes.”

Before Rainbow Dash can respond there is a knock at the door. Bo walks over to answer it. Opening the door he finds Zephyr waiting there patiently in a black as night tuxedo. His mane is slicked back and a red handkerchief sticks neatly from his pocket. Stepping aside to let him enter, the young stallion makes a beeline for Rainbow Dash and takes her hoof.

“You looks stunning, my dear.”

Rainbow Dash blushes slightly. “Th-thanks. You look… nice too.”

Bo walks over. “The Hero of Light will be joining us again for dinner, Zephyr. As will the Scarlet Filly.”

Scootaloo raises a hoof. “Hey.”

Zephyr looks down, confused. “You’re a bit… smaller than I was led to believe.”

“I’m about right for my age.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “She makes up for her size by being so awesome!”

Arc nods. “That she does.”

Zephyr steps over to Arc. “Hello again, sir. It’s good to see you again.”

The pair shake hands/hooves as Bo and Windy step forward to look Zephyr over.

“You sure do fill out that tux, fella.”

“Very well indeed. I bet the mares don’t leave you alone.”

Zephyr chuckles. “It’s hard, yes. But I do my utmost to let them down gently.”

He turns to Rainbow Dash and smiles.

“After all, I already have a special somepony.”

She frowns and turns away.

“You’re too kind, Zephyr.”

Bo clears his throat. “Why don’t we sit down at the table? The food should be just about ready by now.”

Arc looks to Windy. “Can I give you a hand in the kitchen, ma’am?”

Windy nods. “Yes, of course.”

Scootaloo follows the pair. “I’ll join you.”

Rainbow Dash turns to join them. “Me too!”

Bo puts a hoof on his daughter’s shoulder. “Now, now, dear. You should stay with Zephyr and I. I’m sure he has quite a few questions for you, what with being gone for so long.”

Zephyr nods. “That I do. But it’s only natural, considering our past.”

They head for the Dining Room together. Bo, Rainbow Dash, and Zephyr sit down as Arc and Scootaloo head for the Kitchen with Windy Whistles. She hurries over to the refrigerator and pulls out two dishes hidden by silver covers as Arc walks over to the oven. Pulling a pan out, he quickly sets it on top of the stove and turns to their hostess.

“Smells done.”

Windy appears relieved as she gives one of the dishes to Scootaloo. “Good! I’ll take it out just as soon as I finish with the salad.”

Arc picks up the hot dish with two potholders. “I’ll do it.”

Scootaloo points to the door. “Let’s get these two out on the table then.”

Windy grins. “Lets!”

In short order the food is set out and Arc walks over to the table with a silver carafe filled with sparkling ice water. Scootaloo follows with crystal glasses as Windy brings up the rear carrying a tray of rolls. Bo sniffs the air hungrily.

“That smells lovely, dear.”

“Thank you. I worked very hard on this meal.”

Rainbow Dash salivates slightly. "It sure looks like it, mom!"

Zephyr nods approvingly. “Very impressive, yes.”

They sit down at their places. Bo, Windy, and Arc on one side with Rainbow Dash and Zephyr on the other. Rainbow Dash looks to Scootaloo nervously.

“Would you like to sit on the others side of me?”

Scootaloo looks at the seat next to Arc. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to…”

Arc clears his throat as he looks at the filly.

“…let our host’s daughter down.”

She walks around the table as Rainbow Dash pulls out a chair for her. Sitting, Bo reaches for the first dish and looks to Zephyr.

“Would you like some casserole, son?”

“Oh, yes please! That does smell familiar though.”

Windy giggles. “It should. I made it often when you came over for supper as a colt.”

“Ah, now I remember it!”

Serving him, Bo stretches out his hoof as his daughter does the same with her plate. Arc looks at them struggling to reach each other.

“Let me give you a hand there, sir.”

Casting a Telekinesis Spell Arc takes the casserole dish and its serving utensil. Carefully putting some on Rainbow Dash’s plate he moves to serve the others via magical means. Zephyr nods approvingly.

“Very interesting.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What is?”

“Using magic without a focus. Tell me, sir, how do you do that?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s just something I can do.”

Zephyr raises an eyebrow. “You mean you don’t know?”

“The best explanation is that it’s because I don’t actually have Unicorn Magic.”

“I don’t understand. What other kind of magic could you have?”

“Dragon Magic.”

Zephyr chuckles as he rolls his eyes. “Ah… the power of the lizards.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I’m sure it takes a lot of practice to master just like Unicorn Magic.”

“Come now, how hard could it be to burn things?”

Arc laughs. “Not hard at all, really.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I’ve seen him cast Fire Spells in the past. It’s really cool.”

Zephyr scoffs at this. “Feats of magical strength are typically not as impressive as those of intellectual prowess.”

Bo shrugs. “Both are needed to make the world go round though.”

Windy points a hoof toward the window. “Yes. That and I don’t think our neighbors across the sea would agree with that analysis of magic.”

Arc chuckles. “Actually I think they would.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Big Brother?”

“Dragons are very adept with their own powers. Some even more than the unicorns here in Equestria.”

Zephyr frowns as he takes a roll. “I see. And you’ve had dealings with these… creatures in the past?”

Arc nods as he serves everyone some of the salad. “Numerous times, yes.”

“Then tell me this. How can such beings, whom I assume lack standardized schools or ANY form of higher learning, be better with magic than a unicorn?”

“The same way one learns any skill. Practice.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “How do they do that?”

“Hunting, foraging, and even playing.”

Scootaloo grins. “Is that all?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, they do like to fight.”

Zephyr scoffs. “Obviously.”

Bo turns to Arc. “Would that be their real world experience?”

“Exactly.”

Windy gasps. “But don’t they get hurt?”

“Sometimes, I would assume. But from what I’ve read, it’s those injuries that make them stronger over time.”

Scootaloo tilts her head to one side, confused. “Experience in getting hurt?”

“That too. But it literally strengthens them. The scars they earn make the scales on that part of their body stronger and more resistant to future damage.”

Zephyr chuckles. “I do believe the unicorn’s methods of learning may be a bit more refined though.”

Arc smirks. “Not exactly.”

Scootaloo looks to him. “Different?”

“I was going to say very similar actually.”

Windy appears confused. “How so?”

“Unicorns learn magic through practicing and successfully casting their spells, yes. But also through their failures.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “How do you learn by messing up?”

“By figuring out what doesn’t work. After all, who in their right mind would keep using a failed method?”

Zephyr smiles smugly at Arc. “I do wish I had brought my thesis on Unicorn Magic. You could have learned a thing or two from it, sir.”

“Maybe.”

Windy giggles nervously. “You’ve always had a fascination with magic, Zephyr.”

Bo nods. “I remember that. We used to say that you were more Unicorn than Pegasus sometimes.”

Zephyr sighs as he picks up a forkful of food. “There is such a thing as being artificially imbued with magic.”

Arc takes a drink of water. “Ah, that idea from the Great War?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “I don’t think I’m familiar with that one.”

Zephyr gasps. “How?! I always talked about it when we were foals!”

“Remind me then.”

“Well… it has to do with the theory that magical powers can be transferred from a magical being to a non-magical one via a sort of magical transfusion. Think of it like… like an injured pony getting blood from somepony else.”

Bo chuckles. “Interesting. How does a non-unicorn get a transfusion like that?”

Windy appears genuinely interested. “Yes! Tell us!”

Zephyr sighs. “Sadly all experiments in this matter always ended in failure. That’s why it’s only a theory.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Well… not exactly.”

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

“There was one case where it worked.”

Zephyr turns to her. “Oh? I’ve never heard of such a thing. And I think I would have, seeing as that would certainly make national news.”

Arc raises a hand. “It was me.”

Zephyr gasps. “You?!”

“Yup. Humans don’t possess magic naturally.”

“So you mean to tell me that ANYPONY could be infused?!”

“I suppose so.”

“Even a pegasus like me?!”

“Theoretically, yes.”

Zephyr puts his front hooves on the table as he stands excitedly. “You have to tell me how you did it! Was it an infusion like what I’ve read?!”

“It was, yes. A very powerful being bestowed a small amount of magical power on me about a year ago.”

“WHO?! Princess Luna?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Dragon Lord Torch.”

Zephyr groans. “Oh no!”

Rainbow Dash turns to him. “Is that bad?”

“He’d never be willing to grant me magic! I wouldn’t even make it across the ocean!”

Scootaloo motions to Arc. “Well, Big Brother did it. So it certainly can’t be completely impossible.”

Zephyr appears hopeful. “Right, right!”

He turns to Arc before continuing.

“How’d you do it?!”

“I reunited him with a long lost friend of his.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Arc. “Wasn’t that the one from Tartarus? The one called ‘The Marquis’?”

“That’s him.”

Zephyr grimaces. “So you had to find a way in to Tartarus, survive the demons there, find this creature, get him OUT of Tartarus, which in and of itself is impossible, cross the ocean, and get to the Dragon Lord without getting eaten by his subjects?!”

“That’s a really negative way of looking at it, but yeah.”

Zephyr groans as he slumps back in his seat and puts his face in his hooves. “But that’s… IMPOSSIBLE!”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Nah. After all, Arc did it.”

Bo nods. “She’s got a point there.”

Windy smiles at Arc. “That must’ve been quite the adventure.”

“Oh, it was. What I told you was the greatly abridged version. The full story would literally take all night.”

Scootaloo grins. “I’d like to hear it someday, Big Brother.”

“And I’d like to tell it to you. Just not today.”

Bo nods approvingly. “Heck, that’d be a good one to me!”

Windy giggles. “Me too!”

Rainbow Dash turns to her ‘date’. “What do you think, Zephyr? It might give you some ideas on how to…”

Zephyr interrupts her. “Oh, what’s the use?! I’d never be able to do the same! Nopony else could! Years of study and research on the subject and I’m still no closer to a solution!”

Arc sighs. “I know how you feel.”

“How?!”

“There’s a friend of mine who is very ill. The doctors say that she won’t live another year.”

Scootaloo bows her head. “Miss Shelly?”

“Yes. I’d love to save her, but can’t. Not even with Earth and Equestria’s medical knowledge combined.”

He turns to Zephyr before continuing.

“But I can’t let that eat me up inside. After all, some things in life just aren’t meant to be, I suppose.”

They are silent for a few moments as Arc picks at his food. Eventually he continues.

“I’d do anything to save Shelly. Much like you’d do anything to attain magic, I would assume.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “That much I understand.”

Zephyr looks to her, surprised. “Rainbow?”

“I’d do anything to keep my friends safe.”

Bo smiles as he takes his mother’s hoof. “And your mother and I would do the same for you, dear.”

“That we would.”

Arc smile sadly. “Wanting something we can’t have. I suppose we all have that to a degree.”

Scootaloo nods matter-of-factly. “But we all do our best with what we have.”

Zephyr shrugs. “I suppose so. But there’s nothing wrong with wanting more.”

Arc frowns. “Yes, well… it’s more about just how far you take it. I’ve read about how the Earth Ponies in the past tried to acquire magic.”

Zephyr grits his teeth. “Barbarians, the lot of them!”

“From what I’ve been told, the process of draining magic from captured unicorns was simply excruciating.”

Rainbow Dash shudders. “Was it?”

Zephyr nods soberly. “Yes, Rainbow. Accounts from those whom escaped likened it to having their horn ripped off.”

Arc looks the Pegasus in the eye. “You want magic really bad, right Zephyr?”

“More than anything in the world!”

“What if you could get if by draining a unicorn’s magic using a perfected Earth Pony method?”

“By ‘perfected’ you mean a method that actually works?”

“Right.”

“In a heartbeat!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So you would subject a unicorn to literal torture?”

Zephyr looks away. “Well, I’d certainly have to find one whom was willing to undergo the process, of course.”

“And if you couldn’t?”

“Then I wouldn’t give up until I found somepony!”

“What if there was no one in all the land?”

Zephyr frowns. “Sir, what exactly are you getting at?”

“Would you consider forcing someone to become your subject?”

Bo raises an eyebrow. “Like who?”

Windy puts a hoof to her chin. “Do you mean somepony without any family? A transient or some convicted criminal perhaps?”

“Perhaps. I’d have to think long and hard about something like that though. After all, their contribution to magical science would live on for generations to come.”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “WHAT?!”

Windy gasps. “Dear?”

“Don’t you get it, mom?! He’s talking about KILLING SOMPONY FOR THEIR MAGIC!”

Zephyr puts a hoof on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder. “This is purely an academic conversation, Rainbow Dash. There’s no need to get so upset.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I have to admit, this is a bit heavy dinner table conversation though.”

Arc sighs. “Yes. Perhaps we should change the subject.”

Zephyr sighs. “Agreed.”

He turns to Rainbow Dash.

“I apologize for upsetting you.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Let’s just talk about something more pleasant.”

Bo nods. “Agreed.”

Windy smiles. “Why don’t we talk about you then, Rainbow Dash?”

“Me?”

Zephyr chuckles. “Of course. I do have some questions, after all.”

“Oh… okay.”

“For starters… how do you feel about having foals?”

Rainbow Dash nearly swallows her fork. “W-what?!”

Bo chuckles. “It’s hard to think of your mother and I as grandparents. But that’s what we’d be.”

Windy giggles. “I think it’d be very nice to hold our daughter’s foals.”

Rainbow Dash looks around nervously. “I… I don’t…”

Zephyr appears confused. “You don’t want foals, Rainbow?”

“What?! NO! I mean, I do, but…!”

Arc clears his throat. “Can I assume you’re just like everyone else in that regard, Rainbow Dash?”

“Huh?”

“You do want foals, but are more concerned with whom you’re having them with.”

“Exactly!”

Zephyr grins as he puffs out his chest. “Well I come highly recommended, Rainbow. After all, as you know I’m extremely learned as well as have excellent genes.”

He swings his head around, allowing his blonde hair to readjust itself.

“And I’m good looking as well.”

Bo chuckles. “And you already know his parents, so there wouldn’t be any trouble with the in-laws.”

Windy nods. “They already approve of this.”

“And I’ll have a proper job soon that will allow me to care for both you and our future offspring.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What about the wedding? I think everypony’s putting the cart first on this one.”

Zephyr looks to Rainbow Dash. “I’m not too keen on something small. After all, Rainbow deserves something amazing… like she herself is.”

He winks at her before continuing.

“That and I’d certainly like to take her to the most exclusive hotel for our… honeymoon.”

Bo and Windy nod approvingly as Rainbow Dash turns and blushes.

“I… I don’t… I just…”

Zephyr grins hugely. “I’d be sure to make your first time… memorable, my dear.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Like Scootaloo said, this is all moving a bit fast. I mean, you haven’t even proposed to her yet, have you?”

Zephyr chuckles. “A mere technicality. After all, Rainbow and I have been a… a couple for as long as anypony can remember. I’m sure she wants everything we’ve discussed… and more.”

Scootaloo looks to Rainbow Dash. “Is that true?”

“Well… um…”

Zephyr caresses her cheek with a hoof. “It’s alright, Rainbow. I know my words leave you… speechless.”

Windy puts her hooves on either side of her cheeks. “Aw… how sweet!”

Bo smiles as he looks at his daughter. “Rainbow Dash? Is there anything you want to say to Zephyr?”

“I… uh… um…”

Zephyr interrupts her. “Take your time organizing your words, Rainbow. I looks forward to hearing you say…”

The young stallion suddenly gasps and clears his throat. Windy appears concerned.

Windy gasps. “Are you alright?”

“Sorry about that. Something must’ve gotten caught in my THROAT!”

His voice cracks as another round of coughing ensues. Bo appears concerned.

“That sounds painful, Zephyr. Are you sure you’re all right?”

Zephyr puts a hoof on his neck. “Maybe… maybe I picked a little something up in the hospital earlier. My throat suddenly feels a bit… scratchy.”

Rainbow Dash suddenly stands up. “I think you need some rest, Zephyr. Why don’t you get some sleep?”

Windy motions to the door. “We could lend you one of our guest rooms for the night.”

Bo nods. “Yes, of course.”

Zephyr puts a hoof to his forehead. “Thank you, I… I think I’ll take you up on that. Suddenly… very tired.”

They stand and head for the Main Hall. Bo leads Zephyr upstairs to a guest room as Windy sighs and turns to Arc and Rainbow Dash.

“What an ending to an otherwise perfect dinner.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I really liked tonight, mom.”

Arc nods. “As did I. It was nice to have a good meal with some… stimulating conversation.”

“I’m sorry if Zephyr went too far a time or two, sir. After all, he’s known for speaking his mind.”

“Oh, it’s fine.”

Scootaloo motions to the door. “Why don’t we get some rest now, Big Brother? Tomorrow’s another day, after all.”

“Agreed. But I’d like to help get the dishes done first.”

Windy shakes her head. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll clear the table and leave them to soak overnight.”

Rainbow Dash appears relieved. “We can do them with the breakfast dishes.”

“Right. I’ll see you three in the morning.”

Nodding, they head for the stairs. Bo passes them and heads for the kitchen with his wife as Arc, Scootaloo, and Rainbow Dash head for their rooms. Upon reaching his, Arc motions for Rainbow Dash to follow him. Entering, Scootaloo closes the door behind them as Rainbow Dash grins.

“That was quite a supper!”

“I’ll say.”

“Thanks for what you did at the end though, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Messing with Zephyr so he’d have to excuse himself.”

“I didn’t do anything. After all, what kind of hero would I be if I went after pompous blowhards like him?”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “You mean you didn’t do that?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope.”

Scootaloo giggles. “However you may have ordered a certain thrall to take certain… actions against him.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “That was YOU?!”

“Yup!”

“Thanks a lot! But why did you wait until then to make your move?”

“I was just waiting for Big Brother to give me the word. And the moon to come up too.”

Arc nods. “No one noticed it rose about ten minutes early either.”

Rainbow Dash smiles at them. “Then thanks to both of you.”

“The only reason I did so was because it looked like you were caught between a rock and a hard place conversation wise.”

“Yeah. I honestly didn’t know what to say.”

Scootaloo frowns. “The truth might’ve been a good place to start.”

“But I can’t! It’ll kill my parents inside!”

Arc frowns. “Didn’t we talk about this last night?”

“Yeah! But…!”

She sighs and looks away.

“…sorry.”

Scootaloo steps forward. “Rainbow Dash?”

"Yes?"

“I know I’m just a filly and don’t really understand the ins and outs of love and relationships. But that stallion doesn’t strike me as the type whom could make you happy.”

Arc nods soberly. “You know more than you think, Scootaloo. Tell Rainbow Dash about your parent’s relationship.”

“My dad just used my mom as a sexual pincushion and potential foal maker. I really don’t think he actually loved her in the least. At least not from what I saw.”

“And I agree with that analysis.”

Arc kneels down and looks Rainbow Dash in the eye before continuing.

“Listen… you know that I care about you and the others very much. I don’t see any kind of future with Zephyr Breeze where you’re truly happy. Your parents and his might be ecstatic with the prospect… along with the potential for grandchildren. But at the end of the day this isn’t really about them. It’s about YOU. Now then, if you honestly want to make your parents happy, try doing what makes YOU happy first. I believe that your joy would certainly pass on to them.”

Rainbow Dash bows her head and nods. “I know… that I don’t want to marry Zephyr. But how do I tell my parents that?”

Scootaloo sighs. “You might do well to first tell them about you and Big Brother.”

Arc nods. “That’s not a bad idea. Lay it all out for them.”

“Fine. But promise me one thing, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“That you’ll let me break the news to them.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. I won’t say a word about it to either of them. But by the same token I also won’t bail you out of potentially difficult conversations with either Zephyr or your parents.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Fair enough. That and there’s a few things I need to tell you as well.”

“Oh?”

“Sorry. Not until this is behind us. I owe you and myself that much.”

Scootaloo steps forward. “Just a bit of advice, Rainbow Dash. Don’t take too long to be honest with them. You never know when something might just reach the tipping point and spiral out of control.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I still need to wait for the right time.”

“There might not be one.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Right. You might just have to come out and say something.”

Scootaloo bows her head. “Had I done that maybe my parents would still be alive.”

Arc frowns. “That wasn’t your fault.”

Scootaloo sighs as she looks out the window at the city. “No, it wasn’t. But that doesn’t change what happened.”

She turns and looks back at Rainbow Dash before speaking.

“Whatever you do… don’t become like me.”

“You mean as brave and awesome?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No. As filled with regrets of the past. I know that what happened wasn’t my fault. I really do. But at the same time I’m going to spend the rest of my life contemplating if I could have done something different. If maybe something could have been done to prevent the events that led to both my parents dying and me having to leave everything behind.”

Arc sighs. “Me too.”

“Big Brother?”

“I feel the same way. Could I have done something to prevent Shadow from killing your mother?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “No way! You would have done it!”

Arc bows his head. “I would have, yes. However that doesn’t stop me from feeling regret over this matter. So as Scootaloo said… don’t become like us.”

“I… I’ll try not do.”

Scootaloo shakes her head as she pulls off her cloak, tosses it aside, and stretches her leathery wings.

“Don’t just try, Rainbow Dash. Do it.”

Chapter 7 - A Woundrous Clue

The next morning Arc, Scootaloo, and Rainbow Dash walk down the corridor toward the familiar room. Stopping outside Arc turns to Rainbow Dash.

“I’ll wait for you and Scootaloo out here.”

Scootaloo steps forward. “That might not be necessary, Big Brother.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. By now I’m sure Fluttershy has told her mother about your scheduled visit this morning.”

“Well, just for safety’s sake I’ll wait out here.”

“Okay. This won’t take long.”

The pair enter the room together. A few minutes later Scootaloo sticks her head out and motions for Arc to enter the room. Doing so he spies both of Fluttershy’s parents sitting up, albeit weakly. Fluttershy is the first to speak.

“Good morning, Arc. I hope you slept well.”

“Pretty good, yes.”

He turns to her parents and sheepishly waves.

“Hello again sir. Ma’am.”

Mr. Shy smiles warmly. “Please, sir… call me Cloud Sweeper.”

Mrs. Shy giggles softly. “And I’m Strawberry Shy.”

Fluttershy walks over to Arc as he kneels down. She looks to him sheepishly.

“I… told both of them about us.”

“How much?”

“Everything. I hope that was okay.”

“Yes, it’s fine. After all, they have a right to know.”

Arc stands and turns to the mare and stallion lying in their beds.

“And are you two… okay with this?”

Cloud Sweeper nods. “Yes, sir. Fluttershy spoke very highly of you to us.”

Strawberry Shy smiles. “She told all about what’s been going on between you and her friends in Ponyville.”

“So… just for the sake of clarity, you DO know the whole idea?”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes, Arc. And they approve of it.”

Cloud Sweeper chuckles. “That we do. But to be completely honest with you, we never dreamed that somepony so powerful would take an interest in our daughter.”

Strawberry Shy nods approvingly. “It is nice to know someone so Kind will be looking after her.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Cloud Sweeper turns to his wife. “Admittedly we were quite surprised to hear the news.”

“Yes. But Fluttershy couldn’t stop talking about you once she got started.”

“Frankly it’s the first time somepony has held such a place in her heart.”

“And we’re thrilled!”

Arc smiles. “That’s good to hear.

Cloud Sweeper looks past him to Rainbow Dash. “She also told us about your plans too.”

Rainbow Dash looks away nervously. “O-oh?”

Strawberry Shy smiles warmly. “Yes. And we were quite surprised to learn that you had fallen for another stallion.”

Cloud Sweeper’s ears droop. “Especially after you’ve pined for our son Zephyr Breeze for so long.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Fluttershy’s mother sheepishly. “Are you… mad?”

“Not exactly, no.”

Cloud Sweeper groans. “But you should talk to Zephyr about it as soon as possible.”

Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “Yes. He’s always been the one with the… special needs.”

Strawberry Shy frowns. “Well, you know his condition, dear. He’s not as… emotionally strong as you are.”

Scootaloo tilts her head to one side, confused. “So he’s… sensitive?”

Cloud Sweeper nods fervently. “Oh, very! It’s extremely hard to talk to him sometimes.”

Strawberry Shy looks Rainbow Dash in the eyes as she speaks. “But we know you’ll do what’s best for your old friend, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash groans. Fine. “I’ll have a talk with him and my parents.”

Cloud Sweeper gasps. “Wait! You mean they don’t know yet?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. They were so impressed with your son the other night that I think Rainbow Dash here was too afraid to say anything.”

“Well, maybe not ‘afraid’. More like… ‘cautious’.”

Fluttershy nods soberly. “He has to know though.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Agreed. Otherwise he’ll keep thinking you and him are an item.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “Leading him on isn’t very nice, Rainbow Dash.”

“I know. But it wasn’t the best time to say something.”

Arc looks to her. “We’ll tell them together if you’d like.”

“Thanks. That really would help.”

Strawberry Shy turns to Arc. “Very good. But now I have something important to tell you, sir.”

“Me?”

Cloud Sweeper shudders. “Yes. My wife overheard something during our captivity.”

Strawberry Shy nods as she speaks. “Our captors usually whispered when they spoke, but I distinctly heard them talking about ‘the academy’.”

“What’s that?”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Not the Wonderbolts Academy!”

Scootaloo looks to her. “I’m not familiar with that. What is it?”

“The Wonderbolts are the country’s most elite fliers! Only the best of the best are allowed to train there!”

“A military facility?”

Cloud Sweeper nods. “Officially, yes. However the Wonderbolts haven’t been called into action in generations.”

Strawberry Shy points a hoof out the window at the clear skies. “These days they’re stunt fliers.”

Fluttershy shudders. “But if the need ever arose, we could certainly use their help.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Like when we take on Decimus and his cronies?”

Arc sighs. “Yes, we’ll need all the help we can get.”

He turns back to the couple before continuing.

“Are you suggesting they might have been compromised?”

Cloud Sweeper shrugs. “It is possible, yes.”

Strawberry Shy grimaces. “Especially since our own leaders were taken along with us.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Arc. “It would make sense to take over the Academy. One less group to worry about if things ever got REAL!”

Arc looks out the window. “We should probably head over there and check on things then.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Be careful over there, Arc!”

Scootaloo grins wickedly. “I don’t think they could stop Big Brother from inspecting the base. He is still the Hero of Light, after all.”

Cloud Sweeper sighs. “That may be. But you have to understand that the Wonderbolts are very staunch supporters of Princess Celestia and her administration.”

Strawberry Shy looks to Arc soberly. “Right. They won’t look upon your visit kindly, sir.”

“So I should probably go in quietly and do some reconnaissance before I start anything serious.”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “That might not end well for you, Arc.”

Fluttershy nods. “They’re very secure over there. Nothing even gets close without being detected.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Leave that to me.”

Scootaloo frowns. “You’re not thinking of going in there alone are you, Big Brother?!”

“Nah.”

“Good.”

“You’re coming too.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Sounds like fun.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight and shadowboxes. “When are we going?!”

“The Scarlet Filly and I will head over there tonight.”

“What about me?!”

Cloud Chaser shakes his head. “It’d be best if you stayed here.”

Strawberry Shy smiles. “Yes. We don’t want you getting hurt over this.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder. “That and I think we’d just be in the way.”

Arc turns to Scootaloo. “We really need a small infiltration team on this. Just myself and someone to watch my back.”

“No backup?”

“Oh, I didn’t say that. I’ll have my troops standing by just in case things go south.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “Why not take Rose or Sereb? After all, they were instrumental in searching the Rainbow Factory.”

“True. But that was with permission. This is a military base that’s loyal to Celestia and Decimus.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I don’t think they’d take kindly to discovering any of us over there. Much less non-military personnel.”

Rainbow Dash hurries over to Arc. “How about me?! I could…!

“You stay with your parents.”

“But…!”

“They need you right now.”

Fluttershy looks to Rainbow Dash evenly. “That and we don’t want to worry about you getting into trouble with the organization you’ve always dreamed of joining.”

“Well… I guess that makes sense. But you two be careful over there!”

“I’ll watch out for Big Brother. You can count on that.”

Later that day, Arc stands in his room with Scootaloo. With a bit of concentration and a wave of his hands, the sun lowers and moon rises. Finishing his task he turns to the filly before him.

“Ready?”

Scootaloo stands on her back hooves and holds her cloak in front of her face. “The Scarlet Filly is always ready for action!”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like you’re getting into the role.”

“It’s growing on me.”

“Good. Let’s get underway then. Rainbow Dash said this academy was south of Cloudsdale and that we couldn’t miss it.”

Scootaloo giggles as they walk toward the balcony doors. “If it’s anywhere near as big as this town, we should be able to find it.”

Pushing open the doors Arc looks to the moon with Scootaloo. Transforming into their Crimson forms, the filly hops into Arc’s arms as they change into mist together. Floating away, they fly high into the sky. A short time later they spot what appears to be a floating airfield and make their way over to it. Heading for what assumedly is the main building they enter and flow over to a broom closet. Rematerializing, Arc carefully sets Scootaloo down as he puts his ear to the door. Scootaloo looks up to him and whispers as she does the same.

“I don’t hear anything, Big Brother.”

“Neither do I.”

“Should we get moving then?”

Arc nods as he dons a magic cloak. “Yeah. You got my back?”

“Sure!”

She turns to mist and seeps under the door. A few moments later Scootaloo calls out to Arc.

“All clear.”

Cloaking, Arc slips out the door quietly and looks around.

“No one.”

“Which way, Big Brother?”

“Pick a direction. I’ll follow you.”

Scootaloo makes her way down the corridor with Arc following silently behind her. Walking for some time Arc calls out to her.

“Hold on a minute.”

“Something wrong, Big Brother?”

“Quite a bit actually.”

“Like why it’s so quiet?”

“More so than that. We haven’t seen or heard anything or anyone since we got here nearly an hour ago.”

“Well, we have been sticking to the corridors.”

“Even so, we should have seen some sign of activity.”

Scootaloo sighs. “There has to be some way of checking for signs of life other than going through rooms though.”

Yeah. And I think I know just how to do that. This way.

Turning around, he heads back the way they came. Coming to a set of closed double doors Arc taps them lightly with a gauntlet as he calls out to Scootaloo.

“Check this room.”

“Okay.”

Making her way under the door, Scootaloo inspects the general area before calling out to Arc again.

“Clear.”

Arc pushes the doors open and enters. Looking around he frowns and heads for a swinging door nearby.

“Now this one.”

“Is this really the time, Big Brother.”

“Yes it is. Now get to it.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Fine.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo calls out the all clear again. Entering, Arc decloaks and turns on the lights. Scootaloo groans.

“Big Brother…”

“I have to be sure of something.”

Walking over to the large table in the center of the room Arc kneels down and looks it over carefully as he decloaks. Running a finger over it, he looks at it and sighs. Removing his cloak, he wraps it around his hand and uses it to wipe down the entire table. Pulling back, he examines the black cloak for a few moments before frowning and touching his earring.

“Arc to Equinox.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“Tell my troops to report to the deck sigil immediately and standby for potential deployment.”

“Yes sir. Anything else?”

“Nothing at the moment. Tell them to be ready for anything though. Arc out.”

Closing the channel, Arc calls forth his sigil gauntlet and opens a portal. About ten seconds later Rose and Sereb emerge and look to him as Scootaloo rematerializes next to Arc. Rose is the first to speak.

“How can we help?”

Arc motions around them. “Scan in all directions for life signs.”

Rose closes her eyes and concentrates for a few moments. Frowning, she turns to Arc.

“There appear to be sensor dampeners active throughout the base.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Is that normal?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not to the best of my knowledge. Sereb, start sniffing.”

“Very well.”

Putting his nose to the floor the wolf begins walking around the room. Sniffing, he leaves the kitchen and heads out to the cafeteria.

“There has not been anyone here in some time.”

Arc frowns. “Agreed.”

He holds up his cloak.

“I found a slight layer of dust on the kitchen prep table.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What does that prove?”

Sereb growls. “That nopony has used it to prepare food in days.”

Arc nods as he puts the cloak back in his ring. “Right. But since there’s been no word of a mass evacuation of the base it stands to reason that they’re still here.”

Rose looks around. “Agreed. Let’s see what we can find.”

Leaving the room, Sereb leads them down a corridor. Entering a stairwell he sniffs and looks around.

“This spot is… interesting, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“There are many scents here.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “But it’s a stairwell. Many use it daily, I would assume.”

“Indeed. However the scents are all the same… intensity.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What does that mean?”

“That everyone walked through it at roughly the same time.”

Arc looks to Sereb. “Could it have just been everyone reconvening at the end of the day?”

“Unlikely.”

He points a paw before continuing.

“The scents lead down to the lower levels.”

Scootaloo looks over the guard rail. “What do you suppose is down there?”

Rose turns to Arc. “According to standard military design, the lower levels of any such base should consist of storage, the brig, and/or highly sensitive security rooms.”

“That’s not encouraging.”

Sereb growls. “Agreed. While it is possible they went down there for a meeting or other such legitimate reason, I recommend exercising extreme caution.”

Scootaloo looks up at Arc. “I can scout ahead.”

“Do it.”

The filly returns to her mist form as Arc calls forth his armor and spear. Rose deploys her R-Cannon and L-Blade as Arc looks down the stairs and waits. A short time later Scootaloo calls out to Arc telepathically.

“All clear.”

Arc motions to the others to follow him down the stairs. Coming to a door at the bottom they enter into a dimly lit corridor. He turns to Rose.

“Sensors?”

“Still being blocked. Sereb?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “There were a large number of ponies down here.”

Scootaloo rematerializes and frowns. “But where are they?”

Arc points down the corridor. “Let’s start walking.”

Making their way to the end, they walk into a large storage room. Arc looks around.

“A lot of stuff down here.”

Rose nods. “It’s most likely the base’s main storage.”

Scootaloo chuckles. “So no secret labs?”

Sereb sighs. “I would hope not.”

Rose shudders. “This facility is supposed to be purely for training purposes, of course. But let’s not jump to any conclusions.”

Walking along with Sereb in the lead, he stops in front of a large rack of crates. Growling, he turns to Arc.

“The trail ends here.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Ends?”

“Perhaps that was not the best word for it. How about the trail ‘leads’ here?”

Rose points. “Let’s check these boxes then.”

Grabbing several crates, they open them. Scootaloo calls out.

“Blankets.”

Sereb frowns. “Blue and yellow uniforms.”

Rose pulls out a plastic case. “Emergency rations.”

Arc sighs. “Camping supplies.”

He looks around at the labels on the other boxes before speaking again.

“Everything here looks like it should be here.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Were you expecting to find them in these crates?”

“Fortunately not.”

Sereb sniffs the floor again. “Interesting.”

“What is it, big guy?”

The wolf puts a massive paw on one of the crates and shoves it aside. Sniffing, he approaches the back wall.

“The scent continues on toward the wall.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Could there be a secret room back there?!”

Rose nods. “Possibly. It could be a ‘panic room’ of some kind.”

Arc looks around. “How would we open it?”

Scootaloo joins Arc in looking. “Is there a switch or something nearby?”

Rose frowns. “Probably. However for security purposes, once locked down a panic room cannot be opened from the outside.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “They would have to open it for us?”

“Correct.”

Arc groans. “How would they know we’re out here though?”

“Standard procedure is to allow for full use of the base’s security cameras from there. They could easily see when the danger had passed and open the doors.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof on the heavy metal door. “Maybe I could mist in there and tell them to open up.”

Rose shakes her head. “Impossible. Panic room doors are airtight.”

Sereb turns to Rose. “But they must have a source of oxygen coming from somewhere.”

“Logically, yes. However searching for that hole in the walls may take hours or even days.”

Arc grins. “So we take the direct approach then.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Which is…?”

“Take the wall down.”

Rose sighs. “This rack appears to be fastened to the wall. It’s most likely part of the exterior of the panic room itself.”

Arc cracks his knuckles. “Then we start there. Sereb, lend me some magical might?”

“Indeed.”

Rose turns to the crates. “And me?”

“Grab the racks and pull as hard as you can.”

Scootaloo walks over to join Rose. “I’ll help too!”

Rose smiles down at her. “That might not be necessary though.”

Arc turns to Rose. “You have a better plan?”

“Yes, Arc. If we could somehow focus damage on one spot it’s possible we could weaken the door enough to put a small hole in it. From there Arc could cast the Matter Compacting Spell on someone, put them through the hole, and have them release the door locks.”

Scootaloo grins. “Or allow one of us to Mist Form our way inside.”

Arc shrugs. “Okay, let’s go with that. Uh… how should we go about making that hole?”

Rose grins. “Like this.”

She begin slashing at the door with her L-Blade as Arc and the others watch from a safe distance. Sometime later Rose steps back, clearly winded. Arc hurries forward to help steady her with Sereb.

“We have you!”

“Are you alright, Rose?!”

Rose nods as she regains her balance. “Yes. I was able to form a very small hole in the door. Hopefully it is enough.”

Scootaloo grins as she plants her hooves firmly. “One way to find out.”

She turns to mist and heads for the hole. It takes a few minutes, but Scootaloo is able to fit herself inside slowly bit by bit. The filly calls out telepathically as she rematerializes.

“I’m in.”

Arc turns to Rose. “Now what?”

“Look around for a large, red button that says ‘door release’.”

Turning her head from side to side she eventually spots a control panel. Jumping up on a box across the way from it she sees a panel with the a fore mentioned button.

“I see it, but can’t reach it.”

Arc nods. “Want me to come in and do it?”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Let me try something first.”

Returning to her mist form, Scootaloo drifts over to the panel. Hovering above it for a few moments she rematerializes and falls onto the console. Her hoof hits the button and the door swings outward. She looks up from the floor as the others rush inside. Arc helps her stand up.

“Good job! Let’s go!”

Scootaloo wrinkles her nose. “What’s that smell?!”

Sereb growls. “We must hurry!”

Hurrying through a secondary door into the panic room’s interior Arc casts a Light Spell along with Sereb. The stench of urine and feces permeates the room. Spotting a number of cages they look inside to see unresponsive mares and stallions dressed in flight suits and other military garb lying on one another. Arc turns quickly to Rose.

“Analysis!”

“Everyone here is in critical need of rehydration!”

“Sereb, you and Rose get those cages open!”

Holding up his gauntlet Arc opens a portal. His forces charge through, led by Ember and Hammer, weapons at the ready. They line up and gasp at the sight of Rose slicing through the bars of a cage as Sereb slashes at another. Arc closes the portal and opens a new one as Ember calls out to him.

“What the…?!”

“Everyone get those ponies out of there and through this portal now!”

Hammer looks to Arc’s forces. “You heard him! MOVE!!!”

Arc maintains the portal as his forces pair up and unceremoniously carry them through. A short time later Scootaloo hurries over.

“That’s the last one!”

“Good! Sereb, you and Rose stay here and explore the base! Make sure there isn’t anyone else in the academy along with my troops!”

Turning, Arc, Scootaloo, Ember, and Hammer hurry through the portal and vanish from sight.

Chapter 8 - Zephyr Breezes

Arriving at the Cloudsdale Hospital Arc looks around as the portal closes behind him. He spots nurses and orderlies loading the rescued ponies onto stretches. Ember grabs Arc’s arm and whirls him around to face her.

“What the heck did you FIND?!”

Hammer frowns. “It looked like a third world prison in there!”

Arc grimaces as he reaches for his earring. “That isn’t far from the truth. But right now I need to get Redheart over here. “

Ember motions to the victims. “Fine. Let’s all lend a hand.”

Arc and company get to work. As the sun rises they meet in the head doctor’s office with Redheart. Looking to the exhausted Nurse Redheart Arc speaks.

“How’d it go?”

“Everypony is now resting comfortably. We’ve fully examined all of the patients and have begun the process of rehydrating them via intravenous saline solution.”

“Any fatalities?”

Redheart shakes her head. “None. They’re very weak right now, but will regain their strength shortly.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Good. We need to know what happened over there.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Right! This was intentional!”

Arc shudders. “Not just that. It looked like literal torture.”

Scootaloo turns to him. “Big Brother?”

Ember stomps a foot. “Whomever did that was a monster! I mean, they could have KILLED them!”

Hammer snaps her finger. “I think that might have been the idea.”

Arc nods. “Right. They had to know we’d head over there at some point.

Redheart sighs. “They kill the base personnel and lay them around the base with post mortem wounds inflicted to make it look like they were defending the facility. Then we show up and call in the deaths of everyone.”

Sereb growls.” No defense would have exonerated us!”

Scootaloo gasps. “That’s terrible!”

Ember grimaces. “For both us and the victims.”

Hammer shudders. “What a way to die though.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “Starving to death?”

“No. Dehydration.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Quicker, but not much better.”

Scootaloo looks toward the telephone on the desk. “Rose and Sereb will find anypony else in there though, right?”

Redheart taps her clipboard. “I’ve already heard from them. Apparently Rose came across the base’s files. She counted the number of active duty personnel and subtracted those on leave. The final count matches the number of patients we have here.”

“Was she sure?”

“Very. I’m told she ran the numbers three times just to make sure nopony was left behind.”

Arc appears relieved. “So the base is empty now?”

Redheart nods. “Save for your forces searching it, yes.”

Hammer gasps. “What about support staff?!”

“She’s compensated for that as well.”

Arc sighs. “Good.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc opens it with his magic. A nurse hurries over to him.

“Sir, the head of the Wonderbolt’s Academy is asking to see you.”

“They are?”

“Well, not YOU exactly. Just a representative of Canterlot.”

“Are they up to that?”

Redheart shakes her head. “It’s not advisable, sir. Everypony really should be resting.”

“He’s very insistent though. Says it’s urgent.”

Arc stands. “Fine. Lead the way.”

Redheart calls out after him. “Try to keep it short, sir!”

“I’ll try.”

Following the nurse down several corridors they stop in front of a private room. She motions to the door.

“He’s in here, sir.”

“Thank you, nurse.”

“Please try to keep it short. He really does need to rest.”

Nodding, Arc calls forth his armor and enters the room. He spies an elderly stallion in bed with numerous IVs hooked up to him. At the sound of his footsteps the patient slowly opens his eyes and calls out weakly.

“Are… are you…?”

“Yes, I’m Hero of Light Arc.”

“My fliers…? Are they…?”

Arc nods. “We went through your records to get a head count. All were present and accounted for. They’re resting just like you should be.”

The stallion struggles to sit up. “You got us… out?”

“Yes, my forces and I found you in the basement. Why don’t we start with your name though.”

“Headmaster… Wing, sir.”

“Does that mean you’re the highest authority at the academy?”

Wing nods. “Yes. I’m responsible for… everypony. That’s why we were… in the panic room.”

“But what were you doing there?”

“Princess Celestia… told us to. She came to… the base. At least it looked like her… at the time.”

“But it wasn’t?”

Wing shakes his head. “No. Told us… to lead her to… panic room. Found cages down there. She… she said it was a… drill of some kind.”

“Then she locked you all in there and left?”

Not… exactly. Some kind of gas… knocked us all out. When we awoke… she was just locking… last cage. She, the princess… changed into a bird… before pressing door button… and flying out.

Arc groans. “A changeling!”

“Had to be.”

“I know all about their presence in Equestria.”

“You’ll take care… of those fiends?”

“When I find them, yes. Now I’m sure you have other things to say, but please try to get some rest. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

Nodding, the stallion lays back down as Arc heads for the door. Leaving, he return to the office and looks to Redheart.

“See to it everyone gets all the support they need.”

“Yes sir. If I may, what did the headmaster have to say?”

“That he and the others were tricked into captivity by a changeling. I’ll know more when he recovers enough to talk more about what happened in depth though.”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “What now though?”

Ember appears hopeful. “Breakfast?”

Arc shrugs. “That does sound good. But I want to go see how Rainbow Dash and her parents are doing.”

Hammer frowns. “Blue’s okay though, right?”

“Fine. But I need to see them about something.”

Redheart motions to the desk. “I’ll stay here and get to filling out the forms for our patients while I wait for the doctor to return with this morning’s vitals. Canterlot will need a full report on what exactly their conditions are.”

Hammer shudders. “Paperwork. The bane of my existence.”

Arc nods to Redheart as he turns to leave. “We’ll leave you to it then. Come on, everyone.”

Ember shrugs. “You do that. I’m heading to the Cafeteria.”

“Suit yourself.”

Leaving the office, Arc and the others head to the familiar hospital room. However as they approach the door Zephyr Breeze steps around the corner. He appears confused at the group before him.

“What the…?”

Scootaloo motions to the door. “We’re here to check on your parents.”

Zephyr gasps, wide-eyed. “Did something happen?!”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. Just routine stuff.”

Entering the room they see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash in chairs next to the beds talking. Cloud Sweeper and Strawberry Shy are sitting up and looking much better. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak.

“So how’d it go?!”

Fluttershy nods hopefully. “Everything okay at the academy?”

Arc sighs. “We got there just in time.”

Scootaloo shudders. “They were locked in the basement.”

Rainbow Dash explodes. “WHAT?!”

Hammer gives a thumbs up. “But we bailed em out and brought everyone to the hospital, blue!”

Arc nods. “Right. They’ll be fine in a day or two.”

Zephyr walks over to Rainbow Dash and smiles at her. “Thanks for keeping my parents and sister company.”

Rainbow Dash forces a smile as she looks away. “Uh… no problem.”

Fluttershy giggles. “We were just talking about stories from a long time ago.”

Cloud Sweeper looks to Zephyr soberly. “That we were. But right now we need to talk to you, son.”

Zephyr appears suddenly nervous. “What about?”

Strawberry Shy sighs. “The future mostly.”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “Our future mostly.”

Fluttershy smiles insincerely. “Yes, well… we don’t really know how to say this without upsetting you though.”

Zephyr’s ears droop as he bows his head. “I guess you figured it out, huh?”

Cloud Sweeper raises an eyebrow. “Son?”

“That I… didn’t really come here to talk to employers.”

Strawberry Shy tilts her head to the side, confused. “Then why…?”

“Honestly, I came back to see if I could move back in with you and dad.”

Fluttershy frowns. “What’s wrong with that?”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah. I mean everyone has a bit of trouble landing their first job after graduating, right?”

“I suppose so. But that’s a bit more complicated than you all know.”

Scootaloo turns to him. “Then why don’t you start at the beginning?”

“That’s probably for the best.”

Zephyr takes a deep breath before continuing.

“First off, I… I didn’t actually graduate.”

Strawberry Shy appears hopeful. “You mean not yet, right?”

Zephyr shakes his head. “No, mom. I mean that I… dropped out.”

Cloud Sweeper frowns. “How long ago?”

“About a month after I enrolled.”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “But mom was always writing to tell me how well you were doing!”

“Right! Your report cards were always flawless!”

“To be honest, the first job I got after dropping out was in the school office as a messenger. I used that position to snag a bunch of school stationary and blank report cards so I could fill them out myself and send them back home.”

Cloud Sweeper groans. “But why son?!”

“Because I always wanted to be something you and mom could be proud of. But I couldn’t even hold down that simple office job for more than a few days.”

Hammer appears skeptical. “So what’d you do for money then?”

“Hopped from place to place. But eventually my name and reputation got around. After that nopony would hire me.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “So you’re a dropout and unemployed?!”

“Right. I only came back home when I did because I was out of bits and needed a place to stay.”

Arc looks to Zephyr. “What about all that talk at dinner the other day? About you studying magic.”

Fluttershy sighs. “He’s always studied that.”

“It’s just so fascinating! But being the only pegasus in an all unicorn school… it just didn’t work out.”

Cloud Sweeper bows his head. “We know.”

“You do?”

Strawberry Shy nods. “Yes. After all, we understood that you could learn every fact about magic.”

Fluttershy sighs as she shakes her head. “But there was no way you could ever actually cast spells.”

Hammer frowns. “Then why send him to learn about it?!”

Arc looks to Cloud Sweeper. “Because he was passionate about it?”

“Right. It’s all he ever talked about growing up.”

Strawberry Shy pats her son’s head. “And we knew he had to follow his dreams. Even if they couldn’t be realized.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Not sure what to say about that.”

“Well, I have one more thing to say.”

Zephyr walks over to Rainbow Dash and takes her hoof.

“Rainbow… I’ve always wanted to become something more than I am. Make you think I’m special.”

“But you are, Zephyr. You’re my friend.”

“I wanted to be more than that though. You and I… we…”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “I need to tell you something. Now I know I should have said this a while back, but…”

“You don’t want to get married?”

“…no.”

“I understand.”

“You do?”

Zephyr nods. “Yes.”

“It isn’t because I don’t like you, or anything. But… I’ve kinda been sorta seeing somepony else.

“So have I.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Zephyr?”

Cloud Sweeper raises an eyebrow. “Son?”

“It’s one of Fluttershy’s old friends from when we were foals. Her name’s Tree Hugger. We’re kinda the same, you know?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “How so?”

“She’s just really laid back. Takes things one day at a time. Doesn’t stress over anything that I’ve ever seen.”

Strawberry Shy smiles. “So you’re in love with her?”

“Yeah. Tree Hugger’s amazing!”

Fluttershy giggles. “Well, I hope you two will be very happy together. She’s very nice, after all. But tell me, how is Tree Hugger doing these days?”

Cloud Sweeper nods. “Yes, we haven’t seen her in years.”

“I… don’t really know.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But aren’t you dating?”

“Not… exactly.”

Arc sighs. “Can you elaborate?”

“Well… I volunteered with her down at the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “So you’re just friends?”

“That’s not really accurate either.”

Hammer glares at him. “Get to the point! Are you with her or not?!”

Zephyr groans. “Fine. I haven’t actually had the courage to talk to her yet.”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “Really?”

“Yeah. But she’s just so amazing that I’m trying to work up the courage to do so any day now!”

He turns to Rainbow Dash and smiles.

“Sorry about all of this. I know just how much you wanted us to be a thing.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “But, I…!”

Hammer clears her throat loudly. “Do you have something to tell your pal, blue?”

“Yeah. Um… I hope you and Tree Hugger will be really happy together. And I wish you two the best of luck.”

Zephyr appears relieved. “Thanks for understanding, Rainbow! I thought you’d be really mad though.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well… since we’ve been so close all these years. That and you’ve never made any secret about you wanting us to be together.”

Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “I’m sure Rainbow Dash will find a way to get over it.”

Hammer gives a thumbs up. “Yeah! Blue’s a tough one, after all.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. And she has us too.”

Zephyr sighs and turns to his parents. “Well… sorry about all this. Guess I must be a real disappointment to you both.”

Cloud Sweeper shakes his head. “Not at all, son.”

Strawberry Shy offers her son a smiles. “We’re sure you did your best and will find your place in this world eventually.”

“I’ll try to.”

Fluttershy nods approvingly. “You can do it, Zephyr. We all believe in you.”

“You mean I could ask Tree Hugger out?”

Hammer scoffs. “Might wanna start with a job first.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles nervously. “Kinda hard to ask somepony out with no money, I suppose.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not necessarily.”

Zephyr turns to him. “Sir?”

“Who says the first date needs to be a date. You could try just going on a walk together.”

Scootaloo frowns. “A walk?”

“Sure. It’s a great way to talk to someone. If the conversation slows, the scenery is ever changing. Use that to your advantage.”

“I’ll give it a shot.”

He turns to Fluttershy.

“Take care of mom and dad for me.”

“I will.”

Hugging both his parents, Zephyr heads for the door. As it closes behind him Rainbow Dash breathes a sigh of relief.

“Sure glad that’s over.”

Cloud Sweeper shakes his head. “Oh, it isn’t.”

“Huh?”

Strawberry Shy nods. “He’s right, dear. After all, you still need to talk to your own parents about your plans.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “And preferably soon.”

Hammer shrugs. “Why not right now?”

“Because they’re probably both at the Rainbow Factory working hard.”

Arc sighs. “Maybe you shouldn’t interrupt them then.”

Scootaloo looks to Rainbow Dash. “I suppose not. But at the same time you can’t keep pushing this off.”

Arc nods. “Right. They’re going to ask pretty quick how come Zephyr isn’t coming around anymore.”

“I could just say he found a job out of town.”

Cloud Sweeper frowns. “Yes, but that’s still just putting it off.”

Strawberry Shy offers a warm smile as she speaks. “Would you like us to be there?”

“That would really help, yeah!”

Cloud Sweeper puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “We should be getting out of here tomorrow. How about we invite you and your parents over for supper?”

Strawberry Shy looks to Arc. “You too, of course.”

“I’ll be there.”

Author's Note

Originally, Zephyr was supposed to be turned down by Rainbow Dash during that tell-all moment. However as you just read Zephyr interrupted it with his own assumptions that they already knew what he was up to. In my original story arc the rejection was supposed to fuel his desire to make Rainbow Dash his by betraying Arc to the changelings. However I chose to skip all that and just have him walk away because I found that I couldn't write any more Zephyr lines without going completely insane. That and my wife wanted me to kill him off. That seemed a bit harsh though. At the moment I have no plans to EVER bring Zephyr back. But then again... I've done worse.

Chapter 9 - Role Playing

That evening Arc walks down the street with Rainbow Dash. They are both wearing nice clothing and have their hair/mane done. Rainbow Dash sighs as they walk.

“I’m getting really tired of this kinda stuff.”

“Huh?”

“Getting all dressed up, I mean. Why can’t we all just talk like we normally do?!”

Arc shrugs. Well, this time it was Fluttershy’s idea. She wants everything to be perfect too.

“But I always look awesome! Even without the dress!”

“Look at it this way. Now you look extra pretty.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You think so?!”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

“Thanks. And you look great yourself.”

“Hopefully this will be the last time we have to do stuff like this for a while though.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Why’s that? You don’t like dressing up either?”

“It’s not that I don’t like it. But I do have other things that need doing, after all.”

“Like what?”

“Preserving the country, for starters.”

Rainbow Dash giggles. “Okay, I’ll give you that one. But thanks for taking the time to do this though. It really does mean a lot to me.”

They arrive at a small but well-kept house. Arc pushes the gate open and allows Rainbow Dash to pass. Walking up to the door they knock lightly. A few moments later the pair are greeted by Cloud Sweeper as he opens the door.

“Come in you two.”

Arc smiles as they enter. “Hello again, sir.”

Rainbow Dash looks around. “Is Fluttershy here?”

Cloud Sweeper nods. “She just arrived a few minutes ago. Why don’t you come and say hello to her?”

He leads the way into the Living Room where Fluttershy is sitting on the couch with her mother. Both are wearing their finest clothes. They both stand as Rainbow Dash and Arc enter. Fluttershy trots over to them and looks her friends over.

“Welcome. You two look amazing!”

Arc smiles warmly at her. “So do you, Fluttershy.”

Rainbow Dash nods, clearly in awe of Fluttershy dressed up. “Y-yeah.”

“Are your parents with you, Rainbow Dash?”

“Nah. They said they’d meet us here.”

She looks over her shoulder before speaking in hushed tones.

“So… how are we gonna do this?”

Fluttershy whispers. “We’ll try to keep things going with conversation that leads to the subject of you and Zephyr. But it’s up to you to tell them.”

Cloud Sweeper nods as he also speaks quietly. “Right. They’ll want to hear it from you, after all.”

Rainbow Dash wrings her hooves nervously. “What about… the other part?”

Strawberry Shy stands and walks over to the group. “About you and the Hero of Light?”

“Yeah. I mean… maybe we shouldn’t drop everything on them all at once.”

Arc shrugs. “That’s completely up to you. But I think I’d be best to just be honest about the whole thing.”

Fluttershy smiles. “I agree. But this whole thing is about you tonight, Rainbow Dash. It’s your decision how much you tell them.”

There is a knock at the door. Strawberry Shy turns to answer it.

“That’s them. I’ll be right back.”

The sound of the door opening rings out and voices echo from the front. A few moments later Bo Hothoof and Windy Whistles enter the Living Room together. They too are dressed in their finest clothes. Bo grins sheepishly as does his wife.

“Sorry we’re late.”

Windy lifts a hoof. “I just couldn’t seem to find this outfit’s matching slippers.”

“We did eventually, of course.”

Strawberry Shy appears confused. “Where were they?”

“In the back of my closet inside of an old hat box I haven’t used in years for some reason.”

Rainbow Dash looks away nervously. “How’d they get in there?”

Bo shrugs. “No idea. But all’s well that ends well, right?”

Arc nods as he watches Rainbow Dash out of the corner of his eye. “Yes, indeed.”

Cloud Sweeper walks up to his old friend. “Bo, why don’t you and your wife have a seat while Strawberry and I check on supper?”

“Sounds good. My hooves are killing me.”

Windy giggles as she joins her husband. “Well, you’ve had a long day, dear.”

They sit down as Bo turns to his wife.

“Thanks for helping me get caught up at the factory, dear.”

“It’s no problem.”

Strawberry Shy calls out from the kitchen. “We’ll be back to work tomorrow.”

Bo grimaces. “Are you sure you’re up to it.”

Windy nods. “Yes, I can cover for you if need be.”

Cloud Sweeper chuckles. “Oh no. Truth be told we need to get back to work. My wife and I are starting to grow roots just sitting around all day.”

They laugh together as Fluttershy looks to Windy.

“That’s a very nice dress, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Fluttershy. I’m just glad to have a chance to wear it.”

Arc straightens his coat. “We’ve all been in our best lately it seems, what with the dinners together with Zephyr.”

Bo looks to Fluttershy. “Yeah. Tell me, is he coming?”

“I don’t think so. You see he had to…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts. “Leave town!”

“He did? Was it for a job?”

“Something like that! Had to… make inquires!”

Arc nods stoically. “He did seem in a hurry to leave.”

Windy shrugs. “Zephyr’s always been that way though. Constantly on the move to the next thing.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “Yes. Like one day at the hospital. We all had a very… interesting conversation back there.”

Bo appears genuinely interested. “Oh? What about?”

Rainbow Dash jumps into the conversation again. “His schooling mostly!”

Arc frowns. “There was more to it than that though.”

“We also talked about the past! Like… like when we were foals!”

Fluttershy groans. “I suppose that’s true, yes. But…”

Strawberry Shy and Cloud Sweeper fly out of the kitchen with several dishes in their hooves.

“Time to eat, everypony.”

“Come get it while it’s hot.”

Sighing, Rainbow Dash stands with the others and walks over to the table. She sits down next to Arc as Fluttershy takes her place on his other side. Arc looks at the food.

“This looks very tasty, ma’am.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Smells good too!”

Strawberry Shy smiles as he gestures to the spread before them. “Eat up before it gets cold everypony.”

Cloud Sweeper looks to Arc. “Would you like to do the honors, sir?”

“Honors?”

Fluttershy giggles. “He means serve the main dish. It’s a tradition here.”

“Ah, yes. I’d love to.”

Reaching out with his magic, Arc carefully levitates the serving utensils. Manipulating them masterfully, he carefully puts a slice of the casserole on everyone’s plate before ending with himself. Strawberry Shy smiles.

“Very impressive, sir!”

Cloud Sweeper claps his hooves. “Yes! We’d heard that you could use magic, of course. But not to such a degree.”

“You must be very popular at parties.”

“And with the mares.”

Rainbow Dash clears her throat loudly. “He’s kind busy for things like that though! Always working!”

“Well… yes, I do stay quite busy.”

Fluttershy grins as she attempts to steer the conversation back towards its original point. “The role of Hero of Light is a very… important one. It must be hard to find time for love.”

Bo nods soberly. “That it is. But let me ask you something, Fluttershy?”

“Sir?”

“Have you given any thought to your own future?”

“My… future?”

Windy nods. “Yes. With your younger brother all but spoken for you should find somepony special too.”

Strawberry smiles nervously. “I’m sure she will when the time is right.”

Cloud Sweeper looks to Arc. “Yes. But the stallion whom marries her will be a lucky one indeed.”

Bo chuckles. “That he will.”

Windy turns to Rainbow Dash with evident pride. “You’ve grown up before everypony’s eyes into quite a lovely mare, Fluttershy.”

“Th-thank you.”

Bo grins. “I would have guessed you must have to beat the stallions away with a stick.”

“Not… really.”

Arc smiles at her. “Don’t sell yourself short, Fluttershy.”

Rainbow Dash gasps as she begins to speak. “He’s right! After all, you’ve been seeing a special somepony lately though!”

Windy puts her hooves on either side of her cheeks excitedly. “Have you now?”

“Y-yes, that’s right.”

Bo beams with evident pride. “That’s great! You and Zephyr should have somepony in your lives, after all.”

Windy nods happily. “Tell us about him.”

“Well… um… he’s very… large and… uh… very strong.”

Bo chuckles as he flexes. “Bigger than me?”

“Oh, yes sir. Much.”

Rainbow Dash attempts to keep the conversation going. “He’s good looking too!”

“Right. And Kind. Very, very Kind.”

Bo turns to Fluttershy’s parents. “Have you met him?”

Strawberry Shy nods frantically. “Oh yes. A few times now.”

Cloud Sweeper smiles slyly at Arc. “We approve of him wholeheartedly too.”

Windy giggles. “That’s wonderful!”

Rainbow Dash raises a hoof. “He’s also…”

Bo interrupts her. “Tell us, how long have you two been seeing each other?!”

“It’s been several months now, I think.”

Rainbow Dash tries again to get into the conversation. “That’s about right. And…”

Windy takes Fluttershy’s hoof from across the table. “Maybe you and Rainbow Dash can double date.”

“I don’t know if that’s such a good…”

Bo nods approvingly. “It’d be good for Zephyr too. Help keep him at ease when he and Rainbow Dash go out.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But I don’t…”

Windy cuts her off. “And it’d be good to know that his older sister was by his side in case he needs her for emotional support.”

“We wouldn’t be…”

Bo taps the table with a hoof. “I think…”

Rainbow Dash suddenly stands up from the table and storms away. A few moments later they hear the back door slam shut. Bo and Windy look to each other, confused.

“What’s gotten into her?”

“I’m not sure. But we should go talk to her.”

Arc looks to Bo. “Sir, might you leave that to me?”

Fluttershy hops off her stool. “I’ll come too. She might open up to us more readily.”

Bo moves to stand. “But I should…”

Windy puts a hoof on her husband’s shoulder. “Let them try, dear.”

“Very well.”

Standing along with Fluttershy, Arc turns to their hosts.

“Excuse us.”

Walking out the back door together, Arc and Fluttershy spot Rainbow Dash sitting on a bench directly next to the door. Arc calls out to her.

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Hm?”

“Can we join you?”

Wordlessly nodding, Arc sits on one side as Fluttershy takes up a spot on the other as Arc speaks.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I guess I should.”

Fluttershy motions to the door. “What happened back there?”

“It’s just… I guess I was dodging the issue for a while.”

Arc nods. “We noticed that, yes.”

Fluttershy frowns. “That’s why we kept giving you opportunities.”

“And I appreciate it. The problem was that… when I was finally ready to say something, my parents kept butting in so I couldn’t finish.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sure they didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Right. After all, they still think you’re with Zephyr.”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “Well, I need to tell them the truth.”

Arc glances off to the side for a moment before looking to Rainbow Dash.

“Why not practice?”

“Practice?”

“Yeah. Pretend that your parents were right here.”

He gestures to a pair of large potted plants next to them.

“Like they were these ferns. What would you say to them?”

Fluttershy grins. “Let’s stand up. You can face them to help pretend.”

Shrugging, Rainbow Dash stands along with her two friends. They stand on either side of her as she turns to the plants and speaks.

“Well… I guess I would start out by telling them how much I love them.”

Fluttershy smiles. “And Zephyr?”

“Yeah. I mean… he’s a good friend, and all. But… I’m not actually in love with him.”

Arc gestures to the plants. “So tell them that.”

“Okay. Here goes.”

Rainbow Dash takes a deep breath and looks squarely at the plants.

“Mom. Dad. You know I love you two, right?”

Fluttershy pretends to be Windy. “Yes dear.”

Arc smiles as he lowers his voice to sound more like Bo’s. “Of course.”

Rainbow Dash raises her eyebrow as she looks to her friends. “What are you two doing?”

Arc shrugs. “Helping play the part of your parents.”

Fluttershy makes a circular motion with her hoof. “Right. Keep going.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Fine…”

She turns back to the plants.

“Well, I haven’t been completely honest with you two. I know that you want me to marry Zephyr and all, but…”

Rainbow Dash pauses before continuing.

“The truth of the matter is… that I don’t actually love him.”

Arc: You don’t?

Fluttershy gasps. “Then how do you really feel about him?”

“He’s just a foalhood friend.”

Arc sighs. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”

“I guess I was just too afraid of letting you two down. Zephyr let his parents down earlier when he told everypony that he had eyes for one of Fluttershy’s friends. I know how much you and your friends want our families to be joined, but… but I don’t feel like it’s fair to anypony for us to be together when we aren’t in love.”

Arc nods soberly. “This is all very sudden, Rainbow Dash.”

Fluttershy bows her head. “Yes. What brought this on?”

“To be completely honest with you two, I was really relieved when I heard that Zephyr kinda felt the same way.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Relieved?”

“Yeah. You see… I’ve had my eyes on somepony else for quite some time now.”

Fluttershy smiles expectantly. “Who?”

Rainbow Dash takes Arc’s hand and looks at the ferns soberly.

“Him. Hero of Light Arc.”

Fluttershy giggles. “You two?”

Arc looks to the plants. “Yes, it’s true. You see…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “Arc, please. Let me tell them.”

She turns to the ferns again before talking.

“We met about a year ago. A lot of stuff happened between then and now, of course. But… but the feelings I have for him are just so… so strong.”

Arc nods. “And I care about Rainbow Dash too.”

Fluttershy continues to play Rainbow Dash’s mother. “Tell me, does he make you happy?”

“More than words can say. I just feel like… like he completes me. Makes me whole.”

Fluttershy takes Arc’s other hand in her hoof. “She’s right. I’ve also fallen in love with him too.”

Rainbow Dash looks bravely at the plants. “Now we know that this sounds crazy, but… we’ve been talking about forming a herd.”

Fluttershy giggles. “All of our friends are very interested in joining too.”

Arc responds quickly. “Right. But not anytime soon, mind you. I still have a lot of work to do before I can settle down and get married.”

Rainbow Dash looks down at the ground. “And, to be completely honest… we’re not ready yet either.”

Fluttershy smiles and nods. “That’s why we’ve agreed to a long engagement and lots of dates so we can all get to know each other better.”

“I haven’t had the chance to go yet. But Fluttershy did, and she had a great time.”

“While I was a little nervous, my friends assured me that everything would be fine. Then on the date itself he did his best to keep me calm and show me a good time.”

Fluttershy blushes slightly before continuing.

“To be completely honest with you, that was the most calm I’ve ever been with somepony in my whole life. I just felt so safe and secure. Like nothing bad could possibly happen to me as long as he was there.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide as she turns to Fluttershy. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Wow! Now I can’t wait to go out with him!”

A voice rings out nearby.

“I… don’t really know how I feel about all that.”

They turn to see Bo and Windy standing in the doorway, their mouths agape. Rainbow Dash hurries over to them.

“Um… I’m not sure just how much of that you could hear.”

Windy looks at her daughter through the screen door. “All of it.”

Bo steps outside. “At least when you started talking to the plants.”

Fluttershy’s parents follow them out. Fluttershy gasps.

“Mom?! Dad?!”

Cloud Sweeper bows his head. “Sorry about this, dear.”

Strawberry Shy smiles nervously. “We thought this would be a perfect opportunity.”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda was.”

Rainbow Dash looks to her parents sheepishly. “Are you mad?”

Bo groans. “Well… I don’t know if ‘mad’ would be the right word.”

Windy nods. “More like… ‘disappointed’.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Guess I kinda deserve that.”

Bo steps forward with his wife. “Listen, dear. Your mother and I love you very much, and want the best for you.”

“But we don’t think forming a herd would really… make you happy.”

“We are still very impressed that he was able to do so much for your friend Fluttershy, of course.”

“However we think that he should be with her, and her alone.”

Fluttershy gasps. “But… but what about the others?”

Bo puts a hoof around Windy. “Being married is a lot of work.”

“It’s hard enough with just us two. I can’t imagine sharing my husband with other mares.”

Windy turns to Fluttershy’s parents.

“Wouldn’t you agree?”

Cloud Sweeper shakes his head. “Honestly, no.”

Bo raises an eyebrow. “What?”

Strawberry Shy looks to Fluttershy. “We saw just how happy our daughter was when talking about him.”

Cloud Sweeper chuckles. “But she was just as happy when her and Rainbow Dash were explaining their whole herd idea.”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “Right. He makes all of us feel so nice.”

Bo turns to Arc. “Sir? Are you…? Do you love my daughter?”

“Not yet, sir.”

Windy tilts her head to one side, confused. “Then why…?”

“Because like you said earlier, you want the best for her. I honestly haven’t had time to really get to know Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash is suddenly nervous. “But you do want to, right?!”

“We’re just friends right now. However I would like for us to become more. That is if it’s what we both want.”

Fluttershy giggles. “I know I do.”

Rainbow Dash stands tall. “And I’d like a chance at that too.”

Arc nods. “That’s for the best. Offering a chance to you and the others, that is. Who really knows where it will lead? Maybe we’ll fall in love. Or maybe we’ll find out that we don’t really have much real interest in one another.”

He turns to Rainbow Dash’s parents.

“Either way, I really do like your daughter and would like to take her out sometime. But I’d rather do it with your blessing.”

Rainbow Dash looks to her father, pleadingly. “Please, dad! You’ll really like Arc if you get to know him!”

Windy turns to Bo. “We can’t really stop her, dear.”

“No, I suppose we can’t.”

He sighs before continuing.

“Well… our daughter wants the chance to get to know you, sir. So… I suppose we should try to get to know you too. “

Extending a hoof, Bo smiles nervously at Arc.

“Deal?”

Arc nods and takes the stallion’s hoof.

“I’d like that, yes.”

Cloud Sweeper raises a hoof as he looks at Arc. “Now, now. Don’t forget about us.”

Strawberry Shy smiles. “We’d like the same. After all, you’ve made our daughter VERY happy.”

Fluttershy laughs as she takes flight. “And look at it this way. We can join our families by marrying the same stallion.”

Arc chuckles. “I guess you could.”

Bo shakes his head as he turns to Arc. “Well… let’s keep marriage off the table for now, shall we?”

“Agreed. None of us are ready yet.”

Arc shakes hands/hooves with Fluttershy’s father as Strawberry Shy motions to the door.

“Why don’t we all head back inside and have a nice talk about this over dinner?”

Rainbow Dash grins as she flies back inside. “Great idea! I’m starving!”

Bo chuckles. “That’s our daughter!”

“Yes it is.”

Arc laughs. “She is right though. Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

They head back inside together as the door closes behind them. Sitting down at the table Bo turns to Arc.

“So… um… what should we call you, sir?”

“Just ‘Arc’ is fine.”

He looks to Fluttershy’s parents.

“That goes for you two as well.”

Strawberry Shy smiles broadly. “Of course.”

Cloud Sweeper bows his head respectfully. “It would be an honor.”

Windy giggles. “Only if you’ll do the same then.”

“Oh?”

“Feel free to call me ‘mom’.”

Rainbow Dash blushes. “Mom! We’re not married yet!”

“I know, dear. But you two are very cute together.”

She turns to Fluttershy.

“It’s going to take some getting used to… this whole ‘herd’ idea. But I do have to admit that I’ve never seen you and my daughter so happy.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Oh yes. And I have to admit that I’m a little scared myself. However knowing that I’ll be with my friends forever makes me so very happy.”

She looks to her parents as they chat happily with Arc and Rainbow Dash.

“That and it’s wonderful that my parents are on board with my life choices. Even though they may be a bit… outside the norm.”

Bo shrugs. “They were pretty easy to convince.”

“Can we really do this, Bo?”

Bo looks at his daughter as she holds Arc’s hand. “If it’s what Rainbow Dash wants, we have to at least try.”

Chapter 10 - Explainations

As they finish with dinner Arc sits back from the table and turns to Strawberry Shy.

“That was a great meal, ma’am.”

“Now, now… if you want us to call you by your name, we want the same.”

Arc chuckles. “Okay, Strawberry Shy. It was really good though."

Rainbow Dash burps. “I’ll say.”

Fluttershy giggles. “You haven’t lost your touch, mom.”

Cloud Sweeper smiles. “We’re glad all of you liked it.”

Strawberry stands and turns back toward the kitchen. “Now then, who’s ready for…?”

Arc’s earring chirps. Reaching up he touches it.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’ve just returned from retrieving your forces from the Wonderbolt’s Academy along with Hammer and Rose.”

“Good. Did they find anything?”

“Yes sir. However they wouldn’t say what.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What’s that crazy cupcake of mine think she’s trying to hide?!”

Bo turns to his daughter. “Or she doesn’t want the information on the airwaves.”

Fluttershy gasps. “It must be really bad then!”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll head back to the ship to hear their report in person then.”

“Just a moment, sir. There may be a new development on our end. Please stand by.”

The line goes silent as Arc turns to their hosts.

“I’m sorry, but it looks like duty calls.”

Strawberry Shy smiles at him. “That’s alright.”

Cloud Sweeper chuckles. “You have a very important job, after all.”

Lemon Hearts returns a few moments later and continues.

“Sir, a stallion in uniform just walked onto The Equinox’s deck. Wrangler went out to meet him with a few guards.”

“Any idea who he is?”

“Yes sir. I’ve just been informed that he has identified himself as Headmaster Wing, the stallion in charge of the Wonderbolt’s Academy. Wrangler says his credentials check out.”

Rainbow Dash stands quickly. “But I thought he was in the hospital!”

Arc frowns. “Right. Have you checked with them to see if he’d been released?”

“We have, sir. Apparently he just up and walked out of there and came here. Wrangler said he wants to talk to you along with the head of the Rainbow Factory about what he described as a ‘very urgent matter’.”

“Fine. Escort him to my office. We’ll be there soon.”

“Yes sir. Hammer and Rose are waiting for you there as well.”

“Tell them not to say anything to this stallion until I get there.”

“I’ll pass that on, sir.”

“Good. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Bo appears confused.

“This is all so mysterious.”

Windy nods. “Why would the headmaster just up and leave like that?”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “We can ask him when we get there!”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “We?!”

“They asked for us, didn’t they?”

Bo shakes his head. “Just me and Arc, dear.”

“I’ll keep you company then.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “This circle should remain small. After all, Hammer and Rose intentionally didn’t radio in their findings.”

“Can I at least come to the ship with you?!”

“I suppose that would be okay. That is, if you don’t mind waiting in my quarters with the Scarlet Filly.”

Fluttershy raises a hoof. “Can I come too? I’d like some time to talk with her.”

“Fine.”

Arc turns again to their hosts as he calls forth the sigil gauntlet.

“Sorry to eat and run, but we need to go.”

Strawberry Shy waves. “Come back and visit us again soon!”

Cloud Sweeper grins. “We’ll be waiting!”

Arc opens a portal and motions for everyone to head for it. As they leave Windy turns to the couple.

“Can I help you with the dishes?”

Strawberry Shy nods as they head for the kitchen. “I’ll wash, you dry, and Cloud Sweeper can put away.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the others appear in his room aboard The Equinox. Scootaloo sits on the couch reading a book. Rainbow Dash hurries over to her.

“Hey there, Scarlet Filly! How’s it going?!”

“Um… fine.”

She looks past the mare at Arc.

“Something happen at dinner, Big Brother?”

“We got a call about being needed here for a debriefing with Ember and Hammer.”

Bo nods toward the mares. “Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy wanted to come too though.”

Fluttershy looks to the Scarlet Filly. “Do you think we could talk?”

Scootaloo nods as she closes her book. “Sure. But why don’t we go to the Cafeteria for a bit of a snack?”

Rainbow Dash squeals happily. “Sure!”

Fluttershy smiles warmly. “That sounds nice. Let’s go.”

Arc chuckles as they all leave the room. “I’ll try not to take too long.”

Walking down the corridor as the girls head the other way, they come to the office. Several guards stand outside dutifully as Arc passes. Opening the door, the pair enter the office and look around. Rose and Hammer sit in the chairs in front of the desk as an elderly stallion waits on the couch nearby patiently. Walking over to his desk Arc sits down as Bo joins the stallion on the couch.

“Sorry for making everyone wait. Now then, before we get started I’d just like to do one thing.”

Calling forth his helmet, Arc looks around the room at all assembled. Satisfied, he recalls the helmet.

“Sorry about that. I just had to be sure.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “About what?”

“That all of you were real.”

Hammer grins. “Last I checked I still existed.”

“I was worried one of you might have been a changeling.”

The elderly stallion nods as he speaks.

“You meant me, didn’t you?”

“Yes, sir. Forgive me, but we can’t be too careful these days.”

“Understandable.”

“Are you feeling… alright.”

“Just fine. After all, I can’t just be lazing around in bed. Not when there’s somepony out there coming after us.”

Headmaster Wing gestures to Hammer and Rose as he continues.

“Now then, I’m told these two here searched my facility. I came here to find out what they found.”

Rose frowns. “Hero of Light Arc is not under any legal compulsion to accommodate such a request, sir.”

Arc nods. “That is true, yes. However, in the interest of keeping the peace with the Wonderbolts, I will allow you to stay and hear the debriefing, sir.”

Hammer shrugs. “Fine. Should we get started?”

“Go ahead.”

“Well… first we decided to do something about the sensor dampeners.”

Rose gestures out the window toward the Academy. “They were spread around the facility perfectly so as to keep an even blanket over every building and the grounds. However even the most powerful and sophisticated electronics have one weakness.”

Hammer grins. “Power.”

Arc grins. “So you blacked out the base?”

Rose nods. “I found the power station and shut it down, yes.”

“It worked like a charm. The second the power went down Rose was able to use her sensors again.”

Arc looks to Rose. “I’m sure that helped things along.”

“Yes. And I immediately detected a large number of devices strategically planted all around the base.”

Headmaster frowns. “Can I assume you’re not talking about the sensor dampeners?”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Right. These were different.”

“They were high-powered explosives.”

Arc jumps up and plants his hands on the desk before him. “WHAT?!”

Headmaster gasps as he too jumps to his hooves. “Somepony was planning to blow up the academy?!”

Hammer grimaces. “Looks like it.”

Arc’s head snaps to Rose. “Did you disable them?!”

“Yes. The main controls for it were in the power station luckily.”

Hammer chuckles. “And were hooked up to the base’s main power.”

Rose giggles. “As soon it we cut the main power the control device deactivated.”

“Rose and I still took the liberty of locating and disabling all the devices around the base. There’s no danger.”

Arc frowns. “What kind of bombs were they?”

Rose reaches down into a satchel sitting on the floor. “Take a look.”

Pulling something out, she sets it on the desk carefully as Arc looks it over. Frowning, he turns to Hammer.

“Plastic explosives?”

“Plastic explosives from Earth, no less.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Diva!”

Rose sighs. “Probably, yes.”

Headmaster Wing grits his teeth. “But why would anypony want to destroy the Wonderbolt’s Academy?!”

Hammer draws her weapon. “To sabotage us I bet.”

Rose nods soberly. “Indeed. After locking up everyone in the panic room it would have been a simple matter to plant the dampeners as well as the explosives.”

“If the town had decided to side with Princess Twilight it would have been a simple matter to destroy the facility and blame it on Arc.”

Headmaster Wing grimaces. “But our bodies would have been found eventually. That would have raised suspicion during the investigation.”

Rose shakes her head. “Not likely. Tell me, sir. Do you remember the crates all around the panic room’s perimeter.?”

“Yes. What about them?”

Hammer sighs. “They were filled with high-powered explosives.”

Rose clenches a fist. “There wouldn’t have been anything left of you, your troops, or the cages. Other than pink mist, that is.”

Arc shakes his head. “Acceptable losses to them.”

“This is monstrous! Who would have done such a thing to my…?!”

Arc interrupts him. “The Council of Shadows along with the Changelings.”

“What?”

Rose shudders. “A collection of very dark… creatures. On both counts I might add.”

Arc turns to the stallion. “Headmaster, have you had any contact with Canterlot recently?”

“None until Princess Twilight took the throne, no. We were almost out of supplies when I headed there to petition her.”

“And did you see her?”

“I did, yes. She told me that she wasn’t sure why our shipments of supplies had stopped, but she ordered her aide to see to it they resumed at once.”

Rose appears hopeful. “Was the situation rectified?”

“Yes. We received our first transport in months the very next day.”

Hammer frowns. “What was in it?”

“Various supplies from Canterlot, I’m sure. My records back at the academy would say for certain.”

Arc looks to the stallion as he snaps a finger. “Do deliveries have a schedule?”

“For safety’s sake, yes. After all, we can’t have transports flying in and out during training exercises. They’re limited to before dawn or after dusk without prior authorization or medical emergencies.”

“And they always come from Canterlot?”

“Usually, yes. However a day or so before this all happened we did receive a shipment from the southeast.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “And that isn’t normal?”

“No, they exclusively come from the southwest.”

Arc frowns. “Then why did you accept it?”

“They had all the proper documentation and direct orders from the princess for us to hold their cargo and allow them to upgrade our panic room. That’s when the cages were installed.”

Rose gasps. “Why allow such a thing?!”

“The orders came from Princess Celestia herself. She insisted that the cages would be needed if certain traitors were captured and needed to be hidden away.”

He turns to Arc.

“I’m assuming she was talking about you, sir.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Great. Nice to know the royal pain was thinking of you, Arc.”

Arc nods as he returns the headmaster’s gaze. “But then you and your students were held in it?”

“Yes. Princess Celestia herself just showed up and ordered everypony into the cages for safekeeping. Then she locked the panic room down before making her escape.”

Arc frowns. “I’m going to assume that was a changeling.”

“It had to have been. The real Princess Celestia would never have done such a thing.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Then where is she?!”

Arc groans. “Hammer…”

The headmaster sighs. “We’ve all heard the rumors. That Princess Celestia has shut herself up in your former base, sir.”

“As far as we know, that is correct.”

Rose nods soberly. “Sadly there is little we can do about it at present.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We have to wait for the barrier to run out of power. Sadly that could take a LONG time.”

Headmaster Wing steps toward the desk. “Sir… I… I’d like to petition Princess Twilight for an audience.”

“That would probably be for the best.”

Arc reaches for his phone and picks up the receiver. Lemon Hearts answers.

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“I need a direct line to Princess Twilight at once.”

“Yes sir. One moment please.”

The line goes to hold as Arc waits. A few moments later Twilight’s voice rings out on the other end.

“Hello, Arc. Is everything alright?”

“Not exactly. I have Headmaster Wing in my office aboard The Equinox right now.”

“I remember meeting him not too long ago. Did something happen?”

“Yes. He’d like an audience with you.”

“Right now?”

“This is rather important, yes.”

“Give me a minute to head to your room and I’ll take a portal over.”

“Alright. See you in a few minutes.”

“Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the receiver and stands up.

“She’ll meet with us in my quarters.”

Headmaster Wing gasps. “Now?!”

Arc nods. “No time like the present, right?”

Rose turns to him. “I’ll leave you to it then, Arc.”

Hammer winks not so subtly. “Yeah. Don’t take too long though.”

“No promises.”

They stand and leave the room. Going their separate ways, Arc leads Headmaster Wing to his quarters. Closing and locking the door behind them, he motions to a couch.

“Have a seat, sir.”

“Thank you, but I think I’d like to be standing when the princess arrives.”

Arc shrugs. “Suit yourself.”

A few minutes later Arc opens a portal. Twilight steps through as it closes behind her. Headmaster Wing bows respectfully.

“Your highness.”

“Hello again, sir.”

“Thank you for seeing me at such an hour.”

“It’s no problem. After all, if Arc viewed it as being of such importance the least I could do is come. But might we sit down? It’s been a long day for me.”

Arc gestures to the couch. “This way.”

Leading Twilight over to the sofa, the pair sit down. Headmaster Wing stands before her as he speaks.

“First, I would like to thank you for sending the Hero of Light to the Wonderbolt’s Academy. His timing could not have been better.”

Twilight smiles. “While I’m glad he was able to help, please understand that I only asked him to go to Cloudsdale.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I made the decision to head to your school.”

“Sir?”

“I went there on a tip from a mare whom I had recently rescued from captivity. She told me that her captors had mentioned the name of your facility in whispers when they thought she and the others were unconscious.”

Headmaster Wing gasps. “What?!”

Twilight frowns as she turns to Arc. “This is a new development. When was it uncovered?”

“Very early this morning.”

“Then why wasn’t I told about it?”

“Because the investigation just now finished. Right before I called you I was listening to Rose and Hammer’s report.”

Headmaster Wing nods. “They held us in cages without food, water, or toilets, your highness.”

He gestures to Arc as he continues.

“The only reason we survived was because the Hero of Light brought us to Cloudsdale Hospital.”

Arc sighs. “They also found explosives set throughout the facility.”

“It’s likely they wanted to use our deaths to fuel anti-Canterlot sentiment.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead. “This matter is really getting out of hoof.”

She turns to Headmaster Wing.

“Did you happen to hear my speech the other day, sir?”

“No, your highness. We were prisoners at the time I would imagine.”

“I know that Cloudsdale has sided with Princess Celestia and Decimus. However due to the infiltration by the changelings I extended an invitation to the city to temporarily move it to Canterlot airspace.”

Arc nods. “It would make it easier to defend should the need arise.”

“Yes. I’d also like to extend the same invitation to the Wonderbolt’s Academy and its occupants as well. While I know you’ve always served Princess Celestia and her forces, as a princess of Equestria it is still my duty to watch over this land and its inhabitants.”

Headmaster Wing shakes his head. “I must respectfully disagree, your highness. The Wonderbolts do not serve Canterlot or its ruler, but the citizens of Equestria. Princess Celestia has abandoned her position and as such you have taken it upon yourself to rule in her stead. No matter what foes stand before us, the Wonderbolts will stand with Equestria… to the very end.”

Arc moves his hand in a circular motion. “So does that mean you’ll side with us?”

“No, sir. As I said previously the Wonderbolts serve Equestria. However, I believe that the best way to do that right now would be for us to add our forces to Canterlot’s. With your blessing, I will order the Wonderbolt’s Academy moved to Canterlot airspace.”

Twilight nods. “Thank you. We would be honored to have you.”

Arc sighs. “Now if only the Cloudsdale Town Council would follow suit.”

Headmaster Wing looks to Twilight again. “Your highness, I may be able to help with that.”

“How so?”

“I sit on the council in an advisory role. If I were to suggest that it would be best to accept your earlier offer of protection, they would be likely to go for it. Especially after how the Hero of Light saved their citizens along with my forces.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “That would be a great help, yes.”

Twilight nods. “Agreed. When will the council next convene?”

“I can call them together for an emergency meeting right away.”

Arc frowns. “While that’s certainly a noble idea, perhaps you should rest, sir. After all, you and they were rescued not so long ago and probably need…”

“I will rest when everypony under my command is safe. Not before.”

He turns to Twilight.

“We should have an answer for you in an hour or two, your highness.”

“That fast?”

“Normally, no. However when I explain the seriousness of this situation I am certain they will act quickly and in your favor.”

“Thank you, Headmaster.”

Arc looks to the door. “If you’d like you can use the phone in my office, sir.”

“That would help, yes.”

Arc motions for the stallion to follow him. Leaving the room he escorts the headmaster to his office. Arriving he looks to the guards on duty.

“Headmaster Wing needs to use my office for a bit. When he completes his task see to it he is safely escorted to… um…”

Arc turns to the stallion next to him.

“Where will you meet them?”

“The Town Hall if possible. The hospital if they are not yet recovered enough.”

Arc returns his gaze to the guards. “See to it he is escorted there safely. After the meeting concludes the headmaster is to be returned to the hospital.”

“Sir, I must protest!”

Arc turns to him. “I’d like you to go to your fliers afterwards. Join them in the wards if you wish, but they need you right now. After all, when the meeting concludes there will be nothing else you can do in this matter, correct?”

“I… suppose not.”

Looking to the guards, Arc motions for them to carry out his orders as the stallion enters the office. Returning to his quarters he finds Twilight sitting on the couch with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Scootaloo talking. Twilight smiles at her friend.

“I’m very glad your parents are okay with this arrangement, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Me too. I gotta admit, I was really scared they wouldn’t go for it.”

Arc chuckles. “As was I.”

They turn to him and smile as Scootaloo grins.

“How’d it go, Big Brother?”

Arc gives a thumbs up. “He’s calling the councilponies as we speak. The guards will escort him wherever he needs to go when he’s done.”

Twilight appears nervous. “So we’ve done all we can?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Looks like.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Was it enough?”

Arc smiles. “I think so.”

Scootaloo stands. “Well, I think I’m going to take a walk.”

Rainbow Dash falls into step behind her. “I’m heading out too.”

“You don’t want to stay with Big Brother?”

“Nah. Right now I just want to get out of this dress.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Me too.”

Rainbow Dash motions with a hoof. “Come on back to my parent’s place. We can talk more there.”

Arc waves. “Have a nice time you three.”

They nod and leave the room with Scootaloo. She turns to them as they walk down the corridor together.

“You two are hiding something.”

Fluttershy groans. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yup.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Fluttershy. “She’s got us.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “Dare I ask what…?”

Fluttershy sighs. “For Twilight.”

“The princess?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “She’s having a bit of a rough time in Canterlot with Arc gone.”

Fluttershy bows her head. “Us all leaving at the same time didn’t help either.”

“That too.”

“So she misses Big Brother?”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… misses might not be the best word.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah. But it’s close.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Then what…?”

Fluttershy steps froward. “Twilight draws strength from him. Arc’s very presence is often enough to comfort her.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “Us too!”

Scootaloo sighs. “That I do understand.”

She stops walking and looks down at the floor.

“When my parents died… Big Brother was there for me. When nopony else wanted to be around me… he stayed.”

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof on her shoulder. “He’s not the only one anymore.”

“Right. We’re your friends now too.”

“And not just because you’re the most awesomest pony EVER! But because you’re really cool as an individual!”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Doesn’t that mean about the same thing?”

“Rainbow Dash isn’t the best with her words.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Twilight.

“So… I guess that’s it.”

“Y-yes.”

Arc holds up his gauntlet. “Do you want me to…?”

“Arc?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I don’t… um…”

“What…?”

Twilight squeezes her eyes shut and cries out.

“I don’t want to go back!”

“To Canterlot?”

“No!”

“Is it the job? I mean, when this is done I’ll help out again just like when…”

“That isn’t it.”

“Then why don’t we sit down and you can tell me what’s bothering you?”

Taking Twilight’s hoof, he leads her over to the couch. They sit down next to one another as she looks up to him. Her horn aglow, Twilight picks up the crown from her head and levitates it to her hooves.

“Princess Celestia had this made to resemble my Element. She did it to give me a sense of normalcy, I think.”

“I don’t think any of this would classify as ‘normal’, Twilight.”

“While I’m sure just about any mare out there would love to be in my position… to be a princess, I… I really…”

“You don’t want to be a princess, do you?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No.”

“I understand.”

“You might be the only one left who does.”

“It’s a terrible and thankless job. But someone has to do it.”

Twilight sighs as she looks out the window absentmindedly. “I know. That’s the only reason I haven’t quit.”

“If you could choose… what would you… um… want for yourself.”

“Not a princess, for starters.”

“Okay. Then imagine yourself as something else. What would that be?”

“There’s only one other thing that would make me happy.”

“What’s that?”

Twilight smiles as she looks down at the crown for a few moments before turning her gaze to Arc.

“Being your wife.”

Tossing the crown aside, she lunges at Arc. Pushing him down on the couch, Twilight stretches out on top of him and presses her lips to his. Arc puts his arms around her and holds her tight. Twilight moans as she continues kissing him passionately. Eventually she pulls her head back but continues to look him straight in the eye as she speaks.

“Just say the word and I’ll give up my position.”

“I’d be Lord Regent again then.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Leave it to Sunburst then. We can all be together. Earth… Equestria… the moon for all I care!”

Arc sighs. “We can’t do that, Twilight.”

“Why not?!”

“You know why.”

She sighs and sits back on her haunches.

“I know. But… but I just want us to be together!”

“So do I. And I’m really sorry about the wait. But look at it this way. When it does happen it’ll be worth it.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I want this to be over too. But if we give up and walk away from our duties now… it’ll just get worse for everyone.”

“I… I understand.”

Nodding, Arc looks over at the crown lying on the floor. Reaching out with his magic, he pulls it to himself. Looking it over for a few moments he turns to Twilight and gently places it back on her head.

“There you are, Twilight. Good as new.”

Twilight sighs. “Thanks.”

“It really does look good on you.”

“My crown?”

“Yeah. That gem really goes with your coat… and eyes.”

Twilight blushes slightly. “So it makes me look… pretty?”

“Beautiful, Twilight!”

He puts a hand on her cheek and speaks softly.

“But either way… princess or commoner… you’re still amazing.”

Putting his other hand on the opposite cheek, Arc leans forward and presses his lips against Twilight’s.

Chapter 11 - A Royal Affair

Later that night, Arc’s earring chirps. Slowly opening his eyes, he moves to sit up as Twilight does the same.

“Arc? What’s… going on?”

“Got a call here. Let’s see what’s up.”

Touching his earring, Arc speaks.

“Go ahead.”

Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out over the airwaves. “Sorry to wake you up, sir. But we’ve just received word from the Cloudsdale Town Council.”

“Good. What’s their decision?”

“On the recommendation of Headmaster Wing, they’ve unanimously voted to temporarily move Cloudsdale next to Canterlot.”

“I see. Anything else?”

“Yes sir. The guards you sent with the headmaster have returned. They reported that their charge has been safely returned to the hospital as per your orders.”

“Very good. When will the city be moved?”

“Moon Dancer believes we can tow it with The Equinox if we strategically place several cables.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait… attach cables to… clouds?”

Lemon Hearts shrugs. “I don’t get it either, sir. But she claims it’s possible.”

“Alright. We’ll get that underway just as soon as we get the word to do so.”

“Yes sir. That’s all I had to report.”

“Thanks. Good night.”

“Night, sir.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Twilight presses her face against his chest and sighs contentedly.

“This feels… right.”

“Well it is a very expensive bed.”

Twilight giggles. “No, silly! I mean lying here with you!”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, I know. I just wanted to see what you’d say.”

The pair share a laugh as they hug. As Arc lays back down Twilight looks up to him.

“If we could do this every night, I could rule Equestria forever.”

“Well… if Celestia doesn’t come quietly you might have to.”

Twilight sighs. “I know. Do you… do you think it’ll come to that?”

“Hopefully not. If I did, I think a lot of Equestria would hate me for it. You included.”

“Yes, well… I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about that.”

“About what you’d do?”

“Kinda. In truth I’ve been considering the very real possibility that you might have to take Princess Celestia down.”

“With any luck she’ll come quietly.”

“And if not?”

“Then I’ll do my best to knock her out and capture her.”

“How?”

“I was thinking sedatives.”

Twilight shakes her head. “She would never let you give her a shot.”

“Certainly not. That’s why I’ve got Hammer and Wrangler working on some special bombs.”

Twilight frowns. “Talk about escalating things.”

“Not that kind of bomb. I was thinking more along the lines of something that releases large amounts of sleeping gas.”

Twilight gasps. “But that would take you down too!”

“That’s fine with me. As long as we get Celestia alive, that is.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I suppose that might work.”

“Yes, well… why don’t we get some sleep now? It’s still way too early to get up.”

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to after this talk. After all, I don’t want to lose either one of you.”

“With proper planning we’ll all go home safely. Don’t worry, Twilight. After all, we’re not going in there half-cocked.”

“I’ll be glad when it’s over.”

“Me too.”

“Scared?”

“More nervous than anything.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “Princess Celestia is pretty powerful.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.”

“Oh? Then what…?”

Arc gestures out the window. “Decimus and his crew. Sunset Shimmer, Kane, Tempest, and others I don’t know about.”

“They’ll be dealt with as needed.”

“Well, ‘as needed’ might just turn into a battle royale.”

“That’s a conversation we should have with Shining Armor. He might be able to help us plan a strategy.”

“Good idea. When we do this I’ll take all the help I can get. But for now let’s try to sleep, okay.”

“I don’t really want to though.”

“Me either. Um… Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“Can I tell you something kinda… weird?”

“Of course.”

“It’s about you, Derpy, and Rarity.”

“Something bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! I just… don’t really know how to say it without sounding kinda creepy.”

“Then just say it. I won’t get mad or anything.”

“Okay. Here goes.”

Arc takes a deep breath before continuing.

“I… love the way all of you smell.”

Twilight sits up and looks him in the eye.

“Smell?”

“Your natural scents, I mean. Okay, I can’t believe it but that actually made it sound even worse.”

Twilight blushes. “Does it… arouse you?”

“Not really. I just… it’s kinda complicated though. I’m assuming everyone has their own distinct scent. But you three are the only ones I’ve ever slept with.”

He groans.

“Again with the foot in mouth moments.”

Twilight giggles. “And here I thought we were going to get some sleep.”

“We really should.”

“But I’m enjoying this conversation!”

Arc groans. “Fine. Where were we?”

“You sniffing us.”

“Right. I did notice something interesting though.”

Twilight’s eyes light up expectantly. “An experiment?”

“Just an observation really. Both Rarity and Derpy’s bodies smell very different in their human forms.”

“Which is better?”

“Neither really. Just thought I’d point it out.”

“Well, our bodies produce sweat differently. That probably makes for a slightly different musk. Tell me, what about the fillies?”

“What about them?”

“I’m told you’ve slept with Dinky and Scootaloo before.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Did their scent’s change?”

“Less than the mares, but yes.”

Twilight smiles. “Interesting. This deserves further study.”

“Whatever floats your boat, I guess. Um… Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“How… do I smell?”

“Just fine usually. Why?”

“Sometimes I go a bit too long between showers. Just wanted to ask if that was an issue.”

“A couple times, yes. That’s when we politely suggested you bathe though.”

“Can you give me an example?”

“When you were living in the library with me.”

“Oh… right.”

“Bathing was hard for you due to the injuries.”

“Yeah, that was a bit of a stinky time in my life.”

Twilight sighs. “I kinda just put up with it though, seeing as your condition was all my fault.”

“Sorry. I’ll do my best to stay clean in the future.”

“We will too.”

Arc chuckles “What a conversation. Just how long have we laid here just talking about how each other smells?”

“Longer than I thought we would.”

“Well, I am pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed the discussion.”

“Even though it was kinda weird, I did too.”

“We need to have more of these talks. It’ll help us get to know each other better.”

Twilight yawns. “Agreed. But now I’m getting kinda tired.”

“Okay. Um… before we go back to sleep there is one thing I’d like to do first.”

“What’s that?”

“Would you roll over please?”

“Uh… okay.”

Turning over to face away from Arc, Twilight lays there for a few moments before Arc presses his body against her back.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“You’ll see.”

Wrapping his arms around her Arc buries his face in her mane and inhales.

“Still like that smell.”

“What do I smell like?”

“Royalty.”

Twilight sighs contentedly. “Funny. And what does royalty smell like?”

“Fancy oils, light perfume, and confidence.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

The pair fall asleep together with Arc nuzzling Twilight’s head. Waking early the next morning, Arc pets Twilight’s mane for a time before she opens her eyes.

“Sorry. I guess I dozed off.”

Arc chuckles. “We both did. After all, it’s morning.”

Twilight sits up, confused. “It… it is?”

“Yup. Time to raise the sun.”

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, Arc stands and walks over to the window. Raising a hand, the moon lowers and the sun comes up as Twilight approaches and sighs.

“That’s… still incredible.”

“Twilight?”

“You’ve only had magic for a little over a year now. Yet you’ve been able to surpass pretty much every unicorn in the kingdom in terms of magical power.”

“I don’t think I’m quite that good.”

“Oh really? Did you know that until you became Lord Regent it was an accepted fact that only Alicorn Magic could raise the sun and moon?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It was?”

“Yes!”

“Why’s that?”

“Because nopony else could seem to do it! And don’t think it hasn’t been tried!”

“By whom?”

Twilight bows her head. “Pretty much every unicorn at some point in their lives. Think of it like a rite of passage for us.”

“But I don’t have Unicorn Magic. Mine’s Dragon Magic, remember.”

”I understand that. However no dragon has ever been able to do it either. At least as far as I know.”

“And that bothers you?”

“Yes, it does. But not for the reason you think.”

Arc kneels down in front of Twilight. “Then explain it to me.”

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna can both effortlessly move the celestial bodies. Since becoming an alicorn I have tried on numerous occasions to do the same. However every time I’ve met with failure.”

She looks down at her hooves and sighs.

“You should be on the throne. Not me.”

“The throne?”

“Yes. Equestria deserves a proper ruler. One whom can do the entire job. I’m just… just not powerful enough.”

A tear courses down her cheek as Arc pulls her into an embrace.

“You will be one day, Twilight.”

“How can you say that?”

“Because I know you. I know that you’ll give it your all and do your best at all times.”

“Like Princess Celestia?”

“Better than her even. Do you think she started out tall, regal, powerful or influential?”

“I… guess not. But I can’t compare to you or her.”

“Not right now, no. However if you keep at it I’m sure you’ll earn your place, Twilight.”

“Do you really think so?”

Arc nods. “I know so.”

Twilight smiles sadly. “That might take a long time.”

“Everything in life worth doing is hard. But the others and I will be with you through it.”

“Thanks. That does make me feel better.”

“Good. Now how about we get a shower before heading to the Cafeteria for breakfast?”

Twilight sniffs herself and groans. “I suppose that does sound good, yes.”

Heading for the bathroom, Arc leads Twilight into the shower. Bathing each other, they sit there in the warmth of the running shower for a long time. Twilight turns to Arc and looks over his body.

“I never get tired of this.”

“Showering or my company?”

“The latter. And… um…”

Twilight looks at him from head to toe for a long moment before continuing.

“I really enjoy… looking at your bare body.”

She smiles nervously as she blushes heavily. Arc chuckles at her reaction.

“Yes well… I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Rainbow Dash won’t be too happy though.”

“Oh?”

“She’s wanted to see all of you for some time now. But then again I know for a fact that she wants more than just to see you.”

“Rainbow Dash has never been shy about that.”

“That mare always says what’s on her mind. Which I do rather like.”

“True. But that can lead to some hastily said words if she’s not careful.”

“Agreed. And that used to be quite a problem. She’s gotten a lot better though. Um… will that be an issue?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. After all, no one is perfect.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I said that and then realized that I’m kinda talking about her behind her back. Is that bad?”

“Yeah, I suppose so. But the fact your conscious of and repentant for it shows that you didn’t mean it in a negative way.”

“Well… I don’t really know why I bothered to say anything. After all, you’ve been out with her.”

“Actually, no.”

Twilight appears confused. “But I thought you had been staying at her parent’s place and having dinner with them.”

“I was, yes. But she only just told her parents about the whole herd idea yesterday at dinner.”

“That’s strange. She’s usually chomping at the bit to tell everypony what she’s up to.”

“We haven’t had time to go on a date yet. Just Rarity and Fluttershy.”

“Yes, that I did know about. And us too kinda.”

“We have?”

Twilight motions to the door. “Didn’t you find it funny that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were so quick to leave with Scootaloo?”

“Kinda. But I didn’t really think much of it at the time.”

“They volunteered to do that.”

“To give us some alone time?”

Twilight nods as she rests her head on Arc’s shoulder. “Yes. They understood that, unlike them, I can’t go on a real date with you. So this was the best we could come up with. A night alone ending with us sleeping together and a shower in the morning.”

She sighs before continuing.

“I’d love to do more. Have dinner and a night on the town. Maybe go to the symphony hall even.”

“But right now that isn’t an option.”

“Right.”

Arc takes Twilight’s hoof. “While I wish it was, I did enjoy spending time with you nonetheless.”

“So did I. But right now I should probably be getting back to Canterlot.”

“Guess you probably should.”

“Are you coming back soon?”

“The Equinox will be towing the city and probably the Wonderbolt’s Academy too. So as soon as that gets underway I’ll take a portal back and help you in leading the country.”

Twilight appears relieved as Arc reaches out with his magic and turns off the water. “Thanks. I need all the help I can get right now.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 12 - My Fellow Equestrians...

Two days later Arc walks down a corridor of Canterlot Castle with Ember and Hammer on either side of him. His squad forms a defensive perimeter around them. Ember is the first to speak.

“Cloudsdale was, uh… parked in the wee hours of the morning.”

Hammer yawns. “I think we all heard that.”

Arc chuckles. “Not I. Sleeping soundly. But I’m going to assume that it came shortly before I felt a scaly invader in my bed.”

Ember looks away innocently. “…maybe.”

Hammer frowns. “So THAT’S where you ducked off to! I wondered where you went!”

“Fine, you caught me.”

Ember shoots Hammer a sly smile before countering.

“It’s a funny thing though. I could have sworn I felt the bed move at one point. And I’m sure it wasn’t from Arc since I was tightly pressed up against him.”

Xenos and Viktor chuckle slightly. Max turns to his companions and wordlessly frowns as Hammer groans.

“Okay, okay. You win.”

Arc shakes his head. “Please don’t leave all the work to Hammer in the future, Ember. Remember, she doesn’t have wings.”

Hammer shrugs. “Those Pegasi didn’t mind giving me a lift a few times.”

Ember turns to her. “So you used a chariot?”

“Nah. I just stood on their backs.”

Arc facepalms. “Hammer, please don’t abuse the help.”

“I think I gave em a good workout though.”

“In any case, can I assume the city of Cloudsdale and Wonderbolt’s Academy are now properly… uh… secured, or whatever?”

Hammer shrugs. “While I’m assuming so, I didn’t see them drop an anchor or anything.”

Ember clears her throat loudly. “Moon Dancer said something to the effect that they only had to properly align it to account for the wind.”

Hammer nod mischievously as she looks to Ember. “And that was the last time I remember seeing you.”

Ember grabs Arc’s arm. “What can I say? I had something else on my mind at the time.”

Hammer looks to Ember as she takes his other arm. “Like Arc did the other night?”

“Oh?”

“We set him up with Princess Twilight.”

“Here?”

Hammer winks. “Nah. Aboard his airship. Funny thing about it though. She didn’t come back until the next morning.”

Arc nods. “That’s true, yes.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Talk about shooting for the stars, Arc!”

Ember appears confused. “Say what?”

“What man in his right mind wouldn’t want to spend the night with a princess?!”

Arc chuckles. “And early morning.”

Hammer grins wickedly. “Went for round two, huh?”

“Ha, ha.”

“I’m just messing with you, Arc!”

Ember turns to Arc. “So you two got breakfast together too?”

Arc shakes his head. “There wasn’t time for that after our shower.”

“Shower?!”

“You already had your turn doing that, Ember.”

Ember frowns and looks away. “Yeah, well… you’re lucky I don’t have a jealous bone in my body!”

Hammer glares at Arc. “What about me?!”

“We did that after I rescued you from Damocles Base, remember?”

“That’s different!”

“How?”

Hammer presses her body against his. “You weren’t in there with me.”

Ember laughs. “She’s got you there, Arc.”

“Well, you’ll have to take a bit of a rain check, Hammer. I’m going to be pretty busy for a while.”

“Doing what?!”

“Helping Twilight with her royal duties for starters.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Come on, Arc! You could do that in your SLEEP!”

“Under normal circumstance, probably. However I’m not running the country this time. Twilight is.”

Hammer scoffs. “What’s the difference?!”

“She needs to learn how to do it herself.”

Ember laughs. “There’s no rush though. I mean, it’s not like you’re going anywhere.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“So certain of that?”

They turn around to see Sereb walking toward them. Ember narrows her eyes as she addresses the wolf.

“How long have you been back there?!”

“Quite some time.”

Hammer smiles nervously. “Uh… not sure how much of that you could hear, but…”

“Everything.”

“We were just…!”

“No need to justify anything to me. After all, Arc’s sex life is his own.”

Arc groans. “Um… thanks. I think.”

Sereb smiles toothily as the group continues on. “No matter how full it gets.”

Before long they come to the Audience Chamber. After speaking to the officer on duty they are escorted inside. The group spots Twilight sitting on the throne as the rest of her friends stand around the base of it talking. Flash Sentry stands to one side stoically as Arc and company approach the group. He calls out as the others turn to him.

“Good morning, everyone.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Not sure if I’d call it that.”

Hammer frowns. “Uh oh. What happened, blue?”

“We’re trying to figure out our next move.”

Ember chuckles. “Politically?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Something like that.”

Applejack steps forward. “A majority of Equestria now recognizes Twilight’s position as Equestria’s ruler.”

Rarity nods soberly. “But not all.”

Twilight holds up a map as she talks. “Right. Las Pegasus, Fillydelphia, and Tall Tale still side with Princess Celestia and Decimus.”

Flash Sentry grits his teeth. “We’ve received reports that he’s been seen in all three towns at some point.”

Arc frowns. “Recently?”

Ember gasps. “How?!”

Twilight looks out the window to the southwest. “I would assume they momentarily lowered the barrier to allow him to come and go.”

Hammer draws her gun. “Any chance we could lie in wait for him?!”

Rainbow Dash sighs and shakes her head. “I already suggested that.”

Rarity groans. “It’s just as well. After all, nothing good would come from just running in.”

Applejack points a hoof toward the window. “We’d probably only get a hooffull of troops inside before they raised the barrier again anyways.”

Fluttershy shudders. “Then they’d be trapped!”

Arc clenches a fist. “I’m not sending anyone on a suicide mission.”

Pinkie gaps. “What about breaking the door down?!”

Ember grins. “Like Decimus and his ilk did during the peace summit!?”

Hammer swings a fist. “Blamo, right?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “I’ve asked Rose to analyze the data from that night already. She concluded that the shadow creatures were only able to do that after being empowered by Tempest’s dark aura.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Could the Nightborn do the same?”

“Judging from what is known about them, no. Rose was very insistent that the aura was unlike anything previously recorded.”

Hammer grins. “How about we blast it with the Charger’s artillery cannons?! They’ve been fixed by now!”

Rainbow Dash’s ears droop. “Nice idea, cupcake. But Rose also said there was no force in all of Equestria that could do that job.”

Arc groans. “So our only option is still to wait until the barrier runs out of energy?”

Applejack bows her head. “Looks like it.”

Fluttershy attempts the change the subject. “In the meantime, we were talking about ideas to turn the remaining towns to our side.”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “But we aren’t really getting anywhere!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Could we not go talk to their leaders? Explain our actions perhaps?”

“Twilight already sent letters to all the towns.”

Twilight holds up several scrolls. “The replies they sent back were not friendly.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but what exactly did they say?”

“Paraphrasing of course, they all agreed to a dialogue. But would only speak to what they referred to as a ‘true princess’.”

Ember frowns. “But you ARE a princess!”

Pinkie stomps a hoof. “Right! That’s what I said!”

Sereb growls. “Her ascension to the throne was viewed by them as a hostile takeover.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose it really was a coup.”

Ember turns to Arc. “But I thought you had the authority to remove a sitting princess, Arc!”

Twilight nods. “He does. However that isn’t what happened.”

Sereb steps forward. “If you recall, only Decimus and the Royal Guards were here in the Audience Chamber when we arrived.”

Hammer frowns. “What would that have to do with it, shaggy?”

“Princess Celestia was not present at the time. Therefore, at least in their minds, Arc did not officially remove her. So from their point of view she is simply ruling from an alternate location.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That’s really stretching it though.”

Applejack gestures to the scrolls in Twilight’s hooves. “Right. But according to the messages here they completely believe it.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “And I bet Decimus went there to make sure that mentality took root!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “I’m with you on that one, blue. He’s manipulating them by using their trust for the other princess.”

Ember smiles wickedly. “So if we can just find a way to break that trust, we could…”

Twilight interrupts her. “That would end badly.”

Arc nods. “Twilight’s right. If we failed, it would further cement those town’s distrust for Twilight.”

Sereb groans. “And if we succeeded it would damage Princess Celestia’s reputation for many years to come.”

Fluttershy sighs. “I don’t think there is a good way to do this.”

Pinkie shakes her head. “Nope!”

The doors to the Audience Chamber open. Kibitz and Raven walk in together with several stacks of papers. As they approach the throne Twilight looks to them.

“Is it time for audiences already?”

Raven nods. “Yes, your highness.”

Kibitz motions to the office. “We’ll put the paperwork on your desk.”

Twilight sighs. “Carry on.”

They disappear into the office as Arc turns to Twilight.

“So where do we stand on this?”

“Nowhere.”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “Right. We’re no further along than before you came in.”

Applejack nods sadly. “Every potential path leads to a dead end as we talk through it.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “Some take longer than others, yes. But the results would be the same.”

Sereb growls. “We will think of something though.”

Pinkie giggles. “Eventually!”

Fluttershy looks to Twilight soberly. “There has to be an answer.”

“Exactly. That’s one thing Princess Celestia taught me. There’s a solution to every problem. It may not be simple or easy though.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “I bet my dad could take that shield down.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “How?”

“Flicking it?”

Arc frowns. “That would probably destroy most of the base!”

Sereb shrugs. “It is just a building, Arc.”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “True. But we don’t want to hurt Princess Celestia OR the soldiers whom are with them.”

Flash Sentry nods. “And it would further cement distrust in your rule, your highness.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What?! How?!”

“Calling in a foreign nation to help in overthrowing a princess would leave a bad taste in everypony’s mouth.”

Applejack bows her head. “And another dead end plan.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Unfortunately.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “So we’re still stuck on both matters.”

Ember shrugs. “Yup.”

Hammer looks toward the throne. “The best thing to do right now is to probably just do your job, Princess Twilight.”

“My… job?”

Rainbow Dash turns to Hammer angrily. “What do you think she’s been doing, cupcake?!”

“I mean show everyone just how good a leader she can be. If even one percent of all this stuff I’ve heard about the previous princess is true, she has some BIG shoes to fill.”

Arc points a thumb over his shoulder. “Well, I guess the best way to start that would be to get audiences going. Why don’t you do that while I take a look at the paperwork aspect, Twilight?”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind doing paperwork.”

Sereb sighs. “That may be. But you need to show your wisdom and resolve to the public by helping solve their problems.”

Ember chuckles. “Makes sense.”

Fluttershy giggles. “That and if somepony gets out of line we could always call for Arc to take care of them.”

“I could, yes. But the colonel should probably handle that.”

Flash Sentry raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

Hammer smacks her fists together. “Someone gets lippy and starts disrespecting the princess and you whack em!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “How about we just send them to the dungeon to cool down?”

Pinkie grins. “That’s not as fun though!”

Rarity shrugs. “Well, we do have to keep up appearances.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight and shadowboxes. “I’ll help Flash Sentry if they get sassy!”

Hammer cracks her knuckles. “Want help with that, blue?”

“Sure.”

Arc chuckles as he passes Raven and Kibitz leaving the office. Closing the door behind them he down at the desk to get to work.

“Woe be to whomever causes trouble in there today.”

An hour or so later Raven enters the office levitating a scroll.

“Sir, do you have a moment?”

Arc looks up from his task “Yes. What is it?”

“I know you’re very busy, but Ambassador Ashe asked me to deliver this to you personally.”

She levitates the scroll over to him. Taking it, Arc breaks the seal and reads it silently before looking up at Raven.

“When did you get this?”

“It was given to me by the ambassador herself just outside the Audience Chamber a few minutes ago.”

“Outside, eh? Is she waiting for an audience?”

Raven shakes her head. “No sir. She only wanted to make sure somepony delivered this to you personally. Is some sort of action required?”

Arc stands and opens a portal. “I’ll handle this personally. If Twilight asks where I’ve gone just tell her I had to step out for a bit to attend an impromptu meeting.”

Nodding as Arc steps through the swirling energies Raven turns to leave the office. Meanwhile, Arc reappears in his room in the castle. Leaving, he walks quickly down the corridor before coming to Ashe’s office. The guards outside it step aside to allow him passage. Entering, he spots the ambassador sitting at her desk, writing. Clearing his throat loudly as he closes the door, she looks up.

“Ah, good morning, Lord Arc.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Not sure if it is or not yet.”

“Thank you for answering my summons nonetheless.”

“On the off chance you actually have a good idea I want to hear it.”

Ashe frowns. “You’re rather suspicious these days.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “We have a past.”

“Yes, I suppose we do. However it is just that. Past. I’m trying to move forward here.”

“You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t immediately believe you.”

“Fair. Now then why don’t we have a seat and… talk.”

She stands and gestures to a posh looking couch in front of a coffee table with numerous snacks on it. Arc frowns as he turns back to look at Ashe.

“I believe I’ll stand.”

“Very well.”

Sitting back down behind her desk, Ashe looks to him evenly as she begins to speak.

“It has come to my attention that some of the surrounding Equestrian towns are… shall we say… less than accepting of the new princess.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I do believe you’ve done quite the job of rallying the others. It’s most impressive actually.”

“And how exactly did you hear about this?”

“From another ambassador actually.”

Opening her desk drawer, Ashe pulls out several pieces of hard candy. Dropping them noisily in front of her the sound of fluttering nearby rings out.

“Yes, yes!”

Brightwing flutters over to the desk and drops onto the candy. Quickly gobbling it up, she looks to Ashe happily.

“They are good!”

Ashe smiles. “I’m glad you like them. These were shipped directly from the Griffon Kingdom, after all.”

“Do all rocks from there taste this good?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You got your information from… them?!”

Ashe nods. “Oh yes. Brightwing and I ARE colleagues, after all.”

The small creature crunches the rock candy loudly, which is quite the sight to behold since they have no teeth. Turning to Ashe, Brightwing giggles.

“Collect these, friends! They are good!”

Ashe looks at the small creature before her. “Brightwing, how do you feel about the current upheaval facing the land at this particular point in time?”

Brightwing scratches her head. “Cute griffon’s words are hard to make together talking, for expressing... things.”

Arc frowns. “What does that even mean?”

Ashe giggles. “That Brightwing isn’t exactly the greatest in terms of intellect.”

Brightwing takes flight and does a summersault midair. “Flutter, flutter! Flutter, flutter! Ooh, what? It is fun!”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “I find it hard to believe you got your… information from her.”

“Believe what you will. But I’d like to help Princess Twilight and, by proxy, Equestria right now.”

“Okay, I’ll bite. Why?”

Ashe stands up and walks over to the balcony door. Turning back to Arc she gestures for him to follow her. Stepping out onto the balcony with Brightwing following closely, Ashe makes a sweeping gesture with a talon at the city below.

“Look around you, Lord Arc. This is why. To preserve the nation as it is.”

Brightwing grins. “This place is nice!”

“And you care why exactly?”

“As I told you before, I’ve come to love this country and its basic rights for all citizens. The continued existence and stability of Equestria gives the griffons back in my homeland hope for a better future.”

Brightwing nods. “I am happy to agree!”

“But your government doesn’t allow them freedom. What hope do they have other than a complete overhaul?”

“Since our two nations signed the original treaty our citizens have been exposed to Equestrian goods for the first time. While the cost is often quite competitive when compared to griffon made goods, the quality is leagues ahead of their domestic counterparts.”

“So you view helping us as a business idea?”

“Partially, yes. It will allow the griffons back home to continue to be able to buy Equestrian goods. Tools that don’t break, medicine that is more effective, and food that doesn’t make them sick.”

“Brightwing likes happy things! Like puppies and rainbows and... bloody meat!”

Arc motions to the small creature. “Uh… does Brightwing always say things like that?”

“Usually, yes. She’s a bit… overly emphatic about some things.”

Ashe turns to him before continuing.

“Please understand that I honestly do want what’s best for my own citizens across the sea, yes. But our nation’s futures are intertwined as it stands. Now then, if you care at least a little about this country… then you’ll at least listen to my idea.”

“Fine. I’ll hear what you have to say. But I’m not promising any more than that.”

Listening to Ashe’s plan, Arc nods soberly.

“That’s very… decent of you.”

“As I said previously, it’s as much for the Griffon Kingdom as it is for Equestria.”

Brightwing grins. “This place is nice.”

Arc groans. “As horrified as I am to agree with both you AND Brightwing, you’re right.”

Ashe appears hopeful. “So does that mean we have a deal?”

“It’s up to Princess Twilight, of course. But I will bring your idea to her at once.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I still don’t trust you.”

Ashe sighs. “And I deserve that.”

Arc nods as he turns to leave. “Glad to hear you admitting that.”

Closing the door behind him, Arc leaves Ashe on the balcony. She turns to Brightwing.

“Thanks for backing me up on this.”

Brightwing lands on the stone guardrail. “This place is important! It should be defended!”

“Agreed. Now then, would you like to take a little walk through the Royal Gardens?”

“Yes, I will!”

Ashe spreads her wings. “Follow me then.”

Brightwing takes flight and follows her.

“Brightwing going! Going, going!”

Meanwhile, Arc returns to the Audience Chamber. After the previous audience completes, he briefs Twilight and her friends on Ashe’s idea. Twilight weighs the idea internally for a few moments before speaking.

“I do admit that it’s a sound plan. However I’m not sure how I feel about its source.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Yeah! Not sure why we let her stay!”

Applejack groans. “It’s a matter of diplomacy, Dash!”

Pinkie sighs. “Yeah! If we sent her away the Griffon Kingdom would be mad!”

Rarity shudders. “We don’t need another enemy right now.”

Fluttershy shrinks back nervously. “Right. Our plate is already pretty full as it is.”

Flash Sentry turns to Twilight. “That just leaves the decision of what to do, your highness.”

“What do you think, Arc?”

“I think… that this decision is so important that it needs to be decided upon by you and you alone, Twilight.”

Raven nods. “We have faith in your abilities, your highness.”

Kibitz smiles with evident pride. “You’ve certainly come a long way since I first saw you walking through the corridors with Princess Celestia many years ago.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Kibitz?”

“I’m sure you don’t remember me from back then though, as I still had a full mane of dark brown hair. But you were always with her majesty. Learning from her, soaking in her knowledge, and storing it away for the future.”

Closing his eyes, the elderly stallion smiles before continuing.

“While I didn’t understand at the time, I now know that Princess Celestia was grooming you to one day stand by her side on the royal throne.”

“But I’m not ready to make such important decisions!”

“Ready or not, Princess Celestia believed your time had come.”

Arc nods. “He’s right, Twilight. You’re here now and we need an answer.”

Flash Sentry stands at attention. “Just think about the matter and make a rational decision, your highness.”

“I… believe that Princess Celestia would have agreed to this were she here. So we should do it.”

Kibitz looks to the door. “Very well, your highness. Raven and I shall contact the powers that be and make the necessary arrangements.”

“Good.”

Twilight turns to Flash Sentry as she stands.

“Colonel, inform those waiting outside the Audience Chamber that the rest of today’s audiences are cancelled.”

“Your highness?”

“I… need to rest.”

Applejack sighs. “We all should.”

Rarity nods. “Agreed. Shall we adjourn for the day then?”

Pinkie grins. “Sounds good to me!”

Rainbow Dash yawns. “Me too! I could go for a nap!”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “This early in the day?”

“It’s never too early to sleep!”

As Twilight steps down from her throne and heads for the door along with the rest of the Mane 6 Arc follows them along with Flash Sentry. Turning to the colonel he lowers his voice.

“See to it that all security measures are taken to ensure Twilight’s safety.”

“Yes sir. I’ve already written out a plan to do just that in the past. However I didn’t think it would be used for such a thing.”

“Such is life.”

Later that day as the sun begins to set, every pony in town heads to Canterlot Castle to stand before the main balcony. Scootaloo looks outside momentarily before turning to Arc.

“It’s just about time, Big Brother.”

“Agreed.”

Turning, he looks over those assembled.

“Are we ready?”

They nod soberly as Arc turns to Twilight.

“Anytime you’re ready.”

Taking a deep breath, she looks toward the curtain. Applejack puts a hoof on her shoulder.

“We believe in you, Twilight.”

Pinkie salutes playfully. “Right! Now you just have to show everypony else what you can do!”

Rarity nods approvingly. “And we’ll be waiting for you right here.”

Fluttershy smiles. “That we will.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “We’re behind you one-hundred percent!”

Flash Sentry stands at attention and salutes her.

“As am I, your highness.”

Twilight grimaces. “Thank you, everypony. Well… here goes nothing.”

Taking a deep breath, Twilight turns to Arc and soberly nods. He walks through the curtain with his squad and Flash Sentry at his side. Motioning for them to take their positions, they take flight into the night sky to look around for a few moments before landing and nodding to Arc.

Walking over to a small stage built onto the balcony he looks himself over a final time before coming into view of those assembled. Heading for a microphone Arc takes it and begins to speak.

“Good evening, everyone. As you all know by now, I am Hero of Light Arc. I stand before all of you today, as well as the multitudes tuning in on their radios, to ask for your help.”

The ponies below murmur to one another as Arc continues.

“These past several months have been hard for all of us. Uncertainty, political upheaval, and absent leadership abounded for much of it. While I am happy to report that Canterlot is again allowing audiences to everyone, there is still much work to be done.”

Pausing before continuing, Arc looks out over the crowd.

“Our nation and its inhabitants have been united for centuries. Moving past the elitism of the past, Earth Pony, Unicorn, and Pegasi were able to work together to build this nation. However right now we need your help to preserve it.”

He turns and gestures to Twilight. She slowly walks forward to join him as he continues.

“As many of you witnessed, Princess Celestia appointed a new princess not so long ago. The Princess of Friendship has done her best to lead the nation after I was forced to oust the traitor Decimus from the capital. Just as Princess Celestia did for many years, Princess Twilight now rules over this land alone. However, unlike then, the land and its inhabitants are divided on whom is truly in charge. Whether it be the Princess of the Sun, the Princess of Friendship, or even myself. Right now Princess Twilight sits on the throne with me in an advisory position along with the Element Bearers. However, she does so with the blessing of myself and others. Several of them will now step forward to address the nation.”

Standing to the side, Arc motions toward the curtain as Scootaloo walks out to face the crowd.

“Hello. As you know, I’m the Scarlet Filly. As everypony witnessed not so long ago, I was honored by Princess Celestia herself for my deeds in helping safeguard Equestria and its inhabitants. I was given a medal in recognition of this and have continued to serve the nation as an independent protector. While I may be just a filly, even I can see that Princess Celestia is gone and Princess Twilight, whom was personally appointed to her position by her mentor and friend, now stands before you. Therefore I ask everypony to please listen to her and follow her advice. Follow as you would Princess Celestia herself. Thank you.”

Stepping back, Scootaloo returns to the room as the next speaker emerges. Ember walks to the platform, clad in her signature armor and clutching her spear. Brightwing follows closely behind. As she clears her throat, Ember speaks.

“I am Dragon Lord Ember. Daughter of Dragon Lord Torch and co-ruler of the Dragon Lands. For the first time in history, Equestria and the Dragon Lands have a peace treaty. It was drafted, negotiated, and signed by both myself, my Dragon Lord Torch, and Princess Celestia. While at that time we recognized her as the leader of this land, circumstances have seen fit to change that.”

Ember gestures to Twilight with a claw as she continues.

“The Dragon Lands now acknowledges Princess Twilight as this nation’s rightful ruler and will uphold its treaty with Equestria as per the terms of the agreement.”

“Brightwing ambassador to Equestria from Dragon Lands! Brightwing likes Princess Twilight! She nice pony!”

“My ambassador and I are in agreement. We will continue to uphold diplomatic ties with Equestria through Princess Twilight. Thank you.”

Turning, Ember returns to the room with Brightwing. As she leaves Ashe passes her and walks up to the platform. Looking around, she begins to speak.

“My name is Lady Ashe. Daughter of Lord Gestal of the Griffon Kingdom’s Council of Lords. Quite some time ago your nation and mine agreed to a treaty to promote unity and cooperation between our countries. It was signed by King Guto and Equestria’s Princess Luna with the Hero of Light acting as witness. I stand before you today to reaffirm the Griffon Kingdom’s desire to peace and prosperity via both our original treaty and our secondary treaty. As per our agreement, the Griffon Kingdom will uphold our promise to send military aid to the legitimate rulers of this land.”

She points a talon at Twilight before continuing.

“And the Griffon Kingdom recognizes Princess Twilight as the rightful monarch of Equestria. We shall continue to work toward an amicable resolution to the matter of leadership of your land. Failing that, however… the Griffon Kingdom will do its part to uphold our end of the treaties ratified by our respective leaders. Potentially culminating in a joint military venture. Please understand that we have not come to this decision lightly, mind you. But with great amounts of contemplation, it is obvious to me that the Princess of Friendship is indeed the one whom we will deal with… now and in the foreseeable future. Thank you.”

Stepping back, Ashe leaves the platform and returns to the room. The sounds of hooves rings out as Shining Armor approaches the podium and addresses the crowd.

“Presenting the leader of the Crystal Empire, may I introduce to everypony… Princess Cadance.”

Stepping to one side, Shining Armor salutes as Cadance steps forward and turns to address the crowd.

“Good evening, everypony. By now I’m sure that everypony knows me as Equestria’s Princess of Love. Since being appointed to my position by Aunt Celestia many years ago, I’ve learned a lot about leadership, friendship, and also loyalty. When Aunt Celestia vanished I returned to Canterlot to help lead the nation by Princess Luna’s side. In time, we appointed Hero of Light Arc to his position in an effort to keep the land safe for everypony. He has since then continually exceeded our expectations at every turn. As has my friend here.”

Cadance turns and puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder.

“I still remember foal siting for Twilight when she was little. In truth, it’s hard for me to imagine her as anything but a filly. However, here she stands… a fully grown mare and a princess too. Aunt Celestia appointed her to this position for a reason. To lead the land should something befall her again. While I’m not fully sure of her reasoning, what I do know is that she made the right choice. As I sit on the throne of the Crystal Empire, Princess Twilight occupies the throne of Equestria with my full support and blessing. Just like Aunt Celestia would have wanted. Thank you, everypony.”

She bows to the crowd before continuing.

“Several others were contacted and agreed to say a few words to everypony tonight. They will now step forward and speak.”

The Princess of Love stands aside as a massive wall of fur and muscle approaches the podium. Stepping onto it, his foot goes straight through. Frowning, he clears his throat and addresses the crowd from the podium steps.

“Prince Rutherford come to Equestria to talk about friendship between Yakyakistan and Equestria! Yaks invade Crystal Empire some time ago! Stopped by Hero of Light! Yak honored to lose to such great warrior! Yaks hope for great friendship between ponies and yaks! Friends with puny purple pony princess for a thousand moons!”

He yanks his foot from the demolished step as a large, green humanoid character steps over to the podium.

“Good evening. I am Prince Tugem. Son of King Megut of the now forgotten Ogre Nation. We live beneath the city you know as Vanhoover in the aqueducts, and have been there for centuries. I only briefly met your newest princess when I attended a peace summit some time ago just outside Ponyville. However I would like to take this opportunity to show my support for Princess Twilight. The ogres recognize her as the rightful ruler of Equestria and pledge to support her as we are able in the future.”

He turns to Twilight and bows cordially at the waist before stepping back and allowing two large wolves to approach the platform. They jump up on it and turn to face those assembled.

“I am Sereb. Warchief of the Forsaken Tribe. We once fought alongside ponykind in their wars centuries ago. While our tribe’s laws forbid us from entering into official alliances, we come here now to show our support for Princess Twilight.”

Iris nods. “The Forsaken approve of her leadership and ideals. We join with the Dragon Lord’s voice to acknowledge this leader’s future reign. Long and prosperous may it be.”

They Blink to one side as a pair of Abyssinians take to the platform.

“Greetings, Equestrians. I am King Felix and this is my wife Queen Fiona. As the leaders of Abyssinia, we come here today to show our gratitude to Equestria for aid in the past.”

Fiona nods. “Some time ago our citizens were dying. Starving to death due to a tyrannical oppressor named the Storm King.”

“Not only did Lord Arc vanquish this monster, but he also saw to it that we were given food and other international aid to help restore our land and help out citizens.”

“We and our country are in Lord Arc’s debt. If he speaks for Princess Twilight, we too shall give her our support. Thank you.”

They step back as Twilight ascends the platform and looks out over the sea of ponies.

“While I may not be Princess Celestia, all of you have my word that I shall do my very best to lead the nation with fairness and…”

The sound of hooves approaching Twilight ring out. A stallion runs up to the podium and whispers in Twilight’s ear. She nods and again addresses the crowd.

“It would appear we have one last speaker.”

As Twilight steps back, the stallion turns to look out over the throng.

“Presenting her royal majesty… Princess Luna!”

A dark portal opens and Luna steps out. She looks to the citizens whom are understandably distressed at her entry. The stallion steps back to stand with Arc. Turning, Arc whispers to him.

“Sandstorm Mirage?”

“Yes sir?”

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t really know, sir.”

“That’s helpful.”

Sandstorm Mirage sighs. “Princess Luna just suddenly decided she needed to come here while listening to the speech.”

Luna clears her throat and begins to speak.

“I am Luna. Princess of the Night. Some of you know me from my earlier time as the ruler of the land. When my sister vanished some time ago I had to take the country’s reins along with Cadance. It was a… difficult time in my life, as I was unaccustomed to such things. However we were able to get through it and keep this land safe. It was Cadance and I whom gave Hero of Light Arc everything he needed to rescue my sister. While he was indeed successful in that endeavor, soon thereafter he was betrayed by the traitor Decimus whom sought to control my sister and bend her to his will. Arc has since sworn to find my sister yet again and return her to Canterlot safely. However… in the meantime, I will be preoccupied with my own… preparations. Everypony will listen to and obey Princess Twilight in the interim. She has my blessing as well as Celestia’s, I’m sure.”

Her horn aglow, Luna opens a dark portal behind her as she continues.

“Decimus… if you can hear me, know this. For you numerous crimes against Equestria… against the Hero of Light… and against me personally… before this matter is over you WILL lie dead at my hooves! Even if I must do the deed personally.”

Turning to Twilight, she bows her head respectfully before heading through the portal with Sandstorm Mirage and vanishing. Twilight again turns to the crowd.

“Thank you for coming, everypony. As I said before, I’ll do my very best to be a good leader. Someone you can all look up to one day. Good night.”

Turning, Twilight leads the other rulers back into the castle to the sound of respectful applause. As Shining Armor and Arc close the balcony doors behind them they turn to her.

“Good job out there, Twilight.”

“Yeah, Twily. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief and sits down on her haunches heavily. “Neither did I.”

Felix walks over to her. “You must have more faith in yourself, your highness.”

Fiona nods. “Yes. The public will not easily support a ruler whom they sense does not believe in themselves.”

Rutherford stomps the floor. “Kitties right! Yaks know all about leading! Yaks best leaders!”

Ashe sighs. “Hopefully that will help soothe the public’s tension.”

Ember grins as she looks around at the surrounding leaders. “And if not, it was still nice to get everyone together again.”

Tugem motions to a window at the night sky. “Agreed, Dragon Lord. We ogres are eager to be part of this nation’s future.”

Scootaloo grins. “We all have to do our part though.”

Cadance smiles. “And we will. Now then, I will ferry Prince Tugem and Prince Rutherford back to their lands.”

Tugem nods. “Very well, Princess Cadance. Hopefully next time we have a chance to speak more.”

Rutherford laughs heartily. “Yak anxious to get back to mountain! Too warm here!”

Arc chuckles. “Thank you for coming everyone. We’ll have to organize another summit one of these days.”

Twilight nods enthusiastically. “Yes. One which Princess Celestia can attend.”

Arc looks to Sereb’s mother. “I’ll give you a portal back to the Dragon Lands now, ma’am.”

Iris grins toothily. “Thank you. That would be most helpful.”

They all part ways. Cadance and her group head toward the castle’s hanger as Arc opens a portal back to the Dragon Lands for Iris. Nodding to her son she leaves as Arc turns to Felix and Fiona.

“Thank you for coming. “

Twilight extends a hoof. “Yes, it means a lot that we have such loyal allies.”

Felix nods as he shakes Twilight’s hoof. “We owe you that and then some, your highness.”

Fiona bows respectfully. “Right. After all, Abyssinia most likely wouldn’t be standing had Equestria not intervened back then.”

Arc nods. “It was just the right thing to do.”

Felix returns his gaze to Twilight. “Your majesty, before we came I had a meeting with our accountants. This month we should be able to finish paying your country back.”

Twilight appears confused. “Paying us… back?”

Fiona smiles. “Yes, for all the food and other supplies Lord Arc gave us when our nation was struggling.”

“Ah! Well, thank you for that. Um… but please don’t spread yourselves too thin. After all, we wouldn’t want to be responsible for causing any economic blowback to your nation.”

Felix chuckles. “Don’t worry about that, your highness.”

“Yes, we’ve greatly increased our exports since then and our economy is thriving from the extra income.”

“If Equestria is ever in need of food we’ll always be there to lend a paw. I just wish we could do more to express our gratitude for the help.”

Arc nods soberly. “Hopefully we’ll never need it, but thank you for that. I just have one request of your nation.”

Fiona tilts her head to one side, confused. “Oh?”

“No matter what happens… don’t become like the Griffon Kingdom.”

Felix raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I mean, don’t take advantage of a nation that’s struggling to feed its subjects.”

Fiona nods. “That we can do, Lord Arc.”

Felix raises his right paw. “Yes, as king of Abyssinia you have my word that our nation will never try to price gouge those whom are vulnerable.”

Arc smiles as he opens a portal for them. “Thank you. That’s all I ask.”

The king and queen enter the portal and are gone. Closing it, Arc and the others head down the corridor together.

“Anyone else thinking a piece of cake would be nice right now?”

Pinkie salivates. “Cake…”

Applejack raises a hoof. “I’m in.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Me too!”

Rarity smiles. “Just a small one please.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly at her friend. “Why’s that, Rarity? Watching your figure again?”

Rarity nods matter of factly. “I just want to stay beautiful for a very special somepony.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You look fine. Right, Arc?”

“I think I’m a little biased there.”

Entering the Dining Room they sit down around the large round table. After requesting cake for everyone they talk as they eat. Twilight sighs contentedly.

“I’m certainly glad that’s over.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Your highness?”

Ember chuckles. “She had stage fright.”

“What’s that?”

Arc turns to Scootaloo. “Fear of speaking in front of large groups.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “But you did great!”

Applejack nods matter-of-factly. “Right. Now all that’s left to do is see if those seeds you planted tonight bear fruit.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “That might take some time though.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “How long?”

Rarity shrugs. “The leaders of the towns would have to get together, talk about the pros and cons of following Twilight, and come to some kind of agreement amongst themselves.”

Pinkie groans. “It’ll be almost as hard as getting more than one pony to agree on what to have on their pizza!”

Kibitz and Raven run into the room breathlessly. They make a beeline for Twilight.

“Your highness!”

Twilight gasps as she drops her fork. “What’s wrong?!”

Raven points a hoof behind them. “The… the phones!”

Ember frowns. “Spit it out already!”

Kibitz trots in place. “Our switchboard operator just notified us that the leaders of the remaining towns have all contacted them to make appointments for audiences!”

Arc appears hopeful. “You mean…?!”

Raven grins and nods. “Yes sir! They’ve all expressed an interest in coming over to Princess Twilight’s side!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes light up. “You mean we did it?!”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like it.”

Flash Sentry clears his throat. “With some proper negotiation, yes.”

Kibitz smiles. “They’ll be here in a day or so, your highness.”

“Good. I want to see them the moment they arrive.”

Raven bows respectfully. “Yes, your highness.”

Ember chuckles. “Well, I guess the only question now is where do we go from here?”

Arc grins. “I have an idea.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Arc turns to Kibitz.

“Inform the kitchen staff that we will require more cake.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face. “I saw that one coming. I really did.”

Preface - Volume 43 - Daring Duo Do Daredevil Deeds and Defy Destiny

In our previous volume, Fluttershy leaves to see her parents in the hospital. She is accompanied by Rainbow Dash as Arc and her parents return to their homes. Inviting Arc and Scootaloo to stay with them during the investigation, Bo shows them to a large guest room before fetching them for supper. Rainbow Dash flies in as they sit down and makes a scene. Both parents are upset when they hear her call Arc by his first name. Informing them that she and he are old friends, Arc is able to diffuse the situation. Rising to get cider, the couple leaves the room. Rainbow Dash confesses that she has not told her parents of the herd as she is sorta pledged to Fluttershy’s brother, Zephyr Breeze. Her parents return and speak on the subject. Arc learns of his friend’s past with her friends as well as their intention to marry. Rainbow Dash heads for bed suddenly as Arc lowers the sun and raises the moon much to the surprise of their host and hostess. Bo escorts Arc and Scootaloo to their room for the night before returning to the kitchen to help with the dishes.

The next morning Arc and Scootaloo have breakfast with Rainbow Dash and her parents before heading to the hospital to check Fluttershy and her parents. Finding them all asleep, Arc awakens Fluttershy and asks for her thoughts. A doctor enters and explains the condition of the patients at large. Noting their malnourishment and atrophy, Arc is told that their conditions are stable and everyone will recover with time. Heading to the Rainbow Factory, they are quickly admitted by heavily armored soldiers. After being escorted to the foreman’s office by Ember and Sereb they find Rose resting. Awakening her, she is able to give them a comprehensive analysis of the situation at hand. Passing on what little is known about changelings, Arc announces that the factory may reopen. As Bo sits down in his chair the phone rings. Picking it up he is told by Rainbow Dash that Fluttershy’s parents are showing signs of awakening. Arc and his friends hurry out the door to return to the hospital.

Coming to Fluttershy’s parent’s room they find that neither is up to having visitors. Heading out for a bite to eat Arc treats the group to a meal at a local diner of Dash’s choosing. Leaving, they head to a shop so Arc can buy some gifts. Returning to the house, Bo asks Rainbow Dash get her mother before he heads to his office to inform his workers to report for work in the morning. Windy arrives and is told of a scroll that came in the mail that day from Zephyr Breeze. Announcing his return to Cloudsdale, Bo and Windy decide to invite him to dinner. Suggesting that it would be more intimate to reveal Zephyr at a fancy restaurant, they prepare for an evening of exquisite dining.

Arc and Rainbow Dash, along with her family, head to a fancy restaurant together. After ordering, Bo whispers something to their waiter whom nods and hurries off. After talking for a time, Bo motions for a stallion to approach. Rainbow Dash is surprised to see her childhood friend in the flesh again and even more surprised to learn that he’s there for dinner. Sitting down, they talk about the old days of getting married over and over again during play weddings. Mention is made of Zephyr’s parents whom are in the hospital. Not realizing what transpired, he is told of their condition. Quickly excusing himself to see them, he inadvertently breaks up the evening. Returning back to the cloud mansion, Arc heads for his room and sits on the balcony. Rainbow Dash lands and moves to knock on his door. Calling out to her, they speak about Zephyr. Confessing her past to him, Rainbow Dash contemplates what to do about Zephyr.

The next morning Arc and Rainbow Dash head to the hospital to see Fluttershy’s parents. They find Fluttershy and Zephyr Breeze dozing in chairs nearby. Fluttershy gently wakes her father and tells him of Arc’s need to interview him. Telling Arc of how he was captured as well as their treatment at the hooves of the changelings, he is able to give very little useful information on them. Promising to keep quiet, Arc leaves to inform Twilight of the matters transpiring. Rainbow Dash and Zephyr leave the room together as Fluttershy and her father talk. He asks about how his son and Rainbow Dash are hitting it off. When he learns that they have drifted apart he changes the conversation to that of Fluttershy’s own love life. Admitting that she has been seeing someone, Fluttershy is vague about whom her stallionfriend really is. Saying only that he is very high up in the social status of Canterlot and that he advises the princesses, she then allow her father to rest.

Finally able to interview Fluttershy’s parents together, Arc learns that their captors spoke of ‘The Academy’ often. After being told of the facility in question, he leaves the room to formulate a plan of infiltration. That night he and Scootaloo enter the facility together via their Mist Form. Entering a closet the pair rematerialize and talk over their plan one last time. Walking the facility corridors they find nothing at all. Not even the ponies whom are supposed to live and work there. Unable to locate any clues, Arc opens a portal and summons Rose along with Sereb. She informs him of the sensor dampening field around the base which prevent her from performing scans. Sereb smells something and motions to the stairs. Going to the basement he tells Arc and company of the scent of many mares and stallions leading up to the wall behind a rack. Rose uses her L-Blade to slice a small hole in the door. Turning to mist again, Scootaloo enters the Panic Room via the hole. Finding the door release, she floats over it before returning to her pony form and falling on it. As the doors swing open Arc and the others enter another nearby door the Panic Room’s interior. Finding what appears to be the entire facility’s staff, Arc opens a portal to call in his forces along with Ember and Hammer. Ordering the cages sliced open and the prisoners freed, he opens another portal to the local hospital before heading through with the others.

Arc and company help the hospital staff in their task of helping the Wonderbolt patients. Early the next morning he and the others meet with Redheart in the head doctor’s office. She tells them of the weakened condition of the patients but reports that they will recover in time. As they speak a nurse enters passing on a message from the head of the Wonderbolt’s Academy to Arc. Asking for a meeting, Arc agrees to it. Being cautioned by Redheart not to stress the stallion any further than necessary, Arc meets with Headmaster Wing. After being told about a Princess Celestia imposter ordering the entire staff into the Panic Room the headmaster reveals that their captor then used a sleeping gas on them as the door closed. Awakening in the cages, he watched as his own flyers slowly weakened along with him. Leaving to let the stallion rest, he and the others return to Fluttershy’s parent’s room. Spotting Zephyr as they do so, everyone enters the room. As they speak, the parents shift the conversation over to Rainbow Dash and Zephyr. However when they attempt to tell Zephyr about Rainbow’s desire to marry Arc, the stallion assumes the conversation to be an intervention for him. Confessing that he not only dropped out of college, Zephyr tells them that he’s become attracted to another mare… Tree Hugger. Admitting that he has been unable to even speak to her, much less ask her out, Arc gives the stallion some tips on what to do on a first encounter. Taking his advice well, Zephyr leaves the room Rainbow Dash breathes a sigh of relief. Strawberry Shy invited everyone to their house for dinner the following evening to give Arc and Rainbow Dash a chance to be honest with Bo and Windy.

Dressing up for yet another formal gathering, Arc and Rainbow Dash head to Fluttershy’s childhood home. Arriving, they have a short meeting to lay out their intentions. To put Rainbow Dash into a position in which she could ease into telling her parents about her and Arc. However over dinner she does the opposite and tries to divert the conversation from herself. Working up the courage to say something however Rainbow Dash finds herself unable to get a word in after revealing that Fluttershy has a stallionfriend. Angrily, Rainbow Dash leaves the house. Arc and Fluttershy follow her to a bench just outside. Talking to her, they convince their friend to open up about her feelings to a pair of plants for practice. Spilling her guts, Arc and Fluttershy roleplay with her as her parents. As she finishes the parents step forth from just inside the screen door. Bo and Windy disagree with the herd idea and look to Fluttershy’s parents for support. However they both agree that Arc deserves a chance after making their own daughter so happy. Reluctantly agreeing, they return to the dinner table to become better acquainted.

Enjoying their meal together, they are interrupted by a call on Arc’s earring from Lemon Hearts. She informs him that Hammer and Rose have returned from their investigation. Wishing to report to him in person, Arc is also told of a stallion identifying himself as the leader of the Wonderbolt’s Academy. Ordering him escorted to his office along with Hammer and Rose, Arc takes a portal back to his quarters along with Hammer, Rainbow Dash, and Bo. Joining the Scarlet Filly, whom is reading on the couch, they girls leave together as Arc and Bo head to the office. Finding the headmaster, Rose, and Hammer waiting for him Arc sits down and begins the debriefing. Hammer reports that they disabled the sensor dampeners by shutting off the base’s main power. Rose informs him that upon scanning the base they found explosives wired up all over the place. Presenting Arc with an inactive bomb he consults with Hammer to confirm that it is indeed of Earthen origin. Suspecting Diva to be behind the plot, the headmaster is informed of the Council of Shadow’s potential involvement. Asking to see Twilight, Arc calls her and explains the situation. Agreeing to come immediately, Arc opens a portal to allow Twilight to join them. After explaining his position to Twilight, Headmaster Wing agrees to join Canterlot in standing against Celestia and Decimus. He also pledges to speak to the Town Council regarding Twilight’s offer to allow Cloudsdale to be moored in Canterlot’s airspace. Escorting Twilight back to his quarters, she voices a desire to speak with him. Sitting on the couch, Twilight expresses her extreme disdain for her new role as princess. Admitting that she wants nothing more than to join Arc as his wife, she nearly tackles him in a show of affection. Offering to resign immediately, Twilight tells Arc that she wants nothing more than to leave her position behind for him and their herd. Convincing her to stay on in her capacity, Arc agrees that he too wants to end the matter so that they can become better acquainted.

Waking very early the next morning to the sound of his earring chirping Arc is told by Lemon Hearts that the Cloudsdale Town Council has unanimously voted to move the city into Canterlot’s airspace. Feeling inadequate due to her lack of experience, and after a conversation regarding personal hygiene and scent, the pair head to the shower together. Arc does his best to console Twilight and reassure her that he will do whatever is necessary to safeguard the land. Up to and including helping her lead Equestria on a more permanent basis if needed.

Two days later Arc, Hammer, and Ember discuss Cloudsdale and the Wonderbolt Academy being successfully moved to Canterlot. Heading to the Audience Chamber they join the Mane Six in brainstorming ideas to unify the country as well as stop Decimus. Adjourning for audiences, Twilight and her friends take them while Arc heads to the office to do Twilight’s paperwork. Sometime later Raven enters with a scroll. Giving it to him, she informs Arc that it was given to her by Ashe. Heading to her office, Arc speaks with the ambassador regarding the state of the nation. Admitting that she got most of her information from Ambassador Brightwing (that still sounds wrong in my head), Ashe suggests a plan to help reassure the public. Listening to her idea Arc agrees to bring it before Twilight. Agreeing to the idea, Twilight cancels the rest of the day’s audiences to make preparations for a public speech. That evening Arc addresses the nation with Twilight. Inviting the leaders of the rest of the world, they also give Twilight their endorsement. Luna arrives and also gives her approval to Twilight leading the nation. After the speech Twilight and the others head to the Dining Room for cake. As they eat, Kibitz and Raven run into the room. Informing the group that the leaders of the rogue towns have requested to speak to Twilight about joining under Canterlot’s rule, Arc orders more cake brought out in celebration.

However, many questions remain unanswered. What else is Decimus planning? Why did the changelings act so recklessly in whom they took and did not replace? Zephyr… yeah, enough said. What will Rainbow Dash do about her two suitors? What did the Changelings REALLY want with those they captured? How does any of this further the Changeling’s goals? Will Bo and Windy be able to fully accept Arc in time? Will this finally reunite the land?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Downtime

The next morning Arc wakes early as he normally does. He sits up, stretches, and heads over to the balcony. Opening the ornate door he steps out onto the stone terrace and looks out at the horizon. Sighing, he leans on the cool stone guardrail. A short time later a familiar voice rings out behind him.

“Arc?”

Startled, Arc jumps slightly as he turns around.

“R-Rarity?!”

“Sorry about that. You just seemed to be… how should I put this delicately… rather out of sorts.”

Arc sighs and turns to look out over the city again. “Yeah. I’m just… not really feeling like myself right now.”

Rarity walks over to him and puts a hoof on his side. “Are you ill?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Just a bit… overwhelmed.”

“I thought you were rather quiet last night after we returned to the bedroom. Which was quite surprising considering how upbeat you were after hearing the good news from Kibitz and Raven. Did something happen that I don’t know about?”

“Truth be told, I just kinda lay there thinking.”

“What about?”

“Everything.”

Rarity tilts her head to one side, confused. “Can you narrow it down?”

“Lying there, I realized that we very well may have reunited a country last night.”

“But that’s a good thing.”

“I know. However at the same time it’s rather… stressful. Knowing that you’re walking a fine line all the time. That one wrong move could sink your entire plan along with the nation as a whole. It’s something I’ve known for a long time, naturally. But…”

“Sounds like you need to take a break from all this political rigamarole.”

“Admittedly, that does sound nice.”

Rarity smiles at him. “So take some time off. We can handle things while you’re gone.”

Arc groans. “That’s just it. Where would I even go? I mean… it’s not like there’s exactly a lot of options for someone like me.”

“Might I make a suggestion?”

“Sure.”

“Head to Abyssinia and see your family.”

“I’d really like to, yes. But… I don’t really want to leave Canterlot right now. Any other ideas?”

“Why don’t we talk to the others? Maybe they can come up with something.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. But I’m not really all that hungry right now.”

“Maybe we should take you to see Doctor Whooves.”

“I feel okay.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead and shakes her head. “It’s just… I’ve never heard you say that before. The not wanting food part, I mean.”

“Sorry. Just feeling a bit… drained.”

Rarity takes Arc’s hand. “Well, I think I know of a way to take care of that. This way.”

The pair head for the Dining Room together. Entering, they find Twilight and her friends sitting around the table talking happily with Hammer, Ember, and Sereb. Rarity looks around happily as she speaks.

“Good morning, everypony. I trust everypony slept well?”

Rainbow Dash yawns. “Could’ve been longer.”

Hammer groans as she nurses a cup of coffee. “I’m with blue on this one.”

Applejack looks Arc up and down. “You don’t look too good, sugarcube. Everything alright?”

Arc sighs as he sits down. “Just a bit depressed I suppose.”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow, confused. “After such an amazing outcome last night?!”

“I guess.”

Twilight turns to him. “Arc? Is there something you want to talk to us about?”

“Not sure why I’m feeling this way. I mean… I do have a lot to be happy about.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof on his hand. “Maybe you just need some time off?”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. You work WAY too hard!”

Rarity sits down next to him. “I suggested heading over to Abyssinia to see his family.”

Sereb nods. “That would be for the best, as we have a lull in activity for a day or so.”

“That may be. But I really don’t want to leave everyone here with a big workload.”

Twilight smiles. “We can handle it, Arc.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Right. It’s been getting easier every day.”

Applejack puts her front hooves on the table. “Practice makes perfect, after all.”

Pinkie bounces into her seat. “Yeah! Eventually we’ll be able to do it in our sleep!”

Ember grins. “I’ll lend a claw too.”

Hammer motions to the door. “Head on over to the sand bowl and see Derpy and Dinky, Arc. I’m sure they miss you too.”

“Believe me, I’d like to do that, but…”

Twilight interrupts him. “We’ve got this, Arc. If it’ll make you feel any better I’ll give Sunburst a call and have him send Spike over to help us too.”

Applejack chuckles.. “That’s a good idea.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “Right. You two haven’t been together much in a while.”

Arc shrugs. “Well… I suppose it would be nice to get out of here and do something I enjoy.”

Sereb stands. “Shall I come with you, Arc?”

“Sure. You’ve got to be going stir crazy in here too.”

Ember looks to the kitchen door. “Eat a nice breakfast and take a sigil over there. After all, there’s no time like the present.”

Sereb grins. “Or we could leave right now, Arc.”

“To tell you the truth, there is something I’d like to do this morning.”

Hammer grins. “Then go do it!”

Ember nods. “Right. We can always call you if something comes up.”

“Well, uh… okay. Let’s go, Sereb.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal. Stepping through he and Sereb find themselves surrounded by sand. Arc looks toward the city.

“Abyssinia’s gates.”

“Arc?”

Walking over to Sereb, he jumps into the saddle and grabs the handles.

“Let’s go.”

Sereb looks over his shoulder. “Where to?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Just… go. Anywhere outside the walls.”

“Very well.”

Setting off at a trot, Sereb turns to walk through the sand around the wall. They continue on in silence for a time. Eventually Sereb turns to Arc.

“Are you upset with me?”

“No. I just… I don’t know.”

“Would you… like to talk about it?”

“Heard that one before.”

“As have I. From your lips, I might add.”

Arc sighs. “It’s… the others.”

“Define ‘others’.”

“My… friends.”

“I noticed that you paused there.”

“Well, I was just thinking… what I should be calling them. Now that I’m regularly bathing and sleeping with them, that is.”

“And your feelings?”

“Regarding?”

“Them personally.”

“I… care for them all deeply.”

“Then what is the problem?”

“Am I right to do this?”

“Do what?”

“To want all of them.”

“You feel as though you should share?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“With whom?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s… hard to put into words.”

“You are not making any sense, Arc.”

“I know. But I just feel like they’re giving to me without getting… much of anything in return at the moment.”

“Sexual intercourse?”

“That too. What I meant was that all of them are totally dedicated to me… mind and body. They want me to marry them and form a herd. But the problem right now is… that I’m not able to reciprocate.”

“Your affection?”

“My time.”

Sereb nods. “Ah. You were planning to retire after Celestia was back as I recall.”

Arc groans. “Not only did I break that promise, but I’m more busy now than ever!”

“Such was necessary though.”

“But there’s still no end in sight!”

“You could turn away from your duties at any time, Arc.”

“That would destroy this land though!”

“Then what should you do?”

“See this through to the end!”

“Yes. And your lovers understand that.”

“But they shouldn’t have to wait for me!”

“So what should you do? Let them all go?”

“I do want to get to know them though!”

Sereb sighs. “And now we are talking in circles.”

Arc looks up at the sky and grunts. “Y-yeah. But then again… that’s what I’ve been doing since last night.”

“What started this?”

“Truthfully, I’ve been kinda dealing with it for some time now. What caused the floodgates to burst though is beyond me.”

“I believe I do.”

“Enlighten me.”

“This matter with reuniting the nation was quite the debacle, yes?”

“That it was.”

“Or more accurately, still is.”

“I suppose so. After all, nothing is set in stone until Twilight meets with the leadership of the other tows.”

“And you’re worried about that.”

Arc frowns. “Who wouldn’t be?”

“True. But at the moment there is nothing more you can do.”

“So what do you suggest?”

“Nothing.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

“That could have been worded differently. What I meant was that you should take this opportunity to rest.”

“That’s why I came here. But… do I really deserve to?”

“I don’t get your meaning.”

“Why should I rest while everyone else works?”

“Because after this brief respite, things are going to get very… busy.”

“I know that, but…”

Sereb interrupts him. “If you will not do this for yourself, do it for Derpy and Dinky.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. I’ve been really neglecting them recently. Well, everyone from Ponyville actually.”

“You mean New Ponyville, right?”

“Something like that.”

Sereb grins toothily. “In any case, I will ferry you there. That is, unless you would like to take a portal.”

Arc shakes his head. “A ride would do me good.”

“Very well.”

Making their way back the way they came, the pair enter Abyssinia through the city gates. Walking down the main street they head for the palace. Turning to one side they take the road toward the settlement. Arriving they head for the largest building in town. Stopping, Sereb lets Arc off and sits down as the young man looks to him, confused.

“Big guy?”

“I will wait outside.”

“Uh… okay.”

Entering the building, Arc sees numerous foals and younglings playing tag together. Dinky looks up to see her father, grins, and rushes over to him. Jumping into his arms she wraps her hooves around his neck and squeezes.

“Dad! You’re back!”

Arc returns the hug. “I missed you, sweetheart.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle run over along with Babs Seed.

“Hey there, Arc!”

“How’s it going?!”

“Is Applejack with you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not today. Just me and Sereb.”

Apple Bloom groans. “Aw…”

“Is something wrong, dad?”

“No… exactly. I just decided to take some time off to come see you and your mother.”

Sweetie Belle appears suddenly nervous. “But everything’s okay back in Equestria, right?!”

“Better than they have been, yes.”

Apple Blook looks up at Arc. “How’s my sister doing?”

Babs Seed nods. “She’s okay, right?”

“Just fine. She and her friends are helping Princess Twilight run the country at the moment.”

Dinky appears relieved. “That’s good.”

“Say, where’s your mom, Dinky?”

Dinky points a hoof. “Out back with Miss Pommel. Wanna say ‘hi’?”

“Of course. Lead the way.”

Dinky hops down and leads her father out the back door. They see Derpy going over the labels of several crates. She looks over the information on them and call them out before nodding to Coco Pommel.

“That’s the last one.”

Coco Pommel looks over her clipboard. “It appears everything’s here, as usual.”

Dinky runs over to her mother excitedly.

“Mom! Dad’s here!”

“He is?”

Arc walks over and joins them. He kneels down to give both Derpy and Coco Pommel a hug before standing and smiling.

“How’s it going over here?”

Derpy points a hoof at the crates. “Pretty good. We were just going over a delivery.”

Coco Pommel taps a hoof on a nearby box. “Have to make sure everything’s here.”

Dinky giggles. “More food, mom?”

“Yes, dear. We need lots of it to keep everypony fed around here.”

Arc smiles. “Glad that’s being covered. Do you need anything else?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “Thank you, Arc. But the Abyssinians are providing the bulk of our supplies.”

“Not for free though, right?”

Derpy holds up a clipboard. “No, we send the bills to Canterlot. They’ve been reimbursing us for whatever we send in.”

“That sounds like a long turnaround time.”

Coco Pommel shrugs. “It is around three weeks, yes. Do you remember that donation of bits you made to the orphanage some time ago, Arc?”

“I did?”

Dinky grins. “The bits Miss Cherry paid you for harvesting cherries when we visiting a long time ago.”

Coco Pommel gestures to the crates. “We used that to pay for goods until money started arriving from the capital.”

Arc grins. “Glad it came in handy.”

“Mom, can you, me, and dad go do something together?”

“I’d love to, but…”

Coco Pommel interrupts her. “Take the rest of the day off, Derpy. You deserve it.”

“Really?!”

Dinky giggles. “Shouldn’t you run that by the new foreman, Miss Pommel?”

Coco Pommel smiles. “I suppose I should.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Foreman?”

Derpy nods. “They take care of all the warehouse inventory for New Ponyville.”

Dinky turns and points a hoof. “Here she comes now.”

Turning, they see a filly walking toward them with a clipboard. Coco Pommel greets them.

“Hello, Cozy Glow.”

Cozy Glow smiles at the matron. “Good morning, Miss Pommel. I just came by to double check the inventory of your latest delivery.”

Derpy holds up her clipboard. “We just finished checking it ourselves. Everything’s here.”

“Good. I was going over the paperwork on our end and noticed that Stellar Eclipse forget to have you sign one of these documents.”

She holds out a pen and the clipboard. Coco Pommel signs it and returns the forms to the filly. Arc chuckles as he looks down at the filly before him.

“Looks like you’re doing well.”

Cozy Glow nods. “Stellar Eclipse couldn’t work with the other ponies on the Fish Farms. The one in charge over there was worried that he could fall in and drown.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “That and all the catwalks over there just doesn’t make it feasible for his mobility limitations.”

Derpy motions toward a building with a hoof. “So Mayor Mare got him a job running the warehouse.”

Dinky grins. “He’s doing a really good job too!”

Cozy Glow smiles. “And now that school’s out, I’m helping out over there!”

Coco Pommel pats the filly’s head. “That’s why everypony calls her ‘the foreman’.”

“Honorary, but still appreciated!”

Arc nods approvingly. “That’s good. I was wondering what happened to you two.”

“She was with us in the orphanage that night, dad.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Yes. But at the time of the attack she was in the middle of helping Stellar Eclipse take off his wheels so he could shower.”

Derpy sighs. “Sadly there wasn’t time to get it back on him.”

Cozy Glow nods sadly. “Somepony put him on a couple stallion’s backs when everything went crazy.”

Arc groans. “Sorry that ended badly.”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof on Arc’s side and smiles up at him. “You saved everypony that night, Arc.”

Derpy grins. “And we can repair the orphanage when we get back, right?”

Arc nods. “Or rebuild it if need be. Sadly it may not survive the battle.”

Dinky gasps. “Is there going to be a fight there, dad?!”

“Yes, Dinky. Celestia and I.”

Cozy Glow grins as she narrows her eyes. “A worthy opponent, sir.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Your battle will be… um… what’s the word?”

Sweetie Bell shrugs. “I dunno.”

Babs Seeds puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Legendary?”

Arc clenches a fist and grins. “Yes. Our battle will be legendary!”

Cozy Glow giggles. “We’ll, you be careful, sir. In any case, I need to get back to the warehouse and Stellar Eclipse. It was good to see you again.”

She turns and walks away as Arc turns to Coco Pommel.

“Polite little filly.”

“That she is. Extremely positive considering her past.”

Arc nods soberly. “I heard about that from Platinum Valve.”

Derpy looks around. “Say, where is she?”

“I gave her a portal back to the Crystal Empire after she was cleared by the doctors. The mission I brought her on was over, so she asked to return to her parents.”

Coco Pommel appears hopeful. “And how are they doing?”

Arc frowns. “Not the greatest from what I heard. I need to head over there at some point and see for myself.”

Dinky sighs. “So we’re going to be here a while?”

“Probably, yes. Celestia’s holed up in Light’s Hope with the defenses activated. We just have to wait until our forces are gathered and all the preparation are made. When the time is right we can assault the base and end this madness.”

Derpy grins. “Then we go back and rebuild?”

“Right. But we should probably let Coco Pommel here get back to work. Uh… did you say it was okay for Derpy to take the day off? I can’t remember.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Oh yes. I’ll get Gallus and Natalya to help with this.”

Dinky giggles. “Thanks Miss Pommel!”

Apple Bloom raises a hoof. “We’ll head back to the others then.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “We will?”

Babs Seed nods. “Yeah. Have fun, Dinky.”

Dinky appears conflicted. “Um… thanks.”

Chapter 2 - Family Time

Arc and Derpy head back inside the building together. Dinky looks up at her father.

“So what do you want to do, dad?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really know what there is to do here.”

Derpy smiles up at him. “Since you helped solve the food crisis, the Abyssinians have seen fit to open a number of restaurants.”

“Mom and I have been meaning to try one since we got here.”

“If that’s what you two want to do I’ll take you to one.”

Derpy giggles. “That sounds nice.”

Dinky shifts on her hooves nervously. “Yeah! Um… can I tell you something though first, dad?”

“Sure, what’s on your mind?”

“The rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and I were talking a while back about something we all want.”

“What’s that?”

“Family time.”

Derpy appears confused. “But they all have families.”

“I know, mom. But we were talking about our future family.”

“Um…”

“If dad marries you and their sisters.”

“Oh! That does make sense.”

Derpy turns to Arc.

“What would you like to do?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin, thoughtfully. “I think they do raise a good point. Getting to know their sisters means getting to know them too, after all.”

Dinky points a hoof. “Should I go get them?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Have them meet us out front.”

Grinning, Dinky runs off. Arc and Derpy chuckle as they walk out the front door.

“This should be a day to remember.”

“I hope so.”

Sereb turns to them as they step outside. “Back again?”

Arc nods. “We’re going to get something to eat.”

“Would you like to come?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No, thank you. I shall remain here.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“I am.”

Dinky runs out of the building with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Babs Seed. They all hurry over to him. Apple Bloom is the first to speak.

“Dinky says we’re going out to eat!”

Sweetie Belle trots in place happily. “Are we?!”

Derpy giggles. “Sure we are.”

Babs Seed squeals. “This is going to be SO much fun!”

Arc chuckles. “So where does everyone want to go?”

Dinky points a hoof toward the city. “Cozy Glow was telling us about a place she and Stellar Eclipse went to on the last day of school.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof to her chin. “What was it called again?”

Babs Seed grins. “It was ‘The Cat’s Meow’.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Weird name, but okay.”

Derpy appears confused. “Does anypony know where it is?”

Dinky nods. “She pointed it out to me once. This way.”

Leading the group, Dinky heads toward a side road. Eventually they come to a small but well-kept building. Entering, the smells of cooking food greets their nostrils. Arc motions to a table.

“This looks like a good place.”

Derpy smiles. “Agreed. Let’s sit here.”

They do so as a waiter walks over with several menus in their paw.

“Welcome to ‘The Cat’s Meow’. Have you dined with us before?”

Dinky giggles. “Nope. First time.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Our friend Cozy Glow said this place was good though.”

“Ah, the small pink Pegasi. She and her guardian come her often.”

Apple Bloom gasps happily. “Then we’re in for a treat!”

Setting the menus before them, the waiter pulls out an order pad and looks around the table.

“Can I start everyone off with something to drink?”

Arc raises a hand. “I’ll have a water.”

Derpy smiles. “Apple Juice, please.”

Dinky clops her hooves together. “Me too!”

Apple Bloom waves a hoof. “Me three!”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Water for me.”

Babs Seed looks nervous. “I… guess I’ll have a water too.”

The waiter nods as he writes.

“I’ll get those for you while you look over the menus.”

He heads to the kitchen as everyone looks over the pictures. Babs Seed appears confused.

“What… is all this again?”

Arc looks over. “A menu showing what the restaurant serves.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Haven’t you ever been out before?”

Babs Seed sighs and shakes her head. “Just to the Tasty Treat that one time.”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “We don’t go out to eat very often.”

Derpy smiles. “As good a cook as Granny Smith and Applejack are I can understand why not. But I’m a little lost myself.”

Arc clears his throat. “Dinky, would you switch places with me please?”

“Sure dad.”

Standing, the pair trade chairs. Arc sits down between Derpy and Babs Seed. Setting his menu down between them he goes over it.

“Restaurants all work about the same. First you order the drinks.”

Babs Seed looks toward the Kitchen door. “Like we just did?”

“Right. Then while the server is getting them you look over appetizers.”

Derpy gazes at the menu. “What are they?”

Arc points to a section of the menu. “Small plates of food to get you ready for the main course. Salads, soups, chips, that sort of thing. If everyone is ready to order the entrees at that point our waiter will take the order. If not, he’ll put in the appetizer’s order and check back in a few minutes.”

Babs Seed looks up to Arc. “Then what?”

“Then we order what are called ‘entrees’, which are the bulk of the meal. Think of it like the main course.”

Derpy appears suddenly nervous. “Does it take long to make? I’d hate to be responsible for making them work harder.”

“The chefs in a place like this make the same things every day. So I would assume they have it down to a science at this point. That frees us up to do other things.”

Dinky grins. “So we can sit around and talk like we did at the Tasty Treat, dad?!”

“Exactly.”

The waiter returns with their drinks and sets them before the group.

“Now then, are you all ready to order?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’ll have the Fish Bites.”

Derpy points a hoof. “Can I have the Beetroot Humus?”

Dinky giggles. “Give me an order of Beans and Toast please.”

Apple Bloom licks her lips. “I’d like a Caramel Apple Cheeseball.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Just give me a Fruit Salad.”

Babs Seed grimaces. “I… don’t really know what to get.”

Arc looks to her. “How about the same as your cousin?”

“That sounds okay.”

Arc looks to the waiter. “Give her a Caramel Apple Cheeseball too.”

“Very good. Now then, would you like to order the main courses now or later?”

“We’ll take some time to think about what we wait over the appetizers.”

Nodding, the waiter heads to the Kitchen. Dinky turns to her father.

“So how long do you think you’ll be here, dad?”

“Either until the leaders of a few towns finish negotiating with Twilight, or something goes wrong.”

Derpy gasps. “Do you think it will?”

“I hope not. But I know Twilight and the others will call if they need me.”

Babs Seed shrinks back nervously. “So what’s going on in Equestria?”

“A cold war.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

Dinky raises a hoof. “It’s where two sides want to fight, but either can’t or won’t.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “I don’t get it. Who are we supposed to be fighting?”

“Princess Celestia and Decimus’ forces.”

Derpy gasps. “But that would mean ponies would have to fight other ponies!”

“It will most likely come to that, yes.”

Babs Seed sighs. “Why though?”

“Because she and Decimus went against me, betrayed the public, and attacked Ponyville. They have to be stopped.”

Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “Can’t you talk her out of it, or something.”

Arc sighs. “The time for talk is most likely over.”

“But you have to try, dad!”

“I will, sweetheart. She only gets one chance though.”

Clenching a fist, Arc grits his teeth.

“After that it… is… ON!”

Sometime later their food arrives. They all eat happily before ordering the main courses which are then brought to them post-haste. Derpy looks to Dinky.

“This is great!”

“I’ll say!”

Apple Bloom swallows and looks to Sweetie Belle. “It’s really flavorful!”

Sweetie Belle looks at Arc’s plate nervously. “Yes, well… other than your breakfast, Arc.”

Babs Seed shrugs. “But he needs to keep his strength up if he’s going to have to fight Princess Celestia, right?”

“Exactly. And this fish is quite tasty too.”

Derpy looks over to the plate. “I must admit, it does smell… interesting.”

“Want a bite?”

“Kinda. But I’m not sure my pony stomach could handle it.”

“I talked to Doctor Whooves back in Canterlot Castle about that very thing. He says that as long as it’s properly cooked a pony can eat a small amount of meat.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. The down side is that they’ll find it hard to chew. That and they won’t get much nutrition from it.”

He turns to Derpy again.

“So do you want to try it?”

“Okay. But just a small bite, please.”

Nodding, Arc cuts a small chunk and puts it in Derpy’s open mouth. She carefully chews it and puts a hoof to her chin.

“It’s very… interesting.”

Babs Seed grimaces. “Miss Derpy?”

“The texture is nothing like a cheeseburger.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Because it’s a different kind of meat?”

Arc nods. “That and because it’s not ground up like hamburger is.”

Apple Bloom appears concerned. “How’s the flavor, Miss Derpy?”

“It’s very nice. But swallowing it felt kinda funny.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Are you going to be okay?!”

“I believe so, yes.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Can I try some?”

“If it’s okay with your mother.”

Derpy nods. “That’s fine. Just a small piece though.”

Arc cuts another small chunk and carefully forks it into his daughter’s mouth. Chewing slowly she grins.

“That’s really good!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Dinky?”

“It’s so flavorful! Can I order that next time?!”

Derpy smiles nervously. “That might not be a good idea, sweetie.”

Arc nods. “Right. Doctor Whooves was very insistent that only small portions of meat should be eaten by equines.”

Babs Seed appears confused. “Equines?”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Ponies.”

Dinky pats her belly. “What if I was a human?!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin, thoughtfully. “That would probably work. But not this time though, sweetheart.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

Babs Seed grins. “Yeah! I wanna see Dinky as a human filly!”

“Well for starters, I don’t actually know that spell.”

Derpy motions to the door. “And Sereb isn’t here to cast it.”

Dinky shrugs. “That and we don’t have any clothes.”

Babs Seed frowns. “What do you need clothes for?”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Humans can’t be walking around without them. Rarity told me that when she was making Arc something a while back.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Applejack said something like that too. But I still don’t understand why.”

Arc chuckles. “If you became humans you’d figure it out pretty quick.”

Babs Seed looks hopeful. “Could we?”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Rarity could make up something.”

Arc chuckles. “Another time.”

Derpy giggles. “I think they’d all make very cute little girls.”

“If Dinky was any indication, you’re right.”

Dinky smiles at her friends. “And walking on my back legs was wild!”

Apple Bloom clops her front hooves together. “That sounds like fun!”

Babs Seed stands and taps her back hooves on the floor. “Yeah! I can’t wait until we can try it!”

Derpy giggles. “You’ll have to practice walking on your hind legs first.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “It can’t be THAT hard. After all, Pinkie Pie does it all the time.”

Arc nods. “And she probably had to practice a lot to get to that point.”

Dinky looks at her friends. “You three could do it.”

Derpy puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “Yes. After all I was able to figure it out with Arc’s help.”

They finish their food as the waiter walks over.

“Can I get you anything else?”

Arc looks around the table. “Anyone want dessert?”

“For breakfast, dad?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m having some.”

Derpy giggles. “That sounds lovely!”

Arc looks to the waiter. “We’ll each have a slice of chocolate cake and a scoop of ice cream please.”

“Very well. I’ll be right back.”

He leaves as Apple Bloom turns to Arc.

“This has been one hay of a strange breakfast, Arc.”

Babs Seed giggles. “Agreed. But it’s been a lot of fun!”

“Glad you’re happy. Tell me, how are you getting along with the Apple family, Babs?”

“It’s great! Way better than being at the orphanage in Vanhoover ever was!”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof around her cousin’s shoulder. “And we’re happy you’re here too!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Right!”

“That and I still get to see most of my old friends from the orphanage at school too.”

Arc smiles. “So you’re happy then?”

Babs Seed nods. “Very!”

“Good.”

“Dad?”

“Yes Dinky?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it, sweetheart?”

“Are you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Am I what?”

“Happy.”

“Of course, sweetheart. But what brought this up?”

Dinky sighs. “I’m just worried about your future.”

“Oh?”

“Maybe that wasn’t the best way to put it. What I mean is your relationship future.”

Derpy looks to her daughter. “You mean him getting married?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. How are things going with your friends?”

Apple Bloom frowns. “That’s kinda personal isn’t it?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Right. At least that’s what Rarity said when I asked her the same thing.”

“I suppose to most people it would be, yes. However all of you have a stake in this too, since your family members are my, uh… marefriends, I suppose. So to answer Dinky’s question, I haven’t actually had much time to get to know all of them yet.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “No dates or anything?”

“Well… I did have dinner with Rarity. Not really sure that counts as an official date though.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “I think it did. After all, you spent the night with her.”

Babs Seed gasps. “He did?”

“Yes. Rarity accidently burned my back with some very hot tea. After helping me shower she helped me to the bedroom and put salve on my back.”

Arc chuckles as he continues.

“Best night I’ve had yet.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you said Rarity hurt you.”

“She did, yes. But it gave us an opportunity to talk.”

Apple Bloom grins. “What about?”

“About our feelings mostly. And what we wanted.”

Arc turns to Sweetie Belle.

“That was when I realized that I was in love with your sister.”

Sweetie Belle looks around and lowers her voice. “So did you two… um… you know…?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I didn’t have sex with Rarity.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Would that have been bad?”

“At the time, yes. You see, Rarity was still really upset about what had happened and not in her right mind because of it. Had I done anything more with her, it would have been taking advantage of her fragile state of mind. In my opinion anyways.”

Babs Seed puts a hoof to her chin. “So a mare and a stallion having sex is a bad thing?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “That’s not how it was explained to me, no.”

Arc clears his throat. “Yes and no. Yes it’s bad if the timing is wrong or the mare doesn’t want that level of intimacy. No it’s not bad inasmuch as that’s how foals are made. Look around you. Everyone around this table… around this room… in this country and all of them really, they were all created by a male and female having sex.”

Babs Seed sighs. “I guess I just never thought about it that way before.”

Apple Bloom blushes slightly as she speaks. “My parents… I’ve seen the pictures of them in granny’s photo albums. They always looked to happy together. While I’ve always known that they must’ve had sex to make me, Big Mac, and Applejack… it just wasn’t something that I could picture them doing.”

Babs Seed shrugs. “But like he said, we all got started that way.”

Sweetie Belle sighs and bows her head. “Well… not all of us.”

Dinky puts a hoof on her friend’s fetlock. “We all know what happened to Rarity, Sweetie Belle. But none of that was your fault.”

“I know that. But everypony else at least had parents who wanted them. I was… a mistake.

Derpy smiles as she pats Sweetie Belle’s head. “As a mare whom was taken advantage of, I can honestly say that isn’t true.”

“How?”

“Unlike Rarity, I remember everything from that night. The sound of the crickets… the smell of woodsmoke from the campfire… the look of happiness on his face… and the feeling of warmth as the deed was done. Even though I was used by that stallion and tossed away when I got pregnant, I never once viewed Dinky as ‘a mistake’.”

“You don’t, mom?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No dear. You’re a very special little filly to me, and I’m very happy that you’re here.”

Dinky hugs her mother.

“I love you mom.”

“And I love you too, dear.”

A few moments later the waiter returns with a tray. Setting it in the center of the table he turns to Arc with the bill.

“Will there be anything else, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “That should do it, thanks.”

Removing a bag of bits from his ring, he gives them to the waiter.

“Keep the change.”

“Thank you, sir.”

As they eat, Dinky turns to her father.

“We got a little sidetracked there.”

“Oh?”

“On our conversation.”

“I suppose we did. Where were we?”

“We were just asking questions.”

“Do you have any more?”

Apple Bloom raises a hoof. “I have one.”

Arc turns to her. “Yes?”

“Have you gone out on a date with Applejack yet?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. The only ones I’ve dated already are Rarity and Fluttershy.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “What about Miss Hammer, dad?”

“Those were fact finding missions. Not real dates.”

Babs Seed giggles. “Anypony else?”

“Well, I’ve had dinner with Rainbow Dash and her parent’s several time now. It wasn’t what I would call a ‘date’ though.”

Sweetie Belle appears expectant. “Who are you going to date next then?”

“I haven’t actually given it much thought. Things have been crazy lately.”

Dinky points to her mother. “How about mom then?”

Derpy blushes deeply. “M-me?!”

Babs Seed giggles. “Yeah! I think they’d have a nice time together!”

Apple Bloom nods approvingly. “Right!”

Derpy wrings her hooves. “But… but I don’t have anything fancy to wear!”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s okay, Derpy. We can go casual if you want.”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “That won’t do! We can find you something special for this!”

Babs Seed nods. “Right. Somepony has to have something.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Well… I suppose I’d like to get out and do something. That is… if you’d like to, Arc.”

“Sure. But I guess that means there’s just one thing left to do.”

“What’s that, dad?”

“This.”

Arc turns to Derpy and takes her hoof in his hand.

“Derpy… would you like to go out with me?”

“Y-yes! Yes, I would! When would you like to go?!”

“Tonight work for you?”

“That it does!”

“Good. Now all we have to do is find someone to watch Dinky while we’re out.”

Dinky grins. “I’ll stay at the orphanage with the others like I normally do.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Usually do?”

Babs Seed shrugs. “Foals stay at the new orphanage while the adults sleep in the bunkhouse.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “It’s really nice being with all our friends.”

Apple Bloom clops her front hooves together happily. “You’ll see it when you come by to pick Miss Derpy up for your date.”

Babs Seed smiles. “So where are you two going?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I’m not actually sure.”

“Want some help planning something, dad?”

“Sure, sweetheart.”

The group finishes their dessert and leave the restaurant together.

Chapter 3 - Date Night

That evening, Arc and Dinky walk down the dusty road toward New Ponyville. Dinky turns to her father.

“How’re you doing, dad?”

“Okay, I guess.”

“Nervous?”

Arc sighs. “Admittedly, a little. Your mother and I have never gone out together.”

“Sure you have. Remember when we all went to ‘The Tasty Treat’ a while back?”

“I meant alone.”

“Oh! Well now I just plain feel silly.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully before continuing.

“You could think of it another way. She’s never been out with you alone either, dad.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes. At least not in a date setting.”

“While you went to get changed I ran over to the bunkhouse to check on mom.”

“She okay?”

“Kinda. Truth be told, she looked really worried.”

“But your friends are with her, right?”

Dinky nods. “Oh yes. They’re making sure her mane and coat are properly brushed. When I last saw them she was getting a hooficure.”

“A what?”

“It’s when a mare gets her hooves filed and shined.”

“Oh. Didn’t know that.”

Dinky giggles. “I thought you knew everything though, dad.”

Arc chuckles. “Ha, I wish.”

They continue on toward their destination. As the pair reach the bunkhouse Arc stops as Dinky runs in front of him, blocking the way.

“Wait!”

“Dinky?”

“Let me go in first.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I just want to make sure mom’s ready, that’s all.”

“Um… okay.”

Dinky heads in as Arc waits outside. Heading for the common restroom she finds Apple Bloom brushing her mother’s coat as Sweetie Belle does her mane.

“My dad’s outside! How’s it going?!”

Apple Bloom looks over her shoulder. “Miss Derpy’s coat is shining!”

Sweetie Belle puts down a brush. “That’s the best I can do with your mom’s mane, Dinky!”

Derpy sighs. “It’s never been very cooperative for me either.”

Babs Seed runs over to them with a small box.

“Miss Cheerilee said we could borrow anything in here!”

Derpy appears confused. “What’s in there?”

“Jewelry!”

Apple Bloom grins. “What kind of stuff does Arc like?!”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I remember Rarity telling me he liked her tiara and earrings when they went on her date!”

Babs rummages around in the box and frowns. “No tiaras in here! Just some silver earrings!”

Apple Bloom trots in place. “Just put something on her then!”

Dinky groans. “But silver will just blend in with her mane!”

Sweetie Belle turns to Babs. “Gold would really accentuate her features! There isn’t ANYTHING gold in there?!”

Babs shakes her head as she looks up. “None.”

Derpy shrugs. “Then I’ll just go like this.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “But this is a big day for you!”

Apple Bloom grins. “Right! You have to look your best!”

Babs points to the other ponies footlockers. “We could look for something to borrow.”

Dinky grimaces. “I don’t think we should be going through other ponies’ belongings without permission though.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “This is kinda an emergency though!”

Apple Bloom: They’ll understand!

Derpy looks to the box. “Let me see.”

Babs approaches and holds the jewelry box open. Derpy pulls out a simple silver necklace and smiles.

“This looks nice.”

Sweetie Belle looks at the necklace. “Like I said before, it won’t really stand out against your coat though.”

“Well, I like how it looks. And I think Arc will too.”

Dinky nods. “Fine, mom. After all, this is your night.”

Apple Bloom nods as she helps fasten the latch behind Derpy’s neck. “I got this.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Alright. That’s all we can do then.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “You do look very nice though, Miss Derpy.”

Babs appears apprehensive. “Do you think her date will agree?”

“I’m sure my dad will, yes.”

Derpy takes a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s go see him.”

Dinky leads her mother toward the door. Opening it she calls out to her father.

“She’s ready, dad!”

The pair step outside as Derpy looks away shyly.

“H-how do I look?”

“Very nice.”

“Dad and I came up with a number of things you two could do on your date.”

Arc pulls out a piece of paper. “Got it all wrote down.”

“Good. Shall we get moving then, Arc?”

“Sure. If you’re ready we can get underway.”

“I am.”

Stepping toward Arc, he calls forth his gauntlet and places a sigil on the ground. Derpy stands next to him as he looks to Dinky.

“You going to be okay while we’re gone?”

Dinky nods. “The rest of the townsponies will be getting out of work soon. I’ll get supper from the orphanage with them before we get back to playing.”

Derpy smiles at her daughter. “Don’t stay up too late sweetie.”

“I won’t.”

Arc chuckles. “Good. See you four later.”

Powering up the sigil, Arc and Derpy vanish as Dinky and the others wave. Reappearing in the middle of an empty field, Derpy looks around.

“Where… are we?”

“Baltimare.”

“A park?”

Arc sighs. “Not exactly. I made this sigil when I was here helping with the relief effort.”

“When those buildings went down?”

“Yeah. The one I was at is a mile or so down the road.”

“Then why’s there a sigil here?”

“I came here to be alone for a while and think.”

“Did it help?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Oh yes. It was on this very spot that I swore to myself that I’d make sure Decimus paid for this! And Celestia too if she had anything to do with it!”

He sighs and puts a hand to his forehead before continuing.

“I’m sorry. We’re supposed to be on a date right now. That and there’s nothing I can do at the moment to make good on that promise.”

Derpy smiles. “And I know that you’ll keep it when the time is right.”

“That I will.”

Leading Derpy toward the lights of the city, Arc looks at her as she marvels at the sights all around her.

“Everything’s so big!”

“That’s true. I wasn’t aware ponies could make buildings this large when I first arrived.”

“What do you want to do first?”

“You hungry?”

Derpy nods. “I am actually.”

“How about some pizza?”

“You know of a good place?”

“Dinky called Pinkie in Canterlot to ask. She says there’s a famous place just down the street. The only real question now is would you like to take a cab or walk?”

“I’d like to walk if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure. This way.”

Leading her down the street, Arc turns into a small pizzeria. The pair slip into a booth as a waitress walks over with two cups of water and her order pad.

“What can I get ya?”

Arc smiles at her. “I’d like a cheese pizza please.”

The waitress turns to Derpy. “And you hun?”

“The same please.”

“It’d be cheaper if you order one large instead.”

“Sure. That sounds nice.”

She nods and heads back to the kitchen. A short time later the mare returns with a piping hot pizza. Setting it down in front of them she looks to the pair.

“Now be careful. This just came out of the oven.”

Derpy giggles. “It smells great!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Thanks.”

The waitress leaves them to their meal as Arc serves Derpy a slice.

“Better let this cool a bit first.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. But it’s going to be hard to do that, what with how good it smells.”

“Can I ask you something Arc?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Why did you choose Baltimare for our date?”

“I didn’t.”

“Oh?”

“Dinky did.”

“But she’s only been here once.”

Arc chuckles. “And that was enough to impress her apparently.”

Derpy sighs happily. “She’s such a dear.”

“That she is.”

“You’re a wonderful role model for her.”

Arc sighs. “When I’m around.”

“Either way she really looks up to you.”

“I guess she could do worse.”

“That’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Dinky?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. What… do you suppose the future holds for her?”

Good things, I hope.”

“But you remember what Kronos said when it took her, right?”

Arc frowns. “That they needed to restore balance.”

“I still don’t get that.”

“Neither do I.”

“Do you suppose something bad is going to happen to her?!”

“Hopefully not. For both her sake and Kronos.”

“Oh?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Because if that creep lets something bad happen to her, I’ll personally find and give them the beating of a lifetime!”

“It said she was important though, so I can’t imagine them letting any harm come to her.”

“I wouldn’t put too much faith in them though. At least Dinky has a good head on her shoulders.”

“That she does. The way she led Sereb and her friends to look for you was, in hindsight, very brave.”

“Hopefully she never has need to do that again though.”

Derpy sighs. “I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“Here we are on a date and all I’m doing is talking about negative matters.”

“It wasn’t negative. It was Dinky.”

“I could talk about her all day.”

“So could I. But why don’t we try some of this pizza now?”

Derpy nods happily. “Yes! Let’s!”

Picking their respective slices up carefully, Arc and Derpy take a bite. Arc is the first to speak.

“That’s great!”

“Yes! It might even be better than Roberto’s!”

Arc chuckles. “Let’s not get carried away now.”

Derpy takes a sip of water and sticks out her tongue.

“That bite was a bit hot!”

“You alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Guess we’d better wait a bit longer then.”

“Sure. It’ll give us time to talk some more.”

Arc smiles nervously. “Can I ask you something a bit… embarrassing?”

“Anything, Arc.”

“What are your hobbies?”

Derpy appears confused. “I don’t understand.”

“The question?”

“No. What a hobby is.”

“It’s something you do on your free time that you enjoy.”

“Ah! That would be spending time with Dinky.”

“Derpy, that’s not a hobby. It’s parenting.”

“Can’t it be both?”

“Not… exactly. At least I don’t think so. A hobby is something you do in your spare time for fun.”

“But that’s what I do.”

Arc groans. “Okay, what about when Dinky’s gone?”

“Like at a friend’s house?”

“Right.”

“Clean.”

“Not exactly a hobby either.”

“But I enjoy it.”

“Okay, what if Dinky was at a friend’s house AND you were completely done cleaning? Then what would you do?”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I… don’t really know. It’s never actually happened before. But I guess I would take a nap or rest as best I was able.”

Arc chuckles as Derpy smiles nervously. She bows her head and sighs.

“Um… I’m not very good at this, am I?”

Arc shrugs. “Considering your upbringing, I don’t hold it against you.”

Derpy sighs. “Until I came to Ponyville, I wasn’t aware that ‘fun’ even existed.”

“What did you think others did with their free time?”

“That’s another thing I didn’t know existed.”

“Free time?”

“I was under the impression that everypony just kinda got up, worked, came home, and went to bed.”

Arc sighs. “Your dad really didn’t teach you anything, did he?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. And because of it I’m just so far behind the rest of the world.”

“But you’ve done a great job catching up.”

“Thanks in part to you.”

“Considering how often I’m gone, I can’t really take credit for that.”

“Well, I do know that Twilight and her friends helped me acclimate to normal pony society.”

“Can I ask how?”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… Twilight gave me a basic education. Telling me who the princesses were, some simple history, and bit of reading. The last thing was after I tried to help Dinky learn and quickly found that I needed to do so as well.”

“Twilight’s pretty good at explaining things, yes.”

“Applejack taught me some basic cooking skills. I really had no idea how food came to be back then. Well, I guess I did know a few things. Like that bread was mostly flour and water, but not much else. She started teaching me when she stopped by and I was just pulling a bread pan out of the oven.”

Derpy sighs before continuing.

“It was literally just cooked flour and water.”

“Oh my!”

“She showed me what a cookbook was and taught me how to measure things out. This was after I had learned basic reading from Twilight though.”

“And now you’re cooking for an entire orphanage full of foals.”

“Yes! And loving it! But it wasn’t all success stories.”

“What happened?”

“Rarity tried to show me how to do my mane. Even she couldn’t do much with it though. That and Pinkie attempted to show me how to have fun. But at the time I was still too shy to do much. And Rainbow Dash did her best to teach me how to fly faster for some reason.”

“What about Fluttershy?”

“She introduced me to nature. We gathered food for her animals and she taught me a little bit about each one.”

“How’d that go?”

“Pretty good actually. I learned that this world is full of many different creatures. While I knew that before, a lot of animals I thought to be merely fairy tales turned out to be real.”

“Such as…?”

“The platypus for starters.”

“That one is kinda out there in terms of believability I must admit.”

“It just goes to show just how big our world really is. And that I was just letting it pass me by.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’m glad you found your place in it.”

Derpy grins as she picks up her now cooled pizza. “So am I.”

Chapter 4 - A Night on the Town

Sometime later they leave the pizzeria together. Derpy turns to him happily.

“Thank you for dinner, Arc. That was very tasty.”

“You’re welcome. But now we move on to the next item on our list.”

Derpy appears confused. “Oh? What’s that?”

“Some window shopping.”

“What for?”

“Originally my plan was to just walk the streets and buy you something special. But we should probably see if we can find you a hobby.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t really know. Let’s just start and see what we come across.”

Walking down the street together they look at each display as they pass. Derpy marvels at the selection.

“There’s a lot of things to buy here!”

“Kinda like Earth in that regard. Always something new available for sale.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Not really. At least not for most people.”

“Oh?”

“Some folks need to have the most up to date product available. The latest model car. The most advanced computer. The most cutting-edge fashions.”

“Why though?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not really sure. While I do my best to take care of what I have, at the same time I want to enjoy it. If you’re constantly upgrading… looking forward to the next best thing, you have a hard time appreciating that which you already have.”

“That doesn’t sound like much fun to me.”

“It’s their choice to make though. While I’m not trying to say that they’re wrong, that kind of thing isn’t for me.”

Derpy giggles. “That’s nice. Even though you could probably afford to buy out half a store, you don’t…”

She stops walking and looks in a window at a display.

“Wow! They’re pretty!”

“Jewelry?”

Derpy nods. “Dinky and her friends borrowed some from Miss Cheerilee. However it was all silver.”

“Is that bad?”

“With a gray coat, yes.”

“How about gold?”

“That would look nice, I think.”

Arc motions to the door. “Then let’s go.”

“Inside?”

“It’s kinda hard to try it on from out here, right?”

“I suppose so. But do you really think I’d look okay?”

“One way to find out.”

Leading Derpy into the shop the pair approach the counter. A salesmare approaches as they do.

“Welcome. What can I help you with today?”

Arc gestures to Derpy. “I’d like to get my marefriend here something nice.”

“Were you looking for something in particular?”

Derpy appears suddenly nervous. “I… don’t really know what I want.”

“Let’s start with the categories then. We have hoof protectors, necklaces, tiaras, and earrings.”

“What would you recommend? I mean… you see, um…”

Arc clears his throat. “She’s never actually owned jewelry before.”

The salesmare nods. “Then you should start small.”

Reaching into a cabinet, the mare pulls out a tray of earrings. Setting them down before the pair she points to a simple gold pair to one side.

“This is our basic set. It would go very well with your coat and mane.”

Pointing to another pair, the mare continues.

“Or if you’d like something a bit more, I’d recommend this pair with amethysts.”

Derpy grins. “Those look nice!”

Arc nods. “Can she try them on?”

“Of course.”

Setting the earrings on the counter, the mare looks confused as Derpy attempts to simply put them inside her ear canal. Arc puts a hand on her hoof.

“Derpy, wait!”

Derpy sighs. “Sorry. I’ve never actually seen somepony with earrings, so I don’t know how to put them on or even where they go.”

The mare smiles. “Ah! Well… shall I help you with that?”

“Yes please.”

Picking up the earrings, she walks around the counter and carefully clips them to Derpy’s ears before stepping back.

“There you are.”

Arc smiles. “How do they feel, Derpy?”

Derpy puts a hoof to her ear. “I don’t hardly feel anything. Are they really there?”

Making a gesture with a hoof, the salesmare nods. “Have a look in the mirror. I think you’ll like what you see.”

Turning to a nearby mirror on the counter Derpy examines her ears. Putting a hoof to her ear she pokes it.

“I… don’t really know if this is good or not. What do you think, Arc?”

“That you look really pretty.”

She blushes slightly as Arc walks up behind her and puts his hands on her shoulders as he speaks.

“Do you want them?”

Derpy sighs. “I do, yes. But I didn’t bring any money.”

“It’s okay. I’ll buy them for you.”

“Thank you. I’d like that.”

Arc removes a bag of bits from his ring and pays the mare whom has returned to her place behind the counter. Nodding in acceptance of the payment she turns to Derpy.

“Shall I box them up for you, miss?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Thank you, but I’d like to wear them out.”

She turns to Arc.

“Would that be okay?”

“Sure. But would you like to look at anything else while we’re here?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No thank you. This is enough for me.”

After thanking the salesmare the pair head for the door and return to the street. As they continue on their way Derpy looks up to Arc.

“Thank you for the earrings. I really like these a lot.”

“You’re welcome. And you really do look very nice in them. Anything else you’d like to look for?”

“Nothing in particular, no. But I am enjoying the walk.”

“So you want to keep window shopping? We might come across something hobby-like. Not sure if that’s a word, but”

Derpy interrupts him. “Actually… might I know if there’s something else interesting to do on your list?”

Arc pulls out the paper. “Sure. Let’s see here…”

He looks it over for a moment before speaking.

“We could go to the symphony.”

“What’s that?”

“A large group of musicians that play musical instruments together in front of an audience.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing! Is it good?”

Arc nods. “The ones back on Earth are. Would you like to try it?”

Derpy smiles nervously. “Is it… loud?”

“Kinda. Would that be a problem?”

“Maybe. I’m not really sure how I’d do in a loud, crowded place.”

“Let’s try something else then.”

“Okay.”

Arc continues looking. “Hm… there’s the Manehattan Aquarium a few blocks away.”

“What’s an aquarium?”

“In this case it’s a building filled with lots of fish in tanks.”

“Fish? Like tuna?”

“Well, I don’t know if they have that here in Equestria. Wait, how did you know about tuna?”

“I saw a can of it back in your house. It was a really strange looking creature though. Do all fish look like that?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. There’s lots of different kinds of fish. Some are really colorful while others, like tuna, are more plain looking.”

Derpy smiles. “Then that’s what I’d like to see.”

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Walking to the large building, they enter and walk up to the counter. Arc purchases tickets for them and they enter the otherwise empty building. Looking all around Derpy gasps.

“They’re so colorful!”

Arc nods. “That they are.”

She runs up to the glass and puts her front hooves on it in an attempt to get closer to the fish inside. Arc walks over and joins her.

“Looks like Equestrian fish are kinda like those on Earth.”

“How so?”

“So much variety. They’re colorful and very unique in their own way though.”

“And these fish all live here in Equestria?!”

Arc nods as he looks to a nearby sign. “In the ocean actually.”

“Any from lakes?!”

Arc looks around. “None that I can see, no.”

“I wonder why not.”

“Probably because they’re plain looking.”

Derpy frowns. “But they must be interesting in their own way!”

“I suppose so. But ponies don’t come here to see things that they could find locally. They want to see unique and exotic.”

“Can we sit down? I’d just like to watch them for a while.”

Arc nods “Sure.”

Leading Derpy over to a bench they pair sit and watch the fish for a long time silently. Derpy appears mesmerized for a time before turning to him.

“Arc? Can I ask you something?”

“Always.”

“Forgive me if this sounds weird, but… what do you want in a marefriend?”

Arc looks up at the ceiling as he responds. “Well… I suppose someone nice for starters. Someone I could talk to easily without feeling like I’m walking on eggshells.”

“Companionship minded?”

“Right.”

“Anything else?”

“Not really. At least nothing I can think of off the top of my head.”

“How about somepony pretty?”

Arc shakes his head. “Low priority for me.”

“It is?”

“Right. I don’t really care how they look on the outside if their personality isn’t good.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow, confused. “Not sure I understand.”

“Let me put it this way. Back on Earth there’s always stories in the news of famous people with amazingly good looking spouses whom get caught cheating.”

“With somepony else?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“But I thought you said they were married to somepony beautiful.”

“They are. Or were.”

“Then why cheat?”

Arc boops Derpy’s nose. “Exactly.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Any number of reasons, I suppose. But in my mind it’s because they got married for the wrong reasons.”

“Oh?”

“Only being attracted to their spouse’s body, wanting something new, anger at their partner, lack of attention, or any other number of motives.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her forehead. “This is very confusing.”

“Sorry. I just don’t know any other way to put it. But can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“What do YOU want in a boyfriend? Or I guess it’d be called as ‘stallionfriend’ here in Equestria.”

“Honestly, I really just want somepony whom can help me take care of Dinky. Be a father figure to her.”

“Nothing else?”

“Well, there is more. But that’s at the top of the list.”

“Ah!”

Derpy turns to look at the fish again as she talks. “He’d be there for me emotionally, of course. Somepony to keep me and my little muffin safe. That and be smarter than I am. Not that it’d be too hard in that regard.”

“Anything else?”

“Just one more thing. I know this might sound strange coming from me, but… I’d like him to be like my father.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait… what?”

“Not cruel, of course. But somepony whom had the means to provide for Dinky and I. Food, a home, and meet our other basic needs. Even if it was just a shack and all we had to eat was hay, I’d still be happy as long as we were all healthy, warm, and safe.”

“And you think I can do that?”

Derpy takes his hand and smiles as she speaks.

“I know you can, Arc. You’ve already been doing it for some time now.”

Arc looks away. “Well, if that’s the case, I need to do a better job of it.”

Derpy sighs. “Are you worried about not being there for Dinky in the past?”

“It’s true.”

“Arc, you need to forgive yourself for what’s behind us.”

“But Dinky needs…!”

Derpy puts a hoof to Arc’s mouth before speaking.

“Dinky needs a full time father, yes. And you’re the only one I can see being able to fill that role.”

“I…”

“Arc, stop. Stop and listen to me.”

Derpy looks Arc in the eye for a long moment.

“I love you. Dinky loves you. And you love us. What else needs to be said?”

“Admittedly I don’t have an answer for that.”

“Well, I do.”

“Oh?”

Derpy smiles warmly. “A simple ‘I’ll do my best’ would suffice.”

“That’s what I’ve been doing though.”

“And that’s all I, or anypony else can ask of you.”

She looks up at the fish once more before continuing.

“But I do understand your mentality.”

“You do?”

Derpy nods. “I’ve been struggling with those thoughts myself.”

Pointing to a group of colorful fish swimming by, Derpy sighs.

“They kinda remind me of Twilight and her friends.”

“How so?”

“So lively and diverse.”

“What about you?”

Derpy sighs as she points to a starfish on the floor of the tank. “There. That’s me. Plain as the day is long.”

“Like I told you before, Derpy. I don’t really care too much about outward appearances.”

“Well, how would somepony like me go about making themselves more beautiful?”

“Derpy…”

“Jewelry? Makeup? Outfits?”

“Just be yourself.”

Derpy jumps to her hooves. “But I honestly want to become MORE!”

“For Dinky?”

“And you!”

Arc sighs. “We really are like two peas in a pod.”

Derpy sits back. “Yeah, I guess so.”

She turns to him nervously.

“I would still like to improve though. Partially for Dinky and myself, of course. But also for you.”

“And I want the same for myself.”

Derpy giggles. “We’ll do it for each other then.”

Arc chuckles. “That we can agree on.”

A few hours later Arc and Derpy leave the aquarium. They slowly walk down the street together as Derpy speaks.

“This has been an amazing night, Arc.”

“That it has.”

“I had a great time. But it’s getting really late.”

“Would you like to head back now?”

Derpy stops walking. Arc turns to her as she look up to him soberly.

“I… wouldn’t.”

“Huh?”

Derpy sits down on her haunches and wrings her hooves. “It’s just… um…”

“Would you like me to take you somewhere special?”

“Yes!”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Kneeling down he picks Derpy up and carries her in his arms like a baby. Walking through the swirling energies they reappear in near total darkness. Derpy calls out to him.

“Arc? Where are we?”

“A very special place.”

Setting Derpy down carefully, Arc turns and casts a Telekinesis Spell. A large curtain slides aside exposing a truly massive window. Derpy walks over to it and gasps as she looks out.

“We’re… we’re so HIGH!”

“The top floor actually.”

“Of where…?”

“A very fancy hotel in the heart of Manehattan.”

He gestures to a large mat. Walking towards it, Arc uses his magic to light the wood in the fireplace. A cozy glow covers the room as Arc sits down with Derpy.

“Nice?”

Derpy looks away and blushes slightly. “Yes, but… I’m not sure what Dinky would say if she knew we were doing this.”

Arc chuckles. “It was her idea.”

“It was?”

“Yes.”

“But why…?”

“Derpy… Dinky told me something that I’d like to share with you in private.”

“What is it?”

“She said that before everyone relocated to Abyssinia… um… you would sometimes… talk in your sleep.”

“I did?”

Arc nods. “According to her, yes.”

“What… did I say?”

“Not much in the way of words. But there was a lot of giggling, hoof movements, and… you saying my name.”

Derpy blushes heavily and looks away. Arc puts a hand on her cheek and turns it back to himself.

“It’s okay. I’m not upset, or anything.”

“You’re not?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But is there something you want to tell me?”

“I… um… it’s really hard to say.”

She is silent for a few moments before looking up to him nervously and speaking.

“Arc… some nights, I… I lie there and… and dream of… you.”

“Do you now?”

Derpy nods as she turns red. “Yes, I do. And… they’re not exactly the kind of dreams you tell a filly about.”

“Dinky figured as much. That’s why she didn’t bring it up to you.”

“What did she do then?”

“Got herself a drink or used the bathroom. Whatever she originally got up to do. But she did have the foresight to tell me about it. In private, mind you.”

Derpy sighs. “In that case I’d better just tell you.”

“Okay.”

Taking a deep breath, Derpy turns to look Arc in the eye.

“You know what Moonlit Dusk did to me. How he used me for… certain things.”

Arc nods. “I do.”

“In my dreams, I was doing those things again. But this time it’s with you.

She sighs and looks at the floor.

“You must think I’m a terrible mare for fantasizing about this.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Such things are only natural.”

“So it’s normal to want somepony to… um… breed me?”

Arc blushes slightly. “Kinda, yeah. That is if it’s someone you really care about.”

Derpy stands and gives her wings a quick flap to get some air. Landing in Arc’s lap she sits down and pushes against his chest. Knocking him to the floor she lies down on top and looks Arc in the eye.

“Arc… I love you.”

She leans forward and gently kisses Arc’s lips. They nuzzle noses for a few moments before Arc wraps his arms around her back and rolls over. On all fours he looks down at the smiling mare lying on the rug before him.

“And I love you too, Derpy.”

Leaning forward, Arc puts his arms around Derpy and kisses her passionately. She wraps her hooves around his shoulders as they continue to kiss. Moaning slightly, Derpy also wraps her hind legs around Arc’s back in an effort to get closer to him. The pair remain in that position for… well… let’s just say a significant amount of time.

Chapter 5 - Accidental Altercation

Arc awakens early the next morning. Derpy’s head still lies on his chest where she was the previous night. Gently stroking her mane, he calls out to her.

“Derpy?”

Slowly opening her eyes, she looks up at him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“Last night. Waking up like this… it’s amazing.”

“I had a great time too. But we should probably get back to Abyssinia now.”

Derpy sighs. “Yes, I know.”

As he moves to sit up Derpy leans forward and pushes him back down.

“Arc, I… just wanted to say something before we go.”

“What is it?”

“You know my past. How I was… used by Moonlit Dusk.”

She smiles and blushes slightly before continuing.

“Whether he tried to or not, he… put his seed in me. Even now I can remember that warm feeling inside me. Arc… while I admit that I wasn’t in love with him, that feeling was still amazing.”

“So you want me to…?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. Even if you can’t give me a foal I’d still like to feel you inside me someday.”

“I admit, that does sound really nice. But it might not be for a while.”

Derpy smiles. “Yes, I understand and can wait.”

Allowing him to sit up, Arc stands and walks over to the large window. Holding out a hand, he lowers the moon and raises the sun as Derpy looks on. Turning back to her he smiles and extends a hand.

“Shall we go?”

Derpy nods. Arc takes her by the hoof and opens a portal. Leading her through it they arrive on the sigil in front of the New Ponyville Town Hall. Sereb sits up and stretches as Derpy looks up at him and sighs contentedly.

“Thank you for the date, Arc. I had a great time.”

“So did…”

He is cut off as his earring chirps.

“Excuse me.”

Touching it, Arc speaks.

“Go ahead.”

“Arc, it’s Twilight!”

“What’s wrong?!”

“We’ve just received a transmission from Redemption Village! Auriel says she needs to see you there right away!”

“Any idea why?!”

“She didn’t want to talk about it on the radio, but said it was extremely urgent! I’m sorry to interrupt your break, but you have a sigil there and are already authorized to deal with whatever the matter is at hoof!”

“I’ll look into it.”

Twilight sounds relieved. “Thank you. I’m sending The Equinox there as we speak. It should reach the town in about an hour. Scootaloo, Ember, and Hammer will also be aboard to help.”

“Alright. I’ll head over and see what I can do.”

“Be careful!”

“I will. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Turning to Derpy he sighs.

“Sorry.”

Derpy smiles. “It’s okay. I know you have a job to do.”

Nodding, Arc opens a portal as Sereb silently approaches it.

“Take care of Dinky while I’m gone.”

“I will.”

Walking through, Arc finds himself on the outskirts of Redemption Village. Calling forth his armor and spear he jumps on Sereb’s back and hurries toward the Town Hall. Noticing the lack of anyone on the streets, he frowns.

“This isn’t good.”

Sereb growls. “Agreed.”

Arriving, Arc enters the building and calls out.

“Anyone here!”

Auriel steps out from behind a machine and hurries over to him.

“Arc! Oh thank goodness you’re here!”

“What’s going on?”

“The townsponies think that the demons are trying to escape Tartarus!”

“Are they?”

Auriel looks away sheepishly. “Kinda.”

“Auriel, if you know something…”

“It’s… complicated. Right now we should go see my father. He can probably explain things better.”

Sereb frowns. “And the citizens?”

Auriel points toward the door. “Everyone is in the cave preparing to defend Equestria.”

Arc groans. “Oh boy. Let’s go!”

Heading to the Gates of Tartarus they find everyone clad in their old armor and holding weapons. Mythic Honor sports his old blue cloak and stands at the head of the town’s forces. Arc and Auriel hurry over to him.

“Arc! Glad you could make it!”

Arc sighs. “Me too. What’s going on?”

Mythic Honor nods toward the Gates. “Not much at the moment! Personally I think this is all a bunch of nonsense!”

Auriel gestures to the citizens. “Then why mobilize everyone like this?”

“Because this isn’t your normal everyday nonsense! This time it’s SERIOUS nonsense!”

Arc facepalms. “I won’t even pretend to understand.”

Auriel sighs. “Me either.”

Arc turns to Auriel. “We should probably head in there and investigate.”

“Agreed.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Um… actually that’s going to be a bit of a problem.”

Mythic Honor appears confused. “How?! You’ve done this more times than I’ve washed my robe!”

“I used my cape to negate the barrier in the past. But it was pretty much destroyed when… you know.”

Auriel gasps. “So there’s no way in?!”

“Well… let me think for a second.”

Putting a hand to his chin thoughtfully, Arc considers the problem for a few minutes before snapping his fingers.

“I got it!”

Mythic Honor cackles. “Dermatitis?!”

Auriel smiles. “An idea?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Well… to the second thing anyways. But I’m going to need to call in for reinforcements.”

Heading outside the cave, Arc touches his earring and speaks. A few minutes later he returns to the others.

“Okay, it’s all set up.”

Auriel frowns. “What is?”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “Jell-O, perhaps?!”

“My backup plan to get into Tartarus.”

Mythic Honor looks around. “Did you leave a spare key under the mat, or something?!”

“In a manner of speaking.”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out his pocket watch and looks at the time before speaking again.

“We just have to wait for five more minutes.”

Mythic Honor grins. “For the oven timer?!”

“You’ll see.”

Five minutes later Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. A few moments later Twilight steps out and turns to them. Everyone gasps and hastily bows as she approaches Arc.

“Glad you could make it.”

Twilight sighs. “I wish it was under better circumstances.”

Auriel nods soberly. “So do I.”

“Are you doing alright here, Auriel?”

“Yes, Twilight. But not as well as back at the library.”

Twilight nods as her ears droop. “I miss those days too. Maybe one day we can go back to the way things used to be.”

“I’d like that.”

Arc clears his throat. “Sorry to interrupt, but we should probably get this underway.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

Her horn aglow, Twilight casts a strange spell. A wormhole opens as she turns to Arc.

“There you are. One portal to Tartarus.”

“Thanks.”

Raising a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal of his own.

“And here’s your return portal to Canterlot Castle.”

“Thanks. Be careful in there you two.”

Auriel smiles. “We will.”

Arc nods. “I’ll let you know when we figure something out.”

“Please do.”

Arc and Auriel, along with Sereb, step through the wormhole as Twilight takes Arc’s portal back to Canterlot Castle. The pair quickly find themselves inside the large temple-like building. Heading for the door, Arc turns to Sereb.

“You ready for a bit of a walk, big guy?”

“Always.”

Auriel hurries to stand in front of him. “Uh, Arc?”

“Yes?”

“There’s something you should probably know before we go on.”

“What is it?”

“The demons of Tartarus have made quite a few… improvements since you were here last.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I think so.”

Sereb motions to the door. “We’ll see for ourselves shortly.”

Grabbing the handle, Arc pulls it open and looks across the expanse. Gasping, he stands there wordlessly for a long moment. Eventually Arc turns to Auriel.

“A FEW improvements?!”

Auriel shrugs. “Well, it’s no longer barren.”

Arc gestures with a sweeping motion of his gauntlet. “This place looks like a bona-fide forest!”

“It kinda is. If you’ll follow me though I’ll explain on the way.”

“Please do.”

As they hop onto Sereb’s back and walk down the path Auriel pulls a hand drawn map from her pocket. Unfolding it she holds it out to him and points.

“We’re here at the temple. This road will take us through the forest to the jungle. From there we take the crossroads toward the farmland. That’s where the Enclave is. And as you know it’s in view of Vengeance.”

Arc looks at the map as he speaks. “But how did all of this come to pass?!”

“I could tell you. However I think I’ll let Aurora do that.”

“She’s here?!”

“Kinda. Watch.”

Taking a deep breath Auriel calls out.

“AURORA!!!”

Her voice echoes through the trees. A few moments later a small whirlwind of leaves appears before them as Aurora materializes from it.

“Hello again, Auriel.”

She looks to Arc and smiles.

“And it is good to see you again too, Arc.”

“How are things going around here?”

“It is an… interesting time from what I gather.”

Auriel appears nervous. “Any changes?”

Aurora shakes her head. “None at the moment. But I’m sure your father will be happy to see you again. At least on this side of the Gates.”

She joins them in walking down the path. Arc turns to her.

“So… how did all this happen?”

“Aurora does not understand the question.”

Arc gestures to the trees around them. “I do remember having seeds sent over, of course. But nothing like this!”

“They were sent by our caretakers.”

Auriel puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “Twilight and I sent a case of nearly every type of common seed imaginable. That and a book on what each looked like.”

Aurora nods. “It was a simple matter to grow samples and collect seeds from them to create offspring.”

Arc looks around again. “I guess you’ve both been busy then.”

Auriel sighs “More so than I thought I would be. Aurora too, of course.”

Aurora nods. “Yes, the demons here have started calling us a very strange name.”

Auriel giggles. “It’s a title actually. Some demons now call Aurora the ‘Green Goddess’.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Worship?”

“Think of it more like great respect.”

Aurora shrugs. “Yes. But might I offer quicker transport to the capital?”

Auriel frowns. “What did you have in mind?”

Aurora turns and looks to the tree line. She stands there for a few moments before three large beetles hurry out and over to them. Auriel falls over backwards in fear.

“What are…?!”

“Creature indigenous to this land.”

Arc chuckles as he helps Auriel up. “I remember the Vile Tribe used to domesticate them for transporting things.”

“These are their descendants. Shall I ask them to carry us to our destination?”

Arc pats the saddle before him. “I’ll stick with Sereb, thanks.”

Auriel nervously looks the creatures over. “Well I admit, it would save a lot of walking.”

Aurora: Very well.

Turning to them, she makes several strange movements. The beetles line up before them and kneel down to allow themselves to be mounted. Aurora quickly does so and motions to Auriel to do the same. Auriel appears skittish at the concept.

“Maybe I’ll just fly behind you two.”

Arc shrugs. “I guess if you want to.”

Aurora speaks up. “There is another option.”

“Oh?”

“If you are put off by these creature’s appearance perhaps you should sit on Arc’s genitals for comfort.”

Arc gasps. “Wait, what?!”

Auriel blushes. “I don’t really see how that would help.”

Aurora tilts her head to one side, confused. “We witnessed such a thing being done by the demons to their offspring though.”

Arc gulps as the blood drains from his face. “I… really don’t know if I want to figure this one out.”

“The young ones seemed to be enjoying themselves at the time.”

Sereb groans. “That actually makes it sound worse!”

Auriel gasps and snaps her fingers. “I think she means they were sitting on their mother’s laps, Arc.”

“…oh.”

Aurora nods. “Yes, that’s it. In any case, Sereb could carry the two of you if that would help, Auriel.”

“It would, actually. Arc?”

“Fine with me.”

Helping Auriel up into the saddle, Arc climbs up in front of her. Sitting down he looks over his shoulder.

“You might want to hold on to me.”

Nodding, Auriel wraps her arms around Arc’s midsection as Aurora mounts her own beetle. Patting it, they lurch ahead. In no time they reach the capital city. Arc looks around as they head for the palace.

“Green everywhere.”

Sereb nods. “Even on the buildings.”

Aurora smiles as she inhales deeply. “Yes, the demons say they like the sights and smells of the plants so much that they want them everywhere.”

Arc looks to their hostess. “But how do they survive? I mean, it doesn’t rain down here.”

“The plants in the city require manual watering.”

Auriel frowns. “Water is a fairly precious commodity here though.”

“To keep up with demand the king ordered more wells to be dug and pumps constructed based on the design used to maintain the Enclave. We did help with that too.”

Arc puts a hand to his helmet. “It’s definitely more humid here now.”

Auriel grins. “My father was telling me about that recently. Apparently the nights aren’t as cold either. At least within the city limits.”

“Natural insulation.”

Aurora smiles as several demon young wave to her happily from their homes. “Yes. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the plants and demons. They tend to them and in turn their dwellings are kept at a more amicable temperature.”

Reaching the palace the trio dismounts. Arc helps Auriel down as Aurora motions for them to follow her. Going up the steps the guards at the top stand aside to allow them entrance. Walking down a massive corridor they arrive at an equally large double doors. Auriel turns to Arc soberly.

“Ahead is the Throne Room where my father holds audiences.”

“I figured as much considering the size of this place.”

“No one can see him without a summons though.”

Aurora appears confused. “Oh?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Not even you, Auriel?”

“Other than me, I suppose. But I don’t typically bother him with things.”

She looks down at the floor nervously before continuing.

“That and he doesn’t actually know I’m here.”

Arc frowns. “Is that a problem?”

“Maybe. After all, he did tell me to keep what happened between us.”

“What DID happen?”

“I should probably let him tell you that.”

Entering, they see King Malevolence sitting on a large podium as several smaller demons stand around him. As the trio approaches the demons present part, bow, and allow them to pass. The king calls out to them.

“LEAVE US!”

Scurrying out of the room, the massive doors are shut behind them. The king steps down from his place as Aurora raises a hand to him. Slowly but surely he shrinks in size until the demon is only a foot or so taller than Arc. Holding out his arms to Auriel she steps forward and gives her father a hug.

“It is good to finally see you again, father.”

“Likewise, Auriel.”

Aurora appears confused. “But you see each other every day.”

Auriel sighs. “Looking through the Gates of Tartarus is not the same thing.”

“How so?”

Arc nods. “For starters, they can’t hug.”

“While we do not understand this concept of ‘hugging’ it is likely that we should move on to the matter at hand.”

Arc sighs. “Very well.”

He turns to the king.

“What seems to be the problem?”

“As our new goddess told you just a few moments ago, Auriel and I speak nearly every day at the Gates along with Aurora.”

Auriel smiles. “Living so close in Redemption Village has made such a wonderful thing possible.”

Aurora nods. “I come along to shrink him down as I did a few moments ago. Auriel says it makes the time more… personable.”

Auriel giggles. “That and more private.”

“My normal sized voice does tend to reverberate. This allows us to speak in tones more suited to our conversations.”

Arc shrugs. “It sounds good.”

The king lowers his voice. “And it is. However earlier today we had a… a bit of an incident.”

Aurora sighs. “We would not have used that word, but it was certainly… interesting, to say the least.”

Sereb frowns. “Something bad happened?”

“Not… bad, no. However…”

Auriel interrupts her father. “We didn’t want to cause problems with Equestria. Especially after all the trouble that you went through to help us.”

Arc smiles at her. “Very commendable. So why don’t you just tell me what happened and we’ll see what we can do.”

King Malevolence turns to his daughter. “Very well. Auriel?”

Auriel takes a deep breath. “Okay… as we said, my father and I have been speaking pretty much every day at the Gates. Mostly about how my inventions or research are going.”

“She’s a bright young thing.”

Arc nods in agreement. “That Auriel is.”

“Today we were talking about my mother and how she just vanished. It was a… difficult conversation for my father especially.”

Malevolence sighs. “It has been a long time since I saw her.”

“He became very… emotional regarding the matter, so I decided it was a good time to part ways for the day.”

“As per our custom, she put her hand on the barrier to signal that she needed to go. I did the same.”

Auriel grimaces. “Right. However… this time was different.”

“How so?”

“When my father put his large hand on the barrier to touch it… I felt his warm palm against mine.”

Arc gasps. “Wait! You mean…?!”

Malevolence nods grimly. “Yes. At that moment my hand passed through the barrier to rest on Auriel’s.”

“He was as surprised as I was, of course.”

“I quickly pulled my hand back in case anyone was around to see, naturally.”

“My father whispered to me to return to the village and get in touch with someone. I did so immediately, of course.”

Arc sighs. “That’s when you contacted the castle?”

“I hoped to speak to you, of course. However they said you were out of the capital at the time.”

“Yes, I was in Manehattan. “

Sereb looks to Auriel. “But why didn’t you just call him directly on his earring?”

“That would have been more prudent, yes. However I… wasn’t exactly thinking clearly at the time. Reaching the castle operator, I told them that I had information about a potential issue with Tartarus and that I needed to report it to someone of importance right away.”

Malevolence frowns. “Whom did they connect you with again? I’m not familiar with their name.”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle. Remember, she’s the one I lived with back in Equestria, father.”

“The purple mare?”

“Yes.”

“She was a princess?!”

Sereb shrugs. “It’s a recent development.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. Promotions, and all that.”

Auriel continues. “Anyways, I explained the situation regarding the potential failure of the barrier to her. She told me that you’d be notified at once, Arc.”

“And here I am.”

Malevolence grins. “I was hoping you would come.”

“Oh?”

“You have a reputation for Honesty and an impartial nature, Arc. Whether that comes from the fact that you are neither a pony nor a demon though is beyond me.”

“Thanks, I think.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully before continuing.

“This is quite interesting.”

Aurora appears confused. “How so?”

“I’ve been told that to date no demon has ever been able to pass through the Gates of Tartarus. In fact the Vile Tribe, now knowns as ‘The Redeemed’, were the first to actually leave. Even by artificial means that’s a landmark occasion.”

Malevolence chuckles. “If memory serves correctly, you yourself were the first to penetrate the barrier, Arc.”

“Probably, yes.”

Auriel sighs. “Or my mother.”

Sereb nods. “Equally possible.”

Malevolence looks to Arc. “Now that you are here though, we need your council on this matter.”

“On whether or not to leave Tartarus?”

“Not exactly.”

Auriel sighs. “As it stands, the Vile Tribe’s village is just outside the cave on the others side of the Gates. Should a demon attempt to leave they would certainly attack.”

Aurora puts a hand to her forehead and closes her eyes. “Indeed. Even now many equines stand at the Gates with their weapons pointed at it. A great many more as of a few minutes ago.”

Malevolence raises an eyebrow. “More?”

Arc nods soberly. “Princess Twilight asked me to come here and see what was going on. As I did so she ordered troops from Canterlot be deployed here in the event there was some kind of a jail break, or something.”

Auriel gasps. “But leaving via the Gates is the proof of repentance!”

“I understand that, Auriel. But she probably just saw this potential threat as another escape attempt.”

Malevolence sighs. “There have been many over the centuries, certainly. Her actions were indeed warranted.”

Sereb frowns. “But that doesn’t address the core issue.”

Aurora looks to Arc. “Which is what exactly?”

“What to do about demons potentially being able to leave Tartarus at will.”

Chapter 6 - Sojourn

Aurora looks to Arc, clearly confused.

“We do not understand. Why would them leaving be a problem?”

Arc sighs. “Because Tartarus is supposed to be a prison.”

Sereb nods. “And an escapable one at that.”

Auriel gasps. “But wouldn’t that mean that my father is repentant for his past crimes?!”

“Yes, Auriel. However you have to look at it from Equestria’s point of view.”

Malevolence puts a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Indeed. Should demons suddenly start emerging from Tartarus it would cause a panic.”

Aurora tilts her head to one side. “We have watched and learned since becoming conscious. Is not the reason for prisons to keep the dangerous ones from the innocent?”

Arc nods. “That along with punishment and rehabilitation, yes.”

“And my father is! His piercing the barrier is proof of that!”

The king turns to Arc. “While I agree that my daughter is correct, I also understand that a demonic settlement has no place within Equestria’s borders.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “So you will stay here?”

Auriel gasps. “You can’t!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I think we need to talk to Twilight about this.”

Malevolence chuckles. “The purple unicorn?”

“Princess, father. Remember?”

“I am still not sure how a knock-kneed mare like that could…”

“Father!”

Arc gestures to the door. “Shall we go?”

Aurora appears confused. “Where?”

Sereb sighs. “To meet with Twilight.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “But there’s quite the group camped outside the Gates!”

Malevolence groans. “They’ll never let a demon past. Much less their king.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry about that. I have a plan.”

“I’m listening.”

Sometime later Arc, Auriel, and Aurora approach the Gates of Tartarus with their beetles (and Sereb, of course). Hoping off, they head for the barrier. Walking through they see Mythic Honor standing with his forces and innumerable Royal Guards fully decked out for war. Spotting his commanding officer Flash Sentry hurries over and salutes.

“Sir!”

“What’s the status out here?”

“As you can see, we have the cave covered inside and out. Double the number of troops are stationed outside and The Equinox is holding position here with its cannons aimed at this cave.”

Auriel gasps. “What?! Why?!”

“In the event the demons escape and overwhelm us I will radio to The Equinox to take the shot. We’ll be buried, of course. But Equestria will survive.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And you’re in charge of this operation?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No, sir. Princess Twilight is overseeing everything from your ship.”

“I need to report my findings at once. Carry on, colonel.”

Saluting, Arc opens a portal. Stepping through with Serb, Auriel and Aurora they find themselves in his quarters. Looking around to make sure they are alone, Arc turns to Aurora and holds a hand to her chin.

“Open up.”

Doing as she is told, Aurora opens her mouth and allows her tongue to rest in the palms of Arc’s hand. King Malevolence slides out and into his palm. Setting him down carefully, Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell on him, returning the demon to a head or so taller than he is.

“Are you alright, father?”

“Yes. However that was a very… interesting feeling.”

Arc chuckles. “Being inside a goddess’ mouth?”

Aurora smiles. “You may do so again if you’d like.”

“Perhaps later.”

The king turns back to Arc.

“What now?”

“Twilight’s here, which makes this a lot easier.”

Auriel grimaces. “To do what exactly?”

“Tell her of what happened.”

“But she’ll blast the cave!”

Sereb shakes his head. “No, she won’t.”

Aurora nods soberly. “Agreed. She is a very level headed mare whom cared for us when we could not do so ourselves.”

Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Bridge.”

Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out. “Go ahead, sir.”

“I need to see Princess Twilight privately regarding the current situation.”

“Yes sir. Where shall I send her?”

“My quarters. We have much to discuss and we might as well be comfortable.”

“I’ll see to it, sir. Shall I send the others with her?”

“Others?”

“The Element Bearers accompanied her aboard ship. I believe they’ll want to accompany her to this meeting. Shall I allow that, sir?”

“Yes, I want all six of them here to receive my debriefing.”

“I’ll see to it, sir.”

“Thank you, Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Turning to Auriel and her father, Arc sighs.

“Not really sure how this is going to go.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “I trust you to do what’s best though.”

Malevolence turns to his daughter. “And I believe in Auriel’s judgement.”

Aurora nods. “The Consciousness also believes in those whom raised us.”

“That’s good to hear.”

A short time later Twilight enters the room along with the rest of the Mane Six, Scootaloo, Ember, and Hammer. They gasp at the sight of the Demon King. Rainbow Dash spreads her wings and takes flight.

“Everypony, get Twilight out of here! I’ll cover you!”

Hammer gasps. “Blue?!”

Sereb calls out. “Wait!”

Arc steps forward quickly. “The king is with us!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Ember grits her teeth. “Arc, are you nuts?!”

Pinkie looks to Sereb and hisses. “Isn’t he a bad guy though?!”

“That is… complicated.”

Rarity frowns. “Pinkie Pie! That is Auriel’s father!”

Fluttershy steps back nervously. “But he did such bad things in the past!”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “I can sense the dark magic coming off this thing too!”

Aurora steps forward. “That is true. However you willingly helped him, did you not?”

Twilight nods as she stands surrounded by her friend. “We did, yes. But that was back in Tartarus. Not here in Equestria.”

She turns to Arc.

“How did he get here?”

“We took a portal after passing through the Gates.”

Twilight sighs. “Of course you did. Arc, you can’t be letting others out of Tartarus like that.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Yeah! It’s dangerous!”

Applejack holds up a hoof. “Now, now. If Arc did so he must have a good reason.”

“I did, yes.”

Twilight looks to him. “Well then, I’d very much like to hear it.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Me too.”

“Auriel will explain.”

Doing so, Auriel brings them up to speed on the situation. Twilight puts a hoof to her face and groans.

“This is just perfect.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “I don’t see how it’s even close to good.”

Sereb shakes his head. “It’s a figure of speech.”

Ember points a claw toward the window. “Arc, we need to build some kind of defense around the cave or in it immediately!”

“Oh?”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Yeah! Those demons need to stay right where they are!”

Applejack glares at her friend. “Rainbow Dash! Auriel’s right here!”

Pinkie shrugs. “Maybe they’re not so bad anymore?!”

Rarity shudders. “I still remember holding the barrier open when we came here to rescue Arc. It was the most terrifying experience of my life.”

Fluttershy sighs. “But if they’re really and truly sorry for what they did, Tartarus isn’t the place for them.”

Sereb looks to Twilight. “So what shall be done?”

“Arc. You know the situation as a whole better than anypony. What do you say?”

Arc fold his arms over his chest. “Should any prisoner come to terms with their crimes, the Gates of Tartarus will no longer hold them.”

Twilight nods. “That is what every prisoner is supposed to be told prior to entering, yes.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What about it?”

“I think Big Brother means that literally.”

Ember gasps. “Wait! So you’re saying that the KING OF DEMONS HIMSELF should be let out of Tartarus… PERMANENTLY?!”

Arc nods. “If he’s truly repentant, yes.”

Sereb growls. “There is another option.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Oh? What is it?”

“Perhaps the barrier could be altered in a way that made it impermeable to anything and anyone.”

Auriel gasps. “But then my people would be stuck there forever!”

Aurora turns to Auriel. “They have your artificial sun and plants now though. We are confident that the Consciousness could make it very similar to Equestria given enough time and energy.”

Malevolence clenches a fist angrily as he looks to Twilight. “I have accomplished what your predecessor Princess Celestia ordained us to do oh so many years ago! Reformation!”

Twilight sighs. “That is understood. But I am the Princess of Friendship, and as such must do what is best for my subjects.”

Arc clears his throat. “That’s true, yes. However the demons were once a part of this land, forming what was known as The Great Demon Kingdom. “

Auriel nods fervently. “As such we have a claim to our ancient homeland.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Tell me this, Twilight. What would Princess Celestia say if she were here right now?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “She… she would probably… stay true to her word.”

Hammer frowns. “But if they’re THAT dangerous…!”

Aurora interrupts her. “They aren’t, no. However, without the light of hope glistening before them they will most likely descend into something far darker and more dangerous than that which you see before you.”

Auriel looks to her friend pleadingly. “Please, Twilight! My father’s changed!”

Twilight turns to the king. “Tell me more of your former kingdom, sir.”

“Have you never heard of it?!”

“No, I have not.”

Ember grins wickedly. “So you don’t really have a legal leg to stand on as far as settling goes.”

Auriel frowns. “The demons have a legitimate claim to the forests and jungles far to the south though!”

Malevolence nods. “It must still exist! We can prove our history lies within this land’s borders!”

Twilight turns to her champion. “Arc?”

“We have to give them a chance to prove their claims. If Auriel believes they once lived far to the south then we need to look into it.”

Fluttershy nods fervently. “Right. We can’t oppress anypony just because of the sins of the past!”

Hammer motions out the window. “What about the soldiers down there though?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “They can hold the line while we go on this fool’s errand.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Scootaloo turns to the Dragon Lord. “You don’t believe there’s anything there, Ember?”

“I fought the demons for some time in Tartarus. So you’ll have to forgive me if I don’t buy their story.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Then I’ll lead a team to their ancestral homeland to verify its existence if you’d like to return to Canterlot or oversee our forces here, Twilight.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Arc. If there’s any chance of finding their old kingdom I need to see it for myself.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “And when we get there, then what?”

“Then we can go from there. The demons will get a proper and impartial investigation. Even if I have to do it myself.”

Hammer groans. “Someone needs to go back and lead the troops as well as the nation though.”

Twilight nods as she looks to Arc evenly. “Colonel Flash Sentry will be put in command here. Sunburst will take over as Lord Regent of Equestria until we return.”

“A wise decision, Twilight. Shall we get underway?”

“Yes. I don’t want to waste even a moment.”

Malevolence frowns. “You don’t believe our claims?!”

“Oh, I do. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have agreed to come along, after all. Now I’m very sorry if all of this sounds cold and calculating. But you have to understand that I have a duty to my subjects.”

“As do I, princess.”

Auriel nods. “Me too.”

Twilight smiles. “And with luck we will come to an amicable solution that will benefit everypony.”

She turns to the others.

“I’d like you five to return to Canterlot and help keep things running smoothly though.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What?!”

Applejack frowns. “But we should come too!”

Pinkie stomps her hoof. “Yeah! We’re a team!”

Rarity grins. “Here, here!”

Fluttershy sighs. “But somepony needs to be there. Sunburst can’t do that job by himself.”

Arc moves to stand next to Twilight. “I’ll stay with her and make sure she’s safe the whole time.”

Sereb joins him. “As will I.”

Ember walks over. “And I have Arc’s back.”

Scootaloo grins. “Me too!”

Hammer draws her gun. “We got this!”

Applejack groans. “Fine…”

Rainbow Dash turns to Hammer. “You take good care of her, cupcake.”

“I will.”

Twilight smiles at her friends. “We should be back in a couple days. Nothing to worry about.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Will you still call us at night, Twilight?”

“Sure. It’ll be nice to keep in touch even during this short trip.”

Arc walks toward the door. “I’ll head for the Bridge and tell them of our plans before radioing Flash Sentry.”

Twilight nods. “Thank you. I’ll wait here with the others.”

Arc turns to leave the room, but stops. Looking back to Twilight he shakes his head.

“Twilight, I… I disagree.”

“With what?”

“The others should come with us too.”

Rarity appears surprised. “We should?!”

“Yes.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Care to explain yourself there, sugarcube?”

“Together you six are the Element Bearers. Your friendship binds all of you together. This is going to be the most important choice Twilight’s made thus far as a princess. I think you should all be there together to help her make a decision.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Darn right!”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “We’re with you, Twilight!”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “Y-yes, we are.”

Arc nods. “Now then, I’ll deliver instructions to those whom will be temporarily in charge while we’re gone before ordering the ship to set a course south.”

Auriel appears confused. “But you don’t know where our kingdom was, Arc.”

“Can you show me on the Bridge?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, as I’ve never been there.”

Malevolence steps forward. “I can.”

“Alright. Please follow me.”

Ember positions herself between Arc and the king. “I’ll come with you.”

“Fine. Everyone else please stay here.”

They leave the room together. Heading to the Bridge, Arc leads the king over to a large chart on the wall. He points a large finger to a spot on the southern edge of a large mountain.

“Here.”

Soarin looks at the spot. “That’s uncharted territory though.”

Malevolence rolls his eyes. “And?”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “It means there’s nothing there.”

Ember frowns. “Are you certain of that?”

Wrangler shrugs. “Nopony’s ever set a hoof out that way as far as I know.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Then how can you say that there’s nothing there?”

Arc turns to the pilot’s seat. “We’re going to see for ourselves. Thunderlane, set a course to those coordinates.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Lemon Hearts, inform Colonel Flash Sentry that he is to hold position with our forces here until we return in a few days. Then radio Canterlot and tell Sunburst that he is temporarily in charge while we’re away.”

“Aye sir.”

Soarin clears his throat. “Sir, if I may… what do we hope to find out there in the middle of nowhere?”

“A long lost history. Forgotten by all but a few.”

Auriel grins. “I’m looking forward to learning more about our heritage, father.”

“You have much to learn, I’m sure.”

“And I’ll enjoy every minute of it!”

Malevolence chuckles. “That I’m certain of as well.”

Arc looks to the pilot. “Thunderlane, how long will it take us to get there?”

“We should arrive around sunset this evening, sir.”

Auriel smiles at her father “So we have all day together then!”

“Indeed. What would you like to do, my dear?”

Arc steps forward. “I have an idea.”

Auriel appears surprised. “Oh?”

“How about breakfast?”

Ember facepalms. “Should’ve seen that one coming.”

Chapter 7 - Demonic Advice

Arc escorts the king and Auriel to the Cafeteria. Sniffing the air, he smiles.

“Smells like the others took the initiative.”

Malevolence grins. “Indeed.”

Auriel looks to her father. “Smells like pancakes!”

“That it does.”

Arc turns to him. “Sir?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“I do hope you understand Twilight’s position on this matter?”

“While I am not particularly happy about it, I must admit that were I in her situation I would certainly not have done as much.”

“Father?”

Malevolence sighs. “Truth be told, I’d have probably decided to dismiss this matter entirely and seal my enemies away forever.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Would you now?”

“Yes. But not out of malice or spite.”

Auriel appears confused. “Then why…?”

Malevolence puts a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “To protect our kind, Auriel. Just as Princess Twilight is doing now.”

He stops and looks to Arc.

“However now I have a question for you.”

“Oh?”

“Just now you referred to your princess as simply ‘Twilight’. Is that perhaps a custom of your land?”

“Ah! Well… you see… I… um…”

Auriel interrupts him. “I think I can explain that, father.”

“Please do.”

“At breakfast though.”

She takes her father’s hand and they continue down the corridor together. Arc brings up the rear and sighs.

Arc mutters to himself. “This might not end well.”

Entering the Cafeteria they spot Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flying out the Kitchen door carrying serving platters. Arc motions for Auriel and her father to sit down at a large table with him. The rest of Mane Six emerge from the Kitchen a few moments later with the remainder of the food. Sitting it down, Applejack speaks.

“I sure hope everypony’s hungry.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she lands in a chair. “Yeah! I could eat a house!”

Fluttershy giggles nervously. “I bet you could.”

Pinkie turns to the king. “What do you think, mister demon?!”

Rarity gasps. “Pinkie! This is ROYALTY!”

Malevolence waves a claw dismissively. “Think nothing of it. Honestly it’s nice to be away from the palace and my servants.”

Auriel smiles. “I rather enjoyed the attitude of the ponies here too when I arrived, father.”

Arc looks around. “Has anyone seen Twilight?”

Fluttershy motions to the corridor. “She’s in her suite getting ready for breakfast.”

“Is she alone in there?”

Pinkie salivates as she looks at the food. “Nah! Ember and Hammer went with her! They should be here anytime now!”

As if on cue Twilight arrives flanked by Hammer and Ember. Scootaloo and Sereb bring up the rear as they walk to the table.

“Sorry for keeping everypony waiting.”

Applejack chuckles. “It’s fine, sugarcube. We just sat down.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “But now that you’re here we can finally eat!”

Rarity frowns. “Rainbow Dash! We should let our guests be served first.”

Twilight turns to Auriel and the king. “Yes, please help yourselves.”

Auriel nods and picks up a plate. Putting a stack of pancakes on it she gives it to her father as Arc passes him the syrup. Taking a bite he grins.

“Delicious! My compliments to the cook!”

Applejack raises a hoof. “That would be me.”

Auriel smiles. “Applejack’s quite the sight to see in the kitchen.”

Twilight giggles. “Agreed. She moves faster than I can, even when watching a whole host of Bunsen burners.”

Pinkie licks her lips hungrily. “Wait until you try dessert tonight then!”

Rarity nods as she levitates a plate to herself. “Yes, we’re all looking forward to it.”

Arc clears his throat loudly as he looks to the king. “Forgive me, sir, but now that everyone’s here perhaps we should introduce them.”

He gestures to Twilight first.

“Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Ember, Hammer, The Scarlet Filly, and Sereb.”

They nod as their names are called out. The king looks them over carefully as he does so. Arc motions to the king.

“For those of you who don’t know, this is King Malevolence. He rules over the demons of Tartarus. And this is Auriel his daughter.”

Hammer nods soberly. “I can see the family resemblance.”

Scootaloo looks the pair up and down. “Me too.”

Ember shrugs. “I suppose.”

Malevolence gestures to the spread. “My compliments, princess. Your servants appear to be quite skilled in serving you, Princess Twilight.”

“Oh, but they’re not.”

“They’re all friends, father”.

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Yeah! That and we’re the Element Bearers!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “They keep us connected.”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side, confused. “They do?!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Twilight did theorize that some time back. Any more information on that?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I haven’t had time to study it further since taking the throne. Well… since before Auriel and I started the artificial sun project, that is.”

Arc looks to her genuinely interested. “What was your theory, Twilight?”

“I believe that it was the Elements of Harmony that brought my friends and I together. But the question at hoof was if they were what kept us together.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Is it really that important?”

Hammer chuckles. “Yeah! Friends are friends, right?!”

Scootaloo turns to Twilight. “It’s still an interesting theory though. I’d like to hear more about it when there’s time.”

“That would be nice. I didn’t know you were interested in science, Scarlet Filly.”

“Mostly botany. But this experiment is rather interesting, as it involves somepony very important to me.”

Auriel smiles at the filly. “Oh? Whom?”

“Big Brother.”

Arc looks to her. “Huh?”

“I just think it’s a really interesting theory. And it might help explain how all six Element Bearers are interested in marriage to you.”

Malevolence frowns. “Marriage?”

Auriel sighs. “Yes, father.”

Malevolence clenches a fist. “But what about you, Auriel?!”

“I think I would be the seventh.”

Hammer raises a hand. “I’m eight!”

Ember grins. “Nine!”

Arc facepalms as he mutters under his breath. “This isn’t happening.”

“Father, do you remember the question you raised during our walk over here?”

Twilight appears confused. “What question would that be?”

Malevolence turns to Twilight. “I asked Arc why he referred to you by your proper name and not your title.”

Auriel gestures to the mares around the table. “This is why. Because he and all these females, with the exception of the little robed filly, are kind of engaged.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Tentatively, yes.”

Pinkie hops up and down in her chair. “We’re gonna go out on dates, and spend the holidays together, and sleep together, and…!”

Applejack puts a hoof in the mare’s mouth before speaking. “It’s true. We’ve all fallen for him.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I know it must look kinda bad for us, what with all us mares wanting the same stallion.”

Fluttershy nods matter-of-factly. “But we’re all very interested in making this work.”

Twilight groans. “That we are. However nothing can move forward in that regard until things calm down a bit in Equestria.”

Hammer shrugs. “Which sucks, but what do you do?”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Take out Decimus for starters!”

Auriel looks to her father sheepishly. “You’re not mad, are you?”

“Well… I admit that I’m a bit… surprised.”

Arc grimaces. “Is that bad?”

“Not really, no. However I didn’t really think Auriel would be… interested in such things.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What kind of ‘things’?”

“She’s always shied away from orgies.”

He looks around the room and nods before continuing.

“However, I’m sure that Arc and the rest of you will show Auriel a VERY good time.”

Auriel blushes heavily. “Father, please! We haven’t even spoken about that in any detail yet!”

Malevolence puts a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “It’s fine, my dear. I’m sure you’ll bear Arc many healthy children.”

“While I’m certainly willing to do so, I’m not quite sure how the others would react to that.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Fine with me!”

Pinkie giggles. “Me too!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Why are we talking about this over breakfast?”

Fluttershy shrugs. “Well… it is a good time since we’re all together.”

Twilight sighs. “Maybe this isn’t the best time to discuss this part of our futures.”

Rarity stirs a cup of tea. “Right. But when it does happen I’m going first.”

Rainbow Dash raises a hoof. “Me second!”

Hammer glares at the pegasus. “Hey! I wanna go second!”

Ember steps between the two of them. “So do I!”

Rainbow Dash flaps her wings to look Ember in the eye. “I’ve known him longer!”

“I’ve been on more adventures with him!”

Hammer pushes Ember aside slightly. “Wanna tag team then, blue?!”

“Sure! Bet I last longer though!”

Ember licks her lips as she pushes the pair away. “You’re both going to lose!”

Hammer grins as she looks to the others. “Taking bets over here!”

Arc groans. “Okay, let’s put the brakes on this now.”

Twilight nods as she gestures to Scootaloo. “Right! Little ears!”

“Not to worry. I know exactly what they’re talking about. My parents were very… vocal when they…”

Sereb interrupts. “Perhaps we should return to the task at paw.”

Ember returns to her place at the table. “Um… what was that again?”

Hammer shrugs. “I’ve lost track.”

Arc sighs. “Originally we were talking about me being so familiar with Twilight, I believe.”

Malevolence looks to Twilight. “Yes. How does one become so… close to a princess?”

Twilight grimaces. “It’s quite a long story. One that starts with me accidently summoning Arc here to Equestria from Earth.”

Malevolence nods. “I have heard Auriel speak of that place, yes.”

“We became friends as I helped him recover from wounds he sustained during a monster attack on our town. I watched him grow in knowledge, power, and influence as he traveled the land helping our nation maintain balance.”

“So all of you see him as a powerful ally?”

Applejack shakes her head. “It’s so much more than that though.”

Rarity smiles. “While I was afraid to admit it at the time, I first started to have feelings for him even before he became the Hero of Light.”

Fluttershy looks away nervously. “We were supportive of her… feelings, of course.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Even though we all thought it was a bit… strange at the time.”

Pinkie nods vehemently. “The thought of a pony being interested in a non-pony was kinda out there!”

Twilight giggles. “But one by one we saw more of his qualities. And it wasn’t long before we admitted our feelings for him over tea one day.”

Arc blushes slightly. “That was a rather… intense conversation if I recall.”

Malevolence turns to his daughter. “And was that when you confessed as well, Auriel?”

Auriel shakes her head sadly. “No, father. I overheard the conversation from the stairs, but was too afraid to join in.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Really? Then when did you tell him?”

Arc chuckles. “It was during one of our trips to Earth.”

Ember grins. “I remember that!”

Scootaloo frowns. “Where was I, Big Brother?!”

“We hadn’t met yet.”

Sereb chuckles. “If I recall correctly, it was before you rescued Princess Celestia.”

Hammer strikes a pose. “Then I came along!”

Arc nods. “Right. Which brings us to roughly this point in time.”

Malevolence groans. “Even though I am sure your tale is heavily abridged, it is still quite a lot to take in, Arc.”

“So just for the sake of clarity… you’re not mad or upset about Auriel being involved in all of this?”

“Not at all. She’s a fully grown demoness and fully capable of choosing whom she spreads her legs for.”

“Thank you, father.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Could you have possibly worded that a bit differently?”

Malevolence turns to Auriel. “What was wrong with what I said?”

Auriel shrugs. “I don’t know.”

Hammer laughs. “Yeah?! I can relate to that, Auriel!”

Ember slaps her own rump. “Me too!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “The future looks very rosy and bright for all of us when Arc starts lifting our tails!”

Arc facepalms. “How do I keep getting into these positions?”

Sereb chuckles. “It is a mystery, my friend.”

They finish eating and clear the tables. King Malevolence turns to Twilight.

“Princess, might Auriel and I have a word with you?”

Auriel whispers something into her father’s ear. He nods and turns to Arc.

“You as well, Arc.”

Twilight nods. “Very well. Shall we adjourn to the Observation Deck?”

Auriel grins. “That would be wonderful! You’ll love the view from there, father!”

“Lead on.”

Auriel takes her father’s hand and leads him to the Observation Deck. Arc and Twilight follow closely behind them. Gesturing with a claw, Auriel turns to her father.

“This is what I wanted to show you.”

Malevolence looks out over the scenery before them. “Magnificent view!”

Arc nods. “It is quite picturesque.”

Twilight walks over to the king. “Yes. However I don’t believe you asked us up here to look at the scenery.”

Auriel smiles. “Partially, yes.”

“It has been centuries since I last flew over the land. Such is a surreal experience, I assure you.”

Arc looks out the window again. “I suppose it is.”

Auriel smiles. “This is rather symbolic.”

Twilight appears confused. “It is?”

“Yes. From up here everything looks so peaceful. So… perfect and unspoiled.”

Arc sighs. “You’d never guess that the land was on the brink of civil war a short time ago just by looking at it.”

Malevolence nods soberly. “Auriel told me about that. However I had a hard time believing that Princess Celestia had fallen so far as to do such things.”

Twilight frowns. “She didn’t!”

“So certain are you, princess?”

“Yes!”

“Then let me give you a bit of leadership advice, from one monarch to another.”

He looks out at the ground below them for a moment before speaking.

“Never take a situation at face value.”

“What?”

Auriel puts a claw on Twilight’s shoulder. “I believe what my father means is that you can’t go into a situation with preconceived notions, Twilight.”

Malevolence nods. “Correct. Your subjects will suffer for it, as will you.”

“I’ll protect them from Decimus until Princess Celestia…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Twilight.”

“Yes?”

“Preconceived notions.”

“What do you…?”

“You’re assuming your mentor will be able to just recover from whatever’s been done to her.”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t she?!”

Auriel bows her head. “There’s a chance that she won’t.”

Arc sighs. “Right. While I hope not, you need to be mentally prepared to take the Equestrian throne permanently.”

Malevolence steps forward. “Tell me, princess. What would become of this lush green land without proper leadership?”

“It would go on without us.”

“I suppose someone would eventually step forward to fill the power vacuum, yes. However… how many of your precious citizens would be injured or die in the ensuing power struggle?”

Twilight gasps. “What makes you think there would be a battle?”

Auriel purses her lips. “It is unlikely that only one would step forward to lead. We’ve both read the history books in the old library, Twilight. Remember the three kingdoms? How the three pony races used to be separate and war with one another?”

“I do, yes. But what does that have to do with our current situation?”

Malevolence clenches a fist. “Do you really think Equestria can’t go back to that? That things will always be peaceful and orderly?”

“Recent events have proven the opposite actually, sir. While I’m sure it’s not exactly what Star Swirl the Bearded envisioned, he did his very best to set Equestria on the path to unity and prosperity.”

Arc frowns. “I know you want to protect this land, Twilight. But if we don’t prepare as best we can then we run the very real risk of setting back everything that Star Swirl, the princesses, and every generation of ponies that walked this land in the past tried to create.”

“But even if I fail, you’ll still be here to help us… right, Arc?”

“There are no guarantees in that regard.”

Malevolence nods soberly. “Indeed. Fate can be… whimsical sometimes. Had you told me five hundred years ago that the Great Demon Kingdom would be completely removed from the face of the world overnight I would have laughed.”

He sighs before continuing.

“However I’m sure you all know how that came to pass.”

Auriel frowns. “Actually we don’t, father.”

“Eh?”

Twilight nods. “Auriel’s right. There’s no mention in any of the history books I’ve ever read of your kingdom ever existing outside of Tartarus.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Are you saying Princess Celestia intentionally covered it up?”

Twilight looks out the window. “I’m sure she had a good reason.”

“Yes, she did.”

“What was it, father?”

“I could tell you, of course. But it would be much easier to simply show you.”

“Show us what?”

“An inconvenient truth.”

King Malevolence turns to Twilight and frowns.

“Just remember what I told you, princess. However, that was not the only reason I asked to speak with you and your nation’s Hero of Light.”

“Oh?”

“As we spoke of at breakfast, Auriel and Arc are potential future mates. I have already given him permission to take my daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. What does that have to do with me?”

“Their union and future sexual relations will bring forth children whom will be neither demon nor human. Auriel’s mother… Maria and I proved long ago that our two species’ DNA was indeed compatible.”

“She did tell us that, yes.”

Auriel smiles as she blushes happily. “I also offered to research a way in which their equine egg cells could potentially be altered to be compatible with Arc’s human sperm.”

Arc appears confused. “Yes, what about it?”

“Should he and all of you form a herd it is indeed quite possible that a large number of young would be produced between all of you. Human sperm combined with the bloodlines of demons, equines, and potentially even the young Dragon Lord herself.”

Twilight frowns. “I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”

“You said earlier that you wished to protect your citizens and preserve your nation. Is that correct?”

“Of course!”

“Then tell me this, princess. How will your citizens react to a union such as yours?”

Auriel bows her head. “Even without the ability to procreate it will be difficult for them to understand or accept.”

“I’m sure that once I explain everything to Princess Celestia she’ll be able to reassure the citizenry that our love is real and our intentions pure.”

Arc frowns. “And if Celestia doesn’t?”

Malevolence folds his arms over his chest. “You’d be walking a fine line, princess.”

Twilight glares at him. “What else could I do though?! Are you suggesting that I not be a part of this herd?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not at all, Twilight. We’re only saying that you shouldn’t rely so heavily on Princess Celestia to come and fix things.”

Malevolence nods. “Yes, you would do well to stand on your own record and prove yourself to your subjects.”

“How would I do that?”

“By leading. Not as Celestia’s student. Not as a powerful magic user. Not as a Princess of Equestria even. But as a fair and just ruler whom has proven herself in her own way.”

“That doesn’t answer my question though.”

Arc steps forward. “Ever since coming to Equestria I’ve heard that Celestia is a wise, fair, and benevolent ruler. Try being those three things.”

Twilight groans. “The ‘fair’ and ‘benevolent’ parts seem somewhat straightforward. But what about ‘wise’? Or would that just come with time?”

Auriel smiles at her friend. “With age comes experience, yes. But I’ve always perceived wisdom in a leader as being more of a general reputation.”

Arc chuckles. “Agreed. And Twilight will forge her reputation in her own way.”

“Like you did, Arc?”

“Partially, yes.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Any tips?”

“Don’t be afraid to make the hard decisions. Try to stay calm and make the choices logically rather than emotionally though.”

Malevolence nods approvingly. “Agreed. You may fail, of course. But your best is all you can do. Just as I’m doing now.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Now?”

“Yes. Allowing Arc to marry and produce children with Auriel will strengthen ties with Equestria. More so if you yourself join them along with your Element Bearers.”

Twilight points a hoof at Auriel. “She’s not a political tool though!”

“I understand that. Believe me when I say that I wouldn’t ask my daughter to do this under any circumstances.”

“Then why are you talking about it as a diplomatic maneuver?!”

Auriel sighs. “Because it ultimately is, Twilight. History may view me as nothing more than a political pawn. But I do this willingly to achieve my own happiness. Not to gain something for my kind. I believe Ember is no different in this regard.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Honestly, until you brought this up I hadn’t considered our potential herd to be such a big deal in terms of politics.”

Malevolence sighs. “While I’m sure it will do little on its own to unite the nations, this act will most likely be remembered as the first step toward a new age of unity and peace between ponies, dragons, and even demons.”

Arc turns to Auriel. “And you’re okay with this?”

Auriel smiles and nods as she extends a hand to Arc. “Yes. The way I see it, the world will be made brighter while at the same time I’ll get exactly what I want. A loving mate whom I can look to happily as I bear his children.”

Malevolence looks to Twilight. “And you, princess? Are you satisfied with this arrangement?”

Twilight steps forward and motions for Arc to kneel down to her level. She looks him in the eye for a long moment before speaking.

“I too would like to bear Arc’s foals. Not out of duty to my country nor to make the citizens happy. I want… I want to be held, and loved, and protected, and… and to be able to lift my tail to pleasure him and be pleasured. My friends and I all agree that we do want foals with him, of course. However if that isn’t possible… if Auriel isn’t able to make that happen… we’d still greatly enjoy the act of being his wives and him having sex with us.”

She extends a hoof to him. Arc takes it as Twilight continues.

“But it’s not about the sex. After all, we don’t need to get married to do such a thing. My friends and I are interested in the relationship we would have with him and the others whom would like to join. We’re looking forward to long and happy lives together, of course. However, this will only happen if everypony involved does so willingly and without hesitation.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “And you, Arc? What are your feelings on this matter?”

“I… still really need to get to know everyone before committing to such a thing, of course. Like you said, Twilight… we all need to go into this relationship willingly. But I’m doing my best to go into this with an open mind.”

Malevolence nods approvingly. “Very good. And because of that I have no qualms leaving Auriel in your capable hands, Arc.”

“Thank you, sir. However it’s going to be quite some time before anything can happen.”

Twilight sighs as she looks out the window at the scenery again. “Hopefully soon we can put this ugly chapter of our nation’s history behind us and get back to our own lives and desires.”

Arc nods and puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Hopefully, yes. But one never really knows what the future holds.”

Chapter 8 - Layover

As evening falls over the land, Arc and his companions eat supper in the Cafeteria. His earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out. “Sir, we’re approaching the coordinates indicated. What are your orders?”

“Is this area dangerous?”

Wrangler sighs as she scans the ground with her binoculars. “Unknown, sir.”

Thunderlane squints. “I can see some movement below, sir. Not sure if it’s the wind or something large though.”

Malevolence folds his arms over his chest. “In the past this area was relatively safe. However that was due to our presence and hunting parties.”

Auriel nods. “I’m sure much has changed in the centuries since our people were sent to Tartarus, father.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Indeed. With no one to hunt them it is likely the beasts of the land have taken up residence in your former dwellings.”

Arc calls out. “Agreed. Moon Dancer, are there any known creatures whom could damage the ship if we landed?”

“Nothing known, sir.”

Rainbow Dash takes up a battle ready stance. “They’d have to deal with US!”

Applejack stomps a hoof. “Right!”

Pinkie pulls out her party cannon. “Pony power!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “We should probably land in a clearing. One large enough to see trouble coming from a distance. Is there anything in sight?”

Soarin looks through his binoculars. “There’s an open field or something some distance ahead. Thunderlane?”

“I see it. Tentatively going to say that we can land the ship there.”

Arc stands. “Good. We will take a look from the Bridge shortly. How long until we arrive?”

Thunderlane turns his head and calls out. “About an hour, sir.”

“Perfect. See you in a few minutes. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. King Malevolence appears hopeful as he turns to his daughter.

“We’re so close, Auriel!”

Auriel smiles happily. “Yes, father. I’m looking forward to seeing the places you told me about as a young demoness.”

“Hopefully they are still standing.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “A wild forest untamed by hooves or demon claws. Sound familiar, Big Brother?”

“Yeah. The forest surrounding Knothole Village.”

Ember smiles at Scootaloo. “Does that make you homesick?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Not really.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “How can it not?!”

“That place was where I lived, yes. But it was never a home.”

Arc frowns. “Didn’t feel that way to me either.”

Twilight clears her throat. “In any case, we should head to the Bridge. I want to see this place with my own eyes as soon as we’re in range.”

Standing, they head out the door. Fluttershy turns to King Malevolence.

“Were the demons here long?”

Malevolence nods. “Thousands of years, yes.”

Auriel smiles proudly. “Our nation predates Equestria by millennia.”

Rarity appears interested. “And it was always united?”

Malevolence chuckles. “Not always, no. Demons have different races just like the ponies, of course. However we learned long ago that banding together to make up for each other’s shortcomings made life easier for everyone in the long run.”

Applejack sighs. “Ponykind didn’t learn that for a long time.”

Pinkie rolls her eyes. “I wonder why!”

Twilight turns to speak. “The history books say that all three races believed themselves to be better than the other two.”

Applejack shakes her head. “So pride kept them apart, eh?”

Rainbow Dash puffs out her chest. “Nothing wrong with a little pride!”

Arc frowns. “There is if it makes for an excuse to look down on others.”

Sereb sighs. “Anything can be taken too far, I suppose.”

Ember chimes in. “But they were able to move past that though. No reason the demons can’t do the same in due time.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “I was hated back in Knothole Village because I was different. It’s not something that you can just walk away from and forget easily.”

Arc looks to the king and Auriel. “Agreed. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make the effort.”

Twilight shakes her head. “The only other option would be to live in the past and ultimately let it consume you.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Yeah, that I get.”

Rainbow Dash turns to her, confused. “Cupcake?”

“I did a lot of bad stuff in the past before I fell in love with Arc. He didn’t hold that against me though, and was able to look past it to give me a second chance.”

Ember bows her head. “That and he didn’t care that I was a dragon when we met. To him I was a friend, mentor, and partner.”

“Big Brother didn’t seem to mind that he couldn’t see my face… or any part of me really. Instead he did his very best to look after me and see to it I made it home safely from foraging every night.”

Malevolence sighs. “But what was done isn’t exactly easily forgotten.”

“We can try though, father. In due time the wounds of the past may yet heal.”

“That may not be possible, Auriel.”

Reaching the Bridge they enter and head over to the main window. Soarin walks over and gives Twilight his binoculars as he points a hoof.

“It’s over there, your highness.”

Putting the binoculars to her eyes Twilight scans the horizon.

“I don’t see anything other than a mountain.”

Arc turns to her. “Let me take a look.”

Giving Arc the binoculars, he puts them to his eyes and looks ahead.

“Very strange looking mountain.”

Thunderlane frowns. “We thought so too, sir.”

Moon Dancer looks over her console. “It appears to be a large structure carved directly into the cliffside, sir.”

Malevolence grins. “That is… was the old palace.”

Rarity’s eyes light up excitedly. “Palace?!”

“It was built by my great grandfather when he led the demons here from across the sea.”

Ember frowns. “From the Dragon Lands?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Our ancestors came from the west. Where from before that we know not where.”

Scootaloo looks to Twilight. “What’s west of Equestria?”

“Nopony knows. We haven’t actually explored too far that way.”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side, confused. “Why not?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Exploration of uncharted areas isn’t exactly a popular job.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah. After all, nopony’s paying for it.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I do remember reading in the newspaper a few times in the past about Princess Celestia funding certain exploratory expeditions.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Where to?”

“Sadly I don’t remember. It was just something I saw while scanning the headlines.”

Twilight bows her head. “The exploratory expedition story was just a front. In truth, they were looking for dangerous artifacts.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “How do you know, sugarcube?”

“Because Princess Celestia told me about it.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Some kind of secret organization or something?!”

“Actually, yes.”

Rarity giggles. “Oooo!!! Scandalous!”

Fluttershy appears suddenly nervous. “Should we really be talking about this?”

Pinkie grins. “Why not?! Who would we tell?!”

Ember motions to Hammer. “Uh…”

“I have pretty high security clearance back on Earth, so no worries there.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “The Scarlet Filly won’t tell anypony either.”

Arc frowns. “While I don’t know if I’m supposed to know about this, I am however a bit miffed that no one said anything about this to me when I was Lord Regent.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “What would you have done about it?”

“Probably nothing admittedly.”

Auriel appears confused. “Then what’s the issue?”

Malevolence folds his arms over his chest. “A leader needs to be able to make decisions based on the information they have. If they aren’t made aware of everything it can severely hamper their ability to make the best choices possible.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “So what’s the name of this secret branch?”

Twilight shrugs. “I don’t actually know.”

Ember frowns. “Come on! At least tell Arc!”

“Sadly it’s the truth. What I’ve already said is literally everything I know about it. Well, the last bit would be that they report to and receive their orders directly from Princess Celestia herself. Nopony else outside of their organization is supposed to even know they exist.”

Applejack frowns. “Well I don’t like the idea of these sort of things being” hidden from everypony.

Rainbow Dash stomps the floor angrily. “Applejack’s right! We have a right to know what’s going on!”

Hammer puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Easy there, blue. Maybe there’s a good reason it’s been kept a secret all this time.”

Pinkie nods. “Yeah! After all, they wouldn’t want to announce to everypony that they were on the trail of something really dangerous!”

Fluttershy gasps. “Everypony would be looking too.”

Rarity shudders. “And not just the honest, law-abiding ones.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “If this place is anything like Earth, there’s probably a TON of money that could be made selling things like that on the black market.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Black market?”

Arc nods. “It’s a general term for the buying and selling of illegal stuff.”

Twilight sighs. “While I don’t want to imagine anypony doing something like that, somewhere it has to happen.”

Scootaloo groans. “Okay, I’m going to say it. Do you think that shadowy organization came here and took all the dangerous stuff away, Big Brother?”

“Probably. After all, it wouldn’t do to leave things lying around after relocating the demons to Tartarus.”

Malevolence laughs. “Ha! There’s no way they would have found our vault!”

“Don’t be so sure of that, father. Ponykind is very perceptive.”

Twilight looks to the king. “While Princess Celestia never actually said so, they must have.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “What makes you say that, Twilight?”

“Several of the items in the vault that she showed me were of demon construction.”

Arc frowns. “Could they have been from some other demon culture?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not likely, as we’re a united race.”

Malevolence puts a claw to his chin thoughtfully. “It is possible that other demons did indeed live outside the city and escaped capture. However without sufficient numbers to keep the population going they most likely would have died off long ago.”

Rarity sighs. “That does make sense.”

Sometime later the ship lands in the clearing. The sun hovers just above the horizon as Twilight looks to the palace and gasps.

“It really is part of the mountain!”

Malevolence grins. “More so than you know, princess.”

Rainbow Dash glares at the king. “And what’s that supposed to mean?!”

“You’ll see when we go inside.”

Pinkie bounces toward the door. “Great! Let’s go!”

Applejack runs in front of her and holds up a hoof. “Now hold on just a second, sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash flies by. “What’s the holdup? Let’s go.”

Rarity frowns. “In the dark?!”

Fluttershy looks around, clearly frightened. “That and the moon will be rising soon!”

Scootaloo grins. “Yeah. Isn’t that great?”

Rainbow Dash gasps and runs over to Scootaloo. “Can I watch you transform?!”

“If you want to, sure.”

Rainbow Dash squeals happily. “I can’t wait!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Whatever speeds this along.”

Hammer groans. “What she said.”

Twilight shakes her head. “The palace and grounds will still be there in the morning. Now then, I suggest we all get a good night’s sleep and be ready for exploring tomorrow.”

Sereb nods. “A tired warrior is soon a dead one.”

Auriel sighs. “So close and yet so far.”

Malevolence puts a claw on Auriel’s shoulder. “The princess is right, my dear. There is no need for us to risk our safety exploring our ancestral palace at anything less than full strength.”

“Very well, father. But might we look over the grounds from the Observation Deck?”

“For a time, yes. With Princess Twilight’s permission, of course.”

Twilight motions to Arc. “This is Arc’s ship. He makes the decisions here.”

“It’s fine with me.”

Ember groans. “Aren’t you at least a little concerned that he might, oh I don’t know… ESCAPE?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… escape to where?”

Scootaloo points a hoof at a nearby window. “We’re currently in the middle of nowhere.”

Malevolence nods. “Indeed. That and I couldn’t leave behind my daughter.”

Auriel giggles as she looks to Arc. “And I’m certainly not going anywhere.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Well, somepony should still watch Auriel’s dad!”

Hammer chuckles. “Glad to see you’re volunteering, blue.”

“I said SOMEPONY! As in somepony other than me! Besides, I’ve got plans already!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Doing what?!”

“Watching the Scarlet Filly transform, of course!”

Scootaloo appears confused. “It doesn’t take but a few moments.”

“But then I get to watch you sit there looking COOL, right?!”

“I… guess so.”

Rainbow Dash turns back to the others. “See?! Busy!”

Sereb steps forward. “Then I will remain with the king.”

“I’d kinda like to bask in the moon for a bit. The Observation Deck might just be the best place to do that. Is that okay, Big Brother?”

“Sure. Just don’t stay up too late.”

“I won’t.”

Rarity giggles. “Well then, I guess you ARE watching them, Rainbow Dash.”

“With the Scarlet Filly, yeah!”

She heads for the door with King Malevolence, Auriel, and Scootaloo. Arc turns to Twilight.

“Guess the rest of us should get to bed.”

Applejack yawns. “Darn right. It’s past my bedtime.”

Pinkie bounces around happily. “Not mine!”

Rarity smiles. “Arc’s right. Tomorrow may very well be quite a busy day, after all.”

Hammer frowns. “Hopefully not.”

Ember chuckles. “Getting cold feet now, Hammer?”

“Hardly. Busy means problems and problems mean folks get hurt!”

Arc sighs. “Then we’d better be at our best.”

He turns toward the main window before continuing.

“Just let me get the moon going first.”

Fluttershy gasps. “NO!”

Soarin hurries toward her. “Miss?!”

Arc steps back. “I… guess I can hold off for a few more minutes.”

Applejack puts a hoof around the frightened mare. “Come on, sugarcube. Let’s get you to a suite.”

“Can I go to a room with the drapes closed please?!”

“Fine, fine.”

Applejack and Fluttershy leave as Soarin turns to Arc.

“Everything alright, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. She just has issue with the moon.”

Moon Dancer raises an eyebrow. “Afraid of it?”

Rarity nods sadly. “I suppose we all have our fears. But hers are as numerous as the leaves on a tree.”

Arc turns to Soarin. “Have someone on duty at all times just in case something comes up here or a transmission from Canterlot comes in.”

“Yes sir. We’ll each take two hour shifts.”

“Good. I’ll let you figure out the order.”

Arc and the others leave the Bridge together. Ember turns to Twilight as they catch up to Applejack and Fluttershy.

“You heading to Arc’s quarters?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I don’t think so. After all, I had a turn last time I was aboard.”

Rarity giggles. “Who’s next?”

Hammer raises a hand. “Me, I hope!”

Pinkie frowns as she points a hoof. “Applejack hasn’t had a turn yet! How about her?!”

Applejack blushes. “Wha?!”

Ember appears confused. “You okay?”

“F-fine! Why do you ask?!”

“You look like you just swallowed your tongue, for starters.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “I think she’s just tired. Would you like this suite, Applejack?”

“Thank you, I would.”

She walks over to the door and opens it as the others pass.

“Goodnight everypony.”

Twilight steps toward her. “Applejack?”

“You wanna bunk together?”

“Sure.”

She steps aside to let Twilight enter the room before turning to Arc. He smiles and winks at her. Applejack returns the smile and mouths the words ‘thank you’ before closing the door behind her. Ember looks to Arc.

“I’m gonna head to the Cafeteria for a bit of a midnight snack. You wanna join me, Pinkie?”

“Sure! I love snacks! Let’s go!”

They leave together as Arc comes to his quarters. Rarity turns to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Might I make a bit of a request of you?”

“What is it?”

“May I sleep with you tonight?”

“Sure. I’d like that.”

Hammer sighs. “Well, I guess I’ll let you two get to it then.”

Rarity turns to the young woman. “Would you like join us, Miss Hammer.”

“Huh?”

Arc shrugs. “The bed is certainly big enough.”

Hammer smiles. “I… I’d like that, yes.”

Rarity motions to the door. “Then let’s get into bed and get comfortable, shall we?”

Entering the room, Arc heads for the bathroom.

“I’m going to get changed. There’s some night clothes in the drawer over there, Hammer.”

Hammer grins mischievously. “Clothes? Whatever for?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You know why.”

Hammer shrugs. “Can’t blame a gal for trying.”

Entering the bathroom, Arc removes his clothes and tosses them into the hamper. Pulling out shorts and a t-shirt he dresses and walks over to the sink to peer into the mirror. Chuckling, he muses to himself.

“Never thought I’d be looking at myself BEFORE going to bed.”

Splashing water on his face, Arc sighs.

“I really have changed since coming here. The old me would never have had the courage to get into bed with someone like Hammer. Much less an individual as beautiful as Rarity. To say nothing about doing both of those things at the same time.”

He dries his face with a towel before continuing.

“Back on Earth I used to wonder what my future wife would be like. Or if I would ever be able to find one at all.”

Putting a hand to his face, he continues staring into the mirror.

“Now I have so many whom want to spend their lives with me. The previous problem seems almost laughable at this point.”

Groaning, he chuckles.

“And now I’m monologuing.”

Shaking his head, he turns toward the door. Opening it he spots Rarity lying on the edge of the bed. Hammer however is bending over as she slowly pulls a pair of shorts up over her knees. Hearing the door open she turns and looks over her shoulder with a sly grin on her face.

“Hey there, Arc. You didn’t take quite as long as I thought you would.”

Arc chuckles as he closes the door. “Oh really? Because I thought I gave you PLENTY of time.”

“I must’ve been dawdling then as I thought of you.”

Rarity giggles from the bed. “She’s been standing there like that pretty much since you went in to the bathroom, Arc.”

Hammer quickly pulls up the shorts. “Rarity?!”

Arc smiles at her. “I figured as much.”

Hammer slaps her backside. “Well how else was I supposed to show off this body?!”

Rarity smiles. “She does have a point, Arc.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Yes, take it from the one whom doesn’t wear clothes.”

Arc groans. “It sounds bad when you say it like that, Hammer.”

Hammer walks over to Arc and latches onto his arm. Leading him over to the bed, she lies down with him. Rarity takes her place on one side with Hammer on the other. Gently pushing him down onto his back, she lays down and presses her body against his as Rarity pulls the covers over them. Snuggling up to him, Rarity also presses herself to his side and sighs contentedly. Arc turns off the lights with his magic, plunging the room into near darkness. Hammer looks toward the light spilling through the window.

“Uh… think you forgot something, Arc.”

“Oh… right!”

Getting up, he walks over to the window and looks out at the sun. With a wave of his hand it lowers. Gesturing with his other hand the moon peeks out over the horizon. Looking at it for a moment he turns back to the pair on the bed as Hammer leans over and switches on the bedside lamp.

“I gotta say, that’s hot!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What is?”

“You doing the sun and moon thing.”

“I don’t understand how.”

Rarity smiles at him. “Believe me, she’s right.”

Arc sits down on the side of the bed and sighs as he turns to Hammer. “Can you explain it to me?”

“How you’re magic is hot?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s… complicated.”

Rarity giggles. “I don’t think it is.”

“Then you tell me, Rarity.”

“Alright then.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“It’s not exactly the power as much as what you do with it.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Think about it this way. You could certainly use your magical might to overthrow the monarchy and move to topple the rest of the world’s governments. In doing so you’d become emperor overnight.”

Hammer grins. “But instead you choose to use your power to help others.”

Rarity nods. “And protect everypony.”

“That too.”

Rarity stands and walks over to him across the bedsheets. “A stallion whom can protect those he cares about is quite a catch, after all.”

Hammer looks him over and grins. “That and you do have a nice body.”

“Thanks… I think.”

Hammer smiles as she puts a hand on his leg. “Trust me, it was a compliment.”

She turns to Rarity before continuing.

“But I do have to ask one thing of you. Why did you want me here?”

“I had a feeling there was something you wanted to say.”

“How’d you know?”

“Intuition.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Hammer?”

“I just… wanted to know something, Arc.”

“What would that be?”

“Are you… are you attracted to Rarity and her friends?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I am. Is that a problem?”

“I don’t know. But that was only half my question.”

“Oh?”

“Are you… going to have sex with them at some point?”

“Not anytime soon, no. But at some point yes. That is as long as we both want it.”

“I’m having some trouble wrapping my brain around that.”

Rarity points a hoof at Arc and herself. “He’s a stallion and I’m a mare. That’s how it works.”

Hammer shakes her head. “No, no. I mean… you’re beautiful and all, Rarity, but… I just can’t imagine Arc… penetrating you.”

“I can.”

Arc turns to her. “To be honest with you, Hammer, I’ve had several talks with Canterlot’s Royal Physician about this very subject.”

Rarity appears surprised. “You have?”

Hammer grins. “What did he say?”

“Well, he took some measurements of my… you know, and compared it to data on the average mare’s insides.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “And…?!”

“He says sex without causing damage to you is totally possible, yes.”

Hammer smiles. “I’m glad that you did that, Arc. But… I’m still uncertain about you having sex with an… um… you know.”

Rarity looks to Hammer evenly. “An animal?”

Hammer turns away. “I’m sorry! That was rude of me to even bring up!”

“Well, I suppose Arc is an animal to us too. But my friends and I are fully committed to sexual intimacy with him.”

Hammer grimaces. “Could Arc himself be hurt though?”

Arc sighs. “That was another question I had for Doctor Whooves. He said that as long as the mare didn’t start flailing her hooves everywhere that I’d be okay.”

He pulls a book from his ring and opens it to a certain page before holding it out for the pair to examine. Hammer appears confused.

“What’s this?”

Rarity blushes heavily. “It’s… um… the Pony Sutra. A visual representation of various sexual positions.”

Arc nods and points. “See this picture here. It’s known as the standard mounting position.”

Hammer looks the page over. “Kinda reminds me of doggy style.”

“It is, yes. The doctor told me to stick to this until the mare in question was certain she would be able to handle human… anatomy. All the other positions were a bit too dangerous to start with. For both of us, I mean.”

Hammer sighs. “Well, if you’re okay with it, then so am I.”

Rarity smiles and blushes. “And I’m ready to go when you are, Arc.”

“Um… thanks. But were a bit too busy for things like that at the moment.”

Hammer looks at the clock. “Should we get some sleep now?”

Rarity sighs. “It’s probably for the best.”

Arc nods as he puts the book back in his ring. “Agreed.”

Lying back down, Hammer moves to turn off the light as Rarity snuggles up to Arc again. She lies there with her hand resting on the switch, unmoving. Arc looks to her, confused.

“Something wrong, Hammer?”

“I… was just thinking about a few things.”

Rarity looks over. “Oh?”

Arc frowns. “Such as…?”

“Pony anatomy.”

Arc pats his ring. “According to what I read in that book their internal organs work about the same as a human’s would.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Rarity appears confused. “Then what…?”

Hammer interrupts her. “Can I look you over, Rarity?”

“Yes, I suppose.”

Arc sits up with his back to the headboard. Rarity steps over him and sits down in his lap as Hammer turns to face her.

“Um… now feel free to say no to this if you want, but…”

Hammer leans forward and whispers something in Rarity’s ear. She appears genuinely surprised as she speaks.

“You want to do… that?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. I mean, if it’s okay with you.”

“I… suppose it would be okay. Go ahead.”

Hammer takes a deep breath and looks Rarity in the eye. Slowly she raises her hands to the side of Rarity’s head. Gritting her teeth, the young woman squeezes her eyes shut and moves her fingers the last few inches. Resting them on Rarity’s ears she slowly strokes them. Arc raises an eyebrow, confused.

“Um… Hammer? What are you doing?”

“Feeling Rarity’s ears.”

“Why?”

Hammer blushes and looks away. “Because I’ve wanted to do that ever since I saw your pony friends!”

Rarity smiles. “And how do they feel?”

“Soft and supple. Just like I thought they would.”

Rarity giggles. “Careful now. That tickles!”

Hammer grins. “You gotta try this, Arc!”

“Feeling pony ears?”

“Yeah!”

“But I’ve felt them before.”

Hammer laughs. “And what do they feel like to you?”

“I’d… rather not say.”

Rarity appears confused. “Arc?”

“It’s kinda rude.”

“Please tell me. I promise I won’t be upset.”

Arc sighs. “Okay… pony ears feel like… dog ears to me.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her ear. “They do?”

Hammer nods as she continues rubbing. “Sure does. I just thought it was too awkward to ask before, so I didn’t say anything.”

Arc chuckles. “So what changed?”

“I realized that Rarity here was just like a human inasmuch as she was concerned for my personal needs.”

“Oh?”

“Isn’t that why you invited me in here?”

“I suppose it was. But I didn’t think it would lead to such a strange looking endeavor.”

Arc chuckles. “Maybe we should get to sleep now then. After all, we have a busy day tomorrow.”

Hammer nods as she lays back down. “That’s true.”

Rarity giggles as she steps back to lie on Arc’s other side. “Yes, well… I’m just glad you were able sate your curiosity.”

“Thanks. I really do appreciate it.”

Hammer shuts off the light, plunging the room back into darkness. For a few minutes there is only the sound of their breathing. Eventually Rarity calls out.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Am I… still going to be the first?”

“Yes, Rarity.”

Hammer looks over. “First what?”

“To be bred by Arc.”

“For such a high society mare you’re awful nonchalant about that.”

Rarity giggles as she winks at Hammer over Arc’s shoulder. “What can I say? The heart wants what it wants.”

Chapter 10 - Late Night Endeavors (Part 2)

King Malevolence frowns and clenches a fist.

“The pony princess DARES to try and take our most sacred relic?!”

“I’m sure she has a good reason, father.”

Arc looks to the mare. “Tell me something, Daring Do. If this item has been here for centuries why come here to retrieve it now?”

“I did ask that question before leaving on this expedition. She told me it was thought to be long since destroyed either after or during the final battle between the demons and Equestrian forces.”

Malevolence sneers. “It better not have been!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Thought to have been destroyed?”

Daring Do nods. “Right. The item or its remains were never recovered. However, Princess Luna believes it to be here still.”

Auriel grimaces. “And she waited until now to verify that?”

“She only said that it was a very recent development. Not sure what exactly that means though. Time is kind of a funny thing for alicorns.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “What should we do?”

Malevolence cracks his knuckles. “Before or after we string up this little sneak thief?!”

“Father, you couldn’t possibly…!”

“Oh but I can! I am the Demon King! Lord of this land and master of this palace! She has broken in to MY home and has admitted to plotting to steal from OUR kingdom, Auriel! What other punishment could there be?!”

Daring Do takes up a fighting stance. “Just try it!”

“Gladly!”

Arc steps in between the pair. “Easy there. Let’s not rush to judgment here.”

Malevolence points a claw. “But you heard her…!”

“That may be, King Malevolence. But you have to remember that she is still a citizen of Equestria. I can’t allow you to just arbitrarily take her.”

Auriel grimaces. “And you’re still on probation.”

Arc turns away to look back the way they came. “I assume that Princess Twilight would be most unhappy to hear that you’ve gone back to your old ways so quickly as well.”

“But…!”

“Father, this is a perfect opportunity to show Twilight that you’re not just some mindless killer!”

Daring Do puts up her hooves. “Come on, big fella! I’m not afraid of you!”

Arc frowns. “Don’t taunt him please.”

“Why not?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Because I said so.”

Daring Do frowns and looks away as Auriel does her best to calm her father. Arc walks over to the mare before him.

“Now then, I’d like to see this artifact for myself. Can you tell us where it is?”

Daring Do shrugs. “Princess Luna wasn’t actually sure. Just that it would be somewhere in the ruins here.”

“RUINS?!”

“Father, please! This place has been abandoned for centuries!”

Arc turns to the king. “What exactly is this ‘Telepathy Ball’?”

“That is not for outsiders to know!”

“Do you know where it is, father?”

“Of course!”

“Could you lead us to it?”

“Auriel, I just said…!”

“Father… as a member of the royal family shouldn’t I be able to know of state secrets such as this?”

“I… suppose you should. But I need to know one thing.”

“Yes?”

“What will you do with such knowledge?”

“You’re wondering if I’ll turn it over to Arc, aren’t you?”

“I am. Will you?”

Auriel sighs. “He is in a position to become my future husband.”

“That does not answer my question, Auriel!”

“I will… do what is best for all of demon kind.”

“And if you believe that to be turning it over?”

Auriel puts a claw on the wall as she shakes her head. “Artifact, relics, trinkets, and the like are all tangible goods, father. They can be replaced. Our citizen’s lives and freedom can’t be.”

She turns to Arc and smiles before continuing.

“That… and I do trust him. Please do the same.”

“But…!”

Auriel interrupts. “As my husband he would have access to it anyways, would he not?”

The king sighs and nods.

“Yes… yes he would.”

Daring Do grins as she holds out a hoof expectantly. “So fork it over then!”

Arc frowns. “Leave this to me, Daring Do.”

Turning to the king, he speaks evenly.

“May I please see the ‘Telepathy Ball’?”

Auriel looks to her father wordlessly. Eventually he nods soberly.

“This way.”

The king leads them through a set of large double doors and down another corridor to a large vault door. It stands there silently, already open. Daring Do groans.

“Looks like somepony got here first!”

Auriel looks over the door and shakes her head. “Judging from the damage here I’m thinking this was done many years ago.”

Arc turns to her. “Like shortly after the demons were banished?”

“Yes.”

They enter the vault. It is empty save for several abandoned looking animal’s nests and innumerable cobwebs. The king looks around and sighs.

“It appears Equestria took everything.”

Daring Do shrugs. “If the legends are true, that’s for the best.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is it?”

Auriel nods. “Supposedly this vault held the most dangerous items of our kingdom.”

Malevolence clenches a fist angrily. “As well as numerous cultural artifacts, yes.”

Arc appears hopeful. “With luck Princess Celestia kept them in the vault back in Canterlot for safekeeping.”

“Now then, father… where is this relic?”

King Malevolence walks over to the wall and puts a hand over a simple looking decorative tile. He casts a dark spell which snakes its way across the walls and even the ceiling. Eventually they converge at a single point and a small door opens in the wall across the room. The king walks over to it and pulls out a dark orb roughly the size of a cantaloupe. Turning to the others he holds the item in his palm for a few moments silently. Daring Do steps forward and extends a hoof to him.

“On behalf of Princess Luna, I’ll be taking the ‘Telepathy Ball’ with me.”

Malevolence scoffs. “You and what army?!”

Auriel moves to stand with her father. “My father is right! This isn’t yours to take!”

Daring Do smiles smugly. “Yeah? Well I think the Hero of Light here will back me up on this.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You will not lay a hoof on it, Daring Do.”

“WHAT?! B-but you said…!”

“If you recall, I only asked to SEE the ‘Telepathy Ball’ for myself. Not to turn it over to you OR Princess Luna.”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “You’re supposed to be on OUR side!”

“No, Daring Do. I’m the Hero of Light. Which means I’m not on anyone’s ‘side’ as you put it. All I want to do is protect Equestria.”

He turns back to the king before continuing and holds out a gauntlet.

“Will you please give me the relic?”

King Malevolence sighs and looks at the orb in his hand. Turning to Auriel, he carefully puts it in her palms.

“Father?”

“Auriel… the fate of our country now literally rests in your claws. What will you do with it?”

“I… don’t really know…”

“Remember, my dear… should this fall to the princess it is not likely we will ever see it again. Then all would be lost. But you need to understand that only a creature of darkness can safely handle such a thing.”

“What if Arc was one?”

“Then he would be fine. Why do you ask?”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Shall we step outside?”

“Sure.”

Leading the group out to the front steps Auriel descends them and looks out at the dark terrain before her. Arc stops a short distance away from her with the others. Turning back to him, Auriel sighs.

“You know what you need to do, Arc.”

Nodding, Arc recalls his armor. Looking up at the moon he transforms into his Crimson form. Daring Do steps back nervously.

“What in Celestia’s name…?!”

Malevolence gasps. “This… this defies all reason!”

Arc stands there, his red eyes aglow as Auriel slowly walks toward him. Stopping in front of him, she stands there motionlessly for a time as Arc looks to her. Eventually Daring Do loses patience.

“The Hero of Light wants you to do something! Hurry up and comply!”

Auriel looks him in the eye.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“This is very important to my father AND the Great Demon Kingdom for reasons that I don’t understand. What will you do with it?”

“Learn its purpose.”

“Will you turn it over to Princess Luna?”

“Just Twilight at the moment. She can probably better analyze it.”

“Then what?”

“I don’t know.”

“Would it be returned to us?”

“If there’s no danger to either country, yes.”

“And if there is?”

“Then we’ll have to re-evaluate the situation.”

“I… don’t really know what to do.”

“You have my word that I’ll do what’s best for the greatest number of individuals.”

Nodding, Auriel looks down at the orb’s swirling energies for a time. Eventually she holds it out to Arc. He extends a hand and allows her to put it into his palm. She does so but does not pull her claws away. Looking up into Arc’s face, she stares soberly at him before speaking.

“You’ve never let be down before. And I trust you not to do so now.”

Arc nods and pulls the ‘Telepathy Ball’ to himself. Looking across its glassy surface, he sighs.

“Thank you, Auriel. I’ll take good care of it for you.”

Malevolence looks him over from a distance. “Are you alright, Arc?”

Arc turns to the king. “Fine. Why do you ask?”

“Only a dark creature should be able to handle the ‘Telepathy Ball’. I’ve seen you using Light Magic in the past. How can you now be a creature of darkness?”

Arc sighs as he looks at the orb. “It is a very long and somewhat sad story. But we should probably go back to the ship and get some sleep.”

Auriel points to the orb. “What will you do with… that?”

“Keep it safe for now.”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “I still think that Princess Luna could do a better job of that!”

Arc frowns as he puts the orb in his ring. “Well it’s not up to you.”

“What am I supposed to tell her?!”

“Nothing at the moment. It’s late, after all. You’re welcome to stay the night here in my ship though.”

Malevolence frowns. “Is that wise, Arc?!”

“Probably not. But I can’t just leave her out here surrounded by wild animals.”

Daring Do scoffs. “I got out here, didn’t I?!”

Auriel shrugs. “That is pretty impressive.”

Malevolence rolls his eyes. “I’m sure she had help.”

“Daring Do doesn't need help! She handles her business herself!”

Arc groans. “Yeah, yeah. So are you coming with us, or am I locking you out here?”

The sound of animals roaring in the distance rings out. Daring Do sighs as she turns to Arc.

“I’ll come with you.”

Arc leads the way back to the ship. Entering, he closes the hatch behind him and touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

“Wrangler here, sir. Did you need to talk to the captain?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In fact, you’re probably the one I need to mention this to.”

“Sir?”

“I’m carrying a dark magical item in my ring. Anything on scanners?”

“One moment, sir.”

Walking over to the science station, she looks over the readings momentarily.

“Nothing on sensors, sir.”

“Good. Keep watch though.”

“Aye, sir.”

“One more thing. I’ve brought aboard a mare named ‘Daring Do’. She’s my… guest, I suppose.”

Wrangler raises an eyebrow. “All the way out here, sir?”

“Yes, well… stranger things have happened.”

“Shall I notify Princess Twilight for you, sir?”

“No need. I’ll inform Princess Twilight of tonight’s activities tomorrow morning over breakfast.”

“Yes sir. Will there be anything else?”

“I think that covers it. Thanks for doing all this.”

“Just doing my job, sir.”

“Well, I still appreciate it. But I’ll let you get back to work now. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection before turning back to the group.

“This way.”

Leading the group back to the VIP suites, Arc looks to the king and Auriel.

“See you two in the morning.”

Malevolence points a claw at Daring Do. “Shouldn’t guards be placed around this one’s door?!”

Daring Do glares at him. “What for?!”

Auriel frowns. “Well, you are after our nation’s greatest treasure.”

“It’s what I do!”

Arc groans. “Enough. Auriel, go with your father and get some sleep. There will be time in the morning to deal with this.”

“Very well.”

She walks over to him and smiles widely before planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Good night, Arc.”

Turning, her and the king enter their room. Daring Do walks over to Arc and looks up at him.

“Can we talk?”

“Now?”

“It’s important.”

Arc sighs. “Look, just because I don’t need to rest in this form doesn’t mean that I don’t want to.”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “I’m sure you want that red harpy’s dad to fall asleep so you can do your thing, but this is…!”

Arc pushes opens a suite door. “Her name’s Auriel. Now please get some sleep. I’ll hear what you have to say in the morning.”

“But…!”

Arc stomps a foot and points. Daring Do frowns but does as she is told. Closing the door behind her she flops down on the bed and looks up at the ceiling as she mutters to herself.

“That fool. Can’t he see that harpy’s playing him?!”

Sighing, she looks out the window for a time.

“And what IS he?! This isn’t a good sign, what with our Hero of Light hanging out with demons!”

Hopping off the bed, Daring Do paces the floor as she frowns and continues muttering.

“This won’t be easy. Now that he has that… that THING in his ring! But it’s certainly not impossible. I can still pull this off if I handle things perfectly. Just have to get to the ring and remove the item within. It certainly wouldn’t be my first time dealing with enchanted rings holding treasure.”

She grins and rubs her hooves together wickedly.

“The key will be timing with a good bit of stealth mixed in for good measure. I just need to hole up here for a bit.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads back to his room and walks over to the bed. Carefully Blinking back under the covers he gently strokes Rarity’s mane a few times. She moans quietly in her sleep before snuggling up to him. As she does so Arc puts a hand on Hammer’s arm. Just like Rarity she scooches closer to him and sighs contentedly. Arc lays there for a time just staring up at the ceiling.

“Tomorrow should be interesting.”

Looking down at his bedmates, Arc chuckles.

“But this is equally enjoyable to me.”

Closing his eyes, Arc drifts off to sleep. A few hours later the bedroom door silently swings open. Daring Do swiftly crosses the floor in her magic cloak, careful to not make a sound. Reaching the bed she pokes it to check the mattress. Pressing her chest against the footboard, the mare tosses the robe off behind her. Slowly but surely, Daring Do crawls under the covers and inches her way across the bed toward Arc. Cautiously feeling where his legs are, she slowly steps over them. Reaching his midsection, she carefully maneuvers her legs on either side of him to straddle his body with hers. Reaching his chest, Daring Do looks up to find his ring hand draped over his face. Moving at a snail’s pace the mare moves to reach up toward it. However as she does so something warm and soft touches one of her rear fetlocks. Turing her head Daring Do looks to one side to see Hammer’s leg pressed against hers in an effort to play footsies with Arc. Frowning, she muses to herself angrily.

“What the…?! That is DEFINITELY not the harpy’s leg! Is he… is he cheating on her with another demon?!”

Shaking the thought from her mind, Daring Do refocuses her attention to Arc’s ring. Reaching up again, she again feels something. However this time on her other rear fetlock. Gritting her teeth Daring Do turns to look the other way. Spotting Rarity’s hip moving to press against Arc’s leg she gasps as her own fetlock is pressed against Arc’s leg on either side, effectively immobilizing her as she muses to herself.

“Great. Now I’m stuck here.”

Looking up again, she spots the ring. Reaching out, Daring Do finds herself unable to reach it while at the same time unable to move forward without using too much force. Thinking for a few moments she looks to Hammer’s hand resting on the bed next to her. Leaning to one side, the mare carefully picks it up and puts the young woman’s hand on Arc’s chest. Looking to the other side, she spots Rarity’s hoof. Doing the same, she puts it on Arc’s chest on top of Hammer’s hand which causes the mare to lean in closer to her lover. Smiling in his sleep, Arc reaches down and puts his ring hand on the pair’s appendages. Spying the ring now inches from her face Daring Do reaches toward it. Giving it a gentle tug she frowns.

“Now THAT’S tight! How does he not notice that?!”

Continuing to tug gently, Daring Do fails to notice Arc’s other hand carefully casting a Telekinesis Spell to carefully move his bedmate’s hand/hoof away. When the time is right he wraps both arms and legs around the mare and quickly Blinks them both into his adjoining bathroom. Lunging forward, he throws his entire body weight onto her so that she can do little more than squirm. Clamping a hand over her muzzle, Arc holds her mouth shut and glares at her.

“Daring Do?! What the heck were you…?!”

Stopping, Arc takes a deep breath and calms himself before speaking again.

“We can talk more in a minute.”

Holding up a hand, he casts a Sleep Spell on the mare. Her eyelids become heavy and her limbs go limp. Arc puts his head to her chest and listens for a few moments before standing and looking down at her.

“Out like a light. Now then, let’s see what we can do with you.”

Picking the mare up, he carries her out of the room and down the corridor. Coming to his office he enters, closing and locking the door behind him. Flicking on the lights Arc tosses the sleeping mare on the desk. Frowning, he grabs a bottle of water, opens it, and dumps the contents on her face. Gasping and sputtering, Daring Do sits up quickly and looks around as Arc tosses the now empty bottle into the trash can next to him.

“Now then, let’s have a little chat.”

“Um… o-okay. How about we…?”

Cutting herself off, the mare takes flight and makes a beeline for the door. Grabbing the knob she turns it to no avail. Feeling a magical aura surround her body, Daring Do cries out.

“Get your filthy claws off of me, you pig!”

Arc glares at her as he holds up a hand to maintain the Telekinesis Spell. “Pig, huh?!”

Daring Do nods angrily. “It’s bad enough that you’re seducing that little red harpy! But now another one AND a mare?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “It’s not…”

“The filthy demoness from earlier and the other demon whore in your bed I don’t really care about! But when you start molesting MARES, that’s…!”

She is cut off as the pressure around her neck suddenly increases greatly. Gasping for breath, her hooves fly to her throat instinctively to try and remove the invisible magical hand choking her. Arc steps forward, grabs her by the front of her green shirt, and picks the gasping mare up. Walking over to the desk he slams her down onto it and positions his face mere inches from hers.

“Listen to me… VERY carefully! I care about them VERY much! You will not refer to Auriel as a harpy or demoness but by her name! The same goes for Hammer, who is not a demon, but a human just like me. And as far as the mare you saw goes, she too has a name! It’s Rarity! USE IT!”

Releasing his magical hold on her, Arc allows her to breathe again. Gasping for breath, she stands up on the desk and glares at him.

“How… how could you do this?!”

“Do what?!”

“Betray everypony!”

“I didn’t!”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “That’s not what Princess Celestia told the nation!”

“But it’s also not what Princess Twilight says.”

Daring Do is silent for a time. Eventually Arc speaks.

“Listen. What I do in the privacy of my own bedroom is none of your business. But for the sake of your conscience I’ll say this. Everything that I’ve done has been with everyone involved consenting, knowing about the others, and being of sound mind and body to make their own decisions. No one is forced to be here or get into bed with me against their will.”

“Are there others?!”

“Yes, there are.”

Daring Do opens her mouth to say something, but Arc interrupts her.

“No, you can’t speak to them.”

“Then let’s get back to the matter at hoof!”

“Which is…?”

“Me being locked in here with you!”

“I brought you here so you wouldn’t wake anyone up. These walls are soundproof, so we’ll have absolute privacy here.”

Daring Do backs away from him as she grits her teeth and pulls her tail close to her flank.

“I’m not consenting to THAT!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Trust me, you’re not my type. Now tell me what you were doing in my bed.”

Daring Do sighs. “Fine. I was going after your ring.”

“While I’m pretty sure I know the answer to this, why?”

“To get that dark orb.”

“The ‘Telepathy Ball’.”

“Right.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Princess Luna didn’t actually send you, did she?”

Daring Do shakes her head. “No. But she would have if she knew what was happening.”

“Oh?”

“There’s an old legend about that orb.”

“Do tell.”

Daring Do shakes her head vehemently. “Not to you I won’t!”

Arc scoffs. “Afraid I’ll tell the king?”

“He can’t know!”

“How can you be so sure that he doesn’t already?”

“A calculated risk.”

“And telling me this much isn’t?”

Daring Do pulls her tail even closer to her flank. “If I didn’t, you’d have just tortured me for it!”

She looks down at his pants and grimaces before continuing.

“Or worse!”

Arc frowns. “I’m not doing that to you!”

Daring Do scoffs. “Right. Right.”

“Tell me about this legend you mentioned earlier.”

“And if I refuse?!”

“I’m not going to violate you. But that won’t stop me from locking you up and telling the princesses about you getting in bed with ME!”

Daring Do groans. “That would trash my rep though!”

“Then answer my question and tell me what you know.”

“Fine. The original method to use that dark orb has been lost to the sands of time. It’s likely that only the king himself could remember how to make it function. However it also has a secondary function.”

“Oh?”

“It can be used to open the catacombs near the ruins of the palace.”

“What’s down there?”

“Other than the royal dead?”

“Obviously.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Nopony knows. But it has to be bad if the demons worked this hard to keep it under wraps all this time.”

Arc frowns. “What did I say about using their names?”

“I meant demons inasmuch as their race as a whole! Their ancestors created that orb millennia ago! The current king may have absolutely zero knowledge of what it’s secondary function is!”

“And you want to keep it that way.”

“As a last resort, yes. Best case scenario I want to get there first and figure this mess out myself.”

“First?”

“There are others whom are searching for these secrets too.”

Arc pats his ring. “But since I have the key right here no one can…”

Daring Do interrupts him. “Bad stallions such as these don’t need keys, fool! They’ll use whatever means are necessary to get what they want! Including high explosives!”

“And you’re sure that others are definitely on the trail?”

“I am unfortunately.”

“Then we need to get there first.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow skeptically. “What’s with this ‘we’ stuff all of a sudden?!”

“If anyone’s willing to go to such lengths to get whatever is hidden, we can’t let them have it.”

“Well, I work alone!”

“Not this time you don’t!”

Daring Do shakes her head. “An amateur like you would just be in the way!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well this so-called ‘amateur’ was able to take you down more than once. And unless you’ve got a secret stash of explosives nearby…”

“I can find another way in, naturally. But it would be much easier if you just lent me the key.”

“You’re not getting the orb without me coming with you.”

Daring Do groans. “I don’t really have much of a choice here, do I?”

“You have two.”

“Oh?”

“Either help me find this place or leave now. Pick one.”

“But…!”

“Take all the time you need to decide. Like the next five seconds.”

“What happens to me afterward though?”

“Help me and we’ll go our separate ways when this is over. No arrests, no charges, and no nasty audiences before the Princess of the Night, whom if you recall had her name invoked fraudulently by you earlier. Now then, your five seconds are up. Do we have a deal or not?”

Daring Do bows her head and sighs. “Fine. I’ll join you.”

“Glad to see you’ve come around to my way of thinking.”

“What choice did I have?!”

“Very little after breaking into my room to trying and steal that orb. But rest assured that I’ll keep up my end of the bargain if you do.”

“Just to be sure that we’re on the same page here, that means you’ll keep everything to yourself, right?”

Arc chuckles. “Worried I’ll tarnish your image, or something?”

Daring Do grimaces. “I’m just trying to keep my marehood safe from you.”

“Like I said, you’re not my type.”

“That’s not reassuring.”

Arc shrugs. “It wasn’t really supposed to be. But in any case let’s get moving.”

They head for the door together. As Arc puts his hand on the doorknob the stops and thinks for a moment. Daring Do frowns.

“Time’s wasting! What are you…?!”

“I just need to do one thing before we go.”

Chapter 11 - Late Night Endeavors (Part 3)

They walk through the dark jungle together. Daring Do frowns as she motions with her neck behind them.

“We didn’t need this tail!”

Arc frowns but does not turn his head. “I say we do.”

Auriel looks to her fiery colored tail, confused.

“Is there something wrong with it?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Auriel. Daring Do just meant that her and I should have gone on this little trip alone.”

“And we should have!”

Auriel gasps. “But this concerns the Great Demon Kingdom!”

Arc continues on. “Right.”

Daring Do scoffs. “And which one of us is the expert here?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Expert at getting into trouble you mean.”

Daring Do turns to Arc, angrily. “She wouldn’t even know about this if you hadn’t said anything!”

“It’s called ‘diplomacy’.”

The mare scowls as she turns to face forward again. “It’s CALLED ‘we could have been there and back before morning’!”

“And if we hadn’t?”

“Then we’d have made something up!”

“Right. And if something had physically detained us?”

“What would stop us?!”

Auriel looks around nervously as she hurries to stand by Arc’s side. “Any number of things out here I would guess.”

Daring Do groans. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid!”

Arc frowns. “Any reason why shouldn’t she be?”

“Well, for starters, because she’s a DEMON!”

“We feel fear too, you know!”

“Fine. Whatever.”

Arc clears his throat loudly in an effort to change the subject. “In any case, tell me more about this place we’re heading to, Daring Do.”

“It’s supposedly the only place the ‘Telepathy Ball’ can be used.”

“And we’re going there, why?”

“Because whatever’s there HAS to be dangerous!”

Auriel appears confused. “Some kind of ancient weapon?”

Daring Do groans. “It stands to reason, princess.”

“I’m… not really a princess.”

Arc chuckles. “You kinda are, Auriel.”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “By Equestrian standards, I suppose. However demons don’t have such titles.”

Daring Do frowns. “Then what are you?”

“The king’s daughter.”

Arc glances over at her. “No real power?”

“Officially, no. Is that a problem, Arc?”

Daring Do smirks as she looks to Arc. “No big promotion for you taking her hand, eh?”

Arc shakes his head as he ignores their guide. “Nah. I’m not too interested in gaining a title with the Great Demon Kingdom anyways.”

“At least not until the old demon kicks the bucket.”

Auriel appears confused. “Kicks… what now?”

Arc frowns at the mare. “She means when your father dies.”

“But he’s fine.”

Daring Do grunts. “He won’t live forever though. So are YOU taking over for him after that, princess?”

“I… don’t actually know.”

Arc turns to her, confused. “You don’t know?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Had I been asked me that before I met you, Arc, I’d probably have said yes.”

Daring Do narrows her eyes. “So what changed?”

“As it stands my future husband would become the next Demon King. As the former king’s daughter I would hold all the power, naturally. But before I couldn’t have imagined marrying anyone.”

She looks to Arc nervously before continuing.

“But… I don’t actually know if you’re eligible to help rule my race. Due to you not being a demon, that is.”

Daring Do turns to Arc as she speaks in a sarcastic tone. “Tough break.”

“That’s fine with me.”

Auriel frowns. “Huh?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really want to rule over a nation. Too much stress.”

“Either way, it’s likely that my father will outlive you, Arc.”

“Hopefully.”

They eventually come to a small clearing. A large temple-like structure stands there silently in the humid night air. Daring Do turns to Arc.

“Here we are.”

Arc frowns. “Yes, I suppose you were correct.”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “You doubted me?!”

Auriel rolls her eyes. “Well, Arc did say he found you trying to mount him.”

Arc facepalms. “Not exactly what I meant when I described what happened.”

“But I thought you said she was on top of you!”

“I was just trying to get his ring!”

Auriel looks to the mare condescendingly. “So you weren’t on the bed?”

“Yes I was!”

“You weren’t under the covers?”

“Well…!”

Auriel narrows her eyes. “And you weren’t inches from Arc at the time?”

Daring Do sighs. “I do admit that it does sound worse when you say it like that. But I wasn’t trying to do anything with him!”

“In THAT position?!”

Arc turns to her. “Auriel?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“Are you… holding a grudge?”

“Kinda. Are you mad?”

Arc grins. “Not at all.”

“Oh?”

“I’m more impressed than anything.”

“You are?”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Yeah. Someone got close to me and you’re upset. I didn’t think you ever got mad.”

“I usually don’t. But the thought of that mare being anywhere even remotely NEAR your genitals…!”

Daring Do groans. “Can we PLEASE stay on topic here?!”

Arc chuckles. “Fine. What do we have to do?”

The mare pulls out an old looking map and points a hoof at the steps as drawn.

“According to this, we just have to climb up the exterior stairs to that little room up top.”

Auriel frowns. “What’s up there?”

“I’m not really sure.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But you have a diagram.”

“Take a closer look. It’s actually only half of the drawing.”

Auriel gasps. “Where’s the rest?!”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “It’s in the hooves of my arch rival, the slime bag known as ‘Doctor Caballeron’.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Define ‘doctor’.”

“He’s an archeologist by profession. Technically speaking.”

Auriel tilts her head to one side, confused. “Technically?”

Daring Do groans as she puts the paper back in her saddlebags. “In reality he’s only interested in using his knowledge to make a quick bit.”

Arc sighs. “Let me take a shot in the dark here. Rather than putting what he finds in museums he sells to collectors?”

Daring Do sighs and makes a golf clop with her hooves. “Very good.”

Auriel looks around. “But there’s nothing here of value.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, princess. I believe there’s artifacts inside that would fetch a pretty fair price to the right collector.”

Arc scoffs. “There’s a market for ancient demon items?”

Daring Do nods. “If you find the right individual, yes. Since he’s set his sights on this place though I can only assume he’s found somepony with a LOT of bits to burn.”

Auriel looks to Daring Do. “And you?”

Daring Do grins wickedly. “I’m only in it for the thrill, princess!”

Arc shakes his head. “Really?”

“There’s also the small matter of keeping Equestria safe too. I mean, I’m not completely without patriotism. But it’s mostly the idea of Caballeron getting rich off of this that pisses me off.”

Climbing the stairs, the trio comes to the room up top. It appears much larger once inside. Arc frowns.

“Spacious.”

Auriel takes his arm nervously. “That it is. But what do we do now?”

Daring Do points a hoof at a pedestal in front of what appears to be a large door. “That orb needs to be put there.”

“A key, huh?”

“You could call it that.”

She looks around at the floor for a time before continuing.

“But we should hurry. It looks like we aren’t the first ones to get here.”

Auriel gasps as she looks down. “Hoofprints?!”

“My guess is that Caballeron and his goons made these.”

Arc looks around. “Do you think he got inside?”

“Probably not. But it does looks like his henchponies went over this room pretty good looking for a way in.”

Auriel looks at the mare’s saddlebags. “But with only half of the map…?”

Daring Do grins wickedly. “They don’t know about the orb or where to put it.”

Arc frowns. “Let’s get going then.”

He walks over to the pedestal and looks it over for a moment.

“Doesn’t look like they messed with this fortunately.”

“Good. Now then, all you have to do it place the orb into that stone holder there.”

“Then what?”

“Wait for the door to open.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thank you for stating the obvious.”

Daring Do looks impatient. “Just hurry up!”

Arc removes the ‘Telepathy Ball’ from his ring. Looking it over for a few moments, he takes a deep breath and does as he is told. A slight click is heard as the orb rests in the holder. However before Arc can utter a single word a trapdoor below him opens up and espouses a cloud of green gas as Arc falls into it. As it slides shut Auriel lunges toward it, missing the opening by mere moments. Turning to Daring Do, she glares at the mare.

“YOU!!!”

As Daring Do opens her mouth to say something a half crazed Auriel, moving at an insane speed, dives toward her. Tackling the mare the pair topple head over heels until they hit a wall. Auriel lands on top and seethes as she holds her opponent down.

“What have you done?!”

“I didn’t…!”

Baring her teeth, Auriel sinks her claws into the mare’s fetlocks. She cries out in pain as blood begins to flow onto the ancient stone floor. Daring Do screams as Auriel continues.

“Where did you send him?!”

“I don’t know! That wasn’t supposed to…!”

“You knew that you couldn’t get the orb from his ring! So you made up some crazy story to get him to follow you here!”

“N-no!”

“Then you told him what he needed to hear to take the orb out! You got rid of him and thought I would be easy prey!

Daring Do shakes her head vehemently. “It’s not what it looks like!”

“Tell me how to get that trap door open then!”

“I don’t know!”

“Then let me see if I can help jog your memory!”

While remaining seated on the mare, Auriel releases one of her hooves only to begin hitting the mare in the face. Breaking loose, Daring Do flies toward the safety of the stairs. Auriel Blinks into the doorway and backhands her. Although dazed, Daring Do is able to right herself, and lands hooves first on the wall to jump nimbly to a standing and battle ready position. However before she can act she looks up to see Auriel flying headfirst at her. Plowing into the mare she slams them both into a corner with a sickening crunch. As Daring Do cries out Auriel begins clawing at her angrily.

“Stop! I didn’t…!”

“Oh, but you did! Just tell me how to reach Arc and I’ll stop”!

“I really don’t know! I swear!”

Auriel raises a claw menacingly as Daring Do squeezes her eyes shut. Suddenly the silence of the room is broken by the sounds to numerous hooves approaching them. Turning, Auriel sees a dozen or more stallions approaching the pair. She jumps up and turns to them, wings spread menacingly.

“Who are all of you?!”

A voice rings out as a stallion walks to the front of the group.

“My name… is Doctor Caballeron. And I must thank you my dear.”

Auriel appears confused. “Thank… me?”

Caballeron nods smugly. “In but a few short seconds you’ve accomplished what I’ve only dreamed of doing for many years.”

“What’s that?!”

The stallion gestures to the battered mare on the floor nearby.

“Make my arch nemesis suffer!”

Daring Do slowly sits up. Looking up at Caballeron, she seethes.

“You… did this?”

Caballeron shakes his head as he smiles viciously. “Oh no, my dear. You did.”

Daring Do frowns. “But… but I just did what the map said!”

“Quite so. However the fact of the matter is that you had the half of the map which told of the key and its proper place.”

He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out another paper as he continues.

“However, I had the half which showed the traps and how to mitigate them. When your unwitting patsy put the orb in the holder he failed to disengage the failsafe.”

Auriel bares her teeth, clearly furious. “What?!”

“Yes. Such as this…”

Stepping to one side, Caballeron presses a button under a pile of dead leaves. A massive wall springs up between the pair effectively cutting them off. Auriel runs over to a single missing block and peeks through at their opponents.

“Where did my friend go?!”

Caballeron chuckles. “The temple’s dungeon. It’s filled with a rather nasty gas though.”

Auriel seethes. “I swear, if you hurt him…!”

“Oh don’t worry. While it won’t kill him, it will keep him asleep until his death of dehydration.”

“WHAT?!”

Daring Do looks up at the hold in the wall as she calls out. “Caballeron, listen to me! You can’t…!”

“Can’t?! My dear, you forget that I hold all the cards here.”

“But without my half of the map…!”

I don’t need it. Behold!”

Motioning to a couple of his minions, the stallions walk over to a pair of pedestals. Pressing down on the indentions simultaneously a low rumble is heard. Auriel gasps as the large stone door slowly raises. Caballeron laughs as he holds up his half of the map along with a lighter. Holding it under the old paper it quickly bursts into flames. Walking over to the crack in the wall he holds it up gingerly.

“Now that I no longer need this, it occurs to me you two are the last remaining loose ends. Something I will now rectify.”

He puts a hoof on the wall and leans against it, grinning.

“Farewell, Daring Do! We will never… meet… AGAIN!”

Pressing a tile in the wall, the floor under Auriel and Daring Do opens up, dropping them unceremoniously inside the temple before sealing them in. The pleased doctor laughs maniacally as he revels in the moment. A short time later he comes back to his senses and turns back to the now open door.

“Now that Daring Do is out of the picture, my destiny is at hoof! There is nopony who can stand in my way!”

He motions for his minions to follow him as he walks toward the door.

“Everypony follow me! To riches, power, and glory beyond measure!”

They enter the temple together. Picking up a nearby torch, Caballeron takes the lead and grins maniacally.

“So much for Daring Do and her little demon cow! And now with the Hero of Light out of the picture, the time is right for me to take what is rightfully mine and make this land, no… make the WORLD stand up and take notice of the name, Doctor Caballeron!”

He and his cronies laugh heartily as they pass through the now open stone door and walk deeper into the temple.

Chapter 12 - Late Night Endeavors (Part 4)

An indeterminate amount of time passes. Daring Do slowly sits up and looks around groggily.

“Ugh… what… happened?”

Shaking her head in an attempt to clear it, she feels something soft under her.

“What’s this…?”

Poking it with a hoof, Daring Do suddenly feels something sharp take hold of her fetlock. Instinctively she lashes out. A cry rings out in response.

“HEY! STOP!”

Gasping, Daring Do squints as she is suddenly blinded by a Light Spell.

“What the…?! Princess?!”

Auriel glares at her as she rubs her breast. “What’s the big idea?!”

“I… didn’t know what was happening! Then when you grabbed me with your claws, I just kinda… reacted!”

Auriel sighs. “Fine. But where are we?”

Daring Do looks around as her eyes adjust to the lighting. “I remember Caballeron dropping us down here.”

“And Arc?!”

“He probably wasn’t lying when he said the Hero of Light had fallen into some kind of internal dungeon.”

Auriel gasps. “We need to find him!”

Daring Do shakes her head. “No, we need to find Caballeron and stop him!”

“Arc’s life could be in danger!”

“If Caballeron finds whatever is in here all of EQUESTRIA will be in danger!”

“But…!”

“Look, princess… the Hero of Light is sworn to protect and defend the realm, or whatever. If he were here right now what would he want you to do?”

Auriel bows her head. “Save Equestria before saving him probably.”

“Right. Now then, let’s get moving.”

Auriel moves to stand but suddenly doubles over in pain. Daring Do frowns.

“Don’t tell me you’re hurt!”

“I think my wing is broken.”

Daring Do groans as she points a hoof behind her. “Then that makes two of us.”

“How did YOU break a wing! After all, you landed on ME!”

“Yeah. But you were the one who went NUCLEAR and slammed me into a wall after I dropped your stallionfriend!”

Auriel glares at Daring Do as she moves to stand, albeit weakly. “Well, YOU were the one whom told him to put the orb in its holder without knowing what would happen!”

“It was an educated guess, okay?! Even I’m not always right!”

“Yeah, that I can see!”

Daring Do sighs. “Look, we can sit here arguing all night or we can get moving and see if we can find Caballeron.”

“Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

“Agreed.”

Daring Do moves to stand up but suddenly cries out in pain. Auriel turns to her and rolls her eyes.

“Come on! It’s a broken wing, not a crushed spine!”

Daring Do gasps in pain. “Not my spine! My back hoof!”

Auriel sighs and walks toward the mare.

“Fine, so you twisted it. Still we need to…!”

She suddenly stops talking and frowns. Daring Do raises an eyebrow, confused.

“What?!”

“Your leg.”

“Oh?”

“It looks broken from here.”

“WHAT?! NO WAY!”

Jumping up, the mare’s pupils shrink as she screams out in agony. Falling back to the floor she glares at Auriel as she points an accusatory hoof at her.

“You did this to me!”

Auriel points to her own injured wing. “And YOU did this to ME!”

“At least you can still walk!”

“Give me a second.”

Looking around, Auriel spots several large branches that fell down with them. Picking one up she looks it over a moment before turning back to Daring Do.

“Going to finish me off, huh?”

Auriel frowns as she breaks the branch in half. “I wish I could after what you did to Arc. But I need your help to resolve this situation right now.”

Walking over to the mare, Auriel kneels down and runs a claw up and down her leg. The mare pulls it away with a shriek.

“What are you DOING?!”

“Trying to set your leg.”

“I don’t need your help!”

“Well, I’m not carrying you around. So you’d better let me set the bone so you can walk under your own power.”

Groaning, Daring Do nods. Auriel feels the bone and sighs.

“Okay, here’s the break. I can set this, but it’ll hurt like nothing else.”

“I can take it. Go ahead.”

Auriel puts one claw on the mare’s thigh and other just above her knee. With a quick motion she sets the bone as Daring Do screams. Putting the branch on the leg to help support it, Auriel grabs some vines and ties them to the wood before looking the leg over again.

“That should do it. Try putting some weight on it now.”

Daring Do carefully stands and moves her leg tenderly.

“I… think I can make this work for now.”

Auriel frowns. “It should last until we can get back to The Equinox. Then Nurse Redheart can do it properly.”

“Fine. Let’s go.”

“Which way though?”

Daring Do points a hoof. “This way.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “How do you know?!”

“Intuition.”

“That same thing that got Arc dropped into the dungeon?”

Daring Do shrugs. “Nopony’s perfect.”

Auriel glares at her. “Well, it’d better improve and quick!”

“Come on, princess, or I’ll leave you behind!”

Walking on, they come to a room full of stairs and corridors leading in numerous different directions. Auriel frowns.

“This doesn’t look good.”

Daring Do sighs. “It isn’t. This is what’s known as a ‘labyrinth’.”

“A maze?!”

“Perfect for keeping out intruders like Caballeron.”

Auriel looks around as she moves her Light Spell. “And us too I might add.”

“No design is perfect though.”

“Which way then?”

Daring Do groans. “No idea.”

“That’s not reassuring.”

“Just being honest.”

“Well, we can’t just sit here doing nothing!”

“Normally I would fly around and check each of the corridors the stairs lead to for traps.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “What would that accomplish?”

“Because it stands to reason that the path without traps would be the right one.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Demons don’t really think like that though.”

“Huh?”

“We would trap everything with the understanding that an authorized visitor would either be accompanied by a guide or be given a map showing the trap’s locations.”

“Clever. Well then, which way do YOU think we should go, princess?”

Auriel shrugs. “No way to know. We just have to pick a path and start walking.”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “I could’ve come up with that.”

“Fine. You can pick the first path then.”

“Alright.”

Pointing a hoof, the mare looks to the highest stairway.

“This one.”

“Lead the way.”

Heading up the stairs, they peek down the darkened corridor. Spotting an unlit torch nearby, Daring Do picks it up and turns to Auriel.

“Can you give me a spark?”

Nodding, Auriel casts a weak Fire Spell on the torch. Its end bursts into flames as Daring Do grins.

“There. That should save your mana.”

Auriel frowns. “How nice of you.”

Daring Do chuckles. “Don’t thank me. We may need it later to get out of here.”

As they walk slowly down the corridor before them Daring Do holds the torch low and scans the stones carefully.

“Look out for anything that looks like it doesn’t belong.”

“Like what?”

Daring Do stops and points a hoof. “Like that stone in the floor there.”

“What’s so special about it anyways?”

“It’s too perfect. Like it was made to go right there.”

“I don’t understand.”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “That means it’s probably a button or switch that sets off a trap, so go around it.”

Doing so the pair continue on their way. Daring Do frowns.

“There’s another switch and a tripwire ahead.”

“Lot of traps this way.”

“That could be good.”

“How?”

“If what you told me is true, then the demons might have put lots of traps here to protect the right path and its treasures.”

Auriel sighs. “Time will tell, I suppose.”

A few minutes later they emerge into a large room filled with stairs. Daring Do groans as she looks around.

“We’re back here again?!”

Auriel sighs. “I didn’t feel the corridors turning THAT much though.”

Daring Do points a hoof. “One way to find out. There’s the stairs we supposedly took earlier. Let’s check them out.”

Walking up the stairs again they arrive at the entrance to the corridor at the top. Daring Do looks to one side as she gestures to her torch.

“There’s the empty torch holder I got this thing from.”

Auriel points a claw. “And there’s our footprints leading down it.”

“Guess it’s your turn now.”

“Um… what?”

“To pick a path.”

“Why me? You’re supposed to be the expert.”

“Well, it appears to be random. So I guess I can afford to let a novice like you give it a shot.”

Auriel frowns. “Gee… thanks.”

She looks around a few moments before pointing to a lower path.

“There.”

“Alright. I’ll take the lead though.”

“Fine.”

As they set off down the corridor Daring Do turns to her.

“So… why this path?”

Auriel shrugs. “No real reason I can base in scientific fact. I suppose you could say it was just an impulse.”

“A lot of exploring is done using one’s knowledge of what’s worked in the past to figure things out in the here and now.”

“And if that doesn’t work?”

“Intuition.”

Auriel sighs. “I was afraid you’d say that.”

“Well, you just used it yourself.”

“Only due to lack of options.”

Daring Do grins slyly. “And that’s ‘Adventuring 101’.”

“What is?”

“There are never zero options.”

“Never?”

Daring Do shakes her head. “Never. The choices at hoof may not be what one would consider ideal. However sometimes you have to do something really outside the box.”

“Like what?”

“Well… one time I tried to retrieve an artifact from a group of thieves by disguising myself as a wealthy collector. I made a beard out of dried leaves to help convince them of my legitimacy.”

“But why THAT?!”

Daring Do shrugs. “Like I said, it wasn’t my first choice. But since it was all that was available to me at the time…”

“I don’t think I’d make a very good adventurer.”

“Why not?”

“Because I couldn’t have thought up something like that.”

“Look, we all do what we’re good at, princess. I’m an expert in archeology and spelunking. You’re an expert… royal, I guess.”

“I’m actually pretty good with machines.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “You are?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. In fact I used to build all kinds of things to try and help the demons in Tartarus escape.”

“…what?”

Auriel sighs. “Probably shouldn’t have said that.”

Daring Do frowns. “Does the Hero of Light know about that?”

“Oh yes. In fact he took me in after I was banished from Tartarus for taking my last invention’s power supply.”

“And what did you do with it?”

“Turned it over to the princesses.”

Daring Do sighs. “I would have loved to study it.”

“Trust me when I say it’s too dangerous to be let out of…”

“Wait!”

“What is it?”

“Listen!”

They are silent for a time. Auriel gasps.

“Is that… Kerbelrelian?”

Daring Do nods. “Yes. And it’s ‘Caballeron’. Follow me closely and keep quiet!”

The pair hurry forward as quietly as they are able. Coming to the end of the corridor they find themselves back in the large room with stairs and doorways. Looking up they spot Caballeron and his group of thugs walking along a caged stone walkway high overhead. Caballeron calls out to the others as they walk.

“And below us is an example of the ancient demon’s handiwork in designing inescapable tunnels.”

One of the thugs calls out. “With all those doors?”

Caballeron laughs. “More doors and passageways than one could explore before collapsing from exhaustion! However it isn’t the number of options that’s important, but the layout.”

“I don’t get it.”

Caballeron sighs. “How about I show you then?”

Stopping, he gestures to an old chest nearby. Opening it, he motions for the stallion to approach.

“Step inside.”

The stallion does so. Caballeron closes the lid and fastens the hatch before calling out.

“Now then, try getting out by going left.”

“But it’s just a wall, sir.”

“How about right then?”

“Just another wall.”

“Front and back?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“Down?”

“The only way out is through the top, sir. Just like I got in.”

“Ah, there you are wrong.”

“Sir?”

“Try the top.”

The stallion pushes against the lid with all his might but cannot budge it due to the latch being fastened.

“It… seems to be stuck, sir.”

Caballeron nods. “Right. Now then, even if you were to push in any direction as hard as you could you still would not be able to escape before passing out from exhaustion. The reason being… is because there really isn’t a way out.”

“That makes sense.”

“In any case, let’s be off.”

Another of the thugs calls out. “S-sir?! Aren’t you forgetting something?!”

“No, I don’t think so. Why?”

The stallion in the chest calls out. “Me!”

Caballeron chuckles. “Don’t worry about that. I didn’t forget you.”

“That’s good.”

“I just don’t want to let you out.”

“W-what?!”

Caballeron laughs throatily as he turns to walk away with the others.

“If you can’t understand such a simple concept, then I don’t see any reason to keep you around.”

They continue on their way, leaving the stallion to pound at the inside of the chest. Daring Do and Auriel grit their teeth.

“Did you hear THAT?!”

“Quite clearly.”

“What do we do now?!”

Daring Do frowns as she puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “He was going to have us wandering around down here until we starved to death.”

“Actually dehydration would occur first.”

“Not helping.”

Auriel points up to the stone walkway high above them. “We need to get up there where they are then!”

“Yeah. But those bars protecting it aren’t making that any easier.”

“The designers of this place must’ve not wanted anyone with wings circumventing this trap we’re in.”

Daring Do points a hoof. “Yeah. But there’s our ticket inside.”

Auriel looks up to see a large hole in the bars where a rock from above smashed into them some time ago. Sighing, she shakes her head.

“We still can’t reach it with broken wings.”

Daring Do looks around and grins. “I think I might have an idea.”

“How can I help?”

“Grab me three unlit torches and all the vines you can find.”

“But how will that help us…?”

Daring Do winces as she sits down on her flank. “Trust me on this one. I’d help, but I really need to rest my leg.”

Nodding, Auriel does as she is told. Grabbing the torches and a number of vines she returns to Daring Do. Dropping the goods on the ground in front of her she watches as the mare looks over the torches before tying them together with the shortest piece of vine. Auriel raises an eyebrow skeptically.

“Are you trying to make us a ladder?”

Daring Do nods as she continues to work. “In a manner of speaking.”

Auriel frowns. “But even if you’re successful, we could never attach it to anything all the way up there.”

“I’ve already got that worked out too. Just let me do what I’m best at, princess.”

“Fine. Anything else I can do?”

“Grab a few more torches while I work on this.”

Auriel turns to do so as Daring Do continues working on her own project. A short time later she returns to the mare’s side with the unlit torches.

“These are the only ones that weren’t rotted or otherwise unusable.”

Daring Do winces in pain. “They’ll… they’ll do.”

“You okay?”

“Kinda.”

“Wing or leg?”

“Leg!”

“Want me to take a look at it?”

Daring Do bows her head. “Probably should.”

Auriel kneels down next to the pegasus. Looking the leg over she checks the splint as well.

“Looks like the bone is still in alignment and the splint is holding up nicely.”

“Then why does this hurt so bad?!”

Auriel sighs. “Probably because we’ve been walking for hours. The splint just holds the bone in place while forcing you to keep it straight.”

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?!”

“Not really. After all, I don’t actually have any real medical training.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“I’m a scientist, not a doctor.”

“WHAT?!”

“Trust me. That splint is the best thing for you right now. It’s all the walking that’s causing the inflammation.”

“Inflammation?!”

“And the unsanitary conditions down here are leading to infection too.”

“Will I be okay?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. If we can get you back to the ship in a day or two.”

Daring Do groans. “Why am I asking you ANYTHING?! You don’t know for sure anyways!”

“I’ve read up on the subject. It’s pretty light reading to learn some basic first aid. Frankly I’m surprised you don’t know some yourself.”

“Well, I prefer to just avoid injuries altogether whenever possible.”

“As this proves, that’s not always possible.”

Daring Do looks away. “Thank you, doctor.”

“I don’t need to be a doctor to know that sometimes getting hurt isn’t avoidable!”

“Yeah well… there’s also the ‘skill’ factor.”

“Even the best don’t always escape harm.”

“Well I beg to differ.”

Auriel points a claw. “Then explain your wings and leg?”

“That was YOUR fault!”

“And it was YOUR fault that Arc fell into that trap!”

“Well, I…!”

Daring Do sighs and bows her head before continuing.

“…I guess that’s somewhat accurate.”

“Yes, it is!”

“I said ‘somewhat’!”

Auriel groans. “It’s a step in the right direction.”

Daring Do holds up her finished project. “So is this.”

“What is it?”

“Our ticket out of here if we play our cards right.”

“Cards?”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “It means… aw, skip it.”

Auriel points to the item is Daring Doo’s hooves. “So what are we supposed to do with that?”

“Watch.”

Getting to her hooves unsteadily, Daring Do grabs a vine and holds it up as she speaks.

“I tied all these vines together to make a rope. With this we can climb up to and through that hole in the bars overhead.”

“But neither of us can get up there to tie it for the other.”

Daring Do holds up three of the unlit torches. “That’s what these are for. Watch!”

Tying them to the end of the makeshift rope, Daring Do twirls them about her head for a moment before launching them at the hole in the bars. Missing, she tries again. This time adding more power behind the throw. As the mare fails again, Auriel looks down at her injured leg.

“That looks painful.”

“It is!”

“I’m noticing that you hesitate before each throw.”

“Because it hurts!”

“However if you continue you may do serious damage to your leg.”

Daring Do scoffs as she prepares to throw it again. “And if I don’t do this we’ll be stuck down here forever!”

Throwing the torches with all her might, Daring Do cries out in agony as she releases. It flies straight up as the mare falls onto her side gasping in pain. Lunging forward, Auriel grabs the torches before they smash into the injured mare.

“Th-thanks.”

Auriel frowns. “Like it or not, we need each other right now.”

Setting the torches down, she kneels next to Daring Do. Putting a claw on her leg Auriel frowns.

“It’s becoming inflamed.”

“What does THAT mean?!”

“That you need to take it easy.”

“Well, our only other option is for YOU to do this!”

“I might be able to.”

Daring Do shakes her head. “Nothing personal, princess, but that’s rather unlikely.”

“What else can we do?”

There is a long silence. Eventually Daring Do sighs and pushes the torches toward Auriel.

“Fine… go ahead.”

“Just a moment.”

“What is it now? Do you want some pointers, or something?”

Auriel folds her arms over her chest as she smiles slyly. “If I can do this… I want something from you in return.”

Chapter 13 - Late Night Endeavors (Part 5)

Daring Do narrows her eyes.

“What did you have in mind?”

“An apology.”

Daring Do chuckles. “Is that all? I can give you that right now if it’ll make you feel…”

Auriel interrupts. “For Arc.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“You have to admit that you told him to do something you knew could be potentially dangerous.”

“But he’s used to danger!”

“And because of you now he’s in it!”

Daring Do groans. “Look, OBVIOUSLY I wouldn’t have told him to do that if I had known something bad was going to happen!”

“Well, that doesn’t really help him, now does it?”

“I guess not. But I CAN’T apologize!”

“Why not?”

“Because he already doesn’t like me!”

Auriel folds her arms over her chest. “Considering what you did in his room, I can understand that.”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “I already explained my rational behind that!”

“Believe me when I say that he’s very forgiving.”

“But…!”

“Look… you have my word that I’ll see to it he doesn’t try to arrest you.”

“That’s not exactly reassuring.”

Auriel shrugs. “It’s the best I can do.”

“So just to be sure I have this straight… all you want is an apology for your stallionfriend?”

“Not the best way to put it, but yes.”

Daring Do sighs as she gestures to the torch tied vines “Fine. But only if you can get this up there.”

“Deal.”

Taking the torches, Auriel looks up at the hole in the bars. Twirling the vine a few times, she lets it fly. It sails through the air and through the hole. Auriel grins.

“I got it!”

“Now all you have to do is give it a solid pull to make sure it’s secure. Just be careful, as it’ll fly back at you if it isn’t.”

Giving the vine a few firm tugs, Auriel nods triumphantly.

“Solid as a rock.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Want to go first?”

“Aren’t you worried that I’ll just leave you here?”

“You wouldn’t make it too far without me.”

Auriel rolls her eyes. “Fine. Let’s get moving.”

Grabbing the vine, Auriel slowly climbs up toward the hole. Reaching the bars, she grabs onto one and pulls herself inside. Peeking out, she looks back down at Daring Do and gives her a thumbs up.

“Nothing to it!”

“Okay. My turn next.”

Grabbing the vine with her front hooves, Daring Do begins her climb. As she tires however she instinctively crosses her rear fetlocks for extra support. Crying out in pain she drops toward the floor below. Auriel cries out.

“NO!”

Daring Do plummets down and lands hard on her back. Screaming in agony from her broken bones she moans for some time as Auriel calls out to her.

“Are you alright?!”

“DO I SOUND ALRIGHT?!”

“I can come down there and help you climb!”

Daring Do shakes her head. “No way! You had a hard enough time going up yourself! There’s no way you could do it again AND help me!”

“We could try it!”

“Those vines aren’t thick enough to carry us both at the same time either!”

“So what are we going to do then?!”

Daring Do rubs her fetlocks and grimaces. “Give me a minute! I’ll think of something!”

They are silent for a time. A short time later Auriel calls out.

“I have an idea!”

Daring Do looks up and sighs. “What is it?!”

A few minutes later Daring Do slowly ascends with the vine carefully tied around her belly in such a way as to not cause her undue pain. She groans.

“This is humiliating.”

Auriel giggles as she pulls. “Look on the bright side. At least no one is here to see it.”

“Except you.”

“Can’t have everything.”

Daring Do looks up and grimaces. “And I have your word that you won’t tell ANYPONY about this?!”

Auriel nods. “Sure. As long as you hold up your end of the bargain.”

“A favor for a favor. I’m still a bit nervous about what exactly you want from me.”

“I already explained it. You do me a favor sometime in the future and I’ll help you out now.”

“Why do I feel like I’m taking out a high interest loan?”

“Think about it this way. At least you’re not indebted to my father.”

“The demon king?!”

“Yup.”

Daring Do groans. “Kinda am.”

“He doesn’t need to know about this part either.”

“Um… silly question.”

“What is it?”

“You’re not going to ask me to do anything… weird, are you?”

“Like what?”

Daring Do frowns as she looks up and holds out a hoof as she reaches the top. “I’m not going to give you any ideas.”

Carefully pulling the mare over the bars, Auriel leans back and breathes heavily.

“Now THAT was a workout!”

Daring Do frowns as she lays unceremoniously on the vines. “It was no picnic for me either.”

“Give me a minute to catch my breath and I’ll untie you.”

“I can do that myself.”

Auriel smiles weakly as she leans against the bars opposite the mare. “Fine. I’ll just rest until you do then.”

A short time later Daring Do steps out from the vines. She turns around and brushes them aside as Auriel looks to her.

“What are you doing?”

“Seeing if any of these torches is still usable.”

Looking them over, she sighs and shakes her head.

“They’re all pretty messed up from being used as rigging equipment.”

Auriel sighs. “Is that why you had me grab a few extra?”

Daring Do nods. “Yeah. I had planned to tie them to the end of the vine and pull them up here once we reached the top originally.”

Auriel looks down at the torches lying on the ground far below. “But that didn’t work out.”

“Nope.”

“Guess we’re back to the old Light Spell method, eh?”

“Maybe not. Let me see what I can come up with.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

Daring Do shakes her head as she looks around. “Nah. You just rest.”

Auriel does so as Daring Do gets to work. Breaking off the ruined torch tops she picks up the vines used to pull her up and unties them. Wrapping them around the ends of several broken torch tops she carefully fashions them into a single usable torch. Turning to Auriel she grins and points to the top.

“Can I get a light?”

“Sure.”

Casting a small Fire Spell, Auriel lights the torch end before diffusing her flame. Daring Do holds the torch up to her.

“Think you can carry this for me?”

Auriel takes the torch. “Sure. But what about you?”

Daring Do slowly gets to her hooves. “I’ll manage.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very.”

Taking a few unsteady steps, she winces with each one. Sighing, Auriel shakes her head and calls out to her.

“So what’s our next move?”

“We need some information.”

“On this building?”

“Not exactly. But rest assured, I know where to get it from.”

Making her way over to a nearby chest, Daring Do sits down on her haunches and pushes it open. A stallion leaps out and looks to her, clearly nervous. Turning to run away, he spies Auriel’s face in the light of the torch. Backing away he turns back and forth trying to decide whom to face. Auriel rolls her eyes.

“Will you stop that?!”

“Wha… what do you want from me?!”

Daring Do scoffs. “Information, numb nuts! Now spill!”

“On what?!”

“You know!”

“I can’t tell you about that!”

Auriel appears confused. “Why not?”

“Because Doctor Caballeron would KILL ME!”

Daring Do looks to the now empty chest. “I think he was already planning to do that.”

“He would have come back for me!”

“How sure are you of that?”

“Pretty sure!”

“Then how about we test that theory?”

“Wha… what do you mean?!”

Daring Do turns to Auriel. “Put him back in there.”

The stallions gasps. “WHAT?!”

Daring Do grins wickedly. “Oh, don’t worry. If you’re right the good doctor will be back soon to let you out.”

Auriel shrugs. “And if you’re not, well…”

Daring Do looks around. “Doesn’t appear anypony’s been in here for centuries. “

Auriel turns to Daring Do. “I wonder if his bones will still be intact by the time they’re found.”

“One way to find out.”

“No, no! Please! I have a family to think about!”

Daring Do glares at him. “Then think about them and TALK!”

“What do you want to know?”

“How about what Caballeron’s up to?”

“He’s looking for something called the ‘Idol of Boreas’.”

Auriel gasps. “What?!”

Daring Do turns to Auriel. “You’ve heard of it?”

“Yes, I have.”

The stallion continues. “Doctor Caballeron wants to find it for some big shot. Says he’ll pay a fortune if he can get his hooves on it.”

“Who’s the client?”

“I can’t say.”

Daring Do stomps the floor with a hoof. “Come on! Give!”

“I can’t because I don’t know!”

Auriel frowns. “What do they want with it?”

“No clue. We were just supposed to help Doctor Caballeron find it so we could get paid.”

Daring Do puts a hoof on the chest. “Then why’d he lock you up in there?”

“I dunno.”

“So he didn’t have to split the reward with you, idiot.”

“But why would he…?”

Auriel holds up a claw as she subtracts one. “It’s simple math, really. Less minions to pay means a bigger share for him and the others.”

“He wouldn’t do that to me though!”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “Right. Just like he wouldn’t leave you locked in a chest in an ancient ruins.”

The stallion’s pupils shrink as he puts two and two together (yeah, a math pun).

“I’m getting out of here then!”

Auriel turns to Daring Do. “Should we let him go?”

“Yeah. I got what I wanted.”

She turns to the stallion before continuing.

“Beat it, punk!”

Nodding fearfully the stallion turns and runs the other way. Daring Do looks to Auriel.

“So what do you know about this idol?”

“My father told me some time ago that he gave it away.”

“What?! When?!”

“Centuries ago actually.”

“And it does what exactly?”

“I don’t really think it does anything.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Then why would somepony want it?”

“Supposedly it’s a source of great pride. My father gave it to a griffon a long time ago as a gift for rendering aid to our citizens.”

“So it’s in the Griffon Kingdom then?”

Auriel shrugs. “It was reportedly stolen years ago.”

“Then why would Caballeron be here?!”

“I can only theorize.”

“Please do.”

“It is likely that the news of the artifact’s existence as well as its departure is not well known outside of the Griffon Kingdom.”

“So you’re saying that Caballeron just didn’t hear that it was given away?”

“I can’t really think of any other explanation. But one thing doesn’t make sense about that though.”

“What’s that?”

“If he’s supposed to be an intelligent stallion, how did he now hear about this previously?”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “Caballeron is an archeologist, and not much for current events. How long ago did the idol disappear from the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Decades ago I’m told. Which is why I’m so confused about his lack of knowledge on the subject.”

“I bet I can explain it.”

“Oh?”

“His client, whomever that is, told him about the existence of the item. They probably didn’t know anything else about it themselves, so Caballeron did what anypony would have done. He hit the library.”

“A wise choice.”

“I know that nopony’s written anything on demons, or their artifacts, for quite some time.”

“At least not since the fall of our kingdom.”

“The tomes that do exist have extremely outdated information in them. But Caballeron, being the short-sighted fool he is, just took it at face value.”

Auriel shrugs. “Well, it’s not like he had anything else to go on.”

Daring Do chuckles as she gestures in the direction Caballeron went with his followers. “Well then, let’s go see how he’s faring.”

“Um… won’t that be dangerous?”

“Probably. But I’m sure you want to know as much as I do how much he’s failing as well as see if he can help us find your stallionfriend.”

Auriel nods soberly. “That I do.”

Making their way down the caged corridor, the pair continue on together. Daring Do gasps and winces as Auriel turns to her.

“Your leg again?”

Daring Do nods fervently as sweat pours down her face from the pain. “Y-yeah. It’s getting worse. A lot worse.”

“Want me to scout out ahead? You could rest here.”

“You need me to watch out for traps!”

Auriel frowns. “I’m sure if there were any, Caballeron and his cohorts would have set them off already.”

“Trust me, you need an experienced guide.”

“Well, you can’t walk.”

“I’ll think of something.”

Auriel puts a claw on her chin thoughtfully. “I think I already have.”

“Do tell.”

A short time later the pair step out into a large room. Shelves line every wall containing any number of magical artifacts. Looking ahead, the pair spot Caballeron and his gang looking over a large door straight ahead. Auriel looks up to Daring Do.

“What should we do?”

Daring Do smirks. “Let’s go say ‘hello’.”

“Very well. Um… want me to put you down first.”

“Nah. Let’s go.”

Nodding, Auriel walks forward. Approaching the group they hear her and turn around. Caballeron looks at them for a few moments, clearly confused.

“Daring Do?!”

“In the flesh!”

“How…? How did you…? What are you DOING?!”

Auriel frowns. “Haven’t you ever seen a piggy back ride before?”

“A… what?”

Daring Do points a hoof as she sits on Auriel’s shoulders. “Never mind that. I’m here to tell you that you’re wasting your time.”

Caballeron raises an eyebrow as he chuckles. “Am I now?”

Daring Do nods as she looks down at Auriel. “Tell him.”

“That which you seek is not here.”

Caballeron laughs throatily. “I can only assume my abandoned little underling talked. A shame, really. Good help is SO hard to find.”

He looks Auriel up and down before continuing.

“But it looks like you’ve done well for yourself, Daring Do.”

“Thank you.”

“Tell me something. What does she have that I don’t?”

Daring Do narrows her eyes. “For starters, a spine.”

Caballeron glares at her. “Yet here I am ahead of the game yet again, old friend!”

“We are NOT friends!”

“Rivals then.”

Daring Do scoffs. “You’re not even in my league!”

“Says the mare being carried by a beast.”

“Think what you want, Caballeron. I just need one thing from you and I’ll be on my way.”

Caballeron looks to the mare leeringly. “My, my… so forward.”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I just want your half of the map from earlier.”

Caballeron rolls his eyes. “You may be beautiful, my dear, but it appears your memory may need some jogging. In case you don’t recall, I burned it earlier.”

“Yes, I do remember you burning it. But there’s just one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“I know for a fact that YOUR memory isn’t infallible either.”

“Your point?”

“There’s no way you’d have burned the map showing all the traps without making a copy first.”

Caballeron chuckles and pulls out another paper. “Very good, my former associate.”

“We’ve never worked together!”

“Maybe one day I’ll take you on as a… what is the term… baggage handler.”

“You wish!”

“In any case, you can’t have this.”

“Oh really?”

Caballeron nods wickedly as he holds a torch close to the paper. “I certainly can’t have you upstaging me yet again, my dear.”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “Would you STOP calling me that?!”

“Resist all you want, Daring Do. But one day I will show YOU who is the REAL treasure hunter among us!”

“Whatever. Just give me that paper and I’ll leave you to your devices.”

“You must really be slipping to need THIS to get out of here.”

“Hardly. In reality I just need it to find a way to retrieve the Hero of Light for my little red friend here.”

Caballeron raises an eyebrow. “How patriotic of you. Stooping to helping one of Celestia’s stooges.”

Daring Do shrugs. “What can I say? I’m just a big softie at heart. So… are you going to give it to me, or not?”

Caballeron shakes his head. “Not a chance. However, I am not completely without mercy. If you’ll be a good little mare and let me and my associates finish our work here I’ll allow you and your pack mule to accompany us back to the surface. No need to worry about pesky traps or getting turned around then.”

“I’ll take my chances without you, thanks.”

“Your loss then. But in any case, it does not appear either of you is currently… how does one say it… fighting fit.”

He looks Auriel over and smiles wickedly.

“I can think of a few customers in the Griffon Kingdom or Abyssinia whom would LOVE to add your crimson companion to their exotic pets collection.”

Auriel frowns. “I am NOT a…!”

Daring Do interrupts her. “Auriel, I think we’ve wasted enough time trying to do it your way.”

“So do I.”

Caballeron narrows his eyes. “What are you…?!”

Without another word, Auriel stretches out a claw. The paper flies out of Caballeron’s hoof and toward the pair. With a grin Daring Do catches it.

“Thank you, doctor. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have a human to save.”

Caballeron growls at them. “You’re going nowhere!”

Daring Do turns to him with a look of mock confusion. “I’m not?”

“Not with that map anyways! Return it and I may yet be lenient with you! Refuse and I make no promises for you and your companion’s safety!”

Auriel clears her throat loudly. “Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I can’t help but notice that you’re group is comprised of mostly Earth Ponies and a couple Pegasi.”

“What of it?”

Daring Do shrugs. “He’s not much for Unicorns.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“I don’t know for sure. But I’m guessing it’s due to his paranoia.”

Auriel smiles slyly. “Do tell.”

Caballeron groans. “You do realize I’m still standing right here?!”

Daring Do waves a hoof dismissively. “Yeah, yeah. One sec.”

She looks back to Auriel before continuing.

“You see, he doesn’t exactly treat his employees very well. So there’s always the chance they’ll turn on him.”

“And a unicorn could do some serious harm.”

Daring Do nods. “Right. But he can outrun an Earth Pony or outsmart a Pegasus. He’s had to do so in the past too.”

Caballeron scoffs. “That is entirely false!”

Daring Do sneers. “Oh, is it?”

“Yes!”

“What about the whole fiasco in Marapore?”

“A simple misunderstanding!”

“And the mutiny in Abyssinia?”

“You can’t prove…!”

Daring Do interrupts him. “Oh, and one can’t forget what happened in the Forbidden City of Clouds.”

Auriel grins. “I’d like to hear about that last one.”

Daring Do looks down at her. “Well, what happened was…!”

Caballeron turns to his cohorts, angrily. “Get those two! But don’t hurt them TOO bad. They’re worth a lot of money to…!”

He stops talking as his gang glares at him. Chuckling nervously he turns back to Daring Do.

“You know… I think you’re right.”

“About what?”

“That my treasure is in another temple.”

He looks around for a few moments before slowly backing toward a wall.

“Goodbye for now, chumps!”

Grabbing a statue’s head, he pulls it to open a secret passage. Running through, he is followed by his rather upset entourage. Auriel looks up to Daring Do as the door closes behind them.

“That went… okay, I suppose.”

Daring Do grins as she holds up the paper in her hooves. “Yeah, well… we got this at least.”

“Does it say anything about where to find Arc?”

Daring Do looks the paper over carefully. “Let’s see here…”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 14 - Late Night Endeavors (Part 6)

She silently reads it for a time before smiling and looking to Auriel.

“It looks like there’s a trap door that leads down to the dungeon right in front of the vault door.”

Auriel points a claw. “Right where that stallion’s henchponies were standing?”

Daring Do nods as she stuffs the papers in her saddlebags. “I’m guessing he was planning on betraying them as soon as they found the ‘Idol of Boreas’ for him.”

“Well, so much for that. How do we open it anyways?”

Daring Do points to an indentation in the floor. “Over by where Caballeron was standing when we walked in. I’d give you three guesses on why he was there. But you’d only need one.”

Auriel shudders. “Right.”

Walking over to the point indicated by Daring Do, Auriel touches it with her foot. The floor in front of the large vault door drops immediately forming a crude, but clearly effective, ramp. Auriel instinctively jumps back at the sight of wisps of green gas emanating from it.

“How do we get Arc out of there?!”

“Somepony has to go down there and get him.”

“There isn’t some kind of exit?!”

Daring Do shakes her head as she looks away from the pit. “Nope. It was meant to be a place of no return.”

“So what do you suggest?”

“Normally I would just hold my breath and fly down there.”

She points to her wings before continuing.

“But I think that’s out of the question.”

Auriel sighs as she looks at her own injured wings. “Me to. So I guess that just leaves magic.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “What’s your plan?”

“Slide down there, find Arc, and Blink him back up here.”

“That might just work.”

“Assuming all the rooms down there are connected, that is.”

Daring Do pats her saddlebags. “No problem there. According to the maps, they’re actually just one room about half the size of this one.”

“How…?”

“All the trap doors and corresponding ramps lead to one place. The gas just knocks anypony out before they can climb back up or cast a spell though.”

“I can hold my breath.”

“Maybe you can. But it’s not likely you could do so long enough to find your stallionfriend. Especially while casting a Light Spell.”

Auriel reaches for a torch. “I could take this to light my way.”

Daring Do grimaces. “Not advisable. We have no idea how flammable that gas might be. And I don’t really want you finding out the hard way.”

“Then we’re back to my idea of holding my breath.”

“We could also head back to the ship and get help. I’m sure there’s enough ponies aboard to mount a rescue attempt.”

“He might not have that kind of time though! Remember how long it took us to get this far after leaving the ship!”

“True. But if we fail nopony actually knows where we are in here. They’d still come looking for us, of course. But it isn’t likely we’d still be alive by the time they found this place.”

Auriel turns and walks toward the hole. “I’ll take my chances.”

Daring Do chuckles. “Really?”

“Yes. And what’s so funny?”

“Sorry about that. It’s just… I guess…”

Auriel stands there looking down at the hole below soberly. Turning her head she looks Daring Do straight in the eye.

“Hold that thought. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Taking a couple deep breaths, Auriel takes one large lungful of air before jumping down into the inky darkness below. Allowing her body to go limp she slides down for what feels like forever. Eventually the stone ends and is replaced by a momentary free fall. Slamming to the ground, Auriel skids to a stop as she plows into something somewhat soft. Casting a Light Spell she is met with a terrible sight. Innumerable dead bodies lie conjoined in a pile of bones, leaves, clothes, and the remains of what Auriel can only assume to be fully decomposed corpses. Her eyes darting around as her lungs begin to strain, she spots Arc’s tell-tale armor lying atop one of the piles.

“There you are!”

Hurrying to climb up the pile, she throws herself on top of Arc, wraps her arms around him, and Blinks them back toward the hole she fell through. Reappearing just inside the exit the pair begin to slide back down. Concentrating, Auriel Blinks them further up with another spell. As before, they begin to slide back down. Repeating the process a half dozen times Auriel looks up to see the light from Daring Do’s torch some distance above them. Her chest on fire from the lack of oxygen, she presses on. As her vision begins to dim, her body forces her to take a small breath. The feeling of burning intensifies as the gas enters her lungs. As Auriel’s eyelids grow heavy, she reaches down deep within herself and puts everything into one final Blink. Finding herself suddenly looking down at Daring Do some distance below, Auriel’s body goes limp as she and Arc plummet back toward the hole. Daring Do gasps.

“I got you!”

Releasing the button in the floor, the trap door again reforms into the floor as the pair touch down. Hobbling over to them, she puts her hooves on Auriel’s shoulders and shakes the young demon.

“Auriel! Wake up!”

Slowly opening her eyes, she looks around with a dazed expression on her face.

“Daring Do?”

“How do you feel?!”

Auriel forces a small smile. “Did I… do it?”

Daring Do nods as she gestures with the torch to Arc lying next to her. “That you did.”

Auriel rolls over and gets to her hands and knees. Pulling herself over to Arc, she rips off his helmet and puts a claw to his neck as Daring Do looks on.

“How is he?”

“He’s alive. Hopefully he’ll wake up soon with some air.”

“And you?!”

Auriel flops down on Arc’s chestplate and smiles. “I’m… much better now.”

Daring Do smirks. “You’re really dedicated to him, aren’t you?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. I’m hoping to spend the rest of my life with him too.”

Daring Do turns away and grimaces. “I’m not sure if that’s really cute… or absolutely disgusting.”

“Why’s that?”

“Sorry. Mushy stuff isn’t something I’m good with. At least that’s what I want to say.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Well… you remember that you told me to ‘hold that thought’ before you jumped?”

“What about it?”

Daring Do sighs. “Back then I was just thinking about how you were going to risk your life for a shot at saving his.”

“That’s what love is.”

“Yeah, well… I wouldn’t know.”

“Never been in love before?”

Daring Do blushes slightly. “K-kinda.”

“It didn’t go well I’m assuming?”

“Not exactly. You see…”

A slight moan from Arc rings out. Auriel looks into his eyes and calls out.

“Arc? Can you hear me?”

“Y-yes. Is that you, Auriel?”

Auriel grins. “That it is! How do you feel?!”

Arc groans as he puts a gauntlet to his forehead. “Like I just got hit by a truck.”

Daring Do laughs. “You kinda did. See, the thing is…”

Arc turns at the sound of Daring Do’s voice and grabs one of her hooves as he looks to her.

“YOU?!”

Auriel gasps. “Arc, stop!”

“What?! But she…!”

“Let her go! She’s a friend!”

Arc frowns but does so. Turning back to Auriel he sighs.

“You care to explain what happened then?”

“Sure. You see…”

Auriel explains Daring Do’s actions involving him falling into the dungeon as well as her efforts to make the situation right. Arc sighs as he narrows his eyes and looks to the adventurer before him.

“I’m not sure if I should thank you or punch you.”

Daring Do sighs. “Guess I kinda deserve the latter.”

“Kinda?”

“Alright, I do.”

Auriel grimaces as she looks at Arc. “But you won’t, right?”

Arc sighs. “Not at this moment in time, no.”

Daring Do looks to the demon. “I guess I should be thankful to you.”

Auriel folds her arms over her chest. “We had a deal. I’m just honoring my end of it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Deal?”

“If she helped me get you out of there I promised to keep you from hurting her.”

“And that stallion from earlier you told me about?”

Daring Do points toward the closed secret passage. “He ran through there.”

Auriel grins wickedly. “His thugs have probably caught up with him by now.”

Daring Do shakes her head. “Nah, he’s too slippery for that.”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Well if I ever catch up to him I’ll give him some handles!”

He turns to Auriel before continuing.

“That is unless you made a deal with him too.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Nope.”

Daring Do cackles. “Do whatever you want to him.”

Arc groans and slowly stands. “Well, we should probably get out of here now. Or at least try to find our way out.”

Auriel turns to Daring Do. “Any secret passages that will take us back to the top of the temple?”

Daring Do reaches into her saddlebags and looks over the paper again. “Actually yes. There’s a series of stairways that will take us up there. But, um…”

Arc groans. “What’s the catch?”

“Nothing really. I was just… curious about something.”

Auriel appears confused. “What is it?”

Daring Do point a hoof toward the sealed door that the stallions were trying to open when they arrived. “If there’s time, I’d like to see what’s inside this vault.”

Arc frowns. “After all this you STILL want to…?!”

“Think of it like an adventurer’s curiosity.”

“I don’t think any of us has the wits to figure that out or the strength to force it open right now.”

Auriel nods. “That and we shouldn’t even be in here without my father’s permission. To say nothing for whatever’s in…”

There is a low rumble as several loud clicks ring out. With a low groan the large door slowly rolls to open. Auriel turns to Daring Do.

“How’d you DO that?!”

“It wasn’t me!”

Arc sighs. “Really?”

“Believe me, yes!”

Auriel smiles happily. “Well… as long as it’s open we might as well take a look.”

Arc groans. “Not you too, Auriel!”

“I’m only interested in the contents from a purely academic standpoint.”

She looks to Daring Do before continuing.

“And I’m sure my new friend is too.”

Daring Do gasps. “Wait! You mean I can’t take ANYTHING?!”

Auriel nods. “Right. Don’t you agree?”

“Fine.”

Arc motions to the door. “Well then… let’s go.”

Walking toward the now open doorway they step inside. Looking around, the group spots a small room with shelves that run along all four walls from floor to ceiling. On them lies every imaginable magical artifact of all shapes and sizes. Some of them sit there silently while others appear to either hum, glow, or vibrate slightly. Daring Do gasps.

“How… how could these magical gizmos still function after all this time?!”

Auriel giggles. “Demon enchantments hold up much better over time than Equestrian. I’m told ancient unicorns also used lesser enchantments, but never perfected longevity.”

Arc puts a gauntlet to his chin thoughtfully. “Someone told me that a while back, yes. I think it was…”

Auriel interrupts him. “What the…?!”

Pointing ahead, they see a rather familiar navy blue cloak step out from behind a shelf. Arc clenches a fist.

“You again?!”

Wiseman nods as he looks up with an ancient looking tome in his gloved hand.

“Ah, yes. Fancy meeting you here, Arc. Did you come for a bit of a read as well?”

Daring Do turns to him. “You know this thing?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Unfortunately.”

Wiseman chuckles as he approaches them. “It’s good to see you again, Auriel. Tell me, how are you and Daring Do here getting along?”

“Um… okay, I suppose.”

Arc steps between Wiseman and Auriel. “Cut to the chase! Why are you here?!”

Wiseman holds up the book. “As I said, I just came for a good read.”

Auriel gasps. “That’s a book on very ancient and complicated Dark Magic spells!”

“A bit of light reading. One is never too old to learn something new.”

Daring Do points a hoof at him. “Never mind that! How the hay did you get IN here?!”

Auriel looks around. “I don’t think there would be any other way in. And the vault should be warded against Teleportation Spells.”

Arc frowns. “Care to explain yourself?”

Wiseman shakes his head as he puts the book back on a large shelf. “I knew you’d make it inside eventually, Arc.”

“How?!”

“The same way I know everything else.”

“Kronos?”

Wiseman shrugs. “The Keeper of Time anyways.”

Auriel groans. “Why were you waiting for us though?”

“To see Arc, of course.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Great. Here I am. Now can you please leave?”

“Certainly. But I also have a request of Auriel.”

“M-me?!”

Daring Do narrows her eyes. “What kind of request?”

“A simple one really.”

Reaching out to a shelf, Wiseman carefully picks an ancient looking relic up and holds it out to Auriel.

“Would you please give that to your father, my dear?”

“What is it?”

“Something that will be needed in short order. You will know what to do with it.”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “How do we know you’re not just setting us up?!”

“I suppose you don’t.”

Arc mutters under his breath. “Saw that one coming.”

Wiseman steps back. “In any case, I must be off. Take care of yourselves during the upcoming battle.”

Without another word the cloaked individual fades away into nothingness. Auriel looks to the device in her claws as Daring Do turns to her.

“What is it?”

Auriel shrugs. “I don’t really know.”

Arc looks it over for a few moments before speaking. “Doesn’t give me any bad vibes. Not that such a thing really means anything.”

Daring Do looks to Auriel. “So what are we going to do?”

“It would probably be best to just do as he says. After all, we could simply just bring it back here if need be.”

Arc shrugs. “If you want to do what that crackpot says, fine. But we should get topside, retrieve the ‘Telepathy Ball’, and get back to the ship.”

Daring Do shrugs. “I’ll see you two around then.”

She turns to limp away as Auriel calls out after her.

“Wait! You’re still badly hurt!”

“I’ll manage.”

“We can help you back at our ship!”

Arc frowns. “I… suppose we could.”

Daring Do shakes her head as she continues walking. “Thanks but I’ll be…”

Her legs give out suddenly as she crashes to the floor. Crying out in pain, Auriel runs over to her.

“Please! You shouldn’t be walking! Let us take you back to The Equinox for some x-rays!”

Daring Do attempts to stand, but fails. “Guess I don’t have much choice, huh?”

Arc shrugs. “Just us leaving you here, of course. But I’m assuming you don’t really want that.”

“Not really, no.”

“Then what are we going to do?”

Auriel kneels down. “I can give you a piggy back ride if Arc carries this device.”

Daring Do groans. “Fine. Just do me one favor.”

“What’s that?”

“Please don’t let anypony see me like this.”

Arc sighs as he takes the item from Auriel as she moves to hand it to him. “No offense, Auriel, but I don’t think you’re in any condition to be carrying someone.”

“Then how…?”

“I’ll put this thing in my ring and carry her myself.”

Daring Do frowns. “I’m not sure I’d like to…”

“Me or nothing.”

Daring Do sighs. Fine.

Leaving the temple, Arc is sure to retrieve the ‘Telepathy Ball’ before they depart. Returning to The Equinox via portal the trio heads for the Infirmary. Arc lays Daring Do down on a hospital cot as Auriel lies down on one herself. Turning, he knocks on the office door to summon Redheart. She promptly answers his calls.

“Sir?”

“Sorry to wake you up, but we need some medical help out here.”

“Yes sir, right away.”

Walking over to the bed, she approaches Auriel whom is lying on her belly with her wings draped over her back. She gestures to Daring Do.

“Please look at her first.”

Redheart turns to Arc for guidance. He shrugs. Turning to the mare, Redheart looks her over quickly.

“A badly broken leg and two broken wings.”

Auriel grimaces. “How bad?”

“I’ll need to take x-rays to know the extent of the damage, of course.”

Daring Do shakes her head. “That really isn’t necessary. Just let me rest and take the ship back to Equestria when you…”

Arc interrupts. “Redheart, I want to know the extent of her injuries along with Auriel’s.”

“But I don’t really need…”

Arc turns to her. “If you’d like Auriel can go first. However you’re getting looked at whether you like it or not.”

Auriel smiles at her. “Don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt.”

Daring Do sighs. “Fine. But take care of Auriel first.”

Redheart nods. “Very well.”

Arc turns to Auriel. “Looks like you made a new friend, eh?”

Auriel smiles nervously. “Is that okay?”

“Of course. I don’t own you, after all.”

Auriel appears relieved. “Good. I thought you’d be upset.”

She looks him up and down before continuing.

“How are you doing though?”

“A bit sore, but otherwise okay.”

“Maybe you should have Nurse Redheart look you over, Arc.”

“I’m okay. Crimson form regeneration and all that.”

“Well it didn’t protect you from that gas.”

Redheart looks over from her clipboard. “Gas, sir?”

“Some kind of sleeping mist. It kept me out for some time.”

“Then I really should look you over too.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m…”

Auriel interrupts him. “Arc, please let the nurse examine you.”

“But…”

“For me?”

Arc sighs and nods.

“Fine. But only after she’s done helping you and your friend.”

Redheart looks over from examining Auriel’s wings. “Why don’t you get cleaned up in the patient restroom, sir? There’s a medical shower in there.”

“Thanks. I think I’ll do that.”

Heading into the bathroom Arc recalls his armor. Looking to the mirror at his face, he sighs.

“Pale skin… red eyes… fangs… not sure how the others can bear to look at me when I’m in this form.”

Removing his clothes, Arc turns on the water and steps into the shower. Sitting down, he puts his head in his hands as the water washes over him.

“Tonight… certainly didn’t go as I had intended.”

Remaining in the shower, unmoving, for an indeterminate amount of time, Arc eventually hears the door softly open. The shuffling of cloth and footsteps approaching the shower ring out over the sound of the water. Looking up he spies Auriel standing there silently, her wings drooped at her side. Looking behind the demon he spies her clothing lying on the floor behind her as she speaks.

“Can I join you?”

“Y-yeah, sure.”

Auriel steps into the shower and sits down next to Arc. He looks over to her before speaking.

“How are your wings?”

“A lot better than originally thought. They’re not actually broken.”

“Really?”

Auriel nods. “The nurse looked them over and found them to be only heavily bruised. She gave me a shot in each one for the pain.”

“Ah. That explains the limp wings.”

“It’s just a localized anesthetic, so I can still walk and talk normally. Redheart said they’d be better in a week or so.”

“That’s… good.”

“Is something bothering you, Arc?”

“Yeah. I need an honest opinion on something.”

“What is it?”

“How do I look to you right now?”

“In your Crimson form?”

“Yes.”

Auriel smiles lewdly as she licks her lips. “Very sexy.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks.”

“But that’s honestly how I feel.”

“Sorry. It’s just… I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out how the others could possibly love me when THIS is staring them in the face.”

He motions to his Crimson facial features. Auriel smiles and puts a hand on his cheek, turning it to face her.

“I think I can explain that.”

“Oh?”

“They’re able to look past the physical difference you now have, Arc.”

She runs a claw down his cheek and onto his bare chest before stopping at his sternum.

“To them and me… what’s in here is what really matters.”

Giggling, she pulls back her claw to a layer of dirt.

“How about I wash you off as I talk?”

“I can…”

Auriel appears hopeful. “Please…?”

Nodding, Arc smiles.

“Okay.”

Auriel grabs the medical grade soap and a washcloth. Working up a lather she starts cleaning Arc’s body as he talks.

“I just… feel like I should be something more though.”

“Like what?”

“That’s the worst part. I literally have no idea.”

“Then how can you be more?”

“Sorry if I’m talking nonsense. I think this whole matter has my brain scrambled.”

“Even that sentence was kinda strange. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Arc sighs. “I don’t know. My Crimson form should protect me from illness and injury to a degree. But not much is known about it.”

“Less so as it pertains to humans.”

“That’s another thing. They fell in love with Arc the human. Not Arc the vampire.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Don’t worry about it so much. If it really bothers them they’ll say something.”

Arc frowns as Auriel rinses him off. “I suppose they would. Everyone’s been really nice about it, of course.”

“But I can’t imagine they’d just let something like this go unsaid if it was going to be a deal breaker.”

“I think I’ll have a talk with them about it though. After all, this whole Crimson thing isn’t exactly something I can just cure myself of.”

Auriel sets down the shower nozzle. It continues to spray water as she giggles.

“I know. But I’m okay with this, and bet they are too.”

“Thanks.”

“Um… do you think you could do something for me?”

“What is it?”

Auriel blushes slightly as she speaks. “Help me wash myself.”

“Huh?”

“My back’s still pretty numb from those shots, so I can’t really feel what I’m doing. Do you think you could clean me up too?”

“Sure.”

Taking a clean washcloth, Arc wets it and gets a lather going as Auriel turns around.

“Just let me know if I hurt you, okay?”

Auriel nods as Arc begins. He carefully scrubs her wings starting from the tips. Auriel sighs happily.

“As long as we’re baring our souls, can I say something?”

Arc nods. “Sure, go ahead.”

“The way you feel about your Crimson form… I know how that’s like.”

“Because you’re a demon?”

“No one in Equestria, the Great Demon Kingdom, or Earth looks even remotely like me. As a halfling I’m really the only one of my kind.”

“Please don’t call yourself that, Auriel.”

“Why not? It’s true.”

“I suppose so. But you say it like you’re somehow less important because of it.”

“For the longest time I used to think about how you could possibly love a creature like me, Arc.”

“And what did you come up with?”

Auriel closes her eyes and smiles. “The same reason I gave to you about your external appearance. To you… it’s just not important.”

“Auriel?”

“Hm?”

“I honestly think that you’re really beautiful.”

Auriel sighs as she looks down at her claws. “In which form?”

“Both actually.”

“Which would you prefer though?”

“Your human form is just as pretty as your demon form.”

“While I disagree, I thank you for saying so.”

Arc frowns as he picks up the nozzle from the floor with his magic. “What makes you say that?”

“Creatures of all species are more attracted to those whom are most similar to them in appearance. That’s probably why I never looked at another demon romantically before. They just look too different from what I am.”

She turns and grabs his shoulders before looking him dead in the eye.

“But you… you and I look the same as far as general features goes.”

“Are you saying that’s the only reason you fell for me? Because we look the same?”

Auriel shakes her head vehemently. “Not at all! You were always so kind to me. Ever since that day you invaded Vengeance and destroyed the Malice Cannon. After all, you could have just left me there to die.”

“It’s not in my nature to hurt someone that doesn’t appear able or willing to fight back.”

Auriel giggles as she puts a claw to Arc’s face and smiles. “Now look at us. We’ve gone from tenuous friends to me wanting to have your children.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s been a long, wild ride alright.”

“And it’s not over yet… is it, my love.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not even close.”

Carefully putting his arms around Auriel’s back so as not to hurt her wings, Arc pulls her in close. The pair kiss passionately as Auriel presses her body against his. Wrapping both her arms and legs around Arc’s midsection, she grins as they continue kissing. Pulling back a few inches, Auriel speaks.

“I love you, Arc.”

Arc smiles as he leans in for another kiss. “And I love you too, Auriel.”

Preface - Volume 44 - Climactic Conflicts

In our previous volume, Arc awoke with severe depression stemming from recent events. Being questioned about it by the Mane Six he confessed to feeling the weight of his actions on his shoulders. Recommending a break, Arc takes a portal to Abyssinia. Taking Sereb with him the pair walk around the outside of the wall together as Arc talks. Confessing his deeper problems of feeling inadequate in his feelings for the mares that love him, Sereb does his best to reassure Arc that he is doing all he can. Heading to the temporary orphanage, Arc enters and finds Dinky along with her friends. They escort him outside to where Derpy and Coco Pommel are going over supplies. Cozy Glow walks over with an unsigned form and tells Arc of recent events concerning her and Stellar Eclipse. Giving Derpy the day off, Coco Pommel tells her to spend time with Arc and Dinky.

As the little family leaves the orphanage Arc asks Dinky what she would like to do. Admitting that she wants to go out to eat with them and her friends, Arc gives permission for them to come too. The group heads to a restaurant called ‘The Cat’s Meow’. Ordering, they sit and talk about matters important to the girls (mostly pertaining to relationships and sex). It ends with Arc asking Derpy on a date at the behest of Dinky. Derpy agrees to it and they plan to go out that very evening.

Arc and Dinky head for the bunkhouse to meet the others for the date. Asking her father to wait outside Dinky goes inside to see how things are going. She finds her mother in a simple dress with her mane and tail done up. Babs Seed arrives with a jewelry box from Cheerilee and tells them that they can borrow what they need from it. Not seeing anything that would go with Derpy’s features they are about to look for something in the other’s footlockers when Derpy asks to see the jewelry herself. Picking out a simple silver necklace, she has Apple Bloom put it on her before heading out front to meet Arc. After saying their goodbyes to the foals Arc opens a portal and escorts Derpy through. Arriving at what appears to be an empty field Arc tells Derpy the it was ground zero for one of the destroyed buildings. Heading for a pizza place suggested by Pinkie, they sit down and order a large cheese pizza. After it arrives they talk about Dinky mostly. Confessing that she doesn’t know what hobbies are, Arc learns that Derpy does little other than her job at the orphanage and raising Dinky.

Leaving the restaurant, Arc and Derpy do some window shopping. Spotting a jewelry store, Derpy expresses an interest. Entering, she tries on a pair of gold earrings with the salesmare’s help. Liking how she looks, Arc purchases the earrings for her. Returning to the street the pair decide to visit an aquarium. Looking over the exotic fish, Derpy is amazed that such creatures exist. However she compares herself to an unassuming starfish lying on the floor of the tank while noting that the other fish are more like the other mare’s whom love Arc. Telling Derpy that he's not interested in physical appearances Arc convinces her that she’s special in her own right. Opening a portal he takes Derpy to a very fancy hotel suite. After lighting a fire in the fireplace to set the mood the pair talk for a time. Admitting that she’s been dreaming about him having sex with her, Arc assured Derpy that such things are normal for someone whom is in love. Pushing him over, Derpy lays down on Arc’s chest as the pair kiss passionately.

Awakening the next morning, Arc returns Derpy to the orphanage in Abyssinia. However as he does so his earring chirps. Answering it to the sounds of a frantic Twilight he is told that they have received and emergency transmission from Auriel in Redemption Village. Having asked for Arc to come at once he assures Twilight that he will handle it. Opening a portal, Arc and Sereb head through it and to Redemption Village’s Town Hall. Finding Auriel inside, she explains that the entire town is at the Gates of Tartarus preparing to defend the land. Heading for the cave they find Mythic Honor whom explains the situation from his point of view. Unable to enter Tartarus without his cloak, which was destroyed by Celestia when he was attacked, Arc calls for Twilight. Bringing her to the cave with a portal, she is able to create a banishing portal for him, Sereb, and Auriel to us to enter Tartarus. As they leave the arrival temple they step out into a veritable forest. Auriel calls out for Aurora whom escorts them to Vengeance and the demon palace. Entering the Throne Room they are told that during a visit to the Gates by King Malevolence he found that his hand was able to pass through the barrier. Telling Auriel to send for help he kept the matter quiet until Arc arrived.

Arc and the others return to The Equinox together. Calling for Twilight on his earring he requests her sent to his quarters aboard ship along with the Mane Six, Ember, Scootaloo, and Hammer. After explaining the situation roughly half believe that the demons cannot be trusted while the other half wish to give them a chance. After hearing that the Great Demon Kingdom once stood far to the south Arc volunteers to verify the demon’s claims to the land by flying there. Heading to the Bridge, the king points on the map the rough location of their ancient city. Ordering the ship to head there after notifying those whom would take over in the interim, Arc suggests they start with breakfast.

Heading to the Cafeteria, Arc along with Auriel and her father, sit down for breakfast with the Mane Six, Ember, Hammer, Scootaloo, and Sereb. They tell the king about their plans for form a herd with Arc. Believing that Auriel was Arc’s only lover interest he is somewhat surprised and assumes they are forming for an orgy. However the others explain their desire for a bona-fide relationship with Arc rather than just one of carnal pleasure. Finishing their meal, Auriel and King Malevolence ask to speak to Twilight and Arc privately. Heading to the Observation Deck they speak of leadership matters. King Malevolence recommends that Twilight stop living in Celestia’s shadow and become a leader in her own right. Twilight voices her hope of being able to return to a normal life soon so as to be able to pursue her own wants and desires (take that any way you want).

As they finish supper, Arc is notified that they are approaching the target coordinates. Heading to the Bridge they look at an approaching mountain through binoculars. The king tells them that the old palace is carved directly into the mountain as Arc orders the ship to land. Twilight reveals the existence of a shadowy group of ponies commanded by Celestia that search the land for dangerous artifacts. Not knowing any more than that, Arc raises concerns that he was not told of such things during his tenure as Lord Regent. Deciding that they will enter the ruins tomorrow morning, Arc and the others head for bed. Hammer and Rarity join Arc in his quarters as Arc monologue in her restroom. Lying down with them, Hammer makes a strange request of Rarity. Allowing the young woman to feel her ears, Rarity giggles as Arc looks on confused. Confessing that she’s always wanted to do that, Hammer is surprised to hear Arc admit that pony ears feel like dog ears.

Unable to sleep, Arc leaves his room and heads for the Observation Deck. Spotting Applejack standing there alone he approaches her. She confesses her dream of making a family with someone and watching as Granny Smith holds her great grandfoal. Turing around, Applejack offers to let Arc just go for it even though the science states that such a thing would not impregnate her. Arc refuses as he isn’t ready for such a thing with her. Escorting Applejack back to her quarters, he is met by Auriel and her father. They tell him that they pair have been talking since retiring for the night about their former kingdom’s origins. Arc tells them that he was heading to the Main Hatch to get some air and asks them to join him. Stepping out onto the deck they speak for a few moments before the king senses something moving in the ruins nearby. Calling the Bridge Arc is told that no one else has left the ship and that they cannot scan for things as small as what was seen. Calling forth his armor, Arc leads the pair toward the old palace and inside slowly but surely. Entering they head for the Archives. Malevolence calls out to whomever is sneaking around before Arc spots them with his True Sight Enchantment. Tackling them, he pulls a magic robe off their trespasser to reveal a very angry looking mare. Identifying herself as Daring Do, she tells Arc that she was sent to the ruins of the Great Demon Kingdom to retrieve and artifact known as the ‘Telepathy Orb’. Furious, the king refuses to allow her to take their land’s greatest treasure.

Pressing a tile, the king activates a switch which reveals the ‘Telepathy Orb’. Daring Do demands the orb but Arc refuses to back her up. Asking the king to give it to him, Auriel is handed the relic much to her surprise. Telling her to do with it what she will, Auriel steps outside with the others. Asking Arc to transform, he looks to the moon and goes into his Crimson form. Taken aback, Daring Do watches as Auriel gives Arc the orb on the condition that he promises to return it if at all possible. Agreeing, Arc puts the orb in his ring and returns to the ship with the others. As soon as the two royals enter their room however she attempts to talk him out of keeping it. Rebutting her attempts to speak to him about it further, Arc orders her into a suite for the night before heading to his quarters. A few hours later Daring Do enters his room cloaked. Climbing onto the bed she makes her way over to Arc’s ring. However the mare is stopped by Hammer and Rarity as they do their best to get close to Arc in their sleep. Taking their hands, Daring Do puts them on Arc’s chest. Feeling their warmth Arc puts his hand on their which brings the ring before the trespasser. Trying to carefully remove it, she accidently awakens Arc whom grabs her and Blinks into the bathroom. Putting her to sleep with a spell, he takes the unconscious mare to his office and locks the door. Throwing her onto the desk Arc dumps a bottle of water on her face to awaken her. As she is being questioned Arc is angered by her language regarding his friends. Choaking her, he explains that everyone involved is doing so willing at that he will not tolerate any more slander against them. Releasing her, Arc continues his interrogation. Daring Do admits that she is not working for Princess Luna but that some bad stallions are looking for the orb in order to use it as a key. The pair team up to stop them and leave the room together.

Arc, Daring Do, and Auriel walk through the jungle together. Daring Do explains their need to get to the temple first in order to safeguard the items inside. Arriving, she tells Arc to put the Telepathy Orb in a special holster in front of the door. However as he does so Arc is dropped into a room some distance below filled with green gas. Auriel attempts to go after him but fails. Taking out her anger on Daring Do, she attacks the mare with all her might. As the pair fight they hear the sound of hooves approaching them. A number of stallions approach as one steps forward to identify themselves as Doctor Caballeron. Triggering a trap, a wall raises up between his stallions and the pair. Dropping them into the bowels of the temple he uses two pressure plates to open the door Daring Do was attempting to bypass.

Awakening together, Auriel inspects Daring Do’s leg and finds it to be broken. Splinting it, the pair try to find their way out only to discover that they’re in a labyrinth. Overhearing their captors overhead, they spy a caged walkway overhead by which one might escape. Daring Do fashions a simple machine out of vines and torches with which they can reach the overhead corridor. Lacking the physical fortitude to throw the torches high enough to catch their target, Auriel volunteers to try on the condition of a favor.

Asking only that Daring Do promise to apologize to Arc, Auriel hooks the torches on the steel overhead and climbs up. However, her companion is unable to due to her broken leg. Tying the vines around her belly, Auriel is able to pull the mare up to join her. Releasing the stallion left behind in the chest, he tells them that Caballeron is searching for the Idol of Boreas on the behest of a wealthy collector. Auriel tells Daring Do that the idol was given away by her father to a griffon as a gift many years ago. Heading down the corridor together Auriel gives her companion a piggy back ride as her leg has become swollen from overuse. Confronting Caballeron at the end of the corridor, Daring Do and Auriel trick the stallion into showing them the copy of the map he burned. Pulling it to herself with a Telekinesis Spell, Auriel and Daring Do manipulate the stallions into betraying their boss. Fleeing through a secret door, he is chased by his minions as Daring Do goes over his half of the map along with her own.

Reading the maps, Daring Do discovers that there is a trap door nearby that leads to the underbelly of the temple. Pointing out the switch to open it, the mare presses it as they discuss how to retrieve Arc. Failing to come up with a better plan, Auriel decides to hold her breath and just jump in. Sliding down the chute, she falls into a pile of dead bodies. Hurriedly looking for Arc she spots his armor, grabs him, and through a series of Blinks returns to the relative safety of the room overhead. Checking Arc’s vitals she finds that he is alright. Awakening, Arc immediately goes after Daring Do, but is stopped by Auriel. Bringing the pair back to his ship, Arc helps Auriel and Daring Do to the Infirmary where they are examined as he heads for the medical shower. Sitting there under the nozzle he hears someone enter the room. Looking outside the curtain he spies Auriel walking toward him naked. Asking to join him Arc allows it. Asking her how she can stand the sight of him in his Crimson form Auriel admits that she finds it sexy. Assuring him that the rest of the herd doesn’t hold him accountable for his looks in that form, Arc and Auriel share a passionate kiss together in the shower.

However, many problems still remain. Will Arc be able to overcome his emotions and feelings of inadequacy? Will Derpy ever be able to find something she enjoys doing other than raising Dinky and her job? How will Derpy cope with her feelings? What will become of the Great Demon Kingdom? Will Twilight ever be able to free herself from Celestia’s shadow? Will Applejack be able to control herself in the future? What will Luna say when she hears about it? Will Caballeron ever be heard from again? How will Daring Do explain this whole thing to Arc and the others?

Time will tell. Sooner of later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - The Telepathy Ball

Eventually Arc and Auriel break the kiss and stare at one another lovingly. Auriel giggles as she lowers his hands to her hips.

“If you’d like to go all the way with me… I’m ready.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks, but not right now.”

Auriel sighs. “Okay.”

“Sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. After all, I want it to be a magical time for both of us. And while this shower is indeed nice…”

Arc chuckles. “It can’t beat a nice, soft bed.”

Auriel puts a hand on her limp wing and smiles nervously. “And I suppose it’d be better if I was healed.”

“That too.”

Standing, Arc reaches out a hand to Auriel. Taking it, he helps her stand up. She presses her body against his and smiles up at him.

“Can we stay in here a bit longer?”

“Afraid not. We both need some rest before the sun rises.”

“I suppose so. That and I’d like to check up on Daring Do as well.”

The pair step out of the shower and towel off. Pulling fresh clothes from his ring, Arc begins to dress as Auriel frowns.

“What are you doing?”

Arc looks to her, confused. “Um… getting dressed.”

“Not in that you aren’t!”

“But this is what I normally wear.”

Auriel turns to a cabinet and opens it. Pulling something out she tosses it to him.

“What’s this?”

Auriel sighs as she pulls one out for herself. “A hospital gown.”

“What for?”

“To make it easier for Nurse Redheart to look you over.”

“But I’m fine.”

“Arc, please. I really want her to look you over before we do anything else. You went through a lot this evening.”

Arc sighs. “Okay. If it would make you feel better.”

He slips into the gown as Auriel does the same. Walking out of the restroom she leads Arc over to a bed and points.

“Get some rest, Arc.”

“What about you?”

Auriel giggles as she slips under the blankets of the bed next to Arc’s. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right here the whole time.”

Arc turns to look at Redheart next to Daring Do’s bed. “How’s she doing over there?”

Redheart steps aside to reveal a cast on the mare’s hind leg as well as bandages on both of her wings.

“Compound fractures on her leg as well as two broken wings. Whatever she was fighting certainly must have been powerful.”

Daring Do frowns at Auriel as the demon silently mouths the words ‘I’m sorry’. Redheart makes her way over to Arc’s bed.

“Now then, how do you feel, sir?”

“A bit sore and tired.”

Auriel turns to the mare. “He was acting a bit… strange in the shower too, ma’am.”

Daring Do grins mischievously. “Having fun in there, kids?”

Arc frowns. “I’m fine, thank you.”

“That may be. But I’d still feel better if a full examination was done on you, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Go ahead, Nurse Redheart.”

Daring Do looks around. “Before you get started though, are my saddlebags around here somewhere?”

Auriel points to the cabinet across the room. “In there.”

“Can I get them please?”

Redheart nods. “Certainly.”

Trotting over to the cabinet, she removes the bags with the mare’s cutie mark on them. Walking them over to the bed she sets the bags on the side table before looking to Daring Do.

“Now then, I recommend you get some rest.”

“I will. Just as soon as I take care of something.”

Redheart pulls the privacy curtain shut for her as she returns to Arc’s bedside. Looking to him she speaks.

“Are you ready to begin, sir?”

“Sure.”

Pulling back the covers, Redheart lifts Arc’s gown and begins feeling his legs with her hooves. Auriel looks on and giggles softly. Looking up, Redheart frowns at her as her horn glows. Casting a Telekinesis Spell she closes the curtain between them. Auriel pouts as she calls out.

“Aw… but I wanted to watch.”

Redheart groans. “Get some sleep, miss. You need to heal almost as much as your friend in the other bed.”

Auriel sighs. “Yes ma’am.”

Laying back, Auriel is soon asleep. Sometime later Redheart finishes her examination and puts the gown back down as she looks to Arc.

“It would appear that you’re just fine, sir. Other than some very light bruising on your back you appear to be just fine. Well, fine considering that you’ve been up all night exploring, that is.”

“Thanks, Redheart.”

“Just doing my job, sir.”

“Um… can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

Arc lowers his voice and gestures to his fangs. “What do you make of my… condition?”

“I can only surmise that your powers kept you energized through the night.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“What exactly do you…?”

Arc sighs. “Am I really still me?!”

Redheart smiles at him and puts a hoof on the bedside as she speaks. “Only you can answer that, sir.”

Arc nods soberly. “Thank you.”

“Now then, I recommend you get some sleep now. It’ll be light in an hour or so.”

“Really?!”

Redheart nods. “Yes sir. Please feel free to buzz for me if you need anything. I’m heading back to bed myself.”

Sighing, Arc lays his head back and stares up at the ceiling as Redheart closes her office door. He hears rustling coming from Daring Do’s bed. Turning, he calls out to her.

“Hey. You okay over there?”

“Just fine. Why do you ask?”

“Sounds like you’re restless.”

“I’m just… doing my mane.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Now?”

“Yes.”

“Fine. But you should rest too.”

“I will very soon, yes.”

Arc yawns. “Alright. Good night.”

Rolling over, he soon falls asleep. Sometime later Arc hears the tell-tale sound of numerous hooves running down the corridor toward them. Twilight and her friends burst into the Infirmary with Hammer and Rarity following closely behind. Spotting Arc in the bed closest to the door they hurry over to him with Twilight in the lead.

“Arc!”

Arc slowly sits up. “Um… good morning?”

Applejack gasps. “How badly are you hurt, sugarcube?!”

“Nurse Redheart says I’m fine other than some light bruising.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “From WHAT?!”

“A bit of an adventure late last night.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “When did you have time for something like THAT?!”

Hammer grins slyly. “Yeah! Last thing I remember was the three of us getting kinda frisky in bed!”

Fluttershy blushes. “Oh my!”

Pinkie pouts. “Yeah! I’m jealous! When’s it going to be my turn?!”

Sereb chuckles from the corridor. “What a terrible problem to have.”

Arc smiles nervously. “Sorry for making everyone worry. I didn’t want to wake anyone else up for what I thought was just supposed to be a bit of a walk in the jungle.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “But WHY?!”

“Well, you see…”

A rather strange voice rings out nearby.

“Um… hello? Is… is somepony there?”

Frowning, Arc turns to the curtain next to him and raises a hand. Casting a Telekinesis Spell he pulls it aside. Before them on the bed lies a mare in a purple shawl, gray hat, and large magenta glasses. She looks around the room nervously.

“Where… am I?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about, Dar…”

The mare hastily interrupts him. “I’m sorry, where are my manners? My name is A.K. Yearling.”

Rainbow Dash gasps and smiles strangely. “A… K… Year… ling…?!”

Arc frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

Twilight smiles. “She’s a very famous author in Equestria, Arc.”

Rarity nods matter-of-factly. “Oh yes. Rainbow Dash here is a big fan of stories revolving around her series featuring a character named ‘Daring Do’.”

Applejack chuckles. “I think we’ve all read the first one at least.”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Me too!”

Rarity trots in place happily. “I couldn’t put it down!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “My critters even like it.”

A.K Yearling offers them a weak grin. “Thank you for your kind words, everypony. I’m so very happy that you like my work.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But what are you doing all the way out here?”

“I was… scouting locations for my next book.”

Rarity gasps. “In the jungle?!”

“Yes. I find it adds a level of depth to my writing if I can visualize a location from actual life. Sometimes photographs can only do so much.”

Fluttershy looks over the bandages. “Were you ambushed by wild animals or something?!”

“Sadly, I was. You see, I had hired an entourage to escort me safely through some dense looking jungles. However beasts attacked our group and they fled.”

Applejack shakes her head. “Those fools. Should we send out a search party?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary, miss. They’ve been out there this long, so I’m sure they can handle themselves.”

Twilight frowns. “Are you certain?”

“Very.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “But that doesn’t explain how you and Arc met up.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah! I wanna hear about THAT!”

Arc pipes up. “Last night I was having trouble sleeping so I… headed up to the Observation Deck.”

Applejack’s ears droop nervously as she silently mouths the word ‘no’.

“I… had a bit of a talk with Auriel and her father up there about some rather… personal matters.”

Pinkie giggles. “Like what?!”

Rarity sighs. “That’s why they’re called ‘personal’, Pinkie Pie.”

“Aw! But I wanna know more!”

“Well, I can’t really say what we were talking about. But after that we decided to take a bit of a walk.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Around the ship?”

“To the old palace.”

Ember raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Uh… why?”

A rustling from the next bed over rings out as Auriel sits up and pulls the curtain back.

“I can explain that. “

Ember gasps at the sight before them. “Auriel?!”

Hammer groans. “What the heck happened to you?!”

“Last night my father wanted to show me our former seat of power. It really is a sight to behold. Even in the dark.”

Arc nods. “Right. That and he wanted to secure an old relic of their kingdom.”

Twilight appears genuinely interested. “Oh? What was it?”

Arc sighs. “The ‘Telepathy Ball’.”

Fluttershy frowns. “What is it?”

Arc pulls the artifact from his ring and holds it up. “This.”

Ember spreads her wings in surprise. “WOAH!”

Sereb hurries inside the room. “I could sense that thing all the way out there!”

Hammer puts a hand to her forehead. “It’s kinda making me sick!”

Twilight shields her face with a wing. “Arc, get that thing away from us!”

Auriel holds out her claws to him. “Give it to me! Hurry!”

Arc levitates the orb to Auriel across the room as the others breathe a sigh of relief. Rarity is the first to speak.

“I can see why he was worried about it.”

Pinkie puts a hoof to her stomach. “Yeah! That thing was really evilly feeling!”

Applejack groans. “You got that right.”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “What’s it do, Arc?”

“Not fully sure. But Auriel’s father allowed me to hold onto it as a showing of good faith.”

Twilight narrows her eyes. “Did he now?”

“Yup.”

Hammer puts her hands on her hips. “Not sure I like the sound of that.”

Ember scoffs. “I don’t trust him either.”

Auriel grits her teeth. “Well I do! My father wouldn’t have given Arc that if it was going to cause trouble!”

Twilight looks to the window. “How about a bit of an experiment?”

Arc appears confused. “Twilight?”

“Would you please raise the sun, Arc?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “What?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But why?”

Fluttershy looks at the clock. “I suppose it is about that time.”

“Sure.”

Arc stretches out a hand. The sun begins its trip across the sky as Twilight watches Arc intently. Frowning she speaks.

“How do you feel?”

“Fine. Why?”

“Because you’re still in your Crimson form.”

“I am?”

Ember gasps. “You’re right!”

Hammer looks him over. “But how’s that possible?!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I thought he was supposed to change back when the sun rose!”

Arc touches his fangs. “Me too!”

Pinkie gasps. “What about the Scarlet Filly?! She might know what’s going on!”

Applejack grins. “Good idea! I’ll go fetch her!”

Arc shakes his head. “Just a minute.”

Fluttershy tilts her head to one side, confused. “Arc?”

“Leave it to me.”

Concentrating, he calls out to Scootaloo. A few moments later the robed filly runs into the Infirmary.

“I came as fast as I could, Big Brother! What’s…?!”

She stops talking as she spies the sunlight gleaming over Arc’s skin.

“What the…? Big Brother how are you DOING that?!”

“No idea.”

Ember points a claw. “It’s gotta be that orb thing!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Agreed!”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Get rid of it!”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “But we can’t…!”

Ember interrupts. “Then I will!”

Taking flight Ember lunges toward Auriel. Holding up a hand Arc casts a quick Barrier Spell. Ember grits her teeth angrily as she smacks into it.

“Quit playing around!”

Twilight gasps. “Ember, wait! Let Arc explain!”

Arc sighs as he gestures to the orb. “No one other than a dark creature can touch this thing for some reason.”

Rarity shudders. “I can’t imagine anypony else would want to anyways.”

AK Yearling nods. “Yes, indeed. But it certainly is a sight to behold.”

Arc shrugs. “I guess it is. But why don’t we get back to telling the story about last night?”

Ember grunts. “Good idea.”

Rainbow Dash turns to the injured author. “So… did Arc find you out there in the palace, AK?”

“No. After I ran from the beasts I took refuge in an ancient looking temple. Unfortunately some rather… unsavory types were trying to break into the place when I arrived.”

“She was lucky Auriel and I arrived when we did.”

Auriel looks away nervously. “Yes. We worked together to… outsmart them.”

Fluttershy gasps. “What became of them?”

Arc points out the window. “They ran off.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Into the jungle?!”

Pinkie giggles. “Not too smart of them!”

Twilight sighs. “If they were resourceful enough to get out here it stands to reason they had a way back as well.”

AK gestures to her bandages. “Yes, well… they did a number on me before the Hero of Light and his companion arrived.”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “THEY DID THAT?!”

Fluttershy shrugs. “Who else could have?”

“I figured it was the beasts!”

AK smiles. “I’ll be okay with some bedrest I’m told. However, I’d like to be transferred to a hospital as soon as possible.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Unfortunately we’re not planning on leaving here for a while. How’s your condition at the moment?”

Auriel chimes in. “Nurse Redheart said earlier that she was stable.”

Ember scoffs. “Then she can wait.”

Hammer folder her arms over her chest. “Yeah. We ain't running a taxi service here!”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “But she probably has to get home to work on the next book!”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “You forget just how important our own mission…”

Pinkie jams a hoof into Rarity’s mouth. “Shush! I think it’s a secret!”

AK tilts her head to one side. “Oh? Was that something I wasn’t supposed to hear?”

Auriel smiles nervously. “I’m not sure.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Kinda. Sorry, but we’re sorta in the middle of something right now.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Do you think you could open a portal to Ponyville Hospital?”

Arc frowns. “Um… I don’t think that one works anymore.”

Twilight gasps. “Oh… right. How about the Crystal Empire’s hospital then?”

“That I can do.”

Sereb chuckles. “It is a good thing you put a sigil in the Waiting Room, my friend.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Right. I don’t think your friends would have liked the continuous hoof traffic.”

AK appears confused. “Does this happen often?”

Fluttershy sighs. “More so than we’d like.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. Rainbow Dash hurries to the head of the bed.

“I’ll get you there safely, ma’am!”

“Oh, um… thank you.”

AK turns to the others before continuing.

“Well, it was very nice meeting you ALL…!”

The mare is cut off as Rainbow Dash hurriedly pushes her bed through the portal. Everyone facepalms and groans as she does so. A few moments later she prances back through the portal smiling widely.

“The hospital staff said they’d take good care of her.”

Applejack covers her face with her hat. “Great.”

Rainbow Dash trots in place happily, squealing. “Can you believe that we all just met THE A.K. Yearling?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yeah, we’re all starstruck.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Um… can we please go back to discussing why Big Brother is still in his Crimson Form even though it’s not nighttime?”

Hammer looks him up and down. “Yeah, I wanna know that too.”

She takes a moment to leer at him before continuing.

“But I do kinda think it’s hot.”

Auriel giggles as she blushes. “Agreed.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks you two. Not that I really mind… I guess, being like this. But it’s too much of a coincidence that this happened right after I got that relic.”

Auriel sighs. “We should probably consult with my father on that, Arc.”

Ember looks around. “Where is he anyways?”

“Sleeping, most likely.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Oh”?

“He’s not what you would call a ‘morning demon’.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably less so being up so late last night.”

Scootaloo turns to Ember. “Can you go get him please?”

“Of course.”

Hammer grunts. “I’ll go too.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Um… are you expecting trouble?”

Hammer chuckles as she leaves the room with Ember. “Princess, I’m ALWAYS looking out for that.”

The pair hurry out of the room, but return shortly with King Malevolence. He looks to Arc and his daughter as the others move to position themselves between the demon and the man.

“Most impressive!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What are you TALKING about?!”

“My daughter’s escapade with Arc last night apparently.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “That doesn’t make any sense!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “Yeah! Are you saying you’re HAPPY their hurt?!”

Malevolence grins toothily. “Some things are worth the pain of injury.”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side, confused. “Like what?!”

“An after-adventure, shall we say… romp?”

Twilight frowns. “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand.”

Applejack blushes heavily. “I think I do.”

“It’s normal for our kind to engage in passionate lovemaking after an adventure together.”

Auriel groans. “We didn’t do that, dad!

“Oh?”

“I mean… it’s true that I wanted to do it and offered myself to…”

Arc interrupts her. “Just for the sake of clarity here, no Auriel and I did not have sex.”

“Right. We just took a long shower together.”

Ember grins. “Nice job, Auriel!”

Hammer gives a thumbs up. “Way to go, Arc!”

She looks down at Scootaloo and puts her hands over the filly’s ears.

“But maybe we should talk about something else.”

Scootaloo shoos her away. “What’s the big deal? Big Brother and I have bathed together plenty of times in the past.”

Sereb chuckles. “Platonically though.”

“You know, I do understand what you meant.”

Arc groans. “Okay, changing the subject now.”

He turns back to King Malevolence before continuing.

“We had a bit of trouble in that temple Auriel and I told you about last night.”

Malevolence appears confused. “Temple?”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “The one Arc and I went to.”

“You mean the palace?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. The one we went to after that.”

The king appears confused. “What are you talking about?”

Auriel frowns. “Don’t you remember Arc and I talking to you last night after we all got back?”

“Uh… no.”

Arc facepalms. “Great. I thought you looked a little punchy back then.”

“I thought he was awake for sure.”

Malevolence frowns. “Well, I wasn’t! So what happened?!”

“We took that orb and used it to gain access to a temple a short ways from here.”

“The Storehouse?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. That’s what you called it last night too.”

“Are you all right, my dear?! That place is not safe for someone like you!”

“I’m fine, father.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, well… she just has some heavily bruised wings. But I was the one whom needed rescuing back there.”

Rarity gasps. “WHAT?!”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “How?!”

“Some kind of trap on the front door.”

Malevolence groans. “You didn’t press the tile as the orb was placed, did you?”

“Nope.”

“That was always my favorite thief’s trap. You have no idea just how many demons found themselves ferried away to the dungeons.”

Auriel shudders. “I do now.”

Pinkie grimaces. “I’m guessing they weren’t having a party down there.”

Malevolence grins wickedly. “Just a very long nap. There’s naturally occurring gas fissures down there that continually emit a powerful and fast acting knock out gas. No one even sees it coming.”

Ember turns to Arc. “So how’d you get away?!”

“I don’t really know for sure. But I bet Auriel does.”

“It just involved my sliding down there while holding my breath. Then I found him and Blinked us both back up the chute.”

Twilight smiles. “Very impressive, Auriel!”

Malevolence beams with evident pride. “Yes! I didn’t know you had it in you, my dear!”

“Me either. But I was his only hope.”

Arc grins. “And I thank you for that, Auriel.”

He turns back to the king before continuing.

“However, this morning I found that I didn’t change back to my normal human form even when the sun came up.”

Applejack points a hoof at the orb in Auriel’s claws. “Arc thinks it has something to do with that orb thingamabob.”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “Yeah! What IS that thing anyways?!”

“As you now know it’s used as the key for the Storehouse. However it does have an alternate use.”

Ember moves a claw in a circular motion. “Which is…?”

“A… repository.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What is that?”

Hammer shrugs. “I’m clueless too.”

Scootaloo raises a hoof. “Some kind of knowledge storehouse, right?”

Twilight turns to her. “Yes. But how did you know that?”

“My mom called her shelves with medical books her repository since it was the entire town’s source of therapeutic knowledge.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “So what’s the repository… repositing?”

Malevolence sighs. “I could tell you. But it might just be easier to show everyone.”

He holds out a claw to Auriel. Looking to Arc for guidance he nods and Auriel gives the ‘Telepathy Orb’ to him. Taking it from Auriel, Arc turns and gives it to the king. As it leaves his hands he turns back into his human form. Looking at the device for a long moment the king holds it up and closes his eyes. A few moments later the surface of the orb dims and lights up with swirling energies. Twilight gasps.

“What’s happening?!”

The king grins. “Just watch, princess.”

The energies converge as a picture forms. A much younger King Malevolence walks over to a griffon and presents him with a strange looking statue. Arc’s eyes grow wide as he does so.

“Your history?!”

Malevolence nods as the scene plays out. “Me giving Grover the Idol of Boreas, yes.”

Twilight gasps. “But how is that POSSIBLE?!”

“An ancient and forgotten form of enchanting known only to the Great Demon Kingdom.”

Arc smirks. “Kinda reminds me of that device Luna gave me that can display memories on a screen.”

Twilight nods but does not look away from the scene before her. “Indeed. But this is MUCH more detailed!”

The king chuckles as he watches Twilight’s reaction. “This orb contains the complete history of our nation as well as information on our ancient methods of building, enchanting, and even agriculture. Just to name a few, of course.”

“I wasn’t aware demon technology was this advanced!”

Auriel smiles. “We weren’t always the creatures you view us to be, Twilight.”

“What?! But I…!”

“It’s okay. I know you don’t mean to do it. But ponykind as a whole still views demons as simple beasts of violence and destruction.”

Ember shrugs. “Well, that’s all they’ve ever seen.”

Hammer frowns. “Rude much, Ember?!”

Malevolence sighs. “It is as she says. But that is partially our nation’s fault.”

Scootaloo clears her throat loudly. “This generation doesn’t know the history of you country. Perhaps it should be shared.”

Auriel smiles. “I’d like that. But the past is just that. Past.”

Rainbow Dash looks to her. “You think the future could be different?”

“Yes. But only if we all work together to make it so.”

Applejack steps forward. “And that needs to start with a good old dose of honesty.”

Fluttershy appears surprised. “Applejack?!”

“On the part of both countries, I mean.”

Rarity nods. “We can’t change the past. But that doesn’t need to be reflective of the future too.”

Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, Twilight’s the princess in charge, so it’s her decision, right?!”

Arc chuckles. “That it is.”

Twilight turns to the king. “I’d… like to see and hear more about your culture, King Malevolence.”

“Perhaps we should speak more about this as I show you our old palace.”

Auriel grins. “I’d like to see that as well. In the daylight, I mean.”

Scootaloo raises a hoof. “Me too.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “We’ll be by Twilight’s side the whole time though!”

Malevolence sighs. “Understandable.”

Ember looks out the window at the rising sun. “When should we go?”

Hammer grins. “How about right after breakfast?! I’m starving!”

Auriel giggles. “That does sound good, yes.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Should you really be…?”

The sound of an opening door rings out. They turn to see Nurse Redheart step out of her office with a cup of coffee. She turns to them, confused.

“Please forgive me, Princess Twilight. I was not aware you and your entourage were here.”

“It’s fine. I’m told you had a late night.”

“Yes, I did.”

Arc chuckles. “We were just talking about taking a walk outside.”

Hammer frowns. “Is that really okay for them though?”

Redheart nods. “Yes. The only restriction is that Auriel should not attempt to fly.”

Auriel pats her wings tenderly. “Sounds fair.”

Rarity grimaces. “And Arc?”

“Totally fine. However, considering his adventure, he should probably rest a bit longer.”

Scootaloo turns to him. “We could get breakfast cooked while you sleep a bit more, Big Brother.”

Applejack chuckles. “Right. It’s going to take a while though.”

Arc nods. “That’s fine with me. But I think I’ll do so in my own quarters. Comfier bed there.”

Ember grins. “Getting soft, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “No one’s perfect.”

Chapter 3 - Rendezvous

Arc turns to the king as they leave the palace.

“Thank you for extending mercy to those stallions.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, father. While they certainly deserved to feel your wrath I do believe being betrayed by their employer and left without pay in the middle of the jungle was punishment enough.”

The king motions to Arc. “As Arc said back then, he could have forced me to let them go.”

“Sorry for coming across like that. Kinda went a bit far there.”

Twilight sighs. “Well, that’s water under the bridge now.”

Arc turns to her. “I’ll try to leave matters like this to you from now on, Twilight.”

“No, no. I do appreciate you stepping in when needed.”

Auriel smiles. “So am I.”

Malevolence chuckles. “And I am thankful to you for your wise decision, Princess Twilight.”

“I was only doing as Princess Celestia ordained. Resettlement after reform.”

Rainbow Dash looks around. “Not much here to resettle to though.”

Auriel grins as she turns to her father. “Something we’ll have to remedy.”

“That we will. But there will be time for such things later, my dear.”

Arc points to a patch of dirt at the base of the palace steps as he looks to the king. “Would it be okay if I made a sigil here?”

“A what?”

Auriel motions to Arc’s gauntlet. “It’s the seal on the ground that he uses to move around the land quickly, father.”

Ember grins. “They’re really handy for getting from A to B fast.”

Hammer shrugs. “He’s got em all over the place.”

“I suppose that would be fine.”

Arc walks over to the tree line and kneels down as the king turns to Twilight.

“Now then… what is the next step?”

“We should probably bring you back to Tartarus for now.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Twilight, I thought…!”

Pinkie giggles. “Somepony needs to tell the demons the good news!”

Applejack nods. “Right. That and either way they need their king.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What about Aurora?”

Fluttershy appears confused. “I didn’t know she was in charge.”

Malevolence chuckles. “Not officially, no. However her orders are followed as if they came from me.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Ember shrugs. “He probably told them to do that before leaving.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Well, someone has to be at the helm.”

Malevolence shakes his head. “I didn’t have to. The demons now view her as some kind of deity.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Is that… good?”

“Well, it doesn’t appear to be hurting anyone. That and with her powers over nature the respect is well founded.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “You don’t think she’ll try to take over or anything though, do you?!”

“Not likely. She seems more interested in flowers and fruits than followers and fanfare.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “What about that village just outside Tartarus, Big Brother? They might freak out if a bunch of demons start marching out of there.”

Arc nods as he walk over to them. “You have a point there, Scarlet Filly. We need to have a talk with Mythic Honor when we head back to Redemption Village.”

Sereb motions to the airship. “Another flight?”

Arc shakes his head. “We should probably just send the ship home and take a sigil back. It’ll save time.”

Applejack chuckles. “You in a hurry, Arc?”

“Kinda. After all, if I had spent years in Tartarus I’d be chomping at the bit to get out too.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Makes sense.”

They nod together as Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“I’m going to take a sigil back to Equestria. Have the ship flown back to Canterlot Castle and await further orders.”

“Yes sir. Um… is everything okay?”

“Just fine. But we need to keep this ball rolling. Notify Canterlot that Princess Twilight will be with me a bit longer.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir. Is there anything else I should tell them about her majesty’s exploits?”

“Just that’s she’s fine and will be in no danger.”

Lemon Hearts sounds relieved. “That’s good, sir.”

“We’ve got to get moving down here. Have the ship get underway as soon as it’s ready to take off. Things might be getting busy here pretty soon. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection before turning back to the others and calling forth his gauntlet.

“Everyone ready?”

They nod as Arc opens a portal. Stepping through they appear on the sigil just outside Redemption Village. Arc leads the procession into town. The townsponies hurry to let them pass on their way to the Town Hall. Arriving, Arc looks around and calls out.

“Mythic Honor!”

A pile of books falls over nearby as the elderly stallion crawls out from under them. Twilight gasps.

“Sir, are you alright?!”

“Just fine, miss…!”

He stops talking and looks her over for a time before turning to Arc and loudly ‘whispering’.

“Hey…! Is this a long lost cousin of Princess Celestia, or something?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight isn’t related to Celestia.”

“Oh good! For a moment there I thought she was an alicorn!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “But she is.”

Mythic Honor laughs. “Right! And next you’ll be telling me that’s King Malevolence!”

Ember groans. “It is!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Strange as it may seem.”

Mythic Honor gasps. “Outside of Tartarus?!”

Scootaloo shrugs. “It’s kind of a long story.”

Auriel steps forward. “Do you remember me, sir?”

Mythic Honor nods. “That I do, Auriel! What brings you here?!”

“My father and I have just returned from petitioning Princess Twilight for the release of the rest of our citizens.”

“I see! And how did that work out?!”

Pinkie hops up and down happily. “Twilight says they can go home now!”

“She did?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Well, any of them whom can successfully pass through the Gates of Tartarus, that is.”

Mythic Honor gasps. “Is that even POSSIBLE?!”

“My father did it.”

“And there’s MORE?!”

Applejack shrugs. “Potentially, yes.”

Rarity smiles warmly. “Auriel and her father believe quite a few of the demons are ready to come out.”

Mythic Honor raises an eyebrow. “And… this is okay with you, Princess Twilight?!”

Twilight nods. “It is in accordance with the laws of Equestria. Anypony whom is reformed will no longer be held by the Gates of Tartarus and may return to our land.”

Rainbow Dash lands next to Twilight. “Or in this case, their land.”

Fluttershy points a hoof. “Far to the south, we mean.”

Ember sighs as she looks to the elderly stallion. “We just didn’t want all of this happening without you and the rest of your tribe knowing about it.”

“I’ll… pass this on to the rest of the tribe, of course! But don’t expect them to throw any demons whom come out a party, or share their pancakes with them!”

Pinkie salivates slightly. “Pancakes…”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “But you ate a hearty breakfast.”

“What can I say?! I have a fast metabolism!”

Twilight appears relieved. “I would appreciate that, sir. They don’t want any trouble.”

Malevolence nods. “Right. All we want is to travel from here back to our land.”

Hammer frowns. “But how can they do that?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Other than walking, that is.”

Arc turns to Mythic Honor. “Is there any chance we could make a sigil on this side of the Gates of Tartarus?”

“I don’t see why not! But there would have to be a focus of some kind there to activate it!”

Rarity points a hoof. “Well, Arc does it with his gauntlet.”

Scootaloo groans. “But we can’t just leave a gauntlet here.”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “What about something a bit more permanent then?”

Twilight looks over her shoulder. “Auriel?”

“Could an enchantment be cast on a large rock in there? Something that was so big that it couldn’t be brought through the portal, that is.”

The king turns to his daughter. “Why don’t we head over to the cave and see if inspiration hits us?”

Fluttershy shrinks back nervously. “That… might not be the best idea right now.”

Applejack sighs. “Isn’t the cave still full of soldiers?”

Arc nods. “They should still be there, yes.”

Hammer chuckles. “Want me to head over there and dismiss them, or something?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I should be the one to do that. After all, I’m the one whom sent them there in the first place.”

Rarity moves to stand with Twilight. “Then we’ll all come with you.”

Applejack chuckles. “The more the merrier, right?”

Pinkie giggles. “Let’s make it a PARTY!!!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Saw that one coming.”

Ember heads for the door. “Let’s get this over with.”

Heading to the cave together they enter with Arc and Twilight in the lead. The soldiers instinctively take up a battle ready stance at the sight of King Malevolence. Twilight steps forward and motions for them to lower their weapons.

“Stand down, everypony!”

Flash Sentry hurries forward. “Your highness! What… what is going one?!”

“We’ve just returned from the demon’s homeland. I’ve decided to allow anypony whom is able to pass though the Gates a chance to return to their ancestral lands.”

“B-but they’re…!”

Arc interrupts him. “…finished with their sentence.”

“Sir?”

Hammer shrugs. “Anyone whom passes through the gates, yada-yada, repentant of their crimes etcetera.”

Ember sighs. “An abridged version, but yes.”

Mythic Honor sighs. “The princess’ decision is final. We’ll comply with it on this end.”

Twilight looks to Flash Sentry before speaking again. “Thank you for holding this position. Please return to Canterlot and await further instruction, Colonel.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Y-yes, your highness.”

Turning to his troops he motions for them to line up before turning to Twilight again.

“Shall we escort you back to Canterlot, your highness?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I still have business to attend to here.”

“But your highness…!

“Arc and my friends will be with me the entire time.”

Arc nods. “She’s in good hands. Now then let me give all of you a portal back to the capital.”

Opening a portal, Arc gestures for them to enter. Nodding, Flash Sentry motions for his troops and the begin advancing. He waits until the last soldier enters before turning back to Arc.

“Please look after her royal highness for us, sir.”

“I will.”

Sighing, Flash Sentry enters the portal and vanishes. Arc turns to the others as it closes behind them.

“Now then… let’s see about finding a rock or something to…”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof. “What about that one over there?”

They look to a large boulder nearby. Mythic Honor studies it for a time as he rubs his chin thoughtfully. Eventually he turns to Arc.

“Uh… what was I supposed to do again?”

Everyone facepalms as Arc sighs and responds.

“A sigil to the far Southern Jungle that could connect to the one I already have there.”

“Oh yeah! Sure! Just one second!”

His horn aglow, the elderly stallion surrounds the boulder with a magical aura. A few moments later a sigil forms nearby.

“There you go! One blinky-blinky one way trip all set up!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “One way only?”

Mythic Honor nods. “Of course!”

Applejack frowns. “Uh… why though?”

“Because nopony in their right mind would EVER want to come back here! Trust me, missy, I was in there for YEARS!”

Pinkie shrugs. “He raises a good point.”

Auriel looks the sigil over nervously. “Um… are you sure this will work?”

“Pretty sure!”

Ember frowns. “How sure is that?!”

Mythic Honor puts a hoof to his chin. “Um… somepony should probably test it first!”

Arc groans. “Fine. How does it work?”

Mythic Honor points. “First, put your hoof on the stone!”

Arc does so as Mythic Honor continues.

“Next, focus on the sigil like you normally do to open a portal.”

“Easy enough.”

A portal opens in short order. Arc looks it over carefully.

“Seems to be stable.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “Are… are you sure?!”

Rarity shudders. “Yes, this is quite dangerous as it stands.”

Applejack groans. “But it has to be done.”

Arc takes a deep breath. “Right. Okay… here goes nothing.”

King Malevolence shouts. “Wait!”

Arc turns to him. “What is it?”

“I am the king of the demons and this portal is for us. Therefore I should be the one to test it.”

“Well, it’s currently on Equestrian soil, so I should go.”

“That may be, but if you were to be lost in such an endeavor it would cause an international incident between our two countries.”

“But your nation needs to be kept in check by your leadership. Without you who knows what they’d do?”

The king opens his mouth to respond, but stops and sighs.

“That… is true.”

Auriel nods soberly. “They might even blame Equestria, father.”

“Yes I suppose so.”

Arc turns back toward the swirling energies. “Now that we have that settled, here I go.”

As Arc takes a step toward the portal, he suddenly finds himself pushed violently away. Looking up from the ground he catches a glimpse of Auriel as she dives headfirst into the swirling energies. Everyone gasps as she vanishes from sight. Twilight and King Malevolence are the first to call out (in tandem).

“AURIEL!”

Rainbow Dash runs toward the portal. “We have to go after her!”

Applejack plows into her friend, knocking her to the ground. “No way, Rainbow Dash!”

Rarity nods fervently. “If she didn’t make it you won’t either!”

Fluttershy grimaces. “But we can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

“Big Brother?!”

Arc grits his teeth and calls forth his gauntlet. “I’ll go check on her.”

Placing a hand on the ground, he makes his own sigil. Powering it up he vanishes from sight. Reappearing near the palace he looks around. Spotting Auriel sitting a few feet away next to the sigil he hurries over to her.

“Are you okay?!”

Auriel nods. “I think I’m fine.”

“What were you THINKING?!”

Auriel bows her head. “That I didn’t want to see you or my father get hurt.”

“So you decided to risk your own neck?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. If something happened to me it wouldn’t cause any problems for either country and would ensure that both you and my father remained in power.”

Arc sighs and extends a hand to her. Helping the demon up, he looks her over.

“You sure you’re okay?”

“I am. But we should probably get back to the others. They’re probably worried about both of us.”

“Yeah.”

Arc looks away momentarily. Auriel turns to him, clearly nervous.

“Arc? Are you… upset?”

“…kinda.”

Auriel sighs and looks at the ground. “I’m sorry. But I couldn’t let you risk your life for the demon race.”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not the problem.”

“Then what…?”

“I… was really worried about you when you vanished.”

“You were?”

Arc nods as she turns to face her. “Yes. You see… I… um…”

He pauses as if looking for the right words.

“…I just didn’t know what I would do if something had happened to you.”

“Arc, what are you saying?”

“That and I care about you, Auriel. And that I don’t know what I’d do if you got hurt, or worse.”

“You… care that much about me?”

Arc smiles at her. “Of course I do. I wouldn’t have agreed to let you join my theoretical herd if I didn’t. Or let you shower and sleep with me either.”

Ariel steps forward and wraps her arms around Arc’s midsection as she presses her body against his. They embrace for a few moments before Arc leans down, sweeps the young demon off her feet, and plants a kiss squarely on her lips. Putting her arms around his neck, Auriel leans into the kiss and moans contentedly. Eventually they pull back and look into each other’s eyes happily.

“Thanks, Auriel.”

“What for?”

“Risking your life for me.”

Auriel smiles. “I would gladly die for you.”

“And I for you, my dear.”

She leans forward and plants another tender kiss on his lips before sighing and looking back toward the sigil.

“We should probably get back now, Arc.”

“Yeah. The others are definitely worried about us.”

Setting Auriel down, he takes her hand as the pair step onto the sigil. Powering it up, Arc teleports them back into the cave. Everyone looks to them as King Malevolence hurries toward his daughter.

“Auriel! Are you alright?!”

“Yes, father.”

Arc nods. “She was sitting on the ground waiting for me to come get her.”

Twilight gasps. “But you knew this portal would be one way only, Auriel!”

“That I did.”

Sereb frowns. “Then why did you…?!”

“Because I knew Arc would come for me. That I wouldn’t be left behind.”

Arc chuckles. “Right.”

“I do have good news though.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“The portal works.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Whoopie.”

Scootaloo turns to the Gates of Tartarus. “So… everything’s ready?”

Applejack groans. “Not quite.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “What else needs to be done?”

Fluttershy sighs. “Let’s say that the demons come here to use the portal. What then?”

Pinkie giggles. “They’d be back in their homeland lickety-split!”

Rarity nods soberly. “Yes they would. But with no homes, food, shops, or infrastructure of any kind.”

Malevolence grins. “We could knock together some basic structures in a week.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Where would you stay in the meantime?”

“The old palace would keep us safe at night. We’d work on fixing that up a bit first though to be secure.”

Applejack frowns. “With what tools?”

Auriel shrugs. “We made all our own in the past, I’m told.”

Malevolence folds his arms over his chest. “But it’s not likely that anyone remembers how to do that. At least not with the materials available out there.”

Twilight steps forward. “Equestria will help you get started then.”

Auriel appears confused. “How?”

“We’ll send over some tents, blankets, medical supplies, food, and tools to get everypony started.”

Ember motions to the sigil. “What about sending some stallions to help get some basic buildings up quick?”

Malevolence shakes his head. “No. That we must do ourselves. It is the demon way.”

Arc shrugs. “Very well. We’ll just send over some basic supplies along with providing this sigil to your land.”

Hammer sighs. “It really doesn’t seem like much though.”

Auriel smiles warmly. “But it is.”

Rarity appears confused. “Oh?”

“Our citizens have been given a new chance at a future. One that doesn’t have endless stone walls around it.”

Malevolence puts a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “It will be hard. But I’m sure The Great Demon Kingdom with rise and be prosperous again.”

He turns to Twilight before continuing.

“How much longer before we can start bringing demons through this sigil?”

“Anytime you’re ready. But I should caution you against a single mass exodus from your current city.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Why’s that, Twilight?”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! I’d be chomping at the bit to get out of there!”

Applejack sighs. “I suppose that’s true. But get out to go where? To an ancient palace without anywhere else to stay?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, it would be best to bring through only a small number of demons as colonists. See how they handle it as you build.”

Fluttershy smiles. “As more housing and other necessities become available allow more demons to return to you lands.”

Ember grins. “That’s a sound plan.”

Hammer shudders. “Right. If everyone came through all at once, and it didn’t work out, there’d be riots and stuff.”

Malevolence puts a hand to his forehead. “Very good ideas, yes. But what do I tell the public? That they have to wait their turn?”

Sereb growls. “Something like that.”

Scootaloo looks to the king. “You’re forgetting one thing. Some of them might not want to leave.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Not want to leave Tartarus?!”

“Yes. With the installation of the artificial sun, some demons may be so happy there that they wish to remain.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “What should be done about them?”

“I don’t see why they couldn’t stay if they really wanted to. Twilight?”

“Agreed. If they’re truly happy where they are then I see no reason to force them to relocate to the south.”

Malevolence appears hopeful. “And Aurora?”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin. “Considering all the work she’s done to make Tartarus green I doubt she’d just want to up and leave.”

Ember motions to the bright light shining inside the Gates. “To say nothing for the artificial sun.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “The what?”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll explain that one to you later, Hammer.”

“Looking forward to it.”

Auriel sighs. “That sun couldn’t really be easily relocated anyways.”

Twilight nods. “Agreed. And even if it could be, our real sun would render it redundant.”

Malevolence looks to the Gates. “I believe that I will return to Vengeance and select a handful of colonists to start the process to the south.”

Arc nods soberly. “And the rest of the citizens?”

“They would be told, of course.”

Rainbow Dash appears uneasy. “How would they take that news?”

“As something to look forward to, I would imagine.”

Rarity looks toward the capital city in the distance. “And whom would be in charge over there?”

“I would leave Aurora to oversee Vengeance while I led the colonists. Assuming she agrees, that is.”

Auriel giggles. “It’s likely that she would. However you do need to have some serious talks with her and our citizens before anything can happen here, father.”

“Don’t you mean ‘we’, my dear?”

Auriel shakes her head. “It is not likely that they will accept my presence in either Vengeance or the homeland at this point. That and I’m pledged to Arc if you recall.”

Arc smiles at her. “You can go home if you need to, Auriel.”

Rarity giggles. “Yes, you’re not a prisoner.”

“I would like to, of course. But I still need to help make ready that Magic Dispersion Unit for you, Arc.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That’s something Sunburst and I could handle.”

Auriel appears confused. “You’re planning to lead the nation AND a massive research project, Twilight?”

Twilight is silent for a time as she considers this. Eventually she sighs and bows her head.

“No… I really don’t have time for both. But I need to…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Twilight, listen.”

“Arc?”

“As a leader you need to be able to delegate.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Really, Arc?”

“Yes, I know that it was something I really struggled with personally. But taking on everything will only serve to wear you down. And fast.”

Rarity steps forward. “He’s right, Twilight. Things became much simpler for me after I took on Sassy Saddles.”

Pinkie grins. “I couldn’t run Sugarcube Corner alone! It takes me and both of the Cakes to make it work!”

Applejack pats her hat. “Sweet Apple Acres isn’t a one pony job. We need our whole family to keep things running.”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “My critters help me care for them. Even I don’t do everything alone.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight and hovers as she speaks. “You may think that the weather is all me. But in reality it’s due to support from Cloudsdale’s Rainbow Factory and the ponies that work there. I’m just the hooves on the ground.”

Ember puts her claws on her hips. “Being the Dragon Lord isn’t just all shouting and fire breathing. It’s very similar to ruling any other country. You have to put the right individuals in the right positions to make any headway.”

Hammer sighs. “My sisters and I accomplished so much together in the past. There’s no way any of us could have done that without the others.”

Sereb grins. “Arc and I have done much since meeting. While he is a capable human, even he would not have gotten this far without my aid.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I did a lot of things as the Scarlet Filly. Helped a lot of ponies and even got an award for it. At one time I thought it was just Big Brother doing it all. But when I mentioned that to him some time ago he told me that I was playing a vital role too. He couldn’t have done what he did while being invisible. Ponies would have started asking questions. He needed an avatar to act in his stead.”

Arc nods as he gestures with a wave of his hand. “There’s no way I would have made it this far without everyone’s help, Twilight. As one former ruler to another I have to say that you’ll just drive yourself crazy trying to do it without help.”

Twilight nods soberly as she speaks. “Alright. Auriel, you along with Sunburst and anypony else you need will be tasked with making a working device capable of taking down the barrier around Light’s Hope. I’ll keep the nation running while that’s done with the help of the others as we’ve done in the past.”

Arc smiles at her. “Good. Just remember that there’s a lot more work to be done than just that.”

“I’ll appraise the situation and organize others to complete the tasks in my stead then.”

Rarity appears confused. “What will you be doing then?”

“A job I’ve never really tried before. Managing.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You can do it, Twilight.”

Applejack nods. “Darn right!”

Pinkie does a backflip. “All right!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “Yay.”

Rarity puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Princess Celestia chose wisely when she made you her equal, Twilight.”

Twilight nods. “I sure hope she did. But there’s a lot of work to do, so we’d better get started.”

Chapter 4 - Meetings After Meetings

A week passes. Arc and Flash Sentry walk down a corridor of Canterlot Castle early one morning. The stallion turns to him.

“How are things going in New Ponyville, sir?”

“My friends there report that the ponies, griffons, and Abyssinians are getting along very well.”

“That’s surprising.”

“It is?”

“For so many races to live together in peace, I mean.”

“I admit I too was worried about that at first. But the fact that they were welcomed by the king and queen probably helped.”

“To say nothing for being connected with you, sir.”

Arc shrugs. “Whatever makes things easier for them. After all, they went through so much that night. Especially the orphans.”

“Hopefully we can end this matter soon so they can return home safely.”

“Any problems so far?”

“None that I’m aware of, no. Things are going well in regards to Miss Auriel’s project, sir.”

“And fairly quick too.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Two things that aren’t usually combined.”

“Yes. But we can’t afford to waste time.”

Scootaloo runs over to them.

“Big Brother!”

“Scarlet Filly?”

“Princess Twilight wishes to see us in the workshop.”

“We’ll head there now.”

“Good. I’ll head over to Ambassador Brightwing’s office to get Ember.”

Arc nods. “See you there.”

She hurries away as Arc and Flash Sentry change direction. Arriving at the heavily patrolled door the guards on duty salute and part to allow the pair to pass. Entering, they find Twilight looking over a blueprint with Auriel. Flash Sentry salutes Twilight respectfully.

“You wanted to see us, Princess Twilight?”

“Yes. It’s about the Magic Dispersion Unit.”

Arc looks over her shoulder. “Is there a problem?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. But we should wait for Ember and Ambassador Brightwing to arrive before…”

Ember, Brightwing, and Scootaloo appear before them in a flash of light. Auriel gasps.

“Oh my!”

Brightwing grins toothily. “Friends!”

Ember chuckles. “Sorry about that. I just figured this would be faster.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “It was, yes.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Now that everypony’s here, we should be able to get started. Miss Auriel?”

Auriel clears her throat before speaking. “I’ve called all of you here to talk about the device. I think I’ve been able to complete the plans for a larger version.”

Ember appears confused. “You think?”

Twilight shrugs. “Nothing is certain until we build it, of course.”

Auriel nods. “Right. Scaling up isn’t as easy as one would believe.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “How big will the unit be?”

“Roughly the size of Princess Celestia’s airship, the Blitztorte.”

Auriel sighs. “And it will weigh well over one ton.”

Brightwing gasps. “WOAH! Scary big!”

Scootaloo sits down on her haunches. “Sounds like it, yes.”

Flash Sentry grimaces. “That’s the smallest and lightest you can make it?”

Auriel motions to the blueprints before them. “Yes. Even then it’s only theoretical whether or not it’ll work.”

Arc sighs. “How about powering it?”

Twilight bows her head. “I estimate that it will take at least two dozen extremely powerful unicorns, trained in Dark Magic mind you, to make this thing ready to fire.”

Ember frowns. “More still to move it into position.”

Scootaloo looks to Twilight. “And building it in place is out of the question I assume?”

“Right. As things stand it would take several days to assemble with heavy equipment.”

Auriel shudders. “Not safe to do on the battlefield.”

Arc smiles. “But I’m guessing you two have come up with something.”

Twilight sighs. “I’ve been too busy these past few days to even come here for a status report.”

Auriel steps forward. “That’s what I was doing for Twilight when you two arrived. But to answer your question Arc, yes I believe I’ve come up with a solution.”

“Good. What is it?”

Auriel pulls out another blueprint and unrolls it over top of the first.

“This is The Equinox. According to my calculations, we could alter the bulkheads to expand Engineering into the Cargo Hold.”

Twilight appears confused. “To carry the device?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, Twilight. I believe it would be more prudent to implement it directly into the ship’s systems.”

Flash Sentry gasps. “Can the ship take the extra weight?”

“Easily. The loss of speed and agility would be negligible.”

Arc points to the engines on the drawings. “What about power?”

“I’ve already figured out a way to redirect power from the ship’s existing O.R.B. unit to the Magic Dispersion Unit.”

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

Twilight looks over the diagrams. “On paper I would say so, yes.”

Auriel motions with a claw to a nearby schematic. “Right. The O.R.B. system is already designed to deal with large amounts of magical energy as designed.”

Flash Sentry grins. “It sounds like you’ve solved the major problems then.”

Auriel sighs. “Not exactly.”

Ember groans. “There’s more?”

Arc puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder. “Do tell.”

Auriel flips back to the device’s blueprint and points a claw at what appears to be a storage device. “These can only be filled with energy at a certain rate. Any faster would cause them and the ship to explode.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Let’s try to avoid that, shall we.”

Brightwing gasps. “Friends in danger!”

Auriel continues. “To use the device will require the O.R.B. power cells to be at one-hundred percent maximum charge. I’ll leave the decision of the subjects to donate the Dark Magic energy to you and Twilight.”

Twilight nods. “I’ll figure out the ponypower. What’s next?”

“The transfer of power from the O.R.B to the Magic Dispersion Unit. As I said earlier, it will be a slow process to charge it.”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “Then once the device is fully powered up we begin our barrage?”

“Yes and no.”

Twilight frowns. “Explain.”

Auriel runs her claw along a series of converging lines to a point. “It won’t be a barrage. Instead the altered energy will be fed to a single larger cannon that will be somehow fitted to the ship. I’m still working on the part.”

Ember rubs her claws together. “How many shots will we get?”

“One.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Just one?”

Twilight taps the table with a hoof. “If Auriel’s math is right, that should be enough to allow a strike force time to permeate the barrier and… deal with the base’s occupants.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I’ll lead that charge when the time comes.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “Might I join you, Arc?”

“Sadly, no. Only myself and Equestria’s military force can do this without causing an international incident.”

Twilight nods soberly. “He’s right. The Great Demon Kingdom is already on tenuous ground from the events of the past.”

Ember pats the demon’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Auriel. I’ll watch his back.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Um… you’re not a pony though.”

“And?”

“Big Brother just said…”

Ember points a claw. “But Sereb’s going!”

Arc groans. “Ember, this isn’t really…”

Ember continues. “And Princess Celestia knows me from way back! I might be able to help you convince her to listen to reason!”

“Brightwing help too!”

Auriel nods. “That’s actually sound thinking on Ember’s part.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But I still want to keep this party small.”

Ember smiles slyly. “I prefer the term… intimate.”

Brightwing makes a strange happy sound as Scootaloo turns to Flash Sentry.

“We should probably get back on topic here.”

“But the lineup will be critical to the mission.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “Does that mean I can come too then?”

Ember nods fervently. “Sure!”

Flash Sentry groans as he turns to Arc. “Sir, as you highest ranking officer I must recommend against this course of action. There’s no reason to give Princess Celestia any more reason to go after somepony else.”

Scootaloo facehoofs. “I agree. As Princess Twilight said earlier, the Demon Kingdom isn’t exactly in her good graces.”

Auriel sighs. “Very well. I’ll help aboard The Equinox during the mission then.”

Arc nods. “Thanks. I’m sure she’ll need your help to set this up too.”

Auriel turns to Twilight. “Then I have your permission to go ahead with my design?”

“You do. However I have to point out that The Equinox is Arc’s vessel. So it’s kinda up to him.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes, Auriel. I trust your expertise in this.”

Auriel appears relieved. “We’ll do our best.”

Twilight smiles at her. “Bring Hard Hat up to speed with what structural changes you’ll need made to accommodate the device as well.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Flash Sentry clears his throat loudly. “Any idea how long it will take to make the modifications to the ship?”

Auriel shakes her head. “I’ll need to consult with Hard Hat, Stellar Flare, and Sunburst first. Then we can come up with some kind of timetable.”

Arc nods. Very good. While this is certainly important I don’t want you rushing things.”

“I won’t, Arc. After all, this will be for nothing if we all blow up.”

Ember gasps. “Wait, you meant that LITERALLY?!”

Brightwing Blinks behind Scootaloo. “Woah! Scary!”

Auriel sighs. “The energy transfer must be perfect for that reason. But rest assured that I’ll have it figured out before the assault, Twilight.”

“Thank you, Auriel. “

Scootaloo sighs. “Now I’M worried.”

Arc steps forward. “In any case, might I speak to you privately when you have a moment?

Auriel appears surprised. “Yes, of course.”

She turns to Twilight before continuing.

“Did you have any questions about the design?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, I think you answered them all.”

Auriel turns back to Flash Sentry. “And you, sir?”

“Just one. Would you be averse to more guards in and around the ship as the work is being done?”

Ember frowns. “What are you talking about?! Lock this place down if you have to!”

Scootaloo motions to the dragon next to her. “I’m with Ember on this one.”

“None at all, assuming that they don’t get in the way.”

Flash Sentry nods. “I’ll pass that on to the guards.”

He salutes and walks away as Twilight turns to Auriel.

“In any case, why don’t you take a bit of a break and have your talk with Arc now?”

“Thank you, I think I will.”

Twilight smiles as she turns to Arc. “Don’t keep her too long.”

Arc chuckles. “I won’t.”

“When you get some time, I’d like a few moments to speak with you as well, Arc.”

“Okay. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Twilight turns and looks back over her shoulder. “I’ll be in the Audience Chamber.”

“How about we do lunch then?”

“Sounds good.”

Arc turns back to Auriel and gestures to the office.

“Shall we?”

Auriel appears suddenly nervous. “Um… can we talk somewhere a bit more… private?”

“Sure. “

Ember grins seductively. “Saucy!”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Oh boy…”

Arc ignores them. “How about my room here in the castle?”

Auriel nods. “That would be nice, yes.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal as Ember calls out to him.

“Have fun you two.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks… I think.”

The pair step through into his room as the portal closes behind them. Looking to the sigil on the floor Arc chuckles.

“Glad I put this back.”

“Yes, it is very convenient.”

Arc gestures to a couch. “How about we sit down?”

Auriel takes his hand and walks over to the couch with him. They sit next to each other as Auriel smiles.

“Now then, what did you want to say to me, Arc?”

“First of all, I want to apologize for taking so long to have this conversation with you, Auriel.”

“No need for that. After all, we’ve both been pretty busy lately, Arc. Feel free to say whatever it is you want to.”

“Alright.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc continues.

“Are you… um… okay with this?”

Auriel appears confused. “I don’t really understand the question.”

“I just wanted to ask how you feel about the current… project you’re on.”

“Um… it’s a lot of work, of course. But nothing I can’t handle.”

“That’s not really what I meant.”

“Then what…?”

“I asked you to work on a weapon.”

Both are silent for a time. Eventually Auriel smiles and takes his hand.

“No, it’s not.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “How…?”

“This device is non-lethal, Arc. All it does is weaken a spot in a magic barrier.”

“I suppose so. But I’ve been rather concerned that you might have reservations about this.”

Auriel shakes her head. “None whatsoever. This device won’t take lives, after all. If anything it will safeguard them by helping you capture Princess Celestia.”

He breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s a load off my mind.”

“Arc?”

“I was afraid you were only doing this because I asked you to.”

“There is that, yes.”

“But what if…?”

Auriel puts a finger to his lips. “Please, Arc. Believe me when I say that I’m perfectly fine designing this for you. And I’d also like to say that I’m very happy that you’re so concerned with my feelings too.”

Leaning forward, Auriel gives his cheek a small kiss before looking him in the eye and continuing.

“But believe me when I say that I’d definitely let you know if you asked me to do something I didn’t like or want to do.”

“I hope you would.”

Nodding, Auriel stands and extends a claw. Helping Arc up she pulls him into an embrace and presses her body into hers. Smiling up at him, she giggles.

“Now then… while I certainly have work to do, I wouldn’t mind extending my break to spend some quality time with you.”

Arc sighs. “While that does sound nice, I have other things to do too.”

Auriel shrugs. “I figured. Can’t blame me for hoping though.”

She and Arc head for the door. Stepping out into the corridor she turns to him and smiles.

“Arc, are you free tonight?”

“Depends what time you’re thinking of.”

“Whatever time you go to bed.”

Arc chuckles. “I think you might be spending too much time with Ember.”

Auriel giggles. “Maybe. But I do like her forward attitude.”

“Me too.”

“Thanks for the talk.”

“Catch you later.”

They go their separate ways. Heading down the corridor Arc spots a familiar mare carrying a stack of papers.

“Hey there, Raven.”

“Good morning, sir. Was there something I could do for you?”

“Not really. I just wanted to see how you’re holding up these days.”

“It’s been quite busy around here since Princess Twilight took the throne. But that’s a good thing I believe.”

“Oh?”

“Working helps me… stay focused.”

“That’s good. But what about a certain stallion?”

Raven giggles as she trots in place. “It’s wonderful being able to work together every day. I’ve been assigned to Flash Sentry as his personal aide.”

Arc nods. “I thought it would.”

“Did you have something to do with that, sir?”

“I just casually mentioned that you two had worked together back at Light’s Hope. While I’m not sure she really understood what that meant, I am glad Twilight took the hint.”

“Well I thank you just the same, sir. And don’t worry about us neglecting our duties. Flash Sentry and I save that for the evening.”

“Oh?”

“He has private quarters here that are spacious enough for the two of us.”

“So you’ve moved in with him then?”

Raven nods. “Yes sir. But I assure you that we’re not engaging in anything… inappropriate. After all, I’m not exactly… ready for something like that just yet.”

Arc smiles at her. “Well, you’re both capable of making your own choices in life.”

“We just don’t want to do anything that might bring shame to your command though.”

“Is there a rule against such things?”

“No sir.”

“As long as there’s consent I don’t have any problem with you two doing whatever you want after office hours.”

“Thank you sir. Um… might I confide in you though?”

“Of course.”

“I’m very happy with Flash Sentry. When we lie in bed together he holds me close to his chest. Every night I fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat and wake up to it in the morning.”

“Sounds like you’re happy.”

“I am, yes.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Is that… normal?”

“Which part?”

Raven looks around nervously. “All of it. When I say things like that out loud I just feel so… creepy. Like I’m obsessing over him, or something.”

“I don’t think it sounds creepy at all.”

“Really?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I… kinda like something similar.”

“Well, I don’t wish to pry, sir. Unless you feel comfortable talking about it, that is.”

“Oh yes. To me the feeling of warmth I get lying next to someone I love, it’s just… so amazing! After a short time they just seem to melt into me. If I wake up in the night I’ve sometimes felt as if we were one.”

“I’ve felt that way too, sir. Emerald Dream said it was normal, but until I talked to you I didn’t really know anypony whom had the same experience.”

“This isn’t something most would discuss so openly either.”

“That’s true. But I just feel so… calm talking to you, sir. Forgive me if that’s overstepping.”

“Not at all. I know what you meant.”

Raven appears suddenly nervous. “Flash Sentry told me that he mentioned his desire to leave the military and get married to you. Is that… okay?”

Arc nods. “Oh yes. I’m planning to do the same when this is all over as well.”

“He said that too. Don’t worry, as I didn’t tell anypony else.”

“It’s no secret to my family and friends. But what brought that up?”

“We were talking about our future wedding a few nights ago. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble do you think you could officiate for us?”

“I’d be honored! If that’s allowed, that is.”

Raven giggles. “While its never been done before I’m sure the Hero of Light could at least perform the ceremony.”

“But I might not be the Hero of Light that much longer.”

“I’m sure Princess Twilight would empower you for a day, sir.”

Arc nods. “We’ll find a way to make it work.”

“Thank you, sir. But I’ve taken too much of your time already.”

“No trouble. Come see me if you need anything though.”

“I will. Take care, sir.”

They pair part ways. Arc continues down the corridor toward his destination. Arriving at the large door he knocks lightly before entering.

“Ashe?”

Looking up from her desk, she stands and walks over.

“Please come in.”

Arc nods and does so, closing the door behind him. Ashe motions to the balcony.

“Let’s sit outside. It’s a nice day.”

“Sure.”

They walk out onto the balcony and sit down on a stone bench together. Ashe sighs and looks away.

“I suppose you know why I called you here.”

“Actually I don’t.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. As she turns back to him. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am.”

“Some time ago I killed Hero of Light Decimus.”

Arc chuckles. “And?”

“And no one has come to arrest me!”

“Is that a problem?”

“Yes it’s a problem!”

Arc shrugs. “Well what do you want me to do about it?!”

“I don’t know! Take me to the dungeon?!”

“If that’s what you want I can do that.”

Ashe groans. “This isn’t going as well as I had hoped.”

“You’re the one not making any sense, Ashe.”

“Okay, look. Decimus was killed by me, right?”

“Yes.”

“And I’m told he can come back to life.”

“Right.”

“I’ve also heard that he’s already come back.”

“Yes, I faced him in Manehattan some time ago.”

“So why hasn’t either you or him come after me yet?!”

“We all saw that you acted in the best interests of Equestria back then. As to why he doesn’t come get you himself, well… I’d imagine you’re not high enough up his list of individuals to kill.”

“You say that so casually.”

“This is coming from the one at the very top, you know.”

“Yes, well… should I be worried?”

“Not really.”

“Good.”

They are silent for a time as the sound of birdsong fills the air. Eventually Arc breaks it as he turns to Ashe.

“Why are you so scared?”

“I’m not scared!”

“Really?”

Ashe sighs. “Okay, I am kinda worried.”

“I don’t understand how. After all you’ve done quite a few dangerous things as the rebel leader.”

“True. But that was always under a mask and cloak. I knew that if things got bad I could always run away, hide, drop the disguise, and use my position in society to walk right past anyone looking for me.”

“However this time your face was seen as you did the deed.”

Ashe sighs. “Right. There wasn’t time to put on my cloak back then. As soon as I heard the sound of marching hoofsteps I knew what was coming.”

“Why were you still here anyways? We found the castle empty when we arrived.”

“I was told to evacuate, of course. However no one ever came to check to make sure that I had actually done so.”

“Then why stay?”

“Because the hostile overthrowing of a government isn’t something you get to see every day.”

Arc frowns. “You wanted to see how it was done?”

“Kinda, yes. But at the same time I didn’t want it to go the wrong way.”

“Which way was that?”

“At the time I wasn’t too sure.”

“You were still on Celestia’s side?”

Ashe sighs. “Remember, she was the one whom appointed me to my position as ambassador. And I’d heard so many good things about her that I couldn’t imagine her being in the wrong.”

“No one is infallible.”

“What about you?”

Arc shrugs. “Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll be a threat to the land.”

“You say that so casually.”

“But it’s true.”

“Are you okay with that?”

“I’m content knowing that I’d be stopped by my friends.”

Ashe shakes her head. “I just don’t understand you. Every time I think I’m making progress figuring you out you do or say something that makes me start all over again.”

“If what I’m told is true, Celestia believed the same.”

“What are you saying?”

“Part of me wants to think she’s being manipulated into doing what Decimus wants. That’s why she made Twilight a princess. To be a final stopgap to keep him from the throne.”

“Then why make him the Hero of Light?”

Arc sighs. “I have no idea. But she brought together the Element Bearers and others for a reason.”

“To do what? Kill her?”

“To keep the land safe.”

Ashe smiles sadly. “I wish our king had something like that thought out.”

“Nothing we can do about that now.”

“If anything he probably has the opposite figured.”

“Killing anyone in power whom threatens his position?”

“Something like that.”

“I wouldn’t know. But if he did, I do hope he uses it on Admiral Gaston.”

Ashe seethes. “I’ve already reported his treachery to the Griffon Kingdom. If he shows up there he’ll be treated as a bona-fide traitor.”

“Then he’ll fight extra hard not to be taken into custody.”

“Most likely. But you won’t have to face him alone.”

“Yeah, I’ll have a team there with me to…”

Ashe interrupts him. “I was referring to me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You?”

“Gaston is most likely in your base with Decimus and Princess Celestia. You’ll need all the help you can get to take them on.”

“While I appreciate the offer, this is an Equestrian matter. We can’t be bringing the Griffon Kingdom in on something that amounts to little more than a civil war.”

“Very true. However since a griffon is involved, he has the right to be taken into custody by our nation. As per the treaty, the ambassador has jurisdiction over him in this matter.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

“I won’t try to force you to take me. After all, I really can’t. But at the same time I’d like the opportunity to prove that I’m not just a spoiled little youngling anymore.”

“Fine. You can come on the condition that you follow my orders to the letter and without arguing.”

“Very well. I accept.”

“Good.”

“One more question.”

“Yes, Ashe?”

“Are you planning to take Celestia alive or dead?”

“I want her alive so we can hopefully learn what exactly happened to get us to this point.”

“And if she won’t be taken?”

Arc pats his ring and frowns. “Then I go to ‘Plan B’.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Which is…?”

“My duty.”

Chapter 5 - Mixing Business with Pleasure

Sometime later Arc looks inside at the wall clock. Standing, he turns to Ashe.

“Well, I should get a move on.”

“So soon?”

“I told Princess Twilight that I would join her for a business lunch today. Best not to keep her waiting.”

“That is understandable, yes. Um… but might I say something before you go?”

“What is it?”

“I… just wanted to apologize for… something I said some time ago.”

“Um…”

Ashe looks at the floor. “When I asked you to marry me for power and influence.”

Arc frowns. “Oh… right.”

“Please understand that I now know that was highly inappropriate and inexcusable.”

“What brought this on?”

“After learning about pony culture I’ve come to the realization that there’s more to life than fancy titles and authority.”

“That there is. A lot more.”

“Then tell me this. In your opinion, what is the most important thing in the world?”

“Important thing?”

“What are you striving for?”

“Friends, family, peace, and a happy life.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “That’s it?”

“Yup.”

“I don’t really understand all of that. Can we talk more another time?”

“Sure. But I do have a bit of advice for you.”

“What is it?”

“You told me once that you wanted to take over your country. Does that still hold true?”

“To a degree, yes. But my reasoning has changed.”

“Has it?”

“Before I wanted to rule in order to return the land to its previous glory. But now I only wish to make it more like Equestria. Rights for the citizens, education for all, and proper nutrition are at the top of my list.”

“To change the world, eh?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Maybe not the world, no. But my country at least. Did you have some kind of advice on how to do that?”

“Quite the opposite actually.”

“Oh?”

“I just wanted to say that you don’t need to change the world to make things better for others. Sometimes a simple gesture is enough.”

“Such as?”

“Why don’t you start with food.”

Ashe appears confused. “Food?”

“Find a way to make it affordable, nutritious, and widely available. Not just to the wealthy, but to everyone regardless of financial status.”

“How?”

“You know the Griffon Kingdom better than I do.”

“I’ll give it some thought, thank you.”

“Take care, Ashe.”

Arc leaves the room as Ashe returns to the balcony and looks out over the city before her.

“Food. While it wouldn’t fix the country I do suppose it’d be a step in the right direction.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads down the corridor toward the Dining Room. Arriving, the guards block his advance.

“Uh… the princess invited me to lunch.”

“Yes sir. However we were ordered to redirect you to her chambers for a private meal.”

“Oh? Any reason why?”

“We were told it was for security purposes, sir.”

“Very well. I’ll head there now.”

As he walks away the guards turn to one another and smile knowingly. Arc chuckles as he muses to himself.

“In her chambers. Not sure if Twilight is getting more forward or just wants some privacy from prying eyes.”

Arriving at the familiar door, the guards call out to him as he approaches.

“Sir.”

“I was told to meet Princess Twilight here for lunch. Is she inside?”

The guard nods. “Yes sir. But she asked us to pass on to you her desire for you to wait outside while preparations are made.”

“Very well.”

A few minutes later the door opens and a Hoof Maiden steps out pushing an empty food cart. She turns to Arc as the doors are closed behind her.

“You can go in now, sir. The princess will see you shortly.”

“Thank you.”

The guards push the doors open and allow him to pass. Arc looks around as the doors are once again closed behind him. He spies the open curtains letting in the noonday sun. A simple meal of sandwiches and milk sit on the table across from each other with a small cake under a clear carrier. Arc chuckles as he looks over the scene.

“Nice.”

A few moments later the doors open and Twilight hurries in breathlessly.

“Sorry to keep you waiting!”

Arc chuckles as he walks over to her. “It’s fine.”

Twilight gestures to the table as she and Arc head over to it. “I was held up in a last minute audience.”

“Oh, what about?”

“An intelligence report from Light’s Hope.”

Arc frowns as they sit down. “My base?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Apparently Decimus’ forces are gathering there en masse.”

“How many?”

Twilight sighs. “A lot.”

Arc groans. “Great.”

“It gets worse. Apparently the Griffon Kingdom has sent its own forces to bolster Decimus’ ranks.”

“What?!”

“We don’t know why though.”

Arc shakes his head. “I thought I convinced them to stay out of this!”

“After lunch I’ll have to inform Ambassador Ashe of this new development, of course.”

“Perhaps she can talk some sense into them.”

Twilight instinctively lowers her voice “Do you trust her?”

“Kinda.”

“What does that mean?”

“From our conversations recently it sounds like she’s coming around to the concept of reality.”

“Oh?”

“A life spent in the lap of luxury doesn’t lend much to real life experience.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I wonder if that’s why Princess Celestia didn’t want me to live here at the castle.”

“Maybe.”

“But that doesn’t really answer my question about Ashe.”

Arc shrugs. “Sadly it’s the best I can do. But I assume the law says we have to tell her about this?”

“Yes. And even if it didn’t she should still be informed.”

“Why don’t you leave that to me though.”

“If you want to, be my guest.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… I just came from her office before lunch.”

Twilight tilts her head to one side, confused. “She asked to see you?”

“Yes, Ashe wanted a word about a few things. One of them was Admiral Gaston.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “What about him?!”

“She volunteered to help me take him down during the attack on my base.”

“Did you agree?”

“I did. Well, after she pointed out the language in the treaty regarding griffon representation for Gaston. But now her presence may be even more important.”

“How so?”

“With any luck she may be able to convince whomever is leading the griffon side of the attack to withdraw.”

“The less blood spilled over this whole ordeal the better. Our position with the Griffon Kingdom is precarious at best.”

“Agreed. We won’t be doing our alliance any favors sending their soldiers back to them in body bags.”

“In any case, your old base has been watched since I took over by our sages. They’ve been recording any movements made and reporting any large changes directly to Colonel Flash Sentry.”

“Good. We can use that information to help plan our attack. “

Twilight sighs. “Attack.”

“You don’t want me to do that, do you?”

“No, Arc. I’m still holding out hope that a peaceful resolution can be found.”

“Do you really believe that Celestia will go for that after all that’s happened?”

Twilight looks down at her hooves. “Hope is all I have left right now, Arc. Not just for peace to return to our land. But for my oldest friend and teacher to see the truth and stop this madness willingly.”

“I’d like that too, Twilight. But we both know that probably won’t happen.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Sorry for being a downer on this.”

He gestures to the food before them.

“Why don’t we eat? Give ourselves a few moments to process this.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I think we should.”

Picking up their sandwiches, they begin to eat. Arc looks up at Twilight.

“This is pretty good.”

Twilight smiles slightly. “You can thank the kitchen staff for that.”

“It’s good to have something… normal to eat.”

“Don’t I know it. I’ve been spoiled with fine dining since taking this position.”

“Same as when I was the Lord Regent. But on the other hand, it was one of the things that made the job bearable.”

“Looking forward to the next meal?”

“That and a bit of time with Ember and Sereb.”

“Did you order the waitstaff out of the room too?”

“Usually, yeah. It just didn’t feel right to eat while they just stood there and watched.”

“I suppose we have that in common too.”

“There’s more?”

Twilight sets down her sandwich and nods soberly. “A lot actually.”

“Do tell.”

“Neither of us wanted this job, but had it thrust upon us. We both miss our friends while ruling the nation.”

She pauses and looks him in the eye before continuing.

“And we’d both like nothing more than to walk away from all this mess and settle down with those we love.”

Arc nods sadly. “Right on all counts.”

“I sometimes think about what would happen if we did it. Just turned things over to Cadance and Shining Armor.”

“While they’re both perfectly capable of making things work, I do believe that the land would take quite a bit longer to heal.”

Twilight sighs as she again picks up her food. “That’s what keeps me on the throne.”

Sometime later they finish their sandwiches. Arc cuts the cake and serves each of them a sizable piece. Twilight looks it over for a moment before picking up a fork and taking a bite.

“Tasty as I thought it would be.”

“Agreed.”

Twilight procures a bottle of milk from a bucket of ice and refills their glasses. Putting it back to stay cold she turns to Arc.

“There was another reason I asked you to lunch today.”

“Oh?”

“I need an honest opinion about something.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And you can’t talk to our friends about it?”

Twilight shakes her head. “This is something that I can only ask you. From one ruler to another.”

“What is it?”

“Honestly… how am I doing?”

“Regarding what?”

“As a princess.”

“Fine, I suppose.”

“I want to be a better leader though. Any suggestions?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“Please be brutally honest. I can take it.”

“When you’re giving audiences I’ve noticed that you seem to be unsure of yourself.”

“I’m worried I’ll rule in the wrong party’s favor mostly.”

“That’s always a possibility, of course. But you should let them do most of the talking.”

“But I need to ask questions.”

“True. However you can gain more information from reading their body language.”

“Reading?”

“See beyond their words. You can sometimes tell whom is hiding something in this way.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I’ve heard of such a thing, but never really understood how to do it.”

“Well, you could always probe them.”

“How?”

“Let’s say that you believed one party to be holding back. You should ask them a question that, if answered truthfully, would hurt their case. If they’re lying they’ll make subtle hints. Looking away, voice changes in volume and pitch, nervous hoof movements, and sometimes literal twitches.”

“I’ll try that, thank you.”

“There might be some psychology books in the library that could teach you a thing or two about visual cues.”

“Reading a book to learn how to read a pony like a book. An interesting concept.”

“I probably should have done that myself.”

“You didn’t?”

Arc shrugs. “There wasn’t a chance for any real ‘me time’. At that point in time I was ruling alone. I mean, I had Raven and Kibitz of course. But no one whom I knew and trusted well.”

“Yes, you’ve said that in the past. But I don’t understand one thing about that time. Why didn’t you ask for help?”

“From you and the others?”

“Or Ember, Sereb, Shining Armor, Flash Sentry… anypony really.”

Arc sighs. “Looking back I wish I would have.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I thought it would have been too much to ask. After all, you and the others had your own lives to live. Your own tasks to perform.”

“So do you though.”

Arc nods. “Yes, Twilight. I know that how I handled things in the past wasn’t the best. Going it alone… only so much can get done.”

“I’ve been fortunate to have you and the others helping me. Truth be told, I don’t think I would have gotten this far without all of you.”

“Not sure how I did.”

“You were lucky.”

“Let’s not test that luck again.”

“Agreed.”

They are silent for a time as they continue eating their cake. Eventually Twilight breaks it.

“I’m sorry this has been more or less a business meeting.”

“It’s fine, Twilight. After all, you have to make every minute count sometimes.”

Twilight looks out the window to the east. “That is true, yes. My schedule is quite full lately. More so with the others back in New Ponyville these past few days.”

“I’m sure they’d rather be here.”

“True. But the residents there need proper leadership too.”

“They’ll be back soon.”

“Kibitz has seen fit to give the others a rough itinerary in an effort to keep their visit as short as possible. While I’m sure he just wanted to help them be efficient, they have friends and family there too.”

“Yes, I suppose they do.”

Twilight giggles. “He’s also seen fit to schedule me some private time every day after lunch.”

“That’s a good idea. Gives you a bit of time to do what you enjoy.”

“I’ve been using it to nap mostly.”

She looks up at the clock and stands before continuing.

“He’ll come to get me for afternoon audiences in exactly one hour.”

Arc stands as well. “I’d better let you get some rest then, Twilight. Thanks for lunch.”

Twilight calls out as he turns to leave. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Would you please… sleep with me?”

“But I thought you were supposed to be resting.”

Twilight blushes slightly as she smiles. “I am. And I can think of nothing more relaxing than falling asleep in your arms.”

“Well in that case, yes. I’d love to do that.”

Taking his hand, Twilight leads Arc over to the bed. They sit down on the edge together as Arc kicks off his boots. Leaning in for a kiss, Twilight closes her eyes as they meet halfway. Wrapping his arms around her back, Twilight puts her hooves around his neck as the pair lay back. They continue to kiss for a time before Arc pulls back and smiles at her.

“Why don’t you get some rest, your highness?”

Twilight giggles. “Only if you’ll guard me, sir.”

Arc puts the back of his hand to his forehead to keep up the ruse. “How can I say no to such a lovely mare?”

“Thank you, Arc.”

She yawns and rolls on top of him. Closing her eyes and laying her head on his chest Twilight whispers.

“Good night.”

Arc smiles and strokes her mane tenderly. “Sleep well, Twilight.”

Chapter 6 - Draconic Endeavors

An hour later there is a knock on the door. Kibitz walks in carrying his clipboard in a magical aura.

“Your highness, it’s time to get up.”

Approaching the bed, he looks to Arc quizzically.

“Sir? What are you doing here?”

Arc turns to him, sheepishly. “Um… guarding the princess?”

“In her bed?!”

Arc shrugs. “Have to stay close if I’m going to keep her safe, right?”

Twilight slowly raises her head and opens her eyes.

“What’s… going on?”

“Kibitz is here to tell you it’s time to wake up I think.”

Kibitz frowns. “Indeed! And I must also caution against getting into bed with others!”

“Huh?”

“You have to maintain your station’s dignity, your highness!”

Arc sighs. “I think what he means is that it would look bad if a princess was caught sleeping with someone.”

Twilight smiles sleepily as she turns to Kibitz. “That is understandable, yes. However, if you recall, I’m the Princess of Friendship. And as such I have to maintain my… relationships.”

“I don’t understand, your highness.”

“Before I was crowned, I made it known to Arc here that I was interested in being more than just friends. Even now, I still want to be with him. Is that so wrong?”

“Please understand, your majesty. I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life. Just how to maintain your reputation.”

Arc chuckles. “That is appreciated, Kibitz. However you have my word that I have not harmed Princess Twilight in any way.”

Twilight nods. “Right. We were merely sleeping together. I was not ravished, violated, or used in any way that would bring shame to my station.”

Kibitz appears relieved. “Thank you, your highness. Forgive me if I overstep my bounds, but I’m only thinking of your future.”

Twilight smiles as her eyes drift back to Arc. “So am I.”

Arc sits up. “In any case, I should probably let you get back to work, Twilight. Thank you for lunch and I’ll see you again soon.”

“Would you like to join me for supper?”

“That sounds nice. The Dining Room?”

“My room again would probably be better. It’s a more… private affair here. Say… around eight?”

“I’ll be here.”

Kibitz steps in front of Arc. “Sir, if I may interrupt. I was asked by Dragon Lord Ember to have you report to Ambassador Brightwing’s office at your earliest convenience.”

Twilight appears confused. “Is something wrong?”

“I don’t really know, your highness. She only requested for the message to be passed on to him.”

Arc shrugs. “Thanks. I’ll see what’s up.”

He heads for the door. Kibitz turns to Twilight as he leaves.

“Your highness, please think of the country and your citizens before engaging in any… your highness?!”

Kibitz waves a hoof in front of Twilight’s face as she stands there motionless, staring at the now closed door.

“Princess Twilight!”

Twilight shakes her head as if to clear it. “I’m sorry. What were you saying, Kibitz?”

“I said…!”

Kibitz continued to repeat himself, but Twilight isn’t listening. Meanwhile, Arc heads down the corridor toward the office. Knocking lightly, he is astonished as Brightwing appears in front of him in a flash of light. Stumbling backwards, Arc falls to the floor as the little creature smiles toothlessly at him.

“Friend!”

“Um… hi.”

The door opens and Ember steps out into the corridor.

“What did I tell you about doing that, Brightwing?!”

Brightwing bows her head. “Sorry, Dragon Lord.”

Ember helps Arc up and beckons for him to enter the office. It has changed little since Arc was there last. He turns to Ember and speaks as she closes the door behind them.

“Kibitz said you wanted to see me.”

Ember puts her arms around his midsection. “That I did.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Just wanted to say how sexy you looked in that outfit.”

“Really?”

“Well… that and Brightwing’s been acting strange lately.”

Arc looks to the fluttering creature as it chases its own tail midair before looking back to Ember.

“Not sure how else to say this, but… isn’t that normal for Brightwing?”

“That is, yes. But she’s been a lot more… focused lately.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And that’s a bad thing?”

“I know it sounds good. However look at her bookshelf.”

He does so as Ember watches silently. Eventually Arc calls out to her.

“Just going from memory, of course, but lot of these books were here when I first visited the office. What exactly am I supposed to be looking for?”

“This!”

Ember pulls a book off the shelf and hands it to Arc. He frowns and looks to her before speaking.

“Chemistry?”

“And this, and this, and THIS!”

Ember points to several other books one at a time as Arc reads them off.

“Magic theory, biology, and theoretical physics?”

“Right!”

“Um… have you tried just asking her what’s up?”

“Of course!”

Turning to Brightwing, Ember calls out.

“What are you doing with all these books, Brightwing?”

“Work, work, work!”

Arc looks to Brightwing. “Can you show me your work?”

Brightwing nods happily. “Yes, yes!”

The small creature flutters over to the bookcase and pulls out a hardcover book on chemistry. She takes it over to the desk, sets it down, opens it, and lands over top of the pages to sit there silently. Arc looks to her quizzically.

“Now what?”

“Brightwing reading!”

Ember frowns as she looks over the creature’s shoulder. “Uh… I can’t make heads or tails of most of this.”

Arc chuckles. “Do you get it, Brightwing?”

“No, friend!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Then why are you reading it?”

“Brightwing want to learn! Get smart in head! Do things!”

Arc smiles. “So you want to better yourself?”

“Yes, yes! Friend understand!”

Arc turns to Ember. “Hear that?”

“Yeah. But it doesn’t make any sense.”

“Nothing wrong with studying, is there?”

“No, but…!”

“Then let’s just leave her to it.”

Arc looks over to Brightwing.

“Let me know what you learn.”

“Okay, friend!”

Motioning for them to leave the room, Arc leads Ember out the door. Brightwing scratches her head for a moment before taking flight and fluttering up to the top of the bookcase where her bed is. Pulling the cloth aside she removes a pad of paper and a pencil. Taking then back to the book she begins to write.

“Chemistry… biology! Biology is life! Life is chemistry! Chemistry is… is…!”

She hits her head with the pencil a few times before continuing.

“…chemistry is… what makes life!”

Fluttering back to the shelf, she pulls the magical theory and theoretical physics books off the shelf and carries them back to the desk.

“Life… biology! Biology… life! Magic flows through biology! Biology is life and life contains magic! Magic can help life become more than life with chemistry!”

Brightwing flutters for a few moments as she thinks to herself. Blinking around the room a few times she gasps and heads back to the bookshelf. Pulling a fourth book out she returns to the others on the desk and opens it.

“Spell… spell… need magic!”

Reading over the pages she frowns and knocks it off the desk before returning to the bookshelf.

“Need more special magic! Need… ah! Enchantment!”

Blinking back to the desk with the book, Brightwing opens it and flips to the table of contents.

“Let’s see… ah, sigils!”

She looks at the drawing in the book and picks up a pencil. Concentrating very hard, it begins to glow slightly. Giggling, Brightwing does a flying backflip.

“Brightwing did it! Now to test!”

She looks down at the desk and grins. Carefully drawing a sigil, she looks over the book numerous times to make sure everything is perfect. Taking flight, Brightwing flutters up to the ceiling and draws the same sigil. Returning to the desk she double checks her work looking both up and down over and over again. Holding the pencil, she points it toward the sigil on the desk as a portal forms. Looking up, Brightwing sees a second portal forming above her. Taking a deep breath, Brightwing flies up toward the ceiling portal and through it. Her head sticks through the one on her desk as she giggles. Hovering between the two for a few moments, Brightwing stops flapping her wings and curls up into a ball. Plummeting toward the portal she drops through it and reappears in the one overhead. Letting gravity do its thing she cries out happily.

“WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!”

Eventually the portals begin to lose their integrity. Gasping, Brightwing spreads her wings to slow her descent, glides as best she is able, and crashes snout-first into a corner. Picking herself up she makes her way back to the desk and grins hugely.

“That was fun! Brightwing want to do again! But Brightwing has other work to do!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember walk the corridors together. Ember looks to him.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Can we talk?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Ember shakes her head as she lowers her voice and looks around. “No, I meant privately.”

“Want to go to my quarters?”

“That would be best.”

Leading the way, they make their way to the now familiar room. Arc holds the door open for her before shutting it behind them and leading Ember over to the couch. Sitting down with her, he appears concerned.

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

Ember appears suddenly embarrassed. “Can this stay private, please?”

“If you want it to, sure.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, Ember.”

Ember takes a deep breath. “Truthfully, I’m a bit… scared.”

“Of the upcoming battle?”

“Yes.”

“That’s normal. After all, Celestia really is quite the opponent.”

“I’m not talking about that.”

Arc appears confused. “Then what…?”

Ember interrupts him. “You.”

“What about me?”

“Celestia already almost took you out, Arc.”

Arc clenches a fist. “She got the drop on me. Next time I’ll be ready.”

“Will you?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because Celestia is just too slippery!”

Arc grins. “Well, this time I’m not going in alone if you recall. It’ll be me, you, Sereb, and Ashe as it stands.”

“ASHE?!”

“Yes, I told her she could come.”

“WHY?!”

“Because she knows Celestia and can act as an intermediary between Admiral Gaston and the massed Griffon Kingdom ships and troops over there. That and according to the treaty I kinda have to. Admiral Gaston is allowed representation, after all.”

Ember grits her teeth. “That just makes her that much more dangerous!”

“Think of it this way. It’ll give us the chance to keep an eye on Ashe. She won’t be able to do anything without us seeing her.”

“So she’s staying aboard the ship?”

“We could use her combat skill inside the base. And like I said, she does kinda have to come with us.”

“After Auriel gets the barrier down?”

“She can’t actually break it. Just weaken a spot temporarily.”

Ember groans. “That isn’t reassuring!”

“We get in, disable the barrier from my office, and let my forces storm the building.”

“How much you want to bet that Celestia and/or Decimus will be in your office waiting for us?”

“Probably with Admiral Gaston too.”

“This plan… it’s just too dangerous, Arc.!”

“You have a better one?”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah. Have Auriel weaken the barrier so we can blast the base to smithereens!”

“We can’t.”

“Why not?! Hard Hat can rebuild it from the ground up if that’s what you’re…!”

“I mean we can’t just take out Celestia like that!”

“Of course not! We’ll dig her out of the rubble!”

Arc sighs. She might just be a victim of manipulation though.

Ember shrugs. “So what?! We’ll level everything then pick up the pieces!”

“Ember…”

“Is this about Twilight?!”

“Yes.”

Ember facepalms and groans. “Arc… you have to do this logically! Your plan has WAY too much chance to fail catastrophically!”

“I know.”

“Then why are we doing it that way?!”

Arc sighs. “Because I get the feeling Decimus expects me to do it your way.”

“So?!”

“We don’t know what else he’s squirreled away inside Light’s Hope. For all we know he’s filled it with explosives. I give the order to attack, we shoot, it blows up, and takes us out along with all my forces AND the Griffon Kingdom’s own troops. A diplomatic nightmare ensues.”

“You don’t know that’s his plan.”

“True. But I also don’t know that it isn’t.”

“Well then, what’s to stop him from waiting until you get inside and just blowing it up then?!”

Arc grins. “Ashe.”

“Huh?!”

“Another reason I’m bringing her. Admiral Gaston wouldn’t dare let anything bad happen to her. Lord Gestal would have his head.”

“That’s… actually pretty rational.”

Arc chuckles. “I try to be.”

“So that’s our plan then, huh?”

“Tentatively, yes. But if you want out, I completely understand.”

Ember shakes her head vehemently. “No way! I’m with you to the end!”

“Thanks.”

“But I still want to go on record as saying that I don’t like how you’re giving Celestia a free pass here.”

“I’m not. She’ll be taken into custody and a full medical and psychiatric evaluation performed back in Canterlot.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Then off to the dungeon, right?”

“That would be up to the one presiding over her case.”

“Twilight?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t actually know whom would do that. Hopefully not Twilight, as she’d be biased.”

“Shouldn’t you be the one judging her?”

“No.”

Ember raises her eyebrow. “But isn’t that kinda your job. Judging the princesses, I mean.”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. However, just like Twilight, I’m biased against her. Remember, Celestia did attack me and leave me for dead.”

“Who could forget?”

“I’m trying to.”

“You’ll find someone to do the deed.”

“Kinda have to. But something tells me there’s more to this than just you wanting Celestia to go down.”

Ember sighs. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yup. Tell me, what’s really bothering you?”

“Again, I’d like this to stay private though.”

“Understood.”

“I’m feeling a bit… jealous.”

“Of Twilight?”

Ember appears conflicted. “Yes and no. I said I was willing to share, of course. But that was before Hammer and Auriel wanted in.”

“You’re worried that the group is getting too big?”

“Kinda. But it’s not just you.”

“Huh?”

“I mean… we don’t have time for one another. You have duties as the Hero of Light and I have mine to the Dragon Lands.”

“When this is over I do want to do more together though.”

“So do I.”

“Who’s going to do your job then?”

“My dad back home and Brightwing here.”

“You sure that’s a good idea?”

Ember sighs. “No. Do you have a better one?”

“Not really. But to address your earlier issue, just because everyone is interested now doesn’t mean they will be in the future.”

Ember raises an eyebrow, confused. “Why wouldn’t they be?”

“That’s the whole reason I want to start dating everyone. To see if we’re all actually interested in this whole thing.”

“I am!”

“But you might not be when we get to know each other.”

Ember scoffs. “Yeah right!”

“All I’m saying is that we need to keep an open mind about this.”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I need to say something.”

“Go ahead.”

Ember scooches closer to him on the couch. Putting a claw on his cheek, she looks him in the eye and begins to speak.

“We met some time ago in Tartarus. While I admit that we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot, I now can’t imagine my life without you.”

“And I feel the same, Ember.”

“Then why hesitate? Let’s start a life together. I’ll be with you either way, of course.”

“That I know.”

“What’s the issue then?”

“Because I care about you, Ember.”

Ember blushes heavily. “You… you do?”

Arc nods. “Of course. Would I have stuck my neck out for you when you were sick in Tartarus if I didn’t?”

“Well…”

“Or faced those three massive suitors back in the Dragon Lands?”

“Maybe.”

“How about when you were mourning your mother’s death? It’s not everyone whom would refuse a request from you. Even if it was to die.”

Ember grimaces. “And… when I pissed myself.”

Arc shudders. “I’m trying to forget that part actually.”

“It must’ve hurt given how hot that substance is. And you just lay there holding me as I did it.”

“You needed me back then.”

“And I need you now.”

“We still need to determine that, Ember.”

Ember nods soberly. “Fine. If dating will do that then I’d like to be given the chance to go out with you.”

“I… suppose that would be a good idea. As long as you’re willing to wait until after we retake Light’s Hope.”

“Fine. Once Celestia is back in our custody and everything is back to normal again I want to go out. I just have one question though.”

“What’s that?”

Ember grins seductively. “Do I get to spend the night with you like the others?”

Arc groans. “Who told you that?”

“Everyone you’ve dated.”

Arc chuckles. “As long as you understand you’re getting the exact same thing they did.”

“Which was?”

“A good night’s sleep.”

Ember licks her lips. “I’m ready for more.”

“Well I’m not.”

Ember rolls her eyes and gets on all fours. “It’s really simple, Arc. I turn around, bend over, raise my tail, and…”

“Please stop, Ember.”

“Look, I already told you that my body isn’t ready to make eggs yet. It would just be for pure carnal pleasure.”

“It’s not so much about impregnating you.”

“Is it Rarity?”

“Partially, yes.”

Ember sighs. “Fine. Look, I understand that you promised her that she would get you first. But I do want to be right after her.”

“Ember…”

“No, I mean literally.”

“Huh?”

Ember grins seductively. “Finish with her, turn around, and do the same to me.”

Arc blushes. “I’m… not sure that would work.”

“Well, I mean we could do a little foreplay to help you recover.”

“Not what I meant.”

Ember laughs. “I know! But I like seeing you squirm like that!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… we’re not going any further on this matter until Celestia has been dealt with.”

Ember leans forward and wraps her arms around Arc’s neck. “No farther at all?”

“Ember…”

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

Arc appears confused. “Then how…?”

He is cut off as Ember’s lips press against his. Closing his eyes, Arc kisses back as the pair fall to the floor together. A full minute passes before they break off their kiss. Ember grins seductively.

“Want more?”

“I think we should both get back to work.”

Ember groans. “Party pooper.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, well… gotta admit, it’s pretty hard to say ‘no’ after a kiss like that.”

“If you think that’s something wait until we do it in my human form. I’ll blow your mind!”

Arc smiles at Ember as he helps her up. “Maybe later.”

Chapter 7 - Successful Tests

A week later Arc and Twilight stand in the Audience Chamber together. Twilight paces nervously as Arc watches her while leaning against a nearby pillar. Shaking his head he chuckles.

“If you keep that up, Twilight, you’ll wear a rut in the marble.”

Twilight does not look up. “I can’t help it! That test will determine EVERYTHING!”

“Yes, well… worrying won’t make it go any better.”

“All I can think about is…!”

“Twilight?”

Twilight stops and turns to him. “Yes?”

“Calm down.”

“Easy for you to say!”

“Auriel, Sunburst, and Stellar Flare will come see us the moment testing concludes.”

Twilight trots in place nervously. “Well, I wish they’d…!”

The doors to the audience chamber swing open and the a fore mentioned ponies and one demon rush inside. Arc reaches out with his magic to close the doors behind them as they approach. Auriel is the first to speak.

“It’s a go!”

Twilight smiles widely. “Really?!”

Sunburst nods. “Everything worked perfectly, your highness.”

Stellar Flare grins. “The Equinox’s systems are fully attuned to the new Magic Dispersion Unit, your majesty.”

Auriel points toward a window. “I used the Bloodstone to partially charge it several times in rapid succession. We fired several shots to the west toward uninhabited terrain. Everything went according to plan.”

Arc nods. “Good. And the crew’s training?”

Sunburst turns to him. “They’re ready as well.”

Stellar Flare shrugs. “Although there isn’t really much for them to do in this regard.”

Auriel chimes in. “Most of the systems will be monitored and controlled down in Engineering. I’ll be on the Bridge to power the system too.”

Twilight looks to Sunburst. “Is there anything else left to do?”

“No, your highness. We can launch the attack at any time.”

Auriel grimaces. “Preferably sooner rather than later.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Agreed.”

Twilight bows her head. “Yes, we must strike as soon as possible. Sunburst, inform Colonel Flash Sentry to begin gathering our forces to move out.”

“Very well, Princess Twilight.”

“Stellar Flare, see to it you have everything necessary to make the technical aspect of this mission work.”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Dismissed.”

The mare and stallion hurry out the door as Auriel turns to Twilight.

“And what about me?”

“Are there any preparations that you need to do first?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. Everything is done on my end.”

Twilight smiles at her. “Very good, Auriel. Now then, I have need of you for a very… special task.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Twilight?”

“I’m sorry Arc, but this is a personal request.”

“Alright. Anything you need me to do?”

“Not right this moment, no. However I would like to invite you to a very special dinner tonight.”

“Oh?”

Twilight looks away nervously. “I’ve organized a bit of… relaxation for you before the mission tomorrow.”

Auriel smiles. “That was a good idea, Twilight. Arc doesn’t rest enough as it is.”

“Yes, well… can I count on you to come, Arc?”

“Sure. It’ll be a nice diversion before we move out.”

“Please come to my room at seven then.”

“Okay. I’ll be there.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “How about you get some rest in the meantime?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, you have been going at it pretty hard this past week, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “There’s been a lot to do.”

Twilight sighs. “Well, at the moment there isn’t. So please take this opportunity to relax. I’ll see to it Kibitz wakes you up in plenty of time to get ready.”

“Are we going casual or formal?”

“Full formal. After all, you look great in that black suit. I’ll have some of the Hoof Maidens pick it up later to make sure it’s presentable.”

“Uh… okay.”

“Now if you’ll excuse us, I have to talk over a few things with Auriel.”

“Sure. See you later, Twilight.”

He turns to Auriel and chuckles.

“Good luck with whatever she needs too.”

Auriel giggles. “Thanks. Have a nice nap.”

Arc turns and leaves the room as Auriel looks to Twilight.

“Now then, what did you need?”

Twilight motions for Auriel to approach her. “This is going to be a bit… complicated. You see…”

Meanwhile, Arc walks down the corridor toward his room. Entering, he heads for the wardrobe and opens it. Picking up the suit on the hanger he walks it over to the door and puts it on the handle outside. Returning to his bed, he kicks off his boots and lays down. Looking at the clock Arc picks up the phone. A few moments later the castle switchboard operator answers.

“What can I do for you today, sir?”

“I’d like to talk to Coco Pommel at the temporary orphanage in New Ponyville.”

“Yes sir. One moment.”

The line goes dead for a few moments before they are connected. After it rings a few times Coco Pommel’s voice comes over the line.

“Hello, this is Matron Coco Pommel.”

“It’s Arc.”

“Arc! How’s everything back home?!”

“Okay, I guess. Tell me, are Derpy and Dinky around?”

“They just started making supper, but I’ll go get them.”

“Thanks.”

The sound of the receiver being set down and hooves hurrying away rings out as Arc waits. A few minutes later numerous hooffalls approach the phone as a click rings out along with slight speaker feedback.

“You’re on speakerphone now, Arc.”

“Hi dad!”

“Hey Dinky.”

Cherry giggles. “Good to hear from you again, Arc!”

“Hi, Cherry.”

“We miss you, dad!”

“And I miss you as well, sweetheart. Is your mother there too?”

Derpy nods happily. “I am, Arc.”

“Is everything okay, dad?!”

“Kinda. We’re planning to attack Light’s Hope tomorrow.”

Coco Pommel gasps. “Oh my!”

Cherry calls out. “Is that wise?!”

“Either way it has to be done.”

Derpy sounds hopeful. “So everything will end then?”

“Yes.”

Coco Pommel grimaces. “And Princess Celestia?”

“We’re getting her out of there one way or another.”

Dinky smacks her small hoof on the desk. “Kick her flank, dad!”

Derpy gasps. “Dinky!”

“She deserves it!”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof on Dinky’s shoulder. “That may be, dear. But she’s still a princess of Equestria.”

Cherry sighs. “Strange as it may seem right now, yes.”

Derpy lowers her voice. “Are you planning on… you know…?”

“I want her alive, of course. But if that isn’t an option… yes.”

Coco Pommel bows her head. “We all understand, Arc. You’ll do what’s necessary for the nation as a whole, I’m sure.”

“That I will. But how is everyone else doing over there?”

“The orphans miss the old orphanage and Ponyville, dad.”

Derpy looks out the window. “Yes, well… things were a bit… greener there.”

Cherry shrugs. “I think we’re all a bit homesick right now, Arc.”

“Even if things end here tomorrow everyone still couldn’t come home right away. After all, the town is still a charred ruin.”

Derpy calls out. “We can rebuild better than before though.”

“Yeah dad!”

Coco Pommel smiles. “I’m still amazed no innocent lives were lost.”

“Me too. But in any case, I just wanted to call and say that I love you all and that I’m going to make this right come tomorrow.”

“Stay safe, dad!”

“I will.”

Derpy grins. “We’ll be waiting for good news then, Arc.”

Coco Pommel leans in close to the speaker. “Get a good night’s sleep too.”

Cherry clenches a gauntlet. “Right. You’ll need every advantage to win this fight, Arc.”

“No worries there. I’m about to take a nap at the moment too.”

Derpy giggles. “We won’t keep you then.”

“Sweet dreams, dad!”

Arc chuckles. “Goodbye.”

Hanging up the receiver, Arc closes his eyes and mused to himself.

“I’m going to fix this. For Derpy and Dinky. For Coco Pommel and my friends. And for all the citizens of Ponyville whom lost their homes.”

Drifting off to sleep, he is awakened sometime later by a light nudge on his shoulder as the familiar voice of Kibitz rings out.

“Time to rise, sir.”

Opening his eyes Arc looks around slightly confused.

“But I just lay down.”

“That was a few hours ago, sir.”

Arc chuckles as he sits up. “The wonders of a comfortable bed.”

“Indeed, sir. Now then, I’ve been tasked with getting you ready for your evening as well as making sure you arrive on time.”

“I think I can get dressed by myself.”

“Certainly, sir. The Hoof Maiden whom prepared you suit should be arriving any moment now. Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll bring it in to you when she arrives?”

“Sure. That sounds good.”

Walking into the bathroom Arc disrobes. Turning on the water he steps into the shower and grabs the soap. Lathering up he smiles contentedly. A few minutes later there is a small knock at the door.

“Come in!”

Kibitz enters levitating the freshly pressed suit. Hanging it up he turns to the shower.

“Everything appears in order as far as your apparel goes, sir.”

“Good. I want to look my best for tonight.”

“I took the liberty of setting out fresh socks and undergarments as well, sir.”

“Thanks. I’ll be done in here shortly.”

Kibitz turns and heads for the door. “Then I shall wait for you outside.”

Stepping out of the shower as the stallion leaves Arc quickly dresses and walks out into the bedroom.

“How’s this?”

Kibitz gasps. “Sir! I certainly hope you’re not planning to go out looking like THAT!”

Arc looks himself over. “What’s wrong with how I look?”

“You mane, sir!”

“Huh?”

Motioning for him to look in the mirror Kibitz steps aside to allow Arc full view of himself.

“Oh… forgot to comb my hair.”

Kibitz gestures to the vanity nearby. “Have a seat and I’ll make you look presentable, sir.”

“Sure.”

Doing as suggested, Arc sits down as Kibitz levitates a comb and brush with his magic. Working swiftly he makes short work of the tangles in Arc’s hair. Arc sits there motionless as he speaks.

“I get the feeling you’ve done this before.”

Kibitz nods with evident pride. “Yes sir. Some days Princess Celestia didn’t want to be surrounded by Hoof Maidens, so she would call for me alone to prepare her for the day ahead.”

“Why didn’t she just do it herself?”

“For the same reason I’m doing it for you now, sir. A second set of eyes to see what one cannot.”

“I guess it wouldn’t do much for her reputation to be walking around the castle with bedhead, huh?”

“It’s so much more than that, sir.”

“Oh?”

“Princess Celestia was always very fond of her subjects. She never wanted to do anything that might make them suffer in any way.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “Lack of grooming would make them suffer?”

“As the ruler of a nation, her own reputation and that of the country was intertwined. For her to make a misstep of any kind would reflect negatively on the land as a whole.”

“Tell me something, Kibitz.”

“Sir?”

“What do you think of Celestia?”

“A more noble ruler has never been seen before. She carries herself with elegance and grace. Her rulings are both wise and fair for all concerned.”

“Then what do you have to say about her antics since returning to Equestria?”

Kibitz frowns. “That she is either playing up to something bigger than we know or still out of sorts from her time in captivity.”

“Anything else?”

“No sir.”

“Really?”

Kibitz sighs as he puts down the comb and brush. Standing next to Arc, he bows his head before continuing.

“If I may speak frankly, sir… I do believe she has implemented her final failsafe.”

“Failsafe?”

“Her student, Twilight Sparkle.”

“A replacement?”

“Yes sir. I know Princess Celestia wouldn’t want the land to languish without proper leadership.”

“And you believe she appointed Twilight just in case she… didn’t make it?”

Kibitz nods. “My years of serving her have taught me much about her thought processes, sir.”

“Kibitz… you do realize that I’m probably the only one capable of ending her life, correct?”

“I am, sir.”

“Then why are you not more concerned that I may do just that tomorrow?”

“Because she knew what might happen one day when the term ‘Hero of Light’ was coined. Even today the princess is fully ready for the final page of her reign to be written in the history books.”

“You’re not making this any easier you know.”

“If you recall, you asked a question and I answered it, sir.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“At the same time I’m acutely aware of all you’ve done since ascending to your position, sir. If I may be so bold, I do believe that had things been different, perhaps you and Princess Celestia might have been the very best of friends.”

“But I’ve always heard that she hated humans.”

Kibitz nods. “That is true. However I do believe that you could have been the one to end that mentality in her.”

He looks Arc over one last time before stepping back.

“You are now ready for your time with Princess Twilight, sir.”

“Thanks.”

“Before you go, might you entertain the wishes of a foolish old stallion?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Princess Celestia is a very dear friend of mine even now and has been for years. I only ask that whatever you need to do tomorrow is done quickly, painlessly, and with the dignity that she deserves.”

Arc nods soberly. “You have my word that I’ll do what needs to be done quickly, Kibitz.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ve been told what Princess Celestia did to you, of course. However I don’t believe even she deserves to suffer needlessly.”

“I don’t enjoy being anyone’s executioner, Kibitz. Not even if they deserve it. But if I was going to kill someone I’d rather not sit there torturing them before doing the deed. To me, a blow to either the head or heart to end their lives quickly is the way to go.”

“That is most encouraging, sir.”

Kibitz looks over at the clock before speaking again.

“It would appear that you have a bit of time before the appointed hour, sir.”

Arc motions toward the door. “I could head over there now.”

“Begging your pardon, sir, but that would not be advisable.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“At this time the Hoof Maidens are still getting her royal highness ready for tonight. To arrive early would cause then stress.”

“You mean they would rush things?”

“Exactly, sir.”

“Fine then. I’ll just stay here for a bit.”

Arc stands and walks over to the balcony doors. The sun has begun to set sending red and orange hues across the horizon. Kibitz moves to join him in looking out over the kingdom. For a time neither of them speaks. Eventually the elder pony breaks the silence.

“Sir?”

“Yes, Kibitz?”

“Might I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s about my granddaughter.”

“Raven?”

“Yes sir. She’s been rather… different since being stationed at your base some time ago.”

“Define ‘different’.”

“It’s… difficult to put into words really. I was an integral part of her life up until that point.”

“I see.”

“Did… something happen back then, sir?”

Arc sighs and continues to look at the sunset. “I’d rather not say.”

“Please, sir! If there’s something wrong perhaps I can help her!”

“It’s deeply personal and not something you should hear from anyone other than her.”

Kibitz frowns. “Does it have anything to do with that… that stallion she insists on seeing?!”

“Which one would that be?”

“Flash Sentry. He was recently promoted to colonel by her royal highness.”

“He was my sergeant when we met. I promoted him to lieutenant.”

“While I understand that such is your right, might I ask what his qualifications were for such a promotion, sir?”

“You want to know my reasoning?”

Kibitz nods. “Yes sir. I’ve gone over his record and can’t really find any reason why he should be a lieutenant, much less a colonel.”

“I promoted him because of the way he handled himself during a certain matter. However the details of such a thing are classified.”

“But I have clearance to see and hear about all levels of secret information.”

“Well, this was so secret that it was never properly recorded in any file or report.”

“That is against regulations though, sir. All events while on duty must be reported and filed for future reference. Didn’t his commanding officer at the time know that?”

“I was the one he answered to. And I told him to not report it.”

Kibitz sighs. “While I don’t understand your reasoning behind such a thing I also admit that I can do nothing to gain the information I need without your aid, sir.”

“Believe me when I say that Flash Sentry is right where he should be… location and rank. Now then, while I can’t really tell you any more on this matter, please trust me when I say that everything will be alright.”

“Raven said about the same. However I can’t help but worry about her. She’s my only granddaughter, after all.”

“I understand that. Remember I have a daughter too.”

“How can I help her though?!”

“By trusting that Raven will talk when she’s ready.”

Kibitz groans. “I’m not sure that’s going to work though. She’s been different for over a year now.”

“You can’t force her though. Trying to do so would only serve to make her uncomfortable.”

“Yes sir. I’ll try not to push the topic.”

Arc nods as he look to the sunset again. “Good. I’m sure Raven would appreciate that too.”

Chapter 8 - A Dinner Date to Remember

Sometime later, as the sun approaches the horizon, Kibitz turns to Arc as he looks at his pocket watch.

“It’s about time to go, sir.”

Arc straightens up and nods. “Alright. Lead the way.”

Kibitz and Arc head through the room and out the door to the corridor. As they walk the stallion turns to him.

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“While I’m certainly no closer to discovering what exactly is wrong with my granddaughter, I do appreciate the talk.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you any more information.”

Kibitz sighs. “As you said before, that should come from Raven though, sir.”

“Right.”

Arriving at the door to Twilight’s chambers, Kibitz turns to Arc as the guards salute.

“Here we are, sir. You are now precisely on time.”

“Thanks.”

“Have a nice evening, sir.”

The guards step aside to let Arc approach the door as Kibitz continues on his way down the corridor. He takes a deep breath and prepares to knock before a guard turns to him.

“Sir, Princess Twilight wanted us to pass on a message to you.”

“Oh?”

“She asks that you knock three times and enter the room.”

“Um… okay. Did she say why?”

“No sir.”

“Fine. I’ll do that.”

Raising a hand Arc knocks three times as asked. Pushing on the large double doors he enters as the guards pull them shut behind him. The sunset pouring through the windows is the only light source to be seen. Stepping into the room he looks ahead to a wondrous sight standing in front of the balcony doors.

“A-Auriel?”

The young demon smiles silently and nods as she steps carefully toward him. She is wearing an elegant yet simple black dress with slipper-like shoes. As she reaches him Auriel curtsies and bows her head.

“Good evening, kind sir.”

“I… “

“Do you like what you see?”

Arc nods, wide-eyed. “Yes, of course! You look amazing!”

Auriel giggles as she looks him up and down. “As do you.”

“I hope I’m not too early.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Right on time actually.”

Arc looks around. “Is Twilight still getting ready?”

“She’s not here.”

“Oh?”

Auriel points to a scroll on a table nearby. “She wanted me to give you this when you arrived.”

Reaching out a hand Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell to pull the scroll to himself. Breaking the seal he unrolls it and begins to read.

Arc,

As you know, tomorrow is the attack on Light’s Hope. I and the others have asked you numerous times this week to try and get some rest before the battle. While I understand that this matter is quite important, your feelings are just as important to us. Therefore Spike and I will be spending this evening directing the loading of supplies, weapons, armor, medical supplies, and military personnel onto The Equinox. Lists will be checked, rechecked, and checked again before I will deem the ship ready for departure.

In the meantime I want you to use this evening to relax and have a good time. While I had hoped that would be with me, it would appear that I’ll be rather busy tonight. However I didn’t want to leave you without a suitable replacement. As you know, Auriel has been looking forward to spending an evening with you for quite some time. She has been very patient thus far, but I believe she has waited long enough. My personal Hoof Maidens have seen to it that she has been properly prepared for tonight as well as given an itinerary for possible places to go after dinner. Please enjoy each other’s company and I’ll see you tomorrow morning.

-Twilight

Arc rolls up the scroll and looks to the expectant young demon before him.

“Auriel?”

“Yes?!”

“Would you… do me the honor of going out with me?”

Auriel nods fervently. “I would love to!”

Arc extends a hand as Auriel hurries toward him. Taking it in her claws she latches onto his arm happily.

“Twilight said that the kitchen staff will be waiting for us.”

Arc chuckles. “Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

Heading for the doors, they leave the room and head down the corridor together. Auriel looks up at him with a massive grin on her face. Coming to the Dining Room they see that the large table traditionally present has been removed. In its place sits a much smaller round table with two place settings across from each other. Two of the staff are waiting for them.

“Please have a seat.”

They pull out the chairs for the couple and allow them to sit before hurrying to the side of the table to address Arc.

“Your meal will be done cooking momentarily. The chef will bring it out personally as soon as it is ready.”

“Thank you. We’re in no hurry.”

They bow and return to the kitchen as Auriel turns to Arc and sighs happily.

“I’ve wanted to do this for such a long time.”

“Me too.”

“Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Getting to know you is important to me.”

Auriel blushes slightly “I… didn’t know that. How long?”

“Ever since I found out that you were… interested.”

“So it’s been a while.”

“Yeah. Sorry I’ve been too busy to act on it though.”

Auriel reaches across the table and pats his hand. “It’s okay. We’re together now.”

“This should happen more often.”

“Dinner together?”

“Yes. One on one meals as well as group time will help everyone get to know one another better.”

“I’d like that.”

The doors to the kitchen swing open and a familiar mare pushing a dinner cart walks out. Approaching them she levitates two covered silver platters onto the table. Pulling the covers off with her magic she looks to them happily.

“Here you are, sir. Two jumbo steaks with a side of salad for you both as per Princess Twilight’s orders.”

Arc grins at her. “Thank you, Saffron.”

Auriel gasps. “This looks amazing!”

Saffron gestures to the plates. “Why don’t you two cut into them and make sure they’re cooked to your liking?”

They do so. Looking the centers over they both nod.

“Perfect!”

“Agreed.”

Saffron smiles as she levitates a bowl of rolls onto the table. “I’m glad. Now then, can I get you two anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m good.”

“Me too.”

Saffron nods respectfully. “Very good.”

She reaches back to the cart and picks up a small crystal bell. Setting it on the table she turns to Arc.

“The waitstaff have orders not to interrupt you meal, sir. However you can ring this if you require more drinks, additional food, or when you’re ready to order dessert.”

“Thank you, Saffron.”

“Enjoy!”

Saffron heads back to the kitchen and sits down at the table in front of her own plate of food. Smiling she picks up her utensils. Meanwhile the couple begin to eat. Auriel is the first to speak.

“It’s so flavorful!”

“That it is! Saffron’s pretty good at what she does.”

“I’ll be sure to tell her that when she comes back out.”

Arc chuckles as he picks up a bottle of juice and fills Auriel’s empty glass. “Yes, I’m sure that would make her happy.”

“Tell me, do they have food like this back on Earth, Arc?”

“Yes. They’re called ‘steakhouses’.”

“Are they common?”

“That they are.”

“I remember you telling me once that you took Hammer to one.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “If memory serves correctly that was our second date.”

Auriel smiles at him sheepishly. “Could… you take me to one someday?”

“I don’t see why not. It sounds like fun. But I get the feeling there’s a particular reason you wanted to go.”

Auriel looks out the window at the sunset as she speaks. “Earth. I want to know more about it. Learn the culture of humans… eat their food… speak with them… walk among them.”

“Your mother?”

Auriel smiles and nods. “While I never met her, I take comfort in the fact that I was able to tread the same land as she did. As a human no less.”

She thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think I should become a human?”

“In form?”

“Right.”

“Which makes you more comfortable?”

“Either is fine for me. But do you find my demon form or human form more attractive?”

“That’s a tough one.”

“I would assume that you would find my human form more pleasing to the eye. We’re more similar that way.”

“To be completely honest with you, I’m more interested in your personality than your body, Auriel.”

Auriel blushes slightly. “It’s nice to know that you feel that way. I’d be willing to be in either form for you, Arc.”

“And either form works for me. Whichever makes you happy.”

“Thank you.”

They go back to eating. However Arc notices that Auriel appears to be thinking.

“Everything okay?”

Auriel nods nervously. “Y-yes. I was just going over something in my head.”

“What about?”

“My mother. Do you suppose she’d be proud of me?”

“I would hope so. After all, you’ve turned into quite a woman.”

“Have I though?”

“What do you mean?”

“Most of the time I just feel so… inadequate.”

“Oh?”

Auriel puts down her utensils. “As you know, my father is the Demon King. He’s ruled the Great Demon Kingdom for centuries and is both feared and respected. My mother was a very intelligent scientist and, judging from the notes we took from Damocles Base, she accomplished great things in her field.”

She sighs and looks at her claws before continuing.

“But I’m just me. What have I done?”

“You helped us rescue the Shards and Princess Celestia for starters.”

“That was more you than me though.”

“What about your artificial sun idea?”

Auriel sighs. “That was partially Twilight’s idea.”

“But you figured it out.”

“It was a joint project though.”

“Auriel, you need to have more belief in yourself and your abilities.”

“But everything I do is with others.”

“And that’s just fine. What more could you want?”

“To do something great alone.”

“Why’s that?”

“Ultimately I want to be like my mother. Accomplishing great things. Her notes don’t mention anyone else helping her, after all.”

Arc smiles at her. “If that’s what you really want, fine. But I feel as though your mother could have accomplished so much more had she worked with others.”

Auriel sighs. “I still lie awake at night wondering what happened to her.”

“You father said that she just vanished though.”

“As smart as he said she is I can’t imagine her being dead. I can only assume that she found a way out of Tartarus.”

“That sounds reasonable. But I think someone here in Equestria would have seen her had she been wandering the land.”

“I’ve considered that. As strange as it may sound, I can only assume that she somehow ended up somewhere else.”

“You don’t think she’s back on Earth?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. The Organization would have found her by now were that the case.”

“Wherever she ended up I hope she’s okay.”

Auriel picks up her utensils again. “Me too. But I’m sorry to make this meal’s conversation all about my problems.”

“No, no. That’s part of getting to know each other.”

“It is?”

“Sure. A relationship is a two way street, after all. We share the good times as well as the bad.”

“The bad does seem to be when a friend is most needed, I suppose.”

“Right.”

“But what about you, Arc?”

“Huh?”

“Your own mother.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… she died when I was a young boy.”

“Do you miss her?”

“I guess. While I know that sounds callous, she was often a very negative person. Probably because she was always drunk though.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“It’s not your fault, Auriel. But like you I do wonder if she would be proud of me.”

Auriel giggles. “I would hope so. After all, you have a long list of accomplishments to your name.”

“But like you they generally involve others helping me get the job done.”

“I suppose so. But how many sons can claim to have sat on a country’s throne?”

Arc chuckles. “Not many I would guess.”

“You handled it well from what I’ve seen. Any mother would be proud of that level of dedication.”

“Mine… wasn’t exactly the kind of person whom approved of helping others. But then again that might also have been years of alcoholism talking too.”

Auriel reaches across the table and takes Arc’s hand as she smiles at him.

“Either way, know that I’m proud of you.”

“And I of you, Auriel.”

Sometime later they finish their meal. Arc reaches for the bell and grimaces. Auriel appears confused.

“Is something wrong?”

Arc sighs. “Not… exactly. I just can’t bring myself to ring that thing.”

“But she asked us to.”

“I know, but…”

Auriel interrupts him. “If it makes you uncomfortable why not try calling out to her?”

“Worth a shot.”

He turns his head and looks toward the kitchen.

“Saffron!”

A few moments later the pair hear the sound of hoofsteps approaching the door. Saffron enters the Dining Room and hurries over to them.

“Forgive me, sir. I didn’t hear the bell.”

“Not to worry. I didn’t ring it.”

Auriel nods. “Arc just wanted to call you the old fashioned way.”

“Ah. Was there anything else I could get you two then?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m pretty full.”

Auriel giggles. “Me too.”

“Those steaks were amazing though.”

“I’m glad you liked them, sir. And I hope we have a safe mission tomorrow.”

Auriel appears confused. “We?”

Saffron nods. “I volunteered to come too. After all, an army fights on its stomach.”

Arc grins. “Thanks. I’m sure they’ll be plenty of hungry individuals both before and after the battle. Well, we won’t keep you any longer then. You probably have a number of things to do before tomorrow.”

“All I have to do is check that the kitchen’s supplies were delivered.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Twilight’s handling the organization of the supplies personally.”

“Then I’m sure I have nothing to worry about. But I’ll still head over and see if I can lend a hoof.”

Arc stands. “Good idea.”

He extends a hand to Auriel before continuing.

“Shall we?”

“Yes.”

Leading Auriel around the table, he turns to Saffron.

“Thank you again for the meal.”

Saffron smiles and bows respectfully. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, sir.”

She watches them leave before picking up the dishes and heading for the kitchen. Meanwhile, Arc and Auriel walk down the corridor together. Arc turns to her as she leans against him.

“Twilight’s letter said you had a list of things we could do after dinner.”

Auriel nods. “That I do.”

“If you’d like to do something special…”

“There is one thing I’ve always wanted to do with you, Arc.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Auriel gestures with a wave of her claw. “This way.”

She leads them to the Castle Gardens. Arc looks around, confused.

“Auriel?”

“I’ve always liked this place.”

“Being surrounded by plants, huh?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. After spending a lifetime in Tartarus I’ve come to LOVE the color green.”

Arc chuckles. “Then living in a tree with Twilight must’ve been a dream come true for you.”

“It was. For more reasons than you know.”

Arc takes her hand and leads her down a path. “Tell me about it?”

“Being around someone whom shared my interests was wonderful as was the smell of the tree itself every day.”

“Sounds like paradise.”

Auriel sighs. “It was, yes. I miss those days.”

“Hopefully one day you and Twilight can work on another project together.”

“That’s not likely now that she’s a princess.”

“I’m hoping that normalcy can be restored after we take care of Celestia.”

“It’s not just that. Remember, Ponyville was completely destroyed along with the Golden Oaks Library. That’s not something that can just be rebuilt.”

“Yes, well… maybe something can be done about it.”

“Like what?”

“Maybe you and Twilight could grow another library.”

Auriel giggles. “Even though I know what you meant, that sentence still sounds strange.”

“I know. But think about it this way. The Golden Oaks Library had to have been grown magically to be able to survive with most of its interior removed, right?”

“To say nothing for the basement.”

“Right.”

Auriel smiles. “That would be a nice project, yes. I’ll bring it up with Twilight the next time I see her.”

“Good.”

Auriel stops and looks around before lowering her voice.

“I’d like to show you something here, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“A very special place I found some time ago. This way.”

She pulls Arc toward a hedge. Getting down on her hands and knees Auriel crawls through a small break in the foliage. Following her, the pair reach the other side of the bushes and stand up. Looking around Arc sees a number of trees.

“What is this place?”

Auriel grins. “A bit of a nature preserve. I’ve found that the gardeners don’t tend to the area outside of the hedges.”

“Everything does looks more… natural here.”

“Whenever I have a moment I like to come here. It’s peaceful and I can easily be alone.”

“Are you having problems adjusting to castle life?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. After all I lived in splendor with my father in Tartarus. But at least there I had the library all to myself. Here it’s used quite heavily by so many. Sometimes I just have to get away from it all.”

Taking his hand, Auriel motions for Arc to follow her. Doing so they come to the top of a large hill.

“Quite a ways down.”

Auriel nods. “True. But one might look at it another way.”

“Oh?”

“It’s probably just easier to show you, Arc.”

Reaching behind a tree, Auriel pulls out a very large pan. Arc eyes it suspiciously.

“A wok?”

“Huh?”

“A kind of pan back on Earth. But this one is truly massive!”

Auriel giggles. “I found this in the castle kitchen’s storage room. It was sitting in a corner all dusty and dingy, so I figured no one would mind if I borrowed it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Borrowed it for what?”

“This.”

She steps forward and sets it on the ground. Sitting down Auriel turns to him.

“Get in behind me.”

“Well… okay.”

<Arc does so as Auriel grabs his hands. Putting them around her waist she giggles.

“Hold on tight!”

Grabbing the wok’s handles, Auriel leans forward sending them sliding down the hill. Leaning left and right she steers the wok around trees, rocks, and potholes in the ground. A minute later the ground levels out amongst a small group of large trees whose branches and leaves cover the sky completely. Auriel steers them toward a pair of trees before using her magic to slow them down.

“Here we are.”

“Where though?”

Auriel giggles as she stands up. “My little hideaway. It’s a bit down the mountain though.”

“How far?”

Auriel points. “Let’s just say that you don’t want to go past that funny looking bush and leave it at that.”

“Ah!”

“Come on. It’s not much, but I want to show you what I do here.”

Taking Arc’s hand she leads him over to a pair of trees. Reaching inside a large knothole Auriel pulls out a rolled up cloth. Laying it on the ground she gives it a slight kick to unroll it. Attaching one end to a tree she motions to another loop in the cloth.

“Can you hang that up for me, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Spotting a small hook jutting out of the tree nearest him Arc latches the cloth to it as Auriel steps back and smiles.

“There we go.”

“A hammock?”

“A what?”

Arc points to the device before him. “Humans lie in these sometimes to relax. We call them hammocks.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that. And here I thought I had invented something extraordinary and new.”

She gestures to it before continuing.

“But please give it try.”

Arc carefully sits down and tests it with his weight.

“Feels pretty sturdy.”

“I was very careful not to strip out the hooks when putting them in.”

Lying down, Arc sighs contentedly.

“Well, it works.”

Auriel giggles and looks down at him.

“Comfy?”

Arc smiles and closes his eyes. “Very.”

“Good.”

Lying there for a few moments, Arc suddenly feels the hammock shift slightly. Opening his eyes, he spies Auriel sitting down on his thighs. Leaning over, she lays down on him and presses her lips against his cheek lovingly before speaking again.

“How about now?”

Arc chuckles. “Even better.”

“Look up at the branches overhead.”

Arc does so as he speaks.

“What am I supposed to see though?”

“Keep looking.”

They are silent as Auriel rolls over to lay next to him on her back. Together they continue looking up at the last bit of light from the sun shining through the branches. Eventually Arc speaks.

“I still don’t understand what I’m supposed to see.”

“Nothing, Arc.”

“Nothing?”

Auriel nods. “Clear your mind. Let it go blank as you concentrate only on the leaves overhead and the sounds they make.”

Arc does so. As time passes he begins to stroke Auriel’s cheek lightly. Eventually she speaks.

“Inner peace.”

“Hm?”

“That’s what I feel when I do this. Think of it kinda like pressing the reset button on one’s mind.”

“I don’t understand.”

Auriel sighs. “You’re not much for relaxation.”

“Not really, no.”

“I’m not either. For me it’s always been rush, rush, rush to complete projects or do whatever research presents itself.”

“Some things can’t be put off.”

“But most can.”

“Why are you telling me all this, Auriel?”

“Because I don’t want you to drive yourself insane working toward a moving finish line.”

“A what?”

“Your career, Arc. You said before that it’s coming to an end. And that you’re looking forward to retirement.”

“Yes, but…”

Auriel interrupts him. “You planned to retire when Princess Celestia came back. But she was unfit to rule in her condition. So you accepted the mantle of Lord Regent to allow her sister and niece time to care for her.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“Then you wandered the land with the Scarlet Filly for a long time searching for whom you really were.”

“It was quite a journey, yes.”

“Then when you remembered, you returned to Equestria and started a cloak and dagger campaign against Decimus and Celestia.”

“Which didn’t work out very well if you recall.”

Auriel continues. “This led to Ponyville being utterly destroyed. After rescuing and relocating the citizens to Abyssinia to keep them safe from Decimus you returned to Equestria to continue your offensive against the powers that be. Falling back into your old habits however, you tried to face her alone in an effort to try and talk things over. That led to you being jumped, knocked out, arrested, and sent to prison awaiting trial.”

Arc frowns. “Not the best time I’ve had.”

“After that you began a more aggressive and open campaign which led to Decimus and Celestia fleeing the capital. After you installed Twilight as the new ruler of Equestria you stayed by her side whenever possible to aid in the leading of the nation.”

“Which leads us to about now, I suppose.”

“What I’m getting at is the finish line you’re running towards is indeed in sight. However, circumstances are constantly conspiring to move it further and further away.”

“That makes sense, yes. But I don’t really know what I can do about it.”

“Make time for yourself. Take a walk, catch a nap, play a game with a friend, talk on the phone with us… whatever gives you a break.”

She leans in close to his ear and whispers seductively.

“Or… I’d be willing to give you some… special attention.”

Arc nods. “You’re right, Auriel. I know you’re right in my mind, of course, but… there’s just so much I need to do.”

“Then tell me this. If nothing changes, what will happen to you?”

“I… don’t really…”

“You will literally drive yourself to have a nervous breakdown.”

“That might be going a bit far, Auriel.”

“I don’t think so, Arc. Listen… I’m just worried about your mental health. As your future potential bride I’m really worried about you.”

Arc sighs. “Well, it’s kinda late to do anything about it now.”

“The attack tomorrow?”

“This has to end.”

“I know, Arc. We all want that as well. But we’re worried that it will end you too.”

“Remember, I’m not going in there alone.”

“That’s true. But I was referring to your responsibilities overwhelming you eventually.”

“Auriel…”

“Please, Arc. I love you so… SO much!”

“And I love you too. But I have to do what I have to do. After all, I can’t stop now. Not when we’re so close.”

Auriel sighs. “Yes, I… understand that. However, I’m not trying to get you to stop.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then what…?”

“Like a vehicle, you can’t just immediately stop. You have to slow down first. Fight your battle tomorrow as you see fit. But after that you really need to start slowing down and stepping back. If not for me, then for little Dinky.”

Arc nods. “Yes… she needs a father.”

“Agreed.”

“Thanks for the talk, Auriel. I do appreciate it.”

Auriel smiles and traces his face with a claw. “That’s what I’m here for. Now then, I want you to just lay there, look up at the leaves, clear your mind again, and rest.”

“Okay.”

Doing so, Arc lies there wordlessly with Auriel. Eventually his eyelids grow heavy and he closes them. A short time later Auriel hears his light, whiffling snore. Smiling silently in the darkness she pulls the sides of the cloth hammock over them as a makeshift blanket and snuggles up to him.

“Good night, Arc. Rest well.”

Chapter 9 - Late Night Showers

Arc awakens surrounded by darkness. Looking around, he frowns. Casting a Light Spell he spies the darkened surroundings and Auriel snuggled up to him. She is shivering slightly. Smiling sleepily, he muses to himself.

“Kinda chilly on this mountain.”

Sighing, he pulls her close and Blinks them both to the ground below. Slowly getting to a sitting position he turns and calls forth his gauntlet to open a portal. Turning to Auriel, he picks the still sleeping demon up and walks though the swirling energies. Laying her on the bed Arc scooches in next to her and covers them both with a blanket as Auriel sighs contentedly in her sleep. Slowly but surely she again latches onto Arc.

“Thank you for the evening, Auriel.”

Leaning over to her, he presses his lips to her cheek eliciting a small giggle from the sleeping demon. Laying back Arc closes his eyes and falls asleep. Sometime later he is awakened by strange movements nearby. Opening his eyes Arc frowns and looks around.

“What the…?”

Pulling the covers back he spies Auriel on top of him. Feeling a wet sensation dripping down his leg he looks past her to see the sleeping young demon slowly rubbing her genitals against his thigh.

“Oh boy…”

Patting her face gently, he calls out to her softly.

“Auriel?”

Slowly opening her eyes, Auriel looks to Arc.

“Where… are we…?”

“My room in the castle. Um… are you okay?”

Auriel smiles sleepily. “Yes, I’m…”

Suddenly realizing the position she’s in, Auriel smells her own arousal. Smiling, she looks down at Arc.

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“Doing what you did.”

She puts a claw on her belly and giggles happily before continuing.

“I do hope I’m pregnant.”

“Auriel, you’re…”

“Can humans have more than one young at a time?!”

“Um… yeah, but…”

“Then I hope we get one of each! Oh, I can’t wait to tell my father the news!”

“Auriel?”

“Yes?!”

“You’re not pregnant.”

Auriel appears confused. “How do you know?”

“Because we didn’t do what you think we did.”

“We… didn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “No.”

Auriel looks away, clearly embarrassed. “Oh… uh… I’m sorry. You see I was just so excited by the smell of my own…”

“It was an honest mistake.”

“Are you sure we didn’t do anything?”

“Very, yes.”

Auriel smiles slyly. “Want to?”

“Not right now, no.”

“Are you sure? I can feel something hard pressing against my…”

Arc blushes profusely. “Sorry!”

Auriel giggles happily. “No need to apologize. It’s a natural reaction to a… a near miss mating session.”

Arc groans. “Somehow that made it sound worse.”

“Sorry. I wasn’t sure how else to word it.”

“Yes, well… um… we should probably get cleaned up now.”

Auriel sits up and looks away nervously. “Yes. Demon discharge is quite pungent for some reason.”

“Uh… want to shower?”

“With you?”

“I… guess we could do that. If you really want to.”

Auriel nods. “That I would.”

Carefully rolling off of Arc, Auriel does her best to keep her damp dress from making contact with the bed as Arc stands and helps her up. Leading her to the bathroom Auriel closes the door as Arc gets the water going. Setting the temperature, he turns back to her standing there nervously.

“You ready?”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“There’s… something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Well, something else I mean.”

“What is it?”

“Just watch.”

Taking a deep breath, she stands there motionless for a moment before reaching behind her and giving a slight tug. With a few motions from her shoulders the dress slides down her body and lands at her feet in a heap on the floor fully exposing her body.

“Auriel?”

Auriel smiles sheepishly. “I just wanted you to watch me do that. It… was kind of a fantasy of mine.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Oh. Um… you look really pretty.”

Auriel does a little twirl. “Do you like what you see?”

“I do think you look… very nice like that, yes. But why don’t we get showered off? I suppose both of us could still use some more sleep.”

“Okay.”

Taking off his formal jacket, Arc hangs it up on the back of the bathroom door. As he turns around Auriel begins unbuttoning his dress shirt. She looks up at him as she does so.

“Sorry. I just want you bare like me.”

Allowing her to continue, Arc’s shirt falls to the floor as he unfastens his trousers. They too fall to the tiles and lay in a heap along with his undergarments. Taking her claw in his hand Arc leads Auriel over to the shower and the pair step inside. Auriel looks to him sheepishly as they do so.

“Sorry.”

“For what?”

“That I stink.”

Arc smiles. “It’s fine. Truth be told I don’t think I smell any better down there right now.”

Auriel giggles as her eyes roam downward. “Yes, I smelled that too.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s not your fault. After all, your body was just reacting to stimuli.”

“Well, now that we’re both here… I did want to say something to you, Auriel.”

“What is it?”

“Thanks for last night.”

“We should both be thanking Twilight for that. After all it was her idea.”

She giggles as Arc sprays her down with the shower nozzle.

“But this part was all you!”

A short time later they sit down on the tile floor of the shower and let the steam flow over their bodies. Arc turns to Auriel.

“I never thought a date would be this much fun.”

Auriel grins. “I never thought I’d get this far with anyone.”

Arc turns to her. “Relationship-wise or sexually?”

“Yes.”

They laugh together as Auriel lays her head on Arc’s shoulder.

“Oh, it feels so good to laugh. Not sure why we all don’t do it more often.”

“When I retire we’ll be doing it a lot more.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“Please do.”

They are silent for a time as the sound of the water running continues to fill the air. Eventually Auriel turns to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I’m… sorry about jumping to conclusions earlier.”

“About us having sex?”

“More in regards to being pregnant.”

“It’s okay.”

“I don’t think we’ve ever properly talked about that.”

“Kinda have.”

“Well, I don’t remember it.”

“The conversation wasn’t that long.”

“Then why don’t you tell me what it is that you want?”

“As far as having children?”

“Yes.”

Arc closes his eyes and looks up at the ceiling for a moment before speaking.

“This… is one of those things that Lily and I always had in common.”

“Lily?”

Arc nods. “Yes. We both agreed that we’d like to have kids one day so that we could give them the life we never had.”

“I… I’m sorry, Arc. I didn’t realize you two were that close.”

“We’re not. Well… kinda are, I guess. When things like that came up it was always implied that it would be us having our own separate families.”

“You weren’t attracted to her?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I mean, she is really pretty and all. But I viewed her more like a little sister.”

“I can understand that. She is very nurturing.”

“That she is. While it may seem kinda strange, Frank, Shelly, and I kinda looked up to her as a mother figure for the longest time.”

Auriel sighs. “That’s… really sweet.”

“Auriel?”

“Sorry. It’s just that… I never actually had anyone like that in my life.”

“You said that you spent a lot of time alone in Vengeance’s library before we met. Wasn’t there anyone else there?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. The demons of high enough rank to be allowed in there weren’t much for such things.”

“Did you ever talk to anyone in the palace?”

“Just my father at mealtimes.”

“That must’ve been hard on you.”

“In retrospect it was, yes. But at the time I didn’t know there was such a thing as real friendship.”

“You can’t miss what you never had.”

Auriel looks to him, confused. “I beg your pardon?”

“Think about it. Let’s say something happened between us that caused you to go back to your father permanently. Would you miss what you’ve experienced here in Equestria?”

“Very much so, yes. But as you said, now I’m aware of such things.”

“And now I’m aware too, Auriel.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Back when I was trapped in Tartarus I went to Vengeance with Ember.”

Auriel gasps. “You did?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. We needed some materials that couldn’t be scrounged for normally.”

“How did you manage to get them?!”

“By hiding our faces and pretending to be demons. One night, as we were staying in a rather seedy hotel you and your father walked through the streets.”

Auriel sighs. “My father insisted on doing that. Partially to get me out of the palace. The other to show me off to potential mates.”

She turns to him before continuing.

“What did you… think of me?”

“Honestly?”

“Always.”

“I actually thought that you were the queen. Ember quickly corrected me though.”

“Good. That and I’m assuming you got away safely.”

“We did. After pulling off quite the con job to a debt collector.”

“How?”

“By convincing him that Ember was actually you.”

“That worked?!”

Arc nods. “Somehow, yes. After all, she was almost totally covered and about the same height and build as you were.”

“Not that anyone there would have questioned it too much.”

“Your father’s wrath?”

“Exactly.”

“That experience allowed me to meet and befriend a demon woman named Ester along with her newborn child, Rebme.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow, confused. “Rebme? That’s a very peculiar name.”

“She named them after Ember.”

“Oh?”

“Her blood helped to strengthen an antibiotic that saved the little one’s life.”

“That was very generous of her!”

“Yeah, well… it gave us both a new perspective.”

“It did?”

“Up until then neither of us had met, let alone talked to, a demon. We both learned that they weren’t all what we were led to believe.”

“We’re not all vile creatures, I suppose. Yet I also admit that we do have a large number of bad eggs.”

“That I do know. On the way to the shop Ember and I were stopped by a pair whom tried to extort us.”

“Oh my! Were either of you hurt?!”

“Nah. Ember beat the stuffing out of them though. I was able to stop her before she went too far fortunately.”

“That’s good. My father doesn’t like disturbances like that.”

Arc puts a hand to her cheek. “Back then I never thought I’d ever get to meet you face to face.”

Auriel giggles. “Like this, no less.”

They share a laugh together before Auriel speaks.

“Tell me something though. When you broke into the control room of the Malice Cannon did you recognize me?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I couldn’t see you well enough during your walk through the streets for that.”

“But I saw you.”

“You did?”

“Yes.”

“But I didn’t even see you look my way.”

“Demons have impressive peripheral vision.”

“Why didn’t you turn me in then?”

“In truth, I didn’t really know what exactly I saw back then. At first I thought you to be just another demon and pretty much put the matter out of my mind.”

“But…”

“Your stature, poise, and proportion didn’t match up. But demons are a very diverse culture, so I assumed you to simply be inebriated with off posture or perhaps even heavily deformed.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks.”

“It’s the truth.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“I don’t look like other demons, right?”

“Not at all.”

“Then what about me do you find attractive?”

“You forget that I myself don’t appear like other demons either, Arc. That and I’m also half human.”

“Humor me then.”

“Your willingness to do what was right while still holding to a moral code, for starters.”

“The time at the Malice Cannon?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. After all, as I told you once before, it would have been much easier to kill me or at the very least allow me to die in the explosion of my creation. Then I never would have been able to help demonkind again.”

She looks him over before continuing.

“But let me turn the question around.”

“What do I find attractive about you?”

“Yes.”

“Well… your shy personality is very cute to me as is your smile and unique eyes.”

“Anything else?”

“If I’m being completely honest here… I’ve always thought your tail was very… endearing.”

“My tail?”

Arc nods. “It’s more… what’s the word… pronounced than a pony’s would be.”

Auriel giggles. “Well, I am bigger. Kinda.”

“Taller anyways.”

“Did the fact that I can make children for you have anything to do with it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. You’re more than that to me, Auriel.”

Auriel puts a claw on her belly and smiles. “Part of me is happy about that. But the other part wants nothing more than to be used by you and impregnated at once.”

“You’re not an object to be used though, Auriel.”

“Neither are you. Which makes me more than a little embarrassed regarding my behavior in bed.”

Arc chuckles and takes her claw in his hand. “Well, I won’t tell anyone if that’s what you want.”

Auriel looks away nervously. “I would appreciate that, yes.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”

Auriel smiles and lays her head in his lap as she looks away from him.

“Thank you, Arc.”

“Getting tired?”

“A bit, yes.”

“Want to head back to bed now?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Right now I just want to enjoy the moment.”

“Alright. But just for a bit longer.”

Leaning back against the tile wall, Arc lays a hand on her head. Gently stroking it he muses to himself.

“How did I ever get so lucky?”

Chapter 10 - Forced Relaxation

Arc awakens early the next morning. Looking down, he spies Auriel once again laying on top of him. Smiling, he wraps his arms around her. Looking out the window for a time as he strokes her back, Arc eventually sighs and pats her cheek.

“Auriel? Time to wake up.”

She slowly opens her eyes and smiles sleepily.

“Thank you for the date.”

Arc chuckles. “Good morning to you too.”

Auriel smiles and traces his chest with a claw. That it is.

“Sleep well?”

“The best.”

Arc sits up and swings his legs over the side of the bed. “Good. Because I assume today is going to be rather busy.”

Auriel nods soberly as she puts her claws on Arc’s shoulders. “The day of the attack.”

“It has to end.”

“I know.”

Auriel puts her arms around Arc’s neck as she hugs him from behind before continuing.

“And we’ll do that together.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“Something wrong?”

“Kinda. Part of my really wants to revert back to the whole ‘lone wolf’ persona right now.”

“You’re afraid someone will get hurt today?”

“That’s pretty much guaranteed.”

“And you’d like to avoid that.”

“I don’t see how I could. Well, other than going down there alone.”

“But that didn’t exactly go well the last time you tried it.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Sunset Shimmer and Kane double teamed me. I was down and out before I could do a thing.”

“Not trying to sound critical of your past decisions, but this could have been resolved back then if you had done what we’re doing now.”

“I know. Which is why we’re sticking to this plan.”

Auriel’s grip on Arc tightens as her puts a hand on her arm.

“Worried?”

Auriel nods silently as Arc pats her hand.

“Remember, I’ll have my new armor this time.”

“And an army at your back.”

“That too. Not to mention you powering the device that will allow us to get inside Light’s Hope.”

“I know you have to do this, but…”

She pauses to compose herself for a moment before speaking again.

“…but I just can’t stand the thought of losing you.”

Arc nods. “That’s why I’m doing this.”

“Huh?”

“We’re going all-in to stop Celestia as well as protect Equestria from Decimus and Gaston. No solo fights on the way.”

“And you’ll have your infiltration team too.”

“Right. So I guess you could say that everything has been accounted for.”

“You and I both know that’s not possible.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose no plan survives contact with the enemy. But we’ve done our very best.”

Auriel gently kisses his cheek. “So have I.”

“Yes, I’m sure you have.”

“But why don’t I go over it again?”

Arc chuckles as he stands up. “Sure. That and I have quite a few things to get done before it’s go time.”

Auriel nods and stretches. “I’ll probably be on the Bridge until it’s time to take off.”

“Alright. I’ll come see you later.”

She heads for the door as she talks.

“Looking forward to it.”

Arc calls out to Auriel as her claw touches the doorknob. “Uh… aren’t you forgetting something?”

Auriel appears confused. “No, I don’t think so. What do you…?”

“Clothes, for starters.”

Looking down at her naked body Auriel giggles nervously.

“Oh my! Got a bit ahead of myself there.”

Arc chuckles as he tosses her the black dress from the other night. “Right.”

Catching it, Auriel hurriedly puts the dress on and turns again to the door as Arc calls out to her again.

“Call if you need anything!”

“I will!”

She rushes out the door as Arc shakes his head and grabs his own clothes.

“Her and Twilight… cut from the same cloth.”

Dressing, Arc heads for the door and proceeds down the corridor toward the castle hanger. Entering he spies Twilight pointing a hoof toward a pile of crates as Spike tries desperately to keep up.

“Twilight, please! Everything’s here!”

“We have to be ABSOLUTELY sure though!”

“And we are!”

“How can you be so certain?!”

Spike points a hoof at the clipboard in his claw. “Because you’ve gone over this list six times now!”

“Then the seventh should be a…!”

Arc walks over. “Good morning you two.”

Spike groans. “That and it’s morning!”

Arc frowns. “Please don’t tell me you’ve both been at this all night!”

Twilight smiles guiltily. “Um… how was your date last night, Arc?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Very nice actually. But I do wonder something now.”

Twilight sweats slightly as she looks away innocently. “What… would that be?”

“Did you set me up with Auriel so you’d have a chance to organize this?”

“…maybe?”

Spike frowns. “That’s a definite ‘yes’.”

Arc sighs. “Twilight… why?”

Twilight bows her head as she turns to Spike. “I just wanted to do something different.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Different?

“Right. It’s been a long time since you and I did this, Spike.”

“Did what?”

“Spend quality time together.”

“Well, you and Auriel are always so busy with whatever.”

“Right. So I got rid of her for a night.”

She groans before continuing.

“That sounds worse when I say it aloud.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes it does.”

Spike shrugs. “Well… I did enjoy working with you again, Twilight. But we’re done.”

“I suppose you’re right, Spike. Why don’t you get some sleep now?”

“Sure. Just as soon as you do.”

Twilight looks toward the rising sun. “I don’t think that’s in my immediate future.”

Spike turns to Arc. “Come on! Back me up here!”

“Spike’s right, Twilight. You need to get some rest.”

“Well… I suppose I could sneak in a quick nap before audiences start in two hours.”

Arc groans. “Cancel them for the day.”

Spike grins. “Good idea.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! I can’t do that!”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s a normal part of the day! And it’s a firm rule that audiences must commence if at all possible!”

Spike facepalms. “Twilight… you MAKE the rules!”

Arc nods. “That you do.”

“But I…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Twilight, please. Call for Kibitz and tell him that audiences are cancelled for today.”

Spike begins trying to push Twilight toward the door. “Yeah! You need to rest!”

Twilight ears droop as she sighs. “I’m too tired to argue.”

Arc turns to Spike. “Head to Kibitz’s office and let him know.”

Spike grins and salutes. “Yes sir!”

Scampering away to carry out Arc’s instructions, the young man calls out after him.

“I’ll take Twilight to her room!”

“Meet you there!”

Kneeling down, Arc looks Twilight in the eye before speaking.

“Come on. Let’s get you to bed.”

Twilight smiles sleepily. “Yes sir.”

Standing, he motions for Twilight to follow him. Together they walk through the Hanger. Arc turns to her.

“In any case, I do want to say ‘thank you’ for last night.”

Twilight grins. “Hopefully you two got to know each other a bit better.

“That we did. You and Auriel are really similar.”

“We are?”

“Yes. Both of you work too hard and sleep too little.”

Twilight sighs. “I didn’t really notice that until Auriel came around.”

“It’s like looking in a mirror, eh?”

“Something like that. Is she still in bed?”

Arc turns to her, confused. “I thought she’d have been here by now.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not that I’ve seen, no. You don’t suppose she’s in trouble, do you?”

“I don’t think so, no. She probably just headed back to her room to get cleaned up, or grab something to eat first.”

The sound of footsteps running toward the Hanger rings out. Auriel hurries inside and over to the pair breathlessly.

“Sorry for taking so long!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Auriel?”

Twilight gasps. “What’s wrong?”

“I… was on my way here from Arc’s room. But then I realized I was still wearing my dress from last night.”

Arc chuckles. “Nothing wrong with getting changed.”

“Yes, well… I need to get to work now! Thank you for last night, Arc! You too, Twilight!”

The demon hurries toward The Equinox. Arc and Twilight turn and continue on their way. As they reach the corridor Twilight speaks.

“She really is dedicated.”

“That she is.”

“Can I ask you something, Arc?”

“Always.”

“Is that… what I look like when I’m working?”

“Pretty much.”

Twilight sighs. “I… should probably do something about that then.”

“Nothing wrong with wanting to get the job done though.”

“There is if I look like THAT!”

“A few well-placed breaks would fix the problem.”

Twilight giggles. “Yes, I suppose that would help.”

“What’s so funny?”

“You talking about breaks.”

“Guess that’s like the pot calling the kettle black.”

Twilight sighs. “I think we all could stand to change.”

“Yeah. But let’s focus on the task at hoof.”

“What did you say, Arc?”

“That we should focus on the task and hand.”

Twilight smiles at him. “No, you didn’t.”

“Oh?”

“You said ‘at hoof’.”

Arc chuckles. “I guess I did.”

Twilight grins. “Next you’ll be sprouting a tail or horn.”

“Or wings.”

“Now THAT would be funny!”

They enjoy a good laugh as they walk. Eventually the pair reach Twilight’s room. Entering, Arc leads her over to the bed.

“Here we are.”

“Arc?”

"Yes?"

“Can we… talk?”

“Guess we can’t put off this conversation any longer.”

Her horn aglow, Twilight casts a Telekinesis Spell and closes the doors before returning her gaze to Arc and speaking.

“It’s about… you know…”

“Celestia?”

Twilight nods. “Right. I… um… need to know how far you’re willing to go.”

“Like I said before, I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Twilight bows her head. “Yes…”

Arc puts a hand under Twilight’s chin. Raising it, he looks her in the eye.

“Remember, that’s a last resort though.”

“I know. But…”

Twilight thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Princess Celestia… she’s always been there for me. She’s more than just a teacher.”

“A good friend?”

“Right.”

“And you don’t want to lose her.”

“Exactly.”

“That might not be in the cards though.”

“I… understand.”

Arc nods soberly as he holds out a hand to her. “Good. Then you understand what I need from you.”

Twilight sighs and nods. Soberly she pulls aside her dress with a hoof to reveal a sheath fastened to her belly. Her horn aglow, she levitates it to Arc and puts it in his hand before sadly looking to him.

“There. The Dagger of Eternal Slumbers.”

Arc looks the sheath over before pulling out the blade and looking it over.

“Razor sharp.”

“As it was when you gave it to me.”

“Thanks for keeping it safe.”

“I still don’t understand why you left it with me though.”

“In case my meeting with Celestia didn’t go as planned I didn’t want it on my person or in my ring for her or Decimus to nab.”

Twilight grimaces. “But I’m certainly not capable of keeping something like this safe from anypony!”

Arc chuckles as he puts the blade in his ring. “True. But think about it this way. The last place the Council of Shadows would have thought to look for it would have been on a princess’ body.”

“Clever.”

“I try. But you really need to get some sleep now.”

“Yes, I know. However I still have a whole list of things to…!”

“Twilight?”

“I know, I know.”

Pulling back the sheets, Arc helps Twilight into her bed and covers her up. She smiles up at him sleepily.

“Be sure to wake me if something comes up.”

“We can handle whatever pops up. You just rest.”

Nodding, Twilight lays back and closes her eyes. Arc looks down at her and smiles before leaning over and kissing her forehead.

“Pleasant dreams, Twilight.”

Quietly backing out of the room, Arc closes the door behind him slowly and softly. As he turns around however he spots Spike running toward him.

“Kibitz says that he’ll see to it that the message is relayed to the proper individuals.”

“Good.”

Spike looks toward the now closed door. “Did Twilight go down already?”

“Yup.”

“That’s impressive!”

“Oh?”

“Usually I have to beg on bent knee for her to do that. How’d you do it?”

“I just stated the facts as I saw them. She really did need to get some sleep. Just like you do.”

Spike nods and yawns. “Yeah. I’m pretty tired myself.”

Arc motions to the doors. “Why don’t you join her?”

“Twilight?”

“Sure. The bed’s certainly big enough for you both.”

“I haven’t done that since I was a baby!”

Arc chuckles as he pushes open the door. “Sweet dreams.”

“But… isn’t that inappropriate?”

“How so?”

Spike puts two claws together nervously. “I mean… aren’t you and her… you know…?”

“Engaged?”

“You said it. I didn’t.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I suppose we kinda are. Even though there’s nothing official between us as of yet. Um… how much do you know about… that?”

“Twilight explained everything to me a while back. Well, as best she knew how, that is.”

“Good. Then that means you understand, right?”

“Sort of. It means that she’s off-limits to everypony else, right?”

“Everyone other than her number one assistants, that is.”

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

Arc grins. “Positive.”

Spike chuckles. “Okay then.”

Arc pulls open the large door enough for Spike to enter the room. He tiptoes over to Twilight and hops up onto the bed. Getting under the covers he closes his eyes and sighs contentedly. A few moments later Spike feels two hooves pulling at him. Opening his eyes he spies Twilight holding him close. Smiling, he snuggles up to her and thinks to himself.

“I’ve missed this.”

Chapter 11 - Putting One's House in Order

Author's Note

Well... I guess this is really happening. It's not what anyone in Equestria wants... not what Arc wants... not what the other princesses want... and not what I wanted to happen either. I've tried thinking of another way this could go, a more peaceful way, but... nothing. What happens... what's coming... there's no getting around it or escaping it. So that's it. Civil war is coming to Equestria. For the first time in a thousand years ponies will be doing battle against their countrymen, and only one thing is certain...

There will be no real winners here.

Chapter 11 - Putting One's House in Order

Later that day Arc, wearing his royal raiments and riding Sereb, enters the Hanger with Auriel and Hammer on either side of him. Walking toward The Equinox, every soldier under Arc’s command stands in formation at the bottom of the gangplank. Auriel looks around nervously and lowers her voice as she turns to Arc.

“Can we really win with such a small army?”

Arc continues to stare straight ahead. “Twilight’s lending me as many Royal Guards as she can spare.”

Hammer grins. “That and soldiers from cities and towns all over the country have been arriving since this morning.”

Sereb grins toothily. “Indeed. This is but the tip of the iceberg.”

Auriel looks around. “Then where are they?”

“Probably the castle armory getting outfitted and armed.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “We all have to be ready.”

Heading up the gangplank, Sereb turns as he reaches the top to allow Arc to dismount. Hammer and Auriel look out over the group as several platoons enter the Hanger together. Arc turns to Auriel.

“There’s the rest.”

“What a relief!”

Hammer grins. “I’m liking these numbers a lot better!”

Arc nods. “We’ll need them too. This isn’t going to be a cakewalk, after all.”

Sereb frowns as the rest of the troops line up. “They looks a little nervous.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “Why wouldn’t they be? This has to be the biggest conflict any of them has ever seen.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Perhaps someone should address them.”

“Right.”

Stepping forward, Arc looks out over the group. Clearing his throat loudly, he begins to speak.

“ALL FORCES WILL BOARD THE SHIP NOW! TWO BY TWO! LET’S GO!”

Arc and his friends step back as the troops begin marching up the gangplank. Hammer looks to him as she raises an eyebrow.

“Kinda thought you were going to make some kind of a speech, or something.”

“Patience, Hammer. They’ll be time for that later.”

They stand there watching the troops board the ship. As the final platoon makes it way up to them Auriel calls out as she points a claw toward the hanger door.

“Looks like some stragglers are coming.”

Arc squints. “What the…?”

Several dozen elite Royal Guards charge into the Hanger and make a beeline for the ship. Arc groans as they clamor onto the deck and seamlessly part to allow a finely-armored individual to approach.

“Twilight?”

“I’m coming with you.”

Auriel gasps. “This is going to be dangerous though!”

“I’m aware of that, Auriel.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “She’s probably safer aboard the ship than staying here though. If the enemy decides to try and capture the castle while we’re gone. I mean.”

“Oh, but I won’t be staying aboard The Equinox.”

Arc frowns. “You won’t?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. My place is spearheading this attack.”

“WHAT?!”

“It’s what Princess Celestia would have done.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “But you don’t have any combat experience, Twilight!”

“I have to get some eventually. Might as well be now.”

She turns to her elite guard.

“Wait for me on the Bridge.”

They salute and wordlessly enter the ship. Arc turns to her after they are out of earshot.

“Twilight… what are you doing?”

“Defending my kingdom, for starters.”

“You never said a word about this until now.”

“Yes, well… that’s because I was too scared of failing and bringing shame to my position.”

“But…?”

Twilight turns and looks back at the castle. “If I don’t do this… if I just sit here on my throne and let you go to Light’s Hope to face Princess Celestia while I stay safe here in Canterlot… am I really worthy of my position? Am I really somepony that the citizens can look up to?”

Hammer grimaces. “Leaders back on Earth don’t typically take to the battlefield personally though, your highness. It’s bad for the chain of command if the top dog gets taken out.”

“But I can’t be killed.”

“How’s that?”

Arc turns to Hammer. “Princesses can regenerate.”

Auriel smiles “It’s rather interesting to watch.”

“Wait, what?!

Twilight sighs. “My magic faltered while I was using a letter opener a while back. It caused me to cut my fetlock fairly deep.”

Auriel nods. “But the wound closed up before my eyes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Did it now?”

“Oh yes. Just like when Cadance stabbed herself with your spear, Arc.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Twilight even tested the theory further.”

“How?!”

“I cut myself in several different places. The blood quickly stopped flowing, the flesh sucked itself in, my fur regrew, and the existing blood disappeared.”

Auriel shrugs. “It was akin to cutting in reverse.”

Sereb grunts. “Disturbing, but necessary.”

Arc facepalms. “Twilight…”

“I know, I know. But I had to be sure it wasn’t a fluke.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “She still shouldn’t come. After all, someone needs to rule the country while you’re gone.”

Twilight nods. “Colonel Flash Sentry is currently in command.”

Sereb chuckles. “An interesting concept.”

Auriel gasps. “How did you convince him to do THAT?!”

“It was actually pretty easy. I just told him he was in charge and that was that.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “This is not a good idea though, Twilight.”

Hammer sighs. “Just tell her she can’t come and let’s get going!”

Sereb shakes his head. “He can’t.”

“I thought the Hero of Light was above the law.”

Twilight nods. “They are. That and a princess cannot give them orders. But by the same token, a princess cannot be ordered around by the Hero of Light.”

Arc groans. “I’m not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?”

“Nope. So you either let me board you ship or I’ll ride to Light’s Hope on the deck.”

“Fine. Let’s go, Twilight.”

They enter the ship together. Guards part as best they are able to allow them to pass. Auriel looks around as the walk.

“The ship must be filled to bursting with guards!”

Hammer lowers her voice. “I heard Stellar Flare talking with Hard Hat the other day on just how many soldiers they could carry along with the cargo.”

Sereb frowns. “We must be close to capacity then.”

Arc nods. “That’s what I’m told, yes.”

Hammer grimaces. “But this is safe, right?!”

“Oh yes. In fact I had to alter the ship’s supply list to get us under the safe weight and space capacity.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face. “And now I’m worried.”

Arriving on the Bridge they find Shining Armor and Ashe standing there with Captain Soarin. The entire crew stand and salute Twilight and Arc respectfully as he addresses them.

“At ease, everyone.”

He turns to Shining Armor before continuing.

“Can I assume all supplies and personnel are loaded and accounted for?”

“Yes sir. We’re as ready as we can be.”

Arc turns to Moon Dancer. “Ship status?”

“Near capacity, sir.”

Thunderlane groans. “It’s going to be like piloting a flying bowling ball, sir.”

“Weapon systems?”

Wrangler grins. “Fully operational!”

Auriel gestures to a terminal. “As is the Magic Disrupter, Arc.”

Ashe shudders. “Do we still have to do it this way? Using Dark Magic, I mean.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. No way around the operating parameters.”

Auriel sighs. “This device needs my Dark Magic to power it, as well as the entire ship’s energy diverted to the magic amplifier.”

Arc purses his lips. “Good. As long as it works I’ll be happy.”

He looks to Lemon Hearts.

“Monitor all radio chatter. I want to know if Light’s Hope calls for reinforcements.”

“Yes sir.”

“Are we ready to get in the air, Captain Soarin?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then notify command of our takeoff. Lemon Hearts, send the message to our crew and troops as well.”

“Aye, sir.”

Speaking into her microphone she lets everyone know of the ships departure as Scootaloo enters the Bridge. Walking over to Arc she looks up to him.

“So we’re really doing this, Big Brother?”

Arc nods as he looks straight ahead. “Yup.”

“What are our chances?”

“Fifty-fifty.”

“That bad?”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Either we succeed or we fail.”

Arc sighs. “Right. There is no middle ground to this.”

A short time later the mammoth ship slowly takes off. Flying out of the Hanger they turn south and begin their journey. Soarin turns to the helm.

“Lay in the heading, Thunderlane.”

“Aye, sir.”

Moon Dancer looks over her instruments. “Nothing on scanners now, but I’ll keep an eye on things.”

Wrangler grins. “And I’ll keep the weapons primed.”

Lemon Hearts puts a hoof on her headphones. “No radio chatter at the moment.”

Twilight nods. “Send a transmission to Canterlot ordering them to maintain radio silence unless absolutely necessary.”

Ashe appears confused. “Princess Twilight?”

“Everypony must be vigilant right now. Us… them… and even our enemies.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Right. The time for talking has ended.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“Before the battle commences I’ll send one final transmission to the base and their supporting forces. However, that’s it. Once that is done… there will be no more time for talking. Anyone whom sticks around after that point is a traitor to Equestria and will be dealt with appropriately.”

Scootaloo looks up at him. “What about the soldiers though? Aren’t they just following orders, Big Brother?”

Auriel grimaces. “She’s right, Arc. They might yet be…”

Soarin interrupts her. “Miss, every cadet is taught a number of basic rules during their training. The most important of which is the chain of command.”

Shining Armor motions to Arc. “They know that the Hero of Light is not to be hindered in any way. Preventing Arc from doing his sworn duty makes them traitors. We all know this to be true. They know it to be true. Should they still choose to side with Princess Celestia against the Hero of Light they know their lives are forfeit.”

Ashe looks to the princess. “That is understandable. But might I ask what the plan of attack is?”

Twilight turns to her brother. “Yes. Even I haven’t been told the details.”

“That’s because, for security reasons, only Arc and myself know what it is, Twilight.”

Arc nods. “Right. But now is the time to make everything known.”

For the next hour Arc lays out the plans to the Bridge Crew and his friends present. Looking around he wraps it up.

“Any questions?”

Ashe looks up from the map on the table. “Do the field commanders already have their orders?”

“Yes. I briefed my squad on their assignments before we took off.”

Twilight appears unsure. “Are you certain they can be trusted?”

“I am. They’ve been with me through it all and never once let me down.”

Hammer frowns. “But what if one of them is still loyal to Celestia?!”

“After seeing everything we have together… all that Celestia has done… to betray me now would be absolute foolishness. I trust them with my life and this attack.”

“Big Brother knows what he’s doing.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “That much we should all be able to agree on.”

Shining Armor taps a hoof on the table. “Right. But there is one part of this you neglected to lay out, Arc.”

“Oh?”

“The attack plan of the infiltration force.”

Hammer grins as she pulls her gun. “Shoot first and let God sort them out!”

Ashe frowns. “Is that really the plan?”

A familiar voice rings out from the door.

“Right!”

They turn to see an armored Ember walking toward them soberly spear in claw. She moves to join Arc as he nods.

“Ember’s more or less right. We can’t afford to show any mercy once we enter the base. From there on out its victory or bust.”

Auriel sighs. “Because you can’t call for help or receive reinforcements?”

Ember makes a fist as she seethes. “No! It’s because everyone in there is a traitor to Equestria! Celestia included!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “While that may be true, my reasoning behind that is because we CAN’T fail at that point. If we do, Decimus wins.”

Twilight shudders. “And nopony could legally stand against him.”

Ashe smacks the table with a talon. “We can’t let that happen though!”

Twilight nods soberly. “The Griffon Kingdom’s relationship with Equestria is already precarious at best!”

Ashe nods. “Especially after what happened the last time Arc faced them.”

Arc looks out the window momentarily. “It would have been worse had our forces fought though.”

“Agreed. But the Council of Lords was very displeased to learn that Princess Celestia had attempted to use the treaty for her own political gain.”

Sereb frowns. “And what of Arc’s personal standing with them?”

“That’s probably the only reason they’re still abiding by the treaty at all.”

Twilight sighs. “I’ve had several conversations with the Council of Lords since taking the throne. They’re… not very happy with the current leadership.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Yours or Celestia’s?”

“Hers for the manipulation they suffered and mine for what they referred to as ‘a lack of practical experience’.”

Ashe steps forward. “I was able to convince my father and the rest of the Council of Lords to continue following the treaty as it’s written.”

Auriel appears apprehensive. “Which version?”

“It had to be either both or neither.”

Ashe looks out the window at the horizon before continuing.

“Now that we’re at this point though I wish I hadn’t, since they’re poised to defend the base Princess Celestia and Decimus are hiding in.”

Scootaloo groans. “I don’t get it. If they’re mad at Princess Celestia, why send aid again?”

Shining Armor bows his head. “We can only assume that Decimus sent the request personally.”

Hammer grunts. “Why would they care what HE has to say?!”

Soarin steps toward the group. “Because he has a cordial relationship with them from past diplomatic experiences with Lord Goldstone when he visited Canterlot.”

Arc frowns. “Great…”

Ashe clears her throat. “With any luck I can convince them he should no longer be seen as a legitimate figure in Equestria.”

Auriel turns to Ashe. “How hard will that be?”

“Won’t know until I try.”

Ember bares her claws menacingly. “Well, if that fails there’s always ‘Plan B’.”

Twilight looks to the Dragon Lord. “What’s that?”

“My way!”

Arc sighs. “It involves a lot of bloodshed though, so let’s try not to go that route.”

Hammer grins. “Why not?”

Shining Armor groans. “Because it would be a political nightmare.”

Sereb bows his head. “Even after we win, it would take quite some time for relations with Ashe’s fellow griffons and this land to heal.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “If it could be repaired at all.”

Arc clenches a gauntlet. “While I believe that to be important, it’s vital to end this today. “

He turns to Ashe and sighs.

“I’m sorry, but if we have to sacrifice diplomatic relations with your country to achieve this, I’ll do it.”

Ashe nods soberly. “I understand.”

Looking around at all assembled, Arc locks eyes with each of them individually before he continues speaking.

“When we arrive it’s going to be ‘go time’ from the moment the base comes into view. But if no one has anything else to add, I think I’m going to head to my office for now.”

Arc turns and heads for the door. Scootaloo calls out after him.

“Big Brother?”

Arc stops but does not turn back. “Yes?”

“Why?”

“Because I need some time to think.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “About what?”

“How we got here.”

Leaving the room, Arc closes the door behind him as his friends look to one another nervously Auriel is the first to speak.

“What… do you think he meant by that?”

Ashe motions to the map before them. “I believe he meant the geopolitical situation.”

Twilight looks to her. “More likely Arc was referring to how Equestria came to be in this situation.”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah. He was talking about himself.”

“No matter the cause, Big Brother’s feeling really upset about it.”

Sereb sighs. “We should do something to try and help him before the battle starts.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right. He can’t be distracted.”

Soarin turns to Twilight. “What should be done though?”

“I have an idea.”

Meanwhile, Arc arrives at his office and sits down in the chair. Swiveling around to look out the window he stares out it wordlessly for a time. Eventually there is a knock at the door, but Arc does not move or even acknowledge it. A short time later the door opens and someone enters. As the door is quietly closed the sound of steps approaching the desk ring out in the otherwise silent room.

“Arc?”

“Yes, Hammer?”

“I… I just…”

She pauses to collect her thoughts before starting again.

“Princess Twilight sent me over here to… check up on you.”

“Did she now?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m surprised.”

“She’s worried about you.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I mean I’m surprised that she didn’t come herself.”

“Oh… well… she wanted to go over the mechanical aspects of the new systems yet again with Auriel.”

Arc chuckles. “That does sound like her and Auriel.”

“So what’s bothering you?”

“Who says anything is…?”

Hammer interrupts him. “Stop.”

Arc sighs and puts a hand on the window before him as he speaks.

Arc: Look out there, Hammer. Tell me what you see.

Hammer gazes out the window. “A clear blue sky and rolling green pastures with forests and mountains.”

“A beautiful and prosperous land. That’s what Equestria is.”

“It is a really nice place.”

“At least it was.”

Hammer frowns. “Was?”

“Before I came.”

“What are you saying?”

“This land has been at peace for a thousand years. Skirmishes here and there, of course. But nothing that couldn’t be nipped in the bud easily.”

“So what?”

“Everyone’s always so quick to tell me how I’ve done so much for this land.”

“That’s what I’ve heard too.”

“But is it true?”

“From what I’ve gathered, yes.”

Arc sighs. “Lately I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. What if I’d never come here at all? Would Decimus have been driven to do the things he did? Would Luna and Cadance have been driven from their positions in Canterlot? Would my friends still be safe and secure in their homes back in Ponyville?”

Hammer shrugs. “Either way I suppose life would have gone on here without you.”

“I’m starting to greatly question whether or not the land is really better off now than before I came.”

“The old ‘what if’ mindset?”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t really know, Arc.”

“Neither do I.”

“No one truly knows what the path not taken might have held. We can only guess what could have been.”

“I’ve done some good, yes. But I’ve also made so many mistakes. Dragged the country off its rails. Made a mess of my friend’s lives. Heck, I even caused their town to be burned to the ground.”

He clenches a fist as he continues.

“The citizens of Ponyville are now refugees! And it’s all my fault!”

“No, Arc. It’s not.”

“I could have gone after Decimus and Gaston covertly. Led a small mission to watch the base with my squad and nabbed those two as they came and went. Then used them as bait to make Celestia herself come to me.”

He pulls out the Dagger of Eternal Slumber and holds it up.

“I could have used this when I faced Celestia in Ponyville. Ended her right then and there. Without their puppet princess Decimus and Gaston, along with the Council of Shadows as a whole, would have had no other choice but to retreat back to the shadows where they came from.”

“But Princess Twilight would have hated you for it!”

“I know that. However this land would have been safe and secure once again. It’s continued survival is far more important than my own happiness. My own… safety.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “You’re not planning to walk away from this mission, are you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m not.”

“But…!”

“At the very least… I can take Celestia with me.”

“What about Equestria?!”

“Twilight, Luna, and Cadance can put things right.”

“And the others? Your fiancées?”

Arc smiles sadly. “I can die happy… knowing that they’re safe.”

“What about Dinky?”

Arc is silent for a time before answering.

“That’s actually the reason I came in here.”

“Huh?”

Arc motions behind him to a blank sheet of paper lying on the desk. “I was just sitting here to clear my head for a time before taking care of one last task. Writing her a letter.”

“What would it say?”

“That I love her. And how I hope she grows up strong… smart… happy… and most importantly… safe.”

He turns around to face the desk. Sighing, Arc opens a drawer and pulls out a pen before continuing.

“It’ll have a lot more than that, of course. But if you’ll excuse me, I need to get started on it.”

Hammer shakes her head. “No.”

Arc looks up at her, confused. “No… what?”

Hammer slams her palms down on the desk angrily. “You’re not going to die here, Arc! I won’t let you!”

Arc shakes his head. “Were it so easy.”

“I mean it! Trust me when I say that this land really IS better off with you here!”

Arc sighs. “Coming from you… that isn’t much reassurance.”

“What?!”

“Think about it, Hammer. All the crap you went through at Damocles Base… your poor relationship with your sisters… and you being tortured by Diva after Christmas. It was all because of me. So I can categorically say that you of all people would have been better off never meeting me in the first place.”

Hammer gasps. “Arc, I… I don’t understand! Don’t you love me?!”

“I do, Hammer. But it’s because of that love that I wish you’d never…”

Arc is cut off as Hammer reaches across the desk with both hands and roughly grabs him by the front of his raiments.

“Listen here, Arc! What happened to me would never have occurred if you hadn’t come into my life! But then I’d still be living a lie and working for General Mustang along with The Organization!”

“And you’d still be with your sisters safe and happy.”

“I was happy, yes! But at the same time I was missing something from my life!”

“What?”

“Love!”

“But… but how can you still feel that way about me after I cost you everything?!”

“For the same reason that the others have! We don’t blame you for the situation that you’re trying to fix!”

Arc sighs as he looks away. “Well, you should. Because I’m the one who…”

Roaring angrily, Hammer pulls Arc over the desk and slams him into a nearby wall. Seething, she gets within inches of his face.

“You listen to me, and you listen good! You didn’t do ANYTHING to me that I didn’t want you to!”

“Really now?”

“REALLY!”

Arc looks away. “So you’re saying that you’re happy that I used you for information back on Earth? That you’re glad I came between you and your sisters? You’re happy being, for all intents and purposes, banished from Earth forever?”

“YES!”

Arc turns and looks Hammer directly in the eye. “Tell me why then! Why are you okay with that?!”

“Because my life back there wasn’t real!”

“What are you talking about?!”

“I was living a lie and I didn’t even know it!”

“So when I lied to and used you… that was different how exactly?!”

“That’s just it, Arc! Even when you were using me for intel, you were still doing the right thing!”

“How can deception…?”

“Don’t you get it?!”

“Enlighten me!”

Hammer releases her hold on his raiments and grabs his shoulders as she screams. “EVEN WHEN YOU’RE WRONG YOU’RE RIGHT!”

Arc frowns as he grabs Hammer’s shoulders. “That doesn’t even come CLOSE to making sense!”

“Fine then! I’ll be brutally, blatantly, completely, and wholeheartedly honest with you, Arc!”

Turning back to the desk, Hammer makes a sweeping motion with her arm. Knocking everything off of it she turns back to Arc. Grabbing him by the front of his raiments again, she picks him up and slams him down on the desktop angrily. Jumping up, she uses her body to pin him down before speaking.

“Alright, here goes! Arc, I’m GLAD that you lied to me! I’m GLAD that you found information that came between my sisters and I! I’m GLAD that you used me for my position! And I’m GLAD that you dumped me back on Earth! Do you know WHY?!”

Arc is silent as she continues her tirade.

“Because I know that you were only doing what you felt was best for ME! That you only wanted ME to be happy! And that you cared enough not to drag ME into your mess back then! But in the end that isn’t what THIS… GAL… WANTS!!!”

“Then what…?!”

“EVERYTHING!!!”

“Wha…?”

“I want YOU, Arc! I want to live here with you! I want to be wed to you along with the others! I want you to bed me… tear my clothes off… take my body and ravish me over and over and OVER again! I want you to impregnate me with your children! I want you to be there for me when I give birth! I want you to stay by my side and we raise our children here in this land! I want us to spend full and happy lives together! I want to grow old with you! I want you by my side when my time comes! I want you to hold my hand as I die and be buried here in Equestria! And lastly… when your time comes I want you to be buried next to me so that we can lie side by side… FOREVER!!!”

Neither says a word for a long time. Eventually, as Hammer loosens her grip, tears begin to flow down her face. Refusing to look away from one another, Hammer lays her head down on his chest as she cries.

“I… I honestly want EVERYTHING from you! So… you… you CAN’T die here!”

Arc nods and puts his arms around her as she continues to sob.

Chapter 12 - Though I Walk Through the Valley...

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 13 - ...of the Shadow of Death...

As the wail intensifies, a black orb forms at the end of the cannon. With one final button-press by the crew the orb is launched overhead and toward the barrier before them. The force knocks back all ground forces both friendly and hostile as the magical projectile slams into the barrier. A good sized hole opens but quickly begins to shrink as Arc turns to the others.

“Gather round!”

They quickly do so as he charges up his magic. With a final grunt Arc Blinks them all through the now exposed front doors of Light’s Hope just before the barrier reforms. Shining Armor grins and calls out.

“General Shining Armor to the Griffon Kingdom forces. Our team is in. You may begin your offensive.”

He turns to look at the sky as innumerable griffons take flight from the ships overhead and careen down toward the enemy. Joining the Equestrian vanguard, they aid the Earth Ponies in holding back the enemy’s advance with Gestal and Ghaleon in the lead.

“Let none pass!”

Ghaleon grins as he slams into an enemy soldier. “No mercy!”

Turning to the Unicorns, Shining Armor calls out new orders.

“All Unicorns pick targets ahead of our forces and fire at will! We have to buy time for the infiltration party!”

They nod and begin firing magical blasts as Shining Armor looks to the base and muses to himself.

“Be careful in there. All of you.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his friends reappear in the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. However none of them speak as they look around them. Innumerable Royal Guards lie all around the room unmoving. Massive amounts of blood covers their armor, the floor, and even the walls. Eventually Arc grits his teeth and turns to the others.

“Check for signs of life in here.”

They fan out and examine the guards one at a time. Ember calls out.

“I’ve got nothing over here.”

Ashe sighs. “Same.”

Sereb growls. “The scent of Kane is on them!”

Twilight sighs as she steps away from a body. “But… but why would they DO this to them?”

Arc frowns. “I wonder that myself.”

“Big Brother, I have an idea.”

Hammer looks over. “You have something?”

“Just a bit of an experiment really. But I need one of these guard’s armor removed and them on their back first.”

Rolling a dead guard over, Arc removes the stallion’s armor and tosses it aside. Scootaloo pulls the stallion’s eyelid back and looks at his pupils. Putting her head to his chest she listens intently.

“No heartbeat and he’s not breathing.”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “I could have told you that.”

Ember frowns. “What exactly are you looking for, Scarlet Filly?”

“Answers. He’s cool to the touch but I wonder just how much so.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“Can I see your knife, Big Brother?”

Drawing the guardanium knife Arc gives it to her. Turning back to the dead guard, Scootaloo plunges it into their belly and slices it open. Ashe gasps.

“What are you DOING?!”

Hammer puts a hand on her shoulder. “Trust her.”

Twilight nods as she turns away. “Y-yes.”

Scootaloo cuts through the skin, fat, and muscles of the stallion. Arc steps forward and removes his gauntlet as he kneels down. Reaching inside the body he sighs.

“Very warm.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

Sereb growls as he looks around. “That he was killed very recently.”

Twilight gasps. “But the real question now is ‘why’.”

Ashe grimaces. “Right. Killing your Honor Guards is like cutting your own lifeline while hanging off a cliff with two broken wings.”

Scootaloo looks down the corridor. “Let’s see if we can get the shield down.”

Ember grins as she holds her spear tightly. “Good idea. Then we can get reinforcements.”

Arc stands and motions for the others to follow him. “This way. The controls are in my office.”

Leading the way, Arc silently walks the familiar halls with the others. More bodies line the corridor but do not require any verification to determine their life signs. Eventually they come to the War Room. Arc turns to the others.

“My office is in a room beyond this door.”

Ashe steps forward. “So, let’s go.”

Hammer holds out an arm. “Hold your horses!”

Twilight frowns. “Really?”

“Sorry princess.”

Ember points a claw. “It’s likely that’s where Decimus is.”

Scootaloo grins wickedly. “And Princess Celestia too if we’re lucky.”

Ashe pulls her sword and shield. “Gaston… he and his allies will pay for this massacre!”

Sereb growls. “Along with my brother and his misguided rider!”

Arc puts his hands on the doors and turns back. “Everyone ready?”

They nod. Taking a deep breath, Arc pushes the doors open wide. Finding the furniture pushed to the side of the room, he spots Decimus and Gaston standing in front of Princess Celestia whom is chained unceremoniously to the floor and not moving. Twilight gasps and moves to rush forward. Seeing her intention Arc grabs her by the tail and pulls her back.

“Twilight, NO!”

Decimus grins wickedly. “Welcome, Hero of Light Arc. It’s been a long time.”

Arc seethes. “Not long enough, you MONSTER!”

Ember points a spear at him. “Release the princess and come quietly!”

Ashe nods as she takes up a battle ready stance. “Do so and we may yet show mercy!”

Sereb snarls. “That or resist. Please… resist.”

Scootaloo steps forward calmly. “Captain Decimus.”

Decimus smiles at her. “Scarlet Filly. I had heard rumors that you were working with these fools, but I did not believe them.”

“As you can see it’s true.”

“Why though? You have so much more potential.”

“Because it was just the right thing to do.”

Decimus shakes his head. “I see that Arc’s idealism has rubbed off on you, little one. You could have been something far greater than I one day.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “She still will be!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Indeed. But you will not live to see it.”

Gaston chuckles. “Now, now. No need for further violence.”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed. So just turn Princess Celestia over to us and surrender.”

Decimus shakes his head. “It’s not nearly that simple.”

Hammer levels her gun at Decimus. “Oh believe me, it is.”

Gaston motions to the unconscious mare chained to the floor with his talon. “We still need her to maintain control over this land.”

Decimus shrugs. “There are other avenues we could take, of course. But this is the simplest one.”

Twilight points a hoof. “Release my friend, Decimus! That’s a direct order!”

“An order from a junior princess to the Hero of Light amounts to little more than dust.”

Ashe seethes. “That goes for you too, Gaston! Stop this at once!”

“Oh, believe me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Ember spreads her wings. “You will. Straight into a BOX!”

She lunges at Gaston, spear at the ready. Ashe joins her in going after the griffon traitor as Decimus laughs and turns to Scootaloo.

“Let’s make this interesting, eh?”

Holding up a hoof, he casts a dark spell. A barrier shoots out from his body and pushes Arc and company away. However it allows Scootaloo and Celestia to pass through and remain inside. She turns to run to the perimeter but finds herself trapped inside. Arc calls out angrily.

“DECIMUS!!!”

Twilight pounds on the barrier with her hooves. “LET HER GO!”

Decimus smiles wickedly. “Oh, believe me I will. After I’m done with her.”

Sereb roars. “MONSTER! SHE’S JUST A FILLY!”

Decimus turns to Scootaloo. “Now then… shall we dance, my dear?”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “You know what… yes.”

She reaches into her cloak and pulls out the guardanium knife as she mutters to herself.

“Good thing I didn’t give this back yet.”

Decimus chuckles. “An appropriate weapon for one such as you.”

“Scarlet Filly!”

“Yes, Big Brother?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Kick his ass.”

Scootaloo grins under her cloak. “Oh believe me, I will.”

Decimus pulls a small knife and charges toward the filly. She dodges nimbly as the stallion turns back to her.

“Very good, my dear! Use that agility against a foe of superior size and strength!”

Scootaloo grimaces as she mutters to herself again. “That’s about all I can do right now.”

Arc turns to Ashe and Ember. “You two need a hand with…?!”

He is cut off as Ember pins Gaston to the wall with her spear. Ashe lunges forward and buries her own blade deep in his chest. Gasping, his body goes limp as Ember retrieves her weapon to allow the body to fall unceremoniously to the floor as she grins wickedly.

“THAT was for what you did to Arc, scum!”

Ashe nods angrily. “And the Griffon Kingdom, you pig!”

They return to Arc and Sereb’s side as Twilight kneels down next to Celestia from outside the barrier and speaks words of encouragement to her.

“Don’t worry, Princess Celestia. We’ll be out of here soon enough.”

Decimus knocks Scootaloo against the barrier with a well-placed buck to the face. She falls to the floor and does not rise. Sereb grits his teeth.

“Get up, little one!”

Arc pounds a gauntlet on the barrier. “Don’t give up! You can beat him!”

Decimus shakes his head as he walks over to the fallen figure. He smiles wickedly as he speaks.

“Young fool. You could have been great… if not for the company you kept.”

He turns to Arc and smiles as he raises his knife. Arc gasps.

“NO!”

Bringing the blade down with all his might, he hears it clang loudly. Feeling his knife hit the hard floor beneath, he looks down to see an empty robe. A split second later a splitting pain rips through his gut. Looking down Decimus spies a growing pool of blood. Smiling weakly, he falls on top of Scootaloo and mutters.

“Well… done… my dear. Well don… indeed.”

The barrier falls as Arc along with the others rush in to help. Shoving Decimus’ body off of her Arc falls to his knees over top of the stallion and glares at him.

“Decimus! I need to know something!”

“What could you possibly…?”

“Tell me… why did Sunset Shimmer blow up those buildings in Manehattan?!”

Decimus smiles weakly. “So you figured it out, huh?”

Arc grabs the stallion by the front of his leather armor. “TELL ME!!!”

Decimus chuckles. “Very well. We needed to put all the pieces in the right places.”

“What are you TALKING about?!”

“This whole plan… is one big game. Like chess really.”

Arc growls. “A… game?”

Ember moves to step forward but Ashe holds out a talon. Turning to the griffin Ember sees her shake her head silently as Decimus continues.

“Unlike you, fool, we look at the larger picture. For you see, if Equestria is to be saved… certain sacrifices must be made.”

“Sacrifices?!”

“For the greater good. By letting a few go, a much larger number will be…”

Arc cries out angrily as he slams Decimus down on the floor. “LETTING A FEW GO?!”

Decimus gasps through the pain. “Y-yes. Don’t you see? It’s completely logical to…”

“To cast off those whom aren’t necessary?!”

“Something like that, yes. Everypony is expendable when it all comes down to it.”

“Mares and stallions?!”

“Yes.”

“And… fillies?!”

Decimus frowns. “What are you…?”

He is cut off as a blow from Arc’s fist catches his jaw. Blood flows from his mouth as several teeth fall out.

“Does that hurt, Decimus?!”

“Yes, it hurts!”

Arc does it again before standing up and grabbing Decimus’ rear hoof. With a mighty grunt he throws the stallion against a wall. A smear of blood flows down the new mahogany paneling as Decimus lays on the floor writing in pain. He looks up as Arc walks over to him.

“Just end it already.”

Arc frowns. “Not yet.”

“What?”

“I have something to share with you.”

Grabbing Decimus by a rear hoof, Arc slams him against the floor over and over again. The stallion cries out in agony with every blow. Eventually Arc lets go of the hoof and kneels down beside the bruised and bloodied stallion. Grabbing him by the back of his mane, Arc raises Decimus’ head and slams it into the floor yet again. Pushing the stallion over to lie on his back as several more teeth fall to the floor, Arc kneels down over him. Reaching for his ring he pulls something out and holds it up. Decimus looks at it, confused.

“What… is…?”

Arc grits his teeth. “A teddy beat that a filly gave me after I dug her out from under the bodies of her dead parents.”

Levitating it to float in front of Decimus’ face, Arc continues.

“You… you took away… EVERYTHING from her! An entire family was snuffed out right in front of me! And all because you… HAD A PLAN!”

Standing, Arc kicks the stallion in the side. Gasping, Decimus rolls over onto his belly and cries out in agony as several ribs protrude from his side. Walking over to him, Arc sits down on Decimus’ backside. He screams out in pain as the broken ribs cut into his flesh again. Grabbing the stallion’s mane, Arc pulls his head back until Decimus’ eyes gaze into his.

“Listen, Decimus. I know that as soon as I kill you you’re going to somehow come right back.”

Gagging in what Arc assumes is a ‘yes’, he continues.

“So I want you to know one thing before I finish you off again. I don’t care how long it takes. I don’t care how many times I have to kill you. And I REALLY don’t care about your stupid plans! But the moment that I figure out just how to make you stay dead, well… let’s just say that you won’t be able to hide forever. And when I find you, it will just be you and me. No allies. No plans. No escape for you.”

Arc looks into the stallion’s eyes for a few moments silently before continuing.

“Now… I’d like to share something else with you, Decimus.”

Standing, Arc looks around the room at all the fancy new furniture. Turning to Scootaloo he levitates the bear over to her before returning to his task. Raising his hands, Arc calls out to the others.

“Everyone go stand in front of Celestia.”

They do so as the furniture lifts off the floor one piece at a time. One by one he slams them into the floor causing the desks, chairs, tables, bookshelves, and other pieces of furniture to be reduced to mangled piles of debris. As the last chair is destroyed, Arc raises his hands again as he levitates what’s left of the furniture to float high overhead. Stepping back, he pulls all the debris into a ball overhead. Slowly maneuvering it over Decimus, Arc calls out to him one last time.

“Do us both a favor. Don’t come back this time.”

Turning his hands downward, Arc opens his palms. Decimus cries out as the debris falls all around him, stabbing, crushing, and burying him under a massive pile. Arc walks over to the mountain of wood and looks down at it before speaking.

“Now you know… now you know how Toola Roola and her parents felt. But unlike her… you die alone.

Returning to the others, Arc looks down at Scootaloo as she holds out the teddy bear to him.

“Are you okay?”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Yes, Big Brother.”

Ashe grins approvingly as she looks at the filly. “That really was an impressive move.”

“It was just a split second decision I had to make After all, at that point I really had nothing else to lose.”

Ember looks to the pile of wood. “That’s the end of Decimus.”

Sereb nods with a smile. “Again, I might add.”

Ashe turns to Twilight. “Think he’ll come back again?”

“If he’s smart, he won’t.”

Arc frowns. “We’re not that lucky.”

Ashe motions to the office door.

“Just one last thing to do.”

Ember grins. “Let the reinforcements in?”

“I was referring to the finality of saving the princess here.”

Sereb chuckles. “Both are important, yes.”

Hammer clutches her gun nervously. “Just a minute!”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“There could still be trouble behind that door. We shouldn’t let our guard down yet.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Let’s go in there carefully and together.”

Twilight holds up a key. “I’ll get Princess Celestia out of these chains now. The key was on a shelf Arc ripped off the wall.”

Ember shrugs. “Fine. We’ll be right back.”

Arc cautiously opens the door. Stepping inside he slowly looks around with the others. Seeing nothing out of place they head for the desk. He presses the button and they look outside to see the barrier fall. Ashe breathes a sigh of relief.

“I’m certainly glad this is over.”

Hammer chuckles as she puts her gun on her shoulder. “With the griffon’s help and their leaders dead I’m guessing our forces won’t have much trouble finishing off the enemy.”

Ember grins. “They should be in here any time now.

Sereb smiles. “We should help Princess Twilight carry her mentor out then.”

Scootaloo nods as she turns around. “Agreed. I’m sure she doesn’t want anypony seeing her like…”

The filly stops dead in her tracks. Looking back into the War Room they spot a terrible sight. Twilight lies on the floor unconscious in front of the now unshackled Celestia. As they hurry over to her, Arc reaches his friend first.

“Twilight!”

Scootaloo gasps. “What happened?!”

“No idea!”

Sereb growls as he looks around. “I didn’t hear anyone out here while we entered the office momentarily!”

Hammer again levels her weapon as her eyes dart around the room. “Well, something sure did… SOMETHING!”

Ember points a claw. “I blame Ashe!”

“I was next to you the whole time!”

Scootaloo nods as she hurries to stand between the pair. “That she was. We all were.”

Arc moves to pick Twilight up. “Maybe she just fainted, or something. She didn’t exactly get much sleep earlier. Let’s get her back to The Equinox and to the Infirmary for some…”

He is cut off as Celestia suddenly jumps up and physically knocks Arc back. He falls to the floor with Twilight in his arms as Ember and Sereb move to cover him. Hammer levels her gun at the alicorn before them.

“Easy there, princess.”

Ember cautiously steps forward. “Remember me? It’s Ember!”

Celestia sneers at them as Arc carefully stands. Looking him over she speaks.

“Ah, Twilight’s little stooges. You’re finally here.”

Arc frowns as he motions to the mare still in his arms. “Look, I don’t know what you’re problem is, but we need to get Twilight some help.”

Scootaloo nods. “You too, Princess Celestia.”

Ashe motions to the corridor. “Please come with us, your highness. I’m sure Lord Arc’s staff can render aid to you after…”

Celestia laughs. “Fools! You can’t see what’s right in front of you!”

Ember shrugs. “Uh… someone in need of a nice meal and a hot bath?”

“Not exactly. Observe.”

Her horn aglow, Celestia casts a strange spell. Her skin blackens as her body transforms. Arc and company take a step back instinctively as Arc mutters.

“What… the heck…?!”

Ashe gasps. “Princess?”

The creature before them looks down her nose at the griffon before her. “That’s QUEEN to you, whelp!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “What… ARE you?!”

“Ah, yes. Where ARE my manners? You may address me as Queen Chrysalis.”

Ember grimaces. “Chrysalis?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “The leader of the changelings.”

Chrysalis grins wickedly. “Very good, simpleton. You’re not as useless as you first appear.”

Scootaloo points an accusatory hoof. “What did you do to Princess Twilight?!”

“Just a bit of an herbal poison. She’s fine.”

Sereb growls. “Lies! I smell nothing on the air!”

Chrysalis scoffs. “Odorless and tasteless, fool. Even to you. Which is why I chose it for this application.”

Arc glares at her. “Chose it?!”

“I knew you would come, Hero of Light. And roughly whom you would bring with you.”

She looks to Ashe before continuing.

“Well… she was a bit of a surprise. Friends close and enemies closer?”

Arc grits his teeth. “Fine, whatever! You baited me here! Why?! And where’s Celestia?!”

Chrysalis rolls her eyes. “If I were you I’d be more concerned with the safety of yourself and those you foolishly brought to guard you. As you know, she isn’t too fond of your kind.”

She looks Arc over from head to toe before continuing.

“As for why I’m here, well… I simply wanted to meet you myself. Face… to face.”

“But why?!”

“To ascertain whether or not the reports concerning you were correct.”

Ember frowns. “Reports?!”

Chrysalis nods. “You and your little pet, the Scarlet Filly, made a shambles of my plans in Vanhoover AND the Crystal Empire.”

Hammer grins. “So much for that, eh?”

Chrysalis laughs wickedly. “Young fool. Do you EVER look deeper?!”

“Huh?”

“That which you know is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Our plans reach much, MUCH deeper.”

Ember looks around instinctively. “Our?!”

“The Council of Shadows.”

Sereb growls. “You joined them?!”

“Yes, indeed. They needed my forces and I needed… well… it’s not important.”

Hammer points her gun at the queen. “So much for that though!”

“Oh?”

Ember levels her spear at the queen. “Yeah! We’ve got you!”

Chrysalis chuckles. “Do you now?”

Sereb growls. “We are many, and you are but one!”

“Are you so sure of that?”

Arc looks around. “Well, I don’t see anyone coming to your rescue.”

Chrysalis scoffs. “Hero of Light, you of all creatures should be able to see that which is right in front of you. Well… proverbially.”

Scootaloo groans. “Stop talking in riddles!”

Ashe points her sword. “Yes! Just say what it is you mean!”

“Very well. What you are looking for is in what you call the ‘Main Hall’. Best hurry there and get it. Oh, but before you go, I have a bit of a gift for you.”

She opens her mouth to expose a forked tongue. Making a hissing sound, she spits a nasty green liquid at Arc. It lands on his gauntlet as he holds it up to protect Twilight. Laughing, her horn glows as she transforms into a hummingbird. Hammer shoots at her as she flies away, but misses.

“Damn! She’s too fast!”

Ember groans. “And too small!”

“What now, Big Brother?!”

Arc looks down at the mare in his arms. “Head back to The Equinox to get Twilight some help.”

Sereb growls. “Then let us be off!”

Arc holds out a gauntlet to open a portal. But nothing happens.

“What the heck?!”

Ashe looks at the slime on his gauntlet. “That green residue. It’s blocking your enchantment?”

Ember sighs. “Must be.”

Hammer points toward the door. “Then let’s just make a run for the ship!”

Scootaloo grins. “Right! We’ll cover you and Princess Twilight, Big Brother!”

Sereb growls. “And that surprise in the Main Hall?”

Arc looks down at Twilight’s unconscious form. “We don’t have a choice.”

Hammer points to a window. “How about we just jump outside?”

Ember groans. “The windows aren’t glass.”

Arc nods. “Right. Something else really strong. Pretty much unbreakable.”

He looks down at the mare in his arms before heading for the door.

“We have to risk it. Come on.”

The others form a perimeter around Arc as they head down the corridor. Coming to the Main Hall they see a dark portal opening in the center of the room. Ember frowns.

“Great. What now?”

Hammer grips her gun tightly. “Trouble.”

Approaching it, they stop as something steps through. Sereb growls menacingly at those whom come forth.

“Brother!”

Arc grits his teeth. “Sunset Shimmer!”

The pair wordlessly approach the group with the mare riding her steed. Both are clad in enchanted armor from head to toe. Sunset laughs as she looks to Arc.

“And now it is complete.”

“What is, Diva?!”

Sunset waves a hoof dismissively. “Ah, ah, ah. That’s Sunset Shimmer at the moment.”

Ember points her spear at the pair. “Call yourself whatever you want, witch! Start talking!”

Hammer closes one eye as she aims. “Yeah! Unless you want me to fill you full of holes!”

Her horn aglow, Sunset pulls Hammer’s gun from her hands to herself. Opening a dark portal she tosses it through before speaking.

“You were saying?”

Arc frowns and turns to Sereb. Putting Twilight on his back he turns to Hammer, pulls the magic gun from his ring, and hands it to her.

“Hold onto this one.”

“Thanks.”

Turning back to Sunset, Arc steps forward as she smiles at them patronizingly.

“Look at all of you. The rabble playing ‘soldiers’.”

Sereb growls. “Our HEROES just bested Decimus and his minion!”

Sunset scoffs. “Muzzle your dog, human.”

Sereb growls and takes a step forward. Arc holds out a hand and motions for him to stop as he addresses the mare before him.

“Sunset Shimmer… it’s over.”

Sunset giggles. “Is it now?”

Scootaloo nods as she motions to the windows. “Yes! We can see your forces outside dwindling!”

“So it would seem.”

Ashe grins. “This is the part where you surrender.”

Ember nods. “Before we’re forced to do something YOU’LL regret!”

Sereb growls. “That goes for you as well, brother.”

Kane bares his teeth. “You would do well to surrender, Sereb. Perhaps my mistress will be lenient.”

Sunset rolls her eyes. “Not likely. But go ahead anyways. After all, everypony here is merely an unwanted guest in our facility.”

Sereb sneers. “YOUR facility?!”

Scootaloo stomps a hoof. “We’re the liberators here!”

Ember grins. “I think we’re more like exterminators right now.”

Hammer smirks. “Right. Pest removal at the very least.”

Sunset shakes her head dismissively. “Think what you want, peons. But at the very least you should bring your complaints before our leader.”

Ember grimaces. “Fine! Bring the Dark One out here and we’ll tell him to his face!”

Hammer nods with conviction. “Or General Mustang!”

“Very well.”

Her horn aglow, Sunset opens a portal. As it stabilizes a large pony walks out with a flowing mane. Arc clenches a fist angrily.

“Princess Celestia.”

Celestia eyes him soberly as she speaks. “The false Hero of Light.”

Looking around the room at the innumerable dead bodies lying motionless on the floor she frowns before continuing.

“I see that your murderous ways have yet to be sated.”

Ashe gasps. “What?! But… but princess…!”

“Lady Ashe? What are you doing with this traitor?!”

“He’s not a…!”

Sunset points a hoof at Sereb. “Princess! He has Twilight!”

“WHAT?!”

Looking past Arc, she spies Twilight lying on Sereb’s back. Gritting her teeth, her mane ignites into blue flames as pure rage drips from her words.

“Give… Twilight… BACK!!!”

Ember groans. “We’re trying to get her some help!”

Sunset grits her teeth. “Lies! They’re trying to kidnap her again!”

“Release my student and surrender yourselves to my forces. I’ll hold you here in my facility until…”

Arc interrupts her. “Princess Celestia. I will talk now and you will listen.”

He pauses before continuing.

“You along with Decimus, Gaston, and others have led Equestria to the brink of ruin. However, my forces have nearly broken through your lines. Light’s Hope is all but ours again. It’s over.”

Celestia smirks. “So certain of that, are you?”

“Only one of us wanted this fight, Celestia. Let it end here and now.”

“You call for peace only when it suits your needs, little human.”

She looks around at the innumerable dead Royal Guards around the room before continuing.

“But you’re eager enough to kill those whom resist.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “We didn’t do this though!”

Ember grips her spear tightly. “Arc should have killed you back in town when he had the chance.”

Celestia scoffs. “How rude, Ember. Perhaps I should have kept you as a whelpling. Then maybe you would have learned some manners. After all, you’re a trespasser in my facility.”

Sereb seethes. “Your facility?! You taint this place… WITH YOUR FILTH!”

Arc yells at the top of his lungs. “ENOUGH!”

His words reverberate through the hall as all present are silent. Eventually Arc speaks again as he looks Celestia in the eye.

“You and Decimus put the torch to Ponyville. But I failed those whom called it home. Those whom lost everything to the all-consuming flames.”

He reaches for his ring and pulls out the Dagger of Eternal Slumbers. Pointing it at Celestia, Arc continues.

“I will not make that mistake again. Surrender… or die.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Please listen to him, Princess Celestia. You can’t escape from what happened.”

Hammer grins. “Right. We’ve won this time.”

Nodding soberly, Celestia slowly approaches Arc until she stands but a few feet in front of him. Looking him in the eye she speaks slowly but evenly.

“You’ve won… NOTHING!”

Author's Note

The confrontation in the Main Hall was adapted from a particularly inspiring cinematic from World of Warcraft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnzoSl31bPE

Chapter 14 - ...I will fear no Evil...

Smirking, Sunset reaches out with her magic and presses a button on Raven’s desk. A series of flash-bangs go off blinding Arc and his friends. Taking the initiative, Celestia turns and bucks Arc with all her might. He drops the dagger and flies through an outer wall (yes, THROUGH a wall) into a tree outside. It falls over with a loud crash as Sunset blasts the exterior doors and looks down to Kane.

“Outside! We need some room!”

Nodding, the wolf runs outside as Celestia turns to the others whom are still trying to recover. Blinking forward, she grabs Twilight and Blinks back to where she was. Looking to Twilight now on her own back Celestia grits her teeth as she turns to the others.

“You will never take my Twilight from me again! NEVER!”

Aiming her horn upward, Celestia blasts the ceiling causing it to collapse as she Blinks past the debris up onto the roof and looks at the battle around them. Turning to the unconscious mare on her back she grimaces.

“I have to get you somewhere safe, my dear! That… that human MANIAC won’t get you!”

Spreading her wings, Celestia shakily glides to the ground. Her troops move to defend her as she lands and calls out orders.

“Drive the invaders from our land and kill the traitors!”

Emboldened by her presence and words, the troops rally and turn back toward Shining Armor’s forces. Spotting his sister on her back, the stallion frowns and draws his sword and shield as he calls out.

“DON’T GIVE THEM AN INCH! LEAVE CELESTIA TO ME!”

Blinking to the ground below, he charges forward. Grabbing a sword from a fallen soldier with her magic, Celestia holds it up to block the general’s strike. He continues slashing at her as he seethes with rage.

“My sister! Give her BACK!”

Celestia seethes. “Never! I won’t abandon her to a life of captivity!”

The pair trade blows for a few moments before Shining Armor knocks the sword from Celestia’s magical field. Pointing his weapon at the monarch he grits his teeth silently. Celestia kicks a bit of dust up with her tail into the stallion’s face. He momentarily loses focus giving his opponent time to react. Grabbing his blade with her teeth Celestia dives at him. However before the crazed mare can connect with her target Arc Blinks between them, knocks the blade from her mouth with one hand and backhands her with the other. Falling to the ground, Celestia drops Twilight as she rolls across the grass. Getting quickly to her hooves she Blinks between Arc and her student as she takes up a battle ready stance.

“Fool! I’ve been fighting since before you were a dirty thought in your father’s mind! What hope do you have against me?!”

Arc points a finger at her defiantly. “That may be! But I’m not letting you have Twilight!”

He glances at Shining Armor as the stallion hurries forward with his blade.

“We can take her.”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “I doubt that.”

Celestia smirks. “Glad one of you is sensible.”

Shining Armor seethes. “But that doesn’t mean I’m letting her go!”

“Fine.”

Her horn aglow, Celestia creates a powerful flashbang with her magic. Causing the entire battlefield to be covered with sensory overload the turns tail and runs toward the tree line. Squinting, Arc sees the general direction she flees in and grabs Shining Armors helmet to turn it.

“She’s trying to get away!”

Shining Armor grits his teeth. “Not happening!”

As the stallion charges after her Gestal flies over to stand with Arc.

“Go after her, Lord Arc! I will command the battle in your absence!”

“Thanks!”

Arc turns and calls out loudly. “All forces look to Lord Gestal for further orders! Fight on in my absence!”

Running after the mare, the others emerge from the rubble of Light’s Hope’s Main Hall. Spotting Sunset Shimmer fighting her way past the other soldiers toward Arc running toward the edge of the forest, Ashe points a talon.

“Lord Arc must be going after Celestia!”

Hammer gasps. “Don’t let Diva regroup with Celestia!”

Scootaloo nods as she picks up the Dagger of Eternal Slumber and puts it in her belt next to the guardanium one. “Right! Big Brother can’t take them both!”

Charging forward, they hurry to block their enemy’s advance. Sereb outruns them all and runs toward the pair as he screams.

“KANE!”

Plowing into his brother, Sereb knocks Sunset out of the saddle. She Blinks to her feet as the others surround her. Ashe points her blade at her angrily.

“Surrender, beast!”

Ember shakes her head as she levels her spear. “Nah! That time has PASSED!”

Ember lunges forward as Sunset draws her sword and shield from Kane’s side. Blocking the blows, she parries them and knocks Ember aside as Hammer fires. Raising her shield, the mare slowly pushes toward her assailant. However doing so makes her unable to see Ashe running toward her. Knocking the griffon away, she calls out.

“NOW!”

Scootaloo dives out from behind a fallen soldier as she holds the guardanium dagger in her hoof. Tossing it to Ember as she dive bombs the mare from the sky, the dragon slashes at Sunset as she channels her magic into the blade. Sunset has but a moment to put up her shield before the furious dragon cuts it in half. Blinking back, she gasps.

“How?! That shield was pure…!”

She is cut off as Kane is roughly thrown at her by a magical blow from Sereb. Knocking him away with a Telekinesis Spell Sunset seethes.

“Get OFF, mongrel!”

Kane gets to his feet as the others close in around the pair.

“Forgive me, mistress.”

Sunset tosses aside her ruined shield and takes up a battle ready stance. “We’re not done yet!”

Charging at Hammer, the young woman begins firing at her. Sunset effortlessly dodges her shots with a number of well places Blinks and closes the distance between them. Just as she reaches Hammer though Scootaloo plows into the young woman knocking her aside. Sunset passes and does a 180 on her front hooves to again face the group as Kane returns to her side. Ember turns to Sereb.

“Go and help Arc!”

“But what about…?!”

Hammer does not take her eyes of their opponent. “We’ll be fine! GO!”

Sereb turns and runs away as Kane shakes his head in disgust.

“He never understood the concept of holding his ground.”

Scootaloo points a hoof angrily “And YOU don’t understand when you’ve lost!”

Sunset smiles wickedly. “And we haven’t! Shall we continue?!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Let’s dance!”

Hammer grins. “Hell yeah!”

Meanwhile, Soarin watches the scene before them with the rest of the Bridge Crew.

“That doesn’t look good.”

Lemon Hearts looks over. “Sir?”

Thunderlane grimaces. “Sunset Shimmer is facing the commander’s friends.”

Moon Dancer gasps. “Alone?”

Soarin shakes his head. “Her beast is with her.”

Wrangler grins. “They’re both pretty powerful though. “

Auriel looks over from a chair nearby. “Should we send in reinforcements? I could…”

Brightwing interrupts her. “Friend rest now! Not ready for killing time!”

Soarin nods. “She’s right. You’re still too weak to be of help to them.”

Auriel gasps. “But we have to do SOMETHING!”

Soarin turns and looks to the comms. “And we will. Lemon Hearts, get me Engineering.”

“Aye, sir. But who there is combat ready?”

Thunderlane grins. “You’d be surprised.”

A short time later the light clip clop of feet running across the metal deck is heard. Rose looks over the scene before her for a few moments before spotting Sunset Shimmer and her mount. Stepping back a few paces, she charges forward, jumps onto the railing, and uses it to launch herself at Kane as he raises a paw to slash at Hammer whom is lying on her back. Plowing into the beast the pair tumble head over heels eventually coming to a stop with Rose on top of him. Kane swings at her, but Rose effortlessly blocks his attack and counters with a fist to his face.

“Lights out, beast!”

Knocking Kane out, she jumps to her feet to stand with Ember whom is trading blows with Sunset.

“How are we doing?!”

Ember grunts as she blocks a strike with her spear. “Same as always!”

Rose hops aside as Scootaloo passes to strike> “That bad?!”

Hammer runs over to melee with her gun in hand. “Where have YOU been?!”

Rose bats away piece of Sunset’s broken shield as it flies at her. “In Engineering helping keep the ship from blowing up during the operation.”

Sunset groans angrily. “Can you PLEASE stop talking and just fight?!”

Rose turns to the mare and points to herself. “Who, me?”

“ALL OF YOU!”

Ember grins toothily. “Gladly!”

Lunging forward, Ember thrusts her weapon at Sunset whom casually jumps over her spear to land on top of it. Sliding down its surface, she hoof Ember in the face before using her momentum to give Hammer a quick jab in the gut. The wind knocked out of her, Hammer doubles over in pain. As she dives clear of the group Sunset shoots a magical blast at Rose whom takes it full force in the chest. As the android falls backwards Scootaloo charges forward with Arc’s guardanium dagger in her mouth. Sidestepping, Sunset extends a hoof to trip the filly. Dropping the dagger in the process, Sunset pulls it to herself with a Telekinesis Spell as she looks over the beaten group smugly.

“Now that I have you all where I want you… wait… wasn’t there one more of…?”

She is cut off as Ashe dives down from above. Crushed under the weight and force of the griffin, Sunset grunts as Ashe knocks the dagger out of her grasp and back over to Scootaloo before leaping off to join the others.

“Come on, everyone! We have to fight her as a unit if we want to win here!”

Hammer nods soberly. “Like my sisters and I did against Arc back on Earth.”

Ember grins. “Yeah. And we just need something to tip the scales like I did back then.”

Scootaloo points a hoof. “Rose?”

“Me?”

Hammer grimaces. “Yes, you.”

Sunset scoffs. “The Hero of Light’s little tin slut is no match for me!”

Blinking toward Rose, she materializes just in front of the android. Calling forth her L-Blade, Rose blocks the attack as Sunset Blinks away. Rose calls out to the others.

“She isn’t really that tough to figure out.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Are you nuts?!”

Hammer frowns. “Yeah! Colonel Diva is the most powerful magic user I’ve ever seen! That and she’s a great fighter too!”

Sunset grins slyly. “Glad to see you facing reality.”

Rose steps forward. “That may be true. But I’ve now had time to study your battle tactics, and have found that you have a glaring weakness.”

Sunset chuckles. “HA!”

“Even your eyes and thought processes can’t be two places at once.”

Charging forward, Rose closes the distance between them and swings her blade at the mare. Sunset Blinks behind Rose whom, without even turning her head, repositions her blade to block the strike heading for her the back of her neck. Grimacing, Sunset pulls her blade back to try again. However she is suddenly knocked aside as Scootaloo plows into her. Calling out to the others the filly grins.

“She can’t attack more than one target at a time!”

Ashe cries out. “Attack and retreat!”

Taking flight, Ashe gets some air as Rose turns back to her opponent. As Sunset and Rose again trade blows, the android deftly positions her opponent directly into the path of Ashe as she flies down. Knocking Sunset across the battlefield, the mare crashes into one of The Equinox’s outriggers and falls to the ground. Getting to her feet as Rose dives forward to meet her, the mare swings her blade at the android. Ducking, the blade hits the outrigger causing Sunset to cry out in pain from the volume of the resulting clang of metal on metal. Taking the initiative, Ember takes flight and plows into Sunset. Knocking her to the ground some distance away, Ember throws her spear aside as she leaps onto the stunned mare. Slashing at her face with her claws Ember is able to cut into Sunset’s exposed head but once before she Blinks away. Reappearing some distance away, she puts a hoof to her face as the blood drips down her fur and onto the ground. Clearly furious, Sunset looks to Ember.

“You… scaly… little… BIT…!”

She is cut off as Rose reengages with her L-Blade. Sunset barely has enough time to bring up her sword as she struggles to maintain her footing. Rose calls out to the others.

“Keep it up! She can’t fight OR cast spells if we can wear her down!”

“I have plenty of fight left in me, whore!”

Rose smiles. “My sensors say otherwise.”

Sunset turns to Kane whom is coming around. “Get up you lazy mongrel and help me!”

Ashe mutters under her breath. “Oh no you don’t!”

Lunging at Kane she knocks him back before calling out to the others.

“I’ll keep him busy! Everyone else take care of that banshee!”

Sunset grunts angrily as Ashe reengages Kane. She steps back to avoid Rose’s blade as Scootaloo darts behind her and lies down on the ground. Tripping over the filly, Sunset falls over backwards as Ember capitalizes on her being momentarily off balance.

“Got you!”

Slashing at Sunset with her spear, she is able to partially cut through the mithril and meet the mare’s soft flesh underneath. Screaming out in pain, Sunset Blinks away and falls to her fetlocks as she glares at her wound angrily. Ember looks to her smugly.

“I’m going to bleed you… slowly.”

Scootaloo joins her as she pulls the knife from her belt. “We’ll help!”

Rose grins wickedly. “I’d ask you to surrender, but I know that’s a waste of time.”

Ashe flies by as Kane pursues her. “Call out if you need my help with that!”

The beast roars angrily. “Get back here you wretch!”

Ember looks to Sunset as she rubs her bloody claws together. “Now then… where were we?”

Rose smirks. “I believe we were about to end this.”

Screaming out angrily, Sunset stands and charges headfirst at the group. Stepping forward, Rose prepares to fight. As the furious mare lunges at her Rose recalls her L-Blade, kneels down, and plants a mighty fist in Sunset’s gut. She gasps as the force reverberates through her armor and leaves her momentarily stunned and gasping for breath. Seizing the opportunity, Rose grabs Sunset by the throat and throws her toward Ember.

“My turn!”

Smashing Sunset with the butt of her spear, she knocks her up into the aid toward Ashe. As the griffon spies Kane lunging at her from below, she allows him to pass before grabbing his tail. Swinging him around, she hits Sunset with her partner’s body which sends her careening back to the ground below. Spotting Scootaloo directly in her path, Sunset grins wickedly and holds her blade firmly. Preparing to strike her small target, Scootaloo holds up Arc’s guardanium dagger to deflect her attack. However as she approaches, Hammer fires a precision shot knocking Sunset’s blade out of her hoof. As she passes Scootaloo, the filly’s blade puts a sizable hole in Sunset’s side. Falling to the ground, Sunset rolls unceremoniously to a stop some distance away. Kane limps over to her as best he can.

“Mistress!”

Sunset groans as she puts a hoof over a heavily bleeding wound. “Pull… back.”

Using the last of her strength, Sunset opens a dark portal before falling to the ground from fatigue and blood loss. Kane tosses her onto his back and charges toward the portal. Ember gasps.

“STOP THEM!”

Ashe and Ember fly at them but are unable to catch up to the pair as Kane leaps through the portal. Ember grits her teeth as she approaches the swirling energies.

“OH NO YOU DON’T!”

Gasping, Ashe flies over to Ember and wraps all four of her limbs around the dragon causing her to crash. Looking up, she spies the portal close only a handful of feet in front of her. Getting to her feet she glares at Ashe as the others rush over to them.

“What did you do THAT for?!”

“To save your life, idiot!”

“We almost had her!”

Rose shakes her head. “The goal was to take her out of the battle though.”

Hammer grins. “Mission accomplished there!”

Ember groans. “But we could have taken her out for GOOD!”

Ashe chuckles. “We may yet have.”

Scootaloo looks at the bloody dagger in her hooves. “Yeah. That was a lot of blood loss.”

Hammer shrugs. “She’s not usually the one getting hurt though. But I have a hard time imagining we finished her off for good.”

Rose looks around. “Agreed. However we have other matters to attend to now.”

Ember nods. “Right! Let’s go find Arc, and…!”

Hammer points to the battle raging all around them. “I think we’re needed here more though!”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Things aren’t exactly finished here, after all.”

Ashe nods. “I’ll go meet up with my father. It looks like he’s coordinating the battle from Lord Arc’s deck.”

Rose calls forth her L-Blade. “Come now. We have foes to slay.”

Ember seethes. “But what about…?!”

“Big Brother will be fine. He’s got Shining Armor with him as well as Sereb.”

Ashe sighs. “And he’ll call for help if need be.”

Rose looks to Ember pleadingly. “Please remember that only he can face Princess Celestia anyways. We’d just be in the way.”

Ember grits her teeth angrily but turns to follow the others as they head into the frya. “Fine. Let’s take care of this quickly so we can go after Arc though.”

Rose nods. “Very well. But you should get that knife back to him, Scarlet Filly.”

Looking down at the dagger in her belt, Scootaloo nods and heads toward the forest’s edge as she calls out.

“I’ll be back with Big Brother as soon as I can!”

Hammer grins. “Be careful though!”

The others head back toward The Equinox together amidst the fighting all around them as Scootaloo runs off with her own mission.

Preface - Volume 45 - Royal Judgments

In our previous volume, Arc and Auriel emerge from the shower together and lie down on hospital beds. Arc is examined as Auriel sleeps and gets a clean bill of health. Asking Redheart about his Crimson condition he inquires whether or not he’s still himself inside. Getting some rest himself, Arc is awakened as his future herdmates run into the Infirmary. Assuring them he is alright, Daring Do having been awakened calls out. Pulling aside the curtain they spot a mare in a purple cloak and gray hat. She identifies herself as A.K. Yearling, a famous author known by the Mane Six (and especially Rainbow Dash). Arc recounts the story of his evening and how he ‘rescued’ the author from bandits while taking a walk with Auriel in the jungle. She asks to be transferred to a hospital, so Arc gives her a portal. Rainbow Dash shoves the entire bed though before returning to Arc’s bedside proudly. King Malevolence arrives and tells the group of the other use for the ‘Telepathy Orb’. Showing them their advanced enchanting abilities a visage of him giving the Idol of Boreas away many years ago plays out. Auriel ask Twilight is there might be peace between demons and ponies one day. Agreeing to try and move past the past they allow Arc to continue resting as the others cook breakfast.

Hammer awakens Arc sometime later. He and Auriel get up and head to the Cafeteria to have breakfast with the king and his friends. Talking about the past over a meal they decide to see the ancient palace themselves. Twilight decides to join the party against Arc’s wishes along with the rest of the Mane Six. As they enter the palace the ponies are surprised at the level of detail in the architecture. Entering the Throne Room they are greeted by a number of stones enchanted to mimic sunlight. Examining them they have a philosophical conversation on the deeper meaning of Dark Magic. As the do so however Sereb smells intruders. Arc orders him to bring them to him as Ember and Hammer join in the hunt. Returning some time later with the stallions from Caballeron’s group they are about to be taken into the Demon King’s custody as Auriel advises her father to extend leniency to them as a show of good will to Equestria. Allowing the stallions to leave via portal the king laments his choice. Twilight asks him to sit on the throne. Doing so, she officially declares his sentence in Tartarus served to completion. Wiseman enters and gives Arc a dark crystal. Telling him it can be used to store the energy used to power up the device he gave them earlier, he vanishes. Arc removes the device from his ring and shows it to the king. Telling Arc that it is a prototype magic dispersion unit, the king explains that it was meant to be a counter for Barrier Spells. Arc asks if it could be used to take down the barrier outside his base to which he is told it is too weak. Auriel and Twilight begin talking about ways to amplify it before being reminded that they need the king’s permission to take it. Giving it to Auriel, the king authorizes them to do with it what they will.

Leaving the palace, Arc requests a sigil be placed at the base of the stairs. The king agrees and Arc radios The Equinox to take off. Returning to Redemption Village via the sigil, Arc and company head for the Town Hall. Meeting with Mythic Honor they inform him of the demons being allowed to leave Tartarus. Escorting them to the Gates, Arc and Twilight dismiss the Equestrian forces and allow them to return to Canterlot. Mythic Honor helps by making a special sigil to connect to the one in the Great Demon Kingdom. However he informs them that it is only one way. As Arc is about to test it Auriel pushes him out of the way and dives through. Making a hasty sigil on the ground nearby Arc teleports back to the demon palace. He finds Auriel sitting on the ground waiting for him. Confessing that he was scared to lose her, the pair share a couple passionate kisses before returning to the Gates of Tartarus together. Returning, they make plans with the king and Twilight on how to handle the return of demons to their homeland. Auriel volunteers to return to Canterlot with Twilight and the others to help get the Magic Dispersion Unit designed.

Arc and Flash Sentry head to the workshop at the behest of Twilight to be briefed by Auriel on the status of the Magic Dispersion Unit. Explaining that the device will be about the size of a small airship and weigh a ton, Auriel tells them that she cannot make it any smaller. Continuing, she explains her new plan to integrate the device into The Equinox’s O.R.B. system. Twilight approves of the plan provisionally, informing her that the ship is Arc’s. Agreeing as well, Arc asks to speak to her privately. Taking Auriel to his quarters in the castle he sits her down and asks how she feels about the current project. Confused, Auriel does not understand until Arc comes out and asks her direction about her feelings regarding designing a weapon. Informing him that she believes it to be a tool of defense, Auriel reassures Arc that she has no problem with such a task. Leaving the room they part ways. Arc heads to Ashe’s office to speak to her. Sitting down together she asks why she hasn’t yet been arrested for killing Hero of Light Decimus. Arc informs her that she did what needed to be done. Telling her that the matter will be settled when they breech Light’s Hope, Ashe points out that Admiral Gaston is most likely inside. Asking him to respect their treaty, Ashe tells Arc of the language agreed upon whereas a griffon has the right to be taken into custody at the hands of their ambassador. Arc agrees to let her join the infiltration team on the condition that she obeys his every order. She agrees and asks if he will take Celestia alive or dead. Arc assures her that he wishes to take the errant princess into custody. However he also promises to do his duty to Equestria if the need arises.

Leaving Ashe’s office, Arc heads for the Dining Room. The guards redirect him to Twilight’s private quarters however before Arc learns that he is to wait outside. A Hoof Maiden bids him enter, as Twilight is running a bit late. Waiting for her inside the room, Twilight hurries inside. Telling Arc of a last minute audience she informs him of the griffon reinforcements rallying around Light’s Hope. Still hoping for a peaceful resolution, Twilight asks Arc about her job performance. He tells her to listen more and try to read ponies during audiences. Finishing their meal Arc stands and thanks Twilight for her time. Telling Arc that she has one hour before Kibitz comes to get her, she asks him to nap with her. Laying down together Twilight is soon fast asleep on Arc’s chest.

Kibitz enters Twilight quarters to rouse her for her afternoon duties. Seeing her sleeping with Arc he condemns her activities as being unbecoming of a princess. Arc assures the stallion that he did not hurt of violate Twilight in any way before getting up. Kibitz informs him that Ember wants to see him in Ambassador Brightwing’s office as soon as possible. Arriving, Arc is knocked by as Brightwing materializes in front of him. Ember opens the door and lets him in. Directing his attention to the bookcases Arc sees many complicated books line them. Asking Brightwing what their intentions are for the books, she answers that it is in an effort to learn. Leaving the office together Arc and Ember head to his quarters to talk as Brightwing does more magical experiments. Confessing to him that she is nervous regarding the upcoming attack, Ember is not reassured when Arc tells her of his plans to bring Ashe along. Telling him of her fears, Ember eventually gets to the matter of their future herd. Joking that she wants to be violated immediately after Rarity, Ember then lunges forward to passionately kiss Arc.

Waiting in the Audience Chambers with Twilight, Arc watches her pace back and forth as they wait for the test results of the new device. Sunburst, Auriel, and Stellar Flare hurry inside to report their success. Relieved, Twilight gives the stallion and mare new instructions as she asks Auriel for help with a personal matter. Asking Arc to join her for a formal dinner that evening, she recommends that he rest until then. Doing so, Arc is later awakened by Kibitz. After showering and donning his suit he and the elderly stallion wait for the appointed time on the balcony overlooking the city. Kibitz confides in him his own concern for his granddaughter, Raven. Telling Arc how she has changed since leaving to serve in Arc’s base, Arc does his best to reassure him that she will talk to him in her own time. Expressing his disdain for Flash Sentry, Kibitz wonders aloud just how he got to such a high position in so short a time. Not telling him that the stallion in question was the one whom prevented Raven from being raped, Arc tells Kibitz that Flash Sentry is exactly where he should be.

The appointed time arrives and Kibitz escorts Arc to Twilight’s room. Entering he finds Auriel standing there in the evening light waiting for him. A scroll nearby tells him that Twilight planned for Auriel to have her date time with Arc. Escorting her to the Dining Room, they sit down at a table for two to talk for a time. A few minutes later Saffron emerges from the Kitchen with two steaks. After leaving them to their meal the pair talk about their mothers and how they feel about them. Auriel wonders aloud as to what happened to hers while Arc tells his date of his mother’s negativity. Finishing their meal, Auriel leads Arc to the Royal Gardens. Looking around to make sure they are alone she crawls through a hold in the hedge and beckons Arc to follow her. Finding themselves at the top of a hill, Auriel pulls out what appears to be a wok and sits down in it. As Arc joins her, she takes the handles and the pair fly down the hill. Steering expertly Auriel navigates them to the bottom safely. Looking around, she pulls out a makeshift hammock and sets it up. Asking Arc to lie down in it, he does so. She joins him and talks about how she uses that spot as a respite from the busy castle. Eventually the sun sets and the pair fall asleep together.

Awakening in the cool night air, Arc makes a sigil and takes Auriel back to his room in the castle. Laying down next to her he too falls asleep. Sometime later that night however he is awakened by Auriel humping his leg vigorously. Carefully waking her up, Auriel smells her own arousal and assumes the pair had sex. Voicing her own hopes of being pregnant, Arc is forced to be Honest with her and say that they did not do anything. Offering to take as shower with her, the pair head for the bathroom together. Arc watches as Auriel allows her dress to fall to the floor before allowing her to help undress him. Getting into the shower they talk about having children together one day. Asking what Arc finds attractive about her, he answers and turns the question around. Eventually Auriel lays her head in Arc’s lap as the pair sit in the shower together.

Waking up together the next morning Auriel expresses her fear for Arc’s safely. After reassuring her that he is not going to do anything alone, Auriel moves to leave to recheck her equipment. Reminding her that she should get dressed first, Arc tosses her the dress. Heading for the Hanger a few minutes later Arc finds Twilight and Spike going over their supplies yet again. Telling her to take the rest of the day off, Arc escorts Twilight to her room and puts her to bed. After leaving Spike returns and is surprised to see that Twilight was so easy to convince. Arc offers to let the baby dragon join her like he did when they were much younger. Snuggling up to Twilight she pulls him into an embrace which he reciprocates.

Later that day Arc marches toward the Equinox on Sereb with Hammer and Auriel flanking him. Auriel voices her concerns that they have such a small force accompanying them. She is reminded that forces from all over the country have been arriving all day to join them. Walking up the gangplank Arc orders the troops lined up to board the ship. He looks at each and every soldier as they pass silently. As they are about to enter the ship themselves a small band of Elite Royal Guards run toward them and up the gangplank. With them is a heavily armored Twilight who announces that she is coming too. Arc tries to dissuade her but fails. Entering the ship together they head for the Bridge. Arc makes sure everyone is ready before ordering the ship to take off and head for Light’s Hope. He heads for his office to think, leaving the others confused at his actions. Hammer enters the office to speak to him about it. Confessing to her that his real intention was to be alone so he could write a farewell letter to Dinky, as he didn’t expect to survive the battle with Celestia. Furious, Hammer slams him into a wall for Arc blaming himself for what happened in Equestria and in her own life. Throwing him down onto the desk, Hammer jumps on top of him and confesses that she’s glad that those terrible things happened to her as it allowed them to meet and fall in love. Wrapping her arms around him and professing her undying love Hammer sobs uncontrollably.

Composing herself, she and Arc sit up. Opening a portal, Arc takes Hammer to his room and tosses some clothes to her. Telling her to put them on, Hammer wastes no time stripping then and there. After putting on the rather simple garments, Hammer watches as Arc pulls out an armor rack from his closet. Arc informs Hammer that he ordered special armor tailored just to her measurements made of pure mithril to keep her safe during the operation. Heading to the Bridge together Arc makes a speech to the crew telling them that if they fail today Equestria is doomed. As they approach the base a group of griffon airships takes flight and moves to attack formation. Opening a channel, Arc identifies himself and asks to speak with whomever is in charge. Arbiter Ghaleon responds and informs Arc that he heard Ashe was captured. Stepping forward Ashe refutes this claim as her father comes on the line. Personally leading the griffon forces, Gestal tells Arc that he was called directly by Decimus on the grounds of their past. Deciding to side with Arc’s forces, Decimus declares the griffons traitors and prepares his own forces to take on the newly formed pony/griffon army. Creating a perimeter with unicorns holding back the enemy, The Equinox lands and shuts off its engines. The combined might of the Earth pony defenders along with the marksmanship of the Unicorns keep the enemy from overwhelming the ship as Auriel charges the Magical Disruption Unit. Meanwhile Arc and his infiltration team stand on the deck waiting for their moment to attack. Twilight notices that Arc’s shield is very similar in construction to Flash Magnus’ shield from the history books. Unable to fully charge the device even with the aid of the Bloodstone, Auriel is about to fail when Brightwing arrives. Joining her in her task, the pair charge the weapon. Soarin orders the outriggers deployed to anchor the ship down. Thunderlane extends the cannon and Soarin orders them to fire.

Making a hole in the barrier, Arc Blinks his infiltration force through and into the Main Hall. Arriving they find it littered with innumerable dead bodies of Royal Guards. Checking for survivors they find none. Heading to the War Room Arc and company find Celestia unconscious and chained to the floor as Decimus and Gaston stand nearby. Ashe and Ember engage Gaston as Decimus puts up a barrier to trap Scootaloo inside with him. Challenging her to a duel, he is bested by the Scarlet Filly whom stabs him in the gut through his armor with the guardanium knife. As the barrier falls Arc pushes the stallion off of Scootaloo and beats him senselessly before showing him Toola Roola’s teddy bear. Levitating it to Scootaloo he proceeds to break the fancy furniture all around them and crush Decimus under the rubble to finish him off… again. Turning to his office with the others as Twilight unlocks Celestia’s chains they disable the barrier around the facility. Finding Twilight on the floor unconscious, Celestia suddenly turns into Chrysalis and faces them. Telling Arc that she merely wished to meet him for herself, she spits on his gauntlet sealing its power before fleeing as a hummingbird. Heading back to the Main Hall, Arc and the others face an opening dark portal. Sunset and Kane step out and face them heavily armed and armored. Bringing forth their leader, the true Celestia, she sees the carnage before her and immediately assumes it to be Arc’s doing. Arc pulls the Dagger of Eternal Slumber and orders Celestia to surrender or die. Approaching him she claims that he has won nothing.

Sunset presses a button on Raven’s desk setting of a number of large flashbangs. Taking the opportunity, Celestia knocks Arc through and outer wall and through a tree. Blasting her way out of Light’s Hope, Celestia rendezvous with friendly forces whom more to protect her. Calling for them to fight on, Celestia herself attempts to escape with Twilight on her back. However Shining Armor moves to stop her and save his sister. Trading blows with Celestia he eventually knocks the blade from her magical field. Kicking dust into his face, the mare prepares to capitalize on her move before Arc charges her. Knocking her away, Celestia blinds the entire battlefield before grabbing Twilight and running away into the forest. Gestal tells Arc to go after her with Shining Armor as he commands the battle in his stead. The pair run off after them as Ember and the others make their way out of the ruined Main Hall. Spotting Sunset attempting to go after Celestia, Sereb charges after Kane and stops the pair. Arc’s friends team up to take on Sunset and Kane but are slowly overwhelmed. Soarin calls for Rose to help them. Joining the fray, she analyzes Sunset’s battle tactics and advises the others on how best to fight her. Besting the mare, she opens a portal and escapes with Kane. Having failed to stop her, they move to help Arc’s forces end the battle quickly as Scootaloo goes after Arc with the Dagger of Eternal Slumber in her belt.

Meanwhile, Sereb catches up to Arc and Shining Armor. Helping them track down Celestia and Twilight they find the pair resting in a clearing. Celestia takes up a defensive position in front of Twilight. Ordering Shining Armor to protect her, he refuses and stands with Arc. Scootaloo arrives with the Dagger of Eternal Slumber, but is knocked away by Celestia. Going after her target, and the dagger, Celestia is stopped by Arc whom grabs both the filly and the weapon before returning to Twilight and the others. Seeing her student next to the weapon, Celestia loses her mind and begins charging up her Alicorn Magic. Luna arrives and attempts to cast a spell of some kind on her sister. It realigns her mind for but a moment. However as soon as she see Twilight again she begins charging. Turning to Arc, Luna asks him to kill Celestia before the magic within her destroys all of Equestria. Pointing out that they could do something in their Crimson forms, Luna raises the moon to block the sun. Cut off from her magical source, Celestia is staggered as Arc and Scootaloo look up at it and transform. Reaching out, they begin draining her energies together. Weakening her, but not enough to stop Celestia, Arc calls out to Scootaloo telepathically for the dagger. Taking flight, she tosses it to him. Winding up, Arc hits Celestia in the head with the hilt. She falls to the ground unconscious as Luna casts a strange spell on her. Arc verifies that she is alive and proceeds to take both Celestia and Twilight to his ship for medical treatment.

However many questions yet remain. What forbidden knowledge resides in the ‘Telepathy Orb’? How will the demons deal with their new lives outside of Tartarus? What is Celestia’s problem?! No, seriously… what’s her deal? Will Twilight be able to become that which she desires? When will Ember get what she wants from Arc? Will Kibitz ever learn the truth about what happened to Raven? Is Auriel actually a relaxation genius? Does she have some kind of shower fetish? Will Hammer and Arc ever be able to get together on a personal level? How did Brightwing know Auriel needed her help at that very moment? What is wrong with Celestia? Did Diva finally meet her end? Again, seriously, what the heck is wrong with Celestia?!

Time will tell. Sooner of later… time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Being Diplomatic

Luna walks over to her sister and looks her over with Arc. Sighing, she turns to him.

“That should do it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Do… what exactly?”

Scootaloo looks Celestia over from afar. “Yeah. Is she okay?”

Luna nods “Oh, yes. “

Sereb frowns. “Are you… certain?”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “Yeah. She doesn’t look too good.”

Arc frowns as he looks to Luna. “Should we get her back to the ship?”

“There’s really no rush. The last of Decimus’ forces are still being dealt with by yours and the griffon forces.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t we help?”

Scootaloo points a hoof in the general direction of the base. “Yeah!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sure they’re fine. Especially with the griffon reinforcements and my friends being there as well.”

Shining Armor looks over his shoulder as an explosion rings out. “Hammer?”

“Or Ember.”

Luna chuckles. “Indeed.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Well… if you’re sure.”

Arc turns back to Sereb and looks over Twilight.

“Has she moved?”

“She has not. But as you said earlier, she just appears to be asleep. “

He looks back toward the foliage before continuing.

“I’m more interested in what happened to the… other princess.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Which one?”

Arc sighs. “The one on the ground.”

He turns to Luna.

“What exactly did you do to her anyways?”

“Since leaving the castle I’ve been researching a particular forbidden arte. One that allows the caster to control their target.”

Scootaloo gasps. “So you mind controlled your sister?!”

Luna scoffs. “Hardly. It was the only way to help her.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “By doing what? Overpowering her original mental programming?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. The knowledge I gained allowed me to come up with a counter spell for her.”

Scootaloo grins. “I get it. You learned how to alter minds in order to figure out how to unalter them.”

“Precisely.”

She looks down at Celestia before continuing.

“I just removed the psychiatric hold on her. This is the real Celestia now. Not that it’s over though.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “What do you mean?”

Luna sighs. “She’s still not going to want to believe what Arc has to say.”

Sereb growls. “Well, she has to try!”"

Scootaloo frowns. "Right.

Arc nods as Celestia slowly raises her head. As their eyes meet she looks up at him snidely. Taking a deep breath, he begins to speak.

“Princess Celestia. You have led Equestria down the proverbial road to potential ruin. Canterlot Castle, Light’s Hope, and the capital are ours again as are the major cities of Equestria. It’s over.”

Celestia does her best to compose herself before speaking.

“Have you now? A human playing with authority beyond his understanding, no doubt.”

Sereb snarls. “Might I remind you that our HERO just ROUTED your forces!”

Celestia scoffs. “Muzzle your dog, human. You and your murderous allies are little more than uninvited guests in my facility.”

Arc angrily looks down at her. “YOUR facility?!”

“Yes. I was forced to fall back here after you attacked and destroyed Ponyville!”

Sereb points his paw menacingly. “LIES! ALL OF IT, FILTH!”

Arc cries out, not taking his eyes off of Celestia. “ENOUGH!!!”

Silence reigns for a few moments as his voice reverberates all around them. Calming himself, he looks Celestia directly in the eye as he steps forward with the Dagger of Eternal Slumber and speaks.

"As I said to you before, I will not make that mistake again. Surrender… or die."

Celestia looks at the dagger for a few moments before speaking.

“And why should I allow you to take me, human? If you’re going to kill me then do it already.”

“Because I made a promise to a very special friend.”

Celestia appears confused. “A… promise?”

“Yes.”

He turns and points a finger at Twilight.

“To her.”

Celestia furrows her brow. “What is this madness?!”

Scootaloo steps forward. “Big Brother promised Princess Twilight that he would do everything in his power to take you alive.”

“Did he now?”

Sereb grits her teeth. “Yes, he did!”

“But… why?”

Shining Armor gives Arc back the shield. “Because he’s a wise and noble leader, your highness.

Sereb nods with conviction. “Indeed. Honesty and integrity are in his nature.”

Scootaloo motions to the dagger. “Right. After all, he could have killed you at any time.”

“Or coerced you to do his bidding by using Twilight as a bargaining chip, sister.”

Celestia looks Arc in the eye. “Tell me then… human. Why did you make such a promise to my student?”

“Because… I didn’t want to see her sad at your passing.”

Celestia rolls her eyes. “You didn’t want to hurt her feelings?”

“Correct.”

“She’s made a friend of you?”

“More so than that.”

Celestia tilts her head to one side, confused. “What could be more than… than… than…?”

Her voice trails off as Celestia looks from Twilight to Arc.

“No… no, no, no, no, NO!”

“Sister?”

Celestia turns to Luna as she points an accusatory hoof at Arc. “Are they… is Twilight… in LOVE with this… this CREATURE?!”

Luna nods. “From what I’ve seen… yes.”

“How could you let this HAPPEN?! I know you’ve never really liked or accepted her, but…!”

Luna interrupts her. “Twilight and I have come to be very close friends in your absence, sister. In fact, I’ve even been able to see why you chose her as your protégé.”

“Have you now?!”

“Yes.”

“Do tell!”

“You saw in her great power at first. But that isn’t what kept her in your sights.”

“Then what…?!”

“I think you know where I’m going with this already.”

There is a stunned silence which no one tries to break. Nodding soberly, Celestia turns to Arc and eyes him coolly.

“Very well… human. I will hear what you have to say.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “You mean…?”

“Yes. I will give myself over to your custody.”

Arc nods as he puts the Dagger of Eternal Slumber back into his ring. “Very well. I accept your surrender.”

Luna turns to look back toward the base. “I do hope they’re done fighting out there now.”

Sereb pricks up his ears. “They are, yes.”

Scootaloo turns and walks toward the brush. “Let’s get going then!”

Luna leads the procession as Celestia follows flanked by Shining Armor. Sereb carries Twilight behind them as Arc and Scootaloo watch from a distance. As they again approach Light’s Hope Celestia turns to look at Ember.

“I’m… glad to see you again, my dear.”

Ember frowns as she remains looking away. “The feeling isn’t mutual.”

Celestia sighs. “That is… acceptable.”

Ashe approaches. “She’s… been through a lot since you returned, your highness.”

“And you, ambassador?”

“I… I’ve seen quite a bit since coming here. Some things I wish I hadn’t though.”

“Such as?”

Ember seethes. “Keep it to yourself, Ashe!”

Luna nods. “Indeed. There will be time for that later.”

As they talk, Scootaloo turns to Arc nervously.

“This could still turn ugly, Big Brother.”

“I know. Keep your eyes open.”

“Um… y-yeah.”

“You okay?”

“…no.”

“Didn’t think so.”

“Well, we are telepathically linked.”

“That didn’t tip me off.”

“Oh?”

Arc kneels down and look Scootaloo in the eye. “I know it was your first time.”

“But I’ve been in combat numerous times!”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Scootaloo is silent for a time. Eventually Arc speaks again.

“You’ve never actually stabbed anyone before.”

“Of course not!”

“I’m really sorry that happened back there.”

“Don’t be, Big Brother. After all, I wanted to come and knew that I might have to take somepony’s life along the way.”

“But I told you it was okay. The blame for this is mine. However I do want you to know that you did the right thing back there.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I know Decimus had to go down. It was him or me, after all.”

She looks at her blood-soaked cloak before continuing.

“The thing that really bothers me isn’t that I stabbed him. But rather that I don’t feel bad about it.”

“I think you need to talk to Emerald Dream about this.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I think you’re right.”

Arc’s squad walks over with their forces. Gestal and Ghaleon lead their griffons in behind them. All weapons and horns are levied at Celestia as Luna calls out to them.

“Stand down! It’s over!”

Arc turns to them. “Do as she says.”

The soldiers stand at ease as Max approaches Luna and kneels.

“Your highness. The enemy forces have been obliterated.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “No prisoners?”

“They made it clear they would not be taken alive.”

Celestia gasps. “Wait! WHAT?! But… that’s impossible!”

Luna sighs. “What he says is true, sister. When I arrived here looking for you I found the defenders of this facility quite devoid of their senses.”

Hammer scoffs. “They were nuts from what I saw!”

Arc puts a gauntlet to his chin thoughtfully. “True. But I can’t help but wonder.”

Ember turns to him. “Arc?”

“Were they victims too?”

Celestia frowns. “Too?”

“I think Big Brother’s talking about the dead guards we saw when entering the base, princess.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “They died fighting your forces off!”

Ember shakes her head. “No. We were the first to breach Light’s Hope.”

Scootaloo sighs. “They were still warm though.”

Hammer frowns. “Don’t you know about ANYTHING, you royal pain?!”

Celestia looks away. “Things are rather… muddled for me right now.”

She looks to Twilight on Sereb’s saddle before continuing.

“But I would like Doctor Whooves to look Twilight over right away.”

Arc nods. “So would I.”

Ember grins. “Portal?”

Scootaloo turns to the princess. “That would be faster than the ship, yes.”

“Agreed.”

Her horn aglow, Celestia opens a radiant portal. She motions to it with a nod of her head.

“This way.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc. “Please take care of Twilight. I’ll stay here with our forces and secure the area.”

“Good. I’ll check in with you when we know something about your sister’s condition.”

Resting his hand on Shining Armor’s shoulder for a moment, Arc leads the way through as Hammer and Sereb follow. One by one they enter and vanish only to find themselves in the castle Infirmary. Doctor Whooves appears surprised at their sudden arrival. More so when Celestia appears.

“Your highness!”

“Doctor, I need you to examine my student at once!”

He motions to an examination room. “This way.”

Hammer picks Twilight up and enters the room as the doctor holds the door open for her. As Celestia approaches it Luna clears her throat loudly.

“Sister?”

Celestia turns to her. “Yes?”

“I believe we have many other matters to discuss.”

“But Twilight is…!”

Luna interrupts her. “Is fine. The doctor will verify this and send word via messenger. That and you yourself need to rest.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her forehead. “Admittedly I’m feeling a bit weak from… everything. However…”

“You will be easier to find in your room.”

“But…!”

“Come along, sister. I will escort you there. That is, unless you would like the Hero of Light to do it.”

Celestia frowns as she turns toward the corridor.

“Let us depart, Luna.”

As the monarchs leave the room Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“Princess Celestia really doesn’t like you, Big Brother.”

Arc frowns. “I’m not too fond of her either.”

Sereb sneers. “She was most ungrateful!”

Ember turns to him. “Starting to question us rescuing her, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head as Hammer walks out of the examination room. “No. This was bigger than my feelings about an individual.”

Ashe nods. “The country’s needs should always come first.”

Hammer walks over to them. “What’d I miss?”

Sereb growls. “We were asking Arc if he was having second thoughts about helping out a mare whom hates him.”

Ember sighs. “This is one matter we’ll have to table for now.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Why? Is there trouble?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I think she means that we should probably go back and see the aftermath of the battle.”

Ember frowns. “Right. This matter isn’t truly over yet.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “Even with Admiral Gaston dead, your errant Captain Decimus may yet have other cards to play.”

“That last part I can guarantee.”

Opening a portal, Arc and his friends step through. Reappearing back in his room aboard The Equinox he leads the group to the Bridge. Walking along, they hear the sounds of celebrating reverberating through the corridors. Coming to their destination they enter and approach the captain.

“Status.”

Soarin grins. “All enemy forces have been confirmed killed, sir.”

“All?”

Thunderlane grimaces. “Yes, sir. It was pretty intense near the end of the battle.”

Hammer chuckles. “Did they fight tooth and nail?!”

Wrangler sighs. “That they did. But it wasn’t a pretty sight.”

Moon Dancer appears a bit squeamish. “Lord Gestal ordered the last of them surrounded. He was hoping to take prisoners.”

Soarin bows his head. “But they refused to come quietly and attacked.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I was told that earlier, yes. However I still can’t believe it.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. ““So they really did fight to the last, huh?”

Soarin grits his teeth. “Yes, they did.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “At least they fell as warriors.”

Ashe scoffs as she looks down at him. “Fighting for the wrong side though.”

“That may be. But it was a righteous cause to them.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I wonder how many of them had families.”

Wrangler walks over. “We’ll probably never know. None of them had any identification on their armor.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Fools.”

Ember looks to her. “Hammer?”

“Back on Earth that’s one way to know that the brass has already written you off. Something happens to you and they can just deny you even exist.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Mission first mentality, eh?”

“Something like that.”

Ashe steps between them. “Let’s not lose sight of the real goal here though. This HAD to be done.”

Scootaloo nods. “Agreed. But that doesn’t make it easier on the little ones left behind.

Ember looks out the window at the troops removing bodies from the field. “I guess not.”

Sereb groans. “So where do we go from here?”

Ashe groans. “Damage control.”

Wrangler raises an eyebrow. “But the ship’s fine.”

“I meant the nation’s situation as a whole.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “We need to fix what’s been messed up by Decimus.”

Hammer shrugs. “Much as I hate to admit it, there ain’t no point in winning battles if you lose the war.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Um… what?”

Arc looks down to her. “She means our victory here won’t mean anything if Decimus and his ilk win in the end.”

Sereb grins toothily. “Then where shall we direct our attention, my friend?”

“Towards something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Get Celestia back in her right mind so that she can figure this mess out.”

Ember gasps. “So SHE can figure this out?!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Ain’t she done enough already?!”

Arc shrugs. “Look, you heard Luna back there. Celestia wasn’t in her right mind. She’s a victim here too. Kinda.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Perhaps.”

They turn to see Lord Gestal and Arbiter Ghaleon step onto the Bridge.

“Ghaleon and I were just discussing this very matter.”

“Yes, and it seems very unlikely that she was completely under Decimus’ control.”

“What do you mean, father?”

“The Council of Lords has been in contact with Celestia since her return to the throne some time ago. While she did appear to be a bit… off, it was clear to all that she was still the same shrewd negotiator the world has known since time immemorial.”

Ember frowns. “Are you saying that she went along with Decimus?!”

Ghaleon shrugs. “Either that or she wasn’t fighting him too hard.”

Hammer steps forward angrily. “Now wait just a darn…!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence as he turns to the griffons.

“That may very well be. We haven’t yet had her examined by a doctor or a phycologist yet, of course. However, it is unlikely that she was a willing patsy in this.”

Ashe nods sadly. “Yes. After all, I saw her pretty much every day since my appointment to ambassador.”

Ghaleon scoffs. “Celestia’s powers of perception and negotiation are legendary all over Equus. We just find it very hard to believe that one such as her could have been blind to what was going on around her.”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “One might also look at it this way. For all her accolades and achievements, she is but flesh and blood. Imperfect and capable of making mistakes.”

Ember points an accusatory claw. “Yeah! Like the Griffon Kingdom did when they agreed to help her defend against Arc’s lawful approach to the capital!”

Scootaloo moves to stand between Ember and the griffons. “Mistakes were made, yes. Nopony can deny that. However, I have faith in my Big Brother’s actions. If he says there’s an air of doubt we should listen to him.”

Ashe grins. “Agreed. Let all the information be gathered before decisions are made. Isn’t that what you taught me, father?”

“You are correct, my dear. But there is also the idea of acting out of caution.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “She’s not a threat to anyone as it is!”

Ghaleon frowns. “That has yet to be seen!”

Ember stomps her foot angrily. “The Dragon Lands still stands with Equestria, as does Yakyakistan, Abyssinia, and the Ogre Nation!”

Ashe moves to stand next to Arc. “As per our treaty, so does the Griffon Kingdom. Unless the Council of Lords wishes to formally annul the most important legislation stemming from our original treaty.”

Gestal sighs. “Both of our lands have benefitted from the treaty. We will not throw it away so easily. At least not in its entirety.”

Arc appears relieved. “Thank you, sir. That means a lot to us.”

Ghaleon scoffs. “I’m sure it does.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Sir?”

Ghaleon motions to Arc with a wave of his talons. “Politicians all have their pet projects. This is just his.”

“Think what you will of me, Arbiter. But the fact of the matter is that both our nation’s citizens are better off now than before the signing of the treaty.”

Ashe nods. “He is correct, Arbiter Ghaleon. Productivity, national pride, and even our sluggish economy has begun a slow but steady upturn.”

“All things that should always be secondary to security.”

Arc shrugs. “I see it more as a balancing act. We can’t have everything all of the time. In my opinion, the best thing to do is to do what’s best.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um, what?”

Hammer sighs. “I don’t get it either.”

Ashe smiles. “Lord Arc is saying that that we all need to look at the larger picture and do everything in our power for the citizens.”

Arc nods. “What’s best isn’t always what’s popular though. Others may not like what we leaders agree on. Sometimes vocally. But that doesn’t mean we should just take the quick and easy path.”

Gestal frowns. “Indeed. But we’re diverging from the matter presently before us. The Griffon Kingdom, as per our treaty, has a right to nullify the treaty should certain criteria be met.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “Such as…?”

Ghaleon folds his talons over his chest. “Inappropriate use of our forces on two separate accounts, for starters.”

Gestal nods. “The world needs to know what really happened.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, that is most certainly true. However all I ask that we have time to try and bring Celestia back around mentally before she is forced to explain herself before the international community.”

Ashe smiles. “That is certainly a reasonable request.”

Ember shrugs. “I suppose it is.”

Gestal frowns. “Very well, Lord Arc. Can I assume that you will see to it that our ambassador is properly appraised of any changes to the princess’ condition?”

“That will be up to Princess Luna, sir.”

Ghaleon glares at him. “But she’s…!”

“That is acceptable, Lord Arc.”

Gestal appears surprised. “Ashe?”

“Think about it this way, father. Were I accused of committing numerous and terrible crimes against our land, would you want me to have to be scrutinized constantly while trying to recover?”

“Very well. But I would like Arbiter Ghaleon to stay in Canterlot as an added representative of the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “I’m not a youngling sitter.”

“Agreed, father. That and such a thing is certainly not part of the treaty.”

Gestal groans. “Very well. I shall return to our fleet and begin the flight home at once then.”

“Oh? I thought you would at least stay long enough for…”

“The Council of Lords, as well as the king himself, are very interested to know the status of Equestria’s leadership.”

Ember narrows her eyes as Gestal stops in the doorway. “And what, pray tell, are you going to tell them?”

“That even with Celestia out of commission, there are numerous other individuals whom are capable of taking her place should the need arise.”

Chapter 2 - Outpatient Care

Arc and company look to one another as Soarin approaches.

“Sir, we can handle the cleanup here if you’re needed elsewhere.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes. I’m sure you have much to do back in Canterlot Castle.”

“I… suppose I do.”

“Um… one thing though, sir. I… uh…”

Arc interrupts him. “Twilight is with Doctor Whooves at the moment.”

“Any word on her condition?”

Ember shakes her head. “He was still examining her when we left.”

Ashe nods. “But if it’s any consolation, he didn’t appear to be overly worried.”

“That’s a relief!”

Arc points to his earring. “I’ll radio back a status report when we know more, of course.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Do you need some time off?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Now isn’t the best time for that, sir. After all there’s still the matter of inspecting Light’s Hope for traps or holdouts.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “I should probably get back to the castle myself. My father will expect a full report of everything that’s transpired here today.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But he was here for it.”

“Griffons love reports. What more can I say?”

The Bridge door opens and Auriel walks in with Brightwing fluttering a few feet behind her.

“Engineering is looking good.”

Arc gasps. “Auriel?”

Hammer frowns. “I thought the ship was undamaged!”

Soarin nods. “It wasn’t.”

“True. But I just wanted to check that nothing involving my invention had caused electrical feedback into the main drive systems.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Nothing wrong with that.”

Arc chuckles. “Good work on powering it too, Auriel.”

Auriel smiles as she holds out a claw and scratches Brightwing under the chin. “Well, I couldn’t have done it without my little assistant here.”

Ember looks to the small creature before her. “Uh… not that I mind, but… what are you doing here, Brightwing?”

“Brightwing came to help friend!”

Hammer frowns. “You did?”

“Yes, yes!”

Ashe turns to Arc. “I didn’t even realize she was aboard.”

“She wasn’t.”

“Then how…?”

Ember groans. “She can teleport. Don’t ask me how though.”

She frowns as she continues talking.

“But I’m more interested in how Brightwing helped.”

“I was having trouble getting that last bit of energy into the system. Then all of a sudden Brightwing appeared and helped me channel the last of it.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Wait! So that little dragon can use Dark Magic?!”

“I guess so.”

Ashe grimaces. “Is that… normal?”

Ember sighs. “Not usually, no. Dragon Magic doesn’t have light and dark sides to it like Unicorn and Alicorn Magic. To us it’s all just ‘magic’.”

Auriel shrugs. “A mystery for another day I would imagine.”

Arc holds up a gauntlet. “I suppose. We just came back to make sure things were okay here. Want to head to Canterlot with us?”

“Yes please. I’d like to check in on Twilight myself. Although I assume she’s quite busy with Princess Celestia right now.”

Hammer chuckles. “More like busy with the doctor.”

Sereb puts a paw over his face. “Very subtle.”

Auriel gasps. “WHAT?!”

“She somehow got knocked out. Not sure what exactly happened back there.”

“Let’s go then!”

Arc nods and opens a portal as he turns to Shining Armor.

“We’ll be in contact.”

The stallion nods as everyone vanishes through the swirling energies. They reappear in his room in Canterlot Castle and head for the Infirmary. Auriel takes the lead as she nervously speed walks. Brightwing struggles to keep up.

“Friend should slow down!”

“Twilight may be in trouble though!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “I’m thinking she’s okay.”

Hammer chuckles. “Well, let’s just see for ourselves then.”

Ember groans. “Agreed.”

Arriving, they walk over to a nurse whom is looking over a chart. Scootaloo is the first to speak.

“Excuse me, but…”

Sereb bounds forward and grabs her cloak in an effort to pull her back as Auriel runs past.

“Where is Princess Twilight?!”

She gestures to the Examination Room. “The doctor is still with her.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is she alright?”

“As far as he can tell, yes.”

Hammer frowns. “Then why isn’t she out here?!”

“The doctor wanted to run a few more tests to be sure.”

Sereb chuckles. “Did he now?”

“That’s what I was told, yes. “

Ember appears skeptical. “You sound a bit… unsure.”

The nurse shrugs. “I’m here to treat patients. Not question the doctor, ma’am.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “Can I just see her for a moment?!”

“The doctor was very clear that they not be disturbed.”

Sereb sits down on his haunches. “We should wait then.”

Auriel turns to Arc nervously. “But you could go in there, right?!”

“I suppose so.”

“Then would you?!”

“We should probably let the doctor…”

Ember suddenly explodes in anger. “ARGH! ARC, GET IN THERE!!!”

“Alright, alright! Sheesh!”

Arc heads for the door and knocks lightly before entering. Closing the door behind him he spots Twilight on the examination table as Doctor Whooves write on a chart. Walking slowly over to the table he looks down at her as the doctor looks up and walks over. Sighing, Arc turns to him.

“How is she?”

“Just fine actually.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why is she unconscious?”

“My analysis… extreme fatigue.”

“Wait. You mean…?”

Whooves nods. “Yes. She’s literally asleep.”

Arc appears relieved. “That’s great! But… why so soundly? Is it due to the poison?”

The doctor looks over his clipboard. “There were no foreign substances in Princess Twilight’s blood, sir. If there was any her body must’ve already metabolized it. Alicorn physiology.”

“But if that’s the case why is she still unconscious?”

“Princess Twilight has been going at it pretty hard lately, sir.”

“How hard?!”

“All-nighters are quite frequent for her.”

“WHAT?!”

“Ruling alone is a job beyond most of us, sir. Princess Twilight has been coming to me for some time regarding this matter though.”

“All-nighters?! Even I didn’t do that as Lord Regent though!”

“I understand that, but…”

“Why didn’t you say anything to me?! Or ANYONE else for that matter?!”

“Forgive me, sir, but I was under direct orders not to divulge that information to anyone.”

Arc groans angrily as he turns back to Twilight. Taking her hoof he holds it for a time in silence. Eventually he speaks.

“What can we do for her now?”

The doctor bows his head. “I can do nothing.”

“But you’re supposed to be the Royal Physician!”

“The only thing for her now is rest. Modern medicine has come a long way, of course. But we can only do so much to combat natural fatigue, sir.”

“Yes… I… I understand.”

Twilight stirs slightly. Slowly opening her eyes she looks to Arc sheepishly.

“Um… hi?”

Arc smiles down at her. “Good morning, sleeping beauty.”

Twilight suddenly straightens up. “MORNING?!”

Arc puts a hand on her chest. “It was a figure of speech, Twilight. Now lie back down.”

“But I have to…! Where’s Princess Celestia?!”

Doctor Whooves shrugs. “She was not admitted to the Infirmary. Strange as it may sound.”

“Luna left with her.”

Twilight frowns. “But why?!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not really sure. She said something about having things to discuss.”

“How was she?!”

“Your mentor appeared a bit… upset when I last saw her.”

“Can you take me to her?!”

“I don’t know where they went.”

Whooves steps forward. “And you shouldn’t be moving around, your highness.”

Twilight hops out of the bed and slips on her hoof protectors. “Nonsense! I have to see Princess Celestia for myself!”

Arc groans. “Be reasonable, Twilight. Just rest for now. The others and I will find Celestia for you.”

“I’ll rest, yes! But not until I’ve seen her with my own eyes!”

“Fine. Can I at least carry you though?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Thank you, but I can manage.”

Heading for the door, Arc opens it for her as Twilight and Doctor Whooves step out into the main room. Auriel gasps happily.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

She runs over to the mare and throws her arms around her neck. Twilight smiles and returns the hug as Auriel holds her tightly.

“I was so worried about you!”

Twilight giggles. “Thanks. But as you can see I’m okay.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “An outright lie.”

The doctor steps forward. “Please, your majesty! I beg you to return to bed!”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “Later, doctor! Right now I have to…!”

Ember frowns. “What’s going on?”

Hammer shrugs. “I dunno.”

Scootaloo sighs. “It would be wise to listen to the doctor, Princess Twilight. You’re still pretty weak, after all.”

Sereb sighs. “The others speak true.”

Arc shrugs. “She won’t rest until Princess Celestia is found though.”

Auriel looks toward the corridor. “But she’s right here in the castle… somewhere.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Indeed.”

Twilight’s eyes light up as she trots over to him. “Sereb! Could you smell Princess Celestia out?!”

“Yes.”

“Good! Take me to her!”

“No.”

Twilight groans. “Why not?!”

“Because I do not believe Arc would approve.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That’s right, I don’t. But if it will help get Twilight back into a bed… do it, Sereb.”

“Very well.”

Turning, he sniffs the ground and begins walking as Arc along with Twilight and the others follow. Sometime later they arrive at a large double door. Sereb motions to it with a paw.

“They are in here.”

Auriel appears confused. “Twilight’s room?”

Ember sighs. “Remember, it used to be Celestia’s.”

Twilight gasps as the blood drains from her face. “Oh no!”

Scootaloo turns to her. “Princess?”

“It’s probably a mess! I need to get in there and make sure…!”

Hammer holds out a hand. “Woah there, missy! Calm down!”

Arc nods. “Right. Paranoia won’t help anything.”

“But…!”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “Princess Twilight. While I am sure you are very interested to speak to your old friend, please remember that you are not the only one in the castle to have missed her.”

Ember nods. “Right. Luna’s her sister, after all.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “She should have the first conversation with the princess.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah. You wouldn’t want to come between two super-powered pony princesses, would you?”

“I… I suppose not. But what else can I do?!”

Arc chuckles. “How about tell your brother that you’re alright?”

Twilight gasps. “Shining Armor! I forgot all about him!”

“Want me to call him for you?”

“Please!”

Arc smiles as he touches his earring. “Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.”

“I need to speak to General Shining Armor alone. Can you redirect this conversation somewhere private?”

“Yes sir. The general is coordinating the investigation from your office aboard ship. Shall I connect you to him now?”

“Please do.”

The line goes dead for a few moments as Lemon Hearts carries out her duties. Ember turns to the others.

“We should probably let them have a bit of privacy for this.”

Hammer sniffs herself. “Yeah. That and I could go for a shower.”

Auriel nods. “Me too. You coming, Brightwing?”

Brightwing makes happy noises. “Yes, I will!”

Sereb turns to Scootaloo. “Come along, little one.”

“Huh?”

“Let us get something to eat.”

“But I’m not even hungry.”

Arc looks out the window. “You should eat something though. It’s past suppertime, after all.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What about you, Arc?”

“I’ll be along with Twilight later.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Okay, Big Brother.”

The group goes their separate ways. Shortly thereafter Arc hears a tone as the phone in question is connected.

“General Shining Armor here.”

“It’s me.”

“Arc?! I mean… yes sir?!”

“I’m here with Twilight.”

“Is she okay?!”

“Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

He kneels down as Twilight approaches and begins to speak.

“Hi, big brother.”

“Twily! How are you?!”

“I’m okay.”

“Are you really?!”

Twilight giggles. “Yes, Shining Armor.”

“What did the doctor say?!”

“Just that I need some rest. That’s all.”

“And are you?!”

Twilight smiles nervously. “…kinda.

“What does that mean?!”

“Well… I’m just standing here.”

“Shouldn’t you be lying down?!”

“I will! Right after I see Princess Celestia.”

Shining Armor groans. “But you and her could talk for HOURS!

“I can keep it brief!”

“Can you really?!”

“Probably. No longer than an hour. Tops!”

“I was thinking more along the lines of five minutes.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?! That wouldn’t even give me time to properly say ‘hello’!”

Arc sighs. “Please, Twilight. Shining Armor is just worried about you.”

“Darn right I am! You’ve always been falling asleep over your work in the past! But now it’s going too far!”

Twilight bows her head. “Yes, yes, I know. However I don’t have much choice.”

“Delegate then.”

“But I need to do most of this myself!”

Arc frowns. “Key word being ‘most’, Twilight.”

“Well, I need to make sure things are done correctly.

Shining Armor sighs. “Twilight, I think we should talk more about this when I get back. Face to face.”

“Okay. We can have lunch together, or something.”

“Just like old times.”

“Yeah. And… sorry for making you worry.”

“Please don’t make a habit of it. I don’t think my heart could take it forever.”

Twilight giggles. “No promises, but I’ll try.”

Shining Armor sighs. “That’s the best I can hope for, I suppose.”

“Well, I’ll let you get back to work now.”

“Okay. And please keep this meeting short.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll see to it that she does.”

“See, big brother. You have nothing to worry about.”

“And I’ll see to it that she goes to bed afterwards.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Hey, wait a minute!”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Thank you sir. And I want to apologize for my sister needing such care.”

Twilight frowns. “Aren’t I your superior too though?!”

“Yes, Twilight. But I still love you.”

“And I love you too, Shining Armor.”

“Take care of yourself.”

“I will. Goodbye.”

Arc touches his earring, closing the channel. Twilight sighs.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think I’m a burden?”

“Define ‘burden’ first.”

“Requiring more care and attention than others around me.”

“Well, you do.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. You’re a princess.”

“Okay then. Other than me being a princess, do you think I’m a burden?”

“Then no.”

“Really?”

“Well… you have been known to get caught up in a project and lose track of time.”

Twilight scoffs. “But everypony does that sometimes.”

“Or a book.”

“Big deal!”

“Or a report.”

“I don’t think I…”

“Or a…”

Twilight interrupts him. “Okay, okay. You’ve made your point.”

Arc smiles at her. “Well, you did ask.”

“I know. Then how about a follow up question?”

“What is it?”

“Why do you stick by me then?”

“Because I care about you.”

“Any other reasons?”

“Kinda.”

“Do tell.”

“Well… it’s also because… I do understand how you feel.”

“About…?”

“Your work.”

“But you and I don’t even do the same things most of the time.”

“That’s true. However we’ve both been known to work ourselves to exhaustion in the past.”

“I… guess that’s true. After all, I can think of any number of times I woke up with a blanket on me without any recollection of how it got there.”

Arc chuckles as he sits down on the floor. “And I’ve had to be literally dragged to bed a couple times.”

Twilight smiles as she takes a spot next to him. “We might just be perfect for each other.”

“Yeah. But it’s a good thing there’s others.”

“Oh?”

Arc grins. “Someone might have to drag us both away from our work.”

They enjoy a bit of a laugh together. After a few moments Arc continues.

“Well, I am looking forward to retiring and putting all this high stress work behind me.”

“Me too.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

“With Princess Celestia back I won’t be needed here in Canterlot. At least when Luna and Celestia retake their thrones.”

“So… what does that mean for us?”

“That we can start getting to know one another better. All of us, I mean.”

“Where?”

“Ponyville, of course.”

“What’s left of it, you mean.”

“We can rebuild it.”

“Together.”

“Yes.”

“I’d like that.”

“Then everypony can come back and life can go on for all of us.”

A Hoof Maiden approaches with a dinner cart laden with delicacies. Arc and Twilight stand as she stops at the door and bows before them.

“Good evening, your highness. Can I be of service?”

“Not really. Um… is that supper for Princess Celestia?”

“It is, yes.”

“I’d like to take it in personally.”

“Yes, Princess Twilight.”

She steps back respectfully to allow Twilight access to the cart. Arc turns to the mare.

“Return to your other duties.”

Bowing silently, the mare hurries on. Twilight turns to Arc and grins.

“This should prove to be an interesting meal for us.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “For… us?”

“Well, all of us.”

“For you three princesses, yes.”

“You’ll be joining us in here too though.”

Arc looks away. “That might not be for the best.”

“But why not?”

“Your mentor doesn’t really care for me. Remember?”

“That may be. But Luna does, and I do too.”

“It might cause a bit of trouble though.”

Twilight sighs. “I know. However she has to hear your point of view eventually. Might as well be over a nice meal.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

“After all, she’s a wise and noble leader and a good friend.”

“I’m still remembering my guts hanging out the first time we met.”

“Yes, well… I’m sure she didn’t really know what was going on at the time.”

Arc puts a hand on his belly. “Tell that to the scars.”

Twilight turns back to Arc and beckons him down to her level before speaking.

“I know you two had a really… bad first impression. But I’d really like both of you to be able to move past that.”

“And her?”

“What about…?”

“Are you sure Celestia actually WANTS to move past it?”

“She doesn’t like humans. We’ve both heard it before. But you’re not going anywhere and neither is she.”

Arc groans. “I still say this is a bad idea.”

“She wouldn’t try to kill you again. Not in front of me.”

“Not really making this easier, Twilight.”

Twilight bows her head. “I’m sorry, Arc. But the two of you are really important to me. Princess Celestia raised me as her star pupil. And you’re the one whom I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

“Well… I guess I really do have to meet her. Hero of Light status or not.”

“Thanks, Arc. And trust me, she’ll love you in no time!”

Arc mutters to himself as Twilight trots toward the door with the dinner cart. “What have I gotten myself into?”

Chapter 3 - Hard Talks, Harder Actions

Arc and Twilight enter the room together. Celestia and Luna are talking at the table as the youngest princess runs over.

“Princess Celestia!”

Celestia smiles warmly. “Twilight! You’re alright!”

The pair embrace warmly as Luna looks to Arc. He silently motions with a finger toward the door as Luna shakes her head. Giving them a few moments to nuzzle, Luna eventually clears her throat to bring the pair back to reality.

“Sister?”

“Yes, Luna?”

“While I know you’re overjoyed to see that Twilight is doing alright, we do have very important matters to discuss.”

Celestia sighs. “I understand. Shall we continue?”

Twilight motions with a hoof to the door. “Yes, please do so. I’ll… just see myself out so you two can eat.”

Celestia appears confused. “But you’re needed here too, Twilight.”

“I am?”

“Of course. You ARE a princess now.”

Luna nods. “Indeed.”

Twilight bows her head. “While I know that’s true, I’m still having some trouble adjusting to it.”

Taking a deep breath, she looks Celestia in the eye before continuing.

“However… there’s something I need to say first.”

“What is it, Twilight?”

“Um… I… just wanted to inform you that… our nation’s Hero of Light is here to see you.”

She turns and motions for Arc to approach. Sighing, he does so. Noticing him for the first time, Celestia bristles and moves to position herself between Twilight and Arc.

“Hello.”

“Uh… good evening, I suppose.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Remember, he was the one whom brought you back to Equestria.”

“It was a group effort, but yes.”

Luna looks to Twilight. “Indeed. I’ve been doing my best to bring Celestia up to speed on what’s happened this past year or so.”

Celestia sighs as she sits back down. “It’s… been a hard time for all of us.”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “I know, Princess Celestia. But you’re safe now. And I’ve been wanting to… introduce you to my friend here for the longest time.”

She points a hoof at Arc before continuing.

“This is Arc. He’s a human that I accidentally brought to Equestria through the Crystal Mirror.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “You… brought him here?”

“Yes. I was doing some experiments, and I…”

Celestia interrupts. “But how did you come into possession of that particular mirror?”

Luna sighs. “That was my fault, sister.”

“You, Luna?”

“I sent it to Twilight along with a message telling her to use it to research exotic plants from beyond Equestria.”

“But… why?”

“To keep her busy.”

Twilight nods soberly. “At the time Luna was trying to keep me from figuring out that something had happened to you.”

“We didn’t have any idea what had transpired nor where you had gone, sister. I figured it would be a good way to keep her away from the castle for a time.”

Celestia nods. “And you brought through a human… how, exactly?”

“A bit too much apple cider.”

“Wait! You… you were intoxicated, Twilight?”

Twilight nods sadly. “Yes, I was.”

Celestia smiles widely. “That’s a relief!”

Twilight appears confused. “Princess Celestia?”

“Thanks to that fact, you’re not liable for his actions. At least not completely.”

Luna chuckles. “A shame.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Luna?”

“He’s done nothing but be helpful to Equestria since arriving.”

Arc smiles nervously. “I try to be, yes.”

Twilight giggles. “And you do very well at it, Arc.”

Luna looks to Celestia. “Yes, he’s set a fair number of ‘firsts’, dear sister.”

“Has he now? Such as?”

Twilight thinks for a moment. “Well… um… he was the first to come to our aid when Ponyville was attacked by an Ursa Minor the day he arrived.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “An Ursa Minor? In Ponyville?”

“Yes.”

“Perhaps he was responsible for its presence.”

“Not possible, as he had only been there for a very short time. Not long enough to do anything really. Well, other than carry Spike and I to bed after we passed out.”

“Carry to bed…?”

Luna frowns. “What was that, sister?”

“Nothing. Go on, Twilight.”

“He was also the first and only one to be injured in the attack.”

Arc puts a hand on his stomach. “Still have a nasty scar there too.”

Luna chimes in. “All certainly true, dear Twilight. But I was referring to a few different… impressive firsts.”

Celestia turns to Luna. “Do tell.”

“For starters, he’s the first individual to be able to pass through the Gates of Tartarus.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc nods. “It’s true.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Yes, he dove right through.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “And his crime?!”

Twilight bows her head. “Not being given a chance to explain himself.”

Celestia frowns as she turns to Luna. “Was he not given a trial?”

Luna sighs. “No, sister. But Twilight will tell you why.”

“I… went to visit him at his new home after Spike told me he needed my help. We found a bloody mare on the kitchen table and him standing next to her, also covered in blood, while holding a spear.”

“The how did he leave Tartarus?!”

Arc chuckles. “Simple. I wasn’t guilty of anything.”

Celestia groans. “This isn’t making any sense!”

Twilight looks away, clearly embarrassed. “Yes, well… I jumped to conclusions back then and assumed he’d murdered the mare. So I opened a portal to Tartarus and sent him through.”

Celestia frowns. “But how could there be a bloody mare, a bloody human, and nopony was at fault?!”

“I had just delivered her foal.”

Celestia scoffs. “Ponyville has an excellent hospital though!”

“The weather made it impossible to get there.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Thanks to his quick thinking that foal made it into the world safely.”

Celestia looks to Arc. “How long were you in Tartarus, human?”

“Around six months if I recall correctly.”

“And you just… walked out?”

“With Twilight’s help, yes.”

Twilight sighs. “I didn’t tell him how to escape before banishing him. So I had to break into Tartarus and tell him the truth.”

Arc nods. “We also freed a bunch of innocent ponies trapped there.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Innocents? In Tartarus?”

“They were the descendants of those banished there years ago.”

“And where are these ponies now?”

Twilight motions toward a window with a wave of her hoof. “Resettled here in Equestria.”

Luna nods. “Cadance gave them permission to build their own village.”

“She did? But would it not have been better for them to have been relocated to…”

Arc interrupts. “They were rather… skittish after the battle.”

Celestia gasps. “Battle?!”

Twilight groans. “That was my fault as well. My friends and I were able to lower the barrier to allow me into Tartarus. But that meant we had to keep the demons from getting out.”

Luna smiles. “Cadance sent forces to help with that.”

“And you, sister?”

“I was unaware such a thing was occurring.”

Twilight looks away. “Right. The only one whom knew was Cadance. And that letter was only sent after it was too late for her to stop me.”

Celestia facehoofs. “Twilight… how many demons escaped?”

“None fortunately.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Celestia appears skeptical. “Are you certain? After all, if the barrier was lowered once before it may be weakened. Somepony should go and…”

Luna interrupts. “That will not be necessary, sister.”

“Why not?!”

“Because the ponies whom were freed now guard the Gates of Tartarus.”

Twilight nods. “They built their village just outside the cave entrance to safeguard Equestria.”

“I would like to see this village for myself along with its citizens.”

Luna frowns. “Another day, sister.”

“That I shall remember. But how did he go from an escapee to the Hero of Light?”

“The previous Heroes of Light vouched for me.”

Celestia gasps. “But they’ve been missing for years.”

Twilight smiles. “Yes, Princess Celestia. But they came back to help us free him and announced they were stepping down before all of Ponyville.”

Luna sighs. “Arc took their insignias and presented them to me. Together we lay them to rest in the Mausoleum.”

Celestia gasps. “And that was enough for you?!”

Luna nods. “Yes. Remember, they and I were close friends for many years before their disappearance. Their word was more than satisfactory for Cadance and I to offer Arc the position as Equestria’s first non-pony Hero of Light.”

Arc looks away nervously. “Something like that.”

Twilight nods soberly. “And he’s done an amazing job of keeping Equestria safe since then too.”

“Indeed sister. Sometime after he was appointed, Cadance and I were stricken with illness and unable to awaken.”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide. “What?! But… but how?!”

“We were trapped in the Lunar Realm together.”

“And Captain Decimus took over as temporary ruler?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Arc did.”

“That isn’t possible, Twilight. Captain Decimus would have quickly pointed out that he’s not an Equestrian and taken the position himself.”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “Begging your pardon, sister, but he is.”

“Is what?”

Arc steps forward. “I’m an Equestrian.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “That did nothing to clear it up.”

Twilight grins. “After he saved my life… again, Cadance told Arc she would grant him a royal decree as a reward. He used it to ask for citizenship.”

“That I did. As such, according to the decree she signed, I now have all the rights and privileges any mare or stallion of this land does.”

Luna chuckles. “Another first.”

Twilight nods. “And with that status he became Equestria’s first Lord Regent.”

Arc shrugs. “It was the title I chose to use as ruler.”

“Arc also saw to it Cadance and I were cared for in addition to doing our jobs full time.”

Twilight smiles. “That and he made sure a cure was found for you two.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “It did take quite some time, of course. Longer still after they awakened.”

Luna appears slightly embarrassed. “We had to relearn how to walk and fly due to the atrophy.”

Twilight beams with pride. “And when they were ready Arc publicly stepped down and reappointed them as princesses.”

Celestia makes a circular motion with her hoof. “And…?”

“Then I went camping with my family.”

Celestia frowns. “Family? There are other humans in Equestria?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “He means the mare and the foal he delivered. They’re really happy together.”

“So he was also the first human to wed a mare?”

“No. While I do care about her and my daughter deeply, her mother and I aren’t actually married.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “Afraid of commitment, are we?”

Arc sighs. “Afraid of not having time for them.”

Luna nods. “Arc’s a very busy individual.”

Twilight quickly chimes in. “But he’s always done his best to be there as a father for the filly.”

Celestia nods soberly as she turns to Arc. “What is her name?”

“Dinky.”

Twilight nods. “Her mother picked it.”

“And are you planning to marry her mother?”

“I’d like to get to know her better first. But I think we’d be very happy together.”

Luna sighs. “Indeed. But we are straying from the conversation at hoof.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Yes, well… other firsts…”

Luna grins. "He was the first human to have complete command over an Equestrian airship."

Celestia gasps. "Your ship, Luna?!"

"Yes, it's been named the 'Lunar Destiny', sister."

Twilight giggles. "He was also the first human to command a squad of Lunar Defenders."

Arc grins. “I was also the first human to gain the Blessing of the Dragon Lord.”

Celestia appears skeptical. “Did you now?”

“Yes. I proved myself to Torch numerous times and was granted his favor.”

“And what did that entail?”

Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell on a nearby vase as he turns to Celestia.

“Dragon Magic.”

Celestia gasps. “WHAT?! HOW?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Dragon Lord Torch picked him up and breathed some kind of strange magical smoke onto him.”

“After that I could use magic.”

Luna smiles. “He’s gotten pretty good with it too.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “How… skilled exactly?”

Twilight grins. “Some time ago Arc was able to make his own pocket dimension with Realm Magic.”

“Yes, I call it my Sanctuary.”

Luna shrugs. “While not truly verifiable, it is likely he was the first human to be able to do so.”

Twilight turns to Celestia and grins. “Then there was the treaty that he formed with the Griffon Kingdom.”

“I can’t actually take credit for that one. After all, Luna and Cadance were the ones whom actually wrote it.”

“That is true, Arc. However you were the one to finally crack their social shell.”

Celestia frowns. “You were accepted by them?!”

“Yes, I was. And thanks to that document quite a few orphaned griffon younglings now call Equestria home.”

“There are griffons living at the New Beginnings Orphanage?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, sister. That facility was abandoned some time ago.”

“Why?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It wasn’t in the best shape. Especially after Tempest and I fought there.”

“You survived HER?!”

“While it wasn’t an easy fight, I was able to take her down.”

Luna grits her teeth angrily. “Arc presented Cadance and I with damning evidence showing gross negligence and abuse on the matron’s part. Had she not gotten away that day we would have eagerly imprisoned her.”

Arc nods. “With your sister’s approval a new orphanage was built outside Ponyville. It’s just down the path from my base.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin, thoughtfully. “I thought I saw another building through the trees. That was the orphanage?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, it was.”

“Was anypony there hurt during the recent battle?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, the building was empty at the time.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Arc relocated them to Abyssinia along with the rest of Ponyville.”

“I’m sure they’re eager to come home as well.”

Luna sighs. “But without homes that would be impossible.”

Celestia taps the table with a hoof. “Ponyville must be rebuilt then post-haste!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But rebuilding a town isn’t something that’s done overnight.”

Luna stands. “Then we had best get started. Twilight, call for Hard Hat at once. He’ll know where to begin.”

“That might be a problem.”

Celestia appears confused. “How so?”

Arc frowns. “He’s in Abyssinia with the refugees. They needed lodgings built, and I needed to get him out of Canterlot.”

Celestia glares at him. “So you DID kidnap him!”

“Kinda, yes.”

Luna puts a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “I’m sure Arc had a good reason.”

“Right. I was worried he would help Decimus repair the airship I sabotaged.”

Celestia seethes. “That was YOU?!”

Arc nods. “Everything that happened that night was indeed part of my plan.”

Twilight frowns. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t take me with you back then.”

“At the time you were needed here to watch over your friend and be here for the country.”

Luna nods. “A princess can’t just up and leave whenever she wants, after all.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But didn’t you…?”

“Extenuating circumstances, Twilight.”

Arc sighs. “I think all of us did certain things back then that we’re not proud of.”

There is a long silence as Twilight looks to her mentor. Eventually she breaks it.

“Princess Celestia, is there something you’d like to say?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. Luna?”

“Sister?”

“Would you please see to it that a ship is sent to Abyssinia to retrieve Hard Hat? I need his expertise to begin the rebuilding process.”

“I will, yes.”

Twilight appears confused. “Princess Celestia…?”

Celestia stands slowly and looks to her bed. “At the moment I think I need to rest.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “As do you.”

“But I’d like to help Luna…”

“Remember what we both promised Shining Armor.”

Twilight sighs and nods before continuing.

“I… I know. And I’d like to apologize for the state of your room, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia looks around at the stacks of books lying around. “You were staying here I assume.”

Luna nods. “Yes, sister. Your room was the logical choice for security reasons.”

Twilight quickly chimes in. “I’ll make sure it’s cleaned bright and early tomorrow.”

“That’s alright, Twilight. It’s really not too bad. A few books out of order aren’t cause for concern.”

“While I appreciate your understanding, I’d still like to return this room to you in better condition than I found it.”

“Very well. But for now we should rest.”

Luna steps forward. “Agreed.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Might I stay with you tonight though?”

Celestia smiles and nods. “I’d like that.”

Arc looks to the door. “Well… I suppose we’ll see you two in the morning then.”

Celestia ignores Arc. “We need to get a good night’s rest, Twilight. After all, morning audiences come early.”

Luna frowns. “Audiences?”

“Yes. The public needs to know that their voices are heard.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It’s a bit soon for that though.”

Twilight nods. “I agree, Princess Celestia. You need your rest.”

“Believe me when I say that I’m quite alright, Twilight.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “But you have yet to be examined by Doctor Whooves, sister.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Or Emerald Dream.”

Celestia appears confused. “Who?”

Twilight chimes in. “She’s a very skill psychiatrist.”

Celestia frowns. “A… psychiatrist?”

“Yes, sister. At the very least you should be cleared by both of them before returning to your normal duties.”

“I will see Doctor Whooves later this week when time permits.”

Twilight gasps. “But, Princess Celestia…!”

Celestia interrupts her. “Twilight, please believe me when I say that I’m fine.”

“Well… I suppose you know what’s best.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I disagree.”

Celestia turns to Arc and frowns. “Oh really?”

“Yes, princess. You should listen to your student and see to your own health first.”

“Please do, sister.”

Celestia groans. “As I said, I will submit to an examination…”

Arc interrupts her. “…at the earliest possible convenience.”

Celestia narrows her eyes as she looks at Arc. “Need I remind you, human, that a princess does not take orders from the Hero of Light?"

“That may be. However I was told that the Hero of Light position was created to be a last defense against an out of control monarch.”

Luna nods. “You are correct, Arc.”

“And that it was my duty to take whatever steps necessary to bring a situation involving such a thing under control.”

Celestia frowns. “What are you getting at?”

“At present, I don’t believe the situation has been rectified.”

Twilight appears confused. “But what more could be done?”

“Princess Celestia MUST submit to a physical and mental examination prior to returning to her duties.”

Celestia glares at him. “You have NO RIGHT to tell me what to…!”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “According to the law, sister, he does.”

Celestia scoffs. “And if I refuse?”

Arc frowns. “Are you planning to?”

Celestia nods defiantly. “I am.”

“Very well.”

Arc takes a deep breath and meets Celestia’s stone-cold gaze evenly as he begins to speak.

“Princess Celestia… as the nation’s Hero of Light, I hereby relieve you of your royal duties.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “WHAT?!”

Twilight gasps as she hurries over to him. ”Arc! Are you… are you FIRING HER?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. But in the best interest of the nation I’m requiring her to be cleared for duty mentally and physically before retaking the throne.”

Celestia seethes with barely controlled rage. “Why you… you little…!”

“Sister, please!”

“Yes, Princess Celestia! Arc’s only concerned for your health!”

Arc nods soberly. “Right. And after all that’s happened to you, both on Earth and here in Equestria, I don’t believe my decision is illogical or unwarranted.”

He holds out a hand before continuing.

“Now then, please relinquish your badges of rank.”

“No! You cannot…!”

Luna interrupts her. “Celestia. Stop.”

“But he…!”

“…is being very reasonable right now.”

Celestia gasps. “Reasonable?!”

Luna nods. “Yes. After all, I think we both remember the punishment meted out to the last individual who’s actions imperiled the nation.”

There is a tense silence for a time. Eventually Celestia nods and reaches up with a hoof to her crown. Pulling it off her head she looks at it for a long moment before holding it out to Arc along with her choker. Casting a Telekinesis Spell, he pulls them to himself as Luna turns to her.

“Thank you, sister.”

Celestia sighs. “What choice did I have?”

Arc nods. “I appreciate your cooperation.”

He turns to Luna.

“Might you hold on to these for the time being?”

Luna nods. “Very well. I will keep them on my nightstand.”

Twilight turns to him. “Will you be taking over as Lord Regent again, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. As per the law, that is only an option when there is no princess willing or able to take the throne. Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are fully capable of ruling the nation in the meantime.”

“And… me?”

“You are free to rule alongside them, of course.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Might I suggest an alternative, Arc?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“As you know, my sister has been through quite a bit. It might be beneficial for her to have Twilight by her side regularly.”

Twilight nods. “I’d like that. Would that be acceptable, Arc?”

“It’s totally up to you, Twilight.”

“Then I’ll do it! With Princess Celestia’s permission, of course.”

Celestia nods. “Yes, I believe we have much time to make up.”

Arc turns back to the door. “Then we should let you get to it.”

Luna nods. “I hope you two sleep well.”

She motions for Arc to follow her as pupil and student head for the rug in front of the fireplace. Leaving the room, the guards outside close the door behind them as Arc and Luna proceed down the corridor together.

“I don’t like this.”

Luna sighs. “Which part?”

“Pretty much the whole thing.”

“That doesn’t really clear it up.”

“Sorry. I mean Celestia’s attitude toward everything she was told.”

“My sister did believe it though.”

“Really?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Had she not she would have said so.”

Arc chuckles nervously. “I was half expecting her to blast me a couple times back there.”

“Not in front of Twilight she wouldn’t.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. If I know my sister, she would never intentionally do anything to make Twilight sad or angry.”

“And you?”

Luna turns to him. “What about me?”

“How do you feel with Celestia back?”

“I’m happy, of course.”

“You didn’t appear so though.”

“Yes, well… I am a bit… miffed at her attitude toward both you and I.”

“Jealous?”

Luna sighs. “Slightly, yes. And you?”

“A bit.”

“Celestia and Twilight have always been close. I am not trying to come between them. Especially right now.”

“I know how you feel.”

“Your feelings for Twilight?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’d rather her be with me than Celestia.”

“Then why didn’t you do or say anything back there?”

“For the same reason you didn’t. Because Twilight genuinely cares for Celestia and she for her.”

Luna smirks. “Is that the only reason?”

Arc frowns as they continue on. “That and I wouldn’t be a very good friend to her if I tried to break them apart.”

He looks down at the crown and choker in his hands.

“It was hard enough for me to insist that she temporarily step down.”

“But it was necessary nonetheless.”

“Yes, well… it does make it look like I’m trying to usurp her.”

“A bit, yes. However you were quick to dismiss the notion of you again sitting on the throne.”

Arc shrugs. “Just following the law on that one. After all, you and Cadance are capable of leading the nation right now.”

“We would still welcome your help though.”

Arc shakes his head. “I need to start stepping back.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

“Partially so that I can retire and have a life of my own.”

“And the other part?”

Arc stops and looks out the window at the setting sun. Glancing down at the items in his hands he sighs.

“I’ve gone too far in the past with some of the things I’ve done.”

“Have you now?”

“The peace treaty… my dealings with Prince Rutherford… the fiasco with the Ogre Nation…”

“I think you handled them well.”

“Things went alright. But they could have gone sideways fast.”

Luna sighs and puts a fetlock on his shoulder as she speaks. “In my time as a princess I’ve learned two things. First, to expect the unexpected. Second, to not expect more of somepony than they are capable of accomplishing.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You are capable of much, Arc. Therefore we have entrusted you with great responsibilities.”

“But you couldn’t really have stopped me.”

“We could have, yes. Had Cadance and I agreed that you were out of line, the two of us could have voted to strip you of your power and position.”

“Not sure why you didn’t a time or two.”

“Because we have faith in you, Arc. And we believe that you, and those with you, act in the best interest of the nation as a whole. Remember… nopony can ask any more of you than that.”

Arc nods as they turns to look out the window again. For a time neither of them speaks. Eventually Arc chuckles.

"I just realized something."

Luna raises an eyebrow. "Have you now?"

"We all forgot something very important back there."

"Did we now?"

"Yes!"

"And what was that?"

Arc grins and puts a hand on his stomach. "The dinner cart."

Chapter 4 - Facing Reality

Early the next morning Arc stands outside Celestia’s room. Twilight and Celestia emerge together as he approaches them. Smiling, Twilight looks to him.

“Good morning, Arc. I hope you didn’t have to wait too long.”

Arc shrugs. “Not really. Sleep well?”

Twilight smiles as she leans against Celestia. “Very, with my old friend safe and sound.”

Celestia rests her head on top of Twilight’s. “I too was glad to have you by my side again, my dear. But we should probably get to the Dining Room now.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Would you… care to join us?”

Arc appears a bit surprised. “Uh… sure.”

Twilight motions for him to follow as they head down the corridor together. Arc turns to Celestia.

“I… um… I’m glad you’re back.”

Celestia rolls her eyes. “Oh really?”

“Yes.”

Twilight turns to her mentor. “Arc’s been working very hard to return you safely for some time now.”

Arc sighs. “And what a long, strange, convoluted ride it’s been.”

Celestia nods stoically. “Luna said as much when we spoke yesterday.”

Twilight smiles at her. “And we told you more of the story after that.”

“Indeed. But I believe there is still more to that tale, human.”

Arc frowns. “That there is.”

A short time later arrive at the Dining Room. Two guards push the doors open as several servants finish setting the table. Motioning toward the kitchen, several platters of food are brought from it as the trio sits down. Celestia turns to the servants as they step back respectfully.

“Everypony is excused.”

Bowing, they quickly leave the room toward the hall or kitchen and close the doors behind them. Celestia looks to Twilight as the young mare levitates a stack of pancakes toward her mentor.

“Thank you, Twilight.”

“Please eat up, princess. I want to see you fully recovered as soon as possible.”

Celestia giggles. “As would I, Twilight.”

“After breakfast you should probably head back over the Infirmary to see Doctor Whooves. He mentioned performing an examination on you yesterday after you and Luna left.”

Arc nods. “Indeed. However at the time you were the higher priority, Twilight.”

“Well, he should have plenty of time now.”

Celestia groans. “Perhaps there will be a chance for such things at some point today. I’ll speak to Kibitz about penciling something in.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Penciling?”

Celestia shrugs as she takes up her fork with a spell. “If not today then sometime this week at least.”

Twilight gasps. “Princess Celestia, your health should come first!”

“No, Twilight. The country is first and foremost.”

Arc frowns. “I have to agree with Twilight on this one. That and how long could a simple examination take?”

“About three audiences.”

Twilight appears confused. “What?”

“You asked how long an examination would take. Roughly the same as three audiences would, Twilight.”

Arc sighs. “Sounds like you’ve got it down to a science.”

Celestia nods as she levitates a fork to her lips smugly. “Believe me when I say that I’ve been doing this a LOT longer than you did, human.”

Twilight clears her throat loudly. “That is most certainly true. However… just as you ruled alone in the past, so did Arc.”

Celestia shrugs. “So I am told.”

Reaching toward a bowl of fruit, Celestia picks up an apple. Looking it over for a time she eventually turns to Twilight.

“This apple is a lot like your human friend, Twilight.”

“Oh?”

“It’s rather normal in appearance. At least at first glance.”

She dangles it in front of Twilight’s face with a Telekinesis Spell before continuing.

“Tell me, do you see anything special about it, Twilight?”

“Well… there’s some minor imperfections across its surface.”

Arc frowns. “None of us are perfect, I suppose.”

Celestia nods. “That is true, yes. However, you need to look deeper.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose it’s also a bit smaller than normal apples too.”

“Better. But deeper still.”

“Um… I don’t…”

The doors open and Luna walks into the room along with Cadance. She hurries over to Celestia happily.

“Aunt Celestia!”

Celestia smiles warmly. “Cadance!”

Standing, Celestia embraces her niece as Luna looks on approvingly.

“I was so worried!”

Celestia giggles. “You came all this way to see me?”

Cadance nods. “What else could I do?! Luna notified me last night of the victory won but insisted that I get a good night’s sleep before coming!”

“We all need our rest. Celestia included.”

Twilight grins. “So you took a portal over, Cadance?”

Cadance nods. “I’m getting better at that spell!”

Celestia looks around at the others. “It’s good to have all of the princesses together.”

Luna sighs. “Don’t tell Kibitz that.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What’s the problem?”

Cadance frowns. “He doesn’t like us being together unless guarded heavily. Says it’s a matter of security.”

Twilight shrugs. “Well, it’s kinda true. We do make a tempting target.”

Arc motions to the table. “Perhaps we should sit down and eat though. There’s plenty for everyone.”

Luna smiles. “That does sound nice.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her belly. “Yes, I haven’t eaten since lunchtime yesterday.”

Twilight puts a hoof around Cadance’s fetlock. “Let’s fix that then, shall we?”

They take their seats and quickly serve one another. Arc watches as the four laugh together easily. Sighing, he chuckles to himself as they eat. As their meal concludes Twilight looks to Cadance.

“So it was a simple matter of state?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Celestia sighs. “But she was so worried about making a misstep that it became a personal problem for her.”

Luna nods happily. “Indeed. However Cadance was able to make up for that during the next appearance.”

Twilight turns to her former foal sitter. “But you were trained to be a princess, right?”

“Yes, I was.”

Celestia giggles. “Nothing can ever truly prepare one for the role of princess though.”

Luna sighs. “After all, there’s only so much one can learn from a book or a classroom.”

Twilight groans. “Then I think I’m behind.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Twilight?”

“I never got any training beforehoof!”

Cadance puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “But you’re doing just fine.”

Luna shrugs. “She is a bit rough though.”

Celestia puts a hoof under her pupil’s chin and raises her head to look her in the eye. “Perhaps I can give you some additional princessly instruction in the days to come.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“After all, thanks to a certain somepony it appears I’ll have quite a bit of extra time on my hooves.”

Cadance appears confused. “I don’t understand. What exactly…?”

Luna interrupts her. “Arc has relieved my sister of her royal status.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods soberly. “It’s merely temporary. As soon as she’s been cleared by both the doctor and psychiatrist I’ll reinstate her.”

Cadance appears relieved. “That’s… good.”

Celestia turns back to Twilight. “So in the meantime I’ll be giving you some one-on-one princess training.”

“Oh, would you! It’d make me feel a lot better knowing I wasn’t going to screw everything up.”

Arc nods. “It’s good that there are those whom can tell you what to do now, Twilight.”

Luna sighs. “You never had that either as Lord Regent, Arc.”

“Just nightly forays into the Lunar Realm to see you and Cadance.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “You entered the Lunar Realm, human?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Dare I ask how?”

“I… was sleeping in your bed at the time.”

“What?!”

Luna nods soberly. “It was suggested that he temporarily take up residence in your room as a matter of security, sister.”

Cadance smiles nervously. “Right. As the sole ruler of Equestria at the time Arc was a valuable target.”

Twilight giggles. “That and it gave me a chance to enter the Lunar Realm and see Cadance!”

“You entered too, Twilight?”

“Yes! Arc let me sleep with him so that we could…!”

Luna’s horn glows as she casts a barrier in front of Arc. Celestia seethes as she stands and slams both front hooves on the table as she seethes.

“You… you SLEPT with my student, human?!”

“I did. But that was all we did. Sleep.”

“Yes, Aunt Celestia! Twilight assured me that Arc was a perfect gentlepony back then!”

Nodding soberly, Celestia slowly calms herself as Luna ceases her own casting. Eventually she turns to Twilight.

“Is it true, Twilight?”

“Yes, Princess Celestia. I did sleep with Arc back then.”

“Did he touch you inappropriately?”

“No, he did not.”

“How close was he?”

“I was held.”

“What?!”

“At my own request.”

Celestia shakes her head. “Twilight… while I know that I should have talked with you more on this subject, I didn’t think you to be the type of mare to do such a thing.”

Luna shakes her head. “She is an adult, sister. Fully grown and capable of making her own choices.”

Cadance nods. “Yes indeed. That and I believe them to be quite cute together.”

Celestia appears confused. “Together?”

“As a couple, I meant.”

“I just don’t understand how such things could have happened. Twilight… you’ve changed so much since I left.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Celestia’s fetlock. “It’s been a hard time for all of us. But I believe I’ve grown up a bit since we last spoke.”

Celestia groans. “Falling in love does not constitute growing up, Twilight.”

“Agreed, Princess Celestia. I know that I’m still very young and have a lot more to learn about life. But I’ve been working very hard to stem the spread of my flaws.”

“Have you now?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, she has.”

Luna smiles. “I’ve seen her advance with my own eyes, sister.”

Cadance giggles. “She’s come a long way since I foalsat her, that’s for sure.”

Celestia turns to Twilight. “Elaborate.”

“There was a time not so long ago when I would have considered my work as your student to be above all other needs. But I’ve learned that friendship is the most important thing in life.”

She turns to Arc and smiles before continuing.

“And what greater friendship can there be than love?”

Celestia shakes her head. “You are too young to understand the premise of love and loving, Twilight. It is much more… intense than you know.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Is it now, sister?”

“Yes, very much so.”

“Are you certain of that?”

“What are you getting at, Luna?”

“In all the years we have been together… through all the battles both in the fields and in the skies… through all the meetings and social gatherings… through all the troubles and tribulations… not once have I ever seen you pursue romance of any kind.”

Celestia frowns. “We are called to lead the nation, Luna! There… is not time for such things!”

“I must disagree, Aunt Celestia.”

Celestia frowns. “Cadance?”

“While you were gone I met a stallion whom turned my head.”

“You met somepony?”

“Yes, I did. He’s quite the interesting individual. I do believe you’d like him.”

“Who?”

“Twilight’s older brother.”

Twilight gasps. “SHINING ARMOR?!”

Luna nods as she looks to Celestia. “So it is not impossible, sister.”

“That has yet to be seen.”

Twilight taps a hoof on the table impatiently. “Can we please stay on topic here! Cadance, how long have you and my brother been seeing each other?!”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin as she looks up and thinks. “About six months, I think.”

“And neither of you thought to TELL ME?!”

“I’m sorry, Twilight. But I just assumed Shining Armor had done that.”

“Well he didn’t!”

Luna puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Please forgive Cadance, Twilight. As a princess she’s constantly…”

“How long could it have taken to write a note?! Or call?!”

Celestia speaks soothingly. “Twilight, please. I’m sure Cadance didn’t do this on purpose.”

“Of course not. Again, I’m very sorry you had to hear about it like this, Twilight.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes, well… the three of us need to have a talk about this sooner rather than later.”

Cadance sighs. “Agreed.”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “Now that the matter of Cadance’s love life is settled, shall we return to the matter at hoof?”

Arc sighs. “I’ve kinda lost track of where that was though.”

Celestia rolls her eyes. “We were discussing you and Twilight’s love life… oddly enough.”

Twilight gasps. “Ah… right. Then Cadance announced her own romantic encounter.”

Arc chuckles. “Which I don’t see as being much different than Twilight and I doing the same.”

Celestia turns up her nose at this. “Cadance is a much older and wiser mare though.”

“I suppose that’s true. But I too wish to explore this aspect of life with Arc.”

“There is no reason to go it alone in this life, Aunt Celestia.”

Celestia sighs. “We are not alone. All of us have each other.”

Luna nods stoically. “That may be, sister. However there are some aspects of a relationship that we cannot fill for one another.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Such as?”

Cadance facehoofs. “Think about it for a moment, Twilight.”

Doing so, Twilight blushes heavily as she turns away. Celestia clears her throat loudly before turning to Luna and speaking again.

“I ruled this land for centuries while you lay dormant on the moon, Luna. I led our nation alone until Cadance came along. Together we were able to keep the peace until your return, my dear sister. And now that Twilight is one of us, nothing more needs to be done to safeguard this land’s future.”

Arc frowns. “You’re wrong.”

Celestia turns to him. “What are you saying, human?”

“None of you are safe.”

Twilight sighs. “Arc’s right. Decimus and his ilk are still out there.”

Cadance groans. “It is likely they will formulate yet another plan to cause trouble for Equestria.”

Luna taps a hoof on the table. “We need to be ready.”

Arc nods. “Right”

Celestia scoffs. “A ragtag band of miscreants is hardly cause for concern.”

Arc glares at her. “What?”

Celestia sneers as she looks at Arc. “Perhaps if you had done your job properly, human, they would have been taken care of by now.”

Twilight gasps. “Arc did his best, Princess Celestia!”

“That may be, Twilight. But sometimes the best isn’t good enough.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “I do not believe you yourself could have done any better against them, sister.”

Cadance shudders. “Right. They’re very well connected.”

“We will see about that.”

Arc grits his teeth as he stands. “Yes… we will.”

Twilight appears suddenly concerned. “Arc?”

Turning, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. Luna looks to him, clearly confused.

“What are you…?”

Arc interrupts her. “We’re going on a bit of a trip.”

Cadance tilts her head to one side. “But… where?”

“The place where it all started.”

Twilight nods soberly. “I understand.”

Standing, she walks over to the portal and steps through. Looking to one another for a few moments, Luna and Cadance shrug and follow her. Celestia glares at him.

“What have you done, human?!”

Arc motions to the portal’s swirling energies. “Come with me and you’ll see.”

Celestia shakes her head vehemently. “I’m not going ANYWHERE with YOU!”

Arc turns to his portal and smirks. “Fine. You can stay here. But are you really sure you want to leave Twilight, your sister, and your niece with me?”

Gritting her teeth, Celestia steps forward and enters the swirling energies. Arc follows and steps through. They look around, confused as the portal closes behind them. Luna is the first to speak.

“This place looks… familiar.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin as she nods. “Yes, I believe I’ve been here before.”

Celestia frowns. “So have I. However I cannot place it.”

Twilight bows her head sadly. “It’s… Carousel Boutique.”

Cadance gasps. “Rarity’s shop? But that would mean…!”

Luna sighs. “Were in Ponyville.”

Arc nods soberly. “Or what’s left of it.”

Celestia looks to him angrily. “I had heard it was destroyed by you, human.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Decimus did that.”

“I still find that very hard to believe.”

Luna kicks a charred board with her hoof. “Believe me, sister, it happened. After all, the proof is all around us.”

Arc puts a hand on the shop’s burned outer wall. “As stated a few moments ago, this was Rarity’s shop. She sewed me quite a few outfits here.”

Twilight smiles sadly. “You always looked very nice in whatever she made, Arc.”

"It feels like only yesterday I was walking up to that front door to have dinner with her."

Cadance looks to him. “But there’s more, isn’t there?”

Luna turns. “Cadance?”

“You’re holding something back.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. This… was also the place where we confessed our love for one another.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you and Twilight were supposed to be an item.”

Twilight nods. “We are.”

Luna steps forward. “Twilight proposed something very… unique to fix the problem.”

Celestia appears confused. “She did?”

“Yes, Princess Celestia. I… suggested that we form a… a herd.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “You know that’s illegal, Twilight.”

“That I do.”

“Then why suggest it?”

“Because, as the law says, the Hero of Light is above such things.”

Luna nods. “Meaning he COULD do such a thing.”

Celestia chuckles. “He could, yes. But any mare whom entered into such a relationship would not be covered by such protections.”

Luna sighs. “I reminded them of that very outcome some time ago.”

“Good.”

“And I also offered them a royal decree giving their union an exemption from that law.”

Cadance nods as she turns to Celestia. “I also told Arc and Twilight that should their polyamorous marriage not be allowed here in Equestria that I would issue a similar royal decree allowing it in the Crystal Empire.”

Celestia turns to Arc and scoffs. “And had there been public disapproval or other extenuating circumstances?”

“Plan C.”

Twilight sighs. “We would have cohabitated back on Earth.”

Celestia gasps. “Permanently?!”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes.”

“With… this HUMAN?!”

“We all love him, Princess Celestia. And while I’d rather do this with your blessing, I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to make it work.”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s back. “We all are.”

Celestia facehoofs and shakes her head before turning to Twilight speaking again.

“And when is this union supposed to take place?”

“Not for some time.”

Arc nods. “Right. We’re not even sure that everyone’s compatible yet.”

Cadance smiles. “Twilight and her friends are looking to have a long engagement.”

Luna winks at Twilight. “A good idea.”

“We wanted to make sure everypony involved was on board completely with the idea and truly loved Arc before committing to the herd.”

Arc sighs. “It wouldn’t do for someone to enter into this and then find out it wasn’t what they thought it would be.”

Cadance walks over to Celestia. “While I know you’ve said in the past that alicorns shouldn’t become romantically involved, I’ve seen Twilight grow up quite a bit since you left, Aunt Celestia. She’s matured greatly since meeting Arc and taking the throne.”

Luna chuckles. “Indeed. I look forward to seeing these two wed and spend their lives together. All of them.”

Celestia appears hopeful. “But as of now none of this is set in stone.”

Arc nods. “That is true, yes.”

“Then we have time to talk of it in more detail in the future.”

Luna frowns. “To talk them out of it, sister?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of making sure the human’s heart is in the right place.”

Arc smirks. “Agreed.”

Celestia turns to him, surprised. “You… agree with me?”

“Yes. I don’t want to rush into a relationship any more than you want Twilight to do the same.”

“Tell me then, human. Why are you attracted to Equestrian mares?”

Cadance gasps. “Aunt Celestia!”

Luna glares at her. “Sister, tact!”

Arc holds up a hand. “No, no. She asked a valid question.”

Celestia sits down on her haunches and folds her hooves over her chest. “One I am patiently waiting for an answer.”

“By ‘attracted to’ you mean all forms, right?”

Celestia nods as she frowns. “Yes. Emotionally, physically, and sexually.”

“Emotionally, ponies are very similar to human women. They can be kind, caring, and affectionate.”

Cadance giggles. “Identical in that regard?”

“Yes. Physically they couldn’t be further apart though. Hooves instead of hands and feet. Manes instead of hair along with tails. And they’re certainly smaller than a human woman in both height and weight.”

Luna nods. “That much we can all agree on.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “Yes. But the last aspect is the one I’m most interested in hearing an answer to.”

Twilight blushes. “Sexually?”

“I’m not very fond of the idea of a human having sexual intercourse with either a mare or a stallion. That is why this question was raised.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’m rather worried about that myself.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. I’ve already spoken to Doctor Whooves about this very subject regarding safety.”

“And his response?”

“That we start slow and simple. He gave me a book and pointed out a couple positions that we should start with.”

Luna nods approvingly. “It sounds like you’ve been proactively researching how to make this work, Arc.”

Cadance facehoofs. “Perhaps ‘research’ isn’t the best way to put it.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “I think it’s very nice of him. After all, neither of us wants to hurt the other during sex.”

Celestia looks to her student. “And your own thoughts on this?”

“My thoughts?”

“On the question I asked Arc.”

“Regarding what I find attractive?”

“Yes.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin as she speaks. “Well… he isn’t exactly what I envisioned my future husband to look like.”

Luna grins. “Naturally.”

“Physically I find him to be very cute though.”

Arc appears surprised. “Really, Twilight?”

“Yes. But it was the emotional side of you that really drew me in. What’s in your heart to be precise.”

Cadance smiles. “Can you elaborate, Twilight?”

“I saw what choices he made. How he forgave me over and over again. Even that time we had a big fight and I said some things that I regretted later… he still came back to try and put things right between us.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “But isn’t that what anypony would have done?”

Twilight groans. “Believe me, anypony else would have thought twice about being around me after that particular encounter.”

Arc sighs. “I wasn’t the best friend to you that day either, Twilight.”

“I suppose not. Mistakes were made, certainly. But you still wanted to make it right between us.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Why though, human?”

“Because I didn’t want our friendship to be over then and there.”

Twilight nods. “We patched things up and kept going.”

She smiles and turns to Arc. Beckoning him down to her level Twilight wraps her hooves around him in an embrace.

“Sorry for what happened that day.”

Arc nods and pulls back from the hug to look Twilight in the eye. “I am too. But let’s leave it in the past.”

Celestia nods. “Very wise idea there. And the last part of my question, Twilight?”

“Sexuality.”

“How do you feel about it?”

“Honestly?”

“Always.”

“Several of us have already presented ourselves to Arc provocatively. Myself included. However he turned us all down.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Did he now?”

“Yes.”

Arc nods soberly. “I didn’t want it to be our first time if this wasn’t meant to be.”

Celestia sighs and shakes her head. “Strange. I don’t really know what to think about all of this.”

“Sister?”

“The human does appear to care for Twilight’s well-being, yes. However I still don’t understand what makes him tick.”

“Then might I suggest learning more about him, Aunt Celestia?”

“Learning?”

Twilight smiles. “Get to know him and his kind better. Those whom kidnapped you are certainly not the best humans have to offer, of course. But there are others whom would fight to protect you from them.”

Arc grimaces. “And I’d… like to get to know you better too, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia sneers at him. “That… would probably be for the best.”

There is an awkward silence for a time. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“But in any case, going back to your earlier question regarding Rarity, princess…”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out a framed picture. Looking at it for a few moments, he eventually walks over to Celestia and holds it out.

“This is Rarity and her foal, Sweetie Belle.”

Celestia nods. “Yes, I’m familiar with her.”

“They were forcefully taken from their home by Decimus’ troops.”

“On what charges?”

Twilight sighs. “None.”

Celestia groans. “While this is not the first conversation regarding the details of Ponyville, I still just cannot believe it.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Whether you believe it or not, Decimus hurt her. And worst of all I wasn’t here to stop them.”

“Regardless, you have my sympathy, human.”

Arc grits his teeth. “I want more than that!”

Celestia appears confused. “What more can I…?”

“Your belief in what we’re telling you!”

“Yes, sister. You’ve been averse to hearing our claims since I returned you to your senses.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps the mind conditioning is still somewhat active.”

Twilight sighs. “Possible, yes.”

Celestia bows her head sadly. “Forgive me, everypony. But please understand that this is all just… so overwhelming. You must understand that I’ve known Decimus since he was but a colt. He’s been a loyal soldier and a good friend to me for many years. While I’m not trying to say that all of you are wrong, it is… difficult to picture him betraying me or Equestria in such a manner.”

Luna makes a sweeping motion with her hoof. “Yet he did! Brazenly!”

Celestia sighs. “I do have others whom could corroborate that. When we return to Canterlot I’d like to speak to Tight Ship about this.”

Arc groans. “You… can’t.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Cadance bows her head. “He’s… not there.”

“Then where is he?”

Twilight steps forward and puts a hoof on Celestia’s fetlock. “Dead, Princess Celestia.”

“Dead?! How?!”

Arc looks toward Canterlot in the distance. “He took the new airship out to stop my ship from advancing on the capital.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Arc was trying to get me to the castle so that I could take the throne from Decimus.”

Celestia gasps. “How many were killed?!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Just Tight Ship and Decimus.”

“That isn’t possible! I saw Decimus the day you attacked the base!”

Luna nods grimly. “He’s done that in the past too, sister.”

Cadance shrugs. “Not sure how though.”

Celestia turns and looks at the rising sun silently. Eventually she speaks.

“Is there… any way Tight Ship might… come back?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I… don’t think so, Princess Celestia.”

Cadance appears hopeful. “But he might. After all, Decimus has done that numerous times now.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her face. “I hope so. It’s… just so hard to imagine that he’s gone.”

Luna grits her teeth. “He’d have a lot to answer for though.”

Twilight nods. “That he would.”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, he wouldn’t.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“There would only be one question from me.”

Twilight frowns. “What would that be?”

Celestia is silent for a long time. Eventually she speaks, but does not turn around.”

“I would ask him… why?”

Chapter 5 - Royal Expeditions

They give Celestia a few minutes to think silently. Eventually Luna steps forward.

“We need to be moving along now, sister.”

“I know.”

Turning to them again, Celestia looks to Twilight.

“I’m sure Kibitz is wondering what’s taking so long in the Dining Room.”

Cadance appears suddenly apprehensive. “Do you think he’s come looking yet?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. But if we aren’t there when he comes by we won’t hear the end of it.”

Arc sighs. “Right.”

Raising his hand, Arc opens a portal. As Celestia, Luna, and Cadance enter he turns and looks back toward the building. Twilight approaches him and puts a hoof on his side.

“You okay?”

“This is all my fault.”

“No it isn’t.”

“Yes, it is. Had I been with her…”

“Arc, don’t go into ‘what ifs’ now. What’s done is done.”

Arc bows his head. “I know. But as it stands the town is in ruins and its inhabitants are in relative exile.”

“You forgot one thing.”

“Oh?”

“They’re alive. And that IS thanks to you.”

Gestures to the ruined town before them. “We still need to fix this mess and bring them home though.”

“Agreed. Now then, we need to go.”

Nodding, Arc follows Twilight into the portal. Arriving back in his room inside Canterlot Castle he turns to the three princesses.

“Sorry for making you wait.”

Luna smiles at him. “Think nothing of it.”

Cadance puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Yes, you’ve been through a lot.”

Twilight looks toward the door. “Shall we see Kibitz about today’s activities?”

Luna nods. “Indeed. Lead the way, Twilight.”

Heading for the door, she opens it and proceeds down the corridor with the others. Cadance, Twilight and Celestia talk amongst themselves as Luna and Arc hold back. Luna is the first to speak.

“That could have gone better.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. She still doesn’t completely believe us.”

“Admittedly it is a hard pill to swallow.”

“But everything told to her was the truth!”

“Moreso than you know.”

“Oh?”

“I told her many things when her and I were alone the other day. However she seemed to only half be listening.”

“Somehow I don’t think it was from fatigue.”

“Right. Celestia didn’t seem to believe most of what I told her either.”

“But you’re her sister!”

Luna frowns. “I’m also a traitor to Equestria.”

“The Nightmare Moon incident?”

“Yes.”

“But that was a thousand years ago.”

“That it was. But I did return with the intention to overthrow Celestia not so long ago.”

“And the Element Bearers stopped you.”

Luna appears impressed. “You’ve been studying our history.”

“Twilight told me.”

“Yes, well… I don’t exactly blame Celestia for her attitude toward my words. But she would do well to listen to Cadance.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “She doesn’t?”

“Her age plays a role in that.”

“And Twilight?”

“She alone has my sister’s ear in all things. If anypony can convince her of anything right now it’s her.”

“So we should keep them together?”

Luna nods. “Right. That and it’ll be good for Celestia’s mental well-being.”

“And Twilight’s.”

Returning to the Dining Room, they find Kibitz approaching from the opposite direction. He appears confused.

“Your highnesses! Did you sleep late?!”

Luna shakes her head. “No, Kibitz. We… merely went for an early morning walk.”

“Without your guards?!”

Arc raises a hand. “I was there.”

Kibitz groans. “And I’m thankful for that, sir. But you’re only one!”

Twilight giggles. “As you can see we’re fine though.”

Celestia nods. “Yes. However I’m sure we have a busy day ahead.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Correction. Luna and Cadance do.”

Kibitz looks at a list he is levitating. “Indeed we do. First we have to…”

Cadance interrupts him. “Visit Abyssinia.”

“I beg your pardon, your highness?”

Luna nods. “Cadance is right. We need to send a royal delegation there at once.”

Kibitz raises an eyebrow. “And their mission?”

Cadance turns to Twilight as she speaks. “To reassure our citizens that we will bring them home soon.”

“That and we should properly say ‘thank you’ to the king and queen for housing them.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “But whom to send?”

Arc frowns. “I believe that Princess Celestia should go.”

Kibitz gasps. “Sir?”

Twilight frowns. “But what about you removing her from…?”

Cadance nods approvingly. “Yes, the monarchs would respond to a personal visit from her most favorably.”

Luna smiles. “Agreed. But I also believe that Twilight should also accompany her.”

“I’d love to!”

Kibitz grimaces. “Perhaps the young princess should remain here though. After all, we have a very busy schedule along with…”

Celestia interrupts him. “No, Kibitz. She’ll come too.”

“Yes, your highness. I’ll summon a contingent of guards at once to accompany you two.”

Arc steps forward. “How about me?”

Twilight appears surprised. “Arc?”

“I’d like to volunteer to come along and protect them.”

Luna nods. “The king and queen would also see his presence as comforting.”

Cadance giggles. “Then it’s settled.”

Kibitz groans as he looks to Arc. “Not exactly. As competent as you are, sir, as I said before you are but one.”

“I’ll bring my squad along with Sereb then. Would that be enough?”

“Not exactly. A contingent of guards is still recommended, sir.”

Celestia turns to walk in the direction of the Hanger. “That will not be necessary, Kibitz. We’ll be fine with the protection already volunteered.”

“Yes, your majesty. Shall I notify Abyssinia of your trip?”

“Only after you speak to the captain of the vessel ferrying us there for an ETA.”

Twilight grins. “Arc could give us a portal there.”

“I suppose I could.”

Celestia stops walking and turns back. “To Abyssinia?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Across the ocean?”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “Arc’s very capable, sister.”

Cadance nods. “That and he’s done it before.”

Arc chuckles. “It does take a lot out of me, certainly. But one round trip would probably be fine. Call for my squad and Sereb, Kibitz.”

“Yes sir.”

The stallion hurries down the corridor as Luna turns to the others.

“Now all that’s left to do is wait.”

Arc motions to the double doors nearby. “We should do that inside the Dining Room though.”

Celestia sighs. “Yes, a bit of added security wouldn’t hurt.”

“In truth, I was thinking more along the lines of finishing breakfast.”

Twilight facehoofs. “I should’ve seen that coming.”

Cadance giggles as they turn toward the doors. “Come along, Twilight.”

Sometime later the doors open and Arc’s squad enters along with Sereb and Kibitz. They bow respectfully as Kibitz hurries over to Celestia.

“Here are your Honor Guards, Princess Celestia.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You mean Arc’s Honor Guards.”

“At the moment they’re guarding all of you, your highness.”

Celestia attempts to move the conversation forward. “Is Abyssinia aware of our visit?”

Kibitz nods. “Yes, Princess Celestia. I’ve informed them that you will be traveling there shortly with Princess Twilight and the Hero of Light.”

Twilight grimaces. “Did they seem upset at the short notice?”

“Not really. Especially after I informed them that you would be accompanied by Lord Arc.”

Celestia looks to him with a sneer. “Lord?”

Arc shrugs. “A title I picked up in the Griffon Kingdom originally.”

Luna nods approvingly. “I believe it suits him well.”

Cadance smiles. “Yes, Arc’s certainly worthy of such a thing.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “In any case, when do we leave?”

“Whenever you and Princess Celestia are ready.”

Kibitz looks to Celestia. “Your majesty, a moment of your time please.”

“What is it, Kibitz?”

“Another individual wished to request to join your… expedition.”

“Oh?”

Twilight appears genuinely confused. “Who?”

“Dragon Lord Ember.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “She is aware of the mission?”

“Yes, your highness.”

Luna frowns. “How did she hear about it?”

Cadance looks around nervously. “Yes, we only just decided on this.”

“I do believe her… ambassador informed her.”

Arc chuckles. “Brightwing, huh?”

Celestia appears confused. “Who?”

Luna sighs. “A small dragon whom acts as the Dragon Lord’s ambassador to Equestria.”

Cadance giggles. “She’s kinda cute. You’ll like her, Aunt Celestia.”

Twilight appears hopeful as she looks to Celestia. “Can they come?”

“I suppose so.”

She turn to Kibitz before continuing.

“Let them in.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Bowing, he motions to the squad. Max and Xenos hurry to open the doors. Ember walks in with Brightwing fluttering in behind her. Kibitz clears his throat.

“Presenting Dragon Lord Ember and Ambassador Brightwing.”

“Hello friends!”

Ember waves. “Morning everyone.”

Sereb frowns. “What’s this about, Ember?”

“Brightwing told me Arc was heading to Abyssinia. I want in.”

“Yes! We will do a good thing!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Really, Ember?”

“Yeah. So let’s go.”

“Fine.”

He turns to Celestia and Twilight.

“You two ready?”

“I am.”

“So am I.”

“Alright. Let’s get moving then.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc channels his power into the crystals and levitates a foot or so off the floor. Celestia watches intently as he slowly opens a portal. As it stabilizes he looks to his squad.

“Take point.”

They nod and rush through the portal. Taking her mentor’s hoof, Twilight trots forward through the swirling energies a few moments later followed by Ember, Sereb, and Brightwing. Arc looks to Luna and Cadance.

“We’ll be back before you know it.”

Blinking into his portal, it collapses behind him. Cadance turns to Luna.

“Did we do the right thing?”

“I’m not sure, Cadance. While I don’t think this trip will be too taxing on Celestia’s body, she does need to feel… what’s the term…?”

“Useful?”

“I believe ‘busy’ might be a better way to put it. That and she wouldn’t have wanted Twilight to go without her.”

“That may be. But we could have…”

Kibitz clears his throat loudly. “Your highnesses?”

Luna turns to him. “Yes?”

“It’s about time for audiences to begin.”

Cadance smiles. “Then we should get moving.”

Luna sighs. “Agreed.”

Meanwhile, Arc emerges from the portal. Looking around he spies his squad forming a defensive perimeter around Twilight and Celestia. Ember turns to look at him as the portal closes.

“Took long enough.”

“Sorry. Had to say a few things to Luna and Cadance.”

Sereb motions with a paw. “Shall we be off?”

Arc shrugs. “I guess. Princesses?”

“I’m ready. Princess Celestia?”

“Lead on.”

Arc nods and calls forth his armor as he mounts Sereb. The wolf marches ahead of the princesses as Arc turns to his squad.

“Keep watch for anything or anyone suspicious. I’ll take point.”

Ember clutches her spear. “And I’ll guard the rear with Brightwing here.”

“Yes, yes!”

Celestia turns to her. “Ember?”

“What is it?”

“That would not be proper.”

“Huh?”

“You’re the Dragon Lord now. Not a common guard to watch our flanks.”

“And?”

“And you should be up here with Twilight and I.”

Sereb turns to look at his rider. “I can watch the rear if you don’t mind walking, Arc.”

“That would work, yes.”

Arc dismounts and watches Sereb walk behind the princesses as Ember approaches Celestia. She takes a position between Celestia and Max as Arc looks forward again.

“Alright, take two. Let’s go.”

Starting on their way, Arc leads them into the city. Even though it is early numerous felines are out and about. They part at Arc’s approach and bow respectfully. Celestia looks around suspiciously.

“This is new.”

Twilight turns to her. “What is?”

“They were never this cordial to me before.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh brother.”

Celestia appears confused. “Ember?”

“You think they’re doing this for you?”

“Twilight and I, yes.”

Sereb shakes his head. “You are incorrect, your highness.”

“I don’t understand.”

Arc shoots Celestia a withering look. “They’re bowing to me.”

Celestia scoffs. “And why would they do that?”

Ember grits her teeth. “Because Arc saved every one of them from starvation.”

Twilight nods soberly. “And a beast known as The Storm King.”

Celestia appears surprised. “I’m not familiar with the name.”

Arc frowns. “He’s working with Decimus now.”

“Are you certain?”

Ember nods. “Very.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “We saw him helping with the attack on the peace summit some time ago.”

Brightwing shudders. “Scary!”

Arc clenches a fist. “I wish we could have taken him down back then. Given the citizens some degree of cloture.”

Sereb growls. “We will have to correct that when next we meet him!”

They walk on in silence for a time. Eventually Celestia turns to Ember.

“So you live in Equestria now?”

Ember shrugs and continues to stare straight ahead. “Off and on lately.”

“Are you happy in our lands?”

“Most of the time.”

“Tell me, what do you like about Equestria?”

“It’s a very… friendly place.”

Twilight nods. “That it is.”

Celestia sighs. “Perhaps. But it isn’t really set up for dragons.”

“I make do.”

“Might I ask how?”

“By staying with Arc mostly.”

“With him?”

Ember shrugs. “I’m looking to join his herd when it forms.”

Celestia groans. “Twilight’s convinced you too?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Princess Celestia.”

Ember grins slyly. “Right. I was the first.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “First what?”

“Female to want you inside them.”

Sereb groans. “Tact, Ember.”

“That was toning it down, believe me.”

Celestia looks to Arc and narrows her eyes. “Very interesting.”

Twilight turns to her. “Princess Celestia?”

“You’ve made some very powerful lovers, human.”

“They came to me with their idea. Not the other way around.”

Celestia smirks. “Twilight, Rarity, and Ember. Anypony else I should know about?”

Ember chuckles. “How about your sister?”

Arc shakes his head. “We’re just friends.”

Twilight giggles. “You DID take her out on a date though.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “You did WHAT with Luna?!”

Sereb growls. “That was purely platonic though.”

“Right. I was just taking her out to dinner for a bit of a break.”

Ember frowns. “That reminds me! When are WE going out on a date?!”

Arc groans. “Now’s not the time for that, Ember.”

Brightwing makes happy noised. “You make Dragon Lord VERY happy!”

Twilight giggles. “That you do, Arc.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Such is the life of a hero.”

Sometime later they arrive at the palace. King Felix and Queen Fiona meet them at the foot of the stairs. They approach Arc and smile warmly.

“Welcome again to our land, Lord Arc.”

Fiona gestures to his entourage. “We see that you’ve brought some very special company with you today.”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed. Dragon Lord Ember you know.”

Ember grins and waves a claw. “Sup.”

“This is Ambassador Brightwing.”

“Hello friends!”

“Princess Twilight. Newly crowned.”

Twilight courtesies respectfully. “A pleasure your highnesses.”

“And this is Princess Celestia. “

“Good morning.”

Felix bows respectfully. “Hello, princess.”

Fiona smiles warmly. “A pleasure, your highnesses.”

Felix gestures with a wave of his paw. “Please come inside everyone.”

Fiona: nods. “Yes, we’re glad you could come.”

Arc steps forward. “Thank you.”

He leads the group inside the palace as the monarchs walk on either side of him.

Chapter 6 - Inspecting the Sandbox

Entering the palace, the king turns to Arc.

“I do hope you had a pleasant trip.”

Arc chuckles. “Well it was certainly short.”

Brightwing giggles. “Fun!”

Ember shrugs. “Portals tend to do that.”

Fiona nods approvingly. “Very efficient.”

“And how are things here in the capital?”

“Peaceful.”

“A pleasant change.”

Twilight turns to the king and queen. “Is everypony alright?!”

“Oh yes.”

“What transpired was nothing more than our nation being put on high alert. As a precaution, that is.”

Celestia frowns. “Trouble with the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Something like that.”

“An airship armada heading to Equestria made us uneasy.”

Celestia sighs. “Please forgive our country for that. Such was not our intention.”

Felix waves a paw dismissively. “It is in the past.”

Coming to the Day Room they sit on piles of pillow. Arc motions for his squad to leave the room. They do so, closing the door behind them as he turns back to the monarchs.

“Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Yes, we know you must be quite busy.”

Felix chuckles. “We are never too busy to see you, Lord Arc.”

Fiona nods. “Especially after all you’ve done for us and our nation.”

Celestia turns to the monarchs. “I’ve only been told the cliff notes on the past year or so. Might I hear what transpired from your point of view?”

Felix bows his head. “Certainly. When Lord Arc ruled your nation as the Lord Regent we sent a correspondence inviting him to Abyssinia for a meeting.”

“For what purpose?”

Fiona sighs. “To turn over control of our land to Equestria.”

Celestia appears surprised. “Oh?”

“We were beset upon by The Storm King whom had taken all that our land had. Valuables, art, currency.”

“But the worst part was when he took our food.”

“With our citizens literally starving we hoped to be allowed to be absorbed into the Equestrian empire.”

“In doing so we would have been protected by the Equestrian military.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “What about your own standing forces? Were they not enough to stop this beast?”

“We lost them in a failed attack on The Storm King.”

“Yes. He gassed them all.”

Twilight gasps. “Unspeakable!”

Ember shudders. “Things were pretty bad when we showed up too.”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. The citizens were barely able to leave their homes due to weakness from hunger.”

Arc sighs. “I entered one such home and found a mother and her kitten hiding under their bed. The little one was ready to die of malnutrition.”

Ember points a thumb over her shoulder. “Arc took them both back to the airship and had Nurse Redheart stabilize them.”

Arc nods soberly. “They told me the whole story about what was going on before I left to see the king and queen.”

“Upon Lord Arc’s arrival we immediately gave up our positions to him and begged for his help.”

Fiona smiles. “However he refused to take our lands.”

Arc shrugs. “I didn’t see it as being fair to those whom had already lost everything but their lives.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “So we went after The Storm King ourselves!”

Brightwing grins wickedly. “Make his insides… outsides!”

Sereb nods. “After giving food to the city from Equestria.”

Twilight sighs. “Arc told me some time ago that the enemy base was destroyed while their leader escaped.”

Arc grimaces. “Yes. He killed his own forces and destroyed the base rather than fight me himself.”

Celestia gasps. “Monstrous!”

Sereb grins toothily. “We shot his ship down, and he again came after us.”

Ember sneers. “That’s when Arc’s squad took him out. Knocked him over a cliff to what we thought was his end.”

Felix puts his paws together. “And thus our land was saved.”

Celestia looks around the room at the collection of expensive looking items. “But how did you recover? I assume the stolen goods were destroyed with the base.”

“Lord Arc gave us additional supplies which included the knowledge of how to grow plants and fish using ‘aquaponics’.”

Felix gestures out the window at the gardens. “Thanks to that we can now easily produce enough food to feed our nation.”

“And even have enough left over to store away.”

“Currently we’re looking at exports.”

Twilight smiles. “It sounds like you’ve come a long way.”

Felix nods. “Yes. And it wouldn’t have been possible without Lord Arc’s help.”

Fiona smiles. “He will always be known as our nation’s hero.”

“I’m just glad I could help.”

Felix grins. “And help you did. More so after that too.”

Celestia gasps. “There’s more?”

Fiona nods. “Yes. During a peace summit held in your nation some time ago, I… spiked a fellow diplomat’s drink with a certain herb which would cause him great embarrassment.”

Felix grits his teeth. “It was in retaliation for a… past matter.”

“However he accidently knocked Princess Cadance’s glass from her hoof a short time later and offered his own out of… courtesy.”

“She and Princess Luna shortly thereafter fell into mysterious comas.”

Fiona bows her head. “I confessed my crime to Lord Arc, and was willing to take the consequences upon myself for my actions.”

“But Lord Arc didn’t take my queen away.”

Arc shakes his head. “At the time I saw it as merely a coincidence, as the herb was not found in Princess Cadance’s blood at the time.”

Fiona appears relieved. “We were placed under house arrest in our rooms while Lord Arc personally investigated. However he was able to quickly exonerate me.”

Ember grins. “Exonerate you?! I’d have given you a medal!”

Brightwing flutters happily. “Hooray! This would be a good thing!”

Twilight chimes in. “That was a bad time for all of us.”

Celestia frowns. “But what was the cause of the comas?”

Arc sighs. “Poison in the princesses’ morning tea.”

“By a Hoof Maiden?!”

Sereb growls. “A fake servant!”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Yes. She had magically disguised herself, but was forced to reveal her true form when I caught her.”

Celestia grimaces. “A changeling?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was a mare named ‘Sunset Shimmer’.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “HER?!”

Twilight looks to her teacher. “You remember her from our days in you tutelage?”

“She was there with me in that base we fell back to! Her and a wolf partner!”

Sereb growls. “My brother, Kane!”

“I thought she had changed! That her time elsewhere had allowed her to grow and mature!”

Arc scoffs. “Oh, she did mature. With the humans whom held you captive.”

“WHAT?!”

Twilight groans. “Sunset Shimmer is known on Earth by another name.”

Ember nods soberly. “Colonel Diva.”

Celestia gasps. “That… that’s IMPOSSIBLE!”

Arc shakes his head. “She confessed it to us back at the peace summit.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “And that her, along with my brother, are working with the Council of Shadows.”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide. “Council of Shadows?!”

Twilight turns to her. “You know of them, Princess Celestia?!”

“Yes! They’re a very old group whose sole purpose for existing is to prepare for some sort of coming evil!”

Brightwing growls. “But evil is bad!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow skeptically. “But you don’t believe their defense is warranted?”

Celestia shakes her head. “No. They’ve given no proof of their claims nor have they come forth in any official regard.”

Arc frowns. “Then how do you know of them?”

“In the past, every so often I would receive a letter from them regarding the matter. However they were usually filled with unsubstantiated claims that the group could not, or would not, be able to prove.”

Twilight sighs. “Who sent them though?”

“They were always signed with a codename… ‘The Dark One’.”

Arc groans. “Him again?!”

Celestia turns to Arc. “Did he contact you?”

“I’ve met him.”

“So he’s real then?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… if they sent you a letter, how did you think they weren’t real?”

“I assumed it to merely be a fabricated figurehead.”

Arc sighs. “Trust me, he’s real.”

Felix gasps. “Did he give you any proof of his claims, Lord Arc?”

“Just talk. But he’s certainly well connected.”

“Politically?”

“Yes. Also logistically and membership-wise.”

Sereb growls. “We should end them for good, Arc! “

Ember brandishes her claws. “I’ll help!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Believe me, I’d love to. When I was Lord Regent I even covertly sent out scouts to try and find their base of operation.”

Twilight sighs. “Nothing?”

“Nothing. Any idea where they are, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia shakes her head. “None. The letters were always delivered covertly.”

Felix grimaces. “Do you believe they pose a threat to our nations, Lord Arc?”

“I didn’t before they tried to sabotage the peace summit, no. Now though I’d like to hunt them down myself.”

Twilight sighs. “But Decimus, Tempest, and The Dark One can’t be killed!”

Brightwing hides behind Ember. “Scary!”

Celestia frowns. “Then we’d imprison them after fitting magic nullifiers.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Are you certain that would work, your highness?”

“No. But I don’t know what else to do.”

Arc shrugs. “Some time ago I too suggested that. However I get the feeling The Dark One would figure out a way to escape.”

Ember grins. “But that wouldn’t stop us from trying.”

Sereb grins toothily. “Indeed.”

Fiona puts her paws together. “If we can be of aid please do not hesitate to ask.”

Celestia smiles at them warmly. “You’ve done more than enough for Equestria, what with taking in our citizens whom needed protecting.”

Twilight nods. “That’s the main reason we’re here, after all.”

Felix chuckles. “To check in on them?”

Arc nods. “And retrieve Hard Hat.”

Ember grins. “He’s needed to lead the effort to rebuild Ponyville.”

Celestia looks to the king. “Might we see him?”

Felix stands. “We shall escort you to New Ponyville personally.”

“New Ponyville?”

Brightwing grins toothlessly. “New is good!”

Fiona nods as she gets to her feet as well. “That’s what the citizens took to calling the camp.”

“Both ours and yours, that is.”

They head out an exterior door into the palace gardens. Celestia and Twilight marvel at the diverse plants found within.

“Extraordinary!”

“How is it possible to grow such things here in Abyssinia?!”

Felix chuckles. “It’s easy when you’re not using every spare bit of water for food production.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “But I thought your food levels were supposed to be adequate.”

Arc gestures with a wave of his hand. “The aquaponics system circulates the water without wasting much at all except for minor evaporation. And what the plants drink too, of course.”

Fiona sighs. “Before we had to water what few crops we had in the dead of night to avoid the hot sun drying it up before the plants could absorb it.”

Felix grins. “Which has left a substantial amount for pleasure filled activities.”

Twilight looks around. “Such as these gardens?”

“And something the Equestrians built. What was it called again, dear?”

“I believe they said it was known as a ‘swimming pool’.”

“Yes, that’s it.”

“The young ones use it during the day. While after work the adults usually go there to relax.”

Ember grins. “Gotta blow off steam somehow.”

Brightwing giggles. “Sounds tasty!”

Leaving the gardens, they enter the town. Felix and Fiona lead the group past the various buildings as Celestia and Twilight look them over.

“This place appears very well constructed.”

“Yes, it does.”

Felix nods. “A stallion by the name of Hard Hat organized their erection.”

“That he did. It was important to have them built quickly too, as the Equestrians were living in Lord Arc’s ship at the time.”

Twilight turns to the monarchs. “I know this might sound a bit strange, but might we see this pool you spoke of earlier?”

Celestia smiles at her student. “Looking to go for a swim, Twilight?”

“I’d like to see the how the foals and younglings are doing.”

Fiona motions with a wave of her paw. “Right this way.”

Leading the group to a large building they enter together. The smell of chlorine permeates the humid air. Arc opens the door to the room and spies a large number of fillies, colts, and younglings playing in and around the water. The orphanage staff watch them dutifully as they enjoy the amenities. Dinky spots her father peeking in as she swims with her friends. Her face lighting up happily, she cries out.

“DAD!!!”

Paddling as fast as she is able, the little filly reaches the edge of the pool and jumps out onto the tile floor. Without waiting to dry herself off she runs through the door and over to Arc to leap into his arms. The pair embrace for a long moment as Brightwing giggles happily.

“Friends!”

“Are you okay, dad?!”

“I’m just fine, Dinky.”

“Mom and I missed you so much!”

“And I missed you both so much as well.”

She grins hugely as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hurry through the door to join her. They giggle happily as Arc kneels to put Dinky down and hug them as well.

“Arc, you’re back!”

“Does that mean everything’s okay back in Equestria?!”

Brightwing giggles. “Yes, yes!”

“Things are certainly better.”

Twilight turns to her mentor. This is Arc’s…

She stops talking as a strange looks crosses Celestia’s face.

“Princess Celestia?”

“Y-yes?”

“Are you alright?”

Celestia smiles and nods. “I… I am. Just a bit of an… an old memory. Now then, what were you saying?”

“This is Dinky. She’s Arc’s adopted daughter. And these are her friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They’re…”

“…friends?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Apple Bloom nods. “We go to school together in Ponyville!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Yeah! Well, at least we did before the town burned down.”

Brightwing shudders. “Oh! Scary!”

Celestia nods. “I see. Um… I’d like to have a word with you three later when there’s time.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What about?”

“Oh… a few things.”

Apple Bloom steps back nervously. “Are we in trouble?”

Celestia smiles warmly as she shakes her head. “Not at all. Now then, right now I’d like to speak to whomever is in charge here.”

Sweetie Belle motions back the way they came. “That would be Miss Pommel!”

Dinky giggles. “She’s the orphanage matron.”

Apple Bloom waves a hoof. “This way!”

The fillies lead the way into the building’s interior. Spotting the visitors, Natalya blows a whistle and calls out.

“Everyone out of the water! Line up by class!”

The foals and younglings quickly do so as Coco Pommel and the teachers hurry to approach them. Stepping forward, Coco Pommel kneels nervously before Celestia.

“Good morning, your highnesses. To what do we owe this visit?”

“I’ve come to see how my little ponies are getting on in this land, miss…”

“Coco Pommel, your majesty.”

Felix gestures with a paw. “Miss Pommel is the glue that holds the young of your land together.”

Fiona giggles. “They’re the most cheerful group I’ve even seen.”

Coco Pommel nods as she motions to her teachers. “It’s a team effort.”

She pauses momentarily before introducing them.

“This is Miss Cheerilee. She’s in charge of the foal’s education.”

Cheerilee nods respectfully. “It’s an honor, your highnesses.”

“And this is Miss Peachbottom. She was brought on to teach the griffon younglings whom were taken to Equestria.”

Peachbottom smiles. “It’s been a pleasure to serve, Princess Celestia.”

Cheerilee looks over her shoulder at the little ones. “Foal and youngling alike are a joy to teach.”

Celestia looks around. “Are there any other staff here?”

“Natalya and Gallus.”

Coco Pommel motions for them to approach. They do so at once as the matron continues.

“I was allowed to hire them to help bridge the gap between us and the new younglings.”

Natalya sighs. “No one in Equestria really knew how to care for griffons.”

Gallus shrugs. “So when they were taken off the streets of Griffon’s Gate we volunteered to help.”

Celestia nods. “After the first treaty?”

Ember grits her teeth. “Yeah. It needed to be done too.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Right. They were living on the streets and in garbage dumps.”

Brightwing gasps. “Oh no!”

Gallus groans. “It wasn’t a good situation.”

Twilight sighs. “I remember when they first came to town. Nopony really knew what to do or say to them.”

Sereb clears his throat. “Perhaps the princess would do well to look over these little ones though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Sereb?”

“She will be able to see with her own eyes their transformation.”

Arc motions with a wave of his hand as Celestia walks toward the younglings. Looking them over she nods approvingly.

“They appear well-fed and cared for.”

Ginny giggles. “We are!”

Natalya gasps. “Ginny, hush!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no. Let them speak. We’re here to learn, after all.”

Celestia kneels down to the youngling’s level. “Hello there. My name is Celestia. What’s yours?”

“Ginny.”

“Are you happy here?”

“Oh, very!”

Geoffrey grins. “We’re really well cared for!”

Gigi points a talon. “Just like the foals!”

Glynda giggles. “They even let us go to school!”

Gallus looks to Twilight. “It was a dream of theirs.”

“To go to school?”

Natalya nods. “Right. Such things aren’t a normal occurrence in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Celestia continues. “Are the foals nice to you?”

Ginny smiles. “Yeah! We all play together every day!”

Geoffrey pats his belly. “And get to eat too!”

Arc frowns. “Food was scarce for them when I found these four.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Found them?”

Ember nods. “Arc and I saw them living at a dump.”

Brightwing gasps. “They must fly away, very fast!”

Sereb motions to the younglings. “We took them back to Equestria after one of them was gravely injured.”

Felix smiles. “A noble endeavor.”

Fiona moves to stand with her husband. “Agreed.”

Celestia looks Ginny in the eye. “There wasn’t anywhere else for you to go, little one?”

“Nope. Gallus took care of us back then though. And when we came here, Dinky helped us makes friends with the foals.”

Glynda sighs. “I think they were kinda scared of us at first.”

Gigi nods. “But Dinky convinced them that we were okay.”

“And you all feel safe and cared for?”

Geoffrey grins. “Very!”

Ginny appears suddenly apprehensive. “You’re not going to send us back to the Griffon Kingdom, are you?!”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, no. I only wanted to hear your side of the story and make sure you were all happy here.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “Maybe we should let them go back to playing.”

“Agreed.”

Coco Pommel turns to the orphans. “Everypony can go play now.”

They cheer and run back to the pool. As they continue their fun Celestia stands and looks to Coco Pommel.

“Might I ask you something, matron?”

“What is it, your highness?”

“What exactly happened to Matron Tempest?”

Coco Pommel frowns. “She was removed from her position by Hero of Light Arc, your highness.”

“Might I ask why?”

“For abusing hundreds of foals over the years! Myself included!”

Twilight gasps. “Wait! You were…?!”

Coco Pommel nods soberly. “Yes. I too grew up in the New Beginnings Orphanage under her so-called ‘care’.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I recommended her for the vacated position after she was discharged from the hospital.”

Celestia frowns. “Hospital?”

Ember clenches a fist. “She was really badly malnourished from years of giving her own meals to the starving orphans.”

Brightwing shudders. “Pretty pony in danger?!”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “I’m fully recovered physically now. But I don’t think I’ll ever fully get over my own past.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “But you’re still doing a wonderful job in your new position.”

Twilight sighs. “I remember hearing about that from Luna. She was the one whom allowed the construction of the new orphanage just outside Ponyville.”

Coco Pommel appears hopeful. “With luck the building is still standing. It’s a grand place of care and learning.”

Sereb nods. “Yes, it merely needs a bit of work to repair some light damage before returning.”

Dinky lets out a sigh of relief. “Good. So many foals and younglings called it home.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “A lot of them saw it as their first too.”

Apple Bloom looks to Celestia “Can we go home soon?”

“I’ve already ordered Ponyville rebuilt, little one. We’re here to find the stallion whom helped build this place so he can lead the reconstruction.”

Felix motions with a paw. “He’s probably in the Town Hall with Mayor Mare, Princess Celestia.”

“Very dedicated, that one.”

Celestia nods. “Then let us head there now.”

She looks to the fillies and smiles.

“I’ll see you all again soon.”

Turning to walk away she heads for the door with the others as Dinky looks to her father.

“Can I come too, dad?!”

“Sure, Dinky.”

Grinning, she falls into step with the others. As they leave the building Celestia turns to Arc.

“Very impressive.”

“Which part?”

“Getting foals and younglings to not only tolerate one another but even become friends.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t they be friends?”

Brightwing flaps her wings happily. “Yes, yes! Tiny ponies and bird friends can do it without a doubt!”

Celestia sighs. “Years of animosity between our two nations, for starters.”

Dinky frowns. “But they didn’t have anything to do with that!”

Twilight nods. “Right. Their ancestors were to blame for that.”

Sereb nods toward the pool. “These little ones are blank slates. There are no preconceived notions in them of one another.”

Arc sighs. “I admit that there’s been things in the past that would make both sides looks bad. But this is the first step in changing things.”

Felix smiles. “Every journey begins with a single step.”

Fiona looks to the princesses. “Yes. Look at our nations. We haven’t always been on the best terms with Equestria due to the past.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Neither has the Dragon Lands.”

Sereb sighs. “Or the Forsaken Tribe.”

Twilight look to Celestia. “It will take time, of course. But I too believe that there can be a brighter future for all nations if we can find a way to move past… the past.”

“Very well spoken, Twilight. I suppose there is much we can all learn from the orphans and their plight.”

Felix chuckles. “Common ground.”

Fiona smiles. “Indeed.”

Ember shrugs. “Some things are worth putting the past behind us.”

Brightwing giggles happily. “Keep little one’s safe! Yes?!”

Celestia nods with a smile. “That we will, ambassador. That we will.”

Chapter 7 - Past Crimes

As the group walks down the street toward the Town Hall, Twilight turns to Celestia.

“Hard Hat really did do a nice job on that building.”

“That he did.”

Celestia turns to the king and queen before continuing.

“Tell me, were there any… complications to our citizens staying here?”

Felix shakes his head. “Nothing serious, no.”

Fiona smiles “Just a few misunderstandings really.”

Twilight grimaces. “Between ponies and Abyssinians?”

“Mostly, yes.”

Fiona gestures to the city with a wave of her paw. “You see, we didn’t confine them to just New Ponyville. Some equines sought employment within the city.

Ember chuckles. “And that brought them into contact with you citizens.”

Brightwing gasps as she looks to the monarchs. “Was bad?!”

“Not exactly, no.”

“Several mares were hired in a tavern to serve drinks to patrons.”

“It was advertised as having… exotic waitresses.”

“A few patrons had a bit too much to drink and got a bit… touchy-feely with the mares.”

Arc frowns. “How did it end?”

“The management ordered their bouncers to remove the patrons in question and immediately notified New Ponyville Town Hall of the incident.”

“Mayor Mare went over there with a rainbow-maned pony to speak to the waitresses and get their side of the story.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “Are they alright?!”

Felix nods. “Yes. While a bit shaken up about the ordeal, the mayor informed us personally that the matter had been settled.”

Celestia smiles at them. “Thank you for protecting their dignity.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Yeah. No one deserves to be treated like that.”

Brightwing bares her gums. “Ouchy time for bad kitties!”

Dinky looks to the king. “What happened after that?”

“I’m told they’re still working there even now. Shall I send for them?”

Twilight nods. “It might be best to interview them ourselves.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Now?”

Celestia sighs. “Before we leave, yes. Unless you believe there is more to this matter, King Felix.”

Felix shakes his head. “I do not. But Mayor Mare would be the one to speak to about this further.”

Arc looks ahead. “We’ll do that.”

Arriving at the Town Hall they enter. Spotting the rest of the Mane Six around the conference table with Hard Hat and Mayor Mare going over paperwork the group heads over. Pinkie’s ears flop strangely as she looks up and grins.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

The mares stand up and hurries over to their friend. Hugging her, they look over to see Celestia standing with Arc and the others. Applejack is the first to speak.

“So it looks like things went alright at Light’s Hope.”

Twilight shrugs. “Sort of.”

Ember chuckles. “It was really kinda touch and go for a while there.”

Sereb grins toothily. “I knew Arc and his allies could do it.”

Brightwing shudders. “Scary time!”

Celestia clears her throat and speaks. “Good morning, everypony. I trust you’re all doing well?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “We’ve been better.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Our friend means it takes a bit of getting used to. Living here in Abyssinia, I mean.”

She looks over at the king before continuing.

“No offense intended, of course.”

“None taken.”

Fluttershy nods. “We’re just glad you appear to be alright, your highness.”

Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin as she narrows her eyes. “You ARE doing alright… right?!”

Twilight steps forward. “Princess Celestia is still a bit weak, of course. But is otherwise doing well.”

Ember looks to the mayor and Hard Hat. “Nice job with the town you two.”

Hard Hat shrugs. “I just helped build it. The citizens made it work.”

Mayor Mare sighs. “Yes indeed. Everypony has been very happy here. However…”

She looks to the king and queen before continuing.

“…this land isn’t our home.”

Twilight smile apologetically. “That’s why we’re here.”

Celestia looks to the stallion. “Yes. We came to check on the citizens of Ponyville as well as retrieve Hard Hat.”

Hard Hat grins. “The town’s getting rebuilt?!”

Ember nods. “Yeah. You up for it?”

“Always. I just need to retrieve the blueprints from the Town Hall back in Ponyville.”

Twilight bows her head. “It… burned down.”

Mayor Mare smiles. “Not to worry. The blueprints for the town were stored in the fireproof basement vault.”

Sereb grins. “All we have to do is dig them out?”

Hard Hat nods. “Exactly. Then we’ll start gathering supplies and stallionpower.”

Celestia giggles. “I’ve already started that process.”

“Perfect. When do we start?”

Twilight grins. “You’ll come back to Equestria with us when we leave later today.”

“Fine. Just let me get packed.”

He hurries out the door as Applejack walks over to Arc.

“So what’s next?”

“We should probably address the citizens. Let them know we’re here and actively working to get them resettled back in Equestria.”

Felix looks out the window. “The workday started a couple hours ago, so your citizens are pretty busy.”

“We can call for them though if you’d like.”

Ember shrugs. “What’s one more shift, right?”

Sereb frowns. “But they should be told immediately.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Oh my. What to do?”

Rarity looks to Celestia. “Perhaps we should…”

Princess Celestia suddenly puts a hoof to her forehead and wobbles slightly. Twilight looks to her.

“Are you alright?!”

“Just a bit… lightheaded.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Probably from what was done to her.”

Felix motions to the door. “We can offer you a room in the palace, your highness.”

“Thank you, but it’s a bit… far.”

The mayor gestures to a smaller door. “I have quarters here in the building. While not much, the sheets are clean and it’s climate controlled.”

Twilight looks to Celestia. “That would probably be for the best.”

“Yes. Please lead on.”

Twilight helps Celestia through a nearby door as Mayor Mare holds it opens for them. As they disappear from sight Rainbow Dash scoffs.

“She has a lot of nerve coming here!”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “Dashie?!”

Rarity frowns. “What’s gotten into…?!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Oh, come ON! Remember, she’s the one whose fault it is that Ponyville was destroyed!”

Fluttershy sighs. “But that was Decimus.”

“Yeah! Whom SHE promoted!”

Applejack groans. “Rainbow Dash does have a point.”

Ember puts a claw to her chin. “I suppose so.”

Sereb turns to Rainbow Dash. “The princess was most likely kept in the dark on most matters pertaining to Decimus’ activities.”

“Well, Celestia should have been more careful whom she appointed Hero of Light then!”

Rarity looks to Arc. “I suppose both arguments have merit. What do you think?”

“That I have a nasty scar on my belly and back thanks to her.”

Rainbow Dash stomps the floor angrily. “Darn right!”

“But I’m willing to give her a chance.”

“What?! WHY?!”

“For Twilight’s sake. Remember, she still thinks very highly of Celestia.”

“Even the egghead makes mistakes though.”

A short time later the mayor leaves the room and rejoins the others.

“The princess is resting peacefully.”

Fluttershy appears concerned. “Is she alright?”

“I’m not sure. While I suggested calling for medical help, she refused.”

Applejack looks to the now closed door. “Is Twilight going to stay with her?”

“Yes. She asked me to tell everypony not to worry.”

Pinkie groans. “That’ll just make us worry more!”

Ember shrugs. “Nothing we can do about that.”

Rarity shrugs. “I suppose not.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “What shall we do in the meantime?”

Arc looks to the monarchs. “With your permission, I’d like to head over to that bar and take a statement from those mares whom were accosted.”

“Yes, of course.”

“We can send some guards to show you the way.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “That’s okay. I can take him there.”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “Rainbow Dash?”

“I’ve been there before.”

Rarity frowns. “You have?”

“They have a really good selection of juices and… other things. That and I don’t really want to stand around with you know who in there.”

She gestures to the door as Arc nods.

“Fine. Let’s go.”

Felix nods. “We’ll return to the palace then, Lord Arc.”

Fiona smiles at him. “Please let us know if you require anything.”

“Thanks, I will.”

Heading out the door, they part ways with the monarchs and head toward the town. Ember looks to Rainbow Dash.

“I’m almost afraid to ask, but when did you have time to go out?”

“After work.”

Brightwing shakes her head. “Friend not being truthful!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Fine. I would sometimes sneak out.”

Sereb chuckles. “And have an adventure of your own?”

“Something like that.”

Leading them through a number of back streets, they come to a somewhat rundown building at the end of what appears to be little more than an alley. Walking up to the door she motions to the sign overhead.

“Here we are. The ‘Rat in the Pot’.”

Arc chuckles. “Interesting name.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “We should be cautious.”

Ember bares her claws. “I’m ready for anything.”

Rainbow Dash enters first. Looking around, Arc notices everyone staring at them as the rainbow maned mare speaks.

“Chill, everypony. They’re with me.”

Shrugging, the cats go back to their drinks. Arc appears surprised as Rainbow Dash greets nearly every patron that she passes on their way to the bar by name. Sitting down on stools Ember turns to her.

“You must come here a lot.”

“Every so often, yeah.”

Sereb narrows her eyes. “Enough that everyone here appears to know you.”

“Can I help it if I’m popular?”

Brightwing giggles. “Friend have many, many friends! Happy!”

The bartender walks over and looks at the Pegasi before him.

“Back so soon, RD?”

“Yeah, Roscoe. Needed a bit of a drink after seeing somepony I don’t really like right now.”

“The usual?”

Rainbow Dash appears suddenly nervous. “N-no! Give me and my friends here… uh… juice!”

“What kind?”

“Anything.”

“Coming right up.”

Pouring juice at lighting speed he slides glasses down the bar to each of them. Rainbow Dash downs hers in a few gulps and sighs contentedly.

“That hits the spot!”

Tossing her glass to Roscoe, Rainbow Dash nods to the back room.

“In any case… I need a bit of a favor.”

“Oh?”

“You see… this is Lord Arc. He’s here from Equestria to talk to your waitresses about what happened.”

“Which time?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “It was more than once?”

“Yeah. My boys do their best to make sure the patrons keep their paws to themselves. But it’s a full time job as far as those two are concerned.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “They’re… popular?”

“Very. Everyone wants to be in their section. I didn’t really think much of it until it became a regular thing.”

Ember shrugs. “So they’re getting hit on. Big deal.”

Roscoe sighs. “More than that.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Roscoe lowers his voice as he speaks. “Let’s just say that they could have a very lucrative side hustle going if they wanted to.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But they’re not doing that, are they?”

“Not here they’re not. We have policies against it. After all, the rep of this place is bad enough without folks thinking they can get some action from the waitresses.”

Arc looks to Roscoe. “Is that illegal?”

“As long as it’s consensual and not in the middle of the floor, no. But that’s not something I want to branch off into. A lot of bad things start happening in taverns whom go that route. All the good customers leave and get replaced by the seedy lot.”

Sereb nods. “A wise choice.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, are they around?”

Rainbow Dash looks over her shoulder at the tables behind her. “I don’t see them anywhere.”

“Yeah, well… I’ve been keeping them in the back as much as I can.”

Arc appears impressed. “To protect them?”

“And keep the fights from starting.”

Ember grins. “Fights?”

Roscoe shrugs. “Like I said, everyone wanted to be in their section. We had brawls breaking out over it so I reassigned them to after-hours cleaning and anything involving them staying out of sight.”

Arc sighs. “So they’re not here?”

“Doing inventory at the moment.”

“I’d like to speak to them about this.”

“Sure. They’re back there. RD can show you where.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “She can?”

Rainbow Dash looks away nervously. “I’ve… helped bring up bottles before when things were slammed.”

“Even offered RD a job a time or two.”

Rainbow Dash hops off the stool. “Anyways, follow me.”

Arc nods as he stands and looks to the others. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

Ember frowns. “What are we supposed to do?!”

Brightwing giggles as she pulls her head from the now empty glass in front of her. “Have another drink with friends?!”

Sereb chuckles. “Sounds good to me.”

Arc and Rainbow Dash head into the back room. She turns to him as the door closes behind them.

“Why don’t you let me go first? Let them know what’s going to happen.”

“You think it’ll be a problem?”

“Not if I soften them up beforehoof.”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. We’ll do it your way.”

“Thanks.”

Trotting ahead, she heads for the sounds of talking nearby. Finding them, she throws up a hoof in greeting.

“Hey, I’m back!”

“Hi, RD!”

“Here for another bottle or two?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not this time. I’m here with a good friend of mine to take a statement.”

“A… what?”

“He just wants to ask you some questions about how some of the customers have been treating you.”

The mare shrinks back nervously. “We don’t really want to…?”

Rainbow Dash interrupts her. “Don’t worry. You can trust him.”

“Um… well… if you’re sure.”

“I am.”

Turning, Rainbow Dash motions for him to step forward. As he does so Arc spies the mares for the first time.

“I thought those voices sounded familiar.”

“S-sir?!”

“It’s been awhile.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “You… you know Aloe and Vera?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. We met in prison.”

“He… uh… took us in.”

“After overthrowing the king, that is.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Took you in?”

“Protected us.”

“Thank you for taking us away from that place, sir.”

“You’re welcome.”

Rainbow Dash gestures to a door nearby. “Maybe we should sit down. The break room is over there.”

Arc nods. “Good idea.”

Leading them toward a small room nearby, Rainbow Dash opens the door and flicks a switch. A room with a table and chairs comes into view. Aloe and Vera sit down next to each other as Arc and Rainbow Dash take seats across from them.

“Now then, I’m told you’ve had some trouble with certain felines in the tavern.”

“K-kinda, sir.”

“It’s really nothing.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Somepony grabbing your tails and flanks isn’t nothing!”

Arc frowns. “Is that what happened?”

Aloe bows her head. “Yes sir.”

Vera sighs. “We tried to live honestly since you brought us here. We really did.”

“Please forgive us.”

Arc holds up a hand. “Wait just a minute. You think you’re in trouble?”

“Yes sir.”

“It always seems to find us in the end.”

Arc frowns. “But you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Right! Those perverts were the ones whom did!”

Aloe looks to Arc. “You… you’re not angry with us?”

“No. Why would I be?”

Vera raises an eyebrow. “Aren’t you saving us for later?”

“Saving you?”

Aloe nods. “For when you need servicing.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about, Aloe?”

“He didn’t have sex with us in prison, so we thought we were being brought here to be used later.”

“Are you ready for us now, sir?”

Arc shakes his head vehemently. “No, no! You misunderstand why I did that!”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Yeah! Arc SAVES ponies! He doesn’t RAPE them!”

“But it wouldn’t be rape.”

“Yes, we would both enjoy it.”

Arc groans. “I’m not going to do that to you now or ever.”

“Please sir! We really do want it!”

“Yes! My sister and I would love to pleasure you!”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “But why?!”

“He’s the only one whom ever really took an interest in us for anything other than our marehoods.”

“We want to explore these new feelings with him.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide. “You can’t!”

Aloe appears confused. “Why not?”

“Because… um… you see…”

Arc puts a hand on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder as he turns to the sisters.

“What she means is that it’s because she and I are already in a relationship.”

“You… you are?!”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah! Arc’s mine!”

“We’re very sorry about this, sir.”

“But it does explain a few things, sister.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “What things?!”

“Your stallionfriend not giving into our advances back in prison.”

“Again, we apologize.”

Arc sighs. “It’s… fine. You didn’t know, after all. In truth the whole reason I’m here is to investigate the allegations that two mares were sexual harassed. However you two claim that the matter has been handled and has not been repeated.”

“That’s true, sir.”

“Yes. All we get now are cat calls.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Arc. “I can confirm that. While it’s still really rude, that’s not actually against the rules here.”

“And we don’t really mind it.”

“As long as they keep their paws to themselves, that is.”

“Which they have. Most of the time, that is.”

Arc nods. “Good. Then this matter is resolved to your satisfaction?”

“Yes sir.”

“Very well. I’ll notify the powers that be regarding this. However, there is still the matter of your earlier incarceration.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “…what?”

“Remember, they were in prison with me.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But it can’t have been that serious a crime. I mean, they’re really friendly.”

She turns to the mares before continuing.

“What were you in for anyways?”

Aloe bows her head. “Murdering our parents.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc chimes in. “In self-defense, I might add.”

Rainbow Dash stomps the floor. “Then it’s not murder!”

Vera bows her head. “It… it is.”

“HOW?!”

“After we did the deed both of us ran. We hid out in several places around Equestria for months.”

“But eventually they tracked us down.”

“Running just made us look more guilty than we already were.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Arc. “You have to do something! They’re not bad mares! Just… just misunderstood!”

Vera looks to Arc sadly. “We’re willing to do whatever it is that you deem necessary to pay for our crimes.”

“Yes. But please don’t send us back to Luna Bay! You already know why!”

Arc nods as he pulls a folder from his ring. “I’ve already looked over your case files.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “How did you…?!”

Vera interrupts. “I saw the warden’s aide give them to you when we were taken away.”

Aloe shrugs. “That didn’t really make sense to us at the time though.”

“I wanted to see the evidence for myself.”

“And… what did you find?”

“A lot of mistakes on your part. After fleeing the scene of the crime, that is.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “What… did you two do?”

“A lot of petty crime.”

“We couldn’t get legitimate jobs, so we had to steal a lot of what we needed.”

“And sneak onto trains when other ponies recognized us.”

“But the longer we did that the higher our bounties.”

“So nastier and smarter ponies came looking for us.”

Arc looks over a paper. “I see here that they eventually caught you two in a trap.”

“Yes, we… um… we were…”

“…trying to make some bits to get cosmetic surgery.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “To hide?!”

“All we wanted was a new life. A fresh start.”

Aloe looks at her flank. “They said we’d even get new cutie marks.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “They?”

“The doctors we visited. After Aloe and I earned enough bits doing… various things, we found a stallion whom specialized in the kind of surgery we needed.”

“After giving him our bits, he led Vera and I into an operating room.”

“We lay down and he administered the knockout gas.”

“But when we woke up, instead of finding ourselves in a recovery room, it was a cage.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “That doctor ratted you out?!”

Vera nods. “Yes. He took our bits and then turned us in for the bounty on top of it.”

“We were found guilty and sentenced to… a long time in prison.”

Arc nods. “That’s about what the records said, yes.”

“So… is it back to prison for us, sir?”

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

“We’re free?!”

“I don’t see why you two should be locked up. From what I read here you both acted appropriately in defending yourselves at the time.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Then why…?”

“Because we ran.”

“It made us look really guilty.”

“Not that the other stuff we did helped our case, mind you.”

Vera sighs before continuing.

“But even a commuted sentence doesn’t really help us.”

“Oh?”

“We’ve made a lot of enemies back in Equestria.”

“Both inside and out of prison, that is.”

“While we’d love to be free, that isn’t really an option for us.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Don’t worry! Arc will think of something!”

“I may have already.”

Vera appears hopeful. “Oh?”

“Look, you two said before that all you really wanted was a fresh start. A chance to move past what happened.”

“Yes sir.”

“But how could we…?”

“Tell me, how do you feel here?”

“At the bar?”

Arc nods. “Well, yes.”

“It’s an okay place.”

“We make enough to get by and nopony comes looking for us.”

“Well… other than that cat whom got all touchy-feely.”

“After what happened, I don’t think he’ll be back though.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “Could they stay here, Arc?!”

“I was actually going to suggest that very thing.”

“We’d like that.”

“Yeah! As long as I’m with my sister, home is anywhere!”

“But would that be allowed?”

Arc shrugs. “I can plead your case to the king on your behalf.”

“Do you think he’ll go for it?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “He owes Arc quite a few favors. It’s a sure thing.”

Arc nods. “Probably, yes. But there’s something else I can do to help.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out a large bag of bits. Setting it on the table he continues talking.

“This should help you buy a small place to live nearby.”

Vera looks away nervously. “Sir? Um… we… need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

Aloe sighs. “My sister and I… have actually saved up enough to buy a place of our own already.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Then why are you two still staying here at the tavern?”

“We… were just saving our bits in case we needed to run away again.”

“It’s kinda a habit at this point.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Arc. “Nothing wrong with having earned bits though, right?”

“Saving your pay isn’t a crime, no. You’re free to do what you want here as per the king’s orders.”

“Which we should see about extending further for these two.”

Arc nods as he stands. “Right. That will be taken care of today.”

“There’s no real rush though, sir.”

“Right. We’re not going anywhere.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yeah, well we might be soon.”

“Oh?”

Arc motions out the window. “Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight are here to see the king and queen. That and we’ll be taking Hard Hat back with us lather today.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “He’s going to organize the rebuilding of Ponyville. You two could come and live there if you wanted.”

Vera shakes her head. “Thank you, but we’d be better off here.”

Aloe nods. “Nopony would be looking for us.”

Arc sighs. “Very well. But in any case we should let you two get back to work.”

“We appreciate everything, sir.”

“Yes. It’s a nice thing to know that there are others in this world whom are willing to help without asking anything in return.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That’s just the kind of guy Arc is.”

“You two take care.”

They leave the room and go their separate ways. Heading down the street together Rainbow Dash turns to Arc.

“That was a nice thing you did back there.”

“They’ll have a second chance at life here.”

“Do you think they’ll make the best of it?”

Arc shrugs. “That’s up to them.”

“I bet they will.”

“Willingness to take on honest work is a step in the right direction, of course.”

“But…?”

“The allure of the quick and easy path will always be on their minds.”

“It sounds bad when you say it like that.”

“Just being Honest. However I know they’ll give it their best.”

Chapter 8 - Sand Meat

Arc and Rainbow Dash return to the Town Hall together. As they approach, Twilight opens the door and steps outside. Rainbow Dash greets her friend warmly.

“Hey there, Twilight.”

“Welcome back, you two. How did it go?”

“It went alright.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah. Turns out I already knew them.”

“What happened exactly?”

Arc groans. “Some patrons got a bit out of hand and started molesting them.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “But the bouncers took care of the problem right away.”

“Fortunately everything was resolved even before we got there.”

Twilight appears relieved. “That’s good. However it’s in the best interest of everypony to have this matter handled swiftly AND correctly.”

“I’m going to ask King Felix to allow them to stay when we leave though.”

“Oh?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Those two just want a fresh start in life. That and they already have stable jobs here in Abyssinia.”

“If you’re sure about this then carry on, Arc.”

“I am. But how is Celestia doing?”

Twilight sighs. “She’s… okay, I guess.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean? Either she’s good or she isn’t.”

“Well, she went down for a nap as soon as I helped her lay down.”

Arc chuckles. “Nothing wrong with that.”

“The problem was what happened after that.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “What? Does she snore, or something?”

“No more than anypony else. But she did start sweating profusely and became restless.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Bad dreams?”

“That’s what I thought, yes. So I got into the bed in an attempt to comfort her.”

“Did that work?”

“Very much so, yes. She calmed right down as soon as my coat touched hers.”

“That’s good.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Maybe she has a thing for you, Twilight.”

“A… thing?”

Arc chimes in. “Rainbow Dash was just making a joke.”

“I don’t get it.”

Rainbow Dash facehoofs. “I’m saying that maybe Princess Celestia loves you, Twilight.”

“She does, yes. And I love her too.”

“I’m assuming Rainbow Dash means more than something platonic.”

“What else could there… oh…”

Rainbow Dash giggles as she sings. “Twilight and the princess, sitting in a tree…!”

Twilight blushes. “I mean… I really do like Princess Celestia, but…”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Twilight, I was joking!”

“Ah…”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Celestia probably just holds you in high regard. More so than a friend but less than a lover.”

Twilight nods. “That’s how I feel about her too.”

“Do you think she’ll be up to seeing me when I get back from the palace?”

“I think so, yes. She’s taking a shower now.”

Rainbow Dash appears skeptical. “In the middle of the day?”

“Sweating from the dreams. It got pretty bad at one point.”

“Rainbow Dash, you stay here with Twilight. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

They part ways. An hour or so later Arc knocks on the wooden door to Mayor Mare’s quarters. The door opens and the mayor beckons him inside.

“Welcome back, sir.”

“Sorry for all the trouble. How are the princesses?”

“They’re in my bedroom at the moment. I think Twilight is helping Princess Celestia with her mane.”

“So you think it’ll be a while?”

Mayor sighs and nods. “If the time in the shower was any indication, yes.”

“Well, I guess I’ll have to wait until…”

There is a knock at the door. Turning, Arc opens it to see Ember and Hammer standing there. He looks to Ember and grins.

“What’s up?”

“We came by to see how things were going.”

“At the moment we’re at a bit of an impasse.”

Hammer frowns. “A what?”

The mayor motions to her bedroom door. “We’re waiting for the monarchs to finish making themselves look presentable.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “Oh. Then how about a stroll around town?”

Arc shrugs. “I guess it’s better than just standing around here.”

He turns to the mayor.

“By your leave.”

“Of course, sir. I’ll let them know you were here.”

Nodding, Arc leaves the room and heads outside with Ember and Hammer. They immediately latch onto him. He shakes his head.

“Clingy much?”

Ember grins. “You have that effect on us, Arc.”

Hammer pinches his cheek lovingly. “And we do love it!”

Arc sighs. “I suppose worse things could…”

The air in front of them crackles with magical energy. Hammer steps back instinctively.

“What the…?”

Ember groans. “Great.”

In a flash of light Brightwing appears. She smiles toothlessly at the trio before speaking.

“Brightwing back from the dead! Very happy!”

Hammer frowns. “Back from what now?!”

Ember sighs. “That’s what she says after a nap.”

Arc nods. “Oh.”

Ember turns back to the creature before her. “Feel better?”

Brightwing nods happily. “Yes, yes!”

Hammer looks to Ember. “Wanna bring it on our walk?”

“Not really.”

“Aw… Brightwing want to find yummies!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re hungry?”

“Very!”

Hammer gasps. “Didn’t you eat already though?”

“That before nap!”

Ember shrugs. “Brightwing eats a crazy amount for someone so small.”

Arc looks to her. “So you want some fruit, or something?”

“Brightwing want something… special!”

“Such as…?”

“Brightwing… not sure.”

Hammer turns to Ember. “Where should we start then?”

“The greenhouses would be my suggestion.”

Brightwing shakes her head vehemently. “Out in sand farms!”

Arc frowns. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin. “Where they grow the food?”

Brightwing grunts. “No, no! This way!”

Taking flight, Brightwing leads the group down the street. Arc sniffs the air and grins.

“Something smells good.”

Ember begins to salivate. “Meat!”

Hammer chuckles. “This what you’re looking for?”

Brightwing shakes her head. “Not at all! Looking for sand flesh!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Again, that makes no sense.”

Ember sighs. “Where is this ‘sand flesh’, Brightwing?”

“Outside walls! This way!”

Heading toward the city gates, Brightwing flutters through them happily as Arc and his companions follow. Hammer looks up at the sky as she shields her eyes with a hand.

“Getting hot out here.”

Ember chuckles. “Really? I think it’s still kinda chilly.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not bad one way or the other to me.”

Brightwing lands on a rock some distance ahead and sniffs the air. “Sand meat close by!”

Hammer points back the way they came. “Good! Cause if it’s all the same to everyone else, I wanna get back to that other meat in town!”

Ember licks her lips. “Me too. Say… do you think you could get us free samples, Arc?”

“I’m not a vending machine, Ember.”

Hammer shrugs. “Well, after all you’ve done to help this country would it be asking too much for some compensation?”

Ember nods. “In the form of meat, of course.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I’m fully capable of paying for whatever you two want to eat.”

Hammer grins. “Great! Either way we get full!”

Ember gets all starry-eyed. “I smell a date.”

Hammer giggles. “Make it double!”

Arc looks to Brightwing. “You’d better find that sand meat fast. Not sure how much longer these two can hold out.”

Brightwing takes flight again. “This way, friends!”

They follow the small creature around the side of the city wall as it looks around hungrily. Arc sighs.

“Are we at least getting close?”

Brightwing nods. “Yes, yes! Soon we be feasting on…!”

Stopping suddenly, Brightwing looks around. Growling, she Blinks over a small dune and drops down. The sound of a scuffle rings out. Arc and the others hurry over to help. Cresting the dune they spot Brightwing sitting on a rock with something in her mouth as she smiles triumphantly. Ember gags.

“Ugh! What IS that?!”

Hammer groans. “Looks like a rat to me.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Is that the sand meat you were talking about, Brightwing.”

The creature makes some unintelligible sounds as Ember rolls her eyes.

“Spit that out so we can understand you!”

Doing so, Brightwing heaves the dead creature onto a rock nearby. Arc frowns.

“We came all the way out here for THIS?!”

Hammer points back toward the city. “Past all that good food, mind you.”

Ember groans. “If you’re hungry…”

“This not sand meat, friends! Is offering!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It’s what?”

“Offering! Brightwing show friends!”

Picking up the dead creature in her jaws, Brightwing flutters away. Shrugging, Arc follows her with Ember and Hammer in tow. They continue on for a ways away from the city. Ember turns back and frowns.

“We’re getting pretty far from civilization.”

Hammer ties her coat over her head to protect her head. “Yeah. And I do NOT want to get lost out here.”

Arc chuckles. “Not to worry. Remember, I can always open a portal and bring us back to The Equinox.”

Squealing, Brightwing points. Turning, the others see a crevice in the ground ahead. Ember looks at it suspiciously.

“What is that?”

Hammer shrugs. “Some kind of cave?”

Arc nods. “Looks like it, yes. Brightwing?”

Fluttering toward it, she vanishes into the darkness below. Ember turns to Arc.

“Um… should we follow her?”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Nah. Caves suck.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“I just don’t like em.”

Arc chuckles. “Damocles Base was practically a cave, Hammer.”

“No it wasn’t! It was an underground facility!”

Ember shakes her head. “Yeah. Like a cave.”

“Oh really?! Then how did it house my Charger?!”

Arc facepalms. “I don’t really think that’s a deciding factor here. We should probably just let this one go and…”

Ember interrupts him as she looks Hammer in the eye. “No, I wanna hear her reasoning on this one. Go on.”

“Well… caves don’t have… electrical outlets for plugging in… stuff, do they?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “No, I guess they don’t.”

“See! Not a cave!”

Ember puts her claws on her hips. “I see what you mean there. It’s not like it was below the surface, naturally cooled, or had a rugged looking tunnel leading out into a lake or anything like that.”

Hammer grins. “Glad you’re coming over to my way of thinking, Ember.”

“But I…!”

A loud roar echoes from the crevasse. Arc frowns as he turns to Ember.

“Uh… do you suppose that was Brightwing?”

Ember appears hopeful. “Maybe.”

Hammer frowns. “Really?”

Ember shrugs. “Echoes?”

Another louder roar rings out. Arc dons his armor and draws his spear.

“Come on!”

Groaning, Ember calls forth her own armor and spear as Hammer draws her gun. Arc hops down into the cave with the pair and looks around. Hearing the sounds of a scuffle he leads them deeper into the cave. Casting a Light Spell as they hurry on, the group soon comes to a large cavern. Spotting a massive plant-like creature in the center of the room, Arc points.

“There she is!”

Running toward the creature, they see Brightwing flying around the top of the plant. She dangles the creature in her jaws over the plant causing it to turn and snap at it. Drawing back, she appears to be fishing. Ember calls out.

“Brightwing! What are you…?!”

As Brightwing turns to look at Ember, the plant takes the initiative. Lunging upward it swallows both Brightwing and the dead creature. Hammer gasps.

“Great! Now what?!”

Ember groans. “We have to get Brightwing out of there!”

“But how?!”

Arc points. “There! Three roots! Let’s try cutting those!”

Ember grins as she charges forward. “Worth a try!”

Arc follows her. They each slash at a root as Hammer blasts the third with her gun. Crying out in pain, the plant falls over and slows as it turns a sickening shade of brown. Hammer laughs heartily.

“We did it!”

Ember looks around. “But where’s Brightwing?!”

Arc gasps. “Still inside!”

“Let’s get her out then!”

Arc and Ember slash at the creature’s body. In a few moments Brightwing comes into view. Ember tosses aside her spear and pulls them out of a vile green liquid.

“Brightwing! Speak to me!”

Shaking Brightwing slightly, the small creature spits out a mouthful of green slime in Ember’s face. Ember frowns and looks down at her armor.

“Can I assume that was your way of telling us you’re okay?”

Brightwing nods. “Yes, yes!”

Hammer grimaces. “What the heck were you doing here anyways?!”

“Looking for sand meat!”

Arc shakes his head. “Yeah, I don’t think plants have meat.”

Ember points a claw. “What he said.”

Brightwing looks over the plant’s corpse. “It must be here somewhere!”

She begins rummaging around, eventually hopping back inside the hole that Arc and company cut in order to reach her. Ember turns to Arc.

“What now?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. Hammer?”

“Why are you asking me?!”

“I dunno. Just seemed like the right thing to do.”

Ember appears hopeful “Thoughts?”

“Well… it doesn’t appear that she’s in any immediate danger. With the creature dead and all, I mean.”

Arc leans against a wall. “All we can do is wait for her to find whatever ‘sand meat’ is.”

Ember walks over to Arc as she swings her hips seductively. “How long do you think that’ll take?”

Hammer grins as she joins in. “Hopefully awhile.”

“I hope she finishes so we can get out of here.”

Ember chuckles. “Why? So the three of us can have some alone time?”

“How is it ‘alone time’ with four of us here?”

Hammer grins. “I was talking about the cool temps down here. It’s nice after trudging through the desert.”

Ember shivers slightly. “Well, I think it’s kinda cold.”

She presses her body against Arc and smiles.

“Wanna warm me up?”

“You just never give up an opportunity, do you?”

“Nope.”

Brightwing suddenly jumps out of the creature. Shaking the slime off of her scales she looks to the others. Hammer sighs.

“Are you done yet?”

Nodding, Brightwing spits something out. Ember frowns.

“What the heck is that?!”

“Sand meat!”

Hammer squints. “Looks more like a gem of some kind.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it IS green.”

Ember looks to Brightwing. “Where was that?!”

“In lower part of plant!”

Hammer gasps. “Wait, what?!”

Ember appears confused. “Is that a problem?”

Arc puts a hand on his gut. “I think I get it now.”

Hammer sighs. “Kidney stones?”

“Or the plant equivalent.”

Ember frowns. “What are those?”

“Something humans sometimes get in their bladders. They’re some kind of mineral deposit that come together into a stone-like form.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“Imagine a male trying to piss out a pebble.”

“Is it… painful?”

“Yeah. Or so I’ve heard.”

Brightwing giggles as she picks up the stone with a claw. “Brightwing wins!”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Fine. You won. Can we go now?”

Arc nods. “We probably should, yes.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah, I’m guessing Twilight’s getting a bit worried about where we went. That and we need to give Brightwing a bath.”

“Dragon Lord?”

“You’re taking one, and that’s that!”

Hammer grimaces. “Yeah! Especially after where you’ve been!”

“Okay, friend!”

They turn and head for the mouth of the cavern. As Ember and Hammer climb up toward the surface Arc looks back at the remains of the plant.

“Gross looking thing.”

Sighing, he begins his own climb upward as Brightwing follows him. Reaching the top, he looks over at Brightwing who is playing with her new prize.

“Interesting.”

Hammer frowns. “What is?”

“That stone.”

Ember gags. “Want me to tell her to leave it here?”

“No, no. But I would like to take a closer look at it.”

Brightwing gasps as she holds the stone away from them. “NO! It’s Brightwing’s!”

Ember clenches a fist angrily. “Give Arc the stone!”

“Please no, Dragon Lord!”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s okay. I’ll give it back.”

“Well… okay, friend.”

Hammer chuckles as Brightwing flutters over to Arc. “That was easy enough.”

Extending a gauntlet, Brightwing drops it into Arc’s palm. He holds the stone for a moment and examines it silently. Eventually Ember says something.

“See something you like there?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Hammer gags. “That’s gross, Arc!”

“I mean that I think I’ve seen something like this before.”

Ember gasps. “Where?!”

“Rose’s chest cavity.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Ember frowns. “You mean that rock that powers her?”

“Her heart, yes.”

“But that was golden in color, wasn’t it?”

“Right. But it was created by compressing magical essence, right?”

“Um… I wasn’t really paying attention when it was explained.”

Hammer looks at the rock as she speaks. “Are you suggesting that the plant may have been naturally compressing its essence, Arc? Like an essential oil?”

“Exactly. But in solid form.”

Ember scoffs. “How would that even be possible?!”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose it may have been formed by years and years of compression. After all, a creature that advanced had to have at least some innate magic.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How do you know that?”

“Mio told me about it.”

“The Organization has magical plants?”

“Nah. It was in regards to a study they did a while back. Mio was gushing about it over supper one night.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How did it work?”

“The idea was to purify magical essence to one hundred percent purity. After that it would be folded numerous times to increase potency.”

Arc chuckles. “So if it started at one hundred percent, after folding it would be two hundred?”

Hammer nods. “And four hundred after that.”

Ember shakes her head. “So how did the test end?”

“After the second folding the magical essence exploded.”

Arc gasps. “How?”

Hammer shrugs. “Probably couldn’t contain that much energy in such a small amount of mass.”

Ember frowns. “Then what makes you think this has anything to do with that?”

Hammer grins. “Because the experiment was done quickly.”

Arc motions to the stone. “While this was made over years.”

“It’s possible that the molecular structure may have been able to take it due to being compressed so slowly.”

“Do you know any more about the process?”

“Nah. The rest was over my head. Mio would know more though.”

Ember sighs. “Well, we can’t exactly call and ask her.”

Arc shrugs as he turns to Brightwing and holds out the stone. “I suppose not.”

Brightwing grins. “Thank you, friend!”

Ember snaps a claw as an idea comes to her. “I do know someone who could help us though.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

“Auriel.”

“Why her?”

Arc chuckles. “She’s the one whom created the technology to compress magical essence.”

Ember nods. “It was used to create Rose’s heart, after all.”

Hammer points to the west. “But she’s still back in Canterlot, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Auriel volunteered to help Cadance and Shining Armor reform the Crystal Heart. She was scheduled to return to the Canterlot Infirmary this morning.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “To the Infirmary?”

“Yeah. There was some kind of accident when trying to fix the Crystal Heart.”

“To say nothing for her injuries during the battle.”

Hammer appears suddenly concerned. “She okay?!”

Arc nods. “I’m told she’s doing alright. The explosion just kinda reopened a few wounds.”

Ember grins. “Auriel’s a tough one.”

Arc sighs. “Right. I… wasn’t able to check up on her before though.”

Hammer puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “I’m sure she understands why though.”

“But I do want to check in on her as soon as we get back.”

Ember looks to the item Brightwing is playing with. “And ask her about that stone too, right?”

“That’s secondary. However that also presents us with yet another problem.”

Hammer groans. “What now?”

“Celestia doesn’t know that there’s a demon right under her nose in the Infirmary.”

Ember gasps. “And King Malevolence’s daughter no less!”

“Uh oh. Somebody better let her know before she figures it our herself.”

“Yeah. I’ll talk to Twilight later and see if she’ll help me break it to Celestia gently.”

Ember grins. “Good idea. Her and Twilight are pretty close, after all.”

Hammer grimaces. “And if the big oaf doesn’t like it?”

Arc clutches a fist. “Then I’ll get her to safety.”

Ember frowns. “Careful there, Arc. Celestia’s already taken a chunk out of you.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Or she might go after Auriel.”

“She’s welcome to try. But that will just earn her a knuckle sandwich.”

Ember grins wickedly. “I think I’ll come too then.”

Hammer grins. “You want a piece of her as well?”

Ember brandishes her claws. “If she gets nasty, yes.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks. But we need to do this right.”

Hammer gasps. “Why?!”

“Because Auriel, and by extension the entire demon race, deserves a fair chance.”

Ember grimaces. “And you worry they won’t get that?”

“Not if we start out with violence, no.”

Hammer pulls her gun. “What’s the plan then?”

“We return to Canterlot and speak with Twilight about the best way to approach Celestia about the whole demon matter.”

Ember shakes her head. “You might want to start with just Auriel though.”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah. Her learning that the demons have returned to this land would be hard on anyone.”

“Makes sense. But for now let’s get back to Abyssinia.”

Stretching out a hand, he opens a portal and walks through it with the others.

Chapter 9 - Coming Clean

As the sun begins to set in the sky, Arc leads Celestia and Twilight through the city along with the king and queen. Felix and Fiona turn to Celestia.

“We hope you enjoyed yourselves today, princesses.”

“And approved of our accommodations.”

Celestia nods. “Yes, I was very impressed.”

Twilight smiles. “As was I.”

“We will continue to house your citizens until their town is rebuilt.”

Celestia bows slightly as they walk. “Thank you for your hospitality. We’ll see about getting buildings up as soon as possible.”

Twilight chimes in. “And remitting payment for your services.”

“That will not be necessary.”

“Agreed. It was our honor to house and care for your citizens in their hour of need.”

Celestia appears surprised. “But you did so at great personal cost. Equestria would like to make that right.”

“We see it more as a chance to repay the goodwill sent to us from your nation, your highness.”

“Please use the funds to help those displaced from their homes.”

“Very well. Thank you.”

They come to the city gates. Stopping, Arc turns back to the monarchs.

“Thank you again for your hospitality.”

“Equestrians will always be welcome here in Abyssinia.”

“Hopefully we might travel to your land soon in order to follow in our neighbors footsteps.”

Twilight smiles warmly. “Yes, I did enjoy the majority of the peace summit some time ago.”

Felix smiles at her. “As did we. However, what my wife means is that we’re interested in negotiating a treaty with Equestria.”

Celestia appears surprised. “What kind of treaty?”

Fiona motions to the market around them. “An economic one, your highness. Trade agreements would certainly benefit both of our nations, would they not?”

Arc nods. “That they would.”

Celestia smiles weakly. “Agreed. Equestria will host you when the time is right.”

Felix chuckles. “We look forward to it.”

Nodding, Arc steps over to Celestia and Twilight.

“In any case, we should let Princess Celestia rest now.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes. It’s been a long day.”

Fiona waves a paw. “Have a nice return trip.”

Felix nods happily. “We won’t keep you any longer.

Extending their paws, they each shake the princesses’ hooves before turning to Arc and doing the same. Parting ways, they return to the city as Arc leads the princesses into The Equinox. Twilight turns to Celestia.

“That was a very nice visit.”

“Yes, it was.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re surprised by that?”

“Very.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “Might I ask why, Princess Celestia?”

“The Abyssinians have been a constant thorn in Equestria’s side for generations. It’s not uncommon for them to strike from the shadows, take what they want, and retreat without a trace.”

Arc frowns. “They’ve always been fair in their dealings with me.”

Celestia rolls her eyes. “Because you do not understand our land’s history I will pardon your ignorance, human.”

Twilight sighs. “Princess Celestia?”

“I have seen much treachery from their land and rulers in the past.”

Arc furrows his brow. “That may be. But we should give them a chance.”

Celestia glares at him. “You forget your place, Hero of Light! It is the PRINCESSES whom rule the land and decide foreign policy! Not you!”

“Arc was only making a suggestion, Princess Celestia.”

“And not a very good one!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m just speaking from my own experiences.”

Celestia huffily retorts. “As am I!”

Entering the Bridge, the crew stands and bows before Celestia and Twilight. Soarin approaches the elder princess nervously

“Good evening, your highness.”

“Likewise, captain. Tell me, is Hard Hat aboard?”

“Yes, your highness. He’s down in Engineering looking over the engines at the moment. Shall I call for him?”

Celestia nods. “Please do.”

Soarin nods to Lemon Hearts whom pages the stallion. A short time later he rushes onto the Bridge.

“You needed me, Princess Celestia?”

“I do. We’ve received word that a base camp has been established in Ponyville along with supplies to get the job started.”

Twilight nods. “The Hero of Light has volunteered his base to serve as housing for the workers and shelter from the elements.”

Hard Hat nods to Arc. “Thank you, sir. We’ll need plenty of space for such a large number of workers.”

“Think nothing of it. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the citizens of Ponyville back into their homes.”

Twilight smiles. “If you’re ready, Arc can open a portal to Ponyville now.”

“Let’s get this show on the road!”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and powers up his crystals. Hard Hat steps through the portal as it opens and vanishes as Twilight turns to Arc.

“We should return to the capital now as well.”

Celestia frowns. “That we should. However I think aboard ship would be best.”

“I could portal us back safely.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Remember, he’s already sent the others back and has hundreds of portals under his belt.

“That may be. However I’m sure the ship can get us back to Canterlot by dawn.”

Soarin salutes. “Yes we could, your highness.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I stationed The Equinox here to be a source of security for the residents of Ponyville. A bit of home if you will.

Celestia waves a hoof dismissively. “Mayhap. Need I remind you that this ship is the property of Equestria, not you personally… human.”

“And need I remind YOU that since I relieved you of duty YOU don’t actually have any real authority at the moment, princess.”

Twilight appears somewhat nervous as she positions herself between the pair. “Please reconsider, Princess Celestia! Think of the citizens!”

Celestia sighs. “Very well, Twilight. We will take a portal as you suggested.”

Arc powers up his crystals and opens a portal. Twilight leads Celestia through as Arc looks to Soarin.

“Carry on, captain.”

“We will, sir.”

Reappearing in Arc’s room in Canterlot Castle, he finds Ember and Sereb waiting for them.

“Welcome back.”

“I trust things went well after we departed?”

Arc shrugs. “Pretty well, yes.”

Twilight grins. “The Abyssinians expressed a desire to form a treaty with Equestria!”

Celestia sighs. “Indeed. However that will take some time.”

Arc nods. “It’s still worth looking into.”

“And we will. Come along, Twilight.”

“Princess Celestia?”

“I’d like to have a talk with you.”

“Very well.”

She turns to the others.

“See you at breakfast?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Just don’t stay up too late.”

Twilight giggles. “I won’t.”

She turns and leaves the room with Celestia. Arc looks to Ember.

“That went well.”

“Well?! Celestia’s still looking down her nose at you!”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing I can do about that.”

Sereb grins toothily. “One might also look at it this way. There is nothing she can do to stop Arc from doing what he deems necessary.”

Ember clenches a fist. “I bet she’d think of something.”

Arc chuckles. “Maybe. But something’s holding her back.”

“What?”

Sereb looks to the now closed door. “Princess Twilight.”

Arc nods. “Right. She knows that if something happens to me Twilight will… um…”

He thinks for a moment before continuing.

“You know what, I don’t really know what Twilight would do.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Go nuts?”

Sereb grins. “Probably.”

Arc sighs. “I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that.”

Meanwhile, Twilight and Celestia walk down a corridor together. She motions for the guards to leave them before turning to Twilight.

“You handled yourself well back there.”

“Did I?”

“Yes, indeed. I’m proud to say that you carried yourself with the pride and dignity of a princess.”

“Well, I did have a pretty good teacher.”

The pair laugh together easily as they continue on their way. Coming to Celestia’s room, she motions for Twilight to follow her. As they enter the room Celestia walks over to the patio door and opens it. A cool breeze flows through the doorway as they walk out onto the balcony. Sighing happily, the pair look up at the rising moon together. Eventually Twilight speaks.

“I’ve missed this time.”

“Oh?”

“Just spending quiet evenings with you.”

Celestia smiles. “So have I.”

“I have so many questions though.”

“Yes, I’m sure you do. Please feel free to ask them.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it, princess? If you’d like to get some rest I completely understand.”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, Twilight. I’d like to spend some time with you too. Speak your mind.”

“Well… it’s about when Arc found you.”

Celestia bristles at the name. “What about it?”

“Ember told me how you said only one word.”

Celestia bows her head. “Twilight.”

“Yes?”

“No, no. That was the word.”

“Oh… yes, of course.”

“What about it?”

“Why my name?”

Celestia sighs. “You have to understand that it was a very… frightening time for me.”

Twilight shudders. “I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through.”

“Please don’t try to. Hopefully you’ll never have to endure such a thing.”

Celestia grits her teeth and turns her back to Twilight.

“And you won’t.”

“Princess?”

“You won’t EVER be taken like I was, Twilight! That I promise you!”

There is a tense silence as Celestia closes her eyes and stands there silently. Eventually she speaks again.

“Things… unimaginable things were done to me back then. Until I felt myself being freed from my chains, I… I even lost the cognitive ability to speak. When I was at last able to utter something to my rescuers… only your name came forth.”

“But why?”

Celestia turns and looks over her shoulder. She stands there for a few moments before turning her body to face Twilight. Looking her former student in the eye, Celestia smiles and puts a hoof under the smaller mare’s chin.

“Because it was you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, Twilight. My memories of you… they were all that kept me from completely losing touch with reality. With… my sanity.”

“But why me? What about Luna? Or Cadance?”

“Because I care for you very deeply, Twilight. While Luna is my sister, and Cadance my niece, you… you’re so much more to me.”

“I… I am?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. To me… to me you’re like a daughter, Twilight.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. After all, I think very highly of you too.”

“I know you do. And that’s how I was able to hold on. Deep down I wanted nothing else but to see you again.”

“And I wanted you back too.”

Celestia motions to a stone bench nearby. “There’s… something else I need to tell you, Twilight. But we need to sit down first.”

“Are you tired?”

“A bit, yes.”

“Then might you lie down?”

“I’m not quite so…”

“Please…?”

Twilight looks to Celestia pleadingly. The alicorn nods and smiles.

“Alright, Twilight. If it will make you feel better.”

Following the younger princess inside, Celestia walks over to her bed. Carefully stepping up onto the mattress she lies down as Twilight hops up to join her. She lays down across from Celestia to face her.

“That’s better. Are you comfortable?”

Celestia nods. “Very much so. And I do think you had a good idea.”

“Oh?”

“What I have to say… isn’t easy.”

“Is something wrong?”

Celestia looks away nervously. “…kinda.”

“How about you start at the beginning then.”

“Yes, I think that’s best.”

She takes a deep breath before looking Twilight in the eye and speaking.

“Several years before you and I met, I was informed of some rather… disturbing news from some scouts I sent out. They claimed to have found a massive door in a cave inside Mount Everhoof.”

“An actual door?! Not just something that could be naturally occurring?!”

“Correct. Fearing trouble, I traveled there personally to see it for myself. After examining the door for a time along with the surrounding area, I decided to venture inside. I had expected to find gold, jewels, or some other such treasure. However what I found took my breath away.”

“What was it?”

“A massive dragon. Dead, or so I thought.”

“Was it?”

“While I never received confirmation, it has not moved from that spot. However the dragon itself was not the true cause for concern.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “What else could have been so dangerous?”

“An egg nestled in the cruck of its tail.”

“An… egg?”

“Yes. I took it back to Canterlot and…”

“…hatched it.”

“Why… yes. Yes I did. But how did you guess that, Twilight?”

“I… already heard this story.”

“From whom?”

“Luna.”

Celestia gasps. “She told you? But… but why?”

“Because of a certain… incident regarding a very foolish mistake I made some time ago.”

“What happened?!”

“I… um… accidently violated Dragon Law.”

“Which one?”

“Possessing and cultivating Dragon Fruit. In my basement library, that is.”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?! Twilight, how did you even acquire such a thing?!”

Twilight groans. “It’s a long story. But that’s probably for another day. What’s more important is your own tale of how you hatched Ember.”

Celestia sighs. “That I did.”

“Was she as cute as Spike when she hatched?”

Celestia giggles. “Even cuter.”

“That’s hard to imagine. But there was one part of the story that Luna didn’t really have an answer for.”

“What was that?”

“She said you shut yourself in your room for quite some time. When I asked what you did in there during that time, she only said that the sounds of crying could be heard at night.”

“Yes. I was… very sad at that time.”

“You wanted to raise Ember yourself.”

“I did.”

“But Luna convinced you not to.”

“I knew it wasn’t right for me to take a newborn whelpling anywhere but to their home. At the time I even considered trying to keep her secret from everypony.”

“But that wouldn’t have lasted forever.”

“That’s what Luna said at the time, yes. So I flew her and the Bloodstone Crystal to the Dragon Lands.”

“I understand why you brought Ember back. But why that crystal?”

“To strike a deal.”

“What kind of…?”

Celestia interrupts. “The kind that kept Equestria safe from invasion.”

“A treaty?”

“An informal one, yes. I agreed to return Ember to Dragon Lord Torch, of course. But as penance for me removing the egg I offered up the gem in exchange for his forgiveness.”

“Was he hard to convince?”

“Not really, no. He was mad, of course. But as soon as he looked into Ember’s eyes…”

Celestia smiles as if reliving the moment. She is silent for a time before continuing.

“I returned to Canterlot and shut myself in. Great was my sorrow for that which I had lost.”

“Lost?”

“At the time it felt as if I had lost my own daughter. As if I… as if I had failed to protect her.”

“But you didn’t. You brought her home where she belonged.”

“I understand that, Twilight. However, you have to think about this from my point of view. It was as if I had given up my one and only chance at being a mother.”

“But couldn’t you theoretically meet a stallion and have a foal with them?”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, Twilight.”

Twilight frowns. “There’s no reason you couldn’t. Luna told me that you insisted that princesses not form romantic attachments. However, I see it as you robbing yourselves of the opportunity to…”

Celestia cuts Twilight off. “That isn’t the issue.”

“Then what…?”

“Twilight. I’m sterile.”

There is a long pause as Twilight’s mouth hangs open. Eventually Celestia puts a hoof on Twilight’s chin and closes it as she continues.

“Both Luna and I are unable to produce foals.”

“You… you are?”

Celestia nods and sighs. “The doctors whom diagnosed Luna and I agreed that it was most likely a side effect of the process Star-Swirl the Bearded used to turn us into alicorns. However we didn’t allow more tests to be run in the past.”

Twilight puts a hoof on her own belly. “Does… does that mean that I…?”

Celestia looks away. “It’s possible, yes.”

“But… why didn’t you say anything before I was… you know…?!”

“I’m very sorry, Twilight. My actions during that time were… forced.”

“You… didn’t want me to became a princess?”

Celestia looks Twilight in the eye and smiles. “That isn’t true, Twilight. In fact, it was the only logical step when you were ready.”

“I don’t understand. You were planning to do this to me all along?”

“After many years of study, training, and after explaining to you the risks, yes.”

“But that wasn’t the only reason though. After all, you’ve had many student’s over the years.”

Celestia nods. “Students, yes. Friends, sometimes. But I wasn’t looking for either.”

“Then what were you looking for?”

“An equal.”

“Equal?! But I’m nowhere near…!”

“Not yet, no. However one day perhaps you will be able to ascend beyond that which you know.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Someday hopefully you will. But there is more for me to tell you. It’s about the School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“What about it?”

“I founded it many years ago to train Unicorns in the art of magic. To help them become all they could be.”

“Like me?”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, Twilight. At least not at first.”

“Oh?”

“It was created to help me find a very special student. One that could… help me with my problem.”

“Problem?”

“Ever since I hatched Ember… when I tasted motherhood, I… I wanted to have it back. So I began my search for a proper candidate.”

Twilight gasps. “You… wanted me to be your… daughter?”

“Yes, Twilight. Very much so in fact. I wanted to have a foal all to myself to raise, nurture, love, and guide as they grew and matured.”

“But you never said a word about any of this before.”

“How could I have? Every night I lay in this very bed thinking of the answer to that very question. Even so, nothing ever came to me. It took being captured, experimented on, tortured, and imprisoned for me to finally have the opportunity to have this conversation, Twilight.”

Celestia takes a deep breath before looking evenly at Twilight and speaking again.

“Now then… after all I’ve told you, I assume you must be a bit… upset with me. Feel free to say whatever is on your mind, Twilight.”

Twilight looks away sadly. “I… don’t really know how I should feel. Part of me feels kinda used right now.”

Celestia bows her head. “While I apologize for my actions, I don’t really have any defense for such an accusation.”

“Another part of me is upset that I was made an alicorn without having the risks explained.”

“Valid complaints, yes.”

“While still a third part…”

Twilight looks up into Celestia’s eyes before continuing.

“…a third part still loves and cares for my oldest friend.”

Celestia appears surprised. “You… still think of me as a friend?”

Twilight nods. “Of course. I understand what you did and why you did it.”

“But how can you just… forgive me like this?”

Twilight groans. “Believe me, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in the past year or so.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“For one, I became a mother.”

Celestia gasps. “TWILIGHT?!”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Not biologically.”

“Oh.”

“I… built somepony.”

“A robot?”

“An android technically. But I believe her to be so much more.”

“As realistic as it may be, she is still cogs and springs.”

“Structurally, yes. However I came to realize that she is indeed alive.”

Celestia frowns. “Explain.”

“She’s… self-aware.”

“Are you certain of this?”

“Very.”

“I would like to meet her then.”

“Of course. After all, you shared your mistakes with me. It’s only fitting that I do the same with my own.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “You see her as a mistake?”

“At the time of her creation, yes. However now I can’t imagine my life without her.”

“But you never said a word about this since my return.”

“Truthfully I was afraid of what you’d say.”

Celestia smiles. “It appears we both have a lot to tell one another.”

“More than you know. I have but one request of you, Princess Celestia.”

“What is it?”

“That you listen to what I have to tell you tomorrow. But with an open mind and heart.”

Celestia sighs. “Is this in regards to the human?”

Twilight nods soberly. “It is.”

Celestia bristles at this. “You know my position on them, Twilight.”

“I do, yes. However I’d like to explain to you MY position along with Luna and Cadance.”

“Very well, Twilight. While I make no promises in regards to the outcome, I will do my best to listen to what you and the others have to say.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Celestia’s fetlock. “Thank you. It’s a long story, of course. But I believe that you need to know the truth in its entirety.”

Chapter 10 - Regrets

The next day Arc makes his way to the Canterlot Castle’s Infirmary. Entering, he finds Doctor Whooves looking over another patient. Waiting a few moments, the doctor eventually turns his attention to Arc.

“Good morning, sir. I trust you’re doing well?”

“As well as is to be expected. I’m here to see my friend.”

“The young demon, sir?”

“How’s she doing?”

“According to the charts sent over from the Crystal Hospital, greatly improved.”

“Can I see her?”

“Oh course, sir. Right this way.”

Leading Arc into the semi-private area of the Infirmary, they walk over to a curtain. Pulling it back Arc spies Auriel just waking up. Smiling, he hurries over to her.

“How you feeling?”

Auriel giggles weakly as she sits up. “Still a bit sore.”

Stretching, as most whom have just awakened do, she suddenly gasps and doubles over in pain. Doctor Whooves steps forward.

“Your wounds are still tender, miss.”

“Yes, I… momentarily forgot that.”

Arc sighs as he helps Auriel lay back. “Is she recovering though is the real question.”

The doctor nods. “That she is, sir. But considering the extent of the damage its impressive that she’s gotten to this point so fast.”

Auriel nods. “While I’ve always been told that demons heal quicker than most, it’s only the second time I’ve ever had to put that to the test. Well, for a serious injury, that is.”

“I’ll let you two have some time alone while I check on my other patients.”

Doctor Whooves leaves the bedside and closes the curtain behind him. Arc turns back to Auriel and smiles.

“I’m glad to see you looking so well.”

Auriel groans. “Sorry I’m not in the best state.”

“That’s fine. But what exactly happened over there?”

“Well… Princess Cadance came to visit me in the hospital. I asked how the rest of the battle had gone and was told that we won, but that the Crystal Heart had been destroyed.”

“But what does that have to do with you?”

“I volunteered to help try and reform it.”

“Oh?”

“There were some theories I had some time back regarding my magical essences research. I thought that if we could infuse the remains of the heart with a special blend that it might act as a binder of sorts.”

“Like magical glue?”

“Think of it more like magical welding. The pieces literally become one again. Or so I had hoped.”

“It didn’t work out?”

Auriel sighs. “At first yes. However as we increased power to the essence it suddenly… repelled the Crystal Heart’s shards.”

Arc frowns. “By ‘repelled’ do you mean exploded?”

“Kinda. I thought it was more like a very loud… pop. After I regained consciousness, that is.”

“And that so-called pop reopened your wounds.”

“More or less. And if I’m being completely honest, I did have to undergo another surgery to removes a few pieces of Crystal Heart shrapnel.”

Arc groans. “That sounds… bad. Was anyone else hurt?”

“Fortunately no. Rose and I were working on that project alone together, after all.”

“Alone together?”

“Apparently Princess Cadance is trying to keep this matter quiet.”

“Oh?”

“She’s worried that news of the Heart’s destruction would cause the public to panic.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “It’s not doing much for my own mental health either.”

Auriel appears surprised. “I didn’t realize it meant so much to you.”

“The Crystal Heart isn’t important, Auriel. You are.”

“But I just wanted to…!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “To help, I know. But you’re precious to me, so do try to be more careful in the future.”

Auriel blushes slightly and nods. “I will. Promise.”

The smiles and nods at one another for a moment before Auriel changes the subject.

“In any case, I’m sorry for the way I look.”

“I still think you look very nice.”

Auriel giggles. “Come on! My hair hasn’t been properly brushed in over a week!”

Arc grins. “Still look cute to me.”

Leaning forward, he gently kisses Auriel’s forehead. She smiles and takes his hand as he pulls back.

“So what did I miss?”

“Well, we won the battle in the Crystal Empire thanks to the yaks.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Ember figured out a way to convince them to help us.”

“Anyone else hurt?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing serious, no.”

Auriel appears relieved. “That’s good.”

“You did great too, you know.”

Auriel sighs. “I ended up more as a liability.”

“Truthfully I’m very proud of you.”

“Someone who was wounded?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Someone whom had the courage to stand and fight.”

Auriel smiles as she squeezes his hand. “I did it for you, Arc. Anything else happen though?”

“Well… Decimus was killed again.”

“Is he back yet?”

“Most likely. But as you probably already heard, we were able to take back Light’s Hope and get Princess Celestia back.”

“Is she still pretty… messed up?”

“Nah. Princess Luna was able to somehow clear the corruption from her mind.”

“So she’s back to normal?”

“Somewhat. There’s still the mental scars. But she’ll have to work through those with therapy.”

“Resting and talking?”

“Sadly, no. Celestia had wanted to go right back to ruling right away. But I didn’t let her.”

Auriel gasp. “You stopped her?”

“Yup.”

“How did Twilight take that?!”

“About the same way you did ironically.”

“You know she isn’t going to want to sit around waiting though.”

“Yeah. She wanted to take on more responsibility, so she accompanied us to New Ponyville to check on the refugees.”

“And Twilight?”

“She came with us too.”

“I meant to ask how she’s holding up.”

“Ah! Well… putting up a strong front. But I know she’s struggling inside.”

Auriel nods. “Perhaps Luna should start taking over some of the royal duties.”

“Yeah… about that. I may have… um… removed Celestia from power.”

Auriel appears confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“She’s technically not a princess at the moment. We’re going to have to discuss where to go from here with the other royals.”

“Over breakfast?”

Arc shakes his head. “Twilight asked me to come to the Audience Chamber later for a bit of a... a royal meeting.”

“Thanks for coming to see me though. I know just how busy you can get.”

Arc smiles as he puts a hand on her cheek. “Well, I need to be able to make more time for one of my future wives, don’t I?”

Auriel smiles broadly. “Yes, you do.”

Leaning forward, Arc presses his lips against Auriel’s. She leans in to reciprocate happily. They kiss for a time before Arc leans back happily.

“It’s good to have you back, Auriel. And I’m sorry I didn’t come visit you in the hospital.”

“I’m just glad everything worked out in the Crystal Empire.”

“How do you feel right now?”

Auriel puts a hand on her belly. “Just a bit of dull pain.”

“Are you able to move around at all?”

“Walking to the toilet mostly. Going further is hard since it twists my wounds. However I’m learning to do better.”

“How so?”

“Just by moving differently. It makes me look a bit funny, but I can get around.”

“So when are you getting out of here?”

“The doctor said I can leave whenever. I just need to be monitored by someone at all times. Just in case I fall down and tear a wound, or something.”

“Want to come with me to see Princess Celestia?”

Auriel appears nervous. “Are you sure she won’t be mad?”

“No. But she does need to know that you’re here in addition to the new reformed Great Demon Kingdom.”

“If you’ll stay by my side I’ll come.”

“Deal. Just let me tell the doctor that I’m taking you.”

Heading through the curtain Arc finds Doctor Whooves. Explaining the situation to him they return to Auriel’s side. Helping her stand up, Arc puts an arm around her belly. Gasping, Auriel sits back down.

“Not a good spot!”

“Sorry. But where else can I support you?”

“Just my back.”

Whooves nods as he points a hoof. “Yes sir. Anywhere on the patient’s chest and belly are off limits.”

“Let me try again.”

Carefully putting his hand on Auriel’s back, he gently pushes her up. She slowly gets to a standing position, albeit hunched over slightly. Auriel looks to Arc sheepishly.

“Sorry.”

“What for?”

“The smell.”

The doctor sighs. “We’ve been giving Miss Auriel sponge baths daily, of course. However they’re not the best form of cleaning oneself.”

“That and I just woke up so I haven’t had one yet.”

Arc turns to the stallion. “How about a regular shower, doctor?”

“Yes, but only under constant watch. That and she’ll need to use a specialized soap in addition to being rebandaged after drying completely.”

“I can handle that. Do you have some of that soap on hand?”

“I do. Let me get it in addition to a med-kit.”

Arc and Auriel follow the doctor back to the main room. He gathers some supplies and puts them into a hard plastic case. Giving it to Arc, he taps it with a hoof.

“Inside you’ll find a single use bar of medical soap. Discard it after the shower, allow the patient’s body to completely dry, and then rebandage her.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Auriel smiles. “Thank you for everything, doctor.”

“Just doing my job, miss.”

Arc opens a portal and slowly helps Auriel through. Reappearing in his room he gestures to the bathroom.

“You ready?”

Auriel nods fervently. “Very much so.”

Entering the bathroom, he helps Auriel sit down on the toilet seat before turning and getting the water going in the large shower. Returning to his friend he kneels down and looks her in the eye.

“Do you need me to help you get undressed?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, I do.”

“Okay.”

Carefully unbuttoning her hospital gown, Arc pulls it off of her to expose her red skin and bandages which are wrapped around her entire boddice. He looks her in the eye before speaking.

“How about the rest?”

“There’s a clip on my left side holding the end together.”

“You okay with me doing this?”

Auriel smiles at him. “Arc… I’m okay with so much more. Don’t worry about it.”

Nodding, Arc finds the clasp and unlocks it. Carefully unwrapping the bandages from around her, he is eventually able to expose her wounds (and everything else in the process). Helping Auriel stand, he slowly leads her over to the shower. Sitting her down, Arc assists her in laying on the cool tile floor. Auriel looks relieved as he finishes.

“You okay?”

“I’m just glad I can finally get cleaned up properly. It’s been hard having to deal with my own scent.”

Arc turns to the med-kit on the counter. “Let’s see about that soap now.”

Opening the box Arc finds a small package in one of the pockets. Picking it up he removes the paper wrapper and walks back to Auriel.

“Now the question is how to do this without hurting you.”

“The easiest way would be for you to join me in here.”

“I suppose. But are you okay with…?”

Auriel sighs. “Arc, we’ve been naked together a few times now. So yes I’m just fine with it.”

Nodding, Arc removes his own clothes and tosses them aside. Picking up a washcloth and the special soap he steps into the shower and kneels down next to Auriel.

“Ready?”

Smiling, Auriel nods. Arc lathers up the soap on the washcloth and starts by washing her face. Rinsing it with the shower nozzle, Auriel sighs contentedly as he moves down to her neck.

“This feels wonderful!”

“Getting properly cleaned after extended sponge baths is pretty nice.”

“You’ve done it?”

Arc nods. “After Celestia blasted me, yes.”

Auriel looks to the nasty scars on his torso. “It… must’ve been very painful.”

“It was, yes. But that wasn’t actually the worst part.”

“Oh?”

“That would be the whole memory loss aspect of things. Did I have a family and home elsewhere? Were they looking for me? And who was I?”

“Were you scared?”

“I didn’t really feel fear so much as… emptiness.”

Auriel puts a claw on his hand, stopping it. Arc looks to her clearly concerned.

“Sorry. Did I hurt you?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. But I… do have a request.”

“What is it?”

“I want to touch it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Touch… what exactly?”

“Your scar.”

“Oh! Um… that’d be fine.”

Sitting there, Arc allows Auriel to touch his belly. She feels the scar where Celestia’s horn blew through him. Tracing it for a few moments with a claw she looks up into Arc’s face.

“Does it still hurt?”

“Just mentally.”

“Huh?”

“Sometimes when I close my eyes I can still see the wild rage in her eyes. That night I honestly thought I was going to die.”

“I’m glad you didn’t.”

“Thanks.”

Auriel looks away sadly. “We… all believed you were gone though.”

“Sorry for making you worry.”

“Nothing about that night was your fault though, Arc.”

Arc points to Auriel’s wounds. “Neither was yours.”

“But I’m fine with this.”

“With having a bunch of holes in you?”

“Fighting to help protect you and the Crystal Empire.”

She takes his hand before continuing.

“After all, I couldn’t keep living if something happened to you.”

They look into each other’s eyes for a long moment. Arc smiles.

“You know… you’re really cute lying there like that.”

Auriel giggles. “I suppose any female would be without clothes.”

“Nah. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“It’s okay if you did. I like it, after all.”

“Well, I’m just trying to get you cleaned up.”

“How many females have you been in the shower with?”

“Um… several. Rarity, Twilight, Natalya, you, Ember, Hammer, technically Applejack and Tempest…”

Auriel grins slyly. “It must be a fetish for you.”

“A fetish?”

“Something that turns you on.”

Arc smiles. “I know what a fetish is. But I don’t think it’s you lying there that I like.”

“Then what…?”

“I think it’s more along the lines of me enjoying helping.”

“Cleaning me up?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. After all, you can’t do it yourself.”

Auriel puts a claw under one of her breasts and lifts it seductively. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

Arc chuckles. “That and you are really pretty, yes.”

Sometime later Arc finishes washing Auriel’s body along with her hair. Turning off the water, he carefully puts a towel around his friend and helps her out of the shower. Leading Auriel out of the bathroom and over to the bed he helps her lay down. Covering her with a blanket, Arc sits down next to her.

“Warm enough?”

Auriel nods. “I am, thank you.”

“Hopefully I did a good job.”

“Yes, I feel a lot cleaner now.”

“I’ll help make sure you look presentable for our meeting later.”

“When is it again?”

“In about an hour or so. Why?”

“That means we have some time to talk, right?”

“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”

“About fetishes.”

Arc groans. “This again?”

“Forgive me, but I’ve wanted to ask you about a few things for quite some time now. It’s kinda important to me.”

“Fine then. What did you want to know?”

“Just what turns you on mostly.”

“I don’t really know. After all, you and the others are the first real relationships I’ve been in.”

“Well, I already know about your ‘shower fetish’.”

Arc shrugs. “Call it what you will.”

“But I can’t help but think about what else you like.”

“Honestly, the thought never crossed my mind. So why don’t we look at this from the other side of the issue?”

“Huh?”

“You, Auriel.”

“My fetishes?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve had to give that some thought recently.”

“As I’m your first real relationship?”

Auriel nods. “Right.”

“This conversation is kinda hard to have.”

“I know it isn’t something that’s easy to talk about, but…”

Arc interrupts her. “No, no. I mean because neither of us really knows what we’re doing.”

“Oh. Right.”

“Is that really a bad thing though?”

“Kinda.”

“I disagree. Think about it this way. You and me along with the others aren’t all the same. We have our own likes and dislikes. So what turns one of us on might be really upsetting to another.”

“Like what?”

“Well… you said you’ve been thinking about what you’d like done to you, right?”

“A bit, yes.”

“Can you give me an example?”

Auriel blushes slightly. “Well… I’ve dreamed on numerous occasions about you… um…”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“…about you… ripping my clothes off.”

“You wanted it, huh?”

“Yes, Arc. I wanted you to tear that dress off and make passionate love to me in that hammock. Or on the ground nearby. Is that a good example?”

“Um… kinda. Now then, like I was saying… you might have that fetish and want it more than anything else. But at the same time someone else might see that as a major turn-off. Like Rarity for example. She’d be too worried about her coat and mane getting dirty. To say nothing for the ruined dress.”

“I see what you mean. But a different mare, let’s say Rainbow Dash, might also like being forcefully taken.”

“Exactly.”

“And Fluttershy being put on a leash.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I… guess.”

“And Pinkie wanting to be forced to arch her back while being violated as her mane is pulled really hard.”

“Ah, Auriel…?”

“And Ember being tied up and whipped over and over with…”

“Auriel!”

“Yes?”

“This doesn’t sound like a hypothetical conversation anymore.”

“I suppose it isn’t, no.”

Arc frowns. “How… exactly do you know all of this?”

“From a conversation we all had over tea one day.”

“You and the others were talking about… this?”

“Yes. The down side was that no one really knew what to do to make your experience memorable.”

Arc sighs. “In any case, the point I was originally trying to make was that we can all figure each other out as we go.”

Auriel puts a finger to her cheek thoughtfully. “That… might be kinda fun. Trying new things with one another.”

“I’m not expecting every encounter to be some kind of mind-blowing experience, mind you. To me it’s not so much the act of having sex with you and the others inasmuch as the fact that I’m doing it with those I care about.”

“Not really sure how I should feel about this.”

“Something wrong?”

Auriel smiles nervously. “I… kinda told the others that I would fish for information.”

“About what I liked?”

“We all just really want to make you happy the first time.”

“And I appreciate that. But let’s just focus on the important things right now.”

“Like what?”

Arc turns back toward the bathroom. Stretching out a hand, he pulls the med-kit from the counter and into his palm before turning back to Auriel.

“Bandaging you back up.”

“But I’m not completely dry under here.”

“Guess the blankets are trapping the water under there along with that towel.”

“I can uncover.”

“Won’t you be kinda cold though?”

Auriel shrugs. “It’ll only be for a little while.”

Nodding, Arc pulls the covers back and removes Auriel’s towel. Tossing them aside he turns back to her.

“Just let me know if you get too cold.”

“Could you… light a fire in the fireplace?”

“Sure.”

Standing, Arc puts some fresh logs in the fireplace. Casting a spell the logs burst into flames. Turning back to Auriel he sees her shivering.

“Want me to help you over to the fire?”

Auriel nods. “Please do.”

Carefully helping her sit up, Arc slowly walks Auriel over to the rug in front of the roaring fire. Laying her down, he sits next to her. She sighs contentedly.

“Much better.”

“It’s certainly warmer here.”

“Summer’s come and gone and autumn has long since started. Soon it’ll be winter again.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“Something wrong?”

“I… just wish I knew what happened to Shelly.”

Auriel nods soberly. “You did tell us some time ago that she probably didn’t have long to live.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Yeah. More than likely she’s already gone.”

“You don’t know that, Arc.”

“Right. But either way I should have been with her.”

“I know what that feels like. Wanting to be with someone but unable to do so.”

“Equestria… it’s a whole country. This landed needed me.”

“Yes it did.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself anyways.”

“Shelly would have understood. She was very sweet.”

Arc shakes his head. “Had I left to be with her, Decimus and the Council of Shadows would have taken over by now.”

“Most likely, yes.”

“The real problem is that I don’t really know when I’ll be able to go back to Earth.”

“Couldn’t you go anytime though?”

“With the Rainbow of Light, yes.”

“Then why not just pop back to Earth and see her? You could just make an afternoon of it.”

Arc sighs. “I’ve thought about that many times since we came back. But in the back of my mind I always figured that the moment I left something would have come up. And I wouldn’t be here to do anything about it.”

“Duty to country and duty to loved ones.”

“Right. While I’m sure Lily was there for her… I… I should have…”

Auriel takes his hand and holds it tight. Looking Arc in the eye, she smiles.

“She cared about you very much.”

“I know, but…”

Putting a claw to Arc’s lips, she shakes her head.

“Don’t do that, Arc.”

“Do what?”

“The ‘what if’s’. You can’t go back in time to change anything.”

“Wish I could.”

“You’ll wear yourself down with that attitude. Just deal with the here and now and go back when you can.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing flutters around her office with the stone from Abyssinia. She puts it in a small cradle of sorts and casts a spell on it. It glows weakly as magical energy drips down its surface into a beaker under it. Grinning, Brightwing continues channeling magic into it.

“Soon… very soon it will be complete! And then… oh, and then… everyone will see just how SMART Brightwing is! Oh yes, yes, YES!!!”

She giggles happily as the potion begins to glow steadily.

Chapter 11 - The Inquisition (Part 1)

Arc holds Auriel’s claw as they walk down the corridor together slowly. She appears nervous as she looks to Arc.

“Do… do you think Princess Celestia will like me?”

“I’m hoping so. At the very least, you’re not a human.”

Auriel groans. “Half.”

“Let’s not mention that to her just yet.”

“Still a demon too.”

Arc stops as does Auriel. He turns to her and puts a hand on her cheek.

“Listen, Auriel. You are what you are just like I am what I am. Nothing will ever change that.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “I could have Sereb turn me into a human before the meeting.”

“True. But right now we really need to be Honest. And attempt to hide the truth will only serve to prove to Celestia that we can’t be trusted.”

“Then what should I do?”

“Just be yourself.”

Auriel sighs. “I’ll try.”

“And stay close to me. Just in case.”

She nods as they continue walking. Coming to Celestia’s room they spot Twilight waiting outside. She smiles as the pair approaches.

“Auriel! You made it!”

“Somehow, yes.”

Arc motions to her midsection. “She’s still a bit tender though so we need to be careful.”

Twilight nods. “That’s understood. I’ve already mentioned it to the others. Especially Pinkie Pie.”

Arc appears relieved. “Good.”

He looks to the door before returning his gaze to Twilight.

“Um… who all is in there?”

“At the moment just Luna and Cadance.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “That’s it?”

Twilight nods. “For now, yes. You see…”

A familiar voice rings out down the corridor.

“Hey there!”

They turn to see Pinkie hurrying toward them along with the rest of the Mane Six.

“We’re ready!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That we are!”

Auriel appears confused. “What for?”

Rarity smiles widely. “To help Arc and Twilight tell Princess Celestia everything.”

Applejack nods soberly. “We’re going to back up his story together.”

Fluttershy looks around nervously. “She needs to know the truth, after all.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Thanks, everypony. But if this is going to work we’re going to need more help.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “From whom though?”

“Hey! Wait for us!”

They turn to see Ember, Hammer, Sereb, Flash Sentry, Derpy, and Scootaloo running down the corridor toward them. Ember is the first to speak.

“We’re here to do our part too!

Hammer grins hugely. “Darn right!”

Derpy nods soberly. “The princess needs to know what you’ve really accomplished, Arc”.

Scootaloo stomps a small hoof defiantly. “Princess Celestia can’t ignore all of us!”

Sereb growls. “That is correct.”

Twilight looks past them. “Colonel Flash Sentry? What are you doing here?”

“The commander ordered me to come as well.”

Arc nods. “In case we need someone summoned. That and he may give his own testimony as well if need be.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “You can count on me, sir.”

Auriel looks around and smiles. “Thank you everyone. Hopefully this works.”

Arc chuckles. “With any luck we’ll be able to convince Celestia that she’s been lied to about pretty much everything.”

He turns to Twilight before continuing.

“How much longer until they’re ready to see us?”

“Princess Celestia told me to come in when I arrived. I’ll head in there, let her know we’re ready to begin, and then come back for you, Arc.”

Rarity frowns. “Just him?”

Auriel gasps. “Why?!”

Twilight nods soberly. “She’s agreed to hear him out and will call for individuals from out here in the corridor to support his claims.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “By ‘claims’ you mean ‘facts’, right Twilight?”

Applejack grits her teeth. “That kind of talk won’t help things here, Rainbow Dash!”

Fluttershy nods nervously. “Right. It’s going to take a cool, calm demeanor to convince her of anything.”

Rarity bows her head. “If you go in there like that Princess Celestia will just shut out whatever you, and we, say from here on.”

Derpy sighs. “And that will sink our one and only chance.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “But…!”

Applejack interrupts her. “Look, we know you’re upset about all of this, Rainbow Dash. But you have to understand this is our one and only chance to fix everything.”

Hammer puts a hand on Rainbow Dash’s back. “Right, blue. Everything’s led up to this.”

Arc nods. “That is has. So let’s give it our all.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Victory at all costs!”

Sereb puts a paw over his face and sighs. “Not exactly the best strategy right now, Ember.”

Scootaloo groans. “Agreed. Let’s just follow Big Brother’s lead and answer whatever questions are sent our way.”

Derpy nods. “Truthfully though.”

Twilight looks around at those assembled. “So, we’re ready?”

Auriel grimaces. “I get the feeling there isn’t really a ‘ready’ for something like this, Twilight.”

Arc sighs. “Right. So go ahead and tell Princess Celestia that we’re ready to begin.”

Twilight nods and turns to the door. Taking a deep breath she raises a hoof and knocks before entering. The guards on duty outside close the door behind her as Arc turns back to the others.

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What the heck is that supposed to mean?”

Sereb groans. “I believe Arc is trying to say that we have to take a risk to get what we want.”

Auriel frowns. “Right. But what if this doesn’t work?”

Rarity gasps. “Princess Celestia wouldn’t try to throw Arc out of the country, would she?!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Officially speaking, she can’t.”

Applejack nods with conviction. “Right. He’s a legal citizen of Equestria, after all.”

Fluttershy shrinks back. “But will she recognize that?”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “She HAS to! Right?!”

Pinkie shrugs. “Probably!”

Derpy grimaces. “But he has a Royal Decree stating that!”

Auriel sighs. “If she doesn’t I’m sure Arc has a backup plan.”

Arc turns and leans against a wall. “Yeah. But let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Embracing his friends one by one, they speak a few words of encouragement to him as they each take their turn. Meanwhile, Twilight walks over to the other princesses. They sit on a large couch together talking. Celestia is in the middle with Luna on her right and Cadance on her left.

“We’re ready, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia nods as she motions to the sofa across from them. “Very well. Luna has taken the liberty of ordering a second couch for you and the human.”

Luna frowns. “He has a name, sister.”

“Mayhap. But he is indeed a human.”

Cadance sighs. “That may be, Aunt Celestia. However his station deserves some modicum of respect.”

Twilight looks to Celestia soberly. “Agreed. Now then… before we begin I’d like to say something.”

“You don’t need to ask permission before speaking, Twilight.”

Luna smiles at her. “Indeed. Remember, you’re one of us now.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose not. But I’m still trying to get used to that. In any case, I just wanted to remind Princess Celestia of something.”

“Oh?”

“I ask that you give that which is said proper thought, consideration, and contemplation before coming to an opinion.”

“Very well, Twilight.”

“That... and I ask you not to call my friend by his species. He has a name, after all.”

“Very well, Twilight. I shall refer to him by his title then.”

Luna scoffs at this. “Sister! Arc has…!”

Twilight interrupts. “That is acceptable.”

“Very good. Now then, let us begin this inquisition.”

Cadance turns to Celestia, confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

Celestia looks to her student. “Twilight, what is the definition of the word ‘inquisition’?”

“A period of prolonged and intensive questioning or investigation, Princess Celestia.”

“Correct. Is that not what this is?”

Luna frowns. “To put it negatively, yes.”

Twilight turns to Celestia. “Remember your promise though.”

“I will do so to the best of my ability, Twilight.”

“Thank you. Shall I call for Arc now?”

“Perhaps it would be better to hear about the details of...”

Luna nods as she looks to Twilight. “Yes, we shall begin with him.”

Twilight nods and walks over to the door. Opening it, she motions for Arc to enter. Doing so, he walks over to the trio on the couch with Twilight. Celestia eyes him coolly as he and Twilight sit down on the couch across from them. Luna and Cadance greet Arc warmly.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“We hope you’re doing… well.”

“Thank you, I am.”

Luna motions to the door. “Audiences have been cancelled for the day and all other matters put on hold for the same duration.”

Cadance smiles warmly. “We are here to listen to whatever it is you have to tell us, Arc.”

Celestia frowns. “Indeed. Now then, before we begin this inquisition…”

Luna interrupts. “This again?!”

“Aunt Celestia! This is a…!”

Celestia cuts her off mid-sentence. “It’s what Twilight has agreed to.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Arc needs to have the chance to tell his story before all of us.”

Celestia turns back to Arc and speaks coolly. “As I was saying… is there some kind of opening statement you’d like to make… Hero of Light?”

“Yes.”

Standing, he reaches for his ring and pulls out the Dagger of Eternal Slumber. Celestia grits her teeth as her horn glows. Luna jumps up to face her.

“Have faith in him, sister!”

“Yes, Aunt Celestia. I’m sure Arc has a good reason for doing that.”

Arc nods. “I do.”

Turning to Twilight, he holds out the dagger before speaking.

“Would you please take care of this for me?”

Twilight nods, surprised. “Certainly.”

Taking the weapon, Twilight turns and places it on the end table next to her. Celestia’s horn stops glowing as Luna sits back down. Arc clears his throat as he turns to the trio before him and speaks.

“As you’ve all just witnessed, I’ve willingly given up the Dagger of Eternal Slumber. That will continue for the duration of this meeting.”

Cadance gasps. “But why, Arc?!”

“As a show of good faith. Princess Celestia and the rest of you were kind enough to grant me this time to speak to you three. As rulers, that isn’t something done lightly. So I wanted to show you all that I too was willing to give something up.”

Luna sighs. “Very brave of you.”

Celestia clears her throat in an attempt to bring the meeting back on track. “In any case, what is it that you’d like to tell us, Hero of Light?”

“A long, long story.”

Cadance nods. “For which we have time.”

Luna leans back and gets comfortable. “Indeed. I’m rather looking forward to you telling it, Arc.”

Celestia turns to her sister, confused. “But don’t you already know what he’s going to say?”

Luna chuckles. “Much of his exploits are known to me from the reports sent in by his base. However, I am sure there is much more that is left unwritten.”

Celestia frowns. “A sobering thought.”

Twilight nods. “Perhaps. But much of what the Hero of Light does is meant to be secret, is it not?”

Cadance smiles. “Yes. And for good reason. But I digress. Arc, the floor is yours.”

Nodding, Arc sits back down and takes a deep breath before starting.

“It all started one summer day back on Earth. I was taking care of my garden when I suddenly found that an invisible force has taken hold of me from beyond a strange looking wormhole.”

Twilight bows her head sadly. “I had opened a portal, in a drunken state I might add, to take plant samples. At the time I had wanted a small tree. What I got though was definitely more than I bargained for.”

Celestia frowns. “Using the Crystal Mirror intoxicated, Twilight?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“That was very foolish of you.”

“I know. And at the time I fully intended to take responsibility for my actions.”

“How?”

“Originally, by planning to care for this new creature. However that plan was skewered when an Ursa Minor attacked Ponyville.”

Arc shudders. “Quite the sight to behold. From Twilight’s window I saw her and the other Element Bearers trying to fight it off.”

Twilight sighs. “We weren’t doing very well though. That is, until Arc here came to help us.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “And are you saying that he was able to defeat the creature?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In fact I took quite the blow from its claws.”

“I was able to drive the beast away. But Arc was badly injured. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had to carry him to the hospital.”

Cadance gasps. “Good heavens!”

Arc puts a hand on his belly. “I still have the scars to prove it.”

Luna smile warmly. “Fortunately you recovered nicely, Arc.”

“Yes. At the Golden Oaks Library. It took quite some time, but I was able to eventually walk around town with Twilight, Rarity, Spike, and Fluttershy.”

Celestia frowns. “And how long did you stay with Twilight at her library?”

“A few months. Applejack hired me to help around Sweet Apple Acres before I started completing writs. It allowed me to save up enough money to rent a room in Ponyville.”

“From whom?”

“A mare whom I later befriended.”

Twilight looks to Celestia. “Might we call her in to tell her side of the story?”

“Yes, please.”

Standing, Twilight walks to the door and calls for Derpy. Entering the room, she nervously walks forward to stand before the three princesses. Celestia looks her over for a few moments before speaking.

“Good morning, miss. Thank you for coming.”

“I’m… happy to be here.”

Luna nods. “Please state your name for us.”

“My name is Derpy. Derpy… Hooves.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “Hooves?”

Luna turns to her. “Is that important, Cadance?”

“It’s a very old family.”

Celestia eyes Derpy. “Would you be related to the Hooves of Trottingham, miss?”

“Yes, your highness. I’m the daughter of Silver Hooves and Iron Hooves.”

“I see. And how are they getting along?”

Derpy bows her head sadly. “My mother died giving birth to me. And my father… passed away somewhat recently.”

“Forgive me. I was not aware of this sad turn of events.”

Luna nods soberly as she attempts to change the subject. “We’ve asked you here to help tell us of how you met Arc.”

“I advertised a room for rent in my house to make some money. At the time I couldn’t work due to being pregnant.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “You were quite a long ways from home, were you not?”

“I was, yes. My father had just disowned me, so I had nowhere else to go.”

Cadance gasps. “Disowned?!”

“Yes, Princess Cadance. I was an embarrassment to the family, what with being an unwed pregnant mother.”

Celestia nods soberly. “I see. How many others applied for the room?”

“None, your highness. Other than Arc, that is.”

“So you had to take him on as a boarder?”

Derpy puts a hoof on her belly. “I needed to eat for my foal.”

Luna smiles as she looks to Cadance. “Commendable.”

“Very.”

Celestia motions to Arc with a hoof. “How did the... Hero of Light treat you?”

“Very well, your highness. He brought me food when I had none and covered me with a blanket at night when I was cold. And more.”

“More?”

“Nopony in town knew I was pregnant, as my father insisted that I hide it under a magic cloak he gave me. However when the time to give birth arrived there was a snowstorm outside that prevented me from going to the hospital.”

“Then how was your foal delivered?”

Derpy turns and looks happily at Arc before answering.

“He did it.”

“Oh? How?”

Twilight chimes in. “By learning the process from a book borrowed from my library.”

Arc nods. “I had my suspicions at the time, and wanted to be prepared.”

Cadance sighs. “Admittedly this is where my own understanding of the situation becomes a bit murky.

Luna nods. “Yes, it does.”

“After the delivery Arc put my filly in his room, as it was warmer there. While he was examining a spear hanging over the mantle, however, Twilight and her assistant ran inside.”

Twilight looks away. “There was blood all over the room from the delivery. And when I saw it all over Arc and Derpy, along with the weapon in his hands, I just assumed he had butchered her.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “Prior to this meeting I took the liberty of searching for a criminal record. Finding nothing made me suspicious. Might I ask where and whom tried him for this crime?”

Arc shakes his head. “There was no trial.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “No trial?”

Twilight bows her head. “That’s correct, Princess Celestia. You see, since I thought it to be an open and shut case I just… opened a portal to Tartarus and shoved him through.”

Luna turns to Celestia. “I would like to point out that Twilight did come to Canterlot to report the matter to Cadance and I later however.”

Cadance nods. “After she learned that he was innocent of any wrongdoing, yes.”

“I did so to try and get help removing Arc from Tartarus. You see, he didn’t know at the time of banishment about how to leave.”

Celestia appears surprised. “Oh? And why not?”

“It never occurred to me that he could ever be redeemed, so I didn’t tell him.”

Derpy sighs. “I was so weak from foalbirth that I wasn’t able to do or say anything to stop her either.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “The next thing I knew I was waking up in some weird temple in Tartarus.

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin. “The arrival point.”

“You could call it that, yes.”

Luna looks to Arc. “We designed that particular place to be the arrival point of anypony sent there so as to maintain the security of Tartarus.”

Cadance frowns. “It does make sense. But for an innocent to be sent there without the chance to defend themselves is not something I can approve of.”

“I forgave Twilight for her mistake though.”

Luna glances over at Celestia. “Which is why Cadance and I didn’t punish her further.”

Celestia looks to Derpy. “And what did you do after recovering, miss?”

“Returned home and tried to help Princess Twilight, along with her friends, find a way to rescue Arc.”

Celestia motions to the human before her. “It appears that he was able to find his own way out though.”

Luna sighs. “Not without a very foolhardy rescue, sister.”

Cadance frowns. “Yes. One that my troops and I helped with.”

Celestia gasps. “I’m sorry, what?”

Twilight smiles nervously. “My friends and I were able to find a way to… bring down the barrier.”

“How?!”

Luna waves a hoof dismissively. “That is a story for later, sister.”

“Very well. But I do wish to hear it.”

Twilight grins. “The entire town of Ponyville helped hold back the demons of Tartarus as I ran inside, cloaked, to try and find Arc. I was successful and we helped him and those whom he had met there escape.”

“You allowed other prisoners to leave Tartarus, Twilight?!”

Arc clenches a fist as he looks to Celestia, angrily. “They were innocents whom didn’t belong there!”

Luna nods. “Agreed. But we should finish this interview before broaching that subject.”

Celestia turns back to the mare before her. “Miss Derpy, is there anything else you’d like to tell us about that time?”

Derpy nods as she grins widely. “Yes, Princess Celestia. Arc was the first… individual to ever truly care about me. My own father as well as my foal’s biological father never truly did. He showed me what love felt like and even saw fit to sign my filly’s birth certificate. While he doesn’t have much time to devote to either of us due to his position, whenever he’s in town we’re his first priority.”

Celestia frowns. “And your filly. How does she view him?”

“As her real father.”

Twilight looks to Celestia. “Dinky always refers to Arc as ‘dad’. That and they’re just so cute together.”

“Arc took me under his wing when nopony else wanted me. Even when I had nothing to offer him. No money, no possessions, and no future. He looked past all that and protected and looked after and… and loved me and my… our daughter. I need him, as does Equestria, Princess Celestia.”

“Thank you for your time, Miss Derpy. Please return to the corridor with the others.”

Nodding, Derpy does as she is told. Twilight looks to her mentor as the door closes behind her.

“I’d like to add that at the time she began renting a room to Arc she was practically a shut-in.”

“Oh?”

“While we didn’t know why at the time, it was due to both her pregnancy and her mental scarring from an abusive upbringing.”

Arc gestures to the now closed door. “However as you can see she’s been able to rise above that and live a somewhat normal life with Dinky back in Ponyville.”

Cadance smiles. “As the Princess of Love, I’m still in awe of her ability to recover emotionally from such an ordeal.”

Twilight grins. “My friends and I did our best, but her real focus was always on Arc and the thought that he would return safely.”

Luna looks to Arc. “Perhaps we should move on to the matter of what happened in Tartarus during Arc’s stay there.”

“That’s where I met Ember.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “She was in Tartarus?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Princess Celestia.”

“For what reason?”

Luna frowns. “We should hear that directly from Ember on this though.”

Arc nods. “Right. Twilight?”

Twilight stands. “I’ll call for her.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing flutters over to the potion, which has stopped its glowing. Giving it a sniff she frowns and growls.

“Not right! Brightwing make mistake!”

Looking over her notes nearby, which are actually just strange looking pictures, Brightwing groans.

“Brightwing not sure what went wrong. But needs to find more materials!”

Tapping her chin with a claw, she flutters over to the window and peer out. Blinking through, she looks over the castle gardens for a time.

“There must be something here Brightwing can use to make potion work!”

Spotting something below, she flies down for a closer look. Scratching at a tree Brightwing pulls off some moss and sniffs it for a few moments before clawing more away.

“This might be just the thing! Love the color! And the magic smell too!”

Gathering an armful (which isn’t much considering Brightwing’s diminutive size) she returns to her room in the castle.

Chapter 12 - The Inquisition (Part 2)

Twilight returns to the group with Ember. She takes her place on the couch next to Arc as Ember stands before the other princesses. Celestia smiles at her warmly.

“Hello again, Ember. Or should I call you Dragon Lord?”

Ember glares at Celestia as she raises her voice. “You should…!”

Arc leans forward, takes her arm, and sighs. “Let’s try to keep this civil please.”

Ember grits her teeth as she pulls her arm free. “Fine.”

Turning back to the princesses, she narrows her eyes.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Celestia nods as she gestures to Arc. “We were just told about the events leading up to Twilight banishing… her friend here.”

Cadance looks to Ember. “Would you please tell us how exactly he conducted himself in Tartarus?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “There’s a lot to unpack there.”

Luna smiles at her. “Perhaps you should start at the beginning then.”

“Fine.”

Clearing her throat, Ember collects her thoughts for a few moments before speaking.

“You see, I was a citizen of a town full of ponies whom had rescued me from certain death. After fighting a group of demons I was badly injured. They took me in.”

Celestia nods approvingly. “Commendable. Or did they do so out of a desire to exploit the Dragon’s Code?”

Ember shakes her head. “They didn’t know anything about it. After I was somewhat recovered, I decided to repay them by helping with some chores around the town.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “What did you do?”

“Process beetles mostly.”

Twilight appears confsued. “Process?”

Arc sighs. “Remove the organs and separate the contents of the stomach. Among other things.”

Luna grimaces. “For sustenance?”

Ember nods. “Yes. However as we were finishing up one day there was a commotion outside. Everyone ran to the gates where a wagon was just entering. Several stallions helped the heavily wounded driver down from the seat and carried them to the Town Hall. That’s where injured ponies were taken as the mayor, Mythic Honor, was also our doctor.”

Cadance gasps. “Did he recover?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. He died on the way there.”

Luna nods soberly. “A loss to the community.”

Ember groans. “The problem was that he was their best warrior. That’s why he went out every day. I decided I would help fill up their supply house in his place before departing.”

Arc chuckles. “And on one such supply run you met me.”

“Right.”

Celestia frowns. “Did he attack you, Ember?”

“Quite the opposite. You see, the demons had put quite a price on my head for causing them so much trouble and even sent out trained beasts out to search for me. During one of their attacks I was surrounded and cornered. I thought it was all over for me until Arc came charging in to help.”

Twilight nods approvingly. “That was very brave of him.”

Ember scoffs. “More like foolish. He didn’t hardly know which end of the spear to hold.”

Arc sighs. “I just kinda acted without thinking there.”

“Darn right! I thought your technique was pretty strange back then. At the time I just figured it was something to throw off opponents.”

“Kinda was.”

“What?!”

“Hey, I got better!”

“Thanks to me!”

“Right.”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “So Ember trained you, Arc?”

“Yeah. Proper form, weight distribution, spear stance, the works.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Took longer than I thought it would.”

“Well, you were dealing with a total amateur.”

“Eventually he got good enough to actually go outside and help me hunt beetles. They’re pretty much harmless.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “And you used them to get Arc used to killing?”

Arc turns to Ember. “Did you?”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah. So what?”

“Makes sense. I did the same for my squad if you recall.”

Ember grins smugly. “And you thought you were being original.”

“Kinda did.”

“Anyways… at one point we needed some supplies that couldn’t be foraged for. So Arc and I snuck into the capital city to deal with a demon vendor.”

Luna smirks. “Very daring!”

Cadance “Disguises?”

“Kinda. After all, we needed to blend in with the locals.”

“How did you do it?”

Ember groans. “Mythic Honor… put a magic leash on me. He told Arc to pretend I was his lover.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?!”

Arc shrugs. “It worked!”

Ember blushes slightly. “Yeah. And he did take really good care of me when I was under his control.”

“Mostly because you would have whooped me when the twenty-four hours was up.”

“And all this time I thought you were being a gentleman.”

“I was!”

Ember grins. “That you were.”

She turns back to Celestia before continuing.

“Sometime later when we were out foraging, I… fell ill.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “I wasn’t aware that such a thing was possible given dragon biology.”

“It generally isn’t. But Arc took me back to town and had me looked at.”

Arc sighs. “Some kind of weird disease had taken ahold of her.”

“Mythic Honor said another dragon that lived there years ago had it too.”

Cadance smiles. “And you were treated as he was?”

“Nah. He died.”

Arc nods soberly. “That’s when I went out to find Hydra Humor.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You went to find an extinct… THE MARQUIS!”

Arc puts a hand over Twilight’s mouth as Ember glares at her.

“Twilight!”

Celestia gasps. “There’s still a living hydra?!”

Arc sighs. “Yes.”

Luna frowns. “Might we ask where?”

Ember grits her teeth. “NO!”

Cadance holds her hooves out. “Alright, alright. Let’s all just stay calm.”

Ember points a claw at Celestia. “You want to know where they are, fine! In the Dragon Lands!”

Celestia smirks. “They?”

Ember blushes and covers her mouth with both claws as Arc shakes his head.

“Dragon Lord Torch granted them amnesty a long time ago to hide them from those whom sought their humor.”

Ember clenches a fist. “And you’d better not set one HOOF over there if you know what’s good for you!”

Celestia sighs. “Very well, Ember. I promise that I won’t go to the Dragon Lands in search of the hydra.”

“Or send anyone else?!”

“You have my word.”

“Good! You just remember…!”

Twilight interrupts her. “Ember, please… the topic at hoof.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Let’s let this one go.”

“Fine.”

Grunting, she again speaks.

“Arc found the hydra, defeated him, befriended him, and was given the humor as a gift.”

“That and he donated the scales used to make my original armor.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Original armor?”

Ember grits her teeth. “The armor that YOU destroyed when YOU tried to kill Arc!”

“Ember, let that go.”

“I will not! She almost…!”

“EMBER!”

Taken aback by Arc’s tone, Ember sits there stunned for a few moments as Arc speaks.

“There’s quite a few things in the past that I’d like to leave there. Please respect that.”

Ember grimaces. “I’ll try.”

“Continue.”

“Mythic Honor made a cure out of the humor Arc brought back. I was on my feet in no time. But Arc wasn’t so lucky.”

Twilight gasps. “Were you injured?!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Exhaustion mostly. I remember getting back to Ember’s side. The rest is kinda hazy though.”

“That night I helped Mythic Honor created Eidolon’s Ward. The signature armor of his that YOU…!”

Twilight cuts her off. “Ember, please!”

Arc frowns. “Continue the story.”

Ember groans. “Fine. But you KNOW some parts trigger me!”

“Keep going.”

“As per the Dragon’s Code, I couldn’t be indebted to Arc for saving my life.”

Celestia frowns. “Oh?”

“It wouldn’t do to have the Dragon Lord beholden to someone, after all.”

Luna shrugs. “Makes sense.”

Cadance appears apprehensive. “So what was done instead?”

“I challenged Arc to one-on-one combat.”

Twilight shudders. “Was he okay?!”

Arc chuckles. “Just bruised mostly. Ember was exhausted too.”

Cadance grins. “Who won?”

Arc raises an hand. “I did.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “What… does that mean?”

“That he was worthy of becoming my mate.”

“And the next Dragon Lord?”

“Supposedly.”

Luna looks to Arc. “Was there a problem?”

“Age.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “You were too young, Arc?”

Ember sighs. “No, I was.”

Luna looks Ember up and down. “But you appear to be an adult.”

“For egg laying.”

“Oh. I see.”

Ember puts a claw on her belly and sighs. “My body just wasn’t ready for it and still isn’t. That and Arc won’t live long enough for me to reach sexual maturity.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That sounds like quite the issue. You couldn’t take a mate that wouldn’t live long enough to help you produce the next Dragon Lord, after all.”

“Aunt Celestia?”

“I know a bit about dragon customs, Cadance.”

She turns back to Ember soberly.

“Can I assume you’ve spoken to your father about this matter?”

Ember nods. “Yes. He deemed the situation impossible as it stood and ordered me to take another as a mate.”

“Good.”

“And then Arc beat them all up.”

Luna gasps. “I’m sorry, what?”

Arc frowns. “Ember didn’t appear to like any of them. So I defeated her suitors in order to disqualify them from being worthy to marry her.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me, Arc. But wouldn’t that just make you appear more worthy than before?”

“I hadn’t thought about that. Fortunately I was already ineligible.”

Celestia sighs. “So where does the matter stand as of now?”

Arc grimaces. That’s… complicated.

Ember points a claw at Celestia. “And not an Equestrian matter!”

“Understood. We won’t try to interfere with whom you marry, Ember.”

“Good!”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “Going back to the Tartarus affair, I’m still a bit hazy on the rest of the story though.”

Cadance grimaces. “I arrived with my forces just in time to help hold the demons back.”

Celestia frowns. “How did the barrier fall though?”

Twilight raises a hoof. “That one I can answer.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Unable to find a solution on how to enter Tartarus, my friends and I returned to Ponyville to tell Derpy of our failure. However when we did so, time seemed to slow down.”

Celestia lowers her voice. “What do you mean?”

“That it literally moved slower. Until it stopped completely, that is.”

“Then the light started to fade?”

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

Celestia sighs. “Kronos.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We’ve met.”

Celestia turns to Twilight. “They helped you enter Tartarus?”

“Yes.”

“How so?”

“By giving us a gem that, once channeled, could temporarily dispel the barrier.”

“And where is this gem now?”

“Gone. It disintegrated after one use, as Kronos told us it would.”

Luna sighs. “Arc told us of this creature some time ago.”

Cadance looks to Celestia. “What exactly is Kronos anyways?”

“The Keeper of Time. It’s their job to alter the timeline in a manner that allows, theoretically, the best outcome for the largest number of individuals.”

Twilight gasps. “So you’ve met them before?!”

“Several times over the centuries, yes. However they only came to me when the need was great or the situation dire.”

She looks Arc up and down for a few moments before continuing.

“I can’t imagine them intervening for a single individual though.”

“Do you know anything else of this creature, Aunt Celestia?”

“Nothing more other than they have always acted in the best interest of Equestria.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “A matter for deeper discussion later perhaps.”

Ember points a thumb behind her at Arc. “Yeah. Let’s keep going with Arc’s story.”

“As you can see, I was able to escape Tartarus along with the innocent ponies of that town.”

Celestia scoffs. “How certain are you that they are not mere criminals?”

Ember yells angrily as she points an accusatory claw at Celestia. “They’re just the descendants of the mares and stallions that YOU swept under the rug!”

Arc nods. “Right. None of them deserved to be there, and have done nothing but live peacefully since coming to Equestria.”

Luna turns to Celestia. “At Cadance’s suggestion I authorized the construction of a town for them, sister.”

“What’s done is done, I suppose.”

Ember seethes. “In any case, I followed Arc through to Equestria and have been by his side ever since. At least until YOU…!”

Arc groans. “Ember, enough.”

Luna sighs. “I think we now understand what exactly happened back then.”

“Agreed. Did you have anything to ask, Aunt Celestia?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Not at this time, no.”

She turns to Ember before continuing.

“Before we close this interview, was there anything you’d like to add?

Ember nods, clearly furious. “Yes, I would! First of all, as I’ve made clear, I’m STILL MAD about what you did to Arc!”

Arc leans forward. “Ember…”

“No, Arc! This is MY time to make a statement, and I’m making one!”

She sneers as she looks to Celestia and continues.

“I just want you to know that every fiber of my being wants to do nothing less than fly every dragon over here and dethrone you!”

Celestia sighs. “Perhaps I deserve that. But what I don’t understand is this. If you were so intent of my removal why you were so insistent on a treaty before.”

Ember points to Arc. “Because of HIM!”

Cadance appears surprised. “Arc?”

Luna’s eyes grow wide. “What did he…?”

“Sereb and I vowed to protect Equestria to honor Arc’s memory at his funeral! We didn’t want the land he loved to EVER be overrun by its enemies! Foreign OR domestic! But when I learned that YOU were the ENTIRE reason he was gone, I prepared to fly here and deal with you… personally!”

Luna gasps. “What stopped you?”

Celestia nods soberly. “Certainly not the treaty.”

“My father!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Dragon Lord Torch?”

“He told me that I had to abide by the treaty I had signed! As much as I wanted to burn it to ash, I was forbidden from doing so.”

She points a claw at Arc before continuing yet again.

“I even offered to help him ASSASSINATE you when he came back!”

Twilight chimes in quickly. “Arc talked her out of it though!”

Arc frowns as he turns to Celestia. “You’re welcome by the way.”

Ember clenches a fist, clearly furious. “Rather than take me up on my offer to help take YOU out, he CHOOSE to voluntarily leave Equestria to return to Earth! That meant he had to leave behind pretty much EVERYONE he cared about here!”

Twilight bows her head. “Derpy and their filly Dinky went with him though. Couldn’t break up their family.”

“He left and I returned to the Dragon Lands! And no it was not a happy time for me! Knowing that the one I loved was in EXILE for doing NOTHING less than his duty to this land, its citizens, AND the monarchy! Knowing that he might NEVER be allowed to come back! And knowing that thanks to YOU, nearly EVERYTHING he did for Equestria was pretty much tossed out the window one day along with HIM!"

Ember points a claw at Celestia before continuing with her tirade.

“You…! You don’t deserve to sit on that throne! Arc was and is TWICE the ruler you ever were! And do you want to know why?! Because, unlike you, he actually LISTENED to those around him! Because he actually CARED about this land! And because he actually WANTED to find a happy resolution! You didn’t even TRY, you didn’t even ATTEMPT to hear him out before doing your very best to MURDER HIM IN COLD BLOOD... YOU PASTEL-MANED, STUCK-UP, POMPOUS CUNT!”

Turning on her heels, Ember storms toward the door. Putting a claw on it she stops and looks over her shoulder.

“Do yourself and Equestria a favor and leave the ruling to those whom actually WANT to do the job... PROPERLY!”

Without waiting for a response Ember leaves the room, slamming the door behind her. For a time no one speaks. Eventually Celestia breaks the silence.

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Princess Celestia?”

“Has she always been like that?”

“Like what?”

“So angry.”

“Not really, no.”

Arc frowns. “Just when you get her mad."

Luna smiles slyly at Arc. “And you were going to marry her?”

“I didn’t want to at the time, no.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “And now?”

“Things have… changed.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “So you would entertain the idea?”

“Yeah.”

“Perhaps you’re braver than I thought."

She looks to the now closed door and sighs.

“Or perhaps you’re just a glutton for punishment.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s complicated.”

Twilight clears her throat. “Perhaps we should move on to what happened next.”

Luna nods. “A good idea, yes.”

Arc chuckles. “My promotion to Hero of Light?”

Twilight sighs. “That was certainly… interesting.”

“The former Heroes of Light came to Equestria during another attack by the Ursa Minor AND it’s mother.”

Cadance gasps. “An Ursa Major?!”

Twilight nods approvingly. “He was able to drive both off without doing permanent damage to either.”

“Yes. After which they publicly announced their retirement and asked me to give their insignias to Luna.”

“I was told that ‘the torch has been passed’.”

“Luna and I agreed and offered Arc the job, which he took.”

Twilight smiles. “My friends and I witnessed the ceremony in the Mausoleum of the Hero of Light together as well as meeting his newly appointed squad of Lunar Defenders later that evening at dinner.”

Arc grins. “We went on a camping trip together after that. Living off the land, hunting, fishing, sleeping in tents.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “For what purpose?”

“Like Ember said earlier, to teach them how to kill to survive. Lessons we would all need in the months to come.”

He clenches a fist before continuing.

“That’s when they told me about the New Beginnings Orphanage and Matron Tempest.”

Celestia frowns. “A very decorated mare looking after the land’s future.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “She did so very poorly.”

“Oh?”

Arc grits his teeth. “My squad told me of the abuse they had received as foals. So I went to investigate... personally.”

Twilight interjects. “Perhaps we should hear the thoughts of the current matron though.”

Luna nods. “Agreed. Twilight, send for her.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “But isn’t she in Abyssinia right now?”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Tell her I’ll get her here with a portal.”

“Alright. Colonel Flash Sentry can make that call.”

Sliding off the couch she heads for the door. Celestia looks to Luna.

“This story just keeps growing.”

“That it does.”

“I’m finding it very hard to believe or even accept.”

“Do try to keep an open mind, Aunt Celestia.”

“Oh, I will. If nothing else, for Twilight’s sake.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing returns to her room with the moss. Trying to stuff it into the potion bottle she finds it too large to fit. Laying a piece on the desk, she claws at it for a time to break it up. Smiling, she picks up a clawful and carefully drops it in. Grabbing a nearby stick she puts it into the flask and begins stirring.

Chapter 13 - The Inquisition (Part 3)

A short time later Flash Sentry enters the room. Walking over to Twilight, he bows before speaking.

“I’ve spoken to Matron Coco Pommel, your highness. She’s agreed to head to the sigil left behind in New Ponyville at once.”

“Very good. How long of a head start did she ask for?”

“Ten minutes, your majesty. However I’d like to point out that I left my office roughly that long ago to make the call.”

Arc chuckles. “She’s probably ready then.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. A few moments later Coco Pommel steps through and approaches them. She smiles at Arc and Twilight warmly.

“Good morning, Arc. Princess Twilight.”

Arc kneels down to give her a hug. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof around his neck. “It’s my pleasure to help if I can. But I’m not fully sure what exactly is needed of me.”

Twilight smiles. “We’re trying to bring Princess Celestia up to speed on past matters.”

“How can I help?”

Arc chuckles. “By answering her questions.”

“Very well. And when would you like to do this?”

Arc points a finger behind the mare. Turning, her eyes grow wide as she spots Celestia flanked by Luna and Cadance. Quickly recomposing herself, Coco Pommel bows nervously.

“Forgive me, your highnesses! I didn’t know you were there!”

Celestia giggles. “It’s fine. After all, it is we whom should be apologizing to you.”

Luna sighs. “We are sorry for the lack of warning before our summons.”

Cadance looks Coco Pommel in the eye. “However we were told that you witnessed the many deeds at the New Beginning’s Orphanage first hoof.”

“That I did, Princess Cadance.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “While I know it isn’t a pleasant experience, we’d like you to give your account of what happened.”

“Very well. Where should I start?”

Twilight smiles. “The beginning. And don’t worry about the time.”

Luna nods. “Yes, the floor is yours.”

Stepping forward, Coco Pommel takes a deep breath before speaking.

“Princess Celestia… my name is Coco Pommel, and I was sent to live at the orphanage at a very young age. The first thing I remember was thinking when arriving was how quiet it was. At that time I just assumed that everypony was outside, or something. But as soon as I was escorted to the matron’s office I learned the reason for the silence.”

“Matron Tempest?”

“Yes, your highness. She made it very clear at the time that I was just another number on her sheet.”

“So she was verbally abusive?”

“And very physically abusive too. She would hit any foal whom she even perceived to have stepped out of line.”

“That doesn’t sound very nurturing to me.”

“It really wasn’t. But she was a very big believer in competition and games.”

Arc frowns. “Yes, I too saw such ‘games’.”

“They hadn’t changed much over the years, sir.”

Celestia frowns. “Tell us about them.”

“Hoofball was her favorite. Probably because it made us more or less fight one another. The team that won was given a light meal while the losers went without.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “Went… without?”

“I mean that they weren’t fed.”

Twilight frowns. “How often did this happen?”

“Twice daily. Once for breakfast, the other for supper. There was no such thing as lunch for us.”

Arc nods soberly. “I can confirm that. It was all I could do to keep from strangling her during my own investigation.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Your investigation?”

“Yes, I ordered official papers written up by my secretary declaring my daughter an orphan and to be placed in the matron’s care.”

“And you felt that was the best course of action how?”

Arc sighs. “I didn’t. But Dinky insisted that it was the only way. My only requirements to agreement were that I would stay with her at all times and that she would follow my instructions without question.”

“How did you stay with her?”

Twilight points her horn. “By learning a Matter Compacting Spell.”

Luna chuckles. “I’m told that a very intelligent filly from Ponyville created it.”

“Yes, I read over her notes. Quite a beautiful mind she has.”

Arc holds up a hand and casts the spell on a piece of fruit in a nearby bowl to demonstrate before he speaks.

“Shrinking myself down I was able to hide in her mane while still being able to see what was going on around us.”

Coco Pommel suddenly get a faraway look in her eye. “I remember the guard bringing Dinky to the orphanage. It always gave me a sense of dread to bring them to the matron’s office.”

Celestia appears surprised. “Wait a moment. Miss, you brought Dinky to see Matron Tempest?”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes.”

“Forgive me, but you appear to be well beyond the point of aging out of the orphanage.”

“I am, yes. However I didn’t want to leave the foals there with the matron. So I volunteered to stay on as her assistant.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Unpaid, I might add.”

“That’s correct. My wages were food and board. Nothing more.”

Luna turns to Celestia. “Such things violate a number of labor laws, sister.”

Cadance grits her teeth. “Not to mention common decency.”

Celestia continues. “Agreed. But tell me this, miss. Why did you not report such a thing to the authorities after growing up?”

“I did try, your highness. However Tempest had many powerful friends in the government whom squashed any and all investigations.”

Twilight bows her head. “So you believed that the only way to help was to remain?”

“That I did. The best I could do was to comfort the foals and share my food with them.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And by ‘share’ she means giving them most if not all of it.”

Celestia gasps. “But if that’s true then how did you survive all those years?”

“I… had a flower garden behind the building that I used as a food source. It wasn’t much, but it kept me going until the fall of the matron.”

Arc grins. “By your own hoof I might add.”

Coco Pommel smiles at him. “You certainly softened her up for me, Arc.”

“She was pretty tough.”

Cadance turns to Celestia. “I’d like to point out that any assault by a mare so thoroughly victimized should be recorded as ‘self-defense’.”

Luna nods. “Agreed. I watched the scene unfold from Arc’s memory crystals and see no reason for Miss Coco Pommel to face charges of any kind.”

Coco Pommel appears relieved. “Thank you.”

Arc continues. “After Tempest… melted, more or less, Coco Pommel collapsed. I rushed her to the hospital along with the foals to have her checked out. What the doctors found was not encouraging.”

Celestia grimaces. “Health issues?”

Luna sighs. “She was emaciated beyond imagining.”

Arc nods soberly. “Years of not eating properly can do that. The sight of her body when the doctor pulled back the sheets was… beyond words. Truth be told it’s amazing that she was able to recover at all, as all of her major organs were failing.”

Coco Pommel shudders. “I do remember most of what was said about me back then.”

“Your first questions were about the orphans if I recall correctly. If they were okay.”

“And they were, thanks to you.”

Celestia appears relieved. “That’s good to hear. Whom cared for them with the matron gone though?”

Arc gestures out the window to the south. “I took them back to my base. We had plenty of extra beds and the soldiers I had assigned to me were eager to help their orphan counterparts.”

Twilight sighs. “It was a difficult time for them.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Yeah. I had to teach them some rather heartbreaking things.”

Celestia looks to Arc. “Such as…?”

“What being full felt like.”

“Full?”

“After eating.”

“A full stomach?!”

Arc nods sadly. “Several foals approached me thinking there was something wrong with them. However the truth of the matter was that none of them had ever had a full belly before.”

“Did you seek medical treatment for them as well?”

“They were all checked out at Ponyville Hospital. Doctor Horse worked with my base’s chef, Saffron, to come up with properly balanced meals to help bring their weights up quickly but safely.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Sadly I was out of it for the first part of that. By the time I arrived at Arc’s base the foals were beginning to come around. Physically and emotionally.”

Luna turns to Celestia. “I do remember Arc inviting me to his base while they were there. It was very relaxing to watch them run and play.”

Arc chuckles. “That wasn’t all though, Luna.”

Celestia appears confused. “What does he mean by that?”

“Let me just say that I… asked him for a very special favor.”

Arc quickly speaks up. “And I kept that to myself.”

Cadance turns to Luna “If it’s personal…”

“It is. However I’d like to share it now.”

Luna takes a deep breath and sighs before speaking.

“I… I wished to be a filly again.”

Twilight frowns. “A filly?”

“Yes.”

Celestia gestures to Arc. “I’m having difficulty believing Twilight’s... friend here is anywhere near THAT powerful.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “To alter somepony in such a way would be a form of Chrono Magic!”

Arc nods. “Which I admittedly don’t have.”

“Then how did he grant such a wish, Luna?”

“By shrinking me down to the size of a filly with the Matter Compacting Spell.”

She closes her eyes and smiles happily before continuing.

“I was able to run and play with the orphans for quite some time. Just like you and I did oh so long ago, sister.”

Celestia sighs. “That time has passed, Luna.”

“It has, yes. But it was very nice to return to a simpler time. If only for a short while. You should try it sometime.”

“Perhaps later.”

Luna mutters under her breath.

“That’s what you said oh so many years ago too.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “If memory serves correctly, that was about the time Canterlot Castle was attacked by Trixie.”

Celestia gasps. “That mare led an army?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No. It was just her.”

“I can’t imagine she got very far then.”

Twilight groans. “All the way to the Audience Chamber.”

“What?! HOW?!”

“She had the Alicorn Amulet, sister.”

“But that’s been missing for CENTURIES!”

Arc sighs. “Well it certainly worked.”

Luna turns to Celestia. “You see, I had recently presided over the mare in question’s criminal case and found her guilty.”

“And she wanted revenge?”

Cadance nods sadly. “Fortunately Luna was visiting Arc’s base at the time.”

“And you, my dear?”

“Here in Canterlot Castle, Aunt Celestia.”

“Arc, along with me and my friends, came to help though.”

Arc nods. “Right. We were able to bring her down by stopping her heart with lightning redirected through the Dagger of Eternal Slumber.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “An interesting use of the weapon. But why not simply stab her with it?”

“Trixie wasn’t herself when she attacked. It was clear that she was being controlled, or something.”

Luna smirks. “Arc was showing her undeserved mercy. Something he’s done on numerous occasions.”

Arc narrows his eyes as he turns to Celestia. “Right.”

There is a tense silence as the pair stare each other down. Eventually Coco Pommel speaks.

“I can attest to that, your highness. Arc convinced Princess Luna to allow a new facility to be built in Ponyville. That allowed the foals and I to put quite a bit of distance between us and Vanhoover’s New Beginning’s Orphanage.”

Arc nods. “All of you deserved to be free of that place.”

“However you and I had just met, Arc. You didn’t owe us anything, yet you went out of your way to help.”

Celestia frowns. “Very commendable.”

“I have a soft spot for orphans.”

“Why?”

Twilight sighs. “Because he is one.”

“My mother died when I was young and my father wasn’t in the picture, so… you get the idea.”

Luna turns to Celestia. “Arc has also worked to keep them provided for in terms of staffing, funding, and even helped oversee an addition sometime later.”

Coco Pommel nods. “We at the Little Hooves Orphanage are very grateful for that.”

Arc smiles at the mare. “Everything I asked for was needed for you to do your job though.”

“Nevertheless, we appreciate the personal attention.”

Celestia looks her in the eye. “Thank you for coming here to testify, Matron Coco Pommel. Before we end this interview, was there anything you’d like to add?”

“Yes, your highness.”

Coco Pommel clears her throat and begins to speak.

“Your highness… I’m not a political mare. Years of living behind the walls of an orphanage will do that to anypony. However the Little Hooves Orphanage, while easily forgotten, is VITAL to those whom call it home. Should those whom reside within become disgruntled with their care, they cannot simply travel to Canterlot for an audience, or even leave the building unsupervised. They are vulnerable beyond comprehension to those whom would see them used for unspeakable acts. For years I was the only one whom stood up for them… cared for them… loved them.”

She looks Celestia dead in the eye before finishing.

“And, like Arc, I will not let ANY harm befall them. Not now… not ever.”

Cadance nods approvingly. “Very praiseworthy, matron.”

“I meant every word, your highness.”

Celestia sighs. “Thank you for your time, miss. We shan’t keep you any longer.”

Arc opens a portal. Heading toward it, Coco Pommel turns to him.

“I do have one parting piece of advice for you, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“Don’t let anypony, no matter whom they are, push you around or detract you from doing the right thing.”

“I won’t.”

Nodding, Coco Pommel looks to Celestia for a moment before entering the portal and vanishing. Arc closes it as Cadance turns to her aunt.

“Matron Coco Pommel… is fearless.”

Arc nods. “If you had lived through what she did you’d be too.”

Luna sighs. “Were we all so fortunate to be formed by such galvanizing events.”

Twilight speaks up. “Or one might look at it the other way.”

Celestia nods. “How lucky we are to have NOT gone through what she did.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Agreed. I’ve seen many kids go down the wrong path simply because they didn’t have parental guidance to tell them otherwise.”

Celestia looks to Twilight out of the corner of her eye before addressing Arc.

“I must say that the more I hear the more I don’t understand.”

“Princess Celestia?”

“There has to be more to the issue at hoof.”

Luna frowns. “You wish to move on, sister?”

“Yes. Tell me, whom shall we hear from next?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin nervously. “I was thinking my friends should give their testimony next. Arc?”

“Honestly, there’s someone else I’d like to speak now.”

“Who?”

Arc leans in close and whispers in Twilight’s ear. She grimaces.

“Are you… sure that’s a good idea?”

“No. But Princess Celestia needs to hear their story.”

Twilight sighs and stands. “Very well. I’ll go get her.”

“Actually I’d like to do that.”

“Oh… uh… very well.”

Getting up, Arc heads for the door. As he leaves Celestia turns to Luna.

“Going to fetch another friend. This human is certainly… interesting.”

“He is so much more, sister.”

“That has yet to be seen.”

Cadance clears her throat loudly before turning to Luna and speaking. “Whom do you think Arc is fetching?”

“I have an idea.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Then share it.”

“No.”

“Luna?”

“Celestia… needs to hear this from Arc and his friends. Not the Princess of the Night.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing stops stirring and looks at the mixture before her. Frowning, she pulls the stick out and picks up the vessel in her claws and peers into it angrily.

“Why you not mix! Don’t you want to be magic?!”

Grunting, she puts the flask down and taps her chin thoughtfully.

“Moss not want to mix! But Brightwing wants to mix it! Brightwing NEEDS to mix it! How can Brightwing make it mix?!”

Gasping happily, the little creature does a backflip and takes flight. Heading for the door she flies into it. Shaking her head to clear it, Brightwing Blinks through.

“Brightwing needs more tools!”

Making her way down the corridor, she sings a little tune to herself.

“It's gonna work! I know it's gonna work! It's gonna work out just fine, trust Brightwing!”

Chapter 14 - The Inquisition (Part 4)

A short time later Arc reenters the room. Walking over to the princesses, he turns to Celestia before speaking.

“I’m going to bring in the next speaker now.”

Celestia looks past him. “Then where are they?”

“Waiting outside.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“I just wanted to say something before we continue.”

Cadance frowns. “What is it?”

“That all of you please be careful with our next guest. They’re rather… emotionally fragile.”

Twilight nods as she looks to her friend. “We’ll do our best. Won’t we, Princess Celestia?”

“An... attempt will be made.”

Arc sighs. “Thank you. I’ll bring them in now.”

Returning to the door, Arc opens it and sticks his head out. Stepping backwards he slowly leads someone inside. They are clad in one of his magic cloaks and walk very slowly. Standing before Celestia, Arc speaks.

“This is another friend I made some time ago.”

Celestia fixates her eyes on the figure before her. “How do you do?”

They say nothing but slowly step back as Arc turns to them.

“Go ahead and introduce yourself.”

“I… I…!”

“It’s okay. I’m right here.”

Nodding, they slowly speak.

“My name… my name is… Auriel.”

Celestia appears confused. “Auriel?”

Arc nods soberly. “Princess Auriel actually.”

“From what kingdom do you hail, miss?”

Auriel shakes slightly as she lowers her hood to expose her red skin and black irises.

“The Great Demon Kingdom.”

Celestia instinctively spreads her wings and illuminates her horn as she jumps off the couch. Auriel steps behind Arc as he calls forth his armor and faces Celestia.

“Princess, stop!”

Cadance leaps in front of Celestia. “Auriel is with us!”

Luna frowns. “Stand down, sister. Remember, Arc and Twilight would not bring somepony here if it were going to cause trouble.”

Frowning, Celestia does so. Returning to her place on the couch she looks Auriel over for a few moments as she steps out from behind Arc.

“So you are…?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. The daughter of Demon King Malevolence.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “How… did you come to my land?”

“I… I walked through the Gates of Tartarus, your highness.”

Twilight nods. “It’s true.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest as he recalls his armor. “She did so to help me escape some time ago.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “I though Twilight did that.

“That I did. But this was a separate time.”

Arc sighs. “I went back into Tartarus, along with a friend, to help someone whom was banished reach the Gates safely.”

Luna bows her head. “The mare whom had the Alicorn Amulet, sister.”

Cadance looks to Celestia. “She followed the rules and stepped through on her own?”

Celestia gestures with a wave of her hoof. “But what does that have to do with a demon woman?”

Auriel sighs. “I should probably give some backstory.”

Arc nods as he steps to one side. “Good idea.”

Auriel collects her thoughts before speaking.

“I was born from a union between King Malevolence and one of his… scholars.”

Arc interjects. “A doctor from Earth.”

Celestia gasps. “Wait! So that would mean…!”

Auriel nods. Yes, Princess Celestia. I’m the product of demon and human copulation.

Arc gestures to Auriel. “After she helped me escape Tartarus I brought her to stand before Luna and Cadance.”

“Arc informed us of what had happened on his most recent mission and how a demon was now outside of Tartarus.”

“While she had walked through the Gates under her own power, Luna and I recommended that she be returned to her father, lest his will to escape be increased.”

Arc sighs. “I was planning to ignore their suggestions at the time. But Auriel asked me to take her back.”

Celestia appears surprised as she looks to Auriel. “You... you WANTED to go back to Tartarus?”

“Yes. While I was happy to finally be able to see the sky, I did miss my father.”

Arc grimaces. “However when she attempted to return, her father met her at the Gates with his troops.”

“You see, before I left I had built a weapon that could have theoretically blown away the Gates of Tartarus to allow the demons their freedom.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I destroyed it and took the power source along with Auriel herself before it blew up though.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “And where is this power source now?”

Luna speaks up. “It’s in the armory, sister.”

Cadance nods soberly. “Arc voluntarily gave it to us for safekeeping.”

“Right. After Auriel willingly gave it to me. But we’re getting off topic here.”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “Yes. Please continue your tale, Auriel.”

“As I said, my father met me at the Gates with his troops. He was upset that I had given the Bloodstone to Arc whom had given it to Princess Luna. However, he worried more that I would be harmed by the population of Tartarus for my treachery.”

Celestia smirks. “So Arc defeated the king and took you prisoner?”

“No. My father… banished me.”

“From... Tartarus?”

“Yes.”

Luna turns to her sister. “Arc informed us of the new situation upon his return. We allowed Auriel to stay in Equestria, of course. But that was mostly due to a lack of other options.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And the fact they knew I wouldn’t have sent her away even if they told me to.”

“I was originally going to stay at Arc’s base. However he was able to find a much better home for me.”

“Where?”

Twilight grins. “With Spike and I at the Golden Oaks Library.”

“WHAT?!”

Auriel smiles as she gestures to Twilight. “We lived together for over a year doing various research and experiments.”

Twilight nods. “We can talk about the fruits of a certain project later though.”

Arc smiles. “They got along great. Even better than I would have guessed.”

Cadance giggles. “I can see why.”

Luna shrugs. “Both are very similar at heart.”

Celestia frowns. “But you no longer reside together.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. I became a princess and moved to Canterlot.”

Arc looks to Celestia angrily. “That and the library was destroyed along with the rest of Ponyville.”

Auriel grimaces. “I fled to Abyssinia with the rest of the town’s refugees aboard The Equinox.”

Celestia bows her head. “My apologies for that. However, I would like to know what exactly you worked on while here in Equestria.”

Luna frowns. “Sister!”

“That’s a bit rude, Aunt Celestia!”

Twilight nods. “Auriel’s been nothing but kind since she came!”

Auriel looks to her friend. “Twilight… we need to tell her everything.”

“But…!”

Arc nods. “She’s right. Time to come clean about what you did some time ago.”

Celestia appears confused. “Twilight? What is he talking about?”

“An invention I came up with using a discovery of Auriel’s as a power source.”

“So you stole her idea?”

Auriel shakes her head. “I saw it more as ‘expanded upon’, your highness.”

“Yes, well… Arc was very depressed after losing... somepony very close to him. I merely wanted to help.”

Celestia frowns. “Lost somepony?”

Arc nods sadly. “My fiancé.”

Reaching for his ring, he pulls out the pocket watch and opens it. Turning it to Celestia, he holds it out.

“Her name was Cherry Jubilee. She gave me this watch as an engagement present. It belonged to her father.”

Twilight sighs. “They were very cute together.”

“What happened to her?”

“She was thrown off the balcony at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Luna grits her teeth angrily. “An assassin wanted to use the event to draw Arc out.”

Cadance bows her head. “He failed fortunately.”

“I see. And what became of the assassin?”

Arc clenches a fist. “I killed him myself!”

Luna nods. “General Wind Rider was already a wanted stallion and known traitor, having tried to previously give an invading army the Crystal Heart.”

Celestia gasps. “WHAT?! But… but why?!”

Cadance turns to Celestia. “To try and appease the yaks whom were attacking at the time.”

Arc frowns. “In the end we found out that the whole thing was a giant misunderstanding. But it cost Cherry her memories of me back then and eventually her life.”

“Arc was very depressed after that naturally. So I decided to try and make him something in an effort to cheer him up.”

Celestia smiles nervously. “A noble goal.”

“Maybe. But I… went too far.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Maybe you should call her in.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

He steps over to the door and speaks to someone outside before returning to the others.

“Flash Sentry’s going to notify her to await my portal.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

Arc sits back down. “Someone whom can better explain what happened.”

A short time later Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Flash Sentry. Rose says she’s in position at your sigil and ready to move.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

Severing the connection, he opens a portal. Rose steps through and walks over to Twilight.

“Hello, mother.”

Celestia gasps. “MOTHER?!”

Twilight turns Rose around to face her teacher. “Princess Celestia, this is Rose.”

“How… do you do, miss?”

Rose smiles nervously. “Very well, thank you.”

Celestia turns to Twilight. “So this is the... daughter you told me of previously?”

“Rose isn’t a human though.”

Arc nods. “Right. She’s actually a machine.”

“A… robot?”

Rose nods. “Correct, your highness. I was built by my mother to act as a… replacement to Arc for Miss Cherry.”

Celestia looks Rose over. “How is such a thing possible?! It should take an insurmountable amount of energy to power such a creation!”

Auriel speaks up. “Twilight used my research into the innate magical properties of various plants along with another invention of mine, the P.E.E.L. Also known as the ‘Plant Elemental Essence Liberator’. It extracts the magic from plants and separates it from the plant matter into its purest form.”

Twilight motions to Rose. “She had intended to use it to create a miniature artificial sun. However I saw other possibilities.”

“Creating robots?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not exactly. I compressed the essence the same way Auriel planned to do so for her artificial sun. Just on a smaller scale.”

Arc points to Rose’s chest. “The result was a fairly hard rocklike formation that exuded magical energy that could be used to power Rose’s body.”

Rose smiles. “It allows me to operate indefinitely under certain conditions.”

Luna shudders. “Rose was a bit… unnerving to us though.”

Twilight sighs. “As she was to me at first.”

Celestia appears confused. “Twilight?”

“At the time I viewed her as nothing more than a tool. Granted, one that I had put innumerable hours into creating.”

Celestia motions to Arc. “Well, I’m sure the thought was appreciated.”

Arc shakes his head. “It wasn’t.”

Twilight bows her head. “Right. When I powered her up for the first time there was some kind of programming error. She exhibited signs of extreme sadness at her very existence and immediately broke down into tears.”

Rose puts a hand to her forehead. “While I still don’t understand the source of the error myself, I remember feeling fear at what came next.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “Fear?”

“I told Rose to lie down on my lab table so I could dismantle her. If Arc wasn’t going to appreciate his gift then I was going to try and get my money back for her parts.”

Arc clutches a fist. “But I didn’t let her.”

Rose smiles and blushes slightly. “Arc stood up for me, declaring me a living being.”

Luna nods. “Even though you are clearly not.”

Cadance sighs. “Admittedly I question that myself.”

“Rose is indeed alive. Even if she does not have flesh and blood like we do, she still feels pain to a degree along with emotions. So when Twilight told me she was going to dismantle Rose, I couldn’t just stand there and let her.”

“It even sparked a pretty heated argument.”

Rose shudders. “That was quite scary for me.”

Auriel smiles. “But you two were able to reconcile and move on.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I didn’t want to lose Twilight as a friend.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Interesting.”

She looks Rose over before turning to Twilight.

“Tell me, how accurate to a human female is Rose?”

“I did my best to make her as physically true to the real thing as possible.”

“And how far did you go?”

Twilight tilts her head to one side, confused. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Let me put it this way, Twilight. You created a robot with feelings and gave it realistic skin along with voice processors. To all outward appearances she’s a human. But how deep is her ability to bond with somepony… emotionally?”

“Originally she was programmed to obey Arc and I unquestioningly as well as be attracted to him.”

“But that didn’t work out?”

“Quite the opposite. It worked perfectly.”

Rose nods. “Back then I would respond to Arc’s presence as a fiancé should and was even able to fulfil his needs for intimacy.”

“Sexuality?”

“Correct.”

Celestia looks at Rose for a long moment before nodding and speaking again.

“Rose, please approach.”

She looks to Twilight whom nods. Slowly stepping forward, Rose stands before Celestia nervously.

“Are you frightened?”

“A little.”

“No harm will befall you. I just want a closer look. May I?”

“Y-yes, your highness.”

Celestia extends a hoof. Gently brushing Rose’s cheek with a fetlock, she turns the android’s head side to side several times. Taking her hand, Celestia carefully moves each finger one at a time before looking down at her feet.

“Please sit down next to me and remove your shoes.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Sister?”

“I want to see her feet.”

Rose does so as Celestia steps off the couch. Exposing her feet, Celestia looks them over and moves each toe one at a time with her magic. Lifting the young woman’s leg with a hoof, she examines the bottom of Rose’s foot. Touching it gently, Celestia begins making small movements with her hoof. Rose giggles slightly as Celestia turns to look her in the eye.

“Does that tickle?”

“A bit, yes.”

“Interesting.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Princess Celestia?”

“You did an amazing job programming her, Twilight.”

“Thank you.”

Celestia sets Rose’s foot down and nods approvingly.

“Thank you, miss. You may put your shoes back on and return to you earlier spot.”

Rose does so as Celestia watches. As she finishes her task the android stands and walks back to Twilight. Celestia sits back down and looks to her former student.

“She’s certainly your creation.”

“Oh?”

“Shy, studious, and nervous.”

Celestia looks to Rose before continuing.

“Tell me, how do you view your creator?”

“She’s my mother.”

“That is technically true, I suppose.”

Auriel raises a claw. “She’s referred to me several times as her father.”

“Because you came up with the science that made her possible, no doubt.”

Rose nods. “Yes. I am grateful to be here.”

“Are you real?”

“Excuse me?”

Celestia repeats herself. “I asked if you’re real.”

“The question is confusing.”

“That it is. However I’d like you to think about it.”

She turns her attention back to Auriel.

“Thank you for your contribution.”

“Your highness?”

Luna gestures to Rose. “My sister means that you should be proud of what you’ve done to help create her.”

Cadance nods. “Yes, she’s amazing. While we admittedly first wanted her dismantled, I’m glad Arc talked us out of it.”

“You just saw her as metallic parts at the time though.”

Luna sighs. “True. But our feelings on her have since changed.”

Celestia looks to her former student. “And you, Twilight?”

“Huh?”

“How do you feel when you look at Rose?”

“In a word… pride.”

Celestia smiles warmly. “Congratulations.”

Twilight appears confused. “Princess?”

“You now understand how I feel when I look at you, Twilight.”

Smiling, Twilight looks at Rose. “I have to admit, I wasn’t the best parental figure when you were first activated. In truth I was a terrible parent. But when I look at you now and see all that you’ve been able to accomplish… I’m glad I didn’t dismantle you.”

“Thank you mother. Thank you for giving me a chance at life. I will do my best to make you proud of me.”

Auriel giggles. “That’s all any child wants from their parents, I suppose.”

Celestia returns her gaze to Auriel. “Agreed. And I hope someday your father and the rest of the demons can enjoy this land along with you.”

Luna nods. “Perhaps one day.”

Cadance smiles. “Nopony is ever truly beyond redemption.”

Twilight appears suddenly nervous. “R-right. But, um…”

Celestia turns to her. “Twilight?”

“That day… actually already came.”

“What are you saying?”

Arc looks to Celestia. “Twilight means that King Malevolence and some of his subjects have returned to Equestria.”

“But how?!”

Twilight motions to the window. “By passing through the barrier.”

“Where are they now?!”

“My race’s ancestral lands. Currently they’re rebuilding with materials donated to them by Canterlot.”

Celestia groans. “I’m... not sure how I feel about that.”

“Aunt Celestia, I was always told that Tartarus was a place for one to be able to contemplate their crimes. If the demons truly are repentant of their past sins then it would appear that the purpose of that place has been fulfilled.”

Arc nods. “Right. I personally took the king to his old palace along with Twilight and Auriel recently.”

Auriel looks to Celestia pleadingly. “They’re doing well acclimating to the land once more. Please let them live there again.”

Celestia frowns. “Very well. Assuming there is no further issue with them, Equestria will tentatively allow the demons to once again reside in their land.”

“Thank you, Princess Celestia.”

Luna turns to her sister. “We should open a dialog though.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. It will help us know what future help they may need.”

Arc frowns. “You mean keep an eye on them.”

Celestia groans. “Such would be prudent given our past history.”

Auriel sighs. “Agreed.”

Twilight appears surprised. “Auriel?”

“In this way we shall prove that the demons have changed.”

Arc nods. “Very well. But I’d like to add something here.”

Luna turns to him. “Oh?”

Arc looks to Celestia. “I want you to know that Auriel here was part of the strike force whom risked their lives to break you out of Damocles Base. That and how she almost gave her life to that end.”

Auriel smiles sheepishly. “Fortunately for me Arc was there to catch me when I fell.”

“Literally I might add.”

Celestia sighs. “That is a story I would like to hear in its entirety one day.”

Twilight grins. “So would I.”

Arc keeps his steady gaze on Celestia. “Perhaps another time. But just for the record, you’re okay with Auriel remaining here in Equestria, correct?”

“She has been a model resident, sister.”

Cadance giggles. “And Twilight really seems to like her.”

“Very well. Princess Auriel is hereby recognized by Equestria as an emissary of the Great Demon Kingdom along with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that come with it.”

Auriel appears relieved. “Thank you. I’ll try not to let you down.”

Twilight smiles. “I believe in you, Auriel.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “So do I.”

Auriel smiles as she takes Arc’s hand. “Twilight and I will always be together with Arc.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Some time ago Auriel voiced her desire to join with Twilight and her friends in a herd.”

“Did she now?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, Princess Celestia.”

“May I ask why?”

Cadance frowns. “That is a bit personal, Aunt Celestia.”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, I’d like to say.”

She looks to Arc as she speaks.

“As has already been stated, I’m an outcast of my country. Not a demon, but also not a human either. However Arc was able to look past that and accepted me just as I am. He asked for nothing but gave me everything.”

Auriel puts her claws around Arc as she presses her body against his and looks into his eyes.

“Arc cared for me when no one else would even give me a chance. Even today with my country restored and my name cleared, he still looks after me. While I don’t really know what’s going to happen in the future, what I do know is that I want to face it by his side so that we can settle down and start a family together.”

Cadance giggles happily. “A wonderful goal.”

Luna nods approvingly. “Yes it is.”

Celestia nods soberly. “I will be watching how that unfolds myself, Princess Auriel. But I do have one request.”

“You do?”

“Please be careful not to arouse the ire of the Dragon Lands.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

Celestia motions to the closed doors. “Ember also wishes to be with Arc. Dragons, being very possessive, will most likely not be open to sharing.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But she’s already done so.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’ve gone out on dates with a few mares and Auriel herself. With Ember’s full knowledge and support.”

“That is... surprising.”

Auriel giggles. “Ember is quite… headstrong. However she knows not to do anything that would make Arc upset.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “A passive Dragon Lord. Interesting concept.”

Cadance turns to Celestia. “We shouldn’t interfere in this. After all, love needs to be able to run its course.”

“Agreed.”

Celestia turns to Auriel before continuing.

“Thank you for coming Princess Auriel. Before we end this interview, is there anything you’d like to add?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, your highness.”

Auriel turns and lets go of Arc before continuing.

“Thanks to my scientific background I’ve learned not to take things at face value. Arc is a wonderful human and would make a terrific father. While I’d much rather live with my father King Malevolence far to the south, I’d be willing to permanently relocate here in Equestria with Arc and our friends. That and our herd union would certainly help cement future diplomatic relationships between our two nations, what with an Equestrian princess and a Demon Kingdom princess joined via a common husband. It could help both sides to move past the bad blood endured by all concerned. With determination we can create a better world and lasting peace in time.”

Twilight smiles as she stands on the couch and puts a hoof on Auriel’s shoulder. “We’ll try, yes.”

Celestia sighs. “That we will.”

Luna smiles. “You’re a very lucky stallion, Arc.”

Cadance nods. “Yes, you are.”

“I… didn’t even think about the political ramifications of Auriel, Twilight, and I… you know…”

Twilight looks to him. “Is that going to be a problem?”

“No, I don’t think so. But do you really think it’ll help international relations like that?”

Celestia frowns. “Probably. That is, if the marriage goes well and everypony involved is happy.”

Twilight grimaces. “And if it doesn’t?”

Luna sighs. “The demons will most likely hold it against our nation.”

Cadance shudders. “A sobering thought.”

Auriel takes Arc’s arm. “Well, I can’t see that happening.”

Twilight nods as she hops off the couch and takes her place next to Arc. “Right. As happy as he makes all of us…”

Arc cuts in quickly. “And the fact they we’re going to have a really long engagement to get everything figured out.”

Cadance smiles. “Very wise.”

Luna chuckles. “One doesn’t rush into such things on a whim, after all. Even if their hearts and minds tell them to.”

Arc looks at the pair on either side of him. “Agreed. After all, even a princess has the right to love.”

He glances over to Cadance and silently smiles as the mare looks away.

“Y-yes, of course.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing returns to her room with a coffee filter. Tossing it onto the table she flutters over to a shelf and grabs a large bowl. Returning to the desk, she sets it down carefully and tosses the filter into it. Picking up the flask, she slowly pours the liquid into the center of the filter. Finishing her task, Brightwing reaches into the bowl and pulls out the filter.

“Ick! Moss all soggy now! Smell funny too!”

Dumping the contents onto the desk, she spreads them out with her claws. Thinking for a moment, she gasps happily and flaps her wings toward the moss.

“Brightwing must DRY moss first! But not just normal dry! Dry, dry!”

Giggling, she flaps her wings in an attempt to speed the drying process.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - The Inquisition (Part 5)

Celestia turns to Luna and sighs.

“When exactly were you planning to tell me about the demon’s return?”

“As soon as you were ready.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “And when was that supposed to be?”

“Just now.”

Celestia sighs as she looks to Arc.

“Any more surprises you’d like to spring on me?”

“Actually, yes.”

Cadance grimaces. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea, Arc.”

Twilight frowns. “Yes, Princess Celestia hasn’t yet fully recovered.”

“Please. I want to know everything here and now. Well, at least today.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Next I suppose we should talk about how you were actually saved from Damocles Base.”

Celestia nods. “Originally I was told it was Decimus leading an elite team of his best and brightest.”

Twilight points a hoof. “It was actually Arc, his squad, and some friends.”

Arc grins. “Right.”

“Any casualties?”

“My squad were all heavily injured as was Rose and Auriel. They’re all fully recovered now though.”

Luna frowns. “As were you, Arc.”

“It wasn’t THAT bad.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “Oh really? When we first saw you again your armor literally had pieces falling off of it.”

Luna sighs. “And you had several nasty looking wounds, Arc.”

Twilight facehoofs. “Not to mention that you were exhausted.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s the truth. Ember was the only one whom walked away unscathed.”

He looks to Celestia before continuing.

“And that’s mostly because she was too busy babysitting you.”

Celestia nods soberly. “I suppose I should be grateful. Might I give my thanks to your squad?”

Twilight points a hoof. “They’re just outside.”

“Show them in.”

Nodding, Twilight heads for the door. Returning a few moments later with the stallions, they approach Arc and salute as he stands. Motioning for them to turn around the group stands at attention before the princesses. Luna is the first to speak.

“My sister has asked that you be brought before us to give you our thanks for your service.”

Cadance smiles at them. “Arc tells us that you have served him well in the past.”

They stand there stoically as Celestia nods and looks them over.

“I must admit from your files I’ve gathered that you four are not exactly the... norm as far as Lunar Defenders go. However one cannot argue with results.”

She looks each of them in the eye before continuing.

“During the mission to rescue me, I’m told all of you went above and beyond the call of duty. Even sustaining physical injury to complete the mission. For that I will always be grateful. Now then, is there anything I can do to show my appreciation?”

Max steps forward. “Your highness, might we be allowed to speak freely?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I think I speak for all of us when I say… that we don’t agree with the treatment our commanding officer has received from Canterlot lately… or you personally.”

Hugh nods soberly. “He’s done so much for this land and without so much as a ‘thank you’ from anypony of note.”

Viktor grits his teeth. “And his reward for his innumerable deeds was to be branded a traitor and cast aside.”

Xenos stomps a hoof. “Yeah. If that can happen to the Hero of Light, what hope do common soldiers like us have?”

Luna turns to her sister. “They are correct, sister. Our records show that they were more or less abandoned at Arc’s base after his reported death.”

Cadance sighs. “That was actually an oversight on my part. I had all his soldiers transferred to the Crystal Empire just in case Arc somehow survived and had need of them. But for some reason they weren’t on any of the lists.”

Twilight frowns. “But how is that possible?”

Arc motions to the four. “Right. These four have served me from the beginning.”

Celestia sighs. “Because the Hero of Light charter, as written by me personally, stated that soldiers assigned to them should be kept off the record to prevent a paper trail that could be used to trace them or their commanding officer.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I do suppose that makes sense. But what of their families?”

Max hangs his head. “None of us have any, your highness.”

Hugh sighs. “Right. We grew up at the New Beginning’s Orphanage together.”

Xenos grins as he motions to Arc. “Believe us when we say that life under the commander has been a great improvement.”

Viktor nods. “Even with the added danger.”

Arc turns to Celestia. “Uh… they do get some kind of retirement plan, right?”

“The standard one available to all soldiers, yes.”

Cadance frowns. “But without records, how?”

Luna sighs. “Being the first soldiers directly assigned to a Hero of Light, I just planned to file a pre-determined dummy file in the ‘retired’ section of the records.”

“Forgive me, Aunt Celestia, but considering the extra risks taken in their specific line of duty, I believe they’re entitled to more.”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed. Not sure what kind of pension they’re supposed to get, but it can’t be enough.”

Celestia turns back to them. “Very well. What do you four think should be given to you?”

Max appears nervous. “We… don’t really know, your highness.”

Hugh bows his head. “Haven’t really considered retirement.”

Viktor shrugs. “I just kinda figured we’d have gotten killed by now.”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah. I mean, we almost have a couple times already.”

Twilight looks to Celestia. “I think this matter will require more consideration.”

“Agreed.”

Arc raises a hand. “Might I suggest something?”

Luna appears hopeful. “You have an idea, Arc?”

“Kinda. How about full officer retirement packages for all of them upon dismissal? Would that be a better deal?”

Cadance shrugs. “That would be dependent on rank.”

“Higher ranked officers get a better severance package, huh?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Arc. Credit years are awarded annually based on rank as well. Longer service means a bigger monthly stipend.”

Luna appears surprised. “You seem to know a lot about this, Twilight.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “I looked into it a while back for… someone close to me.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin as she thinks. “That is correct. However the Hero of Light’s squad doesn’t have any particular rank that dictates annual credit year pay.”

Arc shrugs. “How about we match their service to that of a ‘colonel’ then?”

Max gasps. “Sir?!”

“Considering all the dangerous things you four had to do for me, I’d certainly say you’ve earned it.”

Viktor grimaces. “That’s… quite a bit though.”

Hugh chuckles. “Probably the reason there aren’t more officers that high up in the military.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. It’d cost a bundle.”

Twilight turns to her mentor. “While what they say is indeed true, I believe the country could certainly afford four more pensions.”

Luna clears her throat. “One might also look at it this way. We can’t really afford not to take care of those whom have seen us safely to this point.”

Cadance nods soberly. “Such would undermine everything we stand for as Equestrians.”

Celestia looks back to the squad. “Agreed. While I’m not sure of the exact numbers, we will see to it that a proper pension awaits you four at the end of your service.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And those whom come after them?”

Twilight gasps. “Yes. This should be a regular occurrence, as Arc won’t be the last one to lead such troops.”

Luna makes a note on a pad of paper. “I’ll come up with some suggestions later for us to go over.”

Max calls out to Luna. “Thank you, your highness. But there’s something else I wanted to say.”

“Go ahead.”

“We... didn’t do this for riches or fame. Truth be told, it’s amazing that we’re still alive at this point. “

Viktor shrugs. “I figured something would have blown us up by now.”

Hugh grins. “Or eaten.”

Xenos sighs. “Something like that.”

Twilight gasps. “Then why?”

Max continues. “I wondered that myself for a long time. Originally I simply thought it was because we were conditioned to follow orders. However I now believe it to be something the commander told us some time ago.”

He looks to Arc before continuing.

“We did all this simply because… it was the right thing to do.”

Xenos stomps a hoof. “Yeah. After all, what’s the point of surviving in a doomed land?”

Hugh motions to a large window nearby. “But it is a nice thought. Seeing the world we helped protect prosper.”

Viktor nods. “That’s what the commander wants too.”

Max grins. “And we want to be like him.”

“Thanks, guys.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“Thanks for sticking by my side… even when things got really bad, you didn’t turn tail and run away.”

Max smiles. “Neither did you, sir.”

Viktor nods. “It would have been much easier for you to run away and save yourself and Princess Celestia when things went south back on Earth. But you stuck around, got us to safety, and saw to it we received the necessary medical care for our injuries.”

Hugh smiles broadly. “Even though the mission was to get Princess Celestia back to Equestria at any cost… we weren’t just written off when we fell.”

Xenos salutes. “Yeah. Thanks, sir. We owe you too.”

Max looks to Princess Celestia and nods soberly. “I guess that’s all we wanted to say, your majesty. Thank you for seeing us.”

They salute as Arc turns to them.

“Dismissed.”

Turning, the four head back to the corridor. Twilight turns to Arc, clearly impressed.

“I wasn’t aware they were so loyal to you.”

“That goes both ways.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“I always knew my guys had my back. That’s how I was able to do some of the things I did in the past. If it got out of hand they could always swoop in and get me out.”

Cadance smiles. “Your trump cards.”

Arc sighs. “I’ve made many mistakes in the past. Even so they still followed me.”

Celestia smirks. “Interesting.”

Twilight turns to her. “Princess Celestia?”

“Generally speaking, humans don’t like to admit to their faults or mistakes.”

Luna glares at her. “Sister!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Luna. She’s right.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“Humans really don’t like recording or admitting to their failures. It’s much easier to list one’s accomplishments and push the bad stuff under the proverbial rug.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “That leads me to wonder something.”

Celestia looks to her former student. “What would that be, Twilight?”

“Are humans and ponies truly so different?”

Luna shakes her head. “Perhaps physically, yes. However at the core I believe that we are similar.”

Cadance smiles. “Both are capable of great evil, yes. But also fervent good and everything in-between.”

Celestia bows her head. “I… have seen both extremes personally. Up close.”

Arc grimaces. “Yes, Princess Celestia. I make no excuses for what was done to you.”

“Were I given the chance, I have only one question for my captors.”

“What would that be, sister?”

“Why.”

“Aunt Celestia?”

“For what reason was I taken other than to bring about pain? Why did they do so many terrible things to me? And what was their ultimate goal?”

Twilight hops off the couch and walks over to her friend. Putting a hoof on her fetlock she smiles up at her.

“It won’t do any good to know those answers, Princess Celestia.”

“Twilight is right, sister.”

“Best to try and move past it, Aunt Celestia.”

Celestia sighs. “I’ve spoken to Emerald Dream about this. She believes that answers may help me to do just that. The only problem is that I don’t have any way to obtain them.”

Arc stands. “Princess Celestia, I… might be able to help you with that.”

“Oh? Did you uncover something during your infiltration?”

“Not… exactly. But I do know someone whom might have some insight into that. Would you like to see them?”

Celestia gasps. “Yes! At once!”

“Very well. One moment.”

Heading for the door, Arc leaves the room. Celestia turns to Twilight.

“What do you suppose he’s up to?”

Twilight grimaces. “I believe I know. However, as before, I ask that you please withhold judgement until all the facts are on the table.”

“That is still quite a tall order, Twilight.”

“I know, Princess Celestia. However you need to trust Arc and I on this one.”

Celestia sighs. “Trusting you is easy, Twilight. But doing the same for your friend is not.”

“Please try though.”

Luna nods. “Indeed, sister. If I can learn to trust him, anypony can.”

A few minutes later Arc returns with Hammer by his side. Celestia frowns as she turns to Arc.

“There are other humans here in Equestria?!”

“Just her and I.”

“Yes, sister. Arc notified us upon his return to Equestria with Miss Hammer.”

Cadance smiles. “She’s actually quite nice when you get to know her.”

Celestia sighs. “Very well. Let us continue.”

Arc puts a hand on Hammer’s shoulder as he speaks.

“Princess Celestia… this is Sergeant Hammer. The aid she inadvertently gave to us was instrumental to rescuing you from Damocles Base.”

“So she helped you and your squad during the attack?”

“Not… exactly.”

Hammer bows her head. “Truth be told, I fought against him.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “I’m sorry, what?”

“It’s true. When he and his squad attacked Damocles Base my sisters and I did our very best to stop them.”

Arc chimes in. “Back then she didn’t actually know who I really was or why I was attacking though.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “So you could say that she was just… doing her job?”

“Right.”

Celestia furrows her brow. “And what exactly was your job?”

“I maintained and operated the base’s vehicles and also helped defend it from Arc and his guys.”

“So you worked for the ones whom held me captive?”

“Yes ma’am, I did.”

Celestia frowns. “And what assurances can you give us that you are not still in their employ?”

Luna frowns. “Sister!”

Cadance sighs. “Much as I hate to admit, that has been on my mind as well.”

Twilight gestures with a hoof. “Arc has already vouched for her. Isn’t that enough?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No, it really isn’t.”

Arc turns to her, clearly confuse. “Hammer?”

“Let me handle this.”

She turns to Celestia and begins to speak.

“My sisters and I were all sergeants back at Damocles Base. We worked together on a daily basis to keep things running over there. It wasn’t what I would call a bad job. To be honest with you I was really happy with the work I was doing there. But at the same time I always felt like something was missing.”

“Something?”

“Yeah. I couldn’t put my finger on it back then. But I kept thinking that there had to be more to life than just getting up, going to work, coming home, and going to bed.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “And what did you come up with?”

“A bit of extra company. One day I was at the mall with my sisters and struck up a conversation with a cute guy sitting next to me. At the end of which I gave him my phone number and told him we should go out sometime.”

Twilight nods. “And that was Arc, right?”

“Yeah, that was me.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “I thought you and Twilight were supposedly in love though!”

“We are. While I’m ashamed to admit it, I was leading Hammer on back then into thinking I was interesting so I could gain her trust.”

Cadance frowns. “WHAT?!”

Hammer sighs. “Don’t worry, your highness. Arc confessed to everything in a letter to me after that mission.”

“I couldn’t leave without coming clean, after all.”

Luna appears skeptical. “And you don’t… I don’t know… hate him for that?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. I mean, I was kinda sad and mad at the time. But after I found out who Arc really was and how he was doing it to save someone, I actually, uh… kinda went off the deep end.”

Twilight grimaces. “In what way exactly?”

“I became obsessed with Arc along with protecting the secrets he entrusted to me. Looking back, I was kinda creepy back then.”

Celestia nods soberly. “But how did you go from inadvertently helping to joining Arc here in Equestria?”

“Well, you see Arc came back to Earth after you tried to kill him.”

She grits her teeth and clenches her fists silently for a few moments before continuing.

“I’m still kinda pissed about that, but trying to stay on track here.”

Arc frowns. “Keep going, Hammer.”

“Okay, okay. So he started contacting me again via e-mail after coercing my sister to give it to him.”

“I know that sounds bad, but it had to be done.”

“Agreed. So he started talking me down over time to try and level me out. Get me back down to reality, or something.”

“My plan was to slowly wean her off of me before returning to Equestria again.”

Luna sighs. “However that didn’t go to plan, did it?”

Hammer groans. “Afraid not. You see, the one sister told my other sister what was going on. How Arc was blackmailing her to help him help me. So she came up with a plan to take Arc out of the picture.”

Cadance frowns. “How?”

“By having some guys beat the hell out of him.”

Arc chuckles. “They might have done it too if I didn’t have help on standby.”

Twilight giggles. “The Scarlet Filly?”

“Along with Sereb and Derpy too.”

Hammer gives them a thumbs up. “I found out what they were planning and had the Charger make an appearance to even the odds.”

Arc nods. “After she betrayed her sisters I took Hammer in. Gave her a place to live where she’d be safe from retribution.”

“It was a good time.”

“Until Stingray tricked Hammer into coming to see her for Christmas, that is.”

“She got the drop on me something fierce!”

Luna appears confused. “Drop?”

“Kidnapped and tortured me. Well, Diva actually did the torturing. But Stingray wasn’t any help.”

Arc frowns. “Probably trying to turn her back to their side.”

“Arc broke in and got me though. Like I knew he would.”

“Right. After that I learned there was trouble here in Equestria from Cadance and headed back.”

Cadance nods. “With Hammer in tow, that is.”

Luna shrugs. “I don’t suppose he could have left her there.”

“Right. That and she wanted to help.”

Celestia rolls her eyes. “A very nice story. Very neat and tidy, miss.”

“Just telling the truth.”

“Then why don’t you continue that and tell me about your former employer.”

“What do you want to know?”

“For starters, what are they called?”

“The Organization.”

Celestia makes a circular motion with her hoof. “Yes. I want their name.”

Arc sighs. “She means they’re literally called ‘The Organization’.”

“Right.”

“Very well. And their goals?”

“Ultimately, to make the world a better place.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “A bit… idealistic.”

Cadance frowns. “But at what cost?”

Arc groans. “Quite a bit if their past actions are any indication.”

Twilight looks to him. “Frank?”

“Yeah.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Another member of your group?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, sister.”

Cadance smiles. “He’s another human Arc brought to Equestria.”

Celestia groans. “Where is he?”

Arc chuckles. “Back on Earth.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Arc only brought him here to get help for a magical imbalance.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “A human with a magical imbalance?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

Hammer frowns. “That’s another thing that happened at Damocles Base. They’ve found a way to give humans magic.”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

“It’s called ‘Ascension’ for some reason.”

“For what purpose?!”

Hammer shrugs. “All I was ever told was that we were going to use it to make things better for everyone.”

Arc speaks up. “I think General Mustang had something more along the lines of world domination back then.”

Cadance gasps. “But wouldn’t that mean Earth was in danger, Arc?!”

“Not really. We destroyed his factories as well as freed the Shards.”

(While not explicitly stated at the time of the Christmas Special, Jackal is the man on the far right.)

He turns to Celestia to explain.

“The Shards are a group back on Earth whom were kidnapped and forced to be magically infused.”

Luna motions toward the balcony door. “Frank used what he learned here in Equestria to help them deal with their newfound powers.”

Arc puts a hand on his chin. “Last I heard they were starting a community outreach program.”

Celestia groans. “I still don’t like the idea of humans running around with magical power though.”

Twilight sighs. “That may be, Princess Celestia. But what could we do about it?”

Arc nods. “Any action against them by us would be akin to what The Organization has already done. Trying to manipulate or control them and their actions.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “Yeah. Like they did to me and my sisters.”

Celestia frowns. “You were enslaved?”

“Kinda, yeah. Arc found out that the general was using some kind of pheromones to appeal to us.”

Arc sighs. “And Sunset Shimmer as well.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “My former student?”

Hammer groans. “Right. She was my commanding officer.”

Arc looks to Celestia. “Back there she went by the name Colonel Diva though.”

Celestia bolt upright and jumps off the couch. “THAT WAS HER?!

“Yes, princess.”

“Are you ABSOLUTELY certain of this?!”

“One hundred percent.”

“But how could she of all ponies be enslaved?!”

Luna sighs. “Anypony call fall, sister.”

“That may be! But she was always the most headstrong student I had ever seen! Her being controlled is absolutely something I cannot imagine!”

Hammer sighs. “I’ve overheard her talking to the general via my electronic listening devices on numerous occasions. She’s totally devoted to him.”

Cadance appears hopeful. “Could she be liberated?”

Arc clenches a fist. “And put in a cell preferably.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Doubtful. The general really has her in the palm of his hand.”

Luna frowns. “Are you certain nothing can be done?”

“She won’t leave willingly. A lot of the private conversations I listened in on revolved around her telling him what she’d like done to her... sexually.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her forehead. “Sunset… how could she have fallen so far?! I mean... I knew she was angry at me, but this... this is just... EVIL!”

Twilight sighs. “She made her choices, Princess Celestia. While I hate to admit it, we’d all probably be a lot safer if she were to be taken down.”

Celestia gasps. “That is your fellow student, Twilight!”

Luna nods soberly. “And a current threat, sister.”

Cadance bows her head. “We need to consider the fact that she may very well be beyond redemption.”

Celestia stomps a hoof angrily. “I don’t want to give up on her! After all, it’s partially my fault she’s in such a position in the first place!”

Arc frowns. “Princess Celestia, I don’t think you understand the risk your taking in letting her live.”

Hammer grimaces. “Right! Diva’s more powerful than Arc is!”

“Physically and magically, I might add.”

Celestia sits down on her haunches. “Magically I can understand, yes. After all she was always a very talented student. But how did she become so powerful physically?”

Hammer sighs. “Word is that she spends every waking moment either training her body or mind.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Somepony whom has devoted themselves fully to their task.”

Cadance shudders. “Or to her commanding officer.”

Twilight looks to Hammer. “Are they actually in love though?”

Hammer shrugs. “I don’t know what goes on in their heads, of course. But I gotta say that it sounds really one sided to me.”

Arc nods. “I believe the general is just using her for now. But that’s just my personal opinion.”

“The Organization’s endgame is really fuzzy though. Not sure if she’s supposed to play a part in it though.”

Celestia sighs. “Hopefully they’re unable to continue with me gone.”

“Sister?”

“Judging from what I’ve been told here, I believe that I was taken to be a source of magic in a land which had none. They probably extracted my magical essence when I was unconscious in order to pass it on to humans whom were deemed worthy.”

Cadance appears hopeful. “And with you safely returned their source of power has left them.”

“Exactly. With luck they’ll be forced to cease operations.”

Arc shakes his head. “I can’t imagine that being an issue for them though.”

Twilight appears confused. “What do you mean, Arc?”

“While we did face heavy resistance getting out of the base and back to Equestria, I still feel like General Mustang let us go.”

Hammer gasps. “What makes you say that?”

“When he faced us outside the vault his demeanor was that of someone whom knew they couldn’t lose.”

Luna smirks. “That may be. However he’s made no attempt to come here.”

Hammer shudders. “True. But think about it this way. If he really does need another source of magic to complete his plan, he will.”

Cadance looks to Hammer. “What should we do then?”

“Go back to Earth and LEVEL Damocles Base! Well, bury it I guess. With him and Diva inside, that is!”

Arc sighs. “Not sure how we’d even do that.”

Twilight frowns. “To say nothing for the political backlash.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Earth probably wouldn’t look kindly on such a thing.”

“That may be. But this threat is both significant and unique. I believe it to be foolish to ignore.”

Celestia bows her head. “While I do agree with you sister, we have bigger problems here in Equestria at the moment.”

Twilight gasps. “But what could be bigger than…?!”

Cadance cuts her off. “The reemergence of the changelings, Twilight.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Yes, I’ve encountered them several times now. And that was before the attack on the Crystal Empire.”

Hammer gasps. “But you can’t just ignore the threat from The Organization!”

Twilight turns to her. “We aren’t, Hammer. But Princess Celestia is right. The changelings are literally right on our doorstep to the southeast.”

Luna groans. “I suppose we shouldn’t let these things go. Either of them, I mean.”

Cadance sighs. “Agreed. First the changelings then The Organization. But what about the Council of Shadows?”

Celestia waves a hoof dismissively. “Low priority. At least compared to the other two.

Hammer grits her teeth. “Arc, say something!”

“Hammer, we need to deal with the changeling threat before anything on Earth.”

“But…!”

“Think about it this way. We leave and head to Earth now and they’ll have a prime chance to invade.”

Luna nods. “Agreed.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Please trust us on this, Hammer.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “Yes. Rest assured that we will also deal with your former organization. Just in due time.”

Cadance turns to Hammer. “Will you help us in these matters?”

“Of course. But I still think you’re making a mistake.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Then help us wrap up the other problems so we can move on to Damocles Base.”

Hammer groans. “Fine.”

She looks to Celestia nervously.

“That is, if I’m still allowed to be here.”

“While I see no reason for us to expel you, please understand that we also have little cause to trust you.”

Twilight gasps. “Hammer’s okay though!”

Luna holds up a hoof. “Twilight. Please think about this from my sister’s standpoint.”

Cadance sighs. “Yes, she spent over a year as the captive of humans.”

Celestia gestures to Hammer with a wave of her hoof. “And your friend here admits to working with them.”

Arc steps forward. “That may be true, princess. But Hammer also threw everything away to help me. Her career, her sisters, and even her own personal safety.”

Celestia frowns. “Such is the only reason I’m allowing her to stay.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing looks down at the moss. Satisfied, she drags her claws through the dried matter for a short time. Picking it up, she rubs the green clumps between her claws. It crumbles into dust. Nodding happily, she carefully sweeps the moss into her palm.

“Brightwing did it! Now see if it works!”

Turning, she dumps the moss into the flask. Grabbing her stick she again stirs it. The powdered moss more or less incorporates itself into the mixture. It turns from a deep red to a light purple.

“YAY! Colors!”

Consulting her notes, she smiles and flutters around squealing.

“First part is done! Now need something to give it some kick!”

Opening a book, she looks through it for a time before reading aloud.

“To make potions more powerful… add… catalyst? What catalyst?!”

Frowning, she opens a smaller book and flips through its pages before speaking again.

“Ah! Catalyst! Catalyst increase rate of reaction! Make stronger, faster! YAY! Brightwing needs one of those!”

She looks over the book again.

“Let’s see… oxides, metals, or… organic compounds?! What those?!”

Looking around the room, she spies her desk lamp. Grabbing it, she attempts to put it into the flask but fails as it is far too large. Frowning, she looks at the metal and sighs.

“Brightwing no can make metal fit!”

Licking it, she frowns.

“No magic in it either! Failure!”

Groaning, she sits down on the desk and looks at the floor.

“Brightwing needs magic metal or other catalyst! But no know where to find it! Hm…!”

She puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully before gasping happily.

“Dragon Lord sometimes sees magical treasures on adventures perhaps! Brightwing follows and finds something maybe!”

Brightwing giggles wickedly and rubs her claws together.

“Catalyst find, potion maybe done! And then… oh… and THEN… everyone see just what Brightwing REALLY capable of!”

Preface - Volume 46 - The Science of Love

In our previous volume, Luna informs Arc and company that she has freed Celestia of the mental bindings controlling her. Awakening, Arc gives Celestia an ultimatum. Surrender or die. Choosing to give up, Arc escorts her back to The Equinox along with the unconscious Twilight. Arriving, they find the battle won along with every enemy combatant dead. Taking a portal back to the Canterlot Castle Infirmary, Doctor Whooves orders Twilight brought into an examination room. Hammer does so as Celestia attempts to follow. Luna convinces her sister to accompany her for a long overdue talk. Arc and the others return to The Equinox’s Bridge for an update on the battle. After being joined my Gestal and Ghaleon, the former decides to return to the Griffon Kingdom and report what he has seen that day.

Returning to the castle, Arc and his friends wait for word of Twilight’s condition. Auriel asks to see her friend to which the nurse refuses. Asking Arc to go in and check on her, he disagrees until Ember gets fed up and ‘makes him go’. Entering the Examination Room he spies Twilight lying on the bed unconscious. Asking for a status update, Doctor Whooves informs Arc that his friend is merely asleep from overwork. Escorting Twilight out to see the others, Auriel is overjoyed to see Twilight up and around. She expresses a desire to see Princess Celestia even though Arc wants to put her to bed. Asking Sereb to sniff Celestia out, they are led to Twilight’s room. Reminding her that it was originally Celestia’s she tries to enter immediately. Arc and the others remind her that Luna, as her sister, should have the first conversation. As the others leave Arc calls for Shining Armor on his earring. Telling him that Twilight is alright, the stallion is upset to find out that Twilight is still not resting. Promising to do so after a quick meeting with Celestia they sign off. Spotting a dinner cart approaching Twight relieves the Hoof Maiden of her duty and takes the cart inside the room herself along with the reluctant Hero of Light.

Entering the room, Twilight hurries to embrace her teacher. After a short discourse she introduces Arc and Celestia. Sitting down, they explain to Celestia Arc’s accomplishments since arriving in Equestria. Becoming tired, Celestia moves toward the bed. Twilight requests to stay by her side. Announcing her intention to resume her royal duties in the morning, Celestia brushes off Arc, Luna, and Twilight’s requests that she rest and recuperate before doing anything else. Refusing to do so, Arc is forced to relieve her of her title as princess. Angrily, she concedes that there is nothing she can do and gives Arc her crown and choker. Leaving the room with Luna, Arc breathes a sigh of relief as he and Luna talk over the encounter together.

Waiting for Twilight and Celestia outside their room the next morning, he accompanies them to the Dining Room for breakfast. Talking things over, Arc and the other two princesses continue to talk with Celestia over what transpired while she was away. Promising to teach Twilight more about how to be a princess, Celestia admits that she has to step back due to Arc’s decree. Opening a portal, Arc takes all four princesses to the ruins of Carousel Boutique to show Celestia exactly what Decimus has done. Telling her of Rarity and how she was forced from her shop, Arc pulls the picture he took from Rarity’s bedroom some time ago. Begrudgingly, Celestia admits that she may have been wrong about Decimus.

Returning to the castle via portal, Celestia again tests Arc’s resolve by saying they have a busy day ahead of them. Arc retort by reminding her that Twilight and Luna have duties, not her. Suggesting that someone go to Abyssinia to reassure the citizens there that they have not been forgotten everyone is surprised when Arc nominates Celestia for the task. Twilight volunteers to come as well. Kibitz recommends a large cadre of guards naturally. However he is vetoed in favor of Arc and his squad fulfilling that task. Opening a portal, Arc allows the others to go in first before following. Walking down the road, the citizens bow respectfully. Celestia believes them to be doing so for her before being set straight by Arc and the others. Arriving at the palace the king and queen greet the group warmly before inviting them inside.

Entering the palace, the king and queen escort Arc and company to the Day Room. Sitting down on posh pillows they explain their recent past with Equestria. Listening intently, Celestia asks numerous questions as she is told the sad tale. Wishing to see the pool, they head there at once. Meeting Dinky and her friends for the first time Celestia appears somewhat rattled. Celestia is introduced to Coco Pommel and the rest of the Orphanage staff, sans Derpy whom is presumably cooking a meal. After speaking to the younglings regarding their treatment since coming to Equestria they leave the building together. All assembled express a desire to move on from their respective pasts toward a brighter future.

Heading to the New Ponyville Town Hall to see the others, Celestia becomes weak and needs to lie down. Hearing that a pair of mares were molested in a bar nearby Arc heads there to investigate with Rainbow Dash. Entering the bar, the mare appears to know everyone there by name. The bartender tell his side of the story, explaining how the patrons loved the pair as they were considered exotic. However when they began physically groping them he ordered the bouncers to take the offending patrons out. Asking to see the mares, Arc is lead into the back room where they are doing inventory. Finding that they are none other than Aloe and Vera from prison, Arc asks to hear their side of the story. Corroborating what the bartender said, they assure Arc that the matter was handled quickly and favorably. Hearing that they would be returning to Equestria soon the pair requested to be allowed to stay in Abyssinia instead in order to distance themselves from their past and the enemies they had made. Agreeing to talk to the king on their behalf Arc is surprised when they express a desire to have sex with him. Announcing that he and Rainbow Dash are already an item the sisters apologize and back off their advances.

Returning to the Town Hall, Arc is told that Celestia is showering and requires quite some time to brush her mane. Leaving with Hammer and Ember for a walk, Brightwing appears and asks for help locating something called ‘sand meat’. Leaving the city, they head out into the desert. Catching a large rat Brightwing tells the others of her desire to use it as some kind of offering. Continuing on, they come to a crevasse. Diving into it, Brightwing disappears from sight. A few moments later a colossal roar rings out. Jumping in after her, Arc and company see her baiting a large plant creature. As they call out to her the plant eats Brightwing in one gulp. Slicing at the roots they succeed in killing the plant together. Ember finds Brightwing and is thanked by the creature with a mouthful of plant slime vomited onto her. Heading back into the creature, Brightwing emerges with a small gem-like stone in her palm. Heading back to the surface, Arc looks it over. Believing it to be some kind of plank kidney stone of compressed magic, he gives it back to Brightwing before opening a portal back to The Equinox.

Arc, Twilight, and Celestia walk down the street with the king and queen. They thank the monarchs for their hospitality and assure them that the refugees from Ponyville will be returned home as soon as possible. Showing a desire to reciprocate the aid rendered to them, the king refuses payment for their citizen’s lodgings as the queen brings up the idea of an economic treaty. Returning to The Equinox via portal, Celestia calls for Hard Hat. Instructing him to go to Light’s Hope where the workers will be staying, Arc opens a portal to teleport him there. Turning to Soarin, Celestia orders him to take them back to Canterlot Castle. Arc reminds her that the ship is under his command and that she is not currently a princess. Twilight is able to diffuse the situation by convincing Celestia to take the portal home. Agreeing, they reappear on the sigil in Arc’s room. Twilight and Celestia head for her room together for a personal chat. Celestia confesses her true desire to find a special student as wanting to be a mother to them and tells Twilight that she is sterile. Twilight assures Celestia that she holds no ill will toward her for what transpired. However she desires the chance to tell her teacher and mentor everything regarding what happened while she was gone.

The next morning Arc heads to the Infirmary to visit a newly arrived Auriel. Talking to the doctor, he learns that she is doing much better considering the numerous injuries from the battle AND Crystal Heart debacle. Talking with her for a time, Arc brings Auriel up to speed on current events ranging from the outcome of the changeling attack to his own offensive on Light’s Hope. Asking when Auriel can be released Arc is told that she is able to leave anytime but must be constantly monitored for safety. Taking her back to his room to bathe her, Arc lays the young demon in the shower and gets to work. Spotting his scars from the first meeting between him and Celestia, Auriel asks to touch it. Tracing it with a claw she laments his previous fate. After cleaning her up Arc puts Auriel in his bed to warm up for a time. She brings up sexual fetishes and inadvertently tells Arc of the Mane Six’s fantasies as she shares her own.

Arc leads Auriel toward Celestia’s room. Meeting Twilight there they are joined by the others whom have come to tell their side of the story. Entering, Twilight tells the other princesses that they are ready to begin. Allowing Arc to enter, he sits down across from them with Twilight. As Celestia asks him for an opening statement, Arc pulls the Dagger of Eternal Slumber from his ring. Giving it to Twilight for safekeeping and as a sign of good faith, she puts it on the end table next to her as they begin. Twilight tells of how she brought Arc through to Equestria and how he was injured defending them from an Ursa Minor attack. Arc finishes by adding that he worked to pay his own way before moving into Derpy’s house. Luna suggests calling for Derpy so she can give her account of that time. Twilight calls for her and brings the mare to stand before the princesses. She tells them of her being disowned after getting pregnant and how Arc cared for her before delivering her foal. Giving her testimony, she returns to the corridor to wait with the others. Meanwhile, Brightwing does her best to make her potion work. Failing, she heads out to the Royal Gardens for some supplies before returning to her office.

Coco Pommel arrives via portal and is surprised to see all princesses present. Telling Celestia of the abuse she received as a foal she admits to staying behind after aging out of the program in order to safeguard the others. Recalling the events leading up to Arc overthrowing Tempest, it culminates with her being taken to the hospital and Arc returning to Light’s Hope with the orphans. Concluding her testimony, Coco Pommel returns to Abyssinia via a portal as Twilight suggests brining in her friends to speak. Whispering another name in her ear, Arc requests someone else go first. Leaving the room, the princesses talk amongst themselves.

Arc returns with a figure under a magic cloak. Asking them to introduce themselves they do so. Showering her face, Auriel tells Celestia that she is the daughter of the demon king. Enraged, Celestia moves to strike as Arc protects Auriel. Twilight, Luna, and Cadance quickly vouch for her and Celestia sits down. Telling the talk of how she left Tartarus with Arc, Auriel mentions moving in with Twilight and doing science experiments together. This leads up to the process by which Rose was created. Calling for her, Arc opens a portal so that Celestia might hear the tale from the android herself. Arriving, Rose tells her point of view before being physically examined by Celestia. Returning to the others, Auriel announces her own plans to join Twilight and Arc in the herd. Making note that it would help diplomatic relationships between their nations, they pledge to do their best to help. Meanwhile, Brightwing continues with her potion making after deciding to dry the moss with her wings.

Informing Celestia that it was Arc and not Decimus who led the attack on Damocles Base to save her, Arc tells her that he was heavily aided in the task by his squad. Asking to see them, Arc calls the four in. They stand before Celestia stoically as she tanks them for their service. Asking to speak freely Max, Hugh, Viktor, and Xenos tell Celestia that they don’t approve of the treatment their commanding officer has received. This is reciprocated by the complaint that they were more or less abandoned at Light’s Hope after Arc’s supposed death. Asking about their future, Celestia tells Arc that they are eligible for a pension upon retirement. However Cadance points out that such a thing would be difficult as they are not officially part of the military while serving under Arc’s command. Suggesting they be given officer retirement packages in the future, the idea on how to administer their payment tabled for the moment. As they leave, Celestia expresses an interest to know why exactly she was captured in the first place. Calling in Hammer, Arc allows her to tell Celestia of The Organization and it’s plans. Celestia learns of Sunset Shimmer’s treachery in joining their enemies as well as the danger The Organization poses. Suggesting taking care of domestic issues first, over Hammer’s protests, the young woman asks if she will be allowed to stay. Admitting that she has little reason to allow such a thing, Celestia also admits that she has no real reason to expel her either. Meanwhile, Brightwing learns about catalysts in potion making. Looking up potential ideas on how to locate one, she settles on the idea of following Arc and his friends on their adventures in hopes such an item, or inspiration, will present itself.

However many questions remain unanswered. Will the Griffon Kingdom and Equestria continue their ongoing treaty? How much longer until Twilight stops holding Celestia on a pedestal? Did anyone else see Celestia getting fired coming? Why did Celestia appears strained when she saw Dinky and her friends for the first time? Is Celestia REALLY okay? What was so important in regards to Brightwing finding that ‘sand meat’? Is Twilight sterile now that she’s become an alicorn? How will Auriel handle her recovery? Seriously... what is Brightwing DOING?! Will Celestia really allow a union between Arc, Auriel, AND her Twilight? Was Celestia right for choosing to focus on domestic issues over foreign ones?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Inquisition's End

Celestia looks to Arc coolly as Hammer leaves the room.

“Twilight tells me that there were a number of things I was lied to about or kept in the dark regarding. Can you fill in some of the blanks?”

“Yeah. For starters, the night you, me, Decimus, and Admiral Gaston met in the corridor. I didn’t attack you back there. You attacked ME!”

“My… apologies for that.”

“Second, Decimus manipulated Tight Ship into thinking I was trying to conquer the land with Twilight, or something.”

“And where is Tight Ship? I haven’t seen or heard from him since regaining my senses.”

“He’s… gone.”

“Elaborate.”

“The Equinox… was forced to shoot him down.”

Celestia glares at him as her horn glows. “You have ten seconds to improve my mood!”

Twilight hops off the couch and runs over to her mentor. “He was trying to stop Arc from delivering me to Canterlot, Princess Celestia!”

Arc nods. “Tight Ship took the experimental airship which someone, presumably Decimus, had filled with explosives. He set the heading to a collision course with The Equinox knowing full well Twilight was aboard.”

Luna sighs. “The crew was forced to fulfil their sworn duty and protect her at all costs.”

Cadance groans. “It was all they could do.”

Celestia bows her head and sighs as her horn ceases to glow.

“I see. And… General Virtuous Lance?”

Arc sighs. “He was killed by Sunset Shimmer.”

“Are you… certain?”

“Yes. I saw her do it.”

“This is… just so overwhelming. Two of my closest friends… gone. One dead by insanity and the other killed by one of my former students.”

She turns to Luna before continuing.

“What… happened to Decimus?”

“He betrayed us, sister.”

“I know that! But WHY?!”

“We don’t know, Aunt Celestia.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Most of the trouble we’ve had since I came to Equestria was either directly or indirectly a result of him and the Council of Shadows.”

Twilight frowns. “But now they’re being helped by the changelings.”

Luna grimaces. “When they got involved is anypony’s guess though.”

Cadance nods. “It’s possible that they’ve been here for a very long time.”

Arc turns to Celestia. “Agreed. The trouble in Vanhoover was proof of that.”

“Vanhoover?”

“The Scarlet Filly and I investigated a strange illness there that had hospitalized nearly every foal in town.”

“And what was the cause?”

“They were being poisoned.”

“By whom?!”

“A group of changelings whom were feeding on their parent’s love.”

Luna nods in agreement. “The records show that it was the Scarlet Filly whom uncovered the plot.”

“We did it together.”

Celestia looks out the window. “So far north… how…?”

She frowns and turns to Twilight.

“Any other sightings?!”

“Cloudsdale.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods as he walks over to the window to look at the city floating a short distance away.

“They had kidnapped the Town Council along with a number of Rainbow Factory employees to feed on them.”

Twilight gestures out the window. “I offered to allow the city to be towed to Canterlot airspace for security purposes.”

“That and the Wonderbolt’s Academy too. Headmaster Wing agreed to it after he and the entire staff were nearly killed by changeling operatives.”

“One even masqueraded as you, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia gasps. “To do what though?!”

Arc sighs. “You, or more accurately the imposter, ordered them into a panic room to die. Presumably of dehydration. I found them in time fortunately though.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “Such a thing would have crippled our air forces.”

“We would have been vulnerable, yes.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I believe it to have been part of a larger plot to make a move on us. Perhaps even on the capital.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That’s a possibility, yes. But who’s to say that their plan failed?”

Celestia grits her teeth. “I see what you mean. What I have been told in addition to the records show a common theme.”

“What would that be, sister?”

“Every move was made to sow fear and distrust amongst the population.”

“But to what end, Aunt Celestia?”

“To bring us to the point where we are fighting one another. Potentially… a civil war.”

Twilight sighs. “That actually did nearly come to pass, Princess Celestia.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Some towns accepted Twilight’s rule after I put her on the throne. Others did not.”

Cadance groans. “Most likely fueled by the changelings.”

Luna looks to her sister. “Agreed. They and Decimus did everything they could to make sure those towns did not come over to Twilight’s side.”

Celestia stands. “Then it is clear what we must do.”

Twilight looks to her. “Strengthen ties between the towns and Canterlot?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps a royal tour of the realm would be in order.”

Cadance smiles. “I’d be willing to help as well.”

Celestia shakes her head. “While those are indeed good ideas, they would do nothing to solve the underlying problem.”

Arc frowns. “The changeling’s interference.”

“That is correct, yes.”

“Now the only question left to answer would be what to do about them.”

Celestia walks over to the window. Looking out over the city, she sighs before speaking.

“I can think of only one thing. We must lead our forces south and assault the Badlands directly.”

Twilight gasps. “Princess Celestia?!”

“Are you suggesting war, Aunt Celestia?!”

“I am.”

“Is there no other way, sister?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Sadly, no. I’ve had problems with them since you were banished, Luna. In the past it was a simple matter of showing our military might. Parading our troops near the border mostly. That used to be enough to bring them back into line. However these altercations deep within our territory show a brazen disregard for our nation and its inhabitants.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Surely you can think of a different path!”

“I’d like to say that we should try opening a dialogue, I did try that in the past as Lord Regent.”

Cadance appears surprised. “You did?”

Arc nods. “I sent a letter asking for a meeting with their leader. No response of any kind was ever received.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Then perhaps we should try again!”

Celestia bows her head. “If we did the result would be the same, Twilight.”

Arc frowns. “So do they have some kind of city we can head to?”

Cadance purses her lips. “It’s a hive of sorts actually.”

“Any intel on it?”

Celestia sighs. “Sadly, no. I’ve tried sending scouts out that way in the past. However, none of them ever returned. Rather than lose more soldiers I turned my attention to making sure that the changelings stayed where they were.”

Twilight frowns. “So let’s say that we head over there and approach their… hive. What do we tell them is our reason for such action?”

Luna grits her teeth. “Attack of our citizen on sovereign soil is more than reason enough.”

Cadance sighs. “To say nothing for what happened in Cloudsdale.”

Twilight gasps. “Cadance! You don’t actually condone this, do you?!”

“I do, Twilight.”

“But you’re the Princess of Love!”

“That I am. However I love Equestria and those whom call it home. We cannot allow a foreign power to commit such atrocities unchallenged.”

Luna nods. “If we did, they would only be emboldened to do such things again.”

“But…!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Twilight… this isn’t something any of us wants to see happen. However we can’t just let our citizens be used as food.”

“I… suppose not. But this isn’t something I can get behind.”

Celestia looks to her former student sadly. “Not every decision we make is a simple one, Twilight. Sometimes there are nothing but bad choices available to us.”

Luna sighs. “However we make the best with the information at hoof.”

Arc turns to Celestia. “Right. Now then, do you have someone whom could advise us on the proper course of military action?”

“Normally I would send for Captain Decimus, General Virtuous Lance, or General Wind Rider. But with them unable to do so...”

Luna frowns. “That does put us into a very bad position then.”

Arc sighs. “Let me guess. They were our main strategists?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. However I believe this may be a good time to test our newest officer, General Shining Armor.”

Twilight and Cadance cry out in unison. “NO!!!”

“Why not?”

Twilight fumbles with her words. “Because he… um…!”

Cadance stammers. “…he… might… get hurt!”

Celestia sighs. “That’s always a possibility, yes. However…”

Luna walks over to Celestia and looks her in the eye. “Believe me, sister, you need to send someone else.”

“Very well. Then I shall go myself.”

Twilight gasps. “Princess Celestia?!”

Cadance frowns. “You?”

Celestia shrugs. “Somepony has to do it.”

“But we just got you back!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And you don’t currently have any royal authority until cleared by both Doctor Whooves and Emerald Dream.”

“Unless you know of someone else with military leadership experience, Hero of Light, I have to go.”

Twilight points a hoof. “Arc could do it!”

Arc gasps. “Wait, what?!”

Celestia looks him up and down. “As numerous as his exploits may be, leading a small squad and commanding an army are two VERY different things.”

Twilight trots in place nervously. “But it’s just on a larger scale, right?!”

“Not really. In fact…”

She puts a hoof on her chin before continuing.

“But this may be a perfect opportunity for you, Twilight.”

Twilight gasps. “P-princess! I can’t lead an ARMY!”

“I know that. However I would accompany you as an advisor.”

Luna frowns. “Sister, I’m not sure Twilight is ready for the horrors of war.”

Celestia sighs. “Nopony ever is.”

Cadance shrugs. “She has to learn about it sometime.”

Arc grits his teeth. “But isn’t that risky? Having two princesses out in the open in hostile territory.”

Celestia smirks. “We’ll be surrounded by soldiers the entire time, of course.”

Twilight looks to Celestia. “And they can’t kill either of us, right?”

“Correct.”

Arc shakes his head. “I still don’t like the idea.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “Your opinion is noted but largely unnecessary, Hero of Light.”

Arc frowns. “Fine. I’m coming with you then.”

Twilight gasps. “Arc?”

Celestia chuckles. “As my bodyguard?”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m coming along to watch Twilight’s back. Not yours.”

Twilight appears relieved. “That would actually be a great comfort to me.”

“Well then what says you, sister?”

Celestia sighs. “There’s nothing I can do to stop him.”

Arc grins. “Correct.”

“Just try not to get in the way.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “No problem there. I’ve had my fill of fighting already.”

Luna nods approvingly. “A refreshing attitude from one so skilled in it.”

Cadance smiles, clearly relieved. “Agreed. That and I will feel better knowing Twilight will be safeguarded by such a powerful warrior.”

Celestia clears her throat. “In any case, I recommend that you return to the Crystal Empire as soon as possible, Cadance.”

Twilight appears confused. “But why?”

“In case the changelings decide to attack again, the city will need her there to rally the defenders.”

Luna shrugs. “And she can activate the Crystal Heart in greatest need.”

Cadance grimaces. “Actually… I can’t.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“It… broke.”

“What broke?”

“The Crystal Heart.”

Celestia gasps. “How?!”

“During the changeling’s earlier invasion I activated it to shield the city. I’ve kept the fact that it was destroyed a secret from everypony in an effort to prevent a panic among the citizens.”

Twilight frowns. “But using it shouldn’t have destroyed it!”

Arc nods sadly. “Sunset ordered her ships to ram the barrier simultaneously. As they did so the barrier shattered.”

Celestia frowns as she puts a fetlock to her chin. “Interesting.”

“Sister?”

“Those ships shouldn’t have been able to breech the barrier, much less destroy the Crystal Heart.”

Twilight groans. “But it certainly happened.”

Arc nods. “Rather spectacularly I might add.”

“Aunt Celestia. Any idea how exactly Sunset Shimmer’s forces were able to do that?”

“It’s possible that their ships were fitted with sonic resonators.”

Twilight gasps. “Of course! They could have been broadcasting the signal through their hulls!”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “But how did it destroy the heart as well?”

Celestia draws a hasty sketch on a piece of paper. “The barrier and the Crystal Heart were connected to maintain it. Our enemy had to know that any feedback through it would have transferred to the heart itself.”

Arc frowns. “Like a singer shattering a glass with their voice.”

“Exactly!”

Cadance sighs. “Well, they certainly accomplished that.”

Celestia shakes her head. “As was their objective perhaps.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “You believe their entire attack was simply to destroy the Crystal Heart, sister?”

“Did they accomplish anything else?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not really, no.”

Arc shrugs. “At the time I simply thought their attack to be a means of destabilizing the country by attempting to overthrowing the Crystal Empire. From there they could have launched attacks on the rest of the nation.”

Luna taps the table before her. “However taking territory so far from the Badlands didn’t make much sense to me either.”

Cadance sighs. “We didn’t really have the chance to consider their reasoning at the time.”

Celestia groans. “I believe this to be part of a larger plot. With the Crystal Heart gone, the empire is vulnerable and they know it.”

She turns to Cadance before continuing.

“Tell me, has there been any further actions by the changelings, or their allies?”

“None fortunately.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “Why though I wonder.”

Arc sighs. “All the more reason to stop them as soon as possible, I suppose.”

Celestia nods with conviction. “Yes. Before they muster their forces and attack again in force.”

Luna groans. “I suppose we have no choice but to fight at this point.”

Cadance stands. “The Crystal Empire will be kept safe by Shining Armor and myself in the interim, Aunt Celestia.

Luna nods. “And I shall watch over Canterlot.”

“Thank you. I know you’ll both do your best. Now then, it’s going to take quite some time to complete preparations. Supplies need to be loaded, troops gathered and assigned to commanders, and a strategy formed.”

Arc looks to Celestia. “When do you think we’d be ready to move out?”

“Not until after the spring’s thaw.”

“Spring?”

Luna nods. “Yes. Heading out to the field of battle is dangerous enough. But to do it so close to winter would be catastrophic.”

Cadance sighs. “While I do wish we could do something sooner I also understand the mentality behind this decision.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I don’t. Let’s just get it over with. Right, Twilight?”

Celestia sighs. “And this is why you are not spearheading this matter. Don’t you know anything about our enemy’s homeland?”

“Admittedly very little.”

Twilight sighs. “The Badlands are an anti-magic place in addition to being very remote.”

Luna nods. “For that reason, amongst others, there are no towns or settlements anywhere near the border.”

Cadance frowns. “In addition to our airships not functioning there due to being magically powered. Should a retreat be needed there really is nowhere to fall back to.”

Celestia stomps a hoof. “We’d lose too many in the blinding snowstorms AND the freezing temperatures.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “We could take The Equinox as far as the border and use it to secure a base camp. From there we could establish a perimeter using your ship’s cannons and instruments.”

Luna frowns. “A decent starting plan, Twilight. However the use of the ship is up to Arc.”

Cadance appears confused. “But The Equinox belongs to Equestria.”

Arc sighs. “Well, at the moment it’s still being overhauled from the battle at Light’s Hope.”

Celestia frowns. “Was it heavily damaged?”

“The exterior held up pretty well to the enemy attack thanks to my forces holding the line. However my Chief Engineer highly recommended the procedure considering the extensive changes that had to be made to accommodate the magic dispersion unit.”

“I’m sorry, the what?”

Twilight grins nervously. “Arc got a prototype from the demon king when he returned to his palace. He used it to take down the barrier around Light’s Hope to get to you.”

Celestia facehoofs. “Of course he did.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “In any case, the process is going to be a long and slow one as I told her to check and recheck literally everything.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But why, Arc?”

Cadance nods. “Yes, I thought you said that the ship was largely undamaged.”

“True. But with the battle over I thought we’d have a bit of a respite.”

Luna sighs. “Sadly that isn’t the case though.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “With any luck this will be over with just a show of force though, right?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Not this time, Twilight.”

“You mean…?”

“Yes. This time it will come to violence. That much I assure you, my dear.”

Chapter 2 - Into Overtime

Arc and Twilight leave Celestia’s room together. Everyone looks to Arc as they do so. Hammer is the first to speak.

“So how’d the rest of it go?!”

“Um… okay, I guess.”

Pinkie elbows him. “At least she didn’t blast you, amiright?!”

Applejack frowns. “That’s not much consolation, Pinkie.”

Auriel frowns. “Agreed. And I think Princess Celestia still doesn’t trust Arc’s words.”

Arc sighs. “She believed you more than me, Auriel.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “And we didn’t even get to SAY anything?!”

Fluttershy shrugs. “What would we have said anyways?”

Rarity turns her nose up. “That Arc is innocent of ALL the charges brought before him, naturally!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Yeah, I thought that was weird.”

Hammer puts a hand on the door. “So, let’s just march you five in there and…”

Twilight interrupts. “That won’t be necessary, Hammer.”

“Say what now?”

Arc nods. “Celestia… invited all of us to dinner tonight.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Did she now?”

Sereb growls. “What for?”

Twilight shrugs. “She says she wants to hear more of our thoughts on… everything really.”

Max gasps. “Sir, this could be a trap.”

Hugh stomps a hoof. “Agreed. Remember, she’s already tried to kill you once before.”

Viktor grits his teeth. “Removing you may still be on her mind.”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah. Probably shouldn’t risk it.”

“I appreciate the concern, but I don’t think she’ll try anything. At least not tonight.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “It’d be really dumb of her to try.”

Rarity plants her hooves firmly. “Yes, with all of us there it would make such a thing nearly impossible.”

Fluttershy shudders. “That and I don’t think she would dare do anything to make Twilight unhappy.”

“Right.”

Applejack points a hoof down the corridor. “Then we should all go. It’ll give us a chance to vouch for Arc’s character.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! And tell her how much he means to Equestria!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “I’ll watch your back in there, Arc.”

Hammer draws her gun. “Me too.”

Sereb growls. “As will I.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Probably won’t be anything to see, but I’ll come too.”

Max nods. “We could wait outside as well, sir.”

Arc chuckles. “Fine. You four can join the guards at the door if you wish.”

Hugh clears his throat loudly. “Begging your pardon, sir. But the Dining Room is completely soundproof.”

Xenos shudders. “Yeah. You could be screaming at one another and we wouldn’t be able to hear it.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps they could come inside and stay to the outer walls.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But wouldn’t that just be asking for trouble?”

“I don’t think so. After all, Princess Celestia knows what Arc’s been through. It would make sense that he would want extra protection.”

Ember scoffs. “Fine, whatever. When is supper anyways?”

Scootaloo looks out the window. “About an hour from now.”

Arc gasps. “Wait, what?”

Rarity shrugs. “You and Twilight were in there pretty much all day, Arc.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! That was impressive! Didn’t you need potty breaks though?!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “And we were waiting out here the whole time too!”

Applejack grins. “Well, just standing here gave me an appetite… somehow.”

Arc frowns. “Me too. But I think that was the stress.”

Hammer scoffs. “From what?!”

“Sitting in front of Celestia. Remember, she could have still taken a shot at me back there.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not with me next to you she wouldn’t.”

“Still not the best position to be in.”

“Should we head to the Dining Room then, Big Brother?”

“I guess so.”

Auriel looks to him. “Might I return to my room, Arc?”

“Sure. But are you okay?”

Auriel puts a claw to her forehead. “Y-yes. Just a bit… rattled from our meeting.”

Twilight smiles as she walks over to Auriel. “Then you go rest. I’ll come check on you after dinner.”

“Thank you, Twilight. I think I shall.”

They part ways. Leading the way down the hall, Arc turns to Twilight.

“So how’d I do?”

“Pretty good, I’d say.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“Well… Princess Celestia doesn’t approve of violent outbursts without provocation, so you impressed her there.

Ember rolls her eyes. “Why would Arc have done that though?”

“You forget, my teacher believes all the tales of human violence and wanton destruction.”

Hammer shakes her head. “But you don’t think he would have done that, do you?!”

“Of course not. However, she did.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “So when Arc didn’t act in a way that she perceived to be natural…”

Applejack grins. “…it made her question that belief.”

Twilight nods. “Right. But this matter is far from over.”

Fluttershy appears surprised. “What do you mean, Twilight?”

“She didn’t just ask us all of us to dinner to make small talk.”

Rainbow Dash spreads her wings. “You think there’s some kind of underlying motive?”

“I do. She’s unsure of what to think as it stands.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Hence the invitation to dinner.”

Max frowns. “I still don’t like this, sir.”

Xenos grits his teeth. “Yeah. She could still be luring you into a trap.”

“A possibility, yes. But I have to take the chance.”

Hugh appears surprised. “Sir?”

“This is a perfect opportunity for me to show Celestia that humanity is capable of more than just wanton violence.”

Viktor groans. “You can show you all you want, sir. But that doesn’t mean it will stick.”

Sereb turns to Viktor. “What would you suggest then?”

“Keeping your distance.”

“I can’t really do that around a dinner table though.”

Rainbow Dash smacks her front hooves together. “Well, all of us will have your back, Arc!”

Applejack nods fervently. “That we will.”

Fluttershy turns to Twilight as they approach the Dining Room doors. “Any suggestions on what we should be doing?”

“Mostly observing.”

Pinkie groans. “No, no! We have to do MORE!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Like what though?”

Sereb grins toothily. “What is best. Showing that Arc is indeed a noble human and brave warrior.”

Arc looks to the others. “Let’s just play this one by ear, shall we?”

Hammer groans as she puts her gun away. “No big plan though?”

“That in and of itself would appear suspicious. So let’s just go in there, have a nice meal, and try to be on our best behavior.”

The guards part as Arc and company approaches. Opening them, he motions for the others to enter as he holds the door open for them. They approach the large round table and sit down aa Arc looks around.

“Let’s see here…”

Ember frowns. “Something wrong?”

“Just thinking about seating arrangements.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “What’s the big deal with where we sit now?”

Rarity giggles. “Arc probably wants us strategically placed.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Strategically…?!”

“I prefer ‘insightful’.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “What’s the difference?”

“Do tell, Big Brother?”

“Just trying to do what I can to make Celestia more at peace.”

Twilight smiles “Very conscientious, Arc.”

Pinkie nods happily. “Yeah! Especially when she doesn’t really deserve it!”

Applejack glares at her. “Pinkie!”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “She’s right though!”

Rarity sighs. “But that doesn’t mean we can be uncouth!”

Fluttershy frowns. “Right. That wouldn’t help things anyways.”

“What do you think, Big Brother?”

“That we should be polite, respectful, and courteous.”

Ember scoffs. “Uh… why?”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Yeah. I’d like to pop her one myself.”

Arc looks to the others. “For Twilight’s sake as well as Luna and Cadance.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “The other princesses?”

“This has to be a hard time for them as well. They know exactly what happened while Celestia was under Decimus’ control. But if they criticize her reactions too sharply she’ll just shut them out.”

Twilight bows her head. “And none of us what that to happen.”

Max shrugs. “Makes sense.”

Viktor puts a hoof to his chin. “Such a thing would make helping her royal highness that much more difficult, after all.”

Hugh sighs. “It isn’t going to be easy as it stands though.”

Xenos bows his head. “Yeah. But if they start fighting amongst themselves… impossible.”

Arc grins. “Right.”

Walking over to a chair, Arc gestures with a hand.

“I’ll sit here. Rarity will be on my right and Sereb on my left.”

Rarity giggles. “Lovely!”

Sereb appears surprised. “Me, Arc?”

“Is that a problem?”

“No. However I simply thought you would be more interested in having another one of your fiancées close at hand.”

“Celestia knows about Life Pacts, so I’m trying to show her my devotion to that.”

Rarity appears expectant. “And me?”

Pinkie makes kissy noises. “Right! After all, Rarity IS Arc’s favorite!”

“No so much my favorite as one I just know the best.”

He continues around the table as he speaks.

“Next to Sereb will be Ember. Celestia knows The Forsaken Tribe and dragons are neighbors so it would stand to reason they’d be together.”

Ember shrugs. “Fine with me.”

“Then I want Hammer next to Ember due to similar personalities.”

Hammer frowns. “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“You’re both brash, impulsive, and speak your minds. But at the same time loyal, devoted, and enthusiastic.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But don’t those things all mean about the same thing?”

Arc ignores Twilight as he clears his throat and continues. “Next will be Rainbow Dash next to Hammer. Then Applejack, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo walks over to her chair. “But whom am I sitting next to?”

“Twilight whom will be next to Celestia. Luna and Cadance will take the last two chairs here.”

Twilight grins. “That puts you and I across from one another, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Along with the other princesses, yes.”

Sereb frowns. “Is this seating really so important, Arc?”

“Maybe, maybe not. But let’s give it a try.”

They nod and take their seats. A short time later Celestia enters with Luna and Cadance. Twilight hurries over to her teacher and smiles as the others stand respectfully.

“Good evening, Princess Celestia.”

“Hello again, Twilight.”

“I hope you’re hungry.”

“Actually, yes. We didn’t eat much of a lunch today.”

“Oh?”

Luna rolls her eyes. “We were busy with the interviews.”

Cadance giggles. “Remember, Twilight?”

“Oh! Right!”

She motions with a hoof before continuing.

“Then let’s remedy that. This way, please.”

She leads Celestia over to her seat as Luna and Cadance follow. Taking her place next to Celestia, she turns to her old friend.

“I’m told this meal should be especially good.”

Luna sighs. “Castle food generally is the best Equestria has to offer.”

Cadance smiles. “Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal here.”

Celestia nods as she sits down. “Agreed.”

She sniffs the air before continuing.

“And it seems tonight will be no different.”

A Hoof Maiden emerges from the kitchen and bows respectfully as she looks to Celestia silently, waiting for her response.

“We are ready.”

Nodding, the mare returns to the kitchen and returns with a procession of servants each pushing a serving cart. They approach Celestia and the other princess first. Serving them, they work their way down the line ending with Arc on the other side of the table. The Hoof Maiden bows and addresses Celestia as the servants return to the Kitchen.

“Do you require anything else, your highness?”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, this will suffice.”

Nodding, she backs away and follows the last cart into the kitchen. Twilight looks over her food and grins.

“This looks wonderful!”

Celestia smiles at her as she picks up her utensils with at Telekinesis Spell. “That it does.”

Taking a small bite, she then dabs at her mouth with a cloth napkin.

“Delicious.”

Nodding, Luna and Cadance pick up their silverware and begin to eat. Twilight nods to the others whom reach for their utensils. Celestia looks to Arc as he does so. Watching him for a few moments as he eats, she eventually speaks.

“Tell me, Twilight. Are you familiar with the dietary nuances of humans?”

“Somewhat. Was there something you wanted to know, Princess Celestia?”

“Yes. How do you feel about them eating meat?”

“To be completely honest with you, a bit squeamish actually.”

Celestia returns her gaze to Arc as she continues. “Does it now?”

“Yes. But I do understand their reasoning.”

“Explain.”

“We’re similar biologically, of course. While at the same time different. Their bodies need nutrients that are difficult to get from an all plant diet.”

Celestia frowns. “Difficult, yes. But certainly not impossible.”

Arc nods as he looks up. “That is correct.”

“So do you eat what we do when in the presence of ponies?”

“Usually, yes.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Only at times, you mean?”

“Pretty much everyone here has accepted my dietary needs and has gotten used to the fact that I need to eat such things.”

Celestia gestures to the all plant meal before them. “So you don’t care much for the current meal then?”

Hammer shrugs. “Meh, it’s okay.”

Arc frowns. “Hammer?”

“I mean, it’s tasty and all. But I could go for a nice, juicy steak right about now.”

Fluttershy shrinks back squeamishly. “C-could you?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. Had a real good one back on Earth when Arc took me to a steakhouse.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “He took you… out?”

“It was a nice date, yeah.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she turns to Hammer. “Had a good time, cupcake?”

“Oh yeah! I think you’d have liked the meal, blue! Well, if you had been there in human form, I mean.”

“Looking forward to that!”

Celestia looks to the rainbow maned mare. “Forward to what?”

“Trying that food!”

“Are you now?”

Applejack chuckles. “I wouldn’t mind it myself. Well, as a human gal, I mean.”

Sereb nods. “It is quite the experience.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Yeah. Texture’s a bit funny. But the taste is okay.”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “None for me, thank you.”

Pinkie giggles. “I’d just try a bite off Dashie’s plate!”

Rarity dabs at her mouth with a cloth napkin. “A salad would be fine for me in such a position.”

Celestia turns to Twilight. “And you?”

“Hm?”

“What would you do, Twilight?”

“I… haven’t really thought about it.”

She puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully before answering.

“If such an opportunity presented itself I suppose I should at least try the food.”

“Would you now?”

Cadance nods approvingly. “That’s actually pretty surprising. Never really considered you to be interested in such things. Well, considering your eating habits as a foal, Twilight.”

Luna interjects. “But it is good that she would want to expand her culinary options. Especially with such a... unique opportunity.”

Twilight smiles. “Yes, I believe I’d do it as part of my continuing studies regarding humans.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “An interesting answer.”

“Would such a thing be wrong, Princess Celestia?”

“I suppose not, given the circumstances. One never knows if they don’t try, after all.”

Scootaloo nods. “That’s what I told myself when I tried a hamburger.”

Ember grins. “Those ARE tasty!”

Hammer laughs heartily. “You know it!”

Luna turns to Celestia. “And you’re okay with such things, sister?”

“Oh yes. After all, it’s not like Twilight would be slaughtering the beast she’s eating herself.”

Twilight grimaces. “I… I suppose not.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “A shame, really.”

Sereb frowns. “Ember?”

“It’s rather thrilling actually.”

Luna frowns. “Is it now?”

Cadance looks to her. “Have you done so in the past, miss?”

Ember nods. “I’ve hunted in the Dragon Lands, of course. It’s a rather important pastime for a dragon.”

Scootaloo shudders. “Hunting animals for… food?”

“Of course.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Sounds like a high-stakes game of tag to me.”

Rarity frowns. “Yes. One where the loser dies.”

Applejack sighs. “I suppose so. But it’s not our place to tell other cultures how to live their lives.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Yeah! I’m sure we do things they think is strange too!”

Fluttershy tilts her head to one side. “Like what?”

Sereb groans. “Since arriving in Equestria I have been somewhat dismayed by the lack of combat training given to foals.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Combat training?”

Cadance gasps. “But why would we need to do so?”

Twilight frowns. “Right. Equestria is a peaceful place.”

“That is correct. But such a fact may not always hold true. One never really knows when they will need to defend themselves or their nation from outside threats.”

Celestia nods approvingly. “The Warchief is correct. It wouldn’t hurt for our citizens to learn how to fight.”

Hammer grins. “Darn right!”

Ember scoffs. “Then why isn’t it a part of schooling?”

Celestia sighs. “Because I was never able to find teachers whom would be willing and able to learn such skills.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “Why not send somepony from the Royal Guard then?”

“I did consider that, yes. However such a personable soldier would be difficult to find.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Personable?”

Rarity sighs. “Somepony whom knows how to fight AND is good with foals.”

Applejack chuckles. “They’d also have to be licensed to teach.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Like a drill instructor?”

Pinkie grins. “Exactly!”

Celestia bows her head. “And they’re trained to be harsh, unforgiving, and unrelenting in their training methods.”

Luna sighs. “Not something a foal responds well to.”

Cadance turns to Ember. “How does the Dragon Lands do it?”

“Skills passed down from generation to generation. We learn be watching our parents hunt from a young age.”

Sereb growls. “We do the same.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah. Both our cultures are similar in that regard.”

Rarity puts her fork down and groans. “So they just… watch you kill things?”

“Yeah.”

Hammer gasps happily. “Cool!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “When do they start joining in?”

“There isn’t a set age for that. But we know when we’re ready.”

Celestia frowns. “How so?”

“By just jumping in there.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “When an opening presents itself one must leap forward.”

“Yeah. Even though the first time always seems to suck.”

Rarity puts a hoof on her belly. “How so?”

“You don’t really know what you’re doing, so the amount of force needed to kill something isn’t known to you. My first time, I went after a beast whom got away. I tackled them and bit into their throat.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Oh my!”

Applejack shrugs. “A fairly quick way to die, I suppose.”

“That’s just it though. I didn’t know about death from blood loss.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Didn’t your dad teach you though?”

Ember shakes her head. “No, he was always too busy leading our species. That and there was also the size difference.”

Scootaloo frowns. “So you learned how exactly?”

“Trial and error mostly.”

Arc sighs. “A bit slower, but it works.”

“Yeah. But getting back to my story… so I tackled this creature whom had spotted me. It flailed around trying to get away, of course. So I bite down hard on their throat like I had seen others do. However I didn’t really know how to tell if a creature was dead or not.”

“What happened?”

“I felt it’s blood in my mouth so I pulled back instinctively. It’s eyes were wide and it was writing around on the ground under me, so I… bit its neck again, and again, and again.”

Twilight gasps. “How long?”

“I’m not fully sure how much time passed. But I didn’t stop until I… um… bit into dirt.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Dirt?”

“Yes, I… I had bitten their neck enough times to… completely sever their head from the rest of the body.”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “What?!”

“That’s when I stopped and looked down at the body. It’s neck was just… completely gone by that point. And I was covered with blood from head to tail. More red than teal scales back there.”

Fluttershy looks away. “It sounds awful!”

Ember sighs. “For both of us, yes.”

Arc nods soberly. “And that’s why a parent does it for their whelpling, huh?”

“Yeah. To make sure they learn properly.”

Celestia nods soberly. “That’s why I never made combat training a national mandate. If it couldn’t be done correctly it wouldn’t be done at all.”

Sereb nods approvingly. “A wise decision.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Agreed. But this conversation makes me wonder something.”

“Big Brother?”

“Tempest’s attempts to train foals for life in the military. Was she just trying to make Equestria more secure?”

Twilight shrugs. “I… don’t know. Princess Celestia?”

“She did at one point volunteer to act as a trainer and travel the land teaching, yes. However she lacked experience with foals.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Then why allow her to be the orphanage’s matron, sister?”

“To protect and guide them. I never dreamed she would have stooped to starvation techniques though. However there was another reason.”

“Aunt Celestia?”

“I had read her file and discussed the matter with Decimus extensively. She had little in the way of a foalhood herself. In this way I wanted her to be able to reconnect with her past in Vanhoover.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Well, that didn’t end well!”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Yeah! Why wasn’t this discovered before Arc came around?!”

“Inspection reports showed everything to be in order at all times. And her past experience made her appear infallible.”

Celestia sighs before continuing.

“That choice I made will be one that haunts me for a very long time though. And I must… I must... th-thank you for intervening, Hero of Light.”

“Just doing my duty.”

Luna nods. “Cadance and I were very impressed by his first report to us.”

“ Indeed we were. And equally surprised both by the findings and his proposed solution.”

“If you recall, I took the orphans into my care at Light’s Hope while the new orphanage was being built.”

“Yes, you mentioned that before. But I don’t understand why you chose Ponyville.”

“Two reasons. One, I wanted them to be able to distance themselves from Vanhoover and the New Beginnings Orphanage.”

Applejack shudders. “They’ll never see that place again unless they really want to.”

Pinkie frowns. “Which I doubt any do!”

“Second, so that I could personally keep an eye on them.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “You didn’t trust Coco Pommel?”

“I do, yes. But at the same time I wanted to make sure that everything that could be done for them was done.”

Applejack smiles warmly. “And you did. Moreso for us.”

Cadance appears confused. “Oh?”

Luna smirks. “How so?”

Arc grins. “I went through the records with Coco Pommel that we took from the old orphanage. We found that one of the orphans did indeed have living relatives.”

He gestures to Applejack before continuing.

“A cousin of yours if I recall.”

Applejack nods happily. “Yup.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Your family member?”

“Her name’s Babs Seed, your highness. We didn’t know she was orphaned or we would have come to get her.”

Pinkie grins widely. “Arc made it right though!”

Fluttershy giggles happily. “She and Apple Bloom look so cute playing together.”

Rarity nods approvingly. “And Sweetie Belle too.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I’d say we could call that a happy ending.”

Twilight smiles as she turns to Celestia. “Yes, indeed.”

“I suppose so. But I do have one question for the Hero of Light on this matter.

“What is it?”

“Why were you going through the files in the first place?”

“To learn more about Tempest’s misdeeds.”

“And did you learn anything else from them?”

“A bit, yes.”

“Such as…?”

Luna frowns. “Sister, Arc is under no compulsion whatsoever to tell us his findings on ANY matter!”

Arc looks away. “Yes, I... believe the rest of what I found should remain buried for the time being.”

Applejack sighs. “It’s better that way, I suppose.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “And you just... trust his judgement on this?”

“I do, yes. In fact… I… um… wanted to… uh…”

Pinkie appears confused. “Applejack?! You okay?!”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Then just spit it out!”

Applejack wrings her hooves nervously. “I just… thought it’d be nice to thank him for what he did.”

Arc chuckles. “It was my pleasure, Applejack.”

“That’s… not exactly…”

Rainbow Dash groans impatiently as she taps the table with a hoof. “Just tell him already!”

“Tell me what, Applejack?”

“I just… wanted to show my appreciation for… for what you did for me and my family back then. So I was... kinda hoping you would want to… I mean… I’d like you to… uh… come to Sweet Apple Acres for dinner some night. When you have time, I mean.”

Pinkie grins mischievously. “Ooooooo! Are you asking Arc out on a DATE, Applejack?!”

“K-kinda, yeah.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, Applejack. I’d like that.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “You would?”

“Yes. I’m trying to make an effort to go out with everyone one at a time.”

Celestia gestures with a wave of her hoof. “Twilight has already informed me of why.”

Twilight nods. “It’s for the best this way, Princess Celestia.”

“While I disagree, I also admit that there is very little I can do to stop you, Twilight.”

Luna nods. “Technically that is correct.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Ma’am?”

Cadance looks over. “While Aunt Celestia can’t legally act against Twilight, Ember, or Arc, the most she could do would be to imprison the rest of you.”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “IMPRISON?!”

Rarity gasps. “Whatever for?!”

Celestia picks up a fork and spears a tomato slice with it. “Herds are illegal in Equestria, after all.”

Fluttershy shrinks back nervously. “But we haven’t formed one yet!”

Sereb growls. “Then by what crime would you justify such an action?!”

“Intent, I suppose. That is, if I was planning to prosecute anypony.”

Luna quickly speaks up. “Which my sister is not.”

Ember sighs. “That’s good.”

Scootaloo looks around the table. “I’d like to see everypony together too. After all, I’d... kinda like a real family as well. Even if I am emancipated.”

Applejack smiles nervously. “Princess Celestia, might I say something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Ma’am, we all… really want to make this work. What can I, or anypony else, do or say to show you just how serious we are?”

Celestia rubs her front hooves together and smiles slyly. “Interesting.”

“Aunt Celestia?”

“You simply want a chance to prove your devotion, is that right?”

Applejack nods. “Something like that, your highness.”

“Then how about a bit of a test?”

Arc frowns. “Test?”

Hammer shudders. “Hopefully it’s multiple choice.”

“I propose that you and the Hero of Light go out together, Applejack.”

“Wha-what?!”

Luna glares at her. “Sister?!”

“This… attraction Twilight and her friends share for the Hero of Light. I wish to gain an understanding of it.”

“But Aunt Celestia, you can’t force somepony to go on a date and expect them to act naturally!”

“You’re right, I cannot.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Then why…?”

Celestia interrupts her. “Twilight, you yourself have told me of your feelings for your… friend here.”

“Y-yes, I did. But…”

“And how the others favor him too.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Darn right we do!”

Fluttershy nods. “Arc’s very important to us all.”

Rarity giggles. “That he is!”

Pinkie jumps up to stand on her chair as she lowers her voice a few octaves. “Arc da man!”

Celestia motions with her hoof. “Think of it like a science experiment then, Twilight. We both have our own hypotheses on the outcome.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Princess Celestia?”

“I believe that young Applejack here, even being the Element of Honesty, would be able to see through the deception the Hero of Light may try to use on her.”

Sereb growls. “Arc does NOT stoop to such lows!”

Hammer raises a hand slightly as she smiles nervously. “Uh… just for the sake of honesty sometimes he does. In the course of duty, that is.”

Ember slams her fist down on the table. “Right! But he’d NEVER actually DO that!”

Arc motions to Hammer as she looks to Celestia. “Right! What I did to Hammer was done to SAVE you, princess!”

Twilight nods fervently. “Arc has always been honest with all of us!”

Celestia smiles slyly. “That is your hypothesis, Twilight. Mine is the opposite. However, I have already laid out a method by which we could determine the truth of the matter. All that needs to be done is the test itself in the form of a date.”

“Please, Aunt Celestia. Applejack is a living creature. Not a…”

Applejack responds with a sober look on her face. “I’ll do it.” :ajbemused:

Arc gasps. “Wait, what?”

“Arc… would you… please go out with me?”

“I… um… would love to.”

Celestia giggles. “Then it’s settled.”

Twilight frowns. “But the mission to The Badlands…!”

Celestia interrupts her. “…is quite a while from now, my dear Twilight. Which leaves plenty of time to run this experiment.”

Arc glares at Celestia as he stands and places both hands on the table before looking her in the eye.

“Fine. Let’s do this.”

Chapter 3 - Leveling

They next evening Arc, dressed in his finest clothes, stands in his room in Canterlot Castle looking out a window. Rarity enters with Twilight and approaches him.

“Applejack is… nearly ready.”

Arc nods but does not turn around. Good.”

Twilight sighs. “Arc, I need to apologize for what Princess Celestia is putting you through with this.”

Arc shrugs. “I was planning to go out with all of you eventually. She just sped up the timetable a bit.”

Rarity frowns. “Well, I for one don’t like this one bit!”

Twilight groans. “Neither do I.”

“It’s fine. I agreed to it, after all.”

Rarity sighs. “Although I still don’t understand why you did that, Arc.”

Arc chuckles as he turns to her. “To call her out.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Celestia was challenging me.”

Twilight bows her head. “That she was.”

“However, when I unexpectedly accepted the terms she set forth it was like I challenged her challenge.”

“I still don’t get your meaning, Arc.”

“Think about it this way, Twilight. When she suggested a date, I’m assuming Celestia was trying to make me say ‘no’. That would have made it look like I was afraid of her finding out… something or other. But by me calling her bluff it forced her to either backpedal on the whole idea, which would have made HER look bad, or accept it in an attempt to prove she was correct.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “This is a bit complicated.”

“Yeah, I know. Sorry but I can’t really think of any other way to explain it.”

Twilight groans. “Well, I’ll be glad when this is over.”

Rarity nods. “So will I.”

Arc chuckles. “Oh really? You don’t want to see whether or not I’m hiding something though?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But you’re not.”

“I know that. But Celestia is convinced that I’m leading all of you on.”

Rarity frowns. “Not sure where she got THAT idea from though.”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “Human stereotypes say that they’re masters of deception though. Doing and saying whatever it takes to get what they want.”

Arc nods soberly. “And Celestia believes that.”

Rarity scoffs. “It certainly sounds like it.”

“Can’t say as I blame her though. After all, she was held hostage for over a year on Earth by some of the worst humanity has to offer.”

Twilight furrows her brow. “Well, that’s no excuse for this kind of…!”

She is cut off as a knock rings out. Twilight and Rarity look at the door together before turning to Arc.

“That’s Applejack now!”

“She’s a bit early though!”

Rarity trots in place nervously. “Like I said, she was almost ready when I left her!”

Twilight grimaces. “What are we going to do?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… you two do realize that I’m ready, right?”

“Oh… right.”

Rarity looks around. “Well, we should make ourselves scarce then.”

Twilight smiles. “Good idea. The two of us will greet Applejack along with Arc, look the dress and her mane over one more time, and then let the happy couple get underway as we part ways.”

Rarity nods. “Right.”

“Let’s get started.”

Heading for the door, Arc takes a deep breath and turns the knob. Opening it he finds Scootaloo standing there with Auriel.

“Um… hi?”

“Hey there, Big Brother.”

Auriel sighs. “We’re sorry for coming at this time, but we needed to tell you something.”

Twilight steps forward. “Is there a problem with Applejack?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Kinda.”

Rarity gasps. “Wardrobe malfunction?!”

Twilight grimaces. “Mane trouble?!”

Auriel looks away nervously. “Not… exactly.”

Arc frowns. “Then what’s the problem?”

“Princess Celestia wanted us to come here and… tell you that Applejack’s going to be… late.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Late?”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. She asked me to come tell you that as she left Applejack’s room with Auriel.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Princess Celestia probably just wanted to talk to Applejack first. Make sure she was okay with this whole thing.”

Auriel groans. “That’s only part of it.”

Arc sighs. “What’s the rest?”

Scootaloo looks down at the floor. “She… told us not to say.”

Rarity gasps. “Why not?!”

Auriel frowns. “Because she thinks it would ruin the experiment.”

“This whole thing is just getting weirder and weirder, Big Brother.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Agreed. I’m sure she wouldn’t hurt Applejack. However I don’t like how this date is starting.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Neither do I. But there’s nothing we can do about it.”

He turns to Auriel before continuing.

“How late will Applejack be?”

“She said about half an hour before returning to the room.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Princess Celestia went back to see Applejack again?”

Scootaloo nods. “It’s all so mysterious.”

Arc frowns as he motions to the couches. “Well… all we can do is wait, I suppose.”

Sitting down, Arc and company wait patiently. Eventually there is a knock at the door. Twilight stands up quickly.

“That HAS to be her!”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “Right!”

Scootaloo looks to Auriel nervously. “Um… should we still be here?”

“I don’t think so, no.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Think we could get a quick portal out of here?”

“Sure. But where…?”

Rarity raises a hoof. “How about my room?”

Twilight turns to her friend and raises an eyebrow. “But there’s no sigil in your…”

Rarity interrupts her. “It’s... under the rug.”

Auriel giggles. “Oh my!”

Arc chuckles. “I don’t know why you’re laughing, Auriel. There’s one in your room too.”

Twilight frowns. “Hey! Why not mine?!”

Arc grimaces as he calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Because Celestia would have my head for something like that. Now off you all go.”

They call out to Arc before walking through.

“Have fun, Big Brother.”

Rarity winks. “Don’t stay out too late now.”

Twilight narrows her eyes as she passes. “We’ll talk about the sigil situation later.”

Auriel stops and turns to him before speaking.

“Oh! Princess Cadance wanted me to give you this!”

Handing Arc a small black satchel she smiles and winks before hurrying through the portal. Arc closes it as another knock rings out from the door.

“Coming!”

Recalling his gauntlet, Arc glances at himself in the mirror before walking to the door. Taking a few seconds to mentally prepare himself Arc takes a deep breath and opens the door. However as he spies whom is on the other side, he frowns.

“Celestia?”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “That is ‘princess’ to you, Hero of Light.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Fine… whatever, princess.”

Celestia motions with a wave of her hoof. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

“Wasn’t planning on it, no.”

“Oh?”

“The guards and staff have enough to gossip about without seeing the... universally loved and admired Princess of the Sun coming and going from my quarters.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow and smirks. “Interesting.”

“Um… what?”

“I just gave you the perfect opportunity and you didn’t take it.”

“To do what?!”

“Kill me.”

Arc frowns. “Don’t tempt me.”

“I just did.”

“Can you please get to the point of your visit? I’m kinda waiting for someone.”

“Yes, I know. Remember, this whole thing was my idea.”

Arc moves his hand in a circular motion. “So… I do hope you came here for more than just to test my desire to end your life.”

Celestia nods. “I have. But first I must congratulate you on passing the first test.”

Arc facepalms. “Hooray for me.”

“My earlier predictions said that you would invite me in, kill me with your dagger, and then dispose of my body.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?”

“No loose ends that way.”

“Are you crazy, or just plain suicidal?!”

Celestia smiles slyly. “Neither, as you would not have succeeded.”

“Let’s not test that theory.”

“Very well. Moving on to brighter subjects… I’ve also come here to tell you that your date is ready and waiting for you.”

“Uh… but Applejack said she would meet me here.”

Celestia giggles. “A bit of a change on my part.”

“A… change?”

“This isn’t the best place for you to meet. Therefore I’ve ordered her to wait for you under the castle garden’s only apple tree.”

“In the Royal Gardens?”

Celestia nods. “Correct. I personally oversaw my Hoof Maiden’s undertaking their task to made her presentable for tonight before I escorted her to the a fore mentioned location. All we need to do is go meet her.”

Arc sighs. “Why do I get the feeling you’re up to no good?”

“Nonsense. I only wish to know what’s in that human heart of yours.”

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you.”

Celestia smirks. “Believe what you will. But you shouldn’t keep young Applejack waiting.”

“That’s on you though.”

“True, I suppose. Therefore I shall let you get on with your part of the experiment.”

She motions with a hoof down the corridor.

“Shall we?”

“Huh?”

“I’m going to escort you to your date.”

“Yeah, well… I think I can find my way.”

“While I’m certain you could I will still accompany you.”

Arc rolls his eyes as they begin walking. “Why am I suddenly even more suspicious of your actions?”

Celestia feigns ignorance. “Whatever do you mean by that?”

“I think you already know.”

“Enlighten me then.”

“For all I know YOU’RE trying to get me alone and take ME out!”

Celestia shakes her head as she smiles. “Believe me, that is the furthest thought from my mind right now.”

Arc frowns. “Forgive me if I don’t believe you.

Celestia stops. Arc turns to look over his shoulder at her as she speaks.

“I… understand that position. Really, I do. After all, it’s not every day that I’m… coerced into nearly killing somepony.”

“That didn’t tickle, you know.”

“Such is only something I could attempt to imagine. But I want you to know this. The reason you still stand before me is because of Twilight.”

“You finally starting to believe her?”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “You misunderstand me. I still believe you to be a master manipulator.”

“Then why…?”

“Because if anything were to happen to you, Twilight… she… she’d never recover.”

Arc turns to face Celestia again. “I think she’d find a way. After all, she’s a lot stronger than you think.”

“Perhaps. But I’d rather not see her upset.”

“You care about her, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Same as me.”

Celestia frowns. “No. Very… VERY differently!”

Stepping forward slowly, Celestia stops only a foot or so from Arc. Looking into his eyes for a moment before continuing.

“Twilight trusts you. I do not. However, I am willing to give you the chance she asked for. But there is one thing I need to say to you here and now.”

“Oh?”

“You’ll be watched VERY closely from now on. If I find that you’ve done ANYTHING to one of my little ponies… that you’ve coerced them to do certain things for you… that you’ve harmed in ANY WAY even ONE of them…”

Celestia narrows her eyes and slowly walks forward as she speaks.

“…there is no corner of this land you can find refuge. There is no mountain tall enough, nor valley low enough to hide you from me. No distance is too great nor any transdimensional barrier too hard to crack. Laws and statutes will not save you from my wrath, nor will your weapons and armor. If you betray what little trust I have in you I will HUNT… YOU… DOWN!!!”

Celestia’s nose presses into Arc’s as she speaks the last word. Stepping back, she looks to him evenly.

“That is all I wanted to say. Any questions?”

Arc shakes his head soberly. “No. Just a statement.”

“And what is that?”

“It’s in regards to what you said about… hurting anyone.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “I’m sure you understood what I meant.”

“That I did. You have my word that I have not in the past forced anyone to do anything they don’t want to do. Save for potentially the troops under my command, that is.”

“Understood.”

They look at each other silently for a long moment. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“I need to get moving. So if you’re going to follow me…”

Celestia nods and steps forward. “This way.”

Leaving the castle, Celestia leads Arc down the heavily manicured cobblestone paths. Rounding a corner he spots someone in the dim sunset lighting standing silently under an apple tree waiting patiently. However as Arc approaches he sees whom his date really is and stops dead in his tracks.

Chapter 4 - It Starts...

Arc looks at the figure before him for a long moment. Eventually Celestia steps forward and clears her throat loudly.

“Ahem!”

Arc jumps slightly at the sound of her voice. “Huh?”

“Is something wrong?”

“I… I don’t…”

“Come now. You should greet your date.”

Arc takes a deep breath. Looking at them in the dim light for a few moments he eventually finds his voice.

“A-Applejack? Is… is that really you?!”

Nodding, she steps forward silently. Leaving the shadows cast by the tree’s massive frame, Applejack steps out onto the path. As the weak light from the setting sun hits her, it confirms what Arc thought. Applejack, now a young human woman, stands before him on two legs nervously.

“G-good evening, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia nods cordially. “And good evening to you too, my dear. I’m glad to see you holding up.”

Arc frowns. “Holding…?”

“The air is a bit cool this evening.”

Applejack nods. “I’m fine.”

She turns to Arc for a moment before looking away nervously.

“Do… do I look okay?”

“Y-yeah. Great actually.”

Celestia clears her throat as she steps between the pair. “Now then, I’ve taken the liberty of organizing something very special for you two tonight.”

Applejack appears surprised. “You… you have?”

“Oh yes. After all, I want this to be a proper test.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What did you have in mind?”

“For you two to have absolute freedom of movement in a very… special environment.”

Applejack speaks up. “I don’t understand, your highness. You said you planned something, but that we’re supposed to just do whatever.”

Arc nods skeptically. “Yeah. Which is it?”

Celestia smiles warmly. “Both, actually. But before we do anything else I need to go over the ground rules.”

Applejack tilts her head to one side, confused. “There are rules?”

“Of course, my dear. This is an experiment, after all.”

Arc groans. “Fine. What are they?”

“First of all, both of you are free to do whatever comes naturally.

She turns to Arc and frowns before continuing.

“During this experiment literally anything goes. Assuming you have consent, of course.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You apparently have a very low opinion of me.”

“Second… you may have as long or short a date as you wish.”

Applejack grins. “No time limit. Got it.”

“Third… the experiment is over when you return here.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean Canterlot Castle?”

“I mean exactly what I said I meant. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

Applejack appears confused. “That’s pretty specific.”

Arc frowns. “Agreed. What exactly are you up to?”

Celestia waves a hoof dismissively before looking to Arc. “All will be understood in due time. But first I need your help.”

“My help?”

Celestia smiles. “Well, both of you actually.”

Applejack grimaces. “With what?”

“A very special spell.”

Arc sighs. “What do we have to do?”

“First, both of you close your eyes.”

Applejack shrugs. “Well… alright.”

She does so as Arc frowns. Celestia rolls her eyes.

“I said both of you.”

“Remember our earlier conversation?”

“Yes. And you have my word that you will not be harmed.”

Applejack opens one eye and looks to him. “I know you’re a bit skittish about this, Arc. So… how about I take your hand?”

“Well… okay.”

Reaching out, Arc carefully takes Applejack’s hand in his as he closes his eyes. Celestia’s horn glows brightly, eventually filling the entire garden with light brighter than day. A loud ‘pop’ is heard before everything is suddenly silent for a few moments. The sound of birdsong fills the air as a warm breeze washes over Arc’s face. Opening his eyes he looks around for a few moments before gasping.

“What the…?! Applejack!”

She opens her eyes and looks around, dumbfounded.

“Where… are we?”

“This is… this is my house back on Earth!”

“What?! But… but how?!”

“I have no idea! Sunburst dismantled the S.P.E.A.R. a long time ago! This shouldn’t be possible!”

Applejack looks around nervously. “Does that mean there’s no way home for us?!”

Arc shakes his head as he reaches for his ring. “Not to worry. I have a way home thanks to Cherry’s pendant.”

Pulling out the Rainbow of Light, he holds it up and looks to Applejack.

“I’ll have us back to Equestria before you can say…”

Applejack gasps. “WAIT!!!”

“What is it?”

“That thing’ll take us back to the castle, right?!”

“Back to Equestria at least. Why?”

“Don’t you get it?! That’ll end the date!”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Celestia. Very clever of her. We go back now and the date will be over.”

“You think she was trying to get you to do just that?”

“Maybe. But I don’t think Twilight would have been satisfied with a test that short.”

Applejack chuckles nervously. “Yeah. Not enough data.”

Arc turns to Applejack and sighs. “I know this must be a lot to take in all at once. So if you want to head back home and forget this whole thing…”

Applejack interrupts him. “Nah. Let’s just go with it.”

“Go with what?”

“I said I’d go out with you. So let’s go out.”

“Okay. What do you want to do?”

“Anything you’d like.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… not sure exactly what you’d enjoy here on Earth.”

“How about a walk?”

“A walk?”

Applejack grins. “Sure. I’d love to see the countryside of another world.”

“How about a drive in the country then?”

“What’s a… ‘drive’?”

“I’ll show you.”

Taking Applejack’s arm, he leads her toward the garage door. Pulling his keys from the magic ring Arc pushes a button. The door slowly begins to open revealing the Jeep. Applejack gasps.

“So this is the steel wagon Dinky was telling us about!”

“I guess you could call it that. It’s known as a Jeep though.”

“And we can go see things in this, right?!”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

Walking Applejack over to the passenger side, he opens the door for her. After helping her in and buckling the young woman in (safety first) Arc heads for the driver’s seat. Starting the vehicle he pulls out of the driveway slowly. Applejack grins as they turn onto the road.

“This is amazing!”

“It’ll take some time to get to the country. Even though we’re on the edge of town it’s a lot bigger than Ponyville.”

“I got all day, Arc!”

Driving, they soon leave the pavement. The buildings behind them give way to fields of wildflowers and pastures. Applejack’s face is glued to the windows as they continue along.

“These pastures are just so… so BIG!”

“Everything on Earth is bigger than what you’re used to. Trees, crops, buildings…”

“Ponies!”

Arc nods. “Yes, them too I suppose.”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, no! PONIES!!!”

She points a finger to a barn some distance back from the road. A fenced in area holds numerous horses. Spotting the Jeep, they start galloping along the fence next to the road. Applejack watches intently.

“So fast!”

“Longer legs and stronger muscles will do that.”

“Is that their top speed?!”

Arc grins. “Nah, they can go a lot faster. And so can we.”

Pressing his foot down, the vehicle accelerates. The horses do the same and keep pace. Applejack laughs heartily as she calls out to them.

“YEE HAW! “

Arc chuckles as the horses slow as they approach the fence at the edge of the property line and stop. Applejack grabs his arm.

“Can we go back and do that again?!”

“Sure, if you want to. But we’re actually on the way to a very special place.”

“Oh? Where?”

“An apple orchard.”

Applejack gasps happily. “Like we have back home?”

“Not exactly. You still interested?”

“Sure!”

She turns around and yells at the horses in the distance.

“See you fellas later!”

They continue driving for some time. Eventually Arc points.

“There it is.”

Applejack’s eyes light up as they turn off the main road and down a dirt path. Rows and rows of apple trees stand there silently as Arc pulls up to an old driveway and parks off to one side. Opening their doors the smells of the old orchard fill their nostrils. Arc motions with a wave of his hand as he turns to Applejack.

“I give you… an apple orchard.”

Applejack grins as she walks toward a tree and looks up. “It’s HUGE!”

Her foot hits a soft spot in the dirt and sinks. Unprepared, Applejack falls to the ground as Arc hurries over to her.

“Applejack! You okay?!”

Applejack nods as Arc helps her up. “Y-yeah, I’m fine.”

Frowning, she lifts her dress a bit to expose a pair of high heel shoes.

“Darn human hooves.”

“They’re called feet. And it’s the shoes that did it.”

“It’s like walking on pegs!”

Arc frowns. “Why’d Celestia give you those things?! You’re not used to walking on your hind legs, much less with things like that!”

Applejack shrugs. “No idea. But I didn’t want to question her.”

Gasping, Applejack suddenly starts looking all around her. Arc appears confused.

“You drop something?”

“I didn’t get this dress dirty, did I?!”

“Doesn’t look like it, no.”

“Are you sure?! Look around the back for me, will you?!”

Stepping around her, Arc looks at the back of Applejack’s dress for a few moments before turning to her.

“All good back here.”

Applejack breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! This dress looks REALLY expensive, and all. I don’t want to bring it back to the princess in anything other than perfect condition!”

Arc sighs as he watches Applejack carefully step back onto the driveway. I wish you had some better footwear.

“At least something without the pegs would be nice.”

As she takes another step, Applejack suddenly yelps as her eyes grow wide. Turning, she falls against the hood of the Jeep. Arc steps forward and takes her arm to help steady her.

“What happened?!”

Applejack gasps. “I… I dunno. Think maybe I stepped in something again.”

Lifting her dress slightly, she frowns.

“What the…?”

“Something wrong, Applejack?”

“Take a look!”

Bending down, Arc looks at her feet.

“That’s… strange.”

“What is it?”

“Your heels are gone.”

“Say what?”

“I mean you have on regular dress slippers now.”

Applejack gasps. “How… did you do that?”

“Wasn’t me.”

Applejack takes a few steps. “That’s a lot easier to walk on.”

“At least it worked out.”

“Yeah. Say, is it okay for us to be here?”

“At the orchard?”

Applejack nods. “Right. We didn’t go up to the house and say ‘hi’ or nothing.”

“There’s no one there.”

“Oh? Off at work?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. You see, that mansion up the road has been empty for quite some time. The last surviving member of their family died a number of years ago.”

Applejack looks suddenly nervous. “Of what?!”

“Natural causes. She was eighty-nine, after all.”

“Oh… okay. So she’d be okay with us being here?”

“Sure. It was kinda a thing when I was a kid. At harvest time she would invite everyone from town to come and harvest whatever they wanted. Free of charge.”

“Nopony to pick em?”

“I heard that she used to hire laborers in the past. But that was decades ago.”

Reaching out a hand, Arc pulls an apple from the tree to himself with his magic. Holding it out to Applejack he smiles.

“Wanna try one?”

“Sure!”

Accepting the fruit, she takes a big bite. Chewing it, she swallows and looks at the apple.

“Kinda tart.”

Arc chuckles. “They’re usually used to make pies. I’ve always liked their tart flavor though as-is. You?”

“Actually, yeah. It’s definitely different from what we grow back home though.”

“They’re a lot sweeter.”

“I’m told that’s why they named it ‘Sweet Apple Acres’. Always thought that was kinda weird though.”

Chuckling, she holds up her apple and grins.

“After all, whoever heard of an apple the wasn’t sweet?”

“Yes, well… we do have sweet apples here on Earth. But nothing quite like yours from what I’ve tasted.”

Applejack looks around. “Do they have any other kinds here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. All the trees here are the same species.”

“Could we try another orchard?”

“This is the only one in the area.”

“Darn!”

“But if you really want to, we could head to the grocery store. They have a bunch of different kinds of apples. Well, all kinds of different foods.”

“That does sound nice. But aren’t we supposed to be on a date.”

“I suppose so. However Celestia did say we could do whatever we wanted without a time limit.”

“Well, I’m sure there has to be somewhere else you’d rather go than shopping.”

“Nah. If you’re that interested in apples, I’ll buy you one of every kind they have.”

“Alright then. But only if you’re sure.”

Nodding, Arc leads Applejack back to the Jeep. Buckling up, he turns to her.

“Hey, um…”

“Something wrong, Arc?”

“Kinda. Sorry, but would you mind if we made a bit of a detour?”

“Sure. I just want to see whatever it is you want to show me.”

Arc sighs as he puts the Jeep in reverse. “Yeah…”

Chapter 5 - Facing Reality

They drive on in silence for a time. Applejack marvels at the sights all around her. Pointing, she calls out.

“Look at that barn, Arc!”

“I see it.”

Applejack turns to look at him as she speaks. “It looks even better than…!”

Stopping, she notices his frown.

“Arc? Did I… did I say something wrong?”

Pulling over, Arc parks the Jeep and sighs heavily.

“I… I really messed up.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Um… say what not?”

“I shouldn’t have left.”

“Left Equestria?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Earth.”

“What do you mean?”

“When we came back the last time, I… I was told… it would be our last Christmas together.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Shelly. My friend. She… she’s very sick.”

“Then why don’t we go see her?”

“That’s just it! The doctors told her she had less than a year to live!”

“So… you’re worried that she might be…?”

Arc interrupts Applejack before she can speak the word. “Yeah.”

He leans back in the seat and looks up at the ceiling.

“I should have been here for her.”

“Why not come back sooner then?”

“When we got back to Canterlot with Celestia the country needed me to lead it. Then there was the whole memory loss thing which had me wandering the country with Scootaloo for months on end. And even when I got it back I was busy with trying to overthrow Celestia and Decimus.”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “So you chose to be there for Equestria over your friend?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I always intended to come back and see her, but… but there was always something to do.”

Applejack sighs. “I… know how you feel.”

“You… you do?”

“Granny Smith. She… isn’t getting any better.”

“She’s sick?”

Applejack nods sadly. “Has been for a long time. “

“I… I’m sorry, Applejack.”

“Nopony but me and Big Mac know this, but… her dementia is getting worse.”

“When did you find out?”

“A few weeks before Ponyville was destroyed.”

“But… but you’ve been helping lead the country since Twilight took the throne!”

“That I have.”

“Wouldn’t you rather be with you grandmother?!”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. But my friends and country needed me. Just like you.”

“The others could have…!”

“Yes, they could have. But somepony else could have led in your place too.”

She puts a hand on his shoulder before continuing.

“Arc… I’m going to tell you something Granny Smith said when she learned the others were going to Canterlot to help Twilight and I told her I was thinking of staying with her instead.”

“Oh?”

“She told me to go with the others. And when I hesitated she said not to worry about her.”

Arc smirks. “Sounds like something Shelly would have said.”

“Then she told me something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”

“What was it?”

Applejack smiles as she looks to Arc. “She said… ‘I’ll go to the great farm in the sky when I die, my dear. Your parents and I will be there waiting for you and your siblings when your time comes.’”

Closing her eyes, Applejack smiles before speaking again.

“We’ll be together again someday. It might take a while, of course. But she insisted that I had things to do that needed to be done.”

“Like me.”

“Yeah.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Applejack breaks it.

“Granny Smith, she… doesn’t have all the time in the world like we young’uns do. Her words, not mine. But I know she’s proud of me for all I’ve done. Managing the farm when I grew up. Helping raise Apple Bloom. Becoming an Element Bearer. Helping lead the nation. And… falling in love with you.”

“She knows?”

“I didn’t tell her though. She just kinda noticed I was a bit… different when the subject of you came up.”

“And how does she feel about the whole herd idea?”

“Happy, actually.”

“Really?”

“I was surprised too. So I asked her to explain her feelings on the matter.”

“What did she say?”

“That you’d take especially good care of me and Apple Bloom. And she would be happy there’d be somepony looking after me when she’s gone.”

She looks him in the eye before continuing.

“I never met Shelly. But if she’s anything like you described her… she felt the same about you, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Y-yeah. Thanks, Applejack.”

“Remember… you’re not alone in this.”

“I suppose not.”

Applejack turns to looks forward again. “So… let’s go find out. One way or the other.”

Arc takes a deep breath. “Okay. I… I need to do this.”

Putting the vehicle into drive, Arc steps on the gas and continues on. As they re-enter town they head for Shelly’s Kitchen. Pulling into the lot Applejack sees that the restaurant is empty and dark.

“Little early to be closed, isn’t it?”

Arc shakes his head as they park. “They close at two. It gives them time to clean and prepare for tomorrow.”

Getting out of the Jeep, he turns to Applejack as she joins him in front of the hood.

“Um… would you do me a favor?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Don’t mention the whole herd thing to them.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “They don’t know about it?”

“No. Things like that aren’t culturally acceptable here on Earth.”

“They’re not okay back in Equestria either, so I get where you’re coming from.”

“They know Rarity and I are an item, but not about my relationship with you and the others.”

“I’ll keep it to myself then.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about this.”

Applejack chuckles. “It’s fine, sugarcube. If you don’t say anything, neither will I.”

Arc tries the front door, but finds it locked. Looking through the glass he spots Lily sitting in a booth going over the day’s receipts. Knocking lightly he waves to her as she looks up. Grinning, the young woman runs over to the door and unlocks it.

“Arc! Welcome back!”

They embrace as Applejack smiles approvingly. Eventually Lily steps back and takes Arc’s hands.

“It’s so good to see you again!”

“You too, Lily.”

He motions for Applejack to approach. Lily smiles at her as she does so.

“Lily, this is another one of my friends from Ponyville. Her name’s… uh…”

Applejack extends a hand. “Applejack.”

“Pleased to meet you… miss.”

“It’s a… nickname.”

Lily nods. “Then we’ll go with that.”

Arc smiles nervously. “She and I are… visiting.”

“That’s nice. Everything okay though?”

“Y-yeah. Mostly, I mean.”

Lily takes Arc’s hand and turns back to the building.

“Let’s go inside. There’s someone else whom I’m sure is dying to see you again, Arc.”

They enter the dining room and head over to the kitchen. Passing through the double doors they spot a young man at a counter emptying a dishwasher. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Frank?”

Turning, Frank smiles and walks over to them.

“Arc! Good to see you again, my friend!”

“Likewise, Frank.”

Lily motions to Applejack. “Arc’s brought a friend with him again!”

Frank looks Applejack over. “Forgive me, miss. Have we met before?”

“You don’t remember? It’s me, Applejack. From Ponyville?”

Frank looks to Arc. He puts an index finger to his lips soberly as Frank extends his hand to the young woman.

“Yes, now I remember you. Please forgive my lapse in memory.”

Applejack laughs. “It’s probably the dress. I don’t wear them very often.”

Lily smiles. “You do look very nice in it though. As do you, Arc.”

“What is the occasion, my friend?”

“I just wanted to look my best. I’m taking Applejack out for dinner tonight after I show her our town. But, uh… is there anyone else here, Lily?”

Lily shakes her head. “Nope. Just Frank and I at the moment.”

“We were just finishing with today’s chores while we…”

The back door opens. Snake, Jackal, and Wolf enter carrying numerous bags which they set on the counter.

“We got everything you asked for, boss.”

“Yeah. And it was a lot!”

“Hopefully it’s the right stuff.”

Frank nods approvingly. “I’m sure you three did fine. Is that everything from the van?”

Snake nods. “Yes sir.”

Jackal points a finger toward the door. “Me forget to put it back in garage!”

They large man hurries out the door. However no sooner has he done so as someone else enters. Arc gasps at the sight before him. Shelly slowly walks inside with the aid of a cane as she beams at their guests.

“Well, this is a surprise!”

“Shelly!”

Running over to her, Arc carefully hugs the young woman. She returns the embrace happily.

“It’s been too long!”

Arc smiles widely. “That it has!”

Frank nods. “And he’s brought along a friend.”

Applejack steps forward. “Hey there. Name’s Applejack.”

Shelly extends a hand. “Shelly.”

Arc chimes in quickly. “She’s from Ponyville.”

“Ah! Is Rarity here as well?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nah. Just me.”

“How are things in Ponyville these days?”

Arc chuckles. “Very… peaceful at the moment. But how are YOU, Shelly?”

Shelly smiles as she motions to her cane. “As you can see, doing much better.”

“But how?!”

Lily giggles. “The doctor has her on a new treatment. It appears to be working.”

Shelly nods. “Yes, I feel great. Well, as good as someone like me can feel, that is.”

Frank motions to the stairs. “Why don’t we get you upstairs though, Shelly? You should be resting after walking through the store with my boys.”

“I am a bit tired after all that.”

Applejack appears concerned. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Applejack extends an arm which Shelly takes. Helping the woman toward the door, Lily leads the way upstairs as Frank calls back to his guys.

“Put the perishables away first!”

Wolf groans. “Yes, boss.”

Snake chuckles. “We got this, sir.”

Entering the apartment, Applejack turns to Shelly.

“Which way?”

“Right.”

Arc frowns. “Don’t you need to lie down though?”

“Yes, but I need my medication first.”

Applejack leads Shelly over to a kitchen chair as Frank acquires her pills from a nearby cupboard. Lily fills a glass of water and sets it before her friend as Frank places the pills carefully in her hand. Putting them to her mouth, she picks up the water and takes a long drink. Arc smiles.

“So… tell me, Shelly. How’s your quality of life these days?”

“Much better. I can walk with my cane and even go to the store without needing a nap in the car afterwards.”

Applejack grins. “That’s good to hear.”

Lily turns to him. “So how long are you going to be in town this time, Arc?”

“Just for the day actually.”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. I’m just here to take care of some… personal business.”

Frank chuckles. “Then we won’t inquire further.”

“Thanks.”

Lily looks the woman up and down. “That’s a very nice dress, Applejack.”

Shelly grins. “As is your outfit, Arc.”

Lily looks to the clock. “Would you two like to stay for lunch? It’s going to be a simple one, of course.”

“Well…”

Applejack interrupts him. “We’d love to!”

Arc chuckles. “Guess we’re staying then.”

Frank stands. “How about I make us some sandwiches then?”

Lily turns to Applejack. “Do you have a favorite?”

“Not really. I’m pretty easy in that department.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “No meat though.”

Applejack blushes slightly at her mistake. “Oh! Uh, right! Thanks!”

Shelly smiles. “That’s fine. We can go vegetarian today.”

Frank and Lily make a number of sandwiches as Applejack and Arc talk with Shelly. A short time later they all sit down to their meal together. Lily turns to Arc.

“So how are things in where you’re from, Applejack?”

“Kinda rough at the moment.”

“Oh?”

Arc sighs. “Remember how I told you there was trouble with the nation’s leadership before I left?”

“What about it?”

“Trouble got too close.”

Frank gasps. “What happened?”

“Someone in the military ordered their town burned down.”

“WHAT?!”

Shelly’s eyes grow wide. “But why?!”

Arc sighs. “It was… um…”

Applejack cuts him off. “…politically motivated. The one whom ordered it was trying to get to somep… someone else.”

Lily frowns. “To some folks their citizen’s lives are just not important.”

Frank looks to Arc. “Did the princesses stop them?”

“At the time, no.”

Applejack nods. “Right. Another individual, whom is really high up in the government, saw to it the citizens were relocated until the danger had passed.”

“Fortunately no one was killed. Well, none of the citizens anyways.”

Lily appears relieved. “So is this an ongoing matter?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, it’s been settled.”

Arc shrugs. “More or less, that is.”

Shelly frowns. “Uh oh. Some of the troublemakers still at large?”

Applejack nods. “They’re still out there, yes.”

Arc clenches a fist under the table. “Yup. But their days are numbered.”

Frank clears his throat. “Well, I certainly hope Rarity and her little one are doing well.”

Lily smiles. “As are Dawn and Daisy, I hope.”

“My cousin and her daughter are just fine. However, Rarity was hurt during the attack on the town.”

Shelly gasps. “Oh my!”

Frank leans forward. “Is she alright?!”

Arc sighs. “She had a concussion and a lot of bruises.”

Applejack looks to Lily. “But she’s been up and around for a while now.”

“And she’s… okay with you traveling with Applejack here?”

Arc nods. “Completely.”

“Right. Rarity’s actually a good friend of both of ours.”

Arc chuckles. “Not to worry. She approved of this little trip.”

Frank grins slyly. “That’s good, my friend. After all, you know what they say about a woman scorned.”

“Yeah. I wouldn’t do that to her.”

Lily giggles. “Of course not. But you have to admit that it’s a bit… strange seeing you here without her.”

Shelly looks to Applejack. “What is she up to these days?”

“Helping organize the other citizens of Ponyville. They have a lot of things to do before moving back.”

Frank winks at Arc. “Would my Shards be of help to them in such a task?”

Arc shakes his head. “They’re being given a lot of help from the capital. Reconstruction, reparations, and transport back home is top of the list right now.”

Lily grimaces. “Do you think they’re really safe though?”

Applejack nods. “I believe so. After all, the bad fellas lost their advantage and had to withdraw from the region not too long ago.”

Arc grins. “Right. They come back and the military will crush them again.”

Frank chuckles. “It sounds like things truly are on the mend over there.”

Shelly sighs. “That’s a load off our minds.”

Lily grins. “Shelly and I have been beside ourselves with worry ever since you left!”

“Sorry. And I’ll try to come back more often to visit.”

Frank nods soberly. “Please do, my friend.”

They finish their lunch. Arc stands and clears the table as he turns to Lily.

“How about we get these dishes going?”

“In that outfit, Arc?!”

Frank frowns. “She’s right. Let me do that.”

Shelly yawns as she slowly stands.

“I think I need a bit of an after lunch nap myself.”

Arc turns to her. “Shall I help you to bed?”

“Please do.”

Taking her hand, Arc leads his friend to her bedroom and helps her lie down. Removing her shoes, he pulls the blanket up over her and smiles.

“How’s that?”

Shelly smiles sleepily. “Very nice. Thank you for coming to see us.”

“And thank you for lunch.”

“Come back with the others next time though.”

Arc grins. “I will.”

Leaning down, he gently kisses Shelly’s forehead before quietly leaving the room.

Chapter 6 - Grocery Run

Driving down the road together Arc grins as Applejack turns to him.

“That was fun!”

“I’m just glad Shelly’s okay.”

Applejack appears confused. “She looked fine to me. Was that not the case?”

“The problem is inside her.”

“What is it? I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

Arc sighs. “Some weird disease without a name. To make a long story short, her organs are slowly shutting down.”

“Sounds terrible!”

“It is.”

“She’s really brave though.”

“It’s been a problem for her since we were kids, so she’s been dealing with things like this for a while now.”

He frowns before continuing.

“I just wish there was something more I could do for her.”

“Looks like your friendship is keeping those two going.”

“Oh?”

“Didn’t you notice just how happy they were to see you. Frank too.”

“It has been a while.”

Applejack puts a hand on his shoulder. “Look Arc… I know we’re just here for a day, but you need to come see them more often.”

“No arguments there. Hopefully after we deal with the mess back in Equestria, Twilight, Luna, and Celestia can take over things in Canterlot.”

“Then what?”

“I’m done.”

“Done?”

“Retired, I mean.”

“The nation still needs a Hero of Light though.”

Arc shrugs. “Then let someone else volunteer.”

“Like who?”

“No idea. But the land was safe for years after the previous Heroes of Light disappeared. No reason it wouldn’t be again after the danger has past.”

“And if something were to come up? What then?”

“Like something too big for the princesses to handle?”

“Right.”

“Then I’ll come and lend a hand. I mean, it’s not like I’m leaving Equestria, or anything.”

“That’s a relief.”

Arc chuckles. “Not to worry. I won’t let the land fall apart. But it’d have to be quite the problem if all four princesses can’t deal with it.”

“I suppose. Sorry.”

“What for?”

“It just hit me that I’m sounding like a nag.”

“I don’t think you are.”

“That’s a relief. By the way… where are we going?”

“Do you still want to go to the supermarket and get some apples?”

“Sure!”

“Then we should probably head back to my house first.”

“Oh?”

“I kinda want to change out of this getup first.”

“Mind if I take this dress off too?”

“Sure. You could probably fit into some of Derpy’s clothes.”

“Sounds like a plan!”

Arriving back at his house, Arc helps Applejack out of the Jeep and up the back steps. Unlocking the door they walk inside. She looks around happily.

“So this is where it all happens?”

Arc nods as he closes the door. “Yup. It’s not much, but it’s mine.”

Applejack giggles. “Well, you’ve seen my family’s place, so I’m certainly fine with your house, Arc.”

“Let me show you up to Derpy’s room.”

Heading upstairs, Arc leads Applejack down the hall to the Guest Room. Entering, he opens the closet and turns to her.

“Derpy has a number of different outfits to choose from here. The only problem is that everything here are mostly dresses.”

“That’s okay. After all, I just want to take this one off so that I don’t damage it. “

“If you want something different Ember’s closet might be a better choice then.”

“Oh?”

“She wears a lot of jeans and t-shirts.”

“I… don’t know what those are.”

Arc chuckles. “Silly me. Well, let me just show you then.”

Walking next door they enter Arc’s old room. Opening the closet Arc points at a pair of pants hanging up neatly.

“These are called ‘jeans’. They’re a bit rougher than most fabrics, being made from cotton. But they’re durable and easily washed.”

“Then I think I’ll go with that. No worrying about messing them up.”

“Okay. I’ll let you get to it then.”

Leaving the room, Arc closes the door behind him and heads to his parent’s room. Walking over to the closet he picks out a less formal outfit and gets changed. Finishing his task, he steps back out into the hallway and sits down on the steps to wait. A short time later Applejack emerges from the room wearing a pair of blue jeans along with a t-shirt.

“I hope this looks okay.”

“Just fine.”

“Anything else I need before we go?”

“Just one.”

“Oh?”

“Shoes.”

Looking down at her feet, Applejack smiles as her face turns red.

“I... thought something was missing.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… let’s get you something from Ember’s closet.”

A few minutes later they descend the stairs together. Going outside the pair climb back into the Jeep. As he pulls out of the driveway Applejack turns to him.

“So… um… I’ve heard that humans talk different than ponies do.”

“A bit, yes.”

“Can you give me some pointers?”

“Oh?”

“I just don’t want to mess up.”

“It’s not too hard. Let me give you some examples.”

Giving Applejack a crash course on human syntax as they drive, Arc explains the difference between the two world’s terminology. As they arrive at the store Applejack gasps.

“THIS is a store for just GROCERIES?!”

Arc nods as he unbuckles. “Yup.”

Applejack grins as she gets out of the Jeep. “Oh, this I have GOT to see!”

Arc walks Applejack into the store. She looks around, her mouth agape.

“There’s just so much here!”

“That there is.”

“Somepony could get…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Someone, you mean?”

“Right. Sorry.”

“No worries. But how about we see some apples, huh?”

“Sure. You lead and I’ll follow.”

“Okay. Just let me get a cart first.”

“A what?”

“These here.”

Walking over to the corral, Arc grabs a metal shopping cart. Applejack looks confused.

“A literal cart?”

“One that we can push around the store to make carrying things easier.”

“That sounds like a dandy of an idea somep… someone had.”

“I’d say so, yes. Now then, on to the produce.”

Walking with the cart toward the apple stand, Applejack’s eyes grow wide at the displays.

“Woah! That’s a LOT!”

“We have quite a few different varieties here. Let’s see…”

Picking up an apple he looks to her before speaking.

“This is known as an ‘Empire’ apple. It’s mostly sweet but with a bit of tartness mixed in for good measure. These can be eaten as-is.”

Turning to another apple, he points.

“Here we have a ‘Fuji’ apple. It’s a harder apple, but sweet. Over here we have ‘Golden Delicious’. It’s more tart than sweet. You can eat these raw or use them in cooking.”

Chuckling, he turns to another display.

“You’ll like this. Here’s a ‘Granny Smith’.”

Applejack chuckles. “Very funny, Arc.”

“Honestly, that’s what they’re called.”

“Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. These are pretty tart compared to the others kinds. My mother used to make apple pies with them sometimes.”

Applejack grins. “Just like granny does.”

“It’s a different flavor from her pies though.”

“Which one is your favorite?”

“That would be ‘Red Delicious’. I remember eating quite a few of these at the orphanage growing up. A lot of the kids didn’t like these, but I have some fond memories of them.”

“Memories?”

Arc sighs and nods. “Some of my earliest memories are of my mother giving me a bowl of cubed Red Delicious apples and a glass of ice water.”

“Strange combination.”

“I loved the flavor, but even more so when it was chased with a mouthful of cold water.”

Applejack puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “Never really thought to try that before.”

Arc grins as he grabs a bag of Red Delicious. “Well, we can try it together.”

“I’d like that.”

“Any other kinds you like to try?”

“Whichever ones you want to.”

“Alright. Then we’ll take them all.”

Applejack gasps. “All?!”

“Well, a bag of each kind anyways.”

“Oh… that makes more sense. I thought you meant you were going to buy literally all of them.”

Arc laughs. “Figure of speech.”

Sometime later they leave the produce section and continue on their way. Applejack looks all around as they walk.

“So many different types of food here!”

“Variety is the spice of life, Applejack.”

“Come again?”

“It means we like change in our diets.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Well… I noticed early on that Equestrians don’t have nearly the same diversity in their diets. The citizens of Ponyville eat a lot of apples since they’re so cheap, of course. “

Applejack laughs. “Well, Sweet Apple Acres being so close might have something to do with that.”

“True. But the rest of your diets consist almost entirely of fruits and vegetables.”

“Something wrong with that?”

“Not at all. It’s because ponies are herbivores.”

Applejack shrugs. “We are what we are though.”

“True. But that kinda limits the number of dishes you can make. A lot of the produce here doesn’t exist there, after all.”

Applejack grins. “Judging from the size of those display bins, I have to agree.”

She looks around and lowers her voice before continuing.

“You know, we could change that.”

“Oh?”

“How about we bring some seeds back with us?”

“We should probably run that by someone there first.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you could do anything you wanted?”

“I can. But I’m not too keen on transferring plants from one world to another.”

“What’s the harm in that?”

“For example, there’ve been times when someone brought fish to a lake near them in an attempt to seed that body of water.”

“What for?”

“So they could go fishing for them. The problem with that is they don’t think about the bigger picture.”

“Oh?”

“You put a fish where it doesn’t belong and it could throw off the entire food chain.”

“And you think that could happen with plants too?”

“Maybe. Look, I do think it’s a good idea you had there. But at the same time we need to run it by someone to make sure that’s okay.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. But who?”

“Sunburst, to start with. He could probably direct us to the right individual if that isn’t him.”

“Sounds like a plan. With any luck we could…”

She stops talking suddenly and looks away. Arc appears confused.

“Is… something wrong?”

Applejack silently gestures to a nearby case. Arc turns to it and looks inside.

“Oh… that’s the meat counter.”

“Where they sell… animal meat?”

“By the pound, yes.”

Applejack shudders. “That’s one part of humanity I’m having a hard time coming to terms with.”

“Well, there’s no rule that says you have to eat meat. Here we have fruits and vegetables that can give us balanced diets.”

“Good. Um… I’d rather look into that at the moment.”

“It’s fine with me.”

“Thanks. Mind you, I’m not actually against YOU eating animal flesh. It’s just not something I want to do personally.”

“I can respect that.”

“It’s appreciated.”

Walking the isles, Arc points out the bakery.

“This should be somewhat familiar.”

“A mini Sugar Cube Corner right before my eyes!”

Arc chuckles. “That it is. But admittedly not as good.”

“Why not?”

“Probably because they’re just trying to make things as cheaply as possible. Pinkie and the Cakes do it as a labor of love with only the finest ingredients.”

“Quality always wins out in the end.”

Arc sighs. “Not here.”

“Oh?”

“Often times the lower price point is what people are looking for. Granted there will always be those whom want something better. But not everyone can afford it.”

“That’s a shame. I suppose we all do what we have to do in order to make ends meet though.”

“Right.”

Heading for the checkout lanes, Arc pays for their groceries and the pair return to the Jeep. Loading up, Applejack grins.

“Thanks for the lessons in there, Arc.”

“No problem. Admittedly being a human is a bit more complicated than being a pony.”

“It sure looks like it. Different words, different foods, different coverings.”

Arc smiles as they get into the vehicle. “I really like the simplicity of Equestria though.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. It’s a really wholesome place, after all.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Less so with Decimus and his allies running around though.”

“I guess so. But when they’re gone things will get better again.”

“Sure hope so. But one never really knows.”

Arc nods as he pulls out of the parking lot. “All we can do is try though.”

Returning to the house, they grab the bags of groceries and head inside. Entering through the back door they put the provisions on the table and unpack them. Applejack looks over the bags of apples hungrily.

“I can’t wait to try these!”

Arc chuckles as he pulls a knife from a nearby drawer. “You and me both.”

Sitting down across from one another, Arc opens the bags one at a time. Cutting into the fresh produce, he shares apple slices with the young woman across from him. Grinning, Applejack licks her fingers as she eats the last piece.

“That was pretty good!”

“Which one did you like the most?”

“The Fujis. I like my apples plenty sweet.”

Arc chuckles. “And I like them kinda tart.”

Applejack giggles. “Well, we can’t agree on everything.”

“I suppose not. But that’s okay.”

“Yeah.”

Arc looks up at the clock before turning back to Applejack.

“It’s getting close to dinnertime. You want to go out?”

“Where though?”

“I have an idea if you’re up for a bit of a drive.”

Applejack nods as she stands. “Sure. Just let me put my dress back on first.”

“You don’t have to.”

“But I do want to look my best for you.”

“Do you like wearing it?”

Applejack sighs. “Um… not really, no. It’s kinda uncomfortable in... certain places. Probably because there wasn’t time for a proper fitting session.”

“Then why don’t we just go in something else?”

“That doesn’t sound very romantic to me.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m fine with it. After all, it’s hard to have a good time when uncomfortable.”

“Well… if you’re sure it’s okay.”

Positive.”

“But what if Princess Celestia finds out?!”

“We can put our good clothes back on before we head back to Equestria. Then she’d never know.”

Applejack frowns. “I don’t really like the idea of pulling the wool over her eyes though.”

“Think about it this way. The rules of this date didn’t actually say you HAD to wear that dress… did they?”

“No. No, I guess not.”

“There you go. We’re free to wear whatever tonight.”

Applejack stands up happily. “Then let’s get a move on, sugarcube!”

Chapter 7 - The Date

Arc sits on the couch in a nice button down shirt and khakis. Applejack walks downstairs in very much the same. Standing before him, she puts her hands on her hips and smiles nervously.

“How’s this?”

Arc nods approvingly as he stands up. “You look pretty good in that.”

Applejack grins. “Really?!”

“Would I lie to you?”

Applejack chuckles. “It probably wouldn’t work too well, I suppose. Element of Honesty, and all.”

“Ready to get moving?”

“Sure. Uh… where are we going though?”

Arc chuckles as stands. “I know a place a ways away with really good food. That is, if you don’t mind a bit of a drive.”

“That’d be fine. It’ll give me more time to work up an appetite.”

Arc grabs his keys. “Then let’s get going.”

The pair head out the door and get in the Jeep. As Arc turns down the road he speaks.

“I think you’ll like where we’re going. It’s a pizza place run by an old friend of my family.”

“Roberto’s?”

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

“Scootaloo told us about it. Said you took Hammer’s sister there to get her to help you.”

“Yeah. Um… did she tell you the rest of that story?”

“You mean the blackmail part?”

Arc sighs. “It sounds bad, I know. But…”

Applejack interrupts him. “I understand what you were trying to do then, Arc. While yes it does sound a bit… sketchy, especially when you forced her to go places with you, I’m sure you gave the matter a lot of thought before implementing that course of action.”

Arc sighs.” Not really.”

“Huh?”

“In truth, it was just the first thing that popped into my head. You know I didn’t hurt her or force her into any really bad situations, though.”

“Yeah, well… things like that just don’t sit the best with me. But Hammer’s safe with us now and everything turned out okay, I suppose.”

“She was actually just fine with what I did too. That actually came as a bit of a surprise to me.”

“Hammer’s really dedicated to you, yes. But I think that might not be the best thing.”

“What do you mean?”

“That her level of loyalty may be clouding her judgement.”

Arc nods. “I suppose she does have some tunnel vision issues.”

“Agreed. But let me put it this way, Arc. Let’s say you were trying to help me and decided to coerce Apple Bloom into assisting you with your plans. While I’d be glad that you were trying to help me, I’d also be pretty upset about you making her do something against her will.”

Arc sighs. “You’re right. What I did wasn’t exactly something the Hero of Light should be doing.”

Applejack puts a hand on his arm. “Look, all I’m saying is that you really shouldn’t do things like that in the future. It’s a really slippery slope, after all. A little deception here, a lie there and before you know it the situation’s gotten out of hoof… hand.”

“I’ll do my best to avoid things like that from now on.”

Applejack smiles. That’s all I ask.

Sometime later they arrive at Roberto’s Pizza. Entering, Arc leads Applejack up to the counter where a hostess greets them.

“Welcome. Table for two?”

“Actually I have the private dining room reserved.”

“Alright. Right this way please.”

Escorting the pair to the room, she opens the door for them and steps aside.

“Everything is ready. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make you’re dining experience more enjoyable.”

“Thanks.”

They enter and close the door behind them. Arc leads Applejack over to the table and pulls out her chair.

“Here we are. Dinner for two.”

Applejack smiles nervously as she sits down. “Th-thank you.”

Pouring her a glass of water, Arc uses his magic to levitate a large pizza pan over to them. Applejack looks to him, concerned.

“Um… there ain’t any animal flesh on here, is there?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Just dough, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce. I hope that’s okay.”

Applejack appears relieved. “That sounds just fine.”

“Can I serve you one slice or two?”

“Just one please.”

Using the spatula, Arc puts a single large slice on her plate before doing the same for himself. As he sits down he returns the pan to the warming tray with a spell before picking up a salad bowl nearby.

“Salad?”

Applejack nods. “Sure.”

Serving them both, he sets the bowl down as Applejack reaches for her fork. She looks the pizza over carefully.

“Not really sure how to go about this.”

“Oh?”

“How do humans eat pizza? Do we have to cut it up first?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you just pick it up. Like this.”

Doing so, Arc blows on it for a few moments before taking a small bite.

“Just have to be a bit careful not to burn the roof of your mouth.”

“So… I just kinda… put my ho… hand under it?”

“Yes. Just be sure to support it with your fingers spread out or it’ll droop.”

Nodding, Applejack picks up her pizza. Carefully looking it over for a few moments, she takes a small bite. Smiling, she takes a few more and chews quickly before speaking.

“It’s great!”

Arc chuckles. “Better than the kind I made?”

“Well… yeah. Sorry, just being honest.”

“I agree. Roberto’s been making pizza his whole life though and has a perfected recipe to work from.”

Applejack smiles anxiously. “Not to say your pizza back home wasn’t good, Arc. It’s just… different.”

“Maybe someday I’ll get around to tweaking it properly.”

“Another thing to add to the retirement bucket list?”

Arc laughs. “Yup!”

“Think I could help?”

“Sure. The more the merrier.”

“I’ll probably be doing most of the cooking for the herd. After all, the others aren’t much for such things.”

“While I’m not a master chef I do know my way around the kitchen too. So you and I will probably be spending a lot of time in there together.”

“I’d like that, I think. Well… when you’re not off fighting for Equestria, I mean.”

“Hopefully that’s more or less behind us. I really don’t like having to do that sort of thing.”

“Me either. After all, it’s dangerous!”

“No arguments there. That and I’d much rather be with you and the others raising Dinky, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.”

Applejack giggles. “That wouldn’t be as exciting though.”

Arc shrugs. “True. But it would be just as rewarding.”

“So you’re really planning to go through with the whole retirement thing?”

“I am, yes.”

“Can I ask why?”

“Because I want to be a full time father and husband.”

“But don’t you like the excitement and thrills of your job?”

“I suppose so. However it’s not fair for me to marry all of you while still travelling the world as the Hero of Light.”

“How so?”

“Think about it. I barely have time for you and the others as it stands. How much less would I be able to give as a husband to so many mares?”

“We just don’t want to hold you back from that lifestyle if that’s what you enjoy though.”

“Thanks, but my mind’s made up on this.”

Applejack smiles. “That’s… really encouraging.”

“It is?”

“You’re willing to give up so much power and influence to be there for the others and I.”

“I want to settle down and raise a family. And I can’t do that running all over the place as the Hero of Light.”

“A family. You mean foals?”

“Yeah.”

Applejack looks away nervously as she toys with her hair. “Sorry, but I… I don’t really know if I’m ready to commit to that. I know what I said to you on the Observation Deck a while back and all, but…”

Arc interrupts. “That’s fine. To be Honest with you, at this point neither am I.”

“But you said…”

“Yes, I do want foals. But I want to be one-hundred percent sure the relationship, or relationships in this case, are really something we all want to happen before taking the big step of trying to have kids together.”

“Good! I… I was kinda worried about that.”

“Scared?”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. Well… I… I know I do want a family at some point in the future, of course. But at the same time I’m not ready for one yet. Apple Bloom still needs her big sister, after all.”

“It’s fine. We all need to get to know one another first anyways. Which is why I’m insisting on a long engagement and dates like this one.”

“All of us have a lot of growing to do, after all. Emotionally, I mean. Not physically.”

“So why don’t we do that now?”

“Do what?”

Arc pulls the pizza pan to himself. “Get to know each other.”

Applejack appears skittish as he puts a fresh slice of pizza on her plate. “What do you want to know?”

Arc shrugs as he puts the pan back. “Just general knowledge, I suppose. Why don’t you start with telling me what you like?”

“That’s easy. Apples!”

Arc chuckles. “I mean other than food.”

“Oh… uh… I like working hard.”

“That much we’ve all seen from you, Applejack. But right now I’d like to learn things about you so as to understand what makes you tick.”

“I don’t really know what to say though.”

“Well… how about your hobbies?”

“Hobbies?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. What do you do other than work?”

“But there’s always work to be done.”

“What if you had a day off?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “With no work?”

“Right. Say you could do anything else. What would it be?”

“Well… I guess I’d… spend some time with the others.”

“Doing what?”

“Whatever they wanted to do.”

“Anything else?”

“Other than that, I’d probably spend the day in the kitchen trying to improve on some old family recipes.”

Arc grins. “So you enjoy cooking?”

Applejack nods. “Love it actually.”

“Why’s that?”

“It’s just so nice watching someone eat something I made. Making others happy makes me happy.”

“Is that why you’d just go along with what the others wanted to do?”

Applejack shrugs. “I dunno. Guess I never really thought about it before.”

“Like going to the spa with Rarity?”

“She told you about that, huh?”

“It did come up in conversation, yes. I’m told you spent a lot of the day trying to help fix things for others.”

“But I enjoy it!”

“And that’s fine, Applejack. However I believe you need to think more about yourself sometimes.”

“What do you mean?”

“Remember earlier when you told me how you were originally going to stay with Granny Smith while the others went to Canterlot?”

“What about it?”

“Is that really what you wanted to do?”

“Kinda.”

“Kinda?”

Applejack sighs. “Part of me wanted to stay by her side, yes. But another part wanted to join my friends in helping run the country along with Twilight. And as you know I couldn’t exactly do both.”

“Then there was the time those two con-artists came to town peddling a cure-all tonic.”

Applejack groans. “Flim and Flam?”

“I’m told you found out they were just using apple juice for the tonic and wanted to tell the truth about it.”

“Right. But at the same time I didn’t want to take the joy everyone was getting from believing they could do things thanks to the tonic.”

“So you wanted to make everyone feel better about themselves?”

“Something like that.”

“And then there was the time you tried to harvest all the apples in the orchard by yourself.”

Applejack sighs. “That didn’t go so well.”

“From what I heard, no. But why did you do that?”

“Partially to prove to everyone that I could do it myself. That I wasn’t a little filly anymore.”

“But that wasn’t the whole reason, was it?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No. In truth, I… I didn’t want to put anyone out.”

“You mean that you didn’t want to take them away from their own tasks?”

“Right. We’re all fully grown mares with our own jobs and responsibilities. If they were to help me I’d be putting them behind schedule. At least that’s what I told myself at the time.”

“But you did eventually give in and ask for help.”

“Right. However not until I realized that there was no possible way I could do the job on my own.”

Arc sighs. “I understand.”

Applejack appears surprised. “You do?”

“Yes. Remember I’m also a workaholic whom has trouble asking others for help.”

“But I don’t work THAT hard!”

Arc narrows his eyes and looks at her silently for a time. Eventually Applejack bows her head and nods.

“Alright, alright… maybe I do work too hard. But that’s only because there’s so much to do and not much time.”

“I’m not blaming you for being who you are, Applejack. But, like you, I had to admit that I had a problem before anything would change.”

“Is it really a problem though?”

“I would say so, yes. Think about it this way. Let’s say that I just worked and worked for years at a time as the Hero of Light. Eventually I’d become more distant from you, the others, and Dinky. Eventually so much that the feelings we have for one another could fade.”

“You think that could happen to me?”

“Could be. Now then, you owe it to them AND yourself to sometimes put the brakes on things and take some time for yourself.”

“That’s not going to be easy.”

“I suppose not. But look at it this way. I had to take time out of my schedule to make this date happen, as did you. How does that make you feel?”

“Really good actually. It shows that I’m important to you.”

“Right. We’re spending quality time alone to get to know one another better. After all, we need to figure out if this relationship is something we want to take to the next level.”

“Next level?”

Arc nods. “That means moving along in the relationship. Going from friends to dating, that is.”

“But aren’t we already dating?”

“Kinda, I suppose. However there’s more levels to a relationship to get to.”

“Like what?”

“Well… from dating we would move onto becoming a couple. That means that we’re publicly seeing each other. In a normal relationship that would mean it would be inappropriate for either of us to see others romantically.”

“But that isn’t the case for us though, right?”

“Correct. Since it’s a herd that complicates things, as I’m supposed to be doing the same to the others.”

“So let’s say we get to the couple’s level. What’s next?”

“After that would be what’s known as the ‘serious relationship’ category. It’s when you’ve been dating the same person for a long time and know them really well.

Applejack appears suddenly nervous. “Does it involve… you know…?”

“Intimacy?”

Applejack blushes. “Yes.”

“It can, yes. Some couples move in together at that point and start cohabitating. Sharing possessions, food, and money with one another.”

“So it’s kinda like being married?”

“Sorta. The next stage would be engagement which, as you know, is just the time you spend figuring out the important details of life after you get married. Where to live, if you’re going to have kids, who’s going to do what, and so on.”

“And after that is marriage?”

“Right. But any step could last any amount of time as well as remain there.”

“Remain?”

“Not all couples decide to get married, after all. Some just stop at, for example, being a couple. They cohabitate and share things, of course. But at the same time they don’t have any interest in getting married.”

“That doesn’t sound like something I’d be interested in.”

“Me either. But we all do what we believe is best.”

“Right. I want to get married at some point though. Even if it’s along with other mares, of course.”

“That’s what I want too. After we all figure out what we want, that is.”

Applejack smiles at him. “I like that about you, Arc. Always so Honest with us. Putting things right out there.”

“I do that to try and avoid complications later.”

“Oh?”

“Let’s say, just for the sake of an example mind you, that all of us just went ahead and got married without figuring things out first. We’d all be wanting to do our own thing and go in different directions in the relationship. It’d probably end in a number of screaming matches between everyone.”

Applejack shudders. “Or at the very least a big fight.”

“No one would win either. It’d probably lead to some serious talks, something we should have done before getting married, or some of you leaving me and the others.”

Applejack sighs. “I’d hate to see that happen to any of us. After all, I really like you AND the others.”

“Yeah. I can’t imagine you six especially splitting up.”

“Thanks for taking these precautions, Arc.”

Arc grins as he levitates the pizza pan back over to them. “What kind of future husband would I be if I did anything else?”

Sometime later they leave the restaurant and start the drive back to the house. Applejack turns to him and smiles.

“Thanks for dinner, Arc. It was great.”

“You’re welcome.”

Applejack grins. “Next time I’ll treat you to dinner.”

Arc chuckles. “Sure thing. And I’ll try to volunteer more information about myself.”

“Huh?”

“Looking back at this evening, we didn’t really talk much about our inner-selves. Something we really should be doing if this herd idea is going to work.”

“Yeah, I agree.”

Pulling into the driveway just as the streetlights turn on, Arc and Applejack get out of the Jeep and enter the house together. Turning on the kitchen light, he closes and locks the door behind them.

“Well, this date certainly didn’t go the way I thought it would.”

“Me either. I thought we’d get a bit to eat at a local Canterlot restaurant and maybe find a nice park to take a walk in… or something.”

“Guess Celestia had different plans though, what with her so-called science experiment.”

Applejack smiles at him. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll be sure to give her a glowing report.”

“Thanks.”

“Just being honest. And as long as I am… I need to tell you something, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“Even if it didn’t go the way you had envisioned, I really enjoyed our talk tonight. And I wanted to thank you for helping put my mind at ease.”

“Second thoughts?”

“Not exactly. I was just feeling a bit… overwhelmed at the idea of a herd.”

“If you don’t want to join it, I completely understand, Applejack.”

“Oh, I do! But… it’s just really hard to think of us being something more than just friends.”

“We can take this as slow as you want. After all, rushing things won’t help anyone.”

“Thanks, sugarcube. I think I’ll take you up on that slow moving bit.”

Arc motions toward the stairs. “Well then, why don’t we head upstairs and get changed?”

Applejack nods and looks down at her clothes. “Good idea. Wouldn’t want Princess Celestia to think I was ungrateful for that dress.”

Leading the way upstairs, they part ways and head to their respective rooms. Emerging sometime later Arc grins as he looks over Applejack.

“You really do look nice in that dress.”

Applejack giggles. “And you look amazing in your outfit too.”

Arc leads Applejack down the stairs to the Living room before looking to his ring.

“Well, I suppose we’d better report back to Canterlot.”

“Yes. Enough of a good thing.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the Rainbow of Light and looks it over before turning back to Applejack.

“Here we go.”

Channeling his magic into the pendant, Arc holds it out and waits for the portal to open. However nothing happens. Applejack raises an eyebrow.

“Um… I’m assuming something was supposed to happen.”

Arc nods as he shakes the pendant. “A portal was supposed to open.”

Thinking for a moment, he snaps his fingers.

“I just must be doing something wrong. Let me ask.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc speaks.

“Grandpa, can you hear me?”

Again silence reigns in the room. Applejack looks to the pendant.

“Why don’t you just try again?”

“I guess so.”

Doing as suggested, Arc meets with the same failure. Frowning, he calls out again.

“Grandpa. I need some advice here.”

Sighing as the hologram doesn’t appear he turns back to Applejack.

“Guess we’ll have to do this the old fashioned way.”

“What’s that?”

“Have someone summon us back with the Crystal Mirror.”

Reaching for his earring, Arc speaks.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

Nothing happens as Arc tries again.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts. Arc to... Canterlot? Anyone out there?”

Silence ensues. Applejack appears suddenly nervous.

“What’s going on, Arc?”

“I’m not sure. No one’s answering me.”

Applejack gasps. “Are we... are we stuck here?!”

“Kinda. But don’t worry. As soon as morning arrives, and we’re not back yet, I’m sure Twilight and our friends will start a search party.”

“But they don’t know we’re here on Earth! Remember, they thought Celestia was just sending us on a simple date!”

“True. But when they don’t hear from us I’m sure Twilight’s first reaction will be to ask Celestia if she knows where we went.”

“Do you think she’ll tell her though?”

“Probably. At least as soon as Twilight becomes frantic, that is.”

“You’re probably right. But what should we do in the meantime?”

“Nothing more to be done tonight. Might as well head to bed.”

Applejack blushes heavily. “B-bed?!”

“You can take the Guest Room if you want.”

“Oh. I thought you meant… us getting in bed together.”

“Not if you’re not ready for that.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Thanks. I… I’m sorry, but that’s just too much right now.”

“No reason to apologize. Now then, how about I walk you to your room?”

Applejack nods sleepily. “That’d be nice. I didn’t realize just how tired I was until now.”

“This way.”

Leading Applejack up the stairs again, they walk into the bedroom together. Arc opens a drawer and pulls out a pair of shorts and an old t-shirt before turning to his friend.

I think you’ll find this to be a bit more comfortable than a dress for sleeping.”

Applejack nods as she accepts the clothes. “Thanks. Wouldn’t want to wrinkle these.”

“Now then, I’ll be just down the hall if you need something. You going to be okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

“Come get me if you need anything.”

Applejack nods as he leaves the room. Closing the door behind him, Applejack changes into the new clothes, turns off the lights, and lies down to stare at the ceiling. Sighing, she mutters to herself.

“This just doesn’t make any sense. Why can’t we get home? Or call for someone at the very least.”

She yawns and rolls over.

“Well, I’m sure eventually Twilight will figure out what happened and come for us.”

Chapter 9 - Over Lunch

Sometime later Arc and Applejack sit on the couch with tray tables in front of them eating as they watch television. Applejack turns to him.

“This soup is pretty good.”

“I’ll say.”

“But I think it could use a lot of work to be perfect.”

Arc nods. “Right. We just made it as written for a benchmark.”

“Exactly. Next time we can get creative.”

She picks up a sandwich and points to it.

“What did you call this again?”

“Grilled Cheese. They go well with Tomato Soup.”

He gestures to the television before continuing.

“I remember when I was a kid my mom would make this very meal for us after evening church got out. Then we’d sit right here while we ate and watched a show called ’60 minutes’.”

“What’s it about?”

“News mostly. But my dad really liked a segment near the end of the show called ‘A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney’. It was a bit of an editorial segment.”

“So he give his opinion?”

“Yup.”

“What about?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s been so many years I can’t remember much. The only segment I dimly recall is him talking about frozen food packaging.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what?”

“You see, manufacturers would make the boxes bigger so it would look like you were getting more product. He gave an example with a package of ice cream bars, or something. Opening it he pulled out four. His response to that was to say that they could have fit a dozen in there.”

Applejack frowns. “But why not just be honest about what’s in the package?”

“They technically were. If you read the label in the corner it said the quantity and weight of the contents.”

Applejack sighs. “Sounds like something Filthy Rich would do.”

“Yeah. He hasn’t been giving you any more trouble though, right?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Not since you lent me the money to pay off my loan, no.”

“That’s good.”

“I want you to know that I’ve been depositing twenty-five bits a week into an account at the bank to pay you back.”

“It’s okay, Applejack. I was just glad to help.”

Applejack frowns. “No, I have to pay you back. ‘Neither a borrower nor a lender be’ is what Granny Smith always says. And while we haven’t always been able to live by that philosophy, it was my dumb idea that put us in debt in the first place.”

“Fine then. You just pay me back as you’re able then. There’s no rush.”

Applejack sits there silently for a time before bowing her head as she turns to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Um… I want to ask you something, and I need an honest and straightforward answer too.”

“What is it?”

“Do you remember that night when you originally lent me the money to pay off Filthy Rich?”

“I do, yes. What about it?”

“Remember how you told me that I didn’t have to pay you back?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What are you getting at?”

“I just wanted to ask… if you thought I was trying to get out of that by marrying you?”

Arc drops his spoon and turns to her.

“Applejack?”

“Please… be Honest with me.”

“Of course not. What made you think that?”

“There was something similar said in Canterlot when we were helping Twilight a while back.”

“An audience?”

Applejack nods. “Right. There were two mares and a stallion. So what happened was the stallion divorced the first mare to marry the second.”

“That does happen sometimes, yes.”

“But apparently the first wife had built a business with the money given to her by her then-husband. They were there because the second wife told him she should have to give him a fifty percent stake in the company.”

Arc frowns. “Let me guess. The first wife was trying to get back in the stallion’s good graces so as to not have to repay it?”

“Exactly. And she was pretty… open about how she was keeping her ex-husband happy.”

“And you think I believe you’re doing the same?”

Applejack nods sadly. “I’ll admit, it doesn’t look good for me. After all, you lent me a bunch of money shortly before I confessed my love for you.”

Arc smiles at her. “Well, I believed your declaration, yes. And no, I don’t believe for a moment that you were just trying to get out of paying a debt that I already said you didn’t have to repay.”

Applejack appears relieved. “That’s good. Ever since that case I felt like I was just a tramp like that mare. Using my body as an offering to avoid repayment.”

“But you’ve never once tried to propose anything… um… too indecent to me, Applejack.”

“I know. However it just didn’t sit right with me.”

“Well, I appreciate your desire to make sure we were okay in that regard. And don’t worry, as I never told anyone else about the loan.”

“Thanks. I do appreciate you keeping this a secret, Arc. After all, it’s not easy to admit that I had to accept your charity to potentially save my family’s farm.”

“I figured that much.”

“And not to try and sound crass, but since we’re on the subject of money, how exactly would all of us go about splitting our earnings after forming the herd? When we’re legally wed, I mean.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Truthfully, I hadn’t really thought of that.”

“Honestly, in my opinion, the most fair thing to do would be to just keep each of our finances separate.”

“Agreed.”

“But… that just kinda feels… I don’t know.”

“Impersonal?”

“Kinda. I mean… married folks are supposed to share everything. Money included.”

“From what I’ve heard that’s generally true. However, there’s no rule that says we have to.”

“That and our situation is far from what would be considered normal. But it just doesn’t feel right. After all, if nothing in our lives is going to change other than living together then what’s the point of getting married?”

“What you’re describing is ‘cohabitation’.”

“I guess it is. But that feels kinda… inappropriate too.”

“Truthfully, I’d really like to make the relationship official when the time is right. However it’s not the marriage part that makes a proper bond.”

“It isn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Applejack. It’s the love we all feel for one another. The commitment we all share is the important part. Anyone can stand before their friends and family and get married. But that doesn’t mean they love or even like each other.”

“I… guess I never really thought about it. As far as ponies go, when two of us want to spend the rest of our lives together we get a marriage license and see either a preacher or justice of the peace. But I just always assumed that was just how things were done.”

“It’s the same for humans usually. You can have love and commitment without a piece of paper declaring it though.”

Applejack sighs. “I kinda thought that might be what we have to do if Princess Celestia vetoed our plans.”

“And I’m still open to that possibility if need be, yes.”

“Do you think it’ll come to that?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. After all, we have the approval the other three princesses. But I’d like to have a real wedding.”

“A big one?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of something… modest. The gathering of our friends and family in front of the Ponyville Town Hall, or something.”

“Really?”

“Something wrong with that?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, not at all. I just kinda thought you’d want to get married in Canterlot, that’s all.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well… because you’re a really important individual back in Equestria. That and Twilight’s a princess now. You two kinda deserve something a bit more… special.”

“I suppose if that’s what everyone else wants to we could do that. But I doubt it. After all, Twilight’s still herself inside. A fancy title and wings won’t change that, after all.”

“She does still act like she always has, I suppose. Don’t tell her I told you this, but… I just kinda assumed at some point she might start acting more… regal.”

“Twilight does. At least in her own way.”

“Have you talked to the others about any of this?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Just you.”

Applejack grimaces. “Then maybe we’d better stop.”

“If you want to, sure.”

“Everyone should be involved in talks like this when we have them. Or at the very least more than just me.”

“I suppose that’s true. After all, we don’t want them thinking we’re trying to make plans behind their backs.”

“Right. So let’s table that until we all come together.”

“Agreed.”

They finish eating and push back their trays. Applejack turns to Arc again nervously.

“Can I ask you something else, Arc?”

“Anything.”

“Um… what I told you about Granny Smith… could that just stay between us please?”

“Of course.”

“I know that everyone can see that she’s going downhill mentally. But she still deserves her dignity.”

“Agreed. But how’s her physical health holding up?”

“Okay, I suppose. As long as she takes her medication and gets plenty of rest, that is. She has other health issues too, of course. But that’s normal for a mare her age.”

“Might I ask what?”

Applejack sighs. “Arthritis and hearing loss have been a big problem for a long time now. However recently her hearts been giving her trouble. Doctor Horse says she has high blood pressure for which he prescribed daily medication to add to her other pills.”

“Humans have some of the same problems in their later years. Lots of pills for them too.”

“Yeah. She’s been able to live a normal life so far. But I’m wondering how much longer that will last.”

“I’ve seen that she gets around pretty well.”

Applejack sighs. “Maybe a bit slower than others, of course. But she gets where she needs to be in the end. However the last time I was at the hospital for a checkup I did talk to Doctor Horse about her future.”

“Did he have any advice?”

“Just a list of things of things to watch out for. But he did say that she needs to stay mobile if at all possible. Keep those limbs strong.”

“And at what point would she need additional care?”

“At best, when she can’t get to the toilet in time. At worst… if she becomes bedridden.”

“And you’re worried about how to pay for that?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Equestrian healthcare provides for such things if the patient or their family is unable to pay. I’ve already checked into it, and she does qualify.”

“But…?”

“The public nursing home is in Manehattan.”

“And you’d have a hard time traveling there to visit her.”

“Right. Especially around harvest time when we’re at our busiest. It’s not unusual for us to come in from working the orchard and go straight to bed.”

“Any local alternatives?”

“Ponyville Hospital has a small section for elderly ponies. But admission isn’t covered under normal healthcare.”

“So you’d have to pay for it yourself?”

“Exactly. And I already know we can’t afford it.”

She sighs before continuing.

“Sometimes I lay awake at night trying to think of what we’d do if she suddenly had a stroke or something. There’s no way we could care for her twenty-four hours a day for the rest of her life. Not even if we were medically qualified.”

“Is there space for her in the assisted living section at the hospital? Should she need it, I mean.”

Applejack nods. “They always have spare rooms, yes. The real issue is how to pay for it.”

“How much is it?”

Lowering her voice, Applejack whispers in his ear. Arc shrugs.

“I think I can solve that problem.”

“You can?”

“Sure. If she needs it, I’ll pay.”

Applejack gasps. “You… you will?!”

Arc nods. “You and your siblings need Granny Smith and she needs all of you too.”

“But that’s a lot of money!”

“I can afford it.”

“But you won’t get paid after you resign, right!”

“I can still go back to my old job doing writs. That and I’ve saved the lion’s share of my wages since becoming the Hero of Light to the point that my vault literally wouldn’t hold all of it. And I’m sure the princesses occasionally will need me in the future. If need be I can contract my services to them based on my old wages.”

“But you’ve already done so much for my family!”

“It’s a small price to pay for your happiness.”

“But…!”

Arc puts a hand over her mouth as he speaks.

“Applejack, please. I’m okay doing this for you and your family. Please just let me help Granny Smith.”

Applejack grins with tears in the corners of her eyes. “Okay, sugarcube! And I promise to be the absolute best wife to you I can be in return!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Applejack. I’m not making this offer in return for your hand in marriage. Just as a guy who wants to help out a friend in need.”

“But I HAVE to repay you for all of this somehow!”

“All I want is for Granny Smith to be near her family should she need extra care. Now then, I also want to say that this isn’t dependent on you marrying me, Applejack. If we decide that it’s not meant to be, I’ll still pay for her to…”

Applejack, apparently forgetting that she’s currently a human and not a pony, turns to Arc on all fours and looks him in the eye.

“But why?!”

“Why what?”

“Why would you do that if I were to reject you?!”

“Because even if we didn’t get married, I’d still be your friend, Applejack.”

Applejack sits back on her ‘haunches’ with a look of bewilderment on her face. “Wha-what?!”

“If it’s not meant to be then I don’t want us to enter into a relationship beyond that.”

Applejack puts a hand to her forehead and turns away. “I just… I don’t understand that. What would you get out of it?”

Arc put a hand on her chin and turns her head to face him again before speaking.

“The knowledge that you and your family are happy.”

She opens her mouth to speak, however nothing comes out. Eventually a huge smile spreads across her face and she nods for a full ten seconds before finally finding her voice.

“I… th-thanks, sugarcube. If you EVER need anything, I’ll do my best to help you!”

Arc chuckles. “Just enjoy the time you have left with Granny Smith. You along with your brother and sister, that is.”

Suddenly leaping into his lap, Applejack wraps her arms around Arc’s neck and hugs him tight.

“Thank you, Arc! You have no idea just how much this means to me!”

Arc smiles silently as he returns the hug.

Chapter 10 - For Better or Worse

Sometime later Applejack pulls back, her face red.

“S-sorry about that. I just kinda lost my head there.”

“It’s fine. Truth be told, I’ve always liked hugs.”

Applejack smiles nervously. “They are really nice, I suppose. But I should probably get to those dishes.”

Arc stands up with her. “I’ll help.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’ll…”

“It’s okay. Around here it’s kinda customary to lend a hand with them.”

"Well… okay."

Heading into the Kitchen, Applejack turns on the hot water and plugs the drain. Arc gathers the dishes from the table and brings them over to the counter.

“Want me to wash?”

“If you want to, sure.”

Taking his place in front of the hot, soapy water, Arc picks up a plate, washes it with a rag, and hands it to Applejack. She turns to him as she rinses it.

“Thanks for letting me cook lunch.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks for making lunch.”

“It’s nice to be able to do something I’m used to.”

“But it’s a bit different cooking here on Earth.”

Applejack grins. “That it is. For starters, I’m used to having to pick up pots and pans with my teeth.”

Arc wiggles his soapy fingers. “These do make that task a bit easier.”

“And safer.”

“Dropping hot food?”

Applejack sighs. “Ever tried stirring a boiling pot when the spoon is in your mouth?”

“Point taken.”

“Nothing I can do about that though, being born an Earth Pony I mean.”

She stops drying and turns to him before continuing.

“Or is there?”

“Applejack?”

“Think about this.”

She gestures to her body before continuing.

“Right now I’m a human mare, right?”

“Human woman, yes.”

“And that was done via a spell cast by Princess Celestia.”

“I assumed so.”

“Well, who’s to say that one couldn’t be changed into other things?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What are you getting at, Applejack?”

“I mean… couldn’t the same spell the princess used be able to turn me, or anypony else for that matter, into a Unicorn?”

“Anyone, not anypony. And I don’t really know if that’s for the best.”

“But then I could use magic to move pots and pans around!”

“Not necessarily.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s say we did turn you into a Unicorn. Who’s to say that you could use magic?”

Applejack points to her forehead. “But I’d have a horn!”

Arc nods. “That may or may not work.”

“I suppose that’s true. However we wouldn’t know until it was tried.”

Arc chuckles. “You’re right. At the very least it’d be an interesting science experiment.”

Applejack appears hopeful. “Think we could get Twilight to sign off on it?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. She’d have to do some research first to make sure it’d be safe, of course.”

“Why wouldn’t it be safe? I mean, you and your team has used that spell numerous times.”

“True. But never to turn a non-magic using creature into a magical one. For all I know it could be dangerous.”

“How?!”

“Remember what happened to Frank? When he received his powers they nearly tore him apart.”

“I’d have you and Twilight to see to it that didn’t happen though!”

Arc frowns. “What’s with you, Applejack?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“All this talk of being an Unicorn all of a sudden.”

“It’d just make my life a lot easier, that’s all.”

“But you never brought it up before.”

Applejack looks away nervously. “I… just never thought of it, that’s all.”

“Really?”

“Yes! That and I think I’d look good with a horn.”

“Would you?”

“Probably. What do you think?”

“About the horn or you having magic?”

“The horn.”

Arc shrugs. “I… guess you’d look okay. But then again I wouldn’t really be able to say without seeing it for myself first.”

He thinks for a few moments before continuing.

“Tell me something, Applejack. When did you get this idea?”

“To be a Unicorn?”

“Yes.”

“Just a few minutes ago.”

“Really?”

Applejack shrugs. “Pretty much. I mean, it’s something that’s crossed my mind in the past, of course. How it’d be more convenient to just be able to levitate things from the stove to the table or do any number of tasks.”

He gestures to the soapy water before continuing.

“Do you have any idea just how hard it is to wash dishes with hooves?”

“Can’t say as I do, no.”

“Plates are pretty simple. Bowls take a bit more practice. Tankards are okay, but teacups… not easy. To say nothing for silverware.”

Holding up her hands, she wiggles her fingers.

“I mean, hands are pretty good too. But magic would allow one to do things even fingers couldn’t.”

Arc nods. “That’s true, yes. Let’s say we could turn you into a Unicorn though. Without you being overcome by magical imbalances, of course. Would there be any downsides to it?”

“None that I could think of, no.”

“I can think of a few.”

“Oh?”

“For starters, you would naturally be weaker physically.”

“That’s true, yes. But I feel that properly directed magic could balance that out.”

“I suppose it could, yes. Then there’s the issue of physical contact.”

“What?”

“Imagine going in to hug someone when you have a horn. You’d have to constantly be aware of where it’s pointing so as not to hurt someone.”

“Right. But the Unicorn population seems to manage that pretty well. After all, I’ve never heard of anyp… anyone accidently hurting someone during a hug. Well… other than babies, that is.”

“Neither have I, but still wanted to point it out.”

He puts a finger on Applejack’s forehead and taps it lightly.

“About here, I think.”

Applejack appears confused. “Huh?”

“Where your horn would be if you had one.”

“Ah!”

Arc points to her head. "Have you thought about your hat?”

“It’s back in Equestria. What about it?”

“A horn here wouldn’t let you wear it. At least not securely.”

“Yeah. A light breeze would probably be enough to take it off my head.”

“Unless you put a hole in it, that is.”

Applejack gasps. “But I couldn’t do that!”

“Why not?”

Applejack sighs. “Because that hat… it belonged to my dad.”

“So you couldn’t wear it at all then.”

“Guess not.”

She thinks for a moment before continuing.

“I suppose I could take it to Rarity to have new leather strips sewn onto it. That’d hold it on my head even if I had to push it a bit further back.”

“Would you be okay with how that looked?”

“Sure! As long as you liked it!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Me?”

“Yeah. After all, I want to look my best for you.”

“Do you now?”

“Of course. After all, I want you to be proud of me.”

“But I already am.”

“There’s always room for improvement.”

“I suppose so. Tell me, did you have any other ideas for ways to look more beautiful?”

Applejack smirks. “Kinda. I’ve… been sorta looking into…”

She suddenly stops talking and instinctively lowers her voice.

“Can we just keep this between us please?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… sure. But we’re the only ones here, so there’s no reason to whisper.”

Applejack chuckles. “I suppose not.”

“However I will keep quiet about whatever it is you want to tell me.”

“Thanks. In all honesty, I… I’ve been looking at…”

Applejack takes a deep breath before blushing and speaking again.

“…makeup.”

“Oh?”

“Eye liner, lipstick, and… rouge.”

“You try any yet?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No. Well, just the stuff Rarity lent me when we were doing that photo shoot a while back. And she applied it for me, as I don’t really know how to do that sort of thing.”

“You did look really nice back there.”

Applejack grins. “Thanks. I felt a bit out of sorts doing it, of course. But Rarity said I had the face for it.”

“And I agree with her.”

“I thought you would. That’s why I wanted to… improve myself.”

“Improve?”

“What else would it be called?”

“Change.”

“It comes to about the same thing though.”

“I guess. But tell me this. Did you like wearing makeup and dresses?”

Applejack’s eyes dart nervously around the room. “This just stays between us though, right?”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

Applejack sighs as she looks away. Eventually she nods.

“I didn’t at first, of course. After all, who needs to look good when bucking apple trees?”

“But…?”

Applejack smiles sheepishly. “But after I put on that first dress and had my mane and face done up properly, I… I actually really liked how I looked.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because it made me feel special. Like I was worth getting to know.”

She blushes before continuing.

“That and Rarity showed me some of the reviews from her market research focus groups.”

“What did they say?”

“A few things actually. Many said we looked great together and complimented each other well. Others said that she had found the perfect model for the particular dresses I was wearing. And one or two even compared me to Rarity in terms of beauty.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Sounds like high praise.”

“Oh, it is. After all, Rarity’s the most beautiful mare in all of Ponyville.”

“She is very pretty, yes.”

Applejack puts a hand on her face as she looks into a shiny pan to see her reflection. “It felt kinda funny being compared to her. After all, I’m not exactly a beauty queen.”

“I think you look very nice.”

Applejack chuckles. “As a human though, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “I meant as an individual.”

“Oh… um… that was kinda rude of me. Sorry.”

“No offense taken. But how do you feel about it?”

“Feel about… what?”

“Yourself.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand.”

“You seemed embarrassed when I first saw you in a dress back in Rarity’s shop. Yet you admit that you like the positive feedback from the focus groups. Can I assume that you like dressing up and looking your best?”

“…kinda.”

“Then why so shy about it?”

Applejack sighs. “It’s kinda complicated. I mean, I do like it and feel somehow… empowered when I put on a dress and get my mane done up properly before a photo shoot. But I just feel so… inadequate.”

“So you’re trying to ‘compensate’ for that which you feel you lack?”

“I guess so. Never really thought too much about it.”

“What would it take to make you feel better?”

“In all honesty… a horn.”

“You want to be a Unicorn that badly?”

“Well… kinda. Like I said before, I want to be able to do certain things that an Earth Pony can’t.”

“see. So it’s not that you don’t like being and Earth Pony so much as you simply wanting more utilitarianism?”

Applejack nods. “Exactly! I just want to better myself!”

She takes a few moments to think before continuing.

“Is that… a bad thing?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. After all, we’re all just trying our best in life. But let me ask you this. Let’s say you woke up tomorrow with a horn. What would you do with it?”

“I’d get up and make the bed with magic. Then I’d clean myself up in the shower with my magic before heading downstairs to make breakfast for everyone with Granny Smith.”

“With magic too, right?”

“Yeah. I’d only want it to make my life, and those in my family, easier.”

“ How about picking apples?”

“Sure. Everything around the orchard would be easier.”

“And loading the carts?”

Applejack grins. “Right.”

“And putting on dresses along with makeup?”

“I’d have to learn the proper way to do it, of course. But I know I could.”

“Do you think Rarity would teach you?”

“If I asked her to, sure.”

Arc chuckles. “That would make photo shoots easier.”

Applejack nods excitedly. “Exactly! Literally everything would be easier for me. That’s why I want this. So do you think it’s an option?

“If you’re serious about it we can talk to Twilight when we get back to Equestria.”

“I’m… kinda serious, yes.”

“You sound indecisive.”

Applejack looks out the window and sighs. “More along the lines of ‘unsure’. After all, it would be a really big deal. I mean, I know such a thing would be completely reversible, of course. But I don’t know if I would feel the same about myself.”

“The before or after?”

“Both actually.”

She chuckles nervously before turning back to her task.

“In any case, it’s just kind of a thing I’ve had rolling around in the back of my mind for a while now. Pay it no mind.”

“Well, if you really want to be something different…”

Applejack interrupts him. “That’s just it. I do want it. However, I’m kinda scared to go through with such a thing.”

“So… what do you want to do?”

Applejack shrugs. “I dunno. But it does feel good to talk this out. Tell someone about it, and all. But let’s talk about this another time. After I’ve figured out what I actually want, I mean. And sorry for more or less talking in circles about it.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Yeah, I’m here if you want to talk when you’re ready. About anything, I mean.”

“Thanks, sugarcube. That in and of itself means a lot to me. And the others too.”

“Oh?”

“To be perfectly honest with you, we all kinda thought you were going to change after becoming the Hero of Light.”

Arc chuckles. “Being given more or less absolute authority can do that I hear.”

“But you didn’t. Other than getting stronger and whatnot you’re still the same as the day we met you. Honest, Loyal, trustworthy, and Kind. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but anyone else probably would have let all that go to their head.”

“Maybe that’s why the former Heroes of Light took so long to find somepony.”

Applejack turns to him and raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Arc smiles sheepishly as he hands her a glass. “I just said ‘somepony, didn’t I.”

“Darn right!”

“My mistake.”

Applejack grins. “No, no! It’s really nice to hear!”

Arc chuckles as he goes back to washing. “Hear me mess up, you mean.”

“I don’t see it as a mistake. More like proof that you’ve taken Equestrian culture to heart.”

“That I have.”

“Tell me something though. Which do you like better?”

“Earth or Equestria?”

Applejack nods. Arc is silent for a time, thinking.

“Well… I suppose they both have their advantages and disadvantages. Earth is technologically more advanced, of course. But Equestria just feels more personable.”

“What if you had to choose?”

“Permanently?”

"Yeah. Just asking, of course."

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I’d miss Lily, Shelly, and Frank naturally.”

“Then let’s say you could bring them with you. Or, conversely, you could bring all you friends from Equestria if you chose Earth.”

“Either way we’d all be together?”

“Right.”

“It’s still a pretty tough decision though. I mean, I do like both a lot. But I suppose if I had to choose I’d go with Equestria.”

“Would you?”

“Yup.”

“Can I ask why?”

“It’s very peaceful there. Well, when someone isn’t causing trouble, that is.”

Applejack nods. “Lack of wars, food is plentiful, and pretty much everypony in Equestria has their basic needs met.”

Arc chuckles. “A paradise, even by human standards.”

“That it is.”

“For all of our technology and other advancements in understanding the world around us, we haven’t been able to figure out a way to eliminate hunger, disease, and war.”

“Equestria’s done two of the three. But I still don’t get why Earth couldn’t do the same.”

“We’ll always have diseases of some kind though. And the other two things are caused by certain people being stubborn.”

“Anything you could do about that as the Hero of Light?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really.”

“Even with all you powers?!”

“For change to occur people have to first WANT the change.”

“I would assume everyone would want that though.”

“You would think so. But so many just think of themselves and not the bigger picture.”

“Can you explain?”

“War.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “War?”

Arc nods. “The politicians move to start wars and send others to die in them while they stay safe. They don’t have to see the pain and suffering caused by their decisions up close and personal.”

“But sometimes there isn’t a choice.”

“I know, Applejack. Remember, I was the one whom ordered the attack on Light’s Hope. We all know that not everyone went home unharmed from that one.”

“I understand that, Arc. But from what I saw you tried to make things work before that.”

“Yeah. And I’ll remember that day for the rest of my life. Watching our forces fighting to keep Decimus’ troops away from The Equinox while Auriel charged up the Magic Dispersion Unit. All the while I just stood on the deck and watched. Every fiber in my body wanted to join them in the defense though.”

“But you couldn’t!”

“Right. I had to be ready to Blink everyone inside the base when the time was right.”

Applejack shakes her head as she dries and puts away the last dish. “So don’t beat yourself up over it, Arc. You did everything right back there from what I heard.”

“I still feel like such a hypocrite though.”

“That isn’t true, Arc.”

Arc sighs as he drains the water from the sink. “Maybe. But that’s how I feel.”

Applejack puts a hand on his shoulder as they watch the water recede.

“Arc… if you ever need to talk… me and the others are here for you.”

Arc nods soberly. “That’s the only thing that keeps me going sometimes.”

As the water vanishes down the drain, Arc turns to Applejack.

“Sorry for letting that conversation go south.”

Applejack smiles warmly. “It’s okay. After all, that’s part of being in a relationship. Sharing the good AND bad times.”

“Well, let’s try to have some more good times then.”

“Huh?”

Arc turns to her. “Anything you want to do?”

“Do?”

“This afternoon. Remember, we have nothing but time on our hands at the moment.”

“I… don’t really know anything specific to suggest. But I would like to know more about what it means to be a human.”

“What it means?”

Applejack nods. “Right. I want to learn how to act and carry myself while in this body.”

“Um… okay. But why?”

“To better understand you, Arc. Everything is very… different in this form. And not just under my clothes. I don’t just want to look like a human female, but know how I’m supposed to perform.”

“Well… not exactly sure how we’d do that.”

“For starters, what kind of things do females do?”

“It depends on the person. Human personalities vary widely from person to person. So first you’d have to understand what makes you unique and go from there. Should we start with your interest in the great outdoors?”

“Sounds good to me. But where would we go?”

Arc chuckles. “I think I have a bit of an idea. Do you trust me?”

Applejack nods. “Of course.”

“Then let’s go for a bit of a drive.”

Getting into the Jeep, Arc and Applejack make their way to the highway. Sometime later they arrive at a massive building. Applejack gasps.

“What is this place?!”

Arc chuckles as he turns into a parking space. “The mall.”

“The… what?”

“Think of it like Barnyard Bargains, only a LOT bigger.”

Turning off the Jeep he leads Applejack inside. She marvels at the high ceilings and numerous shops.

“This place reminds me of Canterlot Castle!”

“I can kinda see that now that you mention it.”

“But what are we here to get?”

“Something for you to wear.”

Applejack looks down at herself. “But I’m already…”

Arc interrupts her. “We’re getting you something specific.”

Heading for a store, they enter together. Applejack looks all around.

“A… clothing store?”

“Right. I want to buy you a bathing suit.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “For showering?”

Arc chuckles. “Guess I should have said swimsuit.”

Applejack appears confused. “Humans wear clothes when swimming?”

“Yes, we do.”

Applejack blushes slightly. “I just kinda figured y’all just took everything off to keep it from getting wet.”

“That’s called ‘skinny dipping’. But I have a thing for general human modesty.”

Leading Applejack over to a rack he gestures to the garments before them.

“These are what women wear to go swimming. You have one or two piece swimsuits in varying degrees of modesty.”

“What should I get?”

“That which you’re most comfortable with.”

Applejack picks up a swimsuit. “Well then, I’ll take this.”

“You should probably try it on first.”

“What for?”

“To make sure it fits properly. After all, if it’s too baggy things will be hanging out. Too tight and you’ll be really uncomfortable.”

“Well… if you say so.”

Arc leads her over to a changing room. Stepping inside, she closes the door as Arc sits down to wait. Looking at the bench he’s sitting on, Arc sighs.

“Thought this looked familiar. I met Hammer here.”

He looks down at the empty seat next to him and puts a hand on it as he smiles.

“Feels like so long ago.”

Sometime later Applejack emerges from the changing room. She is holding the swimsuit on her arm and grinning.

“Fits perfectly!”

“Oh, um… good.”

“Something wrong, sugarcube?”

“I was kinda… never mind. Let’s pick you up some better footwear for this too.”

Applejack looks at her feet. “But I already have…”

“Trust me on this one.”

Nodding, Applejack follows him to another section of the store. After making several more purchases the pair head back to the Jeep together.

“Thanks for everything, Arc.”

“You’re welcome, Applejack.”

“Still not sure what some of it is for, but…”

Arc grins. “All will be made clear in due time.”

“Well… alright. Where to next?”

“Back home to get some stuff and load up the Jeep before we turn in early tonight.”

Chapter 11 - Paddling

Arc and Applejack rise early the next morning. Heading downstairs they sit down to a quick breakfast of eggs and toast. Looking to her, Arc grins.

“Ready for an adventure?”

Applejack chuckles. “Sure am. As long as it’ll be safe, that is.”

“Oh yes. Very.”

Finishing their meal, they do the few dishes and head out the back door. Arc leads Applejack through the side door and into the garage. She turns to get into the passenger’s seat.

“Wait a second, Applejack.”

“Huh?”

“Watch.”

Stretching out a hand toward the Jeep, Arc casts the Matter Compacting Spell. The Jeep slowly shrinks down until it is roughly the size of a model car. Picking it up Arc puts it in his ring and turns to her.

“Ready?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow, confused. “Uh… not really sure what I’m supposed to be ready for.”

Smiling, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and places a sigil on the concrete. Stepping onto it, he beckons Applejack to join him. Doing so, she stands next to him. Powering up the sigil they vanish and reappear elsewhere. Applejack turns to look all around.

“Where… are we?”

“The middle of the wood far outside of town.”

“What for?”

Arc chuckles as he removes the Jeep from his ring, sets it down on the ground, and casts the Matter Compacting counter spell on it. As it returns to its normal size he looks up at the sky.

“Not a single cloud. Perfect weather.”

Applejack pulls her shirt away from her body to get the air moving. “It is pretty nice out. A bit warm though.”

Arc grins as he pops the back hatch. “That’s perfect too.”

Applejack shrugs as she walks over. “If you say so. Need help though?”

“Sure. Let’s get this stuff unpacked.”

Unloading several backpacks from the Jeep, Arc tosses a larger one onto the ground. Applejack eyes it, confused.

“What’s that?”

“There’s a couple of tents in there.”

Applejack grins. “We’re staying the night?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Rainbow Dash told me you like camping, so I thought you’d enjoy it here on Earth too.”

“Sounds good to me! But why two tents?”

“One for each of us.”

“We could just share one, you know.”

“I know. But…”

Applejack raises an eyebrow, confused. “Something wrong?”

“Well… I was kinda worried that you wouldn’t want to do that.”

“Share a tent?”

“Sleep together.”

Applejack blushes slightly. “Oh… right.”

“Humans are a bit bigger than ponies when they’re lying down, after all.”

“It would make for kinda… close quarters, I suppose.”

“Right. So… you want your own tent?”

Applejack nods shyly. “Yes please.”

“Alright.”

Applejack steps toward him nervously. “Um…”

Arc turns back to her. “Something wrong?”

“I… uh…”

She sighs before continuing.

“It’s nothing.”

“Well then, let’s get to work.”

With Applejack’s help the tents are set up in record time. Arc turns to her and grins.

“Looks like you’ve done this before.”

Applejack nods. “Yup. Apple Bloom and I regularly go camping, so I’m more than familiar with how a tent goes up.”

She puts a hand to her cheek thoughtfully before continuing.

“Didn’t you go with Derpy and Dinky a while back too?”

Arc nods. “Yup. To the Winsome Falls.”

Applejack snaps her fingers. “Now I remember you asking me about that!”

“And we had a blast too.”

He gestures around them.

“And we had even more fun here too.”

“Here?”

“I took them camping with my squad, Auriel, Ember, and Rose. Hammer showed up too, but that wasn’t exactly planned.”

Applejack chuckles. “Sounds like a full on party to me.”

Arc grabs his pack and looks up at the sky again. “Yup. But now that the sun’s higher it’s getting warmer.”

Applejack wipes her forehead. “That it is.”

“So how about we get changed into our swimsuits?”

“Sounds good.”

Applejack grabs her own backpack before disappearing into her tent as Arc does the same. Disrobing, he kicks off his shoes and steps into the trunks. Giving the drawstring a quick knot, Arc steps back outside to the sounds of wind rustling through the leaves overhead. A few minutes later Applejack steps out too. She is wearing a blue and white swimsuit top with a green line running between them (like she did in Equestria Girls). It runs down her arm just past her elbow and comes with a more traditional matching bottom. Looking at him nervously, she speaks.

“H-how do I look?”

“Very nice. But the larger question would be how do you feel?”

Applejack sighs as she puts a finger under the hem of her swimsuit bottom and pulls down slightly. “Admittedly, I feel a bit… um… exposed.”

“Well, a swimsuit is a lot more revealing than most other human clothes.”

“Tighter too.”

“That’s so it doesn’t fall off partially. But I have to admit that I’ve never seen a swimsuit top that came down the arms like that though.”

“Is that… bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. If you’re happy with it, so am I.”

“Yeah, the top is okay. I’m just not liking the lower section.”

“I have an idea. Wait here.”

Heading for his tent, Arc emerges a few moments later with something in his hand. Walking over to Applejack he holds it out to her.

“Put these on.”

Applejack looks them over. “What… is this?”

“Shorts. They’re the same as pants, but just… shorter. Hence the name, I suppose.”

Stepping into them, Applejack ties the drawstring and looks down at herself. Arc looks her over as he speaks.

“How’s that?”

Applejack grins. “Much better. Not sure why I felt so funny about my mare parts just then. I mean… it’s not like you’ve never seen them before. When I was a pony, that is.”

Arc looks away nervously. “Yes, well… let’s just chalk it up to human modesty. Now then, shall we go?”

“Sure. But… um…”

“Something wrong?”

“I don’t know. Just had this strange feeling.”

“Oh?”

“Not sure what to make of it though.”

“Describe it.”

“Now feel free to stop me if this sounds weird, but I… kinda wanted to… um…”

She blushes and looks away before speaking again.

“N-never mind.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You sure you’re okay?”

Applejack sighs. “I am. Sorry, but I just need some time to figure out how to ask these things. Is that okay?”

“Sure. Whatever makes you happy.”

Nodding, she follows Arc through the woods. A few moments later they come to the beach. Applejack gasps.

“It’s beautiful!”

Arc nods. “That it is.”

“I’ve never been to a beach before!”

“Really?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Ponyville is pretty far from the ocean, after all. We have a pond for swimming, naturally. But it’s nothing like THIS!”

“Do you know how to swim?”

“As a pony, yes. Not sure about this form though.”

“How about you give it a try?”

Applejack grimaces as she looks out at the water. “Not sure if that’s such a good idea.”

“Worried about drowning?”

“A little.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on you.”

Applejack chuckles. “You going to save me if I get into trouble?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Remember, I can always pull you out of there with a Telekinesis Spell.”

“I suppose so.”

She looks at the water and takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Okay! I’ll do it!”

Arc gestures toward the lake. “Go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”

Walking toward the water, Applejack stops at the shore. Turning around momentarily, she looks to Arc whom gives her a nod. Taking a deep breath she steps onto the sandy shore as the water recedes. As the next wave splashes forward she instinctively takes a step back. Grimacing, she steps forward again and waits. A few moments later the next wave hits her feet. Applejack makes a small yelp but does not move. She turns to Arc, appearing embarrassed.

“Sorry about this.”

Arc chuckles. “Take your time. Remember, we have all day.”

Looking back out over the water, her face sober, Applejack takes a small step. She stands there motionless for a time before Arc walks over and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Everything okay?”

Applejack nods nervously. “I… think so.”

“Oh?”

Applejack sighs. “Not sure what the problem is. I’ve never been afraid of the water before.”

“I’m guessing this is a bit bigger than the pond you’ve swam in back in Equestria though.”

“That it is.”

“Want me to go with you?”

Applejack appears relieved. “Would you?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

Putting a hand on her back Arc gently pushes her forward as he takes a step. They walk into the water up to their ankles. Applejack grimaces.

“This… this isn’t… so bad.”

“If you don’t like it…”

Applejack interrupts him. “No, no. I want to keep going.”

Continuing on one step at a time, they go deeper into the lake. An incoming wave hits Applejack’s pelvis. Squealing, she grabs onto Arc’s arm for support as he turns to her.

“You okay?”

Applejack nods, clearly embarrassed. “That just felt really… weird. The water hitting my mare parts, that is.”

She turns to him and notices her hands gripping his arm for the first time. Letting go quickly, she blushes feverishly before looking down.

“I’m sorry! That was inappropriate!”

“It’s fine, Applejack. If you need to hold on that’s okay with me.”

“Are you… sure?”

“Positive.”

Nodding, she steps toward him as Arc extends his elbow to her. Carefully latching on, she looks to him for direction.

“I’m ready.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

Taking a step together, the pair begin walking. Soon they are up to their belly buttons. Arc turns to Applejack.

“How’s this?”

“Really nice! Sorry for being such a bother.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s no trouble.”

Applejack sighs. “Not sure what my problem is. Like I said earlier, I’ve never been afraid of the water before.”

“Could it be because you’re so high up?”

“What do you mean?”

“Remember, a pony is rather low to the ground compared to a human.”

“And I’m a bit top heavy too. Due to my height, that is.”

“Exactly.”

“I think I’m ready to go all the way now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“Letting go and swimming.”

“Ah! Okay.”

Applejack releases her hold on Arc’s arm as he steps back. She slowly walks forward and lowers herself down into the water up to her shoulders. Taking a deep breath she braces herself for the next wave before leaping forward and doggie paddling. Arc nods approvingly.

“Looks like you’re doing okay, Applejack!”

Applejack grins as she swims. “I’m doing it! And without hooves!”

“That you are!”

He watches her for a time as she paddles around. Eventually Applejack makes her way back to him.

“Why aren’t you swimming?”

“I’m keeping an eye on you, remember?”

“Oh! Right! Well, I think I’m okay. You don’t have to do that anymore.”

“You sure? I don’t mind.”

Applejack giggles. “Come on and let’s go!”

Arc chuckles. “Okay!”

Diving in, Arc begins swimming with her. As the sun rises higher and higher he looks back toward the shore before turning and calling out to his friend some distance away.

“Hey Applejack!”

“Yeah?!”

“Wanna go for a hike?!”

“A what?!”

“It’s what we call a walk through the woods!”

“Sure! Let’s go!”

Swimming for shore, Applejack runs up onto the beach. Getting down on all fours she shakes herself. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Um… Applejack?”

Applejack looks to him sheepishly as she stands. “Sorry. Forgot I wasn’t a pony.”

Chuckling, he motions for her to follow. Making the short walk back to the campsite Arc grabs a couple towels out of the Jeep and tosses one to Applejack.

“Thanks.”

“I think you’ll find this a bit more effective.”

Applejack grins. “Probably. Shaking’s fun though.”

“Well, a human doesn’t exactly have that kind of range.”

Applejack shrugs as she begins toweling off. “I figured that out about the time you said something. You ready to go for that hike now though?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “We should probably get changed first.”

“What for? I’m okay in this. Feels kinda nice being wet right now too.”

Arc looks down at her bare feet. “Trust me, we need to wear shoes for this.”

Applejack giggles as she wiggles her toes. “Yeah, I guess it’d be kinda hard on these feet.”

“With hooves I’m assuming it doesn’t matter.”

“Right. So I guess I’ll get changed back into what I was wearing before.”

“Me too.”

They go their separate ways into the tents. After changing the pair meet back up outside. Applejack points to the boots she borrowed from Ember’s closet.

“This better?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Trust me when I say that blisters make things much less fun.”

“Blisters?”

“They’re when you work either your hands or feet too hard without proper protection. Makes it hurt to take a step or grab onto things.”

“We’ll try to avoid that then.”

“Right. Now then, follow me.”

Leading Applejack into the woods, he gestures to the forest.

“This is what I call wilderness.”

“I’ll say. No trails or anything out here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. It’s quite a hike from the road so no one comes this way.”

“Hence the sigil?”

“Right. That way we only had to walk it one time.”

“Good thinking. But without paths how are we supposed to find the campsite if we get lost?”

“I can open a portal and we’re back instantly.”

Applejack grins. “Handy! So I guess the only thing left to do now is pick a direction.”

“And in that regard it doesn’t really matter, as there’s nothing out here. Well, other than the lake.”

Applejack points in a random direction. “Then how about that way?”

Arc nods approvingly. “Sure. Let’s go.”

They start walking together. Applejack turns to him.

“Earth sure is a pretty place.”

“Some parts are, yes.”

“Uh oh. Some places not so nice?”

Arc shrugs. “I guess. We have garbage dumps, deforested lands, urban wastelands, and other various depressed areas too.”

“So it’s similar to Equestria in certain places, huh?”

“Not from what I’ve seen, no. But you take the good with the bad.”

Applejack points excitedly. “Hey look! A stream!”

Arc chuckles. “Dinky found this when she was here last time. We followed it all the way back to its source.”

“Sounds like you two had a good time.”

“We did. But not just following the stream.”

“What else?”

“Just spending time with her was great. And she was absolutely adorable as a little human girl too.”

“I can just imagine.”

“We also played bocce ball and volleyball too.”

“Games?”

Arc nods. “Bocce ball is where you toss out a small ball and try to get a much larger, and heavier, ball to land closest to it.”

Applejack appears confused. “That doesn’t sound too hard.”

“Oh, it is. You see, the larger balls have to be rolled along the ground. No throwing it up high in an effort to make it embed itself into the ground. That and other players can hit your ball with theirs to try and knock it away.”

“Which makes it further from the target ball?”

“Right. Or knock the smaller one away from the other player’s balls.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“Oh, it is.”

“What was the other game again?”

“Volleyball.”

“Tell me about that one.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Well, you put up a net on poles and serve a ball across to the other team. They have to hit it back over with their hands, head, or feet without catching it and without it going out of bounds.”

“Out of what?”

“Before you start you draw lines in the sand on either side of the net and behind. If the ball goes beyond the lines the other team hit it too far and don’t get a point.”

Applejack grins. “I was imagining just hitting the ball as hard as I could.”

“You can hit it as hard as you want, yes. It just can’t go outside the lines.”

“How high is the net?”

Arc reaches up as high as he can. “About like this.”

“Tall, huh?”

“Yup. Sometimes you have to jump to reach it or spike.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Spike was here?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. ‘spiking’ is a volleyball term. It’s where you jump and hit the ball down towards the other team as hard as you can. Makes it really hard for them to return it before it hits the sand.”

“Sounds like a really physical game.”

“It is. But a lot of fun. Even when you fall over each other.”

Applejack chuckles. “And no one gets hurt too bad since you’re on sand.”

“Exactly.”

Sometime later they return to the campsite together. Sweaty and tired, the pair walk over to the Jeep. Applejack wipes the sweat from her forehead and laughs heartily.

“That was great, Arc!”

“I’ll say. But I think we should probably sit down and rest.”

“Agreed. Uh… where though?”

“Not to worry. I brought some cloth camping chairs for that. They’re in the back of the Jeep.”

Popping the back hatch, Arc pulls out two folded up chairs. However as he does so he suddenly stops and looks inside the trunk. Applejack appears confused.

“Something wrong, sugarcube?”

“Not… exactly.”

Tossing the chairs aside, Arc reaches inside and pulls out a box.

“That’s so weird.”

“Arc?”

“Take a look.”

Setting the box on the back bumper, he opens it as Applejack peeks inside. Frowning, she looks up at him.

“Balls?”

Arc nods soberly. “They’re bocce balls.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “The game we were talking about earlier?”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t know you brought them along.”

“But I didn’t.”

“Then how’d they get in there? An accident?”

Arc shrugs. “Guess so.”

Applejack grins. “Like that fella on television yesterday at lunch said… ‘a happy little accident’.”

“Yeah. I mean, it’s cool that they’re here so we can play later. But this is quite the mystery.”

“I suppose. But no use wracking our brains trying to figure it out, right?”

Arc smirks as he pulls the box out and sets it on the ground. “Yeah.”

Chapter 12 - Camping Talks

Arc and Applejack enjoy the afternoon as much as the morning. Swimming, hiking, and playing bocce ball together as the sun slowly begins to set. As it does Arc makes a fire on the beach.

“Alright. That should do it.”

Applejack grins. “I’m ready to get cooking. So what are we making?”

“Well, in the spirit of trying new recipes, I figured we’d give roasting vegetables over the fire a shot.”

“Like what?”

Arc pulls a picnic basket to himself. “How about we start with some corn on the cob?”

Applejack laughs. “I’ve done that before when camping. It’s actually pretty good.”

Arc feigns disappointment. “Oh really? And here I thought I was being original.”

“Well, it’s still a good idea. One thing about roasting vegetables though. You have to wrap them up in something first. If you don’t it just gets really dry.”

Arc nods as he pulls out a roll of foil. “That much I did guess, yes.”

“Why don’t you get those wrapped up while I find some sticks to sharpen?”

“No need to do that. I came prepared.”

Reaching over, he grabs two metal pokers.

“These should work.”

Applejack chuckles. “That they should.”

They each wrap up an ear of corn and place them on the pokers. Putting hers over the fire, Applejack looks to Arc.

“You want to hold it up high, like this. Otherwise it’ll cook too fast on the outside and leave the inside cold and raw.”

“Sounds kinda like roasting weenies.”

“What are they?”

Arc grimaces. “Um… ground up cow... meat.”

Applejack looks nervous. “Did you…?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I didn’t bring any.”

“Why not?”

“Because I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Thanks. The whole meat thing is still kinda an ‘out there’ idea to me.”

“I understand.”

Applejack looks back to her poker as she speaks. “But if you do want to have some animal flesh that’s okay with me.”

“While I’d like to, I think I’ll wait until you’re more comfortable with the idea.”

“How long do you think that’ll take?”

Arc shrugs. “No way to know. After all, everyone is different.”

“And that’s okay. After all, if we were all the same the world would sure be a boring place.”

They are silent for a time as they cook their corn. Eventually Applejack turns to Arc.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Do you… do you think Equestria and Earth could ever… coexist?”

“Huh?”

“Like if ponies could freely travel to Earth and humans to Equestria.”

“I’m not sure. Never really thought about it before.”

Arc chuckles before continuing.

“It would be a vegetarian’s paradise though.”

“A what now?”

“Vegetarians. They’re humans whom don’t eat meat of any kind. That also includes fish, insects, and gelatin.”

“Sounds like a pony diet to me.”

“Vegans would fit right in too.”

“What’s the difference?”

“In addition to what I said about vegetarians, vegans also don’t eat eggs, dairy products, or honey.”

Applejack shrugs. “To each their own, I guess.”

“Yeah. I have no problem with them eating what they want to. But I do love beef.”

“What’s it taste like?”

“Not sure how to describe that, as the taste and texture is very unique.”

Applejack grimaces. “So the only way to know would be to try it myself?”

“Right.”

Applejack puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “The thought is kinda… interesting to me, I suppose.”

“If you ever want to try something just say the word and I’ll buy some.”

“Thanks, Arc. But I’m not quite there yet.”

“No problem. Just go at your own pace.”

Applejack chuckles as she rotates her poker. “It’s kinda funny. When I was a pony I never had any of these thoughts. Of trying animal flesh, I mean.”

Arc muses on this. “Now that you mention it, Derpy and Dinky were the same way.”

Applejack appears surprised. “They tried it?!”

“Yup. I bought them both a cheeseburger from Shelly’s at least once.”

“Were they… okay? Afterwards, I mean.”

Arc nods. “Just fine.”

“And did they like it?”

“Dinky loved the taste. Derpy was a bit less enthusiastic about it though. Can’t remember what she said about the experience though.”

“I see. Maybe I’ll give it a go then.”

Arc pats the picnic basket next to him. “Well, it’ll have to be some other time, as I just brought pony-approved food.”

“Thanks for thinking about my feelings, Arc. It means a lot to me that you do things like this.”

“Like what?”

“How you try to understand where someone else is coming from. Even though I’m a human now, physically, my mind is still that of a pony. You knew I wasn’t emotionally prepared to have a human diet, so you accommodated for me.”

Arc smiles as he looks into the fire. “I’d have wanted the same had I been in your position.”

“But you didn’t have to. After all, you could have just said that you needed the nutrition and had your meal.”

“In my opinion that’s part of a relationship.”

“It is?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Thinking about the other person ahead of yourself. If more couples did that I think they’d be a lot happier.”

“That’s an interesting idea there, Arc. Can you elaborate on that?”

“Sure. Let’s say that a couple is looking to buy a new vehicle. The husband might want a sleek sports car while the wife might be looking at something more in line with a van for their future family.”

“Why not get one of each then?”

“They’re really expensive, so let’s just assume for this example that they can only afford to get one. If the husband wanted to please his wife he would do his best to understand her point of view. In the event of having a number of children they would need a larger vehicle to transport them in.”

“Makes sense.”

“But at the same time, if the wife was concerned for her husband’s feelings on the matter she would probably stop looking at vans and focus more on a spacious car or Sport Utility Vehicle of some kind. In the end they would both get something that would accomplish the task of getting from point A to B.”

Applejack muses on this. “It’s kinda like compromise but at the same time something different.”

“While I understand this technique wouldn’t work for every situation, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.”

“What other choice would there be?”

“A lot of people go into things with the attitude that their methods are best. Therefore the other person is wrong.”

“And how would someone go about getting into this mindset of thinking of the other partner?”

“I’d say it starts with having a proper dialogue. They need to talk things out to get into the right mindset. But at the same time they also need to listen as well. With an open mind, of course.”

“This sounds so simple when you lay it out like that, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Sadly it’s pretty much unattainable for a lot of couples.”

“It is?”

“Yes. The divorce rates here on Earth are proof of that.”

Applejack appears suddenly concerned. “Do you… do you think that’ll happen to any of us? The girls and you, I mean.”

Arc shrugs. “One never really knows, I guess. But that’s why I’m insisting on a long engagement along with lots of talking and dates. To do my part to avoid entering into something we might regret later.”

“Thanks for being so Honest with us about that, Arc.”

“Honest wasn’t exactly the word I was thinking you’d use there.”

“Oh?”

“I was worried I was coming off as not wanting a relationship. Well… relationships, I suppose.”

Applejack smiles warmly. “Truthfully I see it as the opposite. You care about all of us enough to do what’s best, not what’s easiest. The girls and I appreciate it.”

Sometime later they munch on their corn on the cob. Arc grins.

“Experiment successful.”

Applejack smiles. “Told you it would work.”

Arc laughs. “And you were right.”

He reaches over and pulls the picnic basket over to sit between them. Opening it, he looks to Applejack.

“Ever try cooking an eggplant over an open fire?”

Applejack chuckles. “Can’t say that I have, no.”

“Wanna try it?”

“Sure!”

Wrapping the vegetable up in foil, Arc holds it over the fire as he turns to Applejack.

“Another experiment.”

Applejack nods approvingly. “You sound like Twilight.”

“Guess I do. But getting back to our talk about the herd, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“It’s about you and your family.”

“Oh?”

“I know Apple Bloom knows about, and is onboard, with you and I getting married. But what about the others?”

“Big Mac knows too. I felt that it wouldn’t be proper to keep something like this from him. Especially when our youngest sister was already aware.”

“And what did he have to say about it?”

Applejack sighs. “To be honest with you, he wasn’t too thrilled at the prospect of me joining a herd. He was nothing but surprised for almost a full ten seconds. Couldn’t even talk.”

“I guess that would be kind of a shock.”

“He was kinda mad actually. Said that I deserved a traditional one-on-one relationship as opposed to a herd.”

“And what do you think?”

Applejack bows her head and looks at the fire. “I… I don’t know. What he said wasn’t wrong. I mean, this whole herd thing is gonna be really hard to make work just from the attention standpoint.”

He smiles sadly. “That’s why I put this off for so long.”

“Arc?”

“Remember, I didn’t want to date anyone in the past since I was already neglecting my duties as a father to Dinky.”

“Being the Hero of Light certainly was a full time job.”

“Still is actually.”

Applejack grins. “But that’s coming to an end, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Hopefully soon too.”

“So we can start figuring things out together?”

“Yeah. However, that needs to involve everyone. And their families too.”

Applejack smiles nervously. “Does it have to?”

“It does, yes. After all, you don’t want to throw away your relationship with them just to attain one with me, do you?”

“I… it’s complicated.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Applejack?”

“You’re right. We need to take this thing slow and gentle. Our relationship, I mean. But… if I believe this can work, and I have to choose between you and them, I…”

“Don’t.”

“Arc?”

“You can’t disregard your brother’s feelings so casually. Big Macintosh loves you and just wants what’s best for his little sister.”

Applejack frowns. “I know he does. He told me that much. But I’m not a filly anymore, Arc.”

“To him you always will be.”

“How’s that?”

“Think about it. He watched you grow up and looked after you along with Granny Smith when your parents died. I’m sure there were a lot of paternal thoughts running through his mind at the time.”

“I… guess that’s true. But how can I get him to see that this is something I want to pursue?”

“By showing him just how happy you and I, along with the others, are together.”

Applejack sighs. “That’s what I’ve been doing though. There has to be something else I can…”

Arc shakes his head. “You can’t force someone to change their mind, Applejack. They’re the only ones whom can do that.”

“But…!”

“Think of it this way. What if your brother starting showing interest in someone whom you didn’t feel was right for him?”

Applejack frowns. “Then I’d talk him out of seeing them.”

“And if you couldn’t?”

“I… don’t really know what I’d do.”

“That’s how he feels right now. Big Macintosh just wants you to be happy. But he doesn’t believe that you could find that with me and the others.”

“Let’s just say that’s true. What can I do to help alleviate his conscience?”

“Like I said, we’d have to show him just how happy you are with everyone.”

“But that could take forever!”

“There’s no speeding it up either. Or forcing him to change his opinion on this. All we can do is our best and hope he responds.”

Applejack looks away. “I know he wouldn’t disown me, or anything. But it’ll make things… difficult between us.”

“Just focus on the relationships as a whole then. Remember, if things don’t go well between everyone he’ll worry about you even more.”

“So just worry about my own feelings then?”

Arc nods. “For the moment, yes. Such will assure that what you’re projecting is genuine.”

“Anything else?”

“Not really.”

“And if he brings it up?”

“Then answer his questions or concerns calmly, factually, and straight to the point. Don’t let it devolve into an argument around the dinner table.”

Applejack shudders. “No problem there. He wouldn’t dare bring this up around Granny Smith.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why? Is she upset too?”

“She… doesn’t actually know about it.”

“What?”

“You know that she’s a bit scatterbrained due to her… condition. I’m just worried that the shock of what we’re planning to do might just push her over the edge.”

“Admittedly that is reasonable.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Good. I was feeling awfully bad not telling her about this.”

Arc sighs. “If these were any other circumstances I’d probably say that you need to have a talk with her.”

“Believe me, I’d love to do that.”

“So… do we just keep it to ourselves?”

Applejack shrugs. “Not sure what else we CAN do. After all, I’m not doing this to be deceptive, as her life and sanity may literally be on the line.”

Arc nods as he pulls the poker away from the flames. “This situation is kinda like our little vegetable experiment.”

“It is?”

Arc gestures to the foil wrapped eggplant. “Sure. We know what’s in here. But at the same time, we don’t.”

“I don’t get it.”

“This might be absolutely delicious. Or it could be terrible.”

“But we won’t know until we try, right?”

“Exactly.”

Applejack groans. “That’s what has me worried.”

“We can choose to eat the eggplant, not eat it, or even just throw it away without unwrapping it.”

“I don’t understand the last option’s relevance.”

“What I mean is that we could not tell her at all and wait to get married until she passes away.”

Applejack frowns. “That doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.”

“Agreed. Which leaves us with the first two.”

“Tell her, or don’t tell her.”

“Right.”

“But neither sounds good to me.”

Arc smiles. “Understandable. On the one hand, I’m sure you want to do the honest thing and tell the mare whom raised you everything about our herd idea. While on the other, you want to protect her mind from a potentially devastating blow.”

Applejack sighs as she brings her knees up to her chest and stares into the fire. “And I don’t know which to go with.”

“This certainly isn’t going to be an easily answered question.”

“Well, what would you do?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure, Applejack. But you know Granny Smith better than anyone. That makes you the best one to decide what to do.”

“She certainly isn’t getting any better, so telling her soon might be the best bet. Then she can die knowing the family and I will be okay. It’s just that I don’t want to be the one to have to live with the thought that my news killed my own grandmother.”

“I’m sure the others will stand behind whatever decision you make in this regard, Applejack. Myself included.”

Applejack nods soberly. “Thanks, sugarcube. But I need more time to figure this out in my head before doing one or the other.”

“That’s understandable. But don’t spend too much time…”

Suddenly something hits the top of Arc’s head. Reaching up he feels something wet.

“What the…?”

As if on cue, the rain begins. Quickly holding up a hand, Arc casts a Barrier Spell over them. Reaching out with his other hand he grabs Applejack’s arm.

“Back to the campsite!”

The pair run through the woods together toward their destination. Reaching it they spot the open tent flaps being blown inward along with soaked sleeping bags. Turning to the Jeep, Arc motions to Applejack to follow him. Hopping inside through the open back hatch, Arc reaches up and grabs the door. Pulling it down he slams the hatch shut as the rain erupts into a full on downpour. Turning to Applejack, Arc looks her over.

“You okay? Didn’t get too wet, did you?”

“I’m fine thanks to your quick magical thinking.”

Arc looks out the back hatch window. “Those clouds really snuck up on us.”

“I noticed them coming in as the sun went down. But that’s quite the deluge.”

“Well, this sucks.”

Applejack chuckles. “Are you kidding?! That was fun!”

“Glad you’re happy about it. But our tents are soaked now inside and out.”

Applejack shrugs. “I’ve had worse camping trips.”

“Want me to open a portal back to my place? We’ll have to get out to do it though.”

“Nah. In fact, I have an idea.”

Climbing, Applejack makes her way to the front passenger seat. She plops down in it and motions for Arc to follow. Doing so he sits down in the driver’s seat and turns to her.

“I can’t exactly drive up out of here. No roads.”

Applejack grins. “We ain’t leaving. Just getting bed down for the night.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want to spend the night in the Jeep?”

“Sure. Like I said, I’ve had worse trips.”

She lays against the headrest and sighs contentedly.

“These seats are way more comfortable than the sleeping in the back of an old wagon, that’s for sure.”

Arc grins. “I think I can help with that.”

Reaching to his left, Arc pulls a lever and reclines his seat. Applejack nods approvingly.

“Handy! How’d you do that?”

“Lever on your right side. Pull it up and lean back.”

Applejack does so. Reclining, she laughs.

“There ain’t nothing the makers of this thing didn’t think of!”

“I guess you’re right. Sorry for how this turned out though.”

“Are you kidding, Arc?! I’m having a BLAST!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Lying in a unfolded chair?”

“A comfortable unfolded chair. That and it’s giving me a chance to indulge in something I rarely get to do.”

“What’s that?”

“Watch the rain.”

“Oh?”

Applejack nods as she looks through the windshield at the torrential downpour. “Working at the orchard is really time consuming. We don’t usually have time to sit around watching the rain.”

She closes her eyes and smiles before continuing.

“That’s why it’s a special treat for me to have such an opportunity.”

Arc chuckles. “Then you might appreciate this.”

Reaching up, he pulls back a sliding door overhead. Applejack opens her eyes to see a now exposed window in the roof.

“What the…?!”

“It’s called a ‘moon roof’. Never really had any use for it before today though.”

Applejack grins. “That’s neat! It kinda feels like I’m getting hit in the face with raindrops but not getting wet!”

“Glad you’re enjoying it.”

They are silent for a time as Applejack stares upward. Eventually, Arc breaks it.

“Applejack?”

“Hm?”

“Can I ask you something a bit… odd?”

“What is it?”

“How… how do you feel about… um…”

Arc is silent again. After a few moments Applejack speaks.

“Look, Arc. Whatever it is that you want to ask me…”

“This is REALLY out there though.”

“Well, if we’re going to be part of a herd together we need to be able to talk about everything and anything.”

“Okay. Here goes.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing.

“I know you and the others talk a lot. So I wanted to know if a certain… topic had come up. When you’re all together, I mean.”

“Well, I’d have to know exactly what the topic was before answering that truthfully.”

“It’s about something Rainbow Dash said a while back. While it may have just been an offhand comment she made in the heat of the moment, I wanted to run it by you.”

“Want this to just stay between us?”

Arc shrugs. “Not really sure. So let’s just get this over with and then decide.”

“Fine. What did she say?”

“Rainbow Dash... some time back she… she and Hammer were going back and forth about… taking turns.”

Applejack frowns. “In the bedroom?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Well, that’s kinda going to be a thing. I mean, it’s not like we can all sleep in the same bed every night.”

“That wasn’t the issue. I understand that there’s going to have to be some kind of schedule, or something, to make that work fairly. But what she and Hammer were talking about was… taking turns sexually.”

Applejack blushes. “Oh… ah… well, to be honest, that’s… going to be a thing we’ll have to figure out together.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. That came out wrong. What I meant was… they were suggesting a threesome.”

“Ah! And that makes you uncomfortable?”

“It didn’t at the time. But I kinda just thought the two of them were making a joke back then.”

“Now you’re not so sure though.”

“Right.”

“I see. Well, if it makes you feel any better that just sounds like Rainbow Dash blowing hot air.”

“So no one else has said anything like that?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Not that I’ve been witness to, no. Should I tell her to knock that off or keep it to myself?”

“We should probably all talk about it together after I bring it up with her.”

“That’s probably for the best. After all, if we just keep everything to ourselves we won’t make any headway.”

“Yeah. And to be Honest with you, I’m not really interested in something like that.”

“It is a bit… out there, that’s for sure.”

“But it may be for the best.”

“Come again?”

“Think about it. Right now we have you, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Auriel, Ember, Derpy, and Hammer. That’s ten of you. Ten mares whom are all going to want attention.”

Applejack counts on her fingers as she talks. “Assuming you only spend the night with one of us at a time, that’s about once every week and a half.”

Arc nods. “Right. Even with a schedule, that’s not very romantic.”

Applejack groans. “And if your turn comes up, it may land on a bad day.”

“That would throw everything off completely.”

“It sounds like quite the problem.”

“But if I were to… double up, it would only be five days between each night spent together.”

“That still sounds like a stretch to me.”

“Me too.”

Applejack turns to him. “Let’s back this conversation up though. You told me earlier that you weren’t interested in threesomes.”

“I’m not. But if it helps…”

Applejack interrupts him. “Stop right there, Arc. Now I know that you’re keen to help others and do your part to make this particular matter easier. However that doesn’t mean you need to compromise your own feelings in the process.”

“That doesn’t help though.”

“And neither does you doing something you’re not ready for.”

She sits up and takes his hand before continuing.

“Listen to me. You’re more than just a means to sate your wives’ sexual needs, Arc. If that was all we needed, there are any number of other ways for us to get relief. But you’re not a tool, and shouldn’t be treated as such.”

“I know that, but…”

Applejack puts a finger to his mouth. “Stop and listen. There are no ‘buts’ here, Arc. You deserve the best we can give you in all things. But that works both ways too. We all need to understand that you’re just one person and can only do so much. Especially in that department.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, you’re right. And I do think we all need to have a talk about this together.”

“Darn right! Everything needs to be on the table to avoid trouble down the road!”

“We’ll never be able to figure everything out ahead of time, naturally. But we can do our best to mitigate as much as possible.”

Applejack nods and opens her mouth to speak. However instead of words, a yawn leaps forth. Blushing furiously, she groans and turns away.

“I-I’m sorry, Arc! Here we are trying to have a heart to heart conversation and I let that slip!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. After all, we’ve had a pretty busy day. Maybe it’s time to get some sleep.”

“Can we stay here though?”

“If you want to, sure. We can sleep in the Jeep and get the tents dried out in the morning.”

Applejack turns and looks behind her and out the back hatch window. “I just wish the sleeping bags weren’t still out there.”

“Cold?”

Applejack shivers. “A bit, yes.”

“The sun going down tends to do that this time of year. But I think I have the solution.”

Reaching behind his seat, Arc picks up a bag. Setting it on his lap, he opens it and pulls out a very old looking blanket.

“My family’s so-called ‘bad time blanket’.”

Applejack appears confused. “Bad time blanket?”

Arc nods. “When I was a kid this is what we’d use to stay warm when things went wrong. A couple times my mom and I used it when the car broke down in the winter. Once I had to use it to stay warm after I fell out of a boat in the fall.”

Chuckling, he unfolds it and covers them.

“Several times we used it like this when the weather turned bad during camping trips. I know it may not look like much, but it is pretty warm.”

Applejack pulls it up to her chin and grins. “That it is!”

“Do you want me to turn on the engine? We can get some more heat if this isn’t enough.”

Applejack shakes her head. “I’m warm enough. You?”

“Yeah. Ready for some shuteye though.”

“Me too. Good…”

A low rumble echoes from the distance. Arc chuckles.

“Sounds like the weather’s going to be entertaining us now.”

Applejack grimaces. “Y-y-yeah.”

Arc turns to her. “Applejack? Something wrong?”

“Kinda. I… really don’t like thunder.”

“It’s okay. Everyone’s afraid of something.”

“I’m not exactly…”

A flash overhead followed by the crash of thunder interrupts her. Arc glances over just in time to see Applejack cover her face with the blanket.

“Would you feel better if we left now?”

Applejack shakes her head. “That’s not a good idea!”

“Why not?”

“It’s dangerous to be outside during a storm! Especially in the woods!”

“I suppose that’s true. But is there anything I could do to help you right now?”

Applejack bobs her head silently. Moving her under the blanket she latches onto Arc’s arm and looks to him nervously.

“Is this… okay?”

“Sure, Applejack. But we might have a bit of trouble sleeping. How about this?”

Reaching up, Arc takes her hand from his arm and holds it in his.

“Now we can both lie back normally.”

Applejack calls out from under the blanket “I’m still going to stay under here though!”

“That’s fine. Anything else I can do?”

“Just… just stay like this, okay?”

“Alright. Good night.”

He leans back and closes his eyes as Applejack does the same. However even with the blanket over her face it does little to keep out the booming echoes of thunder all around them. Squeezing her eyes shut, she does her best to sleep as the storm continues.

Chapter 13 - Down for the Count

Early the next morning Arc opens his eyes. While it is still dark and rainy out, he looks around and stretches as he muses to himself.

“Not the most comfortable night’s sleep I’ve ever had.”

Turning, he spies Applejack still completely covered by the blanket. Smiling, he reaches over and gently taps her shoulder.

“Hey.”

Applejack groans as Arc continues.

“I thought you’d be the one to wake up first.”

Applejack groans. “Huh…?”

Arc chuckles. “Well, you’ve been up cooking breakfast every day since we got here.”

“Sorry about sleeping in. I’ll get you something to eat now.”

Arc shakes his head and smiles. “Sorry, I was just making a joke. After all, feeding me isn’t exactly your job.”

“Can you give me a minute? I feel kinda… off.”

“You okay, Applejack?”

“I… don’t know.”

Frowning, Arc pulls back the blanket. He sees his friend curled up on her seat, sweating profusely and shivering slightly. Putting a hand to her forehead he finds it hot to the touch.

“You don’t look good.”

Applejack smiles weakly. “I… think you’re right.”

Arc nods as he returns his seat to the upright position. “Let’s get you back to the house.”

“I thought we were supposed to stay here a few days!”

“We were. But you need a warm bed right now.”

Getting out of the Jeep, Arc walks over to the passenger door. Opening a portal nearby he reaches inside and extends a hand.

“Let’s go.”

Nodding, Applejack takes his hand and sits up. However as she puts weight on her feet they give way. Arc moves to catch her and wraps his arms around her midsection in a haphazard attempt to prevent her from falling face first into the mud. As he does so however the pressure against Applejack’s belly causes her to throw up. She turns away in an effort to divert it from him as she gags and coughs profusely.

“S-sorry.”

“It’s okay. Let’s get you back to the house.”

Applejack nods weakly as she wipes her mouth. “Yeah. Help me up, will you?”

Arc does so as Applejack again tries to stand. She takes a few haphazard steps toward the portal with Arc before her legs again buckle. Reaching down, Arc picks her up and carries her toward the portal. Entering, they find themselves back in Arc’s basement. Her eyes suddenly wide, Applejack looks up to him with an urgent expression on her face.

“Bathroom!”

Rushing toward the nearby bathroom, Arc enters and quickly sets Applejack down on the toilet. She hastily pulls down her shorts as Arc turns away respectfully. He closes the door and steps away to wait. The sounds of… you know… emanates from beyond the door for a few minutes along with numerous grunts and groans. Eventually Applejack calls out for him.

“Arc?”

“I’m here. You okay in there?”

“Kinda. I think it’s done now.”

“Can I come in?”

“Probably not a good idea. It… doesn’t exactly smell like a grove of apple trees in here.”

“But you can’t really walk right now.”

“Give me a minute and I’ll crawl out.”

Arc groans. “Please let me help you.”

Applejack sighs. “Fine. Come on in then.”

Opening the door, Arc spies Applejack still sitting on the toilet. The young woman blushes as she tries unsuccessfully to finish pulling up her shorts. Walking over to her, Arc leans down.

“Put your arms around me please.”

Doing as she is told, Arc carefully helps Applejack stand up. Reaching around her, he slowly pulls her pants up to cover her bottom before repositioning to pick her up again. Carrying the young woman upstairs, Arc lays her down on his old bed and puts a hand on her forehead again.

“How do you feel?”

“Awful.”

“Can you describe what you’re feeling though?”

Applejack puts a hand on her belly. “Well, I’m hot and cold at the same time. And my stomach wants to eject its contents out of both ends right now.”

“And you’re having trouble walking.”

“Just feel so… weak.”

“I think we should try getting that fever down first. It might help the other symptoms too.”

“Worth a shot. How though?”

“A warm shower should help. Can I help you to the bathroom?”

Applejack sighs. “I think you’ll have to.”

Picking her up again, Arc walks down the hall to the bathroom. Setting Applejack down on the closed toilet seat lid he gets the water going before turning back to her.

“Think you can undress and make it to the tub?”

Applejack nods shakily. “Y-yeah.”

“Good. I’ll head downstairs and get you some medicine while you do that.”

Applejack blushes slightly as he turns to leave. “Okay.”

Leaving the bathroom, Arc closes the door behind him. Heading downstairs he makes his way to the kitchen cupboard and checks the top shelf. Finding a bottle and measuring cup, he sets them on the counter. Turning to the refrigerator Arc pulls out a jug of orange juice and pours a cup. After returning it to its place he takes his time walking back upstairs to knock on the bathroom door Opening it a few inches he calls out.

“Applejack? Did you make it to the tub okay?”

“I did, yes.”

“That’s good. I have some medicine along with a glass of juice for you. Can I come in and give them to you?”

“Sure.”

Entering, Arc walks over to the closed shower curtain. Slowly reaching inside he holds out the cup of medicine. Applejack takes it and cautiously drinks it. Coughing violently, she makes a face before giving the cup back to Arc.

“What was IN that stuff?!”

“It’s cough syrup that’s also good for headaches and fevers.”

“Well, they should probably try making it taste better!”

“A lot of adult medicine tastes bad. But it does work. In any case, take this.”

He holds out the glass of juice. Applejack grins as she downs the contents happily.

“That’s more like it!”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry I didn’t buy any apple juice when we were at the store last.”

Applejack coughs as she hands the glass back through the closed curtain. “It certainly helped with the aftertaste, thanks.”

“How’s the shower helping?”

“Well, I don’t feel cold anymore.”

“That’s a start.”

“And the steam is helping my throat a bit.”

“Good. Anything else I can get you?”

Applejack shakes her head. “I think I’m fine for now.”

Arc turns back to the door. “I’ll head back to your room for some fresh clothes.”

“Thanks, Arc. I’ll try not to stay in here too long though.”

“No, no. Feel free to shower as long as needed.”

Applejack gasps. “But that’ll cost…!”

“It’s fine, Applejack. After all, I want you to feel better soon. In any case, I’ll be right back.”

Leaving the bathroom, Arc heads down the hall. Opening a drawer he pulls out fresh undergarments and tosses them on the bed. Looking in another drawer he finds shorts and a t-shirt. Grabbing everything he returns to the bathroom and sets the clothes next to the sink.

“I’ve brought you some sleeping clothes to wear when you’re done in there, Applejack.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Sleeping clothes?”

“Shorts and a t-shirt.”

“But I can’t just head to bed when I get out of here!”

“Why not?”

“Because I have to help you get the campsite packed up!”

“I’ll handle that.”

Applejack moves to stand up. “Nonsense! Just because I’m feeling a bit under the weather doesn’t mean that I can’t…!”

“Applejack, please. Let me take care of the campsite while you stay here and get some rest.”

“I could…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Remember, it wasn’t too long ago that I had to help you to the toilet because you couldn’t walk there yourself. And that’s after you got done throwing up.”

“But I haven’t puked since you left to get me clothes.”

“So you vomited in there?”

Applejack grimaces. “…kinda.”

“Kinda?”

“It wasn’t very much. And I was able to swallow most of it back down. What did come out was just liquid though, so it won’t clog the pipes.”

Arc looks out the window at the murky dawn light. “Well, that’s not exactly encouraging. Anything else happen that you want to tell me about?”

Applejack blushes fervently. “Um… this might not be the best time to bring this up, but…”

She pauses before speaking again.

“…I need to get those clothes I was wearing earlier washed soon.”

“What’s the rush there?”

“Because I puked on them.”

Arc turns to the dirty clothes hamper. “Ah, right. I’ll run them downstairs to the washing machine.”

Applejack gasps. “Arc, wait!”

“What is it?”

“I need to tell you something else first.”

“Oh?”

“Remember when you helped me to the bathroom earlier?”

“What about it?”

“I… didn’t quite make it.”

“You mean…?”

Applejack lowers her voice as she blushes deeper. “Yeah. There’s some… stuff in my undergarments.”

Walking over to the hamper Arc picks up the dirty clothes. Suddenly smelling the evidence he opens them up and peeks inside before looking back toward the shower.

“It’s just a little bit. Not much more than I used to do as a child when I was sick.”

“Just put them back in there. I’ll take care of it when I get out of here.”

“No need. I’ll run them downstairs and get these in the washing machine.”

Applejack groans. “I’m so sorry about this, Arc.”

“It’s okay. Accidents happen.”

“Um… can I ask for a favor though?”

“What is it?”

“That this stays between us.”

Arc smiles and nods. “Sure. No one else needs to know. But I just ask one thing in return.”

Applejack grimaces. “What’s that?”

“I want you to promise me that you’ll stay in the shower for as long as you need and then rest here at the house.”

Applejack sighs. “Fine. You win.”

“Thanks. Be right back.”

Leaving the bathroom Arc heads down to the basement with the soiled clothes. Tossing them into the washing machine, he adds detergent before setting the dials to ‘very hot’ and ‘heavy duty’ cycles. Starting it, he turns and heads for the basement bathroom. Turning on the exhaust fan, Arc closes the door and returns to the main level. Thinking for a moment, he turns to the cupboard and pulls out a water bottle. After filling it at the tap he heads upstairs to the bathroom again. Knocking lightly before entering, Arc heads for the shower again.

“They’re being washed now.”

“Thanks, Arc. And sorry again.”

“It’s fine. That and I brought you something else.”

Handing the water bottle through the curtain, Applejack takes it. She sounds confused as she speaks.

“What’s this?”

“Just water. Since you’re throwing up and having diarrhea I’d say you need to rehydrate.”

“Probably, yeah.”

“I should probably get back to the lake and pack things up there. You going to be okay for a little bit?”

“Sure. I’ll just kinda hang out in here until you get back if I can.”

“Sounds good. The water heater here is a pretty big one so you should stay warm in there. That and I’ll be back just as soon as I can.”

“Okay.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal and steps through. Applejack sighs and leans back to let the warm water wash over her naked body. Looking at the water bottle in her hand she opens it and takes a sip. Grimacing slightly, she sighs.

“Of all the times to get a stomach bug.”

Meanwhile, Arc arrives back at the campsite. Looking around, he sighs.

“And we were having such a good time too.”

Shrugging, he gets to work packing up the tents. After tossing everything into the trunk, Arc shrinks the Jeep down and picks it up. Opening a return portal he steps through and finds himself in his garage. Setting his Jeep in the middle of the floor he returns it to its normal size and pops the hatch. Grabbing the tents, Arc opens a portal and tosses them through along with the rest of their supplies before hopping through himself. Reappearing in his basement he drapes the tents over a table and chairs.

“That should help them dry. Now then, let’s see about the rest of the laundry.”

Sorting out their dirty clothes from the backpacks, Arc heads upstairs to get the hampers. Knocking lightly on the door, as he hears that the water has stopped, Arc opens it a crack and calls out.

“Applejack? You okay in there?”

“Yeah, I’m out of the tub now. Everything go alright on your end?”

“Yup. Got our stuff off the beach and the campsite too. Tents are drying downstairs as well.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

“Well, if you’re dressed can I get the hamper from in there? Want to get things sorted out for laundry.”

“Sure. Just a second.”

A few moments later the door opens and Applejack slides the hamper towards him. Arc takes it and looks up at her.

“How’s everything fit?”

Applejack looks down at herself. “It’s kinda baggy.”

“Night clothes typically are. Makes them more comfortable.”

Applejack suddenly sits down on the toilet lid heavily. “Woah!”

“You okay?!”

Applejack puts a hand to her forehead. “Sorry. I just got a bit lightheaded is all.”

Arc steps into the bathroom. “I’m carrying you to bed then.”

Applejack sighs as she begins to shiver again. “Yeah, I think you’ll have to.”

Carefully picking the young woman up, Arc takes her back to her room. Laying Applejack down, he covers her up with the blankets and feels her forehead.

“You don’t feel as hot as before.”

“That’s good, right?”

“Yeah. But I should have taken your temperature back then too. Sorry for not thinking ahead.”

“Oh well. No time like the present then.”

“I suppose. Let me get the thermometer.”

Heading back to the bathroom Arc opens the medicine cabinet and removes the familiar device. Returning to Applejack’s side, he uncovers her shoulder and raises her arm slightly. She looks to him, confused.

“Uh…Arc? What are you doing?”

“Taking your temperature.”

“From there?”

Arc nods. “That’s how it’s done on Earth.”

“Oh. Sorry. Back in Equestria you put that thing in the mouth.”

“We could do that too, yes. But that would require washing it after every use.”

“I guess that makes sense. What do I have to do then?”

“Just let me put this under your arm and I’ll start it.”

Applejack nods as Arc carefully lifts her arm to expose her pit. Carefully putting the device in the center he lowers her arm down and presses a button. A beep rings out as he looks to her.

“Now we just need to wait.”

A short time later the thermometer beeps. Arc pulls it out and looks at the display.

“A hundred one degrees.”

Applejack appears relieved. “So normal then.”

“Maybe for a pony that’s true. But a human has a lower temperature of ninety-eight point six.”

“That means I am feverish, huh?”

Arc nods as he turns off the thermometer. “It appears so, yes.”

“So what now?”

“Let’s start with how you feel.”

“The nausea and… other problem seem to have gone. Now I just feel really tired and achy.”

“Sounds like a flu-like bug.”

“Is that bad?”

“Well, it’s not good. But you’ll be fine with some bedrest.”

“Anything else I can do?”

Arc sighs. “You don’t like lying around, do you?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Not at all. I get so… so BORED if I’m just laying here.”

“How about I carry you downstairs to the couch then?”

“What for?”

“Then you could watch television at least. Would that help?”

Applejack shrugs. “I guess.”

Picking her up, Arc carries Applejack downstairs. Laying her down on the couch he returns upstairs for a pillow and blanket. Getting her situated he grabs the remote with his magic and turns on the television.

“Anything in particular you want to watch?”

“Not really sure. How about you pick something out?”

“Okay, let’s see here…”

Flipping through the channels one by one he stops at one as cheers erupt through the speakers. Applejack raises an eyebrow.

“What’s this?”

“A game show.”

“Huh?”

“Sorry. It’s a show where people, called contestants, play games to try and win money or other prizes.”

“Sounds kinda interesting. What’s this one called?”

“Wheel of Fortune. There’s a puzzle where those playing have to spin the wheel and then guess a letter. If they’re right they get to spin the wheel again before trying another letter. The letters unlock as they say them and are lit up to reveal part of the word or phrase. If you think you know the answer you can try to solve the puzzle. Get it right and you win all the money from your spins.”

“That doesn’t sound too hard.”

“Maybe not. But I always liked watching it as a kid.”

“Then let’s see what the fun is all about.”

Arc nods and sits down at the opposite end of the couch. They begin watching together as Arc turns to her.

“Do you need anything?”

Applejack shakes her head. “I think I’m okay for now.”

“Should I get you a bowl in case your stomach sours?”

“That might not be a bad idea.”

Standing up, Arc heads for the kitchen. Grabbing a large mixing bowl he returns to the couch. Handing Applejack the bowl as he sits down, she places it on the floor in front of her before turning to him.

“Thanks, sugarcube.”

“No problem.”

“I’d hate to make another mess right now, after all.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, accidents do happen when you’re sick.”

“Speaking of sick, should you really be hanging around me right now?”

“Afraid I’ll get it too?”

“You could.”

“Not likely. One of the advantages of my Crimson powers is my immune system.”

Applejack gasps. “So you can’t get sick?”

“According to Scootaloo, no.”

“That’s a relief. I’d hate to give you this bug.”

“Thanks. Admittedly it doesn’t sound like much fun.”

Applejack puts a hand on her forehead as she pushes the blanket off. “Trust me, it’s not.”

“Getting hot?”

“Yeah. But now with the blanket off I’m too cold.”

“I have an idea.”

“What is it?”

“Something I used to do as a kid. Pull the blanket over yourself again.”

Doing as she is told, Applejack covers herself up again. Arc reaches down and uncovers her feet up to her knees.

“How’s that?”

“A… bit better.”

“You can go back to the other way if this doesn’t work out.”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, no. This is just fine.”

They go back to watching their show. Applejack frowns.

“How’d that fella know what the words were?”

“It’s a common phrase here on Earth.”

“The Golden Rule?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It means that you should treat others as you wish to be treated.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “But isn’t that kinda common knowledge?”

“You would think so, yes. But so many don’t follow it.”

“That’s a shame.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, we can’t control what others do.”

“Yeah.”

She raises her head and looks toward the end of the blanket. Arc turns to her.

“Something wrong?”

“I… don’t know. Can I ask you something a bit weird, Arc?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“How… how do my feet look?”

“Right now?”

“As a human, yes.”

“Pretty normal I’d say. Something the matter?”

“Not really. I just wanted to make sure since they’re feeling really achy right now.”

“Your feet?”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. Not sure why though.”

“It could be from all the walking we did yesterday.”

“But I do things like that all the time.”

“Not as a human though.”

“What should I do then?”

“Well… if you’d like I can massage them for you.”

“That might help. But only if you want to, of course.”

“Sure. One sec.”

Sliding over, Arc picks Applejack’s feet up and lays them in his lap. As they go back to watching television he slowly begins the massage. Continuing with the show, Arc watches as he firmly rubs her feet and ankles. Applejack bites her lip but says nothing as she squeezes her eyes shut. A few minutes later, as a contestant solves the puzzle, Applejack lets out a low moan. Arc turns to her.

“Sorry. Did I go too far?”

Applejack blushes profusely. “N-not at all! What makes you say that?!”

“That sound you made. I thought I hurt you.”

“I’m okay!”

“Should I stop?”

Applejack sounds almost desperate as she speaks. “Please don’t!”

Raising an eyebrow, Arc stares at her as she turns to looks back at the screen and continues talking.

“I mean… you can stop if you want to.”

“Is it helping?”

Applejack pulls the blanket up to her face as she speaks. “More so than you know.”

Arc chuckles. “Alright then. I’ll keep going.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

Chapter 14 - Care

Around noon Arc turns to Applejack.

“How you doing?”

“Feeling a lot better actually.”

“Sounds like you’re responding well to the medicine.”

“Yeah. Still feeling really tired though.”

“Think you could keep some food down?”

Applejack nods. “Probably, yeah.”

Arc stands. “Good. I was getting a bit worried, after all.”

“About what?”

“Well, you haven’t eaten yet today.”

Applejack “chuckles. “I don’t think I’m in any danger after missing one meal.”

“That and we got interrupted when making supper last night too, so you didn’t exactly have a full dinner then either.”

“Ah! Now I kinda get it. But that works both ways, doesn’t it?”

“Huh?”

“I didn’t see you eat anything for breakfast either.”

“Oh… I suppose not.”

Applejack frowns. “I had an excuse. You didn’t.”

“Kinda did.”

“What was it?”

“Wasn’t really hungry at the time.”

Applejack shakes her head. “Can’t imagine you not wanting to eat OR forgetting to do so though.”

Arc sighs. “To be completely Honest with you… I was too worried to eat.”

“Worried?”

“About you.”

“But I’m okay.”

“Well, you weren’t exactly at your best early on.”

Applejack blushes slightly. “Guess not.”

“So let’s see about getting something in your stomach.”

“Any suggestions?”

“Uh… there is something that humans like to eat when they’re sick, but…”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “But what?”

“It’s not exactly… pony friendly.”

“Well, I’ll try it anyways.”

“You sure? It’s…”

Applejack interrupts him. “Yeah. After all, I do want to understand human culture.”

“Okay. Give me a few minutes.”

Heading into the Kitchen, Arc gets to work. Applejack hears the banging of pots and pans and a can being opening. A few minutes later a wonderful scent fills the air. Sometime later Applejack grins as Arc nervously approaches her with a bowl. Setting it on a tray table as she sits up Applejack looks up at him anxiously.

“Smells amazing! What is it?!”

“Soup.”

“What’s in it?”

Arc counts on his fingers nervously. “Noodles, carrots, broth, and… um…”

“And what?”

“Chicken.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow as she looks down at the bowl. “Come again?”

Arc sighs. “It’s called Chicken Noodle Soup.”

“So this has… chickens in it?”

“Yes. Or at least it did.”

“Did?”

“I carefully removed every little piece before pouring it into your bowl.”

“But… why?”

“Wasn’t really sure if you were quite ready for that.”

“Um… thanks.”

“Are you upset?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Not at all. Quite the opposite actually. You cared so much about my feelings that you went to all that trouble.”

“I had to be Honest with you about it, yes.”

Applejack looks up at him again. “But I don’t understand one thing. How did you know that I wouldn’t have just started eating it the moment you set it down?”

“Well, for starters, it’s hot off the stove. Second…”

Reaching into his pocket Arc pulls out a soup spoon and holds it up before continuing.

“…you couldn’t have eaten it before I gave you this. And I couldn’t bring myself to do that until you knew exactly what you were eating and were okay with the ingredients.”

“Thanks. This might be just what I need.”

“Yes, it’s a traditional sick food.”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, no. I mean something to give me the flavor of animal flesh.”

“Well, it might give you a bit, yes. However don’t feel that you have to eat it if you don’t want to.”

Applejack smiles nervously as she accepts the spoon. “I have to start somewhere.”

Taking a deep breath, she puts the spoon in the soup and picks up some of the liquid. Blowing on it for a few moments Applejack closes her eyes and quickly puts it in her mouth. She sits there unmoving for a time before opening her eyes and looking down at the bowl.

“Interesting.”

Arc chuckles. “Not quite the word I was expecting.”

“I mean the flavors. It’s nothing like what I’ve had in the past.”

“Honestly, I think that’s the broth.”

“But the meat must impart something if it’s cooked in there.”

“Probably.”

“It’s that way for vegetables. So I can’t imagine it being much if any different for animal flesh.”

“In that case, eat up.”

Applejack grins. “I will!”

She eats happily as Arc returns to the Kitchen. Looking back, he calls out to her.

“You going to want some more?”

Applejack nods happily. “Yeah! I’m starving!”

Arc chuckles. “Coming right up.”

“But could you… um… you know…?”

“Yes, I’ll pull out the meat before serving it.”

Applejack breathes a sigh of relief. “Thanks. Sorry for being like that, but I’m not quite ready for the real thing yet.”

“It’s understandable.”

A short time later Arc sits down next to Applejack with a pot. Putting it on the floor between them he ladles her another bowlful before serving himself. They continue watching television together as they eat. Turning to Applejack, Arc puts a hand on her forehead.

“You feel good.”

“Thanks.”

“I mean I think your fever is broken.”

Applejack blushes slightly at her mistake. “Oh… right. That and I feel better too.”

“Quite a recovery.”

“Is that normal?”

“Not usually, no.”

Applejack chuckles. “Guess I’m just a bit above average then.”

“All’s well that ends well, I suppose.”

“You want to go back out to the woods? Get back to the camping trip?”

Arc shakes his head. “The tents are going to take a day or so to dry out completely. That and I haven’t even started going through the rest of our supplies and the clothes we brought.”

“I’ll help you get that done after we eat.”

“Thanks, but I’d rather you rest.”

Applejack frowns. “But I feel a lot better!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “That may be. However I don’t want you to have a relapse.”

Applejack groans. “Fine.”

“Thanks for understanding. And don’t worry. I’ll stay right here with you on the couch. If you want me to, that is.”

“That does sound nice. I mean… if you’re okay with it.”

“Sure. It’s a date.”

Applejack blushes. “A what?!”

“A date.”

“How?!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, we’re spending time together, aren’t we?”

“I… suppose so.”

“Then it’s a date.”

Applejack smiles happily. “Guess you’re right.”

Finishing her soup, she hands her bowl to Arc whom takes the dishes to the Kitchen. Returning as she lays back down, Arc takes his place at her feet again and the pair turn back to the television. Watching for the rest of the day, Arc turns to her as he reaches out to turn on a light.

“How’re your muscles?”

“I’m still a bit sore actually. But at this point I kinda think it’s due to us trudging all through the woods yesterday along with sleeping in your wagon.”

“Sorry about that.”

Applejack giggles. “Don’t be. I had a blast! You?”

“Yeah, it was a lot of fun hanging out with you, Applejack.”

“How would you feel about a group setting?”

Arc looks to her nervously. Huh?

“I mean if we all got together for a group outing.”

“Like a party?”

“More like a dinner date than something Pinkie would come up with.”

“You mean so we could all get together and talk things out?”

Applejack grins. “Right.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “That would be nice.”

“You okay, sugarcube?”

“Sorry. I just thought… you meant something different when you said that.”

Applejack looks away and grimaces. “Oh… right. Our conversation last night.”

“Exactly.”

“This would be purely in the name of everyone getting better acquainted with you and talking matters over. No physical interactions needed.”

“Then yes I’m all for that.”

“Where would you like to have it?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It’d have to be someplace with a really big table, for starters.”

“None of us really have something that big though.”

“I do.”

“Huh?”

Arc grins. “Light’s Hope. The Cafeteria is certainly capable of holding all of us. Families too if we want to go that far.”

Applejack grimaces. “Maybe at a later date we could do that. First we should start with just the herd members.”

“Fine with me.”

“Not sure when we could do this though.”

“Probably after Ponyville is rebuilt. The workers are currently living in my base with Hard Hat staying in my quarters.”

Applejack groans. “It’s going to be awhile before the town’s done though.”

“Then we can either wait or find another place.”

“Canterlot Castle would work too. Probably not the Dining Room though, as I’m sure the princesses would like to have that.”

“Agreed. But there are other rooms we could borrow for a meal.”

“Right. Like the Ballroom.”

Arc narrows his eyes and frowns as Applejack gasps.

“I’m so sorry, Arc! Not sure what I was thinking there!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… let’s just say that I don’t ever want to enter that room without a good reason ever again.”

“That’s understandable.”

“And I don’t think everyone would be comfortable meeting at the castle. It’s kind of… impersonal.”

“Fluttershy and Derpy would certainly agree with that.”

She puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully before speaking again.

“If we do it soon, weather permitting, we could have it outside at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Hard Hat said it’d really be a push to get Ponyville rebuilt before the weather turns cold.”

Applejack sighs. “And we don’t really want to be having a party while others are working so hard to rebuild.”

“Agreed. So Ponyville and the surrounding areas are out.”

“We could rent something. A hall somewhere.”

“That might work as a last resort. But I’d rather do it somewhere everyone already knows and would feel comfortable in.”

“All we have to do is figure out where that ‘someplace’ is.”

Arc shrugs. “Right. But I’ve got nothing.”

“Wait a second! I just thought of something!”

“Oh?”

“Twilight was telling us about an ability you have. She said you could use Realm Magic.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Don’t you see? With that you could make ANYTHING! Light’s Hope. Sweet Apple Acres. Anywhere or anything else you could imagine could, for all intents and purposes, be real.”

“That’s true, yes. But I’ve never had that many individuals inside my Sanctuary. Not sure I’m ready for that.”

“So you could work up to it?”

“Probably. But that would take a lot of time.”

Applejack sighs. “So it’d probably be easier to just think of something else.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Arc. But this is turning out to be harder than I thought.”

“Yeah. So why don’t we table the idea for the moment?”

“Sure. I mean, if we’re not getting anywhere with it, why bother going on?”

“Maybe something will come to us another time.”

Applejack nods. “I’ll keep thinking.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Arc puts his hand on his chin and speaks.

“Speaking of the others, I do wonder what’s been keeping Twilight from making contact with us.”

Applejack looks to him nervously. “Think something’s up?”

“It’s certainly possible. But I can’t imagine everything falling apart THAT fast. I mean, we’ve only been gone a few days.”

“Has it been that long?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Sorry this happened.”

Applejack grins. “It’s okay. After all, none of this is your fault.”

“I guess not. Celestia and her stupid ‘experiment’ are. Though I can’t help but wonder why we can’t go home.”

“That pendant still isn’t working?”

Arc nods as he pulls Cherry’s pendant out of his ring and focuses for a few moments. Shaking his head he groans.

“Nothing.”

“You sure it just doesn’t need some kind of special spell cast onto it to work?”

“Nah. I did test it out one beforehand though. All I had to do was channel my magic into it and a portal formed. That and my grandfather would have said something if there was a trick to getting it to work. And I’m sure Celestia felt its power when I pulled it out.”

Applejack lowers her voice. “You… you don’t supposed she somehow sealed the transdimensional barrier, do you?”

“No idea how much magical prowess that would take. But I’m assuming it would be a LOT.”

“So it’s possible?”

“Anything is possible. However there is a bit of a catch to that idea, Applejack.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“You’re here.”

“So?”

“As much as Celestia hates humans I can’t imagine her sending me back here with you and then locking us both out.”

“Right. Even if I wasn’t an Element Bearer it just isn’t in her nature to do something that heinous to someone innocent.”

Arc looks at the pendant in his hand. “Yeah. But I still don’t get why this thing isn’t working.”

“Or, like you said, why Twilight hasn’t opened a portal with the Crystal Mirror yet.”

She lowers her voice again before continuing.

“You don’t suppose Princess Celestia forbade her, do you?”

“I doubt it. That and she can’t actually do that. At least I don’t think she can.”

“And even if that’s what happened SOMEONE would have done it by now anyways.”

Arc sighs. “Something’s up, but there’s no clue as to what.”

“All we can do now is wait for something to happen.”

“Right. And make the most of our time together until then.”

“Eventually they’ll figure out how to get us back. Of that I’m certain.”

“Agreed. Twilight, Auriel, Ember, heck even Hammer wouldn’t just sit by and leave us here. They’ll put their heads together and figure out something.”

“Not to mention they’ll have Princess Luna and Princess Cadance’s insight into the matter too.”

“That much isn’t reassuring. But I know what you meant.”

“Now all we have to do is figure out what to do with this… um... extra-long date we’ve been given.”

Arc taps his chin. “Date… date…”

“You think of something, Arc?”

“Kinda. As it stands, we’re still technically on our date.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Not exactly. You see, my idea is to…”

He is cut off as a low rumble echoes in the distance. Arc looks out the window just in time to see a flash of lightning.

“Looks like that storm from the other night came back.”

Applejack pulls the blanket up to her chin nervously. “Y-yeah.”

“Something wrong, Applejack?”

“Kinda. You see…”

A crack of thunder rings out causing Applejack to yelp, roll over to turn her back to the windows, and curl up into the fetal position. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Are you… scared of the storm?”

Applejack nods but says nothing. Arc smiles and scooches closer to her. Putting a hand on her shoulder he smiles as he speaks.

“Don’t worry. I’m right here.”

“Th-thanks.”

Arc looks at the clock. “It’s not really that late, but maybe you should go to sleep now.”

“I… don’t think I can.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Applejack shakes her head vehemently. “It’s… not something I like to think about.”

“Alright. Do you want to go upstairs?”

“I don’t… want to be alone right now.”

“Okay. Um… how about you just lie here and try to fall asleep watching television?”

Applejack nods and they continue their show. Arc puts his hands on her feet but notices that she tenses up with every flash and crash of thunder. After another show ends he turns to her.

“How do you feel?”

“Really stressed.”

“This isn’t helping, huh?”

“Sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Why don’t you get to bed then, Arc? I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep a wink tonight.”

“Well, I am pretty tired. But I don’t want to leave you here alone.”

“I’ll be okay. Really.”

Arc thinks for a minute before speaking.

Arc: Applejack, would you be interested in trying something I used to do as a child?

“Sure. If you think it’ll help, that is.”

“No promises. But it’s worth a shot. Would you sit up please?”

Applejack does so as Arc stand and takes the blanket. Sitting down next to her, he covers them both with it up to their chins and puts an arm around her.

“How’s this?”

Applejack smiles. “It feels nice.”

“Good.”

Going back to their show, Applejack leans her head on Arc’s shoulder. Sometime later he feels her nodding off. Smiling, he turns to her.

“Ready to head for bed?”

“Kinda. But…”

“The storm?”

“That too. What I was going to say was… um… that I don’t really want to leave your side tonight.”

She fidgets for a few moments before looking up at Arc and continuing.

“Do you think we could…?”

Lowing her voice, she whispers in his ear. Arc nods.

“If that would make you feel better, sure.”

“Thanks.”

She moves away from him as Arc pushes the blanket back. Laying down, Applejack rests her head in Arc’s lap. He carefully covers her with the blanket, leaving only her head exposed. Arc looks down at her as she blushes.

“Comfy?”

“Very. This just makes me feel safe.”

“Good. Now then you just rest.”

Nodding, she looks toward the screen as Arc lays a hand on her head and gently strokes her hair. Eventually Applejack drifts off to sleep. Arc turns to look down at the sleeping young woman as he smiles.

“Pleasant dreams, Applejack.”

Chapter 15 - Coming to Terms

Applejack awakens early the next morning. Looking out the window at the murky morning light she spies raindrops pelting the glass furiously. Sighing, she closes her eyes, groans, and moves a hand to scratch her ear. However she bumps into something a bit… odd. Frowning, she gives it a few squeezes which cause some light grunts to ring out. Her eyes flying open, Applejack turns her head to see what she is touching. Spying a noticeable bulge in Arc’s shorts, she lies there wide-eyed and unmoving for several moments. After what feels like an eternity Arc calls out to her.

“A-Applejack?"

“Arc! I… I…!”

Arc grimaces. “Can you… let go please?”

Blushing furiously, she draws her hand back and quickly rolls off the couch. Landing on the floor with an audible thump Applejack hurriedly turns her head to look away.

“I… um… I just…!”

“It’s… okay.”

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to…!”

“Don’t worry. I saw the whole thing.”

“You did?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’ve been awake for a while now just listening to the rain. You kinda woke up and looked to be trying to… um… reposition yourself when you… you know.”

“I had an itch! But what are we still doing on the couch?!”

“You fell asleep. Just like I said you would.”

“Then why didn’t you go to bed?!”

“I didn’t want to risk waking you up.”

Applejack groans. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Sorry for… you know…”

“It’s… okay.”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, it isn’t! It’s inappropriate for a mare to touch a stallion’s…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Please, Applejack. Let’s just forget the whole thing. After all, I’m sorry too.”

“You’re sorry?! For what?!”

Arc looks away nervously. “Morning wood.”

“What’s that?!”

“It’s… you know what, let’s just get up and start the day.”

“Um… okay.”

The pair stand up together. Arc looks out the window and sighs.

“Pretty nasty weather today.”

Applejack nods sadly. “That it is. What are we supposed to do now?”

“Well… I’m not really sure. I was planning to take you back to the countryside if you were feeling better today too.”

Applejack grins. “Really?!”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah. You liked it so much that I was thinking of showing you the free range cattle farm about an hour’s drive south of here.”

“That sounds amazing!”

“But there’s not much to see in this weather. Dangerous to be driving in rain this heavy too.”

“Well, we can go another time.”

“I suppose so. However that leaves us with no plan for today.”

“How about we have some breakfast and talk it over then?”

“Okay.”

Heading for the Kitchen, Arc and Applejack get to work cooking pancakes and eggs. Sometime later they sit down together and eat. Arc grins.

“Always loved your pancakes, Applejack.”

“Thanks. It’s an old family recipe.”

“A perfected one I would guess.”

Applejack grins. “Yup. Granny Smith did that when she was about my age I’m told.”

“One of these days I need to perfect my mother’s pizza recipe.”

“Still not sure how that isn’t perfect to you.”

“I still feel that it’s missing something though.”

“That I understand. The Tomato Soup recipe I made yesterday wasn’t the best it could be.”

Arc smiles at her. “Are you kidding?! It was awesome!”

Applejack chuckles. “Thanks.”

“Maybe we’re just being too hard on our respective recipes.”

“Granny Smith once told me something like that. She said ‘we’re our own toughest critics’, or something like that.”

“Sounds about right.”

“I didn’t really understand what she meant by that at the time. But now it makes perfect sense.”

Arc grins. “Well, I’ve figured out what we’re having for lunch.”

“What?”

“Prototype Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.”

“Sounds good. But that still leaves the matter of what to do this morning.”

“And afternoon.”

Applejack appears suddenly nervous. “I… might have an idea.”

“What is it?”

“Well… now don’t take this the wrong way, sugarcube. But we could do some cleaning this morning.”

“Like what?”

“Sweep and mop the floors. Vacuum the carpets. Wash the windows. Well, the insides of them at least.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What brought this on all of a sudden?”

“It’s what we do at Sweet Apple Acres when the weather is bad like this. Not saying your house isn’t clean, Arc, but…”

“Kinda isn’t.”

“Huh?”

“With no one living here it is a bit dusty. But I’d love to clean it up with you. That is, if you want to.”

“Sure. It’ll be fun!”

“Cleaning is fun?”

“It is when you’re spending time with someone you care about.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess you got me there. Alright, it’s a plan!”

Finishing their meal, the pair do the dishes and get to work cleaning the house from top to bottom before sitting down to lunch together. Applejack grins as she looks to Arc.

“That was more work than I thought it would be.”

“Agreed. I didn’t realize just how dingy my house really was.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Arc. But I’ve found that places with nothing but stallions tend to be kinda… dirty.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m sure my guys tried their best to keep things tidy when they were here. However they’ve been back in Equestria for quite some time now.”

“Well, when we all start living together I’ll see to it things stay clean.”

“I’ll help too.”

“Thanks, but I think you’ll be a bit too busy for that. The other girls will help out too, I’m sure. After all, everyone’s house is pretty neat from what I’ve seen.”

“We’ll have to come up with a list of who does what so that everyone understands their duties.”

“Do you really think that’ll be necessary?”

“Probably. After all, if we’re all assigned certain duties it’ll be really obvious if someone shirks their chores.”

Applejack sighs. “Rainbow Dash?”

“You said it. I didn’t.”

“It’s not that she’s lazy though. She just takes a lot of naps.”

“Probably because of all the flying practice.”

“I guess. But she could at least do her work before practicing!”

“Is it really that bad?”

“Kinda. Let’s just say that you shouldn’t ever ask for her help without a backup plan. Now, I know that sounds really rude of me. But I’ve learned from experience that it’s true.”

“I didn’t know that.”

Applejack smiles nervously. “Um… maybe we should change the subject. I’m feeling kinda guilty for saying all that bad stuff about Rainbow Dash behind her back now.”

“Yes, well… I’m sure you were just being honest.”

“I was, of course. But that’s not fair to her. After all, she isn’t here to defend herself.”

“Then let’s get back to the original subject, shall we?”

“Good idea. Chore assignments.”

“Actually, let’s table that until everyone’s together. No reason to get everything all figured out and then have to start all over when it doesn’t work out.”

“Fine. How about we try to figure out what to do this afternoon then?”

“That’s a good question. After all, we’ve already cleaned the entire house from top to bottom.”

Applejack chuckles. “Right. But there has to be more to do. After all, housework is never done.”

“Well… there is one more place to clean.”

“Where’s that?”

“The attic.”

“Oh?”

“It’s pretty dusty since we pretty much never go up there.”

Applejack sighs. “I hate to admit it, but we Apples don’t typically clean ours either.”

“Well, in that case why don’t we do something a bit different.”

“Like what?”

“Go through the boxes up there. I can show you pictures of my family.”

“That sounds great! I can learn more about you AND humans too!”

They finish their meal and put the dishes in the sink. Arc leads Applejack upstairs to the attic hatch. Pulling the string the door opens and a ladder drops down. Arc takes the lead and pokes his head above the ceiling. Flicking a switch he climbs up and turns back to help Applejack.

“Watch your step there.”

Applejack looks around as she straightens up. “This place is huge!”

Arc grins. “It’s probably bigger when empty.”

“There is a lot up here, yes.”

“Come over here. I want to show you something.”

Walking over to a box, Arc opens it and steps aside.

“Take a look.”

Applejack does so. Reaching inside she pulls out several wooden blocks.

“Your toys as a child?”

Arc nods. “Yup. We never threw these kind of things away.”

“Everything in here looks to be pretty durable.”

“I’m told they were handed down through the generations. I got them from my dad whom got them from my grandfather whom got them from his father I assume.”

Applejack smiles as she stacks the blocks. “That’s really nice, Arc. We did the same in our family.”

“Oh?”

“I’m told that simple blocks were some of the few toys brought by the Apple family to their new home in what’s now known as Ponyville.”

“What do you mean?”

“Granny Smith’s parents were responsible for founding the town. Didn’t you learn that from the Founder’s Day story time?”

“If you recall, that was interrupted by a cloaked griffon.”

Applejack groans. “Oh, right. Forgot that happened.”

“I’d like to hear the story though.”

“How about another time? Right now I want to learn more about your past.”

“Okay. But I’ll hold you to that.”

Heading toward another box, Arc opens it and pulls out a pile of cloth. Applejack appears confused.

“What’s that?”

Arc chuckles. “An old Halloween costume.”

“Hallow-what?”

“It’s a holiday where you dress up in a costume and walk around the neighborhood getting candy.”

Applejack grins. “Ah! So it’s like Nightmare Night!”

“What’s that?”

“Pretty much what you described. Ponyville has a town-wide party which involves a lot of sugary foods along with candy for the foals.”

Arc chuckles. “And I’m assuming Pinkie’s in charge of that?”

“There actually isn’t a single individual who is ‘running’ it. Everyone just knows what happens on that night and just kinda contributes to the festivities and scary vibes as best they can.”

“When is it?”

“In a month or so.”

“This I gotta see!”

Applejack laughs. “Trust me. You’d have a great time.”

“Dinky would too, I imagine.”

“Everyone really.”

Applejack grins hugely as she continues.

“We could all go together!”

“That sounds like fun.”

“I’d be like a group date! Um… if that’s okay with you, I mean.”

Arc nods. “A group date would be fine.”

“That’s a relief. After the conversation we had in the Jeep I thought you wouldn’t like a group setting.”

“That’s just as far as sexuality goes. Just hanging out together is okay.”

Applejack looks to the item in his hands in an effort to change the subject. “So… what kind of a costume is that you have there?”

Arc chuckles. “A strawberry.”

“Like the fruit?”

Arc nods as he holds up the small cloth costume. “Yup. My mother made it for me because I liked them so much when I was little.”

“Looks like she did a nice job of it too.”

“Yeah. She always said I would turn into one if I ate too many. That’s probably where the idea came from.”

“Looks like it might fit Dinky with a few stitches here and there.”

“For Nightmare Night?”

“Sure. There’s no rules on what you can or can’t dress up as. And I think she’d look really cute in it too.”

“I suppose I could wash it and show it to her when we get home.”

“Worst thing that could happen is her saying ‘no’, right?”

“Exactly.”

Tossing the costume down the attic hatch to the floor below Arc moves to another box with Applejack. Opening it, he pulls out an old photo album and sits down. Applejack takes her place next to him as he opens it.

“Black and white photos?”

Arc nods. “Yup. These ones are pretty old. Here’s my grandfather before he shipped out to fight in World War II.”

“The facial features are really similar.”

Arc chuckles. “And the hair?”

“It looks brown like yours.”

“That’s just the lack of color pictures. My mother told me that, in truth, he had very vibrant red hair. Almost unnaturally so.”

Applejack puts a hand to her chin. “But the hologram of him we saw didn’t.”

“Well, human’s hair often grays as they age.”

“I do get that. After all, ponies are the same in that regard. What I don’t understand is why he chose to record it like that.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s what you’ll be remembered as. I’d have made myself look young again.”

Arc gasps. “That’s possible?!”

Applejack shrugs. “Probably. After all, it’s of magical construction.”

“All I can figure is that’s just how he looked when it was created. And grandpa was really insistent on being truthful. In fact, he had an old saying about it.”

“What was it?”

“It was ‘the truth will set you free’.”

Applejack nods approvingly. “Words to live by.”

“And he did as far as I know.”

“What about the whole ‘defender of ponies’ bit though? He never said a word?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But even if he had, it’s not an easy thing to believe.”

“Would you have?”

“Believed him?”

Applejack nods as Arc thinks for a moment before speaking.

“I would have just thought it was one of his crazy stories. As long as I knew him he had mental problems which made him imagine things that weren’t there.”

“Like Granny Smith?”

“Something like that, yes. A lot of what he did and said wasn’t exactly coherent. But looking back at a lot of his stories… everything sorta makes sense now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Even in that state he was still trying to be honest. His stories were probably adventures he and his siblings had in Equestria. Or the land that came before, that is.”

“Siblings?”

Arc nods. “My great aunts. His hologram told me that they too helped safeguard the original homeland of the ponies.”

“What did they do?”

“Grandfather’s hologram told me that at one point his older sister, my Great Aunt Megan, took over ruling the land after the fall of the current leader. She along with the youngest sister, Great Aunt Molly, did their best to juggle their responsibilities between that of being rulers and their lives on Earth.”

“Sounds like a lot of work.”

“Probably was if what I’ve experienced in the past is any indication. But it ended just as abruptly as it had started.”

“Oh?”

Arc pulls Cherry’s pendant from his ring. “They used the power from the Rainbow of Light to travel between the two dimensions. One day it just stopped working though.”

“Just all at once?”

“Right. So they were stuck here on Earth.”

“What’d they do?”

Arc shrugs. “Lived out their lives as best they could, I suppose. Only grandpa was ever summoned back again to fight for Equestria. But apparently there was some kind of time disruption and centuries had passed in Equestria.”

Applejack’s eyes grew wide. “So everyone he knew before was…?”

“Long dead, yes. However he still fought to protect the land to honor their memory.”

“That’s a nice story, Arc.”

“You don’t believe it?”

“Oh, I do! After all, your grandfather’s armor is proof of that.”

Arc looks at the pendant. “And this.”

“The power from the Rainbow of Light?”

“Yeah. Once belonging to Great Aunt Megan before being left with grandpa for some reason. Then its power was passed on to me. And somehow stopped working... again.”

Applejack grimaces. “You don’t suppose that someday when we go back centuries will have passed, do you?!”

Arc shrugs. “I hope not. But there’s no way to know for sure.”

“My whole family would be long gone along with all of my friends and most of yours!”

“Calm down, Applejack.”

“But…!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Listen. I know you’re scared for them. I’m scared too. However there’s a number of very capable warriors there that are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the land safe for everyone.”

“I know that! But what about my family?! I’ll never see them alive again!”

Arc sighs. “Same with Dinky and I.”

“And doesn’t that bother you?!”

“It does. Quite a bit actually.”

“Then how are you holding it together?!”

Arc smiles as he looks at the Rainbow of Light in his hand. “Because I know that, if at all possible, our friends will find a way to get us back there.”

“And if they don’t?!”

“If they can’t… then I’ll do my best to be satisfied knowing that Dinky will have a full and happy live with her mother and friends.”

Applejack sighs. “That might be okay with you, Arc. But remember that I’m not really a human. This land isn’t my home, nor do I truly belong here.”

“You’re right.”

“Darn tootin’, I am!”

“While you don’t belong here, please know that you’ll always have a place with me.”

“Arc?”

“And if we really are stuck here… then I’ll care for you as I planned to do so back in Equestria.”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “Arc! You… you mean…?! Are you asking me to…?!”

Arc nods and smiles. “Yes. I’ll marry you and we can live out our lives here on Earth together. That is, if that’s what you still want.”

“I… I do want to be by your side, yes! After we get to know one another properly, of course.”

“A long engagement then?”

Applejack smiles. “Yeah! But not too long! After all, I’d still like to be young enough to bear your foals!”

“Not really sure if that’s possible. But I would like to try.”

“Won’t you be lonely without… the others?”

Arc sighs and nods. “I do wish we could all be together, of course.”

“So do I.”

“But if this is the way it has to be, then you and I will make a life for ourselves here… together.”

Applejack takes Arc’s hand and smiles at him. “I’d like that. I’d like that a lot, Arc.”

“So would I, Applejack. So would I.”

Sometime later the pair descend the attic ladder together. Arc picks up the old strawberry costume as Applejack closes the hatch behind them.

“Sure hope we can get home at some point.”

“Yeah. Dinky would look so cute in that.”

“I’m holding out hope that the others will find a way.”

“You sounded kinda pessimistic up there though.”

Arc frowns. “Guess I did. Was mostly just thinking aloud about what we’d do though.”

“Arc?”

“Yes, Applejack?”

“Did… did you really mean what you said back there though?”

“Which part?”

“About you and I… getting married here. If we couldn’t get back home to Equestria, that is.”

Arc nods. “I was, yes. And don’t you worry about a thing. No matter what happens here, I’ll take care of you.”

“Thanks. That really is a load off my mind.”

“Remember, I know how you feel.”

“You do?”

“Of course. Remember how I came to Equestria with nothing but the clothes on my back?”

Applejack bows her head. “First thing I remember was carrying you to the hospital with Rainbow Dash.”

“At the time I didn’t know where I was or how to get back.”

“You really do know how I feel.”

“Scared, excited, and confused all at once.”

“Exactly. But you learned about us and we about you.”

“It was the best thing to do. For everyone, that is.”

Applejack puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “The best thing.”

“Applejack?”

“Then I’d better start doing the same.”

“What are you…?”

Applejack turns to him. “Arc, could we… could we go out tonight? Weather permitting, that is.”

“If you think you’re up to it, sure. Was there anything in particular you wanted to do?”

“Kinda, yeah. You see…”

Chapter 16 - Second Dates

That evening Arc steps out of the shower and dries himself off. Wrapping a towel around his midsection he opens the bathroom door. Listening for a moment, he hears the guest room shower still going. Walking the few steps to his room, Arc closes the door behind him and tosses the towel aside as he chuckles.

“Time for this again.”

Spread out on his bed is the formal attire he arrived in. Stepping into his pants he sighs as he talks to himself.

“Sure wish Cherry was here to give me a pep talk.”

Frowning, he grabs an undershirt.

“Not sure why though. I mean, I really shouldn’t need it. It’s not like this is the first date I’ve gone on.”

Thinking for a moment, he grabs a dress shirt and puts it on before continuing.

“She always knows what to say to put my mind at ease though.”

Sighing, Arc buttons up his shirt.

“I’ve been doing pretty good without her in my head constantly. Does that mean I’m finally moving on?”

Picking up his overcoat, Arc throws it over his shoulders.

“I know I have to. And that she wants me to as well. But… why do I still feel so… so terrible for trying to do so?”

Thinking for a few moments, Arc shakes his head as he buttons up the coat.

“No. Cherry’s right. It’s not wrong and I do need to move on.”

Picking up a pair of socks laid across his shoes Arc sits down on the bed and smiles wistfully.

“The chance for Cherry and I to have a happy life together has passed. But it’s not too late for me to make the others happy.”

Completing his outfit, Arc walks over to the vanity and sits down. Picking up a comb he runs it through his hair and chuckles.

“Still a bit surprised by Applejack’s request. I mean, I knew she wanted to understand human culture. But this was more than I thought she’d be into.”

Finishing his task, Arc sets the comb down and looks himself over. Returning to the bed, he sits down to wait. Sometime later there is a knock at the bedroom door. Standing up quickly he composes himself, picks up the gifts, and walks over to the door. Opening it, Arc sees Applejack standing there in the green dress she was wearing on their original date. She smiles at him nervously.

“H-hey.”

“Hi. Um… sorry. You looks great!”

Applejack looks away nervously as she twirls a finger in her hair. “Sorry for not having my mane done like I did last time. Princess Celestia’s Hoof Maidens did it up for me last time.”

“I still think you look amazing.”

“You really mean that?”

Arc nods. “I do! That blonde hair really pulls the outfit together, no matter what style it’s in.”

“Thanks. You look really handsome too.”

“So do you.”

Applejack giggles as Arc looks away nervously.

“Sorry. I guess I already said that.”

“You as nervous as I am?”

“Guess so.”

“Wonder why though.”

Arc shrugs. “Not sure.”

“After all, this will technically be our second date.”

“Yes, well… um…”

He holds out the box of chocolates and smiles.

“This... is for you.”

“What is it?”

“Assorted chocolates.”

“Thanks!”

Arc holds up the small box before continuing.

“And this is also for you.”

Applejack smiles as she puts the heart-shaped box down on the nearby dresser. “You’re gonna spoil me with all these gifts, Arc.”

Accepting the box, Applejack opens it to expose a corsage. She picks it up and smiles.

“This is beautiful, Arc!”

Sniffing it, she looks up at him.

“Smells nice too!”

Taking a small bite out of one of the leaves she grins.

“Tastes good as well.”

Arc chuckles. “No, no. You’re not supposed to eat it.”

Applejack appears confused. “I’m not?”

“It’s a corsage. You wear it on your wrist. Like this.”

Taking the corsage, Arc puts it around Applejack’s wrist. She appears suddenly embarrassed.

“Oh… sorry! Didn’t know that.”

“It’s fine. After all, I should have told you what it was from the start.”

Applejack admires the corsage. “So what’s this for anyways?”

“A corsage is a human tradition. It’s given to a girl by her date when he picks her up. Usually for prom though.”

“Prom?”

“A school dance at the end of the last year of primary school before graduation. Not really sure what the corsage is for exactly. Probably just to look nice and show others that you’re taken.”

“I’ll hold it up if anyone tries to get me to dance with them.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… I have a matching one.”

“You’re going to wear a corsage too, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, mine’s called a ‘boutonnière’. Look…”

Reaching out with his magic, Arc pulls the single flower pin from the vanity to himself.

“It goes on my lapel.”

“Now we’ll be all matchy!”

Arc grins. “That we will be. But how about we get moving? You hungry?”

Applejack smiles nervously. “Very.”

“Then let’s go.”

Holding out his arm to her, Applejack puts her hand on it and allows Arc to escort her down the stairs and out the door. Reaching the garage they get into the Jeep and begin driving. Arc turns to Applejack.

“Question.”

“What is it?”

“Are you absolutely certain this is what you want to do?”

Applejack nods nervously. “I am.”

“Might I ask why?”

“Because I want to fully understand what it means to be a human.”

“You don’t have to do this though.”

Applejack puts a hand on his arm as she speaks. “I feel that I do.”

“Why this though? I mean… not everyone does.”

“Yes, well… I also want to be able to understand you better too.”

“Fine. I won’t try to stop you. But I do ask one thing.”

“And what’s that?”

“That if you change your mind at any time that you’ll tell me right away so we can do something different.”

“Sure. I can do that.”

“Good.”

Applejack frowns. “But I don’t understand why you’re so averse to me doing this.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. I just… don’t want you to do something that makes you uncomfortable.”

“And I appreciate that, Arc. But my mind’s made up.”

Sometime later they arrive at their destination. Putting the Jeep in park Arc turns to Applejack.

“Here we are. You sure about this?”

“I am.”

“Fine then. Let’s go.”

Opening their doors, the pair get out and head toward the building before them. As they approach Applejack walks slower. Arc turns to her.

“Second thoughts?”

“Not… exactly.”

“Should we leave?”

Applejack shakes her head soberly. “No, I want to see this through.”

“Alright.”

Approaching the door, Applejack takes a deep breath as Arc holds it open for her. Stepping forward she enters the building with Arc by her side. Approaching a woman behind the counter she smiles at the couple as they approach.

“How many?”

Arc smiles. “Two.”

“Right this way.”

Leading the pair over to a booth, she sets the menus down as they slide in across from one another.

“Your server will be with you in a few minutes.”

“Thank you.”

Arc turns to Applejack as the woman walks away.

“How you holding up?”

Applejack smiles nervously. “Okay, I guess. Not really sure how I’m supposed to feel right now though. Or do for that matter.”

“For starters… what do you think about the smell of this place?”

“Smell?”

“Yes. How does it make you feel?”

Applejack sniffs the air. “Um… it’s very… interesting, I suppose. What is that?”

“The scent of beef cooking.”

“Beef is… cow meat, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“That’s something I’ve never smelled before, of course.”

“Does it bother you?”

Applejack sighs. “A bit, yes.”

“I thought it might.”

“Is that why you were so hesitant to take me here?”

“More surprised than anything. After all, I never thought you would ask to go to a steakhouse.”

Applejack grimaces. “Like I said, I want to fully understand what it means to be a human.”

“But not all humans eat meat.”

“I understand that. However, you do.”

“And you want to understand me better?”

“Right.”

A young waitress walks over to them with two glasses of water. Setting them down in front of the pair she turns to them.

“Good evening. My name is Tia and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I start you two off with something to drink?”

“I’ll have a Coke.”

Applejack sighs. “Um… same, I guess.”

Tia nods as she writes it down. “Alright, I’ll get that while you two look over the menus.”

Turning, she heads for the kitchen as Arc opens his menu.

“Would you like to start with an appetizer, Applejack?”

“I suppose. But what should I get?”

Arc opens the menu and points. “Anything from this side here is an appetizer.”

“Ah!”

“Might I suggest a small salad?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nah. I came here for a different reason, Arc. To try things I can’t get in Equestria.”

“Alright then. Just read them over and order whatever strikes your fancy.”

Looking over her menu, Applejack calls out.

“How about the French Onion Soup?”

“I think you’ll like it. But just so you know, it’s made with beef broth.”

“That’s... okay with me.”

“Alright.”

Tia returns with their drinks and sets them down.

“There you go. Now then, how about some appetizers?”

Arc points to the menu. “I’ll have the Caesar Salad.”

“And I’ll take a French Onion Soup.”

Tia nods as she writes down the order. “Very good. Now then, would you two like to order entrees now or later?”

Arc shakes his head. “I think we still need to look them over first.”

“Alright. I’ll put these in then. Won’t take long.”

She leaves as Applejack grins.

“Gotta admit, that soup does sound good. But why did you order a salad, Arc?”

“Just felt like one.”

“Was that the only reason?”

Arc chuckles. “That obvious?”

Applejack smiles. “I could tell you were holding back.”

“Yes, well… I was just trying to put you more at ease.”

“While I appreciate that, you need to remember why we’re here.”

“True, true. But I won’t order any meat until you do.”

Applejack gasps. “What? Why?”

“If you’re not ready for something like that I’m not going to push the issue on you.”

“That’s appreciated. However I’m ready.”

Arc smiles. “Very well. In that case, turn the page.”

Applejack does so. Gasping, she looks at the pictures of the various cuts of meat before her.

“There’s… just so many!”

Arc nods. “That there are.”

“And these are all from cows?!”

Arc points. “This section is, yes. They also have chicken here as well as some seafood.”

“What should I get?”

Arc shrugs. “Anything you want.”

“Which one’s the cheapest…?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll pay for whatever it is you want.”

“Then how about you make a suggestion on what to order?”

“Well… that’s really a personal preference. That and I’d hate to order something and find out you don’t like it.”

Applejack sighs. “Remember, I have no clue what any of this even is. So it’d make it a lot easier if you were to order for me.”

“Alright. How about Ribeye Steak then?”

Applejack looks at the picture. “Sure, I guess. But isn’t that kinda big for one person to eat?”

Arc shakes his head. “Don’t worry. The weight there is before cooking. It’ll shrink a bit.”

“Okay, then that’s what I’ll have.”

A short time later Tia returns with their appetizers. Setting them down in front of their respective owners she looks to them.

“Here you are. One French Onion Soup and one Caesar Salad.”

Applejack grins. “Thanks!”

Arc smiles. “Yes, this looks very nice.”

“Now then, have you decided what to have for your main courses?”

Arc nods. “We’re going with the Ribeye Steaks.”

“And how would you like those cooked?”

“Medium for me.”

Tia looks to Applejack. “And you, miss?”

“I… uh…”

Arc speaks up. “How about medium-well for you?”

“Sure.”

Tia nods as she writes down the order. “And for the sides?”

“Mashed Potatoes for me.”

Applejack grimaces. “Make that two.”

“Great. I’ll put that in and be back with refills.”

Applejack waits until the young woman leaves before turning back to Arc and speaking.

“Well, I guess this is it.”

“Huh?”

“I’m really going through with this.”

“With the meal?”

Applejack nods. “Truthfully, I was kinda skeptical on whether or not I could go through with it.”

“Remember, you still don’t have to.”

“But we’ve already ordered.”

Arc smiles at her. “I know. However if it gets here and you can’t go through with eating it, I’ll ask for a takeout box so you can get something else.”

“I appreciate it. By the way, what exactly did the waitress mean when she asked how I’d like my meal done?”

“She meant how long to cook it. Medium is still pink inside and has a lot of red juices flowing out of it.”

“And medium-well?”

“Cooked longer with less pink and the juices will be brown.”

Applejack breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Don’t think I could stomach eating something that still looked like it was bleeding. Uh… what does blood taste like anyways?”

“Not to worry there, as the red stuff isn’t actually blood.”

Applejack looks confused. “It isn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s actually a meat protein called ‘myoglobin’ mixed with water.”

“So… no real blood.”

“Nope.”

“That’s a relief. Does it have a taste? That myoglobin, I mean.”

“A bit, yes. But cooking it less contributes to a better flavor. At least in my opinion.”

Sometime later Tia returns carrying a large serving platter. Setting their meals before them she steps back.

“Two Ribeye Steaks and two sides of Mashed Potatoes.”

Applejack smiles nervously. “Th-thanks.”

“Yes, this smells great.”

“Can I get you two anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you.”

Applejack forces a nod. “Yeah, we’re okay.”

“Very well. Enjoy your meal.”

As she walks away Applejack looks the steak over nervously before looking up at Arc.

“Um… how… exactly… how do I… you know...?”

“Eat it?”

Applejack grins sheepishly. “Right.”

“You hold it in place with a fork, like so.”

Picking up his silverware, Arc puts his fork into the meat as he continues speaking.

“Then you carefully cut it with your steak knife.”

Slicing the meat with a knife, he cuts off a small piece and puts it into his mouth. Chewing and swallowing, Arc turns his attention back to Applejack.

“That’s about all there is to it.”

Slowly picking up her silverware, Applejack attempts to do the same. Eventually she is able to cut off a corner piece. Eyeing it suspiciously she holds it up to carefully examine her meal.

“Strange looking stuff.”

“The texture is also a bit different from what you’re used to, I’m sure.”

Applejack sniffs it. “Smells… okay, I guess.”

“Good or bad?”

“More… different, I guess.”

“Well then, all that’s left to do it try it.”

Applejack nods and takes a deep breath. Carefully raising the fork to her mouth she holds it there for a few moments and gives the meat as few small licks before drawing back and sighing.

“Flavor’s a bit… odd too.”

“Since you’ve never had meat before I suppose that’s natural.”

“I guess. But… this is really hard.”

“You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to, Applejack.”

“No, no. I… I want to do this.”

Looking at the meat again, she grimaces and looks to Arc.

“Um... could you… do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Do you think you could… feed me this?”

“Huh?”

“Put it in my mouth for me.”

“I suppose so.”

“Thanks. I’m still a bit nervous.”

Arc takes the fork from Applejack and holds it as she extends her other hand.

“And… do you think you could… um… hold my hand while doing it?”

“If it will make you feel better, sure.”

Sliding her hand across the table, Applejack takes Arc’s hand and squeezes it tightly as he moves the fork toward her mouth. She closes her eyes tight and slowly opens her mouth part way. Putting the meat to her lips, Arc gently pushes past them to put the bite into her mouth before pulling out the fork and looking Applejack in the eye.

“You okay?”

Applejack nods. “It… has a very… unique taste.”

“Try chewing it now.”

Applejack slowly does so. Eventually she swallows and looks to Arc.

“That’s… actually pretty good.”

“Care to try another bite?”

“Yeah!”

Carefully cutting a slightly larger piece, Applejack eats it quicker this time.

“The flavor’s a bit different with this piece, as is the texture.”

“That’s because it had a bit more fat on it.”

Applejack puts a hand on her stomach. “Not sure how I feel about having a living creature in my stomach though.”

“Like I said, you don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to.”

Applejack shakes her head. “That’s okay. I think I actually like this.”

“Good.”

“Um… could I make a bit of a request though?”

“What is it?”

“Can I try some of yours?”

“I suppose so. But just bear in mind that it’ll have a bit more red liquid than yours.”

“That’s okay.”

Slicing a chunk off his plate, Arc holds it out to Applejack on the tip of his fork. Opening her mouth wide she takes it in. Chewing happily, she grins.

“That’s amazing!”

“Less cooking time makes for a more flavorful cut of meat.”

“Now I wish I’d ordered it like yours!”

Arc chuckles. “We can trade if you want.”

Applejack shakes her head. “No thanks. I think I’ll just stick with what I got.”

Cutting again, she holds up another piece of meat on her fork and grins at him.

“But next time I’m DEFINITLY going to order it cooked like yours.”

Arc smiles. “Next time?”

“Next time we go out, I mean. Um… I mean… sorry that sounded kinda pushy when I said it out loud.”

“No, no. I… it’s fine.”

He takes a bite of his steak before looking back at Applejack.

“Want to know how to make it even tastier?”

“How’s that?”

“Try this.”

He cuts a piece of steak and plops it into the Mashed Potatoes, covering them. Applejack appears confused.

“What are you doing?”

“Mixing flavors. Try it.”

Applejack does so. Putting the meat and potatoes in her mouth, she grins.

“Delicious! When’d you figure that one out?!”

“My dad showed me that when I was a kid. But it was with Roast Beef, not steak.”

“Different kind of meat?”

“Same meat, different part of the cow I believe.”

Applejack puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Roast Beef, huh? If it’s anything like this I’d like to try it!”

“How about tomorrow night?”

“You want to come back that soon?”

Arc chuckles. “We could, yes. But I was thinking more along the lines of cooking it for supper with you.”

“Fine with me. I think it’d be really interesting to see how meat is cooked, after all.”

“It does take a long time though. Several hours actually.”

“Why so long?”

“Something my mother taught me. Roast Beef is low and slow to make it tender. She used to make it in a slow cooker. It’d start cooking early afternoon and would fill the whole house with wonderful smells all day.”

“We have the same thing when baking a pie. It’s hard to wait for it to cool during the meal so we can cut it. Not quite as long as what you’re describing though.”

She grins hugely before continuing.

“I have an idea! How about I bake an Apple Pie for dessert tomorrow?!”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds good to me.”

“That and we could have Mashed Potatoes along with Mixed Vegetables!”

“You’re talking about a full-on banquet there, Applejack.”

Applejack blushes slightly. “Sorry if I got carried away. I sometimes do when talking about cooking or food.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s dinner now. But right now we should probably focus on the important issue at hand.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

Arc chuckles as he gestures to their food. “This meal.”

Chapter 17 - Cinematics

Sometime later they finish their food. Arc leans back and pats his stomach.

“Now that was a meal!”

Applejack grins. “I’ll say. Thanks for bringing me here.”

“No problem. And I’m glad you enjoyed the steak so much.”

“Gotta admit, I was scared to death to try that. But you helped me face that fear head- on.”

“Well, you were very brave to do that. After all, it’s not just any pony who could do such a thing.”

Tia walks over with her order pad.

“How was everything?”

Arc chuckles. “Great!”

Applejack giggles. “The best ever!”

“Can I get either of you desert?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m pretty full.”

“Me too.”

Nodding, Tia sets the bill down on the table.

“Thank you for coming in tonight. Have a nice evening, you two.”

With a smile, she turns and moves on to the next table. Arc reaches into his pocket and pulls out some money. Laying it on the check he motions for Applejack to stand.

“Shall we be off?”

“Sure. But where to?”

“I think I have an idea. Come on.”

They head out the door and back to the Jeep. Getting in, Arc starts the engine and turns back onto the road. Applejack looks to him as they drive.

“So tell me about this idea you have, Arc.”

“There’s a place that opened up a while back called a ‘micro cinema’.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s like a movie theater but with smaller private viewing rooms.”

“I remember Granny Smith taking us to a theater when I was a filly. We were in Manehattan visiting family, or something. But that place had seats for hundreds of ponies.”

“Well this is much smaller. Some rooms are good for a couple dozen people while others, like the one we’re going to get, will only have two seats.”

“Just two?”

Arc shrugs. “Guess it’s for people on dates.”

Applejack laughs. “Like us!”

A short time later they arrive at the facility. Neon lights adorn the front entrance with the sign reading ‘Now Showing’. Parking, Arc escorts Applejack inside and up to the counter. A man wearing a white button down shirt and a black vest with a bow tie greets them as they approach.

“Good evening. What size viewing room would you like?”

“Just a two seater, please.”

The man nods and looks over his computer before speaking.

“I’m sorry, but it appears all of our couple’s rooms are currently in use save for one. It’s our deluxe VIP suite.”

“That’s okay. We’ll take it.”

“Very well, sir.”

He presses some buttons before accepting Arc’s payment. Handing over a card, the clerk points toward a large, double wide door.

“Just follow the signs to find your room number.”

“Thank you.”

Walking toward the doorway with Applejack they do as suggested. She sniffs the air as they pass through.

“That smell. It’s so… familiar.”

Arc chuckles. “Movie theatre popcorn?”

“Yeah! We got that in Manehattan too! Can we get some?!”

“Sure. This way.”

Approaching a concession stand, Arc and Applejack spy a long line. Applejack groans.

“I remember this part too.”

“Yeah, this is pretty normal.”

He looks over the sign hanging above the stand and grins.

“Looks like we’re in luck.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “How do you figure?”

“It says here that every wing has a popcorn vending machine.”

Applejack grins. “We could go there to get popcorn and skip the line!”

“Exactly. Let’s go.”

Heading in the direction of their room they spot a small popcorn kiosk. Purchasing a large tub from it, Arc sets it under a spout and presses a button. Popcorn fills the bucket perfectly before automatically shutting off the flow. Arc removes it and hands it to Applejack.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.”

“Just let me get one for myself and we’ll be off.”

“You don’t have to do that, Arc.”

“Oh?”

Applejack grins. “We can share this one. After all, it is pretty big.”

“Are you sure?”

Applejack nods. “Of course. After all, I’m still pretty full from dinner.”

“Alright then.”

They continue down the corridor together. However, as they turn a corner half a dozen people run around it. With no time to react they plow into the pair knocking them, and the popcorn, to the floor. The biggest of them looks to Arc angrily as he speaks.

“What’s the big idea?!”

Arc frowns. “Uh… you hit US, remember?”

“You were in the way!”

Applejack glares at them. “And you made a mess!”

Looking her over the rest of the thugs ogle Applejack.

“Wow!”

“What a knockout!”

“Wanna party with us, miss?”

“Yeah! We’re a lot better than that scrawny punk you’re with now.”

Applejack scoffs. “Take a hike, you freaks!”

Arc nods as he helps Applejack up. “Yeah, why don’t you find a girl of your own?”

“Oh, so she’s your girlfriend, eh?!”

“Right. So keep your hands to yourself.”

Applejack shakes the now empty popcorn tub at them. “And find a broom while you’re at it!”

Turning to head back for more popcorn, Arc is suddenly knocked roughly away by the biggest of the thugs as four of them surround Applejack.

“Always liked blondes.”

Applejack glares at them. “You guys got rocks in your ears?! I’m not interested in any of you!”

“Give it time, blondie.”

Grabbing Applejack’s wrist, he pulls her close. However she shoves him back angrily.

“Gross!”

Turning back to Arc as he gets to his feet, she runs over to him.

“You okay?!”

Arc nods as he brushes off his suit. “I am, yes. But these guys are about to feel some pain.”

The thugs laugh.

“Oh, are we?!”

“You and what army?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Look, I’m feeling benevolent tonight, so let me tell you what I’m gonna do. You guys pick up all this popcorn and throw it away and I’ll forget this happened.”

They laugh heartily as Applejack narrows her eyes.

“Better listen to him.”

“And why’s that, sweet stuff?!”

“Because he’s stronger than he looks.”

She clenches a fist before continuing.

And so am I!”

The leader of the group grins. “I love a strong woman.”

“Yeah. So let’s get rid of her date and take her out ourselves.”

Arc motions to the floor. “So you’re not going to clean up this mess then?”

“Nah. But if you’re so concerned about it YOU can. After you regain consciousness, that is.”

Applejack grins wickedly. “Trust me, you REALLY don’t want to do this with us.”

The leader walks toward them. “Believe me, we do.”

“Especially if it means getting to know you better, blondie.”

The thug moves to push Arc away again, but this time he is ready for it. Grabbing the man’s hand, he pushes it roughly away. Turning to Arc he raises an eyebrow.

“Are you nuts, man?!”

“Yeah. Just walk away.”

“While you still have teeth.”

Arc smirks. “Funny. I was about to say the same to you.”

Fuming, the man grits his teeth as he winds up a punch.

“You asked for it!”

Swinging, he aims for Arc’s face. However merely holding up a hand is enough to stop the blow.

“What the…?”

Applejack steps forward. “Lights out!”

Punching the man in the face, he staggers back toward his friends. Applejack rubs her fist and grins.

“You boys wanna reconsider…?”

“GET EM!!!”

Charging forward, they head straight for the pair. Arc steps in front of Applejack to take them on. Punching the first one in the gut, he doubles over before being knocked out by a knee to the face. The second and third attempt to rush past him only to be introduced to the back of Arc’s fists as he backhands both of them. They fall to the ground as the last three step back nervously. Arc glares at them.

“Had enough?!”

Looking down at the floor they nod silently. Arc looks to Applejack.

“You okay?”

“Fine.”

Arc frowns as he turns back to the thugs still standing. “Now then… my girlfriend and I are going to get some more popcorn. I want every bit of this mess picked up.”

Applejack smiles wickedly. “Yeah! With your mouths!”

Arc nods approvingly. “Good idea. What she said.”

Applejack waves as she and Arc walk away. “Hope you guys are hungry.”

Refilling their bucket at the kiosk nearby they double back to the thugs. All six are carefully eating the popcorn off the floor. Arc calls out to them as they pass.

“Carry on, fellas.”

They glare at him as he passes but do as he says. Arriving at their room, Arc scans the card and the door unlocks. Applejack gasps.

“Amazing!”

A decent sized well-furnished room stretches out before them. Appearing more like a dining room/living room hybrid, the space comes with a complete dining room and chairs along. A very posh looking loveseat sits in front of a truly massive television screen. Adjoining the room is a private bathroom. Applejack walks over to the loveseat and plops down.

“It’s so comfy!”

Arc chuckles. “Glad you’re happy.”

Applejack picks up a laminated paper on an end table. “What the heck?”

“Applejack?”

“There’s some kind of strange words here. I can’t make heads or tails of it.”

“Let me see.”

Handing the page to Arc he looks it over carefully before grinning.

“Interesting.”

“So what’s it about?”

“This is a menu.”

“For what?”

“Snacks.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “They deliver?”

Arc nods. “Yup. There’s a touch screen by the door with pictures. You punch in what you want and they’ll bring it here via this two sided cabinet attached to the corridor.”

“Handy! But I’m good with just popcorn.”

Arc chuckles. “Oh, no. I’m going to make sure you have the true movie theater experience.”

“Huh?”

“I’m ordering candy and soda for both of us.”

Pressing the buttons on the screen he requests a number of different candies. A few minutes lather a light comes on indicating their order has been delivered. Opening the cabinet door Arc pulls out a tray laden with numerous goodies. Walking it over to the loveseat he sets it down on the coffee table before them. Applejack grins.

“Remember… I’m Applejack. Not Pinkie Pie.”

Arc chuckles as he sits down. “Yes, well… I just thought you’d like to sample human candy.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “I would, yes. But this might just be everything they have.”

“It is.”

“Come again?”

“I ordered one of everything.”

“What?!”

“Other than the sodas. One is orange while the other is lemon-lime.”

“But why?!”

Arc shrugs. “Those flavors just seemed right at the time.”

“I meant about the candy!”

“Yeah, I know. In all Honesty, I wanted to make this date special for you.”

Applejack looks to the door. “Considering what we went through out there, that’s already been accomplished.”

Arc picks up a remote. “Well, let’s start making up for that, shall we?”

“Fine. By the way, what movie are we going to watch?”

“I was thinking ‘Babe’.”

Applejack blushes and turns away. “Aw… that’s sweet, Arc.”

Arc laughs. “No, no. It’s the name of a movie.”

“Oh…”

“Sorry about that.”

“It’s my fault. But what’s the movie about?”

“A pig’s life.”

“Say what?”

“It takes place on the farm where a very special pig lives. I thought you’d like it considering your agricultural background.”

“What’s so special about him?”

“You’ll have to watch and find out.”

“Let’s get started then.”

Selecting the movie ‘Babe’ from the menu, Arc presses play before setting the remote down and opening a box of candy. Handing one to Applejack, they begin to watch. A scene unfolds with the pig watching his mother being taken away in a large truck. Applejack turns to Arc, confused.

“Where’re they taking her?”

“The slaughterhouse.”

Applejack gasps. “But who’ll feed the piglets?!”

“You’ll see.”

A robotic feeder comes down and all the young pigs latch onto it to eat. Applejack frowns.

“That seems kinda silly.”

“Agreed. They already had a source of milk.”

“Then why’d they send the mother away?”

“I can only imagine that she we at her peak weight. After all, their business is to grow pigs to their most profitable weight. After all, meat is sold by the pound here on Earth.”

The movie continues as the baby pig is taken and stuffed in a sack. After being won by the farmer at the fair, he is taken to a small farm by the old man and released to grow. Meeting a duck he strikes up a conversation. Applejack raises an eyebrow.

“Pigs and ducks work together here on Earth?”

Arc chuckles and shakes his head. “Nah. They can’t talk or plot schemes like that. It’s just something to make the movie more interesting.”

They watch as the duck convinces the pig to try and get rid of the alarm clock.

“What’s he got against… what did he call it…? Mechanical roosters?”

Arc shrugs. “The duck just wants to be useful. He’s been replaced by a machine.”

“Is that really so bad?”

“How’d you feel if apple bucking was automated?”

“Good point.”

Breaking into the house together, the pig and duck accidently wake the cat and inadvertently make a huge mess trying to get away. Applejack laughs.

“That place is TRASHED!”

“Yup. And all because they didn’t follow the rules.”

“Rules?”

“The animals have rules on the proper place and task for each animal.”

“Who enforces them?”

“He’s kinda in charge there.”

The pig stands before the farm’s leadership, still covered in paint, and is told his proper place. Changing scenes, the animals stand around watching a young family arrive at the house. The animals talk of Christmas. Applejack frowns.

“Christmas?”

“It’s Earth’s version of Hearth’s Warming.”

“Then where’s all the snow?”

“They must live in a place where it’s warm that time of year.”

Applejack laughs as the pig sings a song… poorly.

“What was that?!”

“It’s called ‘Jingle Bells’. A very famous Christmas song.”

“Really?”

“Yup. Not sure where it came from, but pretty much everyone knows it.”

The scene with the farmer and his wife plays as they talk about killing the pig for Christmas dinner.

“What the hay?!”

“Applejack?”

“They’re going to slaughter the pig!”

“Well, that’s what pigs are for here.”

“But he’s still a baby! Nowhere near the size of his mother when they took her away!”

“True. However they’re only feeding a small family.”

“That does make sense. But it still seems wrong to me.”

The scene goes dark as the pig sleeps under the old wagon. Applejack grimaces as the sounds of the farmer’s footsteps approach the pig.

“Wha-what’s he going to do to him?!”

“You’ll see.”

As the music intensifies, Applejack latches onto Arc’s arm and buries her face in his shoulder. The sound of squawking rings out as a loud and wet thump is heard. Applejack does not look up as she calls out.

“Is it done?”

Arc smiles down at her. “The pig’s fine.”

Applejack opens her eyes and looks up. “What?”

“See?”

Looking at the screen, she spots the pig alive and well.

“Then what…?”

“The farmer killed a goose.”

Applejack gasps. “Babe’s friend?!”

“You’ll see.”

Noticing for the first time the position she’s in, Applejack lets go of Arc and moves over as she blushes.

“S-sorry about that.”

Arc grins. “It’s fine. Truth be told, I kinda like it.”

The next day dawns and all the animals watch as a man carves the now cooked goose. However they are surprised to see Babe’s friend walk up. Telling them that their meal was a friend of his, the goose asks for help getting out of the farm. Wanting to help his friend, Babe agrees. Applejack nods approvingly.

“Now he’ll have a shot at life.”

“Probably not.”

“Huh?”

“Domesticated animals don’t do well in the wild. They usually die of exhaustion or hunger since they don’t know how to hunt or forage naturally.”

“Are you saying he was better off at the farm?!”

“Kinda is. There he’s safe from predators and is fed with the rest of the animals.”

“But he’ll be dinner someday!”

“That’s what geese are for.”

Hearing a strange sound as the farmer eats, Babe heads for the field. He spies some strange men going after the sheep. Applejack grits her teeth.

“Rustlers!”

“Yup.”

Applejack again grabs Arc’s arm as she yells at the screen. “Run, pig, run!”

The rustler’s dog goes after Babe as he runs away. Escaping, he heads back to the farm to warm the sheepdogs. Turning to the house the dog begins barking.

“Now the farmer will know something’s wrong!”

“Exactly.”

They watch as the dogs accompany the farmer to the fields. The rustlers jump in their vehicle and flee at his approach. Applejack shakes a fist at them as they do so.

“Run you cowards!”

Setting the fence back in place, the farmer puts the pig on the back of the truck. Applejack appears confused.

“That somehow seems a bit off.”

“The farmer is honoring the pig for what he did by letting him ride back to the farm instead of making him walk.”

“Ah!”

She looks over to see her latched onto Arc’s arm again.

“Sorry again!”

“You can stay there if you want, Applejack.”

“Huh?”

“I… kinda like holding you.”

Applejack blushes slightly. “Can I tell you something, Arc?”

“Always.”

“I like when you hold me too.”

Arc grins. “Then stay right there.”

Laying her head against Arc’s side, he puts an arm around her as the movie continues. They watch as the farmer takes the pig to the sheep pen and gives him orders. Applejack frowns.

“What the hay is he doing?”

“Trying to teach him to be a sheepdog.”

“But he’s a pig!”

Arc chuckles. “That he is.”

As the pig tries to round up the sheep he makes barking sounds. The sheep all start laughing at him as the male sheepdog growls angrily.

“He doesn’t sound too happy.”

“Yeah. That dog thinks he’s going to be replaced.”

Babe returns to try again.

“Move along there you... big buttheads!”

The sheep go back to laughing. Babe charges forward and bites one of the sheep to try and show his dominance. Applejack gasps.

“That’s not like him!”

“Right.”

Crying out, the pig’s sheep friend criticizes his actions. Apologizing to the sheep he bit, the sheepdogs watch as the male admonishes his mate. Talking the matter over with the small herd, a sheep tells Babe that if he wants them to move all he has to do is ask. Applejack nods approvingly.

“That makes sense.”

“Yeah. He’s too nice to do it the sheepdog way.”

“And he’s too small.”

“Right. So his only option is to figure it out for himself.”

They watch as the pig leads the sheep out of the pen two by two. The farmer along with the dogs watch in amazement.

“The things you can get others to do if you just ask nicely.”

“And it’s easier than resorting to violence.”

The farmer builds a series of obstacles and leads two sheep though it as Babe watches with the female sheepdog.

“Um… what’s all that for?”

“He’s trying to train him.”

“To do what?”

“Be a proper sheepdog.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

The farmer’s wife watches from a nearby hill, clearly concerned.

“Is she mad about this?”

“More along the lines of worried.”

“About what?”

“She thinks her husband is going crazy.”

“Well, he does look pretty silly.”

Arc shrugs. “That is how you train a sheepdog though. Show them enough times, give them a chance, and reward them when they do it right.”

Sometime later they watch as the farmer pulls out a form and fills it out. Applejack gasps.

“Is that an entrance application?!”

“Yup.”

“How can he make his dogs compete when they’re in such a condition though?!”

“He’s not.”

“What?!”

“Watch.”

Applejack frowns as the farmer writes ‘pig’ on the application.

“He’s entering Babe?!”

“Exactly.”

“But he’s not ready!”

“I’m sure the farmer knows what he’s doing.”

Babe learns from the cat that pigs are used for food and that his mother and siblings have all probably been butchered by now. Heading out into the fields, he sits there all night until found in the morning by the dogs.

“Why’d he do that?”

“Probably depressed.”

“But you told me that’s what pigs are for. To be eaten.”

“How’d you feel if I told you ponies were the same way? “

“We’re not though.”

“I said ‘what if’? Think about it. You were just told that your entire family was already killed and they you were somehow spared. He’s feeling depressed and guilty.”

“Guilty?”

“He lives on while the others didn’t. Survivor’s Guilt.”

The farmer takes him back to the house and calls the vet. Telling the farmer that he needs to get fluids in the pig, the vet leaves. Thinking a moment, the farmer breaks out into a jig. Applejack raises an eyebrow.

“Um…”

Arc facepalms. “I never understood this part of the movie either.”

As the farmer finishes, he spies all the animals looking in the windows at him. Composing himself he sees the pig taking a long drink of water from the dog bowl. Looking at his watch he makes a quick phone call before heading out in his truck.

“Where are they going?”

“The sheepdog competition.”

“Why?!”

“He still has faith in Babe’s abilities.”

The farmer stands next to the competition ring with his sheepdog and Babe. The announcer calls out the farmer’s name as well as ‘pig’ as the wife watches from her hotel room. She stops talking as she realizes what’s about to happen.

“What’s the matter with her?”

Arc grins. “She figured out the last contestant is her husband and his pig.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“It’s a sheepdog competition.”

“But he can do it!”

“Right. However that’s like bringing a watermelon to a pumpkin contest.”

Babe does his best to talk to the sheep in the pen, but they refuse to listen to him.

“Can’t they talk?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But they’re so used to being abused by the competitors that they’re all traumatized and won’t speak.”

Appearing before the judges, the farmer is told that he should not be entering non-dogs in the competition. However, admitting that there is no rule prohibiting it, they ask him if he would like to proceed. Thinking for a moment silently, the farmer looks down at his pig as the animal does the same to him. Meanwhile, seeing the situation before him, the male sheepdog runs back to the farm to speak to the sheep there regarding lending aid to the pig. Walking with the pig the farmer silently makes his way to the competition area as the crowd laughs at him and Babe. Ignoring them completely, the farmer unhooks Babe’s leash and waits for the signal from the head official to begin. The sheepdog returns, runs over to Babe, and tells him something before running away from the oncoming official. The competition starts and the sheep stand in their place waiting as Babe runs to the them and speaks.

“Baa-ram-ewe! Baa-ram-ewe! To your breed, your fleece, your clan be true! Sheep be true! Baa-ram-ewe!”

The commentators, assuming this display to be a protest of some kind, continue to speculate until something amazing happens. Everyone falls eerily silent as the sheep walk calmly through the posts and to the ring. Asking the sheep with collars to step outside the ring, the pig waits patiently for them to do so. The farmer calmly walks over to the gate and opens it. Motioning to Babe, he leads the sheep over to their pen. As the last sheep enters, the farmer slowly closes the gate behind them. As it clicks shut the crowd erupts into cheers at the marvelous display before them. Turning to face the judges they see that all of them, including the one whom didn’t want to allow the pig to compete at all, are holding up perfect scorecards. As the final judge holds up his result the crowd goes wild. All the while the pig and farmer stand there motionless as a break in the clouds allows sunlight to spill over them. Turning to look down at the pig the farmer utters a simple statement.

“That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.”

The frame freezes on Babe’s face as the movie ends.

Chapter 18 - Scars of the Past

Arc turns to Applejack as the credits begin to roll.

“How was that?”

Applejack smiles and nods. “Great movie!”

“Glad you liked it.”

“So what happened after that?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “That was it?”

“Well… they did make a sequel a number of years ago. But I never saw it.”

“Can we watch that next time?”

“Sure.”

He moves to stand up, but his date doesn’t.

“Are you alright, Applejack?”

“Never better. Why do you ask?”

“You’re still clinging to me.”

Applejack sighs and smiles contentedly. “Yeah. I’m doing it because this just feels right.

“I do like holding you.”

“And I like being held by you.”

They sit there for a time just holding one another. Eventually Applejack breaks the silence.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… um… I just… wanted to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Um… th-thanks.”

“What for?”

“Being there when I need you.”

“That’s what people whom care about one another do though.”

“You kept me safe from those punks back there. Even risking your own safety to do so.”

“I suppose I did. But at the same time I believe you could have taken them on.”

Applejack grins. “Maybe. However it just felt good to know someone would go that far for me.”

Arc smiles. “And you’re worth fighting for, Applejack.”

Leaning down, he kisses her tenderly on top of her head. Smiling, Applejack closes her eyes and grins.

“That’s what I was hoping you’d do.”

Arc chuckles as he strokes her hair. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now actually.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah.”

“Then why didn’t you?”

“Because I… guess I was just waiting for the right time.”

Applejack smiles. “That’s sweet, Arc.”

Arc looks away nervously. “Really? I thought it was more along the lines of ‘pathetic’.”

Applejack shakes her head. “It isn’t, no. Quite the opposite really.”

“How so?”

“Because you were thinking of my feelings above your own.”

Arc sighs. “And it kept me from doing it for so long.”

“Believe me, Arc. Any number of stallions would have just rushed in at the chance. But not you. I knew you’d do something like that when the time was right.”

Stroking her cheek, Arc continues to hold her as the credits roll on. As they finish he sighs and looks down at her.

“Time to go.”

“Do we have to?”

Arc nods. “The movie’s done and there might be someone else waiting for this room.”

Applejack groans as she sits up. “I suppose that’s true.”

Looking at the tray, Arc picks up the candy boxes one by one as he puts them in his ring. Applejack puts the empty popcorn tub and drinks into the trashcan. Extending his arm to her, Applejack takes it as they leave the room and walk down the corridor together. Passing the spot where they were attacked Arc looks at the floor.

“Looks like those guys did a pretty good job cleaning up that mess.”

“Either that or some of the staff finished it up.”

Arc shrugs. “In any case, I hope they’ll think twice before trying something like that again.”

“Right.”

Leaving the building together, they head for the Jeep. Applejack holds onto his arm happily.

“That was a date and a half!”

“Yeah. I had a lot of fun with you, Applejack.”

“Think we could go out again sometime?”

Arc nods as they get into the vehicle. “Definitely.”

Returning the way they came the pair pull into the driveway sometime later. Arc parks in the garage and gets out with Applejack. However just as they step out the side door into the backyard a torrential rain hits them. Laughing, they make a run for the door together. Pulling out his keys Arc unlocks it and lets Applejack go in first. Following her inside he slams the door shut behind them as they stand there dripping on the kitchen floor. Chuckling, Arc looks down at himself.

“Well… that’s one way to end a date.”

Applejack grins as she turns to him. “Never a dull moment with you around, Arc.”

“Yes, well… why don’t we get some sleep?”

Applejack nods. “Good idea. After all, tomorrow’s another day.”

“Indeed. Not sure what we’re going to do, but…”

Applejack interrupts him. “How about heading to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast?”

“Hungry already?”

“I’d… kinda like to try a cheeseburger. That is, if you think I’m ready.”

Arc nods. “Sure thing.”

Applejack winks. “It’s a date then.”

Arc motions for her to follow him. “Yup.”

Heading upstairs, they part ways at the top. Applejack turns to Arc.

“Hey.”

Arc turns around. “Yes, Applejack?”

“I… uh… guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Yeah. Good night.”

Applejack sighs as she heads to her room. “Night.”

Closing the door behind him, Arc looks down at himself.

“Sure hope this thing doesn’t shrink.”

Taking off his suit, Arc hangs it neatly over a chair to dry. Grabbing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from a drawer he quickly puts them on and turns out the lights. Climbing into bed, Arc pulls the covers up to his chin as he lays down contentedly. Staring up at the ceiling for only a few moments he quickly falls asleep. A short time later however a low rumble rings out as the rain intensifies. A massive flash of lightning followed by a crash of thunder that shakes the house rings out. Less than a minute later there is a frantic pounding on Arc’s bedroom door. Opening his eyes, he looks around.

“What the…?”

Turning to flip on the reading lamp next to his bed he finds it inoperable.

“Must’ve lost power.”

Sitting up and casting a Light Spell he calls out.

“Come in!”

Applejack hurries inside wearing nothing but a towel holds loosely in front of her chest. She runs over to him, clearly terrified.

“Woah! Applejack?!”

Applejack breathes heavily as she speaks. “I couldn’t sleep with this storm, so I decided to take a shower!”

“That explains the towel.”

“But just as I finished drying off, the lights went out!”

“The storm must’ve knocked out the power lines somewhere.”

Applejack looks to him pleadingly. “Can… can I sleep here with you?!”

“I… suppose so. But don’t you want to get dressed first?”

As Applejack opens her mouth to speak another crash of thunder rings out. Screaming, she dives under the covers towel and all. Keeping under the blanket Arc pats her head lovingly as he speaks.

“Well, I suppose you’re in here now. Might as well stay.”

“Th-thanks. Sorry for acting like a filly about this.”

“It’s okay. Everyone has their fears, after all.”

She snuggles up to him, but also stays completely under the covers. Arc reaches out with his magic and opens the closet across the room with a Telekinesis Spell. Squinting, he spies an electric lantern on a shelf. Pulling it to himself he flicks a switch before setting it on the nightstand and looking back down at Applejack.

“Is that better?”

Applejack nods. “A bit, yes. But being under these covers with you is still a lot better.”

Arc gently strokes her hair as they lie there together. He feels her body tense with every peel of thunder however.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“Like I said before, everyone has their fears.”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, no. I mean sorry for waking you up in the middle of the night.”

“It’s fine. After all, a good boyfriend is there when his girlfriend needs them. Not just when it’s convenient.”

“Boyfriend?”

“It’s what humans call someone their dating.”

“I get that. After all, back in Equestria I’d refer to you as my ‘stallionfriend’. But this is the second time you’ve called me your girlfriend.”

“Does that bother you?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Not at all. Quite the opposite actually.”

“So you’re okay with it?”

“Yeah. But I do have to ask one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Do you really view me as someone that you could potentially spend the rest of your life with?”

“Absolutely. But what about me?”

“Huh?”

“Could you see you and I getting married?”

Applejack nods. “I can, yes.”

She sighs before continuing.

“But I can’t imagine why you’d want to though.”

“Oh really?”

“I mean, come on. I’m a total coward when it comes to thunder.”

“Well I think you have quite a few redeeming qualities.”

“Thanks for saying so. But this whole thing is something I’ve been struggling with pretty much my whole life.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really, no.”

Arc nods. “Then we don’t have to…”

Applejack interrupts him. “But I need to.”

“Applejack?”

“Like you said before. We’re going to be sharing both the good times and the bad if we get married.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Do you remember how I told you about the last time I saw my mother?”

“Yes. You said she was being taken to the hospital.”

“That… was only half of it.”

“Oh?”

“The other part was what happened after that. You see, there was a really big thunderstorm that kept me awake most of the night.”

Applejack struggles to compose herself before continuing.

“And when I woke up the next morning… Granny Smith told me… she said… that my mother had died late that night!”

She begins to cry. Arc puts his arms around her in an effort to console Applejack as she does her best to speak.

“After that… I figured that it was the storm that took my mother’s life. While I know that isn’t true now that I’m all grown up, thunder still haunts me to this day.”

Applejack sighs as she pokes her head out and looks into Arc’s face.

“You must think I’m just a stupid little coward now.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Losing a parent is a very hard thing for anyone to process. Especially a child. And I should know.”

“You lost your mom too, right?”

Arc grimaces. “Yeah. Liver failure.”

“How’d you move past it?”

“A lot of therapy at the orphanage.”

“Did it help?”

Arc nods. “A lot, yes. That and my friends helped too.”

“Shelly and Lily?”

“And Frank too.”

“Did you tell them?”

“Yeah. It’s something orphans just kinda do for each other. Talking about the circumstances that brought them to the orphanage.”

Applejack sighs. “I… didn’t really have anyone my age to talk to. Everyone was either way too young or too old to understand what I was going though.”

“That’s a shame. It really helped me back then.”

“No one else knows besides you though. And… I’d like it to stay that way please.”

Arc smiles down at her. “Sure. While I suggest talking to the others, or Emerald Dream, I’ll leave the timing completely up to you.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Thanks. It means a lot knowing there’s someone I can trust enough to talk about stuff like this.”

Another crack of thunder crashes overhead. Applejack again buries her face in Arc’s chest fearfully as he does his best to console her. Eventually she looks up again.

“Sorry for bursting in here like this.”

“I don’t mind being woken up for something as important as this though.”

“There’s that, yes. But I meant jumping in your bed without clothes on. I know how you feel about human modesty.”

Arc blushes slightly. “That’s okay. After all, there were certainly… extenuating circumstances that prevented you from getting dressed first.”

They are silent for a time as Arc does his best to comfort Applejack. Eventually she breaks it.

“Arc, I… I need to say something.”

“What is it?”

“I’ve actually been trying to say it for a couple days now.”

“So why haven’t you?”

“Because it’s… not easy for me. This baggage I’ve been carrying of the night my mom died along with my current family responsibilities make it pretty much impossible to have relationships.”

She reaches up and touches his face before continuing.

“But not with you though.”

“I’m happy to be of help.”

“And you are. However with you I just feel so… unguarded. So… so exposed. Like you can see right through me at times.”

“Yes, well… I do believe you and I have chemistry.”

“So do I. That’s why I need to tell you this.”

Taking a deep breath, Applejack looks Arc in the eyes and speaks.

“Arc… I… I just wanted to say that I… I… um… you know…”

She groans before speaking again.

“Even now I just can’t say it!”

Arc smiles at her. “Can I tell you something then?”

“Um… okay.”

He reaches down at puts his hands on her cheeks before continuing.

“Applejack. I just wanted to tell you… that I… I love you.”

Applejack gasps. “You… you do?!”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“But… but how?! I mean…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Believe me when I say that you’re perfect, Applejack.”

“I’m not good enough for…!”

Putting a finger to her lips, Arc speaks.

“You’re honest, hard-working, caring, nurturing, and also extremely beautiful.”

Applejack looks away sadly. “Not as much as Rarity is though.”

“Both of you are in your own way. But there’s more to your comment than that, isn’t there?”

“Is it that obvious?”

Arc smiles. “Yes.”

“I just… I always wanted to be like her. Beautiful, strong, independent, and… and… have my life together.”

“Believe me when I say that she had to work very hard to get to that point. Both with her business and with Sweetie Belle.”

“But they’re so close!”

“Just like you are with Apple Bloom.”

“We’re... not as tight as you think.”

“Then we’ll have to work on that.”

“We will?”

“Right. After all she and I will be related after the wedding.”

Applejack grins hugely. “You… you mean…?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I want you and Rarity in the herd for sure. That is… if you still want to.”

“Arc… are you…?!”

Arc puts a hand on her face. “Applejack… I’d like it very much... if you’d do me the honor of marrying me one day along with Rarity.”

Applejack squeals happily. “YESYESYESYESYESYES!!!”

Arc chuckles. “I think we’d be really happy together.”

“But… what about the others?”

“I still need to see if we’re really compatible. After all, I don’t want someone making a commitment if they’re not fully sure this is really what they want.”

“So… it might still be just you, me, and Rarity?”

“Maybe. Are you okay with that?”

“Oh, yes. Rarity and I are actually really close. And it’d be great to be married to someone like her. You! You! I meant YOU!”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda right both ways.”

“And you’re okay with this too, right?”

“Completely.”

“Good. After all, we also don’t want you getting into something you don’t want either. And I’ll do my best to get over my past.”

“Woah there, Applejack. The past isn’t something you can just ‘get over’.”

“Why not? You did?”

“I didn’t get over it. I just learned to accept what happened.”

“That sounds like something I’d like for myself too. After all, you and Rarity were able to do it.”

“We’ll all help you through this, Applejack. That is, if you’ll let us.”

“I will, yes. But… there’s something I want to do to try and help the process for both of us right now.”

“What’s that?”

“You have quite the past, Arc. So many scars both mental and physical.”

“What about it?”

“Would you please show me your torso, Arc? I’d like to see them for myself. The physical ones anyway.”

Nodding, Arc pulls his shirt off and tosses it aside. Applejack peeks out from under the covers and looks him over. Tracing the marks with a finger she sighs.

“There’s so much here.”

“Lots of injuries… and battle scars.”

“You shouldn’t have had to go through all of that.”

Arc sighs. “Well, they’re permanent now.”

“I suppose that’s true. The best we can do is to help you deal with what’s happened and hope you can move past it one day.”

“You have an idea?”

Applejack nods. “I do. But first I need to know two things.”

“Oh?”

“First, do you love me?”

“Yes, Applejack.”

“Second… how much do you trust me?”

“With everything.”

“Completely then?”

“Yes.”

“And I trust you fully as well.”

“What are you getting at, Applejack?”

“We both need to heal, Arc. Inside and out. Your trauma… my trauma… we can help each other with the healing process. And I’d like to start right now.”

“Um… okay.”

Sitting up, Applejack looks down at Arc as a flash of lighting and thunder crashes outside. Flinching, she squeezes her eyes shut and turns away for a moment before composing herself, opening her eyes, and fixing her gaze on Arc’s face again. Without a word, Applejack pulls away the towel to expose her naked body. Tossing the towel onto the floor nearby the young woman smiles at him as she slowly lays down on Arc’s chest.

“Please hold me.”

Nodding, Arc wraps his arms around Applejack. She does the same to his neck as Arc pulls the covers over them both. Sighing contentedly she calls out.

“This just feels… right somehow.”

“How do you feel?”

“Still scared, of course. But for the first time since my mom died, I feel… safe from the storm. Like… if it did try to take me away that you’d punch that storm in the face and make it let me go.”

Arc grins. “I would too.”

“Right. Because we love each other.”

Arc nods as he nuzzles the top of Applejack’s head before kissing it. “That we do.”

“I know this won’t take away your scars, Arc. But I do hope it will help you to come to terms with things.”

“It… is, yes.”

“Skin on skin… this just feels right… you know.”

“Yeah.”

“Are you… okay with this?”

Arc puts a finger under her chin and turns it to look at him. “Very.”

Pulling her face to his, Arc and Applejack’s noses touch as the look each other in the eye. They stay like that for a long moment before Arc leans in and presses his lips to Applejack’s. She moans happily as they share a passionate kiss. A full minute later they draw back, still smiling.

“I love you, Arc. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Arc smiles as he puts his hands on Applejack’s cheeks.

“And I love and want the same.”

Pulling her in close, Arc goes for another kiss with Applejack as the storm rages on. However, even as it intensifies, the young woman never takes her eyes off of the man before her.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 19 - Conclusions

Arc awakens early the next morning, even before the sun is up. He feels Applejack’s warm body on his chest and smiles. Looking down at her he strokes her hair gently as he muses to himself.

“She really is beautiful asleep.”

Slowly rubbing Applejack’s bare back, he sighs contentedly as he muses to himself.

“Great personality, great work ethic, strong, happy… and… I have to admit, she really does have a great body too.”

Smiling, he closes his eyes and continues.

“Never thought I’d be saying that about someone. Feels kinda perverted to even think it.”

Making a slight moan, Applejack slowly turns her head to look at him as the first rays of dawn shine through the window.

“Huh… Arc?”

Arc smiles at her. “Good morning, sleepyhead.”

Applejack appears confused. “Morning?”

She looks at her naked body and at the position they’re in before giggling.

“Guess that wasn’t a dream.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Um… I didn’t do anything… bad last night, did I?”

“Not that I can recall, no.”

“Good.”

“Why do you ask?”

“I just… don’t want to hurt you.”

Applejack appears confused. “Hurt me?”

“You know… by doing something to you that you might not want.”

“Like what?”

“Um… you know…”

“Sex?”

Arc blushes slightly “…yeah.”

“No, we didn’t do that. I think I’d have remembered it had we.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. I mean… it’s good that I didn’t… um…”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “What’s with you this morning?”

“Before you woke up I was doing some… thinking.”

“What about?”

“You.”

“I can tell you’re leaving something out, Arc.”

“Yes, well… I was thinking that… you… that you’re beautiful.”

“Anything else?”

Arc sighs. “And… that you have a nice body.”

Applejack grins. “Was that so hard to say?”

“It was actually.”

“Why? I mean… we’re real fiancés now.”

“Well… it just felt wrong.”

“Complimenting my appearance mentally?”

“I just felt kinda perverted for having those thoughts about you.”

“But why? You Honestly care about me, don’t you?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I do. However that’s the reason it felt wrong.”

“You’re not making much sense, Arc.”

“Sorry. It’s just… I really like you, Applejack. And I don’t want to do anything that might make you upset or feel bad.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “So you think that you looking at my body would do that?”

“I… don’t really know. This is all so new to me. The whole concept of… intimacy.”

“Well, I think I can help with that.”

Arc appears hopeful. “You can?”

“Sure.”

“What should I do?”

“First I have a question for you. How far have you gone with a human mare before?”

Arc shrugs. “Before I came to Equestria the most I ever did was hold hands with Shelly and Lily as a kid.”

“Nothing else?”

Arc blushes slightly. “Well… a couple times I kissed them goodnight on the forehead.”

“I ain’t counting that.”

“Then I guess I haven’t really done anything.”

“Okay. What you have to do is really simple, Arc.”

“Oh?”

“Just lie there and do what I tell you.”

“Um… okay.”

“Ready?”

“I guess.”

Applejack looks at him soberly. “Here we go then.”

Putting her hands down on the sheets, Applejack pushes herself up to sit on her knees between Arc’s legs. He turns away respectfully as she does so.

“Arc, look at me.”

“But you’re not wearing any…!”

Applejack interrupts him. “It’s fine, sugarcube. Now then, I want you to look upon me as I am.”

Sighing, Arc turns to look at the young woman before him. The weak sunlight from the windows cascades over her tan and toned body as she speaks.

“How do you feel right now?”

“Like I shouldn’t be staring at you.”

“And I’m going to help you with that. Just stay still.”

Scootching closer, Applejack crawls across Arc’s body to sit on his pelvis. Straightening up again she looks down at Arc as he raises an eyebrow and speaks.

“What are you doing?”

“Just trust me on this. Now, give me your hands.”

Slowly raising his hands Arc puts them in Applejack’s palms. She smiles and holds them as they look one another in the eye for a time. Eventually Applejack speaks again.

“Ready to move on?”

“I... guess.”

“Alright. Just let your arms go limp.”

As he does so Applejack takes them in each hand. Putting one on each of her hips she watches as Arc begins to blush slightly.

“Never went this far with Rarity, sugarcube?”

“Not as a human, no.”

“How does it feel?”

“Kinda… nice actually. But I still don’t feel like I should be doing it.”

“You’re probably wondering what it is I’m getting to, aren’t you.”

“Right.”

“I want to explain my body to you. And now that I’m uncovered I believe this is the perfect time to do it. Now then, I’m going to let go of your hands and I want you to keep them on my hips, okay?”

Arc nods as Applejack clears her throat and begins to speak. She puts two fingers to her eyes.

“These are my eyes. They let me see whatever it is my head is pointing at. Whether that’s an apple, a tree, or someone that I love, they only look wherever I point them. And I for one am not ashamed to look at a special somepony with them.”

Pointing to her nose, she continues.

“This is my nose. It lets me smell many different things from apple pie to rain on the breeze to the scent of the man I love.”

Moving on, she puts a finger to her lips.

“Next is my mouth. It lets me eat things, breathe, and taste whatever I put inside of it. Anything from apples to candy canes to the lips of the one I love.”

Putting a hand on one of her forearms Applejack gives it a squeeze before speaking.

“These are my arms. They’re used for lifting and pushing mostly. But I like to wrap them around the one I love the most.”

Grabbing her... um... chest, she continues.

“While not the same as my other form, these are my breasts. They’re meant to feed young’uns when I have them. But until then they’re free to be used by the one I love as he sees fit as a means to stimulate both him and I.”

Sliding her hands down to her stomach, Applejack grins.

“This is my belly. It holds my major organs along with the food and water that I eat. Someday it’ll also hold the foal I hope to make with the man I love.”

Moving her hands to her thighs, she gives them a squeeze.

“These are my legs. They help carry me wherever I want to go and support the rest of my body. But I like using them to stand by your side, Arc.”

Pointing a single finger Applejack gestures between her legs.

“And this... this is my vulva. It’s used to remove liquid waste from my body. And someday I hope it’s used by you to make me a mother. But even if that isn’t possible, I still want you to use it to pleasure us both.”

“Applejack I… I don’t understand.”

Applejack smiles down at him. “Look at all the parts I just listed, Arc. To me, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about here. So if you want to think about any of them in a way that makes you feel good, that’s just fine. And if you want to fantasize about us doing things together go right ahead.”

Tapping her pelvis Applejack smiles warmly.

“Or if you’d like, you can have sex with me right here and now.”

Arc shakes his head. “I… don’t think I’m ready for that yet. Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, Arc. That’s the whole point of this conversation.”

“You mean…?”

“There’s nothing on my body that you seeing would make me embarrassed, Arc. If we’re going to get married one day then my body will be yours and yours will be mine. Anything you want to do to this body will be, and currently is, just fine with me.”

Arc smiles. “Thanks.”

“It’s what a wife should do, Arc.”

“You really are beautiful, Applejack.”

“And you’re just so handsome, Arc.”

“I do love you, and want to have a family together someday.”

Applejack looks him in the eyes as she puts her hands on his chest as she leans forward. “I’d like that as well. Anytime you’re ready, I am too. Whether that’s right now, tomorrow, or even ten years from now. My body is here when you need it.”

Sitting up suddenly, Arc wraps his arms around Applejack. She gasps, clearly surprised.

“Arc?!”

“Applejack… you’re… you’re just plain amazing!”

Applejack grins as she returns the hug.” So are you, sugarcube.”

“Beautiful and nurturing too.”

“Thanks. But so are you.”

“I admit, I was kinda nervous about having children someday. But you’ve really helped to put my mind at ease with your frankness.”

“Just being the Element of Honesty.”

Arc puts a hand on her cheek and smiles. “You’ll make a great mother someday.”

Applejack does the same. “And you’ll be a wonderful father.”

Slowly moving toward each other to kiss, the sound of the bedroom door squeakily opening rings out. Looking past Applejack, Arc spies Celestia walking into the room. Frowning, he grabs a blanket and throws it over Applejack’s shoulders before glaring at Celestia.

“Ever heard of knocking?!”

Applejack gasps. “P-P-Princess Celestia?!”

Celestia sits down on her haunches at the foot of the bed. “Forgive me for… intruding. However, I believe that I’m ready to make my judgement.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Judgement?”

“Regarding the experiment.”

Arc groans. “Are you STILL thinking about that?!”

Celestia nods. “Of course. Remember, that was the whole reason for me setting up your date.”

Applejack smiles nervously. “Well, it was certainly long enough.”

“I just wanted to give you both plenty of time to do whatever came naturally.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “But you chose to come here at just this time?!”

“I did.”

Applejack clears her throat as she attempts to diffuse the situation. “And what did you come up with, your highness?”

“That you two honestly care for one another. Well, I already knew you did, Applejack. It was the human I was concerned with.”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Why you…!”

Celestia interrupts him. “One moment please.”

Her horn aglow, she blinds both Arc and Applejack with its brilliance. Closing their eyes instinctively a strange feeling washes over the pair. Eventually Celestia calls out to them.

“You can open them now.”

Doing so, Arc and Applejack find themselves sitting in the grass under the apple tree where they started. Celestia stands before them with a lantern shining overhead suspended by a tree branch. Arc angrily gets to his feet and storms over to her.

“What did you do to us?!”

Celestia sighs. “Performed the experiment. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

Applejack takes Arc’s arm and pulls him back. “Let’s give the princess a chance to explain.”

“She can start by telling us why we were dumped off with no way back for starters!”

Celestia nods soberly. “Very well. To begin with, you weren’t on Earth.”

Arc grits his teeth. “I know that!”

Applejack gasps. “Arc?!”

“That place looked like Earth, all right. But I could tell it wasn’t.”

Celestia appears surprised. “That is true. It was actually the Celestia Realm. My personal pocked dimension.”

Applejack grimaces. “It was?”

“Yes. I modeled it after the memories found in Arc’s head.”

She turns to him before continuing.

“I am curious though. How did you know it wasn’t real?”

“A number of things actually. First day we were there Applejack’s footwear changed for some reason.”

Celestia nods. “Yes, I didn’t expect you to visit anything like that abandoned orchard. I worried she would hurt herself.”

Applejack nods soberly. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“Second, the fact that I couldn’t return to Equestria. That alone wasn’t that surprising. But the fact that Twilight didn’t try to contact me for the better part of a week was a dead giveaway.”

Applejack gasps. “It HAS been almost a week, hasn’t it?! Everyone must be so worried about…!”

Celestia smiles. “Not to worry. While you were in the Celestial Realm, time was sped up for you.”

“You mean… what exactly?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That we were in there for a lot less time than we thought.”

Celestia giggles. “Indeed. A day in there was a little over an hour out here.”

Applejack looks around. “So it’s still the same day as when we left?!”

“No quite. It is just past midnight right now.”

Arc frowns. “That’s why no one tried to contact us. They’re all asleep.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her ear. “Even if she had, you communicator wouldn’t have worked. After all, it can’t penetrate my pocket dimension’s walls.”

Applejack shrugs. “Kinda makes sense.”

Celestia returns her gaze to Arc. “What other mistakes did I make?”

“For starters, my friend Shelly walking as she did.”

“Oh?”

“No medication would have reversed the damage to her body THAT much. And you made the mistake of letter her eat real food as well. She can’t do that anymore.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her forehead. “I suppose I did go too far there. What else?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “How about the waitress at the steakhouse?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Tia?”

Celestia giggles. “Yes, that was me.”

Arc frowns. “Wouldn’t you directly interfering skewer the results of the test though”

“Normally, yes. However by that point I was no longer content to just sit back and watch you two.”

“You mean...?”

“Yes, I wanted to observe you two more closely. Face to face in a form that I thought wouldn’t be recognized.”

Arc scoffs. “Should’ve taken a different name then.”

“It was something Luna called me many years ago. Lacking any other ideas on what to call myself on the spur of the moment I chose the only name that came to mind. Any other mistakes on my part?”

“A few other minor imperfections. But the big one was during the second part of our date last night.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Arc smirks. “I decided to prove to myself that you were in control of everything.”

“And how did you do that?”

“That private theater Applejack and I went to last night. It doesn’t exist.”

Applejack gasps. “What?!”

Arc continues. “Also, the movie that we saw came out when I was a little kid. There’s no way a theater of ANY kind would still be showing it.”

Celestia appears genuinely surprised. “Then why was such a detailed place of business in your mind? After all, it was a VERY complete memory.”

“Because I’ve been thinking about it ever since I was a kid.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“It was a business idea I had back then. Private movie theaters so that you could watch something without being bothered by the people around you.”

“So Earth doesn’t really have those?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. And these days it wouldn’t even make sense if it did, as pretty much everyone has at least one big screen television in their home.”

Celestia chuckles. “And you used it to figure my plan out.”

“At the time I didn’t have any concrete evidence.”

Applejack takes his hand. “Why didn’t you say anything then, Arc?”

“Because there was nothing you or I could do about it. That and it would have just made you scared, Applejack.”

Celestia smiles. “And it helped me take some very good data on this matter.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “I don’t really care about your experiment at this point, Celestia!”

Sighing, he turns back to Applejack and takes her hands before speaking again.

“But I am still grateful nonetheless.”

Celestia smirks. “Are you now?”

“Yes. Thanks to your inexcusable deception I now know with all my heart that I want Applejack to be a part of my herd.”

Applejack grins widely. “And I’m not at all worried about my own future with him now.”

Celestia nods soberly. “Then I suppose everything was a success.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really.”

“Oh?”

“You invalidated the test from the start with your own personal bias.”

“She did? How?”

“You didn’t notice, Applejack. Every time we were getting too close she would do something to throw a monkey wrench into it.”

“I didn’t notice anything like that though.”

“But I did. She made you sick, rained out our camping trip, gave you the idea to try meat, the thugs at the movie house, and she created the numerous thunder storms to try and derail our date.”

Celestia bows her head. “I saw it more as ‘equalizing’ at the time.”

“Are you sure that’s all it was?”

“No.”

She turns to Applejack before continuing.

“In truth, I was trying to break you two apart.”

Applejack gasps. “But why, Princess Celestia?!”

“To protect the you.”

“Arc does that though!”

“Back then I still believed him to be leading you on.”

“Why would he do that though?!”

“To take advantage of you. That’s why I sent you there as a human woman, Applejack.”

Arc glares at the alicorn before him. “So I would try to do what exactly?!”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “I think you already know the answer to that.”

Applejack gasps. “You thought he would try to RAPE me?!”

“Yes, I did. That’s why I watched both of you every second. My original plan was to spirit you two back here the moment he tried to violate you.”

Arc nods angrily. “Then she’d tell the others, including Twilight, and they’d all forget about the whole herd idea.”

“Correct.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “But why would you go to all that trouble?!”

“To prove once and for all to you, Twilight, and your friends that humans can’t be trusted.”

Arc looks Celestia in the eye. “And what have you learned from this?”

Celestia sighs and turns her head away. “That I... have much to learn about humanity.”

She looks Arc over before continuing.

“Human… I… apologize for my past actions against you.”

Applejack appears hopeful. “Does that mean you’re going to let us all form our herd?!”

Celestia shakes her head. “No. However there is little I can do to stop such a thing under these circumstances. At this point in time I am only admitting that there may yet be more to this human than I originally give him credit for.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So where do we go from here?”

“I’m willing to give you a chance to change my mind, human. That is all.”

Applejack glares at her. “But…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Fine.”

“Arc?!”

“It’s more than I thought I’d get.”

Celestia continues. “While my original plan was to break you apart, I found that the harder I tried to do so, with trials and tribulations aplenty, the closer you two became. The human passed every test I threw his way. However not once did he react in the way I had assumed he would.”

Applejack appears confused. “What do you mean, Princess Celestia?”

“When I made you sick I assumed he would, at best, put you to bed and continue on with his own tasks. However he instead chose to nurse you back to health by staying at your side. When I put the idea of trying meat on your mind I assumed he would jump at the chance to get some inside of you. Again I was surprised when he did everything he could in an effort to try and talk you out of it.”

Applejack grunts. “And the storm at the campsite was to ruin our trip, why now?”

“Humans don’t usually take adversity very well. At the time I thought it would have soured his mood and made you see a different side of him. But he went well beyond what I hypothesized by doing his best to make that evening comfortable for you.”

Arc chuckles. “The fact she liked rain didn’t hurt.”

“I suppose not. But the thugs I sent after you two were my last and best efforts.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You thought I’d run away from six guys, didn’t you?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. Then Applejack would see human cowardice for herself. Afterwards I would have ended the date and summoned you two back where she would have broken up with you on the spot.”

Applejack frowns. “But when that failed…?”

“I decided to stop trying to break you apart and simply prove the vile nature of humanity.”

“How?”

“I assumed you’d watch a movie filled with violence, gore, and rampant sexuality. Applejack would have been horrified at such a display and forced to think twice about her future with a human. But he chose a movie that was very... befitting of you, Applejack.”

Celestia giggles a bit before continuing.

“And I must say that it was a very nice thing to watch.”

Arc makes a circular motion with a hand. “Anything else?”

“One last attempt on my part. I subliminally suggested to Applejack that she should take a shower during the storm to help calm her nerves. However when she was done I caused the lights to all go out just as she finished drying off.”

Applejack glares at Celestia. “You knew I would be scared and run to Arc, didn’t you?!”

“I did. And at the time I didn’t believe that he could have resisted the idea of ravishing a beautiful, young, naked, scared, female whom was literally lying on top of him.”

Arc frowns. “So you waited for me to start hurting her?!”

“As soon as she called out for you to stop I would have intervened, of course.”

“But I didn’t call out and Arc didn’t do anything other than comfort me.”

Celestia looks away. “That’s when I knew I was wrong. So this morning when you two woke up I simply observed. No subliminal messages, no storms, no interference of any kind.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You just let us do whatever?”

“And was most impressed with Applejack’s speech to calm you.”

Applejack nods soberly. “I meant every word.”

Arc blushes. “And my own… thoughts this morning?”

“That was all you, human.”

Applejack gasps as she looks over their fancy clothes and human forms. “Wait! What are we supposed to do now, Princess Celestia?!”

“Given the late hour I would suggest retiring for the evening.”

Arc scoffs. “But we just woke up!”

Applejack looks to him. “None of that was real though, Arc.”

“I know. But I’m not even tired.”

Celestia smiles. “A bit of a side effect from sleeping in the Celestial Realm. It rejuvenates you just like real sleep does. Therefore I’ve ordered sleeping potions left on your bedside table, human.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Potions? As in more than one?”

“Two, yes.”

Applejack puts a hand to her chin. “Because he’s bigger and needs more?”

“No. One for him and one for you, Applejack.”

“Me?!”

“You do want to spend the night with him, don’t you?”

“Why yes… yes I would!”

“Then two will be needed. You will both sleep until the sun rises in about six hours. Now then, I suggest you head to bed.”

Arc shrugs. “Very well.”

Applejack frowns. “Just one second, Arc.”

“Oh?”

Turning to Celestia, Applejack steps forward to stand before the monarch.

“There’s two things I’d like to say to you, Princess Celestia.”

“Yes, Applejack?”

“First and foremost, I wanted to say ‘thank you’ for sending Arc and I on the most amazing week of my life. We both learned a lot and became much closer thanks to you.”

Celestia smiles at her. “You are welcome, Applejack. And the second?”

“Just this.”

Looking the mare dead in the eye for a few moments silently, Applejack suddenly raises a hand and slaps Celestia across the face. Surprised, she takes a step back as Applejack speaks angrily.

“And THAT was for sticking your nose where it didn’t belong!”

Arc rubs his fist and grins slyly as Applejack walks back to him. “Was that supposed to be a private party, or can I get in on that?”

Applejack frowns. “Let’s go, Arc. I think we’ve all said everything that needs to be said.”

“Very well.”

Taking Applejack’s hand, he leads her back toward the castle as Celestia sits down under the tree and rubs her cheek. After a time she uses her magic to pull down the lantern. Sighing, Celestia looks up at the night sky for a long moment before speaking to no one in particular.

“It’s… been a long time since I sat here. This brings back memories.”

She smiles as a cool breeze blows over her.

“Most of which are good. However… not all.”

Sighing, Celestia looks around to make sure she is alone before continuing.

“I did everything you asked of me in your letter without question. At the time it seemed the least I could do. Now… now I wish I hadn’t.”

Looking up into the branches, she watches the leaves rustle overhead for a time before standing up, taking the lantern, and speaking again.

“The past… things happened so long ago. Equestria moved on… and I tried to as well, but… but something held me back. Was it this tree? The memories it shared with us? I thought we had an understanding back then. But I... I guess that was not truly the case.”

Turning to walk away, she looks over her shoulder at the tree one last time.

“I’m… glad we had this talk.”

Looking to the lantern, Celestia takes a deep breath and blows out the flame before walking slowly back toward the castle.

Preface - Volume 47 - Experimentation

In our previous volume, having finished their interviews, Celestia asks a few follow up questions on what she was lied to about. Filling in a few gaps, the conversations turns to the changeling interference. Suggesting that a more direct approach may be needed, Celestia announces her intent to go to war. Arc reminds her that she does not have the authority to do such a thing. She recommends Twilight for the task with her as an advisor. Hearing this, Arc volunteers to come along as Twilight’s bodyguard. Asking when they will attack, he is told that it is dangerous to do so before spring. Hoping to come up with something in the interim, the best they can do is to remain vigilantly defensive in the meantime.

Leaving the room, Arc and Twilight face the others waiting in the corridor. Talking over how things went, Twilight tells them that Celestia desires a chance to speak more on these matters over dinner. Speaking of what to do as they head to the Dining Room, they enter together and figure out the seating arrangements. Celestia enters with Luna and Cadance as Twilight leads her mentor to her seat. A Hoof Maiden is ordered to start the serving process. Looking over the meal, Celestia compliments the food as they eat. As the conversation is turned by her into human’s carnivorous appetites the mares agree that Arc needs such things to stay healthy. Not only that, but several agree that, were they humans, they too would try meat. As the conversation strays from what Arc did at the New Beginning’s Orphanage, Applejack asks Arc to dinner at her place with the family. Her mind working quickly, Celestia questions Arc’s motives and feelings behind his future herd. Challenging him to a science experiment, Celestia tells the pair to go out on a very special date together. Applejack agrees as does Arc.

The next evening Arc stands in his room wearing his finest clothes. Rarity and Twilight enter together and walk over to him. Telling Arc that Applejack will be ready soon Twilight apologizes for Celestia’s behavior. Reminding them that he was going to date them all eventually, Arc convinces them that all is well. A knock at the door reveals Auriel and Scootaloo however. Telling Arc that Celestia wanted them to pass on a message that Applejack would be late, they confess that the alicorn then entered Applejack’s room personally. Half an hour later there is another knock. Assuming it is Applejack for real this time Arc opens a portal for the others to escape through. Answering the knock, he comes face to face with Celestia. Telling him that Applejack will meet him in the Royal Gardens, Celestia informs Arc that she will be escorting him there. As they walk she promises to do whatever it takes to stop him should he ever harm an innocent pony. Entering the gardens, they spot his date. However the sight of her causes Arc to pause.

Walking over to Applejack, Arc sees that she has been turned into a human woman. Celestia lays out the rules of the evening to both parties before telling them to close their eyes. Doing so, the pair find themselves transported to Arc’s house back on Earth. Getting in the Jeep, he drive her out to the country. They see several horses whom race the Jeep. Coming to their destination, Arc shows Applejack an old abandoned orchard. Tasing an apple though she finds them to be very tart. Offering to take her to the store to see other apples, Arc ask if they can make a bit of a stop elsewhere first.

Arriving at Shelly’s Kitchen, they meet with Lily whom leads the pair into the Kitchen. Seeing Frank again they talk for a few moments before Snake, Jackal, and Wolf walk in carrying supplies. Shelly follows using a cane to walk ever so slowly. Overjoyed to see his friend still alive, he embraces her happily before Applejack helps her upstairs. Sitting down in the Kitchen, Shelly takes her medication as she tells Arc that she’s undergoing a new treatment regime. Seeing that it’s working, he is relieved. Telling them all of the trouble in Equestria, the topic moves to talks of lunch. After eating Arc helps Shelly to her room for an after dinner nap.

Leaving the restaurant, Arc and Applejack head for the grocery store. After giving her a crash course into human vernacular they enter the store together. Applejack marvels at the massive diversity of the food before them. Explaining the different apple types Arc picks out a number of different kinds for them to purchase. Walking through the rest of the store Applejack becomes squeamish as they pass the meat counter. Reassuring Arc that she isn’t against him eating such things they move on. After checking out and heading for home the pair try out the numerous apple types together. Asking if she’s ready to go out, the pair change out of their fancy clothes as they decide to go casual.

Making the drive to Roberto’s Pizza, they sit down in the private dining room together and eat. Arc explains his reasoning for the long engagements as well as how relationships work. Applejack tells of her own bad habits working too hard as well as bowing to her friend’s wants and desires over her own. At the end of the evening they return to Arc’s house just as the streetlights come on. Entering the house they head to the bedrooms to change back into their formalwear. Arc pulls out the Rainbow of Light and attempts to open a portal. However nothing happens. Unable to ask his grandfather for advice or raise anyone in Equestria over the airwaves he recommends that they wait for Twilight to come for them. Escorting Applejack upstairs, Arc gives her some night clothes from the dresser before heading back to his parent’s room.

Waking up the next morning to the smell of eggs and hash browns Arc heads downstairs to find Applejack cooking breakfast. Deciding to try and perfect a recipe with their spare time, they head to the store. Picking up a cookbook, Applejack choses to make Tomato Soup. Gathering all the ingredients they pay and head for home. As she slices the tomatoes Applejack confesses to Arc how her mother died giving birth to Apple Bloom. Admitting that she treated her baby sister badly until being told that it was her mother’s will that Apple Bloom live. Promising to be a better big sister, Applejack tells him of her desire to make up for those times by being a bit overprotective. He promises to be there with her when she tells Apple Bloom the truth about what happened.

As they eat, Applejack tells Arc of Granny Smith’s condition. Confiding in him that she is going downhill, Arc asks what could be done for her future needs. Telling him that she may soon need more care than the family can give, Applejack informs Arc that the closest public nursing home is on Manehattan. Not wanting her to be so far from the mare whom raised her, Arc asks if there is something in Ponyville. Admitting that the hospital has such facilities she then begrudgingly tells Arc that they are unable to afford payments for such care. Volunteering to pay for a room at the hospital should Granny Smith need it, Applejack jumps into his arms happily.

Pulling away nervously, they head to the kitchen to do the dishes. Arc washes while Applejack rinses and dries. Wishing she could be an Unicorn, Applejack voices her idea of being turned into on by the spell used to turn her into a human. Arc asks why she wants such a thing, naturally. Applejack tells him how she wants it to make everything easier for herself as well as her loved ones. Pointing out the pros and cons, Arc agrees to talk to Twilight about it if she’s serious. Turning down the offer, Applejack admits that it was just a bit of a pipe dream she kept in the back of her head. Asking Arc which he would chose if he had to, Arc said he’d stay in Equestria over Earth. Asking what she wants to do that afternoon Applejack comes up with nothing. Offering a bit of an idea involving the great outdoors Arc takes Applejack to the mall to buy her a swimsuit. As she tries it on he sits on a bench. Musing to himself he remembers meeting Hammer on the same one some time ago. Finding the suit to be a perfect fit they leave and head for home.

After eating a quick and simple breakfast the pair head to the garage together. Shrinking down the Jeep, Arc puts it in his ring and makes a sigil on the garage floor. Powering it up, he teleports both of them to the middle of the woods. Resizing the Jeep, they pull out two tents and set them up. Changing into their swimming gear they head for the beach. Applejack becomes apprehensive approaching the water in her human form so Arc goes in with her. Walking her in up to her belly, she announces her willingness to go on alone. Lunging forward she starts doggie paddling as Arc watches her for safety. After joining in the fun with her for some time Arc askes Applejack if she wants to go on a hike. Returning to the tents they get changes and put on their boots. Walking for a time, he explains the events of the last camping trip they had their with the squad and his little family. Telling her about bocce ball and volleyball, Arc explains the rules of both as they head back to camp. Wanting to sit down, Arc pulls the cloth chairs from the back of the Jeep. Spotting a box inside he opens it up to expose his bocce ball set and volleyball gear.

The pair spend the day playing bocce ball, swimming, and hiking. As the sun sets Arc builds a fire and suggests they roast some vegetables over an open flame. Doing so they begin talking about the herd. Applejack confesses that the idea has come between her and Big Macintosh whom believes she should be in a traditional marriage. Asking his advice, Arc tells her to just show her brother just how happy she is with the idea. Turning the question around he makes her feel what her brother is before asking a questions of his own. Pointing out that he could only be with each of them once every ten days or so to make things fair, Arc voices his thoughts considering Rainbow Dash’s offhand comment regarding sharing. Applejack tells him not to do things that would make him uncomfortable, as he deserves better than just to be used. Suddenly a drop of water lands on Arc’s head. Running back to the campsite they find their tents soaking wet. Jumping into the Jeep they lay down in the front seat together. Arc covers them with an old blanket to keep warm as a storm rolls in. Applejack hides under the cover as Arc takes her hand in an effort to comfort her before falling asleep.

Waking up the next morning Arc finds Applejack very ill. Helping her out of the Jeep she immediately falls down and vomits. Picking her up, Arc carries her through a portal to his basement. Suddenly begging for the bathroom he carries her there where she promptly blows up the toilet. Taking her upstairs Arc gets the water going in the shower. Leaving so she can undress properly, Arc heads downstairs to get Applejack some cough syrup and orange juice. Returning to the bathroom he finds her in the shower. Carefully handing her the medicine, she chases it with the orange juice. Confessing that she puked in the shower, Applejack comes clean about not making it to the toilet in time earlier. Arc takes her soiled clothes to the washing machine to take care of the smell before heading back upstairs. Finding his friend out and dressed he carries her downstairs to lie on the couch in front of the television with a pillow and blanket. Complaining she is too hot Arc recommends that she stick her feet out to stay cool. Doing so Applejack tells him she feels achy. Offering to rub her feet, Applejack agrees. However as he does so she becomes somewhat... aroused. Yes, Applejack has a foot fetish.

As noon rolls around Arc suggests that Applejack eat something if possible. Admitting that she is feeling better, he heads to the kitchen to make her something. Coming back sometime later with a bowl of soup, Arc tells Applejack that it’s called Chicken Noodle Soup. Seeing her unwariness he informs her that he carefully removed every bit of chicken prior to serving it to her. As she eats Applejack tells of a strange taste. Admitting that it’s probably from the meat he removed Applejack still eats the food as provided. Continuing to watch television together, Applejack becomes agitated as a storm rolls in. Clearly frightened, Arc suggests sitting next to her with the blanket covering both of them for a time. As Applejack becomes more and more tired Arc allows her to lay her head in his lap before she falls asleep entirely.

Waking up the next morning, Applejack accidently grabs Arc’s... stallionhood. After apologizing profusely she and Arc make eggs and pancakes. Discussing what to do with their day, Arc confesses that he had planned to take her out to the countryside to see a farm. Suggesting that they clean the house due to the bad weather, they eventually head up to the attic together. Showing Applejack some of the items he had as a child they move on to pictures of his grandfather, Daniel... the original Hero of Light. Expressing her worry that they may indeed be stuck on Earth forever, Arc consoles Applejack by promising to marry and support her should that happen. Agreeing to continue their engagement, she makes an unknown request as the chapter ends.

Getting dressed up, the pair head out for a second date. As they drive, Arc does his best to try and persuade Applejack that she doesn’t need to do this. Agreeing, she still continues on with their plans. Arriving at a restaurant they enter and are approaches by a waitress named ‘Tia’. As she goes to get their drinks Arc and Applejack pick out appetizers. Putting in the order Arc helps Applejack choose what entree to get. Settling one Ribeye Steaks, Arc asks for his medium and Applejack’s medium rare as it has less red. As they are brought out he explains how best to eat the meat. Demonstrating, he chews and swallows. Applejack asks him to put the meat in her mouth. Doing so, she squeezes her eyes shut nervously. Tasting the food for the first time she notes the unique flavor and texture. Swallowing, Applejack admits that she like the steak as she and Arc continue with their meal.

Finishing, Tia asks the pair if they would like dessert. Stating they are both full she leaves the check and thanks them for coming in. Heading back to the Jeep, Arc suggests they visit a new business in town. Heading there, they arrive at a specialized cinema. Renting a very posh room, the pair head down the corridor toward it. However they are accosted by bullies looking to take Applejack away. Arc tries to reason with them but is violently shoved away as they grab Applejack. Pushing them away, she moves to rejoin Arc as he gets to his feet. Offering the group one last chance to walk away with simply cleaning up the mess, they attack. Arc takes them on and knocks out three of them. The remaining thugs give up and give in to Arc’s demand that they pick up the spilled popcorn. Applejack adds that they must do so with their mouths. After refilling their buckets they head to the room. Sitting down on a posh love seat, Arc orders them soft drinks as well as innumerable snacks. Picking out the movie ‘Babe’, the pair watch together as Arc does his best to explain the movie’s idiosyncrasies to Applejack.

Finishing their movie Applejack asks what came next. Admitting that he doesn’t know, as he never saw the sequel, Arc promises to watch it with her next time. Heading for home they are caught in a downpour between the garage and the house. Hurrying inside happily the pair say goodnight at the top of the stairs and go their separate ways. Arc changes into a t-shirt and shorts before heading to bed. Falling asleep, a storm rumbles in. As it heightens Applejack runs inside wearing nothing but a towel. Frightened, she dives under the covers. Confessing that her mother died in the hospital during a storm, Applejack tells Arc that she has been afraid of them ever since. Comforting her as best he can, Applejack asks to see his scars for herself. Taking off his shirt he exposes the numerous scars received in the line of duty as Hero of Light. Wanting to help, she drops her towel and presses her body against his. Holding her, Arc askes Applejack to marry him. Agreeing fervently she and him share a passionate kiss as the storm continues. However Applejack focuses on Arc and Arc alone.

Waking up the next morning, Arc looks down at Applejack’s naked body lying on him. As she awakens he confesses to thinking just how beautiful she looks without clothes. Regretful of his own thoughts, Applejack sits up to fully expose herself. Going over her body one piece at a time she points out how she wants him to use each part as he sees fit in order to pleasure himself AND her. As they embrace and prepare to make out (again) the bedroom door opens and Celestia herself walks in. Furious, Arc throws a blanket over Applejack and glares at the alicorn before them. Her horn aglow, Celestia returns them to their place under the apple tree in the Royal Gardens. Admitting that they were never on Earth, Arc reveals that he knew the entire time. Going over her machinations one at a time, Celestia confesses that she did everything in her power to split them up. Failing that, she even entered the experiment herself disguised as a waitress. Suggesting that they head to bed for a few hours sleep, Applejack turns to Celestia to thank her for giving them such an opportunity. However for the deed of trying to come between the pair Applejack slaps Celestia across the face before leaving the garden with Arc. As they depart Celestia talks to herself about something from the past before leaving as well.

However many questions remain unanswered. Will Twilight really be able to lead Equestria’s forces into battle? Is Celestia naturally a douche or does she have to work at it? Is Shelly actually okay? How would Arc’s fiancés deal with long term exposure to Earth and its cultures? Can Applejack actually take time off? How will Apple Bloom take the news of the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death? Will Big Macintosh be able to come to terms with his sister joining a herd? How will the others handle eating meat themselves in the future? Who is this mysterious ‘Tia’ whom served Arc and Applejack at the restaurant? It really is quite the mystery. Will Arc and Applejack ever be able to be together? Who was Celestia referring to along under the apple tree?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

Chapter 2 - Herd Meeting

Arc and Applejack awaken early the next morning. She looks to him and smiles sleepily.

“Good morning.”

Arc grins. “And a very good morning to you too, sleepyhead.”

Applejack rests her head on his chest. “I slept like a foal last night.”

“So did I.”

“Maybe it’s the company I kept.”

Arc chuckles. “Or the fact that I’m soft and warm.”

“There’s that too, I suppose.”

“And the sleeping potions probably didn’t hurt in that regard.”

“True. Um… but there was something I wanted to say to you, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“I just wanted to apologize for being so forward the other day. It’s not like me to throw myself at somepony like that.”

“It’s not a problem, Applejack. Besides, I’m blaming this one on Celestia.”

“Well, I still don’t feel right knowing what I said and did recently.”

Arc puts a hand on Applejack’s shoulder. “I’m not willing to hold it against you. But at the same time you need to be able to forgive yourself.”

“I’ll try.”

Arc smiles as he sits up. “In the meantime, let’s get some breakfast.”

“Together?”

“Of course.”

“Then why don’t we head to Twilight’s room? We’ve been taking breakfast together there since Princess Celestia got back.”

“Sounds like a plan. That is, as long as you and the others don’t mind a bit of male company.”

Applejack chuckles. “I think I can convince them to let you in, sugarcube.”

Leaving the room, they head down the corridor together. Coming to Twilight’s room Applejack pushes the door open and leads them inside. They spy Auriel sitting at the table with Twilight chatting away happily. Twilight motions for them to approach.

“Good morning, you two.”

Applejack grins. “Hey Twilight.”

Arc smiles at Auriel. “You’re looking more healed today.”

Auriel nods sheepishly. “Yes, I am.”

Applejack chuckles. “Any luck trying to get the Crystal Heart repaired?”

Twilight shakes her head. “That’s what we were just talking about.”

Auriel sighs. “Repairing a destroyed magical artifact is much harder than I thought it would be.”

Arc turns to her. “You mentioned in the Infirmary that you were trying to use plant essences to act as an adhesive. Any more headway on that?”

“Sadly it appears that idea is a total failure.”

Twilight bows her head. “The shards couldn’t contain the magical power coming from the essence.”

She gestures to Auriel’s bandages before continuing.

“And this was the explosive result.”

“At the moment Twilight and I are brainstorming new ideas.”

“Yes. But we really are back to square one here at the moment.”

Arc sighs as he sits down. “I’ll try to help think of something too. Not sure how much help I can be though.”

Auriel chimes in quickly. “Twilight and I will keep working on it.”

Twilight nods. “Right. We’re not giving up on this.”

The doors open and in walks Rainbow Dash with Fluttershy.

“I’m telling you, I could do that in ten seconds flat, Flutters!”

“Maybe. But accuracy is also a factor.”

Spotting Arc and Applejack they hurry over to them. Fluttershy is the first to speak.

“Good morning you two!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “So how’d it go?!”

Twilight frowns. “That’s not a very nice way to start that conversation, Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow Dash trots in place. “But I wanna KNOW!!!”

Applejack groans. “Well…”

The doors swings open again as Rarity, Pinkie, Ember, and Hammer walk in. Grinning, they join the others as Hammer calls out loudly.

“Here’s the happy couple now!”

Rarity smiles warmly at Arc. “I do hope you and Applejack had a nice time last night.”

Ember grins. “Sure they did!”

Pinkie hops up on the table. “Yeah! Tell us all about it!”

Arc chuckles as he turns to Applejack. “Guess we’d better do that.”

“Darn right. These gals really want to know.”

Twilight groans. “Let’s at least sit down first.”

Arc nods. “Good idea.”

Heading to the table, everyone takes a seat and looks at the pair expectantly. Twilight is the first to speak.

“Now then… I’d like to start by apologizing again for this method of dating.”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s fine, Twilight.”

Applejack puts her front hooves on the table. “Yeah. I had a really good time.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “And I’m sure you’re eager to hear of the test results.”

Auriel giggles. “As am I.”

Rainbow Dash pounds the table with a hoof. “You eggheads can go over the data later! I want DETAILS!”

Arc laughs. “Alright. But I’ll have to start at the beginning.”

He clears his throat before continuing.

“Last night Princess Celestia escorted me to the Royal Gardens to where Applejack was waiting for me under an apple tree.”

Fluttershy smiles. “How very appropriate.”

Rarity nods. “Such probably set the tone perfectly.”

Arc grins. “Oh, it did. Especially with her outfit.”

Pinkie gasps. “Was it fancy?!”

“Very. And it was worn by a human Applejack.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?”

Auriel sighs. “It’s true. She used my human side as a spell basis.”

“Princess Celestia took me to a large dressing room with a number of Hoof Maidens yesterday. When I saw the dress hanging up I thought it looked a bit strange. I was told to close my eyes and stand perfectly still. The next thing I knew I was a human mare.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “So you were just standing there bare?!”

Applejack sighs. “Yeah. It was a bit jarring to say the least. But that didn’t last for more than a few seconds. Before I could even say a word the Hoof Maidens began dressing me and doing my human mane up.”

Hammer grins. “I can just imagine how beautiful you must’ve looked.”

“She was, yes.”

Pinkie giggles. “So where’d you two go?”

Applejack smiles nervously. “Earth.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Say what?!”

Arc sighs. “Celestia transported us to the Celestial Realm, which had been modeled from my own memories.”

Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight. “She can DO that?!”

“I… guess so.”

Fluttershy giggles. “So you got to experience being a human mare then, Applejack?”

“Right.”

Rainbow Dash leans forward excitedly. “Was Earth cool?!”

“It was certainly a change from Equestria.”

Pinkie licks her lips. “Did you go out and get dinner?!”

Arc nods. “That we did. I took her to Roberto’s Pizza.”

Hammer grins. “Then you two had a meal and a half!”

Ember glares at Arc. “Why haven’t I been to this place with you yet?!”

“The opportunity just hasn’t presented itself.”

Hammer smiles wickedly as she turns to the dragon. “Mio said she liked it too.”

Ember gasps. “You’ve even taken HER?!”

“It was just business, Ember.”

Pinkie pouts. “I wanna go now too! The Scarlet Filly said it was REALLY good!”

Applejack laughs. “Darn right.”

Ember groans. “Okay seriously, next trip to Earth…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Fine, fine. When you and I go out, that’s where we’ll go.”

Pinkie grins. “You mean on a DATE?!”

Arc shrugs. “Sure. I’m going to date all of you numerous times, after all.”

Rainbow Dash raises a hoof. “Can I come too?!”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Rainbow Dash, I don’t think you quite understand how dating works.”

Hammer smirks. “Yeah, blue. So I should come with you and…”

Applejack interrupts. “Let’s keep going with our explanation.”

Auriel looks to Arc, clearly interested. “Yes, indeed. I want to hear the rest of that.”

“Alright. So we went out for supper, had a nice time, and drove back to my house as the streetlights came on.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. And that was the end of it on Earth?

Applejack sighs. “Not exactly.”

Hammer grins wickedly. “You two went all the way?”

Fluttershy’s eyes grow wide. “Oh… my… goodness…!”

Rarity stammers. “Now, now… l-let’s give them a chance to explain.”

She turns to Arc with a visible eye twitch.

“Talk!”

“Like I said, we got back to my house and were ready to return to Equestria. I pulled out the Rainbow of Light and tried to open a portal. But nothing happened.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

Auriel gasps. “Then how did you get back?”

Applejack bows her head. “We didn’t.”

“Right. The pendant didn’t allow us to leave since we were in the Celestial Realm, not Earth.”

Hammer shrugs. “Makes sense.”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised. “It does?”

“Sure. Think of it like this, blue. Doors, or in this case portals, are used to connect two points and only those two points. It would be like trying to open the door to this room and expecting to come out on the moon.”

Ember shrugs. “Somehow I don’t think that’s the best analogy.”

Auriel looks over. “It kinda is.Think of it like this though. Trying to open a portal from Earth to Equestria from a pocked dimension would be like attempting to make a phone call from Earth to Tartarus.”

Twilight nods. “Right. They’re not remotely connected.”

Pinkie groans as she slams her face down on the table. “That’s even MORE complicated!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Agreed. So let’s just say that the Celestial Realm is like Tartarus inasmuch as it’s inescapable without Princess Celestia’s permission.”

Rarity nods. “That does make sense, yes.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Okay, okay. So you two couldn’t leave. How DID you get back then?”

“We didn’t.”

Auriel frowns. “Oh?”

Applejack sighs. “The date lasted roughly a week.”

Hammer appears confused. “But you two just left yesterday evening!”

Arc shrugs. “Time moves a lot faster in the Celestial Realm. At least according to Celestia herself.”

Pinkie grins widely. “So you two got in bed then?!”

Applejack shakes her head. “No. Arc took me to his old room and let me bunk there.”

Rainbow Dash moves her hoof in a circular motion. “You didn’t… you know…?”

“Went right to sleep.”

“Same.”

Rarity smiles. “And then?”

Arc chuckles. “Woke up the next morning and went shopping for groceries.”

Applejack giggles. “Arc suggested we try to perfect recipes.”

“Something I’d wanted to do for a while.”

Ember frowns. “That CAN’T be all you two did though!”

Pinkie groans. “Right! Two can only eat so much home cooking! Believe me, I know!”

“We did go camping too.”

Hammer grins. “That one beach overlooking Damocles Base?”

“Yup.”

Applejack nods. “We went swimming and roasted veggies over an open fire.”

Auriel smiles. “Sounds like fun.”

Pinkie leans back in her chair, nearly tipping it over. “Aw… I wish I could have been there!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “On their date?”

“It sounded tasty!”

Fluttershy clears her throat. “So you two had a good time in the woods?”

Applejack sighs. “We did, yes. That is, until that night.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Now you’re talking!”

Twilight frowns. “What happened?”

“A storm blew in out of nowhere and forced us to run back to the campsite.”

Applejack bows her head. “It soaked the inside of the tents since we hadn’t zipped them up.”

Hammer groans. “So you two took a portal back?”

Auriel gasps. “That would have been very dangerous during a storm.”

Arc shudders. “I did remember being told that at one point. So for safety’s sake we just slept in the Jeep.”

Ember grins. “Sounds cozy.”

Applejack sighs. “It wasn’t as fun as one might think. Remember, we were both wet from the run back.”

“Fortunately I had an emergency blanket in the Jeep. It kept us warm that night.”

Ember elbows Arc. “Just the blanket?”

“Yes, Ember.”

Applejack nods. “Arc was a perfect gentlestallion back then.”

Twilight appears relieved. “So you went home the next morning when it was safe?”

“Right. But that was just the start of it.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her belly. “I woke up feeling really sick.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Oh my! Are you alright?!”

“Yeah. Arc put me in the shower to lower the fever and got me some medicine too.”

Hammer nods. “Did that help?”

“Quite a bit actually. He went back to take care of the campsite while I lay in the bathtub too.”

“She wasn’t in any condition to help with that at the time.”

Rainbow Dash laughs heartily. “Sounds like you took care of everything, Arc.”

“I tried to, yes. But she was really weak at that point. I had to carry her downstairs to the couch in my arms.”

“We sat there watching television all day.”

Hammer chuckles as she looks to Arc. “Lazy bum.”

Arc shrugs. “Wanted to keep an eye on her.”

Ember raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Really?”

“Yes. She was really miserable back then.”

Auriel smiles. “I’m sure you did everything you could for her, Arc.”

“That he did. And it gave us a good chance to talk too.”

Pinkie’s eyes light up at this. “What about?!”

Arc looks away. “It was kinda personal stuff.”

Rarity puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Then we won’t pry about it.”

“Thanks.”

Fluttershy attempts to move the conversation forward. “Fortunately you recovered. You are better, right?”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. It was kind of a one day thing luckily.”

“Right. After a day of rest Applejack felt a lot better. In fact, she felt well enough to go out with me again.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Are you KIDDING ME?!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What are you…?”

“She got to go TWICE!”

Pinkie nods happily. “And got to spend a week alone with Arc!”

Applejack sighs. “That wasn’t really our fault though.”

Twilight grimaces. “Yes. It was part of Princess Celestia’s plan, after all.”

Auriel motions to the young mas sitting across from her. “This whole thing was for the benefit of Arc though. To convince the princess that his heart was in the right place.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Agreed. I for one don’t mind that he and Applejack had an extended date.”

Twilight smiles warmly. “It sounds like things went well enough.”

Rainbow Dash looks away angrily. “Well I think all of us should have a week with him then!”

Rarity frowns. “Now, now. No need to be pushy about it, Rainbow Dash.”

Pinkie chimes in. “But we all want these experiences!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “A week, huh?”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. ”It seems only fair to me!”

Applejack sighs. “I hate to say it, but I think Rainbow Dash is right.”

“I am?”

“Yes. That time alone with him was the most eye-opening time of my life. Nothing else even comes close.”

Twilight smiles. “It sounds like you two really bonded.”

Arc grins. “That we did.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Then perhaps we should take a bit of advice from Rainbow Dash and spend some alone time with Arc.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Uninterrupted, I might add.”

Hammer raises a hand and grins. “Can I go first?!”

Ember groans. “You lived with him back on Earth, remember?!”

“Yeah, but that wasn’t alone time! His squad was still there!”

Arc nods. “That’s true.”

Applejack sighs happily. “And I don’t think we would have made the same connection had they been there. Nothing against them, of course. But this was nothing short of magical.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Then I should go next!”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “Why you?”

“Because I’m the coolest!”

Pinkie motions with a hoof. “What about Rarity?! She was the first to get Arc to admit his feelings!”

Rarity appears surprised. “Yes, indeed. But I’m willing to let somepony else go ahead of me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really, Rarity?”

Rarity sighs. “Sadly, I have a lot of work ahead of me, what with trying to rebuild my business from the ground up… literally.”

Applejack grins. “And I’ve already agreed to help others get resettled in Ponyville when the time is right. That and I’ve already had my turn, I suppose. How about Pinkie?”

Pinkie smiles nervously. “The Cakes and I have a lot to do when Sugarcube Corner reopens! Now really isn’t a good time for me! Fluttershy?!”

“I have to help Doctor Fauna get the animal clinic back in operating condition. Twilight?”

Twilight sighs. “While that sounds wonderful, I need to help make plans for the eventual invasion of the Badlands. Perhaps you would like to have some time with Arc, Auriel?”

“It sounds nice, yes. But might I suggest a different course of action?”

Ember appears hopeful. “Like a certain Dragon Lord going next?”

Hammer pumps the air. “Or me!”

Auriel smiles. “I was actually going to suggest that the one to go next should be… Arc.”

“Um… what?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “That doesn’t make any sense!”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “Are you saying he should get to know HIMSELF better?!”

Rarity shrugs. “I don’t think so. Guess you’d better explain it then, Auriel.”

“Certainly. While Arc is indeed open to us spending time with him alone, I believe he needs more time with his family.”

Applejack raises a hoof. “Um… I think you’re on the right track, yes. But remember Ponyville is still being rebuilt.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of them going to Earth for this.”

Arc grins. “A family vacation?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. After all, Derpy is hoping to join the herd as well.”

Fluttershy giggles. “And they already have a filly together.”

Everyone turns to Fluttershy as she looks away and blushes slightly before speaking again.

“That… came out wrong.”

Rainbow Dash laughs heartily. “Good one!”

Pinkie shrugs. “We all knew what you meant though!”

Rarity looks around the table. “While I agree that they would do well to bond, should Dinky accompany them as well?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Where else would she be?”

Ember puts a hand to her chin. “I kinda see the issue here. After all, things might… develop over there.”

Applejack smiles nervously. “You can say that again.”

Fluttershy sighs. “So maybe she should stay here in Equestria.”

Rarity looks to Arc. “I’d be willing to look after her while you two are gone.”

Arc shakes his head. “While I appreciate that, I want to spends more time with her too, after all.”

Auriel nods. “Then that settles it.”

Arc frowns. “But what about the upcoming invasion?!”

Twilight waves a hoof. “It won’t be for quite a while.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “How long is ‘a while’?”

“I spoke to Luna about the timetable for a military intervention. She says there’s more red tape and planning to handle than she originally thought. That and we still have to wait for spring anyways.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “But isn’t Princess Celestia handling that?”

Arc clenches a fist. “She’d better not be.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Arc relieved her of her… princess-hood, or whatever you call it, remember?”

Pinkie gasps. “So Princess Luna is handling this matter?!”

Twilight nods. “For the moment, yes. Princess Celestia is still wanting to lead the actual attack though.”

Rarity frowns. “Is that… legal?”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Not a chance! Uh… right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. I spoke to High Justice Gavel yesterday about this very matter. According to her, at the moment Celestia has the same rights and privileges afforded to every other citizen. But nothing more.”

Pinkie giggles. “That means Twilight outranks her!”

Twilight looks around nervously. “I… wouldn’t say that.”

Hammer grins. “Why not? You’re legally a princess and she ain’t.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “You’re still afraid of her, huh?”

“More along the lines of worried that she might still come after you, Arc.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “She’d better not!”

Hammer draws her gun. “You’ll have company, Ember!”

Auriel attempts to diffuse the situation. “I don’t think Princess Celestia would go that far. However her dedication to Equestria may blind her to what’s before her.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Nothing we can do about that though.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe we can.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Oh?”

Rarity frowns. “Are you thinking what I am?”

Applejack bows her head. “That Twilight REALLY needs to go with Princess Celestia on the campaign to the Badlands.”

“I was planning to go anyways though.”

Arc nods. “Right. Me too.”

Pinkie grimaces. “But now you two need to make sure she doesn’t do anything NAUGHTY!”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Like what?!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “Like trying to command the army, for starters.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Yeah. That’s not for her to do.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’ll see to it she behaves herself.”

Auriel grimaces. “And if she doesn’t?”

Arc cracks his knuckles and frowns.

“Then I make her see reason.”

Rarity puts a hoof on his hand and smiles. “I’m sure you will, dear. But for now let’s get back to the matter at hoof.”

“Fine with me. After all, there was one more aspect about the date that I wanted to share with all of you.”

Twilight appears confused. “There’s more?”

“Yeah. Applejack?”

“Yes?”

“Why don’t you tell everyone how you felt back there?”

Applejack sighs. “Very... sexually aroused.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Nice!”

Pinkie giggles. “Nothing wrong with that!”

Auriel appears confused. “Was there more to that than what could be taken at face value?”

Arc nods soberly. “There was, yes. Celestia... manipulated the situation numerous time to try and force certain outcomes.”

Hammer frowns. “Like what?

Applejack bows her head. “She... put me in situation where I was vulnerable... sexually.”

Fluttershy gasps. “That’s terrible!”

Ember seethes. “Are you saying she was trying to get Arc to have SEX with you?!”

“It seems so, yes.”

Arc groans. “I didn’t give in to her. In my mind that would have amounted to rape.”

Twilight furrows her brow. “Agreed.”

Auriel turns to Twilight. “Maybe you should have a talk with her about this.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight and smacks her front hooves together. “Yeah! Along with a smack to the face!”

Arc smiles slightly. “Too late.”

Rarity grits her teeth. “Good job, Arc.”

“I didn’t do it.”

Hammer frowns. “Then who...?”

Applejack raises a hoof. “It was me.”

Ember appears surprised. “You, Applejack?”

“Yup.”

Pinkie grins. “How’d you do it?!”

“I simply thanked her for the experience and told her that I wasn’t too happy about her manipulating me before slapping her.”

Auriel gasps. “In the face?!”

Arc nods. “Yup! It was awesome!”

Twilight grimaces. “Was she... angry?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Not really, no.”

Arc shrugs. “I can only assume that Celestia understood Applejacks reasoning for that and agreed with her.”

Pinkie grins. “At least she’s not in the dungeon!”

Auriel turns to Twilight. “Celestia wouldn’t do that to her though, right?

“Probably not, no. After all, she’s very concerned for my thoughts and feelings regarding my friends.”

Rainbow Dash folds her hooves over her chest. “Well, I still don’t like the idea that she was trying to get Arc and Applejack to have sex!”

Arc nods. “Neither do I.”

Applejack bows her head. “She said that she would have intervened had I called for Arc to stop though.”

Fluttershy grits her teeth. “That still didn’t make it right! I don’t even let my critters engage in sexual encounters unless their both consenting and in the right state of mind!”

Rarity frowns. “So what are we going to do about this?”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Keep her off the throne, for starters!”

Arc nods. “That much is a given.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Applejack. “How about you tell her therapist about this?”

Applejack bows her head. “But what about patient/caregiver confidentiality?”

Auriel frowns. “She wouldn’t have to tell you anything about the treatments the princess is under.”

Pinkie nods. “And Emerald Dream really needs to know what happened here!

Twilight sighs. “Agreed. I’ll write up a full report later informing her of this development.”

Hammer groans. “But we need to do MORE!”

Ember seethes. “Right! She can’t just get away with doing things like that!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. I’m glad I took her authority a while back. Now she’s unable to give royal decrees or orders of any kind.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “To be fair though, it might also have had something to do with her current mental trauma.”

Rarity frowns. “It doesn’t make such things right though!”

Auriel shudders. “Agreed. Sexual encounters, while perfectly acceptable, require the consent of ALL parties.”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “And nopony should be FORCED to partake!”

Twilight nods sadly. “That is correct. I’m very sorry for what was done to you, Applejack.”

Applejack nods. “I’m not.”

“Come again?”

“The princess may have manipulated me into doing certain things, yes. However, in all honesty, I do want them.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “You WANT to be raped?!

Applejack shakes her head. “No, Rainbow Dash. But I do want intimacy with Arc.”

She looks to Twilight before continuing.

“I don’t feel that I was pressured very hard to do anything I didn’t want. However, at the same time, it was a total violation of my rights as a citizen of Equestria and a mare.”

Twilight nods. “So what do you think should be done?”

“I don’t really know, Twilight. After all, it’s not like we can imprison her or take her magic away.”

Arc frowns. “Technically we can. Well, I could.”

Pinkie gasps. “How?!”

“Remember, I’m the Hero of Light. And I’m free to do whatever it takes to bring any situation concerning an alicorn to heel.”

Hammer grins. “So Arc could put her in jail?!”

Auriel shrugs. “Theoretically, yes.”

Rarity groans. “I can’t she her OR her loyalists taking that lying down though.”

Fluttershy sighs. “That could start a civil war all over again.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “So we’re just supposed to do NOTHING?!”

Twilight looks to Applejack. “I’ll speak to her about this matter. Get her side of the issue before doing anything more.”

“You might also want to talk to Princess Luna about it. See if she’s ever done anything like it in the past.”

“I will, yes. While it’ll take some time to figure out what to do, rest assured that I’ll get to the bottom of it along with Doctor Whooves and Emerald Dream.”

“Thanks, Twilight. I know you’ll be thorough.”

Auriel smiles. “It is good to know someone like you in on the throne right now though, Twilight.”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’ll do your best to see to it this is properly investigated.”

Fluttershy looks to Applejack. “What about talking to Princess Cadance as well?”

Hammer shrugs. “Might be worth a shot. After all, she is the Princess of Relationships, right?

Rainbow Dash facehoofs. “She’s the Princess of Love, cupcakes.”

“I was close.”

Applejack clears her throat loudly. “In any case, there’s nothing for us to do about this at the moment. So I’d like to end by saying that the date was a resounding success and that even though I was more or less forced to feel certain things, I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

Auriel smiles and nods. “That’s good. And I hope that little bag from Princess Cadance was helpful.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Bag?”

Arc groans. “I forgot all about it!”

Pulling it out of his ring, he opens it carefully and peeks inside for a moment before turning away and pulling something out. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“What’s in there?!”

Pinkie grins. “Treasure?!”

Arc shakes his head as he puts the bag back in his ring. “Not... exactly.”

Twilight smiles. “If it was from Cadance I’m sure it was okay. Right, Arc?”

“Y-yeah.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “You sound uncertain.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! What was in there anyways?!”

“It’s... kinda embarrassing.”

Hammer grins. “Well, now we REALLY wanna know!”

Rarity groans. “Come now, girls. If Arc doesn’t want to say...”

Arc interrupts her. “I suppose I probably should though. After all being in a relationship, or in this case relationships, means not keeping secrets.”

Pulling the bag from his ring, he opens it up and dumps the contents on the table. The mares look at them, clearly confused. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“What the heck...?

Applejack turns to Arc. “I don’t get it.”

“They’re... um... you see...”

Hammer interrupts him. “Condoms.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What are they...?”

Arc groans. “It’s something a guy puts over his penis before having sex.”

Pinkie frowns as she looks over the packages. “How?!”

“They’re rolled up to allow for easier... um... installation.”

Auriel opens a package and looks the material over carefully. “This appears as though it would stop semen from entering the vaginal canal.”

Ember scoffs. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Arc sighs. “It’s to prevent pregnancy, Ember.”

“I stand by my previous statement.”

Fluttershy looks to Arc. “But why would she give you these, Arc? I mean, even if you had slept with Applejack there’s no way should would have gotten pregnant.”

“There’s a note in here too.”

Pulling a small paper from the sack Arc reads it over as Applejack watches him nervously. Looking up and over to her, Arc speaks.

“Princess Cadance wrote a warning to me.”

“Did she now?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She told me to use these before sex with you.”

Rarity appears confused. “But why? After all, pretty much every unmarried mare in Equestria has ‘the shot’.

Applejack looks to the floor. “I don’t.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Applejack?”

“We were always so busy down on the farm that it just always go pushed back. Then... forgotten.”

Pinkie gasps. “So you COULD have gotten pregnant?!”

“With a stallion, yes.”

Auriel looks to Applejack. “Not to worry. It’s medically impossible for a mare's egg and a human’s sperm to produce a zygote.”

Twilight nods. “True. But Cadance must not have known that.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Or she was just being extra cautious.”

Arc puts the paper down. “Yeah. She says here that she checked Applejack’s medical records and found that she wasn’t on what you call ‘the shot’.

Applejack sighs. “Sorry for not saying anything, sugarcube.”

“It’s okay, Applejack. After all, I couldn’t have impregnated you anyways.”

He looks at the pile of assorted condoms before speaking again.

“But it is nice to know that she was thinking ahead.”

Hammer grins sheepishly as she slowly reaches for the condoms. “Uh... if you’re not going to use those...?”

Everyone groans and looks to her as they speak in unison.

“NO, HAMMER!!!”

Chapter 3 - A Big Announcement

The next morning Arc stands in his room looking out the window. A knock at his door rings out. Turning around he calls out.

“Come in!”

Opening the door, Twilight walks in as he moves to greet her.

“Good morning, Twilight.”

“Good morning. Sleep well?”

“Very.”

She looks to his unmade bed before speaking again.

“So who were your bedmates last night?”

“Fluttershy and Auriel.”

Twilight nods approvingly. “A good combination.”

Arc nods. “Yes, they have more in common than I originally thought.”

“Other than personality?”

“Oh yes. Both are experts in their respective fields, timid, and if you mess with someone they care about… watch out.”

Twilight giggles. “Yes, I remember Fluttershy going after Tempest when she threw her weapon at the Ursa Major during her attack of your base.”

“And Auriel did something similar during our escape from the military when we went to save Celestia.”

“They can be brave when they want to.”

“Agreed. But that isn’t the reason I wanted to talk to you.”

“I thought not. Is something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. But where are the others?”

Twilight looks to the door. “They’ll be along shortly. I wished to speak to you alone before then.”

“Oh?”

“I just wanted to thank you for all you’ve done for me since I came to Canterlot.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s not as much as you’d think. All I really did was give you some encouragement.”

“Which was exactly what I needed at the time. It made all the difference to me. That and you sticking by my side when things were bad.”

“I did my part just like the guards.”

“When we first entered the city to take the throne and when we went to Light’s Hope to find Princess Celestia… I was really scared.”

Arc sighs. “It was a hard time for everyone.”

“But I HAD to be there. You didn’t.”

Arc smiles as he looks to Twilight. “Sure I did. After all, someone had to stabilize the situation.”

“Which you did.”

“I was actually going to say you did that.”

“Huh?”

“The public saw you walking to the castle when we arrived. They knew it would be you taking down Decimus’ regime.”

“But Ambassador Ashe did that.”

“True. However, for the sake of diplomacy, I ordered that the report read that I killed him on your behalf.”

Twilight appears confused. “Why though?”

“Didn’t want it coming back to bite us later during future dealings with the Griffon Kingdom. That and it gave your reign a bit of a boost.”

“A boost?”

“Yes. It showed the ponies of Canterlot that you’d do whatever it took to free them.”

“That doesn’t sound very honest to me, Arc.”

“I suppose not. But we had to reunite the nation somehow.”

Twilight sighs. “My brain tells me that you’re right. However it still feels misleading.”

“Well, it’s in the past.”

“Right. So let’s focus on the here and now.”

There is a knock at the door. Twilight pushes it open with her magic as the rest of the Mane 6 enter along with Ember, Hammer, and Auriel.

“Hey there, sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash smiles wickedly at Arc and Twilight. “You two being naughty in here?”

Fluttershy giggles. “They look to be behaving themselves to me.”

Rarity smiles. “Yes, indeed.”

Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin and looks the pair over. “I don’t know… could be a setup!”

Twilight blushes. “We were just talking!”

Ember grins. “Well, there’s talking and then there’s ‘talking’.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “Hey now! No hanky-panky allowed! At least not unless I’m involved!”

Auriel smiles sweetly. “I want in on that too, of course. But at the same time I’m very interested to hear what it is Arc wants to tell us.”

Rainbow Dash lands nearby. “Yeah! What’s up, Arc?!”

“Just a minute, everyone. We need a few more guests first.”

Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal. A few moments later Dinky runs through followed by Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Derpy. The little filly runs over to her father and jumps into his arms.

“Hi dad!”

Arc grins as he twirls around with her. “Hey there, sweetie!”

Apple Bloom trots over. “We’re here!”

Sweetie Belle waves a hoof. “Hi mom!”

Rarity giggles. “Hello, Sweetie Belle.”

Derpy smiles as she steps forward. “It’s been a while, Arc.”

“Sorry about that.”

“No, no. We understand.”

“Yeah dad! But now we can be together, right?!”

Arc nods as he sets her down. “After I make a very special announcement, yes.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “What about?!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Yeah!”

“Something very important that involves everyone.”

Pinkie trots in place happily. “Then let’s hear it!”

Ember groans. “Yeah! The suspense is killing me!”

Arc chuckles. “Patience. Derpy, would you and Dinky please go stand with the others?”

“Okay.”

She takes Dinky’s hoof in hers and walks over to the rest of the group as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hurry over to Applejack and Rarity respectively. Arc stands before them and collects his thoughts for a moment before speaking.

“Thank you all for coming. I have a very special announcement to make before we head back to Earth.”

“Is something wrong, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all, sweetheart. In fact things are just great right now.”

He turns to Applejack before continuing.

“Would you please come here?”

“M-me?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s time for us to be Honest with everyone.”

Taking a deep breath, Applejack does as she it told. Looking down at her Arc smiles for a moment before extending a hand to her. Putting her hoof into it the pair turn to look at the group before them.

“As all of you know, Applejack and I went on a date recently.”

Dinky gasps. “You did?!”

Apple Bloom grins at her sister. “Did you have a good time, Applejack?!”

“I did, yes. But…”

Sweetie Belle looks to Rarity. “When are you and Arc going out again?”

“Soon, my dear. Now hush.”

Arc continues. “While we were gone for only a few hours, time passes faster in the Celestial Realm.”

Twilight appears surprised. “It does?”

“Apparently.”

Derpy appears suddenly nervous. “How long were you… gone?”

Applejack sighs. “About a week.”

Rainbow Dash folds her front hooves over her chest and scoffs. “Which still seems TOTALLY unfair to me!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Please, Rainbow Dash. Let them finish.”

“We really bonded in there, which leads me to make this confession to all of you here and now.”

He pauses and looks at each face before continuing.

“Back then, I… I asked Applejack to marry me.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “You did?!”

Hammer gives him a thumbs up. “Way to go, tiger!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “What’d you say, big sis?!”

Applejack smiles and blushes. “I told him ‘yes’.”

Dinky turns to her friend. “We’re going to be sisters!”

“I know, right?!”

Pinkie pulls out her party cannon and fires a blast of confetti. “Congratulations, you two!”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth angrily. “What about the rest of us?!”

Arc turns to her. “Remember, I only agreed to go out with everyone.”

Ember shrugs. “Someone had to be first though.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose that does make sense.”

Auriel smiles happily. “Indeed it does.”

Hammer turns to Rainbow Dash. “Now we race to see who’s next, right?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You’re on, cupcake!”

Twilight smiles at Applejack. “Congratulations you two.”

“Thanks Twilight. It’s a good feeling to know that I’m going to be part of the herd someday.”

Sweetie Belle raises a hoof nervously. “Um… excuse me.”

Arc looks to her. “Yes?”

“What… what about Rarity?”

Rarity pats her daughter’s head. “I’m still in love with Arc, my dear.”

“But he never asked you to marry him though!”

Dinky nods fervently. “He will!”

“Right.”

Arc steps forward with Applejack to stand before Rarity. Kneeling down, he takes her hoof in his hand.

“Rarity… will you marry me?”

Smiling as tears flow down her face Rarity swoons slightly before nodding weakly.

“Yes… yes, I’d love to!”

Throwing her hooves around Arc’s neck she begins crying happily as the others look on approvingly.

Derpy smiles. “Congratulations, Rarity!”

Sweetie Belle hops onto her mother’s back and grins. “I knew you could do it!”

Dinky giggles. “Now we can all be a family!”

Hammer turns to Rainbow Dash. “Try for third?”

“Bet he asks me first!”

“You’re on!”

Auriel shakes her head. “Now, now. This isn’t a race.”

Fluttershy nods. “Right. We’ll all get there in due time.”

Arc looks around at the others. “Exactly. After we all get to know one another.”

Ember clears her throat loudly. “Arc, I hate to break up this party, but you should probably get moving.”

Hammer laughs. “What’s the rush? He just asked someone to marry him, after all.”

Auriel shrugs. “True.”

Twilight looks at the clock. “Audiences are scheduled to start soon. Do you need some time, Rarity?”

Rarity shakes her head as she turns to Twilight. “Just… just give me a few minutes to make myself presentable.”

Applejack turns to Derpy. “Well, I hope you and Arc will have as magical a time as we did in the Celestia Realm.”

“Thank you. I hope so too.”

Dinky waves a small hoof. “Have fun, mom!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Rarity and I will be waiting for you, Arc!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Come home soon! My big sister will be lost without you!”

Applejack gasps as she blushes. “Apple Bloom!”

Pinkie shrugs. “She’s right though!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof on the filly’s shoulders. “We’ll take good care of Dinky while you two are gone.”

Derpy smiles. “Thank you, everypony. I’m sure we’ll…”

Pausing, she thinks for a moment before turning to Arc and shaking her head.

“No… no we won’t.”

“Derpy?”

“I don’t think we’d have a very good time back on Earth, Arc. Not as things are now.”

Auriel gasps. “But why not?”

“Because what I want to do with Arc is to build a family.”

She looks to Dinky and smiles before continuing.

“And I can’t see myself doing that without my little muffin here.”

“Mom?”

“We should take Dinky with us, Arc.”

“Sure. After all, she is our little sweetie.”

“Are you sure you want me to come though, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Let’s make this a family trip.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin. “A family… trip.”

She turns to her father and beckons him to come toward her.

“Dad, mom’s right. We should be using this time to bond.”

“Glad you agree.”

“However I’d also like the chance to do some family bonding of my own.”

Derpy appears confused. “With your father?”

“That too, yes. But also with my future sisters.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Dinky?”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “What are you saying?”

Dinky grins. “That I think you two should come along as well.”

Applejack shakes her head. “But this was supposed to be just the two of them, Dinky.

Rarity nods. “Right. Dinky is a special exception though.”

Auriel looks to him. “What do you think, Arc?”

Ember shakes her head. “I think he should go with just Derpy and Dinky.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “No way! All of them need to spend time together!”

Arc looks up. “Rarity? Applejack?”

“We’ll go with whatever you decide, my love.”

“Right. You can take them or leave them with us, sugarcube.”

Arc turns to Derpy. “What do you think?”

Derpy giggles. “That this is a perfect opportunity for all of us to know what a real family feels like.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess that settles it.”

Apple Bloom hurries forward. “We’ll be good!”

Sweetie Belle trots after her. “Right! Promise!”

Applejack waves a hoof. “Just be sure to stay out of trouble over there.”

Rarity nods. “And obey Arc and Derpy while you’re gone.”

Derpy smiles. “I’m sure they will.”

Arc chuckles. “Yup. Now then, can someone shout for Sereb?”

Auriel giggles. “Ember can cast that spell too, Arc.”

Ember gives them a thumbs up. “Leave it to me!”

“Alright then.”

Pulling out several robes from his ring Arc passes them out to his little family before turning to Ember.

“Ready when you are, Ember.”

They gather around him and grin expectantly. As Ember approaches Arc holds up a hand to her.

“Just a second.”

Hammer chuckles. “Cold feet, Arc?”

“Nah. I was just thinking…”

Twilight smiles as she interrupts him. “Now, now. If you keep doing that you’ll eventually invite all of us.”

Pinkie grins. “Is that an option?!”

Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “I don’t think so, no.”

“Aw…”

Rarity sighs. “Indeed. The group’s already quite large.”

“Well, I just wanted to add one more member to it.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Really? Who else would fit in with all of you?”

“Scootaloo.”

Closing his eyes, Arc calls out to his thrall.

“Scootaloo?”

“Yes, Big Brother?”

“Where are you right now?”

“Looking over the security with Colonel Flash Sentry. Did you want me to do something?”

“I’m about to leave for Earth with Derpy, Dinky, and her friends.”

“Have a nice time.”

“And I’d like you to come with us.”

“Uh… okay. Any particular reason why?”

“This is going to be a family outing. And you’re part of my family.”

Scootaloo sighs. “As your thrall I can’t really say ‘no’. But I do have a lot of work to do here in the castle.”

“Which is exactly why you should come. Take a break. After all, you’ve been going at it pretty hard for a while now.”

“Do I have to?”

“I won’t force you to come if you REALLY don’t want to. But I do think you need to work on your social skills.”

“But I’m getting pretty good with my command!”

“That is true, yes. However that wasn’t what I was talking about.”

“Then what…?”

“Your proficiency dealing with others your age.”

“But there aren’t any other foals here in the castle.”

“Right. Around here it isn’t really possible for you to get any practice. That’s why I want you to come with us.”

“Very well, Big Brother. I’ll come.”

“Good. Meet me and the others in my quarters. We’ll wait for you.”

“Be right there.”

“See you soon.”

He severs the connection and turns back to the others.

“She’s on her way.”

Applejack motions to the door. “Well, we should probably get a move on then.”

Hammer nods. “I’ll escort all of you to the Audience Chamber.”

Rarity giggles. “Right. Everypony here needs to get changed, after all.”

Pinkie waves. “See you later, Arc!”

Fluttershy smiles warmly. “Take care.”

Auriel calls out. “Remember, no working over their either.”

Twilight nods as she leads the others out the door. “Enjoy your time off.”

Scootaloo passes the Mane Six, and Hammer as they leave. She walks slowly up to Arc and looks up to him.

“I’m ready.”

Arc nods as he heads for the door. “Good. Now then I’ll leave the room so you and the others can get changed.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Right. But don’t you need to be here to act as the human aspect?”

“Celestia used Auriel for that to make Applejack a human. Could you do the same?”

“Uh… that might be a bit tricky.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed. Remember, the princess has centuries of magical experience at her disposal. “

She turns to Ember nervously.

“No offense to you, of course.”

Ember shrugs. “None taken.”

Arc frowns. “That just feels a bit… inappropriate though. Especially with the fillies getting older.”

“I don’t mind if you see me bare, dad.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “And we’ll be covered by our robes.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Right. And then we can get changed.”

Derpy smiles. “Sounds like they have it all figured out, Arc.”

“Guess so.”

Ember shrugs. “Alright then. Everyone gather around Arc and we’ll see if we can do this in one go.”

They huddle around Arc as he kneels down. Derpy smiles as she takes her place at his side. Casting the spell on Arc, it quickly spreads to the others. A moment later they change into their human forms. Sweetie Belle giggles as she holds out her hands and wiggles her fingers.

“This is so cool!”

Apple Bloom looks down at her new feet. “Yeah! I feel closer to Arc already!”

Scootaloo sighs. “It’s just slightly different limbs. Nothing to get excited about.”

Dinky frowns. “Well, I still think it’s a blast being a little girl!”

Derpy smiles. “Now, now everypony. I mean everyone!”

Arc chuckles as he stands. “Nice catch, Derpy. But in any case are we ready?”

Dinky raises a hand. “I am!”

“Me too!”

“Me three!”

Derpy turns to Scootaloo. “How about you, little one?”

“I guess.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

“Kinda. There’s a lot of work to do here.”

Auriel smiles. “We’ll take care of things while you’re gone though.”

Ember shrugs. “Right. It’s not like were leaving Canterlot undefended, or something.”

Arc touches his ear. “And if something comes up they can call me on my earring.”

“I… guess that’s true.”

Ember laughs. “So loosen up and have a good time!”

Auriel nods. “Right! And remember, all work and no play make for a workaholic like Colonel Diva!”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “That mare whom attacked Light’s Hope?”

Arc sighs. “Maybe not the best analogy there, Auriel. But let’s get moving, shall we?”

Reaching into his ring Arc pulls out the Rainbow of Light. Powering it up, a wormhole opens. Motioning for the others to head through he turns back to Ember and Auriel.

“Call me if something comes up.”

“We will.”

“Seriously. I don’t mind having to come back early if need be.”

Auriel giggles. “Okay. But you can’t come back if you don’t leave first.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, yeah. See you two later.”

Walking through the swirling energies the portal closes behind him. Ember looks to Auriel.

“That was kinda drawn out.”

“It was almost as if like he didn’t want to spend time with his family.”

“No, it wasn’t that.”

“Then what…?”

Ember sighs. “I think it was more along the lines of him not wanting to rest while everyone else is working hard.”

“But he needs time off!”

“Try telling him that.”

“And we did!”

“True. But it took all of us to convince him.”

“Then let’s not bother him unless absolutely necessary.”

Ember grins as she heads for the door. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Chapter 4 - Earthbound Again

Arc and company emerge from the portal together. He gestures toward the house as he pulls his keys from the ring.

“Let’s get everyone inside.”

Dinky shivers as she hurries up the back steps to the deck. “Kinda chilly here today.”

Apple Bloom does a small twirl. “Feels like fall to me.”

Sweetie Belle’s teeth chatter. “That it does.”

Derpy looks up into the trees. “The leaves are changing colors too.”

Arc nods as he unlocks the door. “I suppose this marks the official end of summer and the beginning of autumn.”

Opening the door Arc allows the others to enter first. They hurry upstairs to put on clothes as Arc gets the furnace going. Derpy leads them into the guest bedroom and opens the closet.

“Let’s see here…”

“What should we wear, mom?”

“How about a t-shirt and jeans, sweetie?”

“Okay.”

Apple Bloom grins as she looks over her friend’s shoulder. “That looks good for me too.”

Dinky turns to her friend with the clothes. “You can have this one then.”

“What about you though?”

“I can wear something else.”

Derpy continues rummaging. “I think there’s another outfit like that in here somewhere.”

Searching for a few moments Derpy pulls out a similar outfit and hands it to Dinky.

“Thanks, mom.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.”

Turning back to the closet she looks again.

“Now we just need something for Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.”

Sweetie Belle points. “How about that skirt?”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t it a bit cold for that though?”

Dinky grins. “I can fix that.”

Running over to a dresser she pulls open a drawer. Pulling out something she tosses them to Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom looks over, confused.

“What… are those?”

“Leggings.”

Sweetie Belle looks them over. “So they’re like socks?”

Derpy looks over her shoulder and nods. “Yes, dear. They’ll keep your legs warm. Unless you’d rather I find you something else, that is.”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “No, thank you. This is good.”

Derpy turns to Scootaloo. “Now then, what would you like to wear?”

“I… think I might just stick with my robe here.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But it’s not exactly…”

Scootaloo interrupts her. “It’s fine.”

Derpy sighs. “That may be, dear. But I know Arc wants us all to be properly dressed before going downstairs.”

“Yeah. My dad’s big into covering up.”

Apple Bloom groans. “You go down there like that and he’s just going to send you right back up here.”

Sweetie Belle gestures to the closet. “I’m sure we could find something to fit you.”

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. “Fine.”

She walks over to the closet and pulls out a t-shirt and shorts. Dinky frowns.

“That doesn’t look very warm.”

“But it covers me up, right?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “I… guess it does.”

Derpy appears concerned. “Are you sure you don’t want something a bit warmer, dear?”

“I’ll wear my robe over this. That’ll keep me warm.”

Sometime later they head downstairs together. Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle all run over to Arc, whom is sitting on the couch, and line up.

“How’s this, dad?”

“You all look very nice. But where’s Scootaloo?”

Apple Bloom sighs. “She’s still standing at the foot of the stairs for some reason.”

Derpy motions for her to come forward but the little girl does not move. Sweetie Belle groans.

“Come on, Scootaloo.”

Derpy smiles at her. “Yes, show Arc how you look.”

“I’m okay over here.”

Arc calls out to her. “Something wrong?”

“No, Big Brother.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m just feeling… a bit under the weather.”

“Then I’d better take a look at you.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’m not…”

“Come here, Scootaloo.”

Sighing, the little girl walks over to Arc. He motions for her to stand before him. Looking her up and down, as the cloak only covers the upper half of her, he spies her bare legs.

“Shorts?”

Derpy bows her head. “I’m sorry, Arc. But that’s what she wanted to wear.”

Dinky shrugs. “We tried to warn her.”

“I’m okay.”

Arc pulls back Scootaloo’s hood to expose her face. Putting a hand to her forehead he holds it there for a moment.

“You don’t feel feverish. Can you describe what’s wrong?”

Scootaloo looks away. “I just… don’t really feel like I should be here.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But Arc’s your… what do you call him again?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Big Brother.”

Dinky nods. “Right. Where else would you be but by his side with us?”

“I really should be back in the castle taking care of my duties.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, I think you need a break from that.”

“Big Brother?”

Derpy steps forward. “I think Arc means that you should be playing with other foals.”

“Something like that.”

Scootaloo groans. “I’ll try.”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s all I can ask. Now then, I want you to go back upstairs and put on something a bit warmer.”

“Yes sir.”

Scootaloo heads back upstairs. Apple Bloom frowns.

“What’s her problem?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “It’s like she refuses to listen to anypony other than Arc.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah. And humans don’t say ‘anypony’, Sweetie Belle.”

Derpy nods. “Right. It’s ‘everyone’.”

Arc stands. “Scootaloo had a really rough upbringing, so she’s a bit… different from other fillies you know.”

Apple Bloom scoffs. “By ‘different’ you mean ‘cold’, right?”

“Why’d you invite her, dad?”

“I didn’t invite Scootaloo. In reality I ordered her to come.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“She needs… something.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But what?”

“I’m not fully sure. But I didn’t want to leave her behind again. In the past I did that far too much.”

Sweetie Belle looks to the stairs. “Has she always been like that though?”

“No. But that matter is… complicated.”

A few minutes later Scootaloo returns to the Living Room. She is wearing a pair of long pants with a t-shirt.

“How’s this, Big Brother?”

“A bit better, yes. But wouldn’t you be more comfortable in a long sleeve shirt?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “I think I’ll be okay.”

“Alright.”

“So what do you want to do, dad?”

“Well, we haven’t had breakfast yet. How about we head down to Shelly’s Kitchen?”

Derpy appears suddenly nervous. “Y-yes. That sounds like a… nice idea.”

“Do we need coats, dad?”

Arc tousles her hair. “Maybe a sweatshirt, sweetheart.”

Apple Bloom puts her arms around herself. “Being a human is cold business!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah. I kinda miss my fur coat now.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, by the time we get back here the furnace should have warmed up the house.”

“How about we walk then, dad?”

Sweetie Belle groans. “But I’m already cold!”

Derpy giggles. “The walk will warm us up though.”

Apple Bloom grins. “We do that at home too. Starting out working in the early morning were cold, yeah. But after a few minutes we warm right up.”

Arc nods. “Right. Dinky, would you run upstairs and get you and the others some sweatshirts?”

“Okay, dad.”

Doing as she it told, Dinky returns with four small sweatshirts. Passing them out they pull them over their heads. Scootaloo gets stuck part way through. Derpy approaches her.

“Let me help you.”

“I got it.”

She continues to struggle for a few more moments before Arc walks over and pulls on her sleeve.

“Looks like that last sleeve was inside out.”

“Thanks, Big Brother.”

Dinky sighs. “We ready to go?”

Apple Bloom raises a hand. “I am!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Me too!”

Derpy turns to the little girl. “Scootaloo?”

“Sure.”

Arc head for the door. “Follow me everyone.”

Opening the front door, Arc leads the group down the sidewalk. As they walk he turns to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Alright, time for some rules.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean, Arc?”

“Everyone here needs to use an Earth name.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “I don’t understand.”

Derpy smiles at her. “Our names, while fine in Equestria, don’t really work here.”

“Right. I’m ‘Daisy’ and my mom’s name is ‘Dawn’.”

“Big Brother named me ‘Scarlet’.”

Apple Bloom turns to Arc. “What should Sweetie Belle and I be called then?”

“I told my friends at the restaurant that Rarity had a daughter named ‘Belle’.”

“Okay, I can live with that.”

Apple Bloom grins. “And me?”

Derpy looks to Arc. “How about just ‘Bloom’?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, that doesn’t sound right.”

Dinky sighs. “I’m guessing ‘Apple’ is out too?”

“Right. She’ll need something a bit more…”

Scootaloo interrupts. “How about ‘April’?”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “April?”

Arc looks to her. “Where’d you hear that name, Scootaloo?”

“On the television.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “It sounds… okay, I guess.”

“What do you think, dad?”

“It’s a lesser known human name, yes. But it does work. Apple Bloom?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Derpy giggles. “I guess the settles it… April.”

Apple Bloom giggles as they continue on. A few minutes later they arrive at the restaurant. It appears filled to capacity as they enter. Dinky looks around.

“Woah!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “This place is really jumping!”

Sweetie Belle looks up at Arc. “I’ll say. Is it always like this?”

Arc shakes his head as they step aside to let a patron leave. “Nah. But it is good nonetheless.”

Derpy gazes around the room. “I don’t see Shelly or Lily anywhere though.”

“And I don’t see any empty tables.”

“So what should we do, Big Brother?”

“I’ll check in the Kitchen. Be right back.”

Heading for the swinging double doors Arc proceeds to open them but spies someone hurrying toward it. Stepping back just in time to avoid Snake and Wolf rushing out he calls out after them.

“Busy day?”

The pair turn around and call out.

“You could say that!”

“The boss is in the back! Go see him right away!”

“I’ll do that.”

Entering the Kitchen, he spies Jackal at the stove making pancakes and omelets. Walking over to the large man Arc taps him on the shoulder.

“Hey.”

Jackal turns around and grins before wrapping his arms around Arc and picking him up happily.

“You came, you came!”

Arc grimaces at the force of the bear hug. “Y-yeah. Um… can you put me down now?”

“Oh! Sorry!”

Jackal lets go of him and allows Arc to stand up again. Arc brushes himself off and looks around.

“I was told Frank was back here. Is he?”

Jackal nods as he points a spatula toward the pantry door. “He in there right now! You go see him quick!”

“Sure. Uh… thanks.”

Heading for the pantry, Arc enters to see Frank looking over a shelf with innumerable packages and cans floating all around him. Arc chuckles as he calls out.

“Looks like you’ve been practicing.”

Turning, Frank grins as he lays eyes on his old friend.

“Arc!”

He moves to approach, but loses his concentration causing the goods to fall. Quickly reaching out his hands Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell to grab everything before anything hits the ground. Frank chuckles.

“You’re still better at magic than I am, old friend.”

Arc shrugs as he levitates the items out the door and onto the large prep table in the kitchen. “Just been doing it a bit longer, that’s all.”

“How have you been?”

“Pretty good. But it looks like things are going well over here.”

“Another full house.”

“That’s good for Shelly and Lily’s bottom line.”

Frank nods. “Yes, it is.”

“So how is Shelly these days?”

Frank appears confused. “You mean you don’t know?”

“Know what?”

“I… I’m sorry, my friend. But I just assumed that you’d already seen Lily.”

Arc warily. “Maybe you’d better tell me then.”

Frank sighs. “A few days ago Shelly was admitted to the hospital.”

“For the same reasons as before?”

“Yes. This time it’s more serious though.”

“Is she okay?”

“Lily should be the one to ask about that.”

“Fine. Where is she?”

“Upstairs packing a few personal items for Shelly.”

“So she’s going to be in the hospital for a while this time?”

Frank bows his head. “I’ve already said too much, old friend. Go see Lily to hear the rest.”

“Alright.”

“Wait. Did you come here with anyone else?”

“Derpy and four fillies. Well, little girls now.”

“I’ll have Jackal make up a stack of pancakes and send them upstairs then along with Lily’s toast and jam.”

“Sounds like she’s in a hurry though.”

“Not really. Apparently Shelly made her promise to eat a real meal before returning to the hospital.”

He looks to Arc nervously before continuing.

“I was kinda hoping you could see to it she did.”

“Sure. I’ll head up then.”

“Don’t be a stranger, Arc.”

Leaving the kitchen, Arc returns to the others. Dinky is the first to speak.

“Everything go okay, dad?”

“Kinda. I need to go see Lily upstairs right now.”

Apple Bloom appears hopeful. “Can we come?”

“In a bit maybe. Right now I have to see what’s going on.”

Derpy nods soberly. “I’ll watch the little ones, Arc.”

“Thanks Der… Dawn.”

She winks at him and giggles. Heading for the stairs Arc rushes up them to find the door slightly ajar. Opening it he calls out.

“Lily?”

A voice rings out from Shelly’s room.

“I’m in here, Frank!”

Heading to the room, he peeks inside to see Lily pulling clothes out of a dresser and putting them in a duffle bag. Clearing his throat to get her attention, she does not look away from her task.

“Just put the plate on the table please. I’ll get to it when I’m done here.”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry. Forgot it downstairs.”

Gasping, she whirls around. Spying Arc, Lily’s face bursts into a large smile as she hurries toward him and wraps her arms around his neck.

“ARC!”

Arc returns the hug. “It’s good to see you again, Lily.”

“And I’m glad to see you too!”

Breaking off the embrace Arc looks to Lily.

“Frank says Shelly’s in the hospital again.”

Lily nods sadly. “Yes, she is.”

“Everything okay?”

“She was just supposed to be there overnight. But the doctors say she isn’t getting any better.”

She points to the duffel bag before continuing.

“I was just getting her a few things that she’ll need.”

“So it’s going to be an extended stay then, huh?”

Lily nods sadly. “It appears so.”

"How… how bad is it?"

“She’s conscious and talking. But at the same time Shelly needs a bunch of machines hooked up to her to maintain her condition.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.

“Would you like to come with me to visit her?”

“I would, yes. But not until you’ve had something to eat.”

Lily groans. “Yes, yes. I know I need to eat. However it’s hard to do that with Shelly in such a state.”

“She wouldn’t want you skipping meals though. Especially not on her account.”

She looks past him before speaking.

“Are you here alone this time?”

Arc shakes his head. “Oh no. Dawn and Daisy are downstairs along with Scarlet and two of their friends.”

“Why didn’t you invite them upstairs?”

“I… didn’t really know if you were up to having company at the time.”

“Shelly’s stable, yes. But I’m still quite worried about her. Now then, why don’t we bring everyone upstairs? I know it’s pretty busy down there right now.”

“That it is.”

“I’ll call Frank and tell him to have something made up for everyone too.”

“He already said he’d have Jackal cook some pancakes for everyone. They’re probably about done by now too.”

“Then why don’t you head down there and pick them up. I’ll finish packing for Shelly and we can meet up here at the kitchen table.”

Arc nods. “Sounds like a plan.”

The pair part ways. Lily turns back to her task with renewed vigor as she ‘speaks’ to Shelly.

“I’ll make sure to bring you everything you asked for, my friend.”

Chapter 5 - Hospital Visits

A short time later Arc and company head upstairs with a platter of pancakes, milk, and juice. Entering the apartment, Arc motions for everyone to set their meal on the table as he returns to Shelly’s room. Lily is just zipping up a duffel bag as he does so.

“We’re back, Lily. Everything okay in here?”

Lily nods. “Yes, I just finished.”

“Are you ready to eat?”

“I am.”

Extending a hand, Lily takes it and allows herself to be led down the hall to the kitchen. Everyone sits there waiting for them as Arc and Lily sit down together. Derpy smiles at the young woman.

“Good morning, Miss Lily.”

“Hello again, Dawn. It’s been a while.”

Dinky grins. “We wanted to see you again!”

“And I’m very glad you and your family came.”

Arc gestures at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. “This is April and Belle. They go to school with Daisy back in Ponyville.”

“Hey there!”

“Hi!”

“Belle is Rarity’s daughter. And April is the little sister of a good friend of ours.”

Lily smiles at them. “I do hope everyone is alright back in Ponyville.”

Arc sighs. “There’s been some… issues lately.”

“Political?”

Dinky grimaces. “Yeah.”

Scootaloo bows her head. “It was an internal power struggle. Kinda still going on.”

Arc nods. “But things have definitely cooled down over there.”

“That’s good to hear. Now then, why don’t we eat before the food gets cold?”

Dinky grins. “Sounds good to me!”

Arc carefully serves everyone individually before putting pancakes on his own plate. He watches Lily pick at her food.

“So… how’s Shelly doing?”

“Stable, but not much else to say.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “What exactly happened?”

“She was having her normal problems, which are usually kept in check by her medicine. However one night she started having trouble breathing.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“It isn’t out of the ordinary for her. However, her medicine didn’t alleviate the problem like it normally does.”

Scootaloo looks up. “Did you administer a bronchodilator?”

Lily nods. “Yes, she has several medicines for that.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But they just stopped working?”

“Right. Her body has apparently moved beyond their ability to treat.”

Derpy sighs. “She must’ve been really scared.”

“Actually, no. Shelly’s the bravest woman I know, as she’s never been even remotely worried about… this whole issue.”

Arc turns to Lily. “I’m sure the doctors are doing everything they can. Um… can I assume she’s at the local hospital?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Good.”

“After all, it’s the closest one.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “Do they have any idea when she’ll be released?”

Lily shakes her head. “Not at this time, no.”

Arc grimaces. “So… this might be… permanent?”

“Possibly. After all, she’s stable but not improving notably.”

Apple Bloom smiles. “I hope she feels better soon.”

Sweetie Belle pats Lily’s hand. “Yeah. Arc told us she’s a good friend of his.”

Arc nods. “That she is.”

Scootaloo puts a finger to her chin. “What other problems does she have?”

“It’s pretty much all her organs at this point. Shelly can’t eat normal food anymore because her stomach and intestines won’t absorb them properly. Her liver isn’t filtering her blood as it should so she needs semi-regular dialysis now. And the latest is her heart beating irregularly.”

Arc frowns. “Her heart?”

“It’s just not pumping blood efficiently, which is making it harder for her to move around without getting really tired.”

Dinky groans. “How bad is that though?”

Arc turns to his daughter. “Remember how much trouble she had getting to the bathroom before, Daisy?”

“That makes sense.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Think of it like sleeping a full night but not feeling refreshed.”

Lily sighs. “Shelly described it something like that, yes.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Sounds awful!”

Arc puts another pancake on Dinky’s plate. “I’m sure it’s not fun.”

Apple Bloom appears hopeful. “Can we help her?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Probably not. After all, the doctors are already doing everything they can, right?”

Derpy nods. “I would imagine so, yes.”

Lily looks to Arc. “Actually there is something all of you could do.”

“What’s that, Lily?”

“Come with me to see her.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Are you sure she’d be up to it? After all, most patients with symptoms like this just want to rest.”

“I know it would do her heart good to meet Daisy’s little companions from Ponyville. That and I’m sure she’d like to see her old childhood friend again.”

Arc chuckles. “Well then, I suppose a visit is in order. That is, if everyone is on board with it.”

Dinky raises a hand. “I’m in!”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I’d love to see Shelly again.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Me too!”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Me three!”

Scootaloo looks to Lily. “I’d like to see her condition myself. Maybe my mother treated it at some point in the past.”

Lily sighs. “It’s not likely, as she’s the only known patient.”

Arc puts his hand on Lily’s. “Yes. But at least it’s unanimous.”

“We’ll head over there after we finish eating then.”

“I’ll have to run home and get my Jeep first though.”

Derpy gestures toward the window. “We walked over here.”

Lily smiles. “That’s okay. With business booming I was able to buy a van.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “For just the two of you?”

“We use it for transporting goods from the restaurant supply house to the restaurant. More customers means we need more materials, after all. There’s plenty of room for everyone if we put all the seats back in.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Seats come out of vehicles?”

“Oh yes. After all, they only really needed the driver’s and passenger’s seats.”

“Right. The rest were just in the way.”

Arc stands up. “I’ll go get that process started. Where are they?”

“Jackal put them in the shed out back.”

“Alright. Be back in a few.”

A short time later Derpy and the others bring the dishes downstairs to be washed as Lily carries the duffel bag. Looking to Frank she smiles.

“Thanks for the meal.”

“It was my pleasure, Lily. You needed the nutrition, after all.”

“How are things going down here?”

Frank chuckles. “We survived yet another breakfast rush.”

Jackal calls out from the stove. “Yeah! Was a lot of work too!”

Snake walks by with a tray of dirty dishes. “But it’s still better than what we’ve been doing.”

Wolf turns from the dishwasher. “Not as fun though.”

Frank frowns at him. “I suppose we can’t please everyone.”

He turns to Lily before continuing.

“Now then, do you have everything Shelly asked for?”

Lily nods as she pats the bag on her shoulder. “Yes. She should be happy to see Arc and his family too.”

“We’ll try to keep the visit short.”

Derpy smiles. “Yes indeed. After all, we don’t want to wear the poor woman out.”

Dinky giggles. “Are you coming too Mister Frank?”

Frank shakes his head. “No, my dear. I need to stay here and manage the restaurant for Lily.”

Lily puts a hand on Frank’s shoulder. “You could though. After all, things should be slow until the lunch rush in a couple hours.”

“Well…”

Arc chuckles. “Come on, Frank. Let’s go see Shelly together.”

“Very well then. I’ll finish up here and meet you all at the hospital.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “But how will you get there?”

“I’ll just Blink over.”

“Oh… right. Keep forgetting you can do that.”

Arc nods. “In any case, see you in a bit, Frank.”

“I won’t be long.”

Lily leads the group out to the parking lot. Gesturing to a van she smiles proudly.

“Here it is. It’s not the prettiest thing out there, but it’s reliable.”

Derpy gasps. “This is a lot bigger than your Jeep, Arc.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. Almost twice as large.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Kinda like a big steel wagon.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Who’s going to pull it though?”

Arc laughs nervously. “Very funny you two.”

Lily motions to the vehicle. “Let’s get in.”

Unlocking the doors, Lily opens the driver’s side and gets in as Arc pulls on the sliding door. He motions for Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to sit in the back seat. Dinky and Scootaloo take the middle while Derpy heads for the passenger seat. Lily closes the door as she looks in the rear view mirror.

“Everyone buckled up?”

Dinky grins. “I am!”

Scootaloo nods. “So am I.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Buckled… up?”

Arc smiles. “I’ll help you two.”

He pulls the belt across his lap as the pair watch it click into the lock. Doing the same, Arc gives their belts a tug to make sure they are secure before looking forward again.

“Ready back here.”

Nodding, Lily starts the van as Arc turns to the girls and lowers his voice.

“You two are going to like this.”

Apple Bloom whispers. “What happens now?”

“Think of it like riding in The Equinox if it was on land.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “I don’t get it.”

Arc grins. “You will.”

Lily puts the van into drive and they begin moving. The two girls instinctively grab onto Arc’s arms.

“It’s okay. This is just how humans get around on Earth.”

Apple Bloom hisses. “I thought they didn’t have magic here!”

“Right. Magic isn’t a thing on Earth.”

Sweetie Belle points out the window. “Then how are we moving?!”

“An engine turning the wheels.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “You mean nopony’s pulling it?”

“Right. And it’s ‘no one’.”

“Oops! Sorry.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s alright. And don’t worry. We’ll be there soon.”

A short time later they pull into the hospital parking lot. Lily parks and unbuckles. Getting out she leads the group inside the main entrance and turns to Arc.

“Shelly is in room number…”

They hear a familiar voice ring out from nearby.

“Glad you all made it.”

Arc and company turn to see Frank sitting in a waiting room chair. Lily giggles.

“I knew you were going to do that.”

Derpy appears confused. “Do what?”

Frank chuckles as he stands. “Beat all of you here.”

Lily nods. “Frank gets a kick out of it.”

“And I save a fortune on vehicle maintenance and gas.”

Dinky smiles. “Neat!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “In any case, which way, Lily?”

“Follow me.”

They begin their walk down the corridors. Scootaloo looks all around as she calls out.

“This is a hospital?!”

Frank nods. “Yes, my dear. Something wrong with it?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, no. I’ve just never seen one so big before.”

Lily frowns. “Ponyville doesn’t have a hospital?”

Derpy calls out. “Oh, it does. But it’s a fraction of the size.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Scarlet’s not from there though.”

Apple Bloom glares at her. “Belle!”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Another town then?”

Arc nods “Yes. It’s called… Knothole Village.”

Scootaloo picks up where Arc left off. “Really small town. Not even on the map.”

Dinky grins. “Middle of nowhere.”

Lily smiles. “And your mother was the doctor there?”

“No, she was an herbalist of sorts. Made the medicine that the doctor’s prescribed sometimes.”

“Sounds like a hard job.”

“It was a lot of work foraging for herbs, yes.”

“Maybe someday I can meet her. I’ve always been interested in natural remedies.”

Scootaloo looks away. “That… might be kinda hard.”

Arc grimaces. “Right. Scarlet’s an orphan.”

Lily gasps. “Oh! I’m so sorry!”

“It’s okay. You didn’t know.”

“Well, I suppose we have that in common then.”

“Huh?”

Arc looks to Scootaloo. “Lily’s an orphan too.”

Frank chuckles. “As are Arc and I.”

Apple Bloom raises a hand. “Me too.”

Arc nods. “Her parent’s died a long time ago. She lives with her older brother and sister.”

“Granny took us all in when we were younger. I was just a baby though.”

Lily sighs. “It was the same for me. The age I lost my parents, I mean.”

Arc frowns. “Not fun.”

Frank puts a hand on Lily’s shoulder. “But we had each other.”

“That we do.”

Coming to a room Lily stops and turns around.

“I’ll check to make sure Shelly’s up to seeing so many visitors.”

Arc smiles. “Of course. We’ll wait out here then.”

She knocks lightly before entering the room. Walking over to the bed Lily sets the duffle bag down on the floor and takes Shelly’s hand. The young woman slowly opens her eyes and smiles up at her friend.

“Sorry to wake you up.”

“It’s fine. I was just lying here waiting for the nurse to come back with my drink and I guess I dozed off.”

She looks to a styrofoam cup with a top and straw in it sitting on the table beside her bed before continuing.

“I guess they didn’t want to wake me either.”

Lily picks up the cup and carefully puts it in Shelly’s hand. She takes a small sip from the straw before handing it back.

“Did you get any?”

Shelly nods. “This time, yes. It feels good to drink water. Real water, I mean. Not the stuff in the IV bags. Now then, how are things back at the restaurant?”

“It was a very busy morning. But I have some wonderful news for you.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“You have a special visitor.”

Shelly smiles weakly. “Frank came?”

“Yes. But I meant someone else.”

Turning, she motions for Arc to step forward. Entering the room he walks over to the bed. Shelly giggles excitedly.

“Arc!”

Leaning down he gives her a hug. Lily puts a hand on his shoulder.

“Be careful, Arc. She’s very fragile right now.”

Shelly smiles weakly. “Yes, I’m just a little porcelain doll.”

“How are you doing, Shelly?”

“A bit tired. But otherwise doing alright.”

She sighs before letting go of Arc as he lowers her back down on the pillow.

“It’s so good to see you again. Tell me, is little Daisy back there somewhere?”

Arc nods. “Yes, both Dawn and Daisy are in the hall along with three of her little friends.”

Lily grins. “I wanted to make sure you were up to seeing them before inviting everyone in.”

Shelly smiles. “Thank you, but I’m ready to meet them.”

Arc turns and motions for the others to enter. Frank leads the way to the bed.

“Good morning, Shelly.”

“Hello, Frank.”

“You’re looking well today.”

“And I’m feeling a bit stronger since waking up.”

“Let us know if you get too tired though.”

“I will. And thank you for helping Lily with the restaurant.”

“It’s my pleasure. But now you should meet with these fine young ladies.”

He steps back to allow Derpy and Dinky to approach the bed. Shelly smiles up at them.

“Daisy! You’re getting so big!”

She looks up at Derpy before continuing.

“And I see that you brought your mother with you today.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, we just got back into town.”

Dinky grins. “I couldn’t wait to see you and Miss Lily!”

Arc chuckles. “And have some of your restaurant’s cooking.”

Derpy puts out a hand and motions for Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to approach. Shelly looks them over and smiles.

“And these are your friends?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. We go to school together.”

Frank smiles. “Yes, they’re… um… forgive me, but I seem to have forgotten your names.”

“I’m April.”

“And my name is Belle.”

Shelly gasps. “You’re Rarity’s daughter?!”

“Y-yes, I am.”

“I see the resemblance now.”

Frank chuckles. Yes, it’s uncanny.

Arc pats the little girl’s head. “Just a smaller version of Rarity, yes.”

Shelly turns to Apple Bloom.

“Are you related to Belle too, April?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Nah. My sister is friends with Rarity.”

Arc looks to his friend. “They grew up together with Daisy.”

“And how are things over in Ponyville?”

Derpy grimaces. “The town’s being rebuilt after a… um… a bad fire.”

Shelly gasps. “Oh my! It must’ve been something to destroy the whole town!”

Arc frowns. “Oh, it was.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Natural disaster?”

“Political upheaval.”

Lily groans. “How bad?”

“Things are pretty calm right now. But it was really jumping for a while there.”

Shelly appears relieved. “That’s good. After all, these little ones need stability in their lives.”

She looks to the end of the bed before continuing.

“Is that Scarlet I see over there?”

Arc nods. “Why yes it is. I…”

He looks over to see Scootaloo reading the chart on the end of the bed.

“What are you doing?”

“Sorry. I was just trying to figure this out.”

Frank chuckles. “Very admirable. However people go to school for many years to learn how to do that.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “To learn how to read?”

“I think he means medical school, mom.”

“Ah! That makes sense.”

Scootaloo nods. “I can see why. This is REALLY complicated!”

Frank looks to her warmly. “Is that what you want to do when you grow up, miss?”

“Um… I don’t really know. Maybe”

Lily giggles. “It’d be nice to be able to get closer to a lost loved one through their former occupation.”

Shelly smiles. “It’s good that you want to follow in your mother’s footsteps. I too would love to do that… if only I knew what it was they did.”

Arc pats Shelly’s hand. “You do have a few memories of them though.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “Any clues?”

“I think they were either healthcare professionals or chefs.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “That’s… quite a big difference though.”

Apple Bloom nods. “What makes you think that’s what they did?”

“Because they always wore white coats.”

“Oh?”

“Some kind of uniform, I think.”

Dinky grins. “Anything on the coats?”

Shelly shakes her head. “Not that I remember, no.”

Lily sighs. “That’s more than I remember about mine. My file just says ‘unknown’.”

Frank turns to his friend. “Arc here remembers the most about his.”

“Only because I was orphaned later than the rest of you.”

Shelly looks to Scootaloo. “How about you, little one?”

“Huh?”

“Do you remember your parents?”

“Y-yeah.”

Arc quickly interjects. “But they’re mostly bad memories.”

Lily grimaces. “Then we won’t press the matter.”

Shelly sighs. “I just wish I could have known them.”

Apple Bloom looks to Shelly. “Don’t feel too bad. I don’t remember anything about my parents either.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “And I don’t know who my real dad is.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “That’s still better than having a father whom doesn’t care about you.”

She turns to Arc and takes his hand before continuing.

“But I am really happy that someone was willing to take over for him.”

Derpy giggles as she takes Arc’s other hand. “Me too!”

Lily looks at them happily. “It looks like you got your wish, Arc.”

“Which one was that?”

Shelly smiles at the scene before her. “Having a family.”

Arc grins as he tousles Dinky’s hair. “Guess I did.”

“But I still want my dad to have his own kids!”

Derpy smiles. “You do, sweetie?”

“Yeah! Then I’d have a little brother or sister!”

Arc chuckles nervously. “Well… maybe someday.”

Lily nods approvingly. “You and Rarity would make lovely parents.”

Shelly looks around. “Is she here too?”

Derpy shakes her head. “She’s back in Ponyville trying to get her shop rebuilt.”

Arc nods. “The town was burned down by some very nasty individuals.”

“Oh my!”

“Hopefully the threat has passed fully.”

“I believe it has.”

Frank looks to Arc. “So the powers that be finally stopped them?”

“It was a team effort, but yes.”

Shelly appears relieved. “That’s good.”

She yawns as Lily looks her over.

“It might be a good time for you to rest.”

Shelly nods weakly. “Yes, I am feeling a bit tired.”

Frank smiles at her. “We’ll let you sleep then, my dear.”

Arc takes her hand. “Anything you need before we go?”

Shelly shakes her head. “I think Lily brought everything already.”

Frank grins. “And don’t worry about the restaurant. The boys and I will see to it Lily has enough help during the rushes.”

Lily motions to the door. “Thank you, Frank. But we should be getting back.”

“I’ll take care of that, Lily. Why don’t you stay here with Shelly?”

Shelly gasps. “Oh, but I don’t…!”

Arc interrupts. “Please, Shelly. You and Lily have been best friends since we were little.”

Lily smiles warmly. “If you’ll let me, I’ll stay by your side for as long as possible.”

Shelly nods weakly. “Alright. But remember that things around here are usually pretty boring.”

“I don’t mind.”

Frank nods. “Then it’s settled.”

Lily pulls out her keys as she turns to Frank. “Could you drive everyone back to Arc’s house please?”

Frank nods. “Of course. Then I’ll bring it back.”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “But how would you get…”

“You forget that I can teleport, my dear.”

“Right… keep forgetting that.”

Arc nods. “I’ll come by and visit you every day until you get out of here, Shelly.”

“Thank you, Arc. Take care of your family too though.”

Dinky grins. “He will!”

Apple Bloom grabs Arc’s arm. “Yeah! Arc always looks after us!”

Sweetie Belle latches onto the other arm. “And my mom too!”

Scootaloo steps toward Arc. “I’ll come back too, miss.”

“Thank you, dear. I look forward to it.”

Arc smiles. “See you later.”

He leads his family out the door and down the corridor. Lily turns to Shelly, clearly concerned.

“You didn’t tell him.”

“Tell him what?”

“About what the doctor said the other day.”

“Regarding the experimental treatments?”

Lily nods soberly. “Arc should know.”

Shelly shakes her head. “No, he shouldn’t.”

“But why not?!”

“Because this is a total shot in the dark.”

She turns and looks out the window before continuing.

“And I really don’t want to give Arc any false hope.”

“He knows your chances of recovering are almost non-existent though.”

“That they are. And until that changes I’d like to keep it between us.”

Lily sighs. “Very well, Shelly. It’s your decision to make, after all.”

A few minutes later there is a knock at the door. It opens as a doctor enters and walks over to the bed with a clipboard.

“How are we feeling today, Shelly?”

“Really tired actually.”

Lily sighs. “I suggested that she take a nap before our friends left.”

The doctor nods as he makes some notes. “Then I won’t take too much of your time. Are you ready for a meal?”

“Yes sir.”

He puts down his clipboard and opens a cupboard. Pulling out an IV bag the doctor turns and hangs it up with the others. Hooking it into the tube in Shelly’s arm he turns back to the cupboard again. Pulling out a small plastic box the doctor removes a syringe containing a green liquid. Walking over to the IV bag again he pokes the tip into the top of the bag and injects the contents into it. Finishing, he drops the syringe into the proper receptacle before turning the flow valve to the desired position. He watches as the liquid begins flowing through the tube and into the Shelly. Smiling, he looks to her.

“Lunch is served.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Lily smiles. “It’s amazing that this treatment can be administered along with her regular nutrient infusion.”

“Yes, it piggybacks on the nutrients which help the medicine be readily absorbed into her bloodstream.”

Shelly looks at the bag overhead. “I just hope it works.”

“So do I. But at this point we really have no other options available to us.”

Lily sighs. “If that weren’t true I wouldn’t have suggested Shelly try this.”

“It was my choice though, Lily. After all, if there’s any chance at all that I can live at least a bit longer… I’d like to… I’d... I’d... like... to…”

She closes her eyes as her voice trails off. Lily smiles as she brushes a strand of hair from Shelly’s face.

“Just rest now, my friend.”

The doctor looks over the IV bags. “It appears to be affecting her as I thought it would.”

“The lethargy?”

“Yes. After all, every medicine has side effects.”

“If that’s the worst it does I’ll be happy.”

“It does appear that is the case. But in any case, I need to check on my other patients now.”

Lily smiles. “Yes, of course. I’ll stay with her until she wakes up.”

“That would be advisable, yes.”

He turns to leave the room. Lily calls out after him.

“Um…”

The doctor turns around in the doorway. “Yes?”

“I just wanted to say… how grateful I am for all you’re doing for Shelly.”

She smiles warmly at him before continuing.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart… Doctor Rieper.”

Rieper smiles. “It’s my pleasure.”

Leaving the room he walks down the corridor. Chuckling as he pulls up Shelly’s chart on a nearby console the doctor mutters to himself.

“My pleasure, dear Lily. My pleasure indeed…”

Chapter 6 - Visitation

Meanwhile, Arc and his friends climb into the van together. Buckling up, Frank starts the vehicle and puts it in drive. Arc looks to him as they do so.

“So is Shelly really doing alright?”

“Lily says she is.”

“Do you believe her?”

Frank sighs. “I do not.”

Derpy gasps. “Are you saying she lied about Shelly’s condition?!”

Dinky frowns. “But why would she do that?!”

Frank shrugs. “I can only assume Shelly told her to do that.

Apple Bloom looks to Arc. “She really didn’t look too healthy to me.”

Sweetie Belle shudders. “I’ll say. It looked really uncomfortable.”

“Big Brother?”

“Yes, Scootaloo?”

“Um… I did understand some of the things on her chart.”

“Like what?”

“It’s like you said before. Her organs are shutting down. Remember all those machines around her? They’re keeping her going.”

Dinky appears relieved. “Well, at least her lungs are working.”

Frank sighs. “Somewhat.”

Derpy gasps. “Frank?”

“I saw a respirator off to one side.”

Arc frowns. “She probably has it hooked to her at night for safety.”

Apple Bloom groans. “Can’t we do anything for her?!”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Like take her to Equestria for help!”

Arc shakes his head. “I already talked to Doctor Whooves about Shelly’s condition. He says there’s nothing he could do without years of observing her.”

Dinky grimaces. “Time she doesn’t have.”

“I did notice something else though, Big Brother.”

“What was it?”

“After I read the chart as best I could, I started watching her. Listening to her voice and mannerisms.”

Frank appears hopeful. “And what did you discover?”

“There was absolutely zero fear in her voice.”

Arc sighs. “That much I already know.”

“But I did hear something else too. Resolution.”

Dinky appears confused. “Resolution?”

“She’s accepted what’s going to happen from what I can tell.”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “So Shelly is…?”

Sweetie Belle glares at her. “Apple Bloom!”

Arc nods sadly. “Yes… Shelly is dying.”

Frank bows his head as they stop at a light. “She has been for some time now.”

Derpy looks behind her. “I’m sure you’ll want to spend more time with her in the near future, Arc.”

“Yeah. After all, I don’t really know just how much longer she has.”

Arriving back at the house Frank pulls the van into the driveway. Arc and company get out as Frank pokes his head out the window.

“I’ll head on back to the hospital and give Lily back her keys before Blinking back to the restaurant.”

“You guys need help over there?”

Frank shakes his head. “We have more than enough Shards to staff it. All I have to do is coordinate them.”

Arc turns toward the house. “Alright. Call if you need me.”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… I just wanted to say… that I’m glad you’re back.”

“Me too.”

“Shelly’s going to want both of us close at hand during this trying time.”

“And I’ll be here.”

“I’m sure you will. Now then, don’t be a stranger.”

“Sure. Take care, Frank.”

Nodding, Frank rolls up the window, backs out of the driveway, and slowly drives away. Arc heads for the front porch where the others are waiting for him. Unlocking the door he pushes it open and steps aside for them. As the little ones enter, Derpy takes Arc’s hand and looks him in the eye silently for a few moments. Nodding, they enter the house together as Dinky turns to her father.

“Thanks for taking us to visit Shelly, dad.”

Arc smiles sadly at her. “I’m sure she appreciated the company.”

Derpy looks to the little girl. “Dinky, why don’t you and the others watch something on the television now?”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Tele-whatsit?”

Sweetie Belle looks around. “Is it like a telephone?”

Scootaloo groans. “Not really, no.”

Dinky motions for them to follow. “I’ll show you two.”

They head for the couch as Dinky picks up the remote. Derpy motions to Arc to follow her upstairs. Doing so she leads him into his parent’s old room and shuts the door behind them as she turns to him.

“Now we can talk privately.”

“Is something wrong, Derpy.”

Derpy nods soberly. “Yes, Arc.”

“Would you like to talk about it?”

“Would you?”

“Huh?”

“I can tell that you’re upset.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

Derpy motions to the bed. “Why don’t we sit down?”

Arc nods and does as she suggests. Taking her place next to him, Derpy smiles sadly as she speaks.

“You’re worried about Shelly.”

“I am, yes.”

“We both know the doctors will do all they can for her.”

“But we all know the prognosis. She wasn’t expected to see another Christmas and it’s now autumn.”

“All things considered she looks to be in high spirits.”

“I still don’t understand how though. After all, Shelly knows time is running out for her.”

“Yes. But she isn’t letting that bother her.”

“Are you saying that I shouldn’t either?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, Arc. Instead I’m suggesting that you allow yourself to enjoy the time remaining. To bond with and create memories of her along with Lily and Frank.”

She takes his hand before continuing.

“And to make her happy as well.”

“More time would make her happy.”

“Is that an option though?”

“At the moment, no.”

“Then what do you think you should do?”

“Spend my time with her, of course.”

Arc looks to Derpy with a pained expression on his face before continuing.

“But that wouldn’t be fair to you or the fillies downstairs.”

“Oh?”

“We came here to bond and get to know one another, after all.”

“Arc… when I agreed to come here with you I did so knowing full well that Shelly might need you more than I.”

“You did?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. After all, you told us last year about how much time she had left.”

“Guess I did. And... you’re okay with me putting you and our future family on the proverbial back burner?”

“I am. After all, you and Shelly only have so much time together.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. But… there’s someone else whom should be there too.”

“Who?”

“Max.”

“They formed an attachment, did they?”

“A very deep one, yes.”

“Then why not bring him here?”

“Because she doesn’t want to see him until he’s ready to be honest about things.”

Derpy appears confused. “He lied to her about something?”

“No. He told her the truth.”

“Then why does she think he’s lying?”

“Because he told her that he’s from another world.”

Derpy gasps. “She knows about Equestria?!”

Arc shakes her head. “No. She didn’t believe him. Shelly even accused him of treating her like an idiot with his so-called tall tale.”

“But what led him to tell her that in the first place?!”

“Me.”

“You?”

“I… thought it best that he break it off.”

“Arc… why would you do that?!”

“Because we were about to assault Damocles Base to save Celestia. I told him to break up in case we didn’t make it back.”

“Was that the only reason though?”

Arc bows his head. “No. At that time I had told him, ordered actually, not to form any attachments here. I figured it would have made things difficult for the ones left behind when we left… of got killed. But that was only half of it.”

“What was the rest?”

“Shelly was dying. I… I didn’t want him to go through what I did with Cherry. Have to feel the loss of watching a loved one die right in front of you.”

He bows his head and sighs before continuing.

“It… it messes you up inside, you know.”

“You would know better than I. After all, I didn’t even know my father was sick, much less dying back in Trottingham.”

“Would you have wanted to know?”

“Yes, I would have.”

“Sorry I couldn’t have told you.”

“It couldn’t have been helped though.”

“Derpy, I need to know something.”

“What is it?”

“Considering just how cruel he had been to you in the past, why would you have wanted to see him again?”

“At his deathbed?”

“Right.”

“I’d wished I could have told him a few things.”

“Like what?”

“How big Dinky is getting or me getting along well in Ponyville.”

Arc raises an eyebrow.” You wouldn’t be mad and tell him off?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not really, no. After all, considering what he said in his letter to me, I know that he was sorry for that.”

Arc smiles. “Derpy, you’re amazing.”

“I am?”

“Yes. Someone who’s supposed to love, care for, and protect you abused you for years and you can still put that aside.”

“Couldn’t you?”

Arc frowns. “I… don’t think so. If my dad suddenly contacted me out of the blue, I think I’d have some choice words to say to him.”

“Like what?”

“How could he have left mom and I like he did, for starters. And why he didn’t come forward to take me in after she died.”

“Maybe he couldn’t though.”

Arc clenches a fist. “More than likely he started a new family and abandoned us!”

“You don’t know that though, Arc.”

“I know you’re right, of course. But considering what happened to me because of him… I can’t imagine any excuse he could give to make what he did alright.”

“Maybe he really is dead though. That would be a perfect explanation.”

“He can’t be though. I still get regular deposits in my bank account from his wages, so I know he’s out there somewhere.”

“After all these years he’s still supporting you, Arc. Doesn’t that tell you something?”

“That he doesn’t want to come forward like a man mostly.”

“I believe in giving others the benefit of the doubt. After all, you did that for me so long ago.”

“But you were innocent.”

“And he may yet be too. So please hear him out should he return someday.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Please do. After all, the human I fell in love with is a kind and considerate stallion. Like Max was to Shelly.”

“Yeah, he was.”

“Do you understand, Arc?”

“Understand what?”

“Think about it. If your father came back right now you would probably react just like Shelly did.”

“But…!”

Derpy interrupts him. “Am I wrong?”

“No. However…!”

Derpy puts a finger to Arc’s lips. “Arc, stop. Stop and listen to your own thoughts and words.”

He opens his mouth to speak, but Derpy puts a hand over it.

“Shush!”

They sit there for a time motionless. Eventually Derpy removes her hand as Arc sighs.

“You’re right, Derpy. I’d probably have a hard time listening to his explanation. At least with an open mind, that is.”

Derpy nods. “Right. Just like Shelly didn’t listen to Max when he told her the truth.”

“And I still regret that.”

“I’m sure you do. But at the same time you really need to do something to make it right.”

“I know. It’s just…”

He is interrupted as a chirp rings out from his earring. Groaning, he rolls his eyes.

“Of all the times…”

Touching his earring, Arc calls out.

“Arc here.”

“Hey, this is Ember. I’m sorry to interrupt your, uh… date time, or whatever it is. But this is kinda important.”

“Decimus causing trouble, or something?”

“Nothing quite that… uh… urgent, I guess. But Brightwing says they’re getting some really weird… feelings from your area on Earth.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Brightwing is also the same one whom went after a kidney stone inside a monster if you recall.”

Derpy frowns. “Please, Arc. Hear her out.”

Ember gasps. “Derpy? You’re there too?!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, we ARE here to date.”

Ember groans. “Right. But in any case I felt it important to pass on to you.”

“Alright. Brightwing has indigestion, or something. Anything else?”

“I know you’re skeptical about this, but I already verified it.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “You did?”

“How?”

“By running it by Sunburst.”

“What did he find?”

“That there’s definitely SOMETHING going on over there.”

“Could he narrow it down a bit further?”

Ember sighs. “That’s the best he could do.”

Arc frowns. “He and the other sages scoured the entire planet looking for Celestia, but can’t figure THIS out?”

“I said as much when he came back with that. His explanation was that they didn’t actually know what to search for. Sorta like looking for a needle in a haystack when you don’t actually know what the needle looks like.”

“So… what should I do about it?”

“Not really sure. But I still wanted you to know about it.”

“Well, thanks for telling me about… whatever this thing is.”

“No problem. I’ll let you know if I find out anything… oh wait.”

“Ember?”

“Brightwing just Blinked over to me. Looks like they have something really important to say.”

Ember looks to Brightwing before continuing.

“What’s up?”

“Brightwing have idea!”

“Oh?”

“Brightwing show friend!”

Landing, Brightwing plants her claws firmly in the carpet below her before grunting. Ember raises an eyebrow suspiciously.

“Um… you okay?”

Arc calls out. “Something happening over there, Ember?”

Ember turns back to the microphone. “Brightwing’s doing… something.”

Derpy speaks up. “Can you describe it?”

Ember shrugs. “It looks kinda like they’re constipated.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “…what?”

She hears Brightwing grunting intensify. Turning back to her, Ember speaks.

“Go outside if you need to…!”

She stops talking as her eyes fall on Brightwing, who’s wings have begun to glow strangely. Arc calls out to her.

“Ember? Everything okay over there?”

“Arc, I…!”

She is cut off as a bright flash emits from Brightwing’s body. Instinctively shutting her eyes to protect them, Ember turns away and flails at the desk next to her in an attempt to find the radio. Tripping, she falls over. Feeling two hands steadying her, Ember rubs her eyes as she speaks.

“Thanks for the save, Hammer.”

However a deeper voice responds.

“Glad to be of service.”

Her eyes flying open, she turns to see Arc and Derpy standing before her.

“What the…? Arc?! When did you get back?!”

“I didn’t.”

Derpy giggles. “Right. You’re on Earth.”

“I… I am?!”

Brightwing flutters over to her and grins.

“Yes, yes, YES!!! Brightwing did it!”

Arc frowns. “Did what exactly?”

“Brightwing come here to face danger!”

Derpy gasps. “Danger?!”

Ember looks to Brightwing. “How the heck did you bring us here anyways?!”

Brightwing shrinks back nervously. “Dragon Lord mad?”

“Not exactly. I just want an explanation.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, do tell.”

“Brightwing reach out with magic! Focus on finding weak point in transdimensional barrier! Thought Dragon Lord would be happy for Brightwing!”

Ember groans. “I’m not happy about this.”

“Mad?”

“No, it’s just…”

She sighs before turning to Arc and Derpy.

“Sorry about this, you two.”

Derpy shrugs. “It’s okay.”

Arc grins. “Yeah. I mean, it’s not like you planned to come here.”

Ember bows her head. “Think you could send Brightwing and I back, Arc?”

“Sure. Just give me a second to…”

Brightwing gasps. “No! Have to stay!”

Derpy appears confused. “Oh?”

Arc frowns. “But why?”

“Have to find danger!”

Ember growls. “This again?! Sunburst is working on it already!”

Brightwing stomps her feet. “But we here now!”

Derpy looks to Arc. “She does have a point.”

“But we don’t even know what we’re supposed to be looking for right now.”

“Brightwing knows!”

Ember groans. “Then tell us what it is.”

“Scary, scary!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “That doesn’t really narrow it down though.”

“Brightwing help you find it! But we going to need help!”

Derpy smiles. “What do we need to do?”

“Not from Brightwing! From pretty girl!”

Ember frowns. “You’d better start making sense here quick, Brightwing!”

“We need pretty girl with red skin and wings!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Auriel?”

“Yes, yes! She can feel it too! Brightwing sure of it!”

Derpy turns to Arc. “It might be worth a shot.”

Arc sighs as he touches his earring. “Fine. I’ll make the call.”

Brightwing takes flight and does a backflip. “Hooray!”

Chapter 7 - Mystical Search

Arc holds out Cherry’s pendant. Channeling his magic into it he opens a portal. A few moments later Auriel steps though in her human form. Smiling nervously she looks to Arc.

“H-hi.”

Arc smiles at her as he closes the portal. “Glad to see you again, Auriel. How are your wounds?”

Auriel puts a hand on her midsection. “They’ve all pretty much healed.”

Derpy nods approvingly. “That’s good. So you’re feeling better then?”

“Much. But I’m really sorry for crashing your date, Derpy.”

Derpy sighs. “It’s okay. After all, this sounds important.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll make it up to you and the fillies somehow.”

Ember grins. “Yeah. I’ll even help him do that if need be.”

Auriel turns to Ember. “I believe we could help by finishing this up as quickly as possible, Ember.”

Brightwing nods as she lands on Auriel’s head happily. “Yes, yes! Listen to pretty demon girl!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Whatever. Quit hitting on one of Arc’s fiancés.”

Brightwing appears confused. “Fian… what?”

Derpy smiles. “It means they’re going to get married someday.”

“Oh! So her name ‘Mary’ then?!

Arc rolls his eyes. “Not exactly.”

Auriel looks out a nearby window. “Maybe we should get to the matter at hand, Arc. I can feel something… off here.”

“Describe ‘off’.”

“I don’t really know how to say it. But I can feel it in my bones.”

Ember shrugs. “So where do we start looking for this phantom menace?”

Arc turns to Ember. “No idea. Didn’t Sunburst give you any clues?”

“He just said he was working on it.”

Auriel frowns. “But we can’t just sit around waiting for that. We need to be proactive.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Could you just… drive around town?”

“It’s probably all we can do right now.”

Auriel giggles. “Brightwing and I will be your scanners then.”

Brightwing does a backflip before landing back on Auriel’s head. “Hooray for us!”

Arc groans. “That just leaves one last thing to do. And it’s the hardest.”

Ember chuckles. “Figure out which way to start driving?”

“No. Tell the fillies that I have to go.”

Auriel grimaces. “Yes, they were very excited to be at the center of attention for this trip.”

Derpy smiles. “They’ll understand, I’m sure.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. But this is exactly what I’m trying to get away from.”

Ember smirks. “Then we’ll have to hurry up and get this done. But I’ve got an idea that could solve that problem.”

“What is it?”

“We could just Blink outside and get your Jeep without passing Dinky and her friends!”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “But then they wouldn’t know he was gone.”

“Exactly!”

Ember turns to Arc before continuing.

“Then we could try to get this figured while Derpy just tells them you’re taking a nap, or something. We resolve the matter and Blink back up here. You go downstairs like nothing even happened afterwards and the date continues.”

Derpy frowns. “I don’t think this is a very good idea, Arc.”

Auriel shrugs. “If they ask you could just tell them the truth.”

Arc shakes his head. “I suppose that’s true, Auriel. But I’d rather just be upfront with them about the whole thing right from the start.”

Brightwing nods approvingly. “Friend right! Be good thing!”

“Let’s head downstairs and tell the fillies about this.”

Leading the way, the group proceeds downstairs. They find the fillies sitting in front of the television together. Dinky looks over to her father as he enters the room.

“Hi dad. You and mom finish your talk?”

“Kinda. Um… there’s something going on.”

Apple Bloom looks over. “Oh?”

Arc turns and motions for Ember, Auriel, and Brightwing to step forward. The fillies appear confused. Sweetie Belle is the first to speak.

“What’s… going on?”

Ember shrugs. “Something’s up here on Earth.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Can you tell us what it is?”

Auriel bows her head. “Brightwing told us about it and Sunburst verified their claims. However we don’t yet know what is causing these strange feelings.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow as she turns to her father. “So what are you going to do?”

“Try to find out where it’s coming from, for starters.”

Derpy nods. “Your father’s hoping to wrap this up quickly so he can come back home to stay.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Do you HAVE to go, Arc?”

“Kinda do.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “But…!”

Dinky interrupts her. “Come on. If my dad says he has to do something then I say we let him get to it.”

Ember grins. “The sooner we start the sooner we’re done. At least that’s what I think.”

Arc looks to the girls sadly. “I’m really sorry about this, but…”

Scootaloo interrupts him. “Does anyone else hear that?”

Derpy appears confused. “Hear what, dear?”

“Kind of a low hum.”

Arc looks around. “Yeah, what is that?”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “I hear it too!”

Dinky furrows her brow. “Yeah. What could it be?”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I don’t hear anything.”

Derpy shrugs. “Me either.”

Ember cups a claw to her ear. “It’s kinda… droning.”

Auriel puts her arms around herself. “Makes me uneasy.”

Arc frowns. “Then we’d better get going.”

“Can I come too, Big Brother?”

“I’d rather you stayed here with the others.”

“But…!”

Derpy looks to him. “Arc, I think you should take Scootaloo.”

“You do?”

“Yes. She could help you.”

“We went on our own adventures in the past and I helped you out then. Let me be of use again.”

“Well… okay.”

“Thanks, Big Brother!”

Arc turns to Dinky as Scootaloo hurries to get her shoes on.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “In time for supper?”

Arc grins as he tousles her hair. “Hope so. After all, I’d hate to miss that.”

Dinky grins as he tousles her hair. Kneeling down, he turns to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Sorry about this.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Come back soon though.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Yeah. I want to see more of Earth with my friends.”

“I will.”

Arc heads to the door with the others. Walking over to the garage he opens the door and motions to the Jeep.

“Everyone in.”

They pile into the Jeep as Arc takes his place in the driver’s seat. He turns to Ember and Brightwing.

“Um… you two should probably keep your heads down.”

Brightwing appears confused. “Friend?”

Ember groans. “He means it’d cause a stir if we were seen by others.”

“Couldn’t we just turn them into humans, Big Brother?”

“I wish we could. But Ember’s the only one here whom knows the Transformation Spell, and she can’t cast it on herself.”

Auriel giggles. “That and I don’t think Brightwing would do too well as… anything else.”

“Brightwing happy just being Brightwing!”

Ember climbs into the back cargo area. “Come over here then. We’ll be the ‘sensors’ as Auriel called them.”

“Okay, Dragon Lord!”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Am I okay here in the front?”

“Oh course. You’re a human right now, after all.”

Scootaloo grins. “Right. No one would look twice at us as we are.”

Nodding, Arc presses the button to open the overhead door. As it does so he puts the vehicle in gear and turns out onto the road. Driving, he looks to Auriel.

“Anything?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Just the sound.”

“Scootaloo?”

“I’m feeling a sort of vibration in the air for some reason. But what about you, Big Brother?”

“To me it’s just a low pitched sound. If Ember hadn’t called to tell me about it I probably wouldn’t have noticed.”

Ember calls out from the back. “You can thank Brightwing for that.”

Brightwing giggles. “Yay!”

Arc chuckles. “How about you two? Any clues on where to go?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nothing yet. Just keep driving.”

“Okay. First around town.”

The groups spends the next couple hours driving the streets of Angel Grove. However the sound is unchanged. Auriel turns to Arc.

“Should we expand our search?”

“Probably should.”

Scootaloo peeks around the front seat. “Where to though?”

“Let’s just drive out of town. Maybe the quiet country roads will help bring us closer to the answer.”

Leaving town, they continue driving. Ember frowns.

“Is it just me or is that getting louder?”

Auriel nods soberly. “That it is.”

Scootaloo groans. “But we still don’t know where it’s coming from.”

Arc grins. “However we’re on the right track now.”

Brightwing sticks her head over the seat. “Friend?”

“This might just be a blessing in disguise. Now that we’re outside the city limits buildings are fewer and far between.”

Ember frowns as she looks up. “So?”

“That means that it should be easier to notice anything out of the ordinary here.”

Scootaloo grins. “Like a building giving off strange sounds?”

“Right. In town we’d have spent a good bit of time figuring out where it was coming from. Out here we should have an easier time of things.”

Auriel points. “What’s that?”

Arc turns to look. “A grove of trees from the look of things.”

Ember chuckles. “Wanna bet it’s more than that?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “One way to find out.”

Pulling over, Arc puts the vehicle in park, tosses Ember a magic cloak, and gets out with the others. Ember points a claw.

“Sounds like its coming from over there.”

Auriel grimaces. “Maybe you and Ember should put on your armor, Arc.”

“I don’t really think this is going to be dangerous.”

“It could be though, Big Brother.”

“Brightwing think friends should be cautious!”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Calling forth their armor, Arc and Ember take the lead as Auriel and Scootaloo follow behind with Brightwing perched on Auriel’s head. Scootaloo sighs as she looks up at the creature.

“You probably shouldn’t be up there. After all, anyone could see you.”

“Maybe make new friends that way!”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it.”

Auriel turns to Ember. “What if I carried her?”

Brightwing gasps happily. “Brightwing would like that!”

Ember shrugs. “Go ahead then.”

The little creature hops down into Auriel’s arms. Curling up, she looks up into Auriel’s face with a toothless grin.

“This is nice!”

“Glad you’re comfortable.”

Scootaloo groans. “Then let’s carry on.”

Heading for the grove, they spy a small stream bubbling up from the side of a rock and pooling slightly before snaking its way away from the trees. Scootaloo looks around intently.

“Very picturesque.”

Ember grins. “I think it looks kinda romantic.”

Arc turns to her. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“Because it’s far enough from the road that whatever happens here wouldn’t be seen.”

“Dragon Lord has idea?!”

Ember nods. “Yeah. It’s a nice make-out spot.”

Auriel appears confused. “Make… out?”

Arc groans. “She means…”

He looks to Scootaloo before continuing.

“Let’s table this topic for now.”

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. “I know what ‘making out’ is, Big Brother.”

“You do?”

“My dad used to use that term a lot.”

Ember grins under her helmet. “So you wanna come here some night and make out then, Arc?”

“Stay on point here.”

Auriel clears her throat. “Let’s look around the area for clues. “

Ember nods as she looks around. “Fine. That sound is DEFINITELY coming from here.”

“Should we split up, Big Brother?”

Arc looks around. “Probably should. We’ll cover more ground that way. I’ll go this way, Ember you go that way, and Scootaloo can go that way.”

Auriel smiles. “What about me?”

“You should probably stay here with Brightwing.”

Ember chuckles. “Right. She’s not exactly light.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “We could use Auriel as a bit of a touchstone. Meet back here in a few minutes.”

Auriel nods. “Okay. See you all in a bit?”

Arc turns to the others. “Alright. We’ll meet back here in five minutes, report whatever it is we see, and head out again if need be.”

Agreeing, they go their separate ways. Auriel kneels down and allows Brightwing to plop down on the ground. Shuffling in the leaves for a few moments happily she looks all around.

“This place… is nice!”

“Yes, it is.”

“Lots of tasties around here too!”

“Tasties?”

Brightwing nods. “Bugs and fishies! Good for eating!”

Auriel giggles. “Well, I suppose it’s a far cry from the Dragon Lands though.”

“Yes, yes! But Brightwing…!”

She is cut off as a portal opens in front of them. A young woman steps out with a strange looking device in her hand. Brightwing runs over to her and jumps, grabbing the implement in her mouth. Auriel gasps and runs over to the individual.

“I’m so sorry about…!”

The woman suddenly straightens up and salutes as she speaks.

“C-C-Colonel Diva?!”

Auriel appears confused. “I don’t…”

Her eyes grow wide as she steps back from the saluting figure before her.

“You’re… um… Sergeant Mio, right?”

Looking at Brightwing for a moment Mio appears bewildered.

“An experiment, ma’am?”

She looks at the creature whom still holds the device in its mouth as she cautiously takes a step forward.

“I’d better get that thing away from… whatever this is.”

Auriel holds up a hand. “You might want to let me do that.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Auriel steps forward. Holding out her hand she looks to Brightwing. Frowning, the little creature grunts, puts the device on the ground and steps back. However as Auriel reaches for it an invisible force pulls it swiftly away. She and Mio watch as it lands neatly in Arc’s gauntlet. He turns to her and frowns.

“What are you doing here, Mio?!”

Mio gasp as she takes a step back. “I… I was… um…”

Arc sighs and puts a hand to his helmet. “Sorry for the outburst.”

Brightwing grins. “Friend is back!”

Mio gasps. “That creepy little thing can TALK?!”

“Brightwing not thing! Brightwing is Brightwing!”

Arc nods. “Right. And neither of us is going to hurt you.”

He motions to the device in his gauntlet before continuing.

“However I get the feeling that this might have something to do with what we’ve been sensing.”

Mio looks away nervously. “I… don’t really…”

Auriel steps toward Mio. “Excuse me, but it’d be really helpful if you’d just tell us what we want to know about this, miss.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Wait a second! You… you’re not Colonel Diva!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, I’m not. But we still need to know what’s going on here.”

“Brightwing feel something powerful going on here!”

Mio frowns as she turns to Auriel. “And why should I help either of you?! After what you two pulled off at Damocles Base I really should report you!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Are you?”

There is a tense silence as Mio thinks. A few moments pass before she groans and shakes her head.

“No. No, I can’t.”

Auriel appears relieved. “Thank you.”

Mio sighs. “I don’t really have a choice though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How’s that?”

“If I were to do so, something terrible might happen to Hammer.”

Auriel appears confused. “What exactly do you think would happen?”

Mio shrugs. “I… don’t know. And that’s what scares me.”

“You have my word that your sister is just fine.”

“While I do believe you, I’m not exactly happy with whom she went with.”

Auriel frowns. “Whom she…?”

Mio clenches a fist. “Arc! That scoundrel is up to no good!”

Arc sighs. “And what makes you say that?”

“He… he uses people to achieve his own goals! Even CHILDREN aren’t safe from his control!”

“The little girl with the red eyes?”

“Exactly!”

Ember and Scootaloo crash through the brush and run over to side with Arc. Ember points a spear at Mio as Brightwing giggles happily.

“Friends all together again!”

Ember yells at Mio. “Hey! What do you think you’re doing out here?!”

Scootaloo clenches a fist. “Back off, lady!”

Mio appears relieved at Scootaloo’s voice. “You?!”

“What about…?”

“The Hero rescued you from Arc?!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “What are you…?!”

Arc interrupts. “She’s safe with me or Arc at any time. Now I know you and him haven’t exactly had the best relationship in the past. But you can believe me when I say that Hammer is very happy with him.”

Ember nods. “Right! She’s having the time of her life!”

Brightwing giggles. “Yes! Friends are all happy together!”

Mio grits her teeth. “At least she THINKS so!”

Scootaloo frowns. “What are you talking about?!”

“Arc’s just using her! Like he used me!”

Auriel gasps. “He would never…!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… no one is perfect, I suppose.”

Mio looks to Arc pleadingly. “Please… I just want to know if Hammer is safe.”

“She is, yes.”

“I’m sorry, but I need more than just words.”

Ember groans. “What else could he offer?!”

“Proof.”

“Pretty lady want Brightwing to make picture?!”

Auriel picks the small creature up. “Brightwing, hush!”

Arc frowns. “Elaborate.”

“I want physical proof that Hammer is safe.”

“How about a letter?”

Ember turns to him, confused. “A letter?”

“Hammer could certainly tell Mio here that she’s happy where she is via the written word.”

Arc turns back to Mio as he continues.

“After all, I’m sure you’d recognize her handwriting.”

Scootaloo looks to Mio. “How about it? Good enough for you?”

Mio nods soberly. “Very well. But I want it as soon as possible!”

“I can have it in my hand within the hour.”

“That quickly?!”

Brightwing giggles. “Friends very fast!”

Auriel smiles. “I’d have used the word ‘efficient’ personally.”

Arc nods soberly. “Very well. But I need you to do something for me in return.”

Mio frowns. “You’ve been hanging around Arc too long apparently.”

“All I want is you to tell me exactly what it is you’re doing all the way out here.”

He holds up the device before continuing.

“And what exactly this is.”

“Very well. I trust you that much, of course. However I need that letter within the hour or the deal’s off!”

“Fine.”

Ember steps between Arc and Mio. “Woah, woah! Wait a minute, Hero! We can’t just leave her alone like this!”

Scootaloo nods angrily. “Yeah! She could just run off with that thing in your hand!”

“You have my word that I will stay right here.”

“I do believe you, Mio. But it would appear my friends here don’t.”

Mio leans against a tree. “Then they can stay right here with me until you return.”

“Very well.”

He turns to Ember and Scootaloo as Brightwing flutters next to Auriel.

“I’ll take a portal back to base and talk to Hammer. You guys going to be okay out here while I’m gone?”

Ember clutches her spear tightly. “As long as she doesn’t try any funny business, yes.”

Scootaloo grimaces. “Ditto.”

Auriel nods. “Brightwing and I will watch her too.”

Brightwing bares her gums menacingly. “Pretty lady better be good!”

Arc sighs as he places a sigil. “Alright. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Stepping through, Arc vanishes as Mio looks to her guards.

“Don’t worry. I won’t try anything.”

“Brightwing not trust new lady very much!”

Auriel frowns as she looks down at Brightwing. “That’s not very nice.”

Mio scoffs. “Yes. After all, I did give you my assurance that I wouldn’t try anything foolish.”

Ember points her weapon at Mio. “Your word doesn’t mean much to us!”

Scootaloo puts a hand on Ember’s spear and gently pushes it down. “Yeah. But I believe her.”

“How can you...?!”

“Because she wants what is coming more than anything in the world.”

Chapter 8 - Private Meetings

Arc steps out of the portal in his basement. Derpy and the girls are sitting in front of a computer watching a video. They run over to him as he recalls his armor.

“Hey dad!”

Apple Bloom grins. “That didn’t take too long, I guess!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “How’d it go?!”

“Okay, I suppose. I ran into Hammer’s sister though.”

Derpy gasps. “Uh oh. Things go okay?”

“Oh yes. Well… okay, I suppose.”

“So she was the source of the problem?”

Arc shrugs. “She’s around the location it’s coming from anyways. But if I want her to talk she needs a letter from Hammer.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What for?”

“To make sure her sister’s okay.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Why wouldn’t she be though?”

“Mio thinks I kidnapped her. Or at the very least manipulated her into joining my side.”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “But Hammer loves you Arc!”

“I know, Derpy. But Mio doesn’t. So I’m going to pop back over to Equestria and get her to write something up real quick.”

“Okay, dad!”

Apple Bloom turns back to the computer. “Come back soon though!”

Sweetie Belle points a finger. “We’ll just be sitting here watching… what was that called again?”

Derpy looks at the screen. “YouTube.”

Arc chuckles. “Have fun.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc channels his magic into it and opens a portal. With a wave he steps through and is gone. Reappearing back in his room in Canterlot Castle, Arc quickly heads for the door. Stepping out into the corridor he flags down a patrol. They approach him and salute.

“Yes sir?”

“I’m looking for Lieutenant Hammer. Can you tell me where she is?”

“At this time of day she should be in the Captain of the Royal Guard’s office doing paperwork with Colonel Flash Sentry, sir.”

“Good. I’ll head over there now.”

They salute again as Arc hurries away. Approaching the familiar door, he knocks lightly before entering. Spotting Hammer behind a desk going over papers he enters without a word before closing the door behind him. She calls out without looking up.

“That was fast, colonel. Was Raven not up for company today?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. I just got here.”

Dropping her pen she looks up at Arc. Grinning, Hammer nearly climbs over her desk to get to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck she kisses him tenderly for a full ten seconds before coming up for air.

“Hey there, handsome!”

Arc chuckles. “Hi, Hammer. How are things going here?”

Hammer gestures to the table laden with paperwork. “Busy as you can see.”

“Certainly, yes.”

“But we’re keeping up with it.”

“That’s good. What’s it like working with Flash Sentry?”

“This colonel is definitely a step up from Diva, that’s for sure!”

“Nicer?”

“If a mistake is made it doesn’t lead to a punch in the mouth, for starters.”

“That would certainly make for a better work environment, yes.”

“He’s out with Raven at the moment. They always go on an afternoon walk about this time.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Something prescribed by her therapist. The colonel’s been trying to help her get over something or other.”

“How’s she doing?”

“Okay, I guess. But I’m not exactly the one whom should be talking about that sort of thing.”

“I suppose not.”

“Besides…”

She wraps her arms around his neck and grins before continuing.

“…I should be focusing on what I know.”

Arc chuckles as he puts his hands on her hips. “And what’s that?”

“How to please my man!”

She leans in for another kiss which Arc reciprocates. They continue for a few moments before Hammer suddenly stops and pulls back.

“Wait a second!”

“Hammer?”

“What the heck are you doing here anyways?! Aren’t you and the family supposed to be on Earth?!”

“Yeah, I was. But something came up.”

“And what could possibly be more important than them?!”

“I needed something from you.”

Hammer grins as she pulls her uniform’s neck down to expose a bra strap. “You finally coming around to…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Not that, no.”

Hammer frowns as she puts her hands on her hips. “You can’t get a gal’s hopes up like that, Arc!”

“Very funny, Hammer.”

“Who’s laughing?!”

“In any case, Ember notified us that there were some strange… something or other coming from our town back on Earth.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Are those idiots back at Damocles Base up to it again?!”

“Not exactly. This time the problem turned out to be a small wooded area outside of town. “

Hammer flexes. “Need some muscle to look into it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Ember, Brightwing, Auriel, Scootaloo, and I went over there the check it out already.”

“What’d you find?”

“Oddly enough, your sister.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “Which one?”

“Mio.”

“Good. I don’t really want to hear about Stingray right now.”

“That’s understandable.”

“But what was Mio doing in the middle of nowhere?”

“She portaled in just after we split up. Auriel found her first.”

Hammer grins. “Bet that scared her but GOOD!”

“Probably, yes. I wasn’t there when she arrived, mind you. But considering the fact that Auriel, in her human form at least, looks exactly like Diva I’m sure it was quite a shock.”

“Yeah. But you still haven’t answered my question.”

“To be perfectly honest, I don’t really know.”

Hammer groans. “So you just found her there and left?!”

“Not… exactly.”

“You ain’t making a lick of sense right now, Arc!”

“She offered a trade. Mio will tell me what she’s doing out there if I bring her proof that you’re okay.”

Hammer gestures to the desk. “Well, I don’t have time to be running back to Earth right now. This work doesn’t do itself, you know.”

“A letter was suggested.”

“A… letter?”

Arc nods. “She’d recognize your handwriting naturally. It wouldn’t have to be anything too elaborate, mind you. Just enough to convince her that you’re safe and happy here in Equestria. Um… without telling her you’re in another world, mind you.”

“Yeah, that might be a bit much for her to believe. After all, she still thinks I ran off with you somewhere.”

“Kinda did.”

“True. But I wasn’t forced, coerced, or otherwise made to come here like she probably thinks.”

“Right. Now then if you could just put that in writing I’ll deliver the message and let you get back to work.”

Hammer grins as she walks back to her desk. “I can do you one better.”

Opening a drawer, Hammer pulls out a book. Flipping through it for a few moments she comes to a certain page and begins to read silently for a few moments. Nodding, she carefully rips the page out and hands it to Arc.

“Here you go.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he looks over the paper. “What’s this?”

“Just a page from my diary.”

Arc quickly turns away from the paper. “Ah! Sorry!”

Hammer chuckles. “It’s fine, Arc. If I didn’t want you to read it I would have told you so.”

“Guess that makes sense. But what would this prove?”

“I’ll tell you, Arc. However you need to keep it just between us.”

“Sure. What is it?”

Hammer lowers her voice. “I… I’ve been seeing a therapist lately.”

“You have?”

She looks down at the floor nervously. “Yeah. I… was having trouble processing what was done to me by Diva after Stingray lured me back to the apartment on Christmas Day.”

“Torture isn’t something that one deals with easily. I’m sorry I didn’t notice you were having problems though.”

Hammer shakes her head. “The torture I can handle.”

“Then what…?”

“Being betrayed by Stingray… someone I’ve known and trusted my whole life was… it was like my whole world just kinda… like the bottom fell out.”

“But you never said a word.”

“How could I? You always have it all together. And if you knew I was messed up, you might reconsider taking me into the herd.”

“What?!”

“And you’d be right to do it! After all, what use is a broken woman like me to a strong, handsome, dependable hunk of manliness like you?!”

“Hammer…”

Hammer interrupts him. “No, I mean it! What right does a weakling like me have to hold you back?! Pull you down?!”

“Hammer?”

She turns away and puts her hands on her desk. “I’m no good for you! Take the others as your brides and leave me!”

“Hammer!”

“What?!”

Without a word, Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and whirls Hammer around to face him. Before she can utter another word he wraps his arms around her and kisses her lips. Her legs buckle as they fall on the desk together with Arc on top. He pulls back as she gasps, clearly surprised at the turn of events.

“Arc? Why…?”

“Because I care about you, Hammer. You aren’t damaged goods and you aren’t weak. You were betrayed by a family member whom allowed another to hurt you… badly. That and what General Mustang and Colonel Diva did throughout your career couldn’t have been easy for you either. It’s hard when those you trust let you down or betray you, I know. However you’re not alone in this.”

“But I’m…!”

“…going to get through this. With the help of your therapist, your fellow herd-mates, and me too.”

“Do you… do you really mean that, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Hammer.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “You mean you still want me in your herd?”

“I do, yes. If we still agree that’s what we want after getting to know each other, that is.”

“And that’s what I want! To be with you forever! To give my life to you. To have your children and raise them up with you and the others!”

“Then you have to be strong, Hammer. Know that you can and will get through this with help.”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

Arc grins. “And I love you too, Hammer.”

Laying down on top of her, Arc kisses Hammer passionately as she pulls him into a hug. Eventually she pushes back and grins.

“Thanks.”

“Meant every word.”

“I know you did. But right now you need to get that paper to Mio.”

“Yeah. I… I’ll do that.”

Standing up, Arc reaches out a hand and helps Hammer stand up. She looks him in the eyes before speaking.

“I’ll do my best to make you proud of me, Arc.”

“Already am.”

“Well, there’s always room for improvement.”

“Then I’ll do my best to improve too.”

Hammer scoffs. “How? You’re already perfect.”

“Trust me, I’m not. But I need to get moving.”

“Y-yeah.”

“I’ll come see you when I get back though.”

“Take your time with the family though.”

“That I will. Good luck over here too, Hammer.”

He turns to leave, but Hammer calls out after him.

“Arc, wait!”

Arc looks back. “Huh?”

Hammer sits down at her desk and grabs a notepad. “One sec!”

Writing quickly, Hammer rips the note from the pad, folds it, and hands it to Arc.

“That should do it.”

Arc appears confused as he accepts the paper. “What’s this?”

“Just a little something extra for Mio. Give it to her if she won’t listen to reason after reading that page from my diary.”

“Um… okay.”

“But don’t read it yourself. At least not until Mio has, I guess.”

“No problem there.”

“I know I can trust you to do that."

Grinning, she picks up a stack of papers from her ‘in’ box before continuing.

“Now get outta here! I got work to do!”

Arc chuckles as he playfully salutes. “Yes ma’am.”

Chapter 9 - An Effort

Returning to his room, Arc pulls the Rainbow of Light from his ring as he calls forth his armor again. Powering it up, a portal forms. After putting away the pedant and walking through he finds himself back on the sigil he made in the grove of trees. Mio gasps as he emerges.

“What the…?!”

Arc holds up the paper. “Here you are. One letter from Hammer.”

“But I…! How did you DO that?!”

“Do what?”

“Your portal there was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Probably because he’s so powerful.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “Right.”

Mio frowns. “I know there’s more to it than that.”

She looks at the paper in his gauntlet before continuing.

“But that will have to wait for now.”

Arc extends the paper to her as she cautiously takes it. Reading it over her hands begin to shake as a tear rolls down her face. Auriel appears suddenly concerned for her.

“Miss, are you alright?”

Mio stammers. “I don’t… this can’t be…!”

Ember groans. “You’re not making any sense!”

“Brightwing help?!”

Mio looks to Arc with a bewildered look on her face.

“Where… did you get this?”

“From Hammer a little while ago. I watched her tear it out of her diary.”

Mio nods skeptically. “I see. Or did you yourself do that deed?”

Scootaloo glares at her. “The Hero would never…!”

Arc holds up a hand. “Easy there.”

He turns to Mio before continuing.

“I know this does look bad for me. But I was told to give you this as well.”

Pulling out the second note from Hammer, Arc hands it to Mio. She grabs it and steps back to read it. There is a long silence as she presumably reads the paper over several times. Eventually Brightwing speaks up.

“You read REALLY slowly!”

Auriel gasps. “Brightwing! Hush!”

“I… I just… it can’t be…”

Ember frowns. “What’s it say?”

Mio snaps at her. “That’s none of your business!”

Scootaloo takes a step forward with a wicked grin on her face. “Maybe we’ll MAKE it our…!”

Arc cuts her off. “Stand down!”

“But…!”

“What’s on that paper is for Mio’s eyes only.”

He turns to her before continuing.

“Now than, I held up my end of the bargain. It’s time for you to do your part.”

Mio nods silently for a few moments as if thinking something over. Eventually she looks to Arc.

“Very well. However the others need to leave first.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “What?!”

Scootaloo shakes her head vehemently. “No way!”

“I can send them back to the main road. That far enough back for you?”

Mio nods. “Yes, that will do.”

Auriel puts her arms over her chest. “And if it’s a trap?”

Brightwing gasps. “Friend will have to face danger alone then!”

Arc chuckles. “I can hold my own against Mio.”

Mio looks away as she speaks. “Doubtful.”

Ember sighs. “So what are we going to do, Hero?”

“Like I said before, head back to the road. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “You still shouldn’t be alone with her.”

“Brightwing stay with friend!”

Arc looks to Mio. “How about it?”

Mio shrugs. “I don’t see them being too much of a threat. Very well, I accept.”

“Good.”

With a nod he motions for the others to head out. Ember reluctantly does so as Auriel takes her arm. Scootaloo scowls but follows the women back the way they came. Mio watches as they step out of sight before turning back to Arc.

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“Trusting me.”

“Brightwing still not sure about magic lady!”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “What do you know about magic, imp?”

“Lots and lots! Brightwing study magic and other things at castle!”

“Castle?”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Let’s stay on topic here, Mio.”

He gestures to the remote in her hand.

“For starters, what is that thing?”

“It’s a long range portal generator.”

“Define ‘long range’.”

Mio smiles smugly. “Up to twenty miles. Round trip, that is.”

“So that’s how you got all the way out here?”

“Precisely.”

“But that doesn’t explain the why though.”

Mio grimaces. “I’m… doing some field research if you must know.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Brightwing looks around before speaking. “Brightwing understand! You doing work… in a field!”

Arc nods soberly. “Conveniently the same area where my ship opened a wormhole I might add.”

“Such things are of great scientific interest to me.”

“We both know that’s only half of it, Mio.”

“Fine. Cards on the table?”

“Right.”

Mio frowns. “Several things from that night don’t make sense to me.”

“Even I’m a bit at a loss on how we survived that.”

“However the part that interested me the most was your final escape.”

“Final…?”

Mio interrupts. “How you did… whatever it was you did.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and shakes his head. “Sorry. That wasn’t part of the deal.”

“Very well. I’ll figure it out.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So you’re looking to replicate what we did?”

“Exactly.”

“I believe I already know why.”

“Brightwing no get it!”

Mio smiles wickedly “Then I’ll confirm your suspicions. I’m looking to reopen that particular portal so that I can find where you hide.”

Arc holds out his hands challengingly. “No need for that. Here I am. But I’m not actually the one you’re looking for, am I?”

Mio nods angrily as she clenches a fist. “Arc.”

“Arc?”

“Yes. You and him are quite… close. Considering that you came to his rescue in the park I’m assuming he’s close at hand to you at all times.”

“Something like that.”

“I find him and I get what I’m after.”

“Hammer?”

“Yes.”

“She doesn’t want to come back though.”

“Only because Arc has twisted her mind!”

Arc sighs. “And you think you can convince her otherwise?”

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

“Then why…?”

Mio interrupts. “Because that’s what family does! My sisters and I look out for one another!”

Brightwing flutters backwards nervously. “Woah! Scary!”

“I can tell you really care about her.”

“That I do.”

“Then why are you telling me?”

Mio sighs as she looks down at her feet. “Because… I… I feel as though I can trust you.”

“Even though I’m connected to Arc?”

“Yes.”

“Might I ask why?”

“Because you’ve proven yourself to me.”

“How?”

“Well, first off what happened in the cave. You didn’t kill me or leave me to die in there. And then there was the attack on our base.”

“Damocles Base, huh?”

Mio nods. “Right. Again, you could have killed my sisters and I. But you chose not to.”

Arc shrugs. “You were beaten. End of story.”

“And when my sister and I lured Arc out to that roadside rest stop. Your beast went after Stingray and could have killed her. But you called him off.”

“The fight was over as far as I was concerned.”

“Yet it would have still been simpler to finish her off. After all, you could certainly have done so and called it self-defense.”

“I don’t think that would have benefitted anyone.”

Mio shakes her head and smiles before continuing. “That attitude is why I trust you with this information. Because I feel that you’ll do right by me and my sisters.”

“I’ll certainly try.”

“That I am certain of. Now then, please follow me.”

Brightwing gasps. “Where you leading us?!”

“You’ll see.”

Turning around, Mio motions for Arc and Brightwing to follow her. Leading them toward the pond at the center of the grove she stops at the bank and looks out at the cold murky water before her.

“This is where you escaped. Right above this pool.”

“So you saw that on the news, eh?”

Mio sighs. “Not much else to do in the hospital other than watch television.”

“Sorry about that.”

“We brought it upon ourselves. More or less, I suppose. That and your forces were badly injured from what I saw. In addition to you, that is.”

She gazes out over the still waters before continuing.

“I’ve been studying this place. Looking for the answer to what makes it so special.”

“Have you now?”

Mio nods. “Yes. And I think I’ve figured it out.”

Mio turns and looks to him, grinning.

“I watched your interviews with Channel 7 News. You told Minerva Moore that you had come from another world, or something like that.”

Arc nods. “Right. But I’m originally from Earth.”

“At the time I thought you were just lying for attention, or something. However the data I’ve gathered from this spot proves that you might be telling the truth about that.”

“You doubted it?”

“Not anymore, no. You somehow opened a wormhole from this spot to that other world. My readings show how.”

“Do tell.”

“There’s some kind of strange energy surrounding this place. It’s magical in nature, that much is clear. But there’s more to it than that.”

“Brightwing feels energy too! This place… is nice!”

Mio makes a sweeping motion with her hand over the pond. “The energy signatures have a similar magical structure of that of a Barrier Spell.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You’ve discovered what the inhabitants of the other world call the ‘transdimensional barrier’.”

“But you know how to pierce it.”

“Not personally, no.”

“What?!”

“Trust me, I’m not that smart.”

“Then how…?”

“Everything I’ve done to get to this point has been a group effort.”

Mio gasps. “You have your own organization?!”

“Something like that.”

Mio puts a hand to her chin. “I see. It makes perfect sense now.”

Brightwing gasps. “Scary lady figure it out?!”

“All your vehicles, weapons, gear, manpower… it had to come from somewhere. A united force of some kind. Something similar to The Organization in numbers and resources. Nay, perhaps even greater.”

“What makes you think my side’s greater?”

“Because you turned down our attempts to recruit you. I didn’t understand it at the time, naturally. But it was because you were already part of another phantom organization. They provided everything you needed and more.”

“It’s a lot more complicated than that, of course. However believe me when I say that we are MUCH different than The Organization.”

“How so?”

“Our overall goal.”

“To make the world a better place?”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “We aren’t trying to do that at all.”

Mio appears surprised. “You’re not?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. The land beyond is already nearly perfect by human standards.”

“Then what are you fighting to achieve?”

“Ultimately… to maintain that state of peace and prosperity.”

“By attacking Damocles Base?!”

“Like I said, it’s a lot more complicated than that.”

“I know! That’s why I’m studying this place! Watch!”

She presses a button on the device in her hand. A low hum rings out as something the shape of an egg emerges from the center of the pool. It rises to the surface before opening to reveal its inner workings. Brightwing gasps.

“Big metal toy!”

Mio glares at her. “It’s not a toy.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then what…?”

Mio grins broadly. “A device that I hope to use to pass through this so-called transdimensional barrier eventually.”

“To invade?!”

Mio shakes her head. “Not at all. The Organization doesn’t have any idea what I’m doing out here. This is purely a personal project of mine to travel to that other world and find my sister.”

“You want Hammer back that bad?”

“Of course. She’s my sister.”

“That may be. But what about what she wants?”

Mio sighs. “You said before that she was happy with Arc, I know.”

“Then why try to take her away from him?”

“All I want is to hear her side of the story. That and make sure she’s really okay.”

“No other reason?”

“Well… I also want to be the first one to travel from Earth to there.”

Arc points to himself. “Uh…”

Mio groans. “Okay, okay. The first WOMAN to do so.”

“Still not the first.”

Mio gasps. “What?!”

Arc sighs. “It’s complicated. But believe me when I say that humans have been to the other world before.”

“That fact changes nothing! I’m still going to find my sister! Now are you going to help me or not?!”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?!”

“As I said before, I don’t actually know how the science behind traveling between dimensions works. It’s just beyond me. Which is why I have others doing what they’re good at… which is just that.”

Mio falls to her knees in front of the device. She looks down at the ground before speaking again.

“It’s… really complicated. Truth be told this could take years. Decades even.”

Arc puts a gauntlet on her shoulder. “I... could set up a meeting for you. Bring Hammer back to see you at that pizza place, or something.”

Mio shakes her head. “It wouldn’t work.”

“Why not?”

Mio holds up the papers from Hammer as she speaks.

“Because of what she said here.”

“Oh?”

“The diary page, it… well, I’m sure you already know.”

“Actually I don’t.”

“Huh?”

“I didn’t read it before giving it to you.”

Mio sighs. “Maybe you should.”

Taking the page, Arc reads it silently. Eventually he looks back to Mio.

“This… this is worded like a bad breakup note.”

Mio nods sadly. “That it is. Hammer doesn’t want anything to do with Stingray or myself. Says her therapist told her to write us a letter. Didn’t matter if she sent it or not as it was the act of putting it on paper that really mattered.”

She groans and grits her teeth before continuing.

“And I know I have Arc to thank for that.”

“I’m sure he didn’t intentionally…”

Mio cuts him off. “Stop please. Just… stop.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Brightwing flutters toward Mio and lands in the dirt in front of her.

“You… you miss friend?”

Mio nods sadly. “Yes.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because my sister and I did certain… things behind her back.”

“Mean things?”

“Mean things, yes.”

“Why can’t you just say you sorry?”

“Because it’s not that simple. This is a relationship that’s been broken beyond repair.”

“Brightwing not understand.”

Frowning, Mio looks around. Spotting a stick nearby she grabs it and holds it up to the creature before her.

“See this?! This was our relationship before!”

Holding both ends in either hand Mio snaps the stick in half before dropping them in front of Brightwing.

“That’s how it is now! Broken and unfixable!”

Brightwing picks up the sticks and looks them over for a few moments. Trying to put them back together along the seam as Arc watches.

“Interesting.”

“Huh?”

“Look.”

He points to Brightwing’s attempts to put the two halves back together.

“Even though there’s no solution in sight, she’s still trying to fix the stick.”

“But it’s impossible.”

“Maybe, yes. However it’s not so much the result that’s impressive as the effort.”

Mio scoffs. “What are you talking about?! There’s no point in trying to complete a task that has no solution!”

“Tell me, how much do you love Hammer?”

“With all my heart!”

“But you don’t believe your relationship is worth saving?”

Mio sighs. “You read the note. She never wants to see Stingray or I again. What more is there to be done?”

“An attempt.”

“It would fail.”

“Maybe. But then you could say that you at least tried. No regrets that way.”

Mio smiles sadly as she holds up a piece of paper. “Then you must not have read the second note.”

“You’re right. I didn’t.”

Mio holds it out to him. “Care to now?”

Arc takes the note and reads it silently. Sighing, he looks down at Mio.

“A farewell note?”

Mio nods. “Yes. While the first note was full of anger and vitriol, this one is calmer. Hammer just wanted me to know that she was done with Stingray and I. And that… and that she was happy in the other world.”

“But that wasn’t everything.”

“Right. Hammer asked me to tell you everything I was doing here.”

“And you did.”

“Only as a final favor to her. I know it won’t make up for everything Stingray and I did to her, but…”

Arc interrupts her. “Look, I’ll talk to Hammer about this. See if I can get her to change her mind about this whole disowning idea she has.”

Mio sighs. “I can’t stop you. But we both know you won’t succeed.”

“Well, I have to try.”

“Only one person could convince her otherwise at this point.”

“Who?”

Mio grits her teeth. “Ironically… Arc.”

“Then I’ll have him talk to her.”

“Thank you.”

Brightwing turns to Mio and paws at her foot before speaking.

“Friend? Brightwing has something for you!”

“What is…?”

In her scaly palm Brightwing holds the two halves of the stick. A long stem is meticulously coiled around the pieces and tied together at the center.

“Brightwing fixed your relationship! Hooray!”

Mio takes the stick and pats Brightwing’s head.

“Thank you, little one. But it’s not quite that simple.”

“It’s not?!”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda is.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. While bad things did indeed happen between the three of you in the past, there’s no reason they can’t be worked through. Given enough time and commitment you and Hammer may yet see eye to eye again.”

“Do you really think so?”

“It’s up to you if you’re willing to put in the work needed though.”

He points to the stick before continuing.

“Your relationship, like this stick, took a bit of work to make whole again.”

Mio appears hopeful “Would you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“I’d like to send a letter to Hammer. But I don’t think the mail carrier could deliver it.”

“And you’d like me to see to it that she gets it.”

“You’re probably the only one whom could do that right now.”

“Very well. Where and when should we meet?”

“How about right here tomorrow at midnight? That will give me time to figure out what to write.”

Arc nods. “Alright. I’ll come back and ferry your message to the other world.”

“Thank you very much.”

“But in any case I need to be going now.”

“I… I understand. After all, I need to figure out what to write anyways.”

Arc motions for Brightwing to follow him. Taking flight, she flutters over to his helmet and perches atop it as Arc makes his way through the foliage and back toward the road. Standing there for a few moments looking at the rustling shrubs, Mio eventually walks over to a day pack and pulls out a notepad. Sitting down under a tree she begins to write. A strange looking bird watches her from overhead. It blinks silently as its eyes focus on the young woman and her task. Raising its head it looks at the device in the middle of the pond for a few moments before looking down to Mio again. Meanwhile, General Mustang sits in his office watching the feed with great interest. Diva walks in slowly and moves to join him in watching the screen.

“More birdwatching, sir?”

Mustang chuckles. “In the most literal sense, yes.”

Diva gestures at Mio. “I still don’t understand why you don’t just let me go over there and drag her back!”

“Because she has a job to do.”

“Kinda hard to do with her A.W.O.L. at the moment though.”

“Hardly. Mio is quite efficient. Even when she doesn’t know it.”

Diva folds her arms over her chest. “I’d call her a liability.”

Mustang looks over to Diva with a smile. “And you’d like to deal with this supposed loose end?”

“Of course!”

“And how would you go about doing that?”

Diva grins menacingly. “By slitting that little weakling’s throat!”

“But what would that accomplish?”

“It would stop her from conspiring with Arc, for starters!”

Mustang shakes his head. “Quite the opposite really.”

“What are you…?”

Mustang taps the screen. “In reality, he’s helping her.”

Diva frowns. “But why? After all, they’re enemies!”

Mustang smiles at her. “It’s how he operates. A bit of aid here, a favor there… and she’ll be eating out of his hand in no time.”

“All the more reason to get rid of her! She’s no longer an asset to The Organization!”

“Then what is she?”

“A liability!”

“I suppose that is true, yes.”

“So does that mean I can kill her now?!”

Mustang shakes his head as he presses a few buttons on his keyboard to zoom in on her device.

“Not yet, Diva. At the moment Mio is exactly where I want her to be.”

Chapter 10 - Therapy

Arc reappears in the basement along with the others. Ember grins.

“Something smells good.”

Brightwing licks her lips. “Tasty!”

Scootaloo smiles and looks toward the stairs. “Must be suppertime.”

Ember turns to Brightwing. “Guess so. Um… we should probably be getting back to Equestria though.”

“But why, Dragon Lord?!”

“Because Arc needs to get back to his date.”

“You really do need to spend more time with the family, Big Brother.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, you’re right.”

He looks to Ember and Auriel before continuing.

“Ready to go back?”

“Yeah. But do me a favor.”

“What is it, Ember?”

“Don’t trust Mio any further than you can throw her. And get with Hammer on this as soon as you can.”

Auriel nods. “Right. She deserves to know.”

“I’ll head back to Equestria later tonight when everyone’s in bed and speak with her.”

Scootaloo chuckles. “Good idea.”

“Just one thing, you two. Don’t tell Hammer about this yet.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… you know she’s going to ask just as soon as I get back, right?”

Arc sighs. “Just tell her that I’ll explain everything when we talk tonight.”

“Fine. But don’t be surprised if she calls you first.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Is she really THAT impatient?!”

Arc shrugs. “Sometimes, yes. But we should hurry upstairs to join the others.”

Reaching into his ring Arc pulls out the Rainbow of Light. Channeling his magic into it a portal forms. Ember grins as it does.

“That’s sexy.”

Auriel licks her lips. “I agree.”

Arc sighs. “Don’t see how.”

“Brightwing stay here, Dragon Lord?!”

“I don’t really see why you’d need to…”

“Brightwing can feel if lady trying something new with her metal box!”

“She does have a point, Big Brother.”

Auriel shrugs. “I guess. We only noticed something was off when Brightwing said something.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Well… I guess you can stick around then.”

“Hooray!”

Ember groans. “Fine. Be good.”

“Yes, yes!”

Ember and Auriel give Arc a quick kiss before hurrying through the portal. Arc closes it as Scootaloo heads for the stairs with Brightwing. Together they walk upstairs where Derpy and the other girls are waiting around the table patiently.

“Sorry I took so long everyone. Mio wanted to talk something over.”

Derpy smiles. “That’s okay.”

“We just finished setting the food out a few minutes ago dad.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “It needed to cool down anyways.”

Apple Bloom pulls Arc’s chair out for him. “Have a seat!”

“Thanks.”

“Brightwing have some too?!”

Derpy giggles as she pulls another plate from the cupboard. “We wouldn’t leave you out, little one.”

“YAY!”

They sit down together as Arc begins serving the food. He turns to Scootaloo.

“Good job earlier.”

“Huh?”

“This afternoon, I mean.”

“But I didn’t even do anything.”

“You were there though.”

Dinky giggles. “I’m guessing most of it was pretty boring though.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “How?!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “I always thought most of Arc’s adventures were pretty exciting!”

Derpy turns to him. “Is that true, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. In fact most of the time is just spent talking.”

Brightwing gasp happily. “Like friends?”

Scootaloo sighs. “I did notice that.”

Arc looks to her. “Did you now?”

“Yeah. You often times try to diffused the situation with words, Big Brother.”

Derpy grimaces. “And when that doesn’t work?”

Scootaloo makes a small fist. “Then we start cracking skulls!”

Dinky frowns. “That’s one way to put it.”

“Hey, sometimes they need to see a more forceful version of reason!”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I guess that’s true.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “But that just sounds so… mean.”

Derpy looks to them. “Now girls, Arc does things for Equestria that no one else can. So it stands to reason that his methods may have to be that which you don’t really like.”

Arc nods. “Right. However violence is typically a last resort for me.”

“That’s good, dad. After all, those whom you fight might have families too.”

“Usually not. But there’s not always time to figure that out before things get real.”

They continue with their meal. Apple Bloom turns to Arc.

“So what did this Mio human want?”

“She’s Hammer’s sister. Ultimately she just wanted to make sure Hammer was doing okay.”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes grow wide. “Did you tell her about Equestria?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not by name, no. I just referred to it as another world.”

“Why’s that, dad?”

“I’m a bit nervous telling her any particulars about that place.”

Derpy shudders. “Because she’s not a nice human?”

“More along the lines of her affiliation with the group that held Princess Celestia for over a year.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “We really should be taking them out, Big Brother!”

“Kinda agree with you on that. However I can’t just waltz in there and start blowing things up.”

“Why not?!”

“Because we’d have the entire military after us.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Again.”

“Not a fun time. What I did last time was really pushing it in terms of diplomacy.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Diplomacy, Arc?”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Are Earth and Equestria trying to have peace, or something?”

“What I meant was any actions taken against the military here would be perceived as an attack by a foreign government. They might try to find a way to Equestria to prevent future attacks.”

Derpy grimaces. “But they can’t get there, right?”

“Probably not. After all, if they could I believe they’d be marching troops through by now.”

Dinky looks to her mother. “But there has to be a way. After all Sunburst made that machine that can do it.”

“And that item that you used to bring us here earlier as well.”

“Brightwing do it too!”

Sweetie Belle puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “And that mare Rarity saw at the peace summit. What was her name again?”

Apple Bloom clenches a fist. “Sunset Shimmer.”

“Right. She must know a way to travel back and forth between worlds.”

Scootaloo sighs. “If there’s so many ways to travel, why haven’t they invaded yet?”

“The only thing I can think of is that these methods only allow limited numbers of people, or ponies, to travel through a given point. Sunset Shimmer can probably only transport herself to Equestria and back to Earth.”

“Or just one more like Brightwing did with the Dragon Lord earlier!”

Derpy smiles. “So many methods, but each have their limits it seems.”

Arc shrugs. “Other than my Rainbow of Light and Sunburst’s S.P.E.A.R., that is.”

Dinky look to her father. “That second one was limited to the Elements of Harmony for a power source though.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Right. So even if they did build one it wouldn’t matter since they couldn’t use it.”

Sweetie Belle looks to his ring. “What about the… what was it called again, Arc?”

“The Rainbow of Light.”

“Is it something only you can use?”

“I don’t think so. Not that I’ve asked anyone else to try it, but all one supposedly has to do is to power it up with their magic.”

“So even I could do it?”

Arc tousles her hair. “If your magic was powerful enough, probably.”

Brightwing giggles. “Friend could try!”

“Maybe another time.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “So you believe Equestria is safe then?”

“As safe as it can be, I suppose. As it stands no one is in any position to travel between the dimensions whom isn’t already doing so.”

Scootaloo shudders. “Mio’s machine was putting off some really weird magical energy though, Big Brother.”

“Yeah. It didn’t feel anything like the S.P.E.A.R or the Rainbow of Light to me either.”

Apple Bloom grins. “But isn’t that a good thing, Arc?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Like she’s on the wrong track.”

“Probably. After all, Mio doesn’t really have anything to work off of as a template.”

“Maybe you should speak to Sunburst about this, dad.”

“I was planning to call him after supper and have him scan that area around the pond.”

Brightwing grins. “Why not now, friend?!”

“Well… I suppose I could get him started on it.”

Arc touches his earring and calls out.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“Sunburst here, sir.”

“I need you to scry a patch of ground here on Earth.”

“Is it the same place Ember mentioned to me a little while ago?”

“Probably. Did you find anything?”

“Yes sir. The readings we took indicate that the machine in question is reacting to the transdimensional barrier.”

Dinky gasps. “That’s why you could feel it there in Equestria and here on Earth!”

“Exactly. However only those magic users attuned to that particular type of magic could feel it.”

“So not every Unicorn in Equestria then?”

“Just those whom have traveled between the worlds, sir.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “That’s why I could feel it!”

Dinky nods. “It’s because we know what it is!”

Apple Bloom points a finger. “But Scootaloo doesn’t have magic and could sense it!”

“You forget that I have my Crimson Powers. They’re very similar to magic in their own regard.”

Derpy looks to the creature anxiously lapping up her food. “What about Brightwing though?”

Arc frowns. “Right. She hasn’t been to Earth before.”

“Brightwing has too!”

Dinky gasps. “You have?”

“Right!”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “What for?”

“Food here tasty! And found in large amounts in metal boxes that move very fast!”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Large metal… boxes?”

Derpy puts a hand to her cheek. “That move fast?”

Dinky shrugs. “I don’t get it.”

Arc sighs. “Brightwing means semi-trucks I would imagine.”

Apple Bloom looks to Brightwing. “How do you get in those boxes?”

“Brightwing Blinks inside, eats her fill, and Blinks out again!”

Arc facepalms. “Please tell me no one saw you do that.”

“Is that… bad?”

“Kinda. If anyone caught a glimpse of you they’d probably call the military. Or at the very least animal control.”

Scootaloo looks Brightwing over. “That and you’d be very valuable, being the only one of your kind here on Earth.”

“Brightwing… valuable?”

Arc nods. “Probably, yes. But so are you, Scootaloo.”

“I am?”

“Very. How many Pegasi do you think Earth has?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I dunno.”

“Two.”

“TWO?!”

“Yup. You and Derpy.”

Derpy giggles. “We’re mythical creatures here.”

Arc nods. “Like humans in Equestria.”

Brightwing rubs her claw together slyly. “Where can Brightwing go to sell self then?!”

They all laugh together heartily. Finishing their meal Arc stands and begins to clear the table. Scootaloo looks to him.

“Big Brother?”

“Yes, Scootaloo?”

“I know what you’re thinking.”

Derpy looks over. “You do?”

Scootaloo nods. “It’s part of the master/thrall relationship dynamic. I mean, he could always just cut me off. But generally speaking Big Brother doesn’t usually do that.”

Arc smiles nervously as he turns away. “R-right. Just sometimes.”

Apple Bloom tilts her head to one side, confused. “When do you cut her off, Arc?”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “During top secret thoughts?”

“Nothing quite that… um… important.”

Dinky smiles nervously. “We should probably leave it at that then.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Right, sweetie. Now then, why don’t we start the dishes?”

“Okay mom.”

Apple Bloom steps forward. “I’ll help.”

Sweetie Belle raises a hand. “Me too.”

Arc looks out the window. “I, uh… think I’ll go call Shelly’s room then. See how she’s doing.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Why not just go over there, Big Brother? After all, you DO have a sigil on the roof over there.”

“Well… yes, but…!”

Derpy calls out from the sink. “Go ahead, Arc. I’ll watch the girls for you.”

“Are you sure?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah dad. She really needs you right now.”

“Alright then. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Can I come too, Big Brother?”

“I… guess so.”

Derpy waves. “Have a nice time you two.”

Arc nods and calls forth his gauntlet. Opening a portal he and Scootaloo step through it. Reappearing on the hospital roof Arc Blinks them down to ground level before leading the young girl inside. He turns to her as they walk down a corridor together.

“You doing okay?”

Scootaloo nods, clearly confused. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Everything that’s happened since we met.”

“What about it?”

“I’ve just been wondering if you’re okay with your life now.”

Scootaloo grins. “Are you kidding?! You’re the best thing to ever happen to me, Big Brother!”

Arc sighs. “I still have my doubts.”

“What are you talking about?! My life back in Knothole Village was terrible!”

“But at least you were safe there.”

“And I’m safe here too.”

“Are you?”

“Yeah. Who’s gonna come after me?”

“Well… I have involved you in more than a couple really dangerous escapades.”

“But I like it!”

“I’m just remembering a time when you hated going out foraging with your dad.”

“That’s because I didn’t have the confidence to stand up to something bigger than I was.”

“It still seems like Shadow could have taught you that better.”

Scootaloo frowns. “He wasn’t the best teacher.”

“And I am?”

“The best, actually. You taught me so much just by being yourself.”

“Guess I should be glad of that fact.”

Scootaloo grins. “Trust me. When you came into my life things improved for me DRASTICALLY!”

Arriving at Shelly’s room they find Lily sitting next to the bed as she and Shelly watch Jeopardy. Hearing them enter Lily stands and mutes the television.

“Well this is a surprise!”

Shelly smiles at them. “Hello again you two.”

Arc chuckles as Lily walks over to him for a hug. “Nice to be back.”

Lily takes his arm and leads him over to the bed. Shelly raises a hand as he nears.

“So what brings you here tonight?”

Arc smiles as he takes her hand. “Scarlet and I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing. How do you feel?”

“Okay, I guess.”

Lily points to an empty IV bag. “Shelly just finished her supper a little while ago.”

Shelly giggles. “It doesn’t have the same taste as real food though.”

She looks to Lily before continuing.

“Which reminds me. You need to eat something too.”

“I will later.”

“Now, now. Don’t dawdle on my account.”

“Why don’t you take her to the Cafeteria, Big Brother?”

“I’m not sure if it’s still open.”

Lily nods. “For a few more hours actually.”

“Then I’ll pop over there with you and buy you something.”

“That’s alright. I’ll get something later.”

Shelly smiles. “Better take him up on his offer, Lily. You forgot your purse at home, remember?”

“Oh! I completely forgot about that!”

Arc chuckles. “Come on, Lily. My treat.”

“Well… all right. But I don’t really want to leave Shelly alone.”

Scootaloo raises a small hand. “I can stay with her.”

Shelly nods. “Yes. We’ll have a nice chat while you two are gone.”

Lily smiles. “Okay.”

Arc takes Lily’s hand. “Be back soon.”

The pair leave the room together. Shelly looks to Scootaloo and motions for her to approach the bed.

“Why don’t you have a seat next to me, little one?”

“Oh, um… okay.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo takes Lily’s vacated seat.

“So how are you enjoying your time here in Angel Grove?”

“It’s okay.”

“Miss your homeland?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Nah. Not exactly the best memories over there.”

“I heard a bit about your past from Arc some time ago.”

“It’s not something I like to think about.”

“That’s fine.”

“Big Brother… told me that he and you grew up together in an orphanage.”

Shelly nods. “We did, yes.”

“What… was he like?”

“As a kid?”

“Yeah.”

“Pretty much the same as he is now. Just a bit smaller.”

“I don’t get it.”

Shelly smiles. “What I mean is that Arc was always the one whom wanted to help others feel more at ease in their situation.”

“That I’ve witnessed firsthand.”

“Oh?”

“My dad used to do really bad things to my mom. Big Brother always did his best to protect me from that though.”

“How did he do that?”

“By helping me get away from the house when things got bad.”

“That does sound like something he’d do.”

“My life’s been pretty hard as long as I can remember. But since meeting him, things have been bearable.”

“Let me guess. He showed you that everything was going to be okay by looking at things from a different point of view.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Right. How did you know that?”

“Because that’s what he did for anyone whom had problems when them came to the orphanage. Sat down and listened to their story before pointing out the good that came from it. You see most kids whom were taken from their parents were abused and scared when they arrived. He helped them understand that they were safe from their old life there with him and the others.”

“So he was like the leader there?”

“No, that was Frank. But mostly because he was the biggest and had more charisma.”

“Well, he’s certainly been a focal point in my life since the day we met. I’m really grateful that he takes such good care of me. However I still feel like I should be doing something to repay him.”

“Arc doesn’t really care much about getting something in return for his troubles. To him the reward is in seeing someone happy again.”

“Happy…”

“Scarlet?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Happiness is something he taught me how to feel.”

“He did something similar for me too.”

“Did he show you how to be happy?”

“It was more along the lines of giving me hope.”

“Hope?”

Shelly sighs. “Unlike a lot of the other kids my age whom were orphaned, I actually remembered a few things about my parents. The sound of their voices and how they would always tell me just how special I was to them.”

“Anything else?”

“Not much. I mean, I overheard a lot of other things that they said. But I didn’t understand any of it. Lots of big words that I assume were part of their careers.”

“And you were too young to be involved in that?”

“Pretty much.”

“My parents taught me about their jobs. My mom was an herbalist and my dad was a wildcrafter and scavenger.”

“Sounds like they would have worked well together.”

“It wasn’t like that though. My dad was an alcoholic and my mom just let him do whatever to her.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that, Scarlet.”

“So am I. But Big Brother told me that he understood what I was going though. His mom was an alcoholic too.”

“He told us the same. I never really understood his feelings for her though.”

“What do you mean?”

“Whether he liked or didn’t like her.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “You don’t know?”

“Sometimes he’d tell us of the good memories of him and his mother doing things together happily. Other times he’d talk about her being so drunk she’d forget to bathe for days at a time.”

“I feel the same way about my mom too.”

“Do you now?”

Scootaloo nods. “Part of me liked how she did her best to care for me. While the other part hates her for not standing up to my dad when he did things to her.”

“Life might not have been kind to either of you. But there was something Arc would always say when this scenario came up.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“It’s in the past. You can either choose to hold onto the bad and let it eat you up inside or talk it out in an effort to start moving on.”

“Did it work?”

“Most of the time. But it wasn’t an overnight thing. We all had to heal at our own speed. But he was right there for us when we needed him. Sometimes it was to lend a word of encouragement while other times he just gave us a shoulder to cry on.”

“Which did you need?”

Shelly sighs. “Mostly the first thing. But everyone needs to cry sometimes. Just let it all out.”

“The last time I did that was when my parents died.”

“And you promised yourself you’d be strong.”

“Something like that. But how did you know?”

“A lot of kids had the same thing happen to them. They wanted to be strong and make their deceased parents proud. However Arc had to convince them not to try and bottle things up inside. That eventually the pressure would be too much and burst forth.”

“So they had to do what exactly?”

“Cry.”

“I don’t understand why that’s so important.”

“It’s a mental release of sorts. With all that emotional baggage weighing you down you can’t begin to move on. Ask Arc and he’ll tell you just that.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Good. After all, a sweet little girl like you needs to be able to live her life free of her past. And Arc can show you how to do that.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing lifts a ceiling tile and looks at the pair below. Frowning, she lowers the tile back into place and continues on her way. Finding a pharmaceutical storage room she drops down into it and looks around.

“Hooray! Brightwing find treasure room!”

Taking flight, she looks all around the shelves. Grabbing a bottle, she grins.

“This look important! Will help Brightwing finish potion!”

Snatching up a couple more she grabs one final bottle in the cruck of her tail before concentrating and reappearing on the floor of her office in Canterlot Castle.

Blinking up onto the desk she lines up the bottles in front of her other implements and grins slyly as she rubs her claws together and stares at her potion.

“It won’t be long now! Soon Brightwing show EVERYONE just how smart she really be!”

Chapter 11 - Messages

The next day Arc and his family sit around the table eating breakfast. Derpy turns to Arc.

“What would you like to do today?”

Arc shrugs. “Not really sure. But we should probably go somewhere fun for the fillies.”

Dinky giggles. “Girls, dad.”

Arc smiles as he tousles her hair. “Right, sweetheart.”

Apple Bloom turns to him. “Do they have parks here, Arc?”

“They do, yes. I took Dinky and Scootaloo to one last time we were here.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Dinky. “Was it fun?!”

“Yeah! I really liked the merry-go-round!”

Derpy appears confused. “Which one was that again?”

“The one that goes around in a circle, mom.”

“Ah, yes! Now I remember.”

Apple Bloom grins. “We don’t have anything like that back home!”

Sweetie Belle puts a hand to her chin. “I wonder why not? After all, it sounds like a lot of fun.”

Arc chuckles. “I know why.”

Dinky wiggles her fingers. “Lack of hands?”

“Yup.”

Derpy shudders. “I think a pony would just fly off.”

Brightwing Blinks into the center of the table on top of the platter of pancakes.

“Good morning, friends!”

Apple Bloom frowns. “The food!”

Brightwing looks down and snakes her tongue over that which she is sitting on. “Mmmm! Tasty!”

Arc sighs. “Well, at least all of us already had some on our plates.”

Derpy smiles as she pats the little creature before her. “Then I guess this serving platter is yours.”

“Hooray!”

Brightwing lowers her head and begins munching away happily as Dinky turns to Arc.

“Can we bring Brightwing to the park with us, dad?”

“I don’t think that’s a very good idea, sweetheart.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Why not, Arc?”

Sweetie Belle pets Brightwing’s scales. “Yeah. I think she’d like it there.”

“True. But you have to remember that Brightwing is a creature that doesn’t exist on Earth. Someone would probably try to kidnap her.”

Derpy nods. “Then she’d never get home to Equestria.”

Aw! But Brightwing want to have fun with others!”

Arc shrugs. “Sorry, but as you are it’s too risky.”

“What if Brightwing was not Brightwing?!”

Dinky appears confused. “What?”

“Brightwing show you!”

Fluttering over to the window she looks outside for a few moments. Suddenly Blinking away, Brightwing returns a few minutes later in a flash of light. She is perched atop an elderly dog. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“What are you doing with the neighbor’s dog?”

“You’ll see, friend!”

Concentrating, Brightwing focuses her magic. In a flash of light she transforms into a much younger version of the dog below her. Tumbling off, she turns to the others happily.

“How Brightwing look now?!”

Dinky laughs. “Like a real dog!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah! I’d certainly believe it!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Everyone will!”

Derpy smiles. “Well, what do you say now, Arc?”

Arc chuckles. “That she can go.”

“YAY!”

Scootaloo groans. “Probably shouldn’t talk though, right?”

Arc continues. “On the condition that you don’t speak.”

“Can Brightwing bark?!”

“I guess so.”

“Then that’s what Brightwing will do!”

Arc stands up. “You do that. I have to bring Lucky here back to his yard.”

Dinky groans. “I hope his owner won’t be too mad that we borrowed him.”

“Nah, he gets out sometimes. But fortunately never goes too far or does anything other than lie on other people’s lawns.”

Apple Bloom follows Arc to the door. “We’ll help you put him back.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “That we will!”

Dinky stands up with her mother. “I’ll get the sink filled up and the dishes going while you’re doing that, dad.”

“Okay. Be back in a few minutes.”

Arc picks up the old dog and heads for the door with Brightwing at his heels. Apple Bloom opens the door for him as Sweetie Belle opens the screen door. Scootaloo closes the doors behind them Derpy turns to Dinky.

“Is everything okay, sweetie?”

“Yeah. Why mom?”

“I was just wondering if there was something going on. After all, you’re usually the first to volunteer to go anywhere with your father.”

“Yes, well… Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle need to spend time with him too. Remember, he’s going to be their father too when dad marries their sisters.”

Scootaloo frowns. “And you’re okay with that?”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Jealousy.”

“Nah. After all, I’m willing to share my dad with you and the others. Just like my mom is with the other members of the herd.”

Derpy smiles. “Yes indeed. We all need to do our parts to keep things running smoothly.”

“But you can’t tell me that at least some part of you doesn’t want Big Brother all to yourselves.”

Dinky shrugs. “I suppose that’s true, yes. But I’m thinking about it from another point of view.”

“Oh?”

“If I share him with my friends, then I’ll gain Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom as sisters.”

“And I’ll gain a deeper connection with Arc and my friends too.”

Scootaloo groans. “But neither of those things are really connected to sharing him. I mean, Dinky will still be friends with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle regardless. And I don’t see how marriage is required to get closer to others.”

Dinky smiles. “While that’s certainly true, I still want to see it happen.”

Derpy nods as she looks to Scootaloo. “As do I. But what about you?”

“What about me?”

Arc opens the back door and enters with the two girls. Giving a thumbs up he smiles.

“Dog’s back where he belongs and no one was the wiser.”

Brightwing giggles. “He looked happy to be home too!”

Apple Bloom frowns as she looks at Brightwing. “You were the one who took him, remember?”

“Not took! Borrowed!”

Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes. “Right.”

Arc clears his throat to diffuse the situation. “In any case, why don’t we head to the park now?”

“But what about the dishes, dad?”

“We can do them when we get back. After all, it’s a nice day outside. And we don’t know just how many more of those we’ll have before things turn cold again.”

He leads them to the Jeep. Making the quick drive to the park Arc gets out with the others. Dinky grins as she gestures to the playground.

“This… is a human park!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “WOAH!”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes grow wide. “It looks really complicated!”

Derpy giggles. “I suppose it would, as we just have fields back home.”

Arc turns to his daughter. “Daisy, why don’t you show your friends how the swings work?”

“Okay. Come on you two! You’ll love this!”

The trio heads for the swings as Derpy giggles.

“I do enjoy watching them play.”

“Think you could help push the girls on the swings, Derpy? I want to talk to Scootaloo.”

“Sure. But remember, it’s Dawn.”

Arc chuckles. “You’re right, of course.”

Derpy giggles as she walks toward the three children at the swings. Arc motions to a picnic table nearby.

“Why don’t we have a seat?”

“Okay.”

Sitting down across from Scootaloo Arc looks her in the eye before speaking.

“What’s up with you lately?”

“Big Brother?”

“You get along well with me. But are rather short with others.”

“I don’t see how.”

Arc frowns. “I heard your conversation with Derpy and Dinky this morning.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Just wanted to tell them my point of view.”

“Nothing wrong with that. But I feel like you were being dismissive of THEIR points of view.”

“So you disagree with my opinion then?”

“Not at all. If anything you’re right.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Then what’s the problem?”

“Your attitude.”

“Big Brother… can I level with you on something?”

“Always.”

“I’m not like them. Heck, I’m not like anyone really. Earth or Equestria... both seem like foreign places to me.”

“Because everyone used to just brush you off back in Knothole Village?”

“Yeah. But things didn’t really change when I left and followed you all over the country.”

Arc sighs. “That is true, yes.”

“No matter what town we came to I was viewed differently. Like I was an object and not a pony.”

“They looked up to you.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “They looked up to the Scarlet Filly.”

She looks down at her hands before continuing.

“I’m just a little nobody as it stands.”

“Not to me.”

“Big Brother?”

“I for one am very proud of what you’ve been able to accomplish, Scootaloo. But that isn’t what’s bothering you, is it?”

Scootaloo sighs. “No sir.”

“Then why not just come out and say it?”

“Why? I mean… you already know what I’m thinking.”

“True. But I’d rather hear you say the words.”

Scootaloo bows her head as she speaks.

“I… I’m just… I don’t want to lose my Big Brother to somepony else.”

“Like Rarity and Applejack mostly though, right?”

“All of them really.”

“What makes you think you will?”

“When it was just the two of us we spent nearly every minute of every day together. But since you got your memories back most of the time you’re with somepony else. I mean someone else.”

“You just want to go back to the way things used to be for us, don’t you?”

Scootaloo nods. “I do. It was a simpler time. Well, other than when somep… someone was trying to get you.”

“Truth be told I too miss those times.”

“You do?!”

“Yes. No responsibilities other than to you. Living off the land and making camp whenever or wherever we could was a lot simpler.”

Scootaloo lowers her voice.” Then let’s go back to that.”

“What about the others?”

“They’ll find someone else to marry. After all, they’re pretty good looking and have decent personalities. Well… most of them.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh really?”

“Yeah.”

“Who do you think has a bad personality?”

Scootaloo looks away. “I’d… rather not say.”

“Come on. I won’t get mad.”

“Fine. It’s Derpy.”

“Oh? Why her?”

“Because she’s kinda… mentally slow. That and her mane and tail always look like she just woke up. I mean… doesn’t she even know what a brush is?”

Arc shrugs. “I kinda like her mane like that though.”

“You do?”

“Yes. It’s who she is. When we went out on our date a while back she had her mane styled. And while she did look pretty, seeing her mane like that just kinda felt a bit… off.”

“Not trying to be mean here, but I think you’d be much better off with Hammer or Ember, Big Brother.”

“Why them?”

“Because they’re just like you, Big Brother. Strong warriors… good in a fight.”

“There’s more to love than marital prowess though.”

“If you’re looking for beauty then Rarity would be the logical choice. I mean, I’ve hardly ever seen so much as a hair out of place on her whole body before! She’s smart, pretty, and could support you financially with her business.”

“But there’s still the others. After all, they each bring something to the table.”

“You do what you want, Big Brother. But I think you should leave Derpy out of this whole herd idea. She’s just not that good of a candidate for you.”

“But Rarity couldn’t help me start a family.”

“Then take Hammer as a second wife or concubine. With her hips I’m sure she could push out a number of foals for you. Just be careful they don’t fight over who’s more useful in the marriage.”

“I really do love all of them though.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Guess I can’t really talk you out of this, can I?”

“Nope.”

“Fine. I just ask one thing of you then.”

“What is it, Scootaloo?”

“Think long and hard about proposing to Derpy, as she doesn’t bring anything to the mix that I can tell.”

“I’m going to think very hard about everyone. Her included.”

“Great. That’s all I ask for.”

“As long as we’re on the subject then, I’d like something from you too.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to watch and learn.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow, confused. “Learn what exactly?”

“About all of us. How we work separately and together.”

“Mostly Derpy though, right?”

“Everyone.”

“I’m a little confused on what exactly I’m supposed to be looking for.”

“Observe how a family works.”

“But I’m past that point. Emancipated, and all that.”

“Legally, yes. However you’re still a filly.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I really would rather just try to get on with my life, Big Brother.”

“And I think you need to have a proper childhood. Well, fillyhood I guess. So as your… um… Vampiric Lord, or whatever, I’m ordering you to do what I say.”

“You mean as my master, Big Brother. You’re not a vampire.”

“Kinda am. That and I really don’t like the sound of you calling me ‘master’.”

“Yes sir. I’ll do my best to carry out your orders.”

“Thank you. And please try to do so with an open mind.”

“No promises there.”

A couple hours later Arc and company return home to make lunch. They spend the rest of the day straightening up the house before turning to board games until supper. As the sun sets Arc and Derpy put the girls to bed together before returning to the Living Room. Arc turns to her.

“Well, I guess it’s time.”

Derpy appears worried. “Do you think Hammer’s had long enough?”

Arc shrugs. “It doesn’t really matter. After all I need to meet Mio at the pond now.”

“You said Hammer was sure she’d have it done though.”

“And I have faith in her.”

“Then you probably shouldn’t keep either of them waiting.”

“Right. I’ll be back as soon as I can though.”

Derpy smiles sleepily. “Yes, well… I think I’ll turn in too. We had a busy day today.”

“Yeah. And tomorrow will be equally eventful I’m sure.”

“Don’t stay out too late.”

Arc chuckles as he calls forth his armor and opens a portal. “I’ll try not to.”

Arriving on his sigil in the grove Arc looks around. Spotting a campfire beyond the tree line he heads for it. Pushing through a bush he sees Mio sitting on the ground in front of the fire. She looks up nervously as he approaches.

“Th-thank you for coming.”

“When I say I’m going to do something, I do it.”

Mio smiles. “Even when you have no reason to keep your word, you do.”

Nodding as she looks at her satchel lying on the ground next to her, Mio reaches inside and pulls out a single piece of paper. Looking at it for a time she eventually folds it up and hands it to Arc.

“Here you are. One letter.”

Arc chuckles as he accepts it. “Don’t worry. I won’t read it.”

“I couldn’t really stop you in that regard. But I do believe you.”

“Yes well… I’ll see to it that this gets to Hammer.”

“How will you do it?”

“Walk up to her and hand it over.”

“Personally?”

“Right. Um… something bothering you about this?”

“I just… don’t want anyone else getting their hands on it. At the moment I’m on thin ice.”

“With Hammer?”

Mio groans. “Everyone really. Hammer, Stingray, and even The Organization.”

“Does this have anything to do with me escaping you and your sisters?”

“That’s one piece of it, yes. But you can think of such a thing like the tip of the proverbial iceberg.”

“Sorry if it caused you trouble. However…”

Mio interrupts him. “…you had your mission, Hero. As did we. The only difference was that you succeeded while my sisters and I failed.”

“It wasn’t my intention to… my mission was… um…”

“You don’t need to tell me about it. I’m sure it’s classified, or whatnot.”

“I suppose so.”

“Does Hammer know?”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe one day I will too.”

“We’ll see.”

Mio nods sadly as she gestures to the letter in Arc’s gauntlet.

“In any case, you should probably bring that to Hammer. And if you’d like to read it with her, well… I won’t mind.”

“Hammer will be the one deciding that. But I’ll see to it she gets it.”

“How… how long until…?”

Arc interrupts her. “It’s about a five minute walk for me.”

“That… close?”

“Yes. She’s not far from my sigil. Is there anything else you’d like me to say when I see her though?”

Mio shakes her head. “Everything is in my letter already.”

“Okay. Um… I do hope this works out for you two.”

Mio says nothing, but stares into her campfire. Arc turns, opens a portal, and steps through. As it closes Mio looks over to it.

“I hope so too.”

Chapter 12 - Mail Carrier

Meanwhile Arc finds himself back in his room in Canterlot Castle. Recalling his armor he steps into the hallway and starts walking. The sun has set and dim lights illuminate the corridors giving off the feeling that even the building itself was bed down for the night. Making his way to Hammer’s office he finds a note taped to the door.

“What do we have here?”

Pulling the paper off the door he unfolds it to find a simple message hastily scrawled. ‘Meet me in my room’. Shrugging, Arc wads up the paper and tosses it into a waste basket nearby. Walking to Hammer’s quarters he finds the door slightly ajar. Pushing it open as he knocks Arc calls out.

“Hammer? It’s me.”

“Come on in.”

Entering the darkened room he spies Hammer sitting on her couch in front of a roaring fireplace. Closing the door behind him Arc walks over to the couch. However Hammer does not take her gaze off the fire before her. Sitting down next to her Arc joins her in staring at the fire silently. Eventually Hammer breaks it.

“Can’t believe her.”

“Huh?”

Hammer frowns. “Mio. She still wants to talk to me even after I betrayed her and Stingray to help you.”

Arc holds up the folded piece of paper. “I have her response to your message right here.”

Extending his hand, Arc hands her the note. Hammer sits there staring at the folded up paper for a long moment. Eventually Arc speaks.

“You… okay?”

“Kinda. This whole thing kinda has me… on edge.”

Arc looks at the paper in her hand. “Should I leave you alone to read that?”

“I… don’t really know.”

“No rush then.”

Hammer groans. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh?”

“It just… this is really sudden. Mio contacting me, and all.”

“Hard to imagine her wanting to find you?”

Hammer scoffs. “Hardly. She’s always been really overbearing to me. Like I can’t take care of myself.”

She holds up the letter before continuing.

“And I know exactly what this says.”

“Do you now?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. She’ll start off analyzing what I did from her point of view before moving on to telling me how it wasn’t how she would have handled it.”

“Sounds like this has happened before.”

“Lots of times actually. When I joined up with you, part of me was sad that I had to leave my sisters behind. But the other part was happy that I wouldn’t have to put up with them doing this to me anymore.”

She wads up the paper and holds it up, grinning.

“Well, here’s what I think of what Mio thinks!”

Standing, Hammer tosses the paper toward the fireplace. Arc reaches out a hand, grabs it in midair, and pulls it to himself with a Telekinesis Spell.

“Hold on there, Hammer!”

“What the heck…?”

“Mio took a really big risk asking me to deliver this to you. For all she knew I could have read it over myself or asked for a big favor in exchange.”

Hammer frowns. “Trust me. I know Mio.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sure you do. But I really think you need to hear her out.”

“Why are you so interested in this?!”

“Because I saw her face when she gave it to me. She was really emotionally drained from writing it.”

“It’s late. She was probably just regular tired.”

Arc looks his friend in the eye as he speaks evenly. “Hammer… she built a prototype transdimensional portal generator in an attempt to find you.”

He holds up the wad of paper before continuing.

“Failing that, this was the best she could do.”

Hammer moans “Fine. I’ll see what Mio has to say. But the second she starts talking down to me, this thing is going right in the fireplace!”

“Fine.”

Holding out the paper to her, Hammer takes it, unwads it, presses it against her leg momentarily in an attempt to flatten it, and begins to read silently. Arc waits patiently as she does so. Eventually Hammer turns slowly to him and speaks.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“What… exactly was Mio doing when you saw her?”

“When?”

“Right when you left.”

“Sitting in front of a campfire in the middle of nowhere.”

“Any camping gear in sight?”

“I saw a backpack on the ground nearby.”

“No tent?”

“Not nearby, no.”

“Are you sure?”

“Well, it was dark when I showed up to get that note from her. But what’s the big deal with the tent? Or lack of, I suppose.”

Hammer holds up the note. “Because Mio says here that she’s on the lam.”

“She did mention being on thin ice with The Organization and Stingray though.”

Hammer frowns. “That’s not good.”

“But why?”

“Because Mio’s totally dedicated to the cause. She and Stingray are really close as far as that goes.”

“The one thing they agree on, huh?

“Right. But let me tell you about this part.”

Hammer clears her throat and begins to read aloud from the note.

“Dear Hammer. I wish this letter was about happier matters, or even the mundane. However things have evolved since you left us. The Organization has been rather quiet about a certain secret project being conducted inside the vault. Large amounts of equipment and other unknown supplies have been delivered to the base. All are earmarked as being ‘top secret’ and it is not apparent to me what exactly they could be used for or even what they are.”

Arc frowns. “How tech savvy is Mio?”

“Very. She’s the smart one between the three of us, you know.”

“So I suppose this means The Organization is up to something again.”

“They’re always working on something. I should know, after all.”

“Does she say anything else?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. Let me keep going.”

Turning back to the paper Hammer continues reading.

“General Mustang himself now visits the vault daily for personal updates. Nothing in writing ever leaves. It appears that even the reports regarding this project themselves are deemed so sensitive as to be worthy of extreme security measures. Such a thing has never been done before now. That alone is cause for concern, to say nothing for Colonel Diva’s most recent mission.”

Hammer looks to Arc and grins.

“She’s talking about us sending her back to Earth bloodied and beaten most likely.”

“You guys hurt her THAT bad?!”

“Figured out her weakness.”

“What was it?”

“A coordinated attack by numerous assailants with diverse skill sets.”

“Makes sense.”

Hammer grins. “Diva was losing a LOT of blood when she retreated. We tried to capture her but she was out of range.”

“It’s fine. But if she was hurt that bad I’m going to assume she’s still in the hospital. Maybe we could go nab her.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. Mio talks about that next.”

Looking back at the letter Hammer reads again.

“When the colonel got back to base, she looked like a grenade had gone off next to her. I thought they were going to rush her to the Infirmary for sure. However they whisked her away to the vault. The most surprising part came an hour or so later when she walked out under her own power. Her wounds were bandaged and she wore a sling. However she appeared well on her way toward recovery.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So they have a way to quickly heal people?”

“That could revolutionize healthcare for everyone both here and on Earth!”

“But I doubt they’d be willing to share that information with us. Or anyone else for that matter.”

“Doesn’t sound perfected yet though. And for all we know there could be nasty side effects.”

“I suppose so. Any more info in that letter?”

“Just a few more things. Mio continues by saying… Stingray herself made a single trip inside the vault a few days ago. I noted that she seemed a bit shaken when she emerged, but refused to say a word to me of what she saw. Her only response to my inquiries was that I was scheduled to undergo some kind of procedure within the vault in the next few days. That was when I decided to do something drastic. After work I went back to the apartment, grabbed a backpack from your room, loaded it with some clothes along with some provision and other necessities before heading to my fallback shelter. Picking up all the materials I believed I’d need, I took everything to a very special spot outside Angel Grove and began to build.”

Arc nods soberly. “The grove where we opened a portal to Equestria.”

“She’s been living out there ever since.”

“Lucky for her it’s not too cold at night yet.”

Hammer frowns. “It is without a tent or other shelter. After all, it’s not like she could go back and get other stuff at the moment.”

“She’s A.W.O.L. right now?”

“Right. And Mio knows if she gets caught she might just spend the rest of her life in prison.”

“I don’t get it. What’s her endgame? I mean, let’s just assume she could open a portal to Equestria. She has no idea of what awaits her through it. For all she knows the natives over here could just tear her to shreds.”

“Mio’s a woman of logic. She weighs the pros and cons of every decision she makes based on the information at hand.”

“That’s good.”

“Usually, yes. However think about it from her point of view. As it stands, to her at least, the unknown is safer to her than staying on Earth and working for The Organization.”

“She believes her chances are better trying to get here?”

“Yeah. But I don’t think Princess Celestia would go for the idea of her being here. Mio might have been involved in what was done to her, after all.”

Arc frowns. “She could be imprisoned here as well.”

“Even still, that’s probably better than the treatment she’d get back on Earth in a military prison.”

“So what do you want to do?”

Hammer sighs. “I… I don’t really know. On the one hand I don’t want her to be court martialed. But on the other I also don’t want to see her rot in a cell here either.”

“Um… considering what she did, Celestia might just sentence her to Tartarus.”

“But isn’t that a mythical place?!”

“So are Unicorns and Pegasi.”

Hammer grimaces. “Good point. Is it… bad?”

“Not as much as it used to be, no. But still not ideal, as there are a large number of unrepentant demons living there.”

Hammer groans. “Great. There isn’t a good way to do this.”

“I wonder how close Mio thinks she is to getting a working transdimensional portal going.”

“Not very.”

“How do you know?”

Hammer groans. “I was wondering that very thing myself earlier so I talked to Sunburst. He said that according to the readings the machine is putting out, she’s way off the mark.”

“Did he have any other insights into the matter?”

“Just one. Sunburst said that it takes something really powerful to start the reaction necessary for portal formation. While he didn’t say exactly what that thing was, I’m assuming Mio doesn’t have anything anywhere near that powerful at her disposal.”

“So it’s probably impossible for her to make the device work. Assuming it was properly… calibrated, or whatever.”

“Right.”

“Well, I’m not sure we can just sit here and do nothing.”

“While I hate to say it, Mio’s probably safest out there in the woods right now. But she could use, uh… a little help.”

Arc sighs. “What do you want me to do?”

Sometime later that night the sigil near Mio’s machine lights up. Arc appears on it clad in his armor and surrounded by several duffel bags. Looking around he spies Mio leaning against a tree huddled up in a blanket. Walking over to her he taps the young woman’s shoulder gently. She slowly opens her eyes and looks around to no avail.

“Wh-who’s there?!”

“It’s just the Hero.”

Mio sits up groggily and rubs her eyes. “What… what are you…?”

“Special delivery.”

Casting a Light Spell, Arc gestures to the duffel bags on the sigil. Mio appears confused.

“I don’t understand.”

“I brought you a few things.”

“Oh?”

“More blankets, a sleeping bag, tent, food, and toiletries.”

Mio stands with her blanket and cautiously walks over to the bags. Reaching out to them slowly she stop and turns to Arc.

“What… is the catch?”

“Catch?”

“I’m asking what I have to offer you in return for this?”

“Nothing. Hammer asked me to bring them to you.”

Mio appears surprised. “She did?”

“Yeah. Your letter made it sound like you weren’t properly equipped to be living out here.”

Mio nods as she pulls the blanket around her shoulders tighter. “You can say that again.”

“I’ll get the tent set up if you can take over the Light Spell.”

Mio grins. “That I can do.”

Arc wastes no time getting the tent assembled and sleeping bag rolled out. Turning to Mio as he stands Arc offers he a thumbs up.

“There you go. At least that will keep the wind and rain off of you.”

“Thank you. Sleeping against a tree wasn’t exactly comfortable, after all.”

“I’ll take your word for it. The ground won’t be much softer, of course. But the blankets and sleeping bag will certainly help.”

“Please tell Hammer thank you for me.”

“That I will.”

“Oh! And thank you as well, of course!”

“You’re welcome. But in any case I should probably get home now.”

“Busy day tomorrow?”

“Not… really, no. But…”

Mio interrupts him. “Could I… um… could I talk to you then?”

“About what?”

“There’s just some things I’d like to say.”

“Fine. But if this is going to take more than a minute we should get a fire going.”

Mio looks away nervously. “It… might.”

“You got some firewood around here somewhere?”

Mio shakes her head. “Sadly, no. My earlier fire was from just branches I found lying around.”

“I did think it looked kinda weak.”

“There’s an old dried out log over there. But without an axe, or something…”

“Say no more.”

Walking over to the log in question Arc pulls the guardanium knife from his ring. Channeling his magic through it he makes short work of the log. Mio gasps as he levitates the now split logs over to her.

“How… how did you…?!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s all in the wrist.”

“What is that thing MADE of?!”

“A magical metal that doesn’t exist here on Earth called ‘guardanium.’”

“So it’s from the other world?!”

“Yup.”

Mio appears hopeful. “Can I… can I see it?”

“Well…”

“I promise I’m not trying to steal it or hurt you. After all you’ve done for me it wouldn’t be right to try and do so.”

“Fine. But only after you’ve gotten a fire going.”

“Deal.”

Arc takes over casting the Light Spell as Mio puts some wood in the firepit. Frowning, Arc looks to her.

“You’ve never done this before, have you?”

Mio shakes her head. “No, I haven’t. Hammer and Stingray were the outdoorsy-types.”

“Watch.”

Kneeling down, Arc tosses aside the wood and uses his magic to pull some leaves and small sticks to his side.

“Okay, first you put some leaves down along with these small twigs. Then some bigger branches need to be leaned against one another. You keep putting bigger and bigger sticks on it until about this point.”

“Then the logs?”

“Right. Same formation as the sticks though.”

“They support one another?”

“Exactly.”

Finishing, Arc casts a simple Fire Spell on the leaves in the center. They start to smoke as he looks to Mio.

“The leaves burn really easily. Then they transfer that flame to the twigs. Next the sticks catch fire and eventually the logs.”

“Working up to it.”

“And when the flames eventually die down you can just put another log on the fire. The coals will ignite it.”

“Makes sense, thank you.”

A few minutes later the clearing is lit by the light from the fire. Arc motions for Mio to sit down next to him. As she does so he holds out the knife.

“I believe you wanted to see this.”

“Yes indeed.”

Taking the weapon, Mio looks it over for a few moments before speaking.

“It feels very durable.”

“That it is. I’ve yet to even scratch it.”

“Can you tell me where it came from?”

“It was a gift from a foreign politician to me in return for safeguarding his daughter.”

“So it’s expensive?”

“Very.”

She carefully hands it back. Arc returns the weapon to his ring as he looks to her.

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

Mio begins fidgeting. “I just… um… don’t know where to begin.”

“Take your time. Now that we have this fire going there’s no danger of us freezing out here.”

“Yes, well… that doesn’t really make this easier.”

Arc waits patiently as Mio thinks for a moment.

“You see… I had this whole speech I was going to make rehearsed in my head.”

“Then just go with that.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

Mio groans. “Because I forgot the whole thing.”

“Can you give me the cliff notes then?”

“I’ll try.”

Mio takes a deep breath before speaking.

“First of all, I want to say ‘thank you’ for the letter from Hammer. It was nice to know that she’s okay.”

“No problem. Just a quick walk for me.”

Mio sighs. “And an impossible task for me.”

“You should know that your letter meant a lot to Hammer as well.”

“It did?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She puts up a strong front, but I think she’s feeling a bit homesick.”

“Even with Arc there?”

“Yeah. An individual can’t compare to an entire world that one left behind.”

“I suppose not. Tell me, does she have employment?”

“Hammer’s working security for a very powerful individual in that land’s government.”

Mio gasps. “How did she manage THAT?!”

“I recommended her.”

“And they just went for it?!”

“Yup.”

“Your charisma must be something else then.”

“Not really. The politician is a very good friend of mine.”

“Ah. Well at least she’s able to care for herself.”

“Right.”

“Has Hammer been able to make any friends?”

“Several actually. She really hit it off with another friend of mine. They had a really rocky start, but are now inseparable when time permits.”

“And her relationship to Arc?”

“I don’t think I should…”

“Is he treating her right?”

“Yes. She’s very happy with him.”

Mio sighs. “Great.”

“You don’t sound very happy about that.”

“I’m not. In all honesty I was kinda hoping she would have moved on by now.”

“That doesn’t seem likely. But I think this is more than just simple jealousy on your part.”

“It… kinda is, yes.”

“Do tell.”

“I was very surprised some time ago when she told me that her and Arc were going on a second date. She’s never been able to do that before.”

“Oh?”

“But that’s still better than I’ve done.”

“No luck finding someone?”

Mio groans. “Right. I’ve never even been out on a single date before.”

“Why not? You’re certainly pretty enough.”

Mio blushes slightly. “I… don’t really know what to say to men when the chance arises.”

“No one is perfect.”

“To be completely honest with you… when Arc took me out to talk about Hammer, I… part of me was kind of excited. If not for the circumstances I would have greatly enjoyed such an outing.”

“He was just trying to help her though.”

Mio frowns. “I question that.”

“Well, you’re doing okay right now.”

“Because I’m talking to you.”

“Is that the only reason?”

Mio smiles nervously. “Not… quite. You see… um… you know how Hammer feels about Arc?”

“What about it?”

“I… I kinda… know how she feels.”

“How so?”

“Because… I’d like to have a relationship just like she does.”

“Not with Arc though, right?”

“No. With… with…”

She looks away before finishing.

“…you.”

“Me?”

“Y-yes.”

“But… but why me?”

“Because you’ve always been… fair with me. Even when I attacked you and your followers at Damocles Base I could tell you were holding back.”

“Didn’t want to hurt you.”

“Even when we fought at our base, you saw to it your troops didn’t kill us.”

“I was just trying to get away. Killing you three wouldn’t have helped that.”

Mio smiles shyly. “Last time we bumped into each other inside the base I offered to join you. Do you remember what you said?”

“Truth be told, no.”

“Then I’ll tell you. Rather than jump at the opportunity to acquire someone whom had lots of information on the base, you instead chose to talk me out of it.”

“I didn’t want you to have to fight your sisters one day.”

“And I thank you for that.”

“What changed?”

Mio sighs. “Like I told Hammer in my letter, things at the base haven’t exactly been on the up and up lately. Did she tell you about that?”

Arc nods. “Yes, she read a good chunk of your note aloud.”

“I just feel that we’re losing sight of the original goal.”

“To make the world a better place?”

“Exactly. And right now I feel as though the best place to do that might be by YOUR side.”

“Are you sure it’s not just about reuniting with Hammer?”

“There is that too, yes. But I do believe in you and what you’re trying to do.”

“What about Stingray?”

Mio looks away nervously. “I… kinda hope that she’ll come around if I leave too. At the very least she’ll be forced to question things.”

“Why not just leave The Organization then? Move away from Angel Grove and start a new life.”

“Like Hammer did?”

“I meant here on Earth.”

“Believe me, that has crossed my mind. But Earth may not be for me.”

“You mean…?”

Mio blushes slightly as she speaks. “The way Hammer feels about Arc… I… I think I’m starting to feel that way about… you. Or at the very least would like to get to know you better.”

“Wouldn’t that be kinda hard for you to do? I mean… you have to know that Arc and I are friends.”

“That may be true. But from what I’ve seen thus far, you’re nothing like him.”

“Mio, I don’t think…”

Mio interrupts him. “Please understand that I’m not saying this lightly. I’d honestly like the chance to prove myself to you.”

She looks to her device before continuing.

“And I think I know just how I can do that.”

“Huh?”

“I understand that someone of your station can’t be with just anyone. They need to be useful to you in some way.”

“It’s not so much ‘useful’ as it is ‘trustworthy’.”

“Then I propose a test of sorts. Let me finish my machine and travel to your land.”

“For what purpose?”

“To find Hammer. She knows me better than anyone else, after all.”

“But what would that prove?”

“I’d like the opportunity to explain my feelings to her face to face. She’ll vouch for my sincerity. So would that be acceptable to you?”

“I… suppose so, yes.”

“Then I’ll get back to work tomorrow at first light.”

Arc sighs. “Look, if you really want to see Hammer that badly I could…”

Mio interrupts him. “…take me to her? No, no. I want to do it under my own power. Show her and you that I can do it.”

“Very well.”

“Thank you for understanding. All I need is some time to figure this new science out.”

“Just don’t try to rush it. Haste makes waste, after all.”

Mio smiles at him. “Your concern is appreciated. I’ll heed your advice.”

Arc stands up. “In any case, I should let you get some sleep. That and I’ll check in on your every so often to make sure you have enough food and other necessities.”

“Thank you. Please understand that were the situation not so dire I would just get them myself.”

“Anything you want me to tell Hammer?”

Mio nods as she stands to look him in the eye. “Just one thing. That I’ll see her soon.”

Chapter 13 - Admitting...

Arc returns to his basement sigil. Recalling his armor he sighs.

“Mio. I… I didn’t think you were…”

Frowning, Arc heads upstairs. Opening the door he finds Derpy sitting at the kitchen table holding a cup of tea.

“I thought you were going to bed when I left.”

Derpy groans. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Worried about me?”

“Yes, Arc.”

“I don’t see Mio turning on me. And even if she did I know I could take her.”

“You have your new armor and are quite skilled in combat, yes. But something could always go wrong.”

Arc smiles as he sits down across from her. “That’s the nature of life, I suppose. The unexpected, that is.”

Derpy looks away sadly. “I’ve… never been much for surprises. As a filly they meant an unexpected confrontation with my father.”

She sighs and looks Arc in the eye before continuing.

“I know others like things like that. Being surprised, I mean. But please understand where I’m coming from here.”

“Sorry for worrying you, Derpy. And I’ll try to keep any future surprises to a minimum for your sake.”

Derpy shakes her head. “That isn’t it, Arc. I don’t… I don’t want to be this way.”

“But what could be done about it?”

“Surprises! Good ones, I mean. I really want to experience the joy that’s supposed to come with them.”

“Like Dinky’s surprise birthday party?”

“Exactly. That was the first major surprise I had experienced that didn’t make me cringe.”

“Just for the sake of clarity, you’re saying you WANT us to surprise you?”

“Right.”

“Sorry to put such a fine point on this. But I wanted to be sure. Now then, why don’t we move on to more pleasant things?”

“Yes. And I thank you for being so concerned with my well-being, Arc.”

“Just trying to be a good boyfriend.”

Derpy giggles. “But I want to be a good marefriend to you as well.”

“I think you do just fine.”

“Well, I’ve been reading up on how to do just that.”

“Oh really?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, and it’s been quite interesting. For example, a good marefriend asks how their partner’s day went.”

“It’s part of communication, yes.”

“But I don’t understand how that would help. I mean… we were together pretty much all day.”

“Most couples aren’t though. They each have their own day to day activities such as school, jobs, other friends, errands, etcetera.”

“We’re sort of a special case then?”

“Very.”

“Because I’m a pony?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Derpy. Because of the whole herd idea. Things like that don’t generally happen here on Earth.”

“Or Equestria I’m told.”

“Right. But the normal suggestions for relationship building still apply.”

“Talking?”

Arc grins. “Talking.”

“What about though? I mean, you know exactly what my day was like since you were with me.”

“How about my meeting with Mio then?”

“But isn’t that supposed to be top secret?!”

“Not really. And Hammer wouldn’t mind me talking to a fellow herdmate about it I would imagine.”

“What happened out there then?”

“I picked up the letter from Mio and took it right back to Hammer. She was in her room by that point.”

Derpy smiles. “Well it was pretty late at the time I suppose.”

“She didn’t even want to read it at first though.”

“But why?!”

“Hammer thought Mio was just writing to tell her how wrong she was, or something.”

“Did she?”

Arc shakes his head. “Quite the opposite. Mio told Hammer that she was right about things back on Earth regarding The Organization.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “So they made up?”

Arc shrugs. “We won’t really know until they see each other.”

“And your intuition says…?”

“That Mio honestly wants to see her sister again.”

“And are you going to help her realize that goal?”

Arc shakes her head. “Oddly enough, no.”

“What?”

“Mio wants to make it to Equestria on her own.”

“But that’s not possible. Is it?”

“Yes and no.”

“You mean…?”

Arc sighs. “Her device.”

“But I thought it didn’t work.”

“It doesn’t. In fact, Hammer said she talked to Sunburst about that very matter earlier. He told her that the signals Mio’s machine were giving off were nowhere near being what they needed to be for transdimensional travel.”

“So… what does that mean?”

“She’s way off the mark in regards to being able to open a portal.”

“And what are you going to do about that?”

Arc shrugs. “Let her keep trying.”

“That’s it?!”

“Not quite. You see, when Mio left she didn’t take much more than extra clothes, a blanket, and the parts she’d need to make the device.”

“Is she going to be alright out there then?”

“Probably not as it stood. So Hammer asked me to bring her some proper camping supplies. A tent, sleeping bag, food, lantern, and whatnot.”

“Sounds like she’s got everything she needs now.”

“I’ll be checking in on her every couple days to see how she’s getting along.”

“How long do you think it’ll take for her to figure her machine out though?”

“No idea. But considering that Sunburst says she’s way off the mark I would have to say years aren’t out of the question.”

“But we aren’t going to be here for that long!”

“I know, Derpy. With any luck Hammer will have time to come see her before we leave.”

“And if not?”

“Then I guess I’ll have to open a portal for her with the Rainbow of Light. Even though she wants to do this herself, that is.”

“Do whatever you think is best, Arc.”

Arc looks away nervously. “Yeah… about that. Mio also said something I need to tell you about.”

“Oh?”

“Part of the reason she wants to go to Equestria is to see Hammer, of course. But the other part is that she believes doing so will make me… um… take notice of her.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “What does that even mean?”

“Mio… she… uh… kinda has a thing for me.”

“WHAT?!”

“Yeah, I was pretty surprised when she said that too.”

“How did this happen?!”

“She’s treated me kinda differently since I spared her life. Twice.”

“So she wants to join the herd now too?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I didn’t mention the herd, the fact that Hammer wants to join it too, or even who I really am.”

“Wait! So she’s… interested in you even though she has no idea who you really are?!”

“Pretty much.”

Derpy sighs. “That’s just… unbelievable!”

“Sorry about this.”

“You’re… sorry?”

“For not saying ‘no’.”

“No to what?”

“Her having a chance with me.”

Derpy appears confused. “Does she?”

“I don’t see how.”

“Why not?”

“Because I hardly know her.”

“What if you did though?”

“If I… what?”

“Got to know her.”

Arc gasps. “Are you suggesting that I try romancing Hammer’s SISTER?!”

“Not exactly, no.”

“Then could you please explain what you mean then?! Because I am just TOTALLY confused right now!”

“I’m merely suggesting that you give her a chance to get to know you, Arc.”

“Why?”

“Because from what you’ve told me it sounds as if she really likes you. And in doing so you may find that you like her too.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I think I have enough love interests right now though. Don’t you?”

Derpy puts a hand on his cheek and smiles. “There’s no cap here, Arc. That and I’m not telling you to go out and start dating Mio, or anything. Just to hear her out. With an open mind, that is.”

“But, I… I don’t…”

He sighs and looks away before continuing.

“It just… this doesn’t feel right.”

“I’m sure the others would agree that there’s no harm in hearing someone out.”

“Well, I… suppose not. But doing so might give her the wrong idea.”

Derpy smiles as she reaches across the table and takes his hand. “Then just do it the same way you did for the rest of us.”

“How… did I do that exactly?”

“Just be yourself. Say and do that which comes naturally.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. But I’m not doing any more than that.”

“That’s all anyone can ask.”

“Thanks for the talk. However I need to tell someone else about this mess.”

“Oh? Who?”

“Hammer.”

“I suppose you should. But she might be angry.”

Arc groans. “She’ll be more angry if I keep it to myself.”

“Yes, well… tell her carefully.”

Arc nods as he stands. “I will.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc channels his magic into it. A portal forms as he turns back to Derpy.

“Why don’t you get some sleep now? I won’t be long.”

“Okay. See you in the morning”

Arc steps through and vanishes. Derpy stands and heads for the stairs as the portal closes. Meanwhile, Arc reappears on the sigil in his quarters in Canterlot Castle. Leaving the room he makes the quick walk to Hammer’s room. Raising his hand to knock he stops himself.

“She’s probably already asleep. Should probably just…”

Groaning, he shakes his head.

“No, no. This can’t wait until morning.”

Quietly entering the room, Arc closes the door behind him. Walking over to the bed he spies Hammer lying on her side facing away from him. Putting a hand on her shoulder he gently shakes her and speaks softly.

“Hammer? Sorry to wake you, but…”

“I ain’t asleep.”

“Oh?”

She rolls over and sits up.

“I… couldn’t.”

“Mio?”

Hammer nods as she pats the mattress next to her. Arc sits down as she responds to his question.

“Yeah.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

Hammer groans. “Mio’s just… so different from what I remember her being.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Both, I guess.”

“How so?”

Hammer shrugs. “I just don’t know what to think right now.”

“Do you think she’s being disingenuous?”

“Honestly I have no clue. Just kinda giving her the benefit of the doubt right now. Like you are, I suppose.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You did run those supplies over to her, right?”

“That I did. And I set up the tent before showing her the proper way to start a campfire.”

Hammer shakes her head. “I told her to pay attention when Stingray and I did that in the past. But she was always too busy with her books.”

“Well, she did appear to be watching when I did it.”

“Hopefully, yes. Doubly so with building a fire.”

“Right. She did appear to have a properly made fire pit though. Plenty of stones around it and there weren’t any dried grass or brush nearby to catch fire.”

“Good. She say anything when you did that?”

“Actually… yeah.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“I… uh…”

Hammer laughs. “What’s the matter?! Cat got your tongue?!”

“It’s just… I was about to leave when she asked to talk.”

“Probably because there were no books around.”

“Maybe. But this was a pretty serious conversation.”

“So let’s hear it then.”

“Well… it was about… the past mostly.”

“Like what?”

“She thanked me, again I might add, for saving her life in that cave-in some time ago.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Back when we were working with the Shards?”

“Yup.”

“I remember her telling me about that.”

“Mio was also thankful that I spared all of you during our attack on Damocles Base.”

“You and me both. But none of this sounds particularly out of the ordinary.”

“It was for the most part. I just thought she was being grateful.”

“Then just tell me what she said that has you so tongue-tied then!”

“Fine. She… reiterated her previous desire to… join me.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But Mio doesn’t even like you.”

“I meant that she wanted to join the Hero of Light. Not Arc.”

“Oh… that does make a bit more sense.”

“That and she… um… confessed something else.”

Hammer makes a circular motion with her hand. “And…?!”

“Mio says she’s… interested in the Hero.”

There is a stunned silence as Hammer looks at Arc, dumbfounded.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Mio said she wanted to get to know me better.”

Hammer clenches a fist as she seethes. “SHE’S TRYING TO STEAL MY MAN?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Hammer. Remember, Mio doesn’t know that Arc and the Hero of Light are one and the same.”

“And you didn’t TELL her?!”

“I was a bit worried about her mental health at the time.”

“So what exactly did you say?!”

“I just reminded her that I’m friends with Arc. Figured that would put her off.”

“Did it?”

“Not really, no. She seemed very interested in… finding love like you did, Hammer.”

Hammer groans. “Great. How could this get any weirder?”

“She also wanted to prove herself to me by finishing her device and reaching Equestria under her own power.”

“But Sunburst said she’s way off!”

“I know. However I got the feeling that she thought she was on the right track.”

“Maybe this has clouded her judgment.”

“So she’ll stick with a flawed design?”

“She might, yes. If she thinks it could work.”

Arc groans. “Great.”

Hammer puts a hand on his shoulder. “This isn’t your fault, Arc.”

“Kinda is.”

“How so?”

“Because I didn’t do anything to stop her.”

“No one could have done that. After all, once Mio gets something in her head it sticks.”

“But the days are getting colder.”

“That’s why I wanted her to have that camping gear. She’ll figure out ways to stay warm out there.”

“I’ll try to keep tabs on her too. Check in on her as I can. Make sure she has food and whatnot.”

“Thanks. I’m sure she’ll appreciate that.”

Grinning, she elbows Arc.

“And I’m sure she’ll love seeing more of the Hero.”

Arc frowns. “Weren’t you mad about that just a minute ago?”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah, well… sometimes it takes a few moments for my head to catch up to my ears.”

“Um… what?”

“I had it in my head that Mio was trying to take you for herself. She’s not interested in you, but the Hero.”

“But that’s me.”

Hammer laughs. “So when she figures that out she’ll drop you like a hot potato!

“And if she doesn’t?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Derpy… kinda suggested that I get to know her better.”

“Uh… why?”

“In case her and I actually start liking each other.”

“Makes sense.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And you’re okay with that?”

“What? You seeing my sister alone in the woods at night?”

“It sounds bad when you say it like that, Hammer.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah, I know! But we’d have to cross that bridge when we came to it.”

“You mean ‘if’, right?”

“Call it what you will. After all, I think Mio would really like you if she got to know you.”

“Because of my strong magical abilities?”

Hammer nods. “And how smart you are.”

“Thanks, I think.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“But in all seriousness… what if Derpy’s right and we hit it off?”

“Then you two will have to bring that up before the rest of the herd. Like you said in the past, everyone involved in this will have to be accepting of everyone else.”

“Not quite what I said. But I do understand your logic there.”

“Answer me this though. How do you feel about Mio?”

“Haven’t really thought about it before.”

“Well, do you think she’s pretty?”

“I guess.”

“How about her personality?”

“She’s really dedicated to her sisters, so that’s a plus.”

“I know you appreciate loyalty.”

Arc frowns. “But misplaced loyalty isn’t something I like.”

“Huh?”

“Her past dedication to The Organization.”

Hammer shrugs. “Remember, I was working for them too.”

“But you rejected them.”

“Like Mio has!”

“Supposedly.”

“You think she made it up?”

“Maybe. After all, one doesn’t just throw away their career so easily.”

Hammer sighs. “Guess not.”

She takes his hand and smiles.

“Unless there’s a good reason.”

“I’m glad you came over to our side, Hammer.”

“Me too.”

Leaning forward, Hammer locks lips with Arc momentarily before embracing him. Returning the affection, Arc holds her for a few moments before Hammer leans over to his ear and speaks softly.

“Hey.”

“Hammer?”

“Do me a favor.”

“What is it?”

“If you and Mio do hook up please be gentle with her.”

“I will.”

Hammer grins seductively. “Thanks. She bruises real easily.”

Arc blushes. “I walked right into that one.”

“Yes, you did!”

Meanwhile, Mio enters the tent and lays down. Pulling the sleeping bag up to her chin she smiles contentedly before closing her eyes. A few moments later she falls asleep. As the multicolored leaves overhead rustle in the wind a quick flash of light results in a small popping sound. Brightwing appears and looks around the clearing. Fluttering over to the machine she eyes it for a few moments before looking around.

“Tools… tools…”

Spotting a toolbox nearby Brightwing Blinks over to it, quietly opens it, removes a couple tools, and makes her way over to the machine. Opening an access panel she pokes her head inside and looks around. Frowning, Brightwing returns to the toolbox.

“Need light.”

Finding a small flashlight, she returns to the open access panel. Shining it inside, Brightwing holds it in her mouth as her limbs manipulate the tools.

Chapter 14 - Outdoor Activities

Arc rises early the next morning. Sitting up he looks out the window at the rising sun. Standing, he smells the scent of cooking food. Heading downstairs he finds Derpy and Dinky cooking breakfast.

“Morning dad!”

“Sleep well, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda had a bit of trouble falling asleep.”

“Something up, dad?”

“It was just the things Hammer and her sister said last night.”

“Like what?”

Derpy looks to the little girl nervously. “Now Dinky…”

Arc interrupts her. “No, it’s okay.”

He turns to Dinky before continuing.

“Hammer’s sister is trying to find a way to Equestria.”

“She is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Mio wants to be able to see Hammer again.”

“Why don’t you just take her there then, dad?”

“She wants to do it herself. Something about proving something to me.”

Derpy shrugs. “I still don’t understand that part.”

Dinky frowns. “What would it prove though?”

“She’s… um… kinda interested in me and wants to show that she’s… worthy, or something.”

“That’s… kinda dumb.”

Derpy gasps. “Dinky?”

“I don’t see how figuring something out, even that which is so complicated, would make someone more worthy of another’s affection.”

“Agreed, Dinky. But I’m guessing she’s been conditioned to think that way by The Organization.”

Derpy grimaces. “Why though?”

“The commanding officer over there, General Mustang, has his female associates completely wrapped around his finger.”

Dinky rolls her eyes. “Do they love him?”

“It’s kinda the vibe I got, yes.”

“That’s sick!”

Arc nods. “Yeah, it is.”

Derpy appears confused. “How so?”

“Think about it this way, Derpy. Let’s say that I told you that I wouldn’t allow you to join the herd unless you were able to… oh… let’s say… pass certain classes at the school.”

“Then I’d do it.”

“Yes, I’m sure you would. But how would you feel about me refusing to care about you until that was done?”

“It would make me feel like your feelings were tied to my actions.”

Dinky grunts. “And that’s not love!”

“Exactly. But that’s apparently what Mustang does over there. At least that’s what Hammer told me.”

“Do you think it’s true, Arc?”

“I’ve no reason to doubt her.”

Dinky makes a face. “That human’s a sicko! Manipulating human girls like that!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, Hammer was able to get away from him.”

Derpy looks out the window. “Mio too now.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “Maybe you should take her in, dad.”

She gestures out the window at the cloudy sky before continuing.

“After all, it’s not getting any warmer these days.”

Derpy grins. “It could be just like when Hammer moved in.”

“Well, you see..”

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom walk into the room together as Brightwing flutters in behind them. Apple Bloom, being the most awake, is the first to speak.

“Good morning, everyone!”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Are you sure it’s not still nighttime?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Well, the sun is rising.”

Brightwing grins. “Friend still sleepy?!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “I could go for another hour or two of sleep.”

Dinky smiles at her. “You could go back to bed, Sweetie Belle.”

Derpy motions to the pans. “Yes, indeed. We’d call you when the food was ready.”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head as she plops down in a chair. “Nah. I’m already up.”

Apple Bloom turns to Derpy. “We heard something about someone moving in. Was that us?”

Scootaloo groans. “I think we already did.”

Brightwing giggles. “Friends together!”

Dinky shakes her head. “Nah. It was about Hammer’s sister.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Stingray or Mio?!”

“Mio.”

Apple Bloom appears suddenly worried. “Is that bad?”

Scootaloo groans. “Not quite as bad as Stingray, but… aw, what am I saying?! Either would be bad!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Then why is she coming?”

Arc shakes his head. “She isn’t. Dinky just suggested it.”

“Yeah. She’s living in a tent outside town in the middle of autumn.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “That isn’t too bad.”

Sweetie Belle narrows her eyes. “Oh really? Dinky, Apple Bloom, and I did it. That wasn’t fun.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “I kinda liked it.”

Dinky sighs. “Yeah. If we hadn’t been looking for my dad at the time it would’ve been a blast.”

“Big Brother and I did that too. It wasn’t what I would call hard.”

Arc turns to her. “But we kinda knew what we were doing. She isn’t an outdoorsy person.”

Brightwing shivers. “Pretty lady looked cold the other day!”

Derpy looks to Arc. “I’m fine with you bringing her here if need be.”

“Yeah dad. We’d all take turns watching her too.”

Scootaloo nods soberly. “That we would.”

Arc shakes his head. “Too dangerous.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Dangerous?”

“I don’t actually know if she’s being honest with me about this whole thing. For all I know she could be trying to get close to the Hero in order to take revenge on Arc.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Get close to the… Hero to take revenge on… I’m confused.”

Dinky sighs. “She doesn’t know that the Hero of Light is actually my dad.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Right. Mio thinks they’re two different people.”

Apple Bloom looks to Scootaloo, confused. “How do you know?”

“Big Brother’s taken me on an adventure, or two.”

Arc nods. “That and there’s the psychic link thingamabob between us as Crimsons.”

“And that too.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Sounds convenient.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Yeah!”

Dinky shrugs. “I’m sure it has its ups and downs.”

Arc chuckles as he moves to stand with Scootaloo. “Right. Crimsons have powers no other human, or pony, has.”

“The down side is that there’s a certain… stigma around it.”

“Brightwing not understand.”

Arc puts a hand on his thrall’s shoulder. “Scootaloo means that there’s discrimination against Crimsons. At least there was in Knothole Village.”

Derpy frowns. “What about the rest of Equestria?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Not so much. Probably because no one knows what a Crimson is there though.”

Dinky groans. “But if they did…”

Apple Bloom interrupts her. “We’d tell them to be more accepting, right?”

Sweetie Belle looks to Scootaloo. “I guess so.”

Arc smiles at them. “That’s very nice of you girls. After all, change has to begin with someone.”

Dinky turns to Scootaloo. “Then you wouldn’t have to hide under that little cloak you’re always wearing.”

“Thanks. But I’d rather just keep the knowledge of who and what I am a secret.”

Derpy smiles. “If that’s what you want, dear. We just want you to feel comfortable and accepted.”

A short time later they sit down to eat. Dinky turns to her father.

“So what do you want to do today, dad?”

“I was thinking we should go out to the country stands and see about buying some fresh produce.”

Apple Bloom’s face lights up excitedly. “We’re going to a FARM?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Thought you’d all like to see how big human farms can be.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “That sounds like fun!”

“Do they have any herbs there, Big Brother?”

“For cooking, yes.”

“Interesting. I’d like to see that then.”

“We can get some pumpkins, apples, and maybe even some pears for making pies too.”

Dinky giggles. “And other stuff to cook too, right?!”

Derpy smiles warmly as she looks to Arc. “We could make a whole outing of it!”

“That’s the plan.”

“Brightwing come too?!”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “Could she, Big Brother?”

Apple Bloom appears hopeful. “Yeah! Brightwing’s really fun as a dog!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Definitely more fun than a cat.”

Dinky pats Brightwing’s head. “You can stay quiet too.”

Brightwing giggles happily at the attention. “Yes, yes!”

Arc grins. “Well… as long as she doesn’t try to talk and just barks, sure.”

Brightwing does a backflip. “Hooray!”

Derpy looks to the clock. “So when do you want to go, Arc?”

“As soon as we’re done eating.”

Sometime later the group heads for the Jeep. Getting in, Arc starts driving. Brightwing looks over the back seat from the cargo area and hops into Scootaloo’s lap. The little girl makes a small smile and begins petting her. Derpy looks around her seat and giggles.

“Looks like someone made a new friend.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I just like this thing.”

Apple Bloom smiles as she scratches behind Brightwing’s ears. “She is really cute as a dog.”

Scootaloo frowns. “That’s not it.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow, confused. “What else could…?”

“We’re both kinda alone due to our species.”

Dinky sighs. “But you’re surrounded by other ponies all the time.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Ponies, yes. Other Crimson’s… no.”

Arc calls out from the driver’s seat. “I’m here too, Scootaloo.”

“Thanks, Big Brother. At least you understand me.”

Brightwing stands up suddenly. “Brightwing want window open!”

Derpy frowns. “Isn’t it kinda cold for that?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Nah. We’ll be okay back here.”

Sweetie Belle looks at the excited creature before her. “Maybe she just wants some fresh air.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s more than that. Watch.”

Pressing a button, Arc lowers the window next to Scootaloo. As it slides down Brightwing stands on the little girl’s lap and sticks her head out the window. Opening her mouth she lets her tongue flap in the wind. Dinky giggles.

“That’s funny!”

Derpy laughs heartily. “What’s she doing?!”

“It’s a dog thing. They like hanging their heads out the car window while driving.”

Scootaloo frowns. “But why?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. It’s just instinct, I guess.”

Arriving at the farm they see a large sign. Arc parks the Jeep nearby and they all walk over to it. Derpy reads aloud.

“Honor box below. What’s that?”

“Where you put the money for whatever you take.”

Dinky looks around “So there’s no cashier out here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. They’re just telling you to put the money in this little box.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “What if you don’t?”

“Then that’s stealing. But there isn’t really anyone out here to stop you.”

Apple Bloom puts a hand to her cheek. “That’s why it’s called an ‘honor box’ huh?”

Arc nods. “Right. The farm is just trusting you to pay.”

Scootaloo looks toward the stands. “So what should we get?”

“Whatever everyone wants.”

Derpy walks over to a stack of baskets in a bin nearby. ”Then let’s get started.”

Arc pulls out baskets for everyone and hands them out before speaking again.

“Put whatever it is you want to try in these and I’ll pay for it.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Thanks!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “We’ll try a lot of stuff then!”

Dinky nods. “Right!”

Derpy motions with a hand. “Let’s go, girls.”

Leading the trio toward the bins of produce nearby, Arc turns to Scootaloo with two baskets.

“You ready?”

Scootaloo sighs. “I suppose so.”

“Everything okay?”

Scootaloo groans as she takes the basket. “Sorta.”

Arc motions for her to follow. “Oh?”

“I just… don’t feel like I belong here.”

“On Earth or with us?”

“Both kinda.”

“What do you mean?”

Scootaloo sighs. “I’m not a human so I don’t really belong here on Earth. But at the same time I’m not accepted as a Crimson by anyone else other than you, Big Brother.”

“Dinky told me of a village where she saw creatures that match the description of Crimsons. It’s far enough away from Knothole Village that you’d never run into them ever again.”

Scootaloo gasps. “The Crimson village! You know where it is?!”

“No. But like I said, Dinky does.”

“I… don’t really know if I’d like to go there or not.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But you sounded so excited about it a moment ago.”

“Yeah. However then I remembered just how much trouble they caused us in Knothole. Can’t imagine they’d be too accepting of the filly whose father captured them in the past either.”

“You wouldn’t have to tell them that.”

“But if they found out…”

“I suppose that’s true. However I’d be with you the whole time.”

“You would?”

Arc nods. “Sure. After all, I can’t just let my favorite thrall run around all by herself, now can I?”

“I’m your only thrall, Big Brother.”

Arc grins. “Still right then.”

“Well… I’ll think about it.”

“Alright. If you decide to go there I’ll have Dinky leads us.”

“Thanks, Big Brother.”

“But right now we should probably see what herbs they have.”

“Sounds good to me.”

They spend the next hour or so looking over produce together. Meeting back at the Jeep, Arc looks over everything they’ve picked. Adding it up, he pulls some money from his pocket and turns to the girls.

“One of you want to put this in the box?”

Dinky raises a hand. “I do!”

Arc chuckles as he hands her the money. “Alright. Here you go.”

Running over to the box, Dinky carefully puts the cash into the small slot. After making sure it falls all the way to the bottom she turns back to her father, grinning.

“Mission accomplished!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Now what, Arc?”

“We should probably head back home and put this stuff away first. Then I have a bit of an activity planned for the rest of the morning.”

Brightwing barks happily as Sweetie Belle giggles.

“Sounds like someone’s excited!”

Dinky grins. “So am I!”

Scootaloo rummages around in her basket. “I can’t wait to try some of these herbs though.”

Apple Bloom wrinkles her nose. “They smell kinda funny though.”

Arc smiles. “That’s normal. After all, most of them are just to be used in small amounts.”

Derpy sniffs the air. “Like seasonings?”

“Exactly.”

Opening the hatch, Arc puts their produce in the cargo area. Heading back to the house, he and the others bring their fall’s bounty inside. After putting everything away Derpy looks to him.

“You don’t want to start baking yet?”

Arc shakes his head. “We’ll do that this afternoon. Right now we have something very special to do in the backyard.”

“What’s that, dad?”

“Collect leaves.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “You mean raking them up?”

Sweetie Belle groans. “That doesn’t sound like much fun to me.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Well, work does still have to be done.”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose it does, Scootaloo. But we can rake another time. Right now I want everyone to follow me.”

Leading the group outside he points to the leaves.

“Head out there and pick up one leaf that you think is extra pretty. Bring it back here and I’ll show you what I have in mind.”

Nodding, the girls do so. A few minutes later they return to Arc. He leads them inside and gestures to the kitchen table.

“Everyone take a seat.”

As they do so Arc pulls a package of paper and crayons from his ring. Setting them in the middle of the table as they sit down Arc looks at them.

“First you start with a piece of paper. Set it on top of your leaf like so.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “On… top?”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “What for?”

Derpy giggles. “You’ll see, girls. Just listen to Arc.”

As they do so Arc grabs a crayon.

“Now you lightly rub the crayon over the leaf. This makes an outline of the leaf’s veins and outer border.”

Dinky grins. “Like a rubbing?”

“Exactly.”

Apple Bloom giggles as she tries it. “This IS fun!”

Scootaloo frowns. “Kinda, I guess. But I’d still like to get to my herbs.”

Derpy turns to the little girl. “You could do the same with some of them, I suppose.”

Arc nods. “That you could.”

“Okay. I’ll try that.”

Pulling some herbs from the pile, Scootaloo gets to work making rubbings of them. Sometime later they each hold up their papers. Dinky turns to the others.

“These looks really cool!”

Apple Bloom grins. “They’d look even better with multiple leaves!”

Sweetie Belle claps her hands excitedly. “Yeah! We could even arrange them too!”

Arc chuckles. “I have another idea. Each of you put your leaves under a single paper.”

They do so as Arc pulls out different colored crayons.

“Now each of you color a leaf something different.”

“Okay dad.”

As the girls get to work, Arc leaves the room. As he returns a minute later with a pair of scissors Dinky holds up the paper.

“How’s this, dad?”

“Looks great.”

Apple Bloom continues scribbling. “This is fun!”

Sweetie Belle looks to the back door. “Can we get more leaves?!”

“Sure. But there’s one last thing I want to do with these first.”

Putting down the scissors he turns to Dinky.

“Use these to cut the steams off as close to the leaf as possible.”

“Okay, dad.”

“Derpy, would you please pull out a roll of wax paper from that drawer over there.”

“Sure.”

Arc grins. “I’ll be right back.”

Leaving again, he returns with a large object in his hand. Dinky appears confused.

“What’s that, dad?”

Sweetie Belle raises a hand. “I know! It’s an ironing board!”

Apple Bloom frowns. “A what now?”

“Rarity uses it, along with an iron, to get the wrinkles out of her clothes before modeling them.”

Scootaloo smiles. “We doing chores now, Big Brother?”

“Nah. I had something special in mind. Watch.”

Setting up the ironing board, Arc pulls an iron out of a nearby cupboard. Putting it on the counter nearby he plugs it in.

“This just needs a few minutes to warm up. Now then, I need a piece of newspaper.”

Derpy looks to the stairs. “I believe I saw some in the basement. Should I get one?”

“Sure. I just need one page though.”

Derpy heads downstairs to get the newspaper. Handing it to Arc he puts it on the ironing board and turns back to the table.

“Let me see those scissors, Dinky.”

“Okay, dad.”

She hands them to Arc as he unrolls the wax paper. Cutting two sheets the same size he lays one on the newspaper.

“Now I need a leaf.”

Sweetie Belle holds hers up. “Here’s one.”

“Thank you.”

Placing the leaf on the wax paper, Arc sets the second sheet over it and folds the newspaper to cover everything. Picking up the iron he carefully runs it over the newspaper as the others look on. Apple Bloom appears confused.

“I don’t get what you’re doing, Arc.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Neither do I.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Getting wrinkles out of the newspaper?”

“Not exactly. Just give me a bit more time.”

Continuing to run the iron over the newspaper for another few moments, Arc sets it down and steps back before looking to the others.

“Now all we have to do is wait a few minutes for it to cool down.”

“What exactly were you doing, dad?”

“You’ll see.”

A short time later Arc pulls back the newspaper. Picking up the wax paper he holds it up.

“There we go. All done.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Where’d the other piece of wax paper go?”

Apple Bloom grins. “I think they melted together.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Dinky giggles. “That means the leaf is now covered in wax!”

Derpy appears confused. “Is that good?”

Scootaloo looks the leaf over carefully. “It’ll be somewhat preserved, as air won’t be able to reach it.”

Arc grins. “Exactly. They’ll stay colorful much longer this way.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “That’s really cool!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Where’d you learn to do that, Arc?”

“My mother and I did it when I was little. It was a bit of cheap fun, as we didn’t have a lot of money back then.”

Derpy looks at the leaf. “How long do these last?”

“I’m not sure. Back then I didn’t keep any more than a couple weeks. Now I wish I had.”

Dinky grins. “Well, I’ll find out!”

Brightwing gasps. “Friend?”

“I’ll keep one of these around forever!”

Arc chuckles. “You do that, sweetie.”

Apple Bloom turns to Arc. “Can we make more of these?!”

“Sure. Just get some more leaves.”

Sweetie Belle heads for the door. “Come on!”

Arc turns to Scootaloo as Dinky and Apple Bloom run outside.

“Don’t you want to join them?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Nah. I’d rather just look over these herbs.”

“Scootaloo. Do you remember what you said earlier today about not feeling as if you had a place to belong?”

“What about it?”

“If you want to be accepted by others you have to be willing to be like them.”

“Huh?”

Derpy smiles at the little girl. “I think Arc means that you should make an effort to play with other fillies.”

“But I’m an adult now.”

Arc sighs. “Just on paper. Your body is still that of a child.”

Derpy nods. “Try getting to know the other girls. They’ll show you how to have some filly fun.”

Scootaloo sighs as she stands. “Okay. I’ll try.”

Heading for the door, Scootaloo leaves to join Dinky and her friends. Derpy turns to Arc.

“Do you think that will help?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But it’s for the best that she try to have at least a somewhat normal childhood.”

Derpy bows her head. “I wish I had.”

“It’s not too late, Derpy.”

“It’s not?”

“Nah. Come on.”

Taking her hand, Arc runs outside with her.

“Arc, what are we doing?!”

“Looking for leaves.”

Dinky gasps. “Dad?”

“Your mother and I want to play too.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “The more the merrier!”

Sweetie Belle laughs. “Sounds good to me.”

Arc grins as he look at the yard full of leaves. “Then let’s get to leaf collecting!”

As they work Brightwing looks over the leaves left on the table. Picking them up, she concentrates and opens a wormhole. Fluttering through she drops the leaves on her office desk in a pile and looks them over for a few moments before putting them into a ceramic bowl. Using her claws she shreds them up as she talks to herself.

“Not long now! Soon… oh, very soon!”

Chapter 16 - The Third Degree

The next day Arc walks down the corridor of the hospital towards Shelly’s room. He turns and looks down at Scootaloo.

“I still don’t understand why you insisted on coming along.”

Scootaloo looks away nervously. “You and I both want to know how your friend is doing, right?”

“True. But since when are you that interested in this?”

“I… can’t really say.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Did I miss something?”

“Well… you remember a day or so ago when you took Lily to the Cafeteria for something to eat?”

“What about it?”

“Shelly and I had a nice conversation.”

Arc nods approvingly. “You two bonded, huh?”

“Yeah. More so than you know.”

Coming to the room, Arc motions for Scootaloo to stay in the hallway. Entering, he finds Lily sitting in the chair next to Shelly’s bed. She is wearing a hospital gown identical to the one on Shelly.

“Morning, Lily.”

Lily smiles and stands up. “Good morning, Arc.”

Arc points at the gown. “Um… what’s with… you know…?”

Lily blushes slightly. “I… had a bit of an… incident last night.”

“Incident?”

“Woke up in the shower.”

“Then what’s with the gown?”

Lily sighs. “I was still wearing my clothes when I got in the shower apparently.”

Arc frowns. “Were you now?”

“Yes. You see, I haven’t been showering OR sleeping properly for some time now. Guess I must’ve been trying to take care of two problems at once.”

“Yeah. So where are your clothes?”

“The nurse that found me took them to the laundry. She’ll have them back soon enough.”

“That’s good. But why didn’t you just put on some of Shelly’s spare clothes in the meantime?”

Lily facepalms. “I… didn’t think of that.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess you really were fatigued. How about I watch Shelly for you while you go change?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Lily takes some clothes from Shelly’s bag (that she herself packed, no less) and heads for the bathroom. Arc sits down next to the bed and takes Shelly’s hand as he calls out telepathically to Scootaloo.

“Do you have something to tell me now?”

“Um… I…”

“Did you mind control Lily?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yes, Big Brother.”

Arc frowns. “We are going to have a long talk about this later. Now I want you to go sit in the Waiting Room and think about what it was that you did.”

Cutting the telepathic link, Arc puts a finger on Shelly’s chin. Moving her head side to side he looks over her neck. Breathing a sigh of relief he sits back and gives Shelly’s hand a squeeze as he whispers.

“Sorry about this.”

A few minutes later Lily steps out of the bathroom. She sits down next to Arc and smiles sleepily.

“Thanks for coming, Arc.”

“It’s where I belong.”

“I know this is a rather busy time for you, what with having a full house right now.”

“It’s fine. Dawn is watching the kids at the moment.”

“That’s good. She seems like a really nice gal to me.”

“That she is.”

“Tell me, how did you find her?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Find her?”

“You didn’t have any known relatives when we were kids.”

“Just… something that came up in my travels.”

“A one in a million chance, huh?”

“More like one in a billion.”

“Well, I can see that she’s very happy to have found you.”

“I’m happy to know her as well.”

Lily smiles nervously. “Arc… can I be honest with you about something?”

“Always. What is it?”

“I… um… noticed something when we were at your place last Christmas.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Noticed?”

“About Dawn.”

“Something wrong?”

“I… uh… don’t really know. After all, I’m sure other countries have their own customs and ways of doing things. That’s why I didn’t say anything back then. But I think I need to now.”

“What is it?”

“Well… you see… when we were there that week… both Shelly and I noticed that she kept glancing over at you with a very strange look on her face.”

“Strange?”

“Kind of a weird smile. Like this.”

Lily makes a strange smile before continuing.

“Sorry. I’m probably not doing it right.”

“What’s wrong with a smile though?”

“Nothing by itself. But she had a weird look in her eyes too.”

“You’re not making any sense, Lily.”

Lily grimaces. “Shelly… told me she’d seen that look before.”

“Where?”

“On my face whenever you and I were together.”

“Nothing wrong with that though.”

“I used to smile like that when I was… fantasizing about you.”

She blushes and looks away quickly as Arc picks up where Lily left off.

“That’s… um… surprising. But I’m not mad or anything. After all, you had the courage to tell me about your feelings some time ago.”

“I just… Shelly and I think that she might be… uh… developing feelings for you, Arc. And I’m not talking about the ones family should have for one another.”

“Ah! I see.”

“This is really hard for me to say, Arc. But I thought you should know.”

“Well thank you for being honest with me about it.”

“Shelly and I just don’t want her to come between you and Rarity. Legal or not in their home country, that could have ended badly.”

“I believe we could have talked it out. Her and Rarity are good friends, after all.”

“That’s what could make it especially hard. Friends fighting over someone like you, Arc. I just wanted to make sure you knew about it.”

“And I appreciate that.”

Lily sighs. “Arc, I… need to say one other thing though.”

“Oh?”

“In the end, I… I just want you to be happy. While I do think that Rarity is a wonderful woman… at the same time I also wish that… that maybe you and I had… maybe gone out, or something.”

“On a date?”

Lily nods. “Yes. I wanted to ask you out so many times in the past. But I always chickened out.”

Arc smiles as he takes her hand. “Can I be Honest with you too?”

“Of course!”

“I always thought you were cute.”

Lily smiles as she blushes. “You did?!”

“Yeah. That long blonde hair and blue eyes… I don’t mind admitting that you looked really nice.”

“I don’t understand, Arc. If you liked me why didn’t you say anything?”

Arc sighs. “Because at the time I just saw you kinda like a little sister. That and I thought you had a thing for Frank.”

Lily giggles. “Well, I kinda did.”

“I didn’t really want to risk our relationship changing.”

“Changing?”

“Right. Like if we started dating and had a falling out… I didn’t want to risk losing my friend like that.”

Lily smiles. “That’s very sweet, Arc. And I do appreciate you thinking about our relationship like that.”

“Do you think… that you would have said ‘yes’?”

“If you’d asked me out?”

“Yeah.”

Lily nods. “I would have. At least I think so.”

“Guess it doesn’t really matter now.”

“Not really. But I did want to get it off my chest.”

“Me too.”

“You?”

“Ever since you confessed your feelings I’ve been thinking about a lot of things. Some of them I can’t really talk about. But it opened my mind to a lot of new ideas.”

“Did it?”

“Yes. That I need to be Honest with those around me about how I feel if I want the same.”

“Well, you’ve always been honest with Shelly and I. We do appreciate that.”

Arc sighs as he looks toward the bed. “I… yeah.”

“Is something wrong, Arc?”

“Kinda. But I… can’t really talk about it.”

“That’s okay. I’m sure you will if you want to.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

“We trust you, Arc. But might I ask you something that’s been bothering me for a while now?”

“Anything.”

“Are we… are Shelly and I… invited?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “To what?”

A voice rings out from the bed.

“Your… wedding.”

They turn to see Shelly’s eyes partially open. Arc and Lily stand and look to the young woman. Lily is the first to speak.

“Shelly!”

Arc smiles at her. “How are you feeling?!”

Shelly groans. “Really… tired.”

Lily gasps. “I’m sorry. Did we wake you?”

“It’s… it’s okay. How long… was I out?”

“About a day and a half.”

Arc nods. “I came by yesterday with the others. But you were out cold.”

Shelly smiles. “I could feel you there, Arc.”

“Feel?”

“Yes. He’s always given off a sense of warmth and security.”

“Do I?”

“That you do. But you haven’t answered Lily’s question yet.”

Lily appears momentarily confused. “Question?”

“About her wedding invitation.”

Arc turns to Lily. “Of course you two are invited!”

Lily smiles nervously. “Are you…sure?”

“Very!”

“It wouldn’t be… weird?”

“Not at all. I want both of you there when the time comes.”

Shelly smiles sadly. “Unless it’s happening very soon, I think I’m going to miss it.”

Lily takes the young woman’s hand. “Come on, Shelly. Be positive.”

“I am, Lily. And it’s okay. Please have a good time and enjoy Rarity’s homeland when you go.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Go to… Ponyville?”

“Unless it’s here, of course.”

Arc grimaces. “Ah! Well, we… haven’t really had time to talk about it yet. But I’m guessing she’ll want to have it there, yes.”

Lily appears hopeful. “Do you think I’d be allowed into the country?”

“I’ll see to it that you are, yes.”

Shelly turns to Arc. “Will it be safe?”

Arc nods. “By then, yes. I can assure you of that.”

Lily smiles. “Good. I’d love to see that land where you found such happiness, Arc.”

“They’ll be a lot for you to learn regarding the culture, of course. But I’ll be with you the whole time.”

“I’ll do my best not to offend anyone.”

“The townsfolk are all very understanding. Well, now anyways.”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “Now?”

“It was kinda tough for me when I first came. Being an outsider, and all. But we learned to coexist.”

Lily grins. “Let me know when you have a date and I’ll fly over there.”

“I will.”

Shelly reaches up slowly. “You and Rarity will be very happy together.”

Arc nods as he takes her hand. “We already are.”

“I do hope you two have a long and happy life together.”

Lily giggles. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll open an international franchise of ‘Shelly’s Kitchen’.”

Shelly smiles at her friend. “That would be fine with me.”

Arc appears surprised. “You’re okay with Lily moving to another country?”

“You forget, Arc. I’ll be gone by then.”

Lily gasps. “But what about the restaurant?!”

“I’ve already named you as the beneficiary of my estate, Lily. When I’m gone everything is yours. Hire someone to run it for you, close it, sell it… but promise me one thing.”

“Name it.”

“That you’ll do what makes you happy.”

“I will, Shelly. Promise!”

Sometime later Arc steps into the Waiting Room. He spies Scootaloo sitting in a chair as she looks down at the floor. Walking over to her he calls out.

“Time to go.”

Nodding wordlessly, she stands and walks with Arc through the exterior doors. Stepping behind a dumpster, Arc opens a portal and steps through with her. Reappearing in his basement he closes the portal, recalls the gauntlet, and motions to the table.

“Sit down.”

Scootaloo sighs and does as she is told as Arc sits across from her.

“Now then, I’m going to ask you some questions and I need straight answers. Okay?”

Nodding silently, she continues to look down as Arc speaks.

“Scootaloo. Last night… did you go to the hospital?”

“Yes, Big Brother.”

“And did you see Lily?”

Scootaloo nods as Arc continues.

“What did you do to her?”

“I… mesmerized her.”

“And told her to go take a shower?”

“In all honesty she did need one.”

“Then explain why she was wearing a hospital gown when I found her.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I… didn’t think to tell her to get undressed first. But you have my word that I didn’t harm her in any way!”

“Yes, well… did you do anything else in that room?”

“Just… lay down next to Shelly.”

“And?”

“And… used a certain spell I learned from a book.”

Arc frowns. “Book?”

“The one we took from the ogre.”

“Tell me about the spell.”

“It’s similar to a standard mesmerizing spell, but with a bit of a twist. This one let me enter her dreams.”

“You… saw what Shelly was dreaming?”

Scootaloo nods. “Not just that, but it let me interact with her.”

“Why though?”

“I… wanted to make her an offer.”

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

“To heal her.”

“I think I know what you mean, but elaborate.”

“The way I saw it, she’s not going to last much longer. And I wanted to offer her a chance to live.”

“How?”

“By making her my thrall.”

Arc sighs. “Scootaloo…”

“I was planning to treat her like you treat me! A thrall in name only though! And you could have always just ordered me to give control of her to you!”

“I thought so.”

“She… didn’t go for it.”

“Yes, I checked her neck.”

“It doesn’t have to be there. A bite anywhere would have sufficed.”

Arc frowns. “Not helping right now.”

“Sorry.”

“So just to be sure… you didn’t turn her into a Crimson, right?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, Big Brother. I made the offer and she declined it.”

“Good. She shouldn’t be forced into that.”

“Like I did to you?”

“Not quite. At the time you couldn’t have asked me. And seconds mattered.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “So I did the right thing?”

“For me, yes. But as far as Shelly goes… I don’t really like the fact that you just left the house to go see her without telling anyone.”

“It was kinda late though, Big Brother. That and everyone else had already gone to bed.”

“However I am glad that you talked to Shelly to get consent first.”

“I knew that’s what you would have done, Big Brother.”

“Yeah. And thank you for not just biting her anyways.”

“After she said ‘no’ I left her subconscious to return to the waking world. In truth… I had my fangs on her skin before I stopped.”

Arc clenches a fist angrily “So you WERE planning to turn her into a Crimson?!”

“Kinda.”

“Then why did you stop?!”

“Because… I realized that I was just acting like I knew what was best for her. And while I still think she’d be better off as one of us, she’s already rejected the idea.”

“Then that’s the end of the matter.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But we could save her!”

“I know.”

“Then why…?!”

“Because it’s like you said, Scootaloo. She already said ‘no’. While I’m sure you explained the matter to her properly, the choice needs to be hers to make.”

“So… are you still mad at me?”

Arc sighs. “A little, yes. But you didn’t follow through with it.”

“I knew you wouldn’t like me doing that.”

“And, I… I know where you got the idea from.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Idea?”

“I’ve been considering doing that very thing for a long time now.”

“You have?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Like you said, it would probably save her life. Even let her live a proper one from now on.”

“Then do it!”

“But, again like you said, she doesn’t want that. And we shouldn’t force such changes on others whom don’t want it.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I just… wanted to make her better.”

“We both do.”

“You forget, I can feel what you do, Big Brother.”

“Then you know how I feel.”

“I know you want her to live on. And I do know the reason too.”

“Shelly is a very good friend of mine, yes.”

“Yes. But that isn’t the only reason, is it?”

“I do want her there when I get married to the others.”

“There’s something else though.”

Arc sighs. “And I’d like to make things right between her and Max.”

“Then let him come here and see her!”

“I did offer to do that before. However he believes that their relationship is over.”

“But you don’t.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Then why…?”

“You saw her, Scootaloo. Shelly’s very weak right now.”

“Just tell her the truth about Max and his origins then.”

“She can’t take a lot of excitement though. At this point the stress could very literally kill her.”

“But that’s… that’s not fair! For either of them!”

“Yeah, I know. And it’s completely my fault things went that way for them. However, forcing Shelly to become something she doesn’t want to be won’t help anything.”

“But…!”

“But then she’d be strong enough to see him. I could back up his story, tell her about Equestria, and be Honest about who he and I really are, I know. And believe me, that does sound very good right now.”

“Then why aren’t we doing that?!”

“Like I said, because Shelly doesn’t want it. Isn’t that what she told you?”

“Yes! But…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Scootaloo.”

“Huh?”

“Please stop.”

“I…!”

She sighs and nods her head.

“I’m sorry, Big Brother. This isn’t easy for you.”

“You can feel my pain.”

“Yeah.”

“It hurts. A lot.”

“What can we do to help?”

“Give Shelly what she wants. Time with her loved ones.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing sits in a tree overlooking Mio’s campsite. She watches her work from the concealment of the leaves overhead. As Mio heads to a bush to… um… take care of business, Brightwing swoops down and grabs a flask from her pile of supplies. Quickly opening it, she pours a small amount of a multi-colored liquid into a vial in her claws. Replacing the lid as she hears the sound of rustling leaves and footsteps, Brightwing turns and puts the flask back into position with her tail as she takes flight. Flying for some time she eventually sets down in a tree some distance away. Looking down at the vial, she smiles.

“Another ingredient found! This is going well!”

Opening the vial, she sniffs it for a moment before wrinkling her nose and quickly putting the stopper back in.

“Reagent smell funny! But no one ever said magic had to smell good!”

Concentrating, she opens a portal and flutters through it.

Chapter 17 - Stratego

Arc heads upstairs with Scootaloo. They find Derpy and the girls sitting around the table playing a game. Dinky looks up as they approach.

“Hey dad!”

“Hi, sweetheart. What’s up?”

Apple Bloom points to something on the table. “We’re trying to figure out how to play this game.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “It’s not going very well though.”

Arc looks at the board. “Stratego? Now there’s a game I haven’t played in a long time.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What’s it about?”

Derpy shrugs as she looks over the instructions. “No idea. They keep using words we don’t understand.”

Arc smiles. “Oh? Like what?”

Apple Bloom groans. “Scout, Lieutenant, Marshall…”

Sweetie Belle scratches her head. “Some kind of ranks, of course. But other than that…”

Dinky appears hopeful. “Can you show us how to play, dad?”

“Sure. But we’ll have to start over.”

Derpy puts down the instructions. “Why’s that, Arc?”

“Well, for starters, the pieces are facing the wrong way.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “But then we couldn’t see what they had!”

Scootaloo looks at the board. “I think that’s kinda the point here.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “I knew it!”

Arc looks to Derpy. “How about I play against Dinky in a bit of a tutorial?”

“Okay.”

She stands up and lets Arc take her place. Scooting the chair up to the table he turns the pieces closest to him around so that only he can see them.

“So here’s how it works. There’s two armies… red and blue. At the start you choose which to be.”

Dinky grins. “Can I be red?”

“Sure.”

He picks up a board piece and holds it up before continuing.

“This is the flag. Each army has one. The point of the game is to keep it safe while trying to get your opponent’s flag.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “How?”

“By making moves into enemy territory and attacking.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Attacking the army?”

Arc nods. “One piece at a time, yes.”

Derpy smiles. “How though?”

“Each turn you can move one piece. Then your opponent gets to do the same.”

Dinky puts a hand to her chin. “Can you attack in the same turn?”

“Yes. But only if your one move puts you inside the square they’re standing on.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Like checkers?”

“Sort of. But you don’t jump over them. You bump the piece. Like this…”

Setting two pieces directly next to each other, Arc picks up his blue piece and touches the top of the red piece.

“Attack. Colonel, three.”

Dinky scratches her head. “My piece is a four. I think that’s a Major.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Which one is higher up?”

“The Colonel would be the higher ranked officer.”

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. “But they’re on opposite sides of the battle, so how does THAT matter?”

“During an ‘attack’ the higher ranking piece will ‘capture’ the lower. During that time we both have to announce what rank, or at least the number, our piece is. Like when I attack your piece I need to at least say ‘attack, three’. Then you say the number on your piece to determine who wins.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “So what happens to Dinky’s piece?”

Arc points to the box that holds the game pieces. “We each put our own captured pieces in these boxes, separately, so that each of us can see what’s been captured. In this case the Major is captured so Dinky will put them in her box.”

“Okay.”

Picking the piece up she places it in the ‘captured’ box as Arc continues.

“Now then, let’s say that my Colonel were to attack again. On my next turn, of course. But he went up against your General.”

Dinky holds up a piece. “This one, dad?”

“Right. Set it in front of my Colonel.”

The little girl does so as Arc picks up his piece.

“Attack. Three.”

Dinky grins. “Two.”

“A General outranks a Colonel, so my piece would be captured and set in my box.”

Derpy nods. “Whose turn is it after that?”

“Dinky’s. Win or lose the attack, the next player gets to move.”

Sweetie Belle looks at the board again. “So the rule is that the lower number wins?”

“With a few exceptions.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Like what?”

“Well… each army has six bombs. You place them around with your army like any other piece. If an enemy attacks them it blows up and that piece is ‘captured’.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Shouldn’t they be, I don’t know… dead?”

Arc shrugs. “For the sake of the game, they’re still just ‘captured’.”

Apple Bloom puts a finger on the board and traces a route. “So you just have to go around the bombs?”

Derpy looks at the board. “But couldn’t you just block the six tiles between the armies?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “But they could only blow up one piece, right?”

“Nope. Bombs blow up as many pieces that touch them.”

Dinky gasps. “So mom’s right then? You could just block the path forward?”

“Not exactly. Bombs have one weakness. The number eight piece… Miners.”

Apple Bloom holds up a piece. “This one?”

“Right. They can diffuse bombs.”

Sweetie Belle looks the piece over. “How?”

“By ‘attacking’ them. Like this…”

Taking the ‘bomb’ piece, Arc sets it down in front of one of his Miners. Picking up his piece he taps the bomb tile.

“Attack. Miner.”

“Bomb.”

Arc picks up the bomb tile. “Now the bomb is diffused and removed from the board.”

Derpy gasps. “What about the miner?”

“He’s fine.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “And if the bomb piece attacks him?”

“Bombs can’t be moved. Once you place them that’s where they sit the whole game.”

Apple Bloom groans. “This game sounds really complicated.”

Scootaloo nods approvingly. “I think it’s a really cool idea. Makes you think ahead.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. You have to use a strategy from the start.”

Dinky picks up the box. “Hence the name ‘Stratego’?”

“Something like that. Generally, the gist of it is lower numbers always win out over higher numbers.”

Derpy picks up two ‘seven’ pieces. “And if they’re the same number?”

“Then they’re both removed from the board.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “So they capture… each other?”

“I guess. It’s probably a rule that was put into place to prevent someone from holding the front line endlessly or trapping pieces in corners.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “How would they do that?”

Scootaloo steps forward. “I think I get it. If you were to move pieces in front to match the ones of your enemy you could theoretically make it so that they couldn’t pass.”

Dinky looks to her father. “A stalemate?”

“Exactly.”

Derpy puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Low numbers win, bombs blow up everyone other than the Miner, and you have to get the flag. Anything else?”

Arc nods. “Yes. There’s one very special piece that I haven’t talked about yet.”

Picking up at tile, he holds it out.

“The Spy.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Spy?”

Apple Bloom grins. “Can they see what other units are?”

Scootaloo smiles wickedly. “Or go behind enemy lines?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. This piece is the only soldier that can take down the ‘Marshal’.”

Dinky looks over her pieces. “Which one is that?”

“The number one tile.”

Dinky picks it up. “This one?”

“Right. There’s nothing below one in the game, so they could theoretically take out anyone on the board.”

Derpy points a finger. “What about bombs?”

“Bombs still blow up the Marshall, yes.”

Apple Bloom appears relieved. “So they’re not invincible.”

“Nope. But if that were the only way to stop them no one would ever take them on the offensive.”

Dinky giggles. “They’d be a defensive juggernaut.”

Arc grins. “That’s where your Spy comes in. When the Marshal enters combat and attacks another unit, as I said before, you have to announce their number. Then your opponent knows, assuming they can remember, which tile is your Marshal. If they can get the Spy to attack them the Marshal loses and is captured.”

Scootaloo clenches a fist. “An equalizer.”

“Right. But only if the Spy attacks first. If the Marshall attacks the Spy, the Spy loses the face off and is captured. Then only a bomb could take out the now unstoppable unit. Well, either that or you could sacrifice your own Marshall and have him attack the enemy number one.”

A slight giggle rings out from a nearby cupboard. Arc looks up and opens it with a Telekinesis Spell. Brightwing peers out at them with a smile.

“Hello, friends!”

Derpy gasps. “Brightwing?!”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “How long have you been in there?!”

“Since friends started playing! Game looks fun!”

Apple Bloom groans. “Then why don’t you come down here and watch?”

Brightwing grins happily. “I am happy to agree!”

Blinking onto the table, she watches intently as Arc continues.

“Now then, the other super unit you have is the General. He’s a two.”

Sweetie Belle looks the piece over. “So only the Marshal can take him down?”

“Right. That or a bomb. So they’re equally powerful inasmuch that only a single piece can stop them.”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “So you only have one of each, right?”

“Yes. Otherwise the game would be too hard.”

Brightwing licks her lips hungrily. “Or easy!”

“It’s more along the lines of how you look at it. Now there is one other rule you should know about.”

Picking up a piece, Arc sets it on the opposite side of the board in front of Dinky.

“If I manage to get one of my pieces all the way to the back of your lines I can rescue one of my captured pieces.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Any piece?”

“Other than the bombs, yes.”

Derpy giggles. “Even the Marshal?”

“Yup. But you can only do it twice per game.”

Dinky looks over the board. “Well, I don’t see that happening.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Maybe the Marshal or General could make it.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But they’d be the ones you’d want to BE rescued. Not DO the rescuing.”

Arc chuckles. “Exactly. That’s where the Scout comes in.”

Holding up a tile with the number nine on it Arc continues.

“The Scout can move an unlimited number of tiles in a single turn.”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “Unlimited?!”

Brightwing steps back nervously. “WOAH! Scary!”

Arc continues. “They’re used to attack pieces to figure out what they are. But they always lose since they’re the lowest number on the board.”

Scootaloo grins. “A sacrificial pawn?”

“Yeah. The only exception is the Spy. Even the Scout can capture them.”

Dinky puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “So if you don’t want to risk a powerful, valuable unit you could just send them in.”

Arc nods. “Now you got it.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Any limits to their movements?”

“They can’t jump over pieces, friend or foe. And no diagonal moves either. That goes for any unit though.”

Apple Bloom points. “What about capturing the flag?”

“If there’s an open and direct path to the flag they can use it to win the game outright.”

Derpy sighs. “It sounds really complicated, Arc.”

“I know it’s a lot to take in all at once, but it’s a lot of fun when you get the hang of it. But why don’t I suggest placement of the flag before we play?”

Scootaloo looks over the board again. “Can it be placed anywhere?”

“As long as it’s in your territory, yes. And once placed it can’t be moved.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “But couldn’t someone just pick it up to protect it?”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s against the rules. So choose where to put it wisely.”

Picking up the flag, Arc sets it in a corner.

“I usually put it here in one of the two corners. Then you put a bomb on the top and side of it for defense.”

Dinky giggles. “Clever. Anyone whom stumbles upon it would get blown up.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Unless they’re a Miner, that is.”

Scootaloo folds her arms over her chest. “But you wouldn’t have Miners waltzing around the board like that.”

Arc smiles. “Exactly. You have to figure out where the flag is before sending in units to clear a path for the Miners. However that could also be used as a trap.”

Derpy gasps. “But how?”

“Once I tricked my dad into thinking he found my flag. He lost both his Marshal and General trying to get his last Miner back there. But when they diffused the bomb and went to capture what he thought was the flag behind it I told him that it was actually a seven.”

Scootaloo grins. “You mean…?”

Arc laughs. “Yup! I trapped a Sergeant back there!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Whom captured the Miner when he attacked!”

“And like I said, it was his last one too.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “So where was the flag?”

“The other corner. Protected by two bombs.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “But how was he supposed to get to the flag with no Miners?”

Scootaloo smirks. “That’s the brilliance of the maneuver. He couldn’t.”

Arc nods. “Yup. With no Miners left he admitted that there was no way for him to get to the flag, and gave up.”

Dinky laughs. “So you beat him?!”

“That I did.”

Brightwing does a flying backflip. “Hooray!”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “But I imagine he was wise to that plan the next time though.”

“Right. We had a similar incident a few months later. And by ‘similar’ I actually mean exactly the same.”

Derpy smiles. “One Miner and he found the flag?”

“Exactly. But this time, after diffusing the bomb, he pulled back the Miner and sent in a Scout instead.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “And what was there?”

“A Sergeant. He lost the Scout, of course. But he also learned that the flag wasn’t there in addition to keeping his last Miner on the board.”

Brightwing grins. “Clever!”

Sweetie Belle points. “Then he hit the other corner?”

“Right. Same scenario too. Sent in the Miner to take out the bomb before advancing to take the flag. But again it wasn’t the case.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “What was there?”

“Just a Scout. But he was so sure he’d win that I was able to make a move to take out his last Miner.”

Derpy giggles. “So he lost again?!”

“Yup.”

Brightwing appears confused. Where flag then?

“In the middle protected by bombs. I had to use three to cover all sides of it, of course. But it was worth it.”

Dinky chuckles. “So he wasn’t very good at this game?”

“Quite the opposite. I can’t count the number of times he beat me at it.”

Apple Bloom grins. “But you learned his tactics and how to counter them.”

Arc nods. “That’s what happens when you play the same game against someone enough times. They become predictable.”

Scootaloo puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Predictable, huh?”

Derpy turns to her. “Scootaloo?”

“Sorry. I was just thinking.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “About what?”

“Your meeting with Hammer’s sister.”

“What about it?”

“Well… like you sort of just said, if you work with someone long enough they can become predictable.”

Dinky frowns. “Are you saying that he should or shouldn’t believe…?”

Scootaloo interrupts. “Neither. Big Brother should listen to Hammer on this one.”

Arc sighs. “She originally didn’t want to listen to what her sister wrote though. But I was able to convince her to at least read the letter sent to her.”

Derpy smiles. “And then she asked you to help Mio?”

“Right.”

Dinky sighs. “Are you sure you couldn’t just take Mio to see Hammer, dad?”

“It was Mio’s idea to find her own way to Equestria. Hammer and I are just following her wishes in that regard.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “I suppose Hammer would know her own sister best.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Yeah. Like if Arc wanted to know what to buy Applejack for a present I’d probably be the one to ask.”

Dinky turns to the little girl. “That does make sense. But what brought this on, Scootaloo?”

“Just the current conversation. After all, day to day life is kinda like a game of sorts. And like Apple Bloom just said, those closest to us are the ones whom would do best in gauging our intentions.”

Brightwing makes a series of happy sounds. “Nice lady in forest is working hard to make her dream a reality!”’

Arc shrugs. “I’m sure she is. The only real problem is that Hammer already checked with Sunburst. He told her that Mio’s machine is way off the mark.”

Derpy appears confused. “So it won’t work?”

“Not according to the readings he’s getting from it, no.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Maybe you could help her out, Arc.”

Dinky shrugs. “Or at least tell her she’s not going in the right direction.”

“I thought about that already. But Mio was very insistent that she wanted to do this herself.”

“Then that’s the end of the matter, right Big Brother?”

“As far as helping her reach Equestria, yes.”

Derpy sighs. “Where do we go from here then?”

“Observe and wait.”

He gestures to the game board before continuing.

“And start a real game here.”

Dinky grins. “Me versus you, dad?”

“Sure.”

Scootaloo pulls up a chair. “This I’ve got to see.”

They spend the remainder of the day playing various board games. As Arc and company sit down to supper Dinky turns to her father.

“That was a nice day, dad.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right! We had a blast!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “My favorite was that one game with the plastic pegs on the board.”

Scootaloo frowns. “What was it called again?”

Derpy smiles. “‘Battleship’, I believe.”

“Yup.”

“Brightwing still impressed at friend’s skill!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not so much ‘skill’ as much as knowing the best way to play the game.”

Dinky sighs. “Right. But not every game has that element.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Like that candy game.”

Arc frowns. “Candyland?”

“Right!”

Sweetie Bloom groans. “That one’s all luck.”

Scootaloo scoffs. “The winner’s determined as soon as the deck is shuffled and the starting player decided.”

“True. But it was a very popular game when I was a kid. Not sure why though.”

Derpy smiles. “My favorite was ‘Solitaire’.”

“Why’s that, mom?”

“The mystery of every card as I turned it over made it rather exciting for me.”

Arc chuckles. “Not sure I’ve ever heard someone describe Solitaire with that word before, but if it makes you happy…”

Sweetie Belle interrupts him. “How about that ‘Clue’ game though?”

Brightwing gasps. “That one scary!”

Apple Bloom rolls her eyes. “No one was ACTUALLY murdered though, Brightwing.”

Dinky nods. “Right. It’s just a game.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “It wasn’t really a detective game though. After all, the process of elimination is much more intense than just going from room to room.”

Arc grins. “I suppose it is, yes. But a game can never hold a candle to the real thing.”

Derpy turns to the little girls. “Like when you three were searching for Arc with Sereb?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “That wasn’t a game though.”

Apple Bloom shudders. “Yeah. We just wanted to help Dinky learn the truth.”

Dinky grins. “And I’m glad you two came with me on that.”

“Big Brother and I did a few similar things when I was wandering the land as the Scarlet Filly.”

Arc puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “The mystery in Vanhoover was rather interesting. Looking back at it, I mean.”

“Exciting even.”

Derpy giggles. “You two sure had some interesting times.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose. But in the back of my mind I knew something was missing.”

Brightwing gasps. “What that, friend?!”

“The truth.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Huh?”

“I knew that there had to be more to me than just being a forager.”

Scootaloo grins. “So did I. After all, you were too strong, smart, and combat-savvy for that, Big Brother.”

“It’s what drove me to continue searching for the truth. Admittedly, Scootaloo and I could have done very well for ourselves by continuing with our work as Bounty Hunters.”

“I tried to convince you of that a time or two if you recall.”

“Part of me did want to do that. But in the end my desire to find out what I left behind won out.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “We’re glad it did, Arc.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah. Rarity wasn’t herself after your funeral.”

Dinky bows her head. “Neither was mom.”

Derpy sighs. “It was… hard. Knowing that my first ever friend was gone.”

“Well, I’m back, and will do my best to stay that way.”

Brightwing cries out happily. “Hooray!”

As they finish their meal and move to clear the table Arc glances at the clock over the sink.

“I think I’ll take a portal over to the hospital and check on Shelly. Make sure she’s okay.”

Derpy nods. “Alright, Arc.”

Apple Bloom stands. “We’ll get started on the dishes while you do that.”

Sweetie Belle grimaces. “Right. But, um…”

Arc appears confused. “Something else?”

“Kinda, dad.”

Derpy turns to her. “Dinky?”

“We… that is, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and I were kinda hoping you would do something for us.”

“Sure. What is it?”

Apple Bloom grins. “The three of us had a bit of an idea.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “All of us agree that you should spend more time with your sick friend.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Yeah. But that’s only part of it.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What else could…?”

Apple Bloom interrupts her. “No spoilers!”

Dinky nods. “Right.”

Arc grins. “And what should I do?”

Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “After breakfast tomorrow could you open a portal back to Equestria for all of us?”

“You want to go home?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “Just for the day. We need a bit of help with our plan from my big sister and her friends.”

Dinky nods. “While we’re doing that you could spend the day at the hospital with Shelly and Lily, dad. I know you’ve been worried about not spending enough time here with us. But they need you too.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Especially right now.”

Derpy looks around the Kitchen. “That would give me some time to do a bit of cleaning around here too.

Dinky smiles. “Actually we need you back in Equestria, mom.”

“I have a place in your plan too, sweetie?”

“Yeah, mom.”

“Then I’ll do what I can. Assuming this is okay with your father, that is.”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

Dinky grins. “Great!”

“Anything else you want me to do?”

“Actually, yeah.”

Apple Bloom points up. “Can you put a sigil in your parent’s room?”

“I guess so. But why?”

Sweetie Belle grins. “It’s part of our plan. Tomorrow you need to come back to that sigil at exactly nine o’clock in the evening.”

Apple Bloom nods. “We’ll leave instructions on what you need to do via a note on the bed.”

“Just follow them and we’ll take care of the rest, dad.”

“Brightwing thinks this all very mysterious!”

Arc smirks. “So do I.”

Derpy puts a hand on his arm. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, Arc.”

“No, no. It’s fine. After all, I trust our daughter and her friends.”

Sweetie Belle appears relieved. “Thanks!”

Apple Bloom points to the stairs. “Come on! We have a bunch of stuff to figure out before tomorrow!”

Scootaloo rolls her eyes as the trio run for the stairs. Turning to Arc she shakes her head.

“They didn’t even stay to help with the dishes.”

Derpy heads for the sink. “That’s fine. I can take care of them.”

Arc chuckles. “Why don’t you hold off on that, Derpy. I’ll give you a hand when I get back from the hospital.”

“I’ll do that for you, Big Brother.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, we’ll take care of it.”

“Um… okay. See you two in a bit then.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal and steps through. Derpy looks to the sink and turns on the water.

“Thank you for offering to help.”

“I… kinda owed Big Brother.”

“Oh?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yeah. I did something I shouldn’t have and now he’s not exactly happy with me.”

“I’m sure he’ll forgive you if you ask him too.”

“Well, I already talked it out with him. He knows what I did was what I thought was best.”

“Then Arc understands your motives.”

“It still feels like he’s mad at me though.”

“That isn’t what I picked up from his demeanor though. Remember, Arc’s very forgiving.”

Scootaloo groans as she walks over to the sink. “Well, this was a big one.”

Derpy smiles at the little girl as she turns off the water and picks up a rag. “So is Arc’s ability to forgive those whom do him wrong.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very. If you’re that upset you should talk to him about it yourself.”

“Maybe another time. He’s… kinda busy with more important matters at the moment.”

Derpy begins washing a dish as she speaks. “While that’s technically true, you need to remember that Arc always has time for those he cares about.”

Chapter 18 - Nocturnal Escapades

The following evening Arc appears on the sigil in his parent’s room. A single bedside lamp dimly illuminates the room. Spotting a single piece of paper on the bedspread, he walks over and picks it up to read aloud.

“Remove the outfit in the closet that’s hanging all the way to the right.”

Shrugging, Arc heads for the closet. Opening it he finds a suit neatly hung up in the a fore mentioned location. Picking up the hanger, he spies another note pined to the lapel. Laying the suit down on the bed he pulls the paper off and begins to read.

“Put on this outfit. Matching socks and shoes can be found under the bed in a box.”

Removing his clothes, Arc puts on the suit and reaches under the bed. Finding the box, he sits down on the side of the bed with it on his lap. Pulling the cover off Arc spies the socks and shoes, but with a note on top.

“After you put on your socks and shoes check the vanity for a comb and some stallion perfume.”

Chuckling, Arc puts on his footwear and heads for the vanity. Sitting down he picks up the comb and quickly does his hair. However as he picks up the bottle of ‘stallion perfume’ he sees another note under it.

“Put two spritzes on your undershirt before buttoning up your coat again and leaving the room.”

Doing as suggested, Arc sets down the bottle. Looking himself over one last time he stands and heads for the door. Grabbing the doorknob he feels a small paper stuck to it. Looking down Arc sees what appears to be a post-it note. Picking it up he reads it.

“Go to the Guest Room and knock three times.”

Shrugging, Arc leaves the room. Taking the few steps down the hall he knocks as indicated on the note. A few moments later the door opens to reveal Derpy standing there, in her human form, wearing a fancy dress. She smiles shyly as she speaks.

“G-good evening, Arc.”

“Good evening, Derpy. Wow! You look great!”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yeah! That dress is perfect!”

Derpy giggles. “I didn’t think so at the time. But it looks like Rarity was right.”

“Rarity?”

Derpy nods. “She made this for me.”

“Today?”

“Sweetie Belle asked her to do a rush job. Fortunately the castle has a fully stocked clothing making room, I guess.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It does?”

“Apparently.”

“Well, I’m glad she was able to get it made. It looks like that fits perfectly.”

“Yes, well… I… have something here.”

“Oh?”

Derpy nods as she holds out a scroll. “Dinky told me to give it to you when you came to get me.”

Accepting it, Arc unrolls the paper and begins to read aloud.

“Lead mom out of her room and toward the stairs. There is a small remote on the banister at the top.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Well then… shall we?”

“Guess we’d better.”

She extends her hand and allows Arc to take it. Leading the young woman down the hall toward the stairs they spot the remote sitting there under a piece of paper. Picking it up Arc spies the simple words ‘press me’. Doing so a subtle light begins to glow on either side of the stairs down. Arc gasps.

“What the…? Candles?”

Derpy nods. “Magical flameless candles.”

She bends down and puts a finger in the ‘flame’ with no ill effect. Arc helps her stand back up as he chuckles.

“Nice ambiance.”

Derpy appears confused. “Nice… what now?”

“Ambiance. It’s means they make things around them look nice and set a mood.”

“Oh! That they do. But there’s more downstairs.”

Carefully walking down the stairs they come to the ground floor. Looking around Arc sees that the candles are everywhere, casting a warm glow on the room which is neat as a pin. Looking down he spots a paper lying on the floor. Picking it up Arc reads aloud again.

“Welcome to your date, dad. As you can see, we’ve cleaned up the house so you and mom will have a nice time without worrying about tripping over anything. Proceed to the kitchen to continue.”

Derpy looks to him as he finishes. “I have to admit, even I don’t know what’s next.”

“Dinky didn’t tell you?”

“No. She and the others said they wanted it to be a surprise. For both of us, that is.”

“Well, let’s not let them down.”

Heading for the kitchen they see the table is set for two with a larger ‘candle’ in the center. It casts a glow over a paper on the table. Picking it up Arc speaks.

“There is a pan in the refrigerator with your supper.”

Opening the refrigerator they spot a large pizza pan with a raw pizza in the center of it. Pulling it out they see another note taped to the side of the pan.

“Put this in the oven at four hundred twenty-five degrees and cook it until you two can smell it, I think. Sorry, not fully sure how to properly cook this.”

Chuckling, Arc walks over and opens the oven door as Derpy sets the temperature. Closing it, he looks to her.

“Any more notes up there?”

Derpy nods as she holds up a note. “There was one on the stove, yes.”

She clears her throat and reads it.

“Have a seat and talk about adult stuff.”

Arc grins. “I’m guessing Apple Bloom wrote that one.”

Derpy nods as she sets the note on the counter. “Yes, I recognize her handwriting.”

Arc gestures to the table. “Well, let’s take their advice.”

Escorting Derpy to the table he pulls out her chair. Sitting down, she spots a paper sticking out from under the plate. Pulling it out as Arc sits down Derpy speaks.

“Have fun, mom!”

Arc chuckles. “There’s one for me here too.”

“What’s it say?”

“Don’t keep her out too late.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “I don’t get it.”

“It’s a human joke. Dinky has apparently been watching television too much.”

“How’s the joke go?”

“When a guy picks up a girl from her parent’s place they say that sometimes. It’s a warning to have their daughter back home before they have to go to bed.”

“What time would that be though?”

“There isn’t a set hour where they’re out too late. My opinion would be no later than ten o’clock though.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because after that time a parent would probably start to worry.”

“That does make sense. So… what should we talk about?”

“Um… how about you start?”

“Me, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Sure. After all, I do want to get to know you better.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing paces back and forth on top of her desk. She glances over at the bottle of mixed reagents sitting mutely to the side before turning to it.

“What wrong with you, potion! Why not want to work!”

As is to be expected the bottle makes not a sound. Brightwing growls at it.

“Don’t you WANT to be a part of this?! Brightwing REALLY smart! She knows what she’s doing!”

Sighing, Brightwing continues.

“Well… I guess Brightwing not THAT smart. After all, you not work yet.”

Tapping her chin with a claw, she frowns.

“Need more powerful reagents. Hair not enough to…”

She gasps before continuing.

“It need to be more compressed magic! Just not enough in hair!”

Doing a backflip, she lands nimbly on the floor. Blinking, Brightwing reappears in the corridor. Fluttering her wings, she flies down the way. Coming to the Infirmary the small creature lands on a medicine cabinet as the last rays of sunlight sink beneath the horizon. Looking around, Brightwing spies a humming cabinet in the corner. Making her way over to it she opens the door to see several rows of blood packs. Grabbing one in her claws she hurries back to her room with it. Meanwhile, Arc and Derpy head to the oven. Opening it, Arc sees that the pizza’s crust has browned perfectly and the cheese is bubbling. Pulling it out he sets the pan on the stovetop.

“This’ll take a bit to cool.”

Derpy giggles. “It certainly smells good though.”

“I’ll say. They must’ve made this with Equestrian ingredients though.”

“How can you tell?”

“The smell. I can’t really put my finger on it, but can tell the difference between the flours used.”

Returning to their table Arc looks to Derpy to continue their conversation.

“So… what do you think?”

“About what?”

“All this work our little Dinky and her friends went through to make this happen.”

Derpy smiles warmly. “They had a lot of help.”

“Did they now?”

“Yes. Rarity made the dress, of course. Pinkie planned the food. Fluttershy recommended these magical candles. Applejack donated the apple pie in the fridge. Rainbow Dash gave me certain… let’s just say... personal advice. And Twilight contributed the resources to pull everything together.”

“Sounds like they pretty much did it all. At least on the Equestrian end.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, well… when you came home at noon to open a portal back for us they got everything set up and made sure I looked my best. Sweetie Belle did my makeup while Apple Bloom ironed the dress. Dinky set up the downstairs with Scootaloo in the meantime.”

“Well, they did a great job. You do look amazing.”

“Thank you. We did have a bit of trouble early on. But Dinky pulled up some YouTube videos to help.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“She learned that human women are supposed to shave their underarms, legs, and their mare parts.”

Arc blushes slightly. “That… isn’t really…”

Derpy grins as she raises a hand overhead to expose her armpit. “I think we made it look pretty good over here.”

She stands and pulls her dress up high to expose her leg and thigh.

“We even got this really smooth!”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes, it looks like you two did it.”

Derpy giggles as she sits down. “I even did my mare parts. Slowly and carefully though. Nicked myself a couple times in the process.”

“I believe you.”

“Dinky told me that it was inappropriate for me to show that to you though. That is… um…”

“Derpy?”

Derpy smiles shyly. “…that is… unless you… wanted to see them.”

“That’s... okay.”

Derpy breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good! Truth be told, I feel kinda strange when I’m uncovered. As a human, I mean.”

“Like when showering?”

“Anytime I’m not completely covered. For some reason it just feels… unnatural to me. Even though, as a mare, I was almost never covered. Does that sound strange to you?”

“Not really. After all, humans generally have an innate desire to cover themselves.”

“Are there exceptions?”

Arc nods. “There are some places where clothes are optional. Certain resorts and nude beaches off the top of my head.”

“And no one feels… bare?”

“If they do I would guess that they’d just put their clothes back on then.”

“So there’s nothing wrong with me?”

“Not at all. You sound like a very normal human woman to me.”

“Good. I was worried that I’d be less appealing the more that’s wrong with me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wrong with you?”

Derpy bows her head. “It’s a rather… sensitive subject.”

She looks to the stove before continuing.

“Why don’t we serve the food? It has to have cooled by now.”

“Alright.”

Standing up to cut the pizza, Arc walks over to a drawer and removes a pizza cutter. Meanwhile, Brightwing reenters her office. Scratching at the top of the blood pack with her claws she tears a hole in it. Flapping her wings to get some air she hovers over the vial holding her potion. Carefully allowing the liquid to drip into the vessel, Brightwing watches as it changes color and begins to glow slightly. Grinning, she throws the now empty bag into the trash and lands in front of her creation. Putting a claw on the glassy surface she cackles.

“It’s working! Potion almost done! Just need something more powerful than unicorn blood to make it work!”

Tapping the glass she makes a few glutaral sounds and appears to be thinking. Eventually she smiles wickedly.

“The small Crimson filly and the pretty demon girl! Of course! That’ll make it capable of holding the magic necessary for success!”

Taking flight, Brightwing hurries out her door with the potion in her claws and down the corridor again. Sometime time later Arc and Derpy sit at the table in front of the empty dishes. Derpy is the first to speak.

“That pizza was amazing!”

Arc groans contentedly. “Yeah. It was my recipe, but different.”

Derpy giggles. “I’m guessing Dinky gave it to the castle chefs to assemble for her.”

“And they did an amazing job of it.”

“They also probably helped Applejack with her pie.”

“Well, the only other thing that could make this pie better than it was would be the quality of ingredients.”

“Canterlot Castle probably has access to everything imaginable in terms of food.”

“That they do.”

He looks around before continuing.

“Let’s see here.”

Derpy appears confused. “Looking for something?”

Arc chuckles. “The next note.”

“Oh! Um…”

“You know where it is?”

Derpy nods. “Yes.”

“Where?”

Blushing slightly, Derpy reaches inside her dress and pulls out a small piece of paper from between her breasts.

“Sorry. Dinky gave me both and warned me not to mix them up. I didn’t want to mess up their plans and this dress doesn’t have pockets.”

She looks down at her rather sizable chest before continuing.

“Putting it there just seemed like the right thing to do at the time.”

“Well, it did work.”

Taking the paper from her as she offers it, Arc reads aloud.

“After supper proceed downstairs to the basement. There is another remote on the last step.”

Derpy grins. “Shall we?”

Arc nods. “If you’re ready, sure.”

Taking Derpy’s hand, Arc stands and leads the young woman toward the basement door. Opening it, they slowly walk downstairs. Spotting a single magic candle at the bottom next to a remote lying on a piece of paper. Picking it up Arc reads aloud.

“Press me.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Could I do it?”

Arc holds out the remote. “Sure.”

Derpy presses the button. A large number of magic candles placed around the room spring to life. They see that the furniture has been pushed to the side leaving the center of the room open. A paper in the middle of the floor stands out against the emptiness. Picking it up, Arc reads it aloud.

“There is a CD in the player in the corner. It’s a compilation of some classical music. You two can either sit on the sofa and listen or, as we hope, share a dance.”

Folding up the paper Arc sets it down next to the player and presses the ‘Play’ button. A few moments later classical music fills the room. Arc turns back to his date.

“Would you like to sit down or dance?”

Derpy looks away nervously. “I… don’t really know how to dance.”

“Neither do I.”

“But didn’t you learn how to for the Grand Galloping Gala?”

Arc shakes his head. “It was just a slow dance. Not much skill needed there.”

“A slow dance?”

“Yeah. You just move really slowly while holding each other.”

“Can you show me how?”

“Sure.”

Taking Derpy’s hand, he escorts her to the center of the room before turning to face her.

“First, put your hand on my shoulder and the other in my hand.”

“Okay.”

Doing as she is told, Arc nods as he continues.

“Now I’ll do the same with my hands.”

Matching her, Arc nods to his feet.

“Now then, this is the kinda tricky part. We have to move together.”

“How?”

“Let’s just try left and right to start.”

Taking a step left, Derpy follows.

“And right…”

They move to the right.

“Continue left and right.”

Repeating the same steps Derpy grins.

“This is fun!”

Arc chuckles. “And decent enough exercise too.”

“What else could we do?”

“There’s always the box moves.”

“How do we do that?”

“First we step right…”

Doing so, Arc continues.

“Now back. Then left. Finally… forward.”

Derpy giggles. “Our steps were like a square.”

“Exactly.”

“Let’s keep doing that!”

Meanwhile, Brightwing comes to Scootaloo’s room. Blinking inside she finds the little girl standing on the balcony staring up at the full moon. Fluttering over to her she sets the potion down and steps forward.

“Friend okay?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Kinda.”

Brightwing tilts her head to one side. “You are… sad?”

“Kinda.”

“What happened?”

“I… kinda messed up the other day. Considered doing something to someone that they didn’t want.”

Brightwing gasps. “That bad though!”

Scootaloo groans. “Yeah, I know. But there’s nothing I can do about it now.”

“Friend tell them they sorry?”

“Kinda. The conversation didn’t exactly stay on track. And now Big Brother’s extra busy.”

“You should talk to him! Tell other friend that you’re sorry and want to go on to better things!”

“I know. But that isn’t going to be easy.”

Brightwing shrugs. “Neither is saying nothing.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I know. But… what do I say? Sorry won’t fix this.”

“An honest explanation will though! Big, honest sorry!”

“Yeah… I have to say something to him about it. And soon.”

Brightwing giggles. “Right!”

Scootaloo turns and sees the potion behind Brightwing.

“What do you have there?”

“An experiment Brightwing is doing!”

“Experiment?”

“Brightwing trying to increase the potency of this with catalysts!”

“What have you tried?”

“Hair and blood from magical creatures!”

“How’d that work?”

Brightwing sighs. “Not very well. Blood did work! But not very well, as friend can see.”

“So you need a more powerful catalyst?”

“Yes, yes! Crimson blood might work!”

“Want some of mine?”

“That I do!”

Scootaloo smiles. “I can give you some for this experiment. But only if you promise that I can be there when the potion is used.”

Brightwing grins hugely. “Okay, friend! Brightwing promises!”

Scootaloo opens her mouth and drags a fang across her hand. A steady stream of blood spills forth from the wound as she holds it over the potion. It begins to glow more intensely as the blood mixes with the other reagents. Pulling back as the wound closes, Scootaloo looks at the potion intently.

“Looks like you’re just about there.”

“Yes! Brightwing only need a bit more catalyst!”

“Crimson blood is pretty powerful. Not sure what else could amplify it further though.”

Brightwing giggles as she picks up the potion. “Don’t worry, friend! Brightwing has it all figured out!”

Chapter 19 - Progressing

Meanwhile, Arc and Derpy continue dancing together. As the song switches to a very slow beat Derpy leans in close to Arc. Pressing her face against his chest she smiles as he puts his hands around her.

“I love you, Arc.”

“And I love you too, Derpy.”

“You have no idea just how happy that makes me.”

“It’s the truth. And I’m very proud of you.”

Derpy pulls back an looks him in the eye, confused. “Proud?”

“For coming this far. A lot of people would have just let their past hold them back. But you… you were able to move forward and find a good job, friends, and raise your filly.”

“And I owe all of that to you.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Derpy. You did most of it yourself. I just pointed you in the right direction.”

“You showed me what it meant to have worth. Before then I just… kinda thought of myself as something to be used and discarded when no longer needed.”

“Being cast aside by Moonlit Dusk as well as your own father would certainly send that message.”

“Yes, well… now I have my own wants and desires for my future.”

“What are they?”

Derpy giggles softly. “Being by your side as we raise Dinky together.”

Arc smiles. “I’d like that too.”

“Can we… talk about that a bit later?”

“We can do it right now if you want.”

“I’m still trying to organize what I want to say in my head.”

“Okay. Whenever you’re ready, Derpy.”

They continue dancing together. Meanwhile, Brightwing flutters down the corridor toward Auriel’s room. Coming to the door she Blinks through. Spying the young demon lying on her bed reading a book Brightwing flutters over to her and calls out.

“Hello, pretty lady!”

Auriel giggles as she puts the book down. “And hello to you too.”

Scratching the creature under her chin, Brightwing makes some gurgling sounds that can only be described as happy sounds. Auriel spots the potion held tightly in Brightwing’s tail.

“What do you have there?”

“Magical experiments! Trying to finish potion!”

“And what does this potion do?”

“Makes broken things whole again!”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “I don’t really understand what that means.”

“Brightwing trying to fix something she messed up!”

“With a potion?”

Brightwing sighs heavily. “It complicated.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

“Yes! Brightwing need catalyst to power up her reagents!”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Demon blood powerful catalyst! Is last thing potion needs to be whole!”

“So you just need a bit of my blood?”

Brightwing nods happily. “That I do!”

“Well, I suppose you can’t cause too much trouble with a potion.”

Auriel reaches over to the nightstand and pick up a letter opener. Poking a finger with it she makes a small incision. Blood begins to pool on the wound as Brightwing holds the potion vial to Auriel’s skin. She watches intently as the blood slowly snakes its way down the inside of the vessel and into the other liquids. It begins to glow brighter as more blood enters it. Eventually Brightwing pulls the potion back and puts a claw on Auriel’s arm.

“Thank you very much, friend!”

Auriel pats the little creatures head. “It’s okay. But could you fly into the bathroom and get me a bandage, please?”

“Brightwing do better than that! Friend be healed!”

A small incantation later Auriel sees her wound healing before her eyes. Smiling, she pets Brightwing’s scales.

“Thank you, little one.”

“Was least Brightwing could do! After all, you helped Brightwing with potion!”

“Well, I hope it works.”

Brightwing giggles as she takes flight. “So do I!”

Returning to her office, she sets the potion down on the desk. Landing next to it Brightwing looks over the swirling liquid as she devilishly rubs her claws together.

“Now all Brightwing need is rest of plan to be ready!”

Meanwhile, Arc escorts Derpy to the basement couch. Sitting down the pair grin at each other as they pant. Arc is the first to speak.

“I’m guessing that last song was a mistake.”

Derpy giggles. “Probably. Either that or a bit of a joke.”

“Well, at least we tried to dance that fast.”

“And had fun doing it!”

They laugh together easily as Derpy puts her arms around Arc’s neck and pulls him into a hug which he returns. Looking up at him, she smiles widely.

“Thank you very much for the date, Arc. I had an amazing time.”

“So did I. We’ll have to thank Dinky and her friends for their idea.”

“That we will.”

Arc stands and extends his hand to Derpy.

“We should probably be getting to bed though. After all, it is getting pretty late.”

Derpy smiles nervously. “Y-yes. I agree.”

Taking his hand, Derpy stands and walks up the stairs with Arc, arm in arm. Returning to the second floor Arc escorts Derpy to her bedroom door.

“Here we are. I’ll let you get out of that outfit and into some night clothes now.”

As he turns to head to his own room, Arc feels a tug on the back of his coat. Turning around he sees Derpy staring at him sadly.

“Arc, I… um…”

“Derpy?”

“It… it’s nothing. G-good night.”

She hurries into her room and closes the door behind her. Arc sighs as he heads for his parent’s room. Closing the door behind him he puts a hand to his forehead.

“I must’ve done something to spook her, or something.”

Shaking his head, he begins undressing.

“Have to talk to her about it and apologize in the morning.”

Tossing his clothes in the corner Arc heads for bed. However no sooner has he laid down than there is a small knock at the door. Sitting back up, he walks toward the door. Before he can reach it though it opens and Derpy steps inside. She has apparently just finished undressing as well, as she stands before him in nothing but her bra and panties. Arc gasps, surprised at this act.

“D-Derpy?”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“What…?”

Without letting him finish his sentence, Derpy quickly steps forward and presses her body against Arc’s chest as she plants her lips on his. Arc holds her close as she does so. Eventually she pulls back with a flushed look on her face.

“Please forgive me, but I… I don’t want to be alone right now.”

“You want me to… sleep with you?”

Derpy nods. “More than anything in the world, Arc.”

Smiling at her, Arc takes her hand and leads her over to the bed. Laying down together he reaches over and turns off the bedside lamp. As their eyes acclimate to the moonlight coming through the windows Derpy turns to him.

“Arc?”

“Yes, Derpy?”

“I… I um…”

“Take your time.”

“First, I want you to understand something.”

“Okay.”

Taking a deep breath, Derpy rolls on top of Arc. Laying on him, she looks him in the eyes as she speaks.

“I was mistreated as a foal before being sexually abused by Moonlit Dusk as a young mare. This much you already knew.”

Arc nods. “Yes, you told me about that some time ago.”

“What he did to me that night in the tent though was… it was the most amazing feeling I’d ever felt before. Someone I thought loved and cared for me was inside of my body. It made me feel warm inside. And eventually… filled up.”

She pauses before speaking again.

“Am I… am I a bad mare for thinking that?”

“For how you felt back then?”

“Right.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all, Derpy. Your body was being stimulated by someone you thought loved you. It just reacted naturally to the pleasures of sex.”

Derpy sounds relieved. “Good! I thought there was something wrong with me.”

“Not in the least. You’re an amazing young woman, Derpy. And Moonlit Dusk was a fool for leaving you behind.”

“But you’re going to be with me forever, right?”

“That I am. Or as long as I’m allowed to.”

“I believe you, Arc. You won’t abandon me no matter what happens.”

“Right.”

“Thank you. But… I need to be honest with you about something.”

“What is it?”

“That feeling Moonlit Dusk gave me… that feeling of warmth and fullness… I… I’ve dreamed about it on many occasions.”

“You had dreams about him… having sex with you?”

Derpy looks away nervously. “Yes. But that isn’t the whole story.”

Arc smiles. “Then why don’t you tell me the rest.”

“Okay. But please promise me that you won’t be upset.”

“Um… sure. I promise.”

Derpy takes a deep breath but does not look to Arc.

“I… I’ve been interested in you for a while now. That much you know already.”

“Nothing wrong with that.”

“True. But… since I started feeling… attracted to you, I… those dreams of Moonlit Dusk “stopped.

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Kinda. You see, they were replaced by… you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Me?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. I’ve been dreaming about that night in the tent often. But instead of Moonlit Dusk in there with me it’s… you.”

“So you and I have sex together?”

Derpy blushes heavily. “Very passionate, very wild sex I might add. You usually hold me down and… and pull my mane while you put your stallionhood in my mare parts.”

“So I’m rough with you?”

“Yes. But I loved it. Is that wrong? Is it not okay for me to dream about you doing things to me that you’re not ready for?!”

Arc pats her head. “It’s just a dream, Derpy.”

“You mean, you’re not angry?”

“Not at all. Truthfully, I’m kinda flattered.”

“Flattered?”

“Right. You felt bad about something you dreamed. That shows that you want me to be comfortable being intimate with you.”

“I know you said in the past that you weren’t ready for a relationship. Or sexual intimacy yet. That’s why it just felt wrong to me.”

“Well, I thank you for being honest about this with me, Derpy.”

“There is more though.”

“Oh?”

“When this happens I wake up moaning… just as you finish mating with me. My body is spasming and my mare parts are drenched. Just like when Moonlit Dusk finished with me.”

“Sounds like you’re sexually frustrated.”

“What’s that mean?”

“That you’ve met someone you want to have sex with, but can’t. And your mind and body are not happy about it.”

“But the other mares don’t have this problem.”

“Are you sure?”

Derpy nods fervently. “Yes. I brought this matter up to them a couple weeks ago. None of them had this problem. But at the same time they also didn’t know what to do about it.”
“
“Well, how do you feel right now?

“Feel about what?”

“Do you feel frustrated?”

Derpy shakes her head. “No. In fact at the moment I feel content.”

“Then that might be helpful to you.”

“Huh?”

“Sleeping with me more regularly.”

“I would like that, yes. But what about the fillies? They’d be a bit… confused by this.”

“We’d have to have a conversation with them about this, of course. Explain to them what is and is not going on in here.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Is and is not?”

“That we’re just sleeping. There’s nothing else happening that might be considered… inappropriate.”

“Um… Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… there was one other thing I wanted to tell you about this problem.”

“What is it?”

“That feeling I have is only part of it. The rest is in my head.”

“Oh?”

“If I’m being completely honest, that dream often ended with me holding… your child.”

“You’d like to give me a baby?”

Derpy smiles warmly. “Very much so, yes.”

“Derpy… I need to tell you something.”

“That you don’t want that?”

Arc puts a hand on her cheek and smiles. “Quite the opposite. In truth, I’d really like to have children with you and the others.”

Derpy smiles as she puts a finger under her bra strap. “I’m ready for you now if you’d like.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Derpy. We’re not ready yet.”

Derpy nods and sighs. “Somehow I knew you would say that.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. After all, sex and making babies needs to be a partnership.”

“I guess so. But who told you that?”

“Rarity. If you recall, she’s the only other member of your herd that has experience in sexual encounters.”

“Um… is she having the same problems as you are?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Fortunately no. When I asked why, she told me it was probably because she was drunk and unconscious at the time she was ravished.”

Arc frowns. “So she has no memory of the pleasurable part of the act.”

“Exactly. Not that I’m saying that it was okay what happened to her, mind you.”

“Right. I’m sure it must’ve been absolutely awful waking up to that.”

“While the others do want intimacy with you, I think I’m the only one whom is so… needy in that regard.”

“And the others know about it now?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I explained it to them before asking if they had similar issues.”

“Maybe that’s why none of them objected to this date.”

Why would they?”

“This would be your second one. There are still several members of the theoretical future herd whom haven’t had one yet.”

Derpy gasps. “I didn’t think of that! They might be jealous of me after this!”

“I doubt it. Everyone’s pretty open about their feelings. If it was going to be an issue they would have spoken up before now.”

“Are you sure?!”

“Completely. And we’ll have a chat with the others about your problem when there’s time as well.”

“What would you say to them?”

“That due to your past and current needs stemming from that you’re going to be a more regular bedmate of mine. At least until the herd is officially formed, that is.”

“And you think they’d understand?”

“Yeah. Just as long as the other side of me has one of them on it occasionally. Would that bother you?”

Derpy puts a finger to her chin. “I… don’t think so. But then again I’ve never actually tried such a thing. Other than the times you slept with Dinky and I, that is.”

“We’ll try it with someone you’re familiar with first. Whom would you be most comfortable with?”

“That would probably be Applejack. She’s always been especially kind to me. Well, after I came out of my shell. Or cloak, I guess.”

“Alright. And she’s a confirmed member of the herd too.”

“Her and Rarity are both going to join for sure, right?”

“Exactly. We’ve all been through our paces together and know that we’d like to join in this.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “And me?”

“I’d like you to join too, Derpy. But only if that’s honestly what you want. Remember, this is an important decision. Not something to be taken lightly.”

Derpy takes her hands in his. “Arc, nothing would make me happier than laying by your side and giving you children. That much I’m completely sure of.”

“But what if you couldn’t?”

“You mean what if I couldn’t be impregnated by you, right?”

“Assuming Auriel can’t figure out a way to make that work, yes.”

Derpy grins. “Then I’d be okay just giving you pleasure.”

“You’re good for more than just sex though, Derpy.”

“I know. But it’s not so much the pleasure itself that I’m looking forward too. But the fact that I’m going to be doing it with you, Arc. Someone whom I love and that loves me back.”

She traces his face with her hand as she continues.

“You see, I want us to be together forever. You and I can share the same bed, eat the same food, and raise Dinky together. But I want more than that. In truth, I want you inside of me so that we can be one body. At least for a time, that is.”

“And I’d like that too, Derpy.”

“If you’d like, I’d even be willing to stay a human mare to make things easier for you.”

“Mare or woman… either is fine with me.”

“Would that… work? I mean, a human having sex with a pony?”

“Doctor Whooves said it would work if we stick to certain positions and take things slow.”

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen for us, Arc. Whatever makes you happy.”

“And I want what makes you happy, Derpy.”

Derpy smiles and lays her head back down on Arc’s chest.

“That’s the most appealing thing about you, Arc. The fact that you just want me to be happy.”

“I want that for all of you. That’s why I’m insisting on such a long engagement period.”

“As long as I can be part of the herd, that’s fine with me. Um… can I?”

Arc nods. “Yes. When there’s time I’ll get everyone together and formally propose to you in front of them.”

Derpy appears hopeful “Do you… do you think you could do that now?”

“I think it’s kinda late to be getting everyone together.”

“No, no! I meant… could you propose now?”

“Right now?”

“I… I just want to hear the words.”

“Okay.”

Sitting up, Arc and Derpy kneel together on the mattress as Arc takes Derpy’s hands in his.

“Derpy… will you marry me?”

Derpy grins hugely. “Yes, Arc! I’d love to!”

She throws her arms around his neck and hugs Arc tight.

“I’ll be the best wife ever!”

Arc smiles as he returns the hug. “I’m sure you will be, Derpy. I’m sure you will be.”

Chapter 20 - Park Ranger

Derpy falls asleep quickly in Arc’s arms, her face pressed into his chest. However, Arc stares at the ceiling for hours as he muses to himself.

“Both Applejack and Derpy have expressed a desire to have my children. While I don’t know if that would be possible, Auriel also volunteered for the job. But her I certainly can make a child with. But how would the others view that? Would they come to resent Auriel for it? Especially if she can’t figure out a way to make their DNA compatible. And Hammer… she could certainly give me a child. But would that then put her in the same boat as Auriel?”

Putting an arm over his face, he sighs.

“I need to have some very serious talks with that group.”

A voice rings out in his head.

“Yes, you do.”

Looking around, Arc frowns as he thinks to himself.

“Where are you, Wiseman?!”

“Nowhere of importance.”

“How are you… doing the whole telepathy thing?!”

Wiseman chuckles. “The same way anyone does it, I suppose.”

Arc groans inwardly. “Look, I’m kinda having a moment here. So if you could see fit to just get lost, that would be GREAT!”

“Ah, yes. Young Derpy lying with you. Such a sweet sight to behold, I’m sure.”

“What are you?! Some kind of peeping tom?!”

“Not to worry. I am sure to give you all the privacy in the world when you’re trying to be… intimate.”

“Get to the point then!”

“Very well. I’d like you to go see Mio later today at her little campsite. The time will be exactly eleven o’clock at night.”

Arc scoffs. “Why? Is she low on toilet paper, or something?”

“The reason will be made apparent when you arrive. And, to answer your question, she’s doing fine in regard to the paper.”

“Any sage advice for me this time?”

“Yes. You must allow what will happen, to happen.”

“Are you saying that she’s been able to get that portal machine to work?!”

“She will, yes. But not in the way imagined.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!”

“At the moment, no. But when the time comes… do not interfere with what transpires.”

“With WHAT?!”

“You’ll see when you arrive.”

“And that’s all?! Just show up and do what?! Bear witness?!”

“In a matter of speaking. But believe me when I say that you will be needed at that time.”

Arc shakes his head. “And what if I refuse to go?”

“I cannot force you to do that which you don’t want to, Arc. However, you would then have to live with the knowledge that you were needed urgently... and didn’t go.”

“Guilt trip, huh?”

“Do you feel guilty?”

“Not in the least.”

“Trust me. You will if you don’t go.”

“What the heck is that supposed to mean?! Wiseman? WISEMAN?!”

Arc grits his teeth as silence again fills his head.

“I really hate that man.”

Carefully pushing Derpy off of him, Arc stands and heads to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on his face he stares into the mirror for a few moments before grabbing a towel. Leaving the bathroom, he heads downstairs as the magic candles light his way. Sitting down on the couch he stares up at the ceiling for a long time. Eventually the sound of footsteps coming downstairs rings out as Derpy enters the room. Turning to him nervously she speaks.

“Arc? Did I… do something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Derpy. I just needed to think.”

“Are you okay?”

“Kinda.”

Derpy sighs as she sits down next to him. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Wiseman just contacted me.”

“He was here?!”

“Not exactly. It was a telepathic conversation.”

“What did he want?”

“To tell me to go see Mio at eleven tomorrow night.”

“In the woods?”

“Yup.”

“Are you going to go?”

Arc shrugs. “That’s what I was thinking about when you came in.”

Derpy appears confused. “Why wouldn’t you? I mean, you’re only going there to check on her, right?”

“I’m just sick and tired of Wiseman just jerking me around like I’m his little puppet on a string. As powerful as he is, whatever is going to happen out there tomorrow should be handled by HIM!”

“But what about Mio?”

“She’s fine out there.”

“If that was true, Wiseman wouldn’t have contacted you.”

“Then HE can take care of…”

“Arc, please. All you have to do is go there and check on her. That’s not hard or time consuming.”

“I guess not. But…”

“Arc, please go check on her.”

“Now?”

Derpy nods. “Yes.”

“But why?”

“Because I’m worried.”

“You don’t even know Mio though.”

“That’s true, I don’t. But she’s Hammer’s sister and I know she’d be upset if something happened to her.”

Arc sighs. “I guess that’s true.”

“This may be nothing, but I’d sleep better knowing Mio was okay.”

“Alright. I’ll do it for you and Hammer then.”

Derpy smiles. “Thank you. I’ll wait in the bedroom for you. But you might want to put some clothes on first. It looks pretty cold out there.”

Arc chuckles as he stands up. “Probably a good idea.”

Heading upstairs with Derpy, Arc puts on a shirt and jeans as she lays back down on the bed. Grabbing his coat he puts it on before throwing his helmet on and a magic cloak over himself. Vanishing from sight he walks over to the sigil in the middle of the floor and powers it up. Reappearing on the sigil near Mio’s encampment, Arc slowly and cautiously heads for it. Spotting the remains of a fire in the pit he looks around via the True-Sight Enchantment. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary Arc heads for the tent. Hearing light breathing he reaches down and very slowly unzips the tent flap about six inches. Seeing Mio curled up in her sleeping bag he nods and closes the zipper. Taking a final look around the campsite Arc returns to the sigil and teleports back to his parent’s room. Derpy turns to the sigil as he decloaks.

“Everything okay?”

Arc nods as he pulls off the magic cloak. “All’s quiet over there.”

“Are you sure she’s okay?”

Arc nods as he removes his coat. “I opened the tent to check on her. She was sleeping peacefully.”

“Warm enough?”

“Yeah. That sleeping bag I brought her was pretty well insulated.”

“Good. I can sleep knowing that she’s okay.”

“That just leaves the matter of whether or not I’m going out there at the time Wiseman said I should.”

“Please do, Arc. Remember, it wouldn’t have to be a long visit. Just enough to make sure she’s safe.”

“Alright. But it’s going to be a quick one. Especially if things are as quiet as they were just now.”

Derpy smiles as she stands. “That’s all I can ask.”

Taking Arc’s hand, she leads him back to the bed. Laying down the pair fall asleep shortly thereafter. Awakening the next morning to the sound of tapping at the window Arc listens for a time. Derpy raises her head, confused.

“Arc? What’s going on?”

“Sounds like it’s sleeting.”

“Sleeting?”

“Think of it like snow, but instead of flakes you get balls of ice.”

“That sounds interesting.”

“It’s certainly out of the norm. Not something we get often around here.”

“Could it be dangerous?”

“Sleet does make the roads a lot slipperier. But it doesn’t usually last very long and melts quickly as the temperature rises throughout the day.”

“That’s good.”

Sitting up, Arc looks out the window.

“Scratch that.”

“Huh?”

“That’s not sleet.”

“Oh? Then what is it?”

“Freezing rain.”

“Is that what it sounds like?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Rain that freezes when it hits the ground.”

“Now that HAS to be dangerous.”

“Mostly only for driving. The roads become skating rinks.”

“So we should just stay inside?”

“Probably for the best.”

Derpy suddenly sits straight up. “Oh no?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Derpy?”

“What about Mio?!”

“Other than her tent being covered with ice, I’m sure she’s fine.”

“But couldn’t she suffocate in there?!”

“Not likely.”

“Is it possible though?!”

“Maybe. But it’d be a one in a million chance.”

“Can you go check on her please?!”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Standing, Arc grabs a pair of jeans and steps into them. Derpy smiles as she watches.

“Thanks for doing this, Arc.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yeah, well… for you I’d do anything, Derpy.”

Derpy giggles. “And I’d do the same for you.”

Calling forth his armor, Arc holds up a gauntlet as he steps out onto the sigil in the center of the room. Activating it, he is transported to just outside Mio’s camp. Making the short walk to the clearing he spies her sitting next to a small fire. Spotting him she quickly stands up.

“Oh! Um… hello.”

“Hi. Sorry to show up so early, but I… wanted to come check on you.”

Mio appears confused. “But why?”

“The weather mostly. A friend of mine was worried you might be in trouble.”

“A friend?”

“No one you know.”

Mio grimaces. “I thought it might have been Hammer.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Honestly I haven’t spoken to her in a few days.”

He looks to the fire before continuing.

“You might want to put some more wood on that.”

“I, um… don’t actually have any.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You burned through all that wood already?”

“Keeping a very bright fire burning through the night takes a lot of fuel.”

“All night?”

Mio sighs. “The night you brought the letter from Hammer, I…”

She fumbles for the right words before pointing to her machine and continuing.

“I’ve been pulling a lot of all-nighters trying to get this thing running.”

“When’s the last time you slept?!”

“Well, last night I pretty much passed out when the sun went down. But I got up when the freezing rain started.”

Arc looks around. “I thought I left you a hatchet though.”

“You… you did.”

“Then why…?”

“I couldn’t swing it properly, okay!”

They are silent for a time as Mio puts a hand to her forehead.

“Sorry about that. The truth of the matter is that I… um… have really bad wrists.”

“Born with it?”

Mio shakes her head. “No, I… um… was injured during… training.”

Arc turns to the forest. “I’ll go cut you some more then.”

Pulling the guardanium knife from his ring, Arc channels his magic through it. Making quick work of an old tree trunk nearby he picks the wood up with his magic and carries it to the far side of the tent before returning to Mio at the campfire.

“There you go.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Well, I should be getting home for breakfast. You going to be okay out here?”

Mio sighs. “No real choice there. I’m sure the military is on the hunt for me as we speak.”

“Are… are you sure you don’t just want me to take you to Hammer?”

“No. I have to do this myself.”

“Fine. Carry on then, I guess.”

Mio suddenly stands as Arc turns away. “Wait!”

Arc looks back. “What is it?”

“I… n-never mind.”

Arc nods and opens a portal. Stepping through, Mio sighs as she watches it close.

“Sorry, Hero. I’m just not brave enough to say what I need to.”

Staring at the fire for a few moments, Mio eventually groans and turns to her machine.

“Guess I’d better get back to work.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears on the sigil in his parent’s bedroom as Derpy lies there waiting for him. Recalling his armor he turns to her.

“Mio’s doing just fine.”

“Keeping warm?”

“Yeah. I chopped her some more wood while I was there though. She should be okay for a few days.”

“How about food?”

“She has a few more days’ worth of food by my budgeting.”

“Well… maybe she eats more than you do.”

“Not likely.”

“Could we go buy some more for her later? When it’s safe to do so, I mean.”

Arc nods. “If you want to, sure. We just need to wait for Dinky and the others to get back.”

“They’re staying in Canterlot for the day.”

“Oh?”

“Dinky said she wanted to try planning more dates for you. But she told me that her plans were twofold.”

Arc grins. “Giving us more time alone together?”

“Exactly.”

Arc chuckles as he lays back down with Derpy. “Clever girl.”

Sometime later that day Arc drives the Jeep along the salted road with Derpy at his side. Arriving at the store they enter and grab a cart. Derpy turns to Arc.

“What kind of foods do you think Mio would like?”

“I’m not really sure. I think Hammer said that she only made vegetarian dishes when they lived together.”

“So she doesn’t eat meat?”

“Truth be told, I can’t remember for sure.”

“What do we do then?”

“Err on the side of caution, I suppose.”

Returning home an hour or so later, Arc and Derpy put away their groceries as they set Mio’s goods on the kitchen table. Arc chuckles as he speaks.

“Wonderful invention.”

“Which one?”

“Canned goods. That and they don’t need to be refrigerated until opening.”

“She could just open a can and cook it over the fire though, right?”

“Yup. I did give her a pan and long spoon with the original pack of stuff though.”

“Sounds like you thought of everything, Arc.”

“Actually Hammer did that. She had it down to a science.”

Derpy looks at the goods. “Maybe you should run this stuff over to her now. I’d hate for her to miss meals.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of when I head over there later tonight.”

“But what if she’s out of food?!”

“Then I imagine she would have said something when I was there.”

“I suppose so.”

“That and I probably shouldn’t interrupt her when she’s working.”

“Twilight and Auriel both lose their train of thought if they’re interrupted. Maybe it’s the same with her too.”

Arc shrugs. “In any case, we’ll just have to figure out what else to do today.”

“Dinky and the others won’t be back until tomorrow morning.”

“Anything in particular you want to do?”

As if on cue Arc’s stomach rumbles. Derpy giggles.

“How about we start with breakfast, Arc?”

“That’s probably for the best, yes.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Um… afterwards, I… did have something I’ve wanted to experience for some time now. But it might be asking a bit too much.”

“Whatever you want to do, we’ll do.”

“Okay. But if it’s too much please feel free to say so.”

Derpy whispers Arc her idea. He appears surprised.

“I… guess that’d be kinda nice.”

“It is a lot of work though. So I understand if you don’t want to…”

Arc interrupts her. “No, no. I really do think it’s a cool idea. Just never actually thought about doing something like that.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “You mean…?”

“Sure. Let’s do it.”

“Great! I’ll get a late breakfast going before I come to help.”

“That’s okay. I can handle it myself.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yup. You just focus on getting food made and I’ll handle the rest.”

Half an hour later Derpy enters the bedroom carrying a platter of eggs and hash browns. She sets it down on the nightstand and turns to Arc.

“How’s it going?”

Arc calls out from behind the vanity. “Just finished setting everything up. You?”

“I have the food. Just let me pop downstairs for some milk and glasses.”

“Okay. I’ll be ready when you get back.”

Derpy hurries downstairs as Arc pushes the vanity back into place against the wall. Walking over to the bed he fluffs up the pillows and fixes the bedsheets as the sound of Derpy returning rings out.

“I’m back!”

She walks over to him with two glasses and a partially filled half gallon of milk.

“Is this enough?”

Arc nods. “I think so, yes.”

He motions to the bed before continuing.

“Shall we?”

Derpy giggles happily. “Yes!”

Lying down, Derpy props herself up on the pillows as Arc grabs the remote and presses the ‘Power’ button. The freshly installed television (from downstairs) at the foot of the bed springs to life as Arc turns to Derpy.

“So what do you want to watch?”

“Um… there’s this show Dinky really likes. But I can’t remember what it’s called.”

“Can you describe it?”

“It’s about a bunch of young humans whom put on costumes and fight some kind of alien invaders that live on the moon. But it starts with their normal, everyday lives.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Power Rangers?”

Derpy nods. “That’s the one!”

Arc chuckles. “I remember watching that when I was a kid. Thought she’d get a kick out of it so I suggested she give it a try.

Derpy smiles as she begins serving the food. “So she found out about it from you?”

“Yup. It was my favorite after school show.”

“It’s nice that they still show it then.”

Arc presses a few buttons on the remote to activate the guide. “According to the lineup they’re going to be having a marathon. Every episode will be shown in the order it was released.”

“So we can see them all?!”

“Well, as many as you want to, sure.”

Giving him a plate of food, Derpy turns to make one for herself as Arc pours milk for them. Handing him utensils, they begin watching as the first episode begins. A rocket ship flies toward the moon and two astronauts can be seen walking side by side. Spotting a strange looking container they run over to it. Derpy frowns.

“Did they just call that thing a ‘dumpster’?”

Arc chuckles. “Yup.”

“But it doesn’t look anything like any dumpster I’ve ever seen. Are they different here on Earth?”

“Just a bit bigger. I’m guessing it was sorta lost in translation.”

“Translation?”

“The footage from this show was taken from another one called ‘Super Sentai’. It was originally made in a country on the other side of the world called Japan. So all the actors and actresses were speaking Japanese.”

“Then how can we understand what they’re saying?”

“It’s part of ‘localizing’. That means changing things to make the words and context work in another part of the world. They changed the dialogue from Japanese to English.”

Derpy points a finger at the creatures on the screen. “That’s good. Dinky says it’s all about these things trying to take over the world though.”

“Yeah, they were sealed in that ‘dumpster’ for being criminals, or something.”

“They do look pretty shady.”

Arc picks up his fork and makes himself comfortable. “Well, let’s keep watching and you’ll see what happens next.”

Chapter 21 - It's Morphin' Time!

Rita laughs as she destroys her former prison, causing the astronauts to flee in terror. Calling out after them, she continues cackling.

“Don’t leave! You’ll miss my ‘coming out’ party! That’s when I destroy the nearest planet!”

Derpy gasps as the camera points to the sky to reveal a nearby planet.

“Is that Earth?!”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

The scene turns to the sign in front of the Angel Grove Gym and Juice Bar. Derpy giggles.

“Angel Grove? Was this show filmed here too?”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “Nah. That place is probably just a set somewhere.”

“So the name ‘Angel Grove’ is just a coincidence?”

“That it is.”

Arc turns to the reader, effectively breaking the fourth wall as he winks.

“Or is it?”

Derpy looks to him. “Huh?”

“Nothing.”

The interior of the gym is shown as dozens of teens work out or socialize with friends. Jason and Zack are sparing. Kimberly is practicing her gymnastics on a balance beam while Trini practices her own style of martial arts. Billy comes out in a white karate outfit and approaches Jason and Zack. Derpy looks to Arc again.

“They all know each other?”

“Presumably. At least the boys know one another.”

Bulk and Skull approach the girls and ask them out. Refusing, they are accused of thinking they’re too good for the pair. Derpy makes a face.

“What pigs!”

“Derpy?”

“They think those two should just have to go out with them!”

“Well…”

Zack approaches the girls to defend them. However they ask him not to interfere as they want to handle the problem themselves. Derpy looks to Arc.

“Why did they…?”

“Just watch.”

Bulk and Skull charge the girls in an attempt to prove themselves. However they are promptly thrown onto mats effortlessly. All assembled laugh as Kimberly suggest the punks join Jason’s karate class. Derpy grins.

“So they DID know each other!”

Arc shrugs. “Sorry. I haven’t seen this show since I was a kid.”

The scene changes to that of the moon. Rita looks down on the Earth before turning to her minions.

“Finster! Start making putty patrollers!”

“Yes my queen!”

Goldark brandishes his sword. “I’ll lead them down and make the Earth yours, empress!”

Rita laughs as Derpy’s eyes grow wide.

“She’s going to attack?!”

“Yup.”

“That means everyone’s in danger!”

Arc grins. “True. I guess there must not be anyone whom can stand up to them and all is lost.”

“It’d make for a really short show then.”

“Then we’ll have to hope someone has a plan.”

The camera again returns to the gym. Jason is teaching a martial arts class in which Billy is a student. After giving his friend some one-on-one attention the class is interrupted by the two bullies from earlier. Bulk and Skull make their way to the front of the group and approach Jason.

“Teach us how to beat people up!”

“Yeah!”

Skull makes a series of stereotypical fighting sounds as Jason rolls his eyes before responding.

“Martial arts was not developed to hurt others.”

Bulk scoffs. “We did NOT sign up for a geeky karate class.”

Jason decides to call his bluff. “Okay, Bulk. Maybe you’re ready for some more advanced training techniques.”

Derpy giggles. “I don’t think that large man could do… whatever it was that strong looking fellow was doing.”

“It’s called ‘karate’. The art of fighting unarmed.”

“No weapons?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just hands and feet traditionally. Television shows sometime have them use weapons though to add effect to a scene.”

“But that doesn’t explain what he hopes to learn due to his size.”

“Bulk thinks he knows everything. That generally blows up in his face though, which is why Jason is putting up with it.”

Jason does a kick. Bulk (amazingly) somewhat copies it. Skull claps happily as Bulk looks proud of himself. Derpy raises an eyebrow.

“That was actually pretty good.”

Arc chuckles. “Wait for it.”

Demonstrating a Tornado Kick, Jason watches as Bulk falls flat on his face trying to copy it. Everyone laughs at him as Skull nervously claps. Arc shakes his head.

“Never liked that guy.”

“The big one?”

“Him either. But I meant his friend, Skull.”

“He appears to be just going along with whatever he’s told.”

Arc scoffs. “Those two are inseparable. You never see one without the other. And Skull always seems to be the hapless lacky.”

“One might look at it another way, Arc.”

“Oh?”

“Maybe he’s really just THAT dedicated to his friend.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it. Skull clapped when Bulk did the move successfully. But he also did the same when his friend failed. No matter what would have happened there I get the feeling he still would have supported him.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “An interesting way of looking at it, I suppose. Guess my younger self never really looked at it that way.”

As the group of teens talk around a table, an earthquake breaks out. The scene turns to a strange command center where a large ethereal creature orders his assistant to summon forth five teenagers. Arriving, the kids look around at the computers. As they do so the robot from earlier approaches them to protect his systems. Tripping, the kids help them up as the ethereal voice rings out. Derpy’s eyes grow wide.

“That thing summoned them?!”

“Yeah. His name’s Zordon.”

“What is he?!”

Arc shrugs. “Some kind of interdimensional wizard, I think. His mechanical assistant is named ‘Alpha’. Think of the latter like comic relief.”

Special belt buckles appear on the teen’s midsections. Informing the group of their new ‘power morphers’ Zordon explains about the power held inside. However the teens reject his story as nothing but fantasy and leave the building. Trudging through the desert they attempt to walk back to town. However Rita watches from overhead angrily.

“So, you think you can stop me, do you?!”

She turns to Finster.

“Finster! Hurry up with those putty patrollers!”

Derpy turns to Arc. “She’s going to beat those humans with clay dolls?”

“They can bring them to life.”

“What?! How?!”

“No clue. Think of it like a really big plot hole.”

Rita fires a magical blast at the teens as they dive for cover. A number of gray suited minions surround them. One by one the kids are beaten by the puttys and tossed into a pile. Derpy grimaces.

“Even the one that knows how to fight isn’t able to beat them.”

“Yeah. Not sure why though. I mean, those gray guys aren’t even really fighting. They’re just kinda… posing.”

“Why don’t they just use their powers?”

“They’re building up to that. Look.”

The teens hold out their morphers and call upon their powers. Transforming into the Power Rangers they strike poses. Derpy giggles.

“Now they’re doing it!”

Arc grins. “Admittedly, looking back at this old stuff I didn’t realize just how cheesy it was.”

Derpy grins. “I like it though! They’re not giving up or backing down!”

They are teleported to the city center which is, for some unknowns reason, under attack by advanced puttys. The Power Rangers effortlessly defeat their opponents together. As the scene return to the moon they see Rita yelling at her minions.

“Finster, those stupid puttys are getting beaten by a bunch of pimple-faced nitwits! They’re pathetic!”

One of her minions looks to Rita. “How about making Goldark big with your wand?”

Rita storms off. “I always have to do everything myself! Finster, I’ll deal with you later!”

Returning to her balcony overlooking Earth, Rita holds up her wand.

“Magic wand make my Goldark GROW!”

Throwing the wand, it lands in the dirt point down. A strange energy emanates from it causing Goldark to grow to the size of a skyscraper. Derpy gasps.

“What the…?!”

“That’s how pretty much every episode works. They fight Rita’s puttys then the main monster attacks, gets beaten, and is enlarged by Rita.”

“Sounds like it could get repetitive.”

“When you’re a kid and can only watch one episode a day, it’s still really cool. A marathon might be too much though. So if you want to change the channel…”

“Can we at least see how it ends?”

“Sure.”

Goldark marches through the city as Jason calls out.

“Back off, fang face!”

Zack grins. “The good guys are here!”

Billy strikes a pose with the others. “Get off our planet!”

Trini calls out. “Cause we’re the Power Rangers!”

Kimberly lets out a battle cry. “And we’re not backing down!”

Jason reaches skyward and cries out. “DINOSAUR POWER!!!”

The rangers call forth their zords. They combine into one large tank-like contraption. Charging forward, they are forced to endure Goldark’s attacks before getting in close and switching to the Megazord. Derpy grins as she leans forward excitedly.

“It just keeps changing!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as he chuckles. “And that’s what made this cool when I was a kid.”

The Power Rangers face Goldark hand to sword, but the battle is still very one-sided. Derpy covers her eyes as the Megazord takes several hits.

“They’re not doing so well.”

“Wait for it…”

Jason looks up as he calls out. “Power Sword!”

A large sword falls from the sky and lands in front of the Megazord. They pick it up and move to face Goldark again. He snarls.

“Argh! This isn’t over! I’ll be back!”

Making a few strange movements he vanishes. Derpy gasps.

“Where did he go?!”

“Back to the moon castle.”

“But he was so intent on fighting!”

Arc frowns. “Goldark’s a coward who doesn’t like an even fight. So when the Power Rangers called for their sword Goldark knew he’d have to fight them on even terms.”

“So he ran back for reinforcements?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. He’s running back to Rita. They’re going to regroup and come up with a plan.”

“What happens next?!”

Arc chuckles as the scene changes to that of the moon castle again. “Watch.”

Rita seethes as she turns to her minions.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE THEY BEAT US BACK!!!”

Turning to her champion, she continues her tirade.

“GOLDARK! YOU FAILED!”

“It won’t happen again, empress!”

Rita storms out of the room. “SHUT UP! I’VE GOT A HEADACHE!”

Derpy giggles as Arc mutes the television.

“That was a good ending.”

“How’d you like the battles?”

“It was really interesting how they were able to run and jump like that. But I didn’t think that robot battle ended very well.”

“Too fast?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m guessing they originally made the episode longer. Probably wanted an hour time slot for this one to flesh out the characters and story more.”

“Why didn’t they?”

“I can only assume they couldn’t get the network to go for it. The show was new and completely untested at the time so they didn’t want to risk it.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Can we watch more?”

“If you want to, sure.”

“Um… can you do something for me though Arc?”

“Sure. What is it?”

Derpy looks away as she blushes. “Well… now that we’re done eating do you think we could… um… cuddle?”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

Handing over her now empty plate, Derpy watches as Arc sets them along with his own on the nightstand. Rolling over his legs, Derpy lays her face on his chest and looks up at him as he finishes clearing the bed. She giggles.

“You’re warm.”

Arc grins. “Cold?”

“A little.”

Arc motions to the dresser nearby. “You could put some more clothes on.”

Derpy smiles sheepishly. “I suppose that would help, yes. But, um…”

“Something wrong?”

“Noy exactly ‘wrong’, no. I just… wanted to be with you in a bit of a… different position.”

“Like what?”

Nervously, Derpy tugs at one of her bra straps.

“I… I’d really like to lie with you as I did when I was a pony. Completely bare. Would… would that be okay?”

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

Taking a deep breath, Derpy unclasps her bra and pulls it off. Laying her body against Arc again she reaches under the covers and slips out of her panties. Tossing the undergarments on the floor next to the bed Derpy turns her attention back to Arc as she smiles nervously.

“Done.”

“How do you feel?”

“Very… exposed. Exposed but free.”

“Is that good?”

“I feel that it is, yes.”

“Feel?”

Derpy grins. “Your skin on mine. It’s absolutely amazing.”

Arc smiles at her. “I like this too.”

“That’s good. After all, I didn’t want to make you do anything that might make you uncomfortable.”

She giggles and continues.

“But at the same time I felt that you were ready for this.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well… after we heard just how far you and Applejack went, the others and I felt that you wanted to take our relationships to a more serious position.”

“They weren’t mad about it though, right?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Oh, not at all! But we all wanted something like this from you. At least in some capacity.”

“Capacity?”

Derpy smiles nervously. “I… probably shouldn’t tell you this, but… everyone involved in this future herd wants to do things with you uncovered, Arc.”

“Well, I suppose that’s normal when in love. At least as long as everyone concerned agrees on where the lines are drawn, that is.”

“Boundaries?”

Arc nods. “Gotta have em.”

“And is this pushing those boundaries?”

“No. Truth be told I’ve been slowly edging toward more intimate acts since I got my memory back.”

“It’s good to see you opening up and letting others in, Arc.”

“I couldn’t mourn Cherry forever.”

“Dinky and I were kinda worried you might try to.”

“Part of me wanted to.”

“What changed?”

“Time.”

“Huh?”

“There’s an old saying here on Earth. ‘Time heals all wounds’.”

“So you… what exactly?”

“Moved on. But I don’t think I could have done that without her sticking around.”

Derpy giggles. “Cherry is really happy helping out at the orphanage.”

“She does have that motherly charm to her, yes.”

“But she had the same problem.”

“Dying tends to do that from what she told me.”

“Knowing that you can see the one you love but can’t be with them. I felt that way about you for a while myself.”

“You did?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I didn’t want to mess up our relationship. After all, if I confessed my love and you didn’t feel the same it would have ruined our…”

Arc interrupts her. “…our relationship?”

“Arc?”

“Something we all want.”

“Cherry too.”

“We both had to move on, I guess.”

Derpy sighs. “Like I was prepared to do.”

“Prepared to?”

“Something Ember said to me when she was helping me to a hospital appointment one day. She mentioned that I had better tell you how I felt, or someone else might take you away from me.”

“But you didn’t.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not for over a year, no.”

“Why not?”

“Because, like I told Ember, if you were with the one you loved… then I’d be happy knowing you were happy.”

“That’s really… wow.”

“I meant it too. Still do actually. If you decide later that I shouldn’t be part of the herd then I’ll accept that. The only thing I ask is that you continue to be Dinky’s father.”

“Derpy, I…”

Derpy interrupts him. “No, really. If you ever feel that there are too many whom are ready to join the herd and willing to marry you, feel free to…”

“…leave you?”

“I was going to say move on actually.”

“Can I ask you something, Derpy?”

“Anything.”

“Do you love me?”

“More than anything in the world, Arc.”

“Then how can you possibly entertain the idea of me leaving you?”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles. “Because you won’t be leaving me.”

“I don’t understand.”

“If you decided it wasn’t meant to be I know that you’d still be there for me and Dinky. Just not on a romantic or sexual level. So you can do that anytime you want without having to worry about me or my feelings. But please understand that they won’t change a bit.”

“Then there’s something I need to say to you, Derpy.”

Derpy nods but does not open her eyes. “Go ahead.”

Reaching over, Arc puts his hands on Derpy’s bare back. Concentrating, he Blinks. Disappearing, he and Derpy reappear where they were a moment ago. However now Arc is on top of Derpy. She opens her eyes in surprise just in time to see Arc’s hands land on her shoulders as his face approaches hers. Meeting the young woman’s warm lips, Arc kisses Derpy passionately. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Derpy leans into the kiss with a deep moan of pleasure. Meanwhile, back at Mio’s campsite, Mio works diligently on her machine. Frowning, she shines a flashlight inside an access panel.

“What the…?”

Reaching inside, Mio pulls out a part and looks it over cautiously.

“Where did THIS come from?!”

Turning to look over her notes, she glances back at the part several times as she checks the diagrams.

“It’s not anywhere on here. That and I don’t even know what this IS!”

Rubbing her eyes for a moment, Mio sighs.

“Maybe I’m just working too hard. Putting things where they don’t belong.”

Poking her head inside the machine again, she looks over the circuits and wires before consulting her notes again.

“These aren’t right either! What did I DO?!”

Scratching her head, Mio puts the papers in her coat pocket before picking up her tools and turning back to the machine.

“Guess I’d better get to work making this right.”

As she reaches inside the access panel something slams her head against the metal housing. Seeing stars, Mio falls to her knees before rolling over to lie on her back. Dazed, she look up, her vision muddled. Seeing a strange creature looking down at her Mio hears a strange voice ring out.

“Sorry, friend.”

Headbutting the young woman, Brightwing watches as she loses consciousness. Fluttering over to the supplies, she grabs pack of electronic zip ties. Carefully putting them together to form a longer cord, Brightwing wastes no time binding Mio’s hands and feet together. Finishing her task she looks the unconscious woman over. Seeing her coat and pants soaked with muddy water Brightwing flutters over to the tent, grabs the sleeping bag, unzips it completely, and flies back to Mio. Laying it on the ground next to her, Brightwing lands on Mio’s chest and Blinks them onto the sleeping bag. Hopping off she folds the cover over Mio and carefully zips it shut before turning back to the machine and flying back toward Mio’s tools.

“Brightwing need to get to work! So much to do and not much time to do it!”

As she does so, Diva and Mustang watch on from their bird spy. Diva clenches a fist as she speaks.

"What is that THING doing?!"

Mustang chuckles. "Getting the drop on our errant Sergeant Mio it would appear."

Brightwing picks up the tools and flutters into the machine's open port. Diva gasps as she stands.

"We have to stop that thing!"

Mustang scoffs. "Oh? And why's that?"

"Because it'll make a mess over there!"

"And?"

Diva appears confused. "But I thought you wanted Mio to finish that device?"

"That I do."

"Then why...?!"

Mustang smiles slyly as he leans forward in his chair. "Remember, I never stated what exactly constituted 'done', my dear."

"You mean...?"

"Yes. That little creature is going to do The Organization quite a favor."

Diva rolls her eyes. "How?!"

"That is what you will have to wait for, my dear."

Pulling her into his lap, Mustang wraps one arm around Diva's belly as the other rests on her cheek. Leaning in close, he whispers to her.

"And believe me... you won't have that long to wait."

Grinning, Diva leans back and begins tenderly kissing Mustang's cheek as he continues to watch the monitors. Meanwhile, Arc and Derpy break their own make out session. Arc pulls back and looks Derpy in the face as she opens her eyes and grins widely.

“That… was amazing, Arc!”

“It was good for me too.”

“How though? I’m not that good at kissing.”

Arc smiles at her. “Because I did it with someone I Honestly care about. We can both learn about each other together.”

Derpy reaches up and takes one of Arc’s hands. Smiling happily, she pulls it under the covers and places it on her hip before speaking.

“Do you want to… get to know each other’s bodies better now?”

“Derpy?”

Derpy closes her eyes as she pulls him down onto herself. “I’m ready for a real stallion to take me intimately.”

Arc puts his arms around her back and whispers in her ear. “We will someday, Derpy.”

“Anytime you’re ready for me to lift my tail…”

She pauses, thinking.

“Um… humans don’t have tails.”

Arc chuckles. “No, they don’t.”

“So what does a human woman say to make sure their special someone understands that she’s ready for sex whenever they are?”

“I think you just said it.”

Derpy appears confused. “But I didn’t…”

“That message was received loud and clear.”

“And how do you feel about that?”

“Flattered that you think so highly of me. But this isn’t the right time.”

Derpy sighs. “I suppose not.”

“However when the time IS right I’ll let you know.”

“After Rarity and Rainbow Dash?”

“Huh?”

Derpy giggles. “They’re going first and second. Oh! Hammer and Ember are still arguing over whom goes third. Rainbow Dash told Hammer she’d share second with her, but…”

Arc groans. “Let’s talk about something else please.”

“Sorry. I guess I got a bit carried away there.”

“Thank you.”

Derpy smiles nervously. “Um… more Power Rangers?”

“If you want to, sure.”

“I do. It’s a really cool show.”

“You don’t think it’s… corny?”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Um… not really sure what that means.”

“Well then… let’s see about trying to get caught up.”

“Huh?”

Arc gestures to the still muted television. “The episode’s half over.”

“Then why don’t we take this opportunity to take a shower?”

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.”

Derpy pushes the covers off revealing her bare skin. As Arc turns away respectfully he feels a hand in his.

“Arc?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you coming?”

“Where?”

“The bathroom.”

“That’s okay. I’ll just use…”

Derpy giggles. “When I said ‘why don’t we take this opportunity to take a shower’ I meant the ‘we’ part.”

“Well… if you really want me to, okay.”

“I do, Arc.”

Leading him down the hallway to the bathroom, Derpy gets the water going and steps into the shower with Arc. She picks up the soap and a washcloth before turning to him with a hungry look on her face.

“I’ve been wanting to do this with you for a long time, Arc.”

“Me too admittedly. But might I make a request?”

Derpy appears confused. “What is it?”

“Could I wash you first?”

“Okay. But only on one condition.”

She wraps her arms around his neck and leans into his ear before whispering.

“You have to wash all of me.”

Nodding, Arc whispers back.

“That I can do.”

The pair shower and return to the room together. Lying back down, both in their birthday suits, Arc pulls the covers over them as Derpy snuggles up to him. Looking down Arc hears her teeth chattering.

“Are you really that cold?”

Derpy nods. “I’m… not used to this body. Remember, it doesn’t have a coat or mane.”

Arc puts his arms around Derpy and begins rubbing her back. “Don’t worry. You’ll be warm in no time.”

“With you here I sure I will. But can you turn the television back on?”

“Don’t want to miss the next episode?”

Derpy grins. “Right!”

Chuckling, Arc grabs the remote with his magic and pulls it to himself. As the next episode starts Derpy turns around to watch. Arc looks down at her.

“Having a hard time getting comfy?”

“Just having trouble seeing the screen over the covers.”

“I have an idea.”

Grabbing the nearby pillow, Arc props himself up. Motioning for Derpy to lay back he holds her between his legs as she leans back to rest her head on his chest. Smiling contentedly she sighs.

“Heavenly.”

“Comfy?”

Derpy nods as she closes her eyes. “More so than you know, Arc.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 23 - Potion's Effects

An hour or so later Arc looks down at Derpy. Seeing that she is beginning to nod off, he kisses the top of her head.

“Getting tired?”

Derp nods sheepishly. “Not sure why though. After all, it’s not like we really did anything but lie here today.”

“Well, why don’t we get some sleep? After all, we’ll want to be well rested tomorrow when Dinky and her friends come back.”

“I suppose so. But… um…”

“Something wrong, Derpy?”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Could we finish this episode first.”

Arc chuckles. “Sure.”

He leans back against the pillows as Derpy snuggles up to him again. However as they do so a small flash explodes outward above them. Looking up, Arc is just in time to see Scootaloo and Brightwing literally fall onto the end of the bed. Her frowns.

“What the…?!”

Derpy gasps. “Scootaloo?!”

Scootaloo blushes heavily as she sits up. “I’m sorry, Big Brother! You see, Brightwing and I were just…!”

Brightwing giggles and Blinks under the covers with Derpy.

“It warm under here!”

Gasping, Derpy instinctively throws the covers back.

“Aw… was warm under there. Very, VERY warm.”

Arc throws am arm over Derpy’s ample breasts as he fumbles with the other one to grab the covers.

“What are you two DOING here?!”

Scootaloo looks away respectfully. “I… I’m sorry! We just…!”

Derpy interrupts. “Wh-why don’t we put something a bit more… appropriate on before talking, Arc?!”

“Yeah. Scootaloo, take Brightwing downstairs. We’ll be down there in a few minutes.”

“Yes sir!”

Grabbing the errant creature, Scootaloo runs out the door so fast that she forgets to close it behind her. Sighing, Arc does so with a Telekinesis Spell as he looks down at Derpy.

“You okay?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I’m… just a bit… rattled, I think.”

“Sorry about that. No idea what those two were doing with that stunt.”

“Well, let’s get dressed so we can ask them.”

“Right.”

Standing, Arc and Derpy walk over to the dressers and pull out t-shirts and shorts. Quickly putting them on they head downstairs. Finding Scootaloo and Brightwing sitting on the couch together Arc sits next to his thrall as Derpy takes her place next to Brightwing. Arc is the first to speak.

“So does one of you want to tell me what the heck that was all about?!”

Scootaloo sighs. “It was kinda my fault.”

Derpy smiles at the little girl. “Why don’t you just tell us exactly what happened? We promise not to get mad.”

“We do?”

Derpy nods soberly. “Yes… we do.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Go ahead, Scootaloo.”

“Okay. But first I wanted to apologize again for interrupting your… um… alone time, Big Brother.”

“It’s… fine.”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No it really isn’t. After all, you and Derpy are very much in love.”

Derpy nods. “That we are.”

Scootaloo blushes. “So it’s only natural that you two would want to expand on your... physical attraction to one another.”

Arc grimaces. “We weren’t… um…”

Brightwing grins. “The smell said otherwise.”

Derpy gasps and looks away. “Smell?”

“Yes, yes! It was coming from both of you! Smelled of hormones and…!”

Scootaloo puts a hand over Brightwing’s mouth. “In any case, what you two were doing was completely natural and appropriate given the situation. Both before and after we arrived.”

Arc’s jaw drops. “Wow.”

Derpy turns to him, confused. “Arc?”

“That’s… very impressive, Scootaloo. Given your past, I mean.”

“You mean my parent’s sexual habits, Big Brother?”

“Y-yeah.”

“That was different.”

“It was?”

Scootaloo nods. “With them it was one sided. My dad just wanted to have sex. Even when he knew my mom was hurting.”

She looks to Derpy before continuing.

“But you and Big Brother… I could tell that everything going on there was mutually agreed upon. Well, at least from what I saw as we materialized up there.”

Brightwing shakes her snout loose. “Brightwing made mistake when coming back here. Bad trip that was.”

Derpy sighs. “Mistakes happen.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose they do.”

“Well, I’m still really sorry for dropping in like this, Big Brother. I really should have contacted you ahead of time.”

“That Brightwing’s fault! Me say it time to go and was so excited to do so that me didn’t let friend talk!”

“I was trying to get her to wait. But Brightwing was REALLY impatient back there.”

Arc frowns. “What for though?”

“It’s about an agreement she and I made a day or so ago.”

Derpy tilts her head to one side, confused. “An agreement?”

Scootaloo nods. “Brightwing was making a really interesting potion and needed something to give it a bit more kick.”

Arc nods. “Some kind of amplifier?”

“In potion making it’s called a ‘catalyst’, Big Brother.”

Brightwing giggles. “Some things work better than others though!”

Derpy looks to the little girl. “So what does that have to do with you, Scootaloo?”

“I donated some of my Crimson blood to help. But only on the condition that I could see the potion in action when it was ready.”

Brightwing nods happily. “And that why we’re here!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “To test a potion?”

Derpy looks at the clock. “At this hour?”

“Yes, well… Brightwing didn’t exactly give me time to do or say anything in that regard. Before teleporting us into your bedroom, Big Brother.”

“Brightwing is sorry about that. But was just so excited that it was finally time!”

Arc sighs. “Well, as long as we’re all here, tell us about this potion.”

“Is very, VERY special potion! Make things right that are wrong!”

Derpy scratches her head. “I don’t get it.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Neither do I.”

Arc looks around. “How about we take a look at this potion then?”

Brightwing grins toothlessly. “But it’s not here, friend!”

Scootaloo frowns. “Then why bring me here?”

“Because potion IS ready!”

“Where…?”

“At pretty lady’s campsite!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Wait, what?!”

Scootaloo gasps. “Mio?!”

Brightwing nods. “She helped Brightwing! Brightwing very smart on her own, but pretty woman still very important to Brightwing’s success!”

Arc clenches a fist. “I knew she couldn’t be trusted!”

Derpy sighs as she sadly nods. “While I wanted to believe she was trying to do the right thing, it’s probably for the best that you head over there and stop her, Arc.”

“Yeah, I will.”

Brightwing gasps. “What?! NO!”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Brightwing?

“This has to go on! It HAS to!”

Channeling her power, Brightwing vanishes from sight. Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“She must’ve gone back to Mio’s camp, Big Brother!”

“I’m going after her!”

“Me too!”

“Fine! Transform now!”

Running over to the window, Scootaloo looks up at the moon. Changing into her Crimson form she hurries back to Arc’s side as he finishes calling forth his armor. Turning to Derpy he speaks quickly.

“We’ll be back as soon as we can!”

Derpy nods fearfully. “Is there anything I can…?!”

“Come on, Big Brother! We have to go NOW!”

Nodding, Arc motions for the filly. As she leaps into his arms he turns back to Derpy.

“Just hang tight! This won’t take long!”

Holding up his sigil gauntlet Arc opens a portal. As he lunges through it, Derpy holds up a hand toward them and sighs.

“Well… bye…”

Reappearing on the sigil outside Mio’s camp Arc turns to see a strange light emanating from the site. Tossing his thrall into the air, Scootaloo spreads her wings and takes flight as the pair hurry through the brush. Arriving at their destination they hear the device humming with a magical aura surrounding it. Brightwing stands within the aura as an emitter of some kind extends and points toward her. Arc looks around angrily as he clenches a fist and calls out loudly.

“MIO! SHOW YOURSELF!”

Scootaloo points. “I sense someone under there, Big Brother!”

Turning toward a pile of pine needles the pair hurry over to it. Arc pushes them aside to reveal an unconscious and shivering Mio. Whipping off his gauntlet he puts a hand to her cold throat. Scootaloo hovers nearby as she watches Brightwing.

“How is she, Big Brother?!”

“She’s breathing but has a weak pulse! That and she’s freezing! We need to get her out of here now!”

“But what about Brightwing?!”

“I’ll open a portal back to my place and send her through! You and Derpy take care of her while I deal with whatever it is that Brightwing did!”

Holding up a gauntlet Arc attempts to open a portal. However nothing happens. Further attempts yield no better results. Brightwing calls out as she giggles.

“Try all you like, it won’t work!”

Arc grits his teeth as he angrily turns to Brightwing. “What did you do?!”

“No magic works right now! Device absorbing it!”

Scootaloo gasps. “But… but that’s IMPOSSIBLE!”

Arc holds out a hand toward Brightwing. “What the…?!”

Brightwing smiles slyly. “Keep trying! Pretty friend’s machine needs all the energy it can get right now!”

“Brightwing! Stop this NOW!”

Scootaloo glares at her. “The Dragon Lord will punish you for this, traitor!”

Brightwing shakes her head as she puts a claw on the potion bottle next to her. “Dragon Lord not important right now! This… this all that matters!”

Arc clenches a fist. “That’s the potion?!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth and nods. “Yeah! We have to get it from her!”

They charge forward and lunge at the aura. However it does not let them pass. Shaking her head, Brightwing takes the bottle in her claws as she flutters toward the machine. Opening a port she pours the contents inside before dropping the now empty vial on the ground. It shatters against a rock as she returns to the pad and giggles uncontrollably.

“Now NOTHING can stop Brightwing!”

Arc groans. “Stop you from doing what?!”

“Brightwing has been on a very long journey for a very, VERY long time! But now… now that journey ends so that a new one can begin!”

Scootaloo frowns. “A new…?”

“You’re trying to use that machine to open a portal somewhere?!”

Brightwing shakes her head. “No, no, no! Brightwing altered it to be so much more! Now it can release that which has lain dormant within Brightwing for oh so very long!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Your true power?!”

Brightwing nods excitedly. “Yes, yes!”

Arc slams a fist on the aura around the machine. “Get as powerful at you like! The others and I will come together to stop you!”

Brightwing sighs. “No, friend. Believe Brightwing when she says that this... this is the end.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But why, Brightwing?! We all trusted you!”

“Brightwing sorry. But had to do what had to do.”

As the machine gains power the emitter in front of Brightwing begins to glow with an eerie light. Arc removes his spear and dagger. Tossing the latter to Scootaloo they begin slashing at the aura before them helplessly. Brightwing watches them as the glow intensifies. Closing her eyes and bowing her head she smiles sadly as she speaks.

“Goodbye friends. Please don’t be angry with Brightwing. She only did what had to be done to finish her journey. Brightwing sorry, but… we will never… meet… again.”

With a final whine the machine’s emitter discharges a blast. It fills the dome of sorts with a swirl of magical energies so intense in both power and intensity that Arc and Scootaloo are forcefully thrown to the ground next to Mio. Arc holds up a hand to shield his eyes from the light as he and Scootaloo look on helplessly. Eventually it slowly subsides as the machine shuts down. As the air is again silent, Arc and Scootaloo slowly sit up and look around. Allowing a few moments for their eyes to adjust to the darkness again they stand and turn their attention to the machine sitting there silently. Arc calls out.

“Brightwing? Can you hear me?”

There is no response. Together he and Scootaloo slowly walk toward the device. Stepping around it to the pad which moments ago held Brightwing they stop dead in their tracks. Neither says a word as they stare at the scene before them for several seconds. Lying on the ground face down is a human. Motionless and naked, they do not stir as Arc and Scootaloo quickly approach them. Hurrying over Arc looks for a pulse as Scootaloo checks their respiration.

“They’re breathing.”

“And have a strong pulse.”

“What do we do now, Big Brother?”

“Get these two out of here, for starters.”

“Where to though?”

“My house.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But…!”

“We have no choice. Here’s to hoping the magic is back on again.”

Holding up a gauntlet Arc opens a portal as Scootaloo hurries over to Mio. Grabbing the frozen sleeping bag she drags it through the portal as Arc pulls a magic cloak from his ring and throws it over the individual on the ground before him. Picking them up, Arc turns and hurries through the swirling energies. Meanwhile, General Mustang nods approvingly as he and Diva watch from his quarters.

“Very good, my boy.”

Diva frowns. “How was that good?!”

“He completed the next step in my plan.”

“That fool completed NOTHING!”

“Are you so sure of that?”

Diva nods with conviction. “Yes! He was only able to stand there and observe as that little freak did her thing!”

Mustang smiles and looks at the device standing silently in the moonlight. “That is true, yes. However the spoils are now available for the victor.”

“Spoils?”

“Take some soldiers and secure that location. I want Doctor Rieper to go over it with a fine tooth comb before readying it for transport.”

“But why?”

Mustang smiles as he stands and puts a hand on Diva’s shoulder. “It is critical to the next phase of the plan.”

“Which is what exactly?”

“You’ll see in due time, my dear.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo reappear in his basement. Derpy sits in a nearby chair waiting for them. Seeing the pair return with two others she hurries over to help as the portal closes behind them. Arc turns to her as he lays his ward on one of the nearby bunk beds.

“We have to help Scootaloo with Mio! Get her out of that freezing sleeping bag!”

Nodding, Derpy hurries over to Scootaloo and together they try to unzip the frozen cloth. Failing to accomplish this, Scootaloo uses the guardanium knife and begins cutting as Arc runs over to help. Together they pull the wet and partially frozen sleeping bag apart to see a soaked Mio shivering before them. Unzipping her coat Arc puts his arms around the young woman as Derpy pulls it off. Handing the dripping coat to Scootaloo, Derpy wastes no time removing Mio’s drenched shirts as Arc lays her back down. Pulling off her pants and undergarments, Arc picks Mio up and hurries toward the stairs with Scootaloo at his heels as he looks to Derpy.

“Stay with the other one!”

Derpy nods as she heads to the bedside. “Right!”

Rushing upstairs, Arc pushes his way through the Guest Room door to lay Mio on the bed. Scootaloo covers her with the blankets and puts a hoof on her forehead as Arc looks to the filly next to him.

“That should help. Scootaloo, any ideas on how to treat hypothermia?”

“We’ve done pretty much everything I can think of to help warm her up. There’s just one other thing to do.”

Walking over to the bed, Scootaloo noses her way under the covers. Pressing her furry body against the young woman she turns her head to look back at Arc.

“This should help a lot.”

“Good idea. Your body heat will make it warm under there. Mio’s body is probably too cold to do that alone.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. Now then why don’t you check on… that other human we brought with us?”

Arc nods as he turns to leave. “Alright. I’ll lay her in my parent’s bed so we can keep an eye on both of them.”

Returning to the basement he heads for Derpy.

“How’s Brightwing doing?”

Derpy gasps. “This is HER?!”

“Yeah. Not sure exactly what she did, but when things settled down she was in that form.”

“Another mystery.”

“We can ask her to give us the details when she wakes up.”

“Shouldn’t Ember be here for that though?”

“Not sure that’s such a good idea. She’ll most likely be really mad.”

“But as the Dragon Lord she should be consulted.”

“You’re right, Derpy. I’ll go get her in a bit.”

“Good.”

Derpy pulls back the covers to look her ward over. Putting a hand on her bare shoulder, Derpy pulls her to lay on her back. The illumination from the lights overhead spill over their face for the first time. Arc’s eyes grow wide.

“What the…?!”

“Arc?”

“I need to see her in some better light to be sure!”

“Let’s get her to our bed upstairs then.”

Picking Brightwing up, covers and all, Arc hurries upstairs with Derpy in the lead. She opens the door ahead of him and pulls back the covers. Arc quickly lays his ward on the bed and frowns. Reaching over, he grabs the lamp on the nightstand and turns it on. Holding it close to the woman’s face he looks them over for a long moment. Eventually Derpy puts a hand on his shoulder.

“Arc?”

“I…”

“What’s wrong?”

“This is… this is IMPOSSIBLE!”

Derpy looks to the unconscious human in the bed. “Brightwing just turned themselves into a human. What’s so strange about that?”

“Because... this isn’t Brightwing.”

“But I thought you said earlier…”

Arc interrupts her. “I could be wrong, of course, but…”

He sighs before continuing.

“This looks exactly like the picture I saw.”

Derpy appears confused. “Picture?”

“I know this might sound absurd, but… I’m pretty sure this is…”

He looks down at the woman and sighs.

“…Auriel’s missing mother, Doctor Knowles.”

Preface - Volume 48 - Captured 'Enemies'

In our previous volume Arc and Applejack walk down the corridors of Canterlot Castle together. Bumping into Ember, the dragon originally claims to be heading to the Kitchen for a snack. However when Applejack presses her, she admits that she was hoping to hear how their date went. Admitting that it was very enjoyable, Ember is told that they have a major announcement to make in the morning. Asking for a favor before leaving, Arc has Ember turn Applejack back into her pony form. Returning to his room in the castle, he lays Applejack on the bed before undressing down to his undershirt and shorts. Laying down with her, they talk through the events of the experiment together. Applejack admits that she wants to have sex with him, but is willing to wait for him and the others to be ready. Leaning into her, they share a passionate kiss together.

Meeting in Twilight’s room for breakfast, Arc and Applejack bring the others up to speed on what happened on their extended date. The group has mixed feelings regarding Celestia’s methods. Twilight tells them of how Celestia wants to lead the attack on the Badlands herself. Arc reassures them that she cannot due to the way the law is written. Remembering the bag Auriel gave him from Cadance, Arc opens it to find numerous condoms along with a note warning him that Applejack did not receive ‘the shot’ to prevent pregnancy.

The next day Arc meets Twilight in his room. She comes early to speak to Arc privately. Thanking him for sticking with her through all the political and personal matters, he admits that all he did was encourage her. The rest of the herd arrives and Arc opens a portal so that Derpy, Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle can join them as well. Standing with the others as they wait, Arc motions for Applejack to join him. Doing so, he announces their engagement in the Celestial Realm. As the others congratulate them Sweetie Belle raises a hoof. Asking about her mother’s own engagement, Arc walks over to Rarity. Kneeling down, he asks her to marry him as well. Agreeing, the pair embrace as the others also nod in approval. Preparing to leave with Derpy for alone time on Earth, she asks for Dinky to be allowed to come as well. Dinky requests that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle come as well so they can all bond as a family. Arc calls out telepathically for Scootaloo to join them. As she arrives he kneels down with the others as Ember casts the spell to turn them into humans. Calling forth the Rainbow of Light, Arc opens a portal to Earth and steps through with the others.

Arriving in his backyard, Arc opens the door so the others can get dressed upstairs. As they do so Derpy passes out their new clothes. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle accept their outfits as would be expected. However, Scootaloo resists dressing in human garb, preferring to stay in her Equestrian cloak. Finally picking out a t-shirt and shorts, she dresses and goes downstairs with the others. Arc approves of their clothing other than Scootaloo’s. Telling her to go back upstairs and try again, the others complain of her attitude. Arc reminds them that Scootaloo had a rough upbringing and to give her a chance. As the little girl returns, they head out the door and walk to Shelly’s Kitchen. Arriving the group finds it standing room only. Arc heads to the Kitchen and nearly misses Jackal and Snake as they hurry out from the back. Finding Frank going over supplies in the back room he greets his old friend and asks how things are going. Hearing that Shelly is doing poorly, and that Lily is upstairs packing for her friend’s extended stay in the hospital, Arc heads upstairs to see her. Thinking he is Frank at first, Lily is surprised to find Arc standing in the doorway. Hugging, she tells him of Shelly’s uncertain future before he heads back down to get food and the others.

Returning with pancakes, and the others, Arc motions for them to set the food out as he heads back to Shelly’s room for Lily. Escorting his friend to the Kitchen they sit down and eat. Introducing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle they bring her up to speed on the trouble back in Ponyville. Telling Arc and company that Shelly’s condition has greatly deteriorated, she invites them to come visit Shelly in the hospital. As they bring the dishes back downstairs to be washed she also invites Frank. Agreeing to Blink over, Lily leads Arc and his family outside to her van. Making the short drive to the hospital they see Frank waiting for them. Lily escorts them to the room and enters first to see how her friend is doing. Shelly asks to see everyone and greets them warmly. Talking about their hometown of Ponyville the conversation shifts to Shelly’s memories of her parents. Appearing tired, they leave to give Shelly some rest. A doctor arrives to give her a nutrient rich IV bag. After hanging it up he injects a green liquid from a syringe directly into the bag before opening the flow. Lily thanks him for taking such an interest in Shelly’s case. Little does she know that this so-called doctor is actually Doctor Rieper with The Organization.

Driving towards Arc’s house, Frank and Arc explain the situation to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Arriving back home, Dinky shows the others what television is as Derpy motions for Arc to follow her upstairs. Alone, she asks him to talk about what’s bothering him. Admitting that he would like to spend more time with Shelly if possible, Arc also expresses his regret over putting her and the family second. Derpy reassures him that she understands the situation and is willing to accommodate for it. His earring chirping, Arc hears Ember calling him. Telling them that Brightwing senses something strange nearby. Initially dismissing it, Ember informs him that Sunburst agrees. Looking to Brightwing, Ember sees their scales glowing. An intense burst of light later finds Ember standing in the bedroom with Arc and Derpy. Brightwing asks to help find the source of the trouble, but also asks for Auriel to help as well for some reason.

Going downstairs to tell the girls, Arc informs them that there is something up. They sadly agree that he needs to take care of the matter. However Derpy asks Arc to take Scootaloo with him. Agreeing, they head out to the Jeep together. Ember and Brightwing lie down in the cargo area as Auriel and Scootaloo sit in the back. Not finding anything in town they head out to the countryside. As the sound intensifies they find it coming from a grove of trees. Parking, Arc and Ember call forth their armor and approach. Splitting up, Auriel stays with Brightwing. Suddenly a portal opens and Mio steps out holding something in her hand. Lunging forward, Brightwing takes the machine. Auriel tells her to give it to her. However as Brightwing sets it on the ground Arc pulls it to himself with a Telekinesis Spell. Questioning Mio about what she’s up to, she agrees to talk if Arc can provide a letter from Hammer stating that she’s safe. Agreeing, Arc opens a portal back to his house while the others stay with Mio in the woods.

Returning to the basement, Arc finds Derpy and the girls watching YouTube together. Explaining that he needs a letter from Hammer to convince Mio, they wish him a speedy return. Opening a portal back to Equestria, Arc enters it and leaves his room in the castle. Flagging down a patrol he asks the location of Lieutenant Hammer. Informing him that she is in her office he makes his way there. Entering, Arc surprised her with his visit, causing her to nearly climb over her desk to get to him. Kissing passionately for a time, he eventually comes to the point of his visit. Telling Hammer about the issue with Mio back on Earth, she tears a page from her diary to give to her sister. Admitting that she’s been going to therapy for the mental damage done by Stingray’s betrayal, Hammer tells Arc to leave her out of the herd. Refusing to abandon his friend, Arc gives her a serious pep talk which includes more kissing before leaving.

Returning to the others, Arc gives Mio the page from Hammer’s diary. Reading it over she frowns and questions its validity. Handing over the second note Hammer wrote for just such an occasion, Mio shakes as she reads it. While the first note was just meant to be written as a therapeutic gesture, the second note was specifically written to tell Mio that she was done with them. Having held up his end of the bargain, Arc again asks Mio to tell him what she is doing in the middle of the woods. Asking the others to leave, Mio allows Brightwing to stay with Arc. Leading them deeper into the woods they approach a pond. Announcing that it is the same spot The Equinox pierced the transdimensional barrier, Mio raises a device from the depths of the pond. Telling Arc that she is trying to pierce the barrier to get to Hammer, she asks for his help. Admitting that he is unsure how it works, Mio takes the news hard. Volunteering to deliver a message to Hammer, Mio asks him to return tomorrow at midnight. Arc turns and leaves with Brightwing as General Mustang and Diva observe via a mechanical bird overlooking the clearing.

Arc and the others return to his basement via portal. Smelling supper cooking, Arc opens a portal for Ember and Auriel as Brightwing stays behind. Head upstairs to eat, Arc tells the others about what happened in the woods earlier. Worried that Mio would somehow figure out how to make her device work, Arc is convinced to contact Sunburst. After being told that Mio is on the wrong track the worries of the others are lessened. After eating Arc and Scootaloo head to the hospital to visit Shelly. Finding that Lily has not eaten yet, Arc takes her to the cafeteria while Scootaloo stays with Shelly. Telling the little girl about how Arc helped her and the other orphans, Scootaloo gives her own testimony regarding her meeting Arc and how he protected her.

The next morning Arc and Derpy take the children, with Brightwing (in dog form), to the local park. As Derpy goes to push Dinky and her friends on the swing Arc sits down for a talk with Scootaloo. Telling him that she doesn’t believe Derpy would be a suitable wife, Arc tells Scootaloo to give her a chance. Playing games at home later, they cook supper and head to bed as Arc leaves to take a portal to Mio’s campsite. Arriving, she gives him the letter for Hammer. Arc shows her how to properly build a fire before sitting down across from her. Confessing that she is jealous of Hammer, Mio admits that she has developed feelings for the Hero. After telling Arc she trusts him to do what’s best, he leaves via portal.

Returning to the castle, Arc heads for Hammer’s office. Finding a note that says for him to meet in her quarters Arc does as he is instructed. Entering the room, he finds Hammer sitting soberly on the couch. Sitting down next to her Arc hands over the note. Frowning, Hammer announces that she knows exactly what Mio wrote. Claiming it to be nothing more than criticism she wads up the note and throws it toward the fireplace. Arc grabs it in midair with a Telekinesis Spell. Imploring Hammer to read it, she does so. Surprisingly, Mio confides in her sister that things have been going south back at Damocles Base. Telling her of the secret project presumably going on inside the base’s vault, Mio admits to running away and hiding in the woods as she attempts to build a machine that will take her to Equestria. Hammer asks Arc what camping supplies Mio has at her hideout. Admitting that he didn’t see any, he returns to Mio with gear from Hammer.

The next day Arc takes Derpy and the girls to a roadside market. Picking up on the produce with the others Scootaloo is drawn to the herbs. Driving home, they put their bounty away as Arc pulls out crayons and paper. Telling the girls to each fetch a leaf from the backyard, he shows them how to trace their leaves with the crayons. Leaving for a few minutes, Arc returns with an ironing board. Putting a leaf between two pieces of wax paper, Arc puts the bundle between some newspapers and starts rubbing it with an iron. A short time later he pulls out the wax paper, which has melted together trapping the leaf inside. Excitedly, Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle hurry out the back door to collect more leaves. Encouraging Scootaloo to join them, Arc and Derpy also hurry outside to have some fun. However, unbeknownst to them, Brightwing takes their leaves back to her office in Canterlot Castle.

Arc and company sit around the table eating a freshly baked pie. Suggesting that they should give the last two pieces to Shelly and Lily, Arc decides to go to the hospital that very evening with it. Arriving, he finds Shelly unconscious and Lily dozing in the chair next to her. Holding out the pie, Lily reminds him that Shelly cannot eat regular food anymore. Mortified, he apologizes and promises to give them a couple days so Shelly can recover. Telling him to come back anytime, Arc tells Lily he will return tomorrow morning alone. Heading for home, Arc and Scootaloo find Derpy and the girls in front of the television watching ‘Dirty Jobs’. Announcing that he is heading upstairs to bed, Arc leaves the room. The others ask Scootaloo what happened at the hospital. Telling them the truth, she heads upstairs herself to see Arc. Stopping herself from knocking, Scootaloo instead heads to her own room and lies down. Staring up at the ceiling until long after everyone else has gone to bed, she looks at the moon to change into her Crimson form before opening the window and misting outside. Reforming on the roof she gets her bearings and floats back to the hospital and into Shelly’s room. Mesmerizing Lily, Scootaloo puts her in the bathroom with instructions to brush her teeth and take a shower. Returning to Shelly’s side, she mists into the bed and lays down with her. Entering Shelly’s dream, Scootaloo pretends to be a newly arrived orphan. After Shelly takes her to the Dormitory, Scootaloo asks to talk to her. Explaining that she could turn Shelly into a Crimson to save her life, Scootaloo is surprised when Shelly turns her down. Returning to the waking world, Scootaloo prepares to force Shelly to become her thrall. However as her fangs touch Shelly’s skin she has second thoughts. Pulling back, Scootaloo instead gives the young woman a kiss on the cheek before misting back up onto the room. Sitting there and looking up to the moon she contemplates what just happened.

Arc and Scootaloo head to the hospital the next morning together. Upon arriving at the room Arc enters while Scootaloo remains in the corridor. Finding Lily in a hospital gown, he learns that she was found by a nurse in the shower, clothed. Suggesting that she put on some of Shelly’s clothes, she heads to the bathroom to change. Taking Shelly’s hand, Arc calls out to Scootaloo telepathically. Learning that the little girl mesmerized Lily to get to Shelly, he orders her to go to the Waiting Room as he looks over her neck. Finding nothing, Arc waits for Lily to return. Shelly awakens as she does and asks if Lily is invited to Arc and Rarity’s wedding. Nodding, Arc tells them he wants both of them to attend. Shell reminds him that she won’t be around long enough. Sometime later Arc and Scootaloo return to the basement via portal. Telling her to sit at the table, Arc grills Scootaloo regarding what exactly she did. Admitting that he too wanted to turn Shelly into a Crimson to save her live, Arc reminds Scootaloo that consent is needed beforehand. Meanwhile, Brightwing watches as Mio heads to a bush to answer the call of nature. Grabbing a flask from her workbench, she takes some multi-colored liquid and pours it into a vial before flying away.

Arc and Scootaloo head upstairs to where Derpy and the girls are playing a board game. After telling him that they are having trouble figuring it out, Arc notices the name on the board. Telling them that he used to play ‘Stratego’ a lot with his father, he explains in great detail how to play. They spend the rest of the day playing various board games before eating supper together. Arc decides to visit Shelly at the hospital before she goes down for the night. However before he leaves Dinky asks her father to send them back to Equestria in the morning before leaving to spend the day with Shelly and Lily. Derpy volunteers to get the house cleaned but is told she has a part to play in their plan as well back in Equestria. They ask Arc to place a sigil in his parent’s room and return tomorrow at exactly nine o’clock in the evening. Dinky and her friends run upstairs to plan, accidently leaving all the dishes for Derpy. Scootaloo volunteers to help with them as Arc leaves.

Arc returns home at the desired time. Spotting a note on the bed that tells him to put on his suit he follows the directions which lead from note to note. Eventually it instructs him to go to the Guest Room and knock three times. Doing so, he finds Derpy in her human form and wearing a beautiful dress. She gives him a scroll. It instructs him to go to the top of the stairs and find a remote. Pressing the button illuminates a large number of artificial candles on the stairs. Proceeding downstairs they find the main floor perfectly cleaned and lined with innumerable candles. Coming to the kitchen the pair find a pizza in the refrigerator along with a pie. Cooking it, they talk as it cools. Eating their fill, Derpy pulls a note from between her breasts. Admitting that she didn’t want to hand over the wrong note earlier, she hands it to Arc. It sends them to the basement with another remote. Derpy presses the button to illuminate more candles and another note. Stating that the CD player in the corner is loaded with a classical disk, Arc turns it on and asks Derpy to dance. Showing her some very simple slow dance moves, they enjoy each other’s company. Meanwhile, Brightwing continues with her potion. Going to Scootaloo’s room, she gives her some advice on how to make up for what she did to Shelly. Donating some of her Crimson blood to the little creature’s potion, Scootaloo asks only that she be allowed to be there when the potion is used. Brightwing agrees and the promise is made.

Arc and Derpy sit down after a particularly fast dance plays. Taking for a time, they head upstairs for bed. Meanwhile, Brightwing gets a sample of Auriel’s blood to complete her potion. Setting it down on her office desk, she grins slyly as she monologues. Escorting Derpy to her room, Arc tries to say good night but is stopped as Derpy grabs the back of his coat. Trying to say something, Derpy hurries into her room and shuts the door. Confused as to what he did, Arc does the same. After undressing and getting into bed there is a knock at the door. Derpy walks in nervously wearing nothing but a bra and panties. Confessing to Arc that she’s been fantasizing about him violently having sex with her, she asks if that’s wrong. Informing her that it’s normal for someone who is sexually frustrated, Derpy then admits that she dreams often about the time Moonlit Dusk had sex with her. However instead of the stallion it’s Arc. Promising to sleep with her more often to help, Arc formally asks Derpy to marry him. She agrees and promises to be the best wife ever.

As Derpy falls asleep Arc lies there in bed staring up at the ceiling. As he does so, Wiseman’s voice telepathically fills his head. He warns Arc that he needs to go to Mio’s camp that night at eleven o’clock. Not explaining further, Wiseman cuts himself off from Arc. Heading downstairs to sit on the couch to think, Derpy joins him sometime later. After assuring her that she isn’t to blame, Arc tells Derpy of Wiseman’s instructions. Worrying that Mio might be in trouble she asks Arc to go check on her. Doing so, he finds her asleep in the tent. Returning to Derpy, Arc reports that all is well before getting back in bed with her and falling asleep. Waking up later that morning to the sound of freezing rain Arc does his best to explain what it is to Derpy first. She informs him that Dinky and her friends will be spending the day in Canterlot trying to come up with new date ideas for him. Heading to the store for supplies, both for them and Mio, they purchase numerous canned goods before returning home. Derpy asks to do something a bit out of the norm and Arc agrees. He sets the downstairs television up at the foot of his parent’s bed as Derpy cooks breakfast. Brining the food up to him, they lie on the bed to eat together. Asking what show she would like to watch, Derpy suggests Dinky’s favorite... Power Rangers. Finding that there’s a marathon going on, Arc changes channels as the first ever episode starts.

Arc and Derpy watch the first ever episode of ‘Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers’ together. Derpy dislikes the scenes with Bulk and Skull, but enjoys the fighting scenes. As they finish the episode the pair talk about what they have seen. Derpy asks to be allowed to lie with Arc as she did when she was a pony... bare. Arc agrees and Derpy removes her bra and panties. Laying down on Arc’s chest she sighs contentedly. Meanwhile, Mio looks over her machine’s innards. Finding several parts that don’t belong, she prepares to remove them. However something slams her head into the machine violently. Falling to the ground, she sees Brightwing looking over her as she passes out. Grabbing the sleeping bag from the tent, Brightwing Blinks the unconscious woman onto it and covers her up. After zip tying her wrists and ankles, that is. Fluttering over to the machine she begins to tinker with it as Mustang and Diva look on from their bird spy. Diva wants to go out and stop the little creature. However the general convinces her not to go. Arc and Derpy shower together and return to the bedroom in their birthday suits. Propping himself up, Arc allows Derpy to lay back against his body as they continue watching Power Rangers.

Returning to the room in a bathrobe, Arc carries in a pizza as well as a bottle of soda. Trying to eat, Derpy burns her mouth on the fresh pie. Talking as they wait for it to cool, Arc asks Derpy if the feeling of nakedness as a human is similar to that of a normal day for a pony. She admits that it is and suggests a bare day with the other herdmates. Arc tells her he isn’t ready to be surrounded by ten naked women as they go back to eating and watching television. Meanwhile, Brightwing flutters out of the machine and cast another Sleep Spell on Mio to keep her unconscious. Announcing to no one in particular, she coos about the machine being done. Opening a portal back to her office in Canterlot Castle, Brightwing retrieves her potion and sets it on the ground next to the machine. Considering that she could increase the power of the potions slightly more, she cuts Mio’s arm and takes a bit of her blood. Meanwhile, Arc and Derpy finish their pizza. Taking her place between Arc’s legs again they continue watching television. Arc tells Derpy of some of the other shows he watched as a child such as Reading Rainbow, Sesame Street, The Magic School Bus, Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Explaining the shows one by one to her, Derpy suggests bringing them to Equestria. As he tells her about ‘Mister Roger’s Neighborhood’ Arc decides to play the farewell address via a laptop which he plugs into the television. Watching the final recording of Mister Rogers together Derpy tells Arc that she felt as if the man on the screen was talking directly to her. Meanwhile, Brightwing closes the access panel and talks to herself. Remembering her promise to Scootaloo, she leaves to get the little Crimson filly. Reappearing in the castle, she flutters down the corridor until reaching the Dining Room. Smelling food, Brightwing makes a small detour to get something to eat.

As Arc and Derpy decide to watch just one more episode, Brightwing and Scootaloo appear above their bed. Trying to cover Derpy up, Arc orders the pair out of the room. He and Derpy quickly dress and head downstairs to talk to his thrall. Telling Arc about her helping Brightwing with her potion, they ask where it is. Brightwing informs them that it’s back in Mio’s camp. Thinking Mio has betrayed them, Arc announces his intention to stop her before the potion can be used. Gasping, Brightwing vanishes to return to the campsite. Arc and Scootaloo hurry after her but find the creature behind a magical aura which protect both her and the machine. Filling it with the potion, a bright light shines out knocking Arc and his companion to the ground near Mio. As the light dims they find a young woman lying on the ground where Brightwing was previously. Opening a portal back to his house they take both her and Mio to his basement. Putting Mio to be in the Guest Room, Scootaloo climbs in with her to warm Mio up. As Arc returns to the basement he see the young woman’s face for the first time. Grabbing her, he rushes upstairs with Derpy close behind. Putting her in his parent’s bed, Arc grabs the nightstand light and shines it on her face. Grimly, he voices his concerns that this woman is none other than Maria Knowles... Auriel’s missing mother.

However, many questions remain unanswered. How will the others handle additional confessions of love/engagement? Is it really that important to the group that they all have ‘the shot’? How will the others react as more mares join the future herd? Is this it for Arc’s friend Shelly? What is Rieper doing to Shelly? What exactly happened that made Mio leave Damocles Base? What are Mustang and Diva up to this time? Will Arc and Mio be able to reconcile their differences? What was Scootaloo THINKING?! Who won the Stratego game(s)? Will Arc REALLY be able to hold out for Rarity? Will Mustang be able to hold Diva back? How did Maria become Brightwing in the first place?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Decisions

For a long moment neither of them speak. Eventually Derpy turns to Arc.

“Are… are you sure?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. But her appearance to the photo on the badge is uncanny otherwise.”

“What do we do now?”

“Auriel should know about this as soon as possible.”

“Naturally. But shouldn’t we take care to make sure her mother’s going to be okay?”

“Agreed. Her and Mio aren’t in immediate danger from what I can tell. But we should still have a medical professional go over both of them.”

“So we head to the hospital?”

“No. Mio is probably a fugitive on some level. And the good doctor here may want to head right back to the Organization when she wakes up.”

Derpy frowns. “You think she’s still with them?”

“It’s possible. After all, that place is staffed with very... devoted individuals.”

“How devoted?”

“When Hammer presented irrefutable proof that General Mustang was manipulating them via pheromones both Mio and Stingray dismissed her claims as false at once.”

“Sounds like the general has a firm hold on everyone then.”

“We can’t let her go back there. Not after what I discovered about her from my previous trips to Damocles Base.”

“She’s that valuable to them?”

Arc nods. “If she hadn’t disappeared when she did I believe that the Organization would be MUCH further along in their plans by now.”

“A sobering thought. But what can be done with her? After all, Auriel won’t stand to see her mother in the dungeon.”

“That and I don’t actually have a charge to file against her to do such a thing either.”

“Why don’t we start with getting her looked at first then?”

“Yeah. We’re just talking in circles right now.”

Touching his earring, Arc speaks.

“Arc to…”

Releasing his earring he stop talking and facepalms.

“What am I doing?”

“Arc?”

“It’s the middle of the night and The Equinox is docked. There’s no way Lemon Hearts would be at her station.”

“She’ll still be there though.”

“Not likely. I gave the crew some time off while I was gone. After all, no reason for them to be at their posts while I’m here on Earth.”

“How about Doctor Whooves? He’s probably at the castle Infirmary.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll head over there and get him.”

Calling forth the Rainbow of Light, Arc channels his magic into it and opens a portal to Equestria. Turning back to Derpy he speaks.

“I’ll be right back. You going to be okay?”

“Y-yes. Hurry back though.”

Arc smiles. “I will.”

Stepping through the portal, Arc vanishes. Derpy turns back to the woman as it closes behind him.

“Are you really… Auriel’s mother?”

Looking her over, she shrugs.

“I do see the resemblance. But… could it really be true? Was Brightwing actually…?”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears in his room in Canterlot Castle. Hearing a slight rustling he turns around to see three fillies asleep in his bed. Dinky opens her eyes and looks at him sleepily.

“Dad?”

Arc walks over to her and whispers. “Sorry to wake you up, sweetheart. I just came back to talk to the Royal Physician.”

“Is something wrong with mom?”

“No, no. But we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

“Goodnight.”

Kissing her on the forehead Arc turns and head out the door and down the corridor. Entering the Infirmary he heads for the private quarters and knocks lightly. Hearing the sound of a mattress creaking Arc waits patiently. A few moments later the door opens part way and Doctor Whooves sticks his head out wearily.

“S-sir?”

“Sorry to wake you up at this hour, doctor, but I need a physician to examine two humans back on Earth.”

“Right now?”

“Yeah. They really need someone to look them over, so if we could get moving…”

Whooves looks around nervously. “I… um… really shouldn’t leave the Infirmary unattended though. In case of a medical emergency here, that is. Involving the… Princess Celestia. Could you bring them here instead?”

“I suppose I could. But I’m not really sure these two should be allowed here in Equestria. Or even know for sure that it exists.”

“Then… can it wait until morning?”

“If you’re really that worried about leaving the premises, I suppose I could see about tracking down Redheart. Although she’s on leave at the moment so I don’t actually know where she…”

Redheart comes into view behind the doctor. She smiles nervously at him as she speaks.

“H-hello, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Redheart?”

Doctor Whooves grimaces. “We were just… um…”

Redheart lowers her voice. “This isn’t… quite what you think it is, sir.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “At this hour, I believe I do. That and there’s a rather… tell-tale smell coming from in there.”

Whooves bows his head. “Yes… I suppose there is.”

Redheart sighs. “I’m sorry, sir. You gave me liberty so I decided to…”

Arc interrupts. “We’ll talk later. Now then I really do need one of you to come with me. Preferably Redheart though as the patients are both female.”

Redheart nods. “Very well, sir.”

“Do you need a few minutes to… um… compose yourself?”

Redheart shakes her head as she steps through the door and picks up a trauma bag from a nearby shelf. “No sir. Lead on.”

Calling forth the Rainbow of Light, Arc again opens a portal to Earth. The pair step through as Doctor Whooves looks on. As the portal closes he bows his head and sighs.

“I am SO fired.”

Meanwhile the pair reappear in his basement. Redheart looks around, clearly confused.

“This is Earth, sir?”

“The basement of my house, yes. Please follow me.”

Escorting Redheart upstairs, he leads her into his parent’s room. Derpy steps aside to let the nurse get to work. Pulling back the covers she begins her examination as Arc motions for Derpy to follow him to the other side of the room. They speak in hushed tones.

“Anything happen while I was gone?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not a thing. I did leave her for a moment to check on Scootaloo though. No change over there either.”

“Not sure if that’s good or bad.”

“Oh?”

“Part of me wishes Mio would have woken up to answer my questions. While the other part is glad she’s still out cold. No need to explain to her where she is, what’s curled up next to her, or why she’s naked.”

Derpy giggles. “That would be a rather awkward conversation.”

Sometime later Redheart turns to Arc as she covers the patient back up.

“My initial prognosis is that this mare is suffering from extreme fatigue and a lack of proper nutrition.”

Arc nods soberly. “Treatment options?”

“She’s in no immediate danger. Some time in the hospital on bedrest and a special diet should bring her body back into balance.”

Derpy appears relieved. “That’s good to hear.”

Arc gestures to the woman. “How long will she be out?”

“Impossible to say, sir. But rest is paramount to her recovery right now. However if you absolutely need to speak to her right away I could probably rouse her with an intravenous stimulant.”

“That will not be necessary. Just let her rest here for the moment.”

“Very well. Now then, I believe you said you had a second patient for me to examine?”

“Follow me. Derpy, would you please stay here?”

“Sure.”

Leading Redheart down the corridor he opens the door and allows Redheart to enter first. Motioning for Scootaloo to move, she rolls out of the bed and joins Arc in the doorway. Redheart pulls back the covers and frowns as she begins her examination.

“What exactly happened to this individual, sir?”

“They were found in a soaking wet sleeping bag under a pile of pine needles a short time ago.”

Scootaloo sighs. “It looked like she had been lying there for quite some time.”

Redheart rubs a fetlock on Mio’s belly. “Her skin appears to agree with that assumption. It’s still very clammy.”

“Scootaloo stayed with her to try and get her warmed up.”

“Yeah. But I think she might have bigger problems.”

Redheart continues her examination. “Oh?”

“She started getting a bit too warm. I was actually about to get out of there when you two came.”

Redheart pulls a thermometer out of the bag. “She feel feverish. But let’s see exactly what we’re dealing with here.”

Putting the instrument in Mio’s mouth Redheart holds it there with her magic while she listens to the young woman’s chest with a stethoscope. Finishing, she removes it and frowns.

“One-hundred two point five. Four degrees high.”

Arc groans. “So she caught a cold, huh?”

Redheart sighs. “I’ll need to run a few more tests to confirm this, sir. But I believe it’s more than just a simple case of the sniffles.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Due to the prolonged trauma of freezing temperatures?”

Redheart nods. “Yes. She honestly should be relocated to a local hospital at once for further testing, sir.”

“I… can’t really do that.”

Scootaloo looks to Redheart. “How bad is it, ma’am?”

“Let’s just say that if I’m right it’s good that you found her when you did.”

Arc groans. “That bad, huh?”

Redheart sighs as she covers Mio back up with the blankets. “More testing is needed for further diagnosis, sir. But I must again strongly recommend relocating her to a proper medical facility.”

“What’s it going to be, Big Brother?”

Arc looks at Mio for a few moments before returning his gaze to Redheart.

“We’ll bring her and the other patient back to Equestria.”

“I don’t think Princess Celestia will appreciate two more humans in her realm though, Big Brother.”

“Agreed. That’s why we’re going to be bringing them aboard The Equinox. She doesn’t have any say on what goes on aboard my ship.”

“That may not be prudent, sir. After all, it would be easier to treat her in the castle Infirmary versus the somewhat cramp by comparison Equinox’s facilities.”

“Fine, we’ll go with that and just keep Celestia out of the loop on it. Scootaloo, tell Derpy we’ll be leaving for Equestria in just a few minutes. I’ll run Mio over before returning for the rest of you.”

“Yes sir.”

Running off down the corridor Arc turns to Redheart.

“Should I call for Doctor Whooves to assist in this?”

“That would probably be for the best, sir. He’s more experienced than I am regarding infectious diseases.”

“Very well. Once we arrive I’ll wake him back up and we’ll go from there.”

Redheart grimaces. “Um… sir?”

“Yes, Redheart?”

“N-nothing. Shall we be off?”

“Let’s go.”

Using the Rainbow of Light to open a portal back to Equestria, Arc picks up Mio and walks through. Reappearing on the sigil in his room he heads for the Infirmary with Redheart. Laying his charge on a hospital bed, he opens a return portal back to Earth in order to repeat the process. Returning again with Derpy, Scootaloo, and the unconscious woman in his arms Arc sets the second patient on the bed next to where Mio was. Derpy looks around, confused.

“Didn’t you bring Mio here, Arc?”

“Yeah. But it looks like they moved her.”

Redheart emerges from the back and heads over to them.

“Hello again, sir. We’ve relocated the patient to the back in order to conduct some more tests on her in addition to a chest x-ray.”

Derpy gasps. “Was she injured?!”

Redheart shakes her head as she begins hooking up sensors to the new patient. “It’s to check her lungs. Doctor Whooves didn’t like the way they sounded.”

Scootaloo nods. “I thought they were a bit rattly.”

Arc sighs. “We’ll have to wait on those results then.”

He turns to Derpy and Scootaloo.

“Why don’t you two get some rest? Dinky and the others are in my quarters at the moment, so you might want a separate room.”

Derpy smiles. “That’s okay, Arc. I’m more comfortable being near our little one.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “And I already have a room of my own here in the castle, thanks to Decimus.”

“Alright. I’ll see you two at breakfast then.”

Derpy takes his hand. “Don’t forget that you need your own rest, Arc.”

“Right, Big Brother. It’s the middle of the night and I don’t think you’ve slept yet.”

“I’ll be along as soon as I can.”

He gives Derpy a hug before she and Scootaloo leave the room together. Turning back to Redheart, he speaks.

“Will there be more tests run on this patient?”

Redheart nods. “A few, yes. But mostly we’re just going to be monitoring her vitals. Doctor Whooves said that he’ll brief you on your friend’s condition when he’s done with the tests.”

“Good.”

Redheart looks around and lowers her voice. “Um… might I speak with you privately, sir?”

“Alright.”

She leads him into the doctor’s private office and closes the door. Bowing her head she speaks.

“I… just wanted to apologize for my earlier actions.”

“Oh?”

“The way you found me in the doctor’s quarters.”

“Yes, well…”

Redheart interrupts him. “I know that such a thing was unbecoming your command and that I risked tarnishing your reputation for the sake of my own wants and desires, sir. So if you’d like me to step down as your Chief Medical Officer, I completely…”

“Redheart?”

“Yes sir?”

“Um… I’m not upset about finding you in that position.”

Redheart appears confused. “You’re… not?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope.”

“But we… we were…!”

Arc cuts her off. “Did the doctor force you to do that?”

Redheart shakes her head vehemently. “No, sir! In fact it was my…!”

Her eyes grow wide as she covers her mouth with her hooves.

“I mean… ah…!”

“And did you make him do anything he didn’t want to do?”

“No sir. But I…!”

“Then what you’re saying is that what happened back there was purely consensual with respect to both of you?”

Redheart appears confused. “Completely consensual, sir.”

Arc nods approvingly. A mare and a stallion agreeing to have sex. Nothing wrong with that.

“But it’s against regulations, sir.”

“From what I could see it was certainly outside normal business hours though. What do the regulations say though?”

“That castle personnel should avoid forming relationships with members of the military.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Should avoid, huh? Sounds more like a suggestion than an actual order to me.”

“Well, it’s treated as such, sir.”

“Fine. Avoid doing that here in the future and I’ll forget what I saw.”

Redheart appears relieved. “Thank you, sir. You have my word that it won’t happen again.”

“That’s not exactly what I said, Redheart.”

“Sir?”

“I told you not to do that sort of thing HERE. That means in the Infirmary. You two can do whatever you want aboard The Equinox.”

“We can?!”

“Sure. After all, I do it all the time. My only limitation is that you do that sort of thing in your quarters only.”

“Yes sir! That’s more than generous!”

“Then it’s settled.”

He motions to the door and they step back out into the Infirmary. Redheart turns to him.

“But what about the regulations?”

Arc smiles at her as Doctor Whooves steps out from the back. “It’s no problem. I’ll suspend that sort of thing aboard my ship. After all, it wouldn’t make sense for me to punish you, or anyone else for that matter, for doing that which I do often enough myself.”

Joining them, the doctor sighs.

“Sir, I’m ready for whatever punishment…”

Redheart interrupts him. “There won’t be any, dear.”

“Say what now?”

Arc smiles. “Right. No reason to punish either of you for this.”

Redheart grins. “That and we have permission to use my quarters aboard The Equinox to make out in the future!”

“Th-thank you, sir!”

“No problem. Now then, about the patient.”

“Yes, of course. Please follow me.”

Leading the pair to the semi-private area he motions to the bed. Mio lies there covered with a sheet and blanket. A clip on her finger is hooked up to a machine while another shows her various vital signs. Arc frowns.

“Is she really that bad, doctor?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “I’m afraid so”

Pointing a hoof at a nearby screen he continues.

“The patient is currently suffering from pneumonia as well as moderate frostbite on her fingers and toes.”

“Why is she unconscious?”

“A strange spell. I was able to dispel it after a few tries, but she should stay asleep for some time.”

Redheart nods. “I agree. Rest is the best medicine for her right now. Well, that and heavy antibiotics I would imagine.”

“Indeed. I simply need to head to the supply room and mix some up.”

“Let me get that for you.”

“Thank you, nurse.”

Arc turns back to the stallion as Redheart leaves the room. “Anything else wrong with her?”

“A nasty bump on the head along with a mild concussion. But it’ll heal by itself. However I’m a bit in the dark as to exactly how this human found themselves in such a predicament.”

“Our other patient did it to her.”

“Oh my! Should she be restrained?!”

“I don’t think so. But I’m going to get someone to watch her. At least until we know more.”

“Very well, sir. However if either patient is a danger to others we shouldn’t take chances.”

Arc nods as Redheart returns with the antibiotics. “Agreed.”

Chapter 2 - Late Night Treatments

Walking down the dark corridors, And muses to himself.

“Hammer or Auriel.”

Stopping to look out a window over Canterlot, he sighs.

“Have to get one or the other. But which one?”

Groaning, he puts an arm on the glass.

“I guess I should get Auriel. After all, family comes first.”

Rolling his eyes, Arc continues.

“What am I saying?! Hammer and Mio are related too! They’re sisters!”

Pacing in front of the window Arc muses to himself.

“Mother… daughter. Sister… sister. Which is closer?!”

Stopping, he grins and snaps his fingers.

“I got it! Let fate decide!”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out a single bit.

“Okay… heads I get Auriel. Tails I get Hammer.”

Flipping the coin, he lets it fall to the marble floor with a dull ‘clink’ sound echoing out. It spins round and round for a long moment before stopping on its edge. Arc frowns.

“What the… fate must not like me right now.”

Pulling it back to himself with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc plays with it absentmindedly in his palm via the same spell as he considers the problem.

“Let’s see… Hammer didn’t really want Mio coming here in the first place, so she might not be happy to see her. Brightwing may or may not be Auriel’s mother, so I’d hate to get her hopes up over a false alarm.”

Sighing, Arc turns and walks down the corridor.

“But I’d rather start with her than potentially face an angry Hammer.”

Arriving at Auriel’s quarters he raises a hand to knock but stops himself. Taking a deep breath Arc pushes the door open gently and steps inside the room. Using only the moonlight coming through the window to guide him Arc slowly walks around the stacks of books and notes scattered around the floor. Sidestepping a half-assembled machine Arc looks toward the bed as he muses to himself.

“Almost there.”

Preparing to take the last couple steps, Arc’s foot catches a bottle. Losing his footing he stumbles forward. Half falling into the bed, Arc is able to prevent himself from landing heavily on Auriel by putting his arms out on either side of her. The sudden movement of the mattress causes her to open her eyes and turn on the bedside lamp.

“What the…?!”

Spotting Arc, she smiles sleepily down at him.

“Oh… um… hello.”

Giggling, Auriel lowers the sheet to expose a bit more skin before continuing.

“Care to join me?”

Arc sighs as he stands up. “Sorry about that. I just really needed to see you.”

Auriel tosses the sheet away to show Arc everything. “Well then, go ahead.”

“Not quite what I meant.”

Auriel grins. “I know. But I still loved baring all for you.”

“In any case, can I see that badge your mother left behind?”

Auriel appears confused. “The one we used to get into that base on Earth?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

“Um… sure.”

Swinging her shapely legs over the side of the bed Auriel sits up and pulls open a drawer in her bedside table. Reaching inside she pulls out the card and hands it to Arc.

“Here you are.”

Arc accepts the badge. “Thanks. I just wanted to see it for a moment.”

Looking at the picture in the light of the bedside lamp Arc is silent for a long moment. Eventually he turns to Auriel and looks her up and down.

“I… need you to come with me.”

“Where to?”

“It’s… complicated. But I’ll explain later.”

Auriel hurries over to her wardrobe. “Okay. Just let me put on a robe, or something.”

“Actually, could you just get dressed?”

Auriel looks over her shoulder with a mischievous grin on her face. “Want to watch?”

Arc groans. “You been hanging around Ember and Hammer lately?”

“That I have. How did you…?”

“It shows.”

Auriel sighs. “Sorry.”

“No, no. I’m not upset about that. It’s just… well… they’re kinda… forward.”

“Is that bad?”

“Not really, no. Look, I’m sorry for how I worded that earlier, but can we talk about this later?”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “I… suppose so.”

Grabbing fresh clothes Auriel hurriedly pulls undergarments from a drawer as Arc waits for her on the bed. He respectfully faces the door as she does so. Auriel calls out as she steps into her panties.

“If you want to watch I’m okay with it.”

“Just trying to give you some privacy.”

“I… um… n-never mind.”

Finishing her task, Auriel grabs a brush and hurriedly runs it through her hair. After making herself presentable she turns back to Arc and does a little twirl.

“How’s this?”

“Just fine. Would you please follow me?”

Nodding, Auriel takes his arm as he leads her toward the door. Stepping out into the darkened corridor they begin walking. She turns to him happily.

“So… how was Earth?”

“It was… busy.”

Auriel giggles as she lays her head on his shoulder. “Yes, that much I know.”

“Oh?”

“I can smell Derpy’s scent on your clothes.”

“Is that bad?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not at all. I was told about your trip to Earth with her and Dinky. It’s only natural to spend quality time together when given the opportunity. Although I do hope you two used the time to the fullest.”

“We spent the day watching television in bed. Not exactly the most productive day.”

“Then I would have to say yes.”

“To what?”

“You using your time wisely.”

“Well… we did have a nice time. And it gave us a chance to talk about a few things.”

Auriel smirks. “I won’t inquire to the details.”

“But you certainly have the right to.”

“Perhaps. However I’m sure you’ll tell all of us of anything we need to know on your own.”

“That I will. You see, Derpy and I…”

Auriel interrupts him. “I’ll wait to hear it with everyone else.”

“But…”

“It wouldn’t be fair for me to hear before they do, after all.”

“Um… okay.”

“Thank you for understanding, Arc. Know that I do trust you to do what’s best for all of us and am just trying to reciprocate that.”

Arc looks away. “I… um…”

“Arc? Is something…?”

“Yes, Auriel.”

“What can I do to help?”

“I need you to… assist me in… um…”

His voice trails off. Auriel steps in front of Arc forcing him to stop. Looking up at him she smiles.

“Arc, please understand that I would very much like to help you with whatever it is that you need me to. But I can’t really do that if you don’t talk to me.”

“Yes, I know that. However this is very… um… complicated.”

“Then why don’t you start at the beginning?”

Arc sighs. “I will. But let’s keep walking.”

Auriel nods. “Very well, Arc. While I don’t understand what’s going on I’ll trust your judgement.”

Arc holds out an arm to Auriel to latch on to and the pair continue down the corridor together. Coming to the Infirmary, Arc stops for a moment before taking a deep breath and entering. Walking over to the privacy curtain strung shut he calls out.

“I’m back.”

Redheart steps out and approaches Arc respectfully.

“No changes since you left, sir.”

“Good… I think. Um… would you please excuse us?”

Redheart nods. “Yes sir. I’ll just head to the back to assist Doctor Whooves with his work for the moment.”

Arc watches her disappear into the back before turning to Auriel.

“Auriel, I… um…”

“Arc… whatever it is, you can tell me.”

She puts her hand on his cheek and smiles as Arc nods and takes a deep breath.

“Alright. Today Derpy and I spent the day watching television in bed like I told you earlier.”

“Nothing wrong with that.”

“Right. But as we were finishing up one last show, Scootaloo and Brightwing… they… um… teleported above our bed.”

Auriel grins slyly. “And can I assume you two weren’t… dressed for the occasion?”

“You’d be correct. But that wasn’t the real problem.”

Auriel appears confused. “What could be…?”

“Brightwing had made a new potion of sorts. She had promised Scootaloo that she could be there when it was tested.”

Auriel groans. “Aw… I should have asked to come too.”

“Oh?”

“She asked me for some blood to use as a catalyst recently. I’m assuming it was the same potion.”

“Probably. In any case, when we started asking questions about the potion Brightwing teleported to… um… Hammer’s sister’s campsite outside of town.”

“For what purpose?”

“She had somehow altered Mio’s machine to use the potion.”

“As a fuel source?!”

Arc nods. “Something like that.”

“Did it work?!”

“It did, yes.”

“Interesting. I’d like to speak with her about this synthetic fuel as soon as possible.”

“That… might be a bit tricky.”

“Oh?”

“Brightwing is… gone.”

“Back to the Dragon Lands?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I mean that she literally doesn’t exist anymore.”

Auriel gasps. “So she died?!”

“Not… exactly.”

“Arc, you’re not making any sense.”

“I know. So I guess I need to just come out and say it.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc looks Auriel in the eye.

“Brightwing used the machine to bombard her own body with some kind a strange magical energy.”

“And it made her… what, exactly? Disappear?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She… turned herself into a human.”

“With a potion?”

“Indirectly, but yes.”

He motions to the curtain before continuing.

“And she’s in that bed on the other side of the screen.”

Auriel steps toward it. “I’d like to see her for myself.”

“That’s… probably for the best.”

Allowing Auriel to pass, she pulls back the curtain and looks at the woman lying on the bed before her. Unmoving, Auriel stares at her for a long moment before speaking.

“A-Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Are you… is this really… Brightwing?”

“It is.”

“And you say you saw her do… whatever it was that she did with the potion?”

“With my own eyes, yes.”

He puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder as she slowly steps toward the bed. Following her closely Arc waits silently as the young demon reaches into her pocket and pulls the badge out. Looking it over for a time her gaze turns to the bed before returning to the picture. She does this several times before speaking.

“It… certainly looks like her.”

“That it does.”

“Is she… okay?”

“Redheart and Doctor Whooves have both looked her over. They say that she’s more or less just exhausted and in need of nutrition.”

“It’s possible that her body simply needs to rest after undergoing such a metamorphosis.”

“Makes sense. After all, such a thing must be very hard on the body.”

“Assumedly, yes. However we won’t know the extent of her mental damage until she awakens.”

“And no one really knows just how long that will take.”

“Not exactly, no. But I’d like to hear what the doctor has to say about this matter.”

“I’ll go get him and Nurse Redheart.”

Turning, Arc heads for the back. Accompanying the pair of medical professionals to the bedside they walk over to Auriel. The doctor is the first to speak.

“You wanted to see us, miss?”

Auriel nods soberly. “Yes. What is my mother’s condition?”

Redheart looks over a clipboard. “She’s very weak. However all her organs are functioning normally.”

Whooves flips the page. “A quick brain scan showed that her mental faculties are still functioning, albeit sluggishly.”

Auriel grimaces. “Does that mean she has some mental… degradation?”

Redheart sighs. “It’s certainly possible. However we won’t know until she wakes up.”

Whooves puts a hoof on the side of the bed. “Even if she does it’s not likely to be severe enough to cause major impairment.”

Arc frowns. “So it’d be along the lines of mild... dementia?”

“Possibly.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “But she could still be fine, right?!”

Whooves nods. “Yes indeed, miss. However, as we said, there’s no way to know for sure until she regains consciousness.”

“Is there ANYTHING else we can do?!”

Redheart shakes her head. “No, miss. Now then, we should give her some peace and quiet.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Might I be allowed to stay by her side?!”

“That’s up to the doctor here.”

“I don’t see why not. But I do recommend that you get some rest yourself, ma’am.”

Redheart turns to a clock. “Yes. It is quite late.”

Arc looks out a nearby window. “Or early as the case may be.”

Whooves points a hoof at the bed next to the patient. “We can push this cot closer if you’d like, miss.”

“Thank you.”

Arc smiles. “I’ll take care of it.”

Stretching out a hand Arc picks up the bed with a Telekinesis Spell. Carefully moving it into position he sets it down.

“How’s that, Auriel?”

“It’s fine, thank you.”

The doctor motions toward his quarters as he speaks. “Well, I’m going to try and get some more sleep before sunrise. Should there be an emergency the instruments will send an alarm to my quarters.”

Redheart smiles. “I’ll stay on site to help with the other patient if need be.”

“Thank you. That would be nice, Nurse Redheart.”

Auriel appears confused. “Other patient?”

Arc sighs. “Mio.”

“She’s here?!”

“Yes. Brightwing apparently attacked her.”

“Is she alright?!”

Redheart nods. “We’re currently treating her for frostbite, a slight concussion, as well as an infection due to prolonged exposure to the elements.”

Doctor Whooves sighs. “Just like your mother’s case, rest is the best thing for her right now.”

“Their conditions will be reevaluated in the morning.”

Arc smiles. “Thank you for your time you two. We won’t keep you any longer.”

The pair nod and step back. Redheart closes the curtain behind them as Auriel turns to Arc.

“Have you told Hammer yet?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I… thought you should be told about your mother first.”

“But you’re going to now, right?”

“Might just wait for morning on that.”

“Why?”

“Hammer wasn’t exactly happy to hear that Mio was trying to get to Equestria when I told her about it earlier.”

“So you think she might be mad?”

“It stands to reason.”

Auriel gasps. “But that’s her SISTER!”

“I know.”

“So she should know now!”

“I suppose I could wake her up, yes.”

“Do it!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re awfully passionate about this, Auriel. Something up?”

“I just think she deserves to know. Right away.”

Auriel turns to her mother lying on the bed before continuing.

“After all, I’m very glad that you came to get me when you found my mother.”

“The difference was that I figured you and her would actually get along. Hammer and Mio… not so much.”

Auriel sighs as she puts a hand to her forehead. “I’m sorry Arc. While I’m sure you know best, I just feel that…”

Arc interrupts her. “No Auriel… you’re right.”

“I am?”

“Yes. For better or worse Hammer needs to know the truth. And right away.”

“Agreed. Be Honest and let Hammer come to her own conclusions.”

“I will. But are you going to be okay over here?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. I’m just going to sit here and keep my mother company.”

“Alright. I’ll go see Hammer and check in on you when I can.”

“Okay. However if she needs you more feel free to give her some attention.”

Nodding, Arc heads for the Infirmary door.

Chapter 3 - Camping Memories

Heading down the corridor Arc eventually comes to Hammer’s quarters. Knocking lightly he hears the sounds of footsteps approaching the door. It opens to a half-asleep Hammer whom does not appear too happy to have been awakened at such an hour.

“What is so important…?!”

Spotting Arc she gasps.

“Oh! I, uh… um…”

“Hi Hammer. Sorry to wake you up.”

“It’s okay! I mean… is there something this gal can do for you?”

Grinning, she winks at him hugely.

“Anything at all.”

“Actually… ah… I need to talk to you about something… um… really important.”

Hammer steps aside and gestures for him to enter the room. “Come on in and talk then.”

“Uh… might we take a walk instead?”

“Yeah, I guess so. Just let me get my boots on.”

Nodding, Arc watches as Hammer turns around and walks back into her room. Sitting down on the side of the bed she quickly slips on her footwear. Grabbing her officer’s overcoat she hurries out to join Arc.

“Ready?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

They begin walking. Hammer buttons her overcoat hurriedly.

“It’s getting colder every night.”

“I… noticed you didn’t have a fire going in there.”

Hammer shrugs. “Call me weird, but I like it cold. When I sleep anyways.”

Arc looks away and grimaces. “Sleeping in the cold?”

“Kinda reminds me of camping. You know… out in the middle of nowhere… bundled up in a sleeping bag.”

“In a tent though, right?”

“Yeah. Like the one I lent to Mio.”

“Oh?”

“She’s not much for that sort of thing, mind you. But I just can’t get enough.”

“Ever get… rained out?”

“A couple times. Woke up with my sleeping bag in a cold mud puddle.”

“Can’t imagine you slept like that for very long though.”

“Longer than you’d think.”

“How come no one woke you up?”

Hammer groans. “Stingray and Mio had left when the rain started. But I wanted to finish out the trip. Had a whole list of things to get done before…”

Arc interrupts her. “Did that upset you?”

“Darn right! Those two layabouts left me out there with no way to get back!”

“How so?”

“They took the Jeep we left in. I figured I wouldn’t need it since I knew they’d come back for me in a day or so. But it really pissed me off when I found out they took my pack with them!”

“All your supplies?”

“Yeah! Including all my dry clothes too! Had to get a fire going in a nearby cave while soaking wet!”

“Ouch.”

“Fortunately there were some pretty big branches in there that had been drying for months if not years. The really hard part was trying to use my gun to light the wood.”

“Does a magic gun do that?”

“At low power yes. Problem was that my hands were so numb I could hardly pull the trigger. I guess I could have used a Fire Spell with better success back there. However at the time I didn’t know any.”

“But you did get it going, right?”

“After a few moments of trying, yes. Then I could sit down and get warmed up a bit. But that didn’t last long either.”

“Not enough fuel for the fire?”

“You got it. I grabbed everything in the cave but I knew it wouldn’t burn for long. So I warmed my hands and feet up for a few minutes before putting on my soaking wet boots and running out into the rain to try to find firewood that wasn’t totally soaked.”

“That must’ve been quite a task.”

“Oh, it was. But I did get a bit lucky there.”

“How so?”

“A few steps from the cave was an old dead tree. I figured it would make a nice fire. If it wasn’t soaking wet from hours of rain.”

“What did you do?”

“Well, I pulled out my gun and set it to a wide shotgun-like spread. Then I increase the output to maximum.”

“Trying to cut it down?”

“Kinda, yeah. I put the barrel of my gun close to the base of the trunk. But it exploded from the sheer force of the discharge. The tree fell one way and I was literally blown off my feet from the magical backwash… or whatever Mio calls it.”

“Were you hurt?”

“Hurt, no. Soaked, yes. I landed in a big, deep puddle some distance away. It broke my fall but also nullified any drying the fire had done earlier. But I jumped up, grabbed an armful off the tree’s innards, and ran back to the cave. Well… I guess it was more like hobbling than running. Kinda twisted my ankle when I fell. That doesn’t count as getting hurt though as I could still move.”

“And the wood lasted you until the rain stopped?”

“Kinda. I dropped what I had carried into the fire and ran back to grab more before the insides soaked up too much rain. Did that a couple times before my ankle hurt so bad that I couldn’t go out again.”

“Then you sat down and warmed up?”

“Yup. Plopped my rump down on the ground next to the fire, stripped down to nothing, and lay my clothes on a rock I pushed closer to the fire so they’d dry.”

“And the sleeping bag?”

Hammer shakes her head. “My ankle hurt too bad to go get it. That and I figured it would take forever and a day to dry out, so I just left it in my flooded tent.”

“Then what?”

“I didn’t have any medical supplies on hand, as they had been in my backpack. Thought about tearing up my shirt to make some bandages so I could wrap it up tight. But didn’t have anything else to wear to I axed that idea. So all I could really do was to stay off it and prop my leg up on the clothes drying rock to elevate it.”

“Sounds like you had a rough time of it.”

Hammer laughs. “You don’t know the half of it. My troubles were only beginning.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It got worse?!”

“A lot, yes. The ground was hard and cold so I started looking around for something to make it a bit softer.”

“Like what?”

“At that point anything. Tried pine needles but that was a huge mistake. Gave me a nasty rash on my butt and… elsewhere.”

“Ouch.”

“Then I tried regular leaves. Problem with them was that being so wet they were cold AND not soft.”

“Third times the charm?”

“Sorta. I started digging with my hands and made a pile of dirt. It was cold naturally. But I put it next to the fire to warm up a bit. After that I pulled it away with a stick and sat down. Problem there was that I had left it in front of the fire TOO long and I… kinda burned things down there.”

“How bad?”

“Nothing major. First degree. And even that was just because I couldn’t get myself off of it fast enough because of my ankle. Let it sit for a minute to cool down after that. Then it was okay.”

“Hopefully you had enough wood to last you until your sisters came back.”

“Not really. But enough that I could rest and keep warm while my ankle was still hurting. Then I came up with the idea of pulling wood to myself from the mouth of the cave with Telekinesis Spells. Didn’t think of it before due to the fact I wasn’t very good at that sort of thing. Still aren’t to be completely honest.”

“I think you do alright.”

“Thanks. But I’m nowhere near as good as Mio is with spells.”

Arc looks away nervously. “You don’t say?”

“Come on, Arc! I hardly ever use spells in combat and pretty much never in day to day activities!”

“So how long until your sisters came back?”

“I’ll get to that. There’s more to tell first.”

She chuckles before continuing.

“So while I was sleeping I had my foot up on the rock my clothes were drying on in order to elevate it. At some point I must’ve kicked my pants off of it because I woke up to the smell of them burning.”

“Your pants were on fire?!”

Hammer nods sheepishly. “Totally engulfed. I jumped up and started stomping on them to try and put them out but somehow forgot about my ankle. As soon as I put all my weight on it I doubled over in pain and fell over.”

“Not into the fire though, right?!”

“Nah, I went the opposite way fortunately. Well… not so fortunate, as I gouged my other leg on a rock pretty badly.”

“And without medical supplies.”

“Yup. It was deep too.”

“Ouch. How’d you treat it?”

Hammer sighs. “I did the only thing I could. Grabbed my semi-dry shirt, tore it up, and made some makeshift bandages to stop the bleeding. It wasn’t quite enough so I had to us my undergarments too. Tore the pads out of my bra and tied the strips of cloth around them to apply pressure.”

“You didn’t really have any other options at that point I would guess.”

“Nope. To this day I can’t think of anything else I could have done. So later the next day Stingray and Mio got back. I was taking a nap at the time and didn’t hear them drive up. They found the campsite flooded and followed the smell of campfire to the cave though.”

“That must’ve been embarrassing.”

“You know it. When I opened my eyes and saw them standing over me the first thing Stingray did was grin and say something to the effect of ‘oh, I can’t wait to hear this one’.”

“Well, you must’ve looked quite a sight at that point.”

“I guess. But she and Mio didn’t let me live that one down for YEARS!”

“They gave you a hard time about it?”

Hammer grunts angrily. “Sure did! I mean, I had a twisted ankle, burned butt, infected… other parts, naked, covered in mud, and passed out when they walked up! But that didn’t stop them from making it hard for me!”

“Hard? You mean there was MORE?!”

“Darn right! It was always crude jokes about me being naked. Like how I’d probably been making out with bears and they got a little rough with me. Or that I had been taking survival training to a whole new level.”

“But they could see you were hurt.”

“They took me to the hospital, of course. However as soon as they were sure my life wasn’t in danger the two of them just laid it on, and I mean THICK!”

“Well at least I don’t see any permanent impairment.”

“I’m fully healed now, of course. But that recovery time felt extra long thanks to those banshees constantly berating me!”

“Guessing that didn’t help your relationship.”

“It’s what made me wonder why I stuck around as long as I did.”

“You don’t actually… hate them, do you?”

Hammer sighs. “Not really, no. I mean, I know they were just enjoying the fact that the one so skilled in survival ended up in such a pickle. But that wasn’t what really made me mad.”

“Oh?”

“Those two PLANNED the whole thing!”

Arc turns to her, confused. “What the… HOW?!”

“Well, not everything. When it started looking like the weather was going to get nasty they decided to head on out. I told them to come back for me in a day or so when our leave was up. But they took my backpack on purpose to see just how good I was at surviving out there with almost nothing.”

“All in all you did do pretty good.”

“I guess so. But they headed into town, went to a resort, sat by the indoor pool to watch the rain, and then went to sleep in their nice warm beds.”

“While you froze in the woods.”

“They couldn’t have known all that other stuff was going to happen though. It was just a bad prank gone wrong.”

“So you’re not mad?”

“I was for a long time after that. But I guess I’ve gotten over it. Either that or I just got used to their attitudes toward me.”

“At one point I remember you saying that you three don’t always get along. Was that the start of it?”

“Not exactly. But it was when things began heating up.”

Hammer looks around and lowers her voice before continuing.

“That’s part of the reason why I didn’t really want to hear what Mio had to say before. She’s always been the one to make me feel like an idiot.”

“And now she’s the one camping out.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah. And I hope she’s hating every second of that experience. Probably is, since her survival skills are pretty much zero. I bet she couldn’t even start a fire without her magic. That and her…”

Arc cries out. “Please… stop!”

“Arc? What the…?”

He turns away and puts a hand on the marble wall while the other one rests on his forehead. Hammer appears confused as she puts a hand on his shoulder.

“Are you… okay?”

Arc shakes his head. “No… no, I’m not.”

“Then talk to me about it.”

Arc turns to look out a window as he speaks. “Hammer… how do you feel about Mio being out in the woods on the cusp on winter?”

Hammer chuckles. “That she should’ve probably let you help her. But she was stubborn and insisted on things being done her way. As usual, I might add.”

“So you’re saying that she deserves this?”

“Kinda, yeah. I mean, a viable solution was suggested to her. But she didn’t want that. Oh no. Everything has to be done HER way… the efficient way.”

“How is her laboring in the woods ‘efficient’?”

Hammer shrugs. “In her mind it is. Figuring out the solution to a problem isn’t about being handed the answer as much as it’s about the journey to the solution.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Mio believes that’s what helps us advance as people. The struggle to move forward even when things are hard.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Be like the butterfly.”

“Come again?”

“I once told a story about a butterfly trying to escape it’s cocoon. The struggle to get out is what gives them the strength to fly. Without it their wings are just dead weight.”

“Well, she’ll figure it out. Mio always does when given the time and resources to…”

Arc groans. “She didn’t.”

“Huh?”

“Mio is… here.”

Hammer gasps, her eyes wide. “She figured out that crazy machine of hers?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I brought her here.”

“That must’ve been quite the ordeal. I can’t imagine her giving up and coming with you easily.”

“Yes, well… Mio didn’t exactly have a say in the matter.”

“You forced her to come?”

“She wasn’t conscious, so I couldn’t ask permission.”

Hammer groans. “Well, be prepared to get an earful when she wakes up. Now then, where is she?”

“The Infirmary.”

“Why there?”

“She was… um… very sick when I got to her.”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

“You see…”

Hammer interrupts him. “Never mind! I need to see her for myself!”

“Follow me.”

Leading Hammer to the Infirmary, the pair walk toward the back room. Pulling back the curtain Arc steps aside. Hammer sees Mio lying on the bed with machines all around her and stands there, mouth agape. After a few moments she slowly turns to Arc.

“What… happened?”

“Brightwing apparently knocked her out.”

“All this from…?!”

“I found her in a soaking wet sleeping back covered in pine needles.”

“Why though?”

“I think she was trying to keep her warm.”

Hammer turns back to look at Mio. “All this… just to get at her machine that didn’t work?”

“It… kinda did.”

“Huh?”

“Brightwing made a potion and put it in the device. It worked… but also made her pass out as well.”

Hammer clenches a fist angrily. “When I get my hands on that little freak…!”

“Forget about revenge, Hammer.”

“But why?!”

“It’s complicated.”

Hammer looks Mio over. “I want to rip that little worm’s wings off right now!”

“Hammer…”

“But I also know that isn’t what Mio would want.”

“Really?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. She’d be more interested in studying Brightwing over getting even.”

“That’s… good.”

“But I’d get to have my turn after all her tests were done.”

She chuckles sadly at the woman lying in the bed.

“It’s kinda ironic though.”

“Not quite the word I’d have used.”

“Think about it, Arc. Mio gave me so much crap after that event I told you about. But now a really similar thing happened to her.”

“Does that make you happy or angry?”

“Neither.”

“Oh?”

“Sad.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Sad?”

“That I didn’t want to help her before. That I didn’t care if she was cold and hungry in the woods. And the fact that she’s lying here partially because of my choices.”

“None of this is your fault, Hammer.”

“Kinda is.”

“Brightwing did what she had to do. And Mio just really wanted to make it here under her own power.”

“But I still don’t understand why Brightwing did this.”

Hammer bows her head as she squeezes her eyes shut.

“Mio probably would have helped her if she had just taken the time to explain the situation. Heck, she’d have been geeked out over a new substance of magical origin from any source.”

“Are you sure?”

“Completely. Mio loves the science behind magic, you know.”

“I’m just glad you aren’t mad.”

“About what?”

“That she’s here.”

Hammer frowns as she looks over her shoulder at Arc. “Well, I’m not exactly happy about it. But I do understand that you didn’t have a choice.”

“It was either here or a human hospital. But then the military probably would have got her.”

“Yeah. Our commanding officer is the emergency contact. Five minutes after they called her, Colonel Diva would have come knocking.”

“That’d have been real trouble.”

“I just wish Mio could hear me.”

“Maybe she can.”

“How? She’s out cold.”

“It’s always possible that she can hear you. That and she would be really scared considering where she is.”

“What could I do about that though?”

“Talk to her. Your voice could be a comfort to her right now.”

Hammer sighs. “Alright, I’ll give it a try.”

Turning to the woman lying on the bed Hammer begins to speak.

“Hey, Mio. I, uh… just found out what happened. Well, kinda.”

She sighs and continues.

“Look, I’m sorry this happened to you. I probably should have gone back with the Hero to see you in person. But I just had so much going on that I…”

Sighing, Hammer bows her head.

“No. No, that’s not right.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Hammer?”

“You needed me and I wasn’t there for you. Like Stingray, I was too focused on my job to have time to help you.”

Arc steps back and closes the curtain behind him softly as he continues watching through the seam. Hammer continues.

“I just… I messed up, Mio. I really did.”

Hammer rests her hands on the mattress next to her sister as she continues.

“Please know that you’re safe now and receiving the very best of care. I know it can’t make up for my…”

Hammer stops as she feels something touching her. Looking down, she sees Mio’s hand next to hers. Taking it, Hammer smiles sadly.

“I’m here for you, Mio. You’re not alone anymore.”

A tear courses down the unconscious woman’s face as Arc steps back and puts a hand to his forehead. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turns around to see Auriel standing behind him. Offering him a smile, she leans into him and moves in close to his ear.

“None of us are perfect, Arc.”

Nodding, Arc pulls her into a hug which Auriel returns.

Chapter 4 - Deliberation

Sometime later Mio slowly opens her eyes. Looking around she spies Hammer sitting by the side of her bed with her head laying on the mattress. Reaching out she gently taps her sister’s head. Slowly sitting up she blinks a few times before gasping.

“MIO?!”

Mio smiles weakly. “Hey.”

“How do you feel?! Are you okay?!”

“My throat hurts a bit.”

“I’ll ask the doctor for some medicine right away!”

“Thank you.”

Standing up quickly, Hammer pushes through the curtains and runs to find the doctor. Returning a few moments later with some pills and a glass of water she hands them to her sister.

“Here you go! Do you want help swallowing that?!”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Um… thanks, but I think I got this.”

Putting the medicine in her mouth she takes a sip of water and swallows. Hammer eyes the glass as she does so.

“Drink the whole thing!”

“But I’m not…”

“Come on! You need the fluids!”

Mio sighs. “Very well.”

Upending the glass, Mio quickly downs the contents as Hammer watches intently.

“Much better!”

Mio sets the glass on the table next to her and lays back as Hammer looks her over.

“Anything else I can get you?!”

“No, thank you. I just feel really tired and achy.”

“The doctor said you had pneumonia.”

“I certainly feel like it. But… why exactly am I naked?”

“Oh! Um… the Infirmary… didn’t have any hospital gowns your size.”

“But I’m pretty average in stature. Couldn’t they just put a larger one on me?”

“It’s… complicated. Are you cold?”

Mio sticks a leg out from under the covers. “A bit hot actually.”

Hammer pulls the covers down to expose her sister’s body. “Then let’s get you uncovered a bit, shall we?”

Mio blushes heavily as she weakly pulls the covers back over her body. “I… think I’d rather stay covered please.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Could you go fetch the doctor for me though?”

Hammer looks away nervously. “Wha-what for?”

“So I can ask them about my condition.”

“That might not be the best option.”

“Why not?”

“Because we’re not… um… not on Earth anymore.”

Mio gasps. “The Hero’s land?!”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. Something like that.”

Mio looks around with a hopeful look in her eyes. “Is he… around?”

“Somewhere around here. He was the one that brought you in.”

“I’d really like to thank him for that.”

“Well… he’s really busy right now.”

“I see.”

“But I’m sure he’ll be around at some point to see you.”

“Good! Um… however I do have something to ask you, Hammer.”

“What is it?”

“Am I… am I a prisoner?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

“Well, I do work for The Organization. And the Hero has been fighting against them, so…”

“Nah. The Hero said that you’re a... a guest of his. But you shouldn’t try to move around or leave this curtained off area without his permission.”

“But why?”

“Because you’re sick.”

Mio narrows her eyes. “You’re a terrible liar, Hammer. What’s the rest of it?”

“There’s… certain things about this land you need to know about beforehand.”

“Like what?”

“Well…”

She is interrupted by the sound of the curtains being pulled aside. Arc enters in his armor and looks to Mio.

“Good morning.”

Mio blushes as she pulls the covers closer to her chest. “H-hello, Hero.”

“How are you feeling this morning?”

“Not too good actually.”

Arc looks up at the wall clock as he continues. “Breakfast will be brought in about ten minutes. I just came to check in on you and explain a bit about this land before you have a close encounter.”

Hammer appears relieved. “That’s probably for the best. After all, the first sighting of the natives can be a bit… jarring.”

Mio giggles. “What? Are they little green men, or something?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. In truth… they’re equines.”

“Horses?”

Hammer nods soberly. “They prefer the term ‘ponies’ though.”

Arc motions toward the closed curtain. “Right. The medical practitioner here is Doctor Whooves. He’s an Earth Pony stallion.”

Hammer chuckles. “Earth Ponies are the most similar to Earth horses.”

Mio raises an eyebrow skeptically. “A horse whom is a doctor?”

Arc sighs. “It’s a bit much to explain admittedly. But when you see him everything will be made clear.”

Hammer grins. “He’s really personable though.”

“How do you communicate with them?”

Arc turns to her. “By speaking.”

Hammer shrugs. “English is the main language here. Maybe the only one too.”

“So… do I need to use any special syntax?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just talk to them like you would anyone back on Earth and the message will get through.”

“She should be examined as soon as possible though.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now then, shall I call for the doctor now, Mio?”

Mio grimaces. “Yes, please.”

Arc sticks his head through the curtain and motions to someone. The light clopping of hooves rings out as Doctor Whooves steps into view. Mio’s eyes grow wide at the sight of him.

“H-hello?”

The doctor smiles as he walks over to the bedside. “Good morning, miss. How are you feeling today?”

“I… um… feel kinda… tired and weak.”

Doctor Whooves nods as he goes over her chart. “That’s to be expected considering your condition when you arrived.”

“I’m told I was wet and muddy.”

“Yes. I had a nurse clean you up after you were treated. Although I’m sorry that we don’t have a proper hospital gown in your size.”

“I understand why not. But what exactly was your initial prognosis?”

“Frostbite across your backside along with the hands and feet. That was the most pressing matter to attend to last night.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Frostbite?”

Hammer gasps. “Do you remember anything, Mio?”

“Not much. Just getting hit in the head and falling down.”

Arc nods. “Fortunately you were in a quality sleeping bag.”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Right. It must’ve kept just enough body heat in there to prevent you from freezing to death.”

Mio sighs. “Aren’t you being a bit melodramatic, Hammer?”

“Not really. I’m told you lay in the woods for quite some time. It doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in.”

The doctor skims over the page. “You were showing signs of that as well.”

Arc looks away nervously. “I’m... glad we didn’t waste any more time before bringing you here. There was a bit of an interim during which I was trying to decide what to do.”

“Sir, may I remind you that during a medical emergency time is of the essence.”

“Yes, you’re right, doctor. But I wasn’t sure if she would be allowed here.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t she be?”

“Celestia.”

“Ah! Right! Her!”

Doctor Whooves sighs as he writes. “While she may disagree with your actions, sir, please remember that it is Princess Twilight whom is currently ruling the land.”

Mio gasps. “Princesses?!”

Arc nods. “They’re the rulers of Equestria.”

Hammer chimes in. “No king or queen though. Just four of them.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s simpler that way.”

The doctor looks to Arc. “Can I assume you haven’t notified anyone of our guest here, sir?”

“Nah. It was really late. But you have my word that I’ll personally do that before audiences start for the day.”

Hammer looks to her sister. “Princess Twilight’s really nice. I’m sure she’ll let you stay if the Hero asks her to. After all, she kinda has a thing for him.”

Mio blushes. “Oh! Um… I…!”

Arc quickly turns to the doctor. “Tell me, what else did you find last night?”

Doctor Whooves goes over his notes as he speaks. “We ran some tests and found that the patient does indeed have pneumonia. Since then we’ve been administering antibiotics intravenously.”

He points to the bottle overhead as he looks to Mio and continues.

“You’re in no danger since we caught it in time. However your body will need copious amounts of rest to fully recover.”

Mio groans. “How long will it take?”

“A week of bedrest followed by another week of heavy restrictions.”

“But I can’t wait that long!”

Hammer frowns. “Mio?”

“My machine needs to be finished!”

Arc chuckles. “The one that’s going to bring you to Equestria?”

Mio nods fervently. “Yes! I have to…!”

She stops talking and looks around for a few moments before continuing.

“I… guess that doesn’t really matter anymore.”

Hammer grins. “Not in the least. But at least you’re safe here from the military back home.”

Doctor Whooves puts a hoof on the bedside as he looks Mio in the eye. “I advise you not to think about things that upset you right now, miss. After all, it will do little to help your condition.”

“I’ll try to keep calm.”

Arc motions to the curtain. “Well, I should check on our other patient before heading over to see Twilight. Was there anything else doctor?”

“Nothing of importance, sir. But I must ask that the patient be allowed to rest now.”

Hammer grins. “I’ll check in on you during my breaks.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Actually as a technically unauthorized visitor to Equestria, I believe the regulations say that your sister needs to be accompanied at all times.”

Hammer appears confused. “It does?”

Mio sighs. “Well, I don’t think I’m in any condition to be going anywhere.”

“I think, as the Lieutenant to the Captain of the Royal Guard, that task should fall to you, Hammer.”

“Sure, I can do that.”

“Good. Doctor Whooves, notify Colonel Flash Sentry of this change please while I report this matter to Princess Twilight.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc and the doctor part ways as he enters the office and picks up the phone. After speaking with the operator, and then Flash Sentry, he hangs up and considers the matter for a moment.

“I’ve never heard of such a regulation before. Perhaps it’s a new one.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads to the Dining Room. The guards outside push the doors open for him as he approaches. Entering, Arc finds Twilight, along with the rest of the Mane Six and Ember, sitting around the table eating. They smile as he approaches. Twilight is the first to speak.

“Arc? What are you doing back?”

“I needed to talk to you about something, Twilight.”

Pinkie giggles. “Sleep well?!”

Arc yawns as he recalls his armor. “Just a couple hours actually.”

Ember grins slyly. “Someone keep you awake?”

Rarity smiles. “It wasn’t me!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Or me.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin as she thinks. “Derpy perhaps?”

Applejack chuckles. “Well, she certainly deserved it.”

Arc shakes his head. “Admittedly I was up pretty late with her back on Earth. But there’s been an incident.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Trouble on Earth?”

“Kinda. I’ve already taken care of it… more or less. But I wanted to report what happened. You see…”

Arc retells the story of the past night’s activities. Ember glares at him as he finishes.

“Arc, are you completely INSANE?!”

“Possibly.”

Twilight facehoofs. “You really shouldn’t have brought her here.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah! She’s a liability now!”

Fluttershy gasps. “But he couldn’t just leave her there!”

Applejack nods soberly. “Right! Those folks with The Organization might’ve gotten to her by now!”

Rarity shudders. “However she might still be working for them.”

Pinkie shakes her head. “Nah! If Arc says she’s okay, then she’s okay!”

Ember looks around the table before turning back to Arc. “Looks like this matter is pretty well split.”

“That it is.”

Twilight sighs. “Perhaps we need to bring in Princess Luna for a fresh perspective.”

Applejack shrugs. “Maybe. After all, she’s been more and more involved in the day to day affairs of ruling lately.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that bad?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not really. After all, she has more experience doing it than we do.”

Fluttershy grins. “Combined.”

Pinkie shudders. “Yeah! Even if she is a bit scary!”

Rarity gasps. “Pinkie!”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “What?! She’s right!”

Twilight groans. “I had the opportunity to spend an extended amount of time with her during the plan to bring forth Princess Celestia. And I do admit that she can be a bit… intimidating.”

Ember rolls her eyes as she mutters under her breath. “Not really.”

“But the longer I spent with her the more I saw that she’s just like me.”

Applejack appears confused. “Twilight?”

Fluttershy smiles. “What do you mean?”

“Princess Luna just wants what’s best for Equestria. But at the same time she’s not exactly… how shall I put this…?”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “In tune with the needs of the public?!”

Rarity gasps again. “Pinkie! Twilight is very much aware of what the nation needs!”

Twilight bows her head. “No… I’m not.”

Applejack frowns. “Say what now?”

“As you all know I spent most of my foalhood studying and the rest of my life thus far sequestered away in my library. Well, libraries that is. I had a spacious observatory here in Canterlot which gave me a wonderful view of the city. But I never even thought about putting myself in social positions before I met you girls.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Yes, I know how that feels. It’s so much safer to just stay in one’s comfort zone and not get involved.”

“But I am now, and need to be hyper-vigilant in order to try and catch up.”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “And I believe that you will. However I do think that you had a good idea earlier.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Bringing Princess Luna in on this?!”

“Yes.”

Applejack sighs. “She… might not be too enthused about it.”

Pinkie grins. “Right! We’ve got quite a few things to worry about already!”

Ember grits her teeth. “And now a potential double agent inside the castle!”

Arc shrugs. “All the more reason to get her take on this.”

Fluttershy turns to her friend. “Should I get her, Twilight?”

“Yes, Fluttershy.”

Rainbow Dash hops off her chair. “I’ll come with you too.”

The mare quickly heads out the door with her friend. They return a short time later following Luna. She looks to Arc and smiles.

“Good morning.”

Arc smiles. “It’s been awhile, Luna.”

“That it has.”

She motions to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash before continuing.

“These two have informed me that you have something to say to me.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I do.”

Applejack motions to a chair. “We might want to sit down though.”

Rarity sighs. “Right. This isn’t exactly light news.”

Arc chuckles. “That and the rest of you need to finish your breakfast.”

Twilight looks to Luna. “Would you like something to eat as well?”

Luna shakes her head as she takes a seat. “Thank you, no. I had just finished my own meal with my sister when I was called for.”

“Very well. Arc will bring you up to speed on what exactly has happened.”

Doing so, Arc repeats the story to Luna. She listens intently as he does so.

“And that’s where we stand.”

“I must say, that’s a very… interesting tale you tell, Arc.”

Ember frowns. “You don’t believe him?!”

“Oh, I do. However it is simply… difficult to accept the fact that somepony, anypony really, could so often be at leisure and have action fall right into their fetlocks every time.”

Arc shrugs. “It sounds bad when you say it like that.”

“I’m not blaming you for this, Arc. You could hardly be held accountable for the actions of others, after all. However, I must say that I pity that fact that you seem to have so much misfortune applied to your daily life.”

“That actually makes it sound worse.”

“My apologies.”

Twilight clears her throat. “Yes, well… I asked that you be brought here to advise us on this matter.”

Rarity nods. “Indeed. We have little insight into such things.”

Applejack sighs. “It’s not every day that something like this happens.”

Pinkie grins. “More lately though!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Kinda gotta agree with that one.”

Fluttershy turns to Luna. “Either way we need to do something about this.”

“Agreed.”

Luna turns to Arc before continuing.

“I believe the risk of having this new human woman here is far from small. As stated, we don’t really know where exactly her allegiances lie.”

Ember clenches a fist. “For all we know she’s still working for The Organization!”

Arc bows his head. “That is possible, yes.”

Rarity quickly chimes in. “But it’s equally possible that she’s telling the truth.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “Possible, but not likely you mean!”

Fluttershy waves a hoof. “Hush! Let Princess Luna continue.”

“Then there is the matter of the human Brightwing and the potential security risk the Dragon Land’s ambassador caused.”

Ember frowns. “Hey!”

Arc sighs. “She’s not wrong, Ember.”

Twilight smiles at Ember. “But we believe that you had nothing to do with that.”

Pinkie grins hugely. “Right! After all, if you can’t trust the future Dragon Lord, who CAN you trust?!”

Applejack facehoofs. “This isn’t going so well.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Maybe you should just lay it all out for us, your highness.”

Rarity gasps. “Rainbow Dash!”

“Very well. My personal opinion would be for the one known as Mio to be expelled from Equestria immediately and the human Brightwing to be imprisoned as a thorough investigation is performed.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

Twilight stammers. “B-but, Luna…!”

Luna holds up a hoof for silence before continuing.

“However, I do believe that Lieutenant Hammer would be most… distressed for such a fate to befall her sister. And since Arc has already vouched for the young woman, I recommend that Mio be made the personal responsibility of Hammer. Should she be willing to take such a role then I would be convinced that the risk is mitigated.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Cupcake you can trust! Believe me!”

Luna appears confused. “Oh?”

Applejack groans. “That’s what Rainbow Dash calls Hammer.”

Fluttershy blushes. “They had an… interesting meeting.”

Pinkie elbows Rainbow Dash as she smirks. “Yeah! Hammer grabber her tits!”

Rarity quickly turns to Luna. “It was clearly an innocent mistake on Miss Hammer’s part I might add!”

Twilight’s cheeks flush slightly. “Yes, she was… unaware of pony physiology as far as mammary gland location was.”

Ember grins. “Supposedly.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “We came to an agreement after that!”

Arc clears his throat before speaking. “In any case, I do believe Hammer would accept such an offer. However that still leaves the matter of Brightwing.”

Ember sighs. “That it does.”

Fluttershy looks to Arc. “First off, are you absolutely certain that she’s Auriel’s mother?”

Arc shrugs. “The picture on her old badge does match her face. Auriel saw it too.”

Luna frowns. “But you said that there was a massive flash of light when the spell was cast. Could the creature simply have traded places with the human woman?”

“That’s possible, yes. However it seems a bit much for someone as simple minded as Brightwing. Uh... please don’t anyone tell Auriel I said that.”

Applejack grins. “Your secret’s safe with us, sugarcube.”

Pinkie smiles. “We can ask her when she wakes up!”

Twilight puts a hoof on the table. “Either way, I believe that Luna was correct in her earlier suggestion that Brightwing be imprisoned until further notice.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “But isn’t she still the ambassador to the Dragon Lands?”

Arc nods. “Legally, yes. Putting her in a cell would certainly cause in international incident.”

Ember frowns. “Technically, yes. However as the Dragon Lord I’m terminating her from the position of ambassador and asking Equestria’s… forgiveness in this matter.”

Luna nods soberly. “We don’t hold it against you, miss. At least I don’t.”

Twilight stands. “Nor do I. And it’s my hope that we can all move past the actions of this lone individual.”

Pinkie giggles. “So we CAN lock her up?!”

Applejack shrugs. “Brightwing’s still a citizen of the Dragon Lands though.”

Rainbow Dash taps her chin thoughtfully. “So can we just… I don’t know… banish her, or something?”

Twilight facehoofs. “That’s called ‘deportation’, Rainbow Dash.”

Fluttershy looks around the table. “But can we really do that?”

Rarity nods. “Right. After all, she’s still unconscious.”

Arc shrugs. “At the very least we could keep her here until Doctor Whooves deems her stabilized.”

Luna sighs. “From the dungeon would be best.”

Ember groans. “I don’t think she could be properly monitored from there. To say nothing for Auriel’s state of mind if we were to transfer her mother there.

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What about sending her back to the Dragon Lands for treatment? I mean, as a citizen they should be duty bound to help her, right?

“We don’t have the facilities to treat her back in the Dragon Lands. Well, facilities to treat a human, that is.”

Rarity frowns. “So even when she does recover there’s no place to send her?”

Twilight bows her head. “It doesn’t seem so.”

Pinkie hops over to Arc and holds up his ring hand. “How about just sending her back to Earth?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! They have jails, right Arc?!”

“Yes. However you have to remember that she’s committed no crime as far as Earth is concerned.”

Ember shudders. “That and I’m sure the military would LOVE to have her back.”

Arc nods soberly. “If the files we took from Damocles Base were to be believed they would, yes.”

Twilight gasps. “Was she that valuable, Arc?”

“From what I could tell.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “And we don’t want THAT group getting any stronger.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Darn right!”

Rarity groans. “But SOMETHING needs to be done with her!”

Arc looks to the door. “Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it. Auriel is already at her mother’s bedside watching her like a hawk. And no matter what side of the argument we’re on it still stands that both Brightwing and Mio need medical attention.”

Luna smiles at Arc. “So it would seem that we have a plan on what to do at the moment.”

“A loose one, yes.”

“I only ask that all of you do me one personal favor.”

Twilight appears confused. “What is it, Luna.”

“That none of you breathe a word of this to my sister.”

Chapter 5 - Luna's Confession

Twilight smiles at Luna as their meal concludes.

“Thank you for your time, Luna.”

“Anything I can do to help, Twilight.”

Ember looks at the clock. “Audiences will be starting soon.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “Considering the new guests, should they be cancelled?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No way!”

Rarity nods. “Agreed. We can’t put things on hold every time something comes up.”

Applejack grins. “Right. Nothing would ever get done.”

Twilight smiles. “Audiences will continue as scheduled unless events warrant otherwise.”

Pinkie gives the pony equivalent of a ‘thumbs up’. “Good call!”

Luna stands. “Well then, I believe I should let all of you get to work.”

Twilight turns to her. “Will you be joining us for audiences today, Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “I don’t think so, no. Today’s paperwork is my current calling.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“Might I speak to you privately though?”

“Sure. Shall we go to your office?”

“I’d actually prefer somewhere a bit more conducive to the subject at hoof. Might we speak in my room?”

“Alright. Lead the way.”

Luna opens a dark portal and the pair step through. Rainbow Dash flies over to Twilight as it closes.

“We need to stop them!”

Twilight appears confused. “But why?”

“Because they’re heading to Princess Luna’s private suite!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “And that’s a problem how?”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah, Dashie! It’s not like Arc’s never been in there before!”

Rarity gasps. “He has?!”

Applejack frowns as she turns to Pinkie. “When?”

“To pick her up for their date a while back!”

Twilight stands suddenly. “Date?!”

Ember holds out her claws and makes a downward motion with them. “Whoa there, everyone! That was purely platonic!”

Fluttershy looks to her. “Do you know what transpired, Ember?”

“Shining Armor asked Arc to take her out for an evening. It was sorta an annual thing that Decimus used to do for the princesses.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth angrily. “How does going OUT have anything to do with him being IN her room?!”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Perhaps he was simply there to pick her up?”

Applejack breathes a sigh of relief. “Most likely. After all, Arc is certainly a gentlepony.”

Fluttershy giggles. “That’s sweet.”

Twilight turns to Rainbow Dash. “You don’t really think he has some kind of relationship going with Luna, do you?”

“Maybe!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Then don’t you think he would have, oh I don’t know… SAID SOMETHING?!”

“He might be afraid of how we’d react to a princess joining the herd!”

Pinkie points a hoof. “What about Twilight?!”

Rarity nods matter-of-factly. “Remember, she IS royalty.”

“That’s different!”

Twilight frowns. “I’m sitting right here, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “You know what I mean!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “No, I don’t think we do.”

Applejack shakes her head. “Then why don’t you just spell it out for us, Rainbow Dash?”

“A princess is used to getting whatever she wants, right?!”

Pinkie nods happily. “Yuppers!”

Fluttershy shrugs. “I suppose that’s true.”

“So she might have seen just how awesome he is and decided that she wants to make him hers!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “You think she wants to join the herd?”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “I don’t see a princess sharing!”

Twilight groans. “Again, Rainbow Dash… I’m right here.”

“Other than you!”

Ember facepalms. “So let me see if I understand this. You think that Princess Luna is romantically involved with Arc AND that she wants him all to herself?”

“Exactly!”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “What exactly are you basing this on, sugarcube?”

“Things I’ve heard around the castle!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “The Hoof Maidens like to talk about royal gossip all the time! Arc and Luna’s names come up a LOT!”

Fluttershy gasps. “They do?”

Pinkie hops up. “What kind of things do they say?!”

“About how different Princess Luna is when Arc is around, for starters!”

Twilight sighs. “I admit, she can be a bit… abrasive sometimes.”

Ember grins. “That’s her best quality in my opinion.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof at the now closed door. “I know that, Twilight! And I wouldn’t have brought it up except for them going back to her room after I heard something just this morning!”

Rarity makes a circular motion with a hoof. “Which is…?”

“Several Hoof Maidens agreeing that Arc is probably the only stallion in Equestria capable of taming Princess Luna!”

Ember nods. “That’s probably true.”

Applejack turns to Ember with a withering look. “What are you…?”

“She’s strong-willed, royalty, has extremely powerful magic, a well-known reputation, and is rich beyond words I would imagine. No one other than Arc could even come close to her in all those categories.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “So you agree with me then?!”

Ember shakes her head as she stands and heads for the door. “Nope. Arc’s loyal to the herd idea.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Luna reappear in her room. She closes the portal and turns to him.

“Thank you for giving me a bit of your time. I’ll try to be brief.”

Motioning to a very posh looking couch with a wave of her hoof, Luna and Arc sit down. Arc is the first to speak.

“It’s no problem, Luna. Now tell me what’s on your mind.”

“This is a very… sensitive matter, so I’d appreciate it if you’d keep what was said here to yourself.”

“I understand.”

Luna sighs. “It’s… complicated.”

“Take your time then. I’ll wait.”

“I… I’ve been having some rather… embarrassing thoughts lately.”

“What about?”

“My future.”

“As a princess?”

Luna shakes her head. “As a mare.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’m afraid I don’t quite follow.”

“As I told you some time ago, Celestia and I grew up in an orphanage many years ago. We were very young at the time so neither of us remembers anything prior to that. However, after we were brought to Star Swirl the Bearded, he spent the rest of our foalhood teaching and instructing us on how to lead. Since that time we’ve spent every day ruling the nation as princesses.”

“And the job is beginning to wear on you?”

“Not exactly. This matter began when Twilight and I conspired to coerce my sister into meeting with us. As you know, us princesses are very… insulated from personal attachments. It’s to protect our nation as a whole, naturally.”

“But…?”

“Twilight made me feel certain… things. Emotions that I had long since forgotten about.”

She blushes slightly before continuing.

“At one point I even believed myself to be in love with her.”

“Really?”

Luna nods. “Yes. However after speaking with Doctor Whooves regarding this matter we came to the conclusion that I was merely starved for interaction with others.”

“You just wanted a friend.”

“Exactly. And as such I latched onto the only one present in my life at the time.”

“Which was Twilight.”

Luna sighs. “Yes. And I am aware of your desire to form a herd with Twilight and the others. Such thoughts made me feel so terribly guilty about the very thought of coming between you two.”

“Coming between us?”

“My idea of a relationship with her, while brief, were totally inappropriate considering her tentative engagement to you.”

“Are you sure those were romantic feelings you had back there?”

“What else could they have been? I certainly care for her very much now.”

“It sounds more like a deep friendship to me.”

“Even if that were true, it would still be morally wrong for me to try and pursue a relationship with her.”

“Luna, there’s nothing wrong with having a friend who’s in love with someone else. Any friendship you have with her wouldn’t trump Twilight and I’s love for one another.”

“But I care for her very much!”

“Let me ask you this, Luna. How do you feel about the idea of intimacy with Twilight?”

“Are you referring to… sexual intimacy?”

“Yes.”

“I… don’t believe that is something I would like to pursue with her, no.”

“Then what is it that you would like?”

“To have her by my side for long talks and tea.”

“Lonely?”

Luna shakes her head vehemently. “No, never! I’m constantly surrounded by Hoof Maidens and servants at all hours of the day! That and Celestia and I are together for hours at a time!”

“That may be true, yes. However, the castle staff are merely here to do their jobs, and Celestia is your family. No real friendships there.”

Luna bows her head. “Friendship.”

“Everyone needs a friend, Luna. Tell me, have you ever had one? Other than Celestia, that is.”

“I have not. Even at the orphanage as a foal it was always Celestia and I whom played together.”

“So you don’t really understand the difference between a friend and a romantic lover.”

“Of course I do! One is a, um… a friend! While the other is… ah…”

She groans before continuing.

“…for sexual pleasure.”

“And which is Twilight in your mind?”

“Not a lover, certainly. While I do find her very pretty, I am not interested in a romantic relationship with her.”

“So she’s your friend.”

“But that isn’t proper given that you and her…!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence as he interrupts her. “As I said, it’s perfectly normal for two... or in our case multiple, creatures to have friends in addition to those whom they are in love with.”

“That just seems like cheating though.”

“Believe me, it’s not. Let me give you an example, Luna. Pinkie Pie has innumerable friends back in Ponyville. Yet she and I are planning to go out on dates at some point. If she were to go see one of those friends, for strictly platonic purposes, what would be the harm in that?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “I… do not really know to be honest. And now I feel absolutely silly for thinking such things.”

“It’s understandable. After all, we can’t really expect you to know that which you haven’t been taught or experienced.”

“Thank you for the talk, Arc. I do feel much better now.”

“And I’ll keep my word and not say anything to…”

He stops and thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Luna, you know it’s never too late to learn something new.”

“I suppose it isn’t. But to what end are you…?”

“You should learn more about friendship.”

“Agreed. But how?”

“By making friends.”

Luna sighs. “That is not possible due to my station as princess.”

“How about with another princess then?”

“Twilight?”

Arc nods. “She and you have already bonded in the past. No reason not to expand on that, right?”

“It wouldn’t make you feel… uncomfortable, would it? Knowing Twilight and I were trying to form a relationship.”

“Not at all. A platonic friendship isn’t something that I’d ever try to stand against, after all.”

“But what if it becomes more than that?!”

“You mean what if you and Twilight were to fall in love?”

“Exactly! I’d never be able to forgive myself!”

“Well, I’d be sad, yes. But you have to remember that you said earlier that you’re not interested in such things with her.”

“But it COULD happen!”

“Luna, you have to understand that Twilight and I aren’t actually engaged yet.”

“Huh?”

“Her and I haven’t even had the chance to go out on a single date yet. So I don’t really have any kind of claim on her.”

“What are you saying?”

“That if you two were to fall in love that I would accept it and wish the best for you two.”

Luna tilts her head to one side, confused. “You’d… let her go?”

“If that’s what she wanted, yes.”

“But I thought you loved her!”

“I do. However someone very special recently told me that they too were willing to give me up if it would make me happy.”

“How though?!”

“If I was happy then they’d be happy for me.”

“I don’t understand that though.”

Arc puts a hand on Luna’s shoulder. “You will, Luna. Just take it one step at a time.”

“How do I begin?”

“By spending time with her.”

“But we’re both so busy.”

“It doesn’t have to be anything major. Meals together would be a nice start.”

“I suppose so. However I take those with Celestia.”

“Then invite Twilight to come with you.”

Luna appears to consider this as she speaks. “Yes… yes, that would be a good idea. After all, she and Celestia are already very close.”

“You might also try attending audiences with her.”

“Co-ruling?”

“Something like that. After all, you have a lot of knowledge that could help her become a better princess and leader.”

“So I could become her teacher?”

Arc nods. “Exactly. But she’d also be teaching you too.”

“Symbiotic. I like it. However her friends are constantly around.”

“They’ll be heading back to Ponyville soon. I’m told the buildings are almost complete.”

“And then I’ll have Twilight all to myself.”

“More or less, yes.”

“But if we perform audiences together whom will do the paperwork?”

“You two could do it together afterwards.”

“More time together, yes?”

“Right. Now then, if you’d like I can talk to Twilight and ask how she feels about doing audiences with you.”

Luna shakes her head. “No, Arc. That much I should do myself.”

“Very well. I’ll leave it at that then.”

“Thank you for the talk, Arc. It is nice to have somepony here that I can talk to whom is of similar standing.”

“I do what I can.”

“But might I ask you one last thing?”

“What is it?”

“Are we… friends?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I… guess I never really thought about that before.”

“Neither had I.”

“Well, I suppose we do work in similar fields. Both of us have ruled the nation in the past and know many of the same individuals.”

“So we are?”

“If you want to be, than yes.”

Luna nods. “I do. Now then, how do we make that official?”

Arc chuckles. “I think we just did.”

“Oh… I suppose so, yes. It just feels as if there should be more to it than that.”

“Nah. Friendships aren’t about policy or procedure. They’re usually pretty informal actually.”

“What do I do now?”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. Hug?”

Luna smiles. “That does sound nice, yes.”

Leaning toward her, Arc puts his arms around Luna as she does the same. Resting her chin on his shoulder she smiles happily.

“This does feel nice.”

“You don’t hug often, do you?”

Luna shakes her head as she sits back. “Not generally, no. The last time was with Twilight ironically.”

“How about before that?”

“When I was turned from Nightmare Moon back to my normal self by Twilight and her friends.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But that was before I came to Equestria”.

Luna nods. “That it was.”

“Okay, you need to hug more often.”

“But whom could I…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Twilight, for starters.”

Luna sighs. “That will make the Hoof Maidens talk.”

“Not if you do it often. Make it the new norm.”

“I believe that would take quite some time.”

Arc chuckles. “Then you’d best get started.”

“Yes indeed. However might I also hug you as well?”

“Sure.”

Luna stands and motions for Arc to follow her. They head for the door together.

“In that case why don’t we…?”

They are interrupted by Arc’s earring chirping. Sighing, he turns to Luna.

“Excuse me.”

Touching it, Arc speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Doctor Whooves. Miss Auriel asked me to contact you immediately regarding our patient’s condition.”

“What’s happened?!”

“She appears to be slowly waking up. Miss Auriel asked that you be present if at all possible when her mother regains consciousness.”

Luna gasps. “Is Auriel worried that she will attempt to flee?”

“No your highness. But she felt it important that another human be present when she opens her eyes in order to help ease her into our culture.”

Arc nods. “That makes sense. Tell Auriel I’m on my way.”

“Yes sir. But please do hurry.”

“I will. Arc out.”

He touches the earring, severing the connection before turning back to Luna.

“Sorry. We’ll talk more later.”

Luna nods. “I understand.”

Arc hurries out the door as Luna also leaves. Turning, she begins walking the other direction as a certain rainbow-maned mare looks on from overhead. Narrowing her eyes, Rainbow Dash grits her teeth as she seethes.

“Arc is ours, princess! And nopony is going to take him away from us!”

Chapter 6 - Mother and Daughter

Arc hurries down the corridor toward the Infirmary. Entering, he spies Doctor Whooves and Nurse Redheart standing outside the curtain. They part to allow him access. Pushing through the cloth Arc sees Auriel standing next to the bed. She hurries over to him and whispers in his ear.

“My mother is starting to wake up!”

“I’m here for you, Auriel. We’ll see her together.”

Auriel groans. “That’s just it! You have to understand that she hasn’t seen me since I was a baby!”

“What’s that got to do with…?”

“Doctor Whooves says that she’s very fragile right now. Physically and mentally. I need you to be the one she sees when she wakes up.”

“But where will you be?”

“Outside the curtain with the doctor and nurse.”

Arc sighs. “If that’s how you want to do it, okay.”

Auriel bows her head. “I really don’t. But it’s for the best.”

Turning, she hurries through the curtain and closes it behind her. Walking over to the bedside Arc puts his hands on the railing and looks down. A few minutes later the woman slowly opens her eyes and looks up at him.

“Where… where am I?”

“A medical facility.”

She puts a hand to her forehead shakily. “Head feels… funny. Eyes aren’t… focusing correctly either.”

“That’s either the medications or a result of what happened.”

“Happened?”

“Do you remember anything?”

“Everything’s… kinda fuzzy right now.”

“Why don’t we start with your name then. Do you remember it?”

“Maria. Maria Knowles.”

“What do you do for a living, ma’am?”

“I’m a… a researcher. A scientist.”

She looks around for a few moments before speaking again.

“Tell me, is my husband here?”

Arc grimaces. “Not… exactly.”

Maria sighs. “That figures. He’s probably tied up in some kind of meeting, or something equally redundant.”

“I could...”

“If you could just send a messenger to tell him I’m laid up in here, he’ll come when there’s time.”

“Yes ma’am. Um… is there anything I can get you?”

Maria nods. “There is actually. Would you please send word to my nanny to bring Auriel here?”

“Bring… Auriel?”

“Yes, she doesn’t do well being separated from me for long periods of time. I’m sure the staff is having quite a bit of trouble keeping her calm with me laid up in here.”

“Believe me when I say that she’s fine.”

“Send for her anyways.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“By the way… how long have I been out?”

“Out?”

“Unconscious.”

“I’m… not sure you fully understand what happened.”

“Perhaps not. But I’ll listen to everything you have to tell me after Auriel is here. I want to make sure she’s been properly cared for in the interim.”

“Why don’t we see if the doctor can do something about your vision first?”

Maria frowns. “But I…”

Arc interrupts her. “After all, you want to be able to see your daughter when she arrives, don’t you?”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“One moment.”

Turning, Arc motions for Doctor Whooves to come forward. He does so and enters through the curtain. Arc turns back to Maria as he speaks.

“The doctor is here, ma’am.”

“Is that you, Magtheridon?”

Doctor Whooves shifts uneasily. “Um…”

Arc interrupts. “No, ma’am. This is Doctor Whooves.”

Maria frowns. Where is the Royal Physician?”

Arc looks to the doctor. “He’s… unavailable at the moment. But rest assured that the doctor here is fully capable of helping you.”

“That I am, miss. Shall I examine you now?”

Maria nods. “Go ahead.”

Doctor Whooves looks into Maria’s face for a few moments before removing a small flashlight from his pocket and shining it in the patient’s eyes. Looking at her pupils for a time, he puts the light away before turning to a cabinet.

“It appears that you just need some medicated eyedrops to help your cornea focus properly. But not to worry, as I have them right here.”

“Very good. I’m glad to see Magtheridon has at least one competent apprentice.”

Returning to the bedside, Doctor Whooves leans over Maria and opens the bottle before inserting a small eyedropper.

“Are you ready, miss?”

“Go ahead.”

Allowing three drops to fall into each of Maria’s eyes, Doctor Whooves replaces the cap and returns the bottle to its place in the cabinet as he speaks.

“That should do it.”

Arc looks to the physician. “How long until they take effect?”

“Just a few minutes. Now I need to go check on another patient, but I’ll come see you in a bit, ma’am.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

Quickly leaving the curtained space, Doctor Whooves motions for Redheart to follow him to the back room. Arc waits patiently as Maria blinks innumerable times and rubs her eyes.

“I think they’re starting to work. Everything’s slowly coming into focus.”

Grimacing, Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out a magic cloak. Quickly putting it on he pulls the hood down to cover as much of his face as possible as Maria’s vision clears. A few moments later her gaze falls on him.

“That’s better. Um… but whom are you?”

“I’m… uh…”

Maria interrupts him as she looks around the room. “This doesn’t look like the palace’s medical facility to me.”

“It’s not, ma’am. This is a… different facility.”

“Is it now?”

“Yes. You see…”

Maria frowns. “Sir, at the risk of sounding rude, I wasn’t born yesterday.”

Arc sighs. “I guess I’m not very good at lying, huh?”

“No you are not. Now then, where are we really?”

“The Infirmary in Canterlot Castle.”

Maria raises an eyebrow. “Canterlot?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s the capital of…”

“Equestria.”

“How do you know about that?”

“My husband often spoke of it. Usually in a rather, shall we say… negative manner. So I am a prisoner of your land then?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. You see…”

Maria moves to sit up. “Then if you will excuse me, I must be getting back to…”

The woman suddenly doubles over, due to weakness. Auriel rushes through the curtain and puts her hands on her mother’s shoulders.

“Please! You mustn’t strain yourself!”

Maria groans as she puts a hand to her forehead. “Your concern is appreciated. However I need to…”

She stops talking as her eyes slowly move up to Auriel’s face. The pair stare at one another for a long moment before Maria speaks.

“No… no, it can’t be.”

Auriel grimaces. “I… um… I just… wanted to say…”

Auriel steps back and bows respectfully.

“…please don’t go, mother.”

Maria gasps. “A-Auriel?!”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“But… but how is such a thing POSSIBLE?!”

Arc looks away nervously. “I’m sure it’s a very long story.”

Maria groans. “I… I don’t…”

Auriel steps forward and helps her mother lie back down.

“Please rest now, mother. You need to regain your strength.”

“…you… can’t be… her.”

“I assure you that I am, mother.”

“But my daughter is still an infant!”

“I grew up.”

“Overnight?!”

Arc sighs. “Auriel and King Malevolence say that you disappeared from Tartarus years ago.”

“I did?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Father told me that he ordered the entire realm scoured for any trace of you after that.”

“When… how long ago…?”

“It’s been over twenty years, mother.”

Maria puts a hand to her face. “Twenty… years?!”

“Yes mother.”

“I… I’m and old woman then?!”

Arc forces a smile. “At the risk of sounding… um… overly polite, you don’t really look a day over… uh… actually, I don’t think I’m going to finish that sentence.”

“Honestly, you don’t look any different from the picture on your badge.”

Maria appears confused. “My badge?”

Auriel nods as she pulls the card from her pocket. Looking at it, her gaze moves from the picture to the woman lying on the bed.

“Your ID from Damocles Base, mother.”

Maria gasps. “How do you know about that place?!”

Arc sighs. “We… had to go there a few times.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “Right. You see…”

Maria puts a hand to her forehead. “Please… I think I need some time to process all of this. Might I have some alone time?”

“Of course, mother. I’ll be within earshot though.”

She helps her mother by covering her with the blanket again before turning and motioning to Arc to follow her. As they step into the corridor Auriel turns to him with an ear to ear grin on her face.

“That’s really her!”

“It would appear so, yes.”

“While I admit she isn’t exactly what I expected, I’m still thrilled to finally be able to meet her!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, try to contain yourself long enough for her to get some rest.”

Auriel nods happily. “I most certainly will! But… where do we go from here?!”

“After she wakes up, you mean?”

“Of course!”

“We should probably be honest about everything. That and tell her what we know about the events leading up to her waking up here.”

“That might take a while though.”

“I don’t think she’s going anywhere. And it’ll give you two a chance to get caught up.”

Auriel sighs as she looks back toward the doorway. “Imagine losing twenty years of your life in the blink of an eye.”

“Not something I can fathom myself. The world went on without her though. She has to feel left behind.”

“There’s someone else whom needs to know about this though, Arc.”

Arc nods soberly. “Your father, King Malevolence.”

“Yes. But you might want to leave out the part about her memories. At least for now.”

“If that’s what you want. However I don’t really understand why though.”

“I want to be the one to tell him. In the presence of my mother, that is.”

Removing his cloak, Arc puts it back into his ring and calls forth his gauntlet.

“Luckily I still have that sigil just outside your father’s old palace. Uh… what’s the etiquette for showing up to see the king unannounced?”

“It’s forbidden for anyone to come into my father’s presence without being summoned. Other than me, of course. That’s what protected you the last time.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But you won’t be there with me.”

Auriel reaches into her pocket. “True. In that case, take this.”

Removing the ID badge she looks it over for a moment before handing it over to Arc.

“Show this to the guards and tell them that you come on behalf of Princess Auriel.”

Arc grins as he accepts the badge. “Going by ‘princess’ now?”

“While it’s not a title I’ve used much, I am the daughter of the king.”

“Sure. But how will this badge help me?”

“Every guard knows just how dedicated my father was to his queen. Any possession of hers is considered sacred by him. Even more so that this has her likeness.”

“Alright. Um… are you sure about this?”

“I am.”

Arc raises a hand and opens a portal. “Well, wish me luck then.”

Stepping through the swirling energies, Arc calls forth his armor as he allows the portal to close behind him. Looking around he spies a number of demons constructing simple looking huts from leaves and limbs. Heading for the massive palace Arc begins climbing the stairs. However, as he does so the guards at the doors call out the alarm. A moment later an entire squad rushes forth with their weapons drawn. They quickly surround him as the leader approaches.

“State your business, outsider!”

“I’m… here to see King Malevolence on behalf of Princess Auriel.”

“For what purpose?!”

“A deeply personal matter regarding the king and his daughter.”

“His royal majesty has ordered no interruptions until further notice! He is quite busy coordinating the rebuilding of our kingdom as you can plainly see!”

The demon gestures to the fledgling town with a wave of his sword before continuing.

“Now then, if you have no other reason to be here I suggest you turn around and walk away! That is, before things get… messy!”

Arc steps toward the commander as he speaks. “Nevertheless, I must see the king.”

He pulls out the ID badge and holds it up.

“My business is urgent.”

“Didn’t you hear me…!”

He stops talking as the face of Maria comes into his field of vision. Gasping, he kneels before the badge.

“On your knees, maggots! He bears the likeness of the queen!”

Doing as they are told, the soldiers kneel respectfully as Arc looks down at the commander.

“Might I be able to see the king now?”

“Yes sir, of course!”

Standing, he escorts Arc up the stairs as the rest of the guards fall into line behind them. Arriving at the now somewhat restored massive double doors the commander steps aside and turns to Arc.

“You will find King Malevolence within. While I am required to permit you entry, there is no guarantee that he will not lop off your head upon laying eyes upon you.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

The commander rolls his eyes as Arc continues.

“Sorry for the pun.”

As the commander motions for the guards to open the doors Arc steps into the Throne Room. They are quickly shut behind him as the guards chuckle menacingly. Sighing, Arc walks down the red carpet toward the podium on which the demon king sits. He is hunched over a desk going over innumerable scrolls as Arc approaches. Waiting patiently for the king to acknowledge him he stands there in silence. Suddenly the king speaks as he continues his work.

“WHOMEVER HAS COME HAD BEST HAVE THE VERY BEST OR WORST OF NEWS!”

Arc shrugs. “Um… kinda both actually.”

Looking up from his work the king turns to the sound of Arc’s voice.

“WHAT KIND OF FOOLISH TALK IS…?!”

He stops talking as Arc’s figure comes into view. Tossing down his quill, the king jumps off the podium to land with a colossal crash that shakes the entire room (rather impressive for a building built into a mountain I might add). Hurrying toward Arc he frowns.

“ARC! WHAT NEWS DO YOU BRING TO ME?!”

Arc holds up the badge. “Auriel sent me with this and a message.”

Accepting the plastic card, the king stares at the face of his lost wife for a long moment before speaking.

“I ASSUME SHE BELIEVED YOUR WORDS NEEDED EXTRA WEIGHT TO SEND YOU TO ME WITH THIS!”

Arc nods. “It was mostly to make sure the guards let me in. But I should probably tell you my reason for coming here today.”

Malevolence gestures to the desk. “YES, INDEED! WHILE I DO NOT WANT TO BE SEEN AS AN UNGRACIOUS HOST, I AM QUITE BUSY THESE DAYS!”

“Auriel sent me here to tell you that… that we found her.”

“FOUND WHO?!”

“Her mother.”

Malevolence gasps. “YOU FOUND MARIA?!”

Arc nods. “Yes sir.”

“ARE YOU COMPLETELY CERTAIN OF THIS?!”

Arc points to the picture on the badge. “She looks exactly like this.”

“THEN I WISH TO SEE HER FOR MYSELF! TAKE ME TO HER AT ONCE, ARC!”

“Very well. But I’ll need to shrink you down first.”

“DO WHATEVER YOU NEED TO! BUT HURRY!”

Holding out a hand, Arc casts the Matter Compacting Spell. Slowly but surely the king shrinks down to roughly a foot taller than Arc. He hurries over to the desk, grabs a stack of papers off of it with a Telekinesis Spell, and marches past the young man as he motions for him to follow.

“Let us be off!”

“Uh… sir?”

“Waste no time, Arc!

Arc holds up a gauntlet. “I can open a portal from here.”

“Yes, but that would not give me a chance to tell my subjects of my departure!”

“Have it your way.”

Following the king toward the doors, the demon throws them open to a large group of demons whom have pressed their ears to it. Glaring at them he roars.

“OUT OF MY WAY, MAGGOTS!!!”

They falls all over themselves moving as the commander from before runs over to their retreating monarch.

“Sire, what can I do to…?”

Malevolence does not turn to the commander as he tosses the papers to him. “Watch over the city while I’m out!”

Sir?”

“I have business to attend to in the pony capital! Keep the workers at their tasks and have them follow my orders as laid out here to the letter!”

“Yes sir. I’ll see to it. But might I ask when you plan to return?”

“When I am ready! Not sooner or later!”

Clomping quickly down the steps, they make their way toward the sigil as the soldiers and their commander watch on, confused. Powering up the sigil, Arc teleports himself and the king to his quarters in Canterlot Castle. Motioning to the door with a gauntlet, Arc leads the king out and down a corridor. Malevolence turns to him.

“How is she?!”

“Very weak, I’m afraid.”

“Ill?”

“Yes. But not with any kind of normal sickness. I’m told she simply needs time to rest and recover on her own though.”

“I will see her for just a moment then!”

“Very well.”

“Where is Auriel?!”

“By her side as we speak.”

“Good! A daughter’s place is with her mother.”

He sighs as he looks at the badge in his claw.

“As is mine.”

Chapter 7 - Honest Lies

Arc and the king enter the Infirmary together. Auriel stands from her place next to the bed and hurries over to her father. The pair embrace for a moment before they turn toward the unconscious woman together. After a few moments of silence the king speaks.

“How is she?”

“Very weak, father.”

Arc nods soberly. “I was able to speak with her for a time before the strain of things forced her to rest.”

“She’s getting the very best care though, father.”

“That I believe. However I’d like to know more about what exactly happened.”

Arc sighs. “Believe me, so would I.”

Auriel gestures to the bed. “The doctor said that she mostly needs rest at this point.”

Malevolence groans. “Where does that leave us then?”

Arc looks to the benches attached to the wall nearby. “Sitting and waiting I would imagine.”

Auriel nods as she leads the king over to a seat. “Yes, father. After all, we can’t rush these things.”

Arc motions to the next room. “I think I’ll take this opportunity to check on the other patient. You two need anything?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, we’re fine.”

Nodding, Arc steps into the back. Looking himself over to make sure his identity is still hidden by the armor he makes his way to Mio’s bed. Passing through the curtain, he finds Hammer reading to her from a book. Hammer looks up as he enters.

“Hey there! Visiting hours start up already?”

“For me they never end.”

Mio blushes as she pulls the covers close to her chest. “H-hello again.”

Hammer frowns. “Mio, what’s wrong with you?! The nurse got you something to wear!”

“Yes, but it’s just a hastily modified bedsheet!”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll see about getting you something a bit nicer.”

Hammer snaps her fingers. “The castle tailor could probably whip something up in no time.”

“My thoughts exactly, Hammer.”

He turns back to Mio before continuing.

“In any case, I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“Just feeling really tired. Not sure if it’s from the sickness or the medicine though.”

Hammer holds up a book. “I was just reading to her from this.”

Arc looks at the cover. “Poetry?”

“Yeah. Um… I wasn’t sure if it was okay to give her anything else.”

Mio smiles nervously. “I... I had wanted to hear more about the physiology of this land’s inhabitants along with their customs and traditions. But this was the only thing Hammer felt comfortable bringing back.”

Hammer shrugs. “Didn’t think I should do that until hearing from you though, Hero.”

“Feel free to get some books on the a fore mentioned topics.”

Mio appears relieved. “Thank you. I find these equines fascinating!”

“Just don’t strain yourself. After all, you’re in that bed for a reason.”

“I will try not to.”

“Anything else you need?”

Hammer chuckles. “Just a little privacy.”

“Ah! Sorry for interrupting.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Sorry. That came out wrong. I meant that Nurse Redheart is on her way to give Mio here a top to bottom physical.”

Mio sighs. “Doctor’s orders for some reason.”

Arc smiles. “He probably wants to learn more about humans as well as make sure there aren’t any other underlying issues. But I did come here for another reason.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

“Not really. Just wanted to let you know that Auriel and her father are waiting just outside.”

Mio looks to Arc. “Friends of yours?”

“Auriel is, yes. But I thought you should know that they’re here just in case you had to be taken up front.”

“Oh? But why…?”

Hammer smirks. “Auriel’s old man is a demon.”

“A what?!”

Arc nods. “And the king of their race.”

“You’re friends with a demon, Hero?!”

“Mostly his daughter, but yes.”

Hammer quickly chimes in. “She’s only half though.”

Mio pulls the covers up to just below her eyes. “I… don’t think I’m ready for a meeting like that.”

Redheart enters the room with her cart and walks over to the bed.

“I’m ready when you are, miss.”

Hammer stands up and sets the book on the nightstand. “Well, I guess I’ll see you when the nurse is finished, Mio.”

“This shouldn’t take too long. Give me about an hour.”

Arc turns to leave. “Alright. See you soon, Mio.”

Mio waves nervously. “Thanks.”

The pair leave the back and head up front. They spot Auriel and her father waiting patiently. Hammer offers Auriel a friendly wave which the demon nervously returns. Looking back to Arc Hammer motions to the corridor.

“Um… can I talk to you about something? Privately, I mean.”

“Sure. Want to head to my quarters?”

“I’d rather be closer to Mio. Just in case she needs me for anything.”

Doctor Whooves steps out of his office with a clipboard and walks toward Maria’s bed. Arc motions to the room.

“We can borrow the doctor’s office. As long as it’s just going to be for a few minutes, that is.”

The doctor nods. “No rush. I won’t be needing it for quite some time.”

Hammer appears relieved. “Thanks.”

Entering, Arc closes the oak door behind them and motions to a couple chairs in front of the desk.

“Why don’t we sit down?”

“That would help.”

Turning the chairs to face one another they sit down. Hammer wrings her hands nervously as she begins.

“First of all, I wanted to say ‘thank you’ for all you’ve done for Mio.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“You could have just left her back on Earth, or even not helped her at all.”

“Well, I could see that she needed medical help badly. It wouldn’t be very hero-like of me to just let her lie there.”

Hammer wrings her hands. “That… actually makes this part harder.”

“Huh?”

“Mio… hates your guts.”

“Because of what I did back on Earth?”

Hammer nods. “That and how you took me away from there. Not sure which she’s more upset about though.”

“Just for the sake of clarity, you do mean that she hates Arc, right?”

“You got it. Remember, she saw you and Eidolon’s Ward side by side when Stingray cooked up the little ambush back on Earth.”

Arc sighs. “So she still thinks the Hero and I are separate people, eh?”

“I’ve kept the ruse going since I didn’t want to be the one to tell her. At least not without your permission.”

“Thanks. In her condition it might set her recovery back.”

“Especially since she’s already had to learn so many disturbing things lately.”

Arc chuckles. “Like about this land filled with talking ponies?”

“That and being hunted by the military back on Earth. It tends to cause a bit of stress. That and she was forced to choose what to do regarding The Organization.”

“And she chose you.”

“She chose the truth more accurately.”

“Well, she’s safe here. At least as safe as anyone can be, I suppose.”

Hammer instinctively lowers her voice. “Um… did you have time to talk to the princess about her?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And she’s going to be allowed to stay for the moment. At least as long as she behaves herself.”

“That’s a relief! Considering her past I was worried they’d want to lock her up, or something.”

“Kinda did actually.”

Hammer sighs. “I can’t really blame them. But she’s in no condition to hurt anyone or contact The Organization.”

“That’s roughly what I told Twilight and Luna.”

“Luna?”

“One of the other princesses.”

“I know that. But she put her two cents in as well?”

“Twilight wanted a second opinion from a more senior princess.”

“Glad you were able to convince them.”

“Me too.”

Hammer fidgets nervously. “Um… as long as we’re alone and are on the subject… there was something else you need to know about Mio.”

“Other than the fact she hates Arc?”

“Yeah. She… um… likes you.”

“By ‘you’ I’m guessing you mean the Hero.”

“Right. Mio’s totally head over heels in love with you.”

Arc groans. “I know.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“How?!”

“For some time now she’s been acting… different around me.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “Define ‘different’.”

“Like you, Auriel, Twilight, and the rest of her friends did before they confessed their feelings.”

“You’re getting more perceptive, Arc.”

“After so many fell for me it’s gotten a lot easier.”

“And… how do you feel about her?”

“Not really sure. After all, I haven’t had much time to consider that.”

“Well, you might want to give the matter some thought.”

Arc sighs. “I guess it doesn’t really matter though.”

Hammer appears confused. “What do you mean?””

“As soon as she finds out that the Hero is really just Arc any love she felt for me will be out the window.”

“Probably. So should we just not tell her?”

“While I don’t really want to lead her on any more than I already have, we might want to do that. After all, can’t have her going back to The Organization and telling them who I really am.”

Hammer shudders.” Right. You’d never be able to show your face back on Earth again.”

“Exactly. Now then I’m sorry to ask you to do this, but we should keep the façade up. At least for the moment. We might have to tell her at some point. But now really isn’t the time.”

Hammer grins and salutes. “Yes sir.”

“We’re alone, Hammer. You don’t need to call me that.”

“But I do like it.”

She grins seductively before continuing.

“After all, how many soldiers can say that they honestly want to get with their commanding officer?”

“I’m not exactly ranked over you though.”

“Think what you want. But this gal is ready to get horizontal with you anytime, anywhere.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks. I think.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“But that does still leave us with the question of what we should do with Mio after she’s healed.”

Hammer sheepishly looks away. “We... could put her in the dungeon.”

“Hammer!”

“What?! It’s a national security thing!”

“Remember, she can’t get back to Earth without the Rainbow of Light or even call anyone back there.”

“Mio could probably figure it out with enough time.”

“With any luck we can convince her that The Organization is not a good place to be and turn her to our side.”

“Or at the very least make her rethink helping them out ever again.”

“Considering that she was being searched for after going A.W.O.L, I don’t think that’s going to be very hard to do.”

“Probably not. After all, Colonel Diva isn’t exactly warm and friendly to her subordinates during the best of times. I’m sure Mio wouldn’t want to find out what she’d do to her for running away.”

“So, just to get our conversation back on track, I want to go on record as saying that I don’t think the dungeon is the place for Mio. Even after she’s feeling better, of course.”

“Then I guess I can’t do that.”

“I’m not ordering you not to, you know.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. You and Flash Sentry are in charge of castle security, right?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. What about it?”

“You two are much more qualified to make a decision like that than I am. So I’m going to leave it up to you.”

“So you won’t get angry if we decide that she needs to be incarcerated?”

“Not if you believe there’s no choice.”

“I mean, she’ll be properly cared for. Three meals a day from the Royal Kitchen and all the books she could want.”

Hammer chuckles before continuing.

“Heck, she’d probably view that as a little slice of heaven. No work, no responsibilities, just books.”

“Well, I’ll let you figure that one out then.”

“Thanks. I promise I won’t let you down.”

Arc nods as he motions to the door. “I know you won’t. But why don’t you head back and make sure you’re there if your sister needs you?”

“Yeah, I’ll do that. But what about you?”

“Tell Mio I’ll come back to check on her later.”

“Okay.”

Leaving the room together the pair part ways. Returning to Auriel and her father, Arc sits down with them.

“So, uh… how’s the reconstruction going?”

“Slow. It took me two hours to remember how we used to make basic tools.”

Auriel giggles. “Well, you ARE the only one alive who remembers the time before banishment, father.”

“Yeah, I don’t get that part.”

Malevolence frowns. “What is there to understand? I was alive back then and I’m still here now.”

“But how?”

Auriel puts a hand on her father’s shoulder. “The ruler of the Demon Kingdom is imbued with the powers of darkness to become unageing.”

“I don’t think that cleared it up, my dear.”

Arc chuckles. “Not really, no.”

Malevolence grins. “Then let me try to bring sense to it, Arc. You see, demonkind needs to be ruled over by a strong leader.”

Auriel grimaces. “We’re a very… passionate group.”

“That’s one way of putting it. We generally prefer to vie for dominance over one another versus trying to talk things out.”

Auriel sighs. “Another reason I never quite fit in.”

“Demons compete with one another in all things. It’s just how we are.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That sounds like it could get messy quickly.”

“It can, yes. In days long past it wasn’t unusual for demonkind to go to war with others over the most trivial of matters.”

Auriel shakes her head. “A worthless patch of soil might be fought over as savagely as one looking to take a female to their bedchambers.”

“It stemmed from a lack of perception regarding priorities.”

Arc nods soberly. “So what changed?”

Auriel smiles. “A single demon, massive in stature, stood up and subdued the nation under his heel.”

“So he took over the kingdom?”

Malevolence shrugs. “You can think of it more like tough love. He ordered those whom had the smallest complaints to be brought before him.”

Auriel puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “I believe the history books claim that the disagreement was over a hunter’s kill.”

“Correct. Two warriors attacked the same animal around the same time. Both claimed ownership of it and were prepared to fight to the death for their claim.”

Arc chuckles. “And this first king figured it out for them?”

Auriel nods. “In a way, yes.”

Malevolence grins. “He heard each side of the case and, after careful consideration, drew his blade and sliced the heads off of both demons in one swing.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

“To make a point. You see, he proclaimed that if an argument was worth fighting over it was also worth dying over.”

Auriel grimaces. “He then called forth the next argument and did the same thing to them. Word of his actions spread like wildfire and before anyone knew what had happened the petty fighting stopped.”

“However, he worried that it would begin again as soon as he passed away.”

“Being the powerful and cunning warrior that he was, the king decided that in order to maintain the relative peace for all demons he would have to live in a perpetual state of physical prime.”

“As a warrior ages his blows become sluggish and weaker. Eventually he is forced to spend all his time defending against usurpers coming for his title and place in society.”

“Delving into the study of Dark Magic our first king became obsessed with the idea of limited immortality.”

Arc frowns. “Limited?”

Malevolence sighs. “No king rules forever. Even the greatest must eventually yield to death’s scythe, lest they be driven to madness.”

Auriel nods. “Unlocking the secrets of such knowledge he was able to extend his life indefinitely.”

Arc appears confused. “So how did he die then?”

“By willingly passing his power on to his offspring when they reached maturity.”

Malevolence smirks. “His son learned from his father all he needed to know in order to be a great warrior capable of holding our land together. And when he was ready, the king called together the citizens of the land to the palace, had them stand in the throne room before him, and made them watch as he put his hands on his son’s head and transferred his Dark Magic to him.”

Auriel bows her head. “Such a thing naturally killed the king. However the son reached down and picked up his father’s crown before ascending to platform to sit on the throne.”

“This tradition has persevered since then from father to son more times than can be remembered.”

“It takes longer for some to reach the desired threshold of power to be allowed to ascend. Usually decades. Occasionally longer.”

Arc looks to Malevolence. “But why have you been king for so long then, sir?”

Malevolence sighs. “Because… I was unable to produce an heir.”

“Infertility?”

“Yes, Arc. I thought that I would be king forever when, even after thousands of sexual encounters I had failed to impregnate even a single female. However one day a human woman came before me asking for sponsorship for her research.”

Auriel gasps. “My mother?”

“Maria. I granted her request purely out of curiosity at first, as I assumed that she merely wanted resources. But she did deliver.”

“Her tomes in the Royal Library?”

“They were perfectly researched, written, and flawless in their presentment. As she wrote more I allowed her more and more resources. Gaining my trust, I told her of my problem in greatest secret.”

“You wanted her to help you bear a child, father?”

“Yes, Auriel. It started with research naturally. A blood sample here and there along with hours of her laboring over a workbench studying it.”

Arc frowns. “Just blood?”

“As her research continued, and showed promise, I entrusted her with semen samples as well.”

Auriel giggles “And that was how I was created, father?”

The king shakes his head. “No, Auriel. She tried innumerable times to fertilize an egg with my sperm with no luck.”

“Her own eggs, father?”

“I provided many fresh cadavers of female demons for her to harvest eggs from. Rest assured they were not killed for this purpose though, Auriel. Each of them died from natural causes.”

“That’s somewhat of a relief.”

Arc nods. “Yes. But can I assume that she was unable to make that work?”

“You would be correct, Arc. However the reason for the infertility was something she studied heavily. It made no sense to her, as my samples showed live, healthy sperm.”

“So what was the problem?”

“She concluded that my sperm was incompatible with the other demons, as they would enter the egg cell but fail to start a process she referred to as ‘mitosis’.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “The process by which an egg cell divides to form two identical cells.”

“What?”

“Sorry. Just a little something I remember from my high school biology class.”

Auriel smiles at her father. “It’s a fairly simple process. All creatures reproduce in this or similar ways.”

“Well, that didn’t work for me.”

“But what caused your sperm to be incompatible, father?”

“I didn’t know and didn’t care. All I wanted was for it to be rectified as soon as possible. So I told Maria that I would give her any and all resources she deemed necessary to achieve that goal.”

Arc motions to Auriel. “And it apparently worked.”

“Indeed. But there is quite a bit more to the tale.”

“Please continue then, father.”

“Her experiments took years with little to no advancement. For a time I became disgruntled… agitated that someone in whom I had put so much faith in had been unable to grant my single request. However, as time went on, I came to realize that Maria was the only one in Tartarus capable of potentially completing this task.”

Arc frowns. “You didn’t have other doctors?”

“Oh, we did. However she was leagues and bounds ahead of anyone else. Yet during her daily briefings I began to notice some changes in her as well.”

““Changes?”

“Her skin was beginning to sag ever so slightly and her blonde hair, which had been vibrant upon our first meeting, was becoming dull.”

Arc nods. “Age was catching up to her?”

“It was, yes.”

Auriel gasps. “What did you do?!”

“The only thing I could think of. Forbade her from continuing her research for exactly one week.”

Arc chuckles. “So you made her take a vacation?”

“Yes. However it was soon reported to me that she was still doing her work in secret.”

Auriel groans. “Uh oh. Dungeon?”

“Hardly, Auriel. That would have only led to more stress for her. Sadly she was just too smart for my agents to monitor effectively. So I left the matter to the only one I could trust with such a thing at the time.”

“Who was that?”

“Me.”

“You, father?”

“Yes, I ordered her to stay by my side at all times.”

Arc gasps. “But why?”

“To keep her busy. I tasked her with the job of analyzing my job and coming up with ways to make it more streamlined.”

“So you made her your professional advisor?”

“Something like that.”

Auriel grins. “How did she do?”

“Better than I thought. I originally expected her to make some minor recommendations. Things I could ignore after the fact. But she completely overhauled everything.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like she was a real efficiency expert.”

“Yes. So much so that I decided to keep her near to further advise me on my duties and tasks.”

“So you kept her close at hand to observe your role in totality, father?”

“More so than even that. I kept her near and made her privy to all my affairs in general. We ate together, worked together, and even enjoyed certain entertainment together.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Define ‘entertainment’.”

“Private shows of skilled acrobats, musicians, wordsmiths, and even a few magic users.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “It’s normal for the king to be brought entertainment after a long day of ruling. However the form of amusement is left exclusively to them.”

“As time when on I ordered entertainment less and less. Instead I would speak to her at the dinner table long after we had finished eating.”

“What about, father?”

“Her homeland, her species, and even her personal feelings on a various number of subjects she was passionate about. I just… never truly grew tired of hearing her talk about things that intrigued her.”

“And that led to friendship?”

“In time, yes. While I had lifted my restrictions on her research, she willingly decided to spend most of her time with me instead. We grew close and I was even able to share with her certain… secrets about myself that I had hidden from even my closest advisors.”

“Secrets, father?”

Arc quickly interjects. “If you’d rather not say we completely…”

Malevolence interrupts him. “I was afraid.”

Auriel gasps. “Of what?”

“Every king before me had brought a son into the world in which to teach and eventually turn the land over to. However I worried that I would never be able to do so. Were I not allowed to pass my power on and join my ancestors in the afterlife I would eventually be driven to madness.”

“Did she have any ideas, father?”

“Just one. To resume her research with gusto.”

Arc grins as he glances over at Auriel. “Sounds like someone else I know.”

Auriel giggles. “Like mother like daughter, I suppose.”

She looks to her father before continuing.

“And since I’m here I assume she figured it out.”

“Of course. Maria ordered the Royal Physician to remove a number of eggs from her own body for study. She wished to see if any parallels could be drawn from comparing them to the ones harvested from the demon female cadavers.”

“An interesting experiment. Do you happen to know how it ended?”

“Your mother discovered that her own human eggs were very similar to that of demons. So she decided to try and fertilize them with my sperm. Needless to say it worked almost immediately.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Almost?”

“It took her a few tries to get it right, naturally. But I remember her being overjoyed when she looked through her microscope and saw the egg dividing rapidly.”

Auriel grins. “So she then put it inside of a host or was I grown in some other way?”

“I ordered my guards to bring forth the concubines. My intention was for Maria to give each of them a physical examination alongside the Royal Physician to determine whom would be the best candidate to carry my offspring.”

“Might I ask whom was chosen?”

“Your mother determined that none of them were suitable for the task. However I believed her to be biased due to her personal stake in the experiment. So I consulted with the doctor to get his take on the matter.”

Arc sighs. “And he told you the truth?”

“Yes. One of the stouter females was deemed the most likely to succeed at carrying my child to term. While Maria was upset by this, there was also little she could do to counter my orders.”

Auriel smiles. “But she did respect them, right?”

“Not exactly. She agreed to the implanting of the fertilized egg in the a fore mentioned female on the condition that she be allowed to perform the operation personally.”

“But why?”

“Maria said that she wanted to make sure it was done properly. And since no one had ever attempted such a medical feat before I had little choice but to agree and let her proceed.”

Arc groans. “Why do I get the feeling that there’s more to this?”

“You would be right, Arc. While she did indeed take the female into the operating room and sedate her, Maria had other plans.”

“Mother tricked you?!”

“In a manner of speaking. Instead of placing the egg into my concubine, she implanted it into her own uterus.”

Arc chuckles. “And then told you that the concubine was the carrier.”

“Exactly. The concubine was given the very best of treatment. The finest foods and most nutritious drinks were provided to her at regular intervals by the Royal Physician personally. However the state of the pregnancy was left for Maria to monitor.”

Auriel smiles nervously “Let me guess. She submitted false readings to the doctor?”

“Not exactly. Maria submitted the test results that she took from her own body in her lab prior to examining the concubine. It was probably a simple matter to put the completed forms on a clipboard and pretend to write before handing them off to the Royal Physician.”

Arc nods. “While she monitored herself and directed attention to the other woman.”

Auriel giggles. “Very clever of her.”

“By the time the ruse was discovered it was far too late to do anything about it.”

Arc frowns. “If I may, sir, why did you want a concubine to carry the child?”

“Yes, why not let mother do that herself?”

Malevolence sighs. “You have to understand that Maria was my only chance at offspring. If she had died in the attempt I would have had no one else to turn to for help in this matter. And… there was the matter of my own personal feelings for her by that time.”

Arc smirks. “Love?”

“A new concept for me, yes. I honestly didn’t want to see any harm befall her. But since the child within had already taken root there was nothing to be done other than to let nature take its course.”

He turns to Auriel and frowns.

“It was a hard time for both of us.”

“Father?”

“A demon child has claws. Apparently a human female’s uterus is much more… sensitive than a demon’s. You would often scratch at her insides causing her to scream out in pain.”

“Oh my!”

“But she would do her best to calm you by rubbing her belly and singing to you. Well, as best she could through the pain, that is.”

Arc attempts to continue the conversation. “Can I assume she carried Auriel to term?”

“It was a standard ten month pregnancy, yes. And the longest period in my extended life.”

Auriel sighs. “I do understand that.”

“Auriel?”

“Worrying about someone you care for just makes time go by that much slower. Like when Arc was on earth investigating The Organization. I worried about him daily.”

“Sorry about that.”

“I was glad when you allowed me to join you on your quest, Arc. It put my mind at ease to see all that you were doing to prepare for your attack as well as drew me closer to you. Physically and emotionally.”

Malevolence smiles as he remembers the past. “I spent as much time with Maria as my schedule would allow. When I had to depart in order to tend to my duties I would leave the doctor with her to monitor her vitals constantly. Eventually you were born via natural means, Auriel.”

Auriel gasps. “No painkillers?!”

“The doctor was unsure how much Maria could take without dying. So she opted for the natural route.”

“Complications?

Malevolence sighs. “Not until I held Auriel for the first time.”

“What happened, father?”

“You were so small and light. Barely noticeable in the palm of my hand at my normal size. However after a few moments of holding you I noticed something was missing.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Missing? What could have been…?”

“A penis.”

“A what?!”

“Every demon king since the first had always given birth to a son. Admittedly, at the time I even considered telling your mother to start over. But that’s when it happened.”

“Oh?”

“You opened your cute little black eyes and looked up at me. It lasted for but a moment, however that was enough to convince me that you were special.”

Auriel sighs. “I must’ve been quite the disappointment.”

“Not really. I knew that you were different. Special in your own right. However until recently I didn’t realize just how much so you were.”

Arc appears confused. “Sir?”

“Auriel possesses an amazing mind. This much I always knew. However I wasn’t aware of her combat prowess until she returned from Earth with you, Arc.”

“I didn’t really do all that much, father.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Auriel. It was thanks to you that we were able to hold off the enemy and get to the rendezvous point safely.”

Malevolence gins with pride. “You yourself told me of the dark powers you drew from the Bloodstone, my dear. Not only that but how you were not corrupted nor consumed by the call of such power. Such is nothing short of amazing.”

Auriel sighs. “My mother is amazing. She’s the one who is worthy of accolades.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “I think you’re both amazing, Auriel.”

He turns to the king before continuing.

“But I still don’t understand one thing. What exactly happened to take Auriel’s mother away?”

“I myself have wondered that very thing every day since she disappeared.”

Sighing, King Malevolence looks toward his unconscious wife.

“Hopefully we will soon have answers.”

Chapter 8 - Twenty-Plus Years Ago...

As the sun nears its highest point in the sky, Maria groans slightly and begins to stir. The king and his daughter stand by her bed dutifully as Arc whispers in Auriel’s ear.

“I’ll just give you three some alone time.”

Stepping back, he closes the privacy curtain and leaves the Infirmary. A short time later Maria slowly opens her eyes.

“My… head…”

“It’s alright, mother. Remember, you’re safe here. And father has come too.”

The king smiles toothily. “Hello, dear. It’s... been a long time.”

Turning her head, Maria looks up at her husband. She smiles weakly.

“You’re a lot shorter than I remember.”

“It’s thanks to a certain spell, my dear.”

Auriel giggles. “Yes. One invented by a very smart little filly.”

Maria appears confused. “A filly?”

Malevolence chuckles. “So I am told, Maria.”

“There’s a lot of things you’ve missed, mother.”

“But Auriel and I are here for you now.”

“Yes, I’m sure you have many questions.”

The king nods. “And so do we. However you should start, Maria.”

“I just need to know one thing.”

She motions to Auriel before continuing.

“Is this… really our little girl?”

Malevolence smiles and nods. “Yes. All grown up and so much like you.”

Auriel smiles shyly. “I… I’ve tried my best to live up to your reputation, mother.”

Maria shakes her head. “No, Auriel. That is not the way.”

“Maria?”

“You should try to surpass me and my many failures.”

Auriel gasps. “But you’re so much more successful than I am!”

“That’s not true, little one. No one is immune to failure.”

“Not even you?!”

Maria sighs. “Especially me.”

“Come now, my dear. As long as I’ve known you, you have yet to fail in even a single task.”

“Oh, but that’s where you are wrong. For you see, I failed in so many ways.”

“Mother, what are you saying?”

“I failed to be here for your father all these years. I failed to be here for you as you grew up, Auriel. And worst of all... I failed myself in what I wanted to accomplish in life.”

“Do not beat yourself up over the past, my dear.”

Auriel grins. “And we’re together now!”

“You’ve done so much, Maria. What could possibly be left?”

Maria sighs. “To make up for my failings.”

She turns to Auriel before continuing.

“I want to be here for you now. Like I should have been all these years.”

“And you will be, mother. We can catch up while you recover and then I’d love to learn from you on how to be a better scientist.”

Malevolence puts a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “You’ll find her an eager student.”

“When you learn the facts I doubt you’ll want to though.”

“Mother?”

“Auriel… I need to tell you the truth about something.”

“What’s that?”

Maria bows her head. “What happened to me.”

The king steps forward soberly. “I’d like to know that as well.”

“Then you two had best sit down. It’s not the shortest nor the happiest tale.”

Auriel and her father pull up chairs and sit down as Maria begins.

“It all started after you were born, Auriel. I had returned to my lab for the first time. Your father offered to provide a nanny to care for you so I could work. However I… I told him that I wanted to do that myself as much as possible.”

Malevolence nods. “Something I thought you couldn’t do while continuing your work.”

“And you were right, dear.”

“Oh?”

Maria sighs. “A newborn child, much less a demon one, is a lot of work. Every time I started to make some sort of headway you would either cry or get into mischief, Auriel.”

Auriel looks away nervously. “I’m sorry about that.”

Maria smiles sadly.” Do not apologize for the antics of a baby, my dear. It is I whom should beg your forgiveness.”

“For leaving?”

“Among other things, yes.”

“I don’t hold that against you, mother. After all, it must have been very important for you to…”

Maria interrupts her. “It felt so at the time, yes. But I was chasing after a fool’s dream back then with my research.”

Malevolence frowns. “What were you studying?”

Maria points to Auriel. “Our daughter.”

“Me?!”

“Yes, you.”

Malevolence narrows his eyes. “To what end?!”

“You have to understand, I’m a scientist at heart. Always have been… always will be. When I come across something new I can’t help but study it and catalogue whatever I learn about it.”

Auriel appears suddenly upset. “So you… you viewed me as nothing but another experiment?!”

“In a way, yes. But please understand that I did so in order to better understand you, Auriel. After all, a half demon half human hybrid has never been born before. I needed to know what made you tick in order to understand how to raise you.”

Malevolence nods. “So you decided to make her the next subject of your attention?”

“Yes, dear. While it may sound cold and calculating, I honestly did want the best for Auriel. But I quickly found that I couldn’t give her that. Not as things stood, that is.”

“What else could I have needed?”

Maria sighs. “A real mother. One that could fully understand you on a personal level.”

Malevolence raises an eyebrow. “Personal?”

“I began to study ways to make Auriel happy.”

“How so, mother?”

“Genetic reorganization.”

Malevolence groans. “That doesn’t sound good.”

Auriel puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “I remember reading about that in a book you wrote, mother. You theorized that, with the proper remapping, that a species could be transformed into something totally different.”

“Very good, Auriel. However the texts you read were all about theory and conjecture. I began working on very real methodology.”

Malevolence clenches a fist. “You were trying to turn Auriel into a full-blooded demon?!”

Auriel gasps. “But I’m very happy as I am!”

Maria shakes her head. “No. In truth, I was trying to turn myself into a demon.”

Malevolence takes a step back. “Why though?!”

“So that Auriel would have a mother she could be proud of.”

She looks to the king and smiles before continuing.

“And so that you could have a queen to be proud of.”

Malevolence takes her hand. “But I AM proud of you, my dear!”

Maria looks away. “I knew what was said about me behind my back. My freakish nature was an insult to your station and those whom you served. So I sought to change myself for you two.”

Auriel grimaces. “By manipulating your genes?!”

“Yes, Auriel. However as you know it didn’t work.”

Malevolence sighs. “What exactly DID happen?”

“I created a device that could remap every cell in my body all at once. It would have given me the best chance at success.”

Auriel shudders. “But something went wrong?”

Maria nods. “Yes, it did. For safety’s sake I sent Auriel away with a servant to be put to bed early one night.”

She smiles sheepishly at the king before continuing.

“It coincided with a long day of meetings for you, my dear.”

Malevolence smirks. “So you knew I would go straight to bed when it was over.”

“Right. That assured that I would be left in complete and total peace. But also that I wouldn’t be endangering others with my reckless task.”

Auriel looks her mother in the eye. “And it didn’t work?”

Maria shakes her head. “No it did not. When I attempted my first live experiment with the device there was some kind of a power surge. It altered the controls and scrambled the parameters I had carefully set.”

Malevolence gasps. “Were you alright?!”

“Yes and no. Yes, as I was alive. But no inasmuch as I had been... changed.”

Auriel forces a smile. “Into Brightwing?”

“A strange looking lizard creature, yes.”

Malevolence raises an eyebrow. “But why not call for help?”

“I didn’t want anyone to see me like that, lest I brought even more shame and dishonor to your name. So I attempted to reset the machine and try again.”

Auriel gasps. “Without looking into potential damage done by the surge?!”

Maria nods sadly. “I didn’t have a chance to do so, no. My mind was quickly ebbing away as I worked and I knew it was only a matter of time before I would lose what little mental clarity that remained.”

Malevolence sighs. “So you rushed things.”

“What choice did I have? It was all or nothing at that point. But everything was in vain, as I couldn’t manipulate my new claws and wings effectively. In the end my thoughts receded into the small creature’s subconscious and more or less went to sleep.”

“So you don’t remember anything Brightwing did, mother?”

“Very little. Even the passage of time was something I could not measure effectively. Did they… did I do something wrong?”

Malevolence shrugs. “Nothing major, no.”

“At least nothing the rulers of Equestria will hold you accountable for.”

Maria looks to her husband. “Are you certain? After all, you were the one whom told me that they were vile and untrustworthy creatures, my dear.”

“I… spoke from emotion. Things have changed between them and our kingdom in the meantime, my dear.”

“That is good. I remember you speaking about them with such negative passion.”

Auriel grins. “They were able to come together recently, as Equestria has a new princess.”

Malevolence puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder. “Her and Auriel are good friends.”

Maria smiles. “It’s good that you two were able to look past outward appearances and come together, Auriel.”

“We’ve even worked on a few projects together in the past. Before she became a princess, that is.”

Maria pats her daughter’s hand. “And I would enjoy hearing about them.”

Malevolence nods. “Perhaps you should finish your own story first though.”

“Very well.”

She turns back to Auriel before continuing.

“After my own consciousness became part of the creature’s subconscious, I found that I could only influence them in very small ways. Trying to directly control them led nowhere as did communication.”

“So what did you do, mother?”

“Waited in half-sleeping limbo mostly. Eventually I was able to implant a single desire within them though.”

Malevolence chuckles. “The idea to return to normal?”

Maria shakes her head. “I put the idea thought their head that they should show those around them just how smart they could be.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “How smart they could be? But Brightwing was more or less a baby mentally.”

Maria sighs. “Even the youngest of creatures are capable of learning, Auriel. They slowly researched simple topics on their own. Reading, writing, and even a strange form of magic.”

Malevolence smirks. “From there they went on to more complicated studies?”

“I believe so, yes. And eventually I was able to help steer those studies into things that would be of benefit to me.”

Auriel giggles. “Like Brightwing’s office hobbies?”

“Chemistry combined with magic.”

Malevolence groans. “That’s beyond me.”

“Twilight and I did something like that in her basement lab, so I do understand the concept.”

Maria smiles. “Eventually, through small mental prods, I was able to get that little creature to learn enough to do things themselves.”

Malevolence appears pleased. “Manipulation, my dear.”

“I prefer the term ‘indirect posturing’.”

“And you were able to convince Brightwing to do everything she did, mother?”

“Somehow, yes. But the last few tasks did require more direct communication and reasoning. And me lying here talking to you two is the result of all my planning.”

Malevolence appear relieved. “Well, at least that’s over.”

“Yes. Now we can all be together again as a real family.”

Maria shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but this is far from over, Auriel.”

“Mother?”

“What I did to try to become a demon was but one mistake to rectify. A drop in the proverbial bucket if you will.”

Auriel nods soberly. “Then you and I will work to make things right together!”

Malevolence grins. “Yes. And I will provide whatever resources you require for such an endeavor, my dear.”

Maria sighs. “Were it that simple.”

Auriel gasps. “Then explain it to us!”

“Alright then. Brightwing was able to travel from this land to my homeland of Earth at will when their magic became strong enough.”

“That’s really quite the feat too!”

Malevolence nods. “Agreed. To the best of my knowledge there are no demons whom have magic anywhere near that powerful.”

Maria smiles. “They needed such a power to achieve my goals. The first of which was to return to my normal form.”

Auriel grimaces. “And now?”

“To right the next wrong on my list. Making amends for all I did in the employ of a very… shadowy organization.”

Auriel looks her mother in the eye. “You mean The Organization?”

“How do you know that, Auriel?!”

“Because I’ve been to Damocles Base before.”

Malevolence nods proudly. “It is true, Maria. She helped infiltrate it with Equestria’s Hero of Light some time ago.”

“For what purpose?!”

“To do my part to help free a captured princess. We were successful in our intel gathering, of course.”

Malevolence chuckles. “Yes, if even half of what I’ve heard about that mission is true then Arc really earned his…!”

Maria cuts him off. “ARC?! How do you know that name?!”

Auriel appears confused. “He’s the one whom infiltrated Damocles Base to save the princess.”

Malevolence nods. “Quite the tale to be sure.”

“Where is he now?!”

Auriel looks behind her at the Infirmary entrance. “I’m not sure. He left when you were stirring so we could have some time to talk.”

“Please go find him! I need to…!”

Gasping, Maria suddenly clutches her forehead as the machines all around her suddenly start beeping. Doctor Whooves and Redheart rush toward them as King Malevolence helps Maria lie down. She loses consciousness as the pair arrive and start looking her over. Doctor Whooves turns to Auriel.

“What happened?!”

“We were talking about something that for some reason excited her!”

Malevolence groans. “Did she overdo it?!”

Redheart looks over the monitors. “It looks like there was a massive spike in her heart rate, doctor.”

Doctor Whooves nods as he goes over another screen. “And her respiration suddenly went through the roof as well.”

Malevolence clenches a fist. “What does that mean, doctor?!”

“That she pushed herself too far.”

Redheart nods as she pulls out a needle. “Right. She’s supposed to be resting.”

Auriel sighs. “We thought talking would be fine though.”

Doctor Whooves sighs as he reaches for an IV bottle. “Normally it is. But after what happened to her back on Earth…”

Redheart interrupts. “The physiological changes may have other negative effects on her.”

Malevolence grits his teeth. “What can be done though?!”

The doctor sighs as he hooks up the IV bottle to the stand. “Don’t excite her in the future for starters.”

Redheart hands him the needle. “And try to keep your conversations to happy subjects.”

Auriel sighs. “That may not be possible.”

Malevolence nods. “Agreed. Maria apparently knows something that she’s very interested in sharing with Arc.”

Whooves gestures to the comatose patient. “Well, not right now she isn’t.”

Auriel appears confused. “Doctor?”

“This IV bottle contains medication the will help normalize her vitals. However it’ll also keep her from waking up for several hours.”

Redheart nods. “At least.”

Malevolence frowns. “But what about…?!”

Whooves holds up a hoof. “Please sir. The patient needs her rest.”

Auriel groans. “That and the medicine is already inside her, father.”

“Well… I still don’t like this whole thing!”

“Neither do I, father. But we need to do what’s best for mother.”

Auriel turns to the doctor.

“Tell me, would it be possible for her to be transferred to my room?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “She really should be monitored and kept within the Infirmary.”

Redheart raises an eyebrow. “Why do you want her moved, miss?”

“I just believe that my mother would be more comfortable waking up later in a real bed versus a hospital cot.”

The doctor looks over the screens as he writes on a clipboard. “At this time, no. We’ll monitor her condition and will re-evaluate in a few hours.”

Malevolence appears hopeful. “Then could she potentially be relocated?”

Redheart shrugs. “Possibly, yes. But she will only recover with proper rest.”

Auriel sits down next to the bed. “Then we’ll sit here quietly and watch over her.”

Malevolence nods as he joins his daughter. “That we will, Auriel. That we will.”

Chapter 9 - Twisted Arms

Sometime later Arc enters the Infirmary. Walking over to Auriel and her father he clears his throat to get their attention.

“I received word that you two needed to speak to me.”

Auriel nods fervently. “That we did!”

King Malevolence sighs. “Indeed. You see…”

Auriel and her father tell Arc of what transpired during their conversation with Maria. Arc appears confused as they finish.

“So let me just see if I’m understanding this correctly, Auriel. You’re saying that your mother, upon hearing my name, nearly had a heart attack?”

“She was extremely agitated, yes.”

Malevolence frowns. “Perhaps not the best word to use. However my queen seemed to be most interested in speaking to you post haste, Arc.”

“What about though?”

Auriel shrugs. “We don’t really know.”

“Yes, she passed out before divulging that information.”

Arc looks toward the bed. “And she hasn’t woken up since?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not since that episode, no.”

Malevolence points to the IV bottle. “The doctor gave her medicine that would also make her sleep.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m sure Doctor Whooves knows what he’s doing.”

Auriel sighs. “While I do agree, I still wish we could have heard more.”

Arc sits down. “All we can do now is wait then, I suppose.”

Malevolence raises an eyebrow. “But… don’t you have official duties to perform?”

“Duties, yes. Official, no. I actually just came from brunch with Derpy, Dinky, and her little friends.”

Auriel gasps. “Your date!”

Malevolence appears confused. “His what now?”

“Arc was on Earth vacationing with his daughter and another of his future wives!”

Arc nods. “That I was.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

“Doing as a good friend would… being here for Auriel when she needs me.”

Arc gestures to the bed with a wave of his hand before continuing.

“And I can’t really think of a time when she’s needed me more.”

Auriel giggles. “How about when I passed out from using the Bloodstone back on Earth?”

“Okay, that might be a close second.”

Malevolence chuckles. “That’s my girl.”

A few hours later a groan rings out from the bed. Auriel jumps up and hurries over to the bedside.

“Mother! Can you hear me?!”

Maria nods as she slowly opens her eyes. “Y-yes.”

“Can I get you anything?!”

“Just… lower your voice please. I have a splitting headache.”

Malevolence chuckles. “The girl’s just glad to see you awake, my dear.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “Sorry!”

“We’re you… able to get ahold… of Arc?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, he’s right here.”

“Help me sit up.”

Auriel picks up the bedside remote and presses a button. The bed slowly raises Maria up to an upright position. King Malevolence motions for Arc to step forward. Doing so as the pair step aside Arc turns to the woman as she looks him up and down.

“Arc? Is that really you?”

“Last I checked, yes.”

“You’re a bit older than the last time I saw you, naturally. But the facial features and smile don’t lie.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How exactly do you know me?”

“You don’t recognize me?”

Arc shakes his head. “Should I?”

“I would hope so. But right now I need to know something.”

“Oh?”

“Tell me, how is…?”

Maria takes a deep breath and pauses as if working up the courage to say the word.

“…Shelly doing?”

Arc frowns. “How do you know that name?!”

“I need to know! Please!”

Auriel turns to him. “Arc, please tell her!”

Malevolence folds his arms over his chest. “Agreed. Maria can’t take the stress of an argument right now.”

Arc groans. “Fine. She’s… in the hospital.”

Maria appears hopeful. “So she’s alive then!?”

“Alive, but not doing very well.”

“Good, good! That means that there’s still time!”

“Time for what, mother?”

“To help her!”

Arc sighs. “I’d like that too. But every doctor that’s looked at her case has said the same thing. And that is there’s nothing medical science can do for her.”

“But you don’t believe that, do you?”

“They can’t all be wrong.”

“I mean… you haven’t given up on her yet.”

“Look, Shelly’s case is hopeless. Lily and I have just been trying to make her last bit of time more…”

Maria interrupts him. “What if I told you there could possibly be a way to help her?”

“I’d say that you’re either a miracle worker or crazy.”

Auriel gasps. “Arc!”

Arc shrugs. “She asked the question and I answered it.”

Malevolence chuckles. “Nice.”

Arc turns his attention back to Maria before continuing.

“But if you have some ideas I’d be willing to listen.”

“I do indeed. However I’d need to see her chart for myself.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “That shouldn’t be too hard to do. A simple matter of walking in and…”

Auriel interrupts him. “You shouldn’t take it, Arc. After all, the hospital staff probably needs it to properly treat her.”

“I was going to say taking pictures actually.”

Malevolence raises an eyebrow. “Pictures?”

Arc nods. “With a camera.”

Auriel pats her father’s arm. “I’ll explain it to you later, father.”

Maria sighs. “That would help, yes. But I’m afraid that I need more than just what’s available in her room.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What else could you…?”

Maria interrupts him. “I need everything.”

“Her entire medical history?”

“Think of it as the whole picture.”

“How am I supposed to get that though?!”

Auriel giggles. “A properly made plan would be in order.”

“Well, I guess there isn’t anything a plan can’t make easier. But it’s not like they just leave their computer records available to anyone walking by.”

Maria turns to Auriel. “Do you have experience dealing with computers, my dear?”

Auriel nods. “I do, yes. However I suggest someone a bit more adept with human technology.”

Malevolence frowns. “Who?”

“Rose.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “She is familiar with computer systems, yes. But I’m not actually sure where she is right now.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “The Crystal Empire.”

“Huh?”

“She was helping me research ways to reform the Crystal Heart. I asked her to keep trying when I was injured.”

Maria gasps. “Are you all right, my dear?!”

“I’m okay now, mother. After all, every decent scientist has experienced a few good explosions.”

Maria smiles. “You’ve been reading my books.”

Malevolence nods. “She’s very studious, Maria.”

Arc sighs. “That Auriel is. But I don’t know if Rose would be willing to help me infiltrate a hospital again. Last time things didn’t go so well.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “I’m sure you could convince her, Arc.”

Malevolence shrugs. “At least ask.”

“Very well. Worst case scenario, she says no.”

He turns back to Maria before continuing.

“In any case, I need to talk this over with the powers that be.”

“Very well. But just be aware that time is a factor to me.”

“Why? You have somewhere else to be?”

“Not really. However Shelly’s situation is certainly precarious. Act with all due haste.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You still haven’t told my how you know about her OR me.”

“All will be revealed in good time, Arc. Trust me.”

Frowning, Arc turns and leaves the room. Auriel looks to her mother.

“Why did you DO that?!”

“Auriel?”

“It sounded almost like you were trying to blackmail him!”

Malevolence grins. “Indeed. And I found it absolutely amazing.”

“Don’t worry, Auriel. I only did so because I need Arc to help me with this. That and I can guarantee that I can make his efforts worthwhile.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads for the Audience Chamber. Arriving he motions to Twilight and Luna from the back of the room with a wave of his hand. Nodding, Twilight looks down at the audience before her.

“We’ll have to return to this matter at a later time.”

“Your highness?”

Luna nods. “It would appear something very important has come up.”

The stallion bows and turns to leave. As he does so Arc approaches the thrones. Waiting for the doors to close behind him, Twilight and Luna step down from their places and walk over to him. Twilight smiles warmly as he kneels down for a hug.

“Thank you for coming, Arc.”

“Oh?”

Luna smiles. “I assume you’re here to check up on how we’re doing.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. After all, both of you are fully capable of doing your jobs without me trying to micromanage you.”

Twilight motions with a hoof. “In that case, I want to thank you for suggesting to Luna that she could help with audiences.”

Luna smiles. “Yes, it’s been quite a while since I had such a good time doing this task.”

Arc frowns. “Uh oh. Did you and Cadance not get along or something, Luna?”

“It wasn’t that we didn’t get along so much as the fact that we had little to no contact outside of our official duties.”

Twilight nods soberly. “But that wasn’t the only reason, was it?”

Luna sighs. “No. I also viewed her as a replacement Celestia brought in to fill my role.”

“Makes sense. But you don’t feel that way about Twilight, right?”

“Not anymore, no.”

Twilight smiles. “We talked through it some time ago.”

Luna puts a hoof around Twilight’s shoulder. “And now we understand each other that much better.”

“Good. I’m glad things are working out so well amongst you two.”

He looks around before continuing.

“Um… might I ask where the others are?”

Twilight gestures toward the large double doors at the end of the room. “They took today’s paperwork to the Conference Room to deal with.”

Luna nods. “More room there for five mares to work, after all. But in any case, what can we do for you today, Arc?”

“Well, you see…”

Meanwhile, the rest of the Mane 6 sit around the conference table working. Rainbow Dash glances around angrily.

“So do none of you want to do ANYTHING about what I said?!”

Rarity continues going over the papers. “That is correct.”

Pinkie groans. “You’re just too focused on Arc’s actions, Dashie!”

Applejack nods. “Right. He’d have told us if there was something going on between him and Princess Luna.”

Fluttershy turns to Rarity. “Not that there is… right?”

“It’s not likely, no.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “And why not?!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “For starters, they don’t have anything in common personality-wise.”

Pinkie points a hoof. “Exactly!”

Fluttershy sighs. “They almost seem to be like polar opposites to me.”

Rarity giggles. “Yes. He’s so open and warm. And Princess Luna is…”

She looks around and lowers her voice before continuing.

“…so closed off and distant from everypony else.”

Rainbow Dash slams her hooves on the table. “That might be why she want’s Arc though!”

Applejack frowns. “What are you getting at, sugarcube?”

“Think about it! Princess Luna’s been alone for a thousand years, right?!”

Fluttershy shrugs. “And?”

“So maybe she wants something to warm up her frozen heart!”

Rarity groans. “We’ve been over this, Rainbow Dash. Princess Luna isn’t interested in Arc for his heart.”

Pinkie grins slyly as she elbows Rarity.” Well, maybe she wants something else warmed up!”

Rarity blushes slightly. “But… but that would be SCANDALOUS!”

Applejack frowns. “And it would trash her reputation!”

Fluttershy looks out the window as she speaks. “True. But she’s already seen as something of an enigma.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “So she has nothing to lose!”

Fluttershy gasps. “But Arc does!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What could Arc lose from such a thing, Fluttershy?”

“His own reputation!”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose it would kinda make him look bad if word got out about him being with Princess Luna.”

Rarity shudders. “True or not, yes.”

“Come on, everypony. You don’t really think Arc’s doing that, do you?”

Pinkie taps the table. “Nah. But…”

Fluttershy interrupts. “…even if they aren’t doing anything, this could still tank Arc’s reputation if it started making the rounds with the staff!”

Rainbow Dash nods matter-of-factly. “Exactly!”

Rarity groans. “But us trying to stop that could do the opposite.”

Fluttershy gasps. “You mean we could make it worse?”

Applejack sighs. “Right. I mean, everypony in the castle knows about US wanting to be with Arc.”

Pinkie nods fervently. “And how we want to form a herd too!”

Rarity leans back in her chair. “I’m still not sure how that happened though.”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Oh! Oh, I know!”

Fluttershy turns to her. “How then?”

“Because I told two of the Hoof Maidens all about it!”

Applejack frowns. “You did?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Why would you do that though Pinkie Pie?!”

“Because they seemed really interested in doing so with a few other mares!”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “A stallion and how many mares?”

Pinkie shrugs. “No idea! Heck, it didn’t sound like they were interested in a particular stallion inasmuch as they just wanted to be extra close with each other!”

Rarity facehoofs. “What have we started?!”

Fluttershy sighs. “It’s probably all over the castle now.”

Applejack shrugs. “Well, we can’t do anything about that now.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight angrily. “But we can do our best to safeguard Arc’s reputation!”

Rarity nods. “We have to! He deserves better than having it tarnished by our actions!”

Pinkie jumps on top of the table. “So what are we going to do?!”

Applejack taps her hoof on the table. “Talking to Twilight about this over supper tonight would probably be the best course to take.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! She’s really smart AND close to Arc too!”

Fluttershy looks around at the others. “But we’re all in agreement that Arc isn’t cheating on us, right?”

Rarity waves a hoof dismissively. “Oh, heavens yes!”

Applejack nods. “Arc wouldn’t do that to us.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! And even if he did want to add somepony to the herd I’m sure he’d have told us right away!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Darn right! Arc’s not a cheater! But I still don’t trust Princess Luna any further than I can hoof her!”

Fluttershy groans. “Now, now. There’s no need for violence.”

“If she’s trying to take Arc for herself there will be!”

Applejack sighs as she looks to Rainbow Dash. “But we can’t just…!”

“Twilight can!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “She can do… what exactly?”

“Tell off another princess!”

Pinkie nods happily. “If she’s being bad, yes!”

Fluttershy sighs. “However… all of this is just speculation right now.”

Applejack looks to her hovering friend. “Right. We need to keep our accusations private. Unless there were some kind of proof, that is.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Proof, huh? Then that’ll be MY job!”

Rarity frowns. “To do what though?”

“Follow Princess Luna around and see what she does!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “I don’t really think that’s necessary though.”

Rarity nods. “Right. Twilight could just…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts her. “There’s no more time for talking! We have to ACT!”

Flying out the door, Rainbow Dash slams it behind her as the others sigh. Rarity turns to Applejack.

“This will not end well.”

“Agreed.”

Fluttershy looks at the now closed door. “We should probably tell Twilight about it sooner rather than later.”

Pinkie gasps. “But Princess Luna is with her now!”

Rarity sighs. “Then there’s only one thing to do.”

Applejack turns to her. “Wait for her to be alone after supper?”

“That and the paperwork.”

Fluttershy frowns as she pulls down a page and looks it over. “I do wish Rainbow Dash had waited until this was done.”

Pinkie shrugs. “You know how much she hates this part of the job!”

Applejack grits her teeth as she reaches for a quill. “Probably why she ducked out.”

Rarity shrugs. “Partially, yes. However I get the feeling that she honestly believes that Princess Luna is trying to get into the herd.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Well, that’s not really our business.”

Pinkie gasps. “Yes it is!”

Applejack looks to Rarity. “Like Arc said before. Anypony joining the herd would have to be approved by the others beforehoof.”

“I’m not sure we’d be able to have somepony like her around.”

Fluttershy shudders. “At least not as a member of the herd anyways.”

Pinkie grins. “She’s probably just fine when you get to know her!”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Which no one really does.”

Applejack smirks. “Arc and Twilight do. Well, better than anypony else that is.”

Pinkie giggles. “So let’s go to Twilight’s room after supper and talk to her about it!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Agreed. But we can’t just lead with that.”

Rarity nods. “Right. We need to be a bit… coy about it.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Uh… wouldn’t it just be easier to come right out and tell Twilight exactly what’s…?”

Pinkie interrupts her. “Not at ALL! This has to be handled DELICATELY!”

Fluttershy sighs. “I think we should just get her alone and say exactly what’s on our minds. Twilight will understand and know what to do about it.”

Rarity smiles. “While I doubt Rainbow Dash would agree with that, I too agree with Pinkie. We need to word this correctly.”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Whatever you say, Rarity. I’m fine with whatever as long as we eventually get to that part of the conversation.”

Meanwhile, Arc wraps up his explanation with Twilight and Luna. Twilight is the first to speak.

“That’s quite the story, Arc!”

“Agreed. However we should use this to our advantage.”

Twilight frowns. “Luna! That’s Arc’s friend she’s trying to save!”

Arc sighs. “She’s right though. I do my part to help Shelly and Auriel’s mother might be willing to spill the beans on The Organization.”

“We do need information on them, Twilight.”

“Yes, I know that we can’t just let this opportunity pass us by. But I can’t help but wonder if the doctor’s story isn’t just a little too good to be true.”

Arc sighs. “If she does have some ideas I have to help bring them to fruition, Twilight. I owe Shelly that much.”

“Twilight is correct though, Arc. Tread carefully, as there is no guarantee that she is not leading you into a trap.”

Twilight frowns. “First she asks you to infiltrate the hospital. Next she might have you gathering supplies. After that… who knows?”

Arc shrugs. “It stands to reason that she’ll need things to make her plan work though.”

“I believe Twilight simply meant that her tasks will most likely become more and more difficult or time consuming.”

“Yes. That and we have a potential war on the horizon.”

“We’re still trying to go the diplomatic route though. While we’re not likely to be successful it’s still better than dragging the country into a long, drawn out conflict.”

Arc sighs. “Good. While I’m not against a war at this point, it should still be our last resort.”

Twilight smiles. “We’ll keep on trying to make this work here. You go and do what you must to help your friend.”

“So does that mean I have your blessing, Twilight?”

“My… what?

“Arc is hoping you’ll agree with his actions before setting out.”

“But you don’t need my permission, Arc.”

“True. However as a potential future herdmate I still value your opinion. That and I might need Equestria’s help on this one.”

Luna nods. “We will do what we can. Within reason, of course.”

“Yes, the country’s security must come first though.”

“Understood. I’ll take a sigil over to the Crystal Empire at once and see about talking Rose into helping me with this.”

Twilight giggles. “Tell her you have my approval and she probably will.”

“From what I’ve seen of the young lady that will not be necessary, Twilight.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, it’s up to her. Wish me luck.”

Holding up a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal and steps though. Luna turns to Twilight as it closes.

“Arc must’ve really been in a hurry.”

“How so?”

“He didn’t even thank us.”

“I know he appreciates the aid we’ve pledged though.”

“To me I read his actions differently.”

Twilight appears genuinely interested. “Oh?”

“Arc was just anxious to get the ball rolling on this matter. He wasn’t trying to slight us.”

Twilight turns to Luna as they head back to their thrones. “Do you think his friend might yet be saved?”

Luna smiles. “While I don’t know for certain what the future holds, I am sure that if such a possibility exists Arc is sure to find it.”

Chapter 10 - Pep Talk

Arc appears on the sigil just outside the Crystal Castle. Chuckling, he looks at the very surprised guards on duty as they hurriedly salute.

“As you were.”

They part to allow him access to the castle. Heading to the Audience Chamber he announces his desire to speak to Princess Cadance to the officer on duty. Hurriedly they motion for the guards to tell the princess of him. Returning a short time later they salute and motion for Arc to enter. Doing so, he heads for the throne as Cadance hurries toward him with Shining Armor following closely behind. Cadance is the first to speak.

“Arc! Is there trouble?!”

“Sort of. But not the kind you’re probably used to.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “Is it Princess Celestia?!”

Cadance sighs. “Perhaps we should just let Arc tell us.”

Arc explains the situation at hand. Cadance gasps.

“So Brightwing was a human all this time?!”

Shining Armor groans. “And Auriel’s mother as well.”

“So it would seem.”

Cadance bows her head. “Tell me, how is she doing?”

“Auriel or Maria?”

“Both actually.”

“Auriel seems happy to finally be able to meet her mother. Maria is still pretty weak though. From the transformation back or whatever we don’t really know.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “But the doctor says she’ll be fine, right?”

“Yes. With some rest, that is.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “While I am happy to hear that, I am still a bit confused on how exactly the Crystal Empire can help.”

“I actually came here to see about asking Rose to help me infiltrate a hospital.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Infiltrate a…?”

“Yeah, I know it sounds weird. But she and I have done this before.”

Cadance facehoofs. “While that actually made it sound worse, I believe you, Arc.”

“Thanks, I think.”

Shining Armor gestures with a hoof. “In any case, I can escort you to the tower.”

“Tower?”

Cadance nods. “Yes, Rose suggested moving her research there for safety purposes.”

Shining Armor grimaces as the trio head for the door together. “After what happened to Auriel it seemed like a good idea. She is okay, right?”

Arc sighs as the group approaches the guard in charge. “I asked her that very question not long ago. “

Cadance looks to the commanding officer on duty. “Audiences will be taking a short recess. I’ll be returning in about an hour or so.”

“Yes, your highness.”

They head down the corridor together. Arc looks around as they do so.

“I see you have less guards patrolling the halls than Canterlot Castle.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Cadance doesn’t like how it makes the castle seem like a fortress.”

“It makes those seeking audiences a bit uneasy.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so? I mean, no one in Canterlot seems to have a problem with the extra security that I’ve seen.”

“I asked the same question when I took over. Cadance told me it was because of the country’s past.”

Cadance sighs. “Yes. Many years ago the land was ruled over by the wicked King Sombra. He held the citizens in a constant state of military law.”

“Nopony had freedom of movement or any kind of voice in the government. Sombra controlled everything and everypony with an iron hoof.”

“For that reason I’ve done my best to see to it that the minimum number of guards are present.”

Arc frowns. “But doesn’t that mean you’re less protected, Cadance?”

Shining Armor grins. “It’s why I’m constantly by her side.”

Cadance smiles at the stallion next to her. “Yes, but we both know that’s not the only reason.”

Shining Armor looks around and lowers his voice. “That I do.”

“Um… is something wrong?”

“Aunt Celestia recommended that we keep our relationship quiet for the time being.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Yes. However I don’t really understand why at this point.”

Arc frowns. “You might want to talk to her about that.”

Cadance appears surprised. “Oh?”

“Her mind may have changed. At least slightly.”

Shining Armor turns to him. “Did something happen?”

“Princess Celestia had Applejack and I undergo a rather… interesting experiment.”

Cadance frowns. “Might I know what exactly she did?”

Shining Armor smiles nervously. “If it wouldn’t be prying, that is.”

“Celestia and I had a disagreement. She questioned my motivation for forming a herd and didn’t believe my feelings for them were real.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “So what did you do to prove such a thing?”

“She told Applejack to go out on a date with me. This was right after she had invited me to dinner at her orchard sometime in the future.”

Shining Armor smirks. “And you agreed?”

“Yes. I had already agreed to date everyone there. And I had just accepted a dinner invitation from Applejack a sentence or two ago.”

Cadance nods. “Did she have any stipulations on what could or could not be done?”

“A couple. First, everything had to be consensual. Second, we could do or go anywhere we wanted. And third, the date would end when we returned to the Royal Gardens.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Strange regulations.”

“I’m sure she had something special in mind with all of that.”

“She did. When Celestia led me to my date I found that Applejack had been turned into a human woman.”

Shining Armor gasps. “What?!”

“That was done for reasons that were made clear a few minutes later. Celestia had us believe that she had sent us back to Earth for our date. However we were merely transported into the Celestial Realm.”

Cadance giggles. “So she could watch everything unfold.”

“And control it to a degree.”

Shining Armor sighs. “She instituted trials?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes. Events popped up every so often that forced me to take certain actions.”

“Can you give us an example?”

“At one point she made Applejack sick with a bit of the flu. I cared for her until she felt better.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “You must’ve gotten her better pretty quick then.”

Cadance nods, clearly impressed. “All this in an evening?!”

“We were in the Celestial Realm for roughly one week.”

“Ah! The time disparity!”

Shining Armor turns to Cadance, confused. “Time what?”

“Aunt Celestia is able to control everything in the Celestial Realm. Even the perceived flow of time. She simply made a week fit into an evening.”

Arc smirks as he looks to the monarch. “That cleared it up.”

Cadance sighs. “I don’t understand how she does things like that either. However I do hope things turned out well for you two.”

“Kinda. Celestia eventually just kinda walked in on us.”

Shining Armor’s pupils shrink. “Walked… in…?”

Cadance gasps. “In the middle of you two…?”

Arc interrupts. “We were in bed, yes. But not doing that, no, as neither of us was truly ready.”

“But she chose to end the experiment on her own?”

“That she did.”

“Interesting.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Cadance?”

“As long as I’ve known her, Aunt Celestia has never done such a thing. She prefers to allow events to run their course naturally.”

Arc sighs. “How was any of what happened natural though?”

“Perhaps that wasn’t the right word. What I meant was that she typically waits for either failure or the subject to willingly give up before intervening.”

Shining Armor appears hopeful. “So you think that Princess Celestia realized that the experiment would never fail on its own?”

Cadance nods. “That’s the best I can come up with, yes.”

“By that time I had figured out we weren’t on Earth though.”

“How so?”

“A few things weren’t as they were supposed to. In that reality she made my friend Shelly better. Probably so that I wouldn’t be worried about her and try to spend a lot of time with my friends over Applejack.”

Cadance smirks. “Balancing.”

Shining Armor turns to her. “Huh?”

“Sorry. It’s a word she’s used in the past to try and stabilize an experiment artificially to attempt to get a fair result.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that a contradiction of terms though?”

“I suppose it is. But in science sometime things have to be done to make sure a legitimate outcome is witnessed.”

Shining Armor laughs. “Now you’re talking like Twily.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… that’s in the past. And we were able to convince Celestia that Applejack and I’s feelings for one another were indeed real.”

Cadance giggles. “So you’re doing well with your little herd?”

“That we are. In fact, near the end of the experiment, I actually asked Applejack to marry me one day.”

Shining Armor grabs Arc’s hand and shakes it. “Congratulations, Arc!”

Cadance grins uncontrollably. “Indeed! I know you’ll be very happy together!”

“As of now there’s her, Rarity, and Derpy.”

Shining Armor appears conflicted. “What about Twilight?”

“We haven’t had the time to properly go out and bond yet.”

“But you will, right?”

Arc nods. “Oh yes. After all, we can’t fall in love without knowing one another.”

Shining Armor smiles. “I’m sure Twilight will give you a fair chance.”

Cadance grins. “And ask you a million questions.”

They laugh together for a time. Eventually Arc addresses the statement.

“In truth, I’m actually looking forward to that.”

“You may not be if Twily starts shotgunning.”

“Starts what?”

Cadance sighs. “A term I came up with when she was a filly. Twilight would sometimes ask many questions without allowing the recipient even a moment to actually answer them.”

Shining Armor shrugs. “Especially when she gets excited.”

“Well, it’s just part of whom she is. And if we do hit it off and fall in love that’ll be another aspect of her that I’ll have to accept.”

Cadance looks away. “It won’t be easy having multiple spouses, of course.”

Shining Armor nods. “Especially with them having such… diverse personalities.”

“True. But that’s why we’re taking this slowly and carefully. Don’t want anyone agreeing to do something they’re not ready for, after all.”

Cadance smiles approvingly. “Very commendable. And I have every confidence that you’ll come to logical and well thought out conclusions on these matters.”

“Please do, Arc. After all, this is my sister’s future we’re talking about.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take extra care not to do anything to her that she doesn’t want AND is ready for.”

Shining Armor appears relieved. “That last part was what worried me.”

A short time later they come to a spiral staircase. Ascending, the trio arrives in a spacious room overlooking the city. Rose sits at a table writing in a notebook. Next to her on a pedestal lie the fragments of the Crystal Heart. She stands and looks over at the group with a look of confusion on her face as they approach.

“Hello everyone. Please forgive the mess as I wasn’t aware you were coming.”

Cadance smiles as they step forward. “That’s quite all right, Rose. After all, we’re the ones whom arrived unannounced.”

Shining Armor gestures to Arc. “Sorry for interrupting your work, but Arc here wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Yes. It’s about…”

He brings her up to speed on the comings and goings recently. Rose sighs and bows her head as he finishes.

“And now you’re going to the hospital to get the medical records of your friend back on Earth?”

“Right. However I don’t think I can pull this off without a bit of computer hacking.”

“A skill you don’t possess.”

“Exactly.”

Cadance nods. “That and I believe you could use a bit of a break from your current task.”

Shining Armor looks around the room. “You must be going stir crazy in here after all this time.”

Rose bows her head as she speaks. “I… don’t know if me coming along is such a good idea, Arc. You remember what happened last time, don’t you?”

“It could have happened to anyone in your position.”

“I let you down.”

“You helped as best you could. And I’m proud of you for that.”

He puts a hand on her shoulder before continuing.

“Without your directives I can’t actually make you come with me. And even if I could I don’t think I would want to.”

Rose appears confused. “Huh?”

Cadance speaks up. “What Arc means is that he wants a willing partner to assist him.”

“Right.”

Shining Armor gestures to the room around them. “And we’ll seal this tower so no one can get up here.”

Cadance nods. “That we will. As well as secure the shards in our vault.”

“I’m still not sure this is a good idea. There’s a good chance I might just let you down again, Arc.”

“Well, I have faith in you, Rose.”

Rose sighs. “So did father.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Miss?”

“What happened to her was my fault, you know.”

Arc frowns. “What are you talking about? Auriel never said anything about…”

Rose interrupts him. “…about the explosion? No, of course she wouldn’t have.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow, confused. “Rose… what are you saying?”

“That what happened… was my fault.”

Shining Armor frowns. “How could it have been…?”

“…anything other than an accident?”

Cadance points a hoof to Rose’s head. “Yes. The video you shared from your own memory banks showed that very thing to be true.”

Rose bites her lip. “But it wasn’t the truth.”

Arc frowns. “Rose?”

“My father… she… made a mistake.”

“Mistake?”

“In the calculations before her most recent test on the Crystal Heart.”

Cadance looks to the gouges in the floor. “And you think that led to the explosion?”

Rose nods sadly. “Yes.”

Arc looks to Rose again. “But how would that be your fault?”

“Because I… I saw the error and did nothing to correct her.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Why though?”

“My father is a very… talented scientist like mother is. She is very careful to compensate for any and all variables.”

Arc shrugs. “So Auriel missed something. Mistakes do happen. However I don’t understand why you wouldn’t have told her about it.”

“Up until that point, I… I viewed her, as well as mother, as being… beyond such things.”

Cadance bows her head. “So you believed her to be correct in her calculations?”

“No. However I could not bring myself to see her as being… incorrect.”

Shining Armor sighs. “That doesn’t make much sense.”

Arc nods. “I think I get it.”

Cadance turns to him. “You do, Arc?”

“Yes. People whom put those they look up to on a pedestal can sometimes view them as being beyond certain negative actions. Even in the face of irrefutable evidence, they still hold to the idea that their hero did no wrong.”

“But it caused father to be injured.”

Cadance smiles at Rose. “That may be true, yes. However I don’t believe that Auriel held it against you in the least.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes. In her first waking moments in the hospital the doctors reported that her first words were to ascertain your well-being over her own.”

Rose sighs. “While it is a comfort to know that she wasn’t permanently harmed… I’m not sure that her continued compassion for me is warranted.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Rose… love isn’t about being worthy, nor is it something a parent withdraws if a child makes a mistake.”

Cadance puts a hoof on Rose’s other shoulder. “Indeed. And you should talk to Auriel and Twilight about your feelings.”

Shining Armor smiles. “They do care about you and your future, after all.”

“But what good is an assistant whom doesn’t do all they can to aid their…?”

Arc interrupts. “It isn’t about you being perfect, Rose. If anything we’re all flawed in some way.”

Rose frowns. “Mother and father are not!”

Cadance sighs as she bows her head. “Auriel... I can say with perfect candor that they are. Well, Twilight is.”

“You’ve known her for a long time, have you not?”

“Yes indeed. Since she was a filly.”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Cadance used to watch Twilight as a foalsitter.”

“Mother did mention that. Tell me, was she not a perfect foal?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Far from it. She had many very… strange ideas.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Like trying to make cookies without flour.”

Cadance groans. “Or bathing once a week for two hours rather than every day.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “But she was simply testing theories, was she not?”

“I suppose so. However, she would continue with such tests long after it was proven to be a lost cause.”

Shining Armor grins. “It was really cute though.”

Cadance nods. “Agreed. However even the most green of scientists know that to test a theory the same way twice and expect different results is folly.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I didn’t know that about Twilight.”

“She was a rather… difficult baby sister sometimes.”

Cadance quickly chimes in. “But we always loved her nonetheless.”

“Yes, of course. And I’m glad to see that she learned from her past mistakes.”

Arc chuckles. “Most do, of course.”

Rose sighs. “While I am certain that everyone is correct I am still having trouble imagining mother or father making a mistake.”

“Well, you witnessed Auriel making one that literally blew up in her face.”

“That I did. However…”

Cadance interrupts. “Rose, I believe a bit of an experiment is in order.”

“An experiment?”

“Twilight programmed you with vast amounts of knowledge. However you are certainly not perfect.”

“I would like to be though.”

Shining Armor smiles. “To be like how you perceive Twilight and Auriel?”

“Yes.”

Cadance nods. “Then I suggest you learn about mistakes.”

Arc appears confused. “Cadance?”

“Go with Arc and look for mistakes in humans, nature, and even those you hold in the highest regard.”

Shining Armor turns to Cadance, clearly confused. “So you want her to learn… how to fail?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes. After all, there are things you certainly can’t program.”

Arc nods. “I’d be willing to help you with that, Rose. Even if you decide not to help me with my mission.”

“Well… I suppose I could give it a try.”

“That’s all I can ask of you or anyone else.”

“But what if I fail? It might cause you to get in trouble.”

“Worst case scenario we could always retreat back to Equestria.”

“What about the records though?!”

“I’d come up with something.”

Cadance giggles. “That you would.”

Shining Armor turns to him. “Can we support you in some way, Arc?”

“Probably not. After all, I need to keep this circle small.”

Rose nods soberly. “You’ll need stealth above all.”

“Right. But I can’t be invisible and do this. At least not on my own.”

“Then I’ll come.”

“Thanks. We’ll do our best to come up with a plan before heading in, of course.”

Cadance smiles at him. “While I know you’re on a tight schedule just remember that failing to plan is planning to fail, Arc.”

Shining Armor pipes up. “Maybe Twilight could…”

“Mother is far too busy ruling the nation to help with this.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. That and I’ve already told her everything that’s happened.”

Cadance grins. “And you have her approval? Not that you need it legally, of course.”

“Yes. She understood that this needs to be done to help Shelly.”

Rose looks to Arc sheepishly. “While I am not completely sure of my own abilities, I do know where we can enlist the aid of more help.”

“I’m listening.”

Chapter 11 - Prepping

The next day Arc and Rose step out of a portal in his parent’s bedroom. Numerous bags, boxes, and crates lie stacked around the room as the portal closes. Arc looks to her.

“That should be everything.”

“I still don’t understand why you need so many supplies.”

“Remember, that was Princess Luna’s idea. She says we should be ready for anything.”

Rose looks around. “But this is certainly overkill.”

“Maybe not. After all, we still don’t know what lies ahead.”

“I could tell you that.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Several hours of unpacking.”

Arc chuckles as he heads for the door. “Then let’s get some help with that, shall we?”

Heading downstairs, Arc leads Rose to the basement steps. Descending them he is greeted by his squad in their human forms. They rush to line up and salute him. Max is the first to speak.

“Reporting as ordered, sir!”

Arc sighs. “At ease, all of you.”

They put their hands behind their backs as Arc motions to the table.

“Let’s sit down.”

Heading to the table, the group sits as Arc speaks.

“Now then, all of you know why we’re here.”

Xenos nods soberly. “Yeah. To help figure out what’s up with Miss Shelly.”

Viktor sighs. “I’m still having a hard time believing Doctor Knowles’ story.”

Hugh grits his teeth. “But if there’s even a small chance that she’s being honest we have to do this.”

Max clenches a fist. “Agreed. Shelly needs our help.”

Rose smiles. “And we will do our part.”

Arc continues. “Good. Now then, we don’t actually know if there’s anything useful to be found in Shelly’s records. But like Hugh said a moment ago, if there’s even the fraction of a chance that something could be done we have to do this. However first I should go over our base’s status.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Status, sir?”

Rose gestures to the room around them. “This building.”

Hugh chuckles. “Feels more like a second home to me.”

Viktor nods. “We spent enough time down here to make it so.”

Max looks to Arc. “You said supplies were being delivered, sir. Did they arrive?”

“I brought them with me through the wormhole. They’re in my parent’s room upstairs.”

Rose pulls several papers from her pocket and unfolds them before turning to the squad and speaking.

“On the orders of Princess Luna we’ve been issued magically enhanced spears, traditional firearms, magical firearms, human-sized body armor, explosives, heavy weapons, medical supplies, and miscellaneous other items of war.”

Xenos gasps. “Sir, if I may, what are such things for?”

Hugh frowns. “Right. I thought this was supposed to be an infiltration mission?”

“It is. However Luna, on the suggestion of Princess Twilight, ordered these things be given to us out of an abundance of caution.”

Viktor groans. “Considering just how fast our missions can turn south it’s certainly not unwarranted.”

Max sighs. “I suppose that’s true. However I’d rather get this done quickly and quietly.”

Rose nods. “We will get underway after a plan is made and approved by Arc.”

“Right. I want to help Shelly just as much as you four do. But it needs to be done correctly. Now then, let’s all head upstairs and get our gear unpacked and stored down here. That should give Rose time to look around the hospital.”

“I’ll use what I see to make blueprints and help plan the operation when I get back.”

Arc turns to her. “Are you ready?”

Rose nods as she stands. “I am, yes.”

Calling forth a gauntlet Arc opens a portal. Rose steps through and vanishes as Arc turns back to the others.

“Now then, let’s get to work.”

He and the others head upstairs. Bringing down the crates they unpack everything and set up the corresponding racks. Looking around, Arc nods approvingly.

“Very good.”

Max grins. “I think we’re ready for anything now, sir.”

Xenos chuckles darkly. “Yeah. Anything we can’t go around now we go THROUGH!”

Viktor frowns. “Last resort, yes.”

Hugh shrugs. “Nice to have options though. But I don’t understand one thing, sir.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Why didn’t we have some of this stuff when we went to rescue Princess Celestia?”

“Because we were only given what I asked for back then. Twilight was the one whom came up with this grocery list.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now then, Viktor. I want you to make sure all our computers and other tech is ready for our next mission.”

“Yes sir.”

“Xenos, you and Hugh get the rest of the house in order.”

“We’ll take care of it, sir.”

“It’ll be spotless.”

Max raises a hand. “And me, sir?”

“I want you to come to the store with me to buy some supplies.”

Xenos chuckles. “I thought it was strange that Canterlot didn’t send us over any provisions.”

“Luna wanted to. But I told her I’d buy that from here. The prepackaged meals aren’t exactly what I would call tasty.”

He turns back to Max before continuing.

“Meet me in the Jeep. I need to make a call first.”

“Yes sir.”

They each go their separate ways. Max heads for the garage and gets into the Jeep’s driver seat. A short time later Arc arrives and climbs in. Motioning for Max to head out the young man puts the vehicle in gear and they begin on their way. Arc turns to him as they drive.

“You remember where the store is, right?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good.”

“Um… might I ask you something though, sir?”

“Go ahead.”

“I get the feeling that you ordered me to come with you on this drive for more than just the sake of help.”

Arc nods. “That’s correct. Truthfully I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Sir?”

“You told me some time ago that you and Shelly were done. Do you still feel that way?”

“Yes sir.”

“Why?”

“After what she said to me when I told her the truth… there’s nothing I could say to make her believe me.”

“What if I had backed you up then?”

“I don’t think it would have made her believe me, sir.”

“So you think she would have just thought I was making it up too?”

Max nods. “Without some kind of physical proof, yes.”

“Like donning my armor or turning you back into a stallion?”

“Something like that.”

Arc looks away. “I… should have.”

“Sir?”

“I should have helped you convince her back then.”

“But you told me to break it off, sir.”

“That’s true, yes. At the time I was worried that we’d either get killed or never be able to come back here again due to the military looking for us.”

“A sound conclusion, yes.”

“So you agree with my reasoning?”

“Looking back at that time, yes sir. You were right to have me end it there. Had I not, Shelly would have spent the rest of her life waiting for me to come back.”

Arc sigh. “That wasn’t the only reason though.”

“You told me later that you didn’t want me to go through the loss of losing someone you loved.”

“Watching Cherry die… it’s not something you get over completely. That time will be forever etched into my memories.”

“But Miss Cherry is still among us, sir. That and you have so many other mares whom want to get to know you.”

“She did tell me to move on, yes. But that wasn’t easy to do either. Whenever I thought about getting to know someone new I always considered the possibility that they could end up just like Cherry. Dying on the floor in my arms.”

“That could happen to any of us, sir. But we’re willing to stay by your side to the bitter end.”

“Thanks, Max. But I need to make what happened right.”

“What did you have in mind, sir?”

“At some point, if she regains enough strength, I’d like to confront Shelly about what happened between you two that night. Tell her the truth myself.”

“She wouldn’t believe it, sir.”

“Maybe. Then again, maybe not. But I still want to try.”

“May I speak freely, sir?”

“Go ahead.”

“I’d rather that you spent this time trying to help Shelly. That and maybe make her last bit of time here on Earth a happy one.”

“And I will. But your feelings need to be factored in as well.”

“If you can help Shelly, my feelings aren’t…”

Arc interrupts him. “Max, that’s what made me do what I did.”

“Sir?”

“I thought only of Shelly’s feelings and not enough of yours. Now then, I won’t do this if you really don’t want me to. However, I’d really like to make things right between you two before this ends… one way or another.”

“I… I’d like that too, sir. But not because I think Shelly and I still have a chance at a relationship.”
“
Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why…?

“Because I really do what to be honest with her about who I am and where I come from. Even if she doesn’t accept it, I want to share the complete and utter truth with her one last time.”

“And if she still rejects that?”

Max shrugs. “Then I’ll have done all I can, sir.”

Arc sighs. “All you can.”

“Sir?”

“Then I’ll have failed too.”

“I don’t see how.”

“Maybe it would have been better to have been honest with them from the start.”

“You told us long ago not to tell them in an effort to keep them safe and spare their feelings, sir.”

“I know, Max. But… but lately I’ve been questioning if that was really the best course of action.”

“What else could you have done, sir?”

“Like I said. Been honest from the start.

“Trusted them with your secret?”

“Lily and Shelly… we’ve always told each other everything. Frank did agree to keep what he knew about Equestria to himself, of course. But that’s only because he was worried about the truth affecting Shelly’s condition.”

“I’m sure by now her condition has deteriorated to the point of needed around the clock medical care. Is that not correct, sir?”

Arc nods. “It is. That’s why we’re going after those medical records.”

“And where do you think such news would have put her? Had you been honest, I mean.”

“Right into a hospital bed. But at this point it may be too late to be honest, as the strain of learning the truth would almost certainly kill her.”

“While I can’t deny that, sir, that doesn’t mean it’s still too late to do what’s right by Lily in this matter.”

“You mean that I should tell her who I really am?”

“Of course. After all, she can take the truth.”

“I probably should. But she has enough on her plate at the moment trying to care for Shelly.”

“She’s waited a long time already, sir. However I do understand your reasoning.”

Arc bows his head. “Yes, well… I’ll tell her everything when this matter is concluded… one way or the other.”

Sometime later they return from the store with a completely filled Jeep. Calling for the others to help, Arc opens the trunk to expose their bounty. Xenos is the first to speak.

“Did you buy out the whole store, sir?!”

Hugh gasps. “Kinda looks like it.”

Viktor’s eyes grow wide. “Those are some big boxes!”

Max shrugs. “We went to a… what was it called again, sir?”

“A wholesale outlet store. They sell things in bulk for cheap.”

Xenos heads for the vehicle. “We’ll get everything squared away, sir.”

Viktor grimaces. “But it’s not likely it’ll all fit in the cupboards as it stands.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “Where should the rest go, sir?”

“In the basement. We bought some shelving units on the way there.”

Max looks over his shoulder. “I’ll get to work assembling them with Viktor. By the time everything is moved into place we should have them ready.”

“Good.”

Xenos glances at the clock. “Isn’t Rose supposed to be ready for pickup soon?”

Viktor shrugs. “Fifteen minutes from now, yes.”

Hugh chuckles. “She’s very punctual.”

Arc sighs. “That she is. But I suppose that gives me time to continue a call I started earlier.”

Max nods soberly. “Go ahead, sir. We’ve got this.”

Arc heads upstairs. Entering his parent’s room he closes the door behind him and flops down on the bed. Reaching over to a strange looking telephone he picks up the receiver and pushes a few buttons before putting it to his ear. A few moments later a familiar voice rings out from the other end.

“Dad! You called back!”

“I told you I would, sweetie. How did the move go?”

“Great! The Equinox brought everypony back to town early this morning! Everything is completely rebuilt now!”

“Everything?”

“Well, they’re still doing some work on a few houses and Carousel Boutique.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Rarity’s shop?”

“Yeah. I guess they made a few mistakes there.”

“Nothing major though, right?”

“Nah. Sweetie Belle says that Rarity’s just being picky about the trim, or something.”

“Well, I’m sure Hard Hat and his crews will make it to her standards in time. How do you like your mother’s new house though?”

“It’s pretty much the same as the old one.”

“But brand new.”

“Yeah. No more squeaky floorboards or cracked plaster over here now though.”

“Does your mother like it?”

“Well… yes and no.”

“Oh?”

“She is happy to be home in Ponyville, yes. But to be completely honest with you she says she’s going to have some trouble adjusting to the new house.”

“Is it her mat?”

Dinky sighs. “Yeah. There was no sign of it when we went through the charred remains of the old house. We bought her a new one from Barnyard Bargains, of course. But she says it’s just not the same.”

Arc sighs. “I see. Not really sure how to fix that. After all, it was started by her mother and finished by Derpy herself.”

“When I suggested that I learn how to make one for her mom got really agitated so I dropped the conversation.”

“That probably brought back some bad memories, Dinky. Please don’t bring that up around her again.”

“I won’t, dad. But that still leaves the matter of mom not being able to sleep properly here at the house.”

“Did she talk to you about… our future plans?”

Dinky sounds confused. “Um… no. Did something happen?”

“We’ll talk about it later today when I come see you.”

“You’re coming back today dad?!”

“Yup. I need to talk to everyone about something important.”

“Good or bad news?”

“Very good actually.”

“That’s a relief. I thought something bad happened on your date the other day. Um… how’d that go?”

“We had a blast thanks to you and your friends.”
“
Dinky giggles. “Everypony did their best to make it happen.”

“Well, I should probably get going. It’s about time for me to open a portal for Rose.”

“Rose?”

“She’s at the hospital mapping out their floor layout.”

“Then I’ll let you get back to work, dad.”

“Dinky?”

“Yeah dad?”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“It seems like every time we try to have a nice time together my job gets in the way.”

“But that isn’t your fault, dad.”

Arc groans. “Kinda is. After all, I need to be stepping back and letting others take the lead.”

“What about everything left to do though? Like the Changelings invading?”

“That’s a big one, yes.”

“And the trouble with Princess Celestia?”

“Twilight and Luna could probably handle that one.”

“But I thought you relieved her of duty?”

“I did, yes.”

“Then you need to be there to reinstate her at some point, right?”

“I suppose so. But…”

Dinky interrupts him. “And what about supporting Twilight in her role as princess?”

“Her friends are doing a great job of helping her with the day to day affairs of running the nation. That and she has Luna with her too.”

“True. But when something big comes up you’re still the first one they call.”

Arc chuckles. “Not sure if you’re trying to convince me to distance myself from this job or that I’m honestly needed here.”

“Kinda both, dad. But we can talk about that more when you come back later today.”

“Y-yeah. I’ll see you this evening. Tell your mother ‘hi’ for me.”

“I will, dad.”

“Love you, Dinky.

“Love you too, dad.”

“Bye.”

Hanging up the receiver Arc groans as he sits up.

“Dinky. You deserve a full time father. That and your mother deserves a real fiancée. I… I need to be here to do this personally, yes. And I have so much to do back in Equestria too that I can’t even think about retiring right now.”

Standing, he walks over to the sigil and calls forth his gauntlet. Looking at the clock, he sighs.

“And here I stand… waiting. All the while there are those doing the same for me back in Equestria.”

Opening a portal, he stands off to one side. Rose steps through and turns to him as the swirling energies subside.

“Recon complete.”

“Good.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “Is something wrong, Arc?”

“What makes you…?”

“Your vitals are a bit… off.”

“I’m just a bit… out of sorts from a conversation I had with Dinky before you came back.”

Rose appears confused. “With Dinky?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You see, I want to be with her more. Walk her, Derpy, and the other fillies to the orphanage. See my future wives off to work with a good breakfast. And do odd jobs around town to earn a living.”

“Does the idea of such a life depress you?”

“Not in the least. In fact, I crave it.”

“You want a family life?”

“More than anything in the world.”

“I think you already know what to do, Arc. All that’s left is to act.”

“Yes, well… it’s a bit more complicated than that, Rose.”

“Most likely, yes. But you deserve happiness too, Arc.”

“If I don’t do my job though no one is going to be happy.”

“Then what are you going to do?”

Arc motions toward the door. “My very best.”

Chapter 12 - Medical Planning

Later that afternoon Arc and Rose sit in the Jeep in the hospital parking lot. Looking at his watch he turns to her.

“It’s almost time.”

Rose grimaces. “Yes. The shift change will give us a bit of a cover story.”

“That was a good idea, Rose. After all, new faces showing up in the middle of the shift would be a bit suspicious.”

“I’ve… had plenty of time to analyze the mistakes from my last time doing something like this.”

“We all have.”

“But I was the one whom messed up back then.”

“No, there were other mistakes on my part.”

“Oh?”

“I relied too much on luck and chance versus proper preparation and backup plans. Most of that was just the guys back home watching and calling out information while I made things up as I went.”

“Admittedly you can’t always have a solid plan, Arc. But at the same time I am happy to see you moving in the right direction.”

“I’ve done my best to grow and learn. We all have.”

“Then why don’t we get this show on the road?”

Arc chuckles. “Where’d you hear that?”

Rose giggles. “Internet.”

“Well then, let’s start.”

Stepping out of the Jeep the pair head for the building. Entering a family bathroom together covertly, they close and lock the door behind them. Rose heads over to the sink and, climbing up on top of it, pushes up on a ceiling tile. Pulling down a bag she tosses it on the floor before hopping down. Arc picks it up and pulls out two pairs of surgical scrubs as he looks to Rose.

“Now we’ll be able to hide in plain sight.”

“Similar to last time I might add.”

“But this time I’m not hiding behind a magic cloak. I’ll be right there by your side to take the same risks.”

Rose frowns. “I still don’t like this part of the plan. You don’t need to be so exposed.”

“True. But what kind of leader would I be if I just stayed behind friendly lines?”

Viktor’s voice rings out in his ear.

“Not a very good one, I’d wager.”

Max frowns. “Viktor!”

Hugh chuckles. “Well, the commander DID ask a question.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. He was just answering.”

Arc glances at his watch before responding. “Glad to see you guys following orders.”

Max looks to the wall clock to verify. “Five o’clock on the dot, sir.”

Hugh taps his headset. “We turned on the radio and that was the first thing we heard.”

Viktor continues. “Everything going according to plan, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Rose and I are in the bathroom retrieving the scrubs she hid here earlier today.”

“Yes, but we should probably get dressed now, Arc.”

“Good idea. Viktor, disable cameras.”

“Yes sir.”

Pressing a few buttons he kills the signal before calling out to Arc via the radio.

“Done sir.”

Xenos looks over. “Should we shut down the audio too?”

Arc shakes his head. “Negative. Keep the comms open at all times during this mission.”

Rose begins undressing. Several wires taped to her artificial skin come into view as she keeps talking.

“Remember, you’ll be extra sets of ears and eyes. The camera layout will allow us to be able to focus on other matters while you guard our backs. How was the coverage?”

Hugh calls out. “The test run earlier was perfect, ma’am.”

Viktor grins. “We could see three-hundred sixty degrees around you at all times.”

Xenos looks over his screen. “Yeah. And no one noticed due to the camouflage used.”

Max nods. “If you help the commander do the same as he dresses we should have excellent results.”

“I’ll take care of it momentarily.”

Quickly putting on her scrubs, Rose adjusts them accordingly in order to accommodate the numerous hidden cameras on her body. Turning to Arc she sees that he is facing the wall. Sighing, she calls out to him.

“You know, you don’t actually have to do that. After all I really don’t mind you seeing me uncovered.”

Arc sighs as he turns around. “It just feels inappropriate not to though.”

Rose rolls her eyes as she looks Arc over. “Says the man standing there in his undergarments.”

“What can I say? I need a little help getting ready.”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls out a satchel. Handing it to Rose she opens it and pulls out some wires along with surgical tape. Running the wires over his chest she tapes them down along with a small thin box to his back. He grimaces as she does so.

“Not looking forward to this.”

Rose appears surprised. “I would have thought you’d be happy to get underway.”

“Huh? Oh, no. I meant the tape.”

“What about it?”

“When we’re done it’ll have to be removed.”

“And?”

“That’ll sting!”

Rose smiles. “Says the man who’s undergone numerous grievous injuries in the past?”

Arc shudders. “It’ll be like ripping off a bandage.”

“I think you’ll manage.”

The sound of snickering rings out in Arc’s ear. He chuckles.

“Glad you all share my dread.”

Viktor uncovers his microphone. “Sorry sir.”

Hugh nods. “We just couldn’t help ourselves.”

Xenos laughs. “Yeah. It was always just assumed that you had a really high tolerance for pain.”

Max clears his throat loudly. “How’s it going, sir?”

“Rose has the base wires ran and the connector box taped on.”

Rose nods. “Everything’s in place. Now all you need to do is get dressed so I can do a few final checks.”

“Sounds good.”

Grabbing his pair of scrubs Arc puts them on and stands before Rose again.

“How’s that?”

Rose smiles. “You look very convincing.”

“Really?”

“Yes. But remember that this hospital is a lot smaller than the one in Farburg. The staff here all probably know one another. I overheard a lot of personal greetings and conversations when I was here earlier today.”

“So we’d better stick with the plan then.”

“And go in order to avoid some very difficult questions.”

Viktor calls out. “Right. Now then, am I ready for a visual check?”

Rose nods. “Yes. Viktor, activate cameras.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Pressing a few buttons the screens around the group turn back on. Viktor calls out.

“We’re online. Go ahead and attach the camera’s, Rose.”

“Roger.”

Reaching into the bag she pulls out a badge. Attaching it to Arc’s chest she pushes a small wire through a hole in the fabric behind it and reaches inside to connect it to the box.

“Hardwired camera is hooked up. How’s the picture?”

“Kinda fuzzy. Let me adjust it from here.”

As Viktor fiddles with the controls Rose reaches back into the bag. Pulling out a stethoscope she puts it over Arc’s shoulders.

“The cameras are in earpieces just below where they fit into your ear canal.”

Arc touches the instrument as he talks. “Can I actually use this?”

Rose nods. “To maintain your cover you can put it on and pretend use it, yes. However please understand that this isn’t actually medical grade equipment.”

Xenos chuckles. “It’s a modified stage prop.”

Max smirks. “But a very realistic looking one, sir.”

Hugh calls out. “The business end of that thing is also a secondary microphone too.”

Arc taps it lightly. “Handy.”

Pulling out a pair of glasses from the bag Rose puts them on Arc’s face.

“These have small cameras in the frames so you can direct your troop’s attention at whatever you look at. It also has micro speakers on the inside of the temples near your ears to allow you to hear the others.”

Viktor begins typing. “I’ll bypass your earring when you’re done setting up, sir.”

Arc adjusts the glasses. “How about speakers to let them hear us though? I doubt the one in the stethoscope is going to pick up everything.”

Hugh nods. “The clip on your badge also has a microphone in it as do the nose pads of your glasses, sir.”

Xenos grins. “We’ll be able to hear you loud and clear, sir. Uh... under normal circumstances.”

Arc sighs. “Please tell me someone tested this stuff out first.”

Max nods. “I did, sir. Viktor hooked me up and let me walk around the second floor to make sure it’d work.”

Xenos calls out. “Then I walked down the street to the convenience store with it.”

Viktor grins. “Crystal clear audio and visual I might add.”

Rose finishes her task. “How’s the video now?”

Max presses a few keys. “Much better. We’ll be able to maintain a signal under normal circumstances.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Normal… what now?”

Rose sighs. “Things that normally interfere with wireless technology will still hamper us.”

“Such as…?”

“Going too deep underground, electrical fields caused by large amounts of machinery that consume a lot of electricity, and magnets.”

Viktor pats his computer. “That last one probably won’t be an issue though as it’d have to be a VERY powerful magnet to mess with this equipment.”

Arc chuckles. “Like an MRI machine?”

Xenos gasps. “A what?!”

Rose calls out. “That stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It’s a device that uses high powered magnets to create internal images of a patient’s organs.”

Max shudders. “Might want to stay away from that part of the hospital then, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not to worry. The rooms those machines are in have to be shielded for safety. Wouldn’t want cell phones and watches getting bricked when someone walks by.”

Rose smiles. “Right. We’d literally have to walk into the room while it’s running for there to be any problems.”

“Anything else I should know?”

Viktor smirks. “Just one more thing, sir. All of this equipment is only water resistant, not waterproof.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll try to avoid going for any swims then.”

Hugh nods. “You should also avoid going outside in the rain too.”

Max opens an internet browser. “The weatherman says it was supposed to come down pretty hard later.”

Xenos grins. “That’s why Rose scheduled this when she did. To hopefully miss it completely.”

Rose turns to Arc. “With any luck we’ll be back home before the heavens open up.”

“Well, let’s not try to rely on luck for this. You ready, Rose?”

“Not quite. I still need to check my own equipment. Viktor?”

“All cameras and speakers on you are transmitting perfectly, Rose.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. But we figured you already knew that.”

Arc appears confused. “Rose?”

“One of the advantages of being an android. I can run all the variables and come up with data that gives the highest chance of success.”

Hugh sighs. “Hopefully that will keep both you and the commander safe, Rose.”

Max nods soberly. “Yes indeed. After all, Equestria needs him.”

Viktor snickers. “Especially Princess Twilight.”

Arc smiles slyly. “Right. And she’ll have all of your heads if something happens to me.”

Xenos grimaces. “Uh… would she really, sir?”

“Could be.”

Rose winks as she speaks. “Oh yes. Mother does have quite a temper. Most don’t know about that though.”

“Let’s just keep that little secret, shall we?”

“Right. Don’t want her finding out and taking it out on the troops.”

Max groans. “Very funny, you two.”

Hugh sounds nervous. “You… were joking, right sir?”

“Yeah, yeah. But let’s get underway.”

Rose kneels down again. “First things first though, Arc.”

She reaches into the bag and pulls out a jumpsuit.

“Remember, I need this for the first phase of the plan.”

Arc chuckles. “I was just seeing if you were paying attention, that’s all.”

Stepping into the jumpsuit, Rose pulls it over her scrubs and zips it up before turning to Arc again.

“Remember that only your cameras will be functional during this portion on the mission.”

Viktor nods. “Right. As far as Rose’s cameras go we’re effectively blind until she takes that thing off.”

“Then let’s get this part finished as quickly as possible.”

Arc puts on a surgical mask and steps out of the family restroom. He leans against the wall and looks around for a few moments before whispering.

“All clear.”

Rose opens the door and steps out with the bag in her hand and a tool belt around her waist. She begins walking down the corridor. Arc gives her a bit of a lead before following. Coming to the elevator they get inside together. Setting the bag down as the doors close she pulls a screwdriver out of her belt and hurriedly removes the screws holding the panel over the buttons. Working quickly, she makes a few adjustments to bypass the card reader. Succeeding, the ‘LL’ button lights up on the board. Putting the panel back together just before the doors open, Rose steps out with Arc again trailing her. Arriving at a large door marked ‘Authorized Personnel Only’ she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a lockpick. Making quick work of the lock she hurries inside as Arc sits down at a nearby hospital computer terminal down the way as he speaks softly.

“She’s in.”

Viktor grins. “And in good time too.”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah. Nice picking skills, Rose.”

“Thank you.”

Arc frowns as he presses keys randomly. “Don’t dawdle. I can’t pretend to work forever over here.”

“Yes sir.”

Looking around, Rose quickly finds her target.

“I’ve found the terminal. Shall we begin?”

Max nods nervously. “Please do.”

Sitting down in front of a computer, Rose pulls a flash drive out of her pocket and inserts it into the port.

“It’s all yours, Viktor.”

“Alright. Hands off the keys.”

Pressing a series of buttons, Viktor gets to work. Rose watches as the screen goes blank for a few moments before popping back up with an ‘Access Granted’ message. Viktor calls out as he finishes.

“That should do it, Rose.”

“Alright. Here I go.”

Taking the mouse, she accesses the personnel records. Finding the ‘Nurses’ folder she uploads two files from the flash drive and smiles triumphantly.

“Phase one complete.”

Arc calls out. “For both files?”

Rose nods. “Yes. Both were uploaded.”

“Good. Let’s start phase two.”

Removing the tool belt and her jumpsuit, Rose quickly steps out of it and stuffs both into the bag. Straightening her outfit in certain places she calls out.

“Status check.”

Viktor frowns. “Badge camera is fuzzy.”

Rose flicks the badge as Viktor calls out.

“Better.”

Hugh nods. “Everything else checks out, if a bit laggy.”

Max shrugs. “Well, they ARE in the basement.”

Arc smirks. “Let’s see if we can remedy that.”

Rose heads for the door. “Is the coast clear?”

Arc looks left and right before responding.

“All clear to move.”

Nodding, Rose takes a deep breath and opens the door. Walking toward Arc sitting at the corridor desk she puts the bag on the table as she passes. Arc deftly stuffs it into his magic ring as he stands up. The pair head for the elevator together as Rose pushes the ‘up’ button. The doors open and they head inside. Leaning against the wall Rose lets out a sigh of relief.

“Glad that part’s over with.”

Max grins. “Admittedly it was the most dangerous part, yes.”

Xenos grimaces. “Yeah. But they’re far from done there.”

Hugh nods. “Phase two is on the second floor. Take a left off the elevator and keep walking until you see an ‘Information’ desk. There you’ll turn left and follow the corridor left then right to the security office.”

Arc calls out. “Roger.”

The doors open and the pair step out. Following the earlier directions they find themselves at the security office. Entering, the pair walk up to the desk. The receptionist looks up as they do so.

“Can I help you?”

Arc nods as he holds up his badge. “Yes, these didn’t work when we tried to punch in earlier.”

Rose sighs. “They’re probably expired.”

“I’ll look you two up. Names?”

Reciting their names, the pair wait as the secretary types them in. Looking at the pictures of the pair as they pop up on the screen the woman visually compares them to Arc and Rose.

“Yup, looks like they expired this morning at midnight. I’ll print you up new ones.”

She points to a receptacle in the corner before continuing.

“Expired badges go in there for shredding.”

Nodding, Arc and Rose take their badge off the clasps and put them in the slot. An electronic buzz sounds as they are destroyed. A few moments later a printer spits out new badges behind the desk. The receptionist looks them over before handing the badges across the counter to the pair.

“There you are. Your new IDs should now function as the old ones did. Come back if you have any problems with them.”

Rose smiles. “Thank you.”

Arc and Rose leave the security office and take a right toward a small employee elevator. As they walk they carefully put the badges on their respective clasps before Arc speaks again.

“Okay. We good?”

Viktor nods. “Yes sir. Camera aligned and working.”

Hugh looks at his screen as he speaks. “Rose’s as well.”

Rose sighs. “I still don’t feel good about taking those badges from the staff the last time I was here.”

Max shrugs. “I’m sure they’ve long since been replaced.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. And your new ones were actually made for you two with real pictures!”

Arc chuckles. “Right. So we’re legit now.”

Rose frowns. “Somewhat, yes.”

Viktor nods. “Relax. The files uploaded to the database gave both of you a full employment history complete with pay stubs and authorization codes to be inputted into the badges.”

Hugh smirks. “Which that secretary did when she made them.”

Xenos pans his screen to test the alignment. “Yeah. So you two don’t have to worry about being questioned anymore.”

Max sighs. “Still not quite sure why you went to all that trouble though, sir.”

Rose nods. “I could have just gone up to a terminal and printed out the records we need.”

“True. But we need it to look completely legit. That way there’s no chance of someone nearby getting suspicious and calling security, or something. Now then, on to phase three.”

“Lead on.”

Taking the elevator up, the pair step off and start walking. Coming to the Intensive Care Unit they approach the nurse’s station together. Arc addresses the woman behind the desk.

“Hello. We’re here to help fill in.”

The nurse behind the counter appears confused as she speaks.

“Oh? We weren’t informed of any changes to staffing.”

Rose smiles. “It was a last minute decision I’m told.”

The nurse looks over their badges. “Let’s see here…”

She types on her computer and frowns.

“I see you two here, yes. But I don’t remember seeing an e-mail earlier saying anything about…”

A chime rings out. Clicking something the nurse reads as she frowns.

“Hospital administration just now sent it!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it was certainly last minute.”

The nurse sighs as she stands.

“Well, I don’t really need the help right now. But as long as you’re here I might as well put you two to work.”

Rose grins. “We’re ready, ma’am.”

Picking up a clipboard, the nurse hands it to Rose.

“The note in my email said you have a lot of experience keeping numbers and papers in order. I’d like you to fill out these reports on our patient’s vital signs.”

Rose nods as she accepts the clipboard. “I’ll take care of it, ma’am.”

“Let me give your companion his assignment and I’ll show you where to start.”

She turns to Arc and looks him up and down before speaking.

“I know this is going to sound a bit sexist, but… how strong are you?”

“Let’s just say that I’m above average.”

Rose giggles. “Really? You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.”

The nurse appears surprised as Rose, realizing her blunder, continues.

“We’ve worked together extensively in the past.”

“I see. Well, I have a bit of a troubled patient in here right now.”

Arc nods. “Someone doesn’t want to stay in bed, eh?”

“Exactly.”

Rose frowns. “Why not just restrain them?”

“We’ve done that already. But somehow they keep breaking their bindings and trying to leave the hospital.”

Arc nods. “And their condition doesn’t let them get too far?”

“Right. Their balance is off due to problems in their head which forces them to more or less crawl. While I hate to relegate a staff member to what amounts to little more than babysitting duty, in this case I don’t think we have a choice.”

“Don’t worry. He won’t get past me.”

“Ultimately all you have to do is watch him sleep and try not to do so yourself. After all, he’s not allowed to have any television or radios going or be in earshot of one either.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “That seems a bit extreme.”

“Doctor’s orders. I agree with them too, as last time he saw something violent on the screen he went nuts.”

Arc chuckles. “Violent?”

“More along the lines of scared for some reason. You wouldn’t know it to look at him though, as he’s not exactly what I would call ‘petite’.”

She points to a door before continuing.

“Room 317 is his. The key’s clipped to his chart next to the door. If he gets out of hand don’t be afraid to hit the panic button.”

“Got it.”

“Well, I’ll let you get to it. Follow me, miss.”

Rose nods. “Right behind you, ma’am.”

The nurse and Rose turn and head down the corridor in the opposite direction as Arc walks toward the room. Unlocking the door he enters and closes it behind him. The lights are low with only the sound of machines humming and the patient’s breathing breaking the otherwise silent air. Locking the door behind him, Arc walks over to the bed and looks down at the patient. Frowning, he muses to himself.

“It can’t be.”

Reaching for the lights he turns them up slightly to illuminate the room. Lying before him on the bed is none other than the leader of The Riders… Bloodletter.

Chapter 13 - Data Mining

Looking at the man lying on the bed for a few moments Arc nods grimly.

“No doubt about it. That’s him.”

Max gasps. “I can’t believe it!”

Hugh turns to Xenos. “The news said he was supposed to be imprisoned somewhere, didn’t it?!”

“Yeah. At least I thought it did.”

Viktor groans. “I’ll have to look it up later.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “They had to have taken him somewhere after we left him at the zoo, I guess. That leaves the matter of where he’s been all this time.”

Max snaps his fingers. “Why not check his records, sir?”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. You could start with the papers at the end of his bed.”

“Good idea.”

Walking over to the bed Arc leans down and picks up the clipboard. Looking it over he frowns.

“Um… I can’t really make heads or tails of this.”

Viktor calls out. “Look at each page slowly and I’ll take screenshots to take back to Equestria, sir.”

“Do it.”

Following Viktor’s suggestion Arc goes through the stack of papers one at a time before returning the clipboard to its place and speaking.

“You still with us, Rose?”

Yes, I am. The nurse just left the room.”

“What about the patient?”

“Comatose.”

“Good. One side of a conversation wouldn’t help them understand us anyways. But where did the nurse go?”

“Let me see…”

Backing up a few paces, Rose pokes her head out the door.

“She went back to her desk. Where we found her originally, I mean.”

Arc groans. “Great.”

Viktor facepalms. “We need her to move so Rose can use that terminal though.”

Hugh points. “What about the one in the patient’s room?”

Xenos nods. “They could get the data from there I bet!”

Max turns his head. “Viktor?”

Viktor shakes his head. “No good. They’d need login credentials.”

Hugh groans. “Which they don’t have.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Then why would the terminal at the nurse station be of use?”

Rose sighs. “Because it was logged into the system when Arc and I were reporting in.”

Arc frowns. “That computer is going to be our ticket to getting that which we need. The files on both Shelly and Bloodletter.”

Viktor sounds confused. “Both, sir?”

Hugh gasps. “You want to help that freak in there too?!”

Max glares at him. “Hugh!”

Xenos shrugs. “Well, it’s kinda our fault he’s in there.”

Arc taps his chin thoughtfully. “Right. That and I smell a rat here.”

Rose pipes up. “We can potentially figure this out by looking over the data on both of them.”

Viktor taps his computer monitor. “But first we need to get the nurse away from her desk.”

Hugh grins. “What about waiting until she goes on break, or something?”

Max leans back in his chair. “Or to the bathroom.”

Xenos looks to the others. “Can we wait that long though? I mean, every minute the commander and Rose are there is another minute their cover could potentially be blown.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. We need her to move sooner rather than later.”

Rose snaps her fingers. “I could mess with the hospital equipment to trigger an alarm.”

Viktor sighs. “Risky, but a decent idea.”

Hugh grimaces. “Nothing life threatening though, right?”

Rose nods. “Right. A disconnected sensor would set off an alarm that could be heard from the desk.”

Max shakes his head. “But she wouldn’t get up to fix it.”

“Why not?”

Arc chuckles. “Because you’re supposed to be a nurse. So you would be expected to do that yourself.”

Xenos groans. “Yeah. That and we need her to go somewhere other than your position, Rose.”

Viktor nods. “Right. After all, you’re the one whom could most quickly get the files we need.”

Arc smirks. “So that leaves it up to me then.”

Max calls out warily. “Sir?”

“To create a… situation.”

Arc walks toward the bed slowly. Viktor raises an eyebrow as he sees his commander reach for a device nearby.

“Sir, what are you…?”

Arc interrupts him. “Watch and learn.”

As his fingers reach for a number of flashing buttons, Arc suddenly changes course and picks up a remote lying in front of a control panel. Pressing a button on it a television nearby comes to life. The others breathe a sigh of relief. Hugh is the first to speak.

“You had us going there, sir.”

Xenos chuckles nervously. “Yeah. We honestly thought you were going to… you know…”

Arc shakes his head as he flips through the channels. “Nah. As much as I hate this guy, I’m not going to kill him. Just find him the right… motivation.”

Finding an action movie, Arc waits a few minutes until there is a conflict. Weapons are drawn and shots are fired. Bloodletter’s eyes fly open and he looks around, clearly angry. Arc shuts off the television and puts the remote back where he found it. He steps back slowly as the man begins to tear through his bindings. Arc’s finger hovers over the ‘panic’ button on the wall as the restrains tear and fray. Max frowns as he watches.

“Sir, now would be a very good time to…!”

Arc interrupts him. “Just need to make it look convincing.”

The restraints rip through and Bloodletter jumps out of bed. He takes up a position on all fours and growls menacingly at Arc as he begins to drool. Frowning, Arc does not take his eyes off his patient.

“It’s not working.”

Xenos grimaces. “I dunno about that, sir!”

Viktor nods, his eyes wide. “He looks pretty mad to me!”

Max groans. “What more do you want, sir?!”

“Action. I want him to attack me.”

Rose sighs. “He’s probably been sedated recently. You’ll need him to overcome them.”

“How?!”

“Talk down to him. Make him mad.”

“Alright. Here goes…”

Taking a deep breath, Arc speaks.

“Come and get me, fido!”

The man growls at this, but does not attack.

“What?! Do you want me to throw you a bone, or something?!”

Bloodletter seethes but still does not move. Arc grins as inspiration hits him.

“Or… do you want to bone something else? Like your little friend… Hammer.”

Roaring in fury, the man lunges at Arc. As he does so Arc Blinks across the room. Bloodletter slams into the wall, inadvertently pressing the ‘panic’ button. A buzzer goes off outside the room. The nurse jumps up and runs into the room Rose is in as the sounds of boots rings out from down the hallway.

“Take over monitoring the other patients from my desk! That troublemaker is at it again!”

Rose nods and walks over to the nurse’s station as security passes her. Sitting down in the chair she looks over the monitors as the nurse and security run over to the door. The nurse pushes her way past them as she reaches for the key. Unlocking the door she and the security detail hurry inside. They spot Arc pinning the wildman and pretending to be having a hard time holding Bloodletter down.

“Help me! Hurry!”

Meanwhile, as the security detail enters the room, Rose begins typing frantically. Switching over to one hand, she reaches into her pocket and pulls out another flash drive. Inserting it into the USB port she continues her task. Meanwhile, Arc and security try frantically (well, the others anyways) to restrain Bloodletter. The nurse hurries over to a drawer and pulls out a syringe as Viktor calls out to him.

“Rose needs more time, sir!”

Nodding, Arc looks to the needle. With a flick of his finger he casts a small Telekinesis Spell as the nurse hurriedly kneels down next to the frantic man. The syringe drops from her hand and rolls under a machine. Groaning at her perceived mistake she stands and hurries back to the drawer to prepare another one. It takes her a full thirty seconds until she is ready to try again. Hugh grins as he calls out.

“Looks like Rose is almost done, sir.”

Rose speaks evenly. “I will be in fifteen seconds.”

Xenos chuckles. “Time to wrap this diversion up then.”

Arc pulls Bloodletter’s arm straight and forces him to keep it still as the nurse jabs him and presses the plunger. Almost immediately the man seems to weaken. The security forces continue lying on top of him out of caution however for another minute or so. Eventually the nurse lets out a sigh and nods.

“He should be out now. Put him back on the bed while I get new restraints set up.”

Arc and the security guards do so as the nurse ties the man’s wrists again. She sighs as the old ones are tossed in the trash by the security guards as they leave the room.

“Yet another pair of these things ruined.”

Arc shudders. “He broke through them almost instantly too.”

The nurse frowns. “Great. I’ll have to pass that on to the next shift.”

“The sound of them tearing was the only thing that alerted me that something was about to happen. He lunged at me just as I hit the button.”

“Sounds like you got lucky.”

Arc nods. “Very.”

The nurse picks up the clipboard at the end of the bed and pulls a pen from her scrubs as she turns to Arc.

“I need to add this to the report. Do you have any idea what set him off?”

“Only one thing I can think of. Right before it happened I sneezed.”

“Sneezed?”

“Other than that the room was quiet. I might have surprised him with it though.”

“Yes, he’s been known to go feral at the drop of a hat. I’ll add ‘sneezing’ to the list of things that can’t be done in his room. Please tell your companion to stay at the desk for a bit longer. Regulations say that I have to fill this report out personally.”

“Alright. Want me to keep an eye on him when you’re done?”

“I… suppose so. After all, he does still need to be watched if you’re up to the task.”

Arc nods. “That I am.”

“Take a break to compose yourself first though. Get a soda… use the restroom… whatever you need to do.”

“Thanks. I’ll pass on your message on my way.”

Leaving the room Arc heads for the desk. Rose is just putting the flash drive in her pocket and standing as he approaches.

“The boss needs you to keep watch here for a bit longer.”

Rose points to the patient rooms. “But I have reports to fill out.”

Arc jerks a thumb toward Bloodletter’s room. “So does she. In there, I mean.”

“Well, his chart does need to be updated.”

“More so now I would imagine.”

“That was a lot of crashing and banging. I’d ask if you’re hurt, but I already scanned you.”

Max sounds hopeful. “So the commander’s fine?”

Rose nods. “Yes, he is.”

Hugh grins. “Well, that’s a relief.”

Xenos shudders. “Yeah. I thought Bloodletter was going to tear you apart, sir.”

Viktor shrugs. “So did I.”

“He didn’t stand a chance. Since he’s not in his… Beast Mode as it were, Bloodletter is just slightly stronger than a normal human.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Then why all the security?”

Rose sighs. “Because he’s mentally out of control. A real wildman.”

Xenos groans. “Whatever Hammer injected him with sure did stick.”

Arc puts his hand to his forehead. “She told me a while back that it wasn’t supposed to though.”

Max sounds confused. “Sir?”

“It was only designed to be a temporary measure. Not sure why it hung on though.”

Hugh zooms in on the scrub’s pocket. “The data Rose downloaded from his medical records may contain a solution though.”

Arc grins. “You got Shelly’s records too though, right?”

“Yes, Arc. She was first. But I had enough time to grab Bloodletter’s too.”

“Good work.”

Viktor smirks. “Shouldn’t you head on break now though, sir.”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah. You’ve been working hard over there.”

Max grins. “Best listen to the boss, sir.”

“Alright, alright. I’m heading to the bathroom and the breakroom now.”

Rose waves. “See you in a bit.”

Arc rests to maintain his cover. Returning to the nurse’s station ten minutes later he finds their boss just leaving Bloodletter’s room. She walks over to the desk and sets a pad of paper down as Rose stands up.

“Nothing to report, ma’am.”

“Good.”

She turns to Arc and motions back to Bloodletter’s room.

“You still up to going back in there?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’ll be watching him extra closely now though.”

“You do that. And feel free to hit that ‘panic’ button if he so much as breathes funny. I don’t care if it’s a false alarm, your safety comes first.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Arc heads for the room as the nurse picks up Rose’s clipboard and hands it to her.

“Brave guy.”

Rose nods as she accepts it. “That he is.”

“In any case, continue with your rounds. I’ll keep watch on the monitors here.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Heading for the next room on her list, Rose steps inside. A young blonde woman sits asleep in a chair nearby as she picks up the clipboard at the end of the bed and reads it silently. Her eyes grow wide as she sees the name at the top.

“Sh-Shelly.”

Looking over the chart page by page, she slowly puts it back before picking up her own clipboard and looking at the readings on the machines nearby. As she writes Rose smiles and muses to herself.

“Arc’s family. Shelly in the bed and I’m assuming Lily is the one in the chair.”

She glances over her papers at the young woman on the bed.

“Don’t you worry. If there’s anything Arc can do to help you I’m sure he’ll do it.”

Finishing her task, Rose reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small disk roughly the size of a quarter. Holding it in front of her badge for a few moments she turns to one of the machines next to the bed. Placing it on top, the device adheres to the machine with a small clink. Turning to leave the room she gives a ‘thumbs up’ in front of her badge and walks out the door. Coming to the next room on her list, Rose makes sure the patient is unconscious before speaking softly.

“I have Shelly’s current chart from her bed, Arc.”

“Good. That’s everything we need and more.”

Max grimaces. “You two should get out of there, sir.”

Xenos nods soberly. “Yeah. No telling when Bloodletter will wake up again.”

Viktor chuckles. “Considering the size of that needle, I’d say he’ll be out for some time.”

Hugh sighs. “No need to take chances though. Right, sir?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest as he leans against the wall. “Quite the opposite actually.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“We disappear now and that nurse will start asking some very embarrassing questions.”

Max sounds confused. “So what are you going to do, sir?”

“The only thing we can do. Finish our shift.”

Chapter 14 - Wrongs of the Past

Sometime later that night Arc and Rose return to the Jeep. Sliding into her seat Rose smiles.

“That was rather enjoyable.”

Arc yawns. “That was exhausting.”

Rose giggles. “Says the one whom got to just sit there and watch someone sleep?”

“It was hard work keeping my eyes open!”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

Arc sighs as he starts the vehicle. “Let’s just hope next time I’ll have a more interesting job to do.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “You believe there will be a next time?”

“I can almost guarantee it, Rose.”

Xenos chuckles. Yeah. After all, this was just intel gathering.

Hugh nods. “Hopefully Doctor Knowles can actually do something with what you two found in there.”

Viktor groans. “If not, we’re back to square one.”

Max shudders. “Not a good place to be.”

Rose leans back in the seat. “Agreed.”

Arriving back at the house, Arc backs the Jeep into the driveway and lowers the garage door. Sighing, he turns off the engine as Rose looks to him, confused.

“Is something wrong, Arc?”

“I just… I don’t know.”

“Your plan worked perfectly though.”

“In and out without incident. Just like I wanted, yes. But… I still feel…”

Opening the door Arc gets out of the vehicle without another word. Rose follows him inside and down to the basement. The squad stands and salutes as Arc approaches them.

“How’d it go on this end?”

Viktor grins. “Perfect, sir.”

Hugh nods. “Couldn’t have been better.”

Xenos gestures to his monitor. “Other than the picture getting a bit dicey when you two went to the basement anyways.”

Max shrugs. “That couldn’t really be helped though.”

Rose pulls the flash drive from her pocket. “And I got this too.”

“Can you guys look it over?”

Rose appears confused. “Um… begging your pardon, Arc. But I don’t think that will be helpful.”

“Why not?”

“It’s medical readings. And as capable as they are, your team is not trained in such things.”

Max steps forward. “We’d be willing to give it a try though.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. Worst thing that could happen is that we fail.”

Hugh motions to the printer. “Shall I print these documents up for you first, sir?”

“Please do. I’ll need to bring hard copies to Auriel’s mother back in Equestria.”

Rose sighs. “A shame their computers and ours aren’t compatible.”

Viktor nods as he and Hugh head over to the printer. “Can’t have everything.”

A few minutes later Arc takes two stacks of papers from Hugh.

“This one is everything on Miss Shelly, sir.”

Viktor points to the other stack. “And this is what we got on Bloodletter.”

“Thank you. I’ll run this back to Equestria. All of you get some rest now.”

They salute as Arc turns to Rose.

“Good work back there.”

“It was your plan that made this happen.”

“And you did your part perfectly.”

“Just trying to be helpful.”

Arc calls forth the Rainbow of Light and looks back to her. “Want a lift?”

“Um… if it’s all the same to you I think I’ll stay here and rest.”

“Suit yourself.”

Opening a portal back to Equestria, Arc steps through and vanishes from sight. Rose turns to Max.

“You didn’t say anything.”

Max looks away nervously. “He seemed to be in a hurry.”

“Are you sure that’s all?”

“I don’t know what you’re…”

Viktor narrows his eyes as he interrupts. “Really, Max?”

Hugh frowns. “We all saw what Rose did back there.”

Xenos folds his arms over his chest. “Yeah. And I get the feeling that was your idea.”

Max sighs. “That it was.”

Rose turns to the others. “Please don’t judge Max too harshly, everyone. He merely asked me to do something for him and I agreed.”

Viktor groans. “But the commander should know about it.”

Hugh nods. “After all, Miss Shelly and Miss Lily are his family.”

Max looks to Rose. “I’ll tell him when I can. Promise.”

“See to it that you do. Arc is a very understanding person. But less so if you keep things from him.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears on the sigil in his quarters in Canterlot Castle. Heading for the door he hurries down the corridor toward Auriel’s room. Knocking lightly he waits to be admitted. A few moments later Auriel answers the door and smiles at him.

“Won’t you come in?”

Arc nods and steps inside. Auriel closes the door behind him as he looks around.

“Where’s your father?”

“He’s going over the daily reports with the palace staff in the Conference Room at the moment. As the king he still needs to take care of his duties before retiring for the night, after all.”

“That much I do understand.”

Auriel leads Arc over to her bed where Maria is resting peacefully propped up by pillows. A single light on the nightstand illuminates the dark room along with a roaring fire in the fireplace. Maria looks up from her book as Arc approaches with the papers.

“I trust you were successful?”

Arc nods as he holds out the first stack. “You tell me.”

Accepting the papers, Maria looks them over for a few moments wordlessly as she reads silently. Looking up, she turns back to Arc.

“Good work getting these. Can I assume there were no… complications.”

“No one questioned us, no. However there was one issue that you might be able to help me understand.”

Ariel appears confused. “Arc?”

He holds up the second stack of papers as he speaks.

“I saw another patient in there whom I’ve run into a couple times in the past.”

Maria frowns. “What does this have to do with Shelly?”

“Directly, nothing. However…”

Maria interrupts him. “Then let’s stay focused on the task at hand, shall we?”

Auriel clears her throat loudly. “Mother, if Arc viewed this as being important enough to risk blowing his cover to get these it’s worth looking into.”

“Very well. Tell me of this… subject.”

“He was injected with a strange substance by an agent of The Organization.”

“And?”

“It turned him into what I can only describe as… a werewolf.”

Maria frowns as she ponders this for a moment.

“A wolfman of sorts?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Describe his human form.”

“Stereotypical biker leader. Hairy, wore leather, thought we was above the law, that sort of thing.”

“And after being exposed to this contagion?”

“He doubled in height, grew insane amounts of body hair, massive strength increase, canine teeth, eyes glowed slightly, claws...”

“So something out of a movie then.”

“Right.”

Auriel gasps. “Do you know how The Organization did such a thing, mother?”

Maria clutches a fist. “Rieper, that fool.”

Arc frowns. “Doctor Rieper?”

“You’re familiar with him?”

“Indirectly, yes.”

Auriel nods. “Arc outsmarted him when he attacked Damocles Base.”

Maria gasps. “You did WHAT?!”

Arc shrugs. “They were holding someone very important to this land. My team and I went in there to break them out.”

Maria raises an eyebrow. “Princess Celestia?”

Auriel smiles nervously. “I… told her the cliff notes.”

Arc sighs. “Yes.”

Maria bows her head. “How many… ponies did you lose doing that?”

“Several severe injuries, but no fatalities fortunately.”

“Impressive. That place is a fortress.”

Auriel grins. “Arc is VERY resourceful.”

“It was a team effort. One Auriel was an integral part of. But we’re getting off topic here. I believe you were saying something about Doctor Rieper, ma’am.”

“Yes indeed. But first you’ll need some backstory on that. You see… many years ago I was Rieper’s assistant. However I was soon given my own projects by the base commander, General Mustang.”

“Rieper was working on something called ‘Ascension’, right?”

“It’s a long, drawn out process by which a human can be infused with magical powers.”

“Things like telekinesis, flames, teleportation.”

Maria nods, clearly impressed. “You already know about that too?”

Arc Blinks to the other side of the bed before continuing.

“I’m familiar with magic, yes.”

Maria frowns. “Are you now?”

Auriel looks to her mother. “It was bestowed upon him by the Dragon Lord.”

“We’ll come back to that explanation another time then. In any case, Rieper was experimenting with different methods. At the time I was there it was a very crude process that took many long years of infusions to produce the vaguest hint of magical ability in a subject. However the general was very interested in other subjects he deemed of mutual importance to the Ascension Project.”

“So he put you in charge of them?”

“Yes. I made a number of advancements in both nanotechnology and DNA research. My idea was to create microscopic machines that could be injected into a subject’s body. Once inside they could be programmed to perform various medical tasks. Fighting bacteria and viruses alongside the white blood cells, destroying cancerous tissue, and even potentially being able to help the body maintain itself at the cellular level.”

Arc grins. “That would certainly be of great interest to both Earth and Equestria.”

Auriel nods. “And all the nations within!”

“So what stopped you?”

Maria sighs. “My sudden departure to the land know as Tartarus.”

“Where you met father. But how did you get there?”

“I was in Rieper’s lab one day at the behest of General Mustang. Believe me, back then an order was the only way to get me to help that cretin. Anyways, he had locked onto a source of magical energy with some kind of strange device. Unable to figure it out himself, he had asked the general to provide more... academic help to unravel the mystery. I was looking through his notes on the source when suddenly there was a strange hum. Somehow he had locked onto the source and was trying to open some kind of wormhole. Unfortunately that was right behind where I was working.”

Auriel gasps. “So he was trying to get rid of you, mother?!”

Maria nods angrily. “Yes. The last thing I saw before I was pulled into the energies was him grinning from the safety of the observation cell.”

Arc frowns. “I bet the general wasn’t too happy about that.”

“Probably not. At least he wouldn’t have been if he had learned the truth.”

“Mother?”

“Rieper has always been a slippery one. He’s easily been able to deflect blame for his mistakes onto someone else many times in the past. I can’t tell you how often I was blamed as his assistant when an experiment failed.”

Arc nods soberly. “So you think he blamed you for your own disappearance?”

“Most likely. The general was probably aware that he was lying, of course. However he couldn’t exactly get rid of Rieper with me gone. He’d have lost all of his research talent.”

Auriel grits her teeth. “You were removed from the equation and he became number one.”

Maria nods. “Clever of him, don’t you think?”

Arc frowns. “But how did you end up in Tartarus?”

“Some kind of magical experiment the demons of Tartarus were running at the time would be my guess. Rieper’s machine wasn’t very precise, so it just teleported me to the general area of the energy source. That was, fortunately for me, near the city of Vengeance. That was where I spent my time, and the king’s resources, trying to build a device that would allow me to return to Earth. As you can see I wasn’t able to do it. However with me gone Rieper had access to all my research data. He must’ve used my nanotechnology to somehow alter that biker’s body chemistry.”

Auriel gasps. “But how could small machines do that?!”

“My guess is that he combined them with some kind of magical essences to achieve his goals.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “What would they have used as a power source?”

“The body’s own resources most likely, as you described this change to be semi-permanent or ongoing. Either that or they contained a substance that was released into specific tissues to achieve the desired effect.”

“A chilling thought.”

Auriel appears relieved. “At least it’s not contagious though.”

Maria nods. “Not without a sizable blood transfusion, no. However I don’t have any clue how to help him as of now.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And Shelly?! Remember, I went in there to help HER! Not try to save Bloodletter!”

Maria pats the stack of papers as she speaks. “I’ll have to go over her files before I can answer that definitively.”

“How long will that take?”

“A couple of days. I’ll get started on it right away.”

Auriel narrows her eyes. “First thing in the morning you mean, mother.”

“I can do a bit more reading before we go to sleep, Auriel. Besides, Doctor Whooves told me I’d be out of this bed in a few days anyway.”

“Not if you set your recovery time back by not resting properly!”

Maria sighs. “Auriel…”

Auriel interrupts her. “That and father will be back soon. He doesn’t want you staying up too late either.”

“Then I shall just read until he comes back.”

“And if he is detained by a complicated matter? Please mother. These papers will still be here in the morning.”

Maria groans as she sets the papers on the nightstand next to her. “Very well. I’ll wait then.”

Auriel smiles as she picks up the stacks and heads for a nearby table. “Then you won’t mind these being over here.”

“Whatever for, Auriel?”

“So you won’t be tempted to get too early of a start. You can get to work after breakfast, and not a second sooner.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll let you get your mother bedded down for the night then, Auriel.”

“Would you like to join us for breakfast, Arc?”

“Normally I would. However I already made plans to head over to Ponyville and inspect the town.”

“Twilight’s been wanting to do that for a while now. She just hasn’t had the time though.”

“That’s why I volunteered. It’ll give me a chance to spend the day with Derpy and Dinky while still taking some of the weight off of Twilight’s duty list.”

“And the others?”

“Probably not. After all, they’re all pretty busy helping get the town put in order. A million bugs to stomp as Rainbow Dash put it.”

Maria smirks. “Another town?”

“Yes, mother. It’s where Arc used to live with his family.”

Arc nods. “True. And hope to again soon. Well, goodnight Auriel. Rest well, ma’am.”

Maria nods silently as Auriel escorts Arc to the door. Laying back on the pillows she muses to herself silently.

“Arc’s… family? With ponies? Genetically that doesn’t make sense.”

She yawns and drifts off to sleep with one final thought.

“I’ll have to add it to the list of things to study. When I’m stronger, that is.”

Chapter 15 - Homecoming

Arc reappears on the sigil behind Rarity’s new shop. Looking around he grins as he muses to himself.

“Looks just the way I remember it. Well, other than the fact everything is freshly painted and new, that is.”

Walking around the side of the building to the front he pushes the shop’s door open. A bell overhead rings out as he does so. A few moments later Sassy Saddles trots in from the back room.

“How can I… oh! Hello again!”

Arc chuckles as he walks over. “It’s been a while, Sassy Saddles.”

“That it has.”

“I hope you’ve been well.”

“Oh, yes. But it’s good to be back in Ponyville.”

“Rarity mentioned a while back that you had been visiting family in Canterlot at the time of the attack.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “That I was, yes. In truth I had been in the middle of packing up to come back here when the announcement came over the radio that you had burned the town to the ground.”

“Um… you didn’t believe that though, did you?”

“Not in the least! After all, who in their right mind would torch the homes and businesses of those whom they cared about?”

“It was a plot to make me look like a monster.”

“Which is what I told my relatives when they spoke ill of you.”

Arc smiles. “Thanks for sticking up for me. It couldn’t have been easy.”

“I just told them to give you the benefit of the doubt. Most ponies didn’t back then, you know.”

“Understandable.”

“But my faith in you was well-placed, as Rarity called long distance a few days later to tell me what had really happened. Well, that and to help make my dream come true.”

“Oh?”

“She wrote a letter authorizing the Bank of Canterlot to give me access to her account.”

“But why?”

“Rarity wasn’t sure when she’d be able to come back. So the money wasn’t really doing anything but sitting there. She told me that rather than me being out of work I was to take her savings and open up a shop in Canterlot. Like I told you in the past it’s always been my dream to have my own clothing shop.”

She trots in place happily as she continues.

“But I never imagined it would be in Canterlot of all places!”

“So you found a space?”

Sassy Saddles grins. “Even better! There was an elderly tailor whom was selling his property and all the materials along with the tools of the trade!”

“Lock, stock, and barrel.”

“I made an offer and he accepted! Apparently a lot of other big names had been doing the same, but had offered a lot less than I did!”

“Trying to get things on the cheap, huh?”

“Right. They’d never been particularly successful in such a small shop and location, so I guess the stigma of such a lackluster career was thought to be associated with the building too.”

“So you’re open for business?”

“Have been for a while now. I’ve been working almost non-stop since opening too.”

Arc gasps. “That busy?!”

“Oh yes! You see, I decided to take the business in a different direction. Originally I had wanted to make clothing for the rich and powerful of Canterlot. However when I was there visiting my relatives I saw that the commoners, whom outnumbered the aristocracy ten to one, didn’t have anywhere to purchase their own outfits or have them mended affordably. So I decided to cater to them under the moniker of my new shop which I decided to name... ‘Simplicity’.”

“Nice name.”

“You should have been there when I opened up the first day. The line was literally down the street!”

“Well, it sounds like you’re doing well.”

“That I am. I’ve already made enough money to pay back Rarity’s loan with a bit of interest for her generosity.”

“What brings you here then? I mean, I thought you’d be at your shop.”

“We’re closed for a few days while I’m having some renovations made and the equipment moved. It’ll help streamline the process so I can take materials from one machine to the next one without having to walk clear across the room.”

“The old owner did that, huh?”

Sassy sighs. “It wasn’t efficient, no.

She motions with a hoof to the shop around them.

“As for why I’m here, I just wanted to come tell Rarity the good news face to face as well as help her get this new shop back in order.

She smiles slyly before continuing.

“But I think I know what brings YOU here.”

“Officially I’m on an inspection tour of the town on behalf of Princess Twilight.”

Sassy Saddles giggles. “And…?”

Arc looks away innocently. “And I thought I’d start here.”

“A likely story.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, you got me. It’s been a while since I saw Rarity due to what’s been going on lately.”

“She says things are going well between you two.”

“That they are.”

Sassy Saddles nod approvingly. “Well, I wish you both the very best. She should be back soon. Today was the first day of school after all.”

“I hope they didn’t miss too much, what with the repairs being done to the building.”

“Rarity told me earlier that this was the scheduled first day anyways.”

“That’s good.”

The door opens and Rarity trots in. She squeals happily as she sees Arc and rushes over to him.

“Glad you could make it, dear!”

“It’s good to see you, Rarity.”

“Sorry for not being here when you arrived, but I wanted to make sure Sweetie Belle got to school safely.”

Sassy Saddles joins them. “Not to worry, Rarity. I kept Arc company while he waited.”

Arc nods. “Yes, Sassy Saddles was just bringing me up to speed on what she’s been doing since the town burned down.”

“And I’m glad that my seed money could help you achieve your goals.”

“It did, yes. But I’ll get back to work putting the back room in order.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Oh, no need to do that. I’ll take care of it.”

Sassy Saddles winks at Rarity. Oh really. I thought you’d want to spend some time with your special somepony today.”

“That I would. But there’s just so much to do before I open the shop officially.”

“And I’ll take care of it for you. Come now, it’s the least I can do considering how much you taught me about sewing and efficiency.”

Arc chimes in. “At least take some time off to come with me and see the others.”

“Well… alright then, I will. But not too long.”

Sassy nods approvingly. “Take all the time you need.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thanks. And good luck with your new business, Sassy Saddles.”

The mare waves after them as they turn. “Goodbye!”

The pair leave the shop together. As he closes the door Arc turns to Rarity.

“Now then, where should we…?”

He is cut off as a strong magical aura pulls him behind a bush nearby. Landing on his back, Arc finds Rarity suddenly lying on top of him. She smiles seductively and plants a series of passionate kisses on his lips before pulling back and gasping for breath as she speaks.

“I’ve… been waiting to do that… for a while now.”

Arc grins. “I can tell.”

Rarity giggles. “Sorry for the rough treatment. I guess I got a little carried away.”

Arc chuckles as he sits up. “A little?”

“Okay, maybe a bit more than a little. Still, you can’t blame a mare for having pent up frustrations.”

“Guess not. But we should probably get a move on.”

“Yes, of course.”

Arc stands and helps Rarity up. Leaving the bush they compose themselves and continue down the path. Rarity looks to him.

“So where should we go first?”

“Sugar Cube Corner is closest, I believe. Should we start there?”

“Very well.”

Making the quick walk down the path they enter the newly constructed building. Pinkie sits behind the counter happily.

“Hey there you two!”

Arc throws up a hand in greeting. “Good morning, Pinkie.”

Rarity looks around. “It appears Hard Hat did a wonderful job rebuilding over here.”

“Yup! Everything is brand spanking new!”

Arc nods. “It looks great!”

Rarity gestures with a hoof. “Arc’s here to make sure everything’s up to par for Twilight.”

Pinkie gasps. “Is she going to come?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. However, Princess Luna will be coming for the official dedication this evening to make a speech.”

Rarity grimaces. “Princess… Luna?”

“Yes. Is something wrong?”

Pinkie nods. “Kinda! You see, Rainbow…!”

Rarity uses her magic to stuff a cupcake into Pinkie’s mouth to cut her off as she pushes Arc toward the door.

“Well, I can see everything here is just right. Let’s move on now, Arc.”

Arc raising an eyebrow. “Yeah… okay.”

Leaving the building, Arc turns to Rarity.

“You want to tell me what that was all about?”

Rarity sighs. “It’s a bit of a... personal matter between Rainbow Dash and Princess Luna. Pay it no mind, my dear.”

“They have a fight, or something?”

“It’s… complicated. Best to leave it alone for now.”

“Very well. As long as it doesn’t cause problems I’ll let it go.”

“Where to next?”

“How about Sweet Apple Acres?”

Rarity shrugs. “We don’t actually have to go up there. Decimus and his forces didn’t touch the house, barn, or the surrounding orchards.”

“Probably didn’t want to make the trip to burn down just one house.”

“Hard Hat did do some maintenance as a bit of goodwill from Canterlot though. While it doesn’t make up for the Apple family having to flee their home with the rest of us…”

Arc interrupts. “Oh, so work WAS done up there?”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Some paint and minor repairs, yes.”

“Well then, I’d best head up there and make sure they did a good job then.”

Rarity giggles. “You want to see Applejack, huh?”

“Yeah. We really bonded during our time in the Celestial Realm.”

“She said as much. Frankly the rest of us were a bit jealous of that.”

“Is that going to be a problem?”

“Oh no, no, no! Think of it more as… as friendly jealously than anything malicious.”

She stops walking as Arc turns around to look at her.

“Really?”

Rarity nods. “Honestly, yes. But… we would all like to experience what she did. Have a longer cohabitation period. More one-on-one time.

“I’d like that too. We can talk about it with the others tonight at the dedication ceremony.”

Rarity nods as they continue on. “That would probably be for the best.”

Leaving town, they come to the orchard. All the buildings appear freshly painting including the house. Applejack spots them and walks over.

“Hey there, you two.”

Arc smiles at her. “Hi, Applejack.”

Rarity looks around at the work done. “Good morning.”

Applejack turns to Arc. “Here to inspect us?”

Arc nods. “Just the work. Looks good.”

Rarity giggles. “Hard Hat and his stallions do good work.”

“Any complaints, Applejack?”

Applejack looks away as she speaks. “Well… there is one little thing.”

“Oh?”

“It’s our loft in the barn.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Is something wrong with it?”

“Kinda. Might wanna take a look at it, Arc.”

“Alright.”

Rarity steps forward. “We’ll all just pop on over to…”

She stops as she sees Applejack shake her head slightly.

“…on second thought, I think I’ll stay right here. Don’t want to get my hooves all muddy.”

Arc shrugs. “Suit yourself, Rarity.”

Applejack calls out over her shoulder. “Don’t worry. We won’t be long.”

Making the quick walk to the barn, Applejack opens the door for Arc and leads him inside. Arc turns to her and smiles.

“So what seems to be the problem?”

“Like I said, it’s in the loft. Care to give me a boost up there?”

“Sure.”

Holding out a hand, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell. Levitating Applejack up to the loft, he Blinks his way up into the overhead space before turning to his hostess.

“Now then… what was the…?”

Arc is cut off as Applejack tackles him. The pair fall into the straw as she locks lips with him momentarily before looking deeply into his eyes seductively.

“You weren’t in it, sugarcube.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I am now.”

“That you are.”

Wrapping her hooves around his neck, she closes her eyes and inhales deeply before speaking again.

“This barn smell is the best scent in the world to me. It’s always been my favorite place to come and just… be alone.”

“We all just need to be by ourselves sometimes.”

“True. But I think I mentioned my fantasy to you when we were in the Celestial Realm.”

Arc looks away with mock confusion. “Did you now? Which one was that?”

Applejack grins seductively. “The one where I told you I wanted to lose my virginity in the barn.”

“Yes, I do remember you saying that.”

Applejack licks her lips and puts a hoof on her backside. “I meant every word. So whenever you’re ready to do the deed, so is my flank.”

Arc strokes her mane. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Applejack lays her head on Arc’s chest and nods happily.

“I know you will, Arc. And I know that you’ll keep your word to make me yours one day.”

“You, Rarity, and Derpy, yes.”

“Looking forward to it. Even if it means I have to wear a dress.”

“Not much for such things, are you?”

“Never have been.”

“You don’t have to, you know.”

Applejack looks up at him, confused. “But I want to look my best for you.”

“You already do.”

“But I’m all sweaty, my mane’s not done, my hooves are dirty, and my hat…”

Arc interrupts her. “…all look fine to me.”

“How can you say that?”

“Because I’m not marrying you for your looks, Applejack. While you are quite beautiful to me, I’m more interested in your heart than your body.”

“Well, that’s not why I’m interested in you.”

“Oh?”

Applejack sits up and looks him in the eye. “I’m interested in your heart, mind, AND body!”

Pressing her frame against Arc’s, Applejack locks lips with him again. They continue kissing for some time before Arc eventually pulls back.

“Sorry to cut this short, but I need to get moving.”

Applejack sighs. “Lots more to see?”

Arc nods as he stands. “Yeah. I’m supposed to inspect every building in town. Or at the very least talk to everyone about their homes.”

“That could take all day.”

“If not longer.”

“Then I won’t keep you any longer, sugarcube.”

She rolls off of him and stands up. Arc does the same and looks to her.

“May I give you a ride down to the floor, miss?”

Applejack grins. “Why, yes. Thank you good sir.”

Kneeling down, Arc picks Applejack up and Blinks them both to the floor below. Setting her down gently he takes her hoof and smiles.

“There you are, miss. Safely on the ground.”

Applejack giggles. “My hero!”

They kiss one last time before Arc stands up and bows respectfully.

“May I request your company at this evening’s festivities?”

Applejack nods. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Arc laughs as he opens the barn door with a wave of his hand. “Good. I’ll see you and the others there.”

They head back toward the path where Rarity is waiting patiently for them. She looks to Applejack before speaking.

“Was Arc able to fix your loft for you, Applejack?”

Applejack nods slyly. “It’s a temporary fix, but yes.”

Rarity smirks. “I can see that.”

Her horn aglow, she levitates a few pieces of hay out of Arc’s hair and from his outfit. Applejack sighs.

“Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, Applejack.”

Arc looks to Rarity before continuing.

“After all, you weren’t the first to tackle me today.”

Rarity giggles nervously and turns away. Applejack walks over and puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder.

“It’s okay, Rarity. After all, the heart wants what it wants, right?”

“That is true, yes. Now then, we’ll see you and the rest of the Apple family this evening, right?”

Applejack nods. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Arc smiles. “Good. See you then.”

Arc and Rarity head back the way they came as Applejack waves after them. As she turns to walk back to her chores Applejack groans as she swishes her backside with her tail.

“Sure hope Arc didn’t smell that. Can’t believe I started leaking a bit!”

She grins slyly before continuing.

“On second thought... I kinda hope he did.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rarity head back down the path together. Rarity nods down a nearby path.

“Fluttershy’s cottage is nearby. While there wasn’t any damage or work done on it I imagine you’d still like to pop in and say ‘hello’.”

“That I would, yes.”

Turning, they head down the path. Arriving at the earthen cottage the pair spot Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sitting outside talking. They grin and walk over as Rainbow Dash calls out.

“Hey there, handsome!”

“Hi, Rainbow Dash. Good morning, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Welcome back!”

Rarity turns to Fluttershy. “I was told that your cottage wasn’t harmed in any way. But Arc did want to come by and see you, Fluttershy.”

“See… me?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Hey! What about me?!”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “How do you expect him to visit you? By flying The Equinox into your Living Room?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m guessing that would blow it away. However in all seriousness, I was planning to visit you next, Rainbow Dash.”

“You… you were?”

“Sure.”

Fluttershy gasps. “How though?”

“By Blinking up there. After casting that cloud walking spell on myself, that is. It was kinda going to be a surprise.”

“Just drop in sometime. I’ll show you around my place.”

She grins slyly before continuing.

“We’ll start with the bedroom.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “But wouldn’t he see that Main Hall first?”

Rainbow Dash facehoofs. “Yes… yes, he would.”

“That and what would you even show him in your…”

The mare stops talking and blushes heavily. Rainbow Dash groans.

“Get it now, Flutters?”

“Y-yes. But I thought Rarity…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts. “It was a joke! Jeez! Sometimes you are just way too innocent.”

Fluttershy turns to Arc. “If you’d like a tour of my house, you need only ask.”

“Um… thanks.”

“I’d actually like you to see my bathroom.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Your what?”

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t remember seeing anything special in there though.”

Fluttershy walks over to Arc and puts a hoof on his hand. “We could continue where we left off that night in the hotel room.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “Wha?!”

“You know… where we were lying there cuddling and I offered to go all the way with you. I did want to have some fun in the tub then too, of course. But it was late and we were both tired.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Are you SERIOUS?!”

Fluttershy smiles. “Yes, Rainbow Dash. I would like Arc and I to shower together… and more.”

Arc nods. “I… I’d like that too, Fluttershy.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Now wait just a minute here! When do I get MY turn?!”

Rarity ignores Rainbow Dash and looks to Fluttershy. “Might I join you two?”

“Oh, yes. The more the merrier.”

Rainbow Dash rears up on her back hooves. “What about ME?!”

Rarity looks to her. “I don’t think we could all fit, dear.”

Fluttershy shrugs. “You could go another time.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Come ON! Let me in on the action!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “But didn’t Arc spend the better part of a week staying with you in your parent’s house?”

Arc nods. “Yes. What about it.”

Fluttershy pouts. “Rarity and I have each only had one date with him. You had a week.”

“But that was at my PARENT’S HOUSE! I’m not doing anything sexual THERE!!!”

Rarity waves a hoof dismissively.” Well, you had your chance.”

Fluttershy smiles hungrily. “Yes. And now we’re prepared to have ours.”

Rarity licks her lips. “Arc could use a good cleaning after what transpired in front of my shop.”

Rainbow Dash’s pupils shrink. “In front of your… what HAPPENED?!”

Rarity giggles. “About the same thing that Applejack and Arc did a short while ago in the barn most likely.”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she looks to Arc. “What’d you do?!”

Arc shrugs. “We just rolled around in the hay for a few minutes.”

Fluttershy smirks. “Just rolling?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… we did do a lot of kissing. And I mean A LOT of it!”

Rainbow Dash gasps, her eyes wide. “I never got to do THAT!”

Rarity shakes her head. “It sounds like you have some catching up to do then, Rainbow Dash.”

Fluttershy swishes her friend’s face with her tail. “Yes. Good luck with that.”

Rainbow Dash just stands there, her mouth agape. For a few moments no one speaks. Finally Fluttershy bursts out laughing. Rarity follows suit a few moments later as Arc too chuckles.

“What the…? What’s so funny?”

Rarity points a hoof. “You are!”

“Me?!”

Fluttershy nods heartily. “Yes. You thought I was just so sweet and innocent. So I just wanted to play a little joke on you.”

Rarity walks over and puts a hoof around Fluttershy. “She told me earlier to just kinda go with whatever was said. I never dreamed she’d go this far though.”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “I was kinda surprised Arc went along with it as long as he did.”

“I kinda had the feeling you two were up to something. After all, you wouldn’t normally shut out a friend from something like this.”

Rarity smiles. “True. But thank you for playing along so well, dear.”

Rainbow Dash grins and blushes. “Okay, okay. You two got me. But how much of that was true, Fluttershy?”

“Pretty much all of it actually. Well, other than me wanting to get Arc into my bathroom right now. I know he’s busy.”

“And the whole hotel thing?”

“That did happen, yes.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, we cuddled and then went right to sleep.”

“…oh.”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Honestly, you can be so… so vindictive, Rainbow Dash!”

“Hey! I just want a piece of what everypony else is getting!”

Arc chuckles. “And you will when we go out, Rainbow Dash.”

“All right! Wait! When though?!”

“Not really sure. I’m really busy with trying to help my friend back on Earth.”

“Oh… okay. Well… let me know when you have some extra time. I’ll be ready.”

“Looking forward to it.”

Rarity turns to Arc. “Well, we should start the inspection of the town now.”

“Yes I suppose so.”

He turns to Rainbow Dash before speaking.

“Think about what you’d like to do on our date.”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “No problem! I’ve got a million ideas!”

Rarity giggles. “Try to narrow them down then.”

Arc turns to leave. “Take care you two.”

Fluttershy waves as they walk away. “See you tonight.”

Rainbow Dash waves until the pair are out of sight. She then turns to Fluttershy.

“You gotta help me, Flutters!”

“With what?”

“Figuring out what to do on that date!”

“You want me to help you narrow down a short list of the best ideas?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head fervently. “No, no, no! I need you to help me THINK of something!”

“But you just told them…”

“I know what I said! It wasn’t until Arc told me that we’d be going out soon that it hit me that I have absolutely NO CLUE what we should do!”

“Well… you could start with dinner.”

“Where though?!”

“Um… how about the local…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts her. “I can’t go to that place on a DATE! It has to be special!”

“We don’t really have anything else in Ponyville though.”

Rainbow Dash trots in place nervously. “What am I going to DO?!”

“How about just letting Arc take the lead then?”

“Take the lead?”

Fluttershy nods. “Let him pick out where you two go. He won’t make you do anything you don’t like. That I’m sure of.”

“But then he’ll know I didn’t really have anything planned!”

Fluttershy sighs. “Be honest with him. You know that’s what he’ll expect.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Honesty, huh?”

“Rainbow Dash?”

“All I have to do is figure out what HE likes and suggest we do THAT!”

“Well, I suppose that would be nice. But what about…?”

“He’ll have such a good time that he’ll forget all about Princess Luna!”

Fluttershy sighs. “Are you still thinking about that?”

“Think about it this way! If I can show him the time of his life it won’t matter that I didn’t have anything planned! All he’ll see is that he’s having the best time EVER!”

Fluttershy shakes her head as Rainbow Dash takes flight. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 17 - Family Ties

Arc awakens early the next morning. Looking out the window at the early morning light he sighs contentedly and looks to the mare lying next to him. Derpy slowly opens her eyes as she raises her head.

“Arc?”

“Yes, Derpy?”

“I… um… thank you… for last night.”

Arc strokes her mane. “It was my pleasure.”

“It was really nice what you did for me.”

“Nothing anyone else wouldn’t have done given the circumstances.”

“Nevertheless, I do appreciate you putting Dinky and I to bed.”

Arc chuckles. “It was nice for me too.”

There is a small knock at the bedroom door. Arc turns to it and calls out.

“Come in!”

The door opens and Dinky trots inside. Hopping up on the bed she giggles happily.

“Good morning mom and dad!”

Derpy pats her daughter’s head. “Somepony’s in a good mood today.”

Arc grins at the filly. “You must’ve had more fun yesterday than I thought you would.”

“I did, yes. But I’m more happy that we’re all home again together.”

Arc chuckles as he swings his legs over the side of the bed. “We’ll see how long that lasts this time.”

“I’m sure mom enjoyed it too!”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I did. Arc sleeping next to me just makes me feel so… so…”

Dinky cuts in. “Secure?”

“That’s the word.”

Arc rests his chin on Derpy’s head playfully. “Glad to help.”

“Um… dad?”

“Yes sweetheart?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Is everypony okay with you spending more time with mom?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I talked it over with them and they understand that Derpy needs some extra care. As do you.”

Dinky giggles. “I just like having you home.”

“That and it’s not like I’m neglecting them. I saw the others yesterday while you and your mother were at the orphanage.”

Derpy grins approvingly. “A wise use of the time.”

“But I thought you were supposed to be inspecting the work done on the town.”

Arc shrugs as he stands up. “I did both.”

“Well, we should hurry up and get a move on, Dinky.”

“You two don’t eat breakfast at home anymore, Derpy?”

Dinky shakes her head. “We got out of the habit of doing that in Abyssinia.”

Derpy shrugs. “Living in a barracks does that.”

“Mom and I just kinda eat while we’re cooking now.”

Arc sighs. “We’ll that’s a shame.”

Derpy hops out of bed and stretches. “So what are your plans for the day, Arc?”

“I was going to pop back over to the castle and see how Mio and Hammer are doing first thing.”

Dinky appears concerned. “Is Miss Hammer’s sister doing okay?”

“She was improving last I saw her, yes.”

Derpy smiles. “That’s good. I’m sure it’s a load off Hammer’s mind too.”

“Yeah. After that I need to see if Auriel’s mom figured anything out from those papers I got for them.”

“Do you really think she can help Miss Shelly, dad?”

“I sure hope so, sweetheart.”

A short time later Derpy and Dinky head out the door. Arc waves after them as they turn and waves back.

“Bye dad!”

“We’ll see you for supper hopefully!”

“Have a nice day you two!”

As they disappear down the path Arc closes the door behind himself. Calling forth his gauntlet he opens a portal and steps through. Reappearing back in his room in the castle Arc heads to the bathroom. After taking a quick shower, combing his hair, and brushing his teeth (while not expressly mentioned in the past, yes he has been doing that regularly) Arc heads for the Infirmary. He spots Doctor Whooves leaving the semi-private area and motions for him to follow him into the office. Once the door is closed Arc turns to the doctor.

“How are things going in there?”

“The patient is growing stronger by the day, sir. She’s been able to get up and walk around as of yesterday.”

“And the infection?”

“Almost knocked out completely by the medicine.”

“That’s good. And Hammer?”

“She’s hardly left her sister’s side since arriving with her. However she did have some complaints.”

“Oh?”

“She didn’t really approve of sponge baths for Mio, since her sister is apparently a bit of a… how should I say this…? A neat freak.”

“Mio is?”

“Yes. So Hammer has been helping her sister to the toilet so she doesn’t need to use a bedpan. That and she insisted on showering her as well.”

“Sounds like a lot of work.”

“Nurse Redheart oversaw the showering the first time on my orders. Safety first, after all.”

“Any problems?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “None at all. Lieutenant Hammer simply turned on the shower, carried Mio into the bathroom, set her on the toilet, pulled off her hospital gown, and carried her into the shower. She couldn’t figure out a way not to get wet herself so naturally Hammer was soaked before stepping back.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, at least she was in a good place to get changed.”

“I thought so as well. However Redheart told me that Hammer simply stripped down to nothing and got into the shower with Mio.”

“So she bathed her too?”

“Indeed. Redheart was a bit surprised at first but later told me that she enjoyed the firsthoof experience.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Experience?”

“The situation allowed her to further examine a female human’s body. For educational purposes only, I assure you.”

“Mio was okay with that, right?”

“Oh yes, very much so. In fact it started a very in-depth conversation between the two regarding the differences and similarities between human and equine anatomy.”

Doctor Whooves chuckles as he continues.

“I wondered what was taking so long in there. That shower took well over an hour, after all.”

“Well, as long as the job got done and everyone was satisfied.”

“Hammer may have been a bit upset about the length of time she was in there though. But Redheart, satisfied that she was capable of safely handling her sick sister, allowed future showers without supervision. That led to much shorter times.”

“Good. “

“Mio also had a request for certain literature after that. However we weren’t sure if we were allowed to grant it.”

“I’ll talk to her about it. Now then, as long as we’re here, how’s Maria Knowles doing?”

“Recovering nicely as well. I allowed her to get out of bed yesterday and do a bit of walking around with her husband and daughter.”

“So how long until she’s fully recovered?”

“A day. Maybe two. However she’s the ultimate judge of that.”

“I’ll go see her after talking with Mio and Hammer.”

“Sir? Might I speak to you freely?”

“Um… certainly. What is it?”

“The lieutenant informed me that you still have not told Mio your true identity.”

Arc looks away nervously. “No. She’s… not fond of me.”

“But she appears very happy when you’re here.”

“Only in my armor. She doesn’t understand that the Hero from Earth is actually Arc.”

“I figured as much when you told Redheart and I to refer to you by your title around her. However I don’t believe putting that off will help anypony.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I know. But before I left the matter alone since she was sick. I’ll get with Hammer soon and try to figure out a way to break the news to her gently.”

“We’ll do our part to keep up the ruse going, sir. However please understand the we aren’t infallible, nor is Hammer. The longer this goes on the higher the chances of somepony making a mistake.”

“It won’t be much longer.”

“And the more upset she’ll be with both you and her sister.”

Arc groans as he calls forth his armor. “Point taken.”

The pair leave the office together. Arc heads for Mio’s bed as the doctor busies himself elsewhere. He finds Hammer and Mio eating breakfast.

“Good morning you two.”

Hammer grins. “Hey! How was the party?!”

“It went okay. Well, other than Filthy Rich showing up and wanting his will to be done.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Filthy Rich?”

Hammer frowns. “I know him! He’s the lout that didn’t want to wait his turn for an audience a while back!”

Mio turns to Arc. “So this individual is a… pony?”

“An Earth Pony, yes. He’s a very wealthy individual whom doesn’t have much in the way of social skills or manners.”

Hammer chuckles. “I took care of him though.”

“What did you do?”

“Executed your standing orders and tossed him in the dungeon for a few hours.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I don’t recall giving that order.”

“Really? Remember when Twilight took over and you threatened to do that to anyone whom got out of line?”

“Vaguely, yes.”

“Well, Colonel Flash Sentry took it as being your will and made it a standing order in your name.”

Arc shrugs. “Oh well. I’m sure he deserved it.”

“It kinda worked out. When word got out that he of all stallions was in the dungeon, the rest of the nobles were more careful to mind their manners.”

Mio giggles. “They must’ve understood that this new leader wouldn’t be intimidated. However I’d still like to meet them.”

Hammer grimaces. “Maybe when you’re stronger.”

Arc nods. “And when there’s time. Twilight’s a very busy mare, after all.”

Mio smiles at Arc. “You must be too.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I haven’t seen you in a couple days. It seemed like you had forgotten all about me.”

Hammer groans. “Come off it, Mio! I told you that the Hero’s a busy guy too! He can’t just drop everything to come and see you!”

“Sorry about that. However I am here now. Oh, and the doctor said you had some kind of request, Mio.”

“Yes. I’d like to read some of the book on this land’s way of doing things.”

Hammer shrugs as she looks to Arc. “I don’t get it either.”

“Hammer gave me a rudimentary lesson on the comings and goings of this country. However I’d still like to know more about the history of this land. That and read about pony anatomy.”

“The doctor told me you had a very long shower while talking to the nurse about it recently.”

Mio nods. “I learned a lot. However there are a number of rather embarrassing questions that I’d rather read about than ask.”

Hammer looks to him. “How about it, Hero? Can she get some books from the Royal Library?”

“Fine. Just be sure the courier fetching them realizes that the reader does not have any Equestrian security clearance.”

“I’ll make a special point about it, yes.”

Mio appears happy at this. “Thank you, sir. I do appreciate all you’ve done for me. Recently and in the past, I mean.”

“Think nothing of it, Mio. After all, it’s sorta our fault what happened to you.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “I blame Brightwing for that!”

“Well, you can’t exactly go after her now. But in any case, was there anything else you needed, Mio?”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but…”

She looks away, blushing, before continuing.

“I’d… like some alone time with you. After I’ve healed, I mean.”

Hammer frowns. “What for?”

“Just to say a few things that I’d like kept between us.”

Arc nods. “When there’s time, yes. However when that will be is unknown to me at this time.”

“Don’t worry. I’m patient.”

Hammer chuckles. “You’d better be. This guy is always busy with something or other.”

Arc pats her foot through the blanket. “You just focus on getting better, okay?”

Mio nods. “I will, yes.”

“And don’t stay up too late reading. I already have two friends here that do that far too often.”

Hammer grins. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“Thanks, Hammer.”

“But could I see you outside for a minute? I need to talk to you about something regarding security measures.”

“Sure.”

The pair head out into the corridor. Arc turns to Hammer as they round a corner.

“So what did you want to say?”

“Just this.”

Stepping forward, Hammer whips his helmet off, raises his mask, and plants a passionate kiss on Arc’s lips before lowering the mask and plopping the helmet back on his head.

“Thanks for the talk.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t mention it.”

“But seriously, you need to come clean with Mio about who you really are.”

“Doctor Whooves already said the same.”

“I’m serious! You don’t understand just how much she talks about you!”

“The big thing is that she be well enough to do so.”

“That’s coming very soon according to the doctor.”

“I’ll have to think about the scenario in which I level with Mio then. Try to ease her into it.”

“Want my help?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably wouldn’t hurt.”

Hammer grins. “You come up with a plan and I’ll help you make it happen.”

“Thanks Hammer.”

Hammer turns and looks over her shoulder as she winks. “Don’t mention it, tiger.”

The young woman returns to the Infirmary as Arc heads down the corridor toward Auriel’s room. He arrives just as a Hoof Maiden leaves pushing a cart. She bows respectfully as he recalls his armor.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Hello. Um… did they just finish eating?”

“Yes they did, sir. Miss Auriel requested breakfast over two hours ago though.”

“Why so early?”

The Hoof Maiden shrugs. “I have no idea, sir. But we received the request for food and filled it immediately.”

“Good work then.”

She bows again respectfully before walking away with the cart. Arc turns to the door and knocks lightly. A few moments later Auriel answers. Her hair is unkempt and there are bags under her eyes.

“Auriel?!”

Auriel yawns. “Good morning, Arc.”

“Have you been up all night?!”

“Pretty much, yes. Won’t you come in?”

Auriel steps aside to allow Arc to enter. He sees papers strewn over the bedspread and Maria looking over a clipboard. She appears to be going over her notes as Arc walks over to her.

“Good morning.”

Maria does not look up from her work. “Is it already?”

Auriel sighs. “I told you that when breakfast arrived, mother.”

“Hm?”

Arc facepalms. “For the love of… have you been up all night too?!”

Maria nods as she writes. “Apparently, yes. Although I think I dozed off at one point.”

Auriel groans. “We both did. Father coming back from his evening conference woke us up though.”

Arc looks around. “And where is the king?”

Maria sighs. “He popped out for more breakfast.”

“Well, he has always had a healthy appetite, mother.”

“That I can attest to.”

Maria stops writing and looks to Arc before continuing.

“However I don’t believe you came here to talk about my husband’s dietary idiosyncrasies.”

“You’re right. Any word on those papers?”

Maria pats a stack of notes on the nightstand. “Starting with the subject known as John Smith, also known as Bloodletter… it would appear he was injected with a failed prototype of mine.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Yours, mother?”

Maria nods. “Yes. I knew it was too unstable and unpredictable for practical use. That’s why I labeled it a failure and moved on to different projects.”

“Can he be cured?”

“Indeed. In fact, I’ve just finished formulating the mixture that will purge the toxin from his body.”

Auriel appears nervous. “And the method of administration?”

“A simple injection.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s it?”

Maria nods. “When you are the one whom originally created something, countering it is that much easier.”

“Makes sense. But what about Shelly, mother?”

Maria sighs and looks to Auriel before speaking.

“Would you please help me up, dear?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Auriel does so as her mother motions to the nearby table.

“Why don’t we sit down? It’ll make this easier.”

Arc frowns. “Um… okay.”

As they walk over to the table Maria looks to Auriel.

“I am glad to see that you’ve grown into a fine young woman, my dear.”

“Does this mean you’re proud of me, mother?”

Maria smiles. “Yes indeed. However we can talk more about your accomplishments later.”

Auriel helps her mother sit down as she looks to Arc.

“I was telling mother about essence extraction and my artificial sun last night.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Very impressive feats.”

“That they are. I’d like to know more about these things later. However right now we have work to do.”

Arc frowns. “Work?”

“First though you’ll need a bit of context regarding the Ascension Program.”

“I thought we were going to talk about Arc’s friend Shelly, mother.”

“We will, my dear. Trust me.”

Turning back to Arc, she continues.

“The program was started under the orders of General Mustang as a way of moving beyond what was currently possible.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What does THAT mean?”

“The general believed mankind was capable of so much more than we were currently accomplishing. However, he thought us limited by so many external sources.”

Auriel gasps. “But mankind has so many wonderful things!”

“Indeed. But we can always be more than we currently are. Originally the Ascension program’s goal was to be able to readily infuse subjects with the gift of magic. However, as I told you previously, this at the time was a long and drawn out process.”

“So you’re saying it was possible but not efficient, mother?”

Maria nods. “Or cost effective. The general knew that a new method would have to be found if he was going to be able to change the world.”

Arc frowns. “So he wanted to give everyone on Earth magic?!”

“That was the plan, yes. However to accomplish that, not only would every person need to undergo such treatments to use magic but so would every future born person.”

Auriel puts a hang on her chin thoughtfully. “So he wanted you to figure out a way to give humans magic without the standard treatments… how exactly?”

“I presented him with a theory. If we could use nanotechnology to infuse a subject internally with magical based chemicals the time to Ascend would be cut from years to weeks. While not a perfect idea, it was a step in the right direction.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “The Shards!”

Auriel gasps. “Arc? Are you saying…?”

“Yes! Frank and his guys were down there for some time!”

Maria frowns. “In Damocles Base?!”

Arc nods. “Diva kidnapped them. When discovered during a recon mission they were inside glass tubes with some kind of green liquid.”

“Tell me more about this liquid.”

Auriel pipes up. “Arc brought some back for analysis. It somehow provided nutrients to the subject via transdermal transfer.”

“Were they conscious?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. All of them were out cold the whole time.”

“Probably so that all their energy could go into Ascending. But how are they doing?”

“Um… fine, I guess.”

“So the process was successful?”

“Yes, mother. They had issues with controlling their powers originally. But Arc was able to help them with that.”

Maria grimaces. “That means Rieper is further along than I originally thought.”

“Well, he has had years to do so. But getting back to Shelly…”

“I’m coming to that. Back then there was the issue on how to test our theories. For safety’s sake we used animals at first. However it was clear that eventually we would have to move on to human trials. I suspected something was amiss in this regard, as every time it was brought up Rieper would say that we just weren’t ready yet.”

“Could he just have been erring on the side of caution, mother?”

“Had it been anyone else I would have thought so, yes. However, Rieper was not known for safety in his methodology. ‘Progress over all else’ was his motto. At the time I thought him to simply be trying to make a name for himself. However it turned out that wasn’t the case.”

Arc groans. “He had ulterior motives?”

“That he did. Do you remember when I told you how I was to help Rieper in his lab?”

Auriel nods soberly. “And he betrayed you?”

“Yes. Well, that wasn’t the entire story.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You left something out?”

“One detail, yes. You see, I arrived early that day. Partially because I’m very punctual. But also to see if I could figure out what he was really up to. So I booted up his experiment data and skimmed it. In the few minutes I had to look it over I found results from a very strange entry. Unbeknownst to everyone else, he was actively performing experiments on his own daughter.”

Arc clenches a fist. “You don’t mean…?!”

Maria looks Arc in the eye and nods soberly before responding.

“Shelly.”

Preface - Volume 49 - Family

In our previous volume, Arc returns to Equestria to get medical help. Going to the Infirmary, he knocks on Doctor Whooves’ quarter’s door. Reluctant to leave, Arc muses that he doesn’t know where Redheart is as she’s on leave. Stepping forward behind the doctor, Redheart reveals herself. Ignoring the fact that he inadvertently caught the pair in bed together, Arc orders Redheart to accompany him back to Earth. She examines Maria and determines that the young woman is lacking nutrition and requires rest. Moving on to Mio, Redheart’s preliminary examination finds her to be very ill and recommends immediate medical care in an approved facility. Not willing to turn either patient over to a human hospital, Arc orders them moved to the Canterlot Castle Infirmary. After bedding them down Redheart asks to speak to him in private. Moving to the doctor’s office, she admits that what she and Doctor Whooves were doing tarnishes Arc’s name and station. Volunteering to resign, Arc not only stops her but announces that he will allow the relationship to continue aboard The Equinox.

Leaving the Infirmary, Arc muses over whom to fetch. Deciding to flip a coin, it miraculously spins and stops on its side. Choosing Auriel, he makes his way to her room. Carefully walking toward the bed, he trips over a bottle and narrowly misses slamming into Auriel on the bed. Opening her eyes, Auriel believes Arc to be coming on to her and throws back the bedsheets to show her naked body. Asking to see the badge belonging to her mother, Auriel hands it over. Looking at it for a time, Arc tells Auriel to get up and get dressed. Leaving the room the pair head down the corridor together. Asking about his trip to Earth, Auriel notes that he smells heavily of Derpy. Assuring him that she is not jealous of that fact, they come to the Infirmary. Telling Auriel of Brightwing’s antics back on Earth he allows her to see the young woman. Looking her over for a time, Auriel pulls out the badge and compares the images for a time. Asking to hear about her mother’s condition Arc calls for Whooves and Redheart. Telling her that all her mother needs at the moment is rest, they leave to give the pair some privacy. Mentioning that Mio is in the next room, Auriel becomes upset when Arc mentions waiting until morning to notify Hammer. She convinces Arc that Hammer needs to know immediately.

Heading to Hammer’s room, Arc knocks. Answering the door, Hammer is upset until she sees whom the late night visitor is. Asking her to take a walk with him, Hammer grabs her boots and officer’s jacket before heading out the door. As they walk she tells Arc of a camping trip from hell she was on years ago. It ends with her naked, cold, and injured. Upset by the parallels from Mio’s own situation, Arc confesses to Hammer about her sister’s condition. Hurrying to the Infirmary, they come to Mio’s bedside. Arc tells Hammer of what happened before giving the pair some privacy. Hammer talks to Mio and is able to make contact with her subconscious. Taking her sister’s hand, Hammer tells her that she’s no longer alone.

Sometime later Mio awakens. Hammer asks how she is doing before becoming overbearing. Arc enters the curtained off area in his armor to see the pair. Explaining to Mio that the inhabitants of the land are fully sentient equines, he calls for Doctor Whooves. Walking over to the patient, the doctor explains to Mio the circumstances leading to her symptoms. Prescribing bedrest, the doctor leaves to call Flash Sentry regarding Hammer’s guard duty of her sister. Arc heads to the Dining Room to inform Twilight of the previous night’s activities. She and her friends are equally split over what to do about Mio and Brightwing. Suggesting that Luna be brought in to act as an intermediary, she is told the tale. Suggesting that Mio be deported and Brightwing imprisoned, Luna continues by saying that they should follow Arc’s suggestion of allowing Mio to stay. She also agrees with Arc that Brightwing needs to be allowed to wake up before any action should be taken against her. However Luna asks only that no one breathe a word about either subject to her sister.

As the meal finishes Luna asks to speak to Arc privately. Opening a portal she and Arc leave the room. Rainbow Dash voices her concerns that Luna is trying to take Arc all for herself. Several of the herdies (we’re going with that term now) initially listen to her before agreeing with Ember that Arc is loyal to them and the herd. Meanwhile, Arc and Luna appear in her room. Sitting down, she admits to having felt romantically attracted to Twilight for a time. Talking her through it, Arc convinces Luna that what she felt was not love, but a deep feeling of friendship. Recommending that she try to foster these feelings with Twilight, Arc suggests the pair spend more time together and become closer. Worried that she may inadvertently come between Arc and Twilight, he admits that should such a thing happen he would wish them well. As he prepares to leave, Arc’s earring chirps. Doctor Whooves informs him that Auriel’s mother is beginning to awaken and that she requests that he be there when she does so. Hurrying out the door the pair part ways. As Luna walks away she is watched by Rainbow Dash whom is still convinced that the princess is trying to split Arc up from her and the others.

Arc hurries toward the Infirmary. Spotting the doctor and nurse outside the curtain he passes them to find Auriel next to the bed. Telling him that she wants him to be the first thing her mother sees, Auriel joins the medical staff outside the curtain. Awakening, the woman is groggy but able to respond. She confirms that she is indeed Maria Knowles, Auriel’s mother. Asking for her baby to be brought to her, Arc tries to stall her by insisting that they see to her eyesight first. Calling for the doctor, he examines her and prescribes some eyedrops. After administering them, the doctor leaves as Maria’s eyesight clears. Seeing the room for the first time clearly, Maria acknowledges that they are not in a familiar place and demands to know where she is. Arc confesses that she is in Equestria. After telling Maria that she is not a prisoner the woman attempts to leave. Being too weak to get up, she begins to have trouble. Auriel rushes toward the bed to help her mother. Recognizing her daughter, Maria questions how she grew up so ‘fast’. Telling her mother that she vanished over twenty years ago, Maria lies down to rest. Auriel and Arc leave the curtained area together. Asking him to notify her father, Auriel gives Arc the badge as a sign that his mission is of great importance. Taking a sigil to the Great Demon Kingdom, Arc approaches the palace. Showing the guards the badge he is escorted in to see the king. Approaching the desk, Arc tells Malevolence that Maria has been found. Returning to Canterlot Castle with him, the king asks for more information regarding his wife.

As they arrive at the Infirmary, King Malevolence and Auriel embrace. They tell him all they know about his wife’s condition. Leaving them to check on Mio and Hammer, Arc learns that Mio is interested in learning more about equine culture. Having waited for his approval, Arc gives Hammer permission to give Mio the books she desires. Departing with Hammer as Nurse Redheart comes to give her a physical, they head to the doctor’s private office to speak. Hammer and Arc talk about what to do with Mio when she recovers. Suggesting that her sister may need to be imprisoned, Arc tells her that the choice is up to her. Returning to Auriel and her father, Arc learns the truth behind how Auriel was actually conceived.

Arc leaves as Maria begins to stir. Awakening, she looks to her husband for confirmation that the girl before her really is Auriel. Telling them of how she came to become the creature known as Brightwing, Maria admits that all she wanted to do was to give the king and Auriel her very best. However, as Auriel mentions the name ‘Arc’, her mother suddenly becomes very agitated. She passes out shortly thereafter and has to be sedated. Auriel and her father sit at her side as she sleeps from the drugs administered intravenously.

As Maria awakens she asks for Arc. Asking him how Shelly is doing, he questions how she knows that name. Stating that she wants to help the poor girl, Maria asks Arc to retrieve Shelly’s full medical records from the hospital. Left with little choice, Arc agrees to do so. Heading to the Audience Chambers, Arc meets with Twilight and Luna to inform them of the mission at hand. They give their ‘permission’ as Arc leaves for the Crystal Empire to see Rose about joining him on the mission.

Appearing outside the Crystal Palace, Arc enters and is ushered into the Audience Chamber. Telling Cadance and Shining Armor of his plans, they escort him to Rose’s tower. Seeing her sitting at a table they walk over. Arc explains the situation and asks for her help. However Rose is reluctant to join him after what happened on their previous mission to a hospital. Admitting that she knew Auriel’s experiment would explode, Rose tells the others of how she viewed her father as being above mistakes. Cadance suggests Rose go with Arc and learn about the concept of such things. She agrees and makes a suggestion to Arc regarding where they can enlist more help.

Arc and Rose return to his home on Earth. Proceeding to the basement they meet with the squad about their next moves. Splitting up to carry out tasks, Arc and Max drive to the store together. Admitting that what he did was wrong, Arc expresses a desire to make things right between Max and Shelly if the opportunity presents itself. Returning to the house sometime later they unload the car as Arc heads upstairs to make a call. Using a strange looking transdimensional telephone he calls Derpy’s house in Ponyville. Dinky answers and tells him that the move went just fine. Admitting that her mother is having trouble sleeping without her mat, Arc promises to do something about it when he returns later that day. Hanging up, Arc opens a portal and waits for Rose to return. As she does so the android questions Arc’s mood as his vitals are a bit strange. Telling her that he wants nothing more than to finish their work and retire, Rose reminds him that the solution to his problems are already known to him as they leave the bedroom together.

Entering the hospital together, Arc and Rose enter a family bathroom together. After pulling a duffel bag from above the drop ceiling, Rose pulls out scrubs. Dressing, she adjusts the wires on her body and the cameras on her person. Helping Arc get his scrubs on with the cameras, they do a check before Rose puts on a jumpsuit over her scrubs. Leaving the bathroom, Arc waits for a time before Rose does the same wearing a toolbelt and carrying the duffel bag. Following her into an elevator, she hacks the controls to allow them access to the Lower Level. Making their way down the corridor, Arc sits down at a terminal as a cover as Rose picks a lock and enters a room. Putting a USB drive into a nearby computer, Rose waits as it is hacked by the squad back at the house. They give her access to the hospital records which allows Rose to upload two personnel files. Removing the jumpsuit, Rose stuffs it and the tools into the bag and leaves the room. Setting it on the table next to Arc he takes it and covertly puts the contents into his ring before standing and following Rose into the elevator again. Heading upstairs they make their way to the proper ward and announce themselves to the nurse on duty there. Pulling up their files, she receives the ‘official’ email just in time. Assigning Rose to record the vitals of the patients in the Intensive Care Unit, the nurse then asks Arc to watch a troubled patient. Entering the room he immediately sees that the patient is none other than his old adversary, Bloodletter.

Confirming that it is indeed Bloodletter, Arc makes plans to get the nurse away from her desk. Causing a disturbance with his patient via the television, the wild man breaks through his bonds and moves to attack Arc. Taunting him with Hammer’s name, the man lunges at Arc. Blinking out of the way, Bloodletter inadvertently presses the panic button on the wall. The nurse orders Rose to take her place at the nurses station as she and security move to assist Arc. As she does so Rose downloads the files on Shelly and Bloodletter. Helping security sedate Bloodletter, Arc makes up a story about sneezing to explain what happened to set the man off. Going on break, he returns ten minutes later to find the nurse and Rose at the desk together. Returning to her duties, Rose is surprised when she finds Shelly’s room and clipboard. Setting a disk like item on a machine, she motions to the camera in her badge silently before continuing with her task. Arc announces that they will have to finish their shifts in order to avoid raising suspicions.

Heading home, they meet back up with the squad. After printing up copies of both Shelly and Bloodletter’s records Arc returns to Equestria with them. Presenting his findings to Maria, Arc leans that she was Rieper’s assistant many years ago. Telling him of the Ascension Program, and her part in it, Maria admits that the process to gain magical powers is a slow and drawn out one. Informing him how Rieper betrayed her to stay in his position, Maria explains how she came to Tartarus and fell into the employ of the king. Admitting that Rieper most likely created the formula used to transform Bloodletter by studying her failed projects she vows to help both Shelly and Bloodletter. However Auriel insists that her mother get a good night’s sleep before working on them.

Arc returns to Ponyville on Twilight’s behalf to inspect the rebuilt town. Starting on the sigil behind Rarity’s shop he enters and is greeted by Sassy Saddles. Telling him how she started her own shop in Canterlot with seed money from Rarity, Arc is surprised to hear how successful she’s been. Rarity returns from bringing Sweetie Belle to school and runs over to Arc happily. Volunteering to get the new shop in order for her, Sassy Saddles frees Rarity’s schedule so she can spend time with Arc. Leaving the shop however, Rarity pulls Arc into the bushes for an impromptu make out session. Making their way to Sugar Cube Corner to inspect the building, Pinkie almost spills the beans to Arc on Rainbow Dash’s suspicions of Luna. Cutting her off, Rarity heads for the door with Arc. Asking what that was about Rarity gives him the cliff notes. Telling him to put the matter out of his mind they continue on to Sweet Apple Acres. After entering Applejack’s barn he receives much the same treatment there that he got from Rarity. Heading to Fluttershy’s cottage they find her and Rainbow Dash together out front. Rarity and Fluttershy play a naughty prank on Rainbow Dash in an effort to convince her that the two of them are actively trying to get with Arc. Announcing that he is interested in going out with her, Arc tells Rainbow Dash that he’s looking forward to a night out with her. As he and Rarity leave Rainbow Dash confides in Fluttershy that she has no clue what to do or where to go on a date. Getting the idea that she’ll show Arc the best time Rainbow Dash flies away as Fluttershy sighs.

That evening Arc, Derpy, and Dinky prepare to head out to join the festivities in the Town Square. Derpy, while grateful for the new house, still laments the loss of her mother’s mat. Dinky asks where they will live when her mother and father get married. Telling them of his intention to have his own house built to accommodate everyone, Arc continues by saying that it would help with comingling while still giving everyone their own private rooms. Leaving the house, they head to the square. Dinky joins the other foals and younglings in a bounce house while Arc, Derpy, Coco Pommel, Peachbottom, and Cheerilee talk. Filthy Rich intrudes with his children and brings up the idea that the school should build a pool. Accusing Coco Pommel of embezzling funds, Diamond Tiara sasses Derpy’s position at the school. Angered by this, Arc mutes her with a wave of his hand. Her father complains that he wasn’t properly compensated for their losses, to which Arc tells him to take it up with a princess. Announcing that he will do so when Luna arrives, Arc amends his words to heavily suggest that he speaks to Twilight in Canterlot. Not wanting to make the trip to the capital, the stallion complains. Having heard enough from the Rich family, Arc brushes him off. As they leave Arc is told about how Diamond Tiara is intent on a pool being built at the orphanage. Not having the funds for building one, or upkeep, Coco Pommel vetoed the motion. Luna arrives riding on her personal chariot. Landing on the stage she is helped down by a hand from Arc. Speaking loudly, she uses the traditional voice from the show before Arc covers the microphone with a hand. Telling her to tone it down, he is then informed that she left her speech at the castle. Without even reading it, no less. Telling her that he’ll help her ad-lib it, the pair get through the speech together. Afterward, Luna asks to speak to Arc privately. Heading into the Town Hall, Rainbow Dash makes her way over to the building and around to the back. Peeking through an open window through the curtains she overhears Arc and Luna talking about keeping something very important from Twilight. As she flies away, Rainbow Dash vows to figure out what Luna is up to.

Awakening the next morning, Derpy thanks Arc for staying by her side through the night. Dinky enters and hops up onto the bed to join them. Asking if the others are okay with her father giving Derpy extra attention, he informs them that they do know and agree with him. As the pair leave the house together to head to the orphanage, Arc takes a portal to Canterlot Castle. Heading to the Infirmary, he sees Doctor Whooves and has a short consultation with him regarding how Mio and Maria are doing. Donning his armor, Arc checks in on Mio and Hammer whom are eating breakfast. Asking for some books on pony culture and anatomy, Mio expresses a desire to learn more about Equestria. Authorizing it, Hammer agrees to send for some tomes from the Royal Library. Leaving the pair, Arc heads to Auriel’s room. Auriel lets him in and Maria tells Arc about the Ascension Program and her own involvement in it. Telling of what she saw in Rieper’s lab the day he banished her to another dimension (Tartarus), Maria informs Arc that she saw reports of data taken from Rieper’s daughter... Shelly.

However many questions remain unanswered. How long have Doctor Whooves and Nurse Redheart been sleeping together? Does Hammer have any other family stories worth telling? Will Rainbow Dash be able to accept the truth? What was Auriel’s mother THINKING?! Will Maria actually be able (or willing) to help Shelly? How will Derpy handle life after returning to Ponyville? Where has Bloodletter been all this time? Is he really going to be okay? Will Rainbow Dash be able to come up with some ideas for a date with Arc? What did Luna tell Arc that night at the Town Hall? What will Arc do with the knowledge that Shelly is actually NOT an orphan?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Planning Stage

For a moment no one speaks. Arc just stares at Maria as he tries to compose himself.

“So… you’re telling me that Doctor Rieper, the same person whom experimented on The Shards and presumably Frank… is actually Shelly’s father?!”

Maria nods. “That’s exactly what I’m saying."

Auriel gasps. “But how could he DO that to her?!”

“I don’t know the specifics. However I’m absolutely certain that in the report I was reading he referred to her as such.”

Arc puts his face in his hands and groans. “That just… doesn’t make any sense. Rieper and Shelly…”

Maria interrupts him. “And now it is MY turn to remind you to stick to the matter at hand. How to help her.”

Arc sighs. “It’s probably already too late. Shelly’s lying in a hospital bed as we speak.”

Maria nods as she holds up the papers. “Yes, her organs are indeed failing. But now we need to find out why.”

“Officially she’s patient zero of an unknown disease.”

Arc Looks to Maria coldly before continuing.

“That is, unless you know something about this that I don’t.”

“Sadly, no. But we can change that.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Mother?”

Maria pats the stack of papers as she speaks. “These only tell the official story of what treatments Shelly underwent. What I need to know is the full story in order to fill in the holes.”

“Where would we find such a thing though, mother?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Damocles Base.”

“Arc?”

“Think about it, Auriel. Your mother saw the files on Rieper’s computer in his lab all those years ago. There’s no way he’d just discard them.”

Maria nods. “Not if he had even the slightest idea that the data might be valuable. Heck, even if they didn’t I bet Rieper would have them squirreled away somewhere.”

“Why’s that, mother?”

“Because the pompous fool just can’t let anything go. He’s a packrat for information and data. Which I might add is going to work to our advantage.”

Arc smirks. “I think I see where this is going.”

“You need to get me that information.”

“But... but mother! Damocles Base is a veritable FORTRESS!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “More so after we embarrassed them so badly escaping. But I don’t really know how we’d get back in now.”

“Well, if you want to help Shelly you’ll need to find a way.”

Auriel nods soberly. “We will.”

Arc turns to her. “Woah there! What do you mean ‘we’, Auriel?!”

“I can help you! Remember, I do look like Diva in my human form!”

“But this time it’ll be ten times as dangerous!”

“And how dangerous is it for Shelly to stay as she is?!”

Arc groans. “I… I’m not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?”

“Nope.”

“Well… we can head back to my place on Earth and try talking it over with the guys. Maybe we can come up with something if we put our heads together.”

“Alright. Would you please give me a few minutes to go get my father first though? He can come back here and take care of mother.”

“I’ll be fine, dear.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not until Doctor Whooves say so you’re not.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Would you please stay with her while I fetch father, Arc?”

“Oh! Um… sure.”

Auriel stands up and hurries to the door. “I’ll be back as soon as I can!”

Leaving the room, Auriel hurries down the corridor. Arc turns back to Maria.

“So… um… I’m not sure what Auriel’s told you about… uh… her future, but…”

Maria cuts him off. “You mean that so-called herd?”

“Y-yeah.”

“She told me all about it, yes.”

“I know that isn’t how things are done back on Earth. But…”

Maria folds her hands on the table in front of her and looks him in the eye. “Arc, I’m a scientist. A woman of reason, logic, and above all… facts.”

“Not sure if you’re for or against this now.”

“Neither actually.”

“I don’t quite follow your reasoning.”

“Rule number one of experimentation. Don’t go into anything with preconceived notions. It’ll just adulterate the process.”

“So you have an open mind then?”

“Think of it more like me giving you the benefit of the doubt.”

“I’ll take it.”

Maria frowns at him. “But know this. If you hurt Auriel in any way, her father will have your head.”

“Yeah… he’s already tried.”

Maria raises an eyebrow. “Has he now?”

“A couple times actually.”

“He and Auriel left that part out.”

“Really? King Malevolence maybe, but I can’t see Auriel skipping over something like that.”

Maria looks away nervously. “Well… I may have only been half listening at the time.”

She puts a hand on the papers before continuing.

“Work, and all.”

“You’re definitely Auriel’s mom.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“She’s just like you in that regard. Very hard working.”

“That’s what my husband tells me. But would you do me one favor, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Please watch over Auriel for me. While I can’t actually force her to stay…”

Arc interrupts her. “I’ll bring her back safely.”

“Thank you.”

“But I do have more questions about…”

Maria holds up a hand for silence. “Get the files we talked about and then we can talk more.”

“Why all the mystery though? I mean, it would have been helpful if I had known more about…”

“Would it now? Tell me, how would knowing whom Shelly’s father was have affected your opinion about the infiltration of the hospital?”

“It wouldn’t have. While I’m not happy about this, I still would have done it.”

“But it would have been in the back of your mind. Perhaps been a distraction.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Like I said earlier about keeping an open mind, Arc. It’s easier to do so if the biased information isn’t there at all versus trying to look past it.”

“Maybe. But I don’t like being led around on a leash.”

“Tell you what. If you get me what I need then I’ll tell you everything I know about anything regarding The Organization as well as the experiments they undertook while I was there.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’d betray them just like that?”

Maria sighs. “In truth they were the ones whom betrayed the cause. I joined them to make the world a better place. But in my absence all they’ve done is cause harm and manipulate others. At least that’s what my daughter tells me.”

“She’s not wrong.”

“Then I ask you this. Who is doing the right thing here? Them… or me?”

Arc nods and heads for the door as Auriel enters the room with her father.

“I’ll get you what you need.”

Later that day Arc and Auriel sit in his basement around the table along with the squad. Max is the first to speak.

“We did as you ordered and scouted out Damocles Base from the road like you said, sir.”

Viktor grimaces. “That place is just… wow!”

Hugh shudders. “I’ve never seen so many stationary gun emplacements before.”

Xenos looks to Arc. “Hopefully your scouting trip from the shore went better, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not in the least.”

Auriel frowns. “I flew up to get a better view from a tree. Saw the same guns you did from the road. Even a few aimed at the sky.”

Max sighs. “Not getting in from the air or road, sir.”

Viktor groans. “Probably not through the underground entrance either.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Right. Hammer told me awhile back that they sealed that one up permanently.”

Auriel nods soberly. “It seems to me that as it stands there’s only one way to do this.”

Hugh turns to her, confused. “How?”

“By invitation.”

Viktor gasps. “Are you nuts, miss?!”

Xenos rolls his eyes. “Yeah! They couldn’t even call for us if they wanted to!”

Arc frowns. “I hope you’re not suggesting what I think you are, Auriel.”

“Remember, I do look like Diva. And no one over there is going to question me. Well, her.”

Max shakes his head. “It stands to reason that after the last time they would be more careful against infiltrators.”

Hugh looks to Auriel. “And if that fails they’d just take you prisoner.”

Viktor sighs. “No way you could get away at that point.”

Xenos makes a pistol with his thumb and forefinger. “Yeah. No cover and you’d be in their crosshairs the entire time.”

Arc nods. “Too dangerous as it stands.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “I’d still be willing to risk it though.”

Arc slams his palms down on the table as he speaks. “Well, I’m not!”

“But, Arc…!”

“You’re far too valuable to risk in such a manner!”

Auriel frowns. “Because I’m a princess?!”

“Because of how I feel about you!”

There is a stunned silence which no one immediately tries to break. Eventually Arc sighs as he speaks again.

“Look, I’m sorry for blowing up like that, Auriel. But I really don’t want to risk losing you.”

“And I don’t want you doing this either, Arc. However Shelly doesn’t time for us to come up with something better.”

Hugh raises a hand sheepishly. “Begging your pardon, miss. But Equestria does still need both of you.”

Xenos nods soberly. “Yeah. In reality, neither of you should be doing this.”

Viktor smiles. “That’s why we’re doing our best to figure something slightly less dangerous out.”

Max snaps his fingers. “Sir, might I make a suggestion?”

“Go ahead.”

“We know that Auriel could fool the guards with her appearance and a uniform.”

Auriel giggles. “That and I’ve been practicing imitating Diva. Well, what I imagine she’s like anyways.”

Hugh shakes his head. “But we’ve already ruled out that it’s too dangerous for her to just walk up there and…”

Max cuts him off. “Not it we make it look official.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “How though?”

“We could steal one of the police’s SUVs and pretend to be escorting a suspected trespasser to the base as per our fake Diva’s orders.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Go in as a captive?”

Max raises a hand. “I’d volunteer to be a prisoner while Xenos drives. He looks the most military of the four of us.”

Xenos flexes his muscles. “I never miss arm day.”

Viktor chuckles. “Or leg day.”

“Hey, just because you pansies get tired after an hour of working out doesn’t mean…!”

Hugh interrupts him. “Viktor and I could be sitting on either side of him as extra guards.”

Auriel nods. “And I’d be in the front passenger seat.”

Arc chuckles. “And I suppose you’d hide me in the back seat?”

Max shrugs. “I haven’t actually figured out what your part would be, sir.”

Viktor sighs. “Considering his importance, I think the commander should stay here.”

Arc frowns. “That’s not happening.”

Hugh groans. “Sir…”

“If you guys are going to risk your necks I’ll want be right there just in case something goes wrong.”

Auriel looks around the table. “Okay, so let’s talk about the first issue. How to get one of those vehicles.”

Viktor smirks. “There’s lots of them at the Police Station.”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “Yes, and they have a sign out sheet right out front next to the keys.”

Xenos grabs an imaginary steering wheel. “We could just grab one and floor it!”

Arc shakes his head. “You’d never outrun a radio.”

“What, sir?”

Max sighs. “I believe what the commander means is that all they’d have to do is put out a call on the radio with the vehicle number.”

Arc nods. “And the moment one of them saw us they’d call it in.”

Hugh nods soberly. “Next thing you know every one of them would come running. Well, driving.”

Auriel puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “The vehicle idea IS a good one though. We just need to acquire one legitimately.”

Xenos chuckles. “How? By asking nicely?”

Auriel nods. “Actually, yes.”

Xenos turns to her, confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I could use my position of authority in the military to order one be lent to us.”

Max looks to Arc. “Does a Colonel in the military have the authority to do that, sir?”

“Usually, no. They would generally call the nearest base for pickup, or something.”

Viktor pipes up. “But the police are still driving around in those big SUVs, sir.”

Hugh sighs. “So it looks like the general is still controlling the gua… law enforcement here.”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah. But we should probably find out for sure first.”

Max looks to his commanding officer. “Aren’t you friends with the Marshal here, sir?”

“Yes, Marshal Raynor is a good family friend of mine. But I can’t just ask him if the military is still pulling the strings down at the station. It’d look suspicious.”

Auriel smiles. “We could drive by the station and maybe even head inside to scope it out.”

Xenos snaps a finger. “Yeah. Even think up a couple questions to ask the person at the desk, or something.”

Viktor nods. “I’d be willing to go with Xenos, sir. Maybe even ask a few questions of my own to give us more time inside.”

Max turns to him. “That’s a sound plan. Sir?”

“It’s safe as safe can be, yes. That part’s approved.”

Auriel grins. “Now then, assuming the military is still calling the shots with them we could work with that. After all, in an official vehicle we’d look even more believable.”

Hugh shrugs. “That and with ‘Colonel Diva’ in the front seat they won’t ask too many questions.”

Viktor appears hopeful. “And aren’t those things supposed to be bulletproof?”

Xenos rubs his palms together. “Yeah. And have REALLY powerful engines too!”

Max shrugs. “I can’t imagine us being safer than that, sir. Well, other than driving up in a literal tank.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Is that an option?”

Viktor looks to Arc. “We could borrow Hammer’s Charger. Well, one of them anyways.”

“That’s out. They’d ask WAY too many questions. Starting with how we got something that was taken by someone who is currently A.W.O.L. and at-large.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “How about the earlier vehicle idea then, Arc?”

“Well… I suppose that’d be the safest way to get in while at the same time looking the most legit.”

Max smirks. “And it’d give us a chance at escape if things didn’t go our way.”

Auriel pulls out her mother’s badge and grins wickedly. “I’d just flash this with my finger over the picture and they wouldn’t say another word.”

Xenos chuckles. “Probably couldn’t get that gate open fast enough!”

Arc nods soberly. “Alright. Let’s say we get that far and they let us into the base. What then?”

Hugh shrugs. “We find the files we need and leave. Mission complete, right?”

Max rolls his eyes. “There’s going to be a lot of ‘in between’ though, right?”

“Naturally. I’m just hoping it’s that simple.”

Viktor groans. “We can’t count on that, so we’ll need a plan.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Right. It’s not likely Rieper’s just leaving that data lying around. After all, it wasn’t on his laptop that we took.”

Auriel frowns. “So where would we look, Arc?”

“Someplace really secure.”

Hugh grimaces. “Like the vault?”

“Probably not that secure.”

Viktor nods. “After all, what good is data if you can’t readily access it when you need to?”

Xenos smirks. “So he has to keep it within arm’s reach.”

Auriel grins. “A safe of some kind?”

Max shrugs. “Or in his quarters.”

Hugh chuckles. “How about a safe IN his quarters?”

Arc nods. “All plausible, yes.”

Auriel raises a hand. “Crazy idea here. Could we maybe get to this Rieper individual and somehow force them to just tell us?”

Max shakes his head. “There’s no way he would give up data that important.”

Xenos cracks his knuckles. “Yeah. Not without certain… physical convincing.”

Hugh grins. “So we hurt him?”

Viktor looks around the table. “How?”

Auriel smiles wickedly. “I’d be willing to break his fingers one by one.”

Arc facepalms. “That’s a bit extreme, Auriel.”

“Do you think so? I did tame it down in my head from the first idea before I said it.”

Max turns to her nervously. “Dare I ask what your original plan was?”

“Biting them off.”

Hugh shudders. “Well thank you for not leading with that.”

“I’m still willing to do it though.”

Arc sighs. “Please don’t, Auriel.”

Xenos chuckles. “She does bring up a good idea though, sir.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “The biting part?”

“I meant doing whatever it takes to force Rieper to give up the information.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well I think it’s too big a risk. If he feels threatened Rieper might just clam up about everything.”

Max nods. “That and we’re not sadists.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, Max.”

“Sir?”

“Believe me, I’ve done a few… over the top things to certain individuals in the past.”

Auriel turns to him, surprised. “Arc?”

“Next time you see Ember, ask her how Decimus died when he attacked Canterlot Castle a while back.”

“Why? What…?”

“Trust me. She tells it better.”

Xenos appears hopeful. “I wouldn’t mind hearing about…”

Arc interrupts him. “Talk to her then.”

“Yes sir.”

Max clears his throat loudly. “In any case… we still need a plan to get, or at the very least locate, the information in question.”

Hugh motions to Auriel. “We’ll still have our Diva impersonator. Couldn’t she just order Rieper to hand over what she wants?”

Viktor nods. “Might work.”

Xenos sighs. “But then again it might not. Remember, we don’t actually know how the power structure works over there.”

Auriel grins. “You forget that I’m a Colonel! Well, Diva is.”

Arc puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder. “True. However for all we know Rieper might actually be superior to Diva as the head of their research division.”

“Then how about your Crimson abilities, Arc?”

“Which one?”

“Mental domination. Could you force him to give you the information somewhat willingly?”

Max nods approvingly. “That might work.”

Xenos groans. “Only if he doesn’t remember what happened afterwards.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Is that an option, sir?”

“Maybe. However it works best on individuals with less mental fortitude.”

Hugh frowns. “What does that mean, sir?”

Auriel grins. “I believe what Arc is trying to say is that it’s a tool more suited to idiots.”

“Something like that. When I mesmerized ponies in the past I found that messengers for the gangs around Dodge Junction were considered easy pickings. However when Scootaloo and I tried to mesmerize a nurse it took some time. She almost had a chance to call for help.”

Max shudders. “And Rieper is certainly smarter than a nurse would be. Logically speaking, of course.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I wouldn’t be surprised if he were able to resist such a thing completely.”

Auriel sighs. “I hate to say it, but we might have to just wing that part of the mission.”

Xenos frowns. “Not a good idea there.”

Hugh looks to Arc. “While we don’t have a concrete plan, just going in and hoping for the best would make the careful planning that got us inside moot if things went wrong.”

“Exactly. And it’s not like we could just call for help either. Once we go down there, that’s it. It’s success or bust.”

Auriel clenches a fist. “But we HAVE to get that data! Shelly’s life is at stake here!”

Arc sighs. “I know that, Auriel. However I’m not going to risk others to help her.”

Max salutes. “Sir, I’d be willing to take that risk.”

“Max?”

“I know that Shelly and I splitting up was a rough time for both her and I. “

Hugh groans. “She didn’t believe your honest confession of you being from another world.”

“But even so I’m still grateful for the time she and I spent together.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “How, Max?”

“She showed me things that I’d never known before. A smile that made me woozy. A laugh that made me weak in the knees. And even the feeling of anxiety when she wasn’t doing well.”

Xenos grins slyly. “Sounds like you still miss her.”

“I do, yes. However even through all the pain of losing her I still wouldn’t trade the time we spent together for anything in either world. That’s why I want to help her in any way that I can.”

Arc nods. “Very admirable, Max. That and I think you’ve just given me the inspiration we need to get that data from Rieper.”

Auriel appears surprised. “He has?”

“Yes.”

Viktor grins. “What is it, sir?”

“I’ll explain the full plan over lunch. We can talk it over, tweak it, and then work on a timetable for implementation. But now I’d like Xenos, Hugh, and Viktor to start cooking while Max and I have a bit of a private chat.”

They nod and stand. As the trio heads for the stairs Auriel turns to Arc.

“I’ll give them a hand.”

“Alright. I won’t be long.”

She follows the others upstairs and closes the door. Arc turns to Max.

“I think you know what I’m going to say.”

“Yes sir. Please forgive me for not saying anything sooner. But you’ve been so busy lately that I…”

Arc interrupts him. “While that is true, I don’t think it would have taken more than five seconds to say something.”

Max sighs. “I know, sir. Are you mad?”

“Not really. Truthfully, had you told me about this from the start I would have gladly approved it. So that leads me to the question I now pose to you.”

Pausing, Arc looks Max in the eye before continuing.

“Why did you do it, Max?”

Max bows his head. “Because I was afraid you would say ‘no’. That and I was worried about her.”

Arc nods as he stands. “Then let’s have a look, shall we?”

Max follows Arc over to the computer. Sitting down, he double clicks on an icon to start a program. A moment later a window opens with a video feed of Shelly’s room displayed. Arc presses a few buttons and the picture turns to the head of the bed.

“Looks like she’s sleeping.”

Max nods. “It’s probably the best thing for her right now.”

“Most likely. However… I don’t think I could easily do that were I in her position.”

“Sir?”

“If I knew my end was near I’d probably be doing everything in my power to stay awake and see my loved ones.”

“Not Shelly, sir.”

“Yes. She’s doing her very best to distance herself from us.”

Max gasps. “But why?”

Arc sighs. “To make it easier for all of us when she passes. Frank and his guys have already taken over the day to day activities of running her restaurant. That and she still thinks I’m busy with my cousin and daughter. Shelly hasn’t actually asked me to come and visit pretty much since she was hospitalized for that reason.”

“And Miss Lily?”

Arc turns the camera to focus on the young woman sitting in a nearby chair dozing. “She made a promise to Shelly years ago to stay by her side no matter what. Shelly never forgot that and always did her best to reciprocate that mentality.”

Zooming out, Arc sighs and looks at the sleeping women for a few moments before speaking again.

“I’ve already assured Shelly that I’ll see to it that Lily is provided for should things go wrong for her, and I meant that.”

“Yes sir. I’d do that for her too in honor of Shelly.”

“Well, all we can do now is our best.”

“And we will.”

Arc stands. “Yes. I don’t want to have any regrets stemming from this matter. However I think I’ll give you some time alone now.”

“Sir?”

“I know you’d like to see Shelly again. But this is the best that can be done as it stands.”

Max nods. “Yes sir. Thank you.”

“You are free to use this equipment to watch over Shelly and Lily during your free time. I only ask that you avert your eyes whenever Shelly is being examined, bathed, or her hospital gown changed.”

Max salutes. “You have my word, sir.”

Arc nods and heads upstairs as Max sits down and zooms in on Shelly’s face. Smiling, he gazes at her for a long moment before speaking softly.

“We’ll help you, Shelly. No matter the cost… no matter the risk.”

Chapter 2 - Military Manipulation (Part 1)

Later that afternoon Arc sits at the basement table with the squad. Auriel, whom is wearing one of the military outfits taken by Arc and his team previously, and Hammer walk down the stairs to join them. Auriel is the first one to speak.

“Sorry for making everyone wait.”

“Yeah. I was just giving Auriel here some pointers.”

Arc smiles at them. “It’s fine. Anything that helps this plan succeed is fine with me.”

“I do feel very… Diva-like now.”

Max appears hopeful. “So you can more accurately depict her?”

Auriel rolls her eyes and scoffs. “Obviously, private.”

Hammer grins. “Perfect!”

Hugh nods approvingly. “That does sound like something Diva would say.”

Hammer turns to Auriel. “Remember... if in doubt, just act better than everyone else.”

Auriel waves a hand dismissively. “A simple task clearly meant for someone beneath me.”

Viktor looks to Xenos. “I’m convinced.”

“Yeah. She’s even got the voice down too.”

Arc shrugs. “Honestly the tone between them is pretty similar. It’s more the attitude and facial features that make Auriel’s performance believable.”

Auriel giggles and blushes at the compliment. “Thank you.”

Hammer frowns. “Hey now, none of that! Diva doesn’t smile!”

“Ever?”

“Well… not unless General Mustang is talking to her. And she believes everyone else to be out of earshot.”

“I’ll try to stay in character then.”

Arc smiles. “Good idea.”

He looks to the others before continuing.

“Alright. Hammer has provided Hugh, Max, and Xenos with military fatigues from one of her safehouses.”

Hammer grins. “Max and Hugh were close enough to my size that they were easy. Xenos… not so much.”

Xenos sighs. “At least the tailor back in Canterlot was able to let it out a bit so I’ll at least be able to breath.”

Max chuckles. “You’ll have to suck it in if you don’t want to start bursting seams though.”

Xenos frowns. “That’s good advice. For someone with a lot of fat, that is.”

Auriel scoffs. “Which you certainly have very little of. Like brains, muscle-head.”

Arc looks to her. “Auriel?”

“Too far?”

“Just save that for the mission.”

“Yes sir. Sorry, Xenos.”

“It’s all good.”

Viktor speaks up. “I’ll be here to coordinate everything up until the group goes underground. After that it’s up to all of you.”

Arc nods. “That it will be.”

Hammer looks around the table. “Now then, does everyone have everything they need?”

Xenos looks at the fatigues lying on a bunk nearby. “I could use a bigger belt.”

Hugh groans. “That was the biggest one the store had in stock though.”

Max smirks. “Other than Xenos’ wardrobe I think we’re set.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “And we’ve all been briefed on the plan from start to finish.”

“Then all that’s left is to get started. That is, unless someone has anything else to add.”

Auriel raises a hand as she speaks. “Sticking together will be our best bet.”

She looks at Hammer before continuing.

“Well, as best we can anyways.”

“I’ll get my part done. You all just worry about the rest.”

Arc grimaces. “You sure you’re up to this, Hammer?”

Hammer gives him a ‘thumbs up’. “Ha! I’ve got the easy job. It’s you guys that are taking the really big risks here.”

Viktor gestures to the uniforms “Then everyone should probably get dressed.”

Arc motions to Hammer and Auriel to follow him. “We’ll see you guys upstairs in a bit.”

Heading up the steps the trio heads for the Living Room together. Auriel sighs.

“This plan is pretty intense.”

Hammer shrugs. “Right. But it’s also the best thing we could come up with on such short notice.”

Arc sighs. “Admittedly I don’t think having more time would really help right now.”

Auriel groans. “Well it wouldn’t hurt.”

Hammer puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder. “I think what Arc is saying is that given the amount of information and resources we have, this is probably our best shot.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Granted it’s not what I wanted to do, but…”

Auriel interrupts him. “We’re with you on this, Arc.”

Hammer grins. “That we are.”

Arc smiles at them. “Thanks, you two. I really appreciate it.”

A short time later the squad comes up the stairs dressed in their fatigues. They line up in front of Arc for inspection. He looks them over for a few moments before turning to Hammer.

“They look good to me. What do you think?”

“Passable, yes.”

Auriel giggles. “I didn’t hardly recognize them.”

Viktor motions to Xenos. “Well, we did do the best we could with him.”

“This thing is still REALLY tight!”

Max groans. “Anyone that sees him like that is going to question it.”

Hugh shrugs. “What else could we do though? Any other clothes we have will draw even more suspicion.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Don’t worry. As the driver he won’t be leaving the vehicle. At least not unless all hell breaks loose, that is.”

Auriel sighs. “I wish you hadn’t put it that way.”

Arc smirks. “Then we’ll have to make sure this goes smoothly. So is everyone ready?”

They nod soberly as Arc looks around the room. Smiling he sighs.

“Alright. Let’s give it our best shot.”

Auriel turns to the others. “Max, Hugh, Xenos, and I will take up our positions in the bushes across the street now.”

Arc nods. “Okay. The call will be made shortly.”

The squad nods and heads out the front door. Arc turns to Hammer and Viktor.

“Let’s go see about our side of the mission.”

Following him out the back they come to the garage’s side door. Arc motions to it as he looks to Hammer.

“You have the key?”

Hammer nods. “Sure do.”

Stepping forward, she rubs her boot in a nearby mud puddle before turning back to the door. Raising her foot, Hammer deftly kicks the door in. The lock is ripped from the door frame as the door itself slams against the wall. Walking into the garage Arc looks at the doorknob partially embedded in the drywall.

“Guess I should have put in a doorstop, or something.”

Hammer grimaces. “Sorry about that. Guess I don’t know my own strength.”

Arc shrugs. “What’s done is done.”

Viktor nods. “That and it’ll makes this all the more convincing.”

Walking over to his Jeep with the pair behind him, Arc looks into the vehicle at the tools on the seat.

“I see you and Viktor got your part done, Hammer.”

Hammer shrugs. “It wasn’t hard.”

Viktor points. “Right. We just pulled off the lower steering column cover to expose the inner mechanism.”

“Then I pulled out the wires and let them dangle there.”

Arc grins. “So if you were to cross them the engine would start?”

Hammer nods “Yup.”

“Perfect. Um… are you sure you’re okay with this plan, Hammer?”

“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Viktor sighs. “Because if it fails you’ll be up the creek without a paddle.”

Hammer shrugs. “I said I was willing to do what it took to make this work, and I meant it.”

Arc nods. “Good. Now then, I’ll go meet up with Auriel and the others. Give me a five minute head start before you make that call, Viktor.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc heads down the driveway and across the street as Viktor re-enters the house. Hammer looks at her watch as she sits in the driver’s seat.

“Stingray’s never going to let me hear the end of this if she finds out.”

Meanwhile, Viktor turns off the lights on the main level before making sure both the front and back doors are locked. Competing that he heads down to the basement and shuts the lights off there too. Following the glow of his computer screen to the desk he sits down and picks up the basement phone. Dialing a number written on a note next to him he waits patiently as it rings. A few moments later a voice rings out on the other end.

“Angel Grove Police Department.”

“Hi. I was just taking a walk and saw something I thought should be looked into. There was a really nervous looking woman fiddling around with a vehicle in a garage. I could be wrong, but it looked like she was trying to hotwire it.”

“What’s the address?”

Viktor gives their home address along with a physical description of Hammer and what she was wearing as the operator takes the report.

“We’ll send someone over there right away to investigate.”

“Thank you. Goodbye.”

Hanging up the phone he picks up his headset and puts it on.

“The call is made and the police are on their way.”

Auriel nods. “We’re ready on this end.”

Hammer grins. “Me too.”

Max looks toward the end of the street. “We’ll let you know when the car turns onto the street, Hammer.”

Hugh chuckles. “Try to make it look convincing.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “You act like this is my first time hotwiring something.”

Xenos frowns. “You mean it’s not?”

“Nah. I forget my keys more often than most folks do.”

Viktor sighs. “I should have known.”

A short time later an official looking vehicle turns onto the street. Auriel speaks into her headset.

“Looks like they police are here, Hammer.”

“Ten-four.”

“What?”

Hammer sighs. “Never mind. I’ll leave my headset transmitting so you’ll know when to move.”

Max nods. “Just make it look good and we’ll be on our way.”

Hammer chuckles. “I will.”

Taking off her headset, she presses a button and tosses it into an open workbench drawer. Hopping out of the Jeep, Hammer kneels down and grabs the wires. Hearing the sound of boots running over to her, she begins touching the wires together intermittently in an ‘attempt’ to get the engine to turn over. A booming voice rings out as she does so.

“Hold it!”

Falling backwards, Hammer lands on the concrete floor and looks up at the newcomer nervously as she stands up.

“Oh! Um… hello again, sir.”

Marshal Raynor frowns as he steps forward.

“Having a bit of car trouble?”

“Y-yeah. But it’s nothing serious.”

“Want a hand?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah, I think I just about got it.”

Raynor nods and narrows his eyes. “From the sounds of it, yes.”

Peeking inside the Jeep he spies the removed cover, hanging wires, and several tools lying on the seat.

“So the vehicle won’t start, huh?”

“I just about got it running.”

“Have you now?”

“Yeah. No crime in working on a car, right?”

“I suppose not. However generally when you’re having starter problems you’d look under the hood.”

“Actually I was just about to do that.”

“Right. Look, a blind person could tell you were trying to hotwire this vehicle, miss.”

Hammer gasps. “What?! But I’m Arc’s girlfriend! You know that!”

“Yes, I remember seeing you two together at the steakhouse a while back.”

“So why would I be trying to steal his car?!”

“I don’t know. Why would you be?”

“I’m just borrowing it while he’s gone!”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah!”

Raynor motions to the smashed door lock, drywall, and the muddy boot print on the door. “Glad to see you got in here with a key instead of breaking in.”

Hammer appears confused. “But I didn’t have a key.”

“Apparently your boot sufficed. Now then, I’m going to have to ask you to come with me.”

“Where?”

“To the station.”

“WHAT?!”

“Look, it’s pretty obvious that you broke in here and are trying to hotwire Arc’s Jeep. Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”

Hammer groans as she complies. “Come on! Arc doesn’t mind me borrowing his stuff while he’s out of town! He isn’t going to need it anyways!”

Raynor shakes his head as he handcuffs her. “Tell you what. You give me the number of the place he’s staying at and I’ll call him up.”

“I… don’t have that.”

“So you can’t get ahold of him?”

“No! He’s out of the country!”

“In a place that doesn’t have phone service?”

“Right!”

Raynor chuckles as he takes her arm and leads her down the driveway. “Sure. Come on, let’s go. You have the right to remain…”

Angrily Hammer calls out.

“You can’t do this to me! I want a lawyer!”

“You’ll get the chance to call one at the station. Now then, you have the right to…”

Auriel, Max, and Hugh suddenly run down the sidewalk and turn into Arc’s driveway. She points to Hammer and grins wickedly.

“There she is!”

Raynor frowns. “Who are…?”

Auriel cuts him off. “Colonel Diva! I’m this Private’s commanding officer!”

Hammer grimaces. “Sergeant, ma’am.”

“Give it time, maggot!”

Auriel turns back to Raynor before continuing.

“But in any case I’ll be taking this boot with me.”

Raynor shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but I caught her red handed breaking into this building and trying to hotwire a vehicle.”

“Well, I’ve been looking for her too!”

“These are serious charges though, Colonel.”

“Mine are more serious, believe me.”

“Oh?”

Auriel counts on her fingers as she speaks. “Three counts of grand theft auto, one count desertion, ten counts of espionage, and three counts of treason.”

Raynor raises an eyebrow. “How the heck…?!”

“She’s more dangerous than you know!”

Raynor puts a hand to his forehead. “That’s just… unbelievable. But we can talk it over down at the station when she’s…”

Hammer suddenly throws her body weight backwards against the marshal, knocking him away, and makes a run for it. Auriel turns to Max and Hugh.

“GET HER!”

The pair run after Hammer and tackle her as she reaches the street. It takes both of them to hold her down as she struggles to get up. Auriel turns to Raynor and grins slyly.

“You still want her?”

Raynor sighs. “Nah, you take her. I’ll fill out a report on what she did here so you can add it to her court martial.”

“How long will that take?”

“It’ll probably go out in tomorrow’s mail.”

“Good. Now then… I will require your vehicle, Marshal.”

Raynor raises an eyebrow. “You’ll… what now?”

Auriel rolls her eyes. “I need something to transport the prisoner back to base.”

“Don’t you have your own?”

“Not anymore.”

“What happened?”

“Remember those three counts of grand theft auto?”

“Yes.”

“Mine was the third.”

Raynor gasps. “Are you serious?!”

Auriel nods. “I am! She’s resourceful beyond words!”

“Can’t you just…?”

Auriel interrupts him. “She needs to be put into a cell before something else happens! Now then, are you going to help me or do I have to start making calls!”

Sighing, Raynor holds out his keys. Auriel takes them and smiles slyly.

“Thank you, Marshal. Unlike what I’ve heard, you CAN be reasonable.”

She motions to Max and Hugh. They grab Hammer’s arms and pick her up kicking and screaming.

“You’ll never hold me, Colonel! I’ll be out before you can report me captured!”

Auriel watches as they load her into the back seat and get in with her. Xenos runs by as Auriel throws him the keys. As he gets into the driver’s seat Auriel looks to Raynor.

“Have a nice day.”

Getting into the passenger seat she closes the door. Xenos accelerates and drives out of view. Raynor shakes his head as he turns back to the garage and mutters to himself.

“Arc apparently has terrible taste in women. What a…”

His eyes grow wide as he runs to the end of the driveway and looks after the vehicle which is now long gone.

“Crap! Well… there goes my lunch.”

Chapter 3 - Military Manipulation (Part 2)

As the vehicle leaves the town limits the occupants let out whoops of joy. Hammer grins as she elbows Max.

“I can’t believe we pulled that off!”

Max grins. “Right! Every second back there I though he was going to call us on it!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. Or start asking a lot of difficult questions.”

Auriel appears confused. “Like what?”

Hugh shrugs. “How about, for example, what officer he should send the report to?”

Hammer smirks. “Right. But shouldn’t you… loosen up now, Auriel?”

Auriel giggles. “Yes, I believe I will.”

Carefully undoing two buttons of her officer’s uniform between her breasts, Auriel pulls the fabric apart very carefully. Putting her open palm in front of the opening she waits. A few moments later a miniature Arc crawls out and tumbles into her hand. Hammer grins as he looks around.

“Welcome back, handsome.”

Max leans forward. “Are you alright, sir?”

Arc nods. “Just fine. But I still think I would have been just as safe hiding out cloaked in your hair, Auriel.”

“Well, I was worried you wouldn’t have enough… padding up there.”

Hugh sighs. “He could have been crushed between your… you know…”

Xenos glances over at Auriel’s chest. “Yeah. But what a way to go.”

Auriel frowns as she rebuttons her shirt. “Eyes on the road please.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Hammer grins slyly. “So how’d you like it in there, Arc? Warm enough on this cold autumn day?”

“You leading up to something, Hammer?”

“I was just thinking that if it wasn’t working out inside there, you might give my melons a try.”

Auriel smiles. “You might stay warmer in Hammer’s shirt, Arc. After all, she does have bigger…”

Arc interrupts. “Alright, enough of that. We have bigger issues right now.”

Hammer laughs. “Whatever you say, shorty.”

Max and Hugh chuckle as Xenos looks away innocently, doing his best to stifle his own laughs as Arc continues.

“Now then, hopefully everyone has that out of their system. Good job back there everyone. You especially Hammer.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. From what we heard you honestly sounded like a criminal.”

Hugh grins. “Without being too obvious though.”

Max motions to the passenger’s seat. “And Auriel did a fine job imitating Diva.”

“Do you really think so? I thought I still needed more work.”

Arc smiles. “I was convinced. And believe me I could hear… everything.”

Hammer scoffs. “Still think you should have been in my shirt, Arc.”

Xenos rolls his eyes. “Yeah? Even when you got tackled?”

“Okay, maybe he really was better of balancing on Auriel’s bra.”

“And that’s where I’m going to stay for the duration of this phase. At least until I’m needed out here.”

Auriel frowns. “You mean ‘if’, right?”

Max grimaces. “Auriel’s right, sir. You’re very valuable to Equestria.”

Hugh purses his lips. “I still think you shouldn’t be risking your own safety right now, sir.”

“Noted. Now then, does everyone understand what’s going to happen when we get to Damocles Base?”

Auriel groans. “I do all the talking unfortunately.”

Hammer sighs. “Can’t be helped. After all, you’re the commanding officer here.”

Xenos puts a hand on her shoulder. “You’ll do fine, Auriel.”

Hugh leans forward. “But you should still keep a hand on the shifter, Xenos. Just in case, that is.”

Max shrugs. “Not that it would do much good. They get wise and start shooting, I don’t think we’ll make to back to the main road before taking too much damage.”

Hammer shifts uncomfortably. “Right. But, um… do you guys suppose I could get a bit of a break from these cuffs?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… Marshal Raynor has the key, remember?”

“Say what now?!”

Xenos motions to the glove box. “Maybe he’s got a spare in there?”

Hugh groans. “Of all the times to not have Viktor with us.”

Max nods. “He could have picked that in a flash.”

Viktor calls out over their frequency. “Yes, well… those cuffs’ locks probably aren’t very sophisticated mechanisms. A bit of fiddling around with them might just do the trick.”

Auriel frowns. “We’d need something to stick in there though. Ideas, Viktor?”

“Look around for something there. It just has to be rigid and thin enough to fit in the lock.”

Xenos grins. “What about these?”

He points to a pair of sunglasses on the dashboard. Auriel nods.

“Worth a try.”

Handing them through the wire mesh dividing them from the back seat Hugh takes them and pulls off the rubber ear piece.

“Lean forward, Hammer.”

“I can’t. Give me a push, Max.”

Doing so, Max holds Hammer forward as far as he can. Hugh fiddles around with the lock for a few minutes before grinning and giving them a quick pull. Hammer’s wrist slips through the opening as she leans back and groans contentedly.

“That’s a ton better!”

“Want me to see if I can get the other one off?”

Hammer nods. “Sure.”

Max chuckles. “Can I try?”

Hugh chuckles. “Go for it.”

Giving Max the sunglasses he picks around until the cuffs loosen. Xenos looks in the rear view mirror.

“That sounded good.”

Max grins. “Got em.”

Hammer rubs her wrists as Xenos chuckles.

“Could I get those sunglasses back though?”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Why? It’s cloudy today.”

“So I can look like those guys on that one show. What’s it called again?”

Viktor calls out. “Cops?”

“That’s the one!”

Hugh slides the rubber back over the earpiece and pushes it back through the grill. Auriel takes it and hands them to Xenos. Arc shakes his head before speaking.

“Alright. It’s going to be a while until we get there via the road. Does anyone want to add to the plan?”

Hammer raises a hand. “I would.”

Auriel looks behind her. “Oh?”

“How about a nice nap?”

Max rolls his eyes. “I don’t really think that’s a good idea, Hammer.”

Hugh nods. “After all, we need to be hale, hearty, and ready for action when we get there.”

Hammer squirms uncomfortably. “Says the two jokers with the good seats. This middle one is the pits!”

Arc sighs. “Fine then. If it makes you feel better.”

Hammer grins. “Thanks.”

Leaning back, she attempts to get comfortable. Trying for several moments Hammer groans.

“I wish I had a pillow, or something.”

Hugh turns to her. “How about my shoulder?”

Hammer grins slyly. “Shouldn’t you ask Arc about that first?”

“How about it, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “Fine with me.”

Hammer leans against Hugh. “Great!”

She sighs contentedly before continuing.

“Much better.”

Sometime later they spot the base. Xenos pulls over and stops the car.

“We’re only a few minutes out, sir.”

“Good. Um… can one of you nudge Hammer, please?”

Hugh elbows her gently but the young woman does not stir. Max shakes her which does the trick. Sitting up she yawns.

“That was refreshing.”

Hugh holds up the handcuffs. “We’re almost there. Ready for this again?”

Hammer groans. “Fine.”

Arc rolls his eyes as Hugh and Max put the handcuffs back on her. “Now then, everyone remember the one golden rule of the mission. No one talks except for Auriel unless absolutely necessary.”

Xenos nods. “And I stay with the vehicle?”

“Right. Don’t get out unless you absolutely have to either.”

Hugh grimaces. “I do hope this works.”

Max sighs. “Me too.”

Auriel looks down at Arc in her palm. “You ready to get back inside me, Arc?”

“Um…”

Auriel blushes slightly. “That came out wrong.”

Xenos winks at Arc as he looks over. “Have fun, sir.”

Arc chuckles as Auriel undoes the buttons again and holds him up to the opening. “I’ll try.”

Pulling up to the bridge, Xenos turns the wheel and begins slowly driving across it. Gripping the wheel nervously he speaks softly.

“So far so good.”

Auriel nods. “Try to look natural, everyone.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “How?”

Auriel shrugs. I dunno. Heard that on television.”

Max sighs. “Somehow I’m guessing that show wasn’t based on real life.”

Pulling up to the gate Xenos stops the car and rolls down the window. A guard looks inside as Auriel glares at him.

“It’s me, you idiot!”

“Password, ma’am?”

Auriel clenches a fist as she seethes. “How about… ‘open the gate NOW’?!”

The soldier quickly motions for someone to do so. It rises as Auriel giggles darkly.

“Smart of you.”

She looks to Xenos and nods. He steps on the gas and drives up to the massive building as the doors open for them. Pulling inside he stops on the elevator as Auriel rolls down her window and angrily makes motions with her finger to lower them down. The man quickly does so as she raises the window and looks down at her chest.

“We’re on our way, Arc.”

Hammer smirks. “Good. I can’t wait to get into a cell.”

Hugh appears confused. “Really?”

“It’s called sarcasm.”

Max chuckles. “Nice one.”

They sit there in silence for a time as the elevator continues on. Eventually, reaching the bottom, they stop with a bump as a couple soldiers approach the vehicle. Xenos grimaces.

“Everyone just play it cool.”

Auriel hisses at him. “Shush.”

Stepping out of the vehicle, Auriel turns to them angrily.

“About time you came over here!”

She points at the back seat before continuing.

“I’ve captured a renegade agent of ours. You two will provide additional security as we do so.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Opening the door, they help pull Hammer out of the vehicle and stand her up. Auriel turns to the first soldier.

“You lead the way!”

“Colonel?”

“Is there wax in your ears?!”

“No ma’am. However regulations state that the arresting officer lead the procession to the Brig.”

Auriel folds her arms over her chest. “Well, I think I’ll lead from the back then.”

“But…”

“It’ll make it MUCH easier to see when you two idiots are messing up!”

She points at Hammer angrily before continuing.

“And I CERTAINLY don’t want this nutjob BEHIND ME! Now then, let’s GO!”

Hurrying to comply with her orders he motions for other soldiers to form a perimeter around Hammer. Auriel turns to Xenos and frowns.

“I’ll be back. Don’t fall asleep.”

Xenos salutes as Max and Hugh fall into step behind Hammer and the soldiers leading her. Auriel takes her place at the rear of the procession. A fairly long walk later they find themselves entering the Brig. As the soldiers stop at an empty cell one turns to Diva as the other opens the cell door.

“Do you have the key, ma’am?”

Auriel frowns. “What are you talking about?!”

“For her handcuffs.”

Auriel rolls her eyes. “Are you two INSANE?!”

“Ma’am?”

“Do you have ANY idea just how dangerous this woman IS?!”

“I…”

“She is to stay restrained as she is questioned!”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He grabs Hammer’s arm and pulls her away from the door. Auriel glares at him.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

“You said you wanted to question her, ma’am. I was taking her to the Interrogation Room.”

Auriel groans as she rolls her eyes. “Is everyone here complete MORONS?!”

“Ma’am…?”

“OBVIOUSLY I want to speak to her in here! “

“But there aren’t any recording devices set up for her statement in here. If you’d like we can lead her to…”

Auriel interrupts him angrily. “Had I wanted to go to an Interrogation Room I WOULD HAVE SAID SO!”

They roughly push Hammer into the cell as Auriel motions to Hugh.

“Question her. Find out what she knows.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“But, Colonel Diva, regulations state that any and all of her statements must be recorded for…!”

Auriel shakes her head. “We can’t have that!”

“I don’t…!”

Auriel points to Hugh. “He’s the best at what he does! Don’t question results, idiot!”

She seethes for a few moments before continuing.

“Now then, I want everyone out of here so that my… associate can get to work!”

“Everyone, colonel?”

“EVERYONE!!!”

The pair of guards hurry to comply. Motioning for the soldiers on duty in the control room to follow them they make their way toward the door as Diva slams the cell door shut behind her and walks away with the soldiers. Hugh rushes over to the bed, pulls the mattress off of it, and lays it against the wall. Nodding to Hammer, he winks at her and starts punching it. The soft thuds of fist against mattress ring out as Hammer screams.

“NO! STOP! PLEASE!!!

Auriel grins wickedly as she laughs. Keep going! Soften her up for me!

Soldier nervously looks past her. “Ma’am we really should be in there to make sure your agent doesn’t…”

Auriel grins wickedly. “To do what?! Listen to the symphony of pain and suffering?! HA! You pathetic excuses for soldier’s couldn’t handle this melody!”

She closes her eyes and listens for a few moments as she leans against the wall.

“Captivating…”

Turning back to the others she pushes past them and motions for Max to follow her.

“Come on, you. As much as I love a good show there’s work to be done!”

Glancing over her shoulder, she grins maniacally at the soldiers standing at the door.

“Now then, I trust you’ll all be willing to stay right here, guard this door, and let my enforcer do his job.”

They nod wordlessly as she continues.

“Good. After all, if he tells me of anyone interfering with his task, well… let’s just say that he’ll be working… overtime. ON THEM!!!”

Laughing, Auriel leads the way as Max follows her. Meanwhile, Hugh hears the outer door slam shut behind them. Turning to Hammer he grabs her elbow and helps her up.

“You okay?”

“Fine. But we have to think of a way to get these cuffs off again.”

“That we do. Should’ve brought those sunglasses with us.”

“We all dropped the ball there. But I think I might have an idea.”

“Oh?”

Hammer sits down on the stone bench in front of the bed. “First, put that mattress back down and sit across from me.”

“Um… sure.”

Doing as he is told, Hugh replaces the mattress and sits. Hammer turns her head to the side.

“What do you think of my earrings?”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Is this really the time to…?”

“Take it off slowly.”

“Alright.”

Carefully removing an earring, Hugh holds it up.

“Got it. Now what?”

“Bend the end straight.”

Hugh grins. “ And use it as a pick?”

“Exactly.”

“Um… you’re okay with me ruining this, right?”

Hammer sighs. “Not really. But sacrifices need to be made.”

Meanwhile, Auriel and Max walk down a corridor together. Arriving at Rieper’s private quarters they stop and look around. Max lowers his voice as he turns to Auriel.

“It’s early enough in the workday that he might still be in the lab.”

“But he might also be here. Or any other place in the facility for that matter.”

“Should we head to the lab then?”

“What for?”

“To make sure he’s there before we…”

The door suddenly opens as Rieper comes into view holding a myriad of books and notes. He frowns as he looks up.

“Something I can do for you, colonel?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. I had an question for you indirectly regarding the Ascension Program.”

Rieper rolls his eyes. “Do you now?”

“Have you ever heard of someone attaining magic through either natural or alternative means?”

“You mean other than yourself, I assume?”

Auriel scoffs. “Obviously.”

Rieper shakes his head as he steps out into the corridor. “No, Diva. Such a thing has never been witnessed before.”

“How about a marked increase of magical powers in a subject that previously had only shown marginal abilities?”

“What are you getting at, Diva?”

“A short time ago my troops and I recaptured Sergeant Hammer. We thought she would have used brute force or one of her magical guns to counter us. “

Rieper chuckles as he looks at something on a note. “Yes, her magic has always been minimal due to her rather… limited mental fortitude.”

“Agreed. However she cast several very powerful spells in an effort to evade capture.”

Rieper looks up. “Hammer did?”

Auriel nods. “Yes.”

“Describe the spells.”

“It was a mix between Telekinesis and Nature Magic. As we approached her, several large roots suddenly grew up around our feet and held us in place.”

“Roots?”

“Yes. However I am certain there were no plants nearby with the proper root structure to facilitate such a defense.”

“Then where did they come from?”

“That’s why I came to see you!”

Rieper puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Interesting. Such a thing has never been recorded before. Tell me, did you happen to bring back a sample of plant matter from this incident?”

“Sadly, no.”

“Give me the location and I’ll send a technician out there to collect them then.”

“I could. However there isn’t anything to find.”

“How…?”

“When she turned to flee I cast a powerful Fire Spell at the roots, obliterating them.”

Rieper shakes his head. “Always the hothead, Diva.”

“Nevertheless, I did bring Hammer in so you could examine her. She’s the only link we have to this phenomenon at the moment.”

“Well, I suppose that’s better than nothing. Where is she now?”

“In the Brig.”

Rieper grins wickedly. “Bring her to the lab. I’ll examine her… personally.”

Auriel nods as the doctor turns and hurries down the corridor. As his door swings shut Max quickly puts a piece of tape over the metal tongue before he allows it to close. As soon as Rieper is out of earshot Auriel looks down at her chest.

“Did you hear all of that, Arc?”

“Yes. He took the bait… hook, line, and sinker.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“Sorry. It’s an Earth expression. Now then, get back to the Brig and start the next phase of the plan.”

Auriel grins as she motions for Max to follow her. “Yes sir.”

Arriving back at the Brig, they approach the soldiers standing outside. Walking over to the door Auriel motions to the one in charge.

“I’m back to see how my associate is faring with the prisoner.”

“Very well, ma’am. However regulations dictate that you be accompanied if you wish the cell door opened.”

Auriel scoffs. “Regulations?!”

“It’s for your own protection, ma’am.”

“I will determine what protections are needed here! But if you’re so frightened of a RESTRAINED prisoner getting loose and hurting ME of all people…!”

She continues rambling for a time. Hugh listens through the bars and turns to Hammer.

“Sounds like Auriel is really giving them a tongue lashing.”

Hammer chuckles. “I bet.”

“You ready?”

Hammer grins as she grabs the handcuffs from next to her and puts her hands behind her back. “The real question should be… are they.”

A short time later Auriel walks toward the cell with Max and a number of other soldiers. She unlocks the door and tosses the key to Max as she opens it. Stepping across the room to Hammer Auriel grabs the young woman and roughly slams her against the concrete wall.

“How’d you get those powers, sergeant?! TALK?!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “I ain’t telling you NOTHING!”

Auriel takes ahold of Hammer’s shirt and pulls her close. As she continues screaming at her, their chest’s touch. Arc peeks through the folds in the fabric of Auriel’s shirt and reaches out a hand as he mutters to himself.

“Can’t believe I’m doing this…”

Grabbing Hammer’s shirt, he pulls himself onto it and slips through the folds in her blouse. Getting onto the strap between her… um… cups, I guess, Arc carefully turns around to face forward and sighs. Leaning back for stability he stumbles slightly to the side. Falling into the side of one of Hammer’s ample breasts Arc grins hugely.

“Just… like I planned it.”

Feeling Arc on her skin, Hammer makes a strange face. Motioning to her chest with her eyes she cues Auriel in.

“Now then, are you willing to be cooperative, sergeant?!”

“Go to hell!”

“Why you little…?!”

Hearing the exchange from the end of the corridor, Max quickly picks up a nearby phone and calls out.

“Colonel Diva! General Mustang is holding on line one!”

Auriel groans angrily as she turns around and storms out of the cell. “Of all the times…!”

The soldiers close and lock the door as they hurry to catch up with the colonel. Hammer tosses the handcuffs to Hugh and hastily opens the buttons on her shirt between her breasts. Holding out a hand she waits patiently as Arc steps out into her palm. She lowers her voice and speaks quickly.

“You okay, hunny-bear?”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “What’s with the pet names all of a…?”

Hammer grins as she sets Arc down on the bed.” It felt like he planted his face on my boob.”

“I tripped!”

“Your story, dearest.”

Arc sighs as casts the counter spell, returns to normal size, and pulls a magic cloak from his ring as he speaks. “Fine. Let’s get this plan moving. Just be sure to make it look good, Hammer.”

“I will.”

Hugh grimaces. “And please… be gentle.”

“No promises there.”

Donning the garment, Arc vanishes from sight as Hammer waits patiently with Hugh. Taking a deep breath, Arc reaches out with his magic and powers up his crystals. Casting a Telekinesis Spell he deftly blows the hinges off the cell door. It smashes into the wall across the hallway making a sizable hole where the twisted steel embeds itself. Frowning, Auriel drops the receiver.

“What the…?!”

Turning to Hugh, Hammer grabs him by the front of his uniform and throws him roughly out into the corridor before stepping out with Arc right behind her. She turns to the guards at the end of the hallway.

“Much better!”

Cracking her knuckles, she turns to them with a wicked smile on her face.

“Now then… which one of you boys wants to dance?!”

Chapter 4 - Military Manipulation (Part 3)

For a long moment no one moves. Suddenly one of the guards makes a break for the alarm button. However Hammer stretches out a hand as Arc casts another Telekinesis Spell and rips the device roughly from the concrete wall. It clatters to the floor at Auriel’s feet. Gritting her teeth she points a finger at the escapee angrily.

“GET HER!”

They charge forward at ‘Diva’s' command. Hammer shakes her head and lifts a hand again. Arc picks them up with yet another Telekinesis Spell and tosses them into Hammer’s cell. Stepping back, the young woman pretends to pick up the ruined door and wrap the steel around the bars to seal them inside. Turning back to ‘Diva’ she laughs maniacally.

“Guess it’s just you and me, colonel!”

Auriel grits her teeth. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, traitor!”

Charging up, Auriel rips the lights down from over Hammer’s head. Arc casts a Barrier Spell to stop them as Hammer looks up and holds her hands up to her face instinctively. The debris crashes to the ground around her as fireballs form in Auriel’s hands.

“Take THIS!”

Throwing them with all her might, Auriel grins wickedly. With a swing of Hammer’s hand (and an invisible counter spell from Arc) the flames disperse all around her leaving trails of flames burning all around her. The soldiers watch on awestruck as Hammer grins.

“Come on, colonel! Try to give me a challenge!”

Screaming angrily, Auriel charges forward. Throwing a punch, Hammer grabs her fist ‘effortlessly’ and begins squeezing. Auriel gasps as she falls to one knee with Hammer looking down at her smugly.

“What’s wrong, Diva? Lost your edge?”

Auriel grits her teeth as she ‘strains’. “How… how did you…?!”

Hammer smirks as she interrupts. “...get so strong? Well, that’s a matter for me to know and you to find…”

She is cut off as Hugh sneaks over and ‘punches’ Hammer in the side of the head. She falls to the ground and does not rise. Max hurries over to Auriel from near his place at the telephone and moves to help her up.

“Are you…?”

Auriel slaps his hand away. “Don’t touch me!”

Getting to her feet, she looks to the guards in the cell and shakes her head.

“What a bunch of good-for-nothings.”

Turning to Hugh and Max she motions to Hammer.

“Get her to Doctor Rieper’s lab right away. He’ll have the implements there to properly restrain her.”

“Yes, colonel.”

Grabbing Hammer by her ankle, he and Max begin dragging her away as Auriel turns to follow him. The soldier in charge calls out after them.

“Colonel?!”

Auriel rolls her eyes and turns around. “What is it now?!”

“Aren’t you going to get us out of here?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, I don’t think so.”

“But we could help you escort the prisoner to…!”

“Help?! You already tried to do that! And just look where it got you!”

She turns and walks away as she speaks.

“All of you can just sit in there and contemplate your tactics. Do a good enough job of that and I MIGHT just send someone to come get you in a few hours.”

Laughing wickedly, Auriel follows Hugh and Max out of the Brig. Once they reach the corridor she flags down a squad walking by on patrol. They hurry over to her as the pair hands Hammer over to them.

“Two of you will help me deliver this prisoner to Doctor Rieper’s lab. The rest of you will guard the Brig. Oh, and if any of the imprisoned guards there ask you for help getting out, do yourselves a favor and ignore them.”

Nodding, two of them step forward and grab Hammer as the others hurry past to take over guard duty. Auriel and her entourage follow (with Arc stealthily behind them) the pair to the lab. Entering, Rieper motions to a large examination table.

“Lay her down here.”

The soldiers comply. Strapping her down to the table they turn to the doctor for direction as he goes over a stack of files.

“Leave us.”

“But sir…!”

Auriel screams at them. “NOW!!!”

They run out the door together as Hugh and Max follow them. Auriel pushes it shut and locks it with a Telekinesis Spell before walking over to the table. Max and Hugh look around as the rest of the soldiers hurry away. Hugh points.

“This way.”

Max grimaces. “Let’s make this quick. After all, we can only keep this ruse going for so long.”

Heading back to Rieper’s room they open the door and get to work searching it. Meanwhile, Auriel taps Hammer’s arm three times, the young woman opens one eye and smirks. Turning to the doctor across the room she calls out to him.

“The sergeant’s waking up.”

Rieper grins as he hurries over. “Good!”

Standing over her, Rieper presses a button on a nearby machine before he taps Hammer’s forehead gently.

“Time to wake up, little one.”

Hammer groans slightly and begins to stir. Frowning, Rieper slaps her cheek roughly. Her eyes fly open and she looks up at him angrily.

“Hey! What’s the…?!”

Auriel cuts her off. “Shut up, Hammer!”

Rieper chuckles. “No need for that, Diva. After all, she has a right to be curious.”

“Damn right I do!”

She raises her head and looks around.

“Uh… where are we?”

“My private laboratory. Not to worry, as we’ll have absolute security and privacy here, my dear. But first I must inform you of something rather important.”

He points to the machine overhead before continuing.

“I’m told your magical energies are quite the sight to behold. This device overhead will nullify them and keep you from demonstrating any more... magical antics for the time being.”

Hammer scoffs. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Chuckling, Rieper pulls a remote from his pocket and presses a button. The scene of Hammer blowing her cell door off its hinges and taking on Diva play out from a security camera down the corridor. Turning to her the doctor smiles.

“That was quite impressive you taking on Diva like that.”

Auriel scoffs. “’Impressive’ might be going too far, doctor.”

“Perhaps. However she did appear to have you on the ropes back there, Diva. Lucky for you that soldier took Hammer down when he did.”

Hammer smirks. “Lucky blow, that’s all.”

“Yes, well… tell me something, sergeant. However did you manage to increase your power so exponentially?”

Hammer grins slyly. “Eating right and exercising mostly.”

Auriel glares at her. “Answer the question!”

“But I just did!”

Rieper folds his arms over his chest. “We both know you’re holding back, Hammer.”

“Prove it!”

“Oh, I will. With a few tests, that is.”

“Do your worst!”

“Gladly.”

Picking up a pair of scissors from a nearby table Rieper looks Hammer up and down. Diva frowns and grabs his hand as he moves toward Hammer.

“What are you doing, Rieper?! Remember, we need her unharmed!”

Rieper pushes Diva’s hand away. “And she will be. Believe me when I say that I’m not about to permanently damage such an interesting specimen.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Specimen?! I’m a PERSON!”

Rieper shakes his head. “Whatever.”

Scissors in hand, Rieper deftly slices through Hammer’s shirt. Continuing his work he cuts up each sleeve which allows him to pull the cloth off of her. Tossing it into a nearby waste basket he looks down at the topless woman before him.

“There. That should make this a bit easier.”

Hammer chuckles. “Pervert.”

Rieper shrugs as he picks up a clipboard and begins to write. “Don’t worry. I’m a doctor.”

Auriel looks to him. “Want some help?”

Rieper shakes his head as he looks over nearby screens. “No, Diva. In fact you may leave at any time.”

Auriel folds her arms over her chest. “That’s not happening.”

“Oh?”

“She’s dangerous. Magic or not, she’s not someone I’m willing to leave alone.”

“Aw… concerned for my well-being now, Diva?”

Auriel scoffs. “Hardly. But like it or not you’re an important part of this organization’s future.”

“Then I’d best get some results.”

He pulls a syringe from a nearby drawer and turns to Hammer.

“Now then, would you mind if I took a blood sample, sergeant?”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “I’d like to say that I’d rather keep my blood inside me. But at the same time I don’t think you’re going to listen.”

“No I am not.”

Rubbing an alcohol pad on her arm, Rieper sticks the needle into Hammer as Auriel pulls a second empty syringe from the drawer and picks up the clipboard silently. Passing both to Arc as he opens his cloak she steps away as he sits down on the floor. Completing his task, the doctor looks it over for a moment before pulling out the capsule of red liquid and setting it on the tray next to him with the rest of the syringe. Looking around he frowns.

“Strange.”

Auriel frowns. “What is it now?”

“I seem to have mislaid my clipboard.”

Auriel rolls her eyes. “Are you sure you even had one?”

“Perhaps I left it in my office. Be a dear and keep the sergeant company, Diva.”

“Fine. But let’s try to keep this process moving, shall we?”

Hammer chuckles. “Take your time, doc. I’m not going anywhere.”

Rieper turns and walks into his office. As the sounds of him rummaging around ring out Auriel turns around as Arc hands her the empty syringe and exposes his bare arm. Working quickly, she jabs Arc, draws a sample of his blood, and pops the capsule out. Picking up Hammer’s sample she switches it with Arc’s and trades it for the clipboard before calling out.

“I found it, doctor.”

Rieper emerges from the office and takes the clipboard from Auriel. After writing a few notes he picks up the blood sample from the tray and walks it over to a strange looking machine. Putting the sample into a slot he presses a button before turning to the adjoining computer screen.

“Now we’ll get to the bottom of this mystery.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, we will.”

A few moments later data begins scrolling across the screen. Rieper turns and begins looking it over. He frowns.

“This can’t be right.”

Auriel frowns. “Doctor?”

“Sergeant Hammer’s readings are out of this world!”

Auriel scoffs. “That cleared it up.”

“I mean that her magical levels are off the scale!”

“You mean she’s close to my own power level?”

“That’s difficult to say.”

Auriel glares at him. “It’s a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, doctor!”

“No, it isn’t.”

“Elaborate.”

“Not only are her magic levels much higher than before, they also appear to be a very different type of magic altogether.”

Auriel frowns. “That isn’t possible. Run the tests again.”

“I just did! The results were the same!”

He turns to Hammer and frowns.

“What did you DO?! And HOW?!”

Hammer grins. “I’d shrug, but I’m kinda tied up at the moment.”

“Nevertheless, I’ll get to the bottom of this. With or without your help, my dear.”

“Just try it.”

Auriel crosses her arms. “Let’s go back to my original question, doctor.”

“Which was…?”

“Has anyone ever been recorded as having their powers do anything similar to this?”

Rieper shakes his head. “Not a chance. I’d have been involved if that were the case.”

“Even slight increases?”

“Well… there were a number of early studies that had showed promise. However nothing of this magnitude.”

“Perhaps you should cross reference your archived data just to be sure.”

Rieper scoffs. “I think I’d have remembered…”

Auriel interrupts him. “How many years have you been working on this, Rieper?”

“Decades. You know that.”

“And you remember each and every experiment... along with the results?”

“Of course not!”

“So you admit that it is possible that you’ve seen something like this in the past, even if only vaguely similar?”

Rieper sighs. “I’d have to check my records.”

“Then do it!”

“Very well. Just a moment.”

Walking over to a wall safe, Rieper types a code into the pad before him. Finishing, he puts a hand on a plate and scans it. Dinging, an ocular scanner opens in front of him. Looking into it for a few moments he waits for it to finish. Arc watches and frowns as he muses to himself.

“Talk about paranoid. It has to be in there though.”

A few moments later the safe opens. Reaching inside Rieper pulls out a device. Auriel looks it over as he hooks it up to a nearby computer. She thinks for a few moments as Rieper begins a search. Motioning in the direction Arc is, she makes movements indicating that he should wait for her signal before proceeding. Walking over to Rieper she stands next to him and looks over his shoulder at the series of folders on the screen.

“You really have been doing this for a while.”

Rieper frowns as he works. “Someday when you have something to make your life’s work you’ll understand.”

“Very organized too.”

“Put things away properly and you can easily find them in the future. It makes searching for data MUCH faster.”

Auriel watches as he types parameters into a search function. “Kinda broad.”

“I prefer to think of it as casting a wide net, Diva. From there we can narrow it down until we have our answer.”

The storage device lights up as the doctor stands.

“There. It’ll take some time to complete naturally. However I have more tests to run in the meantime.”

“I will observe.”

Rieper frowns. “Are you certain? Not all of them are…”

Auriel interrupts him. “You’re not going to be alone with her, doctor.”

“Very well. Just don’t get in my way.”

Pulling a number of tools from several cabinets, Rieper puts them on a cart and wheels it over to Hammer. She yawns sarcastically as he comes back into her field of vision.

“Aw… and here I thought you had forgotten about me.”

“I need some more samples from you, my dear.”

Hammer scoffs. “You already did a blood test.”

“That I did. However I need to know more about possible avenues by which you may have taken in your additional magical powers.”

“What, you think I shot it up like a druggie or something?!”

“Maybe not in the traditional sense, no. But it had to enter you somehow. And I plan to find out exactly how.”

Picking up a pair of surgical gloves the doctor puts them on before picking up a sample bag. Rieper cuts a small bit of hair from Hammer’s scalp as she frowns.

“Hey now! You’ll mess up my whole look!”

“I’m not taking too much. That and it’ll be covered properly when you get up.”

Sealing the baggie, he labels it and sets it aside before looking Hammer’s face over. Pulling back her ears Rieper looks in her nose, shines a light into her eyes, and collects saliva samples. Carefully looking over both arms Hammer sighs impatiently.

“I’m telling you there’s nothing to find!”

Rieper calls out as he works. “Standard procedure, sergeant. We have to check everything to get to the bottom of this.”

After writing some notes down on his clipboard, Rieper reaches for his scissors again. Hammer groans.

“How much hair are you gonna take?!”

“I have enough hair from you. Now then, please lie still.”

Reaching forward, Rieper cuts the strip of cloth between her bra cups. Pulling them aside he exposes her breasts. Hammer blushes as he does so.

“What the heck are you…?!”

“I said lie still.”

Examining the skin around her areola, Rieper feels them gently before giving her nipples a few squeezes. Hammer gasps.

“Hey now! Stop!”

Rieper rolls his eyes. “I’m just looking for any abnormal discharge, sergeant.”

Hammer glares at him. “I ain’t lactating, Einstein!”

“I apologize if this is uncomfortable. However as I said before, I’m just checking everything.”

Auriel scoffs. “Why would she be producing milk though, doctor?”

“Magical energy can have strange effects on all the body’s functions. Including the endocrine system. This has been witnessed in past experiments as I’m sure you remember.”

Hammer grunts. “Be easy on those puppies, will ya!”

Finishing, Rieper closely examines the skin on the rest of Hammer’s chest before moving down to her belly and sides. Recording several notes on the clipboard, he picks up another pair of scissors and cuts away her pants. Auriel pulls them aside and drops them into a trash can along with the remains of the bra as the doctor continues working. Going over every inch of her hips, legs, and feet Rieper checks between her toes. Picking up a pair of toenail clippers he takes some samples of her nails before examining the bottom of her feet. Hammer makes a face as he does so.

“You got a foot fetish or something?!”

Rieper does not look up as he works. “The foot has many places where things can be hidden.”

“Like what?!”

“Needle marks.”

“But I already told you that I’m not…!”

Rieper interrupts her. “Just let me do my job, sergeant.”

Completing his examination, Rieper makes a series of notes. Looking Hammer in the eye as he drops his clipboard on the tray and tosses his gloves in the trash he frowns.

“Alright. Now then, I have good news and bad news, sergeant. Well, actually it’s more like bad news and worse news”

“Give me the good-ish first.”

“The bad news is that I have to take a digestive tract sample next.”

Auriel frowns. “Gastric suction?”

Hammer frowns. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

Rieper groans. “Well, that’s the worse news. I… actually don’t have one of those machines here.”

“Then how are you going to…?”

Hammer stops talking as Rieper pulls out another pair of gloves. She shakes her head slightly as she continues.

“No. No, no, no, no, NO!”

Auriel makes a face. “So you’re going… up there, doctor?”

“It won’t be that bad. I just need to take a sample.”

Hammer gasps and begins to struggle. “You keep your fingers out of my…!”

Rieper interrupts her as he holds up a sealed package. “My fingers are staying out, yes. Just a swab is going up there.”

“How far in is that thing going?!”

Rieper chuckles. “Let’s just say that there’s a reason it’s long and made of flexible plastic. But just so you know, it’s going to take a bit of time to get all the way in there safely.”

Auriel grimaces. “Just remember that the general will be quite upset if anything happens to her, doctor.”

Rieper nods soberly as he uses the scissors to cut away Hammer’s panties. “Don’t worry. I’ll go slow.”

As Rieper opens the package he presses a pedal on the floor. Hammer’s leg restraints pull her legs apart to expose her nether regions. Meanwhile, Auriel makes a motion with her hand and Arc makes his way over to the computer. Putting a flash drive in the back of it he presses a few keys, moves the mouse, and selects ‘copy’ from the drop down menu. Minimizing the dialogue box displaying the progress he looks over to Hammer as Rieper walks over to the foot of the table with his swab. Hammer squeezes her eyes shut and grits her teeth as it slowly enters her. Moving slowly as promised, Rieper carefully inserts it until only an inch or so sticks out. Turning it and moving side to side, the doctor slowly pulls it back out, puts it into a vial, snaps off the end, and caps it. Removing his gloves he looks to Hammer who is now visibly flushed and breathing heavily.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Hammer shakes her head weakly. “Not… something I want done... regularly. But I’m… I’m glad it’s over.”

“Oh, I didn’t say anything about it being over.”

“Wha…?!”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “But what other sample could you possibly…?”

Rieper holds up a strange looking set of tools. “Your vaginal cavity.”

Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “AW, HELL NAW!”

Rieper smirks as he puts on a fresh pair of gloves. “Not to worry, sergeant. The few times I’ve done this in the past have shown me that for the patient it’s quite… pleasurable!”

“You stay away from me!”

Arc turns to the screen. Seeing it at fifty percent he grits his teeth and mutters to himself.

“Come on… come on…!”

Positioning himself at the end of the examination table again, Rieper situates himself next to Hammer. Carefully inserting the tools into Hammer’s… (okay, I’m not typing that again), he gets to work. Hammer gasps and writhes as he does so.

“Relax, sergeant. You’re doing just fine.”

“This… feels… WEIRD…!”

Rieper grimaces. “Just try not to orgasm all over me.”

Auriel blushes slightly. “Oh my… is that really a possibility?!”

Rieper turns to Auriel and frowns. “Look where my hands are and ask yourself the same question.”

Returning to his task, the doctor continues slowly inserting the instruments. Hammer squeezes her eyes shut and lets out a low moan. Auriel sighs inwardly as she thinks to herself.

“Guess that answers THAT question.”

Rieper slowly removes his tools and places the sample into a test tube before sealing it. Turning back to Hammer he smiles at her as he removes the soiled gloves.

“Thank you, Sergeant Hammer. You’ve been most cooperative.”

Hammer seethes. “YOU’RE A SICK FREAK, REIPER!”

Rieper sighs as he gathers up the samples and picks up the tray. “Hate me all you want, but believe me when I say that I took no pleasure in that.”

Auriel clears her throat loudly. “What’s next, doctor?”

Hammer groans as she lays her head back down. “Please! I don’t know just how much more of this I can take!”

“You may take the sergeant now. I’ll go over the data I gathered from her and perform more in depth experiments on her as needed.”

Hammer gasps. “Experiments?!”

Auriel nods as she walks over to the table. “Thank you for your contribution to the cause, Sergeant Hammer.”

“Bite me, Diva!”

Rieper heads for his safe. Opening it again, he carefully puts the samples inside what appears to be a refrigerated section. As he does so Arc spots the status bar reach one-hundred percent. Closing the window, Arc pulls out the flash drive. He puts it safely in his magic ring and moves quickly over to Auriel’s side. Tapping her back three times he moves toward the door as Auriel looks to Rieper.

“Thank you for your time, doctor. I’ll have some soldiers take her back to a cell now.”

Rieper nods. “See to it she’s kept under heavy guard. Sergeant Hammer is quite the enigma. She may hold the key to realizing The Organization’s long term goals.”

Auriel nods as she pulls a sheet out from under the examination table and moves to cover Hammer’s naked body with it. “I’ll see to it personally that she gets back there safely.”

Rieper calls out as he secures the safe door. “Perfect. But before you go let me check one thing.”

Walking over to his computer he looks it over for a few moments before shaking his head.

“It’s as I thought.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Doctor?”

“To answer your earlier question, no. There has never been a creature that has had anywhere near such an increase in magical power with or without external stimuli.”

“Thank you, doctor. I’ll leave this research project in your hands then.”

“Tell General Mustang that I’ll get to work on this first thing in the morning and that I’ll keep him appraised of any new developments.”

Auriel smirks as she heads for the door. “I’ll do that.”

Opening it, she motions for Hugh and Max to enter. Pointing to the examination table, she motions for them to pick Hammer up. Hugh grabs her ankles while Max puts his hands under her arms. Lifting, they slowly walk out the door as Auriel closes it behind them. Spotting a janitor’s closet door slightly ajar Auriel looks around to make sure they are alone before opening it and stepping inside with the others. Closing the door behind them they spot Arc standing in a corner in his magic cloak. Setting Hammer down, Arc hurries over to her and kneels down.

“Are you okay?!”

Hammer looks away nervously. “Y-yeah. But can we get the heck outta Dodge now?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

Casting the Matter Compacting Spell on Hammer, Arc shrinks her down to roughly the size of a small elementary student. Picking her up in his arms he pulls her inside the magic cloak and vanishes from sight again. Hammer snuggles up to him as he speaks.

“Don’t worry, Hammer. We’ll get you out of here.”

Hammer closes her eyes and smiles. “I know you will, Arc. I know you will.”

Chapter 5 - Military Manipulation (Part 4)

’Diva’ leads Max and Hugh back to the massive elevator. Heading over to the passenger door of their vehicle she gets in as Max does the same. Hugh opens his door and stops to tie his boot in order to allow Arc time to get in. A few moments later he straightens up and hops inside. Xenos starts the vehicle and drives back onto the elevator. ‘Diva’ motions for the operator to start it and they begin the long ride up. Reaching the top they drive out of the hanger and across the courtyard. As the vehicle nears the bridge the guards on duty, upon seeing the colonel glaring at them, quickly raise the gate. Crossing the bridge Xenos turns onto the main road and grins as he looks to the others.

“I think we did it!”

Arc decloaks between Max and Hugh. “That we did."

Hammer peeks out through the cloak, still the size of a small child.

“Yeah. Um… but could I please get something to wear? Kinda chilly in here.”

Auriel giggles. “Arc could keep you warm.”

Xenos chuckles. “And here we thought you liked being close to him.”

Hugh turns to her. “You could have my coat.”

“Thanks. But that wouldn’t really help my lower…”

Max interrupts and point straight ahead. “LOOK OUT!!!”

They all face forward to see a military Jeep swerving around the corner. Xenos cuts the wheel hard to miss them. While he succeeds in preventing a head on collision, the other vehicle goes off the road and into a tree. Screeching to a stop, Xenos, Hugh, and Max get out and run over to the vehicle. However before they reach it the door flies open and the driver, Stingray, jumps out.

“What the heck were you idiots…?!”

She stops talking as Auriel pokes her head out the window.

“Colonel, I…!”

Frowning, Stingray squints.

“Wait a minute! You’re not…!”

Max interrupts. “GET HER!”

Lunging forward, the trio knock Stingray down and pile on top of her. Grunting, she Blinks off to one side and quickly gets to her feet as she draws her whip.

“Okay, you guys are DEAD!”

Hammer, peeking through the folds of Arc’s robe, calls out.

“Stop it, Stingray!”

Stingray looks all around. “What the…?”

Arc grimaces. “Hammer, what are you…?”

“I gotta try to talk her down.”

Auriel frowns. “We don’t have much choice at this point, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Hammer calls out again. “They’re with me!”

Stingray looks all around in an attempt to figure out where the voice is coming from. “Where are you, Hammer?! Show yourself!”

Hammer motions for Arc to get out of the vehicle. Doing so, he slowly walks toward her with his face concealed by the hood. Stingray frowns.

“What’s with the getup, Hammer?!”

“I’m not… exactly decent right now.”

Stingray points a finger at her sister. “Drop the disguise!”

“But…!”

“I need to make sure it’s you!”

Sighing, she looks up at Arc and shrugs. Kneeling down, Arc sets Hammer on the pavement feet first. She steps out of the cloak and look up at her sister.

“Happy?”

Stingray gasps. “H-Hammer?!”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“What happened to your clothes?!”

Hammer groans. “It’s a long story. But are you okay?”

“I’m fine! But you’re not going to be!”

“Huh?”

“You need to come with me back to base.”

“What?!”

“We’ll get you some clothes, a shower, and try to figure out how to fix you.”

Hammer grins as she puts her hands on her bare hips. “I kinda like being small though.”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “Your mind, Hammer!”

“What’s wrong with it?!”

“For starters, you betrayed The Organization!”

Hammer clenches a small fist. “They betrayed all of us, Stingray!”

Stingray looks around at the squad.” Well, at the very least it doesn’t look like you’re hanging around with Arc or that freak Hero anymore.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m right here.”

Stingray grits her teeth. “Arc?!”

“Yeah.”

Max turns to him. “Sir? What are you…?”

Stingray grins as she takes up a battle ready stance. “Perfect.”

Xenos calls out. “Sir, watch out for…!”

Without warning, Stingray pushes past both Max and Hugh. Charging headfirst at Arc she prepares to swing a mighty blow. However she finds herself knocked roughly to the side as Hammer plows into her. Rolling along the ground together they come to rest with Hammer on top glaring down at her sister.

“Leave him alone!”

Stingray shoves the miniature woman off of her. “I’m trying to help you, Hammer!”

Hammer jumps to her feet. “And I’m trying to protect my man!”

Stingray groans. “Are you STILL on that?!”

“Why wouldn’t I be?! I love him!”

“Hammer, just LOOK at yourself! You’re three feet tall and NAKED while riding around in the back seat with a bunch of guys!”

“So what?!”

Stingray points to Arc. “He’s sick!”

She looks to Arc and grins wickedly.

“And I’m the cure.”

Shoving past Hammer she again charges at Arc. However before she can reach him Auriel jumps out of the vehicle and moves to position herself between them.

“You’re not getting him!”

Stingray moves to punch Auriel in the face. However she grabs her fist and effortlessly stops it. Swinging her other hand, Auriel grabs that one too. Grimacing, she looks the young uniformed woman over.

“I know you’re not her! But you have her strength AND looks! However let’s see what you do about THIS!”

Pulling down a limb from overhead with her magic, Stingray throws it at Auriel. Holding out a hand, the young woman effortlessly stops it, effectively holding the wood in place with a wave of her hand.

“Believe me, I’m more than a match for YOU!”

Stingray grits her teeth angrily. “How is this POSSIBLE?!”

Arc steps forward and puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder. Pulling her gently back he speaks.

“Everyone stand down. It’s me she wants.”

Hammer frowns. “Arc, what are you…?”

“Just let me handle this, Hammer.”

Stepping toward the furious young woman, Arc stops a few feet in front of her before removing his cloak and speaking again.

“You wanna take me on, Stingray. That’s fine. Just leave the others alone.”

Stingray grins. “Gladly.”

Not taking his eyes off of Stingray, Arc tosses the cloak to Hammer as he points to his chin.

“Right here.”

Stingray raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“I want you to hit me.”

“Are you nuts?!”

Xenos grimaces. “Sir, given how strong she is this is not a good idea!”

Max nods. “Right! She could really hurt you!”

Hugh steps forward. “Please let us…!”

Arc interrupts him. “No. She’s mad at me. I’ll take the blame and the blows for it.”

Looking Stingray in the eye, he gestures to his chin again.

“You get the first one.”

“Again, are you nuts?!”

“Think of it like a free shot.”

Stingray grins as she winds up. “If you’re giving it, I’ll take it!”

Throwing her punch, she is amazed as Arc effortlessly stops it with his hand.

“H-how?!”

Hammer smirks. “Don’t underestimate him, sis!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Now then, I suggest that you turn around and walk away.”

“Not happening!”

Arc sighs. “Very well.”

Throwing her fist back to her, Arc stands before Stingray awaiting her next attack. He doesn’t have to wait long though, as his opponent lets loose her whip. Wrapping it around Arc’s wrist, she is about to throw him when she feels a tug on the line. Pulling her in with a quick motion of his wrist Arc punches Stingray in the face and toward Auriel. Auriel socks her in the gut knocking the wind from her. She staggers back into Max and Hugh whom shove her roughly toward Xenos. Putting his shoulder into her, the large man hefts her into the air to land on her back in front of Hammer. She looks down at Stingray and shakes her head.

“And let that be a lesson to you.”

Stingray grunts. “...what?”

“We’re done here.”

“But... but aren’t you supposed to finish me off, or something?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “That wouldn’t be very nice of us.”

Arc smirks. “Right. Now then we’re going to leave you with a few parting bits of advice.”

Max grits his teeth. “Don’t get in our way!”

Hugh chuckles. “We’ll always beat you as a team!”

Xenos makes a fist. “Yeah! And you should listen to your sisters!”

Hammer grins. “Right!”

Stingray smiles weakly as she looks up at Hammer holding Arc’s oversized cloak to her chest. “You know... I can’t really take you seriously when you look like that.

Hammer shrugs.” Then I guess I DO need to teach you a lesson.”

Punching Stingray in the face, she goes limp as the young woman loses consciousness. Hammer turns back to Arc as she walks toward the vehicle.

“Let’s go.”

Arc points to the unconscious woman lying on the ground. “Sure. But what about... her?”

Hammer shrugs. “Stingray will be fine.”

She tosses the robe back to Arc before continuing.

“Here you go.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be... uncovered like that though, Hammer.”

Hugh chuckles as he blushes slightly. “You are a bit distracting like that.”

Xenos looks away nervously. “Yeah. And you’ll catch a cold in this weather.”

Hammer chuckles as she grabs Arc’s hand. “Nah. I kinda like the feeling of Arc’s leg on my bare...”

Auriel groans. “Let’s just get going.”

Hammer grins as they get back in the vehicle. “Jealous, Auriel?”

“Very.”

Moving on, they soon arrive back to town. The sun has set by then and the streetlights have long since come on. Parking in a back alley near the police station, Xenos gets out with the others and tosses the keys to Max.

“Be sure to tell them were it is.”

“Will do.”

Hugh chuckles as Max leaves. “They’d never find it back here.”

Auriel looks the vehicle over. “I’m just glad we could return it in decent shape.”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah. But I thought for sure Stingray was going to be harder to beat.”

Hammer sighs. “She was holding back.”

Arc sighs. “Figures.”

“That’s a good thing though. I didn’t really want to hurt her.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “But you punched her in the...”

Hammer cuts her off. “She’s fine.”

Max returns a short time later. Giving Arc a thumbs up, the young man watches as a portal opens. Stepping through they find themselves back in Arc’s basement. Returning Hammer to her normal size, Arc turns to the others and grins as Viktor walks over to them.

“Good work back there everyone.”

Viktor looks them over. “Anyone hurt?!”

Auriel giggles. “Just Stingray. But she’ll be okay.”

Arc nods as he turns to the others. “Right. Now then, Max I want you to order some pizza and have it delivered.”

“Yes sir.”

“Take some time to rest in front of the television, or something.”

Xenos appears hopeful. “Can we watch a movie, sir?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Hugh grins as they head for the stairs. “Let’s watch an action flick!”

Max nods. “I’ll join you guys as soon as I get off the phone.”

Auriel smiles. “That does sound nice. Would you like to join us, Hammer?”

“I, uh... think I just want to take a long shower. That mission was really gross for me.”

Arc nods soberly. “Understandable. Take all the time you need.”

Auriel looks to Arc as Hammer leaves. “Um... can I talk to you alone?”

“Sure.”

He motions for the squad to leave and turns to Auriel.

“What’s up?”

“How much of what was done to Hammer did you see?”

“Bits and pieces of it. I was kinda busy watching the status bar on the computer screen.”

“Then I should probably bring you up to speed on what Rieper did to Hammer.”

Arc sighs. “No need to. I could hear what was going on pretty well.”

“Hammer took it really well. But I think you should go talk to her. After all, being touched like that isn’t exactly what I would be comfortable with. Heck, it was hard enough to just watch.”

“Sure, I was planning to do that anyways.”

“Thanks. Shall I call you when the food gets here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I’ll hear the door.”

They head up the stairs together and part ways at the Living Room. Auriel sits down with the squad as Arc heads up to the second floor. Hearing the shower going already he frowns.

“She got in there fast.”

Knocking lightly, Arc listens as Hammer calls out.

“It’s unlocked!”

Opening the door he steps inside. Taking a deep breath Arc calls out to Hammer as he closes the door behind him.

“It’s me.”

“Hey.”

“Um... I just wanted to... apologize.”

“What for?”

Arc sits down on the toilet lid and sighs. “For what happened to you in Rieper’s lab.”

Hammer sounds suddenly nervous. “I, uh... actually wanted to apologize too.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want to apologize?”

“Yeah.”

“Um...”

“Look, this is really hard for me to say. So can we just keep this between us?”

“Okay.”

“Thanks. But... could you please wait for me in your room? I want to be alone right now.”

Arc stands and heads for the door. “Sure, Hammer. Take your time.”

Heading to his room, Arc leaves the door open and sits down on the bed to wait. A few minutes later Hammer enters wrapped in a towel. Sheepishly she smiles at him as she closes the door.

“I swear I didn’t do this on purpose, but I didn’t think to grab some clothes before going in there.”

“It’s fine, Hammer. How about I give you blanket though? You look cold.”

Hammer shivers slightly. “Thanks. Um... but could we get under the covers together instead?”

“Sure.”

Pulling back the blankets for her, Hammer hops into the bed. Arc follows behind her as he covers them both as she snuggles up to him.

“Much better.”

Arc puts his arms around her. “Why don’t you just lie there and warm up before we talk?”

“You go first then.”

“First?”

“You came into the bathroom to say something, right?”

“Yeah.”

“So go ahead.”

“Well... like I said before, I wanted to apologize to you for what happened back there.”

“It’s okay, Arc.”

“No it really wasn’t. You went through a lot to make that mission work. That and then we beat up your sister.”

Hammer frowns. “That was actually an improvement to the situation.”

“I should have done something to prevent it though.”

“Which part?”

“All of it really.”

“I knew what he was planning to do though.”

“You did?”

Hammer nods. “Yup. It’s standard procedure.”

“Then why did you agree to the plan?”

“To help your friend.”

“Shelly?”

Hammer nods. “She’s important to you if you’re willing to break into Damocles Base to help her.”

“That she is. But I shouldn’t have let you get groped like that for her sake.”

“It wasn’t a big deal.”

“The tone of your voice says that it was.”

“Well, I didn’t... um...”

“Didn’t what, Hammer?”

“I... I need to say something, Arc. Can I make my apology now?”

“Uh... sure.”

“Okay. Here goes.”

She takes a deep breath and lets it out before continuing.

“Several of the herdies have told everyone during meetings that they’ve propositioned you to have sex with them.”

Arc nods. “Yes, that’s true.”

“But you’ve always told them that you weren’t ready yet.”

“Also true.”

“That’s what I need to apologize for.”

“Hammer, you didn’t do anything they haven’t...”

“You don’t understand, Arc!”

“What are you...?”

Hammer cuts him off. “Look... I may fantasize about certain things, but at the same time I respect your wishes.”

“And I do appreciate that.”

“But when Rieper was taking that last sample, I... almost went over the edge.”

“That’s a normal thing to happen when stimulated though.”

“I was... blocking out what happened back there by convincing myself that it was you doing that to me. Same as I did when Rieper took the sample from my bum.”

“What’s wrong with...?”

“I just feel like I betrayed you by doing that. You said you weren’t ready for intimacy and I was almost getting off on pretending it was you doing everything. Especially in the back if I’m being totally honest here.”

“You mean...?”

Hammer looks away and blushes. “Yeah. I’ve... kinda got a thing for being restrained and... back door fun, I guess. Not that I didn’t get stimulated from the frontal examination, of course. But if I’m being completely honest, the back was hitting all my buttons.”

“Hammer...”

“Look, I’m sorry if that sounds hella gross. But it’s how I honestly feel.”

“I’m fine with you fantasizing, Hammer. About anything, that is.”

“You mean... you’re not mad?”

“No. Why would I be though?”

Hammer sighs. “I... I guess... I guess I don’t really know. Sorry, but I just felt I needed to say all that.”

“And I do appreciate the honesty.”

“Do you accept my apology though?”

“I do if you accept mine.”

Hammer grins. “Sure then. But I don’t think we should have me undertake any more missions like that.”

“We won’t. I know it must’ve been hard to be stripped like you were and violated.”

Hammer smiles nervously. “I... kinda liked that part. Again, I imagined it was you doing it instead of Rieper though. Guess I have a bit of a fetish for bondage. And... um... I guess now you know about the backside fetish now too.”

“Well, I won’t tell anyone about that. And, while I’m sure Auriel won’t either, I’ll have a talk with her to keep what happened in that room a secret too.”

“Thanks. But if you ever want to do ANY of that stuff to me I’m totally ready for you, Arc.”

Arc groans. “Hammer...”

“Huh?”

“Can we please not talk about that part anymore?”

“If it bothers you, sure. I just wanted to make sure you understood my position on it.”

“That part was crystal clear.”

Hammer giggles and snuggles up to him. They lie there in silence for a time. Eventually Hammer speaks.

“Um... you don’t think I hit Stingray too hard, do you?”

“You tell me.”

“I wasn’t too happy with her back there. And she totally deserved it for what she tried to do to you and the others. But I’m questioning if I should have done that differently.”

“She attacked and we defended ourselves. What else could have been done?”

“But she hasn’t seen the light like Mio and I have. Stingray’s still looking at the world through rose colored glasses here.”

“Not sure what else we could do though.”

“I think I do.”

“Oh?”

“She needs to hear the truth from me AND Mio together.”

“But Mio doesn’t know...”

Hammer interrupts him. “You need to come clean with her too then.”

“Tell her who the Hero really is?”

“Yup.”

“What do you think she’ll do?”

“Be really mad.”

“Um...”

“But if what you say is logical and truthful then she’ll come around.”

“When we get back I’ll have to schedule some alone time with her.”

Hammer grins slyly at him. “Looking to get my sister in bed too, Arc?”

Arc blushes. “I meant...!”

Hammer laughs. “I’m just messing with you!”

“In any case, I need to spend some time with her in order to soften the blow.”

“Need some help with that?”

“It might be wise, yes.”

“So we try a three-way?”

Arc groans. “Hammer!”

“I actually didn’t mean it that way!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Right.”

“Really. I meant that the three of us should go out together and do something.”

“Like what?”

Hammer shrugs. “No idea. But I’ll think of something.”

“Thanks. I think.”

“Don’t worry. Mio acts timid sometimes, but she can handle more than you know.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

Hammer grins. “Just turn on the charm and she’ll be eating out of your hand in no time.”

“That actually makes it sound worse.”

“Well, look at me. We started out as enemies and now I’m fantasizing about us getting it on.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

Hammer hops on top of Arc and presses her body against his. “Just give me the word and I’ll give you whatever you want.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks.”

Hammer chuckles as she leans down to kiss him. “Anytime.”

Chapter 6 - Bed Talks

Later that evening, as the sun sets, Arc sits up from the bed. Hammer looks to him longingly.

"Just five more minutes?”

Arc chuckles. “You said that half an hour ago.”

“Three?”

Arc stands. “Sorry.”

Hammer sighs. “Yeah, I know.”

“Need to keep this ball rolling, after all.”

“Say ‘hi’ to the others for me, will you?”

“Sure. And... are you really going to be okay?”

Hammer grins as she kicks the covers off to expose her naked body again. “Oh yeah, I’m fine.”

Leaving the room together, Hammer heads to the spare bedroom to get some clothes while Arc makes his way downstairs. The others sit in front of the television watching a movie as he does so. Max mutes it and stands up.

“We saved you some pizza, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. Want us to heat it up for you?”

Arc shakes his head as he pulls the flash drive out of his ring. “No thanks. I need to head back to Equestria and get this information back to Doctor Knowles.”

Auriel giggles. “I’ll come with you.”

“Thanks. I’m sure your mother will like the company.”

He turns back to the others before continuing.

“You guys want to come back or stay here?”

Hugh shrugs. “I think we’ll stay here, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. After all, we need to be ready to act.”

Viktor points a thumb at the television. “And finish the movie.”

Max chuckles. “We’ll keep a candle burning for you, sir.”

Arc grins. “Thanks.”

He and Auriel head down to the basement together. Reaching the bottom Auriel turns to Arc.

“Can I assume Hammer’s okay?”

“Yeah. She just wanted to get a couple things off her chest.”

“Good.”

“Um... I assume this goes without saying, but you didn’t tell the others what happened in Rieper’s lab, did you?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not a word. But considering she was naked when we faced Stingray I’m pretty sure they got the general idea.”

“Let’s just not bring it up again, shall we?”

“Agreed.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the Rainbow of Light. Channeling his power into it a portal forms. Stepping through, the pair find themselves in Arc’s room in Canterlot Castle. Motioning to the door they head out and down the corridor. Arriving at Auriel’s room they enter together. Auriel’s parents lie on the bed together. Both appear to be reading and look up as the pair approach.

“We’re back!”

Maria looks over. “Are you alright, my dear?!”

Auriel nods as she does a little twirl. “Yes, mother. Not a scratch.”

Malevolence chuckles. “See my dear. I told you that Arc would come through in this matter.”

Arc pulls out the flash drive. “Auriel is safe and sound in addition to getting a complete copy of Rieper’s archived files.”

Maria smiles at him as he hands it over. “Very good. Now then, I just need some way to view these files.”

Auriel grins. “Arc’s already thought of that, mother.”

Malevolence raises an eyebrow. “Has he now?”

Nodding, Arc reaches into his ring. Pulling out a laptop he hands it to Maria.

“This should allow you to look over the files even while in bed.”

Maria smiles as she accepts the device. “Thank you. But there’s still the matter of electricity.”

Auriel looks to her mother. “Hard Hat and I... he’s a construction pony... developed an adapter for that, mother.”

Reaching into the bedside drawer Auriel pulls out a small device as she continues.

“Simply put the Earth plug end here and this into the wall socket.”

Maria appears impressed. “You’ve done well, Auriel.”

“Thank you, mother. Now then, might I be allowed to help you go over these files?”

“You’re versed in such things, my dear?”

“Not really. But I’d love to learn.”

Maria pats her daughter’s hand. “Then I’d love to teach you.”

Malevolence grins. “It’s good to see you two bonding so well.”

“Would you like to join us, father?”

“Perhaps later. I need to go over some paperwork first.”

Arc looks to Maria. “Well, I’ll let you two get on with it. Um... how long do you think it’ll take?”

“Sadly there’s no way to know for sure. It could be an hour... or a month.”

Auriel quickly chimes in. “But we’ll do our best.”

Arc nods as he turns to leave. “Thanks. That’s all I can ask for.”

Walking down the corridor, he heads back to his room. Stepping onto the sigil Arc calls forth his gauntlet and powers it up. Reappearing inside Derpy’s new house he sees both her and Dinky sitting on the couch together. They grin as he appears.

“Dad!”

“Arc!”

Running over to him, Arc embraces the pair as they hold onto him for dear life. Derpy is the first to speak.

“We were starting to worry.”

“You’re late, dad.”

“Sorry about that. I needed to spend a little extra time with Hammer after what happened on the mission.”

Derpy gasps. “Oh my!”

“Is she okay?!”

Arc nods. “She wasn’t injured, no. But I’d rather not talk about the details there. It’d be embarrassing for her.”

“Very well, Arc.”

“You and mom should get some rest then, dad.”

Derpy smiles. “Yes. That is, if you’re tired.”

“I am, yes.”

Standing, Derpy motions for Dinky to follow her. Leading the filly into Arc’s room she motions to the bed. Dinky hops up onto it as her parents pull the covers up to her chin. Derpy pats her head and smiles.

"Good night, sweetie."

“See you in the morning, sweetheart.”

Dinky nods sleepily. “Good night. I love you both.”

Derpy steps back to allow Arc to approach the bed. Leaning down he kisses Dinky’s small forehead and strokes her mane.

“And we love you too.”

Leaving the room with Derpy he motions to the master bedroom.

“Shall we?”

“Yes! Let’s!”

Walking into the bedroom together Derpy hops up onto the bed as Arc sits down. Looking out the window he sighs as Derpy turns to him, clearly worried.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Is something wrong?”

“I just... what happened to Hammer... I just keep wondering to myself just how far I’m willing to go to help Shelly.”

“As far as it takes would be my guess.”

“Yes, I’m willing to do that. But how about others?”

“Risking them, you mean?”

“No one was hurt and Rieper did know what he was doing medically. However that couldn’t have been a good experience for Hammer.”

“Have you talked to her about it?”

Arc nods. “I did, yes. Like I said, that’s why I was late.”

“And what did she say?”

“That’s something I can’t really talk about.”

“Understood. So only you know what happened then?”

“Auriel and I were both there.”

“Did you snuggle with her?”

“Auriel or Hammer?”

“Hammer.”

“I did, yes.”

“Then I suppose you’ve done all you can, Arc.”

“I guess so. But I just can’t get over what I led her into.”

“If that’s true then you should be talking to either her or Emerald Dream about it, Arc.”

“Yeah, well... that’d be up to Hammer.”

“For now then how about I talk to you about a certain issue that’s been on my mind?”

“What’s that?”

Derpy giggles as she pushes him down onto the pillows. “You.”

“Me?”

“Yes you, silly!”

“Oh?”

Derpy smiles as she nuzzles his chest. “I couldn’t remember if I thanked you or not for our special time together back on Earth.”

Arc begins stroking her mane. “Honestly neither do I. But I did have a great time with you too.”

“To be completely frank with you, I... really liked lying with you as a human woman. Skin on skin just felt right.”

“Yeah. You were really beautiful back there too.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Bare?”

“In truth I actually meant in your dress. But yes to both if you want me to be Honest.”

“I wish we could do that again.”

“Probably shouldn’t though.”

Derpy gasps. “But why not?”

“In case Dinky runs in here to wake us up. I don’t want her seeing that.”

“Ah! That does make sense. However Hard Hat had the solution.”

She points to the door before continuing.

“He installed a lock on our door.”

“Well, I suppose we could then. That is, if you want to.”

Derpy nods happily. “I would!”

Reaching over to turn the latch with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc pulls his shirt over his head as Derpy grabs his pantleg with her teeth. Grinning, Arc chuckles at this.

“You’re pretty anxious to get me bare.”

“I’ve been wanting this since you and I were uncovered together.”

As Derpy gets his pants off Arc removes his undergarments and tosses them aside. Derpy crawls over him and lays down on Arc’s stomach. Closing her eyes she smiles happily.

“Heavenly.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, it is.”

Derpy appears confused. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing really. It’s just... um... your coat is kinda tickling me.”

“Oh! I’m sorry! Should I stop?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. If anything I should just get used to it. After all, I’m going to be doing a lot more sleeping with mares in the future, right?”

“I suppose you are, yes.”

“Especially a certain gray coated one.”

Derpy sighs. “That you are.”

“Derpy?”

“Hm?”

“Something bothering you?”

“Kinda.”

“What is it?”

“Well... you just referred to my coat as gray.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I suppose I did. Something wrong with that?”

“Sort of. You see, it’s kind of a cultural thing here in Equestria. Ponies come in all different colors, shades, and hues. They can be very diverse as far as coat and mane color or colors even.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I have noticed that.”

“But one coat color is kinda looked down on.”

“Oh?”

“Gray.”

Arc frowns. “What? Why?”

“It’s kinda seen as being... plain. Fortunately it’s fairly rare for a foal to be born with that particular color.”

“But I don’t see how that’s a problem.”

“Nopony here in Ponyville has ever said anything to me about it. However back in Trottingham I used to get made fun of when I went out as a filly.”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I think your gray coat and blonde mane look very nice.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. They really bring out your eyes.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

“Just being Honest.”

“I know. But I’ve never understood one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Why would anypony make fun of somepony else for something they couldn’t control? Like their coat’s color?”

“We actually have something like that back on Earth.”

“But humans don’t have coats.”

“Right. However some people judge others by the color of their skin.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “But that doesn’t matter, does it?”

“Not really. You see, some humans have light skin while others have very dark skin. That and there’s any number of shades in between. A human’s skin color is determined by the concentration of a substance called ‘melanin’ in their skin. Higher concentrations make for darker complexions.”

“Anything else different about those with less melanin versus more?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Our bodies all work the same as do our minds and hearts. However that pigmentation has been used in the past to identify people as somehow being inferior to those with lighter skin in some countries.”

“Why would they be thought of as inferior?”

“Because they’re different.”

“I don’t get it. Everypony on Earth is a human though, right?”

“Correct. But think about it this way. Back before Unification the three pony races all fought each other thinking the others were inferior. Why?”

“Um... I’m not sure.”

“Because they were different.”

“I kinda see what you’re saying now. But it still seems like a really silly way to judge others.”

“Agreed. Which is why I don’t really care what color a pony’s coat is.”

Derpy giggles as she lays her head on his chest again. “Oh, Arc. You always know just what to say to make me feel better.”

“Just being Honest.”

“That’s one of the things I love about you. You make me feel like an equal.”

“And you are.”

Derpy sighs. “Not really. I’m still really far behind in terms of intelligence and general knowledge.”

“It’s okay though, Derpy. With as hard as you’re working I’m sure you’ll do just fine in life.”

“As long as I can raise Dinky to be strong, happy, and smart I’ll be satisfied.”

“And you’re doing that and more.”

Derpy turns to look Arc in the eye. “I... need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Lately I’ve been thinking that I should be professionally tutored. So I could catch up to other mares in terms of intellect.”

“If that’s what you want...”

Derpy interrupts him. “I do, yes. However it’s not that simple. My job keeps me really busy. It’s a lot of work keeping so many foals and younglings fed three times a day. As it stands I don’t have time for tutoring... or anything else outside of the orphanage.”

“So when were you looking to fit in studies?”

“That’s just it. I can’t. Doing this would require me to quit my job at the orphanage entirely.”

“How would you pay the bills then?”

“I’ve already checked with the bank and my income from my father’s business is enough to allow me to live comfortably without a secondary paycheck. In fact, shortly before we had to flee to Abyssinia I told Miss Pommel that I wanted to go down to just a volunteer.”

“So you haven’t been getting paid?”

Derpy shakes her head. “It will allow her to be able to hire a full-time maintenance pony to care for the building. Up until now we’ve just all been pitching in to keep things looking nice. And while she didn’t have time to look for one before the incident, now she has both the time and funds to do so.”

Arc puts a hand on Derpy’s head. “You’re amazing.”

“I am?”

“Yeah. You cared enough about the orphans to keep working without pay.”

“But I love my job. It lets me give a fair amount of time doing what I love. Spending time with Dinky.”

“Any other reasons?”

“That and I really do love the orphans. They’re all just so... so sweet and kind. Even though life wasn’t very nice for them beforehoof they aren’t letting it keep them down.”

“Like you, Derpy.”

“I see myself in them sometimes. And I wonder... what would become of them if we weren’t there for them?”

“We both know the answer to that.”

Derpy shudders. “The younglings told me about Griffon’s Gate. I can’t imagine such sweet little things forced to live like that.”

“That’s why I brought them here. To give them a shot at life.”

“Like you did for Dinky and I.”

“Kinda. You and the younglings were both in pretty dire straits when I found you.”

“But you didn’t abandon us to our fate. You set out to help us and that’s what you did.”

“Anyone would have done the same, Derpy.”

“I have to disagree, Arc. Nopony helped the younglings and nopony helped me. That is until you came along.”

“And you feel that leaving your job would be akin to abandoning the orphans?”

“Kinda. I know somepony else could do my job. Gallus and Natalya do just that when I’m not there. However that takes them away from their tutoring jobs. And the younglings that come over from the Griffon Kingdom need that extra help more than you know.”

“So what are you going to do?”

Derpy sighs. “I have no idea. In truth I was kinda hoping you could tell me the best course to take.”

“Something like this... is a very personal choice though, Derpy. Both choices would be beneficial, naturally. However they both have pros and cons.”

“It’s not something I can figure out on my own though. I want to be there for the orphans. But at the same time I want to be a mare that you and Dinky can be proud of.”

“Derpy?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“I already am proud of you.”

“You are?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And I want you to know that whichever choice you decide on I’ll stand behind you one-hundred percent.”

Derpy smiles. “Thank you, Arc. It means a lot to me to hear you say that. But it doesn’t help me figure this out.”

“Have you talked to Dinky about it?”

“She said that I should talk to you. That led me to this point but no closer to an answer.”

“How about Coco Pommel? Have you spoken to her yet?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. She told me to do what’s best for me and that they’d manage without me if they had to.”

“How about our friends?”

“Half thought I should get the tutoring while the other half said I should stay where I’m happiest.”

Arc sighs. “No help there.”

“I’m sorry to bother you with this, Arc. But as you can see I’m really at my wit’s end here.”

“It’s fine, Derpy. After all, this is one of the things a spouse is for. To listen to and give advice in times of need.”

“But I still don’t know what to do.”

“Neither do I actually. Sorry.”

Derpy smiles. “Thanks for trying though. I do appreciate the effort you’re putting into helping me. And the whole herd idea.”

“We’re all in this together. Well, you, Applejack, and Rarity that is.”

“At least Dinky and her friends will be happy.”

“They’ll be sisters one day.”

“And we’ll be wives together.”

“Yup. No idea when, but one day yes.”

Derpy sighs contentedly as she rolls off of Arc’s chest. “I can wait.”

“Sorry for the delays.”

Derpy giggles as she presses her body against Arc’s side and snuggles up to him. “Don’t be, Arc. After all... somepony like you is worth it.”

Chapter 7 - Helping Hammer

Early the next morning as the sun peeks over the horizon the doorknob to Derpy’s room jiggles slightly. Finding the door locked they begin knocking. Arc slowly opens his eyes and sits up. Standing, he grabs his clothes and quickly puts them on as he mutters to himself.

“I am SO glad we used that lock!”

Dressing, Arc hops back into bed and casts a Telekinesis Spell to open the door a few inches before quickly laying down to pretend to be asleep again. It swings opens the rest of the way and four small hooves trot across the floor happily. Hopping up onto the bed, Dinky puts her front hooves on her father’s shoulder.

“Wake up, dad!”

Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks up at Dinky.

“Sweetie?”

“It’s morning!”

“Are you sure?”

Dinky giggles as she jumps up and down on the bed. “Yup!”

Derpy smiles as she opens her eyes and sees her two favorite individuals.

“This is a nice sight.”

“Are you talking about dad?”

Derpy shakes her head as she sits up. “Both of you.”

“Mom?”

Derpy puts her hooves around the pair and sighs happily. “A little family. Just what I always wanted.”

Dinky grins as she does her best to hug both parents at the same time. “Me too, mom.”

Eventually she breaks the embrace and hops off the bed.

“Well, we should get ready to go.”

Dinky looks at the floor. “Yeah, I know. But...”

Derpy turns around. “Is something wrong?”

“I was just wondering something.”

“What’s that sweetie?”

“How did you sleep last night, mom?”

“Just fine actually.”

Dinky smiles at her father. “Good job, dad!”

Arc chuckles as he stands. “I was happy to be of service.”

“Now then, I think your father has somepony to talk to this morning.”

Arc nods soberly. “Y-yeah. I’d better get to that.”

“Have a nice day, dad!”

“I’ll try to, sweetheart.”

Calling forth the Rainbow of Light, Arc opens a portal back to Earth. Turning to Derpy he smiles sheepishly.

“Same time tonight?”

Derpy nods. “I’ll look forward to it.”

Offering her a parting smile, he passes through the portal and reappears back in his parent’s room. Looking toward the bed Arc spies Hammer sprawled out across it. Rearranging the sheets he helps her get covered back up before lying next to her. Sleepily she opens her eyes as his body touches hers.

“Huh...?”

Arc whispers. “It’s me. Go back to sleep, Hammer.”

Hammer yawns as she rolls over to press her body against his. “Yes... sir.”

Wrapping his arms around her, Arc sighs.

“Rest well.”

Lying there, he feels her bare back with a hand. Running it down until he feels her bottom, Arc sighs as he spies some night clothes lying on the floor nearby.

“Naked. Hammer must’ve been hoping I’d come back last night.”

Holding Hammer close, Arc watches as the sun slowly rises behind a plethora of clouds. A cold rain begins to fall as it does so. Sometime later Hammer opens her eyes. Smiling sleepily she giggles.

“I though you getting in bed with me again was just a dream.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. I’m really here.”

Hammer grins. “Well I’m glad you are.”

“How are you doing?”

“Um... fine. Why do you ask?”

“Considering what happened yesterday I just thought...”

Hammer interrupts him. “Arc, I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Um... can we go somewhere a bit more... um... warm?”

“Like where?”

“How about your bathroom in Canterlot Castle?”

Arc frowns. “Considering there’s no fire going in my room I can’t imagine it’d be very...”

“Remember, I said the bathroom.”

“Oh... um... sure. If you really want to, that is.”

Hammer nods. “I do, yes.”

Standing, Arc removes the Rainbow of Light from his ring and channels his magic into it. Opening a portal, she takes his hand and hurries through. Stepping out into his cold room Hammer makes a beeline for the bathroom.

“Holy crap, it’s cold in here!”

Arc groans. “I told you...”

“I’ll get the shower going!”

“See you in a few minutes.”

Slamming the door behind her, Arc hears the water begin running a few moments later. Stacking some wood in the fireplace he casts a spell to get it going. A few moments later a roaring fire begins to warm the room. Turning to the bathroom door Arc walks over to it and takes a deep breath.

“I... I have to be there for her.”

Opening the door, he is immediately hit by the extreme humidity of the cool air within. Stepping inside Arc looks to a bench at the end of the room. A towel is laid across it with Hammer sprawled seductively out on it. She grins as her teeth chatter.

“Took you long enough!”

“Aren’t you cold?”

“Freezing, actually.”

“Then why aren’t you in the shower?!”

“Because I wanted to get in with you. Together.”

Arc groans. “Fine. Let’s go.”

“You need to take your clothes off first.”

Hurriedly undressing, Arc walks quickly over to Hammer and scoops her up in his arms. She squeals happily as he walks her over to the shower.

“Wait a second!”

“Let me guess. Now you want to take a bath together?”

Hammer grins. “Not a bad idea. Mind if I save it for later?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Go right ahead.”

“Thanks. But I was going to say that we need to lower the temperature of the water first. I had it up at maximum to try and heat this room up a bit.”

“Yeah, I can feel it from here.”

Reaching out with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc turns the knob slowly. Soon the water reaches a much more manageable temperature. Stepping into the shower with Hammer, he sets her down carefully.

“How’s this?”

Hammer giggles. “The water or us naked?”

“Water.”

“Great! Perfect actually! But why don’t you sit down with me? There’s... something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Nodding soberly Arc does as Hammer suggests. Turning to her he speaks.

“I wanted to say something too.”

“Wanna go first?”

“Sure.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc takes her hand in his and looks Hammer in the eye.

“Hammer, I... I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for what happened to you.”

“Oh?”

“What Rieper did to you was completely...”

Hammer interrupts him. “Hold on a minute, Arc! Are you still moping around about THAT?!”

Arc frowns. “Yes, I am!”

“I’m over it.”

“Wait, what?!”

“It’s in the past.”

“B-but you were really upset about it last night!”

Hammer blushes as she speaks. “I wasn’t ‘upset’ about what happened. Just... I felt bad about getting turned on fantasizing about you.”

“So... you’re not emotionally... uh... distressed?”

Hammer scoffs. “Heck no! Rieper, while a scumbag, is just the one whom does physicals on all base personnel once a year.”

“Um...”

“It’s not the first time he’s checked under my hood, Arc.”

“Was that always you reaction to... those examinations?”

“Well... no. But this was the first time I was tied down when getting a physical. That and... um...”

“And what?”

Hammer smiles sheepishly. “And it’s the first physical since meeting you, Arc.”

“I don’t understand how that...”

“All the talk of herds, marriage, and potentially group sex has got me thinking about things this gal hasn’t before. So yes, when he started messing around with my... girl parts I got turned on but GOOD!”

Arc facepalms. “Wow.”

“Sorry if I kinda made it look like I was upset from what happened. Truth is, I was more embarrassed by almost orgasming thinking about you.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks.”

“Thanks?”

“For thinking of me enough to make sure I was cared for emotionally after a perceived... incident. It means a lot to me, Arc.”

“That’s part of being a couple, I suppose.”

“Yeah. I’m starting to figure all this stuff out.”

“You still want to be a part of this?”

Hammer grins. “Are you kidding?! Of course I do!”

“Really?”

“All the being there for each other and talking stuff out is really growing on me. I mean, the old Hammer would have just laughed at something like that as being for sissies.”

She takes his hand before continuing.

“But this new and improved gal thinks talking about her feelings with those she cares about is really hot!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You get turned on by that?”

“Somehow, yes. Then again, it could also be all the dirty talk flying around the fringes of the conversations.”

“I think we all need to get together at some point and talk about a few things.”

“It wouldn’t hurt. After all, the others get together at least once a week to talk about you and the status of the herd.”

“They do?”

“Yeah. Don’t get the wrong idea though. It’s not like they’re conspiring against you, or something. It’s just an informal gathering to talk about what’s going on in their lives as well as to run ideas regarding the herd by the others.”

“Ah! That I know, yes.”

“Sorry if I made it sound like something more sinister.”

“You did have me a bit worried for a moment there. But I am glad that communication is happening.”

“Come join us for the next meeting then. I’m sure you’d contribute a lot to the conversation at hoof.”

Arc grins as he raises an eyebrow. “Conversation at what now?”

Hammer groans as she facepalms. “I meant conversations at HAND!”

“Been hanging around ponies too long?”

“Guess so.”

“Maybe you should head back to Earth for a bit of a vacation. Away from Angel Grove, that is.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. I have too much work to do here in the castle. Besides, I’m supposed to take over caring for Mio this morning.”

“How’s she doing?”

“Great. The doctor said that, with you permission, she could be released from the Infirmary and finish resting in my quarters. While they’re not anywhere near as extravagant as yours are, the sheets are clean and it’s quiet. Two things Mio likes in any place she’s staying.”

“So she is staying here?”

“If you’ll allow it, yes.”

“It’s fine by me, considering the circumstances.”

“Are you really okay with this though?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not like we have any other choice, right? I mean, if she goes back to Earth I’m guessing The Organization will just...”

Hammer interrupts him. “That’s not what I meant.”

“You mean the other problem, huh?”

“Yeah. She needs to find out who the Hero really is, Arc. And she needs to find out from you rather than overhearing it from someone else.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. Up until now I’ve been able to push it down the road because she’s been sick. But now there really isn’t any reason to keep it from her.”

“Exactly. If you’d like, I could be there with you.”

“That would probably be for the best. If she doesn’t believe it she’ll want to hear from you.”

“Uh... I was thinking more along the lines of me holding her back while you make a run for it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why would I...?”

“Mio’s... kinda scary when she’s angry.”

“I’ll keep that in mind and try to break it to her gently then.”

“It’d probably be best if we did something that kinda led up to it, or something.”

“You have a plan?”

“I got some ideas, yes. But they’re a far cry from anything I’d call a plan.”

“We’ll have to put our heads together then.”

“Yeah. But not right this second. I’ll get Mio settled into my quarters with some books and food. Then you and I can talk to the others about this. Maybe all of us working together can figure it out over breakfast.”

“Agreed. When we get out of here we can head over to the Dining Room and talk to the others.”

Hammer grins slyly at him. “You’re not ready to get out just yet though, are you?”

“Kinda am. We’ve been in here long enough to...”

“I... actually still have something to talk to you about.”

“Oh?”

“Remember, I did tell you to go first.”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to monopolize the conversation.”

Hammer smirks. “It’s cool.”

“Now then, what was it you wanted to talk about?”

“The others mostly.”

“Oh?”

“You’ve gone out with some of them, yes?”

“That’s right. Something wrong with that?”

“They’re all being very patient in waiting their turn, of course. But how long do you expect them to sit there and not say anything?”

“We’ve all been really busy though.”

“I know. But I was told it was your idea for numerous dates as well as a long engagement. Well... engagements, I guess.”

“That’s true, yes. It’s so that no one gets too far in this idea if it’s not something they completely want.”

Hammer grins. “Myself included though, right?”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

“From what I’ve been told, as of now you’ve yet to date Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Rose, or Ember.”

“Guilty on all counts. Except Rose.”

“Huh?”

“She hasn’t made any mention of wanting to join the herd.”

“Oh. Um... I just kinda assumed she was in. What with being created to be your personal...”

Arc shakes his head as he interrupts. “She’s free to ask, yes. But Rose does have her own free will to say ‘no’.”

Hammer frowns. “Still don’t like a robot without limits.”

“I told Twilight long ago that if Rose were to go rogue that I’d be the one to take her down. And as of now she’s done nothing but be helpful and friendly to everyone.”

“Fine. I suppose you know best. But that still leaves the others.”

“Might I point out that you left one out?”

“What?! Who?!”

“You.”

“Me?!”

“Yes, you.”

“But we’ve gone out a few times!”

“I know. However that was when I was just leading you on to get information.”

Hammer groans. “It sounds bad when you say it like that, Arc.”

“Still feels bad too.”

“Look, I already told you that I don’t hold that against you. So please stop bringing it up.”

“This will be the last time then.”

“Good.”

“But I Honestly don’t feel like we went out properly because of it.”

“Fine, Arc. We should go out again, of course. But I feel as though the others should go first.”

“Alright. Any suggestions on whom should be next?”

“Blue would be the logical choice as far as schedules go.”

Arc chuckles. “Right.”

“No, I mean it. Pinkie says she’s still pretty busy getting Sugar Cube Corner caught up on party planning.”

“I hear everyone wants to celebrate their return lately.”

“Princess Twilight is still handling the day to day affairs in Canterlot. And that’s in addition to her looking in on her mentor constantly.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How often?”

“Whenever business even remotely puts her in the same wing.”

“That’s understandable.”

“You said Rose wasn’t interested.”

“She’s never brought it up, no.”

“And Ember got all fidgety when the idea of a date came up.”

Arc smirks. “Looks like you were right then about Rainbow Dash.”

Hammer shrugs. “That and she’s been hot to trot even since you and her visited that bar in Abyssinia.”

“You mean ‘The Rat in the Pot’?”

“Is that was it was called?!”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Kinda on the nose there. Well, considering it’s a nation of cats, I mean.”

“You didn’t miss much. That place was a total dive bar.”

“Well, she really liked spending that time with you back there.”

Arc shrugs. “I just viewed it as me doing my duty to follow up on something.”

“What was just another day at the office for you was a real treat for her though.”

“Don’t see how.”

“Think about it, Arc. How often are you alone with one of us?”

“Not too often admittedly.”

“Right. Blue said it meant a lot to her. Like when you and her talked on the balcony one night at her parent’s house.”

“She mentioned that?”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Of course! You know how Blue is! Once she starts talking about something she’s passionate about there’s no shutting her up!”

“You’ve given me a lot to think about, Hammer.”

“I have?”

“Yeah. And thanks to you I know what I have to do.”

“Um... lather up?”

“Well, that too. But I was thinking more along the lines of whom to go out with next.”

“Good! Who?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You can’t be serious?”

Hammer laughs. “I’m not! But you should’ve seen the look on your face!”

“Glad I’m entertaining you.”

“So what are you two gonna do?”

“I don’t really know, as admittedly I don’t really know Rainbow Dash very well.”

Hammer frowns. “Hold on a minute! You were planning to get married to her, but you don’t even know what she LIKES?!”

“I’m not engaged to Rainbow Dash, no. All of us just agreed to go out dates to see what was in the cards.”

“Then you’ll need a hand figuring out an evening plan.”

“I suppose I will. Got any suggestions?”

Hammer grins. “Are you kidding?! Blue and I hang out all the time!”

“Great! That’ll make this easy!”

Hammer looks away innocently. “I suppose it would. If I was going to help you with that.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean you’re not?”

“Nope.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yup.”

“Then why bother telling me...?”

Hammer interrupts. “At least not without you doing something for me in return.”

Arc sighs. “What did you have in mind?”

“Be honest with Mio.”

“Your sister?”

Hammer nods. “Right. You do that for me and I’ll help you figure out a nice date with Blue.”

“I was planning to do that anyways.”

“Then that’ll make this easy for you.”

“Guess we have a deal then.”

“Good! Shake on it?!”

Shrugging, Arc extends a hand. Taking it, Hammer pulls him forward roughly. The pair fall over together with Arc’s face landing between Hammer’s... uh... he lands on her chest. You get the idea. Grinning seductively, Hammer bats her eyelashes.

“Why, Arc! How forward of you!”

“You did this though.”

Hammer speaks with an air of mock confusion. “Did I?”

“Yes, you did.”

“Well, I noticed that you aren’t trying very hard to get up.”

“I... um...”

Hammer laughs happily. “Knew you’d like it.”

“Being set up?”

“Yeah!”

Arc chuckles. “Okay, I admit.”

“You admit what?!”

“That I did enjoy it.”

Hammer wraps her arms around his neck. “Nice to see you admitting to this.”

“Just being Honest.”

Arc leans forward and plants a kiss on Hammer’s lips which she readily reciprocates.

Chapter 8 - Sisterly Love (Part 1)

Getting out of the shower, the pair towel off. As he finishes drying himself, Arc feels something soft and warm press against his back. A moment later two arms wrap themselves around him. Chuckling, he pats them before speaking.

“You just can’t get enough, can you?”

Hammer grins as she squeezes. “Nope. But I’m okay with that.”

“Well... to be completely Honest with you, I... I do feel the same way.”

“Huh?”

“I’d rather be with you and the others versus doing my job.”

“So quit then.”

Arc sighs. “You know I can’t do that.”

“Yeah. But we all wish it could be.”

“Well... breakfast?”

“It’s a might bit early for that though.”

“I was kinda thinking that you and I could have it with Mio.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Arc nods. “After all, I do need to kinda figure out a way to tell her who I really am.”

“That was fast.”

“What do you mean?”

Hammer shrugs as Arc turns to face her. “I... kinda thought you’d try to push it off, or something.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. This really does need to be done sooner rather than later, after all.”

“Thanks. It means a lot to me that you’re trying to get along with Mio.”

“What about Stingray?”

Hammer frowns. “She’s a whole ‘nother beast entirely. So let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.”

“Fine.”

Getting dressed, they head down the corridor together. Hammer snaps her fingers.

“I got an idea!”

“Oh?”

“You could head to the Kitchen and get a breakfast cart put together for the three of us. And I’ll run over to my room and get Mio ready.”

“Ready?”

“She likes to shower every morning. Probably more so now, what with who’s coming to breakfast.”

“Alright. I’ll see you there. Uh... how much time should I give you for a head start?”

Hammer sighs. “That’s just it. Mio will probably want to take a bit longer getting ready when she finds out you’re coming.”

“That’s okay with me.”

“Well, I think we should just let her get ready normally.”

“How?”

“I won’t tell her you’re coming.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“I’ll see to it she’s dressed up in something she’d feel comfortable in, mind you. But if she knew you were coming I’d get a million questions regarding everything from her hair to her outfit to makeup and perfume. The last two of which I don’t actually have on hand anyways.”

“You sure that’s a good idea?”

Hammer shrugs. “Kinda. Think of it like a surprise for her.”

“Still sounds like the opposite of a good idea to me.”

“It won’t completely be a surprise. After all, I told her when I helped her move into my quarters that you’d be coming by at some point to check on her.”

“Did you now?”

“Yup.”

“Why though?”

Hammer smirks as she looks him in the eye. “Because I knew you would be. After all, it’s not in your nature to let a helpless little thing like Mio lie injured in a bed all alone for very long.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Helpless?”

Hammer grins. “Yup.”

“We are talking about ‘Mio’, right?”

“Well, she isn’t exactly in peak shape right now. And I did figure you’d check back on her at some point.”

Arc sighs. “Alright, you get me there.”

“So is it a plan then?”

“Tentatively, yes.”

“Alright. You do your part and I’ll do mine! See ya!”

Hammer turns and runs down the corridor. Arc shakes his head and makes his way to the Kitchen. Taking a large portion of everything available he loads it onto a cart with the help of Saffron. She appears puzzled at the diverse nature of the food.

“Are you feeling alright, sir?”

“Fine. Why?”

“There’s enough food here to feed you for several meals.”

“Well, I don’t actually know what Mio likes, how much she eats, or how long she’s going to take in the bathroom.”

“Hence the warmers?”

“Exactly.”

Saffron levitates a bottle over to him. “Don’t forget this.”

Arc takes it. “Ah! Thanks!”

Saffron giggles. “After all, you can’t have pancakes without syrup.”

Heading out the door, he makes the walk to Hammer’s room. Raising a hand to knock he is surprised when the door opens and Hammer peeks out.

“I thought that was you.”

“Yup. And I brought...”

Hammer groans as she interrupts him. “You big dummy!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What? Did I forget drinks, or something?”

“Your armor!”

“Oh! Right!”

Calling forth his armor, Arc pulls something from his ring. Hammer eyes is suspiciously.

“Uh... what is...?”

“A mask.”

“What for? Mio can’t see through your helmet.”

“True. But I won’t be wearing it.”

“Why not?!”

“Because at breakfast I usually... eat.”

Hammer facepalms as she steps back. “Oh... right. Now I feel dumb.”

Arc chuckles as he enters the room. “We all make mistakes.”

Walking the cart over to the table Arc begins unloading it with Hammer’s help. He looks to the bathroom door.

“Um... is she going to be okay in there by herself?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. Mio just needs a bit of help getting in and out of the shower these days.”

“She’s that weak?”

Hammer shakes her head. “That and her balance is still kinda off. It’s from the concussion I’m told.”

“Anything else I should know?”

“Nah. Just be yourself and don’t mention who you are until you think she’s ready.”

“Any idea when that will be?”

“No clue. Guess that’s where your intuition will come in handy.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

“I’ll be here the whole time to keep the conversation going in the right direction. But it’s up to you to break the news to her when you feel the time is right. If that moment presents itself, that is.”

She looks to the bathroom before continuing.

“Mio’s been in there long enough to get cleaned up. I’ll head inside and help her get out and dressed.”

Arc pulls out a chair. “Okay. I’ll wait right here.”

Hammer disappears into the bathroom as Arc leans back. He muses to himself.

“The waiting game.”

Quite a bit later Mio emerges from the bathroom with Hammer by her side. She walks slowly and carefully as her sister holds her arm.

“I keep telling you I can manage, Hammer!”

“Well, the doctor says otherwise!”

“But what does he know about human...?”

She stops talking as Arc stands, his armor clinking slightly as he steps forward.

“Good morning, Mio. I trust you slept well?”

Mio blushes and looks away. “Y-yes, I did. Thank you for asking.”

She motions for Hammer to step back as he approaches. Taking a few steps herself, Mio stumbles. Arc hurries forward, falls to one knee, and catches her before she can fall. Turning beet red, Mio speaks softly.

“Th-thank you, Hero.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Hammer steps forward and helps Mio stand up as Arc also gets to his feet. He gestures to the spread before them.

“I’ve come with a nice breakfast. Why don’t we sit down and eat before it gets cold?”

Nodding silently, Mio is led over to a chair by Hammer and Arc. He pulls it out with his magic before sitting down across from her. Hammer takes a seat next to her sister and picks up a plate.

“What can I get for you, Mio?”

“I... um... would actually... like to do it myself.”

“But Mio, the doctor said...!”

“Hammer, please.”

Hammer sighs. “Fine. Here you go.”

Taking the plate in her hand, Mio casts a spell to serve herself a couple pancakes. They shakily float to her plate as she grits her teeth. However she loses her focus and drops them. Reaching out quickly Arc stops them with a spell of his own before them land in her lap. Hammer grins.

“Nice catch, Hero.”

Arc nods as he levitates them onto a plate. “Just trying to be helpful.”

Mio sighs as she waits for the others. Arc serves Hammer a plateful of food before making one for himself. Hammer digs in hungrily as Mio eyes the armored individual before her. Watching him intently, her eyes grow wide as he slowly lifts his helmet off. Spotting the mask over his face she groans slightly. Arc turns to her.

“Something wrong?”

“N-no, nothing!”

Hammer grins. “Come on! We both know you just wanted to get a glance at his face!”

Mio blushes. “I...! Well...”

Arc chuckles. “Perhaps another time.”

He motions to her plate before continuing.

“But please eat up, miss. You need to keep your strength up.”

“Th-thank you, I will.”

Mio takes a small bite and sighs as Arc raises his mask just enough to eat. Hammer looks to her.

“Come on! Pack it in there, Mio!”

“But I...”

“You can do it, little sis!”

Mio sighs. “Just give me a minute.”

Arc clears his throat. “So... how’s the recovery going, Mio?”

“Alright. I’m just kinda weak and dizzy these days. Doctor Whooves said the concussion shouldn’t cause any permanent damage though.”

“That’s good.”

Hammer chuckles. “Mio’s still trying to get used to all the ponies around here.”

“Well, it is quite the change.”

“Nah. It’s no different than dealing with humans back home. The ponies are just a bit... smaller.”

“But they’re not...”

Hammer frowns. “Not what, Mio?! Good enough?!”

“No, I was going to say...”

“They’re doing the best they can! After all, it’s hard enough for them to treat the Hero! Someone of the opposite sex is really...!”

Arc interrupts. “Hammer, please. Just let her answer.”

“Fine, fine.”

Mio continues. “I was going to say that the fact everyone here is a horse, or pony of some kind, isn’t what surprised me.”

Arc chuckles. “Oh?”

“It’s their society.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “The what now?”

“Remember those history books you brought me yesterday, Hammer?”

“What about them?”

“I was just reading about how the country of Equestria was formed.”

Hammer grimaces. “Um... not sure I know that one.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s a rather interesting tale. However I only know the cliff notes myself.”

“The three pony races were once bitter enemies. However when the land threatened to freeze over, the aides of the nation’s representatives came together to work out a solution.”

Hammer gasps. “What’d they do?”

Mio sighs. “I’m a bit confused on that one myself.”

“It was something to do with just getting along, I believe.”

Hammer scoffs. “And that ended a winter storm?”

Mio nods. “Supposedly, yes.”

“I’ll have to look into it myself one of these days when there’s time. There HAS to be more to that story!”

Arc nods. “If you find something out be sure to let me know.”

“Me too.”

They finish breakfast sometime later. Arc stacks the dishes back on the cart as Hammer leads Mio over to the bed.

“Come on. Back to bed with you.”

“But the doctor said I can be walking around now.”

“And you are. From the table to the bed.”

“But...”

Hammer interrupts. “And from the bed to the toilet every so often. Don’t worry, as I’ll be right here by your side the whole time.”

Mio sighs. “Thanks.”

Arc looks over. “Hammer?”

“Yeah?”

“If Doctor Whooves believes that your sister needs to start moving around then we should do what he says.”

“I did! She walked from the shower to the table to the...!”

Arc interrupts. “He probably meant a bit more than that.”

“Yes, I don’t think I’m supposed to just stay in bed all day anymore.”

Hammer frowns. “Did those lunkheads let you up?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

“The soldiers I got to watch her while I was gone with Arc the other day!”

Mio sighs. “They did exactly as you told them, Hammer.”

“Did Nurse Redheart come to help you to the bathroom EVERY time?!”

“Yes.”

“Good! I’d have busted their heads if they didn’t!”

Mio looks toward the door. “Actually, might I use the restroom?”

“Of course! Come on!”

Carefully leading her sister into the bathroom, Hammer helps her sit down before carefully pulling her pants down for her and stepping back.

“There you go!”

“Um... thank you, Hammer. Might I have a bit of privacy now?”

“Sure.”

Hammer turns to face the opposite direction as Mio sighs.

“Can you step out?”

“Fine. I’ll wait outside with the Hero. Just call for me when you’re done.”

Mio groans. “Fine.”

Hammer steps out and closes the door behind her. Running over to Arc she grins hugely.

“This is going great!”

“It is?”

“Yeah! She doesn’t suspect a thing!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why would she though?”

Hammer shrugs. “I don’t know. But she is pretty on edge with you here.”

She elbows him before continuing.

“Probably the hormones in her.”

Arc sighs. “For someone she hates, no less.”

“She’ll learn to love you like I do! Well, maybe not THAT much. But who knows?! I do have some good news though!”

“What is it?”

“I came up with an idea on how you could get her in the mood!”

“How I could... what?”

“Sorry. That came out wrong. What I meant was how you could get her in the mindset of being more receptive to the truth of your identity.”

“I’m listening.”

Chapter 9 - Sisterly Love (Part 2)

A few minutes later Mio emerges from the bathroom. Hammer glares at her.

“What the heck do you think you’re DOING?!”

“Um... going to bed?”

“With help!”

Taking her sister’s hand, Hammer leads her to the bed. Helping her sit down she sighs.

“Look... I need to head back to my office and get some work done now.”

Mio groans. “Are you going to have the guards come watch me again?”

“Nah. I figured that wasn’t high enough security for a highly dangerous individual like yourself.”

“Huh?”

Hammer motions to Arc. “So the Hero has volunteered to guard you personally.”

Arc nods. “I’ll take good care of her for you.”

Hammer grins and waves as she heads for the door. “Thanks. And I’ll be back here for lunch. Have fun, Mio!”

As Hammer leaves, Mio stares at the door for a long moment. Eventually she flops backwards into the pillows and lets out a long and contented sigh.

“Finally.”

“You okay?”

Mio nods as she smiles. “I am now, yes.”

“Hammer does appear to be very... protective of you right now.”

“We have a... complicated relationship.”

“You’d know better than I. But in any case, why don’t we follow the doctor’s advice and get you moving around a bit.”

“What about Hammer?”

“We don’t have to tell her if you don’t want to.”

Mio groans. “Thank you, but I’d hate for her to get mad at you on my account.”

“Tell you what. If she does get mad I’ll just get her boyfriend to tell her that I was right in following Doctor Whooves orders.”

Mio frowns. “Arc?!”

“Yup.”

Mio grimaces. “That’d probably work. She’s wrapped around his finger so tight it’s probably turning blue.”

“True.”

“Is he around?”

“Definitely.”

“Then I’d rather stay here.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t want to run the risk of running into HIM!”

“Not to worry. I can categorically say that he won’t show his face in the places I’d take you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Completely.”

Mio smiles. “Well... alright then.”

Arc holds out a gauntlet to her. Taking it, Mio slowly stands. She puts a hand to her forehead and sways woozily.

“You okay?”

“Y-yes. Just a bit unsteady.”

Arc extends an arm. “I’ll hold on to you tight.”

Mio nods and slides her arm into his. Helping her walk out onto the balcony she looks out over the land before her.

“Breathtaking!”

“That it is.”

“I... haven’t been outside since you found me frozen in my sleeping bag. While it wasn’t a pleasant experience I am glad to finally be able to feel the sun on my face again.”

“Hammer’s kept you inside all this time?”

Mio nods. “With the curtains drawn. She said it was to help me rest.”

Arc gestures to the grounds below. “Well, how about a walk through the Royal Gardens?”

Mio gasps. “Is that... allowed?!”

“I can assure you that it is. Well, as long as you’re with me.”

“Then yes, I’d love to.”

“This way then.”

Focusing, Arc Blinks them down to the stone walkway below. Mio looks around, captivated.

“It’s still so lovely! Even in the cold!”

“Chilly?”

Mio nods. “A bit, yes.”

Arc removes a blanket from his ring and puts it over her shoulders.

“How’s that?”

“Oh! Um... much better, thank you.”

“The weather’s a bit warmer today than it’s been lately. But there’s still a nip in the wind.”

Mio giggles. “I didn’t really notice it until you said something.”

“Now then, I’m sure you have questions.”

“I do actually.”

“Ask them and I’ll do my best to answer.”

“Okay. Um... do you always walk around blankets in your pocket?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. You see, it’s part of my emergency gear. I carry them around in a ring under my gauntlet.”

“A... ring?”

“Yes. It’s connected to a small pocket dimension that holds things for me.”

“What else is in there?”

Arc counts on his fingers as he talks. “Weapons, supplies, food, cupcakes...”

Mio interrupts. “Cupcakes?!”

Reaching out, Arc pulls a cupcake from his ring and holds it over to the young woman.

“Cupcakes. Care for a snack?”

Mio shakes her head. “Not at the moment, no.”

Shrugging, Arc puts it back into his ring as Mio sighs.

“I’m sorry. It’s rude of me to ask such silly questions about blankets.”

“It’s fine. Ask anything at all you want to know.”

“Well... how about your ring then. Where did it come from?”

“It was a gift from the Dragon Lord.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Dragon... Lord?”

“He’s a huge dragon that rules over a nation across the ocean called the Dragon Lands.”

“And he made it for you?”

Arc shakes his head. “It was part of his horde. I was allowed to take it as a reward for helping his daughter some time ago.”

“Tell me more about dragons then. Are they scary, fire breathing monsters?”

“Fire breathing, yes. Monsters, no.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“They’re temperamental, certainly. However for all their bluster and fury at the end of the day they still answer to the Dragon Lord.”

“He must be quite powerful then.”

“Very.”

“How big is he?”

“I’ve seen smaller mountains before.”

Mio giggles nervously as Arc looks at her soberly. A few moments later she stops.

“That was a joke, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope.”

“Oh my!”

“In all Honesty, I think he’s bigger than the castle.”

“He... isn’t around here... is he?”

“Dragon Lord Torch doesn’t leave his domain, no.”

“That’s a relief!”

“But he is powerful, yes.”

“I heard somewhere that you got your powers of magic from him. Hammer probably, but not sure if she was serious or not.”

Arc nods. “That is correct. He imbued me with what’s known as ‘Dragon Magic’.”

“How long did that take?”

“Less than a minute.”

Mio frowns. “That’s not possible.”

Arc reaches out a gauntlet and pulls a rock to himself. Levitating it for a few moments he turns to Mio.

“And yet here I am casting spells.”

“Forgive me. I should have said that it’s not something we were able to do back at Damocles Base. Obviously I can’t deny something that’s floating right in front of me. However I find it amazing that someone could become so powerful so quickly.”

Arc takes the rock in his gauntlet. “I wasn’t when I started.”

“Oh?”

“I had to start out just like everyone else. Weak powers that increased with exercise.”

“By ‘exercise’ you mean practice, right?”

“Exactly. Doing so also increased my physical strength as well.”

Squeezing the rock, there is a slight pop as it cracks in half. Holding it up with a spell for a moment Arc tosses them into a bush as Mio’s eyes grow wide.

“Physical strength from magic! Like Colonel Diva!”

Arc nods. “All magic users can theoretically do that. However the ponies in this land have Unicorn Magic, which is mostly utilitarian in nature. Telekinesis, teleportation, that sort of thing.”

“And your magic?”

“Dragon Magic is more offensive oriented. I can cast very powerful Fire Magic effortlessly. However other spells that Unicorns cast on a daily basis were hard for me.”

“Like the ones you mentioned before?”

“Right.”

Mio puts a hand to her chin. “That might explain it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Explain what?”

“During training exercises Colonel Diva would exhibit amazing feats of strength. However she didn’t spar for very long before leaving, claiming we were boring her.”

“She has Unicorn Magic, yes.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’ve met her before.”

“Where?!”

“Here in Equestria.”

Mio gasps. “She came here?!”

“Diva was born here.”

“That doesn’t make any sense! After all, there’s nothing but ponies living...!”

Mio’s voice trails off as she ponders this for a moment. Eventually she looks to Arc.

“Are you... are you saying...?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Diva is actually a Unicorn named ‘Sunset Shimmer’.”

Mio puts a hand to her forehead. “This is... just so incredible! You’re sure about this?!”

“I am, yes. However we should probably change the subject now.”

“But I...! Well... alight.”

She thinks for a moment before continuing.

“There is something else I’d like to ask. But would appreciate it staying just between us.”

“Sure. What is it?”

Mio lowers her voice. “It’s about Arc.”

“Oh?”

“Tell me. How does he treat Hammer?”

“Very well. They’re quite dedicated to one another.”

Mio frowns. “I was afraid of that.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Afraid that he might be hurting her you mean?”

“I was hoping to convince her to break off her relationship with him.”

“Please don’t try. Believe me when I say that he makes you very, VERY happy.”

“That’s something I would have to witness for myself.”

“Or talk to her about.”

Mio sighs. “I tried that already. But Hammer just kinda shuts down whenever I do. That’s what had me worried.”

“You have my word that she is quite safe and secure with him. Although he doesn’t have much time for her.”

“Really?”

“Yes, his job keeps him very busy.”

“What does he do here?”

“Arc’s what you would call a ‘Problem Solver’. When something comes up that’s outside the norm he’s usually the one who comes up with a plan to make it right.”

“Good plans?”

“Usually.”

“But not always.”

“No one is perfect.”

“Can you give me an example?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin (or where his chin would be through the helmet). “Well... once there were a number of mares whom were stricken with a strange illness. It caused them to become... infatuated with a target creature.”

“Infatuated, how exactly?”

“They were begging to be bred.”

Mio blushes. “Mating season?”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not a thing here.”

“Was Arc the target?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Mio rolls her eyes. “Why am I not surprised? Well, at least I’m sure he had a nice time with them.”

“He didn’t, no.”

“But I thought you said...”

“They all presented themselves to him sexually, yes. However he chose to turn them down, safely incapacitate them, ordered them taken to the hospital, and even found the source of the problem which cured the mares.”

“Are you sure he didn’t mate with them?”

“Very. I personally spoke to the mares in question at length on this very subject.”

“Any other stories?”

“There was also the time he took on a giant beast whom threatened to undermine a peace summit.”

“So he slew the monster?”

“Hardly. He used the materials at hand to neutralize it and was even able to cure it of that which caused it to go insane in the first place.”

“Without violence?”

“There was some violence, yes. However the creature was not permanently harmed in any way and was able to leave weakened but very much alive.”

Mio sighs. “I just don’t get that.”

“Oh?”

“Arc... sounds like a somewhat decent individual. However I know a very different side of him. He blackmailed me into helping him.”

“Helping him do what exactly?”

“Get to Hammer.”

“He did tell me about that, yes.”

“I imagine he left out the part where he manipulated me.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Arc told me about that too.”

“He... he did?”

“Yes. And he was very upset that such steps had to be taken. However his only goal there was to help your sister. And he was unable to figure out any other way to do that.”

Mio sighs. “If anyone other than you had told me that I would have called them a liar.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. But why hold me in such high regard? Considering we’re on different sides.”

“You’ve proven yourself to be a noble and fair opponent in the past. And I’ve come to question my former employer’s actions and methods.”

“What prompted that?”

Mio looks away nervously. “I... may have gone into classified servers looking into what you told me regarding The Shards.”

“How they were kept as science experiments in the lab?”

Mio bows her head. “I didn’t want to believe it. However when I reviewed the security footage of the lab when you invaded, I saw them stumbling around trying to get their bearings. And how you and your team made a path for them to safely escape.”

“There’s a lot more going on in there than you know.”

“I was going to say the same thing.”

“Figures.”

“You didn’t have the whole picture?”

“Just what was pertinent regarding my mission down there at the time.”

“Which was...?”

“The rescue of The Shards along with a very special pony whom was captured. Sadly I can’t say any more on that subject at the moment.”

“I understand.”

“If you have more questions though...”

“That I do. However they’re of the more... personal kind.”

“Go ahead.”

“Do you... do you think I might join you and Hammer in your mission?”

“Which one?”

“I... don’t really know.”

Arc chuckles. “Then how can you say that you’d like to join us?”

Mio frowns. “Because I’ve come to question all that I was trained to do. How magic was supposed to be this amazing and unattainable force that we could use to help humanity. And that The Organization was the world’s best hope at a future. I mean, if it isn’t... why we’re doing what it is we’re doing down there.”

“The new project in the vault”

“I couldn’t get anything on that sadly. But whatever it is can’t be good. However I could help you infiltrate Damocles Base again when you’re ready to...”

Arc interrupts her. “We’re not planning to do that anytime soon.”

Mio appears confused. “You’re... not?”

Arc shakes his head. “At the time I got what was needed.”

“Did you now?”

“More or less.”

“Then why did you and Hammer go back there the other day?”

“To get... something different.”

“What was it?”

“Information.”

“The Organization’s research data?”

“Sorta.”

“But what good would it do you? After all, ponies already have the gift of magic here.”

Arc sighs. “I wasn’t after the Ascension Project data.”

“Oh?”

“In truth, my goal was actually some really old research files.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “The archives?”

“It’s a bit more complicated than that. But this isn’t an Equestrian sanctioned matter.”

“How could it not be though?”

“It’s a personal matter of mine. In truth, I’m trying to help a very good friend of mine.”

Mio grimaces. Arc?”

Arc chuckles. “You know, I do have other friends.”

Mio blushes and stammers. “I’m sorry! I wasn’t trying to imply...!”

“Let’s just say it’s for someone other than Arc and leave it at that.”

“Um... okay.”

“Any other questions?”

“Yes, actually. I know this may sound a bit strange, but... can you please explain to me what exactly my sister sees in Arc?”

“Sees?”

“Why she’s attracted to him, I mean. While I do believe he’s quite handsome I also understand that looks can only get one so far with someone.”

“The short answer is because she’s in love with him.”

“Can you explain how that happened though?”

“They went out on several dates, talked a lot, and bonded.”

“There has to be more to it than that though!”

“Not that I know of, no. But why don’t you just ask Hammer about this?”

Mio sighs. “Like I said, I’ve tried. However every time I do she just brushes it off and tells me to mind my own business.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“That doesn’t sound like her. Hammer’s usually pretty open about what’s on her mind.”

“Well, I might know why though.”

“Oh?”

“Stingray and I did try to torpedo her relationship with Arc some time ago. You remember that night at the side of the road, right?”

Arc nods. “That I do. You and Stingray brought all those burly bikers with you.”

“And then you showed up.”

“Had to help Arc even the odds somehow.”

“I’m assuming that she’s still worried that I’ll do something to try and split her and Arc up.”

“Are you?”

Mio shakes her head. “No. She’s beyond that point.”

“That’s called ‘love’.”

“I suppose it is.”

“And you don’t like it.”

“You misunderstand, Hero. While I do want my sister to be happy, I still believe that Arc is manipulating her.”

“Trust me, he’s not.”

“You I trust, yes. It’s Arc I can’t get a bead on.”

He gestures to a stone bench. The pair sit down together as they continue their conversation.

“Perhaps you two should get to know one another better, Mio.”

“For what purpose?”

“Well... typically when a couple has been going out for a while they introduce each other to family members.”

“Do they now?”

Arc nods. “Yup. After all, it’s a sign that things are getting serious.”

“Are they really?!”

“Hasn’t Hammer told you yet?”

“About her wanting to get married?”

“Right.”

“She did say that, yes. However she’s been known to be rather presumptuous.”

“Presumptuous?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she hadn’t even spoken to Arc about such things yet.”

“She has.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes.”

“And what were his feelings on the matter?”

“That he wanted to take things slow. Go on more dates, talk, and get to know her first.”

“So there’s still a chance they might not... you know...”

“It’s looking pretty serious these days. You might want to come to terms with the fact that Arc may very well be your brother-in-law someday.”

Mio sighs. “I don’t think such a thing would sit well with Stingray.”

“Let’s not think about her right now. Just focus on you, Hammer, and Arc. The three of you really need to bond if this is going to work.”

“Bond? But they’re the ones in love.”

“Right. However as her sister you’re still part of the whole family dynamic.”

Mio grits her teeth. “I don’t feel anything toward Arc but anger though.”

“Then you’d best learn to live with one less sister.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you two don’t find a way to at least tolerate each other it’ll force Hammer to make a choice between you two.”

Mio scoffs. “She would never chose him over me though. I mean... we’re sisters, right?”

“And she’s very much in love with this individual. It wouldn’t be an easy decision for her to make, but I Honestly believe that Hammer would chose him over you.”

“But I care about her!”

“And she does too. However when you force someone to choose between family and their relationships it puts quite the strain on everyone involved. So even if she were to choose family over Arc it would forever tarnish her opinion of you.”

“I can’t just... just forget what Arc did to me though!”

“And you don’t have to. But to save your relationship with Hammer you need to at least be civil to him.”

“I... will try.”

“Good.”

Mio smiles at him sheepishly. “You know... I kinda see why Hammer views her relationship with Arc as such an important matter.”

“Do you now?”

“Yes. It’s nice having someone around that you can look to for companionship.”

She leans her head against his shoulder before continuing.

“And I’d... like it if you and I could... maybe get better acquainted.”

“That might be harder than you think.”

“I’d be willing to wait to know your identity if that’s the problem.”

“It’s more than that though.”

“I don’t...”

Arc cuts her off. “Remember what I said about relationships being hard when someone in them is intent not to get along?”

“Yes. But what does that have to do with us? I mean, Hammer does seem to respect you quite a bit.”

“However you don’t get along with Arc.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Hammer, Arc, and I are all very good friends. I can’t realistically enter into any kind of a relationship with someone who doesn’t at least tolerate him.”

“So if Arc and I were to somehow bury the hatchet then you might consider...”

“I’d at least hear out your position on the matter. That’s all I’m willing to do.”

Mio smiles and nods as she takes his gauntlet. “Such is all I ask.”

Chapter 10 - Sisterly Love (Part 3)

Arc stands and holds out a gauntlet to Mio.

“I should probably get you back to Hammer’s room now.”

“Do you have to?”

“Kinda. After all, I wouldn’t want you to have a relapse from the cold.”

Mio nods as she takes his gauntlet. “Understandable.”

Turning around, they begin walking back the way they came. Coming back to the balcony, Arc Blinks them up to it.

“Here we are.”

Mio sighs. “Yes.”

“Something wrong?”

“Not exactly. Maybe I’m just a bit... stir crazy from lying around so much since coming to this land.”

As they near the balcony door Hammer walks into her quarters. Seeing them outside she gasps and hurries over.

“Hero, what are you DOING?!”

“Helping your sister get some fresh air.”

“But it’s freezing outside!”

Mio groans. “It’s really not that bad, Hammer.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Mio smiles and pulls the blanket closer to her face before continuing. “That and he gave me this to keep warm.”

Arc shrugs. “Found out it was a bit colder than expected when we touched down in the gardens.”

Hammer takes her sister’s hand. “Well, you’re probably tired after all that exercise. How about you lie down?”

“I actually have to use the restroom first.”

Hammer shifts course. “Okay. Next stop, the toilet.”

Sighing, Mio hands Arc the blanket and allows herself to be led away. Hammer helps her sit down and pulls down her sister’s pants before stepping back.

“There you go.”

Mio groans. “Again. Can I get some privacy?”

“No way! After all, you could be very sick again from all that cold air! I’m not letting you out of my sight until I’m sure you’re okay! But I will do this much for you.”

Hammer turns around and looks at the wall. Shaking her head, Mio... does her business before flushing and calling out.

“I’m... done.”

Hammer turns back around. “Did you remember to wipe?”

Mio rolls her eyes. “Yes, Hammer. Why wouldn’t I have...?”

“Remember the other day?”

“I was suffering from pneumonia and was so tired that I...!”

Hammer frowns as she helps Mio stand up. “And you still are technically!”

Heading back to the room with her sister, she helps her sit down on the bed before turning to Arc.

“How’d she handle the walk?”

“Pretty good actually. Halfway through we sat down on a bench so she could rest.”

Mio nods. “I was getting a bit tired admittedly.”

Hammer gasps. “Why didn’t you say something to the Hero then?! He could have carried you back!”

“But I’m feeling a lot better now.”

Hammer facepalms. “Don’t you want to get better, Mio!”

“Yes, I do. However...”

Hammer interrupts her. “Then you need to stop straining yourself!”

Arc shakes his head. “Don’t you think you might be overreacting just a bit, Hammer?”

“Not really.”

Mio groans. “But I’m going crazy just sitting in the same room all day!”

Hammer grins. “Yeah, I figured that. So I brought you a little something that might help with that on my way back from the office.”

Stepping out into the corridor, Hammer pulls a wheelchair inside.

“This should help!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I think Mio can walk, Hammer.”

“Yes, I can.”

“That may be. But it’ll prevent her from straining herself or getting too tired if she wants to go out.”

Mio scoffs. “If?”

Arc looks the wheelchair over. “That’s a bit bigger than a pony could use though. Where’d you find it, Hammer?”

“Nurse Redheart said it’s ‘princess size’. Just a little something they had in the back room gathering dust. She figured Mio would fit into it with room to spare.”

Mio groans. “That I would.”

“Well, I need to get back to the office. Just came by to see that you two were getting along all right.”

“We are, yes.”

Arc motions with his gauntlet. “Things are just fine here. Go ahead and take care of your job and I’ll stay with Mio.”

“Thanks. Have fun, you two.”

Leaving the room, Hammer closes the door and hurries down the hall as she mutters to herself.

“Well, Mio didn’t look too upset. Guess Arc didn’t tell her yet.”

She groans before continuing.

“I just hope he can ease her into the idea.”

Meanwhile, Mio slowly walks over to the wheelchair. Sighing, she looks it over.

“I can’t believe she brought this.”

“Hammer is being a bit overprotective admittedly.”

“Truth be told, I’d rather not use this.”

Arc shrugs. “That’s your choice. But I was just thinking that it might actually be useful.”

“Oh?”

“I could show you around the castle. It’s a really big place, so you would probably get tired out before we got anywhere close to being done.”

Mio smiles. “A tour of a real castle?!”

Arc nods. “If you want, sure.”

“That would be wonderful, yes!”

She looks down at the wheelchair and grimaces before continuing.

“Um... do I have to use this thing though?”

“I’ll leave that decision up to you. However I do recommend you take Hammer’s advice and let me push you around.”

Mio blushes slightly. “You... pushing me?”

“Well, I thought you might get tired wheeling yourself around. Maybe even faster than normal walking would.”

“I... wouldn’t want to be a burden.”

“It’s fine. That and it’ll give us some more time to talk.”

Mio giggles. “Then yes, I’ll do as you asked.”

Sitting down in the chair, Mio folds her hands in her lap and smiles as Arc turns to her.

“Would you like the blanket from earlier?”

“Is it cold in the castle?”

“Kinda, yeah. Especially when you’re not walking for yourself.”

Mio nods. “Then yes please.”

Levitating the blanket over from where he laid it, Arc helps Mio arrange it to cover her lap before stepping back.

“There you go. And there’s enough slack that you can pull it up to cover the rest of you if you’d like.”

“Thank you. I’ll do that.”

“Are you ready to go?”

“I am, yes.”

Stepping behind the wheelchair Arc takes the handle, which is just a long bar across the back for hooves assumedly, and pushes Mio toward the door. Reaching out with his magic he opens it and steps out into the corridor. Mio looks all around at the pillars and floor to ceiling windows as she gasps.

“Amazing!”

Arc nods as he closes the door. “That it is. But didn’t you see it when Hammer brought you here?”

Mio shakes her head. “No. She had Nurse Redheart sedate me first.”

“But... why?”

“Something about nation security.”

“Ah! She was worried that you might tell The Organization our state secrets, or something.”

“But I won’t!”

“I believe you, Mio. However you have to think about it from Hammer’s point of view. She’s a Lieutenant tasked with keeping the castle secure.”

Mio sighs. “Quite a promotion for her I would imagine.”

“But she’s doing well.”

“Is the workload... heavy?”

“Somewhat, yes. However I’d like to add that she is happy in her job.”

“Hammer told me as much when I asked her. Um... do you think I could... stay here with you?”

Arc chuckles. “I don’t actually own a house.”

Mio blushes. “Oh no! I meant here in this land!”

“Sorry. It was a joke. But to answer your question... that would be up to the princesses.”

“Celestia, Luna, and Cadance?”

“You’ve been reading, huh?”

Mio smiles nervously. “The basics, yes. Hammer’s been trying to answer my questions too, so I have a fundamental knowledge of how things work here.”

“Good. That’ll make things easier.”

“So... what do you think they’ll say?”

“Well... the book you read must’ve been an older one. There’s a new princess sitting on the throne now.”

“Oh?”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“Interesting name. What’s she like?”

“Kind, studious, a bit shy, and a workaholic.”

“Really?”

Arc nods. “Yup. From what Hammer’s told me you and her are kinda similar.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“As to whether or not she’d let you stay... not really sure.”

Mio bows her head. “Is it because of my past?”

“Somewhat, yes. However her former teacher, Princess Celestia, doesn’t really like humans.”

“Oh?”

“Truth be told, she hates them.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “But you’re her champion, aren’t you?”

Arc sighs. “I was appointed by Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.”

“The other two dissented?”

“Twilight hadn’t yet been crowned and Celestia was, at the time, being held by The Organization.”

“Oh. That’s... not a good thing for my case, is it?”

“Not really, no.”

“I’d still like to plead it though.”

“When you’re fully recovered.”

“Very well. I trust your judgement, Hero.”

Arc winces slightly as they continue on. Arriving at a large set of double doors Arc motions for the guards to open them. As they do so Mio gasps.

“This... this is...!”

“The Library, yes.”

“It’s massive!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well... Princess Celestia feels that knowledge is very important to a society. At least that’s what Twilight tells me she thinks.”

“You don’t know?”

“We haven’t really had any talks on the matter, no. Any matter really other than... uh...”

“What was it?”

“Sorry. That one’s really personal.”

“Oh.”

“But in any case, the castle houses many sages and scholars whom study various aspects of science, magic, and everything in between.”

Mio giggles. “Are there pony scientists too?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Twilight’s one. Well, kinda. It’s complicated.”

Mio gestures to the room before them. “Might I look over some of the books in here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not without permission. I only authorized you to see certain things thus far... for reasons I’m sure you understand.”

“I do, yes. However I would like the opportunity to try and earn the right to know more.”

“Perhaps one day. But we should continue on.”

Leaving the Library, they continue down the corridor. Walking for some time they eventually come to a number of stained glass windows. Mio looks all around.

“Very picturesque.”

“Each one commemorates an important event I’m told.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “They don’t have history books?”

“Oh, they do. But think of this as a visual representation. Equestria doesn’t have many monuments or statues. Instead they create a reminder of important ponies or events by immortalizing them in stained glass form.”

“It doesn’t sound like it would last nearly as long though.”

“Maybe not. But different cultures have their own way of doing things.”

“I suppose so.”

Arc points. “This is one that I know. Star-swirl the Bearded.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “A pony... with a beard?”

“I don’t get it either. However he was the one whom came up with the idea of the princesses embodying all three pony races.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Doctor Whooves is an Earth Pony. They’re the strongest of the races and grow most of the food for the land.”

Mio frowns. “But he’s a doctor.”

Arc shrugs. “That doesn’t mean that they’re not intelligent. From what I’ve seen anyone can aspire to be anything here.”

“That sounds nice admittedly.”

“Nurse Redheart is a Unicorn. The only ponies that can directly harness the raw power of magic.”

“I was a bit surprised when I saw her admittedly. More so when her horn started glowing.”

“It just means that she was casting a spell.”

“Yes, I figured that out fairly quickly.”

“Unicorns seem to have an advantage in the intelligence category. Most of the sages here in the castle are Unicorns, after all.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“We all do what we’re good at.”

“And the Pegasi?”

“Horses with wings.”

“Are they big?”

“The Pegasi?”

Mio shakes her head. “Just the wings. I assume it would take quite a bit of lift to allow a horse to fly.”

“Admittedly their wings are a lot smaller than I thought they’d be. But can I assume that you’ve yet to see one?”

Mio sighs. “Not yet, no.”

“You will at some point.”

“And their advantageous skill would be flight I assume?”

“That and agility. They can use their wings to fly as well as shift their center of gravity on a whim.”

“Strength, intelligence, and agility. Now then, I just have one question. Which is the greatest among them?”

“None.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “They’re equals?”

“That’s why the princesses exist. To embody all three aspects in one.”

“And all of them are okay with that? No power struggles?”

“None in many years, no. Everyone just does what they’re good at for the betterment of others.”

“So it’s like a commune?”

“On a national scale, yes. They do have private business, schools, and other governing authorities though. Very similar to what we have back on Earth.”

“And it works?”

“For the most part, yes. Naturally not everyone is happy or follows the rules. And for those that act on their impulses we have dungeons and prisons.”

Mio appears suddenly nervous. “And me?”

“When I first brought you in the idea of putting you in a cell did come up, yes. However I pointed out that from a medical standpoint you were too ill to leave the Infirmary.”

“And the future?”

“Well, it was also pointed out that you had not committed any crimes against Equestria. Other than what you did to help The Organization, that is.”

“But you were willing to overlook that?”

“For now, yes.”

“Oh?”

“Hammer and I stuck our necks out to keep you free. All we ask in return is that you not betray that trust.”

Mio nods soberly. “I will do my best to show you and the others my devotion to your cause then. That is, if I can join you.”

“You need to be fully recovered before I’d even consider it.”

“I’ll do my best to heal and learn all I can to be of help to you.”

“Rather eager to begin, aren’t you?”

“It’s just that... I feel as though I need to make up for what The Organization did to your captured princess.”

“Nothing else?”

“Well... that and I’d relish the thought of fighting by your side.”

“What makes you think they’ll be violence?”

“Trust me, where The Organization is concerned force is ALWAYS an option. Especially with Colonel Diva.”

“Well, my friends showed her a thing or two a while back.”

Mio gasps. “That was YOU?!”

“I wish. Sadly I was busy elsewhere at the time.”

“They must be very powerful to take her on!”

“You could say that, yes.”

Mio grins wickedly. “Now I REALLY want to join up so I can help smack the smug out of her!”

“That probably won’t be for some time yet. After all, we have bigger fish to fry here in Equestria.”

“Your enemies must be quite the threat then!”

Arc sighs. “You have no idea.”

“I’d still like the chance to...”

Mio gasps as a certain stained glass window comes into view.

“Is that...?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Me.”

“On the throne?!”

“Temporarily, but yes.”

“How does one get to do THAT?!”

“It was a legal matter. Should no princess be willing or able to take the throne the Order of Succession must be followed. And the next in line is the Hero of Light followed by the Captain of the Royal Guard and then the Lead Sage. Not sure about the titles after that.”

“Hammer?!”

“She’s actually the aide of the Captain of the Royal Guard, who in this case is actually a colonel.”

“So she wouldn’t ever be in a position to be... you know...?”

“Like I said, I don’t know the rest of the order followed. However she couldn’t take the throne anyways, as one needs to be a citizen of Equestria to do that.”

“And you are?”

“By royal decree, yes.”

“How did your reign go?”

Arc sighs. “It was a... hard time for our nation. Everyone was used to a princess ruling over them. The idea that someone else was doing it, coupled with the fact I wasn’t even a pony, was very... difficult for them to come to terms with. That and my lack of experience didn’t help either.”

“But you did it.”

“Yes, I held things together while a cure was found for the ailing princesses.”

“They were sick?”

“Something like that.”

“Did you ever have to take over again?”

“After we rescued our missing princess, yes.”

“But what was wrong with the other ones?”

“It was suggested that they be by their companion’s side, as she was very... um... heavily mentally scarred from the incident. So I took over as Lord Regent so that they could focus on Celestia’s health and mental well-being.”

“I assume that went better.”

Arc nods. “Oh, yes. The public was more used to me by that point along with my bigger reputation.”

“And your physical and magical might, I might add.”

“Well, practice does make perfect.”

“Very modest of you to say so. I still remember our very first encounter.”

“At the Shard Base if I recall.”

“Yes, indeed. I was trying to get you to join our cause.”

“The Organization, I imagine.”

“Eventually, yes. But had you taken me up on my offer I would have watched you as you carried out tasks for the Shards before recommending you to General Mustang personally.”

“It was a rather... interesting time for me.”

“You appeared rather frightened to me.”

“Kinda was. You were the first human I had encountered whom could use magic. Up until that point my powers were my trump card.”

Mio giggles. “That may be. But back then I was bluffing.”

“Were you now?”

“Yes. Even then I could sense that your powers dwarfed my own.”

“And now?”

Mio sighs. “I don’t even hold a candle to you.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I did notice you were missing something in your camp back on Earth.”

“What was that?”

“Your magic staff.”

Mio looks away nervously. “I’ve moved beyond it.”

“Getting better?”

“Not... exactly. But I can cast very simple spells without my focus. And it tires me out very quickly.”

“That’s how we learn though.”

“Oh?”

“The strain of exercise is what makes muscles grow. It’s the same with magic. Challenge yourself and practice to become more than you are.”

Mio puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “More than I am.”

“I just meant that there’s always room for improvement. There is such a thing as pushing oneself too hard.”

“But Colonel Diva did that and look at how far she’s come.”

“That may be. But she sacrificed herself to get there.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s at the top, yes. However she’s all alone up there. No family or friends to share in the glory of her actions and accomplishments.”

“Sounds rather lonely to me.”

“I’m assuming it is, yes.”

“And you?”

“Even though I pushed myself hard, there was always someone by my side to lend me a hand. Sometimes literally.”

“Overwork?”

“Drained my mana pool too much.”

Mio grimaces. “Ouch.”

“You’ve done it too?”

“Every magic user has at some point, I’m told.”

“Not too good for one’s image.”

Mio giggles. “Hammer and Stingray made fun of me for a week after that.”

“Then why are you laughing?”

“Because they had to do it too. I just went first because I was the best at magic.”

“How bad was it?”

“Let’s just say that dragging them down the corridor to their rooms wasn’t exactly easy for me.”

“Well, at least they learned what it was like.”

“Yes. Damocles Base did have quite the magical training facilities.”

“Did they now?”

“You never saw them?”

Arc shakes his head. “I was too busy sneaking and skulking to notice them, I guess.”

Mio grins. “Well, I guess that’s a decent enough excuse. But you probably have facilities here that put ours to shame.”

“The castle does have some nice training area’s yes. However they’re constantly being used right now.”

“Trouble on the horizon?”

“Something like that.”

“A shame. I was hoping you could show me a few things.”

“If you’re up for a bit of a field trip, I could take you to another training facility.”

“Where?”

“My base. It’s south of here on the outskirts of a small but centrally located town called ‘Ponyville’.”

Mio giggles. “I’d love to go. Um... what about Hammer though?”

“We’d be back before too long. After all, I need to do my part to make sure you don’t overexert yourself. However you do need to understand one thing before we go.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s quite a ways from here. You’d be miles from the castle and your sister too. Are you okay with that?”

Mio nods. “Oh, completely.”

“You sure? We could wait until Hammer gets off work and head over there together.”

“I’d actually rather we didn’t wait. Hammer would just... be Hammer.”

“Alright. But if you start getting too sleepy just let me know and I’ll bring you back right away.”

Arc raises an hand and opens a portal. As he pushes Mio through she smiles happily and blushes slightly.

Chapter 11 - Sisterly Love (Part 4)

Stepping out of the portal, Arc and Mio appear on the sigil in his quarters. She looks around, confused.

“I thought we were going to a military base.”

“We did. Well, kinda.”

“This looks like a house though.”

“It’s my quarters. Sorry, but this was the only place I had a sigil.”

“It’s... fine.”

Pushing her toward the door, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell to open it. Walking down the corridor several guards part to let them pass as they salute respectfully. Mio instinctively salutes back. She blushes slightly as Arc chuckles at her mistake.

“Conditioned reaction?”

Mio blushes. “Yes. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. After all, we all make mistakes.”

Turning down another corridor Mio looks around.

“This is very nice.”

“For a military base?”

Mio nods. “Indeed. They’re usually very... utilitarian.”

“Like my quarters?”

“Something like that. But out here looks more like an extension of the castle. Just not quite as exquisite.”

Arc stops at a window. “Well, as you can see we’re not on top of the mountain anymore.”

“A... forest?”

“It’s the outskirts of the Everfree Forest, yes.”

“Doesn’t seem like a very good place to put a military base.”

“Well, it was selected by one of the princesses as this spot is only somewhat remote.”

“You said it was on the outskirts of a town called Ponyville if I recall correctly.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Far enough away that the town wouldn’t be directly affected by anything going on here, but at the same time close enough that we could still go there for supplies and whatnot.”

“Very different from how things are done on Earth.”

“True. But different cultures do things differently.”

Coming to a large set of double doors Arc stops.

“This is the Training Room. My troops use it to practice and run drills.”

Mio shudders. “Drills.”

“Something wrong?”

“Just bad memories. I assume your troops are training at this time though?”

“Probably. But we could still see the facilities and watch them if you’d like.”

“Would that be okay? After all, I don’t want to get you into any trouble.”

Arc chuckles. “I think we’ll be fine. After all, this is my base.”

“Oh... right.”

Opening the doors with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc pushes Mio inside. They see a number of armed and armored stallions sparring in the center of the room. Others cheer them on from the sidelines. Mio looks up at Arc.

“Looks more like a sporting event than training.”

Arc shrugs. “Perhaps it’s both.”

Watching from the back of the room for a few moments they see one stallion eventually get the edge over the other. Sandstorm Mirage runs up to him and calls out loudly.

“We have a winner!”

Cheers ring out as he holds up the hoof of the victor and looks around with him. A moment later his eyes rest on his commanding officer standing at the back of the room. Gasping, he calls out.

“Everypony at attention!”

They hurry to comply as Arc steps forward. The stallions salute him as he approaches Sandstorm Mirage and looks to the victor.

“Quite the display.”

The stallion nods nervously. “Th-thank you, sir.”

Arc turns to Sandstorm Mirage. “Might I ask what’s going on here?”

“Friday is Exhibition Day, sir. It’s where the troops put what they have learned into practice.”

“Who’s idea was it?”

Sandstorm grimaces. “Mine, sir. But I did clear it with then Lieutenant Flash Sentry prior to implementing this idea.”

“How long ago?”

“Shortly after I was promoted, sir.”

“Well, it appears your training methods work. We didn’t lose a single soldier from my command in the attack on Light’s Hope.”

“Very true, sir.”

“In any case, I just dropped by to show someone the facilities.”

“Shall we disperse then, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’d actually like to see more of this.”

“We’re actually almost done now. This was the semi-finals.”

Sandstorm Mirage motions to the stallion next to him before continuing.

“Our victor here had just won the chance to challenge the current champion.”

“One last match, huh?”

“Yes sir.”

“I wouldn’t want to miss that. Carry on.”

Turning to return to Mio, Arc stands by her side as Sandstorm Mirage addresses the troops.

“Alright everypony! Since our companion here beat everypony else, he’s earned the right to fight the champion and try to win his title! Get ready!”

The stallion takes up a battle ready position as he waits. Mio turns to Arc.

“So who’s the champion? You?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time, no. Remember, I just learned about this whole thing when you did.”

Sandstorm Mirage takes up a position across from the stallion. Arc chuckles.

“Guess that answers that question.”

The troops start chanting their names as the pair face off. Taking flight they trade attacks mid-air. Mio gasps.

“They really CAN fly!”

“Those wings are for more than just show, you know.”

The stallion swings at Sandstorm Mirage numerous times but is unable to make contact. Moving deftly through the air, the sergeant dives and grabs the stallion’s back hooves. Pulling down hard, he forces the stallion to flip over and crash to the floor below with him on top. Pointing his training weapon at the defeated stallion’s neck Sandstorm Mirage calls out.

“Surrender?!”

Sighing, the stallion nods. The room bursts into cheers as Sandstorm Mirage hops off of his opponent and raises his weapon triumphantly. Arc applauds as he approaches.

“Very good, Sergeant.”

“One has to be the best to be able to train their troops, sir. Well... YOUR troops, that is.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I suppose.”

“But how about an exhibition match, sir?”

“Oh?”

“You and I could face off.”

“What are the rules?”

“Just like in real battle, there are none. You just need to make them surrender.”

Arc shrugs. “Sounds simple enough.”

“We just need somepony to officiate.”

Arc points to Mio. “How about my friend over there?”

“Sure, sir.”

Mio gasps. “What?! But... but I don’t know what to...!”

“It’s simple really, miss. You just watch that no one goes too far and declare the winner at the proper time.”

“Well... if that’s all, I think I can handle it.”

Arc chuckles as he picks up a training staff. “Alright. Ready, Sandstorm Mirage?”

“Yes sir.”

Taking up a battle ready position, the pair square off as the other soldier’s watch intently. However they take the liberty of backing up first. Arc lunches forward and takes a swing. However the Sergeant deftly evades it.

“Nice try, sir!”

Arc chuckles. “Didn’t realize you were so fast.”

“Want to try again, sir?”

“Gladly.”

Taking up his position again, Arc swings. However just as before the stallion nimbly dodges. Chuckling, Arc looks him over.

“Faster than you look.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“But I did notice one thing.”

“Sir?”

“You aren’t attacking.”

“I try not to, sir. It’s part of my technique.”

Arc smirks. “Wait for your opponent to make a mistake and then capitalize on it via a counter.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. “Yes sir. And I’ve tried to pass that on to the others as well.”

“But I did notice that the stallion facing you before did indeed attack.”

“He had to. Otherwise we would have been here all day, sir.”

“It makes for a near-perfect defense.”

“Near-perfect, sir?”

“Nothing is ever flawless. There’s always an opening somewhere... if you can find it.”

“Please try then, sir.”

“Gladly.”

His eyes darting around the room, Arc spies a weapon rack nearby. Reaching out with his magic he pulls it, along with several other objects from other directions, toward Sandstorm Mirage. The sergeant effortlessly dodges them before turning back to Arc.

“Even that didn’t really... sir?”

Not seeing his opponent, the sergeant looks around for a moment before being unceremoniously pinned to the floor under Arc’s body as it drops from up above. Chuckling, Arc looks down.

“Give up?”

“Yes sir.”

Arc stands as his troops clap their hooves. “Good.”

Mio calls out. “Winner! The Hero!”

Reaching out a hand, he helps the sergeant up before stepping back.

“Let’s go again. And this time I won’t use any Telekinesis Spells.”

“Alright, sir.”

Taking up their positions again, Arc looks the stallion over as he waits for the attack. Running toward Sandstorm Mirage, Arc grins as he sees his opponent preparing to dodge. However as he does so, Arc Blinks to one side and catches the Sergeant in mid-air. Wrapping his arms around his opponent Arc grins.

“How about now?”

“I give up, sir.”

Mio calls out again. “The Hero wins once more!”

The crowd cheers as Arc lets the stallion go. He turns to Arc and sighs.

“You got me again, sir.”

“That I did. But let’s do it once again. And this time you have my word that I won’t use magic of ANY kind.”

“None, sir?”

“None.”

“There’s no rule against it though.”

“True. But I’m trying to make a point here.”

Nodding, Sandstorm Mirage and Arc take up their stances again. Wasting no time, Arc charges headlong at him. Smirking, the stallion dives out of the way at the last second. However, as he does so, Arc reaches over and grabs his rear fetlock. Using his own momentum, Arc pulls the Sergeant along for the ride. Unable to counter properly he flaps his wings to get some air, but cannot pull away from Arc’s grip. After a few moments Arc releases him without warning. Flying at high speed he crashes into a wall and falls to the ground as Arc hurries over to him.

“You okay, Sandstorm Mirage?!”

The sergeant puts a hoof to his forehead. “Y-yes sir.”

Mio wheels herself over to them. “Um... I guess the Hero wins.”

Arc grimaces. “Sorry. I think I got a bit carried away.”

Sandstorm Mirage slowly gets to his hooves. “What exactly happened?”

“I just did what you suggested. Waited for my opponent to do something. Then countered it with something they wouldn’t expect.”

“Like grabbing my hoof?”

Arc nods. “You’re not used to fighting someone with fingers.”

“Or anything other than a pony.”

“True. But at the end of the day it all boils down to one thing.”

Arc turns to the others before continuing.

“Know thine enemy. When fighting something outside your understood norms you must first observe from a distance. Watch them very carefully and learn their habits as best you can. That can lead to you adapting and being able to overcome them. Were Sandstorm Mirage and I to continue fighting, he would have eventually learned my tactics and been able to counter them with his own abilities.”

“Maybe one day, sir.”

“I must say that I’m very impressed by what you showed earlier though.”

“But I lost, sir.”

“True. However only due to the reasons I laid out a moment ago.”

He gestures to the troops before continuing.

“And it’s thanks to your training that everyone here lived through the attack on this very base.”

“Just doing my job, sir. But we should probably move on to the next part of our Friday training regime. With your permission, of course.”

“Sure, go ahead. What is it though?”

“A three mile run.”

“Ah! Well... carry on then.”

Looking to the soldiers, Sandstorm Mirage calls out.

“Line up, two by two! Ready... MARCH!”

They trot out the door as Sandstorm Mirage follows them. Mio reaches out and closes the door behind them as they leave. Standing, she turns to Arc.

“That was very impressive.”

Arc shrugs. “I kinda got lucky.”

“Lucky?! You could have destroyed that equine!”

“Just wanted to make it a teaching moment.”

“Could you show me a thing or two?”

“Like what?”

“How to be a better caster.”

Arc chuckles. “Practice makes perfect.”

Mio groans. “That’s just it. No matter how much I do that I can’t seem to break through my limitations.”

“Without your staff though, right?”

“Right. I’ve even started thinking that it might be better if I just stopped casting altogether at this point.”

“Let me see you cast.”

He points to a training weapon before continuing.

“Levitate that to yourself.”

Holding out a hand, Mio concentrates. The staff slowly makes its way over to her as her hand visibly shakes. However about halfway to its destination she falls to her knees as it clatters to the floor. Arc moves to help her up as she groans.

“See what I mean?”

“Yes, it’s not exactly a taxing spell either.”

“However with my staff I could have moved it all day.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “All day, huh?”

“Did I say something wrong?”

“I wonder if that was intentional.”

Mio frowns. “It was my very best though!”

“No, no. I mean you only being able to cast with a focus.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Perhaps the Ascension Project at the time was only able to infuse limited amounts of magical power into a host.”

“But Colonel Diva was able to...!”

Arc interrupts her. “Diva was born a Unicorn, remember?”

“I... do remember you mentioning that, yes.”

Arc frowns. “Although that still doesn’t explain how she casts spells in her human form.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t she be able to though?”

“Because Unicorns require a focus in the form of a horn.”

“Arc you certain?”

“Positive. I’ve taken a couple of them to Earth before. No horn, no magic.”

Mio sighs. “I’m guessing General Mustang figured out a way to help her with that.”

“And kept you on the lower spectrum.”

“But I’d have been more effective...!”

“Perhaps TOO effective.”

“Are you saying that he was worried we’d rise up against The Organization?!”

“It’s an even money bet. Since Diva can apparently do it such a thing, it’s clearly possible.”

Mio groans. “And here I thought I was the brightest and the best.”

“Sounds more like you were treated like a prototype.”

“Or science experiment. Perhaps they wanted to see what would happen if a subject was brought up with a focus.”

“Maybe. The general probably just didn’t want to risk hurting Diva.”

Mio sits back down in the wheelchair and puts her face in her hands before continuing.

“Hammer... Hammer was right all along.”

Arc kneels down to her level. “That she was.”

Mio looks away. “So I guess you won’t be interested in having a talentless loser like me in your employ.”

“Mio, listen. Maybe you were just an experiment, and maybe you’ll never get any better at magic. But that doesn’t mean that you aren’t important to us.”

“Us?”

“Hammer and I.”

Mio blushes slightly. “I... I’m important to you?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Look, having or not having a particular talent doesn’t make you any less special. I’m sure there’s other things you could do to support yourself.”

“So... you’re not upset?”

“Why would I be?”

“I... don’t know. The Organization prioritizes what you can contribute over pretty much everything else. Those whom can’t are out.”

“Well, I’m not kicking you out of Equestria over this.”

Mio appears hopeful. “You... you mean I can stay?”

“As long as you don’t cause any trouble you’ll have my vote. Not that it means a whole lot by itself.”

“The princesses?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. That’s their department. But I could put in a good word for you.”

Mio smiles. “Thank you. It’s more than I deserve. However I do want to know something.”

“What is it?”

“How can you be so nice to me?”

“Considering our past?”

Mio nods. “I caused so much trouble for you. Well, my sisters and I did anyways. But you didn’t try to kill us and even went out of your way to safeguard us several times. It’s not something I can wrap my mind around.”

“Look, I think you and Hammer are really nice people, Mio. You two just had a rough bit of luck with the cards fate delt you.”

“And we did so much to...”

Arc interrupts her. “But I think you’re capable of making up for it now that you know the truth. Just like Hammer did, or is doing now.”

Tears form in the corners of Mio’s eyes as she smiles happily. Throwing her arms around his neck Mio begins crying loudly. Arc puts his gauntlets around her as she lets it all out. After a time she is able to sit back and speak again.

“Thank you, thank you! I promise I’ll do my very best to live up to your expectations!”

“Just do your best and we’ll call it even, okay?”

“Sure!”

She takes his gauntlet and smiles happily before continuing.

“I need to say something!”

“What is it?”

“That you’re the nicest, Kindest, most forgiving, smartest person I’ve ever met! And I... I’d like the chance to get to know you on a more personal level!”

“Mio, I...”

Mio interrupts him. “I promise that I’ll be anything you want me to be! You just let me know what you need and I’ll...!”

“Please... stop.”

“Hero?”

Arc sighs and puts a gauntlet on his helmet.

“You don’t... I... I actually already have... someone else.”

Mio gasps. “So you’re... taken?!”

“Kinda, yeah. It’s complicated.”

“Is there any chance you might... you know...?”

“Go with you instead?”

Mio sighs. “It sounds bad when you say it like that, but yes.”

“I... I need to be Honest with you.”

Mio looks at him expectantly. “Yes?!”

“I... I just...”

Groaning, Arc stands and takes a couple steps back. Looking at Mio for a few moments, he puts both hands on his helmet and takes it off along with the mask. Dropping both to the floor, it makes a dull ‘thud’ as the metal hits. Mio’s eyes grow wide as she sees whom he is. Arc bows his head sadly.

“Mio... I’m... I’m sorry.”

She looks at him for a long moment, her mouth agape. Neither of them speaks for some time. Eventually Mio stands slowly and looks him in the eye.

“Y-y-you?!”

“Yes.”

“YOU’RE THE HERO?!”

“I am.”

Her face turning red as she grits her teeth, Mio clenches her fists as she seethes silently. Lifting her hands she slowly steps toward him. Screaming at the top of her lungs, she lets loose her magical powers. Arc looks up and waves his arms.

“MIO, WAIT!”

Casting as powerful a spell as she is able, Mio attempts to knock Arc down with a fireball. However his armor deflects the magic harmlessly away from his body. She tries again and again to no avail. Falling to her knees Mio looks up at him and puts everything she has into one last spell (which admittedly isn’t much). As it fizzles out in her hands she looks up at him angrily for a few moments before her eyes roll into the back of her head and she collapses. Arc gasps.

“Oh no!”

Rushing over to her, Arc kneels down and puts two fingers to her throat.

“She has a pulse and breathing! Good!”

Touching his earring, he speaks.

“Arc to Canterlot.”

“This is Canterlot, sir. Go ahead.”

“I have a medical emergency. Have Doctor Whooves sent to my quarters in the castle immediately.”

“Yes sir, I’ve just sent the message. Will there be anything else.”

Arc looks to Mio’s unconscious form for a moment before speaking.

“Tell Hamm... have Colonel Flash Sentry’s aide sent to my quarters as well for an immediate consultation regarding a... a very delicate security matter.”

Chapter 12 - Sisterly Love (Part 5)

Sometime later Mio slowly opens her eyes. She looks around a very nice room for a few moments before a familiar voice rings out.

“Hey there, sleepyhead.”

Turning her head, Mio spots Hammer smiling at her. Putting a hand to her forehead she groans.

“Hammer? Where...?”

“Sh... don’t worry. You’re safe and sound here in Canterlot Castle. How’re you doing?”

“I feel... terrible.”

Hammer frowns. “Do you?”

“Yes, indeed. But... I had the strangest dream.”

“Tell me about it.”

“The Hero... he took me to his base and showed me his fighting prowess against his troops.”

“Then what?”

Mio blushes slightly. “I said some... some things, and then he took of his helmet.”

“Did he now?”

“Yes. But it was Arc under there. I remember getting really, REALLY mad. After that things got a bit hazy. Next thing I knew I was waking up here.”

She looks around for a few moments before continuing.

“Hammer? Where... exactly are we?”

“I told you. Canterlot Castle.”

“But this doesn’t look like your room. It’s a lot bigger and the furniture is nicer.”

Putting a hand on the bed she sighs contentedly.

“And the mattress is wonderful.”

Hammer sighs. “You’re in the Hero’s personal quarters.”

“How did I get here though?”

“He brought you here.”

“From... where exactly?”

“His base... Light’s Hope.”

“Hammer?”

“Yeah?”

“That... WAS just a dream... right?”

Hammer shakes her head and groans. “No, Mio. No, it was not.”

Mio gasps. “So the Hero really is...?!”

“It’s Arc, yes.”

Mio puts a hand to her face and blushes furiously. “That... that CAN’T be true though!”

“Believe me, it is.”

“Then where is he?!”

Hammer jerks a thumb behind her. “Waiting outside in the corridor with the doctor.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you said this was his room!”

“It is. However Arc thought it’d be a bad thing for you to see him right when you woke up.”

“Why?”

“Because he said you’d be mad. Are you?”

Mio grits her teeth. “Yes, I am!”

Hammer sighs. “Yeah, I get it.”

“You do?”

“Yup. Because I was the one whom pushed Arc to reveal his identity to you.”

“But why?”

Hammer sighs. “Because we could see that you had a thing for the Hero. Arc didn’t want to lead you on and I agreed with him. However, he wanted to wait until you were properly recovered. I pushed him to do it sooner.”

Mio turns to look out the window for a few moments before speaking.

“So... just to be sure that I understand this correctly... Arc and the Hero are one and the same?”

Hammer nods. “Right.”

“I’d... like to see him and the doctor.”

“You should rest first, Mio. They’ll be time enough for...”

Mio interrupts. “Now, Hammer.”

Hammer sighs. “Fine. Just try to stay calm.”

She walks over to the door, opens it, and makes a motion with her hand. Arc enters along with Doctor Whooves. The doctor steps over to the bedside as Arc and Hammer stay back.

“How are you feeling, miss?”

Mio puts a hand to her forehead. “Really tired. I... think I might have overdone it with a spell.”

Doctor Whooves nods as he smiles. “That was my prognosis as well. Hyper-use of your mana coupled with your body’s already weakened state caused you to pass out.”

“But I’ve pushed my magic too far in the past and didn’t feel anything like this.”

“Were you recovering from pneumonia back then?”

Mio sighs. “No. “

“I’m sorry to say that you just gave your infection a bit of a boost.”

“And I set back my recovery time?”

“Afraid so.”

“So what now?”

“You’ll probably be very weak for a few days. Take plenty of naps and do not strain yourself further.”

Hammer looks to the doctor. “Anything we can do to help her?”

“Just make sure she doesn’t try to cast spells or do anything else that would drain her energies.”

“I’ll see to it.”

Arc nods. “Thank you for coming, doctor.”

“Just doing my duty, sir.”

He turns back to Mio before continuing.

“Notify me if you don’t start recovering within a couple days or if your symptoms worsen.”

“I will, thank you.”

The doctor picks up his little black bag, bows to Arc, and leaves the room. Hammer turns to Arc.

“Um... what now?”

“I should probably leave. Give Mio some time to...”

Mio interrupts. “No.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Mio?”

“I’d... like to say a few things to the both of you.”

Arc sighs as he steps forward and recalls his armor. “Fine.”

Hammer joins him at the side of the bed as Mio frowns.

“I... really don’t know what to say.”

Hammer smiles nervously. “Want a nap?”

“Later, Hammer.”

She looks to Arc.

“Why did you do that to me?”

“Tell you?”

Mio glares at him. “Yes! The timing was terrible!”

“Because of what you said.”

Hammer frowns. “Arc?”

“Mio was... kinda sorta almost trying to... confess her love.”

“For the Hero, yes!”

Hammer looks to her sister. “What the heck, Mio?!”

“I didn’t know he was your boyfriend!”

“Not that! You just told me you had a crush on him! Not that you were looking to form some kind of relationship!”

“You don’t need to know everything about my personal life, Hammer!”

“Oh yeah?! Says the gal whom tried to break Arc and I up?!”

“That was before I knew whom he was, okay!”

Arc groans. “I don’t hold that against you, Mio. After all, mistakes were made on all sides.”

Mio’s eye twitches. “Mistakes... MISTAKES?! I pour out my SOUL to someone whom I thought cared about me and you say it was a MISTAKE?!”

“No. But that is why I felt the need to tell you right then and there whom I really was.”

“Don’t expect any thanks for that.”

“I don’t.”

Hammer glares at her. “You know, you’re being a real jerk about this, Mio!”

Mio scoffs. “Says the woman whom ran off with her boyfriend!”

“Stingray had me kidnapped and tortured!”

“Well, you could have at least tried to contact me! Let me know what was going on!”

“And lead them right back to his place?! No way!”

“Hammer was just trying to protect you, Mio.”

Hammer nods. “Right! Like when I first hired Arc to stalk you!”

“WHAT?!”

Arc facepalms. “That makes it sound bad.”

“I thought you were in trouble!”

Arc sighs. “You were actually going to the gym at night to work out.”

“Those pictures!”

“Yes. Hammer just wanted me to make sure you were okay. I took them to assure her that you weren’t in any danger.”

“Right. And Stingray was...”

Arc cuts her off. “Let’s not go there, Hammer.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “What was she doing?”

Hammer groans. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“At this point probably not, no.”

“Okay, look Mio. Hammer did what she felt she had to do in order to keep you safe. And I did the same to try and help her.”

“By blackmailing me?!”

“No. By convincing you to assist me in helping Hammer out of her blue funk.”

Hammer grins. “It worked too.”

Mio sneers as she looks at Arc. “Ever since we met you’ve done nothing but lie and deceive me though! So why should I listen to a word you have to say?!”

Arc bows his head. “Honestly... you probably shouldn’t.”

“Huh?”

“Did I lie? Yes. Did I coerce you? Yes. Did I lead Hammer on? Definitely.”

Hammer licks her lips. “I didn’t mind.”

Mio frowns. “That’s not normal, Hammer! You should HATE HIM!”

“But he did it for a good reason!”

Arc nods. “Right. To save the captured princess. Didn’t imagine that we’d end up falling for one another for real though.”

Hammer shrugs. “Life’s complicated sometimes.”

Mio points an accusatory finger at Arc angrily. “You’ve got your claws so deep into Hammer’s mind that she doesn’t know which way is up now!”

“Okay, I kinda deserve that.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “No you don’t!”

“Then what does he deserve, Hammer?!”

“A medal!”

“For WHAT?!”

“Risking everything to come clean to me about literally everything. That’s why I was so paranoid back then. I worried that someone might find out that I knew who Arc really was and would try to get the information out of me.”

Arc nods. “And when I found out she was in such bad shape I knew I had to help make it right.”

Mio shakes her head. “By costing her everything?!”

“By standing with her and taking Hammer in when she had nowhere else to go.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Like you, Mio.”

“What?!”

“Arc found you unconscious and frozen half to death in the middle of the woods. He could’ve just turned around and walked away, as I wasn’t planning to come back to Earth ever again.”

“You’d have died in that clearing, and Hammer never would have known.”

“Then why did you save me?! “

Arc sighs. “Because you needed help. I wasn’t lying in the past when I told you I believed you were capable of good, Mio. That still stands.”

“But... but I... I tried to blast you!”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “When?!”

“Earlier at his base.”

Hammer steps forward angrily. “Oh, you are SO under arrest!”

Arc holds out an arm. “No, Hammer. She’s too weak for that.”

“Fine! But as soon as she’s strong enough...!”

Arc interrupts Hammer. “That will not be necessary.”

“Yeah it is! Physically assaulting the Hero of Light is a MAJOR crime here in Equestria!”

“Well, I’m not pressing charges.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “You’re not?”

Arc shakes his head. “You weren’t yourself back then, Mio. That and I probably should’ve handled that whole situation better. However the biggest thing on my mind at the time was telling you the truth before you went any further with your confession.”

Hammer glares at her sister. “It’s more than you deserve, Mio.”

Mio groans. “So you’re telling me that you were just trying to look out for... for ME?!”

“Yes. For Hammer’s sake as well as yours.”

Hammer puts an arm around Arc as she speaks. “And I love him for that! You and Stingray treated him like garbage and he was STILL interested in keeping us alive when we fought at Damocles Base! To say nothing for him saving you in the forest and bringing you, an agent of The Organization, to Equestria for emergency treatment!”

Mio scoffs. “For all I knew he was just trying too...!”

Hammer interrupts her sister angrily. “To do WHAT, Mio?! Get in my panties! Believe me, I’ve dropped those for him more times than I can count! But he never once took me up on my offer to let him take me and ravish my body! And do you know why?!”

“Enlighten me!”

“Because Arc Honestly LOVES me! He CARES about me! And he wants what’s best... FOR ME!”

Arc nods. “Just like I did for you earlier, Mio.”

“After I said... all those things?!”

“I couldn’t let you keep going. You needed to know the truth, and you needed to know immediately. So against my better judgement I revealed my identity to you right then and there.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “Yeah! And imperiled his mission back on Earth because of it!”

“Mission?”

Arc sighs. “I’m trying to help someone... very important to me. It’s not an official, Equestria-sanctioned mission either. But if The Organization were to be told by a certain someone whom I really was, well... I don’t think I’d be able to move freely back on Earth ever again.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “We really should lock her up though. Mio knows too much now.”

“Like I said earlier, she’s too weak.”

Hammer smiles wickedly. “Yeah, I actually looked into that. Doctor Whooves said they have a quarantine cell down there for just for such things.”

Mio gasps. “Hammer!”

Arc frowns. “You’d really put your own sister in jail?”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “In the name of security and your personal safety, yes.”

Mio seethes. “On what charge?!”

“Well, you DID attack the Hero of Light.”

Arc groans. “And I already said to forget that, Hammer.”

“That and there’s the matter of her being here illegally.”

“I claim extenuating circumstances on her behalf.”

“Well... that and there’s the fact that she’s a bona-fide risk to national security. Even you can’t deny THAT, Arc!”

“While I agree with your analysis of the situation, I also have to point out that at the moment Mio is stuck here.”

Mio bows her head. “Yes, I don’t know how I was brought here or how to even start the journey back to Earth.”

Hammer frowns. “You’re not making my job easy here, Arc.”

“I’m just trying to point on the facts as I see them.”

“Same as me!”

Mio sighs. “Listen, Hammer. I give you my word that I won’t try to get back to Earth without your knowledge. Is that good enough for you?”

“Not really, no.”

“Come on! We’ve always been honest with each other in the past!”

“Oh really?!”

Mio averts her sister’s gaze. “Usually, yes.”

“How about the time you and Stingray tried to get Arc beat up when he took me out?”

“A mistake admittedly.”

“Or the other time you tried to get him taken out by The Riders?”

“It sounds bad when you say it like...”

Hammer continues. “What about the time you and Stingray kidnapped me?!”

“That I honestly didn’t know anything about.”

Arc sighs. “Look, Hammer. You’re in charge of castle security along with Colonel Flash Sentry, so I won’t try to overrule your decision with my own authority.”

Hammer grins. “Glad to see you coming over to my way of thinking, Arc.”

“But I’d like to ask that you allow Mio to remain in a normal bedroom for the time being.”

“They have one down in the...”

Arc interrupts. “One without bars.”

Hammer groans. “Come ON!”

“It’s your call. But I’d appreciate her staying free. At least as long as Mio behaves herself.”

“Fine. But I am stationing guards at the door AND on the patio!”

“In the freezing cold?”

“They’ll be fine!”

Mio looks out the window. “I can’t really escape outside though, Hammer. The cold air wouldn’t let me get too far, after all.”

“Guess that’s true. Okay, just guards at the door.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Outside the door you mean, right?”

“What?! But how would they keep tabs on her?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I don’t think Mio could do much from inside.”

“Don’t underestimate her.”

“And I’d assume she’d prefer privacy over being watched all the time.”

Mio nods. “That I would.”

“You don’t get a say in this, Mio!”

Hammer puts a finger to her chin and thinks. Arc continues talking.

“Come on, Hammer. We gave you quite a bit of freedom when you first came to Equestria.”

“But how will she get to the toilet if we leave her alone?!”

Mio frowns. “I think I can handle that walk, Hammer.”

Arc gestures to the phone next to the bed. “And she could always call you or Nurse Redheart for help if need be.”

“What about food and water though?”

“I get room service here.”

Hammer gasps. “You do?!”

“Yeah.”

“How come I don’t?!”

“I’m guessing it’s a privilege of rank.”

“Well I’m trying it from my room later!”

“You do that.”

Mio groans. “Can we stay on topic here please?”

“Yeah. So do we have an agreement, Hammer?”

“Well... fine then.”

She points to the door before continuing.

“But there’s going to be guards out there at all hours!”

Mio nods. “That’s understood.”

“And ANY attempt to escape will result in you going straight to the dungeon! Are we clear, Mio?!”

“Crystal.”

Arc smiles. “Then it’s settled.”

Hammer turns to head for the door. “Yeah. But I need to get back to work. Lots of paperwork and inspections to get caught up on.”

“Alright. You want to send for guards or should I?”

Hammer calls out from the doorway. “I’ll do it from my office as well as set up a rotation. Keep an eye on her for a few minutes though.”

“Alright.”

Hammer closes the door behind her as Arc turns to Mio.

“Sorry.”

Mio appears confused. “You’re... sorry?”

“Yeah. If I had just kept my identity to myself you wouldn’t be bedridden yet again.”

“Probably not. However I do appreciate the Honesty nonetheless.”

Arc sighs. “Look... don’t take what Hammer said personally. Remember, she’s in charge of keeping things secure around here.”

“It’s fine. But... um... might I talk to you about something?”

“We should probably do that another time. You’re looking about ready to fall asleep, so unless it’s urgent I think I should let you rest.”

Mio yawns. “Well, I am pretty tired.”

“How about I let you take a nap and come see you later then?”

“Sure. Just give me a couple hours.”

“Alright.”

Arc walks over to the couch as Mio lays back and closes her eyes. Sitting there, he waits patiently for the guards to come. Hearing a knock, Arc stands and walks over to the door. Opening it he steps out and turns to the pair of stallions before him.

“Have you two been briefed?”

“Yes sir. Nopony is to be allowed in to see the prisoner.”

“Nor is she allowed to leave.”

Arc nods. “Right. However exceptions should be made for Doctor Whooves, Nurse Redheart, and Lieutenant Hammer.”

“What about supplies for her, sir?”

“Anything brought here is to be inspected by you. It should then be brought to her by a guard. Not the couriers.”

“Understood, sir.”

They salute as Arc turns to leave. Walking down the corridor he muses to himself.

“Hammer did seem really anxious to sweep Mio into a cell. That doesn’t seem like her. Especially considering how doting she was to her sister before she found out my identity. I’ll have to talk to her about that.”

Chapter 13 - Sisterly Love (Part 6)

Arc knocks on Hammer’s office door. Looking over to it, she calls out.

“Come in!”

Entering, he spies her at her desk going over paperwork. Hammer smirks as she drops her pencil and stands.

“Hey there, handsome!”

“Hi, Hammer. The guards came and are stationed outside my... well, Mio’s room for the moment.”

“Good.”

“But do you really believe that’s necessary?”

Hammer grins. “Nah.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why...?”

“I was just trying out a tactic I read in a book Mio gave me some time ago.”

“You mean...?”

Hammer nods. “The ‘good cop, bad cop’ routine.”

“I thought it was a little strange that you kept insisting that Mio be locked up.”

“Well, you played your part perfectly.”

“You don’t think she’ll be mad at you for this though, do you?”

“Probably. But she’ll get over it.”

Hammer puts her arms around Arc’s neck and grin seductively before continuing.

“However I did have another reason for that.”

“Do tell.”

“I knew you’d stand up for her. So that’ll help her trust you more. “

“Pretty sneaky, Hammer.”

“How’s she doing over there though?”

“She’s sleeping at the moment fortunately.”

“Yeah. Rest is her best friend right now.”

“But now there’s the matter of what to do when she wakes up.”

Hammer chuckles. “Should I have some more books sent over?”

“Probably a good idea. However I was referring to her and I talking more.”

“Maybe you should give her a bit of a cool off period first.”

“Normally I would agree. But the talk was Mio’s idea.”

“Huh?”

“She asked if we could talk more. But I suggested she nap first.”

“What’s she want?”

“No clue. I didn’t press the matter since she was looking so tired.”

“So... what are you going to do?”

“Go see her in an hour or so. Whatever she wants to say I’ll listen to.”

Hammer grins. “Thanks, Arc.”

“Thanks?”

“You’re being a real sport about this. Considering what Mio’s done to you in the past, that is.”

“Well, let’s just say that I’m willing to give her a chance. Same as I did for you.”

Hammer leans in and puts her mouth close to his ear. “Maybe she wants to confess her love to you.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Very funny, Hammer.”

Hammer laughs. “Yeah, well... she might.”

“Doubtful.”

“She was pretty smitten with the Hero. Maybe if she has enough time she might begin to feel the same way about you.”

“Uh... please tell me you’re not okay with that.”

“With what?”

“Mio and I.”

“Being attracted to each other?”

Arc shrugs. “Strange, I know.”

Hammer grins. “Why, Arc! I didn’t know you had a thing for my sister!”

“I don’t. You brought it up though.”

“Well... I guess I never really put a lot of thought into such a thing.”

“Me either. But you do raise a valid point. Strictly for the sake of conversation, we never talked about adding more human women to the herd.”

“What about Auriel?”

“She’s... okay admittedly this is getting complicated.”

Hammer groans. “You’re telling me.”

“So can I assume that you wouldn’t approve?”

Hammer shrugs. “I’m not actually sure. Like I said, I hadn’t really thought about it.”

“And I just figured that adding more human would be weird for you.”

Hammer sighs. “Okay, let’s table this discussion unless something actually comes of you and Mio, shall we?”

“Probably for the best. Now all that’s left is to figure out what to do while she sleeps.”

Hammer grins seductively as she pulls her uniform shirt down a bit. “I can think of a few things.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “This again?”

Hammer laughs heartily. “I just like messing with you! But if you’re interested...”

“Not at the moment, no.”

He looks to the desk before continuing.

“Want some help getting caught up?”

Hammer nods fervently. “Any excuse to work side by side with you, honey-bunny.”

Arc sighs as he pulls up a chair. “Oh boy.”

Meanwhile, Luna walks down the corridor with her guards. Turning a corner she almost runs into Rainbow Dash.

“Oh! My apologies.”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “We need to talk, princess.”

“What about?”

“Privately.”

Turning to a nearby door, Luna opens it with her magic before stepping inside the Conference Room with Rainbow Dash. Closing it, she turns to the mare.

“Now then, what’s on your mind?”

“You.”

“Oh?”

Rainbow Dash points an accusatory hoof. “I’m not blind, princess! I saw you and Arc head into the Ponyville Town Hall after your speech!”

“Yes. I had wanted to talk to him about a private matter.”

“I know! I heard you two talking!”

Luna gasps. “Wha-what did you...?!”

“You’re trying to do things behind our backs with Arc!”

“I’m not...!”

Rainbow Dash interrupts. “Does Twilight know?!”

Luna shakes her head. “No, I only spoke to Arc about this!”

“So you ADMIT to trying to hide this!”

Luna frowns. “This matter has NOTHING to do with you or the other Element Bearers! It is simply a... a deeply personal matter between Arc and myself!”

Rainbow Dash sneers. “Yeah, that much I do know! And don’t you think for a MOMENT that I’ll let you two have your secrets!”

“I don’t...!”

“You forget that I’m the Element of Loyalty! And I won’t let you mess up our plans!”

Luna glares at the mare before her. “You won’t LET me?!”

“Right! I don’t care if you are the Princess of the Night! You are NOT going to ruin this for all of us!”

“Ruin what?!”

“YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!”

Rainbow Dash storms out of the room. Luna looks after her, clearly confused.

“What was THAT all about?!”

Sometime later Rainbow Dash arrives back in Ponyville. Flying into her floating house she groans sits on her haunches.

“That flight never gets any shorter.”

Walking slowly into her house and up to her room she groans happily and flops onto the bed.

“It’s good to be home.”

Picking up a few darts on the nightstand, she takes careful aim and throws them. Grinning, Rainbow Dash looks over her handiwork.

“Bullseye!”

Looking across the room she sees the life-sized poster of Luna with three darts stuck between her eyes.

“Take THAT you stallion-stealer!”

Grabbing a bottle of cider off the nightstand she opens it (quite the feat with hooves) and takes a heavy swig. Setting the now half-empty bottle down to lean against her body, Rainbow Dash grits her teeth and stares up at the ceiling.

“Watch your back, princess. Arc’s ours and nopony, I mean NOPONY is taking him away from us!”

Closing her eyes, she falls asleep. The bottle falls over and spills all over her sheets as she rolls over. Meanwhile, Arc and Hammer finish their task together. She smiles at him as the last paper is signed and put in the ‘out’ box.

“Thanks for the help, handsome.”

“No problem. I figured you were backlogged due to my actions anyways.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“Mio’s here because of me, after all.”

“Maybe. But you made a choice that needed to be made right then and there. And you made the right one as far as I can tell.”

Arc sighs. “You’re probably right. However, her being here is really... um... a big risk.”

“Questioning her loyalty to the Hero?”

“Moreso now that she knows that Arc is the Hero.”

Hammer groans. “Look, you couldn’t have just left her there. She’d have frozen to death!”

“Yeah, well...”

“Why don’t you head on back there and talk to her. See what Mio wanted to say.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You aren’t coming with me?”

Hammer grins slyly. “Sounds like she wants to be alone with you.”

Arc groans. “Please stop that.”

“Why?”

“It’s just weird!”

Hammer chuckles. “Alright, alright. You go to your room and I’ll get the three of us some lunch.”

“Alright. See you in a bit.”

Leaving the office, the pair part ways. Coming to his quarters Arc motions for the guards to move. They put their hooves on the door to open it, but Arc calls out.

“Don’t.”

“Sir?”

“I’d like to do that myself.”

Standing aside, Arc knocks lightly. Hearing no response, he cautiously pushes the door open a few inches and calls out.

“Mio?”

Hearing nothing, he pushes the door open and steps inside. The guards pull the doors shut behind him and chuckle to one another. Walking over to the bed Arc spies Mio lying there facing away from him. Putting his hand on her forehead, he frowns as he mutters aloud.

“She’s pretty hot.”

Mio rolls over and glares at him.

“And what is THAT supposed to mean?!”

“Sorry. Did I wake you?”

Mio frowns. “Hardly! I woke up a few minutes ago! And it’s a good thing I did too!”

“Oh?”

“I wasn’t aware that you though I was so attractive, pig!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You’re warm.”

“No, I’m freezing!”

“I meant your forehead. You feel feverish.”

Mio blushes slightly and looks away. “Oh... of course.”

“Want me to call for the doctor?”

“No, thank you. I’ll just take some of the medicine he left.”

She reaches for a small bottle on the nightstand along with a spoon. Opening it with some difficulty she puts the spoon to the mouth of the bottle. However when Mio tries to pour it her hand begins shaking. Arc sighs.

“Want some help?”

“I can manage.”

Arc points. “With your hand shaking that bad?”

“So I’ll pour slowly!”

“You’ll never get it to your mouth without sloshing it everywhere.”

Mio scoffs. “Just watch me.”

Carefully filling the spoon, she cautiously brings it to her lips. However before she can even get close to her mouth her shivering causes it to dribble onto the bedspread. Mio groans as she looks at the mess.

“Great. This looks expensive too.”

Arc sighs. “Just wait right there and I’ll get something to clean it up with.”

Heading to the bathroom Arc grabs a washcloth and wets it with warm water. Returning to Mio’s side he carefully cleans the bedspread.

“That’s better. Now are you willing to let me help you?”

Mio nods angrily. “Fine.”

Taking the bottle, Arc fills the spoon and carefully puts it to Mio’s lips. Opening her mouth she allows him to put it inside. Pulling it out a few moments later Arc nods.

“There you go.”

“I suppose I should be grateful.”

“Not really. After all, I’m not doing this for thanks.”

“Then why...?”

Arc interrupts her. “Because you physically couldn’t.”

There is a long silence as Mio ponders this. Eventually Arc pulls a chair over from the table and sits down.

“But in any case, you wanted to talk to me about something earlier.”

“Yes, I did. But first, is Hammer coming?”

“Soon, yes. She’s getting lunch for us.”

“Us?”

Arc counts on his fingers. “You, me, and herself.”

Mio groans. “Guess I should have seen that one coming.”

“If it’s something you don’t want her to hear you’d best start talking.”

“Fine then.”

Taking a deep breath, Mio looks him in the eye and speaks soberly.

“Are you in love with my sister Hammer?”

Arc nods. “I am.”

“What do you like about her?”

“Her personality mostly.”

Mio rolls her eyes. “You’re joking, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She’s always just so... positive and outgoing.”

“Anything else?”

“Well, there’s also the fact that she’s really hard working and super loyal to me.”

Have you slept with her?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m asking if you’ve slept with Hammer before?”

“Yes. However we didn’t do anything other than go right to sleep.”

Mio gasps. “Are you serious?!”

“Very.”

“I don’t understand. How could you do that?”

“Sleep with Hammer?”

“Not have sex with her!”

“I don’t get your meaning.”

“Hammer said that she’s... in her words ‘dropped her panties for you more times than she could count’! How could you hold back?!”

“It’s not something I view as being that important. At least not right now.”

“So you’d like to?”

“When we’re ready, yes.”

“Hammer’s tried awfully hard to get you to do such a thing in the past, hasn’t she?”

“How’d you know?”

“I could see her undressing you with her eyes when you and her were here earlier.”

“That sounds about right.”

“While I’m sure this sounds very... caddish, I’d like to ask you for a favor.”

“What is it?”

“Please don’t have sex with Hammer.”

“Uh... wasn’t planning on it anytime soon.”

“She’s not exactly responsible when it comes to... anything of great importance.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You do realize that she’s doing a very important and difficult job here in the castle, right?”

“I think I know my sister better than you do.”

“Maybe. But her and I have bonded in ways that you and her haven’t.”

Mio rolls her eyes. “Sharing a bed with someone isn’t exactly what I would call ‘bonding’.”

“Agreed. However it gave us the chance to have a number of very serious conversations.”

“Such as...?”

“A lot regarding her feelings.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. She’s not just motor oil and guns, after all.”

Mio scoffs. “Could’ve fooled me.”

“As long as we’re talking about Hammer, can I ask YOU something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why does Hammer care about you and Stingray so much?”

Mio rolls her eyes. “Because we’re sisters.”

“And...?”

“That’s it.”

Arc frowns. “No, it isn’t.”

“What are you...?”

“Having the same parents doesn’t make you care about your siblings. She was concerned for your safety when I brought you here.”

Mio shrugs. “Hammer’s easily excitable. That and she hadn’t seen me in a while so it was natural for her to respond that way.”

“She was honestly worried about you.”

“And that’s very cute. Still you have to admit that she’s not exactly playing with a full deck.”

Arc frowns. “What makes you say that?”

“Hammer’s very... simple-minded. She’s easily excited and isn’t the most dependable person out there.”

“And you?”

“What about me?”

“It just seems like you have a lot of negative things to say about her.”

“When you’ve known someone as long as we’ve been together...”

Arc cuts her off. “Or could it be that you’re just looking at the surface?”

“Surface of what?”

“Whom Hammer really is.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Arc glares at Mio. “Don’t I!”

“Trust me, you don’t.”

“Well then let me ask you this! For all your backstabbing of Hammer, why do you view yourself as being so much more than she is?!”

Mio gasps. “I never said that!”

“Maybe not word for word, but you sure implied it!”

“You want to know?! Fine! I’ve the highest marks of ANYONE at Damocles Base, can organize my time flawlessly, and aren’t prone to flights of fancy like she is!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and smirks. “Yet you were the one whom was so depressed earlier today about your magical prowess! Or lack of I might add!”

“That was before I realized I was talking to YOU of all people!”

“You sure were willing to bare you soul to the Hero though!”

“Yes!”

“Why?!”

“Because I thought he was an amazing person! That he was someone whom I could entrust my deepest, darkest secrets to! Someone...!”

“Someone you could become a power couple with?!”

“Yes!”

She blushes and turns away. Arc frowns.

“Why though?”

“Because I thought he was the total package! Until I met him, I thought that no man could match me in intelligence, magic, or tactics! He bested me in all three!”

“And to him?”

“And to him what?”

“How do you think he viewed you?”

“As someone to be cared for. I always felt that the Hero was genuinely concerned for me.”

She glares at him before continuing.

“That is, until I found out he was YOU!”

Arc sighs. “Look, Mio... I’m sorry for what I did in the past. Forcing you to help me bring Hammer around. That was wrong of me.”

Mio appears genuinely surprised. “Wait... what?”

“I’m apologizing for back then. There wasn’t any excuse for what I did.”

“You’re apologizing?”

“Trying to.”

“I... I don’t...”

She puts a hand to her forehead before continuing.

“...I don’t really know what to say right now. Not exactly used to others admitting when they’re wrong.”

“You and your sisters don’t apologize much, do you?”

Mio shakes her head. “Not really, no. But... I have to admit that I honestly meant all those things I said to the Hero in the past.”

“That you wanted to join him?”

“Yes.”

“Why would he have taken you on though?”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon?”

“You just got done telling me how superior you are to Hammer. So I’m asking why you thought that the Hero, whom you admit trumps you on every level, would be interested in having you around.”

“I...”

“What exactly would you have brought to the table?”

Mio sighs. “Not much when compared to him.”

“And yet I still helped you.”

“Why?”

“Because that’s what I do, Mio. But I get the feeling there’s more to it than you just wanting to stand by the Hero’s side.”

“What other reason could I have had?”

Arc smirks. “You were jealous.”

Mio scoffs. “Of WHAT?!”

“Hammer’s relationship with me.”

“I most certainly...!”

“You wanted what she had. Someone to talk to and care about. Someone whom made you feel special. Someone whom was strong enough to protect your backside on the battlefield, but at the same time still nurturing.”

Mio looks away. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Arc stands up, knocking the chair he was sitting in over. “Don’t I?!”

Reaching forward, Arc grabs Mio’s chin and turns her to face him.

“You know how powerful I am! I could literally break your jaw with just a small movement of my hand!”

“Then do it!”

Arc shakes his head as he pulls back. “No. I’d much rather do this with it instead.”

Turning to a nearby cabinet, Arc reaches out with his magic. Casting a Telekinesis Spell he pulls a bottle and cup from it. Catching both he sets the glass on the nightstand, opens the plastic bottle, pours the contents into it, and hands the cup to Mio.

“Remember... to drink plenty of fluids.”

“What...?”

“After all, I want you to get better.”

Mio puts a finger to her jaw. “But... what about...? Wouldn’t it be easier to just off me and be done with it.”

“It would, yes. However that’s the quick and easy route.”

“I prefer the term ‘efficient’.”

Arc frowns as she takes a drink. “Call it what you will. But I’d rather protect than destroy.”

Chapter 14 - Sisterly Love (Part 7)

A short time later Hammer enters the room pushing a dinner cart. She walks over to the table and grins as she looks to Arc sitting next to the bed.

“Looks like you two are getting along nicely.”

Mio sighs. “I’m too sick to argue with him anymore.”

Hammer frowns. “Were you two fighting while I was gone?!”

Arc shrugs. “I’d like to think of it along the lines of ‘strongly disagreeing’.”

Hammer looks around. “It can’t have been that bad.”

Mio appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Everything looks intact.”

Arc frowns. “Of course it is. I’m not violent.”

Hammer smirks. “Mio is.”

“What?!”

“You are.”

“I most certainly am not!”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Remember back when you and Stingray were fighting over what to have for supper that one time?”

Mio smiles innocently. “Um... it’s kinda foggy.”

“Do the term ‘scorch marks’ and ‘walls’ mean anything to you?”

Mio says nothing as Hammer turns to Arc.

“I rest my case.”

Arc gestures to the table. “In any case, why don’t we all sit down and try to have a nice lunch?”

Mio grimaces. “I’m... not really hungry.”

Hammer frowns. “Well the doctor said you need to keep eating and drinking to keep your strength up.”

Arc looks to Mio. “Right. Now then, shall I help you to the table?”

“I can manage.”

Sitting up, she carefully stands. Making her way slowly toward the table Mio suddenly stumbles. Hammer hurries forward to help her but Arc is quicker with a Telekinesis Spell. Helping right her as Hammer does her best to lead her sister to the table, they sit down. Arc begins serving the food as Hammer turns to her sister.

“So... what’d you two talk about before?”

“I’d rather not say.”

“Aw, come on!”

Arc interjects. “It was rather personal, Hammer.”

Hammer frowns. “Fine.”

Mio turns to Arc as he hands her a plate. “By the way... what was that stuff you gave me to drink earlier?”

“Gatorade.”

Hammer gasps. “They have that here in Equestria?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Let’s just say that I... imported it.”

“When?!”

“One night about three in the morning.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Where does one get Gatorade at that time of night.”

“Well, I pulled out the Rainbow of Light, teleported back to Earth, got in my vehicle, and drove to the local 7-11.”

“But why?!”

Arc shrugs. “When you wake up with a craving and have the means to sate it, you do.”

Hammer laughs. “I believe it!”

“I found it right away and grabbed two bottles. Then I figured why stop there? Next thing I knew I was walking up to the counter with a full cart of various flavors.”

Hammer grins. “Bet you keep a couple in your ring too!”

“All of them actually. Other than the one I opened a few minutes ago.”

Hammer looks over to the night stand. “Can I have some?”

“Sure.”

Pulling it to himself with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc hands the bottle to Hammer. Grinning, she pours herself some as Mio appears confused.

“All this fuss over Gatorade?”

Arc chuckles as Hammer drinks. “It’s good stuff.”

Hammer nods as she sets down the bottle. “I wonder if Auriel would like this stuff?”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Auriel?”

“She’s a demon.”

“Is that code for something?”

Arc shakes his head. “Literally.”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. She’s really smart though, Mio. You’d like her.”

She looks at her sister evenly before continuing.

“You cold, Mio?”

“Kinda. Why?”

“Uh... because you’re shivering.”

Arc stands. “I’ll put another log on the fire and grab you a blanket.”

“Oh, um... th-thank you.”

Doing as he said, Arc returns and drapes a blanket over her shoulders. Hammer nods approvingly.

“Looks like you thought of everything, Arc.”

“I try. That and Mio’s not the first sick individual I’ve cared for.”

“Like Dinky?”

Mio groans. “Now I KNOW that has to be code.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Literal again.”

“She’s Arc’s daughter. Well, adopted.”

“Right.”

Mio nods skeptically. “Is she a pony, demon, or human?”

“Pony. Unicorn to be precise.”

Hammer giggles. “She’s such a sweetheart.”

“And how does a human adopt a child in this land?”

“In my case, just sign the birth certificate.”

Hammer puts a hand on his shoulder. “You’ll have little ones of your own someday, Arc.”

She grins wickedly before continuing.

“Maybe even with me.”

“Well, we have quite a bit of time to figure that out.”

Mio puts down her silverware and looks directly at her sister. “Hammer?”

“Yeah?”

“I have to know something?”

“What’s that?”

“In all seriousness... what do you see in him?!”

Hammer looks up. “How’s that?”

“I’m asking what you like about Arc.”

“Well... he’s always there for me, for starters.”

Arc chuckles. “I try to be.”

“And he’s REALLY good looking.”

“Disagree on that one.”

“Oh! And he’s stronger than strong!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m above average.”

Mio groans. “But there has to be more to it than that.”

“There is. Arc just... makes me feel like I can do or say anything and he won’t judge me for it.”

Arc sighs. “After some of the stuff I’ve done, it would be kinda hypocritical of me to do so.”

Mio moves her hand in a circular motion. “Such as...?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me.”

Hammer grins. “How about when you broke into Damocles Base with my badge?”

“Which time?”

“When you met me down in maintenance.”

“That doesn’t really narrow it down.”

Mio gasps. “Are you KIDDING me?!”

Hammer appears confused. “Are you talking to him or me?”

“YES!”

Arc bows his head. “Not my best moment admittedly.”

“But now that I know what his intentions were at the time I don’t hold that against him, Mio.”

Mio groans. “Hammer... you... you don’t get it, do you?”

“Enlighten me.”

Mio points at Arc. “Your career is OVER! And it’s HIS fault!”

“How?!”

Arc sighs. “Kinda is.”

“See?! He admits!”

“That I do.”

Hammer frowns. “Elaborate, Mio.”

“Gladly!”

She clears her throat and begins to speak.

“Thanks to him getting your aid the base was compromised! This allowed Arc and his allies not only to cause MASSIVE damage to the facility, but also get clean away!”

Arc raises a hand. “With the kidnapped princess.”

Mio glares at him as he continues.

“Just trying to keep the record straight.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “She didn’t deserve to be held in chains, Mio!”

“Alright then! The Organization lost other test subjects thanks to him!”

Arc frowns. “The Shards are people, not lab rats.”

Hammer nods matter-of-factly. “Right!”

“Then he poisoned your mind against us, Hammer!”

“Not sure how I did that.”

Mio seethes. “Against MY will with MY help!”

Hammer nods soberly. “And I’m very grateful for it.”

“As far as The Organization is concerned you’re a fugitive, Hammer!”

Hammer shrugs. “Moreso after Arc busted me out.”

Mio gasps. “Wait, WHAT?!”

Arc sighs. “We went back to Damocles Base for... something the other day.”

“Part of the plan involved Auriel impersonating Diva and me being her prisoner.”

“I hid in her... well, I was smuggled in and helped Hammer causes a scene.”

Hammer grins. “The Brig was a shambles from us bringing the BOOM!”

“Hammer... YOU BLEW UP THE BRIG?!”

Arc raises a hand sheepishly. “That was actually me.”

Hammer smirks. “I prefer to think of it as ‘us’.”

“Call it what you will.”

“That place was TRASHED!”

Arc shrugs. “I did my best to hold back.”

“And no one was hurt.”

“On either side I might add.”

Mio groans as she facepalms. “What were you DOING there anyways?!”

“Like I told you before, just trying to help out a friend.”

“How does breaking in to a military base help Hammer?!”

Hammer frowns. “It wasn’t for me!”

“What?!”

Arc smirks. “I do have other friends, you know.”

Hammer chuckles. “Yeah. Quite a few actually. But that’s kinda what this is all about, isn’t it?”

“That it is.”

“I wasn’t talking to you this time, Arc.”

Hammer turns to Mio. Frowning, the young woman looks away before responding.

“Not sure what you mean by that, Hammer.”

“Oh really?”

“It’s the truth!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What are you getting at, Hammer?”

“It’s something Flash Sentry told me.”

Arc turns to Mio. “That’s her commanding officer.”

“Right. The general gave me a bit of a talk on psychology to help me be a better Lieutenant.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “What does that have to do with the current...?”

Hammer cuts her off. “He told me to watch people as they talk and pointed out subtle signs that show what they’re really thinking.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. I’ve heard about stuff like that. Never really gave it much thought though.”

“Me either. So I went to the Royal Library and got a book on it.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Really, Hammer?”

“Yeah! Read it cover to cover too.”

“That’s actually very impressive. I don’t think you’ve ever done that for any book other than repair manuals.”

“It was for reading the actions of ponies, naturally. But the basic logic behind it was the same. Tone of voice, wandering eyes, restlessly sitting, and ear movements. Well, all but the last one.”

She grins before continuing.

“I mentioned my studies to Princess Twilight at one point. She knew a bit about such things and recommended that I try to learn the same regarding humans.”

Arc appears surprised. “How though?”

“Yes, I though you and Arc were the only ones in this land.”

Hammer smirks. “True. So I asked what she recommended. The princess took me to her office and showed me a really cool device that puts your thoughts onto a screen.”

Arc grins. “I have one of those in my office back at Light’s Hope.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about that?!”

“Kinda forgot about it. Sorry.”

Hammer sighs. “It’s fine, I suppose. Not sure what I would have used it for before this anyways. But in any case, she lent it to me so I could bring up some of my old memories.”

Mio scoffs. “Oh really?”

“Yeah.”

Arc appears genuinely interested. “Like what, Hammer?”

“A lot of interactions with Mio and Stingray. For example...”

Looking to her sister, Hammer narrows her eyes.

“Remember that time I asked you about going over some data with me regarding the aerodynamics of a certain craft?”

Mio frowns. “No, I don’t.”

“It was the prototype Charger.”

“Doesn’t ring a bell.”

“Well, you told me that the general had you working on a bunch of projects and that you didn’t have time.”

Mio touches her ear. “I couldn’t help it if I had work of my own to do!”

“No, I guess you couldn’t. But then why did you duck out early that day?”

Mio frowns. “How did you know...?”

Hammer shrugs. “Just figured you had something to take care of in town, or something. But you didn’t, did you?”

“I... don’t actually remember the reason. After all, that was some time ago.”

“Are you sure you don’t remember why? After all, you’re always telling me just how flawless your memory is.”

“No one is perfect.”

Hammer nods skeptically. “I suppose not. Now that I think about it though, that was around the time my panties kept going missing.”

“What do your undergarments have to do with this?”

“Not much, I suppose. But I do remember asking you about it.”

Mio waves a hand dismissively. “And you think I was spiriting them away? Maybe Arc was stealing them?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Not my kink.”

“This was before he and I met. But it was rather suspicious that a pair or two always seemed to disappear right after I’d bought new ones.”

Mio frowns. “I’m not into...”

“And we’re the same size down there.”

“What does that prove?”

“Nothing.”

“Then why are we talking about this?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’m a bit confused too, Hammer.”

“Just bear with me.”

She looks back to Mio before continuing.

“Remember the time you and Stingray forgot my birthday?”

Mio facepalms as she groans. “Work was crazy back then for reasons I know you understand!”

“But you had time to go shopping that day after work.”

“What does that prove?!”

“Nothing by itself. But I saw from my memories that you came home with, among other things. Italian bread, sugar, and a houseplant.”

“Where is this going, Hammer?!”

Hammer smirks. “Simple. You forget that I know the layout of the store too. Your fancy bread is on a stand right across from the bakery’s displays of cakes. The sugar is right next to the birthday candles in aisle ten. And the plant you bought was right next to the kiosk that sells occasion balloons.

There is a long silence as Mio grimaces. Eventually Arc speaks.

“Wow.”

“There’s one more thing.”

Mio groans. “Please don’t.”

“Every time I presented something to you here you did something absentmindedly with your hands.”

“Alright, Hammer! You’re right! Stingray and I didn’t want to spend the money on that stuff!”

“So you cooked up the notion that you were too busy and forgot.”

“We did, yes!”

“So it’s ‘we’, is it?”

“Fine. It was my idea. And yes, I was taking your new panties to avoid buying my own.”

Hammer grins. “There. That wasn’t so hard, now was it?”

Mio looks to Hammer nervously. “Are you mad?”

“Not about forgetting my birthday or stealing my panties, no.”

“Good.”

Hammer frowns. “But I am kinda upset that you lied about it back then AND just now!”

Mio points to Arc. “What about HIM?! Arc lied to you about EVERYTHING from the START!”

Arc sighs. “That’s true, I did.”

“Right. But the difference is that, unlike you, he admitted to and apologized for doing it. And without me having to grill him for a confession. However there’s more.”

Mio toys with her hair. “What else could there possibly...?”

“I noticed the same fidgetiness from you when I watched more memories. You were CONSTANTLY lying to me!”

“Not lying, per se. More like... fibbing.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That’s about the same thing.”

“Right. But it wasn’t just you, Mio. Stingray did it too.”

“How do you know? She’s the least fidgety person I know.”

“It was in her eyes and tone of voice.”

“What?”

“When Stingray lies her voice goes up slightly and she has a tendency to roll her eyes.”

Arc appears impressed. “How much did you watch?!”

Hammer frowns. “A lot!”

Mio bows her head. “Look Hammer, I... I’m sorry. You’re right about everything and have every right to be mad at me.”

“I’m not.”

“Really?”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

Hammer sighs. “Because I did it too.”

“You did?”

“Yeah.”

“What did you lie about?”

“Remember how you kept losing your glasses in the apartment some time ago?”

“Yes.”

“It was me.”

“You?”

Hammer nods. “Sometimes when you took them off to shower I’d sneak into the bathroom and move them to the kitchen table, or something. Then when you asked me if I’d seen them I’d say I hadn’t. Then I’d do the same in the wee hours of the morning. Move them from your nightstand to the bathroom or kitchen counter.”

Mio frowns. “I thought that was kinda strange.”

“It was sorta supposed to be payback for all the crap you and Stingray gave me. But looking back at what I did, it really was childish of me.”

“And my own actions weren’t any better.”

“I’d be willing to let the past be the past, Mio.”

Mio smiles. “That sounds good.”

“If you’d do something for me, that is.”

“Anything!”

Hammer points to Arc. “Give him a chance.”

“WHAT?!”

“I didn’t say you had to marry him, or something! Just give Arc the chance to prove to you that he’s more than just his past actions. That he’s still the Hero you talked my ear off about on the inside.”

Arc nods soberly. “What I did wasn’t right either, Mio. To you or your sister. So how about it? Can we just start over?”

“Well...”

Hammer grins slyly. “You should probably take him up on that, Mio. After all, you two are going to be related when Arc and I tie the knot.”

Mio blushes. “I’m... not actually okay with the whole idea of you being married to him though, Hammer.”

“And that’s okay. Get to know him like I did and I’m sure you’ll like what you find.”

“Well, I’ll try.”

“Good. After all, I do understand why you were so upset.”

“Upset?”

“When you found out who the Hero really was.”

Mio grits her teeth. ““Because of what he did to us, of course.”

“That’s only part of it though, isn’t it?”

Mio looks away nervously. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “Really, Mio?”

“Maybe. But I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Fair enough. Just don’t resort to lies. Especially not when a simple, and honest, statement that you’re not comfortable talking about it will do.”

Arc looks to the young woman. “I’ll do my best to be Honest too, Mio. We can’t take back the past. Neither one of us can. But we can learn from it and try to do better in the future.”

“Fine. Let’s do that. However I’ll be watching and listening.”

Hammer grins. “Good. Then you’ll see what I do.”

Arc stands. “In any case, I think Mio should get back to bed now. She’s looking a bit tired.”

Mio nods. “And cold too.”

“I’ll help you to bed, Mio.”

“Thanks, Hammer.”

Standing, Hammer does so. Arc watches from the table as she helps her sister get comfortable. Chuckling, Arc smiles inwardly as he muses to himself.

“That was pretty easy. Now all that’s left to do is see if Mio keeps her word. Well... that and borrow that book from Hammer, as it appears I have a few things to learn.”

As Mio lies down she points to the balcony door.

“Is that... snow?”

Hammer grins. “Looks like it is.”

Arc walks over. “The first snowfall of the season.”

“Uh... wasn’t that the day you saved Mio?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, the first snow of the Equestrian season then.”

Mio smiles. “It’s pretty.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But you’ve seen snow a million times, Mio.”

“True. However this looks especially pretty due to the larger flakes.”

She suddenly appears slightly unnerved.

“Um... that IS normal here, right?”

Arc nods. “Yup. It allows for more snow to fall in a shorter amount of time too.”

Hammer chimes in. “But rest assured that the land is ready for it.”

Arc gestures to the snow. “Food is stockpiled and preparations made ahead of this.”

Mio smiles. “Good. Then I can sit here and enjoy it.”

Hammer grins. “Want some company?”

“That sounds nice, yes.”

Hammer sits on the end of the bed and pats Mio’s feet though the covers at the look out the window together.

“Don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll make sure you get better soon.”

Arc heads for the door. “Sounds like everything here is under control. I think I’ll go see Auriel and check on their progress.”

“Let me know if you need me.”

“I will.”

Mio calls out after him at he turns to leave. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I... I’m sorry for the way I acted before.”

“So am I.”

As he leaves Hammer turns to her sister.

“Now you understand.”

“Understand what?”

“The answer to your earlier question.”

“Which one was that?”

“What I see in Arc.”

Mio sighs. “I still don’t fully understand it.”

Hammer frowns. “Seriously?”

Mio continues. “However... I’m willing to make the effort to learn.”

Chapter 15 - Party Planning

Knocking on the familiar door, Arc waits. A few moments later Auriel opens it. Smiling, she beckons him to enter. Closing the door behind him she turns to the bed.

“He’s here, mother.”

Maria looks up from her papers and nods politely as she sits up slowly. Arc nods approvingly.

“Looks like you’re getting stronger.”

“I am, yes.”

Auriel grins. “Strong enough to go for a walk as well.”

“It gave me a chance to see my daughter’s lab as well.”

Auriel blushes slightly as she looks at the floor. “I’m sure it’s not quite what you’re used to, mother.”

“It was very well stocked.”

She leans over and opens the nightstand. Removing a small plastic case she holds it out to Arc.

“This is the fruit of our labors.”

Arc accepts the case, confused. “What is it?”

Auriel taps it with a finger. “A syringe with a compound that should return Bloodletter to normal.”

Arc frowns. “I thought you were working on Shelly’s case.”

Maria nods. “When you have two tasks, one easy and the other nearly impossible, it’s wise to start with what is simple.”

“Mother made this in only an hour.”

Arc sighs as he puts it in his ring. “Then I’ll have to come up with some way to get in to see Bloodletter again. But are you really saying that Shelly’s situation is hopeless?”

Maria shakes her head. “No, Arc. I said that it was ‘nearly impossible’.”

“What do we have to do to make it less impossible?”

“Mother and I have been working on that.”

“Indeed. There is much data to go through. We’ve really only scratched the surface though.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Well, Shelly doesn’t have a lot of time!”

Auriel nods soberly. “We’re working as fast as we can, Arc.”

Maria sighs. “That we are. But you should accept the fact that we may not be able to do anything due to time restraints.”

“However that doesn’t meant that we won’t do our best.”

Arc groans as he sits down in a nearby chair. “I know you will, Auriel. But I also know your mother is still hiding things.”

“Not technically true. The deal was that if you got me the data from Rieper that I would tell you everything I knew about The Organization.”

“But you haven’t.”

“Oh, but I have.”

“What?!”

“Every question you’ve asked thus far has been answered. Has it not?”

There is a tense silence as Arc stares Maria down. Frowning, he eventually breaks it.

“Yes.”

Maria smiles. “What else did you want to know?”

“At the moment all I want to do is help Shelly. So I need help in doing that.”

Maria gestures to a massive stack of papers next to her bed. “And that’s what we were doing before you came in.”

Auriel holds up her own stack of papers. “It is a slow process, admittedly.”

Arc stands. “Very well. I’ll let you get back to it then.”

Auriel turns to him. “Do you need any help?”

Arc shakes his head. “I think my squad and I can handle sneaking back into the hospital.”

Maria looks to Arc. “That I believe, yes. However I think you’re forgetting one small detail.”

“What’s that?”

“Who’s going to administer the treatment?”

Auriel smiles nervously. “I don’t believe you or they know how to properly give an injection though.”

“That’s true, I suppose. But I was going to ask Rose to...”

“She already went back to the Crystal Empire to resume her work.”

“Really?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. But I’d be willing to come.”

Maria nods. “I’ve already taught her how to find a vein to use as well as proper technique.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “So can I come?”

Arc shrugs. “If you want to, sure. But what about your mother?”

“I’ll be fine on my own. That and most of my work involves sitting around anyways.”

Auriel grabs Arc’s hand and hurries toward the door. “Goodbye, mother!”

Maria waves after her. “Have fun!”

As the door closes behind them Maria smiles and goes back to her papers.

“Have fun indeed.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Auriel walk down the corridor together. Latching onto his arm Auriel smiles.

“This is wonderful!”

Arc chuckles. “Giving someone a shot?”

“Spending time with you, silly!”

“That’ll be nice.”

Auriel nods as she rests her head on his shoulder. “We haven’t had much time for that since our date.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, Arc. After all, we understand that you’re trying to do a lot right now.”

“Well, let’s get started on that then.”

“Should you tell Hammer and her sister first?”

“Hammer, yes. But why Mio?”

“Doesn’t she have a crush on you, or something?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not anymore.”

“Oh?”

“I finally told her who the Hero really is.”

Auriel grimaces. “Was she... mad?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t go back there for a bit.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I need to say something. After all, I’m trying to show her I’m not what she thinks I am.”

Auriel smiles. “Then do what you must.”

Arriving at his room Arc turns to Auriel.

“I’ll try to be brief.”

Auriel nods as she steps aside. “Take your time.”

Knocking lightly, he waits patiently. A few moments later Hammer answers.

“Welcome back, handsome.”

“Hey, Hammer. Auriel and I are heading back to Earth to take care of Bloodletter.”

“You are?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Yeah.”

Hammer sighs. “Gonna put him out of his misery?”

Arc holds up the plastic case. “More along the lines of treat him.”

“Ah! I thought that was a bit out of character for you.”

Auriel tilts her head to one side, confused. “I don’t understand. How could you think anything else, Hammer?”

“It’s a human expression. ‘Taking care of someone’ can sometimes mean taking them OUT!”

“Taking... out?”

Arc speaks up. “She means killing them.”

“Oh! Um... why would Arc...?”

Hammer facepalms. “You are just too innocent sometime, Auriel.”

Mio looks over from the bed and calls out.

“Hammer?”

“Yes?”

“Did I hear the name ‘Auriel’ over there?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Can I meet her?”

Hammer turns to Arc. “Can she?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s up to her.”

Auriel appears confused as she looks to Hammer. “What’s so special about me though?”

“She’s never met a demon before.”

“I see. Well... I suppose I could see her then. If only to sate her curiosity.”

Taking Arc’s hand, they enter the room together. Mio sits up slowly with a blanket wrapped around her. She smiles nervously as they approach. Hammer looks to Auriel as she speaks.

“This here’s my younger sister, Mio. Mio, this is Auriel.”

“H-hello.”

Auriel smiles nervously as she gets closer to Arc. “H-hi.”

Mio looks her over. “My sister told me about you being a... um...”

Hammer finishes her sister’s sentence. “A demon?”

“Right. Is that... correct?”

“Only partially. I’m half demon.”

Mio continues. “Half demon, half...”

“Human.”

“How does that work exactly?”

“My father is a demon while my mother is a human.”

“Is that a normal thing here?”

Hammer glares at her. “Mio!”

“I’m just asking!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, it’s not. I’m the only one of my kind.”

Arc chimes in. “She was banished from Tartarus helping me. So I took her in.”

“Tartarus?”

Hammer shrugs. “According to the reports, it’s about what you think it is.”

Arc chuckles. “At least it was.”

“My artificial sun made things much more tolerable there.”

Mio gasps. “Artificial sun?!”

Arc nods. “She invented the technology to make the sun on a much smaller scale.”

Hammer gives a ‘thumbs up’. “She’s a smart cookie!”

Arc clears his throat as he look at the time. “Yes, well... we should probably be going. Mio needs her rest and I need to take care of another mission.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “As the Hero?”

Arc shakes his head. “This one’s a bit more personal.”

Hammer appears suddenly nervous. “Um... Arc?”

“Yes, Hammer?”

“Could I... come too?”

“Wanna visit Earth again?”

“K-kinda. But I’d also like to help you make this right.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Hammer?”

“That guy, he’s... he’s like that now because of what I did to him.”

Arc nods soberly. “And now you want to make that right?”

“I don’t want to. I have to.”

“But what about your sister? She probably shouldn’t be alone just yet.”

Auriel raises a hand. “I’ll stay with her.”

Mio giggles nervously. “You... you will?”

“Yes. If that’s okay with you.”

Hammer smirks. “You can trust her, Mio. Arc’s known Auriel here for a long time.”

“She’s always done right by me, that’s for sure.”

“I... suppose it’d be okay then.”

Mio turns to Auriel before continuing.

“But I’d probably bore you with my interest in science and magic.”

“Actually I’d love to hear about it.”

“You would?”

Auriel nods. “Yes.”

Arc chuckles. “Auriel’s a scientist, after all.”

Hammer laughs. “And a darn good one too!”

“Then I think we’ll get along fine.”

Arc looks to Mio. “I’ll bring Hammer back just as soon as I can.”

Hammer grins as she heads for the door with Arc. “Have fun, kids! Oh! Could you please help Mio back to my room later?”

Auriel nods. “Of course.”

She sits down in a chair next to the bed as Arc and Hammer leave the room. She latches onto his arm as they walk.

“I’ve been looking forward to this.”

“Spending time with me?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. But the whole thing with Bloodletter’s been in the back of my mind for the longest time now.”

“You said before that you were told that the substance you injected into him was temporary.”

“That’s true, yes.”

“So there’s no way you could have known.”

Hammer sighs. “Yeah. But I still feel like crap about it.”

“We’ll see about fixing it then.”

“You got a plan?”

Arc shrugs. “Ultimately we just have to get into his room and inject him.”

“But you and I both know it won’t be that simple.”

“Right. After all, his room’s door is locked at all times and there’s a staff member watching him around the clock.”

Hammer smacks her fists together. “So we bustin’ in?”

“I’d rather do this quietly.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

“Because he’s in enough trouble as it is without facing additional charges and scrutiny for what would almost certainly appear to be an attempted breakout.”

Hammer shrugs. “I know he’s no saint. But I suppose even that creep doesn’t deserve to get blamed for something that isn’t his fault.”

“Exactly.”

“So where do we go from here?”

“Back to Earth to start the planning phase. However...”

“Something wrong?”

Arc groans. “Not... exactly. I just need to talk to Twilight about something first.”

Hammer grin seductively. “Right. You need to ‘talk’ to her.”

“But I do.”

“And is talk the only thing on your mind?”

“At the moment, yes.”

“Aw... you’re no fun, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “Just being Honest.”

“Well, how about I head back to Earth and start planning with the others on how to do this?”

“Alright. I’ll be along shortly though.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc channels his magic into it. A portal forms and Hammer walks toward it. Turning back she winks.

“Don’t take too long, handsome.”

As she enters Arc chuckles and shakes his head.

“Hammer... a one track mind.”

Closing the portal he turns and heads down the corridor toward the Audience Chamber. After announcing himself he is escorted inside. As he approaches the throne Twilight flaps her wings and flies over to him happily.

“Hello, Arc. This is a nice surprise.”

She looks suddenly nervous.

“Um... it IS a nice surprise, right?”

“I don’t have any bad news this time, no.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I don’t think I could handle another catastrophe today.”

“Did something happen?”

“Not... exactly. It’s just been a hard day.”

Arc points back to the door. “I could come back another day if this is a bad time.”

Twilight shakes her head vehemently. “No, no! Sorry! That came out wrong! Please, tell me what’s on your mind!”

“We should probably speak in private though.”

“Alright. This way.”

Gesturing to the office with a hoof, she flies over to it and opens the door for Arc. Entering, he turns back as she closes it behind them. Luna sits at the desk going over paperwork. She stands as he looks over.

“Hello, Luna.”

Luna smiles as she walks over. “Good day. I hope everything is well.”

“Mostly, yes. I just came here to talk privately with Twilight.”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “Sorry for interrupting your work.”

Luna heads for the door. “I see. Then I suppose I should make my exit.”

Arc steps toward her. “Actually, now that I think of it, I could use your advice on this as well, Luna.”

“Very well. As long as you’re alright with me hearing whatever it is you have to say to Twilight.”

“It’s alright with me. After all, we’re friends now.”

Luna smiles as the mare before her continues hovering. “That we are, yes.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Looks like you’re getting pretty good at flying.”

Twilight giggles. “I’ve been practicing more lately.”

“Well, it shows.”

“Mostly inside though.”

“For security purposes?”

Twilight groans. “Because flying outside is a LOT harder than I thought it would be.”

“Why’s that?”

“Wind mostly.”

“Ah!”

“Rainbow Dash says it’s just something I need to get used to as a flier. Expecting the unexpected, that is.”

Luna nods. “It is to be expected though. Being born with wings is much different than growing them later in life as Celestia and I did.”

“Learning as a child versus as an adult.”

Twilight sighs as she lands, panting. “Right.”

“Well, I know you can do it.”

“I’ll certainly give it my best shot. However I doubt you came here to talk about my flying, Arc.”

“Yes, well... we should probably sit down first.”

“Alright.”

Heading over to the nearby couches the pair sit next to each other as Luna takes a place across from them. Arc turns to Twilight as he speaks.

“It’s about something that came up during my date with Applejack.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“We talked about getting everyone together for a bit of a... a gathering.”

“A party?”

“Sort of. You see... ah... we just wanted to get everyone together to share a meal and have a talk.”

“To get to know one another better?”

Arc nods. “That and see how everyone acts when put together for an extended period of time.”

“When you say everyone you mean all of your future wives, correct?”

“Right.”

“I think it sounds like a wonderful idea, Arc. Did you want me to organize something?”

“Not exactly. Frankly the biggest problem we could think of was where to have it. At the time Ponyville was still in ruins, so that was out along with Light’s Hope.”

“But...?”

“Now that reconstruction is over I’d like to move forward with this.”

“Very well. I’ll inform the others as soon as you have a date, time, and exact location.”

Arc sighs. “That’s still an issue. And the reason I came to see you.”

“Oh?”

“Back on Earth, Applejack came up with the idea of using my Sanctuary for the gathering’s location. Her idea was that I could make it anything I wanted, as I have full control over my own... domain.”

Luna nods approvingly. “A prudent one, yes.”

“She was right about that. You could make the setting anything, anywhere, and at any time. That includes time of day, weather, and even the temperature.”

Arc smiles. “It sounds like the perfect venue.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I’m not sure I can maintain it with that many individuals in it.”

“Ah! Now I see your meaning.”

“Do you know what problems might arise from such a thing, Luna?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “The number of individuals inside a realm doesn’t actually affect its stability.”

Twilight appears nervous. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, Twilight. Many centuries ago, during a remodeling of part of the Castle of the Two Sisters as it’s known today, Celestia and I realize that due to the renovation we no longer had a place for proper meetings.”

“Work being done on the Throne Room?”

Luna nods. “In addition to the Conference Room and any other room with tables and chairs.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “So any place you could have meetings, huh?”

“Exactly. I suggested moving things outside. However that didn’t work out, as every time there was a breeze everypony’s paper would go flying.”

Twilight giggles. “So what did you two do?”

“Celestia came up with the idea of using what she calls the ‘Celestial Realm’ to hold meetings and audiences at the time. She created an exact copy of either the Throne Room or Conference Room as was needed at the time.”

Arc nods. “Any ill effects?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not really, no. The only issue was that it did use more energy to make changes to it as were needed. However neither she nor anypony else was in no danger during that time.”

Twilight looks to Luna, hopeful. “So what do you think of the idea?”

“That it is completely plausible, yes. The only warning I would like to pass on is that Arc should ready it ahead of time if at all possible.”

Arc nods. “For testing purposes?”

“That and to save your energy for the actual event that will be held there. You wouldn’t want to go through it yawning I imagine.”

“I suppose not.”

“Celestia would always make her realm ready the night before so she could get a good night’s sleep before that matter at hoof.”

Twilight nods. “Doing things ahead of time is always good advice though.”

Luna shrugs. “Moreso in this instance.”

“Any other advice you could give us, Luna?”

“Since Arc is relatively new to this particular school of magic, by comparison naturally, I recommend that he not try to push himself with anything too extreme.”

“I’ll do my best to keep the setting simple then.”

“That would be best, yes.”

Twilight claps her hooves together. “Now all we have to do is figure out what setting would be best.”

Arc nods. “It should be somewhere we’re all comfortable.”

“So something familiar. Ponyville would make the most sense then.”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “And the other... females?”

Twilight appears confused. “Luna?”

“Lieutenant Hammer, Princess Auriel, and Dragon Lord Ember. Would they be most comfortable there as well?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “They probably would if the gathering was on the grounds of Light’s Hope.”

Twilight nods. “It’s be more private too.”

Luna smiles at her. “Private, Twilight?”

“Well... I guess that wouldn’t matter. After all we wouldn’t actually be at the real base.”

Arc grins. “And it has that nice field behind it.”

Twilight shivers. “But isn’t it a bit cold for that, Arc?”

Luna shakes her head. “Again, you forget the power of Realm Magic, Twilight. It can be any temperature or weather Arc desires.”

Arc shrugs. “I’ve never actually tried changing the weather.”

Twilight grins. “It would certainly be an interesting sight to see.”

“Most likely, yes. However might I remind you that you would be there as a potential future spouse verses a scientific observer, Twilight.”

“Can’t I be both?”

Luna facehoofs. “You really do have a one track mind.”

Arc chuckles. “As long as you enjoy yourself go ahead, Twilight.”

“Thanks. Um... should I run this idea by the others or start trying to nail down a date?”

“Probably the first thing. If they don’t like the idea there’s no point in taking it further.”

“While I’m guessing they’ll be thrilled, I do believe you’re right, Arc.”

“We can talk more about it later. Right now I need to head back to Earth to take care of something.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Is something wrong?”

“Kinda. Auriel’s mother completed a cure for that beast man we fought some time ago.”

Twilight gasps. “Ah! Best to take care of that one right away!”

Arc stands. “My thoughts exactly.”

Embracing Twilight, Arc turns to Luna.

“Thanks for the advice on this.”

“It was my pleasure. Um... but might I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“How is Rainbow Dash doing?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Fine as far as I know. Why do you ask?”

“She seemed a bit... out of sorts the last time I saw her.”

Twilight shrugs. “Perhaps stress from moving back to Ponyville?”

Luna nods. “That could be it, yes.”

Arc smiles nervously. “She’s a bit... um... easily excited. Right Twilight?”

“Oh yes. But it probably just stems from her being the Element of Loyalty.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

Arc heads for the door. “Well, I’ll see you two later.”

Twilight and Luna wave after him as Arc leaves the room. Luna sighs inwardly as she muses to herself.

“It seems to be much more than that though. She was most unhappy with me for some reason. But I suppose there’s nothing more to be done about it at the moment.”

Chapter 16 - Made Right

Arc appears on the sigil in his parent’s room. Sighing, he pulls the plastic case from his pocket and looks at it a few moments.

“Let’s see what the others have come up with.”

Heading to the basement, Arc opens the door and walks down the stairs. His squad quickly stands out of respect as he does so.

“You guys don’t need to do that.”

Max looks at him soberly. “It kinda feels odd if we don’t though, sir.”

Xenos smirks. “Yeah. After all you’re a really big name back home.”

Viktor shrugs. “And even if this isn’t an official mission you’re still our commanding officer.”

Hugh chuckles. “Moreso someday even.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

Hammer grins seductively. “We were just talking about what your new title will be when you marry the princess.”

Max nods. “While Equestrian law doesn’t actually say it, we believe that you’d become a ‘prince’.”

Hammer does a little twirl. “And I’d be something special too, I think!”

Xenos puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Probably not a princess though, right?”

Hugh nods. “Agreed. There would have to be some kind of consensus beforehand on titles though.”

Viktor sighs. “Sounds complicated.”

Max gestures to Hammer. “I’m guessing the commander’s other wives would be referred to as ‘lady’.”

“So I’d be Lady Hammer?!”

Arc chuckles. “Probably, yes.”

“ALL RIGHT!”

Max clears his throat loudly. “Yes, well... why don’t we get back to the matter at hand?”

Xenos smiles sheepishly. “Uh... what was that again?”

Arc places the case on the table. “This.”

Hammer opens it to expose the hypodermic needle before speaking.

“We’re going to use this to cure that Bloodletter fella.”

Hugh raises a hand as he looks to Arc. “I have a question, sir.”

“What is it?”

“Must we?”

“Yes.”

“Just asking.”

Hammer frowns. “It’s my fault he’s like that, you know. So I’m here to help make sure this gets to him.”

Viktor nods. “Then we’ll help too.”

Max grins. “That we will.”

Xenos sighs. “After we think up a plan, that is.”

Hugh groans. “Should probably start that then.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “We were trying to come up with one before someone, whom shall remain nameless... Hugh, asked what my title would be after getting married.”

Arc chuckles as he sits down. “First things first, I suppose. But now that it’s done, let’s brainstorm.”

Max points to a shelf nearby. “Well, we still have the hospital scrubs you and Rose used later time, sir.”

Hugh taps a case at his feet. “And the personal surveillance equipment.”

Xenos nods soberly. “But you two can’t just walk in there.”

Hammer scoffs. “Why not?! I could just put on the nurse outfit like I’m legit, walk into the room, and jab him!”

Arc facepalms. “First of all, no.”

Viktor frowns. “Second, the patient’s room is kept locked at all times.”

Xenos shrugs. “Yeah. To say nothing for the staff watching him.”

Hammer pulls her weapon. “I could take em!”

Arc puts a hand on the gun and pushes down gently. “Let’s try to keep the weapons out of this please.”

Max nods. “Right. No reason for violence on this one, after all.”

Arc leans forward and smiles. “And I think I have an idea how we can pull this off.”

Sometime later, as the moon rises, Arc and Hammer drive up to the hospital and park. As he turns off the Jeep, Arc turns to her.

“You sure you’re up to this?”

Hammer grins as she takes off her seatbelt. “Hun, I make this outfit look GOOD!”

“It’s not a beauty contest here, Hammer.”

“Come on! You can’t tell me I don’t look HOT!”

Xenos calls out over the radio. “That she does, sir!”

Viktor gasps. “Xenos! That’s the commander’s future wife you’re talking about!”

Hugh chuckles. ““He’s not wrong though.”

Viktor groans. “Can we keep the comms clear please?”

Arc rolls his eyes as he looks to the back seat. “In any case, are you ready back there?”

Max nods as he leans forward. “Yes sir. But I must say that this outfit is a bit big on me.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s close enough.”

Arc points to the badge. “That it is. And my picture is close enough that no one will question you either.”

“But sir, I’m a far cry from you!”

Viktor scoffs. “Just don’t let anything get a good look at the badge then.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. But if you three are in and out like the commander wants it won’t be a problem.”

Hugh looks over his screen. “So don’t dawdle and get the job done fast.”

Hammer licks her lips. “Right. Then Arc and I can get back to his bedroom.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “We were supposed to be napping.”

“You said ‘resting’.”

“I figured that bit was implied.”

Hammer traces his face with a finger. “You can figure all you want. Just give me you and a bed and I’m happy as a clam!”

Max clears his throat loudly. “Should I get going now, sir?”

“Alright. We’ll be inside in just a few minutes. Not sure how long it’ll take us to complete phase one but just try to look natural.”

“Yes sir. Um... how would I do that though?”

Hammer groans impatiently. “Grab a clipboard and just kind walk around!”

“How would that help though?”

Arc grins. “A clipboard makes it look like you have a task. No one’s going to interrupt you to help with anything either then.”

“Are you sure?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nope.”

“Then why...?”

Arc cuts him off. “Call it a calculated risk. Now get going and don’t forget to wear your mask.”

Nodding, Max puts on a surgical mask and gets out. Closing the door behind him he heads for the building as Hammer turns to Arc and grins slyly.

“Now we give him a five minute head start, right?”

“Yup.”

“Wanna make out?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Gee, I don’t know. What do you think fellas?”

Xenos grins. “Go for it, sir!”

Viktor mouses over an icon as he speaks. “I can shut off the cameras for a few minutes if you want me to, sir.”

“Negative, Viktor. They stay on the whole time.”

Hugh calls out. “Nice! A show!”

Hammer leans toward him. “Let’s do it!”

Arc puts a hand on her face and holds her back. “Didn’t you get enough of me earlier?”

Hammer shakes her head as she pulls back. “Ain’t no getting enough of YOU, Arc!”

Arc sighs. “Please try to control yourself.”

“No promises.”

A few minutes later Arc looks at his watch. Turning to Hammer, he speaks.

“It’s time.”

“One thing first.”

Leaning forward she plants a kiss on his lips. Pulling back Arc frowns at her.

“Really, Hammer?”

“What? It’s not like that’s the first time I’ve...”

Arc groans as he pulls a napkin from his ring. “Your lipstick.”

“Whoops! Sorry about that. Don’t usually wear this stuff.”

“And check your hair before we get out.”

Turning the rear view mirror toward herself Hammer looks herself over momentarily before grinning.

“Looking good! But having my hair done up like this just don’t seem right to me.”

“The bun makes you look more professional.”

Hammer sighs. “I think I just look uptight.”

“Call it what you will. Turn your head away from me so I can make sure it’s still tight though.”

Hammer does so as Arc checks her out. Tightening a few of the bands he sighs and nods.

“That’s the best I can do.”

“Do me a favor when this is over, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“When we get back to bed tonight I want you to get behind me and pull my hair.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

Hammer grins slyly. “Think about it.”

Xenos grins. “Go get her, sir!”

Hugh chuckles. “We’ll stay in the basement! Promise!”

Viktor blushes. “Just be sure you take off those cameras first though please.”

Arc groans as he opens his door. “We’ve got to find you a way to blow off some of that steam, Hammer.”

Hammer gets out as well and grins hugely. “I can think of a few.”

“That don’t involve you and I having sex.”

“That narrows the list down to zero.”

Arc ignores her. “Radio check.”

Viktor nods. “Loud and clear, sir.”

Hammer appears confused. “Not sure why you did that. They’ve been hearing this ludicrous excuse for conversation the whole time.”

Arc motions with a wave of his hand. “Let’s go.”

They walk towards the hospital building. Arc is wearing a button down shirt, tie, and dress pants. Hammer is dressed very professionally in a skirt, dress blouse, pantyhose, high heels, and her hair done up properly. Arc stays three steps behind her and to the right as they near the building. Stopping to look over something on a clipboard, Hammer steps in front of a bush as Arc walks behind it. Looking up at the moon he transforms into his Crimson form. Placing a surgical mask over his face he pulls a pair of sunglasses out of his pocket before rejoining Hammer. She looks him over and winks seductively.

“Ready to go, underling?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hammer shudders happily. “You make that sound SO GOOD!”

“Just trying to maintain my cover. Let’s go.”

“Hey, I’m supposed to be in charge here!”

Arc gestures to the doors. “Then lead the way and let’s get started.”

“Alrighty then.”

“And try not to talk like that in there.”

“Not to worry. I can be serious if need be. Remember, I was a Sergeant before I joined up with you.”

“Currently a Lieutenant I might add.”

Hammer smiles hugely. “So I’m eminently qualified!”

“If you say so... ma’am.”

Hammer grins as she walks inside. “Love the sound of that!”

Entering, she walks over to the wall directory. Looking it over, Hammer puts a hand to her chin as she speaks.

“Let’s see here... where is it...?”

Arc points. “The security office is over here, ma’am.”

“Then let’s get moving.”

As she starts walking Hammer turns down a corridor. Arc clears his throat loudly as he turns the opposite direction. Hammer frowns as she hurries to pass him.

“My bad.”

Coming to the security office she looks inside the darkened room through a window next to the door and frowns.

“Closed?! How the heck are they CLOSED?!”

Arc points at a nearby clock. “Well, it IS after normal business hours.”

“Well how are we supposed to get this train a moving then?!”

“Read the sign.”

Looking at a paper next to the door Hammer reads aloud.

“For after-hours service please call... blah, blah, blah... extension number... okay, we’re in business!”

She looks around before continuing.

“Now all we need is a phone.”

Viktor calls out. “There’s one in the break room over there.”

Hammer frowns. “How do you know?!”

Xenos chuckles. “Because the commander took break in there when he was a nurse.”

Hugh gasps. “There’s someone!”

Seeing a guard step out of his office through a window in the door Hammer waves him over. Unlocking the door he opens it and looks to Hammer.

“Something I can do for you, ma’am?”

Hammer nods. “Yes, I’m with the Department of Health and Human Services.”

“You are?”

“And I’m here to perform a surprise inspection.”

“At this time of night?”

“Correct.”

“I didn’t hear anything about an inspection.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “That’s why it’s called a ‘surprise’.”

The guard motions for them to enter. “Right this way then.”

Entering the outer office they stand at the receptionist’s desk as the guard walks around to the opposite side of it and sits down. Waiting for the computer to boot up he calls out to Hammer again.

“Now then, I just need to see your credentials before we get started.”

“Very well. My assistant has them.”

Arc steps forward and waits for the guard to finish typing something in. As he looks up, Arc lowers his sunglasses and looks him in the eye. A long moment passes before Arc smirks and makes a small wave of his hand.

“You don’t need to see our identification.”

The guard repeats the line in a drone-like voice. “I... don’t need to see your identification.”

Hammer grins. “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.”

Arc turns to her as he raises his sunglasses. “What?”

“Funny, huh?!”

“Where did you hear that?!”

“Television.”

Arc groans. “Seriously?”

Hammer shrugs. “What? I didn’t have much to do when I was hiding out at your place.”

Turning back to the guard, Arc clears his throat as he again speaks.

“Our credentials check out. You will tell anyone whom questions us that fact.”

The guard nods as Arc grins.

“Now then, you will call the Intensive Care Unit and inform the nurse on duty that we are coming to inspect them now.”

The guard nods as he picks up the phone. “Yes, master.”

“And don’t call me, master. Instead refer to me as ‘sir’.”

“Yes... sir.”

Dialing, the guards speaks into the receiver.

“This is security. I have two officials from the Health and Human Services in my office that wish to make a surprise inspection. Yes, their credentials check out. I’ll walk them down there now.”

Hanging up the phone he looks to Arc silently as he waits for further orders.

“Very good. You will now take us to Intensive Care Unit. After we arrive you will follow us to assure the nurse that we are on the level. Then you will return to this office and continue your duties.”

“Yes sir.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “What if we still need him though?”

“In this state he’s a liability. Better to just send him back here.”

“How about with a code word, or something?”

“A what?”

“A phrase that will tell him to carry out that order. Just in case we need him to reassure the nurse, or something.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Looking to the guard again, Arc speaks.

“After we arrive at our destination you will remain with us to help convince the nurse of our sincerity. Do not carry out your order to return here until I say... ‘thanks for the escort’. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good.”

Turning to Hammer, he continues.

“Did I forget anything?”

“How about having him forget that he ever saw us after the fact?”

“Ah! Good idea.”

He looks to the guard again before speaking.

“After you return to this office you will not remember any of what transpired after we came, or even that we were here.”

Opening the door, Arc points.

“Take us to the Intensive Care Unit now.”

“Yes sir.”

Walking down the mostly deserted corridor they come to their destination. A nurse behind the counter looks up as they approach.

“Hello, Bob.

“Hey.”

“Um... is this for real?”

“I’ve already checked their credentials.”

“That may be, however...”

Hammer steps forward and interrupts. “Miss, I don’t like being here after normal office hours any more than you like entertaining and inspector. So could we please move this along?”

“But Director Morales went home hours ago.”

“We won’t take long. That and I’ll send her a copy of my report to her office.”

The nurse sighs. “I suppose I don’t really have much of a choice. What do you want to see first?”

“My superiors wanted to know about the conditions and treatment given to a particular patient. Apparently there’s been some complaints forwarded to our office.”

“Which patient would that be?”

Hammer looks at her clipboard. “A mister ‘John Smith’. We were told he’s been restrained and unable to move for an extended period of time in addition to being kept purposely sedated.”

“That may be true. However his case is far from typical.”

“Explain.”

“He’s attacked several hospital personnel in the past. Every time he wakes up someone is harmed.”

“I’d like to see the situation for myself. Would you please take me to the patient’s room?”

“Very well. This way please.”

As they head for the room Arc motions for the guard to follow them. The nurse pulls out her keys and unlocks it. Opening the door they find an orderly sitting in a chair next to the panic button on the wall.

“We’ll take over for a bit. Have a break.”

Hammer looks to the young man. “Hold on just a moment. I’d like to talk to you first.”

“Oh?”

The nurse gestures to Hammer. “This is an inspector from the Department of Health and Human Services. They’re... investigating the treatment of this patient.”

Hammer nods as she looks to her clipboard. “Right. Reports say that he’s being treated... differently than the rest of the patients treated here.”

The orderly groans. “Every time he wakes up it takes a small army to put him back in bed though. And it causes someone to be harmed in the process most times.”

Shaking her head, the nurse sighs. “He’s caused six workman’s comp claims in the past two weeks.”

Hammer pretends to write. “Any of them severe?”

“The worst case was the time he pushed an orderly so hard they cracked their skull on the door frame.”

“I see. Thank you, you may go now.”

The orderly leaves the room as Hammer and Arc approach the bed together. Turning to her, the nurse speaks.

“We should keep our voices down. Especially when this close to him. Anything could set him off.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But he’s restrained.”

“Only to slow him down.”

“Oh?”

Reaching into a nearby drawer she pulls out the remains of some leather straps.

“He ripped through these in ten seconds.”

Hammer looks them over. “I see. And without aid or tools I would imagine?”

“Correct.”

“So you can see that these methods, while extreme, are completely necessary.”

Hammer motions to the rack holding the IV bags. “How often is his bag changed?”

“Upon emptying.”

“Is that... safe?”

“The lab results showed that his body is filtering it out very quickly. The doctor has authorized constant IV sedatives for the safety of the patient as well as the staff.”

There is a small knock at the door. Max enters carrying a fresh IV bag on a tray. He approaches the nurse.

“Sorry to interrupt, but the doctor just called and ordered the patient’s saline solution increased.”

The nurse appears surprised. “I didn’t hear the phone ring.”

“He called it into the pharmacy. They ordered it brought over immediately.”

She nods as she takes the bag. “Flow rate?

“Wide open.”

“Thank you. Would you please stay by my phone in the meantime?”

Max nods and turns to leave. “Yes, ma’am.”

Hanging it from an empty hook, the nurse inserts the needle into Bloodletter’s arm and opens the valve. However as she does so a small hole in the bag allows a steady stream of fluid to pour onto the floor. Arc calls out to the nurse.

“Looks like you’ve sprung a leak.”

Turning, the nurse spies the fluid, grabs the bag off the hook, and pulls the needle from Bloodletter’s arm. Groaning, she turns to Hammer.

“I’ll need to call the pharmacy for a new bag. Might I suggest we continue this conversation outside the room?”

Arc shakes his head. “We’ll wait for you here.”

“But...!”

Hammer interrupts. “I want to look over a few things on the patient’s chart before we finish. Carry on with your call. That and we do have a security guard here in case things go south.”

Sighing, the nurse does as Hammer says. She turns to Arc and holds out a hand as he pulls the plastic case from his ring. Handing her the syringe, she walks over to the bed and looks down at the unconscious man sadly.

“Sorry for all of this, big guy. But this is all I can do for you now.”

Plunging the needle into a vein, Hammer depresses the plungers. The contents of the syringe flow into the man as she pulls the needle out and steps back. Handing the used needle to Arc she looks to him soberly.

“It’s done.”

Arc takes the syringe and places it back into the case before speaking. “Good. Now we just need to seal the deal.”

Meanwhile, the nurse walks over to the desk and Max. He turns to her as she approaches.

“The pharmacy just called. They said the doctor changed his mind about the extra saline solution.”

The nurse shakes her head. “Doctors. Always making more work for the rest of us.”

Max stands as he speaks. “Yes, well... I should probably return to my duties.”

“Very well.”

She returns to the room and looks to Hammer. “Now then, did you get everything you needed for the report?”

Hammer nods. “As much as I believe these methods to be quite extreme, I have to admit that they are warranted.”

“We don’t want to do it this way. However our staff’s safety needs to come first.”

“I’ll write up a report tomorrow detailing what you told me and recommend that this matter be dropped on the grounds of ‘medical necessity’.”

“Thank you. I’m sure the Director will be pleased to hear that.”

Hammer turns toward the door. “No need to bother her with this matter. We’ll be in touch.”

“I’ll stay with him until the orderly returns.”

“Alright. Good luck with your patient.”

As they leave the room Arc turns to the guard.

“Um... thanks for the escort.”

The guard nods and walks away. Hammer motions for them to get moving. As they pass Shelly’s room Arc spies Max standing at the end of the bed pretending to write something on his clipboard. Looking up at Arc the pair share a silent moment for a time before Arc silently nods and closes the door behind him. Hammer frowns as he does so.

“What the heck are you doing?!”

“Giving him some time alone with her.”

“But why?!”

Arc sighs as they walk down the corridor. “Because Max deserves it.”

Chapter 17 - Moving Forward

Waiting in the Jeep, Arc and Hammer sit there in silence for a long time. Eventually Hammer breaks it.

“So... Max has a thing for your friend?”

“Yeah.”

“Um... she DOES know he’s a pony though, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a clue.”

“Sounds like it could go badly for them.”

“He tried to tell her the truth some time back, but...”

Arc sighs before continuing.

“...but she just thought he was making things up.”

“Admittedly it is kinda far-fetched. When was that?”

“The night we attacked Damocles Base.”

“So quite some time back.”

Arc groans. “Still feels so recent to me.”

Sometime later Max returns to the Jeep. Sliding into the back seat he looks to Arc as he closes the door.

“Sorry for taking so long, sir. I was doing a favor for Lily.”

“It’s fine, Max. But what did Lily want?”

“For someone to stay with Shelly while she went to get some supper.”

Hammer looks at her watch. “At this time of night?!”

Max nods. “She kinda lost track of time too.”

“Something wrong?”

“No idea, sir. She didn’t say.”

Hammer facepalms. “Then why not just check her chart?!”

“I did. But you have to understand that I don’t actually have any medical training. So it was all gibberish to me.”

He points to his badge before continuing.

“I made sure Viktor took some screenshots of every page though.”

Arc smiles. “Good idea. We can have Doctor Knowles go over them for us.”

Hammer looks to him. “Think she’ll do it.”

“She’d better. After all, she’s staying in the castle rent-free.”

“And we gave her amnesty.”

“That too.”

Starting the Jeep, Arc pulls out of the parking lot and makes the return trip home. Arriving, he heads for the basement with Hammer and Max. The others stand and hurry over to them. Hugh is the first to speak.

“Perfect deception, sir!”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! No one over there suspected anything!”

Viktor holds out several printouts. “Here’s Shelly’s current readouts, sir.”

Arc nods as he accepts them. “Very good. I’ll take it from here.”

Putting them in his ring, Arc turns back to the group.

“Nice job, all of you. Now then, get some rest and be ready for whatever comes next.”

Hammer appears confused. “Like what?”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. But we should be ready energy-wise anyways.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring he opens a portal and steps through with Hammer. Looking around, he spots Ember sitting on his couch in front of the fireplace. Walking over to her, he chuckles.

“You’re up late.”

Hammer throws up a hand. “Hey, Ember.”

“Evening. Um... I actually really need to talk to Arc right now.”

“So what’s stopping you?”

There is a deafening silence as Ember folds her arms over her chest and narrows her eyes. Hammer motions toward the door.

“And that’s my cue to leave. I’ll head back to my quarters and relieve Auriel.”

Arc nods. “Alright. And thanks again for helping with this.”

Hammer smiles. “No, Arc. Thank YOU!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Did I miss something here?”

“Without Arc I never would have been able to help right the wrongs I did a while back. But I’ll let you have your conversation in peace.”

Heading for the door, Hammer leaves as Arc turns to Ember.

“Something wrong?”

Ember looks away nervously. “Kinda. Can we talk?”

“Um... I guess so.”

Sitting down next to her, Arc waits for Ember to collect her thoughts.

“It’s about... the herd.”

“Oh?”

“You were right. We all need to make sure everyone’s compatible.”

Arc smiles. “It wouldn’t do to get married and then all be miserable with one another.”

“Twilight’s been doing her best to keep the country going along with Luna. She doesn’t have much time to commit to relationships though.”

“I suppose she wouldn’t. I sure didn’t as Lord Regent.”

“She came up with an idea though.”

“Twilight’s pretty good about solving problems. What did she come up with?”

“Herd meals.”

“Eating together?”

Ember nods. “They don’t always last as long as we’d like and often get interrupted for things that come up. But we’ve really been bonding over them.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So... what’s the problem?”

“We’re missing one crucial component.”

“Oh?”

“You.”

“Me?”

Ember nods soberly. “We need to be whole at mealtimes for that to fully work.”

“But I’m pretty busy right now.”

“That was the topic of today’s supper. Your schedule.”

“I can’t just let...!”

Ember interrupts him. “We know. But the others wanted me to touch base with you about meals and let you know that they’d like you to attend as often as possible.”

“That’s fair. As long as they understand that I’m still quite busy these days.”

“They do. Heck, Twilight’s been learning how to use her new Alicorn Magic to do some pretty cool stuff lately to help out.”

“Like what?”

“Princess Luna showed her how to make portals like her and the other princesses do.”

Arc grins. “Like my gauntlet?”

“Right. But they don’t need a sigil to connect to.”

“Portals 2.0, huh.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um... what?”

“It’s a human reference. What is Twilight doing with this new magic though?”

“Allowing Derpy, Dinky, or whomever herdmate is free in Ponyville at the time, to join us for later lunches or early suppers as they’re able.”

“That was a good idea. She’s probably more busy than I am.”

“A few times we’ve even had meals in Coco Pommel’s office together. Twilight calls it a ‘business meeting’ so Kibitz doesn’t throw a fit.”

“Perfect.”

“So just kinda stop by if you’re around, okay?”

“I’ll do that. Um... but what about Luna and Celestia?”

“What about them?”

“Don’t they eat in the Dining Room too?”

“Yup. We’re including them too though.”

Arc grimaces. “I’m... not sure that’s the best idea.”

“I thought so as well. But Twilight wanted her mentor there so she can hear what’s going on. It was recommended by Emerald Dream to help her come to terms with the herd idea.”

“Everyone’s keeping a lid on the whole sex idea in front of her though, right?”

“We’re not bringing that up per se. But sometimes Celestia does chime in about that.”

Arc groans. “Great...”

“That’s why Luna is there.”

“Oh?”

“To tell Celestia to button her lip if she goes too far.”

“And how often does that happen?”

“Just a couple times. Once Celestia started lecturing the others on the fact that intercourse is for foal-making.”

“So she’s against us having sex?”

Ember shrugs. “More or less. But Luna reminded her of what they were taught themselves as fillies. That sex is also for pleasure and to show your mate how much you want them to feel good. Something like that anyways.”

“Other than that, how’s her behavior been?”

“Both Doctor Whooves and Emerald Dream say that she has a long road ahead of her. However she appears to be taking their advice and trying to make an effort to move on with her life.”

“Good. While what happened to her was certainly terrible, she also can’t let it hold her back forever.”

“That’s about what she was told. However I honestly believe that Celestia’s now trying to help Twilight’s idea of a herd work.”

“That’s a relief. Any idea what caused this change?”

“I’m guessing it’s what she saw of you and Applejack in the Celestial Realm. While I wasn’t there, I can just imagine how you treated your date.”

Arc smiles. “I just did my best to act natural. We both had a blast too.”

“It’s been talked about at length. And everyone now wants to do the same.”

“Go into the Celestial Realm?”

“Not quite. The idea of extended alone time is really quite...”

Ember appears to be looking for the right word for a time. Eventually Arc fills it in for her.

“Romantic?”

“Something like that. Judging how things went for you two though, cohabitation for one-on-one seems like the way to go.”

“Yes. I need to step back from my duties to be able to do that though.”

“Um... they did have another idea in that regard.”

“Oh?”

“Actually going into the Celestial Realm again.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What?!”

“It’s to help save time. You could fit a week into around six hours then.”

“And let Celestia see everything?!”

Ember shrugs. “I admit, it’s not a perfect plan. But it is an option.”

“Fine, I’ll talk to the others about it over a meal one of these days.”

“With an open mind?”

Arc sighs. “Yes.”

“Good. Don’t want you going down the same path as Celestia did.”

“If that’s what they all really want, we can try to see what can be done there.”

Ember grins. “I’d be satisfied with just having you throw me on the bed, lift my tail, and...”

Arc interrupts. “Really, Ember?”

“You know I want to get to know you better, Arc. But at the same time I also want you inside of me.”

“Try to control yourself.”

Ember groans. “What do you think I’ve been doing?! It ain’t easy keeping my hormones in check without release!”

“I... don’t know how to respond to that.”

“Normally I go spar with Sereb when the need strikes me. It helps me burn through my... desires.”

“Maybe you need to talk to Emerald Dream yourself.”

Ember scoffs. “Trust me. This is a normal female dragon thing. My body may not be ready to make eggs, but we go through this for practice.”

“Practice?”

“Think of it kinda like a warm up before the real thing. Gets our bodies used to being filled up with hot, sticky, steaming, oozing...”

She stops talking and quickly stands up before continuing.

“I need to go spar now!”

Arc sighs. “Please do.”

Ember hurries toward the door but turns back as she puts her claw on the handle.

“That is... unless you’d like to do the deed now.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Have a nice spar.”

Ember smirks. “Can’t blame a dragon for trying.”

Opening the door, she runs through. Arc stands and walks over to it as well. Heading down the corridor toward Auriel’s room he spots light coming from under the door. Knocking lightly, he waits patiently. A full minute later Maria herself opens the door.

“Good evening, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... hi. Dare I ask why you’re still up?”

“There’s much work to be done.”

“I suppose there is. But might I come in?”

“Please do.”

Stepping aside, she lets him pass before closing the door behind him. Arc spies Auriel lying on the floor surrounded by papers. A blanket covers her sleeping form. Maria smiles as she gestures to the sleeping woman.

“My daughter is very dedicated to this project. Even though it was so late when Auriel returned, she still wanted to keep working.”

“Guess Mio tired her out. After all, it isn’t actually THAT late.”

“While the spirit is indeed willing, her flesh is weak.”

“And you?”

Maria smirks. “Let’s just say that I’ve had more all-nighters than you can imagine.”

“Don’t burn yourself out. Remember, you’re the only one whom can fix this mess.”

“Potentially, yes. However I doubt you came all the way over here just to make sure I was resting properly.”

“True. I actually came to show you this.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out the screenshots. Handing them to Maria he frowns.

“These are some more recent readings on Shelly.”

Maria accepts them. “Thank you. But I don’t recall asking for these.”

“Think of it like extra credit.”

“Very well. I’ll...”

She stops talking as her eyes scan the top document.

“When were these taken?”

“An hour or so ago. Why?”

Maria frowns. “This is not good.”

“Talk to me! What’s...!”

Maria sits down at the table and points to the nightstand. “Bring me the readings from your first visit.”

Arc Blinks over to the nightstand, grabs the papers, and Blinks back next to Maria. Setting the papers on the table in front of her she lays them out along with the new records. Looking them over for a long moment she turns to Arc.

“I have some bad news.”

Arc groans. “Just say it.”

“It would appear that my earlier theories might not be holding up.”

“Meaning...?”

“Some outside force is at work here.”

“Outside force?”

“Something not on the records.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Her condition is not deteriorating like it should be.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Isn’t that a good thing though?”

“Not necessarily. According to the data you brought me previously, her organs as a whole were severely in decline.”

She picks up one of the papers Arc brought before continuing.

“However this shows her heart strengthening.”

“Again, isn’t that good?!”

“Normally I would say it would be. However there’s a tradeoff for this.”

“Elaborate.”

Maria points to another paper. “Her lungs and digestive tract are weakening faster than projected.”

“One problem fixed and two more left to go.”

“There’s more though. These readings show that her endocrine system is at the center of this new development.”

“Endocrine?”

“It regulates the hormonal levels in the body.”

“So she’s... what?”

Maria frowns. “You don’t know what I’m talking about, do you?”

“Admittedly, biology wasn’t my best subject.”

“Hormones are the means by which the body regulates itself.”

“Like production of estrogen?”

Maria sighs. “That is but one type of hormone, but yes. Now then, hormones are used to help maintain balance in the body and to keep everything running smoothly. Too much of a hormone will cause an imbalance which can adversely affect the body. Conversely, a deficiency can be just as destructive if left untreated.”

“But if it’s just hormonal couldn’t the doctors just give her supplements of some kind?”

“According to what I’ve read from her files they have indeed tried such methods, yes. However supplements can only do so much.”

“Like a bandage on a broken knee.”

“Precisely. Now then, the reason she’s been slowly getting worse is due to the fact that such imbalances are very hard on the body as a whole. The very methods being used to try and help her are also causing their own problems.”

“So what should be done?”

“To help Shelly would require her body to be able to, ultimately, right its systems via the proper hormone levels. There are more underlying problems, naturally. But this is at the heart of the matter. Both figuratively and literally.”

“How can I help?”

“I need to know more about her physical characteristics currently.”

“Want me to head back to the hospital?”

Maria shakes her head. “Just tell me how she looked when you saw her.”

“I didn’t.”

“Oh?”

“This information was gathered by one of my soldiers whom is very... intimate with Shelly’s plight.”

“Very well. Call for him then.”

“He’s back on Earth.”

“And?”

Arc sighs. “Point taken.”

Touching his earring, Arc calls his squad. A few moments later Viktor answers groggily.

“Yes sir?”

“Sorry to wake you up, Viktor. But I need some help with something.”

“What can we do for you, sir?”

“I need Max to report to me immediately. Wake him up and I’ll open a portal to bring him to me.”

“Yes sir. Standby.”

The line goes dead for a time. A few minutes later Viktor returns.

“He’s up and ready to move, sir.”

“Very good. I’ll open the portal now.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc channels his magic into it. A portal opens and Max steps though. Arc closes it and turns to the young man.

“Reporting for duty, sir.”

“Very good. Now then, this is Doctor Knowles. She’s the one who’s helping us figure out what’s going on with Shelly.”

Max nods respectfully. “Ma’am.”

“We need some information on Shelly’s physical condition.”

“What do you want to know, sir?”

Maria speaks up. “For starters, did she physically appear any different when you last saw her?”

“A bit... gaunt, yes.”

“Did you by any chance touch her?”

Max looks at the floor. “I... did hold her hand momentarily, yes.”

“How did it feel?”

“Normal skin contact, ma’am. But there was one thing that surprised me.”

“What was that?”

“When I took her hand she closed her fingers around it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Meaning she sensed your presence and held you back?”

“Yes sir. However the force by which she did so was very... intense. It wasn’t painful, but at the same time I wasn’t aware that she could muster that much energy in her current state.”

Maria puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully as she looks over the papers again. “Interesting. This coincides with a spike in progesterone and estrogen levels. However it still shouldn’t have allowed her to do such a thing.”

She looks at Max before continuing.

“Tell me, how well do you know Shelly?”

“We were kinda dating a while back.”

“Now then, this is VERY important. I need you to tell me about her breasts.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... what?”

“Were they larger, smaller, or about the same as before?”

Max blushes. “I... um...”

Maria continues. “If you don’t recall that is also a viable answer.”

“...it’s just...”

Arc puts a hand on Max’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Max. Just answer honestly.”

Max nods and takes a deep breath before speaking.

“They were... um... let’s just say... noticeably larger than I remember them.”

Maria frowns. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Arc grits his teeth. “What does that mean though? Breast cancer?”

Maria shakes her head. “According to the notes here, no. While there are certain drugs that would do that as a side effect, she doesn’t appear to be on any of them.”

“Then explain why...!”

“There could still be a reasonable explanation for this, Arc. No need to panic just yet.”

“What other information would you need to make an educated guess?”

“A more detailed physical examination of the patient.”

Max turns to Arc. “We could drive her over there, sir.”

Maria nods. “Yes, I’d be willing to...”

Arc shakes his head. “Doctor Whooves said that you shouldn’t be exposed to extreme changes in temperature.”

“Well, I need to be able to see the patient to gain that information.”

“Did you say ‘see’?”

Maria nods. “I did, yes.”

“Tell me, are you strong enough to take a short walk?”

Maria nods. “I am, yes. However the corridors are quite cold these days. And like you said...”

“Trust me. I’ll keep you from catching a chill.”

“Very well. Lead on.”

Arc pulls the Rainbow of Light from his ring again and channels his magic into it. A portal forms as he turns to Maria.

“Shall we be off?”

“I suppose. But where are we going?”

Arc grins as he motions for Max to go ahead of them. “Back to my place.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 18 - Maladies

Arc, Maria, and Max reappear in Arc’s basement. Max hurries to turn on the lights, waking the others. Xenos calls out angrily.

“Hey! What’s the big...!”

Arc smirks. “Sorry, big guy.”

Hugh looks over sleepily. “Sir...?”

“Up and at em’, fellas. We’ve got work to do.”

Viktor hops off his bunk. “What do you need us to do, sir?”

Arc motions to Maria. “This is Doctor Knowles. We’re going to help her see Shelly.”

Max looks at the wall clock. “At this hour, sir?”

“Yup. Viktor, get your computer up and running. The rest of you could probably got back to sleep though.”

Xenos sighs as he sits up. “Not really going to be able to though, sir.”

Hugh motions to their desks. “We could watch via the other monitors.”

“If you want to, fine. But this is pure stealth at the moment. I’m going to head over there and help the good doctor here see whatever she needs to.”

Max helps Maria over to Viktor’s chair as he stands. “This way, ma’am.”

Arc looks to Maria as Hugh puts a headset on her. “You call the shots and I’ll do my very best to accommodate.”

Maria smiles. “Very well. Shall we begin?”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Uh... sir?”

“What is it, Max?”

“Shouldn’t we have left a note, or something, before leaving the castle?”

Maria shakes her head. “Not to worry. Auriel is a very heavy sleeper. She most likely won’t awaken for several more hours.”

Hugh grimaces. “But if she does...?”

Xenos turns to Arc. “Couldn’t you make a quick note and just send it back through a portal to Auriel’s room?”

Max grits his teeth and smiles nervously. “What are you talking about, Xenos? The commander doesn’t have a sigil in her private quarters.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Yes, he does. It’s under the rug in the middle of the...”

Arc facepalms. “You guys do realize that Doctor Knowles here is Auriel’s mother, right?”

There is a stunned silence for several moments. Eventually Xenos breaks it.

“I think the commander removed that sigil a while back.”

The others nod as Arc turns to Maria.

“Uh...”

Maria frowns. “We can discuss this later. Right now I’d like to get underway.”

“Very well.”

Pulling a magic cloak from his ring Arc puts it on and steps onto his sigil. Cloaking, he activates it and teleports to the roof of the hospital. Blinking down to ground level he walks toward the main entrance. Waiting for someone to enter, Arc follows them inside and makes his way down the corridor silently. Coming to Shelly’s room he Blinks through the door. Standing just on the other side of the door for a few moments listening Arc hears nothing but the beeps and hums of the machines around Shelly’s bed. Decloaking, he removes the cloak and stuffs it into his ring before slowly stepping forward. Spying Lily asleep in her chair he casts a quick spell on her before touching his earring and speaking.

“Arc to base.”

Viktor calls out. “Read you loud and clear, sir.”

“I’m in Shelly’s room now.”

Hugh looks at his monitor. “And Lily?”

“A well-placed Sleep Spell should keep her out for a bit.”

Xenos grimaces. “You should still move quickly, sir.”

“Agreed. You there, Doctor Knowles?”

“I am, yes. Can you give me a better visual from over the bed?”

“Alright.”

Reaching under the machine, Arc picks up the disk-like transmitter and holds it over Shelly. Maria frowns.

“Her forehead appears sweaty. Verify.”

Arc touches Shelly’s forehead.

“Slightly damp, yes. But also warm.”

“The chart doesn’t say anything about a fever of any kind. Is there a thermometer around?”

“I see one on the counter nearby.”

“Check.”

Pulling out the thermometer from its case Arc looks it over for a few moments before finding a disposable protector, snapping it on the end he puts it in Shelly’s ear. Looking at the readout he frowns.

“One-hundred point three.”

“Slightly feverish. Next expose her arm.”

Doing so, Arc pulls back the covers.

“Bring the camera closer to her very slowly.”

Arc moves the camera as instructed.

“Now I want to see her fingernails.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why would you...?”

“Trust me.”

Sighing, Arc brings the camera closer to Shelly’s fingers.

“Keep going... more...”

Maria presses a few keys to manually adjust the camera before calling out again.

“Very good. Now put her arm back under the covers and zoom in on her face.”

Following the directions, Arc moves in.

“Closer to her right cheek. More... more... there, stop.”

Looking at the screen carefully Maria squints.

“Go to the restroom and dampen a paper towel. Then rub her cheek.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But this better start making sense.”

“It’s the last examination, I assure you.”

Arc gets the paper towel as directed and walks back to Shelly’s bedside. Wiping it across her cheek he frowns.

“Makeup?”

Max raises an eyebrow. “I didn’t know she even wore that.”

Maria squints at the monitor. “Keep rubbing. Get it down to bare skin.”

Nodding, Arc continues rubbing the makeup off. Holding the camera to Shelly’s cheek Maria frowns.

“Acne.”

Xenos frowns. “What’s that?”

Maria turns to him, clearly confused. “A skin condition. How did you grow up not knowing about...”

Hugh interrupts her. “We’re ponies, ma’am.”

“Ah. That makes sense.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “And you’re just willing to accept that?”

“Yes.”

Max appears skeptical. “That doesn’t seem a bit... weird to you?”

Maria shakes her head as she makes some notes on a piece of paper. “My husband is the demon king and our daughter is a demon scientist. Believe me, you being ponies doesn’t even register on my ‘weird’ scale.”

Arc sighs. “Please tell me that the excessive chatter means you’ve got what you need, doctor.”

“Yes, Arc. I’ll cross-reference this with what I have back in my daughter’s room. You can come back now.”

“Alright. Arc out.”

He touches the earring, severing the connection. Looking down at Shelly for a few moments he gives her a light kiss on her forehead and strokes her hair before putting the camera back in its original place. Stepping into the bathroom he tosses the paper towel in the waste basket, calls forth his gauntlet, opens a portal, and steps through. Reappearing back in his basement Arc looks to Maria.

“We should be getting you back to the castle now.”

Maria stands and rips the paper from the pad. “Very well. I got what I needed.”

Opening a portal he motions for her to step through before turning to his squad.

“Thanks guys. Um... as you were.”

Stepping through his own portal, Arc vanishes as it closes. Viktor turns to Hugh.

“As we were?”

“I think he was telling us that we could go back to bed.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. What do you think, Max? Max?”

They turn to see their friend staring at the computer monitor. He zooms in on Shelly’s face and touches the screen.

“Rest well... Shelly.”

Viktor walks over to him. “Hey. You okay?”

Max nods. “I am, yes.”

Hugh gestures to the bunks. “We should probably get some rest now.”

Xenos turns. “Sounds good to me.”

Max shakes his head. “You guys go ahead. I just want to... watch a bit longer.”

Shrugging, they do as suggested. Meanwhile, Arc and Maria reappear on the sigil in Auriel’s room. Maria looks at him as the portal closes.

“Thank you for the trip.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I do have one request though.”

“What is it?”

Maria points to the rug. “Would you please move this?”

Sighing, Arc rolls up the rug to expose the sigil underneath. Maria looks it over before turning her gaze back to Arc.

“Might I ask why you have something like this in my daughter’s room?”

Arc looks away nervously. “To open portals to my room.”

Maria raises an eyebrow. “Dare I ask what you do there?”

“Just... cuddle mostly.”

“And?”

“Sometimes we... shower together.”

Maria smiles. “There. Was that so hard?”

“Uh... aren’t you supposed to be angry?”

Maria gestures to Auriel lying on the floor nearby. “My daughter is a grown woman. She is fully capable of making her own relationship choices as well as deciding whom to sleep with.”

“If it makes you feel any better I’ve never violated Auriel in any way.”

“She said as much.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait! You knew?!”

Maria nods. “Yes indeed. Auriel told me all about your adventures with her. Both in and outside the bedroom.”

“Did she also mention... our future?”

“The herd?”

“Right.”

“She did. In fact, it was a two hour conversation.”

“Are you okay with that?”

“As I said, Auriel is fully capable of making her own choices. Considering all the trouble you’re going through to help Shelly, my own daughter is in good hands.”

She gestures to the room around them before continuing.

“That and I’m sure you’re fully able to house and care for my daughter should you impregnate her.”

Arc blushes. “I... uh... I will, yes.”

“Then there is nothing for me to be angry about regarding your relationship. And my own husband has told me that you have his personal approval in this regard as well.”

“That’s... kinda reassuring.”

Maria grimaces. “Considering what demonkind believe regarding sexuality... your herd idea, albeit outside the cultural norm of both Earth and Equestria, is still leagues better in my eyes than anything she would have become involved in back in Tartarus.”

“If it makes you feel any better she spent most of her time in the library reading your books.”

“Auriel did mention that, yes. And the fact that she also confessed that she’s never been with another demon sexually before.”

“She’s still a virgin in regards to me as well.”

“I believe you. But I ask one thing in return.”

“What’s that?”

Maria smiles. “Please take very good care of Auriel. No matter her age she’ll always be my little girl.”

“I will. Promise.”

Maria walks slowly over to the bed and sits down. “Thank you. It means a lot to me to hear you say that.”

Arc moves to stand before her. “It can’t have been easy to go from knowing her as an infant to waking up to a fully grown adult.”

“It wasn’t. However I can’t change the past. The best I can do is to be here for her now.”

“Want me to carry her to bed for you?”

“Hers or yours?”

“Y-yours.”

“That would be nice, yes. However I do believe that she would prefer to wake up next to you rather than me.”

Arc appears surprised. “Um... just so I’m sure I understand, you’re saying that you want me to take Auriel back to MY room?”

Maria nods. “That is correct.”

“Why?”

“Auriel told me all about her plans to one day marry you and bear children with you, Arc. I’ve never seen someone so happy before in my life.”

“She’s certainly come out of her shell since we met.”

“Auriel told me about what happened on your date as well.”

“Did she now?”

“Indeed. And how you didn’t give into her advances.”

“We’re not ready for that yet.”

“You mean that YOU aren’t ready.”

Arc sighs. “Can’t really argue with that.”

“Is there a problem?”

“Kinda.”

“Elaborate.”

“I do WANT children. It’s just... I don’t have time for my herdmates as it stands. That’s what’s keeping me from having a family and children.”

Maria sighs. “Yes, well... believe it or not, I do know how you feel.”

“Oh?”

“I too engrossed myself in my work years ago. Back when I worked for The Organization I rarely left the base. While others sought affection, relationships, and romance, I sought only knowledge.”

“Sounds lonely.”

Maria smile sadly. “I didn’t realize until I found myself in Tartarus just how much so.”

“So it worked out in the end?”

“Only after I came to terms with one simple truth.”

“Which was...?”

“That I didn’t want to be alone anymore.”

“But I thought you were alone doing research for King Malevolence.”

“I was indeed. But I told myself that if I ever got back to Earth that I would turn over a new leaf. Make some friends and perhaps even enter into a relationship.”

“And then you fell for the king?”

Maria smiles. “Admittedly, yes. I knew he was oafish and brash, yes. But during my time by his side I also saw a different side of him. One that was just as lonely and confused as I was.”

“His inability to have a family?”

“Correct.”

She looks to Auriel before returning her gaze to Arc.

“It’s not something I want my daughter to ever experience. And thanks to you, she won’t.”

“If she decides to join the herd, yes.”

“She will. Of that I’m certain.”

Maria looks to her notes as she continues.

“But for now I need to focus on my task.”

“Let me know the moment you know something.”

“I will.”

Arc walks over to Auriel and kneels down. Picking her up, he raises his gauntlet and opens a portal back to his room. As he leaves Maria smiles as she turns a page in her notebook.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you, Arc. But this situation is what it is.”

Meanwhile Arc walks over to the bed. Laying Auriel down carefully she moans softly. Arc smiles and pats her face tenderly. Auriel takes his hand and holds it close to her chest as Arc lays down next to her.

“You just rest now, Auriel. After all, you’ve certainly earned it.”

Putting his arms around her, Auriel presses her body against his as she sighs contentedly. Meanwhile, back in Hammer’s room, the two sisters lie awake together as the fireplace casts a warm glow around the room. Mio is the first to speak.

“Um...”

Hammer looks over from the couch. “Something wrong, Mio?”

“I just... don’t understand myself right now.”

“What’s there to know?! You’re smart and good at what you do!”

“Which is...?”

“Figure stuff out, organize other stuff, and cast spells, obviously!”

Mio sighs. “I’ve been doubting that lately.”

“But why?”

“Because... those three things are all that define me.”

“Someone has to do the pencil-pushing though.”

“Let’s look at it though.”

Mio holds up a single finger and starts counting.

“One... figuring stuff out as you called it. If you recall, I wasn’t able to ‘figure out’ how to build a machine to get me here.”

“No one could have done that though!”

“The Hero did.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. That was Lead Sage Sunburst. He designed a machine that could... uh...”

“Could open a wormhole between worlds?”

“Yeah.”

“But I thought you said no one could do that?”

“No one but him! Come on, he’s the Lead Sage for crying out loud!”

Mio holds up a second finger. “Two... organize stuff. That’s not exactly a particularly useful skill.”

“Sure it is!”

Mio sighs. “A glorified secretary isn’t of much use on the battlefield.”

“Yeah they are! Look at Colonel Diva! She helps keep General Mustang organized!”

“But at the same time she’s an accomplished warrior AND tactician.”

“Well... you still have your magical prowess!”

Mio groans. “Not for long.”

“What are you talking about, Mio?”

“Third... my magic... isn’t what it used to be.”

Hammer frowns. “But you’re Ascended!”

Mio sighs. “I don’t get it either, but ever since I ran away from The Organization, my powers have been weakening.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“They’re just not as powerful as they used to be.”

“That’s not possible! Even with your staff?!”

“I... don’t have it.”

“Where is it?!”

“Left back at Damocles Base. I left in a hurry and forgot it.”

Hammer gasps. “But you NEVER forget your staff!”

“First time for everything. And my magic hasn’t been the same since then.”

“Someone here could probably help you with that!”

“Like who?”

“Lead Sage Sunburst, me, heck even Princess Twilight herself!”

“But that just means I’m not of use to anyone here.”

“Then why did you come?”

“Because I wanted to reconnect with my sister.”

“Really?”

“Yes!”

Hammer grins. “That wasn’t the only reason though.”

Mio blushes. “You’re right. I... I had wanted to team up with the Hero.”

“Arc, huh?”

“Obviously I didn’t know he and the Hero were one and the same!”

“So what? You two were going to make some kind of power couple?”

“Something like that. My thoughts were that with his magical powers and brawn, along with my magical knowledge to support him, we’d be unstoppable.”

“You’re still holding something back though, Mio.”

“And I... I wanted him to fall for me.”

Hammer scoffs. “Wow.”

“What’s wrong with that?!”

“He saved you once in the cave in and you started making long-ranged plans around him!”

“It wasn’t just that, Hammer. When Damocles Base was attacked, he had multiple chances to kill all of us. But he didn’t.”

“So?”

“I knew that he was special. Someone strong. Able to protect those he cared about as well as fight for his ideals. But at the same time kind and gentle enough to stop the battle when his opponents could no longer fight back.”

She smiles and blushes slightly before continuing.

“I... wanted to be a part of that.”

“And be protected?”

Mio giggles. “It probably sounds strange coming from me, but yes.”

“Not strange at all, Mio. In fact, I know exactly how you felt.”

“Do you now?”

“Yeah. That’s how I fell for Arc. He’s strong, smart, and determined.”

Mio sighs as she rolls over. “Well don’t worry. I’m not planning to try and get between you two.”

Hammer grimaces. “Mio... there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Please don’t say that you’re pregnant, Hammer.”

“No worries there. We haven’t gone that far yet.”

“Good.”

“The Hero and I... I mean Arc and I are... um...”

She fumbles to find the right worlds before throwing everything out there.

“Arc’sformingaherd.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Is that a horse pun? I’ve notices a lot of them since I came here.”

Hammer shakes her head. “No, this is literal. Arc is interested in forming what’s called a ‘herd’.”

“And what is that?”

“It’s... um... kinda like... a group marriage.”

Mio frowns. “Polyamory?”

“Not sure what that is.”

“Three or more people in a romantic relationship.”

“That sounds like it, yeah.”

“And Arc is doing that with you and Auriel?!”

“Uh... kinda trying to.”

“And you’re okay with it?!”

“Yup. But we’ve run into some snags.”

“To be expected.”

“First, there was the legality of such a thing. It’s not actually allowed.”

“Like back home?”

“Right. Second, Arc wanted to take things slow.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “That’s... kinda surprising and not surprising at the same time. Why though?”

“So that everyone can get to know each other first.”

“Everyone?”

“Yeah.”

“You, him, and Auriel?”

“It’s not quite that simple though.”

Mio gasps. “There are OTHERS?!”

“A few, yeah.”

“How many?!”

“Um... ten.”

“TEN?!”

“Yup.”

“A human, a demon, and eight ponies?!”

Hammer shakes her head. “Seven ponies. The last one is a dragon.”

“Seriously?!”

“She’s really personable when you get to know her though.”

Mio groans. “You shouldn’t get involved in something like that, Hammer!”

“It’s my life, Mio!”

“I’m just worried that you’ll be just another trophy to him!”

“Arc ain’t like that!”

“How do you know?!”

“Because he’s insisting everyone take baby steps in this! No plodding ahead randomly!”

Mio gasps. “But it’s TEN FEMALES!”

“You know what, Mio?!”

“What, Hammer?!”

“I just wanted to say... that I think you’re absolutely right!”

Mio appears surprised. “I am?”

“Yes. Which is why I want you to use that big brain of yours to figure something out for me.”

“What’s that?”

“I want to know why this is a bad idea...”

Mio scoffs. “But I just TOLD you...!”

Hammer interrupts her. “...with accompanying, personally witnessed facts to back up your statements.”

“That’s... actually very reasonable.”

“So, will you do it?”

Mio nods. “Of course. After all, you’re still my sister.”

“Good. You’ll be my shadow as soon as you’re feeling better.”

“Shadow?”

“I’ll talk to Kibitz about making you an intern, or something.”

“But how will I support myself then?”

“Your room and board will be covered by the castle. I’ll have a second bed brought in so you and I can sleep properly from now on too.”

“All right, Hammer. But I want something in return.”

“What’s that?”

“If I’m going to do this, then you have to be willing to listen to me. Don’t just dismiss what I tell you regarding Arc.”

“Fine. But at the same time any statement against him, or the herd idea, have to be accompanied by verifiable facts no opinions.”

“Agreed. I’ll even put it into writing as an official report that you can read over at your leisure.”

Hammer grins as she lays down. “You do that. And I promise that I’ll read every... single... word.”

Preface - Volume 50 - Working Through the Holidays

In our previous volume, Arc is stunned to learn that Rieper is Shelly’s father. Maria asks Arc to get Rieper’s files on Shelly from Damocles Base. As Auriel leaves to get her father, Arc and Maria talk together. He asks what Auriel has told her of the whole herd idea. Learning that Maria has a rough understanding of it, Arc asks how she feels about the idea. Remaining indifferent, Maria reminds Arc that should he harm Auriel her father will seek vengeance. Leaving for Earth, Arc and the squad talk over ways to get into the base again. Ruling out several ideas, they eventually come up with the plan of entering via invitation. Asking to speak to Max privately, the others leave the basement. Arc confronts Max regarding the small surveillance camera he asked Rose to plant during their mission to the hospital recently. Allowing Max to see Shelly via the camera whenever she was decent, Arc gives him some alone time.

Arc and his squad, along with Hammer and Auriel, prepare infiltrate Damocles Base again. Having gone over the plan, the squad puts on fatigues and stand before Arc, Hammer, and Auriel for inspection. Auriel leads the squad out the door and across the street to some bushes as Arc and Hammer, along with Viktor, head to the garage. Hammer kicks the door in with her muddy boots to let them in. Arc looks over the center column of his Jeep which has been removed. Pointing to the wires, Hammer tells him that the vehicle is ready to be hotwired. Arc joins the group across the street as Viktor goes inside and calls the police. Marshal Raynor drives out and catches Hammer in the act. As he arrests her, Auriel and the squad rush toward them. Identifying herself as Colonel Diva, Auriel tells Raynor of Hammers many crimes and insists that he turn her over. Initially refusing, Hammer makes a break for it. Hugh and Max tackle her and force Hammer to the ground. Auriel requests Raynor’s vehicle and is given the keys. They get in and drive away as Raynor is left standing in the driveway... before he forgets that his lunch is still in the vehicle.

Driving away, the group celebrates the success of the plan’s first phase. Opening her shirt, Auriel helps a shrunken Arc out and into the palm of her hand. Finding a pair of sunglasses, they use the metal end to unlock Hammer’s cuffs. She leans against Hugh in order to get more comfortable as they discuss the plan. Arriving at the base, Hammer is recuffed. Pulling up to the guard shack Auriel is asked for a password. Telling them to let them in, or else, the soldier’s quickly comply. Heading for the building at the center they take the elevator down. Auriel orders the soldiers to help her transport Hammer to the Brig. As she is put in a cell, Hugh stays behind to pretend to beat information out of her. Ordering the Brig guards to stay away from the cell, Auriel heads for Rieper’s quarters. Asking him if there has even been a case of someone gaining extraordinary magical powers without outside stimuli, Auriel makes up a story about Hammer doing so. Getting Rieper’s attention with the tale, he asks her to bring Hammer to his lab for an examination. Returning to the Brig, Auriel gets in Hammer’s face in an attempt to intimidate her. However Arc uses the opportunity to move from Auriel’s shirt to Hammer’s. Losing his footing, he faceplants into the side of Hammer’s breast though. Motioning to her chest with a glance, Hammer signals Auriel that Arc is ready to move. Max calls out from down the corridor with a fake call from the general. As Auriel leaves with the guards to answer it, Arc returns to his normal size and dons a magic cloak. Blowing the cell door off its hinges with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc follows Hammer into the corridor as she takes up a battle ready stance.

Easily taking down the soldiers, well... actually Arc did that, Hammer faces Diva personally. Taking a dive for the sake of the mission, Auriel pretends to lose. As Hammer taunts her, she finds herself taking a fist from Hugh to the side of the head. Auriel orders her taken to Rieper’s lab where she is stripped and forcefully examined by the doctor. While doing so, Arc takes the opportunity to copy the relevant contents of Rieper’s archives. Finishes his task, he waits for Rieper to complete his. Auriel covers the now naked Hammer with a sheet before opening the lab door and ordering Max and Hugh to carry her out. Spotting a janitor’s closet door, they head for it. After verifying the Hammer is okay he shrinks her down and picks her up.

Carrying Hammer back to their vehicle the group leaves the base and turns back onto the main road. However as they celebrate the victory A military Jeep nearly runs them off the road from the opposite direction. Xenos is able to steer away in time, but the other vehicle goes off the road and hits a tree. Getting out to check on the driver they are surprised with Stingray herself gets out. Hammer reveals herself, in the nude no less. Taken aback, Stingray insists that Hammer come with her back to base for help. Refusing, Stingray moves to attack. Arc steps forward and faces Stingray himself. Offering her a free hit, he grabs her fist before it connects. Punching her around with the others for a few moments, Hammer eventually finishes her sister off with a blow to the face. Returning to the vehicle they continue on home. Arriving, Arc tells the squad to order pizza and watch a movie as Hammer heads upstairs to shower. Auriel tells Arc to check on Hammer as the mission was deeply disturbing from her point of view. Entering the bathroom, he tries to talk to Hammer for a few moments before being asked to wait in the bedroom. Hammer enters wrapped in a towel. Lying down together she confesses her recent, and not so recent, fantasies about being violated by Arc in a rather kinky way. Reassuring her that he is okay with her having those thoughts, Arc holds Hammer as she lies on top of him happily.

As the sun sets Arc sits up with Hammer. She heads to the Guest Room for clothes while he walks downstairs. Telling his squad that he is heading back to Equestria they ask to stay. Granting the request Arc heads down to the basement with Auriel. Making sure that she understands that what transpired in Rieper’s lab should be kept between them they return to Canterlot Castle via transdimensional portal. Entering Auriel’s room they find her parents in bed together reading. Handing over the flash drive, Arc also provides a laptop while Auriel gives her mother a power adapter for it. Leaving the family to their work, Arc takes a portal to Derpy’s new house. Arriving he is warmly greeted by both Derpy and Dinky. After putting Dinky to bed the pair lie down in Derpy’s bed together. Wishing Arc were bare, he disrobes for some skin on skin time. After having a heart to heart talk about Derpy’s mane color being thought of as rather plain the conversation shifts to her idea of tutoring. Wanting to catch up to the others in terms of intellect, Derpy asks if she should quit her job and focus on her studies or not. Arc is unable to advise her as such is a very personal decision.

Waking up to Dinky knocking on their door, Arc quickly dresses before letting her in. Asking how her mother slept, Dinky is happy to hear that she did well with Arc next to her. The pair leave for the Orphanage as Arc returns via portal to his parent’s room back on Earth. Finding Hammer lying naked on the bed, he gets in with her to cuddle. As the sun rises she awakens. Happy to see him, Hammer asks to shower with Arc back in Canterlot. Agreeing, he gets a fire going as Hammer hurries into the bathroom. Entering, Arc finds the shower going full tilt at max temperature and Hammer lying on a couch seductively. Picking her up, Arc carries Hammer into the shower (after lowering the temperature of the water) and sets her down. Apologizing to her about yesterday again, she stops him. Telling Arc that she’s over it, he inquires as to how such a thing is possible. Hammer informs Arc that it wasn’t the first time Rieper had given her a physical and that she was actually more upset about getting off thinking about him. Turning the conversation to brighter matters, Hammer recommends more dates and him going out with Rainbow Dash too. Agreeing to help him plan something for her in return for his honesty with Mio, Hammer pulls Arc onto her chest as she responds slyly to his ‘advances’.

Getting out of the shower, Hammer and Arc dress and leave the room. Volunteering to get some food from the kitchen for their breakfast, Hammer suggests that they eat together in an effort to get to Mio. She returns to her room to help Mio shower while Arc gets the food. Pushing a cart toward the room, he is met at the door by Hammer. Reminding him to wear his armor, he calls it forth along with a mask. Questioning it, Arc reminds her that he typically eats during breakfast. Entering the room, he waits while Hammer helps Mio out of the shower and dresses her. Stepping out of the bathroom Mio attempts to walk over to the Hero but trips and has to be caught by him instead. Helping her to the table, she sits down as Arc serves them all. Making small talk of the nation’s history, the conversation eventually moves to Mio’s condition. Demanding to know if the soldiers whom were ordered to watch her had allowed her out of bed, Mio reports that they did not. Arc volunteers to watch Mio while Hammer goes to her office to get some work done.

As Hammer leaves, Arc suggests that they get some fresh air together. Leading Mio out onto the balcony, Arc Blinks them both down to the Royal Gardens below. Answering her questions about his magic ring and whatnot the pair come to a bench and sit down. Asking about Arc’s relationship with Hammer, Mio reaffirms her disdain for the young man. Reminding Mio that Hammer and Arc are all but engaged, Mio asks to strengthen her bond with the Hero romantically. Arc informs her that since the three of them are such good friends he couldn’t entertain the idea of dating someone whom didn’t like Arc.

Returning to Hammer’s room, they arrive a few moments after Hammer does. Upset that Mio was allowed to go outside, Hammer helps her go to the bathroom before taking her back to the bed. Showing off a ‘princess size’ wheelchair that she brought on her wat back from the office, Hammer tells Mio that she can use it to leave the room without straining herself. Returning to her office, Arc offers to give Mio a bit of a tour. Showing her the Royal Library, Mio marvels at the sheer number of book on the shelves. Asking to see them, Arc is forced to refuse as he is not yet able to say if Mio is truly on their side yet. Moving on, Mio makes mention of the training facilities back at Damocles Base. Offering to show her the facilities at his base, Arc opens a portal and pushes Mio through.

Arriving back at his base, Mio is impressed by the architecture of the corridors. Coming to the Training Hall, they enter to find a competition going on. Two stallions are sparing. As one is declared the winner by Sandstorm Mirage he spots Arc at the back of the room. Calling for attention, the sergeant hurries over to his commanding officer. After explaining that the event was sanctioned by then-Lieutenant Flash Sentry, Sandstorm Mirage tells Arc that the finals are about to begin. Staying to watch, Arc and Mio see the sergeant defeat the newcomer to defend his title. Challenging Arc to an exhibition match, he accepts. Able to nimbly dodge any blow from Arc, he changes it up by using distractions and magical guile to defeat Sandstorm Mirage. Beating him by being creative, Arc uses it as a learning experience to the other troops. As they leave to continue their training Mio looks to Arc and beg to join him. So intense is her devotion that Arc, unable to contain the secret any longer, removes his helmet to expose his identity. Seeing whom he is, Mio puts everything she has into attacks. Even as weak as her spells are she passes out from the strain. Calling for Doctor Whooves to meet him in his quarters in the castle, Arc also asks that Hammer be sent as well to give an immediate security consultation.

Mio awakens in Arc’s room thinking that what happened was all a dream. After hearing what she remembers, Hammer has no choice but to inform her that everything she said was indeed true. Asking to see both Arc and the doctor, Hammer calls them in. Doctor Whooves informs Mio that her stunt in taxing her mana pool has set back her recovery time. Instructing her to rest for the next few days before doing anything strenuous, the doctor leaves the room. After Mio and Hammer argue for a time the idea of locking Mio up for her crimes comes up. However, Arc defends her and refuses to press assault charges. Hammer begrudgingly agrees, but insists on guards outside the door. Arc volunteers to wait for the guards to come as Hammer heads back to her office. After making sure the stallions understand their order Arc leaves them to their duty.

Heading to Hammer’s office to report her sister secured, Hammer admits that she doesn’t actually believe Mio needs to be guarded. Confessing to using the ‘good cop, bad cop’ routine, she needles Arc about having feelings for her sister. Admitting that he never gave any thought to the idea of other humans joining the herd, Hammer is unable to say one way or the other if she’d be upset about such a thing. Arc volunteers to help Hammer get caught back up on her paperwork. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash confronts Luna about what was said in the Ponyville Town Hall between her and Arc before storming off. Finishing their work, Arc and Hammer part ways as she gets lunch. Heading back to his room, Arc enters and finds Mio feverish. She and he verbally spar before Arc accuses her of being jealous of Hammer. Dismissing his claims, Arc admits that he could easily end her life right then and there. Instead he pulls a bottle of liquid to himself with a Telekinesis Spell before pouring her a cup.

Continuing with their meal, Hammer and Arc confess numerous wrongs they’ve both committed against one another. Eventually, Hammer tells Mio of her revelations regarding her treatment over the years. Mio denies any wrong doing for a time before being buried by Hammer’s evidence. Admitting that what Hammer says is indeed true, Mio asks for forgiveness. Agreeing to do so on the condition that she give Arc a chance, Mio agrees. Helping Mio back to bed, she notices the heavily falling snow. After being assured that such is normal in Equestria, she and Hammer sit there watching it as Arc leaves the room.

Heading to Auriel’s quarters, Arc is admitted and stands before Maria. She gives him a plastic case containing a single syringe. Explaining to him that it will cure Bloodletter, Arc is somewhat upset that she has been putting such a matter before Shelly’s case. Defending her actions as simply creating an antidote for him in an hour, Arc accuses her of not telling him everything. Maria counters by reminding Arc that she has answered every question he asked of her. Agreeing, he announces his intention to use the cure on Bloodletter as soon as possible. Auriel asks to come along to help. While initially hesitant, Arc is reminded that neither he nor his squad is trained in how to administer a shot. Auriel agrees to take Auriel to do the deed and leaves the room with her. Going to his room to inform Hammer of the situation, Auriel is asked by Mio to come in. Looking her over, Mio is surprised at her appearance as well as her intellectual prowess. After learning that Arc will be going to help Bloodletter, Hammer askes to come as well to make her past mistake right. Auriel agrees to stay with Mio to allow Hammer to take her place. They leave the room together as Auriel sits down next to the bed. Arc opens a portal to allow Hammer to head to his place and start planning with the squad. Heading to the Audience Chamber, Arc speaks to Twilight and Luna regarding the idea of having a herd party in his Sanctuary. Luna advises him on the magical aspect of the plan while Twilight lends her insight of her friends to the matter. Afterwards Luna asks about Rainbow Dash. Telling the pair that she was out of sorts the last time they met, Luna is reminded that their friend is a bit impetuous and dismisses the matter as it stands.

Arc returns to his parent’s room via sigil. Heading to the basement, he along with Hammer and the squad come up with a plan to infiltrate the hospital... again. Settling one a plan, they implement it that very night. Arc sends Max, wearing the stolen scrubs along with his badge, into the hospital ahead of them. He and Hammer follow a short time later. Waiting at the entrance, Hammer gives Arc time to look at the moon and transform into his Crimson form. Heading inside they make their way to the security office. Arc mesmerizes the guard and forces him to call ahead to the Intensive Care Unit. Escorting the pair there, he introduces them to the nurse in charge. Announcing the reason for their visit, Hammer asks to see ‘John Smith’ aka Bloodletter. Being escorted into the room Hammer asks some questions before Max enters with a IV bag. Telling the nurse it’s the doctor’s orders, she send him to man the desk while she hooks up the bag. However there is a hole in it which causes her to remove it. Returning to her desk to order a new bag, she is told by Max that the treatment order has been cancelled. Heading back to Hammer, the nurse is told that the steps being taken are necessary. As the go their separate ways Arc spies Max in Shelly’s room pretending to make some notes on her chart. Arc nods soberly and closes the door behind him.

Arc and Hammer return to the Jeep together. As they wait for Max, Arc explains to Hammer the pairs relationship. Max arrives and gets into the back seat. Telling them that he stayed with Shelly so that Lily could get something to eat, Hammer questions why she is doing such a thing so late. Returning home, Arc is given a stack of papers regarding Shelly’s most recent stats. Returning to his room in Canterlot Castle with them Arc spies Ember waiting for him on the couch. Hammer leaves to give them some alone time. Ember explains to Arc that the others have started eating together whenever possible to talk over the herd idea. She asks that he also come whenever possible to contribute to the discussion. Arc agrees to try before Ember becomes extremely hot and bothered talking about her own sexual wants and desires. Parting ways, Arc takes the printouts to Auriel’s room. Maria answers the door and accepts his papers. Frowning, she points out that there are inconsistencies. Needing more information, Arc summons Max to the room so Maria can question him. Not being able to adequately answer her questions, Arc opens a portal back to Earth and leads Max and Maria though.

Arriving in his basement, Arc wakes up his squad. Telling them they have a mission, Arc introduces Maria Knowles to the others. Ordering them to get on the computers to help, Arc puts on a magic cloak and heads over to the hospital. Making his way back to Shelly’s room, he is directed by Maria on how to check Shelly. After examining her clammy forehead, fingernails, temperature, and her cheeks for makeup, Maria tells Arc to return. Doing so, she takes the new information back to her room via portal with Arc. Asking him to remove the rug, Maria sees the sigil underneath. Inquiring as to why it is there, Arc admits to using it to bring Auriel to his room to shower and sleep together. Approving of his methods, Arc is surprised with Maria not just knows about the herd but also approves of it tentatively. Asking him to take Auriel back to his room, Arc complies as Maria gets to work. Laying her down, Auriel grabs onto his hand and holds it to her chest as Arc joins her on the bed. Meanwhile, Hammer and Mio talk about Mio’s insecurities. She admits that she feels worthless to everyone. Hammer does her best to reassure her that she’s still the best at what she does. As the topic of conversation turns to the Hero, Mio confesses that she merely wanted to be by his side in doing the right thing. Hammer informs her of the herd idea to which Mio, understandably, disagrees. Proposing that she study their relationship as her aide of sorts, Mio agrees to write a report on her findings. Approving of this, Hammer agrees to read it with a purely open mind.

However many questions remain unanswered. Is Max truly over Shelly? What became of Raynor’s lunch? Does Hammer have any other kinks she’d like to share with the group? Will Derpy quit her job at the Little Hooves Orphanage? What will Hammer come up with for Arc and Rainbow Dash’s date? Will Mio actually be able to bury the hatchet with Arc? Is Mio truly on the Hero’s side? What was Mio THINKING attacking Arc in his armor?! Will Mio really keep her end of the bargain and give Arc a chance? Did Luna really let what Rainbow Dash said go? How will Maria help Shelly, if she can, that is? What will Mio write in the anti-herd report?

Time will tell. Sooner of later... time will tell.

Chapter 1 - Lunch Meetings

The days pass quickly. Snow falls over both Earth and Equestria heavily as the days remain cold. Arc walks down a corridor of Canterlot Castle with Hammer by his side surrounded by aides and soldiers alike.

“How are the preparations for the spring’s attack coming, Lieutenant?”

“Proceeding as scheduled, sir.”

She reaches out as Mio hands her a paper and continues.

“Rations, medical supplies, weapons, etcetera are all coming in as per the timetable thus far.”

Mio points to the bottom of the page. “Including this morning’s shipment, ma’am.”

“Right. However it’s going to cause a lot of long guard duty hours.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, those supplies need to be kept safe.”

“I still believe that they should be kept in separate locations though, sir.”

“Agreed. However Princess Twilight had the final say in that.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “Couldn’t you have... talked her out of it, or something, sir?”

Arc sighs. “Believe me, I tried.”

“Did you use the ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’ analogy, sir?”

“That I did. However she countered with ‘watch the basket very closely’. Anything else to report, Lieutenant Hammer?”

“That’s it for the war preparations, yes.”

Mio speaks up. “One minor note, ma’am. The princess wanted to know if the Hero of Light would be joining her for lunch.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “What should I report to her, sir?”

“Tell her that I wouldn’t miss it.”

Coming to his quarters, Arc opens the door to let Hammer and Mio enter first. Turning to the guards he motions for them to stop.

“Thanks for the escort. Inform Princess Twilight that I will indeed be present for lunch today. That will be all.”

They salute and walk away as Arc closes the door behind them. Turning to Hammer and Mio, whom are going over a stack of papers on the table, he approaches.

“...and initial here, ma’am.”

Hammer groans as she does so. “You don’t have to do that when the guards aren’t around, Mio.”

“Right. It’s just Hammer and I now.”

Mio nods soberly. “I understand that. But I’m trying very hard not to make a mistake here.”

“So you’re going to just call Hammer ‘ma’am’ all the time?”

“Until I get used to this role, yes.”

Hammer chuckles. “You’re doing fine thus far, Mio.”

Mio smiles. “The filing system is almost identical to the one used one Earth.”

Arc shrugs. “Yes, well... I brought us here because I’d like the three of us to have a little... chat.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What about?”

“A very special meeting.”

He motions to the chairs around the table.

“Please, be seated.”

The three of them do so. Arc looks to Mio before speaking.

“How’s your first real day on the job going?”

“It’s very... interesting.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Pushing paper is interesting?”

“I meant all the different looking ponies walking about. That and the castle’s architecture is just amazing. Every corridor’s turn is a chance to see something new and fresh.”

“It definitely is a step up from Damocles Base.”

“That it is.”

Arc looks to Hammer. “It appears you did a good job showing her the ropes as well.”

Hammer shrugs. “She’s used to doing stuff like this. It was just a matter of explaining the ins and outs of the various departments we deal with here in the castle.”

“And you believe Mio will be of help to you in the future?”

“Very much so, yes. Her organization skills help keep me, well... organized.”

“And you, Mio?”

Mio appears surprised. “Yes?”

“How are you adjusting to life here in the castle?”

“It’s very... different. But in a good way. While this is my first real day on the job, I do feel fulfilled from just this morning’s activities.”

“Good. However I must admit that Hammer and I have a bit of a surprise for you.”

Mio appears confused. “Oh?”

Hammer grins. “We’re taking you along with us to a very important business meeting.”

“Will I be taking notes for you, or something?”

“Not exactly. In fact, you’ll be testifying.”

Mio bows her head. “A court appearance?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing quite so formal. I’ve just asked Princess Twilight to see you along with...”

Mio gasps. “PRINCESS TWILIGHT?!”

Hammer puts a finger in her ear to clear it. “Easy there, Mio. I still have some hearing left in this one.”

Mio looks down at her outfit. “But... but I can’t go see a ruler looking like THIS!”

“Oh? Did the castle tailor make a mistake when he made your uniform the other day?”

Mio shakes her head. “It’s not that! I don’t know what to say, my hair isn’t done up properly, and I don’t have any formal wear!”

Hammer gestures to her own uniform as she looks to Arc. “We’re going casual though, aren’t we?”

“Yup.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “We... we are?”

Hammer nods. “The princess isn’t much for fancy clothes.”

“Shouldn’t I at least...?!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Calm down, Mio. You look fine.”

Hammer smirks. “I asked Arc if we could come back here an hour or so before lunch so we could have this talk.”

“Talk? About what?”

Arc smiles. “How to address royalty in Equestria.”

“Do I kneel?! Bow?! Lie on the floor?!”

Hammer facepalms. “That last one didn’t make any sense.”

“Right. She’s used to seeing subjects. Not slaves.”

“So... kneel?”

Hammer sighs. “Kinda. You see, the ponies whom come to her for audiences bow like a horse back on Earth might. The right leg steps forward as the left fetlock is bent to rest on the floor. That is, unless they’re begging or trying to show great respect. Then both front hooves go forward and the chest is lowered to the ground as is the face. Now if they’re fearfully bowing, the front fetlocks curl up and they lie on their bellies with their eyes shut and their faces looking down at the...”

Arc interrupts her. “Um... Hammer?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“This doesn’t really help Mio, as she isn’t a pony.”

“Oh... right. Sorry.”

Mio looks to Arc. “How do you bow?”

“I don’t.”

“What?!”

Hammer gestures to Arc. “The Hero of Light is above such things. It’s a sign to those assembled that he’s not afraid of them, or something.”

Arc shrugs. “I’ll go with that. However they’re really personable when you get to know them.”

“So what do you do, Hammer?”

“I put my arms at my side and bow at the waist.”

Arc chuckles. “True. But you’re a fairly high ranking officer. Any other human should probably be more formal.”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe. However since there’s no established method here we’re just going to have to play this one by ear.”

“I suppose so.”

Arc turns to Mio and smiles.

“Guess you’ll be setting precedent.”

Mio smiles nervously. “I’m open to suggestions then.”

Hammer grins. “How about just a standard human kneel then? Like someone proposing.”

Arc nods. “That would probably be okay.”

“One knee or two?”

Hammer shrugs. “Go for one.”

“Anything else I should know?”

“Just be yourself. Twilight appreciates honesty.”

“Just be myself in front of ROYALTY?!”

“Arc does it all the time.”

“But he’s...!”

Arc interrupts. “Hammer’s right, you know.”

“Huh?”

“But for now you might want to just sit there and enjoy the meal.”

“And don’t speak unless spoken too. Want to make a good first impression, after all.”

“That won’t be too hard with this princess, as she’s the youngest.”

“Right. The elder sisters are both well over a thousand years old.”

Mio puts a hand to her stomach. “This isn’t helping.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Not to worry, as they won’t be there.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes. Luna is going to be with her sister for her daily therapy session before escorting her to see the doctor.”

“Is she ill?”

Hammer looks away nervously. “Kinda.”

Arc sighs. “It’s complicated.”

“So just focus on the here and now with Princess Twilight.”

Mio sighs. “I’ll do my best.”

A short time later they walk down the corridor together. Hammer turns to Mio as they approach Twilight’s doors.

“You ready, Mio?”

“Um... I suppose so.”

Arc turns to Mio. “Might I suggest taking Hammer’s arm?”

“What? Why?”

Hammer chuckles. “For starters, you’re shaking like a leaf.”

Mio groans. “I suppose I probably should.”

Holding out her arm, Hammer allows Mio to lean on her as Arc motions to the guards. Pushing the doors open to allow Arc and company to enter, they step forward. Seeing the small round table they normally eat at Arc leads the pair over to it and pulls out a chair for Mio.

“You’d best sit now, Mio.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Yeah. This isn’t like you. Being so worried about meeting someone, that is.”

Mio groans. “I’ve never met royalty before!”

Arc looks around. “Yes, well... I wonder where Twilight is.”

Hammer shrugs. “She’s usually very punctual.”

“Probably just got hung up with an audience, or something.”

There is a light knock as one of the guard pokes his head inside.

“Lieutenant Hammer?”

“Yes?”

“There’s a matter that requires your attention at the front gates.”

Hammer frowns. “But we’re about to sit down and eat!”

Arc looks over. “What’s going on?”

“A gift from Princess Cadance to Princess Twilight has just arrived from the Crystal Empire. Colonel Flash Sentry is currently in a meeting and unable to inspect the load, sign for it, and transport the packages safely here. He’s asked for you to do so in his stead.”

Hammer sighs. “Fine. I’m coming.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Packages? As in more than one?”

“Yes sir. And they’re quite heavy too.”

“I’d better come along to help.”

Hammer points to her sister. “But what about Mio?”

“I could come with you too.”

Arc shakes his head. “You should stay here where it’s warm and rest.”

Hammer nods. “Right. Wouldn’t want you overexerting yourself before meeting the princess, now would we?”

“I suppose not. But what if she comes while you’re gone?”

Arc smiles. “Then just bow and politely introduce yourself.”

Hammer chuckles as she and Arc head for the door. “We won’t be gone that long though.”

They leave as the guards close the door again. Silence reigns over the room for a few moments before Mio stands up and walks over to the balcony door. Looking out she giggles slightly.

“Can’t believe I’m standing in a real princess’ room! Surrounded by such amazing things!”

She looks around for a few moments before her eyes land on a wall of bookcases. Looking away, her eyes drift back to it after only a few seconds. Walking slowly toward the tomes, Mio grimaces.

“I shouldn’t... well, maybe I’ll just look over the titles.”

Turning her head to one side, Mio scans the bookends.

“Biology, botany, parenting books...”

She moves on to a new shelf before continuing.

“Magical theory, magical base properties, magical conjecture...”

Turning her head to another bookcase, Mio’s eyes grow wide.

“This... appears to be an encyclopedia set! The whole bookshelf! Astonishing!”

She looks back to the shelf with all the ‘M’ encyclopedias. Looking around for a moment she reaches out to pull the first book from its place. Opening it she reads to herself.

“Magic Abiogenic Artes. A theory regarding imbuing non-living creatures with the ability to cast spells. Interesting.”

Mio continues reading. So engrossed is she that the sound of the doors opening goes unnoticed by her. The light clopping of hooves on the marble floor are muffled by the carpet leading from the door to the table. A slight jostling of dishes brings Mio back to her senses though. Whirling around, she drops the book to see a purple coated mare in a simple dress pushing a dinner cart. Her horn glowing, she picks it up with a Telekinesis Spell as she approaches Mio. Smiling, she holds the book in a magical aura.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Oh! Um... I’m sorry for going over the princess’ books like this. You see, I saw this one and became curious so I...!”

Twilight giggles as she levitates the book into Mio’s hands. “It’s alright. Curiosity is a wonderful thing, after all. At least that’s what Princess Celestia always says.”

“Princess Celestia... the eldest sister?”

Twilight nods as she heads back to the lunch cart. “That’s right.”

Mio turns back to the bookcase. “I’d better put this back.”

“That’s okay. You can keep reading.”

“Oh! Thank you! But might I ask that you keep this matter between us?”

Twilight giggles as she begins setting the table. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Mio looks over the book as Twilight levitates the table settings to their proper places.

“Incredible.”

Twilight appears confused. “Place settings?”

“No, no. I mean how you did that with magic.”

“Ah! Well... it’s just something all Unicorns can do.”

Mio sighs as she struggles to pick up a teacup with her magic. “I used to be decent at it.”

“It just takes a lot of practice.”

“I’ve already tried that. Thousands of hours actually.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Mio nods. “Yes. If anything I’m getting weaker though.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That shouldn’t be happening. Magic is like a muscle. The more you exercise the stronger it gets.”

“Well, I think I pulled a tendon then.”

“There is such a thing as ‘Magical Atrophy’. However it generally only occurs when a Unicorn doesn’t use magic for an extended period of time.”

“How long?”

“Usually months.”

“Well, that leaves me out. I still practice my casting, or lack of, every day.”

“You might want to talk to the Lead Sage about that. I’m sure he’d be interested to hear about your case.”

“I’ll mention that to my sister. Maybe she could set something up.”

Twilight smiles as she continues with her task. “It never hurts to ask.”

“Yes, well... um... can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“You’re a Unicorn. How do you learn new spells?”

“From reading about them in books mostly.”

“And strengthening magic?”

“Using particular spells in different ways mostly.”

Mio appears confused. “Different ways?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Take lifting this heavy pot for example. I could pick it up from the bottom. However if I take hold of it by the handles I can get two points of contact. Three if I still pick from the bottom as well.”

“Interesting. I never thought to try that.”

“Never forget to do things differently. You might just find a better way.”

“And you?”

“Huh?”

“You’re pretty good at magic?”

“I’m... above average, I suppose.”

Mio groans. “Great. I don’t even come close to average in the magical artes here.”

“Try this. Focus on a chair here. It’s rather heavy, right?”

“I suppose so, yes.”

“How would you lift it without magic?”

“Probably with both hands under the seat. Or by the back.”

“Try that.”

Mio holds out a hand and concentrates. The chair lifts off the ground a few inches as she strains. Twilight nods as she speaks.

“Now lift from the back as well. That will help stabilize it.”

Doing as instructed, Mio is able to lift the chair a couple feet off the floor. Grinning as her hands shakes, she cries out.

“I’m doing it!”

Twilight smiles as the young woman sets the chair down breathlessly. “Very good. Just remember that different objects have different ways of being picked up efficiently. There is no one size fits all for Telekinesis Magic.”

Mio smiles breathlessly as she looks to Twilight. “Thanks... for the tip.”

Twilight pulls out the chair with her magic. “Maybe you should sit down. After all, you look very tired after all that.”

Grunting as she sits, Mio takes a few moments to catch her breath before speaking again.

“So... how long have you worked here in the castle?”

Twilight goes back to setting the table. “Not long. Truth be told, I’m pretty new here.”

“Mind if I ask what your duties are?”

“Putting things in order mostly.”

“Like this table?”

“At the moment, yes.”

“Might I help you?”

“Of course. It’ll give you a chance to practice.”

“I was actually going to just use my hands.”

“Were you now?”

Mio sighs. “As you’ve already seen, I’m not very good with my magic these days.”

“That may be. However if you don’t practice you won’t improve.”

Twilight holds up a plate with her magic as she continues.

“For example, I could easily set this entire table in moments with my magic.”

She lays the plate in its place before picking one up off the cart with a hoof.

“But I’m practicing using non-magical means too.”

“Why though?”

Twilight smiles as she carefully puts the plate in its place. “You mean why would I do it this way when I could easily use my magic?”

Mio nods. “Yes. As you said, it would be a simple task.”

“That’s true. But you have to remember that only Unicorns have magic here. While I am friends with others of my kind, I also have friends of other races. I do it this way sometimes to understand how things work for them.”

“An interesting concept.”

“Would you care to try?”

Mio gasps. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to do so with such fine looking china.”

Twilight smiles at her. “Don’t worry. If you drop something I’ll catch it.”

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want you to get into trouble.”

“Believe me when I say that it won’t be an issue.”

<Taking a deep breath, Mio focuses her mind and holds out a hand. A plate slowly rises from its place on the stack before her. Concentrating, she moves it toward an empty placemat. However as she begins lowering it the door opens. Twilight turns her head to look as Mio loses her focus. The plate falls to the table and shatters. Mio gasps as the sound of it breaking echoes around the room. Hammer looks over as she sets down a crate.

“What the heck happened?!”

Twilight sighs. “We were setting the table and I...”

Mio interrupts. “...I dropped a plate. It was all my fault, Hammer.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Was it now?”

Mio nods. “Yes. But don’t worry. I’ll do my best to work it off as quick as I can.”

Twilight chimes in. “Um... actually it was my fault. I told her I would catch it if it fell. But I looked away when I shouldn’t have.”

“That’s not true! The fault is mine!”

Twilight looks to her, confused. “Miss, why are you so insistent on taking the blame for this?”

“I was just trying to spare you from the princess’ wrath. After all, that plate looks extremely expensive. And I’m guessing you don’t get paid too much as a servant.”

There is a stunned silence which no one tries to break for several moments. Eventually Hammer begins to snicker.

“Servant...”

Arc grins. “Not paid much...”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “What are you two going on about?!”

Twilight turns to Mio “Miss, I don’t think you quite understand who I am.”

Arc steps forward and make a grand gesture toward Twilight as he speaks.

“Mio, I’d like to present to you... Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Mio’s pupils shrink. “Wha...?!”

Twilight smiles at her as she speaks. “No need to be so formal. You can just call me ‘Twilight’.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh... Mio? You okay?”

Staring at Twilight silently, Mio’s legs buckle and she falls. Seeing this, Arc Blinks toward and catches her. Hammer hurries forward and frowns.

“Mio! Snap out of it!”

Arc looks to her sister. “I think she fainted.”

Twilight groans as Hammer pats Mio’s face. “Do you think we came on too strong, Arc?”

“Maybe I should’ve eased her into it.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. Something like this you just have to be forward about. No need to sugar coat it.”

She looks down at her sister and sighs before looking to Arc.

“But what do we do now?”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea.”

Chapter 2 - Draconic Beliefs

Mio slowly opens her eyes. Looking around she sees Hammer sitting next to the bed in a wooden chair. Putting a hand to her face, Mio groans.

“Hammer? What... happened?”

“You fainted.”

“I did?”

“Yup.”

“Maybe I’m not as recovered as I thought.”

“Do you remember what happened?”

“A dream, I suppose. You and Arc left to attend to business while I stayed here. A purple Unicorn servant walked in with lunch and set the table. She told me a few things about casting magic before I decided to help her with her duties. You and Arc came back and broke my concentration before telling me that she was the princess we were waiting for.”

Mio chuckles weakly before continuing.

“Crazy, huh?”

Hammer smiles nervously. “Uh... not exactly.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “What are you saying, Hammer?”

“That all... actually happened.”

“It did?!”

Hammer nods. “Yup. Lucky for you Arc caught you when he did though.”

Mio groans as she lays an arm over her face. “What a mess.”

“It’s not all THAT bad.”

“Are you KIDDING ME?! I just made the worst possible first impression on this nation’s leader!”

Hammer shrugs. “Just one of them.”

“Is she... angry?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. Truth be told, Princess Twilight was more concerned about your health and safety than anything else.”

Mio sighs. “I should probably go apologize to her for what I said. Do you know where I can find her?”

“Yup.”

“Where?”

“Turn your head.”

Looking to the opposite side of the bed, Mio spots Arc and Twilight standing there. Twilight smiles at her.

“Hello again.”

Arc smirks. “Glad to see you awake.”

Mio quickly crawls to the end of the bed and rolls unceremoniously off. Turning to face Twilight on all fours, Mio lowers her face to the floor as she speaks.

“Please forgive me, your highness! I had no idea who you were!”

“It’s alright.”

“I’m very sorry for looking at your books as well!”

“Again, it’s fine.”

“But... but I should be thrown in the dungeon for my actions!”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “The princess has seen fit to overlook your earlier actions... or something.”

Mio looks up at Twilight, confused. “I... I don’t... understand.”

Twilight walks slowly over to Mio as she speaks. “It’s very simple really. If you recall, when I entered the room you were reading one of my encyclopedias. However I didn’t stop you because you seemed to be very... interested in what you were reading.”

Arc chuckles. “You probably didn’t realize it was Twilight though, what with that dress she’s wearing.”

Twilight smiles and sighs. “It’s an old one I had before I ascended to the throne.”

Hammer smirks. “So no wing-holes?”

“Right.”

Pulling the dress off, Twilight spreads her wings and stretches. Mio’s eyes grow wide as she gasps.

“Amazing!”

Twilight folds her wings up as she looks back to Mio. “It’s nothing really.”

Arc puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Remember, Twilight. It’s not every day one gets to meet a princess.”

Mio looks back down at the floor. “Yes! Please forgive me!”

Twilight smiles “I already have. So please stand up.”

Hammer steps forward and helps her sister to her feet as Arc motions to the table.

“Why don’t we sit down and eat?”

Hammer grins. “Yeah. I’m guessing Mio needs to do that before she falls down again.”

Arc walks over and pulls out a chair for Twilight as Hammer does the same for Mio. As they sit down, Arc begins serving the food as Mio looks down at her hands nervously. Twilight turns to her.

“So... how are you doing, miss?”

“I... um... I’m doing okay.”

“Hammer told me about your condition when you arrived.”

Hammer nods soberly. “You were lucky Arc found you when he did.”

“It’s... not something I actually remember though.”

“Yeah, you appeared to have been out for some time.”

Twilight appears concerned. “Should you need additional medical treatment please do not hesitate to see Doctor Whooves.”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Please, there’s no reason to be so formal.”

Hammer smirks. “Yeah. Twilight’s pretty laid back.”

Mio gasps. “SISTER! MANNERS!”

“What’d I do?!”

Arc clears his throat as he finishes serving himself. “Twilight’s not much for fancy titles or formalities.”

Twilight nods as she picks up her utensils. “They’re not really something I like having attached to my name.”

Mio frowns. “Well, you should still show respect, Hammer! After all, she’s a higher rank than you are!”

Arc chuckles. “Mio has you there.”

Hammer grins. “Well, that’ll change soon enough. After the wedding, that is.”

Mio groans. “To Arc, you mean.”

“Yup. But there’s more to it than that.”

Twilight turns to her, confused. “That there is.”

She turns to Mio before continuing.

“Hammer tells me that you are aware of the ‘herd’ idea. Is that correct?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Did they mention how many are joining?”

“I believe she said ten.”

Arc nods. “That’s correct.”

Twilight smiles. “And I’m one of them.”

Mio appears confused. “Um... what?”

Hammer grins. “You heard right, Mio! I’m gonna be married to a princess!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not quite. After all, we’re not marrying each other. Just Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda the same thing though.”

Mio groans. “That it is!”

Hammer laughs. “But it’ll all work out, I’m sure!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “With proper planning and a whole lot of talking things through, you mean.”

“Of course.”

Mio turns to Arc with a withering look. “Very nice and tidy.”

“Oh?”

“Marrying into such a place into society.”

Hammer glares at her sister. “Mio!”

“But it’s true!”

Twilight sighs. “Partially, yes. However this herd idea was mine from the start.”

“Your highness?”

Twilight looks to Arc and smiles as she speaks. “I met Arc some time ago when an experiment of mine went wrong. We quickly became friends, however, despite our physical differences.”

Arc nods. “And eventually that friendship blossomed into romantic feelings for one another.”

“However I found that my friends also felt the same way about him. Rather than try to outdo one another, I suggested that we all try to wed Arc.”

Hammer raises a hand. “Then I came along!”

Arc chuckles. “Number ten.”

“First double digit!”

Mio groans. “That’s not exactly something you should be proud of, sister.”

Hammer takes Arc’s hand. “Well, I am!”

Mio turns to Twilight. “Your highness. Please understand that I am not trying to be disrespectful to you or your decisions. However I am very concerned about this path my sister is on.”

“We all are.”

“Your majesty?”

“The idea of a herd is not a new one in Equestria. However it has not been done is centuries. Naturally, there is no one left alive whom has experience with such a thing and little was recorded regarding how things were done so long ago. We really are going to be blazing a new trail here.”

Arc nods. “Mio’s concerns are certainly valid. After all, I’d feel a bit... off if someone I cared about told me they wanted to join a polyamorous relationship with nine other women and one man.”

Hammer frowns. “But what can we do to show you that this really is what we want, Mio?”

“I... don’t really know.”

Arc chuckles. “How about inviting her to tea?”

Twilight appears confused. “Tea, Arc?”

“You and the others talk often over a meal or snack. Why not have Mio sit in on the meetings?”

Mio gasps. “But I’d hear all the salacious...!”

“Exactly!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “I don’t really get it, Arc.”

Twilight giggles. “She’d know everything that was going on then. No secrets.”

“And she’d even be able to put in her two cents. Help assure that everything that needs to be thought out and talked through, is.”

Mio gasps. “You... you want ME to help with this herd?!”

Arc nods. “If it’s going to be done, you want it done right. Isn’t that correct?”

“I... suppose so.”

Twilight looks to Hammer. “Agreed. I’ll talk to the others about their feelings having a non-herdmate join our meetings.”

“Tell them to at least give it a chance. If it doesn’t work out we could always make it a one-time deal.”

Mio nods. “If I’m allowed to, then yes I’ll come.”

Twilight smiles. “Good. We’d appreciate the help.”

“Although I don’t know just how much help I’d be, since I’ve never been in a real relationship before.”

Hammer shrugs. “Me either.”

Twilight bows her head. “I too am new to the whole relationship dynamic.”

Arc chuckles. “We all have that in common.”

Hammer turns to Mio. “Maybe you could learn something too.”

“Oh?”

“You think you’re going to be alone forever? See how everyone does things and maybe you can use that information to find love someday too.”

Sometime later they finish their meal. Arc looks to Twilight.

“Thank you for inviting us.”

Twilight giggles. “It was my pleasure. That and it gave me a chance to meet Hammer’s sister.”

“Thank you, your majesty. And again I apologize for the trouble I caused earlier.”

“Think nothing of it. In fact, I’d like to see more of you.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Twilight?”

“If we’re going to form a herd then Mio will be my sister in law one day, right?”

“I... guess so.”

“Then I’d also like to get to know her as well.”

She turns to Mio before continuing.

“That and I’d very much like to help you learn how best to strengthen your magic.”

“Thank you, your highness. I will do my best not to disappoint you.”

“I’m sure you won’t.”

A knock rings out. Arc turns and pulls the doors open with a Telekinesis Spell. Kibitz enters and walks over to them before addressing Twilight.

“Your highness, it is almost time for afternoon audiences to start.”

Twilight groans. “Yes, I know.”

Standing, she turns to Mio.

“I’d like you to go see Doctor Whooves, miss. You need to be fully recovered before we can start your lessons.”

“Yes, your majesty. I will do so immediately.”

Hammer frowns. “Hey! What about OUR work?!”

Mio giggles. “The princess has given me an order, lieutenant.”

Arc chuckles. “She’s got you there, Hammer.”

Hammer groans. “Fine. But you get back just as quick as you can.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Kibitz turns to Arc. “I also have a message from Dragon Lord Ember for you sir.”

“What is it?”

“She asked to see you at your earliest convenience.”

Twilight frowns. “Is something amiss, Kibitz?”

“The Dragon Lord didn’t elaborate, your highness.”

Arc stands. “Then I’d best go see what she wants.”

Hammer grins. “Best to keep diplomatic ties strong.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Somehow I get the feeling this won’t have anything to do with diplomacy.”

Mio shrugs. “Either way, you should probably see what this dignitary wants.”

Twilight heads for the door. “We’ll catch up another time, Arc.”

Arc grins as he heads for the door. “Hold you to that.”

As Arc leaves the room Hammer looks to Mio.

“That lucky dog.”

“Sister?”

“The Dragon Lord is another one of Arc’s future wives.”

Mio groans. “I believe you did mention her during another of our talks.”

“Well, she was his first. Kinda.”

Kibitz clears his throat loudly as he looks over a scroll. “In any case, we should get moving, Princess Twilight.”

“Very well.”

She and Kibitz head for the door as Hammer looks to Mio.

“Come on. I’ll escort you to the Infirmary.”

“I know the way though.”

“Nevertheless, I’ll still give you an escort.”

Mio sighs. “Worried I’ll back out?”

Hammer grins as she helps Mio stand up. “Nah. But if you’re going to be slacking off, I am too!”

Meanwhile, Arc heads for Brightwing’s old office. Knocking, he waits patiently. A few moments later Ember opens the door and smiles.

“Please come in.”

Nodding, Arc does so as Ember closes the door behind him. Turning to her, he speaks.

“I’m told you wanted to see me.”

Ember walks over to him seductively. “That I do.”

Putting her arms around his neck, Ember whispers in his ear.

“Want to go back to your room and do something... fun?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Very funny.”

“Who’s joking?!”

“I’m kinda hoping you are. But I doubt it.”

Ember licks her lips. “You want me, you got me.”

“Can we just stay on topic please?”

Ember groans. “...fine.”

Stepping back, she gestures to his hand.

“But in all seriousness, could we please go to your room?”

“Very well.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Stepping through the pair find themselves back in his quarters. Gesturing to the couches Arc speaks.

“Should we sit down?”

Ember looks around nervously. “Probably should.”

Leading her over to the couch, Arc sits down next to Ember.

“Now then, what is it you wanted to say?”

“First off, thanks for coming so quickly.”

“I came as soon as Kibitz delivered the message, yes.”

“There’s... something I want to say to you, Arc.”

“I’m listening.”

Ember takes a deep breath and looks him in the eye before speaking.

“Arc, I... you and I met a couple years ago. It’s been quite the experience getting to know you as well as learning about your species.”

“Same for me.”

“Huh?”

“Learning about dragon customs.”

“The Dragon Code?”

Arc nods. “And traveling to the Dragon Lands to see things there first hand.”

“That too. I want to thank you for standing by my side through... everything, I suppose.”

“You’re welcome, Ember. But I get the feeling you asked me to see you for more than that.”

Ember sighs and looks down at her claws.

“Can this just stay between us please?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

“I’ve been feeling kinda... lonely lately.”

“With Brightwing gone?”

“It’s more than that though.”

“Ember... what exactly is bothering you?”

“We’ve known each other for a few years now, right?”

“Right. What about it?”

“Did you know that the others often look to me for advice pertaining to you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “They do?”

Ember nods. “Yes. And do you know why?”

“In truth, I don’t.”

“Because you and I have known each other longer than they have.”

“But I met them before you and I...”

“Met, yes. However I was the first one to really get to know you, Arc. They knew you as an individual. But not much else before Twilight banished you to Tartarus.”

She smiles and closes her eyes before continuing.

“We worked, ate, fought, and eventually slept side by side for the duration of that time. I learned more about you than they did in the months you lived in Ponyville prior to that.”

“I suppose that’s true. However how does that...?”

Ember interrupts him. “Please, Arc. Let me finish.”

“Alright. Continue.”

“We bonded while they merely accepted your existence and tried to help you heal from your injuries. I’m not blaming them for being cautious. All things considered, they were right to be. However I didn’t have any preconceived notions regarding humans when we met. That gave me the edge in our relationship building.”

“Same with dragons. I’d never met one before you.”

“Exactly. So you understand the feeling of getting to know a previously unknown species.”

“Right.”

“However, here’s my issue.”

Ember looks him in the eye before continuing.

“For all the time we’ve known each other, even considering that I was your first real friend, we’ve never really had a chance to... um... go hang out.”

“I suppose not. Always something going on.”

“Please understand that I’m not trying to blame you for that. However, all things considered, I would very much like to... go somewhere.”

“Like a date?”

Ember blushes furiously. “What?! NO!”

Arc looks at her evenly for a time. Eventually Ember sighs and responds again.

“...yes.”

Arc smiles at her. “See? I knew you could say it.”

“So you understand what I’m saying, Arc?”

“That you want me to take you on a date like I did with the others.”

“Exactly.”

“Okay then. Where do you want to go?”

Ember gasps. “Wait, what?”

“I’m asking what you want to do on our date.”

“So... that’s a ‘yes’?”

Arc nods. “Right.”

“I... hadn’t really given it much thought. After all, I figured you’d have something going already with someone else.”

“Not at the moment, no. Well, Hammer’s planning something for Rainbow Dash and I. But she’s still working on it. That and you are right about what you said. You and I have been friends for a while now...”

Ember interrupts. “More than friends lately.”

“That too. So I really need to take you out on a date to see how things go.”

“Glad you’re finally coming around to my way of thinking, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “So am I.”

“When do you want to do this?”

“First we need something to do though. Can’t make plans without... plans, I suppose.”

“How about this? You just do whatever it is that you did with the others and I’ll just go along with it.”

“Well... I suppose I may have given a bit of thought to this.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You thought about us going on a date already?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“Why didn’t you ask me out then?!”

“Wasn’t really sure how to. After all, up until now the idea of whom to go out with has been suggested by others. I just kinda had to respond to it.”

“In that case the sooner the better.”

“Agreed. No way of knowing when things are going to pick up again.”

“Then it’ll be all hectic again for who knows how long.”

“Um... are you doing anything next Friday?”

Ember shakes her head. “Wasn’t planning on it, no. But isn’t there something happening here that evening?”

Arc grimaces. “Yeah. The Grand Galloping Gala.”

“You... you want me to go with you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. We’ll be doing something else entirely.”

“What then?”

“Literally anything.”

“Ah! Right! So you just don’t want to be here in the castle for that?”

“Exactly. We can go out and do whatever it is that makes you happy. As long as it doesn’t involve the castle or the Gala.”

“That shouldn’t be too hard. After all, I’m not much for the fancy-schmancy vibe of that event either.”

“Then that should make this easier.”

“You want to plan something out like you did for the others?”

“Back then I was given suggestions of what to do based on my date for the evening. So it wasn’t all my doing, no.”

“We could just play it by ear then.”

“It could backfire.”

Ember shrugs. “I wouldn’t mind risking it. Heck, worst case scenario we could just bring some food to a hotel room and cuddle.”

She grins seductively before continuing.

“Or more.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You really do have a one track mind, Ember.”

“If you were in my position, you’d understand.”

“Well... in any case, I’ll let you give the matter some thought while I do the same.”

“So... until Friday then?”

“Around seven?”

Ember nods. “Works for me. Um... but wouldn’t you rather head out a bit earlier?”

“I suppose we could. What time were you thinking?”

“How about noon?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s more than ‘a bit’ earlier though.”

Ember looks away nervously. “I just... wanted to have a bit of an extended date, that’s all.”

“Very well. Noon it is.”

“Want to meet here?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’ll come pick you up from your room.”

“Alright. But we are going full formal, right?”

“Not if you don’t want to.”

Ember nods. “I do want to, yes. After all, the others did and had an amazing time.”

“Then I’ll have my tuxedo ready for Friday.”

“Sounds good.”

Arc turns and looks out the window at the falling snow.

“We’ll need those extra layers to keep warm in all that.”

Ember shudders. “Y-yeah.”

“I’ll let you think about what you want to wear. Just be sure you won’t be too cold though.”

“No worries there.”

“Feel free to speak to the castle tailor to have something made up for yourself.”

Ember grins. “That I’ll do right now.”

Arc stands and heads for the door with Ember. “Then I won’t keep you any longer.”

Chapter 3 - Doing Their Best (Part 1)

That Friday, late in the morning, Arc stands before the full length mirror in his quarters in Canterlot Castle. He looks himself over as Twilight does the same.

“I think we did it.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, the servants did I believe.”

“There doesn’t appear to be a single stitch out of place anywhere on you.”

“Royal quality it would seem.”

“Indeed.”

She levitates a scroll from the table over to Arc. It lands in his hand as she speaks.

“This is a list of suggestions from Kibitz and our group. We’re not really sure what Ember likes, so it contains a diverse list of activities.”

Twilight looks around instinctively before lowering her voice.

“I’ve also taken the liberty of reserving the Royal Suite for you two here in the Canterlot branch of the Four Seasons Hotel. That is, should you choose to do that.”

Arc nods as he looks over the list. “This should do nicely, yes. Thank you, Twilight.”

“It’s the least I could do. After all, Ember’s been very patient in waiting her turn. More so than I thought a dragon could be.”

She gasps and hurriedly cries out.

“I’m sorry! That was racist!”

“Guess so. But you weren’t wrong. Ember doesn’t strike me as the patient type.”

“She is who she is though.”

“Right. Now then, is everything in order for the Grand Galloping Gala tonight?”

Twilight looks out the window at innumerable ponies bringing supplies into the castle. “It would appear so.”

Arc chuckles. “I would have thought you would be out there organizing it.”

“Believe me, I’d love to. However I’m told it’s something generally left up to the servants and support staff to do. Even audiences are cancelled due to the Gala.”

“What are you supposed to be doing today then?”

Twilight sighs. “Kibitz says I’m supposed to be resting most of the day to prepare for tonight. The Hoof Maidens will come to my room after an early supper to dress and prepare me for the evening’s festivities.”

“And security?”

“Colonel Flash Sentry is coordinating security for the grounds as well as the castle itself. Cadance is coming and will also lend me the aid of my brother, General Shining Armor, to personally oversee the security of the Ballroom itself as well as our own safety. So I know that we’ll be more than secure inside and out.”

“That’s good. Truth be told, I’ve been having second thoughts about this date due to the Gala.”

“I know you don’t want to be here tonight, Arc. Especially after what happened last time.”

“Thanks for understanding. But at the same time my presence would certainly help deter others from trying something.”

Twilight grins. “Flash Sentry said roughly the same thing. So he suggested a compromise.”

“How so?”

“We both agree that you shouldn’t have to be here. Both for the reasons of personal feelings and that it really isn’t your job to pull guard duty.”

“But...?”

“At the same time we also want our guests to feel secure here in the castle. So he called the Little Hooves Orphanage and spoke to Cherry.”

“Cherry?”

“She agreed to come to and be Cadance and I’s personal bodyguard along with Shining Armor. It’ll help keep us safe if he’s called away for some reason.”

“Not a bad idea. But I’m not sure how exactly she was talked into that.”

“Flash Sentry told her that you wanted to take the night off because of... you know. He said that all she needs to do is stay by my side and look intimidating.”

Arc chuckles. “Not hard in that armor. But what about all the damage to it?”

“I’ve commissioned the royal tailor to make some coverings for the most damaged part of your old armor. Nopony will even notice them.”

“Sounds like you’ve thought of everything.”

Twilight shrugs. “Probably not. After all, nopony is infallible.”

“Well, I think you’ve done well thus far.”

Twilight looks at the clock. “Thank you. But it’s almost noon, Arc. You should get moving.”

“Alright. Before I do though, any suggestions regarding dating a dragon?”

“At the risk of sounding racist again... don’t make her mad. As you know an angry dragon is a fearsome opponent.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Twilight grimaces. “Um... please don’t tell her I said that either.”

Arc nods and smiles as he turns to leave. “I won’t.”

The pair step out into the corridor. A squad of Royal Guards approaches Twilight and surrounds her as Arc steps back.

“I hope you have a nice time today, Arc.”

“Thanks. You too, Twilight.”

They part ways as Twilight’s guards escort her down the corridor. Heading the opposite direction, Arc eventually comes to Ember’s room. Seeing a note taped onto the door he pulls it off and reads it aloud.

“Arc... please knock three times and enter.”

Shrugging, Arc does as instructed. After knocking he enters the room to find the curtains closed. The only substantial light comes from the fireplace which is burning intensely. Walking toward it Arc stops and looks around for a few moments before sitting down on the couch to wait. A sound behind him catches Arc’s attention and he turns to look. Stepping out from behind a changing curtain, Ember walks toward him in her human form wearing a royal purple dress with a gold boddice and matching arm length silk gloves. She smiles and courtesies slightly before speaking.

“Good evening, kind sir.”

“E-Ember? Is that you?”

Ember smiles as she extends a hand. “That it is, kind sir.”

“Wow! You look great!”

“Thank you very much. You look dapper as well.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Dapper?”

Ember nods. “Well, it’s true.”

“Um, Ember?”

“Yes?”

“Would you do me a favor?”

“Anything, my dear.”

“Please stop talking like that.”

“Arc?”

“Just... speak like you normally do.”

Breathing out heavily, Ember looks to him and grins.

“Thanks! Now THAT was tiring!”

“What were you doing?”

Ember shrugs. “Trying to be a bit less... um... brash, I guess.”

“By talking like a Canterlot noble?”

“I witnessed a million audiences by your side. It wasn’t hard to pick up their mannerisms.”

“Oh?”

Ember walks over to the couch and plops down. “Sure. Just act like the person in front of you is the most insignificant thing in the world, overexaggerate heavily, walk slowly, and speak as though you’re a few drinks into an evening.”

Arc sits down next to her. “Well, that’s not the one I fell for, Ember.”

“I suppose not.”

“Truth be told, I can’t stand the nobility of Canterlot, the Griffon Kingdom, or Earth for that matter.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “But you acted in a way that impressed the griffons during your trips to their land.”

Arc sighs. “Only because I had to. There was a task to be carried out, after all. That and lives hung in the balance.”

“How’d you do it then?”

“I just focused on the goal. However when I showered over there I still felt dirty even afterwards.”

“That place kinda sticks to you, yes.”

“First chance I got upon returning I went to the castle Infirmary with Nurse Redheart. I had her and Doctor Whooves gather the necessary supplies and returned to my room. On my orders, they spent the next hour going over my body with Equestrian made medical grade soap. Every nook, cranny, and crack was deep cleaned before they left me in a bathtub full of medicated water.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I remember that. Sereb and I just kinda figured you needed some alone time, or something.”

“I did. However only after all that did I finally feel clean again.”

“But you’ve been there numerous times and never repeated that level of deep cleaning as far as I know.”

“True. However I think I just became used to it.”

“Used to?”

“The noble’s lies and condescending attitudes. Their disdain for others and total lack of empathy toward the plight of their citizens.”

He looks to Ember sadly before continuing.

“And that makes me like them.”

Ember shakes her head. “No, Arc. No it doesn’t.”

“How so?”

“You didn’t ‘get used to it’, Arc. Instead you accepted their behavior as being that which they dictated as being ‘normal’ and ‘right’. And in doing so you accepted the fact that you couldn’t change them. However, you could change other things around you to make the world a better place for those whom don’t have a voice.”

“Really?”

Ember puts a hand his shoulder as she smiles. “It’s what makes you great, Arc. Your compassion and drive to change things for the better. But why don’t we get moving now? I’m sure you want to do more than just sit in my room all afternoon.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. And... thanks.”

“It’s what a mate should do.”

“Now then, how about we start with lunch?”

“Good idea. I’m starving!”

“Any place in particular you want to go?”

“Actually, yes.”

“Just say the word then.”

“I’d like to...”

Ember leans in and whispers in his ear. Grinning, Arc nods as he speaks.

“Was kinda hoping you’d say that.”

“Good. I was kinda thinking it might be asking too much.”

Arc stands and extends a hand. “Shall we be off then?”

Ember grins as she takes his hand in hers. “Yes! Let’s!”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls the Rainbow of Light from it and channels his magic. A portal opens and the pair step through. Appearing in Arc’s basement, Ember turns to him.

“Another flawless transition from Equestria to Earth.”

Arc grins as he pats the pendant in his hand. “It makes the old way of traveling obsolete.”

Putting the pendant back in his ring, Arc turns to Ember and extends a hand before speaking.

“Now then, shall we be off?”

“Let’s go!”

Escorting her to his Jeep, Arc opens the garage door and drives down the way. Turning, he begins their short trip. Soon they pull into a parking lot and get out. Walking toward the building the pair are quickly seated by a hostess whom sets menus before the pair before speaking.

“Your server will be with you shortly.”

Arc smiles. “Thank you.”

As she walks away Ember looks to Arc.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.”

Arc grins. “Going out?”

“That too, yes. But I was talking about trying Earth steaks.”

“Yes, I’m told that Applejack talked them up for a solid week after we came back from our date.”

“She did, yes. Tell me, how do they compare with...?”

She is interrupted as a young woman walks over with two waters. Setting them down before the pair she speaks.

“Good afternoon. I’m Cassandra, and I’ll be taking care of you two today. Can I start you off with something special to drink?”

Ember points to another table nearby. “I’ll have one of those black, bubbly drinks.”

“A Coke?”

“That’s the one!”

Cassandra nods as she looks at her order pad. “Is Pepsi okay.”

“Um...”

Arc interrupts. “Yes, it’ll be fine.”

Cassandra turns to Arc. “And for you?”

“Make that two.”

“Alright. I’ll be right back with those. In the meantime please look over the menus and see what strikes your fancy.”

As she walks away Arc and Ember open their menus and look them over. Ember grins.

“This... this is amazing!”

Arc chuckles. “The sight of so much meat?”

Ember shakes her head. “No. Well, actually yes. I meant this place as a whole. The sights, smells, and even the vibe just scream meat!”

“They do give Saffron a run for her money though.”

“Huh?”

“What I mean is that they have long standing tried and true recipes. Saffron, while talented, doesn’t get to cook nearly as much meat as they do here.”

“So you’re saying I’m in for a treat?”

Arc nods as Cassandra approaches with their Pepsis. “More or less.”

Setting them before the pair, she looks to them before speaking.

“Now then, can I interest you two in some appetizers?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

Arc chuckles. “It’s just a small snack to whet your appetite for the main course, dear.”

“Oh! Um... let’s see here...”

Ember looks at the menu for a few moments before frowning.

“Everything just looks so good though.”

“Do you need a few minutes to decide?”

Ember sighs. “I think I do.”

Cassandra smiles and nods. “Take your time. I’ll be back soon.”

Leaving to take care of other customers, Ember sighs.

“This is more complicated than I thought.”

“Ember?”

“In my mind, this was supposed to be something like a more savory version of Shelly’s Kitchen. But there’s just so much to choose from.”

She gasps before quickly continuing.

“Arc! I’m sorry for bringing up...!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence.

“It’s alright. Shelly’s... doing okay at the moment.”

“You saw her?”

Arc nods. “Just after breakfast, yes. Wanted to check in on her as often as possible.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Any... improvement?”

“Nothing. She’s not going downhill at the moment. But at the same time there’s no improvement.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Arc sighs. “So was I.”

“You still want her to live.”

“We all do. Frank, Lily, Derpy, Dinky... literally everyone whom knows Shelly really.”

“I wish I could help.”

“As do I. But I’ve not been able to come up with anything.”

Ember looks left and right before lowering her voice.

“How about... you know...?”

She points to her teeth as Arc sighs.

“Turning her into a Crimson?”

“I know it would be hard for her to... adapt. But you’d be a wonderful... uh... whatever the opposite of a thrall is.”

“Master.”

“You said it. I didn’t.”

“Well, that has been considered.”

Ember appears hopeful. “And?!”

“Rejected.”

“You asked her already?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Scootaloo did.”

“Why not you though?!”

“She did it without my permission.”

“Can I assume the deed wasn’t done?”

“Scootaloo stopped, yes.”

“Oh?”

“Shelly told her in a dream that she didn’t want to become a Crimson.”

“But you’d give her total freedom!”

“That’s roughly what Scootaloo said. However Shelly still turned it down.”

“So just go into her room some late night and bite her!”

“No, Ember.”

“But...!”

Arc frowns. “No means no!”

There is a stunned silence as Ember looks down at her lap. Arc sighs as he looks to Ember.

“Sorry.”

Ember shakes her head. “No, I’m sorry. You’re right. Shelly deserves to be able to make her own choices.”

“Yeah. That’s what I keep telling myself. But it’s just not sinking in for me.”

Ember smiles sadly. “I’ll... try not to bring it up again then.”

“Thanks. It’s... not something I’ve been able to come to terms with. But I’m sorry, Ember. This evening is supposed to be about you and I getting to know each other. So let’s go back to that.”

“Okay. Um... what do you want to know?”

“I... have no idea.”

“Nervous?”

“Not really. After all, I’ve done this more than a few times already with the others. You’d think I’d be good at it by now.”

“Well, don’t feel too bad. Truthfully, I can’t think of anything to ask you either.”

They chuckle together as Cassandra returns with a basket of dinner rolls. Looking to the pair she speaks.

“I’m back. Any luck with those menus?”

Arc looks to the waitress. “Well... I had a nice French Onion Soup recently. Guess I’ll go with that.”

Ember points to her menu. “How about this Calamari dish?”

Cassandra nods. “It’s very popular, yes. Is that what you’d like?”

“Actually... that soup my date brought up sounds pretty good. Can I have one as well?”

“Sure. That’ll be two French Onion Soups. I’ll get that in for you right away unless you both know what you’d like for entrees.”

Arc shakes his head. “We’re still trying to decide that.”

Cassandra smiles. “Alright. I’ll put in these appetizers and be back for your main courses later.”

As she heads to the Kitchen, Arc and Ember pick up their menus and look them over. Ember turns to him.

“Everything just looks so tasty.”

“It is, yes. You can’t really go wrong here.”

“That’s a relief. I was kinda worried I’d order the wrong thing.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wrong?”

“As in something I wouldn’t like, I mean!”

“Ah! Well, don’t worry about it. After all, nothing wrong with trying new things.”

“Any idea what you’re going to get?”

“Sadly, no. Like you said, it all looks so good.”

Ember closes her menu. “Like our waitress said though, she won’t be back until later.”

“Giving us some time to think it over as we talk.”

“About what though?”

“Good question.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Ember smiles nervously.

“This... isn’t quite going as well as I thought it would.”

“Yeah.”

“How about we start with something hard then?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“The others mentioned having foals with you. Tell me, are you considering that?”

Arc nods. “I am, yes. It’s always been a dream of mine to have children and give them the life I never had.”

“You mean a nice house and lots of toys?”

“Partially, yes. However I’m more interested in giving them love and attention.”

“Like you do for Dinky?”

Arc sighs. “Not like that, no.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“I want to actually be there for them on a full-time basis. Not gallivanting around the world. Well... worlds in my case.”

Ember appears hopeful. “And... me?”

“Ember?”

“Would that be an option?”

“Having children with you?”

“Yes.”

“I spoke with Doctor Whooves and Auriel about that momentarily when we had a conversation regarding the mares.”

“And...?!”

“It would be just as hard, if not more difficult, to alter a human’s sperm to be compatible with a dragon.”

Ember frowns. “But why?! I mean, the others are a different species too!”

“True. However they’re also mammals.”

“Um... I’m not sure what that means.”

“Warm blooded animals whom produce milk and bear children from a uterus, not an egg.”

“I can’t do any of those things though!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Ember. I know.”

“But...!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence before continuing. “Please, Ember. I’m not saying that you’re inferior to them.”

“Then what am I?!”

“Different.”

There is a strained silence as Ember thinks.

“What if I was impregnated as a human though?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Wouldn’t work.”

“Why not?!”

“You don’t ovulated.”

“I don’t what?!”

“Have periods.”

“What are they?!”

“Exactly.”

“Well... how about altering your sperm to work then?!”

Arc sighs. “Auriel will try, of course. However she said not to get our hopes up in your case, as it’s going to be REALLY complicated.”

He groans before continuing.

“And... there’s the matter of you being fertile enough to make use of the sperm too.”

“Could it be preserved in some way?!”

“I suppose so. After all, Earth does have facilities that freeze sperm for future use.”

“How long does it last?”

“Decades, I’m told.”

Ember grins. “Great!”

“But I doubt it would last the hundreds of years necessary for you to reach sexual maturity as a dragon.”

“Then I HAVE to find a way to get pregnant as a human!”

“And sadly that isn’t an option.”

“Why not?!”

“Like Auriel explained it some time ago, your body may be that of a human but your DNA is still that of a dragon.”

“So there’s no chance that we could...?!”

“Ember, please. There’s always a chance.”

“But you’re making it sound impossible!”

“That wasn’t my intention. I was merely trying to be Honest with you.”

Ember groans. “And I... thank you for that.”

“You have my word that if it’s even remotely possible, I’ll be willing to give it a try.”

“I suppose that’s all I can hope for.”

Arc slides his hand across the table and smiles at her. “It’s all I can offer at the moment though.”

Chapter 4 - Doing Their Best (Part 2)

Arc and Ember walk back to the Jeep sometime later. Getting in, Arc starts the vehicle and gets the heat going.

“That was tasty!”

Ember grins. “Yes, it was! Thanks for taking me!”

Arc smiles at her. “Thanks for coming up with this date idea.”

“I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time, Arc.”

“The date or the meal?”

“Both, actually. Um... but what should we do now?”

“I’m not sure. Do you have anything you’d like to do or see?”

Ember sighs. “Not... really, no.”

“This is harder than I thought.”

“I do have one request though.”

“What is it?”

“Regardless of where we go next, please let it be somewhere warm.”

Arc chuckles as he shifts the vehicle into ‘drive’. “You got it.”

An hour later they arrive at a truly massive building. Ember turns to Arc as they park.

“Um... where are we?”

Arc chuckles as he turns off the motor. “I could tell you. But it’s probably easier for you to just see it for yourself.”

Opening their doors, the pair walk toward the building. Approaching the counter Arc purchases two tickets. Leading Ember through a door she gasps as an amazing sight meets her eyes.

“What... the...?”

Arc smiles as he gestures with a wave of his hand. “I give you... an indoor forest.”

“But... but HOW?!”

“It’s just a really, REALLY big greenhouse.”

Ember grins as they start walking. “Kinda reminds me of a tamer version of the Dragon Lands.”

“I thought it would.”

“Awesome idea!”

Arc smiles as he offers Ember his arm cordially. “Glad you like it.”

Walking down the concrete path they marvel at the sights all around them. Ember lays her head on his shoulder as she talks.

“Nice place to make eggs.”

Arc shakes his head. “You really do have a one track mind, don’t you?”

“With you, yes.”

“I’m sure Auriel will do her best. But let’s not get our hopes up.”

“Just being optimistic. After all, I’d just LOVE making you a father, Arc!”

“Question about that. What would our offspring be known as?”

Ember raises an eyebrow, confused. “Off... what-now?”

“Sorry. I wasn’t sure what our children would be called.”

She puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Whelplings, I guess. But... they wouldn’t be full blooded dragons, so... there’s that.”

“Would that be a problem?”

“Kinda, yeah. You see, the Dragon Lord needs to bring forth the next generation. While in the past they’ve always been a male, it means that I need to actually carry the eggs and produce an heir myself versus impregnating someone else.”

“It sounds kinda... cold when you say it like that.”

Ember shrugs. “I guess that’s true. But I’m just being honest about this.”

“So... our kids would be ineligible?”

“Yes. Not being dragons is part of it. But since they couldn’t impregnate, or be impregnated, by another dragon it would effectively end the leadership bloodlines.”

“What could be done about that?”

“Well... the only thing I could do would be to... um...”

She looks down at her hands before continuing.

“...have eggs at some point with a dragon.”

Arc frowns. “But you don’t want to do that, right?”

“Not in the least! I mean... I do want YOU inside of me! But the idea of another dragon impregnating me is just plain gross!”

“While I’m glad you feel that way, it still doesn’t solve the problem.”

“I spoke to Auriel and Twilight about this already. They came up with a pretty good idea.”

“Oh?”

“While I don’t want to lift my tail to someone other than you, technically I have to in order to do my duty to the Dragon Lands. Auriel recommended artificial insemination.”

“That might just work. Um... but whom would you get the sperm from?”

“Another dragon, obviously.”

“I meant specifically.”

Ember grins. “Yeah, I know. Twilight had an idea for that one.”

“She’s usually pretty good for that.”

“It’s so simple, yet I never even considered it.”

“Do tell.”

“Okay. So her idea was to have me gather a male dragon and have their, uh... sample taken by the castle medical staff.”

“But I thought it would be quite some time before your body was ready for...”

Ember interrupts him. “It will be another couple hundred years, yes. So this won’t be happening anytime soon. However, Twilight told me that when the time was right that she’d order the proper individuals to help me with this.”

“That’s good.”

“In any case, her plan was to have a bit of the sample placed into an applicator of sorts. A doctor would then insert it into my backside and fertilize me. With any luck, one shot would be enough to do the deed.”

“Are you okay with that though?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Okay with what?”

“Being impregnated like that.”

“Not sure what else I can do.”

She smiles wickedly before continuing.

“Unless you want to take a shot at it.”

“Wouldn’t work though.”

“Never know unless we try though, right?”

“I suppose not. But Auriel is certain that as it stands I can’t get you pregnant.”

“While I do believe her, I do still have my... preferences.”

“This method of an applicator over actual, um... intimacy.”

Ember makes a face. “Definitely!”

Arc sighs. “I do wish you’d reconsider.”

“There’s nothing to...!”

“Please understand that I just want you to be happy, Ember.”

Ember groans. “And I will be. When this mess is over and the Dragon Lands have their next generation. But can we please talk about something else?”

“Sure. After all, we’re not getting anywhere with this conversation.”

They walk on in silence for a time. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“Are you really okay with the whole herd idea?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well... dragons are usually very possessive. Or so I’ve read.”

“That’s true, yes. However I see it a bit differently than another female dragon might.”

“Can you elaborate?”

Ember nods. “Sure. Anyone else would see the other wives as competition and try to eliminate them in an effort to gain the full affection of the male.”

“But not you, right?”

“Nah. I don’t see it as there being more love for me from you. But me being surrounded by others whom I care for and whom care for me.”

“That’s... an interesting way of looking at it. We’ll have our own little lifelong focus group, or something.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You’re just now thinking of that?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. Haven’t really had time to consider the nuances of this whole thing.”

“Well, you probably should before proceeding.”

“I know you’re right. We really need to get everyone together and start talking some of these things out.”

“Come to a meeting once in a while and that’ll happen.”

“Meetings?”

“We have them several times a week, after all.”

Arc groans. “Right. Hammer told me about that.”

“So get back into it then!”

“Not sure I was ever in it.”

“Never too late to start.”

“Agreed. But I’ve just been so busy with...”

Ember interrupts him. “We get that, Arc. Which is why none of us ever forced the issue on you before.”

“Thank you, Ember. But I need to be a better person if I’m going to be a part of the herd.”

“I don’t see how. After all, you’re perfect from where I stand.”

“Trust me, I’m not. Remember just how long it took us to have this date.”

Ember takes his arm and grins. “Yeah. And I’m having the time of my life here, Arc.”

Arc looks around. “Probably because it’s warm here.”

“Thanks for that.”

“It amazing. This place is within driving distance of my house and I’ve never been here before.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Kinda. Now I wish I’d taken Shelly and Lily here. They both really like nature, but don’t have much time off.”

“It could be an afternoon trip.”

Arc sighs. “Too late for that now though.”

“What if Shelly had another good day?”

“It’d have to be one heck of an improvement to give her the strength to get out of bed again.”

“I hope she does.”

“So do I.”

“Hey, Arc?”

“Yes, Ember?”

“I’m curious. How do you feel about... um...”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“...me being... a human?”

“In what way?”

“I mean, do you like me in this form?”

“Yes, I do.”

“If you want I can stay like this.”

Arc shrugs. “If that’s really what you want, that’s up to you.”

“Really?!”

“Sure. Just remember that such a thing would have drawbacks.”

Ember grin mischievously. “Like better sex?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I was referring more to a shorter lifespan, being one of only a small handful of humans in Equestria, and being unable to bear the next Dragon Lord.”

“Well...”

“Are you sure that’s something you can do?”

Ember shrugs. “I could find someone else to lead instead. Like my dad did with The Gauntlet.”

“Can you do that?”

“Probably. After all, he did.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“You just say the word and I’m done with the whole Dragon Lord thing.”

Arc sighs. “But what about your dad?”

“I’ll help find someone. It’s not like I’m going to leave him high and dry.”

“Well, you do what you want to in that regard.”

Ember stops walking as she gasps.

“I got it!”

Arc turns to her. “Got what?”

“The solution to the heir problem!”

“I thought you had kinda already settled on artificial insemination.”

“Could still go that route.”

“Then what’s different about this new idea?”

“I’ll get back to you on that. Still need to think through a few things.”

“Fine. But let me know when you come up with something.”

Ember grins. “That I will!”

“Now it’s my turn to ask you something.”

“Go for it.”

“How do you feel about settling down in Equestria?”

“You mean living there?”

“Yup.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Like I’ve been doing since we met?”

“I mean for the long term. Years... decades even.”

“Remember, Arc... time is different for a dragon. With so much of it ahead of me, even decades are pretty short.”

“So that means...?”

“I’m fine living in Equestria, yes. Heck, even if I stay there with you and the others for the rest of your lives, well... it’d still just be like an extended stay for me. My dad would still be around to teach me how to be a good Dragon Lord for centuries.”

“Sounds like that part of this matter is taken care of then.”

“Yup. It’s just the egg situation that has me upset.”

“Considering just how far in the future that will be we’re probably wasting our time talking about it at such length.”

Ember puts a hand on his chest as she steps in front of him. “But it’s really bothering me!”

Arc smiles as he puts his hands on her shoulders. “Which is why we’re talking about it so much today.”

“I just wish I could keep things just like this.”

Arc chuckles as he wraps his arms around her. “Warm and safe?”

“You and me together. No greater responsibilities, no fancy title for me, and no one trying to get me to make eggs.”

Arc sighs happily. “The carefree time of our youth.”

“Huh?”

“Kids always want to grow up so they can do whatever they want. But then they figure out that adults have so many more responsibilities. “

He puts a finger under her chin and raises her head to look him in the eye before continuing.

“You’ll have a much longer one, what with being a dragon.”

“But it’ll still come to the same thing eventually. Adulthood... responsibilities... and eggs.”

“So we should enjoy the time we have then.”

“How though?”

Arc takes Ember’s hand and starts walking. “Come on. I have an idea.”

Leading Ember down the path, Arc looks around to make sure they’re alone before speaking again.

“Tell me something, Ember. When you were little did you want to find someone special to make eggs with?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um... yes. It’s just natural though.”

“Did you have any other dreams?”

“...kinda.”

“Tell me about them.”

“Well... there was this one dream I always had. It was about my future mate.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How is this any different from our earlier conversation?”

“Because this isn’t about eggs. It’s regarding our... relationship.”

“Oh?”

“How he treated me mostly.”

“Go on.”

“I wanted someone who was strong, of course. But at the same time... sensitive. They would be conscious of my emotional needs and still be able to keep things together. And... they would be rough when they ravished me while still being concerned for both my safety and pleasure.”

Arc blushes slightly. “So... you want someone like...?”

Ember nods. “Yes. You, Arc.”

“Not sure I can be all that though.”

“You already are though.”

Arc sighs. “I just... don’t really know how I should feel about that.”

“Meant every word, Arc.”

“While I’m sure you did, I still don’t understand how I can live up to the standards you and the others hold me in.”

Ember smiles as she puts a hand on his cheek. “Just be yourself. Do that and everything will fall into place.”

“But I need to be...!”

Ember cuts him off. “More?”

“Yes!”

“No, Arc. No, you don’t”

“Ember?”

“You keep trying to hold yourself to an unattainable standard. To push yourself to be more than you are.”

“For all of you.”

Ember shakes her head. “We don’t want you to be perfect, Arc.”

“Then what...?”

She smiles widely as she speaks. “All we want is for you to be yourself.”

Chapter 5 - Doing Their Best (Part 3)

As the sun begins to set the pair head back to the Jeep. Getting in, Ember rubs her hands together as Arc starts the engine. Turning on the heat, she frowns.

“Why is it only spitting out cold air?!”

Arc chuckles. “Because the engine needs to warm up first.”

“So do I!”

“Not to worry. It won’t take long.”

Ember groans as they turn out of the parking lot. “Can it hurry up then?!”

Sometime later they return to Arc’s house. Ember hurries up the back stairs as Arc follow her. Unlocking the door she hurries inside, teeth chattering.

“So... cold!”

Arc rolls his eyes as he closes the back door behind them. “Aren’t you being a bit melodramatic, Ember?”

“I can’t help it! Hate the cold!”

“You being a dragon might have something to do with it.”

“But I’m a human now!”

Arc shrugs. “Still a dragon inside though. In any case, are you hungry?”

“Kinda, yeah. Didn’t notice until you said something though.”

Arc chuckles as he puts a hand on his stomach. “Steak has a tendency to do that.”

“So what do you want to have for supper?”

“Well... we could try something a bit different.”

“I’m up for anything. Assuming it doesn’t take hours to cook, that is.”

“No time at all.”

Extending a hand to her, Ember takes it as Arc turns to face her. Looking her in the eye he speaks.

“How much do you trust me, Ember?”

“Completely.”

“Then close your eyes.”

Doing so, Ember grins as she waits expectantly. Drawing her in close, Arc wraps his arms around Ember and concentrates. The world around them fades away until they are surrounded by darkness. As things begin to come back into focus, Arc looks around and nods approvingly before looking to Ember again.

“You can open your eyes now.”

Doing so, Ember gasps at the sight around her.

“Where...?!”

Arc chuckles. “My Sanctuary. I made it to look like a gazebo that Luna had in her realm some time back.”

“The sunset is a nice touch.”

“Only the best for you, Ember.”

“But this still doesn’t solve our food problem.”

Arc grins. “True. However I’m not done yet.”

With a wave of his hand, Arc materializes a small table and two chairs. Leading Ember over to her seat, he pulls it out before sitting down himself across from her. Ember looks around.

“Um... is someone going to jump out with a pot of food, or something?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

Snapping his fingers, a humanoid figure approaches from behind a nearby wall pushing a dinner cart. Ember’s eyes grow wide as she see whom it is.

“Princess Celestia?!”

Arc chuckles. “Just my mind’s interpretation of her.”

Ember grins wickedly as she turns to Arc. “You must have quite the imagination then.”

“Truth be told this is how Celestia, or ‘Tia’ as she called herself back then, looked when she served Applejack and I supper during the experiment within the Celestial Realm.”

Ember nods approvingly as ‘Celestia’ puts plates and silverware before the pair. “Nice to see her in her proper place.”

“Proper?”

“She could stand to learn some humility.”

“I suppose we all could, yes.”

“Other than you, right?”

Arc shakes his head as Tia puts a large rectangular pan in the middle of the table. “Especially me.”

Ember scoffs. “Are you kidding?! You’re the most selfless individual I’ve ever met!”

Arc nods as he reaches over to the cart and picks up a pitcher of water. “And I’d like to stay that way.”

Ember frowns as he pours waters for both of them. “I don’t think you’re in any danger of succumbing to arrogance like she did, Arc.”

“Nevertheless, Celestia was once a paragon of virtue to the land and its inhabitants. But all that changed when she was kidnapped.”

“I suppose leading the nation down the path of potential civil war would have that effect.”

“True. But who’s to say that I couldn’t do the same?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“Well... just a moment.”

He turns to the woman and speaks.

“Thank you, Tia.”

“You’re welcome. Would you like anything else?”

“Maybe in a few minutes. I’ll call for you if we do.”

Bowing slightly at the waist, she silently turns and leaves with the cart as Arc turns back to Ember.

“Now then, where were we?”

“I believe you were making a joke about starting a civil war.”

“Could have.”

“But you wouldn’t.”

Arc sighs. “There’s where you’re wrong Ember.”

“What are you saying?”

“That I was fully prepared to lead my forces against Celestia and her loyalists further than Light’s Hope if need be.”

“You mean...?”

Arc nods. “Had we not captured Celestia then and there I would have turned the nation upside-down to find and stop her.”

“And that would have been bad how?”

“It would have destabilized the citizen’s daily lives. That and potentially forced them to take sides in the conflict.”

Ember gasps. “Celestia could have used your actions against you to bolster her own forces!”

Arc nods as he frowns. “I believe that’s what she may have been trying to do when she ran from the battlefield.”

“But you did end it then and there.”

“That I did. Had I not though there’s a good chance I could have gone down the same path she did.”

“Victory at any cost.”

“Right. But enough about that. Shall we eat?”

Ember nods as she looks at the covered dish between them. “Whatever this is it smells familiar.”

Arc grins. “Then let’s end the wait.”

Picking up the cover, he pulls it back to reveal a perfect lasagna. Ember salivates hungrily.

“This is what we had for Christmas dinner last year, right?!”

“Yup.”

Ember eyes the food suspiciously. “Is it... real?”

“This one is, yes. I made it the other day and stored it in my ring.”

“Handy!”

Picking up Ember’s plate, Arc serves her a large slice of the lasagna. Putting an equally large piece on his own plate he turns back to Ember.

“How about some bread?”

Ember nods. “That does sound nice, yes.”

Snapping his fingers, Arc looks in the direction Tia left. She returns carrying a pan of garlic bread. Setting it on the table, she picks up the pitcher and refills their glasses.

“Can I get you two anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “I think we’re good. Ember?”

Ember grins. “How about a Coke?”

“That does sound good. Make that two.”

Tia nods. “Right away.”

Leaving the gazebo, Tia returns a few moments later with two glasses of Coke. Setting them down in front of the pair she turns to Arc.

“There you are. Might I interest you two in a salad or other side dishes?”

Arc chuckles as he puts bread on their plates. “I think this will be enough.”

Ember grins happily. “Agreed!”

Tia again leaves the gazebo. Arc looks to Ember.

“Just so you know, only the lasagna is real. The rest of the meal won’t be sticking around when we leave.”

Ember grins. “Good!”

“Ember?”

“Then I won’t have to worry about it ruining my perfect figure.”

Arc chuckles as he picks up his soda. “No, I guess you won’t.”

Ember motions to the sunset. “Looks like you’re getting better with Realm Magic.”

“I’ve been practicing.”

“Oh?”

“My goal is to get good enough at it to be able to host a party.”

Ember laughs. “For a guys night out?”

“More along the lines of a herd gathering.”

“Huh?”

“So we can all spend time with one another. See how we work in a group setting.”

“Ah! That makes sense! So it’s going to be a bonding ceremony of sorts?”

“An informal one, yes.”

“If it works out maybe we can make this a regular thing.”

“I was thinking the same. We really need to get caught up. I mean as a group though.”

“And we will. But do you really think everyone will get along?”

“That’s the whole point of that exercise. We need to figure that out before going any further with the herd idea.”

Ember puts an hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I’ve always seen everyone getting along great during tea.”

“But have they all been together at the same time?”

“Now that you mention it, no. I mean, Twilight and her friends are regulars. But Hammer, Auriel, Derpy, and myself only come when we can. Which isn’t often I’m ashamed to admit.”

“There’s a few things I’m still working on though. Like what to have on the menu.”

“If it’s informal then your best bet might just be pizza.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll have to make it up ahead of time then. After all, I can’t materialize real food at the moment.”

“Is that an option?”

“Materializing food?”

“Yeah.”

“Luna said it was possible. However that’s very advanced Realm Magic.”

He gestures around at their surroundings before continuing.

“This structure, the garlic bread, drinks, and even the sunset are just illusions created by my magic.”

Ember smiles approvingly. “Making them real is next level stuff, huh?”

“Right. I’m still worrying about stability.”

“Are we... safe here?”

Arc nods. “Oh yes. Even if my concentration was broken and the realm collapsed, we would simply find ourselves back in my kitchen where we started.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I even tested it out a couple times with Twilight. After she asked Luna what would happen, of course.”

“And...?”

“We returned to our starting point safe and sound.”

“I gotta admit, I don’t really get this magic at all.”

“It’s actually part of the Illusion school of magic. After all, none of this is real.”

“Can you break it down for me?”

“Sure. Luna explained that a realm is really just a specially generated pocked dimension. It’s not part of normal reality as we know it though.”

“So it’s like a bubble?”

“More like a balloon. The realm can expand and contract based on the will, and skill, of the user.”

“And that which is in it?”

Arc nods. “Right. My mana is used as a fuel source to create everything here. I just need to make sure not to strain myself and deplete my mana pool.”

“You okay?”

“That I am. But I will tell you if I need to rest.”

Ember looks around, “How long can you keep this place stable?”

“At the moment, several hours.”

“And after that?”

“It starts to feel as though I’ve just run a marathon and can’t catch my breath.”

“We’ll leave before that point though, right?”

Arc chuckles. “Agreed.”

“Good! But I gotta say, this lasagna is great!”

“Thanks. It’s my Great Aunt Megan’s recipe.”

“Well, it sure tastes like it’s perfected!”

“That it is. Try dipping your garlic bread into the sauce though.”

Ember does so. Taking a bite she grins.

“Amazing!”

“Do you know why though?”

“Um...”

Arc continues. “It’s because the flavors complement each other so well. They’re still good separately, of course. However put them together and they make something new and good. Like the herd.”

“Oh?”

“Separately we’re all special in our own ways. However together you and I can accomplish things that neither could do alone.”

“And the others?”

“Look at Twilight and Auriel. They worked together for a time and came up with magical extraction, an artificial sun, and even artificial life... twice.”

“Makes sense.”

“Then there’s Hammer and Rainbow Dash.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What’d they accomplish?”

“Proving that a human woman and a mare can work through their distrust of each other. Remember when they teamed up to sabotage the new airship in Canterlot Castle?”

Ember laughs. “And Hammer accidently grabbed Rainbow Dash’s tits?!”

“That’s the one, yes.”

“I can just imagine the look on Rainbow Dash’s face when that happened!”

“Yes, well... I thought that would have sealed the deal for them to hate each other forever. But it did the opposite.”

“Yeah, they’re really tight now. It’s kinda cool to watch them talk through something at a meeting.”

“Is it?”

“They’re constantly joking about things with each other. Mostly sexual stuff, but there have been times they’ve make light of some rather interesting ideas. Like the time they pointed out that you only have so much sperm, Arc.”

“What...?”

“Hammer pulled out a bag of bits and poured them on the table. She split them into equal groups and pushed the piles to sit in front of everyone around the table. Then Hammer said that this was like your intimate attention. You could divide it up between all of us a night if you wanted to. However it wouldn’t be very much. A few minutes at most.”

Arc nods. “True.”

“Then she pulled all the money back to herself and divided it into two groups before setting it in front of Rainbow Dash and herself. Looking around the table she pointed out that if the time was limited to two of them things looked a lot better.”

“It would make for a more personable time, yes.”

“Then she pushed her pile in front of Rainbow Dash so that all the money was in front of her. Hammer then said that it would be even better for an individual to have their own one-on-one time with you, Arc. For both them and you.”

“And they all agreed to that?”

Ember nods. “They did, yes. Hammer even told Rainbow Dash that she could go before her.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s... kinda surprising. After all, she’s never been shy about wanting me to sleep with her.”

“Well, I think we’ve all grown since this whole idea came around. Mentally, I mean.”

“Myself included.”

Ember grins. “Yeah. The old you wouldn’t have even considered a herd.”

“Right.”

“So what exactly changed your mind on that?”

“It all started when Rarity invited me to dinner at her place. She was so beautiful and tried so hard to make the evening perfect. In all Honesty, I’d had a bit of a crush on her for some time. But that night I decided that I’d lay me feelings out before her and let the cards fall where they may.”

“Were you sure she was into you too?”

“Pretty sure, yes. But when she invited me into her back room, which she had completely rearranged for the evening, I knew she had feelings for me.”

Ember grins wickedly. “One thing led to another, and you two found yourselves in bed together. After a shower, that is.”

Arc sighs. “There was a whole lot more that happened before that. However you’re correct about us sleeping together.”

“Rarity was never shy about admitting to that.”

“It’s not so much that she was ‘shy’ about it. I believe she just wanted to be honest regarding what happened in an effort to not appear to be trying to take me for herself and stiff them.”

“Agreed. She did know that all of them had an eye for you. But at the same time was the first one to actually act on her feelings.”

“I never really saw them as anything more than friends at the time. After all, a human and a pony being romantically involved just felt wrong to me back then.”

“How about a human and dragon?”

“Equally strange.”

“But you got over that.”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“How?”

“That night with Rarity opened my mind to new ideas. The fact that a mare could love a human really got to me. I questioned in my mind why I couldn’t reciprocate that, but came up with nothing. So I just kinda decided to go with it and see how things went.”

“And the others?”

“After that night with Rarity, I saw them in a new light too. So when they brought up the idea of a herd I wasn’t totally against it.”

“But you weren’t exactly for it either.”

“I still had to work things out for myself.”

Ember gestures to the realm around them. “And here we are.”

Arc chuckles. “Dating, yes. You and the others.”

“And wanting more.”

Arc groans. “Ember...”

Ember cuts him off. “But being willing to allow you time to be comfortable with it, of course.”

They go back to eating for a time. Eventually Arc looks to Ember.

“Do you think... the herd will work out?”

Ember shrugs. “No idea.”

“But you’re still willing to give it a shot.”

“Don’t want to grow older and regret what might have been, Arc.”

“An experiment.”

“How’s that?”

“This herd thing really is experimental.”

Ember grins. “Don’t tell Twilight that. She’ll have us all hooked up to machines before long in her lab.”

“It could lead to a ‘and they all lived happily ever after’.”

“Hopefully, yes.”

“But it could also go very badly.”

Ember frowns. “I thought that’s why we were taking this so slow.”

Arc nods. “Right. In an effort to avoid conflict and confrontation we’re taking baby steps here.”

“At some point we’re going to have to take the plunge though, Arc. Well, those whom do join the herd, that is.”

“I know. However I want it to be like walking into a lake. Things get deeper, yes. But only the further out you go. Plunging right into things would be like jumping off the high dive blindfolded.”

“It’d be scary?”

“Partially because you can’t see what’s coming but also because one moment your high and dry while the next you’re totally submerged by water several feet on all sides. And at that point there’s no going back. For better or worse, you’re there. With the lake analogy, and taking things slow, we can always stop where we are or even back up if need be.”

Ember smiles at him warmly. “Well, I thank you for thinking this through logically and rationally, Arc.”

“Yes, well... you and the others were pretty keen on the idea. And even though I wasn’t fully on board with it when we had tea that day so long ago, I did want it to be done properly. But in any case, would you like some more lasagna?”

Ember laughs. “Thanks, but I think I’m full!”

Arc smiles. “How about some Jell-O with whipped cream?”

“No idea what that is, but sure.”

Arc snaps his fingers. Tia walks over to them and smiles.

“Can I get you two something?”

Arc nods. “We’d like some Jell-O with whipped cream, please.”

“Very well. More drinks too?”

“Just water.”

“Yes sir.”

Tia leaves their sight and returns to her cart. Picking up a tray with two bowls of red Jell-O and two waters, she walks over to another woman whom looks exactly like her standing there as if frozen in time. With a wave of her hand she frees the woman and hands her the tray. Turning around, the other Tia walks up the stairs of the gazebo and over to Arc and Ember. Watching as she serves the pair, the other Tia sighs as she muses to herself.

“A very interesting concept. This human Honestly does care about his potential future wives with a passion. Even though most of them are of different species.”

Putting a finger to her chin, she continues.

“Was I truly so wrong about him? Could it be... that my own experiences have blinded me to that which everyone else can so readily see?”

Turning, Tia opens a portal and steps through. Reappearing in her room, she waves her hand over her face for a moment. In a flash of light she turns back into Celestia and walks over to the balcony door. Looking out over the city, which is celebrating the Grand Galloping Gala, she sighs and closes her eyes.

“I’ve been given a unique chance here. Time to think. Freed of my responsibilities as a princess, I can now properly consider the past. My own, as well as that of Equestria’s future.”

Chapter 6 - Doing Their Best (Part 4)

Arc and Ember finish their food and stand as Tia comes to clear the table. She smiles at them as she does so.

“Have a nice evening you two.”

Arc nods and smiles. “Thanks, Tia.”

With a wave of his hand Arc dematerializes her along with the table and leftover food. Ember chuckles.

“Handy.”

Arc turns to her. “If only fixing the real Celestia’s problems were so easy.”

Ember scoffs. “That’s her problem.”

“No, Ember. It’s everyone’s problem.”

“What are you talking about?”

Arc leads Ember over to the edge of the gazebo. Gesturing toward the horizon he speaks.

“Look out there. What do you see?”

Ember squints. “Um... a city, or something.”

Arc nods. “Right. It’s my interpretation of what Canterlot looks like from a distance.”

“What does that have to do with Celestia though?”

“A village, town, or city stands or falls based on its leaders decisions. Or in Celestia’s case... a country. If those leaders aren’t acting in the best interest of the citizenry, well... things can degrade VERY quickly.”

“But it didn’t though.”

“Yes. Thanks to me marching my forces through Canterlot to put Twilight on the throne.”

Ember sighs. “She was so inexperienced though.”

“That’s true, yes. However an unqualified leader is still preferred over a bad one.”

“You knew she wasn’t ready to lead though.”

“It was either put Twilight in charge or Equestria would fall. However you have to remember that I didn’t just put a crown on her head and walk away. I stuck around to make sure she learned what her new position entailed. And saw to it that she was given a crash course in Leadership 101.”

“I still think it would have been more prudent for you to just take control of the nation again temporarily.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. That would have only played right into Decimus’ hand... er, hoof.”

“What do you mean?”

“He was counting on me taking the throne as the Lord Regent again. Then he would have started a campaign to paint me as a usurper.”

“And it might have worked too.”

“While I am above the law I always do my best to follow it. Twilight was already a princess and by right next in line to rule with Luna missing and Cadance in the Crystal Empire. And at the time a princess on the throne was what the nation needed.”

“I... never really thought about it that way.”

“Me saying that I was just following the law was the truth, certainly. However, I did have diplomacy and national stability in mind too.”

Ember sighs. “That’s one of my weaknesses.”

“Oh?”

“Thinking ahead. Looking at the bigger picture. The nation as a whole.”

“Tell me something, Ember. How do you feel about Celestia.”

Ember grits her teeth. “I hate her!”

“And why is that?”

“Because she almost killed you!”

Arc shrugs. “Fair point. However let’s say, for the sake of this conversation, that she didn’t.”

“Didn’t...?”

“Attack me. How would you theoretically feel about her then?”

“I... guess I’d be rather indifferent. Assuming she also hadn’t been in league with Decimus, that is.”

“Indifferent as in you wouldn’t really feel strongly for or against her?”

“Yeah. What about it?”

Arc sighs as he puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Listen. A leader is flesh and blood just like everyone else. They have likes and dislikes. Wants and desires. Feelings too. However we need to be able to look past all of that and be willing to do what needs to be done for the betterment of our respective nations as a whole.”

“But... but Celestia is just such a terrible...!”

“I know, Ember. She’s stuck up, snobby, and set in her ways. However, as much as I would have loved to just stick my knife into her heart and end her life when she ran away from the battle of Light’s Hope... that isn’t what the nation needed. Now or then.”

“I thought you did that for Twilight’s sake.”

“Partially, yes. However the nation would have been fractured if I did that. Some would have said that I was just ensuring Twilight stayed on the throne as a puppet ruler while I pulled her strings. Others would have seen her leading the nation off a cliff. Either way it would have ended badly for Equestria.”

Ember chuckles as she looks to the sunset. “I never really saw you as so... conniving.”

“I prefer the term ‘foresightful’.”

“Is that actually a word?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably. Sorry, but I forgot my dictionary back at home.”

Ember smirks. “That’s sexy.”

“The joke?”

“No, Arc. The fact that you quietly put things into place to get the desired effect.”

“Just like Celestia’s probably done for centuries.”

Ember shakes her head. “Not like her, no. You actually care about the nation.”

“She does too. But maybe she’s been in her role for a bit too long.”

“Oh?”

“They say that power corrupts. And that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Couple that with a ruler that doesn’t age and you have a recipe for disaster.”

“So you’re saying that she needs to die?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I mean that the same individual holding that much power for so long isn’t good. It need to be shared and passed on. Otherwise the ruler will get too comfortable in their position. Before long they start justifying their actions.”

“And that’s when trouble starts?”

“Nope. It’s when they’re so comfy in their position that they stop justifying.”

“And how close was Celestia to that point when you removed her?”

“Closer than she should be.”

Ember sighs. “I’m going to be in that position one day.”

“Not exactly, Ember. While you will live for a long time, even dragons aren’t immortal.”

“Close to it. Tell me, what can I do to help see to it that I don’t fall into the same trap Celestia did?”

“Hold yourself accountable.”

“How?”

“When considering a decision pretend that there is a higher governing body that oversees you. If they were to question your choices, you should always be able to give logical reasons for why you did what you did.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “But there won’t be anyone questioning me as Dragon Lord.”

“That’s why you’ll have to pretend. Remember, when I was Lord Regent there wasn’t anyone over me that could question my motives and decisions.”

“I think I need to give that some thought. But I would like to talk about this again at a later date.”

“Fine. However, our evening isn’t done just yet.”

“Arc?”

“I had something a bit... interesting planned for this point.”

Ember smiles slyly as she pulls the bodice of her dress down slightly. “What did you have in mind?”

Arc chuckles. “Not that.”

“Can’t blame a girl for trying.”

“Are you ready?”

Ember sighs. “Not that I know what you’re planning, but sure.”

Nodding, Arc steps back from the gazebo railing. With a wave of his hand the sun sinks and the moon rises full and bright. Turning back to her he snaps his fingers. A number of candles all around the perimeter of the gazebo spring to life, bathing the entire structure in a warm light. Snapping again light classical music begins to play. Turning to Ember he smiles and extends his hand.

“May I have this dance... Dragon Lord?”

Ember smiles. “You may, Lord Regent.”

Taking her hand, Arc puts it on his hip as he reaches for the other. Ember puts her other hand on Arc’s shoulder as she looks up at him and smiles nervously.

“Um... is this a bad time to mention that I don’t know how to dance?”

Arc chuckles. “Not at all. So we’re going to just kinda slow dance.”

“How?”

“By moving in a square to start. I’ll get us started. You just take one step in the direction that I say, alright. Then your other foot follows as if you were sidestepping.”

“I’ll try.”

“Okay. Here we go.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc continues.

“Right... forward... left... back.”

They do so slowly but together. Ember grins.

“A square.”

“It’s a simple dance. But rather enjoyable.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Can we get closer?”

“Sure. But there’s more chance of us stepping on each other’s feet then.”

“Maybe we should just stay like this for a bit then.”

“That’d probably be wise, yes.”

They continue dancing. Ember looks to Arc.

“You’re pretty good at this.”

“It’s nothing special.”

“Derpy spoke highly of it.”

Arc smirks. “Admittedly, it was Dinky’s idea. Probably something she saw on television.”

“Well, apparently it was a game changer for Derpy. She couldn’t stop talking about that part of your date.”

“It does give a couple the chance to enjoy each other’s company. And talk.”

“What about?”

Arc shrugs. “Anything really. Or nothing if that’s what you prefer.”

“I... would like to say something, yes.”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s about Twilight and Auriel’s idea of artificial insemination.”

“What about it?”

“Does it... bother you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Not really. Should it?”

“Kinda should. I mean... I’m talking about having other male’s sperm inside of me.”

“Biology 101. It’s required for you to have eggs.”

“So you’re okay with that?”

“Yes, Ember.”

“Seriously?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... do you want me to be upset, or something?”

“Kinda. I mean... shouldn’t you be jealous, or something?”

“I don’t think so. After all, should you join the herd you and I will have our own intimate times.”

“So you’re okay with sharing me?”

“Let me put it to you this way, Ember. Any egg producing insemination will take place hundreds of years from now, right?”

“Yes.”

“By whomever is the Royal Physician at that time, right?”

“Correct.”

“So the rest of us will be long dead by that point.”

“I... guess so, yes.”

“It wouldn’t really be fair of me to try and convince you not to have other relationships after my demise. So if you met a dragon that you liked, I’d be totally okay with him taking you as a mate and having eggs with you.”

“Thank you, Arc. But I don’t see myself doing that. Hence the artificial insemination idea. But there’s more to it.”

“Oh?”

“I... um... please just keep this between us, but... ah...”

She fumbles to find the right words as Arc smiles.

“Don’t worry, Ember. I won’t be upset by whatever it is you want to tell me.”

“Okay. Here goes then.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Remember how I said that the doctor would take samples from male dragons?”

Arc nods. ‘Yes. What about it?”

“I had a thought about dragon culture and traditions. Any male whom has relations with or impregnates the Dragon Lord would automatically have their status raised. I’d be nothing more than a stepping stone to their rise in prestige.”

“So you’re going to do what exactly?”

“The original plan was to get a handful of male dragons to donate sperm and randomly inject me. However, I don’t want that male to be able to say that he’s better because he knocked up the Dragon Lord.”

“And how would you stop that?”

“Please don’t tell anyone, but... I’m planning to gather literally every male dragon in the Dragon Lands, have samples taken by all of them, and have a bit of a random amount of samples put into the applicator that will be used on me. The rest will be frozen while we wait to see if the process works.”

“And if it doesn’t you’ll try again with more of the mixed samples?”

“Right. That way no one will know for sure whom the father is and will try to take credit for it.”

“Sounds like a very diplomatic thing to do.”

Ember looks away nervously. “Just trying to think ahead. The only problem is that I feel as if that would make me kinda... slutty.”

“Having that many male dragon’s sperm in you?”

“Is that wrong?”

“Not inherently, no.”

“Good.”

“However I’m a bit concerned with the rationale behind it.”

“Oh?”

“The nation won’t know whom the father is. And neither will you.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Your children will at some point want to know. What do you tell them?”

Ember shrugs. “I’ll explain the whole story about an all too short love story between you and I. And how it wasn’t possible for you to impregnate me.”

“And how they don’t have a father.”

“What’s that have to do with it?”

Arc frowns. “Listen, Ember. I grew up for much of my life without a dad. There were many times when things were hard and I wished so very hard that he was there to talk to. And your children will feel the same.”

“So what should I do?! Pick a random dragon male and lift my tail?! I’d just be pretending it was you the whole time anyways!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ember. But I think it would be best if you could find a mate whom you at the very least liked.”

“Why?”

“So you could raise your children together.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Trust me, there isn’t a single male dragon I’d want to have inside me. Let alone spend years raising whelplings with.”

“Now, you mean.”

“Huh?”

“Who’s to say such a dragon just hasn’t been born yet.”

“A younger dragon?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Kinda. It’s tradition that a female mates with an older male dragon.”

“Is that a law?”

Ember shakes her head. “No, but...”

Arc interrupts her. “Then you could do it.”

“I suppose I could, yes. However our customs have always been to...”

“Is that what you want to do?”

Ember groans. “Not really, no.”

“Then your only choice is to be with someone younger.”

“I... guess that’s true.”

“It’s your decision to make, Ember. And I won’t be upset with whatever you choose to do in this regard. Heck it wouldn’t even matter if I was, as I’ll be long dead. Just know that all I want is for you to be with someone you honestly care for and whom cares for you.”

“Thank you, Arc. I’d... like that too.”

Sometime later the music ends. Arc looks down at Ember and smiles.

“How was that?”

“Very enjoyable!”

“Glad you liked it.”

“To be honest with you, I thought that dancing was kinda... lame before tonight.”

“And now?”

“Now I want to do it more often. With you, that is.”

Arc grins. “Glad we agree. Now then, I’m guessing you’re getting a bit tired.”

“That I am.”

She grins as she bats her eyelashes seductively.

“Unless that’s somehow your doing.”

Arc smiles. “Oh, yes. Yes, you caught me. I’ve convinced you that your getting sleepy.”

Ember fakes a yawn. “What do you suggest for such a thing?”

“How about a good night’s sleep?”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

“Should I take you to the hotel now?”

Ember licks her lips. “Thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter 8 - Doing Their Best (Part 6)

Turning off the water, they step out and towel off. Taking Ember’s hand, Arc leads her out of the bathroom and into the master bedroom. A truly massive bed stretches out before them as the blaze from the fireplace has raised the temperature of the room to the point that clothing is unnecessary. Walking over to the bed, Arc and Ember lie down on top of the covers. Leaning against Arc, Ember sighs contentedly.

“This is nice.”

Arc nods. “That it is. But I do have one question.”

“What is it?”

“Are you warm enough?”

“For once, yes.”

“Good.”

“Hey, um...”

“Something wrong, Ember?”

“I’ve... been doing some thinking.”

“About what?”

“Our future.”

“Oh?”

“Well... it’s more like the future of me and the Dragon Lands.”

“Is this about our conversation about your role as the Dragon Lord?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. I’ve had it on my mind for some time now.”

“Have you come up with something?”

“Maybe. Hear me out on this one, will you?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Remember how I had the idea to be impregnated by a random sampling of dragon sperm?”

“Yes. What about it?”

“Well... I’ve been thinking that you’re right about it being a bad idea. My offspring will want to know whom their father is. That and I think it’ll be really hard raising them alone.”

“What brought this on?”

“Remember how I told you about the time I first hunted something?”

“How you didn’t know the amount of force needed to kill them?”

“Right. If I just get pregnant and have eggs without a mate, I’ll be raising them alone while trying to complete my duties as the Dragon Lord. Just like my dad did when I was young.”

“And that didn’t go so well, huh?”

“Nope. So I have to agree with you on the idea that I need an actual mate to raise them with.”

“I’m sure they’ll appreciate that too, Ember.”

Ember looks away. “They deserve more than a single parent whom just put every male dragon’s sperm into her tailhole because she had to.”

“If you’d like I’ll do my best to help you find a proper dragon male.”

“Thanks. In fact, I wanted your opinion on that very topic.”

“Oh?”

“Now hear me out on this before coming to a conclusion.”

“Okay.”

“I need a mate whom I can care about, or at the very least tolerate.”

Arc frowns. “How about ‘love’?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, Arc. I’m starting with qualities that are vital to my plan.”

“Very well. Continue.”

“He needs to be someone whom isn’t just going to use our whelplings be gain prestige or do the same with our mating rituals.”

“Bragging about having sex with the Dragon Lord?”

Ember nods. “Right. I was thinking about...”

She takes a deep breath before speaking again.

“...Spike.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Twilight’s... um... friend?”

“He’s really nice. And I don’t see myself having to worry about him doing anything to me that I don’t want. That and he wouldn’t have to do anything other than breed me to get things started.”

“Can I assume you haven’t said anything to him about this?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah. I’ve considered it for a while now. But like I said before, females are supposed to be bred by an older male.”

“But Spike is younger than you.”

“Quite a deviation from the dragon norm.”

“Would that be a problem?”

“Normally, yes. However, since I’m the Dragon Lord, I can pretty much do anything I want in that regard.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

Ember smiles nervously. “I just... wanted to know how you felt about Spike... breeding me?”

Just for the record, you do mean in a couple hundred years, right?

Ember nods. “Right. It won’t be in your lifetime.”

“Then I can’t really tell you ‘no’.”

“But I still want your blessing, Arc!”

“Oh?”

“I need to know that what I’m doing is okay with you!”

Arc smiles at her. “It is. Assuming Spike is onboard, of course.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll have a talk about it with him.”

“When?”

“Probably when I get back to the castle tomorrow. Why?”

“Um... isn’t he supposed to be a baby dragon?”

“Not really. He’s just small because he only eats pony food.”

“So... you’re saying he’s technically still a baby then?”

“Physically, yes. Mentally, no.”

“How about sexually?”

“What are you getting at, Arc?”

“It just seems kinda... inappropriate for you to be talking to him about mating.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “It would just be talk, Arc. Obviously I’m not going to do the stuff you and I do together yet.”

Arc facepalms. “Look, just... talk to Twilight about it first. I believe she’s his legal guardian still.”

“Fine. If it’ll make you feel better then I will.”

“And please listen to what she has to say. With an open mind, I mean.”

“Sure. I’ll do whatever she recommends. After all, she knows Spike best.”

“Thank you, Ember. That’s all I can ask.”

“Um... so just to be clear about this... you ARE okay with Spike potentially making eggs with me one day?”

“After I’m dead and gone, yes.”

Ember sighs. “Believe me, Arc. If there was any way at all, ANY way to do this with you I’d be all over it.”

She grins slyly before continuing.

“Just like I want you all over me.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Should’ve seen that coming.”

Yawning, Ember looks to him sleepily.

“But we should probably get some sleep now. After all, I’m sure you have things to do tomorrow.”

“We both do, I suppose.”

Ember smiles and takes his hand. “Well... I think we can call this date a rousing success.”

Arc grins. “It isn’t over yet though.”

“I suppose not.”

Moving her arm, Ember exposes her bare chest before speaking again.

“That is... if you’d like to go all the way with me, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “I’d prefer something else right now.”

Ember puts a hand on her hip seductively. “Do whatever you want then.”

“Alright.”

Laying back, Arc fluffs his pillow and closes his eyes.

“Good night, Ember.”

Raising her eyebrows, Ember frowns.

“Um... what?”

“You’ll see. Now get some sleep.”

Huffily, Ember lays back and closes her eyes. A short time later they fall asleep together to the sound of the fireplace crackling. The feeling of a warm breeze washes over her face. Opening her eyes Ember hears the sound of running water. She stands and sees that she’s wearing her dress again. A voice behind her rings out.

“Good evening, sleepyhead.”

Turning around, she spots Arc a dozen paces behind her. Walking over to her, he smiles and extends a hand.

“Where...?”

Arc chuckles. “Inside my Sanctuary.”

“But it looks so different from before.”

Arc makes a sweeping motion with his hand. “True. But you have to remember that I can alter it at will. And at the moment this is what I wanted it to be.”

“A bridge?”

Arc nods. “And you in that dress again.”

Ember blushes and looks away. “Come on now.”

“No, I mean it. You look great.”

“While I disagree, I thank you for saying so.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You don’t think you look good?”

Ember sighs. “Not like the others.”

“Such as...?”

“Literally everyone in the herd.”

“You’re just different, Ember. Nothing wrong with that though.”

“Oh really?”

“Really.”

“Fine then. Turn me back into a dragon and I’ll show you exactly what I mean.”

Arc snaps his fingers. Ember returns to her dragon form as the dress changes to accommodate her body. She touches her face before continuing.

“They have soft fur on their faces. I have hard scales.”

Holding up a claw, Ember frowns.

“They have shiny hooves. I have sharp digits.”

Grabbing her dress, Ember rips it off her body. Turning around she bends over and lifts her tail.

“And they have soft, fleshy genitals. I have... THIS!”

Arc sighs. “Ember...”

Ember stands up, walks over to the guardrail, and leans against it heavily. “I just don’t get why you’re into me, Arc.”

“Because I care about you.”

“That’s what I don’t understand though. What’s there to like? I mean... I’m NOTHING like the others in this form.”

Walking behind her, Arc puts his hands on her shoulders and smiles.

“It’s not what’s on the outside that matters, Ember.”

“But what’s on the inside?”

Arc nods. “Took the words right out of my mouth.”

Ember scoffs. “Yeah, well... my insides don’t really change THAT much when I’m in human form. So I should probably just get used to being that.”

“This conversation’s starting to sound really familiar.”

“I know I can’t really stay a human, what with being the Dragon Lord. But I’d really like to be able to lift my tail...”

Ember thinks for a moment before continuing.

“... um... I mean raise my... flank?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I know what you meant, Ember.”

“Okay, what AM I supposed to call that?! Humans have to have some kind of saying for putting themselves out there sexually!”

“It’s called ‘spreading your legs’.”

“Fine then. I’d really like to be able to spread my legs for you properly.”

She points a claw under her tail before continuing.

“As it stands, I’d be kinda scared you’d hurt yourself sticking it in me. I mean... scales can be kinda sharp if you’re going against them.”

“Well... there’s always another option.”

“What’s that?”

“This.”

Snapping his fingers, Arc transforms into a dragon. Ember gasps as he does so.

“Arc! You...!”

Arc grins. “How’s this?”

“Sexy!”

“This would be safe, right?”

“That it would be!”

She grabs onto the railing and lifts her tail as she looks over her shoulder.

“Just be gentle. Remember, it’s my first time.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not right now, Ember.”

Ember chuckles as she turns around to lean against the guardrail again. “I know. Can’t blame me for trying though.”

“Guess not.”

“You do look really nice like that though.”

Arc shrugs. “Just what I looked like that one time back on Earth.”

“I remember that. You were sick so Sereb turned you into a dragon so you’d get better.”

“It was certainly an... interesting experience.”

“Did you like it?”

Arc sighs. “To be completely Honest... not really.”

“Oh?”

“It’s nothing against dragons though. I just prefer my own body.”

Ember grins. “Well, I for one really like being a human.”

“More than your dragon form?”

“Honestly, it’s really a tossup which I like more. Both have advantages and disadvantages, naturally. But one thing I’d like to know is what you think, Arc.”

“But I just told you that I prefer my human form.”

Ember shakes her head. “Not you. Me.”

“You?”

“Which of my two forms do you like best?”

“Dragon.”

“Really?”

Arc nods. “Really.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s who you really are.”

“On the outside, yes. But like you said earlier, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.”

“That’s true, yes. However you asked the question and that’s my answer.”

“I’m really just trying to do what makes you happy here, Arc.”

“And I appreciate that. It’s the whole reason for our date.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

“Well, kinda. Remember, we’re supposed to be learning about one another here.”

“Through talking.”

“Yup.”

“I know that, Arc. But... it just doesn’t seem to be working.”

Arc sighs. “I know what you mean.”

“The others whom went out with you say that their dates were totally eye-opening experiences.”

“For both of us, yes.”

Ember bows her head. “I’m just not feeling that with you. However I think it might actually be my fault.”

“Yours?”

“I’m not exactly... feminine, you know.”

“That’s never bothered me before.”

“Well, it kinda bugs me.”

“Does it now?”

Ember groans. “Yeah. I want to be someone you can be proud of, Arc. Someone you can point to and say ‘she’s special to me’, or something.”

“I already can.”

“But I’m not like the others in terms of knowing what to do or what to say socially! Like Rarity, Twilight, or even Auriel!”

“You’re not the only one whom has trouble communicating, Ember.”

“Oh really?”

Really. Think about it. You, Hammer, and Rainbow Dash are very similar to one another. All of you are very sweet and kind, naturally. However at the same time all three of you have trouble expressing your feelings.”

“What can I do about that though?”

“I don’t really know, Ember. But know that I’ll always be ready and willing to hear you out when you have something to say.”

“On what though?”

“Your opinions on whatever topic comes up mostly. I do want you to be honest with me as you always have been. And when you think I’m making a mistake to be able to call me on it.”

“But that’s just the right thing to do, Arc.”

“Exactly.”

“You mean...?”

“Just be yourself and I’ll be happy.”

Ember sighs. “This conversation has been all over the place.”

Arc chuckles as he turns back into his human form. “I suppose so.”

“But we’re supposed to be bonding, or something.”

“I think we kinda did.”

“How so?”

“Well... you told me some things that’ve been on your mind. That’s a step in the right direction.”

“But it’s not bonding!”

‘Yes, it is.”

“Huh?!”

“Part of being in a relationship is being able to tell the other person everything and anything, Ember. You were able to tell me about your insecurities as the future Dragon Lord, after all.”

“I needed to tell SOMEONE!”

Arc smiles at her. “Right. And you chose me.”

“Along with Auriel and Twilight, you mean.”

“Exactly. They’re looking to be part of the herd too if you recall.”

“But I’m not marrying them!”

“Kinda are.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Being part of the herd will connect all of us. Tell me, Ember... how do you feel about Twilight and Auriel?”

“Um... they’re my friends.”

“Anything else?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I’m not in love with them if that’s what you mean.”

“But you do care about them.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. Why?”

“So you could say that you care, but not romantically.”

“What are you getting at, Arc.”

“That we can all love one another.”

“I just told you that I’m not...!”

Arc interrupts her. “You can care about someone without being in love with them, Ember.”

“I... suppose that’s true, yes.”

“And that’s why you felt safe confiding your future egg problems with Twilight and Auriel.”

“Because I care about them?”

“Exactly.”

“It’s a... rather strange feeling. Having those in my life whom I trust enough to talk to about something so personal.”

Ember turns to Arc before continuing.

“Before I met you, I... I never dreamed I’d be so close to anyone. Much less several individuals.”

“We’ve all grown since then, Ember.”

Ember grins. “It makes me both frightened and excited to see where this path leads.”

“You mean with the herd?”

“I was referring to my life and relationships in general. But I don’t really know what to do about the herd.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Don’t know?”

“Can I really join? Is it fair for me to call myself your wife if I can’t dedicate my life to you and the others?”

“You’re talking about the duties of a Dragon Lord again, aren’t you?”

“It’s going to be a full time job eventually, Arc. I could be called back home at any time and for any length of time.”

“After your father dies, right?”

“Sooner most likely. I need to be properly trained so I can lead the nation. That’s going to take quite a bit of time.”

“And you can’t do both?”

Ember shakes her head. “I don’t see how. Even if I teleported from the Dragon Lands to Equestria when I could, I would still be splitting my energy between two full time jobs.”

Arc grimaces. “Believe me, I know what that feels like.”

“As the Lord Regent of Equestria?”

“Yeah.”

“If I recall, you didn’t even want to consider relationships back then for just such a reason.”

Arc nods. “And I stand by that decision. Like you said, it’s not fair to split time between too many individuals.”

“I know that. However at the moment I’m torn between my love for you and my duty to my country.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “And the day will come when you’ll have to choose.”

“But I don’t know what to DO?!”

“Something like this is a really personal choice, Ember. But I want you to know that I’ll support you in whichever choice you decide to make.”

“Thanks, Arc. That means a lot to me. But does that mean you’d be okay with me leaving Equestria?”

“If that’s what you choose, then yes.”

“What about our relationship though?”

“I’ll still care about you no matter what happens, Ember. Even if you choose not to join the herd.”

“But what would that make us then?! Just acquaintances?!”

“Friends at the very least.”

“You know how I feel about you though, Arc.”

“And I feel very strongly about you too, Ember.”

“Then tell me this! How can you just let me go like that?!”

“Because it’s more than just you or I. We’re talking about the future of an entire country.”

He puts a hand on her cheek and smiles.

“And no matter what happens I’ll always cherish the time you and I spent together.”

Ember smiles. “So will I, Arc.”

“That and you’ll always have a place here in Equestria.”

“I don’t want a place here, Arc!”

“Huh?”

“I want to be by your side!”

Arc sighs. “And I want that too. But we’re just talking in circles now.”

“With no solutions in sight.”

“Have you talked to your father about this?”

Ember shakes her head. “Not yet. He’s... not exactly the most easy individual to talk to. Especially regarding delicate matters of the heart.”

“That may be. But he’s been around a very long time, Ember. And he does care about you deeply.”

“I’ll... think about what to say to him then.”

“Good. That just leaves one thing left to say.”

“What’s that, Arc?”

“First things first.”

Snapping his fingers, the tatters of the dress reappear on Ember’s body. In a flash they are repaired to like new condition. Stepping toward her, Arc puts a hand on her shoulders and smiles as he speaks.

“That no matter what happens... I’ll always love you, Ember.”

Grinning widely, Ember throws her arms around him and gives Arc a hug. Returning it, Arc smiles wordlessly as the pair enjoy their moment.

Chapter 9 - Magical Infirmities

The next morning Arc and Ember awaken in their shared bed. Ember turns to him and smiles as she traces his face with a finger.

“Good morning, Arc.”

Arc smiles sleepily. “And a good morning it is.”

Ember rolls over to allow the covers to fall away from her naked body. “Shall we continue where we left off?”

“Very funny, Ember.”

“Yeah, I know. You probably have things to do today.”

Arc shrugs as he sits up. “Kinda. I was planning to check on Hammer and Mio first thing.”

“Why? What’s up with them?”

“Nothing hopefully. I just wanted to see how she’s doing.”

“Still sick?”

“It’s more along the lines of post illness fatigue.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Is that really a thing?”

Arc shrugs. “I had it years ago after a bout with pneumonia. Took a week or two for me to feel like myself again.”

Ember sighs as she grabs her clothes. “Well, I guess you’d better get over there then, Arc.”

“Yeah. But, um...”

“What is it?”

“I did want to say something first.”

“Oh?”

“Thanks for last night.”

Ember grins. “I had a really good time too. Even if it wasn’t a life changing experience like the others said it would be.”

Arc shrugs. “I guess we’ll have to try again another time.”

Ember licks her lips as she looks over her bare shoulder. “Maybe then you’ll be up for a bit more action.”

“One never really knows.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Sorry. It’s just... you’ve always just kinda brushed off my advances in the past.”

“Mostly because I don’t really know what to say about them. But if I’m being totally Honest, I really do think you’re beautiful, Ember.”

“And I think you look drop dead sexy, Arc. Now get outta here before I try to jump you, or something.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes ma’am.”

Opening a portal, Arc steps through to his own room in the castle. After using the bathroom and brushing his teeth he leaves the room and heads down the corridor. Arriving at Hammer’s room he knocks lightly. A few moments later Mio answers the door. She frowns as she sees whom it is.

“Oh... it’s you.”

“Hey. I... just stopped by to see how you were doing.”

Mio narrows her eyes. “Alright, I suppose. But I think we both know the real reason for your visit.”

“Huh?”

“You came to see Hammer, didn’t you?”

“That too, yes.”

“Well, she’s in the shower.”

“Ah! Then I guess I’ll just...”

Mio interrupts him. “You are NOT going in there!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I was actually going to say that I’d come back later.”

Mio scoffs. “Right.”

“It’s the truth.”

“Look... I can’t stop the fact that Hammer’s completely gaga over you. Believe me, I would if I could.”

“I’m sure you would. But why would you want to do that?”

“To protect my sister, obviously!”

“From what exactly?”

“Making the serious mistake of entering into a polyamorous relationship with YOU of all people!”

Arc sighs. “Fair enough.”

Mio appears surprised. “...what?”

“I’m just saying that it’s a totally viable reaction.”

Mio nods soberly as she steps aside. “Won’t you come in?”

Arc does so as Mio closes the door behind him. The sound of the fireplace nearby and water running in the bathroom are the only sounds to be heard. Mio reaches out toward the steam-laced door and, with some effort, pulls it shut with a Telekinesis Spell before turning to Arc.

“Tell me something. How can you agree with me AND still want to marry so many females?”

Arc shrugs. “I didn’t say I agreed. Just that your statement was fair.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!”

“It’s only natural to want to protect a loved one from making what you see as a grandiose mistake.”

“Which it is!”

“I agree that it isn’t the best idea. However they and I have thought about this for a long time now.”

“Not long enough!”

“And we’re proceeding very, VERY slowly.”

Mio groans. “Look... I’d be upset if you were going to marry Hammer alone. But adding half a dozen other females to the mix isn’t something that sits well with me!”

“Nine.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Nine others. Hammer is the tenth.”

“You say that so casually!”

“Just want you to know the truth.”

Mio folds her arms over her chest and frowns. “Then please... do enlighten me. What’s your goal here?”

“Goal?”

“I can see why you’d want to wed the princess of this land as well as the demon girl whose name escapes me.”

“Auriel.”

“Right. That in addition to your partner, Dragon, whom I’m told is the heir to a kingdom across the sea.”

“The Dragon Lands, yes.”

“It would put you in control of three separate countries after the wedding. Or weddings, if that’s your plan.”

“We hadn’t actually gotten that far yet in planning.”

“You could create an empire. One that you ruled over.”

“I suppose so, yes.”

“Then answer me this. How does Hammer fit into your little plan?”

Arc shrugs. “I just care about her, that’s all.”

“A connection to The Organization then perhaps? She’s privy to many of their secrets, after all.”

“So was Doctor Knowles.”

“Ah, yes. She’d become your mother-in-law.”

“If I really wanted to know something I could just ask her.”

“That is true. However her information is quite dated.”

“One might look at it this way, Mio. Her information is known only to her, Doctor Rieper, and General Mustang.”

“Which again leads me to ask why you’re involving Hammer in all of this.”

“As I said earlier, because I care about her.”

Mio puts a hand to her forehead and sighs. “There has to be more to it than that.”

“Trust me, there isn’t.”

“You’ve been able to fully convince Hammer that you care about her.”

“And you want to know how I did it.”

Mio nods. “That I would.”

“Then stick around and you’ll figure it out.”

“Hammer said roughly the same thing.”

“Then her and I agree on this matter.”

Hammer steps out of the bathroom wearing her uniform. She grins as Arc comes into view.

“I thought I heard something out here.”

Mio looks away nervously. “Arc and I were just... talking.”

Hammer appears unconvinced. “Uh huh. What about?”

Arc cuts in. “The herd mostly.”

Mio frowns. “I still think it’s not wise, Hammer.”

Hammer puts her hands on her hips. “Well, you can see whomever you want and I’ll do the same, Mio.”

“That I will, yes. But...”

“And if Arc gets out of hand you can blast him.”

Mio sighs. “I wish I could.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Your magic is still weak?

“That it is.”

Hammer shrugs. “Doctor Whooves said that her magiplast levels were lower than when she arrived.”

“I didn’t know that was even a thing.”

“That’s what I told him.”

Mio groans. “Apparently it can happen if a magic user doesn’t make use of their powers for an extended period of time.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Like any other skill it can be lost, huh?”

“More like ‘weakened’. But yes, the analogy is still correct.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “However, Mio says that she never stopped practicing.”

“I’ve always trained for at least two hours a day.”

Arc frowns. “So if anything you should be better at magic.”

“Exactly.”

“Did the doctor have any insight into the cause of the magiplast drop?”

Mio shakes her head. “Nothing as per equine biology, no.”

Hammer groans. “It makes no sense to me either. I mean, I don’t use my magic very often. And I’m gotten stronger since I got here.”

Arc turns to her. “You have?”

Hammer nods proudly. “Sure have!”

Mio gasps. “But how? Maybe I could do what you did to regain my magical strength.”

“I dunno. Kinda thought there was something in the water here, or something.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Something in the water, huh?”

“Uh... there isn’t though, right? I mean, that was a joke I was making.”

“Not to my knowledge, no. However I’ve also never raised the question.”

He walks over to the telephone as he continues.

“I’m going to ask Doctor Whooves right now.”

Picking up the receiver, Arc asks to be connected to the Infirmary. The doctor picks up momentarily.

“This is Doctor Whooves.”

“Doctor, this is Arc.”

“Yes sir. What can I do for you today?”

“Sorry to call so early, but I needed to know something right away. Is there anything in the water here in Equestria that has to do with magic and/or magical powers?”

“I don’t really understand the question, sir.”

“Meaning, could a magical being gain or lose magical power from something in the water?”

“No sir. Magical power is dictated solely by the potency of the subject’s magiplast blood count. Nothing in the water, air, or food could possibly change that.”

“And you’re one-hundred percent certain of that?”

“I am, sir.”

“Alright. Thank you for your time, doctor.”

Hanging up, he turns back to Hammer and Mio.

“Nothing here should be interfering with your magical powers, Mio.”

“But something clearly is!”

Hammer puts a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Easy there, Mio. It might just be due to your sickness. After all, pneumonia is nothing to scoff at.”

“Agreed. However she wasn’t sick THAT long.”

Mio nods. “Yes. That and I felt myself weakening even before I came to this land.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “We need to figure this thing out! If nothing changes Mio might lose her magic for good!”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions, Hammer. Tell me, both of you are Ascended, right?”

“That we are.”

“And it’s a somewhat long process?”

Hammer shudders. “It takes a lot of treatment over months to get magical powers, yeah.”

“And are there any kind of follow up treatments after that?”

Mio shakes her head. “None whatsoever. To strengthen one’s magic you must simply practice and study.”

Hammer groans. “Right. One doesn’t lose their power’s potency though. At least not like Mio is.”

“True. However what Arc said does make sense.”

“Oh?”

“If there were some kind of follow up treatments, even those we weren’t aware of, then Hammer would be losing her powers too.”

“And I’m not. If anything they’re more powerful than before I joined up with you, Arc.”

Mio puts a hand to her forehead. “It’s just so confusing.”

“Well... the Ascension program was still pretty young when we went through it, Mio. Maybe there was some kind of flaw in your treatments?”

“That’s possible, yes.”

Arc snaps a finger. “If that’s the case perhaps it could be reversed in some way.”

Hammer grins. “Auriel’s mom might be able to help.”

Mio appears skeptical. “Doctor Knowles?”

Arc shrugs. “It might be worth asking about at least.”

Mio sighs. “I doubt she could help me though. After all, she’s been out of the loop for quite a few years now.”

Hammer sighs. “Maybe. But she and Rieper were the ones whom started the program in the first place.”

“So it’s her or Rieper. And I don’t think he’d be too happy to help you, Mio.”

“I’ll... think about it.”

Hammer frowns. “What’s there to think about?! You need help and she knows the program!”

“I don’t really feel comfortable putting myself in the care of someone from The Organization right now. Not after all that’s happened.”

“Mio does raise a good point, Hammer.”

“But YOU’RE trusting her, Arc!”

“Only because I don’t have a choice. She’s the only one whom could possible help Shelly at this point.”

He turns to Mio before continuing.

“We’ll stand behind whatever choice you make here. After all, it’s completely up to you where you go from here.”

“Th-thank you. I just need some time to...”

Arc’s earring chirps. Frowning, he touches it.

“Arc here.”

“Hey! This is Auriel!”

“Something up?”

“My mother says she’s come up with something and wants to talk it over with your right away!”

“Alright. Tell her I’ll be there in five minutes.”

“See you soon!”

Nodding, Arc severs the connection as he turns to look at the pair before him.

“Looks like I’m about to get busy.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah. Let me know if you need a hand with that.”

Arc heads for the door. “I will. Take care you two.”

As he leaves, Mio turns to Hammer.

“I just don’t get him.”

“What’s not to get, Mio?!”

“Well... he’s blackmailed and used me in the past. However right now it looks like Arc’s doing his absolute best to help someone.”

“His friend back on Earth. They’re not doing well.”

“A comrade in arms?”

Hammer shakes her head. “An old friend from his childhood.”

“What’s his name?”

“Shelly.”

Mio facepalms. “Another love interest?”

“Nah. But he’s known her since he was orphaned.”

“Arc’s an... orphan?”

“Yup. He and a couple others really bonded as kids. They’re still the very best of friends even now.”

Mio sighs. “Are they now?”

“Something wrong with that?”

“I’m just... worried.”

Hammer groans. “About what?!”

“Another potential future wife.”

“And what’s the harm in that?!”

“He’s already at ten, Hammer!”

“So what’s one more?!”

“Is that an option?”

Hammer sighs. “I already asked the others about that. Derpy and Rarity have both met her. They told me that he treats her and the other gal she lives with like little sisters. No romance there.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

Meanwhile, Arc runs down the corridor. Reaching Auriel’s room he finds the door open. Rushing inside he spies Auriel and Maria sitting at the table surrounded by papers.

“Auriel said you found something!”

Maria nods. “That I did.”

Auriel motions to an empty chair as she speaks. “Why don’t you sit down so we can talk about it, Arc?”

Doing as suggested, Arc sits. Maria pulls out a folder and opens it as she speaks.

“As you know, your friend is going downhill due to her organs shutting down.”

Auriel nods. “Over years, of course.”

“It’s leading to them failing entirely, yes?”

Maria sighs. “I’m afraid so, yes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “That was already known though.”

“Indeed. But I’ve figured out why.”

Arc gasps. “Tell me!”

“The problem is actually on the cellular level.”

“Which cells?”

Auriel bows her head. “All of them.”

“Yes. Tell me, how well did you do in high school biology class, Arc?”

“Okay, I guess. Why?”

“I just needed to know how much detail to explain.”

“Keep it simple then and I’ll ask if I don’t understand something.”

“Very well.”

Maria turns to Auriel before continuing.

“Would you bring me a bag of bits?”

Auriel nods and stands. “Yes, mother.”

Walking over to a cupboard, Auriel removes a bag. Returning to her mother she hands it to her and sits back down. Maria opens it and pulls out a two bits which she lays on top of one another before speaking again.

“Pretend that these coins represent a skin cell. They divide to form two daughter cells that are identical to one another.”

Picking up the top coin, she sets it next to the first.

“These new cells are young and require time to mature into fully functioning cells so they can do their jobs. Then when the time is right they divide into four identical cells again.”

Pulling out two more bits, Maria sets them next to the first.

“In this way, they skin is able to maintain a barrier to protect the body from bacteria and viruses that they come into contact with. Cells are created, mature, carry out their duties, and either die or split via a process called mitosis. After that the process begins again and continues endlessly as long as the subject is alive.”

“Makes sense so far.”

Auriel nods. “Let’s continue then, mother.”

“Agreed. However, when cells have some kind of defect in their DNA the splitting can make for an inferior cell.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Like a cancerous one?”

“Not quite. Such things happen fairly often in the body and there are functions which deal with those cells. However...”

Maria piles a number of coins on top of the original grouping.

“...should the body not remove the bad cells they will continue to divide and pass on their damaged DNA.”

Auriel continues where her mother left off. “Which in turn causes tumors.”

“Yes, Auriel. Normally that is the case. However from the records Arc obtained from the hospital I’ve found that this case is significantly more complicated.”

“Complicated?”

Maria nods. “Yes, indeed. You see, normally cancerous cells are large and misshapen. This is due to their DNA being out of order.”

She motions to the coins again.

“However, your friend’s damaged cells all appear to be relatively dispersed and normally shaped.”

“So they’re not clumping together to form tumors?”

Maria shakes her head. “No, they’re not. That would have been easy for the medical staff attending her to spot from a standard testing session.”

“But if they’re not clumping, what ARE those cells doing?”

“Dispersing.”

Auriel gasps. “Where though?”

“All over her body. And far enough apart from one another that they would just be seen as a natural occurrence.”

“So ultimately we need to find a way to kill these cells while not harming the good ones, right?”

Maria shakes her head. “Sadly it’s not that simple, Arc. The cause of this is the DNA in those cells being passed on through the cellular generations. It’s not so much a matter of killing the bad cells at this point, as that would certainly result in Shelly’s death. We need to find a way to repair the cells that exist to give Shelly any chance at all of surviving.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How many cells would need to be... addressed?”

“It’s impossible to say. However the number would almost certainly be in the tens of billions.”

Auriel sighs. “And there’s no known way to do that anyways.”

Arc looks to Maria. “I hope you have an idea on what to do.”

“Actually, I do.”

“Good. Let’s hear it.”

“We need a procedure that can simultaneously address this issue. A device of sorts.”

Auriel gasps. “But such a thing would take years to design and build, mother!”

“It actually already exists, my dear.”

“What?! Where?!”

“Wherever that creature left it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Brightwing?”

Maria shudders. “Yes.”

Auriel grins. “It’s probably still out in the woods then!”

Arc smirks. “Probably. I could head over there, shrink it down, and bring it back here in about ten minutes.”

Maria nods approvingly. “Good. With it I can create a magical cure that could, potentially, do for her what it did for me. Altering every cell of my body at the same time.”

Arc stands. “Get to work on that potion, or whatever. I’ll head back to Earth and get Mio’s device.”

Auriel calls out after him. “Let me know if you need help transporting it. I’ll have my comm link on me.”

“Alright. Here goes...”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc channels his magic into it and opens a wormhole. Stepping through he finds himself in the woods again. Making his way to the clearing Arc pushes aside several branches. Spotting Mio’s tent, he hurries forward and looks around. Seeing the massive indentation in the snow, Arc touches his earring and speaks.

“Arc to Auriel.”

“I’m here, Arc. Do you need assistance?”

“Kinda. It’s about the machine.”

“What about it?”

Arc looks around. “There’s... nothing here.”

Auriel gasps. “Are you saying...?!”

Arc nods as he clenches a fist. “Yes. Mio’s machine... is gone.”

Chapter 10 - Damocles Dilemma

Sometime later, Arc and his squad along with Hammer and Mio sit around the table in the castle’s Conference Room. Arc looks around as he finishes talking.

“And that’s where we stand.”

Max grits his teeth. “The Organization HAS to be behind this, sir!”

Hammer nods angrily. “Darn right!”

Mio sighs. “My campsite was far enough from the road that it really shouldn’t have been visible to anyone whom didn’t know it was there.”

Viktor clears his throat. “Let’s assume it was The Organization. How would they have found out?”

Hugh looks to Mio. “And what would they want with it?”

“It was supposed to be able to open a portal here. Well, to this land anyways. It’s possible that they want to come here to plunder this country’s magical resources.”

Xenos groans. “Yeah! After all, since we took the princess back they don’t have a magical source.”

Arc shakes his head. “Technically, they do.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “Colonel Diva?”

“You got it. But luckily for us that machine didn’t work. At least as intended.”

Mio smiles proudly. “I was pretty far along in it though.”

Hammer puts a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Yeah... about that, Mio. Our sages here scanned your device and found that you weren’t exactly in the ballpark.”

“Um... what?”

Arc pipes up. “She means that you weren’t on the right track.”

“How would they know though?”

“Magical scrying. That and the Lead Sage is the one whom designed and built the device that originally allowed me to return to Earth.”

Hugh nods. “He knew what he was doing too.”

Viktor puts a hand to his stomach. “Mostly anyways. After all, some of those early trips weren’t exactly smooth.”

Max appears hopeful. “So the device, as a wormhole generator at least, is useless?”

Arc nods. “According to Sunburst, yes.”

Hugh appears confused as he looks to his commanding officer. “Then why would the military want it?”

“Probably because of what Brightwing was able to do with it.”

Xenos frowns. “Yeah. But how would they know about it?”

Hammer grits his teeth. “They had to be watching!”

Mio shakes her head. “I’m sure I wasn’t followed though.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Believe me, when they want to find something they can move mountains.”

Max sighs. “Well, at this point it doesn’t really matter what they want with the machine or how they got it. We need to get it back.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “Where would they be keeping something like that?”

“Probably in Rieper’s lab so he could study and reverse engineer it.”

Mio bows her head. “Either that or in the vault. Hopefully the former, but the latter does make more sense.”

Viktor turns to Mio. “How so?”

“If they believe it to be or great enough importance it’ll be locked up tight. Which would definitely be the vault.”

Xenos shudders. “The lab we could easily break into. However that vault door was something else.”

Hugh sighs. “There’s probably no getting in there without the proper keycards.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Auriel’s mother said as much. Last time her card opened it though along with the general’s.”

Mio raises an eyebrow.. “It did?”

Hammer grins. “That was lucky.”

“Not so much. She disappeared decades ago, right?”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. Why?”

Mio sighs. “Standard procedure dictates that in the event of a person resigning, going A.W.O.L., being incapacitated, or dying that their credentials should immediately be suspended until further notice.”

Arc frowns. “I thought that was strange too. After all, why leave and active ‘key’ to a high security door active?”

Hammer grimaces. “It’s typically done via the report detailing how the person in question became incapacitated. The general would have had to okay something like leaving a card active though.”

Hugh nods. “You think he did?”

Hammer shrugs. “Not sure why he would. Like it was said a moment ago, such a thing is nothing but a security risk.”

Viktor appears hopeful. “Think it’s still active even now?”

Xenos sighs. “It’s a fifty-fifty shot.”

Mio frowns. “You’d still need a second key though.”

Hammer snaps her fingers. “We could swipe the general’s.”

Hugh nods as he turns to Arc. “It worked last time.”

“But that also tipped Mustang off that there was another active key. I’m guessing he would have checked the computer records and shut off Doctor Knowle’s badge after that.”

Xenos appears hopeful. “He may not have. After all, it stayed online for over twenty years, right.”

Arc shakes his head. “Too much to hope for. We need a more solid plan before going down there again.”

A voice rings out from the doorway.

“I might be able to help with that.”

Turning, they see Auriel and her mother entering the room. Arc raises an eyebrow as he speaks.

“You, Doctor Knowles?”

Maria nods. “After all, you DO need someone to get you inside Damocles Base.”

Auriel puts her hands on her hips. “I could help too. Remember, I do look just like Diva.”

Arc facepalms. “Not you too, Auriel.”

“It’s true though.”

Maria smiles at her daughter. “That’s very brave of you, dear.”

Max groans. “Yes, well... since we’ve used that method in the past, more than once I might add, it stands to reason that they’d be on the lookout for us.”

Hammer raises a hand. “I could...”

Arc cuts her off. “Especially you, Hammer.”

“Auriel could say I’d been recaptured!”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “That’s what we said last time!”

“Uh... re-recaptured then?”

“I’d still be willing to go as Diva though. After all, Stingray’s the only one whom noticed I wasn’t who she thought I was.”

Xenos shrugs. “We’d still need a plan though.”

Maria turns to Arc. “What about bringing me in as a prisoner?”

Arc shakes his head. “That was literally the plan last time.”

“Oh really? Did it work?”

Auriel smiles. “Like a dream, mother.”

Mio leans over to her sister. “I’d like to hear more about that plan.”

“Short version. I was caught by Auriel posing as Diva and brought back to Damocles Base under guard for intensive examination after my magical power levels become so high I could take on ‘Diva’.”

“Um... I get the feeling you’re leaving a lot out of that explanation, Hammer.”

“That I am.”

Maria puts a hand to her chin. “Let me guess. It was to allow you to get into Rieper’s lab as an experiment?”

Hammer frowns. “Right. How’d you know?”

“Auriel gave me the cliff notes.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well, either way that method is out.”

Viktor turns to him. “You have a better idea, sir?”

“No. But I’m not going to send all of us to early graves over this.”

Max gasps. “What about Shelly though, sir?!”

Xenos puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We all want to help her, Max.”

Hugh nods soberly. “Right. Going in all gung-ho isn’t the way though.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Might be.”

Viktor turns to him. “Sir?”

“Worst case scenario, I cloak and shrink down to avoid the sensors.”

Auriel gasps. “Alone?!”

Hammer scoffs. “How would you get down there anyways?!”

“By waiting. Eventually someone would open the door and lower the elevator.”

Mio frowns. “Suppose you do get inside. Then what?”

“Check Rieper’s lab first. I’d go into Crimson form before heading down if possible. That’d allow me to slip under the door as a mist.”

Maria smiles. “An interesting idea. However there is a good chance the device wouldn’t be there. What then?”

“I’d head for the vault with every explosive I have in my basement and blow that door apart.”

Auriel groans. “And the machine as well.”

Mio raises a hand. “It might be easier for me to just build another one. I could probably recreate the blueprints from memory in a few days.”

Hammer grins. “Great! Problem solved!”

Arc sighs. “Not exactly. Your machine was altered by Brightwing after she knocked you out.”

Max nods. “And that much wasn’t on the blueprint.”

Hugh points to Maria. “What about the good doctor there? After all, she was Brightwing.”

Viktor grins. “She and Mio might be able to put their heads together and build another device!”

Maria shakes her head. “Normally yes. However I was little more than a subconscious voice in the back of that little creature’s head.”

Arc groans. “So you don’t have any idea how Brightwing did... whatever it was that she did?”

“None at all. The most I could do was make generalized suggestions such as giving her the idea to study magic and chemistry.”

Hammer frowns. “So you couldn’t SEE anything?!”

“Correct.”

Mio appears hopeful. “Could you maybe... try to help me figure it out?”

“I would be willing to try, yes. However we’d still be starting pretty much from scratch as I also don’t know what the creature put into her potion exactly.”

Auriel holds out an arm. “Blood was a catalyst. Mine to be exact.”

Arc nods. “And a Crimson Pegasus filly.”

Maria takes notes. “Any other clues?”

“Sadly, no.”

“I’ll need quite a bit of time to figure out how to create a properly altered potion to power the device.”

Max frowns. “And that’s after we get it back.”

Hugh bows his head. “After its reverse engineered as well.”

Xenos grunts. “Yeah. More time there.”

Viktor sighs. “Time we don’t...”

Arc interrupts him. “Wait a second! Hugh! What did you just say?!”

“About reverse engineering the machine?”

“Yeah. Why would we need to do that though?”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “To be able to pass the information on to Doctor Knowles so she can make the potion.”

“Right. But I think we’re all forgetting one thing.”

Auriel appears confused. “What’s that, Arc?”

“That assuming The Organization took the machine shortly after Brightwing did her thing, they’ve already had time to do just that.”

Mio nods sadly. “It’s likely the process by which the machine was deployed, as described to me as less than inconspicuous, was noticed by the base, yes.”

Arc grins. “We might be able to use that to our advantage.”

Viktor frowns. “Sir, if I may be so bold, how would our enemies reverse engineering that device possibly be helpful to us?”

Hugh nods. “Right. All it would do is help them along their path.”

Xenos shrugs. “Yeah. Whatever that is.”

Arc smirks. “Don’t you guys get it? We don’t actually NEED to steal the device back from The Organization at this point. All we really have to do is get a copy of the blueprints they’ve likely already made by now.”

Maria smiles. “It would be easier than trying to smuggle out a very large, and very heavy, device out the front door, yes.”

Auriel grins. “If we play this right they won’t even know we have the plans. Assuming you just make copies”

Hugh raises a hand. “I’ll make sure the camera is ready, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “That may not be necessary.”

He turns to Maria before continuing.

“What’s standard procedure for a situation like this?”

“Assuming you mean what I’d do with a mystery device, according to regulations we’d very carefully take it apart piece by piece and make schematics from the notes. The process would also be video recorded for posterity along with audio as the technicians work to compile every last bit of knowledge regarding the device. This information would be used to compile a usable set of blueprints.”

Hammer grins. “We get our hands on that and we can build one ourselves!”

Mio looks to Maria. “That only leaves the potion to power it.”

“I’ll take care of that.”

She turns to Arc as she continues.

“Get me everything you can on that device and I’ll make the potion from what I learn.”

Arc nods. “We’ll do our best.”

Hammer turns to him. “One more thing though, Arc.”

“Yes, Hammer?”

“If at all possible, you should destroy the records too.”

Mio frowns. “That might be a bad idea.”

Hugh gasps. “What?! How?!”

“It would show that someone had broken in and accessed the files.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “So he should do what?! Leave them there for the general to use?!”

“Think about it, Hammer. Even if the records were destroyed, they could just make new ones, as they’d still have the machine.”

Viktor snaps his fingers. “However, if both the records AND the device were in the same place...”

Xenos grins. “Then it’d be advantageous for us to burn those records!”

Max shrugs. “Only if we were to also destroy the machine.”

Maria groans. “That would DEFINITELY let them know something was up though.”

Auriel looks to Hammer. “What about a timed explosive of some kind?”

Hammer grins. “BOOM TIME!”

Arc chuckles. “As much as I’d love to do that, it wouldn’t really help the situation.”

Maria interjects. “It also stands to reason that the plans would be backed up in multiple secure locations too. Let’s say that you delete the records and destroy the device and the blueprints. They could just build another from the backups.”

Mio nods. “A lot to lose and pretty much nothing to gain.”

Arc grins. “So I get in, find the data, make a copy, and leave. Seems simple enough.”

Max sighs. “We both know it won’t be though, sir.”

Viktor nods. “Right. Every time we go in the security tightens.”

Xenos grunts. “Yeah. Eventually they’re going to plug up every possible hole.”

Hammer pulls her gun. “Then we make a few more!”

Mio pushes her sister’s gun down slowly as she speaks. “Holes equal noise, Hammer.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Noise...”

Auriel giggles. “You have an idea, Arc?”

“Maybe noise as a distraction. Far away from where I am, of course.”

Hugh grins. “Give them something to respond to elsewhere while you work, sir.”

“Well... maybe ‘distraction’ wasn’t the best word for it. More along the lines of ‘Plan B’.”

Maria nods soberly. “In the event your cover is blown you should use such an act to get away. Not endanger yourself further by staying there, Arc.”

Hammer frowns. “And by ‘your’ cover I’m assuming the good doctor means everyone.”

Arc shakes his head. “I really should go in alone on this one.”

Auriel gasps. “WHAT?!”

“This is going to be the most dangerous thing we’ve ever done, Auriel. After all, the general has to know that I’m going to show up sooner or later.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “But how would he know that, sir?”

“Think about it. Why else would he take a non-functional machine?”

Mio glares at him. “Hey! It worked!”

Hammer shrugs. “Not as intended, but yeah, kinda.”

“It’s possible that he did so knowing that I’d come looking for it eventually.”

Maria folds her arms over her chest. “And I can’t imagine that Mustang would have left that campsite unsupervised.”

Hugh waves a hand dismissively. “But the commander wasn’t approached in any way.”

Mio sighs. “There were probably cameras, or at the very least sensors, placed around my campsite after the machine was taken.”

Viktor gasps. “So he HAS to know that WE know he has it!”

Arc nods soberly. “The perfect bait.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “All the more reason you shouldn’t go in there alone, Arc!”

“Well, I suppose I could take Rose with me...”

Auriel raises a hand. “And me!”

Arc groans. “Auriel...”

Hammer draws her gun. “Me too!”

Mio looks to Arc sheepishly. “I’d also like to help.”

“What is this?! An epidemic?!”

“After all, it’s my fault that all of this happened.”

Xenos looks to Mio skeptically. “But how do we know you can be trusted?!”

Viktor points an accusatory finger at her. “Right! For all we know you could be leading the commander right into a trap!”

Hugh nods. “Or worse!”

Max looks around the room. “Calm down, everyone. The commander wouldn’t have brought her into this meeting if it were going to cause problems.”

Arc smiles. “Right.”

Hammer grins. “That and I made him.”

“Also correct.”

Mio’s eyes grow wide. “What?!”

Maria clears her throat loudly. “In any case, there needs to be a proper plan drawn up on how this caper is going to be executed.”

Auriel shudders. “Can you please not use that word, mother?”

“A figure of speech, my dear.”

Arc looks to Auriel’s mother. “You know the base better than anyone here. How would you do it?”

“Your plan on getting inside is sound. Time consuming and requiring a large amount of luck however.”

Hammer scoffs. “You got something better in mind, doc?”

“Sadly, no. That’s why I’m not outright disagreeing with it.”

Max looks to Maria. “Alright. So the commander gets in. What next?”

“Head to Rieper’s lab, as was suggested earlier, and look for the proper files in his office.”

Hugh frowns. “How would he get in though?”

“From the look on Mio’s face, I would guess that she has an idea.”

Hammer looks to her sister. “Mio?”

“It’s not exactly common knowledge, but Doctor Rieper isn’t very good at coming up with strong passwords and codes.”

Maria smirks. “He still has that bad habit, eh?”

“Yes, ma’am. I once accidently witnessed him punching in his lab code as ‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5’.”

Xenos grins. “That’s perfect!”

Hugh chuckles. “If it’s THAT simple the commander might just be able to guess the code!”

Hammer holds up a hand for silence. “You’re all hedging on the fact that Arc can just stand there punching in codes. Standing still is dangerous. Even more so if he’s distracted with a task in the middle of the corridor.”

Mio turns to her sister. “The only other option would be to bypass the code with Doctor Rieper’s ID badge.”

Viktor appears hopeful. “Is that an option?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Not really. He’s REALLY possessive of that thing. Heck, I think he might be the only person I know of whom ALWAYS has it withing arm’s reach.”

Mio sighs. “Yes, it’s always on his coat or in his hand from what I’ve seen.”

Maria shrugs. “Or on the nightstand next to him.”

“Dare I ask how you know that, mother?”

“In the past I sometimes had to wake him up after a late night session in the lab. Every time I entered his quarters it was sitting right there. No matter how many hours he had been up or even if he had just walked in and literally fallen right on the bed, it was ALWAYS there.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “Maybe it’d be worth a shot at getting, sir.”

“That would require me breaking into his quarters first though.”

Max smirks. “Remember, we got in when he opened the door to leave for his lab.”

Hammer turns to Viktor. “How about picking it?”

“I can’t imagine a door THAT important would have a simple tumbler lock.”

Xenos groans. “Pickproof?”

“There’s no such thing as a truly pickproof lock. But my skills would probably not be up to that job.”

Hammer slides her hand across the table. “If you do get in at night you could use your mist form, Arc.”

“Yes. But that’s just another variable. Just like whether or not I could stay in my Crimson form before morning came.”

Auriel turns to him. “There is a way to help assure that happens though, Arc.”

“Oh?”

“The ‘Telepathy Ball’.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “The what?”

“It’s an ancient demon artifact. When Arc had it in his ring he was able to stay in his Crimson form even in direct sunlight.”

Maria frowns. “Crimson form?”

Arc sighs “Think of it like a vampire.”

“Interesting. Could I possibly observe you in such a state at some point?”

“If I survive this mission, yes.”

He turns back to Auriel before continuing.

“As useful at that would be, I’m thinking taking such an old and important relic into the belly of the beast isn’t exactly something your father would approve of.”

“I could probably convince him that the matter was important.”

Maria nods. “We both could.”

Hammer grins. “It’d really help, Arc.”

“Very well. But don’t push the king too hard on this. I don’t want a guy that big coming after me.”

Max attempts to keep the conversation moving. “Let’s assume you get that thing, get inside the base, AND are able to get into Rieper’s quarters to swipe his badge. What then?”

Mio frowns. “And what if you can’t get that relic?”

Arc chuckles as he looks around at all assembled. “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do...”

Chapter 11 - Hotplate Havoc

Arc and Ember stand on the beach overlooking Damocles Base. The light of the sinking full moon being the only thing illuminating the sand around them. Ember turns to him and frowns.

“Arc?”

“Yes, Ember?”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Agreed.”

“Then why are you...?!”

Arc cuts her off. “You already know why, Ember.”

“Shelly?”

Arc nods as Ember grits her teeth and nods as she turns to look across the water to the base.

“And that’s the only reason I’m not physically stopping you from going.”

Arc chuckles. “Are you sure you could at this point?”

Ember cracks her knuckles. “Care to find out?”

“Not really, no.”

“Then you’d better get going. Before I change my mind.”

Nodding, Arc looks up at the moon. Turning into his Crimson form he looks to Ember and puts a hand on her shoulder before speaking again.

“Hey.”

Ember groans. “What?!”

“This.”

Grabbing her, Arc pulls Ember in close for a passionate kiss. Wide eyed, Ember does little for the first few seconds. Eventually though she gets over her initial shock and leans into the embrace. Pulling back, Arc smiles as Ember looks into his glowing red eyes and speaks.

“What... was that for?”

“For caring.”

Without another word, Arc winks at her and changes into a mist. As he floats toward the base Ember raises a hand weakly as she whispers.

“Um... see ya later. I hope.”

Turning around, she walks toward the tree line. Meanwhile, Arc floats over the base’s outer wall. Drifting slowly along the ground so as not to draw attention to himself, Arc makes his way toward the large building before him. Spotting some crates outside of it, he makes his way behind them and rematerializes. Cloaking, he slowly steps out from behind them and looks around. A large number of turrets point out in all directions, including up. Sighing, he sits down on an ammo crate and leans back.

“Now... the wait.”

Arc watches as the moon sets and the sun begins to rise. As its light snakes across the ground Arc smirks as he pats his magic ring.

“A vampire whom is immune to the effects of sunlight. Still can’t believe Auriel was able to convince her father to let me use the Telepathy Ball for something like this. Let alone take it away from their homeland.”

Meanwhile, Mustang and Diva sit in his office looking over the security monitors. A knock rings out as the general calls out.

“Come!”

Opening, a middle aged man enters and steps over to the general. Saluting respectfully, he speaks.

“Reporting as ordered, sir.”

“Good morning, Colonel Langrisser.”

Diva frowns. “Hello, overhead.”

Langrisser scoffs. “I could say the same for you, Diva.”

“What?!”

“Tell me, what is it you do here again?”

“Train and lead my squad, you idiot!”

“Of which it appears you have but one sergeant left.”

“You just worry about your security measures, imp!”

Mustang chuckles. “In that he is quite capable.”

Diva gasps. “Are you KIDDING ME?! This base has been broken into HOW MANY TIMES NOW?!”

“Several, yes.”

Langrisser bows his head. “I take full responsibility for such things, sir.”

Diva grins. “Do you now?”

“Yes. They got in every time by finding a security flaw.”

Mustang smirks. “And you’ve patched each hole as it’s exposed?”

“I have, sir.”

The colonel turns to Diva as he continues.

“However I must point out that every time the base has been infiltrate I have been away tending to the needs of our other base. That and this shadowy fiend is beyond cunning.”

“Nevertheless, he still keeps coming! Had we not known your location via satellite I’d have accused you of being our infiltrator!”

“True. But I’d also like to mention that once he’s inside the base it’s YOU whom is supposed to apprehend him, Diva.”

“Why you little...!”

Mustang cuts her off. “He’s right, Diva.”

“But I...!”

Mustang holds up a hand for silence. “Your squad has been depleted, I know. However they were able to do little to stop him last time. Even when united and fighting as one.”

Langrisser folds his arms over his chest. “Perhaps if you had been there to do your job, Diva, they might have fared better.”

“I had my orders, colonel!”

“As did I.”

Mustang nods. “Yes. The materials you oversaw the transportation of have proven very useful in our latest project. And it was I whom ordered Diva to stay by my side, Colonel Langrisser.”

Diva frowns. “Then whom is at fault, sir?!”

“No one.”

Langrisser steps forward. “Sir, if I may be so bold, how does this amount to less than a massive security problem?”

“Everyone has their role to play in this. You, Diva, and even our infiltrator.”

Diva grits her teeth. “THEM?!”

Mustang nods. “Yes, Diva. They were kind enough to render us quite the service on numerous occasions.”

He looks to Langrisser before continuing.

“His actions showed you where our base is vulnerable.”

Putting a hand on Diva’s shoulder, the general smiles at her.

“And you were made aware of your squad’s... shortcomings.”

Langrisser frowns. “Yes sir. However that does nothing to address the fact that he’s still out there somewhere.”

“That is true. However eventually he will return and slip up. Then we will have him right where we want him.”

Langrisser straightens up. “I shall continue to fortify the outside of the facility against such a thing, sir.”

“Very good, colonel. You are dismissed.”

Saluting, the colonel leaves the room. As he closes the door Diva looks to Mustang and frowns.

“Uh... you forgot the whole reason you called for him, sir.”

Mustang smiles innocently. “Did I now?”

“Yes! You were going to tell him of Arc’s current infiltration!”

“Oh, I don’t think that information would be of use to him.”

Diva smirks. “As much as I agree that Langrisser is a waste of resources...”

“But he isn’t, Diva.”

“HOW?!”

Mustang stands and walks over to the monitors. “Because there’s nothing here.”

“You said earlier that Arc was here though!”

“And he is.”

“Where?!”

“Inside the base.”

“Care to narrow it down?!”

“Heading for the labs.”

Diva walks quickly toward the door. “I’ll head him off with Stingray! Together...!”

Mustang grabs her wrist. “No, you won’t.”

“But we have a perfect opportunity to...!”

“...sit back and watch the show.”

Diva glares at him. “Just how long are you going to let this go on then?!”

Mustang smirks as he puts a hand under Diva’s chin and leans in close to her ear.

“Until the time comes when he is ready to join us.”

Diva scoffs. “When pigs fly!”

“Keep your eyes on the sky then. Because that day IS coming, my dear.”

Meanwhile, Arc rides the massive elevator into the base. Entering a grille in the wall he makes his way through the ductwork until he spies a small storage room. Passing through the grate, Arc rematerializes by the door and stands there silently for a long moment. Hearing nothing on the other side of it he decloaks and reaches for his ring. Pulling out a small box Arc slowly and carefully puts a hand on the top.

“I sure hope this worked.”

Unfastening the clasp, Arc opens the lid as he kneels down. Reaching inside, he cautiously wraps his fingers around the small doll-like figure of Rose inside of it. Laying her down on the floor, Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell. Returning to her normal size, Arc takes a deep breath and presses the mole under her eye. A few sounds emanate from her for a few moments before Rose slowly opens her eyes and looks up at him.

“Did it... work?”

Arc smiles and nods. “So it would seem.”

Helping Rose up, he looks her over before continuing.

“Are you... okay?”

“Diagnostics are ongoing. However tentative reports show that my systems are functioning normally.”

Arc appears relieved as he pulls a magic cloak from his ring and hands it to her. “Good.”

He watches her slip it on over her armor and sighs.

“But I still didn’t like doing that.”

Rose smiles. “If you recall, that was my idea though.”

Arc sighs. “True. However the whole time I was waiting to get in here I couldn’t think of anything other than you in my ring.”

“Your ring’s pocket dimension was a very interesting place.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How do you know that? I mean... you were shut down for safety the whole time, right?”

Rose nods. “True. However I brought this...”

Holding up a small device, Rose continues.

“It recorded some generic data regarding the inside of your ring.”

“Like an external black box?”

“Exactly. Mother will be very interested to see whatever data it collected. But we can talk about that later. Right now we have a mission to accomplish.

“Agreed. Are your sensors picking anything up in regards to the machine?”

“I can’t scan for that as I’ve never encountered the device or its distinct energy signature.”

“Ah! That makes sense.”

“And it’s probably not functioning anyways.”

“Ready to move?”

Rose nods as she pulls the hood over her head. “I’ll lead the way.”

Cloaking, Arc and Rose leave the room together. Making their way down the corridor, they come to Doctor Rieper’s quarters. Arc calls out to Rose.

“Is he in there?”

“I don’t detect any life signs beyond this door. Shall I attempt to force the door?”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Returning to his mist form, Arc makes his way under the door. Reforming, he turns and unlocks the door to allow Rose inside. The pair decloak as he closes it behind her. Arc turns to Rose as he speaks.

“Simple enough, I suppose.”

“Moreso than trying to pick it or force the door.”

Arc looks around the room. “It’s not likely that Rieper left the files in here, naturally. But I wanted to check anyways.”

“And see if he was here too?”

Arc shrugs as he heads over to a laptop sitting on the nearby desk. “That too. At least now we know he’s probably in the lab.”

Rose sighs as she walks over to Arc’s side. “With the device and data most likely.”

“One problem at a time. This laptop is password protected.”

“Should we take it with us then? I can probably hack it in a few...”

Arc presses a myriad of keys as she speaks. The desktop appears as access is granted. Rose raises an eyebrow.

“How did you guess the password?”

Arc points to a post-it note stuck to the wall nearby. “A little birdie told me.”

“That’s rather sloppy of him.”

“And surprising considering the security he has on his safe in the lab.”

“Want me to go over the laptop for you? I can probably do it a lot faster.”

Arc nods and stands. “Sure. I’ll look around while you do.”

Switching places with him, Rose gets to work. Arc’s red eyes roam around the darkened room, which is only illuminated by the laptop screen. Spying something on the nightstand he walks over and picks it up. Rose calls out as he does so.

“Find something?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah. A sock.”

“Well, these ARE his personal quarters.”

“But these aren’t his.”

“How can you tell?”

“One... because they’re small. Two... they’re Shelly’s.”

“Are you certain?”

Arc nods as he picks up the sock. “Yup. Last Christmas I accidently dropped a spoon that had sauce on it. They splattered on Shelly’s sock and left a stain.”

“As capable as you are, I don’t think even you could recognize such a random pattern, Arc.”

“Normally I would agree with you. However Lily pointed out that the stains reminded her of the ‘Big Dipper’.”

“Big... what?”

“It’s a star constellation. We even looked it up later and found that she was right.”

He holds up the sock before continuing.

“I’m completely sure this is hers.”

“But how would he have gotten ahold of that?”

“Only place I can think of. The hospital laundry.”

“Why a sock though?”

“It’s easy to lose. After all, a mono-colored sock isn’t something that would normally be missed. But that’s not the biggest concern of mine.”

“There’s more?!”

“Yes. Either Rieper broke into the laundry to get this or he transferred to the Angel Grove hospital.”

“It’s likely the second idea is true.”

Arc grits his teeth. “We have to help Shelly get out of there!”

“But how? She won’t want to leave and Lily won’t speak for her to do so.”

“I could break her out as the Hero of Light.”

“It would look like a kidnapping though.”

Arc sighs. “Would technically be one too, as I wouldn’t have Shelly’s permission.”

“Let’s focus on getting the information for Doctor Knowles then. If she can find a way to help Shelly then she can go home with Lily.”

“Yeah. That’s all we can do right now.”

“What do you suppose he wanted her sock for anyways?”

“I’m hoping it’s because he misses his daughter. But I’m thinking it also could be a sick kink of his.”

Rose sighs as she looks over her shoulder. “Nothing over here on Shelly. It’s just mundane personal data.”

“Alright. Put it back the way you found it and we’ll get moving to our next objective.”

Doing as she is told, Rose looks to Arc as she stands.

“And what about... that?”

She points to the sock in his hand. Arc clenches it tightly as he speaks.

“I want to get it away from that sicko!”

“But then he’d know someone was in here, Arc.”

Arc groans. “I know, but... I just really don’t feel comfortable leaving something of hers here for him to...”

Rose interrupts. “You know what you have to do, Arc.”

“Yeah. And so do you.”

Nodding, Rose heads for the entrance. She listens for a few moments before opening the door. As she heads out Arc looks down at the sock in his hand for a few moments before putting it back on the table where he found it. A short time later Rose calls him over his earring

“Rieper is in his lab.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Good. Now we just need to start the next phase of the plan. Standby.”

Looking around the room, Arc spots a hot plate with a few pans around it along with several packages of instant noodles.

“That’ll do.”

Grabbing a nearby newspaper he tosses one edge onto the hotplate. Flipping the switch to ‘on’, Arc puts up his hood and leaves the room. Joining up with Rose outside the lab he puts a hand on her shoulder and whispers.

“Now we wait.”

“What for though?”

“The fire department to show up.”

“Down here?!”

“Trust me.”

Sometime later the sound of running boots can be heard echoing through the facility. Arc and Rose step aside to allow them to pass. Pushing a button on the intercom, the commander of the group calls out.

“Doctor Rieper!”

A few moments later the doctor responds.

“What?!”

“Forgive the interruption, but there’s been a reported fire in your quarters, sir!”

The door to the lab flies open and the doctor hurries out.

“Let’s go!”

Running down the corridor, the door slowly swings shut. A quick motion from Arc’s foot holds it open for them. Letting themselves in they look around the lab at numerous mechanical devices scattered around workbenches. Clipboards and notes lie next to trays of parts with bright overhead lights shining down on the specimens. They decloak and look around as Rose turns to Arc.

“Looks like whatever this was has been taken apart down to the last nut and bolt.”

“I’ll say. But this is definitely Mio’s machine.”

“How can you tell?”

Arc points. “There’s the outer housing in the corner.”

“Ah!”

“What do you think, Rose?”

Rose looks around. “That we’re not going to get anywhere by taking these parts.”

“I guessed as much.”

“With luck Mio’s blueprints are around here somewhere.”

Arc glances at the door. “Then we’d better hurry and find them. No telling when Rieper will be back.”

Chapter 12 - Planning for Success

Arc and Rose look around the lab for a time. He glances at the wall safe and groans.

“I really hope he didn’t put them in there.”

Rose calls out from the adjoining office. “It’s not likely. After all, Rieper was probably working on this when the soldiers came to get him.”

“Well that’s a thought.”

Looking around he taps his chin thoughtfully.

“Now where would he have kept them.”

“Nearby for reference purposes I would imagine.”

Arc turns and spies something in a corner on top of the machine’s outer plating. Walking over to it he spies a set of large pieces of paper.

“Found them!”

Rose hurries out of the office and over to him. “Strange place to put them.”

Arc grins as he picks up the plans. “Not really. After all, everything else here was a work in progress. These parts were the outer shell, so they weren’t going to be broken down any further.”

“The only parts that couldn’t be taken apart any further.”

“Exactly.”

“Now the only question is whom drew these.”

Arc holds the plans out. “Care for a look?”

Rose nods. “That I would.”

Looking over the first few pages, Rose frowns as she speaks.

“These must be the one’s Mio used to build the machine initially.”

“How can you tell?”

“Because these plans don’t appear to be workable as-is.”

“You mean...?”

Rose nods. “Yes. This machine, as drawn here, will not function.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I guess it would have been asking too much to have the plans sitting out here in the open. You got all the data from these more or less worthless designs.”

“Every page is now saved to my memory banks.”

“Good.”

“Our next move?”

“The next logical place to store them would be the vault.”

“I’m still not sure how we’re going to do this part.”

“You’ll see.”

Leaving the office they head down the corridor together. However as they round a corner a familiar voice rings out.

“Don’t move.”

Stopping, Arc and Rose turn to look at one another momentarily before they are pushed roughly through a nearby door. Their assailant quickly follows and shuts the door behind them before locking it and turning on the lights. Arc gasps as they do so.

“Stingray?!”

Stingray frowns as she adjusts a pair of strange looking glasses. “Yeah. Now shut off those copycat cloaks. They’re not working on me.”

Turning to Rose, Arc nods. The pair decloak and look to Stingray. Arc is the first to speak.

“What do you want?”

“Answers!”

“Regarding...?”

Stingray clenches a fist angrily. “You can start with why my sister was with you and your pals in the back of a police car, child-sized, AND NAKED?!”

“Okay, admittedly that did look bad, yes.”

“Looks?! All I see is a sick pedophile and another female he’s manipulated!”

Rose shakes her head. “I assure you that I am here of my own free will, miss.”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “HA! You just THINK that you are!”

She points at Arc before continuing.

“He’s got you wrapped around his finger so well that you don’t even question his motives!”

Arc attempts to diffuse the situation. “Okay, let’s stay on topic here please. Hammer is just fine, Stingray. She was just helping us get in here to look for something.”

“She’s A.W.O.L. though!”

“Kinda, yes. But Hammer has her reasons.”

Rose nods. “Right. She just wanted to fight for a brighter future elsewhere.”

“What do you thing we’re doing HERE?!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You tell me.”

Stingray scoffs. “HA! Do you REALLY think that I’d tell you anything, pea-brain?!”

“Was kinda hoping so, yes. After all, if you knew the truth you might be less inclined to stick around.”

“Your lies won’t work on me, Arc! Now then, I want you to give me one reason why I shouldn’t just call for security to take you in right now!”

“Hammer and Mio.”

“They’re here too?!”

Rose shakes her head. “No, they’re back at our base of operations.”

Arc nods. “Right. We don’t come back from this and things might not go so well for them.”

Stingray narrows her eyes. “You’re bluffing.”

Arc shrugs. “Find out then.”

There is a tense silence as Stingray weighs her options. Eventually she speaks.

“What do you want from me?”

“Just a bit of silence.”

“You want me to turn my back on something?!”

Rose smiles nervously. “Not exactly. We just want you to not say anything about what happened here today.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I think that’s about the same thing.”

“Maybe. But all we need to do is be allowed to walk away.”

Stingray laughs. “You think you can just waltz around down here and no one will stop you two?!”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda.”

“It’s not like you can just walk out of here anyways!”

Why not?”

Rose giggles. “Right. We walked in, didn’t we?”

“You must’ve had help!”

Rose shakes her head. “Nope. It was all just us.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Right. So what’s it going to be?”

“I suppose... THIS!”

Taking a mighty swing at Arc, Rose moves to block it. However he steps past her to meet Stingray head-on. Holding up a palm Arc effortlessly catches her fist. Closing his fist around it, Arc swings the young woman around to slam her into a concrete wall behind him. Dazed, she attempts to attack again but finds a hand around her neck as she is pressed hard against the wall. The sudden movement causes Arc’s hood to fly back exposing his pale face and blood red eyes. Stingray gasps and speaks with what little air she can get.

“What the...?! You’re not... Arc?! Who...?!”

Arc interrupts her. “Never mind who I am. Just know that I’m making you an offer!”

“An... offer...?”

“Continue on with your day as if you knew nothing of me and my associate’s presence here in Damocles Base.”

“But... I can’t...!”

“Believe me when I say that Hammer and Mio are both safe and sound. And they will remain so as long as I get what I want.”

“Which... is...?”

“Your silence!”

Releasing her, Arc allows Stingray to fall to the floor. She coughs and gasps for breath as Arc looks down at her.

“Now then... do we have a deal?”

Stingray slowly stands. Getting her footing, she glares at Arc silently. After a few moments she rears back to deliver a powerful kick to the side of Arc’s head. However he effortlessly slaps it away causing the young woman to fall to the floor again. She seethes as Arc kneels down to her level.

“I could do this all day, Stingray. However you wouldn’t be able to even lay a finger on me.”

“How... is this POSSIBLE?!”

“I’ve become... more. More than you can imagine. More than you can comprehend.”

He puts a finger under her chin before finishing his statement.

“And more than you can handle.”

Stingray pulls her head away from Arc’s hand violently as he stands again and looks down at her.

“But I know you’ll do what I say, Stingray. That you’ll keep your mouth shut about this meeting.”

“Really?! And what makes you so sure of that?!”

“Because it’ll lead to some very... embarrassing questions from your commanding officer.”

“Questions?”

Rose nods as she counts on her fingers. “How we got into the base. Who or what we are. And my personal favorite... why you were unable to stop us.”

Arc smirks. “What do you think they’ll say about such failure?”

Rose shrugs. “Better yet, what will they do?”

Stingray turns to look away as she seethes. “Just... get out of my sight!”

Arc nods. “Gladly. Oh, and Stingray?”

“What?!”

“Take a lesson from your sisters.”

“Huh?”

“Get out of this place. Leave The Organization... and never return.”

“Why would I...?!”

Arc turns away and walks toward the door. “Because the next time we meet I may not be so... forgiving.

Putting up his hood again, Arc cloaks along with Rose. They open the door and shut the lights off behind them. Continuing down the corridor Rose whispers to Arc.

“Think she’ll listen to your warning?”

“The part about staying quiet about us or leaving?”

“Both.”

“She’ll keep our visit to herself. Diva would just punish her for letting us go anyways.”

“And the other?”

Arc sighs. “She probably won’t leave.”

“But why not?! Stingray has nothing else keeping her here with Hammer and Mio gone!”

“There’s one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“A home.”

“Huh?”

“Anywhere else she went would just leave her feeling lost and alone. She needs The Organization to give her life purpose.”

“But Hammer and Mio were able to...!”

Arc cuts her off. “Because they found something better. Something... worth fighting for.”

Coming to the vault sometime later they stop as the hallway begins to curve. Rose turns to Arc.

“Are you sure about this next part?”

Arc nods. “If what Mio said in her letter to Hammer was correct, then yes.”

“Do you believe her?”

“Hammer did, so I will as well.”

“And if this doesn’t work?”

“We go out the way we came and try to make do with the blueprints we have.”

“But that won’t be enough to recreate the machine!”

“They’ll still be a chance something could be done with what we have. If we get caught though there will be no hope for Shelly. “

“You mean...?”

Arc clenches a fist. “We won’t be caught here! I won’t allow it!”

“And if we are?”

“Then I’ll use every ounce of my strength, magic, and Crimson powers to get you back to the surface.”

“While you do what?! Go down with the ship?!”

“In a matter of speaking. I’ll hold them off while you make a run for it.”

“I wouldn’t leave you like that, Arc.”

Arc leans against the wall. “Then let us hope it doesn’t come to such things.”

Two hours later the sound of footsteps ring out from down the corridor. Rounding a corner, Mustang passes the pair. They fall into step behind him as he walks up to the officer in charge.

“Anything to report?”

“No, sir.”

“Good. I’m here for my daily inspection.”

Nodding, the commander pulls a badge from his pocket as he and the general walk over to their respective keypads. Inserting them, their pads light up green and the vault door swings open. As it does so General Mustang puts his badge back onto his chest as he slowly walks inside. Pressing a button on a nearby control panel the door swings shut behind him. Arc and Rose stand just inside the vault door and watch to see what door he enters. Opening the third door on the left, Mustang pulls the solid steel door open and enters. Arc and Rose quickly and quietly run over to it and slip inside before it closes. Seeing numerous large drawers, presumably containing blueprints, they look around as Mustang walks over to a computer terminal. Inserting his badge, it grants him access. The sound of clickity-clacks fills the room from the keystrokes of the general. Arc and Rose watch on as he works. A few minutes later he leaves the room. Arc watches as he enters another room across the corridor and motions to Rose.

“Let’s get started!”

They begin opening drawers one by one. A few minutes later Rose calls out.

“Here they are!”

Arc hurries over to her as she unrolls the prints and looks them over.

“What the...?”

“Rose?”

“These designs... they’re like nothing I’ve ever seen before!”

“Well, we can figure this mess out back in Equestria. Right now I need you to make copies of these that we can print out back home.”

Rose puts a hand on the blueprints. “Maybe we should take these though.”

“But then they’d know we’d been in here.”

“I know. However... I really don’t like the thought of them having this kind of technology.”

Arc sighs. “Neither do I. However even if we did take these, they could probably make another set by loading their backups.”

“Backups?”

“Something this important can’t just have one hard copy. They most likely have others as well as digital copies squirreled away elsewhere. Maybe even offsite.”

Rose bows her head. “So we’d be risking them figuring it out for no real advantage on our part?”

“Exactly.”

“Very well. I’ll get to scanning these then.”

Looking over every page slowly, Rose copies it to her memory banks before rolling up the blueprint and looking to Arc.

“I’m done.”

“Good. Now all we need to do is wait for the bus.”

Rose looks over, confused, as she puts away the papers. “Bus?”

Arc peeks out the door as he whispers. “The one that’s going to get us out of here.”

“The general?”

“Yup. We followed him in here, we can follow him out.”

Rose smiles “Clever.”

Sometime later General Mustang returns to the corridor. Walking slowly, he heads toward the massive vault door. Pressing a few buttons, he waits patiently as the door opens. Arc and Rose follow him out as he motions for the solider to once again lock down the vault as he passes. The pair continue following the general all the way back to the main lift. Stepping onto it, Mustang motions for the operator to take him up. Frowning, Arc doesn’t take his eyes off the general as he stands there patiently waiting to reach the top. Arriving, the general walks over to the main door and motions for it to be opened just enough for him to step outside. Hurrying to get through before it closes, Arc and Rose are forced to stick extra close to Mustang. However as the door begins to close behind them, the general suddenly turns to face the cloaked individuals. Smirking, he gives a two-fingered salute before making his way toward the bridge. Arc grabs Rose and pulls her toward the side of the building and behind a stack of crates. Sitting down, they decloak and lean back to catch their breath. Rose is the first to speak.

“That... was close!”

“Agreed.”

“Do you think he saw us?”

“Definitely.”

“We need to get out of here now then!”

“Yeah. Ready to go back into stasis?”

Rose nods. “I am, yes.”

Closing her eyes and laying on the ground Rose shuts herself down. Arc casts the Matter Compacting Spell on her as he removes the box from his ring. Carefully picking her up and laying the android back into place, he closes it and stores the box safely in his ring again. Taking a deep breath, Arc turns into a mist and drifts up. Catching a gust of wind blowing over the lake he allows it to carry him high overhead. Seeing the general looking over the soldiers in the guard shacks he muses to himself.

“Maybe he was saluting the guard operating the elevator.”

Drifting for a time, he makes his way to the now familiar beach. Descending through the bare branches of the trees, Arc spies Ember along with his squad at their normal campsite. Returning to his normal form he turns to them. Ember is the first to speak as she hurries toward him.

“Everything okay?!”

Arc nods as he offers her a thumbs up. “Mission accomplished.”

Xenos looks around. “And Rose?!”

Arc pats his ring. “Safely ‘sleeping’ in her box.”

Viktor looks at the ring. “Any issues with that?”

“Nope. She woke up as if nothing had happened. But let’s pack up our supplies and get out of here.”

Max chuckles as he begins disassembling a magic rifle. “Sure glad we didn’t need these, sir.”

Ember shudders. “Not this time anyways.”

Xenos clenches a fist as he holds up what appears to be some kind of very large projectile weapon. “A shame too. I was looking forward to taking that place apart piece by piece.”

Arc frowns. “Maybe next time. Uh... what is that thing?”

“This? It’s an expanded kinetic force rifle.”

Viktor chuckles. “The pony equivalent of a rocket launcher but with magically enhanced payloads, sir.”

Hugh calls out from his spot nearby. “I was kinda looking forward to using them to take out the defenses as well.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I’m glad we got this done quietly.”

Ember smirks. “But was are going to level that place at some point, right?”

“Hopefully not.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“I can’t see Earth taking extra-terrestrials blowing up a military base very well. However I want to get Rose back to Equestria so she can turn over what we found to Auriel and her mother.”

He rubs his hands together and walks over to the fire before continuing.

“That... and it’s crazy cold out here!”

Ember grins as she joins him. “Glad someone else noticed!”

Xenos laughs as he turns to pack up. “Guess we just have thicker skin.”

Hugh nods. “Or thicker coats.”

Ember narrows her eyes as she gestures toward the water. “Wanna test that theory by going for a winter swim?”

“Um... we’ll pass.”

Arc smirks. “Smart choice.”

Max groans. “Come on, guys. Let’s get a move on.”

Meanwhile, General Mustang looks out over the water toward the smoke rising from Arc’s campfire. Smiling, he muses to himself.

“Well done, my boy. In and out without so much as a peep from the security system. You’re getting better every time you do it.”

Turning, he begins walking back toward the base.

“But I look forward to your next visit with unbridled anticipation, Arc.”

Chapter 13 - Ball-a-Rollin'

Sometime later, Arc and company hurry through the portal and into Arc’s basement. Shivering, Ember is the first to speak.

“If anyone needs me I’ll be in the shower!”

Max raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you took one this morning.”

Ember calls out from the stairs. “This one’s just to warm me up!”

The squad chuckles as she hurries upstairs. Arc clears his throat to get their attention as he pulls the box from his ring.

“I hope you four are enjoying playing with fire.”

Xenos appears confused. “Sir?”

“Ember could probably kick all of your butts if she really wanted to.”

Hugh grins. “Maybe. But if we all worked together...”

Viktor interrupts him. “Let’s not test that theory, shall we?”

Arc grins as he opens the box and pulls out Rose. “Smart.”

Max looks over. “Rose looks just like a little doll!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah she does!”

Hugh smirks. “Can I hold her?!”

Viktor grins. “I don’t think she’d mind.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Rose is a person. Not a toy.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “Person, sir.”

Arc looks to him and narrows his eyes. “Yes. Do you have a problem with that?”

Xenos looks away nervously. “No sir!”

“Good.”

Carefully laying the miniature android on the table, Arc casts the Matter Compacting counter spell to return Rose to her normal size. Pressing the mole under her eye he waits for her to start up again. Doing so, she sits up and looks around.

“Hello again, everyone. Can I assume everything went well after I shut down?”

Arc nods. “Yup. I just floated back to the campsite and met up with the others.”

“Where is Ember then?”

Max jerks a thumb toward the stairs. “In the shower warming up.”

“Ah! That’s to be expected.”

Xenos appears confused. “Oh?”

“After all, she was outside all day with you four.”

Hugh shrugs. “We built a fire for her though.”

Viktor shudders. “That can only keep one so warm though.”

Arc turns to Rose. “In any case, you ready to head back to Canterlot?”

Rose nods. “I am, yes.”

Arc pulls the Rainbow of Light from his ring. “Alright. Let’s get...”

Max speaks up. “Um... sir?”

“Yes, Max?”

“When you have time, do you think I could talk to you about something... personal?”

“Sure. Just let me get Rose back to Canterlot Castle so she can transfer the drawings to Auriel and her mother.”

Opening a portal, Arc and Rose step through together. Appearing back in his room in the castle, Arc leads Rose out the door and down the hall. Turning to her, he smiles.

“Thanks for all your help, Rose.”

“You’re welcome. I enjoyed watching out for you.”

“I know you don’t have to do anything I ask of you anymore. But at the same time, that makes it even more special.”

“Oh?”

“You help out willingly.”

“It’s what I want to do.”

Arc chuckles. “You’re certainly Twilight’s daughter.”

“Mother hasn’t had much time for me lately. But I do understand why though. Ruling a country isn’t exactly what I’d call easy.”

“You should go see her though.”

“Oh, but I wouldn’t want to get in the way.”

“I’m sure she misses you, Rose.”

“Well... to be completely honest with you, I haven’t exactly been the best daughter to her lately.”

“Huh?”

“My work in the Crystal Empire kept me from even writing to her for over two weeks.”

“Believe me when I say that Twilight doesn’t hold that against you, Rose.”

“At this point she might want to.”

Arc turns to her. “Listen, Rose. You told me a few moments ago that you didn’t hold Twilight’s lack of time for you against her. But by the same token you also need to know that she understands your lack of contact as well.”

“Are you sure?”

“Completely. Look, why don’t you go to lunch with her? Audiences will be ending soon and I know she uses that time to give herself a bit of a break.”

“But I’d be interrupting that break then!”

“And she’d love that.”

Rose sighs. “Very well. But only if you’re completely sure.”

“I am.”

Rose looks to Auriel’s door as they arrive at their destination. “Just let me turn over this data and I’ll head over there.”

“Alright.”

Knocking lightly, Auriel answers. She smiles as they come into view.

“Please, come in.”

The pair do so as Auriel turns to them.

“Did everything go alright?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Rose and I got in and out without any major incidents.”

Rose shudders. “Other than bumping into Stingray, that is.”

Maria calls out from the table. “Stingray?”

“She’s Hammer and Mio’s sister, mother.”

“Ah!”

Arc groans. “Not the one we wanted to see at that time though.”

Auriel grins. “How did you deal with her?”

“I was in my Crimson form at the time, so I just showed her how much I outclassed her in terms of raw strength.”

Rose nods. “It worked, as she didn’t call for security, or anything.”

Maria clears her throat loudly. “While I am glad that both of you are unharmed, I must ask if you were able to get what I needed.”

Rose points to her head. “Everything is right here.”

Auriel puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Wonderful! Now we just have to think of a way to get it out!”

Arc shrugs. “Rose could just go see Hard Hat. I’m sure he has blueprint, uh... printers, I suppose.”

Maria looks to the young woman. “Please do so. We need to get to work at once.”

Rose nods. “Yes ma’am.”

Leaving, Maria turns to Auriel.

“Do you think you and Mio could handle construction of the machine?”

“Yes, mother. And you’ll be working on the formula to use in it?”

Maria sighs. “That’s the tricky part. I’ll need to consult those blueprints myself to see what exactly happens to the potion after insertion.”

Arc steps forward. “Anything I can do to help with that?”

Maria shakes her head. “I don’t think so, no.”

Auriel nods. “You’ve already done more than enough, Arc. However we’ll take it from here.”

“Thank you. But please let me know if you two need anything.”

He turns to Auriel and looks her in the eye before continuing.

“I’m counting on you.”

Nodding, Auriel puts a hand on his cheek and smiles.

“And I promise that I’ll do my best, Arc.”

Leaning forward, she gives Arc a quick kiss on the cheek as the pair embrace. Giving her hand a quick squeeze, Arc turns and nods respectfully to Auriel’s mother before leaving the room. Maria sighs.

“Auriel?”

“Yes, mother?”

“May I ask you something?”

“Anything!”

“What do you see in Arc?”

“Relationship-wise?”

“Correct.”

“He’s very caring. Strong, brave, smart, and... um... and...”

“Good looking?”

Auriel puts a hand to her belly. “I was just thinking how to say that without making my hormones go crazy.”

“Not sure if I agree with what you’re doing or not though.”

“Dating Arc?”

“No. Your whole ‘herd’ idea.”

“We’re all very happy together though, mother!”

Maria smiles. “That’s the only reason I’m not trying to come between you, my dear. Believe me when I say that I just want what’s best for you.”

“And I appreciate that. At first I thought you were going to point out that he’s a human and I’m a demon.”

Maria smiles. “That’s the last thing on my mind, dear. In truth, when you were born I was afraid that others would want to hurt you.”

“The demons?”

“You’re not like them, Auriel.”

“But neither are you, mother.”

“True. However you have to understand it from my point of view.”

“Oh?”

Maria sighs. “I had wanted to return to Earth in order to be safe among my own kind. But you... you wouldn’t have been accepted there or in Tartarus. And that... bothered me.”

“And that’s why you wanted to turn yourself into a demon?”

“Yes. The technology would have been perfected on me and then used on you as well. Then me, you, and your father could have spent the rest of our days together happily.”

“But I’m happy being the way I am!”

Maria puts her hands on Auriel’s shoulders as she speaks. “I understand that. Which is why I wanted to be the one to say this to you.”

“Say what?”

“That this machine you’re going to build will be able to, in theory, turn you into a full-blooded demon.”

“Thank you, but I don’t think I want that.”

“Because of Arc?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, mother. He’d love me no matter how I look. However I am very interested in this technology.”

“What for?”

“Because it may hold the key to helping Arc and the mares have children together one day.”

“That would take more work than you can imagine.”

Auriel grins as a knock rings out from their door. “Then we’d better get started.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks down the hallway absentmindedly. As he does so a voice rings out ahead of him.

“Hey there handsome!”

Looking up, Arc spies Hammer and Mio walking toward him. Smiling, he approaches them.

“I was just coming to see you two.”

“Mission go alright?”

Arc nods. “Like clockwork. Rose is printing up the plans and will run them over to Auriel and her mother so they can get started.”

Mio smiles. “I should probably head over there to join them then.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh... aren’t you forgetting something, Mio?”

“What’s that?”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “You have to ask your commanding officer for permission first.”

Mio frowns. “Seriously, Hammer?”

“I’m just messing with you, Mio! Go lend a hand, but don’t forget about proper meal breaks!”

“I’ll try not to.”

Mio walks away as Hammer turns to Arc.

“Hey, uh... can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure. What’s on your mind?”

“It’s about cupcake.”

“Rainbow Dash?”

Hammer nods. “Remember, I told you I’d help plan a date for you two if you confessed your true identity to Mio. You held up your end of the bargain and I’m working on mine.”

“Truth be told I had kinda forgotten about that.”

“Well I didn’t.”

“Kinda surprised Rainbow Dash herself hasn’t been asking about it.”

Hammer grins nervously. “I never actually told her about it.”

“You mean...?”

“Yup. It’s going to be a surprise.”

Arc frowns. “Not sure if that’s really such a good idea. Keeping something like that from her, I mean.”

“I kinda thought that too, so I ran it by Princess Twilight.”

“Good. She knows Rainbow Dash better than I do. What did she say?”

“That the surprise date was actually a good idea.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“She said that if Rainbow Dash knew about it too far in advance she’d start acting kinda weird.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Weird?”

“So apparently this has happened in the past where Rainbow Dash is waiting for something big to happen. She goes over it in her head too much and start to worry about messing up.”

“Can you give me an example?”

“Exactly what I said to Twilight. She told me that one time when cupcake was going to be competing in some kind of flyer competition. She got herself so psyched up thinking about it while waiting to go on that she was literally lying on the floor shaking.”

“Seriously?”

Hammer nods. “That’s what I’m told.”

“Never would have guessed it. Maybe you’re on to something with the whole surprise date idea, Hammer.”

“I’ll keep thinking about it and researching places you two could go. However with all the work I have going it’s going to be awhile.”

“That’s fine.”

“No, really. It’s looking like this ain’t happening until after Hearth’s Warming.”

“After what?”

“It’s Equestria’s version of Christmas.”

“Oh... right.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “How did you now know THAT?!”

“Sorry. I just... don’t actually know much about holidays here. Always off doing something somewhere. That and the past two years I’ve gone back to Earth to celebrate it with Shelly and Lily.”

“How’s she doing?”

Arc sighs. “Not the greatest. Lily told me last time I visited that the doctors still don’t believe she’s going to make it to Christmas.”

“I’m... sorry to hear that, Arc. But they might be wrong, you know. After all, Christmas is only a week away.”

“Maybe.”

Hammer appears relieved. “Now I’m glad this whole date thing is going to take a while. You’ve got a lot going right now.”

“Right. In fact, I was planning to spend more time over there during the day and come back to Equestria around suppertime. That would give us more time to spend together before... you know...”

“Yeah. You do that, Arc. We’ll be fine over here.”

“Keep me posted on any new developments though, okay?”

“I will.”

Calling forth the Rainbow of Light, Arc channels his magic into it an opens a portal back to his basement. Stepping out he spies Max sitting at the table waiting for him. Walking over he looks around.

“Where’d everyone else go?”

“Xenos is shoveling snow, Hugh is doing the dishes, and Viktor is fixing a lamp upstairs.”

Arc nods as he sits across from Max. “Sounds like everyone’s pretty busy.”

“I was going to help, but they suggested that I stay here and wait for you, sir.”

“That talk you wanted to have?”

Max smiles nervously. “Right. I... wanted to ask your permission for a very... specific time.”

“Oh?”

“You told me that Shelly’s not doing so well.”

Arc sighs. “No, she’s not.”

“I’m noticed her sleeping a lot more on the video feed lately too.”

“You want to go see her?”

Max shakes his head. “No, sir. I wouldn’t want to cause Shelly any more pain than she’s already in. My request is regarding... the future.”

Arc smiles sadly. “Why don’t you just say exactly what it is you want, Max?”

“Alright, sir.”

Taking a deep breath, Max continues.

“As you’ve told us, Shelly isn’t going to last much longer. I know that we’re all doing our best to try and help her in our own way. But it’s still quite an uphill battle.”

Arc nods sadly. “Yes. Even though we gave Doctor Knowles everything she asked for she, Auriel, and Mio still might not be able to get a machine and a potion made in time to save her life.”

“So you also believe that her chances of survival are very slim?”

“Realistically speaking, yes.”

“While you have my word that I’ll do everything in my power to help you in treating Shelly, I... I just wanted to ask your permission to... be allowed to attend Shelly’s... um...”

Arc finishes the sentence for Max. “Her funeral?”

“Y-yes sir.”

“I’d be honored if you’d come, Max.”

Max breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you very much, sir.”

“You should be there, considering the events of the past.”

“But do you think Lily would disagree?”

“If she does I’ll vouch for you. I’m sure she’ll listen to me in this.”

“And I appreciate that, sir.”

Arc sighs. “It’s the least I can do. After all, none of this would have happened if I had just backed you up earlier.”

“I don’t hold that against you, sir.”

“Max, I want to make you a promise.”

Max appears confused. “Sir?”

“If Doctor Knowles is able to help Shelly... to bring her body back to a stable enough condition... I’d like for you and I to visit Shelly.”

“Why though, sir?”

“So I can make this right by coming clean. That everything you told her that night before our infiltration mission was totally and completely true.”

Max sighs. “Please don’t, sir. After all, there’s no reason for you to give her a reason to hate you too.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Max. There IS a very good reason.”

“Sir?”

“You cared enough about Shelly to be honest with her when she asked. And I need to be willing to reciprocate that.”

“It’s really not important to me at this point, sir. After all, if she survives and is able to live on then I’ll be happy for her.”

“So will I. But if at all possible I’d like her to be made aware of what I ordered hidden from her.”

Max nods soberly. “I trust you to make the right decision then, sir.”

“If you don’t want to be there when I do it, or even see her face to face again I understand. You won’t be forced to do something you don’t want to do, Max. However this would be for her benefit.”

“Honestly, I don’t really know if I want her to ever see me again. I kinda want to hold on to our past and remember the good times.”

“If that’s what you want, then I won’t push you into it any further.”

“Thank you, sir. After all, I just want what’s best for Shelly. “

“So do I, Max.”

Max smiles sadly. “Even if that just means that I’m there to see her off.”

“Which might not be too far in the future if nothing changes.”

“Then you should probably see her as much as you can... while you can, sir.”

Arc nods and stands up. “Right. Time is in short supply so I’d best head over there and see how she’s doing.”

Max nods approvingly. “We’ll leave the lights on for you, sir.”

Chapter 14 - On the Telly

Arc appears on the roof of the hospital as the sun is setting. After Blinking down to the ground below he makes his way inside and heads to the now familiar room. Entering, he spies Shelly sitting up in bed with will just turning on the television.

“How’s it going over here?”

Lily turns and smiles excitedly. “Arc! “

Shelly giggles. “Perfect timing!”

“We were about to watch the news!”

Arc chuckles. “It must be a pretty good story considering just how excited you two are.”

Lily nods. “Well... it was certainly a surprise.”

“Surprise?”

Lily pulls Arc toward the chairs next to the bed. “Shush! It’s starting!”

The local news logo pops onto the screen as the anchor begins speaking. Arc turns to Shelly.

“Uh... this seems like really normal stuff to me.”

Shelly smiles at him. “Give it time.”

They continue watching together in silence. About twenty minutes in, the anchorman turns to another camera to signify starting a new story.

“A local business is in the headlines today. Shelly’s Kitchen, which has been the center of gatherings for many years, has seen an uptick in business as of late. This is in part due to the managerial skills of the former leader of the Shards, Frank Fontaine. A childhood friend of the proprietor, Mister Fontaine and his gang have taken up running and staffing the restaurant after the titular owner was admitted to the hospital. Our very own Minerva Moore spoke to Miss Shelly earlier.”

The screen shifts to that of Minerva slowly walking into the hospital room as Lily stands and helps Shelly sit up. The pair are wearing their traditional work uniforms for the occasion.

“Good morning, Shelly.”

Shelly smiles weakly. “Hello.”

Minerva points to her outfit. “I see you and Lily are dressed for work.”

Shelly nods as she speaks. “We are. But it’s been a very long time since I was able to do much of anything. Well, other than run the cash register, that is.”

“You look very tired.”

“It’s my illness.”

She puts a hand on her chest before continuing.

“There’s... a lot wrong with me inside.”

Lily takes over to let her friend catch her breath. “But Shelly’s been really good about not letting it keep her down.”

“If I may, might you tell our viewers what exactly is wrong with you, Shelly?”

“I’m patient zero for a disease without a name. My organs have been slowly shutting down since I was a teenager.”

“People here in Angel Grove know you and Lily as the two gals whom took over Hooper’s after his passing. How exactly did you come to do something like that at such a young age?”

Lily answers. “We worked for Mister Hooper after graduating from high school. He was like family to us.”

Shelly nods. “He taught us all about how the business ran since I had hopes of one day owning my own restaurant.”

“I remember you talking about that a lot when we were kids, Shelly.”

Minerva smiles. “Did he also teach you how to cook?”

Shelly shakes her head. “No, that was done by a very dear friend of ours named Arc.”

Lily grins. “We grew up in the Farburg Orphanage together.”

“Is he a chef as well?”

“Oh, no. Arc’s pretty good at cooking for himself. However he just taught Lily and I the basics along with a few recipes.”

Lily puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Shelly was the one whom really took what he taught her to the next level. Before I knew it she was experimenting and formulating her own recipes.”

“What was your first success in that regard?”

Shelly giggles. “I wanted to make the best pancakes. Now I know that sounds strange, since they’re really just flour, baking soda, salt, and milk. But I learned that size, temperature, and using real butter to grease the pan can make or break them.”

“Sounds like it was a lot of trial and error.”

“Yes, it was.”

Lily turns to her friend. “I still remember Arc’s kitchen table covered in numbered plates and notes.”

“It wasn’t enough to be able to make the best pancakes. I needed to take detailed notes so I could replicate my results.”

Minerva nods. “And things branched out from there?”

“That they did. Afterward, Shelly perfected her French Toast recipe for those whom wanted something similar but different.”

“Shelly nods. “Another recipe that isn’t really that complicated, but is a big favorite with our customers.”

“Due to a secret ingredient?”

“Not really. It’s the pure vanilla extract along with a bit of nutmeg that really makes the flavors pop.”

“And the real butter, just like the pancakes.”

Minerva continues. “And from there you branched off into lunch?”

“Not quite. I wanted to master breakfast foods first. Pancakes, French Toast, Bacon and Eggs, Muffins, Omelets, and Sausage.”

Lily sighs. “But I told Shelly we couldn’t make ends meet by just cooking breakfast foods.”

“We had some recipes left behind by Mister Hooper and Arc gave us a few of his own to get us started.”

“Shelly couldn’t do both though. So while she practiced and refined her breakfast foods I did my best to perfect lunch items.”

“What was your first big success, Lily?

“I wanted to make the perfect burger. It involved having the perfect patty size along with fresh produce that is sliced just in time for assembly.”

Shelly groans. “Admittedly I was a bit concerned that she might have gone overboard on the size. After all, I’d personally never seen a burger that large before.”

“I liked it while Shelly had her reservations. So we needed a third party.”

“Lily made one and served it to Arc.”

“He really liked it. So that matter was settled.”

“However we needed a catchy name. Something that made it our own.”

Minerva nods. “And what did you settle on?”

“I wanted to call it a ‘Whataburger’. But Shelly thought that was a bit much.”

“Fortunately we didn’t go with that. Neither of us knew it at the time, but there was already a company by that name.”

“So I decided to name it after my best friend and call it a ‘Shelly Burger’.”

Shelly grins. “They really hit it off too.”

Minerva smiles. “I’ve seen pictures that some of your customers have posted online. It’s quite a large burger.”

Lily grins. “That’s what propelled us to come up with matching sides. In terms of quality and quantity, that is.”

“And you’ve maintained that status for years now.”

Shelly looks out the window sadly. “Yes. However that’s all thanks to Lily and the Shards these days. I just don’t have the strength to do much anymore.”

Lily takes Shelly’s hand. “At the moment just Frank and his guys though, as I’m staying with Shelly here in the hospital 24/7.”

“Lily’s promised to be with me to the end. Which is coming soon.”

Minerva gasps. “You mean...?”

Shelly nods. “Yes... I’m not long for this world, I’m afraid.”

“I... I’m very sorry to hear that!”

Shelly shakes her head. “No need for that. I’m very happy with the life I’ve been able to live.”

She looks to Lily before continuing.

“And the friends whom have shared the good times as well as the bad.”

Lily squeezes her hand. “We’ll be there for you.”

Minerva nods soberly. “You’re a very brave young woman.”

Shelly shrugs. “It’s not so much that I’m brave. But that I’ve accepted the fact that my road is coming to its end.”

“Is there anything you two would like to say to our viewers before we close?”

“Yes. Don’t take life for granted. Enjoy your friends and family’s company when your healthy and strong. Don’t wait to do so until the doctor gives you bad news.”

Lily smiles as she looks to Minerva. “None of us really knows what the future holds. So we try to do our very best with the time that we have.”

“I was able to spend pretty much all of my adult life working side by side with my best friend here. And I enjoyed every minute of it too. I’ve loved making customers smile and listening to them when they’re going through tough times. But right now I’d like to say something to someone I can’t exactly call on the telephone, if that’s alright.”

Minerva nods. “Yes, of course.”

Shelly turns and looks to the camera before speaking.

“I’ve said my farewells to my friends and those whom I care about. But there’s one individual that I’d really like to speak to one last time. Angel Grove’s very own armored warrior from the news.”

Minerva appears confused. “The Hero?”

Shelly nods. “Yes. Sir... if you can hear, this please come see me here at the Angel Grove Hospital. I’d like to see you one last time and say a few things... face to face.”

Minerva chimes in. “If you need directions, Hero, you can find me at one of our normal meeting places.”

Shelly smiles shyly. “I look forward to seeing you again.”

“This has been Minerva Moore coming to you from the Angel Grove Hospital.”

Lily presses the ‘Power’ button on the remote. The screen goes black as Arc turns to Shelly.

“That was a really nice story they did on you, Shelly.”

Shelly smiles. “I liked it too.”

Lily groans. “Sorry for not calling you about it, Arc. I thought it was supposed to air tomorrow.”

Shelly giggles. “Miss Moore called us just before you walked in to say that there’d been a last minute change in the lineup.”

“Well, I’m glad I came when I did then.”

Shelly smiles warmly at them. “It was nice watching it with you two.”

She yawns before continuing.

“But I think I need to get some rest now.”

Arc stands and helps her lie down as Lily pulls the covers up to Shelly’s chin. Smiling, she looks up at them.

“Do you think that the Hero will hear that?”

Lily sighs. “I sure hope so.”

Arc chuckles. “Considering what he was able to accomplish in the past, probably.”

Shelly appears confused. “What do you mean, Arc?”

“Well, he has a team that fought with him, right.”

“Yes. What about it?”

“That and there’s that big flying vehicle that he got away in. So he has even more help than we know about.”

Shelly smiles sleepily. “So he must have a large number of people monitoring things around here?”

“It’s a good bet, yes.”

Lily grins. “If so, I’m sure someone will see to it he gets the message.”

Shelly turns to Arc. “Do you... think he’ll come?”

“I sure hope so.”

“Me too. See you in the morning, Lily.”

“Good night, Shelly.”

Arc leans down to give her a hug. “Sleep well.”

Shutting her eyes, Shelly quickly falls asleep. Lily motions to Arc to follow her out into the corridor. Closing the door softly behind them she turns to him.

“Thanks again for coming, Arc. It means a lot to Shelly and I that you come visit so often.”

“So often? I thought I wasn’t coming nearly enough.”

“Shelly and I understand that you’re very busy these days, what with raising Daisy with your cousin.”

Arc looks away nervously. “Y-yeah. She’s a handful.”

“Well, I’m just glad you could be here with us to watch the interview.”

“Lucky break.”

Lily lowers her voice before continuing. “Do you think that the Hero really heard that broadcast?”

“Probably. But I suppose time will tell.”

He looks at his watch before continuing.

“In any case, I should probably be getting home.”

Lily nods and smiles. “I understand. It’s probably coming up on bedtime for Daisy.”

“Right. I’ll come by and see you two again when I have time.”

“Okay. We’ll be waiting.”

Giving Arc a hug, Lily turns and heads back into the room as Arc leaves the hospital. Blinking back up onto the roof he sighs and opens a portal. Stepping through, Arc reappears back on the sigil in his parent’s room. Walking over to the bed he sits down and puts a hand on his forehead as he muses to himself.

“Shelly wants to see the Hero again. I can easily make that happen, of course. But why does she want to see him again?”

Groaning, he flops down on the bed and stares up at the ceiling.

“I mean, I guess I could have asked. But that would have seemed a bit strange since they don’t know I’m the Hero. Or would it?”

Shaking his head, he lies there a short time before continuing.

“While I’m certainly going to see Shelly as the Hero, I should probably try and get some more information on this before acting.”

Sitting up, he grins and pulls the Rainbow of Light from his ring.

“And I think I know just where I to start.”

Chapter 15 - Post Interview Conversations

Channeling his power into the pendant, Arc opens a portal and steps through. Reappearing in his quarters within Light’s Hope he leaves the building and heads down the path toward the Little Hooves Orphanage. Spotting his old armor, Eidolon’s Ward, out front watering the flowers he hurries over to it and calls out.

“Cherry!”

Turning to him, the armor raises a gauntlet and waves.

“Good evening, Arc. It’s good to see you again.”

“Sorry I haven’t been around lately. Been really busy.”

“That’s what I’ve heard, yes. After all, it’s certainly not easy overthrowing a corrupt government, reuniting the country, and rebuilding an entire town.”

Arc grins sheepishly. “It sounds like a lot more when you say it like that.”

Cherry giggles. “Just trying to put things into perspective.”

“I’m just glad all that stuff’s behind me now.”

“As am I. But I’m guessing you didn’t come here just to see me.”

“You’d be wrong then.”

“Huh?”

“I did come to see you.”

Cherry facepalms. “Arc... you can’t do things like that.”

“What do you mean?”

“You have fiancées to think about now. How would they feel if you were caught hanging around with me?”

“Truthfully, they wouldn’t mind. But I wanted your help dealing with something back on Earth.”

“You do?”

“Yup.”

“I don’t see how I could be of any help. After all, this old suit of armor isn’t exactly what I’d call ‘battle ready’.”

“True. But it’s not that kind of matter. I need to go see Minerva about some information she may have. Figured since you and her have a past it might be easier to do if you came along.”

“Ah! I see now. That and it would be better if Minerva saw you in your traditional armor versus the new one.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. But you are right. So what do you say? Want another trip inside my head?”

“Okay. But only if you’re certain that your marefriends wouldn’t mind.”

Arc nods. “That I can say for sure, yes.”

Opening up, Eidolon’s Ward allows Arc to step inside it. Closing around him, Cherry lets out a contented sigh.

“I’ve missed this.”

Arc smiles. “So have I.”

“They say you never forget your first love.”

“That I can confirm.”

“Well... why don’t we get a move on?”

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring again, Arc powers it up and opens a portal back to Earth. Stepping through, he finds himself on the roof of Minerva’s apartment. Cherry calls out to him.

“I do hope she’s in.”

“Considering the time, I would hope so.”

Walking over to a specific place in the roof, Arc looks down and Blinks inside the apartment. Looking around he frowns.

“Lights are all out.”

“Maybe she went to bed early?”

“Either that or she’s not in.”

“Want me to go check her bedroom?”

Arc nods. “Please do.”

Opening, Eidolon’s Ward allows Arc to step out. Pulling a magic cloak from his ring, Arc dons it and turns back to his armor.

“There. Not sure why I didn’t put this on beforehand though.”

Cherry giggles. “And here I thought you were getting good at thinking ahead, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, none of us are perfect.”

“I’ll see if she’s asleep now.”

“Alright. I’ll wait here.”

Eidolon’s Ward makes its way down the short hall to the bedroom. However as it does so the bathroom door opens and Minerva steps out in the nude. Seeing the heavy armor in the poor lighting she instinctively lets out a scream. Turning around, the young woman moves to rush back into the bathroom. However Cherry reaches forward and wraps her arms around her friend in an effort to comfort her. Sadly, she had also forgotten to reform the front of the chestplate and accidently pulls Minerva inside the armor.

“Minerva, please calm down! It’s me! It’s Cherry?!”

Gasping, Minerva looks at her current position. Resting her head back against the inside of the armor she sighs.

“Um... hi, Cherry.”

“Hey. Uh... sorry about the scare.”

“Is... is the Hero here too?”

Cherry nods. “Yes.”

Minerva slowly moves to cover her chest with her hands. “I’m... not exactly dressed to impress at the moment though.”

“Um... how about we go to your room so you can get some...?”

“Cherry?”

“Yes, Minerva?”

“Do you think I could... um... wear... you?”

“You mean the Hero’s armor?”

“Yes. If it wouldn’t be weird for you, that is.”

“It’s fine. Go ahead and put your arms and legs through.”

Minerva repositions herself inside the armor. When she is ready she calls out again.

“Okay... I’m ready. Um... what do I do now?”

“Nothing. I’ll do the rest.”

The armor closes around Minerva’s body with small clicking sounds. She grimaces as it does so. Unmoving, Cherry calls out.

“Uh... Minerva?”

“Yes?”

“You can move now.”

“I might need some help doing that.”

“Give it a try first.”

Nodding, Minerva takes a deep breath. Lifting her leg, she is surprised at how easily she is able to turn around.

“This is amazing! It’s so... so LIGHT?!”

Cherry giggles. “That’s to be expected. I haven’t eaten anything in over a year.”

Minerva gasps. “Armor eats?!”

“It was a joke, Minerva.”

“Oh... right. Um... where did you say the Hero was?”

Arc calls out from the other room. “At your kitchen counter at the moment.”

“You can hear us?!”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

“HOW?!”

Cherry sighs. “Um... the armor... isn’t soundproof.”

“It isn’t?”

“He’s talked to you while in it before, remember?”

“Oh...”

“In any case, why don’t you head over and join the Hero now, Minerva?”

“Well... okay.”

Slowly making her way out of the bathroom, Minerva spots Arc sitting at her kitchen counter. Walking over to him she sits down and turns to him nervously.

“Sorry about, um... the whole armor thing.”

“It’s fine. Since Cherry’s okay with it, that is.”

Minerva looks down at the gauntlets as she moves the fingers. “I have to say, I’ve never felt more secure before.”

Cherry giggles. “That’s good. I was kinda worried you’d feel claustrophobic inside me.”

“Not in the least, no. But, um... is it really okay for me to be in here without clothes?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t know. Never tried it.”

Cherry quickly calls out. “The Hero is a very modest man.”

“In any case, I should get to the reason for our visit.”

Arc clears his throat before continuing.

“First I should probably apologize for just kinda showing up. Now and in the past, I mean.”

Minerva shakes her head. “No, no. It’s fine. “

Cherry calls out. “Maybe next time we could knock.”

Arc sighs. “That might not be the best idea. After all, I don’t know exactly what the neighbors would say about seeing an armored or robed individual standing at the front door.”

Minerva nods. “Yes. Please just let yourselves in as you normally do. However that is, I mean.”

“Alright. Now then, I wanted to talk to you about your interview with the proprietor of Shelly’s Kitchen.”

Minerva bows her head. “It’s a real shame. That young woman’s a figurehead to pretty much everyone here in Angel Grove.”

“She said at the end of that segment that she’d like to meet with me. Do you have any idea what this is in regards to?”

“None at all. It was just as much a surprise to me as it was to you.”

Cherry sighs. “Could you guess?”

“Pretty much our entire interaction was aired. There wasn’t much that was cut from the footage Dave took.”

“I see. And you didn’t know her before the interview?”

“Well, I knew OF her. I mean, who doesn’t? Dave and I saw her a number of time when we stopped in there for lunch over the years.”

Cherry calls out to Arc. “It looks like you’re going to have to just see for yourself what she wants, Hero.”

“Guess so.”

“I can tell you one thing though, Hero.”

“What’s that, Minerva?”

“You shouldn’t wait too long. The interview, at Shelly’s request, was first thing in the morning. However as we wrapped it up Shelly appeared to be nodding off already.”

Cherry gasps. “She’s that sick?!”

Arc frowns. “So it would seem.”

“Um... could I ask you something, Hero? As long as you’re here.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“How... did things go on your mission inside that military facility?”

Cherry sighs. “I don’t think he can talk about that, Minerva.”

“Right. I can’t give you the details. Believe me, it’s for your own safety.”

“It’d be off the record though. And I promise I wouldn’t tell a soul. This is just for my own peace of mind.”

“Well... let’s just say that we all made it home safe and sound.”

“And your troops?”

“Injured, but otherwise fine.”

Cherry nods. “They’re all back to active duty now.”

Minerva breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. To be honest with you, I never dreamed I’d ever be a war correspondent.”

Arc shrugs. “That did kinda get out of hand, yes. But I’m assuming you got some nice shots of the battle.”

“We did, yes.”

Cherry giggles. “I’m hoping it helped you out, Minerva.”

“Helped me?”

“Realize your goal of moving up in your profession.”

Minerva sighs. “It did. A bit too much actually.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“After the story broke, Channel 7’s phones were ringing off the hook for days at a time.”

Cherry gasps. “They were?”

Arc groans. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but what did they want?”

“A number of things. Some wanted to know if this was some kind of sick joke. Others asked where exactly this was happening. A few even called to tell us to stop spreading conspiracy theories.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “That’s not so bad.”

“But that’s only part of it. The next day I started getting calls with job offers from all over the country.”

Cherry gasps. “But why?”

“Like I told you a while back, my story was reported and rebroadcasted all over the country. Pretty much every station wanted me to come work for them to increase their ratings. After all, everyone wants to hear more from the reporter whom covered the nation’s first alien invasion.”

Cherry scoffs. “But we didn’t INVADE!”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda did.”

“My face has been all over the television since then too.”

Cherry calls out. “Is that... good?”

Minerva shrugs. “Sort of. It really made my career.”

“But doesn’t that mean you accomplished your dream of becoming like Walter Cronkite?”

“Not really. I mean, it’s nice to get some recognition for what I do. But at the same time now I can’t hardly walk down the street without people recognizing me.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be. After all, it’s what I wanted.”

Minerva groans before continuing.

“But now that I have it, I know it isn’t what I want.”

“So what are you going to do, Minerva?”

“I decided to stay here in Angel Grove and keep working for Channel 7 news.”

Cherry gasps. “I thought you wanted to go national though.”

“Yes, well... it’s here that I’m the happiest. After all, who wants to live in some big city somewhere and report on the big stories?”

Arc chuckles. “Had you asked me that before I would have said ‘you’?”

“The old me, yes. However Cherry showed me that there was another path. One that led to me finding what I was truly looking for in life.”

Cherry giggles. “And what’s that?”

“Happiness.”

Arc nods approvingly. “A wise choice.”

“I’d still love to cover anything related to the Hero though. After all, it would certainly help your image.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Image?”

“The way the citizen’s see me.”

Minerva nods. “Right. I’ve already spoken to my editor, and he’s given me the go-ahead to pursue any stories related to either the Hero or his exploits.”

“So you’re okay with us calling on you again in the future?”

“Of course. Anytime you want me to fly around and give narration for something just let me know.”

Cherry sighs. “Hopefully we won’t be doing anything else violent around here. But it would be nice to have someone broadcasting it for posterity, Hero.”

“I’d like that. After all, if there’s a video recording of what I do then no one will be able to make up stories about what I’m doing.”

Minerva grimaces. “They will be able to, yes. There’s any number of theories regarding what it is you did before.”

“Like what?”

“Some say that it was a failed attempt to take over that base. Others say that you were trying to blow it up and just couldn’t pull it off.”

“I know what I did made me look bad, yes. However at least what people saw on their televisions was me doing what had to be done. They can’t prove anything other than what was shown irrefutably.”

Minerva nods. “Right. And it’s probably for the best that you keep your identity hidden. If anyone ever found out whom you really are, well... let’s just say that a lot of people in black suits would be banging down your door to have a talk.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Suits?”

“She means the government.”

“Ah!”

Minerva shudders. “They’ve even called me and asked where they could find you.”

Arc groans. “Great. What did you tell them?”

“That I didn’t know. Which was the truth.”

Cherry gasps. “Are you in any danger, Minerva?!”

Minerva shakes her head. “I doubt it. After all, the media has limited immunity to prosecution here. That and if I were to disappear it would make national headlines.”

Arc smirks. “It’d look like some big coverup.”

“Exactly.”

Cherry giggles. “So your fame is keeping you safe?”

“For the moment, yes.”

Arc stands. “Hopefully it stays that way. But we should probably be moving on.”

Cherry groans. “Hero?”

“Minerva doesn’t know anything that would help us. That and it’s getting late.”

“I suppose we should let her get to bed soon, yes.”

“Um... I would like to know something before you go, Hero.”

“Yes?”

“Are you... planning to do as Shelly asked and go visit her?”

“I am, yes. Why do you ask?”

“Because she’s such a kind-hearted individual. If you were on the fence regarding what to do I was planning to try and talk you into it.”

“No need for that. She’ll get a visit later tonight.”

Cherry gasps. “So soon?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Cherry. After all, time is of the essence here.”

He looks to Minerva before continuing.

“I’m sure I already know the answer to this question, but have you heard anything more about that base from before?”

Minerva shakes her head. “Nothing official, no. And every attempt to learn more through official channels has been stonewalled.”

“That figures.”

“But I know they’re up to something.”

Cherry gasps. “Minerva?”

“I can smell it.”

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

“There wouldn’t be that level of secrecy if it wasn’t something major.”

“You’re right about that, yes.”

Minerva instinctively leans forward. “So... what IS down there?”

Arc groans. “Trust me, you’re better off not knowing.”

“Now I REALLY want to know.”

“I doubt you’d believe me even if I told you.”

“Try me.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But this REALLY needs to stay between us AND off the record. Believe me, it’s for your own good.”

“You have my word that it won’t go any further.”

“Good.”

Arc takes a deep breath before continuing.

“The facility is known as ‘Damocles Base’. They’re working on researching ways to grant magical powers to humans.”

Minerva smirks. “Very funny.”

Arc looks at her wordlessly for a few moments. Minerva’s smiles slowly fades as Arc’s words sink in.

“This... this isn’t a joke, is it?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it isn’t.”

“But it’s impossible! No one can...!”

Arc stretches out a hand and lifts Minerva a few feet into the air.

“WOAH!”

Cherry cries out. “Hero?!”

“Just making a point.”

“Okay, okay! I get it! You can put me down now!”

Arc carefully does so. Minerva groans as she lands back in her seat.

“Any questions?”

Minerva nods. “A million now!”

“Trust me, you’re better off not knowing the answers to any of them at the moment.”

“I...!”

“Minerva, please! Trust the Hero!”

“Fine. But I would like to know more later.”

Arc frowns. “I’ll... think about it.”

“Please do. Rest assured that this is only for the benefit of my own curiosity. However... on a side note, it might be in your own best interest to give me an interview.”

Cherry sounds surprised. “What for?”

“So he can tell his side of the story. Plead his case before the public.”

“Why though?”

“To put people’s thoughts at ease. Remember, it wasn’t so long ago that you and your forces fought against our military. That makes some people wary. Especially since you were able to evade them so well.”

“So you want me to say what exactly?”

“A tell-all story.”

Cherry cries out. “What?!”

“Hear me out on this. Now then, if this matter is that important, then the public should know about it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But how would knowing about magical research help?”

“The Hero’s right, Minerva. They’d just think you were crazy, or something.”

Minerva grins. “Anyone else would be considered a lunatic for doing such a story. However if this comes from the Hero himself AND it’s reported by me than it’ll be listened to. Admittedly not everyone will believe it. But it’ll be a step in the right direction.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It would make things more difficult for them to keep under wraps.”

Cherry giggles. “The citizens might even demand that their leaders confess to what’s going on too.”

“I’ll give this matter some thought. But no promises.”

Minerva nods. “That’s all I can ask for.”

“Like you said though, we should probably get moving, Hero. It’s getting really late. That and I believe you have somewhere very important to be.”

Minerva grins. “Oh? Another mission?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing quite so exciting. But I have other things to do. And I’m guessing you have to work in the morning.”

Minerva nods. “That I do. Um... but I do thank you two for coming. And I’m sorry I didn’t have anything to add to what you probably already knew.”

“No, Minerva. Thank YOU.”

“What for, Hero?”

“Doing such a nice piece on Shelly. She deserved it.”

Minerva groans. “I only wish I could have done a more in-depth one. However, as I said earlier, she was very tired by the end of what we did do.”

“Thankfully you ended it when you did then.”

“Maybe I can do a follow up story another time. If she’s feeling up to it, I mean.”

Arc nods as he stands. “I’d like watching that.”

Cherry calls out. “Can I escort you to the bedroom, Minerva?”

“Yes please.”

She looks over her shoulder before leaving the room.

“I look forward to seeing you again, Hero.”

Arc nods wordlessly as Minerva enters her room. Closing the door, Eidolon’s Ward opens and allows her to step out. Turning back to her friend, Minerva smiles at the armor.

“Thanks for coming, Cherry. I do enjoy your company.”

“And I yours. Hopefully next time we’ll have time to talk more. But I need to return with the Hero now.”

Nodding, Minerva wraps her arms around the armor and hugs it.

“I understand, Cherry. I really do.”

Breaking the embrace, Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on Minerva’s bare shoulder for a moment and nods to her. Turning, they leave the room as the young woman sits down on the bed and sighs.

“Next time, Cherry. Next time we’ll be able to spend more time together. I hope.”

Chapter 16 - Bedside Talks

Stepping out of a portal, Arc’s shoes touch down on the roof of the hospital along with Eidolon’s Ward behind him. Closing the portal, he turns to his armor and sighs.

“Here we are.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Is something wrong, Arc?”

“Kinda. I’m a little nervous about what Shelly wants to talk to the Hero about.”

“But why?”

Arc turns and looks out over the city before them. “I... I don’t know.”

“You don’t think she’ll say anything bad, do you?”

“Frankly, I have no clue what she’d want to talk to me about. Well... me subjectively. After all, it’ll be the Hero she’s addressing. Not me.”

“Then let’s just go see here.”

“Maybe we should go tomorrow though.”

“Oh?”

Arc looks away nervously. “It is pretty late, after all. And outside visiting hours.”

“Arc?”

“Yes, Cherry?”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing! I just don’t think coming in at this hour is...!”

“So you think walking in there during the waking hours, in full armor no less, would be better?”

“Um... yes?”

Cherry sighs. “Arc, talk to me. What’s bothering you?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s just... I’ve known that Shelly’s been sick for so long now. Since we were in high school even. But for the longest time it just...”

He puts a hand to his forehead before continuing.

“...it just always felt like such a thing was just so far away.”

Cherry puts a gauntlet on his shoulder. “I suppose that’s just a natural reaction to life. When I was a filly I never once gave any thought to my own parent’s deaths. However it came and went in the blink of an eye. To say nothing for my own demise.”

“But she’s so young! Like you were, Cherry.”

“Yes, Arc. However none of us truly know just how long we have. A fact I had to face myself after my death.”

“That’s a rather negative way of looking at it.”

“I suppose it is. But we could also see it from the middle ground.”

“Middle...?”

Cherry interrupts him. “You’re young and healthy, Arc. I hope you live for another hundred years. But you could just as easily succumb to an undiagnosed heart condition tomorrow.”

Arc frowns. “This isn’t really helping, Cherry.”

“I’m honestly not trying to be negative. What I’m trying to say is, rather than feel sadness toward the situation at hoof you should do your very best to spend time with your friend in an effort to make the most of your days. For when somepony dies, our memories of them are all that’s left. So let’s make lots of good ones.”

Arc nods sadly. “I understand what you’re saying, yes. But at the same time I still wish I could do something more for Shelly.”

“Then start by fulfilling her request to see the Hero.”

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Opening up, Arc steps inside his old armor. As it closes around him, he smiles.

“Cherry?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“Thanks.”

Cherry giggles. “I’m still here for you.”

“Um... but could you do me one favor?”

“What is it?”

“Do you think you could... um... you know...?”

“No, Arc. I don’t know. Now what is it that you want?”

Arc groans. “You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you.”

Cherry giggles. Yes, I am.

“Alright. Would you please get in my head again?”

“See? Was that so hard?”

“I guess not. But is that a ‘yes’?”

“Sure.”

A few moments later Cherry’s consciousness enters Arc’s head. A contented sigh rings out in his head.

“Just like I remember it.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I would hope so.”

“Now then... are you ready to continue?”

“I suppose so.”

Pulling a pair of binoculars from his ring, Arc points them toward Shelly’s window.

“Looks like Lily’s still awake.”

“Think she can’t sleep?”

Arc shrugs as he puts the binoculars away. “Let’s find out.”

“So are we going to Blink over there or put on a magic cloak so we can walk the halls?”

“Neither.”

“Then how...?”

Arc interrupts her. “By trying out a new technique.”

“Oh?”

Stepping over to the edge of the roof Arc looks around. Cherry calls out to him nervously.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“Do you trust me, Cherry?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Then do so now.”

“Um... okay.”

“Here goes...”

Taking a deep breath, Arc steps off the edge and drops slightly. Cherry gasps when they don’t fall however.

“Arc?! How...?!”

Arc chuckles. “I can fly now.”

“That’s impossible though!”

“Yet here we are.”

“This defies all logic!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. It’s just applied magical science.”

“What?”

“I just cast a Telekinesis Spell on myself.”

“And that stops you from falling?”

“Apparently.”

“You mean...?”

Arc chuckles. “I’ve never tried it this high up before.”

“But what if it had failed?!”

“Then I would have Blinked myself back up here to safety. In any case, let’s get this show on the road.”

Levitating, Arc makes his way over to Shelly’s window. As they approach he sees Lily step into the bathroom. Looking down at Shelly he sees her fast asleep. Pushing the window to one side, Arc enters the room before closing it behind him. Floating over to the bathroom door, Arc steps behind it and waits. A few minutes later Lily opens the door and walks back to her place next to the bed. Arc waits a few moments before walking past the now open door and knocking lightly. Looking up, Lily’s eyes grow wide. She quickly stands and hurries over to him, being sure to keep her voice low.

“You came! You actually came!”

Not knowing what else to do, Arc nods slightly. Lily takes his arm and gently pulls him toward the side of the bed.

“Shelly’s been talking about seeing you again since that night you came to our restaurant!”

“Oh?”

“She says there’s something she needs to say. While I hate to wake her, I did promise that I would do so if you came.”

Putting a hand on Shelly’s shoulder Lily shakes it gently as she speaks.

“Shelly?”

Slowly opening her eyes, the young woman turns to Lily with a dazed look on her face.

“We... have a visitor.”

She points to the armored individual next to her. Shelly’s eyes slowly turn to look in his direction. Smiling weakly, she waves nervously.

“H-hello... again.”

Arc clears his throat and speaks slower than usual and an octave lower in pitch. “Hello, miss.”

“I... guess you must’ve heard my interview.”

“Yes. It was enjoyable to watch.”

Lily motions to the door. “Do you want to be alone, Shelly?”

Shelly shakes her head. “No, Lily. I want you here for this.”

Turning back to Arc, Shelly extends a hand. Arc carefully takes it in his gauntlet and waits for her to speak.

“I wanted to see you again to tell you something, sir.”

“Yes?”

Shelly smiles. “And that something is... ‘thank you’.”

“What for?”

“All you’ve done for Angel Grove. That and... for not hurting my friend, Frank Fontaine. I really appreciate that.”

“It’s no problem.”

“Lily and I know what you’re capable of. Had you wanted to kill him it certainly would have been a simple task for you.”

“It’s not my philosophy.”

Lily appears confused. “Sir?”

“Ending life is an easy task. Preserving it... that’s the hard part.”

Shelly nods. “Same with those women you fought outside that base.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Those soldiers?”

Arc frowns. “What about them?”

“They were completely in your power. Had you wanted to end their lives it would have certainly been within your ability and right. After what they did to your forces, that is.”

Arc sighs. “Believe me, I almost did.”

“Why did you stop?”

“Because... one of my teammates was able to snap me out of it. She gave me a look that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Her face silently pleaded for me to stop and show mercy.”

Lily smiles. “So you believe you made the right choice?”

“Yes. I found out later that they weren’t the real enemy. If anything, they too were victims.”

Shelly smiles. “Like my friend, Frank.”

“Oh?”

“He told me about what happened to his boys down there. How they were kidnapped and experimented on. And how you were the one whom broke them out.”

Lily bows her head. “Frank’s done some very bad things in the past. But at the same time no one deserved what he and the others went through.”

“You risked your life to save those whom you were fighting against. Those whom were certainly guilty of many crimes against Angel Grove and its inhabitants. One question has been rolling around in my head for the longest time though. And only you can answer it.”

Arc waits as Shelly looks him in the eye for a long moment. Eventually she speaks a single word.

“Why?”

“You mean why did I save them?”

Shelly nods. “Right. Naturally we were worried about Frank. However the rest of the town would have been perfectly happy had he and his gang never been heard from again. So I just want to know why you did it.”

“I did it because... you asked me to, miss.”

“Me?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“I get the feeling it’s not just because I gave you my most prized possession.”

“These?”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls something out and look to Shelly. She nods and smiles sadly.

“Yes. My parent’s wedding rings.”

“I thought so. But aren’t these important to you?”

“Moreso than you know.”

“Then why give them to me?”

“Because... because the life of my friend Frank was more important than any tangible item. And if me handing it over could save him then I believed it to be a good trade.”

Arc holds out the rings to her. “I’d like you to have them back.”

Shelly shakes her head. “No. I gave them to you, after all.”

“I understand that. However as a personal favor I’d like you to take them.”

“But...”

Lily interrupts. “Shelly, please. If the Hero asks that you do something then you should do it.”

Nodding, Shelly reaches out and shakily takes the rings from Arc’s gauntlets. Looking at them for a time silently she smiles before speaking again.

“Thank you, sir. If there’s anything I can do to return the favor...”

Arc interrupts. “You already have.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve done things in the past I’m not proud of. Some people here in Angel Grove believe me to be a bad person for that reason. However, everything I’ve done has been for the betterment of others.”

Lily nods soberly. “We understand that sometimes you have to skirt the law in order to get thing done.”

“True. But asking to speak to me on the news really helps.”

Shelly appears confused. “It does?”

“Yes. It shows others that you believe in me. You... the one whom much of the town looks to as a good and wholesome person. And for that, I am grateful.”

“I... just don’t really know what to say, sir?”

“There’s more though.”

“Sir?”

“You two gave Frank and his men a chance at an honest life. Working in your restaurant allows them to earn a living. So again I am in your debt, Shelly.”

“I... suppose that’s true about Frank. But it was actually he who was helping me though.”

“Perhaps both our statements are correct in a way. However things turned out better than I anticipated.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Wha... how did you think they were going to...?”

“You don’t want to know.”

Turning back to Shelly, Arc continues.

“Now then, I should probably let you get back to sleep.”

Lily nods. “Yes. It’s been a long day for you.”

Shelly smiles sleepily. “That’s... true.”

“Before I leave, there is something I would like to ask of you, Shelly?”

“What is it?”

“Is there anything that I can do for you?”

“Do for... me?”

“I heard on the news that you’re dying. Is there some request you’d like me to fulfil?”

“Like a wish?”

“Something like that. If it’s within my power, I will grant it.”

“Well... there is one thing I’d like.”

“Name it.”

Shelly motions for him to come closer. Arc leans down and listens to her whispers. Straightening up, he sees that she has fallen asleep. Turning to Lily, Arc speaks.

“Interesting.”

“What did she say, Hero?”

“She wants to be able to do something that has been out of her reach since childhood. And adulthood as well due to her illness and time constraints. However she asked me not to say anything to anyone about it.”

“Can I help?”

“Yes. Tomorrow morning when Shelly wakes up tell her that I heard her request and will grant it.”

“I can do that. Anything else?”

“Tell her that I will need a bit of time to make the necessary preparations. And that I will return at exactly midnight in two days’ time.”

“So the day after tomorrow?”

Arc nods. “Correct.”

“I’ll see to it that Shelly rests all day so she’ll be ready for whatever you have planned.”

“Good.”

“Any other preparations you need me to take care of?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I will do the rest.”

Turning, he heads for the window. Looking back at Lily, Arc speaks again.

“Also tell her... that I won’t let her down.”

Lily nods as Arc Blinks through the window. Casting a Telekinesis Spell on himself he levitates back up to the roof overhead.

“That went well.”

Cherry giggles. “That it did. But I didn’t really understand her request. After all, humans can’t...”

Arc interrupts her. “It was somewhat of a figure of speech. One that could be taken literally as well.”

“I don’t get it then.”

“But you will.”

“Oh?”

“I’d like your help on this too”

“But what for?”

“Emotional support.”

Cherry sounds confused. “For Shelly?”

Arc shakes his head as the snow begins to fall. “No. For me.”

Chapter 17 - Baring More Than Your Soul

Arc steps onto the Bridge of The Equinox. Spotting the crew at their stations he approaches Soarin. The captain salutes him as he does so.

“Welcome aboard, sir.”

“Good afternoon, captain. I came by to receive you report on the status of the ship.”

“All systems running normally, sir.”

“And the modifications I ordered?”

“Completed, sir.”

“Good. How about Redheart?”

“She reports the Infirmary is currently fully stocked and ready for anything.”

“Scanners, Moon Dancer?”

Moon Dancer smiles. “Fully functional, sir.”

“Weapons, Wrangler?”

Wrangler grins. “Prepped and ready, sir.”

“Comms?”

Lemon Hearts salutes. “All equipment has been tested and works, sir.”

“Helm?”

Thunderlane pats his controls. “Itching to get in the air, sir!”

Arc nods. “Did you look over my course?”

“Yes sir. I’ve already mapped it out and done the calculations for time as you instructed.”

“Good. I need us to stay on schedule too.”

“Understood, sir. You can count on me.”

Arc turns back to the captain. “Make sure you and the rest of the crew are well-rested for this. I’m not exactly sure how long the mission will take.”

“Yes sir. I’ll see to it.”

Nodding, Arc leaves the Bridge. Heading down the corridor to the Infirmary he enters. Spotting Redheart going over a clipboard he walks over to her.

“Nurse Redheart?”

“Hello, sir. What can I do for you today?”

“Just a quick check on how things are going over here.”

“I’m ready for the mission, sir.”

“Have you completed your additional... training?”

“Yes sir. Although I’m only semi-proficient you can count on me to do my part.”

“Perfect. Be sure you’re rested for tonight.”

“I will, sir. Um... but might I say something a bit... personal?”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s just... that I wanted to thank you for your... directions earlier.”

“You and the doctor?”

Redheart nods as she blushes happily. “It’s very nice to be able to do what we want without having to look over our shoulders.”

“Happy to help. Just remember that my exemption only applies to times that you’re both aboard The Equinox.”

“Yes sir, we understand and will follow your instructions to the letter.”

“Good. I hope you two will be very happy with this arrangement. “

“I believe we will, sir.”

“But in any case, I’ll let you get back to work now.”

Saluting, Redheart returns to her duties as Arc leaves the room. Heading toward his own quarters he enters just in time to see Ember, in her human form, leave his private bathroom with a towel around her body. Grinning at him, she speaks.

“Perfect timing.”

Arc chuckles as he closes the door. “I guess so.”

She walks over and takes his hand before continuing.

“And now we’re all alone.”

Arc smiles at her. “True. But I think I’d like to take a shower now.”

“Great! Let’s go!”

“Huh?”

“I wanna come too!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But you just got out from the looks of it.”

Ember shrugs as she drops the towel to expose her still damp body. “And?”

Shrugging, Arc allows Ember to lead him into the bathroom. She gets the water running as he strips down. Getting in with him, Ember reaches for a washcloth and soap. Lathering it up she begins cleaning him.

“Don’t you worry about a thing, Arc. I’ve got this.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I’m sure you do.”

“Everything okay?”

“Kinda.”

“Worried about the mission?”

Arc nods. “This is important.”

“And that’s why everyone is doing their best as per your instructions.”

“But what if...?”

“None of that, Arc.”

“I know it was my idea to do agree to this, but... I can’t help but wonder if it’s the right thing to do.”

“You could always call it off.”

“Kinda late to do that now.”

Ember grins. “Then we forge ahead.”

Finishing the shower, Ember helps Arc out and dries him. Taking him by the hand she leads him to the bed. Lying down, in the nude no less, she presses her body against his and smiles.

“Comfy?”

Arc nods. “Actually, yes.”

“Because I’m so soft?”

“I was going to say because of the mattress and my current company, yes.”

Ember tenderly kisses his neck. “Love hearing that.”

“Ember?”

“Hm?”

“Do you... approve of me?”

Ember raises her head, confused. “Um... what?”

“I guess what I actually mean is... do you approve of my actions?”

“Usually, yes.”

“But not always.”

Ember groans. “Haven’t we been over this already?”

“A couple times, yes.”

“Then why do you keep bringing it up, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “I guess it’s because I keep doubting myself.”

“Considering all you’ve accomplished I don’t see how.”

“Mistakes have been made in the past, Ember.”

“But you’ve learned from them.”

Arc pulls Cherry’s pendant from his ring and looks at it. “Have I?”

Ember frowns. “Yes Arc, you have.”

“Cherry’s death... I could have done...”

“Arc, don’t! We were both there. Neither of us... no one could have stopped what that coward Wind Rider did!”

Arc puts an arm over his face and groans. “I know that, Ember. At least my head does. My heart however is a different matter entirely.”

“You need to let it go though, Arc. Cherry has. She said so herself.”

“Lately I’ve been considering our relationship.”

“Ours?”

“Well... the whole herd relationships, yes.”

Ember frowns. “Which part?”

Rolling over on top of her, Arc looks down at Ember whom is understandably surprised by his sudden actions.

“Arc!”

“Ember. I... I love you.”

“And I... love you too.”

Arc puts a hand on her cheek. “In the future I’d like to have a family. With both you AND the others.”

“I want that too.”

“But is that fair?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Cherry. She died because of her connection to me. Wouldn’t anyone whom I marry have to live with the same...?”

Roughly pushing him, Arc flies off the bed to land on his back. Getting his bearings he looks up just in time to see Ember lunge off the mattress to land on all fours over him. Grabbing his wrists she looks him in the eye angrily.

“Listen, and listen good, Arc! I WANT to be with you! I WANT to be your mate! And I WANT you to impregnate me with your children so we can raise them TOGETHER with the others!”

She leans back to sit on his pelvis before continuing.

“Is it going to be dangerous?! Maybe! I don’t really know, nor do I really CARE!”

“But Ember! Your nation needs...!”

Ember cuts him off again. “...an heir, I know! If that’s all I need to do as Dragon Lord then I’ll be happy!”

“Make an heir?”

“You’ll be long gone by then, yes! But I might just lay my eggs and retreat from the public view!”

“Can the Dragon Lord do that?”

“Who’s going to stop me?!”

“I guess that’s true. But what would you do with yourself?”

“Hatch and raise my eggs!”

“With Spike?”

“If he’s up for it, yes!”

“So you’re going to just sit in a cave raising young?”

“For a time, yes!”

“And you won’t be lonely or bored?”

“Of course I will be!”

“Then why...?”

“Don’t you get it, Arc?!”

“Apparently not.”

“I’m just going to do what I want to do! What anyone else wants will be secondary!”

“Um...”

Ember groans. “It means that I’m just going to live my life as it suits ME!”

“And Spike?”

“Huh?”

“What about what he wants?”

“All I’m going to ask him to do is help me with making the eggs. After that it’s up to him whether or not he sticks around. And that’s still only assuming your seed can’t be altered and preserved long enough, that is.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out, Ember.”

Ember sighs. “And you don’t.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. We all know the risks of being in a relationship with you. But none of us really minds. Well, that and you need to think of yourself more.”

“All I want is a normal life with all of you.”

“And we want the same, Arc. A happy family life with a happy brood running around.”

She looks down and traces a finger from his belly button on down to her own genitals before continuing.

“That and... physical intimacy. Even if it won’t put eggs in me.”

“I... don’t really know what to take from this conversation though, Ember.”

Ember groans as she stands and extends a hand. “Just stop worrying so much! Geez!”

Arc sighs as he takes her hand. “Kinda hard for me to do, Ember.”

“Well... just understand that we get your whom aversion to relationships after what happened to Cherry. But don’t let it ruin your future.”

“I think we all need to have a talk about this. Together, I mean.”

Ember wraps her arms around Arc’s neck and smiles. “Agreed.”

Pulling him down on the bed, Ember kisses Arc passionately as he does the same to her. Breaking off their make-out session a short time later, Ember puts a hand to Arc’s cheek as she smiles.

“Sorry if I came off as a little aggressive earlier.”

Arc grins. “Which part?”

“When I threw you off the bed.”

“Ah! That.”

“I just got so mad hearing you go back to your self-pity, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “While Emerald Dream has told me that I need to face and deal with me grief, for the longest time I didn’t really know how to do that.”

“And what did she suggest?”

“Getting to know others and trying to have a normal relationship again.”

Ember chuckles. “Nothing about this whole herd thing could be considered ‘normal’ though, Arc.”

“That’s roughly what I told her.”

“Did she tell you to stop?”

“Not exactly.”

“You mean...?”

“She recommended that I ascertain if everyone was comfortable and approving of this idea before pursuing it further.”

“And you did.”

“Which is why I allowed myself to dip a proverbial toe in to test the waters.”

“So you’re okay with this, right?”

“I’m looking forward to being with Derpy, Rarity, and Applejack someday, yes.”

Ember appears hopeful. “And my situation?”

Arc sighs. “If you can’t legally or officially join the herd, that’s fine. But I would still very much like for us to maintain our relationship. Naturally that’s assuming the others are okay with it, I mean.”

“They would be, yes. I did bring that up after our previous talk.”

“So what would that make you?”

“I originally wanted to be a ‘concubine’.”

Arc grimaces. “Uh...”

“But the others said that was demeaning to both me and them. It makes this herd idea into a two-tiered system.”

“So did you figure something out?”

“We’re still trying to think of something. That and I’m not sure if you’re quite ready to take me as your own yet anyways.”

“I’m not really ready to take anyone yet.”

“The job?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“It needs to be over first, doesn’t it?”

“Exactly.”

“Any idea how much longer until then?”

“I’m hoping to be done and retired before the end of next year. And that’s assuming we don’t get into a prolonged war with the changelings.”

“Then you’ll just be a normal citizen?”

“More or less. Frankly I’m just trying to get to the point where I could effectively step down. Haven’t really given much thought to my status after that.”

“And what then?”

“Odd jobs around Ponyville, spending time with Dinky, and lots of dates with you and the others hopefully.”

Ember smiles and traces his chest happily. “Is that a promise?”

Arc sighs and shakes his head. “Sadly, given my past experiences, it is not.”

Chapter 19 - At the End of the Rainbow

Arc and company reappear on the teleporter in the Observation Lounge. He turns to Shelly as he speaks.

“Guess I probably should have started our tour here at the Observation Lounge.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “As you can probably tell, the Hero doesn’t let too many folks tour the ship.”

Shelly smiles. “Well, I’m still having a great time!”

Lily giggles. “Me too!”

Minerva looks around. “So this is part of the Upper Deck?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s the back of the deck though. But I suppose you already knew that from the view.”

Ember clears her throat. “Moving right along...”

Arc gestures to the corridor. “This way please.”

Lily pushes Shelly down the corridor as Arc motions to a number of doors off to one side.

“These are our VIP suites. They’re used for my personal guests as well as royalty when they come aboard.”

Shelly gasps. “You mean a king?!”

Ember shakes her head. “Princesses, actually.”

Arc nods. “In our land that’s as high as it goes.”

Lily appears confused. “So no king or queen at all?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nope. Just four princesses.”

Minerva makes a note on her pad. “Are they all from one union?”

Arc turns to her. “Two are, yes. The others came to their positions through extraordinary circumstances.”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. Doesn’t someone have to be born into the royal family or marry into it?”

“Not here. Sorry, but I can’t really explain the details, as it would require a LOT of prerequisite knowledge.”

Lily smiles. “It’s okay.”

Shelly looks to a door. “Can we see one of the rooms that a princess used?”

“Certainly.”

Walking over to a door, Arc opens it and steps back. Lily pushes Shelly inside to give her a better look. She gasps at the posh accommodations.

“This room is certainly worthy of royalty!”

Lily giggles as she puts a hand on one of the beds. “I’ll say!”

Arc gestures to the mattress. “Would you like to try it out?”

“Huh?”

“The bed.”

Lily gasps. “Oh no, I couldn’t!”

Shelly giggles. “After all, what would you tell the princess?”

“Believe me, she wouldn’t mind in the least.”

Ember smirks. “Her and the Hero go way back, after all.”

Lily looks around nervously. “Well... I think I’ll just sit on it then.”

Nodding, she does so. As her backside touches down Lily smiles instinctively.

“Is this filled with clouds?”

Ember chuckles. “Probably something equally soft.”

Arc looks to Shelly. “Are you certain you wouldn’t like to try it?”

Lily calls out. “Come on, Shelly! It’s amazing!”

“I... um...”

She looks to Arc.

“Are you sure it would be okay?”

“Completely.”

“Then, yes. I would.”

Putting the brakes on her wheelchair, Shelly carefully stands with the aid of Ember and Arc. Helping her turn around the pair slowly lower the young woman onto the bed. Smiling she bounces slightly.

“You were right, Lily! This is very nice!”

Minerva looks to the adjacent bed. “Might I try it myself, Hero?”

“Sure, go right ahead.”

Minerva walks over to the other bed and sits down. Putting her hands over her head she leans back and allows herself to fall backwards. With a slight ‘pomf’ she lands on the exquisite bedspread and groans.

“Now THIS is a bed!”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “Is it really that comfy?”

Minerva groans happily. “I would never get up again if I had one of these!”

Shelly turns to Lily. “I want to try it.”

“Okay.”

Taking Shelly’s hand, Lily helps her lie back. She gives Lily’s hand a tug a few moments after she touches down on the bedspread.

“Lily, you’ve got to try this!”

“I’m not sure if I...”

Arc interrupts her. “Go ahead, Lily. See what all the fuss is about.”

Taking a deep breath Lily lays back next to Shelly. She closes her eyes and lies there silently for a few moments. Eventually Shelly calls out to her.

“Lily?

“Hm?”

“What do you think?”

Lily grins, her eyes still closed. “That I nodded off momentarily.”

Arc, Shelly, and Lily share a laugh as Ember pokes Minerva.

“Hey. You alright?”

Minerva’s eyes fly open and she suddenly sits up.

“Sorry! I think I got a bit too comfortable there!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You mean...?”

Minerva nods. “I dozed off.”

Arc chuckles. “That just shows how much we value comfort. Especially when it comes to pillows and bedding.”

Ember shrugs. “Even the bunks on the Mid Deck are pretty good.”

Arc turns to her. “When did you...?”

Ember groans as she cuts him off. “I got locked out of my room one time, okay!”

Lily smiles. “Maybe we should continue that tour before someone else falls asleep. Right, Shelly? Um... Shelly?”

They look over to see Shelly lying there fast asleep. Lily puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder and gently shakes her.

“Hey. Time to wake up.”

Slowly opening her eyes, Shelly smiles sheepishly.

“Um... hi?”

Ember groans. “You too?”

Arc shrugs. “Another satisfied customer.”

Minerva stands and straightens her outfit as she looks to Shelly. “Do you need to rest now, miss? I know your condition doesn’t allow for a lot of excitement.”

“Kinda. But I would like to finish the tour first if possible.”

Lily stands. “Alright, Shelly. Let’s get you back in your chair.”

Helping her friend stand with the aid of Ember they get Shelly back in her wheelchair. Backing it out of the room they continue down the corridor. Arc stops in front of a large doorway and gestures with a wave of his hand.

“This is the Infirmary. We’re equipped to handle pretty much anything a local hospital could.”

Minerva nods approvingly. “It looks very well equipped.”

Shelly turns to Arc. “Does it see a lot of use?”

“Fortunately, no.”

Ember groans. “True. But the Hero is its best customer.”

Arc shrugs. “Just testing the equipment.”

Lily gasps. “Were you injured, sir?!”

“A few times, yes. Once grievously.”

Ember sighs. “And that was unfortunately before the ship was fully stocked and staffed.”

Shelly looks around. “Is there a doctor here at all times?”

Arc nods. “Kinda. Chief Medical Officer Redheart runs things here.”

Minerva smiles. “Can we meet her?”

“Sure.”

Arc turns and calls out.

“Redheart, a moment of your time.”

The office door opens and a human Redheart slowly steps out. She walks over to them nervously and turns to Arc.

“You called, sir?”

“Yes. My guests wanted to meet you.”

Shelly looks her over. “Have you treated our friend the Hero in the past?”

“Oh yes. We pulled him though a few rough times.”

Lily motions to the machines all around them. “So you could treat pretty much anything here?”

“Anything from broken bones to brain aneurisms. And everything in-between as well.”

Minerva gestures around them. “The Hero mentioned that this ship had responded to a major emergency at one point. How did you treat so many patients in such a place?”

“For times like that we keep extra medical supplies in the Cargo Hold. They stocked it with enough equipment and gear to be able to branch out with emergency triage areas in the Living Quarters. Or up on deck as that case required. Those whom were injured were mostly treated up there. Any whom were badly injured were transported to the local hospital after they were stabilized. And a few required emergency care here in the Infirmary as they couldn’t have survived the trip to the hospital.”

Lily looks around. “Some of these machines I recognize from back at our hospital. But quite a few seem out of this world.”

Ember grins. “Remember, they are.”

Arc nods. “This land has certain medical advantages that Earth does not.”

Minerva appears hopeful. “Do you think they might be able to do something for Shelly then?”

Arc shakes his head. “I actually spoke to the Royal Physician in the capital. After hearing about the case he said he’d need years of monitoring and collecting data to be able to even begin to treat her.”

Shelly sighs. “It’s okay. I’m not really holding out hope for a miracle here.”

Lily attempts to change the subject as she turns to Arc. “Sir, might I ask where the ship is controlled from?”

“That would be the Bridge.”

Ember chimes in. “However that area is off-limits.”

Shelly smiles nervously. “Would it be possible for me to just look inside from the door though?”

Minerva appears confused. “Shelly?”

“This ship is just so amazing to me! That and I’d really like to be able to see what’s ahead of us.”

Ember shrugs. “The view is nice, yes.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well... tell you what. If Minerva and her partner would be willing to leave the camera and other equipment in the corridor I’ll let everyone see the Bridge.”

Lily giggles. “That would be very nice, thank you.”

Arc turns toward the corridor. “Just give me a few minutes to... discuss it with the captain first.”

He gestures to a bed before continuing.

“You can rest for a bit if you’d like, Shelly.”

Redheart steps forward slowly. “I’d be willing to show you how we do examinations in this land if you’d like. With the Hero’s permission, of course.”

Shelly grins. “That sounds good to me. Hero?”

“Sure. I’ll be back shortly.”

Hurrying out the door, Arc heads for his quarters. Spotting Auriel and Sereb sitting on the couch watching the snow fall he walks quickly over to them.

“Enjoying the view?”

Auriel sighs contentedly. “Yes, it’s very soothing.”

Sereb looks him over. “However judging by your heartrate I assume something is up, my friend.”

“Kinda. Shelly really wants to see the Bridge.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “How is that a problem?”

“You see...”

A short time later Arc returns to the Infirmary. Redheart is just wrapping up with Shelly as she steps back with a stethoscope and blood pressure monitor. Arc frowns as he turns to Redheart.

“Did something happen?”

Redheart sighs. “A bit, yes.”

Lily groans. “Shelly started feeling a bit light headed.”

Shelly nods. “And I felt my pulse quicken.”

Redheart puts her implements back. “It’s coming down now though, sir.”

“Did you give her anything for it?”

Redheart shakes her head. “No, sir. The problem seems to have taken care of itself.”

Minerva turns to Shelly. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yes. This actually happens fairly often these days. The doctor back home said that it’s caused by the late stages of my disease.”

Ember looks to Arc. “How about we take a break then?”

Shelly shakes her head vehemently. “No, no! I’d very much like to see the Bridge!”

“The crew is ready now. If you’re sure you’re up to it, that is.”

“I am, yes.”

Lily sighs. Then let’s go.

Pushing the wheelchair toward the corridor, Lily follows Arc toward the Bridge door. Stopping in front of it he turns to Minerva and Dave as he points next to him.

“All cameras, microphones, etcetera must be left here.”

Minerva nods. “Yes, of course.”

Stepping forward she and Dave remove their bags and whatnot. Setting everything next to the door Ember looks them over carefully before turning to Arc.

“That looks to be everything.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Here we go.”

Opening the door, Arc leads the group onto the Bridge. Ember frowns as she notices that the crew is all wearing magic cloaks and appear to be in human form. The guests all marvel at the sights before them. Arc continues as they look around.

“This is Captain Soarin. He commands the ship on my behalf and organizes the ship side of our exploits.”

“Welcome to The Equinox, everyp... all of you.”

“Lemon Hearts is our Communications Officer. She sees to it that we’re kept aware of any important messages from the capital and whatnot.”

“Hello.”

“Moon Dancer is our Science Officer. She’s in charge of the ship’s scanners so as to advise the captain and myself of prudent courses of action outside our own understanding.”

“A pleasure.”

“Wrangler is our Tactical Officer. She makes sure the ship is ready for battle at all times.”

Wrangler grins. “Inside and out.”

“And finally there’s Thunderlane our navigator and pilot. He’s also our main eye in the sky.”

“I’m keeping it steady for you ladies.”

Lily looks to Arc. “And they do everything?”

“There’s also Chief Engineer Stellar Flare on the Lower Deck in Engineering along with her crew. But we’re not going down there for safety’s sake.”

Ember shudders. “Good! Never liked that part of the ship.”

Shelly points straight ahead. “Can I get closer to the window up front?”

Arc nods. “Certainly. Lily?”

“Here we go.”

Pushing the wheelchair forward Lily stops it next to Thunderlane’s chair. Shelly leans forward and grins.

“We’re so high up!”

Lily smiles. “You’ve always wanted to fly.”

Arc chuckles. “And here you are in a private airship.”

Minerva grins. “As someone who’s flown back on Earth I can say that this experience tops anything back home.”

Dave nods. “And it’s such a smooth ride too.”

Ember turns to Soarin. “I noticed that too.”

“If it’s one thing our engineers understand its aerodynamics.”

Wrangler grins. “And style!”

Lily looks to Thunderlane. “Is this the fastest the ship can go?”

Thunderlane shakes his head. “We’re at about thirty percent max speed, ma’am.”

Arc nods. “It’s to keep us on schedule.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “There’s a schedule?”

“Oh, yes. You’ll see why later. But why don’t we see one last room before returning to the Observation Deck?”

Shelly smiles. “I’d like to see whatever it is you’d like to share, sir.”

Leading the group off of the Bridge, Arc closes the door behind him. Wrangler walks over to Soarin’s office door and opens it.

“All clear.”

Auriel and Sereb step out and look to the captain. Auriel is the first to speak.

“How did it go?”

“It would appear that the guest were very impressed by what they saw.”

Sereb chuckles. “That is good.”

“Agreed.”

Lemon Hearts groans. “Do you think you could turn us back now though?”

Moon Dancer nods. “I kinda feel like I’m going to fall out of my seat if I let go of my console.”

Wrangler pulls off the robe to expose her naked body and grabs her own breasts. “Anypony as top heavy as I am right now?”

Thunderlane shakes his head. “Not I.”

Soarin shrugs. “Not sure why though.”

Auriel giggles. “Human female’s mammary glands are on their chests versus between their rear legs like a pony mare. But let’s see about getting everyone turned back into their normal forms.”

Moon Dancer sighs. “Must we?”

Lemon Hearts wiggles her fingers. “I kinda like this.”

Soarin shrugs. “We probably should. To run the ship effectively we need to be in our regular bodies.”

Sereb nods, his horn aglow. “Then let us begin.”

Meanwhile, Arc and company stop in front of a large, ornate door. He turns to them.

“This is the master suite of the ship.”

Ember chuckles. “And a heckuva nice one too.”

Minerva appears confused. “So it’s nicer than those VIP suites?”

Lily giggles. “That seems like it would be hard to top.”

Shelly looks to Arc. “Your room, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It is my ship, after all.”

Ember grins as she pushes open the door. “Check it out.”

They step into the room. Lily gasps.

“It’s... gorgeous!”

Shelly smiles. “Very nice taste in furnishings, sir.”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “I’ve been to five star hotels that don’t have as nice accommodations as this!”

Ember smirks. “And the bed is even nicer than those ones you tried earlier!”

Arc chimes in. “But I think the best part is the view.”

He gestures to the large floor to ceiling window in front of a couch. Lily wheels Shelly over to it and gasps.

“Incredible!”

Shelly nods breathlessly. “Sitting here makes it feel like we’re literally watching the world pass us by!”

Arc looks at the clock. “And we’re just about to our destination.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Where?”

“One of this land’s natural wonders. Everyone please have a seat.”

Minerva helps Lily lift Shelly onto the couch as the pair sit down on either side of her. Ember takes her place next to Arc as Dave moves around the room getting various shots. A few minutes later Arc points.

“There it is.”

Minerva squints. “What... is that?”

Lily shrugs. “A waterfall?”

Shelly grins. “It’s so long!”

Arc nods. “We’re going to be flying in close to get a better look at it.”

Ember turns to him. “Going to be kinda hard to see that without some daylight though, Hero.”

“Not to worry. I have a plan.”

Minerva appears confused. “Hero?”

“Would everyone please return to the Observation Deck with Dragon? I’ll meet you there in a bit.”

Arc opens a portal and steps through as Ember motions for the others to follow her. Returning to the Observation Deck they sit down and look out the windows together. About ten minutes later Arc returns via portal. Turning to the others he speaks.

“I went down to the falls and started up the heater. It should have things warmed up in a few minutes.”

Lily tilts her head to one side. “Heater?”

“I set up an observation tent down there in preparation for this. It’s heated and will keep Shelly protected from the elements while the real show gets underway.”

Shelly grins. “That sounds wonderful!”

“I’ll get your coat, Shelly.”

Lily helps Shelly put on the jacket as Arc opens a portal.

“This way please.”

They step through and find themselves inside a large tent with clear sides. A heater in the center hums away as it churns out hot air. Shelly giggles as she unzips her coat.

“Don’t really need this.”

Minerva looks to the device. “Powerful little heater there.”

Lily turns to Arc. “Battery powered?”

Arc shakes his head. “Magic”.

Ember puts a foot on it happily. “Works like a dream.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “In any case, let me show everyone what’s so special about these falls.”

Touching his earring, Arc speaks.

“Hero to Soarin. We’re in position. Begin the operation.”

“Yes sir.”

He cuts the feed before turning to the others.

“Now the ship will get into position.”

Minerva appears confused. “To do what though?”

“Let loose some artificial sunlight.”

As The Equinox gets into its predetermined position Wrangler presses a few switches. The exterior lights come on and are focused downward toward the clouds over the falls. Everyone gasps as they do so. Lily is the first to speak.

“Those clouds are raining... rainbows?!”

Shelly grins. “Incredible!”

Minerva looks to Dave. “Can you get a good shot of this?!”

“I’ll try, but it’s not easy capturing light like this.”

The clouds ‘pour’ their rainbow colors into the falls causing them to run with every color imaginable. Ember turns to Arc and smiles.

“Very nice.”

“It was actually Twilight’s idea.”

“Oh?”

“She had theorized that lights tuned to be as close to sunlight as possible would have this effect.”

Shelly looks to Arc. “Twilight?”

“She’s the youngest princess. Very interested in science and magic.”

Lily giggles. “Well, you can tell her that it was a complete success!”

Arc nods as they look at the scene before them. “That I will.”

Chapter 20 - Rest Stop

Sometime later Arc and the others step out from the portal back onto the Observation Deck. Shelly smiles from ear to ear.

“That was amazing to see!”

Lily nods. “Yes, Hero. Thank you for showing us that.”

Minerva grins. “I’m sure the folks back home will love it too.”

Ember chuckles. “That’ll be a fun story to watch.”

Arc smirks. “I’ll try to go back to Earth to see it.”

He turns to Shelly before continuing.

“Now then, would you like to rest while we fly on?”

Shelly nods sleepily. “I would, yes.”

“I can offer you one of our VIP suites.”

“No, thank you. That’s too much.”

Ember chuckles. “Really? After all, you loved the bed.”

“I don’t really want to be a burden.”

Arc chuckles. “No problem at all. Really.”

“Well... would you happen to have one with a large window? I’d really like to fall asleep looking out at the scenery.”

Ember nods. “There is one that fits the bill at the end of the hall.”

“I believe you’re right, Dragon. “

Arc turns to Lily before continuing.

“Would you like to join her? There’s only one bed, but it is extra-large.”

“I would, yes.”

“And you, Minerva?”

“Huh?”

Ember frowns. “The Hero’s asking if you’d like a room too.”

Arc nods. “And Dave as well.”

“Thank you, yes.”

“I’ll take one too.”

Arc motions with a wave of his gauntlet. “This way everyone.”

Walking down the corridor, Arc stops at a room and opens the door. Gesturing to the large window near the bed he turns to Shelly.

“Will this do?”

Shelly giggles. “Oh yes! Thank you, sir!”

Lily pushes her friend over to the bed. “Let’s get you situated, Shelly.”

Arc steps forward. “Allow me.”

Holding out a hand, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell to pull back the covers. He then carefully picks Shelly up and places her gently in the bed before allowing the covers to slowly fall over her. Lily smiles as she pushes the wheelchair into a corner and listens as Arc speaks.

“I’ll come get you two when we’re close to our destination.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Shelly smiles sleepily. “We’ll be waiting.”

Arc motions for the others to leave the room with him. Closing the door behind them, and shutting off the lights, Lily turns to Shelly and gets into bed with her. Shelly looks out the window as Lily speaks.

“It’s so soft!”

“Yes, it is.”

“Maybe even more so than the other bed we tried out earlier.”

“I’m just happy to be here.”

Lily sighs. “You always did want to fly. To travel the world and see other cultures.”

“But it was never an option for me. Either from lack of money or a lack of time.”

Lily puts a hand on Shelly’s arm. “But we’re here now. Flying on an alien aircraft in another world.”

Shelly smiles. “It doesn’t feel alien though.”

“But it’s not on Earth.”

“There’s more to it than that though, Lily.”

“How so?”

“Remember, those creatures whom we saw on the deck defending the ship on the news. They certainly weren’t human.”

“Right. They appeared to be small horses.”

“Which means that the crew isn’t what they appeared to be.”

Lily gasps. “You’re right! They must have a way to shapeshifting!”

“I imagine that the Hero told them to do that.”

“But why?!”

“Probably to make us feel more at ease here. After all, I’d be kinda nervous riding on an airship crewed by ponies. And while I’m sure they could do the job, it would certainly be stressful for us.”

“I guess I didn’t really think about it like that. But if that’s the case, why did you ask for this trip from the Hero?”

Shelly smiles sadly. “Because I knew it would probably be my last chance to do so.”

Lily groans. “Shelly...”

“It’s okay, Lily. This is honestly what I wanted. To fly with you. After all, you’ve always stood by my side.”

“That’s what friends do, Shelly.”

“And we’ve had some good times together. But it’s coming to an end soon.”

“Please don’t say things like that.”

“But it’s true. We both know it.”

Lily looks away. “I don’t like thinking about that. Losing my best friend isn’t something I can easily face.”

“Lily?”

“What is it?”

“Do you remember when I was first diagnosed with this disease?”

“I do, yes.”

“Remember your reaction?”

“It involved a lot of crying.”

Shelly nods. “Partially because of what the doctor said. But also due to the timing.”

Lily bows her head. “It was your last night at the orphanage before you aged out of the program too.”

“You were worried that I’d die before you could join me at Arc’s house.”

“I was really scared for you back then, yes.”

“Remember what you did that night?”

“How I got into your bed like I did when we were kids?”

Shelly smiles. “You fell asleep in my arms crying.”

“I’ve always felt bad about that.”

“Lily?”

“You were the one whom was sick. If anything I should have been consoling YOU!”

“We all do what we can, Lily. But can I tell you something?”

“Anything!”

Shelly sighs. “Now that my time is running out and the end is near, I can’t help but be a little scared.”

“It’s normal to be afraid of dying though, Shelly.”

“No, Lily. I’m fine with that. What frightens me is you, Arc, and Frank having to go on without me.”

Lily smiles sadly. “We told each other we’d be together forever.”

“But neither of us knew just how short ‘forever’ really was.”

“We’ll all miss you, Shelly. And I’ll do my best to be there for Arc and Frank when they need me. Just like you always did.”

“That’s what a big sister does.”

“You were everyone’s big sister though. How did you manage the stress of such a thing along with what the doctors told you?”

“I’ve always felt the need to put on a happy face for the people I care about. Even when it hurt to do so, I knew it would give you and the others hope.”

“Hope?”

“If I could smile, you could too.”

Lily hugs Shelly from behind. “And we all tried to stay positive so you would too.”

Shelly sighs. “It seems we’ve been supporting each other for longer than we were willing to admit.”

“And I wouldn’t trade that time for anything in the world, Shelly.”

“Could you do something for me though, Lily?”

“Anything at all!”

“I never really had anyone bigger to comfort me back then. Could you... do for me what I did for you back at the orphanage please?”

“You mean...?!”

Shelly nods. “Yes, Lily. I... I’m hurting inside. Now more than ever.”

“Of course, Shelly.”

Turning toward her friend, Shelly leans into Lily’s embrace and hugs her tight.

“I don’t want to leave you, Lily!”

“And we want you to stay too.”

“You and the boys... you’re the best family a girl could ever ask for!”

“We love you, Shelly. Now please... I know you’ve been holding a lot in for a long time now. Just let it all out.”

Shelly buries her face in Lily’s shoulder and sobs as her friend whispers words of encouragement in her ear. Meanwhile, as Ember escorts Dave to his suite, Minerva turns to Arc as he does the same for her.

“Hero, might I speak to you privately?”

“Certainly.”

He steps into her room as she shuts the door behind them. Turning to him, Arc gestures to a sofa nearby.

“Why don’t we sit down?”

“Good idea.”

She walks over to the posh couch and sits. After appreciating the comfort of the sofa for a few moments Minerva turns back to him.

“Won’t you join me?”

Arc nods. “I will. One moment.”

Eidolon’s Ward opens up to allow Arc to step out. Clothed in his black magic cloak and mask Arc sits down next to Minerva as his armor reforms. Cherry calls out as she finishes.

“Would you like me to leave you two alone, Minerva?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No, Cherry. In fact, I’d love it if you joined us.”

Nodding, the armor walks over and sits on Minerva’s other side as she speaks.

“First I’d like to thank you for giving me this opportunity, Hero.”

“It wasn’t my idea though.”

“Oh?”

Cherry nods. “Shelly asked for you to be invited.”

“She felt you would be the ideal person to do this interview.”

Cherry giggles. “After all, you did such a good job covering the Hero on his flight from the military.”

Minerva sighs. “That story made my career.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You don’t sound too happy about it though.”

“At the time I didn’t think any story could ever top it.”

She gestures to the room around them before continuing.

“And here I am flying around in a luxury warship, which is crewed by aliens, and flying through another world’s skies.”

Cherry giggles. “It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel when you say it like that.”

“That it does. But this... this story will make me a media legend. The woman whom showed the world proof that they were not alone in the universe.”

Arc nods. “As already stated, you’re the perfect one to air such a story.”

Cherry puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Right. “

Minerva sighs “But is this really the correct course to take?”

“Minerva?”

“When this story airs a lot of people are going to refuse to believe it. Those that do though may fear or even revile this land and its inhabitants.”

Arc shrugs. “They won’t be able to do much with their beliefs. Other than to let them simmer, that is.”

“But that won’t last forever, mind you. After all, your scientists were able to find a way to send you here. There’s no guarantee that ours can’t do the same with enough time and resources.”

Cherry calls out. “Would that truly be so bad though?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It depends on whom came here.”

Minerva looks down at her hands. “Right. Am I really doing the right thing here by outing your land as real though?”

“I think so. After all, knowing something exists and being able to get there are two different things.”

Cherry nods. “And the Hero did tell you during an early interview of him being here from another world.”

Minerva shrugs. “With no proof though. So no one really believed it. Myself included.”

“I agreed to Shelly’s idea for an interview not in spite of the exposé, but because of it.”

“But why, Hero?”

“Because everyone whom watched your story on us fleeing from the military knows that we vanished through a wormhole. “

Cherry nods. “The secret is already out as it stands.”

“I’ve already cleared this with the princesses and they agreed to this course of action. Well, three of them did.”

Cherry sighs. “I’m assuming Princess Celestia dissented.”

“She did, yes. But the other three were able to convince her that it was best to slowly make our presence known.”

Minerva appears conflicted as she looks to Arc. “So you’re sure this is the right thing to do?”

“Yes, Minerva. It’s part of a larger plan though.”

Cherry nods. “Your nation needs to know what’s going on at Damocles Base.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We can’t just pretend that none of that stuff happened. That one of our nation’s leaders didn’t suffer at their hands. But for anyone to listen to us we need to first start a dialogue.”

He looks Minerva in the eye before continuing.

“And that dialogue begins with you.”

Cherry giggles. “Looks like you’re going to be even more famous, Minerva.”

“Believe me, I’ll do my very best. But please understand that I’m still only one woman.”

Arc nods. “We aren’t expecting miracles here, Minerva. All we’re looking to do is make a statement that Equestria exists and to show some footage of it as proof.”

“As long as that’s the extent of what you need of me I can accommodate.”

Cherry sighs. “For now, yes.”

“Eventually they’ll be more to release, of course. But we need to take baby steps here.”

“Of course.”

Arc stands. “Well, we have a few hours before we reach our destination. Why don’t you get some rest, Minerva?”

Minerva smiles sheepishly. “As much as my journalistic adrenaline is pumping, I don’t think I’ll be able to do so.”

Cherry moves to join Arc. “Please try, Minerva. I’ll come get you when it’s time.”

“Very well.”

Arc nods. “Rest well.”

Arc and his armor leave the room together. Sighing, Minerva removes her clothes and lays them out flat on a nearby table to prevent wrinkles. Getting into bed she closes her eyes and muses to herself.

“What a story. Before I met the Hero at the apartment fire I never would have believed any of this to be possible. Much less that I would be reporting on it from another world.”

Giggling, she continues.

“If not for Cherry’s vote of confidence, I don’t think I’d have the courage to go through with this anyways.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Cherry return to his quarters together. Closing the door behind them, Arc sighs and walks over to the couch. Sitting down he leans back and groans. Eidolon’s Ward walks over to him.

“Arc? Are you alright?”

“Do you really think we’re doing the right thing here, Cherry?”

“Yes, I do. Earth needs to know that Equestria exists if they’re going to be able to disband The Organization.”

“That would be nice. Them going down without so much as a shot or spell cast.”

“But you don’t think they will, do you?”

Arc sighs. “Considering how long Mustang has been working on this project it stands to reason that he’s personally invested in it. At best I’m hoping to be allowed by the governing body here to help in taking them down.”

“And at worst?”

“They’re pushed into a corner and do something... drastic.”

“Like what?”

“That’s what’s got me worried, Cherry. We still don’t really know the capabilities of Mustang or The Organization. But at the same time I can’t imagine he doesn’t have at least one trump card up his sleeve at all times.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“Gain the trust of the population and start building credibility. All this sneaking around isn’t helping in that matter.”

“Was that Princess Twilight’s idea?”

“The trust part, yes. However the idea to build credibility was Luna’s.”

“Being over a thousand years old does lend one to the long term goals mindset I would think.”

Arc nods. “She wants this to happen. I’m just involved to make sure it’s done correctly. That and being a human myself as well as having dual citizenship in both worlds makes me the perfect individual to do this.”

“And the fact that they already know and recognize you doesn’t hurt.”

“True. But it’s too late to change representatives now even if we wanted to.”

“So you’ll simply have to yield to the wisdom of an experienced princess.”

“I don’t actually have to, you know. They can’t actually order me to do anything.”

“But you want to, yes?”

“It’s not so much that I want to inasmuch as I’d like to see The Organization toppled. This plan, along with fulfilling Shelly’s wish to fly, just happen to coincide with those goals.”

“We both know you would have granted that even if she hadn’t asked for Minerva to join us though, Arc.

“True. But that was the icing on the cake.”

He looks down at the scenery before them before continuing.

“And if it would make Shelly happy... all the better.”

Chapter 21 - Stunning Conclusions

A few hours later Ember and Arc lead the group back onto the Observation Deck. Arc gestures to the hospital bed.

“While it may not be the best way in which to conduct an interview, would you like to lie down, Shelly?”

“Yes. I’m... still rather tired.”

Lily and Ember help the young woman up onto the hospital bed. Arc pulls out a nicer blanket from his ring.

“I, uh... bought this from a very skilled seamstress in the capital city. This should look a bit nicer than a standard blanket on television.”

Shelly giggles. “Thank you, sir.”

He spreads the blanket out on Shelly’s lap as Lily straightens it. Stepping back Arc nods.

“It looks pretty good.”

Ember turns to him. “What’s that made of, Hero?”

“Magically imbued dragonberry silk.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Is that a trade name?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Literal.”

Ember grins. “All the way from a nation across the sea. Usually illegal to import due to the substance’s rarity and cost.”

Shelly gasps. “Oh my!”

Lily grimaces. “We don’t want to cause any trouble!”

Arc chuckles. “Not to worry. I obtained permission from the Dragon Lord himself.”

Minerva looks over. “Hey now! Save some of that for the cameras!”

Dave nods. “We’ll be ready in just a few minutes.”

Ember looks around. “Where should we be sitting though?”

Lily turns to Minerva. “Right. I’m sure you’ll want all of us in at least one shot.”

“Normally there would be a couch of some kind for something like this. However there wasn’t time to pick something out.”

Dave sighs. “And it would clash with the height of the bed.”

Arc looks to Ember. “How about stools?

“Like the ones in the kitchen?”

“Right.”

Minerva nods. “That could work, yes.”

“Dragon and I will go fetch them. Be right back.”

Hurrying down the corridor, Arc and Ember return a few minutes later each carrying two tall stools. They set them down on either side of the bed. Arc and Ember sit in the ones by Shelly’s feet while Minerva and Lily take the ones at the head of the bed. Minerva turns to Dave as she speaks.

“How’s the angle?”

“I can get all five of you comfortably in one shot, yes. Most of the interview will be done in pairs though.”

Arc chuckles. “Understandable.”

Ember turns her head to look away vainly. “Be sure to get my good side.”

Shelly and Lily giggle as Dave motions to Minerva. Holding up her microphone she begins to speak.

“I’m coming to you today from the Hero’s airship which is currently still flying high over his homeland. With me are Shelly and Lily, the owners and operators of Shelly’s Kitchen.”

She turns to Shelly as she continues.

“Would you please tell our viewers why we’re here today?”

“During out previous interview I asked the Hero to come see me. I wanted to request a ride on his ship, as I’ve never been able to fly in the past.”

Lily sighs. “And no airline was willing to make the special accommodations necessary for such a thing.”

“What kind of accommodations?”

Shelly grimaces. “I needed a bed and a doctor abord in case something happened. That and some sort of medical facility nearby.”

Lily puts a hand on Shelly’s. “We understood why this couldn’t be provided for us, so I didn’t press the matter with the airlines.”

Minerva turns to Arc. “That’s when they made the request of you?”

“Yes, indeed. When she asked me if I could accommodate her needs I knew that I could easily do so.”

“This bed, for starters?”

Ember taps it with her foot. “Bolted to the floor. Same as all the other furniture in here.”

Arc continues. “We also have private quarters for Shelly and Lily as well as an Infirmary which is staffed by a full-time nurse.”

“And you already had this before the request?”

“That we did. Well, other than the bed there, that is.”

Ember shrugs. “Considering all the trouble we seem to get in, it’s more like an investment.”

“We do try to be careful. But even the best laid plans don’t always hold up.”

Minerva nods. “Can you tell our viewers more about where we currently are?”

“Right now we’re flying southwest over the country of Equestria on the planet Equus.”

Shelly smiles as she points to the window. “It’s really pretty down there too!”

Minerva grins. “Agreed. We were just shown one of the land’s natural wonders.”

She turns to Dave before continuing.

“Transition to footage of the rainbow falls.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Their the Winsome Falls, remember?”

Minerva writes a note. “Thank you. It appears I forgot to mention that on the tape.”

Lily giggles. “We were all pretty busy staring at them, that’s for sure.”

Minerva turns to Arc. “Can you tell us how such a thing occurs, Hero?”

“Just the cliff notes, actually. You see, when sunlight shines through water at just the right angle you can see a rainbow through it. Whether it’s a garden hose or rain from far away the basic concept is the same. However here in Equestria the rules of physics are slightly different. The rainbow light can permeate that water in the clouds and transfer down into the precipitation falling into the waterfall.”

“I did notice that the colors faded away at the base of the waterfall though.”

Ember shrugs. “Something about the colors sticking around only when they’re in constant motion. At least that’s what I remember from asking one of the sages back in the capital.”

Lily looks to Arc. “Does it only do that at the Winsome Falls?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, anywhere there’s a good amount of water falling with the sun hitting it just right. I’ve witnessed it a few other places in my travels. However those falls we saw were the most pronounced version I’ve seen yet.”

Shelly smiles “It looks like a very nice place for a picnic. When the weather’s warm, that is.”

“Oh, it is. I’ve done that myself twice.”

Minerva turns to Shelly. “Did you have any other questions about this land, miss?”

Shelly appears confused. “Me?”

“Yes. This is your interview, after all.”

“Well... I was wondering what the people that live here are like. They’re not humans, right?”

“Right. I only had them transform earlier to put you at ease. In truth they’re small equines.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Equines?”

“Horses. But they don’t like to be called that.”

Ember nods. “Call ‘em ponies instead.”

“Right. It’s a very general term as they are actually three races living here in Equestria.”

Minerva frowns. “You mean breeds, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Species. They’re roughly evenly populated between the races as well.”

Shelly smiles. “Can you tell us about them?”

“First you have Earth Ponies. They’re most similar to regular horses back on Earth. Strong and hardy, they grow a lot of the food eaten here. Next you have Pegasi. Ponies with wings whom fly through the air. And lastly there’s the Unicorns.”

Lily gasps happily. “Unicorns?!”

Ember appears surprised at the sudden outburst. “Woah! Excited much!”

“I’ve always believe they were real!”

Shelly giggles. “Lily’s been fascinated by them since we were children.”

“Can we see one?!”

Arc chuckles. “Actually, you already did.”

Ember smirks. “Nurse Redheart and Moon Dancer are both Unicorns.”

Minerva appears confused. “I didn’t see any horns though.”

Arc shrugs. “They vanish when undergoing transformation.”

Lily gasps. “The horns come back though, right?!”

“Oh yes. Also, in human form they’re unable to cast and spells. The lack of a horn problem.”

Minerva nods. “Can you tell us about the process by which the transformation occurs, Hero?”

“It’s a spell that requires an anchor subject, the species were turning someone into, and the target creature.”

Ember chimes in. “If we wanted to turn me into a human I’d have to stand next to the Hero as the spell is cast. He’d be the anchor and I’d be the target.”

Minerva appears confused. “But aren’t you already a human?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nope. Not even close.”

Arc puts a gauntlet on Ember’s shoulder. “She’s actually a dragon.”

Shelly giggles. “I wondered about the name.”

Lily looks Ember over. “So you’d need to have a dragon as the ‘anchor’ to change back?”

“Nah. Just someone whom knows the spell to cast the counter spell.”

Arc nods. “A counter spell is basically casting the spell in reverse.”

Shelly leans forward. “Can we see?”

“You want to see me as a dragon?”

“I would, yes. That is, if you’re comfortable doing it.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Hero?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s your call.”

“Fine then. But we’ll need Sereb to cast the counter spell.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

Arc turns toward the corridor. “My faithful steed. One moment please.”

Clearing his throat, Arc calls out.

“Sereb!”

A few moments later the sound of footfalls echoing down the corridor rings out. Sereb steps onto the Observation Deck and walks over to Arc.

“Everyone, this is Sereb.”

He turns to the wolf before continuing.

“You can address them now.”

Sereb looks to Shelly. “Good evening, miss.”

Shelly gasps. “He can TALK?!”

Sereb nods. “Yes indeed.”

Minerva’s eyes grow wide. “Amazing! Speech AND magic?!”

Sereb motions with a paw. “If you will turn your attention to my forehead, you will see that I have a horn.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, Shelly wanted to see a dragon. Can you cast the counter spell on our friend here?”

Sereb nods. “Very well.”

Turning to Ember, Sereb’s horn glows slightly as he casts the counter spell. In a flash of light Ember returns to her dragon form. Removing her helmet, she holds it to her side as she looks to Shelly.

“There... my true form.”

Minerva gasps. “Amazing!”

Ember shrugs. “I am what I am.”

Shelly grins. “Um... can I see you up close?”

“Sure.”

Walking over, Ember stands next to Shelly’s bed. The young woman slowly holds out a hand. Ember extends a claw and allows Shelly to put her palm in hers.

“Be mindful of the claws.”

“Your skin is so smooth!”

“They’re scales.”

Lily looks to her. “Do all dragons look like you do?”

Ember shakes her head. “They’re as diverse as humans are. We come in all shapes, sizes, and colors too.”

She looks back to Shelly before continuing.

“Want to see the rest of me?”

“Rest of you?”

“Without the armor.”

“Oh, would you?!”

“Sure.”

Recalling her armor, Ember spreads her wings and grins.

“Ta-da!”

Minerva looks Ember over. “Very impressive!”

Lily giggles. “I always thought dragons would be huge though.”

Ember shrugs. “I’m kinda young and have a lot more growing to do. One day I’ll probably be as big as what you imagine.”

Minerva chimes in. “So that’s why the Hero always referred to you as ‘Dragon’.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

“I have a real name, of course. But let’s just stick with ‘Dragon’, okay?”

“Certainly.”

Lily looks Ember over. “Your scales are a bit bigger on your back.”

“That’s because they’re thicker. You want to feel them?”

“Only if that’s okay with you.”

Ember turns around. “Go for it.”

Lily leans forward and carefully strokes Ember’s back as Shelly does the same. Ember continues talking after a few moments.

“The scales on my belly are smaller and softer to allow it to expand and contract. Mostly for breathing and eating big meals though.”

Shelly looks down at Ember’s midsection. “Yes, they are a lot smaller.”

“You can touch them too if you want.”

“Oh no! That’d be inappropriate!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh... how?”

“Because... um...”

Arc interrupts her. “She’s talking about female anatomy, Dragon.”

“I still don’t...”

Arc clears his throat causing Ember to face him. As she does so he motions to his chest.

“Ah! Right! Humans have breasts.”

Shelly giggles nervously. “Yes, we do.”

“Well, I don’t.”

“Huh?”

“Dragons aren’t mammals, so we don’t have those things. So it’s completely okay if you want to touch my chest or belly.”

“Um... are you sure?”

“Yup.”

Taking a deep breath, Shelly puts a hand on Ember’s chest and moves her hand downwards.

“It’s very smooth. I can’t hardly feel the individual scales.”

“That’s from regular showering.”

Lily appears confused. “Oh?”

“Dragon culture doesn’t see us using water to clean ourselves very often.”

Minerva frowns. “How do you stay clean then?”

“Lava pools.”

Shelly gasps. “You can bathe in lava?!”

“It’s our national pastime. Lava sports.”

Arc clears his throat. “We should probably move on though, Dragon.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

She turns back to return to Arc’s side, but stops. Reaching around, Ember grabs a loose scale and gives it a good tug. Pulling it out, she holds it out to Shelly.

“Souvenir?”

Shelly smiles widely as she takes it. “Thank you!”

Ember chuckles as she returns to her seat next to Arc. “You’ll be the only gal on Earth whom has one.”

Arc nods. “Did you have any other questions, Shelly?”

Shelly looks to Sereb. “Can you tell us more about yourself, um...”

“Sereb. I come from a tribe of warriors in the Dragon Lands. We pledge ourselves to warriors worthy of our strength and ferry them in and out of battle.”

Minerva appears confused. “Worthy?”

“A trial by combat.”

Lily gasps. “You mean he had to FIGHT you?!”

“That is correct, miss.”

Shelly shudders. “I do hope you went easy on him!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Such is not permitted. For the battle to be legitimate one might fight with everything they have. However even so I was unable to lay a paw on him.”

Minerva grins. “Very impressive! Can I assume he used his magic to that end?”

“Yes. However his victory was won purely through strategy and perception.”

Arc shrugs. “Ultimately I outsmarted him.”

“Indeed.”

Ember smirks. “The Dragon Lands is home to his tribe and a few other...”

Arc cuts her off. “However we can’t comment on the others for diplomatic reasons.”

Shelly nods. “How about Equestria then? Do any other creatures call this land home? Other than the ponies, I mean.”

“Yes. There is a small griffon population here.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Griffons? As in half bird, half lion?”

“Something like that, yes.”

Lily grimaces. “Are they... intelligent?”

“As much so as the ponies are, yes.”

Shelly appears hopeful. “Do they get along with the pony races?”

“More or less. Their arrival has only been the last year or so though.”

Minerva nods. “Where did they emigrate from?”

“The Griffon Kingdom far across the sea to the east.”

Ember chimes in. “Equestria recently signed a treaty with them.”

Lily smiles. “A peace treaty?”

Arc nods. “That and a trade agreement.”

Shelly looks out the window. “So this land does have an official governing authority?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

“She mean an official hierarchy, Dragon.”

Arc turns to Shelly as he continues.

“Yes. Equestria is ruled over by the four princesses while the Griffon Kingdom is led by a king and four lords.”

Minerva looks to Arc. “Can you tell us more about this country’s diplomatic ties?”

“Equestria has official treaties with the Griffon Empire and a tentative one with Abyssinia. It’s another country that borders the griffons.”

Shelly giggles. “Are they griffons too?”

Ember shakes her head. “Cats.”

Lily grins. “CATS!”

Sereb nods. “Bipedal cats, yes.”

Arc chuckles. “They’re ruled over by a king and queen.”

Lily leans forward, clearly interested. “How big?!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Roughly as tall as I am. Why do you ask?”

Shelly looks to her friend as she smiles. “Lily is a cat person.”

“Right. But being so busy with the restaurant, and all that came with it, I never had time to own a pet.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“I don’t suppose there are any of them on the ship?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just ponies.”

Looking up at the clock nearby, Arc stands.

“It would appear that we have arrived at our destination.”

Lily appears confused. “Destination?”

Shelly turns to look out the window. “It can’t be as wonderful at that waterfall...”

She stops talking and stares. Minerva walks over to a window and motions hurriedly for Dave to join her.

“Get a shot of this!”

Lily gasps. “What... is that?!”

Ember grins. “Canterlot Castle.”

Arc nods. “The seat of power of Equestria. It’s surrounded by the capital city of Canterlot.”

Shelly’s eyes remain glued to the window. “It’s... gorgeous!”

Minerva nods, clearly dumbfounded. “But how could ponies build something so grand?!”

Ember shrugs. “A lot of planning probably.”

Sereb looks to Ember. “I believe she meant it literally.”

Arc chuckles. “That was a question I asked when I first saw it. The answer... cooperation.”

Lily appears confused. “Cooperation?”

“The three pony races working together. Earth Ponies are strong and Pegasi can move things through the air with ease. However it also took the magic of Unicorns doing the work that took great amounts of manual dexterity to make this structure a reality.”

Shelly turns to him. “None of them could have built something like this alone. Is that what you’re saying?”

“Right. It took everyone working toward a common goal to take this building from a blueprint to a reality.”

Minerva appears hopeful. “Can we... see the inside?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. This was as close as the princesses were willing to allow you.”

Sereb nods. “Admittedly it was significantly more that I thought would be allowed.”

Ember chuckles. “I still can’t believe it was approved at all. Well, not that the Hero needs their permission to do anything mind you.”

“True. But I do respect that this is their workplace and home.”

Shelly nods. “I certainly wouldn’t want someone bringing strangers into my home without asking my blessing first.”

Lily sighs. “Agreed.”

The ship circles the structure for some time before Arc notices Shelly nodding off.

“I believe it’s time to return Shelly to the hospital.”

“Yes, I’m just about due for my next set of treatments.”

Lily looks at the horizon. “And it’s almost dawn.”

Minerva turns to Arc and smiles as she extends a hand. “Thank you for giving us this in-depth look into the workings of your world.”

Arc takes it and nods. “You can thank Shelly for that. After all, this was her idea.”

Lily lowers her voice. “Yes well... you’ll have to save your thanks for later.”

She motions to the young woman whom has fallen asleep. Arc smiles as he opens a portal and turns to Shelly.

“Come on. Let’s get you back to the hospital.”

Picking the young woman up, he follows Lily through the swirling energies. Arriving back in the familiar hospital room he carefully lays Shelly down as Lily covers her with the blankets. Turning to him, she grins widely.

“Thank you so much for granting Shelly’s request, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Yes well... I do wish I could have done more for her.”

“We all do, sir.”

“All the magic and talent back in Equestria and even we can’t do anything for her that isn’t being done here.”

“You’ve done more than you know though. Shelly’s been wanting to fly since we were kids. Thanks to you that dream became a reality for her. That and she got to see some amazing sights. Things that no one else on Earth ever has.”

“But they will. At least when Minerva’s story airs.”

“I suppose so. However seeing something on a television is one thing. Being there to see it in person is quite another.”

Arc nods. “Well... I should probably let you get some rest too.”

“Thank you. It’s been a busy night.”

Stepping forward quickly, Lily wraps her arms around Arc and squeezes tightly. Arc returns the hug for a time before she steps back and blushes.

“S-sorry! I just kinda...”

“No need to apologize. It’s fine.”

Lily appears hopeful. “Will we see you again?”

“I, uh... don’t really know.”

“Shelly wanted me to pass on an invitation.”

“Oh?”

“She said... that she’s be very happy to have you at her funeral.”

Arc grimaces. “Hopefully not soon.”

Lily sighs. “This is the strongest I’ve seen her in a long time. The idea of her going flying really breathed new life into her. And for that I thank you. However... she’s going downhill faster than I thought she would.”

“Tell Shelly... that I’ll come. But so as not to cause a fuss I’ll be cloaked.”

Lily smiles sadly. “Thank you. That will lift her spirits.”

Nodding, Arc removes the sigil from the floor. Walking over to the window he opens it and turns back to Lily.

“Good night.”

Blinking outside, Arc makes a second Blink up to the roof. Groaning, he opens a portal back to the Observation Deck. As he enters he spies Minerva and Dave packing up the last of their equipment.

“You two about ready to head back to Earth?”

Minerva nods. “I am, yes.”

Dave stands and throws a strap over his shoulder. “Sure thing.”

Ember waves. “Take care you two.”

Sereb nods. “Farewell.”

Arc pulls the Rainbow of Light from his ring and powers it up. Stepping through with the pair, he reappears on a sigil in Minerva’s Living Room. Dave looks around as the portal closes.

“We’re back?”

Minerva grins. “Quite the way to travel.”

“I’ll get to work editing this footage first thing in the morning, Minerva.”

Arc chuckles as he looks at the clock. “Maybe you should do it second thing. It’s pretty much morning now.”

Minerva nods. “Right. And you still need to go home and get some sleep, Dave.

She looks out the window before continuing.

“That could be an issue though.”

Arc turns. “Coming down pretty good out there.”

“Uh... mind if I stay here for a bit? Just until it lets up, that is.”

“I have a Guest Room if you’d like to get some sleep. After all, it’s going to be dangerous to drive for some time.”

“Well...”

Arc calls out from the window. “You might want to take her up on that. Looks like the snow’s turning to rain.”

Dave sighs. “I guess I don’t have much choice.”

Minerva points. “It’s down the hall and to the right.”

“Thanks. See you in the morning. Well, later morning.”

Arc chuckles as Dave leaves the room.

“Well, I’ll see myself out then.”

“Wait, Hero!”

Arc turns back to her. “Yes?”

“I... just wanted to thank you for giving this interview. Shelly’s request or not, it meant a lot to me.”

Cherry giggles. “And I’m glad that someone I can trust will be breaking this to the public.”

“We’ll edit the footage later today. Would you two like to screen it before it airs?”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary as I trust your judgement. However I would ask one thing of you.”

“Name it.”

“Please think of Shelly and Lily when you put together that segment.”

Minerva nods. “I will.”

Cherry calls out. “They deserve the best, after all.

“Agreed. However I’m still a bit nervous about releasing something I shouldn’t.”

Eidolon’s Ward raises a gauntlet. “I could help you with that.”

“Oh?”

“If you’d like, I could stay and help with the editing. That is, if the Hero will let me borrow his armor again.”

Arc nods. “Of course. It’s your armor at the moment anyways.”

Eidolon’s Ward opens to allow Arc to step out. He turns to Minerva as it reforms.

“There you are. One representative of Equestria at your disposal.”

“But you’d best get to bed now, Minerva. Remember, you’ve been up all night.”

Minerva rubs an eye. “That’s true. But what about you, Cherry?”

“I’ll just sit here and watch the rain. Or snow if it changes again.”

Arc chuckles. “Wish I could stay and join you, but I have to get home myself.”

“Say ‘hi’ to the family for me.”

“I will.”

Opening a portal with the Rainbow of Light, Arc steps through as Cherry helps Minerva to her room.

Chapter 23 - Holiday Preparations (Part 2)

Arc and Applejack finish the dishes and put them away. She grins at him as she closes the cupboard.

“Another job well done.”

“We work well together.”

“That we do, Arc.”

Smiling seductively, Applejack continues.

“I’m hoping we do this well when making foals together someday.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Not sure it would work. But still willing to try.”

Applejack appears hopeful. “You are okay with us having sex someday, right? I mean... I think we talked about this on our date, but... just wanted to be sure.”

“Yes, Applejack.”

“In my human form?”

“Either works. I just want you to be comfortable when we do that.”

Applejack swishes her tail back and forth to expose her nether regions. “And I will be. With our skin on skin and you inside me, that is.”

“I have to admit, I am looking forward to that.”

“Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Applejack blushes slightly as she grins. “I’ll do my best, of course. But please be patient with me. After all, I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Remember, neither have I.”

“Ah! Right! Sorry!”

“It’s okay.”

Bending down, Arc smiles and whispers in her ear.

“We’ll figure it out together.”

Applejack nods happily. “I’d like that.”

“Well, I should probably let you get on with your day.”

“And you with yours.”

They stare at one another for a long moment. Eventually the pair grins and embraces.

“I love you, Applejack.”

“And I love you too, sugarcube.”

They kiss and step back. Applejack looks to the doorway.

“I’ll... go call the girls so you can get moving.”

“Thanks.”

Walking to the stairs together, Arc waits at the base as Applejack climbs them. A few moments later the sound of little hooves rings out as Dinky and her friends hurry down the steps together. Applejack calls out from the top of the stairs.

“Be sure to wear your hats!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “We will!”

Babs Seed groans. “I can’t find mine!”

Dinky holds it up with her magic. “Here it is!”

“Thanks!”

Applejack chuckles as she walks down the stairs and looks to Arc. “I hope you four have a nice time.”

Arc nods. “We’ll try to.”

Applejack motions for him to come closer before speaking again.

“Arc, I... I just wanted to say... ‘thank you’. For everything.”

Arc smiles. “You’re very welcome.”

“And that I’m looking forward to us getting together some day.”

Nodding, Arc leans forward and kisses Applejack. She closes her eyes and leans into him with a contented smile. As they break off the kiss a few moments later the pair hear the sound of small hooves clapping. Turning, they see Dinky and her friends grinning as they look on. Chuckling, Arc looks Applejack in the eye again.

“It appears we had an audience.”

“Guess so.”

Letting go of Applejack, he turns back to the fillies.

“Everyone ready to go?”

They nod happily as Arc opens a portal. Motioning for them to step through they charge forward excitedly. Arc grins at Applejack one more time before following them. She waves a hoof as he leaves.

“Have a good time!”

Emerging outside of Rarity’s shop, Arc spots a light on in an upstairs bedroom. Motioning for the fillies to follow him Arc walks to the front door as they hop through the deepening snow. Knocking, they wait patiently as Sweetie Belle comes to the door. Her eyes light up happily as she sees whom it is.

“ARC!”

Giggling, she looks to her friends as she steps back.

“Come in!”

Stepping inside, they shake the snow from their feet/hooves as Arc looks to Sweetie Belle.

“Good morning.”

“Good to see everypony again!”

Apple Bloom looks outside as she closes the door. “It’s really coming down out there!”

Babs shakes the snow off her back. “Sure is!”

Dinky sits down on her haunches. “At least it’s warm in here though.”

Arc turns to Sweetie Belle. “Sorry to drop in like this. But we’re going to be doing some Hearth’s Warming preparations. You want to come with us?”

“Sure! But I’ll need to ask Rarity first. Uh... but that might be a problem.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “How’s that?”

“Well... she’s really busy right now. I try to just stay out of her way and let her work when she’s under a deadline. Last minute holiday dresses and all that.”

Arc nods. “I’ll go ask her. Where is she?”

Sweetie Belle points a hoof. “In the back.”

Arc looks to the others. “Why don’t you all go upstairs and play? I’ll try not to take too long.”

Dinky giggles. “Okay, dad. But try not to get too distracted.”

Sweetie Bell appears confused. “Distracted?”

Apple Bloom grins. “Like he did back at the farm with Applejack.”

“Oh? What happened?”

Babs Seed motions with a hoof. “Come on! We’ll tell you all about it!”

Giggling, the fillies run upstairs as Arc heads for the door. Knocking lightly he hears Rarity call out.

“Come in, Sweetie Belle!”

Shrugging, Arc enters. Spotting Rarity at a sewing machine he slowly and softly walks over to her. Not looking up she calls out.

“Did you need something, Sweetie Belle? I’m very busy right now.”

Arc smirks. “Too busy even for me?”

Gasping, Rarity turns around. Spotting Arc she jumps off her stool and into his arms. Kissing his cheeks happily she giggles.

“Arc!”

Arc grins. “Hey, Rarity. Miss me?”

Rarity nods fervently. “Moreso than you know!”

“Sorry for interrupting you work like this though.”

“Oh, no, no, no! You are NEVER an interruption! Now, what can I do for you?!”

“Considering the situation at hand, it’s kinda more of a matter of how I can help you.”

Rarity sighs as she looks over the racks filled with unfinished orders. “Unless you can sew, I don’t really think that’s going to...”

“Indirectly then.”

“Oh?”

“Sweetie Belle told me that you’re really busy. How about I take her out for a day of shopping with us?”

Rarity grins. “Oh, yes! That would be quite helpful! It would save me time cooking her lunch and supper!”

She grimaces before continuing.

“Um... it sounded nicer in my head.”

Arc puts a hand on Rarity’s shoulder as he kneels down. “It’s okay. I knew what you meant.”

Rarity sighs as she nuzzles his hand. “I just... feel like a bad mother right now though.”

“Sweetie Belle didn’t seem upset when I talked to her out there though.”

“Considering the season, I really should be spending time with her. Not squirreled away in here.”

Arc bows his head. “Well... you’re not alone in being guilty of that, Rarity.”

“Oh?”

“I... should be spending more time with Dinky AND her friends.”

Rarity sighs. “Arc...”

“If I’m going to be marrying you, Derpy, and Applejack then I’ll be their father. At absolute best I’m a part timer in that regard.”

Rarity nods soberly. “That much I do understand. We both need to be doing more than we are currently.”

“That’s part of the reason I’d like to take her and the others out actually. I didn’t really think you’d be this busy though.”

“I took on far too much work this year. And all of it needs to be done before Hearth’s Warming.”

“Can you get it done in time?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, don’t worry about that. I only ask that you do your best to bond with her today.”

“I will.”

Rarity smiles seductively. “And... if you have time later tonight... you can bond with me as well.”

“I’d like that.”

“If Derpy’s doing better, I mean!”

“She is. But I’ll still run it by her just to make sure it’s okay.”

Rarity appears relieved. “Good! After all, considering all the terrible things that have befallen her, she should take top priority.”

“I’ll do my best. Um... but is there a particular time you’d like Sweetie Bell home by?”

Rarity shakes her head. “As long as she’s with you I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

Wrapping her hooves around Arc’s neck, she allows him to pull her into an embrace. Smiling as she nuzzles him, Rarity lowers her voice as she whispers in his ear.

“I know you’ll take care of my little one. But I want to be cared for too, you know.”

Arc nods happily. “And one day I will. That’s a promise.”

The pair kiss as the continue embracing. Arc strokes Rarity’s mane as she kisses him passionately. Eventually she pulls back to look him in the eye happily.

“I know that the others have all agreed on you and I... being intimate first.”

“That’s true, yes.”

Rarity puts a hoof on Arc’s cheek and strokes it lovingly. “I want you to know... that I’m ready to be bred by you at any time, Arc.”

“And I am looking forward to it, Rarity. But not until I can put you and the others before my duty to Equestria.”

“That’s what makes you such a catch, Arc. That you care about our feelings over your own desires.”

“Can I ask you something, Rarity?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Um... I... ah...”

“Take your time, Arc. Whatever it is you want to say, you can trust me to respond honestly.”

“Well... I’m just a bit... worried about you?”

Rarity appears confused. “About me?”

“Maybe that wasn’t the best way to put it. It’s just... I don’t want to hurt you, Rarity.”

“But you never have. And never will, Arc.”

Arc groans. “I just don’t really know how to word this without sounding like a... I don’t even know what word to use there!”

Rarity grabs his face and turns it to look toward her as she looks him in the eye. “Arc, listen to me. Whatever it is you want to say, just go ahead and say it. I can take whatever it is.”

“Okay then. Here goes.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc continues.

“I’m a bit worried about... us having sex.”

“Worried that you’ll hurt me?”

“Kinda. But there’s more to it than that.”

“Then talk to me.”

“I’m concerned about you and I being intimate after... um...”

Rarity sighs as she finishes his sentence. “...after what was done to me?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“Arc... I have to be honest with you too.”

“Please do.”

“I was a bit... frightened about that very prospect for a time.”

“If you don’t want to do it, I completely...”

Rarity shakes her head fervently. “No, Arc. I really do. But I need to know one thing from you honestly first.”

“What’s that?”

“Please... promise me that you’ll be completely truthful in your response. Even if it hurts to say.”

“I will, yes.”

“Promise me.”

Arc nods. “I promise, Rarity.”

“Alright then. I want you to tell me this...”

Looking Arc in the eye, Rarity takes a deep breath before speaking again.

“You know exactly what happened to me. How Sweetie Bell was conceived and that I was violated by dozens of stallions that night. I need you to explain to me... how you can even stand to look at me in this way.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“How can you look at me so lovingly, stroke my mane, kiss my lips so tenderly... all the while knowing that I was little more than a sex toy to so many stallions?”

“Because you were forced, Rarity.”

“But I didn’t even try to resist!”

“You couldn’t. Could you?”

Rarity looks away nervously. “I’ve been asking myself that very question more and more these past few months.”

“In your condition...”

“I could have done something! Scream for them to stop, roll away, even urinating on them would have been a defense! But I didn’t!”

“Let me ask you this then, Rarity. Was what you told me about that time in your life the whole truth?”

“Yes, Arc. But...”

“Then there was nothing you could have realistically done to stop what was happening to you.”

He cups his hands on her cheeks and smiles before continuing.

“Listen, Rarity. What happened to you that night was terrible. However none of it was your fault.”

“Not entirely. Remember, I chose to drink heavily.”

Arc sighs. “I admit that you made a mistake there. But that didn’t justify you being gang raped.”

He leans forward and kisses her cheek before whispering in her ear.

“I don’t hold it against you in the least, Rarity.”

Rarity shakes her head. “How though? After all... they deflowered me! Used me! Impregnated me! I’m not pure like the others!”

“That doesn’t bother me.”

“It should!”

“Why though? Because you were forced to do something without consent? Because you had to carry a foal as an unwed mother? Because you decided to have that foal and raise her as best you could?”

Arc shakes his head before continuing.

“If anything, that proves your strength. That you were willing to keep going. Not just to fulfil your own dreams, but to be able to provide for Sweetie Belle and give her a future. To me... that’s what makes you truly beautiful.”

Rarity tears up as she smiles widely. Slowly leaning into Arc’s arms, she rests her head on his shoulder and cries.

“I love you so much, Arc!”

“And I love you too, Rarity. But please... don’t ever think that you’re somehow less of a woman... less of a mare because of what happened to you.”

“That’s not...!”

“Please, Rarity. You’ve done so well rising above what happened. Don’t let it claw you back down. Not after you’ve built a home, a successful business, and found love.”

“I... I won’t! I’ll be the best mare... the best wife ever for you, Arc!”

“And I’ll do my best to be there for you and Sweetie Belle too.”

“What about Derpy?”

“Derpy?”

Rarity nods. “She and I... we’re not really that different.”

Arc smiles as he wipes away a tear. “She’s still haunted by the ghosts of her past. But she’s getting better. However now it’s my turn to say something.”

“What is it?”

“I’m sorry.”

Rarity appears confused. “You’re... sorry?”

Arc nods. “For not realizing that this was still hurting you. That you needed special attention as well.”

“But Derpy...!”

“...needs me too, I know. But if something is bothering you, I need to be open and available for you.”

Rarity nods as she sniffles. “It... it is nice to have someone to confide in about this.”

“And although it’s not the best of circumstances, I too enjoy being here for you, Rarity.”

“Will you... always be here for us?”

Arc smiles as he nods. “When we all get married, yes.”

“Then I promise that I’ll do my best to be open and forthcoming with you, Arc.”

“Thanks. If something is on your mind we can talk it out. And if I can’t help you I’ll do my best to find someone whom can.”

“That really means a lot to me, Arc. In truth, ever since that night I was raped, I’ve... worried about finding someone to spend my life with. After all, an unwed mare whom has a filly isn’t exactly prime grade wife material.”

“Well, I think you are, Rarity. You’re an amazing young mare, and I’m looking forward to spending my life with you.”

Rarity smiles widely. “And I with you, Arc.”

She looks away nervously before speaking again.

“I, um... did want to ask you for a bit of a... special favor though.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“It’s a bit... unorthodox, really. But at the same time... on my mind constantly. Especially these past few weeks.”

“Tell me about it.”

“You’ll probably find it a bit silly. If not downright... unladylike though.”

“Think about it this way, Rarity. The worst that could happen is that I’ll say no, right?”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin, thoughtfully. “I... suppose that’s true, yes.”

Arc smiles at her. “So then... what is it that’s been bothering you?”

“Well... here goes...”

Taking a deep breath, Rarity begins to speak softly.

Chapter 24 - Holiday Preparations (Part 3)

A short time later Arc and Rarity leave her back room together. She looks around before lowering her voice.

“Thank you for the talk, Arc. And I... I do hope my request is... permitted.”

Arc nods. “On my end, yes. However it’s up to Applejack and Derpy at this point.”

“I’ll call them both after you and the fillies leave.”

“Alright. Expect me back around dark.”

“Very well. Shall I call for the fillies?”

“Sure. Might as well get this plan moving.”

Rarity turns to the stairs and calls up it.

“Sweetie Belle! It’s time to go!”

The sound of hooves running down the hall rings out. A few moments later the fillies charge down the stairs to stand before Arc and Rarity.

“Now then, you be good for Arc, Sweetie Belle.”

“I will, Rarity!”

Apple Bloom claps her hooves together happily. “Day trip!”

“Where are we going, dad?!”

“I was thinking Baltimare.”

Babs appears confused. “What’s there?”

“A large shopping district.”

Rarity smiles. “Arc is going Hearth’s Warming shopping, and he needs all of you to help him.”

Sweetie Belle gasps happily as she trots in place. “Let’s go then!”

They head for the door and put on their scarves and hats. Arc walks over and opens a portal.

“Ready when you are.”

The fillies run through as Arc turns to Rarity.

“See you later.”

Rarity waves after him. “Have fun!”

Following the fillies through, Arc allows the portal to close behind him. The fillies look around, confused. Dinky is the first to speak.

“Dad? Where are we?”

“A park of sorts.”

Babs looks left and right. “It looks very well cared for.”

Apple Bloom nods. “And new!”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Can we play?!”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s not that kind of park. Now then, let’s be off.”

Leading the fillies toward the street, Arc motions toward the bustling city.

“Here we are. Baltimare.”

Dinky giggles. “I remember coming here before.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right. We helped Miss Cerulean Skies serve the poor some supper.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Do you think we’ll see her?”

“It’s a pretty big city, so I doubt it.”

Babs sighs. “Aw... she was nice too.”

“Yes well... that and she’s probably on her way to work now.”

Dinky shrugs. “That makes sense.”

Apple Bloom smiles. “So what are we here for, Arc?”

“Like Rarity said before we left, I need some very special help from you four in picking out some presents.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Sure, Arc.”

“We’re going shopping for Hearth’s Warming gifts for the orphanage as well as Christmas shopping for the kids at the Farburg Orphanage.”

Babs appears confused. “Christmas?”

Dinky chimes in. “It’s the human version of Hearth’s Warming.”

“Right. The toys we buy here will be brought to the Little Hooves Orphanage by me. While at the same time Frank will be playing Santa Clause back at the Farburg Orphanage with his guys.”

Dinky giggles. “Just like last year, dad?”

“Exactly. But he’ll be doing it without our help this time.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

“Because I’ll be spending Hearth’s Warming here with all of you this year.”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes light up. “Rarity’s looking forward to it.”

Babs nods. “We are too.”

Apple Bloom rolls her eyes as she smiles. “Applejack’s been talking about it non-stop.”

“Well, I’m glad that everyone’s so pleased to have me. So let’s see about buying some special gifts for your families.”

He leads the group through the streets. They enter a large toy store and walk the aisles with a cart. As they see things they’d like they put them in the cart. Babs holds up a toy train.

“This looks like fun!”

Arc chuckles. “Add it to the pile then.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure the orphans would like that though?”

Babs nods. “Yeah! Remember, I lived with them for years before meeting you, Apple Bloom.”

“Sorry. Sometimes I forget that.”

Sweetie Belle giggles as she walks over levitating a few toys in her magical aura. “It’s like you’ve always been here, Babs Seed.”

Dinky giggles as she too tosses in a toy. “Yeah. You fit right in.”

Arc smiles at them. “That’s a good thing though. Being able to adapt to a new life so easily.”

Babs looks happily at Apple Bloom. “Well, it’s not hard when you have a family willing and able to take you in.”

She sighs before continuing.

“But a lot of the foals I lived with back at the orphanage are still there.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Dad, is there anything you can do about that?”

Arc shakes his head sadly. “I’m afraid not, sweetheart. After all, you can’t force a pony to take someone in.”

Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “How do they do things like this on Earth?”

“About the same way. A large building that houses all the kids.”

Apple Bloom’s ears droop. “That’s kinda sad.”

Dinky frowns. “Apple Bloom?”

“I mean not having a family. Applejack, Big Mac, and I were lucky the Granny Smith was able to take us in.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “And I’m happy that Rarity was willing to keep me after... what happened to her.”

Dinky grins. “My mom probably wouldn’t have been able to care for me if my dad hadn’t stepped in. Heck, I wouldn’t have even been born probably.”

Arc shudders. “It was really scary for a few moments back there, yes.”

Babs sighs. “I never really knew what it was like to have a family before coming to Ponyville. I mean, we orphans kinda stuck together as best we could. But it wasn’t anything like family though.”

Arc looks to Babs Seed as he speaks. “Things were like that when I was growing up too. Shelly was kinda like the den mother for everyone. And Frank was kinda the... enforcer. Anyone got out of line and he’d punish them.”

Dinky giggles. “Well, I’m glad we all were able to find happiness!”

Arc chuckles. “That we were, sweetheart. But I too wish we could do more for the orphans.”

Babs Seed smiles. “The others back there are still a lot happier here than they were back at the New Beginnings Orphanage though, sir.”

Apple Bloom holds up a set of wooden blocks. “We’ll still do our best to make them happy though.”

Sweetie Belle gasps happily. “The younger foals will love those!”

Dinky giggles as she levitates a few books into the cart. “And the older ones would love these!”

Babs reads the title aloud. “Huh...‘The Adventures of Daring Do’?”

Dinky nods. “Yup. They’re really popular.”

Arc smirks. “Are they now?”

“Mom told me they’re Rainbow Dash’s favorite, dad. So I picked one up from the library.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I think I remember my sister talking about that series.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Rarity too. She doesn’t have much time for reading though.”

Arc looks to them. “Well then, how about we buy the whole set?”

Babs Seed giggles happily. “I’m sure the older foals would love reading them to the little ones!”

“Exactly my thoughts.”

Apple Bloom hops up onto the cart and puts a hoof above her eyes as if shielding it from sunlight. “Imagine going on wild adventures like Daring Do does.”

“My dad doesn’t have to imagine.”

“Right. I’ve lived it.”

Sweetie Belle picks up a book from the shelf. “Oh! Here’s the latest one!”

Apple Bloom looks at the cover. “It says ‘Daring Do and the Temple of Doom’.”

Babs tilts her head to one side. “What’s it about?”

Sweetie Belle turns the book over and reads aloud. “Get ready for a dark and damp adventure in a faraway land. Daring Do must follow Doctor Caballeron into an ancient temple and stop him from getting his hooves on a legendary artifact... the ‘Intuition Orb’. Joined by a new companion named Abagail whom is on a rescue mission of her own, can the pair stop Caballeron in time? Will they find Abagail’s missing friend whom is trapped somewhere in the temple? Find out in this issue of Daring Do.”

Arc chuckles as Dinky looks to him.

“What is it, dad?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing.”

Babs sighs dreamily as she looks at the picture on the back cover. “I wish I could meet her.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Who?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Daring Do?”

Babs Seed shakes her head. “A.K. Yearling.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “But nopony knows where she lives.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Somepony has to know. After all, she does go somewhere to get these books published.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Any idea’s dad?”

“While I don’t know where she lives, I have met this mare before.”

Babs Seed grins happily. “You have?!”

“Yup. She was injured and I brought her to The Equinox for medical care.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “She was hurt?!”

“Nothing life threatening, but yes.”

Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “But she’s okay, right?!”

“I’m sure she’s doing well. I transported her to the Crystal Empire’s hospital for additional care. Not that she really needed it, mind you. But it was her request.”

Dinky taps the cover with a hoof. “This book just came out, so she has to be doing okay if she’s writing again.”

Babs Seed sounds relieved. “I guess so.”

Arc turns to his daughter. “Dinky, would you please grab another copy of that book?”

“Sure, dad.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Just that one though?”

“You’re right. Get me two, sweetheart.”

“Oh?”

“One for a friend of mine and one for me.”

Babs Seed giggles. “I didn’t know you liked Daring Do, Arc.”

“Truth be told I’ve never read it before.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Then why...?”

“I want to check it for accuracy.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Huh?”

Arc chuckles. “Nothing.”

Sometime later they head up to the counter with their purchases. The fillies eyes grow wide as they see the massive amount of bits Arc hands the cashier. Their purchases are bagged and stored in Arc’s ring. Heading out the door, Sweetie Belle turns to Arc.

“Um...”

“Yes, Sweetie Belle?”

“Can I ask you something kinda weird, Arc?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Are you... rich?”

“Well... that’s kind of relative.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Relative? Like somepony who’s your family?”

Arc chuckles. “No, no. It means that it’s a matter of perception.”

“What’s that mean, dad?”

“Wealth is more than just coins. It’s also the sum total of all your assets.”

Babs Seed frowns. “Assets?”

“Things you own. Property, a house, the items inside the house... things that are precious to you.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin. “But you don’t have any of that stuff, Arc.”

“That is true. However I see it as more than that.”

He kneels down before them and looks the fillies in the eye as he continues.

“In my case it’s also the friends and family I have as well.”

Apple Bloom points to her friends. “We’re assets?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly, no. However just like the things I mentioned before, you four are precious to me.”

Dinky hops up and wraps her hooves around Arc’s neck. “And you’re precious to me too, dad!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “That you are, Arc!”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“Oh! Hello again, sir!”

Turning, they see Cerulean Skies walking toward them. She smiles as Arc looks to her.

“It’s good to see you and your friends, Arc.”

“Likewise, Cerulean Skies.”

Dinky grins. “Are you here to buy toys too, miss?”

“Oh, no. I’m shopping for Hearth’s Warming dinner.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “For you, or the town?”

“Everypony whom shows up, yes. It’s my last day off before the holiday, so here I am.”

Babs Seed smiles at her. “How is everyone doing?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Right. There were so many there last time.”

“There are less lately, as the economy is starting to pick up.”

Arc grins. “That’s good. So the factories reopened?”

“Oh yes. They’ve been refitted to make supplies for the upcoming war.”

Dinky gasps. “War?!”

Arc sighs. “With the changelings, yes.”

Cerulean Skies shudders. “I’m hoping all the supplies being shipped out daily won’t be needed though. What do you think, sir?”

“While I don’t actually know what’s going to happen on that front, I’m planning to accompany Princess Twilight out there along with Princess Celestia when the time is right.”

“That’s reassuring.”

Dinky nods soberly. “My dad will show those beasts who’s the strongest!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “That he will!”

Babs Seed stomps the ground hard. “They won’t stand a chance!”

Apple Bloom grits her teeth. “He’ll make them pay for what they did.”

Cerulean Skies looks to Arc. “It appears you have quite the fan base, Arc.”

Arc grins. “That I do. But as long as you’re here, might I ask if you have enough money to buy a proper meal for Hearth’s Warming dinner?”

“It’s not going to be much better than what they normally get. Just slightly larger portions.”

Arc reaches into this ring and pulls out a bag of bits. Holding it out to her, he speaks.

“How about now?”

“But, s-sir...?!”

“Give them a nice meal. Something they’ll remember.”

Cerulean Skies nods as she takes the money. “I... I will! Thank you very much!”

Dinky walks over to her. “Miss?”

“Yes?”

“I was just wondering. Those mares and stallions you help feed.”

“What about them?”

“Do you think they’ll all find jobs someday?”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head. “There will always be those whom are unable to work, little one. Either from infirmity or old age. But I will always make sure they have at least one meal to eat a day.”

Apple Bloom smiles. “That’s very nice of you, miss.”

“It’s something I wish I’d had growing up. But I can’t change the past. Only help in the present.”

Babs Seed shudders. “I saw foals there last time. Do they go to school?”

“They do now. Previously, the school was overrun with vermin and falling down.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“However, somepony ordered crews to knock it down and build a new one.”

Dinky giggles. “I wonder whom did that.”

Arc shrugs. “Mysterious benefactor, I guess.”

“Well, in any case, thank you for all you did for Baltimare in the past, sir. Especially at the crisis.”

“You’re welcome. And thank you for all you do for the hungry here, Cerulean Skies. But we won’t take up any more of your time.”

“Take care, sir.”

They part ways and each continue on. Babs Seed looks to Arc.

“What was she talking about?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “Some kind of natural disaster?”

Arc sighs. “Not... exactly.”

“Dad? What happened?”

“I’ll tell you later, sweetheart. But how about we get some lunch at a local restaurant?”

The fillies cheer and look around for a place to eat. Spotting a business emanating what they believe to be the best smells the group enters and takes a lunch break. They spend the rest of the day looking in shop windows for gifts to give their families. As the sun begins to set Arc turns to them.

“Is anyone hungry?”

Dinky shakes her head. “I’m still pretty full from lunch.”

Apple Bloom pats her belly. “And the snacks we ate from the food carts.”

Sweetie Belle burps. “Same here.”

Babs looks up at the dimming sky. “Looks like the sun’s going down.”

Arc sighs. “Perhaps we should be heading back then.”

“Yeah, dad. I’m sure mom’s waiting for us.”

Arc glances over at a small shop behind them. “Um... would you four mind if I bought something real quick?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Sure, Arc.”

Sweetie Belle sits down on her haunches. “We’ll just wait here.”

“Alright. Be right back.”

Jogging across the street they see Arc enter a small flower shop. Sweetie Belle grins.

“Looks like Arc wanted to buy Rarity some flowers.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Maybe they’re for Applejack instead.”

Babs shrugs. “Or both.”

Dinky grimaces as she looks away. “I don’t think that’s what he’s doing.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Think maybe they’re for your mom, Dinky?”

“Not... exactly.”

Emerging a few minutes later, Arc rejoins the fillies. Holding a large paper bag he motions for them to follow.

“Let’s return to the park we started at.”

Walking, they come to the park. Arc leads the fillies over to a large stone monument. Turning to them he sighs.

“Give me a moment.”

Approaching the slab, Arc stands there and looks at it for a long moment silently. Eventually, he opens the bag and pulls out three objects. The fillies watch as he silently casts a small Flame Spell. Holding the flame to the objects they begin to burn. Seeing that they are candles, they watch as Arc sets the down in a row side by side. Pulling out three roses, he lays them down in front of the candles. Sitting there for a few moments Arc eventually pulls a small stuffed animal from his ring and holds it up as he speaks.

“Hello, Toola Roola. I’m... sorry for not visiting sooner. You’ll be happy to hear that the stallion whom did this was made to suffer for all he did. While it still wasn’t enough, I’ll find a way to put him in the ground permanently someday. And then... and then you’ll finally be at peace.”

He looks to the stuffed bear as he continues.

“I’ve been looking after your teddy bear for you. Just... just like you asked me to. He saw what I did to Decimus, and how he was made to feel some of the pain you did the night I found you. But... I hope that you and your parents are happy together. And I promise that I’ll make this right. Someday... somehow.”

The fillies slowly walk forward. Apple Bloom is the first to speak.

“What... is this, Arc?”

Arc gestures to the monument. “Have a look.”

Dinky steps forward and begins to read...

WE REMEMBER AND HONOR

THOSE OF ALL THREE PONY RACES

WHOM LOST THEIR LIVES

WHEN THIS BUILDING COLLAPSED.

WITH LASTING GRATITUDE

TO ALL THOSE WHOM RESPONDED

TO THIS HORRIFIC EVENT TO LEND A HOOF

BUT ESPECIALLY TO HERO OF LIGHT ARC

WHOM, WHILE ACCUSED OF TREASON

AND HUNTED BY OUR MILITARY,

CHOSE TO ALTER THE COURSE OF HIS AIRSHIP

AND RISK CAPTURE TO AID IN THE RESCUE EFFORTS

WE THANK YOU ALL

FOR EXTENDING THE BRIGHT LIGHT OF FRIENDSHIP

ON BALTIMARE’S DARKEST DAY

Babs looks to Arc, confused.

“What... exactly happened here?”

Arc sighs. “A very bad stallion, whom wanted to hurt my reputation, blew up the building that stood here.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “What?!”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes grow wide. “Why?!”

“He hoped I would ignore it an continue on my course. But I didn’t.”

Dinky nods soberly. “You stopped to help.”

“I ordered my crew to land in the street and set up a triage on the deck. We saves so many lives that day.”

He turns and holds up the teddy bear before continuing.

“But not all.”

Babs points a hoof at the bear. “You found that?”

Arc nods. “It was given to me by a heavily injured filly. Her mother and father died trying to protect her. However, before help could arrive, she... she passed away. One of the last things she said was that she wanted me to take care of her friend here. And I did.”

Gesturing to several large slabs of marble, Arc continues.

“Duke Carleon, with the blessing of Canterlot, built this memorial here at the site of the disaster. These larger stone plaques have the names of every stallion, mare, filly, and colt whom died here.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “But... there’s so many!”

Sweetie Belle’s lower lip trembles as she speaks. “Every one of these ponies... died?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. They’re gone... but not forgotten. Look around. Even now there are still those whom bring flowers to their loved one’s memorial.”

Babs spies a number of flowers and other mementos that line the slabs. “Even long after the event?”

Dinky bows her head. “Mom and I did that for my dad.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Applejack did so too.”

Sweetie Belle looks away sadly. “As did Rarity.”

Arc turns to Babs Seed. “You see... when a loved one is taken so tragically it’s harder to get over than if they had died from natural causes. You don’t get to say goodbye. One day they’re here. The next...”

Clenching a fist, he sighs and looks down at the burning candles and roses.

“...gone.”

“You did your best, dad.”

Arc looks at the plaque again. “True. But it won’t bring them back. Toola Roola won’t ever grow up and live out her life. She... she never had a chance.”

Babs sighs. “So what now?”

“Now I do the only thing I can. Honor them with this and remember that act so it doesn’t happen again.”

Standing, Arc looks to the fillies and smiles sadly.

“I’m sorry for making the end of this perfect day so somber.”

“It’s okay, dad.”

Apple Bloom puts a hoof on the marble slab. “Right. This is a part of Equestrian history.”

Sweetie Belle wipes the snow from a few of the names. “And we need to know about it to help make things right.”

Babs straightens a few mementos nearby as she speaks. “Miss Cheerilee always says those whom don’t learn about history are doomed to repeat it. I don’t want to see something like this happen to anypony ever again.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Very good.”

Dinky looks to her friends. “We should take a field trip here.”

Apple Bloom gestures with a hoof. “Right. Everypony should see this.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Even if it’s sad, I’m still glad I know the truth about this place.

Babs bows her head. “Me too. But I think we should look at it from another angle.”

Dinky turns to her. “Huh?”

“A lot of ponies died, yes. However thanks to a lot of volunteers doing their part a lot were saved.”

She smiles at Arc before continuing.

“Rather than focus on those you couldn’t save, why not think on those that you did?”

Arc nods. “There is wisdom in your words. But I suppose this matter will stay with me for quite some time.”

They stand there for a time silently. Eventually Arc motions for them to follow.

“Come on. Let’s get you four home to Ponyville.”

Nodding, they fall into step behind him. A cold wind blows as the light from the candles dances over the marble, illuminating the name of Toola Roola and that of her parents for all to see.

Chapter 25 - Double Fantasy

Arc and the fillies reappear outside Rarity’s shop. Running around the building they enter via the front door. Sweetie Belle calls out.

“We’re back, Rarity!”

The sound of hoofsteps approaching rings out. Rarity steps out from the kitchen and smiles at them.

“Did you have a good time, dear?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “The best!”

Apple Bloom hops up and down. “We bought presents for the orphans!”

Dinky grins. “And our families too!”

Babs looks away. “Then we visited the memorial before leaving. It was really sad.”

Rarity sighs. “I heard about that. A tragedy, for certain.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“I spoke to Applejack and she’s on board for tonight.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Rarity?”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “You and my sister doing something together?”

Rarity shakes her head. “She’s allowing you and your friends to come to the Apple family’s home for a bit of a sleepover.”

Babs Seed frowns. “Oh? Why’s that?”

Rarity looks away nervously. “She and I just... thought you four would like to spend some more time together. After all, you’ll be sisters one day.”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “I guess that’s true.”

Sweetie Belle scoffs. “Come on, Rarity!”

“Sweetie Belle?”

“You just want to spend more time with Arc!”

“Well... yes, I do. But I still wanted to you have a nice time as well.”

Dinky looks to her friend. “Your mom and my dad need to be able to bond. Just like we do too.”

Babs appears confused. “Bond?”

“Hang out together. Talk. Um... just... bond.”

Sweetie Belle turns to her mother again. “You could have just said that from the beginning.”

Rarity sighs as her ears droop. “I’m sorry, dear. It’s just... he and I need to have a very... adult talk about some things.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

Babs grins. “I wanna know too.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Now, now. It’s a very private matter.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. Let’s just let our parents do their thing. After all, we were with Arc all day. Now Rarity probably wants to be with him all night.”

Rarity giggles nervously and looks away. “Yes, that’s right.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “And that’s fine, Rarity. Just please be honest about it with me in the future.”

“My apologies. I seem to keep forgetting that you’re not a little filly anymore.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Nope. I understand what you and Arc want to do. And that’s okay with me.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What will they be...?”

Dinky interrupts. “I’ll explain it to you later, Apple Bloom.”

Rarity clears her throat before continuing. “Yes... well... Applejack should be here in a little while. Why don’t you four go play upstairs for a bit?”

Babs grins. “That sounds like fun!”

Sweetie Belle motions with a hoof. “This way, everypony!”

They charge up the stairs together as Rarity turns to Arc. She appears slightly embarrassed at the conversation.

“I’m sorry about all of this, Arc.”

“It’s okay. But Sweetie Belle was right. We all need to be honest with them about what’s going on.”

Rarity groans. “I understand that. However it’s very hard for me to think of her as anything more than my little filly.”

“She is growing up, you know.”

“Yes... it’s something I’ll have to work on.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Rarity opens it to see Applejack standing there in a cap and galoshes. Stepping back, she lets her in. Closing the door behind Applejack, Rarity turns to her and smiles.

“Good evening.”

Applejack shakes the snow off her boots. “Hey. Quite a bit of snow out there.”

Arc grins. “Thanks for coming, Applejack.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. It means a lot to know I can count on you.”

“It’s fine. But I was rather, uh... surprised to get your call, Rarity.”

“Oh?”

“Well... maybe it wasn’t the call, but the reason for it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Not exactly. I was just surprised by Rarity’s...”

Rarity blushes. “Please! I don’t want the fillies overhearing this!”

Arc shrugs. “That’s probably for the best, considering the subject matter.”

Applejack looks to the stairs. “Well, how about I get going with the fillies then?”

Rarity nods. “I’ll call for them.”

Shouting up the stairs, they wait as the fillies hurry down them. Putting on their hats and scarves they head for the door together. Arc turns to Applejack.

“Want me to make sure everyone gets to the farm safely? After all, the snow IS pretty deep out there.”

Applejack shakes her head. “That’s okay. The paths around town have all been plowed now. The fillies will just have to get to the road. After that it’ll be fine.”

“Alright.”

Apple Bloom calls out as she runs out the door. “Come on, Applejack!”

Babs nods. “Yeah! We want Rarity and Arc to be able to have their alone time now!”

Sweetie Belle waves a hoof happily as she winks. “Have fun, Rarity!”

“You too, dad!”

Arc chuckles. “Be careful out there!”

“And listen to Applejack, Sweetie Belle!”

“I will, Rarity!”

They hop through the snow to the road and run down it as Applejack puts a hoof on the door handle.

“Have a nice evening, you two.”

Smiling, she closes the door behind her. Arc looks to Rarity.

“So, um... were you able to talk to Derpy about... you know?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, indeed. And she’s completely okay with this.”

“Just so we’re clear, you’re sure she understood what you were suggesting, right?”

“I am, yes. But there is one little catch.”

“Oh?”

“She wants in on it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Is that... alright?”

“I guess so. Sorry, but I’m just a bit surprised by this.”

“Derpy said that she would tell you more about it herself.”

“Alright. You ready to go?”

Rarity giggles. “That I am!”

Smiling, Arc calls forth his gauntlet as Rarity puts on her saddlebags. Opening a portal, he and Rarity step through. Reappearing in Derpy’s house they spot her coming out of the bedroom with saddlebags. Trotting over to them she smiles.

“Hello you two! I’m ready to go!”

Arc smiles. “Are you sure?”

Derpy nods as she motions to her bags. “Yes. I have everything I need right here. Although admittedly it isn’t much.”

Rarity giggles. “I’m sure it’ll be enough.”

Arc nods. “And if not I can give you a portal back here.”

Derpy grins. “In that case, let’s be off.”

Arc nods and opens a portal. Stepping through with the pair, they reappear in his quarters in the castle. Derpy grins as she looks to him.

“It’s so warm in here!”

“I called ahead and had someone get the fireplace going.”

Rarity giggles. “That was very sweet of you, Arc.”

“Didn’t want you two getting cold in my freezing quarters.”

Derpy walks over to the balcony door and looks through it. “The snow is pretty from up here.”

Rarity joins her. “That it is.”

“Do you two want to sit and watch the snow fall for a while? We could sit on the couch and talk if you’d like.”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, Arc. I believe I’ve waited long enough for this.”

Derpy giggles. “Me too.”

“Alright. Follow me.”

Leading the pair into the bathroom, Arc gets the water going as Derpy sets a few things from her saddlebags on the counter nearby. Rarity joins her with a pack of her own. After getting everything laid out they turn to Arc.

“We’re ready!”

Derpy smiles at him. “But it looks like you’re not.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess I’d better get caught up.”

Rarity licks her lips. “Might we do that, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Sitting down on a nearby bench, Arc waits patiently as Derpy carefully removes his tunic. Working her magic Rarity pull off his trousers. Stripping him bare, they both take a hand and lead Arc over to the shower. Stepping inside the trio allows the water to wash over them for a few moments as Arc sits down on the tile floor. Joining him, Rarity and Derpy sit on their haunches and lean against Arc. He puts his arms around them and pets their manes as the water continues to flow. Sometime later Rarity looks up at him sheepishly.

“I’m ready.”

Nodding, Arc reaches out and pulls one of the bottles off the counter nearby. Levitating it to himself he opens the top and looks to Rarity.

“Lie down.”

Obeying, Rarity lays on the tile floor of the shower with her chin resting on her fetlocks. Arc pours a steady stream of liquid in her mane and begins rubbing it in. As it foams up Arc motions for Derpy to do the same. She lays down next to Rarity as Arc repeats the process. Finishing with Derpy’s mane, he returns to Rarity’s and pulls the nozzle down from its place overhead. Rinsing her mane, he reaches into it with his fingers to help speed the process. Finishing a few minutes later he then does the same for Derpy. Completing his task he begins stroking their backs gently.

“There you are. Two clean manes.”

Rarity grins. “Yes, it feels very nice.”

Derpy giggles. “Kinda makes my scalp and neck tingle.”

“That it does.”

Arc turns to Rarity. “Ready for the next part?”

Rarity blushes and nods as Arc retrieves another bottle from the counter. Leaning against the wall, Arc motions for Rarity to come to him. Doing so, she lays down in Arc’s lap on her belly. Pouring the contents of the bottle onto Rarity’s back, Derpy begins rubbing it into her coat slowly in a circular motion. Rarity smiles and moans contentedly as she does so. Arc strokes Rarity’s mane as Derpy rinses her coat off. Finishing, Derpy sets the nozzle toward a corner so that its flow is pointing away from them. Rarity turns her gaze to Arc and smiles seductively.

“Are you ready, Arc?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes. But only if you’re absolutely sure that this is what you want.”

Rarity licks her lips. “It is.”

Derpy looks to her. “What would you like me to do, Rarity?”

“Well... if it wouldn’t be too much trouble... would you please hold my hoof?”

“Of course.”

Sitting on her haunches, Derpy takes Rarity’s fetlock. Arc strokes her mane for a time as Rarity takes and lets out several deep breaths. Finally turning to Arc, she nods.

“Go ahead. But please... be gentle.”

“I will.”

Running his hand down her back a few times, Arc carefully pets her wet coat. Reaching her flank he lifts his hand and begins carefully rubbing her cutie mark with the tips of his fingers. Shuddering, Rarity’s breathing becomes erratic as Derpy looks to her, concerned.

“Rarity? Are you... okay?”

Rarity nods. “Y-yes. Please... stay with me though.”

Derpy nods as Arc continues. He slowly traces the three gems on Rarity’s flank. She closes her eyes and groans slightly. Arc looks down at her.

“Rarity... are you sure you want this?”

Rarity nods but does not speak as she looks up at him with a strange smile on her face. Arc takes a deep breath and lifts his hand. Bringing it down on her flank with an audible smack Rarity lets out a gasp as her eyes grow wide. Derpy continues to hold her fetlock as Rarity cries out.

“Again!”

Sighing, Arc does as she asks. Rarity goes limp as his hand smacks her cutie mark. Her tongue drops out of her muzzle as Arc looks to her again.

“I... think I’d better stop this.”

Rarity calls out weakly. “Can... can you at least keep feeling my cutie mark?”

“That I can do.”

Arc continues tracing the gems as Rarity smiles widely. Derpy appears concerned.

“You okay, Rarity?”

“Bery, I mean... very okay!”

“Are you sure?”

Rarity nods. “It’s... something of a fantasy of mine. Thank you for helping me live it out, Arc.”

“No problem. I guess.”

Rarity giggles. “Did you like doing it?”

“Sorta. Truth be told, I was worried I’d hurt you.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “But you didn’t hit her flank THAT hard, Arc.”

“That was the plan. Didn’t want to leave a mark.”

Rarity smirks. “There was more to this fantasy though.”

Derpy tilts her head to one side. “Rarity?”

“Arc messing up my mane as he tugs roughly at my tail. All while... having sex with me.”

Arc blushes heavily. “Yeah, I’m not comfortable doing all that right now.”

Derpy points a hoof to the door. “Is it because I’m here? I could step out into the bedroom while you two...”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, Derpy. If Arc isn’t ready to do that, then I’m not ready either.”

Arc chuckles. “Maybe for the wedding night.”

“I’d like that.”

She turns to look at Derpy before continuing.

“But now it’s YOUR turn!”

Derpy smiles widely. “Really?!”

Rarity nods as she stands. “Yes, indeed.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Derpy, you... you have a fantasy too?”

“Not so much a ‘fantasy’ as a dream.”

Rarity giggles. “I wondered why she wanted in on this.”

“Alright. What is it?”

Derpy blushes. “Well... you see...”

She sits back and tells the pair her fantasy. Arc listens and nods before speaking.

“And you want that done... to you?”

Derpy nods. “More so than you know, Arc. That is, if you’re okay with it.”

“Sure. Rarity?”

Rarity nods. “I’ll do my part too, yes.”

“Thank you.”

Arc turns to Derpy as she lays down on her belly. Picking her up, he lays the mare on his lap. Reaching over he grabs the nozzle. Wetting Derpy from head to tail he motions to Rarity to start. Pulling the bottle of shampoo to herself with a spell Rarity speaks in an very, VERY overly-happy voice.

“Now then... who’s ready to get clean?!”

Derpy looks up at her and raises a hoof as she mimics the unnatural enthusiasm. “I am!”

“Alright, dear! Just lie still and let your father hold you while mommy washes your mane!”

Getting to work, Rarity lathers up Derpy’s mane. Rubbing it in, she motions to Arc for a rinse. Doing so, Derpy shakes her mane as she cries out happily.

“My mane’s all floppy now, mommy!”

Rarity giggles. “That it is, dear!”

Arc pats her back. “Now, now... lie still so your mother can clean the rest of you.”

“Yes, daddy!”

Rarity continues bathing Derpy. After another rinse she turns to Arc.

“Okay, we’re ready to clean your belly, sweetie!”

“YAY!”

Arc carefully turns the mare over onto her back. Pouring the soap onto Derpy’s belly, Rarity carefully rubs it in. Derpy giggles.

“That tickles, mommy!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, you want to get properly clean, don’t you?”

Derpy nods feverishly. “Oh, yes!”

Finishing her task, Rarity steps back and allows Arc to do a final rinse. Standing with Derpy in his arms, he steps out of the tub. Rarity levitates a towel over to the pair and helps Arc dry Derpy off. Laying her on the bench, Arc watches as Rarity gets to work brushing Derpy’s mane and tail. Arc blows her mane dry as Rarity puts it up in ribbons. Eventually she puts the brush down and steps back to admire her work.

“There! Now don’t you look pretty?!”

Derpy giggles. “I feel so clean!”

“Now then, mommy needs to do her own mane.”

“Can I help?!”

“Of course you can, dear.”

Sitting down on her haunches, Derpy picks up the brush and gets to work. Arc blows Rarity’s mane dry as she does so. Finishing their task, the trio walk out of the bathroom together happily. Derpy turns to Arc as they sit down on the floor in front of the fireplace.

“Thank you so much for that you two!”

Arc chuckles. “Did you like our performance?”

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

Rarity smiles warmly at Derpy. “Well, I’m just glad we could fulfil your fantasy.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “And I’m glad Arc was able to make you feel, um... good, Rarity.”

Arc chuckles nervously. “Yes, well... I was kinda surprised when Rarity asked me to do that for her.”

“It’s been on my mind for some time now. However I do have one thing to ask you, Derpy.”

“What’s that?”

“Why exactly did you want to come along for such a thing?”

Derpy blushes nervously. “Well... to be completely honest with you, I... apparently didn’t really understand what you meant when you said ‘fantasy’.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “You mean...?”

Derpy shrugs. “I thought we were just going to shower and read a book, or something.”

Rarity gasps as her hooves fly to her mouth. “Oh, Derpy! I am so, SO SORRY!”

Arc groans. “I’m sorry too. After all, I should have made sure you understood what this evening entailed.”

Derpy smiles. “It’s okay. I really did have a nice time though. But I was kinda confused at first when Rarity asked me to hold her hoof.”

Rarity smiles and blushes. “Honestly, I was a bit nervous about doing something like this. Especially in front of somepony else.”

Derpy puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “As soon as I saw that look on your face though I understood what was going on. And it was kinda too late to back out though.”

Arc frowns. “Why did you want me to do that to you, Rarity?”

“Well... as you know, I was ravished by a group of stallions after passing out drunk.”

Derpy appears confused. “Ravished?”

“It means that they had sex with me while I was asleep.”

“That’s terrible!”

“True. I’m sure they did all kinds of terrible things to me, as my whole body was sore the next morning. However, I wanted to face that fear with Arc.”

“With me?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. I wanted to have my flank slapped and my cutie mark played with by somepony I trusted to stop if I asked him to.”

Derpy gasps. “Didn’t it hurt though?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not at all. In fact it was very pleasurable.”

She looks down at her hooves before continuing.

“I never told anypony this before, but... before that night, I... I didn’t really take that much time to make myself look good.”

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

“I’d brush my mane and tail, naturally. However I didn’t wear any makeup, perm my mane, or shine my hooves.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “But you do that all the time now.”

“What changed?”

“After... that night, I was always very careful to make myself look the best I could. It was in an effort to attract a nice stallion originally. You see, I viewed myself as damaged goods after my ordeal and felt the need to try and make up for it by looking beautiful.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“But that fantasy was the old me trying to shine through. Shall I tell you the rest of it?”

“If you’d like to, sure.”

“Alright.”

Taking a deep breath, Rarity continues.

“It involves me being out in the rain in the middle of a secluded field. My mane soaked and my makeup long since washed away. You would walk up to me, grab my tail roughly, pull it aside and... do the deed while shoving my face into the mud. And every thrust would push me deeper into the mire I was standing in. By the end I would be totally covered in grime and pretty much unrecognizable.”

Derpy gasps. “Oh my!”

“Sorry if that sounds weird. But it’s just a fantasy. We don’t have to act on that at any point, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Yeah, outdoor sex isn’t something I’d be interested in.”

Derpy smiles nervously. “It’s... actually kinda nice.”

Rarity turns to her. “The tent?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry such a thing happened to you, Derpy.”

“It’s not your fault. And I was certainly a willing companion to Moonlit Dusk when he did that to me. But I don’t believe I have such vivid fantasies as you, Rarity.”

Rarity appears confused. “I don’t understand. What about that fantasy of yours we just acted out?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, Derpy. I thought that was pretty out of the ordinary for you.”

“That... wasn’t a sexual fantasy of mine.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Oh. Sorry, I just thought you were into infantilism.”

Arc frowns. “Dare I ask what that is?”

“I’ve never heard of it before either.”

“It’s... where a grown mare or stallion puts on a diaper and acts like an infant.”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, no. I’m not into that. But I think I’d better explain myself.”

Taking a deep breath, Derpy continues.

“As you both know, my mother died giving birth to me and my father was cold and distant at best. Abusive at worst. Growing up, I was cleaned by the various staff members in my father’s house. But being that my father didn’t really care about me at the time, it was a job left to the one whom drew the shortest straw.”

Arc grits his teeth. “They saw it as just another chore?”

“Right. So it would be done as quickly as possible. A few dunks in a lukewarm tub of soapy water for all of ten seconds before a hard rubdown with a towel.”

She turns to Arc and Rarity before smiling.

“Just once I wanted to know what it felt like to be bathed by a mother and father whom loved me. And each other too.”

Arc sighs. “Derpy, I... I don’t really know what to say.”

“Well, I have something to tell both of you. And it’s ‘thank you’. Thank you for carefully, lovingly, and tenderly washing me. It just felt so... so wonderful!”

Rarity smiles nervously. “I’m glad we could be of service to you, Derpy. Um... but we should probably tell the others about this little fiasco.”

“If that’s alright with Derpy, you mean.”

Derpy nods. “It is. That is, just for the other herdmates. Not everypony.”

Rarity nods. “Of course.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I admit, I never really thought about things like that being important.”

Derpy giggles. “Well, I feel better about it now that I’ve experienced it for myself.”

Rarity giggles. “While I’m not really your mother, of course, I do hope I did a good job of washing you, Derpy.”

“That you did. And I... um... appreciate you washing my mare parts so carefully too. In truth, I didn’t really expect you to do that.”

“I actually wasn’t going to, as it’s a bit... personal. However while I cleaned you I remembered doing that very thing for Sweetie Belle when she was little. So I just started going through the motions. And before I knew it I was washing... everything.”

Arc chuckles. “And for me it felt really... nice. Holding you like a filly, I mean.”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles. “I liked it too. Being held made me feel so very safe and secure.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I’m glad everyone got what they wanted.”

“But what about you, Arc?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, don’t you have a fantasy you’d like to live out?”

Arc shrugs. “Not really, no.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

“Well... I haven’t really had time to think about it though.”

“Please give it some thought, Arc. I’d love to help you live out a fantasy.”

Derpy grins. “I’ll help too!”

Arc smiles as he puts his arms around them. “Thanks, you two. But there is one thing I’d like to do right now.”

Rarity grins. “What’s that?!”

Arc chuckles as he motions to the bed. “Get some sleep. It’s been a long day.”

Chapter 26 - Lies and Betrayals

Arc awakens early the next morning to the sound of snow pelting the windows. Looking outside at the murky morning light, he gently strokes the manes of the two mares lying on either side of him. Sighing contentedly, he muses to himself.

“Rarity and Derpy. I was pretty surprised when they told me they wanted to do this. Derpy especially.”

He turns to Rarity before continuing.

“But I suppose even a prim and proper mare like Rarity has certain needs, wants, and desires. Never thought they’d involve some rather... forceful endeavors though.”

Looking to Derpy, he smiles.

“That and I thought it was kinda off that Derpy wanted in on this. But she just wanted to feel like a proper filly should. Loved and cared for.”

Continuing to pet them, the pair wakes up together. Derpy is the first to speak.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“And a good morning to you too.”

Rarity giggles. “It’s so nice waking up next to you, dear.”

“I have to admit, I too like having someone next to me at night.”

Derpy smiles. “We can keep each other warm too.”

Arc nods. “There’s that as well, yes.”

Rarity nuzzles his side. “That and... I am looking forward to us going all the way together, Arc.”

Derpy appears confused. “All the way?”

Arc blushes slightly. “She means us having sex.”

“Ah! Well... I’m looking forward to that too. But I still respect the idea that Rarity should go first.”

Rarity takes Arc’s hand and puts it on her belly. “We could even go right now if you’d like, dear.”

Derpy nods. “I’d be willing to leave the room if you two want to do that.”

Arc smiles at Rarity. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m not ready for that yet.”

“Very well, Arc.”

Derpy stands up. “Well, I should probably be getting over to the orphanage to start breakfast.”

Rarity does the same. “And I need to head over to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up Sweetie Belle and Dinky.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“They have a play date set up for today.”

Arc nods as he gets up. “Alright. Can I offer you a portal back to your shop?”

Rarity nods. “Yes, please. Just let me brush my mane before you do.”

Hopping off the bed, Rarity trots into the bathroom as Derpy stands on the bed and looks to Arc.

“Could I get a portal to the orphanage, please?”

“Of course.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Derpy smiles up at him and wraps her hooves around his neck. Leaning into the embrace she whispers in his ear.

“Thank you for last night. It was absolutely magical.”

Arc smiles. “Thanks for coming.”

Giggling, she kisses his cheek and hurries toward the portal. Before entering though Derpy turns back and waves.

“Goodbye, Arc! I love you!”

Arc waves back. “Love you too, Derpy.”

Stepping through the swirling energies she vanishes from sight. Arc closes the portal as Rarity trots back onto the room. Doing a little twirl she grins.

“Well, how do I look?”

“Great! Not sure how you managed that with just a brush though.”

Rarity giggles. “Practice.”

“Well, thanks for coming.”

“And thank you for hosting us.”

Stepping forward, Arc and Rarity embrace. They kiss each other’s cheeks and hold on tight for a few moments. Eventually Arc let’s go and straightens up.

“Are you ready?”

Rarity nods. “I am, yes.”

Raises his gauntlet again, he opens a portal back to Rarity’s shop. Walking towards it she looks back and puckers her lips seductively.

“Looking forward to next time...”

Swishing her tail a few times, Rarity smiles slyly.

“...and more.”

Vanishing through the portal’s energies, she vanishes from sight. Arc, now alone in his room, looks back to the bed.

“It’s... a strange feeling. Seeing those I care about leave. Wishing they could stay. And even wanting to...”

His earring chirps. Groaning, Arc touches it and speaks.

“Arc here.”

“This is Viktor, sir. We have a bit of a situation over here.”

“What kind of...”

“Please, sir. I’ve been advised that it’s not wise to talk about this sort of thing on the radio.”

“Alright. I’ll head over as quick as I can. Arc out.”

Severing the connection, Arc sighs as he grabs his clothes and quickly dresses.

“Not going to miss stuff like this when I retire.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc opens a portal back to Earth. Stepping out into his parent’s room he heads downstairs. However upon reaching the ground floor he hears a heavy pounding on the front door. Frowning, Arc walks over to answer it. Opening the door he spies a familiar face standing on his front porch.

“Please come in, Marshall.”

“Thanks, kid.”

Stepping inside the warm house, Raynor removes his hat as Arc closes the door behind him.

“It’s a cold one this morning.”

Raynor nods as he stomps the snow off of his boots. “That it is, Arc.”

He motions to Arc’s wrinkled clothes and disheveled hair.

“Sorry for coming here so early and waking you up.”

“It’s alright, Jim. I was actually already up. Just hadn’t had time to make myself presentable yet.”

“Yes, well... I’ve got a big problem on my hands and was hoping you could help me with it.”

“What do you need?”

“Can you tell me the last time you saw your friend, Frank?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “It’s been a while, but I believe that would be when I stopped to Shelly’s Kitchen for a takeout order. Why?”

Raynor sighs. “Because there’s been an incident.”

“Oh?”

“I got a call that a man at the local hospital had attacked the staff there. He was gone by the time I got there, but I was able to see his face from the security footage.”

“And it was... Frank?”

Raynor nods. “Right.”

“Are you sure?”

“One-hundred percent, yes. He was wearing that red suit he loves so much and had his cane.”

“Kinda stands out in that outfit, yes. But why would he go after the staff?”

Raynor shrugs. “They had no idea. Witnesses say that he was babbling incoherently about ‘wanting answers’.”

“And the staff wouldn’t give him any?”

“At least not the ones he wanted, no. So he started using that weird power of his and breaking things.”

Arc groans. “Great.”

“When that didn’t work he started going after the staff. Guess he heard the sirens outside though because the video footage showed him suddenly vanish in a flash of light.”

“And that’s why you’re here.”

“Yup. You and him go way back. I wanted to know if he had come here looking for help.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, sir. Like I said, I haven’t seen him in a while.”

“A shame. We all thought he’d gone legit too.”

“I’m sure he had a good reason.”

“Well, I have a bunch of eyewitness reports that say otherwise. So I need to find him as quickly as possible.”

“Could this have anything to do with Shelly’s treatments?”

Raynor shrugs. “No idea. While I was there I tried to visit her to see if she knew anything. But I was told by her doctor that she had been moved to an isolation room due to her condition. No non-medical visitors allowed.”

“What about Lily?”

“I asked about her as well. Apparently her physician was a nicer guy than I originally thought, as he told me that she had been allowed to accompany Shelly to isolation. The only catch was that she couldn’t leave.”

Arc frowns. “They must be at the end of their treatment options then.”

“Guess so. He couldn’t tell me much more than that due to the doctor/patient confidentiality laws in place though.”

Raynor bows his head as he continues.

“At least she won’t be alone at the end.”

“That’s... good.”

Raynor puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “I’m sorry about this, Arc.”

Arc nods sadly. “Yes, well... we all knew it was coming. If you see that doctor again please thank him for allowing Lily to stay with her to the end.”

“I will. But please... if you see or hear from Frank, tell him to just call me and peacefully turn himself in.”

“Yes, I’ll do that. Can I ask you something though, Jim?”

“What is it, Arc?”

“How did this happen? I mean... Frank has a really checkered past, of course. However, this... I just thought we were past...”

“He had a relapse, Arc. Guy seems to be doing okay. Gets a job, starts living honest. But it only takes one little thing to push them back into their old habits. I hate to say it, but I’ve seen this a million times.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Well, just deliver my message if you run into him or if he calls you please.”

“Yes sir.”

“I don’t know if it’s because of the situation with Shelly, or maybe the stress of running the diner, or whatever. But he can’t just go around hurting people because of it.”

“Agreed. I’m sure you’ll get to the bottom of it though.”

Escorting the Marshal to the front door he opens it and Raynor steps outside. Turning back to Arc he sighs.

“Sorry this happened. All of it really.”

Arc nods soberly. “It’s not your fault, Jim. Frank made his choices and we all knew what was coming with Shelly.”

“Take care.”

Sighing, Arc closes the door. Turning, he heads back to the couch and sits down heavily.

“Frank... why...?”

Sitting there for a few moments to think, Arc gasps.

“Crap! I forgot the whole reason I came over here in the first place!”

Heading for the basement stairs, Arc hurries down them to find his squad huddled around the table. Arc looks to Max.

“Sorry for the delay. I had to answer the door. What’s going on?”

Max frowns. “This is a pretty serious situation, sir.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That didn’t really tell me anything.”

A voice rings out nearby.

“Perhaps I could explain better.”

Arc turns around. His eyes grow wide.

“Frank?!”

Frank smiles sadly. “Hello, old friend.”

“What the heck, man! Marshal Raynor was just here looking for you!”

“Thank you for not turning me in.”

“How could I?! I didn’t even know you were here!”

Frank clears his throat. “Yes, well... either way the thought is appreciated.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Start talking, Frank. How much of what happened at the hospital is true?”

“That depends how much you know.”

“Marshal Raynor told me everything.”

Frank sighs. “All of it.”

Arc frowns. “So you admit that you attacked hospital staff?!”

“I had no choice, Arc.”

“Is this about Shelly being put into isolation?!”

The blood drains from Max’s face.

“She was?!”

He hurries over to the computer and switches it on. Pressing a few keys he gasps and turns around.

“Her room is empty, sir!”

Arc nods sadly. “I was told that she was transferred to an isolation room. Guessing her immune system went down.”

Frank frowns. “Who told you that?!”

“Marshal Raynor.”

“When?!”

“Just now. Why?”

Hugh clears his throat. “Maybe we’d better let Frank tell his side of the story, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. We aren’t really getting anywhere at this rate.”

“Very well.”

Walking over to the table everyone sits down. Arc turns to Frank.

“Start at the beginning.”

“Well... this morning I went to visit Shelly in the hospital as I normally do.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “That early?!”

Frank nods. “It gives me a chance to see her and Lily before the restaurant opens. They’re typically early risers anyways due to years of getting up for that exact purpose.”

Hugh frowns. “But shouldn’t Shelly be allowed to sleep in?!”

“If she’s tired she won’t wake up anyways. It also allows Lily to go and get some breakfast from the Cafeteria. That way Shelly isn’t alone.”

Max grimaces. “Makes sense.”

Arc nods. “Continue, Frank.”

“Anyways... today I went there as I normally do. However, this time Shelly’s room was empty.”

Viktor shrugs. “Did you consider that idea that they might have just transferred her to a different room?”

“Believe me, that thought did cross my mind. The problem arose when I went up to the nurse’s station to inquire.”

Hugh grimaces. “Please tell us you asked nicely.”

“That I did. However there were less than cooperative.”

Arc groans. “Frank... you can’t go around hurting people just because they don’t help you.”

Viktor frowns. “Did they not want to tell you where Shelly was?”

Frank clenches a fist. “No. The nurse at the desk said that no such patient existed.”

Max gasps. “WHAT?!”

Arc grits his teeth. “That doesn’t make any sense. I mean, Shelly’s been in that room for quite some time now.”

Xenos looks to Frank. “Yeah. Could it have just been a mistake? I mean, maybe they were new to the department, or something?”

Frank shakes his head. “She HAD to know of a patient whom had been there as long, and often, as Shelly though.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “This makes no sense. Why wouldn’t they know about such a transfer? I mean, pretty much everyone in town at least knows Shelly’s name.”

Hugh frowns. “Especially a patient that’s been there so long. They’d have to see her name on paperwork and whatnot.”

Arc looks to Frank. “Are you sure she didn’t just mean that Shelly was no longer in Intensive Care Unit?”

“Very. She was most adamant that there was no patient with that name in the hospital.”

Max appears hopeful. “Did you ask her to look it up?”

“Naturally. She even turned her screen to show me where it said ‘no record found’.”

Arc sighs. “What happened next?”

“I... may have reached across the desk and grabbed her.”

Viktor groans. “Physically?”

“Yes. Then I may have slammed her against the wall to try and get her to confess.”

Max appears hopeful. “Did she?”

“No. Security ran over to try and stop me, but I pushed them against another wall and held them there while I continued my interrogation of the nurse. A few moments later I heard sirens approaching the building.”

Xenos nods. “So you came here?”

“Precisely. I Blinked out of there to gather my thoughts. While I didn’t know if you were in town or not, Arc, I did figure you would have someone here. Or at the very least a way of calling Equestria.”

Arc sighs. “And that brings us to the present.”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t get it. Why would the hospital move her and not make a note of it?”

Max shrugs. “Maybe Frank got there before the system updated, or something?”

“It’s possible.”

Arc turns to Viktor before continuing.

“Do we still have that backdoor into the hospital’s systems?”

Viktor nods. “We should, yes.”

“Hack into their systems and see if you can locate Shelly.”

“Yes sir.”

Walking quickly over to the computer, Viktor gets to work. A few moments later he calls out.

“I’m in!”

Arc grins as the others follow him over. “That was fast.”

“Just like turning a key, sir.”

“Do a general search for Shelly.”

Viktor begins typing. Frowning, he shakes his head.

“Nothing, sir.”

Hugh looks over his shoulder. “What the hay’s going on here?!”

Max grits his teeth. “Someone’s trying to pull a fast one!”

Xenos clenches a fist. “Yeah! But who?!”

“Viktor, expand your search to the entire hospital.”

The sound of keys clacking rings out in the otherwise silent room. Again Viktor shakes his head.

“Nothing.”

Max taps the monitor. “No discharge orders either?”

“Nope.”

Frank rubs his chin thoughtfully. “This is maddening! Someone over there must remember her being there!”

Hugh sighs. “Well, they can’t tell us through the computer screen.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “Maybe they can.”

Xenos appears confused. “Sir?”

“Viktor, do a search for ‘patient zero’.”

Max frowns. “What would that do?”

“It looks like someone intentionally went through and removed any record of Shelly being there. They could have just done a search for her name to figure out what needed to be deleted. That’s why we need to search for the data a different way.”

Frank nods approvingly. “Very smart. After all, it’s not every day the hospital gets a patient with an unknown disease.”

Viktor gets to work typing. After pressing ‘Enter’ they wait. Grinning, he turns back to Arc.

“Found something!”

“Good! What is it?!”

“Her charts and other medical data.”

Frank frowns. “Nothing else?”

Viktor shakes his head. “Doesn’t look like it, no. Frankly I’m confused why this isn’t labeled properly.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Labeled?”

Viktor taps the screen. “Right. It’s just recorded as Patient Zero along with Shelly’s initials.”

Max looks over his shoulder. “Where was the file located?”

“The Long Term Data Storage section of the system.”

Frank clenches a fist angrily. “They were trying to bury all knowledge of her existence?!”

Xenos groans. “Looks like it.”

Max looks to Arc. “This doesn’t really help us though.”

“Maybe it does.”

Hugh frowns. “Sir?”

“Viktor, open up those charts and sort them chronologically.”

Nodding, he presses few keys. Looking to Arc, he speaks.

“What are we hoping to find, sir?”

“Just a hunch. Show me the most recent report.”

“Yes, sir.”

Scrolling to the final entry on the page Viktor opens the last file. Frank sighs.

“It appears like any other report. Blood pressure, respiration, temperature, and whatnot.”

Arc puts a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Let me in there, Viktor.”

Viktor stands aside and allows Arc to take his place. Scrolling through the medical data, he stops near the end and begins to read.

“Here we go.”

Max raises an eyebrow. The notes section!”

Arc nods. “Maybe there’s a clue in...”

He stops speaking suddenly. Grabbing the screen, Arc picks it up and looks closer.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me?!”

Frank gasps. “What is it, my friend!”

“There IS a note here near the bottom from the nurse whom took the report! They say that the patient is being transferred!”

Max raises an eyebrow. “But we already knew that, sir.”

“Right! But take a look at the name of the doctor whom ordered the transfer!”

Putting the screen back in its place Arc draws back to allow the others to see it. Xenos clenches a fist angrily.

“Why that no-good, dirty, low down...!”

Max seethes. “Rieper!”

Hugh gasps. “He’s her doctor?!”

Viktor sighs. “So it would seem.”

Frank grits his teeth. “We need to find out where she was taken! Another hospital perhaps!”

Arc shakes his head. “No need.”

Max frowns. “Sir?”

“I already know where Shelly is.”

Frank gasps. “Where?!”

“Damocles Base.”

Chapter 27 - A General Nuisance

For a long moment no one speaks. Eventually Frank breaks it.

“Arc... are you saying that Shelly... is in the same place my boys were kept?!”

“It appears so, yes.”

Max clenches a fist. “We have to get her out of there!”

Xenos smacks his fists together. “Yeah!”

Hugh groans. “Agreed! But how?!”

Viktor grits his teeth. “We’re gonna need one heck of a plan!”

Frank turns to Arc. “And quickly!”

“Right. No point in just running in the half-cocked.”

Max grimaces. “But every moment we wait is another chance Rieper has to hurt her, sir!”

“I don’t think Rieper would do that.”

Xenos appears confused. “What makes you say that though, sir?”

“Because... Rieper is...”

He frowns before continuing.

“...Rieper is Shelly’s father.”

Frank’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?!”

“That’s what Doctor Knowles told me.”

Hugh sighs. “Can she be trusted?!”

Arc shrugs. “Auriel seems to think so. That and she had no real reason to lie to me about that.”

Max shakes his head. “But I thought you and her grew up in an orphanage, sir!”

“We did, yes.”

Xenos groans. “If she had a father why didn’t he take her in?!”

“I have no idea.”

Frank grits his teeth. “I’ll ask him when we get there!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “We, Frank?”

“Yes, we! Shelly and Lily are my friends too!”

Max salutes. “Sir, I volunteer to come along as well!”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! Me too!”

Hugh smirks. “I’m in as well!”

Viktor stands. “Same here!”

Arc smiles. “Thanks guys. Now then, let’s start brainstorming ideas for...”

He is cut off as a knock from the front door is heard. Frank grimaces.

“Uh oh.”

Max turns to Arc. “Who could that be?!”

“It’s most likely Marshal Raynor again. Can’t think of anyone else who’d show up at this hour unannounced.”

Xenos looks to him. “Want me to answer it, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’ll do it myself. All of you stay down here and don’t make any noise.”

They nod as Arc hurries up the stairs. Closing the basement door behind him, he hurries to the front and opens the door. For a long moment Arc stands there motionless as he stares at the person before him. Eventually they break the silence.

“Hello, Arc.”

Arc frowns. “And whom are...?”

“Come now, no need to feign such ignorance.”

“But I really don’t...”

“...know whom I am? Really? Well, I won’t play such games with you, Hero.”

“Hero?”

“Yes, I know you’re the one who’s been making quite the name for themselves under the moniker of the ‘Hero’.”

Arc moves to close the door. “I think you have me confused with something else.”

The door clicks shut as the visitor calls out loudly.

“Tell me, have you seen Shelly and Lily lately!”

Angrily, Arc throws the door open and glares at the man before him.

“What have you done with them?!”

“Nothing really. Might I come in?”

Nodding, Arc steps aside to allow the man entrance. He walks over to the couch and sits down as Arc closes and locks the door behind him. Turning to his ‘guest’, Arc narrows his eyes.

“Start talking.”

“I shall. But first I need to do this...”

Waving his hand, a magical aura appears and rapidly expands outwards to cover the walls in a slight glow.

“There. We shall now have a bit of privacy from prying ears.”

“What did you do?!”

“Just a little spell, my boy. To make sure what is said here isn’t overhead by your little friends in the basement. Or Frank for that matter. But before we go any further I’d like to introduce myself again. It’s been some time since I did it.”

“Whatever.”

Clearing his throat, the man looks Arc squarely in the eyes as he speaks.

“I am General Mustang. Commander of the military base you know oh so well.”

“And what are you doing here, general?”

“All things considered, I probably should have come a lot sooner.”

“Oh?”

Mustang smirks. “It’s not every day someone can get in AND out of my base. That’s quite the feather in your cap.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Your idea to feign ignorance is praiseworthy, but unnecessary. After all, I’m fully away of whom you really are.”

“Then why don’t you tell me where Shelly and Lily are?”

“Because you already know.”

“You have them at Damocles Base, don’t you?!”

Mustang raises an eyebrow. “Damocles Base? I don’t recall saying that name.”

Arc, realizing his grievous mistake, sighs.

“Alright. You see right through me. What is it you want?”

“At the moment, just a simple conversation.”

“What about?”

“Life... power... the future... both of this world as well as the other.”

“You’re starting to sound an awful lot like someone else I know.”

“A friend of yours?”

Arc scoffs. “Hardly. I don’t like him any more than you.”

“The man in the blue cloak.”

“Yeah.”

“Someone I can’t get a bead on either. Humbling as that is.”

The general stands and walks over to look out a window before continuing.

“It’s not every day someone is able to pull the wool over my eyes like he was. Using magic to teleport deep into my base isn’t something that should be possible. Yet he did it. More than once I might add.”

Arc frowns. “Any chance of you staying on topic here?”

“Forgive me. I do tend to ramble. In any case, the reason for my visit today is to talk to you about a subject very near and dear to you heart.”

“Which is...?”

“Shelly and Lily.”

Arc grits his teeth. “If you so much as touched them, I’ll...!”

Mustang interrupts him. “They are safe. For now.”

“What is it that you want from me?!”

“Tut-tut. I’m getting to that.”

Smirking, Mustang looks out the window for a time before speaking.

“My facility is cutting edge, you now. The world leader in magical research and... implementation. We’ve been able to do great things down there. Such as infusing certain... individuals with magical energies. Tell me, how are my two missing sergeants doing in your employ?”

“Just fine. I couldn’t ask for better.”

“I’d give you Stingray too, if only so you’d have a matched set. However I don’t think you and her would get along very well.”

“She’s not my favorite person.”

“But she is the strongest of the three.”

“Strength isn’t everything, you know.”

“I suppose it isn’t. But it certainly helps when the chips are down.”

“You seem awfully eager to sell me on the idea of taking Stingray in. Why?”

Mustang shrugs. “I just thought she’d like to be with her other two... companions again.”

“But that isn’t the only reason, is it?”

“Very perceptive. However that is a question that will have to wait for another day. At the moment I’m here to ask for your assistance.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want MY help?!”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.”

“And why would I help you?”

“You DO want Shelly and Lily returned to you unharmed, I assume.”

“Yes.”

Mustang turns to face Arc. “Good. I’m glad we can agree on that.”

Arc groans. “Just tell me what you want.”

“A colleague of mine with whom I’m certain you’re familiar, a Doctor Rieper, is in need of a bit of help in his research.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Things like that are a bit outside of my skill set.”

“Agreed. You are quite intelligent, Arc. However the wisest understand the need to bring in help to deal with problems that are, shall we say... too big to handle alone.”

“Get to the point.”

“Doctor Rieper has asked me to acquire help for him in saving his daughter’s life. Shelly is indeed on her last legs and will most likely not survive the night. A shame, what with Christmas being just a few days away.”

“I’m no doctor.”

“True. But I imagine you know where to find one.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Don’t you have a Human Resources department down there that could hunt someone down?”

“Oh, I do. However a delicate situation such as this requires someone very... intelligent. Someone with... previous experience with magical experimentation.”

He looks at Arc coolly before continuing.

“I do believe you know someone whom fits this very specific bill.”

“Maybe.”

“Good. I shall await your arrival at Damocles Base then.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “And I’m supposed to get in there how?”

Mustang puts a hand to his chin. “Well, I suppose you could have your cute little friend pretend to be Colonel Diva again. That’s worked numerous times if I recall. You could also try using that fake badge Hammer gave you some time ago. After all, no one questioned it in the past.”

The general grins as he continues.

“Or you could sneak in by turning to mist and using a magic cloak once inside. Such methods worked wonders the last time. Well, other than helping you get out, that is.”

“You knew I was there, huh?”

Mustang nods. “Oh yes. That last time I decided to give you a helping hand. After all, you had things to do, I’m sure.”

“Yeah... kinda.”

“In any case, there’s no need for any elaborate plans for such a task.”

Reaching into his coat’s inner pocket, Mustang pulls something out. Tossing it to Arc, he smirks.

“In the future, try using that. Simpler.”

Arc looks it over. “This is...?”

“Your very own, fully authorized, ID badge.”

“Why are you giving me this?”

Mustang shrugs. “It just seems logical at this point. If you’re planning to come and go as you please you may as well use the door.

“That doesn’t make any...!”

“It does to me. Now then, I’ve also taken the liberty of adding your name to the list of authorized personnel at the gate as well as given you priority access.”

“Priority access?”

“It allows the bearer, and anyone accompanying them, access to the facility.”

Arc scoffs. “Like a tour guide?”

“Not to worry. As a gracious host, I’ll come greet you and your entourage... personally.”

Arc frowns. “Gee... what an honor.”

“All I ask in return is that you come with the ‘help’ requested earlier.”

“How do you know I even have such a person?”

Mustang chuckles. “Remember, you said it yourself. You’re no doctor, Arc. That and there’s only one person whom could have mixed up that serum for the wolf man in the hospital. And you’ve used her badge in the past to get into the vault, I might add.”

“I’ll... see what I can do.”

“You do that. We’ll prepare a suitable reception for you. But do hurry. I don’t know how much longer Shelly will last.”

Arc grits his teeth but says nothing as the general heads for the door.

“Think about it, Arc. And don’t bother to show me out. I know the way.”

Mustang leaves via the front door as Arc sits down heavily on the couch. He tosses the ID badge on the cushion next to him as he stares up at the ceiling for a time. Eventually, Arc stands and begins pacing the floor.

“What to do. What to do.”

Groaning, he pulls the badge to himself with a Telekinesis Spell and heads for the basement door. Descending the stairs, Arc turns to the others.

“Okay. That just happened.”

Frank appears hopeful. “Can I assume you didn’t tell Marshal Raynor I was down here?”

“It wasn’t him.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Then who...?”

“General Mustang.”

Xenos gasps. “What?!”

Hugh’s eyes grow wide. “He knows where we are?!”

Arc nods soberly. “So it would appear.”

Viktor cracks his knuckles. “Your orders, sir?!”

“He made it sound like he’s known for quite some time.”

Max groans. “Then why aren’t we being attacked?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But I get the feeling he’s been waiting for just this time to come speak to me.”

Frank narrows his eyes. “What did he want?! Ransom for Shelly and Lily?!”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Max clenches a fist. “His demands?!”

“Help.”

Xenos raises any eyebrow. “With what?!”

“Saving Shelly.”

Hugh frowns. “That doesn’t make any sense!”

Arc sighs. “Apparently Rieper transferred Shelly to Damocles Base due to her medical state. She’s really on her last legs at this point.”

Viktor gasps. “Did the general say that, sir?!”

“He did, yes.”

Frank groans. “Then we need to give him whatever it is he asked for! How can we provide this ‘help’ he requested?!”

“Mustang wants the one whom mixed up the antidote for Bloodletter.”

Max groans. “He knows about Doctor Knowles?!”

“It appears so, yes.”

Hugh bows his head. “Are you sure, sir?!”

“While I didn’t mention her by name, he knows that there’s only one person whom could have created the antidote for Bloodletter.”

Viktor smirks. “We could probably convince him that someone else did, sir! After all...!”

Arc interrupts him. “He also knows we used the doctor’s badge to open the vault when rescuing Princess Celestia.”

Xenos facepalms. “Which he rightly assumes we could have only gotten from her.”

Max shakes his head. “Indirectly, but we did, yes.”

Frank turns to his friend. “Arc... what are we going to do about this?”

Arc sighs.” I... I don’t know.”

Viktor grimaces. “Well, we need to figure out something fast!”

Xenos nods fervently. “Yeah! Your friend doesn’t have much time left, sir!”

Arc plops down in a chair. “Less than you know.”

Frank eyes his warily. “Arc?”

“While I’m not sure if it was an attempt to hurry me along or not, the general did say that Shelly most likely won’t live through the night.”

Max clenches a fist. “Then we need to get her out NOW!”

Hugh nods with conviction. “Right. If Shelly really is going to pass in only a matter of hours she should be surrounded by her friends and family. Not a laboratory and Doctor Rieper.”

Viktor salutes him. “Whatever you decide we’ll go with, sir.”

Arc nods soberly. “Frank, you and I need to head back to Equestria and talk this matter over with Doctor Knowles. Maybe she’s come up with something.”

Xenos sighs. “Admittedly, that’s not much to go on right now, sir.”

Arc frowns as he opens a portal. “It’s all we have at the moment.”

A short time later Arc and Frank sit at the Conference Room table with Twilight. Frank drums his fingers impatiently.

“What’s taking them so long?!”

Arc turns to him. “Remember, they need to finish up an experiment.”

“Couldn’t it wait?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Depends on the chemicals involved. Some things, once started, must be finished.”

The doors open as Auriel and her mother hurry inside. Auriel is the first to speak as she looks to Arc.

“We came as quickly as we could!”

Maria nods. “Yes. However, the tone in your voice indicated that something is seriously amiss.”

Frank nods fervently. “That it is! So we need to act!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence as he nods to the chairs across from them. “Yes. However first we need to bring you up to speed on this.”

Auriel and Maria sit down as Arc continues.

“I was called to Earth early today by my squad. When I arrived I was told that Shelly and Lily are no longer at the hospital.”

Auriel bows her head. “So... she went home to...?”

Frank frowns. “No. They denied that Shelly had ever even been admitted!”

Maria narrows her eyes. “To what end?”

“I had one of my guys go into the hospital databanks to see what he could find. The records were reclassified under ‘patient zero’ and filed in the digital archives.”

Twilight gasps. “But what kind of doctor would do something like that?”

Maria folds her arms over her chest. “Rieper would.”

Arc grimaces. “Right. The files show that he personally ordered her sent to an isolation room.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “So she IS still at the hospital!”

Frank shakes his head. “No. They took her.”

“After hearing the story I went upstairs to answer my front door, thinking it was the local marshal. However, it was General Mustang himself.”

Auriel gasps. “WHAT?!”

Maria puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Interesting. Might I ask what he told you?”

“He admitted that Shelly and Lily were taken to Damocles Base.”

Twilight groans. “So they’ve been kidnapped?!”

Frank nods. “Exactly.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “We have to get them out of there!”

“That’s the general consensus on our end too. But it gets weirder.”

Reaching into his pocket, Arc pulls out the badge. Sliding it across the table to Maria, he continues.

“Mustang gave me this too.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “A badge?”

Auriel gasps. “It looks just like yours, mother!”

“That it does.”

Picking it up, Maria feels it for a few moments before looking to Arc.

“It appears genuine. There’s even the standard chip inside. Whether or not it’s activated is anyone’s guess though.”

Twilight frowns. “I don’t understand why he gave such a thing to you though, Arc.”

“The general... wants me to do him a bit of a favor.”

Auriel folds her arms over her chest. “Well, he can forget that! Right?!”

Frank sighs. “It’s a bit more complicated than that, I’m afraid.”

Arc nods. “Right. He’s using Shelly and Lily as bargaining chips to make me comply.”

Maria tosses the badge back to Arc. “Sounds more like something Rieper would do than the general.”

“That’s who this favor is for. General Mustang wants me to ‘help’ him by bringing the one whom make the antidote for Bloodletter.”

Auriel gasps. “My mother!”

Frank sighs. “Exactly.”

Twilight frowns. “You were a big name over there at one point, yes?”

Maria nods. “I was, yes. With me gone though Rieper actually had to do the work two.”

She smirks before continuing.

“Two separate jobs. Neither of which he was THAT good at to begin with.”

Arc sighs. “I do understand his motivations at this point though.”

Frank grits his teeth. “You understand why he resorted to kidnapping?!”

“Actually, yes.”

Arc turns to Auriel before continuing.

“Let me ask you something, Auriel. If your mother was sick and it fell to you to find some way to cure her how far would you go?”

“As far as I needed to. Why?”

“Because that’s the position Rieper is in right now. He just asked the general to get him some help.”

Twilight gestures with a hoof. “Are we actually going to just give him Doctor Knowles though?”

Arc looks to Maria. “That’s kinda up to her at this point.”

“I’ll do it.”

Auriel gasps. “NO!”

“Auriel?”

“Father and I JUST got you back, mother! You can’t go now!”

Maria looks to her daughter and smiles. “I’ll be alright, dear. After all, Arc will be with me the whole time.”

Frank nods. “As will I!”

Auriel suddenly stands. “Then I’m coming too!”

Twilight smiles nervously. “It appears you’ll be well protected, Doctor Knowles.”

“Indeed. But we still need a plan.”

Auriel raises a hand. “I think I might have something.”

Arc nods. “Go ahead.”

Chapter 28 - Getting Down to Business

That afternoon, Arc, Maria, Ember, Hammer, Auriel, Max, and Frank walk out to Arc’s garage. Everyone is in full body armor, save for Maria. In place of the normal Jeep sits the Landmaster. Arc puts a hand on it as he sighs.

“Was kinda hoping we could just leave this thing in storage.”

Frank grins. “I’m glad you kept it around, for it will serve our purposes well this day.”

Auriel pats the heavy plating. “A safe way to transport my mother.”

Ember motions to the others. “And everyone else too.”

Max turns to Hammer. “Shall we get underway?”

“Sure. As long as we’re all clear on the plan.”

Maria shrugs. “I have the easy part.”

Auriel grimaces. “But one of the most dangerous I might add!”

“That’s what plans and backup plans are for, my dear.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Hammer, you’re driving. Max will be the copilot.”

They nod silently as Arc turns to the others.

“Uh... anyone want to say anything before we get moving?”

Ember clenches a fist. “Yeah! Can we LEVEL that place this time?!”

Hammer draws her gun. “Now you’re talking my language!”

Frank shakes his head vehemently. “Shelly and Lily’s safety must come first though!”

Max folds his arms over his chest. “Right!”

Auriel appears hopeful. “How about just a little explosion then?”

Maria raises an eyebrow as she looks to her daughter. “Auriel?!”

“I think Ember and Hammer may be rubbing off on me, mother. However I don’t like the idea of The Organization kidnapping innocent humans!”

Arc sighs. “No damage unless absolutely necessary. Everyone knows the plans as well as the backups too.”

Frank nods. “Indeed. Arc will call the shots on how much, or little, needs to be done over there.”

Maria groans. “If possible, I’d like to leave the facility relatively intact. We may need their help one day.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh... with what?”

Frank sighs. “One never knows what the future holds.”

Arc points. “Right. So let’s get this train moving.”

They nod and head for the Landmaster. Arc and Ember head for the Jeep in the driveway while the others make their way to the Landmaster. Getting in, Arc starts the engine and turns out onto the road. Ember looks back and sees the garage door open as they drive away. Arc turns to her.

“They’ll take a different, less busy route than we will.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Still don’t get why they don’t just follow us.”

“It’s just a precaution. After all, if Mustang double crosses us on the way there I’m guessing he could only go after one vehicle at a time.”

“Pretty big assumption there, Arc.”

“True. But if something comes up we’ll radio them. If nothing else that will give them a couple seconds heads up.”

“You really think the general will try something?”

“Doubtful. But we need to be prepared for whatever comes our way.”

Coming to the edge of town they enter the forest. Sometime later Arc spots the base from the road and pulls over. Arc turns to her.

“You might want to put on your armor now, Ember.”

“Why? You’re not wearing any?”

“First, because you’re weaker in your human form.”

“Hey!”

“Second, you’re in that form so as not to scare Shelly and Lily any more than they already are.”

“I wondered why you told Auriel to come in her human form.”

“In any case, let me call the other vehicle and make sure they’re doing okay.”

Touching his earring, Arc calls out.

“Arc to Landmaster.”

Max calls out. “We’re here, sir.”

“Are you on schedule?”

Hammer grunts. “Give us a bit more time. Had to avoid some traffic on the main road.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Something up?”

Arc shakes his head. “I heard on the radio that they were going over to directing traffic by hand this afternoon. Apparently the stop light needs to be replaced.”

Max smirks. “It’s actually a good thing though. We needed a few extra minutes to go through our checklist, sir.”

“Any issues?”

Hammer shrugs. “Nah. Just needed extra time. We got this.”

“Good. I’ll call base camp and make sure they’re ready while we wait. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring again.

“Arc to base camp.”

“Xenos here, sir.”

“We’re only a few minutes from driving up to the base. What’s your status?”

Hugh calls out. “All set up and ready to go, sir.”

Viktor nods as he puts a clip in very large gun. “That we are.”

“You three are clear on what needs to happen, right?”

Xenos chuckles. “Crystal, sir.”

Hugh shrugs. “We’re just a backup plan though, sir.”

Viktor nods. “True. But a very important backup plan I might add.”

“Right. If we need your help you’ll get our signal.”

Hugh picks up a pair of binoculars. “We’ll be waiting, sir.”

“Good. Wish us luck. Arc out.”

Touching his earring he severs the connection. A short time later the Landmaster pulls up behind Arc and stops. Getting out of the Jeep Arc walks over to the other vehicle. It’s rear doors open and Max pokes his head out.

“Sir?”

“Just wanted to talk with everyone before we get started.”

He looks at Maria in her white lab coat before continuing.

“I see the others were unable to convince you to put on some armor.”

Maria nods. “Thank you, but I’m fine.”

“Please, mother. It’s very comfortable and light.”

“I’m a scientist, not a warrior.”

Hammer calls out from the driver’s seat. “Then you’ll have to stick extra close to you mom, Auriel!”

“That I will.”

Frank holds a fireball in the palm of his gauntlet. “ we get started?”

Arc frowns. “Put that away, Frank. We’re going the non-violence route, remember?”

Hammer looks over her shoulder at the group. “Then what’s with all of us being so heavily armored?!”

“Insurance. I want everyone walking away from this.”

Max nods soberly. “Shelly would want that, sir.”

“Agreed. Now then, I’ll leave my comms open so you’ll know when to decloak, Hammer.”

“We’ll be listening.”

“Good. Um... anyone want out of this before we get underway?”

No one speaks. Arc nods approvingly.

“Alright then. Here we go.”

He closes the back door and heads back to the Jeep. Getting in, Ember turns to him.

“Everything okay?”

Arc groans as he starts the engine. “Auriel’s mom still doesn’t want to wear armor.”

Ember smirks. “Ballsy.”

“More like foolish if you ask me.”

Putting the vehicle in drive, he pulls back onto the road. A short time later he calls out.

“About to leave the tree cover, Hammer.”

“Cloaking now.”

Arc glances in the rear view mirror to watch the Landmaster vanish from sight. Continuing, he turns onto the bridge and slowly makes his way toward the base. Ember grimaces.

“Those are some big guns!”

“Yup. I’m used to approaching from the opposite direction. With them pointed away from me.”

Ember looks to Arc nervously. “Um... I’d like to take the opportunity to say that this idea of yours is terrible.”

Arc clutches the steering wheel tightly. “Duly noted.”

“Okay, explain why we’re going first when the Landmaster is so heavily armored!”

“Because if the base starts shooting they’ll hit us, not them.”

“But...!”

Arc interrupts her. “And it’ll give the rest of the group a chance to get away.”

Ember groans. “ I know. Don’t like it though.”

“Then you should have done as I originally planned and been in the Landmaster.”

“And leave you alone?! Not a chance!”

They come up to the guard shack. Arc lowers his window as the guard on duty speaks.

“State your purpose.”

“I’m here to see General Mustang and Doctor Rieper.”

He holds out his badge. The guard looks it over before comparing the picture to that of Arc. Going over his clipboard he flips a few pages before handing the badge back and motioning for the gate to open.

“Have a nice day, sir.”

“Um... thanks. Oh! One last thing. The vehicle behind us is also with me.”

The guard looks back but sees nothing. Turing back to Arc, he appears confused.

“But there’s nothing there.”

Ember grins. “Look again.”

Doing so, the guard is stunned to see the Landmaster appear out of thin air. Taking a few moments to compose himself he motions for Arc to continue on. Pressing the gas, they head for the large building before them. The door opens and they drive onto the elevator together. Parking side by side Arc shuts off the Jeep removes the keys as they begin to descend. Looking to Ember, he sighs.

“No going back now, I guess.”

Ember grimaces. “Nope.”

“You okay?”

“I think I liked these missions better when we went in all stealthy-like.”

Arc sighs as the elevator starts going down. “So did I.”

The others call out over Arc’s earring. Auriel is the first to speak.

“So do we get out now?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Might not be a good idea, Arc. You’re a new face around here. Don’t want the guards getting jumpy and doing something we’ll all regret.”

Max frowns. “Is it too late to put on your armor, sir?”

“Kinda think so. Don’t really want the general knowing for sure that I’m the Hero.”

Maria rolls her eyes. “From what you said earlier, it sounds as if he’s already put two and two together.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed.

Arc shrugs. “I’m playing that part by ear.”

Sometime later the elevator reaches the bottom. General Mustang and Colonel Diva are waiting for them. As the elevator stops Arc gets out. Ember starts to but he motions for her to stay in the vehicle. Arc closes his door and walks over to the general and his aide.

“Arc... welcome to Damocles Base. I trust you had no trouble getting in.”

Diva glares at him. “This time anyways.”

Arc nods. “Everything was just fine, yes.”

Mustang motions to his aide. “Allow me to formally introduce you two. Arc, this is my personal aide, Colonel Diva.”

She grits her teeth and extends a hand. Arc takes it and gives it a shake. Diva squeezes it exceptionally hard. Arc reciprocates as he looks her in the eye.

“Do you really want to see which of us is the strongest?

Diva smiles wickedly. “Yes.”

Arc smirks as he lets go of her hand. “Good. Neither did I.”

Mustang clears his throat loudly. “In any case, I’d like to continue this conversation with you, Arc. That is, AFTER you allow me to escort the doctor to the lab.”

Nodding soberly, he motion to the Landmaster before looking back to the general.

“Very well. But just so you know, she’ll be heavily guarded.”

“That’s not necessary. I assure you that our facility is quite secure.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “That’s what I’m worried about.

A few moments later the back doors of the Landmaster open and everyone steps out to form a perimeter. Lastly, Maria hops down and moves to the center of the group. They close around her and walk toward Arc slowly as they scan the area. Ember gets out of the Jeep and joins them. Reaching the general, Doctor Knowles calls out to him.

“Hello again, sir.”

Mustang smiles warmly. “Doctor Knowles. It’s been so many years since I last had the pleasure of you company.”

“Shall we skip the pleasantries for now? I have work to do.”

“Always business first. Right this way, doctor.”

Leading the procession down a corridor, he turns to Maria.

“I believe you’ll be quite impressed with the amount of progress we’ve made since you were here last.”

Maria rolls her eyes. “If you have made THAT much progress, I wouldn’t be here.”

Diva frowns. “Well, this particular project has that idiot Rieper stumped.”

“That doesn’t take much.”

Mustang smiles. “Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Doctor Knowles.”

“I will certainly try.”

Arriving at a strange looking observation room they see Shelly lying unconscious on a bed. A myriad of strange looking machines are hooked up to her. Rieper is writing on a clipboard by her bedside. Diva turns to Maria as they approach the door.

“I’ll escort you inside.”

Arc steps forward to block her advance. “As will her guards.”

Diva groans. “We don’t have the space for...!”

Auriel turns to Diva, angrily. “And I’m not letting my mother go in there without protection!”

Maria nods. “They will keep to the outer walls.”

Diva turns to the general. He nods as she returns her gaze to Maria.

“Very well. This way.”

Opening the door, she leads Maria and company inside. Mustang turns to Arc as the door closes behind them.

“Now then, can I offer you and your... partner some refreshments?”

Ember grits her teeth. “Nothing from you!”

Arc frowns. “Agreed. But I have a more pressing question for you.”

Mustang chuckles. “Oh?”

“Where is Lily?!”

“In a safe place, I assure you.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I want to see her!”

“That could be arranged. Please follow me.”

Leading the pair down the corridor, Arc looks to the general.

“What are Shelly’s chances?”

“Better now that you brought us Doctor Knowles. She’s the best at what she does, after all. But of course you already knew that, didn’t you.”

Mustang looks over his shoulder at Arc.

“Perhaps you and I could work out a deal.”

“What kind of...?”

Mustang continues. “It’d be of great help if she were to stay here with us at Damocles Base. I would of course have her work on any research projects you needed next to our own, Arc.”

Ember glares at the general. “She’s not a piece of lab equipment, you know!”

Mustang chides her. “Temper, temper, Dragon.”

Arc nods. “She’s right, you know.”

Mustang shrugs. “Well, I have the rest of your visit to try and change your mind.”

Arriving at his office, the general pushes the door open and gestures for them to enter ahead of him. Doing so, Ember turns around angrily.

“I don’t see Lily anywhere!”

Arc raises a hand to pick up a couple chairs with a Telekinesis Spell as he looks to the general angrily. “That’d better change, and fast!”

Chuckling, the general closes the door behind him. Looking to Arc he nods. Extending his own hands, the general forcefully pushes the chairs back down into their places with a spell of his own.

“Be seated.”

As the pair begrudgingly do so, Mustang pushes a couple buttons on his console and a screen comes to life. Ember’s eyes grow wide.

“Is that... a dungeon?!”

Mustang shakes his head. “No, Dragon. It’s an isolation room.”

Arc grits his teeth. “WHY?! She’s done nothing wrong!”

“Merely a precaution, Arc. We can’t have unauthorized personnel walking the corridors, now can we?”

Ember points to the screen. “Well, you don’t need to put her in a CELL!”

“I’d be willing to release her to you, Arc. In exchange for... someone else.”

“And Shelly?!”

“I’d release her to your custody as well. Assuming the good doctor can work her scientific magic, that is.”

Ember grits her teeth. “She’s nothing but a pawn to you!”

Mustang shakes his head. “Progress of this magnitude requires sacrifice, my dear Dragon. Remember, I’m not asking you to just hand her over without offering anything of value in return. This is a bona-fide trade. One that heavily favors you, I might add, as you are getting two for one.”

Arc shakes his head. “I can’t just give you another human being like that.”

“Think it over. Perhaps you may come around to my way of thinking yet.”

He gestures to the screen before continuing.

“Either way, you can see that your friend is perfectly safe and sound in there. She’s being fed three times a day, has a place to shower, a cot, blankets, clean clothes, and a toilet. It’s the picture of serenity in there.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Except for the fact that she CAN’T LEAVE!”

Mustang shrugs. “Nothing is perfect.”

Arc nods soberly “I’m not leaving here without her.”

“Then I will have to do my best to sweeten the deal. But first, I think it’s high time you and I have a very important chat, Arc.”

“What about?”

Mustang walks over to his desk and sits down. “Many things, really. Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness... and your place in that dynamic.”

Ember scoffs. “You’re not making a lot of sense.”

“That’s because it’s not meant to make sense to anyone other than Arc and myself.”

The general looks to Arc and smiles.

“I’d like to have a bit of a one-on-one talk with you, Arc. Man to man.”

Arc nods. “Fine. Just one thing.”

“A request?”

“I want to see Lily first.”

Mustang gestures to the monitor again. “But I just showed you that she’s...”

Arc interrupts him. “Not on a screen. I want to be able to see her with my own eyes.”

“You would not see anything that can’t be viewed from here though”

“Those are my terms. Meet them and I’ll entertain you with a chat.”

Mustang nods as he stands and heads for the door. “Very well. This way please.”

Chapter 29 - Putting Together the Pieces

General Mustang leads Arc and Ember out of his office. Walking down the corridor they come to the brig. Motioning for the guards in the control room to let them in, the door slides open. Walking past several empty cells, they come to a large window at the end of the corridor. General Mustang motions to it with a wave of his hand.

“Here you are. Your friend.”

Arc steps up to the window and looks through. Lily paces the floor nervously as she wrings her hands. He calls out to her loudly.

“It’s okay, Lily! I’m right here!”

Mustang shakes his head. “She can’t hear or see you.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How though?”

“It’s a soundproof room with one way glass, my dear.”

“Don’t call me that!”

“My apologies, Dragon. Or should I call you... Dragon Lord Ember?”

“You’ll stick to ‘Dragon’ if you know what’s good for you!”

Mustang turns to Arc. “Now then, I’ve allowed you to see that your friend is indeed safe and sound. Shall we have that talk now?”

“Very well. However I’m leaving Dragon here to look after Lily.”

“That is acceptable. Just be aware that she will be unable to open this door and will be sealed in this ward when we leave.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Fine with me! Just don’t try anything funny with Arc!”

“I won’t.”

“He’d mop the floor with your pompous behind anyways!”

Arc sighs. “Just don’t let them move Lily, or anything.”

“You can count on me.”

Mustang heads back the way they came with Arc by his side. Turning to the guards on duty he points to Ember.

“I’m allowing this individual to guard the guest in the isolation room. She is not to be allowed entry, but at the same time is not to be interfered with.”

“Yes sir.”

Motioning to Arc, Mustang begins walking again. As the return to the normal corridors the general turns to him.

“I assume you have questions.”

“Kinda.”

“Ask and I will try to answer.”

“First off, how did you know whom I was? Let along where I lived?”

“Diva told me your identity. After all, you’ve made no attempts to mask it back in Equestria. As for where you lived, it was rather simple really. We can readily track magical energies in the immediate area via our sensors here.”

He turns to Arc before continuing.

“You showed up like a Christmas tree every time you arrived.”

“Then why wait until today to make contact?”

“Because I wanted to see what you would do.”

“Do?”

Mustang nods. “Oh yes. Think of it as an experiment of sorts. However an experiment is only valid if those conducting it merely observe. Interfering would adulterate the results rendering the test useless.”

“What about Shelly?”

“What about her?”

“I know she’s Rieper’s daughter.”

Mustang nods, clearly impressed. “Might I know how you figured that out?”

“A little birdie told me.”

“Ah, so it was a paper trail, eh?”

Arc shrugs. “He was sloppy.”

Mustang sighs. “Rieper’s always been that way. Not like Doctor Knowles in the least.”

“There is something I really need to know.”

“Oh?”

“Is it true that Doctor Rieper was experimenting on his daughter? On Shelly?”

“Yes and no.”

“That doesn’t make any sense! Either he was or he wasn’t!”

“Yes, he was using his knowledge of medicine and magic to try and help her. No, inasmuch as what was done was purely in the pursuit of saving her life.”

“Isn’t he the reason she needed help in the first place though?”

“Unfortunately, yes. You see, Doctor Rieper’s wife was having trouble carrying a child to term. So he came up with the idea of magically infusing an egg and sperm prior to conception. His theory was that the magic would bind with both cells and fuse with the DNA to become part of the child as they were forming.”

“But...”

“It did work, and his wife did carry the child up until labor. However there were complications stemming from the magical energies in the child’s body that transferred to the mother at labor and she didn’t make it. Rieper did everything in his power to save his wife, but to no avail.”

“And that child was Shelly?”

“Correct.”

“Wait a second. Are you saying that Shelly was infused with magic on the cellular level?”

Mustang nods. “Yes. I personally hoped that such a thing would allow a child to be born with the gift of magic rather than have to go through the long and drawn out process of Ascension.”

“And then pass it on to their children and their children’s children.”

“Exactly. That idea is why I allowed Rieper to attempt such a thing in the first place. Even he didn’t see the ramifications at first, being so intent with having a child.”

“But that failed and you were left with nothing.”

“Not exactly. Shelly was born healthy and stayed that way up until high school.”

“How do you know that?”

“We continued to monitor her medical conditions closely throughout her childhood. Frankly we just thought she was a normal girl until the problems started.”

“So what exactly is the problem with her? Did Rieper ever figure it out?”

“Human cells aren’t able to pass the gene along properly during normal growth and mitosis. It caused imbalances to start around the time of puberty. However they weren’t officially discovered to be linked to her magical origins until she was diagnosed as patient zero of a ‘disease’.”

“So this has been festering inside her since she was born?!”

“Conceived actually.”

“Did you at least abandon that form of magical infusion?”

“Yes, we did.”

“Good. So there aren’t any other people like Shelly out there?”

“No. She is one of a kind in that regard.”

“But you didn’t let the idea go, did you?”

“Very perceptive. No, we moved away from magical insemination and onto other projects.”

“Such as...?”

“Imbuing children with magical powers.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Children?!”

Mustang smiles. “Yes. Rest assured that none were harmed. We did extensive testing on lab animals first. After all, we’re not monsters here.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“The infusion process was long and very slow. It involved specially selected children to be gradually infused with magic over a period of time.”

“And where did you find these children?”

“The one place that doesn’t require parental consent. An orphanage.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Which one?”

“I think you already know the answer to that one, Arc.”

“Farburg?”

Mustang nods. “We touted them as immunization boosters. The director at the time never actually checked up on the reasons for the numerous shots. He just accepted that they were in the children’s best interests. That and the fact we took care of any and all paperwork on the matter for him didn’t hurt.”

“I don’t remember anyone talking about that though.”

“Come now, Arc. What child wants to remember getting shots?”

“Fine. Whom was this done to? “

Mustang chuckles. “If it makes you feel any better, not to you.”

Arc seethes. “That doesn’t answer my question!”

“Everyone around your age at the time.”

“...what?”

“Pretty much the whole orphanage population, with a handful of exceptions.”

“And we were what to you?!”

“The control group.”

“And everyone else the experiment?!”

“Yes. We monitored everyone closely as they grew up and either were adopted or aged out of the program. Not one child showed any signs of magical aptitude or medical problems associated with the procedure though.”

“Other than Shelly, you mean?”

“Correct. She was exempted from data collection entirely due to her magical origin.”

“What about Lily and Frank?”

“They were both part of the experimental group.”

“And you’re sure they’re okay, right?”

“Very. Well, other than your friend Frank due to his Ascension with the rest of his gang, that is.”

“Is he in danger?!”

“It doesn’t appear so, no. Even though he received double the treatment the others in his gang did.”

“Due to his infusion as a child, you mean.”

Mustang nods. “Right. A secondary experiment by Doctor Rieper.”

Arc grits his teeth. “What about Lily?! Are you absolutely sure she’s alright?!”

“One-hundred percent, yes. Even after the data was analyzed.”

“And the experiment’s conclusion?”

“That the original experiment was a resounding failure. However it wasn’t a complete loss.”

Arc frowns. “How wonderful for you.”

“The data we gathered from that time was used to help create the procedure for the Ascension Program as we know it today.”

Arc stops and leans heavily against the wall before speaking.

“This is all just so... overwhelming. My friends and I... we were just one big experiment to the state?!”

He looks to Mustang and frowns.

“Tell me something. Was Headmistress Kulara a part of this?

Mustang shakes his head. “No. In fact, when she took over as administrator of the Farburg Orphanage we had to severely dial back our presence, as her record indicated that she would have asked far too many dangerous questions. Such demanded that we rely on regular checkups and medical records compiled by their general practitioners.”

“Is this still going on?!”

“No. We got the data we needed and moved on to adult test subjects and... different projects.”

“Different projects?”

“Expansion of magical experimentation. This was in thanks to a certain test subject we acquired some time ago.”

“Celestia.”

“Precisely. She was of, shall we say... great help in our plans.”

“Plans to do WHAT?! Give every human magic?!”

Mustang smiles. “That is certainly in the cards, yes. However it would have to be implemented slowly over time on a voluntary basis.”

“Implemented. Tell me, Ascension is artificially giving someone magic through medical means, right?”

“Simplistically, yes.”

“And how exactly does it work?”

“Our treatment alters the cell’s DNA of the subject in question. Slowly but surely every cell passes on its altered DNA when it splits, thus continuing the transformation from a normal human to a magic user.”

“Willing or not.”

Mustang smirks “I assume you’re referring to the Shards?”

“Right.”

“They were the dregs of society before being captured and Ascended. A lawless gang of crooks whom, after learning magic, have transformed into a commune dedicated to peace and helping others.”

“I kinda wondered how that happened.”

“Part of that was due to Frank’s influence over them. However, being forced to learn to control their powers aligned their minds to peace and order.”

He chuckles before continuing.

“Image every criminal in our overcrowded prisons being given the same treatments?”

“And if they didn’t focus on peace and harmony their magic would become unbalanced.”

Mustang chuckles. “Which is quite painful I’m told.”

“A built in restraint system. But after one comes to terms with their powers what’s to stop them from using them for crime?”

Mustang shrugs. “Nothing, I suppose.”

“You mean...?”

“No system is perfect.”

Arc gasps. “But that would cause chaos! Criminals with the ability to Blink into any building. Bank vault’s thick steel would be useless as would be metal detectors!”

“Not to worry about that. We’ve begun doing research into other projects to counter that. Magic-proof steel and magic dampeners that can ‘switch off’ someone’s magic temporarily.”

The general looks up and points before continuing.

“Such as the magic dampener on the roof of the main building overhead.”

Arc frowns. “What?!”

“It disables all magic within a certain radius. Thin entire island, that is. So you won’t be portalling, teleporting, or using any other magical means of traveling out of here.

“Sounds like you’ve thought of everything, general.”

“I do try to learn from my mistakes, Arc. Even if you do make it up to the surface without my permission you would still be within range of the dampeners. But we’re getting off topic here. I believe we were talking about my foray into anti-magic business ideas.”

Arc nods. “With you and The Organization being at the forefront of these advancements, no less.”

Mustang chuckles. “We’ll be the richest individuals in the world, Arc.”

“We?”

“Of course I want to include you in this. After all, none of it would have been possible without your contributions.”

“But I didn’t do...!”

Mustang cuts him off. “Oh, but you did. Your antics with the Shards helped me test my own soldier’s capabilities during your battles.”

Arc gasps. “Stingray, Hammer, and Mio!”

“Right. Using the Hero as a goal, they were able to convince Frank that he needed to corral you. This led to them attempting to recruit you to their side.”

“But I didn’t join them.”

“As I knew you wouldn’t.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!”

“You kept their little gang in check during their rise to fame. We all knew Frank was getting too powerful and needed to be kept in his place. The Hero and your allies were just the patsies to do it too.”

“Making me do your dirty work, eh?”

Mustang shrugs. “In a manner of speaking. I already controlled the police in Angel Grove, so it was never out my power to... blunt their claws if they went too far.”

“All the while the people of the town suffered!”

“No one was killed and injuries were kept to a minimal.”

Arc clenches a fist. “That doesn’t make it right though!”

Mustang smirks. “Right and wrong. Two words that can have VERY different meanings between people.”

“I do understand that. However when you endanger an entire town...”

“For the good of all, I assure you.”

“That’s not something I can see justifying in my mind.”

“If you knew the whole picture, you would.”

Arc frowns. “Then elaborate.”

“Another time, Arc. For now, I’d like to make another proposition to you.”

Arc sighs. “Great...”

Mustang motions down another corridor. “A bit of a meeting with someone you’re very familiar with.”

Chapter 30 - Odd Sergeant Out

Coming to a door, the general opens it and turns on the lights. Allowing Arc to enter he sees a small conference room before him. Mustang motions to a chair.

“Have a seat.”

Arc does so as the general sits down at the head of the table. Pressing a button on a console he speaks.

“Send her in.”

A few minutes later a woman enters and walks over to the general. Saluting, she addresses him respectfully.

“Sergeant Stingray reporting as ordered.”

“Please sit, sergeant.”

Gesturing to the chair across from Arc, Stingray does so. She looks at him, clearly confused, as the general speaks again.

“Stingray, this is Arc. But I’m sure you already knew that.”

Stingray nods curtly. “I’m aware of his minuscule existence, yes.”

Mustang continues. “He’s our newest member.”

“WHAT?!”

Arc frowns. “I never agreed to join you!”

Mustang shrugs. “You’re here and with a badge, are you not?”

“Only because I have to be!”

Stingray points a finger at Arc. “Sir, this man is a massive liability!”

Arc shrugs. “Can’t really deny that.”

“Don’t you know whom he is?!”

Mustang smiles. “I’m fully aware of whom he is, Stingray. The real questions is... do you?”

“Sir?”

“He’s also the ‘Hero’ we’ve had so much trouble with.”

Standing, Stingray quickly draws her whip. As it flies toward Arc the general reaches out a hand and grabs the tip.

“Calm yourself, Stingray. After all, he’s here of his own free will.”

Arc mutters under his breath. “That’s debatable.”

“In any case, sit back down.”

Stingray grits her teeth and does so. “Yes sir.”

Standing, the general looks to Arc.

“Tell me, what do you think of Stingray here?”

“Regarding what?”

Mustang shrugs. “Whatever comes to mind.”

“That she’s very strong, dedicated to her cause, as well as her sisters.”

Stingray lowers her voice and grits her teeth. “I swear that if you’ve harmed even a single hair on their heads, I’ll...!”

Mustang interrupts her. “They are fine, Stingray. In fact, Arc here even brought Hammer with him as a guard for our guest.”

Stingray seethes. “You made my sister a GUARD?!”

“She wanted to do it!”

“I find that VERY have to...!”

Mustang clears his throat loudly. “In any case, let us continue with the matter at hand.”

He rises and walks over to stand behind Stingray’s chair before continuing.

“Arc has told you how he sees you, Stingray. Might you do the same?”

“Sir?”

“How do you feel about him?”

“He’s a lying, cheating, kidnapping, CROOK!”

Mustang smirks. “Is he now?”

Stingray nods with conviction. “Yes sir!”

“Tell me. Can you back those claims up?”

“He manipulated both Hammer AND Mio into joining him, sir!”

Mustang looks to Arc. “Is that true?”

“Well... it’s not completely false, no.”

“See?! He admits!”

“I did lie to Hammer in an effort to take her out on dates to learn about The Organization, yes.”

Mustang nods. “Continue.”

“And I was leading her on at the time, yes.”

“Anything else?”

“But I did come clean at the end and told her whom I really was via a letter I left at her apartment. That was right before we attacked the base.”

Stingray scoffs. “So why are you here then?!”

Mustang turns to her. “At my invitation, Stingray. But maybe we should have your sister’s testimony on this matter?”

Arc frowns. “She’s not leaving Doctor Knowles’ side.”

“Very well. We’ll use the teleintercom.

He reaches over and presses a button next to his seat. A few moments later a screen comes to life and voice rings out.

“This is Rieper. Go ahead, sir.”

“How are things going over there, doctor?”

“Just fine, sir. Thank you for bringing the cow... I mean, for finding Doctor Knowles. She’s been... of moderate help thus far.”

“Good. Now then, I’d like to talk to Sergeant Hammer. Would you please call her to the intercom?”

“Yes sir.”

A few moments pass before Hammer’s face comes into view and her tell-tale voice booms though the speakers. She glares at Mustang as she speaks.

“WHADDYA WANT?!”

The general turns a dial to lower the volume as he replies.

“Hello again, Sergeant Hammer. Stingray, Arc, and I were just having a bit of a conversation about your treatment since joining Arc. Can you tell your sister about your experiences?”

“Sure! I’ve been graciously cared for since leaving The Organization.”

Stingray grunts. “Details, Hammer!”

Hammer frowns. “Nice to see you too.”

The pair look daggers at each other before Hammer scoffs and begins to speak.

“After I left the roadside park that night Arc took me into his home. I was fed, clothed, and sheltered by him with no sense of indebtedness.”

“Then he took you to the other world to labor for him, correct?!”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “If by ‘labor’ you mean that he offered me a government security job, then yes.”

“But you’re just a slave over there!”

“No way! I love my job and am very fairly compensated!”

“Everyone over there must look down at you though!”

“Are you nuts?! I’m a lieutenant over there! Everyone under me does what I say!”

Mustang cuts in. “Tell us of Sergeant Mio.”

Stingray nods. “Yes. Is she alright?”

“Mio’s fine. She had a bout of pneumonia from camping out in the woods, but received proper medical care over here.”

“As a prisoner!”

“I was the one whom wanted to lock her up! But Arc talked me out of that!”

Arc chimes in. “She hadn’t actually committed any crimes there. No reason to lock her up. Especially as sick as she was.”

Mustang nods. “And her current position?”

“Arc talked the powers that be over here to let Mio act as my personal aide.”

Stingray gasps. “She’s your secretary?!”

“More like an assistant, but yeah.”

Stingray looks to Arc angrily. “So your lover Hammer gets a cushy government job along with a big salary while Mio is forced to do menial tasks for her?!”

Hammer waves a hand dismissively. “She loves her job too! We’re together most of the day and can support each other emotionally!”

“But she must live in a shack on such little pay!”

“She stays with me in my personal quarters rent-free! And before you ask, yes they’re private, spacious, and accommodating! Her food, clothing, medicine, and anything else she needs is covered! Anything above that she has the money to buy for herself! Any other baseless claims you wanna make, Stingray?!”

“I... I don’t...”

Hammer interrupts her. “Get your head out of your butt, Stingray! If you had even an OUNCE of sense you’d see what I’ve told you is true!”

Mustang looks to Stingray. “Anything else you’d like to ask your sister?”

Stingray shakes her head. “N-no, sir.”

“Very good.”

He turns to the screen and smiles before continuing.

“Thank you for your testimony, Sergeant Hammer.”

Hammer flips him the bird. “Go to hell!”

Pressing a button Hammer cuts the feed. Mustang puts a hand on Stingray’s shoulder.

“There, now you see that your sisters are just fine.”

“But... why was I called for then?”

“I wanted you to hear the record set straight.”

He turns to Arc before continuing.

“And to offer you to Arc as an... well... whatever he needs.”

Stingray gasps. “What?!”

Arc frowns. “I don’t need someone around that might stab me in the back, you know!”

Stingray points a finger at him. “And I’d do it too!”

Mustang shrugs. “Very well. Please return to your duties, sergeant.”

Nodding, she moves to stand. However as she prepares to walk away Mustang grabs her chin and turns her head to look Stingray in the eye.

“One last question. If I were to order you to follow Arc, what would you say?”

Stingray blushes slightly. “I would... do as you commanded, sir.”

She turns and gives Arc a withering look before continuing.

“But don’t think I’d fall for you like Hammer did. ”

Arc groans. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Mustang smiles. “Thank you, Stingray.”

“S-sir?”

“For staying loyal to The Organization... and to me.”

Smiling strangely, Stingray nods happily as the general looks at her affectionately. Stepping back he allows her to leave the room. Arc frowns.

“What’s your angle?”

Mustang chuckles as he sits back down. “Angle?”

“You were practically giving her to me back there.”

“As I said before, they’re part of a set. And I’d be willing to part with Stingray to keep that set together.”

“Uh... you do realize that I’m not exactly on your side here, right?”

“Then tell me this. Who’s side are you on?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Side?”

“Everyone has allegiances. Fights under a banner of sorts.”

“I... never really thought about it before. But if it’s a question of Earth versus Equestria... that’s not a choice I can readily make.”

Mustang smirks. “So you fight for yourself?”

“If you need an answer, then yes.”

“And what is it that you want?”

“Huh?”

“What are your efforts striving toward? Your end goal, as it were?”

“Peace. People and... all creatures being able to live their lives in harmony without the threat of war or other conflict stifling that.”

“Same as The Organization.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, of course. And I suppose that you getting obscenely rich is just a side effect of that.”

“Actually, it’s just the start.”

“How do you figure THAT?!”

“He whom has the money has the power, Arc. And he whom has the power makes the rules.”

“Strongarm tactics?”

Mustang waves a hand dismissively. “Nothing quite so barbaric, no.”

“Then how do you figure you’ll be able to meet your goals?”

“It’s rather simple really. I’ll start with basic needs. Food and clean drinking water for the entire world. Next we’ll look at housing. There are many people the world over whom aren’t able to have a home due to war or economic issues. Then magically enhanced healthcare and long term treatment options.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I think I see what you’re getting at here. You set all that up the world over. Food, water, housing, and medicine. Make people one-hundred percent dependent on The Organization for their most basic needs. A couple countries get out of hand, start pawing at their borders, and you threaten to pull back on those things.”

Mustang grins. “Next thing you know their oh so very interested in coming to the negotiating table.”

“With you as mediator.”

“They’ll beg for me to do so. After all, I’ll seem like a deity to much of the world. Especially the underdeveloped parts.”

“World peace, huh?”

Mustang nods. “I believe it IS attainable, yes. So you see, Arc... you and I really are on the same side.”

“That’s debatable.”

“It’s strange to me how you can continue to question that fact even after everything we’ve been able to accomplish.”

“From my point of view, it’s not WHAT you’ve accomplished that worries me. But HOW you accomplished it.”

“However you cannot argue with results.”

“Results that haven’t been realized yet I might add.”

“It’s coming.”

Arc puts his hands on the table, palm down, and looks the general in the eye. “Using people, secret programs, experimentation, clandestine operations... THAT’s how you’re planning to bring peace.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t get it. If you’ve got it all figured out, why are you telling me all of this? You HAVE to know I’m one of the few people whom could theoretically stop you.”

“Oh, I don’t think you could. You would certainly try, of course. However, The Organization as a whole is not something you could hope to stand against once fully mobilized.”

Arc smirks. “Don’t push me, general. Remember, this... you may have this nation’s military at your back. But at the same time I have fighting forces of my own that could be called into service.”

“Then I suppose I should be careful of what I do. After all, it wouldn’t do to have you send stallions to their deaths.”

“The same goes for you as well. I’m sure you don’t want to waste forces fighting against me either.”

“It would be a waste of resources. Which is why I’m trying very hard to get you to see my point of view on this.”

Arc stands. “Try all you like. But I’m not helping you.”

Mustang sighs as he gets up. “Very well. However please understand that this invitation is an open one.”

“Fine. Just as long as YOU remember that what happens on Earth will be monitored by Equestria... closely.”

“Anything else you’d like to tell me?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at this time, no.”

Mustang motions to the door. “Then we should probably rejoin the others at Doctor Rieper’s lab.”

“Agreed.”

They head for the door together and walk down the corridor.

Chapter 31 - So Long, Old Friend

As they walk the general turns to Arc.

“I’m sure your doctor, as well as mine, should have some news by now.”

Arc nods. “That’s what I hoping for.”

“Please understand that Doctor Rieper did what he felt he had to do in Shelly’s case.”

“While I can’t be angry at him for having a child, I am a bit upset regarding the other things he’s done.”

“All necessary, I assure you.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And for dumping her in an orphanage!”

Mustang sighs. “I won’t try to justify that particular act. You would have to talk to him about that directly.”

Arriving back at the lab the general turns to Arc.

“Would you do the honors?”

Arc appears confused. “Honors?”

“You still have that badge I gave you I assume.”

“Of course. But why?”

“Use it on the door.”

Shrugging, Arc pulls the badge from his pocket. Swiping it on the reader the light turns green and a click rings out. Pulling the door open Arc steps through... and is immediately pinned to the wall by a visibly furious Diva. She prepares to punch him but Mustang’s hand grabs her wrist and stops her mere moments before the others charge toward them. Arc calls out to his friends.

“All of you stand down!”

Max grits his teeth. “But sir...!”

“I’m fine!”

Mustang looks to Diva, soberly. “Let him go, colonel.”

Hammer cracks her knuckles. “Yeah! Unless you want a whoopin’.”

Slowly, Diva relaxes her hold and takes a step back. The general releases her wrist and frowns.

“You already know about our latest member.”

Diva scoffs. “Sir, we both know it’s a mistake to allow him into the base!”

Auriel frowns. “Let us?!”

Frank calls out from the bedside. “You couldn’t keep him out if you wanted!”

Maria groans. “Please keep it down everyone.”

Rieper nods angrily. “Yes, we’re trying to work here.”

Arc calls out. “Everyone just calm down and breathe.”

He looks around as his friends back up. Pushing gently past Diva, he walks over to Maria.

“Any progress?”

Maria nods. “Actually, yes. With the advanced machinery here we’ve been about to take readings from Shelly that would otherwise be impossible.”

Rieper smiles proudly. “All thanks to my years of research on the subject.”

Maria folds her arms over her chest. “Yes. So you keep telling me. However some of it appears, shall we say... familiar.”

Arc frowns. “Don’t start with who discovered what right now. Just stay on topic.”

Mustang nods. “That goes for you too, Rieper.”

Grunting, the man goes back to his work. Arc returns his gaze to Maria.

“Can I get a status report?”

“The readings we’re taking here will hopefully allow us to come up with a proper substance to put in my machine back in Equestria. With time, and a bit of luck, we’ll have a chance at figuring this out.”

Max returns to the bed and takes Shelly’s hand. “Hear that, Shelly? They’re going to make you all better.”

Rieper calls out from his computer. “She’s in a very deep medically induced coma at the moment and cannot hear you.”

Hammer snarls. “Just shut up and do your job for once, Rieper!”

Rieper turns to her angrily. “For once?! I have been...!”

Maria groans. “Let’s stay on task here.”

Frank looks to the pair angrily. “Indeed. Less chatter, more clickity-clack on the keyboards.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Is Lily around?”

Arc looks to Mustang. “Can she come out now?”

“For security purposes, no.”

Diva smirks. “She’s fine anyways.”

Turning to Arc, she grimaces.

“Uh... might I have a word with you?”

“Sure. What do you want to...?”

Diva interrupts him. “In private.”

Hammer grits her teeth and storms over. “You stay away from him!”

Auriel follows. “Right! Anything you want to say to Arc you can say to all of us!”

Maria shakes her head. “If you two ARE going to talk, please do it elsewhere.”

Rieper nods. “All this arguing is not helping us work!”

Mustang motions to the door. “You could just step out into the corridor.”

Frank glares at her. “But don’t try anything, Diva!”

Max holds two fingers to his eyes. “We’ll be watching!”

Diva scoffs. “Whatever.”

Mustang turns to her. “Diva?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Play nice.”

The general pushes open the door to allow the pair to leave. The step down the corridor and look at Shelly through the glass silently. Eventually Diva speaks.

“I hate you.”

Arc nods. “I know.”

Diva smirks. “Does that bother you?”

“Not in the least.”

“Not after all I did to your little friends even?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Don’t push it.”

“Oh, so the illustrious hero CAN get angry!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Keep talking and find out.”

“You’ve never been able to take me before. What makes you think you could now?”

“Because I’m not alone.”

Diva clenches a fist. “You’d be down and out before they even knew what was happening.”

“So do it.”

“Believe me, I’d love to!”

“But you won’t.”

“What makes you so sure of that?!”

“Because the general told you not to. And you always listen to what he says.”

Diva frowns. “That I do. I’m assuming Hammer told you about the general and I.”

“A bit, yes.”

“You have a problem with our relationship.”

“Not in the least. You do whatever it is you want. However I doubt you called me out here to talk about this.”

“You’re right. I wanted to know something.”

“What is it?”

“First off, this doesn’t go any further.”

“Fine. But why confide something in me of all people?”

“Two reasons. First, you’re the only one in your party who’s even remotely intelligent enough to have complex thoughts.”

Arc frowns. “Ha.”

“Second, if you breathe a word of this to anyone else, I will personally hunt you down.”

“Given those circumstances, you can count on me to keep a secret.”

“I want to know if...”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“...if Princess Celestia is doing alright.”

Arc turns to her. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I’m asking you if she’s recovered.”

“Interesting question.”

“Then answer it!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Yes, her body has fully healed. But her mind is still rather... shaky.”

“Explain.”

“Imagine being locked away underground with no ability to move or see for over a year. How do you think you’d fare?”

Diva rolls her eyes. “She can’t be THAT bad. After all, my former teacher is the epitome of bravery, grace, and courage.”

Arc shakes his head. “Then you don’t know her nearly as well as you think.”

“I was her student for years! You’ve known her for months!”

“That may be. But I have NEVER seen or heard of anyone being THAT messed up mentally.”

“She’ll recover.”

“Agreed. But let me ask you this. Celestia was your teacher and mentor for years, right?”

“Of course.”

“How could you betray her like that then?!”

Diva scoffs. “Me betray her?! Ha! If anything it was the other way around!”

“How so?”

“She sensed my power. The potential within me. But rather than encourage me to expand my horizons I was kept in musty libraries and old classrooms learning from books.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I was ready for SO much more! But she NEVER gave me the chance!”

“She probably had some kind of a plan.”

Diva rolls her eyes. “One that saw me doing research and experiments well into my twilight years, no less.”

“Maybe. But now you’ll never know.”

“Not that I care anymore.”

“Really?!”

“Yeah?!”

“Then why are we out here?!”

There is a tense silence as Diva glares at Arc. Eventually she turns away and groans.

“Look... you can’t be with someone as long as I was with Celestia and not... bond with them. I just wanted to make sure she was okay. That’s it.”

“So you do care?”

“Minutely, yes.”

“You know, you could just go see her.”

Diva frowns. “You’re a moron.”

“I know you can travel between the worlds.”

“Of course I can. But do you really think she’d want to see ME of all pon... people?!”

“Probably not.”

“Then why even suggest it?!”

“Because when I said that YOU could go see her, I didn’t mean Diva.”

“What are you...?”

Arc interrupts her. “I was referring to Sunset Shimmer.”

Diva seethes. “That name no longer has any meaning for me!”

“It is the name of your true self. You’ve only forgotten it.”

“No, you’re wrong! I’m Diva now and I always will be!”

“You may have arms, hands, and fingers, yes. But inside you are whom you are, Sunset Shimmer. I heard about what you did with the Crystal Mirror. How you used it to leave Equestria and Celestia’s tutelage behind. There’s no reason you couldn’t go back and...”

“I have worked VERY hard to be what I needed to be to advance The Organization’s agenda!”

“That doesn’t mean you owe them anything.”

“I owe the general EVERYTHING! He took me in when I didn’t have anywhere else to go! I’ll do all I can to help make this world into the one he envisions! And nopo... no ONE is going to stand in our way! Not now, not EVER!”

“Fine. But know this. Eventually you or The Organization is going to go too far. And when that day comes I’ll be here to stop you.”

Diva smirks. “Good luck.”

“Don’t underestimate my friends and I, Diva. I’m told you did that not so long ago.”

He gestures to her uniform before continuing.

“And I’m guessing you’ve got a few scars under that uniform to prove it.”

Diva frowns. “Shows how much you know.”

“Oh?”

“Healing wounds, even grievous ones, are NOTHING to The Organization!”

“Really?”

“Yes!”

“How about mental ones?”

“Nothing can fix those!”

Arc nods to her as Diva looks away angrily. Eventually he speaks.

“Remember that when next we face off. My forces will put a few more holes in you.”

Diva motions to the door as she sneers. “They’re welcome to try.”

Arc nods as he steps toward it and pulls out his badge. “We’ll do more than that.”

Swiping it, he re-enters the room with Diva. Mustang looks to her.

“I trust your talk was... insightful?”

Diva scoffs. “No, sir. It was a waste of...”

Several machines around Shelly suddenly start beeping wildly. Rieper and Maria rush over to her side and begin examining her. Maria calls out.

“Respiration shallow and weak!”

Rieper grits his teeth. “She’s going into cardiac arrest!”

Max gasps. “What’s that...?”

Arc steps forward and quickly pulls Max back. “Let them work!”

They watch as Rieper grabs two defibrillator paddles. Maria puts a gel on them before tossing the tube away. As Rieper rubs the paddles together to disperse the gel, Maria presses a button on the machine. Pulling back the sheet to expose Shelly’s bare chest, Maria looks at the readout and nods to Rieper. Putting the paddles on Shelly’s chest he calls out.

“CLEAR!”

Pressing the buttons on the paddles, electricity surges through Shelly’s body causing her to go rigid. Max grimaces as he watches. Rieper looks at the electrocardiogram and sighs as he turns back to the general.

“She’s back.”

Maria frowns as she presses a few keys on her computer. “Shelly’s condition is beyond critical!”

Rieper rushes over to his console and begins typing. “It’s now or never!”

Auriel calls out. “Is the cure ready?!”

Rieper continues typing. “It’s synthesizing now and will be complete in two minutes!”

Diva points. “We should get her to the device in the adjacent lab then!”

Mustang nods. “Agreed!”

Maria frowns. “But that machine was constructed using the old plans!”

Hammer gasps. “Old plans?!”

Auriel nods soberly. “We’ve made numerous improvements to the one back in Equestria!”

Frank turns to Arc. “Then that’s the one we should use!”

“Agreed!”

Diva points a finger. “You’re using the one here, and that’s THAT!”

Mustang shakes his head. “No, colonel. They can take Shelly back with them if it gives the best chance of survival.”

Rieper groans. “Fine! But we still need Doctor Knowles for the next phase of the plan!”

Auriel gasps. “But she’s needed to run the machine back in Equestria!”

Max looks up from Shelly’s bedside. “Can we hurry please?! “

Hammer clenches a fist. “Right! Shelly doesn’t have time for this!”

Mustang looks to Arc. “Take Shelly and Doctor Knowles with you. However, I will keep Lily here as collateral in the meantime.”

Arc grits his teeth. “COLLATERAL?!”

“She’ll be released after you return Doctor Knowles to us.”

Auriel shakes her head vehemently. “You won’t keep my mother!”

Arc smirks. “Agreed! Ember, phase two NOW!”

Hearing this over her radio, Ember pulls Arc’s guardanium knife from a sheath on her side. Channeling her magic into it she deftly slices through the door lock. Putting her shoulder into it, she heaves the heavy door open. Lily gasps as she spies the armored individual in front of her.

“What the...?!”

“Lily! It’s me, Dragon! You need to come with me!”

“I won’t leave without Shelly!”

“We’re meeting up with her and the Hero! Now come on!”

Nodding, Lily follows Ember out the door. Seeing the jailbreak, the guards rush down the corridor towards them. Ember turns to Lily and hands her the knife

“Give me about ten seconds.”

Lily gasps as she takes the blade. “What are you...?!”

Ember cracks her knuckles. “Taking out the trash!”

Charging forward, Ember makes short work of the guards. Motioning for Lily to join her they run toward the locked door leading to the corridor. Taking the knife again, Ember effortlessly slices through the heavy lock and smashes through the door.

“This way!”

Meanwhile, Diva draws a blade and points it at the group menacingly.

“None of you are going ANYWHERE!”

Arc nods angrily. “Oh, yes we are! Phase three, NOW!”

Diva suddenly drops her sword as an invisible force knocks it from her hand. Before she can react a robed figure appears behind her and grabs her wrist

“Give it up.”

Gritting her teeth from the painful grasp, Diva reaches into her belt and pulls a knife. Attempting to stab behind her, the figure effortlessly grabs the knife, slashes a long but shallow path up her side through her uniform, and holds Diva’s own knife to her throat. Mustang appears surprised as he speaks.

“Who are you?”

The figure keeps its gaze and grip on Diva as they speak.

“Special Agent Tempest.”

Diva gasps. “What?! B-but...!”

Tempest cuts her off. “Shut your mouth or I’ll shut it for you!”

Arc looks to the general. “We’re leaving! With Shelly, Lily, AND Auriel’s mother!”

Rieper gasps. “You can’t!”

Max cries out. “Please just let us go! Shelly isn’t...!”

Tempest cuts him off. “Stand aside, or I gut your little officer like a fish!”

Mustang narrows his eyes. “One of Arc’s friends wouldn’t dare...!”

Tempest interrupts. “I am NOT one of his friends!”

Diva grimaces fearfully. “She will too, sir! Tempest is the most ruthless agent ever produced by Equestria!”

Mustang frowns. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Opening the door, he allows everyone to slowly pass. Maria and Auriel push the hospital bed out the door as Hammer watches from the rear. Rieper pulls the vial from the machine and hands it to her soberly.

“Take good care of my little girl, sergeant.”

Hammer nods as she takes it and hurries after the others. They cautiously make their way back to the massive elevator room. As they approach the vehicles Ember and Lily arrive. Spotting Arc, Lily runs over to him.

“ARC! What’s....?!”

Taking advantage of the situation, Diva casts a quick Fire Spell at the console’s exposed wiring, rendering it inoperable. Tempest spins her around and slams the young woman’s head into the concrete wall. Diva falls to the ground, unconscious as innumerable soldiers pour into the room. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Great! Reinforcements!”

Auriel grimaces. “What now?!”

Max grits his teeth. “Get Lily and Shelly into the Landmaster!”

Frank grabs Lily’s arm. “This way!”

He and Max along with Ember help push the bed into the vehicle as Arc looks to Maria.

“Phase four!”

Nodding, Maria hurries toward Auriel and Hammer. Setting something in front of them on the deck she turns back to the general and his forces.

“Now then, I suggest you allow us to leave peacefully before this gets out of hand.”

Mustang shakes his head. “You’re trapped on a broken elevator with your backs against the wall. We have the upper hand here.”

“I think not, general. We have one last card to play.”

She nods to Hammer and Auriel whom begin channeling their magic into the object on the floor before them. Looking to her former commanding officer Maria continues.

“General... I’d like to introduce you to someone very important to me.”

A figure grows quickly in size before them to cast a massive shadow over the general and his men.

“My husband.”

King Malevolence towers over them. “FLEE NOW OR PERISH, MAGGOTS!”

Opening his mouth, the king lets out a mighty roar. Those before him take a step back but hold their ground. Mustang points a finger at Maria.

“I cannot allow you to leave, doctor!”

“YOU DARE SPEAK TO MY QUEEN LIKE THAT, FILTH?!”

Grabbing Arc’s Jeep, King Malevolence winds up. General Mustang cries out as he grabs Diva.

“FALL BACK!!!”

Malevolence throws the vehicle at retreating soldiers and general. It obliterates the doorway and prevents the guards from reentering. Turning back to his wife he speaks again.

“ARE YOU ALRIGHT, MY DEAR?!”

“Just fine! But time is of the essence!”

“WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME DO?!”

Arc calls out. “Cast a Telekinesis Spell to lift the elevator back to the surface!”

Maria nods. “Agreed!”

The king channels a spell and the massive elevator begins to rise. Arc and the others head back to the Landmaster’s back door. Maria enters the vehicle and looks Shelly over. Putting a hand to her neck she frowns.

“She’s not breathing! No pulse!”

Hammer and Auriel hurriedly pull out a defibrillator and set it up. Max puts a respirator over her face as they do so. Handing the paddles to Maria they step back. Arc takes Lily’s hand as the doctor puts the paddles on Shelly’s chest.

“CLEAR!”

Maria shocks Shelly as Lily latches onto Arc’s arm. Looking at the readout she grits her teeth.

“Nothing!”

She pushes a button to recharge the machine. As Shelly is shocked again Lily buries her face in Arc’s chest and sobs. Max grits his teeth and yells.

“Come back to us, Shelly!”

Looking at the readout again, Maria groans and puts the paddles back.

“She’s back.”

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Lily looks around for a few moments before speaking.

“Arc... who are all these people?”
“
Never mind that right now, Lily. Just know that they’re all here to help Shelly.”

Frank calls out from the deck. “I can see the top!”

Hammer grins and runs to the cockpit with Max. “Then let’s get ready to roll!”

Max grimaces as he takes his place next to her. “Take it easy though! Shelly can’t take much more!”

Maria calls out from Shelly’s side. “Well, we need to put some distance between us and the base if we want to open a portal back to Equestria!”

Arc nods. “Right! That anti-magic gizmo is probably still functioning!

Touching his earring, Arc speaks as Frank closes the back door.

“Arc to Viktor.”

“Viktor here, sir.”

“Prepare phase five now.”

“Yes sir.”

He motions to the others. They pick up their weapons and take careful aim. Arc waits until they are near the top before calling out.

“FIRE!”

Xenos, Hugh, and Viktor pull their triggers, releasing a stream of purple flames and strange looking projectiles. They hit the base’s turrets dead on. Reloading, they take aim at the main building’s massive door. Firing again, they are successful in blowing a hole in it large enough for the Landmaster to fit through. Arc calls out to Hammer.

“Hammer, go, go, GO!”

Tires screeching, the vehicle lurches forward. It crosses the grounds and smashes through the gate as King Malevolence follows them on foot. Crossing the bridge they spot several vehicles pulling out behind them. Arc calls out.

“Viktor, take those guys out!”

“We got your back, sir!”

He and the other take aim and make quick work of the pursuers with their magical rocket launchers. Reaching the end of the bridge, Hammer slows down to carefully turn onto the highway. Coming to the tree line where they stopped originally she pulls over.

“We’re at the extraction point!”

Auriel attempts to cast a spell, but fails.

“The magic is still out though!”

Arc carefully pushes Lily into Frank’s arms and head for the back door. “Just give me a minute!”

Leaving the vehicle, he slams the door behind them as he calls out.

“Viktor, status!”

“Taking aim, sir. And... they’re away!”

The sound of whistling rings out as Arc spies several rockets flying through the air toward the base. A large tower topples as it explodes. Hugh’s voice rings out in his ear.

“Dampening tower is down, sir!”

Arc nods. “Good. Standby for transport.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Xenos, Hugh, and Viktor run through just as King Malevolence catches up. Arc casts the Matter Compacting Spell on him and pulls the Rainbow of Light from his ring. Channeling his magical power into it he runs to the front of the Landmaster and opens a portal back to Equestria. Motioning for the vehicle to pass, Hammer slowly drives through it as he turns back to the others.

“Everyone follow the Landmaster! We’re getting out of here!”

They nod and do as he says as Arc brings up the rear. Arriving in the center of Auriel’s lab, he runs over to the Landmaster as the back doors fly open. Auriel and Maria hurriedly push the gurney toward the waiting machine as Hammer and Max shut down the vehicle. Frank and Ember slowly lead Lily out the back and to a spot out of the way. However she does not take her eyes off of the bed and her friend. Auriel rushes over to a circuit box and throws the lever before calling out.

“We need two minutes for the machine to be charged up!”

Hammer runs over to Auriel and holds out a vial. “Here’s the stuff from Rieper’s lab!”

Auriel grabs it. “I got this mother!”

Ember frowns. “She’s not looking too good over here!”

Maria looks her over and frowns as she turns to Max and Hammer. “Paddles, NOW!!!”

They run back to the Landmaster and retrieve the defibrillator along with a crash cart. Running over to Maria, whom is performing CPR, they quickly hand her the paddles and step back. Maria places the paddles to Shelly’s chest and cries out.

“CLEAR!”

Pressing the buttons, Shelly’s body stiffens. Lily turns away as Arc walks over to her and Frank. Putting a hand on her shoulder, Frank carefully pushes Lily into Arc’s arms. She looks over to the bed again as Maria grits her teeth.

“Again! CLEAR!”

Shelly spasms from the shock as Lily buries her face in Arc’s chest and begins to openly weep. Looking back to the screen, Maria eyes the readouts for a moment before groaning and restarting CPR. She looks to Hammer before giving mouth to mouth.

“Epinephrine!”

Hammer opens a drawer in the crash cart and pulls out a syringe with a truly massive needle. Uncapping it, she hurriedly gives it to Maria. The doctor taps it and looks down at Shelly. Carefully plunging the needle deep into Shelly’s chest she mutters aloud.

“Right into your heart, Shelly. Come on...”

Lily looks over just in time to see the doctor depress the plunger. Falling to her knees at the sight, she vomits heavily and falls over. Arc and Frank help her up as Xenos runs over with a paper towel from the nearby sink. Together, he and Hugh do their best to clean Lily up as she wails.

“Shelly...!”

Maria looks back to the screen and sighs as she drops the syringe.

“She’s back.”

Arc calls out to Maria. “Heartbeat and respiration?”

“Heartbeat irregular. Respiration slow and shallow.”

She motions to the defibrillator before continuing.

“And I can’t use that on her again. The next time her heart stops... it’s over.”

Max looks to Auriel. “Are we ready?!”

“Thirty seconds! Get her into position!”

Hammer and Ember grab the gurney and wheel it over to the spot indicated by Auriel. Maria quickly pulls the hospital gown the rest of the way off of Shelly before grabbing the blanket and throwing both aside. Auriel tosses her mother a sponge and a bottle of liquid. Dumping it over Shelly’s body, Maria quickly spreads it over all exposed skin before throwing it aside to join Auriel at the controls. They work quickly as the machine begins to hum loudly. A strange light from it covers Shelly’s body which glistens from the liquid. Lily looks up to see what’s going on. Pushing Arc and Frank back lightly she walks closer to Shelly as they follow her. Tempest frowns and calls out.

“Keep your distance, sunshine! No telling what that thing would do to you!”

Lily watches on in silence as Auriel and Maria work. The glow grows more intense as does the sound. As it becomes ear-piercing Maria calls out.

“IT’S TIME!”

Auriel presses a button which causes a blinding light to burst forth from the emitter. Lily screams.

“SHELLY!!!”

As everyone else instinctively covers their eyes from the light’s sheer intensity, Lily rushes toward her friend blindly and grabs her hand. Her eyes closed, she smiles.

“I’m with you, Shelly. To... the... end...”

Chapter 32 - Waiting for Answers

As the machine winds down, Arc and the others blink in an effort to clear their vision. Frank looks around and spies his friend slumped over the bed.

“LILY?!”

They rush over to her as Arc puts two fingers to her throat.

“She has a pulse!”

Auriel joins him. “And she’s breathing!”

Max looks to Maria as she hurries to the bedside. “And Shelly?! Did it work?!”

Maria begins her examination. “Too early to tell. But her heart is beating, albeit weakly.”

Hammer runs over to the telephone and picks it up.

“Operator, we have a medical emergency! Tell Doctor Whooves to prepare the Infirmary immediately and page Nurse Redheart for assistance as well!”

Hanging up, she turns to see Max and Frank pushing the gurney out the door. Arc picks up Lily and hurries after them as Auriel and her mother follow. Ember turns to Tempest and King Malevolence.

“I guess I should thank you two for your help.”

Tempest walks toward the door as she calls out. “Just have Arc’s mutt come to my room to change me back and we’ll call it even.”

Malevolence smirks as he folds his arms over his chest. “I like her.”

Ember groans. “Really? Because I can’t stand her.”

“The same could have been said of you and I not so long ago.”

“I guess. But Tempest is...?”

Malevolence interrupts her. “...different.”

A short time later Arc and his friends rush into the Infirmary. The doctor and nurse hold the curtains aside as they push the gurney into the prepped back room. Maria enters with the doctor as Auriel turns to the others.

“We’ll take it from here!”

Stepping back, Nurse Redheart pulls back the covers on another bed. A few moments later Arc enters with Lily. Hurrying over to the bed he lays her down as Redheart closes the curtain. Grabbing Lily’s shirt, Arc deftly rips it open as Redheart walks over with a stethoscope. After listening to her heart and lungs for a few moments she quickly examines Lily before looking to Arc.

“The patient’s heart and lungs sound fine. Blood pressure is normal as is her temperature. What exactly happened to her?”

“She apparently got too close during the final phase of Shelly’s treatment. When the light cleared we saw her slumped over the bed unconscious.”

Redheart sighs. “I don’t actually know the specifics of that particular treatment, so I can’t say why she’s unconscious. And I can’t confer with Doctor Whooves or Doctor Knowles at the moment for obvious reasons.”

Arc nods soberly. “Give her a full physical then. Check everything so that the doctors have a full report to look over when they have time.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc helps Redheart completely remove Lily’s clothes and undergarments before covering her with a blanket. Turning to Redheart he puts a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m counting on you.”

Redheart nods. “Yes sir.”

Pushing past the curtain, Arc rejoins the others. Turning to his squad he smiles nervously.

“Thanks for all your hard work. This only went so smoothly because you and the others did such a good job here.”

Viktor grins. “It was our pleasure, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. Anything to help Shelly and Lily.”

Hugh smirks. “And we were sure not to leave behind anything that The Organization could use to analyze for reproduction.”

Max looks to the curtain. “How’s Lily doing?”

“She’s out cold still. But her heart is beating and she’s breathing on her own.”

Hammer frowns. “No telling what happened when that treatment beam, or whatever it was, hit her though.”

Auriel shudders. “Right. Best to have her checked out properly.”

“Agreed. Redheart’s going to get all the data and present it to the doctors when they’re available.”

He looks to his squad before continuing.

“Why don’t you guys get something to eat and rest now? You’ve certainly earned it.”

Max grimaces. “Sir, might I stay here? I’d like to be close by to wait for the news.”

“Sure, Max.”

Auriel turns and points to the corridor. “I’ll go see my father. Make sure he’s okay after that mission.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “Let me go with you. I need to check on that Tempest character.”

Arc shrugs. “If she’s still here.”

They watch as the group leaves together. Arc turns to see Frank staring silently at the closed off back room where Shelly was taken. Walking over to him with Max, they help him sit down on a nearby bench. Arc is the first to speak.

“Thanks for coming with me, Frank.”

“I could do no less for Shelly. She deserved the most capable of guards, after all.”

Max nods. “That she does.”

Arc smiles. “You still care for her, don’t you?”

Frank nods sadly. “Of course. We all do.”

“True. But you’ve had a crush on her since we were kids.”

Max appears surprised. “You did?”

Frank sighs. “Yes. However she never reciprocated my feelings. Arc and I were always just friends to her.”

“And Lily?”

Arc smiles nervously. “She had a crush on me, but didn’t say so until around a year ago.”

He looks to Max before speaking.

“And you?”

“Me, sir?”

“A blind man could see that you still have a sweet spot for Shelly.”

Max gestures to the man next to him. “But... but what about... Frank here?”

Frank turns to Arc. “Might you check on the others? I’d like to speak to your friend here privately.”

“Sure.”

Standing up, Arc walks down the corridor. Max turns to Frank.

“Are you... upset?”

“No. Why would I be?”

“I didn’t know you had an eye for Shelly. The commander did say something about that at one point. But I just thought it was a childhood crush.”

“It was, yes. However I never stopped carrying the torch for Shelly.”

He leans his head back, closes his eyes, and smiles.

“She’s one in a million.”

Max nods. “That she is. I’ve never met a more soft spoken and caring individual before.”

“I’ve known Shelly for as long as I can remember. She was the first one to greet me when I arrived at the orphanage all those years ago.”

“What was she like back then?”

“Exactly the same as she is now.”

Frank chuckles before continuing.

“Albeit a bit shorter.”

“So she hasn’t changed at all?”

“Well... I may be a bit biased, but I believe she’s only grown more sweet with age. Same as Lily really. They almost seemed to feed on each other’s kindness and goodness.”

“But isn’t that a good thing?”

Frank nods. “Yes indeed. It strengthened their friendship beyond what I could even imagine was possible. In fact, that’s probably what led to this incident.”

“Oh?”

“Lily was always by Shelly’s side whenever possible. I can only assume that she couldn’t stand being away from her friend when she was needed. In fact, Lily often said that she would stand with Shelly until the very end.”

He looks to the curtain before continuing.

“And she really meant that.”

“So... what happens now?”

“The doctors will do all they can and advise us further when they have more information.”

Max shakes his head. “No, I mean for you and Shelly.”

“I’ll follow Lily’s lead and always do my best to support her.”

“Aren’t you going to... you know...?”

“Confess my love?”

“Yeah.”

Frank sighs. “I’ve already told her how I feel. But Shelly always maintained that I was just a good friend to her.”

“And me?”

“I think that you and her need to have a very candid, very formal, very private talk when she wakes up.”

Max bows his head. “Shelly... already said she didn’t want to see me until I was willing to be honest with her.”

Frank appears confused. “Honest?”

“When I told her some time ago that I was from another world, she... she thought I was lying.”

Frank nods. “I see. Well then, when you see her just state the truth completely and let things be.”

“And if she still doesn’t believe me?”

“She will. Believe me, after all that’s happened, she will.”

Meanwhile, Arc arrives at a suite. Knocking, he waits patiently. A few moments later Sereb opens the door and steps aside to allow Arc to enter. He spies a magic cloak lying on the bed and Tempest putting on her leather armor. She turns to him as he approaches.

“Came to make sure I left peacefully?”

“Not exactly.”

Turning to Sereb, he continues.

“Would you excuse us?”

Sereb nods and walks to the door. As he leaves Arc turns back to Tempest.

“I actually came here to say... thank you.”

“What for?”

“Being part of the backup plan.”

Tempest shrugs. “I kinda owned you one after all you did for Cerulean Skies in the past.”

“Debt or not, I do appreciate you coming through for us.”

Tempest nods as she walks over to the balcony door. “Well, I didn’t do it for you. Or your little friend.”

“Oh really?”

“I don’t like being indebted to anyone. It’s not good policy for someone in my position, you know.”

“Then why are you part of the Council of Shadows?”

“You’re referring to my pact with the Dark One.”

“For that power he gave you in addition to Light’s Bane you’re heavily indebted to him.”

Tempest shakes her head. “That’s a bit different. I’m getting what I want now and he gets his part later.

“Giving your soul isn’t exactly what I call a fair deal though.”

“I see it as a bargain though.”

“Oh?”

Tempest motions with a wave of her hoof. “That city down there...”

She looks to the horizon.

“The many towns and cities that make up Equestria... they are home to so many ponies. Young... old... smart... stupid... and everything in between.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Don’t you see? If by my sacrifice this land can go on, then no price is too high.”

“Very commendable, I suppose.”

“You wouldn’t do the same?”

“I’d gladly give my life for this land and those I care about. But I don’t know about offering up my soul to someone in exchange for anything.”

“That’s the difference between you and I.”

“Oh?”

“For me... no sacrifice is too great.”

Arc nods. “I’ll remember that.”

“After all, one never knows when they’ll be called to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

“Hopefully not for a long time.”

“Same here.”

“So... what happens now?”

Tempest smirks. “I have places to be and things to do.”

“With the Council?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “I’m helping Cerulean Skies cook Hearth’s Warming dinner for those whom need it.”

“Ah! Well... tell her ‘hello’ for me.”

“I will.”

Calling forth Light’s Bane, Tempest slashes at the air to open a dark portal. Walking towards it she looks back at Arc.

“I... hope your friends recover quickly.”

Arc nods soberly. “So do I.”

Vanishing through her portal, Arc watches it close before leaving the room and returning to the Infirmary. Hammer and Auriel sit on a bench nearby as Max and Frank pace the floor. Arc looks to them as he enters.

“Any changes?”

Max shakes his head. “No, sir.”

Hammer shrugs. “We don’t really know, as the doctors and Redheart are still working on them.”

Auriel looks around nervously. “Did Tempest already leave?”

Arc nods. “Yeah, she’s gone.”

Frank frowns. “A creepy mare, that one is.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. But she’s dependable.”

Hammer looks over her shoulder before continuing. “That isn’t necessarily a good thing.”

“I suppose not. But we were successful in part thanks to her.”

Frank folds his arms over his chest. “One cannot argue with results.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “Yes, well... where do we go from here?”

Arc sighs. “That depends on what the medical staff tells us.”

“Sir, what are we going to do about them when they wake up?”

“I’ve actually been thinking about that very thing since we got back.”

Frank appears hopeful. “Any luck, my friend?”

“An idea, yes. But it’s totally dependent on their prognoses.”

Max grins. “Can I help, sir?”

Arc nods. “You can, yes.”

“What do you need from me, sir?”

“A bit of time and elbow grease at the moment.”

Hammer steps forward. “Need a hand with that?”

Auriel raises a hand. “I’ll help as well.”

Frank taps his cane on the floor. “As will I.”

Arc looks to them approvingly. “Good. I’ll need a consultation with the doctor before anything is formalized, of course. But I think I’ve thought of a way to gently bring Shelly and Lily around.”

CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL - Chapter 33 - Reunion

Lily groans and opens her eyes. They are unfocused and require several moments of blinking to remedy the problem. Turning, she spies Shelly lying next to her. Smiling, Lily reaches over and gently pats her face. With a groan, Shelly reaches up and takes the hand in hers.

“Is that you, Lily?”

Lily nods sleepily. “Yes, Shelly. I’m here.”

“Is this... heaven?”

“Huh?”

“I feel as though I’m floating on a cloud.”

“Shelly, I... I don’t...”

Rubbing her eyes, Lily looks all around in an effort to try and get her bearings with her limited vision.

“This place... looks familiar.”

Shelly smiles and lets out a contented sigh. “I’m still guessing that we’re resting on clouds.”

Lily continues looking around as her vision continues to clear. Looking off to one side she spies Arc and Frank sitting in chairs and smiling at them silently.

“Arc? Frank?”

Arc nods. “We’re here, you two.”

Frank smiles. “That we are.”

Shelly groans. “I... can’t see either of you.”

“It might take a few minutes.”

“Just give it time.”

Lily appears confused. “Where... are we...?”

Gasping, she quickly cries out.

“Are we safe?!”

Frank nods warmly. “Very.”

Arc chuckles. “There’s nothing within a thousand miles that could hurt either of you.”

Shelly smiles. “My vision’s starting to clear.”

She looks around and gasps.

“I know this place!”

Lily turns to her. “What is it?”

“The Hero’s ship!”

“What?!”

Frank nods. “The Observation Lounge to be precise.”

Shelly looks around. “What are all these machines doing here then?”

Arc chuckles. “The medical staff relocated the Infirmary to the Observation Lounge just for you two.”

Lily appears confused. “But... but why?”

Frank gestures to the large windows all around them. “So you two could wake up to a beautiful sight. Open skies and fluffy snow.”

Shelly turns to Arc. “Is the Hero... here?”

“That he is, Shelly.”

Lily grins. “Can we see him?”

Shelly smiles. “Yes, I’d like to thank the Hero for all he did.”

Arc stands. “First things first though.”

Frank picks up his cane as he gets to his feet. “Let’s see if we can get you two sitting up first.”

Arc takes Lily’s hand and pulls her into an upright position as Frank puts a pillow behind the young woman in an effort to prop her up. Moving on to Shelly they repeat the process before Arc speaks.

“Comfy?”

Shelly sighs contentedly. “Very.”

Lily turns to him. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“What’s going on? I mean... how are you and Frank here?”

Shelly giggles. “Did the Hero pick you up to keep us company?”

Frank clears his throat loudly. “Why don’t we start with what you remember, Lily?”

“Well... I remember coming back to Shelly’s room with the Hero after our outing. He left so Shelly and I could get some sleep. The next thing I remember was Shelly’s doctor coming into the room with some other hospital staff.”

Shelly chimes in. “That’s pretty normal though.”

Lily frowns. “Not really. I remember one of them injecting you with something, Shelly. Before I could ask any questions about what was going on one of them jabbed me with a needle.”

“WHAT?! WHY?!”

Lily shrugs. “No idea. I blacked out a few seconds later. The next thing I knew I was in what looked like some kind of holding cell.”

Frank grits his teeth. “Did they hurt you in any way?”

“I don’t think so. My only interaction was when they brought me food and water a couple times. But the conversations were one sided, as they never spoke to me or answered any of my questions.”

She looks to Shelly before continuing.

“And you, Shelly? What do you remember?”

“The Hero putting me in bed. I fell asleep shortly thereafter. Next thing I knew I felt you touching me, Lily.”

Arc nods. “Anything else, Lily?”

“Well... I remember Dragon breaking me out of that cell and beating the guards up. She grabbed my hand and we ran to a room with the Hero’s vehicle in it. That’s when Arc and a bunch of other people showed up along with more soldiers. Shelly was there on a gurney. It looked like she had just been broken out, same as me.”

Shelly appears confused. “I was a prisoner?”

Frank nods soberly. “That you were, Shelly.”

Lily puts a hand to her forehead. “I think Frank was there. Were you?”

“That I was, yes.”

“And I know Arc was there. But I don’t remember seeing the Hero anywhere. We were ushered into his vehicles and a lot of crashing and banging rang out. Not sure what happened though. Next thing I knew it felt like we were moving. A woman whom looked like a doctor was working on Shelly. Her... her heart stopped. I was scared. Things get really hazy until we reached our destination.”

Shelly looks to her friend. “Which was where exactly?”

Lily shrugs. “I don’t know. The building was unfamiliar to me. It looked like a lab of some kind with a bunch of weird looking machines. The doctor’s assistant ran to get a big device running as the doctor worked on you, Shelly. Your heart had stopped again and they couldn’t get it going for what felt like the longest time. Then another woman pulled out a syringe with a massive needle on it. The doctor took it and... and put it into your chest. Things got kinda hazy at that point. The next thing I knew there was this big flash of light. I ran to you and took your hand before everything went dark. And that’s all I remember. Before waking here, that is.”

Shelly appears confused. “I don’t understand. You said Arc was there facing the soldiers with Dragon. What was he doing there? And Frank too.”

“Yes, Arc. Where was the Hero when all this was happening?”

Arc takes a deep breath and stands. “He was there.”

“But where?”

Arc looks to the pair soberly. “Standing right in front of you. Like he is... right now.”

Both women look to Arc silently as his words sink in. Eventually Lily speaks.

“Arc... you mean...? Are you...?”

“Yes, Lily. I’m the Hero.”

Frank nods. “It’s true.”

Shelly smiles at him. “I believe you, Arc. However... could you please show us?”

“Sure.”

Touching his ring, Arc calls forth his armor and weapon. Resting the Spear of Righteousness’ butt on the floor next to him, he reaches up and pulls his helmet off. Shelly smiles and nods.

“It makes perfect sense.”

Lily grins. “All those things the Hero did for the town and for us... it was you all along, wasn’t it?”

Arc bows his head. “Yes. I’m very sorry for not saying anything sooner.”

Shelly sighs. “But why not?”

Frank chimes in. “To protect you two.”

Lily frowns. “How?”

Arc recalls his armor and speaks as he walks towards them. “If anyone knew I was close to anyone they’d be a target for my enemies.”

He looks to Shelly before continuing.

“The only reason I allowed you and Lily aboard my ship is because you were dying, Shelly. I couldn’t refuse your request for a tour and interview.”

Frank grits his teeth. “But that also brought the attention of the military.”

Arc nods. “Rieper must’ve found out you were gone and freaked out.”

“That’s why he kidnapped you two and brought you both to that military base. So you could be kept safe while he worked on you.

Shelly gasps. “Doctor Rieper did that?!”

Lily puts a hand to her forehead. “But he was always so kind to us!”

Arc frowns. “Believe me, Rieper is FAR from kind!”

Frank nods soberly. “He’s guilty of numerous kidnappings!”

“And a lot of other things you’re better off not knowing about.”

Shelly stammers. “B-but he was working so hard to try and cure me!”

Lily nods fervently. “That he was!”

Arc grimaces. “He’s also the one whom is responsible for Shelly being sick in the first place.”

Shelly groans. “How though? I mean, it’s a genetic disorder.”

“Which he caused when you were conceived.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Conceived?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You were the product of invitro fertilization, Shelly.”

“But that wouldn’t have caused me to develop this disorder.”

“True. However back then Rieper was trying to figure how to infuse humans with magical powers.”

Lily points. “Like Frank has?”

Arc sighs. “Exactly. The sperm and egg cell that made you were infused with magic to try and create a child whom could be born with magic. It passes on a gene to your cell’s DNA that should have allowed you to have magic powers.”

“And that made me sick?”

“Only because it didn’t work. Such caused your cells to malfunction which led to your hormone levels being messed up. That’s what caused your condition.”

“And now?”

Frank sighs. “We aren’t fully sure yet. Tests are still pending.”

Lily gasps. “But Shelly was so sick back there. I mean, her heart stopped multiple times.”

Arc looks to his friend. “And how do you feel now, Shelly?”

“Tired. But other than that... okay, I suppose.”

Frank turns to Lily. “Do you remember that big machine in the lab?”

“Yes? What about it?”

“That’s what saved Shelly’s life.”

Arc grins. “The machine was able to alter your DNA to fix the problem.”

“Fix my DNA?”

“Alter it so that everything would be balanced. It did it all at once too.”

Shelly gasps. “Amazing!”

Arc looks to Lily.

“There was a flash of light that made us all close our eyes. But when we opened them we saw you hunched over Shelly’s bed, Lily.”

Frank nods soberly. “What were you doing?!”

“I... I thought... that Shelly was going into the light. And I just wanted to hold her hand as she passed.”

“So Lily was also exposed to the treatment?!”

Arc sighs. “Unfortunately, yes.”

Lily leans back into the pillows. “Am I... okay?”

Frank nods. “So far, yes.”

Arc motions to the machines. “The medical staff here have been monitoring you and running tests to make sure of that fact. However they’ve discovered something you need to know about.”

Frank takes Lily’s hand. “You entered the treatment area at the critical moment. When the machine was altering Shelly’s DNA.”

Arc sighs. “And... it appears that you’re DNA was also affected.”

Shelly takes Lily’s other hand as she speaks. “Will she live?!”

Frank nods. “It appears so, yes. However the doctor wanted to run a very special test to verify something.”

Arc looks to Lily. “For both of you, that is.”

“What do we have to do?”

Arc walks over to a cabinet and pulls out a box. Returning to the bed he stands at the foot of it and pulls out a single tissue. Looking at Lily he dangles it in front of him.

“Pull this to yourself.”

She leans forward as Arc continues.

“With your mind.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “With my... what?”

Frank nods. “Try to pull the tissue to yourself by thought alone.”

“Um... okay. But how?”

Arc smiles at her. “Hold out your hand and focus on the item.”

Lily does so as Arc continues.

“Now then, reach out with your mind and will it to come to you.”

“I’ll try.”

Concentrating, the tissues slowly falls out of Arc’s hand and onto the bed. Frank encourages her.

“Keep trying, Lily.”

Nodding, Lily holds out her hand again. Very slowly the tissue rolls a few inches toward her. She gasps.

“How... how did I DO that?!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “A side effect of your DNA being augmented by the procedure. You now have the gift of magic, Lily.”

Lily gasps. “Just like Frank?!”

Frank smiles and nods. “Yes, Lily.”

Shelly puts a hand on Lily’s shoulder. “Congratulations!”

Arc turns to her. “Now it’s your turn, Shelly.”

“Huh?”

“Pull the tissue to you with your mind.”

Frank nods. “Just do what Lily did.”

Shelly takes a deep breath and holds out a hand. Concentrating, she grunts. The tissue flows easily toward her and into her hands. Grinning ear to ear she turns to Arc happily.

“I have magic too?!”

“So it would seem, yes.”

Lily grimaces. “This is... kinda scary!”

Shelly turns to her friend. “Lily?”

“I’m not sure I want power like this.”

Frank takes her hand. “It’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Arc nods. “Right. Magic is just another skill to be mastered and used properly.”

Shelly turns to him. “The Hero had such powers. Does that mean you can cast magic, Arc?”

Arc nods as he picks up Frank in his chair with a Telekinesis Spell. “Yes, I can.”

Frank chuckles as he floats there. “But Arc’s magic is a lot more powerful than my own.”

Lily giggles. “How powerful, Arc?”

“I can pick up pretty much anything imaginable with enough focus and time. Remember on the news when the Hero picked up that tank and smashed it into a plane?”

Shelly’s eyes grow wide. “Oh my!”

“That’s an extreme case, of course. But it’s just something I can do after a LOT of practice.”

Lily looks to Frank. “I’m kinda scared to have power like this. Does it ever... hurt?”

“When I got my powers there were some magical imbalances. However, Arc brought me here to this land to get help from the Unicorns. I was taught how to responsibly and safely use my powers and balance them.”

Arc nods. “You two will be fine, as we have the proper instructors to help you.”

Shelly smiles. “Thank you, Arc.”

Lily takes her friend’s hand. “And we’ll learn this skill together.”

Shelly sighs as she turns to look out the window. “I’d like that very much, Lily. But... I think we both know that it won’t last.”

A voice rings out from the doorway.

“So certain of that, are you?”

They look over to see Maria approaching them. She walks over to the bedside and looks down at the pair.

“You both appear to be doing well.”

Arc gestures to the doctor. “Shelly... Lily... this is Doctor Knowles. She’s partially responsible for curing Shelly. “

Maria nods. “How do you feel?”

Lily grimaces. “A bit... strange actually.”

“Strange?”

Lily puts a hand to her belly. “Like a weird case of indigestion.”

Shelly sighs. “And I’m still kinda tired. But nothing like I’ve been lately.”

Maria nods as she writes on her clipboard. “That’s to be expected. After all, you’ve both gone through some very... new changes internally.”

Lily looks to her friend as she speaks. “How’s Shelly doing though?!”

“The medical staff and I have done numerous test on Shelly these past few days, and...”

Shelly gasps. “Few days?!”

Arc nods. “You two have been out for quite some time, yes.”

Frank chuckles. “A pair of Sleeping Beauties.”

Maria continues. “Believe me, that’s normal. It’s your body’s way of completing the transition.”

The blood drains from Lily’s face. “Please! What does that mean for Shelly?!”

“As I was saying, the test results are in and have been looked over carefully by myself and other medical experts here. And we can say with certainty that Shelly’s body is in full remission.”

Shelly grins widely. “You mean...?!”

Maria smiles and nods. “Yes, my dear. It would appear that you are now fully cured.”

Lily leans over and wraps her arms around Shelly and holds her close as she reciprocates the hug.

“Oh, Shelly! I was so worried about you!”

Shelly smiles as she closes her eyes. “I got my wish.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A wish?”

Shelly nods as she looks to him. “Yes, Arc. The same one I’ve made every day since I was little girl. “

She holds out her hands to Arc and Frank. As they take them she continues.

“I wished that we could all be together forever.”

Lily giggles. “And now we can be!”

Maria nods. “Yes. While you are certainly not anywhere near being fully recovered, your body is quickly regenerating itself.”

Frank turns to the doctor. “How long until they can get up though?”

“Now, I believe.”

Arc appears surprised. “So soon?!”

“With help, of course. Arc, please help Lily stand up.”

Nodding, Arc stands and leans down. Lily carefully swings her legs over the edge of the bed and wraps her arms around Arc’s neck. Putting his arms around her, Arc carefully helps her stand. A bit wobbly at first, Lily continues holding onto Arc as he turns and takes hold of her arm.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let you fall.”

Nodding, Lily take a few steps as she clutches Arc’s arm with both hands.

“I just feel so... stiff.”

Maria nods. “That’s normal after days in bed and what your body endured, yes. Just keep moving around and you’ll loosen up.”

A few minutes later Lily sits back down on the bed and grimaces.

“That... really wore me out.”

“A good first stretch. However you’ll need to keep at to regain full mobility.”

Frank looks to Shelly. “And what about you?”

Shelly appears confused. “Me, Frank?”

“Can you get up?”

“I... don’t think so, no.”

Maria frowns. “You need to try, miss.”

“Well... could you help me, Arc?”

“Of course!”

Walking around the bed, Arc leans down and puts his arms around Shelly. Carefully helping her stand she puts her arm around his neck as he puts his around her waist.

“I got you, Shelly. How do you feel?”

“Like my legs are made of jelly!”

Maria nods soberly. “They’re atrophied from your extended hospital visit as well as years of not being able to walk properly due to your condition.”

Shelly takes a step. “Then... I have some work to do.”

Taking small but deliberate steps, Shelly slowly makes her way around the bed and over to Lily. Grinning, she holds out a hand to her old friend.

“Come on, Lily. Let’s head over to the window.”

Nodding, she slowly stands with Frank’s help. Slowly and cautiously they head over to the window together. Looking out as the snow falls they both gasp in amazement.

“It’s wondrous!”

Shelly grins. “Even more beautiful in the daytime.”

Frank chuckles. “That it is.”

Arc gestures to the capital city below them with a wave of his hand. “Welcome to Equestria you two.”

Lily gasps. “Is it really okay for us to be here though?”

Shelly grimaces. “Yes, we didn’t bring passports or anything.”

“I have permission from both Princess Twilight and Princess Luna for you to be here, yes.”

Maria clears her throat loudly. “Be sure to keep moving or at the very least standing as much as possible to strengthen your legs. You two need the exercise.”

Frank nods. “We’ll see to it that they do, ma’am.”

Maria continues writing as she heads for the door. “Very good. Now then, I’ll leave you four alone then.”

Shelly turns around. “Doctor?”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to say... thank you. “

Maria smiles. “You’re welcome, dear. Now then, enjoy yourself and have a nice holiday.”

Maria leaves as Lily turns to Arc.

“Holiday.”

Arc appears confused. “Something wrong?”

“Did we... miss Christmas?”

Frank shakes his head. “You did not, no.”

Arc grins. “Truth be told, it’s actually Christmas Eve today.”

Shelly giggles. “So we didn’t miss it!”

“But we didn’t have any plans anyways.”

“Then we can make some!”

Arc smiles at them. “I’ve actually already planned out the holiday already.”

Frank looks down at the city as he speaks. “Here on Equestria no less.”

Lily appears hopeful. “Can we come?”

Arc nods. “Of course! I wouldn’t think of leaving either of you out of the celebration. But there’s a few things you need to know about this land’s customs.”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Like what?”

“As I told you during the interview, this land is inhabited by small horses known collectively as ‘ponies’. They have their own holiday known as ‘Hearth’s Warming’.”

Lily nods. “What’s it about?”

Frank smiles. “They celebrate the three pony races joining together to form Equestria by epitomizing friendship and family.”

Arc chuckles. “In that regard it’s very similar to what we celebrate back on Earth.”

Lily grins. “And it’s okay for us to celebrate with your pony friends, Arc.”

“Completely, yes.”

Shelly claps her hands excitedly. “I can’t wait to see these ponies!”

Arc clears his throat before speaking. “Yes, well... before we go any further though, I need to say something very important to you, Shelly.”

“To me?”

“Yes. But I’d like you to lie back down first.”

Shelly grimaces. “Sure. My legs are really tightening up anyways.”

Helping Shelly back to the bed, Lily sits down in the chair next to Frank as Arc sits on the bed with Shelly and helps prop her up with a pillow before speaking again.

“Comfy?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Good. One moment though.”

Turning, he calls out.

“It’s time.”

A few moments later footfalls ring out from down the corridor. Sereb enters the room with a robed individual. They approach Arc and stand there silently as he turns back to Shelly.

“Listen, Shelly. A long time ago, I... I made a mistake.”

“No one is perfect, Arc.”

“This was a big one though.”

“Oh?”

“The Hero was planning to attack the military base. You saw it on television with Lily, I’m sure.”

Lily nods. “The next morning anyways.”

“As you know, I’m the Hero. So it was me that did all of that.”

Shelly smiles. “I understand.”

“Before we left for the attack though, I... I drove Max over to your place... to the diner, and... and I ordered him to break up with you.”

Shelly frowns. “So you told him to make up the ridiculous story?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Shelly. I told him to break up. How he did it was entirely up to him.”

Lily gasps. “But why?!”

“Because we were all probably going to die during the attack. I didn’t want Shelly to sit around waiting for him to come back if we didn’t make it.”

“He could’ve just told me the truth then!”

Arc groans. “Shelly... he did.”

“What?”

“Max told you he was from another world and that night he had to go back to it forever. What he told you... all of it... was completely true.”

Shelly’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! So... so Max is...?!”

Arc nods as he turns to the figure next to Sereb. He lowers his hood to expose his face. Shelly gasps as she lays eyes on him.

“M-Max?!”

Max nods as a small smile spreads across his face. “Yes, Shelly. It’s me.”

“Max along with Viktor, Hugh, and Xenos were assigned to me as my personal squad when I became the Hero of Light. They accompanied me to Earth to gather intel on our mission to locate Equestria’s missing princess.”

Lily’s hand flies to her mouth. “Wait! So... so Max is...?!”

Arc looks to Sereb. “Do it.”

His horn aglow, Sereb turns to Max. The young man closes his eyes as the counter spell is cast. Max kneels down as he transforms to allow the robe to engulf him. Finishing his task, Sereb steps back and sits down next to Frank and Lily to watch. Shelly eyes the lump under the robe as she leans forward.

“Max...?”

“I’m still here, Shelly. But... I don’t think you want to see what’s under here. It’s not... pretty.”

Shelly shakes her head soberly. “No... no, I have to see you for myself, Max. Please.”

Sighing, Max pushes the robe off of himself. It falls to the floor with an audible thump to expose his body. Shelly’s eyes grow wide as she sees his dark coat and leathery wings. No one speaks for a moment as she just stares at him. Max bows his head and turns to leave.

“I’m... sorry.”

The sound of his hooves clopping slowly away ring out in the otherwise silent room. Shelly calls out to him.

“Max, wait!”

Stopping, he turns around.

“Yes?”

“I...! I don’t want you to leave!”

Max appears confused. “But... but why not?”

Shelly smiles. “Because... because I... I...”

“Shelly?”

“...I love you, Max!”

Max gasps. “Wha-what?!”

Shelly holds out her arms. “Please... please don’t go!”

Max slowly walks over to Shelly as Arc helps her sit up. She swings her legs over the edge of the bed and looks him up and down.

“How... can you love me, Shelly? Even by Equestrian standards I’m a bat-winged freak!”

Shelly reaches toward him and puts a hand on his cheek. “All I see... is the wonderful individual whom I love.”

“But I’m not...!”

“A human?!”

“Right.”

Shelly smiles happily. “Max, I don’t care if you’re a human or a pony or even a bug! I love you SO much, and want to be with you! That is... if you can find it in your heart to forgive me for what I did and said that night.”

Max nods with tears in the corners of his eyes. “I... I do, Shelly! I love you so... SO much!”

Leaning forward, Shelly falls to her knees in front of Max. She wraps her arms around his neck and pulls herself close. Carefully as not to hurt her, Max puts his front hooves around Shelly and holds her close. They embrace as the tears flow freely between both of them. Shelly buries her face in his mane and cries openly.

“I’m so sorry for not believing you, Max! I’m so... so sorry!”

Max gently strokes her hair with a hoof. “It’s okay, Shelly. Everything... everything is... is okay.”

He looks to Arc over Shelly’s shoulder. Smiling, Arc gives him a thumbs up. Mouthing the words ‘thank you’, Max begins nuzzling the top of Shelly’s head as the pair continue holding one another happily.

CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL - VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 34 - Culture Shock

The next day Arc, Frank, Shelly, Lily, and Max sit in the Observation Lounge around a table eating breakfast together. Looking around it, Arc smiles.

“This reminds me of the past.”

Max appears confused. “But I don’t recall us ever doing this before, sir.”

“I meant Christmas morning breakfast.”

Frank chuckles. “We used to get together every year.”

Lily nods. “And it always started with breakfast.”

Shelly takes Max’s hoof and smiles. “But now there’s a fifth person to join our little group.”

“I’d like that, Shelly.”

He turns to Arc nervously.

“If that’s okay with you, sir.”

Arc chuckles. “I don’t think I have much say in that.”

Frank offers him a thumbs up. “Guess you’re in, Max.”

“Thank you, everypony.”

He smiles at his commanding officer.

“I’ll do my best not to disappoint you, sir.”

“I have faith that you won’t, Max.”

Lily looks to Arc. “What’s the plan today though, Arc?”

Shelly points to the window. “Are we going to fly around all day?”

Frank smirks. “Not a bad plan there, as the views of certain areas are breathtaking.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Truth be told, I had a plan for today. I’ll just alter it a bit to accommodate everyone here.”

Lily smiles. “What are we going to do?”

“Meet my Equestrian friends and family, for starters.”

Shelly looks down at her wrinkled t-shirt and shorts. “But we’re not dressed for something like that, Arc.”

Lily sighs. “And we don’t have anything to change into.”

Arc stands. “Don’t worry about it. I have a plan. Please wait here.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc channels his magic into it and opens a portal. Stepping through he vanishes. Shelly turns to Max.

“What do you suppose he’s up to?”

Max grins. “I’m not sure. But you can trust the commander’s judgment.”

Lily giggles. “That we know.”

A short time later, as they finish eating, a portal opens on the sigil nearby. Stepping through Arc walks back over to the table.

“Okay, everything’s ready.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “What did you do, my friend?”

“Placed a sigil in their Living Room.”

Lily grins. “You mean...?!”

Arc nods. “A direct line back to your place, yes.”

Max helps Shelly stand as Arc uses the Rainbow of Light to open a portal. Stepping through with the others they find themselves in Shelly and Lily’s Living Room. The pair look around, astonished. Shelly is the first to speak.

“We... we’re really back?!”

Arc nods. “Safe and sound, yes.”

“The commander’s portals are very convenient.”

Lily grins. “We can shower and dress properly!”

Shelly sniffs herself. “That sounds wonderful! I feel a bit grungy.”

Frank chuckles. “Sponge baths will do that to a person.”

Lily turns to her friend. “Would you like to go first, Shelly?”

“Thank you, I would.”

Lily takes her friend’s hand. “I’ll help you get situated then.”

They leave the room and head to the bathroom together as Arc and his friends sit down. A few minutes later Lily calls out.

“Arc! Can I see you for a moment please?!”

“Coming!”

Standing, he excuses himself and heads down the corridor. Hearing the water from the bathroom as he passes Lily waves him into Shelly’s room.

“What’s up?”

“Shelly wanted me to ask you what she should wear to meet the Equestrians. After all, we don’t want to make a bad first impression.”

“I recommend something warm. Long pants and warm shirts. Remember, it’s snowing over there too.”

“But we’ll be inside, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes. However, Equestrians keep their buildings a bit cooler than we do here on Earth.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Probably because they have fur coats.”

“Ah! I suppose that makes sense. Anything we specifically shouldn’t wear?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. They’re pretty laid back as far as clothes go.”

“So casual then?”

“Right.”

“Okay. We’ll still have you look us over before leaving though.”

“Sounds good. I’ll wait for you with Frank and Max in the Living Room.”

Arc returns to the others and sits down. They hear the bathroom door open and close as Lily joins Shelly. Sometime later they return to the Living Room together. Both are wearing long pants and sweaters.

“Well, how do we look?”

Max gasps. “Amazing!”

Frank nods approvingly. “Toasty, to be sure.”

Arc gives them a ‘thumbs up’. “Good choices.”

Lily smiles. “That’s a relief.”

Shelly wrings her hands. “We don’t want to make our hosts uncomfortable.”

Max walks over to Shelly. “I wouldn’t worry too much about that. We’re really accommodating in that regard.”

Frank prepares to stand up. “Well then... shall we be off?”

Lily grimaces. “Actually, can we talk first, Arc?”

“Um... sure.”

They sit down and turn to him before starting.

“Shelly and I just wanted to know one thing, Arc.”

Shelly nods. “Why didn’t you tell us you were the Hero?”

“Yes, we wouldn’t have told anyone.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry for not being Honest about it sooner, you two. But please understand that I was just doing it to protect you.”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “Protect?”

Arc nods. “You’d just worry about me had you known. And I couldn’t risk anyone at all knowing.”

Frank bows his head. “If it had ever gotten out, a less than scrupulous individual may have tried to use such information to force Arc to do their bidding.”

Lily frowns. “But how?”

Arc sighs. “By threatening to hurt you or Shelly, for starters.”

“The commander was very worried about your safety.”

Shelly puts a hand to her chin. “I... suppose that does make sense.”

Lily frowns. “But I do still wish you had come to us sooner, Arc.”

“Maybe I should have, yes. However I’m willing to be as Honest with you now as I can be. Any question you ask from here on out will be answered truthfully and immediately. Assuming their answers aren’t related to any top secret projects or matters of national security, mind you.”

Shelly smiles. “That is appreciated, Arc. However we should probably save those questions for later.”

Max appears confused. “But we’re not exactly on a schedule here, Shelly.”

“Yes, well... I’m actually very interested in meeting some of your friends back in Equestria, Arc.”

Arc grins. “Alright. However I have a lot to tell you two once we get there.”

“Oh?”

Frank chuckles. “Arc’s had to skirt the truth on numerous occasions to maintain his cover story.”

“Right. But that ends today. And I know right where to start being Honest.”

Standing, Arc opens a portal as Lily fetches Shelly’s wheelchair. She and Frank help her into the chair as Arc motions for the others to enter. They reappear inside a small house as the portal closes behind them. Lily looks around, confused.

“Arc, where are we?”

“A good friend of mine’s house. Her name is Derpy Hooves.”

Shelly smiles nervously. “Very... interesting name.”

Frank shrugs. “The inhabitants of this land have names that are just as colorful as their coats are.”

Shelly turns to Max. “Is that true for you too?”

“What do you mean?”

Arc chuckles. “She’s asking if ‘Max’ is your real name.”

“Ah! Yes, it is. Our subrace doesn’t hold to the same standards as normal ponies do.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Subrace?”

“So all ponies don’t look like you, Max?”

Max shakes his head. “No. We’re... an anomaly.”

Arc frowns. “I prefer the term ‘different’.”

Frank clears his throat. “In any case, might I ask why we came here, Arc? After all, it’s a ways from town.”

“Well, you see...”

The front door opens and Dinky runs inside as her mother follows.

“DAD!”

Jumping into his arms, she wraps her small hooves around his neck and grins.

“I missed you so much!”

Arc returns the hug. “And I missed you too, sweetheart.”

Derpy walks over. “Welcome back, Arc.”

Dinky giggles. “We came as soon as we could!”

Derpy looks over to Lily and Shelly before continuing.

“I see that you brought our friends with you.”

Lily appears confused. “You sound familiar.”

Arc smiles as he puts a hand on Derpy’s mane. “Shelly... Lily... I’d like to reintroduce you to Dawn and her daughter, Daisy.”

Shelly gasps. “What?!”

“This is them?!”

Dinky hops up and down happily. “Yup! We’re ponies!”

“Hello there. My name is actually Derpy.”

“And I’m Dinky!”

Lily smiles nervously. “Um... hello.”

Derpy bows her head. “We’re very sorry for the deception.”

Dinky nods. “But it was really important that everypony thought we were humans!”

“It’s alright. But, um...”

“Is something wrong, miss?”

Shelly breaks into a huge smile. “Nothing. I just can’t get over how similar your hair and mannerisms are to your human forms.”

Lily walks over to Dinky and grins. “And you are still just the most adorable little thing!”

“Thanks!”

Lily looks to Arc. “Would it be okay if I... touched her?”

“That’s up to Dinky.”

“Sure!”

Lily reaches forward but stops and looks to Arc for guidance.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not really sure how to properly do this.”

Derpy appears confused. “Do what, Lily?”

“How to touch a pony without doing anything... inappropriate.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “Maybe you should explain it to her, sir.”

“Sure. But do you think you could help me, sweetheart?”

“Sure!”

He sets Dinky down and whispers in her ear. Nodding, Dinky runs over to the couch as her father follows. Putting her front hooves up on the side of it, she uses the extra support to stand on her hind legs as Arc kneels down next to her and puts a hand on her head.

“The mane is just like a human’s hair. Well, other than the fact that it flows down a pony’s neck, that is. Any part of the mane and face can be touched normally among friends.”

He points to Dinky’s small horn before continuing.

“The only exception would be a Unicorn’s horn. That should never be touched intentionally. If in the course of normal everyday activities you happen to brush up against one, that’s fine. But doing so on purpose isn’t appropriate.”

Lily nods soberly. “We’ll be sure to remember that.”

Arc moves his hand down Dinky’s mane and back. “Anywhere here is alright. But keep away from their flanks.”

Gesturing to Dinky’s tail, he continues.

“It probably goes without saying, but touching a pony’s tail is generally considered to be inappropriate.”

Max shrugs. “Unless you’re their parents or a healthcare professional, that is.”

“Right. I’ve seen ponies grab onto their foal’s tail with their mouths if they’re being naughty and drag them away.”

Derpy grimaces. “It’s also how a pony is forcefully removed from a situation. Well, for non-magic users, that is.”

Shelly appears confused. “Can you give us an example?”

“Well... one time Rainbow Dash was acting kinda rude to somepony else. Another friend of ours, Applejack, grabbed her tail and pulled her back to diffuse the situation.”

Arc chuckles. “As a human I probably would have just picked her up around the belly though.”

Dinky grins. “Show them, dad!”

“Huh?”

“Pick mom up!”

“Go ahead, Arc. After all, it’s just a demonstration.”

Shrugging, Arc walks over to Derpy. Wrapping his arms around her midsection he picks her up. She giggles as he does so.

“That tickles!”

Arc looks to Shelly and Lily as he puts her down. “Please note where my hands are. Any further back is considered highly inappropriate due to a pony’s mammary glands on a mare.”

Max nods. “Or a stallion’s... other stuff.”

Lily looks down. “What about their hooves?”

“Shaking hooves is a thing here. Touching the front hoof itself and the fetlock is fine. However any further back is going too far.”

Frank smiles. “Basically, think of them as humans. If you wouldn’t touch that spot on a woman it’s probably not okay on a mare.”

Shelly nods. “That does make sense, yes.”

Lily looks to Arc. “Anything else we should know?”

“Just a few speech traits that you’ve already heard here. Ponies say ‘anypony’ instead of ‘anyone’ and ‘somepony’ instead of ‘someone’.”

Dinky grins. “There’s a few other things, of course. But we’ll point them out if they come up.”

Shelly smiles at the filly. “Thank you for the explanation.”

Dinky trots over to Lily. “So now you’re ready to touch me!”

“Okay. If you’re okay with that.”

“Sure, go ahead!”

Kneeling down, Lily puts a hand on Dinky’s mane. She pats her head and moves her hand down Dinky’s neck a few times before speaking.

“Just let me know if I’m doing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.”

“You’re doing just fine. Um... but can I ask you something?”

“Um... sure. What is it?”

“Do you want to pick me up?”

“I would actually. Is that okay?”

“Sure!”

Lily looks to Arc. “Um... how do I do that to a filly?”

“The same way you would a human child. Put your hands where her armpits would be and carefully lift her to you.”

“I’ll try.”

Doing as she is told, Lily carefully picks Dinky up. Bringing her to her chest, she puts a hand on her back as Dinky gives her a hug.

“You’re so light!”

Frank chuckles. “Well, she is just a filly.”

Arc smiles. “Ponies are a bit lighter than one would think just by looking at them.”

Lily nods and smiles as she touches Dinky’s little nose.

“And just so CUTE!”

Dinky giggles. “That tickles!”

Shelly looks to Arc for guidance. “Is it okay to touch their noses though?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It has a term though. Can’t remember what it is off the top of my head though.”

“ ‘Booping’, sir.”

Max turns to Shelly and Lily before continuing.

“While not culturally unacceptable, booping is something that’s generally only done amongst foals and adult close friends.”

Derpy smiles. “Or family.”

Arc walks over to Lily and tousles Dinky’s mane. “But how can one resist the urge when they’re just so adorable!”

Frank turns to Lily. “One last thing. Ponies don’t usually hug.”

“They don’t?”

Dinky giggles as she lets go of Lily’s neck. “Yeah! But my dad and I hug all the time!”

Derpy shrugs. “She’s just used to that.”

Shelly puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “What do they do to show affection then?”

Max puts a hand on Shelly’s shoulder. “Nuzzling, mostly.”

“Nuzzling?”

Derpy nods. “Right. Let Dinky and I show you.”

Lily sets the filly down. She trots over to her mother and begins rubbing her side with her face. Derpy does the same as the others watch. Arc chuckles.

“Pony huggles.”

“Huggles, sir?”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Is that actually a word?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But that’s what I think of every time I see ponies nuzzling.”

Derpy smiles. “I like that word.”

“Me too, mom.”

Arc motions to the door. “Well, we should probably get moving.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, lots to do today.”

Shelly appears confused. “Where are we going though?”

Arc smiles. “The Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Max looks to Shelly. “Miss Derpy is the cook over there.”

“Should we walk or take a portal over though?”

Arc thinks for a moment “Well...”

“Oh, could we please walk?!”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Shelly?”

“I’d really like to see the town and its inhabitants!”

Frank frowns. “Is that really such a good idea though?”

Dinky points a hoof toward the window. “They plowed the streets too so the wheels won’t get stuck!”

Derpy shivers instinctively. “It is pretty cold out.”

Shelly grins. “I don’t mind!”

Arc shrugs. “If you really want to, then sure.”

They put on their coats as Derpy grabs a blanket from the bedroom. Flying over to Shelly, she carefully drapes it over the young woman and tucks it in.

“There. That should help keep you warm.”

“Thank you.”

Max walks over to the wheelchair. “Might I push you, Shelly?”

Shelly nods. “I would love that, Max.”

Derpy flies over to the door and opens it. Max pushes Shelly as Arc, Frank, and Lily follow them. They look around to see the small town stretched out before them. Pegasi fly around with wrapped packages as Unicorns walk by levitating gifts of their own. A few Earth Ponies here and there pull wagons laden with Hearth’s Warming goods. Shelly and Lily gasp as they look around.

“It’s... just so beautiful!”

“Like a page from a storybook!”

Max chuckles. “That it is.”

Arc gestures with a grand wave of his hand. “Shelly... Lily... welcome to Ponyville.”

Frank smiles at them. “They appear impressed.”

Derpy smiles nervously. “That’s good... right?”

“Yeah, mom.”

Shelly looks all around as Max pushes her down the street. “The air’s so clean here! It’s like a dream!”

Lily giggles. “But I sure don’t want to wake up!”

Max smiles. “This town stays pretty peaceful.”

“Are they all like this?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. There are larger towns and even cities like back on Earth.”

Frank motions to the sky overhead. “Looks like there’s some work in progress going on up there.”

Looking up, Shelly and Lily appear puzzled.

“Are those Pegasi... pushing the clouds?”

Derpy nods. “That they are.”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “But why?”

Dinky giggles. “Because it’s Hearth’s Warming!”

Max laughs. “It’s tradition for it to snow today.”

Arc points skyward. “Right. Here the weather is controlled by the Pegasi. They’re making sure the clouds are equally dispersed so things don’t get out of hand.”

Frank chuckles. “Wouldn’t want a blizzard.”

Shelly giggles. “So they can say when it’s going to be sunny and when it’s cloudy?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Even storms too.”

Lily gasps. “Amazing!”

Derpy looks up. “I don’t see Rainbow Dash anywhere though.”

“She has the day off, mom.”

“Ah! Right!”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, we should probably tell you two a bit more about this orphanage we’re going to.”

Shelly looks to Frank soberly. “Is it a place for ponies with no parents?”

“And griffons.”

Lily grins. “Griffons?!”

“They’re about what you’d imagine. Front half bird back half lion.”

Shelly looks to Arc. “I think I remember you saying something about that during the interview.”

Lily appears hopeful. “But are they friendly?”

Dinky grins. “Yeah!”

Derpy giggles. “They’re the sweetest little things too!”

Frank nods. “You’ll see for yourselves soon enough though.”

A short time later they arrive at the building. Arc gestures with a wave of his hand.

“Here we are... the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Derpy and Dinky push the double doors open as Max approaches with Shelly. Entering the building the sounds of happy foals and younglings playing rings out. The girls look around as a mare approaches them. She looks to Arc and smiles.

“Good morning. Are these your friends from Earth, Arc?”

“Yup. Shelly and Lily, this is Coco Pommel. She’s the Matron here at the orphanage.”

Coco Pommel smiles happily. “How do you do?”

“H-hello.”

“Good... day?”

Frank chuckles. “No need to be shy, girls.”

Max grins. “Right. Miss Pommel helped raise me along with the rest of the commander’s squad.”

Shelly gasps. “She did?”

Coco Pommel nods. “That I did. However I was but a young mare back then.”

Derpy smiles. “You still are, Miss Pommel.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah!”

Arc looks to the classroom. “I thought lessons were done for the season.”

Derpy motions to the open door. “Miss Cheerilee and Miss Peachbottom are having extra programs.”

Frank turns to Shelly and Lily. “This is also the town school.”

“Ah!”

“Are they behind in their studies?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “Oh no. You see, the younglings that came over from the Griffon Kingdom weren’t allowed to go to school in their home country. So they had to work extra hard to catch up to their foal classmates. But now that they are, the little ones just can’t get enough learning.”

Arc smiles. “That’s good to hear.”

Shelly appears hopeful. “Can we watch?”

Frank frowns. “It would be a bit rude to interrupt their class time though.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “I think they’d like the chance to meet somepony new though. As long as you don’t mind them asking a lot of questions, miss.”

“That’d be fine with me.”

Coco Pommel motions to the door with a hoof. “Go right ahead then.”

Turning to Max, she nods. Pushing the wheelchair toward the classroom they spy a large group of younglings gathered around two mares. Cheerilee looks up at they enter.

“It looks like we have some visitors today. Let’s all be respectful and remember to use our inside voices everypony.”

The younglings look at Shelly curiously as Max wheels her up to the front of the room. She smiles as they run over, put their talons on her chair, and look up at her with wonder filled eyes as they call out in unison.

“HAPPY HEARTH’S WARMING!”

Shelly giggles. “And hello to all of you too.”

Arc looks to Cheerilee. “Sorry to barge in like this, but my friend here really wanted to meet all of you.”

“It’s quite alright. I’m Miss Cheerilee.”

“And I’m Miss Peachbottom. We teach and tutor the younglings that are enrolled here.”

Shelly nods respectfully. “How do you do?”

Gigi looks to Shelly. “Hi!”

Geoffrey points a talon. “Are you a... what’s that creature called again?”

Ginny shrugs. “A human?”

Shelly nods. “That I am.”

Glynda looks at her seat. “Why are you in that chair with wheels?”

“My legs don’t work very well at the moment.”

Max nods. “That’s why I’m pushing her around.”

Lily gestures to the classroom. “This is a very nice place of learning you have here.”

Geoffrey grins. “We love it here!”

Gigi points to the teachers. “Yeah! Miss Peachbottom and Miss Cheerilee are REALLY nice!”

Glynda looks out the window at the others playing outside. “And we made a lot of new friends!”

Ginny looks up at Shelly. “Are you an orphan too?!”

“Why yes, I am.”

Lily sighs. “So am I.”

Frank raises a hand. “As are Arc and I.”

Coco Pommel smiles warmly as she puts a hoof on Max’s fetlock. “Us too.”

Arc looks to Cheerilee. “Tell us, what’s the lesson today?”

“We’re teaching the younglings about the story behind Hearth’s Warming.”

Peachbottom nods. “And the history of our nation’s forming.”

Frank puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “Friendship and getting along with others, right?”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Exactly. But we should probably let the lesson continue.”

Shelly sighs. “I suppose we should.”

She looks to the younglings and pats their heads.

“Thank you very much for letting me see your classroom. Study hard.”

The orphans all call out together. “We will!”

Max pushes Shelly out of the classroom and back to the Main Hall. She looks over at Arc happily as Derpy and Dinky rejoin them.

“I’m glad this nation’s orphans are so well cared for.”

Max gestures to Arc. “That’s all thanks to the commander here.”

Lily appears confused. “Arc?”

“Early into my tenure as the Hero of Light I was told that the matron of the original orphanage was abusing her wards. When I found the allegations to not only be true, but far worse than I thought, I personally drove her from her post.”

“So you saw to it she was fired?”

Max snickers. “No, he physically removed her.”

Dinky grins. “Smack, pow!”

Arc motions to Coco Pommel. “Yes, well... she’s gone now and someone whom actually cares about raising orphans is in charge.”

Coco Pommel turns to Derpy. “Gallus and Natalya are in the kitchen getting this afternoon’s meal ready. Is the plan unchanged?”

“Yes, Miss Pommel. I’ll head over there now and give them a hoof.”

Lily looks over. “Do you need some help in the kitchen?”

Dinky giggles. “That we do. It’s a really big meal.”

Shelly smiles. “I’d like to help too if I can.”

Max looks over. “Then I’ll join you, Shelly.”

Frank chuckles as he claps Arc on the shoulder. “It looks like our path is set, old friend.”

“Let’s start walking then.”

They head for the kitchen together. With the extra help the meal is prepared in record time. As noon strikes, the orphans file into the cafeteria and sit down at the tables. Derpy, Natalya, and Gallus bring the food out and fill the buffet as Coco Pommel stands before the foals and younglings to speak.

“This week you’ve all been learning about Hearth’s Warming and how it’s an important part of Equestrian history. Our ancestors were able to build this great nation by putting aside their differences and getting along. Much like all of you have.”

The orphans appear confused as Coco Pommel continues.

“We all have our differences. Some of us have hooves while others have talons and paws. Some of us have muzzles while others have beaks. Some of us were born here while others came later in life. But Hearth’s Warming is a time to look past our differences and focus on what brings us together. What makes us whole. Pony... griffon... human... it doesn’t matter what you are. But that we can work and play together side by side to make this land bright and joyous. Not just for me... not just for you... but for the future generations that will come. Now then, let’s keep working together for a brighter tomorrow and a blessed future.”

The orphans clap their hooves/talons together happily. Frank nods to Coco Pommel, signaling that they are ready.

“Now then... I’ve been told that a very special surprise has been prepared for all of us by Hero of Light Arc. Even I don’t actually know what it is. But I do believe that we’re in for a treat.”

Arc walks over to stand with Coco Pommel. Looking around at the happy orphans he smiles and begins to speak.

“A long time ago I too sat in an orphanage. It wasn’t nearly as nice as this one, of course. But I was happy, as my friends Shelly, Lily, and Frank were there with me. Together we spent each day running, jumping, and playing. As the years went on not much changed. Well, other than our size, I suppose.”

The orphans giggle for a time before Arc continues.

“One thing that was looked forward to each year was the Christmas Eve ice cream party. Frank and I would sneak into the freezers and take the tubs of ice cream stored there for everyone to enjoy. Then we’d go back to the others, eat ice cream, and just talk. It was a simple pleasure, but one that we all loved. So much so that every year since then I would go back to the orphanage to give them ice cream and presents.”

He looks around the room before speaking again.

“However, this year I’m going to be here in Equestria. Frank’s buddies will be taking care of the yearly ice cream ritual though. But us... oh, I’ve planned something so much better than frozen treats. Now then... is everypony ready?!”

The orphans reply in unison.

“YEAH!!!”

“Okay! Now I need everyone to close their eyes tightly while I do this!”

Giggling, the orphans obey. Arc looks to his friends in the back.

“Hey now. I said everyone. Frank, Shelly, Lily... you too. If we don’t all do it, the magic trick won’t work.”

Smiling, they comply. Arc double checks to make sure everyone is complying before continuing.

“Alright, good. Now then, I’m going to need a bit of help from all of you to make this work. Everyone count backwards from ten to zero.”

“Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two... one!”

“Very good! And here... we... GO!!!”

Raising his hands they glow brightly as the entire room is filled with an intense light. As it subsides Arc calls out.

“Alright. Everyone open your eyes.”

They do so and collectively gasp. Looking all around they find themselves on the back patio of Light’s Hope. The buffet and tables being the only vestiges of the room they just left. Chuckling, Arc calls out.

“Everyone... time to eat!”

Cheering, the foals and younglings hop up from their chairs and form a line in front of the buffet. Lily and Shelly look around as he approaches them. Shelly is the first to speak.

“Where... are we?”

“My base down the road from the orphanage.”

“But where did all the snow go?”

Frank chuckles. “I’m guessing this is your Sanctuary, Arc.”

Arc nods. “That it is.”

Dinky runs over. “Yup! It’s my dad’s pocket dimension!”

Max grins. “So none of this is real, sir?”

“Just what I brought with us from the orphanage.”

Shelly appears confused. “But what’s a pocked dimension?”

“It’s literally what it sounds like. An alternate plane of existence that I created with my magic.”

Dinky giggles. “My dad’s SUPER powerful!”

Arc grins as he kneels down and tousles her mane. “That I am, sweetie. Now then, why don’t you go get something to eat while I fetch the others?”

Lily smiles at him. “You have more little ones to bring over, Arc?”

“Not quite. I invited my friends to join us here in my Sanctuary for this party. I just need to open a portal here to let them in. That way you can meet and greet everyone while the line goes down.”

Shelly smiles. “That sounds lovely!”

“They should all be gathered by now. So let’s get started.”

Waving his hand a portal opens. A few moments later figures start passing through a few at a time. Shelly giggles and waves.

“There are your friends, Max.”

“Right. Viktor, Hugh, and Xenos you already know.”

Lily grins. “Hey! Long time no see!”

Shelly calls out. “Glad to see you all together again.”

Arc waves a hand to return the squad to their pony forms. Max looks to Shelly with his big pony eyes and smiles sheepishly.

“Guess the guys and I back to fur and wings again.”

“Well, I think you’re cute like that!”

“Thanks.”

Lily looks to the others. “So are your friends.”

Xenos turns to Hugh. “Hear that? Lily thinks we’re cute.”

Hugh rubs his armor to shine it. “We need to keep up appearances.”

Viktor smiles. “Good to see you two safe and sound again.”

A mare and filly pass through next. They hurry over to Arc and smile as he leans down to hug them. Turning to Shelly and Lily, Arc smiles widely.

“This is Rarity in her true form.”

Rarity smiles warmly. “Hello! It’s good to finally be able to meet Arc’s wonderful childhood friends.”

Arc turns to the filly. “And this is her daughter, Belle.”

“Right! But my real name is Sweetie Belle!”

Shelly giggles as she looks to Rarity. “She’s adorable!”

Lily nods. “And looks just like you, Rarity!”

“Why, thank you! I hope she was a good little filly when she visited you on Earth.”

“Rarity... you’re embarrassing me!”

Arc nods. “Yes, she was a little angel.”

Another group passes through the portal. Arc motions to them as he speaks.

“This is Applejack. Her family here owns the local apple orchard.”

Applejack waves happily. “Hey there! Nice to finally meet you two. This here’s my little sister Apple Bloom.”

“Nice to see you again!”

Arc chuckles. “We called her April when you first met.”

“And this here is my big brother, Big Mac.”

“Yup!”

“He don’t say much.”

She turns to the matriarch of the family before continuing.

“And this is Granny Smith. Say hello, granny.”

Granny Smith looks around, confused. “Where’d all the snow go?!”

Apple Bloom sighs. “We explained that earlier, granny. It’s a pocked dimension.”

Applejack nods. “Right. Nothing here is real.”

“Darn crazy newfangled magical doohickeys.”

Apple Bloom takes her grandmother’s hoof. “Come on, granny. We’ll get you something to eat.”

Arc snaps his fingers to materialize a special table and chairs for them. “There’s a rocking chair for you Granny Smith over there.”

“Thank you kindly, youngin’.”

Looking to the portal again they see Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy step out. Arc motions for them to approach as he speaks.

“This is Rainbow Dash. She’s the one Dinky mentioned earlier.”

Lily nods. “You mean the pony whom controls the weather?”

“Right. She had the day off today though.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she hovers proudly. “Glad to see you looking healthy, Shelly! Arc told us you weren’t doing too well.”

“I’m doing much better now, thanks to Arc.”

“Next we have Pinkie Pie. She’s our town’s party planner and part time baker.”

Upon seeing Shelly and Lily, Pinkie gasps hugely as she floats cartoonishly in midair. Dashing away for a moment, she returns with a literal welcome wagon. Pressing a large red button, she begins to sing as the wagon plays a tune.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome! A fine welcome to you! Welcome, welcome, welcome! I say how do you do?! Welcome, welcome, welcome! I say hip-hip hurray! Welcome, welcome, welcome to Ponyville today!”

Shelly and Lily giggle and clap as confetti flies out of the wagon. Pinkie grins.

“Hi there! I’m Pinkie Pie! But you can just call me Pinkie! I helped Arc plan this party, because I’m a party planner! It’s what I do! Hope you have a nice time here in Ponyville, or Arc’s pocket dimension, or wherever we are!”

Lily giggles. “Pleased to meet you!”

Shelly brushes the confetti from her lap. “Thank you for that enthusiastic greeting.”

“Did you like it?! Oh, I’m always SO happy when somepony smiles! But I’ll heave-to for now! Lots of other ponies for you to meet!”

She bounces aside as Arc gestures to Fluttershy. Slowly stepping forward, she extends her hoof to Arc whom takes it.

“This is Fluttershy. She’s our town’s resident animal expert.”

“Um... h-hello. Nice to meet you.”

Lily gasps. “Oh my!”

Fluttershy cowers back slightly. “D-did I do something wrong?”

Lily shakes her head. “Oh no! I just can’t get over how pretty you are.”

Shelly nods. “And your sweet voice is just amazing.”

Fluttershy blushes slightly as she turns away. “Why thank you.”

A large group comes forth as Arc continues introducing them one by one.

“Next we have my friends from Canterlot Castle. This is Hammer and her sister, Mio.”

“Hey there!”

“Good afternoon.”

Arc nods. “They’re humans just like us.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Anyone else saying that would sound completely nuts!”

“But it’s true, sister.”

Shelly waves. “Hello.”

Lily nods. “What part of Earth are you two from?”

Hammer jerks a thumb behind her for some reason. “That base Arc broke you out of!”

Shelly gasps. “What?!”

Mio groans. “My sister means that we defected from them and joined Arc here in Equestria.”

“Right. Hammer keeps the castle secure and Mio is her aide.”

Lily smiles. “It’s nice to be able to work with family.”

Hammer grimaces. “Yeah. Even if it’s a pain sometimes.”

Mio glares at her. “Hammer!”

“What?! It’s true!”

Frank clears his throat loudly. “You should probably continue, Arc.”

“Yes, I think you’re right.”

He puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder.

“Ember you know already.”

“Sup.”

Shelly smiles. “Hello again, miss.”

Lily appears confused. “So do we call you Dragon or Ember now?”

“It’s Ember.”

“Alright.”

Shelly giggles. “We’ll try to remember that.”

Arc motions to another woman. “Then we have Doctor Maria Knowles. She’s the one you saw when you woke up aboard my ship yesterday.”

“Hello again you two. Feeling alright?”

“I am.”

“Somehow, yes. Even considering all this excitement.”

Arc gestures behind Maria. “Next we have her daughter, Auriel.”

“Glad to see you two up and about.”

“She’s half demon, half human...”

Arc gestures to King Malevolence as he continues.

“...which makes sense due to her father being a demon.”

Malevolence bows respectfully. “Good day.”

“Um... hello.”

“Do we... need to be worried?”

Malevolence shakes his head. “Not to worry, as I’m reformed.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Watch yourself, lizard.”

Maria glares at him. “Now honey, remember that you promised not to start trouble if you came.”

Malevolence sighs. “Yes dear.”

Lily looks past them. “Is that Scarlet back there?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Come up here and say hello.”

Doing so, Scootaloo smiles shyly and waves a small hand.

“Hi again.”

Arc snaps a finger and turns Scootaloo back into her pony form

“She’s a Pegasus though.”

Shelly smiles warmly. “You’ve very cute, Scarlet.”

“Scootaloo.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“It’s my real name. Big Brother changed it when we went to Earth.”

She looks around before continuing.

“But it looks like he saved the most important for last.”

Shelly appears confused. “Oh?”

Arc nods. “Right. There’s one more guest left.”

A mare steps out of the portal and walks over to Arc. He puts a hand on her back before speaking.

“Shelly... Lily... this is Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Shelly gasps. “Princess?!”

“This country’s ruler?!”

Twilight waves a hoof happily. “Hi!”

Shelly grabs Lily’s hand as she does her best to stand. Leaning on Lily, the pair quickly kneel respectfully. Arc chuckles.

“You two don’t need to do that.”

Twilight nods. “Right. I’m just like everypony else here.”

Rainbow Dash snickers. “Yeah. Except with the fancy crown.”

Frank steps forward to help Shelly up as Lily looks to Twilight nervously.

“I-I’m sorry, your highness.”

Shelly bows her head. “We’ll do our best to...”

Arc interrupts her. “Now, now... Twilight is very down to earth about most things. You can just talk to her like you would anyone else.”

“Exactly.”

Applejack motions to the others. “After all, it’s not like she’s the only royal here.”

Ember raises a claw. “Right. I’m the Dragon Lord. Well... kinda.”

Applejack smirks. “Aren’t you kinda still a princess?”

“That too.”

Malevolence flexes. “I’m the king of the Great Demon Kingdom.”

Maria facepalms. “And I’m his queen.”

Auriel giggles. “That makes me a princess too.”

Sereb walks over. “And I am the Warchief of my tribe.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “When did you get here?”

“I followed the group from the castle.”

Frank puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So Sereb is really high up there.”

Sereb shrugs. “One might say that.”

Hammer raises a hand. “I’m a lieutenant!”

Mio groans. “That doesn’t exactly put you on the same level, Hammer.”

“Sayin’ it anyway.”

Dinky points with a hoof. “What about my dad? He’s the Hero of Light. That kinda makes him above the princesses.”

“That’s complicated, sweetheart.”

Shelly grins. “Well... just so we do this right... my name is Shelly.”

“And I’m Lily.”

“Arc, Frank, and I grew up together.”

“Thank you for this kind welcome to your land.”

Shelly looks around. “Such a nice place. I see oh so many friends here, Arc.”

Lily smiles. “You’ve been busy.”

Auriel giggles. “Moreso than you know.”

Max turns to Arc soberly. “Sir, you might want to tell them the rest now.”

“I will. But we should probably eat now while the food is still warm.”

He looks to Shelly and smiles as he steps aside.

“After you.”

She giggles happily as Max pushes the wheelchair toward the buffet. Arc turns to the others and greets them one at a time. Exchanging hugs and nuzzles, Arc makes sure to greet each of his guests before they all head toward the buffet for lunch. Noticing that the orphans have mostly finished, Arc stands up and calls out to them.

“Hey! I have a questions for all of you!”

They stop playing and look to Arc expectantly as he continues.

“Do you wanna build a snowman?!”

Coco Pommel looks to him, confused. “But it’s far too warm here for snow, Arc.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right! This is like early spring weather.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah. But I bet you have a plan, dad.”

“That I do. Watch!”

Snapping his fingers, a thin layer of snow forms on the grass. The little ones look at it confused as Arc walks over to the field and looks around.

“Not bad. But we’ll need more to be able to do anything.”

Holding his hands out, Arc quickly raises them. The bit of snow immediately turns to a foot and a half. The little ones giggle as the pop their heads out and look around at each other. Arc chuckles as Derpy calls out from a table.

“A bit much.”

Ember smirks. “You must not know your own magical strength, Arc.”

Sereb grins toothily from his place on Shelly’s lap. “Indeed.”

“Let’s try again.”

Slowly lowering his palms, Arc causes the snow to recede a bit. Only coming up to their fetlocks, the orphans begin running and jumping. Apple Bloom grins.

“This is fun!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “It’s not even cold like real snow though!”

Dinky peeks out from behind a drift. “That’s the best part!”

Babs Seed holds up her hooves. “Snowball fight!”

They begin pelting each other, laughing happily. Coco Pommel walks over to Arc as he returns to the patio.

“Are you sure that’s good idea, Arc?”

Lily grimaces. “Yes, they might hurt each other.”

Ember frowns. “How?”

Shelly shudders. “Remember when we were kids, Arc? Someone accidently made a snowball with a rock inside.”

Lily turns to Frank. “I don’t remember that. What happened?”

“They needed a dozen stitches.”

Arc chuckles. “Not to worry. My Sanctuary is completely rock free. For that reason.”

He turns back to Coco Pommel before continuing.

“And if by chance they do hurt themselves we have a doctor here as well as a princess whom can heal wounds.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Just small ones.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Since when, Twilight?!”

Applejack groans. “She announced it at the last meeting.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! Where were you, Dashie?!”

Hammer smirks. “Cupcake was probably sleeping.”

“I was really busy, okay?!”

Fluttershy steps forward. “Rainbow Dash is telling the truth. Her and I were working on getting a nasty stain out of her bedsheets.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my! Were you able to get it out?!”

“Yeah, yeah. It was no big deal.”

Ember laughs. “You wet the bed, or something?!”

“What?! NO! I just spilled a drink! That’s all!”

Derpy giggles. “I suppose we’ve all done that before.”

Maria smiles at her daughter. “That brings back memories of you, sweetie.”

“Me spilling drinks?”

Malevolence laughs. “No. You often wet the bed.”

Auriel giggles. “Well, I’m happy to report that I almost never do that now.”

Dinky and her friends run over to them breathlessly.

“Dad! Do you wanna build a snowpony?!”

Apple Bloom grins. “We’re trying to make a life-sized one!”

Sweetie Belle groans. “But none of us is strong enough to do it.”

“Well, I suppose I could...”

Scootaloo interrupts. “Um... Big Brother?”

“Yes, Scootaloo?”

“Can I... can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure. Do you want to go somewhere private?”

“Kinda. Uh... but could Derpy come?”

Derpy appears surprised. “You want me there?”

Scootaloo nods. “And Dinky too.”

“Alright. Let’s go back to my quarters for a little meeting then.”

He turns to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle before continuing.

“Sorry, but I’ll help you when we get back.”

“It’s okay.”

“Take your time.”

Arc leads the pair into the base and down the corridor to his room. Opening the door, he snaps his fingers to start a fire in the fireplace. Gesturing to the couch he smiles.

“Why don’t we all take a seat?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Thanks. That might help.”

They sit down together as Scootaloo looks to Arc.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said to me a while back, Big Brother.”

“Oh?”

“About friends and having a family.”

She bows her head and continues.

“Two things I’ve spent most of my life without.”

Derpy smiles at her. “I know what that feels like.”

“I can tell that you really do.”

Dinky frowns. “But that’s not her fault.”

Arc nods. “Nor is it yours, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo sighs. “For years I thought it was. Ponies would give me a wide berth... talk about me behind my back... and treat me like a monster.”

She smiles and looks to Arc.

“But not you, Big Brother. You really cared about me from the beginning. Even when you didn’t even know whom you were”

“You needed someone to care for you. Anyone could have seen that.”

“Well, if they did, nopony said anything. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. All of you, that is.”

She turns to Derpy before continuing.

“I... both of us were used by others in the past and were treated badly. But it didn’t seem to seep into you like it did to me. So I wanted to ask how you can still be so positive about life in general?”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... in truth, I was about the same as you when Arc found me. But he showed me what love was and cared for me in the last days of my pregnancy. I think that if he hadn’t done that I would have died in the middle of my Living Room floor when the time came to give birth. After all, I was alone with nopony to guide me. But Arc took me and made sure my little Dinky was able to be safely born.”

Dinky giggles. “And then he stuck around and helped care for me.”

“You built a family, Big Brother.”

“That I did.”

“And I... I was kinda jealous of Derpy and Dinky.”

Dinky frowns. “Jealous?”

“That you seemed so happy. Even considering what happened, you were content with each other. Derpy and Dinky tried to include me in that. But I resisted.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though?”

“Because I didn’t believe they could be so... so caring. The things you two said and did... I thought it was all an act. Or that Big Brother had told you to try and bond with me.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. That was all them.”

“Yes, I see that now. And I want to see more.”

Derpy appears confused. “What... are you saying, Scootaloo?”

“I need... I need help.”

Arc nods. “And I’ll see to it that you get whatever it is you need.”

“Right now, Big Brother?”

“If you need it, sure.”

“Thanks. But I really just need a favor.”

“What do you need?”

Scootaloo reaches into her cloak and pulls out a paper. Handing it to Arc she speaks.

“This is my copy of my emancipation papers.”

Pulling out another paper she hands it over.

“And this is the one that was sent to Canterlot.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How did you get this?”

“I have full access to the whole castle, Big Brother. Including the archives. Removing them isn’t actually allowed, but I needed to do so if I was going to get what I wanted.”

“And what should I do with these?”

“Destroy them.”

Derpy gasps. “What?!”

Dinky shakes her head. “But those are legal documents! You can’t do that!”

Scootaloo points to Arc. “The Hero of Light can.”

“That would make you a foal again. Well, in the eyes of the law, I mean.”

“I know. So... will you do it, Big Brother?”

Arc nods soberly. “Alright. But only if you’re sure this is what you want.”

“I am.”

Grabbing both papers at the top, Arc rips them in half right down the middle. Giving them a quarter turn he does so again before handing them back to Scootaloo. She looks them over for a few moments before tossing them into the roaring fire. Looking back to Arc, she smiles nervously.

“So... I’m an orphan filly again.”

“I suppose you are, yes.”

“Would you please take me to Coco Pommel, Big Brother?”

“Um... I can. But why?”

“Because the law says that all orphans are the wards of the matron.”

Derpy gasps. “You want to turn yourself over to the orphanage?!”

Scootaloo nods. “It’s the law.”

Dinky frowns. “But... but why?!”

“In truth, because I’d like Big Brother to ask her to fill out adoption papers.”

Derpy smiles. “You mean...?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. I’d like to be adopted by him and you.”

She turns to Dinky before continuing.

“And I want Dinky to be my sister.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “This is all very sudden, Scootaloo. Are you sure this is what you want?”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes, Big Brother. I want to be your daughter and to have a place in your family. If that’s okay.”

“love to adopt you. As long as you’re okay with staying here in Ponyville and going to school with Dinky.”

“Yes, I want that too. A normal life in a normal town. But if you ever need my help, I’ll still be your thrall.”

Arc turns to his friend. “Derpy?”

“She can live with us, yes. As long as it’s okay with Dinky.”

“It’s okay with me. But only if you’re willing to learn.”

“Learn?”

Dinky giggles. “How to be a foal!”

“But I know how to...”

Dinky shakes her head. “Playing, sleepovers, spending time with friends.”

Arc sighs. “No more helping guard the castle, or stuff like that. You need to just focus on being a foal and having fun.”

“I’ll try.”

Dinky hops off the couch and holds out a hoof to Scootaloo. Stepping forward she cautiously takes it and the pair shake hooves. Derpy stands and gives them both a hug as Arc joins in. Scootaloo looks to Derpy and smiles nervously.

“Um...”

“What is it, dear?”

“Well... if it wouldn’t be too much trouble... could I... could I call you ‘mom’?”

Derpy smiles widely and nods. “Yes! Yes, I’d like that!”

Scootaloo grins and buries her face in Derpy’s chest.

“I promise I’ll be good!”

Derpy puts a hoof on her back. “I know you will, sweetie.”

Dinky grins. “And I’ll teach you everything I know about being a foal!”

“Like what?”

“How to play, for starters! Come on! Let’s build a snowpony!”

Scootaloo hurries after Dinky. Stopping at the door, she turns and looks back to Arc.

“Wait! Big Brother... what do I call you?!”

Arc smiles. “Whatever you want.”

“I don’t know if I’m ready to call you anything other than Big Brother though.”

“And that’s fine. Do what you will in your own time.”

“Do you think you could do something else for me though?”

“What is it?”

She removes her black cloak and looks at it for a long moment. Eventually, Scootaloo holds it out to Arc.

“Would you hold onto this for me?”

Derpy gasps. “You mean...?!”

Scootaloo smiles. “I don’t think I’ll be needing it anymore.”

Nodding, Arc walks over and takes the cloak. Grinning, Scootaloo runs out the door as Derpy moves to join him.

“That was amazing!”

Arc chuckles. “You mean the fact that we now have another daughter?”

“I was worried she’d never come out of her shell. That she’d just become a workaholic and burned out.”

“Like me?”

“At least you communicate, Arc. Her... not so much.”

“We’ll have to work on that. But why don’t we get back to the others?”

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“That really was an amazing talk. Scootaloo was so honest and forthcoming about her feelings.”

“Yes she was.”

“But there’s somepony else whom needs to communicate with their loved ones.”

“Me, huh?”

Derpy nods. “You know what I’m talking about.”

Arc sighs. “That I do. But I can’t put it off any longer.”

They walk back outside to where the others are sitting in a large circle talking. Twilight waves Arc and Derpy over as they giggle together.

“Arc! Derpy! Come join us!”

Applejack chuckles. “We were just telling stories about all the stuff you’ve been up to since coming to Equestria.”

Shelly grins. “It sounds like quite the adventure!”

Lily grimaces. “I’ll say! Did you really defeat something the size of a building?!”

“Which time?!”

They all enjoy a laugh as Arc and Derpy take a seat. She looks around, confused.

“Where did Miss Pommel go?”

Frank points with his cane. “To play with the little ones.”

Fluttershy smiles warmly. “It’s nice to see them all getting along so well.”

Pinkie nods happily. “Yeah! Especially with her foalhood!”

Rainbow Dash glares at her. “Pinkie!”

“What?! She needs to make up for lost time!”

Auriel looks around. “It’s an amazing place you’ve created, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Something for everyone here.”

Max looks to Shelly. “Even us.”

Shelly squeezes his hoof. “Are we an ‘us’?”

“Can we be?”

“I... don’t really know. I mean... is that legal here?”

Xenos shrugs. “Probably.”

Hugh taps the table with a hoof. “At the very least, nopony says anything about it.”

Rarity grins. “Yes. I’ve yet to hear a word about Arc and I.”

Lily smiles. “That’s good. And I do hope you’ll both be very happy together.”

Viktor laughs. “A regular ‘happily ever after’ for the commander.”

Shelly looks to Max. “For us too.”

“I’d like to come back to Earth with you and Lily, Shelly.”

“That would be nice, Max. But humans and ponies aren’t allowed to have relationships there.”

Lily appears concerned. “Then what are you going to do, Shelly?”

Max pipes up. “I could have somepony turn me back into a human. Then nopony would have to know.”

Shelly sighs. “That could work, yes. However, Lily told me everything that happened these past couple of days.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“How Lily and I were kidnapped and held in a military base, for starters.”

Arc groans. “That one was kinda my fault.”

Frank shakes his head. “Rieper was just trying to save you, Shelly. Although I’m still not sure why they tool Lily too.”

Lily looks away. “When they came to get Shelly I was asking a lot of questions. Next thing I knew I was waking up in that horrible cell.”

Mio turns to Hammer. “It might not be safe for them to go back there.”

“And Shelly should probably be monitored for a bit longer.”

Maria nods. “That would be wise, yes.”

Shelly sighs. “I’m sorry to be such a burden.”

Frank smiles at her. “You’re no such thing, Shelly. There’s plenty of room for you here.”

Arc nods. “Right. My homeland is your home too.”

Lily grimaces. “But would that be allowed? I mean... we didn’t go through a custom’s check or show passports.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

Hammer chuckles. “I’ll explain it to you later, cupcake.”

Twilight looks to them. “Not to worry. As the Princess of Friendship, I hereby declare that Shelly and Lily are honored guests here in Equestria for as long as they’d like.”

Shelly appears relieved. “Thank you very much, Princess Twilight.”

“Yes, we promise to do our very best to respect your land and its customs.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “And speaking of customs...”

“Right. I need to say something.”

Standing, Arc walks over to Rarity and takes her hoof. Turning, they face Shelly and Lily.

“Shelly... we’re all really happy that you and Max were able to come together again. That whole mess came about because I wasn’t willing to be Honest with both of you.”

“I understand your reasoning behind it though, Arc.”

Max looks to Shelly lovingly. “And things did work out in the end.”

“Well, I need to come clean about something else.”

“Oh?”

“Some time ago I asked Rarity to marry me.”

Lily giggles. “You told us that back on Earth, silly!”

“Yes, well... there’s more to it than that. You see... there were others whom wanted to share their lives with me as well.”

Shelly appears confused. “Others?”

Applejack removes her hat and raises a hoof. “It was me.”

Derpy smiles nervously. “And me too.”

Lily frowns. “But... but you’re engaged, Arc. Why are others claiming their feelings at that point?”

Twilight bows her head. “It’s a very old custom here in Equestria. One that was for centuries buried in the dustbin of history. You see, I too confessed my feelings for Arc to my friends here. It was then that we realize how much he meant to all of us.”

Shelly appears confused. “To what end though?”

“I suggested the ancient idea of forming what is known as a ‘herd’ with Arc.”

Arc nods. “It’s where a stallion, or in my case a man, cohabitates with numerous mares.”

Lily frowns. “Cohabitates?”

Twilight sighs. “It predates the idea of modern marriage.”

Applejack motions to the others. “Right. So we all agreed that a herd would be in the best interest of everypony.”

Arc looks to Shelly. “Admittedly I was a bit... concerned when they brought it up. As you know things like that have been illegal on Earth for a long time. But as I got to know each of them, the idea began growing on me.”

“So you’re engaged to more than one mare, Arc?”

“Yes. Three actually.”

Rarity steps forward. “Derpy, Applejack, and myself.”

Twilight smiles. “But it didn’t stop there. We’ve been systematically dating in the hopes that all of us might join one day.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “How many total, Arc?!”

“Ten.”

Shelly gasps. TEN?!

“Please, Shelly. Hear the commander out first.”

“Now I know this whole thing sounds really, REALLY weird, yes. But I insisted on a long engagement period so we can slowly figure out whom is going to join us and how this is going to work.”

Rarity giggles. “While I was the first to fall in love with him, I would still enjoy sharing my life with Arc and our friends. It all started with a simple romantic dinner at my place. In my attempts to impress him though I accidently burned him with scalding tea. However Arc wasn’t upset at all. In fact, he was more concerned with my safety than his own. One thing led to another and before we knew it I was head over fetlocks in love with him.”

Applejack removes her hat as she speaks. “Same here. Arc and I lived together in a magical simulation for about a week. I’d had my eye on him for some time though. But I’d always been too reserved to say anything. So another princess put us in their personal realm so that we might bond. In that time I learned so much about both Arc and humans. By the end, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.”

Derpy grins. “Arc cared for me when no one else in all of Equestria did so. He was my first ever friend and protector. Not only did he feed me when I had nothing, but even went so far as to personally deliver my little foal when the time came. But his care for me didn’t stop there. He was even willing to sign Dinky’s birth certificate and take her on as his legal daughter. Arc’s been so loving to her and I since we met, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without him at this point. I look forward to standing by his side for the rest of my life.”

Hammer smirks. “We all feel that way too.”

Auriel smiles. “Right. Arc just... kinda completes us.”

Pinkie nods fervently. “He’s just so... so NICE too!”

Rainbow Dash looks to Arc seductively. “And a heckuva good looker too! I mean... check out those muscles!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “Arc’s so very gentle though. I know he could really hurt somepony if he wanted to. But he’s always doing his best not to.”

Ember licks her lips. “Which is downright sexy in its own way.’

Shelly smiles uneasily as she looks around at those assembled. “It’s nice to see so many of you dedicated to my oldest friend.”

Lily frowns. “Well, I think it’s kinda creepy.”

Frank turns to her. “Lily?”

“I mean... ten females all looking to share one man!”

Arc nods. “It’s a lot to take in all at once, I know.”

Mio sighs. “I agree. This whole thing just seems wrong to me.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “We’re gonna make it work though!”

“Maybe you are, Hammer.”

“Whaddya mean ‘maybe’, Mio?!”

Arc chimes in. “She’s right, you know.”

Hammer groans. “Not you too, Arc!”

“Think about it. This is all new to everyone. There’s really no guarantee that it’ll work out. But we’re all going to give it our best shot.”

“Right. And... um...”

Mio looks to Hammer before continuing.

“...I really do hope you find happiness in this, Hammer.”

“Really?!”

Mio nods and smiles as she looks Hammer in the eye. “Yes. After all, I want the best for my sister.”

Lily groans. “But... how could she be happy competing with nine others?!”

Applejack smiles. “Because we won’t be competing.”

Rarity nods. “Right. It’ll be an equal footing for all.”

Derpy giggles. “We do understand that we’ll have to share his time, yes. But that’s the beauty of this plan.”

Pinkie bounces up and down happily. “Yeah! When we’re not with Arc, we can share one another!”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “That... may have come out wrong.”

Ember shrugs. “She’s not wrong though. I mean... there’s probably going to be a lot of pairing up amongst us.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she jumps up and grabs Hammer’s hand. “I’m with cupcake then!”

Hammer nods. “Sounds good to me.”

Shelly grimaces. “That’s just a little... out there for us. I mean... I feel like everyone here is old enough to know what they’re doing. But it’s just... I don’t want to think about... you know...”

She gestures to Hammer and Rainbow Dash before continuing.

“...a human woman and a mare having sex.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Lily looks away. “She means you two pairing up.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, yeah. We get that. But what makes you think we’ll be having sex?”

Shelly frowns. “You mean you won’t?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Wasn’t planning on it, no.”

“I like cupcake and all, but... not really into that sort of thing with her.”

“Me either. It’d kinda make for an awkward relationship for the others too, what with having sub-marriages.”

Ember shrugs. “I’ve only ever slept with Arc by my side. And while Auriel was there at least twice, I didn’t consider her and I doing anything.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “Um... I may have.”

Arc turns to her. “Auriel?”

“You all have to understand that demons view things like sexuality very differently than ponies.”

Twilight nods. “That’s true. At least from what I know on the subject, yes. What can you tell us about your thoughts though, Auriel?”

“Well... I was in bed with Arc and Ember after the mission to save Princess Celestia. They were asleep after all that and I was snuggled up to him. Ember reached across as she got closer to Arc and... um... put her hand on my hip.”

“I did?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes, Ember.”

“Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine. After all, you were asleep. But it did make me think certain thoughts that I’ve been keeping to myself.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“It made me feel... really warm. And good inside too. That and a bit more turned on than I was previously.”

“My touch did all that?!”

Auriel giggles. “It was more than that though. My body pressed against Arc’s and your hand on my hip just made me wish that I was between you two. Being sandwiched between two individuals whom cared for me.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “So you were considering intimacy with both of them?”

“Maybe not so far as sexuality, no. I know it might sound weird what with a demon wanting the touch of a dragon. But I really would like to know more about my own feelings regarding the others.”

Twilight smiles. “I think I know how you felt, Auriel.”

“You do?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. I felt very loved when I fell asleep with Arc in the past. However you have to remember that you and I have done the same.”

Fluttershy gasps. “You and Auriel?!”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “What happened?!”

“We’d sometimes just fall asleep on the floor together. A few times we did make it upstairs to bed, of course. But there were days where it was just enough to make it to my bed with her.”

Frank chuckles. “So you two have slept together in the past, Auriel?”

“A number of times, yes.”

Twilight giggles. “It felt very different from sleeping next to one of my friends. But that was probably due to her claws over their hooves.”

Auriel blushes slightly. “I do remember waking up with my arms around you a few times, Twilight.”

“Me too. At the time I just kinda wrote it off as our subconscious trying to keep us warm. But now that I’ve heard all of this I believe it was our minds trying to tell us something.”

Pinkie gasps. “What though?!”

Applejack bows her head. “That we all need physical intimacy.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Need?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I’m liking this more and more as it goes on!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Maybe ‘need’ was a strong word. But I do know that ponies are advised to get a certain amount of social interaction to stay healthy. Looking into it further, I learned that it’s also advisable to have a certain amount of physical interaction as well.”

Ember smirks. “You mean sex?”

“Not necessarily. While that is something that could be done, it also includes nuzzling, patting, hugs, and even cuddling to a degree.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “So cupcake and I hugging is healthy?”

“Right. We all need to be open about any kind of interactions we have with one another though.”

Rarity tilts her head to one side. “Open?”

“To help everypony understand what does and doesn’t work to us.”

Applejack gestures to the group. “So... we should spend time with both Arc and each other?”

“Exactly.”

Pinkie giggles. “But what if we accidently fall in love with one another?!”

Derpy appears confused. “In love?”

Rarity nods. “She means romantically.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I hadn’t considered that before.”

Auriel smiles. “All the close quarters time spent together may bring about more deep relationships.”

Frank looks to Arc. “How do you believe such a thing should be handled?”

“I think if such a thing came to pass that we should all be honest and forthcoming about it. Make sure the others know and understand what is going on.”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. Secrets won’t help anyone.”

Ember steps forward. “How about if, for example, Auriel and I wanted to get closer than friends though? Would the herd try to stop us?”

Rarity shakes her head. “I don’t think we should, no. After all, that wouldn’t do anything to prevent it.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “So we could develop feelings for others within the herd?”

“I’d be surprised if we didn’t. After all, so many individuals living together and bonding makes for friendship. And love is just a deeper form of friendship.”

Rainbow Dash hovers next to Hammer. “So just to clarify, you’d be okay if I were to announce that cupcake and I were having feelings for each other, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I would. As long as you and her told everyone as soon as possible versus us just kinda putting two and two together and figuring it out for ourselves.”

Hammer shrugs. “Sounds fair to me. After all, if we didn’t allow for such things I wouldn’t have been able to get this far in joining the herd.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “But Arc hasn’t asked you to marry him yet.”

“You either though.”

“We haven’t gone out yet.”

“Neither have I. Well, real dates, I mean.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “My suggestion is that everyone get together and talk through any new developments as they arise.”

Ember smirks. “Like we’re doing now?”

Auriel grins. “Makes sense. But can we try something right now?”

Derpy turns to her. “What is it?”

“I want to do an experiment. A simple one to explore what we’ve talked about here today.”

Rarity smiles. “What did you have in mind?”

“I’d like to be allowed to hug Ember.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um... what?”

“That way I could explore my feelings and report to everyone how I feel.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s fine with me. Ember?”

“Sure, I guess.”

Auriel steps forward and wraps her arms around Ember. Pressing their bodies together as they do so Twilight walks around them.

“How do you feel, Auriel?”

“Very... nice.”

Ember turns to the mare. “It’s a warm fuzzy feeling inside.”

Auriel nods. “Indeed. But it’s certainly not romantic.”

“Agreed. It feels good though.”

“This is something I’d like to explore further as a study.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, it should be recorded for posterity. However I’d like to propose a bit of a side option.”

Arc looks to her. “What’s that, Twilight?”

“Would you please hug me, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Kneeling down, he puts his arms around Twilight and holds her close as she does the same. A few moments pass before Twilight speaks.

“At the moment I’ve feeling very warm and loved.”

“Same here.”

Twilight grins. “It’s almost like I’m melting into him.”

Auriel smiles. “I feel the same when Arc and I hug.”

Ember sighs as she steps back. “Agreed. But I’m not getting that from Auriel right now.”

Twilight turns to the pair as she and Arc break off their embrace. “I believe that’s because you two aren’t feeling a romantic or sexual connection. Just a very friendly one.”

Arc nods. “Let’s test that theory a bit further than.”

He turns to Rainbow Dash before continuing.

“Would you come here please?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Sure. What for though?”

“So I can hug you properly.”

“Let’s do it!”

Stepping forward, Rainbow Dash wraps her hooves around Arc’s body. Standing there for a few moments she frowns.

“This doesn’t feel anything like what you said it would, Twilight.”

“How do you feel?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “A bit warm. But other than that not much.”

Applejack grins. “I get it.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Oh?”

Rarity looks to her. “What’s happening then, Applejack?”

“Simple. It’s because they’re not in love yet.”

Arc nods as he lets go of Rainbow Dash. “I guess that makes sense. After all, we haven’t had time to go out and do anything yet.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “But that’ll change when he does, right?”

Twilight giggles. “Probably, yes. That is, if they bond.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Then I REALLY want to do that!”

Arc smiles at her. “And we will.”

Fluttershy looks to Arc. “After Hearth’s Warming, right?”

“Yes.”

Shelly sighs. “Please think long and hard about this though, Arc.”

Lily nods. “Remember, we care about you too.”

Max looks to Shelly. “The commander’s always been fair with everypony that I’ve encountered though. But it’s certainly not something that can just be done over the course of a few days.”

Frank turns to his friend. “That goes for you and Max too, Shelly.”

“I do understand that. After all, a woman and a pony in a relationship would be unthinkable back on Earth due to bestiality laws.”

Lily smiles. “But here it kinda makes sense. I mean, sex with an animal is illegal back on Earth because they can’t properly consent to such an act. However everyone here appears fully able to make the decision for themselves.”

Arc nods. “We all need to keep each other appraised of our feelings and opinions going forward.”

Maria appears impressed. “That’s very mature of you, Arc.”

Malevolence grins. “Agreed. I have no qualms entrusting our daughter’s future to you.”

Auriel grins. “Thank you. It’s good to know that I have my parent’s approval in this matter.”

Arc turns to Shelly. “You and Max have my approval too.”

Shelly giggles. “That’s good to know. And I’m sorry if I sounded critical of your decisions earlier, Arc.”

Lily smiles nervously. “We really do love you, and want you to be happy.”

Frank puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “Agreed.”

Applejack moves her hoof in a circular motion as she looks at Shelly and Lily. “So... where do you two stand on this whole herd idea?”

Shelly turns to her. “I’m really glad that all of you seem so forthcoming with your feelings. And it sounds like everyone here does care for one another.”

Fluttershy giggles. “We’ve all been friends for quite some time, after all.”

Lily sighs. “That’s good and all, but I’m still not so sure about this idea of yours, Arc.”

“Thank you for being honest with me, Lily.”

“I do hope it works out for you all, naturally. But please don’t feel bad if it doesn’t go as planned.”

Rarity looks around the group. “Even if it doesn’t work out for the others... and it’s just Applejack, Derpy, and myself we’ll still remain friends with the others too.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Right. It’ll be kinda weird, but our friendship is stronger than that.”

Ember sighs. “I’m a bit of a special case here. But Arc’s already told me to do what I have to do and that we’ll always be friends.”

Hammer smirks. “All I want is a chance to see what’s possible between us.”

Mio smiles at her sister. “And I wish you the best of luck, Hammer.”

Frank looks around the group. “Does anyone else have anything to add before we adjourn this meeting then?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Meeting?”

Rarity giggles. “Yes, Arc. This is our normal tea time, after all.”

Derpy puts a hoof on his side. “It’s about time you came to one.”

Fluttershy nods. “They’re very informal, as you can see.”

Applejack shrugs. “Lots of talking frankly and honestly. Just like you wanted, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “I guess everyone was right about that. And I’ll try to attend more of them in the future.”

Auriel grins. “Me too.”

Twilight sighs. “I wish I could. Audiences take up so much time though.”

Rarity smiles warmly. “We’ll schedule more for you then, Twilight.”

Applejack clops a hoof on the table. “That we will. And with that this meeting is adjourned.”

Everyone laughs together heartily as Arc stands and smiles. Snapping a finger they all freeze in time along with the foals and younglings. Turning to look out at the reader, he chuckles.

“What a nice way to end this year’s Christmas. Shelly’s cured and we’re all together again.”

Stepping forward slowly, he continues speaking.

“As you know I don’t generally step out of character. But I’d like to take this moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My friends and I will be back soon with more adventures than you can shake a stick at. But at the moment there’s just one thing I want to do.”

Turning back to the festivities Arc snaps his fingers again and calls out as time begins to flow again for the others.

“Hey, Dinky!”

“Yeah dad?!”

“Wanna learn how to build a snowman?!”

“That sounds like fun!”

Arc hurries toward her. “Let’s do it then!”

The scene fades to black as the book is closed... for now.

Author's Note

And there we have it. Another Christmas Special has come and gone. :twilightsmile: For the first time since I started posting my story, both you the reader and my wife are completely caught up with what I've written thus far. Every chapter has been translated and posted. Looks like I'd better get back to writing so you and her have something to read in the coming months. :trollestia:

We've come a long way since that fateful day Arc was brought to Equestria. Coming from nothing, Arc now wields power and influence over much of Equus as well as some back on Earth. Where will this road lead though? Be sure to tune in for future chapters as we draw closer to the final conclusions... one day. :twilightsmile:

But for now... I rest.

Volume 51 - Chapter 1 - A Place for Everyone

Arc opens his eyes to the dawn sun peeking through the clouds. Turning his head he spies Derpy snuggled up to him. Smiling, he gently pats her cheek.

“Good morning, Derpy.”

She slowly opens her eyes and smiles up at him. “And a very good morning indeed.”

Movement from the other side of Arc is noticed as two hooves gently paw at his back. Derpy giggles as she looks over him.

“It appears we have movement.”

Arc grins as he turns over. “That we do.”

Grabbing the blanket he pulls it back to expose Dinky grinning up at them.

“Hey! You’re letting the warm air out, dad!”

Arc chuckles as he tousles her mane. “Sorry sweetie. But it’s time to get up.”

Derpy nods as she rolls out of bed. “That it is, sweetie. Your first day back to school after the holidays.”

Arc smiles at her. “As well as...”

Dinky groans as she interrupts her father. “Aw... but I want to stay home and help with...!”

Derpy interrupts her daughter. “Now, Dinky... your father can handle this matter himself.”

“Right. After all, I want you to get a good education.”

Dinky sighs. “Okay, dad.”

Hopping off the bed she joins her mother in heading to the bathroom. Arc chuckles as he too gets up.

“She’s eager to help.”

Stepping out of Derpy’s room, Arc turns to his own door. Knocking lightly, he waits. A few moments later Lily opens it and smiles.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“Sleep well?”

“Very! Shelly and I actually just finished dressing.”

Arc smiles. “Guess I came at just the right time then.”

Lily nods as she steps aside. “That you did.”

Entering the room, Arc sees Shelly sitting on the side of the bed. Walking over to her he smiles.

“Hey, Shelly. How are you feeling today?”

Shelly smiles weakly. “A bit tired actually. But I think that might be from me just waking up.”

Lily motions to the closed bathroom door. “We still need to shower, of course. But Shelly and I will wait until Derpy and Dinky finish.”

Arc shrugs. “You shouldn’t have long to wait. They’re pretty quick in the morning.”

Shelly giggles. “I’ve noticed that, yes.”

Arc chuckles. Yes, I suppose you have.

Lily smiles at her friend. “I think you forget that we’ve been here for a couple of weeks now, Arc.”

“That you have. Sorry, but it’s still a bit surreal to me.”

Shelly sighs. “How do you think we feel? After all, it’s not every day that one learns that their oldest friend has actually been fighting for a mythical country on another planet.”

“Understandable, yes.”

The sound of hooves approaching the door rings out. Derpy and Dinky peek inside as Derpy knocks lightly with a hoof.

“Hello. Sorry to bother you three, but I wanted to tell you that we’re done in the bathroom.”

Lily nods. “Thank you very much.”

Shelly grins at Derpy. “We appreciate the hospitality.”

“And I’ll head out today to look for a job so that we can repay you.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Oh no, you two are welcome here just as long as you need.”

“I’ll see about finding some way to earn money too.”

Dinky gasps. “But Miss Shelly, you’re still so weak!”

Shelly smiles at her. “While I am a bit tired, I also need to start carrying my own weight.”

“It’s alright, Shelly. I really don’t mind...”

“Please, Lily. I’ve spent my entire adult life being cared for and helped by you, Arc, Frank, and quite a few others. I’d really like to start paying that kindness back, if only in some small way of become self-sufficient.”

“I... can’t actually stop you, of course. But I would rather that you focus on regaining your strength.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “I’m sure Arc has some ideas already.”

“That I do. But why don’t you two get a shower first before we go on our daily walk?”

Shelly nods. “Alright.”

Lily giggles. “See you soon.”

They grab fresh clothes and head for the bathroom as Derpy and Dinky leave for the orphanage. A few minutes later the front door opens and in walks Frank and Max (in his pony form). Arc looks over from his place in front of the fire.

“Glad you two could make it.”

Frank grins. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

Max salutes happily. “Right. Walking with Shelly is the highpoint of my day after all, sir.”

Arc smirks. “Well, this is going to be a special walk.”

Frank nods. “That it is.”

Arc looks to Max. “Is everything ready?”

“Yes sir. Frank and I just came from there.”

Frank offers Arc a ‘thumbs up’. “It’s a go.”

“Perfect.”

He motions to the couch before continuing.

“Why don’t you two have a seat though? After all, it’s going to be a while.”

Nodding, they do as Arc suggests. Max turns to Arc.

“Sir?”

“Yes, Max?”

“Why do mares always take so long in the Bathroom?”

Frank groans as he rolls his eyes. “There isn’t a man alive whom can answer that question, Max.”

Arc chuckles. “Probably no woman either.”

“I’m confused.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well... when you were a human, what did you do to get cleaned up?”

“Um... shower with soap and shampoo before toweling off, sir.”

Frank nods. “Then what?”

“Dress myself in clean clothes, comb my hair, and put on deodorant.”

Arc smiles. “Anything else?”

“Not that I can think of, sir.”

Frank gestures to the bathroom door. “Well, they have a bit more work to do in there.”

“Like what?”

Arc chuckles. “Let’s run through what it takes for Shelly to get clean.”

He thinks for a moment before speaking again.

“Like you, she has to wash herself with soap and water.”

Max shrugs. “That probably takes about the same amount of time as my body though.”

Frank nods. “Agreed.”

Arc continues. “Next she has to wash her hair. It takes a bit longer to rinse out long hair versus your short hair.”

Frank chimes in. “Then she has to use conditioner.”

“What’s that?”

Arc sighs. “It’s kinda like shampoo inasmuch as you rub it in your hair and scalp. Think of it kinda like a second shampooing... sort of”

Frank chuckles. “But it doesn’t rinse out as well.”

“There’s that too.”

“What’s it for though, sir?”

“Moisturizing her hair. You see, long hair takes extra care to keep looking pretty and smelling nice.”

“Okay. But after that she gets out of the shower, right?”

Frank shakes his head. “Not quite.”

“Right. After that she still has to shave.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “But human women don’t have facial hair?”

Frank rubs his knee. “Not usually, no. But they do shave their legs.”

“Not usually every day, mind you. A few times a week though.”

“How do you know that though, sir?”

“Remember, Shelly lived with me for a time before she inherited the restaurant. At one point before Lily joined us at my place Shelly got really sick and couldn’t hardly move. To keep her fever down I showered her numerous times a day in addition to keeping her clean.”

Frank frowns. “How long was she sick for?”

“About a week. She just didn’t have any energy though. By the fifth day she was getting really self-conscious about her legs, so... I shaved them for her.”

“I didn’t know that, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not something she often brings up, you know.”

Max looks to Arc. “And that took a long time?”

“Yes. Partially because I didn’t really know what I was doing.”

Frank smirks. “Makes sense, as human men don’t traditionally do that.”

“I also shaved her armpits too. For the same reason, of course.”

“Do human women shave anything else, sir?”

Arc blushes slightly. “Um... one other place, yes.”

“Oh?”

Frank clears his throat. “Between their legs.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “You mean their upper legs?”

“Not... exactly.”

There is a deafening silence which no one immediately tries to break. Eventually Max slowly turns to Arc.

“Did you, uh... shave that for her too?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Max. It’s a very... personal thing to do. That and I was too afraid of accidently cutting her down there.”

“Then why do they shave that? I mean... mares don’t.”

Frank chuckles. “Part of the reason is because it’s a cultural thing. The other is for hygiene purposes.”

Arc continues. “And considering that they have to be especially careful when shaving it... let’s just say that it pays to take a few extra minutes to be careful and do the job right.”

“I can see how they would need more time now, sir.”

Frank leans back. “Well, there’s still more.”

Arc nods. “Right. After they get out of the shower they still have to towel off AND dry all that hair.”

Max thinks as he speaks. “With a towel?”

Frank shakes his head. “With a blow dryer.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s a... I guess the best way to describe it would be a handgun shaped electric device that sprays hot air out its barrel to speed the drying of hair. Hence the name.”

“And that takes more time, right?”

Frank runs his fingers through his own hair. “To say nothing for the time spent brushing it before, during, and after.”

“Then they have to get dressed too.”

“And women’s clothes aren’t always easy, or quick, to put on.”

“Yeah, I learned that from helping Shelly dress in the past.”

Max puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It all makes sense when you break it down like that, sir.”

“Happy to help, Max.”

Quite some time later (considering the subject matter, of course) Shelly and Lily emerge from the bathroom together. They look to the guys as they stand. Lily is the first to speak.

“Sorry for making you all wait.”

Shelly smiles happily at Max. “We may have gotten a bit carried away though.”

Max puts a hand on her shoulder as he nods. “It’s okay, Shelly. I now understand your struggle.”

“Um... what?”

“It must be very time consuming to shave both legs. To say nothing about your genitals.”

Arc facepalms. “Oh boy.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “This is... awkward.”

Frank chuckles. “Forgive him, Shelly. Arc and I were just walking Max through what it takes for a woman to bathe.”

“Ah! That makes sense.”

Max nods. “And if there is anything I can do to help with it, you need only to ask.”

Shelly giggles nervously. “I’ll... keep that in mind, Max.”

Lily looks to Arc. “Um... in any case, are we ready to go?”

“Yes, I think we should get a move on.”

Lily fetches Shelly’s wheelchair as Max helps her put on her coat. Taking her arm Max looks to Shelly.

“How strong are you feeling today?”

“Enough to be able to walk into town, I think.”

Lily motions to the wheelchair. “Well, I’ll still follow with your this thing. Just in case, that is.”

Arc walks over. “And I’ll hold your other arm to help stabilize you, Shelly.”

“Thank you, Arc. As slippery as the paths are I think I’ll need the help.”

Frank motions to the wheelchair. “Why don’t you put that in your ring though, Arc. That way Lily won’t have to push it through the snow needlessly.”

“Good idea.”

Lily pushes the wheelchair to Arc whom shrinks it down and places it in his ring. Frank opens the door and the group steps outside. Slowly making their way down the path out front the group begins its walk. Frank turns to Shelly.

“Doctor Knowles says you’re getting stronger by the day.”

Shelly grins. “My energy levels are more pronounced too.”

Lily nods happily. “Yesterday you only took one nap after lunch too.”

Arc smiles at his friend. “Sounds like you’re on the road to recovery, Shelly.”

“It’s going to take some time, of course. But I’m starting to feel positively normal!”

Max nods soberly. “And we’ll be with you on this new journey, Shelly.”

Arc looks to Shelly. “Right. It’s good to know that you and Lily will be staying here in Equestria.”

Shelly shudders. “Considering what happened back on Earth I think we’re safer here.”

Lily shrugs. “That and you and Frank are here anyways.”

“Yes, it’s not like we’re leaving anyone behind. If anything we’re going to be closer than ever.”

Frank looks to Lily. “What about the restaurant though?”

“Shelly and I were talking about that very thing just last night.”

“I’d like to transfer ownership to you, Frank.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “To me?”

Shelly nods. “You and your boys can use the income to support yourselves and your commune.”

Lily grins. “That and you’ll be a legitimate business too.”

Arc chuckles. “It’ll help convince the rest of the community that you’re trying to work toward something honest.”

“That would be nice, yes.”

Frank turns to Arc before continuing.

“I’m just glad we got that hospital mess figured out back on Earth.”

Max looks to his commanding officer. “How did that go, sir?”

“I went with Frank to the police station to turn himself in.”

Lily shudders. “Marshal Raynor was initially very surprised to hear about our kidnapping report though.”

Frank smirks. “We were even more surprised to hear about a certain official letter he received earlier that day as well.”

Arc nods. “Apparently General Mustang told the marshal that the whole incident from the kidnapping to Frank making a scene at the hospital was all part of a training exercise on exposing security flaws and dealing with unruly visitors.”

Frank grins. “That nurse I accosted disappeared before they could sign a police report as well, so there’s no real victim.”

Lily appears hopeful. “So you’re off the hook?”

Arc shrugs. “Without evidence Marshal Raynor pretty much had to drop the charges as it stood.”

Max frowns. “But why would the general help us like that, sir?”

“I wish I knew.”

Frank sighs. “That whole situation reeks of treachery, Arc.”

Arc looks to Max. “All he wanted was to get Doctor Knowles back down there to help save Shelly. While I was there he tried VERY hard to convince me to let him keep the good doctor though. Even going so far as to try tying Shelly and Lily up into it.”

“Do you think Rieper was in on that though, sir?”

“Maybe. But it sounded to me like he wasn’t too keen on Maria sticking around afterwards.”

Shelly looks down at the ground sadly. “I still can’t believe he’s actually my father. All those appointments and treatment sessions and he never said a word about anything. What he knew about my condition... my mother... or why I was left at the orphanage as a child.”

Lily puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it too much, Shelly. After all, we’re here for you too.”

Max nods soberly. “And we’ll make sure you’re never alone again.”

Arc grins. “Right.”

Shelly sighs dejectedly. “Thanks everyone. But it’s going to hurt for a while.”

Lily smiles warmly. “I think we need to just stay busy, Shelly. After all, worrying about what your father knew won’t help the situation.”

“That’s why I’d like to get a job too.”

“Pinkie Pie said that I could come on as a part time baker with her and the Cakes. They need some help a few days a week.”

Shelly appears hopeful. “Do they need anyone else?”

Frank frowns. “It’s not a good fit for you, Shelly. Their business is a fast paced one behind the counter. Well, at least as far as Pinkie is concerned.”

Arc smirks. “I spoke to the mayor about what you two could do. She actually had a really interesting idea.”

“Oh?”

“What was it?”

Arc looks straight ahead. “I’ll show you.”

Walking through the town they come to a good sized building near the Town Hall. Max looks to it, confused.

“Paneighra Bread, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yup. They make and sell artisan bread here.”

Frank puts a hand to his chin. “I remember coming here once for a bit of a snack. However I found out that they literally only sold bread.”

Lily shrugs. “Well, there is such a thing as specializing.”

Shelly grins. “Maybe I could ask if they’re hiring. Do you know when they open, Arc?”

“That’s complicated.”

“Oh?”

“You see, the owner of this place was away when Decimus razed the town. However since that time he’s developed some fairly serious medical conditions.”

Max frowns. “So he’s in the hospital, sir?”

“Right. He’s been there pretty much since the town was rebuilt. I sat down with him to see if they needed some kitchen help.”

Shelly appears hopeful. “Oh good! Did they?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. However, he really liked to talk so I indulged him.”

Frank smirks. “What did he say?”

“When he originally opened this place his plan was to start with bread and branch off into soups, salads, sandwiches, and even wraps. However before he could implement the expanded menu, the town was burned down.”

Max look the building over. “It appears they did a good job rebuilding though.”

Lily turns to Shelly. “I wonder what he’s planning to do?”

“Perhaps he’d do well to find someone to operate it on his behalf.”

Frank chuckles. “Not sure where he’d find someone though.”

Arc nods. “That’s about what he said. Now then, let’s head inside.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “Inside?”

Arc pulls a key from his pocket. “He told me I could look around.”

Unlocking the door, Arc pushes it open and holds it so the others can pass. Flicking a switch nearby the lights spring to life. Shelly smiles.

“Everything’s so shiny and new!”

Lily turns to Arc. “How badly was the building burned?”

“It was a total loss. Had to be knocked down and rebuilt from the ground up.”

Frank nods approvingly. “Looks like they did a good job though.”

Max puts his front hooves on the counter to look over it. “Agreed.”

Arc gestures with a wave of his hand. “All new tables, benches, stools, and fixtures.”

Shelly looks to a pair of swinging doors. “What about the back?”

Arc smiles at her curiosity. “Let’s take a look.”

They help Shelly behind the counter and into the kitchen. She looks around, clearly impressed.

“Very nice!”

Lily giggles. “Everything’s still all shiny back here too!”

Max: Well, I’m assuming it’s never been used before.

Arc nods. “Right. Hard Hat and his crews installed everything as per what was here before the fire.”

Frank sits down on a laughably-sized stool. “The only problem here is that it’s all pony-sized.”

Shelly sighs. “A bit short for us.”

Lily turns to Arc. “If he has other employees we could help manage it though.”

“Well, that’s the other problem. All of them accepted other jobs when they found out he couldn’t open this place.”

Max appears hopeful. “Any chance of getting them back, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “They moved to other towns already, so I’d say that a hard ‘no’, Max.”

Lily puts a hand on a prep station. “We’d like to help, Arc. Really we would. But I don’t see Shelly and I being able to work with such small equipment.”

Shelly groans. “Yes, our backs would be killing us after just a few hours.”

Frank chuckles. “Arc’s not done telling you the best part though.”

“Right. When I explained Shelly’s situation to the owner, he became very emotional. Apparently his wife had died a number of years ago. They’d never been able to have foals, but really wanted to. He offered to sell the building and all the equipment to you at a more than reasonable price to help you get started here in Equestria.”

Lily gasps. “That’s very nice of him!”

Shelly sighs. “But I doubt they take our currency.”

Frank nods. “Right. This land uses ‘bits’.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “Did you mention that to him, sir?”

“No. Just that I’d run it by Shelly and Lily before getting back to him.”

Shelly shrugs. “Well, as nice a building as it is I don’t think it’s in our price range, Arc.”

“Oh believe me, it is.”

Lily bows her head. “But we don’t have any...”

Arc interrupts her. “I do.”

“He’s right, you know. The commander’s vault back at the base is full to bursting with bits.”

“Right. And I’d like to use them to buy this place for you two.”

Shelly gasps. “What?!”

Lily’s eyes grow wide. “You can’t be serious, Arc!”

“Oh, but I am.”

Max motions with a hoof. “Tell them about your idea regarding the machinery, sir?”

“I’ve already talked to Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer. They’re recovered enough to work again and can custom build whatever machines, in whatever sizes, that you need.”

Frank nods. “They do very good work I’m told.”

Shelly frowns. “But that would cost a fortune!”

Lily looks around fondly. “To say nothing for the cost of the business itself!”

Arc shrugs. “Believe me when I say that I can afford it. That is... if you two are interested.

Shelly puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... I would like to keep working with Lily.”

“And I’d like to be close to my friend.”

Frank smiles. “I’d help you get set up here.”

Max raises a hoof. “As would I.”

Shelly giggles. “I... think I’d like to give it a try.”

Lily claps her hands excitedly. “Then it’s settled?!”

Arc nods. “Sounds like it.”

Shelly looks over a stack of menus. “But it’ll be awhile before we could open. Lots of business hurdles to overcome.”

Lily counts on her fingers as she speaks. “Business licenses, bank loans, savings accounts, tax forms, suppliers, machinery, menu items, printing, etcetera.”

Frank chuckles. “Well, since Arc’s giving you the money there won’t be a loan approval process.”

Shelly looks to Arc. “What about acquiring the building?”

“Like I said, I could buy it for you.”

“But we can’t ask you to put up that much money, Arc!”

Lily looks to Shelly. “We could pay him back a little at a time.”

Arc smiles at his friends. “Right. No rush there though. And I’d be willing to pay for the needed machinery too.”

Max puts a hoof to his chin. “That gets the building and the ability to cook food, sir. What about raw ingredients though?”

“Pinkie told me that the Cakes could put you in touch with their suppliers for flour, sugar, salt, and whatever else you need.”

“How about things like buns and bread though?”

“She said things like that would have to be made by you two, as no one in the area makes them for wholesale distribution.”

Arc gestures to a machine in the corner before continuing.

“However, Pinkie already looked this place over with me. She said that this thing could be slightly retooled to make buns, rolls, or whatever you’re used to buying from vendors back on Earth.”

Frank looks at the refrigerator. “How about milk and eggs?”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “The base used to buy those from Sweet Apple Acres, sir.”

“Right. There are a few other farms out there that carry various other produce as well. For example, there’s a large carrot farm next door to Applejack’s place. And on the other side of that is a lettuce farm.”

Lily raises an eyebrow. “A farm dedicated to just one vegetable?”

Frank shrugs. “They like to specialize here in Equestria.”

Max nods. “You’ll probably have to adapt a large portion of your lunch menu to accommodate pony’s diets naturally. But there are some large farms to the south around Appleloosa that we buy produce from in the colder months.”

Arc smiles. “I’ll ask Pinkie and Applejack to help coach you on how business supplies work around here too.”

Lily grins. “That does sound nice.”

Shelly looks back toward the door. “Well, if we’re really going to do this then I’d better head over to the Town Hall to see the mayor.”

Max smirks. “What for, Shelly?”

“A license to do business here, for starters. If it’s anything like back on Earth there’s a lot of paperwork to do.”

Arc nods. “Normally, yes. However most of it is to make sure you can handle a business of this size. I’ve already vouched for you to Mayor Mare and told her that I’ll be putting up the financing to get this place up and running.”

Frank chuckles. “That was fast.”

Max grins. “Anything left to do on our side, sir?”

“The mayor said she’d get to work on the one form still needed. And all it requires is a single signature along with the name of your business.”

Lily gasps. “Right! What will we call it?!”

Shelly turns to her friend with a smiles. “Anything you want, Lily.”

“Me?”

“Yes. You picked out the perfect name for the other place. So you should be able to do the same here.”

“Well, um... this might sound a bit strange then, but... might we call this new restaurant... ‘Shelly’s Kitchen’ as well?”

Frank laughs. “You could run it as a franchise.”

Max appears confused. “A what?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I’d have to check with the registry in Canterlot to be sure there isn’t another business with the same name. But it’s not likely one exists.”

Shelly claps her hands happily. “Then ‘Shelly’s Kitchen’ it is!”

Max heads for the phone on the wall. “I’ll call Hammer and ask her to get that ball rolling as soon as possible, sir.”

“Good. And I’ll notify the Hammer’s to meet with Shelly and Lily regarding...”

His earring chirps. Frowning, Arc touches it.

“Arc here.”

“This is Luna! We have a bit of a situation here in Canterlot, Arc!”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thank you! Luna out!”

He severs the connection and turns back to the others.

“Back to work for me.”

Max salutes soberly. “Shall I come with you, sir?”

“Not right now. At the moment you should stay with Shelly.”

Lily gasps. “But isn’t he part of your squad, Arc?”

“I’ll call for them if the situation warrants it. In the meantime Frank and Max will help you get started. Get the Hammer’s here as soon as possible and tell them to bill me for whatever time and materials they need.”

Max nods. “Yes sir. Anything else?”

“One last thing. Tell them to spare no expense. I want everything made PERFECTLY.”

Max nods as Arc calls forth his gauntlet, opens a portal, and heads through it. He turns to the others as it closes.

“Well... shall we get started?”

Lily sighs. “I suppose we should. But what do you think that was all about?”

Max shrugs. “No way to know. The princesses call for the commander for any number of matters.”

Frank nods soberly. “Indeed. But she sounded very... excited.”

Shelly appears hopeful. “So it might be good news?”

Max sighs as he and Frank help Shelly toward the door. “We can only hope.”

Chapter 2 - Prelude to Uncertainty

Arc reappears in his quarters. Hurrying down the corridor he is surprised to find the room outside the Audience Chambers empty, save for a single guard stationed outside. Walking up to him the stallion salutes respectfully as Arc speaks.

“Um... since it appears everyone else was sent away, I’m assuming whatever’s going on in there is pretty serious.”

The guard nods. “Princess Twilight ordered audiences cancelled before leaving, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Leaving?”

“Yes sir. She and Princess Luna have both made their way to the Conference Room.”

“Oh, well... I guess I’ll head over there then.”

“Sir, if I may...”

“Go ahead.”

Looking around and lowering his voice, the guard begins to speak.

“While I don’t know the details, I did notice that Princess Luna appeared apprehensive while Princess Twilight looked as if she was trying to console her.”

“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll see what the trouble is now.”

Saluting, the guard watches as Arc turns and hurries away. Thinking as he walks, Arc muses to himself.

“Why didn’t they say on the airwaves where they were going? All this secrecy... it’s not like Luna, or Twilight for that matter, to be so mysterious.”

Putting a hand to his chin, he continues.

“In fact, I can’t remember a single time Twilight did such a thing. This has to be serious.”

Coming to the Conference Room, Arc is met by innumerable guards standing watch over the room in question. They salute as he passes and allow him to pass as a pair pushes the doors open for him. Spotting Luna and Twilight sitting at the table he hurries over to them.

“I came as quickly as I could! What’s...?!”

Luna holds up a hoof for silence as she interrupts him. “Just a moment, Arc.”

Casting a spell, she looks all around as the walls glow slightly from it for a moment before dimming again. Satisfied, Luna turns her attention back to Arc.

“My apologies for the mystery and extra security, Arc.”

Twilight looks to Luna as she frowns. “Now that you’ve sufficiently secured the room I’d like to hear the situation as well.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Even you don’t know?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. It’s all so secretive for some reason.”

Luna sighs. “My apologies for that, Twilight. However we cannot start without...”

The doors fly open and Cadance runs inside. She looks to them sheepishly as she attempts to catch her breath.

“Sorry... for the wait!”

Twilight gasps. “Cadance?!”

Cadance smiles and waves nervously at Twilight. “Um... hi.”

“I’m glad to see you, but where’s Shining Armor?”

Cadance gestures to the door. “Waiting outside with the rest of the guards. Luna expressed a desire to keep this circle small.”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “Indeed. But now that all of us are here we should get underway.”

Arc leads Cadance over to a chair and sits down next to her as Luna and Twilight take their places across from them. Luna begins as she looks to Twilight.

“I believe it’s time to bring you up to speed on a certain matter that occurred a couple years ago, Twilight.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Is this about Princess Celestia’s capture?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No, Twilight. But it is equally serious.”

“It must be something major for you two to have such solemn faces.”

Luna nods. “Indeed.”

Clearing her throat, Luna continues.

“It started some time ago when Cadance and I entertained a certain... diplomat here in the castle.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “A representative of a foreign nation?”

Cadance grimaces. “Yes. Lord Goldstone.”

Arc clenches a fist. “That piece of garbage!”

Twilight appears confused as she looks to him. “What’s gotten into you, Arc? While I admit, his candor could use a bit of polish, that’s no reason to...”

Arc interrupts Twilight as the turns to Luna. “Please continue.”

“Very well. While he was here, a certain... aide went to his room to deliver a message regarding his audience times the following day. He took advantage of the private nature of her call and decided to do more than one should do.”

Twilight tilts her head to one side. “Oh? What did he...?”

Arc slams a fist down on the table. “The scumbag tried to rape her!”

“WHAT?!”

Cadance nods soberly. “It’s true, Twilight. Arc personally interviewed the mare in question as well as the guard whom intervened.”

Arc frowns. “I also saw to it that the mare received psychological care in addition to keeping the matter quiet.”

Twilight stands and puts her front hooves on the table as she speaks angrily. “Quiet?! We should have been shouting this individual’s crimes from the rooftops!”

Luna shakes her head. “That would not have helped the situation, Twilight, as Lord Goldstone is a high ranking official and has diplomatic immunity both in Equestria as well as in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Cadance looks to Twilight. “And we had to think of the mare’s feelings as well. Her virtue was already tarnished that night. No reason to add insult to injury by telling everypony about it.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That’s the whole reason I went to the Griffon Kingdom in the first place though. To try and gain international legal footing to make a claim against Goldstone.”

Twilight gasps. “And the treaty?!”

“All part of that plan. A means to an end originally.”

Luna frowns. “What Arc says is indeed true. However the paperwork to bring any kind of matter to the Council of Lords is long and arduous.”

Cadance sighs. “Luna and I worked many hours compiling various reports, requests for information, as well as instructions on whom to contact over there for various matters.”

“I believe that we’ve corresponded with every government official over there at some point during this diplomatic dance.”

Luna smirks before continuing.

“However that may very well be at an end.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“I received a letter earlier today from Lord Gestal during audiences stating only that he had just been made aware of the situation.”

Twilight frowns. “But I thought you said that this matter had been ongoing for a couple years, Luna.”

“That is correct. However as I stated before, things move very slowly over there. Especially since such things are apparently left to bureaucrats.”

Cadance taps the tabletop with a hoof anxiously. “We need to act at once then! Strike while the iron is hot!”

Twilight nods. “Agreed! I’ll head over there right away!”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “You, Twilight?”

“Yes, me! Remember, I’m the leading princess at the moment and as such should handle matters like this!”

Arc gestures to Luna. “While that is very noble of you, Twilight, I believe that Luna would actually be the better choice for this mission.”

Cadance nods. “Yes, she was the one whom signed the treaty and is already known by the Council of Lords.”

Twilight shakes her head. “But I really should be the one to take our grievances to them! They’ll be upset, naturally! However I should be the one to take the brunt of their rancor!”

Arc sighs. “Twilight, please. I’ll personally fly over there with Luna to make sure everything goes smoothly. Remember, I have a bit of sway with the council due to my personal past with them.”

Luna clears her throat loudly. “Agreed, Arc. However I would like to point out that Twilight, as the one to take my sister’s place on the throne, has the final say in this matter.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes. And I’ve decided to go to the Griffon Kingdom myself to represent Equestria in this matter.”

Luna bows her head respectfully. “Very well. I shall deal with the day to day affairs of governing the nation until you return then.”

“Thank you, Luna.”

Cadance raises a hoof. “Shall I stay to lend my aide as well?”

Luna shakes her head. “I believe the Crystal Empire needs you right now, Cadance. The threat of war on the horizon has everypony on edge, after all.”

Arc turns to Luna. “While I understand the need to take care of this problem, is it really okay for us to leave the country right now?”

“Yes. Celestia, Cadance, and I will be enough to keep everypony calm during Twilight’s absence.”

Cadance smiles at her young friend. “The newspapers will love reporting on her first official diplomatic mission as well”

Arc frowns. “But shouldn’t we keep this trip from them? At least for the moment, I mean?”

Twilight shakes her head. “We should be honest about it, Arc.”

Luna turns to Arc. “Agreed. The public will be more unnerved if they hear Twilight has departed the country without official word.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Fine. But just be sure to leave out Raven’s name.”

Twilight gasps. “Raven?! Raven Inkwell?!”

Cadance appears surprised. “You know her, Twilight?”

“Professionally, yes! She’s Kibitz’s granddaughter! They work together nearly every day!”

Arc nods soberly. “And he doesn’t know about any of this.”

“How though?!”

Cadance nods. “It was her request, Twilight.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead as she speaks. “I just... I can’t believe something so terrible happened to her! Raven’s always been so... so professional and collected!

Arc frowns. “That’s true. Remember, she was my secretary back at Light’s Hope.”

“And she seemed so collected back then too!”

Luna chimes in. “That was only after much therapy, Twilight.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“And the fact that she and her rescuer were transferred away from Canterlot to Light’s Hope didn’t hurt either.”

Arc nods soberly. “I only found out about the matter when I read over their records and confronted them about it.”

Cadance looks to Twilight. “Arc also notified Luna and I, secretly of course, regarding the criminal actions of Goldstone.”

“And now we’ve finally come to the point of potentially being able to do something about it.”

Twilight nods soberly. “And we won’t fail.”

Luna stands. “Very good. Now then, I will take care of today’s duties while Cadance helps you plan for your mission, Twilight.”

Arc gets to his feet as well. “And I’ll notify my crew to prep the ship for the trip.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “What about guards though?”

Twilight smiles as she looks across the table. “Arc will be with me, so I feel adequately protected.”

Luna sighs. “More eyes would still be advisable.”

Arc smirks. “I’ll call for my squad and a few others to make this feel like a bona-fide diplomatic function. Which it is, I suppose.”

Cadance turns to her friend. “Should I send Shining Armor with you, Twilight?”

“That would actually be of great comfort to me, thank you.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “That only leaves the matter of when to leave.”

“Immediately, I would assume.”

Luna frowns. “More appropriately, when the ship and crew are ready.”

Twilight groans. “Yes, I suppose that would be prudent.”

Cadance nods approvingly. “I’ll tell Shining Armor of his instructions when we leave the room. However it will be up to you how much, or little, he is told of the mission, Twilight.”

She looks around the table before continuing.

“Is there anything else that needs to be said before we part ways?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I think you covered everything.”

Luna takes a deep breath. “I would like to say one final thing.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Luna?”

“Arc... thank you for doing this. All of it really. It isn’t just anypony whom could or would go to such lengths to obtain justice for a single commoner.”

“Raven deserves cloture. And I’ll do my best to get it for her.”

Cadance smiles at him. “And please safeguard Twilight abroad.”

“I won’t leave her side.”

Luna turns her gaze to Twilight. “Please be sure to listen to Arc during this mission, my friend. Remember, he’s built up quite the repertoire of knowledge regarding the griffons.”

“I will. But I’d like to go aboard The Equinox and do some thinking now.”

Arc gestures to the door. “Sure. I’ll go with you.”

Luna smiles as she clops a hoof on the table. “Then I guess this meeting is adjourned. “

They stand and walk to the door together. Luna and Cadance both hug Twilight. Cadance is the first to speak.

“Be careful over there.”

“I will, Cadance.”

Luna looks to Arc. “Take care of her.”

Nodding, Arc pushes the door open as the guards snap to attention. As they leave he turns to Twilight.

“Shall I escort you back to your quarters here in the castle?”

Twilight appears confused. “What for?”

“I’m assuming you need a few things for the trip.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, thank you. I’d like to proceed to the ship though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You don’t need anything at all?”

“No. What would I...?”

Arc interrupts her as he counts on his fingers. “Clothing, brushes, Hoof Maidens...”

“But what for? I mean, I’m just going there to talk to Lord Gestal. And I do feel much more comfortable as I am.”

“That may be, Twilight. But when you’re representing Equestria abroad you need to look the part.”

Twilight groans. “Fine. I’ll call for royal support aboard ship.”

Arc opens a portal. “And I’ll get us some guards.”

Stepping through, Arc and Twilight appear in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Gesturing to the telephone next to the bed he turns to her.

“Go ahead and call for someone to help you on the trip. Twilight. I’ll do the same from my office.”

“Okay. Meet back here afterwards?”

“Sounds good.”

The pair part ways and make their respective calls. Returning to his room just as Twilight hangs up the receiver, he smiles at her.

“My squad is getting ready and the ship is being loaded as we speak.”

“Two Hoof Maidens are being dispatched to my quarters to gather what they think I’ll need.”

“Shining Armor’s also assigning additional guards to accompany us aboard ship.”

Twilight sighs. “That sounds like something he’d do.”

“Something wrong with that?”

“I’d be fine with just you at my side, Arc.”

“Maybe. But I can’t look in all directions at once.”

“Even so, I’m immortal as a princess. So, any damage to my body would be immediately healed.”

“But it would still cause an international incident.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Any harm that came to you on their soil would reflect poorly on their reputation abroad. That and it would give them cause to tighten security on their own citizens.”

“But even an attempt on my life wouldn’t...”

Arc interrupts her. “A show of solidarity on the part of our own security would help see to it that no one even tries anything. Or at the very least, thinks twice.”

Twilight groans. “This is complicated.”

Arc motions to the couch as he speaks. “That it is.”

Twilight turns to him as they sit down together. “Can you give me some advice on how to address our hosts?”

“Act regal.”

“How though?”

“Don’t show any emotions other than confidence, for starters.”

“Confidence...”

“Twilight?”

“Like Princess Celestia does?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really know how she carried herself before the kidnapping incident. But it’d be a good place to start.”

“Then I’ll have to consider what she would do in each situation.”

“There is such a thing as being genuine though, Twilight.”

“But you told me that I needed to represent myself as one speaking on behalf of Equestria.”

“I suppose that’s true. But how about this instead? When we get there, you just let me do the talking and try to learn the griffon’s mannerisms.”

Twilight nods. “Alright. However, I’ll still take some lessons from the special guests I’ve asked to come too.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Who?”

“Natalya and Gallus from the orphanage.”

“They’re coming?!”

“I’ve already talked to them about the matter and they agreed to help teach me about griffon culture and mannerisms. Natalya said that she and Gallus should be ready to go in about ten minutes.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like you’ve thought of everything.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “I hope I didn’t overstep. After all, this is your ship.”

“Well, I can’t really say ‘no’ to you. After all, you are the Princess of Friendship.”

“True. But you’re the Hero of Light.”

She shifts uneasily before continuing.

“So... you’re not mad, are you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. But I do need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“That you need to remember that you’re a princess.”

“Huh?”

“It’s okay to act like you’re in charge. Because after all, you are.”

“But I’m just trying to be polite.”

Arc smiles at her. “And I love you for that fact. However, you’re still a princess and as such your image is important.”

“So, what should I be doing?”

“Sadly, I don’t really know. But I just don’t get the same feeling from you as I do from Cadance or Luna.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m trying to be like them. I really am. However it’s hard to be something that I’m not.”

“That’s true. After all, I had to do the same when I first went to the Griffon Kingdom. At first I tried to act like them. But that didn’t work for me, so I adapted myself to fit the role as I saw fit.”

“Can you elaborate on that?”

“My personality back then was similar to my normal one. However I knew I had to be diplomatic, but firm. Appearing strong, but also showing that I was able to see things from their point of view.”

“That doesn’t make any sense to me though.”

Arc puts a hand on her hoof. “I know. But watch what I do and try your best to learn from it.”

“What should I focus on? When we arrive, of course. Other than watching you, I mean.”

“You’ll need to build your own reputation along with a rapport with certain individuals over there.”

“Like whom?”

“Anyone whom shows an interest in you, I suppose. The higher up the food chain they are the better though.”

Twilight frowns. “But wouldn’t I just be using them for their position?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. It’d be a symbiotic relationship. They learn about you and Equestrian culture and you gain a ‘friend’ of sorts.”

“And you’ve done this with them in the past?”

“Yes, I have. Lord Gestal and I got along well at a party he invited me to. It ended with me talking to him and others at the gathering. From there I gained his trust by rescuing his daughter from a kidnapping attempt.”

Twilight gasps. “Oh my! What happened?!”

“A rebel faction wanted to take Ashe in an attempt to use her as a bargaining chip against Lord Gestal.”

“Was she hurt?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Ember, Sereb, and I stopped them.”

Twilight appears relieved. “That’s good.”

“She’ll be joining us on the trip as well though.”

“I suppose that makes sense, what with her being their nation’s ambassador.”

“Yes, well... she should be arriving soon. I asked her to come to my quarters as quickly as possible so that the three of us could have a bit of a chat.”

“What about?”

“Certain... state secrets that you need to know about.”

Twilight smiles. “Ah! Well, I’m looking forward to hearing from her. Lady Ashe seems to be quite a kindhearted individual.”

“Yes, well...”

A knock on the door rings out. Arc looks to it and calls out.

“COME!”

The door opens and Shining Armor steps inside. Saluting, he looks to Arc.

“Sir, Ambassador Ashe is here to see you.”

“Perfect timing. Send her in.”

Nodding, he motions behind him and steps aside. Ashe walks in and looks to Twilight as the door is closed behind her. After bowing respectfully she rises and speaks.

“Good morning, your majesty.”

Twilight giggles as she walks towards her. “Please. I’ve already told you such formalities aren’t necessary, Ashe.”

Ashe smiles nervously. “Sorry. I just... didn’t really know what else to do.”

Shining Armor looks to Twilight. “I shall leave you to your conversation then, princess.”

“Actually, could you please stay?”

“Your highness?”

Twilight groans. “Big brother...”

Shining Armor chuckles. “You’re a princess now, Twily.”

“And you’re a general, Shining Armor.”

Arc steps forward. “True. But we have some things to talk about, and you need to know the facts.”

Ashe looks to Shining Armor. “This is your brother?!”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Ambassador Ashe, please meet my brother, General Shining Armor.”

The pair shake talons/hooves as Arc motions to the table.

“We should probably sit down and say a few things before this operation gets underway.”

Everyone takes a seat as Arc looks to Ashe.

“I was just telling Twilight how you and I met at a party.”

Twilight smiles warmly. “And how he saved you from being kidnapped as well.”

Ashe sighs. “Yes, well... that isn’t the full story.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Was there some kind of past between you and the kidnappers?”

Twilight sighs. “Arc said they were a rebel faction.”

Ashe nods. “That’s true, yes. I was to be used as a means to force the Council of Lords to listen to them. However that was only part of my plan.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Your plan?”

“The truth of the matter was that I wanted to be kidnapped”.

Twilight appears confused. “Why though, Ashe?”

“To be with someone... very special to me.”

“Who?”

“The second in command of the rebels, whom I had a very close relationship with at the time.

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “You were lovers?”

Ashe blushes slightly. “Yes.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin. “So while in the rebel’s custody you could be with the one you loved?”

“That was only half of it. In truth, it was also so that I could fully devote myself to the rebels and their cause.”

She looks to Twilight before continuing.

“For you see... I was their leader.”

Twilight gasps. “What?!”

Arc nods. “It’s true. Ashe heads the rebels in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ashe sighs. “At least I did in the past. In truth though, I haven’t spoken to any of them since coming to Equestria to become the ambassador.”

Shining Armor frowns. “So that leaves your second in command, and lover, in control of them?”

“I suppose it does. While I’m sorry for keeping this information a secret from you, I do hope you can understand my reasoning for doing it, Twilight.”

“Kinda. I mean... you never mentioned a word of this before.”

“Lord Arc knew from the beginning though, so it’s not like no one was aware.”

Arc nods. “I learned it when I almost killed her during an assassination attempt.”

Ashe gestures with a talon. “Here in this very room, I might add.”

Shining Armor gasps. “Wait! You mean...?!”

Ashe bows her head. “Yes... I tried to kill Lord Arc.”

Twilight gasps. “But why?!”

“Revenge for foiling my plans mostly. That and I wanted to sabotage the treaty between our nations.”

Arc chimes in. “However since that time Ashe has had a change of heart on the state of politics.”

Shining Armor narrows his eyes. “In what way?”

Ashe looks to Twilight as she speaks. “After visiting Equestria and learning the truth about how it’s run, I now want our two nations to be closer. For the treaty to succeed.”

“Quite the change in opinion though. What made you change your mind, Ashe?”

“Your land’s prosperity comes from the happiness of its citizens. That stems from their broad freedoms to do with their lives as they please.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “And the Griffon Kingdom doesn’t allow that.”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, they don’t.”

Twilight frowns. “But how? I mean, you can’t really stop somepony from being successful, after all.”

“By restricting knowledge to those whom are worthy of it, you can.”

Arc nods soberly. “Only the wealthy can afford to send their younglings to school, after all.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But how are they supposed to learn without tutelage?”

Shining Armor frowns. “I’m assuming they don’t.”

Ashe groans. “It helps keep those on the lower rungs of society where they are through the generations.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “So someone whom is born poor just has to work menial low paying jobs, meet a griffon whom does the same, and have younglings together. They will then grow up to carry on the tradition of their parents.”

“So nopony can ever rise up through the ranks?!”

Ashe shrugs. “There’s only one possible way. Other than being born into it, of course. The military.”

Shining Armor nods. “An officer would be seen as being above the commoners, naturally.”

Arc sighs. “But they’ll never be on the level of those whom were born into their positions.”

Ashe clenches a talon. “Right. That’s what the rebels sought to change.”

Twilight gestures to her friend. “And Arc supported you in that?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. In fact, I actively fought and killed them during an altercation.”

Ashe nods sadly. “We had taken the Council of Lords, along with a number of nobles whom were with them at the time of the operation, captive. It was my hope that they could be used to erase the barriers between the lowest citizens and the nobles. Or at the very least give them a chance at a better life.”

Shining Armor frowns. “But it didn’t work out that way, did it?”

“No. Lord Arc showed up and freed the nobles.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “How?”

“By turning the rebels own weapons against them. I killed everyone there whom wore the rebel’s insignia and uniform.”

Shining Armor nods approvingly. “Decisive action, sir.”

“I wasn’t in my right mind at the time though.”

Twilight gasps. “You were drunk, Arc?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, Twilight. I had recently attempted to poison Princess Luna. However Lord Arc stopped me and took the bolt meant for her. She would have been unable to finish negotiating the treaty had I succeeded.”

“However the poison reacted differently for me since I’m a human.”

Twilight frowns. “In what way?”

“It made me rather... impetuous and unable to think rationally. At that time I even thought Rose was Cherry and took her out for a night on the town.”

Ashe nods. “Everyone was celebrating the event. Even the lowest citizens.”

“When I found out what had happened to the Council of Lords though something came over me.”

Shining Armor smirks. “Righteous fury, sir?”

“More like the desire to take the rebels out for all the trouble they had caused.”

Ashe bows her head. “After I learned what he had done to my fellow rebels I snuck aboard his airship and waited for the chance to kill him.”

“She tried really hard to do so too.”

“But I was overpowered and heavily wounded before Lord Arc passed out on top of me.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Things are kinda hazy at that point for me though. The first thing I remembered after waking up was wanting to see the captive griffon and finding out it was Ashe.”

“Lord Arc saw to it my wounds were treated, even against the advice of Princess Luna.”

“She had wanted to kill Ashe and throw her body overboard into the ocean in order to protect the fragile peace our nations then enjoyed.”

“But Lord Arc convinced her to allow him to return me to the Griffon Kingdom and my father. For that act our nation’s bonds were strengthened and he was given a treasure of my family.”

Arc removes the guardanium knife from his ring. “This.”

Twilight looks over the weapon. “I remember you telling me about that weapon, Arc. You said it could cut through anything if magical energy was focused through it.”

“Yes. It’s come in handy a time or two.”

“And now my father trusts Arc completely. Which is probably why he personally contacted Equestria regarding your petition.”

Shining Armor turns to his sister. “So what is all of this about, Twily?”

“I... really shouldn’t say.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “A secret mission of sorts?”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, yes.”

Twilight takes over. “All I can say is that a crime was committed against a citizen of Equestria by... a very high ranking member of the griffon aristocracy.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “And we’re going there to extradite them?”

Twilight shakes her head. “At the moment this trip is merely a meet and greet to discuss the incident in question.”

Ashe frowns. “Forgive me, Twilight. But we can’t really advise you properly on this matter without knowing what exactly happened.”

Twilight turns to Arc. He nods soberly. Taking a deep breath Twilight speaks.

“Very well. The truth of the matter at hoof is... that there is a griffon noble whom, whilst visiting Equestria some time ago... molested and attempted to rape a mare.”

Shining Armor gasps. “What?!”

Ashe seethes. “But why?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Because he felt that he was above the law most likely.”

Twilight grimaces. “Right. Luna and Cadance have gone through the proper channels in this matter, which has led us to Lord Gestal.”

Ashe nods soberly. “He’s the primary contact for matters involving politicians and powerful nobles. Such makes sense, as he is the highest authority in the Griffon Kingdom. Under the king, that is.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Anypony else could be bullied away were it handled by them.”

Ashe turns to Twilight. “So how can I help?”

“As the ambassador to Equestria, it made sense to bring you along as an advisor and intermediary. However, I’ve also asked Natalya and Gallus to join us as well.”

“From the orphanage?”

“Right. They’re going to instruct me on the proper way to act in your country.”

“Might I assist you as well? Those two probably don’t have much experience dealing with the nobility.”

Shining Armor looks to his sister. “Ambassador Ashe could teach us a few things too, Twilight.

Twilight nods. “Agreed. Shining Armor and I will take instruction from you as soon as our friends from the orphanage arrive.”

Arc looks to a nearby clock. “They should be ready now I would assume. Shall I open a portal, Twilight?”

“Please do.”

Standing, Arc calls forth a gauntlet and opens a portal. A few moments later Natalya and Gallus step through. They bow respectfully as Twilight walks over to greet them.

“Please, there’s no need for that here.”

Natalya straightens up. “Yes, your highness.”

Gallus does the same. “What can we do to help you?”

“I have business in the Griffon Kingdom and need to learn more about their customs.”

She gestures to Ashe before continuing.

“Ambassador Ashe will be advising me on how to address the nobility.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Just act stuck up and don’t care about anyone. That’ll make them happy.”

Natalya gasps. “Gallus?!”

“What?! It’s the truth!”

Ashe sighs. “I can’t really argue with that.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow in response to her comment. “But aren’t you Gestal’s daughter?”

“Yes, I am. Is that going to be a problem?”

Natalya looks to her brother sternly. “No, Lady Ashe. It will not.”

Shining Armor clears his throat loudly. “Perhaps we should begin the lessons then.”

Arc gestures with a wave of his hand. “You can use my quarters if you’d like.

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no. We’ll adjourn to the ship’s Library so you can have some alone time, Arc.”

“If that’s what you want, sure. I’ll see to it that the Hoof Maidens and guards are brought aboard along with whatever else is needed before we take off.”

Shining Armor raises a hoof. “I could probably do that, Arc.”

“True. But you need to attend these lessons as well.”

Natalya turns to Arc. “Will you also join us later, sir?”

“Only after we take off and everyone else is settled. Then I’ll come by for some advice.”

Gallus frowns. “That might actually be counterproductive, sir.”

Ashe steps forward. “He’s right, Lord Arc. My father and the rest of the Council of Lords likes you just the way you are. It’s inadvisable for you to attempt to change.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I still wouldn’t mind learning a few things about griffons. Knowledge is power, and all that.”

Twilight giggles. “Alright, Arc. We’ll see you later.”

They head for the door and part ways to carry out their tasks. Sometime later the ship takes off and begins its flight east. Twilight and Shining Armor spend most of the day in the Library with Gallus, Natalya, and Ashe. As night falls they head to the Cafeteria where they are served a hearty supper. Arc turns to Twilight.

“Now aren’t you happy that I brought along Saffron?”

Twilight giggles as she dabs at her mouth with a napkin. “Very!”

Natalya nods approvingly. “Yes, this meal is probably the best I’ve ever eaten!”

Ashe smiles as she puts down her fork. “It’s certainly royal quality.”

Gallus sighs. “It was pretty good, yes. However, if I was served something like this in the Griffon Kingdom I don’t think I’d be able to eat it.

Shining Armor looks to him. “Why’s that?”

Gallus sighs. “Because of the food tax.”

Twilight appears confused. “Food tax?”

Ashe nods as she addresses Twilight. “A certain percentage of all crops are sent to the castle to feed the king, Council of Lords, and anyone else of importance within the government.”

Arc frowns. “So they just take it?”

“Yes. And that’s on top of the already exorbitant taxes on all other forms of income.”

Gallus sneers. “It’s downright theft is what it is!”

Twilight motions to the remains of their meal with a wave of her hoof. “Rest assured that everything you’re eating here and now was legally purchased at a fair price though.”

Shining Armor looks to Ashe. “Princess Celestia passed laws hundreds of years ago making it illegal for the crown to take that which didn’t belong to them.”

“Nothing at all?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, there are taxes of course. But they’re pretty reasonable from what I’ve seen.”

Shining Armor nods. “And there isn’t anything on top of them. Like property forfeiture.”

“That’s not completely true though, big brother.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Twilight nods.” If a crime is committed, the judge presiding over the case may order certain things seized by the government.”

Natalya looks to the princess. “Can you give us an example, Twilight?”

“Well... let’s say that a group of ponies were to rob a store at night and were caught at a later date. The judge would take back that which they had stolen and return it to the owner of the store, naturally. But they might also order all tools used to break in seized as well as any vehicles, such as carts, forfeited.”

Ashe appears hopeful. “And their weapons?”

“Immediately seized too, of course. It’s worth pointing out that if they were to be found innocent during the trial everything would be returned though.”

Gallus puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “How about we expand on that example though. Let’s say that a stallion carted off a bunch of goods they stole from a local shop one night, sold them, and was later caught.”

Natalya chimes in. “Meaning that the goods would be long gone?”

“Right.”

Twilight nods. “Then the court would seize their assets from any bank accounts that they had in order to cover the cost of the crime.”

“And if the stallion had already spent the money?”

“His property and whatever he owned would be sold to cover the debt.”

“What if the crime was committed by a very poor stallion?”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “With nothing to take?”

Gallus nods as he leans back in his chair. “Yes. And let’s also assume that he spent the money to feed his family over an extended period of time. Let’s just say for example a year has passed. He has nothing of value to seize and the goods he purchased were eaten by him and his family. What then?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That’s a tough question. What do you think, Shining Armor?”

“With nothing to seize, there’s nothing to sell. So all that would be left would be his primary residence.”

Gallus frowns. “And if it was home to a wife and foals?”

Natalya turns to her brother, confused. “What are you getting at?”

Gallus folds his talons over his chest. “I’m just trying to understand the worst case scenario here.”

Shining Armor shrugs. “If he were single, the house and properly would be taken, sold, and the money used to pay the other party. However, under those circumstances, the stallion would have to plead his case before the judge that his family would be homeless should the home be taken. An inquiry would have to be made to make sure what he said was true, of course. But if it was, then the judge would most likely order the house to be left in the possession of his spouse.”

“And if they also had nothing of value to sell?”

“Then the judge would probably rule that the party whom had the theoretical goods stolen from them is out of luck. Unless the victim already lived in poverty, of course. Then the state would compensate them for their loss and garnish the wages of the guilty party upon their release from prison.”

“And if they were locked up for life?”

“The state would just take the loss. However, I’ve never heard of something going that far.”

Twilight shrugs. “If it did it probably wouldn’t be for much money anyways.”

Ashe smirks. “I think I see what you were going for there, Gallus.”

“Oh?”

Ashe turns to Natalya. “Consider this. What if such a case were to occur in the Griffon Kingdom. What would happen?”

“Everything that wasn’t nailed down would be sold to compensate the one whom was robbed. Their family would become destitute and they would be sold into slavery.”

Gallus grunts. “Yeah. But it would be to pay for the cost of the trial. Not make restitution to the victim.”

Shining Armor frowns. “But why slavery?!”

Ashe sighs. “The Griffon Kingdom decided long ago that selling someone to be worked by another is significantly cheaper than maintaining prisons.”

Natalya looks away as she speaks. “That’s what happened to me.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about, Natalya. You’re not a slave at the orphanage.”

“That is true, yes. But I am to Arc.”

Arc frowns. “Only on paper.”

Gallus clenches his talons angrily as he speaks. “Some time ago, my sister was framed by the rebels. She took the heat for them even though the evidence found in her room was clearly planted.”

Arc nods. “I took her to Equestria as a slave in an effort to save her life. However, I’d also like to point out that she is free to do as she wishes. And she chose the job at the orphanage herself. That and I don’t take any of her pay or force her to follow orders of any kind from me.”

Natalya smiles at him. “And I thank you for that, sir. A lesser owner would not have been so... thoughtful.”

Twilight looks to the griffon apologetically. “I’m so sorry for asking you to come with us, Natalya! Had I known...!”

Natalya smiles. “It’s okay, Twilight. I wanted to come and help with this mission. After all, I feel as though I owe Equestria for taking me in and giving me a home.”

Gallus grins. “And I owe Lord Arc here for taking the younglings off the streets and giving them a future. Equestria’s leagues better than the Griffon Kingdom in pretty much every way.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks. It’s appreciated.”

Ashe sighs. “Quite the heavy discussion for the dinner table.”

Gallus sighs. “Sorry for taking us down that conversational rabbit hole. I’m just so used to the government taking the best of everything and tossing the lesser classes a few stale crumbs.”

Twilight puts a hoof on his shoulder and smiles. “I’m hoping that when the griffon younglings grow up some of them will return to the Griffon Kingdom and tell others of the life we have here.”

Shining Armor turns to his sister. “So they’ll come here, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “So that they’ll push to change their own land.”

Ashe grins wickedly. “Now you’re speaking of progress!”

Arc nods soberly. “It will be a long and winding road, yes. However, change needs to come about naturally. If we were to try and force it on the citizens we’d be no different than the current rulers.”

Gallus sighs. “And the public would fight back against the changes.”

Shining Armor taps the table with a hoof. “This way they can choose to push for what they want.”

Twilight looks to Gallus and Natalya. “And it all starts with you rearing the younglings at the orphanage. Helping them gain the knowledge they’ll need to become productive members of society.”

“We’ll do our best, Twilight.”

“That we will. But with all the resources you’re putting into their schooling and upbringing that should be easy.”

Twilight smiles. “They’re getting exactly what everypony else does. An education and a safe place to lay their heads at night.”

Ashe grins. “I’ve seen that personally, yes. And I approve of what’s going on at the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

A Hoof Maiden and guard enter the room and approach Twilight. Bowing, the guard begins to speak.

“We are on course to arrive at the Griffonstone Skyport tomorrow at first light, your highness.”

The Hoof Maiden bows as she speaks. “I shall escort you to your room and help prepare you for tomorrow, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight appears confused. “My... quarters?”

“Yes, your majesty. We have prepared a room as assigned by the captain.”

The guard salutes. “It has been inspected and will be guarded around the clock as well, your majesty.”

Shining Armor nods. “And my room is right next door so I’ll be close at hoof in case something comes up.”

Twilight grimaces. “But, I... I thought...”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Is something wrong, Twilight?”

Twilight sighs as her ears droop. “...no.”

Standing, she turns to the others before continuing.

“Well, I guess this is good night.”

Arc nods. “Rest well, Twilight.”

Ashe smiles at her friend. “Yes, we’ll give you some last-minute advice before we disembark tomorrow morning.”

Natalya turns to her brother. “Best for us to be well rested as well.”

Gallus chuckles. “Just like we tell the younglings and foals.”

Shining Armor stands and joins his sister. “I’ll just make one final security sweep after I walk you over there.”

Twilight frowns as the Hoof Maiden speaks. “And we shall make sure you look your best for bed, your majesty. The others and I have everything we need to make you beautiful for your meeting tomorrow.”

Natalya turns to her brother. “We should probably bed down for the night as well.”

Gallus yawns. “Sure. And I’m looking forward to resting on those spiffy looking beds.”

Arc nods as they stand. “See you two in the morning.”

They leave the room with Twilight’s entourage as Ashe turns to Arc.

“Pardon me, but might I speak to you privately?”

Arc raises an eyebrow, surprised at her request. “Um... sure. Shall we head to my office?”

“Forgive my forwardness, but might we speak in your quarters?”

“Alright.”

Standing, they head to his room one level up. Closing the door, Arc motions to the table.

“Why don’t we sit down?”

“Would it be all right if we sat on the couch?”

“If you want to, sure.”

Walking over to the sofa the pair sit down and look out the window together at the passing clouds in the moonlight. They sit in silence for a time before Ashe speaks.

“Thank you for allowing me the chance to come on this mission.”

Arc shrugs. “It only made sense. After all, you ARE the ambassador.”

“I also wanted to thank you for giving me this time to speak to you regarding a rather... personal matter.”

“Oh?”

“I... remember the mission to enter your base.”

“Light’s Hope?”

Ashe nods. “Yes. We encountered your Captain Decimus as well as Admiral Gaston. I wanted to formally apologize for his actions on behalf of the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc chuckles. “I believe you already did that. But thanks for the thought.”

“However... there was something else.”

“Oh?”

“It’s a deeply personal matter, but...”

She wrings her talons before continuing.

“I must admit that I’m a bit... nervous about returning to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though? I mean, you don’t think your father is upset, do you?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. However, I... um... have a very... special friend I left behind.”

“Define ‘special’.”

“A... lover actually.”

“Your rebel commander friend I assume.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, I believe I mentioned him to you in the past.”

Arc sighs. “Look, Ashe... your personal life isn’t anyone’s business. But for the sake of your position as ambassador I would highly recommend you be mindful of whom sees you with him.”

“That isn’t the problem.”

“Then what...?”

Ashe cuts him off. “He knows whom I am!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, that’s a choice you made regarding your identity.”

“I know. But I’ve been gone for quite some time now. And for both our sakes I didn’t even try to contact him.”

“Both your sakes?”

“If such a thing was intercepted it could get back to my father. That would cause trouble for him AND my lover.”

“So you’re worried that he may have been captured?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, I would have heard about such a high ranking rebel being caught. That and they’ve been quiet pretty much since I departed.”

“Lost without a leader, huh?”

“Probably. He’s a capable tactician and great warrior. But leadership is a bit more than that.”

“You think they might have disbanded?”

“With luck, yes. However that’s still not likely given how dedicated everyone is.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I hope you’re not asking me to try and find out.”

“No, no! The truth is that I just wanted to make you aware of the situation. When they see your ship approaching the city tomorrow it will cause quite the ruckus. The rebels are certain to hear about a royal in attendance.”

“And they might try to make a move on her.”

“Not likely, no. But I still wanted you to be aware. After all, you’re presence makes them nervous enough. To say nothing for all the security my father will have around with Princess Twilight being escorted to wherever the meeting will take place.”

Arc counts on his fingers as he talks. “Their soldiers, Equestria’s guards, my squad, Sereb, and I will give them a run for their money if they try anything.”

“And I’ll be standing by with them to protect the princess as well.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you won’t.”

“What?”

“Remember, you’re an ambassador to Equestria now. That puts a target on your back as well as Twilight’s.”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “You don’t really think they’ll come after me, do you?”

Arc shrugs. “They could. After all, you’ve effectively joined the ranks of those whom they despise by becoming a government official.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“You’ll also be guarded as heavily as Twilight.”

“But...!”

Arc interrupts her. “If you don’t like that you can think of it this way. If something does happen, you’ll be the last line of defense.”

Ashe puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose that’s acceptable.”

“Good. Anything else you want to talk about?”

“Not... at the moment, no.”

Arc stands. “Alright. Then I think we should get some rest for tomorrow.”

Ashe rises as well. “That I shall.”

Leading her to the door, Arc follows her into the corridor. Ashe turns to him.

“Um... where are you going?”

“Just going to check on Twilight’s security before turning in for the night.”

Parting ways, Arc heads down the corridor toward Twilight’s room. Innumerable guards line the corridor with the biggest standing on either side of her door. Stopping in front of them, they salute as Arc turns to speak.

“Anything to report?”

“No, sir.”

Arc gestures to the door. “Are the Hoof Maidens still working on the princess?”

“They just left a few moments ago, sir.”

“Good. I’d like to speak to Princess Twilight then.”

Nodding, they step aside to allow Arc to approach the door. Knocking lightly, he waits patiently. A few moments later Twilight opens it and smiles before stepping back to allow him to enter the dimly lit room. Walking inside, she closes the door behind him and smiles sheepishly.

“Um... hi, Arc.”

Arc gestures to what look similar to curlers. “Hey, uh... it looks like the Hoof Maidens were busy.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her mane. “Yes, they put my mane up so it’ll be styled by morning.”

“They must’ve moved very fast to get all of that put in since dinner.”

Twilight sighs as she carefully lies on the bed. “Well, there were four of them.”

“I thought there were only going to be two.”

“They each have an assistant.”

“Ah!”

Twilight smiles and blushes slightly. “I must look rather silly like this though.”

“No, I still think you look pretty.”

“Thanks. Truth be told I was a bit scared when somepony knocked. I don’t really want to be seen like this.”

“Well, I just wanted to check in on your before bed. Make sure you’re comfortable and have everything you needed.”

“Thank you, but I think I’m okay.”

“Okay. Um... I guess I should probably let you get some...”

Twilight suddenly interrupts him. “Arc!”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I... wanted to say something.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“I’m just... not sure I’m up to doing this.”

“Seeing Lord Gestal?”

Twilight nods. “What if I screw it up?! I’ll make our entire country look bad!”

“Trust me, this will most likely be a very informal meeting.”

“Will it be at the castle?”

“I received word that we’ve been invited to Lord Gestal’s private residence for a breakfast meeting.”

“How nice is his home?”

“Think of rooms like in Canterlot Castle.”

“What?!”

“But nicer.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her head. “Great.”

“Yeah, I probably could have worded that a bit better.”

“So he’s super rich?”

Arc nods. “And powerful.”

“Is he at least nice?”

“To me, yes.”

“What about everypony else?”

“Kinda cold and indifferent. All business.”

Twilight groans. “So I’m completely out of his league in all ways then.”

“Not quite.”

“How do you figure that?”

“You’re still a princess.”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “Of another country.”

“Remember, he wants the treaty to succeed almost as much as we do. You can use that to your advantage.”

“How?”

“Lord Gestal won’t want to antagonize you for fear of damaging our nation’s relationships.”

“Then how should I act?”

“My advice would be to just act genuine and try to feel him out before talking too much. “

“But this meeting is going to be awfully strained if only he’s talking.”

“I’ll be there to keep things going while you learn his mannerisms.”

Twilight sighs. “That’s about what Natalya told me to do.”

“Let me talk?”

“So I can learn, yes. But that isn’t enough.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m the Princess of Friendship and need to be able to do things like this. Not just learning the ropes as I go.”

“That’s how everyone starts though.”

Twilight groans. “And that’s what Gallus said.”

Arc puts a hand one her shoulder. “Listen to me. Leadership isn’t doing everything yourself, Twilight. It’s coordinating others to get the job done.”

“I know that, Arc. But some things need to be handled properly. And by me it would seem.”

“Then I guess you have two choices. One... let me handle Lord Gestal while you watch and learn. Or two... try to handle it yourself and potentially cause a rift between our countries.”

Twilight sighs. “I’ll go with number one then.”

“Sorry to be so blunt, Twilight. But as you know this is REALLY important.”

“And I’m happy you’re here to handle it.”

“Ah, ah, ah. You mean ‘help’ handle it.”

“Huh?”

“Lord Gestal will most likely be impressed with a princess coming to deal with this matter along with myself. It will show just how dedicated the royals of Equestria are to rooting out problems such as this.”

“Well, if you really think so.”

Arc nods. “I do, yes. But there’s one more thing you have to know.”

“What’s that?”

“Lord Gestal won’t be too impressed by a princess whom has bags under her eyes. So get a good night’s sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Twilight giggles. “I will.”

Arc kneels down to hug her, but Twilight puts up a hoof sadly.

“Sorry, Arc. But the Hoof Maidens told me not to let my mane be disturbed until they come back tomorrow morning.”

“Oh... alright then.”

“My apologies for this.”

“No, no. I understand. Appearances, and all that.”

“Um... can I take a rain check on that hug though?”

Arc smiles at her. “Sure.”

Heading for the door, Arc leaves and returns to his room. Spying Sereb looking out the window Arc joins him. Sereb looks over to him, concerned.

“Are you alright, my friend?”

“Kinda. I’m just really worried about tomorrow.”

“Oh?”

“This is going to be Twilight’s first major diplomatic mission.”

“And the trip to Abyssinia wasn’t?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose it was. But that was easy, as the monarchs were greatly indebted to us and were happy to see us as it meant that our citizens would be leaving soon.”

He sighs before continuing.

“However this mission will be about bringing forth charges against a sitting lord. I can’t imagine they’ll be too happy about that.”

“That is why you are upset?”

“Right. Aren’t you?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. I am mentally prepared to do my part.”

“Defending Princess Twilight?”

“And you, my friend.”

“That shouldn’t be too hard. Ashe doesn’t believe that the rebels will dare try anything with the sheer number of guards we’ll have tomorrow.”

“So certain was she?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Yes. What about it?”

“And you are sure that she can be trusted in this regard?”

“She killed Decimus for us when Twilight and I took the capital, after all. And even helped us retake Light’s Hope. I think she’s done enough to have at least some degree of trust.”

“Perhaps.”

“You disagree with that?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. It is something all cubs are taught from an early age. ‘With trust comes complacency and with complacency comes doom.’”

“But you trust me though, right?”

“I do, yes. However that is borne from our Life Pact along with years of service standing side by side together.”

“Then Ashe might one day earn your trust too.”

Sereb growls. “She once stood on the opposite side and tried to kill you, Arc.”

“And failed I might add.”

“But my mind still remembers the attempt. It would take little for her to return to her old ways, Arc. Especially if there was something to be gained for her ideals.”

“I’ll remember that.”

“And I will keep an eye on her as well.”

“I’m counting on that too. But tell me, how do you feel about the other two members of our group?”

“Natalya and Gallus?”

“Yes.”

“Natalya is completely dedicated to you and whatever it is you desire to accomplish. She also is very passionate about you on a personal level.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... what?”

“I believe the term is that she has a crush on you, Arc.”

“But how could you possibly know that?”

“Her heartrate.”

“So it raises sometimes. What does that mean?”

“In the same manner as the ones in your herd when you are near. However her breathing also increases and her body emits a very slight scent of sexuality.”

“But she’s never said a word before.”

“It may be due to your past together. How you helped her regain her honor and status by training her in a few Equestrian moves. When you aided her opponent in reattaching the injured trainer’s tail. And especially when you took her from the Griffon Kingdom which sought to end her life for a crime she did not commit.”

Arc shrugs. “I guess I have done a few things for her in the past. But couldn’t it also be hero worship mixed with a lack of options?”

“Options?”

“Right. Think about it this way. Her brother Gallus is the only other griffon in Ponyville whom isn’t a youngling. And she certainly isn’t going to be dating him. So I’m really the only other logical choice.”

“That may be true, Arc. However I do believe she should be spoken to about this matter before it gets out of paw.”

“So I need to tell her that I’m not interested in her?”

“Is that the truth?”

“Well... mostly, yes.”

“Oh? You sound uncertain.”

“I do admit that she is very pretty. And that her loyalty to her cause is unwavering. That and her voice is really... nice.”

“Are you attracted to her though?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not like the others, no.”

“And why not?”

“Because I hardly know Natalya. We’ve done a few things together, of course. But that doesn’t mean that I’m romantically attracted to her.”

Sereb chuckles as he stands up. “Whom are you really trying to convince here, Arc. Me... or yourself.”

“And I should do what about this?”

“What you do best. Talk.”

He heads for the door and leaves the room. Arc stares out the window silently as he muses to himself.

“Sereb’s right though. I do need to talk to her about... this matter. But what if we both like each other? Can I really bring yet another female into the herd? I’m already stretched thin as it is.”

Groaning, he leans back and sighs.

“I imagine the others would look kindly on her, what with the job she does at the orphanage caring for the little ones. Natalya’s certainly changed for the better since I met her, of course. And I do value Sereb’s sensory opinion in this matter. But I do need to take her aside and talk about it. We both need to know what the other is thinking.”

Standing, Arc heads for the bed and lays down. Staring up at the ceiling he yawns and closes his eyes.

“A talk... is what we need to settle this.”

Chapter 3 - Step One

Awakening the next morning, Arc gets up and showers. Walking out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist he heads for the wardrobe across the room. Halfway there a knock on the door rings out.

“Who is it?!”

“General Shining Armor, sir!”

Arc calls out as he opens the wardrobe. “Come in!”

Stepping inside, Shining Armor salutes as Arc pulls out his royal raiments.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Likewise, Shining Armor. Tell me, how’s Twilight doing this morning?”

“She’s been up for three hours with the Hoof Maidens getting ready.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he begins dressing. “That long?”

Shining Armor shrugs. “It’s a process.”

“Sounds like a whole lot of wasted time to me. I mean, she looks fine with just a simple brushing.”

“This is a major deal though, Arc. Remember, it’s the first time Twilight’s come to the Griffon Kingdom in her official capacity.”

Arc sighs as he ties the sash around his waist. “Well... I know Twilight’s not much for such things.”

“Royal duties or physical appearance?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes.”

Shining Armor smirks. “Got me there.”

“I spoke to her last night to give her a bit of a pep talk before I went to bed.”

“She probably appreciated that.”

Arc nods as he puts on his boots. “Twilight was a bit worried about today, yes. But I think we covered all her major concerns.”

“Thanks for doing that, Arc. After all, you’re the one here with the most experience with diplomatic relations.”

“Now that’s a scary thought.”

“It’s true though.”

“Which is why I’m sticking by Twilight’s side through all of this.”

“The whole time?”

Arc chuckles as he walks over to the vanity for a comb. “Well... when it comes to the meeting, that is. The way there I’ll be outside riding Sereb.”

Shining Armor frowns. “I still think you should be less exposed though.”

“So do I. But I’d much rather someone take a shot at me than at Twilight.”

“If the local guards do their jobs it won’t come to that.”

“Lord Gestal is sending a large number of troops as well as an armored carriage to ferry Twilight, Ashe, Natalya, and Gallus to his residence. They’ll be safe as can be in there.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Natalya’s presence I can understand. But why bring Gallus?”

“He wanted to be there to support his sister. That and he’d probably like to revisit his family here at some point.”

“We won’t be here that long though.”

Arc shrugs. “Have to take the opportunity when it comes around.”

Sometime later the ship lands at the Skyport. As the engines shut down, Arc (riding Sereb and wearing his armor) along with Shining Armor step out onto the deck. A number of guards follow and take up positions around them, and on the gangplank, to form a path to the nearby waiting carriage. Innumerable griffon guards stand ready around the area as everyone looks around for a time. Looking down to Sereb, Arc speaks.

“What do you think, big guy?”

“That only a fool would try anything at this point.”

“Agreed.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “It appears everything is in order.”

“So let’s get moving.”

“Not yet. The signal that everything is secure will be when the coach’s side door is opened.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

About ten minutes later a griffon walks over to the carriage door and opens it. Shining Armor turns around and motions with his hoof silently. Arc’s squad walks out surrounding Twilight whom is wearing a simple but elegant dress for the occasion. She is joined by Ashe, Natalya, and Gallus whom follow behind her. As they walk across the deck other guards move to join the procession. Pegasi guards flutter around wordlessly looking around for trouble as Twilight descends the gangplank. Entering the carriage, she slides across the seat to make room for her companions. As the trio catches up they too enter the carriage. The door is shut by the carriage driver and he takes his place in the driver’s seat. Arc and Shining Armor turn to each other as Shining Armor speaks.

“So far so good, sir.”

“Yes. Now then, you and the guards will lead the procession behind the griffon forces while my squad walks beside the carriage. The Pegasi will cover the air overhead while Sereb and I take up the rear.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “And in the event of an emergency we retreat via sigil to the deck of The Equinox.”

“Right. Now we just need to wait for the signal to move out.”

Waiting patiently some distance back, Arc and Sereb look around. Sometime later, as the sun begins to rise, the procession starts to move. Slowly but surely the carriage begins to make its way away from the Skyport and down the street. Twilight turns to Natalya.

“Here we go!”

Natalya bows her head. “My apologies for the wait, Twilight. Standard procedure is rather long and tedious for something like this.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “’Paranoia’ would be the proper word, I think.”

Ashe clears her throat loudly. “Well, there are those out there whom would like to hurt anyone connected to the government.”

Twilight sighs. “And at the moment that includes me.”

Ashe puts a talon on Twilight’s hoof and smiles. “Don’t worry. I’m sure all the security out there will scare away anyone hoping for an easy target.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Sereb watch from their place at the rear. Arc frowns as the carriage stops.

“What the...?”

Sereb growls. “Something is amiss!”

Arc nods soberly as he touches his earring. “Arc to Shining Armor! What’s going on?!”

“I’ve been advised by griffon command that a number of their citizens are standing on the sidewalk waiting for the procession.”

“Is that a problem?”

“They seem to think so, yes. I’ve been advised that we should take a different route to security’s sake.”

“Do we have the forces to maintain the perimeter against their numbers?”

“Yes sir. What are your orders?”

Sereb turns around. “Perhaps they merely wish to lay eyes on an Equestrian princess again.”

Shining Armor continues. “I believe that to be the case too, sir. My Pegasi scouts confirm that they appear to be just normal citizens.”

“Maintain a perimeter while I talk to Twilight about this.”

“Yes sir.”

Motioning to Sereb, the wolf runs toward the carriage. Seeing his approach, Natalya unlocks the door and pushes it open a few inches to speak to him.

“What’s going on, Arc?”

“Looks like the citizenry want a peek at Twilight.”

Twilight appears confused. “Huh?”

Ashe sighs. “This is a big deal for them. The whole city probably heard the ship coming in for a landing. And with this much security they know a princess must be here.”

Gallus shrugs. “So? Let them look. No harm in that, right?”

Natalya turns to Twilight. “That’s up to the princess here.”

Twilight nods to Arc. “As long as we’re not in any danger I wouldn’t mind continuing on.”

“Alright. I’ll pass that on.”

Pushing the door shut, he touches his earring as Sereb again ferries Arc to the rear.

“Arc to Shining Armor. We’re continuing on our original route. Twilight doesn’t mind the additional attention.”

“Very well, sir. I’ll inform our forces along with the griffons.”

A short time later Twilight turns to Ashe as the coach begins to move again.

“Quite a few griffons out there.”

“It’s probably the most excitement they’ve seen since the treaty was signed.”

Gallus looks to his sister. “Was there this much fanfare when the Hero of Light came to Griffonstone?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not even close. But he traveled with a much smaller entourage and was relatively unknown back then.”

Twilight joins the conversation. “So would things be like this if I wasn’t here?”

Ashe nods. “Perhaps. After all, he’s a big name here now.”

“After rescuing the Council of Lords from the rebels, you mean?”

Natalya shrugs. “I’d say it’d be mostly due to his role in bringing about the treaty.”

Ashe smiles. “It’s a number of things actually. The treaty and rescue of the nobility were big news, of course. But he’s mostly known for taking the younglings off the streets.”

Gallus smirks. “Thanks to him they have a home and the businesses have less to worry about.”

Twilight frowns. “Didn’t anypony do anything for them though?”

Natalya sighs. “All the commoners here knew it was a problem, of course. However, no one could really afford to do anything about it, as the commoners throughout the land struggle to provide basic needs to their own families.”

Ashe nods. “You can’t think about feeding others when you can barely feed yourself.”

Gallus gestures with a talon. “But things look a bit better around here now.”

Natalya smiles. “That they do.”

Ashe looks to Twilight. “I’m told industry from Equestria along with international trade made such a thing possible.”

“How so?”

Natalya puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “Language in the treaty.”

Ashe nods. “I read it over myself and found that the princesses put provisions in place outlying how businesses should conduct themselves here.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“In addition to Equestrian companies having to follow all of our laws here, they also had to obey the labor regulations of Equestria.”

“In what ways?”

Ashe counts on her talons as she speaks. “Minimum wage laws, safety ordinances, vacation pay, leave of absences, and age restrictions.”

Gallus grins. “That’s good to hear.”

Natalya shudders. “Yes, I was worried that Equestrian businesses would flood the Griffon Kingdom job market to exploit he cheaper labor here.”

Ashe points to a large building in the distance. “A few factories have come over from Equestria, yes. Such as that one over there. However it costs them about the same amount for labor there as here, so there’s not much incentive for them to move financially.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Then why not just stay in Equestria? I mean... it can’t be cheap to ship materials here only the have to ship the finished product back there.”

Twilight taps the glass as she looks out at the factory. “I think I can answer that one. Back in Equestria some businesses open multiple factories across the continent to cut down on shipping their products. If they want to sell to the Griffon Kingdom it’s probably cheaper to build their products here with griffon labor than to ship them across the ocean. That and it cuts down on lead times for shops expecting orders.”

Ashe picks up where Twilight left off. “As to the ‘why’, there’s also a labor shortage in Equestria. Nothing major by any stretch of the imagination, of course. However, with the rising economy, more goods are needed to be able to meet demand.”

Gallus gestures to the citizens outside. “And the Griffon Kingdom is full of poor griffons that need the work.”

Natalya nods. “Exactly. And since they’re paid fairly, like Equestrians, they have money to buy quality food and other goods imported from Equestria and Abyssinia.”

Twilight appears surprised. “Abyssinia has a trade agreement with the Griffon Kingdom?”

Ashe nods. “Yes, it was signed about a month ago. My father wrote a letter telling me all about it.”

Natalya smiles. “Now more younglings are able to attend school in addition to getting medical care that would normally be out of their family’s reach.”

Gallus speaks as he looks out the window. “So it sounds like things are improving here.”

Ashe turns to him. “Slowly, yes.”

“Answer me this though. Is the griffon government actually willingly going along with all of this?”

“According to my father, yes. After all, they’re very interested in bringing in more money to our land.

Natalya sighs. “More income means more taxes for them to spend on the military though.”

Ashe looks to Natalya. “That is true, yes. However the wages are still outpacing the extra taxes. The government gets their cut while the citizen’s lives improve.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “All without them having to do anything more than sign the papers to let it happen. That’s tops in laziness even for them.”

Twilight sighs. “While I can’t condone much of what your country does in regards to public services, Natalya, I am happy to see that things are looking up for the citizens.”

“It’s going to take years to see the real changes though.”

Gallus nods soberly. “More educated younglings make for more skilled workers. More skills mean better pay. Better pay means they can care for their families and send their younglings to school. And the cycle will, continue.”

Ashe smiles. “Hopefully, yes. That and it’s also pushing up the wages of the other nearby factories.”

Natalya turns her gaze to Ashe. “Makes sense. After all, whom would stay at an employer that pays barely enough to live on when there’s better opportunities?”

“That and the workers whom are employed at the Equestrian factories work very hard for them. However I’m told they had some trouble at first.”

Twilight appears surprised. “Oh? What with?”

“Basic labor regulations. You see, breaks and lunch aren’t the norm here in the Griffon Kingdom. So when the buzzer went off a couple hours into the shift everyone just kinda thought it was a bug in the timeclock system and kept working until the plant manager called a meeting to explain things to them.”

They begin passing sidewalks filled with griffons of all ages. Twilight looks to Ashe.

“Should I be doing something?”

“They’d probably like seeing you wave at them.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, it would make for a bit of a boost for their morale.”

Twilight turns to look out the window next to her. Smiling, she waves a hoof and makes eye contact with as many citizens as she is able. Not taking her eyes off the crowd she calls out to the others.

“They look really happy.”

Natalya giggles. “I’ll say.”

Gallus grins. “Why wouldn’t they though? After all, they’re looking at the ruler of the nation whom helped them obtain basic needs.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But I didn’t have anything to do with the treaty. Remember, it was written and signed before my time.”

Ashe smiles. “True, Twilight. But you have to understand how these things work. You’re a physical representation of the power that gave them hope.”

Natalya sighs. “But remember that such things also go both ways.”

Gallus nods soberly. “They’ll also see anything negative from Equestria as being your fault.”

Twilight groans. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Sometime later the crowds thin and the carriage reaches the grounds of Lord Gestal’s estate. Passing through a large iron gate the carriage stops in front of the massive house. Twilight gasps as it comes into view.

“I’ve never seen a residence so large!”

Ashe puts a talon on her shoulder. “When you lead the nation you can afford such things.”

Gallus frowns. “Skimming off the top is certainly hard work.”

Natalya glares at him. “Gallus!”

Ashe snorts at Gallus. “My father is paid very well. There’s no reason for him to steal from anyone.”

“Maybe so. But how much is too much?”

Twilight steps between the pair. “Now, now. Let’s remember why we’re here.”

Ashe nods. “Right. The meeting.”

Natalya looks to her brother. “Please keep that kind of talk to yourself when inside, Gallus.”

“I’ll try. But no promises.”

Twilight sighs. “Please do. After all, we wouldn’t want them to change their minds about the treaty.”

Natalya motions toward the city beyond the gates. “Think of the younglings.”

Gallus groans. “Fine. I’ll keep my beak shut about this for the younglings.”

Meanwhile, Sereb looks to Arc.

“It would appear we are now in a secure location.”

“Agreed. But we’ll wait for the official word from Shining Armor before doing anything else.”

A short time later Shining Armor approaches Arc. Saluting, he speaks.

“The area is confirmed to be safe, sir. We are free to allow Princess Twilight to disembark now.”

“Good. Would you like to do the honors?”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Me, sir?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong with that?”

“I just thought... your relationship with... you know...”

“Fine. You escort Ashe, Gallus, and Natalya then.”

“Yes sir.”

Walking over to the carriage, Arc hops off Sereb, recalls his armor, and motions for them to open the door. Natalya does so and looks around nervously.

“Are we safe?”

Arc nods. “Perfectly.”

They disembark and step to one side as Arc helps Twilight down. Offering his arm, he leads her toward the base of the steps where Lord Gestal is waiting patiently. Stoically, he waits for Arc to speak.

“Lord Gestal, may I present to you Princess Twilight Sparkle. Newest Equestrian princess and current ruler of Equestria.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Good day, sir.”

She extends a hoof to Gestal whom takes it and shakes it as he speaks.

“Welcome to the Griffon Kingdom, your highness. I trust you had a pleasant flight?”

Shining Armor chimes in as he approaches with the others. “Begging your pardon, sir, but might we go inside? I worry about the princess’ safety.”

“Certainly. Right this way.”

Leading the group inside the resplendent entryway Gestal turns to his daughter.

“It is good to have you home, Ashe. Tell me, how are you getting along in Equestria?”

“Very well, father. Their culture absolutely fascinates me.”

“I am glad you are happy there, my dear.”

Looking to Arc, Gestal continues.

“I’ve ordered my chefs to fix a traditional Equestrian breakfast for all of you. We can chat before getting down to business afterwards.”

Ashe clears her throat loudly. “Father, perhaps Princess Twilight and her entourage would like a few minutes to freshen up first.”

“Certainly. I’ll have the servants escort them to one of the Guest Rooms.”

“No need, father. I’ll do it.”

“Very well, Ashe. And I shall check on the state of the meal.”

He turns to Twilight and bows at the neck before continuing.

“I look forward to our future conversations, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight nods. “So do I.”

Turning, they part ways. Ashe leads them up a grand staircase and down a wide corridor as Twilight turns to Arc.

“How am I doing?”

“Good. You’re being taken seriously by him.”

Ashe looks over her shoulder. “She’s talking just the right amount too.”

Natalya puts a talon on Twilight’s shoulder. “Like we told you the other day. Talk too much and you’ll be looked down on as naive. Too little and you’ll be looked upon with suspicion.”

Twilight sighs. “This is really complicated.”

Gallus shakes his head. “Yeah. But imagine having to live here and deal with it on a regular basis.”

Arc shudders. “It was all I could do to stomach this place as long as I did when I first came here.”

Arriving at a large double door Ashe motions with a wave of her talons.

“This is our finest Guest Room. I’m sure you’ll all be comfortable here.”

Twilight appears confused. “Comfortable? But your father sounded as if the meal was almost ready.”

Natalya sighs. “You have to think about it from the point of view of the nobles. They say that but actually mean that it’ll be at least another hour.”

Gallus scoffs. “No clue why they just don’t say that though.”

Shining Armor turns to his sister. “That will give you time to practice your griffon mannerisms.”

“I suppose it will.”

Natalya steps forward. “Gallus and I will help you.”

Gallus nods. “Sure. But I still don’t get why you’d want to learn this stuff.”

Ashe scoffs. “It’s to keep up appearances.”

Gallus groans. “That was sarcasm!”

Arc pushes the door open and motions for everyone to enter. “In any case, let’s get started.”

Ashe calls out from the corridor. “I’ll just head to my room to freshen up. See all of you at breakfast.”

She closes the door behind them and walks down a few corridors before coming to her own familiar room. Pushing the doors open she looks around and sighs.

“Home again.”

Walking over to her vanity, she sits down and looks herself over sadly.

“I never really noticed just how arrogant and vain I was before being confronted with nothing but hospitality and humility.”

A voice behind her rings out.

“Keeping up appearances?”

Surprised, she falls over backwards. Landing on the floor Ashe looks up to see a hooded figure standing over her. Extending a talon they help her up. Grinning she wraps her talons around them as they do the same.

“I’ve missed you, my love!”

“And I’ve missed you too.”

Ashe pulls back and looks into their mask. “Take that thing off and let me see you face to face!”

Nodding, the commander removes his mask to look Ashe in the eye. Tracing his face with a talon she batts her eyelashes.

“Much better.”

Leaning forward, Ashe begins licking his face as he reciprocates (presumably because kissing with hard beaks doesn’t really seem like it would work out). After a time he pulls back and looks Ashe in the eye.

“I really missed you.”

Ashe giggles. “As did I. Oh, but I have so much to tell you!”

“About your new position as a pony bureaucrat plant?”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Plant?”

The commander nods as he continues. “Of course. I mean, what other reason would you have for taking such a position in their government?”

“I... actually did it to learn about their land, customs, and ways of life.”

“Know thine enemy. Perfect planning!”

“It’s not that simple though.”

“Oh?”

“They... the Equestrians are... different from us.”

“Of course they are. They’re a different species, Ashe.”

“I’m not talking about the biological differences.”

“Explain.”

“They have a much more stable and fair government than we do. It allows their citizens to have rights and privileges that only the nobles here in the Griffon Kingdom enjoy.”

“Such as...?”

“Good quality food for the masses. Schooling for all regardless of income or social status. And the right to petition their rulers directly on any and all matters.”

“Sounds like what we’re trying to bring about here.”

Ashe nods. “It does, yes. My original plan was to learn how they did things over there so as to use Equestria as a template for our nation after the coup.”

“Very wise, yes. I knew you wouldn’t let us down.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Us?”

“The rebellion, of course. Some thought you had just taken the position as ambassador to enjoy a comfortable life abroad. After all, there aren’t really many griffons living in Equestria that would need to be represented.”

“That is certainly not the case.”

“Good. Now then, what have you come up with?”

“In regards to...?”

“Our next move.”

“Next move?”

“A princess of Equestria is just down the corridor, Ashe. We could take her prisoner easily.”

Ashe frowns. “How would that help us though?”

“It would make the government’s forces seem incompetent. Imagine it... a princess taken captive from within a residence as secure as this. It would show the nation that we’re capable of more than just simple antics while also hurting the image of the crown.”

“The princess is a kind and fair ruler though. I don’t want to see her harmed.”

“And she won’t be. We’d simply hold her for a time.”

“How long?”

“Long enough for the powers that be to look like fools. It could only help in the battle to bring about change.”

Ashe sighs. “Change. We were talking about that very subject at dinner last night.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve learned a lot since taking my position in Equestria. Their country’s orphanage was greatly expanded in order to care for our nation’s younglings.”

“Their small horses live with our younglings?”

Ashe nods. “They live, eat, sleep, play, and even learn together.”

“Learn? Do you mean some kind of indoctrination?”

“I’m talking about schooling... for everyone.”

“While that is commendable, what does it have to do with our plans?”

“Don’t you see? The younglings that come out of their programs will have grown up right. Morals and ethics instilled... full bellies... and minds that are filled with knowledge. Those that return here will tell what they have seen and experienced to the other griffons. They’ll be able to do jobs that their native counterparts can’t. And in doing so be able to give their families a proper life.”

“That does sound nice. For them.”

“But it goes so much further than that! Their own younglings will be able to attend school here, get an education, and grow up to be like their parents. They will then repeat the process over and over and over again!”

The commander grins. “Bringing the population’s situation from miserable to at the very least, tolerable.”

Ashe nods. “The nation will thrive naturally as our citizens become all they can be. And it will all have started thanks to Equestria taking in our orphaned younglings. So you see, that’s why we shouldn’t try to raise a talon against Princess Twilight or any other Equestrian official that comes here.”

“Yes... it could make them think twice about our current treaties.”

“Pass along the word to the others regarding this matter. Under no circumstances are they to act against Equestrian officials or visitors to this nation.”

“But this is still a perfect opportunity to show everyone that we’re more than just brigands!”

“I understand that. However I believe that the change we seek can be reached peacefully with Equestria’s help.”

“But that will take several generations! Our citizens are suffering NOW!”

“This is true, yes. However things are improving for them with the influx of new job opportunities.”

“For a few, yes. There are so many others whom need help though!”

“And it will come. Believe me.”

“When?!”

“In time!”

“Tell that to those whom are still eating slop, Ashe!”

“I know it’s not a perfect plan. But you have to understand...”

“I thought you were still on our side! That’s what I’ve been telling the others when they asked where you went!”

“And I am! But you need to trust the plan!”

“The ‘plan’ is unchanged! Bring about change for the masses at every opportunity! And you’re letting this one slip away!”

Ashe frowns. “My orders are as I previously stated! Everyone stays away from Twilight and her group! Do I make myself clear?!”

“Very.”

“Good! Now then, pass on the message and tell the others to be patient! Change is on its way!”

Nodding, the commander heads for the secret passageway. Stepping through, he closes it behind him and begins walking through the dimly lit corridor as he muses to himself.

“You may have forgotten our mission, Ashe, but I haven’t. I’ll show you the error of your ways. No matter what I have to do.”

Sometime later everyone gathers around the Dining Room table. Gestal pulls out a seat for his daughter as Shining Armor does the same for Twilight. Sitting, Gestal gestures to the servants at the door.

“Begin.”

Servants pushing carts step forward and begin going around the table. They set already assembled plates of food in front of everyone starting with Twilight. After all have been served additional servants emerge with platters of more food which is set on the table to allow for seconds. As their host nods toward the kitchen they retreat and close the door behind them. Gestal looks to Twilight before speaking.

“Please enjoy, your majesty.”

“Thank you, I believe I shall.”

Picking up a fork and knife with her magic Twilight cuts into her hash browns and takes a bite. As she does so Gestal along with Ashe, Natalya, and Gallus follow suit. Arc looks to Gestal.

“Thank you for having us again, sir.”

Gestal nods pleasantly. “The pleasure is all mine, Lord Arc.”

“Now then, I suppose introductions are in order.”

Arc looks around the table as he continues.

“The Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle.”

Gestal nods respectfully. “Your highness.”

“Her brother and protector during our stay, General Shining Armor.”

“Sir.”

“Natalya and Gallus.”

“Thank you for having us, sir.”

Gallus nods curtly but says nothing as Arc continues.

“They both work at our nation’s orphanage helping raise the foals and younglings whom live there.”

Gestal looks to the pair as he speaks. “A praiseworthy endeavor. I’m told that they are acclimating well to their new surroundings. Is that so?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. They and the foals are easily bonding.”

“Any problems?”

Gallus frowns. “Just educationally.”

“Oh?”

Twilight clears her throat. “Yes, Lord Gestal. Equestrian law states that all citizens and immigrants have the right to a proper education.”

Gestal nods. “Ashe reported this to me in an earlier report regarding the facility they are housed in. Although the name of it escapes me.”

Arc chimes in. “The Little Hooves Orphanage, sir.”

Ashe smiles. “Yes. I recorded all the pertinent data on it in my inspection report, father.”

“That you did, my dear. Although there were a few things I wanted to verify regarding the youngling’s treatment.”

Gestal turns to Twilight before continuing.

“Are you familiar with the facility, your highness?”

Twilight nods. “I am, yes. It’s in the town where I spent quite a bit of time before ascending to the throne. However Natalya, being a full-time employee of the orphanage, would be more qualified to answer your questions.”

“Very well.”

Looking to the female griffon, he continues.

“The report stated that the younglings were being segregated into an alternate class based on their species. Is this true?”

“They do have their own classroom designated for new arrivals, yes. However it is also shared by foals whom are very young. Too young to join the older foals in the other class.”

“And the younglings are limited to that class why exactly?”

“Having no previous formal education, the younglings need to first learn to read and write. A second teacher was hired whom specialized in early development. Miss Peachbottom is there to instruct them on basic reading, writing, and arithmetic.”

Gallus smirks. “She says that they have to learn to read so that they can then read to learn.”

Gestal continues his questions. “And have any griffon younglings advanced to the foal’s classroom?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. Three of them joined Miss Cheerilee’s class a few weeks ago.”

“And how does one prove they are ready?”

“A three-page test. A page each on the fundamental skills I mentioned earlier.”

“And whom writes the test?”

Twilight looks to Gestal. “The E.E.A., sir. Also known as the Equestrian Education Association. They see to it that everypony has the proper skills to move on from nursery school to primary education.”

Gestal raises an eyebrow. “A governmental society?”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Yes sir. The test is also completely blind to species and gender. A passing score is all that matters.”

Natalya smiles. “And I can personally attest to that, sir.”

Gallus leans back in his chair as he speaks. “The younglings whom have moved on were indeed ready to do so.”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “Orphan younglings advancing to higher education. An interesting concept to be sure.”

Arc turns to their host. “The teachers at the orphanage are very qualified for their jobs and have made education their lives’ work, sir.”

“I don’t doubt that, Lord Arc. However I was merely stating my surprise to hear that younglings from such low status could be effectively taught.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Has it ever been attempted before, sir?”

“Admittedly, no. Such was merely assumed in the past.”

Twilight grins. “We’re blazing new paths here in more ways than one. New treaties... new educational methods... and even a new ambassador.”

Ashe gestures to the princess with a wave of her talon. “And I’d like to thank Princess Twilight for allowing me to serve both of our nations in my current position as ambassador.”

“I see it as bridging the gap between our two races.”

Gestal smiles. “Indeed. Perhaps in time our nations will become even closer.”

Shining Armor appears surprised. “In what way, sir?”

“That’s something both of our nations would have to consider. We have a trade agreement as well as a peace treaty.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “What else could there be, sir?”

Gestal looks to Twilight. “Our king wanted me to broach the subject with you personally, princess.”

“Me, sir?”

“Yes, your highness. The next step is currently on our king’s mind.”

“And what would that entail?”

“He wanted to know your opinion on this very matter. What do you personally think should come next?”

“Honestly, I... really think we need to strengthen our respective relationships on the personal level.”

“What do you mean?”

Twilight gestures to Arc as she speaks. “My working relationship with Equestria’s Hero of Light is a very cordial one. It’s made possible due to the fact that he and I are both colleagues as well as friends.”

Ashe leans forward. “And that helps you work well together?”

Arc nods. “That it does. While I don’t actually answer to her or the other princesses, I still do my best to keep them appraised of my actions.”

Twilight smiles as she puts a hoof on Arc’s shoulder. “And we in turn have learned to trust his judgment.”

Shining Armor looks to their host as he speaks. “That trust was vital when he was called upon to serve as Lord Regent again, as the princesses focused on emotionally supporting one another during a rather trying time.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, we felt no apprehension leaving the fate of our country in his capable hands yet again.”

Arc turns to Ashe. “How do you feel about this opinion, Lady Ashe?”

“I too have been able to befriend Princess Twilight since becoming ambassador. It’s made working with Equestria an absolute breeze.”

Shining Armor nods. “I’d also like to point out that all four princesses are very close friends and have been for a long time.”

Natalya raises a talon. “Things work similarly at the Little Hooves Orphanage too.”

Gallus nods in agreement. “Everyone working there knows of and respects the positions of the others.”

Arc chuckles. “We’re all in a state of perpetual cooperation.”

Twilight giggles. “And friendship makes that all possible.”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “An interesting idea.”

“I’ve seen it in action personally, father. We can’t ignore the results of such a thing.”

“Agreed. I will personally report this conversation to King Guto after our business here today is concluded.”

Gestal turns to Twilight before continuing.

“Thank you, Princess Twilight. You’ve given us much to think about.”

Twilight smiles warmly. “I’m just glad I could be of service.”

Sometime later they finish their meal. Gestal stands and walks around the table to Twilight as the others follow suit.

“I hope the meal was to your liking, Princess Twilight.”

“Yes, it was very good.”

Ashe smiles. “Our chef never ceases to please.”

Arc attempts to move things along. “I can attest to that. However, I know that both Lord Gestal and Princess Twilight are very busy individuals.”

Natalya grimaces. “Yes. Perhaps it would be wise to begin the meeting to discuss the main reason for our visit.”

Twilight looks to their host. “Agreed.”

Gestal motions with a wave of his talons. “Very well. Let us move to a place with more conducive surroundings though.”

Leading Twilight and her entourage through the large double doors, Gestal shows them to his private study. As they enter, he turns to the servants outside.

“I will be having a private meeting with my guests. See to it that I am not disturbed for any reason.”

They nod silently as Gestal follows the others inside. Closing and locking the doors behind them he motions to several posh couches nearby.

“Everyone, please be seated.”

Arc leads Twilight over to a couch and sits down with her as Shining Armor joins his sister. Gallus, Natalya, and Ashe share another sofa as Gestal takes his place in a very plush looking armchair.

“Now then Princess Twilight, I read in the reports that you wish to bring charges against a Griffon Lord. Would you please state those charges now?”

Twilight nods and stands. Clearing her throat she begins to speak.

“I have come here to personally bring forth accusations of sexual misconduct between the Griffon Kingdom’s Lord Goldstone and a female unicorn messenger.”

“Tell me of this misconduct.”

Twilight gestures with a hoof. “Lord Arc personally interviewed the mare and a witness to the assault.”

“Very well. I will hear your claims.”

Twilight sits as Arc stands. Straightening his tunic he speaks.

“When I took possession of my base back in Equestria I was assigned guards as well as support staff. However, when I went over their records I found two that stood out as being very strange.”

“Strange in what way?”

“Both the mare and a stallion guard were very highly regarded and recommended for their positions. They had never been in any kind of trouble, save for a single incident.”

“Oh?”

“The pair had spent time in Canterlot Castle’s dungeon on the orders of then Captain of the Royal Guard Decimus.

“On what charges?”

“Offending the representative from the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “That warrants a trip to the dungeons?”

Shining Armor chimes in. “Forgive me for interrupting, but the Captain of the Royal Guard has sweeping authority over the castle and those inside of it. Moreso when it comes to international relations, sir.”

Arc continues. “Upon discovering this, I immediately sent for both of them in an effort to get to the bottom of the matter. After all, it wouldn’t do to have troublemakers in my base. However when I spoke to them the truth came out.”

Gestal nods. “They confessed to their wrongdoings?”

“Quite the opposite, sir. The mare in question had been tasked with delivering a message to Lord Goldstone one evening regarding his audience times with the princesses. However when the mare entered his quarters she was attacked.”

“By Lord Goldstone you mean?”

“She told me as such, yes.”

Ashe frowns. “Forgive me, Lord Arc, but was there any other evidence of this act?”

“Yes. A lone guard on patrol heard the muffled cries and looked through the keyhole. He reported that he witnessed Lord Goldstone holding a talon over the mare’s mouth as he carried her toward the bed. Rushing inside, the guard confronted him and removed the mare from the room. He and the mare were summarily arrested and thrown in the dungeon for the remainder of the representative’s visit. After which they were dismissed from the castle pending new assignments.”

Twilight picks up where Arc left off. “Which apparently led them to what Decimus thought to be an out of the way backwater post.”

Arc nods. “My base.”

Gestal nods stoically. “Do you have any physical proof of this act, Lord Arc?”

“I do. A recording of the act via the memories of the stallion in question.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Um... what, sir?”

Gallus shrugs. “I don’t get it either, sis.”

Twilight looks to their host. “Equestrian engineers have developed a device which can take personal memories and display them on a screen for all to see via specialized crystals which the subject holds while they concentrate.”

“A very interesting idea. And I mean no disrespect, but I’d have to see such a thing to believe it.”

Arc stands. “Very well, sir.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out the device.

“Foreseeing your desire for evidence, I made sure to bring it along. May I set this up, Lord Gestal?”

“Please do.”

Arc, with Twilight’s help, sets up the memory device. Pulling a portable screen from his ring he extends the pole and pulls down the screen before turning to Natalya and Gallus.

“Perhaps you two should leave the room. After all, this is rather graphic.”

Shining Armor nods. “Agreed. For the privacy of the victims, I would also like to step outside the room as well.”

Natalya stands. “Understood.”

Gallus shrugs. “Okay.”

The trio heads for the doors together. As they leave Arc relocks the door behind them before turning to Twilight.

“Is it ready?”

“Yes. I just need the crystal recording.”

Reaching for his ring Arc pulls the crystal out and gives it to Twilight. Turning toward Gestal she holds it up before speaking again.

“The memories of that night were recorded within this crystal for posterity. May I play it for you?”

Gestal nods. “Please do.”

Ashe stands and turns off the lights as Twilight loads the crystal in the machine, presses a few buttons, and sits back down. The screen displays the interior of Canterlot Castle from the point of view of Flash Sentry. Muffled voices come from a nearby door. Slowly walking over to it the scene shifts to the view through the keyhole. A squirming mare is seen being roughly carried toward the bed for but a moment before the stallion bursts through the door. Goldstone whirls around with the mare still in his talons. Tears stream from her wide eyes as she continues to struggle.

“WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?!”

Goldstone frowns. “What the...? Who are...?!”

Flash Sentry points a hoof. “RELEASE THAT MARE!”

Goldstone smugly runs a talon from Raven’s chest down to just below her belly button. “But I’m about to give her the time of her life.”

Flash Sentry stomps a hoof. “Do it now! I won’t ask again!”

Angrily, Goldstone roughly pushes Raven into a dresser. An audible smack rings out as her face hits the wood. Falling to the floor she quickly crawls toward the furthest corner as Goldstone storms toward the guard before him.

“Do you have any idea whom I am, grunt?!”

“No I do not, sir! However it appears that you were accosting that mare!”

Goldstone grins slyly. “She was enjoying it!”

“That’s not how it looked to me!”

Goldstone turns to walk toward Raven again.” Then give it a few minutes. I’ll even let you watch.”

Lunging forward, Flash Sentry pushes past the griffon to position himself between her and the errant lord.

“I cannot allow you to touch this mare again, sir!”

Goldstone sneers. “You can’t ALLOW me to do something?! I’ll have you know that your commanding officer could have your head on a plate for this!”

“Do what you will! But I won’t let you have her!”

The pair stare each other down for a few moments before Flash Sentry turns and calls out to Raven.

“Can you stand?”

Raven wordlessly nods and sniffles as blood mixed with snot drips from her nose. Cautiously walking toward the stallion, she cowers behind him as he leads her toward the door. The sound of Goldstone calling out after them echoes through the otherwise empty corridors.

“Your career is over, grunt! Do you hear me?! IT’S OVER!!!”

The sounds of Raven sobbing are heard as they slowly walk down the dimly lit corridor together. Flash Sentry’s voice rings out.

“Your safe now, miss. I won’t let him near you again.”

Arc turns off the machine as Twilight turns on the lights. Turning to Lord Gestal they are surprised to see his talons cutting deeply into the armrests of his chair. A look a pure rage on his face. He turns to Arc angrily.

“When did this happen?!”

“Shortly before I took up the mantle of the Hero of Light. Roughly two years ago.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Princess Luna and Princess Cadance have been working very hard to file the proper paperwork to bring these charges against Lord Goldstone since Arc personally brought the matter to their attention.”

Ashe frowns. “And there were right to do so!”

Gestal clenches a talon. “Agreed!”

Standing, Gestal begins pacing the floor angrily.

“I can’t believe Goldstone would stoop so low! It’s common knowledge that he’s been known to frequently have females visit his private residence! However I had no idea he would stoop to rape!”

“We need to do something about this, father!”

Twilight appears hopeful. “But what?”

Gestal groans. “The treaty with Equestria is clear about extradition in cases such as this.”

Arc smirks. “So could we take Goldstone back to Equestria in order to stand trial?”

Gestal sighs. “Sadly, it’s not that simple.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Lord Gestal?”

Ashe steps forward. “What my father means is that as a member of the Council of Lords, Goldstone is fully immune to prosecution.”

Arc clenches a fist. “So he’s untouchable?!”

Gestal shakes his head. “Not completely, no. There are provisions in our laws to deal with such things. However they have never been used.”

Twilight frowns. “Can you walk us through this then, sir?”

“First I would have to bring the complaint before all four members of the Council of Lords. I would tell them of the charges, present the fact that there is compelling evidence to support it, and make a motion for a vote of impeachment.”

“He would then lose all powers as a lord effective immediately, right father?”

“Not quite, Ashe. Impeachment alone does nothing. He would then be called by King Guto to stand trial.”

Arc sighs. “But what judge would convict such a powerful figure?!”

“None most likely. That is why the king himself must preside over the trial as the judge. At that time you would be permitted to bring the charges before King Guto.”

Ashe puts a talon to his forehead. “That’s assuming it goes that far.”

Twilight appears confused. “What do you mean, Ashe?”

“Lord Adalbert and Lord Weller would both have to vote to impeach Goldstone for it to go to the king.”

Gestal groans. “And we all have a long history together. It would be like disowning a close and personal friend.”

Arc looks to Gestal. “Do you think they would listen to reason?”

“Perhaps. After all, my own testimony of what I’ve seen here today may be enough for them to side with me.”

“Could we also plead our case before the Council of Lords, sir?”

Gestal shakes his head. “No. Such matters require a closed-door meeting along with a unanimous vote.”

Arc grins wickedly. “And if you’re successful then it goes to the king immediately?”

“As soon as possible, yes.”

Ashe gasps. “But an audience could take weeks or even months to schedule, father!”

“Not likely, my dear. Such serious accusations would warrant his immediate attention. It would be a few days at most.”

Arc appears hopeful. “And could we attend?”

Gestal nods. “It would be required as per our laws. The victim, or authorized third-party, must make the accusations personally while the accused, the king, and the nobles look on.”

Twilight frowns. “Nobles, sir?”

“Such a high-profile case would require many witnesses present to verify the legitimacy and fairness of the trail.”

Ashe shrugs. “Friends of the accused mostly.”

Gestal nods. “Any noble may attend. But yes, we are familiar with most of them.”

Arc frowns. “And what about the king?”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Lord Arc?”

“I’m asking if the Council of Lords is on friendly terms with King Guto.”

“Yes we are, Lord Arc.”

Twilight sighs. “Then wouldn’t him presiding over the case be a conflict of interest?”

Ashe nods matter-of-factly. “It certainly would be, yes. However there’s nothing that can be done about that. Remember, he’s the only one whom holds a higher rank than a lord.”

Gestal frowns. “Anyone else could be forced to find him ‘not guilty’ due to political pressure. That is why the law states that the king must personally be the judge of such an event.”

Arc shakes his head. “While I admit that it isn’t the most sound idea, it appears that we have no choice in the matter.”

“When will you bring the charges forward, father?”

“When the council reconvenes in three days. It will be the first order of business I bring forward and will take priority over all other matters until concluded.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Thank you, sir. Might we be allowed to remain in the Griffon Kingdom during this time? We would be willing to remain aboard our ship in the meantime as to avoid causing undue trouble regarding your city’s security forces.”

Gestal nods. “Yes indeed, Princess Twilight. However I will give orders allowing you to have an escort anywhere in Griffonstone that you wish to go.”

“Agreed, father. It would be unfair to our guests to be forced to be sequestered away aboard their ship while they wait.”

Arc smiles. “We will be sure to properly coordinate with your city’s security forces before leaving our vessel, of course.”

Gestal smiles at Arc. “Thank you. We do not want any harm to come to either the princess, yourself, or any of your entourage.”

“I will remain with them in my official capacity until this matter is concluded as well, father. Should Princess Twilight decide to leave the ship, I will see to it that she is properly escorted, safe, and adequately represented.”

“Very good, Ashe. I officially give you authority to call for whatever security measures you deem necessary to see that task through.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “I’d recommend speaking to General Shining Armor about that, Lady Ashe.

“My own thoughts exactly, Lord Arc. His instructions in regard to security will be relayed to the proper authorities by me personally.”

Twilight turns to Gestal. “It would appear that we’ve done all we can in this matter for the time being.”

“Yes, Princess Twilight. However I have a bit of a favor to ask of you.”

“A favor, sir?”

“Yes. As sensitive a matter as this is, I request that you do not speak to anyone else regarding what was said here today. At least until the case is forwarded to the king.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Agreed, Lord Gestal. After all, it wouldn’t do our nations’ relationship any good for him to hear about it from rumors and hearsay before it comes via official channels.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

He stands and walks over to Twilight before continuing.

“Now then, on behalf of the Griffon Kingdom please accept my personal apologies for this heinous act against one of your citizens. It was inexcusable, disgusting, and unbecoming a lord.”

“Thank you for taking this matter so seriously, sir. We look forward to seeing it brought to a fair and just conclusion.”

Ashe nods soberly. “As do I. “

Gestal frowns. “The Council of Lords cannot allow such a thing by one of our own to go unpunished. We will do our part to see that justice is meted out as quickly as possible.”

Arc looks to Gestal as they all stand. “Is there anything we can do to help in the meantime, sir?”

“Simply keeping your airship in our Skyport with Princess Twilight aboard will do.”

Twilight appears surprised. “With me?”

Gestal nods. “It will show the king the seriousness by which you view this matter, your highness. Believe me when I say that he is very interested in creating and maintaining strong ties with Equestria.”

“That’s actually up to Arc. After all, the ship is his.”

“It’s fine with me. And I’ll personally stay too in solidarity.”

Ashe turns to her father. “Everything appears to be settled then.”

“Yes, indeed. And I must say that I am very impressed with how you Equestrians carry yourselves.”

Twilight appears confused. “Sir?”

“From what I’ve seen, you, Princess Luna, Lord Arc, and Ambassador Ashe all seem to work well together. Everything is calmly talked through with the end goal clearly in mind over one of you trying to stand out over the others.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It stems from us all being on the same page, sir.”

Twilight nods. “And the fact that we are able to see things from the other’s points of view.”

“I will speak to the king this very day regarding this high level of cooperation among all of you. Rest assured that he will be very interested to know more of your ways.”

Twilight smiles. “And we’d be happy to talk to him on this matter as well.”

Arc gestures to the door. “Right. However we should probably let you get to the Aviary then, Lord Gestal.”

Gestal nods. “Indeed. In any case, the security forces that ferried you here will now return you to your ship under heavy guard. Soldiers will be stationed around the ship night and day to assure safety for all of you. Ashe will be in command of them but may defer to General Shining Armor at will.”

“I won’t let you down, father.”

Twilight stomps a hoof. “None of us will.”

Arc nods soberly as he picks up the memory crystal and looks it over. “Agreed. All of us are going to see this thing all the way through. To... the... end.”

Chapter 4 - Rest and Responsibilities

Arc and company leave the study together to rejoin Shining Armor, Gallus, and Natalya in the corridor. Gestal turns to Twilight and extends a talon.

“Again I apologize for this matter, your highness. Rest assured that I shall do all in my power to see to it justice is served.”

“Thank you, Lord Gestal.”

Arc turns to Shining Armor. “We should return to the ship so that Princess Twilight can notify Canterlot.”

Shining Armor salutes. “Yes sir.”

Ashe looks to her father. “I’m sorry that I have to leave so soon. However, duty calls.”

Gestal smiles at her. “Such is the life of a civil servant, Ashe. Do what you must.”

Shining Armor leads the way down the corridor with Gestal as the others follow. Natalya turns to Twilight.

“Are you all right, your highness?”

Twilight appears confused. “Huh?”

Gallus looks her over. “Natalya’s right, Princess Twilight. You do look a bit flushed.

Shining Armor stops and turns around. “Princess?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead. “I’m fine. Just a bit... tired, I think.”

Arc holds up his gauntlet. “Shall I open a portal back to the ship?”

“No, no. I’d... like to take the carriage again.”

Gestal smiles. “I am glad you enjoyed the ride, your majesty.”

Arc chuckles. “Must have.”

Twilight nods. “It wasn’t so much the act of riding, but the sight of the populace.”

Natalya grins. “They did appear happy to see you, princess.”

Gallus shrugs. “I’ll say. If the guards hadn’t intervened a time or two, they might have stormed the carriage.”

Gestal frowns. “That cannot be allowed. I shall personally speak to the guards before you leave, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “It’s fine, Lord Gestal. They did their jobs very well, after all.”

Coming to the Main Hall, Gestal steps back to allow Arc’s squad to surround her. She turns to him and bows her head respectfully.

“Thank you for your time, Lord Gestal.”

“It was a pleasure, Princess Twilight. And I hope you enjoy your stay in our land.”

Nodding, Twilight turns and allows the guards to lead her out the door. Passing the rest of the soldiers they form a perimeter around their ward and safely escort her to the carriage. Arc motions for Sereb to join him and mounts his steed. Sereb looks over to the carriage as Ashe enters last.

“Can I assume that your meeting was successful, Arc?”

“On this end, yes. But whether or not Lord Gestal will be able to do anything about it is another matter entirely.”

Sereb growls lightly. “Perhaps we will have to make... alternative arrangements?”

Arc frowns. “No, Sereb.”

“Covertly?”

“I think you’ve been hanging around Ember a bit too long.”

“Perhaps her thoughts and opinions are rubbing off on me. Is that a bad thing?”

“Not really. Well, at least as long as you don’t try to act on them.”

“I shall try to restrain myself.”

A short time later Arc spies the guards at the front of the procession beginning to move. Looking down at Sereb he speaks.

“You about ready to go?”

“I am, yes. Are we going to maintain our position behind the others?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

“Considering the ride over I thought you may have liked to ride in front of the carriage to enjoy some of the accolades.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not much for that sort of thing.”

Sereb smirks as he begins walking. “But you are certainly worthy of it.”

“Twilight’s the real celebrity here.”

“Many spoke her name on the way here, yes. However nearly as many uttered yours as well.”

“Not sure why.”

“You too are a hero to the public, my friend. They spoke of the upturn in this nation’s economy as well as the younglings you took to Equestria.”

“What kind of things about the younglings?”

“How you were right to take them off the streets and give them a home.”

Arc sounds relieved. “Ah! Good.”

“What else would they say?”

“At the time I was kinda worried they would think I was kidnapping them, or something.”

“Oh?”

“I mean... younglings are loaded onto a ship which then flies west. And none of them are ever seen or heard from again.”

“Such a thing does sound nefarious when you put it like that, Arc.”

“You and I know that they’re fine, of course. However the citizens just have to take our word for it.”

“And Lady Ashe’s reports as well.”

“Not sure if those ever went public.”

“It would stand to reason that they did.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though?”

“To reassure the public of the treaty. “

Arc sighs. “I suppose they could have spun it to be something they came up with.”

“It was spun, yes. However probably not in the way you think, Arc.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw a poster on a billboard which made reference to the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

“Such as?”

“My apologies, but I only saw it out of the corner of my eye as we were passing.”

Arc looks around. “Where was it?”

“On a bulletin board just before we turned onto the road that led to the mansion. We passed it a few moments ago sadly.”

“I’ll have to remember that.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it he calls out.

“Arc here.”

Shining Armor cries out anxiously. “Sir, I just spoke to Ashe via the intercom! Apparently there’s something wrong with Twilight!”

“Elaborate!”

“She reports the Twilight is sweating profusely, is complaining of a headache, feels cold, and is reportedly nauseous!”

“Tell the guards to double time it to the ship! I’ll alert Nurse Redheart to prepare the Infirmary!”

“Yes sir!”

A short time later the carriage stops in front of the gangplank. Sereb rushes over to the door with Arc whom jumps out of the saddle. Motioning for his squad to stand aside as the door opens he hops inside. Spying Twilight lying on the bench with Gallus and Natalya flapping their wings over her he quickly opens a portal behind him, picks up Twilight, and runs through it. Natalya, Gallus, and Ashe step out of the carriage as the portal closes and turn to Shining Armor whom is approaching them and calling out for answers.

“What happened?!”

Natalya grimaces. “I don’t know! “

Gallus shrugs. “One minute she was fine. The next...”

Ashe cuts in. “It just seemed to hit her all at once!”

Shining Armor grits his teeth. “Let’s get to the Infirmary!”

Running toward the ship they hurry up the gangplank as Ashe stops and turns to the rather confused guards.

“Secure the carriage! Griffon infantry, you will forget you saw any of this!”

Saluting her, she reciprocates before following the others into The Equinox. Meeting them at the Infirmary, Ashe spies Arc tearing Twilight’s dress off as Redheart quickly begins examining her.

“Thank you, sir. I’m not much for taking those things off myself.”

Twilight looks around, confused. “Where... am I?”

Redheart speaks as she works. “The ship’s Infirmary, your highness.”

Arc pats her fetlock. “Just let the nurse examine you, Twilight. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

He turns to the others before continuing.

“I need to know exactly what happened.”

Ashe shrugs. “It’s a mystery.”

Gallus nods soberly. “Like I said earlier, it just seemed to hit her all at once.”

Arc looks to the medic. “Should we try to figure out what happened here on in the corridor, Nurse Redheart?”

Redheart does not look up from her instruments. “Here’s fine. I’ll listen in.”

Twilight sits up. “Me too.”

Arc pushes her back down. “Lay still, Twilight.”

She grumbles as Shining Armor looks to the others.

“Let’s talk through it.”

Arc nods. “Right. What happened after the carriage door closed?”

Natalya puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... it started moving sometime later. But Twilight appeared to be just fine.”

Twilight nods. “I felt okay then, yes.”

Ashe turns to Shining Armor. “She seemed a bit off to me about the time we turned onto the main road though.”

“Off in what way?”

“Just... a bit fidgety.”

Gallus sighs. “I saw it too, but just figured her dress was uncomfortable, or something.”

Twilight groans. “It kinda is.

She looks to the tatters of the dress strewn on the floor nearby before continuing.

“Well... was, that is.”

Natalya waves a talon to demonstrate. “She started doing this at the crowd again when they saw the carriage. Like she did on the way there.”

Redheart looks to Twilight. “Any symptoms at that time, your highness?”

Twilight shakes her head. “None.”

Arc frowns. “Could it have been some kind of poison?”

Shining Armor gasps. “From the food?”

Redheart shrugs. “Possibly. However, one would think that an alicorn’s body could handle pretty much anything they ate.”

Ashe folds her talons over her chest defensively. “It’s not likely. All my father’s staff are heavily vetted and the head chef has been with us since I was a youngling.”

Natalya gasps. “Could it have been a servant?”

Gallus grunts as he puts a talon to his belly instinctively. “They could have poisoned all of us!”

Arc shakes his head. “Possible, but not likely. Were that the case we’d all be having symptoms by now.”

Ashe nods. “As would the chef.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow, confused. “The chef?”

“He heavily samples every dish as he’s plating it. Says it’s to make extra sure it’s fit for a lord.”

Natalya sighs. “That would have left just the time between plating and when the food was brought out.”

Arc looks to Shining Armor. “Someone certainly would have seen something.”

“Unless all the staff were in on it.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Not likely.”

Arc turns to Gallus. “Oh?”

“I’m sure you’ve already noticed this, sir. But it’s almost impossible to get griffons to work together.”

Natalya nods soberly. “He’s right. Everyone would have wanted to be in charge. Do the planning... and the deed.”

Gallus narrows his eyes as he looks to Ashe. “Unless they DID have a leader!”

Ashe gasps. “What?!”

“You could have ordered them to work together to put some special ‘seasonings’ on the princesses’ plate!”

Shining Armor frowns. “Ambassador?”

Ashe shakes her head vehemently. “No! I would never...!”

Gallus interrupts her. “Or maybe her father did it!”

Natalya glares at him. “Gallus! That is Lord Gestal you’re talking about!”

“Even you can’t deny that it’s not impossible though, sis!”

Arc sighs. “But it is unlikely.”

Shining Armor appears surprised. “Arc?”

Arc gestures to Ashe as he speaks. “Think about it. Would he risk having poisoned food on the very table he and his own daughter were eating on?”

Natalya puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “That does make sense. After all, it is common knowledge throughout the land just how much Lady Ashe means to Lord Gestal.”

Gallus looks to Ashe suspiciously. “But that doesn’t prove neither of them didn’t do it either!”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s fetlock. “True. But I don’t believe Ashe or her father were responsible for this. After all, poisoning an alicorn is nearly impossible as it stands.”

Redheart chimes in. “That’s true. One of the few things we know about them is the fact that their bodies can neutralize such things quicker than it takes to start feeling sick. Even if Princess Twilight had been drinking pure poison, she should have been fine.”

Twilight looks to the ambassador. “Right. I believe Ashe when she says that it wasn’t her or her father.”

Gallus gestures to the bed. “Well, SOMETHING really powerful put you in that bed, your highness!”

Redheart nods as she looks to Twilight. “That is true, yes. However, I think I may have just solved our little mystery.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “What is it, Nurse Redheart?”

“Not just yet, princess. First, I need to know a few things.”

“Oh?”

“First off... how do you feel right now?”

“Just fine actually.”

“No symptoms whatsoever?”

“Right. Can I get up now?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Stay where you are, Twilight.”

Redheart continues. “Next, can you tell us when exactly your symptoms started.”

Twilight points a hoof. “Gallus said...”

Redheart interrupts her. “No, your highness. I meant that I wanted to know when YOU first noticed the symptoms.”

“Oh, well... it was about halfway down the main road.”

“I see. And can you tell me what the conversation was about?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Conversation?”

“Right.”

“I wasn’t talking. Just smiling and waving.”

Natalya nods. “That’s correct. Gallus and I were talking though.”

Redheart turns to her. “Elaborate.”

“Well... I remember commenting about the crowd having swelled since we had passed that morning.”

Gallus picks up where his sister stopped. “And I pointed out that the original crowd had probably told everyone they knew whom had just passed in Lord Gestal’s carriage.”

Twilight smiles. “I do remember that, yes.”

Natalya scratches her head. “Then I said something to the effect that I recognized some of the faces from the other side of the street.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Other side?”

Gallus nods. “Right. Princess Twilight waved to the west side of the street on the way to Lord Gestal’s manor. However on the way back she was visible to those on the east side of the street since we were traveling in the opposite direction.”

Redheart looks to Ashe. “Anything else you can add to this, ambassador?”

“I remember that I made a comment about the citizens not being able to get enough of seeing Princess Twilight.”

Natalya frowns. “And that’s when I noticed that something wasn’t right with Twilight.”

Gallus sighs. “We helped her lay down, but then she started sweating really bad.”

Ashe nods soberly. “Both Gallus and Natalya started fanning her with their wings as I called the general on the radio.”

Shining Armor turns to Arc. “And I immediately notified you, sir.”

“Right. Then I ordered the procession to speed up to get us here faster.”

Redheart nods. “And that led you to my Infirmary.”

Twilight sighs. “Your prognosis, Nurse Redheart?

“It would appear that Princess Twilight has been the victim of acute mental overload.”

Shining Armor frowns. “A what?”

Redheart looks down at her patient. “She had what is commonly known as a panic attack.”

Arc frowns. “Twilight?”

Twilight sighs. “I think she’s right.”

Redheart nods as she goes over her notes. “All her symptoms and vitals point to it, yes. While it’s possible that I could be wrong, the fact that it passed when she was removed from the situation that led to this...”

Ashe interrupts her. “Wait a moment, nurse! Are you saying that Twilight froze up from a public appearance?!”

“It would appear so, yes.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin and frowns. “I’m a bit skeptical of that myself. After all, Twilight wrote to Cadance and I in the Crystal Empire that she was doing regular public appearances just like Princess Celestia did in the past.”

Ashe nods. “I can confirm that, as she invited me on them several times.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Any problems back then?”

“None at all.”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “I... think I may know what happened.”

Redheart gasps. “Your highness?”

“It was mentioned that the public couldn’t get enough of seeing me. That kinda got me thinking just how much I’m being watched here. Scrutinized even.”

Shining Armor frowns. “But you must know that such things happen in Equestria too, Twilight.”

“True. But here the pressure is much greater. If I mess up my first diplomatic appearance it’ll be remembered for years to come.”

Ashe nods soberly. “There’s more to it than that though isn’t there, Twilight?”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “What do you...?”

Ashe interrupts her. “Every day you hold audiences to hear the cases of some of the nation’s biggest whiners. While I admit that most of those whom come before you have legitimate concerns, some of them simply need to learn to just work through an issue themselves.”

Gallus frowns. “Let me guess. The nobles?”

Twilight sighs. “Right.”

Arc looks down at his friend. “Was this a problem in Equestria?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at all. I mean, I did have stress, of course. But it was certainly manageable.”

Ashe turns to Twilight. “Could it have been the carriage itself?”

Natalya puts a talon to her chin. “Sensory deprivation.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Sensory... what now?”

Shining Armor steps forward. “Deprivation. The carriage is heavily armored and soundproof.”

Arc nods. “So you felt cut off from those waving, Twilight? “

“Something like that. After all, the royal carriage back in Equestria is open-air. The citizens frantically waving at me, calling out, and even flying to try and get a glimpse over those in front of them... and I couldn’t hear even a bit of it.”

She turns to Redheart before continuing.

“What do I do though? I can’t back out of this because I’m scared.”

“I recommend ditching the carriage if at all possible and walking.”

Twilight giggles lightly. “The exercise would be nice.”

Shining Armor frowns. “That would be a massive breach of security though.”

Ashe nods soberly. “Yes. Anything could happen to her.”

Arc snaps his fingers as an idea comes to him. “What about using the carriage from Equestria though?”

Natalya frowns. “But didn’t Twilight say that it’s open air?”

Shining Armor nods. “That it is. No protection whatsoever from anything. Not even the elements.”

Gallus groans. “Well, we can’t just let her freak out every time she goes somewhere.”

Ashe looks to her friend. “What do you think, Twilight?”

“That I’d feel much better in the other carriage.”

Redheart shakes her head. “But it’s back in Equestria, your highness.”

Arc chuckles. “I can take a portal back and get it.”

Shining Armor turns to his sister. “It’s still not advised.”

Twilight frowns. “Well, I say it’s worth the risk! After all, I do want to have the trust of the public here! And I can’t really do that while hiding behind such protections!”

Arc turns to Natalya. “What if my squad formed a perimeter around her?”

“That would help with security. The guards could stay close so as to be able to rush in and save her if something came up.”

Twilight groans. “But then nopony would be able to clearly see me.”

Shining Armor sighs. “And we’d be unable to quickly ferry you to safety should something come up, Twilight.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “What about your steed?”

“Sereb?”

“She could ride him. That would allow the public to see Twilight and give her a way to escape if need be.”

Natalya grins. “And he has heightened senses as well.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin. “It would help, yes. But would he agree to it?”

Twilight shakes her head. “He and I don’t have a Life Pact.”

Arc shrugs. “I could ride behind you in the saddle, Twilight. Then Sereb wouldn’t complain.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. We’ve done it that way in the past.”

Natalya smiles. “It sounds like we may have a plan.”

Gallus turns to Redheart. “What do you think, nurse?”

“Plausible, yes. However I’d recommend some warmer raiments for both of you. Sitting does little to keep one warm. Even on short trips.”

Shining Armor nods. “I could contact the tailor back in Canterlot to make something for them.”

Arc shrugs. “Now all that’s left are your discharge orders, Redheart.”

Twilight appears confused. “Discharge?”

Natalya giggles. “Well, you ARE lying in a hospital bed, Twilight.”

Redheart nods. “You should rest for the remainder of the day, your highness.”

Twilight groans. “Very well. I have quite a bit of paperwork to...”

Redheart interrupts her. “I said that you need to rest, Princess Twilight. That means no work.”

“But I...!”

Arc chimes in. “Now, Twilight... Nurse Redheart knows what she’s doing.”

Shining Armor nods. “Right. After all, you’ve been going at it pretty hard for a while now.”

Natalya sighs. “Everyone needs a break sometimes.”

Gallus looks out the window. “And we’re going to get busy here soon.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’d be willing to keep you company today, Twilight.”

“You would?”

“Sure.”

“But don’t you have more important things to worry about than me resting?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at the moment, no.”

Redheart turns to Arc. “Remember, the princess should have absolute rest and relaxation, sir. No stress if at all possible.”

“I’ll try to keep the conversations to pleasant things.”

Twilight groans. “Can I be released then?”

Redheart nods. “Very well, your highness. But please, for the sake of your own health as well as the needs of the country, rest well.”

“I will.”

Shining Armor motions to the door. “Why don’t you take Twilight back to her room then, Arc? I’ll see to it you two aren’t disturbed.”

Twilight frowns. “Unless absolutely necessary, right? I mean... if something comes up...”

Ashe holds up a talon. “We can handle it ourselves.”

Natalya nods. “Right. You just rest, Twilight.”

Gallus smirks. “Enjoy your day off. You probably don’t get many as a royal.”

Twilight giggles. “Alright, I will.”

Arc turns to Redheart. “Any other instructions?”

“Come back if the symptoms worsen or new ones crop up. Other than that, please just try to relax.”

Twilight nods as Arc helps her down from the bed. Turning to Shining Armor, she smiles.

“Would you please escort me back to my room, brother?”

Shining Armor smiles and nods. “Of course, Twily.”

Arc follows her toward the door as Ashe calls out.

“I’ll see to helping secure the area with the general.”

Arc looks back. “Thank you, Ashe.”

Natalya raises a talon. “Gallus and I will help as well.”

“We will?”

“Yes... we will.”

Walking down the corridor, Shining Armor motions for the guards to allow them entrance to the room. As Twilight enters, Shining Armor puts a hoof on Arc’s arm, pulls him momentarily aside, and lowers his voice.

“Take good care of her, sir.”

Nodding, Arc walks into the room and closes the door behind him. Turning to Twilight he motions to the bed.

“Let’s get you lying down.”

Twilight sighs. “Very well.”

Hopping up onto the bed, she lies down and rests her head on the pillow. Arc walks over and carefully removes her crown before setting it on the nightstand next to her. Pulling the covers over her he smiles.

“Comfy?”

Twilight nods. “I guess so.”

“Something I can do to help with that?”

“Actually, yes.”

“And what would that be?”

“I need someone to give me an honest opinion about something.”

Arc chuckles. “While I’ll certainly try, I also have to admit that I’m a bit biased.”

“What do you think I should do about the whole panic attack thing?”

“Honestly, I think you should be in the armored carriage, Twilight.”

Twilight frowns. “But why?!”

“Hey now, remember that you were the one whom asked for my opinion.”

“I suppose I did, yes. Then please tell me why you think I should be cut off from everypony else?”

“For your own safety, for starters.”

“But I can’t be killed!”

“Just because an alicorn can regenerate doesn’t mean they can’t die, Twilight.”

“What do you mean?”

Arc sighs. “The princesses don’t seem to age. Their bodies regenerate faster than time can affect them. That and I’ve seen Princess Cadance recover from a serious puncture wound right before my eyes.”

“But doesn’t that just prove my point, Arc?”

“Quite the opposite. All it means is that you can’t be killed by traditional methods.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What other methods could be used?”

“What if your body was destroyed?”

“Destroyed?”

Arc nods. “All at once, I mean.”

“How?”

“Some sort of massive explosion. Something along the lines of an event which makes things cease to exist.”

Twilight frowns. “But things like that don’t actually exist, Arc.”

“They do back on Earth.”

“Oh?”

“We call them nuclear weapons. They make a massive explosion which makes things closest to its target, for all intents and purposes, cease to exist.”

Twilight shudders. “At least it would be quick. But I don’t think anypony here in the Griffon Kingdom would have such a thing, Arc.”

“True, yes. However I was just pointing out that I do believe death to be possible for an alicorn.”

He puts a hand on her cheek before continuing.

“And I don’t want to lose you, Twilight.”

Twilight smiles up at him. “I understand that, Arc. And feel the same way about you too. You may not have the regenerative abilities of an alicorn, but you’re well protected within your armor. Still, I can’t help but worry about your personal safety when you go out on a mission.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“But you never said anything about this before.”

Twilight sighs. “Of course not. After all, what kind of a mare would I be if I tried to stop you from doing that which you enjoyed?”

“Wait! You think that I like doing what I do?”

“You mean you don’t?”

Arc sighs. “I usually do, yes. However I’m just trying to make the world safer before I retire. Not to have fun.”

“And I just want to help others in any way that I can.”

They chuckle together slightly before Twilight continues.

“You’ve also never tried to stop me from carrying out my duties, Arc.”

Arc nods. “We both have jobs to do, yes.”

“And we have to do that to the best of our abilities.”

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“You don’t want to ride Sereb, do you?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, I really don’t.”

“What is it that you want then?”

“To treat my public appearances here in the Griffon Kingdom the same way I do back home in Equestria. In the open air while I smile and wave.”

“But...!”

Twilight interrupts him. “While I know it’s a risk, I really feel that I need to do things like that to remember whom I really am inside.”

Arc appears confused. “Who you are?”

“A servant of the public. Like the other three princesses are. They don’t lord their positions over other, nor do they treat anypony with contempt due to the difference in the stations.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I always found that attitude refreshing.”

“And I think that’s part of the reason Star-swirl the Bearded made the princesses unaging.”

“Why’s that?”

“To see to it that nopony is ever born into a crown. Princess Celestia and Luna were raised in an orphanage. Cadance was found and brought up by Princess Celestia in Canterlot. And I was educated with the rest of the citizens before taking personal lessons for a long time.”

“You all started out just like everyone else.”

Twilight nods. “Just like you did, Arc.”

“Me?”

“Yes. You were born to normal parents whom raised you like any other human would. You came to Equestria suddenly and without a way home. However you were able to make do with your situation as it stood and made a living in Ponyville doing odd jobs for a time. And when your exploits were noticed by the proper individuals you were elevated to a much higher position.”

“As you were.”

Twilight smiles. “Right. So you see, we’re all the same, Arc. We were meant to be in these positions to help lead the country. And we all need to do our very best in all that we do.”

Arc sighs. “Such as you riding in the open-air chariot?”

“Yes, Arc.”

“But...!”

“Arc, I believe it to be the correct choice. Please support me in my decision.”

There is a long silence as the pair stare at one another wordlessly. Eventually Arc nods slightly and speaks.

“Fine. But I want to be by your side the entire time.”

Twilight grins. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

“You mean...?”

“Just because I believe it to be the right choice doesn’t mean I don’t want your protection, Arc.”

“I’ll do my very best for you.”

Twilight smiles. “I know you will, Arc.”

“But you’ll need to be at your best for tomorrow.”

“I... suppose I will, yes. Did you have something in mind to help me with that, Arc?”

“Why don’t we start you off with a nap, Twilight?”

“Well, admittedly I am rather tired after our meeting. However...”

She wrings her hooves and looks down nervously.

“...I’d... rather do something else first.”

“What is it?”

“Well... now feel free to say ‘no’ to this, but... would you please... bathe with me?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want to take a shower with me?”

Twilight shakes her head. “This room has an actual bathtub installed. Princess Luna said this room was meant to be a relaxing place where one could collect their thoughts. So... would you like to do so?”

“I would actually. But I do have one condition though.”

“Oh?”

“That you rest while I fill the tub and get things ready.”

Twilight appears confused. “Get things ready? All you have to do is get the water going.”

“Trust me, Twilight. There’s more.”

“Well... alright. I’ll lay down and rest.”

“Good. I’ll try to be quick.”

Heading for the bathroom, Arc closes the door behind him. Twilight lays down on the bed and muses to herself as she waits. Sometime later the door opens and Arc sticks his head out.

“Twilight?”

Twilight raises her head. “Are you ready for me?”

Arc nods. “I am, yes. May I carry you?”

Twilight giggles. “Please do.”

Walking over to the bed, Arc leans over and carefully picks Twilight up. Looking down at her he whispers in her ear.

“Close your eyes.”

“Arc?”

“I have a surprise for you. Just keep them closed until I tell you to open them.”

Doing as she is told, Twilight shuts her eyes. Walking over to the bathroom Arc slowly lowers Twilight into the large tub of warm water. She sighs contentedly as he steps back.

“This feels wonderful! Can I open my eyes now though?”

Arc chuckles. “One second.”

The sound of the door closing rings out. A few moments later the sounds of soft classical music begin to play. A slight plop-plop and fizz-fizz precedes a floral scent filling the air as Arc turns to Twilight.

“Are you ready for me to get in?”

Twilight nods. “I am, yes.”

Removing his royal raiments, Arc drapes them over a nearby rack before walking over to the tub. Gently pushing Twilight forward he sits down behind her and pulls the mare into his lap. Turning her around to face him he speaks.

“Alright, Twilight. Go ahead and open your eyes.”

Doing so, she gasps and looks around. The curtains are closed completely and the lights are turned off. A large number of strategically placed candles adorn the room and cast a warm glow as a record player sitting on a table nearby plays music. Looking at the water she sees it is a light shade of purple.

“Arc?! But... what’s all this?!”

He puts a hand under her chin as she turns to face him again. “The results of my planning.”

“You... you planned all this?!”

Arc nods. “The ambiance, yes. However the timing was uncertain until a short time ago. I hope you like it.”

“Like it? I love it!”

“That’s good.”

“But why?”

Arc sighs. “It came to me during a conversation I had with the others a while back.”

Twilight appears confused. “Our friends?”

“Right. A couple times it’s been pointed out that you and I can’t really go out on a date due to my schedule and your job ruling the nation. That and our time together has been severely limited as of late.”

Arc motions to their surroundings before continuing.

“I wanted to give you a bit of a respite when the time was right. Spend some time with you in the tub. Maybe even bond a bit.”

Twilight smiles. “Well, I thank you for this, Arc. It’s wonderful and oh so romantic.”

“Glad you like it.”

“Perfect ambiance, perfect music, perfect mood, and a perfect position to hold me in.”

Arc strokes her cheek and smiles. “Only the best for the princess.”

Twilight giggles. “Thank you, kind sir.”

“Now then, why don’t you rest your head on my shoulder and just enjoy this?”

“Yes, I shall.”

Doing as Arc suggested, Twilight presses her body against his as she rests her chin on his shoulder. Putting his arms around her, Arc slowly begins stroking her mane as he whispers in her ear.

“Just let yourself go limp. I’ve got you.”

Nodding, Twilight does so. Arc continues stroking her mane and moves to her back. Rocking her back and forth ever so slightly as he does so she soon falls asleep. Smiling as he looks down at his special friend, he whispers.

“Rest well, Twilight. You’ve certainly earned it.”

Chapter 5 - Tedious Talks

Sometime later Twilight slowly raises her head. Looking around, clearly confused, she gazes up at Arc as he pats her cheek.

“Have a nice nap?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead. “How... how long was I out?”

“A couple hours.”

“What?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong with that?”

“I’m so sorry, Arc! You must’ve been so bored!”

“Not really, no. In fact, at one point I lay my own head back and just kinda zoned out petting you.”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Sorry that my mane isn’t the softest.”

“I think it’s fine.”

“Um... Arc, I...”

A chirp rings out from Arc’s earring. Frowning, he touches it.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’ve just spotted a very strange looking carriage coming toward the ship.”

“ETA?”

“One minute, sir.”

“Any advanced word from the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Nothing through official or civilian channels, no.”

Twilight grimaces nervously. “The guards outside will stop them though, right?”

Arc nods at Twilight. “They will if they follow their orders. However we should still evaluate this situation as it unfolds.”

Clearing his throat, he speaks again.

Lemon Hearts, have General Shining Armor take some of our guards stationed outside the ship, along with Ambassador Ashe, and confront this newcomer. I’ll head over there myself in a few minutes.”

“Yes sir. What level of force is authorized?”

“I’ll leave that up to the general. Arc out.”

Touching his earring Arc severs the connection. Sighing, he looks down at Twilight.

“Sorry. Looks like our time together is being cut short again.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Yes. You go do what you have to.”

Arc wraps his arms around her and pulls her close. Whispering in her ear he smiles.

“Thank you for your time, princess.”

Twilight giggles as a small smile spreads across her face. “I did enjoy the nap though. Thank you for holding me as well.”

Arc chuckles as he stands with her in his arms. “We’ll have to do this again soon.”

Setting her down on a nearby mat, Arc pulls a towel off of a nearby shelf and wraps it around Twilight’s shoulders. Taking a second one, he begins drying himself before quickly dressing in his royal raiments again. Hurrying toward the door he turns and calls out as he leaves.

“Want me to call for your Hoof Maidens?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I can manage.”

Nodding, Arc leaves the bathroom and opens the door to the corridor. As he does so an alarm klaxon goes off. All the soldiers draw their weapons and stand at attention. Arc frowns as his earring chirps again.

“Lemon Hearts here, sir! We have a confirmed red alert situation outside the ship!”

Arc calls forth his armor and frowns. “Details!”

“None as of yet! The guards outside have engaged whomever was in that carriage and called out the alarm!”

“I’ll head out there and see what’s going on! Arc out!”

Turning to the guards he calls out.

“All of you will defend Princess Twilight with your lives until I return!”

They salute as one as Arc turns and hurries down the corridor. Calling forth the Spear of Righteousness as he approaches the Main Hatch Arc frowns.

“Goldstone must’ve gotten wind of what we’re trying to do to him.”

Running across the deck and down the gangplank Arc spies a group of pony soldiers pointing their spears at the griffons hitched up to a very bizarre looking carriage. Turning his head Arc spies several more griffon guards holding someone to the ground face down. Shining Armor is yelling at them.

“WHO ARE YOU?!”

The griffon says nothing as he continues.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!”

Arc walks over to Shining Armor. “Um... excuse me, general.”

“Don’t worry, sir! We’ve got this under control!”

“Have they said anything?”

“Not yet, sir!”

“General, I get the feeling this isn’t what it looks like.”

Shining Armor points a hoof at the scene before them. “This carriage drove up, completely ignoring the guard’s orders to stop, and when our forces pulled them from the vehicle they tried to get away! There is clearly something nefarious going on here, sir!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well, I think you may have overlooked something.”

“This individual is clearly...!”

Ashe flies over from the ship breathlessly.

“Sorry I’m late! What...?!”

Arc interrupts her. “Do you smell something, general?”

Shining Armor sniffs the air. “Actually, yes. Could it be...?”

Arc facepalms. “Yes. It would appear that your captive has urinated themselves.”

Ashe frowns. “Captive?! But this is a youngling!”

Shining Armor nods matter-of-factly. “He could still be dangerous!”

Arc kneels down and turns the youngling’s face toward himself. “You mean ‘she’, general.”

“How can you tell from that... uh... end, sir?”

“The eyelashes are more pronounced on a female griffon.”

“Regardless of their sex they still violated the security of The Equinox!”

Shining Armor points a hoof at the griffon entourage pulling the carriage before continuing.

“And they also refused to answer any questions!”

Ashe rolls her eyes and groans. “That’s because it’s against the law for griffons pulling a carriage to speak unless absolutely necessary!”

Arc sighs as he motions to the spears that the guards have aimed at the griffons. “Yes, I can see how they would want to keep quiet at a time like this.”

Ashe turns to the ensemble. “I’m Lady Ashe, the Griffon Kingdom’s ambassador to Equestria. What is the meaning of this intrusion?”

The head of the griffons speaks. “We simply drove the mistress where she told us to, ma’am.”

“You did you job well then. However you must’ve known this was a secure area due to the heavy guard presence.”

“Yes, ambassador.”

Shining Armor grits his teeth at this. “Then why did you come here?! You had to have known that such could have resulted in your imprisonment!”

The griffon points to the youngling. “Because it would have been worth it to get away from the mistress!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... that seems a bit extreme.”

Ashe groans. “We’re not getting anywhere here, Lord Arc. Might I suggest taking the youngling into protective custody?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “That would be a severe breach of the ship’s security though!”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose it would be. But our only other option would be to let her lie here in her own...”

Shining Armor interrupts. “But she could be here to hurt the princess!”

Ashe scoffs. “A youngling?”

“The security of Princess Twilight is my main concern!”

Arc sighs. “Fine, general. Restrain the youngling and have some guards take her aboard.”

Ashe motions for two griffon soldiers to grab the youngling. Doing so, Arc motions to the ship.

“Take her to the Infirmary and see to it Redheart looks her over at once.”

Shining Armor calls out after the guards. “She is to be guarded and restrained at all times though!”

He turns to Arc and salutes before following the guards toward the ship.

“I’ll personally watch her until we get to the bottom of this mess, sir.”

Arc nods. “Very well, general. She’s all yours.”

Ashe frowns as she calls out after Shining Armor. “This youngling is still owed griffon counsel!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Agreed. However I’d rather she speaks to someone else before you take her statement, Ashe.”

“Who though?”

“Gallus.”

“Why him?”

“He’s got a knack for talking to younglings.”

“That’s because he’s not yet fully grown.”

Arc shrugs as they follow the procession into The Equinox. “Then we need to use that to our advantage here.”

Looking to a stallion, he continues.

“Hold the carriage and the griffon’s that are pulling it until we figure out what’s going on here.”

They wordlessly salute as Arc continues on toward The Equinox. A short time later they arrive at the Infirmary with the prisoners. Shining Armor watches closely as the guards strap her wrists and ankles to a bed. Redheart walks over and looks to Arc.

“What happened here, sir?”

“This griffon violated the perimeter and had to be taken down. I need you to make sure she’s going to be okay.”

Turning to Ashe, Arc continues.

“Would you please bring Gallus here? I want him around in case she wakes up.”

Ashe nods. “Sure.”

As she leaves the room Redheart begins her examination. Part way through, Ashe returns with Gallus. Arc walks over to him as the guards maintain their vigil. Gallus is the first to speak.

“You wanted to see me, sir?”

“I did, yes. A young female griffon refused to respect the perimeter and had to be stopped by the guards.”

Gallus looks behind Arc at the obscured bed. “Defined ‘stopped’, sir.”

“Admittedly it would appear that the guards used a bit more force than was actually necessary, as she’s unconscious.”

Redheart calls out from the bed. “She appears to be relatively unharmed though.”

Gallus looks back to Arc. “So what did you need of me, sir?”

“Since you did so well with the other younglings, I was hoping you could help us interview her when she wakes up.”

Ashe nods. “All you have to do is be the first one she sees when she comes around.”

“I suppose I could do that.”

Arc steps aside. “Thank you. Go ahead and approach the bed.”

Shining Armor motions to the guards. They back away slowly as Gallus approaches. However as the youngling comes into view he gasps.

“It... it CAN’T BE!”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Do you know this individual?”

Gallus nods as he groans. “It’s my little sister, Gabby.”

Arc frowns. “Your sister?!”

Shining Armor turns to Gallus. “Any reason she’d want to come here?!”

“Yes. She’s obsessed with Equestria and its customs.”

Ashe facepalms. “Are you saying that she only wanted to see ponies?”

“Probably.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about the rough treatment she received.”

Gallus waves a talon dismissively. “Don’t be. She probably deserved it.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Gabby’s always been one to act before thinking. Doing whatever it takes to get what she wants.”

Ashe frowns. “Not sure if that’s an admirable trait or not.”

Gallus shakes his head. “Believe me, it’s not.”

“Oh?”

“Once she gets an idea in her head there’s just no getting it out of her. Like one time when she found out that griffons come from eggs, she took all the breakfast eggs out of the refrigerator and tried to hatch them under a warm lamp. Then she freaked out when they rotted and started to smell bad.”

The youngling begins to stir. Opening her eyes she looks over at Gallus. Grinning sheepishly, she calls out to him.

“Um... hi?”

Gallus glares down at her. “Yeah, ‘hi’ yourself, Gabby.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Are you serious?!”

Ashe steps forward. “Miss, I’m Ambassador Ashe. A representative for the Griffon Kingdom. I’m sorry for the rough treatment the guards gave you earlier. However...”

Gabby cuts her off. “Treatment?”

Ashe nods. “You must’ve been very frightened. After all, you appear to have wet yourself during your apprehension.”

“I actually did that earlier!”

Gallus gasps. “How?!”

“When I saw the pony guards, I... I got a bit excited and just lost control.”

Gallus facepalms. “Why am I not surprised?”

Ashe frowns. “You don’t remember being pinned to the ground during your arrest, miss?”

“No. But I do remember getting light headed and passing out when the pony guards charged forward. They just looked so... so COOL!”

Redheart looks over. “My findings do corroborate that theory. No concussions or other blows to the head were evident.”

Gallus frowns. “Yeah well... what’s the story this time, Gabby?”

“I just wanted to see a princess!”

Ashe folds her talons over her chest. “This is a secure vessel under the jurisdiction of Equestria. No one can just approach it without the proper clearance.”

“I know! But I was kinda hoping I might just see a royal through the windows!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “They’re tinted though.”

Gabby appears confused. “Tinted?”

Gallus points to a window. “It means you can’t look from the outside in!”

Gabby appears suddenly impressed. “HOW?!”

Gallus groans. “I don’t know! It’s just something Equestria does to its windows on airships, I guess!”

“Can we find out?!”

Shining Armor steps forward. “This ship is not a...!”

Gabby gasps. “A pony!”

Tugging at her restraints, she continues to call out.

“What’s your name?! When’d you get here?! Where’d you get your armor?! Why’d you come to our country?! How do you...?!”

Gallus cries out. “Gabby!”

“What is it?!”

“Look, you do realize you’re in a lot of trouble here, right?”

“For what?”

Ashe facepalms. “This isn’t getting us anywhere.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Any idea’s, Lord Arc?”

Gabby gasps as she turns her head. “Lord Arc’s here too?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Yes. But how didn’t you notice me until now?”

Gallus sighs. “Like I told you, sir. She only focuses on whatever’s right in front of her.”

Gabby frowns. “DO NOT!”

Gallus picks up an instrument from a nearby tray. Turning back to Gabby he speaks.

“Hey, Gabby. Did you know Equestrians have magical tools like this?”

Gabby grins. “They do?! What are they made of?! Who makes them?! How is it used?! Are they expensive?!”

Redheart raises an eyebrow. “That’s for checking reflexes. It’s just normal rubber, miss.”

Gabby frowns at her brother. “Gallus!”

Gallus shrugs as he sets down the tool. “I rest my case.”

Arc sighs. “In any case, I suppose we can release her bonds now.”

He motions to Shining Armor. The stallion steps forward and removes the binds holding the young griffon to the bed. She looks hopeful as she speaks.

Gabby looks to Ashe. “Can I see the ship now?!”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “Didn’t I say that this is a secure ship just a few moments ago?!”

Gabby shrugs. “I dunno. Did you?”

Arc sighs. “Pretty sure she did, yes.”

Gabby gasps. “I believe you, Lord Arc!”

Gallus shakes his head. “Good. Because you’re going home right now!”

“WHAT?!”

“I’m going to get Natalya and together we’re going to make sure that you...!”

“Can’t I stay?!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No! Princess Twilight needs...!”

Gabby bursts into fresh exclamations. “So she IS here!”

Arc sighs as he turns to Gallus. “Just go get your sister.”

“Alright. Be right back.”

As he leaves the room, Arc turns to Shining Armor.

“Have some griffon soldiers help Natalya and Gallus take their sibling home. I’ll report to Twilight what going on.”

Shining Armor salutes as Arc turns and walks out of the room. Stepping down the corridor he motions for the guards to stand aside. Doing so they allow him entrance. Finding Twilight sitting on the couch nervously he closes the door and walks quickly over to her.

“Sorry for taking so long. Everything’s more or less resolved now.”

“What happened?”

“A youngling tried to get aboard.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “All that trouble over one youngling?”

Arc nods. “She refused to stop when ordered to and had to be taken into custody.”

“Oh my!”

“The surprising part was that she’s actually Gallus and Natalya’s younger sister.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Then why is she being forced to leave?”

“To maintain the security of the vessel.”

“But I would have thought she’d be welcome to stay with her siblings.”

Arc groans. “Believe me, Twilight, this youngling has the energy of a hyperactive rabbit on a sugar rush.”

“Oh?”

“She talks a mile a minute, doesn’t really listen or pay attention to that which is around her, and just thinks she can go wherever she wants.”

“What’s her name?”

“Gabby. And she certainly earns it.”

“I wouldn’t mind her sticking around.”

“Having someone like her around isn’t good for your mental health right now.”

“But...”

Arc interrupts her. “Trust me on this one, Twilight. You need to be able to get all the rest you can while we wait for our time to come.”

Twilight sighs. “Fine. I just wish I could have met her.”

“Twilight?”

“Other than Natalya, Gallus, and Ashe, I haven’t met any other griffons.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, personable ones anyway.”

“Maybe she could have helped me understand the brighter, youngling side of their society. I mean... she has to be able to sit still for at least a few minutes, right?”

“Imagine Pinkie Pie as a griffon.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “That really is hyperactive!”

“Right.”

“Well, if she comes back, I would like the opportunity to at least meet her.”

“Very well, Twilight. I’ll pass that along to the others. But are you alright?”

Twilight rubs her forehead. “I am a bit tired. However that’s normal.”

“How so?”

“This is about the time that morning audiences end and I get a break. Usually I quickly eat and take a short nap.”

Arc looks at a nearby clock. “Lunch and a nap does sound good about now. Want some company for that?”

Twilight nods. “I would like to eat with the others, yes.”

“Shall we head to the Cafeteria then?”

Twilight stands and nods. “Yes. Just let me brush my mane and tail first.”

Arc chuckles. “I would have thought you’d have done that already.”

“Well, I didn’t think I would be leaving my room again so soon.”

Sometime later Twilight finishes making herself look presentable. Walking over to the door, Arc opens it and leads Twilight outside to the corridor. Making the walk downstairs to their destination they find Shining Armor and Ashe sitting at a table eating together. Arc motions for the guards to return to their posts as the enter the Cafeteria together. The pair stands as they approach. Shining Armor is the first to speak.

“Hey Twilight.”

Ashe smiles at her. “Shall we get you something to eat?”

Twilight shakes her head. “A servant will do that.”

She motions to one standing near the kitchen door. He quickly approaches, bows, and looks Twilight in the eye.

“Yes, Princess Twilight.”

“I’m ready for lunch.”

“What would you like to eat, your highness?”

“Just whatever Saffron has made for others. No need to make a special dish for me.”

“Right away, your highness.”

He hurries away as Arc turns to Twilight.

“Are you really okay?”

“I am, yes.”

Ashe appears skeptical. “Are you certain? After all, you were in quite the state not that long ago.”

Twilight giggles as she glances over to Arc. “All I needed was a bit of rest and relaxation. With a good friend.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “And that helped... stabilize you?”

Twilight nods. “That it did.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’ll try to stay by your side as much as possible then while we’re here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Thank you, Arc. That is appreciated.”

A short time later Saffron emerges from the Kitchen with a plate of salad for Twilight.

“Here you are, your highness. Your favorite.”

Twilight smiles. “How did you know I would be coming though?”

Shining Armor rolls his eyes. “Um... you had to come here eventually for lunch, Twilight.”

“Oh... right.”

Saffron turns to Arc as she levitates a large silver platter over to the table. “And I have something special for you and Ambassador Ashe, sir.”

Uncovering the platter she exposes two perfectly cooked steaks. Arc grins.

“That looks great!”

Ashe nods nervously. “I agree. But we really shouldn’t be eating things like this in front of the princess.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “No, no. I told Saffron to make you two meat dishes as required by your diets.”

Arc smirks. “That was very kind of you, Twilight.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, this is appreciated.”

Shining Armor grimaces slightly at the sight of the red liquid pooled around the meat. “I... agree.”

Saffron turns to him. “Are you ready for lunch as well, general?”

“Not... right now, no.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks and begins cutting his meat.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’ve just received a message from Lord Gestal of the Council of Lords. Shall I tell it to you here or transfer this to your office?”

Arc takes a bite. “Here’s fine.”

Lemon Hearts continues. “Lord Gestal sends his greetings and wishes you and Princess Twilight to know that he has spoken to King Guto regarding Equestrian methodology.”

Twilight appears suddenly nervous. “I hope we didn’t offend him or his king.”

“Quite the opposite, your highness. He’s asked to be allowed to come see her royal majesty regarding a certain request from the king.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Lord Gestal didn’t say any more than that, I’m afraid.”

Shining Armor frowns. “When does he want to come?”

“As soon as possible, general.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “What do you think?”

“More talking won’t hurt anything. That and Lord Gestal’s always been fair with me.”

Ashe nods. “He is known among the aristocracy for being the glue that holds the Council of Lords together.”

Twilight looks to the earring and speaks. “Send a response telling Lord Gestal that he is welcome here anytime.”

“Yes, Princess Twilight.”

Arc calls out. “Let us know his response as soon as possible too.”

“I’ll see to it, sir.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc cuts the feed and turns to Twilight.

“Now then... back to our meal.”

Twilight smiles as she levitates a fork to her mouth. “Uh huh.”

A few minutes later Arc’s earring chirps again. Frowning, he touches it.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. Forgive me for disturbing you again, but we’ve just received a response from Lord Gestal.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Already?”

Shining Armor appears impressed. “That was fast.”

Ashe smiles. “What was the message?”

“That he will come at once.”

Twilight gasps. “So he’s on his way?!”

“Yes, Princess Twilight.”

Arc groans as he stands, picks up his plate, and hands it to a servant nearby. “I’ll have to take a rain check on this.”

Ashe sighs as she pushes back her own dish. “Indeed.”

The servant calls out after them. “I’ll have them put them in the refrigerator.”

Shining Armor looks to his sister as they hurry down the corridor. “We need to get you back to your room, Twilight. I’ll call for the Hoof Maidens.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Here we go again.”

Arc points. “I’ll go meet him on deck.”

Ashe smiles understandingly. “We’ll try to slow him down.”

Shining Armor appears relieved. “Thanks. The Hoof Maiden’s work fast, but not that fast.”

Parting ways, Shining Armor and Twilight go one direction as Arc and Ashe go the other. He turns to her as they walk.

“Any idea what this could be about, Ashe?”

“Not a clue. But whatever it is comes directly from the king.”

“What makes you say that?”

“As far as griffon manners go, it’s rather bad form to invite oneself to another’s residence. Less so as this is a foreign royal.”

“So you think the king told him to do this?”

Ashe nods. “I guarantee it.”

Arriving at the Main Hatch, the pair exit and make their way across the deck. Coming to the gangplank the stop and wait. It doesn’t take long for them to spy a carriage approaching the ship. Ashe calls out loudly.

“ARRIVING LORD! MAKE WAY!”

The soldiers comply and form ranks as the carriage nears. Stopping at the bottom of the gangplank, the door opens and Lord Gestal steps out. Arc moves to advance and call out to him but Ashe grabs his arm as she hisses in his ear.

“It’s proper for us to wait for him to come to us.”

“What about security?”

Ashe frowns. “We watch his back and he watches ours.”

“Handy.”

Ascending the gangplank, Gestal extends a talon to Arc.

“Thank you for seeing me so quickly, Lord Arc.”

Arc smiles as they shake. “It’s no trouble, Lord Gestal.”

Ashe motions to the ship. “Why don’t we head inside though, father? Security, and all that.”

Arc nods and gestures to the Main Hatch. “Indeed. This way please, sir.”

Entering the ship, Arc closes the hatch behind them. Turning to Gestal, he speaks.

“Welcome aboard The Equinox. Can we offer you a drink or light snack, sir?”

Gestal shakes his head. “Thank you, but no. My king has given me a task that must be completed as soon as possible.”

“What is it, father?”

“Forgive me, Ashe, but I cannot divulge that at this time.”

Gestal turns to Arc before continuing.

“My king’s personal wishes in addition to expediency.”

“I understand your position, Lord Gestal. However, Princess Twilight is currently readying herself to see you.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, father. One cannot rush beauty.”

“I... suppose not.”

Arc gestures down the corridor. “Then why don’t we have a seat in the Observation Lounge while we wait?”

“Yes, father. It gives a very nice view of the city.”

Gestal nods. “Very well.”

Leading her father down the corridor, Arc stays behind and touches his earring.

“Arc to Shining Armor.”

“Shining Armor here, sir.”

“Lord Gestal has arrived and is heading to the Observation Lounge. How are things coming with Twilight?”

“I’ll check, sir. One moment.”

The sound of knocking rings out along with a door opening. A few hushed moments later Shining Armor responds.

“Twilight will be ready in just a few moments actually. Shall we meet you at the Observation Lounge, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And quickly too. For some reason Lord Gestal appears to be in a hurry. That’s something I’ve never seen from him before.”

“Yes sir. I’ll escort her there personally.”

“Good. And leave the guards behind too. This upcoming conversation could have sensitive information divulged.”

“I’ll have them continue guarding her quarters then.”

“Good. We’ll see you in a bit. Arc out.”

Turning, Arc heads to the Observation Lounge. Spying Gestal and Ashe sitting together at a table he joins them. Sitting, Arc turns to Gestal.

“Princess Twilight will be here shortly.”

Gestal nods stoically. “Thank you, Lord Arc. Again, I apologize for the timing and lack of notice.”

“This must be quite important for you to go to all these lengths, father.”

“It is indeed, Ashe. However, I cannot say any more until Princess Twilight arrives.”

A short time later Twilight and Shining Armor walk quickly into the room. Gestal stands along with Ashe and Arc. He bows respectfully as she extends a hoof to him cordially.

“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, your highness.”

Twilight smiles. “It’s no problem, sir. What you have to say must be very urgent, after all.”

Gestal nods. “It is, yes.”

Shining Armor gestures to the table. “Why don’t we all sit down?”

They do so. Twilight looks to Gestal as she speaks.

“I’ll hear you now.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

Clearing his throat, Gestal continues.

“As I informed you earlier today, I planned to report your statement to King Guto regarding Equestrian culture.”

Arc smiles nervously. “And he was upset?”

Gestal shakes his head. “Quite the opposite actually. The king was very interested in such things.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “And you wished to inform Princess Twilight of this... development?”

“Yes. However I was also ordered to pass on a message.”

Ashe gasps. “From the king, father?!”

“Indeed. He wanted to officially request that Equestria send one of its princesses to meet with him regarding an exchange of cultural knowledge”.

Arc appears confused. “Meaning that we tell him about how our land does things?”

Gestal nods. “Exactly, Lord Arc. However I’d like to point out that, from our point of view, your nation already has someone in its midst that fills such a role for Equestria.”

He gestures to his daughter before continuing.

“Ashe.”

“Me, father?!”

“You are present in Canterlot Castle to advise Equestria regarding matters involving the Griffon Kingdom and its customs. King Guto simply wants to expand on his own knowledge as it pertains to Equestria.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... I’m not sure how much help I could be to him in this regard. However I would be willing to have a meeting with your king at his earliest convenience.”

Gestal smiles nervously. “Forgive me, Princess Twilight, but our king actually had a different idea in mind.”

“Oh?”

“He wished to speak to Princess Luna.”

Shining Armor frowns. “But she’s not here.”

“I understand that. However, our ruler expressed a great interest in meeting specifically with her.”

Arc looks to Gestal. “Why Princess Luna though, if I may ask?”

“Apparently she had an intense impact on his perception of equines when the two met for the signing of the treaty some time ago.”

He turns to Twilight before continuing.

“Please do not take this as a slight against you though, your highness.”

Twilight smiles. “None taken. And I have to admit, Luna would be the better choice for this due to her years of experience ruling.”

Gestal bows his head, clearly relieved. “Thank you for understanding, your highness. It will be a standing invitation, but King Guto did ask that she come as soon as possible.”

Shining Armor groans. “Princess Luna is very busy ruling Equestria though. She can’t just get up and leave at the drop of a hat.”

“We should give them time to speak to her, father. Perhaps some headway could be made in that regard.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I will contact her immediately and ask for a potential timetable.”

Gestal again appears apprehensive. “Again I must beg your forgiveness, Princess Twilight, but I did tell our king about Lord Arc’s ability to travel via portals over long distances.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Why would that require an apology though, sir?”

“King Guto wanted me to pass on a dinner invitation to Princess Luna.”

“That is still not cause for...”

Gestal continues. “For tonight.”

Arc frowns. “It’s very short notice, sir.”

“And again I apologize. However, my king was very interested in seeing your Princess Luna again.”

Twilight stands. “I will call her immediately then.”

Arc rises as well. “Would you like to use the phone in my office, Twilight?”

“Yes, please.”

She turns to Gestal before continuing.

“In the meantime I shall leave you two in the care of General Shining Armor.”

Ashe smiles. “Yes, Princess Twilight.”

Gestal nods. “I shall wait patiently for your return, your highness.”

Arc motions for Twilight to follow him. Ashe looks to her father as they leave.

“What is the king thinking?!”

Gestal shrugs. “That is unknown to me, Ashe. He did seem rather apathetic to much of my report.”

Shining Armor looks to the lord. “Might I ask when that changed?”

“When I suggested we might learn more from contact with another Equestrian.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “While Princess Luna is indeed the logical choice for such a thing, might I ask what exactly they will talk about?”

“I can only assume it will be in regards to diplomacy, trade, and Equestrian cultural norms.”

Ashe frowns. “There must be more to it than that though.”

“He did act a bit... strange at the treaty signing admittedly. However, it may have just been due to the situation before him.”

Shining Armor clears his throat. “Well, I do hope we can learn from one another. Remember, Equestria is a place of freedom and happiness. I’d very much like to see those things rub off on the king.”

Gestal smiles. “As would I, general. As would I.”

Twilight and Arc return a short time later. They approach Gestal together as Twilight speaks.

“Princess Luna would be delighted to meet with King Guto, Lord Gestal.”

Gestal appears hopeful. “Did she mention a date and time frame?”

Arc nods. “This evening after supper would work for her.”

“How about FOR supper?”

Twilight gasps. “With the king?!”

Gestal nods. “I know he would approve, your highness. Meals and meetings are his favorite combination, after all.”

Arc chuckles. “Then that will be the plan.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Forgive me, Lord Gestal, but I’ll need to verify the security of the Dining Room before tonight.”

Gestal shakes his head. “The king would not approve of such things.”

Twilight appears confused. “Sir?”

“He’s a bit... paranoid about the Aviary’s security. Letting outsiders study it would certainly lead to a conniption for him.”

“The general is responsible for her safety though, father.”

Gestal sighs. “I understand that, Ashe. However this is out of my control.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on the table as he speaks. “Perhaps I could accompany her with a contingent of guards then.”

“It is unlikely he would go for that. King Guto made certain I understood that he wishes for this meeting to be a very personal matter.”

Arc raises a hand. “How about just I go with Luna then?”

Ashe looks to him. “You, Lord Arc?”

“I’m already known to the king and could effectively guard Luna during the meeting.”

Twilight chimes in quickly. “Not that she would need such a thing while inside the castle, mind you.”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin. “I would need some reason for the additional member to be present though.”

Ashe smirks. “Then tell the king that Princess Luna requires Lord Arc’s presence due to her own anxiety being an issue.”

“Yes... yes, that he would understand.”

Arc smiles. “Then it’s settled?”

Gestal nods. “That it is. Shall I ask the king to expect you and Princess Luna around seven?”

“I believe that would work, yes.”

Shining Armor gestures with a hoof toward the window. “My forces and I shall escort Lord Arc and Princess Luna to the castle via carriage.”

Ashe frowns. “But they’re needed here to safeguard the security of the ship.”

Arc nods. “My own squad will escort us then.”

“Very well. They, as well as you Lord Arc, will have full authority to defend yourselves from anyone foolish enough to try anything.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “While it’s unlikely anything will happen, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.”

Twilight clears her throat. “Agreed. Now then, I need to notify Princess Luna of this slight change of plans..”

Gestal stands. “I’ll leave you to it then, Princess Twilight. Thank you for your prompt attention in this matter.”

Bowing, he is escorted back to the deck by Shining Armor and Ashe as Arc returns to Twilight’s room with her. Closing the door behind them he turns to see Twilight flop face first onto the bed and groan as she speaks.

“That was exhausting!”

“True. But it went well, right?”

Twilight rolls over to stare at the ceiling. “I guess so. But do you really think Luna will go for the whole dinner idea?”

“She will if I go with her.”

Twilight sighs. “You’re probably right.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong with that?”

“Not really, no. I’m just a bit... jealous of your ability to handle a situation by just being there.”

Arc shrugs. “We all do what we’re good at.”

Twilight shudders. “I just hope Rainbow Dash doesn’t find out about it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Rainbow Dash find out about what?”

“She was really worked up a while back regarding Luna.”

“Yes, that was mentioned to me. I mean, does she think we’re seeing each other, or something?”

“Kinda.”

“What?”

Twilight groans. “Well, that’s not completely true.”

“Maybe you’d better tell me about it then.”

“Rainbow Dash thinks Luna is trying to take you for herself.”

“Romantically?”

Twilight nods. “Yes.”

“But... what is she basing that on? I mean, Luna and I just have a working relationship. She’s nice, and all. But we’re just friends.”

“I told her that. However she has it in her mind that Luna must’ve done certain... things in her room when you took her out for dinner some time back.”

“Nothing happened. I just saw to it she got back safely.”

“And the rest of us believe you, Arc. Rainbow Dash is alone in her assumption that something is going on.”

“I’d better have a talk with her when we get back to Equestria. Set the record straight.”

“That might be kinda hard. I mean... once she has an idea in her head...”

Arc interrupts her. “Well, I have to try. But for now we should focus on talking this over with Luna.”

“Alright. Ready to head back to your office?”

Arc points to the telephone on the nightstand. “Or we could do it right here.”

Twilight giggles as Arc sits down on the side of the bed. “Perfect idea.”

Touching his earring, Arc speaks.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“I need to speak to Princess Luna at once. Hail the castle regarding this and have the call sent to Twilight’s room.”

“Yes sir. I’ll get right on it. Shouldn’t take too long.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

He touches his earring again, severing the connection as he turns to Twilight.

“As long as we have a few minutes to spare, I do want to say something.”

“Oh?”

Arc smiles at her widely. “It’s something I’ve been holding in for a while now.”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Have you?”

“Something I just really need to get out in the open.”

“This is rather sudden.”

“Something I’ve wanted to say for a long time.”

He takes Twilight’s face in his hands and smiles at her.

“You look really cute in a dress.”

Twilight giggles as Arc flops down on the bed next to her. They lie there for a few moments before Twilight turns to him.

“And I have to admit that you look amazing in your raiments.”

“Thanks. But truth be told I’m not a big fan of them.”

“Why not?”

“Because it makes me look better than others.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You are though.”

“On the social ladder, yes. However I’d rather be happy than powerful.”

“Humility is one of your more endearing qualities, Arc. I mean... if you weren’t, I don’t think the others and I...”

She is cut off as the phone rings. Pressing a button Arc turns on the speakerphone.

“Hello?”

“Arc, this is Luna. Is everything alright over there?”

“I suppose so, yes.”

“How’s Twilight doing?”

Twilight calls out. “I’m right here, Luna.”

“How are you holding up?”

“Had a bit of a panic attack earlier actually.”

Arc chimes in. “Sensory deprivation from an enclosed and soundproof carriage.”

“I’m thinking I’ll need the open air carriage if I’m to ride again without Arc by my side.”

Luna giggles. “Feel free to borrow it if need be. We’re certainly not using it much this time of year.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Luna.”

“Now then, is that what you called to ask, Twilight?”

“Not exactly. You’ve been invited to dinner at the Aviary with King Guto.”

“Very good. When did he say?”

Arc grimaces. “That’s the thing. It’s tonight.”

There is a slight pause before Luna speaks.

“Are you serious, Arc?”

“Very.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “We’re sorry it’s such short notice, Luna. But Lord Gestal was very insistent that the king wanted to see you as soon as possible.”

“While that is... encouraging, I fail to see why such urgency is required.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. But I’ve volunteered to accompany you to dinner. That is, if you’d like me to come.”

Luna sounds relieved. “That would be a great comfort to me, Arc.”

“I’ll come get you around six this evening then.”

“Very well.”

Twilight looks over at the clock. “That only gives you a few hours to get ready then, Luna.”

“I shall forgo my normal duties in lieu of preparing for my diplomatic dinner date tonight then.”

Arc nods approvingly. “We won’t keep you then, Luna.”

“Let me know if something changes.”

Twilight grins. “We will.”

Arc sits up. “Goodbye, Luna.”

“See you two tonight.”

Arc presses a button to hang up the phone before turning to Twilight.

“Um... just for the record, you aren’t upset that Luna called it a ‘date’, right?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at all. I knew it was just a figure of speech.”

“Yes, well... after what you told me about Rainbow Dash’s feelings, I just wanted to make sure you knew it was purely business in my eyes.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What brought this on though?”

“A guy getting all dressed up to go to dinner with a different female than the one he was dating would upset a lot of women back home.”

“I believe and trust you though, Arc.”

“And the others? Would they be okay with this?”

Twilight nods. “With Luna, yes.”

“What about Rainbow Dash?”

Twilight sighs. “Believe me when I say that she does trust you, Arc. It’s Luna she’s suspicious of right now.”

“I’ll have to have a sit down talk with her about this.”

“One on one though, right?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. That way it’ll seem more personal. I’ll see to it after this mess is figured out.”

“Please do. However in the meantime you should have your best suit looked over by the royal tailor.”

“That might be a bit of a problem.”

“Oh?”

“Remember, Luna’s dress probably also needs some work done on it. And they can’t do two super rush jobs.”

“How about Rarity then? She could get it done in a flash.”

Arc grimaces. “I suppose so. But I don’t feel good about that.”

Twilight giggles. “Don’t worry about it. She’s never too busy for you. That and it’s probably just a pressing that’s needed.”

“The scheduling isn’t the biggest problem though.”

“Oh?”

Arc sighs. “It just feels wrong to show up out of nowhere and ask her to look over a suit that I’ll be wearing to go out with someone that’s not part of the herd.”

“If it bothers you that much I could have my Hoof Maidens go over it for you.”

Arc appears relieved. “Oh, would you?!”

Twilight nods. “They’re not seamstresses, of course. But they do have experience helping royals look their best.”

“Luckily I put it in my closet aboard ship before we left.”

“Good idea you had there.”

Arc groans. “Actually it was Rarity whom convinced me I should bring it. Which makes me feel bad about this again.”

Twilight sighs as she puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “Trust me. This is fine.”

“Thanks for the reassurance, Twilight.”

Twilight giggles. “What are friends for?”

Arc puts a hand on her cheek. “Hopefully more than friends soon.”

“We’d have to go out first. See if it’d work between us.”

“Agreed. And I do hope that’s soon.”

Twilight sighs as she points to her crown on a stand across the room. “I’d have to give the reins back to Princess Celestia first.”

“That and I’d have to reappoint her.”

“All in due time, Arc. Like our own relationship it needs to be done, yes. But only when everypony involved is ready.”

“Sounds like you’re learning how to be a royal.”

Twilight appears confused. “I am?”

Arc nods. “Thinking of the big picture. Not just the short term.”

“But you DO think that Princess Celestia will one day rule again, right?”

“That’s up to her.”

Twilight sighs. “I hope so. After all, it would be terrible if I couldn’t be by her side like I’ve always wanted.”

“Then you’ll have to do your best to help her heal.”

“I will. But we’d both best start making dinner preparations, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Both?”

Twilight nods. “You’re going out tonight with Luna, and I’m going to help.”

“But how?”

“By making sure you both look your absolute BEST for tonight!”

Twilight motions for Arc to follow her to the door. Turning to her, Arc speaks.

“Um... where are we going?”

“Back to your room to get your black suit. I’ll call for the Hoof Maidens from there. That and they’ll work on making you look your best.”

Arc sighs as he puts a hand on the knob. “I still feel like a heel for making you do all of this, Twilight.”

Twilight smiles at him as he opens the door. “But that just shows how much I truly trust you in this regard, Arc.”

Chapter 6 - A Royal Invitation

That evening, as the sun begins to set, Arc steps out of a portal into his room in Canterlot Castle. Sighing, he muses to himself with a glance in the mirror.

“Twilight and her Hoof Maidens did very well. I don’t think I’ve looked this good since my evening out with Luna.”

Glancing up at the wall clock he straightens his tie and heads for the door.

“Best stay on schedule.”

Leaving the room, Arc makes the walk to Luna’s quarters. Knocking lightly, he waits patiently. The door opens and a Hoof Maiden beckons him to enter before excusing herself. Looking to the fireplace he spies Celestia sitting on the couch. Frowning, he walks over to her.

“This is a... surprise.”

Celestia nods curtly. “Not really. I knew you were coming.”

“I meant for me.”

“Of course you did.”

She motions to the bathroom before continuing.

“The remaining Hoof Maidens are just putting the finishing touches on my sister’s outfit.”

Arc looks to the clock. “I suppose I am a few minutes early.”

“As I knew you would be.”

“So you were waiting for me?”

Celestia furrows her brow. “It’s a very important night for Luna. Our kingdom too.”

Arc looks out the window and sighs. “I suppose it is, what with diplomatic relations being rather... strained.”

“In all honesty it is I whom should be going.”

“You are not yet fully recovered.”

Celestia frowns. “Mayhap. That and I lack my former status as ‘princess’... thanks to you.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It was the only way to force you to undergo treatment.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “You have no IDEA what was done to me!”

“You’re right. I don’t. However a ruler needs to be able to make decisions with their mind, not their heart.”

“And all of your decisions have been purely logical?!”

Arc sighs. “No.”

“Sounds like we both have things to work out.”

“Agreed.”

Celestia smirks. “You admitted so easily.”

Arc shrugs. “Just being Honest.”

“Are you?”

“Yes. No leader is perfect. However I did the best I could.”

Celestia nods soberly. “That you did.”

Arc turns to her, surprised. “Oh?”

“As you undoubtedly know, without my title I have very little to do these days. Outside of going to therapy, walks in the garden, and mealtimes with Twilight and my sister, that is. At first I used the time to catch up on a list of books I’d been putting off. Starting at the most recent one on my list, I began reading. After that, the second most recent book.”

“Glad to see you enjoyed yourself.”

Celestia smiles slightly. “Immensely. For a time, that is.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Run out of books?”

“Yes and no. No, inasmuch as the list still has titles on it. Yes, as those titles are no longer, shall we say... available, due to being centuries old at this point.”

She sighs before continuing.

“The Royal Librarian reported that the books I had ordered set aside so long ago... they crumbled to dust when touched.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How long ago was that?”

“About a week.”

“Dare I ask what you’ve been up to since then?”

“Reading... other things.”

“Such as...?”

Celestia looks him in the eye. “The more recent royal records.”

Arc frowns. “Isn’t that only to be done by authorized individuals?”

“I obtained permission from Twilight. After all, it’s important that I know what’s happened in the past.”

“Let me guess. You started with my reign as Lord Regent?”

Celestia nods. “At Twilight’s recommendation, yes.”

“Well then... from one ruler to another... how’d I do?”

“Very... passable.”

Arc smirks. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Celestia sighs. “If I’m being completely honest... better than I thought you would.”

“Can I get an example?”

“The reports stated the both Luna and Cadance were at one point incapacitated and unable to rule. You not only oversaw the day to day duties for them but also made sure they were properly cured.”

Arc frowns. “What else could I have done?”

“I would have thought you would have left them to their fates and taken over Equestria permanently.”

Arc shakes his head. “No way.”

Celestia appears surprised. “May I ask why not?”

“It wasn’t a job I wanted. Stuck here in this castle all the time... unable to go home and see my family and friends back in Ponyville... and the stress of ruling alone. The whole time I just wanted it to end.”

Celestia nods. “And it did. When both Luna and Cadance were able to regain their strength, that is.”

“Are you getting at something here?”

“Yes. I’ve read over every report from that time more than once. Looking for anything I might have missed that would have indicated signs of an extended reign for you.”

“And you found nothing.”

Celestia bows her head. “That is correct.”

Arc frowns. “Because there wasn’t anything TO find, Celestia.”

Celestia glares at him angrily. “That is PRINCESS...!”

Arc interrupts her with his own verbal vitriol. “No, it’s not!”

There is a long silence. Eventually Celestia speaks.

“You are correct. I am not currently a princess and therefore not able to assert my former title.”

Arc sighs. “Look... you’ll have it back. But not until you’re better.”

“Similarly to Luna and Cadance, I would assume.”

“Right.”

“I will hold you to that.”

Arc frowns. “Fine. Anything else you wanted to say to me?”

Celestia nods as she looks at him evenly. “Actually, yes. Luna told me about you taking her out on a dinner date some time ago.”

“What about it?”

“Similarly as you are tonight.”

“That was purely platonic. And tonight is going to be little more than a glorified diplomatic meeting.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “Oh really?”

“Yes!”

“That wasn’t what Luna told me regarding your dinner.”

“What are you talking about?!”

“My sister informed me that she had a wonderful time that night. The best time she’d had in years.”

“Something wrong with that?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Not inherently, no.”

“Then why are we talking about it?”

“Because I wanted to make one thing abundantly clear.”

“What is it?”

Celestia grimaces. “My sister is very... fond of you. That much is clear to everypony. Myself included I might add. However, with you already having so many... marefriends, I wanted to say something to you... face to face.”

She looks him in the eye evenly as she continues.

“Do not... I repeat, do NOT attempt to seduce my sister into joining your herd.”

Arc nods. “Wasn’t planning on it.”

Celestia sneers. “She deserves better than just being another doll on your shelf!”

Arc groans. “Look, Celestia... the others... I Honestly DO care about them. Deeply. However, I just don’t feel that way about Luna.”

“Then how DO you feel?!”

“That she’s just a friend of mine.”

Celestia appears unconvinced. “So you’re telling me that you are not attracted to her beauty, power, wealth, or influence?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m only interested in her friendship, conversation, and overall well-being.”

Celestia nods soberly as the Hoof Maidens emerge from the bathroom. “Then keep your hands off of Luna and focus on keeping her safe tonight.”

“I will.”

Luna emerges from the bathroom in a familiar yet lovely evening gown. Celestia stands and walks over to her.

“You look very nice, Luna.”

Luna giggles. “Thank you, sister.”

Turning to Arc as he approaches, Luna smiles warmly.

“What do you think, Arc?”

“That you look great, Luna.”

Luna sighs. “I hope the king thinks so too.”

Celestia purses her lips. “Be careful in that regard, sister. After all, the king is single.”

Luna scoffs. “Nothing to worry about there. He was a gentlepony the last time we visited for the treaty signing.”

Arc nods. “I’ll be with her the whole time too.”

Celestia turns to Arc. “See to it that your return Luna to Canterlot safely.”

“No problem.”

Luna steps forward. “I’m ready to head to the Hanger when you are, Arc.”

“For the carriage?”

“Of course.”

Arc pats his ring. “Already done.”

“Very good. Well, we should be off then.”

“Alright.”

Powering up his crystals, Arc opens a portal. Offering his hand to Luna she puts her hoof in it and allows Arc to lead her through the swirling energies as Celestia watches silently. Arriving back in his quarters aboard The Equinox, Luna sighs.

“Finally.”

Arc turns to her as the portal closes. “Luna?”

“Forgive me. I’m just a bit... miffed at my sister’s behavior.”

“Oh?”

“She said she was on her way out when I went into the bathroom. However it would appear that she waited for you to arrive in order to speak with you behind my back.”

“She may have been heading out and I just came at the right time.”

“Did she answer the door?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, a Hoof Maiden did.”

“But you and her were alone in my room when I stepped out of the bathroom.”

“After admitting me, the Hoof Maiden excused herself.”

Luna groans. “At my sister’s previous order most likely.”

Arc appears concerned. “Are you two not getting along?”

“Not... exactly. Celestia’s always been very... protective of me in regards to friends.”

“She’s just worried about her younger sister.”

“That may be. But as you can see, I’m not a filly anymore.”

Arc nods. “True. However in her mind you’ll always be the little sister.”

“I suppose so. Might I ask what you and her spoke of though?”

“Celestia told me that she had been looking over the records from my time as Lord Regent.”

Luna frowns. “Whom gave them to...?!”

Arc interrupts her. “Apparently Twilight.”

“Well... at least it was authorized.”

“She was rather surprised at how I handled things.”

Luna sighs. “Let me guess. She figured you would have left Cadance and I to our fates and taken Equestria for your own?”

“Something like that, yes.”

Luna smiles smugly. “It must’ve come as quite a surprise when she read that you did not.”

“Kinda. But I could tell that she was more upset with the fact that I was taking you to dinner with the king.”

“In any case, we should go check in with Twilight.”

Arc chuckles as he motions to the door. “She’s anxiously awaiting us, I’m sure.”

Leaving his quarters, Arc and Luna make the walk down the corridor to Twilight’s room. The guards stand aside and bow as Arc knocks on the door. Twilight opens it and allows the pair to enter. Closing the door behind them she grins widely at them.

“You two look AMAZING!”

Luna smiles at her friend. “Thank you, Twilight.”

Arc groans. “I feel kind stiff in this thing.”

Twilight giggles. “You’re both going to nail this meeting!”

Luna looks to her friend. “Are you sure you don’t want to come too, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “The king specifically asked for you, Luna.”

Arc sighs. “We’re already pushing it by having me there.”

Twilight shrugs. “But the king prefers Arc over a cadre of royal guards, it seems.”

Luna nods. “We also brought along the royal carriage from Canterlot.”

Arc pats his ring. “I’ll drop it off in the Cargo Hold on our way out.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Thank you. I received word that the carriage to take you to the Aviary has arrived as well.”

Luna smiles. “What timing!”

Twilight giggles. “Ambassador Ashe told me that they’re always very punctual.”

Arc looks at the clock. “We probably shouldn’t be late either.”

Luna nods. “Agreed.”

She turns to Twilight before continuing.

“By your leave, Twilight.”

Twilight raises a hoof and waves. “Have a nice time you two!”

Arc chuckles as he opens the door. “See you in the morning, Twilight.”

Leaving Twilight’s room the pair proceed down the corridor toward the stairs together. Luna turns to Arc.

“It is nice to get out of the castle once in a while.”

Arc nods. “That it is.”

Luna sighs. “Try living there.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I did, remember?”

Luna facehoofs. “Right. You were the Lord Regent.”

“Not being able to just up and go out whenever I wanted was really hard for me. While I’m admittedly not the most sociable person, at least before then I had the option to leave when I wanted.”

“Heavy is the crown, Arc.”

Arc groans. “I kinda thought it might crush me at times.”

“Which is why it is best held by more than one.”

“You and Celestia?”

Luna nods. “And at the moment, Twilight.”

Arriving at the Cargo Bay the pair spot the now familiar armored carriage waiting for them. A well-dressed griffon opens the door for them as they approach. After extending a hand to help Luna inside Arc looks up to her.

“One second.”

Turning, he reaches into his ring and pulls out the chariot from Canterlot. Casting the Matter Compacting counter spell he returns it to its normal size. Returning to the carriage he steps inside and sits down across from Luna as the driver closes the door behind them. A few moments later they begin to move. Luna grimaces as the door to the outside is opened.

“Here we go.”

Arc looks out the window. “Snowing again.”

Luna nods. “That’s normal for this time of year.”

“How much longer until spring?”

“A couple months. Why do you ask?”

Arc frowns. “Just wanted to know how much longer until the attack on the Badlands.”

“As soon as we’re past the point of a freeze.”

“So a while then.”

Luna nods. “Yes.”

“Still not looking forward to it.”

“Neither am I.”

Arc bows his head. “A lot of soldiers aren’t going to come back from this.”

Luna nods soberly. “That may be. However, my sister is correct in her intent to attack the Badlands. After all, who knows just how long they’ve been harming innocent ponies?”

“Right. I don’t really see an alternative here. That being said, I also don’t want this to devolve into an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ affair.”

Luna appears confused. “What do you mean, Arc?”

“The idea that all changelings are bad.”

“But they do appear to be.”

Arc sighs. “They can’t all be like the ones we’ve seen.”

Luna frowns. “Arc... they feed on ponies.”

“To survive.”

“What does that have to do with it?”

Arc turns to her. “They’re not doing it out of spite or wanton destruction, Luna. From what I’ve read on the subject, the changelings literally digest love.”

“That is correct, yes.”

“So if they don’t get love, they’ll starve.”

Luna bows her head. “While what you’re saying is indeed true, we do have a duty to protect our lands and citizens.”

Arc sighs. “I can’t argue with that, Luna. But at the same time I’m still hoping some common ground could be reached.”

“Celestia and I said the same thing centuries ago. As you can see it hasn’t happened yet.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’ll be there personally to see this matter through though.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Even though you’re against it?”

“To make sure things don’t get out of hand. That and to protect Twilight.”

They arrive at the Aviary sometime later. The sound of paws and talons beat against the wooden drawbridge as the carriage enters the massive building. It stops in front of a red carpet leading to a massive door. Guards line both sides of the carpet as a larger griffon stands there waiting for them. Arc opens the door and steps out before turning to assist Luna. The griffon waits patiently as they approach him. Arc is the first to speak.

“Good day to you, Arbiter Ghaleon.”

Ghaleon nods cordially. “Hello to you, Lord Arc. Princess Luna.”

Luna smiles. “Good evening, sir.”

Ghaleon gestures to the guard-lined carpet. “My forces and I have been instructed to escort you two to the king’s private Dining Room.”

Arc steps forward. “Lead on.”

They begin walking down the red carpet. The guards kneel as they pass. Luna turns to the arbiter.

“So many guards.”

Ghaleon nods. “On the king’s order, your highness. He only wishes to keep you safe.”

Arc chimes in. “And the thought is appreciated.”

Luna turns to their guide. “What can you tell us of King Guto, sir?”

“He’s been the nation’s ruler for a handful of years now. Very concerned about the security and stability of our nation. Hence why he was so interested in a peace treaty with Equestria. One less nation to have to worry about fighting.”

“What about the king personally, sir? Anything we should know about him prior to the dinner?”

“He’s a very... passionate griffon. His joy over good food and good company are two of his few interests.”

Arc frowns. “Anything else that makes his happy?”

“Art. Paintings, sculptures, tapestries... things like that.”

Luna nods soberly. “I see. What about his dislikes?”

“Being wrong.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean being told he wrong, right?”

Ghaleon shrugs. “Any situation in which he isn’t on the correct side. So yes.”

Luna frowns. “We’ll remember that.”

“The king also values honor above all else.”

Arc turns to the arbiter. “Honor?”

Ghaleon nods. “A good and noble fight.”

Luna frowns. “Like with the rebels?”

“No, your highness. He still views them as little more than dust under his talons. Which may not be far from the truth, as they’ve not been heard from in some time now.”

Arc sighs. “So are they a sore subject too?”

Ghaleon chuckles. “Hardly. He jokes about them often.”

Turning to a painting on the wall, the arbiter continues.

“This is a picture of our first ruler... King Grover. Under him our nation was united and brought under a single banner.”

Luna sighs. “Your nation has a long history of war and conflict.”

Ghaleon clenches a talon. “If there’s one thing griffons like it’s a good old-fashioned fight. Princess Luna!”

Arc appears confused. “Then why isn’t your king going after the rebels?”

“Because the king views them as being unworthy opponents. No honor in slaying those whom lack the skills, resources, and numbers to be any kind of real threat.”

Motioning for them to continue on, they start walking again. Sometime later the trio arrives at a set of small double doors. Ghaleon stops and turns to them.

“Here we are. Are you two ready?”

Luna holds up a hoof. “One moment, sir.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“How’s my mane?”

“Looks good. What about me?”

“Very nice.”

Arc looks to Ghaleon. “Guess we’re as ready as we can be.”

“Very well. I shall announce you two now.”

Entering the room, Ghaleon clears his throat and speaks in a loud voice.

“PRESENTING PRINCESS LUNA OF EQUESTRIA AND HERO OF LIGHT ARC!”

Stepping aside, he motions for the pair to enter. Luna takes Arc’s hand and slowly steps into the room. It appears small and cozy with a fireplace lighting the room from one end and a small table in front of it. King Guto sits at the head of it, but stands and approaches as they enter. Extending a talon he smiles.

“Hello again, Princess Luna.”

Luna nods cordially as she holds out a hoof. “A pleasure to see you again, King Guto.”

Taking her hoof in his talon, the king kisses it respectfully before looking up into her face.

“I’m so very pleased that you could come tonight, your highness.”

“As am I, sir.”

The king turns to Arc before continuing.

“Hello again, Lord Arc.”

“A pleasure, King Guto.”

Guto motions to the table. “Shall we be seated?”

Luna nods. “Thank you, sir.”

Walking over to the table, Arc pulls out a chair next to the head of the table for Luna. She sits down as Arc sits next to her. Ghaleon takes his place across from the pair but next to the king. Guto smiles as he speaks.

“The food shall be ready shortly I’m told.”

Arc turns to Luna. “You’re in for a treat. Every meal I’ve had here was very good.”

“That is... reassuring.”

Guto clears his throat as he again addresses Luna. “I saw to it your dietary needs were submitted to the kitchen staff, princess. There will be no meat on your platters.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Ghaleon chuckles as he eyes Arc. “And your ‘dietary needs’?”

“About the same as griffons.”

“Yes, I heard about what happened at a party you attended some time ago, Lord Arc.”

Arc smiles. “Sir?”

“I believe it was Lord Adalbert whom offered you a meat dish. He was under the impression that you ate only plants as the equines do.”

Arc smirks. “He had quite the look on his face as I swallowed it. Did he tell you what happened after that?”

Guto appears genuinely interested. “No, he did not.”

“I asked him for seconds.”

Ghaleon laughs throatily. “That must’ve flipped his lid!”

“He did appear very surprised, yes.”

Luna turns to him. “Might I ask when this was, Lord Arc?”

“Shortly after I first arrived in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Ah! So they just didn’t know you yet.”

Ghaleon smirks. “A bit of griffon hazing was attempted.”

Guto chuckles. “A bit of harmless fun, no doubt.”

Arc shrugs. “I laughed.”

A knock rings out. Ghaleon stands and moves to answer the door. Opening it, he turns to the king.

“Sire, the servants are here with dinner.”

Guto nods. “Good. We are ready.”

Stepping aside, the arbiter allows them to enter. They set covered platters in front of the king, Luna, Arc, and then Ghaleon whom has returned to his seat. Bowing, they exit the room together and shut the door behind them. The king lifts the lid to expose a perfectly cooked steak along with all the vegetable trimmings. Arc and Ghaleon find similar dishes before them. However Luna spies candied yams, spiced corn, and a veritable sea of other vegetables on her platter. The king looks to her and smiles.

“I’m sure you’ll find something there to whet your appetite, Princess Luna.”

Luna nods. “Thank you, it smells lovely.”

The king cuts into his steak and takes a bite. Smiling, he calls out.

“Delicious!”

Ghaleon holds up a fork. “I do love a red inner.”

Arc chuckles as he cuts into his meat. “A perfect line of pink for me.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Pink, Lord Arc?”

“We’re talking about the amount of cooking that was done to each of our dishes. Mine is medium-well.”

Ghaleon gestures to his place. “This one is medium rare.”

Guto holds up a dripping red piece of meat. “And mine is rare.”

Arc turns to Luna. “That means the king’s dish was cooked the least and mine the most.”

Ghaleon nods. “It makes for different textures and flavors.”

Luna looks to their plates one by one. “Interesting.”

Guto smiles at her. “We respect your diet though, Princess Luna.”

“Thank you.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Might I try some?”

Arc appears confused. “You want a bite of meat?”

Luna nods. “I would, yes.”

“Sure. That is, if you’re certain.”

Slicing off a small corner piece Arc holds it on the end of his fork. Leaning over, Luna carefully eats it and chews slowly. The others watch her intently as she swallows.

“A very... interesting texture. Nothing like fruit, vegetables, or grains.”

Guto appears interested. “How did you like the flavor?”

“It was... unique. Inasmuch as I’ve never tasted anything like it before.”

Ghaleon smirks. “Shall we order you a steak from the kitchen, your highness?

Luna shakes her head. “No, thank you. I believe my stomach would have trouble digesting more meat than I’ve already eaten.”

Guto reaches over and picks up a bottle. “How about some wine to wash that down, princess?”

“Yes, please.”

Guto looks over as he pours a second glass. “Arbiter?”

“Just a small glass. I’m on duty later tonight.”

“Lord Arc?”

“None for me, thanks. I never touch the stuff.”

Guto chuckles. “Are you certain? Griffon wine is quite tasty.”

Ghaleon makes a fist and thumps his chest. “Puts fluff on you!”

Luna clears her throat before speaking. “Lord Arc means that he doesn’t consume alcohol of any kind or in any amount. He believes that, as a warrior, he should be ready to fight at any time.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Ghaleon smiles approvingly. “Wise choice.”

Guto sets a glass before Luna as he takes one for himself and stands.

“I’d like to propose a toast. To Princess Luna and Equestria.”

They all raise their respective glasses and clink them together before drinking. Luna sips hers as Guto downs the contents of his glass in one gulp before refilling it with more wine.

“That hits the spot.”

Ghaleon turns to Arc. “As you can see, the king likes a bit of wine after a long day of ruling.”

“I prefer a nice dinner myself.”

Luna nods. “As do I.”

Guto turns to Luna. “Do Equestrian’s partake of wine and other alcoholic beverages often, Princess Luna?”

“Yes, we do. The aristocracy does enjoy wine, champagne, and sometimes some spirits.”

Ghaleon smirks. “And the commoners?”

“Typically cider made from local apples, cherries, carrots, or whatever fruit or vegetables are grown in that location.”

Guto looks into his glass as he speaks. “I’m told anything with sugar can be fermented.”

Ghaleon shrugs. “Must make for a myriad of tastes.”

Luna nods. “Oh, it does. Each region has its own brewers and recipes which are passed down through the generations.”

Guto leans forward and grins. “I wouldn’t mind sampling some of your local alcohol, Princess Luna.”

Luna smiles as she picks up her glass. “I’ll send you some.”

“Splendid!”

“Now then, might I ask you something, King Guto?”

“Anything!”

“We in Equestria are very short of details regarding your nation. One thing I’ve personally always wondered was what griffons do for fun.”

“Symphonies, plays, and live entertainment.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Live entertainment?”

“Gladiatorial events mostly.”

Ghaleon grins. “They’re the most entertaining.”

Arc looks to the king. “Such as the promotion ceremony?”

Guto nods. “It’s our most attended event.”

Luna appears suddenly interested. “What does this ceremony entail?”

Ghaleon smirks. “Those seeking promotion within our military ranks must first prove their worthiness in combat against what is called a ‘trainer’.”

Guto picks up. “It’s an appropriately skilled combatant whom embodies the necessary amount of combat prowess required for promotion. Should they be bested, their opponent is promoted.”

Luna grimaces. “And if they fail?”

Ghaleon shrugs. “Shame mostly.”

Guto nods. “Right. However the scorn of their fellow soldiers is generally enough to keep those whom know they can’t win to not apply for promotion and waste everyone’s time.”

He folds his talons and looks Luna in the eye.

“Tell me, Princess Luna. How does Equestria handle promotions?”

“Recommendations by the individual’s commanding officer mostly.”

Ghaleon raises an eyebrow. “How does such a commanding officer know they’ll be worthy of their rank prior to making a recommendation?”

“By looking at their past mostly.”

Guto appears surprised. “And this works?”

Luna nods. “Generally, yes.”

Ghaleon smirks. “But not always.”

“No, Arbiter Ghaleon. However I would guess that such is also true of your own promotion methods.”

Arc holds up his glass. “Nothing is ever foolproof.”

Guto nods. “I suppose not. However I would like to ask you about some things regarding your own land, Princess Luna.”

“Do tell.”

“Ambassador Ashe has been submitting reports to us explaining how your nation conducts itself. Everything from foreign policy to domestic affairs and everything in-between.”

He smiles as he continues.

“You were aware of this, I’m sure.”

Luna nods. “Yes, Ambassador Ashe was forthcoming in her desire to learn more about our land’s methods.”

“As you know, our land has been in decline for some time now. However, it has rebounded slightly since the signing of the treaty.”

Arc chimes in. “Due to increased trade?”

Guto nods. “That and the fact several factories have been opened on our shores.”

Ghaleon turns to Luna. “The king would like to expand on these small gains and wishes to know your advice.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Advice on how to improve your economy?”

Guto smiles warmly. “Yes. As your land has done so, surely you can give us some suggestions.”

“Happiness.”

“Of whom?”

“Everypony. Or in this case I believe the term would be ‘everyone’.”

Guto appears confused. “So I should do more to help the aristocracy feel more... content?”

Arc chimes in. “By everyone, Princess Luna means literally EVERYONE!”

Ghaleon scoffs. “All the citizens?”

Luna nods. “Yes.”

Guto waves a talon dismissively. “I’m not sure what that would accomplish.”

Ghaleon looks to the king. “Let us hear her out though, sire.”

He turns to Luna and continues.

“How would we go about doing that?”

“I would start by increasing their standard of living.”

Guto frowns. “How? By giving them money?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. By allowing them the chance to properly earn it.”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “They do already have jobs, Princess Luna.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Which don’t pay enough to live comfortably.”

Guto sighs. “The common rabble wouldn’t know what to do with such things.”

Luna smiles. “Yet our nation has proven such a thing works.”

Guto puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “How about if I were to assure them of one thing to increase their happiness. What would I give them?”

Arc immediately interjects. “Food.”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “They have that already, Lord Arc.”

“Edible food then.”

Guto appears confused. “I don’t get your meaning, Lord Arc.”

“On an early visit to your land I spoke about this very thing to a low ranked individual in your army. A ‘Footpad’, I believe.”

Ghaleon nods. “That is the lowest one can go, yes.”

Guto shrugs. “Even they have food to eat though.”

Arc continues. “In an effort to try and understand their place in life, I ordered the Footpad to give me their meal and for them to take mine in trade.”

Luna turns to Arc. “What was their food like?”

“A disgusting gray soup with rotten vegetables and a thick syrupy body.”

He looks to the king before continuing.

“I can only guess that the commoners don’t have anything much better.”

Ghaleon shrugs. “It may not be much, but it is nutritious.”

Luna shakes her head. “If you want your citizens to be content, your highness, I recommend that you start with food. It must be plentiful, assorted, nutritious, palatable, and affordable for all.”

Guto waves a talon dismissively. “A layman earns very little though. Food would have to be almost free.”

Arc turns to the arbiter. “Does the Griffon Kingdom have a minimum wage?”

“A what?”

“Guess that answers that question.”

Luna sighs. “It’s the minimum amount an employee can legally be paid by their employer.”

Arc nods. “If you were to establish one, it should be enough they could, at the very least, eat properly.”

Guto gasps. “But paying the masses more would be very costly!”

Luna taps the table with her hoof. “That is true, yes. However you have to look at the bigger picture, King Guto.”

“And what is that?”

“What you would get in return.”

Ghaleon frowns. “Employers with much lighter purses I would imagine.”

Arc shrugs. “True. But that would also mean that your citizens would have more money to spend on not just food, but other necessities.”

Luna gestures toward a window as she speaks. “Your economy is poor because so few have bits to spend. To boost it requires money to be traded for goods and services.”

Arc pulls out a pencil and begins drawing a crude diagram on a napkin. “Let’s say that the commoners started making more money. They would spend it first on food from your merchants. Those shopkeepers would earn more in sales and seek to beautify their shops.”

Luna nods. “Those would include carpenters, painters, landscapers, plumbers, electricians, and so on.”

“Those craftsmen would then take the extra money they earned and use it to improve their own personal and professional lives.”

Luna points to the ‘bits’ symbol on the napkin. “New tools, more training, and additions to their own families.”

“Which would empower them to spend more as they work faster and more efficiently.”

Luna makes a circular motion with a hoof. “And the cycle would continue up the chain from the commoners to the educated griffons to the aristocrats and even the nobles.”

Arc looks to the king. “Even to you, your majesty.”

“To me?”

Luna nods. “Yes indeed. I assume you have some form of sales tax?”

Ghaleon shrugs. “A small percentage of every sale is levied against the business, yes.”

Arc rubs his fingers together. “And more transactions means your tax income increases.”

Luna gestures to the city outside. “Which you could use to improve the country’s infrastructure.”

Arc counts on his fingers. “Roads, guards, local governments, and whatever else you need.”

Luna looks to the king. “But it all starts with the commoners. Enrich them and the rest will follow.”

Guto scoffs. “The commoners. Ragtag bands of misfits and fools.”

Arc sighs. “They may very well be that, your highness. However, I must also point out that they’re a very large percentage of your nation.”

Luna nods. “The commoners represent roughly ninety percent of Equestrian society. Such a large piece of the pie should not be overlooked.”

Ghaleon looks to Guto. “It does make sense on paper, sire.”

Guto puts a talon to his beak thoughtfully. “Perhaps such a thing would be beneficial to us. You’ve certainly given me much to think about, Princess Luna. And for that I thank you.

Luna smiles cordially. “Anything to help our allies, King Guto.”

“I must say, I’m very impressed. Not just with what we spoke about tonight, but also at the treaty signing.”

“Oh?”

“That was the first time we spoke face to face, after all. Prior to that moment, everything was scrolls and letters. I have to admit that you greatly moved me with your air of elegance and grace back then.”

Luna blushes slightly. “Th-thank you.”

“Admittedly, I was a bit taken aback when I first laid eyes on you, princess.”

“How so?”

“It never occurred to me that Equestria had such an intelligent, and beautiful, ruler presiding over it.”

The king smiles at Luna before continuing.

“And I’d like very much to get to know you better. Perhaps at a... private dinner even.”

Luna wrings her hooves nervously. “I, ah... don’t think that’s a good idea!”

Guto appears confused. “I’m sorry. Did I come on too strong, princess? I only wanted to get to know you better in hopes that we could strengthen...”

Luna interrupts him. “Forgive me for not saying so sooner, your highness. However, I am already in a relationship.”

“You are?”

Luna nods. “Yes. For you see...”

She reaches over and puts a hoof on Arc’s hand before continuing.

“...Lord Arc and I are already seeing one another.”

Arc smiles. “That we are.”

Guto frowns. “My ambassador did not inform me of this.”

Luna giggles nervously. “It... isn’t public knowledge.”

Arc nods. “Indeed. After all, what would the citizens think to have their pony princess involved with a human from another world?”

Ghaleon shrugs. “It does make sense. A royal and a member of the court would make for a scandal.”

Luna shakes her head. “Not exactly. After all, Lord Arc is nearly on par with that of a princess.”

“But we still wish to keep things quiet. At least until we feel the time is right.”

Guto frowns. “Very well. I will not try to come between you two in any way. Please forgive my earlier offer, princess.”

“It’s alright. You had no idea of our relationship.”

Arc looks at the clock. “I’m sorry to point this out, but we should be getting you back to Equestria soon, Princess Luna.”

“Yes, I have a busy day tomorrow.”

She looks to the king as they all stand.

“Forgive my haste, King Guto, but my subjects need me.”

“It’s quite alright. And again I apologize for my error earlier.”

Arc shrugs. “No one is perfect, your highness. And I hope our two nations can continue moving forward together.”

Ghaleon smirks. “We’ll certainly try.”

Guto nods. “Indeed. We shall do so by walking you two back to the carriage.”

Luna bows her head respectfully. “Thank you, sir.”

Making their way out the door together, Luna walks very close to Arc and leans her head on his shoulder. Putting an arm around her, Arc continues the ruse as the king and arbiter follow close behind. Arriving at the entryway they stop and turn to say goodbye to their hosts. Luna extends a hoof cordially to the king.

“Thank you for having us.”

Guto smiles sadly as he kisses her fetlock. “It was my pleasure. Lord Arc is a very lucky... individual.”

Arc looks over to the king as he shakes hands/talons with Ghaleon. “That I am, your highness. The princess is a lovely... special friend of mine.”

Ghaleon nods. “Good luck to both of you in the future.”

The driver opens the door to the carriage and Luna turns to enter it. However as she does so, her hoof slips and she falls backwards into Arc’s arms. Blushing heavily, the pair stare into one another’s eyes for a long moment before Arc recomposes himself and speaks.

“Please... watch your step, your highness.”

Luna smiles as he rights her. “Thank you, Lord Arc. I shall.”

The pair enter the carriage together, hand in hoof, and close the door behind them. Ghaleon nods to the driver whom starts the pair on their way. Guto groans as they turns back toward the palace.

“A shame.”

“You can’t win them all, sire.”

“I suppose not. But I do wish Princess Luna all the best.”

Ghaleon narrows his eyes. “Really?”

Guto sneers. “Of course not! She should be with a bona-fide royal such as myself!”

“And how would you convince her of that, sire? She looked quite smitten with Lord Arc.”

Guto growls as he leaves with some guards. “I don’t know. But if those two ever split up, I’m going to be right there ready to catch her.”

Ghaleon shakes his head as he turns and walks the other way. Muttering to himself, he grins.

“Not too observant of the king to not see what was right in front of him. But I suppose his powers of perception are about as good as Lord Arc and Princess Luna’s ability to deceive.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Luna ride together in silence for a time. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“Luna?”

“Y-yes?”

“Are you alright?”

Luna nods nervously. “I, um... what makes you think something’s wrong?”

“Well for starters, your tail.”

“Huh?”

“It’s swishing.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “What does that have to do with...?”

Arc interrupts her. “Based on my past experiences, I’ve noticed that my friends do that when something’s bothering them that they don’t really want to talk about, but should.”

Luna sighs as she looks away. “I’ve... done a terrible thing.”

“Really? I think that the dinner went very well.”

“It wasn’t so much the dinner, but...”

Her voice trails off as she looks out the window. A few moment later she presses a button on a nearby panel and calls out loudly.

“Driver, stop the carriage!”

The vehicle immediately grinds to a halt as Luna turns back to Arc.

“Tell me, do you still have a sigil in your quarters aboard The Equinox?”

“Yes, but why...?”

Luna interrupts him. “We need to return at once!”

She steps over to the door and opens it. Hopping down, Arc follows her, confused. As the pair walk over to the driver Luna speaks.

“Return to your point of origin. Lord Arc and I will find our own way back.”

Nodding, the carriage driver motions for the griffons he heads to continue on. Luna turns to Arc again.

“Please open a portal back to the ship.”

Shrugging, Arc does as she asks. Stepping through they appear back in his quarters. Luna walks quickly to the door as Arc follows her and calls out.

“Luna, what is the...?!”

Luna interrupts him as she puts a hoof on the doorknob. “I need to see her at once!”

Leaving the room together, Luna trots quickly down the corridor toward Twilight’s room. Arc motions for the guards to part in an effort to allow them access the door. Luna taps on it frantically with a hoof for a few moments before stepping back and fidgeting nervously. A few moments later Twilight opens it and looks to Luna, clearly confused.

“Luna? What’s...?”

“Twilight, we need to talk.”

“Um... come in.”

Twilight steps back to allow both Arc and Luna into her room. Closing the door behind them she turns to Luna again.

“Is something wrong?”

Luna nods nervously. “It is, yes. But might we sit down?”

Arc gestures to the door. “Would you like to be alone with Twilight for this conversation, Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. You should be here for this, Arc.”

Twilight gestures to the couch with a wave of her hoof. Luna sits down in the middle as Twilight and Arc take their places on either side of her. Taking a deep breath, Luna turns to Twilight and begins to speak.

“Twilight, I... I need to apologize.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “To... me?”

Luna nods. “Yes. I... I haven’t been a very good friend to you.”

“How so?”

“Tonight at dinner, I...”

Luna pauses to fidget for a few moments before continuing.

“...I ... made some rather... inappropriate advances toward your stallionfriend, Arc.”

Twilight looks past Luna to Arc. “She did?”

“Not really, no.”

Luna frowns. “I most certainly did, Arc!”

Twilight smiles at her. “Why don’t you just tell me exactly what happened then, Luna?”

“Well... we were at dinner with King Guto and Arbiter Ghaleon. The conversation had been about cultural differences as well as economic issues. Standard fare, really. However, near the end of the meal the king... made a comment about wanting to get to know me better on a personal level.”

Twilight appears confused. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“I thought there was. Nopony’s ever said such things to me in the past, so I panicked and... um... I... I...”

“You what, Luna?”

Luna bows her head. “...I took Arc’s hand and told the king that he and I were already dating.”

Arc nods. “And I went along with it to keep up the charade.”

Luna quickly jumps in. “But I was the one whom started it! Please don’t be upset with him on my account!”

“Upset, Luna?”

“Arc was only trying to protect me!”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Right. It was clear to me that Luna was using the idea of us being a couple as a conversational ‘out’ regarding the king’s romantic advances.”

Luna sighs. “Yes, I did. Now then, I understand that what I did was wrong and that you have every right to be upset with me, Twilight. However, no matter how angry you may be with me I have but one request. And that is my hope that you won’t allow my mistake to dim your view of Arc or let it ruin your relationship with him.”

There is a stunned silence as Twilight processes what Luna said. A few moments later she puts a hoof on Luna’s and smiles.

“Luna?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I’m not mad at you.”

Luna appears confused. “You’re... not?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not in the least. From what you’ve said, it sounds like you were just trying to prevent the king from making any kind of advances towards you.”

“But... but I told him that I was dating Arc! That means I was trying to get him to CHEAT on you!”

Arc smiles at her. “It was just an excuse, Luna. I knew that you weren’t actually trying to come onto me.”

“I put my hoof in your hand though!”

“Just part of the illusion to make your words convincing.”

“You don’t understand! I... I...!”

Twilight looks to her friend with earnest eyes. “Luna, whatever it is you can tell us. I won’t be upset. Promise.”

“I LIKED IT!”

Arc appears confused. “Liked what?”

Luna blushes furiously as she covers her face with a hoof. “Having my hoof held by you, Arc.”

“Arc’s a wonderful individual though, Luna. Very warm and caring. So it’s no surprise to me that you’d like him holding your hoof.”

“But that wasn’t the end of it!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Something else happened?”

Luna nods nervously. “Yes. A short time later we adjourned the meal and began walking back to the armored carriage. I... I walked very close to Arc and even leaned up against him at one point.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “And I put my arm around her as well. To keep up appearances as the king and arbiter were still with us at the time.”

Luna bows her head. “That’s true. However back there... I felt things that I’d never felt before.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“Warm and secure. That and... and a tightness in my chest.”

Luna turns to Arc before continuing.

“At that moment, I... I secretly wanted what we told the king to be true.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You wanted us to be a couple?”

“I... don’t know. It just... felt so right, so... good.”

Twilight smiles at Luna. “Being held by somepony we care about is the most amazing feeling in the world, I’ll admit.”

“But Arc is YOUR stallionfriend!”

“That he is, Luna. However I understand that he was just trying to help you during that situation. Anypony would have felt very close to the one whom had just helped them with such a thing. And... can I assume that you’ve never been out with a stallion before?”

Luna shakes her head. “Not romantically, no.”

“Then let me ask you this, Luna. Tell me how you feel about Arc?”

“He’s a rather... nice individual. Very caring, smart, and strong. That and he’s very shrewd but fair in all of his dealings. No matter if they’re diplomatic, political, or personal.”

“And how do you feel about your relationship with him?”

“Um... he’s my friend.”

“I meant romantically.”

“Romantically?”

Twilight nods. “Right. Are you in love with Arc?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. After all, Arc’s already engaged to and in love with several other mares.”

“So you’re not attracted to him on a physical level?”

“Not really, no. I mean... he is very handsome, yes. But I’m not really interested in expanding our relationship in that direction.”

Arc turns to Luna. “That means you still just view me as a friend, right?”

“Exactly.”

Twilight smiles and nods. “And that’s just fine.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Me coming onto your stallion friend was...?”

Twilight interrupts her. “You weren’t ‘coming onto’ him, Luna. You were just acting to play a part.

Arc puts a hand on her hoof. “As was I, Luna.”

“Arc?”

“While I do care about you as a friend, I wasn’t trying to show any kind of affection beyond that of what’s platonic. That and wanted to help you out of that situation.”

Luna puts a hoof to her forehead. “I... it just felt so wrong though, even as I was doing it. But I couldn’t stop or the king would have become suspicious!”

Twilight nods. “So what you’re saying is that you felt bad for making an overtly romantic gesture toward the fiancé of your friend? Is that it, Luna?”

“That is correct, yes.”

“Good.”

Luna appears confused. “Twilight?”

“It shows that you knew in your heart what you were doing was wrong and that your conscience was working properly. Assuming you had been honestly trying to romance Arc, that is.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “Which I didn’t believe you were, of course.”

Twilight giggles. “Agreed.”

Luna appears hopeful. “So... you’re not upset with me, Twilight?”

Twilight smiles and pats Luna’s shoulder. “Not at all, Luna. In fact, I’m very happy that you chose to share what you did with me rather than try to hide it out of fear.”

Arc grins. “Right. Friends need to be able to be honest with one another about whatever’s going on.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank goodness! I was so scared that you would think I was trying to break you apart, or something!”

Twilight shakes her head. “It’s obvious to me that you just did what you felt you had to, Luna.”

Arc nods. “And neither of us hold that against you.”

Luna smiles widely. “Thank you! Both of you!”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“I just want to reiterate that I meant no romantic advances during our interaction earlier!”

Arc nods. “And I appreciate that. But there is something I’d like to say to you, Luna.”

“Oh?”

“Just that I... see you as a very special friend. After all, I understand that you don’t let just anyone into your inner circle.”

“No, I don’t.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Because we’re princesses, of course. We need to be careful about letting ourselves be used by those whom would try to abuse our authority.”

Arc chuckles. “Which I’ve been very careful not to do.”

Luna smiles. “Considering your position in society, Arc, I don’t think it would be worth the time for you to usurp our power.”

Twilight giggles. “As you have so much of your own.”

“Nevertheless, I do feel honored to call three princesses my friends.”

Luna nods. “It is nice to have somepony to talk to whom isn’t suffering from knobby knees or extreme fear.”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “In any case, I do appreciate you coming straight to me about this, Luna.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “And that we could work through it right away.”

“That too. But at the moment, all three of us should get some sleep. After all, tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”

Luna sighs. “I suppose so.”

“Can I offer you a portal back to Canterlot Castle, Luna?”

Luna nods. “Yes, please.”

Standing, Arc focuses his magic His crystals glow as he opens a portal. Luna steps towards it but turns back before entering.

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Luna?”

“Thank you... for understanding.”

Twilight smiles and waves as Luna enters the portal. Arc closes it behind her and turns to his friend.

“We should probably follow suit.”

“Huh?”

“I meant us getting to bed, Twilight.”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “Oh... right. But do you think I could... um... join you in your room?”

“I don’t think that’s a very good idea, Twilight.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Why not?!”

Arc motions to the door. “Because there’s a multitude of guards out there whom will notice if I don’t head to my quarters at some point tonight.”

“I... suppose that’s true, yes. But what would that matter?”

“It would be bad for your image. After all, you don’t want a reputation for entertaining in your bedchambers, do you?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not really, no. But it’s not just anypony that I let sleep with me. Only you, Arc.”

“Well, I’m just worried about your character, Twilight.”

Twilight groans. “Fine. However I don’t have to like this arrangement.”

Arc sighs as he heads for the door. “Neither do I.”

“Good night, Arc.”

“See you in the morning, Twilight.”

Leaving the room, Arc heads for his quarters. However on his way he sees Natalya walking toward him. She approaches nervously.

“G-good evening, sir.”

“Hi Natalya.”

“I hope everything went okay with the king.”

Arc sighs. “That it did. Whether or not it will change anything in this country has yet to be seen though.”

“We can but hope.”

“I suppose. But are you alright?”

“Sir?”

“You seem somewhat... nervous.”

Natalya bows her head. “I did want to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“That I’m sorry for what Gabby did earlier outside.”

“It’s fine. No real harm done.”

“I just wanted you to know that Gallus and I had a talk with her. She understands that what she did was wrong and wanted me to tell you that she’s sorry for the trouble her little stunt caused.”

“Apology accepted.”

“Um... sir?”

“Yes?”

“Was there something else you wanted Gallus and I to be doing?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I asked you two to come along in case we needed additional griffon testimony for... the other problem.”

Natalya shudders. “I hope you can get justice in that matter, sir.”

“So do I. But at the moment all we can do is wait.”

“Yes, well... I’ll be around if you need me.”

“Thanks. Get some rest though.”

Natalya nods. “I will, sir.”

The pair part ways. Arc again begins walking to his quarters. However as he approaches he finds Sereb waiting for him outside the door.

“What’s up, big guy?”

Sereb follows Arc inside the room. “I wanted to make sure you returned safely.”

Arc chuckles as he closes the door behind them. “Considering the thickness of that carriage’s walls, I don’t believe I was in any danger.”

“One never really knows.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You think someone would really try to take me out?”

“I believe it’s wise to be prepared.”

“Maybe I should have brought you along then.”

“If you recall, I did volunteer.”

“Yeah. But I didn’t want you sitting in the cold while Luna and I ate a gourmet dinner.”

“I would not have minded.”

Arc sighs. “Well, it makes me feel like a heel.”

Sereb looks past Arc as he speaks. “In any case, might I ask where Princess Twilight is?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “In her room. Why?”

“I would have assumed she would have accompanied you here.”

“Believe me, she wanted to. However I had to consider her overall position.”

“Oh?”

“Being a princess she’s looked up to and admired by the guards, supports staff, and a large percentage of the public.”

Sereb nods. “That is most certainly true, yes.”

“Her being perceived as someone whom is involved in overnight stays with anyone would make her look bad.”

“Would it now?”

“Yup. The guards would begin to talk, as would the Hoof Maidens, and the rest of the support staff.”

Sereb scoffs. “Which they already do.”

“I have heard that, yes. But I’m trying not to add fuel to the fire there.”

“A noble endeavor to help preserve the princess’ reputation and virtue. However I believe you’re forgetting one part of that equation, Arc.”

“And what would that be?”

“What the princess herself wants.”

Arc appears genuinely confused. “Huh?”

“Does she want her reputation guarded? Or does she want to be with the one she loves regardless of what others say?”

“I know it’s the second thing, yes. But...”

Sereb interrupts. “Then why not just respect her wishes?”

Arc sighs. “You do realize that I DO want to be with Twilight, right?”

“The real question here is... do YOU?”

There is a tense silence as Arc weighs Sereb’s words. Bowing his head, Arc groans.

“I know what I want, yes. However this is one of those times that I can’t have it.”

Sereb nods. “Then that is your choice. Much as I disagree with it.”

“And you respect it?”

“What else could I do? After all, I can’t force you to go to Princess Twilight and sleep with her.”

Arc sits down on the couch heavily and sighs. “As much as I want to, you mean.”

Sereb puts a paw to his chin. “Perhaps there are other ways to both show your affection as well as spend time with her.”

“Probably a million, yes. But we really need to worry about security here. After all, this isn’t Equestria.”

“Agreed. However you have to remember that there are certainly griffon aristocrats in this city that like to have a good time.”

Arc nods knowingly. “Yes... yes, that’s right. I’m sure they don’t just sit in their secured mansions all day, every day.

Sereb smiles toothily. “If only there was someone close at paw whom was familiar with the topic of how the extremely wealthy live.”

“I’m assuming you’re talking about Ashe.”

“More along the lines of ‘heavily implying’.”

Arc looks to the clock and groans. “It’ll have to wait until morning though.”

“Oh?”

“Kinda late to be visiting her.”

Sereb smirks. “I know for a fact that she is what one individual on the television, back on Earth, referred to as a ‘night owl’.”

“So she might still be up.”

“Almost certainly, yes.”

“Well, it would be kinda rude to barge in at this hour.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “That may be. However you are the Hero of Light... this is your ship... and considering her past I do believe that she owes you more than one personal favor. At least in my opinion.”

Arc shrugs as he stands. “Makes sense. Well, if she’s up I’ll have a chat with her. But you’re coming too.”

“Whatever for?”

“How else am I going to know if she’s still awake?”

Sereb nods as he steps forward. “Good point.”

The pair head for the door together. Leaving the room, they make the short walk to Ashe’s quarters. Arc motions to the door as Sereb pricks up his ears.

“She is awake.”

“Are you sure?”

Sereb nods. “Writing.”

“How can you...?”

“I can hear the scratching of a quill across paper.”

Shrugging, Arc knocks lightly. A few moments later Ashe answers the door.

“Evening. Sorry to bother you so late, but I need some advice.”

Ashe nods and steps back to allow the pair entrance to her room. “It’s no trouble. Please, come in.”

Arc and Sereb do so. Ashe closes the door behind them and motions to the couch with a wave of her talon as she heads back to her desk.

“Please have a seat. I just need to put the finishing touches on a report for my father.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “See?”

Arc chuckles. “I will never doubt you again.”

Ashe appears confused as she sits down behind the desk. “Huh?”

“Sereb told me you were still awake before I knocked. Said you were writing something.”

Ashe nods as she puts the quill back into the inkwell. “Very perceptive of you, Sereb.”

“We all do what we can with what we are given.”

Ashe makes a few more strokes before putting the quite back. She then walks over to the couch across from Arc and sits down before speaking.

“Now then, what can I do for you?”

“We were just talking about ways to get Twilight away from the ship for a bit.”

Ashe puts a talon to her chin. “Other than returning to Equestria, I’m assuming.”

Sereb nods. “Right.”

Arc sighs. “Twilight doesn’t want to leave the Griffon Kingdom until this matter is concluded. It’s a show of determination.”

Ashe smiles. “So you’d like to give her a bit of a way to blow off some steam?”

“Right. She shouldn’t just sit in her room all day.”

Sereb sighs. “Even Princess Twilight needs a break from the monotony now and again.”

Ashe gestures out the window. “There are any number of places she could go in the upper class district.”

Arc frowns. “But they also need to be secure.”

Sereb growls. “We can’t risk Twilight’s safety over this, after all.”

Ashe thinks for a moment. “Secure but fun.”

She puts a talon to her chin and smiles before continuing.

“I believe I know just what to do.”

Chapter 8 - Unexpected Social Affairs

A day or so later, Twilight paces in front of the desk in Arc’s office nervously. Arc sits in his chair calmly looking out the window.

“You really should sit down, Twilight.”

Twilight groans. “I can’t! Too worried!”

“Pacing won’t help with that.”

She stops long enough to trot in place. “Well, I have to do SOMETHING!”

Arc chuckles. “Shouldn’t we be talking about other things?”

“What could be more important than this?!”

“Maybe not ‘more important’ inasmuch as something we could do instead of pacing.”

Twilight stops and looks at him. “Oh?”

Arc smiles as he turns in his chair to face her. “I’m talking about our engagement. Remember, we still haven’t called back home to tell everyone yet.”

“Well, I want to do that face to face. Makes it that much more intimate.”

“Whatever you want to do.”

There is a knock at the door. Arc swivels to face his desk as Twilight answers it. Ashe stands on the other side. Twilight steps aside and beckons with a hoof.

“Please come in, Ashe!”

Ashe nods as she enters the office. “My father should be notifying me of the Council of Lord’s decision soon. I asked your Communication’s Officer to direct that call here so we can all hear it.”

Arc looks to his phone. “Good idea.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m just so nervous!”

Ashe sighs. “So am I. There’s never been charges such as these levied against a sitting lord before.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Never?”

“Nothing of this magnitude by someone of such rank, no.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “How do you think it will go, Ashe?!”

Ashe shrugs. “I’m not quite sure. Like I said...”

The phone ringing interrupts her. Arc lifts the receiver and speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I have a call on hold from Lord Gestal.”

“Put it through.”

“Yes sir.”

The line goes dead for a few moments. Arc takes the opportunity to press the ‘speakerphone’ button as he hangs up the receiver. A short time later Lord Gestal’s voice rings out through the speaker.

“Hello?”

Ashe calls out. “We’re here, father!”

“Are Lord Arc and Princess Twilight there as well?”

Twilight hurries forward to put her front hooves on the desk. “We’re here, sir!”

Arc nods. “Indeed.”

“Very good. I’d like to inform all three of you that the council has voted unanimously to impeach Lord Goldstone effective immediately.”

Twilight grins. “Good!”

Arc lens forward. “It’s the first step anyways.”

Ashe nods. “And now he must plead his case in front of the king?”

“Yes, Ashe. The trial will commence in exactly three days.”

Twilight grimaces. “Has the king commented on this matter, sir?”

“He has, yes. In fact, King Guto wanted me to pass on his interest in seeing all three of you at the trial.”

Arc frowns. “Three of us?”

Ashe appears a bit taken aback. “I thought it was a closed doors affair, father.”

“It is, yes. However, a royal representative of Equestria is required to formally bring forth the charges against Lord Goldstone at the trial itself. Lord Arc is also permitted to attend as he is the commanding officer of the victim. And you my dear are expected to be there as our ambassador to Equestria, Ashe.”

“I will attend, father.”

Arc nods soberly. “As will I.”

Twilight calls out. “Do we need to know anything else, Lord Gestal?”

“Not at this time, no. You’ll be contacted the day before the trial as to what time to arrive.”

“Yes sir. We’ll be there.”

“I trust you will. Now then, on a bit of a lighter note, Lord Weller has a party scheduled for this evening. Upon hearing that you three were in the country, he asked me to extend invitations.”

“Where will the party be?”

“His private residence. Rest assured that it is beyond secure, your highness.”

Ashe nods. “His estate is nearly as well defended as my father’s, Twilight.”

“Then you can tell him that we will be in attendance.”

Arc smiles. “Indeed. I look forward to it as well.”

“And I shall come too, father.”

“Splendid. This is a formal affair though, so you’ll all want to look your best for it. Shall I send a carriage to ferry you three here?”

Twilight shakes her head. “While that is appreciated, I do prefer my own chariot, sir.”

“And I’ll ride in with them, father.”

Gestal sighs. “I would still appreciate you riding in our family carriage though, Ashe.”

Ashe sighs. “Very well then, father. Go ahead and send it over at the proper time.”

“Very well, Ashe. I’ll see to it that the message is passed along. Looking forward to seeing you again.”

“Until then, father. Goodbye.”

Arc presses the ‘speakerphone’ button and turns to Twilight.

“Step one complete.”

Twilight grins. “He’s halfway gone!”

She turns to Ashe before continuing.

“How will the trial work exactly?”

“Similarly to a normal trial, the king will call for you to state the charges against Lord Goldstone. You’ll be asked what you know before any other pertinent evidence is presented to the king along with additional testimony as requested.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Whom can make the request for ‘additional testimony’?”

“The prosecution, the defense, and the king.”

Twilight grimaces. “Anything else we should know?”

“Just don’t speak unless asked a direct question and remember that the king is the ultimate authority in this matter. Make him angry or disrespect our laws and he’s likely to throw the entire case out.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So let’s say the case is successful and we convince the king. What then?”

“Lord Goldstone will be immediately deposed and publicly defrocked of his lordship.”

Twilight sinks back. “And if we lose?”

“Then he will return to his post on the Council of Lords and continue ruling with the other members.”

Arc frowns. “It would be as if nothing ever happened.”

Ashe nods soberly. “Right.”

Twilight stomps the floor with a hoof. “We can’t let that happen!”

Arc puts a hand on his desk as he nods. “Agreed.”

Ashe sighs. “I’ll be there too in an effort to make sure these claims are taken seriously, as will my father. Hopefully the king takes note.”

Twilight sits down on her haunches. “So I guess there’s really nothing more to be done right now.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Well... there is one thing we should do.”

A short time later Arc and Twilight step out of a portal into Arc’s quarters. Twilight takes a deep breath and smiles.

“It’s good to be home.”

Arc smiles. “So the castle is ‘home’ for you now?”

Twilight giggles. “Well... it kinda is for me. But I actually meant being back in Equestria.”

Arc nods as he walks over to his phone. “Admittedly, I too am glad to be back here. If only for a short time.”

Picking up the receiver, he waits for the operator.

“Switchboard. What can I do for you, sir?”

“I’d like you to tell Captain of the Royal Guard Flash Sentry to report to my quarters along with his secretary.”

“Yes sir. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “That will be all.”

He hangs up the telephone and turns back to Twilight. Motioning to the couches in front of the fireplace he speaks.

“Why don’t we sit down?”

Twilight nods. “Sure.”

Taking their places together, Arc casts a Flame Spell on the wood in the fireplace. It immediately ignites, casting a warm glow over the room in an effort to overpower the otherwise overcast day. A short time later there is a knock at the door. Arc turns his head and calls out.

“COME IN!”

Flash Sentry enters along with Raven. Arc motions to the couch in front of them.

“Please be seated.”

They do so. Arc smiles at them.

“How are you two doing?”

Flash Sentry salutes. “I’m pretty well established here now, sir. In my role as the head of security, I mean.”

Raven nods. “And I’m doing my best to support him in that role along with Lieutenant Hammer, sir.”

Twilight smiles at the stallion. “I’m told the castle’s never been more secure.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

Arc clears his throat before continuing. “We’ve called you two here today to inform you that Twilight and I have just returned from a visit to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Twilight nods soberly. “We were able to gain an audience with the griffon whom leads the Council of Lords.”

Raven shrinks back instinctively. “About... what happened to me back then?”

Arc looks to her. “Yes, Raven. Rest assured that it was a very private meeting though.”

Flash Sentry appears hopeful. “What did he have to say?”

Twilight picks up where Arc left off. “That he was very upset at viewing the crystalized memory of yours, Flash Sentry.”

Arc nods. “This morning, when the Council of Lords reconvened, he brought forth the charges and called for an impeachment vote.”

Twilight smiles. “They unanimously voted in favor of impeachment.”

Raven appears relieved. “That’s good!”

Flash Sentry looks to his commanding officer. “What happens now?”

“In a few days they’ll be a trial in which he can plead his case. The king himself will act as the judge. If we can prove our case then and there the king has the power to remove Goldstone from his post and punish him accordingly.”

Raven shudders. “Do I have to testify as well?”

Twilight bows her head. “You may have to. After all, the king may not accept the video evidence or have questions for you of his own.”

Flash Sentry turns to Arc. “Sir, might I be permitted to accompany Raven when that time comes?”

“Yes indeed. But you’ll also be there as a witness to the event.”

“Good. I’d like to tell my side of that night too.”

Raven looks to Twilight. “Will the court be... open to the public?”

“Normally something like this would be kept quiet. However, since it involves a lord, Ambassador Ashe has made a motion that it be broadcast live to the entire country via radio.”

Raven appears suddenly nervous. “Live?!”

Arc nods. “She says it’s to show the nation that the monarchy and council are dedicated to meting out justice even at the highest echelons of their government. At least that’s how she presented her request.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Do you think he’ll go for it?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. And we won’t know for sure until the day of the trial itself.”

Twilight smiles at Raven. “We wanted you to be the first to know of what’s going on with your case. And that we’re not going to let this matter go.”

Raven looks down at her hooves. “Thank you, Princess Twilight.”

Arc sighs. “We’re going to do our best here. But no promises that the king will side with us.”

“And I appreciate that, sir. Um... what should I do now then?”

“The day of the trial I’ll come back to get you and Flash Sentry. You can wait aboard The Equinox and listen to the trial in my quarters via a transmission from my earring. When you’re called to testify I can open a portal to bring you right there safely.”

Twilight nods. And send you back afterwards.

Raven wrings her hooves nervously. “I... I don’t know if I can...”

Flash Sentry puts a fetlock around her neck. “It’s okay, Raven. Remember, I’ll be with you the whole time.”

“But... but I don’t think I can see that filthy scoundrel again without breaking down!”

“Your testimony might be the thing that brings him down though!”

Twilight bows her head. “Right. Without it they may just let him go.”

Arc grimaces. “And he’ll just keep doing it to others.”

Raven takes a deep breath. “I’ll try my best.”

Flash Sentry smiles at her. “That’s all we can ask.”

Twilight looks to the mare. “Is there anything else we can do for you, Raven?”

“Um... could I please lie down now? I think I need some time alone to think.”

“Of course.”

Arc stands. “Take Raven back to her room, Flash Sentry.”

“Yes sir.”

Getting to his hooves, he helps Raven off the couch and slowly toward the door. As it closes behind them Twilight’s ears droop and she sighs.

“Raven... I wish we could do more to help her.”

Arc sighs. “Taking down Goldstone would help.”

“I know. But that might not be possible.”

“We have to stay positive, Twilight.”

“What happened to her... I just can’t imagine something like that being done to a mare against their will!”

“I’m assuming it does happen though.”

Twilight nods. “Occasionally, yes.”

“What’s Equestria do about it?”

“They get a trial, of course. However a conviction generally requires a mare to undergo a medical examination shortly after the event occurs.”

“Swabbing for evidence?”

“It makes for an airtight case, yes. Every filly is taught what to do if such a thing happens to them. To tell somepony and get help as soon as possible. You should talk to Dinky about it before too long.”

Arc sighs. “I did that a while back.”

“Oh?”

“She and I talked about touching inappropriately and how to handle it.”

“Did she understand?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at first, no. She confessed that she was touched under her tail some time back. However, when I pressed her for details about the incident she told me it was during a routine medical exam. And her mother was there too.”

“Doctor Horse?”

“Yup. I did run it past Derpy after the fact, of course. She told me that he was just giving her a physical. This was shortly after Kronos... aged her up.”

“That does make sense, yes. Dinky was so young back then and wouldn’t have known the difference. But it’s still good that you had that talk with her.”

“Yes, well... we should probably get back to the ship. After all, we didn’t actually tell anyone we were leaving.”

Twilight gasps. That’s right! Let’s go!

Powering up his crystals, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. The pair step through together and return to The Equinox. Later that evening they proceed to the Cargo Hold together. Stepping onto the open air chariot they look over to see Ashe standing next to her father’s carriage waiting for them.

“I’m ready to move out when you two are.”

Arc turns to Ashe. “Is your carriage going to be in the lead or are we?”

Ashe shrugs. “Either way works for me.”

She turns to Twilight before continuing.

“What do you want to do, princess?”

“Well... if it’s not too much trouble, I’d rather go first.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Twilight?”

“The citizens really seem to like it when I drive by. Um... that IS okay, right?”

Ashe shrugs. “I haven’t heard any complaints from the Aviary, so I’m going to say it is, yes.”

Arc fans himself with a hand. “Then let’s get moving. This heated carriage is a bit too warm when inside a climate controlled ship.”

Twilight giggles and nods to the stallion across the room. He presses a button to open the Cargo Bay doors. As they do so, the stallions hitched to the carriage begin walking. Ashe’s carriage follows them into the city. As before, the citizenry hurry out of their homes to see Twilight. She waves happily at as many as she can. A short time later they enter a gated estate with guards everywhere. They stop in front of the doors as a spiffily-dressed butler approaches them and offers a talon to Twilight.

“Good evening, your majesty.”

“Oh! Um... hello!”

She takes his talon as another griffon hurries forward with some temporary stairs. Placing them before her, Twilight descends the carriage as Arc follows closely behind. The butler releases her hoof and bows.

“Lord Weller has been expecting you, Princess Twilight. Please follow me to the Ballroom.”

Nodding, she follows the griffon as Arc stays by her side. Entering the mansion she stops as the butler turns around, confused.

“Is something wrong, your highness?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Oh, no. I’m just waiting for Lady Ashe.”

The butler raises an eyebrow. “You... wish to enter the Ballroom... with her?”

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

“N-no, your highness.”

He turns to Arc before continuing.

“Shall we be off, sir?”

“I’ll wait for her too.”

The butler gasps. “Sir?!”

“Is that a problem?”

“N-no, sir! Not at all!”

A few minutes later Ashe walks in. She looks to the pair, a bit skeptically.

“What are you waiting for?”

Arc shrugs. “Just you.”

Twilight smiles. “Didn’t want you to be left behind.”

Ashe frowns. “I’m confused.”

“I think Twilight wants us to walk in together.”

Ashe looks to the pair nervously. “That’s a bit... um... how should I put this... inappropriate.”

Twilight frowns. “How so?”

“Entering a Ballroom is typically done alone. Pairs doing so together are a sign that they are romantically involved.”

Arc gestures to the butler. “That explains his response.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Yes, I... suggested that the three of us should go together.”

Ashe puts a talon to her forehead and sighs. “I suppose trios aren’t out of the question. However, a foreign princess, an ambassador, and a lord would certainly turn heads for the wrong reasons.”

Arc nods soberly. “So we should let you go first then?”

Ashe shrugs. “Or you two could.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t that send the wrong message though?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not in your case, no. A princess would certainly have her protecter close at all times.”

“Well, I think you should go first, Ashe.”

“Very well. I’ll show you the proper way to enter too.”

Walking down dimly lit corridors together they eventually come to a well-lit archway. Ashe turns to Twilight.

“Just watch what I do and try your best to imitate it.”

The butler picks up a receiver and speaks into it. A few moments later he looks to Ashe. She turns to the pair as she walks toward the doorway.

“That’s my cue.”

Entering the light from the Ballroom she curtsies slightly as a griffon just inside the door calls out in a deep and loud voice.

“PRESENTING THE AMBASSADOR TO EQUESTRIA, LADY ASHE!”

Walking slowly into the room, she disappears from sight. A few moments later the butler again speaks into the receiver and looks to Twilight. Arc motions for her to step forward as he does so as well. As they enter the light, Twilight does as Ashe did as Arc stays one step behind her and to her right as the announcing griffon does his thing.

“PRESENTING PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE OF EQUESTRIA AND LORD ARC!”

They enter the room as all eyes turn to look at them. Twilight smiles as Arc extends a hand to her. Putting her hoof into it, she allows herself to be led into the room by Arc. A servant approaches the pair with a tray of crystal glasses and extends one to her.

“Fine wine, your majesty?”

“Oh! Um... I don’t...”

Ashe walks over and takes a glass from the tray as she interrupts her. “Now, now, your highness. Mustn’t offend our gracious host.”

“I... suppose not.”

Twilight takes the glass from Ashe’s talon with a Telekinesis Spell. The servant holds the tray out to Arc, but he holds up a hand.

“Thank you, but I’m on duty.”

Bowing slightly, he backs away as Lord Weller and Lord Adalbert approach the pair.

“Ah, Princess Twilight Sparkle! So good of you to come!”

“Indeed.”

Twilight nods regally. “Thank you for the invitation, Lord Weller.”

Arc turns to Adalbert. “Hello again, sir. I take it there was no... lasting damage from our previous encounter.”

Adalbert laughs heartily. “None whatsoever! Thank you for the workout though!”

Weller joins in the amusement as Twilight raises an eyebrow.

“My apologies, but might I ask what the joke is?”

Arc looks to her. “The last time I saw Lord Adalbert he was leading griffon forces toward the Crystal Empire.”

Weller chimes in quickly. “At the behest of Hero of Light Decimus, I might add.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her cheek. “Ah! I do remember Cadance informing me about that. Tell me, how did Arc convince you to do otherwise, sir?”

“With poise and grace, your highness.”

Ashe appears impressed. “Really?”

Arc smirks. “And by that he means a gauntlet to the beak.”

They laugh heartily as Twilight forces a smile and sips her wine. Enjoying the moment for a bit longer, Weller turns back to Twilight.

“It wasn’t exactly the most prosperous time in either of our nation’s histories, I believe.”

Adalbert shrugs. “I enjoyed it.”

Twilight smiles at their host. “Rest assured that Equestria doesn’t hold such a thing against the Griffon Kingdom. “

Arc nods. “We understand that you were merely acting on the faulty information provided by Decimus.”

Weller bows his head. “And for that we apologize.”

Adalbert smiles at Arc. “But thanks for the exercise.”

“Anytime.”

Weller looks to Twilight soberly. “Your highness, might we move this conversation somewhere a bit more... private?”

“Certainly.”

Leading the group from the Ballroom, he escorts them into a parlor of sorts. A roaring fire in front of a pair of couches comes into view. Several trays of delicacies sit on the coffee table before them. Weller motions to the couches as he closes and locks the doors behind him.

“Please have a seat.”

Everyone does so as he pulls a bottle of wine from a silver ice bucket next to the door.

“A bit of food and sip of wine are in order, I believe.”

Adalbert holds out a glass. “I’ll drink to that!”

Ashe does the same. “As will I.”

Twilight levitates her glass from earlier. “Thank you, but I’m fine.”

Arc holds up a hand. “I’ll pass. Duty to the princess, and all that.”

Weller smiles as he pours. “Understandable, Lord Arc.”

Setting the bottle down on the table, Lord Weller looks at Twilight and holds up his glass.

“To Equestria and our future relationships.”

Twilight nods and clinks her glass against his as Adalbert turns to Ashe.

“And to your work keeping our two nations together.”

Ashe smiles as she holds up her own glass. “I’ll drink to that.”

The pair tip their glasses as Arc looks to Lord Weller.

“You have a beautiful home here, sir.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc. It was built by my great-grandfather.”

Adalbert turns to Twilight. “Most of the mansions in the Griffon Kingdom were built generations ago.”

“Very impressive. I wouldn’t have guessed it by looking at them.”

Ashe chimes in. “They take a lot of maintenance, of course. However, nearly every residence is apt to keep them up. As do most citizens back in Equestria, I’ve noticed.”

Weller smiles. “Yes, we’ve all read the reports you’ve sent back, Lady Ashe. Most impressive the things you’ve witnessed.”

Adalbert smirks. “I was more impressed by the fighting spirit of its forces.”

Ashe looks to Twilight. “Lord Adalbert is referring to my report regarding the assault on Light’s Hope.”

“An amazing read!”

Weller nods. “Indeed. However I would like to say something to Princess Twilight now.”

“Me, sir?”

“Yes, your highness. It’s about the reason for your visit.”

Adalbert nods soberly. “And what it entails.”

“Lord Adalbert and I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for the inexcusable antics of our colleague.”

Adalbert snorts as he looks away. “The spinless coward.”

“We all voted to see him put on trial for his misdeeds, naturally.”

“He’ll have a chance to defend himself just like anyone else would, naturally.”

“However, it is still possible that he’ll simply be able to walk away from this.”

Twilight frowns. “But how?!”

Adalbert grunts. “Prosecuting a lord is very tricky. Even with the evidence against him, Lord Goldstone may be able to convince the other nobles to petition the king on his behalf.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “To what end?”

Weller sighs. “In order to maintain his freedom.”

Twilight gasps. “But how would that happen?! I mean... if the king finds him guilty won’t that be the end of it?!”

Adalbert shakes his head. “Not really. A guilty verdict only means that he needs to be punished in some way. The law states that he’d be removed from the Council of Lords, yes. However, he could just be ordered to pay a fine to the injured parties.”

Arc grits his teeth. “No prison sentence, or anything?”

Weller frowns. “Not if enough nobles get behind it, no. You see, the king holds the authority only because the nobility wills it so. Should they not be kept happy, he could be deposed via a coup or assassination.”

Adalbert downs his glass in one gulp before speaking. “That would cause nothing but instability in our land as the nobles will fight with one another to establish dominance and crown a new king.”

“While we do sympathize with the plight of the victim, please understand that even without his title, Lord Goldstone is still a force to be reckoned with.”

Adalbert scoffs. “All his connections in the economic sector have kept him on the noble’s tongues as a wizard of a business mogul and financial advisor for as long as I can remember.”

Ashe sets her glass down. “I do understand that the king needs to think of the nation as a whole. However, there must be SOMETHING that could be done about Goldstone.”

Weller sighs. “As I said, it all comes down to how many nobles back him before and during the trial.”

Adalbert clenches a talon angrily. “Bring em all on! I’d relish the chance to put some of those fools into boxes!”

Ashe sighs. “Please, Lord Adalbert. You know they wouldn’t take to the streets themselves.”

Weller nods. “Yes, they’d hire mercenaries to do such things for them.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Equestria will be forced to accept whatever verdict the king passes down, naturally. However the nobles are not his only concern.”

Ashe smirks. “Lord Arc is right. The treaty says that justice must be done to anyone found guilty of a crime against a citizen of Equestria.”

Twilight takes a sip of her drink. “Our treaty could potentially be imperiled if the king doesn’t take action against Lord Goldstone.”

Weller looks to the monarch nervously. “Rest assured that he will weigh all of the options before making a verdict.”

Adalbert groans. “Much as I hate to admit it, this matter is significantly bigger than one mare.”

Arc nods. “I agree.”

Ashe turns to him, clearly surprised. “What?!”

“He’s right. This IS bigger than one individual’s feelings. However, there is a matter even grander than the potential toppling of a monarchy.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What could possibly...?!”

Arc interrupts her as he looks to Weller. “Think about it this way. Instead of bemoaning the situation as it stands, consider how your nation got to this point in the first place.”

“I don’t understand your meaning, Lord Arc.”

“Power totally and fully consolidated within a monarchy and federal ruling body. You have five individuals whom hold literally all the power in this country. And three of them are quaking in fear due to the potential future actions of one of them.”

Adalbert frowns. “While I admit that we don’t exactly have the perfect system here, Lord Arc, I must also point out that Equestria also has the same style of government. Four princesses versus our four lords and a king.”

Twilight nods. “That is true, yes. However each princess is taught to think about the consequences of their actions to the country as a whole.”

Arc gestures to Twilight with a wave of his hand. “That and they are available to hear their subjects problems on a near daily basis.”

Ashe chimes in. “I should point out that in addition to the princesses, Equestria also has robust local governments and city councils to rule on a more... personal level. Each town has such things and while they do still answer to Canterlot, the day to day affairs of that city or town are coordinated by the locals and their representatives whom they elect.”

Twilight looks to the lords sitting before her as she leans forward and places her hooves on the table. “Don’t you see? Power blossoms when spread among the population. However it just corrodes and pollutes the land when held exclusively by an elite few. Its influence should be like nutrition to the public. But in this case it’s more like a cancer.”

Weller bows his head. “I cannot disagree with your analysis of the situation, Princess Twilight. However at this point in time there is little that can be done to change things here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc shakes his head. “And that’s exactly why nothing will ever change. Because you believe it to be impossible.”

Ashe stands. “It CAN be done! I’ve seen it in action! Remember, Equestria itself was very similar to our own land over a thousand years ago! Nothing but fighting, bloodshed, and the three pony races vying for dominance! However one stallion changed all that by instituting Equestria’s first princesses whom united the races under one banner! And that banner was one of freedom and safety! Not of slavery and exploitation!”

Twilight puts a hoof on Ashe’s talon. “Please calm yourself, ambassador.”

“But...!”

Arc interrupts her. “Things will change here, Ashe. Either by the will of the politicians or the citizens.”

Ashe looks away. “Without rights they can do nothing, Lord Arc!”

“I disagree. If enough of them get behind an idea it can’t be stopped.”

Weller grimaces. “You’re referring to the rebels, Lord Arc?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

Adalbert snarls. “Fools, all of them! Do they truly think they can hope to stand against the might of the Griffon Kingdom’s forces?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Perhaps they may one day.”

Weller sighs. “But they’ve been nothing but quiet for some time now.”

Ashe smiles wickedly. “Perhaps it’s the calm before the storm. You never really know when or where they’re going to strike next.”

Arc gestures toward a large window nearby overlooking the city. “And they’ve been driven to do some very brazen things in the past.”

Twilight looks to the lords evenly. “Should nothing be done to pacify the public, I foresee them growing in both numbers and strength.”

Adalbert folds his talons over his chest. “What do you propose we do then, Princes Twilight?! Roll over and turn our nation over to THEM?!”

“I would suggest that you start not by doing, but by listening.”

Ashe nods fervently. “With an open mind, she mean.”

Twilight continues. “Hear out what their grievances are and address them.”

Weller looks to Adalbert. “It wouldn’t hurt to try new things.”

Adalbert grunts. “Sounds like a lot of work to me.”

Arc shrugs. “You have to start somewhere.”

Ashe motions to the door. “Indeed. But perhaps we should return to the festivities? I haven’t had the chance to greet my father yet this evening.”

Weller stands and puts his glass down. “A good idea. And thank you for the talk, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight nods. “Thank you for listening.”

Adalbert turns to Ashe. “You just keep sending reports back and we’ll keep reading them.”

“I will, yes.”

Returning to the Ballroom they immediately spot Lord Gestal chatting with a number of nobles. Seeing his daughter he quickly excuses himself and walks over to her. Extending a talon to him, he takes it and smiles.

“You look radiant, my dear!”

“Thank you, father.”

Gestal looks to Twilight. “All that fresh air and quality food, I’m sure.”

Twilight smiles. “We do have quite a bit of both.”

“Father, why don’t you and Princess Twilight share a dance?”

Gestal looks to Twilight and extends a talon. “Would you do me the honor, your highness?”

Twilight glances over to Arc whom makes a slight nod as he smiles. Looking to the lord she extends a hoof.

“I’m not very good at such things, but yes.”

Gestal smiles. “Then I shall lead.”

The pair head for the dance floor together as Ashe looks to Arc.

“Might I have a dance with you as well?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A dance?”

“It seems only fair considering my father is dancing with the princess.”

“Alright.”

Extending her talon to him, Arc takes it and leads Ashe to the floor. She puts her other talon on his shoulder as Arc puts his hand on her hip. As the next song starts she lowers her voice and speaks.

“Those fools.”

“Adalbert and Weller?”

Ashe nods. “They just keep writing off the rebels along with anything else that isn’t right in their faces!”

“They can’t keep doing that forever, you know. Eventually something’s going to be done that can’t just be swept under the rug.”

“Such as...?”

“I’m not going to give you any ideas.”

“Can’t blame me for trying.”

“I suppose not.”

Ashe sighs. “However, I would like to be honest with you about something.”

“What is it?”

“I do believe that the rebels would be very effective with proper leadership.”

“Any group would be, yes.”

Ashe nods. “Maybe that’s why they’re so quiet these days.”

“Probably.”

Ashe leans in close to Arc and rests her head on his shoulder. Lowering her voice, she whispers in his ear.

“Just say the word and I’ll bring you to them.”

“For what purpose?”

“To be led by you.”

Arc frowns. “That would do little to help the situation.”

Ashe sighs. “Remember, I’m a griffon first and foremost. It’s in my nature to be loyal to my country and its inhabitants.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“But if you ever change your mind, my offer still stands.”

“You just worry about why we came here and stay on target.”

Ashe smirks. “Yes sir.”

Meanwhile, a figure watches them from a corner of the room. Frowning, he turns and walks away. Leaving the Ballroom, the griffon makes his way out a side door. Keeping to the shadows he shakes his head and sighs as he removes a party mask. Tossing it to the ground, Gaston grunts as he muses to himself.

“Ashe... how could you do this to me?! I know we parted on less than friendly terms the last time we met! But I never thought I’d see you in that freak’s embrace!”

Clenching a talon, he seethes.

“I’ll show you what a real griffon is capable of, Ashe!”

Several hours later the party breaks up. Gestal, Ashe, Arc, and Twilight descend the front steps together. Gestal smiles at Twilight as he speaks.

“Thank you for the dances, your highness. They warmed this old griffon’s heart.”

“It was nice to talk to you again, sir.”

Ashe nods. “And it gave Lord Arc and I some time to chat.”

Gestal chuckles. “That it did. Just be sure that Princess Luna doesn’t catch you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Luna?”

“I heard from the king that you and her are an item, Lord Arc.”

“Ah! Well... she’s very... trusting of me in that regard.”

Twilight smiles. “Yes, Luna isn’t much for needless confrontations fortunately.”

The open air carriage arrives. Ashe looks to Twilight as it does.

“Might I ride with you back to the ship?”

“If you’d like to, certainly.”

Gestal frowns. “You really should take the armored carriage, Ashe. After all, you’re an ambassador now.”

“Thank you for your concern, father. But I can’t live in fear behind guards my whole life. If I’m going to be taken seriously as a leader, both here AND in Equestria, I need to show that I’m willing to take some risks.”

Gestal sighs. “Very well, my dear. Please be safe out there.”

Arc smiles at him. “We’ll watch out for her, sir.”

Twilight grins. “Right.”

Gestal nods and watches as Arc extends a hand to Ashe. She takes it and allows herself to be helped into the open air carriage. Silently he follows the carriage with his eyes as it snakes its way down the drive toward the road. As it turns and vanishes from view he whispers to himself.

“Be safe, Ashe.”

The carriage makes its way down the street. Ashe turns to Twilight sheepishly.

“Sorry for my outburst during that private meeting earlier.”

Twilight smiles. “It’s fine. After all, you’re very... close to this particular matter.”

Ashe sighs. “However it’s still something that I can’t even begin to change. Either as Lady Ashe, an ambassador, or even as my... other former occupation.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “Let’s not talk about that last one, shall we?”

Twilight nods. “Agreed. The past is in the past.”

As they return to the common streets the citizenry again come out to see Twilight. Waving and cheering, they give her another warm welcome. Twilight turns to Ashe.

“They seem so genuinely pleased that I’m rather embarrassed.”

Arc chuckles. “Maybe some of them are cheering for Ashe here. After all, she IS the daughter of Lord Gestal and an ambassador.”

Ashe sighs. “Trust me, I’m not that well-liked by the public.”

“Why’s that?”

“Nobles aren’t exactly endearing. And an ambassador is viewed as a politician. Another group hated by the common folk.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes, well... perhaps you could change that, Ashe.”

“Oh?”

“Show them that there’s more to you than just your wealth, title, and family connections.”

“How though?”

Twilight giggles. “By doing a good job representing them abroad, for starters.”

Arc grins. “And being seen with Twilight here certainly doesn’t hurt.”

“I suppose that’s...”

She is cut off as a scream rings out. Arc looks up to see a robed individual on a rooftop pointing something at them. As they fire, Arc pulls his shield from the ring to deflect their shots. Loud, ‘plings’ ring out as the crossbow bolts are effortlessly stopped and fall to the ground. The throngs of griffon citizens flee in terror. Shining Armor points a hoof at the assailant and yells.

“GET THEM!”

Even before he speaks the Pegasi guards are on them, along with Arc’s squad, while the Unicorns cast a barrier over the carriage. As they do so the Earth Ponies form a defensive perimeter around it. Dropping their weapon, the assailant flies away but is chased by the guards over the rooftops. Arc looks to Twilight and Ashe.

“You two okay?!”

Twilight nods nervously. “Y-yes, I’m fine!”

“As am I!”

Gritting his teeth, he turns back to look at the rooftops. Touches his earring he speaks.

“Hero of Light Arc to all Equestrian forces! Capture the attacker alive! Repeat, I need them still breathing!”

Ashe leans forward and calls out into his earring as well. “This is Ambassador Ashe! That goes for the griffon forces as well! Take them and anyone caught aiding them into custody!”

Arc taps his earring, severing the connection as he looks around at the residents taking cover as best they are able. Shining Armor calls out to the Unicorns and Earth Ponies.

“MAINTAIN DEFENSIVE FORMATION! GET THE PRINCESS AND HER ENTOURAGE BACK TO THE SHIP!”

Those pulling the chariot continue on. The Unicorns follow them as they keep up their Barrier Spell while the Earth Ponies maintain their vigil. A few minutes later Shining Armor runs over to the chariot and salutes as he looks to Arc.

“Sir, I’ve just received word that the assailant has been captured!”

Arc grins. “Good! Have them taken back to The Equinox at once!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

Ashe frowns. “They should be detained in one of our nation’s detention facilities!”

“In time they will, yes.”

He runs his fingers over the shield as he continues.

“However, first I want to hear their reasoning for this unprovoked attack... personally.”

Quite some time later they arrive back at The Equinox. The carriage enters the ship via the Cargo Hold door. As it clicks shut Shining Armor looks around for a few moments before calling out.

“STAND DOWN DEFENSIVE MEASURES!”

The Unicorns cease casting as the Earth Ponies step back. Arc hops down and helps Twilight and Ashe off the chariot. Shining Armor runs over to them and looks to Arc.

“My apologies for the failure of security, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Everyone did their part and no one was hurt.”

Twilight turns to her brother. “What of our assailant?”

“They were captured by the Hero of Light’s personal guard and brought back to the ship.”

Ashe appears hopeful “Can we see them?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “They are currently being examined by Nurse Redheart.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Were they injured?”

“Yes sir. Apparently they put up quite the fight when cornered.”

Twilight nods soberly. “I’d like to interview Arc’s squad then. Perhaps we can learn something from them in the interim.”

Ashe gasps. “But you should be kept under heavy guard with such a dangerous individual aboard!”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s arm. “I believe I’ve adequately protected.”

Arc nods. “I’ll personally guard you as long as this griffon is aboard, Twilight.”

He turns back the Shining Armor before continuing.

“Have my squad report to my quarters for a debriefing at once.”

Shining Armor salutes. “Yes sir.”

Twilight looks over at Shining Armor as Arc leads her toward the stairs. “And notify us of the condition of that griffon the moment Nurse Redheart knows something.”

Ashe grimaces as they walk. “Of all the times...”

Arc interrupts her. “Let’s not say any more until we come to my quarters.”

Arriving at his room, Arc pushes the door open for Twilight and Ashe. Motioning to the guards around Twilight’s room to approach him he speaks.

“The princess with be here with me for some time as we do our best to get to the bottom of a recent attack on her life! This room will be guarded as heavily as her own room until such time as the situation is rectified! Understood?!”

The guards salute silently. Arc turns to Shining Armor as he approaches.

“Allow my squad entry as soon as they arrive.”

“Yes sir. They are merely awaiting reinforcements to arrive before leaving the Infirmary. I imagine they’ll be here shortly.”

“Thank you. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

He closes the door and turns back to Twilight and Ashe.

“We should probably sit down.”

Ashe looks to Twilight. “Especially you.”

“I-I’m fine!”

Arc looks to her. “Then why is your hoof shaking?”

Twilight sighs. “I’ve never been shot at before.”

Ashe takes her hoof and leads her over to the couch. “Believe me when I say that the first time is the hardest.”

Arc walks over to a cupboard and pulls out a glass. “That it is.”

Removing a bottle from his ring, he pours the contents into the glass. Walking over to Twilight he hands it to her. She takes a drink and appears surprised.

“What is this?”

“One of my favorite drinks from Earth. It’s called Fruit Punch Gatorade. You like it?”

Twilight smiles and nods. “That I do!”

Arc sits down next to her and puts a hand on her fetlock. “Sorry.”

“For what?”

“The attack.”

“That wasn’t your fault though, Arc.”

Ashe nods soberly. “And you did shield us both from harm.”

“I was careless. You shouldn’t have been driving around so unprotected, Twilight.”

“But that was my choice!”

Ashe bows her head. “While that is true, I have to agree with Lord Arc on this. You’re too tempting a target, Twilight.”

Arc sighs. “For the rebels, yes.”

Ashe frowns. “I did get a glimpse of the griffon though. They weren’t wearing a rebel’s cloak.”

Twilight gasps. “Are you sure?”

“I am, yes.”

“That’s good! I don’t really want an entire organization after me.”

Arc sighs. “Well, someone really wanted to risk taking a shot at you.”

Ashe folds her talons over her chest. “With all that security around us they had to know they wouldn’t get away though.”

Twilight looks to the door as a light knock rings out. “Sounds like the ones with the answers are here.”

Arc stands and walks over to the door. Unlocking it, he opens it to see his squad standing there at attention.

“Come in.”

They do so and remove their helmets respectfully as Arc leads them over to stand before Twilight and Ashe. They bow respectfully as Arc takes his place next to Twilight and speaks.

“How is the prisoner?”

Max sighs. “Not the greatest, sir.”

Hugh frowns. “They evaded nearly everypony’s attempt to capture them!”

Viktor smirks. “We were able to coordinate with one another to corner them though.”

Xenos grins. “Then I got the jump on them.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Got the jump?”

“Literally. I dropped down on them from above while the other three kept their attention focused on them.”

Max nods. “However they were knocked unconscious during the effort.”

Hugh bows his head. “We’re sorry for that, sir.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “No matter. They’re alive at least.”

Ashe frowns. “Not for long.”

Twilight appears surprised. “Ashe?”

“The Griffon Kingdom doesn’t tolerate attacks on nobles. Much less with deadly weapons.”

Arc nods soberly. “Much less on royalty as well I would assume.”

Turning to his squad, Arc speaks.

“Anything else you can tell us about this individual?”

Max shudders. “Just that they were VERY highly trained.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. I think they might have even been able to give you a run for your money, sir.”

Hugh smirks. “I’d take that bet.”

Viktor shrugs. “He’d have his hands full trying to get them on that slippery serpent.”

Ashe frowns. “I’m more interested as to why they were shooting at the princess in the first place.”

Twilight’s ears droop as she speaks. “Yes, well... I don’t suppose I can please everypony.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We’ll know when they talk.”

Max appears hopeful. “Do you think they will, sir?”

“All we can do is try.”

Ashe smiles wickedly. “I know some folks whom could certainly help in that regard.”

Arc sighs. “If I can’t get them to talk I may just take you up on that, Ashe.”

Twilight gasps. “Arc?!”

“We have to know why they did what they did, Twilight.”

There is a knock at the door. Standing again, Arc walks over to it. Opening the door he spies Shining Armor on the other side. He salutes before speaking.

“Sir, I’ve just been informed that the prisoner has regained consciousness.”

“And their condition?”

“Nurse Redheart didn’t go into detail. She simply requests that you come see her in the Infirmary at your earliest convenience.”

“All right. I’ll head over there with Ashe in a few minutes. Do you think you could stay with Twilight until I return?”

“Yes sir.”

They enter the room together and return to the others. Arc turns to his squad as he speaks.

“Stay here with General Shining Armor. Ashe and I will be heading out to visit the griffon in the Infirmary.”

Twilight frowns. “Shouldn’t you take them with you, Arc?! I mean... this individual sounds dangerous!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “I believe Arc is worried more about your safety, Twilight.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Ashe clenches a talon. “I’ll watch his back.”

Shining Armor sighs. “You really shouldn’t be going either, ambassador.”

“Regulations state that the prisoner has the right to griffon counsel though. And as this ship is an extension of Equestrian soil that job falls to me.”

Twilight nods. “She’s right. But please be careful you two.”

Arc nods. “We will.”

Heading for the door, the pair walk toward the Infirmary together. Arc turns to Ashe and lowers his voice.

“Are you sure this isn’t some kind of rebel attack?”

“I am, yes. After all, I ordered Twilight to be left alone during her stay here. That and they weren’t dressed in the traditional robes.”

Arriving at their destination Arc and Ashe head over to a bed completely surrounded by guards. Redheart pushes past them and approaches the pair.

“Thank you for coming.”

Arc gestures to the bed. “I wanted to hear about this griffon’s condition personally.”

Ashe nods soberly. “How are they?”

Redheart looks over her clipboard. “Two broken wings, a smashed talon, a broken paw, and innumerable bruises.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “All that damage from Xenos jumping on them?”

Ashe shrugs. “Well, he IS rather large.”

Redheart nods. “I was able to speak to them while initially examining the patient. The one knowns as Xenos reported that they continued fighting them even while pinned to the ground.”

Ashe smirks. “That’s not surprising. After all, this griffon has to know being caught for something like this is a death sentence.”

“Can we talk to her, Redheart?”

Redheart sighs. “You can try. However they haven’t spoken a word to me, or anypony else since arriving.”

Stepping aside, Redheart allows Arc and Ashe to pass. The guards follow suit and soon the pair are standing next to the bed. Arc frowns as he looks down.

“Seriously?”

Ashe gasps. “The youngling from before?!”

She stares at the pair but gives no indication of talking. Arc turns to a guard.

“Go wake up Natalya and Gallus. Tell them I need them both here immediately.”

Nodding, they hurry away. Returning a few minutes later the brother and sister are allowed to approach the bed. Natalya is the first to speak.

“We came as quickly as we... Gabby?!”

Gallus looks at the bandages and restraints. “What the heck happened to her?!”

Arc sighs. “She was injured when my squad tried to apprehend her.”

Natalya facepalms. “So she tried to get inside the ship AGAIN?”

Gallus frowns. “Couldn’t they have treated her a bit better though?! I mean, come on! She’s pretty messed up!”

Ashe shakes her head. “The guards used adequate force to restrain our prisoner here. She’s going to be charged with high crimes and treason most likely.”

Natalya gasps. “For trying to get into and Equestrian airship?!”

Arc puts a hand on Natalya’s shoulder as he looks her in the eye. “No. She... she tried to assassinate Princess Twilight.”

“WHAT?!”

Gallus scoffs. “But how?!”

Ashe folds her talons over her chest. “With a crossbow as our chariot passed by.”

Natalya frowns. “That’s impossible! She’s a pacifist!”

Gallus nods matter-of-factly. “Right! She doesn’t even like the sight of a weapon!”

Arc shrugs. “We all saw her do it though.”

Redheart turns to him. “Are you certain of that, sir?”

“Considering all the eyes that were on her during the flight I doubt she could have just been flying by innocently.”

He picks up the tattered black robe she had been wearing before continuing.

“And I recognize this as a magic cloak.”

Ashe nods. “Which are highly illegal here in the Griffon Kingdom I might add. It allowed her to get into position completely unseen.”

Natalya looks to her sister fearfully. “Tell us it’s not true, Gabby!”

Gallus nods. “It has to be some kind of misunderstanding!”

Gabby looks at them but still says nothing. Natalya grabs her talon and holds it as she looks her sister in the eye.

“You have to say something! The penalty for crimes such as this are...!”

Gallus cuts her off. “Natalya! Don’t scare her any more than she already is!”

Redheart looks to Arc. “Sir, if I might interject.”

Arc nods. “Go ahead.”

“Gallus just mentioned that his little sister must be scared.”

Ashe shrugs. “It’s a logical conclusion after the chase she just endured, yes.”

“I don’t believe that’s the case though.”

Arc frowns. “Elaborate.”

Redheart motions with a hoof to the screen next to the bed. “Her vitals are all consistent with a young griffon whom is sedentary.”

Gallus appears confused. “But shouldn’t they be like that? I mean... she IS just lying there quietly.”

“Normally, yes. However considering what she just went through, in addition to the fact she’s surrounded by soldiers aboard a foreign airship, the tension of the event should be registering on the monitors.”

Natalya gasps. “From the stress, I assume?”

“Even if she had been mistakenly arrested, there’s no way she should be able to stay that calm. Especially after the bubbly showing she made the last time she was here.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying she’s innocent?”

Ashe scoffs. “That’s not possible.”

Redheart sighs. “I’m saying that there’s more going on here than meets the eye, sir.”

“Do you have a theory?”

“It’s a bit far-fetched. However, she may be under some form of magical conditioning.”

Natalya frowns. “Magical...?”

Gallus’ eyes grow wide. “So she’s been forced to do this MAGICALLY?!”

“It’s possible, yes.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Is there some kind of test you could run to know for sure, Redheart?”

“If I’m right about this a simple dispel should reverse the effects.”

Redheart turns to Arc before continuing.

“With your permission, sir.”

Arc looks to Natalya. The young griffon grimaces but says nothing as she continues to hold her sister’s talon in hers. Sighing, Arc nods.

“Do it.”

Her horn aglow, Redheart casts the spell. Gabby suddenly goes limp as Natalya tries to prop her sister up.

“GABBY!”

Groaning, she slowly raises her head to look Natalya in the eye groggily.

“What... am I doing back here?”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Uh... you don’t remember?”

Gabby shakes her head. “No, I...”

She gasps in pain as she tries to move. Looking herself over, Gabby turns to her siblings again.

“What the heck...?!”

Natalya puts a talon on her sister’s shoulder. “Don’t try to move. The guards won’t like it.”

“Guards?”

Blinking a few times, she shakes her head to clear her vision. Looking around again she is able to see the multitude of guards. Shrinking back, she calls out nervously.

“Am I in trouble?”

Gallus groans. “I’d say so, yes.”

Natalya chimes in. “What do you remember?”

“Well... I remember you and Gallus taking me home and walking me up to my room. Then you talked a lot about... things I don’t really remember.”

Gallus frowns. “Weren’t you listening at ALL?!”

“I tried to! I really did! But...!”

Ashe interrupts. “Please continue with your story, miss.”

“Natalya told me to take a nap and think about what I had done.”

Arc looks to her. “Did you?”

“I must have, as that’s the last thing I remember.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Last thing?!”

“Right. What’s wrong with that?”

Gallus sighs. “It’s been a couple days, Gabby.”

“Guess I was more tired than I thought.”

Ashe frowns. “You weren’t asleep though.”

“I wasn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “Apparently not.”

Gabby motions to her injuries. “Was I sleep flying again?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not... exactly.”

“Then what happened?”

Gallus bows his head. “You... may have taken a shot at Princess Twilight.”

Gabby gasps. “WHAT?! HOW?!”

“With a crossbow.”

“But... but there’s no way I would have ever...!”

Ashe frowns. “Miss, we caught you in the act!”

She gestures to the bandages before continuing.

“You sustained those injuries when the guards tried to apprehend you.”

Gabby shakes her head vehemently. “No! No, that’s not possible!”

Gallus sighs. “Trust me, Gabby. You did.”

Natalya points to Arc. “It took all of Lord Arc’s personal guard to take you into custody as well.”

“This is all a big mistake though! How can I prove my innocence here?!”

Ashe steps forward. “I’ll represent you during your trial, of course. However it’s likely that Equestria will want to extradite you for this.”

“Extra-what now?”

Natalya looks down at her sister sadly. “Extradite. It means to take you back to Equestria to stand trial.”

Gallus sighs. “Which might actually be a good thing for you, Gabby.

Arc nods. “Right. I don’t think you’d do well being tried here.”

Gabby appears confused. “Why not? What’s the penalty for... what I did?”

Ashe frowns. “Execution.”

Arc steps forward. “Let’s not be too hasty, Ashe.”

“It’s clearly an open and shut case though. There isn’t really any good defense for what she did.”

Redheart gasps. “But she was clearly hypnotized!”

Ashe sighs. “Something that the Griffon Kingdom won’t believe is possible, seeing as no one has magic here.”

Gallus looks to Arc. “Sir, I know my sister is a bit of a pain. But I really think she’s being set up here.”

“Agreed. So let’s see if we can’t talk through it.”

Arc turns to Gabby and holds up the remains of the magic cloak.

“Ever seen this before?”

Gabby shakes her head. “No, never. What is it?”

“A magic cloak. It’s able to make someone invisible.”

Something falls onto the floor. Arc stoops down to pick it up. Ashe looks at it a moment before speaking.

“What’s that?”

Arc unfolds the paper. “A note of some kind.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “Maybe it’ll give us a clue!”

Gallus looks to the paper. “Can you read it aloud, sir?”

“Sure.”

Clearing his throat, Arc speaks.

“Agent G. Enclosed in this package you will find a magic cloak along with a fully automatic crossbow. You are to take these items and use them to assassinate Princess Twilight and Ambassador Ashe. Upon completion of the deed proceed to the predetermined spot for extradition and payment. As usual, destroy this note after reading it. Glory to the Griffon Liberation Army!”

He turns to Gabby before continuing.

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

Gabby puts her face in her talons and says nothing as she begins to cry. Natalya looks to Arc pleadingly.

“Please sir! This has to be some kind of...!”

His earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. Lord Gestal has contacted us to inquire of the condition of Princess Twilight and his daughter.”

“Tell him they are both completely unharmed. I’ll have Ashe call him when we finish interviewing the prisoner.”

Gabby breaks into fresh sobs at this. Lemon Hearts continues.

“Yes sir. He also wanted to send a contingent of soldiers to transport the prisoner to the Aviary for intensive questioning.”

Arc looks to Natalya and Gallus before he turns to the sobbing griffon before him. Sighing, he continues.

“Tell him... that we’ll be keeping her here for the time being.”

“Sir?”

“She’s currently under medical observation by Nurse Redheart and can’t be transported at this time.”

“Yes sir.”

“Ashe will reaffirm this when she calls him later. Arc out.”

Cutting the feed, he looks to Ashe.

“Make sure he understands just how injured she is right now.”

Ashe frowns. “He may press to have her turned over to our forces though. After all, I’m sure my father isn’t happy about me being shot at. Moreso since a princess was sitting next to me at the time.”

“Then tell him that she won’t be in any condition to hurt anyone else.”

Natalya appears relieved. “Thank you, sir!”

Gallus nods. “We really appreciate this.”

Arc picks up the robe and looks it over again as he clenches the note in his other hand.

“It’s alright. After all... I do believe there is more to this matter than we know.”

Chapter 9 - Panic Attack

Sometime later, there is a knock at the door of Arc’s quarters. Standing to answer it, he finds Ashe waiting for him. Beckoning her to enter he steps aside before closing the door behind her. Twilight looks over from the couch.

“How did everything go with your father, Ashe?”

Ashe sighs. “He... wasn’t exactly pleased about what happened. From the standpoint of security, I mean.”

Shining Armor removes his helmet and sighs. “It’s my failure.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. You couldn’t have seen an invisible enemy, after all.”

Twilight walks over to her brother and puts a hoof on his shoulder. “This was clearly heavily planned, Shining Armor. The place, the timing, and the trajectory were all perfect.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “We’re just lucky you were there to stop them.”

Arc soberly pulls his shield from the ring. “I’m just glad Cadance gave me this.”

Shining Armor groans. “While I’m thankful it all worked out, that doesn’t change the fact you were almost assassinated, Twilight.”

“But I wasn’t. And the perpetrator has been apprehended.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “As I said in the Infirmary earlier, I don’t believe this matter is as cut and dry at that.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Everything just seemed a bit too perfect.”

Ashe puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “Yes. A hypnotized victim is given a suggestion along with the equipment needed to carry out their orders.”

Arc nods. “And a note that was ‘supposed’ to be destroyed is hidden in their cloak linking the attack to the rebels.”

Twilight frowns. “A what?”

Arc turns to her. “There was a note that was supposedly the orders to take you and Ashe down on their person, Twilight.”

Ashe nods. “But the note said it was supposed to be destroyed.”

Shining Armor shrugs. “Perhaps they were just sloppy.”

Arc looks out the window overlooking the city. “Considering how ‘well-trained’ the so-called assassin was, I don’t see how that would be possible.”

Ashe turns to Twilight. “From what I’ve heard, professionals don’t make mistakes like that. Leaving behind evidence that links them to their employer, that is. That and she’s far too young to be that good!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Gabby...”

Shining Armor looks to his sister. “Twilight?”

“She’s so young.”

Arc nods. “That she is.”

Twilight moves to join Arc in looking out the window. “I saw her being led away from the ship the last time she was here.”

Ashe sighs. “She said she just wanted to meet you, Twilight.”

“Arc told me she had a bad case of ‘hero worship’.”

Arc chuckles. “Very.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “What does that have to do with it Twilight?”

“Why would she adore me one day and almost literally the next try to kill me?”

Ashe shrugs. “That could have just been a plot to check out the ship.”

Arc shakes his head. “Possibly, but not likely. My guess is that she was selected for this ‘mission’ because of what she did back then.”

Shining Armor gasps. “We’d have blamed her for being here back then to hurt Twilight!”

“With the information we had, it would have appeared to be an open and shut case. No one would have questioned it further than to call it an assassination plot. We kill the assassin and no one is the wiser.”

Twilight grimaces. “But why?!”

Ashe walks over to Twilight. “Because you’re stirring the pot here.”

Twilight appears confused. “Stirring the what?”

“Rocking the boat?”

“But I’m just trying to bring a matter forward to seek justice!”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Exactly. However I’m sure there are a great number of individuals whom would like you to stay quiet about that, Twilight.”

Ashe nods. “Goldstone is very well connected, after all. Any number of griffons would be impacted should he be ousted.”

Twilight stomps a hoof defiantly. “Well, I’m not backing down on this!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Nor am I!”

Ashe sighs. “Yes, I reiterated that to my father. However, he recommended that Twilight be relocated to the Aviary until this matter is settled though.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Why? Does he not believe the Equinox is secure enough?”

“I’m sure he does. However, since an attempt has been made, it would be very hard for the powers that be not to extend additional protections. Both for the sake of Twilight and the Griffon Kingdom.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “That’s understandable. If the princess should come to any harm it would make the government here look bad.”

Arc nods. “Especially on the international stage.”

“My father’s request does actually make pretty good sense, Twilight. That and the trial will be held in the Aviary anyways, which has already been put into lockdown in preparation of the event.”

Twilight frowns. “How do we know it’ll be safe there? I mean... for all we know the Aviary could be compromised.”

“All your guards will be permitted to accompany you, of course. And there’s no way of knowing that this place is safe either.”

Arc snaps a finger as an idea comes to him. “What about returning to Equestria until the trial? I could portal Twilight back when the day arrives.”

Ashe shakes her head. “The law states that all those involved in a pending legal case remain within the jurisdiction in which the case will be heard.”

Shining Armor narrows his eyes. “And if we don’t?”

Ashe sighs. “The case will be thrown out and Lord Goldstone will be reinstated.”

Twilight groans. “This seems like a very strange way of carrying out legal matters.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Is there some reason for it?”

“It was kind of a national pastime years ago. Nobles whom wanted to cause trouble for their rivals would put forth false claims and then fail to appear at court. It was only stopped when the king brought forth a decree ordering all parties of a case to remain within the area to keep the case active. The aristocracy absolutely HATE not being able to move about freely, after all.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Why was this not told to us earlier?!”

Ashe sighs as she gestures to Twilight. “Because I figured it would be overlooked due to a foreign leader being the one bringing forth the charges. Twilight can’t be sitting idly here in the Griffon Kingdom which she has a nation to rule over. However, when I brought that up to my father he told me that no such exemption can be made. I can only assume that whomever is behind this attack was hoping to scare the princess into leaving the country.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And by doing so Twilight would have negated the charges.”

“Exactly.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “Then we would have to begin the process all over again!”

Shining Armor grins. “Well, so much for that!”

Arc puts a hand on the glass before him. “Indeed. We’re not going anywhere until this matter is settled.”

“So... what should I tell my father regarding the addition protections?”

Arc looks to Twilight. “That’s up to the princess here.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I believe that we should make an actionable statement here.”

Ashe appears confused. “Which is...?”

“That we are NOT leaving, and WILL NOT be driven away so easily!”

Arc chuckles. “So we’re going to the Aviary?”

“That we are!”

Shining Armor sighs. “Are you sure that’s what you want to do, Twilight?”

Arc nods. “You’re certainly safe here as it stands.”

Twilight nods soberly. “I am, yes. However, as I said before, this is not done out of fear but to make a statement.”

She turns to Ashe before continuing.

“Notify Lord Gestal that I will accept lodging in the Aviary for my own protection.”

“I’ll see to it, Twilight.”

Shining Armor stands and salutes. “And I’ll notify Captain Soarin of your desire to relocate.”

Bowing, the pair head for the door. As they leave Arc turns to Twilight.

“Now then, all that’s left to do is wait.”

Twilight sighs. “And consider how best to deliver me to the Aviary.”

“Considering what just happened I would suggest an armored carriage. Now, I know you don’t like them, but...”

Twilight interrupts. “That would be fine.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... remember what happened last time you were in there?”

“I know. But this time will be different.”

“How so?”

Twilight smiles seductively. “You’ll be there with me.”

“I suppose I could, yes. But shouldn’t I be nearby for security purposes?”

“The others could handle that. “

“Well...”

Twilight looks to him pleadingly. “Please stay with me, Arc! I really need you there!”

Arc smiles as he puts a hand on her cheek. “Alright then. I will.”

Giggling, Twilight jumps into his arms. Catching her, she immediately locks lips with Arc. They sit down on the floor together to continue kissing. Meanwhile, Ashe returns to her quarters. Picking up her telephone she asks for a secure line to her father. As he answers she identifies herself.

“It’s me again, father.”

“How did it go, Ashe?”

“I was able to convince Princess Twilight to accept your offer of hospitality and protection within the Aviary.”

“Very good. She’ll be more than safe there.”

Ashe sighs. “Although I still believe she’d be equally safe aboard Lord Arc’s ship.”

“The Equestrian forces along with a contingent of my own personal guards will be bolstered by the considerable might of the soldiers already defending the Aviary. Believe me when I say that she will be more safe there than in that airship.”

In the earliest hours of the morning, even before first light, Twilight and Arc head for the Cargo Hold together. Ashe, Shining Armor, and Sereb meet them there. Shining Armor looks to his sister as the guards line up in formation.

“We’ve been given the green light to proceed, princess.”

“Thank you, general.”

“Are you sure I can’t accompany you though?”

Twilight shakes her head. “You’re needed here to watch over the ship.”

Arc nods soberly. “It will be our fallback position and must be kept secure.”

Ashe grimaces. “Hopefully we won’t need it, of course. However it does pay to have a backup plan if things go south.”

“That and you’ll be in charge of keeping Natalya, Gallus, and Gabby safe.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Do you really think they’re targets?”

Twilight sighs. “They could be, yes. That and Gabby’s fate hasn’t been released to the public, so they might try to ascertain if she’s truly dead.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “She’s a loose end to whomever sent her. That and in her condition she can’t defend herself.”

Shining Armor salutes. “I’ll do my best.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Yes, I’m sure you will.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Now then, no one is allowed to enter or leave The Equinox without me being personally present. Do not accept any verbal or written passes from anyone for any reason.”

Ashe smiles at Arc. “Tight security. I like it.”

“Lives may hang in the balance here, Ashe.”

Shining Armor nods. “Agreed. Now then, you and the princess should get underway while the night is still able to hide you two.”

Twilight looks to Arc and Ashe. “Agreed. Shall we be off?”

“I’m ready.”

“As am I.”

Shining Armor nods to a nearby guard. He opens the carriage door as they approach. Arc helps Twilight and Ashe inside before turning back to Shining Armor.

“I’ll call when we arrive at our room.”

“Thank you sir. Please take good care of the princess.”

Arc nods and steps into the carriage. Pulling the door shut behind him he turns to Twilight and sits down next to her. She holds out her hoof, allowing him to take it. Ashe looks out the window as they begin their trip.

“Here we go.”

Twilight sighs. “Indeed.”

Arc looks to his friend. “You’d rather stay aboard ship, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow, confused. “Then why...?

Twilight interrupts her. “To be closer to the location the trial will take place.”

Arc nods soberly. “A statement.”

“Yes. As I said before, I must show whomever orchestrated the attack that I won’t be driven away so easily.”

Ashe nods approvingly. “Very good, Twilight. I’m impressed.”

Twilight sighs. “It’s not like I could do anything else though.”

“Oh?”

“An insurmountable amount of work has been done to bring us to this point. Throwing all that away now is not an option.”

“I agree. But please let us know if you need to stop and stretch your legs.”

Twilight shakes her head. “I can’t do that. For security reasons I’ve ordered the carriage not to stop until we arrive at the Aviary.”

She squeezes Arc’s hand before continuing.

“That and I don’t want to risk either you or Arc’s safety for my sake.”

Ashe looks at the hoof in Arc’s hand. “You two are really close, aren’t you?”

Arc nods. “We are, yes.”

“I was the one whom brough him to our land, after all.”

Arc chuckles. “Things certainly started off on the wrong foot. But we were able to move past it toward a brighter future.”

Ashe speaks wistfully. “A brighter future.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Ashe?”

“A very interesting way of looking at things.”

“What do you mean?”

“Starting off poorly but doing your best to make things work. Ultimately, that’s what I want for this land.”

Twilight gestures at the window with a hoof. “But is it possible as it stands?”

Ashe sighs. “Maybe. However I’ll do my best to show others that there are options that we could explore.”

Arc frowns. “Options?”

“The government doesn’t have to hold all the power. The wealthy don’t have to control everything. And the commoners can have tolerable lives that are happy and fulfilling.”

Twilight smiles. “A nice future then.”

Ashe sighs. “But one that may not be possible.”

Arc looks at Ashe evenly. “Change will come. We may not live long enough to see the Griffon Kingdom adopt freedom and rights for the masses. All we can do is plant the seeds, nourish them, and hope for the best outcome.

Twilight nods. “Agreed. That’s all any of us can hope for our lives. To be able to do what we can with the time we have.”

They arrive at the Aviary sometime later. Innumerable guards line the road the carriage takes. Twilight looks out the window and speaks.

“It looks like the powers that be are taking this matter very seriously.”

Ashe nods. “That they are. The king as well as the Council of Lords don’t want an international incident. Especially after what happened yesterday, that is.”

Arc sighs. “So it would seem.”

The carriage stops a short time later in front of two figures. As Arc pushes open the door they spy Lord Gestal and Arbiter Ghaleon waiting for them with several platoons of soldiers. Lord Gestal steps forward and bows respectfully as they step out onto the red carpet below.

“Welcome to the Aviary, your highness.”

Twilight nods cordially. “Thank you for having us, sir.”

Ghaleon grimaces. “We apologize for our forces failing to spot the attacker yesterday, your highness.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “Please, sir... it’s in the past.”

Gestal frowns. “Rest assured, there will be a thorough investigation into this matter.”

Arc steps forward. “That will not be necessary, Lord Gestal.”

“Oh?”

Ashe looks to her father. “Lord Arc has already learned what he wanted to from them.”

Ghaleon raises an eyebrow. “Impressive interrogation tactics!”

Twilight continues. “We believe there may be more they can tell us though.”

Gestal nods. “As it stands, their life is forfeit. Do with them as you wish, Princess Twilight.”

Ghaleon clenches a talon. “If you would like a more... public display of the punishment for...!”

Arc interrupts. “No need for that. And you can be sure that we will... take care of this individual when the time is right.”

“Yes, father. I can attest to the... neatness of Equestria’s methods.”

“Very well. Do as you see fit in this matter, Princess Twilight. Now then, shall I escort you to your rooms?”

Twilight nods. “Yes please.”

They walk down innumerable corridors on their way to the guest quarters. The sound of clanking armor over talons, paws, and hooves are the only sounds to be heard in the otherwise silent air. Arc turns to Gestal.

“I don’t recall the Aviary being this quiet on my previous visits.”

“Security wasn’t as tight back then, Lord Arc.”

Ashe nods approvingly. “That’s saying something. After all, security here is second to none.”

Ghaleon grins. “And now it’s been surpassed in every conceivable way.”

Gestal looks to Arc. “The orders from the king were explicit. Nothing shall interfere with the upcoming trial of Lord Goldstone.”

“It must be hard for the staff here to carry out their duties under such instructions.”

Ghaleon grunts. “That may be. But orders are orders.”

Gestal shrugs. “The essential staff are escorted by guards to their places, watched every moment, and walked out the front gate when they are done.”

“Very neat and tidy, father.”

They come to Twilight’s room. Gestal motions to the guards outside whom push the doors open. Entering, they see a truly magnificent room with every conceivable amenity and luxury. Clearing his throat, Gestal speaks.

“These will be your quarters, your highness. A detachment of your best soldiers will be allowed to remain both inside and out at your command.”

“Thank you, sir. However I’m not comfortable being surrounded by guards at all times.”

Ghaleon raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Twilight gestures to Arc with a wave of her hoof. “I will be guarded night and day by Equestria’s Hero of Light.”

Gestal appears confused. “Just Lord Arc?”

Arc grins as he draws the Spear of Righteousness from his ring. “One of me is more than enough, sir.”

“I’ve seen him in combat, father. Princess Twilight will be adequately protected with him around.”

Gestal nods. “Very well. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes, Princess Twilight. Another bed will be delivered as soon as possible.”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s fine, Lord Gestal. I can sleep on the couch.”

Ghaleon grins. “Very spartan of you, Lord Arc.”

“I try not to let a cozy lifestyle soften me. Now then, we should probably let Princess Twilight get some rest. After all, it is still quite early.

Gestal smiles at them. “Of course, Lord Arc. Breakfast will be sent over whenever the princess is ready.”

He points to the telephone near the bed before continuing.

“When you are, simply call for room service. They will send over whatever foods are desired.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “Or anything else that is needed.”

“Yes. My daughter’s room will be right next door. She will be here to help you deal with any problems you may have.”

Twilight smiles. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate the hospitality.”

Ghaleon looks to Twilight. “Guards will bring your meals as well as anything else you request. They’ve all been vetted for complete loyalty to the king so you don’t need to worry about security risks.”

Gestal nods. “Then I shall check back with you later, your highness.”

Ashe bows respectfully. “By your leave.”

Twilight nods as Ashe and her father turn to leave the room. Ghaleon looks to Arc and smirks.

“Let us know if you need additional guards to aid you.”

“I will, Arbiter.”

Turning, he follows Gestal and Ashe back to the corridor. The guards outside pull the heavy steel doors shut as Arc walks over to them and turns the lock. Twilight lets out a sigh of relief as he does so.

“Finally!”

Arc chuckles as he walks over to her. “Lord Gestal means well. However I was wondering if he and the Arbiter would ever leave.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead. “As did I.”

“Are you alright, Twilight?”

“Just a bit tired.”

Arc motions to the bed. “Then why don’t I put you to bed, your highness.”

Twilight groans. “Now don’t you start with that.”

Arc smirks as he pulls the covers back. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”

Hopping up onto the bed, Twilight lays her head down on one of the many pillows. Arc carefully removes her crown and sets it on the nightstand. Looking up at him, Twilight smiles sleepily.

“Would you please... stay by my side?”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

He sits down next to her and pets her mane gently. Twilight gives him a withering look.

“Seriously?”

Arc grins innocently. “Whatever do you mean, your highness?”

Twilight groans. “Get in here!”

Arc bows cordially. “Yes, my princess.”

Kicking off his boots, Arc lies down next to her. Twilight presses her body against his and sighs contentedly as Arc puts an arm around her and speaks.

“Is that better?”

Twilight closes her eyes. “Much.”

Arc lies there holding Twilight as she drifts off to sleep. Looking down at her, he smiles and buries his face in her mane as he muses to herself.

“Twilight’s really cute when she’s asleep.”

He doesn’t have much time to consider more than this single thought as he himself dozes off. Arc sleeps fitfully through the remainder of the night. He sits up as the sun peeks over the horizon and walks over to the window. Looking out of it he spies a number of patrols flying by in the dim morning light. Sighing, Arc closes the curtains and turns back to Twilight.

“Guess I’d better get her up too.”

Returning to Twilight’s side, he puts a hand on her shoulder. Gently shaking her, she slowly opens her eyes and grimaces.

“Morning... already?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Well, dawn anyways.”

“Do we have to get up so early?”

“I suppose not. But I thought we should be available in case something regarding the case comes up.”

Twilight sits up, stretches, and hops off the bed. Walking slowly to the bathroom she motions for him to follow. Entering with her, Twilight turns on the shower as she looks to him.

“We should probably look our best from here on out.”

“Agreed. How can I help, Twilight?”

“We can wash each other’s backs.”

Arc smirks. “But I thought you could do that with your magic, Twilight.”

“I suppose I could. But you’re so good at getting all those hard to reach places.”

Arc chuckles. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

“Do I have to say it?”

“Yup.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Fine. I... I like seeing you bare.”

“There. Was that so hard?”

“Not really, I suppose.”

Arc smiles. “Practice makes perfect.”

“Why don’t you get in and get comfortable?”

“What about you?”

Twilight points to the sink. “I need to brush my mane first. Just relax and I’ll be there in a bit.”

Doing as he is told, Arc disrobes and steps into the warm shower. Sitting down, he leans against the wall. Twilight picks up a brush with her hoof and begins running it through her mane. Closing her eyes, Twilight hums melodically as she works. The running water obscures the swishing sound of her mane. Arc closes his eyes and dozes off for what he believes to be a few moments. His eyes open as a strange hissing sound rings out across the room. Pulling back the curtain, he calls out.

“Twilight, are you...?”

Arc stops talking as he spies Twilight sitting on the toilet. She blushes heavily as her pupils shrink and the hissing stops. A light dripping sound rings out as they wordlessly stare at each other for a long moment. Eventually there is a plopping sound as something larger drops into the water. Wordlessly, Arc slowly closes the shower curtain and leans back against the wall. The toilet flushes to carry away the waste as Twilight remains sitting. Sometime later she slowly walks over to the shower and sits down on her haunches in front of the closed curtain. Taking a deep breath, she calls out.

“A-Arc?”

“Um... yes?”

“I... sorry.”

“Sorry?”

“That you had to witness... that.”

“It’s... okay, Twilight.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, it isn’t! I was brushing my mane and... and just forgot you were in here!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Forgot I was...?”

“Sometimes I get so engrossed in a task that I forget really basic things. Brushing my mane myself just felt so good that I spent longer than I normally would doing it. Then I felt... that I had to go.”

“So you did.”

“When you looked out, it all came back to me. What I had come in here for originally, that is.”

“It was just a bit... surprising, that’s all.”

Twilight blushes heavily as she looks down. “Then when you poked your head out and saw me I tried to stop. To hold it in instinctively. But that just made me lose control... elsewhere.”

“It’s a natural bodily function, Twilight.”

Twilight gasps. “However I shouldn’t have forced you to witness it!”

Arc smiles as he speaks. “You didn’t force me to do anything.”

“But I couldn’t stop it from...!”

Arc interrupts. “And I was so surprised that I couldn’t turn away. So I’m sorry for that.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You’re sorry?!”

“For not giving you the privacy you deserve.”

“I... didn’t really mind it all that much.”

“Oh?”

“It was just... embarrassing! After all, I’ve never had somepony watch me use the toilet before!”

“Well, that wasn’t my first time.”

Twilight appear surprised. “It wasn’t?”

Arc blushes slightly. “No.”

“Um... it isn’t any of my business.”

“You want to know, don’t you?”

Twilight sighs. “Yes.”

“Then come in here and sit with me.”

Bowing her head, Twilight enters the shower. She sits down on her haunches as the steamy air rolls over her fur. Arc puts an arm around her.

“It was... Shelly.”

Twilight turns to him, confused. “I didn’t know you and her were involved like that.”

“We weren’t. But her condition back then didn’t always allow her to reach the bathroom in time. Some days she was just lucky that I could get her to the toilet and her pants down before she starting going. So I’m no stranger to... those kinds of bodily functions. At least on humans, I mean.”

“But they’re about the same, right?”

Arc nods. “Pretty much. It’s been a long time since I did that for Shelly though. So the sound was... unfamiliar to me. At least until I saw what you were doing, that is.”

Twilight blushes and looks away. “And the... other thing?”

“When you gotta go, you gotta go.”

Twilight bows her head. “I... can’t believe you had to see me defecating.”

“Well, I won’t tell if you won’t.”

“Thanks. And... sorry again.”

“No need to apologize, Twilight.”

“I, uh... do want to confess something though.”

“What is it?”

“You watching me... you know... I... think I kinda liked it.”

“That’s surprising. Never thought about...”

Twilight gasps. “Is that bad?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. After all, you can’t control what you like.”

“But what would the others think if they found out?!”

“I imagine they’d be very receptive and understanding.”

“How?!”

“Everyone has their own kinks, Twilight. Some may be less common or culturally acceptable than others. But I believe that as long as everyone involved is consenting and doesn’t ask the other to stop I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

Twilight sighs. “Never thought I’d indulge in something like this though. And kinda enjoy it.”

“Being watched?”

Twilight covers her face with her hooves as she blushes. “Don’t say it like that!”

“Why not? That’s what it is.”

“But it sounds so dirty!”

Arc puts a hand under her chin and turns her head towards his. “Like I said, I won’t tell anyone if you don’t want me too.”

Twilight appears relieved. “That’s what I want, yes.”

“Sure. But just so you know, there are others in our group of friends whom have their own kinks, Twilight. And they’ve learned to come to terms with them.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good. But, um... can I ask you something a bit... strange?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Stranger than what just happened?”

“Yeah, kinda.”

“Um... go ahead.”

“It’s about a certain... pony biological function.”

“Which one?”

“I’ve looked over several medical books on the subject and understand that a pony’s insides are very similar to a human in terms of organs and their positioning. Including how your digestive tract works.”

Twilight nods. “All living creatures have such systems, Arc. Pony, human, dogs, cats, birds, etcetera.”

“When a pony drinks water, or any other liquid, it has to go through and come out.”

“Right. What are you getting at though?”

“It’s the same with food. Chewing and swallowing. While digestion begins in the stomach, the food eventually moves on to the small intestine where much of the nutrients are absorbed and dispersed. Then it moves to the large intestine where a lot of the water is removed to form... you know...”

“Fecal matter?”

“Yeah. But there is one thing I noticed since arriving in Equestria. And that’s just how little toilet paper is used here.”

“Little?”

Arc nods. “And that the bathroom doesn’t smell bad after a pony... defecates in it.”

“That’s because our digestive systems are very efficient. Most of what smells bad is absorbed or otherwise broken down. Where as a human doesn’t have that same luxury. Which is why your fecal matter smells bad.”

“So... can I assume that you don’t have to wipe?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Only after urinating. It’s just a little dabbing to dry things up down there for a mare. Stallions just kinda... shake it off.”

“Like human males.”

“As far as defecating goes, they’re just kinda hard pellets usually. The fecal matter just drops into the toilet without much mess. Sometimes that’s not the case if we’re sick though.”

“Diarrhea?”

Twilight shudders. “That’s hard enough to deal with for Unicorns. Imagine being a Pegasi or Earth Pony.”

“Hooves probably aren’t much for cleanup down there I would imagine.”

Twilight sighs. “When that happens we don’t usually leave the house. Regardless of race, I mean. Earth Ponies and Pegasi would just have to shower after each... defecation.”

“Thanks for explaining all that, Twilight.”

“I never thought I’d feel so comfortable explaining such a messy subject.”

“Me too. That’s why I’ve never brought it up to anyone before.”

Twilight smiles and lays her head on Arc’s shoulder. “It’s nice to have somepony to talk to with whom I can say whatever.”

“Yes, it is.”

Reaching for a bar of soap, Arc turn back to Twilight.

“Now then... are you ready to get clean?”

Twilight giggles and stands up to lift her tail. “Only if you’ll wash my flank too.”

Arc nods. “It’s a deal.”

Sometime later, Arc and Twilight step out of the bathroom together. Arc looks to her and smiles.

“There you are, Twilight. One clean flank.”

Twilight smiles. “Thank you for that. And I have to say that I also enjoyed washing your... what do humans call their flanks again?”

“It’s a ‘rear end’ if you want to be proper about it. A ‘butt’ if you don’t.”

He looks at the clock before continuing.

“In any case, I should get the Hoof Maidens over here to tend to you now.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Equinox.”

Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out. “Equinox here, sir.”

“I need the Hoof Maidens to report to my quarters aboard ship. I’ll open a portal in ten minutes to bring them to the Aviary.”

“Yes sir. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I think that will do.”

Twilight gasps. “Wait, Arc!”

“Standby, Lemon Hearts.”

He turns to Twilight.

“Did I miss something?”

“Have her tell Saffron to send over some breakfast when she cooks it for everyone else aboard.”

Arc chuckles. “Did you hear that, Lemon Hearts?”

“I did, sir. She’s currently getting things ready over there as we speak.”

“Tell her to keep something warm for us until we call for it later.”

“I’ll see to it, sir.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Frowning, Arc turns to Twilight.

“Look, I know the food here might not be as good as what we have back in Equestria, but our hosts might get a little offended if we refuse their hospitality.”

Twilight grimaces. “It’s just a bit of a precaution. Believe me, I’ll still be ordering food from the Aviary kitchens.”

A short time later Arc opens a portal. Four Hoof Maidens step though, two of which are pushing carts. Twilight motions to a vanity and walks over to it with them. Arc joins them as the mares get to work.

“So... should I order us something to eat?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, please. This shouldn’t take too long.”

Sometime later there is a knock at the door. Answering it, Arc finds a griffon standing there with a dinner cart. Pulling it into the room he motions for them to leave. Closing the door, Arc walks the cart over to the table as the Hoof Maidens finish their task. Bowing, they step back and smile.

“We are finished, you highness.”

“Thank you. Return to the ship and await further orders.”

Arc steps forward and opens a portal for them. Walking through, they vanish from sight. Closing the portal, Arc extends a hand to Twilight.

“Ready to eat?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not quite. Would you please push that cart onto the sigil?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want to eat somewhere else?”

“No. I want you to send it to Canterlot Castle.”

“Um... okay. Why though?”

“You’ll see.”

Shrugging, Arc does as she asks. Pushing the cart onto the sigil, he powers up his crystals and sends it to his room in the castle. Twilight smiles as she speaks.

“Now please call the ship and ask Lemon Hearts to relay a message to Sunburst.”

“Sunburst?”

Twilight nods. “I want him to assess that food for anything that shouldn’t be in it.”

“You want it tested for poison?”

“Anything that could be, yes. Then you can tell her to have Saffron deliver some food to the sigil in your room aboard ship.”

Arc sighs as he touches his earring. “Fine.”

Giving the instructions to Lemon Hearts, she relays them. A few minutes later Arc teleports a dinner cart from Saffron into the room. Twilight walks over to it and pushes the cart over to the table.

“And now we can eat.”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda paranoid for someone whom is immortal now.”

Twilight smiles at him as she sits down. “Think about it this way, Arc. The life I save might be yours.”

Arc joins her at the table to eat. Filling up glasses from a pitcher of juice, he turns to her.

“So... it looks like we’re going to be together for a while.”

Twilight giggles and blushes happily. “For the rest of our lives, yes.”

“I meant here in the Aviary.”

“Oh... right.”

“Is there anything you’d like to do with the extra time?”

“Honestly, I was just planning to have you teleport paperwork over so that I can do my part of the workload from here.”

“I suppose that would be proper. After all, we’ve all been mostly just sitting around or having fun since we got here.”

“While there’s nothing wrong with that, I would like to try and use my time more judiciously from now on.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “From now on?”

“I need to work hard so that I have time for myself as well as you, Arc. Just like Princess Celestia did all those years.”

“When she ruled Equestria alone, you mean?”

Twilight nods. “Right. She confided in me that getting her work done was of great importance to her. That way she could relax and do something fun without feeling guilty for doing so.”

“And what did she do?”

“Read a book while listening to music and drinking tea was her favorite way to unwind.”

Arc chuckles. “Like someone else I could name.”

Twilight grins. “She was the one whom instilled A love for reading into me. However I generally read to learn new things.”

“And she didn’t?”

“No. When you’re as old as Princess Celestia you pretty much know everything about everything.”

She lowers her voice before continuing nervously.

“Ah... please don’t mention to anypony that I called her ‘old’.”

Arc pats her hoof. “Your secret is safe with me, Twilight.”

Taking, they slowly eat their meal. As it concludes, Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it he calls out.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Sunburst. I called to tell you that I’ve completed the analysis of the food you sent over earlier.”

“Good. Did you find anything?”

“Actually, yes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Twilight leans over. “What was it?”

“A very strange substance that isn’t found in Equestria.”

Arc frowns. “Is it toxic?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes, but not in the way you’d imagine, sir.”

“Can you elaborate on its effects?”

“It has a crystalline structure very similar to sugar. I surmise that it’s very sweet and would make a perfect addition to any meal.”

“So what makes it dangerous?”

“I fed some of it to a cage of lab rats. They gobbled it up as if I hadn’t fed them in days though. As I watched them with a timer, I found that their movements began to slow about ten minutes after ingestion.”

“Did they fall asleep like Luna and Cadance did some time ago?”

“Quite the opposite, sir. They suddenly became very active and... well... ah...”

Twilight frowns. “And what, Sunburst?”

“It... it gave them all... explosive diarrhea.”

Arc facepalms. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Feces were EVERYWHERE, sir!”

Twilight gasps. “So the food was poisoned?”

“Not exactly, your highness. I contacted Ambassador Ashe regarding this matter and was told it’s an additive used in extremely expensive sweet foods in the Griffon Kingdom. Totally normal and safe for consumption.”

Arc frowns. “Then why did the mice... you know...?”

“Because they ate SIGNIFICANTLY more than any creature with an ounce of sense would have. Pony, griffon, human, anything really.”

“And how did they fare in the end?”

“They’re all currently unconscious. I believe it’s known in laypony’s terms as being in a ‘food coma’.”

“So they’re going to be okay.”

“Yes, your highness. Well, after they sleep it off, that is.”

Twilight sighs, clearly relieved. “Thank you, Sunburst. Please let us know if anything changes on that end.”

Arc chuckles. “Anything else to add, Sunburst?”

“Just that those pancakes were VERY tasty!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You tried them yourself?”

“Just a bite for science, Princess Twilight.”

Arc shrugs. “Keep us appraised.”

Twilight giggles. “And feel free to eat the rest of that meal.”

“I will, your majesty.”

“Enjoy. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection as Twilight looks to him.

“Mice.”

“With extreme diarrhea.”

Twilight groans. “The irony.”

Arc chuckles. “Our previous conversation?”

“Yup. You might have been able to see what I was talking about firsthoof.”

Arc picks up his fork and chuckles. “I’m sure I will eventually. However, I’m in absolutely no rush to witness such a thing.”

Sometime later there is a knock at the door. Arc rises and answers it. Finding Ashe standing there he allows her in. Looking to the pair as the doors close behind her, she speaks.

“Good morning. I hope you two slept alright.”

Twilight looks up from her book and nods. “Yes, the bed was very soft.”

“Did you enjoy the food?”

Arc smiles nervously as he looks away. “Um... we kinda sent it off to Canterlot to be tested.”

Twilight quickly chimes in. “It was my idea!”

Ashe shrugs. “Well, after what happened yesterday I can understand your reasoning behind it.”

Arc clears his throat to move the conversation along. “Are you here about Sunburst’s call?”

“I am actually. He was concerned that the food was too sweet.”

Twilight sighs. “It was because the sweetener in question wasn’t known to him.”

“Ah! Right! You see, it’s a very old product that was first discovered by King Grover back when he was still a merchant.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Discovered? As in he found it?”

“Oh yes. On a particular journey, he stopped to set up camp one evening and made himself some tea. It wasn’t hot enough to mix naturally so he tried to speed the process by stirring it with a twig he plucked from the ground. However, when he took his first sip he spit the tea out as it was far too sweet.”

Twilight gasps. “The twig!”

Ashe nods. “Right. You see, his tea was very bitter as he didn’t have anything to sweeten it with. So he was shocked when so much sweetness came from a single small twig.”

Arc chuckles. “So he looked for the source of the plant?”

“The nearby plants were the source. He had used a hardened stem from one. You see, the plant has a very bitter taste if harvested and eaten as-is. However, the twig he found was old and dried out. He found that those were the sweet ones. Gathering some of the twigs, he took them with him when he broke camp the next day along with a talonful of seeds.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Very smart of him. It would be more economical to grow them commercially versus gathering more from the wild.”

Ashe sighs. “Unfortunately, that didn’t work out.”

Arc frowns. “Which part?”

“The seeds. He was able to easily sell the twigs to some curious nobles. However, they wanted more. A lot more. So he took the seeds to a botanist in an attempt to learn what the plant was.”

“And they didn’t know?”

“It was completely new to them. They tried to grow more at their facilities. Sadly the effort met with failure.”

Arc smirks. “Let me guess. The plants could only be grown in their native soil?”

Ashe nods. “Exactly. Grover brought some soil back for testing and was told that a complex combination of nutrients, acidity, and conditions at the site were the missing link to growing them. Sadly it was never discovered how to cultivate them anywhere other than that particular location.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “And where is that?”

Ashe gestures out the window as she speaks. “Far to the north halfway between Griffonstone and an old town named ‘Beakwick’.”

“Beakwick...”

Arc looks to her. “You’ve heard of it, Twilight?”

“Yes. That town is near the border of what used to be the Pegasus Kingdom.”

“I’m assuming that was before Unification.”

Twilight nods. “Right.”

Ashe continues. “The plant still grows there today naturally. King Guto sends a convoy there once a year to gather what falls from their branches.”

Arc frowns. “Guessing that’s not a lot.”

“It’s around twenty pounds of dried branches. They also prune the plants to help them grow better and stronger while they’re there too.”

Twilight nods. “What is done with the pruned branches?”

“They’re brought back to Griffonstone to dry and age in a designated room in the castle. It takes about a year for them to be ready though.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So by the time they come back with fresh droppings...”

Twilight continues his sentence. “The previous year’s gatherings are ready for consumption.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not quite. After they switch out the old with the new, the dried twigs need to be processed for use in cooking. They use a very high potency alcohol to extract the sweet substance from the twigs.”

“By what method?”

“Submersion for several days. Afterwards the alcohol is removed and the process is repeated with fresh alcohol.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “And after that it’s put into a ‘still’ of sorts to separate the alcohol from the sweetener.”

Ashe appears surprised. “Yes. How did you know that?”

“Earth has similar extraction techniques.”

Twilight giggles. “As does Equestria.”

Arc continues. “What form is the substance after that, Ashe?”

“It’s pressed into paper thin sheets and cut into small strips. They’re green and come from plants so folks call it ‘Grover Grass’ in honor of its discoverer.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why paper thin strips though?”

“Because it’s so powerful. A little bit goes a LONG way, after all.”

Twilight nods. “And I would assume it’s very expensive.”

Ashe sighs. “So much so that it’s only affordable for the extremely wealthy. Even then such things are generally only used for very special occasions.”

Arc motions to Twilight. “Such as a visiting princess?”

“That would certainly fit the bill, yes.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Yes, well... I would appreciate it if you didn’t mention to anypony that I thought my food was poisoned, Ashe.”

“Your secret is safe with me, Twilight.”

Arc turns to Ashe. “Now that we have that settled... any word on the trial?”

“Preparations are still underway, of course, but it appears that they will be done by tomorrow.”

Twilight gasps. “Tomorrow?!”

Ashe appears confused. “Um... yes. Something wrong with that?”

Twilight trots in place nervously. “We’re not ready!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... we kinda are, Twilight.”

“HOW?!”

Arc counts on his fingers. “We have Raven and Flash Sentry aboard The Equinox, the mental projector thingamajig, and the rest of the Council of Lords backing us up.”

“I... suppose that’s true, yes.”

Ashe steps forward. “Was there something else you needed time for, Twilight?”

“Not really, no. But this is really moving very fast now.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Considering just how long it took to get to this point, I thought we’d still be jumping through hoops.”

“Now that the paperwork is done, along with my father and the other two members of the Council of Lords getting behind it, there is nothing standing between us and the trial.”

Twilight grimaces. “Nothing?”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Well... I suppose it could be stopped if you were to drop the charges. Not that you’d do that, mind you.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Not for anything!”

“I figured as much.”

Twilight looks to Ashe. “So is there anything we can do to try and prepare for this trial?”

Ashe shakes her head. “As I said before, sadly nothing. What happens next is out of our control.”

Arc nods. “Any idea when we’ll know the exact time?”

“Actually, yes. I received word that a messenger would be delivering a missive containing that information sometime this morning. In fact, that’s part of the reason I came over here.”

Twilight smiles. “You wanted to be present for it?”

“I do. This is a historical moment for the Griffon Kingdom and I want to be here to witness it as closely as possible.”

Arc gestures to the couch. “Well then, we might as well sit down and make ourselves comfortable while we...”

A knock from the door rings out. Ashe grins as she turns to Twilight.

“Were you expecting someone?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, we weren’t.”

“That has to be the missive then!”

Arc turns to the door. “Guess I’ll get it then.”

Ashe gasps. “Wait!”

She hurries over and looks around frantically. Twilight raises an eyebrow.

“Ashe? What are you...?”

“Looking for the best vantage point!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Why not from overhead?”

“Good idea!”

Flapping her wings, she takes flight. Ashe hovers over Arc steadily. The air from her wings messes up his and Twilight’s hair/mane. Arc groans.

“Ashe?”

“Yes?!”

“Land.”

“What?”

Twilight frowns. “Now, please.”

Slightly embarrassed at the now disheveled physical appearance of the pair before her, Ashe does as she is told. Arc straightens up for a few moments before heading to the door. Opening it, he spies a visibly flustered female griffon standing there holding an envelope. Arc smiles at her and beckons to her with a hand.

“Please, come in.”

Nodding wordlessly, she steps across the threshold. Arc closes the door behind her as she bows and holds out the envelope to Twilight.

“A message to Princess Twilight of Equestria from King Guto.”

Twilight grins. “The trial notice!”

She quickly accepts the envelope, breaks the clay seal, and pulls out a piece of paper. Reading quickly Twilight grimaces.

“Tomorrow at noon!”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “That’s a strange time to start a trial.”

Arc looks to her “Is it?”

“At least for something this important, yes.”

Twilight frowns. “When were you expecting it to happen, Ashe?”

“First thing in the morning is generally when something this important would take place.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “But why would the king...?”

He stop talking and looks at the young griffon messenger still kneeling.

“Um...”

Ashe sighs. “Twilight never actually dismissed her.”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “Oh! Sorry!”

Turning to the griffon, Twilight continues.

“Thank you for bringing this to us. You are...”

She is cut off as the griffon suddenly cries out loudly and falls to the floor in pain. Arc, Twilight, and Ashe instinctively draw back from the severity of her change of mood. Twilight is the first to find her voice.

“Miss, are you alright?!”

The griffon shuffles slowly toward the door. “I... I need to...!”

She gasps and falls to the floor again. Arc walks over to her and picks the griffon up. Laying her on the bed, he turns to Ashe as Twilight pats her talon in an effort to comfort her.

“Call a doctor!”

Ashe hurries toward the phone. “Right away!”

The griffon cries out. “No, please!”

Twilight sighs. “Miss, it’s obvious that you’re in a lot of pain. Just let...”

“I... I can’t let...!”

Tears stream down her face as she chokes out the rest of the words.

“...no one can know!”

Arc looks to her. “What if I took you to a pony doctor, miss?”

“...w-where...?”

“Aboard my ship at the Skyport.”

“I... I can’t...!”

Ashe frowns. “It’s either Lord Arc’s doctor or the castle’s!”

Raspily, the griffon calls out.

“P-p-pony... doctor.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Fine. Arc?”

“On it.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc makes a sigil on the floor and opens a portal. Twilight and Ashe hurry thought as Arc carefully picks up the griffon. She shakes in pain as he runs through. Appearing in his quarters aboard The Equinox he heads for the door as Ashe holds it open. Twilight hurries in front of him and calls out to the guards.

“Make way! Medical emergency!”

They stand to the side as best they can as Arc runs past them. Entering the Infirmary, Twilight calls out.

“Redheart, help!”

Running out of her office as Arc enters the room, she appears suddenly confused at the sight of the griffon whom appears to be in great pain.

“What happened?!”

Arc grunts as he lays her down on the nearest hospital cot. “No idea!”

Twilight shudders. “She was delivering a message to us when she just collapsed!”

Ashe nods fervently. “It appeared to hit her all at once!”

Redheart frowns as she looks the griffon over. “I’m afraid that I’m not very acute when it comes to griffon medical knowledge. She really should be transferred to a local medical...”

The griffon cries out. “No! Please!”

Redheart sighs. “Miss, I really think you need to be cared for by somepony whom knows how to properly help.”

She shakes her head vehemently. “I can’t!”

Ashe groans. “Why not?”

Twilight, seeing how the questions are only serving to make the griffon more agitated, steps forward with a smile.

“Why don’t you tell us your name, miss?”

“G... G-Galena.”

“That’s a very pretty name.”

“Th-thank you... your highness.”

“Tell me, are you sick?”

Galena looks away nervously. “Not... exactly.”

Ashe frowns. “Is it some kind of disease?”

“N-no.”

Arc looks to Redheart. “Do your best.”

“But sir...!”

“She’s been very adamant about not wanting to see a doctor here thus far. Hence my request for you to do your best with what you know.”

Redheart sighs. “I’ll do my best, sir.”

Turning back to Galena, Redheart begins taking her vitals. Twilight continues to talk to the patient.

“So what do you do in the castle?”

“I’m an... assistant, your highness.”

Twilight giggles. “Oh, no need to call me that.”

Galena appears confused. “Huh?”

“You can just call me ‘Twilight’.”

Galena gasps. “What?! No! That’d be disrespectful to your station!”

Ashe frowns. “More disrespectful than ignoring an order from royalty?”

“But I couldn’t...!”

Twilight cuts her off. “How about you just call me something else then?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What else would she...?”

Ashe chimes in. “How about ‘Lady Twilight’?”

Twilight appears confused. “But I’m not...”

Ashe nods. “It’s what you would be called here if you weren’t a royal. What with you being connected to the princesses, that is.”

Arc chuckles. “And an Element Bearer.”

Twilight shrugs. “I can live with that.”

She turns to Galena before continuing.

“How about you?”

Galena grimaces in pain. “Yes... Lady Twilight.”

“Good.”

Redheart looks over. “Miss, do you have any history of this particular problem?”

Galena shakes her head. “None at all.”

“How about your family history?”

“I... I don’t...”

She sighs as Twilight puts a hoof on her talon again.

“It’s okay. Just answer the nurse’s questions as best you can. Nopony else has to know.”

“Yes, Lady Twilight.”

Turning to Redheart again, she grimaces.

“To be completely honest, I... don’t know.”

Redheart raises an eyebrow, confused. “Don’t know?”

“I’m an orphan, miss.”

“Ah! How about any known siblings?”

“No idea.”

Redheart sighs. “I think I’ll need to run some more tests then.”

Ashe frowns. “Wait!”

Arc appears confused. “Ashe?”

Walking over to the bedside, Ashe looks into Galena’s face soberly.

“Are you... ‘laying’?”

Twilight shrugs. “Well, she is in a bed.”

Redheart shakes her head. “I don’t think that’s what the ambassador means.”

Ashe nods. “Right.”

Returning her gaze to the griffon before her, Ashe continues.

“So... are you?”

“I... I don’t...!”

Arc interrupts her. “Please, miss. We can’t help you if we don’t...”

Galena squeezes her eyes shut. “YES!”

Ashe grins. “Now we’re getting somewhere!”

Redheart looks to Ashe. “What does ‘laying’ mean?”

“That she’s about to lay an egg.”

Twilight gasps as she looks to Galena. “You’re PREGNANT?!”

Galena grimaces. “I’m... what, Lady Twilight?”

Arc looks to her belly. “It’s what ponies call having a foal growing inside you.”

Ashe shakes her head. “But griffon’s don’t give birth like ponies do. We lay eggs like most other birds.”

Redheart smiles as she turns away. “Then I’d best get the sterile sheets ready.”

Twilight grimaces. “Nurse Redheart, what do we do now?”

Ashe puts a talon to her cheek. “Notifying the father would be prudent.”

Galena gasps in pain. “NO! PLEASE!”

Arc frowns. “But he should be here for you, Galena.”

“He... he doesn’t know I’m... laying!”

Redheart sighs as she walks over to the bedside with a tray. “Please try to keep the patient calm, everypony. The pain seems to increase when she cries out.”

Twilight looks to Ashe. “What now?”

“Just make her comfortable while she pushes it out.”

Ashe turns to Galena again.

“Is this your first egg?”

Galena nods nervously. “Y-yes.”

Ashe grimaces. “Great.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that bad?”

“They say the first egg is the hardest. And the most painful.”

Twilight looks to Redheart. “Can’t you give her something for the pain?”

“I could, yes.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not a good idea. Griffons need that pain to tell them when it’s time to push.”

Arc frowns. “Well, we have to do SOMETHING for her!”

Twilight nods in agreement. “What should we do, Ashe?!”

“Not much. She needs to lay the egg herself.”

Redheart frowns. “Do griffons lay their eggs like other birds?”

“More or less. Why?”

“We should roll her over onto her belly then.”

Twilight gasps. “But that would hurt the foal?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, she’s right. Remember Twilight, it’s an egg.”

Redheart points to the mattress. “It’s going to fall on the sheets when it comes out. Best to be closer to them I would imagine.”

Ashe grimaces. “Yes, and judging by the amount of pain she’s in, it’s probably almost time too.”

Arc steps forward. “I’ll help.”

Together, Arc and Ashe roll Galena over. She gasps as her belly comes into contact with the bedsheets. Ashe walks around to the back of the bed with Redheart and raises Galena’s tail. Her unmentionables are red and heavily inflamed. Redheart frowns.

“That... doesn’t look good.”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, it is not.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Okay, so admittedly I have seen a few griffon’s... backsides before. But none of them looked anything like that.”

Twilight grimaces. “Is that some kind of infection?”

Redheart nods soberly. “Yes, your highness. It’s something that can occur in a mare as well though.”

“Caused by...?”

“Usually... rape.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Ashe looks to Galena.

“Is that true?”

Galena gasps. “What?! NO!”

Twilight appears genuinely concerned. “Miss, you really need to...”

Arc interrupts. “Fine.”

Redheart looks over. “Sir, this is a very serious matter!”

“True. However I think that we should be focusing on the matter at hand. Seeing to it that the egg is safely... um... what’s the word, Ashe?”

“Laid.”

Redheart looks back to the patient. “Alright, Miss Galena. Now this is going to hurt quite a bit, but I need you to start pushing.”

Twilight grimaces. “Are you sure, Redheart? Maybe Ashe has an idea.”

Ashe shrugs. “Even I’m unsure what happens next.”

Redheart grits her teeth. “I took some courses in... veterinary medicine years ago. One of them was about chickens laying eggs.”

Twilight frowns. “Redheart!”

Ashe shrugs. “It’s probably pretty similar. So unless the patient wants to be transferred to a normal griffon hospital...”

Galena shakes her head as she cries out. “NO!”

Arc sighs. “Guess that answers that question.”

Twilight takes Galena’s talon in her hoof. “Give us a little push, Galena.”

Doing so, the three females look at Galena’s nether regions. Ashe gasps.

“I see the tip of it!”

Redheart frowns. “It’s a lot... bigger than I thought it would be.”

Twilight gasps. “Will it really fit?!”

Ashe nods. “It’s supposed to. “

Arc leans over. “Are you sure?”

“I’m told that the first time may have a bit of... tearing.”

Galena gasps. “What?!”

Redheart nods. “Just like a mare.”

She looks to Galena and motions to her tools before continuing.

“Not to worry, miss. I can stitch you back up if that happens. Now then... keep pushing.”

Taking a deep breath, Galena continues. The egg pokes its way a bit further out. Twilight smiles.

“It moved a bit more!”

Ashe smiles. “You still have a long way to go though. Keep at it.”

Pushing harder, Galena begins to sweat. She cries out in pain and flails slightly. Grabbing Arc’s hand she squeezes momentarily pulling back nervously.

“P-please forgive me, Lord Arc!”

“It’s okay. I’d be willing to hold your other talon if you want.”

Redheart looks over. “That might be wise. It may give you some comfort, miss.”

Arc holds out a hand as Galena slowly puts her talon in his palm. Wrapping his fingers gently around it, he looks to her and smiles.

“You can do this.”

Nodding, Galena resumes pushing. The egg slowly begins moving again. Ashe calls out to her.

“Almost a quarter of the way out!”

Galena gasps in pain. “It hurts!”

Twilight pats her talon. “You’re doing fine!”

Redheart looks over the sheets. “Keep going.”

Taking a deep breath, Galena pushes yet again. Sweat beads up on her forehead as she cries out violently. Arc continues holding her talon as Redheart watches the egg intently.

“You’re almost a third of the way there. Keep going.”

Galena voice cracks. “I... I don’t think I can! It feels as if I’ll split in half the further I go!”

Ashe grimaces. “The egg is tapered, so the worst is yet to come.”

Galena raises her head frantically. “WHAT?!”

Redheart smiles. “Look at it this way, miss. Once you get past the halfway point the egg should more or less pop out.”

Ashe nods. “And I can help pull it out then as well.”

Arc gives her talon a pat. “You’re doing fine. Just keep going.”

Squeezing her eyes shut, Galena pushes for all she’s worth. Clenching Arc’s hand, she screams in agony as the egg again begins to move. A small trickle of blood runs down her rump onto the bedsheets as Redheart encourages her.

“Keep going, miss. Don’t stop now.”

Twilight nods fervently. “You’re almost there!”

Ashe nods. “Come on! Just one more big push should do it!

Wailing, Galena gives it everything she has. The egg slowly moves outward millimeter by millimeter. Ashe takes a deep breath and cautiously reaches forward to put her talons on either side of the egg. Tugging gently she pulls it loose as Redheart catches and wraps it in a towel. Twilight beams as she looks to Galena.

“You did it!”

Ashe nods as she looks at the egg in Redheart’s hooves. “That you did!”

Galena rolls onto her back breathing heavily. “Th-thank you, all.”

Redheart walks over to the sink to carefully wash the egg. “Now the incubation period starts.”

Ashe nods. “Right. The egg needs to be kept warm at all times. Griffons usually have special slings for such purposes.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “To hold the egg close to them?”

“And protect it. If possible, the female generally goes on bedrest to care for and protect the egg. But not all griffons can afford to do such things. Hence the slings.”

Redheart walks back over with the egg in a fresh towel. “Here you are, miss.”

Galena takes the egg in her talons and pulls back the towel. She gently caresses the shell with a soft touch before sighing.

“It’s finally over.”

Redheart puts on a pair of gloves. “I’ll need to give you a few stitches down there to help prevent infection.”

She holds up a syringe before continuing.

“And I can numb you up now.”

Galena looks away nervously. “Oh, um... that isn’t really necessary.”

Redheart raises an eyebrow. “It’ll be needlessly painful then.”

“No, no. I meant the stitches.”

Twilight frowns. “But you really do need them.”

Galena bows her head. “I... can’t afford it. In truth, I have no idea how I’m going to pay for what you’ve already done for me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Pay?”

Galena nods. “The procedure.”

Twilight smiles at Galena. “Don’t worry about that. Nurse Redheart is employed by the military and permanently stationed aboard this ship.”

Redheart nods. “Right. I don’t collect any kind of fees for the work I do here.”

Arc chuckles. “She simply does whatever needs to be done.”

“But...”

Ashe cuts Galena off. “Please, just accept their offer. You really don’t want that to get any more inflamed than it already is.”

Galena nods. Redheart walks over to a cabinet and begins assembling a try. Walking back to the foot of the bed she sits down in a doctor’s chair and picks up the syringe.

“You’ll feel a bit of a prick now.”

Inserting the needle, Redheart depresses the plunger. A few moments later she taps the griffon’s nether regions with her gloved hoof.

“How’s this?”

Galena appears confused. “How’s what?”

Arc smirks. “Guess that answers that question.”

Ashe nods. “Looks like you’re numbed up already.”

Twilight turns to Redheart. “Do what you can to help alleviate the rest of the swelling.”

Redheart picks up a needle and thread. “I’ll give her an antibiotic shot when I’m done.”

Redheart works quickly to sew up the small tear in the flesh. Eventually she steps back with a second empty syringe, tosses it into a receptacle, and removes her gloves.

“All done. You’ll be numb for a bit longer though.”

Galena smiles weakly. “Thank you, nurse.”

“The second shot should help with the inflammation down there. It’ll still need to heal though, so don’t do anything too rough and keep yourself clean down there until it heals.”

“I’ll try.”

Twilight turns to the nurse. “She should probably rest though, right?”

“Oh yes. For a few days, at least.”

Galena gasps. “Oh no!”

Ashe appears confused. “What’s wrong?”

“I need to get back to work right away! I was already behind on my paperwork before I brought that message to you, Lady Twilight!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Miss, I really don’t think you should be moving!”

“But I have to!”

Redheart steps to the head of the bed. “Be careful! Too much moving around will rip your stitches.”

Ashe sighs. “Don’t worry about work right now. I’ll have a talk with whomever your superior is in the secretarial pool.”

“But I can’t afford to...!”

Ashe interrupts her. “Then I’ll tell them Princess Twilight requires an aide to do her royal duties.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, we’ll cover for you.”

Galena looks away nervously. “I don’t think my boss would be too happy if I were to...”

Arc interrupts her. “If they don’t listen to Ashe I’ll take it up with Lord Gestal. He’ll set them straight.”

“Thank... you.”

Redheart pulls a form from a nearby drawer. “In any case, I’ll get to work filling out the birth certificate.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I think the Griffon Kingdom would probably be the one to do that.”

Twilight nods. “Normally, yes.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “That is true, yes. However, this egg was laid on an Equestrian diplomatic vessel.”

“Is that important?”

Redheart walks over with a clipboard. “Yes, sir. Its status makes The Equinox an extension of Equestrian soil. Therefore the youngling will have dual citizenship as per our two nation’s treaty.”

She turns to Galena before continuing.

“I’ll give you a copy of the paperwork before you leave. However it will be up to you to file it with the appropriate official here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Galena sighs. “Not really sure who that would be in this case.”

Ashe smiles at her. “Then I’ll make some inquiries while you’re in here.”

Redheart begins to write. “Mother... Galena. ‘Griffon’ for species. Father...?”

Galena looks away nervously. “I... don’t know.”

Redheart looks up. “Miss, it’s important that we have all the information for you to present to your nation’s officials.”

Arc sighs. “Just write ‘unknown’, Redheart.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, I’ll see to it they don’t give her any legal trouble when the forms are submitted.”

Twilight looks to Galena. “Is that alright with you?”

Galena bows her head and sighs. “It... honestly doesn’t really matter.”

Redheart frowns. “I have to disagree, miss. These forms will identify...”

Galena interrupts. “No, no! You don’t understand!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Don’t understand what?”

“That I can’t keep this egg!”

Twilight frowns. “What do you mean you ‘can’t keep it’?”

“The father, he... um... wouldn’t approve.”

Redheart chimes in. “So you do know whom he is?”

Galena groans. “I... can’t tell you!”

Turning to Arc, she smiles weakly up at him.

“I heard all about the treaty between our nations. How Equestria is taking our orphans to their land. Is that true?”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is. We have a large facility there known as the ‘Little Hooves Orphanage’.”

Twilight looks to Galena. “It’s fully equipped to house, educate, and raise both foals and younglings.”

Ashe puts a talon on the bed as she speaks. “I can attest to that. It was inspected by me personally on behalf of the Griffon Kingdom.”

Galena sighs and runs a talon along the shell of her egg before turning and setting it down on the mattress next to her

“Please... take my egg there then.”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

Redheart looks to Galena soberly “Miss, are you turning your egg over to the state?!”

Galena nods. “I am, yes. After all, their father would only hurt them. Or worse.”

Twilight grimaces. “We can speak to Lord Gestal about this for you, Galena!”

Ashe smiles at her. “Right! He can take care of the father so that you and your egg are kept safe!”

Galena sighs. “Believe me when I say that no one can do that.”

Twilight steps forward. “Well, how about me then?”

Galena appears confused. “Lady Twilight?”

“We could take you with us to Equestria when we leave.”

Arc looks to the egg. “Equestria could extend amnesty to both of you.”

Ashe gestures with a wave of her talon. “Until then, you would be a guest here aboard The Equinox.”

Galena shakes her head. “Thank you for the offer. But I...”

She looks out the window at the city outside before continuing.

“The Griffon Kingdom... it’s my home. I have a place here. A job. Responsibilities and duties.”

Redheart appears hopeful. “In Equestria you could start anew.”

“It’s too late for me. But...”

Galena motions to her egg.

“...it’s not too late for this little one to have a better life.”

Arc frowns. “Without their mother?”

Galena sighs. “Yes. Believe me when I say that I would make a terrible mother.”

Ashe groans. “You don’t know that though!”

“I do actually.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Elaborate.”

“Fine. I lied and cheated my way through the ranks at my job to get to where I am.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Aren’t you and aide though?”

Ashe turns to her. “That’s pretty high up there for someone of common birth though, Princess Twilight.”

Galena sighs. “Right. I stole other’s work and passed it off as my own in addition to stabbing them in the back to keep my position. Figuratively, of course. But the results weren’t much better.”

Arc frowns. “Results?”

“They lost their positions and probably everything they had because of me.”

Galena strokes her egg tenderly before continuing.

“I... I don’t want my youngling to learn such things from me.”

Ashe turns away as she speaks. “Anyone can change though.”

Galena shakes her head. “It’s... too late for me. I’ve made my choices and must live with the consequences of them.”

Twilight looks to her pleadingly. “Galena, please. Is there nothing we could do to convince you to let us help you?”

“you would take my egg, that alone would be more than enough.”

She holds out the egg to Arc. Nodding soberly he takes it in both hands. A long moment passes as Galena pats it.

“Goodbye, little one. I hope you are able to grow up healthy and happy. Two things I never had.”

Gently pushing the egg away from herself, Arc steps back. Covering the shell with the towel he nods as Galena looks to him.

“Are you certain my egg can be safely transported back to Equestria, sir?”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll take your egg to the Little Hooves Orphanage right now... personally. That is... if you’re truly sure that this is really what you want.”

Galena looks at her egg sadly. “It’s not what I want that’s important here. But what’s best for my unborn youngling.”

Redheart steps forward and hands the completed birth certificate to Arc. He accepts it and turns to Twilight and Ashe.

“I’ll... run the egg over to the orphanage. You two going to be okay for a bit?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. We’ll just stay here with Galena.”

Ashe sighs. “Go ahead and do what you have to.”

Nodding, Arc powers up his crystals. Opening a portal, he looks down at the egg and uncovers it to give Galena one last look at it. She reaches out to stroke the shell one last time before lying back down and looking away. Stepping toward the portal, Arc passes through and reappears on the sigil in his quarters within Light’s Hope. Grabbing a jacket he carefully puts it on and zips it up. Folding his arms to help support the egg inside of it, Arc head out the door and down the corridor. Leaving the base he makes the short walk to the Little Hooves Orphanage. Stepping inside he hears Cheerilee and Peachbottom’s distinct voices coming from their respective classrooms. Walking upstairs he comes to Coco Pommel’s office. Knocking lightly, he waits patiently.

“Come in!”

Pushing the door open Arc enters the warm office. Spotting him, Coco Pommel stands and hurries over to him. Kneeling down carefully to give her a hug she smiles at him and speaks.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“Hello again.”

“It’s good to see your back safely. But I thought you were overseas in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“I am. Well, was. However I need to give you something.”

Holding out the birth certificate to her Coco Pommel takes it and looks it over.

“So we’re going to be getting a new little one?”

“Um... kinda.”

Coco Pommel nods to the birth certificate. “Well, considering you’re giving me this I just figured...”

She stops talking as she looks at the paper again.

“Um... I think there’s been a typo here, Arc. The date of birth is listed as today and less than an hour ago.”

“It’s correct.”

“Alright. Now then, when will the little one arrive?”

Sighing, Arc unzips his coat and carefully removes the egg.

“They’re right here.”

Coco Pommel gasps. “A griffon’s egg?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. The mother went into labor, or laying as they call it, abord my ship. However after the process they surrendered the egg to the custody of the state.”

“Did they give a reason?!”

“Just that they don’t believe they’ll be able to raise their youngling properly. Apparently the mother has a rather... checkered past.”

Coco Pommel nods as she looks at the document again. “I don’t see a father listed. Could he potentially be located?”

“I tried to get her to tell us whom it was. But she insisted that he would hurt the youngling. Redheart suspects that she was raped, however the mother insists that she wasn’t.”

“This is quite the legal issue.”

“Oh?”

“Equestrian law says that I have to attempt to locate the father. Failing that, I’m supposed to look for any other relatives whom could take the egg and raise it.”

“She claims there is no other known family and is an orphan herself. And while I could certainly get the information from the government over there, the mother made it clear that the father could try to retaliate against her for it.”

“So you want me to just take this egg in without further inquiry?”

Arc nods soberly. “I think that might be the best thing to do at the moment.”

“And you’re absolutely sure that the mother understood what she was doing when she turned her egg over to you?”

“Very. Twilight, Ashe, and I all tried to talk her out of it. But her mind really was made up.”

“Very well, Arc. I’ll do as you suggest and take the egg into my custody.”

“Do you have the facilities here to do that though?”

“Actually, we do. Tell me, do you remember that donation you made some time ago to the orphanage?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “You mean my earning from working at Cherry Hill Ranch when I went on vacation?”

“Yes. It’s been sitting in the bank ever since for the most part.”

“A nice rainy day fund, I suppose.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Well, I thought of something to spend it on about a month ago. You see, we had a foal brought in late one night whom was very young and used to sleeping in a crib. We were able to construct a makeshift one out of a normal foal’s bed by using books covered with blankets. However it got me thinking about how we should care for the very young in the future.”

“So you bought some cribs?”

“Even better! I asked Canterlot for permission to build a nursery here in that big empty room down the hall.”

“That one for future expansion?”

“Yes. The young filly is currently its only occupant at night and there are numerous other cribs that I bought with the money you donated.”

Arc grins. “That sounds perfect!”

“Would you like to see it?”

“Yes, please!”

Coco Pommel opens her office door and leads Arc down the corridor. Turning to a door she slowly pushes it open and gestures with a hoof.

“Here we are. The nursery.”

A brightly lit room with pastel painted walls stretches out before them. Cribs are lined up along two walls with two changing tables beside them. Toys and books for infants sit on shelves on the third wall as numerous cupboards line the fourth. Arc nods approvingly.

“Looks like you planned this out pretty well, Coco Pommel.”

He looks down to the egg in his hands before continuing.

“However I think this will need to be incubated.”

Coco Pommel nods. “That it will be, yes. However I’ve thought of that too.”

Opening a cupboard, she removes a strange looking device and sets it on a table. Plugging it in, the light comes on as a turntable inside begins to slowly spin.

“I ordered this from the Griffon Kingdom in preparation for something like this. It’s designed to warm eggs when an expecting mother can’t be with them.”

She gestures with a hoof as she point to the turntable.

“You see, there’s a small heating element in the center that keeps the internal temperature of this device at the perfect temperature for the eggs. It turns slowly so that all sides of the shell can be warmed evenly.”

“This looks like just what’s needed right now.”

“I’ll keep it in my office so I can watch the egg too. Even though that’s not actually necessary.”

Arc appears confused. “It isn’t?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “This model has a sensor inside that detects when an egg begins to crack. It transmits an alarm to a receiver which I’ll have on me at all times.”

“Are you able to do... whatever needs to be done at that point?”

“I’ve read up on the subject from training manuals used in medical schools imported from the Griffon Kingdom. While it certainly isn’t the best way to learn, it’s the best I could do.”

“Perhaps Doctor Horse could help with that.

“Yes, indeed. I’ll call for him the moment the alarm goes off. That and he’s been learning about how to treat youngling as well.”

“Makes sense considering all the younglings in town now.”

“I’ll call and appraise him of the situation. He should have plenty of time to read up on the subject.”

“Um... how long does it take for a griffon egg to hatch anyways?”

“Around three weeks from initial laying. At least that’s what the informational pamphlet that came with the machine said.”

“Why don’t we take the machine back to your office and get it warmed up?”

“Good idea.”

Coco Pommel picks up the device and carries it back to her office with Arc in tow. Setting it on top of a sturdy filing cabinet she plugs it in. Turning to Arc, she motions to a holster with a wave of her hoof.

“Now then, just put it in one of these slots and the machine will do the rest.”

Arc does so. Closing the clear lid, Coco Pommel presses a button to start it up. The heating element comes on and the tray begins to spin.

“There we are. Nice and toasty.”

She pulls a small device from a nearby drawer and puts it around her neck before continuing.

“This will beep if there’s some kind of mechanical fault, the power goes out, or the egg begins to hatch.”

Arc smiles. “Very good planning on your part, Coco Pommel.”

“I’ve done what I can. However this will be the true test of that.”

“And I believe that you’ll pass it with flying colors.”

Coco Pommel nods soberly as she puts a hoof on the clear case holding the egg. “I have to. After all... this small life is depending on it.”

Chapter 10 - A Trying Time

Early the next morning Arc steps out of the bathroom and into Twilight’s room. The Hoof Maidens are just putting the finishing touches on her outfit. As he walks over to them they bow respectfully. Holding up a hand, he speaks.

“Please, don’t let me interrupt your duties. Carry on.”

They nod and get back to work as Arc sits down in a nearby chair to observe. He watches as one brushes Twilight’s mane while another does her makeup. A short time later they step back and look Twilight over before speaking.

“You are now ready, your highness.”

Twilight smiles at them. “Thank you.”

Bowing, they move to the side of the room and wait silently as Arc stands and looks his friend over for a moment before turning to the Hoof Maidens in order to address them.

“Good work. Now then, return to the ship and await further orders.”

Raising a gauntlet, he opens a portal for them. The pair disappear through the swirling energies as Twilight grins and looks to him as she does a little twirl.

“So how do I look?”

Arc gives her a thumbs up. “Very nice!”

“Are you sure? I’m worried this black dress may send the wrong impression.”

“Nah. It’s simple, appropriate, and goes well with your crown.”

He looks to her head before continuing.

“Which I must add is currently missing from your head.”

Twilight giggles as she points to the vanity nearby. “Not to worry. It’s just over there.”

“I would have thought the Hoof Maidens would have done that for a dressing princess.”

“Normally, yes. However I have a standing order that they refrain.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“It’s something I’d just rather do myself.”

Arc smiles at her. “Are you sure there isn’t some other reason for it?”

Twilight sighs as her ears droop. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yup.”

Walking over to the vanity, Twilight picks up her crown with a Telekinesis Spell. Levitating it in front of her she looks at it for a long moment before turning to Arc.

“I... have mixed feelings about this thing.”

“Your Element?”

Twilight nods as she turns to face him. “Yes. On the one hoof, the Elements of Harmony are what brought my friends and I together originally.”

“The six of you complement each other perfectly.”

“They’re the best friends anypony could have ever asked for, of course. And I wouldn’t trade them, or the time we’ve spent together, for anything in the world.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “But it’s not all rainbows and harmony, is it?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No... no, it isn’t. It’s also a reminder of my duty to Equestria and its inhabitants.”

“A heavy burden to bear.”

“I’m seen not only as the Princess of Friendship, but also as the leader of the Elements of Harmony as well.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I have heard you referred to as both in the past.”

“This really is a lot of responsibility.”

“That it is.”

“And sometimes I just feel so... alone in it.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “But you’re not, Twilight. Luna and Cadance are your ruling co-princesses. And eventually maybe even your mentor again.”

Twilight sighs. “Princess Celestia is the main reason I keep going.”

“Really?”

“You have to understand that it’s... it’s hard for me to do this. I know we’ve had this conversation in the past, of course. However...”

She glances at the crown momentarily before continuing.

“...I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to my position.”

“What about Princess Celestia?”

“If I were ruling by her side, like Luna did for years before I came along... I think I’d be much more comfortable in my role.”

“You wouldn’t get jealous?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at all. She’s the best at what she does, after all.”

“You know, she too started off the same way.”

“Logically that has to be the case. However she’s the best mare for this job.”

Arc smiles at her. “I believe you’ll get there one day, Twilight.”

Twilight appears confused. “Get where?”

“To the point where you’re comfortable sitting on the throne.”

“I’m beginning to question that. Strongly, I might add.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, if it really becomes too much for you, no one says that you have to stay the ruling monarch.”

Twilight walks toward the window to look outside. “Yes, I believe Luna could take over for me in that regard. Then I could rule by her side until Princess Celestia is able to come back. And after that...”

She trails off and smiles sweetly as she turns and looks Arc in the eye.

“...after than we could... you know...”

“Get married?”

“It wouldn’t have to be anytime soon, mind you. I mean... it’s not like I’m trying to rush you into tying the knot.”

Arc chuckles. “I would hope not. After all, we haven’t even told the others about your proposal yet.”

Twilight grins. “But I am looking forward to it, yes.”

She looks away for a moment before continuing.

“Um... I... I did have an idea about that very thing this morning though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? About what?”

“The problem at hoof. Equestria needs a ruler, after all. Me... Princess Celestia... Luna... Cadance... it doesn’t really matter all that much which of us sits on the throne. Just that somepony does.”

“Someone whom cares about the land and its inhabitants, you mean.”

“Naturally. But it’s ultimately just a matter of maintaining stability. And as long as that’s in place and being actively carried out, everything else is secondary.”

“Where are you going with this, Twilight?”

“I was thinking that maybe... maybe you and I could...”

She smiles nervously before continuing.

“...rule together.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But only a princess can sit on the throne. Well, baring extreme circumstances, that is.”

Twilight nods. “I know, Arc. That’s what the law says. What it’s always said.”

“Then why did you suggest...?”

Twilight interrupts him. “Because the law could be changed.”

There is a long silence. Eventually Arc breaks it.

“So you’re saying... that you want me to lead the country... by your side?”

“Not quite. In truth, I would like to rule it by YOUR side.”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

“After all, you did such a good job as Lord Regent! Luna and Cadance both respect you and your decisions as does the rest of the nation! Even internationally!”

“Twilight, I can’t...!”

“We could get it passed, at least temporarily! I’m sure of it!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight.”

“Why not?!”

“Because the nation needs an alicorn princess on the throne. Not someone whom more or less fell into this land haphazardly.”

“But...!”

Arc interrupts her. “And it needs an alicorn because they represent all three pony races.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose so. But I... I would still rather rule in your shadow... than in the spotlight.”

Arc smiles at her. “Maybe you need to have a talk with the other princesses about your feelings on ruling.”

“That would probably be for the best. After all, I want to be the very best wife I can be for you.”

“And you feel you couldn’t do that as a princess?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not properly, no.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’d always have to put you second.”

“Like I am now?”

Twilight puts a hoof on the glass before continuing. “Kinda, yes. But remember, you’ve also made it very clear that you don’t want to marry me and the others before retiring.”

“Right.”

“So how is that any different to me wanting to step back from my job?”

Arc steps forward and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Because you’re a princess now, Twilight. Mind... and body.”

He glances down at her wings before continuing.

“You can walk away from your job, yes. However, for better or worse, you are now... and always will be... an alicorn.”

Nodding, Twilight sighs.

“I know you’re right, Arc. But I still feel like I’m going to be short-changing you as a wife.”

“We all will be at some point.”

Twilight turns around, confused. “Huh?”

“There will be days when we’re too busy for one another. Applejack during harvest season. Rarity when her orders grow. Derpy when she has to work late at the orphanage.”

He bows his head before continuing.

“And me... when I have to fly across the globe to deal with something.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “It kinda makes sense when you put it that way.”

“We won’t always be readily available for one another, Twilight. But we’ll do our best to utilize the time we do get.”

Twilight nods and looks at the clock before turning back to him. “Yes, of course. Um... “

“Almost time to go.”

“Right. I didn’t want to make it sound like I was trying to brush this conversation off though. After all, we have a lot more to say on this subject.”

“And we will. But right now we need to take care of this matter.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Once and for all.”

A knock rings out. Arc turns to the door and opens it with a Telekinesis Spell. Ashe steps inside wearing a simple black robe and closes the door behind her. Twilight smiles and walks over to her along with Arc.

“Good morning, Ashe.”

Ashe smiles at her. “Likewise, Twilight. You’re looking well.”

Twilight nods to her outfit. “I hope this will be acceptable attire.”

“It will be, yes. As I told you the other day, griffon customs state that simple black attire should be worn when going before the court.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“I’m glad to see your Equestria tailor was able to make you something so quickly.”

Arc tugs at the neck. “As am I. But at the moment I feel less like a diplomat and more like an anime schoolboy.”

Twilight giggles. “Well I think you look very nice, Arc.”

Ashe turns to Twilight. “Agreed. Now then, I wanted to go over the procedure one last time before we go.”

Arc frowns. “Again?”

“This needs to be done right.”

Twilight nods. “We don’t want to offend the king right now, Arc. After all, he’s presiding over this case.”

Ashe motions to the door. “Exactly. Now then, when we leave this room the guards will escort us directly to the Throne Room. By now it’s been made ready for this event with two large separate tables facing the throne. We will enter and sit down together at one of them. Which one doesn’t matter unless Lord Goldstone is already there. Obviously then we’d sit at the other one.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And he’ll be sitting with his council at that point?”

Ashe nods. “Arbiter Ghaleon has volunteered to speak on his behalf, yes. Any witnesses or those giving testimony will be seated with him at that point. In this particular case it will mostly be character witnesses.”

Twilight grimaces. “And he gets to go first, right?”

“Exactly. However, we have the right to cross-examine the witnesses when they’re done giving testimony for Goldstone.”

Twilight frowns. “What would we ask them though?”

Ashe shrugs. “Not much probably.”

Arc frowns. “You mean you don’t know who’s going to be there?”

“I do not.”

Twilight gasps. “Then how are we supposed to be able to cross-examine anypony?”

Ashe sighs. “It’s just how the legal system works here in the Griffon Kingdom. The offender has the advantage.”

The court proceedings as you described them the other day sound somewhat similar to how we do things back on Earth. Well, other than the defense presenting their case first and not knowing what’s going to be brought as evidence or whom will testify. Can I assume that after they’re done we’ll have the right to call our own witnesses and present testimony, Ashe?”

“Yes. When the defense rests their case we will then have the same chance to present the king with our own evidence and testimony.”

Twilight groans. “But they can question our witnesses and evidence too, right?”

Ashe sighs. “Right. After all, fair is fair.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Then closing arguments.”

Ashe nods. Both sides will be allowed to say what they want at the end to wrap up their presentation, yes. Then King Guto will adjourn the court for the day before retiring to his office in order to be allowed to consider the matter in its entirety. At that time he’ll be able re-read every bit of testimony as recorded by the court stenographer and will be able to review every physical piece of evidence privately at his leisure.

Twilight looks suddenly worried. “But the real question on my mind is... will the king believe us over Lord Goldstone?”

Arc nods as he turns to Ashe. “That is the ten thousand dollar question.”

Ashe bows her head. “I’m skeptical that he will. After all, that would involve him being forced to admit that a high ranking official was allowed to commit such crimes some time ago and not stopped until now. That’s not something that would be easy for him to do. Or in the best interest of the nation either.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you told me the other day that the case is going to be aired on the radio? How could he ignore what we have to say in front of the entire country?”

“It will be, yes. However that’s on the insistence of my father and the other two lords. And a few other legal minded griffons high up the chain of command.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds to me like they just figured that they couldn’t hide it under the rug.”

Twilight appears confused. “Is that not the norm here though?”

Ashe grins wickedly. “Normally that would be the case, yes. However, I may have... accidently talked about the matter a bit too loudly in the presence of the castle staff as well as a number of griffons elsewhere.”

Arc frowns. “The rebels?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Other nobles actually. Covertly, of course.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Might I ask how?”

“Simply put... the grapevine.”

“The what?”

“Nobles are notorious gossips, Twilight. All I had to do was ask a few of them if they’d ‘heard the latest’ about Lord Goldstone. Then when they said ‘no’ I would tell them that I heard about it from someone else and give them a sordid detail or two. When they left to tell their friends I did the same several more times, but with completely different information.”

Twilight frowns. “But wouldn’t that make for a story that doesn’t add up?”

“Normally, yes. However, when those busybodies found out there was more information out there to be found, they went into gossip overload looking for it.”

Arc smirks. “And by ‘looking’ you mean asking everyone in their respective social circles if they’ve heard the latest?”

Ashe nods. “Exactly. This led to their commoner servants hearing about it too. And they far outnumber the nobles.”

Twilight grins widely. “So one might say that the government caved to the will of the citizens.”

“I suppose so, yes.”

“Good. This is a step in the right direction.”

Ashe appears confused. “Twilight?”

“Governments need to be as transparent as possible. Keeping things, especially the wrongdoings of their top officials under wraps, just proves to everypony that they shouldn’t be trusted.”

“Agreed. Hopefully this goes well and justice is served.”

Arc looks to the clock. “We should probably get moving then to get this ball rolling.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes. Are we ready?”

Arc and Ashe both nod. Walking toward the doors together, Arc pushes them open. The guards step forward and surround Twilight and Ashe as they pass. Taking his place behind them Arc falls into step as the procession advances. As they walk Twilight whispers to Ashe.

“No going back now.”

Ashe nods soberly. “That there isn’t.”

“Any last minute advice?”

“I’ll let you know if I think of any.”

Coming to a truly massive set of doors they stop and wait. Ashe looks to Twilight.

“The Throne Room.”

“What are we waiting for?”

“To be allowed inside.”

“Are we early?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. They must me making some last-minute preparations, or something.”

Twilight looks around. “What about Lord Goldstone?”

Ashe shrugs. “He really should be here. That is unless he’s running late. Not advisable though.”

“I suppose it’s not a good idea to be late for something like this.”

“The king doesn’t like to be kept waiting though. And since we’re here and our legal opponent isn’t...”

She puts a talon to her chin before lowering her voice and continuing.

“This whole thing just became MUCH harder!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Don’t you see, Twilight?! Goldstone knows not to be late for something like this! And since we’re right on time, the door is closed, and he’s not here out here there’s only one other place he could be!”

Twilight grits her teeth. “In the Throne Room!”

Ashe nods soberly. “With the king!”

“Do you think they’re conspiring together?!”

“It stands to reason that he would. Considering what’s at stake, I mean.”

“If this matter came to light it would make him look bad as this land’s ruler!”

“Agreed, Twilight.”

“What do we do?!”

“Continue on as planned.”

“But...!”

Ashe sighs as the doors in front of them slowly begin to open. “It’s all we can do.”

The procession enters the Throne Room together. Ashe and Twilight walk down the red carpet toward the throne. King Guto sits there silently watching them as they do so. Lord Goldstone sits at the other table going over some papers. Approaching the opposite table, Ashe and Twilight sit down as Arc takes his place between them. As the rest of the group from outside, which includes the rest of the Council of Lord and a large number of nobles, steps into the Throne Room the guards at the door close and seal them before turning to face forward and stand there silently. Looking around the room for a moment, the king turns to an aid and speaks.

“Begin the transmission.”

A nearby griffon presses a few buttons and nods silently to the monarch. King Guto looks out and speaks.

“This court will come to order.”

He pauses before continuing.

“We’ve come here today to officially examine the accusations against Lord Goldstone.”

Turning to Ashe, he continues.

“You may begin.”

Ashe nods and stands. Gesturing to Twilight, she speaks.

“As the ambassador for the Griffon Kingdom to Equestria, it is my duty to bring their leaders here today in order to lodge their complaint before the court for judgment.”

Looking to Twilight, Ashe nods. Taking a deep breath, Twilight stands and points a hoof at Goldstone.

“As the ruling princess of Equestria, I hereby officially accuse Lord Goldstone of sexually assaulting a mare during a visit to Canterlot Castle.”

King Guto turns to Goldstone.

“You have heard the complaint. How do you plead?”

Goldstone replies soberly. “Not guilty, your highness.”

“Are you represented by honorable council?”

Ghaleon stands. “I speak for Lord Goldstone, sire.”

The king looks to Ashe.

“And you speak for Equestria, ambassador?”

Ashe nods. “With Princess Twilight’s blessing, yes.”

“Very well. “

He returns his gaze to Ghaleon.

“You may make your opening statement.”

Ghaleon steps to the front of the table and looks to the king as he speaks.

“Sire, Lord Goldstone has served as a member of the Council of Lords for many years now. In that time, there has never been a single claim brought against his character, business dealings, or official conduct. He was primarily responsible for holding our nation’s economy together throughout the years with his keen business sense and ability to find opportunities where none were thought to exist.”

He gestures to Goldstone before continuing.

“Why would he, a griffon of extreme wealth, power, and influence, go after a common mare? Of another species, no less?”

Ashe stands. “Objection, your honor! The opposing council is implying that the victim is beneath the accused in status!”

“Overruled. Arbiter Ghaleon was merely stating a fact, ambassador.”

Ghaleon continues as Ashe sits down. “We do not know why this particular time was chosen by Equestria. Why they did not bring these charges sooner. What they hope to gain by...”

Twilight places her front hooves on the table as she angrily prepares to stand. However, Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and holds her down. Silently turning to her he shakes his head. Grimacing, Twilight looks forward as Ghaleon continues his opening statement. As he concludes the griffon sits down. The king looks to Ashe.

“You may now make your opening statement, Ambassador Ashe.”

Taking a deep breath, Ashe stands and makes her way to the front of the table. Clearing her throat she begins to speak.

“Your honor, we come here today seeking justice. Justice for a crime committed some time ago on Equestrian soil. As per our two nations treaty, they have the right to petition the court for legal action against our citizens in the event a law is broken. Under the terms of the treaty, they can request that a griffon accused of a crime be extradited to Equestria to stand trial there before a court of law. However, as Lord Goldstone is protected from legal action by his position within our nation’s government, we are here to prove that the charges as presented are indeed true. It is the princess’ hope that you will render a ‘guilty’ verdict and strip Lord Goldstone of his power and position in order to return him to the status of an ordinary citizen. Princess Twilight will then make a motion to extradite him to Equestria to stand trial there for his crimes. She assures me that he will be treated as any other facing judgment and that I will be permitted to be present at any and all official hearings and the trial itself.”

Arc and Twilight sit there listening as Ashe continues for some time. She talks of the judicial system and her hopes to reach an amicable solution for both nations. Eventually she sits down to signal her intent to continue the trial. King Guto looks to Ghaleon.

“You may make your defense.”

“Yes, your honor.”

Ghaleon steps to the front of the table and looks to the crowd.

“I call Lord Gestal to the stand.”

Gestal steps forward and sits down in the witness stand. Ghaleon walks over to him.

“Lord Gestal, how long have you known the accused?”

“Nearly my entire life. He and my family have always been close.”

“And have you ever known him to do anything... promiscuous?”

Gestal shakes his head. “I have not, no.”

“Can you elaborate why that would be?”

Ashe stands. “Objection! The question is speculative!”

Guto frowns. “Sustained. Arbiter?”

“I will rephrase the question.”

Ghaleon thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Do you believe that the accused is a very busy individual?”

“Yes.”

“Can you explain to the court what a typical day’s duties would be for him?”

Ashe again stands. “Objection! Again, the question is purely speculative!”

Guto shakes his head. “Overruled. Lord Gestal’s position on the Council of Lords means that he has intimate knowledge of Lord Goldstone’s day to day activities.”

Gestal speaks. “He is in charge of all economic affairs. Writing policy, tax codes, foreign trade, governmental business dealings, diplomacy...”

Ghaleon holds up a talon as he interrupts. “You needn’t go on, Lord Gestal. That’s a very impressive workload he has. Was it all assigned to him by you?”

“It was, yes.”

“And do you believe that he is capable of doing all that work alone?”

“Lord Goldstone has told me in the past that he is able to, yes.”

“Alone?”

“With the help of aides, yes.”

Ghaleon turns away from the stand. “No further questions.”

Guto turns to Ashe. “Ambassador?”

Ashe stands. “No questions, your highness.”

Returning to her chair, Ashe sits down. Twilight turns to her and whispers.

“Why not press him on what Goldstone’s responsibilities entail?!”

“It’s not key to the case at large.”

“But you could have...!”

Ashe interrupts her. “Please, Twilight. We need to play our cards carefully here.”

“Cards?”

“This is a game for the nobility here. The stakes are high and their interest is piqued.”

Twilight frowns. “I’m not sure if that is good or bad.”

“Both.”

Ashe looks over her papers as she continues.

“But we can’t go on the offensive just yet.”

Ghaleon calls the other two members of the Council of Lords to testify. However when the time for cross-examination comes Ashe has no questions. Next, Ghaleon calls forth a member of the nobility. Ashe leans close to Twilight as the griffon is questioned.

“Here’s an opportunity.”

“Oh?”

“That’s Gerard. He’s a well-known business mogul here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Twilight appears confused. “How can he help us?”

Ashe smirks. “By answering a few very simple questions.”

As Gerard finishes answering a question, Ghaleon turns back to his table.

“No further questions.”

Guto looks to Ashe. “Your witness, ambassador.”

Ashe stands. Yes, your honor.

Walking over to the stand, she looks Gerard in the eye and motions to Goldstone with a talon before speaking.

“From your earlier testimony it sounds like you know the accused very well. Is that correct?”

Gerard nods. “Yes. I’ve known Lord Goldstone personally for many years.”

“How many would you say?”

“At least thirty.”

“That’s quite some time.”

“It is, yes.”

“So you would say that you’re close to the accused?”

“I am.”

“Would you say that he and you are friends?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me... what is Lord Goldstone’s favorite book?”

Gerard appears confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I asked you what Lord Goldstone’s favorite book is.”

“Well... I don’t really know.”

“That’s understandable. How about what kind of music he listens to?”

“I... have no idea.”

“His favorite food?”

“I...”

Ghaleon stands. “Objection! These questions are irrelevant to the case, your honor!”

“Sustained. Please come to the point, ambassador.”

Ashe nods. “Just one more question, your honor.”

Guto frowns. “Very well. However you’d best start making sense.”

Ashe turns back to Gerard. “When is Lord Goldstone’s birthday?”

Gerard raises an eyebrow. “...what?”

“I thought you said you were a good friend of his.”

“I am!”

Ashe leans on the witness stands as she speaks. “Let’s get this straight. You don’t know Lord Goldstone’s favorite book, preferred music, favorite food, or even his birthday. However, you claim to be close to him.”

“Well... I...”

“Can you tell me one specific thing about him personally other than his business and dealings?”

The courtroom is silent for a few moments as Gerard thinks. Eventually he sighs and shakes his head.

“No, I guess I can’t.”

“So you can’t exactly say that you’re close to the accused, can you?”

Gerard frowns. “We are though! The two of us have conducted numerous business dealings in the past!”

“Business dealings, yes. However, the fact remains that you don’t really know anything about Lord Goldstone outside of the office, do you?”

“It... there’s more to knowing someone than what you asked!”

“Fine. Name one thing then. One personal fact about Lord Goldstone.”

Gerard seethes. “I already told you that I CAN’T!”

“Then you can’t really be a character witness, now can you?

Gerard remains silent. Ashe walks back to her table.

“No further questions.”

Sitting down she turns to Twilight.

“That should put a dent in their future testimony.”

Twilight looks over at Goldstone’s table. “I think you’re right. It looks like he and Arbiter Ghaleon are having a hard time picking another witness.”

Ashe grins slyly. “We just eliminated pretty much all of them. I imagine that his plan was to call the other members of the Council of Lords as a sign of strength before the nobility character witnesses took the stand. Goldstone then would have pulled it all together by making a speech on his own behalf portraying himself as the victim.

Twilight smirks. “Now he doesn’t really have any reason to take the stand as there’s nothing for him to work with.”

“Exactly.”

Goldstone and Ghaleon deliberate for a few more moments as the king impatiently taps the arm of his chair with a talon.

“Arbiter, do you have any other witnesses to call, or not?”

Ghaleon looks to the king with a pained expression on his face. “I... do not, your honor.”

“Have you anything else to say or add to the record at this time?”

“No, your honor. We rest our case.”

“Very well.”

The king turns to Ashe before continuing.

“You have the floor, ambassador.”

Ashe stands. “Thank you, your honor.”

Walking to the front of the room, Ashe begins to speak.

“I would like to present my physical evidence. With the court’s permission, I will display a visual recording of Lord Goldstone committing the crime.”

Guto nods. Very well, ambassador. How shall we view this... alleged act?

Ashe gestures to Arc. “Lord Arc has the items required to make this happen. Might he set them up now?”

“Very well.”

Arc stands and walks to the side of his table. Removing the projector from his ring he begins setting it up as Twilight stands.

“If it pleases the court, might I speak on the merits of the device before us, your honor?”

Guto nods. “Very well, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight motions with a hoof. “This magical projector is capable of showing the memories of those whom interact with it.”

Arc sets a crystal on the table next to her. Twilight picks it up and holds it aloft as she continues.

“This small gem is a link to the device. It also acts as a repositor which allows us to view the memories at a later date.”

Guto raises an eyebrow. “For what purpose, Princess Twilight?”

“Reference, your honor. Think of how difficult it would be if you had to send for somepony to recite to you a fact that could otherwise be easily recorded in a book.”

She motions to the crystal before continuing.

“Or in this case, an audio/visual recording.”

Setting the crystal down on the table again, she holds out a hoof to Arc. He removes another crystal from his ring and gives it to her.

“However, if it pleases the court, I would like to display the authenticity of this device first. Ambassador Ashe has volunteered to demonstrate with a recent memory.”

Ghaleon stands. “Objection! How can we be sure that what will be shown will be the truth, your honor?!”

“Overruled. We haven’t seen anything yet, arbiter.”

He sits back down as Twilight gives the crystal to Ashe. Motioning for the lights to be dimmed, she concentrates as images form on the screen. Twilight, Arc, and Gestal are seen sitting around a table sharing a meal. The conversation plays back for a few minutes before Ashe sets down the crystal and looks to the king.

“As you can see, your honor, the device was able to accurately display a recent meal we shared with my father.”

Guto looks to the lords sitting in the front row. “Lord Gestal. Was what we saw accurate in its depiction?”

Gestal nods. “Yes, your highness. It was a completely accurate depiction.”

Twilight picks up the other crystal. “Shall we move on to the record of the events of the night in question, your honor?”

Guto leans back on his throne and folds his talons in front of his face. “Proceed.”

Giving the crystal to Arc, he puts it into the machine and closes the lid as Twilight speaks.

“To all those listening at home, the audio you’re about to hear is very graphic in nature. It may be wise for younglings or those whom are sensitive to the subject matter to leave the room for a short time.”

She looks to Arc and motions to the machine. The lights are again dimmed as he presses a button. The scene of Raven being dragged toward the bed plays out in its entirety. It culminates with Flash Sentry escorting a visibly shaken Raven from the room and down the corridor. As Arc turns off the machine Ghaleon stands.

“Objection, your honor! We can’t be sure that what we saw was truly what happened!”

“Sustained. Provincially however.”

Ashe appears confused. “Your honor?”

“This evidence, while impressive, certainly does not prove beyond a shadow of a doubt what happened during the time in question.”

“Shall we continue with our testimony then, your honor?”

“Yes, indeed.”

The king waits as Ashe whispers to Arc. Nodding soberly, he raises a gauntlet and opens a portal before stepping through. Ashe looks to the king and speaks.

“Lord Arc will return in a moment, your highness. In the meantime, I would like to say...”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Flash Sentry is holding Raven’s hoof on the sofa. Walking over to the pair, he sighs.

“It’s time, Flash Sentry.”

Nodding, the stallion stands. Raven maintains her hold on his hoof as she speaks.

“Please be careful!”

Flash Sentry smiles at her. “I will.”

Arc smiles at her. “Don’t worry, Raven. With all the guards in the Throne Room, no one is going to be able to do anything to anyone without getting annihilated.”

Flash Sentry pats her hoof. “And if they believe my testimony that means you won’t have to set hoof in there.”

Raven grimaces. “That... would be nice, yes. But I’m still worried about you! They might not listen! Or worse yet, retaliate against...!”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof on her cheek. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take for you, my dear. After all, I want you to be able to live your life free from fear.”

“But I’m safe back in Equestria!”

“I know, Raven. However, you don’t.”

Raven appears confused. “Flash?”

“You still cry out in your sleep. Begging for him to stop. Well, I’m going to MAKE him stop here and now!”

He kisses the top of her head and smiles as Raven takes his hoof with a sad smile.

“I love you, Flash Sentry!”

“And I love you too, Raven.”

Smiling at her one last time, Flash Sentry turns to join his commanding officer. Motioning to the portal, Arc leads the way through the swirling energies. The pair reappear behind the table as Ashe wraps up her speech.

“I would now like to call a direct witness to the crime. The guard whom burst into Lord Goldstone’s room to confront him.”

She motions to the witness stand. Flash Sentry steps forward as Arc again sits down next to Twilight. Ashe walks over and begins her examination.

“Would you please state your name for the court?”

“Flash Sentry.”

“You were a guard in the castle?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“In your own words, can you please tell us what happened on the night in question?”

“I was patrolling the castle, as per my orders, when I heard muffled screams from nearby. Looking around, I was able to discern what room it was coming from. Being the VIP quarters, I decided to peek through the keyhole before knocking. However ,when I did that I immediately saw a griffon dragging a young mare toward the bed.”

“And did you see whom was doing this?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He points a hoof before continuing.

“It was Lord Goldstone.”

“Are you certain absolutely certain of this?”

Flash Sentry nods soberly. “I am, yes.”

“Upon seeing what was happening, what did you do next?”

“I rushed into the room and positioned myself between Lord Goldstone and the victim.”

“For what purpose?”

“She was clearly terrified at what had just happened. I was trying to guard her against any further harm.”

“What happened next?”

“Lord Goldstone and I argued for a time. He was yelling at me to get out of his room and that the mare was there of her own free will. Naturally we didn’t get anywhere other than a screaming match during which the victim cowered in a corner and sobbed.”

“Did she leave the room under her own power?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No, ma’am. I had to help her out of there.”

“Where do you go?”

“To the Royal Gardens. I didn’t really know what to do, and only thought to get her out of the castle and to a place where I figured she wouldn’t be found by Lord Goldstone again.”

“Did he find her?”

Ghaleon stands. “Objection! The present course of questioning is irrelevant to the case!”

“Sustained.”

Ashe turns to the king. “I’m only trying to establish the full course of that night’s antics, you honor.”

“Then it had best start making sense quickly, ambassador.”

Ashe turns to Flash Sentry. “What happened next?”

“We were found by my former commanding officer, Captain of the Royal Guard Decimus, and thrown into the dungeon.”

“Just to clarify, both you and the victim were jailed?”

“Yes, we were.”

“On what charges?”

“Insubordination and assault officially.”

“Officially?”

“Neither of us was ever given a fair trial during which we could have plead our cases.”

“I see. So you were both jailed for a crime that was never investigated?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“How did your commanding officer hear about this matter?”

Ghaleon stands. “Objection! Ambassador Ashe is asking the witness to speculate on something that he isn’t sure of regarding the situation as a whole!”

Guto frowns. “Sustained. Unless the witness can prove that Lord Goldstone sent his commanding officer after him that night.”

Flash Sentry looks down at his hooves. “I... can’t.”

Guto looks to Ashe. “No assumptions, ambassador.”

Ashe returns her gaze to Flash Sentry and continues. “Was that the end of the matter?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No, ma’am. After we were released, both the victim and I were transferred to a new post outside of Canterlot.”

“Was there a reason given for the transfer?”

“None, ma’am.”

Ashe turns and walks toward her chair.

“No further questions.”

Ghaleon stands and walks over to the witness stand. Looking the stallion up and down a few times, he begins his cross-examination.

“You claim to have seen the entire matter with your own eyes, correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Just like you said in your testimony earlier?”

“Exactly as stated.”

“I am a bit confused about something you stated. You testified that you were walking by the suite in question while on patrol. Is that correct?”

“Yes sir, I was.”

“Would you please state your current rank for the court?”

“Colonel of the Equestrian Guard.”

“So you are a fairly high ranking officer in the military then?”

“One might say so, yes.”

“Then why were you on guard duty in the first place?”

“At the time of the incident I was a sergeant, sir.”

Ghaleon smirks. “A sergeant, you say?”

“Yes sir.”

Ghaleon puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “Very interesting. Tell me, how does one rise through the ranks of the military?”

Flash Sentry appears confused. “Sir?”

“I’m asking how someone is promoted in Equestria.”

Ashe stands. “Objection! This is irrelevant to the case!”

King Guto looks to Ghaleon. “Arbiter?”

“I’m coming to my point, sir.”

“Objection overruled. The witness will answer the question.”

Ghaleon turns to Flash Sentry. “Now then... tell me how someone is promoted.”

“Well... by following orders, being efficient, and doing what needs to be done, I suppose.”

“And whom does this... promoting?”

“Generally one’s superior officer.”

“And they dictate whom is promoted as well as whom is not?”

“Yes sir.”

“How often is something like that done?”

“There is no specific timeline. Just when they believe somepony is ready.”

“And your commanding officer believed that you were ready for promotion?”

Ashe stands. “Objection! That’s speculation!”

Guto nods. “Sustained.”

“Well then, can you tell us whom you commanding officer is?”

“At the time of the incident it was Captain of the Royal Guard Decimus.”

“And now?”

“Hero of Light Arc.”

“Are you saying that Lord Arc is your commanding officer?”

“Yes sir.”

“Just to be sure that there is no chance for error here, would you please point at your commanding officer.”

Flash Sentry lifts a hoof and points it at Arc. “That’s him.”

“So Lord Arc, one of the individuals whom initially brought these charges before the court, is also your commanding officer?”

“Yes sir.”

“Did he order you to testify here today?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “No sir.”

“So you came here of your own free will?”

“Yes sir. When I heard that this case would be brought before the court I volunteered to come and tell what I saw.”

Ghaleon turns back to his table. “No further questions.”

As the arbiter heads to his seat, Twilight turns to Ashe.

“How did he know the colonel was under Arc’s command?!”

“He was fishing for information. Looking for something that could be used to discredit the witness.”

Arc sighs. “And he found it.”

Ashe nods soberly. “Arbiter Ghaleon’s specialty is seeking the truth. That’s why Lord Goldstone chose him to be his representative.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I don’t get it. Isn’t he afraid that he’ll be found out?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. It’s actually quite brilliant. With the arbiter’s attention focused solely on defending against our witnesses’ testimony, he doesn’t have time to look at Lord Goldstone’s actions.”

Arc frowns. “So what do we do, Ashe?”

“Keep going and hope for the best.”

Twilight grimaces. “That doesn’t sound like a very good plan.”

Ashe sighs and nods. “It isn’t. But it’s all we can do.”

Guto looks to Ashe. “Your next witness, ambassador.”

“But we’ve already brought an eyewitness of the crime to the stand, sir. Are you not convinced of their testimony?”

Guto frowns. “I am not. They are a subordinate of Lord Arc whom helped bring the charges forward. That is a conflict of interest to this court.”

Ashe nods soberly. “Very well.”

“Call your next witness.”

“I would like to call to the stand... the victim herself.”

She turns to Arc. He frowns and opens a portal. Together, he and Flash Sentry step through to return to Arc’s quarters aboard The Equinox. They find Raven pacing nervously. Arc looks to her and sighs.

“They didn’t go for it.”

Raven motions with a hoof. “Yes, sir. I heard on the radio.”

Flash Sentry walks towards her. “Ashe believes that your personal testimony is needed to drive this case forward.”

“But... but, I can’t!”

Arc nods soberly. “I know it’s hard, Raven. What happened to you was certainly terrible and needs to be brought to light.”

Flash Sentry bows his head. “But if you just walk away now they’ll most likely exonerate Goldstone.”

Raven shudders. “That vile griffon won’t be convicted even if I do testify though.”

Arc sighs. “Maybe not. However we have to try, Raven.”

Flash Sentry puts a hand on her shoulder. “I know you didn’t want what happened. However if we don’t stand up and tell our story then he’ll just keep on doing it.”

Arc nods soberly. “How many other victims do you think are out there, Raven? Ten? Twenty? A hundred? Maybe even more. But right now you’re in a unique situation here, you can actually do something about it.”

He gestures to the portal before continuing.

“Through there is the courtroom in which Goldstone is sitting. You have a chance to tell everyone in there, as well as the entire country who’s tuned in to listen, exactly what was done to you on that night.”

Raven’s ears droop as she looks at the floor. “They won’t believe me any more than they did Flash Sentry though.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Only because I’m a subordinate of the commander. You have nothing to gain by lying in their eyes.”

Arc nods. “You’re our case’s last hope. So are you going to testify... or should we end the proceedings now?”

There is a long pause as Raven considers what to do. Eventually she nods sadly and walks over to Arc.

“I’ll come, sir.”

“Good.”

Flash Sentry looks to Arc. “Might I come too, sir?”

“Yes, I suppose so. Just stay by my side though.”

“Yes sir.”

They step through the portal and return to the courtroom. Ashe walks Raven over to the witness stand and helps her sit down before speaking.

“Will you please state your name for the court, miss?”

“R-Raven. Raven Inkwell.”

“Please tell the court in your own words what happened in the night in question.”

“I was tasked with delivering a message to Lord Goldstone regarding his audience times the following day. However, when he answered the door I was beckoned inside his quarters. Thinking it to be merely a matter of security I did as he asked and entered the room. As he closed the door, however, I felt a talon on my flank.”

“Who’s talon, miss?”

“Lord Goldstone’s.”

“Are you certain of this?”

Raven nods. “Yes. He and I were the only ones in the room.”

“What happened next?”

“I thought it to simply be a mistake or perhaps a custom of his land and moved to step forward. However, he followed me as I did so.”

“With his talon still on your flank?”

“Yes, ma’am. It made me feel very uncomfortable to be touched in such a way, so I quickly gave him the written schedule and told him what it was.”

“And then you left?”

Raven shakes her head. “I tried to. However he told me to stay as he had... questions.”

“Questions regarding the paperwork you brought?”

“No, ma’am. They were about... pony anatomy.”

“Can you give the court an example?”

Raven grimaces. “He... Lord Goldstone asked how... foals were made.”

“And your response?”

“The simple version one would tell a growing foal whom asked.”

“And then?”

“I felt... something touch my tail.”

“What was it?”

Raven puts a hoof to her stomach. “Lord Goldstone’s talon. He stroked the underside of my tail and followed it to my... genitals.”

“Did you tell him to stop?”

“I did, yes, as I turned to quickly leave the room.”

“And did he let you go?”

“No. As I neared the door he stepped forward and tackled me. I felt a talon holding my muzzle shut while the other snaked over my belly. Even though I screamed as loudly as I could, it wasn’t very loud with my mouth held shut.”

“As much as I hate to ask, what happened next?”

Raven’s voice cracks as she speaks. “Lord Goldstone, he... he picked me up and started walking toward the bed. Then he said... ‘I’m about to give you the greatest honor of your worthless life. So just lie still and don’t resist.’ And that was when the guard rushed in to stop him.”

“Sergeant Flash Sentry?”

Raven nods shakily. “He and Lord Goldstone, they... there was a lot of yelling. I don’t really remember exactly what they said to one another. But at one point Flash Sentry helped me up and out of the room.”

“To safety?”

“The Castle Gardens. We weren’t there long though, as a contingent of guards soon arrested us.”

“Arrested?”

Raven nods. “They were sent by Captain of the Royal Guard Decimus.”

Ghaleon stands. “Objection! The witness is speculating!”

Guto looks to Raven. “How do you know you were arrested under Decimus’ orders?”

“Because he told us that we would be locked up until Lord Goldstone left the castle.”

“Objection overruled. Continue, ambassador.”

“So you were held without charges in the dungeon until Lord Goldstone left Equestria?”

“Yes. Then we were thrown out of the castle. Forcefully.”

“Did you report this matter?”

“I wasn’t able to enter the castle to petition the princesses about it, no. After that I was sent away from the capital on a new assignment.”

“Along with Flash Sentry?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“How did that make you feel?”

“Like a piece of office equipment. Something that is meant to serve a purpose and discarded when no longer useful. Nothing I had done up until that point was taken into account and I was sent away without so much as a word regarding what was done to me nor my past deeds in pursuing my duty to Canterlot.”

She bows her head as a single tear courses down her cheek.

“I was treated as if I was a lifeless doll... an embarrassment to be swept under the rug and hidden far away from the public eye.”

“And what is it that you want from this court?”

“Just... to see to it that this doesn’t happen to anypony else. Ever.”

Ashe turns back to her table. “No further questions.”

Guto looks to Ghaleon. “Arbiter?”

“No questions, your honor.”

Nodding, the king returns his gaze to Ashe.

“Ambassador?”

“I... um...”

She turns to Twilight whom bows her head and nods. Sighing, Ashe speaks.

“We... rest our case.”

Guto raises an eyebrow. “You do? Are you certain?”

Ashe nods. “Yes, your honor.”

“Just to be perfectly clear, you’re saying that you have no other evidence to present or witnesses to call, Ambassador Ashe?”

“That is correct, your honor.”

Guto leans back on the throne and lays his talons on the armrests. “I must say that you don’t really have much of a case here in terms of testimony or tangible evidence, ambassador.”

“We have presented all that we have, your honor.”

“Very well. The evidence as presented by both sides is certainly clear to me. Now then, I shall take a short recess to think about what I’ve heard here before returning to render my verdict.”

The king stands and is escorted from the Throne Room by his guards as Arc walks over to the witness stand. Looking Raven in the eye he smiles.

“You did great.”

“Thank you, sir. But I don’t think it was enough.”

“Maybe not. However we all did our best with what we had. Now then, why don’t you head back to The Equinox along with Flash Sentry and...?”

He is cut off as a guard hurries past them and down the corridor that the king walked through mere moments ago. A few minutes later King Guto returns and again sits on his throne. Looking to Ghaleon, he speaks.

“I’ve just been informed that an individual outside has approached the guards with additional testimony regarding this case for Ambassador Ashe. Do you have any objections?”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “None, your honor.”

Guto calls out to the guards at the door. “Admit the witness!”

The doors open and a griffon is led down the aisle. They are escorted to the witness stand and sit down as Goldstone bristles. Guto turns to Ashe.

“You may address the witness now.”

“Yes, your honor.”

Standing, she walks over to the witness stand and looks the griffon over for a few moments before speaking.

“Please state your name for the court.”

“M-my name... is Galena.”

“I’m told you have something to tell the court regarding this case. Is that true?”

Galena nods. “I do, yes. For you see, I too was victimized by Lord Goldstone.”

Those in the audience gasp and murmur to each other as Ashe appears genuinely surprised at the revelation.

“You... you were...? Can you tell us your story?”

“Lord Goldstone hired me to be his secretary a number of years ago. At first I was excited to be elevated to such a grand position. However, I quickly found out the hard way what my duties would be.”

“Can you elaborate on your job?”

“I was expected to schedule his meetings and take care of the paperwork on his behalf. Normal clerical duties similar to what I had done in the past. However, there was so much more that he asked of me. Demanded actually.”

“Such as?”

“S-stress relief.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Stress relief?”

“Some days were harder on him than others. And during those days he would...”

She bows her head before continuing.

“...he would call me into his office and... and rape me.”

Ashe gasps. “How often?!”

“At least three times a week.”

“And this has been going on for YEARS?!”

Galena nods sadly. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Did you ever report it?!”

“Whom would I tell? Lord Goldstone is over everyone.”

Ashe puts a talon to her forehead as she speaks. “You said earlier that you’ve been his secretary for years now. Is that correct?”

“It is.”

“So... just doing a bit of mental math here... are you saying that you’ve been... been raped... how many times?”

“Hundreds of times.”

Ashe shakes her head in awe. “This is... just so incredible! Tell me, what made you come forward today?”

“I was listening to the case from the office as I worked. That mare whom came forward earlier really touched me with her story. She didn’t deserve what happened to her. Not like I did.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “You... you’re saying that you deserved to be raped?!”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The courtroom audience murmurs as Ashe frowns.

“Can you... can you please tell the court why you feel that your rapes were somehow... justified?”

“Because of the personal crimes I committed to help him do it.”

“You... helped him rape you?”

Galena shakes her head. “No, ma’am. My own backside was ravished often, yes. However, even that wasn’t enough for him. Lord Goldstone wanted more than I could give him. And I was told by him that, as per my secretarial duties, it was my job to help him in whatever capacity he deemed necessary.

“I still don’t understand. How are you in any way at fault here?”

“Because... I would provide him with other victims.”

Ashe’s eyes grow wide “You mean...?!”

Galena looks down shamefully at her talons. “Yes... it’s due to my actions that others were put into a position where they were vulnerable.”

“Can you give me an example?”

“Once during a party Lord Goldstone ordered me to have a servant take him to a private office to take my phone call. But that was just to get him alone with her so that he could... make her work late.”

“Work late?”

Galena nods. “That was the code he used for... having sex with me or another victim. Lord Goldstone would tell me that I had to ‘work late’, which meant I was to come into his office to be... be violated. Or he would order me to set up a specific class of servant, or individual, to ‘work late’ depending on his desires that day.”

Ashe grimaces. “And how long has THIS been going on?!”

“As long as I’ve been his secretary. So years.”

“I... I... don’t know... how to...”

Ashe turns to King Guto as she walks toward her table slowly.

“...no further questions.”

Ghaleon stands and walks over to Galena. He looks her over for a moment before speaking.

“That’s quite the story you tell, miss.”

“It’s the truth, sir.”

“I find it very convenient that you choose now to come forward with this matter. That you somehow miraculously reached your breaking point during the trial for Lord Goldstone for which all the nobility were gathered to witness.”

“This is the only time I would be able to have my voice heard though, sir.”

“Very well. Tell me this then. When was the last time you were allegedly raped by Lord Goldstone?”

“Today, sir. Just before leaving his home to attend these proceedings.”

Ghaleon rolls his eyes. “While he was under house arrest, no less.”

“As per the kings orders, Lord Goldstone was allowed to be kept in the loop regarding national affairs. Which meant I was required to report to him at his private residence daily for... ‘briefings’ as he called them.”

“And did anyone else witness this alleged rape?”

Galena shakes her head. “No sir. It was done in his office.”

“So you don’t actually have any proof of what you’re saying?”

Galena frowns. “Oh, I have proof.”

“Then present it now.”

“Fine!”

She stands and steps on her chair before turning around and raising her tailfeathers to those assembled. Reaching back to pull her labia apart with a talon, she plunges the other inside herself. Gasping in pain, Galena a circular motion for a moment, she then pulls them out to display a gooey white substance. Looking over her shoulder at Ghaleon, she speaks.

“I’m assuming you’re familiar with the pungent scent of griffon semen, sir.”

Ghaleon looks away in disgust. “It... certainly is ejaculation, yes. However, that certainly doesn’t prove that it came from Lord Goldstone.”

Ashe stands. “You are right, it doesn’t. However, a simple medical test can determine if the witnesses’ claims are legitimate.”

Guto nods soberly. “Then we would have the truth.”

Galena looks to Ghaleon angrily. “Yes. But not all of it.”

“What are you saying?”

She points a talon at her backside. “Look again. See those stitches?”

Ghaleon nods. “I do, yes.”

“They were made aboard Lord Arc’s airship.”

Ghaleon clenches a fist. “WHAT?!”

King Guto stands angrily. “You admit to colluding with Lord Goldstone’s opposing council in this matter?!”

He motions to the guards as he continues.

“Seize Lord Arc!”

The guards rush forward and surround the table with their weapons drawn. Twilight’s horn glows as jumps up and grits her teeth.

“Lord Arc is MY subject! And I will not allow a single hair on his head to be harmed!”

Arc stands slowly. “It’s okay, Princess Twilight. While I appreciate you defending me, the nation needs to know the reason Galena was aboard my ship in the first place.”

Ghaleon turns back to the griffon before him. “Did Lord Arc cause this harm to you?”

Galena shakes her head as she sits back down. “No. In fact, he did nothing but his best to help me. You see, I was sent by the head of the secretarial pool with the Equestrian’s court date, to be delivered directly to the princess herself. However when I arrived, I... I went into Laying.”

The audience gasps as Ghaleon continues his questioning.

“You mean you were with egg?!”

Galena nods. “Yes. Lord Arc was however unaware of this and took me to his ship. He made sure that it was delivered safely by a medical professional.”

She looks to Goldstone angrily and points an accusatory talon at him before continuing.

“And it was HIS egg!”

Goldstone stands and gasps. “WHAT?!”

“That’s right! You told me to get rid of it and I did!”

Galena points to Arc before continuing.

“I turned my egg over to Lord Arc’s custody to be hatched and raised in Equestria!”

Guto frowns. “Is this true, Lord Arc?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, your honor. This griffon did come aboard my ship to lay her egg.”

Ghaleon sneers. “And you took it?!”

“I did.”

Guto clenches a talon. “For what purpose?”

“As per our treaty, Equestria is obligated to take into custody any youngling whom is without parents able and/or willing to care for them.”

Ghaleon rolls his eyes. “But this is an egg!”

Twilight looks to the arbiter out of the corner of her eyes as her horn continues to glow. “True. However a case could be made that it is a viable life and will become a youngling shortly.”

Ashe waves a talon dismissively. “Legal semantics aside, Lord Arc was simply following the letter of the law when he took the egg from this mother.”

Arc steps around the table to face the king as the griffon guards slowly back up. “If you’d prefer to continue debating the case of the surrendered egg, we will await the proper legal forms to be filled out and sent to Equestria.”

Twilight nods soberly as she gestures to Arc. “However, as it stands, Lord Arc did the right thing in accepting the egg.”

“It is currently sitting in an incubator within the Little Hooves Orphanage under the watchful eye of Matron Coco Pommel.”

He gestures to the guards before continuing.

“Now then, might you call off your forces?”

Twilight plants her hooves firmly. “Unless you want this situation to devolve VERY quickly.”

There is a tense silence as the king motions with a talon. The guards sheath their weapons and step back. He turns to Ghaleon.

“Any other questions?”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “No, your honor.”

“Then I shall again retire to my chambers to consider the...”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he frowns.

“Yes?”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts! I’m receiving a priority one emergency transmission!”

“Now?!”

Guto frowns. “Lord Arc, is there a problem?”

“Maybe. One moment, your honor. Go ahead, Lemon Hearts.”

He puts a hand over his earring to listen privately. Nodding, he speaks a few moments later.

“Standby.”

Looking to the king, Arc continues.

“I’ve just received word from my Communications Officer that there is another witness whom wishes to testify on this matter.”

Goldstone scoffs as he looks to the king. “How much more of this farce must I endure, your honor?!”

Guto nods soberly. “Lord Goldstone is indeed correct, Lord Arc. I don’t see how any more testimony could possibly change the outcome of...”

Ashe interrupts him. “Your honor, the law clearly states that any and all pertinent information, evidence, or testimony must be heard as long as the court is in session. Which as you know, we currently are.”

Guto sighs. “Very well. Bring forth your evidence, testimony, or whatever it is, Lord Arc.”

“Yes, your honor.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc channels his power into the crystals on his chest. Holding out his gauntlet, he opens a portal. A few moments later two figures step out together and approach him. Goldstone’s eyes grow wide as he leans forward and gasps.

“What the...?!”

Ashe quickly stands and bows respectfully. “Welcome, your royal highnesses.”

Arc gestures to the newcomers. “Your honor... may I present to you King Felix and Queen Fiona. Rulers of Abyssinia.”

Guto nods. “Good day to you both. I’m told you have something to tell the court about a certain case I’m presiding over.”

Felix nods angrily. “That we do!”

Fiona points a claw at Goldstone angrily. “About HIM!”

Twilight gestures with a hoof. “Why don’t you two take the witness stand then so we can talk about this.”

Galena stands and walks over to Ashe as the monarchs take their places. Arc silently follows them with a second chair and sets it down next to the first before returning to his place with Twilight. Ashe walks over to the stand in order to begin her examination.

“Please state your names for the court.”

“Felix. King of Abyssinia.”

“Fiona. Queen of Abyssinia.”

“Might I ask what brings you here today?”

Felix frowns. “We had turned in to listen to these proceedings via radio.”

Fiona nods angrily. “After all, it’s not every day a lord is put on trial.”

Felix gestures to the defense’s table. “My queen and I heard the testimony of the young mare as well as that of the guard whom rescued her.”

“However, when the young griffon gave her testimony we knew we couldn’t sit idly by any longer.”

“Some time ago Lord Goldstone came to our land on his annual sales trip.”

Fiona sighs. “At that time the Griffon Kingdom was the primary source of food for Abyssinia.”

Felix motions to Arc with a wave of his paw. “However, that all changed when Lord Arc provided emergency aid to our land.”

“He provided us with food in addition to giving our country the technology and supplies to grow plants and fish in specialized greenhouses.”

Felix folds his paws over his chest. “This allowed us to become self-sufficient in terms of feeding out citizens.”

“Thanks to this, we had no need of the food Lord Goldstone had brought. However, he tried to strike a deal on canned and jarred sustenance for emergency situations.”

Ashe nods. “Did you accept his offer?”

Felix shakes his head. “We were unable to do so, as our land was still reeling from the catastrophic loss of our military forces and siege from the Storm King’s larcenous activities. So we didn’t have any money to speak of.”

Fiona grits her teeth angrily. “But he was still willing to make a deal.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “What kind of deal?”

“He offered to give our land some supplies from his ships in exchange for an evening with me.”

Felix bares his teeth angrily. “In the royal bedchambers, no less!”

Ashe’s eyes grow wide as she gasps. “What?! But... but you’re the QUEEN!”

Fiona scoffs. “That mattered little to him.”

Felix snarls. “Lord Goldstone is a true business mogul! He saw an opportunity to gain something he wanted and he went for it!”

Ashe puts a talon to her forehead as she leans against the witness stand. “I... I can’t believe this! To sexually accost a foreign royal, in their own land no less, is just...!”

Ghaleon stands and interrupts her. “Objection, you honor! This proceeding has devolved into nothing short of the Equestrians grasping at proverbial straws!”

He points to Ashe’s table before continuing.

“Twice now you have attempted to adjourn this court in an effort to consider this case privately! And twice now Ambassador Ashe has seen fit to prolong this event by ‘miraculously’ pulling witnesses seemingly out of thin air! This isn’t something where the goalpost is moved to create a moving target that Lord Goldstone has to defend himself against! It goes against everything...!”

Suddenly the Throne Room doors burst open and the guards from outside are roughly pushed inside. They are joined by the other guards as Arc, Twilight, Ashe and pretty much everyone in the audience stands and turns to see what’s going on. The guards form ranks in an effort to quell the mob’s advance and restore order. Ghaleon points at Arc as he yells at the top of his lungs to be heard over the din.

“YOU SEE, YOUR HONOR! AGAIN LORD ARC IS ATTEMPTING TO ADD NEW TESTIMONY TO THE RECORD! WHEN WILL ENOUGH BE ENOUGH?! THIS COURT CANNOT SIMPLY CONTINUE TO CAVE TO HIS EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES!”

Arc cries out in retort. “THIS ISN’T PART OF OUR ORIGINAL LEGAL STRATEGY! NOR WAS BRINGING KING FELIX AND QUEEN FIONA HERE TODAY!”

Felix shouts. “RIGHT!”

Fiona points angrily at Goldstone. “I WANTED TO COME AND EXPOSE THIS FOUL CRETIN FOR THE FILTHY LECH HE REALLY IS!”

Arc looks to Twilight. “We need to do something!”

“But what?!”

Ashe returns to the table. “These griffons are really mad about something though!”

Arc grimaces. “Let me try to figure out what exactly is going on here.”

Standing, he hurries over to the group and pushes past the guards. Approaching a random griffon, he talks to them for a few moments before moving on to another. Repeating the process a few times, Arc returns to his table as reinforcements arrive to attempt to restore order. He calls out loudly.

“EVERYONE, QUIET! WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE!”

The group slowly begins to calm itself. After a few moments Arc turns to King Guto and speaks.

“Your honor, I’ve just spoken to a few of these griffons and found a common complaint.”

Guto raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“They all claim to have been sexually assaulted by Lord Goldstone.”

Ashe gasps as she gestures to the crowd. “But there are hundreds here!”

Twilight looks out over the crowd. “Please raise a hoof... err talon, I suppose, if you were an unwilling victim of Lord Goldstone’s sexual advances.”

Every talon in the group is raised as they begin calling out various charges.

“He raped me as I was cleaning his office!”

“I was bent over a desk!”

“When I was scrubbing the toilet he shoved my head into it and raped me from behind!”

“That beast pulled me onto a sofa and violated me as I was interviewing for a position in one of his businesses!”

One female griffon holds up a youngling. “This is his son!”

Another griffon joins her. “And his daughter!”

“He got me pregnant TWICE!”

Arc looks to King Guto and frowns.

“Still think I made this all up?”

Ashe points a talon at the group as she speaks. “We need to investigate these claims, you honor! The law demands it!”

The griffons continue hurling their accusations at the court as Goldstone silently seethes. Eventually he jumps on top of his own table, knocking everything to the floor, and yells.

“EVERYONE, SHUT UP! NONE OF YOU CAN PROVE A THING AGAINST ME!”

As the din of their charges continues, Ghaleon takes a deep breath and calls out loudly.

“SILENCE!!!”

Everyone suddenly stops talking and calling out. Looking around the room, Ghaleon pauses before continuing.

“This is not the way justice works in the Griffon Kingdom! We have rules and regulations! There are ways to bring forth charges against others! But charging in her as a mob isn’t one of them!”

Goldstone seethes. “Agreed! However, at this point I don’t see how I could possibly get justice here!”

He turns to the king before continuing.

“Your honor! I call for the ‘Battle of Truth’!”

Guto gasps. “What?!”

Ashe frowns. “But that hasn’t been done in hundreds of years!”

Goldstone looks to her. “It’s still an active law on the books! And I’m demanding my rights as a lord under it!”

Arc turns to Ashe. “Is that what I think it is?”

Ashe nods soberly. “Probably. It’s a trial by combat. The victor is seen as being on the side of righteousness and their position held as being true.”

Guto frowns. “I will have to consult with my legal experts on this matter before allowing it, Lord Goldstone.”

“Very well, sire! I shall await your response under protective custody!”

The kings stands. “Court is adjourned for the day!”

Rising, King Guto is escorted through a side door by his personal guards. Ghaleon and some of his guards lead Goldstone out a different door as the crowd continues hurling charges and insults at the disgraced lord. As they walk, Goldstone muses to himself as he smirks.

“This matter isn’t over, Lord Arc. Not by a long shot.”

Chapter 11 - Private Matters

Arc and his friends stand there looking over the crowd as the mob of female griffons continue their tirade. Twilight looks to Galena and smiles.

“I... just want you to know that Lord Arc meant what he said earlier.”

Galena appears confused. “Oh?”

Arc nods. “Twilight means that your egg is safe back in Equestria.”

Galena sighs. “Thank you. It’s more than I deserve after what I did.”

Several griffon guards approach their table. They look to Arc nervously

“We are here to take your witness into custody, sir.”

Twilight seethes. “WHAT?!”

“The king has ordered her held until this matter is settled.”

Arc gasps. “But...!”

Galena interrupts him. “Please, sir. Remember, I did confess to helping Lord Goldstone rape quite a few of his victims.”

She gestures with a talon to the throng of angry griffons nearby before continuing.

“Many of them were ravished solely because of me. That makes me an accomplice to this matter.”

Ashe nods soberly. “She’s right. Her fate will be tied to the case.”

Twilight grimaces as she looks to Ashe. “What would the punishment be?”

“Considering the large number of victims involved, she would most likely be publicly executed.”

“So if we win this case, she dies?!”

Ashe sighs. “Most likely, yes.”

Galena resolutely holds out her talons to the guards. “I’m ready to go.”

The guards approach the young griffon and shackle Galena’s talons. Another device is put around her midsection to hold her wings at her sides. As they move to take her away she looks to Arc with a sad look in her eyes.

“Don’t worry about what happens to me! Just... just make sure Goldstone pays for what he did!”

The crowd continues their verbal assault as she is led away. Arc sits back down at the table as the king and queen of Abyssinia approach. Felis is the first to speak.

“Lord Arc... what has happened?”

Fiona frowns. “Did we win or did Goldstone?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really get it either. Ashe?”

“He called for the Battle of Truth. It’s where the accused and their council duel their challengers to mortal kombat (see what I did there) to prove their innocence.”

Twilight frowns as she gestures to the group of female griffons nearby. “But he ISN’T innocent! Look at all these victims!”

Ashe frowns. “Nevertheless, the challenge has been issued. Considering all the evidence at this point, along with the sheer number of victims that have come forward to speak to the court regarding the charges, Lord Goldstone probably figured that the king would had no choice but to find him guilty at this point.”

Felix slams a paw down on the table next to him. “So he made the challenge as a final and desperate act by which he might prevail!”

Ashe nods. “Exactly.”

Fiona gasps. “But such a thing shouldn’t still be an option! Right?!”

Ashe shrugs. “I really have no idea. The Battle of Truth is something I briefly learned about during my formative school years. In history class ironically.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So it might just be too old a law to be invoked?”

Twilight groans. “If the Griffon Kingdom works like Equestria does then it doesn’t really matter how old the law is. Just whether or not it’s still on the books.”

Felix sighs. “But where do we go from here?”

Fiona shudders. “Yes, we can’t just let Goldstone get away with this!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Believe me, he won’t.”

Ashe appears confused. “Lord Arc?”

“If it’s a fight Goldstone wants, it’s a fight he’ll get!”

Arc turns to Ashe before continuing.

“Tell me how this challenge works.”

“Well... the accused and their counsellor fight the accuser and their council in the Gladiator’s Arena. If either side was representing themselves, they have the option to pick someone to fight by their side though.”

Twilight grimaces. “So it would be Goldstone and Ghaleon against you and Arc, Ashe?”

“Not necessarily. Any of us could make a substitution as to whom would fight in our stead. Lord Goldstone could choose someone else to fight his battle for him. However, I can’t see him doing that.”

Felix appears confused. “Why not?”

Fiona rolls her eyes. “Is he a warrior too?”

Ashe nods. “Oh yes. It’s well known that Goldstone was quite the martial tactician in his younger years. In fact, he and Arbiter Ghaleon were partners in the military for quite some time. That was before he took his place on the Council of Lords though.”

Twilight frowns. “And Arbiter Ghaleon?”

“Promoted to his place mostly because of Lord Goldstone.”

Arc groans. “So he’s an ace up Goldstone’s sleeve.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not entirely. After all, one isn’t given the position of Arbiter due to the say so of a single lord. They have to show that they are both powerful and impartial in all things.”

Arc gestures to the now empty defense table next to them. “Impartial?! But he was defending Goldstone just a short time ago!”

Felix grits his teeth. “Right!”

Fiona seethes. “After all that was said and shown here today, there’s no way anyone could still think Goldstone is innocent!”

Ashe sighs. “True. However defending Goldstone to the best of his ability was his job as council for the accused.”

Arc scoffs. “That fool.”

Twilight turns to him, confused. “Arc?”

“Such blind devotion to his old friend. There’s no way he can’t see the truth at this point.”

An official enters the chamber and calls out in a booming voice.

“THE KING HAS ORDERED THAT THE COURT BE DISMISSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE! AT THE ORDER OF KING GUTO, THE SCRIBES AND ARCHIVISTS WILL DO THEIR DUE DILLIGENCE SEARCHING FOR ANY PAST MONARCH’S EDICTS DECLARING THE BATTLE OF TRUTH UNLAWFUL! COURT WILL NOT RESUME AGAIN UNTIL THE LEGALITY OF THE CHALLENGE CAN BE ASCERTAINED! ALL PRESENT ARE ORDERED TO RETURN TO THEIR DOMICILES AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR FURTHER UPDATES!”

The guards begin clearing the room as Arc shakes his head.

“This is sickening.”

Twilight looks to him. “What is, Arc?”

“That the king won’t just admit that Goldstone is guilty and be done with it!”

Ashe sighs. “The law is the law though.”

“But...!”

Felix interrupts him. “Lord Arc... you must understand that every country has their own laws, rules, regulations, and traditions that must be followed. Even by the rulers.”

Fiona nods. “To attempt to overrule what is clearly stated in the law would go against everything they’re sworn to stand for.”

Ashe groans. “His talons are tied now that the challenge has been issued.”

Twilight sighs. “That I can understand.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Twilight?”

“When I was giving audiences back in Canterlot, I would occasionally be interrupted by Kibitz or Raven regarding the letter of the law. Sometimes I hated the fact that I couldn’t just rule as I personally saw fit. However, even a princess is bound by certain things.”

Ashe gestures to the now vacant throne. “And it is worth pointing out that King Guto has issued an order to try and find a ruling that such a thing isn’t allowed.”

Felix appears hopeful. “So you think that he doesn’t want it to happen either?”

Fiona grimaces. “This whole matter certainly does make him look bad.”

Ashe nods. “Probably. After all, considering the extreme amount of evidence against Lord Goldstone that’s cropped up it would be in the king’s best interests to find him guilty, remove him from the Council of Lords, strip him of his status, and turn him over to the local authorities in order to stand trial for his individual crimes.”

Arc sighs. “Well, we should probably get some rest now and plan our next move.”

Felix appears hopeful. “Is there anything my queen and I could do to help, Lord Arc?”

“Yes, anything at all?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so, no. However I do want to thank both of you for coming to lend your support to our case.”

Twilight bows respectfully. “Thank you on behalf of me as well. Things really turned around after your testimony, Queen Fiona.”

Ashe smiles warmly. “King Guto couldn’t ignore his own Council of Lords, an Equestrian princess, AND a queen’s personal accusations. Your testimony was indeed the tipping point in this case, your highness.”

Arc nods as he addresses the monarchs. “Agreed. Thank you for coming.”

Fiona nods. “Considering out past, it was the least we could do.”

Felix smiles. “Agreed. However we only ask that you see this matter through to its conclusion.”

Fiona grits her teeth. “And make Goldstone pay for his past misdeeds!”

“That I will.”

Twilight stomps a hoof. “We all will.”

Ashe looks to the throngs of griffons leaving the room. “If he’s allowed to get away with this, it will just show our citizens that there is no justice for the lower rungs of society. That’s not something I’m willing to let happen.”

Arc motions to the radio operator nearby. “Hopefully the king will have the rest of this matter broadcasted as well.”

Felix nods. “If he does, my queen and I shall most certainly tune in.”

“Along with the rest of our nation I might add.”

“But for now we should be getting back.”

Arc smiles as he opens a portal for them. “Understood. We’ll let you know what the king decides tomorrow.”

They nod and step through. As they pair vanish from sight Twilight looks to Ashe.

“Is there anything... and I mean ANYTHING at all we could do now?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Just wait for the king to rule on the matter sadly.”

Arc lowers his voice. “Let’s talk about that... privately.”

Raising his gauntlet, Arc opens another portal. They step through and appear back in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Closing the portal, he motions to the table where Flash Sentry and Raven are sitting. Walking over they sit down as well. Arc turns to the mare and stallion before speaking.

“Can I assume you two heard what happened?”

Raven nods soberly. “Yes sir.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Every word.”

Twilight looks to Ashe. “What are the possible outcomes here?”

“If the scribes and archivists do find proof that the Battle of Truth was indeed outlawed at some point in the past, then the king will be forced to make a ruling on the matter himself.”

Raven appears hopeful. “What do you think he’d do?”

“Given what happened, I can’t see him letting Lord Goldstone go with just making monetary reparations.”

Arc nods. “I’m guessing the public would riot.”

“Most likely, yes. And the rebels would use the matter to rally many of them to their cause. That’s probably the whole reason King Guto wanted this trial broadcasted in the first place. To show that he was willing to hear our case with what appeared to be an open mind.”

Flash Sentry taps the table with a hoof. “The king must’ve just assumed that our testimony would consist entirely of hearsay and circumstantial evidence.”

Raven looks away nervously. “It... kinda did though.”

Twilight frowns. “And he figured it would be an easy matter to dismiss the case and continue with business as usual.”

Ashe sighs. “The additional witnesses were a lucky break, yes. However, as it stands there is still a chance that they will find nothing that removed the Battle of Truth from the law.”

Arc grimaces. “Let’s say that was the case. Could the king do that now?”

“He could, yes. I’m guessing he probably will.”

Flash Sentry appears hopeful. “Which would lead us back to him making a ruling, right?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not exactly. Under griffon statues, the current case would have to be held to the original letter of the law, as at the time Lord Goldstone’s challenge was invoked the law was still in place.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “So his claim would be ‘grandfathered in’ so to speak.”

“Exactly. The laws surrounding such legal matters are interpreted in such a way so as to prevent retroactively charging citizens with so-called crimes they committed in the past.”

Raven nods. “Equestria has similar legal statues.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “So if the law is still on the books then the king has to allow for this Battle of Truth to take place?”

Ashe sighs. “Yes. That is, unless there is some other law he can quote to overrule the request.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Who’s to say that it wasn’t his idea though?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“Think about it. The king obviously let Goldstone into the Throne Room to talk with him privately before admitting anyone else. This could have been planned in advance to be his final chance to save Goldstone from a ‘guilty’ verdict.”

Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide. “So the king may be siding with him over the victims?!”

Raven’s hooves fly to her muzzle. “That would be monstrous though!”

Ashe sighs. “It’s worth pointing out that it would be better for King Guto’s reputation to be able to acquit Lord Goldstone though. After all, if he’s found guilty it won’t be long until someone points out that the king is the one whom appointed him to such a lofty position in the first place.”

Twilight chimes in. “And let this matter go on for so long without addressing it.”

Arc nods. “He may even be accused of being in on it.”

Flash Sentry gestures out the window toward the castle in the distance. “So it appears that his own skin might be on the line here.”

Raven frowns. “Isn’t that a good thing though? I mean, it could help him convict Lord Goldstone.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Most likely it will just push him to try and acquit him.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “So what are our options here, Ashe?”

“All we can do would be to wait and see what happens. Then we can react to it.”

Twilight grits her teeth angrily. “There has to be something more we can do though!”

“Sadly, there really isn’t. I recommend we rest for the remainder of the day and do our best to be ready for tomorrow.”

Arc groans. “Fine.”

Turning to Flash Sentry and Raven, he continues.

“Why don’t you two go back to your room now? Stay by each other’s side and order something to eat from the Kitchen.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir.”

He stands and holds out a hoof to Raven. Taking it, Flash Sentry leads her toward the door. However as they near it she stops and looks back at Arc.

“Sir?”

“Yes, Raven?”

“I just wanted to say that no matter what is decided tomorrow... thank you for all you’ve done for me.”

Arc nods and Flash Sentry leads her out the door. As it closes behind them he turns to Twilight and Ashe.

“We should probably get back to our rooms in the Aviary too.”

Twilight scoffs. “Why?!”

Ashe sighs. “In case something comes up, I suppose.”

“Ashe is right, Twilight. Let’s go.”

Standing, Arc opens a portal for them. Venturing through, they reappear in their room within Aviary. Ashe turns to head for the door.

“I’ll let you two know if I hear anything. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep tonight though.”

Arc nods. “We will.”

As Ashe leaves, Arc turns back to Twilight. Spotting her heading for a window, he silently follows her. Looking outside, she stares at the falling snow. They stand there silently for a time before Twilight speaks..

“What’s it all for, Arc?”

“Huh?”

“I’m asking what everything is for.”

“Regarding this trial?”

“Everything, really.”

“I don’t quite get your meaning, Twilight.”

“Our reason for existing is to rule over our respective subordinates. Me as a princess and you as the Hero of Light.”

“Someone has to do it, Twilight.”

“That I understand, yes. However, why do we need to exist?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “As you just said... to rule.”

“Yes. But the law already dictates how we are supposed to do that. There are innumerable laws and regulations on the books back home in Equestria.”

“Same as here I would imagine.”

“Right. So why does this land need a king and Equestria need princesses?”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Twilight, a leader does a lot more than just rule over their citizens. We’re here to be their representatives.”

“That could be done by anypony though.”

“True in most contexts. However you embody all of them. Earth Pony, Unicorn, and Pegasus.”

“But anypony could be made into an alicorn.”

“Maybe. However it’s more than just your body, Twilight.”

Kneeling down before her, Arc puts a finger to her forehead and chest before continuing.

“It’s what’s in here and here that makes you a good leader.”

“Same as you though.”

“And that’s why I keep going. Because it takes a special kind of person to get up every day and do what we do.”

Twilight sighs. “Really?”

“Yeah! Look, who else but us would leave our country to come here and represent an individual on the international stage?”

“But it’s still unlikely that we’ll succeed.”

“Right. However we’ll still give it our best shot.”

Meanwhile, Ashe enters her room next to Arc and Twilight’s. Closing the door behind her, she turns and walks over to the bed. Flopping down, she puts a talon over her face and sighs as she mutters to herself.

“What’s going to happen next?”

A voice rings out nearby.

“Do you really want to know, Ashe?”

Bolting upright, she rolls off the bed to take up a defensive position. Looking around, she spies the rebel commander nearby in the shadows. Stepping forward, he looks her dead in the eyes and speaks.

“Lord Goldstone will get his Battle of Truth. He and Arbiter Ghaleon will defeat Lord Arc and whomever you choose to fight in your stead.”

Ashe frowns. “In my stead?!”

“You know that pair can’t be defeated. At least not by you and Lord Arc, at least.”

Ashe scoffs as she turns away. “Never know until we try.”

“They have DECADES of experience in tactics and practical knowledge! That and those two have probably sparred more hours together than anyone else you know! And when they team up it’ll be a wall of blades and death coming for you, Ashe!”

“Don’t underestimate me OR Lord Arc! We always have a card to play!”

The commander folds his talons over his chest. “Do you now?”

“Right.”

“And what would that be?”

Ashe smiles wickedly. “The rebels.”

“What would you have us do?”

“Put sleeping pills in our opponent’s meals. Drug their water. Heck, just kill them outright if you want! I DON’T CARE!”

The robed griffon puts a talon to his chin. “That would certainly show the powers that be here in Griffonstone that the rebellion is still very much alive and well. But I thought you wanted us to lay low with Princess Twilight here.”

“I did, yes. However, the situation has changed.”

“Has it now.”

“You and I both know that the king will never convict Goldstone outright, nor will he allow for a fair fight if it comes to him actually hosting the Battle of Truth. They’ll do whatever it takes to win and clear his name.”

“So you want us to help you cheat then?”

“Only to make things fair! They’ll be playing dirty, so we have to as well! Think you can handle that?”

“Certainly. Pulling the wool over their eyes will be a cakewalk.”

“Good. I’ll leave the details to you then. Now then, can I assume you used this room’s secret passage to get in here?”

Commander nods. “Of course. But I assume that’s why you asked for it.”

Ashe nods soberly. “One must always have options. However before you go I do have one question.”

“Yes?”

“Did or any of our agents have anything to do with the recent attempt on Princess Twilight’s life?”

“No, Ashe. That must’ve been a ploy by someone else to turn public opinion against our rebellion. Fortunately for all of us Lord Arc was able to protect her from harm.”

Ashe breathes a sigh of relief. “I didn’t think so, but had to ask.”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll get to work formulating and implementing a plan then.”

“Good. I’ll leave this to you. However for the sake of our own safety and security do not report back or send any communications regarding this matter until everything is over and done with.”

“Understood.”

Ashe steps forward to embrace the commander whom returns the gesture. She smiles and lays her head against his chest.

“I’m looking forward to us one day being able to come together publicly.”

“As am I, Ashe. However, there is much work left to be done.”

Ashe sighs. “Yes, I know. But perhaps other arrangements could be made.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“You relocating to Equestria.”

“Equestria?!”

Ashe nods. “I make enough as ambassador to be able to support both of us. That and I’m currently looking at a modest starter home in Canterlot.”

The commander shakes his head. “Ashe, I can’t.”

“Why not?! We could finally be together!”

“You know why. I’ve sworn to see change brought to the Griffon Kingdom. Just as you have I might add.”

“And we will make changes! Slowly, and from Equestria!”

“Fine. Let’s meet in the middle then.”

Ashe appears confused. “In the middle?”

“You do what you can on your end and I’ll do my part here in Griffonstone.”

“But what about OUR future?!”

“It will have to wait until our nation is as free as you are in Equestria.”

Ashe nods sadly. “Very well.”

He turns to a secret door in the wall. “Keep up the fight, my dear, and one day we’ll be together.”

Pressing a hidden switch, he opens a passageway and hurries forward. Walking through the darkened corridor he grins wickedly.

“Believe me, Ashe, I do have quite the plan. However it requires a certain degree of... sacrifice to make work.”

Meanwhile, Ashe lays down on her bed and stares up at the ceiling as she muses to herself.

“Lord Arc said he was actually Gaston. But... that can’t be true. It just CAN’T!”

Sighing, she looks out the window at the city before continuing.

“We’ve done so much together. Made so many plans. Made so much headway. Why... why would he keep such a thing from me?”

She taps a talon to her chin and frowns.

“No... no, Lord Arc must be mistaken. He HAS to be! After all, the two of them look NOTHING alike!”

Sitting up, she hops off the bed and begins pacing back and forth.

“But Lord Arc is a very intelligent individual. He would surely know the difference between Gaston and my second-in-command. For him to make such a mistake would be unthinkable!”

Frowning, she stops and turns to look out the balcony window.

“And... he and I are going to be wed one day. Our feeling for one another are just so... so strong. There’s no way he and I could have gotten this far together without being honest with one another! I’ve kept nothing from him! Not even my own identity! Surely that should be enough for him to reciprocate! Isn’t it?”

Ashe stares out the window as a light snow begins to fall outside. As she does so however, in another part of the castle, King Guto enters his private chambers. Sitting down at his desk, he leans back in his posh chair and groans. Picking up a nearby decanter and a glass, the king pours himself a drink. Tipping back the contents in one gulp he sets the glass down and looks out a window as he sneers.

“Goldstone, you fool! We both knew something like this would happen eventually! You were bound to stick it in someone whom would make noise and cause trouble for all of us!”

Grunting, he continues.

“And the worst part of it is that we honestly do need you around! Were it anyone else, I could simply dispose of and replace them with another. But you... oh, you...”

With a pained smiles the king looks over the papers on his desk.

“...you’ve found innumerable ways to worm your way into the fabric of our society. So deeply that your presence cannot be...”

Throwing the glass aside he cries out angrily at his situation. Standing, the king storms over to the balcony and looks out at the falling snow. Shaking his head, he stands there for a time unmoving. Eventually he speaks again.

“With any luck the scribes and archivists with find that the Battle of Truth was outlawed years ago. However, I know you wouldn’t have called for such a thing had you not already verified it to be a viable option. Albeit one of last resort.”

Returning to his desk, the king sits back down and picks up a fresh glass. Filling it from the decanter, he holds it silently as he thinks.

“It would appear that I will have no choice but to allow your battle to commence, Goldstone. But I also need to make sure that you come out on top. For both our sakes as well as that of the nation as a whole.”

Raising his glass to eye level, the king smirks as he looks through it at a large painting hanging before him over his fireplace. It depicts an artist’s rendition of Luna lying on a couch and dressed in a simple yet elegant dress. The figure smiles out at him happily as he returns the gaze. Smiling at the mare looking out at him, he calls out to her.

“Ah, Princess Luna. Such a lovely creature. The epitome of beauty and grace. Were I not so preoccupied with my work, I would fly across the ocean to see you in all of your splendor.”

Turning to look out the window at the city below, he sighs.

“This nation must find its footing, and soon! After all, I cannot tell you what is in my heart until the Griffon Kingdom is comparable to Equestria! Or at the very least, not a cesspool of maggots and filth!”

Opening a drawer, he sets down his drink and pulls out a hand mirror. After looking into it for a few moments, he frowns.

“And it can’t take much longer. I’m not getting any younger over here.”

He returns his gaze to the painting again.

“Yet you stay as lovely as ever. Like a grove covered in the dew of the evening, lit by moonlight and stars.”

Sighing, he picks up his glass again.

“I must impress you with a country you can be proud of, princess. “

Smiling lovingly at the picture, he raises his glass in a one-sided toast of sorts.

“You will be mine one day, Luna. This I solemnly swear.”

Putting the glass to his beak, he stops before taking a drink and sighs.

“But that might take forever. This land... our economy is moving at a snail’s pace.”

Setting the glass down again, he groans as he looks over the papers regarding the earlier trial.

“All the more reason to keep Goldstone around. After all, if anyone can do this, he can!”

Reaching for his glass again, Guto stops. Looking at it for a few moments he slaps it away with a talon and grabs the decanter. Holding it up to the painting, he smiles warmly again.

“To your health, Princess Luna. And to our long and happy life together... one day.”

Upending the decanter, he drinks deeply before violently tossing it aside and leering silently at the picture before him. Meanwhile, Arc and Twilight continue to look out the window at the falling snow together. Eventually, Arc gestures to the couch with a wave of his hand.

“Why don’t we sit down now, Twilight? I think we’ve both had a busy day.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Very well.”

Turning, they both walk toward the couch. Sitting down next to one another, Arc smiles at her.

“Hungry?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not really, no. The events of this afternoon took away my appetite.

“Are you as worried as I am?”

“Maybe more.”

“I know what you mean. Raven’s always been a good worker while under my command. She’s a very shy mare whom didn’t deserve what happened to her in the least. So I can’t imagine what would happen if the king were to take Goldstone’s side over hers.”

“To say nothing for the other victims that came forward later.”

Arc sighs. “Especially Galena.”

“I feel especially bad for her.”

“Part of me doesn’t.”

“Huh?”

Arc clenches a fist. “She admitted to setting up others to share her fate.”

“But she did come clean about it at the trial.”

“Very true. However that doesn’t really help the other victims.”

Twilight bows her head. “I suppose not.”

She turns to Arc nervously.

“Um... you don’t really think they’ll execute her for this... do you?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe.”

“But that seems a bit harsh!”

“Tell that to the other victims, Twilight. Like I said, she’s responsible for what happened to some of them.”

Twilight looks down at her hooves sadly. “As am I.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it, Arc. If I hadn’t come here with you to bring the charges forward she wouldn’t have had to confess.”

“I suppose not. However, that would have left Goldstone free to continue raping innocent griffons.”

“True. However...”

Arc interrupts her. “And it would have led to Galena leading more of them to a similar fate, Twilight. You see, there is no part of this that you should feel sorry about stopping. Nothing you should blame yourself for. And nothing that you should regret.”

Twilight nods and sighs as Arc speaks. After considering his words, she finds her voice.

“I know there’s logic in your words, Arc. I know that those whom are guilty of a crime should be held accountable for it. And I... I know that terrible things happened to a lot of griffons due to Goldstone’s actions. But I remember something Rarity once told me after she confessed to all of us that she was really Sweetie Belle’s mother. We were all horrified at what had been done to the most generous mare imaginable. However, one thing she told us really stood out in my mind.”

She pauses and turns to look him in the eye before continuing.

“Rarity said that the years following her rape were extremely hard for her. Not just because of what had happened to her, of course. But because she was all alone in her pain. Her parents did their best to care for her and saw to it she went to therapy to help her get through the worst of it. However... she told us that one thing would have made all of that so much easier for her.”

“What would that have been?”

“You.”

Arc appears confused. “Me?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, you.”

“I would have thought something like that would have been counter-productive. Did she elaborate?”

“She did actually. Rarity told us that many times back then she just felt so lost. Like the world had disappeared beneath her hooves and that she was falling endlessly. And what would have helped her was the tender touch of somepony whom loved her despite all that happened. Somepony to hold her close when she was hurting and pet her mane. Somepony to embrace her and say nothing while she cried into their chest at the top of her lungs.”

Arc sighs. “I do wish I could have been there for her back then. Maybe things would have worked out better for her.”

“It’s like you told me earlier, Arc. You can’t blame yourself for the actions of others.”

“That’s true, of course. Still, I can’t help but think that I could have done something to help...”

Twilight sighs as she interrupts him. “And now you know how I feel.”

There is a tense silence for a long moment as Arc considers this. Eventually he nods and speaks.

“Sorry for being insensitive, Twilight. None of this is easy on either of us.”

“I know that you were just trying to assure me that I did the right thing, Arc. But that isn’t what I need right now.”

“What can I do?”

“Hold me, Arc. Hold me to your chest, stroke my mane, and just be here for me.”

Smiling, Arc puts his arms around Twilight and pulls her into his lap. Holding her to his chest he begins stroking her mane gently and lightly kissing the top of her head. Twilight closes her eyes and lets out a contented sigh as she slowly nods off. The lion’s share of the day passes slowly as Arc and Twilight doze fitfully on the couch for several hours. Eventually he pats Twilight’s cheek lightly and speaks.

“Hey. You awake?”

Twilight opens her eyes and looks up at him groggily. “Arc? Is something up?”

“Kinda.”

“What is it?”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “I’m... kinda hungry.”

Twilight appears confused. “You are?”

“Yup.”

“But we’ve only been sitting here for...”

She looks out the window before turning back to Arc and continuing.

“How long have we been sitting here?”

“About three hours.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide as she quickly sits up. “What?! But why didn’t you wake me?!”

Arc shrugs. “I figured we needed the extra rest.”

“That may be! However you shouldn’t have to suffer with an empty stomach on my account!”

“Well... to be completely Honest with you, there was another reason.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Arc grins. “You did look really cute sleeping in my arms. “

Twilight turns away as she smiles and blushes slightly. Arc picks her up and sets her down next to him before standing.

“Now then, should I order room service from the Aviary or my ship?”

“If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather eat food from Equestria right now.”

Arc chuckles. “Worried about poison?”

“Not really. It’s just... I don’t really feel comfortable eating food from this place.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

“Because everything here just feels... wrong.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“When we rode in the carriage along the streets, I was able to see what kind of homes the common citizens lived in. They were small, close together, and looked very, VERY run-down.”

“There’s also the other side of that coin. I’ve seen some larger apartment buildings in my own travels here. And while I didn’t venture inside, I can only image that the inside probably matches the outside.”

Twilight sighs. “And once we entered the gated community things went from squalor to extreme luxury pretty much instantly.”

She gestures to the fine accommodations surrounding them before continuing.

“To say nothing for the Aviary itself, of course. I just feel that literally nothing is done for the commoners while everything is put into making the ruling class comfortable.”

“It does feel as though all of this is built on ill-gotten gains.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Canterlot Castle, while equally impressive, was built with materials fairly purchased by ponies fairly paid whom were fairly housed while construction commenced. Nopony back home is forced to work where they don’t want to and everypony I’ve ever encountered appears relatively happy with their work.

“I’ll order something from Saffron then.”

Touching his earring, Arc gives his instructions to Lemon Hearts whom relays them to the ship’s kitchen. A short time later he opens a portal and pushes a dinner cart through. Wheeling it over to the table he and Twilight set out their dishes before sitting down to eat. Arc picks up a sandwich and looks to his dinner date as she takes a sip of water.

“I hope you don’t mind something simple like this, Twilight.”

“It’s fine. After all, I feel kinda bad asking Saffron to make us something special. Especially outside of normal meal times.”

Arc looks at the late afternoon sun as he smirks. “It’s not really that far from suppertime though.”

“I... suppose not.”

“Something else is bothering you though, isn’t it?”

Twilight nods her head sadly. “Yes, it is.”

Arc puts down his sandwich and looks her in the eye. “Want to talk about it?”

“It’s Galena. Now I know we already talked about her at length earlier. But I can’t get a couple things out of my mind.”

“Like what?”

“Well... where she is for starters.”

“Considering the restraints I would assume she was taken to the dungeon.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Do you suppose you could find out?”

“I suppose so. But why?”

“That’s the other thing. I wanted to make sure that she’s alright.”

“If you really want to know then I’ll call for Ashe.”

Standing, Arc walks over to the telephone next to the bed. Picking up the receiver he waits patiently to be connected. A few moments later an operator’s voice rings out.

“How may I direct your call?”

“Princess Twilight wishes to see Ambassador Ashe at once. Please have her escorted to the princesses’ room immediately.”

“Yes sir, right away. Will there be anything else?”

“No, that will do it. Thank you.”

Hanging up the receiver, Arc turns and walks back to Twilight.

“This shouldn’t take long.”

Twilight groans. “We should have been able to just go see her. Her room is literally right next to this one, after all.”

Arc shrugs as he sits down. “Security, and all. Especially since there’s already been an attempt on your life.”

A few minutes later there is a knock at the door. Opening it, Arc spots Ashe standing there surrounded by a multitude of guards. Stepping aside, he allows her to enter. Closing the door behind her, Arc begins to speak.

“Thank you for coming, Ashe.”

“It’s my pleasure. Was there something I could do for you or Twilight?”

Twilight walks over. “Hopefully. I was wondering if you could tell us what happened to Galena.”

“She was most likely taken to the dungeon to be held while this matter is settled.”

Arc nods. “We figured that’s what happened to her, yes. Twilight just wanted to be sure.”

Twilight grimaces. “I was worried that she would be harmed.”

Ashe sighs. “Well, the guards in the dungeon certainly aren’t the nicest in the Aviary. Or the most caring.”

Arc frowns. “They wouldn’t kill her though, right?”

“Not a chance. Remember, this case has the king’s personal attention. At the very least they’ll probably ignore her out of fear of drawing attention to themselves.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Could we... go see for ourselves?”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “You... want to go to the dungeon, Twilight?”

“Yes. I want to see how the Griffon Kingdom treats its prisoners for myself.”

Arc groans. “Not the best admittedly. But would they actually let us see her? I mean... the trial is all but over at this point.”

“Under normal circumstances we could have petitioned to interview her under the guise of wanting to see if she would be able to help our case. However, as Lord Arc already pointed out, that part of the trial is over and done with. Really all that’s left are the closing arguments in which we will have a last ditch attempt to convince the king of our case’s merit.”

Twilight’s ears droop. “So no more witnesses?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, Twilight. It’s just a short speech during which I’ll sum up the major points of our case into around two minutes.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And that’s assuming that he doesn’t go for the whole Battle of Truth thing, right?”

“Yes.”

“What if we gave some other reason for wanting to see Galena? Unrelated to the trial entirely. Like some kind of excuse.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Any ideas there, Ashe?”

Ashe puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... I could say that the Princess of Friendship needed more information regarding the egg Galena turned over to Lord Arc for Equestria’s records.”

Arc shrugs. “It wouldn’t hurt to try.”

Twilight grins. “As it stands, we’ve nothing left to lose.”

Ashe walks over to the phone. “I’ll call the dungeon and see if they go for it.”

Arc quickly calls out. “What do you think they’ll do?”

“Probably call for the officer in charge. Then they’ll probably call their superior for permission whom will call for their...”

Twilight cuts her off. “So you think that they’ll just keep passing the request along until it gets to the Council of Lords?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, it won’t go THAT high. Eventually an officer will want us to put something in writing though.”

Arc frowns. “An official request?”

“Right. Then they’ll have us submit it through proper channels to the proper offices.”

Twilight groans. “Which will take time.”

Arc nods. “And lots of it.”

Ashe smirks. “Right. So if you want to do this, Twilight, we’re going to have to do things a bit... differently.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Sometime later, the sounds of footfalls echo through the stone corridors of the Aviary dungeon. The guards on duty look over to the stairs as Arc, Twilight, and Ashe descend. The trio walk over to a small desk to stand before the officer in charge. He nervously stands and salutes while trying to bow properly.

“P-Princess Twilight! It is an honor to have you here!”

He looks toward the stairs before continuing.

“Um... but might I ask where your guards are, your highness?”

Twilight motions with a hoof toward the stairs. “Guarding the only way in or out of here.”

Ashe steps forward. “Princess Twilight is touring the Aviary to learn more about our land’s culture. She wishes to see how we treat our prisoners.”

The officer grimaces. “She... she does?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Is there a problem?”

“Oh, no! None at all, sir! It’s just... this isn’t exactly a secure area! At least past this point, I mean.”

Twilight turns up her nose at this. “I’m sure Lord Arc and Lady Ashe are perfectly capable of protecting me from inmates locked in cells.”

Ashe looks to the steel door behind the desk. “We also need some information from one of your... guests here.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods. “A female griffon named ‘Galena’.”

The griffon raises an eyebrow. Lord Goldstone’s former secretary?

Twilight rolls her eyes. “Yes, I believe that’s what Lord Arc just told you.”

Ashe clears her throat before speaking. “As you no doubt heard during the broadcast of the trial, she told the entire country of her allegedly laying Lord Goldstone’s egg. While it is true that she turned it over to Lord Arc’s custody immediately after laying, the encounter was so quick that there was no time to fill out the proper forms.”

Arc removes a folder from his ring. “My clerical staff has seen fit to fill them out so that we may bring this matter to a close.”

The officer appears confused. “What do you need from her then, sir?”

Ashe cuts in. “Her signature terminating all parental rights and authorization for the egg to be kept in Equestria.”

Twilight nods. “As per our treaty, I might add.”

Picking up his phone the griffon speaks.

“Understood, your highness. I just need to run it by...”

Ashe interrupts him. “...your superior officer, I assume?”

“Yes, ma’am. It’s required before allowing unauthorized individuals into the...”

Twilight glares at him. “What did you just call me?!”

“B-b-believe me when I say that I meant no disrespect to you or your...!

Arc glares at him. “You’re concerned that her royal majesty has something other than legitimate business here?!”

Ashe frowns. “How DARE you accuse her of such things!”

“But, I...!”

Twilight stomps her hoof angrily. “This is CLEARLY a violation of the treaty between our nations the your KING signed with his own talon!”

Arc speaks in a soothing tone. “Now, now, your highness. I’m sure that this soldier didn’t mean any offense by his comment. Might you allow me to attempt and reason with him?”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “Do what you will, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you, princess.”

He turns back to the visibly shaken officer before continuing.

“Tell me, is it possible that the griffon in question is dangerous?”

“N-no, sir. She’s quite docile.”

“Is she... a flight risk?”

“There’s no way for her to escape. Her talons are kept bound at all times and her wings have been broken to prevent flight.”

Ashe frowns. “Broken?!”

“Yes, Lady Ashe. It’s standard procedure for someone whom has committed such a heinous crime. By the king’s order, there can be absolutely no chance of escape.”

Arc continues. “So you’re telling me that she can’t run away, fly, and has her talons bound?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then there’s no danger to the princess if she wants to see her to take care of the egg’s affairs.”

“I... suppose not. However, there’s still the matter of procedure before someone can officially...”

Ashe quickly cuts in. “You know as well as I do that a crime such as hers may warrant execution.”

“Yes, ambassador.”

Arc gestures to the papers. “Which would render her unable to sign these documents.”

“Not to worry, sir. As she’s currently a ward of the state, I have full legal authority to see to any and all legal matters and sign on her behalf.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Any and ALL legal matters?”

“That is correct, sir. If you’d like, I can take care of your paperwork here and now.”

“Does your authority extend to foreign matters?”

“I... believe so, yes.”

Twilight scoffs. “Not as far as Equestria is concerned.”

“Your highness?”

Twilight taps the folder in Arc’s hand with a hoof. “According to Equestrian law, these papers MUST be signed by the parent of the egg!”

“But I have full authority...”

Ashe interrupts him. “...which is not recognized by Equestria!”

She gestures with a talon at the folder before continuing.

“Equestrian law is very clear on this matter. And as such, only a parent can sign away their rights!”

Arc nods. “We’re simply seeking to gain proper authorization for her egg to be legally kept in the orphanage in our country.”

Ashe gestures to Twilight. “As well as allowing the princess to speak to the prisoner regarding other... associated matters.

The officer’s talon again moves toward his desk phone. “But...!”

Arc cracks his knuckles. “Now.”

The officer sighs and nods as he grabs his keys.

“Very well, sir. However, for the safety of the princess, I must ask that this matter be taken care of in an interview room.”

Twilight nods. “That is acceptable, yes.”

“I’ll see to it that the prisoner is made... presentable as quickly as possible.”

Arc frowns. “Presentable?”

“For a meeting with royalty, of course.”

Ashe waves a talon dismissively. “That will not be necessary.”

“Ambassador?”

“To gain the proper perspective, the princess must see the prisoner in her natural state.”

The officer groans as he steps toward the door. “Yes, ma’am.”

Walking toward the large steel door he unlocks it and leads the group inside along with several guards. They proceed to an interview room and sit down. The officer looks to Twilight as he speaks.

“I will personally escort the prisoner here, your highness.”

Twilight nods. “Good.”

He leaves and closes the door behind him. Twilight grins as she looks to Ashe.

“That went well!”

Ashe breathes a sigh of relief. “I was afraid he’d hold out forever!”

Arc smirks as he clenches a fist. “That guy just needed some... persuading.”

Twilight giggles. “He sure looked nervous when you did that thing with your hands, Arc.”

Ashe nods approvingly. “Yes, indeed.”

Arc shrugs. “All’s well that ends well.”

A short time later the door opens and the officer steps inside followed by two guards whom are dragging Galena behind them in shackles. She is blindfolded and more or less unresponsive to what is going on around her. The guards set her in a chair across the table (that is bolted to the floor) and attach her chains to rings in the floor as the officer turns to Twilight.

“Here is the prisoner you requested, your highness.”

Twilight nods. “Very good. Now then, I would like to... examine this prisoner in more depth.”

“You are free to do with her as you see fit, princess. I only ask that you not do anything that would imperil her life, as her fate has not yet been decided by a court of law.”

“Understandable. Now then, leave us.”

“Princess Twilight?”

Arc looks to the officer. “The princess wishes to conduct her... examination without the prying eyes of guards watching.”

“But, sir...! I... I cannot...!”

Twilight frowns. “You are disallowing it?!”

“Regulations state that all interviews that are conducted by non-military personnel need to have at least one officer present at all times, your highness.”

Twilight grits her teeth angrily. “This is an international matter, peasant!”

Ashe quickly steps in. “What the princess means is that the scope of the examination will be such that it requires... special consideration.”

“But the trial is all but over at this point, ambassador!”

Arc folds his hands in front of his face menacingly. “True. However the matter has yet to be ruled on.”

Ashe nods. “Meaning it is still an ongoing matter.”

The officer sighs and nods as he speaks.

“Very well. You may do what you wish with the prisoner in the confines of this room. However please understand that the king will personally hear of it should any... permanent harm come to her during this time.”

Arc sighs. “That is understood. You have my word that she will be returned to your custody safely when we are finished.”

Producing a clipboard, the officer looks to Ashe.

“I simply require you to sign for her.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Sign?”

“That you will be responsible for her... physical state during the interrogation.”

“Very well.”

Taking the clipboard, Ashe hastily signs her name and gives it back. The officer looks it over momentarily before nodding and looking to Twilight.

“She’s all yours, Princess Twilight.”

Nodding, she holds out a hoof to the officer before speaking.

“The keys.”

“Your majesty?”

Arc gestures to the ring of keys in the officer’s belt. “The princess is asking for the keys to the prisoner’s shackles.”

“But that would be against...!”

Ashe looks to him angrily. “I’ve already signed for her! Give the princess what she wants, imbecile!”

Shrugging, the officer pulls the keys from his belt and hands them to Ashe. She nods and motions with a talon.

“You may go.”

Bowing slightly, the officer turns and leaves the room. Arc stands and walks around the table to the prisoner’s side. Pulling off the blindfold, he steps back as Galena blinks several times to acclimate her eyes to the sudden increase in light. She looks at Twilight and Ashe quizzically before turning to Arc and speaking.

“I... um...”

“We just want to talk to you.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. However first we need to do something.”

She looks to Arc. Reaching for his ring he pulls out a small device which he places in the center of the table before them. Pressing a button it comes to life with a small flash. Turning a dial on the side, Arc causes a barrier to spring forth which grows as he manipulates it. After properly covering the whole room he presses a button and looks to Twilight.

“Did I do that right?”

“Yes. We’re now fully covered in a soundproof opaque barrier. This will allow us to talk freely without the guards outside being able to hear us. But before we get started there’s one thing I’d like to do.”

Galena looks around nervously. “Wha-what would that be, Lady Twilight?”

“I think we need to get you out of that chair.”

Extending a hoof, Twilight takes the keys from Ashe. Walking over to Galena she removes the shackles. Giving the keys to Arc, he carefully unlocks the band around her wings. She cries out as he does so. Stepping back, Arc looks them over before turning to Twilight.

“It’s like that guy said. Broken wings.”

Ashe sighs. “He wasn’t lying. That really is standard practice in a case like this.”

Twilight looks to Galena. “Can we get them set for you?”

Galena grimaces as she shifts slightly. “They’ll... never let me leave the dungeon, your highness.”

Arc smirks. “No need for that.”

“Sir?”

“If you can’t go to the hospital, then the hospital will come to you.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. A few moments later Redheart steps through pushing a cart. After being appraised of the situation she looks over Galena’s wings. Sighing, Redheart turns to Twilight.

“Both wings are broken, your highness. However, it appears that they’re clean breaks.”

“Can you set them, Redheart?”

Redheart nods. “Yes, Princess Twilight. It won’t take long.”

Getting to work, Redheart pulls a syringe from a drawer on the cart and injects the contents into both wings. Galena sighs in relief as the painkillers quickly take over. Redheart makes quick work with splints before stepping back to look over her work.

“That should do it.”

Galena smiles nervously as she does her best to look at her back. “Thank you. It does feel better, yes.”

“Only because the painkillers haven’t worn off yet.”

Redheart looks to Ashe before continuing.

“If you’d call for the one in charge of prisoner well-being I can give them additional directions on how to care for the patient.”

Ashe sighs. “They... don’t have that here.”

Redheart raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Then who takes care of medical issues?”

Galena looks down at the floor. “No one. If a patient is injured or becomes sick they’re pretty much on their own.”

Redheart frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

Ashe nods soberly. “She’s right. Prisoners don’t have any rights here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “We’ll see about that later. In any case, thank you for coming and treating Galena’s wings, Redheart.”

Galena smiles weakly. “Yes, thank you.”

Redheart reaches into a bag. Removing two pills, she sets them on the table and looks to Galena.

“Take these before you return to your cell. They should give you relief for a time. At least long enough to get some sleep this evening.”

Arc opens a portal and motions to Redheart. She pushes her cart through and is gone. Galena holds out her talons to him and sighs. He looks to her, confused.

“Um... what are you doing?”

“Submitting to my chains again, Lord Arc.”

“I don’t think you need those at the moment.”

Galena appears confused. “What?”

Twilight offers her a warm smile. “We Equestrians don’t really like the idea of bindings.”

Ashe cuts in. “But in any case, Princess Twilight wishes to speak to you.”

Galena nods and turns to Twilight. Bowing her head, she speaks.

“I am at your mercy, your highness.”

“Sorry for bringing you here. My reasons for doing so are entirely selfish.”

Galena raises an eyebrow. “Lady Twilight?”

“Ever since I saw you giving your testimony before the king, I... I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

“I... am not worthy of such attention, your highness.”

“Ambassador Ashe set this meeting up so that I could talk to you. Face to face and privately.”

Ashe frowns. “About the case, right?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Yes and no, Ashe. I do have more than just questions about the case though.”

Looking back to Galena, Twilight continues.

“First off, I wanted to thank you for being brave and giving your testimony against Lord Goldstone. It couldn’t have been easy for you to do what you did.”

Galena nods sadly. “I had to.”

Ashe leans forward. “Were you forced by someone to confess?”

Galena shakes her head. “No, no... that’s not what I meant. I just... couldn’t take it anymore. Knowing that so many others had been raped by Lord Goldstone after I had set them up. Every week I would try to figure out how many I would have to dupe into taking the blow for me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Goldstone has sex THAT often?!”

“Yes sir. At first, he wanted to keep things quiet to not arouse suspicion. So I would be raped every day. Sometime multiple times in a row.”

Twilight frowns. “What changed?”

“One day there was a young assistant whom came by to deliver some reports while I was running an errand for Lord Goldstone. Usually reports like that would have just been left on my desk for me to take care of later. However this griffon must have been too new to know that. When I got back to the office I found her lying under my desk crying with the... the evidence leaking from her nether regions.”

Ashe’s eyes grow wide. “So Goldstone just did what he wanted to and then tossed her aside?!”

“Yes, ma’am. That’s how I was always treated by him too. Lord Goldstone would grab me from behind, throw me against something solid, lift my tail, and... and do whatever he wanted to me. When he finished, I was left to clean myself up in his office’s adjoining restroom. However, I wasn’t allowed to use his expensive towels and had to make do with wiping his seed away with my talons as he watched.”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “That guy is SICK!”

“I think he was more worried about leaving evidence of his actions behind than carnal desires. When I was done he would spray some cheap perfume on my backside to mask the scent of him.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Equestria will do whatever we can to see that you get a lighter sentence for your role in this.”

Galena looks down sadly. “That... probably won’t be an option, Lady Twilight.”

“Oh?”

“I... overheard the guards talking about me. It’s pretty likely that the king will link my case to Lord Goldstone’s.”

Arc sighs. “So if he’s found guilty so will you.”

Ashe groans. “And if he’s acquitted you’ll walk free.”

“Exactly. It all depends on what the king decides to do regarding my former superior.”

Twilight gasps. “There has to be SOMETHING we can do though!”

Galena shakes her head. “Not really. I’m guessing the king has probably already made up his mind at this point.”

Twilight looks to Arc and hisses. “We could get her out of here!”

“How? Portal?”

“You brought Redheart through it!”

Arc sighs. “True. But they would know it was us whom did it if we all just disappeared.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin as she thinks. “Then... what about breaking in under the cover of darkness?!”

Galena folds her talons. “They’d turn the country upside-down looking for me.”

“Then what about some other kind of deal?! Like... extraditing you back to Equestria! You’d be treated better in one of our prisons!”

Ashe frowns. “The Griffon Kingdom would never go for such a thing considering the circumstances. That and the public would demand that justice be done for all of the griffons Galena convinced to enter into their respective scenarios.”

Arc shakes his head. “They could start to see Equestria as defending the guilty.”

Ashe sighs. “As is done here, yes.”

Twilight slams her front hooves down on the table in front of her. “But... but this just isn’t RIGHT!”

She points a hoof at Galena before continuing.

“Remember, she’s a victim too!”

Galena does not make eye contact. “Yes. But I did so many horrible things.”

Twilight grimaces. “Well... I’m not going to stop trying to think of some way to help you!”

“Thank you, Lady Twilight.”

Ashe sighs. “That’s... fine, Twilight. However, you do need to remember that there might not be a solution to this problem.”

“I don’t believe that! Every problem has a solution! Princess Celestia taught me that!”

She turns back to Galena soberly before continuing.

“And you have my word that I’ll do my best to find it!”

Chapter 12 - Longshot Plans

Three days go by. Arc and Ashe sit at a table in her quarters eating breakfast as they go over current events. Ashe is the first to speak as she looks at the empty chair next to him.

“Twilight declined to join us again?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. She’s down in the dungeon’s interview room with Galena.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Still?”

“Twilight asked for a couple of cots after our initial interview, remember?”

“That I do. But I figured she would have come back by now. At least for a little while. Or to eat.”

Arc too looks to the empty seat next to him. “She’s taking her meals down there as well.”

“What are they doing anyways?”

“Mostly just talking.”

“About what?”

“Everything under the sun from what I heard. Twilight and Galena are really getting along well.”

Ashe sighs. “While I’m happy to hear that, it doesn’t help her situation.”

“Yes, well... Galena’s infinitely safer with Twilight by her side at the moment.”

“And the multitude of guards whom I’m assuming were transferred from outside your quarters.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I didn’t see the need for so much security with just me in the room.”

Ashe lowers her voice instinctively. “You might want to have a talk with her.”

“About what?”

“Getting too close.”

“To Galena?”

Ashe sighs. “Either way, things don’t look good for her.”

Arc groans. “Part of me wants to get her out of there. Take her back with us to Equestria and not look back.”

“And the other part?”

“That she needs to pay for her crimes, be they many.”

Ashe folds her talons soberly. “Not a good place to be right now. Either way this trial goes, she’ll be in extremely hot water.”

“Damned if she’s innocent, damned if she’s guilty.”

Standing, Arc picks up his empty plate and sets it on the nearby cart. Turning back to Ashe, he motions to a satchel next to her chair.

“Did you get them all?”

Ashe nods as she stands and picks up the satchel with a talon. “Exactly what Twilight asked for, yes.”

“Good. And thanks for doing this.”

“It was my pleasure. Please say ‘hello’ to Twilight for me.”

Arc appears confused as he takes the satchel. “You’re not coming?”

Ashe shakes her head. “I’m going to be spending some time with my father. After all, it’s not every day that I have the chance to learn from him directly.”

“Alright. Have a nice time.”

They head for the door together but part ways once entering the corridor. Coming to the stairs going down, Arc sees his pony guards stationed outside the entrance to the dungeon. As he approaches they come to attention and salute respectfully. Passing them, and innumerable other guards along the way, he comes to the officer’s desk at the bottom. Walking over to it Arc clears his throat loudly to get the griffon’s attention. He looks up from his paperwork and stands respectfully.

“Hello again, Lord Arc.”

“I’m here to see Princess Twilight.”

He holds up the satchel before continuing.

“She requested some more reading material.”

The officer nods as he walks around the desk and holds out a talon.

“Very well, sir. However we’ll still need to x-ray them before allowing you and your parcel to pass.”

“I understand.”

Holding out the satchel Arc turns it over to the officer. Accepting it, the griffon enters a nearby room. Shortly thereafter he returns and gives the satchel back as he speaks.

“Everything is in order, sir.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll escort you inside.”

Motioning to the door with a wave of his talon, the griffon beckons Arc to follow him. Unlocking the steel door, the officer leads Arc down several corridors which are all lined with Equestrian guards. Coming to the interview room, he unlocks it and turns to Arc.

“Here you are, sir.”

“Thanks for the escort.”

Nodding, the griffon watches as Arc enters the room before returning from whence he came. Spotting Twilight and Galena at the table eating, he walks over to them and sets the satchel down.

“Good morning, you two.”

Galena smiles at him. “Hello again, sir.”

Twilight smirks sheepishly as she tries to straighten her mane with a hoof. “Sorry I’m such a mess.”

Arc chuckles. “I still think you look very nice, Twilight.”

He motions to the satchel before continuing.

“As luck would have it, Ashe was able to find some more reading material for you.

Twilight grins as she begins pulling books out. “Please thank her for me.”

“I already did.”

Galena takes each book as Twilight pulls them out. “Will Ambassador Ashe be joining us later, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not today. She’s spending time with her father.”

Twilight cracks open a book as she speaks. “That’s fine. After all, Galena can explain to me the nuances of anything in here that I don’t understand.”

Galena smiles nervously. “I’ll certainly try, Lady Twilight. But please understand that I’m no legal expert.”

Twilight smiles at her. “Don’t sell yourself short. After all, you’ve impressed me a time or two already with your knowledge of legal jargon.”

Galena giggles. It’s comes with the job.

Arc clears his throat before speaking again. “Well, I hope these books help. Um... was there anything else you needed, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head as she opens another book and begins reading. “I don’t think so, no.”

Galena appears hopeful. “With any luck, one of these older law books will give me some kind of legal ‘out’ for my situation.”

Twilight nods but does not look up. “Then we can take her back to Equestria for help legally.”

Arc smiles as he puts a hand on the table and leans on it. “Need some help with that, Twilight?”

“Sure. Just grab a book and start reading.”

Meanwhile, Ashe approaches the familiar armored carriage bearing her family’s crest. Stepping into it, the vehicle begins its trip away from the Aviary and toward her father’s estate. Ashe leans back in the posh seat as she looks out the window and muses to herself silently.

“The king is taking quite a long time deciding on what to do about the case. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not though.”

She taps the side of her head before continuing.

“At the very least, it’s giving Twilight and Galena more time to...”

Something catches her eye and she calls out into the intercom to the driver.

“Stop the carriage!”

As the vehicle comes to a halt, Ashe opens the door and hops out. Walking over to a nearby cart parked next to the side of the road she calls out.

“I saw what you did.”

There is no response. Ashe continues.

“You’re hiding under those sacks of cotton. Now please come out and talk to me.”

A few moments later the sound of rustling can be heard as a youngling pokes their head out. He gasps as he sees whom is talking to him.

“L-Lady Ashe!”

Ashe smiles at him. “Yes. Now please come over here.”

Doing as he is told, the youngling walks slowly over to her with his head bowed. She looks him up and down for a few moments before speaking.

“I saw you leave that store a few moments ago.”

“Y-yes, ma’am. Something wrong with that?”

“Not inherently, no. However, it did appear that you had something stuffed under your wing.”

Sighing, the youngling raises his right wing. A small toy falls out and clatters to the ground. Ashe picks it up and frowns.

“You didn’t pay for this, did you?”

“How did you know?!”

Ashe sighs. “A few ways actually. You walked past the cashier and straight out the door. That and if you had paid, the toy would have been in your talon instead of under your wing.”

The youngling bows his head. “Am I going to jail?”

“No. But you can’t go around stealing toys. “

“It was only a few bits!”

“Why don’t you tell me why you took it then instead of paying for it.”

“Because my parents... don’t have the money.”

“So you just took it?”

“Why shouldn’t I?! The store has lots of them!”

“Because it doesn’t belong to you. Imagine this... let’s say everyone just took whatever they saw that they wanted. What would happen?”

“Everyone would be happier.”

“Some would be, yes. In the short term anyways.”

“Short term, Lady Ashe?”

Ashe nods. “Stores make money by selling goods that they either make themselves or purchase from wholesalers. In this case the toy was bought with the intention to be resold. But let’s say that everyone did what you said and just took what they wanted. The store would soon be empty.”

“But wouldn’t they just order more from their... what did you call them again?”

“Wholesaler.”

“Yeah!”

“I suppose they could, yes. However, they have to pay for what is shipped to them first.”

“So what? They have the money.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. A big store probably would. But a smaller one might just be getting by from sales. With no income from their past sales, they can’t buy more product to replace what was lost.”

“What if they could though?”

“A big store?”

“Right!”

“If too much is stolen, why stay in business? They’d eventually close that shop and ship whatever was left to other stores.”

“So then the other stores would sell what was needed. It’s not like we wouldn’t have anywhere else to get things from.”

“True. Now then imagine the same happening to those stores. They close and ship out to further away.”

The youngling gasps. “What would happen? Would all the stores close?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. But with less competition they could ask for a much higher price for goods to pay for having heightened security. And that’s in addition to customers having to travel a lot further to shop there.”

“And back home again with their purchases.”

“Which someone else could steal on the way, since it’s supposedly okay to take that which you want.”

“But what else could I do?! It’s not like my family or I could ever afford their stuff!”

“What you’re supposed to do is respect other’s property. Don’t take what doesn’t belong to you, as I don’t think you’d like others doing the same to you.”

The youngling sighs and nods as he speaks.

“Yes, Lady Ashe.”

Ashe smiles at him as she motions to the shop. “Very good. Now then, why don’t you and I head inside so you can...?”

A slight hiss rings out behind her. Ashe turns and looks back to her carriage to see the driver and those pulling it looking around, confused. The hiss intensifies quickly and the youngling looks to Ashe as he speaks.

“Lady Ashe?! What’s...?!”

Ashe’s eyes grow wide. “LOOK OUT!!!”

Shoving the youngling to the ground, Ashe dives on top of him just as the carriage behind her explodes. The blast is deafening and rings in his ears as he tries to regain his faculties. Groaning he calls out.

“L-Lady Ashe?”

He crawls out from under her to see numerous griffons lying on the ground around them. Hearing a moan, the youngling looks down to see several pieces of jagged metal jutting out of Ashe’s back sickeningly and blood flowing freely from around them. Gasping, he cries out.

“S-s-someone help! HELP!!!

A short time later Arc and Twilight hurry into a nearby hospital. The Waiting Room is filled with griffons whom appear to have been taken straight out of a war zone. Walking quickly up to the desk, they flag down a haggard looking nurse for answers. Arc is the first to speak.

“Miss, we’re looking for Lady Ashe!”

“The doctor is currently operating on her. We’ll know more shortly though.”

Twilight gestures to the injured in the room with a wave of her hoof. “Can we help?!”

The nurse nods fervently. “We’ll take all the help we can get at this point!”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll call for Redheart to bring medical supplies and the crew to help as best they can!”

Touching his earring, he relays the orders. A short time later the crew emerges from a portal pushing carts with Redheart in the lead. She quickly gets to work coordinating the others on what to do as Arc calls for more medical aid from Canterlot. They spend the next hour applying bandages and gauze to oozing wounds from the very old to the very young. As Arc looks up from bandaging an elderly griffon’s back he spies Lord Gestal running into the building surrounded by guards. Hurrying up to the desk he cries out loudly.

“WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?!”

A nurse hurries over to him along with Arc and Twilight. Reaching the lord first the nurse speaks.

“Lord Gestal, the doctor is still operating on her.”

Gestal glares at her. “I want to speak to him IMMEDIATELY!”

“But sir...!”

Twilight interrupts her. “Please, Lord Gestal. He has his hooves, er... talons full at the moment.”

“But I need to be sure that she’s alright!””

Arc puts a hand on Gestal’s shoulder. “And the best way to do that now would be to take a step back and let the hospital staff do their jobs, sir.”

Gestal looks around at the injured. “There... there are so many here!”

The nurse nods. “Yes sir. We’re doing all we can to save everyone, but we don’t have the staff to manage that.”

Arc motions with a wave of his hand. “I’ve ordered my own crew to join the effort here and help the hospital deal with this.”

Twilight gestures to the ponies nearby helping the injured. “And that’s in addition to calling for medics from Canterlot.”

The nurse shudders as she speaks. “They’re making a big difference too, sir. Without their help, I’m afraid that we would be standing in a room full of corpses by now.”

Gestal looks around at the innumerable pony medical staff before glaring at the nurse. “Where are all our own doctors?! All I’m seeing are Equestrians rendering aid!”

“In surgery mostly, sir. So many were critically injured and we’re understaffed due to budget cuts.”

The nurse from earlier hurries over to Arc speaks.

“Lord Arc! I have news for...!”

Gestal interrupts her. “Is it about Ashe?!”

“Yes sir. The doctor has finished surgery and transferred her to a recovery ward.”

Gestal appears indignant. “A WARD?!”

“All of our rooms are currently filled with the critically injured, sir.”

“I want her out of there immediately!”

Twilight steps forward. “Can she be transferred, nurse?”

“Yes, your highness. Her condition is indeed stable.”

Arc points toward the door. “We’ll take her back to The Equinox to rest then.”

Gestal nods angrily. “And I want an immediate appraisal of her condition from the one whom treated her!”

The nurse grimaces. “Forgive me, sir, but the doctor had to immediately begin surgery on another badly injured griffon.”

She holds out a clipboard as she continues.

“All I have are his notes.”

Twilight looks down at them. “May we have them?”

“Very well, Princess Twilight.”

The nurse hands over the documents as she motions for them to follow her.

“I’ll take you to see Lady Ashe now as well.”

Hurrying down the corridor, they come to a large room filled with rows of beds and innumerable moaning and groaning griffons. She leads them up to a curtained off bed and pulls it back. They spot Ashe lying on her side unconscious with numerous IV bags hooked up to her. Gestal hurries over to her and takes his daughter’s talon in his as he speaks softly.

“I’m right here, Ashe! Your father is here for you!”

Arc turns to the nurse. “We’ll take her back to my ship in order to free up this bed.”

“Thank you, sir. Now then, I need to get back to work.”

Arc nods as the nurse hurries away. Opening a portal to his personal quarters, he pushes the bed through. With the help of Twilight’s magic, Ashe is quickly lifted from the gurney to the bed. Gestal covers his daughter with blankets carefully as Arc returns the gurney to the hospital. Walking back through his own portal, Arc joins Twilight and Gestal at the bedside. Gestal looks over his daughter’s battered form and brushes a talon over her face as he mutters to himself.

“I don’t understand how this could have happened.”

Twilight bows her head. “Nopony does, sir.”

Arc nods. “Right. The investigation is still ongoing.”

Gestal looks to Arc. “What... happened?”

“Ashe and I parted ways this morning after breakfast. She gave me some books to pass on to Princess Twilight before saying that she was going home in order to take some lessons from you.”

Gestal sighs. “I was surprised when she didn’t show up. Ashe has always been very punctual, after all. A short time later I was informed of an explosion some distance away.”

He looks to his daughter again before continuing.

“That’s when I knew something was very wrong.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “All the patients I talked to said that there was a very loud bang before everything went crazy. Many of them had shrapnel in their wounds which would corroborate an explosion of some kind.”

She holds up the chart with her magic before continuing.

“But this could give us more answers.”

Arc looks it over quickly. “True. However we can’t really read it.”

Twilight steps forward. “I might be able to.”

Gestal raises an eyebrow, surprised. “Princess Twilight?”

“My education was quite broad in terms of the subjects it encompassed. I should be able to read off a general synopsis of Ashe’s condition. Should I try?”

“By all means, yes!”

Twilight looks over the papers before speaking.

“It appears that there was some kind of explosion behind her, as the shrapnel was all in her back and flank.”

“Any indication on what the shrapnel was from?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, sir. It just lists a dozen pieces of metal as being removed from her. Three from her back, one from her neck, three from her flank, a small one lodged in her tail, two in her back legs, and two around her... ah... genitals.”

Gestal gasps. “Good heavens! She must be in agony!”

Arc looks to the IVs next to her. “I don’t thinks she’s feeling much of anything right now.”

Twilight nods. “Right. She’s very heavily sedated and will be for the next few hours. That is, until those IVs run dry.”

Arc turns and looks out the window toward the city. “Hopefully by then the hospital will have caught up with the more critically injured and be able to look in on her again.”

Gestal pats his daughter’s head. “I’ll order someone here when that time comes.”

Arc looks to Gestal. “My own Chief Medical Officer would be the best bet. If things are looking up over there I’ll recall her at that time.”

Twilight continues reading the chart. “This also says that the bottoms of Ashe’s talons and paws showed a lot of scratches and cuts.”

Gestal appears confused. “Why there though?”

“We’ll have to ask her that one when she wakes up.”

Arc frowns. “Anything else in there, Twilight?”

“Just that she was unconscious when the medical staff found her.”

Gestal gasps. “And the cause?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nothing here. But crime scene investigation isn’t really their job.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Right. Their task is to save lives. Not try to figure out what happened.”

Gestal grimaces. “I’ll order an investigation into the matter personally.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “The guards won’t automatically do that?”

Gestal nods as he picks up the bedside phone. “They will. But it’ll be more thorough if they hear that their reports will be read by me personally.”

Lord Gestal gives the orders to be relayed by Lemon Hearts before he, Arc, and Twilight sit down in chairs next to Ashe’s side. Sometime later she groans slightly and opens her eyes a crack.

“Where... where am I?”

Gestal takes her talon. “Shh... don’t try to talk, my dear.”

“Father?”

Arc steps forward. “You’re safe aboard The Equinox, Ashe.”

Twilight smiles at her. “Do you remember what happened?”

Ashe slowly shakes her head. “Not... really. It’s all... kind of a blur.”

Gestal grimaces. “Try though, Ashe. It’s very important.”

“Well... I had stopped to talk to a youngling.”

Arc frowns. “What about?”

“As I rode by a shop I saw him take something without paying. So I ordered the carriage to stop so I could confront him about it.”

Twilight looks to Ashe. “Anything special about this youngling?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. He was just a bit...”

Her eyes grow wide as she suddenly cries out.

“Where is he?!”

Gestal gasps. “The youngling?”

Ashe nods fervently. “Was he hurt?!”

Arc shrugs. “We don’t know. There were a lot of injuries from whatever happened there.”

Twilight attempts to move things along. “What happened next, Ashe.”

“Well... I was scolding him for stealing when I heard something from the carriage behind me.”

Gestal raises an eyebrow. “Something?”

“A weird hissing sound. Something told me it was bad, so I jumped on top of that youngling to push him down. For a split second I heard a loud bang. Then everything went dark. Next thing I knew I was waking up here.”

Gestal puts a talon to his cheek. “A hissing sound from the carriage...”

Twilight frowns. “It may have been the source of the explosion.”

Arc nods. “That would explain the heavy damage to Ashe’s... backside.”

Ashe appears confused. “My what?”

Gestal looks to his daughter. “Can you tell me where the carriage was in relation to you at the time, my dear?”

“It was behind me.”

She gasps before speaking again.

“You think it was what blew up?!”

Twilight nods. “Possibly, yes.”

Arc turns to Gestal. “Was the carriage equipped with something that could have caused this?”

Gestal shakes his head. “Nothing at all. It’s just a carriage that’s furnished with a communication device. But that couldn’t have been the source of the explosion.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe it was.”

Arc looks to her. “Twilight?”

Twilight turns to Gestal. “That day we went to your house for breakfast. I remember Ashe pressing a button to inform the guards inside and out that we had arrived and to give confirmation that all was secure.”

Gestal nods. “Yes, such a thing is standard procedure for arriving guests lately. What does that have to do with what happened here though?”

“Ashe, did you use the intercom at any point?”

Ashe shrugs. “Just to tell the driver to stop the carriage so that I could talk to that youngling I mentioned earlier.”

“And how long did you talk to him after getting out of the carriage?”

“About five minutes, I guess.”

She gasps before continuing.

“Are you saying that the explosion might have been meant for my father and I?!”

Twilight sighs. “It very well may have been. After all, you would have pressed the intercom button when arriving. However, I don’t think the intention was to necessarily kill either of you.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “After all, five minutes after pressing the button you’d probably have been inside the estate and far from the carriage.”

Gestal frowns. “So what WAS the point of this attack then?!”

Ashe appears sober. “Fear, father.”

“Ashe?”

“Whomever did this wanted to make a statement. To show that not even a Lord’s estate was out of their reach.”

Twilight gasps. “But who?”

“The rebels.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?! But... but why would they...?!”

Ashe interrupts him. “Come after me? To hurt my father, of course.”

Gestal bows his head. “Were something to happen to you, my dear, I don’t think I’d be able to work for a long time.”

“And they were counting on that, father.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But your father is but one lord.”

“True. However with Goldstone removed, and my father unable to carry out his duties, it would have left the nation in a state of disarray.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “A perfect opportunity for the rebels to swoop in, stir up the public, and overthrow the government.”

Gestal sighs. “It would certainly make doing so that much easier. Especially if they did so with other diversions elsewhere. Lord Adalbert would have deployed with his forces at the first sign of trouble, leaving Lord Weller in charge of the defense of the capital. While the latter is a capable leader, his ability to navigate combat is rather lacking.”

Ashe nods. “As is the king himself, father.”

Twilight gestures with a hoof. “They could have even held The Equinox here for additional political leverage.”

Arc leans against the wall. “But all of that hinged on Lord Gestal losing Ashe. And that seems like it would have been rather difficult to do with such a long timer.”

Ashe puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe they didn’t actually plan to kill me then.”

“A diversion, dear?”

“Right, father. Should the carriage have exploded in front of the manor it would have killed or wounded many of our guards out there, leaving us vulnerable.”

Twilight gestures out the window. “That would have potentially enabled the rebels to walk right in and take both Lord Gestal and Ashe prisoner.”

Arc nods soberly. “Living prisoners would certainly make for better leverage.”

Gestal grimaces. “And what better prisoners than myself and Ashe.”

“They could have forced my father to do anything by threatening to harm me if he didn’t cooperate.”

Twilight sighs. “Such as telling them the weak points in the Aviary’s defenses, secret passages, and protocol for various events.”

Arc frowns. “Nice and neat for them.”

Gestal clenches a talon. “Unfortunately for them it didn’t work.”

Ashe appears confused. “Unfortunately?”

“I’ve had it with these malcontents! As soon as I can, I’m ordering our nation’s forces to sweep through the city and drag these cretins out of the shadows!”

Twilight grimaces. “Alive if possible, correct?”

Gestal nods. “Of course.”

“Good.”

“How else could we interrogate them into betraying their comrades?”

Ashe gasps. “But father...!”

Gestal interrupts her. “Yes, yes... I know you don’t view the rebels as being completely wrong, Ashe. However, this act of attempted murder... nay, terrorism... it must be stopped here and now! We need to show them that they cannot just act with impunity! The Griffon Kingdom must hunt down, capture, interrogate, and publicly execute anyone found harboring these monsters!”

Arc steps forward. “Wait a moment, Lord Gestal.”

“Yes?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That might have been their backup plan.”

“Lord Arc?”

“Think about it. If this plan had failed, they knew you would have been very upset at Ashe being allowed to ride around on top of a bomb. You would have acted immediately to go after those responsible.”

Gestal nods soberly. “As I should.”

“I think I see what Lord Arc is getting at, father. The public is already upset by the lack of action by the king to find Lord Goldstone guilty of his crimes. A full-scale military sweep by our nation’s forces to invade their homes and businesses might just push them over the edge into open revolt.”

Twilight gasps. “It would force you to spread your forces thinly across the nation to restore order, sir.”

Arc taps the wall with a finger. “Making them easier to take on group by group versus a large centralized force.”

Gestal frowns. “Guerrilla tactics.”

Ashe shudders. “If they cut off each of our group’s communications prior to attacking, we would never know what happened to them.”

Arc shrugs. “They’d, for all intents and purposes, just vanish. Never to be seen again.”

Twilight frowns. “That would force you write them off, and lower your soldier’s moral, or send more forces looking for them.”

Ashe chimes in. “The latter of which would force you to spread the remaining forces even thinner.”

Gestal sighs. “So we’re helpless to act.”

Arc nods. “At the moment, yes.”

“Let the trial continue, father. If justice is done, than that will be a boon to our citizens. Then you can order a more... clandestine search for the rebels.”

Twilight motions to the window. “Surgical searches and seizures would be seen as less intrusive to the general public at large, after all.”

Gestal bows his head. “Then that is what we will...”

He is cut off as Arc’s earring chirps. Arc touches it and speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve just received word from our crew. They’re requesting permission to board the ship.”

“Where are they now?”

“Approaching the gangplank, sir.”

“Let them aboard immediately and have Redheart report to my quarters to look over Ambassador Ashe.”

“Very well, sir. Will there be anything else?”

“Tell General Shining Armor to double his efforts to keep the ship secure. We don’t want any security breaches at this point.”

“I’ll pass that on to him as well as the rest of the crew, sir.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection as he turns to the others to continue their conversation. A few minutes later there is a knock at the door. Answering it, Arc finds Redheart waiting with her little black bag. Stepping aside he allows her to enter. Twilight gives her the clipboard as she approaches.

“It looks like she’ll be okay from what I can tell.”

Redheart nods as she looks over the papers. “So it would seem.”

Turning to Ashe, Redheart slowly pulls down the covers to expose her body. Looking over the bandages one at a time she eventually steps back and looks to the clipboard to check something.

“It appears all the wounds were treated properly and have been bandaged as needed.”

Gestal appears hopeful. “So she’ll be alright?”

Redheart nods. “With some bedrest, yes.”

Ashe frowns. “No way! I have a job to do!”

Redheart looks to Ashe. “Job, miss?”

“Representing our case against Lord Goldstone!”

Twilight steps forward. “I can take over for you, Ashe.”

Arc nods. “And I’ll help her.”

Gestal puts a talon on his daughter’s shoulder. “At the moment it doesn’t appear that you could really do much. Other than rest and heal, my dear.”

“But...!”

Arc interrupts her. “If anything, this makes Goldstone look even more guilty than he already does.”

Twilight appears confused. “How so, Arc.”

Gestal scoffs. “Indeed. He’s been confined to his residence since his impeachment.”

“True. However he has more to gain than most if something were to happen to Ashe.”

Ashe frowns. “You think he had something to do with this instead of the rebels?”

Arc shrugs. “Could be. Now I’m not officially accusing him of being responsible for this, mind you. I just wanted to point out that he could be a potential suspect.”

Gestal nods. “I’ll look into any phone calls he made recently.”

Twilight clears her throat before speaking. “But getting back to Ashe’s condition, is there anything we should be worried about, Nurse Redheart?”

Redheart shakes her head. “Nothing at the moment, no. According to this chart, a surgeon has already removed all the shrapnel and stitched up the wounds.”

Arc frowns. “What about infection?”

Twilight grimaces. “Is she at risk of further complications?”

Redheart points a hoof at an IV bottle. “Not at this time, no. The hospital saw fit to give her this antibiotic drip along with the generalized painkillers to prevent that very thing.”

Gestal carefully pats Ashe’s talon as he speaks. “Anything we should look for?”

“Any spreading redness, inflammation, excessive bleeding, or pus coming from the wounds. That would be a sign of an infectious complication and would need to be addressed as soon as possible.”

Ashe sighs. “So where do I go from here?”

“At this point I should bring you another bottle of antibiotics from the Infirmary as well as more painkillers.”

“And the side effects?”

“None for the antibiotic. However the painkillers may make you sleepy and dull your senses slightly.”

“I’d like to forgo the pain medicine then.”

Gestal frowns. “Ashe?”

“As I said before, father. I still have a job to do. And even if I have to do it from a wheelchair I intend to do it.”

Redheart shakes her head. “It would have to be from a bed, I’m afraid. The wounds on your flank will prevent you from sitting normally. Especially without painkillers. Believe me when I say that you’ll want to stay lying down, particularly on your side, when what you have left in that IV bottle wears off.”

Twilight sighs. “Would getting up prolong her recovery time, Nurse Redheart?”

“Only if she were to overexert herself and tear those stitches. But that won’t be a problem while in bed or from short walks to the toilet.”

Ashe groans. “Anything else I need to do?”

“Not really. Rest will allow your body to heal and close your wounds naturally.”

Gestal looks to Redheart. “Thank you for your help, miss.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, thank you.”

Redheart smiles. “My pleasure. However I’d best get that fresh bottle of antibiotics made up, as you’re going to be empty in about an hour. Are you certain you wouldn’t like painkillers, ambassador?”

“I am, thank you.”

Arc looks to Ashe as Redheart leaves the room.

“You’re welcome to stay here in my room aboard ship while you’re recovering.”

He turns to Gestal as he continues.

“As are you, sir.”

Gestal nods. “I believe I will, Lord Arc. At least as long as I am able.”

“But you have work to do, father!”

Gestal smiles at his daughter as he gently strokes her cheek. “That I do. And right now I’m doing it.”

“I’ll see to it that you’re added to the authorized personnel list, sir. You may come and go aboard my ship as you please.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc. That is very...”

His earring chirps. Touching it, Arc speaks.

“Go ahead.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’ve just received word from the Aviary that King Guto will be addressing the nation regarding the status of Lord Goldstone’s trial in just a few minutes.”

“Can we tune in with the ship’s systems?”

“Yes sir. It’ll be broadcasted on all frequencies.”

“Good. Put it thorough the ship’s intercom.”

Lemon Hearts sounds confused. “Sir?”

“I want everyone aboard to hear it.”

“Yes sir, I’ll see to it.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

Touching his earring again to cut the feed, he looks to the others soberly before continuing.

“Looks like this is it.”

Twilight grimaces. “We’ve done everything we can.”

Ashe nods soberly. “And then some.”

Gestal as sits down in a chair next to the bed. “Indeed. But now we shall have some answers.”

A short time later an announcer’s voice rings out through a speaker in the ceiling overhead.

“Citizens of the Griffon Kingdom! I present to you his royal majesty... King Guto!”

The line shifts to the king whom cleans his throat and begins to speak.

“Good afternoon faithful and loyal citizens of the Griffon Kingdom. As you all know, a trial was held earlier this week regarding the charges brought forth by Princess Twilight of Equestria against Lord Goldstone of the Council of Lords. While I was duty bound to listen to all the testimony and render a verdict on this matter, it would appear that fate had other plans for our country.”

He pauses for a few moments before continuing.

“As innumerable females breached the Throne Room to call out their own charges against Lord Goldstone, the defense called for the Battle of Truth. It is an ancient rite to trial by combat in order to prove innocence by defending one’s name with the sword and shield versus words. This idea was first coined in the time of King Grover, the first monarch of our nation. He believed whole-heartedly that fate would not allow a guilty party to go unpunished. To hold honor and dignity above all else. And to be allowed to clear one’s name before their accusers and the citizenry.”

The sound of papers rustling rings out for a few moments before the king again speaks.

“I have instructed my archivists and scribes to scour the law thoroughly in an effort to determine if a past king ever removed this option from those whom face justice. They have just finished convening with their results and have appraised me of their findings. According to their best efforts... this rule has NOT been stricken from the books and is still active law. As we speak, my aides are writing up a royal decree that will make this act illegal. Henceforth, it will be stricken from the books and disallowed forevermore. With my signature upon the forthcoming decree it shall be returned to the oldest of history books.”

Clearing his throat, Guto continues.

“However, as per our laws, since the call for the Battle of Truth was made prior to my forthcoming royal decree, it MUST be upheld. There is nothing I, nor anyone else, can do to prevent this particular challenge from being carried out. As such, in three days’ time, we shall all come together at the Gladiator’s Arena to bear witness to the martial prowess of Lord Goldstone and Arbiter Ghaleon. They will face Ambassador Ashe and Princess Twilight, or their chosen champions, in the arena for a battle to the death. In this way the matter Lord Goldstone has been accused of will be settled... one way or another. All are welcome to attend the event as space allows. For those unable to be in attendance, a play-by-play will be broadcast over the airwaves to the whole of our nation. Just as the trial was open for all to hear, so will the Battle of Truth be open to the public free of charge. Details will be announced tomorrow via the national news outlet. Thank you for your time my loyal subjects, and rest assure that this matter will be decided solely on the outcome of the upcoming battle. Long live the Griffon Kingdom, and may justice prevail!”

The line goes dead for a few moments as the announcer returns to the microphone.

“That was King Guto everyone...!”

Arc reaches out a hand and magically turns a nearby knob to mute the speaker. Frowning, he clenches a fist.

“A Battle of Truth?! That’s supposed to be JUSTICE?!”

Gestal nods soberly. “The king was correct in his attribution of such a thing to King Grover. He believed in the spirit of honor and fair-play in all things.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “Well, that might just get Lord Goldstone off the hook for serial rape!”

Ashe scoffs. “Not if I have anything to say about it!”

Gestal frowns. “You, my dear?”

“Yes, father! I have to fight for those whom were victimized by Lord Goldstone!”

“But you’re in no condition to do so!”

Twilight steps forward. “You heard what Nurse Redheart said about your wounds! They’ll split open and get infected!”

Arc nods. “Twilight’s right. I’ll take your place in the Gladiator’s Arena, Ashe.”

He turns to Gestal before continuing.

“Is that allowed?”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin. “I would think so, yes. The old laws regarding the Battle of Truth stated that the accuser and their council could choose to stand and fight or declare a champion to take their places. To the best of my knowledge it says nothing about limitations regarding species. Only that they must declare their intent to act as the champion in place of the named individual before the battle begins.”

Twilight plants her hooves firmly, her horn aglow. “That’s just fine with me. I’m sure Arc and I can take on those two if we work together.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait... Twilight did you just say US working together?!”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes, Arc. Us. Remember, I was the one whom brought Equestria’s complaint against Lord Goldstone with Ashe’s help.”

Gestal chimes in. “That gives both the princess and ambassador the right to fight for their cause in the Gladiator’s Arena, Lord Arc.”

Arc frowns. “But you don’t have any combat training, Twilight!”

“Maybe not. However I can’t just let this go, Arc.”

“It’s a fight to the death though!”

Twilight grins wickedly. “Your forget that an alicorn princess can’t be killed, Arc.”

“I’m guessing it’ll still really hurt though!”

Gestal nods. “And Arbiter Ghaleon has experience fighting opponents whom can’t be killed.”

Twilight suddenly wavers. “He... he does?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Twilight. I brought the griffon whom attacked me during Founder’s Day before them. He was able to easily subdue him without so much as a scratch to himself.”

Ashe grimaces. “Please reconsider, Twilight! Believe me when I say that you can’t beat them!”

“I’ll... think about it.”

Gestal smiles. “Very good, Princess Twilight. Now we only need to...”

He is interrupted by a frantic knocking at the door. Arc reaches out and opens it with a Telekinesis Spell. Natalya and Gallus hurry inside as they help Gabby along. Natalya is the first to speak as she looks to Arc.

“We heard the announcement over the intercom, sir!”

Gallus seethes. “And the charges that were brought forth!”

Twilight appears surprised. “You three didn’t listen to the trial?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “Gabby was trying to rest. That and I didn’t think it had anything to do with us.”

Gestal raises an eyebrow. “Didn’t have anything to do with you? But you’re...”

Gabby interrupts him as she cries out to Arc. “Is it true?! Did... did you and Princess Twilight really come here to bring charges against...!”

Ashe cuts her off. “We came here to get justice for a victim, yes!”

Gallus frowns. “And you’re absolutely sure that he did it?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Gallus. We knew of two victims at the time the charges were brought before the king. However hundreds of other griffons came forth at the trial to tell of how they too were victimized by Lord Goldstone.”

Gabby’s eyes grow wide. “But... but that’s IMPOSSIBLE!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Believe me when I say that the evidence was overwhelming.”

Natalya turns to Arc nervously. “Sir, I... I need to tell you something.”

“Would you like to speak privately?”

“No, sir. In fact, I think I would like everyone to hear this.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“I... I’m not who you think I am.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Right. Gallus, Gabby, and I... we... we’re actually...”

Gallus sneers. “I think what my sister is trying to say is that Lord Goldstone is our dad, sir.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?!”

Natalya bows her head. “It’s true, sir. My full name is actually ‘Natalya Goldstone’.”

Ashe looks to her father. “Is what they say true?!”

Gestal nods soberly. “Yes. Lord Goldstone had wanted to keep the knowledge of their existence a secret from everyone though.”

Arc frowns. “But why?!”

Gabby cries out. “Because he was afraid someone would try to use us to blackmail him, or something!”

Gallus scoffs. “Yeah right! He just didn’t want to be a parent!”

Natalya sighs. “When I was old enough, our father bought and furnished a mansion for us. He also staffed it with servants and saw to it we had whatever was needed for us to survive.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Except for parental guidance.”

Natalya nods sadly. “Yes... he said that I was in charge of raising Gallus and Gabby.”

Gabby grins. “And you were a GREAT mom, Natalya!”

Natalya bows her head. “I question that.”

Gallus puts a hand on her shoulder. “You did your best, sis.

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Tell me, Natalya. If you’re truly the daughter of Lord Goldstone, why didn’t he make any attempt to defend you when the rebels tried their frame-up job?”

“Because that would have forced him to admit that I was his youngling. That wasn’t something he was willing to do.”

Gabby gasps. “Wait! So dad let you be SOLD?!”
“
“Yes, Gabby.

“But... but that’s so... so MEAN!”

“Don’t be mad at him though. Thanks to that, I was able to find a new home in Equestria along with Gallus.”

Gallus grins. “Yeah! And when this is all over we’ll go back there!”

Natalya smiles at the youngling before her. “Truth be told, I was in the process of buying a house in Ponyville before this mission. We’ll live there.”

“Together?!”

“Yes, Gabby. It’s a little smaller than what you’re used to, of course. But I think we’ll manage to fit three beds into the bedroom.”

“I’d like that!”

Gallus smirks. “You’ll like Equestria, Gabby. They have lots of sweets and everyone is really friendly.”

“So we’ll go there when dad’s through clearing his name, right?!”

Arc frowns. “Believe me. He’s guilty.”

Gallus clenches a talon. “Do what you have to do, sir.”

Natalya nods soberly. “Yes. We don’t exactly have any kind of relationship with him.”

Gallus scoffs. “That’s putting it mildly.”

Gabby’s eyes grow wide again. “What’s going to happen to dad?!”

Ashe sighs. “Lord Arc and Princess Twilight are going to challenge him and Arbiter Ghaleon to a fight.”

“My dad will win though!”

Twilight groans. “That has yet to be seen, miss. Now then, I suggest that you stay away from the Gladiator’s Arena on that day. It’s not going to be a pretty spectacle.”

Gestal steps forward. “All ages are allowed to attend though as the king made no limitations on such things.”

Arc shakes his head. “I still think that’s not a good idea though. After all, younglings don’t really need to see such violent combat.”

Gabby looks to Ashe. “Can’t you four just talk things out though?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “That time has passed.”

Twilight sighs. “Right. Now is the time for action.”

“Well... okay. Just don’t hurt him too badly, okay?”

Natalya puts a talon around her sister’s shoulders. “Gabby. It’s a fight to the death.”

“They can stop early though, right?”

Gallus shakes his head. “Probably not.”

Gabby gasps. “But someone could get hurt then!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Yes. However you have my word that we’ll make it as quick and painless as possible for him.”

Gestal clears his throat. “There is another option though, Lord Arc.”

“What is it?”

“The battle continues until one pair or the other can no longer continue. That is usually interpreted to mean death. However, if both of your opponents were to be knocked unconscious, it could be used as an excuse to declare a victor.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Would the king actually go for that though?”

“Unknown your highness.”

Gabby looks to Arc pleadingly. “Please do so, sir! I don’t want to lose my dad to this!”

Gallus frowns. “Not that he ever did anything to earn that title, mind you.”

Natalya glares at him. “Gallus, please! For better or worse, we have but one father!”

Calming herself she turns back to Arc and looks to him imploringly.

“I know that I have no right to ask you for anything, sir. Especially after all you’ve done for me in the past. But... I do hope that you will extend mercy to my fa... to Lord Goldstone.”

Gabby nods fervently. “Please!”

Arc sighs. “I... I can’t promise anything.”

Ashe looks to Natalya. “You do realize that even if he isn’t killed in the Gladiator’s Arena he’ll still be found guilty for the crimes we’ve accused him of?”

“While I’m sure he’ll be properly punished, at least then we wouldn’t lose him.”

Gallus gasps. “Lose him, Natalya? He wasn’t around enough to be classified as...!”

Twilight interrupts. “Please, Gallus. It’s only natural not to want a family member to meet an untimely end.”

Gestal frowns. “Either way, his life and future are now in you and Princess Twilight’s control, Lord Arc.”

Arc nods soberly. “That’s one way to put it.”

Twilight appears confused. “Arc?”

“Should he be found guilty, Galena will most likely be executed with him.”

Ashe grimaces. “But if Lord Goldstone isn’t defeated, he’ll be considered innocent and reinstated to the Council of Lords.”

Gestal sighs. “And all your efforts to advance this matter will be for naught.”

Natalya bows her head. “Quite the dilemma, sir.”

Arc groans as he turns to look out the window. “I see it more as me having to make yet another very... VERY difficult choice.”

As the moon rises over the city, Arc steps out onto the deck of The Equinox. Those patrolling it stop and come to attention. Saluting him, Arc returns the gestures as he looks around. Spotting Shining Armor walking up the gangplank he walks over to him.

“General.”

“Sir.”

“How are things in the city?”

“A bit on edge still. But considering what happened, that’s to be expected.”

“Any word on the total number of casualties from the carriage bombing?”

Shining Armor sighs. “One hundred victims were sent to the hospital. Sixty critically, forty badly. And the number of those whom had minor wounds is unknown.”

“Fatalities?”

“A dozen, sir.”

Arc puts a hand on his forehead as he walks over to the guardrail and leans against it. Shining Armor joins him.

“I can’t believe this happened.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Sir?”

“A terrorist attack like this.”

“It’s still under investigation though, sir.”

“Either way, it’s at least partially our fault.”

“I don’t see how.”

“The carriage Ashe was riding in blew up. Had she been back in Equestria they wouldn’t have been able to do that.”

“You couldn’t have known that though, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, that is true. However, I can’t help but think of those twelve dead griffons lying in the morgue.”

“It’s hard on the city as a whole. Everypony is on edge from Lord Goldstone’s trial and what occurred during it. Now this happens right on its heels.”

“Where do they go from here though?”

Shining Armor points a hoof. “To the Gladiator’s Arena, sir.”

Arc looks up, confused. “Huh?”

“This whole city has put pretty much everything else on hold because of the upcoming Battle of Truth.”

“Probably because it’s never going to happen again... ever.”

“That too. However, they want to see what kind of historic event will take place.”

“What kind?”

Shining Armor nods. “Will the king uphold the law and allow for a fair and honorable fight? Or will he find some kind of loophole to keep things the way they are? Everypony wants to know. And there are no easy answers to be found.”

“But where does that leave us?”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Um... defeating your opponents, I would say. You and whomever Ashe will be bringing in to fight for her.”

“That would be Twilight.”

Shining Armor gasps. “WHAT?!”

“Yeah, I’m not happy about it either.”

“But she could get hurt! Or worse!”

“Can she?”

“I...!”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin and thinks for a long moment before continuing.

“I guess not. However that doesn’t change my mind on not waning her to do this!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. But she was pretty insistent on it.”

“Why though?!”

“Because she views it as her duty. Twilight believes that she needs to do this as a princess of Equestria.”

“I could go in her place! After all, I do have actual combat experience!”

Arc shakes his head. “She’ll never go for it.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “Well, we have to try!”

“Agreed. I’ll have a talk with her.”

“So will I! Right now though!”

He runs toward the main hatch and through it as Arc smiles and mutters to himself.

“Dismissed, general.”

Looking out over the city again, Arc sighs.

“Think I need some advice on this. But from who?”

Thinking for a few moments, Arc sighs. Calling forth his gauntlet, he powers up his crystals and opens a portal. Stepping through Arc finds himself back in his room in Canterlot Castle. Leaving it, he walks down the darkened corridors until he comes to a particular door. Taking a deep breath he knocks lightly and waits patiently. A few moments later the door opens and Celestia pokes her head out. She frowns at the sight of him and scowls as she speaks.

“You?!”

Arc looks away nervously. “I... need to talk to you.”

“About...?”

“Something rather... pressing. Might I come in?”

Thinking for a moment, she silently nods and steps back. Arc enters the room as she closes the door behind them. Motioning with a hoof to the nearby table she speaks.

“Sit.”

Arc does as he is told as Celestia takes her place across from him.

“I trust this is important.”

Arc nods. “It is.”

Celestia frowns. “Moreso than the safety of Twilight?”

“Believe me, she’s well-guarded. But this matter is about her.”

Celestia puts her front hooves together and looks to Arc evenly. “Do tell.”

“It all started after King Guto’s announcement.”

“To allow the Battle of Truth?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You heard that?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, we have a very powerful receiver here for picking up our forces’ transmissions abroad.”

She gestures to his earring before continuing.

“And beyond.”

Arc frowns. “Guess I should have seen that coming.”

“Indeed. Now then, why not get to the point of your visit before I lose interest?”

“Fine. Like I said, we were listening to the king’s announcement together aboard The Equinox. However it now means that we will have to send two volunteers to fight Lord Goldstone and Arbiter Ghaleon.”

Celestia scoffs. “Getting cold hooves now?”

“Huh?”

“I assumed you’d be chomping at the bit to fight them, what with your past.”

“Well, I’m certainly willing to do so, yes.”

“Then what is the problem? It would be you and whomever Ambassador Ashe found to represent her.”

“She wanted to fight as well.”

“Very commendable of her. So then it would be her and you.”

“I’m guessing you haven’t heard the news of the attack.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Attack?”

“There was a bombing of some kind in Griffonstone.”

“A bombing?!”

“Yes, someone put some kind of explosive device under Ashe’s carriage.”

Celestia gasps. “Is she alright?!”

Arc sighs. “Injured, but nothing permanent, no.”

“So the explosion was small then?”

“Not really, no. There were a hundred victims that were created by the blast. Ashe was lucky that she got out of the carriage unexpectedly to talk to someone.”

“I am glad she will be alright. But what does this have to do with Twilight?”

“I volunteered to take Ashe’s place, naturally. However, Twilight insisted on being the second combatant.”

“WHAT?!”

“Believe me, I’m not happy about this either.”

“Then why are you letting her do it?!”

Arc frowns. “She’s a princess! How would I even begin to...?!”

Celestia interrupts him angrily. “Twilight supposedly has her eyes on you! Use your honeyed words to convince her to let somepony else do this!”

“Not the kind of advice I thought I’d get from you.”

“You think I’d have let her fight in something like this?!”

“No. However, I figured you wouldn’t suggest that I stoop to manipulation.”

“Normally I wouldn’t. But Twilight’s safety must come first though!

“Fine. You tell her then.”

Celestia frowns. “You’re supposed to be the one she’s in love with.”

“And you’re her cherished friend and mentor.”

There is a long silence as the pair stare at one another silently. Eventually Celestia puts a hoof to her forehead and sighs.

“She wouldn’t listen.”

“And why not?”

“Because once Twilight has made up her mind, nothing will change it.”

“Nothing?”

“Nothing.”

“Then what are we supposed to do?”

“Believe me, I will think of something.”

Arc groans. “I... guess I don’t have any other recourse than to trust you on this.”

“That is correct. But I do have one question.”

“Yes?”

“Why did you come to me with this?”

“Because this is a situation that I felt I couldn’t solve on my own.”

Celestia nods soberly. “That is true, yes. However, you could have chosen to go to Luna or Cadance. To say nothing for Twilight’s friends back in Ponyville. That and we don’t exactly have the best past. So I ask again... why me?”

“Twilight told me in the past, as did many others, of your... wisdom in all things.”

Celestia looks away. “She is... very dedicated to that idea, yes.”

“And you disagree with that?”

“I have done many things in the past to keep this land and its citizens safe. While some were strokes of genius, I do admit that others were... less than successful. In hindsight, obviously.”

“No one is perfect.”

“Agreed. And rest assured that I will think of a solution to this problem.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

Celestia shakes her head. “No. Just keep protecting Twilight and leave the plan to me. I shall contact you with whatever directions you will need to follow.”

Returning to the deck of The Equinox via portal, Arc turns around just in time to see Shining Armor emerge from the main hatch. He walks slowly and with his head bowed as Arc sighs and shakes his head.

“Can I assume you didn’t have any luck dissuading Twilight from fighting?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “No, sir.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and looks out over the city. “She’ll do what she’ll do, I suppose.”

Shining Armor gasps. “But there has to be SOMETHING we can do!”

“Oh, there is. And I’ve already done it.”

“Sir?”

“I’ve just returned from a quick trip back to Canterlot for a bit of a talk with someone there.”

“Whom sir?”

“Princess Celestia.”

Shining Armor appears hopeful. “And did she have a solution?!”

“I’m... not actually sure.”

“But she’s...!”

“While she didn’t come out and give any particulars, I got the feeling she was putting together a plan in that oversized brain of hers.”

Shining Armor sighs. “I’m not really sure how to take that, sir.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well, she knows Twilight’s planning to fight in the Gladiator’s Arena. And since she’d probably get hurt due to a lack of combat training, I imagine that it’s not something she’d let go on.”

“What should we do in the meantime, sir?”

“Just carry on as usual.”

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow. “Sir?!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s all we can do at the moment. But I think I’m going to try talking to someone about the situation at hand.”

“Now, sir?”

Arc nods. “No time like the present.”

“I’ll call for your squad, sir.”

“No. I’ll go alone.”

“Sir, I must advise against this! That would be needlessly dangerous!”

Arc calls forth his armor as he turns and walks toward the gangplank. “I know. But this has to be done.”

Reaching the ground, Arc motions for the guards around the perimeter to stand aside. Passing them, he makes his way into the city. Nearly every window is dark save for a few with lights over their doors. Walking the streets for a time, Arc hears the muffled sound of wings flapping overhead. Stopping to look around for a time, he waits and listens. The slight squeak of a door opening nearby rings out. Turning to look, Arc spots a talon beckoning him inside. Stepping forward he enters the dark abode, closing the door behind him. A single candle in the center of a table is the only illumination in the otherwise pitch black room. Seeing a hooded figure sitting at it, Arc walks over to them and speaks.

“Good evening... Admiral Gaston.”

The figure tosses back their cowl and glares up at him.

“Very perceptive of you, filth. What are you doing here?”

“Just accepting your invitation.”

Gaston frowns. “Strange. I don’t recall sending for anyone.”

Arc folds his arms over his chestplate. “Oh, but you did. You see, your calling card was the twisted wreckage of Ashe’s carriage.”

“You assume much then.”

Arc puts his hands on the table palm down and lowers his face to look Gaston in the eye. “I’m just getting started.”

Gaston smirks. “Are you now?”

“Yes.”

Gaston motions to the chair across from him. “Then why don’t we sit down like civilized... individuals and talk it over, hm?”

Arc pulls the chair back and sits down. Gaston leans back and chuckles..

“Tell me, was the carriage ploy too obvious?”

“Your dead citizens would probably agree.”

Gaston waves a talon dismissively. “Eggs and omelets... that sort of thing.”

“They were innocent, you fool!”

“There are no innocents here!”

Arc and Gaston stare each other down for a time. Eventually Gaston continues.

“Everyone in the Griffon Kingdom is useful in one way or another.”

“Do tell.”

“Some till the soil. Some work in factories.”

He smirks before speaking again.

“Still others grease the wheels of progress.”

Arc leans forward and narrows his eyes. “You’d make a fine lubricant.”

“Because I’m so refined?”

“Because you’re so slippery!”

Gaston shrugs. “One must do what one must do in order to stay alive.”

“Funny. Because I recall you being mortally wounded during my attack on Light’s Hope with Ashe.”

“You will learn that I am very difficult to kill, Lord Arc.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I’m a slow study.”

Gaston chuckles. “Should you wish to try, I am alone and unarmed. Go ahead. Strike me down.”

Arc shakes his head. “No.”

“What’s the matter? Lost your nerve?”

“I’m guessing it’s part of your plan.”

“Plan?”

“You’re unarmed, yes. However certainly not alone.”

He motions with his hand before continuing.

“There are two griffons hiding in the wardrobe. Two more behind the bed in the corner. And three hiding in the closet.”

Gaston chuckles. “Interesting. I had thought they were suitably covered by darkness. Perhaps you have the nose of a bloodhound?”

“More like the eyes of an owl and the hearing of a wolf.”

Arc raises his helmet to expose his glowing red eyes. Gaston gasps and falls backwards in his chair. At this the griffons in hiding leap out and move to attack. However, Arc raises a hand and magically slams them against a wall. Holding them there, he does not take his gaze off of Gaston whom is still visibly shaken.

“And the magic of several Unicorns.”

Turning to look at the rebels pinned to the wall, he speaks a single word.

“Sleep.”

Releasing them from his magical grip, Arc allows the robed griffons fall to the floor. Landing with soft thuds they do not rise. Gaston gets to his feet and looks over the table at his unconscious comrades.

“What did you...?!”

Arc chuckles as he again lowers his helmet. “They’ll wake up eventually. Nothing permanent.”

“Very impressive!”

“You can learn a lot if you just look around. Observe and take it all in. For example, I saw that you were genuinely frightened of my appearance just now.”

Gaston frowns. “Anyone would be!”

“Not someone immortal.”

They are silent for a time before Arc motions to the chair across from him and speaks.

“Now then, have a seat and we’ll... chat a bit.”

Doing as he is told, Gaston sits. Nodding, Arc smiles.

“Good. Now then... I want to know one thing. Why did you rig Ashe’s carriage to explode?”

“To... make a statement.”

“That the rebels are still relevant?”

“Something like that.”

“And you chose a well populated area so it couldn’t be ignored.”

Gaston looks away nervously. “The politicians would have just covered it up otherwise.”

“But you couldn’t have known that Ashe was going to stop and get out before she reached her father’s house.”

“A slight... miscalculation.”

“You just wanted to blow up Lord Gestal’s guards, didn’t you?”

Gaston nods angrily. “And loot his home, yes.”

“Again, to make a statement.”

“It would have been quite the feather in our proverbial caps. The rebels attacking and stealing the belongings from a lord’s home in broad daylight. Believe me when I say that hurting civilians wasn’t actually in the cards.”

“But you took that opportunity anyways.”

Gaston shrugs. “The device was on a timer. We couldn’t have stopped it without giving away the ruse.”

“Where did you get it from?”

“Some... shadowy friends.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I want names.”

Gaston rolls his eyes. “You’ll have to work pretty hard to do that. After all, our members keep their faces covered for a reason.”

“And you?”

“I do what I have to do.”

Arc points across the table. “You’re not exactly proving your worth at the moment.”

Gaston appears confused. “Worth?”

“To be allowed to leave alive.”

Gaston frowns. “You can’t kill me!”

“Maybe not. But I CAN make you suffer.”

Reaching across the table, Arc grabs Gaston and pulls him forward by his cloak. The griffon instinctively pulls out a dagger, but Arc grabs his talon and squeezes it. Cracking bones rings out as he cries out and drops the weapon to the floor. Lifting Gaston to look him in the eye as he speaks, Arc stands.

“Now then... where did you get the bomb?”

Gaston gasps in pain as he talks. “From... from a hooded figure!”

“WHO?!”

“I don’t know! I swear!”

“You have to know SOMETHING!”

“It was a noble!”

“How do you know that?!”

“The way he walked!”

“Explain!”

“Nobles just walk with an air of elegance! You can tell they’re one from a mile away!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You expect me to believe that a noble, whom is part of the ruling class, for some reason wanted to help the rebels in their plots?!”

Gaston nods fervently. “It’s the truth! They gave us lots of things!”

“Such as...?!”

“Weapons, supplies, these cloaks even!”

“So the nobility is bankrolling the rebels?!”

“YES!”

“Again, that makes no sense!”

“I didn’t ask where they got the stuff from or why they wanted to help! But you have to understand that not every noble in this country is content to just sit in their mansion and just eat, drink, and be merry!”

“Oh really?! Because all that sounds REALLY nice!”

“Look at Ashe! She’s different!”

“True! But you tried to take her out earlier today!”

“That was a mistake!”

“Really?!”

“She was supposed to go straight to her father’s house! Not make any detours!”

“But who’s to say that the bomb wouldn’t have gone off early?! You couldn’t have accurately figured how long to set the timer for!”

“It was started when intercom was used! She would have had to use it to get the all clear from the guards outside her father’s estate!”

“And how many more of those do you have?!”

“None!”

Arc slams Gaston down on the table. “Really?!”

“Yes! Yes, I swear! They probably didn’t want us using those on them when we won!”

“Very intuitive, Gaston.”

Throwing the griffon across the room, Gaston falls next to the rest of his fellow rebels. Raising his head, he sees Arc standing behind the table. Turning to look at the beaten griffon, Arc mockingly bows.

“Thank you for your time... admiral.”

Gaston seethes as Arc pinches the candle’s flame, extinguishing it. Opening a portal, he steps through and is gone. Gaston mutters to himself in the darkness.

“Fool! You have no idea the powers which you are meddling with!”

Standing, Gaston dusts himself off and smiles wickedly.

“And it appears that I will have to be the one to teach you a lesson in humility.”

Chapter 13 - The Battle of Truth

The day of the Battle of Truth arrives. Arc sits with Ashe and Twilight at the table in his quarters aboard The Equinox eating breakfast. Looking over at Twilight, he speaks.

“Any luck with those books?”

Twilight sighs and shakes her head. “It appears there is nothing we can do to save Galena as it stands.”

Ashe nods soberly. “If Lord Goldstone is defeated, he’ll be found guilty of the crime as brought forth.”

Arc frowns. “And Galena will be declared guilty as well and probably executed.”

Twilight grimaces. “We can’t let that happen!”

Ashe looks to her evenly. “Justice must prevail, Twilight.”

“I know, but...!”

Arc interrupts Twilight. “What else could they do?”

Twilight turns to Ashe. “A life sentence perhaps?!”

“Considering the treatment of inmates in our nation’s prisons, believe me when I say that death would be more merciful.”

Arc pushes his plate away. “All things considered, I don’t think there’s a good way out of this situation for her.”

Ashe points a talon toward the Gladiator’s Arena in the distance. “Nothing else can be done for her until the Battle of Truth is completed. So let’s focus on that, shall we?”

Twilight’s ears droop as she groans. “Fine.”

Arc looks at the clock on the wall. “I would imagine Luna should be ready to portal over by now.”

Ashe appears surprised. “She’s coming?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Something about wanting to witness history.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “This will be the last time the Griffon Kingdom sees this barbaric display anyways.”

Arc looks to his friend. “And Luna said that she wanted to be there for you, Twilight.”

Twilight appears surprised. “Me?”

Ashe nods. “Princess Luna has voiced her concern for your own mental health as of late.”

Arc folds his hands on the table. “Right. This whole thing has become much more intense than originally thought possible.”

Twilight shudders. “It’s certainly given me a brand new appreciation for the Equestrian legal system.”

“Me too.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “Things are certainly much more fair there.”

Arc stands as he calls forth his gauntlet. “Agreed.”

Opening a portal, he waits patiently. A few moments later Luna steps through. She is accompanied by her Lunar Protectors whom move to one side as Arc and Twilight approach her. Twilight is the first to speak.

“Good morning, Luna.”

“Hello, Twilight. I... hear you’ve been doing well.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “Sorta. You see, this whole thing didn’t exactly go as I had thought it would.”

Arc shrugs. “It did go sideways pretty quick.”

Ashe nods as she steps forward. “Lord Arc is correct, your highness. I for one never would have imagined the case coming to this. That and no one could have foreseen the events the unfolded at the trial.”

Luna smiles. “And I look forward to hearing about it on the way to the... what was it called again, Twilight?”

“The Gladiator’s Arena. I’m told it’s a historic center for combat related activities that is still used today.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest as he frowns. “That is true, yes. But generally only by the military to test for combat readiness though.”

Ashe clears her throat loudly in an effort to move things along. “We should probably get moving though. Twilight’s chariot has been made ready in the Cargo Bay.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Is that safe? I mean, Arc told me about what happened to Ashe’s carriage the other day.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Luna. My brother, General Shining Armor, will be coordinating a multi-point Barrier Spell to be cast by a number of Unicorns walking with us.”

“But nopony could keep that up for such a duration.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s why it’s being cast by numerous Unicorns.”

Twilight grins. “And being carefully coordinated. As those maintaining the spell weaken, Shining Armor will call for the casters to be replaced one at a time so as not to compromise the barrier.”

Ashe nods. “The mostly transparent barrier will also allow the citizens to see us as well.”

Arc chuckles. “Very convenient for Twilight’s fans.”

Luna smiles. “Yes, I’m told you’re becoming quite famous here, my friend.”

Twilight giggles. “I don’t know why though. After all, I’m nopony special.”

Ashe sighs. “Don’t sell yourself short, Twilight.”

Arc gestures to the door with a wave of his hand. “In any case, let’s get down to the Cargo Bay so we can be off.”

Leading the way, Arc escorts the group out of his quarters. The Lunar Protectors join the rest of the guards as they all walk down the corridor together. Heading downstairs, the group eventually comes to the Cargo Hold. Shining Armor stands next to it with a squad of armored Unicorns silently as they approach. They all salute respectfully at their superiors as Arc and company approach. Shining Armor is the first to speak.

“Welcome, Princess Luna.”

“Greetings, general. I trust everything is in order for our trip.”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes, your highness. We have more than enough Unicorns to make our way to the Gladiator’s Arena. And even if we didn’t, I alone could power the barrier myself easily.”

Twilight smiles at him warmly. “Indeed. However that would make it harder for you to do your job in guarding us, brother.”

Luna rolls her eyes. “Twilight or myself could also do such a thing as well, general.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “Begging your pardon, Princess Luna, but that wouldn’t be proper here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Oh?”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Individuals of such importance are expected to live up to a certain standard, your highness. And that includes letting others do certain menial tasks for you.”

Arc shrugs. “Something like that. In any case, you’ll have plenty of time to hear more about what’s been going on over here on the way to the arena.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “You’re not coming with us?”

Arc shakes his head. “I have a few things to take care of prior to the Battle of Truth.”

“You will be attending though?”

Arc nods. “Oh yes. Believe me when I say that I’ll have a front row seat for the event.”

Shining Armor gestures to the chariot with a wave of his hoof. “This way please.”

He helps them board the chariot as the Unicorns take their places around it. Arc walks over to Sereb, whom is wearing his battle armor for the occasion, and gets into the saddle. Shining Armor calls out to the soldiers.

“Begin casting!”

Their horns aglow, a barrier begins to form around the chariot. It culminates over their heads and stabilizes a few moments later. Looking to the guard near the door release, Shining Armor nods to him. As the door opens the chariot begins to move. Arc watches it slowly roll down the ramp and toward the city with Sereb in silence for a few moments before looking down at his companion.

“Shall we be off, big guy?”

Sereb nods. “Very well.”

Walking down the gangplank themselves, Arc and Sereb make their way down the street. Coming to the now familiar gated community, they pass the guards whom dutifully salute the pair as they do so. Approaching Lord Gestal’s mansion, Arc dismounts Sereb at the base of the stairs in front of a well-dressed griffon. Looking to what is presumably a butler of sorts, Arc speaks.

“I’m here to see Lord Gestal.”

The griffon bows respectfully. “Yes sir. Right this way.”

Leading him inside, the butler and Arc make their way down innumerable corridors before coming to a large room lined with weapons and armor. They see Gestal slashing at a training dummy whilst wearing a resplendent suit of armor. Approaching, the servant and Arc wait patiently for him to finish his routine. A short time later Gestal steps back, puts his weapon on a table nearby, and removes his helmet before turning to them.

“Good day, Lord Arc.”

“Morning, sir. My apologies for the intrusion on such short notice.”

The servant gives Gestal a towel to wipe his face as the lord speaks.

“There is no need for apologies, Lord Arc. Considering our shared past, you are always welcome in my home.”

He tosses the towel to the servant as he continues.

“Now then, what brings you here today?”

“A bit of an information hunt actually. Might we speak about it privately though?”

Gestal nods to the servant whom bows respectfully and walks away. He motions to a nearby bench against a far wall as the pair walk. Taking a waiting glass of water from an adjoining table, Arc hands it to him.

“Thank you, Lord Arc. Now then, what do you wish to know?”

“First, a bit of a confession.”

Gestal raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“The day Ashe was hurt in the explosion I went for a moonlit walk through your city’s streets.”

“There is nothing wrong with that. After all, you are free to come and go as you see fit, Lord Arc.”

“Truth be told, I was looking for someone.”

“Whom might that be?”

“The rebels.”

Gestal frowns. “For what purpose?”

“Answers, sir.”

“As to why they tried to kill my daughter?”

“That too. But I was equally concerned with where they had acquired such lethal ordinance.”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin and nods. “Those questions have been on my mind as well. Rest assured that we will hunt down and capture those with the answers to those queries.”

“I already have.”

“Have you now?”

Arc nods. “Yes. My search was fruitful.”

Gestal raises an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “Might I inquire as to how you did it?”

“It was simple actually. All I did was take a walk late at night, alone.”

“So what you are saying is that they found you?”

“In a manner of speaking. I was beckoned into a small abandoned house by the shadowy wave of a talon.”

“And you entered?”

“That I did.”

“Whom did you find?”

“Admiral Gaston.”

Gestal frowns. “Gaston? But the reports say that he was killed in your base in Equestria some time ago.”

“Well, he was certainly alive and well last night.”

“Did he tell you anything?”

“A few things, yes. First of all, he admitted that the rebels were indeed the ones whom set that explosive device on the carriage. That and he acknowledged to wanting to have it detonate in front of your home in an effort to loot your property.”

Gestal clenches a talon angrily. “Barbarians!”

“Although I do have to say that he didn’t seem to care much that the plan failed though. Probably due to the fact that he still got what he ultimately wanted.”

“Which was...?”

“Exposure. He wanted to remind the nation that the rebels were still a threat.”

“So he’s behind all of this?!”

“At the moment it appears so, sir. However, as I stated earlier, I was more interested in where they got their explosives.”

“Did he talk?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes sir. And that’s why I’m here right now. Gaston claimed that their supplies all come from a noble.”

Gestal’s eyes grow wide. “A noble?!”

“Yes sir.”

“But... but that doesn’t make any sense!”

“Agreed.”

“No noble would be willing to aid a group whom wanted to promote violence against the rulers of our land!”

“He was very insistent about it though.”

“And you believed his claims?”

“I did. However, he was unable to tell me the identity of this shadowy noble.”

Gestal snorts. “That much does make sense. We’ve captured a number of rebels in the past whom certainly didn’t know whom else was in on the plot.”

“A fairly smart security tactic.”

“Where is Gaston now?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably hiding under a rock somewhere.”

“Oh?”

“I gave him the scare of his life the other night.”

“How so?”

“He was calm and collected at first because there were a number of griffons lying in wait to ambush me all around the darkened room. However, when I exposed and neutralized them right before his eyes, he caved very quickly.”

“Did you take care of the bodies?”

Arc shakes his head. “No need to do that. They were merely incapacitated, as I didn’t want to create even more of an international incident than I already was.”

Gestal sighs. “Admittedly, that was probably for the best. Did you learn any more from him?”

“Not really, no. However, his admission that a noble is supplying them should help you narrow you search quite a bit.”

“Yes, indeed. There are far fewer nobles than there are peasants, after all.”

Arc gets to his feet. “In any case, I will leave this investigation to you and your government, Lord Gestal.”

Gestal stands with Arc. “Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I will make it a priority to discretely investigate any noble whom appears to be hording unusual amounts of supplies and weapons.”

“I do hope you find whom you are looking for, sir.”

“So do I, Lord Arc.”

Gestal and Arc head for the door. Walking down a corridor toward the main entrance he turns to Arc.

“How is Ashe this morning?”

“She was able to walk to the carriage under her own power. Amazingly enough, that is.”

“I would have thought it would have taken her at least a couple of weeks to be able to do that.”

“Perhaps she merely wishes not to appear hurt for the occasion.”

Gestal sighs. “Most likely. But I must again thank you for keeping her safe and cared for aboard your ship in the interim. Myself included, mind you.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I didn’t really do much other than authorize you to stay aboard. After all, she was already assigned aboard ship.”

“That is something else I would like to talk to you about, Lord Arc.”

“Your daughter’s health?”

“More about Ashe’s future.”

“Oh?”

Gestal smiles and turns to Arc as he speaks.

“I’m sure you already know that Ashe thinks very highly of you, Lord Arc.”

“Yes. That and I’m also impressed by her... personal growth since we met.”

Gestal appears confused. “Personal... growth?”

“When she and I met at a party during my first visit to the Griffon Kingdom Ashe we simply the daughter of a lord. Now she has her own accomplishments to her name.”

“I see what you mean, Lord Arc. Ashe has told me of the exploits she’s experienced since leaving our shores for Equestria. However you must understand that, as her father, I’m very interested in her... personal future.”

“As any father would be, naturally.”

Gestal sighs. “For many years I’ve done my best to raise Ashe to be the best she can be. However, every job must eventually come to an end. In order to allow another to take on that role.”

Arc turns to him, confused. “Lord Gestal... what are you saying?”

Gestal stops and turns to Arc as he speaks. “That I would like it if you were to become... closer to her. On a personal level.”

“Personal level. As in more than just a professional acquaintance, I assume.”

“I’ve worried about whom she would become attached to for a long time, Lord Arc. After all, there are any number of nobles in our land whom would love to wed a griffon as beautiful as Ashe. Not just for her, but also for the power, prestige, and wealth that comes with it.”

“Things I already have.”

Gestal nods. “While you are indeed foreign to this land, you have shown yourself to be a selfless individual. Brave, Loyal, Kind, intelligent, and above all... trustworthy.”

“So you’d like for Ashe and I to do what exactly?”

“Go out for an evening meal and talk, naturally. If you’d like, I’d be willing to make you two reservations at the most exclusive restaurant in the land, of course.”

Arc looks away nervously. “I... don’t know if Ashe would be interested in something like that.”

“Perhaps you’re right, Lord Arc. She may prefer an evening out back in Equestria.”

“But sir... I... um...”

Gestal interrupts him. “Ashe has mentioned to me in the past as well that she would like to get to know you better, after all.”

“Anything... recently?”

“No, this was some time ago. However, I am guessing that has to do with her current workload and the trial.”

“I’ll have a talk with her about it when time permits then.”

Gestal smiles as they continue on their way. “Please do. After all, I do want her to find happiness. And soon.”

Returning to the Main Hall, Gestal opens the front door for Arc and steps out into the cold morning air with him. Walking down the steps together, Arc mounts Sereb as Gestal speaks.

“I do hope you’ll act in this matter with all due haste, Lord Arc.”

Arc nods. “That much I can assure you of, sir.”

Tapping Sereb’s side with his boot, Arc motions for them to be off. Sereb looks to Arc as they pass through the gates.

“Dare I ask what that was all about?”

Arc groans. “It wasn’t in regards to the reason I came here, that’s for sure.”

Sereb smirks. “That much I could tell from your mannerisms and... other cues.”

“Other what now?”

“Your heart rate is up as is your breathing.”

Arc sighs. “Lord Gestal wants me to... befriend his daughter.”

“Is that a problem?”

“Yeah. By ‘befriend’ I actually mean a lot more than just getting to know her better.”

Sereb turns to look back at his rider. “Are you referring to sexuality?”

“More along the lines of a romantic relationship.”

“Well, I don’t think the rest of your future wives would object at this point. After all, Lady Ashe has changed considerably from the spoiled brat she was when you two first met.”

“That’s true, yes.”

“But you don’t feel attracted to her, do you?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I do admit that she’s pretty, yes. However, I don’t really see us as being anything more than just friends. Now, or in the future.”

“Then why not tell Lord Gestal that?”

Arc groans. “Because he looked very... expectant. Like he was putting all his hopes into Ashe and I getting together.”

“Perhaps you should talk to Ashe about this.”

“I think I’ll put that off until this whole mess with the Battle of Truth is done and over with.”

Sereb sighs. “That may be for the best. After all, she has enough on her plate at the moment without learning that her father suddenly wishes to marry her off.”

“The issue is understandable though.”

“Oh?”

“Him being the head of the Council of Lords means that every noble in the country would love to marry her and worm their way into Lord Gestal’s family. It makes for a tough time trying to figure out whom is legitimately interested in Ashe and whom just wants the political points.”

Sereb nods. “There is certainly wisdom in your words, my friend. You have nothing to gain from taking her as a wife. Money, power, and whatnot are already yours to command back in Equestria.”

“He said as much. But Lord Gestal was also very interested in having someone in Ashe’s life that could protect her.”

“The events from the other day must weigh heavily on his mind.”

Arc nods soberly. I can only assume that Lord Gestal wants to get her out of the country permanently in an effort to keep her safe. And marrying her off to me would certainly accomplish that task. But for now let’s table this conversation and make our way to the next stop.”

Continuing on their way, they come to the Gladiator’s Arena. Sereb ferries Arc inside and over to a guard. He salutes as Arc dismounts and turns to him.

“I’m looking for the changing area.”

The guard motions with a talon. “Right this way, sir.”

Leading Arc and Sereb to their destination, the guard gestures to a door.

“This is the male’s changing area is, sir. A guard inside will give you whatever attire you may require as well as explain the final rules to you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Final rules?”

“The king’s scribes unearthed the old rules and discovered that there are a few extra ones we didn’t know about. Nothing major, mind you. But you’ll be briefed on what we’ve learned inside.”

“Thank you.”

The guard salutes and walks away as Arc turns to Sereb and sighs.

“Well, I suppose this is it.”

Sereb nods. “I shall be watching from the VIP balcony, Arc.”

“Do me a favor and be sure to keep an eye on Ashe.”

“You are worried of another attack?”

“More along the lines of her trying to help during the fight. Just make sure she doesn’t try to join in, or something.”

“That I shall.”

“I think we both know that in her condition, such a thing would not end well.”

Sereb smirks. “Indeed. May your blade strike true, my friend. And first.”

Chuckling, Arc nods and enters the changing area. Walking toward the sound of clanking metal, he finds Ghaleon donning his armor. Arc approaches him and smiles.

“Good morning, Arbiter.”

Ghaleon smirks as he begins stretching. “And a wonderful day it will be!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Looking forward to the event?”

“I am, yes. While it is a shame that this will be the last one ever, I hope that we’ll be able to give the citizenry something special to see.”

“My partner and I will do our best to put on a show.”

“They tell you about the rules yet?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I heard someone would brief us in here.”

Ghaleon motions to a door. “The guard in charge of that was called away by his commanding officer. But don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll return shortly.”

Arc looks around. “And your partner?”

“Had to take care of some kind of last minute personal matter. He’ll be back soon too.”

“So... what’s your take on this whole thing?”

“You mean the case?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Ghaleon snorts angrily. “Can’t put much faith in the claims of the commoners. Especially when they’re spouting stories from so long ago.”

“Long ago?”

Ghaleon nods indignantly. “Some of the reports from the interviews of those whom stormed the proceedings claim that Goldstone’s been doing this for years! And I’m supposed to believe that NO ONE came forward until just the other day!”

“You don’t think he did any of it?”

“Oh, I believe he had sex with a number of them, naturally. But Goldstone’s always been a charmer.”

“Has he now?”

Ghaleon laughs heartily. “Right! He could talk a blind griffon out of their cane! I’ve literally seen him do it!”

“So you believe that everything that went on was consensual?”

“That I do. This is nothing more than a case of jilted lovers and liars wanting a piece of a lord who’s down.”

Ghaleon smirks before continuing.

“But we’ll prove my old friend’s innocence today.”

“Well, I wish you the best of luck.”

Ghaleon laughs. “Ha! Luck is for the superstitious! But don’t worry! I’ll be sure to go easy on you, Lord Arc!

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Easy on me?”

“You’ll be my opponent, while Lady Ashe’s representative will be facing Lord Goldstone.”

“I wasn’t aware that this was going to be separate battles.”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “Oh, it won’t be. Both fights will take place at the same time side by side. You see...”

The door opens and Lord Goldstone enters. He is wearing armor that is black as night, complete with a matching helmet and wing guards. Clomping over to Arc he grins smugly.

“I see that you decided to show up.”

Arc shrugs. “Not to worry. I wouldn’t dream of leaving you without an opponent, Goldstone.”

Goldstone sneers at Arc. “That is LORD Goldstone to you!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Whatever you say.”

Goldstone looks around. “No partner?”

“They’ll be along shortly, I’m sure.”

Ghaleon chuckles darkly. “I hope so, Lord Arc. For your sake.”

Goldstone nods. “Right. There will be no substitutions once the fighting starts. By the way, whom is it?”

“Someone... close to one of the victims.”

Goldstone scoffs. “Ah, the little guard from the trial. So he wants to face me himself to defend his cute little marefriend. How sweet. How sentimental.”

He sneers before finishing the statement.

“How futile.”

Ghaleon looks up at a clock overhead. “Well, you won’t have long to wait, Goldstone. It’s almost time.”

“That it is. We should head to our places and await our turn to enter the arena.”

Ghaleon points a talon. “But Lord Arc has not yet been informed of the rules.”

Goldstone rolls his eyes. “I’m sure someone will do that soon enough.”

Ghaleon frowns. “I am not going ANYWHERE until all of us have been told the official rules!”

“That isn’t important for us! After all, we were here on time and we’re briefed on the proper...!”

Ghaleon sits down on his haunches and folds his talons over his chest as he interrupts. “The rules MUST be told to Lord before I will depart! “

Goldstone groans and leans against the wall. “Fine. I suppose. We can wait until that idiot of a guard returns.”

“Fair enough.”

A short time later a guard enters the room and hurries over to the trio. He appears breathless as Goldstone frowns at him.

“What kept you, grunt?!”

“My... my commanding officer, sir. He wanted to make sure that I...”

Goldstone cuts him off. “Never mind. I’ll have a stern talk with them after I take care of this little... issue.”

He turns and walks away as Ghaleon stands and looks to Arc.

“See you out there.”

Arc nods. “I’ll be right behind you two.”

The guard sits down on a nearby bench and groans. Arc moves to join him.

“Uh... you okay?”

“Not really. My career is over after today.”

Arc reaches for his ring. “Here. This might help.”

Pulling out a pastry, he hands it to the guard.

“What is it, sir?”

“A cupcake from Equestria. Try it.”

Shrugging, the guard takes a bite. His eyes light up happily as he takes third, fourth, and fifth bites. A few moments later the pastry is gone. The guard looks to Arc happily.

“That was amazing! Are those served to royalty?!”

“Those particular ones, no. I buy them at a shop called ‘Sugar Cube Corner’ in the town of Ponyville.”

The guard gasps. “The town with the orphanage?!”

“Yup.”

“Do they eat those often?!”

Arc nods. “Once a week the matron buys one for everyone to have with lunch, I’m told.”

“It sounds wonderful!”

“Ponyville is a pretty nice place to live, yes. Quiet, safe, and still has everything I want in a home.”

The guard sighs. “I wish I could go there.”

“Why can’t you?”

He points to the Footpad insignia on his armor. “Because I’m an enlisted griffon, sir. I try to leave and I’ll be classified as A.W.O.L.”

“What if you weren’t?”

“Weren’t what, sir?”

“In the military.”

“Then I’d leave in a heartbeat!”

“What about your family?”

“I’m an orphan, sir.”

“What would it take to get you out of your enlistment?”

“There’s quite the paperwork involved, sir. That and it would have to follow the chain of command, starting with my commanding officer.”

“Could we start at the top?”

“Where...?”

“Lord Gestal.”

“He wouldn’t hear my case without everyone below him signing off on it first though.”

“Want me to ask him? He’s probably in the VIP balcony by now, after all.”

“Don’t you have to... you know...?”

He motions to the door with a talon as Arc shrugs.

“I do, I suppose. However, you haven’t told me the rules yet.”

“Ah! Right! Well...”

Arc interrupts him and holds up a hand. “Wait! First, tell me this. Do you want to be discharged?”

“Yes sir.”

“One sec...”

Pulling a pad of paper and a pen from his ring, Arc quickly writes something. Tearing the sheet from the notebook he heads for the hallway door. Stepping out into the mostly deserted corridor he muses to himself.

“Everyone must be seated already.”

Taking a deep breath he calls out. A few minutes later Sereb comes into view from down the way. Hurrying over to Arc he gives him the paper.

“Give this to Lord Gestal at once. Then report back immediately with his decision.”

Sereb nods. “Very well.”

Running off again, Sereb moves to carry out his instructions. Returning to the changing room Arc rejoins the guard.

“There. That ball is rolling. Now then, tell me the rules.”

“Yes sir. The official rules, as originally set forth by King Grover, state that the Battle of Truth must continue until both combatants on the same side are either dead, unconscious, or otherwise unable to remain in combat. The battle will not be allowed to begin until all non-combatants have left the arena floor. At that time the signal will be given by the king to start. After that point no one will be allowed to interfere with, hinder, or impede the match in any way.”

Arc chuckles. “Guessing they had problems with that in the past?”

The guard nods. “Some protested in the past by trying to block blows and distract those fighting, as they knew that the guards were forbidden from stopping them due to such a thing interfering with the match. King Grover altered the rules to accommodate for such things though.”

“How so?”

“Should someone enter the arena floor after the match has started, the combatants are allowed to either kill or use them as meat shields for the duration of the battle.”

“Unless they leave the arena, you mean?

The guard shakes his head. “No sir. Once the trespassers leave the arena floor the guards are duty bound to give chase, hunt them down, and execute them on the spot.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’m guessing that greatly lowered the number of individuals trying to interfere with a Battle of Truth.”

“Yes sir. That in addition to the guards whom stand guard around the perimeter of the stands. They watch the crowd and make an effort to stop anyone whom appears to be trying to interfere in any way. It’s also worth noting that they’re also tasked with preventing a combatant from trying to escape before the battle has concluded.”

“I’m guessing they’re there to finish them off.”

“That is correct, sir. Should someone attempt to leave before a victor is declared, they will be seen as being in the wrong and summarily executed by the guards.”

“Don’t worry. I plan on sticking around to see this thing through to the very end. Now then, what are the rules for during the match?”

“There are but a few. No projectile weapons are allowed first and foremost. Only melee weapons and your own body will be permitted.”

Arc nods. “Makes sense.”

“While not strictly stated in the original rules, the king has also ordered that magic will also be prohibited.”

“A level playing field, to be sure.”

“Other than that, the only real rule is that you cannot continue to hit your opponent once they’ve gone down. Either due to falling unconscious or dead.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... I wasn’t planning to, but why is this a rule?”

“According to the history books, opponents used to do such a thing to further damage their opponent’s body. It made for a lot of closed-casket funerals, so King Grover coined the rule and a corresponding punishment.”

“Punishment?”

“At that point in the match the victor had already been decided. So any ‘late hits’ were punishable by a three-fold retribution rule. For example, if someone kicked their opponent in the face after they were down and out, King Grover would order them held down and kicked in the face by a guard of similar strength three times. Another example is when a griffon whom had just won turned and stabbed his opponent in the gut. The king ordered the same done to him three times.”

“That must’ve pushed back the victory party.”

“Luckily for them the guards whom carried out the orders expertly missed all vital organs. He recovered, of course, but bore the physical scars of that day for the rest of his life.”

“Anything else?”

“Just that the king is the final judge over this event. He alone can order the battle to start. However, it is unlawful for him to stop it except to declare a victor.”

“I think I understand. Thanks for the information.”

The guard salutes. “Just doing my duty, sir.”

Sereb enters the room and walks over to Arc levitating a piece of paper. Giving it to his friend, he waits as it is read silently. Looking to the guard, Arc speaks.

“Looks like you’re in luck.”

“Sir?”

Arc motions to the paper. “Lord Gestal says that he’s sent a messenger to the Aviary to order dismissal papers be drawn up at once. And in the meantime this note here will be your temporary proof of discharge.”

“Really?!”

“Yup.

Handing the paper to the guard, he looks it over happily for a few moments before sheepishly looking back to Arc.

“I’ll have to take your word for it, sir. As luck would have it, I can’t actually read this.”

Arc nods soberly. “Ah, yes. You said you were an orphan earlier. No schooling?”

“Just the basics taught to me when I went to boot camp, sir.”

“Well, I suppose now you’ll have a chance to learn.”

“How, sir?”

“In Equestria.”

“But I can’t leave just yet! At least I don’t think I can.”

Arc looks to the paper. “That says you can.”

“So... I can leave now?!”

“It appears so, yes.”

“Then I’ll head to Equestria at once!”

Arc chuckles. “Just need to gather your things and hop on a ship?”

The guard shakes his head. “I don’t actually own anything, sir. Not even the armor on my back. In truth, I was going to just take it off and start flying west.”

“I don’t think that would work too well.”

“But Equestria isn’t that far, sir. I’ve seen it on the map, and it’s just across the ocean.”

“Which is further than you think it is. Tell you what, if you’re honestly ready to go right now I can give you a portal there.”

“I am, yes!”

“Alright. I can send you to a sigil that I have at the Little Hooves Orphanage in Ponyville.”

Arc looks at the clock before pulling the notepad from his ring, writing something on it, and continuing.

“It’s about lunch time there now. When you arrive there ask for Miss Peachbottom. Give her this note.”

The guard accepts the paper. “What does it say, sir?”

“That you’re an orphan and need a book to help teach you to read. After she gives it to you leave the building out the main entrance and head left down the path. That will take you to the town of Ponyville.”

Reaching for his ring again, he pulls out a bag of bits and gives them to the griffon before continuing.

“When you get to town, ask someone for directions to the local inn. This should be enough for around a weeks’ worth of food and board over there.”

“Th-thank you, sir! I’ll do my best to pay you back as soon as possible!”

“Don’t worry about it. Just do your best to be a productive member of society over there and we’ll call it even.”

“Maybe I could be a guard in Ponyville!”

“I don’t think they have any full time guards over there. But there are other opportunities to be had. First get that book, head to the inn, get a room, and study the book today. Tomorrow, head to a place called ‘Sugar Cube Corner’ and find a mare named Pinkie Pie. Tell her that you’re new in town and that you’re looking for work. She can probably point you in the right direction. If not, there’s always the Writ Board.”

“Writ Board?”

“Odd jobs around town. They don’t pay much individually, but can add up quickly. However, first you’ll need to learn to read to make proper use of it. Now then, any questions?”

“No sir. I’m ready.”

“Good. Now then, take off your armor and I’ll give you that portal.”

Nodding, the guard does as he is told. Setting the armor in a corner he waits as Arc focuses his crystals and opens a portal. Running toward it, he stops and looks back at Arc.

“Thank you, sir! I’ll never forget this!”

Arc nods as the griffon rushes through. Closing the portal behind him, Arc looks at the old armor sitting nearby.

“No matter what he does in Equestria, he’ll do better than he did here.”

Thinking for a moment, Arc facepalms.

“How could I have forgotten! I never asked him where to go next!”

Looking toward the door Goldstone and Ghaleon exited through he shrugs and starts walking. Opening it, he finds a guard waiting for him.

“This way, Lord Arc.”

“Alright.”

Walking down the corridor, which is little more than a dimly lit tunnel, Arc looks to the guard escorting him.

“So... where exactly are we going?

“To your side of the Gladiator’s Arena, sir. Lord Goldstone and Arbiter Ghaleon have already proceeded to their starting points on the opposite side and are awaiting their announcements. As will you.”

Arriving at a large room with an iron gate that leads to the arena floor, the guard turns to looks around before speaking.

“You do not have a partner, sir?”

“I’m sure they’ll be here. Must just be running a bit late.”

“Very well. Now then, tradition states that the accused and their partner will enter the arena and announce their names for the record first. Afterwards, your gate here will open to allow you to follow suit. Simply approach the white line roughly a quarter of a way in and wait for the king to acknowledge you. After he does so, you and your partner will be bidden to declare yourselves as Lord Goldstone and Arbiter Ghaleon did previously.”

Arc nods. “Then we wait for the signal to start?”

The guard shakes his head. “Not quite, sir. First you must wait for the act of announcing to finish. King Guto may choose to say a few words for the occasion, of course. After which you, your partner, and your opponents will meet in the center of the arena floor. As per the official rules, the four of you will have a few moments to speak to one another. That will be the last chance for either side to withdraw their claims and walk away unharmed. Assuming neither of you do that, both parties will return to their respective white line and await the king’s order to start combat. Now then, do you have any questions regarding procedure?

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. I’m good.”

“Very good, sir. I shall send word to the king that you are ready to begin. And that your partner has yet to arrive.”

He hurries away as Arc walks over to the iron gate to wait as he looks outside. Meanwhile, in the VIP box, Gestal and Ashe sit together with Twilight. She wrings her hooves nervously.

“Oh, I do hope Arc will finish this quickly!”

Ashe grimaces. “As do I. He could probably take on Lord Goldstone alone. But that’s complicated by the fact he’s with Arbiter Ghaleon.”

Gestal nods soberly. “Yes, that’s true. I’ve never seen two griffons work so well together before.”

The door to the box opens. They turn to see Natalya, Gallus, and Gabby, whom is being pushed in a wheelchair, walk inside together. Twilight appears confused.

“What... are all of you doing here?”

Ashe looks to her friend. “I invited them, Twilight.”

Natalya nods soberly. “Yes. We need to be here.”

Gallus scoffs. “To see this matter through, that is.”

Gabby winces as she is parked at the end of the row of seats. “We only have one dad, after all!”

Gestal sighs. “Yes, I suppose that is true.”

The sound of hooffalls ring out behind them. They step aside as Flash Sentry and Raven enter the room together. Ashe looks to them, confused.

“Um... is this really best for...?”

Raven nods soberly. “Like Natalya and her siblings, I want to see this matter end with my own eyes.”

Twilight smiles. “Then let’s all sit down and watch Arc beat these two together.”

They do so as Ashe turns to Flash Sentry.

“I thought you were going to be... you know... taking my place.”

“That I was, yes. But the commander said someone else volunteered.”

Raven smiles and leans her head on Flash Sentry’s shoulder. “That’s good. I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to you.”

Twilight looks to Flash Sentry. “Um... any idea who?”

Flash Sentry shrugs. “No idea. The commander didn’t say. He just said that they had insisted.”

Gestal points a talon. “It appears we are almost ready to begin.”

Looking out, they see King Guto walking slowly toward the highest place of honor overlooking the arena. An ancient stone throne sits there, freshly cleaned, as he looks out over the crowd. They cheer as he gazes out at his subjects. Sometime later he holds up a talon for silence before speaking into a microphone so as to allow all assembled to hear his words.

“CITIZENS OF THE GRIFFON KINGDOM! WE HAVE COME HERE TODAY TO SETTLE A LEGAL MATTER! THE QUESTION OF THE GUILT OR INNOCENCE OF LORD GOLDSTONE REGARDING THE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ACCUSATIONS LEVIED AGAINST HIM!”

The crowd boos for a time before the king again speaks.

“THE COMBATANTS WILL NOW COME FORTH!”

The iron gates open to allow Goldstone and Ghaleon to enter the arena pit. They walk to their marks and looks to the king as he continues.

“STATE YOUR INTENT!”

Goldstone bows respectfully. “I come here today personally to issue the call for the Battle of Truth!”

“AND WHOM STANDS WITH YOU?!”

Ghaleon takes a step forward. “Arbiter Ghaleon, sire!”

Guto looks to Goldstone. “DO YOU ACCEPT HIM AS YOUR PARTNER FOR THIS BATTLE?!”

Goldstone nods. “I do, sire!”

“VERY WELL! THE CHALLENGE IS ISSUED AND THE COMBATANTS RECOGNIZED! MAY YOUR ACCUERS STEP FORWARD NOW!”

The iron gate before him lowers to allow Arc to advance into the arena pit. Taking a deep breath, he looks over his shoulder one last time before stepping forward. Approaching his mark, Arc puts a hand on his chest and bows cordially to the king. Twilight gasps.

“He doesn’t have a partner!”

Gestal pulls a handkerchief and hastily rubs his glasses. “WHAT?!”

Ashe moves to stand. “I’ll head down there and...!”

She gasps and doubles over as a burst of pain shoots through her body. Flash Sentry grabs the young griffon and helps her sit back down.

“Please, Ambassador rest yourself! I’ll go and help the commander!”

Raven gasps as she latches onto his fetlock. “What?! NO!”

Twilight stands soberly. “I should be the one to...!”

Sereb enters the room and interrupts her.

“No, your highness.”

Natalya grins as she turns to face him. “Sereb! Why don’t you...?!”

Sereb cuts her off. “I believe that Arc has everything well under control.”

Gallus points a talon to the arena pit below. “But he can’t hope to win against both of them alone!”

Gabby nods fervently. “Yeah! My dad’s REALLY good at fighting!”

Sereb walks over to the railing and puts his paws on it. “Nevertheless, I am certain Arc knows what he is doing. We must trust in him now, as we have in the past.”

Twilight sighs as she sits back down. “Very well. Let’s just see what he does.”

Meanwhile, the king looks to Arc.

“STATE YOUR INTENT!”

“I am Lord Arc of the Equestrian nation! I come here today to fight on behalf of Ambassador Ashe whom brought forth the charges against the accused!”

Guto smirks inwardly as he speaks. “AND WHOM STANDS WITH YOU?!”

“At the moment I stand alone!”

The crowd murmurs to themselves as the king inquires further.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU?! ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY THAT YOU DON’T HAVE A PARTNER, LORD ARC?!”

“I do, sir! However, it looks like they’re running a bit late!”

King Guto frowns as he gestures skyward with a talon. “THAT MAY VERY WELL BE! HOWEVER, AS YOU CAN SEE, THE SUN IS NOW AT ITS ZENITH! AS SUCH, WE MUST CONTINUE WITH THE BATTLE OF TRUTH!”

Arc nods. “Very well, your highness! I accept.”

“APPROACH YOUR OPPONENTS IN THE CENTER OF THE ARENA FOR A FINAL DELIBERATION!”

Arc steps forward as Goldstone and Ghaleon do the same. As the three come together in the center of the arena Goldstone smirks.

“I guess this means that I win.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Not yet you haven’t.”

Ghaleon raises an eyebrow, surprised. “You didn’t come forward to surrender, Lord Arc? After all, as it stands this will be a two-on-one battle.”

“Actually I just wanted to see if Lord Goldstone wanted to confess.”

Goldstone sneers. “Confess?!”

Arc nods. “To the crimes we brought forward as well as the other ones that... cropped up after the fact.”

Goldstone points a talon to Arc angrily. “I am NOT confessing ANYTHING, nor will I be surrendering to the likes of YOU!”

Ghaleon nods soberly. “Nor am I, Lord Arc. While I hold no ill will towards you personally, honor dictates that I fight you for the honor and well-being of my old partner.”

Arc sighs. “I understand. But I do have one final question.”

Goldstone rolls his eyes impatiently and groans. “What is it?!”

“Once we part ways here there’s no turning back, right?”

Ghaleon nods. “That is correct, Lord Arc. This is the final chance for you to call this whole thing off and walk away... while you still have legs.”

“Thank you, sir. That’s all I wanted to know.”

Arc turns to walk away. However, Goldstone calls out in a confused tone.

“So... you’re actually going to fight both of us by yourself?”

Looking up, Arc smirks. He turns back to the pair and chuckles.

“Looks like my partner is here.”

The sky begins to darken as thick clouds suddenly cover the sun. King Guto, along with pretty much everyone else, look up instinctively. A low rumble reverberates across the land as a portal opens next to Arc. A pony clothed in a back cloak steps through. The light sound of armor rattling around under it is the only sound heard on the wind as the portal closes behind them. Taking a moment to compose himself, the king speaks.

“NEWCOMER! STATE YOUR INTENT!”

“I come now to fight against Lord Goldstone alongside his accuser!”

“DECLARE YOUR IDENTITY FOR THE COURT!”

The figure tosses aside the black cloak to reveal golden plate armor and a matching headpiece. A collective gasps from the audience is heard as they call out in a booming voice.

“PRINCESS CELESTIA OF EQUESTRIA!”

Everyone in the crowd is silent as Twilight’s eyes grow wide.

“P-P-Princess Celestia?!”

Ashe leans forward instinctively. “She came here personally?!”

Sereb nods. “So it would seem.”

Gestal leans back in his seat. “If the tales told of her are to be believed then I believe we’re in for quite a treat.”

Gabby giggles happily. “She looks SO COOL!”

Gallus smirks. “Things are looking up for our side!”

Natalya nods. “That they are. She wrote the book on melee combat.”

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

Ashe turns to Twilight. “I believe she means it literally. Many of the moves taught to soldiers today originated from her fighting experience I’m told.”

Meanwhile, Goldstone points an accusatory talon at his opponents.

“What is the meaning of this, Lord Arc?!”

Arc looks to him innocently. “I don’t understand your meaning, Lord Goldstone. You have one partner and I have one partner. It’s completely fair and balanced.”

Ghaleon smirks as he looks over Celestia. “Looking forward to this battle more all the time!”

Goldstone turns to him angrily. “Don’t you know whom this is, Ghaleon?!”

“Yes, I do! A challenge!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest as he smiles wickedly. “Well, I suppose this really is your last chance, Goldstone. What will it be? A public confession and voluntary surrender? Or will you continue to resist justice?”

Celestia narrows her eyes as she looks to Goldstone. “Please... resist.”

Goldstone seethes. “The battle is still on!”

Guto frowns. “WARRIORS! TO YOUR PLACES!”

Goldstone and Ghaleon turn and head back to their line as Arc and Celestia do the same. As they walk Arc turns to her and lowers his voice instinctively.

“Cutting it kinda close, weren’t you?”

Celestia smirks as she looks at him out of the corner of one of her large eyes. “Nervous I wouldn’t show up?”

“Actually, yeah.”

“Just wanted to make an entrance.”

“You had me real worried back there. But I have to admit that I did enjoy seeing the look on Goldstone’s face when he laid eyes on you.”

“As did I. But my plan was so much more than that.”

“Oh?”

Celestia smiles slyly. “I wanted to make sure Goldstone was all puffed up and ready to fight before I came.”

“Uh... why?”

“So that there would be less chance of him withdrawing. As it stood, had he decided to surrender after I arrived, he would have been a laughingstock to the entire country.”

“You must want to take Goldstone down almost as much as I do.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “More, actually.”

Arc frowns. “That’s debatable.”

Celestia groans as she turns to him. “Look, we can either continue arguing over whom hates Goldstone more, or we can get this done.”

“Fine.”

“One question though. How do you feel about Arbiter Ghaleon?”

Arc shrugs. “He’s a decent enough griffon as far as I can tell. I heard he’s just doing this because of his past service in the military with Goldstone.”

“Very well. You can take him and leave Goldstone to me. That is, if you can keep your desire for his blood in check.”

“As long as that rapist gets what’s coming to him, I don’t really care whom does the deed.”

Celestia grins wickedly. “Believe me... he will.”

Coming to their line, the pair turn to face their griffon opponents across the arena. Arc calls forth his armor and pulls the Spear of Righteousness from his ring. Celestia summons a sword and shield via magical means as Arc looks to her, confused.

“Um... not really sure how you’re supposed to use both of those with hooves.”

“Watch.”

Putting the shield in a holster on the side of her armor, Celestia grips the sword in her fetlock and turns back to Arc.

“Any questions?”

Arc shrugs. “I shall never doubt again.”

“Admittedly, this would be easier with magic.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You weren’t here for the explanation of the rules. How did you know magic wasn’t allowed?”

“I didn’t.”

“Then why...?”

Celestia smirks as she interrupts him. “Because this wouldn’t be much of a challenge then.”

King Guto looks all around at the crowd as he raises a talon. Glancing at both parties in the arena before him, he winces and makes a downward slicing motion.

“FIGHT!”

Arc and Celestia charge forward as the crowd watches breathlessly. Celestia, having more legs, easily outpaces Arc and makes a beeline for Goldstone. Raising his shield, he holds back her attack. Grimacing, Goldstone looks to Celestia angrily.

“I was hoping to take on your partner!”

Celestia grits her teeth angrily. “You’ll have to deal with me first!”

Arc runs to Ghaleon and swings the Spear of Righteousness. Effortlessly dodging it, Ghaleon counters with a swing of his own spear. Rolling out of the way, the pair circle one another for a time as they size each other up. Ghaleon is the first to speak.

“I was hoping to test my mettle against your princess!”

“Yes, well... you’ll have to make do with me then!”

“Very well!”

Meanwhile, Twilight covers her face with her hooves.

“I can’t watch!”

Shining Armor cups his hooves in front of his face and shouts. “KICK HIS FLANK, SIR!”

Gestal watches stoically. “Quite the display of martial prowess!”

Ashe sighs. “Yes, father. But it really should be me down there.”

Flash Sentry grits his teeth. “Or me!”

Natalya gasps. “But you’re in no condition to fight, ambassador!”

Gallus grins as he watches. “Yeah! And it’s getting pretty heated down there!”

Gabby cries out happily. “GO DAD!”

Raven shouts. “GET HIM, PRINCESS CELESTIA!”

Meanwhile, as the fight below him rages on, King Guto looks to his right as an individual approaches.

“It took you long enough to show up!”

The Storm King frowns as he folds his arms over his chest.

“I arrive when I intend to! Not sooner or later!”

Guto groans. “Fine! Whatever! Did you bring the device?!”

Nodding, the Storm King reaches inside his cloak. He pulls out a strange looking device and gives it to King Guto as he speaks.

“This is a portable Magic Disrupter. It will negatively affect anyone you aim it at whom has magical powers.”

“How does it work?”

“Simply keep it on your lap and aim it at the arena floor before holding the large red button down.”

“And you’re sure that it will affect only Lord Arc and Princess Celestia?”

The Storm King nods. “Yes. Your two circus clowns down there will be totally unaffected since they don’t have magic of any kind. Just don’t do it for more than a couple seconds, or someone might get suspicious.”

“Very well. Let’s see here...”

He points the device in the general direction of the arena floor and presses the button. Arc puts a hand to his forehead and stumbles back slightly. Ghaleon groans impatiently.

“What are you doing, Lord Arc! This is supposed to be a proper battle!”

“I... I don’t know.”

Celestia frowns as she stumbles to one side. Moving slightly in order to block an attack from Goldstone with her shield, she looks around in an effort to get her bearings. Ghaleon strikes at Arc with a well-placed blow sending him flying across the arena. He crashes into Celestia as Goldstone knocks her into his path with a blow of his own. The pair roll along the ground for a time before coming to a stop some distance away with Arc on top of Celestia.

“OFF!”

As she pushed Arc away, the king releases the button. Arc and Celestia get to their feet as she frowns at him.

“Watch your footwork! You act like this is your first time fighting!”

“Sorry! I don’t know what happened!”

Celestia groans as she charges forward. “Well, do better or it will be your last!”

Meanwhile, Twilight frowns and puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. Shining Armor turns to her.

“Something wrong, Twilight?”

“I felt something just now.”

Gestal turns to her. “Something?

“Not sure what it was though.”

Ashe squints as if looking for something. “Can you describe it?”

“Like a magical wave of some kind.”

Flash Sentry appears confused. “Here in the Griffon Kingdom, your highness?”

Raven gasps. “But that shouldn’t be possible, right?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “I don’t see how. The only ones whom can use magic here are the princess and general.”

Shining Armor nods. “And it wasn’t me.”

Gallus points a talon. “Could it have been Lord Arc or Princess Celestia?”

Gabby seethes. “You mean they’re CHEATING?!”

Gestal shakes his head. “I don’t see how.”

Twilight narrows her eyes as she looks at the combatants below. “That and it didn’t feel like any kind of traditional magic to me.”

Shining Armor looks to his sister. “Should we call The Equinox to try and pinpoint it with their sensors?”

Twilight nods. “Please do.”

Shining Armor pulls out a radio and makes the call. Meanwhile, the Storm King calls out to Guto.

“How did it work? I can’t see anything from back here.”

Guto smiles and nods. “Very well! Goldstone and Ghaleon were able to knock their opponents back effortlessly.”

The Storm King smiles wickedly. “I said I would deliver.”

“That you did.”

King Guto looks down at the four below whom continue to fight. Patting the device in his lap, he smirks.

“I am glad that the Council of Shadows sees the merit in aiding us in this particular matter.”

The Storm King scoffs. “Much as I hate to admit it, we do need Goldstone alive. After all, he’s keeping our organization afloat in both bits and various supplies. Much like he does with your nation it would seem.”

Guto frowns. “Yes, I... we do need him as well. Even with as much trouble as he’s become, Lord Goldstone is an integral part of our nation’s ruling body.”

Scoffing, the Storm King calls out as he turns and walks away.

“Whatever. Just be sure that he has a favorable outcome. And do be sure to tell him to keep a tight rein on anyone else he decides to plow.”

Arc swings at Ghaleon and misses as he frowns. “You’re pretty quick for an old timer!”

Ghaleon smirks. “And you’re pretty slow for a youngling!”

The pair lock spears and stare each other down. Arc motions to Ghaleon’s weapon with a glance.

“Nice weapon! Where’d you get it?!”

“It’s been passed down from arbiter to arbiter for generations!”

Goldstone slams into both of them as Celestia chases after him. Grunting, she glances at Arc as she and Goldstone continue their fight.

“Keep your head in this!”

Goldstone grunts. “You too, Ghaleon!”

Arc smirks as he and his opponent again lock spears. “Sorry. I was just trying to figure out where his weapon came from.”

Celestia groans. “It was a gift to me from Star-swirl the Bearded! I gave it to King Grover centuries ago as a token of Equestrian peace! Happy?!”

“Uh... yeah.”

Goldstone groans impatiently. “Then get back to fighting, you two!”

Celestia grimaces in pain and puts a hoof to her forehead as Goldstone kicks her across the arena. Both Arc and Ghaleon wince at such a display as Arc puts a hand to his own head. The arbiter looks to Arc a bit concerned.

“What are you doing?!”

“Sorry. Something just felt... off.”

Ghaleon rolls his eyes. “Again?! What, are you afraid to fight me now?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. It’s just...”

He turns to see Celestia and Goldstone still duking it out. She winces momentarily which allows Goldstone to kick her in the face. Arc too groans as he feels something amiss inside himself. Ghaleon narrows his eyes as he notices the pattern.

“Something... is not right here.”

Arc turns to him. “Arbiter?”

Frowning, Ghaleon points his spear down and plants it in the dirt as he sits down on his haunches. Arc appears confused as he speaks.

“Sir, what are you...?”

“Watching.”

“Um... shouldn’t we be... you know...?”

Ghaleon narrows his eyes. “I smell a rat here.”

Goldstone looks over, clearly angry. “Ghaleon?! Why are you...?!”

Ghaleon cuts him off. “Something’s not right here, Goldstone! So you can carry on with your own fight while Lord Arc and I try to figure this out!”

“WHAT?! But you can’t DO THAT!”

“I can, and I am!”

Goldstone seethes. “You... YOU TRAITOR!”

As Ghaleon turns his head and scoffs, Goldstone charges forward. Seeing his opponent at the last possible moment, Ghaleon has just enough time to attempt to block the attack before it reaches him. However, it is a moment too late. Goldstone, with a quick motion of his own weapon, knocks Ghaleon’s spear from his talons and up into the air. It flies high, eventually embedding itself into the base of King Grover’s statue just below the king’s stone throne. Guto draws back instinctively as everyone watching breathes a collective gasp. Wasting no time, Goldstone shoves Ghaleon into a wall and presses the shaft of his own spear against his partner’s neck. Ghaleon glares at him.

“You DARE... strike the Arbiter!

Goldstone nods wickedly. I do! If you’re not with me, then your against me!

Arc moves to stand with Celestia. Turning to her, he speaks.

“Um... should we... do something?”

Celestia shakes her head. “No. Just watch what comes next and wait for the right moment to strike.”

Arc frowns. “What could possibly...?!”

“Trust me.”

Shrugging, Arc folds his arms over his chest and does as Celestia suggests. Ghaleon struggles to breathe as the shaft continues to press into his neck.

“Goldstone... what are you...?!”

“Fool! Don’t you get it?!”

“Get... what?!”

Goldstone smirks. “It’s true!”

“What is?”

“All of it!”

Ghaleon seethes. “You mean...?!”

Goldstone nods slyly. “That little skank of a mare from Equestria... my former slut of a secretary... heck, I remember half of the backsides of those females whom wormed their way into my trial!”

The guards around the perimeter brandish their weapons and look to the king for guidance. Grimacing, he motions for them to hold back.

“THE FIGHT MUST CONTINUE! GRIFFON LAW DEMANDS A CLEAR VICTOR!”

Goldstone continues as he looks his partner in the eye.

“I’m going to beat these fools without you, old friend. My powerful friends have seen to it that I can’t lose. Then I’m going to found innocent of all these foolish little charges and return to the Council of Lords to help them pick your replacement.”

Ghaleon grimaces. “You’re insane! They’ll never let you back in after doing something like this!”

Goldstone laughs heartily. “Fool! Coming out on top of accusations like this, as well as besting you, will ensure that NO ONE will EVER dare challenge me again!”

As he continues laughing, Ghaleon joins in the revelry. Confused, Goldstone eyes his former friend.

“What’s so funny, Arbiter?

“Tell me this, old friend. How are you planning to appoint another arbiter... when I’m still alive?”

Grabbing the spear, Ghaleon pushes the butt end of it up mightily. Forcing Goldstone to bury the point in the dirt, he kicks him savagely across the arena. Arc and Celestia dive out of the way as their opponent whizzes past and plows face first into a wall. Turning to Celestia, Arc speaks.

“Was that it?”

Celestia nods as she turns and walks toward Goldstone. “ Yes. You and Arbiter Ghaleon stay back. This cretin is MINE!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Fine. We’ll just watch then.”

Ghaleon flaps his wings and flies over to King Grover’s statue. With a mighty tug he collects his weapon from the ancient stone base. Turning, he cries out.

“Princess Celestia! Take this!”

Tossing his spear to her, Celestia catches it in midair with a quick motion of her fetlock. Smirking, she pats it tenderly.

“It feels good to hold this weapon again.”

Turning to Goldstone, she points it at him menacingly.

“Prepare to face the unbridled wrath of the Spear of Justice, worm!”

She levies the spear and charges headlong at Goldstone. Smirking, he looks over to the king out of the corner of his eye. Guto makes a slight nod to him. His talon hovers over the button as he watches and waits. As Celestia nears Goldstone the king presses it. However, Celestia fails to slow her stead. Pressing the button over and over again, Guto frowns. Seeing this, Goldstone lunges out of the way and gasps.

“What the...?!”

Celestia turns to face him with a smirk on her face. “What’s the matter, Goldstone? Lost your nerve?”

Seething, Goldstone gets to his feet and charges forward. However, Celestia effortlessly disarms him and smacks her opponent in his backside with the butt of the Spear of Justice. Tripping, Goldstone rolls across the arena floor. Meanwhile, Shining Armor’s radio rings out.

“Lemon Hearts to General Shining Armor!”

“Shining Armor here. Go ahead.”

“Moon Dancer has just picked up some abnormal readings from your current location! She believes it to be magic disruption waves!”

Gestal raises an eyebrow. “But that’s not possible. The Griffon Kingdom doesn’t have anything like that.”

Ashe nods. “Right. After all, there’d be no point, as no one here has magic.”

Twilight speaks into the radio. “Could she have been mistaken. Lemon Hearts?”

“Moon Dancer is certain, your highness! Somepony is trying to rig the fight!”

Natalya frowns. “But who would dare...?!”

Gallus interrupts and points an accusatory talon at the arena floor. “Someone with nothing to lose! Like Goldstone!”

Raven seethes. “That coward!”

Flash Sentry stands. “We can’t let him get away with it!”

Gestal nods as he too rises. “Agreed!”

Twilight gasps. “What are you going to do, Lord Gestal?”

“Fly down there and inform everyone of this treachery!”

Flash Sentry grins. “I’ll come too!”

Natalya spreads her wings. “As will I!”

Gallus grins as he joins her. “With you all the way, big sis.”

Gabby’s eyes grow wide as she turns to her older sister. “What?! Who’s side are you on?!”

“Fairness and honesty.”

Spreading their wings, the three griffons and pony fly down to the arena floor as Twilight looks to her brother.

“General Shining Armor, please escort Gabby into the corridor.”

“Yes, princess.”

Gabby gasps. “What?! But why?!”

Twilight sighs. “Because I get the feeling it’s almost over.”

Shining Armor takes the handle of Gabby’s wheelchair and begins pushing it.

“This way, miss.”

Gabby cries out loudly. “No! Father! FATHER!”

She continues calling out as Shining Armor half pushes, half drags her into the corridor. Raven walks over to Twilight and puts her hooves up on the guardrail as she speaks.

“Shall we watch, your highness?”

Twilight nods. “Much as I’d rather not, I shall.”

Meanwhile, Gestal lands in front of the arena guardrail along with the others and looks up at King Guto.

“Sire! Someone is attempting to rig this competition!”

Guto feigns confusion. “Gestal?! What are you saying?!”

Natalya cries out. “There’s a magical disrupter being used here, sire!”

Gallus clenches a talon angrily. “Yeah! Someone’s trying to cheat!”

Flash Sentry points a hoof at Goldstone. “And I know just who would do such a thing!”

Celestia smirks as she looks down at her opponent. “So much for that.”

Goldstone’s eyes grow wide. “P-Princess Celestia?”

Celestia holds up the spear as she talks. “The Spear of Justice protects its wielder from such things.”

“What?! But... but that would mean that YOU’RE cheating!”

Ghaleon scoffs. “How so?!”

Goldstone points at the spear in Celestia’s fetlock. “By using a magical weapon!”

Arc scoffs. “Which YOUR side brought into battle!”

Ghaleon shrugs. “Admittedly it does have innate powers, yes. However, I was told by King Guto himself that such a thing was acceptable, as I’m not a magic user.”

Guto nods as he calls out. “ARBITER GHALEON, AS PER THE LAW, HAS THE RIGHT TO WIELD THE TRADITIONAL WEAPON OF HIS STATION AT ALL TIMES! AND AS HE DOES NOT POSSESS MAGIC, DOING SO WILL NOT CHANGE THE OUTCOME OF THE BATTLE ONE WAY OR THE OTHER!

Celestia grins wickedly as she turns back to Goldstone. “Now then, we shall finish this matter... permanently.”

Goldstone smirks as he readies himself. “Yes... that we shall.”

Celestia sneers. “Agreed!”

The pair meet spear to sword, each grunting and pressing with all they are worth in an attempt to gain the upper hand, er hoof... um... or talon. Goldstone looks Celestia in the eye as he snorts.

“What’s your angle, princess?!”

Celestia glares at him. “I’m taking you down!”

Goldstone scoffs. “You act as if this is some kind of personal vendetta!”

“It is!”

“What did I ever do to YOU?!”

“You hurt one of my little ponies! And for that...!”

She turns and makes a sweeping motion with her tail. Catching his foot, Celestia gives it a tug, knocking him onto his back. She takes aim with her spear and lunges forward as she screams loudly.

“...YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGIVEN!!!”

Piercing his gut, Celestia then kicks Goldstone across the arena to land in the dirt yet again. Stumbling to his feet, with a talon instinctively holding onto the spear planted in his midsection, he looks to Celestia angrily as she smugly smiles and looks down her nose at him.

“Now then, I do believe it’s time for you to surrender, Goldstone.”

Goldstone coughs. “Not... yet.”

Reaching into his armor, Goldstone pulls out a small knife. Winding up to throw it at Celestia, he pauses momentarily as a strange sound overhead rings out. Looking up, Goldstone spies the base of King Grover’s statue overhead cracking. It snaps at the ankles and falls toward him. Screaming out, he gasps as the blade in the statue’s talon pierces his chest. Gasping, he drops the knife as a steady stream of blood begins to flow down the blade and onto the ground. As his lungs fill, Goldstone struggles to speak.

“It... it wasn’t supposed... to end... like...”

Celestia walks over to him and puts a hoof on the Spear of Justice. She looks his straight in the eye before speaking.

“Goodbye... Lord Goldstone.”

Yanking the spear unceremoniously from his belly, the griffon’s guts spill out messily. He falls face first into the dirt and does not rise as the blood quickly begins to pool around him. Celestia turns and holds the bloody spear aloft triumphantly as the crowd breaks into uproarious cheers. King Guto frowns and looks down at the device angrily.

“Piece of junk! The Council of Shadows has much to answer for!”

The king seethes inwardly as he gazes out at Goldstone’s dead body lying in the bloody mud with the statue’s blade still piercing him. Shaking his head, he muses to himself.

“The legend... King Grover’s spirit watching over this place. Disliking any form of cheating or subterfuge. Could it have been... that he had merely had enough of Goldstone’s antics that he wouldn’t allow him to win?”

Guto sighs as he stands and shoves the device into his royal cloak. Walking down the corridor away from the balcony, the sounds of cheering echo down the way surrounding him with the sounds of a joyful noise. Shuddering, he bows his head and sighs.

“One day they may be cheering at my own death at the talons of the rebels.”

Tapping his beak slightly, he stands there for a moment before regaining his resolution and poise.

“No. No, it will not come to that. I won’t let it!”

Chuckling as he continues on his way, Guto nods to himself.

“And I think I know just the individual to help me see to that... once and for all.”

Author's Note

And there we have it. This story arc is finally done and Raven has her cloture. :raritystarry: For those whom have wanted this to happen for a VERY long time and are worried about Goldstone regenerating, or coming back in some way I can assure you...

https://youtu.be/hLv4afpovvA?t=89

Stay tuned for the VOLUME FINALE coming this weekend. In the meantime, here's an alternate picture of Celestia...

Let me know in the comments section which one you liked more. :trollestia::twilightsmile:

I'm only about halfway done with the next volume, so it's going to be a while before it's translated and ready for everyone. Liking how its shaping up so far and hoping the wife likes it too. Fingers crossed there. :raritystarry:

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 14 - Justice be Done

Arc looks over the scene before him. He stares at Goldstone lying on the ground under the statue, dead. Looking to Celestia he nods silently. She turns to Ghaleon and holds out the Spear of Justice.

“I believe this belongs to you, arbiter.”

Ghaleon accepts the weapon soberly.

“Thank you, your highness.”

Celestia gestures with a hoof to Goldstone’s corpse. “I’m... not sure how close you two were, but...”

Ghaleon shoulders his weapon as he cuts in. “Goldstone and I have known each other since we were younglings. We grew up together... went to school together... served in the military together. However... after what he confessed to doing... you did what you had to do.”

Celestia looks to Arc. “We should probably get back to Twilight now.”

“And Gabby too. She’s not going to be too happy about this.”

“It had to be done though.”

Arc motions with a thumb behind him as he turns and begins walking. “So... should we do something about... that?”

Celestia shakes her head as they make their way toward the gate. “Let the griffons take care of their fallen lord. For now, we need to get cleaned up.”

Arc and Ghaleon follow her inside the tunnels and back to the changing room. They enter together as the others continue on. Recalling his armor, Arc sits down heavily on a nearby bench. Ghaleon looks over, confused.

“You appear rather upset for someone whom just won.”

Arc sighs. “It’s... complicated.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“We had a choice to make back there. And we made it.”

Ghaleon nods soberly. “All of us did, Lord Arc.”

Celestia scoffs. “You don’t regret doing what we did, now do you?”

“It’s not that simple. I understand that Goldstone had to go down. He had to pay for his crimes against Raven, Galena, and the other griffons he raped. But... but now his accomplice will most likely face a similar fate.”

Celestia frowns. “What do you mean?”

“A young griffon named Galena helped Goldstone set up females to be raped.”

Ghaleon folds his talons over his chestplate. “Then she too must face justice.”

“She herself was a regular victim too though.”

Celestia turns to Ghaleon. “Would you excuse us please?”

“Very well, princess.”

He leaves the room as Celestia looks back to Arc. Sighing, she continues.

“Tell me, what would you do if this young griffon’s fate was in your hands?”

Arc looks down at the floor. “I... I don’t know.”

“Well, I think you do.”

“On the one hand, she was a victim just trying to survive his wrath.”

“But...”

“The other side of the matter is that she knowingly led other griffons to share her fate and be victimized.”

Celestia nods soberly. “There isn’t always a cut and dry verdict for every trial.”

“I know.”

“Would you have felt the same way if somepony you cared for deeply had been a victim? Perhaps Twilight?”

Arc groans. “No. I’d probably have wanted to gut him myself.”

“As would the other victims and their families regarding Galena, I would assume.”

“I’m sure they want vengeance, yes. And admittedly they really should get it.”

“So your opinion of a suitable punishment is what? A lifetime of prison?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. According to Ashe, that would be far worse for her.”

“Then what should be done?”

“I honestly have no idea.”

“Yes, you do.”

Arc looks up, confused. “Huh?”

“You said it yourself a few moments ago. Were someone close to you a victim of such things, you would have liked to kill their rapist yourself.”

Arc is silent for a time. Eventually Celestia continues.

“You already know what should be done in this case. Now it’s just a matter of letting the courts here do what they will with her. It is the only way for the victims to begin to heal. To have... cloture and begin to try and move on with their lives.”

Nodding, Arc stands and heads for the door.

“I really can’t disagree with you.”

Celestia smirks. “Because you know I’m right?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It’s only because I don’t have any better ideas.”

He leaves the room and heads through the throngs of griffons still giddy from the excitement of witnessing such a thing. They part and bow respectfully to allow him to pass as they cheer and wave. Arc continues on until he reaches the VIP room. Shining Armor is standing guard outside dutifully. He salutes and waits for Arc to speak.

“Is Twilight still in there?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes sir. She said you would be along to collect her eventually.”

“Is she... upset?”

“A bit, yes. I think you should go talk to her.”

“Y-yeah. I... I think I’ll take her back to the ship via portal though.”

Shining Armor groans. “That’s probably for the best.”

“See to it that the others are safely returned to The Equinox as well.”

“It’ll probably take some time though, sir. I just heard on the radio that the entire city is out in the streets celebrating this historic event.”

Arc sighs. “Even more reason to get Twilight back to the ship.”

Shining Armor salutes and allows Arc to pass. Entering, he spies Twilight sitting in her seat still looking out over the arena floor. Sitting down next to her, Arc speaks.

“What are you looking at?”

Twilight points a hoof. “The soldiers trying to get the statue off of Lord Goldstone’s body.”

Arc gazes out at the sight some distance away. “Looks like they’re having some trouble.”

“Did we... did we do the right thing, Arc?”

“In regards to Goldstone, yes.”

Twilight bows her head. “But we both know what this most likely means for Galena.”

“Yes. It... was a hard choice to make. Even though she wanted to see him go down as well, I too had my moments of doubt. Still do, actually.”

“How do I tell her though?!”

A voice rings out behind them.

“I don’t think you’ll have to.”

They turn around to see Celestia walking toward them. Twilight looks away nervously.

“I’m sorry, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia appears confused. “What for, Twilight?”

“Not finding a better way to resolve this matter.”

“Such as...?”

“An outcome where Lord Goldstone was removed from the Council of Lords, tried for his crimes, and sent to the dungeon for them. One where only he was punished for his crimes and the victims could seek justice.”

Celestia walks over and sits down on the other side of Twilight before looking out over the arena with her.

“I suppose that would have been for the betterment of all concerned, yes. However, you have to understand that I did hear the court case over the airwaves along with most of Equestria. While you honorably tried to convict him on the merits of your case alone, remember that it was he whom insisted on taking things this route, Twilight.”

“And Galena? What could have been done to save her?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Very little, I’m afraid. After all, she did stand before the king and confess to aiding another griffon in raping innumerable others. So she herself was not blameless in this matter.”

“Tell me then, Princess Celestia. How would you have seen Lord Goldstone punished? While at the same time preventing anypony else from going down with him, of course.”

“You think that I could have done something?”

“Of course. After all, you’ve always told me that there are more options than we know of.”

“That is true, Twilight. However you have to understand that they’re not always pleasant. Or legal.”

Twilight appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“He could have been simply taken out.”

“Out?”

Arc chimes in. “I think she means assassinated.”

Twilight gasps. “But that would have caused an international incident!”

Celestia smiles wickedly. “Yes, it would have... had anypony found out.”

“What... are you saying?”

“That if legal or traditional methods fail, there is always the option of resorting to underhooved actions.”

Arc frowns. “Can you give us an example?”

Celestia nods. “Of course. Let’s say that, hypothetically, the Griffon Kingdom had completely stonewalled Equestria regarding this matter indefinitely. They had made clear that our complaint would not be heard no matter how many requests were made. We could have then turned our energy toward infiltrating this country’s underworld. Somewhere in this land there is somepony whom could be paid to do great harm to our target.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide at this. “But that wouldn’t be right!”

Celestia smiles at her student warmly. “I agree, Twilight. However as rulers we sometimes have to get our hooves dirty in order to safeguard our citizens.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And how long would you have waited before doing such a thing?”

“You have to remember that I am old and VERY patient. However, even I have my limits. From what Luna told me regarding the length of time this entire ordeal has taken, I believe that I would have been ready to take matters into my own hooves in another few months.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “While I understand what you’re saying, I don’t think I could have done it that way, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia puts a hoof under Twilight’s chin and raises it to look her in the eye. “And I don’t blame you for that. However, you would do well to remember that sometimes you may be faced with situations which leave you no choice.”

Arc sighs. “That much I can understand.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “Arc?”

“Back during the peace summit at Light’s Hope, someone poisoned Luna and Cadance. All the evidence at the time pointed to Goldstone being the culprit. Even physical evidence found in his room backed up my suspicions and the previously gathered testimony from the other delegates. However, a short time later I found that he was set up by the true culprit... Sunset Shimmer.”

Twilight nods soberly. “I recall that, yes. How did you convince him to speak in your defense though?”

“By using one of those crystals to show him a very particular memory of mine in which the Queen of Abyssinia told me that Goldstone tried to convince her to sleep with him.”

Celestia smirks. “Blackmail.”

“More or less.”

Twilight frowns. “I remember you telling me about that. But I still didn’t like it.”

Celestia turns to Arc. “And what do you think would have happened had you not employed such methods?”

“That Goldstone would have riled everyone up as he painted himself as the victim of a false arrest.”

“Agreed. What was done certainly wasn’t on the up and up. However, it needed to be done to salvage what was left of the summit.”

Arc looks out at the griffon soldiers as the pull Goldstone’s mangled body from under King Grover’s statue. “Admittedly, had it been anyone else other that Goldstone, I don’t think I could have done it to them. But he was a special kind of slime.”

Twilight sighs. “I believe I have a lot to think about.”

Celestia smiles at her friend. “Perhaps you should return with me to Canterlot, Twilight.”

Arc holds up a gauntlet. “I could give you two a portal.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, my work here isn’t done yet.”

Celestia sighs. “You’re still thinking about the female griffon, aren’t you?”

“I am, yes. And I’m not going to give up trying to figure out a way to make things right for her.”

“While I do admire your attitude, Twilight, please remember that there may not be an officially sanctioned way to help her.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now then, shall I escort you back to the Aviary to see Galena?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I’d like that.”

She turns to her mentor before continuing.

“Would you like to meet her, Princess Celestia? I’m sure she’d enjoy the visit.”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, I need to return to Canterlot for a therapy session later this afternoon.”

“Oh, well... hopefully it’ll be of benefit to you.”

“They are, yes. However, I still have a long way to go. Or so I’m told.”

Arc steps forward. “We won’t keep you any longer then. I’ll remain here in the Griffon Kingdom with Twilight and make sure she’s safe as long as she stays.”

Celestia grimaces. “Very good. “

She turns and opens a portal. Walking towards it, Celestia stops but does not turn around as she speaks.

“I... hope I can trust you in this regard.”

Without another word, Celestia steps through her portal and is gone. Twilight looks to Arc and smiles.

“It looks like we’re making progress.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Princess Celestia trusts you regarding my care. That’s certainly not something she does lightly.”

“Considering your past with her, I can see that.”

“Maybe one day the two of you will actually be friends.”

Arc frowns. “Let’s not jump to conclusions now, Twilight. Remember, her and I have our own past to overcome, after all. And it’s not something either of us will move past quickly. Or soon, I would imagine.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose that’s true. But let’s get back to the Aviary for now and see Galena.”

“Sure.”

Holding out his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Stepping through, the pair arrive in the outer dungeon. Walking up to the officer on duty Twilight speaks.

“I’m here to see Galena again.”

The officer stands with his keys. “Right this way, your highness.”

Several guards join them as Twilight and Arc are brought to the now familiar interview room. The officer looks to Arc as Twilight enter the room ahead of him.

“I will bring the prisoner here at once.”

“Thank you.”

As Arc closes the door behind them, Twilight sits down and opens a large book. She scans pages quickly as Arc approaches.

“What are you reading?”

Twilight does not look up as she talks. “Ancient griffon law.”

“How old does something have to be to get that classification?”

“There’s no firm rule on that sadly. But personally I see anything more than five hundred years as ‘ancient’.”

“That is pretty old, yes.”

“Right now I’m reading through the section regarding the Battle of Truth to see if there’s anything I can do to help Galena.”

“Um... that book looks kinda familiar.”

Twilight sighs. “I’ve actually already read it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean...?”

“I’m just making sure I didn’t miss anything.”

A few minutes later the officer returns with Galena in her shackles. His guards unchain the griffon as he looks to Arc.

“Here you are, sir. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I think we’re okay.”

He pulls a package from his ring and hands it to the officer before continuing.

“Thank you for all the hard work you and your guards do.”

The officer grins as he accepts the parcel. “Thank you, sir!”

Turning, he and his guards hurry out of the room. Arc closes the door with a Telekinesis Spell as Twilight looks over Galena’s bandages.

“It looks like your wings are healing well.”

Galena nods. “Yes, the pain is a lot more manageable today, Lady Twilight.”

Arc joins them. “That’s probably due to us asking the guards to give you regular painkillers. They have been delivering them, I hope.”

“Oh, yes sir. But might I ask how you convinced them to do so?”

Twilight giggles. “Actually Arc was responsible for that.”

Arc shrugs. “Just a few well-placed bribes. That box I gave your jailer just now was my latest payment.”

Galena eyes grow wide. “Sir, the Griffon Kingdom’s laws are very strict regarding such things!”

Twilight smiles. “Not to worry, Galena. I’ve read over the law and it appears that both Lord Arc and I have diplomatic immunity.”

Arc shrugs. “That and even if someone did find out, I don’t think they could do a whole lot. After all, the bribes were just pastries.”

Galena appears confused. “Pastries, sir?”

Twilight nods. “Cupcakes, to be precise.”

Arc pulls one from his ring and holds it out to Galena. “I buy them in bulk from a shop in Ponyville.”

Galena smiles as she accepts the cupcake. “These really are tasty. However I never thought they could be used to bribe anyone.”

“I’ve been calling them ‘gifts’. So far no one has questioned it.”

“Well, I thank you just the same, sir.”

She turns to Twilight whom has pulled another book to herself with a spell.

“Um... what are you doing, Lady Twilight?”

“Looking over a few things before I tell you the news.”

“Is it about the Battle of Truth?”

Twilight nods nervously. “Yes. You see... Arc and Princess Celestia were victorious.”

Galena appears hopeful. “Does that mean...?!”

Arc smirks. “Yes. Lord Goldstone is dead.”

“Are you certain, sir?!”

“Very. A statue fell on him at the end.”

Twilight shudders. “I stuck around after a lot of the audience had already left... just to make sure. Even though it wasn’t really necessary. I mean... his innards were literally strewn on the ground around him.”

“Last we saw, the guards were having quite a hard time moving the statue to get to his body out.”

Galena smiles widely. “Then everyone is safe from his foul talons!”

Twilight looks away nervously. “Yes, well... that still leaves the matter of what will happen to you now.”

She gestures to the book before continuing.

“I still can’t find anything regarding accomplices though.”

Galena sighs. “Then there isn’t a legal precedence. At least not one that is available to me, that is.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So then the king could decide to show you leniency?”

“Legally, yes. However, I don’t think he will.”

Twilight nods soberly. “The public was very upset after they learned that Goldstone had somepony helping him set up other griffons.”

Galena bows her head. “I don’t blame them for hating me. After all, I do deserve whatever is coming.”

“Well, at least you’ll get a chance to plead your case at trial, right?”

There is a knock at the door. Arc turns and pulls it open with a spell. The officer from before steps in with a few papers in his talons. Approaching Arc, he speaks.

“I’ve just received word from King Guto on this prisoner, sir.”

“In regards to her case?”

“Yes sir. King Guto has declared that, for the crimes of aiding and abetting a now-convicted rapist innumerable times, she is to be summarily executed.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?!”

Arc frowns. “No trial?!”

The officer shakes his head. “No, sir. His official ruling states that her fate was tied to the outcome of the Battle of Truth. Since Lord Goldstone fell, all those connected to the crime are deemed ‘guilty’ as well.”

Twilight slams her front hooves down on the table angrily. “But that’s not...!”

Galena interrupts her. Please, Lady Twilight. Remember, I am guilty of this crime and must be punished accordingly.”

Arc looks to the officer. “When will the execution take place?”

“Today at sunset, as per tradition.”

Galena sighs and nods. “That soon?”

“So has been ordered by the king, yes.”

Twilight frowns. “Can’t we talk to him about it?!”

“I’m sorry, Princess Twilight, but the king’s orders on this matter are final. As per our laws, once a case is officially ruled upon, the matter is closed.”

Arc sighs. “So there’s nothing further to be done?”

“Nothing, sir. However there is one last bit of business to be completed by the accused.”

Galena appears confused. “I have to do something?”

“Yes. As per our laws, a condemned prisoner is granted one final request. It is traditionally used to ask for a specific last meal. However, the choice is up to you.”

“I... actually do have a request.”

The officer pulls out a pen and paper. “Very well. What is it?”

“Recently I turned over my egg to Equestrian custody. As per our nation’s treaty with them, Lord Arc took it from me and brought it to an orphanage in their country. My final request is to be allowed to see where my egg will be raised when it hatches with my own eyes.”

Frowning, the officer shakes his head. “That isn’t possible, as your execution is in only a few hours. Nowhere near long enough for a flight across the ocean. And that’s if such a thing were even allowed due to security concerns, miss.”

Galena looks down sadly. “I figured as much.”

Twilight frowns. “No, that is indeed possible.”

The officer turns to her. “Your highness?”

Twilight points to Arc’s gauntlet. “Lord Arc is capable of opening a portal across the ocean to allow for instantaneous travel.”

Arc nods. “It’s true. I can come and go as I please.”

Galena smiles. “So I could see my eggs future home?!”

The officer groans. “While I do believe Lord Arc’s claim to be true, there is still no way that my commanding officer will sign off on the authorization allowing a condemned criminal out of the dungeon for such a trip. Much less leaving the country.”

Arc smirks. “I may know a way to decide this.”

Twilight grins. “Great! What is it?!”

“One moment.”

He touches his earring and calls out.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“Does Ambassador Ashe still have her radio?”

“Yes sir. Shall I connect you?”

“Please do.”

“One moment, sir.”

Frowning, the officer calls out. “Sir, the Ambassador to Equestria does not have the proper authority to order such a thing.”

“We’ll see.”

A few moments later Ashe’s voice rings out.

“This is Ambassador Ashe. What can I do for you, Lord Arc?”

“I have a bit of a problem here in the dungeon, Ashe. Galena, the griffon whom came forward at the trial, has been sentenced to death.”

Ashe sighs. “Then that’s the verdict. Nothing can be changed about it at this point, sir.”

“We understand that. However the matter at hand is her last request.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

“The request is to be allowed to see the Little Hooves Orphanage. Galena wants to be shown that her egg with be well cared for.”

Twilight chimes in. “Arc can take her there via portal, fulfil the request, and have her back before sunset today.”

Ashe calls out. “Let me guess. No one will sign off on it?”

Arc nods. “Understandably, no.”

“One moment.”

The officer looks to Arc as the line goes dead. “I’m sorry to have to do this, sir. However, as I said before, no one is going to put their signature on such an order.”

“No harm in asking though, right?”

Twilight giggles. “I think I see what you’re planning here, Arc.”

Galena appears confused. “Planning?”

A familiar voice rings out, interrupting their conversation.

“Lord Arc, this is Lord Gestal.”

“Hello again, sir.”

“My daughter has just informed me that you’re having a bit of trouble securing permission to carry out a final request. Is that the case?”

“Yes, sir. You see, the officer on duty here in the dungeon says that he can’t release Galena into my custody to fulfil her desire to see the orphanage back in Equestria.”

The officer nods as he calls out. “That is true, sir. At this point she’s a flight risk.”

“I see. Well, the argument against the request is sound. After all, there’s no reason for her not to try and escape, what with being condemned.”

Arc sighs. “Sir, I would take full responsibility for Galena during that time.”

“Let me run this by the Aviary, Lord Arc. One moment.”

The line goes dead as Arc turns to Galena and sighs.

“Well, I did my best.”

“And I thank you for it, sir.”

Twilight looks to Arc’s earring. “Now all that’s left to do is wait to hear back from him.”

A few minutes later Arc’s earring chirps again. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts again. I have the Aviary holding. They’re asking to talk to you.”

“Good. Patch them through.”

“Right away, sir.”

The officer appears impressed. “That was fast.”

Twilight grins. “Good. Maybe they’ll connect us with somepony who can make that decision.”

A few moments later a voice rings out.

“Lord Arc?”

“Yes, I’m here.”

“This is King Guto. I’m told you wish to take a prisoner to Equestria.”

The officer’s eyes grow wide as Arc responds.

“Yes sir. Galena’s last request.”

“That’s quite the risk. After all, there’s no reason for her to not try and escape execution at this point.”

“As I told Lord Gestal, I would be fully responsible for her during her visit to Equestria, sir.”

“While I am certain you are a capable individual, you must understand that the public would be furious if she were to get away though. After all, they’re calling for her blood over her crimes.”

Twilight steps forward. “King Guto, this is Princess Twilight. I’d like to make a proposition.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’d be willing to stay here in the dungeon while Galena is gone.”

Guto sounds confused. “For what purpose?”

“As a bit of living collateral.”

“You’d be willing to be a prisoner, princess?!”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes sir, I would.”

“Just to make sure that I understand this correctly, you’d be willing to take Galena’s place in her cell until she is returned?”

“That is correct.”

“And if she escapes while abroad?”

“Then you may keep me until she is found and returned.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “We would of course turn the country upside-down to find her as quickly as possible should that happen.”

Guto sounds pleased. “And Princess Twilight will continue to be our prisoner until she is returned?”

Twilight nods. “Right. “

Arc looks to Galena as he speaks. “Please, your highness. The prisoner only wishes to see that her egg with be safe in Equestria.”

There is a long pause before the king speaks again.

“Very well. I accept the terms of the agreement as it has been laid out. Princess Twilight is to be held in a secure location within the dungeon until I personally give the order for her release. Is there an officer present to carry out this order, Lord Arc.”

“Yes sir. The officer on duty is right here.”

The officer salutes nervously. “Yes sire! I shall sequester Princess Twilight in the Interrogation Room she is currently occupying!”

“And you accept that, Princess Twilight?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, King Guto.”

“Very well. Officer, the prisoner will be released to fulfil her final wish. Princess Twilight will take her place until her return.”

“It shall be done, your majesty.”

“I will fill out the forms making this official at once, Lord Arc. You are free to take the prisoner at any time.”

Arc grins. “Perfect. We shall leave momentarily.”

“Very well. I’m glad we could come to an agreement.”

“As am I, sir. But I won’t take up any more of your time with this matter.”

“Thank you. I would also like to extend an invitation to you and Princess Twilight for tonight’s execution as well.”

Twilight grimaces. “We will... consider attending.”

“Understood, princess. Send word to me via Ambassador Ashe when you come to a decision.”

“Yes sir, I will.”

“I look forward to seeing you again.”

The line goes dead as Arc turns to Galena.

“Are you ready to go?”

Galena nods. “I am, yes.”

Opening a portal, Arc turns to Twilight.

“You really going to be okay staying here alone?”

Twilight gestures to the table and the books on it. “Yes. I’ll keep going over these books to try and find something we can use while you take care of Galena’s request.”

Stepping toward the portal, he looks to Galena.

“Shall we?”

Nodding, Galena steps forward. She holds out her wrists to Arc who raises an eyebrow.

“Um... what are you doing?”

“Preparing to be shackled, sir.”

“That won’t be necessary. Let’s go.”

Confused, Galena follows Arc through the portal. They pair reappear in the corner of Derpy’s small house. She looks around, confused.

“Sir, where are we?”

“Equestria. Ponyville to be exact. This is where I stay when I’m not out on a mission, or something.”

Galena gasps. “Your home is very... spartan!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s not actually mine. I just rent a room here.”

“Really? I would have thought that you would have been given a luxurious home by the capital.”

“Well, I do have a room in Canterlot Castle. But I prefer this place over that. In any case, we can talk more on the way. This way.”

Leading Galena toward the door, Arc grabs his coat off the peg. Opening it, the pair step out into the cold, snowy landscape. Arc turns and gestures to the town before them as ponies walk around in boots, hats, and scarves.

“I give you... Ponyville.”

“It’s very nice. Tell me, is this where the lesser nobles live?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Everyone here is a commoner.”

Galena appears confused. “Then how do they afford such wonderful looking homes?”

“Jobs here pay substantially more than back in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Galena turns back to look at Derpy’s house as they begin walking. “And the one whom owns this one. What do they do for a living?”

“Cook meals at the orphanage.”

“Forgive me, sir. I’m just in awe that someone could live so well doing such a lowly job! Can you tell me more about those whom populate the town?!”

“They’re mostly shopkeepers, laborers, farmers, and whatnot. No one in Ponyville is really wealthy here. Well... except the stallion whom owns the general store. He’s got a much larger house than everyone else.”

“Is he nice?”

“Admittedly, no. Filthy Rich is very similar to the nobles you’re familiar with in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Galena sighs. “I suppose some things are universal.”

“Yes, well... we should probable get to the orphanage.”

Walking on, they hear a voice ring out behind them.

“Hello again, sir!”

Turning, the pair see a griffon hurrying toward them with full to bursting saddlebags. Arc chuckles as he approaches.

“It’s good to see you again, mister... um... I just realized that I never actually asked your name.”

“Gunther, sir!”

“I’ll try to remember that. Did you take my advice?”

Gunther nods. “Yes sir! I went straight to the Inn and got a room as instructed! However, when I arrived the innkeeper got a phone call from their hired help saying that they were sick in bed! So I volunteered to take over their duties until they’re better!”

Galena smiles. “Sounds like you’re doing well here. Tell me, how long have you been in Equestria?”

“A couple hours.”

“Huh?”

Arc chimes in. “Goldstone was giving him problems when I was preparing to enter the arena.”

Gunther nods. “So Lord Arc arranged for me to be discharged and sent here to Ponyville! I’m going to learn to read and have a place of my own someday!”

“Learning to read will be the first step, so be sure to focus on that first.”

“Yes sir. I’m planning to do that in the evenings after work.”

“Good. I’m guessing you picked up a reading book already.”

Gunther pulls a book from one of his saddlebags. “Miss Peachbottom gave me one straight away, yes. She event taught me a few words!”

Arc grins. “You’re well on your way then. But we won’t keep you from your duties any longer.”

“Thanks again, sir!”

He hurries off down the road. Galena looks to Arc.

“I don’t understand. How can someone come here and immediately find such opportunities, sir?”

“There’s always a need for more workers. Especially for simple tasks that don’t require much if any training.”

“And he’s attending school?”

Arc shakes his head. “That was just a book to teach himself. But I’m sure Miss Peachbottom would help him out if he had questions. Obtaining reading skills will open more doors for him to advance himself in Equestria. A better job, more pay, and the ability to provide for himself.”

Galena looks at Gunther as he enters the Inn. “Here in Equestria for a few hours and he’s already leagues and bounds ahead of most commoners in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Probably. But let’s continue on.”

Walking down the path, they come to the edge of town. Arc points a finger at a large building up ahead.

“There it is.”

Galena smiles. “It’s very large!”

“Such is needed to properly house the foals and younglings. That and it’s also the town’s school.”

“Town’s school?”

Arc nods. “Equestria educates every one of its citizens, free of charge. The old schoolhouse was small and rather run down, I’m told. So when this building was built, it was decided to combine the orphanage and school into one.”

Entering the Main Hall, Galena marvels at the sight before her.

“This is a government run establishment?!”

“Yes, it is.”

“It’s so clean! And warm too!”

“Griffon Kingdom buildings are a bit cooler than the ones here, yes.”

“That’s often due to budget constraints. They cut corners, starting with heat and general maintenance.”

Arc motions for her to follow. “Let’s head upstairs to the Matron’s office and announce ourselves though.”

Walking up the stairs, they make their way to the familiar office. Arc knocks lightly and waits patiently. A few moments later Coco Pommel’s voice rings out on the other side.

“Come in!”

Entering, he looks to the desk as Coco Pommel smiles at him. Standing, she walks over to greet the pair properly.

“Welcome back, Arc! To what do we owe this visit?!”

Arc motions to his companion. “Coco Pommel, this is Galena. She’s the mother of the egg I brought you recently. Galena, this is Coco Pommel. The Matron of the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Galena smiles. “A pleasure, miss.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Nice to meet you.”

Arc continues. “As you know, Galena surrendered her egg to the state recently. She’s asked to see how it will be cared for.”

Coco Pommel motions to a nearby corner table with a hoof. “It’s right over here.”

She walks them over to the table as she continues.

“As you can see, we have an egg warmer from the Griffon Kingdom for just this purpose.”

Galena puts a talon on the clear cover. “It’s so warm!”

Arc chuckles. “As it should be, I would imagine.”

“Yes, well... they are usually set much lower back in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Coco Pommel quickly reaches for a book under the table. “Are you certain, miss? I thought I set it to the temperature set forth in this book from your land.”

“The book is probably correct. Setting it lower is traditionally done to save money on electricity.”

Arc frowns. “That seems like a bad place to cut corners.”

“Oh, it is. Many eggs hatch sick for just that reason.”

Coco Pommel puts the book back as she speaks. “Well, rest assured that we don’t fret over a bit more electricity here, miss. The safety and well-being of our orphans are of paramount concern.”

“Might I know where my egg will be transferred when it hatches, Matron?”

“Of course. Please follow me.”

Leading them out of the office, Coco Pommel walks the pair down the corridor to another room. Opening it, she turns on the lights to reveal a vividly decorated room as she speaks.

“This is our newly built nursery. Here we can care for both newborn foals and younglings alike.”

Galena looks to the rows of cribs. “You must have quite a few then to warrant such a large room for them.”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “Just one filly actually. I ordered this room built for future younglings and foals. After all, once they get here they will need to be sequestered away from the older orphans for a time.”

Arc nods. “As you can see, the room is properly heated, supplied, and ready to fulfil its purpose.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Yes, Gallus and Natalya have both volunteered to take turns watching the little ones when they return.”

Galena grimaces. “And if too many are sent here?”

“Then I can call Canterlot and ask them to send over additional temporary employees as needed.”

Arc chimes in. “They can be quickly flown over to help out as needed.”

“However it’s not likely it will come to that. After all, Arc’s base down the road is full of guards that are willing to volunteer here on their days off.”

Galena appears confused. “Soldiers?”

Arc chuckles. “I had a sign-up sheet posted some time back. They were literally climbing over each other to get to it.”

Coco Pommel smiles at Galena as she explains. “Many of them are orphans themselves whom I helped raise.”

“So you’ve been the matron for a long time?”

“No, I was only appointed a couple years ago. However, I was raised in the previous orphanage in northern Equestria for my entire foalhood.”

“Were you an orphan as well?”

“That I was. I’ve since made it my life’s work to do my very best to protect, educate, and provide for the orphans of Equestria. And now the Griffon Kingdom as well.”

She motions toward the door before continuing.

“But why don’t I show you our educational facilities?”

Galena smiles. “Thank you, I’d like that.”

Heading out of the room, they walk downstairs to the Main Hall. Coco Pommel gestures to a classroom as she looks to Galena.

“Have a look at our pre-school classes for the orphans and townsfoals as well.”

Peeking through the window in the door, Galena sees desks filled with very young foals as well as younglings sitting down and writing. Miss Peachbottom stands at the front of the room with a yardstick pointing at words on the blackboard. The class reads them aloud as she does so.

“CAT! DOG! TREE! BIRD!”

Peachbottom picks up a piece of chalk. “Alright, here’s a few harder ones.”

The continues reading aloud. “SCHOOL! PAPER! PENCIL!”

Last one!”

“GRIFFON!”

Peachbottom claps her hooves as she smiles at her class. “Very good! You’re all learning so fast! Now then, let’s move on to reading!”

The class opens their desks and pull out books. Peachbottom does the same as she reads from her teacher’s edition.

“Who would like to start us off?”

Geoffrey raises a talon. “I would!”

Peachbottom nods at him. “Go ahead.”

“The cat sat on the mat.”

“Very good. Who’s next?”

Gigi cries out. “Me, me!”

“Alright.”

“My dog pat the mat.”

Peachbottom points with a hoof. “Let’s go down this row. Glynda?”

“Our cat ate the rat.”

Ginny continues where she left off. “He spat the rat in the vat.”

Galena turns to Arc as she steps back.

“It’s amazing! I’ve never seen such young griffons reading so well before!”

Arc sighs. “They didn’t start out so well though. Miss Peachbottom had her work cut out for herself when she started. Pretty much none of them knew anything when they arrived, so she really was beginning at the bottom.”

Galena glances inside the room again. “And they appear happy and willing to learn.”

“Very.”

Arc gestures to the other classroom before continuing.

“And when they learn enough, the little ones graduate to this class.”

They walk over to the other classroom. Galena looks through the door’s window at Cheerilee pointing a hoof at a large map at the head of the room as she gives her lesson to the class.

“This is a map of our world. On one side you’ll see Equestria, where we call home. To the north is the Crystal Empire which is inhabited by the Crystal Ponies.”

A youngling raises her hand. Cheerilee calls on him.

“Yes, Greta?”

“Are they different than the three pony races here in Equestria?”

Cheerilee shakes her head. “No, no. All three pony races are present there. However, over the generations their bodies have changed to resonate with the crystals that make up the mountains which surround the empire. When a very special gem is activated, known as the Crystal Heart, their bodies shine as if they were crystals themselves.”

The class gasps in amazement as a foal raises their hoof. Cheerilee looks to them

“Yes, Dinky?”

“What would happen if we were to go there when the Crystal Heart was activated?”

“Our bodies would also shine. However, the effect would be less pronounced and not be as long lasting. Hours instead of days.”

Galena steps back and nods approvingly as she turns to Coco Pommel.

“It looks like they’re very advanced.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Our students here meet or exceed the educational standards set forth by the Equestrian Education Association. They’re the governing body that oversees curriculum approval and facilities which are responsible for future generations.”

Arc chimes in. “But you have quite a bit of leeway on what else is taught I hear.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes. They only stipulate the minimum requirements. Our teachers are free to expand past that as they see fit.”

Galena grins. “With your approval, I assume.”

“No. After all, I am not a teacher.

She gestures to the classrooms before continuing.

“They are the ones trained to educate. I’m just the administrator of the facility and caretaker of the orphans.”

Arc nods. “An important job, to be sure.”

“That it is, yes. However, why don’t we move on to the Dormitory?”

Galena appears confused. “The what?”

“I’ll show you.”

Walking back upstairs, they come to a large room lined with bunk beds and small desks. Coco Pommel turns to Galena as she speaks.

“This is the Dormitory. It is here that the younger orphans sleep at night as well as do their homework.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m guessing you went over to bunk beds after word of the younglings coming reached you.”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes. While we did expand the facility, I realized that we would have to make use of what we had as well as plan for the future. The orphans in Miss Peachbottom’s class and many of the ones from Miss Cheerilee’s stay here.”

“All ages sleep together?”

“No, the older ones are sent to semi-private rooms down the corridor. This way please.”

Coming to one of the rooms, Coco Pommel knocks lightly before removing a set of keys from her pocket and unlocking the door. Opening it, she steps inside with them and speaks.

“As you can see, there are bunks for four foals or younglings. Usually two of each species though.”

“And do you mix the two sexes?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “We do not. It’s either all males or all females in a room.”

“I noticed the doors have locks on them. Why is that?”

“To give them a sense of responsibility. Each orphan has a key to their respective room which they are required to have on them at all times when outside their room. The older orphans sometimes have part time jobs outside of the building with which to earn some bits. We allow them to buy anything they want, within reason, and keep it in their room. Hence the need for locks.”

Arc nods. “It’s also to help them transition out of the orphanage as they grow up.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Right. When a foal reaches a certain height they are considered adults and must leave the orphanage. Many of them stay at the inn in Ponyville while they figure out what to do with themselves. They then either move to other cities or take up permanent residence here in Ponyville.”

Galena grimaces. “Can they come back?”

“For advice, guidance, or to volunteer, yes. However, regulations state that no adults may spend the night here unless they are registered staff of the facility or a preapproved guest. The latter would generally only apply to temporary workers that would be called in to fill a need though.”

Arc shrugs. “It does make sense. After all, security of the orphans needs to come first.”

Galena smiles. “I understand and am very impressed with what I’ve seen here today, Matron Pommel.”

“Thank you. Hopefully I’ve been able to alleviate your concerns over leaving your egg in our care.”

“That you have. However, I do have one last request of you, ma’am.”

“Oh?”

“Might I be allowed to hold my egg one last time before I go?”

Coco Pommel nods and gestures with a hoof. “Certainly. Let’s return to my office.”

Leading the way down the corridor, Coco Pommel escorts Arc and Galena back to her office. She walks over to the egg warmer and presses a button to stop the turntable. Wrapping a small blanket around the egg, she picks it up and carefully gives it to Galena. The young griffon sits down in a chair nearby and smiles as she speaks softly.

“Hello again, little one. Your mother has come back to visit you. The matron just showed me around the orphanage where you’ll grow up. I’m sure you’ll be well-fed, educated, and protected here.”

She pauses before continuing.

“Be sure to do your best to learn all you can here. It’s free, after all. And an opportunity like this shouldn’t be squandered. Eat all your food so you can grow up big and strong too.”

Galena pets the egg and smiles sadly.

“I’m... sorry that I won’t be around to raise you myself. But Matron Coco Pommel and the teachers here will do their very best to help you become the griffon you were meant to be. Study hard, work hard, and be sure to always do what’s right.”

Standing, she walks slowly over to the incubator and stares at the egg for a long time. Eventually Galena continues.

“And no matter what happens, always remember... that your mother loves you very much.”

She licks the egg and carefully puts it back in the incubator. Closing the door again, the turntable automatically starts moving again. Putting a talon on the plastic shell for a moment, Galena turns to Coco Pommel and smiles.

“Thank you for showing me your facility, ma’am.”

Coco Pommel nods happily. “It was my pleasure.”

“I now have no reservations or worries regarding my egg’s future here in Equestria.”

Galena looks to Arc and sighs.

“Might you return me to the Griffon Kingdom now?”

Arc looks at the clock on the wall. “We still have a couple hours before you need to be back. Is there anything you’d like to do or see first?”

Galena shakes her head. “No, sir. I’ve now seen everything my heart wants to in this world.”

Arc nods as he opens a portal. “Very well.”

As Galena walks through he turns to Coco Pommel.

“Take really good care of that egg.”

Coco Pommel nods soberly. “I will, Arc. That’s a promise.”

Walking through the portal, it closes behind him. Coco Pommel walks over to the incubator and watches the egg turn slowly in its cradle. Sighing, she shakes her head.

“While I do wish that she would have decided to raise you herself, I understand that your mother only wanted what was best for you, little one. Don’t worry... I’ll always be here to watch over you.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Galena reappear on the sigil in the outer dungeon. They walk over to the officer on duty as he stands. Arc speaks.

“I am returning the prisoner to your care, sir.”

The officer nods soberly. “And you’ve fulfilled her final wish?”

“Yes.”

Galena bows her head. “I am ready to return to my cell.”

“You may remain in the Interrogation Room until this evening at Princess Twilight’s... request.”

Nodding, she follows him and the guards toward the door. Walking back to the room, the officer unlocks the door and opens it. Twilight looks up from her book and stands as they enter.

“Hello again, Galena. I hope you were satisfied by our nation’s facility.”

Galena smiles. “Very, Lady Twilight. I’m sure that my egg will be properly raised and cared for by Matron Coco Pommel.”

Twilight gestures to the books with a wave of her hoof. “That’s good to hear. I’ve kept at it in an attempt to find something we can use to help get you out of this, but so far no luck. But rest assured...”

Galena interrupts her. “Please... don’t.”

Twilight appears confused. “Galena?”

“There’s nothing for you to find. I was found guilty and must pay for my crimes.”

“But there must be SOMETHING I can do for you!”

“Yes. I’d like some time alone.”

“You shouldn’t give up hope that...!”

Arc interrupts. “Very well. Come along, Twilight.”

“We can’t just...!”

Galena smiles sadly. “I’m fine, Lady Twilight. Really. But right now I just want to be alone to think for a bit. But I do have one last thing I’d like from you.

Twilight nods fervently. “Name it!”

A couple hours later, as the sun sinks in the sky, Galena is shackled and led from the dungeon by a contingent of soldiers. They transport her under heavy guard to the Gladiator’s Arena. Walking down innumerable darkened corridors, the only sounds are the clanking of the soldier’s armor and her own chains. Coming to a light at the end of the tunnel, she shuffles slowly onto the floor of the arena. Approaching a stage, Galena carefully climbs the stairs with her head down. However, as Galena reaches the top she spies two familiar figures waiting for her.

“Lady Twilight? Lord Arc?”

Twilight nods sadly. “We came to be with you now.”

“Twilight spoke to the king like you asked her to and...”

The crowd cheers as King Guto appears overhead and moves to stand in front of the ancient stone throne above the arena. He waves to the crowd for a time before calling for silence and beginning his speech.

“Citizens of the Griffon Kingdom! Today you witnessed history in the making! The final Battle of Truth saw justice done to Lord Goldstone for the crime or raping innumerable female griffons! However, as was made clear during his trial, he did not act alone!”

Pointing a talon at the podium, the king continues.

“His secretary stepped forward to confess to her role in the rapes of so many griffons! As per our laws, with the death of Lord Goldstone during the Battle of Truth, she too has been found guilty of his crimes!”

Motioning with a talon, the king gestures for numerous griffons to enter the arena. They approach with several crates.

“And now, as per our laws, the accused will be given a chance to say their peace as the executions are setting up their equipment if they so choose!”

The officer from the dungeon looks to Galena. She nods. Leading her up to a microphone he steps back to allow her to speak.

“My name... is Galena, and I am guilty of all that the king has said.”

Angrily, the crowd boos her loudly as she continues.

“For longer than I care to remember, I was used by Lord Goldstone to sate his carnal desires. And when my body was no longer enough to satisfy him, I was ordered to find what he called... ‘fresh meat’.”

The jeers from the crowd intensify, eventually drowning out what Galena is saying. Arc moves to step forward but Twilight beats him to it. Taking the microphone in a hoof she cries out.

“ALL OF YOU, SHUT UP!”

The crowd immediately ceases its taunts. Arc puts a hand on Galena’s shoulder and pulls her back. She follows his prompt to allow Twilight access to the microphone. She calms herself and looks around before continuing.

“Everypony... please listen to me. I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. Ruler of Equestria. While our nations may be connected via treaties, we are still two very different entities. Different countries with different pasts and different ways of doing things. This matter... this matter is reprehensible on every level. No amount of words from Lord Goldstone, or anypony else for that matter, could have soothed the pain caused by what he did. What he forced HER to do.”

She gestures with a hoof at Galena before continuing.

“This griffon did terrible things, yes. I will not deny that. Nopony can. She made a choice to help lure other griffons into situations where they could be taken aside and raped at Lord Goldstone’s whim. But I want all of you to look at it this way. In addition to what Galena told the nation at the trial, she also made another choice. She decided to come forward and confess to the court all that she had done in Goldstone’s name in an effort to do what she could to help seal his fate. And inadvertently... cause many others to step forward and bring forth their own accusations. Galena could have run and hid... stayed quiet about everything and let us try to convict Lord Goldstone with the evidence we already had. But she didn’t. She chose to do the right thing and confess. And now... now she comes forward to pay for her crimes... willingly.

Twilight steps back as Galena again approaches the microphone.

“I will not stand before all of you and try to justify what I did in the past. There was no excuse then and there is no excuse now. Our laws state the justice must be done. That the victims must have cloture. And I’ve come here willingly to give that to all of you. Hopefully, with my death, the victims can begin to heal. While it isn’t likely I will be believed, I am truly... TRULY sorry for all the pain and misery I had a talon in causing.”

An officer steps forward and puts a talon on her shoulder.

“It’s time.”

Nodding, Galena steps back and turns to look up at the king as he addresses her.

“As per Princess Twilight’s personal request, the method of execution will be lethal injection.”

Galena turns to Twilight, confused. “But... but I can’t afford that, Lady Twilight.”

“The other options were beheading, firing squad, or hanging. I ordered a shot brought from Equestria for just this purpose.”

“Why though? I mean... the Griffon Kingdom does have such things.”

Arc grimaces. “It’s not instant here. Equestria’s perfected shot is quick so you can go painlessly and with dignity.”

Smiling, Galena turns to Twilight and mouths the words ‘thank you’ as she is lead to a nearby table. The guards unshackle her and help her climb up onto it. She is strapped down with all limbs tightly restrained. A griffon in a lab coat approaches with a small box. Opening it, he removes a syringe, purges it, and looks to the king to wait for the final approval. Rechecking the straps one last time, the guards step back and motion to their commanding officer. He looks to the king and calls out.

“The prisoner is restrained and ready, sire!”

Guto nods soberly. “Administration may commence when ready.”

The griffon with the needle slowly steps forward. Galena’s breath quickens as she instinctively pulls at her restraints in an effort to put distance between herself and her executioner. Twilight steps forward and takes one of Galena’s talons in her hoof. Smiling, she gives it a squeeze as tears flow from Galena’s eyes.

“Thank you, Lady Twilight... for standing by my side.”

Twilight sadly smiles. “I’m here for you, Galena.”

“S-scared!”

“Look at my face! Don’t take your eyes off of it!”

Galena does so as she speaks. Choaking up as she shakes in fear. “ I’m glad... that the last thing I see... will be the face of a friend.”

A small prick is felt as the needle breaks through Galena’s skin. She tightens her grip on Twilight’s hoof as the plunger is depressed. Galena’s eyes begin to close as Twilight whispers.

“You’re not alone. I’m here for you.”

With the last of her strength, Galena smiles. The talon in Twilight’s hoof goes limp as the griffon lets out her last breath. Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder as she stands next to her friend’s motionless body. Bowing her head, she begins to weep softly at first, then growing steadily louder. Eventually Twilight’s cries fill the otherwise silent air, as no one makes any attempt to either boo nor cheer the actions that took place moments ago.

Volume 52 - Chapter 1 - Coming Together

As the griffons in the stands begin filing out of the arena two griffon guards step forward with a special gurney. They pick Galena’s limp form up and put her in a body bag as a nearby medic fills out a report as he speaks.

“Time of death... 12:30 P.M. Cause... execution by lethal injection.”

The officer overseeing the endeavor is handed the forms. Looking them over for a few moments he eventually signs the top one and hands them back to the medic. Gestal and Ashe fly down from their places in the VIP box and walk over to Twilight whom is being consoled by Arc. Ashe is the first to speak.

“Um... my father and I came to see if we could... be of any help to you.”

Twilight shakes her head sadly. “Thank you, but this matter is... concluded.”

Gestal nods to the gurney. “Not quite, Princess Twilight. The accused must still be buried.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Might I be allowed to come to her ceremony?”

Gestal shakes his head. “I’m afraid that will not be possible, your highness.”

Ashe sighs. “Griffon law states that anyone executed is not permitted to have such a thing.”

Arc frowns. “Seems a little harsh.”

Gestal sighs. “The law is the law, Lord Arc.”

“We do have a request though, sir.”

“What is it?”

“As you know, Galena’s egg was taken to the Little Hooves Orphanage in Equestria. One day, when they learn the truth about their true origins along with their mother’s fate, they may wish to visit her grave. Might I ask that we be allowed to take her body back to Equestria for burial there instead?”

Ashe turns to her father. “It seems fair to me. After all, the unborn youngling did nothing wrong.”

“I suppose not. Very well, Lord Arc. You and Princess Twilight may take the body with you.”

Nodding to the guards, the gurney is pushed over to them as Arc opens a portal. Ashe takes the handle and pushes it through the swirling energies as Gestal turns to Twilight and bows his head as he speaks.

“Forgive us for the way this matter turned out, your majesty. It was never our intent to involve others.”

Twilight nods. “I know, sir. But... as my teacher told me in the past, ‘things don’t always go the way that you planned them’.”

“Hopefully next time we meet it will be under better circumstances.”

“Yes, I’d like that too, Lord Gestal.”

They shake talons/hooves as Arc waits patiently. A few moments later Twilight steps back and bows respectfully before speaking again.

“Thank you for your aid, Lord Gestal.”

Turning toward the portal, she enters as Arc looks to Gestal.

“I’ll see to it personally that Galena is properly laid to rest.”

Gestal nods soberly. “Thank you, Lord Arc. Although she was certainly guilty of contributing to the violation of many griffon females, in this case I do wish we could have extended mercy to her, given the circumstances surrounding this matter.”

Arc frowns as he turns away. “So do I.”

Stepping through his own portal, Arc allows it to close behind him. Ashe is just hanging up his bedside phone as she turns to him.

“I’ve notified Nurse Redheart of the situation. She’ll come right over to take Galena to the cooler in the Infirmary.”

Arc nods. “Good.”

Twilight walks over to the gurney and puts her hooves on the railing. Looking down silently at the bag, she is joined by Arc and Ashe whom stand by her side for a few minutes. A knock rings out before the door opens slowly. Redheart steps into the room levitating a small black bag and a clipboard. Walking over to the other side of the gurney she unzips the body bag and puts her stethoscope to Galena’s chest. Sighing and shaking her head the nurse steps back and begins filling out a form as she speaks.

“Such a shame.”

Ashe grimaces. “Yes. Galena, she... wasn’t really at fault. At least I don’t think she was. Not that it matters now.”

Arc steps toward the nurse and pulls a package from his ring. “Nurse?”

Redheart looks up from her clipboard. “Yes sir?”

“I was asked to give this to you.”

Handing the package to her, Redheart opens it and pulls out a piece of paper. She reads it and pulls a small case from the packet. Opening it, she removes a syringe and steps forward. Injecting Galena with the contents, Redheart looks to Arc.

“Sir, what was that all about?”

“Well, you see...”

He is cut off as Galena suddenly starts coughing violently. Twilight hurries forward along with Ashe.

“Galena?!”

“You’re alive?!”

Galena looks around weakly, clearly confused as Redheart sets her clipboard aside and begins looking the young griffon over. Turning her gaze to Twilight, she speaks.

“Where...?”

Twilight takes her talon. “You’re safely aboard The Equinox!”

Ashe gasps. “Twilight, how is this possible?!”

Twilight shrugs. “I have no idea! But it’s a welcome surprise!”

Redheart looks up from the patient quickly. “We need to get her to a hospital immediately for a full physical, Princess Twilight.”

“Shall I open a portal to Ponyville Hospital?”

Redheart nods. “Yes, that would be wise, sir.”

Nodding, Arc does so. Ashe and Redheart quickly push the gurney through the swirling energies as Arc and Twilight follow behind them closely. Finding themselves in Ponyville Hospital, Twilight looks to the nurse at the front desk.

“We have a medical emergency!”

“Follow me!”

She leads them into Treatment Room #1. As they enter the desk nurse picks up a nearby phone and pages Doctor Horse. He arrives momentarily and looks to Redheart.

“What can I do for you today?”

“I have a patient here whom I was ordered to inject with an unknown substance.”

The doctor frowns. “Do you have a sample?”

Redheart holds out the empty syringe. “Right here.”

Doctor Horse accepts the syringe and picks up the phone. He speaks as he dials.

“I’ll have someone from the lab come and...”

The door to the room suddenly opens and Celestia enters. Twilight gasps and runs over to her.

“Princess Celestia?! What are you doing here?!”

Celestia smiles at Twilight. “I was sitting in the waiting room.”

“Are you ill?!”

“No, Twilight. Truth be told, I just came to talk to Doctor Horse.”

She turns to him before continuing.

“There is no reason to have that substance analyzed.”

The doctor appears confused. “Your highness?”

“It was personally mixed by Doctor Whooves, the Royal Physician.”

Ashe eyes the syringe quizzically. “But... what was it?!”

“An ancient and all but forgotten formula that acts as a countermeasure.”

Arc frowns. “To what?!”

“The first shot.”

Galena appears confused. “First shot, your highness?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. The one that I sent over to execute you with, my dear.”

“Wait! You mean...?!”

“Yes. Believe me when I say that you’re very much alive, Galena.”

Redheart reaches for her black bag and pulls out her stethoscope. “But I’m certain that I heard no pulse!”

“That is correct. You didn’t hear it because the lethal injection lowered her heartrate to almost nothing.”

Celestia levitates the empty syringe to herself as she continues.

“And this second one countered that.”

Galena appears hopeful. “Will... will I live, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, indeed. There are a few side effects to this concoction, naturally. However, they pale in comparison to death.”

Arc frowns. “I knew you were up to something.”

“Up to what?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It sounded kinda strange to me that Equestria, a land which so seldomly executes a prisoner, would have a perfected method by which to do so.”

Celestia smiles. “Truth be told, we do. It’s completely painless and works one hundred percent of the time. However, the syringe that was sent to the Griffon Kingdom for Galena was an altered version.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Altered how, Princess Celestia?”

“Around five hundred years ago, a noble of Canterlot murdered his wife and foals. I sentenced him to death for his crimes naturally. However, the night before he was to be executed I chose to visit him in the dungeon.”

Ashe appears surprised. “For what purpose, your highness?”

“To ask him ‘why’. After all, it’s far from normal for somepony to kill those whom they are closest to. However, when I arrived at his cell I found him in high spirits.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Someone about to be executed was happy about it?”

“Yes, he was. When I asked him what the reason was, he told me that soon he would be a free stallion.”

Twilight shrugs. “Maybe he meant free in death?”

“I thought the same, yes. However, I was unable to shake the feeling there was more to his words than that.”

Galena shudders. “So... what happened to him?”

“The next day the sentence was carried out. I personally watched as he was injected by the royal physician and saw his eyes close. Ordering the official on hoof to confirm his death, I waited as he was examined and summarily pronounced dead. But, with his words still weighing heavily on my mind, I ordered a second shot administered and the first one analyzed before sending his body to the morgue.”

Arc nods soberly. “You thought the first was adulterated?”

“Yes. And it was.”

She holds up the syringe before continuing.

“And the mortician was found to have one like this.”

Twilight gasps. “An antidote?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. The stallion would have been brought to him to be embalmed and prepared for burial after his execution. But he intended to be injected with this and revived before making his escape.”

Arc frowns. “So you’ve been sitting on this for centuries?!”

“I have, yes.”

Ashe grimaces. “But why...?!”

Celestia gestures to Galena. “Because when you’re as old as I am, you understand the potential future need of everything.”

Galena shrinks back nervously. “So... what happens to me now?”

Twilight gasps. “We need to hide her! If the Griffon Kingdom ever found out she was still alive...!”

Arc interrupts as he turns to Celestia. “But they won’t, will they?”

Celestia shakes her head. “You are correct. The griffon known as Galena can never be seen or heard from again.”

Doctor Horse’s eyes grow wide. “But griffons are a rare sight in Equestria, your highness! Hiding one would be nearly impossible!”

Ashe groans. “Even if she were to be placed on house arrest eventually someone would catch a glimpse of her.”

Galena bows her head. “I’m trapped.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe. But I’d imagine that Princess Celestia wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble without a fully thought out plan.”

“That is correct, Twilight.”

Celestia turns to Galena before continuing.

“As I stated earlier, the griffon named ‘Galena’ can never be heard from again. To that end, I’ve already sent for a very special doctor to be ferried to Canterlot Castle to help with that endeavor.”

Galena shudders. “What kind of doctor, your majesty?”

“A plastic surgeon, my dear. He will alter your body to make you appear to be a different individual entirely. At the very least, enough to be able to convince others that you’re somepony else, that is.”

Ashe frowns. “But such a procedure would still leave some very light scars, your highness. There’s still the chance of someone noticing them and raising questions.”

“Not to worry. I’ve already come up with a back story to explain them.”

Celestia walks over to Galena. Pointing a hoof at several places on the young griffon’s face, she continues.

“The scars most prominent would be here, here, and here. They are typical for any plastic surgery, I’m told. However, the same could be said for reconstructive surgery as well.”

Arc nods. “Like on someone who’s been in an accident?”

“Precisely. Galena will simply tell those whom notice that she was a victim of the recent rebel attack in Griffonstone.”

Ashe sighs. “My exploding carriage?

“There were many injured griffons. Galena will pretend to have been among them to make her story plausible.”

Twilight gasps. “But I told Lord Gestal that we would bury her here in Equestria! What if he makes inquiries as to where the grave is?!”

Arc turns to Ashe. “Would he though?”

“That isn’t very likely, but still a possibility nonetheless.”

Celestia smiles. “Not to worry. Our treaty has the solution to that problem.”

Redheart appears confused. “Your highness?”

“As everypony knows, it allows for free trade between our two nations. Goods can now easily move back and forth to improve both economies. The medical community here in Equestria has been very interested in importing some griffon cadavers to study for some time now. I asked Luna to write up a request for a dozen such bodies to be delivered to Canterlot Castle for dissection. Including a very special addition to the list. One female griffon whom is roughly Galena’s size and has similar feather colors.”

Arc smirks. “She’ll be buried in a plot with Galena’s name on the headstone, and no one will be the wiser.”

Twilight grins. “Even if the casket is exhumed sometime in the future, the body will be unrecognizable due to decomposition.”

Ashe nods. “The perfect coverup.”

Celestia looks to the griffon on the gurney. “Indeed. That is, if Galena will cooperate.”

“Yes, your highness. I will do whatever you say.”

“Very good. Shall we be off?”

Doctor Horse gasps. “But the patient still needs to be examined, Princess Celestia!”

Redheart nods. “Agreed. We need to make sure that she’s going to be alright.”

Celestia turns to them. “That will be done by the Royal Physician and later by the surgeon I’ve called for. Rest assured that Galena will be in the very best of care for the duration of her treatment time. However, now I would like to get her under wraps to avoid any future issues stemming from this matter.”

Arc turns to Galena. She nods and he opens a portal back to his quarters in Canterlot Castle. Ashe pushes her through with Arc as Twilight and Celestia follow closely behind. Arriving, they head for the door. However, Twilight gasps and calls out.

“Wait!”

Arc turns back, confused. “What’s wrong?”

“We can’t let anypony see Galena right now! It could potentially get back to the Griffon Kingdom!”

Celestia nods. “Twilight is correct. She should stay fully under wraps until the operation is completed.”

Ashe frowns. “But this is Lord Arc’s personal room!”

Arc shrugs. “Galena can stay in it.”

Galena gasps. “Sir?”

“I don’t even use it that often. Besides, I have several others elsewhere. One aboard my ship, another in Ponyville, and a third in my base.”

“Well... if you’re sure it won’t be an inconvenience.”

Celestia walks over to the phone. “I shall call the Infirmary and have Doctor Whooves and the plastic surgeon report here at once.”

Ashe sits down on her haunches. “Then I’ll stay here and wait for them as well.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Ashe?”

“Remember, I’m the griffon ambassador to Equestria. And as such, it’s my duty to see to it that this Griffon Kingdom citizen is properly cared for and represented.”

Galena appears relieved. “Oh, thank you!”

Twilight smiles. “I’ll stay with you as well, Galena.”

“Thank you, Twilight. But don’t you have duties, or something?”

Celestia smiles at her student. “That you do, Twilight.”

“But I need to be here for...!”

“Believe me when I say that she’s in capable hooves.”

“I’m sure she is. However I do want to be present for the doctors’ analysis of her condition as well as hear her options going forward.”

“That will take a day or so.”

Ashe appears surprised. “It will?”

Celestia nods. “I’ve already had a consultation with the surgeon regarding this. He will need to study Galena’s body first in order to figure out what is and is not possible in her case. Then they must present their ideas to Galena herself whom will be given every available option one at a time. Finally, when all the decisions are made, they will need to gather materials for the operation and set up a time and place in which to do it.”

Arc frowns. “It won’t be done here in the castle?”

“The Crystal Empire has the best facilities for such a thing. However, we need to set up a plan to get her to the operating room without being seen.”

Twilight sighs. “And that too will take time.”

Celestia smiles at her former student. “Now you’re coming around, Twilight.”

Twilight sighs as she heads for the door. “Yes, well... I’ll go check with Luna on how things went while I was gone.”

Arc steps forward. “I’ll come with you, Twilight.”

Twilight turns to him as she puts a hoof on the handle. “That just leaves the matter of finding you a place to stay.”

“Like I said, I can just go to...”

Twilight interrupts him. “No, no. It’s Canterlot’s responsibility to make sure you’re properly housed and provided for at all times, Arc.”

Celestia grimaces. “Twilight, what are you...?”

Twilight grins widely. “I know! You can stay with me in my room!”

Celestia frowns. “That’s not exactly the best...”

Twilight takes Arc’s hand as they leave the room. “Come along! And I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer!”

Groaning, Celestia watches as the door closes behind them. Walking down the corridor together, Twilight latches onto his arm. Turning to her, Arc smiles.

“I don’t think your mentor was very happy with your decision there.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes, well... I do need to start showing her that I’m my own princess now.”

Arc chuckles. “That takes guts.”

“Please understand that I care about Princess Celestia very much. But in her lessons on ruling, she told me that I needed to start being more independent in my way of thinking. To stop agreeing with her on each and every little thing.”

“That’s understandable. After all, that would just make you appear to simply be an extension of her.”

“Right. And I’ve thought about what she taught me long and hard. However, it was just a few minutes ago that I decided how I’m going to start becoming my own mare.”

“Good. How’s that?”

“By standing with you, Arc.”

Arc appears confused. “Me?”

Twilight nods as she smiles up at him. “Right. As you know, Princess Celestia doesn’t respect you. Well... humans in general, I suppose. So I’m going to show her that I disagree with her opinion in this matter.”

“I really don’t want to be a subject of contention between you two though, Twilight.”

“That’s up to her. She can either try to get to know you better, or... well...”

She is silent for a time before continuing.

“Honestly, I... haven’t actually figured out what the alternative would be.”

Arc sighs. “Please give it a great deal of thought before you act, Twilight. After all, I don’t want to come between you and your mentor. Well, more than I have already, I suppose.”

“Believe me, I will think of something. But shouldn’t you call somepony?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

“Remember, we did just leave the Griffon Kingdom without saying a word to my brother.”

Arc gasps. “Ah! Right! One moment.”

Touching his earring, Arc speaks.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“This is Lemon Hearts. Go ahead, sir.”

“Notify General Shining Armor that he is to recall all of our forces to The Equinox. As soon as that is completed, radio the powers that be over there for immediate permission to take off. The ship will be returning to Canterlot at once.”

“Yes sir. I’ll pass on your orders to both General Shining Armor and Captain Soarin. Will there be anything else?”

“Connect me to the general. I have additional instructions for him.”

“Right away, sir.”

The line goes dead for a few moments before they are connected.

“General Shining Armor here, sir.”

“What’s your current location?”

“Overseeing the roll call on the deck of The Equinox.”

“Good. I want the ship in the air the moment everyone is accounted for. Twilight, Ashe, and I have just returned to Canterlot with Galena’s body.”

Shining Armor lowers his voice. “How’s Twilight doing?”

Arc instinctively looks away nervously. “She’s... making her peace with what happened.”

“That’s good. I mean, good that she’s recovering!”

“I’ll stay with her until I feel she’s okay to be alone again.”

“Thank you, sir. Let Twilight know that I’ll come see her when I get back to Canterlot tomorrow.”

“Sure. Let me know if anything comes up on that end though.”

“Yes sir.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection as he turns to Twilight and smiles.

“Your brother sounded pretty worried about you.”

Twilight smiles. “I’ll put his mind at ease when he comes back.”

“You going to tell him about our, uh... little secret?”

“When the time is right, yes.”

“Oh?”

Twilight shudders. “I don’t want him bucking you into a mirror again.”

Arc chuckles. “Somehow I think we’re past that.”

“Just in case, I think I’ll wait on sharing that news with him for a bit.”

She smiles seductively and stops walking as she pulls Arc down and whispers in his ear.

“But we should tell the others as soon as possible.”

“Agreed. You want to set something up in the near future?”

“I was actually thinking about tonight.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Tonight?!”

Twilight appears confused. “Something wrong with that?”

“Not really, no. It’s just really sudden, that’s all.”

“I suppose it is. But they deserve to know.”

“Alright. Where should we do this?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That’s what I’m still trying to figure out. It’d have to be a pretty big place to hold all of us, after all.”

“Like the Dining Room here in the castle?”

“Right. But I don’t want to have to drag everypony here every time we want to have a meeting.”

“Well, we could always...”

A familiar voice rings out from down the corridor.

“Wait up!”

They turn around to see Hammer jogging toward them. She smiles hugely and salutes as she approaches.

“Welcome back you two!”

Arc grins. “Hey, Hammer.”

Twilight approaches her. “How did things go for you as Acting Captain of the Royal Guard while we were gone?”

“Not too bad. Hardest part was signing my name on documents with that title about a million times.”

Arc shrugs. “It is a mouthful, admittedly.”

Twilight giggles. “Well, Colonel Flash Sentry should be back tomorrow morning. You’ll be off the hook soon enough.”

“Great! I don’t mind filling in, but I don’t think I’d like to do this job permanently.”

She looks around and lowers her voice before continuing.

“Uh... could I talk to you for a minute, Arc?”

Arc motions to Twilight. “Um... we’re kinda in the middle of trying to organize a little get-together.”

Twilight motions to the young woman. “I can do that, Arc. You can go with Hammer.”

“Alright. But only if you’re sure.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I am. Go on and I’ll catch up with you later.”

Hammer takes his arm as Twilight steps back. “Thanks, princess!”

“No problem.”

Hammer smirks. “Come on, Arc. Let’s go talk somewhere... private.”

“You have somewhere in mind?”

“That bed in your quarters is pretty...”

Twilight interrupts. “You’ll have to find somewhere else!”

Hammer appears confused. “Twilight?”

Arc smiles nervously. “My room is currently... um...”

Twilight cuts in. “Part of an ongoing top secret... operation.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry, but we really can’t say any more about it right now.”

“Why don’t you head over to Light’s Hope with Hammer, Arc? You have a private room there, after all.”

“I guess that would work. And I can check in on the others too.”

Hammer grins. “That does sound good, yeah!”

Arc turns to her. “Shall we be off?”

Hammer nods enthusiastically. “Let’s go!”

Holding up his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal before turning back to Twilight.

“I’ll see you later.”

Twilight steps forward. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“Everything.”

Smiling, he kneels down and kisses Twilight’s forehead tenderly. Standing, he nods and turns back to the portal as Hammer follows him through. As it closes behind them Twilight continues on her way. Meanwhile, the pair reappear in his room inside Light’s Hope. Hammer latches onto his arm and heads for the door.

“Come on!”

Arc appears confused. “But I thought you wanted to talk to me.”

“We can do that on the way, silly! Now let’s go!”

“Hammer, wait!”

“What is it now?!”

“Can you give me a few minutes before we go?”

Hammer chuckles. “Why? Gotta take a leak, or something?”

“Just wanted to check up on someone real quick.”

“Now?!”

Arc nods. “It’s important.”

Hammer groans. “Fine. Just don’t take too long!”

“I’ll be back before you know it.”

Stepping back onto the sigil, Arc powers it up and vanishes. Reappearing in his quarters aboard The Equinox he heads for the door. Walking down the corridor he turns to a door and knocks lightly before standing back to wait. A few moments later it opens and Flash Sentry’s face comes into view. Saluting, he speaks.

“Good afternoon, sir!”

“Hi. Um... I just wanted to come by and see how Raven’s doing. Is this a good time?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir. Please come in.”

Opening the door, the stallion steps back to allow his commanding officer into the room. He spies Raven lying on her back on one of the beds staring up at the ceiling. Flash Sentry calls out as he closes the door.

“Raven, the commander is here to see you.”

Raven sits up and looks over to him. “H-hello, sir.”

“Hey. How are you holding up?”

“I’m feeling a lot better after seeing Goldstone impaled.”

Flash Sentry nods. “You slept very well last night, I might add.”

Raven blushes slightly. “I don’t think we’re supposed to be doing that, dear.”

Arc shrugs. “No problem from where I stand. After all, I do remember saying some time ago that I was okay with you two sleeping together at Light’s Hope.”

Flash Sentry grins. “Yes sir, we do so regularly now.”

Raven smiles sadly. “It’s helped with the nightmares.”

Flash Sentry looks to Raven. “Which I must point out that you didn’t have last night.”

“For the first time since the incident, yes.”

Arc nods. “I think you’re on the road to recovery, Raven. Just be sure to keep seeing your therapist as needed and talk through any problems you have with them or Flash Sentry.”

“Yes sir, I will. However, since Goldstone isn’t alive any longer I do feel more at peace. Before it kinda felt like he could have jumped out from anywhere. While I know that’s a silly notion, the thought of it kept me awake at night for some time.”

“If you need to take some time off to process all of this, I completely understand. Flash Sentry too if needed.”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Emerald Dream cautioned against that when we spoke to her after returning to the ship yesterday.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Raven sighs. “She said that I need to do my best to maintain a normal workload if at all possible. It’s supposed to help me move on.”

Turning to Flash Sentry she smiles before continuing.

“That and we need to start saving up our bits for a simple wedding.”

Flash Sentry quickly adds. “Not anytime soon though, sir.”

Raven nods. “Right. We’re not quite ready yet.”

“It’s fine. Whenever you two are ready to tie the knot I’ll see to it you both get some time off for it.”

Flash Sentry grins. “Thank you, sir.”

Raven puts a hoof on her fiancé’s back. “For everything.”

She smiles widely before continuing.

“I can’t thank you enough for all you and the princesses did for me.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Both of us, really.”

Arc shrugs. “All I did was see to it that justice was done. And now you and the other victims can try to move on with your lives. That goes for me too though.”

Raven appears confused. “Sir?”

“This was one of the things I really wanted to see through to its end before my retirement. And as a result, we’re one step closer to bringing peace and stability to the nation as well..”

Flash Sentry salutes soberly. “And I’ll be there to help you with the rest, sir.”

Raven giggles. “As will I.”

Arc smiles. “Thank you. Now if we can just bring the changeling threat to a close, then things will be more or less taken care of.”

Flash Sentry nods soberly. “Yes sir. I’m looking forward to it.”

Arc chuckles as he raises his gauntlet. “As am I. But I think I should let you two get back to what you were doing before I intruded.”

Raven calls out after him. “Sir?”

“Yes, Raven?”

“I just wanted to say... that I hope you find happiness with your own special somepony someday soon.”

Nodding, Arc raises a gauntlet and opens a portal. Stepping through he returns to his quarters inside Light’s Hope. Spotting a roaring fire in the fireplace he walks over to the couch. Hammer lies on her side seductively with her uniform shirt completely unbuttoned and her bra exposed. Grinning, she looks up at him.

“Welcome back, stud.”

Arc chuckles. “Comfy, Hammer?”

“More or less.”

She licks her lips and gives the center of her bra a small tug downward before continuing.

“Wanna help me out of this thing?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Is this your idea of us having a talk?”

Hammer grins. “Kinda. You wanna do it?”

“Now’s not really the best time, Hammer.”

“You know you want to!”

“Can’t argue with that. But there’s a lot of work to do right now.”

Hammer sighs and sits up as she buttons her uniform up again. “Yeah, yeah. So let’s get to it.”

Standing, Hammer takes Arc’s arm and leads him over to the door. Stepping out into the corridor they spy guards patrolling. Arc turns to Hammer.

“I thought my base was empty.”

“It was. So I decided to send some guards here to watch over the place while you were gone.”

“What for?”

“To keep the place up maintenance-wise. That and we shouldn’t just be leaving military facilities vacant, after all.”

“I suppose that’s true. But I prefer to have my troops in a position to protect the citizens over the security of a lone building.”

“They can do both, you know. After all, with your base here, and staffed, who’s going to be stupid enough to try and attack Ponyville?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well... I suppose when Decimus burned the town down my base was vacant.”

“Right. Now I’m not trying to say that they could have outright saved the town. But it could have certainly been a different story had they been here.”

“Well then, thanks for staffing it.”

“Don’t mention it.”

She motions to the Training Room as they pass.

“As you can see, or in this case hear, the troops are busy readying themselves for the upcoming war.”

Arc sighs. “Hopefully it will be a quick and decisive victory.”

“Yeah. I don’t like the idea of this peaceful country being at war any longer than absolutely necessary.”

“Well, I should probably let you get back to the castle.”

“It will be fine for a bit longer, Arc. There are other officers there, you know. That and there was something else I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s about blue.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Rainbow Dash?”

Hammer nods hugely. “Yup. Remember, I promised to help you plan out a date with her before Christmas. Well... Hearth’s Warming, I guess. You know what I mean.”

“I figured you were too busy to do that with the extra duties.”

“For the most part, yes. However, I spent a few minutes every day brainstorming, going over pamphlets, and other advertisements for things she might like.”

“What did you come up with?”

Hammer reaches into her pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. She hands it to Arc as she speaks.

“A variety of things in a number of towns. Guessing you have sigils in at least a few of them.”

Arc nods as he looks over the paper. “The ones I don’t aren’t out of reach though. After all, The Equinox will be back in Canterlot tomorrow morning.”

“You could have them fly you around the country to make sigils if you wanted to.”

Arc taps the paper with the back of his hand. “Great ideas here, Hammer.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

“Have you mentioned this to Rainbow Dash?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Naw. Well, I did tell her that I was going to give you some tips on how to take her out. But that was months ago, and I didn’t say when.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Now that I have some ideas all I need to do is pick out a date and time for the event.”

“How about tomorrow?”

“That’s kinda short notice, Hammer.”

“I know it would be kinda rude to do that to anyone else. But you gotta remember this is blue we’re talking about. She loves spontaneity almost as much as Pinkie Pie does.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive!”

“I’ll talk to her about it when we get together soon.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You planning to go visit her, or something?”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda hard to do, what with her house literally being a cloud in the sky. No, I was planning to call a... um... meeting with her and the rest of the herd.”

“Something up?”

Arc sighs. “Sorta. That and I want to touch base with everyone. See how they feel about how things are progressing.”

“Progressing? Ain’t nothing happened yet.”

“I suppose that’s true. But just like any kind of relationship, communication is key. And I’ve been neglecting that for some time now.”

Hammer nods soberly. “We understand why though. You were needed to take care of that Goldstone freak over in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc appears surprised. “You heard about that?”

“Pretty much everyone did, as Princess Luna ordered it broadcasted on all frequencies all over the country. Heck, I heard that Matron Coco Pommel stopped classes when it came on so that the students could hear what she called ‘history in the making’.”

Twilight shrugs. “We did our best, of course. But in the end everything sorta just fell into place.”

Hammer looks at her watch. “Speaking of the school, classes should be getting out in a few minutes. Wanna head over and see your family?”

Arc nods. “That sounds great!”

They leave the building and make the quick walk down the path. The sight of numerous foals running toward Ponyville as they laugh and call out to one another plays out before them. Entering the building, they see Dinky walking out Miss Cheerilee’s classroom with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo. They hurry toward Arc as Dinky leaps into his arms and throws her small hooves around her father’s neck.

“Dad! You’re back!”

Arc chuckles as he reciprocates the hug. “That I am, sweetheart.”

Apple Bloom hops up and down excitedly. “We all heard you at the trial!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “I was on the edge of my seat by the end!”

Scootaloo smirks knowingly. “How did the Battle of Truth go, Big Brother?!”

Dinky grimaces. “Yeah, dad. Miss Cheerilee said we couldn’t listen to that one.”

“Very well, actually. Neither myself, Princess Celestia, or Arbiter Ghaleon were hurt beyond a few bumps and bruises. However, Lord Goldstone was killed.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Who did it, Arc?! You?!”

“Princess Celestia heavily wounded him with a spear to his midsection. But the killing blow was technically from himself.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Huh?”

“He betrayed his partner at one point and knocked him into a statue overhead of the first king of the Griffon Kingdom. Then later in the fight that very same statue fell on him from above and pierced him with its own blade. While crushing him, that is.”

Scootaloo smirks wickedly. “Sounds like he got what was coming to him. At least if what we heard at the trial was to be believed.”

Hammer nods happily. “Darn right!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well... that matter is finally done and over with.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “So does that mean you’ll be in town for a while, dad?!”

“Maybe. Not really sure if I’ll be needed in Canterlot to help with the war preparations.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “But there’s lots of time for that!”

Apple Bloom looks out a window as she speaks. “It may not look like it, but spring will be here before we know it.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Right. And our nation needs to be ready for the invasion.”

Hammer shrugs. “Well, I think we can handle the logistics part of it, Arc. Why don’t you take some time off to spend with the family? And the herd too.”

Dinky gasps happily. “Yeah, dad! Mom and I were going to Shelly’s new restaurant for supper tonight along with the others! You could come too!”

Arc appears surprised. “It’s already open?!”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “Not yet, no.”

Apple Bloom grins. “They invited the Apple family too!”

Scootaloo steps forward. “Lily said that she wanted a large group of ponies to try her and Shelly’s new recipes before they officially open to the public. So she invited all of your friends, Big Brother.”

Dinky grins. “We were just going to wait out here in the Main Hall for mom to finish putting the orphan’s supper in the oven before we headed over there together.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I really would like to check in on them. After all, I haven’t even had time to call Shelly and Lily since I left for the Griffon Kingdom.”

Hammer grins. “Then it’s settled.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess so.”

Derpy walks into the Main Hall and spies Arc. Walking quickly over to him, she embraces Arc as he kneels down to her level.

“Welcome back, Arc!”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s good to see you too, Derpy.”

Dinky chimes in. “Dad’s going to come with us to Miss Shelly’s new place for supper, mom!”

Apple Bloom nods happily. “He can get caught up on everything that’s been going on over there!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “I’m sure Rarity will be happy to see him too.”

Scootaloo looks toward the window. “As will the others, I’m sure.”

Arc breaks the embrace with Derpy. “Right. Just give me one second.”

Touching his earring, he speaks.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Go ahead, sir.”

“I need to speak to Princess Twilight about a bit of a personal matter. Can you get me a line to her?”

“Yes sir, I’ll contact the castle immediately.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

Derpy looks surprised as Arc severs the connection. “You’re going to invite Twilight too, Arc?”

Arc nods. “I’m going to try to. After all, it won’t be much of a herd meeting if everyone isn’t there.”

A few minutes later Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“This is Arc.”

“Hi there. Um... this is Twilight. I’m told you wanted to talk to me.”

Arc nods. “Right. At the moment I’m at the Little Hooves Orphanage. Dinky told me that Lily invited everyone over to their new restaurant to try out their recipes. Kind of like an informal herd meeting, or something.”

Derpy calls out. “It’s probably because she already knows all of us.”

Dinky shrugs. “Somepony has to tell them what tastes good to a pony, after all.”

Arc chuckles. “You want to come, Twilight?”

“I’d love to! Just let me inform Luna and I’ll be ready for a portal!”

“Alright. Give me a call when you’re ready.”

Twilight giggles happily. “I will! Twilight out!”

The line goes dead as Apple Bloom smirks.

“She sounded excited.”

Sweetie Belle sighs wistfully. “If I were a princess, I’d be looking forward to any excuse to get a break too.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I guess that makes sense. But with her here who’s in charge of Equestria?”

Hammer gulps as she takes a step back. “Don’t look at me! I can’t lead an entire COUNTRY!”

Arc chuckles. “Relax, Hammer. Luna is still in the castle so she’ll be in charge while Twilight is gone. Just like when she and I were in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Hammer facepalms. “Oh... right. Not sure what I was thinking there.”

Derpy appears confused. “That and won’t you be there too, Hammer?”

Dinky smiles at the young woman. “Right. You’re going part of this herd someday too.”

Hammer shrugs. “Guess I should come then. As long as it’s okay with our hostesses, that is.”

Arc puts a hand on Hammer’s shoulder. “I’m sure it will be. After all, it sounds like they were trying to get everyone together anyways.”

A few minutes later Arc’s earring chirps again. Touching it, he grins.

“You ready, Twilight?”

“Yes! I’m standing in your quarters awaiting a portal!”

“Alright. Here goes.”

Holding out his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. As it forms Twilight rushes through it at top speed. In fact, she runs so fast that she trips over her own hooves and falls to the floor. Arc gasps and rushes forward.

“Twilight!”

Hammer joins him. “You okay, princess?”

Twilight looks up sheepishly as she puts a hoof to her snout. “Y-yes. Just a bit of a bloody nose.”

Derpy gasps. “Let’s get that cleaned up in the kitchen sink, Twilight.”

Nodding, Twilight puts her head back to keep the blood from dripping everywhere as she follows Derpy into the Cafeteria. The fillies giggle as they do so. Dinky is the first to speak.

“Miss Twilight must’ve been REALLY excited to come, dad!”

Arc nods as he tousles her mane. “That she was.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Maybe she just missed you, Arc.”

Sweetie Belle shakes her head. “No way! They were together the whole time over in the Griffon Kingdom!”

Scootaloo turns to him. “Were you, Big Brother?”

“Pretty much, yes. But I think Twilight’s equally interested in seeing all of our friends again.”

A short time later Derpy and Twilight return to the Main Hall together. Twilight is dabbing at her nose with a tissue held in a magical aura. Smiling nervously she turns to Arc and speaks.

“Sorry for making you wait.”

“It’s no trouble.”

Derpy smiles sheepishly. “Right. I do feel kinda silly myself after grabbing the first aid kit.”

Dinky tilts her head to one side, confused. “Why’s that, mom?”

“I completely forgot that alicorns can regenerate.”

Twilight puts the tissue in a nearby waste basket. “My nose had pretty much stopped dripping by the time we got there.”

Apple Bloom trots over to the front doors. “Let’s get going then!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Wait for me!”

Dinky runs after them. “I’m coming too!”

Arc and the others laugh happily as they head out the door together. Walking towards town, they soon come to the restaurant. Dinky and her friends reach it first and knock lightly on the door with their small hooves. Lily opens it a few moments later and steps aside to allow them to enter. She smiles as Arc comes into view.

“Welcome back, Arc!”

“It’s good to be back home again. I’m sorry to drop in like...”

Lily interrupts him and smiles as she closes the front door. “Don’t be, Arc! After all, you put up the money for this place.”

“Just to give you two a nice start in Equestria. How are things going over here?”

“We haven’t been able to do much other than write out recipe ideas on paper since you left. The new stove will change that though.”

Arc chuckles. “Looking forward to tasting your cooking again. Griffin cuisine is a bit too... rich for my taste.”

Derpy turns to Twilight as Arc tells Lily about a dish he ate. “How did it go over there?”

Twilight giggles. “Mission accomplished!”

Dinky gasps. “Were you scared over there, Princess Twilight?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not for my own safety, no.”

Apple Bloom points a small hoof. “Remember, she had Arc there to protect her.”

Twilight nods approvingly. “And he did a wonderful job at that.”

Sweetie Belle appears suddenly serious. “Did anypony try to hurt you?”

“Once, yes. An assassin shot a crossbow at Ashe and myself.”

Scootaloo grins. “And Big Brother stopped them dead, right?”

“He shielded us, yes. Then the soldiers went after the guilty party and captured them.”

Derpy’s ears droop as she sighs. “I hope they’ll be properly punished for what they did.”

Twilight grimaces. “Believe me when I say... that they won’t be able to hurt anypony for quite a while. To say nothing for what happened to Goldstone in the Gladiator’s Arena.”

Lily breathes a sigh of relief as she overhears the end of the conversation and walks over to join them with Arc.

“That’s good! Shelly and I were beyond worried when we heard that terrible griffon call out during the trial for the... what was that fight called again?”

Hammer scratches her head. “The Battle of Truth, I think.”

Arc nods. “Yup, that’s the one.”

Lily scoffs. “It’s silly to think that someone could get away with a crime by fighting a battle to prove their innocence.”

Arc shrugs. “Earth had something like that a long time ago.”

Lily appears confused. “We did?”

“Yup. We learned about it in history class. But I believe it was called a ‘Trial by Combat’.”

“I think I dimly remember that now, yes.”

Twilight steps forward as she smiles nervously at Lily. “Sorry for barging in unannounced like this.”

Hammer groans. “Yeah, me too.”

Lily smiles. “You’re welcome here anytime, Princess Twilight. And you as well, Hammer.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “Please, please. It’s just ‘Twilight’.”

Apple Bloom looks around. “Where’s Miss Shelly?”

Lily gestures to the door behind the counter. “In the kitchen. The Hammer’s just finished installing the custom stove earlier today and we’re anxious to try it out.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh... I don’t believe I had anything to do with installing anything here.”

She puts a hand to her forehead before continuing.

“Unless I’ve been working so hard that I can’t remember doing it!”

Arc chuckles. “Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer are the town’s blacksmith and jeweler respectively.”

Derpy nods. “Right. They’re typically just called ‘the Hammers’ though, as you seldom see one without the other.”

Hammer appears relieved. “Oh... that makes sense.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Lily. “Can we help in the kitchen?”

Derpy giggles. “Yes, it must be difficult to cook for so many.”

Lily shakes her head. “It’s fine. Shelly and I really just wanted to test out some small batches of things we came up with this week. The full meal is going to be put through one of the pony-sized bread ovens that we asked to be kept operational for tonight’s supper.”

Dinky grins. “What is it, Miss Lily?!”

“Pizza.”

Arc smirks. “Really?!”

“Yes, Arc. Truth be told, it actually looks more like a pizza oven than something that makes bread.”

Derpy looks to the kitchen door. “Can we see it?”

“Sure. Everyone, follow me.”

Lily leads them behind the counter and through the swinging double doors. Inside they spot Shelly standing at a large counter measuring out ingredients. She smiles as they enter and makes her way slowly over to them. Arc steps forward and takes her hand to help steady her as she puts an arm around his shoulder affectionately.

“Glad you could make it, Arc!”

Lily giggles. “He came back for us, Shelly!”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda feels like I did.”

Derpy feigns disappointment. “And here I thought you came here to see Dinky and I, Arc.”

Dinky grins. “Miss Shelly’s doing a lot better, dad!”

Shelly looks around. “That I am! But where’s Max?”

Arc motions out the window to the east. “He’s still aboard The Equinox. They’re flying back to Equestria as we speak.”

Shelly smiles wistfully. “It was great having him here every day before you two had to ship out.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “You must miss him, Miss Shelly.”

“Oh, I do! But I understand that he has a job to do aboard Arc’s ship.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Actually, that job’s done. The extra security aboard my ship is probably just kinda eating and sleeping now that Twilight’s no longer aboard.”

Apple Bloom grins. “So he isn’t really needed over there then?!”

“Right.”

Arc turns to Shelly before continuing.

“Want me to get him for you?”

Shelly smiles happily. “Yes, please! That is... if it won’t get him into trouble.”

Twilight giggles. “I think Arc could convince his commanding officer.”

Derpy appears confused. “But I thought Max was Arc’s... employee.”

Dinky shakes her head. “He’s his ‘subordinate.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right, mom. Big Brother was just making a joke.”

Derpy blushes slightly as she looks at Arc.. “Ah! Sorry for ruining it!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “I still laughed!”

Sweetie Belle snickers. “Me too!”

Arc raises a hand to his earring. “Now that the fun is out of the way, let’s get him over here.”

Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.”

“Have my squad report to my quarters aboard ship. I need them back in Ponyville right away for a... very special mission.”

“Yes sir. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that should do it. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection as Lily turns to Shelly and grins slyly.

“Looks like you’ll be able to cook for your boyfriend after all.”

Shelly giggles as she blushes happily. “That I will. Still getting used to having someone special like him in my life though.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s side. “As am I.”

Derpy appears surprised. “You’ve never had a stallionfriend before, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, I was always too busy reading and learning to form any serious attachments.”

Apple Bloom bows her head. “Sounds lonely.”

“Oh, believe me it was. But I didn’t realize just how much so until Arc came into my life.”

Derpy nods soberly. “I felt the same way. After all, I was physically and emotionally alone before I met Arc here.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Me too. Back in Knothole Village, neither of us seemed to fit in. So we became the most unlikely of friends.”

Sweetie Belle grins widely. “Rarity’s never been happier!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Applejack too!”

Lily smiles warmly at Arc. “I understand that. He just kinda... um... brings out the best in everything.”

Shelly nods. “That he does. And Max too.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m glad to be of help. But if we’re going to talk about Max he really should be here to hear it.”

Raising a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. A few moments later Max and the rest of the squad walk through. They stand at attention before Arc and salute silently as he addresses them.

“Good job on that last mission. Now then, how about some shore leave?”

He motions around them before continuing.

“And supper.”

Max grins as his eyes drift over to Shelly. “That sounds great, sir!”

Hugh nods. “I’m in!”

Viktor sniffs the air hungrily. “Me too!”

Xenos laughs heartily. “Guess that settles it.”

Arc smirks as he salutes. “Well then... dismissed.”

Max immediately turns and runs over to Shelly. Kneeling down she wraps her arms around his neck as he nuzzles her face. The others look on in approval. Xenos is the first to speak.

“Nice!”

Hugh nods approvingly. “Good job, Max!”

Viktor turns to his commanding officer. “Thanks for making this happen, sir.”

“No problem. After all that fuss in the Griffon Kingdom, I figured we could all use a bit of time off.”

Lily walks over to the stove and picks up a spoon as she calls out. “Why doesn’t everyone sit down in the dining area now? I’ll start plating the food so that we can eat as soon as the others arrive.”

Shelly turns to the stove. “Right. Lily and I will be right out with...”

Lily interrupts her friend. “No, no. You sit down and rest, Shelly. After all, you’ve been going pretty hard all day to make this happen.”

Max smiles up at her as he extends a hoof. “Come on, Shelly. I’ll help.”

Shelly giggles. “Thank you. But how, Max?”

Dinky looks Max over. “He is a bit shorter than in human form.”

Apple Bloom gasps happily as an idea hits her. “How about turning Max here into a human again, Arc?!”

Derpy nods. “We could all be humans!”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Naked humans, mom.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chest and giggles. “Fur coverings are just kinda something we don’t think much about.”

Hugh shrugs. “Until we don’t have them anymore, that is.”

Xenos shivers instinctively. “Yeah, that was kinda cold.”

Max looks up at Shelly. “Put your hand on my head. You can lean on me.”

“Are you sure?”

Max nods. “Completely.”

She smiles and puts her hand on top of Max’s head. Taking a step, they walk out the door and toward the tables together. Shelly turns to the others whom are following them.

“We had all new booths made up that are large enough to accommodate ponies as well as average sized humans.”

Dinky giggles as she slides into a booth with her parents and Scootaloo. “That means my dad and I can eat together!”

Derpy giggles. “I was kinda worried that he wouldn’t fit.”

Twilight smiles as she takes a seat in the booth across the aisle with Hammer, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “Well, it’s a nice surprise.”

Max stops at a couple’s table. “Is this alright, Shelly?”

Shelly nods happily. “Yes, it’s fine.”

Xenos pulls out a chair for Shelly as Hugh helps Max sit her down. Smiling at them she speaks.

“Thank you. I might have pushed myself a bit too far today.”

Xenos smiles at her warmly. “No problem, Miss Shelly.”

Hugh nods. “Yes, we’re happy to help.”

Viktor points a hoof at a nearby booth. “It okay if we crash here, Max?”

Max appears confused. “Um... I guess so. But why ask me?”

Xenos grins as he slides into the booth. “We just wanna to watch.”

Hugh smirks. “And learn.”

Viktor chuckles. “Mind if we take notes?”

Max rolls his eyes. “Jokers...”

Shelly giggles. “They want to be just like you someday, Max.”

Xenos nods fervently. “Right! Have somepony to love!”

Viktor grins. “And date!”

Arc looks over as he calls out. “There’s an ample amount of single mares to go out with right here in Ponyville.”

Xenos sighs. “Maybe someday they’ll be time for that.”

The door opens and the rest of the Mane Six along with Ember and Auriel walk in. Arc stands and smiles at them as Pinkie bounces over to him

“Hey, Arc! Nice job in the Griffon Kingdom!”

Applejack nods approvingly. “We heard the play by play on the radio.”

Fluttershy shudders. “It was scary to listen to!”

Rarity groans. “That it was.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I knew you’d be able to pull it off!”

Scootaloo smirks as she looks to the rainbow maned pegasus. “Yeah? I seem to recall somepony being on the edge of their seat the whole time.”

Fluttershy smiles at her. “And falling off of it twice.”

Auriel appears confused. “Oh? Whom was that?”

Rainbow Dash glares at them. “That only happened once though!”

Applejack chuckles. “So you finally admit that it happened?”

Ember smirks. “That’s surprising.”

Rarity giggles. “Back then I recall a certain somepony just brushing it off as them tripping when standing to use the restroom.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “That’s our blue!”

Arc looks to Rainbow Dash. “In any case, thanks for worrying.”

Rainbow Dash looks away and blushes slightly. “I... I knew you could do it.”

Twilight nods. “We all did, Arc.”

Lily emerges from the back with a large tray of dishes. The others sit down in available booths and at tables as she passes out the appetizers. They try them one by one and give their honest opinions, feedback, and suggestions. Afterwards, Lily heads back to the kitchen to retrieve their main course. She returns a few moments later carrying a truly massive pizza pan. Everyone looks at it, with their eyes wide, as she carefully sets it down on a serving stand that sits strategically in the middle of the floor. Arc is the first to speak.

“Um... Lily?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“What... IS that?!”

Lily appears confused. “Pizza.”

Rainbow Dash salivates. “That thing is HUGE!”

Auriel gasps. “Oh my!”

Twilight giggles. “You said it, Auriel! I didn’t even know such a thing was possible to cook evenly!”

Shelly calls out from her table. “You can thank Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer for that.”

Hammer groans. “There’s those names again!”

Ember laughs as she picks up a massive slice. “I was waiting for this!”

Lily nods to the kitchen. “They came up with the idea of retooling the bread oven to add an extra setting.”

Dinky appears confused as she turns to her father. “Setting?”

“I’m curious about that too, sweetheart.”

Derpy looks to Shelly. “How does it work?”

“Normally unbaked bread is put into pans and slowly run through the oven on a conveyor belt.”

Applejack chimes in. “And you had the speed of the belt adjusted?”

Lily nods. “And they added automatically opening and closing doors to help hold the heat in.”

Pinkie gasps. “That would make them cook EXTRA fast!”

Ember smirks. “Hot as dragon’s breath I would guess.”

Shelly grins. “We have the cooking time down to five minutes per pizza.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Smart! After all, nopony would want to wait around when they’re hungry.”

Derpy looks to the pan. “That’s really impressive!”

Dinky licks her lips. “Yeah! When we make a pizza at home it feels like it takes forever to cook!

Apple Bloom grins. “Well, let’s see how this one tastes!”

Sweetie Belle nods as she salivates. “Uh huh!”

Everyone reaches over and grabs slices as Lily passes out oversized plates. They talk and laugh together as they eat. The mares bring Arc up to speed on their various activities while he was gone overseas while Dinky and her friends do the same. As they all finish eating Lily looks around the tables as she speaks.

“So how was everything?”

Rainbow Dash takes flight excitedly. “Great! Awesome! Stupendous! Uh... super! Can’t think of any other words though.”

Pinkie jumps up on top of the table. “How about amazing, serendipitous, and awe-inspiring?!”

Rarity giggles as she dabs at the corners her mouth with a napkin. “I would say it was along the lines of ‘magnificent’.”

Applejack nods approvingly. “That pizza was really good! Loved the sauce!”

Fluttershy smiles. “It was a wonderful meal, truly!”

Twilight looks to their hosts warmly. “I think pretty much every word that could have described this mean was used already. But I do want to say that I too thought the flavors were perfect.”

Hammer pats her belly. “Almost as good as Roberto’s back on Earth!”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Was that the place you ordered from when I was there?”

Arc nods. “Yup. It’s a family favorite.”

Shelly giggles. “You used to order it when we lived with you too, Arc!”

Max looks to Shelly. “That place was pretty good. Just like yours is.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! It’s hard to say which is better though.”

Viktor taps the table with a hoof. “The cheese, sauce, and toppings were quite good, yes.”

Hugh shrugs. “I thought the crust was a bit soft though. Tasted good, of course. But that’s my only critique.”

Ember smirks. “Would’ve been better with meat, I bet.”

Hammer raises a hand. “I second that!”

Arc nods. “I suppose so. But I’m sure they wanted to make something everyone could enjoy.”

Lily smiles. “Right. We understand that the ponies of this land are herbivores.”

Shelly chimes in. “But we’ll still try experimenting with some of this land’s meats for you, Arc.”

“Thanks!”

Hammer grins. “Looking forward to trying some of that!”

Ember looks to Lily. “How about cockatrice meat?”

“Cockatrice?”

Twilight nods. “It’s a chicken/lizard hybrid that can turn ponies to stone.”

Shelly gasps. “Oh my!”

Ember licks her lips. “But they taste REALLY good!”

Hammer laughs. “I second that!”

Auriel turns to Hammer, confused. “How many ‘seconds’ can you make, Hammer?”

“You know it’s good!”

Auriel giggles. “Yes, can’t argue there.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. However, there aren’t any farms that raise them.”

Derpy looks out the window. “You have some in your freezer back at Light’s Hope don’t you, Arc?”

“Yup. They’re from the annual hunting expedition into the Everfree Forest.”

He turns to Lily before continuing.

“I’ll see about bringing you a bird one of these days.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

Twilight stands and flaps her wings to get up on top of the counter. “Now that we’ve all eaten our fill, I have an announcement to make regarding the mission to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Twilight?”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

Scootaloo waves a small hoof. “Shh! Let her talk!”

Arc stands and joins Twilight. “Right. It wasn’t all diplomacy and fancy royal gatherings, you know.”

Twilight shudders. “I admit that I was scared more than once during that trip. But Arc was by my side the whole time to help keep me on track.”

“However, one evening while we were waiting for action to be taken in our case, I asked Ashe to recommend some kind of outing for Twilight.”

Derpy looks confused. “Outing? Like a field trip?”

Twilight nods. “Something like that. She told him about a very special facility where the rich and powerful of the Griffon Kingdom go to relax.”

Hammer frowns. “Wasn’t that dangerous though?! I mean, you’re a tempting target!”

Auriel nods soberly. “Yes, you would have been in extreme danger the whole time, Twilight!”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “Normally, yes. However, believe me when I say that this place was fully secured inside and out.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. Twilight and I were very safe during our time there.”

Fluttershy appears interested. “What sort of things did you do there, Twilight?”

“Well... first we had a nice supper in a private, and very cozy, Dining Room. After that we decided to try out their public baths.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow, confused. “A what now?”

Arc chimes in. “Think of it kinda like the Ponyville Spa, but much larger and much fancier. Servants were everywhere to deliver anything you wanted to eat or drink as well as give massages as requested.”

Rarity gasps excitedly as her eyes light up. “It sounds wonderful!”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “You would like something like that, Rarity.”

Hammer shrugs. “I’m with blue on this one. Not really my thing either.”

Auriel attempts to keep the conversation moving. “Did you enjoy it though, Twilight?”

Twilight nods. “Very much so, yes.”

Ember grins. “So you two took a bath together. Then what?”

Arc pretends to roll some invisible dice. “We hit the casino.”

Derpy appears confused. “What’s a casino?”

Twilight giggles. “It’s a place where you can gamble. They had a number of games such as slots, roulette, and a card game which I may have forgotten the name of.”

Arc fills in the missing word. “Griffcard.”

“That was it.”

“It’s kinda like Texas Hold ‘em back on Earth.”

Hammer grins. “I’ve played that one a few times. Not the greatest at it, mind you. But I was able to beat Stingray and Mio.”

Ember turns to her. “How do you win?”

“By having the best cards.”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin. “So it’s a game of chance?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Partially. There’s a bit of probability, naturally. However there’s also the art of bluffing.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “Bluffing?”

Dinky sighs. “Tricking others.”

Scootaloo grins. “That does sound like fun.”

Arc shrugs. “It is. Sometimes, if you don’t have particularly strong cards, you can try to convince the others to drop out by tricking them into thinking you have a good hand by betting big.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Betting bits?”

Twilight nods. “Right.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “But if you don’t have much chance of winning why lose bits over it?”

“The goal isn’t necessarily to have the best cards. It’s just a matter of trying to be the last one standing. Then you win it all.”

Ember smirks. “Sounds kinda like a battle.”

Auriel grins as she takes up a battle ready stance. “If you’re weaker than your opponent, you can try to make them think that you’re not such an easy target.”

Fluttershy shudders. “I don’t think I’d be very good at that game.”

Rainbow Dash trots in place happily. “Maybe not! But I’ve always wanted to try my hoof at the casinos of Las Pegasus!”

Rarity giggles. “I wouldn’t mind trying the roulette tables myself.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Mom!”

Rarity smiles lovingly at the filly. “Just for a little while, dear. After all, I’m not looking to lose everything on such a silly thing.”

Applejack scoffs. “You do what you want with your bits, Rarity. But I’m not throwing mine away on games.”

Fluttershy nods. “Me either. Well... not that I have many to do so with anyways.”

Max looks to Arc. “We soldiers have some card games we like to play.”

Xenos shrugs. “Yeah. They sound really similar to what you’re describing, sir.”

Hugh chuckles. “It’s a good way to pass the time when off duty though.”

Viktor grins. “One just has to be sure not to lose their month’s pay.”

Pinkie hops up and down excitedly. “Slots would my thing!”

Ember licks her scaly lips. “Eating would be mine!”

Hammer smirks. “You can watch me at the card table, blue.”

Rainbow Dash lands in front of the young woman. “I’d take you on!”

“Bring it!”

Auriel looks to Twilight. “Maybe we could try an informal game amongst ourselves sometime to learn the rules and nuances.”

Twilight nods. “Right. It doesn’t have to be for bits.”

Arc grins. “We could just use chips and play for fun.”

Derpy gasps happily. “Could I watch?”

Apple Bloom jumps up and down. “Me too!”

Sweetie Belle raises a hoof. “Me three!”

Scootaloo grins. “I’d like to play as well.”

Lily calls out. “That does sound like fun, yes. However, we should probably let Arc and Twilight finish telling the remainder of their story.”

Shelly nods. “Right. I want to hear the rest.”

Twilight clears her throat and continues. “After that, we went downstairs to see the cage matches. They were one-on-one battles with safe weapons between two combatants.”

Arc chuckles. “The nobles apparently like to bet on the outcome of the matches.”

Ember grins. “Sounds like my kind of place!”

Hammer’s eyes light up. “Yeah!”

Fluttershy cowers back fearfully. “Sounds scary to me!”

Applejack looks to Twilight. “Anypony get hurt bad?”

Twilight shakes her head. “They do have a full medical staff on hoof there as well as non-lethal weapons though.”

Lily shudders. “It still sounds rather dangerous.”

Twilight sighs. “While I’m sure all precautions are taken to protect their... performers, it does stand to reason that sometimes bad things would happen.”

Derpy grimaces. “Did you see any?”

Arc nods. “One, yes. A smaller than most gladiator won the right to challenge the champion, but was soundly defeated.”

Twilight frowns. “But the champion kept beating on him even after the match was won.”

“I guess he expected more of a battle, because he started taunting those around him to send someone in to fight him that was a challenge.”

“Then he wanted to take on Arc due to his... physical differences.”

Scootaloo smirks wickedly. “Not a smart move on his part.”

Arc shrugs. “I turned him down flatly though. But he was insistent, and threw something at Twilight and I. So I decided to humor the guy and teach him a lesson in manners.”

Pinkie gasps. “You got into a cage with him?!”

“That I did.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “But why?!”

Arc shrugs. “Just got tired of him running him mouth mostly.”

Twilight nods matter-of-factly. “Arc showed him a thing or two though.”

Apple Bloom grins. “What happened?!”

“I took him out in such a way that he was utterly humiliated in front of the onlooking nobles.”

Twilight giggles. “And then, when the officials came forward to give Arc his winnings, he threw them at the champion.”

Arc chuckles. “It was to show that I was above such foolishness.”

Sweetie Belle laughs. “I bet he felt really silly after that.”

Max chuckles. “I’ll say.”

Xenos smirks. “Yeah. What happened after that, sir?”

“Twilight and I left.”

Twilight shudders. “We had finished our snack by that time, so there was no point in sticking around. Especially after what had just happened. So we went to see the symphony elsewhere in the building.”

Rarity’s eyes light up. “A live symphony?!”

Derpy appears confused. “A what?”

Dinky turns to her mother. “A large group of musicians playing a song together, mom.”

Applejack lowers her hat and closes her eyes as she leans back in her chair. “That would have put me to sleep.”

Arc shrugs. “It was a nice way to wind down the evening though.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. We listened for a time before Arc asked me to dance.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “I thought it was just supposed to be a listening experience.”

Hugh gasps. “They had a dance floor too?”

Arc nods. “That they did. We were in a private VIP balcony at the time though. But all it took was an elevator ride down to reach the ballroom floor.”

Twilight grins. “Arc taught me a few simple dance moves.”

Arc looks to Derpy. “Kinda like what we did on our date back on Earth.”

Derpy smiles. “That was really fun! Moving to the music with somepony special, that is.”

Twilight blushes slightly as she recalls the memory. “Yes, well... I had only ever danced with my foalsitter Cadance in the past. And that was as a filly, of course. So I just did what I did back then. Admittedly it must’ve looked rather silly to those around us. So Arc stopped me and taught what he knew so that I could enjoy it.”

“It gave us a chance to talk about Twilight’s fears over the outcome of our mission as well.”

Hammer gives them a thumbs up. “Business with pleasure. That’s tops in efficiency, Twilight.”

Ember frowns. “Take a night off once in a while though!”

Auriel shrugs. “Well, it’s better to talk through things rather than letting it bottle up inside.”

Scootaloo grins. “And Big Brother is really good at talking through things.”

Derpy giggles. “And coming up with solutions too.”

Pinkie jumps back down into her seat. “So what did you say, Arc?!”

“I just kinda gave her a pep talk to convince her that she was doing all she could mostly.”

Twilight nods. “It really helped though. However, by that time it was getting really late. So I suggested that we do something a bit... outside my comfort zone.”

Auriel appears surprised. “What was that, Twilight?”

Twilight blushes heavily. “That Arc and I... get a room together.”

“They gave us the best one in the place too. It was at the very top of the building and gave amazing views of the city below.”

“Once we were truly alone I had the chance to talk to Arc privately about certain... mare topics.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Like what?!”

“Well... things... that are... um...”

Arc interrupts her. “...probably best not brought up with foals present.”

Sweetie Belle throws her head back and cries out. “Aw, come on!”

Scootaloo taps the table with her hoof. “I’m assuming it was either about having foals or other related topics.”

Twilight nods. “Something like that, yes. I just wanted to get Arc’s perspective on a few things that had been bothering me, that’s all.”

“I just answered her Honestly and did what was asked of me.”

Rainbow Dash smiles slyly. “Definitely want more details on THAT later!”

Hammer nods approvingly. “Cut me off a slice of that action too!”

Ember smirks. “Oh yeah!”

Auriel leans forward. “Me too! For research purposes, of course!”

Arc laughs. “Are you sure it’d just be for ‘research’, Auriel?”

“Business and pleasure... that sort of thing.”

Rarity giggles. “Now, now. Little ears.”

Twilight waves a hoof to move the conversation along. “We can talk about that more later. But after that conversation, I did ask Arc a very important question. One that has been on my mind for a long time now.”

Arc takes her hoof as she continues.

“I asked Arc... to marry me.”

Hammer fist pumps. “Hell yeah!”

Auriel grins widely. “What did you say, Arc?!”

“I told her ‘yes’.”

Derpy giggles. “Congratulations, you two!”

Dinky throws her hooves up happily. “Our family is getting even bigger!”

Applejack smiles warmly. “We’ll have to talk more about plans for a wedding soon.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “And living arrangements too.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Twilight. “Plenty of time for that though, right?!”

“Yes. We haven’t talked any more about this since that night.”

Arc nods. “After all, it didn’t seem right to go any further with plans without first telling everyone about it.”

Shelly smiles. “I’m very happy for you two!”

Max grins. “Right.”

Lily grimaces. “Um... are you really sure this is a good idea though, Arc? I mean... having so many wives will be a lot of work.”

“That’s why we’re taking this slow, Lily. To make sure everyone involved is certain that they want this.”

Hammer shrugs. “I’m thinking it’ll all work out.”

Rarity giggles happily. “Yes. As long as we’re all honest with each other on our feelings and plan together.”

Applejack raises a hoof. “I might have had a bit of an idea regarding that.”

Twilight looks to her. “What is it?”

“Now, I want to start off by saying that this is just a suggestion. But what Lily said a moment ago does make a lot of sense. Marriage between your average couple really is a lot of work. After all, you’re both used to doing your own thing and making decisions for yourself. Suddenly you have to try and agree with somepony else on things that you used to just make decisions for on your own. It could make for a lot of friction if done too fast.”

Arc appears confused. “What are you suggesting then, Applejack?”

“I think... that a bit of a test run is in order.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

Pinkie raises a hoof as she pulls a number two pencil out of her mane. “Oh! Oh! Will it be multiple choice?!”

Applejack continues. “As you all know, Arc and I are the only ones whom have cohabitated romantically in the past.”

She looks to Derpy before continuing.

“Um... kinda.”

Derpy nods. “I agree with you, Applejack. It is very different than just having a roommate, I admit. But Arc and I haven’t really had time to talk about any of this in great detail yet. That and we haven’t really done much of anything relationship-wise other than to cuddle at night. So I think you’re ahead of me in terms of actually living together.”

Applejack continues. “Now I know that it was just a week, mind you. But that experience really opened my eyes to some of the things involved with living with somepony. Sharing living spaces and working to keep things neat and tidy.”

Arc chuckles. “You and I are pretty similar in that regard though.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Agreed. Both of you are hard workers, strong, brave, and tidy though.”

Ember frowns. “Sounds really compatible when you put it like that.”

Applejack sighs. “Yes, well... not all of us are wired that way though. Now I’m not saying any names here, but I know that it’s going to be kinda tough for some personalities to live together after the wedding.”

Rarity appears confused. “But we’re all already friends.”

“True. However, none of us have ever lived together, Rarity. Remember what happened when you, Twilight, and I had that impromptu slumber party at her library when that big storm was rolling through?”

Rarity looks away nervously. “Um... kinda.”

Auriel appears genuinely interested. “What happened?”

Hammer grins as she folds her arms over her chest. “This should be good!”

Applejack groans. “Rarity and I didn’t really get along that night. Each of us thought things should be done a certain way and would butt heads whenever it didn’t go our way.”

Twilight quickly chimes in. “But it wasn’t anything life changing though. Bedding use, games, and a lot of passive aggressive behavior if I recall correctly.”

Rarity sighs. “It all boiled down to our methodology, I believe.”

Applejack bows her head. “That and each of us doing our best to try and control the narrative. So it’s not like we haven’t done something like this before.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “And that was just a sleepover for one night. Living together permanently would involve a lot more comingling than that.”

Rarity groans. “Agreed. The issue was that I wanted her to do things a certain way, and Applejack wanted me to do it her way.

Applejack nods. “Right. But the best thing was actually each of us doing what we were best at. I worked on stopping the rain from coming in while Rarity did her best to protect Twilight’s belonging from water damage.”

Twilight smiles nervously at Applejack. “It did work out in the end, yes. But that was a very... stressful time for me.”

“Which leads me to my idea on how to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Applejack turns to Rarity before continuing.

“We all agreed that Rarity should be the one to... uh... try and have foals with Arc first.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “With me second, you mean!”

Hammer turns to her. “You mean US second, right blue?”

“I figured that was implied, cupcake.”

Fluttershy waves her hooves slightly. “Please everypony. Let Applejack finish.”

“I think that it might be best for everypony if Arc and Rarity were to get married first and move in together.”

Sweetie Belle giggles as she looks to Dinky. “Then we’d be real sisters!”

Dinky grins. “And Scootaloo too!”

Scootaloo folds her hooves in front of her chest. “I have to admit, that would be really nice. But you two are forgetting something very important here.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “They are?”

“Yes. What Big Brother and Rarity want.”

Rarity looks around nervously. “I... can’t deny that I would like to marry Arc and begin living together, of course. However, what would become of Derpy?”

“I think I’d be okay living with Dinky and Scootaloo in my home.”

Dinky smiles. “We could all sleep together if that would help you, mom.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. But I too would miss having Big Brother around.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “It’s not like you’d never see him again.”

Hammer shrugs. “Right. He’d just move in with Rarity at her shop.”

Sweetie Belle chimes in. “I do see what Scootaloo is saying though. And while I’d love having him live with Rarity and I, it seems to me that the others need him too.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Everyone does raise good points, yes. However, I do think I have a bit of a solution.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “What is it?”

“A place of my own. Big enough for everyone, that is.”

He turns to Rarity before continuing.

“Everyone would still keep our own properties, naturally. However, at the end of the day those involved could return to my place to eat supper together, talk, and retire to their own private room there at the end of the day.”

Rainbow Dash appears skeptical. “So just so I’m understanding this correctly, we’d all have a room to ourselves there?”

“Right.”

Applejack raises a hoof. “Could it be set it up the way we want?”

Arc nods. “Of course. After all, I don’t expect anyone to stay somewhere they aren’t happy or comfortable.”

Ember frowns. “What about the rest of the house?”

Arc shrugs. “We’d have to cross that bridge when we get to it. I’d like for it to be set up in a way that makes everyone happy. However, I understand that such a thing probably isn’t possible.”

Twilight gestures toward a window with a wave of her hoof. “You should probably talk to Hard Hat about housing options here in Ponyville then, Arc. Get some drawings made up for everypony to look at and talk over.”

Lily nods approvingly. “I do like the idea of you getting married to a single mare, Arc.”

Shelly smiles at him. “As do I. While I do understand your reasoning behind this, the idea of having multiple wives is still foreign to us.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, that might be what’s best. Starting off with a single spouse, I mean.”

Applejack appears hopeful. “And adding us one by one?”

“That could be the plan, yes.”

Derpy grimaces. “What would our relationship be to you in the meantime though, Arc?”

“Assuming Rarity and I got married first, you and Applejack would still be my fiancées, of course.”

Dinky frowns. “But wouldn’t that make things kinda... weird, dad. I mean... you’ll be married to Miss Rarity, living together, sleeping together, and trying to have foals together I would imagine.”

Rarity bows her head as her ears droop. “I have to admit, while I would like to be wed to you as soon as possible, Arc... your daughter does raise a very valid point.”

Sweetie Belle nods soberly. “Agreed. I’d love for Arc to marry my mom and become my dad, sure. But it would probably make things weird between my friends and I.”

Auriel groans. “So what’s the solution?”

Ember shrugs. “I say we all just get together a couple at a time in a bedroom and start...”

Hammer puts a hand over Ember’s mouth. “Small ears, Einstein!”

Auriel chimes in. “Ember may not have said that as eloquently as she could have, of course. But I do think that it may be best for Arc to begin expanding his relationships with Rarity, Derpy, Applejack, and Twilight.”

Pinkie appears confused. “Expand?!”

Auriel nods. “Begin the process of becoming more... intimate with them.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “I want in on that too!”

Fluttershy grins. “As do I. Well... maybe not as much as some admittedly. But...”

Applejack interrupts her. “That does sound really nice. Having Arc start doing... you know what to us. However, Rainbow Dash did bring up a good point just now. Such a thing isn’t really fair to those whom aren’t yet officially engaged to Arc at this time.”

Max puts a hoof on Shelly’s hand as he speaks. “I know it would make me feel bad to try and put one mare in front of another like that.”

Shelly nods. “Yes, it’s not really fair to anyone. You, Arc... or your fiancées.”

Lily sighs. “I hate to say it, but you might actually be better off marrying everyone at once. Well, everyone whom feels they are ready to join the herd, that is.”

Apple Bloom raises a hoof. “Um... can I suggest something?”

Arc turns to her. “Huh?”

“I think I might have an idea.”

Applejack sighs as she narrows her eyes. “Apple Bloom, I don’t think you quite understand what it is we’re trying to figure out here.”

“You all want him to be with you intimately. But at the same time nopony wants to hurt the others.”

Hugh chuckles. “Sounds like she figured it out.”

Xenos smirks. “Yeah.”

Viktor pats Apple Bloom’s head. “Smart little cookie.”

Arc nods. “Go ahead, Apple Bloom.”

“Why not just keep your relationship with everypony non-sexual?”

Ember scoffs. “Well, that doesn’t sound like much fun to me.”

Auriel turns to her. “Maybe not. But it would help keep everyone on a level playing field in this regard.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “What about sleeping together though?”

Dinky looks to her mother. “Just my two bits here, but as long as that’s all your doing I don’t see any problem here. What do you think, mom?”

“Such a thing would be fine with me, yes.”

Rarity smiles. “I’d agree to it as well.”

Applejack sighs. “While I have to admit this kinda bums me out, I do understand the logic behind something like this.”

Twilight looks around the group. “Then we all agree. The four of us will make no sexual advances toward Arc.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What about the rest of us?!”

Arc looks to her. “When I and the individual in question believe the time to be right, they will be asked to officially join the future herd. But there is one thing I would like to add to this conversation.”

He blushes slightly before continuing.

“Regarding what was spoken about... intimacy. What should be done if... I and one of you were to come together and... and go too far?”

Pinkie grins. “You mean accidently have sex?!”

Arc groans. “Not really ‘accidently’, I guess. More along the lines of doing something in the heat of the moment.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Such as if you and I were to go on another date, have an amazing time, and instead of going to sleep...”

Arc interrupts her. “Right.”

Applejack shrugs. “I don’t really see that happening though. I mean... I do want to, but...”

Derpy bows her head and looks away sadly. “When the hormones take over, it may be too hard to stop. Believe me, I know.”

Arc nods nervously. “Y-yeah. I mean, if we both wanted it, mind you.”

Scootaloo frowns. “That sounds a little bit like what my dad did to my mom though, Big Brother.”

“Not quite, Scootaloo. Both myself and the female in question would, of course, have to be willing to go that far.”

Twilight smiles. “You’re just worried about the effect it would have on the rest of us.”

“Right.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... I suppose if it did happen, we should call an emergency meeting of everypony right away. Or as soon as possible, that is.”

Rarity nods. “Agreed. Arc and the mare in question would need to be honest about what they had done behind our backs.”

Derpy sighs. “It does seem pretty fair to me. After all, accidents do happen.”

Dinky shakes her head. “But a relationship needs to be built on trust to succeed.”

Apple Bloom looks around the room. “So they should inform the others as well as apologize to them right away.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “That thought should also help everypony remember not to go too far.”

Arc appears relieved. “I never thought I’d have to bring this up. But I am glad that I did.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Why though, Arc?”

“Huh?”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Yeah. You’ve have the chance to get with pretty much all of us at one point or another. But you always did the right thing and didn’t take us up on it.”

Ember smirks wickedly. “Something you’d like to tell the group, Arc?”

“I suppose I should.”

He looks around the room at everyone before continuing.

“We’ve been through a lot together. However, most of the time our relationship was purely that of friends. Platonic. But you’ve all opened my eyes to new possibilities. New... ideas.”

Auriel smiles at him. “As have you, Arc.”

“I have?”

“Before I met you, I never dreamed I’d fall in love. You changed me. Helped me to be all that I could. Made me consider other... things.”

Hammer nods fervently. “Yeah, I get that too. Never thought I’d find a man to call my own. Heck, I never even considered forming a relationship with a bunch of others though either.”

Ember shrugs. “Same here. It’s all just so... mind-boggling to me just how much I’ve changed since meeting you, Arc.”

Arc nods. “And I’ve changed too.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “You have?”

“Yes, I have. I never thought I’d have considered a mare as anything more than a friend. But now... now I’ve given a great deal of thought to marriage as well as... intimacy with several of you.”

He turns to Rarity before continuing.

“And to be completely Honest with you, I... I would really enjoy trying to make a foal.”

Rarity’s eyes light up excitedly. “Really, Arc?!”

“Yes, Rarity. You’re smart, sweet, and very lovely to look at. It’s not easy for me to admit, but...”

Taking a deep breath, Arc continues.

“...I do find the idea of us going all the way very appealing lately.”

“But why now, Arc?”

“Because none of us are getting any younger here, Rarity. Because I do want us to get even closer. And... and because I Honestly love you and want to be with you for the rest of my life.”

Rarity turns away as she smiles and blushes. “Oh, Arc! I want that too!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “So what’s stopping you two?! If you see something you want that much, then go for it!”

Auriel puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “I think Arc’s just trying to think of everyone’s feelings in this matter.”

Hammer licks her lips. “Well, I wish he’d just up and ‘feel’ my...”

Arc interrupts. “Right, Auriel. I mean... if it was just Rarity whom was interested in getting married I don’t think I’d be too worried about spending the night with her.”

Derpy appears suddenly nervous. “Is it me and Dinky, Arc?”

“Yes, Derpy. But not just you. It’s everyone really. And to be Honest, that’s okay with me.”

He smiles and looks Derpy in the eye before continuing.

“I’m willing to wait for all of us to be on the same page before taking any action.”

Applejack looks him in the eye. “Are you sure, Arc. I mean... we could keep trying to figure something out here.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, I’d be willing to adapt. You and Applejack really bonded during your time together back on Earth. If it would help things, you could have her be your first instead of me.”

Applejack grins widely. “You mean that, Rarity?!”

“I do. After all, you and Arc really are cute together.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “And I’ve never seen you so happy before, big sis!”

Arc shakes his head. “The one who’s first isn’t really the main problem in my mind. If something changes though I’ll certainly be sure to tell everyone, of course. But right now I feel that I really need to resolve matters on my end before I can even start to think about our futures together.”

Twilight sighs. “The changeling threat to Equestria?”

“Among other things, yes.”

Hammer grins as she clenches a fist. “You aren’t alone in that though. I’ll help you any way that I can.”

Max stands. “As will we, sir.”

Xenos salutes. “Yeah, we will!”

Viktor chuckles. “Not that we have much choice though.”

Hugh nods. “It’d be an honor to stand with you, sir.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “I’m here to help too!”

Auriel grins. “As am I!”

Twilight smiles. “We have no shortage of those wanting to help out with that matter. But there is much to do here and now.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Twilight?”

“I think there is something else Arc needs to say regarding the herd.”

“That I do.”

He turns back to the group before continuing.

“I’ve gone out with most of you at least once now. Some dates ended with a proposal. Others didn’t. However, I want to state here and now that such a thing doesn’t mean that I’m not interested in you. Just that the timing wasn’t right. We still need to get to know each other better, that’s all. But I’d like to take the opportunity to ask someone here a question.

Looking to the mares one at a time, Arc speaks.

“Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised. “Y-yeah?”

“Would you like to go out on a date?”

Rainbow Dash gasps happily. “You mean it’s finally my turn?!”

Twilight giggles. “So it would seem!”

Rainbow Dash looks away as she absentmindedly examines one of her hooves. “Oh, I’m not sure that I have time. Have to check my schedule and see if...”

She is cut off as Hammer smacks the back of her head.

“I mean... sure! When?!”

“As soon as you have time. Remember, I’m not really doing much until early spring, mind you.”

Hammer chimes in. “How about tomorrow then?”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Wait! Tomorrow?!”

Arc nods. “That would work for me. If that’s too soon though I completely understand.”

“It... kinda is! After all, I still have to figure out... I mean... put the finishing touches on my plan for the perfect date for us, Arc!”

Hammer grins. “Not to worry, blue. I already did that for you.”

“You did?”

“Yup.”

Arc pulls out a paper. “She gave me this. Said it was a bunch of ideas for things you’d probably like.”

Applejack chuckles. “So you can go then since all the planning sounds like it’s been done already.”

Rainbow Dash wrings her hooves nervously. “Well... I... uh...”

Hammer groans. “Blue!”

“Alright, alright! Tomorrow is fine!”

Twilight smiles widely. “Say around noon?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Twilight?”

“Just trying to help.”

Arc nods. “That would work for me. How about you, Rainbow Dash?”

“Um... I guess so. But isn’t that a bit early for supper?”

“I suppose it is. But Hammer came up with a lot of things for us to do other than just eating. But if you’d like we can just stick to...”

Rainbow Dash cuts him off as she shakes her head vehemently. “No, no! Noon it is!”

Ember grins. “That wasn’t so hard now was it?”

Hammer puts a hand on her rainbow-maned friend’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, blue. I’ll help you get ready.”

Rarity stands. “As will I!”

Fluttershy giggles as she clops her hooves together. “Me too!”

Applejack smiles at her friend. “And I’ll coach you!”

Twilight nods. “The castle staff will see to it that you’re made ready, Rainbow Dash.”

Pinkie giggles nervously. “You’ll have a nice time! I’m sure of it!”

Ember gives her a thumbs up. “That you will!”

Rainbow Dash smiles strangely as she listens to her friends encourage her. Sighing inwardly, she muses to herself.

“What have I gotten myself into?!”

Chapter 2 - Heading Back to 'The Dugout'

The next day Arc stands in the shower latherin himself up. Washing his hair, he chuckles to himself.

“Still can’t get over how Rainbow Dash reacted to my date invitation yesterday. Never seen her squirm like that before.”

Shrugging, he continues.

“Guess even she gets nervous sometimes. Then again, it might also have been the fact that I did it in front of everyone else. Maybe I should have waited until after the party broke up and pulled her aside. But I suppose what’s done is done. And she did say ‘yes’, after all.”

There is a knock at the bathroom door. Arc raises his voice as he calls out.

“COME IN!”

The door opens and Twilight walks in with Auriel. They speak to him through the closed shower curtain. Twilight is the first to speak.

“How’s it going in there, Arc?”

“Okay. Just about done actually.”

Auriel calls out as she hangs up an outfit on a nearby hook. “We brought you the clothes you asked for.”

“Thanks. How’s Rainbow Dash doing?”

Twilight giggles happily. “The Hoof Maidens are still working on her. But don’t worry. They won’t let us down.”

Arc smiles. “I have faith in them, yes. However, I wasn’t asking about her appearance.”

Auriel groans. “She was a bit... off last I saw her.”

Twilight frowns. “Auriel!”

“It’s true!”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose it is, yes.”

Arc begins rinsing his hair. “Define ‘off’.”

Twilight shrugs. “It’s just a bit of nervousness. Nothing you should worry about though.”

Auriel giggles. “And you, Arc?”

“Huh?”

“I was just wondering how you were feeling about this matter.”

“Alright, I guess.”

Twilight nods matter-of factly. “That’s to be expected. After all, this isn’t your first time dating somepony.”

Auriel shrugs. “But it IS his first time doing so with Rainbow Dash.”

Arc smiles as he turns off the water and pulls a nearby towel to himself with a spell. “I’ll just treat her the same way I treated you two. With Kindness and Honesty.”

Twilight giggles as the shower curtain opens and Arc steps out. “We know you will, Arc.”

Auriel nods. “And that’s your best quality.”

She looks down slightly as Arc towels off before continuing.

“Well... one of them, I suppose.”

Twilight smirks as she eyes Arc’s... you know. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Arc walks to the sink as he tosses the now wet towel into the hamper. “Glad you two are enjoying the show.”

Twilight looks away as she blushes. “Sorry!”

Auriel licks her lips. “I’m not.”

Arc picks up a comb and chuckles. “It was just a joke, Twilight. Remember that you and I are engaged now.”

“Ah! Right! I just didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

Auriel stares at Arc’s backside. “While I want him to make me feel whatever he wants to.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Have you been hanging out with Ember again, Auriel?”

“Yes. Lately she and Hammer have been teaching me about something they call ‘one-liners’.”

Twilight appears confused. “What are those?”

“Funny responses to something said.”

Arc chuckles. “Or in this case, sexual responses.”

Auriel shrugs. “Just adapting it to fit my needs.”

Twilight sighs. “Well, as long as Arc doesn’t mind such things.”

Arc smirks. “It’s fine. Truth be told, I kinda liked that.”

Auriel appears surprised. “Oh?”

Arc smiles as he begins dressing. “You two already know how I feel about you.”

Twilight grins. “And we feel the same.”

Arc suddenly appears soberly. “But I do have a bit of an internal struggle going on right now.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Over what I brought up last night.”

Twilight grimaces. “About... um... intimacy?”

Arc nods as he fastens his belt. “Yeah. That and starting a family. Including everything that comes with it.”

Twilight sighs as she sits down on her haunches and looks at her belly. “I wish I could give you a foal, Arc.”

Auriel smiles at her friend. “You just might one day, Twilight.”

“I sure hope so. But you could, Auriel.”

“Twilight?”

“Give Arc a foal, I mean.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, I could.”

She pulls down her collar to expose a few more inches of her chest to Arc before continuing.

“Anytime you’re ready, that is.”

“Thanks. But this needs to be a decision I make with everyone present.”

Auriel smiles at this. “I understand.”

Arc grins. “No matter how beautiful I think you are, Auriel.”

Twilight makes a pouty lip. “Hey! What about me?!”

“Sorry, Twilight. I was making a one liner.”

He and Auriel grin as Twilight rolls her eyes. A short time later they emerge from the bathroom together. Arc turns to face them.

“So how do I look?”

Twilight tilts her head to one side. “Not... exactly what I would have imagined you wearing for such an important event.”

Auriel giggles. “Believe me when I say that he is properly dressed for this, Twilight.”

Twilight motions to Arc with a hoof. “But that just looks like his normal, everyday clothes.”

Arc nods. “Exactly. You have to understand that Rainbow Dash isn’t the kind of mare whom likes frilly dresses and fancy dining.”

Auriel looks to Twilight. “Agreed. To put this into perspective, Rainbow Dash strikes me more as the kind of individual whom would rather have sex outside in the elements than in a posh hotel room.

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Um... what?”

Arc chuckles. “I think Auriel is right.”

Twilight gasps. “But somepony might see you two then!”

Auriel puts her hands on her hips. “Part of the danger of it probably. The thrill of potentially getting caught.”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, I’m not going to be doing any of that with her. Outside or otherwise.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Yes, I don’t think that would sit well with everypony.”

Auriel nods. “Especially after that long talk we all had last night.”

Arc pulls the list from Hammer from his ring. “Well, I think this will help us stay on track today.”

Twilight nods. “I sure hope so.”

Auriel frowns. “While I did look it over briefly, I still don’t understand most of what is on it.”

Twilight looks to the clock. “In any case, we should be getting you over to the guest room to meet your date, Arc.”

Arc nods as he pulls a bouquet of flowers to himself from a nearby desk. “I suppose so. Anything I should know before I do this?”

Twilight smiles warmly. “Just go with the flow, Arc. That’s what Rainbow Dash says she does.”

Auriel puts a finger to her cheek. “Not sure if that’s a good thing or not though.”

Arc shrugs. “Depends on the context, I suppose.”

Twilight turns to him as they head for the door together. “Well, you two can think about that on the way.”

Walking down the corridor together, Arc turns to Auriel.

“Um... maybe this isn’t the best time to talk about this, given the earlier conversation of course, but... any headway on your research to make me and the mares genetically compatible?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Sadly, no. But I’m just getting started.”

Twilight chimes in. “I’ve been helping out as much as I’m able. However, it’s still going to be a long and drawn out process.”

Auriel sighs. “To be perfectly honest, we’ve been mostly focusing on making your sperm compatible with Applejack.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But I thought we all agreed that Rarity was going first.”

Twilight nods. “She is, yes. Well... I suppose that’s kinda up to you. But our initial tests have shown that Earth Pony DNA is a bit easier to work with.”

“Any idea why though?”

Auriel points to Twilight’s horn and wings. “Probably because they lack certain qualities the other two pony races have. Magic and extra appendages.”

Twilight shrugs. “It would make sense that a magical creature would be more difficult to work with, yes. However, I was surprised when our tests showed the same to be true of Pegasi DNA.”

Auriel pulls a small notebook from her pocket and opens it. “They have a number of genes that dictate their wing shape and size. In hindsight, however, that does make sense though.”

Twilight points to her own wings. “Agreed. That and from the physical anatomical layout standpoint the Earth Ponies would be the most similar to a human in terms of form.”

Arc sighs. “Do the others know about this?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No. We’re not sure how to go about telling them.”

Twilight sadly forces a smile. “Worst case scenario you could still build a family through Auriel and Hammer though, Arc.”

Arc frowns. “That would certainly work in theory, yes. However, it would also make the others feel let down.”

Auriel closes the notebook and puts it in her pocket. “Twilight and I will do our best, of course. However, there always exists the possibility that we won’t be successful.”

Arc snaps his fingers as an idea hits him. “What about mother Doctor Knowles, Auriel? Could she help?”

“At some point probably. However, she’s still very busy with my father down south trying to rebuild our ancestral home.”

Twilight sighs. “And that won’t be quick or easy either.”

Auriel quickly chimes in. “But she has expressed an interest in my research when we talk.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “They have telephones over there?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Apparently the demons invented a method of transmitting their images and voices via magical means before their banishment centuries ago.”

Auriel giggles. “It did take quite a bit of work to increase its range to that of the Great Demon Kingdom, as it’s just so far away. But now we have perfect reception for which to talk to either my father or mother at will.”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s good. Do you call your parents often?”

“Every evening at sundown. It gives me something to look forward to.”

Twilight puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “You could go visit them sometime too, you know.”

Arc taps his ring. “Yes, I could give you a portal there.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Thank you, but I’m needed here right now. After all, we’re still working on reconstructing the Crystal Heart up north as well, so I’m stretched a little thin at the moment.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow and smiles. “Was that last part a one-liner, Auriel?”

“I wasn’t trying to, no. But now I do see what you mean.”

Arc groans. “Not you too, Twilight!”

Twilight giggles. “Like we said last night, Arc. We all want intimacy.”

Arriving at the guest room, Twilight knocks lightly. A Hoof Maiden answers and bows respectfully as she speaks.

“Good day, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight smiles at her. “We’ve come to see if Rainbow Dash is ready.”

The Hoof Maiden nods as she steps aside. “Yes, your highness. Right this way.”

The trio enters the room as the door is closed behind them. Ahead stands Hammer and Mio with Rainbow Dash between them in human form. She looks at Arc and grins as she speaks.

“How do you like me now?!”

Arc gasps. “Um... you look... great!”

Hammer smirks. “What’s the matter, Arc? Lost for words?”

“Kinda. Sorry, but I didn’t know you weren’t going to be in your pony form.”

Rainbow Dash puts her hands on her hips and shakes them slightly. “Do I look good, or what?!”

Mio puts a hand on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder as she speaks. “I do believe you already asked him that.”

“Oh! Right!”

Arc walks over and hands her the flowers as he continues looking her over.

“I brought these for you. Hope you like them.”

Rainbow Dash eyes grow wide as she takes the bundle. “Woah, thanks! These are my favorite!”

Putting her face into the bouquet, she opens her mouth and takes a large bite. A gagging sound immediately rings out as she spits a mouthful of petals onto the floor. Hammer frowns.

“Blue, what the heck are you DOING?!”

Rainbow Dash continues coughing as she talks. “Sorry. Daffodils are usually my flower of choice when I’m out and about.”

Auriel groans. “I don’t think humans typically eat flowers though.”

Arc nods. “She’s right.”

Rainbow Dash frowns as Mio hands her a drink of water to wash the taste out of her mouth. “Are you sure that’s it? I mean... maybe I’m just coming down with something and it’s affecting my taste buds, or something.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Trust us on this, blue.”

Rainbow Dash composes herself and turns to Arc. “Sorry for eating your gift.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s okay.”

Twilight steps forward. “Do you have everything you need, Rainbow Dash?”

“I think so, yeah.”

Auriel gestures to the door. “Then we should probably let you two get moving.”

Hammer grins. “Have a nice time with Arc, sexy.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “I will, hot stuff!

Mio giggles as she opens the door for the couple. “After you.”

The pair step out into the corridor and begin walking. Hammer, Mio, and Twilight watch them from the doorway before Arc and Rainbow Dash turn a corner. Twilight looks to Hammer.

“Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”

Hammer shrugs. “I dunno, Princess Twilight. Maybe it’s an alicorn thing.”

“Not likely.”

“So you don’t have any logical reason to be worried then?”

“I suppose not.”

“Then you should probably respect the fact that Arc knows what he’s doing.”

Mio nods. “Yes. Please listen to my sister, your highness.”

Twilight grimaces as she turns to walk away. “I shall, yes.”

As Hammer and Mio do the same in the opposite direction, Hammer turns to her sister quizzically.

“Uh... Mio?”

“Yes, Hammer?”

“Did you really mean what you said back there?”

“About Princess Twilight trusting you or Arc?”

“Me.”

“Well, of course she should trust you.”

Hammer frowns. “But you’ve never been one to put much faith in what I say.”

Mio sighs. “I know, Hammer. But you’ve changed so much since leaving Earth and coming to Equestria.”

“How so?”

“You’re so focused and hard working these days. That and your ability to look ahead has really taken over your decision making.”

Mio sighs before continuing.

“Actually, that isn’t entirely true.”

“Huh?”

“Looking back at it, you really started to come into your own quite some time ago.”

“When was that?”

I presume when you met Arc.”

Hammer smirks. “And here I though he made me more scatterbrained.”

“Admittedly, a bit I suppose. However, that’s around the time you hired him to investigate Stingray and I.”

Hammer grimaces. “About that, Mio. I...”

Mio interrupts her. “You were right, Hammer.”

“Of course I was! Mustang was controlling you two!”

“I understand that now. However, I believe that the old Hammer would have simply tried to solve the problem herself.”

Hammer shrugs. “Probably, yeah.”

“So why didn’t you?”

Hammer sighs. “Because I knew that I didn’t have much chance of succeeding. But that wasn’t the only reason.”

Mio appears confused. “Oh?”

“Back then, Arc told me that he was a Private Investigator of sorts. I gave him a test job of shadowing you and Stingray to see where you went after work. When he gave me an extremely detailed report complete with pictures and an itinerary, I figured he was worthy of the much more difficult task of investigating you two further.”

“The old Hammer would have insisted on doing such a thing herself though.”

“Well, I figured it was too important to leave to chance. So I cashed out every penny that I had in the bank and told Arc it was his if he could get me irrefutable proof of the general’s ability to control you and Stingray.”

“Very selfless of you.”

Hammer smiles at Mio. “You and Stingray are really important to me. I mean... what good is money if I lose you two? It’s not like I can pay to bring you back.”

“And Arc got you the proof, which we ignored.”

“Yup. You know the rest.”

Mio stops walking. “Hammer... I can’t deny it any longer.”

Hammer turns to her sister. “Mio?”

“You were right, and I was wrong.”

“About the general’s schemes?”

“Yes. But not just that.”

“What else?”

“Arc.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Regarding what exactly?”

“His methods and reasoning.”

Hammer smirks. “Are you admitting that Arc’s not such a bad guy after all?”

Mio nods. “I am, yes. In fact, I would like the opportunity to get to know him better.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “For what purpose?”

“It’s obvious that you and him aren’t going to be splitting up anytime soon. And that marriage is certainly in the cards at this point. So it seems only logical that him and I should become better acquainted.”

“How though?”

“I think that the three of us should go out together.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Out? You mean like on a date?”

Mio shakes her head. “More like a... family outing. Maybe a private dinner in either his or your quarters. Someplace we could talk and learn about one another.”

“Arc would probably like that. He’s said in the past that he wanted to smooth things over with you ever since he used me way back when.”

“Admittedly I can’t think of any way to properly forgive him for hurting you back then. However, I would like the chance for all of us to try and move past it.”

Hammer shrugs as she begins walking again. “I already have.”

Mio smiles as she falls into step behind her sister. “And I would like to as well.”

“We’ll talk about it sometime soon.”

“Thank you, Hammer. And please understand that I just want to be a better sister to you. And potentially him one day.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Sister to Arc?!”

Mio nods. Think about it. If you two do get married, I’ll be his sister-in-law, Hammer.”

“Oh... right.”

“So it would stand to reason that he and I should bury the hatchet of the past.”

“I do appreciate that, Mio. Really I do.”

Mio smiles and puts a hand on Hammer’s shoulder. “It’s simply a matter of me wanting what’s best for my sister. And at this point in time I can categorically say that Arc is the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

Hammer grins. “Can’t argue with that. I mean... most guys would have been long gone after what you and Stingray did during our date.”

“I suppose so. However, you have to remember that such things work both ways, Hammer.”

“Huh?”

“After all Arc put you through, most women would have dumped him and moved on with their lives. So you’re quite the catch in your own right.”

Hammer laughs heartily as she puts a hand to her chin. “Never thought about it that way before.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Rainbow Dash walk down the corridors together. Arc turns to her and smiles.

“You really do look very nice.”

Rainbow Dash smirks earnestly. “Thanks. Um... so do you.”

Arc looks down at her stride. “And it appears you’ve mastered walking on two legs.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she hops in front of him and stops. “Pinkie taught me how years ago. I just never really had any reason to do it before though.”

“So are you ready to start our date?”

“Yeah!”

“Anything in particular you want to do?”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand on her belly as it growls lightly and smiles sheepishly. “We should probably start with lunch.”

“Here in Equestria or on Earth?”

“Definitely Earth!”

Arc smiles and nods. “Kinda figured you’d say that.”

Pulling the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc channels his magic into it. A wormhole forms and Rainbow Dash bounds through without a second thought. Chuckling, Arc follows. Reappearing in his backyard, he spies his date looking all around at the snow-covered landscape. She points at his house and calls out.

“This is where you live?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Home sweet home.”

“It’s huge!”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. But we should probably get you a warm coat from inside before we leave.”

Rainbow Dash puts her arms around herself as they walk toward the house. “One of the Hoof Maidens offered me something thicker back at the castle. But I wasn’t cold back then, so I didn’t think I’d need it.”

Arc chuckles. “The lack of a fur coat does have its drawbacks.”

Pulling his keys from a pocket, Arc unlocks the door and opens it to allow Rainbow Dash entrance. She bounds inside as Arc closes it behind her and turns to his date.

“Sorry it’s not very warm in here either. I turn the thermostat way down when I’m gone to save money.”

Rainbow Dash looks around. “Really high ceilings too!”

Arc smiles as he walks through the kitchen and living room to the hooks by the front door with Rainbow Dash following him. “Humans are a bit taller than ponies, after all.”

“Yeah. I remember you having to duck down slightly whenever you left a house or a business back in Ponyville.”

Arc holds out a coat to her. “None of that here.”

Taking it, Rainbow Dash puts it on and looks herself over.

“It’s a little big on me. But I think it’ll do.”

“That’s Derpy’s coat. But I don’t think she’d mind you borrowing it though.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “It probably suits her perfectly.”

Arc nods. “It’s long and baggy for a reason too.”

“Oh?”

“Derpy... doesn’t like being hemmed in.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “What does that mean?”

“When she first came to Earth, Derpy had a really hard time dealing with clothing, as it just made her feel trapped. So I suggested that she wear dresses, or similarly loose clothing, whenever possible to help her cope with the problem.”

Rainbow Dash looks down at herself. “Now I get it. Thought this thing looked sorta like a dress.”

“I could probably find you something else if you want.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. This is fine.”

“Well then, shall we head out?”

“Lead the way!”

Returning to the kitchen, the pair head out the back door and over to the garage. However, as Arc puts his hand on the knob, he groans.

“Uh...”

“Something wrong, Arc?”

Arc grimaces I just remembered something rather... important.”

Rainbow Dash moves her hand in a circular motion as she speaks. “Which is...?”

“My Jeep... kinda broke.”

“Broke?”

Arc nods sadly. “King Malevolence threw it at the soldiers when I was breaking Shelly and Lily out of Damocles Base before Christmas.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Ouch. Are they expensive?”

“Kinda. I mean... I have the money for another. It’s just... I really liked that one. That and I never really liked spending large amounts of money on myself.”

“Well, do you really need a Jeep?”

“I suppose not. I mean... now that I primarily live in Equestria, it’s not exactly a heavily used item.”

“Then let’s go someplace we can walk to already! I’m starving!”

“Sure, I...”

He stops talking as a cloud drifts in front of the sun.

“That’s odd.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “What is?”

Arc points toward a window. “The light’s on in the garage. Which is strange, because I’m sure I turned it off before we left for Damocles Base the last time.”

Pulling his keys out of his pocket, Arc unlocks the garage door. Opening it, he reaches for the switch as Rainbow Dash gasps.

“WOAH!”

Arc looks up to see a shiny new vehicle sitting in the center of the garage. Walking to it with Rainbow Dash they look it over.

“Impossible!”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Yeah! You’ve got a regular steel chariot in here!”

“It’s exactly the same as my old Jeep!”

“Shiny too!”

Arc puts a hand on the hood. “But I don’t understand where it came from!”

Rainbow Dash points to an envelope lying on a nearby workbench. “Maybe that has some answers.”

Arc walks over and picks it up. Ripping it open, he pulls out a piece of paper and skims it quickly.

“It’s Hammer’s handwriting.”

“Cupcake?! What’s she got to say?!”

“Let’s see...”

Clearing his throat, Arc begins to read aloud.

Hey, handsome!

I told Twilight about what happened to your old Jeep back at Damocles Base a while back when we... you know. How we had to leave what was left of it behind to get Shelly and Lily out of there. I did my best to explain to Twilight how human automobiles worked. But she didn’t really understand the whole ‘combustion engine’ idea per se. But on the up side, she sort of got the gist of it.

In any case, as I’m sure you already know, it’s really important to have reliable transportation here on Earth. This here ain’t like back in Equestria. You can’t just walk down the path to get where you want to go in a handful of minutes. That and the weather isn’t exactly controlled and scheduled here. Heck, we can’t even predict it accurately half the time! So, I took it upon myself to fix that little problem for you.

It started with me trying to explain the concept to Sunburst as he and Hard Hat drew it out. But that didn’t really get us anywhere, as we were starting from scratch essentially. So Sunburst called up Twilight, whom called for Princess Luna, whom suggested that we try making use of that whole ‘memory crystal projector doohickey’ that you used at the trial in the Griffon Kingdom recently. Twilight set it up and had me concentrate on memories of your vehicle, inside and out. Guess it was a good thing I overhauled that old thing when I was hiding out at your place a while back, as it allowed them to see exactly how a human vehicle looked like under the hood.

Now for the bad news. Sunburst looked over the footage and told us that it would take months, if not years, to painstakingly build you something using just trial and error. So he came up with the idea of just making the outside of the vehicle look like your old Jeep. Well, that and the interior too for good measure. However, what lies under that hood at the moment is a totally different beast from what you’d expect to see. For some unknown reason, I didn’t even consider the fact that Equestria had their own version of engines. But I suppose since they had already mastered how to build fully operational airships, it was really just a matter of figuring out how to scale it down in order to get everything to fit under the hood. They showed me the schematics of smaller craft’s engines and we got to work on it.

Hard Hat and I started drawing while Auriel, uh... fixed our design errors. She’s apparently really good at taking flawed concepts and making them work. And fast too! Twilight gave permission for the designs to be manufactured and assembled right here in the castle. After that it was a simple matter for her to shrink it down and open a portal to Earth through, get this, a mirror of all things. I took Viktor with me so he could pick the garage door and Ember to cast the counter spell once inside. Would’ve done that last part myself, but I didn’t want my inexperience with casting to end up totally wrecking the present we worked so hard to make. Viktor came up with the idea to leave a light on in there so you’d hopefully notice them and investigate. And while he was doing that, I took the opportunity to plant this letter (and enclosed key) on that old workbench. Which I guess brings us up to right now, so I’d best get to explaining how this thing works.

The key you should find with this letter works just like your old one. Nothing fancy there. And your vehicle will start like normal, of course. However... and this is the best (and my favorite) part... it no longer takes gas to run! You, my super handsome friend, are now the proud owner of Earth’s very first magical engine! Patent pending, ha, ha! It has enough battery capacity to run about the same distance as a topped off gas tank does. To charge them, you just have to put your hand on the automatic gear shift and focus your magic into it. Twilight says it should work about the same way as how you use the Rainbow of Light to open portals to Earth, so I think you’ve already got that part down pat. That and Twilight took the liberty of fully charging the batteries herself before we left, so you shouldn’t have to worry about that. At least for a while, that is.

I grabbed the registration and proof of insurance from where you left them in the basement before we went to Damocles Base. Now aren’t you glad I told you to leave it behind ‘just in case’? That combined with the fact that Sunburst was able to match the license plate AND your Vehicle Identification Number from you title makes this thing fully street legal and more or less legit. I drove it around town a bit to get a feel for it, and gotta say that they really nailed the power settings for acceleration. And just for the proverbial cherry on top, Auriel was able to manipulate the energy flow along with a number of other parts to even make it sound similar to a combustion engine. No one should even notice the difference unless they’re actively listening for it. Even if there aren’t any other vehicles around.

Now look at what I’ve gone and done! Heck, I’m almost to the end of this piece of paper after all of this! Guess I’ve rambled on and on for long enough. Grab that key from the envelope and take that thing for a test drive, sexy! Let me know what you think when you get back and we’ll make any necessary adjustments.

Imagining you and me in the back seat together,

-Hammer

Arc sets the paper down and pulls the a fore mentioned key from the envelope. Turning to Rainbow Dash he chuckles.

“That was quite the read.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Cupcake gets kinda long winded when she’s talking about something she likes a lot.”

Arc gestures to the new Jeep. “Well... why don’t we take her advice and try this thing out then?”

Rainbow Dash nods as she latches onto Arc’s arm. “Yeah! After all, it looks like she really worked hard on this thing! So let’s take it for a spin!”

Leading Rainbow Dash over to the passenger door, he opens it and gestures for her to get in. After doing so Arc closes the door behind her and walks around to the driver’s side. Getting in, he starts the vehicle and grins.

“Sounds almost perfect!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That’s good though, right?”

Arc nods. “Yup. So let’s see what this thing can do.”

Pushing the button to open the garage door, Arc pulls out onto the street. Rainbow Dash turns to him happily.

“Cupcake told me about how some of the things work here on Earth.”

“Oh? Like what?”

Rainbow Dash counts on her fingers as she lists things off. “Cars, airplanes, television, computers, basic rules of society... that sort of thing.”

Arc chuckles. “Glad she did?”

“Very! I mean... it’s still surreal to see these things with my own eyes! But I think it helped prepare me so I’m not looking around all slack-jawed at everything.”

“Softening the proverbial cultural blow.”

“Something like that. But, um... where are we going for lunch?”

Arc keeps his eyes on the road as he answers. “Roberto’s Pizza. I hope that’s okay.”

“The place you talked about the other day?”

“Yup. It’s kind of my go to place for good pizza. Uh... guess that might not have been my best idea though.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Why’s that?”

“Well, we did just have pizza for supper last night. We could go somewhere else if you wanted.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head vehemently. “No, no! Pizza’s fine!”

“Alright. Um... you okay though?”

“Y-yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You just seemed really nervous just now.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Sorry. To tell you the truth, I was just a bit worried about what... exactly we were going to eat.”

“I figured Roberto’s so we could avoid meat.”

“That’s... appreciated.”

Arc smiles as he turns at a stop light. “Didn’t think you wanted to have to see people eating meat on your first trip to Earth.”

Rainbow Dash looks out the window and sighs. “I... kinda do.”

“Huh?”

“I mean that I actually would like to go somewhere that serves meat.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. Not sure if I’ll order something like that, but...”

Her voice trails off as she begins mumbling. A few moments later she turns to Arc with a happy gasp.

“Why don’t we go to Shelly’s Kitchen?!”

“Good idea! They have meat based dishes as well as a variety of alternatives that I’m sure you’d like.”

“My thoughts exactly! That and I’ve wanted to see it for myself ever since Shelly and Lily told us about their restaurant at the Hearth’s Warming party last year!”

Arc chuckles as he turns onto a roundabout in order to double back. “We can see how its doing too.”

“And report back!”

A short time later they pull into the familiar parking lot. Getting out, Rainbow Dash looks to the building and grins.

“Big place!”

Arc walks around the Jeep and offers his arm to her. “Just like our houses, humans have bigger businesses too.”

“Because you’re taller, right?”

“That too. But I would imagine it really just boils down to us not liking to feel hemmed in.”

Entering the building, they head over to a table and sit down. Frank spots them immediately and walks over with two menus.

“Good afternoon you two.”

Arc nods. “Hey Frank.”

Rainbow Dash grins and winks. “Hi!”

Frank chuckles. “Is that you, Rainbow Dash?”

“In the flesh!”

Arc chuckles. “We’re here for a date.”

Frank nods approvingly. “Ah! Then we here at Shelly’s Kitchen shall do our part to make it a good one.”

He pulls out an order pad and continues.

“What can I get for you two today?”

Rainbow Dash points to her menu. “Can I get this breakfast platter?”

“Of course. However, I would like to point out that it comes with sausage and bacon.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “They’re both meat.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “That’s fine.”

Frank writes the order down. “Very well then. And you, Arc?”

“I think I’ll have the same.”

Frank chuckles as he writes an ‘X2’ on the order form. “Deviating from the norm?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “What do you usually have, Arc?”

“A cheeseburger and fries most of the time. But I thought that might be going too far.”

“Too far?”

Frank nods. “A cheeseburger is made with ground cow meat, miss.”

Arc grimaces. “Yeah, I thought it would make you a bit queasy.”

“Thanks for the though. But admittedly. I’d kinda like to see that.”

Frank appears confused. “You would?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Cupcake says they’re really good! So yeah!”

Arc looks to Frank and shrugs. “I guess you can change my order to a cheeseburger and fries then.”

Frank chuckles as he writes the amended order down. “You got it. But how about I offer you the upstairs kitchen table to eat at?”

Rainbow Dash looks up. “Upstairs?”

Arc nods. “Shelly and Lily’s old apartment is up there.”

Frank gestures to the stairs. “My boys and I have been using it lately when we have to open the restaurant early. However, no one is up there at the moment. That and I do believe it will make for a more personable dining experience for you two.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Sounds good to me!”

Arc smiles. “Thanks, Frank. We accept.”

Frank picks up their menus. “Alright. Go ahead and make your way upstairs then. I’ll bring your orders up when they’re ready.

Rainbow Dash stands excitedly. “Alright!”

She latches onto Arc’s arm as he leads her toward the stairs. Climbing them, they enter the apartment and head into the kitchen together. Arc pulls out a chair for his date before sitting down across from her. Rainbow Dash looks around at their surroundings before speaking.

“Nice and cozy up here!”

“That it is.”

Rainbow Dash suddenly appears nervous. “Um... so... ah...”

Arc chuckles. “Not sure where to go from here?”

“What?! No way! I was just... thinking of something to... um...!”

“Never been on a date before?”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “Guess it’s pretty obvious, huh?”

Arc nods. “Yup. And that’s okay. Remember, we all have to start somewhere.”

“So what should we do?”

“Talk.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “Talk?”

“It’ll help us get to know each other better.”

“I guess that’s true. But where do we start?”

“Well... why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself?”

Rainbow Dash puffs her chest out proudly. “Best flyer in Ponyville right here!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, I have heard that in the past. And I’ve seen you practicing before too.”

“I’ve just always wanted to be the best! That’s why I’m always pushing myself to get better!”

“Nothing wrong with that. Anything else you’re interested in?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Anything... else?”

Arc nods. “Right. I’d like to hear what else there is to know about Rainbow Dash.”

“Um... I... don’t really know what to say.”

“You can start with anything at all.”

“Actually, I’d... rather hear more about you, Arc.”

“Sure. What do you want to know?”

“How about you tell me what you think of Equestria versus Earth?”

Arc puts a finger to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose both of them have their good points as well as their faults.”

“Like...?”

“Equestria is very peaceful, generally speaking. And Earth tends to be a very noisy and violent place. At least it can be.”

Rainbow Dash puts a finger in her ear to clear it. “I did notice that when we stepped out of the Jeep. All those other vehicles going by weren’t exactly what I would call quiet.”

“Earth also doesn’t have magic.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Arc shrugs. “Not exactly ‘bad’ per se. It’s just... magic makes things easier for Equestrian society. But I do surmise that if humans had the gift of magic, quite a few of them would use such things negatively.”

“Oh?”

Arc frowns. “It would be weaponized.”

“But Equestria does that too. I mean, there’s any number of offensive spells.”

“I suppose that is true, yes. However, it seems like every time humans invent a new kind of technology their first thoughts are always on how they can use it as a weapon.”

“Um... why?”

“To get the upper hand over their enemies.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow, confused. “Wouldn’t it be simpler to just... I don’t know... try to get along?”

Arc chuckles. “You would think so, yes. But that’s usually the furthest thing from their minds.”

“So what do you like that’s better here on Earth?”

“Ironically, meat. As you know, Equestria doesn’t have such things readily available. If I want to eat something, it has to first be hunted.”

“Yeah, we had a hard time coming to terms with that aspect of humans. It just seemed so cruel to and the others back then.”

“And now?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “We kinda just accepted that you’re different in that regard.”

“Similarly to how I feel about ponies, I would imagine.”

“Huh?”

“Originally, I couldn’t fathom the idea of being romantically involved with a pony. I mean... how could different species possibly come together in such a way?”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Guess we sure showed you, huh?!”

Arc smiles. “That you all did, yes. But how about I turn the question around?”

“What do you mean?”

“How did you and the others come to terms with the idea of dating a different species?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “What are you talking about, Arc. We date outside our races all the time back in Equestria. Pegasi, Unicorn, and Earth Ponies are all different species, after all.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes. However, how would society view a relationship outside of that social norm? Say... a pony mare dating a griffon.”

“Well... uh... it would be viewed as really... out there in terms of normalcy.”

“And why is that?”

“Because we’re totally different physically, I guess.”

“Like a pony and a human?”

Rainbow Dash waves a hand dismissively. “Believe me, that wasn’t something that came about all at once.”

“Elaborate.”

“The others and I talked about the similarities and differences between ponies and humans off and on when you first came to Equestria. It started out as a way to try and understand you better. However, that evolved into a full mental examination of the facts as we saw them back then.”

“And what did the six of you decide?”

“At first, we just kinda wanted to ignore the part about your diet. Sweep it under the rug and forget about it. That sort of thing. But... after that whole episode with us being under a sort of lust spell... all of us had to face new questions.”

“In the hospital, no less.”

“Well, it’s not like there was much else to do. And we wanted to understand these new emotions we had too.

“That was about the time all of you decided that you had feelings for me, right?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Might I ask what was so special about that point? I mean... I don’t really get why then of all times you and the others fell for me.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Part of it is the fact that we were willing to be taken by you. And that you didn’t do it.”

“There has to be more to it than that though. I mean... choosing not to rape someone isn’t exactly what I would call a ‘turn on’.”

“I can only speak for myself on that. Do you remember what happened to me back then?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully as he thinks. “If I recall correctly, you were in the kitchen at Sugar Cube Corner. I went in there to interview you regarding Pinkie’s sudden... unnatural advances upstairs and how she had acted before then.”

“Right. What next though?”

“You got really sick to your stomach and ran to the sink to puke. I think I might’ve held your head up to keep you from laying your face in that mess too.”

“And after that?”

“I had to do some cleanup with a wet dish towel to your face. Puke in the facial fur, especially without a mirror, would be kinda hard to get out even in the best of circumstances. Especially without a full shower.”

“You cleaned me up, yes. And that’s about the time it started for me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean by ‘started’?”

“Seeing you as more than a friend, I mean. You not just caring about me, but caring FOR me. Nopony’s ever done that for me before. Well, other than my parents, naturally.”

“But they don’t really count in this regard.”

“Yeah. This was different.”

She blushes slightly before continuing.

“As you know, I’ve always been kind of a loner. Doing my own thing and trying to be the best flyer in Equestria. But being cared for like a filly, it just... really stuck with me as something... outside of what I was used to.”

“Different?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Right. When I saw your reach for that dish towel, part of me recoiled inwardly. But I was too weak and sick to show that or say anything.”

“Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I was just trying to clean you up for a trip to the hospital.”

“I know, and I wasn’t looking forward to being treated like a newborn. However, as soon as you started wiping my face, I just... I just kinda went with it. Both physically and emotionally.”

“I don’t understand the second part too well.”

“My body just kinda... really liked it. Being cared for, I mean. While everypony else thinks of me more as a stallion than a mare, you didn’t seem to treat me like either.”

“Oh?”

“It was more like I was a victim. Somepony to be helped whom couldn’t do it themselves. Like a Pegasi stuck on a sheer cliffside with two broken wings.”

“Not sure if that’s a good thing or not.”

Rainbow Dash looks away. “Same here at the time. Wasn’t sure if I was supposed to feel dirty, silly, or whatever. But I’ve had a long time to think about it sense then.”

“What have you come up with?”

“Well, you see...”

She is cut off as Frank enters the apartment with a tray of food. Walking over to them, he sets a platter in front of Rainbow Dash and a plate before Arc along with two drinks as he speaks.

“My apologies, but I forgot to ask what you two wanted for beverages. So I brought milk for Rainbow Dash and a Coke for you, Arc.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “It’s fine with me.”

Arc nods. “Same here.”

Frank steps back. “Anything else I can get you two?”

Arc shakes his head. “I think we’re good for a bit.”

Rainbow Dash licks her lips as she picks up her silverware. “Yeah! Thanks!”

Frank nods. “Then I’ll leave you two alone to eat.”

He heads back downstairs as Rainbow Dash cuts her pancakes and takes a bite.

“This is great!”

Arc chuckles. “Real butter makes all the difference.”

Rainbow Dash looks to the sides next to her pancakes. “What were these called again?”

“Sausages and bacon.”

“Which... animal are they from?”

“The bacon is from a pig. And the sausage can be made from any animal. However, I think Shelly uses a brand that is both pig and turkey meat. Before they grind it up and put into a skin, that is.”

“Skin?”

“It’s just the name used for the outer part of the sausage. They inject the liquefied meat into the skin and seal the ends.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Um... I gotta be honest with you, Arc. That sounds kinda gross.”

Arc shrugs. “Yeah, I guess it does. But the bacon is a lot less so as it’s sliced, not ground up.”

“Think I’ll try that.”

She picks up the bacon and looks it over. Sniffing it, Rainbow Dash takes a small bite.

“Texture’s... kinda weird.”

“How’s the taste?”

“Let’s see...”

She takes a larger bite and chews for a few moments before grinning.

“It’s awesome!”

Arc chuckles as his date stuffs an entire piece into her mouth. “Glad you like it.”

“Tell me more about the other thing!”

“Well... I’m not fully sure exactly how it’s made. But I’m told that it’s the scraps left over from butchering along with some extra fat for proper consistency. And a blend of seasonings that the sausage maker comes up with.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “So it’s... leftovers?”

“You could say that, yes.”

“Not sure I really want to eat this then.”

Arc reaches over and picks up one of the miniature sausages up. “It’s okay. I’ll eat them.”

Rainbow Dash watches as Arc takes a bite. She grimaces slightly as he chews.

“Tasty as always.”

“Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. I know I made it sound kinda gross, but they’re actually quite good. However, I do understand if you don’t want to eat them.”

Rainbow Dash sighs as she looks at the remaining sausage. “Uh... guess I should try a bite. You know, so I can at least say I gave it a shot.”

She picks up a sausage and closes her eyes as she takes a bite. Rainbow Dash chews it quickly and swallows as Arc watches. Putting the remainder down, she smiles nervously.

“Not really a fan of the sausage.”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s okay. After all, not everyone likes everything.”

They continue eating as the pair make small talk. Finishing their meal, Arc picks up the dishes and stands.

“Might as well wash these real quick.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Don’t they have somepony downstairs to do that though?”

“A machine actually.”

“To wash... dishes??

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Rainbow Dash grins widely. “That I would really like to see!”

“Really?”

“Yeah! Can we?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I suppose I could run it by Frank.”

“Please do!”

The pair head downstairs and over to the front counter. Arc looks to Frank as he sets the dirty dishes on the counter and pulls out his wallet.

“Thanks for letting us use the kitchen upstairs.”

Rainbow Dash nods happily. “Yeah! It was really cozy up there!”

Frank smiles at he takes Arc’s money and gives him his change. “I’m glad you two enjoyed it.”

Arc looks toward the kitchen door as he speaks. “Bit of a strange request though. Can we see the dishwasher in back?”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Um... what?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “It’s for me! Can we?! Please?!”

“I suppose so. Go ahead.”

“Thanks!”

Arc shrugs as he follows Rainbow Dash behind the counter and through the swinging doors to the kitchen. Spotting Jackal at the stove, Arc calls out to him.

“Um... hey.”

The man turns around and smiles widely as he speaks.

“It you again!”

“Yeah, uh... we’re here to...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him excitedly. “...see your dishwasher!”

Jackal points a finger. “Oh? It over there. Wolf emptying it.”

They turn to see the young man pulling clean dishes from the machine. Rainbow Dash hurries over and kneels down.

“How’s this thing work?!”

Wolf appears confused. “Um... the dishwasher?”

Rainbow Dash nods happily. “Yeah!”

Arc joins them. “I’ll take it from here.”

Wolf shrugs and turns to see to others tasks. Arc kneels down next to Rainbow Dash as he speaks.

“As I said before, this machine is called a ‘dishwasher’. Dirty plates, bowls, cups and even silverware are cleared of their leftovers and placed here in the rack.”

He gestures to the clean plates lined up neatly awaiting removal. Casting a spell, he pulls the remaining dishes out and puts them away in a matter of seconds. Looking to a counter covered in dirty dishes, he picks one up.

“They are lined placed between these rubberized prongs to maintain a set distance between each one. This allows the water the reach all surfaces during cleaning.”

Picking up a bottle, he squirts some liquid into a slot and closes the lid.

“This is the detergent that cleans them.”

Rainbow Dash points a finger at the dispenser. “But how?! I mean... that little flap thing will stop it from getting out!”

“At first they are just rinsed off with hot water via these jets underneath. That dislodges the stuck on food and washes it down the drain in the bottom here.”

“Then you release the soap?”

“It’s done automatically at a certain point in the process.”

“Process?”

Arc nods. “Let’s load this up and I’ll show you.”

He instructs Rainbow Dash on how to load the dishwasher. Closing the door, Arc presses the ‘start’ button. The machine begins working as he looks to her.

“Now it will go through all the motions of removing the food, releasing the detergent, washing the dishes, and drying them.”

Rainbow Dash gasps, clearly amazed. “It dries them too?!”

“Yes.”

“What’s left to do when it’s done?!”

“Pull them out and place them in the cupboard like I did for the ones earlier.

Rainbow Dash puts her arms around the machine and hugs it as she speaks.

“Where have you been all my life?!”

“Uh... you okay, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash grins as she looks to him. “Yeah. I just really wish we had one of these when I was growing up. Always hated doing dishes. Are they only in restaurants?”

Arc shakes his head. “This is a commercial sized unit. However, they do make smaller ones for homes, yes.”

“These things are SO COOL!”

“Any other questions about it?”

“Nah. I think I need one of them though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How would that work in your cloud kitchen?”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously as she stands. “Um... I’d have to figure that one out.”

“Well, how about you do that on the way to our next stop?”

“Sure.”

Taking Arc’s arm, Rainbow Dash allows herself to be escorted through the back door and over to the Jeep. As she gets into the vehicle however she turns to Arc whom is just closing his door.

“Uh... what IS next anyways?”

Arc gestures to her outfit. “Well... let me ask you this. How do you like what was picked out for you to wear?”

Rainbow Dash looks down at her outfit. “Admittedly, it’s... not exactly what I wanted. But then again, I didn’t really know what I would look like until it was time for my fitting session. And by then it was too late to ask for something else.”

“Well, how would you like to find something that suits you a bit better?”

“Um... I’m not really sure. I mean... does what I have on not work for me?”

“I think you look nice, yes. But it’s more about what you want versus what I think.”

“Never been much for clothes in the first place. But I suppose it would be kinda fun to look and see what human mares wear.”

Arc grins. “Alright. Let’s head to the mall then.”

Rainbow Dash turns to him, confused. “The what now?”

Arc chuckles as he starts the Jeep. “You’ll see.”

Turning onto the road, they continue on their way. Arc points a finger and calls out.

“See that?”

“What?”

“All those cars down there.”

“The two roads side by side?”

Arc nods. “That’s called a ‘freeway’. It’s a road without stoplights where you can drive extra fast.”

“Cool! We going that way?!”

“That we are!”

Turning onto the onramp, Arc accelerates as he approaches the freeway. Merging, he looks over at Rainbow Dash whom has her eyes glued to the window.

“We’re going so fast!”

Arc nods. “This is about as fast as one can safely go.”

“Are there a lot of these freeway things?!”

“Major cities have them, yes.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Can I try?!”

“Try what?”

“Sitting where you sit!”

Arc shakes his head. “Trust me, that’s not a good idea.”

“Why not?!”

“It takes a lot of learning and practice to drive safely.”

“Aw... come on! I promise I’ll be careful!”

“That and you need a license from the state to operate a motor vehicle, which the Jeep technically still is.”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she looks forward again. “Still wanna though.”

“Yes, well... I just want to keep you safe, Rainbow Dash.”

“Yeah, I sorta get that.”

“In any case, let’s see if we can find you something a bit more comfortable to wear.”

Sometime later they arrive at the mall. Rainbow Dash smirks as they park.

“It’s even bigger than cupcake said it was!”

Arc nods as he turns off the vehicle. “Some things are tough to put into words.”

Getting out, Arc walks to the back of the Jeep to join Rainbow Dash. She immediately latches onto his arm as he leads her toward the building. Entering, the young woman looks all around and nods approvingly.

“Somepony had a really smart idea here!”

“Having all the stores together under one roof?”

“Together is cool, yeah. But the whole roof idea is even better! You can go shopping all day and not get wet when walking from shop to shop!”

She laughs as she continues.

“Rarity must’ve loved this place!”

“Huh?”

“When she visited you for Hearth’s Warming last year!”

Arc looks away sadly. “Oh, um...”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Hope she didn’t spend TOO much!”

“We... actually didn’t come here.”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised. “Really? I would have thought she’d have been really interested in a place like this.”

“I’m sure she would have. However, there wasn’t time for such things, as I was needed back in Equestria literally the morning after she arrived.

“That soon?! I mean, I had heard you came back quickly and all, but... I just kinda figured you two had a bit more time to... do whatever.”

Arc shakes his head. “There were a few things I had wanted to show her back then. This being among them, of course. However, it just didn’t work out. The best we were able to do was to share a bed and a meal the next morning.”

Rainbow Dash smiles wickedly. “A bed, huh? You two make good use of your time?”

“We just went straight to sleep.”

“Are you sure that’s all that happened?”

Arc scratches his head. “Uh... we might have shared a number of kisses. You’re not mad about that though, right?”

Rainbow Dash laughs heartily as she shakes her head. “Nah. Rarity told us roughly the same story when we talked about it over tea sometime later. I just wanted to give you a hard time.”

“I was kinda worried you’d be jealous.”

“It’s cool. Well, with Rarity, that is. Or anypony else in the heard, I guess.”

“That’s a relief. Can I ask you more about that though?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Being jealous?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Um... in all Honesty, I’m still fuzzy on how all of you are getting along so well.”

“We’re all friends though. Why wouldn’t we?”

“Ten females sharing one male wouldn’t work too well on Earth. Here, just like back in Equestria, a couple is just that. Two.”

“Always?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, we do have folks whom are involved in what are known as polyamorous relationships. However, it’s illegal to have more than one official wife. Only the first marriage is binding in the eyes of the law.”

“Same back home in Equestria. Without an exemption via royal decree, that is.”

“So if Earth and Equestria have that in common, how are all of you handling the whole idea of sharing?”

“It’s... complicated. The Element Bearers are bound by our roles, so there’s that. And the fact that each additional potential bride was added slowly and one at a time after we all got to know them.”

“Slowly and carefully.”

“Yeah. I mean, if you had wanted to add cupcake, Auriel, Ember, AND Derpy all at once, well... I don’t think it would have gone over too well with me and the others.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose any relationship has its ups and downs.”

“We’re all doing our best to make it work though.”

“That I do believe. But why don’t we talk about this later?”

Rainbow Dash smirks nervously. “Yeah. It’s a pretty heavy conversation admittedly.”

“Yes, it is. However, we’re here.”

“Where?”

Arc motions with a thumb to the sign over the door of the store they’re standing in front of. Rainbow Dash groans.

“Oh... you meant it literally.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yup. Now then, let’s see if we can help you find something here.”

Entering the store, they head over to the appropriate section. Rainbow Dash looks around at the various clothing on display all around her. Arc speaks as she does so.

“Here we are. Season appropriate clothing.”

“There... sure are a lot of choices.”

Arc nods. “That there are.”

“So... what exactly would be considered ‘typical’ dating clothes?”

“Humans are each so different in their tastes and opinions that there really isn’t an official ‘typical’ look. A woman whom loves a certain outfit on her might look terrible in a friend’s equally favorite clothes. That and there’s always the eye of the beholder to think about.”

“The what?”

“It’s an expression that means what one likes another might hate.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “You’re not a lot of help here, Arc.”

Arc chuckles, slightly embarrassed. “Sorry. But I do think you look very nice as you are.”

“Well, I’d still like to personalize this outfit to make it at least a little more... cool.”

“Cool?”

Rainbow Dash looks herself over. “It needs to be about twenty percent cooler.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand the math.”

“And I can’t think of any way to explain it better than...”

She stops talking as a display catches her eye. Walking quickly towards it, Rainbow Dash touches the material and grins.

“What is THIS?!”

Arc joins her. “Um... it’s a leather jacket. Haven’t you ever seen one before?”

“Leather isn’t typically used back home. And even less for regular clothing, after all.”

The young woman smirks as she continues.

“I remember seeing leather on ponies only once as a filly. And that was during a rodeo my dad took me to see.”

“Sounds like it was more for safety’s sake than anything else.”

“Right. I asked my dad if he would buy me something to wear made of the stuff. But he said it was too expensive.”

Looking at the price tag she sighs.

“And I’m guessing this is too.”

“Kinda, yeah. After all, it’s real leather.”

Rainbow Dash turns and begins walking away. “That’s fine. I’ll find something else to...”

She is cut off as Arc puts one of the leather jackets over her shoulders. Looking up at him, she frowns.

“Um... what are you doing?”

“Just wanted to see how you looked in it.”

“But it’s too...!”

Arc interrupts her. “Just try it on.”

Shrugging, she removes her coat and hands it to Arc. He gives her the leather jacket back and watches as it slides up her arms. Turning to look at Arc, Rainbow Dash smirks.

“How’s that?”

Arc nods approvingly. “Great actually!”

“Really?!”

“Yes! How’s it feel?!”

“Super soft and stretchy. That and I love the smell of it!”

“Just so you know though, that’s cow hide.”

“Yeah, that’s where we get leather from back home too.”

She turns and looks in a mirror. Striking a pose, Rainbow Dash puts her hands on her hips and licks her lips smugly.

“I do look great!”

“Then I’ll buy it for you.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What?! But you already said it was...!”

Arc interrupts her. “It’s fine, Rainbow Dash. “

“I can’t just let you spend so much on me though! Can I?”

“Well, I am offering.”

“You sure?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Rainbow Dash smiles widely. “Then yeah, I do want this!”

“Follow me to the checkout counter then.”

Heading back up to the front, Arc pays for the jacket. Rainbow Dash watches silently as he hands over a number of bills to the cashier. Completing their transaction, they leave the store as Rainbow Dash grabs Arc’s arm again and grins hugely.

“Thanks, Arc!”

Arc smiles at her. “It was my pleasure.”

“Spending lots of money is fun for you?”

“More along the lines of seeing you so happy.”

Rainbow Dash blushes. “Oh! Uh... now I feel silly.”

“Huh?”

“I just realized that I didn’t pick the coat you gave me back up after putting this on.”

“Don’t worry. I put it in my ring as you were looking in the mirror.”

“Good thinking. Would they have given us a hard time getting it back otherwise?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. That coat clearly wasn’t new, so we could have just walked back in and picked it up.”

“What a relief! I don’t want to start losing your stuff, Arc!”

“Remember, that one’s Derpy’s. But I do get what you mean.”

Chuckling, he looks at her coat again. Confused, Rainbow Dash looks up at him.

“What’s so funny?”

“I was just remembering an outfit Ember wore sometimes when she was a human.”

“Oh?”

“It was very similar to yours. A leather jacket with a white shirt underneath. But she preferred jeans over, uh... that style of pants.”

“Mine are made out of cotton, I think. What are ‘jeans’?”

“They’re tough pants that are generally blue. Made out of cotton too, I think. However, it must be some other kind of process because they’re stiffer and rougher than yours appear to be.”

“So we looked the same, huh?”

“The outfit anyways.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Not really, I suppose. But she was pretty pleased with how she looked in it. Much like you do I must point out.”

Rainbow Dash laughs happily. “That I am, yes. But how about we look over this place some more?”

Arc smirks. “You want some more gifts?”

“Nah. I just kinda wanna see... more.”

“Something tells me there’s more to it than that though.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Alright, you got me. I really just want to know what it means to be a human mare. Know... and understand.”

“Watching others can help with that.”

“Yeah. Think you could help me find someplace to practice?”

Arc gestures around them. “The mall here is a good place for that.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yup. People come here from all over to shop, after all.”

“So we should just walk around, or something?”

“That or sit down and watch them pass.”

Rainbow Dash grins nervously. Kinda do wanna sit down right now.

“Tired?”

“Nah. Well... maybe a little. It’s just that I’m not used to walking in this body.”

“That’s understandable. After all, you’re walking with different muscles now.”

“And it’s still kinda new to me.”

Arc chuckles as he looks around. “Then let’s find you a place to sit down and take a load off.”

Chapter 3 - A Smashing Good Time

Spotting a bench nearby, the pair sit down together. Rainbow Dash looks at Arc before speaking.

“So... ah...”

Arc turns to her. “Something on your mind?”

Rainbow Dash appears suddenly embarrassed. “Yeah, about that. Um... Derpy told us that you gave her and Dinky new names when coming here to Earth.”

“I did, yes. It was to help them blend into society. After all, the names ‘Derpy’ and ‘Dinky’ would make others ask a lot of questions.”

“What about me?”

“Huh?”

“Shouldn’t I have a special name?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I wasn’t planning for us to be here that long. So I didn’t really think it was necessary.”

“Well, I still want one!”

“Alright. I suppose the name ‘Rainbow Dash’ is a bit... unique here on Earth.”

“So what should I be called then?”

“Well... why don’t you give me suggestions? I’ll let you know if something would work.”

“How about just ‘Dashie’? Pinkie sometimes calls me that.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. It sounds more like a nickname. How about ‘Ramona’?”

Rainbow Dash makes a face. “No way! It needs to be cooler!”

Arc chuckles. “Like your outfit?”

“Exactly! I wanna sound like... like I’m really a human!”

“A cool name, huh?”

“It HAS to be as cool as I am too! Like... like ‘an early spring rainbow over Cloudsdale’ cool!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Rainbow, huh?”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “You have an idea?!”

“Kinda. How about ‘Raine’.”

“Like the stuff that falls out of the sky?”

“Yeah. Well, kinda It’s not exactly a normal name here on Earth. But at least it won’t draw questions like ‘Rainbow Dash’ would.”

“Well... I guess it would work. That is, if you think it’s best.”

Arc nods. “I do. It’s very pretty.”

Rainbow Dash grins widely. “Then we’ll go with that!”

“Alright, Raine it is.”

The pair go back to watching people as they pass by. Rainbow Dash motions to an elderly person with a walker.

“So humans have trouble walking when they get older?”

Arc nods. “Right. Just like ponies. At least from what I’ve seen.”

“Does it... hurt?”

“Sometimes, I would imagine. Probably depends on the reason they have trouble walking though.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Well, that won’t happen to ME!”

“I certainly hope not, of course. But what makes you so sure, Rainbow... Raine?”

“Because I take good care of myself! Plenty of exercise, plenty to eat, AND plenty of rest!”

“And you think that will help?”

“It should. I mean... not sure what else I could do.”

“Probably nothing much. Well... that and see your doctor regularly.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What for?”

“To make sure everything looks good inside and out mostly.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she puts a hand on her hip. “No worries there! I’m as fit as can be!”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! I feel great!”

“Just because you feel okay doesn’t mean that you are though.”

“I know. But I’m too young to be getting all the bad stuff yet.”

“So sure of that, are you?”

“Yeah!”

Arc frowns. “So foals and young mares don’t ever have major medical problems?”

“Well... sometimes.”

“Mares your age?”

“Once in a while, I guess. But it’s never anything THAT bad.”

“Ever?”

They are silent for a time. Eventually, with a sigh, Rainbow Dash mutters.

“There’s... been a few times that I know of.”

“What happened?”

“One foal I knew from my younger days as a filly stopped coming to school for a long time. When she finally did come back it was just to get her things though, as she was being transferred to a different school. One that could help with her... condition.”

Rainbow Dash looks down at the floor for a moment before continuing.

“What they thought was just a cold got worse and worse. I don’t get how it happened, but it led to her going... blind.”

Arc nods. “I’ve heard of things like that happening here on Earth as well. An infection that spreads from where it started and can cause problems all over the body. Pretty dangerous to let it get that far.”

“Everypony just thought it was a cold though.”

“And they didn’t take her to the doctor until it was too late, right?”

Rainbow Dash nods sadly. “Yeah. It all seemed to happen so fast too. One day she was okay. The next she had a nasty cough. Then she stopped coming to school. I don’t know the rest of the story though.”

Arc pats her hand. “That’s why we all need to take care of ourselves. And that includes seeing the doctor regularly.”

“I know I should. But I’ve just always hated doing so.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because it involves just sitting there doing nothing as a doctor or nurse pokes and prods you.”

“I suppose no one really likes being examined. But it needs to be done, Raine.”

“Then I guess I should make an appointment with Doctor Horse when we get back to Ponyville.”

Arc smiles. “Yes, that would be for the best.”

Rainbow Dash puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “You know... up until right now, I never really thought about what happened to that filly.”

“The one that got sick?”

“Yeah. I mean, I do know that she survived. But after she went off to the special school, nopony ever heard from her again.”

“I could call Canterlot and ask them to look into the matter if you’d like.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “That... might be kinda hard.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I... don’t actually remember her name.”

“Really?”

“We weren’t exactly friends, as she was really quiet and kept to herself most of the time. Nopony really thought much about her until she stopped coming.”

“I suppose they could still go through the archived school records and find out.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Don’t go through all the trouble. After all, even if you were to figure it out and she and I were to meet again, I wouldn’t really have anything to say other than ‘how ya doing’. It’d be really weird for both of us.”

“Alright.”

They go back to people watching for a time. Rainbow Dash looks to Arc and lowers her voice.

“Um... question.”

“What is it?”

“I’ve noticed that some humans’ skin is darker than others. Why’s that?”

“Because of where they come from on the planet.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “How?”

“Earth has a number of races. Those whom descended from ancestors that lived nearer to the equator are generally darker in complexion.”

“And if you’re further from the equator the lighter you are?”

“Usually. I’m sure there are exceptions, yes. However, that’s generally how it works.”

“There’s no other differences?”

“None at all, physically. Think of them as just having a different shade of fur on their coat. You’re blue, Applejack is orange, and Pinkie Pie is pink. But that doesn’t change whom you are on the inside.”

“It makes sense when you think about it that way.”

“There are some races that don’t get along with one another though.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Why’s that?”

“One side thinking that the other is inferior mostly. Kinda like the three pony races before Unification.”

“Yeah, I still don’t really get what the big problem was. I mean... like you said, we’re all the same on the inside.”

Arc chuckles. “If only the rest of the world thought as you do. Then we wouldn’t have these problems.”

“Is it really THAT bad?”

“In some places, yes. Humans haven’t been able to unite like the ponies did.”

“What could be done about that though?”

Arc shrugs. “I actually don’t know.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “But you literally brought about peace between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom!”

“Well, this is a bit harder.”

“How?!”

“Because there’s no real reason for everyone to unite under one banner here. Those that look down on others feel that they’re superior. Why join with those they view as beneath them?”

“But things would be so much nicer here if they did! I mean, cooperation is ALWAYS a good idea!”

“And I agree with you, Raine. However, it would take some kind of major event to make everyone come together again.”

“Like what?”

“A third world war probably.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Third?!”

Arc nods. “Right. That’s the only thing which ever made countries seriously want to work together. At least on a grand scale. There are numerous treaties between various nations, of course. However, nothing that truly binds everyone together.”

“I don’t get it. What’s so different between the peace back home and here on Earth?”

“The number of countries mostly. Equus has Equestria, the Crystal Empire, the Griffon Kingdom, the Dragon Lands, and Abyssinia that I know of.”

“Those are the major powers, yes.”

“That’s five countries. Earth has almost two hundred.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. And each of them have their own customs, culture, laws, and traditions.”

“Starting to see the problem here.”

“It’s hard to get five individual people to agree to something. Try doing it with two hundred.”

“So no big peace summits here on Earth?”

“Oh, they still have those. It’s mostly just to continue dialogue though. That and to try and keep the tenuous peace between the various members of the summit.”

“I’m starting to appreciate Equestria more as this conversation goes on.”

“Me too.”

“Thanks for explaining all that to me though, Arc. I just always thought peace was a simple matter of sitting down and talking things out. Like what was done at Light’s Hope among the world leaders.”

“The difference there was that everyone attending was looking to keep the peace between the other nations. Not everyone here on Earth wants that.”

“There was another reason too though.”

“Oh?”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “You.”

Arc shrugs. “I just represented the leader of the base though. Luna and Cadance were there on behalf of Equestria.”

“True. But all the nation’s leaders know and respect you, Arc.”

“Yes, well...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “You’re a neutral third party, after all.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Neutral third party, huh.”

“I mean that you, being a human, makes you impartial to the other nations.”

“Just like General Mustang wants to be.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“He told me a while back that the goal was to bring about peace to Earth via his technological advances.”

“How though?”

“By making the world dependent on The Organization for a fore mentioned tech.”

“But you’re going to stop him, right?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Wasn’t planning on it, no.”

“Huh?!”

“Remember, him trying to gain power via wealth is pretty much what everyone does here on Earth. That and it would take a full scale invasion by Equestria to take out Damocles Base. Something the military here wouldn’t let happen.”

“But isn’t that worth it though?! To take him down?!”

“A lot of ponies would die, Raine. And then we’d be the instigators. That would just help Mustang gain notoriety and influence.”

“Fine. So what ARE you going to do?”

“Just kinda watch the situation for now while we try to deal with the changeling threat back in Equestria. After all, it wouldn’t do for us to be forced to fight on multiple fronts.”

“This still doesn’t sit right with me.”

Arc sighs. “Me either. But the general appears to be ready for whatever we do. I’ve played risky games with him in the past.”

“And always came out on top, mind you.”

“True. But taking more extreme steps would endanger Equestria and its citizens. Should we attack openly they could use it as probable cause to invade Equus.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “We could take em!”

“Maybe. But we’d also lose a lot of lives doing so. Remember what I said about the world united for a world war? They could unite against all of us.”

“I... suppose you know what’s best in this, Arc. But I don’t have to like it.”

Arc nods soberly. “That makes two of us.”

Sometime later they stand and begin walking. Heading for the exit, Rainbow Dash turns to Arc with a smile.

“Thanks for letting me see more humans. It’s really been a good time.”

“And it’s not over yet.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “You have more planned?”

“Hammer’s suggestions were pretty good. I’ve already taken two of them.”

“Eating and shopping?”

Arc nods. “Yup. She wanted to ease you into Earth’s culture slowly.”

“So how about we do more then?”

“That’s the plan, yes. Any suggestions?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head as she holds Arc’s arm tightly. “Nah. I trust you to do what’s best. Or at the very least, not try to make me do anything I wouldn’t like.”

“Well... how about an indoor activity then?”

“Like what?”

Arc pulls Hammer’s suggestion paper from his ring. “We could go see a movie.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I’d probably just fall asleep.”

“How about we bake something at my place then? Like a cake, or something.”

“Why don’t you save that one for Pinkie Pie.”

“Bowling?”

“Never tried that one before. Heard of it though.”

“So should we go with that then?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Sure!”

Returning to the Jeep, Arc starts the vehicle. Heat immediately begins filling the cabin. He chuckles and puts his hand in front of the vent happily.

“Looks like Hammer thought of everything.”

“How so, Arc?”

“Most vehicles need their engine to come to temperature before they start blowing warm air.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I always knew cupcake was a smart cookie.”

Arc nods as he puts the vehicle into ‘drive’. “That she is.”

A short time later the pair arrive at the local bowling alley. Getting out of the vehicle, Arc leads Rainbow Dash into the building. The sounds of pins crashing rings out along with the cheers of various groups having friendly games. Heading up to the counter, Arc rings the bell for service. An elderly man approaches and calls out to him.

“How many?”

“Two.”

“Needs balls or shoes?”

Arc nods. “We both do, yes.”

“What sizes?”

“Ten for me.”

“And the lady?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Huh?”

The clerk gestures to the wall of footwear behind him. “What size shoe do you wear?”

“I, uh... don’t know.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “All her shoes are custom made.”

The man points at a mat nearby. “Step onto that over there to find out then.”

Arc leads Rainbow Dash over to the mat. Sitting her down, he points at her feet.

“Go ahead and take off your shoes.”

“Okay.”

She does so and looks at the mat before continuing.

“So I just hold my feet on these?”

Arc nods. “Right. It’ll give us a general idea of what size shoe you wear.”

Doing as she is told, Rainbow Dash puts her foot on a print. Frowning, she looks to Arc.

“Darn! I’m too big for a number seven.”

“Something wrong with that?”

“Not really. I guess. It’s just always been my lucky number.”

Putting her foot on the next pad she sighs.

“But it also looks like I’m too small for an eight.”

“Then we’ll ask for a seven and a half.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Perfect! That’s still lucky then!”

Arc chuckles as he helps her stand up. “Glad you approve.”

Handing over their own footwear, the man trades them for bowling shoes. Arc pays the clerk whom calls out as he rings up the sale.

“Lane number twenty-eight is ready for you.”

“Thanks.”

Leading his date over to their lane, the pair sit down on put on their respective shoes. Rainbow Dash appears confused.

“This safe?”

Arc looks over to her, confused. “Huh?”

Rainbow Dash points to the bottom of her shoes. “These darn things are so old they don’t have any tread left on em!”

“That’s how they’re supposed to be.”

“But why?”

“So you can slide on the floor a bit. It makes for smoother movements versus regular rubber soled shoes. Normal shoes are designed to prevent sliding, after all.”

“Alright. So how do we play this game?”

“First we have to pick out balls. We each need one that fits our dominant hand and fingers.”

Rainbow Dash looks around. “Any ball?”

Arc points to specialized racks around the perimeter of the back walls. “The ones on those racks are public balls that are owned by the bowling alley.

“So everypony just kinda finds one they like?”

“Not everyone, no. Someone whom plays a lot would have their own customized ball, of course. But they keep those in specially made bags by their lane. Not on the racks.

Rainbow Dash stands. “Then let’s get started.”

Walking over to the racks, she looks them over for a moment before picking up a yellow ball. Frowning, she turns to Arc.

“This thing weighs a ton!”

“That one might be a bit heavy for you. Try one on that rack over there. They’re lighter.”

Doing as Arc suggests, Rainbow Dash picks up an orange ball. Hefting it a few times, she grins.

“Much better!”

Arc joins her with a black and orange ball of his own. “Good. Now then, you have to find one that has holes in the right spots.

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Holes?”

Arc nods as he turns his ball to show her. “Right. Your thumb and two fingers go in here.

She watches intently as he demonstrates. Putting her fingers in the orange ball’s holes she grunts.

“Too tight.”

“You want them loose, of course. But not so loose that you drop the ball. Here, try this one.”

He hands her a red ball. Putting her fingers into it, she smiles.

“That feels much better.”

Arc smiles as he picks up the ball he found for himself earlier. “Good. Now then, let’s get started.”

Walking back to their lane, Arc sets his ball down in their rack as he turns to Rainbow Dash.

“This is the ball return. After throwing down the lane, the ball will return to us here. It stays in this rack until it’s your turn.”

“Then I throw it?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s technically ‘rolling’. But yes. Want me to show you how to do it?”

Rainbow Dash looks to the others bowling nearby. “I think you’d better. After all, this doesn’t look anything like how bowling works back in Equestria.”

“How do you do it?”

“Set the ball on the floor and buck it.”

Arc chuckles. “We do it a bit differently, yes. First you pick up your ball and walk onto the wood flooring.”

He does so as he continues.

“Stand roughly center of the lane. Keep the ball up to your chin, like so.”

Holding his ball before him, Arc keeps talking.

“Make a few quick steps toward the lane, bring your arm back, and roll the ball toward the pins.”

He throws the ball. It smashes into the pins, knocking several of them over. Rainbow Dash grins as the pin area is automatically cleared.

“That looks like fun! Is it my turn now?!”

Arc shakes his head as his ball returns. “No, I get one more shot.”

Picking the freshly returned ball up, Arc lifts it in front of his face. Taking aim, he goes through the motions and rolls the ball. It rolls down the lane and knocks over several more pins. Arc chuckles as he turns back to Rainbow Dash.

“Looks like I only got seven of them.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Maybe it’s not a lucky number for you.”

Arc shrugs. “Oh well. It’s just a game.”

“But now it’s my turn, right?”

“Yup. Want me to help you?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah, I got it.”

Holding her ball as Arc did, Rainbow Dash takes a few steps and moves to throw her ball. However, she miscalculates and falls flat on her back. Arc walks over to her as she sits up.

“You okay, Raine?!”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “Y-yeah. Just... just a bit off balance, that’s all.”

“Still not quite used to your new legs?”

Rainbow Dash grins sheepishly as Arc helps her up. “Guess not.”

“I saw you starting to go over when you put your arm back to swing.”

“Any pointers?”

“Why don’t you start by throwing the ball in place?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “In place?”

“Just stand at the line here and throw. Give it a try.”

Nodding, Rainbow Dash turns back to the pins as Arc steps back. She throws the ball, but it quickly finds the gutter. She grunts angrily.

“Darn it!”

“Try keeping your arm straight.”

“Huh?”

Arc walks over to her again. “Like this.”

Standing behind her, Arc takes Rainbow Dash’s right wrist. Putting a hand on her shoulder, he moves it slowly.

“Don’t bend your elbow. Just rotate it at the shoulder here.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “This feels nice.”

“Just don’t want you to hurt yourself. Now then, try doing it like that.”

Walking back to the ball return, Rainbow Dash picks up her ball and steps up to the line again. Keeping her arm straight as Arc suggested, she throws the ball. It lands on the wood with a loud crash before rolling into a couple pins at the end of the alley. Grinning, Rainbow Dash looks over her shoulder to Arc.

“That sure is a satisfying sound!”

Arc smiles at her. “I’ll say. Now you just have to work on control.”

“Control?”

“Instead of throwing the ball, try laying it down on the lane as you let go. That will help you with trajectory.”

“Can you show me?”

“Sure.”

Picking up his own ball as the pins are completely reset, Arc walks up to the line. He winds up and kneels down to lay the ball on the wood. It flies straight down the center of the lane and smashes into the pins at the other end, knocking them all down. Turning, he walks back to Rainbow Dash.

“Something like that.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You knocked them all down!”

Arc nods. “That’s called a ‘strike’.”

“So do you get another throw?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. It’s your turn now.”

Rainbow Dash picks up her ball. “I wanna try to do that too!”

“Give it a shot.”

Stepping up to the line again, Rainbow Dash looks back to Arc. He gives her a thumbs up as she turns to look at the pins again. Taking a deep breath, the young woman rolls her ball down the lane. A handful of pins topple over as she pumps her fist triumphantly.

“I think I’m getting it!”

Arc chuckles. “That you are. Now then, see if you can knock the rest of them down with your second throw.”

Retrieving her ball, Rainbow Dash walks back to the line again. Narrowing her eyes, she takes careful aim and tosses it. The ball knocks over the rest of the pins as Rainbow Dash runs back to Arc grinning.

“I did it! I got a strike! “

Arc smiles as she throws her arms around him. “Close. You actually got what’s called a ‘spare’.”

Rainbow Dash looks up at him, confused, as she lets go. “What’s the difference?”

“Strikes are when you knock all the pins down on the first ball. A spare is when it takes two rolls. But that’s still good nonetheless.”

“I like this game!”

Arc chuckles as he reaches over to pick up his own ball. “Me too.”

Sometime later, Arc and Rainbow Dash sit at a table off to the side of the lanes with a bag of popcorn and two sodas. Arc looks to her and grins.

“Have fun?”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “A ton, yeah! Now I wish I’d tried this game years ago!”

Arc chuckles as he pats her hand. “I imagine it’s a bit different with hooves though.”

“Yeah, well... the sound of the pins crashing down is just so... so fulfilling! When the ball connects it just sends shivers down my spine!”

“My dad used to take me here when I was a kid.”

“They must’ve had some really light bowling balls for you.”

Arc looks to the lanes. “And bumpers.”

“Bumpers?”

“Guards that cover the gutters. It’s so you always knock down at least one pin.”

Chuckling, Arc turns back to Rainbow Dash as he continues.

“I remember I used to aim my ball at the guards on purpose to bounce off of them.”

“What for?”

“If you throw the ball a certain way you can put spin on it. Do it just right and you can get a strike pretty much every time. Like the professionals on television do. However, I was too little to figure out how to do it. So I settled for what I called the ‘bounce’ technique.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Pretty sneaky there, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “Just doing what I could with what I had.”

They go back to eating for a few moments before Arc speaks again.

“Hey, uh...”

“Something wrong, Arc?”

“Kinda. I mean... I just wanted to apologize.”

Rainbow Dash appears genuinely confused. “What for?”

“This date. It’s not exactly what I would call romantic.”

“Are you kidding me?!”

“Huh?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I’m having a blast here!”

“Really?”

“Yeah!”

“But... this is nothing like the others...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “Cupcake came up with all these ideas, right?”

“Yes. I mean, they sounded okay at first. But the more we did the less it felt like a date-like experience.”

“Exactly!”

“Raine?”

“I know it might not seem like the most lovey-dovey time to you. But cupcake really nailed every idea.”

“So... you’re happy with how things are going?”

“Totally!”

Arc smiles nervously. “Sorry. I guess I was just worried about our first date being a bit of a bust.”

“Bad past experiences?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda. My date with Ember didn’t exactly go as I had wanted it to.”

“Oh?”

“I mean, it was okay. But neither of us got that serious relationship vibe. Like Applejack, Derpy, and Rarity did.”

“How is that bad though?”

“We didn’t really click back then.”

Rainbow Dash smirks wickedly. “And you wanted to, huh?”

“Sorta. I mean... Ember was the first one to vocalize her feelings for me, after all.”

“Well, I guess if it’s not meant to be... it’s not meant to be.”

“Normally I’d agree with something like that. However, Ember’s totally different with me than she is with anyone else.”

“What do you mean?”

“Believe it or not, she actually really... very sweet when we’re alone.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “By ‘sweet’ do you actually mean ‘saucy’?”

Arc chuckles. “I know Ember’s really perverted sometimes. But she’s just beyond devoted to me, and has proven that over and over again.”

“Can I ask how?”

“Sure. Ember’s always gone along with my plans. No matter how crazy they may have been.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Any one of us would be willing to do that though.”

“I’m sure you would. However, Ember even went so far as to volunteer to remain a human for me.”

“Um... that’s cool, I guess. But what does it prove?”

“As a dragon, she’ll for live tens of thousands of years.”

“All dragons do, yeah.”

“However, as a human, she would be lucky to hit one hundred.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide as she gasps. “I didn’t think of that!”

“She was willing to give up over ninety-nine percent of her lifespan in addition to her position as Dragon Lord just to be with me.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Okay, okay! Ember wins in the ‘selfless department’. Not all of us have that much to give though.”

“Myself included.”

Rainbow Dash smirks as she licks her lips. “You’ve got plenty to give, and we’re looking forward to lifting our tails and receiving it!”

Arc smiles. “Guess Ember’s not the only one who likes dirty jokes.”

“Who’s joking?!”

“What happened to Rarity going first?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Well, we could always just ...mess around.”

Arc stands. “How about we ‘mess around’ with another game of bowling?”

Rainbow Dash jumps to her feet. “You’re on!”

Sometime later they get into the Jeep together. Rainbow Dash smiles widely as she speaks.

“That last game went well!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, it did.”

Rainbow Dash smirks as she speaks. “Can’t seem to remember the score’s spread though. How about you, Arc?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Strange. Neither can I.”

“What?! You KNOW that you lost by one pin!”

Arc looks away innocently. “Did I?”

“Yes!”

Arc bursts into laughter as Rainbow Dash grunts.

“You jerk!”

Arc grins as he turns on the Jeep. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”

Turning out of the parking lot, he looks to Rainbow Dash.

“You’re not mad at me, are you?”

Rainbow Dash groans as she looks out the window. “No. Just kinda embarrassed that you were able to trick me so easily.”

Arc smiles nervously. “It was just a joke, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash waves a hand dismissively. “Yeah, it’s cool. I’m all for a good practical joke now and then, after all.”

“That’s what I hear. But then why did you sound so upset just a moment ago?”

“For some reason, I thought you were being serious. No idea how I didn’t see through the sarcasm in your voice.”

“Well, as long as you realize that it was meant in good fun it’s fine, right?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. It’s all good. But what should we do next?”

“That trip to the bowling alley actually took a lot longer than I thought it would.”

“Is that bad?”

Arc shrugs. “Not really. I mean, we did have fun there.”

Rainbow Dash laughs heartily. “I sure did!”

“I had planned for us to only bowl a game or two before heading out to do something else though.”

“Oh... sorry about that.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. It’s fine. After all, the whole point behind the date was to have fun together and get to know each other. And in that regard I’d say we succeeded.”

“You really think so?”

“Yes, Rainbow Dash. I do feel a bit closer to you after today.”

Rainbow Dash smirks as she wiggles a finger at him. “Ah, ah, ah! It’s ‘Raine’, remember?”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose you’re right. But you didn’t say a word when I called you by your pony name a few moments ago.”

“Yeah, well... we should still keep up the ruse.”

Arc smirks as he looks over to her. “Sure that’s the only reason?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Okay, I admit it. I really like this name.”

“So, ah... I know that we’ve been doing nothing but eating off and on all day, but... are you hungry, Raine?”

“Are you kidding?! I’m always hungry!”

“What would you like to do for supper?”

Rainbow Dash smiles sheepishly. “Um... this might come as a bit of a surprise to you, but I’m actually pretty tired after all the running around we did today.”

“Honestly, so am I. Just kicking back and relaxing sounds really good right now.”

“So what should we do?”

“We could head back to my place and...”

Rainbow Dash smirks as she cuts him off. “That sounds good!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “...and order some pizza.”

“Aw...”

“What if I threw in a movie on the couch?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You got yourself a deal!”

Sometime later the pair enter the house together. Arc looks to Rainbow Dash as he closes the door behind them.

“I’ll order us pizza. What do you want on it?”

“What kinda stuff do humans usually have?”

“The vegetarian options would be olives, peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, onions...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “What about meat?”

“The most popular meat options are pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon...”

Rainbow Dash eyes light up. “BACON?!”

“Yeah.”

“Get that!”

“Okay. What else would you like on it?”

“Just cheese and bacon! Lots and lots of bacon!”

Arc chuckles as he walks toward the phone. “Alright. I’ll order an extra-large bacon pizza.”

“How big is an extra-large?”

“Eighteen inches, I believe. Why?”

“Think it’ll be enough?”

Arc shrugs. “Guess I should get two then.”

“Can the other one have some other kind of meat? I’d really like to try more of that stuff!”

“How about pepperoni?”

“What’s that?”

“It’s ground cow and pig meat. Dried, seasoned, and very thinly sliced round pieces.”

“Like sausage?”

“Same concept, yes.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Not sure I’d be into that then.”

“The flavor’s very different though. Believe me when I say it’s the furthest thing from the sausage you tried earlier.”

“Well... I guess I’ll give it a try.”

Arc picks up the phone and puts in the order. Hanging up the receiver, he turns back to Rainbow Dash.

“It’ll be here in about half an hour.”

“Great! I’m starving!”

“Why don’t we pick out a movie to watch while we wait?”

“How long are movies here on Earth?”

“A couple hours. Why?”

Rainbow Dash looks at the clock. “Not sure we have enough time for that though. I mean... we have to get back to Equestria before long.”

“I guess that’s true.”

He puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully before continuing.

“How about a show then?”

“Um... not sure what that is.”

“It’s like a movie, but much shorter.”

“Like mini movies?”

“I guess you could say that. You see, they run in series known as ‘episodes’. Watched in order you’ll see that each one has a slightly different theme to it.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yeah... I don’t get it.”

“Think of it like the Daring Do books. Each one is different, but has the same characters in it.”

“Alright, I’ll give it a shot then. You have something in mind?”

“You like action and suspense?”

“Yeah!”

“Then I have an old show you might like. It’s called ‘The A-Team’.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well, I guess I’ll go with whatever you think. After all, you haven’t let me down yet.”

“Alright. Now then, would you like to change your clothes before we get started?”

Rainbow Dash looks down at her outfit as she speaks. “What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing really.”

“Wait! Do humans have special clothes they wear for watching television?!”

“Whatever’s most comfortable really. I just figured you’d want something a bit looser.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. I’m good.”

“Alright. Let’s see if I can dig out those old disks.”

Sometime later they sit down on the sofa together with two pizza boxes on the coffee table before them. Arc opens the lid of the first one, picks up a piece with a Telekinesis Spell, and carefully places it on a plate in Rainbow Dash’s hands.

“There you are. One bacon pizza.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “This is gonna be GOOD!”

Arc chuckles as he takes a slice for himself. “I’m sure it will be.”

They both take a bite. Rainbow Dash grins as she chews.

“It’s great!”

Arc shrugs. “I think the pepperoni will be better.”

“Let me try a bite of that then.”

Opening the other box, Arc levitates a slice of the pepperoni pizza over to Rainbow Dash. She looks it over and pulls one of the meaty disks off to study it more carefully.

“Weird looking things.”

“They’re probably the most popular pizza topping out there though. Well, after cheese, I suppose.”

“Don’t look anything like sausage.”

She sniffs one before continuing.

“Different smell too.”

“Just give it a try. I think you’ll be surprised.”

Sighing, Rainbow Dash tosses the small red circle into her mouth. Chewing it, she nods approvingly.

“That’s pretty good! It’s got a different kind of bite to it than the sausage did earlier!”

“Probably different seasonings.”

Rainbow Dash grabs a slice of pepperoni. “I gotta try this!”

She takes a large bite and chews quickly. Grinning, Rainbow Dash swallows and grabs another slice of pepperoni to add to her plate.

“Human pizza is AWESOME!”

Arc chuckles. “That it is. But why don’t you try washing it down with some soda?”

“Soda?”

Arc holds up a plastic bottle. “This.”

“I just thought that was juice, or something.”

Arc laughs as he sets it down on the coffee table. “Nah. Coke.”

Opening the cap, a hiss rings out. Rainbow Dash hops back nervously.

“What the...?!”

“That’s normal. It’s just a bit of carbonation.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow, confused. “Carbo... what?”

Arc chuckles as he pours her a glass. “You’ll see.”

Handing it to her, Arc watches as Rainbow Dash eyes the contents nervously. He does his best to reassure her.

“Give it a try.”

“What’s in it?”

Arc shrugs. “Mostly just high fructose corn syrup, water, and artificial flavoring.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “That... doesn’t sound too good, Arc.”

“I know. However, it is pretty tasty nonetheless.”

“But it’s brown!”

“So?”

“How can it be good?!”

Arc groans. “Just trust me on this.”

Sighing, Rainbow Dash slowly puts the glass to her lips. Squeezing her eyes shut she cautiously takes a sip. Gasping, her eyes open as she looks the glass over, clearly confused. Arc appears hopeful.

“So... what did you think?”

“It... felt weird in my mouth!”

“That’s the carbonation. It’s just bubbles, after all. But how did you like the taste?”

“I... didn’t really taste it.”

“Huh?”

“The second it touched my tongue I let it flow back into the glass.”

“Give it a second chance.”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “Fine.”

Taking a small sip, Rainbow Dash swallows. Looking down at the glass, she takes another slightly larger sip before downing the whole glass. Arc smirks as he speaks.

“Can I assume that you liked it?”

“That was great!”

Arc holds up the bottle. “Want some more?”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently as she holds up her glass. “Yeah!”

Filling her cup, Arc pours one for himself before capping the bottle and turning to his date.

“Ready to check out an old show?”

Rainbow Dash grins as she sits back with her pizza and glass. “Sure! What was it called again?”

“‘The A-Team’.”

“Something to do with sports?”

Arc shakes his head as he picks up the remote. “Not really. But you’ll see.”

Pressing the ‘play’ button, the episode starts with the traditional speech from the narrator.

“Ten years ago a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team.”

The opening shows a series of clips from various episodes. Rainbow Dash gasps as she turns to Arc.

“How are they not dead after a stunt like that?!”

Arc presses the ‘pause’ button. “A lot of planning, safety training, and stunt doubles.”

“What’s that last thing?”

“Stunt double. They’re someone whom takes the place of the star actor, or actors, during a dangerous scene.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “That doesn’t sound fair to me!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Fair?”

“The stars get all the credit, right?”

“Yup.”

“What about the others?”

“They do get mentioned in the credits, yes.”

“Further down and for less money though I’m guessing.”

“Right again.”

“How’s that fair then?!”

“It’s the job they signed up for. Part of why an actor makes more though is because they’re the one viewers want to see.”

“But they’re also seeing the stunt double!”

“True. However the actor’s name is what sells the movie. Or in this case, the show.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I do kinda get it. But at the same time I feel bad for them.”

“Well... let’s just watch this episode and you can see what I mean.”

Pressing the ‘play’ button again, the episode begins. The pair watch as they eat their pizza. Near the end of the show Arc looks over and sees Rainbow Dash leaned back, fast asleep. A half-eaten slice of pizza lies in the cruck of her hand and light snoring coming from her agape mouth. Chuckling, Arc turns down the television and stands. Picking up the now closed pizza boxes he walks then to the kitchen and opens the fridge. Putting the pizza away, he turns back to Rainbow Dash lying on the couch as the door closes. Pulling the list from Hammer out of his ring, Arc reads it over silently as he thinks to himself.

Chapter 4 - In Deep

Rainbow Dash slowly opens her eyes. A bright light is just snaking its way across her face. Groaning, she grabs a pillow and pulls it over her head as she thinks to herself.

“Of all the times for me to leave my curtains open...”

Stopping mid-sentence, Rainbow Dash carefully moves her hands outward. Feeling around for a few moments she slowly pulls back the pillow and looks around. Blinking a few times, she frowns.

“Where... am I?”

Sitting up, the young woman carefully gets to her feet and heads for the door. Opening it, Rainbow Dash instinctively peeks out cautiously. The smell of breakfast food meets her nose as she steps out into the hallway. Taking the stairs down, she finds Arc at the stove cooking. He nods to her as he flips the contents of the pan before him and speaks.

“Good morning.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Um... hi.”

“Something wrong, Ra... Raine?”

“I... don’t really know. We’re still at your house on Earth, right?”

Arc nods as he flips the pan again. “Right.”

“Not that I mind, but...uh... why?

“Well... you kinda fell asleep watching television last night.”

“I did?”

“Yup. You were totally out too.”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously. “S-sorry about that.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. After all, yesterday was pretty busy for both of us.”

Rainbow Dash sits down at the kitchen table as she continues. “There wasn’t trouble with the Rainbow of Light, was there?”

Arc shakes his head as he walks over with a platter of French Toast. “Nope. Well, at least as far as I know, that is.”

“Then why are we still here? I mean... like I said, not that I mind, of course.”

“Well... I figured it was pretty late.”

“I guess it was, yeah. But won’t the others be worried about us? Twilight could come barreling through that door at any time to come check on us.”

Arc smirks as he sits down and serves the food to his date. “She probably would too. That is, if she felt we were in trouble.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “So... should we call her, or something?”

“I notified Hammer already.”

“Cupcake?”

Arc nods. “I felt it only fair to do so. After all, this whole thing was her idea.”

“Huh?”

Arc pulls a paper from his ring and sets it on the table for Rainbow Dash to see as he continues talking.

“Here’s the list of activities Hammer came up with.”

“So?”

Arc points a finger as he taps the paper. “Read the paragraph at the bottom.”

Rainbow Dash reads aloud.

“Well, that’s the best I could come up with for you two. It’s kinda a lot to try and pull off in one day, I know. But I do have a bit of a suggestion for that too, Arc. After what happened between you and Applejack during your super-long date, the others have been brainstorming what they would do were they also given such a chance. If things are going well between you and blue, why not take a longer date than just the originally planned one day? I’m sure she would like some extra alone time with you. Just give me a call if you decide to do so and I’ll let the others know.”

Looking up at Arc again, she grins before continuing.

“Does this mean...?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. That we’ll be taking an extra-long date.”

Rainbow Dash lets out a whoop as Arc pulls the paper from her hand. Holding it up, he grins.

“Lots more to do on this list.”

“And as long as we want to stay here and keep doing things, we can take all the time we need!”

“Within reason, yes. After all, I don’t think the others would be too happy if we stayed here for weeks at a time.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Yeah, yeah. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Rainbow Dash grabs her silverware. “First things first though! Eating!”

Arc chuckles as he picks up his fork. “Sounds good to me.”

The pair enjoy their meal of French Toast and milk together. Rainbow Dash grins as she finishes.

“That hits the spot! Thanks for breakfast, Arc!”

Arc smiles at her. “You’re very welcome.”

“It’s better than I can do.”

“Oh?”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously. “Cooking’s never been my strong point.”

“What do you usually eat for breakfast then?”

“Just cereal mostly. And that’s if I wake up early enough. Which isn’t often.”

Arc tries to change the subject. “So... what should we do today?”

“I don’t really know. What did cupcake come up with?”

“A lot of outdoorsy stuff.”

Rainbow Dash gestures to the window. “Judging from those clouds, I’d say it’s going to be a cold, rainy day.”

“Are you sure?”

“Trust me. After all, I know my clouds.”

“How about we do something physical then?”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “What did you have in mind?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Not what you had in mind, I’m sure.”

“Fine. What is it?”

“Swimming.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “In this cold?!”

Arc chuckles. “Sure. We’ll just bundle up real well before jumping in.”

“I’ll pass.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

Arc smirks. “This pool is indoors.”

“Like the one back in Abyssinia?”

“Exactly.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Okay, admittedly that does sound like fun. But I’m not sure how well I’ll be able to swim in this new body.”

“It’s really not that hard. I can teach you.”

“Perfect! We can get bare together!”

Arc appears confused. “Bare?”

“I can’t imagine humans letting their clothes get wet. So I’m assuming they take them off before jumping into the pool.”

“That is true, yes. However, we do have specially designed clothes for swimming in.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Should’ve seen THAT coming.”

“I have a number of swimsuits here from our trips to the beach in the past.”

“You do?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Derpy, Ember, Auriel, and Hammer all went to the beach with us at some point when the weather was warmer. Well, Dinky did too. But I don’t think hers would fit you though.”

“Probably not. But I’m sure I’ll be able to squeeze into one of the other’s outfits. Right?”

“One way to find out.”

Standing, he leads Rainbow Dash upstairs to the guest room. Opening a dresser drawer, Arc begins rummaging around as the young woman hurriedly makes her bed.

“Sorry for the mess I left in this room. I wasn’t really thinking when I just up and left it this morning.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. After all, what would I know about waking up in a strange room and unfamiliar bed?”

Rainbow Dash grins as she finishes her task. “Yeah, I guess you learned that the day you came to Equestria.”

“Yup. Rather jarring, admittedly.”

Pulling a few swimsuits out, he lays them on the bed before speaking.

“Here’s Hammer, Ember, and Auriel’s swimsuits.”

“What about Derpy?”

“Her suit is down the hall in my old bedroom.”

“Can I try it on too?”

Arc blushes slightly. “I... suppose you could if you really wanted to. But I don’t think you’ll like it.”

Rainbow Dash waves her hand dismissively. “You let me worry about that, alright?”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. Just give me a few minutes to find it.”

He leaves the room and heads to his former bedroom. Looking through several drawers, Arc eventually finds Derpy’s bikini top and bottoms. Sighing, he walks back to the guest room with it in hand. Knocking lightly, he calls out.

“I found it.”

“Great! Bring it in!”

“Um... are you dressed?”

“Nah. Still trying to figure out how to slip into this weird thing. Wanna give me a hoof with it?”

Arc facepalms. “I’m not sure how much Hammer told you about human females, but it’s not exactly proper for a me to come in there with you undressed.”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “Well, I don’t think I’ll be able to figure this out without help. And I have no problem with you seeing me bare.”

“Fine.”

Opening the door, he spies Rainbow Dash standing at the foot of the bed in her bra and panties. Holding up the one piece swimsuit, she looks to Arc sheepishly.

“I don’t see any buttons, snaps, or zippers on this thing anywhere.”

Arc walks over to her and takes the swimsuit from her. “That’s because you just kinda step into it. They make these things extra stretchy, after all. Both to make it fit snugly as well as aid in putting the swimsuit on.”

He gestures to her undergarments before continuing.

“But you need to take those off before trying to put on the swimsuit.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Fine with me.”

She begins unlatching her bra as Arc rolls his eyes.

“I meant after I left the room.”

Rainbow Dash grunts as she reaches around to fiddle with her bra hooks. “It doesn’t bother me. Remember, I’m used to being uncovered as a mare.”

Arc turns to leave. “Well, I’ll wait in the hall while you change.”

Rainbow Dash calls out quickly. “Wait! What about Derpy’s suit!”

“Oh! Right!”

Holding it up, Arc blushes slightly as Rainbow Dash looks the garment over, clearly confused.

“What the heck...?!”

“You see, Derpy has this condition where she doesn’t like to be constricted by clothes when she’s a human. That’s why she always wore dresses and other loose fitting clothing.

Rainbow Dash holds up the bikini as she speaks. “I’ll say. These look just like skimpy undergarments.”

“I know. If you don’t want to wear them, I completely understand.”

“Well, I’ll try them on anyways.”

Arc turns back to the door again. “In any case, I’ll let you get to that.”

Leaving the room, Arc closes the door behind him. Rainbow Dash looks the bikini over again as she muses to herself.

“Might as well be swimming bare. This doesn’t look like it’d cover much at all.”

Shrugging, she begins trying on the swimsuits one at a time. Meanwhile, Arc leans against the wall outside in the hallway. Eventually, Rainbow Dash opens the door and pokes her head out nervously.

“Um... I might have a bit of a problem here.”

Arc looks over. “Oh? What’s up?”

“It’d... probably just be easier to show you.”

Stepping forward, Arc enters the room. Rainbow Dash stands before him in a one piece swimsuit, frowning.

“I don’t think this is on right.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it is.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“It’s... just too big on you.”

Rainbow Dash sighs as she bows her head. “And this was the last one too.”

Arc gestures to the bikini lying on the bed. “What about... Derpy’s... you know...?”

Rainbow Dash points a finger to her chest. “Trust me, that one didn’t work at all.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I figured as much.”

“So what are we supposed to do now?”

“The only thing we can. Get you one that fits.”

“Where from?”

“That clothing store I took you to yesterday carries them. But I think we should probably get cleaned up first.”

Rainbow Dash runs a hand through her disheveled hair. “You mean brush my mane, right?”

“That and take a shower. Don’t want to be trying on new clothes while dirty, after all.”

“I guess that’s true.”

Arc points to a nearby door. “You can use the guest room shower. You’ll find soap, shampoo, towels, brushes, and whatnot in there.”

“Okay. Cupcake did mention the importance of staying clean as a human. Something about body odors, I think.”

“Yeah. Do you have any questions before I leave though?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. I got this.”

“Alright. Meet you downstairs when you’re done.”

“See you in a bit.”

The pair part ways. Each enters their respective bathroom and showers. Arc descends the stairs a short time later to find Rainbow Dash waiting for him on the couch. She grins as he approaches.

“Looks like I won.”

Arc chuckles. “I wasn’t aware we were racing.”

Rainbow Dash smirks as she stands. “Life is a competition, Arc! And I always intend to come in first!”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. Why don’t we make our way to the Jeep and get moving then?”

“Sounds good!”

Leaving via the back door, the pair head for the garage. Getting into the Jeep, Arc starts it and shifts into ‘drive’. Making their way toward the freeway, he turns to Rainbow Dash and smiles at her.

“This is your favorite part I would imagine.”

Rainbow Dash nods excitedly. “It’s like flying really close to the ground. Just without the feeling of the wind on my face, that is.”

She taps the window to her right before continuing.

“These things open?”

Arc nods. “Yes, they do.”

“How do I...?”

Arc interrupts her. “But you should leave them up.”

“Why?!”

“Well, for starters, it’s winter.”

“Just for a minute then?! I wanna know what it feels like to have the wind in my face as a human!”

“Second, I don’t want you losing your head over this.”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she folds her arms over her chest. “Fine. Killjoy.”

Arc chuckles. “Just trying to keep you safe.”

Sometime later they arrive at the mall. Heading inside, the pair make their way to the clothing store. Entering it, Arc escorts Rainbow Dash to the ‘womens’ section with swimsuits. Gesturing with a wave of his hand, he speaks.

“Here you are. There has to be something here that you like.”

Rainbow Dash nods as she looks over the displays. “I’ll find something. Just give me a minute.”

“Take your time.”

Grabbing a few suits, Rainbow Dash heads for the changing rooms. Arc sits down on the now familiar bench to wait for her. He doesn’t have long to wait however, as the young woman soon opens the door to show off her new swimsuit with a grin.

“So... how do I look?”

“Great! How’s it feel?”

Rainbow Dash moves to adjust herself as she responds. “A bit tight actually.”

“Well, that’s to be expected. After all, you wouldn’t want it falling off in the pool.”

“Yeah, I get that. But are you sure this is a good suit?”

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

“It doesn’t look much like the ones I saw back at your place.”

Arc shrugs. “Just a different style, I guess.”

“So this works?”

“Yup. You want to try on the other ones first though?”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Already done.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Of course you did.”

Rainbow Dash grabs Arc’s hand and pulls him toward the door. “Come on! I wanna go swimming!”

Arc laughs. “Alright, alright. Just give me a chance to pay for this and then we can go.”

“All right!”

“Um... but you might want to reconsider going out like that.”

“It’s fine. I really like this thing.”

“I mean temperature wise. Remember, it’s not exactly warm outside.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. But that would mean I have to take all this off, put on my other clothes, get to the pool, and change yet again!”

“I have a bit of an idea there.”

“Listening!”

A short time later they step away from the cashier, receipt in hand. Arc holds out Rainbow Dash’s clothes as he speaks.

“Now then, just put these on over your swimsuit.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Then I can just take my clothes off and dive right in!”

“Right. Well, you should still start off in the shallow end so I can show you have to swim as a human.”

Rainbow Dash smiles slyly. “Looking forward to that.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes, I’m sure you are.”

After putting her clothes on over top of the swimsuit, Rainbow Dash follows Arc back to the Jeep. Getting in, he starts the vehicle and puts it into gear.

“Here we go.”

“Is this place far?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. We should be there in about ten minutes.”

Rainbow Dash grins from ear to ear. “I can’t wait!”

A short time later they pull up to a large building. Getting out, Arc leads Rainbow Dash inside and up to a counter. After speaking to the clerk and paying a fee, the pair head deeper inside. Rainbow Dash sniffs the air and grins.

“It smells like the pool back in Abyssinia in here!”

“That’s the chlorine.”

“The what?”

“It’s a chemical added to the water to kill germs in it and prevent algae growth. Didn’t they tell you that back in Abyssinia though?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Applejack said it was important, I guess. But I wasn’t really paying attention to the whys.”

“Humans, like ponies, have bacteria and whatnot on the surface of their bodies. Especially around our genitals. The chlorine kills that bacteria so that germs from one person don’t infect someone else. Otherwise, at the very best, it would be like swimming in bath water.”

“And at the worst?”

“More like a toilet bowl.”

Rainbow Dash makes a face. “Ick!”

Arc chuckles as they approach two opposing doors. “My sentiments exactly. Now then, these are the changing areas for men and women. Simply take off your outer clothes, put them in a locker, shower off, and follow the signs to the pool.

Rainbow Dash grins as she play salutes. “See you there!”

They part ways and enter their respective changing areas. A short time Arc and Rainbow Dash meet at the pool. She looks around before turning to him.

“Not many humans like to swim?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s usually this way on weekday mornings. Kids are in school and adults are at work.”

“Well, at least we pretty much have the place to ourselves.”

“That we do. Now then, how about we see what you can do?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Alright. Here I go!”

Taking a deep breath, Rainbow Dash lunges forward and begins doggie paddling as Arc watches. Stopping, she turns back and calls out.

“How was that?!”

Arc nods as he hops in and walks through the water towards her. “That’s kinda what I expected to see.”

“Huh?”

Arc lowers his voice as he approaches. “A pony is pretty much limited to ‘doggie paddling’, as humans call it.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What else would there be?”

“I’ll show you.”

Diving underwater, Arc cups his hands in front of his face as he pushes hard with his feet. Moving quickly through the water he surfaces some distance from Rainbow Dash. Waving to him, she cheers.

“That was awesome! My turn to try!”

She dives underwater and does the same. Coming up in front of Arc, Rainbow Dash grins hugely as she speaks.

“Nailed it!”

Arc smiles at her. “That you did. Want to try some more swimming moves?”

“Yeah!”

Showing Rainbow Dash various human swimming techniques, Arc notices that she picks up nearly all that he shows her immediately. Nodding in approval, he speaks.

“That’s everything.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Huh?”

“You now know everything about swimming that I do.”

“I do?!”

Arc shrugs. “Remember, I’m no expert.”

Rainbow Dash pumps her fist into the air triumphantly. “I am the Iron Pony!”

Arc chuckles. That you are.”

His earring chirps. Looking to Rainbow Dash he motions to it as he speaks.

“Looks like someone needs something.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Better take care of it right away then, hero.”

“You going to be okay?”

“Yeah. I’ll just keep practicing while you’re gone.”

“Alright. I’ll try to keep it short.”

Making his way over to the ladder, Arc steps out of the pool. Walking over to a nearby table, he grabs a towel and puts it over his shoulders before touching his earring and speaking.

“Arc here.”

“Hey! This here’s Hammer!”

“Hi, Hammer. How are things going back home?”

Hammer chuckles. “I could ask the same of you, handsome!”

“Rainbow Dash and I are swimming at the moment.”

“I was hoping you’d do that! Loads of fun! But that’s not what I called you about.”

“Something wrong?”

“Not really. Are you alone though? Wanted to keep this matter under wraps.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Well, I’m out of earshot of anyone that is.”

“Just don’t want blue to hear about this.”

“Oh?”

“I was calling to ask how she was handling being a human.”

Arc turns and looks out at the pool as Rainbow Dash swims by doing a backstroke. “Okay, I guess. Why?”

“Because... uh... blue isn’t very good at... letting others know when something is bothering them.”

“What do you mean?”

Hammer sighs. “I’m sure you already know this, but she likes being the best at everything. So competitive, I mean. But at the same time she’ll also bottle up any problems she has inside and just try to power on through a situation. Like this one time she volunteered to run a sack of official scrolls from Canterlot Castle to the Ponyville Town Hall.”

“That was nice of her.”

“I thought so too. But several of them were damaged when she crashed through the mayor’s office window.”

“Wait, what?!”

Hammer groans. “Apparently she underestimated how big and heavy the sack was. The official report said that she was gasping for breath when she went through the window and had to be rushed to the hospital.”

“What did they find out?!”

“Just that she pushed herself too hard. Doctor Horse had her on bedrest for a few days to monitor and recuperate. It was just as a precaution, of course. But you know blue.”

Arc sighs. “But she IS okay, right?”

“Yeah. Just... see about getting her to open up about this. Blue really needs to think before she does some things.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Other than that, things are going okay, right?”

“Nice, yes. We had breakfast at...”

Hammer interrupts him as she cries out. “No, no! Don’t tell me the details! I’d never hear the end of it!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “End of it?”

“All the gals wanna hear about this latest date. Myself included, of course. But I don’t want any inside information ahead of time.”

“That’s surprising. I was sure you’d be more interested than they were to hear about it. Given your relationship with Rainbow Dash, that is.”

Hammer chuckles. “It’s like keeping up with viewing a show with friends. You don’t want to watch episodes ahead of them, as it takes away from the fun.”

“Alright. We’ll have to get together and tell the full story to the group when we get back.”

“Any idea when that might be?”

“Not really. I’ll keep you posted when I do though.”

“Then I’ll let Twilight know that you two are generally doing well over there.”

“She was worried?”

Hammer sighs. “I don’t think ‘worried’ is the right word for it. ‘Hopeful’ might be closer though. But I’ll let you get back to it with cupcake.”

“Okay. Feel free to call if something comes up though.”

“I will. And Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Take good care of her for me.”

Arc smiles and nods. “I will.”

“Thanks. Hammer out.”

Arc touches his earring, severing the connection. He looks over to see Rainbow Dash swimming laps underwater. Making the short trip back to the pool, he hops in and swims over to her. Breaking the surface, Rainbow Dash breathes heavily as she speaks.

“Almost... got it... that time!”

“Got what?”

Rainbow Dash points to the end of the pool. “I’m trying to swim from one end to the other. Underwater, that is.”

Arc chuckles. “I used to try and do that too. Never could make it though.”

“How far did you get?”

“About two thirds of the way there.”

“So roughly where I get?”

Arc shrugs. “I guess.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I don’t understand. This usually isn’t so hard for me.”

“Well, going from hooves to arms and feet might have something to do with it.”

“Maybe. I feel like my pony legs are a bit stronger too.”

“That and this pool appears to be a bit bigger than the one back in Abyssinia.”

“It is?”

Arc nods. I think so. “Didn’t measure it or anything, but I believe it’s about a quarter bigger.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “That makes this even more difficult!”

“It’s fine if you can’t do it though.”

“But I still wanna!”

“Well, why don’t we stop for a bit of refreshments? There’s a snack bar over there that has some things you’d like.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Food? I can’t even think about eating right now.”

Arc smirks. “They have a dozen different types of soda.”

“Let’s go!”

Swimming quickly to the edge of the pool, she hops out and makes a beeline for the food court nearby. Arc follows and joins Rainbow Dash at the concession stand. Purchasing them both a soda and snack, they sit down at a table together. Rainbow Dash grins as she munches away happily.

“What did you call this thing again, Arc?”

“It’s an elephant ear.”

Rainbow Dash looks down at it and gives it a poke with her finger. “Thought it’d be less bready.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s not a real ear, you know.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Yeah, I know. But what’s with that name?”

“No idea. But they are tasty.”

“That they are! And so is this... what flavor did we get again?”

“Doctor Pepper.”

“Can’t really place it, but this is really good!”

“Glad you like it.”

Rainbow Dash licks her fingers as she finishes her snack. “So what was that call about?”

“It was Hammer. She just wanted to check in on us. Make sure everything was going okay over here.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Earth is easily four stars! Two hooves way, WAY up!”

“She also told me you had a bit of an accident a while back.”

“Which time?”

“Something to do with scrolls, the mayor, and a Town Hall window.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I just... kinda miscalculated.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh really?”

“Yeah. That and... I might have taken things a bit too far.”

“How so?”

“I had wanted to challenge myself, so I was seeing if I could go the rest of the way without landing. Ironponying it.”

“And you didn’t quite have enough strength to make it?”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “I made it there!”

“I meant safely.”

“The hospital visit was just for a week!”

“Not really helping your case here, Raine.”

Rainbow Dash moans as she rolls her eyes. “You don’t get it, Arc! That’s how you get better at something! By pushing yourself!”

Arc sighs. “No, I do get it. Remember, I’ve had my own grand falls.”

“The mana pool thing?”

“The mana pool thing, yes.”

“I don’t really understand that whole thing personally.”

“It’s roughly what happened to you, I think. Coming to the end of your reserves and just...”

Rainbow Dash smacks the table with a hand. “Crashing?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. But you were right about limits. That is how we get better at things.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Just... worried about you.”

“Worried?!”

“What if you’re flying a little higher next time? Going a little faster? Carrying a heavier load?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Then I’d do what I had to do! Honestly, I don’t see what the big deal is here!”

They are silent for a time as Rainbow Dash stews and Arc finishes his own snack. Sighing, she turns to him.

“Look... I get that you want me to be safe, and all. But that’s just not who I am, Arc.”

“Just... try to be a bit more careful next time.”

“Fine, fine, whatever! Now then, how about we get some more swimming in?!”

Arc shrugs. “You know, there’s more to this place than just swimming.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“They have a fully stocked gym too.”

“That sounds cool!”

Arc motions to his swim trunks. “Not sure we’re dressed for that though.”

“And we’re all wet too.”

“I have some shorts and t-shirts stashed in my ring. Okay workout gear, I guess. They’d be a bit big on you though.”

“Then why don’t we do something else?”

“Anything but more swimming though.”

“Right. We did that all morning.”

Arc chuckles. “Lunch?”

“Not sure I’m quite ready for that. Especially after that elephant ear.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So we need to kill some time and work up an appetite.”

“But it probably shouldn’t be strenuous either.”

“I think I have an idea. Follow me.”

Leading Rainbow Dash down a corridor, they come to a small locker room. Arc gestures to a door on the opposite wall as he presses a button nearby.

“This is a sauna. It’s a...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “...a steam bath.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Yes. But how did you know? Did Hammer tell you about this?”

“Nah. There’s one in the Ponyville Spa. The girls and I go there all the time.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that. And here I thought I was being original. Um... do you... want to do something else?”

“Nah, this is cool. That and it’ll be a new experience for me too.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you said that you used the one back in Ponyville all the time.”

“Yeah. But not as a human mare.”

“Is that important?”

“Kinda, yeah. It always seemed sorta funny for us to be in there with fur coats on. I want to know what it would be like to do it with just skin.”

“Alright. It should be warmed up in a few minutes. Now then, what do ponies wear when going to a steam bath?”

“It varies. Some wear a robe. Others just put a towel over their manes to try and protect it from the steam. Occasionally both at the same time. But I guess it doesn’t really matter, as ponies don’t really have an issue with others seeing everything.”

“Humans being more modest tends to be a big part of most things. All except for this, I guess.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“It’s not uncommon for a human to go into a sauna with little or even nothing on to cover themselves.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. But some do wear a towel around their midsection or some light clothing. It’s kinda whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“What about you?”

“I used to come here with Shelly, Lily, and Frank sometimes. Swimming was good for Shelly’s condition a number of years ago, so we would make an outing of it.”

“The four of you?”

“We’d wait for the restaurant to close at two in the afternoon then take the girls here for some fun in the pool.”

“And then a trip to the sauna?”

“Yup. Shelly and Lily would just wear their swimsuits in here though, as they couldn’t stay very long.”

“How about you and Frank?”

Arc chuckles. “We used to stay in there and see who could last the longest.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “A competition?!”

“Just one between friends. But yes.”

“What was the prize?!”

“Bragging rights mostly. Other than that we would sometimes bet a soda, or something else small, prior to starting a few times.”

“How about we do that too?!”

“Huh?”

Rainbow Dash rubs her hands together slyly. “I wanna make a bet!”

“On who can stay in the sauna longer?”

“Right!”

“Why?”

“Just a friendly competition with a prize on the line.”

Arc chuckles. “Little miss competitive.”

Rainbow Dash smirks mischievously. “Unless, of course, you’re afraid you’ll lose.”

“Well, alright. What’s the bet?”

“If you win, I’ll give you a sport’s rub.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“It’s something ponies like to get after a strenuous activity.”

“Like after sport’s practice?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Hence the name, yes.”

“Alright. Sounds good. And you know how to do this?”

“Yup. I learned it when I was just a filly. You see, foals whom played sports liked to get them after practice. But it wasn’t fair for only certain foals to get massages. So it was a give and recieve thing.”

“They gave you one and then you gave them one?”

“Exactly. So those whom didn’t know how to do it wouldn’t get one either. So there was an incentive for everypony to learn early on.”

Arc chuckles. “Were there competitions for that too?”

“Actually, yeah. How’d you know that?”

“I was just making a joke. You mean that you competed in massages too?”

“Sports rubs, yes. That and when foals paired up after practice it was always along skill lines. The best at it could get somepony about as good as they were to give them one before returning the favor.”

“And you wanted the best for yourself.”

“Right! Give the best, get the best! So you up for maybe getting to experience the magical hooves of Rainbow... er... magical fingers of Raine?!”

Arc shrugs. “Sure, why not? But what if you win?”

“Well... um... how about... a smack?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

Rainbow Dash blushes feverishly. “I mean a kiss!”

“Oh! Um... well...”

“It wouldn’t have to be anything too fancy. Just a peck on my cheek if you want.”

Arc shrugs. “Sure, I guess.”

Rainbow Dash extends a hand. “Shake hooves, er... hands on it?!”

“Alright.”

Taking Rainbow Dash’s hand Arc gives it a shake as the young woman before him grins widely. Gesturing toward the door, Arc continues.

“Now all that’s left to do is decide what we should wear in there.”

“I’m part of the body towel group myself. You, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “Frank and I would just wear our swimsuits in here just like Shelly and Lily did.”

“That’s surprising.”

“It is?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. As close as your four are I would have thought you’d have had no problem being uncovered with your friends. Or at the very least, Frank.”

“Frank and I didn’t want to make Shelly and Lily feel like they had to strip down too. So it was just unspoken that we would all stay modestly covered.”

“So you’re going to keep your swim... bottoms on?”

“Swim trunks. And yes.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Fine. And I’ll put on a towel.”

Walking over to a rack, Rainbow Dash grabs a towel and tosses it onto a bench. As she begins pulling off her swimsuit Arc turns away respectfully. As she finishes kicking her swim bottoms off she looks to Arc to speak. However, nothing comes out. Blushing slightly, the young woman quickly wraps the towel around her midsection and hurries over to Arc.

“I’m ready!”

“Alright. Wanna say it?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Say what?”

Arc grins. “Ready, set, go?”

“Okay, GO!”

She quickly pulls open the sauna door. A wave of heat blasts them as the pair hurry inside together. Arc pulls the door shut and turns to Rainbow Dash whom is just sitting down. She looks to him, determined.

“And so it begins! Our competition will be epic!”

Arc chuckles as he sits down next to her. “If you say so.”

“So... what should we do now?”

“Shelly and Lily used to like to talk about recipe ideas in here.”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously. “Like I said before, I’m not much for cooking.”

“Well, we could talk about something else.”

“Like what?”

“How about... your thoughts on the others?”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Others?”

“Your fellow herdmates.”

“Um... they’re my friends.”

“Yes, but do you feel that everyone in the herd is equal?”

“Equal in terms of what?”

“Affection. Remember, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, and Derpy are the only ones officially engaged to me. Is anyone feeling like they’re less important because they aren’t one of those four?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not at all! We’re happy for them, of course!”

Arc appears relieved. “That’s good to hear. I was kinda worried that things would start to fall apart due to jealousy, or something.”

“I... kinda was too.”

“Really?”

“Not because of my friends though. But... for lack of a better term... the newcomers.”

“Newcomers?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Especially the non-ponies. I know that sounds really bad, and I guess it is. But I... I didn’t think that we could possibly have anything in common with a dragon, demon, or a female human.

“And how do you feel now?”

“That they’re actually about the same as we are. Cupcake, Ember, and Auriel really are cool when you get to know them, after all.”

Arc smiles. “Yes, I believe you’re right. So why the initial hesitancy?”

“I just... I figured they would complicate things.”

“How?”

“Bedtime mostly.”

“What do you mean?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Okay, don’t think less of me for saying this, but I always envisioned myself and the rest of my friends lying in an oversized bed together with you and Derpy. Ponies being smaller than a human would make such a thing possible.”

“Then the other three came along.”

“And I just kinda viewed them as pushing us ponies out of the way to get to you.”

“And do you still believe that?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not at all! If anything, they’ve proven to be more inclusive than I ever dreamed possible!”

“How so?”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Cupcake’s really interested in threesomes.”

Arc wipes the sweat from his forehead as he sighs. “I don’t think I’m ready for something like that though.”

“Yeah, somepony said as much recently. Which is why I haven’t been pushing the idea.”

“Can we talk about that though?”

“Uh... about what?”

“Threesomes.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you just said...!”

Arc interrupts her. “I just want you opinion on them.”

“Well, if you want the absolute truth, I’m all for ‘em!”

“Can you explain why though?”

“Because it would show just how committed we all are to one another. Trusting each other when we’re the most vulnerable.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Vulnerable?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I just can’t really think of any other word to describe it. But I also can’t think of anything that would make me more vulnerable than literally being in the act of having sex. Totally exposed... completely at your mercy... while my friends sit there and watch.”

Arc sighs. “It sounds like you’ve given this matter... quite a bit of thought.”

“Yeah. I mean... we all have though. But admittedly, just Cupcake and I are openly into the whole group sex idea.”

“Has that been an actual conversation though?”

“A pretty in depth one actually. It stemmed from the question of how to handle intimacy.”

“Sounds like kind of a big jump though.”

“I guess so. But at some point somepony brought up the fact that there are currently ten mares... ten FEMALES potentially willing to marry you, Arc. Assuming you took one of us to bed with you every night, that would still leave about a week and a half between intimate encounters. And that’s assuming you had sex with somepony every night.”

“Purely a theory here, but... it’s likely I’m not going to always be in the mood to do... that.”

“That too. Which makes things even more difficult in terms of romance. So that’s when the idea of threesomes came up. It would bring that week and a half down to every five days.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Let’s hear it for math.”

“Going out on a limb here, but I don’t think everypony would be compatible with each other in terms of threesome intimacy. Just theorizing here, but I think I’d personally be okay with either cupcake or Fluttershy.”

“Why Fluttershy?”

“Like I told you during our trip to Cloudsdale, our families go way back. That and I’ve known her my whole life too.”

“So no one else?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “We could try it with other combinations. But that might end badly. Might want to start off with double dates and see where things go from there.”

“You really have thought about this at length.”

“Yup. Got a few other suggested pairings too.”

“Have you now?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Rarity and Derpy, for starters. They’ve gotten closer since it came out that she’s actually Sweetie Belle’s mother. Both of them are single mothers with similar backstories, so it makes sense that they’d gravitate to one another for emotional support.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“Then there’s Twilight and Auriel. The two eggheads have really hit it off since Auriel moved in with Twilight at Ponyville’s Golden Oaks Library.”

“They do get along well, yes.”

“And I was thinking Ember with Applejack.”

Arc appears confused. “Really? I don’t see how that would work.”

“They actually started bonding some time ago.”

“Something in common?”

“Strange as it may sound... pregnancy.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait, what?!”

“Both of them REALLY want you to get them pregnant. So they’re constantly talking about that when it’s just the two of them.”

“But if they’re only talking about it alone how do you know about it?”

Rainbow Dash looks away nervously. “I... might have overheard them a few times.”

“And did they know you were listening?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. I listen in from overhead though. You see, clouds, trees, and rooftops are all potential cover for me. Now I do want to say that pretty much everypony involved with the herd wants to have you put a bun in their oven. But those two are the most talkative about it.”

“And you?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I already said that I wanted you to do me.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I meant how do you feel about getting pregnant?”

“Oh! Um... well... I... haven’t actually thought about that too much.”

“If you don’t want foals, I completely understand though.”

Rainbow Dash wrings her hands slightly. “It’s a bit more complicated than that.”

“How so?”

“You see, I... uh... it’s not that I don’t...”

Rainbow Dash struggles to find the right words for a few moments before groaning and continuing.

“Okay, I admit it... I don’t really want foals.”

Arc smiles at her. “See? Was that so hard?”

“But doesn’t that make me a terrible mare?!”

“No, of course not.”

“You’ve said in the past that you really want a family! And I honestly don’t! How could that possibly work for us?!”

“If it’s not something that you want, I’m not going to try and force you into it.”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “Does... does that mean that I’m out of the herd?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not in the least. Remember, I just want to make you and the others happy. And if having a family isn’t one of those things, than I won’t try to make you do it nor disallow you from joining the herd. Again, if that’s what you want.”

Rainbow Dash smiles as she leans back heavily on the wood bench. “Thanks! That’s... that’s a... a load off of... um...”

“Happy to help.”

“I, uh...”

Arc turns to her. “Hey, you okay?”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand to her belly. “I... I don’t... feel so good.”

Arc stands up and pushes the door open “Let’s get you out of here then. Don’t want you to...”

“What?! No! I...!”

Turning to her just in time, Arc sees Rainbow Dash’s eyes roll into the back of her head as she falls forward. Catching her before she hits the floor, Arc wraps his arms around her and quickly picks her up.

“I got you!”

Backing through the doorway, he carefully carries Rainbow Dash out into the significantly cooler outer room. Putting a hand to her forehead he frowns. Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal and quickly hurries through with the young woman in his arms.

Chapter 5 - Talks Between the Bedsheets

Sometime later Rainbow Dash opens her eyes. Looking around she sees the now familiar guest room walls. Rain pelts the window as a dim natural light allows just enough illumination for her to be able to see. The door opens and Arc enters with a glass of something in his hand. Smiling at her, he sits down on the side of the bed as he speaks.

“How do you feel?”

Rainbow Dash groans as she rubs her eyes. “Really tired. What happened?”

Arc sighs. “You were in the sauna too long.”

“Nah, that can’t be it. Back in Equestria I’ve been in saunas a lot longer than that before without a problem.”

“As a pony though.”

“What’s that have to do with it?”

“My guess is that humans are less able to deal with extreme temperatures.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve seen you and the others go out into the snow with nothing to keep you warm but a scarf around your necks before.”

Rainbow Dash smiles sheepishly. “I... guess I must’ve looked pretty silly back there.”

“How so?”

“Passing out.”

“No idea. I was more concerned with getting you out of the sauna and back to my place over anything else.”

“So what happened after I blacked out?”

“Well... I took you back home via portal and put you in a cool shower to get your temperature down. When you started moving around I dried you off and brought you in here. But I didn’t want you waking up naked, so I put some shorts and a t-shirt on you.”

“How long was I unconscious?”

“Several hours.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “After I dressed you, I briefly considered taking you to the local hospital. But when I took your temperature I found it was back to normal.”

“Guess that shower really did the trick. But why was I out for so long then?”

“No idea. All I can figure is that it was your body’s way to catching up on some rest, or something. However, just before you came around I went downstairs to get you this.”

He holds out the glass to her. Taking a sip, Rainbow Dash looks at it confused.

“Water?”

“Room temperature tap water to be exact. Just trying to rehydrate you, after all.”

Rainbow Dash smiles weakly as she takes another sip. “I thought you’d have some kind of special human’s drink for this.”

“I was going to give you Gatorade at first. But then I remembered what I learned in health class. No sugary beverages for those trying to recover from heatstroke.”

“Why not?! “

“It interferes with your body trying to normalize its internal temperature. Which was well over one hundred degrees when I took your temperature in the shower.”

“Is that bad?”

Arc sighs. “It isn’t good. Normal for a human is ninety-eight point six, after all.”

Rainbow Dash gasps as he eyes grow wide. “Am I going to be okay?!”

“I think so. After all, you seem to be perking up.”

“Yeah, well... I do still feel really tired.”

“Maybe you should make it an early night.”

“But we didn’t even have supper yet!”

“Are you hungry?”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand on her belly. “Well... not really, no. I don’t think my stomach could handle anything in it right now.”

“Then we should probably wait for breakfast.”

“You’re not hungry either?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I was too preoccupied with taking care of you to be worried about that.”

Rainbow Dash looks him over. “Yes, I can see that.”

“Huh?”

“You’re still wearing your swimsuit, Arc.”

Arc groans. “Oh... right. After I laid you down and dressed you I just kinda sat here in this chair to keep an eye on you. Kept taking your temperature and listening to your breathing for anything out of the ordinary.”

“Thanks. I do appreciate the extra care and all, but you should probably get a shower and put on something a bit warmer.”

Arc nods as he puts his arms around himself. “Yeah, I didn’t really notice before but it is pretty chilly in here.”

“Don’t tell me the heat is broken now!

“I turned down the thermostat before we left since I figured we’d be out pretty much all day. Never got around to turning it back up though.”

Rainbow Dash shivers slightly. “Now that you mention it, this room is a bit cool for my tastes too.”

Arc pulls the blanket from the end of the bed up to Rainbow Dash’s chin. “This should help.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll turn the heat up, take a shower, and hit the hay as well.”

Rainbow Dash looks at him quizzically. “You okay?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead and nods. “Just a bit... tired from all the excitement earlier, I think.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Sorry about that.”

Arc smiles as he heads for the door. “Don’t worry about it.”

Leaving the bedroom, Arc heads downstairs just long enough to turn the heat back up before returning to his parent’s room for fresh clothes. Showering quickly, he dresses and makes his own way to bed. The sun is setting as he lays down and closes his eyes. Musing to himself, Arc sighs.

“I should have paid more attention.”

Falling asleep to the drumming of the rain the roof overhead and windows around him, Arc drifts off. Sometime later that night Rainbow Dash opens her eyes. Looking to her right she sees nothing in the darkened room, but hears raindrops hitting the window heavily. Putting a hand to her forehead she sits up groggily and groans. Slowly getting to her feet, Rainbow Dash walks to the door and heads down the hallway to the bathroom in order to answer the call of nature. After finishing and stepping out, however, she hears the door at the other end of the hallway opening. Arc walks over as she calls to him.

“Uh... hey.”

Arc groans groggily. “Couldn’t sleep?”

Rainbow Dash jerks a thumb toward the bathroom “Just had to pee.”

“Oh.”

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“You okay?”

Arc leans against the open bathroom door. “I... I don’t know.”

Stepping forward, Rainbow Dash puts a hand on his forehead.

“You feel really warm. How do you feel?”

“Kinda... um...”

Putting a hand to his gut, Arc runs past Rainbow Dash and toward the toilet. Dropping to his knees, he unceremoniously heaves up the contents of his stomach which, while not much, still makes for quite the biological spectacle. Rainbow Dash hurries over to Arc and helps hold his head out of the toilet as she calls out to him.

“Arc! What’s wrong?!”

Arc spits into the toilet. “I... don’t feel so good.”

“That’s obvious! Why though?!”

“Just a... bug probably.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “A bug?!”

“It means I think I’ve got a cold.”

“Oh. So... no literal bugs?

Arc shakes his head. “No. Just... germs.”

“What do I do?!”

“Just... help me back to bed, will you?”

Kneeling down next to him, Rainbow Dash allows Arc to put his arm around her shoulders. Standing, the pair walk slowly back to his parent’s room. Helping him lay down on the bed, she covers the young man with a sheet. Grabbing the blanket, Rainbow Dash looks to him before speaking.

“Not really sure you should have this.”

Arc shivers. “I’m feeling really cold right now.”

“But you’re sweating. Maybe you have a fever?”

“The thermometer is in the bathroom medicine cabinet. Can you get it for me please?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Sure thing!”

Hurrying out the door, she returns a few moments later with the device. Arc takes it and puts it to his forehead before pushing the button. Holding it there for a few moments he pulls it back to read the results. Rainbow Dash looks over his shoulder as he does so.

“Normal for a human is ninety-eight something or other, right?”

Arc sighs. “Yes.”

“So you’re REALLY sick!”

“Guess so.”

“How can I help?!”

Arc grunts as he puts a hand over his face. “Need to take care of the fever. But I don’t think I can keep any medicine down.”

Suddenly heaving, Arc quickly points to a nearby waste basket. Rainbow Dash grabs it and hurries to put it in his lap. She makes it just in time to catch another volley of stomach juices as Arc hugs it tightly. Waiting for him to finish, Rainbow Dash frowns as she folds her arms over her chest.

“Okay, we HAVE to do something about this, Arc!”

“I... I need to shower.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you took one earlier.”

“For my fever.”

“Oh... right.”

Arc slowly sits up with Rainbow Dash’s help. Escorting him to the bathroom, she helps him sit down on the toilet seat. Walking over to the tub, the young woman gets the water going and sets the temperature before looking over her shoulder.

“Need help getting in, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head as he shivers. “No, I think I can manage.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Alright.”

She stands and leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Arc slowly removes his clothes and gets into the shower. Sitting down in the tub, he allows the warm water to flow over him for quite some time. Once or twice he throws up a bit of stomach acid, but little else remains inside him by this point. Closing his eyes, Arc allows his mind to wander as he muses to himself.

“What a thing to happen on an extended date. Not making myself look too good here.”

Sighing, he continues.

“A sick boyfriend has to be about the least cool thing out there. Something that’s very important to Rainbow Dash. While I’m sure it’s not a dealbreaker for her, it’s still not good.”

Putting an arm over his eyes to drown out the light, he sits there quietly for a long moment. Eventually, Arc peeks through the shower curtain at the closed bathroom door as he continues his musings.

“Rainbow Dash didn’t make any kind of a fuss or jokes about me not needing help to get into the tub. That and she allowed me to be left alone in here without putting up any kind of a fight.”

A knock rings out before the door opens a few inches. Rainbow Dash calls out to Arc loudly over the din of the shower.

“Uh... just checking to make sure you’re doing okay in there.”

Arc nods as he calls back. “Yeah, I’m... I’m okay.”

“Any more... uh... incidents?”

“A couple, yeah. Hopefully I’ve got that out of my system now though.”

“Anything I can do for you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. I think I’ll be getting out of here in a few minutes though. Starting to get kinda pruney in here.”

“Pruney?”

“Human thing. Our fingers and toes start to get wrinkled if we’re in water for too long.”

“Oh... I, uh... brought you some clean clothes. Can I come in?”

“Okay.”

Opening the door, Rainbow Dash steps inside the extremely humid room. Setting the clothes on the counter, her eyes drift toward the shower curtain for a moment before she turns and quickly leaves the room. Arc stands, turns off the water, and cautiously steps out of the shower. Toweling himself off, he picks up the clothes and looks them over.

“She even remembered fresh undergarments.”

Dressing, Arc tosses the towel into the hamper as he opens the door. Finding Rainbow Dash waiting for him outside, he offers her a weak smile.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s cool. After all, you’ve got your reasons. But I think we need to get you back to bed right away.”

Arc sighs. “No arguments here.”

Taking his arm, Rainbow Dash leads Arc back to his parent’s room. Helping him sit down on the bed, she looks him over as he lies down and pulls the covers over himself.

“You feel less warm now. Can I take your temperature just to be sure though?”

Arc nods. “Sure Go ahead.”

Picking up the thermometer from its place on the nightstand, Rainbow Dash puts it to Arc’s forehead and presses the button. Pulling it away, she examines the readout before speaking.

“Down to a hundred degrees now.”

“Quite an improvement.”

Rainbow Dash turns to him. “Think you could keep some medicine down?”

Arc shrugs. “One way to find out.”

“Where is it?”

“I have a bottle of dark green medicine on a shelf in the kitchen. Right cupboard, right side, top shelf.”

“Got it!”

She leans down and picks up the waste basket from earlier. Handing it to him she continues.

“You might want to hold onto this. Don’t worry, I did clean it out while you were in the shower.”

“Thanks.”

Leaving the room, Rainbow Dash heads downstairs. Returning a few minutes later with the bottle she walks over to Arc and holds it out to him.

“This it?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Thanks.”

Opening the cap, Arc puts the bottle to his lips and takes a sip. Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow, confused.

“Um... don’t you have to measure that out?”

Arc smiles weakly as he puts the cap back on. “Yeah, there is a proper dose. But I’ve always just taken a small mouthful. I know, I know... I’m dumb.”

Rainbow Dash sighs as she takes the bottle from Arc. “What is that stuff supposed to do anyways?”

“It helps alleviate the various symptoms of colds. Sore throat, coughing, headache, runny nose, and fever. That and it helps put you to sleep.”

Rainbow Dash looks at the clock. “You should probably try to get some more rest then, Arc. After all, it’s still a few hours until dawn.”

Arc rubs his eyes. “I think you’re right. Even without that medicine doing its thing, I’m still pretty tired.”

“That should help. Sleeping, I mean.”

“Thanks for the support. Why don’t you get some more sleep too?”

“I... uh... I will.”

She pulls the covers up to Arc’s shoulders as he rolls over and closes his eyes. Moments later he falls asleep. An indeterminate amount of time later he opens them to the murky morning light shining weakly through the bedroom windows. Sitting up and rubbing his eyes, Arc spots something out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head, he sees Rainbow Dash asleep in a chair next to the bed. Leaning over he gently shakes her.

“Hey.”

She opens her eyes and looks up at him sheepishly.

“Hey. I, uh... guess I fell asleep watching you.”

“It looks like it, yes.”

“How do you feel?”

Arc sighs. “Really achy.”

Rainbow Dash stands and puts a hand on his forehead. Frowning, she sighs.

“You feel really warm. Just like you did last night. Well... early this morning, I guess.”

Arc picks up the thermometer from the nightstand. “Let’s see.”

Putting it to his forehead, Arc presses the button. Looking at the readout a few moments later he groans.

“Well over a hundred degrees again.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Back to the shower?”

“Yeah, I think I should.”

Helping him up, Rainbow Dash slowly walks with Arc out the door and down the hall. As he opens the bathroom door she speaks.

“Want me to help?”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks, but I think I can manage.”

“You hungry?”

“I am, yes. But I don’t think I could keep anything down right now.”

Rainbow Dash nods as she steps back. “Alright. Have a... nice shower.”

Nodding, Arc enters the bathroom. Closing the door behind him he sighs and disrobes. Getting the water going, he steps into the shower and lays down. Resting his head on the back of the tub, he sighs contentedly. Shutting his eyes to rest them, Arc is startled as he feels a hand on his shoulder shaking him. His eyes flying open he turns his head to see Rainbow Dash on her knees looking through the shower curtain in on him. Blushing, he stammers.

“R-R-R...!”

“You okay in here?!”

“Y-yeah. Why?”

“Because you weren’t answering my calls!”

Arc appears confused. “What are you talking about? I just got in here.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “That was over an hour ago!”

“It was?”

“Yeah! I tried knocking a few times earlier before sticking my head in here and calling out! And you STILL didn’t say anything! That’s when I started really getting worried!”

“So you came in?”

“I thought you were in trouble!”

Arc smiles, still slightly embarrassed. “Thanks. But I must’ve just been really out of it and not...”

Pausing, Arc thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Wait a second! Did you say that I’ve been in here for over an hour?!”

“Yeah.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I must be sicker than I thought.”

“How about you get out of there and back in bed then?!”

“Think you’re right.”

“You gonna be okay getting dried off and dressed?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“You sure?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Rainbow Dash stands up as she frowns. “I’ll be just outside then. Fresh clothes are next to the sink. Don’t dawdle.”

She leaves the room as Arc sighs and rises. Turning off the water, he steps out of the shower and grabs a nearby towel. Drying himself, Arc puts his clothes on and heads for the door. Opening it, he finds Rainbow Dash leaning against the opposite wall waiting for him. Approaching, she takes his arm.

“Come on. Back to bed with you.”

Lacking the strength to argue, Arc does as he is told. Rainbow Dash helps him lay down on the bed and covers him up before picking up the bottle of medicine left on the nightstand.

“How about some more of this?”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s nighttime medicine. I have some different stuff for use during the day.”

“What’s it treat?”

“Pretty much the same stuff this bottle does.”

“Then why not take this?”

“The day medicine won’t make me sleepy.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Uh, sleeping is a good thing for you right now.”

“I guess so. But I’d still rather take the other stuff.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Fine. Where is it?”

“In the same cupboard this medicine was in. Should be right next to where you picked this up.”

Nodding, Rainbow Dash leaves the room. Returning a few minutes later with the bottle in question she gives it to Arc. As before, he uncaps it and takes a swig. Making a face, he shudders.

“You okay, Arc?”

Arc smacks his lips and makes a face. “Yeah. It just tastes terrible.”

“What’s it like?”

Arc holds the bottle out to her. “About what it smells like.”

Taking the bottle, Rainbow Dash opens it and sniffs. Making a face, she quickly puts the cap back on and turns to him.

“You put this stuff inside of you?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I do want to feel better.”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand to her forehead as she sits in the chair next to the bed. “Think I could have some of that then?”

“Huh?”

“I’ve got a killer headache!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You do?”

“Yeah.”

“When did it start?”

“Woke up with it. But now it’s getting worse!”

Arc leans over and puts a hand on her forehead. Feeling it for a few moments, he frowns.

“You feel kinda warm. Any other symptoms?”

“Well... I didn’t want to mention it before, but... I’m kinda sore.”

“Define ‘sore’.”

“It’s just a dull sensation in my limbs.”

“Why didn’t you say anything before?!”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “I just figured it was muscle fatigue from all the stuff we did the past couple of days catching up to us!”

Arc sighs and grabs the thermometer off the nightstand. “Let’s check this while we’re at it.”

Putting the device to Rainbow Dash’s forehead, Arc presses the button. After it beeps he looks at the readout.

“Slightly feverish.”

“So I picked up on whatever it is you have?”

Arc nods sadly. “So it would seem. Sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Arc. But I should probably get a shower now.”

Arc groans as he puts the thermometer down. “Yeah. See if you can get that fever down before it gets out of hand like mine did.”

“Okay. You going to be alright while I do that?”

“Sure. By the way though.”

“Huh?”

“How’s your stomach?”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand to her belly. “It’s a bit... off. But okay, I guess.”

“Hopefully it stays that way.”

Standing, Rainbow Dash leaves the room and heads for the bathroom. Arc hears the door close and the sound of the water turning on. That coupled with the sound of the falling rain outside lulls him to sleep in a matter of minutes. Sometime later though Arc is awakened by movement near him. Opening his eyes, he looks over to see Rainbow Dash crawling under the covers next to him.

“What are you doing, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash grunts as she covers herself up. “That... didn’t really help all that much. And it’s ‘Raine’, remember?”

“Huh?”

“The shower and my name.”

“Still feeling sick?”

Rainbow Dash nods weakly as she lays her head on a pillow next to his. “Yeah. That and I puked a few times in there. Luckily I was in the shower when it happened, so there’s nothing to clean up.”

“That’s good.”

“The last time was a close call though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he turns to her. “Oh?”

“You see, I had already gotten out and toweled off. So when I felt things... moving in reverse, I just kinda aimed for the tub.”

“But you did make it.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yes and no. Yes, I did puke in the tub. No, as I kinda miscalculated and fell in as I was throwing up.”

Arc chuckles. “You mean...?”

Rainbow Dash groans as she puts an arm over her face. “Covered in my own nastiness, yeah. It was on the shower walls, the soap, and even in my mane! So I had to turn the water back on and get everything cleaned up... again.”

“Didn’t get hurt though, did you?”

“Nah. I’m good at crashing into things.”

Arc puts a hand to her forehead. “You still feel warm.”

Rainbow Dash does the same to Arc. “And so do you.”

“I think we’re going to need some help.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces warily. “What kind of help?”

“Doctor Whooves.”

“I’d argue, but I’m too tired.”

Arc smiles weakly. “Glad you’re seeing it my way, Rainbow... Raine.”

Rainbow Dash smirks sleepily. “You could at least get the name right.”

“I’ll try to do better.”

Touching his earring, Arc makes the call. A short time later he opens a portal with the Rainbow of Light. Doctor Whooves steps through with a little black bag and heads for Arc’s side of the bed.

“Hello, sir. What seems to be the problem?”

“We’re not feeling too well.”

“Let’s take a look at you then.”

Arc motions to Rainbow Dash. “Start with her.”

“Very well, sir.”

The doctor walks around the bed to Rainbow Dash’s side. He gives her a standard examination as he takes notes on a clipboard. Repeating the process for Arc, the doctor looks over his notes again before speaking.

“It would appear you both have a bad bacterial infection.”

Rainbow Dash gasps, wide-eyed. “Will we recover?!”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Oh, yes! It’s perfectly treatable with some simple medication.”

Reaching into his bag, the doctor pulls out a small bottle of pills. Giving them to Arc, he continues.

“Each of you should take one of these every four hours for the next three days.”

Arc accepts the bottle and nods. “I’ll see to it.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces as she looks to the doctor. “How long until we’re better though?”

“By tomorrow morning you’ll both be feeling much stronger.”

Arc chuckles. “That fast?”

“Yes sir. Please contact me if you don’t see any improvement or either of you worsens.”

“I will.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Any other measures we should take?”

“Just drink plenty of fluids and rest today. If you two feel better in the morning you can get up and move around at that point. However, I would still recommend staying inside for another day to prevent a relapse.”

Arc smiles. “Thank you, doctor.”

“You’re welcome, sir. But if I may, what shall I tell Princess Twilight about the reason for my sudden and unexplained sojourn to Earth?”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Probably nothing. After all, we don’t want her worrying about us and coming out here.”

Arc shakes his head. “Twilight should probably know though. After all, we don’t want her to think that we’re trying to cover something up.”

He turn to the doctor before continuing.

“Tell Twilight the truth. That I called you out here because Rainbow Dash and I were feeling sick. If she wants details, inform her of your prognosis but be sure to tell her that we are both doing well and are undergoing treatment via medication.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Yes sir, I’ll do just that.”

Arc reaches for the Rainbow of Light on the bedside table. “We appreciate it. Now then, are you ready to head back to the castle?”

“I am, sir.”

“Alright.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Doctor Whooves picks up his bag, steps through it, and is gone. Rainbow Dash turns to Arc as it closes.

“So... I guess we’ll be staying here for a while?”

Arc shrugs. “As long as we’re sick, at least. Wouldn’t want to go spreading this to the others. But for now let’s take some of that medicine.”

Opening the bottle, he shakes two pills out into his hand. Giving one to Rainbow Dash, he pops the other into his mouth and pulls a different bottle from his ring. Uncapping it, he takes a swig before passing it to the young woman next to him. Taking a sip, she grins and takes a much deeper drink. Turning to him, Rainbow Dash holds it up.

“What IS this stuff?!”

Arc chuckles. “Fruit Punch Gatorade. It’s a popular sports drink brand here on Earth.”

“Tastes good too!”

“At the moment we need it to help rehydrate after all that vomiting.”

“I guess that’s true.”

Arc sighs. “But we probably shouldn’t have shared the bottle though.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow, confused. “Why not?”

“Spreading germs.”

“Uh... have you forgotten that we’re both already sick?”

Arc smiles weakly. “I guess that’s true. You can keep that bottle though.”

“Thanks! What about you though?!”

Pulling another from his ring, Arc holds it up before speaking.

“Don’t worry about me. I have plenty.”

“Nice!”

“But for now, why don’t we just lay back and get some rest.”

Rainbow Dash groans as she puts her bottle on the nightstand. “I’m tired, of course. But... I don’t think I can sleep right now.”

“Me either admittedly.”

“So... what should we do then?”

“How about we just lie back and rest for a bit?”

“Okay.”

They do so. For a long time the only noise in the room is the sound of rain drumming against the roof and windows. Eventually, Arc breaks the silence.

“Hey.”

“Huh?”

“I’m sorry.”

Rainbow Dash turns to him, confused. “For what?”

“Getting you sick.”

“I don’t really see how that could be your fault though.”

“Kinda was. After all, you were in close proximity while trying to help care for me.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well, I don’t hold it against you.”

Smirking, she continues.

“Can I confess something to you though?”

“What is it?”

“For the longest time I’ve had a certain dream.”

“Oh?”

“Well... it’s more like a fantasy.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I used to lie awake in my bed back home and... um...”

“And what?”

Rainbow Das looks to him sheepishly. “Promise you won’t get mad?”

Arc smiles. “Sure.”

“I, uh... usually lie next to an... ah... extra-large pillow at night.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Rainbow Dash blushes slightly as she turns away. “Pressing my body against it, I would imagine it was you I was snuggling up to.”

Arc chuckles. “Nice fantasy.”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised. “You’re not upset about that?”

Ac raises an eyebrow. “Not at all. Why would I be?”

“It kinda makes me seem like an overly obsesses marefriend. Uh... not that I’m your marefriend. Officially, I guess.”

“Kinda are.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Nah. I haven’t really been able to open up with you yet.”

“Open up?”

“About... stuff.”

“Like what?”

“Anything really. I’m always scared that it’ll make you mad, or think I’m dumb, or... something.”

“Have I ever though?”

“Well... no. But...!”

Arc interrupts her. “Then please, if something’s on your mind feel free to tell me.”

“Anything?”

“Yes. After all, that’s what a good friend is supposed to be there for.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Alright. Uh... but how do you feel about the whole pillow thing I just brought up?”

Arc shrugs. “No complaints here.”

“Something like that’s not, of, I don’t know... weird to you?”

“Nah. Whatever helps you feel better.”

“But isn’t fantasizing about you wrong though?”

“I don’t think so. At least as long as you understand that it’s just a fantasy.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What else would it be though?”

Arc sighs. “Some people, and probably ponies too I would imagine, can take things too far. Thinking about me, or anyone for that matter, is all well and good assuming that it’s not all-encompassing.

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “All... what?”

“All-encompassing. It means that you’re doing nothing but fantasizing about me all the time. To such an extreme that you start having trouble telling reality from fiction.”

“I don’t get it.”

“How about this then? Let’s use that pillow you brought up earlier as an example. Suppose that you started talking to it as if it were me, like taking it out of bed for mealtimes and setting out a plate for it as if it actually needed to eat. That and taking it with you when you left the house to run errands or whatnot.”

“Gotta admit, that does sound pretty messed up, Arc. Do humans really do that?”

Arc shrugs. “I’ve heard stories about people doing exactly what I listed, but with their imaginary girlfriends. Never actually met someone whom did it though.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces as she looks away, clearly embarrassed. “Honestly, I... I may have been talking to my pillow lately.”

“As if it were me?”

“Yeah.”

“What about?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Just small talk mostly. I ask how your day was before telling you about anything notable in my own. Admittedly that does sound pretty bad when I say it aloud.”

“While I’m sure I already know the answer to this, you do still understand that it’s just a pillow and can’t talk back, right?

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Totally! To be completely truthful here, I actually got the idea from Twilight.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Not the exact idea though. She told me about a way to practice speaking by talking to your reflection in the mirror. I had told her that I was having trouble knowing what to say when you were around. So she suggested practicing before the real thing.

“And you chose the pillow?”

“Yeah. But that was also because I had wanted to try and get used to lying next to somepony at night before actually doing it with you.”

Arc chuckles. “Two birds, one stone.”

“Huh?”

“It means you were doing two things at once.”

“But now that I’ve said it aloud I just seem really weird.”

“I don’t see it that way. To me, you were just trying to better yourself.”

“Thanks for understanding, Arc. I don’t really get why I was so worried before. After all, you’ve always been very... I don’t know... easy to talk to.”

“Mostly I just try to listen.”

“It’s really helpful, yes. But there is a bit more to the whole ‘pillow thing’.”

“Oh?”

“Like I said, I talk to it about my day and anything interesting that happened. Well, my days aren’t usually steeped in excitement, of course. So I’ve taken to... ah... making things up.”

“What kind of things?”

“Just some light role play. I pick a specific topic and see just how long I can keep it going. For example, one time I told the pillow about how I found a kitten on my way home earlier that day.”

“A kitten?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “It was just a spur of the moment idea. So, in this scenario, I brought the kitten home with me and fed it before making a blanket filled basket for it to sleep in next to a cupboard in my kitchen. You had come home late from taking care of something for the princesses and hadn’t noticed the new arrival, as you came straight to bed.”

“Was the other me on board with the cat idea?”

“Sorta. You... kinda warmed up to the idea when I told you just how cute it was, how it had nowhere to go, and how happy the kitten made me feel.”

“And were you going to keep it?”

“I wanted to, yes. But you weren’t so sure I would take care of it.”

“Would you?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Admittedly, I don’t think so.”

Arc smiles at her. “Sounds like your pillow has quite a bit of foresight. Or, more accurately... you.”

“Huh?”

“Knowing what you can do and what you aren’t ready for.”

“But was just a bit of role playing. I mean, none of it was real.”

“Well, you were treating it like it was though.”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised. “I was?”

Arc nods. “Sure. You recognized that you weren’t ready for a cat. That and you also felt that it was wrong to fantasize about me.”

“Just saying what I felt.”

“Like you do in real life.”

“It sorta makes sense when you put it that way. But I still feel kinda weird admitting this stuff.”

“This puts you outside your comfort zone.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I’m... not like the other girls.”

“How so?”

“They’re all so good at talking about their feelings. And I’m just not.”

“You aren’t?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “It’s just not something I can put into words.”

“Can you give me an example?”

“Well... a while back Applejack brought up the idea of how to properly raise the foals you and her are going to have. She asked the others their thoughts on exclusive parenting rights. Meaning that the foals would be reared by you and whomever gave birth to them. Not the herd as a ‘collective unit’, as Twilight put it.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Interesting idea. I hadn’t thought of that. What was the general consensus?”

“Applejack felt that the foal’s birthmother and you should raise them as they saw fit. While Rarity suggested something more like a communal family system in which everypony involved would be considered their ‘mothers’.”

“And the others?”

“Fluttershy, Pinkie, Derpy, and Twilight sided with Rarity. That left Ember, Hammer, and Auriel siding with Applejack.”

“And you?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I couldn’t really bring myself to comment on that topic, as I didn’t think it was fair of me to ‘vote’ either for or against something that I don’t want either way. Foals, I mean.”

“What was Applejack’s group’s rational?”

“That only the birthparents should be making important decisions for the foal’s future and rearing. Ember said that only a dragon could understand what a whelpling really needed. Auriel said about the same regarding demon... uh... offspring. And cupcake said she didn’t want her foals to be confused by all the different mother’s opinions.”

“How did that go over?”

“Really well, actually. Rarity’s side agreed that the opposing side’s argument actually had a lot of merit. Especially Auriel and Hammer’s.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why them?”

“Because they’re the only two that you’re ‘for sure’ going to be able to have foals with. Auriel’s research pending and biologically speaking, of course. Meaning that they’re ready to be impregnated without any kind of workarounds.”

“So what did the others come up with as a solution?”

“That the matter as a whole should be tabled until you were able to weigh in on it. To be completely honest with you, none of us were trying to have such a serious conversation without you, of course. It just kinda turned into an impromptu herd meeting.”

“So what’s your opinion on it?”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “I already told you that I don’t want to have foals, Arc.”

“Let’s say that later on you changed your mind and that I did get you pregnant. What would you say about the matter of raising them?”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand to her chin as she thinks aloud. “Well... um... I guess it would be kinda confusing for a little foal to be calling out for ‘mama’ and half a dozen mares walking over. We should probably just leave the birthmother to hold the title of ‘mom’ for the sake of simplicity.”

Arc nods. “I agree.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Yeah. It seems pretty open and shut to me.”

“Then why didn’t you bring it up with the others?”

“Like I said, it doesn’t apply to me so I shouldn’t voice my opinion.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Raine... just because you don’t view yourself as a future mother doesn’t mean that you can’t bring your thoughts and opinions forward on anything to the group.”

“But that just seems like me trying to control the others. How would I have even worded my response?”

“How about this? You could have phrased it something like... ‘while I don’t really want to have foals, if I did, I think it would be in their best interest for me to be the only one called their mother’.”

“That does sound pretty nonconfrontational, yeah.”

“Remember, as a member of the herd you have the right to have your opinion heard. Even if it’s not something that directly applies to you.”

“It’s hard to get a word in sometimes though, what with so many mares involved.”

“Then I think that such a conversation should start with everyone present going around in a circle and giving a general synopsis of their feelings on the matter at hand. After that, everyone can go into more detail on their opinions.”

“Sorta like a diplomatic meeting?”

“You’re not far off.”

“I think I’d like that. The others probably would too.”

Arc chuckles. “Then bring it up when we get back to Equestria.”

“Better start with Twilight though. See what she thinks.”

“Good. And I think congratulations are in order.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Congratulations?”

Arc nods. “For learning how to talk about your feelings.”

“But I... I guess I do feel a bit more confident bringing my opinions forward after this conversation.”

“It was in you all along.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Maybe. But you’re pretty good at pulling it out of me.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

The pair are silent for a time. Eventually, Rainbow Dash breaks it.

“Can I ask you something, Arc?”

“Anything?”

“How do you feel about... me?”

“Anything in particular?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Just... generally.”

“Well... I do think you’re very nice. Pretty too.”

“Am I?”

“Of course. Don’t you think so?”

Rainbow Dash sighs and looks away. “Not... really, no.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I’m not... girly, like the others are.”

Arc shrugs. “I think Rarity and Fluttershy are the only two whom could be called ‘girly’ though.”

“Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best way to put it. But I don’t really fit into any of the traditional molds that mares traditionally fall into.”

“Can you elaborate on that?”

“I’m loud, have a scratchy voice, easily angered, and fully willing and able to defend myself! Heck, in the past when I’ve made scenes over something, I’ve overheard others referring to me as ‘that stallion over there’ for crying out loud!”

“And you don’t like that about yourself?”

“Nah, I’m cool with who I am.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I just... want to be somepony you can be proud of. But... I just don’t know how to.”

“I have some advice for you on that.”

“Oh?”

“Just be yourself.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “But that’s just a mare that sounds and acts like a stallion most of the time!”

“So?”

“You deserve better than that, Arc!”

“All I want is what you are though. No filters.”

“But you’re perfect, Arc! You deserve...!”

Arc interrupts her. “Hold on now. I’m certainly not perfect.”

“Well, I think you are!”

“Believe me, the more we get to know each other the less you’ll think that.”

“Doubtful.”

Arc shrugs. “Then just watch and see for yourself.”

“I will. But I think I need to get some sleep now.”

Arc yawns. “Me too. This talk really took a lot out of me.”

“Thanks for having it with me though.”

She looks away nervously before continuing.

“Um... feel free to say ‘no’ to this, but... would you mind if I... stayed here?”

“In this bed?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “I’m honestly kinda having trouble staying warm. So, if it wouldn’t make you uncomfortable, would you mind... letting me snuggle up to you?”

“That’s quite the jump relationship-wise.”

“I swear it won’t be sexual, or anything! I mean... we’re both still clothed, after all!”

Arc smiles. “Alright then. As long as sleep and keeping warm are all that we’re going to do, that is.”

Moving closer to him, Rainbow Dash lays her head on Arc’s pillow. Looking up at the ceiling she sighs contentedly.

“This feels nice.”

“Warm enough?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“Now I’d like to ask you for something.”

“What is it?”

“Could I put my arm around you while we sleep?”

Rainbow Dash blushes. “A-around me?!”

“Just in the name of keeping you warm, I mean.”

“I... I’d like that, yeah.”

Scootching down, Rainbow Dash lays her head on Arc’s chest as he puts an arm around her. Patting her head, he smiles as he speaks.

“Is this okay?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “More than okay, Arc. It’s awesome.”

“Can I make my own confession?”

“Yeah.”

Arc whispers in her ear. “I really do think you’re cute.”

Smiling, she looks up at him sleepily and whispers.

“So are you.”

Closing her eyes, Rainbow Dash falls asleep. Listening to the rain falling outside, Arc soon follows suit.

Chapter 6 - Grand Slam

An evening two days later, Arc and Rainbow Dash walk into the living room together. Arc puts a hand on Rainbow Dash’s forehead.

“You’re feeling normal again.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she does the same to him. “So are you.”

Arc pulls the bottle of medicine from Doctor Whooves out of his pocket. “Looks like this stuff really works.”

“Yup. I feel great!”

“That’s good. I just wanted to be sure we were both back to normal.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Yeah! I’ve been waiting for this!”

“A night out?”

“I meant a real date, silly! Everypony else that got to go out with you said they had an AMAZING time!”

Arc smiles. “As did I.”

“And I just want to experience that for myself! That and see if I can learn more about what it means to be a human!

“Well, as long as you tell me right away if something makes you uncomfortable.”

Rainbow Dash nods happily. “I will! Promise!”

“Alright. Let’s start with a trip to a restaurant. What kind of food were you looking to have?”

“Steak!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... really?”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Yeah! Like I told you before, I wanna know what it’s like to be a human! And that means eating animal flesh!”

“Not all humans eat meat, you know.”

“Right. But you do. And I want to understand you better.”

“Maybe we should start you off slow then.”

“Huh?”

“How about we have you try an all meat pizza first?”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she folds her arms in front of her chest. “We kinda already did that the other day though, remember? I’m ready to move on to something... meatier. Is that a word?”

“I suppose so. But are you sure that’s really what you want?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah!”

Arc chuckles. “Alright. Steak it is.”

“Awesome!”

“But only if you’re sure that you’re ready.”

“I’m pretty sure I am.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Just ‘pretty sure’?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Mostly sure, yeah.”

“That’s not too convincing.”

“Well, why don’t we get a second opinion then?”

“From who?”

“Cupcake.”

“Hammer?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. She’s pretty good and coming up with date ideas, after all.”

Arc puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “Well... I suppose it couldn’t hurt to ask her. That and we haven’t checked in with anyone back in Equestria for a couple days.”

“See? Two birds, one stone. Get restaurant advice and see how things are going back home.”

“Okay. You talked me into it.”

Heading upstairs to his parent’s bedroom, the pair sit down on the side of the bed as Arc presses the speakerphone button on his bedside Equestrian telephone. Waiting a moment, he is eventually connected to the Canterlot Castle switchboard.

“How may I direct your call?”

“I’d like to speak with Lieutenant Hammer, aide to Colonel Flash Sentry please.”

The operator sighs. “The lieutenant has given orders that she not be disturbed at this time.”

Arc frowns. “This is Hero of Light Arc.”

There is a stunned silence for a few moments before the operator nervously speaks again.

“Yes sir, I’ll disturb her! Believe me, I’ll really disturb her!”

The line goes dead as Rainbow Dash falls backwards on the bedspread and laughs heartily.

“That was great!”

Arc sighs. “Must be a new aide, or something.”

“Yeah. I figured everypony knew your voice from the radio speeches you made a long time ago.”

“That and the readouts at their station should tell them whose phone is calling them.”

The line comes back on as Hammer’s unmistakable voice rings out.

“For crying out loud, what is it?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Hey there, cupcake!”

Hammer gasps. “Rainbow Dash?!”

“Nope! It’s ‘Raine’ now!”

“Where’s Arc?! Did something happen?!”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “Nope. I’m right here.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “We were just looking to get some advice from you. But what’s this about you not wanting to be disturbed?”

Hammer smiles nervously. “Oh... right. About that. You see, Twilight has standing orders that she and I aren’t to be bothered around this time every day. It’s Mio’s magic training time and Twilight didn’t want needless interruptions.”

Arc nods. “We’ll try to keep this brief then.”

Hammer waves a hand dismissively. “No, no! Talk all you want! That’s just for everypony else!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “So it’s ‘everypony’ now, cupcake?”

Hammer groans as she facepalms. “Great! Now I’m saying it!”

Arc clears his throat loudly in an effort to move the conversation forward. “How’s Mio coming along?”

“Not the greatest actually. Her magic is a LOT weaker than I remember it being back on Earth.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Why’s that?”

“We don’t really know. Twilight’s been tutoring her on casting without her staff, of course. But she just isn’t getting any better.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Not at all?”

Hammer sighs. “It’s so unlike her. Usually Mio can pick things up lickety-split.”

Arc smiles. “Want me to help teach her when I get back?”

“If you’ve got the time, yeah. I’m sure she’d like that. But I doubt you called over here to talk about Mio. Something about needing some kind of advice?”

Rainbow Dash licks her lips hungrily. “Yeah. I wanted to learn more about human diets and suggested we get steak for supper tonight.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “And I figured that it’s a bit early for that.”

Hammer thinks for a moment. “How much meat have you tried before, blue?”

“I’ve already tried sausage, bacon, and pepperoni.”

Arc chuckles. “That last one was on pizza, of course.”

Hammer nods. “How’d you take the sausage and bacon, blue?”

“Sausage was just okay. Bacon was amazing though!”

“And you had a pepperoni pizza?”

Rainbow Dash pats her belly fondly. “Pepperoni and bacon, yeah.”

Hammer sighs. “Going to a steak would still be quite a jump though.”

“I’m ready though!”

“Trust me, blue, it’s quite the leap.”

“Well, what do you suggest we do instead then?”

Hammer chuckles. “I was actually brainstorming a few more ideas after you two left for Earth. Just in case you needed some more suggestions. One of them might just work out in this case.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Great! What is it?!”

Sometime later Arc and Rainbow Dash, riding in the Jeep, pull into a restaurant parking lot. Turning off the vehicle they step out and walk toward a building. Entering, the pair are seated by a hostess whom gives them waters as they sit down.

“Here you are. It’s going to be a bit of a wait though, as we’re pretty busy right now.”

Arc chuckles. “No rush.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Right. We’ve got plenty of time.”

She walks away as Rainbow Dash turns to Arc.

“Thanks for bringing me here. Uh... what’s it called again?”

“HopCat. It’s a place Frank used to like to go to years ago. He always called it his favorite brewery, even though it technically wasn’t one.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “What’s a brewery?”

“It’s a place where beer is made.”

“Like a factory?”

Arc nods. “Right. However, back then it was actually a ‘brewpub’. That means a restaurant that sells beer made here in the building.”

Rainbow Dash looks around. “So... what is it now?”

“Officially, just a restaurant. They stopped making alcohol here years ago and started bringing in local craft beers.”

“Why’d they change?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. Not officially anyways.”

“You got a theory?”

“It was probably a monetary decision. After all, maintaining a working brewery requires a lot of upkeep, oversight, maintenance, permits, and rigorous cleaning to stay within the health code. Corporate management probably figured that they could save money, and still keep the customers happy, by outsourcing the production to various other craft beer brands.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Their competition?”

“I suppose they would be known as that. However now they’re probably just called ‘suppliers’.”

“Kinda makes sense. That gave them time to focus on their food business, right?”

Arc nods. “And allowed they to offer a more diverse alcohol selection.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces slightly. “Sounds... great and all. But I don’t understand why you brought me here. I mean... I know your feelings on alcohol.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well... that’s something I’m trying to come to terms with.”

“Oh?”

“Alcohol was what took my mother from me. But she was the one whom chose to drink it. No one forced her to do so, after all.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Arc, if this place makes you uncomfortable...”

Arc interrupts her. “No, no. Actually, I’ve been here quite a few times in the past.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Every so often with Frank when we were younger.”

“Even though... you know...?”

“He respectfully didn’t order anything other than soda to drink though. And of course neither did I.”

“I don’t get it. If neither of you drank any alcohol, why come here?”

Arc grins. “Because they have REALLY good food.”

“Is that why cupcake suggested it?”

“Actually, no. You see, a place like this is just a step below a steakhouse inasmuch as they specialize in dishes that are only partially meat based.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “I don’t get it. How can something be only ‘partially meat’?”

“Around here they’re best known for their hamburgers and fries. In a meal like that, only the patty and some of the toppings are meat. The bun is made from wheat flour, the various toppings are mostly vegetables, and the french fries are deep fried potatoes.”

“That sounds okay. But what’s your big aversion to me having steak?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. I was just worried that you’d be, I don’t know... grossed out by it, or something.”

“Well, you weren’t exactly wrong. I mean... I can’t say for sure that I wouldn’t be.”

“That’s why Hammer suggested this place instead. If you can handle a burger and fries, a steak would be the next logical step.”

A waitress approaches them with two menus. Handing them to the pair, she speaks.

“Sorry for the wait. I’ll be taking care of you two tonight. Can I start you off with some drinks?”

Arc nods. “I’ll have a Coke.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Same, I guess.”

The waitress writes their drinks down. “Be right back with those.”

She turns and walks away as Arc and Rainbow Dash open their menus and look them over. Rainbow Dash frowns.

“Not really sure what much of this is.”

Arc points a finger at the text. “They have descriptions printed under the headings.”

“I see that. But I don’t understand them either.”

“Want some help?”

“Probably should, yeah.”

Arc taps a spot on the first page of his menu as he turns it around for his date to see. “We start off with what are called ‘shareables’. They’re appetizers that a table splits amongst themselves.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That sounds really datelike. It is, right?”

“Kinda. I mean, part of being in a relationship is sharing, yes. Now then, they have a couple chicken wing dishes here.”

“Wings? Like the literal wings of a chicken?”

“Just the meat part.”

Rainbow Dash makes a face as she puts a hand on one of her shoulders. “Uh... that kinda hits a bit close to home, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you liked chickens so much.”

“Remember, I literally have wings back home.”

“Oh... right. Sorry.”

Rainbow Dash waves a hand dismissively. “It’s cool. Let’s just not talk about chicken wings again though. It kinda gives me the shivers.”

“Alright. There’s also some non-meat dishes you might like. Nachos and pretzels.”

“What are they?”

“Pretzels are bread that are fried and salted. Here they’re little balls served with cheese sauce and mustard.”

“That sounds interesting. What about the other thing you mentioned?”

“Nachos. Those are corn chips covered in spicy melted cheese, shredded pickled vegetables, and various seasoned herbs.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That sounds good!”

“You like spicy food?”

“Love it!”

Arc chuckles. “Then I guess you found your appetizer.”

“What about you, Arc?”

“I’m not much for spicy food myself.”

“But didn’t you say that these supposed to be ‘sharables’? I mean, I’m hungry and all. But I don’t think I can finish something that’s supposed to be eaten by a group.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s okay. We can always take what we don’t finish home for leftovers.”

“But won’t that be kinda, you know... expensive?”

“It’s fine. After all, I want this date to be something you’ll remember fondly.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Okay. But only if you’re sure.”

“I am.”

“What are you going to order?”

Arc motions to the menu. “Think I’ll have an order of Pretzel Nugz. Without the spicy dipping sauce, of course.”

A short time later their waitress returns with refills on their drinks. After apologizing for the delay, she pulls out her order pad and takes down their appetizer orders.

“Now then, do you two know what you’d like for the main course?”

Arc shakes his head. “I think we’ll need a few more minutes to decide that.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Right.”

The waitress nods. “Sure thing. I’ll get this sharables order in while you two figure it out.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thank you.”

She turns and walks away as Arc and Rainbow Dash look over their menus again.

“So... what’s good on here, Arc?”

“I recommend a hamburger.”

“That’s what cupcake said when we called her earlier. So, what exactly IS that?”

“It’s ground cow meat on a bun. Usually it’s served with a combination of lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles. But it’s really up to you exactly what you want on it.”

Rainbow Dash points to her menu. “And a ‘double’ means that you get two of these things?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, a double just means that you want two meat patties on one bun. The biggest is known as a triple, which is probably more meat than most people can handle in one sitting though.”

“Anything else?”

“There’s also a cheeseburger, which is just a hamburger with some kind of melted cheese on it. Or you could get a bacon cheeseburger.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “That sounds exactly what I’m looking for!”

Arc chuckles. “You sure did like bacon the other day.”

“Yeah, I did!”

“So a bacon cheeseburger might be a good fit for you.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not just a regular bacon cheeseburger. I want a triple!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You do realize that would be huge, right?”

“I can handle it!”

“Well... alright then. But only if you’re sure. That only leaves the sides.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “More food?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. It’s something to add a bit of variety to the meal so that your taste buds don’t get bored. Here I recommend the ‘Cosmik Fries’.”

“Is that anything like Hay Fries back in Equestria?”

“The basic principle and cooking method, yes. However, here on Earth we make them out of sliced up potatoes rather than grass.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “That sounds... kinda weird.”

Arc chuckles. “To be fair, I said about the same thing when Twilight took me out to eat one day.”

“Yeah, she LOVES those things! But I’m not sure how deep fried potatoes would be better than Hay Fries.”

“After cooking, the chef puts some kind of proprietary seasoning mix on them. Mostly it’s just salt and pepper though. Now I know that sounds really simplistic, but they’re some of the best fries I’ve ever tasted. In fact, they’re so good that they were declared one of the best in the nation at one point. I remember them originally being called ‘Crack Fries’ years ago when I was younger too, since you couldn’t stop eating them.

“Why the change in name then?”

“Probably bad publicity. You see, here on Earth there’s a highly addictive drug that’s called ‘crack’. Enough people must’ve complained, so they changed them to ‘Cosmik Fries’.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “They didn’t have any of the ‘crack’ stuff in ‘em, did they?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. It was just a name.”

“Well... I guess if you say they’re good, I could give them a go.”

Arc grins. “And if you really don’t like it, I’ll eat them.”

A short time later their waitress returns with their appetizers. She sets the plates in the center of the table before looking to the pair.

“Here you are. One Pretzel Nugz and one Nacho Business.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “That was fast!”

“I felt bad for making you two wait earlier, so I put them down as a rush order.”

“Thanks. These look great”

The waitress pulls out her order pad. “Have two you decided what you’d like to have for the main course yet?”

Arc nods. “I think we have.”

“Alright. What can I get for you today?”

Arc points to his menu. “I’ll have a double bacon cheeseburger with a side of Cosmik Fries, please.”

“And how would you like that cooked?”

“Medium.”

“Do you want everything on it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just ketchup and mustard.”

The waitress looks to Rainbow Dash. “And you, miss?”

“Give me a triple cheeseburger with bacon.”

“How do you want that cooked?”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Um...”

Arc quickly chimes in. “Better make it medium well. Just in case.”

“Okay. That sounds fine.”

The waitress nods. “And what would you like on that?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Everything you’ve got! The whole kitchen sink!”

“Alright. I’ll get that right in for you. Shouldn’t take too long.”

Arc nods. “Thanks.”

Taking their menus, the waitress leaves. Rainbow Dash looks to Arc, confused.

“What did you mean by ‘medium well’?”

“Sorry. I forgot to go over that with you earlier. She was asking how you wanted your burger patties cooked. Medium well means very little pink in the center of your burger. And considering that you’ve never had one before, I was worried that the sight of red liquid in your burger would be... off-putting.”

“Well, I don’t really have anything to go on here. So I guess I’ll just go with what you suggest.”

“Trust me, I think you’ll really like it.”

“While we wait, do you think you could go over the whole meat grades thing?”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

“I’m guessing there’s more to it than just ‘medium well’.”

“Ah! Well, you see...”

Arc explains to Rainbow Dash the various ways to cook meat as they wait for their meals. Sometime later the waitress returns with a serving large platter. Setting the plates on it before them she turns to Arc as she puts fresh drinks in front of them.

“Here you are. Is there anything else I can get for you two tonight?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. I think we’re good.”

“Alright. Enjoy your meal and I’ll check back later.”

She turns and heads to another table as Arc looks to Rainbow Dash’s plate.

“So, what do you think?”

Rainbow Dash rubs her hands together happily. “This thing is HUGE?!”

Arc chuckles. “I’m hoping that’s a good thing.”

“Sure is! Bet I can eat the whole thing first too!”

“Let’s not have a race on this. After all, I want us both to enjoy the food. Not scarf it down without tasting a thing.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Fine.”

“That and it’ll give us a chance to talk through it.”

“Uh... sure, I guess. But can you explain something to me first?”

“What is it?”

Rainbow Dash attempts to pick up her burger. “How the heck am I supposed to get this monster into my mouth?!”

Arc chuckles as he picks up a knife. “You could always cut it in half.”

“That just seems like cheating though!”

“Well, do you have a better idea?”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she looks over the plate. “Give me a second!”

Tapping her chin with a finger, Rainbow Dash considers the problem. Arc shakes his head as he points to the plate.

“Why don’t you give the fries a chance while you think about it?”

Shrugging, Rainbow Dash does so. However, as she takes her first bite her eyes light up excitedly.

“That tastes great!”

“Surprised?”

Rainbow Dash nods happily as she eats more fries. “Sure am! Never thought potatoes could taste so good!”

“Hence the original drug-related name.”

“Still need to figure out the whole sandwich problem though.”

“I still say cut it in half if you can’t get your hands around it.”

“But that’s cheating!”

“No, it isn’t.”

“How?!”

“Because, like I said earlier, this isn’t a contest so there aren’t any rules.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I’m still competing with myself though!”

“Huh?”

“One part of my brain says it can’t be done. The other part says that I got this.”

Arc facepalms. “Seriously?”

“Yeah!”

“So how would cutting it in half be cheating?”

“Because the sandwich would be smaller.”

“By maybe a fraction of a percent of that which sticks to the knife.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I know it sounds weird, but...”

Arc interrupts her. “How about we cut it with a butter knife and you clean it on the side of your burger? You could still eat what comes off then.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Perfect!”

She picks up a knife and carefully cuts her burger in half. Wiping the knife on the side of the bun, Rainbow Dash sets it down and picks up her food.

“That makes it at least manageable.”

Arc watches her intently. “Now that we’ve figured this out, give it a try.”

Opening her mouth, Rainbow Dash takes a small bite of the beef and begins chewing. She does so slowly and deliberately before swallowing and turning to Arc.

“It’s very... interesting.”

“How so?”

“The texture is really... weird.”

“And the taste?”

“I know this sounds weird, but... kinda smokey.”

“That’s from the grill.”

“It’s not like anything I’ve ever had before either.”

“Is that good or bad?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Neither, I guess. It’s just that I don’t really have anything to base this on. To compare it to, I mean.”

“Then why don’t you try a full bite? Try the taste of the meat, veggies, garnish, and bun all together.”

“Alright. Here goes...”

Opening her mouth as wide as she is able, Rainbow Dash takes a large bite. Taking quite some time to chew it, she grins after swallowing.

“That’s awesome!”

“Try the fries again then.”

Doing so, she smirks.

“That’s really something!”

“Now try taking a smaller bite of your burger and following it with fries.”

Shoving more food into her mouth, Rainbow Dash talks between bites.

“It’s really good! The flavor of the fries really shines with the burger!”

Arc chuckles. “Slow down there. I want you to enjoy it, after all.”

“I can’t help it! This is just SO yummy!”

“Glad you like it.”

Picking up his own burger, Arc too begins to eat. Looking up a few minutes later he spies Rainbow Dash eating the last bite of her food. Chuckling, he gestures to her plate.

“Should we order you something else?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. I still have to finish that nacho plate from earlier.”

“So can I assume that you liked the meal?”

“Yeah! It was awesome! Think I’m ready for a full steak dinner now?!”

Arc nods happily. “That I do. Next time, that is.”

“Fair enough. I think I’m going to be stuffed for a week though.”

“Feeling a bit full?”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand to her belly. “Now I know what one of Pinkie’s balloons must feel like.”

“Here on Earth that’s what we call feeling ‘bloated’.”

“Is it bad?”

“Not really. We have medicine for it if it gets really out of hand. But if you give it some time, your stomach will catch up in the digestion department.”

“I think I’ll be okay then.”

“It does give us time to talk as I eat then.”

Rainbow Dash smiles apologetically. “Sorry.”

“As long as you enjoyed your food it’s fine. But there was something I wanted to ask you.”

“What’s that?”

“How do you like being a human?”

“It does take some getting used to. But I’m really happy being one, as that means I can finally understand what you go through.”

Arc appears confused. “What I... go through?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. No flight, having to wear clothes all the time, and walking on my hind legs.”

“And you do enjoy it?”

“I guess. But that could also be from trying something new and exotic.”

“Changing bodies tends to do that.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “How do you know?”

“At one point I too changed.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “You were a pony?”

Arc shakes his head. “A dragon actually.”

“Huh?”

“My squad all got really sick at one point. So much so that they passed it onto me. Someone suggested that I be turned into a dragon so as to be in a body which was immune to sickness. That way I’d get better immediately.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I bet Ember liked that!”

Arc looks away nervously. “Y-yeah.”

“Uh oh. Something happen?”

“Kinda. You see, she liked me so much as a dragon that we got into bed together and started... breathing fire lightly on each other’s scales.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing at the time. It felt really good too. But partway into it, Ember told me that it’s part of dragon... uh... foreplay.”

“Foreplay?”

“It’s when...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “I know what foreplay is! The question is why haven’t I heard of this yet?!”

Arc sighs. “Never actually got around to mentioning it to the others before.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Ember might have told them. I mean, I don’t attend EVERY meeting they have. And sometimes I just kinda... zone out in those things.”

“I’m guessing she told them, yes. But at this point I’m too embarrassed to ask.”

“Embarrassed? About what?”

“Going that far with someone. That and I’m worried that it’ll make them fight, or something.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “I wouldn’t worry about that. After all, everypony there is really chill about whatever happens between you and each of us. That is, as long as nopony is trying to hide things, or whatever.”

“It’s not that I’m trying to keep this from them. But at the same time I feel really... bad about the whole situation.”

“But why?!”

“Because I liked it! And I technically went further with Ember than I have with anyone else!”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Nothing wrong with that. I mean... it was just your body reacting to what was happening.”

Arc frowns. “Huh?”

“At least that’s what Twilight said with Applejack confessed to, um... something.”

“What was it?”

Rainbow Dash looks away nervously. “I... probably shouldn’t say. It’s REALLY embarrassing to her.”

“Is she alright though?!”

“Oh yeah. But she told us that she felt about the same way, when you went to the farmhouse a while back, as you’re describing now. Worried that it would cause others to become jealous.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I’d better talk to her about it when we get back.”

“She said about the same thing some time ago. But since we’re having this conversation, I’m guessing she never really worked up the courage to do it.”

“Yeah... sounds like it.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Guess I should probably just say it then.”

Taking a deep breath, she continues.

“Applejack told us that you and her have made out a couple times since you two got engaged.”

Arc nods. “That’s true, yes. But I wasn’t aware that was a problem.”

“Oh no, it isn’t. However, she told us of a bit of an issue it’s caused for her. Now then, I want to start off by saying that Applejack is totally head over fetlocks in love with you, Arc. And that she’s in no way, shape, or form blaming you for this, but... you see... every time you and her make out she’s been having... leakage issues.”

“Leakage? I don’t...”

Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes. “Just think about it for a minute.”

There is a long pause as Arc considers this. Eventually he speaks.

"Just for the sake of clarification, can I assume that you mean this literally?”

Rainbow Dash nods soberly. “Yeah. Now I’m guessing that human mares don’t really have that problem, as their nether regions are always covered by undergarments and pants of some kind. But you have to understand that a pony mare’s genitals are always out there for everypony around them to see. And smell.”

“So you’re saying that I’m... turning her on?”

“Yup. Frankly I’m surprised you didn’t smell anything. Mare juices are kinda potent in terms of scent.”

Arc groans. “I’ll have to apologize for embarrassing her.”

Rainbow Dash waves a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about apologizing.”

“Huh?”

“You don’t have anything to be sorry for. Believe me when I tell you that she REALLY liked it!”

“Then what should I do?”

“Just address it with her.”

“How though?”

“Try reassuring her that it’s okay, for starters. And tell her that you didn’t smell anything back then. That will help.”

“Anything else?”

Rainbow Dash smiles wickedly. “Just one. Do her.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What?! “

“You know you want to.”

“But what about Rarity?! I can’t just do that to her!”

“Remember, I’m the Element of Loyalty. So I was the one that suggested that the order we go in might have to be changed. Everypony agreed, and Rarity did tell Applejack that if she really needed to that she could be the one to go first.”

Arc sighs. “So says the Element of Generosity.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Yeah, I kinda figured she would go that route. Especially for Applejack’s sake.”

“They are pretty close, I hear.”

“Well... there is more to it than that.”

“How so?”

“Sorry, but the rest of that needs to come from Applejack herself.”

“Alright. Thanks for the talk though.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Anytime.”

They finish their meal as the waitress returns. She smiles at them and gestures to the empty plates.

“How was everything?”

Arc chuckles. “Great, as always.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she pats her belly. “Yeah. I am FULL too!”

The waitress pulls the check from her pad and sets it down on the table. “Glad you enjoyed it. Now then, I’ll take care of this whenever you’re ready.”

Arc removes several bills from his pocket and hands them to her. “Here you are. Keep the change.”

“Thanks! Have a nice night you two.”

The pair stand up and head for the door. Returning to the Jeep, Rainbow Dash turns to him.

“That was a meal and a half!”

Arc nods as he gets into the driver’s seat. “Yes, it was.”

“So what do you want to do now?”

“Well... Hammer suggested either a movie or a walk through the park after dinner.”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “I’m a bit full for a walk right now. And sitting in a darkened room would just make me fall asleep at this point.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So you want to rest, but not be too restful.”

“It sounds weird when you put it like that.”

“I think I might have an idea though.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Sometime later they pull into a parking lot. Rainbow Dash looks at the building and grins.

“Some kind of sports arena?!”

Arc nods as he turns off the ignition. “Yup.”

“What do they play here?!”

“A game called ‘football’.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Betcha I win!”

“We’re not here to play.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “We’re not?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Just watch.”

“Oh, uh... that’s cool too, I guess.”

Arc opens his door. “Come on. The game’s already started.”

Getting out of the vehicle, they hurry over to the ticket booth. After speaking to the ticket vendor for a few moments Arc pays and is handed a special keycard. Entering the building, they follow some signs before coming to a locked door. Scanning the card, Arc opens the door to an expansive room before them. Rainbow Dash gasps as she runs over to a large window on the other end of the room. Looking down she spies the players on the field as they line up. Arc closes the door and walks over to join her.

“Like the view?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Do I ever! We’re so high up!”

“That’s so we can see everything.”

Rainbow Dash looks around. “What is this?! Some kind of royal section?!”

Arc chuckles as he takes her jacket. “Nah. Just a VIP suite. It’s expensive, but totally worth it.”

“So we can watch the game comfortably?”

Arc nods. “And warmly. Look at the other spectators out there in the stands.”

Rainbow Dash gazes down at the crowd. “Everypony’s wearing a coat.”

“Yup. Here we can sit in nicer seats, eat snacks at an actual table, or just talk about whatever you want to.”

Rainbow Dash looks to the table across the room. “But from there we can’t see the game.”

“Sure we can. Watch.”

Stretching out a hand, he pulls a remote from a nearby counter with a spell. Pressing a button on it, three televisions all spring to life. Rainbow Dash grins as she turns to him.

“Looks like they thought of everything with this place!”

Arc shrugs.” I suppose. But I just wanted to keep you out of the cold. Remember how sick you were the other day.”

“You too though.”

“Well, it’s a clear night. If I have a relapse, I can just look at the moon and go into my Crimson form to recover. You can’t.”

Looking over to a nearby table as Arc hangs up their coats on hangers near the door, Rainbow Dash spies a number of bottles. Picking one up, she looks at the label.

“They provide alcohol too?”

Arc nods soberly as he walks over to join her. “Yeah. Watching sports and drinking beer kinda go hand in hand here on Earth.”

Rainbow Dash points at a tray with a drink on it. “Looks like the first one’s on them.”

“The lady at the ticket counter did say about the same. They’ll bill us for any other bottles opened though.”

“So... what do you want to do with this?”

Arc shrugs. “You can have it if you want. I’m certainly not going to drink it.”

Nodding soberly, Rainbow Dash picks up the cup. She sniffs it for a few moments before walking over to the sink. Dumping it down the drain, she sets the now empty glass back where she found it. Arc appears confused.

“I would have though you’d have enjoyed trying human alcohol.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Kinda, yeah. But we’re on a date right now. And I know how you feel about that stuff.”

“Y-yeah.”

“That and I’m sure you wouldn’t like my breath smelling like booze right now.”

Arc smiles and nods. “Thanks for understanding.”

Rainbow Dash looks out the window at the field again in an effort to change the subject. “So tell me about this game.”

“The gist of it is that one team, called the offense, tries to carry the ball to the end of the field in front of them while the opposing team tries to stop them by knocking the person with the ball to the ground. If they make it to the endzone safely though it’s called a ‘touchdown’.”

Rainbow Dash watches as a player is tackled. “Looks painful!”

“I’m sure it doesn’t feel good, yes. But they’re pretty well padded up for safety.”

“But they still get hurt sometimes, right?”

Arc nods. “Yup. After all, padding can only do so much.”

“So if the offense gets the ball to the other side of the field they get a point?”

“Six actually. Then they get a chance at a seventh point by kicking it between those forks during the next play.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Why six or seven?”

“Because there’s other ways to score. You get three points for kicking the ball between those posts during a normal play. Or two for successfully pushing the offense back into their own endzone, known as a ‘safety’.”

Rainbow Dash looks down at the field as a new play starts. “Seems like that second thing would be really hard to do.”

“Pretty much impossible, yes. But it’s the only way for the team on the defensive to score any points.”

“How else do you score?”

“That play after a touchdown can be run instead of kicked. If they make it to the endzone without getting tackled the free point becomes two. Also very hard to do, so it’s not attempted very often.”

Arc goes over the various positions with his date as well as points out the nuances of the game as they plays continue. Rainbow Dash nods as she watches.

“This sorta seems really simply to me. Just work your way down the field to the first down line enough times to score.”

“A good defense can stop that from happening though.”

“And if they make a mistake it could allow the other team to advance.”

Arc nods. “Right! Like that!”

He points to a receiver as he finds an opening in the defensive line. He runs past everyone as the opposing team gives chase. Unable to catch him, he charges into the endzone as the spectators cheer loudly. Rainbow Dash yells out loudly.

“SCORE!”

Arc chuckles. “That’s what’s called a touchdown. Now his team gets six points and the option to go for the free point or two if they decide to run the ball.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she and Arc sit down in chairs in front of the window overlooking the stadium. “I like this game!”

“I thought you would.”

“So why do they call it ‘football’? I mean... it looks like they’re carrying the ball pretty much the whole time.”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. I mean, it would make more sense to call it something else. After all, we do have another game that involves just kicking balls. No hands allowed.”

“What’s that one called?”

“Soccer.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “That just makes me think of socks.”

“Admittedly it’s a bit strange, yes. I choose football though as there was conveniently a game here tonight. That and soccer isn’t too popular in this country.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“The rough and tumble game in front of you is more action packed usually. Something that’s more beloved in this culture.”

Rainbow Dash grunts and grimaces as two players collide spectacularly. “Kinda getting that vibe. I could feel that one all the way up here!”

“So I did right by bringing you here?”

“Oh yeah!”

“Good. Um... this might sound like a silly question, but are you hungry?”

“Not really, no. Why?”

“I just thought you’d like to try some traditional stadium food.”

“They have food here?”

Arc nods. “Concessions, yes.

“So what’s a ‘concession’ taste like?”

Arc chuckles. “No, no. Concessions are where you buy the food. Not the food itself.”

Rainbow Dash smiles, a bit embarrassed. “Oh... uh... is it tasty?”

“It’s just okay in my opinion. But it’s kinda part of the sports spectating experience.”

“Then I’ll try some... whatever it is.”

Arc stands. “Okay. Want to come with me, or watch the game?”

“I’ll just hang out here if that’s okay.”

“Sure. Be right back.”

Leaving their room, Arc heads down the corridor. Returning sometime later, he sets a tray on the table and calls out.

“Food’s here.”

Rainbow Dash stands up and walks over. “So what did you get?”

“A few things. First off... hot dogs.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Um... what... is it?”

“Finely ground meat from cows, turkeys, and chickens. If you want to skip this one though I completely understand.”

“Nah, it’s cool. I just didn’t like the idea of eating a wing earlier.”

“That’s understandable. Next we have some stadium pretzels. They’re soft, but chewy.”

“Like what we had earlier?”

Arc nods. “Right. Just a lot bigger than the smaller balls. I also picked up some popcorn, peanuts, and extra-large soft drinks.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Soft drinks?”

“That’s what we call soda. Now other than that and the hot dogs we do have the rest of this stuff back in Equestria.”

“Can I try a hot dog?”

Arc nods. “Sure. I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I just had them put a few different ones together. And a plain dog so you could fully taste just the meat if you wanted.”

“Thanks. I think I’ll try that one first.”

Picking it up, Rainbow Dash puts the dog in her mouth. Taking a bite, she chews carefully before swallowing and turning to Arc.

“It’s really a strange texture. Nothing like the burger I had earlier. And not as flavorful.”

Arc picks up another hot dog and grins. “That’s because it didn’t have anything on it. The toppings are what pull the flavors of the meats together. Or so I believe. Try this one.”

Doing as Arc suggests, she takes a bite of the other hot dog. Grinning, Rainbow Dash quickly eats the rest of it before speaking.

“Now that was good! Can I have a pretzel too?!”

Arc smiles at her as he hands one over. “Sure. Help yourself to whatever you want.”

Taking one of the drinks, Rainbow Dash sits down and looks at one of the televisions before them as she eats. Arc joins her as he grabs the bag of popcorn and a hot dog for himself. They eat in silence as the game continues for a time. Eventually, Rainbow Dash breaks it.

“Can I ask you something, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Is there something else humans do for fun?”

Arc chuckles. “Bored already?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. Just trying to learn more about human culture.”

“Lots of things really. Remember, humans and ponies are the same in that regard.”

“Well, how about outdoor activities?”

“We have parks like in Equestria. But there’s a lot more playground equipment here than back there. Hiking, camping, beach-goers, skiing, and whatnot.”

“Ponies do those things too. And a lot more.”

“I would imagine that our two species are about the same in that regard.”

“How about indoor activities then?”

Arc counts on his fingers as he speaks. “Television, live theater, reading, mall goers, arcades, shows, video games, and cooking off the top of my head.”

“Equestria has all of that except for television and video games.”

“We did the former once if you recall.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah, that was really cool. Never thought I could sit still for that long though. Still don’t understand what video games are though. Even after cupcake tried to explain it to me a while back.”

“Did Hammer tell you about our Christmas visit to the orphanage here?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “How she bought some kind of boxes so the kids could play, yeah.”

“They’re kinda hard to explain without a point of reference. Think of it kinda like television that you can control.”

“I still don’t get it. Do you have any at your place?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Never really got into those. We didn’t have anything like it growing up in the orphanage. That and I didn’t really have the time when I grew up either.”

“What did you do for fun before coming to Equestria?”

“A lot of reading. Back then I had wanted to become a Private Detective and was off and on studying it. Sometimes I would help out Shelly and Lily at their restaurant if it got too busy for them to handle alone. And Frank and I would sometimes go out for a bite to eat.”

Putting a hand to his chin, he thinks before speaking again.

“In the warmer months I would work in my backyard garden. But I can’t really think of anything else.”

“That’s actually really surprising, Arc.”

“Oh?”

“Considering how much fun me and the others have had on dates with you, I just thought you were an expert on having fun.”

“Nah. Pretty boring thanks to my upbringing.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Then how did you plan all those dates?!”

Arc shrugs. “Mostly by just thinking about what they’d like to do.”

“Come again?”

“I did my best to bring them, and at the moment you, to places where they would feel comfortable and enjoy our time together. Rarity was a private meal. Derpy and I got pizza in Manehattan and did some shopping in their red light district. Auriel and I ate and went to a certain place that was special to her. Fluttershy involved a quiet meal and a walk through an indoor animal sanctuary. Twilight had a nice time in an exclusive club for the rich and famous in Griffonstone. Applejack enjoyed drives in the countryside as well as a lot of one-on-one time with me cooking and cleaning my house in the Celestia Realm. Ember’s date was mostly in my Sanctuary so we could be alone. And yours has been showing you what Earth has to offer, since you showed an interest in that.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Aren’t you forgetting somepony?”

“Am I? Who?”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Cupcake, silly!”

Arc looks away nervously. “Oh... right.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Sorry. It’s just...”

Sighing, he continues.

“...something I still regret.”

“Regret?! Cupcake had a BLAST on your dates with her!”

“Yes, well... those were fake.”

“Fake?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Back then I was just trying to get close to her in order to get into Damocles Base. It’s where Princess Celestia was being held prisoner.”

“Did you have fun?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. It was more of a mission for me than something enjoyable. Everything I said was carefully crafted to make her trust me, after all. What I did... it wasn’t right.”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand on his. “But she forgave you for that, Arc! It’s come up numerous times during meetings, after all! And every time it does, cupcake defends what you did!”

“She really shouldn’t. I mean...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “...that she should be mad at you and hate you for toying with her heart?”

“Kinda should be.”

“Then make it right!”

“How?”

“Take her out for real! A nice dinner and some entertainment afterwards would help make up for what you did before!”

“But I’m not even sure she wants to go out again.”

“Believe me, she does.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Rainbow Dash nods and grins. “Yup.”

“She never said a thing to me about it.”

“That’s because cupcake wanted everypony else to have a chance before she did. After all, according to her you two went out numerous times in the past.”

“I think I need to talk to Hammer about this when I get back.”

“And Applejack too along with Rarity.”

“That list is growing and growing.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Better to talk it out than leave things unsaid, right?”

“Probably sound advice. Where’d you hear that?”

“Cupcake. She said it came from a show on television, or something.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Interesting.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Look, Arc... all I’m saying is that you need to talk to the others more often. Face to face and alone if possible.”

“I know that I do. But everything’s always so...”

“Listen! We all really do care about you, Arc. And I mean a lot. And we know that you care about us too. But there are some things that nopony’s going to say in a group setting. Stuff that’s personal... and for your ears only.”

“I suppose that’s true. After all, no matter how close everyone is, we all have certain secrets that we want to keep to ourselves.”

Rainbow Dash nods as she looks away nervously. “Yeah. It’s... it’s hard to open up to somepony about your deepest, darkest, most closely guarded secrets. Even more so in a group of nearly a dozen.”

“It’s normal to have a few things that no one knows about, I suppose. But having too many secrets, or really big ones, will just drag you down.”

“That’s something I really struggle with. Opening up to others, I mean.”

“Like your parents?”

“Right. I was just so worried what they would do or say if they found out about you and me being interested in one another.”

Arc smiles at her. “That all worked out fortunately. Uh... it did, right?”

“Sorta. I mean... my parents and I have talked on the telephone a number of times since then. And I’ve gone to see them in Cloudsdale several times since it was moved into Canterlot airspace. You do come up really often in the conversation.”

“What’s said though?”

“They just want to know how you’re doing, any new advancements in our relationship, and generally what’s going on with the whole herd.”

Arc appears relieved. “That’s pretty normal sounding though.”

“I keep most of subjects regarding the conversations from the herd meetings to myself though. Believe me, they don’t need to know everything that gets talked about during those.”

“So what do you tell them?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Not much admittedly. I mean... until we went on this date, I didn’t really have anything of note to tell them about us as a couple.”

“I suppose now that will change.”

Rainbow Dash looks away. “Y-yeah.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong with that?”

“I just... I don’t want to... um...”

She is silent for a time before continuing.

“I don’t want to let them down.”

Arc appears confused. “Let them down?”

Rainbow Dash nods sadly. “By messing things up.”

“How would you do that?”

“I dunno. But you were there a while back. You saw just how much they wanted me and Zephyr to become a thing.”

Arc nods. “While I do feel that they just wanted what they thought at the time was best for you, it probably could have been handled a bit better. By all concerned parties, I mean.”

Rainbow Dash holds up her soda. “Well... live and learn, right?”

Arc chuckles. “Right.”

Tapping their cups together, the pair go back to eating and watching the game. Arc looks to Rainbow Dash and speaks.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Tell me, how do you feel about our relationship?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I don’t understand the question.”

“I mean... us as a couple.”

“Like as in the herd?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Just you and I.”

Rainbow Dash looks down at her food. “It’s... complicated.”

“That’s not really what I expected to hear from you.”

“Huh?”

“I mean... you’re always very forward with your opinions. Not afraid to say what you think about whatever the conversation is about. Generally speaking, of course.”

“Yeah, well... my mouth does seem to get ahead of my brain sometimes. But what brought this on?”

Arc shrugs. “Just wanted to know how I was doing.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Wait! How YOU’RE doing?!”

“Something wrong with that?”

“You’re doing GREAT! Honestly, this past week is the best time I’ve ever had in my LIFE!”

“Can you tell me what you liked about it thus far?”

“Literally everything!”

Arc chuckles. “Any way you could narrow it down a bit?”

“It’s...! Everything we’ve done together has been really fun!”

“How about the part where we got sick?”

“Even that was great! We got to rest together and just talk. After all, there wasn’t much else to do and we both felt really crappy. But you made that special for me.”

Arc appears surprised. “I did?”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously. “Like... like you did... uh... a long, long time ago back in the Sugar Cube Corner kitchen.”

“Honestly, I see it as being the opposite of that.”

“Opposite?”

Arc nods. “I took care of you back then. And you took care of me when I was sick.”

“And then I came down with it.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be, Arc. We were supporting each other back then. It felt... really nice. To be cared for and to care for somepony else. Just lying there next to you and resting together.”

She smirks before continuing.

“We’ll have to do that again sometime.”

Arc chuckles. “Without the sick part though, right?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Of course. But that just leaves the matter of where we go from here.”

“Relationship-wise?”

“Yeah. If you want to know my thoughts on the matter, I really do want to explore my feelings for you more. And while that doesn’t really sound like me, it’s the truth.”

“I’d like that too.”

Rainbow Dash stands and points toward the large windows overlooking the field. “But enough sappy talk for now. Why don’t we get back to watching the game for real?”

Arc chuckles as he rises and heads for the larger window. “Sounds like a plan.”

Chapter 7 - Edging Closer

Later that night, the pair leave the VIP room and head down the nearly empty corridors of the arena. Rainbow Dash turns to Arc and grins.

“That was a game and a half!”

Arc chuckles. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”

“Sure did! But I don’t really get why we stayed so long after the game was over.”

“Truth be told, I just wanted to see what happened after the cameras were off.”

“And...?”

Arc shrugs. “Not really sure what I was expecting to see. Well, other than the cleaning staff to start making their rounds, and whatnot. But it’s not exactly something you can see on television.”

Rainbow Dash latches onto Arc’s arm as they walk. “And it gave us some more time to talk together!”

“There’s that too.”

“So what do you want to do next?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Aren’t you tired?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah! I’m up for more if you are!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well... not really sure if you’d be up for this, but... there is something interesting going on right now nearby.”

“Let’s go!”

“But you don’t even know what it is.”

Rainbow Dash laughs as she pulls him along. “Arc, if you say it’s interesting then that’s all I need to hear!”

“Alright.”

Heading for the exit, they walk through the now nearly empty parking lot. Getting into the Jeep, Arc starts it and begins driving. A short time later they pull into yet another parking lot and find a spot. Rainbow Dash turns to Arc, confused.

“What is this place?”

Arc looks to her as he turns off the vehicle. “A roller rink.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “That didn’t really tell me anything.”

“A place where we can go skating.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “It’s hard to get answers out of you right now.”

Arc chuckles as he opens his door. “It’d probably just be easier to show you.”

Getting out, Arc leads Rainbow Dash toward the building. As they enter, the slightly muffled sounds of loud music rings out from beyond an inner door. Walking up to the ticket booth Arc speaks to the attendant.

“Two please.”

Paying, he and his date are allowed into the interior. Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide as she looks around at the blacklights, strobes, booming speakers, and people zooming around on skates. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as he calls out loudly to be heard over the din.

“This is what we humans call skating!”

Rainbow Dash gasps as she looks around. “Wheels... on HOOVES?!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Feet, Raine, feet.”

“But... but HOW...?!”

“Why not just try it for yourself and find out?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I think I’d better!”

Walking over to a bench, Arc motions for Rainbow Dash to take off her shoes as he does the same himself. Bringing both pairs up to the ‘rentals’ counter, they set them down as an attendant approaches.

“Skates or blades?”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “I, uh...”

Arc interrupts her. “Blades for both, please.”

Nodding, the attendant pulls the proper sized roller blades from their place in the racks and puts the shoes in their place. Setting them down on the counter in front of Arc and Rainbow Dash, he speaks.

“Here you go. Let me know if you need a different size.”

Arc nods. “Thanks.”

Taking them back to a bench, Arc sits down with Rainbow Dash and demonstrates how to put them on. She grins widely as he finishes.

“This is going to be SO MUCH FUN!”

Arc grins. “Yeah. Now then, be careful when you stand up. After all you don’t want to lose your...”

Before he can complete his thought however, Rainbow Dash jumps up to a standing position. As all our readers probably expected, she immediately loses control and falls forward as Arc proceeds to finish his sentence.

“...balance.”

Rainbow Dash looks up, confused. “What the...?!”

Arc stands and rolls over to her to extend a hand. “You okay?”

Rainbow Dash nods as she is helped up. “Y-yeah. Just kinda... surprised, that’s all.”

“It’s a bit tough to start admittedly. Probably more so for you being new to the whole hind legs walking idea.”

“I can understand that. Humans are really top heavy!”

Arc nods as he points to his roller blades. “Add to that having wheels on your feet and you’ve got what looks like a hopeless situation.”

Rainbow Dash gestures those whizzing around the skating floor. “Not hopeless though! After all, they’re doing it!”

“That they are. Now then, are you ready to give this another try?”

“Sure. How does it work?”

“First of all, have you even gone ice skating?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. Pinkie’s been trying to get me to do that for a while now though. She’s REALLY good at it.”

“This is kinda like that. You turn your foot at a slight angle so that the wheels don’t turn on that one foot. Like this.”

He puts his left foot at an angle before continuing.

“Then you push on it to go forward on the other foot, which is straight so that the wheels CAN turn.”

Giving his foot a bit of a push, Arc slowly rolls a few feet before turning back to Rainbow Dash.

“After that, you repeat the process with the other foot. The one that was used to roll forward is then turned at an angle to be able to do the pushing.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Rinse and repeat.”

Arc nods. “Exactly. And while I’m sure it goes without saying, the harder and more often you push the faster you go.”

Rainbow Dash looks out over the skating floor at people flying by. “They can really get going on those things!”

“And you will too with some practice. Ready to give it another try?”

“Oh yeah!”

“First, just try standing up without falling.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “That’s what Pinkie said when she taught me to stand on my hind legs.”

“Same basic concept, I guess. It’s all about maintaining your center of gravity.”

“Center of... what now?”

“It’s a balance issue. If you shift your weight properly you won’t lose your balance and fall down.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Trust me, that ain’t easy.”

“I know you don’t have a lot of experience doing things like this. But I believe you can do it with practice.”

Rainbow Dash sighs and takes Arc’s outstretched hand. Pulling her to her feet, he holds her hand. Doing her best to not allow the wheels under her to roll, Rainbow Dash grimaces.

“It’s like these things have a mind of their own!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well... how about we start moving around a bit?”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “But I’m not ready for that yet!”

“Don’t worry. I won’t let go of your hand.”

Pushing off, Arc carefully pulls Rainbow Dash along with him as they slowly makes their way down the outside of the skating floor. Reaching the far end he stops and turns to his date.

“How did that feel?”

“Kinda weird. I mean... rolling along instead of walking just feels kinda unnatural to me.”

“If you don’t like it we don’t have to stay.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No, no. I mean, it still looks like a lot of fun. That is, if I can do it without falling on my flank again.

“How about this? We’ll go back the way we came while I hold your hand and you try to push yourself forward like I showed you earlier.”

“Okay.”

Pushing off, Arc watches as Rainbow Dash does her best to propel herself forward. By the time they reach the other end of the room she is able to slightly push herself along, albeit shakily. Turning around, Arc repeats the process a few more times to allow Rainbow Dash to gain confidence and skill. Half a dozen more times later she turns to him with a grin.

“I think I’ve got the hang of it, Arc.”

“Want me to let go now?”
“
Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah!

Releasing his date’s hand, Arc glides away from her a few feet and watches. Steadily, she pushes herself along slowly by deliberately, grinning ear to ear as she does so. Arc nods in approval.

“Looks like you’ve got the basics down.”

“Yup! Ready to get on the floor?!”

Arc chuckles. “You tell me.”

“”Let’s do it!

Grabbing Arc’s hand, she drags him toward the others already on the skating floor. They wait a few moments for an opening before hurrying out. Rainbow Dash looks to Arc as they skate.

“The floor! It’s so smooth!”

Arc chuckles. “That it is. Wouldn’t wany anyone tripping on a crack and getting hurt.”

“Wanna see how fast we can go?!”

“Probably not the best idea, seeing as how you just learned to skate.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Come on, Arc! What’s the worst that could happen?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I can think of a few things. Several of which involve you seeing a doctor.”

“Spoilsport!”

“Just looking to keep you safe, Raine.”

“How about if I got better?!”

“That’d still take time.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Then I’d better get to it!”

Lurching ahead, Rainbow Dash pushes with all her might. However, as she nears the spot where one is supposed to turn, she just keeps going straight. Crashing into the dividing wall, Rainbow Dash flies head over heels over it. Arc hurries over and looks over the wall.

“Hey, Raine! You okay?!”

Rainbow Dash grins woozily as she sits up. “Never... better!”

“What happened?!”

“I, uh... realized a few seconds ago that I didn’t actually know how to turn.”

Arc sighs as he hops over the barrier to help her up. “That’s why you need to take things slow and learn before advancing.”

Rainbow Dash grunts and looks away as Arc extends a hand. “I know what I’m doing!”

“Then why are you on the floor?”

There is a tense silence as Rainbow Dash ponders Arc’s words. Eventually she sighs and takes Arc’s hand to allow him to help her up.

“Yeah, yeah. It’s just...”

Gasping suddenly, she leans heavily on the divider behind her. Arc frowns.

“What’s wrong?”

Rainbow Dash grimaces, clearly in pain. “N-nothing!”

“Really?”

“It’s just a little sting in my knee!”

“How about I take a look at it?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Fine.”

Sitting on the wall, she allows Arc to roll up her pant leg. He looks it over for a few moments before frowning.

“Can’t really see anything. Too dark.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “I’m fine, Arc! Really!”

“How about we go over to the concession area where it’s lighter and make sure then?”

“Do we have to?! I mean, it really doesn’t hurt THAT bad and I want to skate some more!”

“I suppose it’s up to you. But I’d feel a lot better knowing you were really okay before we went back on the floor.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Fine. Which way?”

Arc takes Rainbow Dash’s hand and carefully guides her down the way towards a more well-lit section of the building. A number of benches next to a row of arcade cabinets sit across from a small snack bar. Leading her over to an empty bench, Arc helps his date sit down before kneeling to look at her knee. Rolling her pant leg up again, he looks it over and frowns.

“There’s a lot of swelling here.”

Rainbow Dash gasps slightly. “I’m okay!”

“And a cut.”

“Huh?! I didn’t hit anything sharp!”

Arc shrugs. “Looks like a friction wound. Not much in terms of blood though.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Great.”

“I think we should call it a night. How about I turn in our blades and get our shoes back?”

“But I wanna keep going!”

“Tell you what. If you feel better tomorrow, I’ll take you skating again after a nice steak dinner.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You mean it?!”

Arc smiles and nods. “Yup. But only if you rest your leg now.”

“Sure!”

“Alright. Need some help getting your skates off?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. I got it.”

Arc sits down on the bench next to her and unclasps his own footwear. Stepping out of them, he picks up Rainbow Dash’s roller blades and stands.

“Be right back.”

Rainbow Dash waves. “Sure. I’ll be here.”

Walking back out into the darkened skating rink, Arc returns to the rental counter. After retrieving their shoes, he returns to the bench and sits down again to hand over the footwear to his date. They put them back on as Arc looks to Rainbow Dash’s knee again.

“How about I get a wet paper towel from the bathroom and clean that for you?”

“It’s fine. I’ve had worse.”

“I just don’t want it to get infected.”

Rainbow Dash smirks wickedly. “Sure it’s not because you want to play with my hind leg some more, Arc?

Arc rolls his eyes. “Har, har.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Fine then.”

Arc stands. “I have to go to the toilet anyways. Just realized that I haven’t used the facilities since we left my place.”

“Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

Heading for the nearby bathroom, Arc enters. No sooner has the door closed behind him though than a guy in a leather coat walks over to Rainbow Dash.

“How you doing, little girl?”

Rainbow Dash looks him over and frowns. “Whaddya want?!”

“Nothing really. Just wanted to say that I thought you handled that fall out there like a real champ.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Glad somepony appreciates a good crash.”

The guy motions to the bathroom with his eyes. “Your boytoy doesn’t?”

“He’s not exactly my... whatever it was that you called him!”

“Really?”

“Yeah! What’s it to...?!”

She is cut off as the guy quickly leans down and gives her a peck on the lips. Her eyes wide, she watches as a group behind him roars happily and high fives the guy as he runs over to them. Seething, Rainbow Dash gets to her feet and hobbles over to them as several of the group opens their wallets and hand the guy some money.

“What’s the heck...?!”

The punk smirks as he looks over his shoulder. “Sorry, babe. Just trying to win a couple bets.”

“BETS?!”

“Yeah. You see, I bet all my boys here that I could get a kiss from you. They said I’d get shot down right away. Guess I showed them who’s...”

He is cut off as Rainbow Dash grabs his arm, whirls him around, and punches him squarely in the jaw. Stumbling backwards, he recovers and knocks the young woman before him to the floor with a violent shove as his friends laugh heartily at her. Screaming in a blind rage, Rainbow Dash scrambles to her feet, lunges toward him, and begins pummeling the guy as his friends just stare in disbeliefe. A few blows later the sound of footsteps running toward them ring out. Arc grabs Rainbow Dash and pulls her off the guy as she fights to continue her tirade.

“LET ME GO! LET ME AT HIM!”

Arc calls out. “Stop it, Raine! What’s this all about?!”

Rainbow Dash points at the guy as his friends help him up. “This pig just came up to me and KISSED me!”

“What?!

The guy sneers. “Just trying to make a few bucks! Nothing to get bent out of shape over!”

Rainbow Dash steps forward angrily. “Why you little...!”

The punk smirks as his friends move to back him up. “Ease up, flat chest! Unless you and your boytoy want to get hurt!”

Rainbow Dash seethes. “WHO YOU CALLING...?! “

Arc interrupts her as he steps forward. “Let me handle this, Raine.”

Turning back to the group Arc continues.

“Now then, why don’t you and your pals turn around and walk away.”

Their assailant appears confused. “Uh... why?”

Rainbow Dash points an finger at them angrily. “So you don’t get hurt, clown!”

Arc nods. “She’s right. Now then, while I certainly didn’t start this, I promise you that I WILL finish it if need be.”

The group laughs heartily as the guy walks toward Arc. Looking him over, he smirks.

“There’s a dozen of us and one of you. So I think it’s YOU who needs to walk away!”

He licks his lips as he looks past Arc at Rainbow Dash before continuing.

“Besides, the boys and I wouldn’t mind flat-chest here’s company.”

Arc frowns. “Is that your final answer.”

“Yeah! So get moving!”

Arc sighs. “Have it your way then.”

Stepping forward, Arc punches the guy in the gut which causes him to double over as the wind is forced out of him. Kneeing him in the face, he knocks the guy over onto his back before rendering him unconscious with a quick kick to the head. Looking up at the others, Arc is just in time to see two of them charge forward. Catching the first one on the chin, Arc turns to face the second as a third makes his way behind Arc while he is distracted. However, before the newcomer can attack, Rainbow Dash decks him in the face. Arc and Rainbow Dash look to the group defiantly together as they back away. Arc frowns and points to the door.

“Now then, I think all of you should leave.”

Nodding, they cautiously grab their friends before running out of the building together. Those around them clap and cheer as Arc turns to Rainbow Dash.

“You okay?”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth angrily. “Can we go after them?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Raine.”

“Why not?!”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “Just let them go. It’s not worth getting into trouble with the law over.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Fine.”

“That and I want to get you off that knee.”

Taking her hand, Arc sits his date down and tends to her scrape. After getting her wound cleaned, he slowly leads Rainbow Dash out the door and back to the Jeep. Getting in, he starts it and pulls out of the parking lot. Returning home, Arc presses the button to close the garage door before stepping out of the vehicle. As they walk up the back steps though, Rainbow Dash trips. Arc catches her arm before she hits the ground and cries out.

“I got you!”

Rainbow Dash grimaces in pain. “Th-thanks, Arc.”

“What happened? Did you twist your ankle on a step?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Kinda?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Twisted, yes. On the step, no.”

“You mean...?”

Rainbow Dash smiles nervously. “At that roller place when I fell over.”

Arc sighs as he puts an arm around her shoulder for her lean on. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier?!”

“I thought it’d go away!”

Arc opens the door and helps her inside. “Well, let’s get you sitting and take a look at it then.”

Leading Rainbow Dash over to the couch, Arc uses his magic to turn on the lights as he helps aids her in sitting down. Kneeling before her, Arc pulls her shoe off. Rainbow Dash eyes grow wide and she gasps as he does so.

“Easy there! That’s tender!”

“I’ll try.”

Slowly removing her sock, Arc tosses it aside and looks over the ankle in question. Frowning, he looks up at her.

“It’s pretty red and swollen.”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “Hurts like crazy too!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think this is just a twisted ankle.”

“It’s not broken though!”

“We don’t really know that. How about I call for the doctor to tell us for sure?”

Rainbow Dash groans as she leans back. “Do I have to?”

“Not if you really don’t want to, no. But I would imagine that you DO want to feel better.”

“Of course!”

“Then the first step should be to have it looked at by a professional.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Fine. But could we do that upstairs? My whole body is sore right now.”

“It hurts elsewhere?”

“A few places, yeah. Remember, I did hit that barrier at top speed.”

“Then we’d better get started.”

Assisting Rainbow Dash in climbing the stairs, Arc leads her to his parent’s room and helps her lie down on the bed. Touching his earring, he orders the operator to send for Doctor Whooves. Opening a portal a short time later via the Rainbow of Light, he watches as the stallion steps through with his little black bag. Looking to Arc, he smiles.

“What appears to be the problem today, sir?”

Arc gestures to Rainbow Dash. “We were out skating and she had a really bad crash. Could you look her over please?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Right away, sir.”

Walking over to the bed, the stallion puts his front hooves on the bedspread and looks to Rainbow Dash.

“Can you tell me where it hurts?”

Rainbow Dash points. “Mostly my knee and ankle here.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “She hit a divider wall pretty hard. Might want to give her a full look over though.”

“Yes sir. However, to do such a thing I will need the young mare to remove her clothing first.”

Arc heads for the door. “I’ll wait outside then.”

Rainbow Dash calls out after him. “Why don’t you go make yourself a snack and watch something on that box downstairs, Arc?”

“Television?”

“Yeah, that.”

The doctor nods as he opens his bag. “You may want to entertain yourself, sir. This may take some time.”

“Alright. I’ll be waiting to hear your report, doctor.”

Leaving the room, Arc heads downstairs and sits down on the couch. Leaning his head back he muses to himself.

“I’m sure she’ll be alright. But I sure hope her ankle isn’t sprained... or worse. That would be a terrible note to end this date on.”

Groaning, he continues.

“To say nothing for how it would translate over to a pony body.”

Closing his eyes to think for a few moments, Arc suddenly feels a slight poke at his arm. Straightening up and opening his eyes, he spies Doctor Whooves standing before him.

“My apologies for disturbing you, sir.”

“That was fast.”

Doctor Whooves appears confused. “Fast, sir?”

“Yeah. I mean, you just started.”

“That was around an hour ago, sir.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead and sighs. “Sorry. Guess I must’ve dozed off. How is Rainbow Dash doing?”

“I looked at her ankle and knee first. Neither are broken, just heavily inflamed from the impact.”

“How long until she can walk properly again?”

“Right now actually.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But she was in so much pain earlier.”

“I cast a specialized spell on her to reduce the swelling. After that I ordered her to take a long hot bath to finish up the treatment.”

“Find anything else?”

“Nothing more than a few bumps and bruises really. The only other injury of note was her wrist.”

“Oh?”

The doctor looks over his notes as he speaks. “The patient told me of the... altercation she got into earlier this evening. There was some bruising on her fingers and hand, naturally. However her wrist was also heavily inflamed from the numerous times she claimed to have hit her opponent.”

“And the prognosis?”

“I cast the same spell on her wrist to hasten the healing of it as well. After the prescribed bath, however, she should go to bed. Rest and relaxation is also recommended for tomorrow as well. Or, at the very least, no strenuous activities should be undertaken under any circumstances.”

“Like fighting?”

“That would be for the best, sir.”

“Alright. I’ll keep her here at the house tomorrow. Anything else I can do for her?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “Not really, sir. Other than what I’ve already said, you simply need to keep an eye open for any further inflammation, as such a thing could be signs of further complications. Should you spot any new symptoms, or the return of that which I’ve already mentioned, please contact me for a more in depth medical examination.”

“I’ll do that. Shall I return you to the castle now?”

“Yes sir. I’m ready.”

Calling forth the Rainbow of Light, Arc focuses his magical power into it as a portal forms. The doctor steps through and is gone. Closing the portal behind the stallion, Arc heads for the stairs. Opening the door to the guest room he pulls shorts, a t-shirt, and undergarments from the dresser before making his way down the hall to the main bathroom. Knocking lightly, he opens the door a crack and calls out.

“Hey. You doing okay in here?”

Rainbow Dash calls out from the tub. “Y-yeah.”

“I, uh... brought you some fresh clothes to change into when you’re done in there.”

“Thanks. I’ll try not to take too long.”

“No, no. It’s okay. Take as long as you need.”

“Alright.”

Tossing the clothes inside the bathroom and closing the door, Arc sits down on the floor next to it. Closing his eyes, he listens to the sound of running water on the other side of the wall for a time before nodding off. An indeterminate amount of time later he hears the door open. Jerking his head up, he turns just in time to see Rainbow Dash step out into the hall wearing the t-shirt and shorts he brough to her earlier. Smiling sheepishly at him, she speaks.

“Hey, um... sorry for taking so long in there. I... mighta... sorta... kinda... fell asleep in the tub.”

Arc quickly gets up. “It’s no problem. Admittedly I did the same thing just now. But how are you feeling?”

“Okay, I guess. Doctor Whooves said that my knee and ankle will be a little sore for a day or so though.”

“Can I help you to your room?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “It’s okay. At the moment walking’s not an issue for me. But... um... do you think... could we... ah...?”

She cuts herself off as a large yawn springs forth from her mouth. Arc chuckles sleepily as he speaks.

“I think we should continue this conversation tomorrow morning. After all, I did keep you out significantly later than I had originally planned.”

Rainbow Dash sighs sleepily. “Alright.”

Parting ways, they each head to their respective rooms. Laying down, Arc yawns heavily and turns off the light. Rolling over onto his side he closes his eyes and quickly falls fast asleep. However, sometime later he is awakened by a small knock on his door. Sitting up groggily, Arc rubs his eyes and switches on the bedside lamp before calling out.

“Come in.”

Rainbow Dash opens the door and slowly walks inside. Arc quickly notices that there are bags under her eyes.

“Hey, um...”

Arc looks her over. “What’s wrong? Is the pain keeping you awake?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. It’s manageable.”

“Then what...?”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “It’s just...!”

She fumbles to find the right words for several moments before Arc smiles and speaks.

“Why don’t you just start at the beginning?”

“That’s just it! I can’t really figure out where the beginning is!”

“You were okay when we got home though. Something happen since then?”

“...kinda.”

Arc sighs. “I can’t help if I don’t know what’s bothering you.”

“Okay. Let me try to make sense of it.”

Arc pats the spot next to him on the bed. “Why don’t you sit first though? You look like you’re about ready to fall down.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Thanks. That might help.”

Sitting down next to him, Rainbow Dash sighs and takes a few moments to gather her thoughts before speaking.

“After we parted outside the bathroom earlier, I went back to my room to try and get some sleep. That much I’m sure you already know. But something was bothering me. Keeping me awake.”

“Have you been lying in bed thinking about it?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. I mean... I did for a while, yeah. But it wasn’t really getting me anywhere. So I decided to go downstairs for a snack.”

“Good idea there. What did you have?”

“Just a quick sandwich and a glass of milk.”

“Then what?”

“I sat on the couch for a bit. However, when I went to lay down I accidently flopped on top of the control box.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean the remote control for the television?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Whatever the thing is that turns the television on is called, yeah.”

“Watch anything interesting?”

“Not really. Just kept switching channels looking for something.”

Arc chuckles. “Here on Earth we call that ‘channel surfing’.”

“There were a lot of things that just didn’t make sense to me though. I mean... I knew that the humans on there were actors just playing a part in their play, or whatever you call it. But I would imagine that the script would have to be somewhat... believable to appeal to the watcher.”

Arc nods. “Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It really depends on the subject matter the show at hand is trying to portray. We have total realism, total fiction, and everything in between. What were you watching?”

“A lot of shows about humans doing really violent stuff. Heroes and villains fighting it out. That sort of thing.”

“Did that bother you?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not really, no. Well... not the fighting part. I knew they were just acting like you told me the other day when we were watching ‘The A-Team’. It’s just...”

She looks down at her hands before continuing.

“...a lot of the shows treated mares really poorly.”

“What do you mean?”

“Like they were just things to be won and possessed. I saw a play where two stallions were fighting each other over who would get to keep the mare. Another one showed a mare being rescued by a stallion hero from a villain. But the thing was, she honestly could have gotten away on her own SO easily if she had just tried.”

Arc nods. “Shows sometimes do that for dramatic effect.”

“One looked like it was from another world entirely. It was about a mare whom was asleep and only woke up when she was kissed by a prince.”

“That’s sounds like ‘Sleeping Beauty’. It’s a classic here on Earth.”

“So mares are sorta dependent on stallions to keep them safe here?”

“Not really. The television does kinda make it look that way sometimes though.”

“That got me to thinking. What exactly dictates a mare’s... place in this world’s pecking order?”

“You mean how good looking she is?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Exactly! I wanted to know what made a human mare attractive, so I kept watching more shows to try and find out.”

Arc sighs. “Probably not the best way to go about doing that. But what did you figure out?”

“A few things contributed to whom was the most attractive. However, two things really stuck out as being the most important.”

“And what makes you think those are the most important?”

Rainbow Dash sneers. “Something that jerk at the skating place said came to mind. Now then, I need to ask you something really important, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“First I need you to promise me that you’ll answer it truthfully and without thinking about my feelings. Just be totally Honest with me about it.”

Arc nods. “I can do that, sure.”

“Do you promise?”

“I promise, yes.”

“Okay. Here goes.”

Standing, she slowly walks to the center of the room. Turning to face Arc, Rainbow Dash holds her arms out at her sides and looks him in the eye.

“How do I look?”

“Um... kinda tired.”

“I mean physically. Am I good looking?”

“I think you are, yes.”

“Take a good look.”

She slowly turns around to show herself from all angles. Coming back to facing Arc again, Rainbow Dash continues.

“Now what do you think?”

“That you’re still pretty.”

Rainbow Dash nods soberly. “How about in my swimsuit?”

“Honestly... very cute.”

“Cuter than I am now, Arc?”

“What are you getting at?”

“Just one last question.”

Without another word, Rainbow Dash whips her t-shirt off and tosses it aside. Cupping her arms under her chest for... um... let’s just say... ‘dramatic effect’, she looks to Arc again.

“What do you think of... these?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Your breasts?”

Rainbow Dash nods as she gives them a quick jiggle as she speaks. “Yeah. Are they pretty?”

“Um... I suppose so.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “So... are they good enough for me to be considered hot to humans?”

Arc frowns. “Your chest doesn’t have anything to do with how good looking you are though!”

“Oh really?!”

“Yeah!”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “That’s not what I saw on television!”

“But they’re just acting!”

“I know that! But I saw the same thing in real life here on Earth!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“Everywhere we went these past few days there were stallions out with their marefriends! The better looking the stallion, the bigger the teats on the mare!”

“That’s certainly not an absolute truth though.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs as she folds her arms over her chest and turns away. “Maybe not. But I saw enough of it to know that it’s a pretty well established idea here.”

Arc sighs. “So why bring this up now? Why not back when you originally noticed it?”

“You remember that guy I was beating up at the skating place?”

“What about him?”

“He called me ‘flat chested’!”

Arc groans. “That was just him being a jerk though.”

Rainbow Dash spins around to face Arc again, her breasts in her hands. “But he was right! Look at these things, Arc! I’m nowhere near as big as the other mares I’ve seen!”

“Maybe it has something to do with the fact that you’re a pony mare.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head vehemently. “No way! The others were all WAY bigger than I am!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Others?”

“I lent Rarity a hoof helping her get ready to come to Earth and see you two Hearth’s Warmings ago! Her teats were a LOT plumper than mine are!”

“That’s just one person though! You can’t base your opinion around just one individual!”

“Yeah! But what about Applejack?! I saw what happened when Sereb cast the human spell on her with Auriel! Hers were even bigger than Rarity’s!”

Rainbow Dash looks down at her own breasts angrily as she begins tugging them outward in a futile attempt to make them grow.

“And don’t even get me STARTED on Derpy’s size! Rarity told me that her chest puts both her AND Applejack to shame!”

Arc sighs. “I really can’t argue with that.”

“The three of them all bigger than me! Shelly and Lily are bigger than me! Heck, pretty much EVERYPONY around here is BIGGER THAN ME!”

She storms over to the vanity and stares into the mirror angrily before crying out.

“Why... WHY AM I LIKE THIS?!”

Arc stands and walks over to her. Putting his hands on her bare shoulders, he speaks slowly and calmly.

“There’s only so much someone can do to alter their appearance here.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs as she stares down angrily at her chest. “Anything that can be done to make my teats bigger?”

Arc shakes his head. “Other than surgery, no.”

“What would that be like?”

“They put silicon bags in there to make them bigger.”

Rainbow Dash looks over her shoulder with a hopeful look on her face. “Would that... possibly be an option for me? After all, I would look much better in a swimsuit then, wouldn’t I?”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s really not a good idea. I’m guessing that when you change back to a pony they’d still be, um... in there. It probably would turn heads back in Ponyville for all the wrong reasons.”

Rainbow Dash looks forward again and groans. “Guess I really am stuck with these little things then.”

“Hey.”

“What?”

“I’m going to go out on a limb here. But I get the feeling this isn’t just about the size of your breasts.”

“Of course it is! What else could it be?!”

“You tell me.”

There is a tense silence which Arc makes no attempt to break. Eventually, Rainbow Dash mutters something quietly.

“I’m just... not pretty.”

“Oh?”

“The others are. But not me.”

“How do you figure that?”

Rainbow Dash smiles weakly. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“Humor me.”

“Alright. Let’s start at the top.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“My mane isn’t soft and workable like Rarity’s is. My eyes aren’t vibrant and bright like Pinkie’s are. My smile isn’t warm and inviting like Fluttershy’s is. My breasts aren’t big and supple like Derpy’s are. My hips and flank aren’t as broad as Applejack’s are. And that’s just the physical beauty.”

“Elaborate.”

“I don’t have a melodious voice or organizational skills like Twilight. Heck, I sound like I’ve got a sore throat most of the time! I don’t have the ‘take charge’ attitude that Hammer has. Cupcake talks and the soldiers just naturally fall into line. I don’t have the royal attitude Ember has. She just gushes with the ‘obey me or else’ brashness of a Dragon Lord. And I don’t have the intelligence Auriel has. That smart little cookie could figure out how to turn bread back into flour for crying out loud!”

Groaning, she bows her head.

“And I have none of that.”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not true. You’re good at your own...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “I fly fast, Arc! That it! Not smart, not crafty, not skilled in anything other than cloud kicking and pranks! Remember, I was too scared to tell my parents you and I were a thing! Nothing about me is noteworthy!”

“I disagree.”

“Fine. Then why don’t you explain it to me, Arc? Tell me how I’m wrong. What redeeming qualities do I have?”

“Your loyalty.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “That’s just my Element though.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It’s who you are.”

“Nothing special there though.”

“In all the time I’ve known you, you’ve never once left someone behind. Never forced them to deal with something on their own.”

“Of course not. That’s called ‘friendship’.”

“An admirable trait.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “It’s just one trait though, Arc.”

“True. But it’s what defines you.”

“Okay, let’s just say that it is a redeeming quality. What else do you like about me?”

“Honestly?”

“Sure.”

“I think you’re amazing.”

Rainbow Dash smirks sadly. “Yeah, right.”

“No, I mean it. You really are quite...”

He searches for the right word for a few moments.

“...unique.”

“I’m as common as any Pegasus back in Equestria, Arc.”

“Not to me.”

“Then lay it out for me. Tell me exactly why you think that.”

“What you said before is true. You’re not like the others. Looks or personality-wise. But at the same time you are certainly your own mare. Unique in both appearance and temperament.”

“But isn’t that a bad thing?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. It’s what makes you special. Tell me, how many ponies do you know that have a mane like yours?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Just my dad and I.”

“So it’s really quite rare then?”

“Yeah. I mean, having a naturally multi-colored mane isn’t that uncommon. But for a pony to have more than two colors is. Three is really rare.”

“And you have half a dozen.”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand to her hair. “Just something I was born with though. It’s not like I had to do anything to earn it, or something.”

“Just like the physical traits of the others you listed earlier. They didn’t have to do anything earn them either. It’s just something they were born with. Like manes and eye color.”

“Mine are pretty rare, I’ll give you that. Officially, I have magenta colored eyes. But I’ve always thought of them as just dark pink.”

“Yet another thing that makes you unique.”

“But manes and eye color don’t really mean much.”

“How about your voice?”

Rainbow Dash grunts. “That scratchy mess?”

“It’s unique too, isn’t it?”

“I guess so. Most ponies, especially mares, have sweet sounding voices. Even stallions to a degree.”

“So there’s three things that make you special.”

“Maybe. But I’m still not pretty like the others.”

“Again I have to disagree with you. Your long multi-colored mane may not be soft and silky like the others are. But it’s amazing to look at in its own right. Your eyes too. They just really go well with your mane.”

Rainbow Dash smiles slightly. “They... they do?”

“Yes. As does your voice.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “How can you say that?! I sound terrible!”

“ Because it suits you.”

“Uh... how?”

“Like you said, you’re not like the others. And a special individual such as yourself really makes that voice shine.”

“That doesn’t make any sense, Arc!”

“Imagine yourself with a voice like the others. Take Fluttershy for example. Think of what you would sound like with her voice.”

Rainbow Dash closes her eyes and concentrates. Frowning, she speaks.

“It... doesn’t sound right.”

“Now try pretending you’re Rarity.”

“That’s just weird.”

“Pinkie.”

Rainbow Dash smiles. “Kinda like that one.”

“Twilight.”

“Trying to. But I don’t know how to speak ‘egghead’.”

“Applejack.”

“That one’s just bizarre.”

“What I’m trying to say is that your voice is part of who you are.”

He smiles and turns Rainbow Dash to face him before continuing.

“And I think you sound awesome.”

Lurching forward, Rainbow Dash squeezes her eyes shut and grins as she wraps her arms around Arc’s midsection. Arc smiles and reciprocates the hug. Sometime later they step back as Rainbow Dash looks him in the eye.

“Thanks for that, Arc.”

“Just being Honest.”

“And Loyal too. Um... but just so I’m clear on one thing...”

She cups her breasts in her hands before continuing.

“You think these are okay, right?

Arc nods. “They suit you very well, yes.”

“So you like mares with small tits?”

“Size isn’t a big deal to me. After all, it’s what’s on the inside that matters. “

Rainbow Dash licks her lips seductively. “Then how about you see for yourself what I’ve got inside of me.”

Arc chuckles. “I think you’ve been hanging around Hammer a bit too much.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Maybe. But she and I have a lot in common.”

Arc stretches out a hand and pulls Rainbow Dash’s t-shirt to himself with a quick Telekinesis Spell. “That you do. But we should probably get some sleep now. Especially since you’ve been up all night.”

Rainbow Dash sighs as she accepts the shirt. “Yeah, I guess so.”

Arc turns and takes her hand. “So let’s get you back to...”

He stops talking as he feels resistance from her. Turning back, Arc sees Rainbow Dash shaking her head.

“I... don’t want to.”

“Don’t want to what? Go to sleep?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “That’s not it. I don’t... want to leave you right now, Arc.”

“But I’ll be right down the hall.”

“Could I... um... sleep with you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “This is rather sudden.”

“Yeah, I know. But... there’s a couple other things I’d like to talk to you about.”

“We don’t have to be in bed to...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “It would make it easier for me though. So... can I?”

Arc smiles at her. “Sure.”

Pulling back the covers, he motions for Rainbow Dash to lie down. She tosses the shirt aside and does so. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Sure you don’t want to wear that? It’s not exactly warm tonight?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head and blushes slightly. “Nah. After all, you’ll keep me warm.”

Chuckling, Arc gets into the bed with her. Reaching over, he turns off the light and lays down on his back. Rainbow Dash puts a hand on his chest and grins.

“This is nice!”

“Warm enough?”

“I’m good.”

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

“First, I... um... wanted to know how you felt about... cupcake.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Hammer?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. You do like her, right?”

“A lot, yes. But what brought this on?”

“She, ah... works really hard for you. Well... her boss in the castle anyways.”

“You mean Flash Sentry?”

“Right. Cupcake really has an eye for making things secure around the castle. And she still makes time for her sister too.”

“Yes, her and Mio are getting along very well. Kinda surprising admittedly.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Well, I think she works TOO hard!”

“Oh?”

“She needs to take some time off! Let loose and have some fun!”

“I could talk to Flash Sentry about giving her some leave, or something.”

“That you should! And after that you two could go out together.”

“Go out? You mean on a date?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yup. It’d make cupcake really happy.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well... I do need to get to know her better.”

“She told all of us about the dates you took her on in the past. Really nice from what we heard.”

Arc sighs. “Hammer really fell for me back then. It’s what made me feel so guilty about leading her on.”

“But you’ve done a great job making up for that. At least that’s what cupcake says.”

“I don’t fully agree with that. After all, she lost pretty much everything thanks to me.”

“Maybe. But she also gained something new.”

“Oh?”

“Happiness. And a bunch of new friends too. However, she still deserves so much more. And you’re just the one to give it to her.”

“I’ll talk to her about some ‘us’ time when we get back to Equestria.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Good! She’s not too good about starting those conversations, after all.”

“Anything else?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Kinda?”

“It’s just... ah... hard to say aloud.”

Arc smiles. “Take your time.”

”I... wanted to talk to you about... Princess Luna.”

“I’m told you had... words with her some time ago.”

“Sorta.”

“And that they weren’t exactly friendly.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I know what I heard though!”

“Oh?”

“She got you alone in the Ponyville Town Hall a while back!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Yes. What about it?”

“I... was listening in.”

“How?!”

“From a window.”

Arc groans. “Great.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Great?”

“Look, you need to just forget what you heard. Luna, she... she’s very... self-conscious about... that particular matter at hand.”

“About wanting to get with you?”

“Um... no.”

“What else could she have meant back then?”

“I can’t tell you.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But we’re supposed to be a couple! Couples tell each other EVERYTHING!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not if it means keeping a secret for a friend.”

“Come on, Arc! I won’t tell anypony!”

“That’s what I told Luna. That it would stay just between her and I. And that’s what I’m going to do.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “She’s playing you, Arc!”

“Playing me?”

“The princess just wants you all to herself!”

“But why would Luna...?”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “Because you represent something she can’t have! And she’s head over fetlocks in love with you!”

Arc shakes his head. “Believe me when I say that we’re just friends.”

“Maybe YOU are! But she wants more!”

“Are you sure that’s all there is to it?”

“What else could there be?!”

“You tell me.”

Rainbow Dash is silent for a time. Eventually she speaks.

“Fine. I’ll tell you a secret if you promise to keep it to yourself.”

“What is it?”

“The princesses are... really well liked amongst everypony I know. Never a bad thing is ever said about them. At least not from what I’ve heard.”
“
“Is that a problem?

“It is for me. Now don’t tell anypony this, but...”

She grimaces before continuing.

“I... really don’t like the princesses all that much.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You don’t?”

“Other than Twilight, I mean!”

“What do you have against them?”

“It’s just... they’re so... unchallenged.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, they are the longtime rulers of Equestria.”

“I know that! But they can’t be THAT perfect!”

“No one is ever truly flawless.”

“That’s what I’ve been thinking! Everypony just does whatever they say without question!”

“An interesting statement from the Element of Loyalty.”

Rainbow Dash nods soberly. “I’m loyal to my friends and the ponies of Equestria. Nothing more. Nothing less. And if I feel that they’re in danger I can’t help but...”

Arc interrupts her. “Luna isn’t threatening anyone though.”

“Our herd, yes!”

“Do you trust me?”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Of course I do, Arc!”

“Then listen to me now. That night in the Town Hall, Luna told me her deepest and darkest secret.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What was it?!”

“A secret.”

“Aw, come on!”

“All I can say is that she needed to talk to me about what she referred to as her greatest weakness.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“Luna has certain... problems. However, she faces them alone as there really isn’t anyone she can talk to about them.”

“What about Princess Celestia? Or Twilight for that matter? The two of them are really close now.”

“I did bring that up, yes. But Luna told me that I had gone through certain... experiences in the past that made me possibly the only one in all the land whom could truly understand what she was going through.”

“That’s pretty cryptic, Arc.”

“I can’t say any more about it though.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “Can’t I get a hint?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Remember, I did promise her.”

“Fine. But you tell her to stay away from you! “

“We’re just friends. Believe me.”

“Oh, I do believe YOU, Arc! It’s her that I don’t trust!”

“That’s just fine.”

“It is?”

Arc nods. “She said as much. Luna doesn’t blame anyone for her problems. Be they many.”

“And what problems could a princess possibly have?!”

“Do you really want to know?”

“Yes!”

“Alright then. That night in the Town Hall, Luna started the conversation by apologizing to me.”

“What for?”

“All the pain and suffering I had to endure.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth angrily. “By Princess Celestia’s horn?!”

“That too, yes. But as a whole she was apologizing for everything that happened to me as the Hero of Light.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “What did she have to do with any of that though?”

“That’s what I thought. When I brought that up, she pointed out that everything bad that happened to me as the Hero of Light was, at least in her eyes, her fault.”

“But how?”

“Remember, she was the one whom appointed me to this position. Had she not done so, I wouldn’t have been injured in the line of duty numerous times.”

“She’s right about that.”

“But I told her that I didn’t hold her accountable for any of that.”

“Why not?!”

“Because she just made the offer. It was I whom made the choice to take up the mantle.”

“Kinda wish you hadn’t done that.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well... had I not, Decimus would have taken full control of the nation when the princesses fell ill some time ago.”

“My friends and I would have found a way to save Equestria!”

“I believe you would have. But who’s to say some of you wouldn’t have been hurt, or worse, in the process?”

“We’ve always been able to rise to the challenge!”

“That’s true from what I’ve heard. However, if my sacrifice was able to save any of you from harm, than I believe it was warranted.”

Rainbow Dash smiles. “And that’s what we like about you, Arc. Your willingness to do what has to be done.”

She looks away momentarily before continuing.

“Is that why you befriended Princess Luna?”

“Huh?”

“Because you felt sorry for her?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In all seriousness, I Honestly do enjoy her company.”

“And do you have... feelings for her?”

“Just those of a platonic friendship.”

“Then let me run a scenario past you.”

“Oh?”

“Just for the sake of discussion, what would you do if Princess Luna approached you about joining the herd?”

“But I don’t have those kind of feelings for her.”

“Then let’s say that you did.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well... I suppose I’d bring her before the rest of the herd and tell all of you about the idea.”

“And let’s imagine that we said ‘no’.”

“Then I suppose her and I would have to just remain friends.”

“What if some of us said it was okay while others were against it?”

“I’d suggest that Luna be allowed to join in on some of the herd meetings. See if a consensus could be reached in due time as everyone gets to know each other better.”

“And if we were all for it?”

“Then I suppose I’d also welcome her into the herd. However, let me turn this question around.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What do you...?”

“Suppose you yourself changed. Had some kind of... let’s just say... falling out with the others in the herd.”

“Then I’d work toward coming up with some sort of redemption plan for myself.”

“Would you?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Well, yeah. I mean... I’d definitely want to patch things up with my friends as quickly as possible.”

“But what if you didn’t?”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. In this scenario, you were upset enough with your friends to totally walk away from the herd as a whole. That would have to be a serious argument.”

“Eventually I’d come around though.”

“Only you could decide to do that though. And the others would have to want you to come back. That and even if you were able to make amends, our relationships would be scarred forever.”

“Scarred?”

Arc nods. “It would be like a dark cloud hovering over the relationship. Even though whatever transpired is in the past, everyone will always have it in the back of the mind when thinking of you.”

“That’d make things weird, I guess. So I’ll have to do my best to not let things get to that point. For me and everypony else.”

“What about if someone else did something like that? Walked away from the herd. I mean.”

“Then we’d try to get them back.”

“Because everyone deserves at least a chance to be a part of it.”

“Right!”

“And if someone else wanted in?”

“Then we should at least talk about it.”

“Like with Luna?”

“But I thought you weren’t interested in her.”

“Let’s just say that I was.”

“Um... then I guess... I suppose we should give her at least a chance to talk to us all about her feelings. I mean... if you really did like her, and all.”

“Talking at least, yes. But the question now is... would you give her, or anyone else whom wanted to join the herd, the benefit of the doubt.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I’ll try. That’s the best I can do.”

Arc smiles at her. “Good. Now then, I would like to say that I do like Luna as a friend. And as my friend, I would appreciate it if you would respect her as a pony and her opinions.”

“Fine. I’ll apologize for what I said to her a while back the next chance I get.”

“Thank you. It means a lot to me.”

“There’s just one more thing I wanted to talk to you about, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“Me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... that didn’t really clear it up.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I just... don’t really know how I should be feeling about... my place in the herd.”

“Your place?”

“Yeah. I’m not... exactly the nicest mare in it sometimes.”

“Short fuse at times, yes.”

“And I don’t really... um... know if I’m up to the task.”

“Of marriage?”

“Of being... connected to everypony like this.”

“So you’re not sure that you’re ready to join the herd?”

“R-right.”

“That’s fine.”

Rainbow Dash appears surprised. “You’re okay with that?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Anyone who isn’t ready, isn’t ready.”

“But shouldn’t you be a bit... I don’t know... mad after spending days together here on Earth and me not mentioning it before?”

“Why would I be?”

“Because it shows that I’m a coward!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you’re not. “

“Then what...?!”

“You’re a very brave mare to say it.”

“How is not being ready brave?!”

“It means you had the courage to say that even though you’re attracted to me, that you aren’t where you need to be emotionally to make an important choice in joining up.”

“You gotta understand though, it isn’t because I don’t care about you, Arc. Heck, I get a little wet down there just thinking about you sometimes. But... I’m just not ready to make a commitment like that to anypony.”

She licks her lips seductively before continuing.

“But, as long as we’re both being completely honest, I’d still like the chance to do what it takes to make you happy.

“Meaning...?”

“I... might just have to be something other than a herdmate.”

“Like what?”

“How about... a live-in aunt? After all, I’d still like to be with my friends. And you too, of course.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But isn’t that about the same thing as you actually joining the herd?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not to me, no. After all, I’m just not ready for something like this yet.”

“So you’d just be an aunt?”

“To the foals, you, and the others, I mean. I’ll lend a hoof taking care of the little ones when their moms have to go to work, or whatever else they need to do. To them I’ll just be ‘cool Auntie Raine’.”

“Sticking with the human name, huh?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “I really like it, yeah. And it’ll be easier for the little ones to say. But don’t think that I haven’t thought of you too, Arc.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. I’d still like to be active in your life.”

“In what way?”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Do I really have to spell it out for you?!”

“Yup. Just so I’m completely sure of what you mean.”

“I still want... what any mare wants, I suppose. Somepony to love and to be loved. And that includes you plowing me.”

“Plowing you?”

“Remember, if Auriel figures out a way to make your human sperm compatible with our pony eggs you’ll be able to get the others pregnant. They’ll have taken the counteragent for ‘the shot’ and start ovulating. I can be your fallback mare for when you want to have sex without worrying about getting somepony knocked up.”

“So you still want to be with me sexually?”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Yup. After all, I do honestly care about you a lot, Arc. That and I’m pretty tough physically, so you can do literally whatever you want to me.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t really want to think about that.”

“Why not? I mean... I’m totally willing to do whatever you want.”

“Because I see you as more than just a toy, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash smiles warmly at him. “And I appreciate that, Arc. But... this is honestly what I want. To be the one to help you test out sex moves, playtimes, and experiment with what’s possible between a mare and a human.”

“It still just feels wrong though.”

“Think of it this way. I can use what we learn together to teach the others how to have the most pleasurable sex with you. It’ll help them, and you, make the most of your time together as well as keep everypony safe.”

“I mean... if that’s really what you want, and everyone else is okay with it...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “Still have to run it by them first though. Just wanted to get your take on it beforehoof.”

“We’ll all have to talk about it.”

“Good. That and I’m really anxious to do something else with you, Arc.”

“Oh?”

Rainbow Dash blushes slightly. “I... want to know what it’s like to be with you. Like the others during their dates.”

“With me in what regard?”

“Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, and Derpy told us all about spending absolutely magical nights with you. Three of which took place in this very bed, I head. I just want to know exactly what it’s like to be with you, Arc. Feel your skin against mine as I’m held in your arms.”

“So you want us to sleep together?”

“Well, I mean we technically already did the other day.”

“But both of us were too sick to really do much other than just lie there.”

“Right. So... could we sleep together tonight. Totally bare?”

Arc nods. “If that’s what you want, then yes.”

Grinning, Rainbow Dash slides her shorts down along with Arc’s. Tossing them both aside, she lays down on top of him and sighs contentedly.

“This is awesome!”

Arc smiles as he puts his arms around her. “Comfy?”

“Very!”

“I have to admit, it does feel nice holding you, Rainbow Dash.”

“Raine, remember?”

Arc chuckles. “Fine... Raine.”

He leans down and kisses the top of her head. Rainbow Dash moans lightly as he does so. Moving down to her cheek, he pecks his way across her face to approach her lips. However as he does so, his partner quickly turns away.

“Sorry. Did I go too far?”

Rainbow Dash continues to look away. “It... it’s not that. I just... um... feel kinda bad about doing that with you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Kissing?”

“Sorta. You see, that guy at the roller skating rink, he... he kissed me.”

“You already told me that, remember.”

“I know, but... it just feels like I’d be cheating you if I were to...”

She is cut off as Arc puts a hand on her chin. Turning her face toward himself, he smiles and whispers to her.

“You did nothing wrong.”

Leaning forward, their lips meet. Surprised at first, Rainbow Dash’s eyes slowly close as she melts into Arc’s embrace. Leaning to the kiss, the pair continue making out for some time. Eventually, as they pull back, Rainbow Dash looks to Arc nervously.

“I... I’m not...”

“Not what?”

“Good enough to deserve this.”

“It isn’t about deserving it, Rainbow... Raine. After all, I don’t really deserve you and the others. Yet you all want to be with me.”

“I say that you do though.”

Arc sighs. “Having the love of so many mares really seems unfair though.”

“And we think it’s unfair for you to be limited to just one mare, as you’re just so darn sexy, Arc.”

“So are you, Raine. So are you.”

Smiling widely, Rainbow Dash leans towards Arc and plants a kiss on his lips as she wraps her arms around his neck and holds him close.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 8 - A 'Happy Ending'

The next morning Arc awakens to a slow and steady rain pelting the glass window behind the bed. Looking down, he spies a sleeping Rainbow Dash’s face pressed against his chest. Smiling, he gently pets her hair as he lies there peacefully and listens to the rain. Eventually she groans slightly and opens her eyes. Looking around with a bewildered look on her face, Rainbow Dash eventually turns her head to look at Arc.

“Where... am I?”

“My parent’s room, remember?”

Rainbow Dash smiles sleepily. “I... kinda thought I was still dreaming.”

Arc shakes his head. "Nah. Believe me when I say that this is all real.”

Rainbow Dash presses her cheek to his chest again as she looks up at him lovingly. “That it is.”

“So... what do you want to do today?”

“I dunno. Maybe just kinda chill here.”

She smirks seductively and gives one of her breasts a quick squeeze before continuing.

“Bare.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounding more like Hammer all the time there, Raine.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “What can I say? We both like the same stuff.”

“How about we start with breakfast then?”

“Just something quick though, Arc. After all, there is one thing I’d like to do today.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Well, you see...”

A short time later, Arc and Rainbow Dash step out of a portal inside his quarters in Light’s Hope. Arc closes it behind them as he turns to his date.

“Okay, we’re here. Now then, what is it that you were so excited to do?”

Rainbow Dash turns to him and takes his hand. “Like I said the other day, I just want something that the others have gotten from you already.”

“In regards to...?”

“I wanna shower with you, Arc!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh... okay. But did we really have to come all the way back to Light’s Hope just to do that though? I mean, my place back on Earth has a...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “Yeah, yeah, I know you had a bathtub back there. However, this place has a really big walk-in shower though! Plenty of room for multiple individuals to get cleaned up!”

She licks her lips seductively as she leans in close. Taking Arc’s hand, Rainbow Dash puts it on her backside.

“Or get dirty”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Let’s just get ready for the day ahead.”

Frowning, Rainbow Dash leads him into the bathroom. Turning on the water, she gets it to just the right temperature before whipping off her oversized t-shirt (which just so happens to be the only article of clothing she is currently wearing) and tossing it aside. Looking over her now bare shoulder, she grins slyly.

“Been looking forward to this for a LONG time now, Arc!”

Arc shakes his head and chuckles. “Guessing you didn’t get this idea from Hammer.”

Rainbow Dash laugh heartily. “Twilight actually. She says she’s bathed with you numerous times before and totally loved it. That true?”

“It is, yes.”

“Then I want in on that action!”

Running over to him, Rainbow Dash quickly pulls his shorts down to his ankles. Looking up she takes a look at his member hanging in front of her face. Blushing heavily, she stares at it for a long moment before composing herself.

“That’s, um... a really nice... thing you got there, Arc.”

“Glad you like it.”

“Couldn’t see it last night. Sure felt it though.”

Arc chuckles as he gestures to the shower. “Why don’t we get in the shower and get cleaned up now? Don’t want to use up all the hot water.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes as she latches onto Arc’s arm. “Like this place even could.”

“You never know.”

Stepping into the large walk-in shower, Rainbow Dash strides over to the stream of water and stands under it in order to get her hair wet. Running her fingers through it, she looks over her shoulder to Arc with a wicked grin on her face.

“You like what you see?”

Arc nods. “Admittedly, yes.”

“Wanna wash me, stud?”

“Sure.”

Grabbing a bar of soap and a washcloth, Arc gets a lather going as Rainbow Dash leans against a wall patiently. He begins with her face and neck. She giggles as he works.

“Hey now, that tickles!”

Arc grins. “You like it?”

“Yeah!”

“Didn’t know you were so ticklish.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Neither did I. But that’s probably because I’m not the one doing the washing though.”

“I figured it was your first time bathing with someone else.”

“Other than my parents you mean, right?

“Yup.”

Rainbow Dash looks away nervously. “Uh... kinda isn’t.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Oh?”

Rainbow Dash blushes slightly as she speaks. “You see, Zephyr Breeze and I used to bathe together when we were staying the night at each other’s houses as foals. Obviously nothing really happened back then, as we were so young.”

Smiling strangely, she continues.

“We spent most of the time in the tub playing a game called ‘submarine’.”

Arc lathers the washcloth again as he speaks. “I can just imagine what that entailed.”

“The tub itself pretty big even by pony standards, so it was like a small pool for us at that age. One of us would close our eyes and go under the bubbly water to pretend to be submarine. We called that role the ‘seeker’. It was their job to try and find the other blindly while the other did their best to stay out of reach by moving slowly and quietly. Of course they got to keep their eyes open.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like you two had a lot of fun with that.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “We did. That is, until one time.”

“Oh? What happened?”

“My parents had taken me to see a show the night before. It was a traveling circus which specialized in aquatic creatures. They had this totally huge tank which had clear sides in it to let the audience see everything. There were a bunch of dolphins in there doing some really cool tricks! One by one they leapt into the air and dove back in so smoothly that they just kinda glided through the water effortlessly. Didn’t even have to use their flippers, as the momentum of the jump just kinda allowed them to keep going for what felt like forever.”

“Inertia.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Uh... what?”

“An object in motions stays in motion.”

“Well... they were certainly moving around a lot. When they dove, the dolphins arched their backs to do this really cool arcing maneuver. Back then I just kinda thought it was magic, or something!”

“I suppose it would look like that to a foal. But it’s really just applied physics.”

Rainbow Dash smiles strangely again. “Yeah, well... at one point I got this idea in my head that I wanted to try out those moves myself. So the next time Zephyr Breeze and I were playing ‘submarine’ in the tub together I went underwater, put my back hooves on the side of the tub, and pushed forward as hard as I could with my front hooves at my side to make for less resistance. Since it was a rule, and because of the bubble bath in the water, I had my eyes closed and couldn’t see where I was going at the time.”

“Did you find him?”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Kinda, yeah.”

Arc appears confused. “Kinda?”

“Well... I found part of him.”

“What do you mean?”

Rainbow Dash looks away as she blushes. “I... might’ve drifted underneath Zephyr and between his hind legs. When I lost enough momentum I went to surface for air. But instead of coming up, it just brought something small and soft into my face.”

“Uh oh. What was it?”

Rainbow Dash makes a face. “His... balls.”

“I thought so.”

“It’s not like I’d never seen a colt’s package before, of course. But this time it was literally pressed into my face. I instinctively gasped, which made me breathe in some water. That caused me to thrash around, knocking Zephyr away so that I could surface. And... ah... throw up all over him in the process.”

“Not the best childhood memory, huh?”

Rainbow Dash groans and puts a hand to her belly. “This happened a lot of years ago. But to this day the thought of what happened back then still makes me kinda sick when I think about it.”

“You don’t really blame him for it though, right? I mean... to me it just sounds like an honest mistake.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah, I don’t hold that against him in the least. I mean... if anything, that whole mess was my fault. But... I couldn’t look at him the same way ever again after that.”

“Um... does what we’re doing here... make you uncomfortable?”

“Huh?”

“Being in the shower with me.”

“No way! Why would it?!”

“Well... I just figured that after something like that happened, bathing with someone might be... difficult.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “To be totally honest with you, it... kinda was.”

“So what changed?”

“Look, Arc... can I tell you a secret?”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

“To tell you the truth, for the longest time, I uh... I’ve been dreading... ah... seeing your... package.”

“For how long exactly?”

“Since we all confessed our feelings for you.”

“But what were you planning on doing if we hit it off?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I dunno. Frankly, I didn’t think things would really get this far.”

“I’m pretty surprised to hear this. After all, you’ve always kinda been the... um... how do I put this?”

“The most sexually forward mare of the group?”

“You said it, I didn’t.”

Rainbow Dash looks away. “That’s... kinda just my way of coping with it. Normalizing sexual stuff in my mind. Is that bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. But now that this whole thing is out in the open, why don’t you tell me how you really feel?”

“About what?”

“Me.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You’re a really cool stallion, Arc!”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“You mean sexually?”

“Yeah.”

“I... I really do like you. Well, more than just like. You’re like nopony I’ve ever met before, Arc. And, I... I would like to expand on that in the future.”

“But...?”

Rainbow Dash bows her head. “But I don’t know if I’m ready to go that far with you just yet.”

She sighs before looking to him out of the corner of her eye and continuing.

“Guess you must be really disappointed to hear that this super-forward mare is actually just a sexual coward.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all.”

“Oh?”

“I’m happy that you were able to work up the courage to tell me about this. After all, I’d have felt really bad if at some point in the future had done something that made you feel uncomfortable without knowing.”

“Yeah well, I... do appreciate that. But, ah... I’ve heard that the best way to get over a fear is to face it head-on.”

“Sometimes, yes.”

“Then... do you think I could...?”

Instinctively looking around to again verify that they are alone, she whispers something in Arc’s ear. He nods silently and moves a couple feet away so as to remove himself from the flow of the shower head. A few moments later Rainbow Dash takes a deep breath and crawls toward him on her hands and knees. As her face comes to within a couple feet of his, her eyes meet his for a moment as Arc takes one of her hands and holds it. Reaching forward with the other, Rainbow Dash draws her finger across Arc’s... you know. She strokes it a few times before looking up at Arc and smiling strangely.

“It’s... a lot bigger than Zephyr Breeze’s was.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I would hope so.”

Rainbow Dash laughs nervously and looks away. “I guess that was kind of a dumb thing for me to say. Comparing a colt’s thing to a full grown stallion, that is.”

“And how does this make you feel?”

“A little... strange actually. Like, on the one hoof, my brain is screaming at me to stop. While my heart is whispering that it wants me to keep going.”

Arc grimaces. “Well, you should probably stop now.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide as she gasps. “Did I do something wrong?!”

Arc shakes his head. “N-no. It’s just... I don’t want to get turned on. Well... any more than I already am, that is.”

Rainbow Dash pulls her hand back as she see the apparent effects of her actions. “Yeah, it looks like you enjoyed what I was doing to you.”

“That I did.”

“I honestly didn’t even notice how big it was getting!”

“Admittedly, I’m pretty average for a human.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “Nothing average about you though, Arc!”

“In that regard I am.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow as her eyes move down to stare at his pelvic region. “Seriously?!”

Arc nods. “Yup. Human males come in all sizes down there.”

“Is that a good or bad thing?”

“Neither. We’re kinda like human female’s breasts in that regard. Male genitalia come in all shapes and sizes. Some are long while others are short.”

“Hm...”

“Something on your mind?”

“Kinda. It’s just... humans really are interesting, what with all the variations you can have. Body size, skin tone, and even shapes to a degree.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Shapes?”

Rainbow Dash puts a hand on her belly. “Some humans are big in the midsection.”

“Ah! We usually refer to that as being ‘overweight’.”

“Is that bad?”

“It can be, yes. That is, if the human in question’s weight gets out of control. Can I assume ponies don’t usually have that problem?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Nah. I mean, every once in a while you might see somepony who’s got a bit of a bulge down there. But if they’re a mare everypony just kinda assumes that they’re pregnant. And they usually are.”

“Makes sense though, what with ponies having an all plant diet.”

“We do eat a lot of sweets though. Well, some more than others, I mean.”

Arc chuckles. “Pinkie Pie?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “I don’t get how she isn’t the size of a house! After all, she eats almost nothing but cupcakes, pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies, and anything else you can think of that’s sugary!”

“Seriously?”

“No joke. Her metabolism must work crazy fast.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Speed of light fast, you mean.”

“Well... we’re kinda getting off topic now.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I was just trying to say that I thought humans were more... unique than ponies are.”

“But ponies have different mane colors, hairstyles, and cutie marks.”

“True. But our body shapes are roughly about the same, so it’s easy to get lost in the crowd here.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “And the fact that we don’t generally wear clothes limits our individuality even further.”

“Is that a bad thing though? I mean... pony versus humans... Equestria versus Earth... both sides have their good points as well as their faults.”

Rainbow Dash groans as she pulls her knees up to her chest and rests her chin on them. “No idea. I mean, I do get what you’re saying, Arc. But... I have really enjoyed my time on Earth as a human mare.”

“So what are you getting at?”

“I dunno. Guess I’m just feeling a bit... overwhelmed by this newfound individuality. But one thing I don’t understand is why I never noticed it before.”

“You can’t miss what you never had.”

“Makes sense. But where do I go from here?”

Arc puts an arm around her shoulder and pulls her close. “No idea. But know this. You’ll aways be special to me, Rainbow Dash.”

“Even if... even if I choose not to join the herd with the others?”

“Right.”

Rainbow Dash smiles as she lays her head on his shoulder. “Thanks. That means a lot coming from you.”

Arc rests his head on top of hers. “Everyone whom joins needs to do so of their own free will. But those that decide not to, for any reason, shouldn’t be looked down on as being any less special than the ones that do join.”

“Even if I’m just an... um... aunt whom sometimes spends the night with you?”

“I don’t have a problem with doing whatever makes you comfortable. But me sleeping with someone outside the herd is something that everyone would have to agree to.”

“They’d probably say ‘yes’ though.”

“For you, probably. However, I’m a little worried that it could start something.”

Rainbow Dash looks up at him, confused. “Like what?”

“Others seeking to gain my favor. It’s something that the princesses have long since feared.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Can you tell me more about that?”

“Luna explained to me some time ago that both her and her sister intentionally avoid intimate relationships out of fear that their authority could be used and abused by their spouses.”

“I just always thought they were too busy, or something.”

“There’s that too. But someone could do that to me as well.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “You mean... getting close to try and get you to bed them?”

Arc nods. “And then asking for favors.”

“That sounds awful though!”

“True. But it is plausible nonetheless.”

“You know I wouldn’t do that to you though, right?!”

“No, you wouldn’t. That and we were friends before I came into my position as the Hero of Light.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I... don’t really know what to do then.”

“About joining?”

“Yeah. I mean... I do want to... be part of this whole herd thing. But at the same time I also don’t feel like I’m ready.”

Arc smiles. “And that’s okay.”

Rainbow Dash sits up and looks him in the eye. “How?! I mean... you deserve mares that can give you what you want, Arc!”

“And maybe one day that will be you.”

“But that could be a long time from now!”

Arc shrugs. “Whenever you’re ready is fine with me.”

“What if it’s years though?!”

“Then it’s years.”

“And if it’s never the right time?!”

Arc takes her hand. “Look, all I want is for you to be happy, Rainbow Dash. If that’s with you in the herd, great. If it means that you want to stay single, okay. And if you find someone else that can give you what you want, then I and the others will be happy for you and wish you well in that.”

Grinning silently for a few moments, Rainbow Dash suddenly lunges forward to knock Arc onto his back. Before he can utter a single word though she jumps on top of him and presses her lips to his. Wrapping her arms around his neck, the young woman continues passionately kissing him as Arc puts his arms around her back and pulls her closer. After a few moments, he rolls over to lie over top of his date. Looking up at him seductively, she speaks.

“Rough!”

Arc blushes, slightly embarrassed. “Oh! Um... s-sorry!”

“For what?”

“That was a bit too forward.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “But I like it that way!”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

“Do more!”

Arc chuckles. “I don’t think either of us is truly really ready for that though.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Yeah. Probably not.”

“Glad you understand.”

“Oh, I understand that and then some, Arc!”

“Oh?”

“Here’s how I see it. I love you and you love me, right?”

Arc nods. “Right.”

“So, at least the way it works in my mind, I don’t really care if we’re married or not. I just want somepony that I can trust completely to take my body and just totally demolish it!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Sure thing, my little Hammer clone.”

Rainbow Dash smiles devilishly. “It sounds totally hot when you say things like that.”

“Please stop talking.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Have it your way.”

Grabbing his shoulders, Rainbow Dash pulls Arc down again for another passionate kissing session. However, as she does so, his earring suddenly chirps. Sighing, she pulls back and lays her head on his chest as Arc answers the call.

“Arc here.”

“Hey! This here’s Hammer! We got a bit of a development over here! You still on Earth?!”

“I’m actually in my personal shower here in Light’s Hope.”

Hammer gasps. “What?! Where’s blue?!”

Rainbow Dash calls out loudly. “I’m here too, cupcake!”

“In the shower?!”

“Yup!”

There is a short pause before Hammer speaks again.

“Can I get in on that action?!”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Sure! Arc can open a portal for you!”

Arc groans. “About the situation, Hammer?”

“Oh! Uh... right! Princess Twilight has just ordered some of our airships to start sending over troops and materials to The Badlands.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he quickly sits up and leans against the tile wall behind him. “Wait... what?!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs as she crawls forward to sit in Arc’s lap. “What’s the big deal there, cupcake? I mean... we were planning to launch the attack in the spring anyways.”

“Right, blue. But it’s still a bit early for that, what with things still getting awfully cold at night.”

Arc nods soberly. “Magic not working over there means that we would have to rely on conventional means of fighting and survival. No magic heaters or spells. Just tents and regular blankets.”

Hammer nods. “Right. That’s why I was so surprised to hear the order to gather for deployment go out.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Arc should probably go see Twilight and figure out what’s up then.”

Hammer chuckles. “Yeah. That is... after you and Arc are... finished.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I see what you did there.”

“Guilty as charged. But don’t worry about running over here too quickly. After all, we’ll still be here.”

“Give us a few minutes to finish up in here and I’ll head over to Canterlot.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Finish up?”

Arc frowns. “Don’t you start too.”

“Alright, Arc. See you over here in a bit.”

“Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Standing, he heads for the shower knob.

“Better get moving before...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “Uh... aren’t you forgetting something?”

Arc turns to her, confused. “What?”

Rainbow Dash grins widely as she holds up a fresh washcloth and a bar of soap. “You haven’t actually gotten cleaned up yet.”

“Oh... right. Should probably do that first.”

Rainbow Dash nods as she tosses the soap from one hand to the other. “My turn!”

Arc frowns. “But you’re already clean.”

“I meant to wash you, silly!”

“Ah! Right. Now I just feel dumb.”

Rainbow Dash smirks as she lathers up the washcloth. “I won’t tell. That is, if you’ll let me wash you... everywhere.”

Arc chuckles. “Alright. Go ahead.”

“Oh, yeah!”

Sometime later, Arc and Rainbow Dash step out of the shower together. Pulling some clean clothes out of his ring, Arc hurriedly dresses as his date takes her time drying off before picking up her oversized t-shirt from last night. Arc turns to her and chuckles.

“Sure you want to wear that?”

Rainbow Dash nods fervently as her head pops through. “It’s comfy.”

“True. But remember, it’s not exactly warm out there.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Well, what else can I do? Can’t exactly walk out there bare.”

“Good thing I grabbed these then.”

Reaching for his ring, he pulls out jeans, a shirt, undergarments, and the leather coat he purchased his date. Handing them over, Rainbow Dash grins at him.

“Thanks!”

“Just thinking ahead. Now then, why don’t you get dressed while I finish getting ready?”

Rainbow Dash winks as she gives him a thumbs up. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

As she dresses, Arc puts some toothpaste on his toothbrush and begins doing his morning business. A few moments later he spits and rinses his mouth out before grabbing a comb from a shelf nearby and looking in the mirror before him. Spotting Rainbow Dash in the reflection before him as she clips her bra, he chuckles. She looks up and strikes a pose.

“Like what you see?”

Arc nods. “You are really pretty, yes.”

“Well, don’t let it slow us down.”

“Us?”

“We need to get to Canterlot Castle and figure out what the hay is going on over there!”

“You’re coming with me?”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “We’re still on our date!”

“Um... this kinda ends it. I think.”

“Well... I do still need somepony to turn me back to my normal form too!”

“Now there you have a point.”

A few minutes later Arc finishes combing his hair. Rainbow Dash hurries over to him and tugs at his arm.

“Come on!”

“Don’t you want to brush your...?”

Rainbow Dash interrupts him. “I hardly ever do that anyways! Let’s go!”

Shrugging, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. As Rainbow Dash moves to step forward Arc holds out a hand to stop her. Frowning, she looks to him.

“What’s the hold up?!”

“I just... uh... remembered something.”

“Huh?”

“My quarters in the castle are... um... sorta part of an ongoing... mission of sorts.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “That doesn’t make any sense, Arc!”

Arc sighs as he closes the portal. “Please... just trust me on this.”

“Fine. But how are we going to get to Canterlot Castle then?”

“The Equinox should be in the castle’s hanger. We can take a portal to my room aboard ship.”

Rainbow Dash groans impatiently. “Whatever! Let’s just GO!”

Opening a new portal, Arc is forcefully pulled through by his date. Arriving in his quarters aboard The Equinox, she begins dragging him toward the door. Making their way outside the ship, the pair hurry down the gangplank to see the hanger filled with support crews loading various supplies aboard the Lunar Destiny. Twilight stands on a catwalk overhead directing them via megaphone as Spike stands by her side checking things off of a list. Arc Blinks them up to Twilight’s position. Spotting them as they approach she grins and calls out happily through the megaphone.

“WELCOME BACK YOU TWO! HOW WAS EARTH?!”

The pair instinctively cover their ears as she speaks. Rainbow Dash cries out.

“Turn down the decibels, Twilight!”

Twilight lowers the megaphone slightly and smiles sheepishly. “Sorry!”

Turning to the ponies below, Twilight calls out.

“EVERYPONY, TAKE FIVE!”

The workers all put down their loads and sit down on their haunches to rest. Arc turns back to Twilight.

“Looks like you’re working them pretty hard.”

Twilight opens her mouth to speak but is cut off as Spike pulls the megaphone from her magical aura.

“I’ll take that.”

Rainbow Dash breathes a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Spike.”

Spike shrugs as he tosses it over his shoulder. “Eh. Don’t mention it.”

Twilight giggles. “How was your date, Rainbow Dash?!”

Rainbow Dash looks away nervously. “It was... um... really enlightening.”

Spike frowns. “Uh oh. That doesn’t sound good.”

Arc chuckles. “We did have a nice time, yes.”

Rainbow Dash folds her arms over her chest. “Right! But we came back just as soon as we heard about you moving up the timetable for the invasion!”

Arc nods. “Why didn’t you call us?”

Spike puts a claw on his friend’s side. “Told you to do that, Twilight.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “Yes, well... I was going to do that.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Really?! When?!”

“After we finished this list.”

Spike facepalms. “That was five lists ago, Twilight!”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side. “Seriously?!”

“Sorry! I really did plan to contact you two! But... things just sorta got... busy here, and I... uh...!”

Arc interrupts her. “Forget it, Twilight. I know how caught up in projects you get.”

Spike smirks. “That’s an understatement.”

Rainbow Dash motions to the comings and goings below. “So what’s up with all this, Twilight?”

“Well... I’m just getting a head start on making sure we’re ready to go when the time is right. It’s still going to take a few days to load the supplies, check them, and recheck everything after all. That’s why I wasn’t too worried about notifying you two back on Earth.”

Spike folds his arms over his chest. “Sure that was the only reason, Twilight?”

Twilight sighs. “That and I really didn’t want to interrupt... whatever was going on over there either.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Thanks for that! Arc and I were actually in the shower when we heard the news.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “So... things did go okay on your date then?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But we can talk about that later, Twilight. What’s the status of the invasion?”

Twilight lowers her voice. “We probably shouldn’t talk about that here.”

She turns to Spike before continuing.

“Think you can take over here for a while?”

Spike nods. “Sure. I’ll just check things off as they go by like you were.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “You can do it, big fella!”

Twilight motions to the corridor. “We can talk in Auriel’s room. She’s not in the castle right now, it’s secure, and I believe you have a sigil in there, Arc.”

Arc smiles. “Sounds like a plan.”

Rainbow Dash points at Arc’s gauntlet. “Let’s go!”

Arc opens a portal and leads the pair through. As it closes, Spike picks up the megaphone and smiles wickedly.

“Been waiting my whole life for this moment.”

Taking a deep breath, he calls out loudly.

“ALRIGHT EVERYPONY! BREAK TIME IS OVER! GET BACK TO IT!”

The workers hurriedly get to their feet and again start moving supplies. Spike mutters to himself as he checks items off the list with a quill held in the cruck of his tail.

“Always wanted to do that.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash step out of the portal into Auriel’s cleaner than normal room. Walking over to the couch, Twilight motions to it with a hoof.

“Why don’t you two have a seat?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, I think we’d better.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “And talk quietly. After all, the walls have ears.”

Twilight giggles. “Is that from a Daring-Do book?”

Rainbow Dash nods as she sits down with Arc. “Yup. The latest one.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Before we start, I just need to check one thing.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls his helmet from within and puts it on. Looking Twilight over for a few moments, he removes the helmet and again stows it in his ring.

“There. You’re Twilight.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “I could have told you that, Arc.”

Twilight sighs. “I believe Arc was just checking to make sure I wasn’t a changeling.”

Arc nods. “Yup. Truesight Enchantment for the win. Now then, about the invasion. If I recall correctly, we all agreed that it wouldn’t happen until spring in order to prevent our forces from being lost to the extreme cold of the Badlands at night.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Yeah! What gives, Twilight?!”

Twilight smiles nervously. “I’ve... decided to move it up.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

“Because... ah... spring is... coming a bit... uh... early this year, it seems.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Yeah right, Twilight.”

“No, it really is.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “Uh... how?”

Arc quickly chimes in. “Wait a second. I thought the Pegasi in Cloudsdale controlled Equestria’s weather already. How is making spring come sooner somehow outside the norm?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “We can only control the weather patterns, Arc. Not the temperature or seasons.”

Twilight nods. “Right. At least normally, that is.”

Rainbow Dash returns her gaze to Twilight. “Which leads me back to my earlier question. How?”

Arc smiles at Twilight. “Yes, do tell.”

“It all started this morning over breakfast. Princess Celestia and I were eating together in her room when she asked how preparations for the invasion were going. I told her that all the supplies for the initial push into the south had been prepared and simply needed to be shipped to Canterlot for dispersal to the Badlands.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “What’s that have to do with the weather though?”

“Let her continue and we might find out, Rainbow Dash.”

“Princess Celestia was very impressed the such a thing had come together so quickly, and told me of a plan she had come up with in greatest secrecy.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “A secret plan from a demoted princess?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I don’t like the sound of that either.”

Twilight looks to the pair with a pleading look on her face. “Please at least hear it out.”

Arc sighs. “We will.”

Rainbow Dash turns away angrily. “Doesn’t mean we have to like it though!”

Twilight looks to Arc. “The princess told me of a book kept safe inside the Royal Armory that had forbidden spells recorded within it. One of them could be used to speed the change of seasons.”

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

Rainbow Dash shakes her head vehemently. “Not a chance!”

Twilight frowns. “Princess Celestia tells me that it is, yes.”

“Then why’s it locked away, Twilight?!”

Arc chimes in. “My guess would be to prevent someone from arbitrarily messing with nature I would imagine.”

Twilight nods. “Arc is right. Imagine if this spell were common knowledge. Any sufficiently powerful magic user could hasten the season’s change at a whim.”

Arc looks out the window at the scene outside. “So the spell has already been cast?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “I thought it felt a little warmer than normal in the castle’s hanger!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not yet, no. The book in question is still in the vault at the moment. Remember, it takes two princesses to open that particular door.”

She turns to Rainbow Dash before continuing.

“Believe me when I say that any abnormal warmth you’ve felt thus far has been completely natural since I haven’t authorized the use of the spell. At least not yet.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “So you ARE planning to use it?!”

“Yes, Rainbow Dash. We need to get this plan underway as soon as possible.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Then why haven’t you asked Luna to help you open the vault yet?

Twilight sighs and looks down at the floor. “I... wanted to run this by your first, Arc.”

“Me?”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “But you’re the ruling princess here, Twilight! You don’t need Arc’s permission to do anything!”

“I know. However, this whole thing is really...”

There is a sudden knock at the door. Her horn aglow, Twilight reaches out with a Telekinesis Spell to open it. No sooner has she done so however than Luna herself rushes into the room. In her haste though she trips over her own hooves and falls to the floor. Quickly getting up, she looks to Twilight with a pained expression on her face.

“I’ve just heard that we’re preparing to move on the Badlands, Twilight! Is that true?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Kinda. It’s still going to take a day or so to prepare the Lunar Destiny for the flight over there.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “You didn’t even tell Princess Luna about this, Twilight?!”

Twilight bows her head and groans. “Truth be told, I was planning to do that at the same time I called to inform you and Arc. But I just kinda... got ahead of myself.”

Arc nods soberly. “Then I think that you need to bring Luna up to date on what you’ve told us already.”

Luna sits down as Twilight begins to do just that. A few minutes later she finishes.

“And that’s where we stand at the moment, Luna.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “And my sister just happened to remember the tome in question this very morning?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, it sounded more to me like she’s had this in the back of her mind since we decided to attack the Badlands.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “Then why wait until now to bring it up?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Right. We could have been using that spell to gradually warm things up slowly over time.”

Twilight sighs. “I did mention such an idea to her already, yes. However, Princess Celestia told me that she didn’t want to risk upsetting the natural balance of things unless the need was dire.”

Arc turns to Rainbow Dash. “That and I assume such a thing could cause panic amongst the public.”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I’d sure be worried if I went to bed one night with snow falling and woke up the next morning to the sun shining and swimming weather.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “It still doesn’t make sense that my sister wouldn’t have said a word about this to anypony though.”

Twilight clears her throat loudly. “Putting aside her secrecy, I think that this spell could be very beneficial to our cause.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Arc. “What do you think?”

“Me?”

“Your magic is really powerful, after all.”

“I suppose it is. However, something like this is way beyond my ability to understand.”

Luna nods. “Perhaps even mine. I would venture a guess that my sister may be the only pony in the land whom could cast such a thing properly.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “So she just needs Twilight and you to open the vault for her?”

Twilight nods. “Or just me and her.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What?! But I thought she wasn’t a princess right now!”

Luna smiles at the young Pegasus before her. “Legally, yes. However, that does not change the fact that she has Alicorn Magic, nor prevent her from using it.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. I just relieved her of her royal position. But I couldn’t really turn off her magic.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “Think of it like revoking a doctor’s medical license, Rainbow Dash. It would only prevent them from practicing medicine legally. They would still retain all the knowledge and skills gained from the time in their position, after all.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “So, what are we going to do then?!”

Luna sighs. “That’s up to Twilight.”

Twilight appears confused. “You mean ‘us’, right Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “Remember, you are the ruling princess, Twilight. And as such the decision in this matter falls to you.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “What do you suggest?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well... at the very least, we should probably go see her. Listen to what your mentor has to say on the matter. After all, you could always say ‘no’.”

Twilight stands. “Then that’s what we’ll do. Would you and Luna please accompany me?”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

Luna smiles. “I’ll have to leave this matter to you two. Audiences will be starting soon, after all.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Considering what’s going on right now, you could just cancel them.”

Arc frowns. “Not the best idea there, Rainbow Dash.”

Twilight gestures out the window. “Right. The public gets nervous whenever we do that. Moreso if it looks as if we’re hiding something from them.”

Luna sighs. “Which we are, mind you.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Kinda gotta though.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Agreed. Now then, shall we head to Princess Celestia’s chambers?”

Arc nods as he rises. “Sure. Just one thing first though.”

Looking over to Rainbow Dash, Arc smiles and takes her hand as he bows respectfully and addresses her.

“Thank you very much for the date.”

Rainbow Dash grins widely. “Y-yeah. Thanks for taking me out.”

Twilight giggles. “We all look forward to hearing about it at the next meeting.”

“I’ll be there. Promise.”

Arc puts a hand on the telephone receiver. “Before we go though, I should probably call for Sereb to turn you back into a mare, Rainbow Dash.”

Luna steps forward. “Not to worry, Arc. I’ll take care of that.”

“Alright. Thanks, Luna.”

He and Twilight head for the door. As they leave, Luna turns to Rainbow Dash, her horn aglow.

“Are you ready?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “Actually, I’m not.”

Luna looks away nervously. “If you would prefer somepony else do this...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts her. “No, no! It’s just...!”

Sighing, she continues.

“...I wanted to tell you something.”

“Oh?”

“S-sorry.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Whatever for?”

“Blowing up at you a while back.”

Luna waves a hoof dismissively. “Not to worry, as it’s in the past. That and I still don’t really understand what that was all about anyways.”

“I was... scared that you were trying to take Arc away from me. Us! The herd, I mean!”

“Take him away?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. As in keeping him just for yourself.”

“Admittedly, I didn’t really understand why you were so upset with me back then. Had I known, I could have put your mind at ease.”

“How?”

“By being honest with you about my position.”

“No need to worry about that. Arc and I had a long conversation about everything back on Earth.”

Luna looks around nervously. “What about?”

“Your relationship with him. He really made me see that you’re not a threat to the herd.”

“Arc did that?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. And that leads me to say... that if you want to join the herd, I’ll do my very best to give you the benefit of the doubt.”

Luna raises an eyebrow, confused. “I... uh... thank you.”

“Don’t mention it, princess.”

“But might I ask what exactly brought this conversation about?”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Honestly, I can’t remember. But I’m still glad it happened. Can I ask you something though?”

“I... suppose so.”

“How does Arc make you feel?”

“Feel?”

“Is it all warm and fuzzy? Or is it more like cool and tingly?”

“I don’t... feel either way.”

“Then can you describe it to me?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin as she thinks. “Well... he does make me feel very... whole.”

Rainbow Dash smirks. “Yeah, I get that. And he does it just by talking usually.”

Luna smiles. “That he does.”

“We... all really like him. A lot. So you see why I was so worried about somepony taking him away, right?”

“Yes indeed. But... might I ask you something rather... strange?”

“Like what?”

“I... was just wondering... what it is that makes you think I would make a good addition to Arc’s... herd, as it were?”

“It’s kinda complicated actually. I mean... my first reaction when Arc and I talked about this matter was how you’d be over all of us.”

“Over you?”

“You’re a princess, after all. We’re just commoners.”

“What about Twilight?”

Rainbow Dash laughs heartily. “She’s just one of the girls to us! A fancy title doesn’t change that!”

“You said that you and Arc spoke about this a few moments ago. Does that mean that he is... interested in me?”

“I guess. Well... that’s kinda for him to say though.”

“Tell me, does he ever speak of me?”

“You mean other than during that conversation, right?”

“Yes.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Sometime, yeah.”

“In what way?”

Rainbow Dash puts a finger to her cheek thoughtfully. “Hm... can’t really think of any particular conversations. But the general tone of his voice is really... happy. That and I’ve always heard him speak casually about you.”

“Casually?”

“Sorry. That... didn’t come out right. What I meant to say is that when he refers to you it isn’t some dry, formal tone he’s using. But something more... what’s the word...?

She thinks for a few moments before speaking again.

“Friendly. Like he’s talking about someone really close to him.”

Luna appears relieved. “That’s a good thing I would think.”

“Oh yeah. He also doesn’t overly lower himself or bow and scrape like everypony else does for you and Princess Celestia. Arc just kinda talks about you as if you were the same as anypony else. But with the respect any good friend would expect.”

“Like he talks to me when we are face to face I would imagine.

“Arc doesn’t ever seem to change the way he acts when somepony important is around. In fact, the only times he’s ever changed his tone that I’ve seen is when he’s really mad.”

“Is that... bad?”

“I don’t think so. After all, when he’s upset it’s generally justified.”

“Can you give me an example?”

“Well... remember the battle in front of his base during the peace summit?”

Luna sighs. “Cadance and I only heard it from within the ship. But yes.”

“My friends and I saw him fighting his hardest to protect the base, and us inside it. He was really going at the baddies, and I mean savagely! Well... once he joined the fight, that is. Anyways, the way he went at them was like a crazed madpony! If I’d have been on the other side of that fight, I think even I’d have thought twice about what I was doing!”

“So it frightened you?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not at all. To be honest with you, it was quite the opposite.”

“Opposite?”

“He was giving it his all back there. Not holding anything back. And it was all for those of us inside Light’s Hope. My friends and I as well as the world leaders that were in attendance. And I know for a fact that if it had come right down to it... he would have sacrificed himself to stop them from getting to us.”

Luna smiles. “Very admirable!”

“Then there was the time Decimus was holding all of Ponyville hostage in the orphanage. Even though he must’ve had much bigger problems at the time, Arc brought his forces in to liberate everypony and take us to Abyssinia. Even though he knew it would make him look guilty on the national level.”

“I see. Anything else?”

“Well... maybe it’s not quite the same as the first two examples, but... there was the time he saved me and my friends from ourselves.”

Luna raises an eyebrow, confused. “Yourselves?”

Rainbow Dash blushes slightly. “We all were throwing ourselves at him sexually. And this was BEFORE we fell for him, mind you!”

“Then why...?”

Rainbow Dash interrupts her. “It was some magical mumbo-jumbo thing. I didn’t really understand it at the time we were talking through it. But back then we all felt an insane urge to have Arc sleep with us. My friends and I went over everything afterwards just to compare notes on what the heck had happened.”

She puts a hand on her chest before continuing.

“The feeling of wanting it was just so... so intense! Beyond anything we’d ever felt before! My heart was pounding out of my chest and my backside felt like it was on fire! But he just had Sereb put us all to sleep and got us to the hospital. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and I... we all would have been ‘thrilled to be drilled’ as Pinkie put it later.”

Luna nods soberly. “I do remember Arc telling Cadance and I about that matter, yes. Rest assured that it didn’t go any further than that though.”

Rainbow Dash appears relieved. “Thanks. It... wasn’t exactly something we’d like to become public knowledge, after all. But that did start a dialogue between us six mares in the hospital as we recovered.”

“About Arc?”

Rainbow Dash nods. “How much trouble he went through to help us. And that was after he turned down our advances. We all saw him in a different light after that.”

“You all began developing feelings for him at that point?”

“Sorta. I mean, we were all already friends with Arc by that point. But admittedly that’s all it was up until that point. Platonic friendship. Talking through it as we lay in that ward... it made us all take stock of ourselves and consider what exactly it was that we really wanted in a stallion. One thing led to another and before we knew it, Rarity admitted that actually she wanted to try dating him!”

“How did the others react to that?”

“We were kinda unsure that such a thing would work, naturally. I mean... Arc was our friend, and all. But who ever heard of a pony falling in love with a... um... a non-pony, I guess?”

Luna smiles. “All of you seem to make it work though.”

“Yeah. And hopefully one day everypony who’s joining the herd will come together and have a really cool wedding!”

She grins at Luna before continuing.

“So if you want a shot at it, you’ll get a chance.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I do admit that I hadn’t really thought about such a thing before now.”

“Really?”

Luna shakes her head. “It’s the truth, yes. In fact, Twilight was my first real friend. Well... other than Celestia, that is.”

“You and her really bonded when you were together here in the castle. And I think that’s really cool.”

“If I’m being completely honest, I’ve never actually been romantically attracted to anypony “before.

Rainbow Dash gasps, wide-eyed. “YOU’RE KIDDING!”

“Oh?”

“I mean, as beautiful as you are, I thought you’d have had lots of stallions coming after you!”

Luna bows her head as her ears droop. “My sister was always the popular one. Even before my banishment, that is. But nopony really paid any attention to little Luna. In fact, that’s part of the reason I became Nightmare Moon in the first place and tried to overthrow her.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “But things are different now, right?”

“Oh, yes. Celestia and I have come to terms with what happened back then. However, I had thought that love was out of the question for me. That is... until we had this conversation.”

Rainbow Dash smirks wickedly. “So you ARE interested?!”

Luna blushes slightly as she looks away. “Maybe ‘interested’ isn’t the best word to describe how I feel about Arc.”

“Then what is?”

“Perhaps ‘curious’ would be the better term.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Curious?”

Luna giggles. “Yes. But only because I’ve never really given any thought as to what such feelings might lead to.”

Rainbow Dash smiles slyly. “Wanna find out?”

“A bit, yes. However, as I said, I’m still worried about where it could lead.”

“You’re afraid it might lead to marriage?”

Luna shakes her head. “Quite the opposite actually. I worry what might happen should things... not go according to plan.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “I don’t get it.”

“Right now Arc and I are simply friends. Were he and I to declare, shall we say... feelings for one another, it may very well lead to love and a true relationship, yes. But the other side of that coin would be less than happy.”

“You mean... if it ended badly?”

Luna nods sadly. “Our current relationship would be strained. Perhaps irreparably so.”

“But it might also go really well!”

Luna shrugs. “Nopony truly knows what the future holds. Not even a princess.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“That and I will have unlimited chances to find love, as an Alicorn lives forever.”

Rainbow Dash snaps a finger. “Well, how about thinking about this from that whole coin idea then?”

“Huh?”

“You’ll live forever, yeah. But Arc and the rest of us won’t, save for Twilight, that is. I see it this way princess. Do you want to look back on this time in your life hundreds of years from now and wonder to yourself what could have been?”

Luna looks away. “I... don’t know how I would...”

Rainbow Dash interrupts her as she stands. “You really need to give that some serious thought. So I’ll leave you to do just that.

She nods as Rainbow Dash heads for the door. Luna turns and looks out the window silently as it clicks shut behind the young woman. The air is silent for a few minutes as Luna considers the problem before her. However, she is suddenly pulled back to reality at the sound of the door behind her again opening. Turning to see who it is, she spies Rainbow Dash poking her head inside and smiling sheepishly.

Hey, uh... sorry to interrupt, but... do you think you could turn me back into a mare again?”

Luna smiles as her horn glows. “That I can do, yes.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Twilight arrive at Celestia’s room. Twilight knocks lightly and steps back to wait patiently. A few moments later the door opens and Celestia beckons the pair to enter. Leading them over to the couches, Twilight and Arc sit on one side as Celestia makes herself comfortable on the other. Twilight is the first to speak.

“We’ve come to talk about the Weather Spell.”

Celestia nods. “A very old one, yes.”

She looks to Arc cooly before continuing.

“However, I must point out that this is a matter for royalty only, Twilight. It should only be spoken of outside of our most inner circles.”

Arc opens his mouth to speak, but Twilight puts a hoof on his knee as she responds.

“I understand that, Princess Celestia. However, Arc is our nation’s Hero of Light and my close, personal friend. I trust him to keep this conversation to himself.”

Arc nods soberly. “Certainly.”

Celestia sighs. “Very well.”

Twilight continues. “You mentioned using the spell to move time forward.”

“Not time, Twilight. Just the seasons.”

Arc frowns. “Wouldn’t that be bad for the environment though?”

Twilight gestures toward the window. “Arc’s right. The land, as well as the animals whom dwell here, are used to a certain... climate schedule.”

Celestia nods. “Sunburst has already informed me that the Pegasi could be mobilized nationwide to help rouse them from their shortened winter hibernations. Such would not harm them in any way, save for one.”

“Oh?”

“I’m told they would be slightly... irritated by such a thing.”

Arc chuckles. “Like waking someone up before their alarm clock went off?”

Celestia scoffs. “Yes, I do believe that would be a rather... simplified way of putting it.”

Twilight taps a hoof on the couch before her. “How about the plants and other fauna?”

“Their growth would be slightly stunted, yes. However, I’m told such a thing would be corrected by the warmer temperatures and additional cloud cover to help ease the land into this transition steadily.”

Arc frowns. “Over how long?”

“Three days is how long I estimate it taking.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “That’s pretty fast.”

“It could be done even quicker, Twilight. But for the reasons I’ve already mentioned we should be cautious of expediting the process any further.”

Arc motions to the gray sky outside as a light snow falls. “Do we really need to do this though? I mean... spring will come soon enough.”

Celestia sighs. “Yes, I suppose it would. However, doing so via the natural route would take around two months. The idea behind my proposal is to shorten that span in order to surprise the enemy into thinking that they still have plenty of time to prepare for us.”

Twilight picks up where her mentor left off. “When in reality our invasion will be imminent.”

“Correct.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It sounds to me as if you’ve thought this matter through.”

Celestia looks to Arc dismissively. “You must understand that one does not keep a country together for centuries by acting hastily. We merely need Twilight’s approval to get started on this project.”

Twilight nods. “In addition to helping you open the vault.”

“That too, yes.”

Twilight stands. “Very well. As long as you’re sure that there won’t be any major side effects to this plan.”

“Then let us get started.”

The trio head out the door and down the corridor together. Coming to the vault, Arc motions for the guards on duty to step back. Celestia and Twilight both point their horns at the orifices on the door and begin casting together. A few moments later internal locks disengage and the heavy door swings open allowing them entrance. Stepping inside, Celestia leads them over to a large cabinet. Pushing it open, she looks over the tomes for a few moments before removing a particular one and levitating it over to Twilight for inspection.

“Here it is.”

Twilight accepts the book and opens it. Scanning the pages, she frowns before speaking.

“This looks REALLY complicated!”

Arc chuckles. “I imagine speeding up the seasons would be, Twilight

Celestia nods. “That is correct.”

Twilight groans as she turns to her former teacher. “This would probably take me months to figure out!”

“Yes, it requires quite a bit of magical finesse”

Twilight looks up over the book at Celestia. “You’ve cast this spell before?”

“Once, yes.”

“So you already know how to do it?”

“I remember the basics of it, yes. However, the finer points have been forgotten over the centuries.”

Twilight grins. “Then you could do it in my place!”

“If that’s what you would like, Twilight. However, as you know, I lack the proper... authority to do so at the moment.”

Twilight appears confused. “Authority?”

Arc puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Remember, she’s not actually a princess right now, Twilight.”

“Oh... right. Somehow I keep forgetting that.”

She turns back to Celestia before continuing.

“What would have to be done to make this work?”

“All you would have to do would be to give me the book and order me to cast the spell in question.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?! But... but I can’t order YOU of all ponies to do something!”

Arc smiles to her. “Technically you can, Twilight. Again, you’re a princess and she isn’t.”

“Well, I don’t really see it that way. Princess Celestia will always be Princess Celestia to me.”

Celestia smiles warmly at her student. “Thank you, Twilight. But that doesn’t really bring us any closer to our goal here.”

Twilight frowns. “I suppose not. But I really don’t feel right about trying to order you around.”

Arc shrugs. “Then how about you simply request that she cast the spell?”

“Request?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Think of it more like asking her to do it rather than telling.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That could work.”

Turning to Celestia, Twilight clears her throat as she holds out the book to her.

“Princess Celestia. Would you please take this book and cast the spell to hasten the season’s change?”

Celestia nods and smiles as she accepts the tome. “Yes I will, Princess Twilight.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I guess that settles this matter.”

“I will begin immediately.”

Twilight giggles. “Feel free to take your time relearning the spell. Don’t rush things on my account.”

Celestia bows as she smiles. “Yes, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight groans. “And no need to do that either.”

Arc looks toward the vault door behind them. “We should probably let her get to work now. After all, you and I have things to do at the moment as well, Twilight.”

“I suppose so.”

She looks to Celestia and smiles.

“Is there anything special you’ll need?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Simply time and quiet, Twilight. I’ll head back to my room to eliminate the possibility of interruption.”

“And I’ll get back to the castle’s hanger and continue coordinating the loading of supplies onto the Lunar Destiny.”

Arc turns to Twilight as they approach the vault door. “Can I help?”

“Not with the supply issue, no. However, there is a certain, ah... matter that you could look into for us.”

“What’s that?”

Celestia calls out as she watches the massive vault door close. “I believe Twilight is talking about the ongoing special operation.”

Twilight nods as the trio makes their way down the corridor. “Right. Can you... look in on her?”

“Oh! Uh... yes, I suppose I could do that.”

They part ways at a corridor junction. Arc makes his way to a familiar room with numerous guards stationed outside of it. They stand aside as he approaches to allow him entrance and push open the doors. Stepping inside the room and making his way around several privacy screens he spies Galena sitting at a table covered with books. She looks up and smiles at him as he approaches.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Hi. Um... you’re looking well.”

Galena giggles. “For a dead griffon, I suppose I am.”

Arc gestures to the books. “So... what are you reading?”

“I’m doing my best to learn all about Equestria and its culture. It’s actually really amazing!”

Arc sits down in a chair. “How so.”

“All citizens have basic fundamental rights, significantly lower taxes, better housing, medical care, equality between the races, clean water, good and safe food, and the ability to petition their rulers if need be.”

“It is quite the place, yes.”

Galena gestures to him as she speaks. “And the ability to rise up the societal ladder and make something of oneself.”

“We all have to start somewhere.”

“Lady Twilight told me that you came to this land with nothing but the clothes on your back.”

Arc nods. “That is true, yes.”

“And now you’re this nation’s Hero of Light. Quite the improvement.”

“I remember learning about how such things work in the Griffon Kingdom when I first visited. Someone born into nobility would always be as such.”

Galena sighs as she looks into a mirror across the room. “And someone born a commoner would always remain one.”

“No way out other than through advancement through the military.”

“And that will only potentially get you to the top of the commoner’s pecking order. Even the lowest of nobles would still be considered higher than a commoner general.”

She gestures toward the window before continuing.

“But here in Equestria a successful individual can work hard, build themselves up, and become a member of the aristocracy if they try hard enough.”

“Potentially, yes.”

“Lady Twilight is proof of that. I was told how she was born to commoner parents and was willingly taken at a young age as Princess Celestia’s personal student.”

“That is true, yes.”

“And then ascended to the highest position in the land. A princess.”

Arc chuckles as he reminisces. “There was a lot that happened in between. But that’s the general gist of it, yes.”

“When I asked her about the rise to power, Lady Twilight told me that anyone could advance through the social ranks here in Equestria. She mentioned that a stallion in the town of Ponyville did just that.”

“Oh?”

“According to her, his grandfather started off selling apple products from the orchard the town was built around. He passed the business to his son and eventually it went to the current generation.”

“Filthy Rich?”

Galena nods. “Yes. Have you had the honor of meeting him?”

Arc frowns. “Unfortunately.”

“Is he not a nice stallion?”

“Admittedly, he’s really stuck-up, as are one of his daughters. They like to look down on others whom they see as beneath them.

Galena sighs. “That’s a shame. Ponies and griffons are the same in that regard. But you’d think he would understand the commoner’s plight, as his family was originally cut of that cloth.”

“True. But I’m guessing by the time Filthy Rich was born, the family was probably already pretty well off. He didn’t have to struggle as his father and grandfather had. But your original point does still stand.”

Galena appears hopeful. “Do you... think that a griffon like me could ever be something more than I am, sir?”

“That’s up to you here in Equestria.”

“But I don’t even know where to begin.”

“First, you’ll need to get settled here. Find a place to live, get a job, and establish yourself.”

“What then?”

“Figure out what makes you happy and focus on that.”

“Like my job?”

“You can go that route, yes. Try to find one that involves you doing something that you already enjoy. It may take a few tries, but don’t get discouraged. Equestria is full of entry level positions these days from what I’ve heard.

“Let’s say that I find one that I like. What then?”

“Get to know your co-workers. Learn about them both on a professional and personal level.”

Galena appears confused. “Personal level?”

“Befriend them.”

“Is that really a good idea though? I mean... won’t they just stab me in the back? Metaphorically speaking, I mean.”

Arc shrugs. “Admittedly, it’s always a possibility, yes. However, you’ll probably need their help acclimating to Equestrian culture. Learning our ways and mannerisms. That and it will make your job so much better to be working with those whom you care about.”

Galena sighs. “It seems as if I still have a lot to learn. This could take years.”

“Just try to enjoy the journey and don’t think too much about the destination.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Focus more on what makes you happy over trying to get there. In doing so you’ll get closer to your ultimate goal.”

“Ultimate goal?”

“Separating yourself from the past.”

Galena bows her head. “I want that very much. Almost as much as...”

Her voice trails off. Arc appears confused.

“I’m not sure what could be more desirable than moving past...”

“My egg.”

“Huh?”

Galena smiles sadly. “I want them to be able to grow up happy and safe.”

“They will. With a proper education and rearing from Matron Coco Pommel and the rest of the staff, that is.”

“Everything else is secondary to me.”

“Considering you gave it up, that’s kinda surprising. Not that I’m blaming you for that, of course.”

Galena bows her head as she puts a talon on her belly. “I didn’t ask to be raped and impregnated, of course. But I couldn’t let Goldstone have the egg either. He probably would have just destroyed it to save face.”

“That chapter of your life is behind you now. Goldstone will never hurt anyone ever again, and your egg is safe. Now is the time to think about yourself and your future.”

“The special doctor Princess Celestia brought in has already looked me over and made some suggestions on what they can do to alter my appearance. We went over options and pieced together my new look.”

“Good. We really need to get that ball rolling.”

“I’m scheduled to go into surgery the day after tomorrow.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Now that’s fast.”

“He has an office right here in the city, so all the tools and materials will just need to be ferried to the castle. The procedure will probably take a full day, during which I’ll be fully sedated.”

“What happens after that?”

“Lady Twilight has already set me up with a place to stay in a town named ‘Cloudsdale’. I’m told it should be ready by the time I’m recovered enough to leave the castle. They’ll ferry me there secretly and I’ll start my new life with a new identity.”

“That’s good to hear. So what’s your new name going to be?”

Galena smiles happily. “I couldn’t think of anything that wouldn’t be too close to my current name. So Lady Twilight made a few suggestions.”

“Did you settle on one?”

“I did, yes.”

She stands and walks over to the balcony door. Motioning for him to follow, Galena looks out over the city below as she continues.

“Lady Twilight said that she wanted me to have a chance to start over. To make something of myself and be truly happy. I told her I’ve always dreamed of having such a life. That was when she suggested the most wonderful name I’ve ever heard before.”

Closing her eyes, Galena smiles as she continues.

“After my operation, I will be given identification papers with my new name on them. And from that day forward instead of ‘Galena’, I’ll be known as...”

She sighs happily before uttering a single word.

“...Grace.”

Volume 53 - Chapter 1 - Mobilizing

A few days later, Arc and Twilight stand on the catwalk overlooking the castle hanger. They watch as a few technicians scurry around the outside of The Equinox in an effort to meet their timetable. Arc turns to Twilight as he speaks.

“Lemon Hearts tells me that we’ll be ready to take off tonight just after dark.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “That’s... good.”

“Having second thoughts now?”

“Not exactly.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “Then what’s the problem?”

Twilight sighs. “I’m just nervous about having to command a battle.”

Arc shrugs. “According to Hammer it’s actually known as a ‘campaign’.”

“But that would mean multiple battles!”

“It will most likely come to that, yes. After all, I can’t imagine the changelings just letting us cross the Badlands and storm up to their stronghold without throwing at least one defensive force at us.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes, that does make sense.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder in an effort to reassure her. “I’ll be with you the entire time though. And your mentor will be too. Together I’m sure we’ll be able to keep you safe.”

“It’s not really me I’m worried about.”

“The soldiers?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. After all, not everypony is going to come back from this battle safe and sound.”

Arc sighs and looks out over the scene before them. “Such is how combat on this a scale works.”

“Are we really in the right to do this though? I mean... from what I’ve read in history books and firsthoof accounts of war, it sounds like the scariest thing imaginable.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and bows his head. “I’ve been on the battlefield before, and can say from personal experience that it’s very... chaotic.”

“Were you scared?”

“Not for myself, no. But I was afraid of failing, as it meant that innocents would die.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Any advice you could give me?”

“Just try your best to keep a level head out there. It will help you make decisions logically and rationally. After all, if the soldiers see that their commander-in-chief is afraid then they’ll be more likely to panic as well.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Which would also mean that they would be unable to think logically and rationally.”

“Right.”

Twilight puts her front hooves on the railing. “Princess Luna gave a speech to the troops the other day regarding what we know about the changelings.”

Arc nods. “Which I admit isn’t much.”

Twilight turns to him, confused. “You attended it too?”

“Uh, yeah.

“Sorry. I was just kinda surprised to hear that. After all, you’re the only one of us, other than the princesses themselves I mean, whom have actually fought a changeling in the past.”

Arc shrugs. “I wouldn’t really call those encounters bona-fide fights though. One time, after foiling their plans in Vanhoover, the leader of the failed operation waited for the Scarlet Filly and I back in our room at the inn. They figured a small filly to be an easy target for someone slightly above a normal changeling in terms of power, I imagine.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying that she was the one whom beat them?”

“No, that was when I decloaked and killed them myself.”

“Was it... hard to defeat them?”

Arc shakes his head. “It was not, no. But looking back at that time, I think that may have just been due to them being so surprised at seeing something new standing before them in a magic cloak. I mean, not knowing what exactly I was meant that they wouldn’t have known what I was capable of or how to counter me.”

Twilight looks at The Equinox as she speaks. “They won’t have that problem this time. Princess Celestia says that it’s likely Queen Chrysalis has been training her soldiers for some time in ways to combat our forces.”

Arc shakes his head. “Queen Chrysalis.”

“Arc?”

“She’s the first one to be able to fool my helmet’s Truesight Enchantment.”

“A sobering thought.”

“What exactly is she?”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Just an ancient fool.”

Turning around, Arc and Twilight spot Celestia walking toward them. She takes a spot next to Twilight and joins the pair in looking out at the ship. Twilight turns to her and speaks.

“Can you explain what you mean by that, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, Twilight. Queen Chrysalis is the long standing and undisputed ruler of the changelings and their kingdom.”

“How long has she been their queen?”

“Since before Unification.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So that would mean she’s over a thousand years old!”

“Indeed.”

Twilight gasps. “But... but that’s impossible! Nopony other than an alicorn could live for so long!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Wait a second. Now that I think about it, when she appeared before us during the battle at Light’s Hope, Chrysalis did have wings and something on her forehead that resembled a horn. Is she some kind of distant cousin of the alicorns?”

Celestia scoffs at the suggestion. “Purely coincidental, I assure you. In fact, all changelings have both wings and a horn. However, due to the physiology differences, I theorize that they are actually closer to insects than equines. At least from what I’ve seen of them over the years.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Are there any studies of their internal structure? I’d love to learn more about them.”

Celestia shakes her head. “Sadly, no. A changeling’s body very rapidly decays upon its death. Internal organs become liquified in a matter of minutes while the outer shell begins to dissolve within a few hours.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Outer shell? You mean they really do have an exoskeleton?”

“That is correct, Hero of Light. Hence why they are classified as insects and not equines.”

Twilight grimaces squeamishly. “Anything else you can tell us about them, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia sighs. “Just that they are blindly obedient to their queen above all else. Whom, I might add, appears to be the only female in their... hive, I suppose.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “Like bees?”

Twilight shakes her head. “That’s a common misconception, Arc. While it is indeed true that a beehive has only one queen, she is not the only female.”

Celestia nods. “That is correct, Twilight. However, to the best of my knowledge, nopony has ever seen a female changeling other than Chrysalis herself.”

“Why’s that?”

“I can only theorize, naturally. However, I believe that the females are kept within the hive for procreation while the males are sent out to do the queen’s bidding.”

Twilight sighs as her ears droop. “If this goes alright we may learn a bit about them and their culture.”

Celestia shrugs. “If we don’t destroy them completely, that is.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Wouldn’t that be going too far though?”

Twilight nods soberly. “I agree. My intention in going over there is merely to stop them. Not commit wholesale genocide.”

Celestia frowns. “We may not have a choice in the matter.”

Twilight appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Chrysalis, for all her talk of grand plans and the greatness of her kingdom, is nothing more than a sniveling coward. Should we get too close to her, I am confident that she wouldn’t hesitate to send every last warrior at her disposal to engage us. Perhaps even use the females as shields to protect them. And her if necessary.”

Arc looks out the hanger to the south. “Have there been any major skirmishes with them in the past?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Nothing too threatening in recent history, no. I’ve led our forces to the border with the Badlands in the past. However, the sight of our soldiers in their gleaming armor and shining spears has always been enough to force the changelings to retreat without a fight as well as keep them in check. At least temporarily.”

Twilight sighs. “What changed though?”

Celestia frowns. “I have a few guesses.”

Arc appears suddenly interested. “Do tell.”

Celestia looks to Arc as she speaks. “The reports of the battle over your base some time ago stated that Chrysalis told you that she was working with the so-called ‘Council of Shadows’.”

“Having allies to help out when you need it would certainly make any group more bold, yes.”

Twilight shudders. “Another variable we’ll have to account for.”

“Indeed, Twilight. However, we’ll still have to wait until we touch down at the base camp before trying to come up with a final plan of attack.”

Arc nods. “We have scouts watching their hive carefully from the border. If they make any moves, we’ll know.”

Twilight groans. “But as long as they stay inside the hive we won’t have any idea what they’re doing.”

Celestia sighs as she looks to her former student. “I still believe it would have been wise to send a covert reconnaissance team into the hive, Twilight.”

Twilight shakes her head. “That’s just too dangerous. “

Arc nods soberly. “I agree with Twilight. They could be very easily lost down there and no one would be the wiser.”

Celestia bows her head. “Such is the price of war though. We shall always pay for it with the blood of our forces.”

Twilight looks to Celestia evenly. “I understand that, Princess Celestia. However, I’m trying to minimize the amount of blood that is shed to end this matter.”

“You’re not looking at the big picture though, Twilight. Potentially losing a small group is a reasonable price to pay for gaining valuable intel. Knowledge that could save many, MANY more soldiers than those we risk to an infiltration team.”

Arc sighs. “As much as a hate to admit it, she does raise a valid point, Twilight. The needs of the many over the few and all that.”

“I’ll... give the matter some thought on the flight over.”

Celestia appears hopeful. “Please do so, Twilight. For the sake of our forces as a whole.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’ve just received word that all of our forces are accounted for, supplies are fully loaded and secured, and all castle side maintenance checks have been completed.”

“Is there anything left to do before we can move out?”

Soarin calls out. “No sir. We’re ready to go anytime you are.”

“Very good. Prep the engines for liftoff but wait for word from me before launching.”

Lemon Heart nods. “Yes sir.”

“Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection and turns to the two mares before speaking.

“Looks like it’s finally time to go.”

Twilight shudders. “That it is.”

Celestia puts a hoof on her former student’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Twilight. Remember, I’ll be by your side the entire time.”

Arc puts his hand on her other shoulder. “As will I.”

“Thank you. Both of you, I mean.”

Arc smiles at her. “Anything you need to do before we board, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, I believe I have everything. At least I think I do.”

Celestia shakes her head. “Remember, Twilight. When heading off to battle one needs little more than armor, a weapon, and high spirits. Everything else, including logistics, will be taken care of by the troops and various support staff.”

A short time later the trio walk up the gangplank together. Reaching the top, Celestia stops and looks back for a moment. Seeing this, Twilight turns to her.

“Princess Celestia... is something wrong?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Not really, no. It’s just... a bit of a tradition I have.

Arc looks to Celestia. “A tradition?”

“Yes. Whenever I leave on an excursion of great importance or to go into battle I always take a few moments just before I leave to look back at the interior of the castle. Then, once we’re airborne, I try do the same from the nearest window.”

Twilight smiles. “The view of Canterlot from the sky is breathtaking, yes.”

“That it is, Twilight. But I do it to remind myself of one thing.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And what would that be?”

“Change.”

Twilight appears confused. “Change?”

Celestia nods as she turns to walk toward the main hatch. “Yes. But we should get underway now.”

Arc and Twilight follow her into the ship. Walking down the corridor toward the bridge, Twilight and Celestia return the innumerable salutes from the soldiers whom line the corridor on either side. Coming to their destination, a guard opens the door for them as he too salutes. Entering, the bridge crew stands and comes to attention as Soarin looks to Twilight.

“Welcome aboard, your highness.”

“Thank you for having us sir.”

Twilight looks to Celestia before continuing.

“This is Captain Soarin. He commands the ship.”

She smiles strangely, slightly embarrassed.

“Sorry, Princess Celestia. I’m sure you already know what a captain’s insignia looks like.”

Celestia giggles slightly and nods. “Yes, Twilight. But thank you for the introduction just the same.”

Turning back to Soarin, she addresses him.

“So you were the one whom took command of the ship after the death of Tight Ship?”

Soarin nods respectfully. “Yes, your highness.”

“I know this is the first time we’ve met face to face, but my old friend did mention you on several occasions.”

Soarin appears surprised. “He... he did?”

Celestia nods. “Oh, yes. You were his star pupil, after all.”

She looks to Twilight before continuing.

“As you were for me, Twilight.”

Twilight sighs. “That feels like a lifetime ago. I sometimes miss those days.”

“As do I.”

Arc clears his throat loudly before looking to Soarin. “We should probably get underway.”

“Yes sir.”

Turning to the comms, he speaks.

“Radio for clearance, Lemon Hearts.”

“Yes sir.”

She contacts command and is immediately cleared for takeoff. Thunderlane revs up the engines and slowly takes off. As they slowly pull out of the castle hanger, Celestia walks over to a side window and looks outside as they climb higher and higher. A few minutes later Moon Dancer calls out.

“We have now reached our cruising altitude, sir.”

Soarin nods. “Very good. Lemon Hearts, update the castle on our flight path and record the time.”

“Right away, sir.”

Soarin turns to Moon Dancer. “Systems?”

“Green all across the board.”

“Weapons?”

Wrangler grins. “Locked and ready for action!”

Soarin turns to Twilight. “Everything appears to be in order, your highness. Now then, may I escort you to your room?”

“Oh! Um, I...”

Celestia turns to Soarin as she interrupts Twilight. “Captain, might I make a suggestion regarding ship security?”

Soarin appears confused. “Your highness?”

“For ease in protecting us, I imagine it would be prudent for Twilight and myself to share a room for the duration of this mission. That is, if it’s alright with Twilight.”

Twilight gasps happily. “I’d love that!”

Soarin puts a hoof to his chin. “Well, that’s actually up to Lieutenant Hammer, ma’am.”

Celestia frowns. “Lieutenant Hammer?”

“Yes, ma’am. The Hero of Light has ordered her placed in charge of security aboard The Equinox.”

Arc shrugs. “I think she would approve. “

Soarin turns to the comms. “Lemon Hearts, make the call.”

“Yes sir.”

Pressing a button, she pages Hammer to the bridge. A few minutes later the door opens and the young woman walks in. Walking soberly over to the group, she salutes Twilight before speaking.

“Reporting as ordered, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “Hammer, you really don’t have to...”

Celestia interrupts her. “Remember, Twilight. This is a military undertaking and as such certain... protocol should be followed.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose that’s true.”

Hammer continues. “What can I do for you, your highness?”

“Well... Princess Celestia suggested that, in the name of security, her and I should share a room.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “She means our finest VIP suite, of course. Would that be possible, lieutenant?”

Hammer nods. “Yes sir. I’ll escort them there personally.”

Arc steps forward. “I’ll come too.”

Hammer holds up a hand. “Begging your pardon, sir... but I was asked to relay a message to you shortly before I was summoned.”

“Oh?”

“One of our allies aboard has requested a private meeting with you. They’re waiting in your office.”

“Alright. I’ll head over there now.”

“Please do, sir. They seemed very... agitated. I recommend that you not put this off even a moment longer than necessary.”

Arc groans. “Fine. I’ll take care of it.”

Turning to Twilight, he continues.

“I guess this is where I leave you then.”

“It’s alright. After all, I understand that you have things to do. And as soon as Princess Celestia and I are settled in I’ll get to work too.”

Hammer appears confused. “Princess?”

“I need to be ready to fight if I’m going to be on the battlefield. Otherwise I’ll just be a liability.”

Celestia nods approvingly. “Very wise of you, Twilight. However, for your sake, I believe you should lead the battle from the rear echelon.”

Twilight frowns. “But then all the soldiers will think I’m too scared to fight!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Are you?”

“Kinda. However...!”

Hammer interrupts her. “Pardon me, your highness, but this is probably something you should discuss privately.”

Twilight sighs. “Very well. “

Hammer gestures to the door as Twilight and Celestia step through it. Arc follows them but heads to his office instead. Opening the door, he spies Ember sitting on his desk with her claws folded over her chest angrily.

“About time you showed up!”

Arc sighs as he closes the door. “I was literally just told you were here a few minutes ago.”

Ember hops off the desk and storms over to him angrily. “That’s no excuse for keeping the Dragon Lord waiting! Now then, show me some respect!”

Arc shrugs. “Fine.”

Grabbing her claw, he pulls her into his arms. Leaning into her, Arc plants a kiss on her lips before pulling back and grinning.

“Is that ‘respectful’ enough for you, Dragon Lord?”

Ember looks away and smirks. “I dunno. A powerful dragon such as myself would certainly prefer being forcefully taken.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But I kinda just did that.”

“Then do it harder! Push me down on the desk, spread my legs, and lift my tail while you’re at it!”

“Seriously?”

Ember grins. “Oh yes!”

Arc groans. “Any chance you could tone that kind of talk down? At least until this mission is over.”

Ember grunts as she pulls back. “Fine.”

“In any case, what did you want to talk to me about?”

Ember smirks. “Pretty much what we just did.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Seriously, Ember?”

“Hey, I got needs too!”

“I’m sure you do. But as you know we’re kinda in the middle of something right now.”

“Which is why I want in!”

Arc chuckles. “You’ve always liked being where all the action is.”

Ember stretches out her claw and pulls the Spear of Courage to herself from its place leaning against the wall across the room. “What better way to test myself?!”

“All well and good, yes. Just don’t overdo it.”

Ember rolls her eyes as she extends a claw for a mock handshake. “Hi there, pot. My name’s kettle.”

Arc sighs. “Can’t argue with that. But still...”

“...you’re worried about me.”

“Um... yes, actually.”

Ember licks her lips seductively. “And that’s really nice of you, Arc. But you have to remember that I feel the same way about you. Which is why I’m always trying to get you to... relax.”

“You and I have very different definitions of that particular word.”

“In any case, I really just wanted a little ‘us’ time after we got in the air.”

“Before I got to work?”

Ember shrugs. “We both have things to do, of course. I’m going to be helping Princess Celestia train Twilight on some simple battlefield maneuvers.”

“Tactics or practical skills?”

“More practical than anything. But that’s just because there isn’t time for more in depth training.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, we are scheduled to be at the base camp shortly before dawn.”

Ember walks over to the door. “All the more reason to use this time we have wisely. Now then, I’ll head over to your room and meet Twilight so we can get started.”

“She’s not there.”

Ember turns to him, confused. “Then where...?”

“Her and Celestia are going to be bunking together in a VIP suite.”

“And you’re actually OKAY with that?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... yes. Something wrong with it?”

“Not... exactly, I guess. I figured you and her would be... you know... getting together at night though.”

“Not a good look for either of us right now.”

“What’s the problem?”

“Seriously?”

Ember folds her arms over her chest angrily. “What business is it of anyone else if you two get together when time permits?! Heck, you two could go all the way and it STILL wouldn’t be anyone’s...!”

Arc interrupts her. “We don’t need the soldiers thinking the princess leading this attack is getting plowed in my quarters!”

“Who cares?!”

Arc groans. “It’s a matter of reputation here! That and we both need to focus on the task at hand!”

Ember grins. “So you admit it then?!”

Arc appears confused. “Admit what?”

“That you’ve already at least considered breeding Twilight.”

Arc facepalms. “Quite the leap in assumptions you’re making there.

Ember smiles slyly. “Am I wrong?”

Groaning, Arc looks away. Ember taps her foot impatiently as she waits for Arc to speak. Eventually she frowns and continues.

“Well?!”

“Well, what?”

“Aren’t you going to say something, Arc?!”

“Like what?”

Ember sighs. “Look, I think you’ll feel a lot better if you just open up and be honest with me about how you’re feeling.”

Arc turns and walks over to the window. Looking out at the clouds as they pass he puts a hand on the glass before speaking.

“It’s... complicated.”

“How so?”

“Everyone... wants something different, yet similar.”

Ember grins. “Yeah. That much I do get.”

“Myself included.”

Ember moves her claws in a circular motion as she nods. “Keep going.”

“I... Twilight’s certainly a lovely mare. Very smart, loyal, and sweet. Remember, she was the first friend I made here in Equestria.”

“So you admit it?”

Arc nods. “I do want to become... closer to her, yes. The others too, of course.”

Ember frowns. “But...”

Right now we both have duties to attend to. There isn’t going to be any time for more... personal matters.”

“What if there wasn’t?”

Arc looks over his shoulder at Ember. “Wasn’t what?”

Ember walks over to join him at the window. “Duties. Let’s say, just for an example, that you weren’t the Hero of Light and that the land was at peace. What would you do about your feelings for Twilight?”

“I would probably have married her, Derpy, Rarity, and Applejack by now. We’d have a place in Ponyville and I’d be working at Sweet Apple Acres or on writs posted to the Writ Board.”

“And the idea of starting a family?”

“Twilight would probably have Sunburst working with Auriel and her mother on making my sperm compatible with their egg cells. Then we’d... get to work having foals.”

“But such a thing would certainly take a long time, right?”

“I would imagine so, yes.”

“And I assume that you wouldn’t just sit around waiting for the ability to have foals before getting down to business with them.”

“Yes, I would certainly be sexually active with my wives.”

“So you do want to have sex with them, correct?”

“Right! I mean... I do love them, after all.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Everyone? Myself included?”

“Of course!”

Ember grins. “Then let me offer you my congratulations, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “Congratulations?! For what?!”

Ember batts her eyelashes seductively as she puts a claw on her scaly hip. “I do believe that this is the first time you’ve ever admitted to wanting to have sex with me.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“It feels nice.”

“You know that I care for you, Ember.”

“And the others too.”

“Of course. But it’s not just the carnal pleasure of intercourse that I’m after. I Honestly want to do such things with my wives to make them feel good too. And to show them just how much I care for their feelings too.”

Ember looks off into space as she speaks. “I’d be satisfied just lying in your arms, skin on skin, with my legs spread and you pushing your...”

Arc interrupts her as he rolls her eyes. “Thank you for breaking the mood.”

Ember sighs as she leans against him. “Yeah, I know I’m forward about wanting you to lift my tail.”

“Saying that you’re ‘forward’ is an understatement.”

“You have to understand that you’re the first individual that I’ve had feelings for, Arc. Before I met you the thought of lifting my tail for someone was just plain disgusting to me.”

“Ember.”

“Meeting you really opened my eyes to a lot of things. Not the least of which is the idea that sex can be for more than just making eggs in my belly. Now I know we’ve talked about this a time or two in the past...”

Arc interrupts her. “Darn near every time we talk, it seems.”

Ember scoffs. “Har, har.”

“It’s the truth though.”

“Yeah, I know. But it sounds bad when you say it.”

“Anyways, continue.”

“Like I said, we’ve talked about this a lot in the past. However, I really do mean it when I say that I want to feel you deep inside me.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You really don’t mince words do you, Ember.”

Ember sighs. “But I do understand your reasoning for holding off on that.”

“Thanks.”

Ember appears confused. “For being a horny, overbearing...”

Arc interrupts her again. “I meant thanks for accepting that. And for not pushing the matter any further than you already do.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve made my case.”

“Very clearly, I might add.”

“Now we’re just kinda talking in circles.”

Arc shrugs. “It happens.”

Ember motions to the office door. “Why don’t you and I get something to eat from the cafeteria before it gets too late? I’m guessing you’re going to want to get a good night’s sleep, after all.”

“Yes, well... I was actually thinking of hitting the hay right now.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Without supper?”

“Like you said, early morning tomorrow.”

“A warrior should always take the opportunity to eat whenever it’s presented.”

“Same with sleep too, I would imagine.”

Ember frowns. “Both are equally important, yes. But you need to keep your strength up.”

“And you?”

“I was going to head over to the cafeteria when you and I finished up over here. So you can come with me.”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Leaving the office, they make the short walk to the middle deck’s cafeteria. Only a handful of soldiers are present at the tables though. As Arc enters the room a stallion closest to the door notices and calls out in a loud voice.

“ATTENTION!”

Everyone immediately stops eating and stands respectfully. Arc looks around as he speaks.

“As you were.”

The stallions sit back down and resume eating as Saffron steps out of the kitchen to greet Arc and Ember as they sit down.

“Good evening, you two. What would you like to eat?”

Arc sighs. “Just something quick and light, please.”

Ember jerks a thumb towards Arc. “I’ll have whatever he does.”

Saffron nods as she writes something on a pad of paper. “Alright. I’ll have something sent out in just a few minutes.”

As Saffron returns to the kitchen Arc looks around the room.

“Pretty light cafeteria population.”

Ember shrugs. “Well, it is kinda late. I would assume that suppertime was quite a while before lift-off. These are probably the soldiers whom were on guard duty at the normal meal time.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“Something else on your mind, Arc?”

Arc lowers his voice. “Actually, yes.”

“What is it?”

Arc looks around the room for a few moments before responding. “These soldiers... not all of them are going to come back.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh... that’s war though.”

“I know. And they knew the risks before signing up for the military, I’m sure. But... I can’t help but feel apprehensive about their potential fate.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest as she leans back in her chair. “Fine then. You, me, and Celestia could sneak into the Badlands some dark night and infiltrate their... mound, or whatever it is.”

“I’m told that such a thing is commonly known as a ‘hive’. Guess we’re sticking with the insect terminology.”

Ember waves a claw dismissively. “Whatever. Anyways, we’re all accomplished warriors in our own rights. There’s no way those bugs could take all three of us on, no matter how many they sent at us!”

Arc frowns. “We don’t know how many of them are down there though, Ember. It could be hundreds of thousands or more.”

“Or it could be a couple hundred. Remember, no one has seen much of them in pretty much forever. Their population must be pretty small to avoid detection.”

“Sightings of changelings within Equestria and their true numbers probably aren’t actually connected though. For all we know, Queen Chrysalis could even now be sitting behind a literal army of her subjects.”

“That’s not likely though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “And you base that assumption on what exactly?”

Ember taps a claw on the tabletop as she speaks. “Simple. The larger a force is, the harder it is to keep hidden. Moreso over literal centuries.”

“There is some truth to that, I admit. But I’d rather go into this with the worst case scenario in mind and be overly prepared.”

Ember shrugs. “You give your opinions to Twilight and I’ll give mine.”

Arc chuckles. “Fair enough.”

The sound of footsteps approaching their table rings out as two plates are set before the pair with a Telekinesis Spell.

“Here you are.”

His eyes wide, Arc’s neck quickly turns to look in their direction.

“Shelly?!”

Shelly smiles warmly and waves. “Hi there!”

“What are you DOING here?!”

“Helping Saffron cook enough food for everyone. Or ‘everypony’ as she likes to say.”

Ember grins as she picks up her sandwich. “Somebody needs to do it.”

Arc frowns. “You do realize this is currently a warship, right?”

Shelly nods. “Yes Arc, I do.”

Ember looks past her at the now closed kitchen door. “Is Lily back there too?”

“No, she’s back in Ponyville experimenting with additional recipes.”

Arc groans. “Then why aren’t you there with her right now?!”

“I’m here to help support the war effort of my new home.”

Arc sighs. “And because Max is here I would guess.”

Shelly giggles as she blushes happily. “That too, yes!”

Ember laughs. “Nice!”

Arc facepalms. “You still really shouldn’t be here though, Shelly. I mean... things could get out of hand pretty quick. I really don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“The support staff aren’t allowed to leave the ship as per Princess Twilight’s orders. That being the case, I don’t see how I would be in any danger.”

Ember grins. “I think she’s got you, Arc.”

Arc groans. “Every fiber of my being is screaming at me to give you a portal back to Ponyville right now.”

“Are you going to make me leave?”

“No, Shelly. That was just the lifelong friend in me talking.”

Shelly smiles. “And I appreciate that. However, ever since Max and I got back together I’ve wanted to be by his side at all times. Now with him being deployed, the best I can do is to look at him from across the room when I restock the buffet.”

“Just... please be careful while we’re out here.”

Shelly playfully salutes. “Yes sir! Permission to return to my duties?”

Arc sighs. “Granted.”

She grins and turns back toward the kitchen. Arc groans as he rests his head on the table in front of his plate.

“This just got complicated.”

Ember pats his head. “Look at it this way. You’ll just have to fight that much harder to protect the ship.”

“Not really helping right now, Ember.”

“Just trying to lighten the mood.”

Arc sits up and leans back in his seat. “Yeah, I know. But I don’t like the idea of Shelly being on a battlefield. She’s still kinda weak.”

Ember shrugs. “Like she said, the support staff aren’t allowed to leave the ship anyways. So she should be perfectly safe.”

“I guess so. However...”

Ember interrupts him as she points at his meal. “No buts! She’s fine! Now eat up!”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

The pair eat their meal in relative silence. As Shelly returns to refill their glasses Ember turns to her.

“So how are you and Max doing?”

Shelly giggles happily. “Great! Before this mission came up he had been helping me tweak recipes for pony palates.”

Arc sighs. “So who’s helping Lily then?”

“Applejack and Pinkie Pie mostly. They’re both very good at knowing how to alter recipes for their dietary needs.”

Ember grins. “Glad she’s getting help. After all, it can’t be easy to open a new business.”

“Lots to do, yes. However, if you remember, we’ve done this before. Now then, you two should hurry up and eat. You’ll both need a good night’s sleep to be ready for landing tomorrow.”

Arc groans. “Yeah, I suppose so.”

Ember smirks wickedly at their hostess. “You too.”

Shelly appears confused. “Huh?”

“I’m sure you and Max are anxious to come together at the end of a long day.”

Shelly shakes her head. “Sadly, no. He’s staying in the barracks with the rest of the soldiers.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What about you though?”

Shelly gestures to the kitchen door. “I’m sharing Saffron’s quarters with her in back of the kitchen. But admittedly there’s not much time for us to sleep, what with all the food we have to make.”

“Well, just be sure that you take your own advice and rest when you can.”

“I will, Arc.”

A short time later Arc and Ember finish their meal and head down the corridor toward his quarters. Looking ahead, they spot Hammer waiting for them outside. She comes to attention as they approach.

“Lieutenant Hammer reporting for duty, sir!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But I didn’t call for you.”

Hammer grins sheepishly. “Yeah, I know.”

Ember appears confused. “Then what are you doing here?”

“Kinda... sorta... reporting something.”

Arc sighs. “That didn’t really clear it up, Hammer.”

“Maybe you’d better just see for yourself then, sir.”

Hammer gestures to the door. Arc turns to Ember whom shrugs. Stepping forward, he pushes it open to allow the two women to enter first. Following them, he closes the door behind him and turns. Before them, standing at attention, is Mio. She is clad in body armor with a gun slung over her shoulder. Hammer turns to Arc and speaks.

“So what do you think?”

“Um...”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What the heck is all this?!”

Hammer grins proudly. “My sister wants to join the offensive.”

Arc looks to Mio. “You do?”

Mio nods soberly. “Yes sir.”

“What brought this on?”

“May I speak freely, sir?”

Arc sighs. “Remember, you’re not an active member of the military here, Mio, so you can say whatever it is that you want.”

“As I’m sure you’ve heard, I’ve been unable to regain my magical prowess through study and practice. Therefore, I’d like to help out in the only other way I know how to. By picking up a rifle and facing the enemy head-on!”

Ember grins. “Nice!”

Arc looks to Hammer. “Mio has actual combat training?”

Hammer nods. “Yup. We were all trained in weapons, magic, and tactics back at Damocles Base.”

“And how did she do?”

“High marks in magic and tactics. Admittedly, not the greatest in weapons training though.”

Arc turns back to Mio. “Is that true?”

Mio looks down sheepishly. “Y-yes sir.”

Ember frowns. “Then why do you want to fight with us?!”

Mio turns to Arc. “Might I speak freely, sir?”

“I already told you... yes... yes, you may, Mio.”

“Hammer... I mean, Lieutenant Hammer... told me all about what happened to her when she walked away from The Organization. How you took her in, fed, housed, and provided for her needs during that time. And how you saw to it that she was safely evacuated to Equestria when things became too dangerous for her back on Earth.”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward her sister. “Like you did for Mio as well some time back, I might add.”

Mio nods. “Yes. Even though I was your enemy, you still offered me amnesty here in Equestria.”

She bows her head before continuing.

“And I’ve done very little to deserve such treatment.”

Hammer looks to Arc soberly. “Mio’s looking to repay us for all the Equestrian hospitality she’s been given since coming her.”

Ember grins. “Sounds good to me!”

Arc frowns. “While that is... admirable, I’m a bit worried about your safety out there, Mio.”

“I did pass all my combat exams though.”

Hammer nods. “She did, yes. But just barely I have to say.”

Ember turns to Arc. “I really don’t see the problem here, Arc. She’ll just be in the same danger as the rest of us.”

“Very true. However, Mio doesn’t have the same level of combat readiness as the rest of us do.”

He looks her over for a few moments as she looks at him expectantly.

“How about this, Mio. You said you did well in training on tactics, right?”

Mio nods. “Yes, that’s correct.”

“Then I recommend that you help advise Twilight during the battle rather than actively participating in combat.”

Hammer shrugs. “It would be a lot safer for you too, little sis.”

Ember grins. “And you’d still be contributing to the nation and its war effort.”

Mio puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose that’s true. But do you really think the princess would be willing to take me on as an advisor of sorts? I mean... Princess Twilight is always very nice to me during our training sessions. But this is really important.”

Hammer nods. “I’ll vouch for you, Mio. After all, you already know everything about the changelings. Well, as much as we do know, I mean.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “She does?”

“Yup. I had her type up the training material we used to instruct all the soldiers after war was declared.”

Mio smiles nervously. “That and I’ve studied all the maps we have regarding the topography of the Badlands.”

Arc chuckles. “It sounds to me like you’d be of help to Twilight, yes.”

Ember taps the rifle in Mio’s hands. “That and you could double as one of her bodyguards too.”

Hammer shrugs. “A last line of defense, as is were.”

“I’ll do my best to help in whatever way I can, yes.”

Ember looks to Arc. “Sounds to me like this matter is settled.”

Arc shrugs. “More or less. Twilight will still have to approve it, of course.”

Hammer turns to her sister. “I’m sure she will though.”

Mio appears hopeful. “I do hope so. After all, I do really admire her. Not just as my teacher mind you, but also as a per... as an individual.”

Hammer looks to the door. “We could go talk to her about it right now if you want.”

“B-but isn’t it a bit late for that?!”

Ember looks out the window at the darkened sky. “Kinda is, yeah.”

Arc nods. “True. But once we touch down tomorrow morning things are going to get busy, fast. It’ll be too late to have any real conversations about much of anything other than the operation at that point.”

Hammer grabs Mio’s arm. “Then let’s get moving.”

Mio looks to Arc and does her best to salute as she is pulled toward the door. “I, uh...!”

Arc chuckles. “Dismissed.”

Ember heads for the bed as the door closes behind Hammer and Mio.

“Well, I suppose we should all get some rest now.”

Arc nods. “Yes, we probably should.”

Ember licks her lips seductively. “How about I help keep you warm tonight then?”

“You’re more than welcome to sleep here tonight, Ember.”

“Great!”

“But I won’t be here.”

Ember raises an eyebrow, confused. “Um... what?”

Arc motions out the window. “I was planning to take a portal over to the Lunar Destiny and make sure it along with the base camp were secure for Twilight’s arrival tomorrow.”

“That... does make sense, I guess. Want some company though?”

“If you really want to come, then sure. But just understand that there won’t be any sharing of beds over there.”

Ember grins. “I could still sleep in the bunk next to you though, right?”

“In a military tent, maybe. But just be aware that they are not heated and it’s still awfully cold out there at night.”

Ember looks away as she shivers. “You know, I think I might just stay here and help keep The Equinox secure.”

Arc chuckles. “You do that.”

Calling forth his armor, Arc holds out an arm and opens a portal. Turning to Ember, he calls out to her.

“See you early tomorrow morning when the ship lands.”

Ember nods as she head for his bathroom. “Yeah, I’ll see you then.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... not that I mind, but where are you going?

“To take a long, hot shower! All this talk about cold weather has got me freezing!”

Shaking his head and chuckling, Arc steps through his portal and vanishes. Appearing a few moments later aboard the Lunar Destiny’s bridge, he turns to the stallion sitting in the captain’s seat, saluting.

“Welcome aboard, sir.”

Arc returns the salute. “Thanks. How are things going over here, Flash Sentry?”

“Very quiet, sir.”

“No enemy sightings?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head as he picks up a pair of binoculars from a small table next to his chair.” Nothing, sir. Care for a look yourself though?”

Giving Arc the binoculars, the young man removes his helmet before putting them up to his eyes and scanning the base camp’s perimeter.

“Nothing but sand and rocks from what I can tell.”

Flash Sentry nods as he is handed back the binoculars. “Yes sir. I just wish we had a way to test these things before coming out here.”

Arc shrugs. “Princess Celestia said that they had the equivalent of a Truesight enchantment on them that worked well for just this purpose back in her day.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “While I don’t doubt her experience regarding this particular piece of equipment, sir, I just can’t shake the idea that such an old method also means that the enemy has had many years to come up with a counter for them.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes. But my own helmet’s Truesight enchantment has let me see changelings in the past. And the same stallion whom enchanted it also did the same to those binoculars.”

“What was his name again, sir?”

“Mythic Honor. He’s a bit... eccentric.”

Flash Sentry shudders. “That’s putting it mildly, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Remember, I was the one whom led the convoy to his village to get these enchantments.”

“Nice town. Real remote.”

“Remote is an understatement, sir! It isn’t even on any of our maps!”

Arc shrugs. “They just like their privacy.”

“Well, they may want to get their leader out of the office more often then. When I arrived at the village, he was perched on the roof of the Town Hall with an enchanted magnifying glass looking for changelings.”

Arc groans and bows his head. “Admittedly, that does sound like something he would do.”

Flash Sentry lowers his voice as he speaks. “Should he really be in charge of an entire town though, sir?”

“Everyone that lives there is okay with it though. No reason to go against their wishes needlessly.”

“I suppose you know what’s best, sir.”

Arc gestures to the large window before them. “In any case, can I assume that the base camp has been properly constructed?”

Flash Sentry nods soberly. “As per Princess Twilight’s orders, yes. A defensive perimeter has been established between us and the Badlands.”

“How many guards to we have outside the ship?”

“None, sir.”

Arc appears confused. “None? But whom is guarding the base camp then?”

“We’re using the Lunar Destiny as a very large, heavily armored, and fully secured base camp, sir. Upon my initial survey of the area I saw innumerable places for the enemy to ambush us from. This just seemed like a much better plan than Princess Twilight’s original idea to camp out in front of the ship.”

“Sounds like it, yes. Now I’m glad that I convinced her to give you full authority to act in this matter.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Me too, sir. Our troops are secure and warm in here while still able to carry out their duties.”

Arc looks toward the window again. “I’m sure I already know the answer to this question, but... we ARE on the Equestrian side of the border, correct?”

“Yes sir. As of now, our forces have yet to step even one hoof outside of our country thus far.”

“Good. There still may be a way to reach a peaceful resolution yet.”

“With all due respect, I don’t see how that could happen at this point, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Neither do I. But I’m still holding out hope. Now then, I should probably get to work.”

Flash Sentry appears confused. “Sir?”

“While I’m sure you’ve taken care of everything to the best of your ability, I still wanted to come here myself and make sure our base camp was secure before Twilight arrives early tomorrow morning.”

“Yes sir. Shall I accompany you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, your place is here on the bridge right now.”

“Perhaps my aide then?”

“That would be fine, yes.”

Pressing a button, Flash Sentry speaks into a microphone next to him. A few minutes later the bridge door opens and the sound of clopping hooves rings out. Arc turns to see Raven looking up at him.

“Hello again, sir.”

“Hi, Raven.”

Flash Sentry gestures to Arc with a hoof. “The commander is here to do a bit of a surprise inspection.”

Arc chuckles. “It sounds bad when you say it like that.”

Raven smiles. “We understand, sir. You have to make sure that the princesses will be safe when they arrive.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Right.”

Arc gestures to the door. “Let’s start with the ship and move to the exterior then.”

“Right this way, sir.”

Leading him off the bridge, Raven speaks as they walk down the corridors.

“As you can see from here, we’ve placed industrial lighting fixtures all around the outside of the ship to fully illuminate the perimeter. There are two guards at each window at all times to visually watch for any signs of movement from the enemy.”

“Night and day?”

Raven nods. “Yes sir.”

“Rotations?”

“Every two hours. Flash Sentry is personally coordinating the changes by splitting the ship up into what he’s calling ‘sectors’.”

“Anyone stationed outside the ship?”

“Only during the day, sir. Pegasi patrols fly overhead to get a bird’s eye view of the land while Unicorn and Earth Ponies keep watch from the deck. Colonel Flash Sentry recalls them inside when the sun starts to set though for safety’s sake.”

“But just to be clear here, they haven’t seen anything yet?”

“Correct, sir. Which is just as well as far as the colonel is concerned. After all, we don’t have the numbers or supplies to fight a full-scale battle for very long.”

Arc nods. “That’s where The Equinox and its forces come in.”

“And their supplies too, I might add.”

“When they get here tomorrow we’ll be able to start our advance properly and safely.”

“Or as safely as we can, I suppose.”

“Right.”

Raven’s stomach rumbles loudly. She grimaces in embarrassment as Arc turns to her.

“Was that... you?”

“Y-yes, sir. I was very busy all day and missed lunch.”

Arc looks out the nearest window as he speaks. “And supper as well from the look of things.”

“That too.”

“Come on. Let’s get you to the cafeteria for a bite to eat.”

Leading the way downstairs, the pair come to the cafeteria. It is empty as are the buffet tables. Raven sighs.

“Looks like it was later than I thought.”

“That’s okay. We’ll just get you a little something from the kitchen then.”

Raven gasps. “But only authorized personnel are allowed in that area, sir!”

Arc shrugs as he heads for the door. “Then I’ll make an exception for myself and you.”

Entering the kitchen, they see a number of large containers sitting open on the main prep table. Raven turns to Arc.

“It looks like somepony’s still working.”

“Probably getting ready for breakfast for tomorrow.”

He gestures to one of the large refrigerators before continuing.

“Let’s see if there’s any leftovers from supper in here.”

Finding a tub with soup in it, Arc pulls it out and grabs a pot.

“How about this?”

Raven nods. “Yes, that’s just fine, sir.”

Putting the pot on the stove, Arc pours some of the contents of the tub into the pot before turning the burner on ‘low’ and putting the tub away. However, as he begins stirring the contents, the door to the pantry opens as the sound of hoofsteps ring out. Calling out from the stove, Arc does not take his eyes off the pot before him.

“Don’t mind me. Just warming up some soup real quick.”

“That’s fine with me, Arc.”

His eyes wide, Arc whirls around to see Derpy walking toward the prep area with a sack on her back.

“Derpy?!”

Derpy smiles at him. “Yes?”

“What are you DOING?!”

Derpy taps the sack on her back with a hoof. “Mixing up some pancake batter for tomorrow morning.”

Raven smiles at her. “I believe the commander meant to ask why you are aboard this ship.”

Derpy lifts the sack onto the prep table as she speaks. “Just doing my part to help with the war effort. After all, an army fights on its stomach. Uh... at least I think that’s how the saying goes.”

Arc facepalms. “Great.”

“Is something wrong, Arc?”

“Kinda, yeah. This isn’t exactly the place for you right now. I mean... the upcoming battle, and all.”

Derpy giggles. “I’ll be just fine here in the kitchen.”

Raven nods as she looks to Arc. “Remember, support staff aren’t permitted to leave the ship, sir.”

Arc sighs. “I... guess that’s true. Sorry I overreacted, Derpy.”

“It’s fine.”

She sniffs the air before continuing.

“But you should probably take that soup off the heat before it starts to scorch.”

“Uh... right!”

Doing as Derpy suggests, Arc pulls the pot off the stove as she gives him a bowl. Pouring the contents into it, he sets it before Raven.

“Here you are.”

“Thank you, sir. This should tide me over until breakfast.”

Derpy calls out from her place at the prep table. “Are you sure, Raven? I can heat something else up for you if you’d like.”

“Yes, I’ll be okay.”

The sound of more hooves exiting the pantry rings out as Applejack steps out carrying a backload of sacks. She sets them next to Derpy and looks to Arc.

“Hey there, sugarcube. Nice pantry you got back there.”

“Um... hi, Applejack. Now then... I’m almost afraid to ask this, but... is there anyone else back there?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nope. Just me.”

Arc appears relieved. “Good.”

Derpy points a hoof toward the door. “Right. Rarity’s down in the cargo hold checking the armor for defects.”

Applejack nods. “And Pinkie’s with her looking for...”

Arc interrupts her. “Rarity and Pinkie too?!”

Derpy grins. “Yup!”

“Anyone else?!”

Applejack taps her hoof on the table as if thinking. “I believe Fluttershy’s cleaning the bathrooms. And Rainbow Dash is probably asleep in her room by now.”

“But... but why?”

Raven looks up from her soup. “Princess Twilight’s orders, sir.”

Applejack grins. “She wanted us close at hoof just in case the Elements of Harmony were needed.”

Derpy looks over her shoulder. “It’s probably for the best that they’re here.”

“I... suppose that’s true, yes. But why didn’t someone tell me?”

Raven shrugs. “Admittedly, I’m at a loss, sir.”

Applejack walks over to the sink and washes her hooves. “Twilight said she wanted to tell you personally. Not sure what happened there though.”

Derpy shrugs. “Admittedly, she has been really busy lately.”

Arc sighs. “Well, I’ll talk to her about it when The Equinox lands tomorrow.”

Raven looks over as she finishes her soup. “Shall we continue our inspection tour now, sir?”

Arc stands. “Yes, I think we’d better.”

Applejack walks over to him. “Could we talk to you first though, Arc?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, it won’t take long.”

“Alright.”

He looks to Raven before continuing.

“Could we get a few minutes alone please?”

“Yes sir. I’ll wait in the cafeteria.”

Heading out the door, Raven closes it behind her. Arc turns to Derpy and Applejack as they approach him.

“Now then, what’s on your minds?”

Applejack bows her head. “I just wanted to ask that you not be upset with Twilight about this.”

Derpy nods sadly. “Or us.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Now why would I be upset?”

Applejack wrings her hooves nervously. “Well... it does kinda look as if we went behind your back to come aboard.”

Derpy grimaces. “It honestly wasn’t our intent to surprise you like this!”

Arc smiles at them. “No, it’s okay. I’m sure whatever caused this bit of... miscommunication was purely an accident.”

Applejack appears hopeful. “So... you’re not upset?”

“Nope. Actually, it’s nice to know you two, and the others, are here.”

Derpy giggles. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “Oh, yes. Truth be told, I’m actually a bit... nervous about how this whole thing is going to go down.”

Applejack looks to him, confused. “Nervous?”

“We don’t really know what’s going to happen out there. It may just involve us marching into the hive and capturing Chrysalis. Or, it could all go sideways at some point. And I’m leaning more towards the latter.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “I’m sure Princess Twilight will think things through properly along with Princess Celestia.”

Applejack looks to Arc with a smile. “And you too, sugarcube. But you’d best get a move on soon.”

Derpy giggles as she gestures to the door. “Right. After all, Raven is waiting for you.”

“Alright. I’ll see you both at breakfast then.”

Applejack laughs as she motions to the prep table. “We’re already working on it.”

Arc chuckles as he turns toward the door. “Carry on then.”

Derpy and Applejack playfully salute as he leaves. Seeing Raven rise from her place at a table, Arc heads over to her.

“Sorry for the wait.”

“It’s alright, sir. Are you ready to proceed?”

Arc nods. “Lead the way.”

Returning to the corridor, Raven turns to him before speaking.

“You’ll be happy to know that your squad has been rigorously training the soldiers for this mission as per you instructions, sir. Prior to us departing, of course.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’m sure they’re still doing the same aboard The Equinox though. But tell me, how did the training go?”

“Fairly well from what I’ve heard.”

“Any problems?”

“Well... sort of.”

“Oh?”

Raven looks away nervously. “Some of the soldiers are... not fond of taking instruction from Lunar Defenders.”

Arc frowns. “You mean because of their race?”

Raven sighs and nods. “Yes sir. I was just trying to put it delicately.”

“I’ve heard of the... trouble their race has endured.”

“Nopony is openly hostile toward them, generally speaking. However, they are viewed as something of a... curiosity.”

“Fear?”

“Maybe not the best word for it, but yes.”

“I was hoping that them being chosen as my personal squad would help change such sentiment.”

“Only time will do that, sir. But I’ve seen that change is indeed happening.”

“Is it now?”

Raven nods. “Yes sir. Your squad being seen with you, even if just while on guard duty, shows the nation that you trust them with your life.”

“They’re good guys.”

“I agree, sir. However, some ponies can’t get past their outward appearance.”

“The leathery wings and different pupils are outside the other three race’s normal appearance, yes. But that’s all that’s different from a Pegasi.”

Raven bows her head. “While that is true, I too have been guilty of being unnerved by them at times.”

“I’m assuming this isn’t the first time something like this has happened in this land.”

“As far as I know, it is.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So you’re saying that when the three pony races unified all those years ago that everyone immediately just came together and started living together in harmony?”

Raven shakes her head. “No sir. The history books clearly state that ponykind settled in various towns built for a single race.”

“But today towns have all three races. What exactly changed?”

“They saw that everypony was the same at their core. And by diversifying and intermingling they could accomplish more than one race alone every would.”

“Exactly. Cooperation started slowly, built up over time, expanded, and eventually became the cultural norm. I don’t see why that can’t happen for the bat ponies.”

“I hope so. I really do, sir. Your squad does work very hard for you.”

“That they do.”

Continuing on their inspection tour, they eventually come to the platoon stationed at the main hatch. Arc and Raven stop in front of it as she speaks.

“And that concludes our tour, sir. From stem to stern we are secure.”

“Not quite.”

Raven appears confused. “Sir?”

“The outside of the ship.”

“We have innumerable eyes watching from every vantage point though, sir.”

“I understand that. However, I’d still like to look around myself.”

Raven nods soberly. “That is your right, sir. Shall I call for some guards to accompany you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you. I won’t go far.”

“Would you at least take a portable radio, sir?”

“Very well.”

A guard steps forward with the device. Handing it to Arc, he turns another one on before checking it. Verifying that they are connected, Arc looks to the soldier next to the door as he speaks.

“Open it.”

Saluting, the guard dutifully presses the door release button. It swings open as Arc calls forth his armor and steps forward. Walking out onto the deck, he motions for the guards to close the door behind him. As it hisses shut, Arc turns and walks to the forwardmost part of the ship’s stem and looks out over the terrain before him. Folding his arms over his chestplate he stands there motionless as the guards inside watch him along with Raven. One of them turns to her, confused.

“Miss, what is the Hero of Light doing?”

Raven shrugs. “I have no idea. This makes no sense to me either.”

Remaining in his position for some time, Arc eventually holds his radio to his mouth and speaks.

“Lower the gangplank.”

“Sir?”

“Do it.”

Shrugging, the guard presses a button on a nearby console. Slowly the gangplank descends to rest on the ground below. Walking down it to stand at ground level, Arc turns and begins walking toward the edge of the illuminated area. Raven calls out into the radio.

“Sir, I must warn you that you’re quickly approaching the border!”

“I know.”

“Then why...?!”

Arc interrupts her. “Stand by.”

Stopping, Arc looks out into the inky darkness as he speaks.

“I see you.”

A tense few moments go by before a lizard slowly crawls forth from the blackness and approaches Arc. Drawing his spear, Arc points it at the creature as he continues.

“State your intent.”

Looking up at him as several spotlights converge on the scaly lizard Raven’s voice rings out frantically.

“Sir, our sentries say that you’re standing in front of a changeling!”

“I am aware of that, Raven. Do not intervene.”

Frowning, Arc looks to the lizard again as he continues points his spear at them.

“Again I ask that you state your intent! I won’t do so again!”

A flash of green flames surround the lizard as it shapeshifts back to its original form. Looking up at Arc with its green eyes it stares at him silently for a time before speaking.

“Hello again, fool.”

Arc frowns. “Chrysalis?!”

The changeling before him rolls its eyes before speaking again.

“Do you honestly think I would be stupid enough to come there myself?!”

Arc shrugs. “One can but hope. After all, it would make for a MUCH shorter mission for us.”

Chrysalis scoffs. “No such luck, I’m afraid.”

“Why are you here?”

“To give you a message to relay to your pastel-maned princess.”

“Celestia isn’t currently...”

Chrysalis interrupts him. “Say what you will. But we both know she’s still calling the shots in Equestria.”

“Princess Twilight is the current ruler. No matter what you may think.”

“Believe what you will, human. But listen to my words very closely.”

She looks him over carefully before continuing.

“The purpose of my visit to your vessel tonight is to personally deliver a warning.”

“Do tell.”

“Go back.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“Ponies and your kind do not belong here in my domain.”

“Agreed.”

Chrysalis frowns. “I doubt that means you will leave.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we won’t. We’re here purely to prevent future attacks on Equestrian citizens by your... minions.”

“Bah! You know nothing of our interests in your land, human!”

“Then explain it to me. What exactly where you trying to accomplish back then?”

Chrysalis snorts. “It is beyond your comprehension, of that I am certain!”

Arc sighs. “Look, I’m going to assume that you don’t want open war between our countries. We’re both going to lose troops and resources over this as it stands.”

“Then leave!”

“I can’t do that.”

“It would appear that we are at an impasse then.”

“So it would seem.”

Chrysalis points one hoof at Arc and the other at herself. “I demand that you leave, and you insist on staying.”

“Guess we’re not going to get anywhere talking.”

“No, we will not. So I will leave you with this parting piece of advice.”

“Go on.”

“If you spend too much time searching for the truth, don’t be surprised if you find it. Or... if it finds you.”

“Cryptic.”

Chrysalis smirks. “Tell your pretty purple pony princess that when she arrives tomorrow. Until then, I shall take my leave. Oh! And if you so desire, please feel free to take into custody this drone I’m speaking through.”

Arc scoffs. “What would I do with a changeling drone?”

“Interrogate it, study it, mate with it, or even kill it if you so desire.”

“What?!”

Chrysalis chuckles. “You will get nothing out of it, as this drone is but an empty husk. Mentally and emotionally.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he looks her over. “So it’s... not alive?”

“Not by my definition, no. However, you ponies would certainly see it as having the breath of life within its chitinous shell.”

She sits down on her haunches and puts a holey hoof to her chest before slowly dragging it down to her belly with a wicked smile.

“You could make history as the first Equestrian to take a changeling for their own.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’ll pass.”

Chrysalis shrugs. “Your loss.”

“Now then, if you have nothing else to say I do suggest that we both part ways.”

“Agreed. But know that we will meet again. Sooner than you think.”

Spreading her wings, the drone takes flight and turns to fly back into the Badlands. Watching them for a time silently as they leave his line of sight, Arc muses to himself.

“Chrysalis. What a strange individual she is.”

Sighing, he turns and walks back toward the Lunar Destiny. Walking up the gangplank, Arc raises the radio to his face.

“Let me in.”

The door opens to allow him admittance. As it closes behind him, Flash Sentry runs up and looks Arc over nervously.

“Are you alright, sir?!”

Arc nods as he recalls his armor. “Just fine.”

Raven grimaces as she gestures toward the now closed door. “What was that all about, sir?!”

“They just wanted to talk.”

Flash Sentry groans. “I don’t suppose it was a surrender?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just a warning for us to leave.”

Raven scoffs. “A desperate act.”

“Maybe. I can’t help but think that there was more to it than that though.”

Flash Sentry appears confused. “Sir?”

“Queen Chrysalis was speaking to me through that drone we saw out there. She even offered to turn them over to us.”

Raven frowns. “As a prisoner?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “More likely as a spy.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. It was pretty obvious that she was very interested in me taking them aboard. Other than that though Chrysalis didn’t care one bit what happened to them.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Nothing but a pawn to her.”

“Either way, it’s obvious that this won’t end with words.”

Raven groans. “You mean...?”

Arc looks out the window across the barren wasteland. “Yes, Raven. It will most certainly lead to bloodshed.”

Chapter 2 - Advancing Strategies

Early the next morning, just as the morning sun is peeking over the horizon, The Equinox lands next to the Lunar Destiny. Extending it’s gangplank onto the other ship’s deck, the doors on both ships open. Arc steps out of the Lunar Destiny while Twilight, Celestia, Ember, Sereb, Hammer, Mio, and his squad join him from The Equinox. Arc is the first to speak.

“Here we are again.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Again?”

Ember looks out over the barren terrain. “You’ve been here before, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I just meant that we were here together now.”

Celestia seemingly ignores him as she looks to Twilight and gestures with a hoof.

“The Badlands, Twilight. A hot desert by day and an icy cold tundra by night.”

Twilight gasps as she takes it all in. “I’ve read about it before. But this is just something else entirely!”

Mio appears confused. “Your highness?”

Twilight steps forward and puts her hooves on the guardrail before her as she speaks.

“It’s just so... so lifeless.”

Ember shrugs. “Well, it IS a desert.”

Arc folds his arms over his chestplate. “True. But even deserts typically have at least some form of plant life.

Hammer looks through a pair of binoculars as she speaks. “This here is zero, zilch, and nada all rolled into one.”

Arc turns to his squad. “Make a quick recon flight to check for movement.”

Saluting, they spread their wings and take off. Ember and Hammer walk over to Arc as Sereb attempts to make small talk with him.

“So how’d you sleep, my friend? Are you ready for the task ahead?”

Arc sighs. “Admittedly, not the greatest.”

Hammer smirks. “Why’s that? Your bedmate snore a lot?”

“I actually slept alone last night.”

Ember appears surprised. “You did?”

Hammer shrugs. “That’ll do it.”

Twilight turns to look at him. “Strange. I would have thought that one of the others would have volunteered for such a thing eagerly. All of our friends are aboard, after all.”

Arc frowns. “Yeah, I heard about that from Derpy and Applejack in the cafeteria last night. But why didn’t you say anything about that before we took off, Twilight?”

Twilight bows her head as her ears droop. “Sorry. I... just kinda forgot. With everything going on it sorta kinda got put on the back burner until I myself overlooked it.

As if on cue, the rest of the Mane Six step out of the Lunar Destiny and onto the deck. Rainbow Dash gallops over to the guardrail and hops up onto it to gaze out over the terrain.

“Nice place for flying!”

Applejack scoffs. “There ain’t nothing out here though.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah, that’s the beauty of it though! It’s all open and free! No trees or buildings to fly into!”

Pinkie bounces over to her. “Just a lot of rocks! But they do look a lot less squishy than trees or houses, Dashie!”

Rarity joins them. “Right. You could really get hurt if you tailspined out of control here.”

Rainbow Dash waves a hoof dismissively. “Come on! That almost never happens anymore!”

Fluttershy looks around and sniffs the air. “This place... it isn’t right.”

Twilight turns to her as Celestia pauses her explanation of the land. “Fluttershy? What do you mean? What isn’t right?”

“I know that this land is a rather... inhospitable place. But I don’t see or smell any critters around here.”

Celestia nods soberly. “That is because there aren’t any to see.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “None at all?”

Mio scans the land with a pair of binoculars as she speaks. “That is indeed very strange. Even the most extreme environments back on Earth have some sort of animal life. From the coldest regions of the arctic to the hottest deserts of Death Valley.”

Ember turns to Celestia. “Why aren’t there any here though?”

“The true reason is unknown. However, there are a few theories as to why this place is lifeless, Ember. Do you remember them, Twilight?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Well... one popular theory is that it’s due to the anti-magic nature of the Badlands.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But animals typically can’t use magic anyways. Why would that be a deterrent?”

“All living creatures here in Equestria have some form of magic within them. To be in a place that actively blocks it though can be very... unpleasant.”

Rarity touches her horn as she speaks. “Even those whom lack the ability to harness the magic within?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, Rarity. Think of it like being in a place with very thin oxygen.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Like on a mountaintop?”

“Exactly. You can breathe up there. However, it’s much harder to do and is very taxing on the body.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “I get that much. Pegasi learned long ago that flying too high is just plain needlessly difficult.”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side, confused. “But didn’t you used to do that a LOT years ago?!”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Meh. It was a phase.”

Hammer looks to her friend. “Why though, blue?

Celestia chimes in. “I’m told that most Pegasi have, at one point or another in their lives, wanted to fly as high as they could. In doing so though they generally find that they are tired out much more quickly due to a combination of the lack of oxygen and the higher winds that come with the increased altitude.”

Fluttershy shudders. “So that’s what it’s like.”

Mio turns to Fluttershy, confused. “You’ve never done that, miss?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No, never. I like to stay close to the ground if I can.”

Ember clears her throat loudly. “Getting back on topic, that theory would kinda explain why there aren’t any animals here. But what about plants?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Yes, as was stated earlier, this place lacks any foliage whatsoever.”

Celestia shakes her head. “It’s been theorized in the past that plants also do not like the lack of magical energies in this place.”

Twilight appears confused. “Plants need magic too?”

Celestia smiles at her former student as she replies. “Not like they need sunlight and water, no. But as you can see from looking around not a single plant has been able to take root in this place.

Sereb paws at the deck. “Perhaps the soil merely lacks the nutrients required for plants to grow.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Plants need to... eat?”

Hammer shrugs. “Sorta, I guess.”

Mio nods. “Yes. Lacking mouths, plants get their sustenance from the ground in which they are planted in.”

Ember grimaces. “I knew that!”

Arc clears his throat loudly to diffuse the situation as he turns to Celestia. “And what did the analysis of the soil samples reveal?”

“That they did indeed contain everything a plant needs to grow and thrive.”

Twilight frowns. “Then why does nothing grow, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia smiles warmly at her. “Such is the ten thousand bit question, Twilight. Science cannot explain it, nor can magic.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Perhaps one day we will know the truth. However, today is not that day.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Right! We’re here to send that pig Queen Chrysalis packing!”

Rarity nods determinedly. “Here, here!”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “Maybe we could... I don’t know... try talking to her first though?”

Arc groans. “I already have.”

Celestia turns to him and frowns. “You have?”

Arc nods. “She was here.”

Twilight gasps, wide-eyed. “What?! When?!”

“Last night.”

Sereb growls. “Why did our forces not detect her!”

Hammer cracks her knuckles angrily. “I’ll teach them to sleep on the job!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Where was she?!”

Arc points to the ground in front of the ship. “Over there. I saw her approach and went down to meet her.”

Celestia glares at Arc. “And you didn’t think to capture her?!”

“She was speaking through a drone to deliver a message telling us to stay away.”

Mio looks to Arc. “Are you certain it wasn’t her in disguise?”

Ember frowns. “Not much of a disguise then.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Speaking telepathically through another creature. Interesting.”

Applejack turns to her. “Twilight?”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Do you know something about this?”

“Not exactly. I just remembered something about a spell in Star-swirl the Bearded’s list of failures.”

Pinkie gasps happily. “Cooking failures?!”

Fluttershy sighs. “Probably not.”

Rainbow Dash groans impatiently. “What did it say?!”

“One of his experiments was to be able to transmit his voice over long distances magically.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You mean like a telephone?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. However, such a thing had not yet been invented.”

Mio appears suddenly interested. “What can you tell us about his idea, Princess Twilight?”

“Well... his theory was to telepathically link two magic users. In this case two Unicorns, and train their minds to be able to talk with one other anywhere on the planet.”

Sereb frowns. “And it didn’t work?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. And to the best of my knowledge nopony else was ever able to get it to work either.”

Arc chuckles. “Not entirely true.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

Arc points to his head. “Remember, Scootaloo and I can talk to one another telepathically as part of our Crimson bond.”

Celestia glares at him. “Yes, I’ve... heard of such a thing existing between a master and its thralls.”

“That and Scootaloo said it was possible, in theory, for me to be able to directly control her body as well.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “In theory?”

“I never tried it out.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Why not?! That sounds AWESOME!”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Oh, yes. One creature being able to fully control another sounds like a party and a half.”

Pinkie shrugs. “Not the kind of party I’d like to go to though.”

Fluttershy shudders. “That sounds like it would be really scary!”

Rarity turns up her nose indignantly. “And violate any number of Equestrian laws.”

Twilight frowns. “Right. It would have made the victim a literal prisoner inside their own body.”

Celestia nods soberly. “And as such I deemed even attempting such a thing illegal centuries ago.”

Hammer looks out over the horizon again as she speaks. “So, does that mean that this Chrysalis character could be a Crimson too?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I didn’t sense that from her.”

Ember grimaces. “Then how did we not know about this new changeling ability?!”

Sereb sighs. “Lack of contact with a country for hundreds of years tends to lead to large gaps in knowledge regarding them, I would assume.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Agreed. After all, Unicorn Magic, like any other branch of science, is always evolving. Our knowledge and understanding of it constantly changing and expanding. Even today new spells are conceived, experimented with and possibly implemented. So it stands to reason that the changelings too would have been honing their own particular school of magic.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Their school of magic? I thought that stuff didn’t work in the Badlands.”

Celestia sighs. “Only theirs does, I’m afraid. Unicorn, Alicorn, and even Dragon Magic isn’t feasible once entering their domain.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “That puts us at a big disadvantage here!”

Applejack touches the Element around her neck as she speaks. “What about the Elements of Harmony? Does that mean they’re useless here?”

Twilight shrugs. “We don’t really know. I asked all of you to be here just in case we’re needed to use them.”

Rarity chimes in quickly. “As a last resort though, right?”

Celestia nods soberly. “Yes, indeed. After all, we can’t risk losing any of you to combat.”

Pinkie pulls out her party cannon and somehow cocks it like a shotgun. “Aw, but I wanna fight too!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Princess Celestia’s right. All of you are irreplaceable as Element Bearers.”

Arc gestures to the airships behind them. “Which is why we need to win this thing with military might.”

Sereb growls. “This will be very difficult without magic to aid us though, Arc.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Difficult, yes! But definitely not impossible!”

Hammer grins as she pats her gun. “Right!”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “But isn’t that your magic gun, Hammer?”

Hammer shakes her head as she removes the clip to expose a number of gleaming bullets. “Nah. This one fires good old fashioned lead.”

Twilight looks to Celestia. “Shouldn’t we get underway soon though?”

Celestia smiles at her protege. “That’s up to you, Twilight. Remember, you’re the one leading this offensive.”

Mio steps forward. “We should wait for enough daylight to see properly though, your highness. The enemy is one of stealth and subterfuge, after all.”

Hammer nods. “Agreed. No reason to give them any more of an advantage than they already have.”

Arc grins. “What are your orders, Twilight?”

“I... I think we should get everypony outside and into ranks. It will take some time for them to mobilize, after all. And by then it will be light enough to move out.”

Celestia looks to Twilight. “Don’t forget about ordering the supply vehicles to disembark along with the soldiers. After all, it’s a very long walk to the enemy’s primary hive cluster.”

Rainbow Dash lands in front of Arc and salutes soberly. “How can we help?!”

“By guarding the ships.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

Sereb shakes his head. “As was said earlier, we cannot risk the safety of the Element Bearers in combat.”

Rarity frowns. “Then how are we supposed to help if the need arises?”

Hammer taps a device on her chest. “We’ll radio back here if we need you.”

Celestia nods. “Yes. Traditional radio waves do permeate the anti-magic aura of this place.”

Fluttershy appears relieved. “That’s good.”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof. “If it’s so dangerous, then why is Twilight going?!”

Twilight sighs. “Because as a princess of Equestria, I have to. Or, at the very least, should go myself to show the citizenry just how serious I am about stopping the changeling threat to our land.”

Celestia nods approvingly. “Well said, Twilight.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “This is still going to be crazy dangerous though, Twilight!”

Rarity nods fervently. “Right! Even if you can’t be killed by the enemy’s weapons and magic, they could still take you captive!”

Pinkie’s mane deflates as she pouts. “And then we’d never see you again!”

Arc gives them all a reassuring look. “Don’t worry about Twilight. Remember, I’ll be with her the whole time.”

Celestia steps forward. “As will I.”

Hammer grins as she shoulders her weapon. “Me too!”

Mio smiles nervously. “And I’ll be advising Princess Twilight on tactics in addition to watching her back.”

Ember smirks. “And I’ll be watching Arc’s backside too.”

Sereb puts a paw in front of his face. “While I too will be watching his back, I do not believe I’ll be doing it in the same manner as Ember will be.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Probably not. But we’ll all do our best.”

Max and the others land in front of Arc. Saluting, Max speaks.

“Nothing moving out there, sir.”

“Any signs of life at all?”

Viktor shakes his head. “No, sir.”

Hugh sighs. “Not even any prints in the dirt that we could see.”

Xenos puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Then again, if the enemy were flying they wouldn’t make tracks.”

Max smirks. “True. But then we’d probably have seen them.”

Applejack gazes out over the barren terrain. “I don’t like this whole thing one bit.”

Rainbow Dash shadowboxes as she speaks. “Me either! We should be out there with Twilight taking it to those changeling freaks!”

Twilight sighs. “I’d like that too, of course. But please stay here where it’s safe.”

Sadly, the rest of the Mane Six nod and turns to head back inside the Lunar Destiny. They call out one by one as they pass. Applejack is the first to speak.

“Take care out there, sugarcube.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Watch out for projectiles.”

Pinkie grits her teeth angrily. “Yeah! And be sure to let those meanies have it!”

Rainbow Dash smirks wickedly. “Make em sorry they ever crossed us in the first place!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Come back safely though, Twilight.”

Twilight forces a smile for her friends. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

She watches as they enter the ship and close the door behind them. Arc looks to Twilight and salutes.

“Shall I order the troops to assemble in at the border, your highness?”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes, please do.”

Touching his earring, Arc relays the message to Lemon Hearts. A short time later the main hatches of both ships open and soldiers begin marching out. The cargo bay doors also open to let a number of wagon-like vehicles pulled by stallions drive through them and down to ground level. Arc and company watch from the deck as preparations continue. Twilight turns to Celestia nervously.

“There’s quite a few of them.”

Celestia appears confused. “Didn’t you read the report detailing our troop composition, Twilight?”

“I did, yes. However, seeing numbers on a piece of paper and seeing those forces right in front of me are two different things.”

Arc nods. “That is a lot of soldiers, yes.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest soberly. “We’re gonna need em though.”

Mio sighs. “Agreed. We are, for all intents and purposes, going into this situation blind.”

Ember scoffs as she paces the deck. “Bring em on! I prefer a straight fight over all this sneaking around!”

Celestia bows her head. “That is my desire too, Ember. However, we must think of the safety of our soldiers as well.”

Twilight nods. “Agreed. I want everypony to be able to go home to Equestria after this safely.”

Sereb shakes his head. “One cannot hunt without spilling blood, your highness.”

Mio looks to Twilight. “It’s not too late to send scouts in ahead of the main force, your highness.”

Twilight frowns as she looks to the young woman out of the corner of her eye. “I won’t put them in such extreme danger like that.”

Celestia sighs. “They are trained for such things though, Twilight.”

“My mind is made up on that. The way I see it, the safest way to do this is to have everypony go in together to overwhelm the enemy with our numbers.”

Hammer grins as she pats her weapon. “There is something to be said for blitzkrieg tactics.”

Mio groans. “While I can’t ignore the numerous historical successes of that particular method, I must also point out that such actions were taken only after the intel at hand showed that the enemy was far outmatched.”

Arc frowns. “For all we know they could have millions of changelings out here.”

Ember scoffs. “Not likely though.”

Sereb growls. “True. But the possibility does still exist.”

Celestia looks out over the barren landscape before them. “Nevertheless, we have a duty to both our citizens and our country.”

As the sun moves slowly over the horizon to illuminate the sky, Hammer’s earpiece chirps. Listening to a voice on the other end she speaks.

“Roger that. One moment.”

Turning to Twilight, she continues.

“Your highness, I’ve just received word that all of our forces have been deployed and are ready to move out on your command.”

“Good. Let’s get underway. Order the...”

Celestia interrupts her. “It may be a good idea to address the troops before setting out, Twilight.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Address them? You mean... make a speech, or something?”

“Yes. Everypony is on-edge regarding the mission at large. A few words of encouragement from you would do wonders to sooth that apprehension.”

“But you could do such a thing much better than I ever could, Princess Celestia!”

“Perhaps that is true, yes. However, they all know that you are leading this campaign, Twilight. So it falls to you to make the speech yourself.”

Ember puts a claw to her chin. “I do get what you’re saying. But that could also go the other way.”

Celestia frowns. “Oh?”

Sereb nods soberly. “What Ember is trying to say is that while the princess’ words could indeed bolster the troops morale if spoken correctly, they could also hurt the confidence of our forces if her voice or words were to falter at this time.”

Mio sighs. “Well, someone needs to reassure them.”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward Arc. “How about handsome over here?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you!”

Sereb smiles toothily. “The soldiers are already well aware of your martial prowess, my friend. Your words would be just as effective as Princess Twilight’s would be.”

Ember shrugs. “Maybe more.”

Arc sighs. “It’s up to Twilight, I suppose.”

Mio looks to Twilight. “Your highness, I believe that you yourself should make this speech as a sign to our troops of your personal strength and leadership.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “And I say Arc should be the one to do it.”

Celestia steps forward. “Well now, Twilight... what is your decision?”

“I... I believe that the soldiers would be more reassured if Arc made the pre-march speech.”

Arc nods. “Very well. One moment.”

He turns to his squad before continuing.

“You four have your assignments. Go down there and take command of your respective companies.”

The squad salutes Arc silently before spreading their leathery wings and taking flight. Ember sighs.

“Almost time.”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “So how am I going to do this? I mean... there’s no way everyone’s is going to be able to hear me.”

“I can have the ships link my radio to their external speakers if you want.”

“Sounds good. Now then, let’s get down there.”

Walking over to Sereb, Arc hops up into the saddle and motions for him to start walking. Ember, Twilight, and Celestia fall into step behind him as they make their way down the gangplank. Passing the soldiers, the group arrives at the front of their forces. Arc looks around for a few moments before holding out a hand to one side. Hammer puts her radio into his palm before stepping back. Taking a deep breath, Arc presses the button on the side before speaking.

“GOOD MORNING!”

Motioning with a sweep of his hand toward the emptiness behind him, Arc continues.

“BEFORE YOU STRETCHES THE BADLANDS! AN INHOSPITABLE STRETCH IN THE SOUTHEASTERN REGION OF EQUESTRIA! NOW I KNOW THAT SEEING THIS PLACE MUST MAKE MANY OF YOU FEEL NERVOUS ABOUT BEING IN SUCH A PLACE! SO LET ME JUST STATE FOR THE RECORD WHY EXACTLY WE ARE HERE!”

Pausing for a moment, Arc looks out over those gathered before continuing.

“SOME TIME AGO, THE TOWN OF VANHOOVER SAW THEIR FOALS FALL SICK TO A MYSTERIOUS ILLNESS! IT WAS FOUND THAT THEY WERE BEING POISONED BY THE CHANGELINGS IN ORDER TO FEED OFF OF THEIR PARENT’S LOVE FOR THEM! SIMILARLY, THE CITY OF CLOUDSDALE WAS COVERTLY BESET UPON BY CHANGELINGS MASCARADING AS GUARDS TO FEED ON THOSE WHOM THEY KIDNAPPED! THIS COINCIDED WITH THE TAKOVER AND IMPRISONMENT OF THOSE STATIONED AT THE WONDERBOLTS ACADEMY AS WELL!”

Gesturing to Celestia with a hand, Arc again speaks.

“THEY DID SO BY PRETENDING TO BE PRINCESS CELESTIA AND ORDERED THE FLIERS INTO IMPRISONMENT WITHIN THEIR OWN FACILITY! NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THEY THEN PLANTED EXPLOSIVES WITH WHICH TO COVER UP THEIR MISDEEDS! THEIR INTENTION WAS TO WEAKEN EQUESTRIA’S MILITARY DRASTICALLY BY TAKING OUT THE WONDERBOLTS IN ONE FELL SWOOP! THE LOSS OF OUR NATION’S GREATEST FLIERS WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE MADE US AN EASIER TARGET! WELL, WE’RE HERE TO SHOW THEM THAT WE WILL NOT PUT UP WITH THEIR ANTICS ANY LONGER! THAT WE WILL NOT ALLOW OUR FORCES TO BE ATTACKED IN SUCH A WAY! AND THAT WE WILL NOT STAND IDLY BY AS INNOCNET FOALS ARE POISONED!”

The troops stomp their hooves in agreement as Arc turns and calls forth his Spear of Righteousness. Pointing it toward the Badlands, he cries out.

“FOR THE INNOCENT! FOR OUR MILITARY BROTHERS AND SISTERS! AND FOR EQUESTRIA... FORWARD!”

Arc’s squad calls out for their companies to advance. They step forward as Sereb begins walking with the others by his side. Holding the radio out to Hammer, she takes it and presses a few buttons before speaking.

“Nice speech, Arc!”

Ember grins as she makes a fist. “Yeah! Even I’m more ready to do this thing... if that’s possible!”

Mio smiles warmly at him. “As am I.”

Twilight sighs. “If I were a little less nervous and more of a leader, maybe I could have done that myself.”

Celestia turns to Twilight. “There’s more to leadership than you know, Twilight.”

“But I couldn’t even make a simple...!”

Celestia cuts her off. “It’s more about doing what you can, of course. But also knowing when to take a step back and let somepony a bit more... prepared for the task do their part.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe ‘prepared’ wasn’t the best word for that. After all, I didn’t have anything made out ahead of time.”

Mio giggles happily. “That may be true, Arc. But you were able to rally the troops and get them moving with only a few words and a point with your spear.”

Ember grins. “Yeah! That was awesome!”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Arc shrugs. “I just told them of the things I’d witnessed firsthand.”

Hammer jerks a thumb behind her at their forces marching proudly. “Well, it worked wonders!”

Celestia looks out over the terrain before them. “Yes, it did. But we still have a long way to go.”

Twilight turns to Mio. “Are we still on schedule?”

Mio nods as she looks at her watch along with a clipboard. “Yes, Princess Twilight. At our current standard marching speed, with scheduled breaks factored in of course, we should be able to reach the target area shortly before dusk.”

Hammer smirks. “That’ll give us time to set up our base camp, deploy the floodlights, prepare prepackaged meals for the troops, and implement the watch schedule for defense.”

Arc motions to the supply convoy behind them as he lowers his voice. “Do we really have enough supplies for this endeavor though? I mean, this seems kinda light for how many soldiers we have.”

Celestia nods stoically. “It is enough for the round trip to the enemy’s hive cluster and three days’ worth of fighting.”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t sound like a very good plan. “

Sereb growls. “I agree with Ember. What if we need to besiege their position?”

Twilight turns to them. “Believe me, I would have liked to bring in a lot more supplies in case that very scenario came to pass. However, you have to remember that everything we take with us has to be carried, or in this case pulled, by our forces.”

Mio looks at her clipboard. “The tents, sleeping bags, floodlights, non-magical based batteries, food, and water are all very heavy. And that’s not including the weapons and armor that every soldier is already bearing.”

Celestia grimaces. “Water is our biggest concern out here. And for that, we have brought more than is needed.”

Arc sighs as he looks the transports over. “I guess that makes sense. After all, it won’t do us any good to have our soldiers fainting from dehydration.”

Sereb frowns. “Or from lack of food and shelter too I would imagine.”

Twilight nods soberly as they approach the border. “Right. However, if we do need to extend our stay out here, we have enough to hold out until supply lines can be established. Then we would be in a very good position to dig in for the long haul.

Celestia looks forward. Very true. But for the moment let’s just focus on keeping our eyes open for enemy attacks. After all, we don’t want to be caught off guard.”

Arc and Twilight, along with the others, step from the lush and green grass to the dead and barren Badlands. Ember grimaces as they do so.

“Quite the change.”

Sereb sighs. “It reminds me of the beaches outside Forsaken Village during the cooler months.”

Hammer looks up at the rising sun overhead. “Not for long it won’t. That sun’s going to be cooking us before long.”

Ember rubs her claws together in an effort to warm them. “Sounds good to me! It’s too darn cold out here!”

Arc shakes his head. “Says the dragon whom can literally swim through lava.”

Ember shrugs. “We all do what we’re good at. I’m heat and puncture resistant. Hammer’s tough. Sereb’s fast. Twilight’s smart. And you’re sexy.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Thanks. I think.”

Ember licks her lips hungrily. “Believe me, it was a compliment.”

Arc and company, along with their forces, trudge through the rock filled valleys and over barren hills until sunset. Ember lands in front of Arc and points with a claw over a large craig nearby.

“There’s a nice place just over this ridge that would be a perfect spot to set up camp for the night.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Flat and open?”

Ember shrugs. “As much as can be expected from this place.”

Arc looks down to his mount. “Let’s give it a look then, shall we?”

Motioning to Sereb, the wolf runs ahead of the group. Cresting the hill, he stops to look around with Arc. Sereb is the first to speak.

“It is not too bad here.”

Arc frowns. “Yeah. Maybe a bit TOO good though.”

“Oh?”

“We haven’t seen a single changeling since the one that approached the Lunar Destiny last night. But I have a sneaky suspicion that they’ve been watching us since we got here.”

“A logical conclusion, yes.”

“Have you smelled anything, big guy?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Nothing but what the wind brings to my nose.”

Arc sighs. “Which I’m guessing isn’t much without plants or animals around.”

“There is one scent on the breeze, yes. Though I am sad to say that cannot place it.”

“Any ideas what it could be?”

“None at all. While I am certain that it must be coming from the actions of the changelings, without a point of reference I cannot be sure if it is their scent or something they are producing.”

Arc frowns. “That not reassuring.”

Sereb grunts. “But it is the truth nonetheless.”

Arc grimaces as he looks up at the sun beginning to set. “I guess we don’t have much choice but to make camp here though.”

“Our only other option would be to press on.”

“True. But everyone’s already exhausted from all the walking we did today though. That and who’s to say that we would be able to find something else before the sun finishes setting?”

“A gamble, to be sure.”

“And one that we shouldn’t roll the dice on.”

“We should report our findings to Princess Twilight then for a final decision.”

Turning, Sereb runs back toward their party. Seeing them returning, Twilight motions to Hammer whom calls out the order to halt into her radio. Sereb stops in front of the monarchs as Arc speaks.

“That spot Ember found is certainly good enough to set up camp for the night in.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Easily defendable and open?”

Sereb sighs. “Open, yes. However, it is surrounded by rocks and other places to hide in admittedly.”

Hammer gestures ahead. “Maybe we should keep going then.”

Mio looks behind them to the soldiers as she speaks. “That is not advisable at this point. They’re already quite tired from the events of the day, and must still set up camp while there is still daylight.”

Ember shrugs. “I can keep flying around some more. See if there’s anything else I may have overlooked.”

Twilight turns to her mentor. “What do you think, Princess Celestia?”

“Our two options are to make camp here or hope for something better to present itself, Twilight.”

“So what should I do?”

I must admit, neither option is very good right now.”

Mio looks to Twilight. “Sometimes we just have to make the best decision we can from poor options, your highness.”

Hammer nods. “So what’s it going to be, princess?”

Twilight sighs. “I guess we should take the sure thing option and make camp here for the night.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “Alert our forces of the plan.”

Ember grins. “Great. We can get down there in about twenty minutes. The sooner we do so, the sooner we can get some supper going.”

Sereb motions to the troops with a wave of his paw. “It may be wise to let the soldiers rest for a few minutes longer.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

“As you can see, they are already quite tired from the day’s activities.”

Arc nods. “Sereb’s right. That and in the off chance that our enemies really are waiting to attack us we should be ready.”

Twilight turns to the lieutenant. “Very well. Hammer, give the order.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Speaking into her radio, Hammer relays the orders as Arc looks to Twilight.

“It’s just a precaution.”

Twilight nods. “I know.”

“You doing okay?”

Twilight turns and walks away. “Let’s just focus on getting our forces to this campsite safely.”

Mio follows Twilight as Ember looks to Celestia and frowns as she addresses the former monarch.

“Uh... what the heck was that all about?”

Celestia sighs. “I was afraid this would happen.”

Arc groans. “The weight of command?”

“Yes. It isn’t easy leading. Much less having one’s first time being in front of military forces.”

Hammer scoffs. “But this isn’t Princess Twilight’s first time leading. I mean, she’s been sitting on the throne for some time now.”

Celestia looks to her student some distance away. “Maybe not. But it is the first she’s had the literal weight of their lives on her shoulders.”

Sereb looks up at Arc. “We should try to help her.”

“How though?”

Celestia bows her head. “There is little that any of us can do for Twilight at this point. Such is just something a leader has to deal with on their own sometimes.”

A short time later Arc and company come to the earlier surveyed site. His squad gets to work organizing the soldiers’ preparations. As the sun dips below the horizon everyone gathers around innumerable campfires both to eat and try to stay warm. Arc looks around before speaking to Ember.

“This is... interesting.”

Ember talks between bites. “What... is...?”

“All of us just kinda hanging out in the middle of nowhere.”

Sereb looks up from his tray of food on the ground. “Is this... enjoyable for you, Arc?”

“Maybe not the word I’d have used. More like... interesting.”

Ember groans. “You said that already!”

Mio gestures to her dehydrated meal in an attempt to change the subject. “The food is similar to that which we had in survival training.”

Hammer makes a face. “If by ‘similar’ you mean that it sucks, then I agree with you.”

Sereb grunts as he swallows. “It is merely for a couple of days. Then we shall hopefully be back in the ships eating freshly prepared food in the cafeteria.”

Arc looks at the prepackaged meal sitting on a rock next to him. “Uh... anyone seen Twilight?”

Celestia nods as she points a hoof. “She’s in her tent resting at the moment.”

Mio stands. “I’ll let her know that it’s time to eat.”

Hammer shakes her head. “The princess says she doesn’t want to be disturbed.”

Ember frowns. “Don’t tell me she’s feeling sick now!”

Hammer shrugs. “I dunno.”

Arc picks up the package as he gets up. “I’ll see to it that she eats something before hitting the sack.”

Celestia nods. “Please do.”

Leaving the group, Arc makes the short walk to the center of the camp where Twilight’s tent is located. Motioning to the guards around it to stand aside, he approaches the flap. Raising his hand to knock, Arc facepalms as he realizes his mistake. Taking a deep breath, he pulls the flap aside and steps into the tent. Looking around, Arc sees that it is simply furnished with only a few amenities including a large sleeping bag, small lamp, a couple books, and a rack containing Twilight’s royal golden armor. He spies her lying on top of the sleeping bag facing the tent wall. Hearing someone enter she speaks dryly.

“I don’t wish to be disturbed.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. I just came to make sure you ate supper.

Walking over to her, Arc kneels down and puts a hand on her shoulder. They sit there silently for a few moments before Twilight speaks.

“Thank you, Arc. But I’m not feeling very hungry right now.”

“You hardly touched your lunch earlier today. And Mio said that you just picked at your breakfast aboard The Equinox before landing.”

“I’ll eat later.”

Arc frowns. “Later will be after lights out though.”

Not hearing any kind of response, Arc shakes his head and rips open the packaging. Placing the meal bag inside of the heating bag, he sets it upright against the lamp and begins stroking Twilight’s mane.

“Do you wanna talk about it, Twilight?”

“Talk about what?”

“You.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Arc sighs. “Is that why you’re hiding in here from the rest of the troops?”

“Just... tired, that’s all.”

“Do you actually expect me to believe that’s the only reason, Twilight?”

There is a long pause as Twilight considers what to say next.

“I just... don’t know what to do.”

“Regarding the invasion?”

“Everything, really. This isn’t my place, you know. Leading troops... fighting a war... ordering stallions to their doom.”

“I know that this isn’t easy, Twilight. Remember, I’ve been in this same position before. You’re scared right now. And that’s okay. Everyone here is.”

“But I need to be somepony that they can look up to! Somepony who knows what to do without having to consult with others!”

“Like Celestia?”

Twilight nods sadly. “Right! She should be in charge! Not me!”

“As the ruling princess, I suppose you could make her a general, or something.”

“Should I though? I mean... she hasn’t fully recovered mentally and emotionally from... you know what.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so, no. After all, she too could snap and leave our forces in chaos.”

Twilight groans. “That leaves just me then.”

“True. But remember that you’re not alone in this. Hammer, Mio, Ember, Celestia, and myself... we’re all here to help you do this along with my squad and those guarding the ships at the base camp.”

“Eventually we’re going to have to fight though. Things will get bad fast, and I don’t think I’ll be able to coordinate everything.”

“Is that what this is all about, Twilight?”

“Huh?”

“I know that you’re a very organized mare. You like your lists and putting things on them in order to be done properly. You’re scared that in the heat of battle you won’t have the time or ability to make sure everything goes perfectly.”

“But I won’t.”

“You can’t. No one can.”

Twilight sighs. “Princess Celestia could.”

“I doubt that.”

“While I’ve certainly never seen her on the battlefield before, I have seen her in action.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Back before you came to Equestria, I was her faithful student. In the castle, numerous ponies might be vying for her attention for any number of things. She flawlessly, and effortlessly I might add, organized them into a mental priority list to handle as quickly as possible.”

“Better than you do?”

Twilight nods sadly. “Much.”

“And that bothers you?”

“Not at all. I’ve done my very best to learn from her and try to mimic her organizational methods. However, even after shadowing her for as many years as I have, I’m still nowhere near her level.”

“She’s had centuries of practice, mind you.”

“Well, I don’t have that much time. Right now I have an army of ponies that are going to be looking to me for guidance. And some of them may die waiting for it.”

“But they won’t just be looking to you. My squad is leading the companies and can evaluate and alter our combat plans on the fly. So rather than trying to give orders to every soldier in the field just focus on giving my four squaddies orders.”

Twilight rolls over onto her back and looks up at him sheepishly. “That... would probably work.”

“It’s the best that you can do. Trust them to interpret and pass on your orders.”

He gestures to the food packet before continuing.

“Now then, why don’t we work on getting something inside of your empty belly, Twilight?”

“Well... okay. But on one condition.”

Arc chuckles. “Name it.”

A short time later, Twilight lays on her back in Arc’s lap. Putting a fork into the food bag, Arc puts it to Twilight’s mouth. She closes her mouth around it and chews happily before swallowing and smiling up at him.

“Thanks.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You actually like this stuff?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nah, it’s terrible. I meant thanks for doing this for me.”

Arc nods as he grins. “By your command, my princess.”

Twilight giggles as she bats a hoof at him playfully. “Stop it! It sounds weird when YOU say it!”

“Just doing what I can to be helpful.”

“That you are.”

“Comfortable?”

Twilight nuzzles his side. “Very! This just feels right somehow.”

Arc smiles as he feeds her another bite. “Me holding you like a filly?”

“Don’t tell anypony, but I really do like being held.”

“Your secret is safe with me.”

“Thanks for coming to check on me though. I was really in a nasty slump.”

“We all have our moments of weakness, Twilight. No shame in that. But I should be thanking you as well.”

Twilight appears confused. “What for?”

“Allowing me to talk to you. To open up to me about what was bothering you.”

Twilight appears confused. “But isn’t that was a fiancée is supposed to do?”

Arc nods. “Yup. However, I couldn’t force you to talk about your problems. You had to make the conscious choice to do that yourself.”

“What about you?”

“Me, Twilight?”

“You’re always helping me and the others talk through our problems. But what about yours?”

“There have been times in the past where I opened up to Ember, Hammer, Applejack... whomever was closest to me at the time.”

“What about?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin as he thinks. “Well... back on my date with Applejack, I talked to her about my feelings regarding the herd and... intimacy.”

“Sexual relations?”

“Yeah. I confessed that I had been thinking more about our lives after the wedding. And how we would consummate our marriage.”

“Sex with a mare, you mean?”

“Right. That and starting a family if I recall correctly. Contingent on Auriel’s research bearing fruit, of course.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Is that... something you’re interested in?”

Arc nods. “With the right mares, yes.”

“And would that possibly include me?”

Arc puts another forkful of food into her mouth as he speaks. “When we’re ready, yes. That is... if it’s okay with you.”

Twilight nods as she chews. “Yes, of course! Truth be told, I’m really looking forward to it! Um... but I do have to admit that I don’t really know what I’m doing in that regard.”

“None of us do.”

“When we get back to Canterlot I’ll see about finding a book that can teach us how to properly perform in a few different positions so we can...”

Arc interrupts her. “I actually already talked to Doctor Whooves about that. He gave me a book and told me about some simple, and safe, positions for both of us. It did go more in depth in later chapters admittedly, but I was thinking that we should just kinda figure it out for ourselves. At least at first, that is.”

“Well, all right. If that’s really what you want.”

“I mean, I’m certainly not going to tell you that you can’t read up on the subject. It just feels like that would make things a bit... scripted. Less meaningful.”

“It probably won’t surprise you, but I see it the other way, Arc. Researching the best way to have sexual relations to me is like... it’s like studying for an important test. You want to do your very best to prepare for and do it right.”

“You do make sense admittedly. And as I mentioned some time ago, and just now, I have done a bit of research in this matter myself.”

“The advice from Doctor Whooves.”

“It’s for the sake of safety more than pleasure. But yes. After all, I’d hate for either of us to get hurt.”

Twilight grins. “Remember, as an alicorn I’d just heal right up. So you can be as rough with me as you please and there won’t be any lasting injuries.”

Arc sighs. “I’d still feel bad about it though. Hurting you, I mean.”

Twilight blushes slightly and lowers her voice. “Maybe I’d like it.”

“Let’s just start off slowly. Safety over pleasure.”

“If that’s what you believe is best, then that’s what we’ll do.”

“Thanks for understanding, Twilight. After all, I do want such things to be pleasurable for both of us. Well... everyone involved, that is.”

Finishing his feeding of Twilight, Arc wipes her mouth with a napkin and smiles down at her.

“All full?”

“I am, yes.”

“What did you think of the meal?”

Twilight appears confused. “Huh?”

“I was just wondering what you thought of the military rations.”

“Is that what it was?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... yes. What did you think it was?”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “I... actually wasn’t paying too much attention.”

“You mean...?”

“Autopilot all the way. You could have put literal paper in my mouth and I probably wouldn’t have noticed.”

“But how? I mean... that food was terrible!”

Twilight giggles. “Can I confess something to you, Arc?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“I... think I discovered one of my... quirks.”

“Quirks?”

Twilight nods. “Something that makes me... me. As soon as I lay on my back in your arms, I just kinda... melted into you. It was like I was a newborn filly again, being spoon fed by my mother. Something I dimly remember sometimes in my dreams. She would smile down at me as a spoon of mashed whatever was held to my muzzle. As soon as I saw it coming though I would open my mouth and clamp down on it. Just like now though, I don’t really have any memory of how it tasted. The whole time I was being fed, my attention was fully fixated on my mother.”

“Like you were when I fed you.”

Twilight looks away, slightly embarrassed. “I know it sounds weird, but I’m really enjoying being held like this.”

Arc strokes her mane gently. “Can I confess something too?”

“What is it?”

“I’m enjoying this as well.”

Twilight giggles. “Then keep doing it.”

“Alright. But how about I take it to the next level?”

“Sure. I’d be open to trying anything new.”

Standing up, Arc kneels down to put his hands under Twilight’s front legs where they attach to her body. Lifting her like a young child, he holds her up and smiles widely as he speaks in a higher pitched tone than normal.

“There’s my little Twilight! Who’s a good little filly?!”

Twilight beams happily. “I am!”

Arc tosses her up into the air and catches Twilight a few times before bringing her close for a hug. She wraps her hooves around his neck and reciprocates as Arc speaks.

“I love you, Twilight.”

“And I love you too!”

They stay like that for a time. Eventually, Twilight’s eyes fly open and she hastily whispers something in Arc’s ear. Quickly setting her down, he walks over to the tent flaps and opens them. Grabbing the two guards standing on either side of the opening around their shoulders, he pulls them close and whispers.

“You two heard... nothing.”

As the guards sweat and nod fervently Arc releases them and continues in a normal tone voice.

“Carry on.”

Closing the flaps, Arc turns back to Twilight and lowers his voice.

“Sorry about that. Guess I went a bit too far.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no! It’s fine! I... really did enjoy that, after all.”

Arc gestures toward the tent flaps with a thumb. “Maybe I should... you know...?”

“I... would really enjoy you keeping me warm tonight, Arc.”

“Not the best time for that, Twilight. I’m really pushing it being alone with you right now as it stands.”

Twilight groans. “Yes, I know. It was just... wishful thinking, I suppose.”

“How about I let you get some rest now. Morning comes early, after all.”

“That’s... probably for the best.”

She motions for him to come closer. Kneeling down, Twilight whispers in his ear.

“I would like to talk more about my other quirks later. When there’s time, I mean.”

Arc smiles at her. “So would I, your highness.”

Nodding, Twilight walks back toward her sleeping bag as Arc gathers up the remains of the meal and leaves the tent. Returning to the fire with the others he sits back down and tosses the remains of the packaging into the fire. Celestia is the first to speak.

“How is Twilight doing?”

“Just fine. I gave her a bit of a pep talk while I was in there.”

Ember motions to the burning empty food bag. “More than just a talk it would seem.”

Sereb chuckles. “A warrior must eat whenever they can. More so for a leader.”

Mio holds up her clipboard. “Is she still awake though? Her and I should probably go over a few things before we turn in for the night.”

Hammer groans. “Give her time to rest, Mio! You two went over that stuff a million times yesterday before we got here!”

Arc nods. “She was still awake when I left, yes. But I think she wants some alone time right now.”

Ember chuckles. “You should get some rest too, Arc.”

Sereb looks to him. “Agreed. As I’ve said in the past, ‘a tired warrior is soon a dead one’.”

Celestia turns to Sereb. “There is wisdom in those words.”

Ember scoffs. “Even for those not actively participating in the battle?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You mean the officers?”

“Something like that.”

Mio chimes in. “I would say it is equally important, yes.”

Ember frowns. “How so?”

“It is difficult to make important decisions if fatigued. A bad or late order from a tired officer could lead those they command into harm’s way.”

Celestia nods. “Agreed. I believe we should follow Twilight’s lead and all get some...”

Ember jumps up angrily. “No one cares what YOU think!”

Stomping away to her tent, Ember enters and ‘slams’ the flap behind her angrily. Celestia sighs as she stands.

“Good night, everypony.”

As Celestia retreats to her own tent, Hammer turns to Arc.

“What the heck was that all about?”

Arc frowns. “Ember and Celestia have a rather... unique past.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “That is putting it mildly.”

Mio looks around nervously. “Perhaps we’d best not speak about it right now.”

Arc nods as he stands. “Agreed. But I should probably go and make sure Ember’s okay. Or at the very least, not going to do anything too rash.”

Leaving the campfire again, he walks over to Ember’s tent. Arc pokes his head inside and calls out.

“Hey, I uh...”

Before he can continue, Ember grabs Arc and pulls him roughly inside. He opens his mouth to speak but is again cut off as his ‘assailant’ presses her lips to his passionately. Wrapping his arms around her, Ember takes the opportunity to jump slightly in order to wrap her legs around his backside in an effort to get even closer to him. Pulling back breathlessly, Ember grins at him as she speaks.

“That... made this whole trip worthwhile.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait a second. You’re saying that the whole episode out there was just an act to get me alone in here??

“No. I really do think Celestia is a pompous blowhard.”

She leans is close and whispers in his ear.

“But this... this was a very nice bonus.”

Arc smiles widely. “Admittedly, it was for me as well.”

Smirking, Ember licks his neck with her tongue as Arc strokes her back scales slightly.

“Wanna do more to me, hot stuff?”

Arc chuckles. “Good old Ember. You never stop trying.”

“Admit it. This is my most endearing attribute.”

“I guess it is.”

“And you like it... don’t you?”

Arc shrugs. “Can’t lie. I kinda do. It makes me feel...”

He pauses slightly before continuing.

“...needed. Like you honestly feel that I’m important.”

Ember grins wickedly as she moves her hips against his. “How about you let me show you just how important you really are?”

Arc shakes his head. “Another time.”

Ember sighs as she hops down. “Darn. Thought I almost had you that time.”

“You’re trying to wear down my resistance, aren’t you?”

“And it’s working.”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda is.”

“Really?!”

“Think about it this way. It wasn’t that long ago that I would have just dismissed your advances completely.”

“So what changed?”

“I did.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “But you’re the same as when I met you.”

Arc taps his chest. “Not this. I’ve had a serious change of heart since then.”

“And... that means that you... do want me?”

“Of course, Ember! After all, I do love you very much!”

“And I love you too. But...”

“Something wrong?”

“Kinda. I feel kinda bad about tricking you into coming to my tent now.”

Arc shrugs. “Oh well. No harm done. “

Ember turns away. “That makes me just like her.”

“Like who?”

“Celestia.”

“How so?”

“Manipulating others to do what she wants them to.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Believe me when I say that I came here of my own free will to make sure my friend was okay, Ember. Something I would have been willing to do even if you hadn’t used such theatrics.”

“I tried to think of another way. I really did. But that was all I could come up with.”

“Did you consider asking?”

“Huh?”

“You could have just said ‘hey, can I talk to you alone for a minute’, or something like that.”

Ember groans as she facepalms. “Now I just plain feel stupid.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, we all have our moments. But just remember this. I don’t think you’re anything like Celestia for what you did.”

“Thanks.”

“But you and I really should get some rest now.”

Ember motions to her sleeping bag with a nod and a sly grin. “Yes... yes, we should.”

“I meant in my tent, Ember.”

Ember grabs his hand and pulls him toward the tent flaps. “Let’s go then!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah. But I do enjoy the thrill of the hunt.”

She steps forward and puts her claws on his chest. Looking up into Arc’s eyes, Ember speaks softly but firmly.

“And one day... I do want to be the hunted.”

Arc smiles and leans down to kiss her forehead before taking her claws in his.

“Someday, Ember. Someday.”

Patting her cheek, Arc turns and leaves the tent. Ember falls to her knees and sighs wearily.

“Looking forward to it.”

Heading toward his own tent, Arc spies Mio standing outside of it waiting. She stands at attention as he approaches.

“Good evening, sir.”

“Hi, Mio. Um... did you need something?”

“K-kinda. Can I speak to you privately?”

“Alright.”

Holding the flap of his tent up for her, Arc allows Mio to enter. Following her inside he continues.

“What’s on your mind?”

“I, um... sorry, but I’m a bit nervous about doing this?”

“Guessing you’re not talking about the upcoming battle.”

Mio shakes her head. “No more than anyone else I would guess. But this is more important to me.”

“Oh?”

“It’s about Hammer.”

“Something wrong with her?”

Mio nods soberly. “Yes. She’s... very devoted to you and your cause.”

“I can’t deny that.”

“There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. In fact, I believe any superior would love to have an officer so hard working and trustworthy as Hammer is.”

“So what’s the problem then?”

“Hammer has always been rather... um... flighty in the past. Prone to rash decisions and haphazard plans that don’t usually accomplish much.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen such a thing from her before.”

“And since meeting you, neither have I. She’s changed quite a bit for the better admittedly. And that’s what has me worried.”

“What are you getting at, Mio?”

“My sister has been working harder for you than I’ve ever seen her work in her life. She was always good at finding ways to relax too. But since I came to Equestria all she does is work. It worries me quite a bit.”

Arc nods soberly. “That she’s not taking time out for herself?”

“Exactly. Hammer works from sunrise to sunset back in Canterlot Castle. Personally verifying the security of the building, vetting servant records, dealing with the guards, and even working with Princess Twilight and myself to help me regain my magical powers.”

“Sounds like quite the workload.”

“I do my best to help support her in it, of course. But... she’s hard at work when I arrive at the office in the morning and is there long after I leave in the evening.”

“Don’t worry. When we get back from this mission I’ll talk to her about delegating some of her duties to others.”

“While that would probably be for the best, I don’t think that’s what Hammer would truly want. She does enjoy her job very much, after all.”

“So what are you suggesting that I do?”

“While this is very hard for me to say, I... I think that my sister needs more time with you.”

“Away from the castle?”

“I believe a... a date would be the best thing for her at this point.”

Arc raises an eyebrow “Let me see if I’m understanding you correctly here, Mio. You... an individual whom has every reason to hate and distrust me... is suggesting that I take your sister out on a date?”

Mio nods soberly. “Look, I know we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot back on Earth.”

“Well, I did do some pretty unheroic things back then to your sister in the name of the mission.”

“And we hired some bikers to try and beat you up.”

Arc holds up two fingers. “Twice, actually.”

Mio sighs. “What I’m trying to say is that I understand your point of view now, as well as Hammer’s feelings. She’s just so smitten with you, and you with her I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “I Honestly do care about Hammer very much, yes.”

“That’s why I think you two need to have some time alone. Get a meal and, um... whatever else two people do on a date.”

“Alright. That is, if Hammer wants to.”

Mio frowns. “That might actually take some doing on your part.”

“Really? I would have thought she’d be anxious to have some time with me.”

“It’s not that she doesn’t want to. But Hammer’s got it in her head that such a thing wouldn’t be fair to the others.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so? We’ve never dated.”

Mio sighs. “She’s counting all those dates you and her went on when you were... um... what’s the term?”

Arc bows his head. “Manipulating her?”

“I was going to say ‘probing for information’.”

“It comes to about the same thing.

“Call it what you will. But Hammer is insistent that the others all go out with you at least once before she’ll even think about dating again. And while I do applaud her attempts to think of other’s needs ahead of her own...”

Arc continues the sentence. “...she still needs to think about herself too.”

“Right. I’ve tried telling her to talk to you about this, but... you know.”

“Hammer is still Hammer.”

“Something like that. So... what do you think?”

“I’ll try to finds some time to talk to her about this after the mission. See if we can set something up.”

“It wouldn’t have to be anything too elaborate. After all, Hammer’s more interested in just spending time you than what you’re actually doing together.”

“That much I do understand, yes. Don’t worry though. I’ll give the idea of what we can do some thought.”

“You might want to talk to Rainbow Dash about it too. She knows Hammer pretty well. I mean... considering just how long she’s been here.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Yes, those two really do get along well.”

“In any case, I should probably let you get some rest now. But, um... th-thank you for hearing me out on this. I know you’re really busy with... everything that’s going on right now.”

“No problem. You can always come talk to me if you think something’s wrong. I have an open door policy about anything regarding the herd.”

Mio smiles nervously as she and Arc walk toward the tent flaps. “Yes, well... I’m still not exactly on board with that whole idea.”

“That’s understandable.”

“I mean... I do think that everyone involved in this idea is very... nice, and all. But... I’m just worried about my sister being interested in what appears to be a, uh... how do I put this?”

Arc smiles at her. “Say what you feel. It’s okay.”

“Very well. I don’t really like the idea of my sister being involved in what, to me at least, seems like it’s going to be a group sex home.”

“That’s fair.”

Mio appears surprised. “It is? Wow, I... kinda thought you’d be a bit more upset.”

“Not at all. It’s you honest opinion, after all. No shame in that. And it’s normal to be worried about a family member’s future.”

“I’m trying to give everyone involved the benefit of the doubt here. Not much else I could do though, I suppose. And, like I said, they all do seem really nice. But at the same time I keep coming back to an image of you and all your, um... wives lying on a bed going at it with each other.”

She shudders before continuing.

“Admittedly, it’s more than a bit disturbing to think about my sister being sexually involved with ponies.”

Arc shrugs. “No one has made any mention of sexual attraction to each other though. Well... Auriel did once at the Hearth’s Warming gathering, but other than that everyone involved here is pretty platonic with one another.”

“That could change in the future though.”

“I won’t argue that point, as one never really knows what the future holds.”

“Wouldn’t that be cheating though?”

“Not really. I mean... we’d all be married by that point. Well, those joining the herd, that is.”

“So you’d be okay with them being sexually involved with one another?”

Arc shrugs. “As long as those involved were fully consenting to that which they were partaking in, yes.”

“And Hammer?”

“If she wanted to I wouldn’t try to stop her, no.”

Mio gasps. “But don’t you care about her?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. And it’s because I care that I wouldn’t come between her and any other members of the herd.”

Mio puts a hand to her forehead. “I just can’t wrap my mind around that.”

“I’m not asking you to, Mio. Things will move forward slowly but surely regardless. “

“Yes, but...”

Arc holds up a hand as he interrupts her. “And if you have a concern, you should bring it up to Hammer directly.”

“I’m... not really sure how to go about doing that though.”

“Just get her alone, tell her you would like to talk about her future, and explain it the way you just did for me.”

“But what if she won’t listen? Or gets really upset?”

“As long as you stay calm she probably will too. Remember, Hammer does care quite a bit about her little sister. And she’s told me in the past just how smart you are.”

Mio appears hopeful. “I... think I’ll take your advice and talk it over with her. After we’re done here, that is. No need to bring it up when she has so much on her plate already.”

“That would be wise, yes.”

Mio looks to the tent flap next to them. “Sorry for dragging this out so long. I really was trying to let you get some rest before we started with the second round of talks.”

“It’s fine. Let me know if you need help with anything though.”

“I will.”

Stepping through the flaps, Arc watches them close behind her. Sighing, he walks over to his sleeping bag and lies down. Turning off the small battery powered lamp next to him, Arc muses to himself.

“Mio really seems to be worried about Hammer. Can’t really blame her though. I mean... this whole thing is like something out of a science fiction/romance novel at best. And a rom-com at worst.”

He closes his eyes before finishing his thought.

“But as long as we’re all together, everything will be fine. I just know it.”

Falling asleep along with the rest of the camp’s occupants, save for those on guard duty, Arc is awakened at some point in the night by a hand on his shoulder. Opening his eyes, he spies Hammer looking down at him with an urgent look on her face.

“Hey, we got a problem!”

Arc sits up sleepily. “Huh?”

“Colonel Flash Sentry aboard the Lunar Destiny has been trying to get ahold of you on your earring about Shelly!”

Arc bolts upright. “What?! Shelly?!”

He touches his earring and calls out.

“Arc to Lunar Destiny!”

No response is heard as Hammer shakes her head.

“You forget where we are! Magic doesn’t work out here!”

Arc groans as he gets to his feet. “Darn it! I forgot! What happened?!”

“Apparently she slipped, fell, and smacked her head really hard, or something! Word is they had to rush her to the infirmary! Last report said it’s not looking good!”

Arc grabs his armor. “I have to get back there right away!”

Hammer nods as she picks up his helmet. “If you take Sereb back I bet you could make it to the ship around dawn!”

Donning the rest of his armor, Arc rushes toward the tent flap with her. However, he suddenly stops and turns to Hammer.

“Who did you say called about Shelly?”

"Colonel Flash Sentry. Why?”

“From the Lunar Destiny?”

“Yeah! Look, you’re wasting time that could be used to...!”

“What was she doing over...?”

Narrowing his eyes, Arc quickly reaches for his helmet in Hammer’s grasp. However, in doing so he fails to notice the rock in her other hand. She brings it down on the back of his head, hard. Arc falls to the ground unconscious. Smirking, Hammer tosses the helmet onto the vacated sleeping bag as she bends down to examine Arc.

“Too easy.”

Satisfied, she reaches into her officer’s coat and pulls out a scroll. Setting it down carefully next to the helmet, she grins wickedly before making a strange movement with her hand. A small portal forms in front of her out of which several drones emerge. Latching onto Arc’s limbs, they quickly pull him through the swirling energies with Hammer following closely behind them. Stepping out the other side, Hammer closes the portal and hurries over to a figure sitting on a large rock directly in front of her. Kneeling respectfully, she calls out.

“It is done, my queen.”

The figure flaps its wings and descends. Landing before the drones, she pushes them roughly aside to look Arc’s face over carefully Nodding, she motions to another changeling nearby. They put a strange looking mask on him before turning to Chrysalis.

“He shall not awaken, your highness.”

Chrysalis chuckles darkly. “Excellent.”

Opening a larger portal, Chrysalis looks to the drones.

“Take him and begin phase two.”

They bow respectfully before dragging Arc through. Chrysalis turns to Hammer, whom is still kneeling, and smiles toothily.

“Rise, my friend. Let us be off.”

Doing as she is told, Hammer steps through the portal with Chrysalis. Reappearing inside a structure of some kind, she looks down a corridor to see the drones dragging Arc away. Grinning widely, Chrysalis walks over to join her.

“You have done well, my servant.”

Hammer falls to one knee again. “It was my pleasure, my queen.”

Chrysalis chuckles. “Rise and return to your true form.”

Nodding, Hammer stands. In a flash of green fire the young woman vanishes and a slightly larger than average changeling appears in her place. Chrysalis nods approvingly.

“Welcome back, Pharynx.”

“It is good to be home again, my queen.”

Chrysalis motions to the drones some distance away by now. “And it is also good to see a favorable outcome to your mission. This time, that is.”

Pharynx bows his head. “I make no excuses for the mistakes of the past, your highness.”

“Nor should you. Truth be told, I was beginning to lose faith in you.”

Smirking, she continues.

“However, this recent change of events should pay off nicely for us.”

“How can I be of assistance, my queen?”

“Send messages out to all of our scouting, infiltration, and embedded teams. Tell them to return to the primary hive cluster immediately.”

Pharynx appears confused. “B-but my queen, they’ve been dispersed all over the country. Recalling everyone now would most certainly compromise their operations.”

Chrysalis scoffs. “And...?”

“Some of them have taken years to get where they are!”

“Understandable. However, now I have a new plan. One that will ensure a bright future for our kind.”

“While I understand that this... thing we’ve brought back is indeed powerful, he alone is not capable of...”

Chrysalis waves a holey hoof dismissively as she interrupts him. “That is true, yes. However, this human has multiple uses in my upcoming plan, Pharynx.”

“Might I ask what that is, your majesty?”

“For the moment... bait.”

Pharynx raises an eyebrow. “Bait? But he is quite the catch as it is.”

Chrysalis chuckles darkly as she turns and walks away. “I’m going fishing, Pharynx. And if luck is with me, I should catch something even more valuable.”

Pharynx stands and follows his queen. “I must point out that bait is also capable of being lost, my queen.”

“Normally, yes. But with the steps I’m taking, that particular risk will be mitigated.”

She stops and turns to him before continuing.

“All that needs to happen is for everyone to do their part.”

Pharynx bows respectfully. “Yes, your majesty. I shall carry out your orders and recall our forces.”

“Carry on.”

Chrysalis watches for a few moments as he hurries away before spreading her wings and flying through a vertical corridor a few levels up. Smirking, she muses to herself.

“My moves have been made. Now all that’s left to do is to wait for my prey to make their choices. Be they few.”

Chapter 4 - True Cost of War

As Twilight and her forces march on, the changelings at the army’s destination were hard at work making ready for their arrival. Pharynx enters an especially large room with a strange looking holey and pointy throne atop an equally sharp base. Chrysalis sits on it and looks to him anxiously.

“Is it done?!”

Pharynx bows respectfully. “Yes, my queen. Your prize has been safely deposited as per your orders.”

“And its status?!”

“Being delivered here as you desire.”

Chrysalis smiles wickedly. “Very good, Pharynx. With this, we shall be more than ready when Celestia and her little... playthings arrive.”

“Indeed, my queen. However, there is a bit of a problem.”

Chrysalis’ grins suddenly turns into a frown. “Problem?”

“With the return of our formerly deployed forces, we don’t have enough nutrients for all of them. Many arrived already hungry as they had been unable to feed where they were stationed, what with Equestria being on high alert for some time now.”

Chrysalis waves a hoof dismissively. “They can wait a bit longer.”

Pharynx grimaces as he continues. “But my queen, support of your forces is already at an all-time low due to the war with Equestria!”

“I know that, you fool! It is a calculated risk, like every one I’ve taken thus far!”

“Yes, my queen. However, I would recommend that you advise our forces of the current situation.”

“You can do that yourself, Pharynx. Pass on a message to all within the primary hive cluster.”

“What shall the message be, my queen?”

“Tell everyone, ‘I know that all of you are hungry now, and have been for some time. However, I have put into place certain plans that will bring all of that to an end’.”

“And what shall I tell them that plan is, my queen?”

“Say nothing of it. But simply inform them that when this is all over, there will no longer be any trace of hunger within our borders. We shall all grow fat together on the massive influx of love that will be made available to all. So says Queen Chrysalis.”

“I shall pass that on, my queen.”

Chrysalis stands and flaps her wings to lower herself to the floor. “See to it personally, Pharynx. Make sure that every single one of my subjects knows that in short order we shall have more sustenance than could possibly be consumed in a thousand lifetimes.”

The doors open as several drones fly inside carrying a long, green cylindrical, sack-like object. Chrysalis beams as she sees it and motions to the throne.

“Put it down right here. I want my new piece of furniture close to me for this.”

Obeying, they carefully set the object down on the floor horizontally where indicated. It makes a slight (and sickening) squelching noise at it touches down. Motioning for the drones to leave the room, the queen turns back to Pharynx as she gestures to the object.

“This is the next step in my ongoing plan.”

Pharynx raises an ‘eyebrow’, confused. “Uh... but my queen, how could this thing possibly be of any help to...?”

Chrysalis interrupts him. “What you see before you one of the new sources of nutrients I mentioned a moment ago. “

Pharynx pokes it with a holey hoof. “We’ll be able to... feed from this?”

“In a manner of speaking. Once it is ready I shall explain to everyone the details and nuances of this part of the plan. But for the time being, I will simply examine it further.”

“Examine it, my queen?”

“To make sure it is...”

Pausing to search for the right words, Chrysalis eventually motions with a hoof to the door.

“Leave me!”

Bowing, Pharynx obeys. Turning, he exits the Throne Room and shuts the door behind him. Looking all around to make sure she is completely alone, Chrysalis approaches the horizontal column and puts a hoof on it gently. Stroking it tenderly, she steps over and lays down on top of it. Making a second sweep of the room to make sure she is utterly on her own, Chrysalis speaks to it softly.

“Beautiful. Perfect in both form and function. A marvel of changeling ingenuity.”

She licks the surface of the column and grins wickedly before continuing.

“And I shall use this to bring to heel the future of this land.”

Meanwhile, Pharynx walks down a corridor muttering to himself under his breath. Another changeling runs up to him.

“Pharynx! The item is missing!”

Pharynx gestures behind himself with a wave of his hoof. “Queen Chrysalis ordered it brought to her in the Throne Room.”

“What?! But why?!”

Pharynx shrugs. “I have absolutely no idea. You and I both know that it would be safer in its place on the lower levels admittedly, Thorax.”

Thorax motions to the Throne Room doors. “Should we wait outside for her call then? I’m sure she’ll want us to put it back at some point.”

Pharynx looks over his shoulder and sneers. “I get the feeling she’s planning on keeping it there until further notice.”

Thorax groans. “This just makes no sense!”

“If you want to tell her that, be my guest!”

Thorax sighs. “Not a chance. She’d have both our heads.”

“Then it’s settled. The item is in her care and will remain as such until the queen herself decides differently.”

“So... what are we supposed to do in the meantime?”

Pharynx grimaces. “Reassure the rest of the hive.”

Thorax groans. “Again?”

“It has to be done.”

“That would be a lot easier with more nutrition around here.”

“I’m aware of that, Thorax. But you know that we just don’t have enough to go around.”

“Even the warriors are down to half rations. If this keeps up, we’ll have to worry about some of them trying to...”

Pharynx interrupts him angrily. “The rest of the hive is at quarters! So if any of them want to be demoted, they are welcome to do so! Besides, the queen says that sustenance is coming, and soon!”

“It’s not the first time she’s said that though. And we’ve just been passing the message down the line to the others since.”

“This time was different though.”

Thorax appears confused. “How so?”

“It was her voice. The queen just sounded so sure of herself.”

“What changed?”

“The item. She became very... sure of herself once it arrived. As if it was going to feed us somehow.”

Thorax shrugs. “I don’t understand how it could. After all, you and I both know it’s not possible for a...”

Pharynx cuts him off as he pushes past Thorax. “It doesn’t matter what we think about any of this! All you and I have to do is to keep everyone motivated until the queen can solve this problem!”

Thorax follows him. “And you really think she has?!”

Pharynx grimaces but does not look back. “I sure hope so. Or this incoming Equestrian attack may very well be the end of us.”

As the sun falls low in the sky, Twilight and her forces crest a hill near the hive. She looks to Mio and nods. Turning to their army, Mio calls out loudly.

“ALL FORCES, HOLD!”

The soldiers all stop as one as Mio continues.

“SET UP A TEMPORARY BASE CAMP! LOOKOUTS, BE AT THE READY! I WANT EYES ON ALL THREE-HUNDRED SIXTY DEGREES OF THIS HILL AT ALL TIMES! THE REST OF YOU WILL PREPARE MEALS AND EAT FAST! DISMISSED!”

The soldiers salute and scatter to carry out her orders. Sereb, whom is naturally still bearing Mio, walks over to Twilight and Celestia. Mio looks soberly to the pair as she salutes and speaks.

“This shouldn’t take long, your highness.”

Twilight nods nervously as she looks around. “I sure hope not. Remember, we lost radio contact with the ships over an hour ago.”

Celestia sighs. “It is certainly... disconcerting to say the least.”

Sereb growls. “However, we cannot turn back now!”

Ember lands next to Sereb and grins as she calls out.

“Right! We’ve come too far for that!”

Twilight’s ears droop. “That and we don’t have enough supplies to do so even if we wanted to.”

Celestia puts a hoof on her former student’s shoulder. “All the more reason to be prepared for the fight of our lives!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “Indeed!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Now you’re talking my language!”

Mio hops off of Sereb as she speaks to him and Ember. “The two of you should go eat now.”

Sereb looks to the hive nearby. “I’m more interested in resting over eating.”

Ember nods soberly. “As am I!”

Mio shrugs. “Do as you will then. But please, for the sake of safety and security, stay together.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

“Strength in numbers mostly.”

Twilight sighs. “That and we don’t need the changelings taking any more of our key warriors.”

Celestia nods soberly as she looks to Twilight. “We all need to watch each other’s backs.”

Mio salutes. “I will accompany you until the battle begins as well, Princess Twilight. Shall we head to the center of camp for the evening meal?”

Twilight nods sadly. “Yes, I believe so. Even if I’m not really hungry.”

Mio gestures with a wave of her hand. “This way, your highness.”

Twilight and Celestia walk past Mio. She falls into step behind them before looking to Sereb and winking.

“I... do hope you two make the best of your time before the battle starts.”

Sereb nods silently as she moves on. Turning to the dragon, he groans.

“Ember?”

“What is it?”

“Shall we... be off?”

“Uh... to do what exactly?”

“Follow the commander’s orders. Make the most of our time before the battle begins.”

Ember shrugs. “I guess. Gotta take a leak first though.”

“Then I shall accompany you.”

Ember motions to a nearby rocky outcropping. “But I’ll just be over there.”

“As was just stated, we must stick together for safety’s sake. After all, the future Dragon Lord would be a tempting target for the enemy. Especially at this point.”

“I guess. So if you don’t mind watching me do my thing, let’s go.”

They begin walking. A short distance away Ember looks around.

“This is fine.”

She looks over her shoulder at Sereb before continuing.

“Care to join me?”

“I... suppose I probably should.”

Stepping within a few paces of his friend, Sereb lifts his hind leg as Ember squats down and lifts her tail. A few moments later the sound of... you know... fills the air. Finishing his business, Sereb kicks a bit a dirt over his mess before facing forward and turning to Ember. He spies the last few spurts of urine dripping from her backside as she stands and gives her backside a little shake. Looking to him, she frowns.

“Pervert.”

Sereb turns away nervously. “I... I meant no...!”

Ember laughs heartily. “Just messing with you, Sereb! You really do need to learn to loosen up.”

“We should head back to the others.”

Ember walks over to a nearby rock for some shade as she leans against it. “What’s the rush?”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Ember?”

“All day I’ve been surrounded by nothing but ponies. I just want a bit of time to myself.”

Sereb sighs. “That is not advisable. As I said before...”

Ember cuts him off. “You can stick around, Sereb. I wasn’t talking about you.”

“Very well.”

Walking over to her, Sereb sits down on his haunches. They are silent for a time before he breaks it.

“Are you... nervous, Ember?”

“About what?”

“That which awaits us.”

Ember frowns. “We don’t know what’s inside that crazy place though.”

“Exactly.”

“How could I be afraid of something if I don’t even know what it...?!”

“Ember.”

She is silent for a time before moaning and muttering.

“...kinda, yeah.”

“There is no shame in admitting such things.”

Ember groans. “Maybe not for everyone else! But I’m the future Dragon Lord! I have to be brave!”

“Bravery without caution is merely foolishness, Ember.”

Ember scoffs. “Tell that to Arc.”

“I will do so as soon as we find him.”

Ember clenches a fist. “And we will!”

“Of that I have no doubt.”

Ember frowns. “Aren’t you at least a little worried about him?!”

Sereb nods. “I am, yes.”

“Then why aren’t you...?!”

Sereb interrupts her. “Because I am keeping my emotions in check so as to be prepared for the upcoming battle.”

“But you do that all the time!”

“For the a fore mentioned reason.”

Ember sighs. “Exactly.”

“Is there something wrong with that?”

“Yeah. I’m not.”

“Calm?”

Ember nods. “Right.”

“And you wish to be?”

“I do. But I don’t know how to do that.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow, confused. “You do not know how to be calm?”

“Not in the slightest. Dragons are literally the opposite of calm. We’re... always kinda on-edge.”

“Then use that instead.”

Ember turns to him. “I don’t get what you mean.”

“Practice being... on-edge to gain an advantage in battle. In that way you can be hyper-aware of your surroundings to help those around you avoid being surprised by the enemy.”

“That... could be helpful, I guess. But I’d still rather learn the whole calm thing.”

“It is as you said earlier, Ember. A dragon is the opposite of calm. You cannot be that which you are not. Such is to go against your very nature.”

Ember sighs. “Well, I think it would be helpful to Arc in the long run. After all, if I had been there I could have...”

Sereb interrupts her. “Stop, Ember.”

“But it’s true and you know it!”

“Whether or not your words are accurate is not the point here. You cannot blame yourself for what happened to him.”

“I should have...!”

Sereb cuts her off. “Should have what, Ember? Been by his side to defend him?”

“Yes!”

“As should I.”

“Kinda agree with that, what with you and him sharing a Life Pact, and all. But you gotta remember that I’m the one who’s in love with him.”

“I... I do know how you feel, Ember. Being away from someone whom you care about deeply, I mean. Wishing you could be by their side at all times. Doing your very best. And all the while, they hardly notice you’re even there.”

“Not so sure about that. After all, Arc values you as a fellow warrior and friend.”

“That was not what I meant, Ember.”

“So... what then?”

Sereb looks away nervously. “I have certain... feelings. Things that I don’t usually talk about. At least not aloud.”

Ember appears confused. “Feelings?”

Sereb nods. “You see, I... I’ve been hoping to find what Arc’s friends did. A mate.”

“And you feel that such things aren’t noticed?”

“Is that not true?”

“I guess it is. After all, I never really considered you to be the marrying type.”

“We all must settle down eventually.”

Ember grins. “That I do understand.”

“I know you are wishing to join with Arc one day. And I... I just wanted to say... that I... ah... don’t want you to think I am trying to come between you two.”

Ember waves a claw dismissively “Don’t worry about that. I get what you’re saying, Sereb.”

Sereb looks to her, confused. “You do?”

“Yeah. And I gotta say that I think it’s really sweet.”

“That... is not the word I would have thought you would use for it.”

Ember shrugs. “What else could I say? But have you talked to Arc about this yet?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No, I have not.”

“Why not?”

“What would I even say?”

“The truth.”

“But he would most likely be upset.”

“Well, if you don’t say anything he’ll never know. And neither will you.”

Sereb sighs. “There is wisdom in those words, Ember. I shall look for an opportunity to broach the subject soon.”

Ember nods approvingly. “Good. After all, Arc should know as soon as possible.”

“Agreed.”

“And if he’s okay with it, you and I should become closer.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “I thought that much was a given though.”

“Yeah, well... it would make things kinda weird if we weren’t.”

“Weird?”

“For you and I to be just friends if you and Arc became an item.”

Sereb’s eyes grow wide. “If Arc and I... what?”

Ember pats Sereb’s shoulder. “Not sure if he feels that way about you or not. Or is even into stuff like that either. But you should certainly talk to him about it and find out for sure. Just do us all one favor, will you?”

“Huh?”

Ember continues as she stands up. “Assuming he is interested, just try to be careful with him if you two ever make as far as heading to the bedroom together. The others and I don’t want to see him get hurt.”

Sereb sighs as he too rises and follows Ember back toward the rest of the military encampment. Sometime later everyone finishes carrying out Mio’s orders. A hastily prepared meal is eaten by all before the troops are called to line up in front of Twilight. She looks out at them soberly before speaking.

“EVERYPONY... THE TIME HAS COME TO MOVE AGAINST THE CHANGELING’S HIVE! WE CANNOT TURN BACK, NOR LEAVE WITHOUT RESOLVING THIS MATTER AND RESCUING HERO OF LIGHT ARC AS WELL AS LIEUTENANT HAMMER! DO NOT WAVER! DO NOT YIELD! AND MOST OF ALL... DO NOT GIVE UP!”

The troops cheer loudly as Twilight finishes. Arc’s squad motions for them to prepare to move out as Twilight turns to Celestia.

“That... actually went pretty well.”

Celestia smiles at her. “I knew you could do it, Twilight.”

Twilight sighs and bows her head. “Arc could have done it better though.”

“You must have more faith in yourself. This intensity you just displayed has been within you the entire time, my dear.”

“I don’t agree with that. But now isn’t the time for such things.”

Turning to Mio, Twilight nods as she herself begins walking to one side with Celestia. Mio points at the hive in the distance and calls out loudly.

“ALL FORCES, ADVANCE!”

Arc’s squad begins walking as the others follow. Celestia squints as she looks to the enemy forces gathered in front of the hive.

“It would appear that they are lining up in standard battle formation.”

Twilight nods soberly. “I thought there’d be more of them though.”

“As did I.”

Twilight turns to her mentor. Perhaps this is all they could muster?”

Celestia frowns. “Or perhaps what we see before us is merely the tip of the spear.”

“You think they’re up to something, don’t you?”

“I know they are, Twilight.”

As Twilight and her forces near the hive, the changeling defenders snarl and plant their holey hooves firmly in the dirt. Mio calls for the army to hold their position as she rides over to Twilight and salutes.

“Everyone is in position, your highness. It’s now or never.”

“Very good.”

Celestia looks to Mio. “Tell me, how are our remaining water supplies holding out?”

Mio sighs. “Not very well, admittedly. We had enough to fill everyone’s personal canteen one last time when me made camp earlier. They’re literally carrying the last of what we have on their belts.”

Turning to her forces, Twilight calls out.

“EVERYPONY, PRESENT YOUR CANTEENS!”

Confused, the soldiers do as they are told. Unhooking the flasks from their belts they hold them out and wait for further orders.

“OPEN!”

The soldiers open their canteens as ordered.

“DRINK IT ALL!”

Putting the canteens to their lips, the troops drink every last drop of water they have.

“ALL FORCES DISCARD ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS!”

Dropping their canteens and other supply packs silently, the soldiers look ahead nervously to the gathered forces in front of them as Twilight continues.

“EVERYPONY, LISTEN TO ME! WE’VE COME HALFWAY ACROSS THE CONTINENT TO STOP OUR ENEMIES AND PROTECT OUR HOMELAND! LET’S SHOW THEM WHAT EQUESTRIANS ARE MADE OF!”

The troops cheer as Twilight turns to Mio.

“Give the order.”

Nodding, Mio pats Sereb twice. Sereb ferries Mio to front and center of the army as she calls out loudly.

“WEAPONS AT THE READY!”

Drawing their weapons, the soldiers look to her and wait for further orders. Mio takes a deep breath as Sereb turns to face the enemy. Drawing Hammer’s gun from her belt, Mio points it at the enemy and cries out.

“ALL FORCES, ADVANCE!”

As the soldiers begin their approach, Twilight puts a hoof forward. However, Celestia holds out a fetlock to stop her.

“No, Twilight.”

Twilight appears confused. “Princess Celestia?”

“We should stay here.”

“What?! But why?!”

Celestia pulls a radio from her belt. “The highest commanding officer of any fighting force must hold back to observe the situation and call out new orders as needed.”

Giving the radio to Twilight, she continues.

“While I know you think it would be better for an immortal pony princess to be in the thick of it due to our inability to be killed, you can do more here.”

“But...!”

Celestia smiles at her. “Trust me on this, Twilight.”

Twilight sighs as she turns on the radio. “Fine. But aren’t we vulnerable here? I mean... you and I are alone.”

“Normally we would be surrounded by a number of Elite Royal Guards, yes. However, I will take their place for this endeavor and keep you safe.”

Tapping the radio with a hoof, Celestia looks Twilight in the eye soberly.

“Now then... call out your commands to Mio and we can begin.”

Grimacing, Twilight presses the button and speaks.

“R-radio check.”

Mio calls out. “I read you loud and clear, Princess Twilight. What are your orders?”

“Um... I...”

She turns to Celestia before continuing.

“What do I tell her?!”

“That which is best, Twilight.”

Twilight turns to the radio again. “I... ah...”

Mio frowns. “Is something wrong, Princess Twilight?”

Twilight groans. “Sorry. I’m really new at this.”

“Worried about doing it wrong?”

“Very much so, yes.”

“That’s alright, your highness. It’s normal to be scared when you’re doing something new. I’m scared too, as I’ve never led forces of this magnitude into actual combat before. But we have a job to do here.”

Twilight holds out the radio as she looks to Celestia. “Maybe you should handle giving the orders for this.”

Celestia shakes her head and pushes her hoof back. “I can’t, Twilight. You’re the reigning princess here at the moment. Any orders given by me would be invalid.”

“Then tell me this... what do you think we should do?”

Celestia looks out over the battlefield. “Have them keep walking for now. When our forces get about halfway to the enemy, have them pick up the pace.

“Alright.”

Watching the field, Twilight presses the button on the radio.

“Increase your speed.”

Mio calls out. “DOUBLE TIME, EVERYONE!”

The soldiers start galloping faster. Mio turns off the safety on Hammer’s gun and levels it at their opponents. Taking a deep breath, she mutters to herself.

“I can do this. For Hammer.”

Celestia and Twilight continue watching. The changeling’s horns begin to glow as they prepare to attack. Looking to her mentor silently, a tense moment passes between them as Celestia gives a single nod. Grimacing, Twilight speaks into the radio one last time.

“Give it everything you have!”

Mio cries out. “”

The soldiers break into a full on sprint with Mio and Serb in the lead. Mio begins to sweat and her hand shakes. Sereb calls out to her.

“Steady yourself, Mio! I know you are afraid! But remember that you have innumerable soldiers behind you that need to be told what to do!”

“I’ll try.”

“No! Do!”

Nodding, Mio grits her teeth, wipes the sweat from her brow, and takes aim at a target. Meanwhile, Pharynx looks down at the changeling forces from a balcony high overhead. Thorax runs over to him and looks down. His eyes grow wide as he turns to his brother.

“That’s literally every soldier we have!”

Pharynx nods soberly. “With the exception of the queen’s personal guard and us, yes.”

“But... but we can’t hope to stop them with so few...!”

Pharynx interrupts him as he looks to his brother. “Such is the queen’s command.”

“This will be the end of us though!”

“We follow as she orders. Both you and I, Thorax. Have faith in Queen Chrysalis and her plan.”

“How can I have faith in a plan that we don’t even know about?!”

Pharynx nods soberly as he again looks down. “Because at this point we literally have no other choice.”

Bolts of green energy fly from the changeling’s horns. Mio calls out loudly to her troops.

“FOR EQUESTRIA!”

Firing the gun, she begins taking down changelings from afar. Tapping Sereb with a foot, she motions to a large rock nearby. Nodding, he jumps up onto it and stops as the rest of their forces pass by to continue their charge. Taking careful aim, Mio continues firing as the soldiers close the distance between themselves and the enemy forces. Reaching their targets, the soldiers engage the changeling soldiers. Twilight looks to Celestia, nervously.

“How was that?”

Celestia nods. “Very good. We were able to conserve what strength our forces had left to advance to just outside the enemy’s range.”

“Then we charged to quickly close the distance.”

“A simple but effective battle tactic.”

“What are our chances?”

Celestia looks out over the battlefield as she responds. “Our forces outnumber the enemy. However, they are also quite tired from two days of near constant walking. That and the lack of water doesn’t help either.”

She motions to the hive before continuing.

“There has to be more water in there though. After all, even changelings need to drink sometimes.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “So do you think we’ll win?”

Celestia nods. “As things stand out here yes. Unless the changelings have something else in reserve.”

“Do they though is the real question.”

Celestia grits her teeth as she turns back to the battle. “I guarantee it, Twilight.”

Meanwhile, Mio looks out over the battlefield with Serb. She points to another rock some distance away.

“Get me over there!”

“But that will take us some distance from the main force.”

“Do it!”

Nodding, Sereb jumps from his current perch and sprints to the designated target. Arriving, he leaps onto the rocks to climb haphazardly up to the outcropping. Gazing out over the battlefield, Mio flicks a switch on the gun and pulls a scope from the saddlebag next to her. Quickly attaching it, she looks through the lens and mutters to herself.

“This is for you, Hammer.”

Taking aim, she begins firing single shots at the changeling’s rear guard. Taking down those holding back and firing via changeling magic, she drops a clip and reloads. Sereb frowns as he watches.

“There is no honor in taking out the enemy from this great a distance.”

Mio reloads the gun and again puts the scope to her eye. “In battle there is no such thing as ‘honor’. Only victory or defeat.”

She continues firing as the Equestrian forces press their attack. Soon enough the enemy’s front lines are broken and the pony soldiers attack those still casting behind them. Mio stops firing and grins as she calls out over her radio.

“It looks like we’ve nearly done it, your highness!”

Twilight grimaces. “Very good. Hopefully the survivors will soon give up and surrender to our forces. See if you can alter our tactics from kill to capture.”

Mio nods. “Yes, your highness. I’ll join the battle now to do just that.”

Looking down to Sereb, Mio nods. He jumps down to ground level and charges toward the main force as Mio drops Hammer’s gun into the saddlebag and pulls a blade from its place in the saddle. Meanwhile, Celestia shakes her head as she looks to Twilight.

“That will not work, Twilight.”

Twilight turns to her. “What do you mean, Princess Celestia? They battle is all but won.”

“Mark my words. The changelings will fight to the last.”

“B-but... they’ll all be killed! Why would they continue fighting at this point?!”

Celestia grits her teeth. “It is in their nature to follow Queen Chrysalis’ orders, whatever they may be. Even if that means that they won’t live to see another day.”

Frowning, Twilight pushes the button on her radio again.

“Mio... do whatever it takes to win the battle.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Princess Twilight?”

“I’ve just been advised that the changelings most likely won’t surrender to our forces. So... do what you have to do.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Joining the fray, Mio hops off Sereb’s back and lunges forward to aid in the offensive. The battle, although one sided by this point, continues on for several more minutes. Eventually, the last surviving changeling soldier is surrounded by the Equestrian forces. Mio steps forward, motions for her troops to stay back, and sheathes her blade as she looks down at the changeling before her.

“Surrender now... and I give you my word that I’ll spare your life.”

Looking all around at the hordes of dead and dying changelings lying all around him in the dirt for a few moments, the creature’s facial expression appears to soften. Mio holds out a hand to him as she kneels down. However, a moment later the changeling lunges forward to push the young woman roughly onto her back as his fangs rush toward her throat to deliver the killing blow. Jumping into action, Sereb tackles the creature and bites down hard on its leg before throwing it aside. Bleeding heavily, the changeling again rises to engage Sereb. Before it can do so however a shot rings out. Looking down at its chest, the changeling sees a small hole and green blood flowing from it. Falling to the ground, he turns his head to look at Mio whom is holding her smoking pistol. With a small hiss he closes his eyes and lets out a gasp. Twilight and Celestia walk over as Sereb helps Mio up. Twilight approaches Mio as she dusts herself off.

“Are you alright, Mio?!”

Mio nods as she leans heavily on Sereb. “Yes, Princess Twilight. Just... just got the wind knocked out of me, that’s all.”

Ember grins. “You took it well.”

Celestia looks at the changeling Mio shot and shakes her head. “Such a waste.”

Twilight bows her head. “Mio tried her best though.”

Celestia nods as she turns to her former student. “That she did, Twilight. But you should probably address the troops regarding our next...”

She is cut off as the hive’s main gates suddenly open. Mio jumps back into Sereb’s saddle and turns to look at the soldiers as she draws her gun.

“EVERYONE IN FORMATION! PREPARE FOR BATTLE!”

Arc’s squad hastily motion for the troops to line up as they hurry forward to defend Twilight, Celestia, and Mio. However, instead of a large force advancing on them, a single drone walks outside and toward them. As they approach, all assembled see a pole-like object buried deeply in her back with a white piece of tattered cloth hastily tied to it. Ember is the first to speak as the drone nears them.

“What... is this?”

The drone calls out. “My... surrender.”

Celestia spreads her wings angrily. “CHRYSALIS!”

“Just a drone. Nothing more.”

Twilight takes a step forward and gestures to the blood seeping out from around the pole. “Are you... okay?”

The drone scoffs. “That is of little consequence right now. I come now to ask for your terms of surrender.

Mio steps forward angrily. “Give me my sister back!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “And Arc too, you freak of nature!”

Celestia frowns. “Chrysalis, what is this madness?!”

The drone appears confused. “I’m afraid that I don’t get your meaning, Celestia.”

“You expect us to deal with one of your little... puppets when discussing such a serious matter?! Come out here and face us in the flesh if you want to be taken seriously!”

“I am currently not well and unable to leave the comfort of my inner sanctum.”

Celestia scoffs. “Very convenient for you, Chrysalis.”

“We can either talk this way, or you may personally enter my hive and see me.”

Mio frowns as she turns to Twilight. “What should we do, princess?”

Twilight looks to the drone soberly. “I... will come and see you personally.”

Celestia gasps as her eyes grow wide. “What?! NO!”

“Very well. Simply step inside when you are ready and my... wings will guide you.”

With a guttural gasp, the drone falls to the ground. Ember steps over to it and puts her ear to its chest. Listening for a moment, she shrugs and steps back.

“Dead.”

Max puts a hoof on the pole in the drone’s back. “It probably bled out from the inside.”

Xenos grimaces. “Yeah. A wound like that isn’t something you can just walk away from.”

Viktor sighs. “This thing was probably only kept alive by the queen’s magic.”

Hugh shudders. “A sobering thought.”

Mio turns toward the hive. “I’ll head inside and talk to this... Queen Chrysalis.”

Sereb growls. “As will I.”

Ember scoffs. “Um... what?”

Mio look to Twilight. “We’ll go in there, listen to what the queen wants in exchange for a surrender, punch her in the mouth, before bringing the hostages and terms back to you.”

Ember cracks her knuckles. “I’ll help with number three and the first part of four.”

Sereb smiles toothily. “Sounds good to me.”

Twilight shakes her head. “While that’s very brave of you three, I can’t let you do that.”

Ember frowns. “Fine then. Sereb will take care of number three and I’ll do number four, Twilight.”

Celestia steps forward. “I believe she means that a royal should go.”

Twilight nods. “Yes.”

Celestia steps past her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, Twilight.”

Twilight steps in front of Celestia to block her advance. “No. That job falls to me.”

Celestia gasps. “But I should be the one to go! You’re far too important to risk in something like this!”

Ember shrugs. “She’s got a point, Twilight.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chest. “That and Chrysalis will talk to me! We have a long history!”

Sereb groans. “Not a good one though I would imagine.”

Twilight sighs. “Right. You’re probably number one on her list.”

Mio looks to Twilight. “So, what are we going to do, your highness?”

“I’ll go. You have command of our forces while I’m gone, Mio.”

Mio gasps. “But princess...!”

Celestia interrupts her. “You can’t do this, Twilight! At least not alone! I’ll come with you!”

Mio shakes her head. “Queen Chrysalis will probably want to...”

Celestia cuts her off again. “I don’t care!”

Ember brandishes her claws as she speaks. “She’ll have to go through me first!”

Sereb growls. “And me!”

Celestia looks to Twilight. “We shouldn’t risk anypony else on this though.”

“Agreed.”

Turning to Ember and Sereb, she continues.

“I need you and Sereb to stay here with our forces.”

Ember grits her teeth angrily. “What?! But I want to...!”

Twilight steps forward as she interrupts her. “Please, Ember. I need warriors out here whom can get us out if this is a trap.”

Sereb scoffs. “If?”

Celestia nods soberly. “It clearly is, Twilight.”

“I can’t deny that. So if you don’t hear back from us in three hours, Mio, storm the place and come get us.”

Mio salutes. “Yes, your highness.”

Twilight turns and looks at the open gates. Taking a deep breath, she steps forward with Celestia at her side. Mio continues saluting as Arc’s squad takes a cue and does the same. The rest of the troops do so as well as the pair disappear inside the hive. Looking to Celestia, Twilight speaks.

“I, uh...”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“Th-thanks... for coming with me. I don’t think I could have handled this place on my own.”

She looks around as they continue on.

“Now then... I wonder what Queen Chrysalis meant when she said that her wings would guide us to her.”

Celestia sighs. “Ah, well... you see...”

She is cut off as two changelings step out of the shadows and approach them. Celestia steps in front of Twilight and spreads her wings menacingly.

“Stay behind me, Twilight! I’ll protect you!”

One of the changelings addresses her. “That will not be necessary, your highness.”

“And why not?!”

“Because we mean you no harm, Princess Celestia. I’m Thorax, and my companion here is my brother, Pharynx.”

Pharynx nods soberly. “We’re known as the ‘Wings of the Queen’.”

Thorax nods as he motions with a hoof. “Please follow us to the Throne Room.”

Thorax and Pharynx begin walking. Twilight looks to Celestia whom sighs and nods. As they start moving Thorax looks back and speaks.

“We’re sure you’re a bit nervous about this upcoming meeting with our queen. So Pharynx and I have been ordered to answer any questions you may have.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Are our friends alright?!”

Pharynx raises an eyebrow. “Uh... what?”

Thorax turns to his brother. “Their friends. Those whom are not bound to them by blood, but are still cared for as such.”

Pharynx scoffs. “Sounds silly to me.”

“Different cultures have different traditions, Pharynx.”

Thorax looks to Twilight before continuing.

“I assure you that your officer is fine. She’s being held securely in the dungeon.”

Pharynx groans. “Very securely.”

Celestia frowns. “What does that mean?”

“She’s in a maximum security cell due to all the escape attempts.”

Thorax nods. “And all the injured guards.”

“At one point they had to seal her cell door shut! She’s a menace!”

Twilight looks to Thorax. “We’d like her released to us at once.”

“I’m sorry, Princess Twilight. But no releases can be made without the queen’s prior approval.”

Pharynx seethes. “Which I hope she gives, and quickly! It’ll be a relief to the guards unfortunate enough to have guarded her!”

Twilight again turns to Thorax. “And our Hero of Light?”

Thorax grimaces. “He’s... elsewhere.”

Twilight grits her teeth. “What does that mean?!”

Pharynx shrugs. “That we don’t actually know where he is. Orders from the queen, and all that.”

“Is he at least safe?!”

Thorax bows his head. “I’m sorry, but we don’t really know, Princess Twilight.”

Celestia attempts to change the subject. “Can you tell me about your status as the queen’s ‘wings’?”

Pharynx puts a hoof to his chest proudly. “That means we’re her greatest warriors.”

Thorax nods. “And personal guards.”

“How does one get to be a ‘wing’?”

“By being born into the position mostly.”

Pharynx chuckles. “It’s a bit more than just that though. One has to work very hard to survive the training.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Survive?”

Thorax nods. “It’s very... strenuous. Many whom are bred for the position don’t make it.”

Pharynx looks over his shoulder to Celestia as he speaks. “Only the strongest and smartest are allowed to even attempt such a thing, as it’s very resource intensive.”

“I see. So you’re saying that you two represent a significant investment in both time and resources?”

Thorax nods. “Yes, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia smirks. “I see.”

Lunging forward, Celestia bounds past Twilight and straight for Pharynx. Seeing this, the changeling turns, ducks to allow his assailant to pass, changes into a bird, and flies toward Twilight. Celestia turns to give chase just in time to see Pharynx return to his normal form on top of her former student and pin her to the ground. Grabbing her horn with a hole in his hoof as he turns the other into a blade, Pharynx puts it to her neck as he looks to Celestia with a wicked grin.

“More of an investment than you fathom, it appears.”

Celestia frowns. “Let Twilight go!”

She steps forward angrily. Pharynx pushes his blade harder against Twilight’s throat. A small stream of bloom flows down his appendage as he speaks.

“If you wish her dead, by all means keep moving forward.”

Twilight gasps and looks to Celestia as best as she is able.

“Do... whatever it is... that you have to! Remember, I... I can’t die!”

Pharynx chuckles as he watches the blood begin to pool on the floor. “That’s open to experimentation!”

Stepping back, Celestia sits down on her haunches and bows her head.

“I... I yield.”

Pharynx nods. “Wise choice.”

Returning his hoof to its normal form, he roughly pushes Twilight toward Celestia. She holds her former student close and strokes her mane for a few moments as the wound slowly closes and heals.

“I’m sorry, Twilight. That was my fault for being sloppy.”

Twilight shudders slightly from the event. “It’s okay. I’m fine.”

Pharynx returns to his place with Thorax as he speaks to Celestia. “As you can see, we’re more than a match for your antics, princess. But feel free to try again as often as you want.”

Thorax sighs. “I must ask you not to do that again, Princess Celestia.”

Pharynx smirks. “Please do though. I do so enjoy the exercise.”

Thorax turns to look forward again. “We should probably continue on.”

They begin walking again. Twilight pushes away from Celestia as she speaks.

“Let’s get moving.”

Celestia gasps as she looks at the blood on the floor. “Are you sure that you’re alright though?!”

Twilight nods as she puts a hoof to her throat. “Yes, it’s completely healed. Didn’t feel too good though.”

Celestia lowers her voice. “I’m sorry, Twilight. That whole debacle was completely uncalled for.”

“What were you trying to do anyways?”

“Take then out.”

“Why though?”

“You heard what Thorax said. It took a long time to make them. I thought that if I could eliminate at least one of those two it would set Chrysalis back in terms of military might.”

Twilight sighs. “Let’s try to keep this meeting peaceful. After all, the queen did surrender to us.”

Celestia grimaces. “I question that.”

“You think she’s up to something?”

“Yes. Chrysalis has never been so easily defeated.”

“But I thought you said that before all it took was a show of Equestrian military might to make her back off.”

“That was true, yes. However, I always wondered why she would go through all the trouble of marching her forces to our borders just to turn right around shortly thereafter.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I admit, that does sound a bit off.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “All I can figure at this point was that she was just trying to appear predictable. Lure me into a false sense of security.”

“Make you perceive her as a smaller threat than she really was?”

“Exactly. And it did work to a degree.”

“How so?”

“Had I known what she was planning, I would have advised you to bring a much larger invasion force, Twilight.”

“What’s done is done. We’ll have to make do with what we have.”

Twilight thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Then again, it’s probably for the best that we didn’t bring any more troops than we did.”

Celestia appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Think about it. After our water supply was sabotaged, we had to ration it out. Had we brought more soldiers it might not have been enough to even make it here.”

“True. However, had we brought more soldiers, we also would have brought more water as well.”

“I suppose so. With any luck though, this will all be over soon.”

Celestia grimaces as they continue on. “I’m sure it will be. One way or another.”

Continuing on for some time, they turn left and right down a number of corridors. Several times the group is forced to fly up through holes in ceiling or down into pits. Eventually the hall enlarges as the party approaches a wide double door. Thorax nervously turns to Twilight and Celestia as he stops.

“Here we are. Beyond these doors is the Throne Room of our queen.”

Twilight grimaces. “Anything we should know before entering?”

Pharynx smirks. “Just one. Don’t say anything that could potentially make her angry.”

Thorax nods. “Right. She’s... not been herself since the other day.”

Celestia frowns. “When she ordered her agents to poison our water and capture two of our own as they slept?!”

Pharynx shrugs. “Actually, yes.”

Twilight turns to Celestia. “Maybe she feels somewhat guilty about it?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Believe me when I say that the answer to that question is categorically a ‘no’.”

Thorax sighs. “I think she’s just feeling a bit under the weather. We... haven’t had the easiest time lately.”

Pharynx hisses. “Which is none of their concern, brother!”

“You’re right, Pharynx.”

Twilight looks to the door. “In any case, I’d really like to get underway with the talks. As you know, we have quite a few troops outside whom are going to need water very soon.”

Pharynx snorts. “Then you should take that up with the queen.”

Celestia nods soberly. “Very well.”

Pushing the doors open, Thorax and Pharynx allow Twilight and Celestia to enter the Throne Room. They see Chrysalis lying atop a strangely soft looking green rock. She raises her head but does not stand as they approach. Thorax is the first to speak.

“Presenting Princess Twilight and Princess Celestia of Equestria, my queen.”

Chrysalis smiles wickedly. “Princess Celestia... my, oh my... it has been quite some time since we last met.”

Celestia sneers. “Not nearly long enough, Chrysalis!”

Twilight hisses. “Princess Celestia, please!”

Celestia steps forward. “Let me handle this, Twilight.”

Chrysalis licks her lips as she looks to Twilight. “Now, now, Celestia. Aren’t you going to introduce me to your little... friend here?”

Celestia scoffs. “No. Now then...”

Twilight steps forward and bows her head respectfully before speaking.

“Hello, your highness. My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria.”

Chrysalis smiles toothily. “Ah, yes. Celestia’s little replacement.”

“Begging your pardon, but I’m only temporarily...”

Chrysalis interrupts her. “Temporarily, hm?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, your majesty. You see, Princess Celestia is my teacher and friend. I took over ruling the land to give her some much needed rest and relaxation. Believe me when I say that she is still more than capable of leading Equestria.”

Chrysalis waves a hoof dismissively. “A matter of opinion.”

Twilight looks to Chrysalis evenly. “That may very well be. However, I think we both know the reason for my visit today.”

Celestia nods soberly. “Yes. You’re... surrender top our forces earlier.”

Twilight nods. “I’ve come here to discuss the terms.”

Chrysalis chuckles. “Terms?”

“You want our forces out of your land, I’m sure. And we want our friends back.”

Celestia points a hoof angrily. “In addition to the changelings staying out of Equestria as well!”

Chrysalis smirks as she rubs a hoof absentmindedly on the slimy rock she is laying on. “Yes, yes... I understand your wants and desires, Princess Twilight. However, I have a bit of a problem with your... mentor’s demands.”

Twilight steps forward cautiously to stand within hoof’s reach of Chrysalis. “I’m told that you and Princess Celestia have had your share of... disagreements in the past. But I believe that if you and I could just sit down and talk about this, we could come up with an agreement of some kind. One that would be amicable to both nations, your highness.”

Chrysalis nods approvingly. “A very heartwarming and noble idea, Princess Twilight. Your so-called teacher could learn much from your methodology.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “What is your angle here, Chrysalis?”

Chrysalis gasps innocently as she looks away. “Why, whatever do you mean, Celestia?”

“You’ve never been this open to talking in the past. You’re up to something here.”

“Nothing of the sort.”

She turns to Twilight and leans forward. Putting a holey hoof on the young alicorn’s cheek affectionately before continuing.

“I’m just very interested in talking to your protege here. After all, she’s a much more... level headed individual than you are.”

Twilight blushes slightly as Chrysalis continues caressing her cheek. “Th-thank you. I’m only looking to do what’s best for everypony.”

“As am I, my cute little morsel.”

Celestia angrily steps forward as both Thorax and Pharynx move to block her advance. Before either side can do anything however, she is stopped by a silent motion from Twilight’s hoof. Chrysalis and Twilight look to one another for a long moment. Eventually, Chrysalis’ hoof pulls back with a bit of Twilight’s mane draped through one of her holes. Chrysalis licks her lips and smiles warmly before pulling the hoof back and resting it on the rock under her again.

“Now then, shall we begin our talks?”

Celestia mutters angrily. “I wish you would.”

Chrysalis looks angrily at Celestia as she speaks. “I was talking to Princess Twilight, Celestia! Remember your place here!”

Seething, Celestia takes a step back and sits down on her haunches as she looks on silently. Returning her gaze to Twilight, Chrysalis pats the rock.

“Please join me, Princess Twilight.”

“Join you?”

“On my couch here. What I have to say is very important to both of our nations. That and we might as well be comfortable while we talk.”

Taking a deep breath, Twilight puts her front hooves up on the rock. It gives slightly under her weight with a slight squelching sound. Chrysalis turns and motions to a spot directly in front of her. Twilight approaches and lays down as instructed. She gasps slightly as some warm slime passes through the fur on her belly and makes contact with her skin. Chrysalis nods approvingly.

“Now then, are you comfortable?”

Twilight nods slightly. “Um... very much so.”

Chrysalis rubs a hoof against the surface of the rock under her. “More so than it appears, yes?”

“Yes, it was a... pleasant surprise.”

“Changelings are experts in inventiveness, Princess Twilight. We have adapted ourselves to be able to find resources when none are thought to exist. To find food where there is none. To find shelter in such an inhospitable land. And to find a modicum of comfort amongst the rocks and thorns. Do you understand?”

“I... I do. The changelings have to make do with what they have.”

“Exactly. Such has made us strong... resourceful... cunning... and distrustful.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Distrustful?”

Chrysalis nods. “Life is hard and unforgiving. To trust can lead us to our doom. Both literally and figuratively.”

“But then how do you... um... befriend one another?”

“We do not have the time for such things here, princess. Not with our lack of resources. Which leads me to the terms of our surrender.”

She clears her throat before continuing.

“First of all, I propose that the changelings will never again enter Equestria without special permission from Canterlot. Whether that is granted by a ruling monarch or a separate governmental entity will be left up to you. Second, I will allow your military to construct bases on the Equestrian side of our border to assure that the a fore mentioned pledge is kept. The size and number of bases will be left to your sole discretion.”

“That... um... does sound very fair.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “Yes, it does. What is in it for you, Chrysalis?”

“I’m coming to that, Celestia. Patience.”

Turning back to Twilight, Chrysalis continues.

“Lastly, I will permit Equestrian soldiers, scholars, and even your own private citizenry to enter The Badlands if they so wish. Assuming that they pass through a border checkpoint and be cleared by both yours and our representatives. However, in return for this new freedom of movement, you must also agree to allow me and my subjects to police their activities once here.”

Twilight taps the rock before her with a hoof. “Just to be sure that I’m clear on this, you’re talking about anything done while on your side of the border, correct?”

Chrysalis nods. “Yes, Princess Twilight. Conversely, anything that happens on your side of the border, whether it be done by pony or changeling, will be under your exclusive jurisdiction. But we do require the same to be done for any infractions committed on our soil.”

“Understood. Anything else?”

“Nothing I can think of, no. And you?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... does that also mean that the war between our nations is over?”

“Completely. Assuming both sides adhere to this agreement, that is.”

“A treaty of sorts?”

“You could call it that, yes.”

Twilight looks Chrysalis in the eye. “If you’d be willing to put all of that into writing, I’d very much like to agree to it.”

“Very well. Thorax?”

She motions for him to step forward. Picking up a clipboard along the way, he gives it to Chrysalis.

“Here you are, my queen.”

“Very good.”

Presenting it to Twilight, Chrysalis continues petting the rock they are sitting on as Twilight reads it over carefully. Celestia frowns.

“What does it say, Twilight?”

Twilight looks to Celestia. “Just what Queen Chrysalis already went over with us.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Nothing more?”

“Not that I can see.”

Chrysalis smirks. “Would you like to inspect the document for yourself, Celestia?”

Celestia nods soberly. “I would, yes.”

Thorax approaches Twilight whom gives him the clipboard. Walking it over to Celestia she takes it in a hoof and begins reading silently. After a few minutes she looks up and grunts.

“It does appear to only say that which has already been discussed, yes.”

Chrysalis appears hurt. “Why, Celestia... do you really think I would try to cheat you?”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “I do, yes.”

Chrysalis motions to the clipboard with a wave of her hoof. “Even when everything is right there in ink before your very nose?”

“Correct. What if either side commits a breach of this treaty?”

“Then we can go back to a very costly war. Which I’m sure none of us wants.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “And our friends?”

“As a token of my... goodwill, assuming you agree to these terms, I will allow your Hero of Light to leave with you today, Princess Twilight.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “And our lieutenant?”

Chrysalis frowns. “She has caused innumerable problems since arriving here. And while I am anxious to see her gone, I will require some kind compensation in order to secure her release.”

Twilight frowns. “Of what kind?”

“That I have not thought of yet. However, you have my word that she will not be harmed any further while I ponder the matter. Conditionally, mind you.”

Celestia scoffs. “Conditionally?”

“As I said before, she’s caused nothing but problems here. Numerous attempts at escape have led to an equal number of injuries while attempting to recapture her.”

Twilight gasps. “Is she alright?!”

“Oh yes. Nothing more the scrapes, bumps, and bruises. No permanent damage.”

Looking to Celestia, Chrysalis grins toothily.

“Now then... if you’re done looking over the treaty, Celestia, perhaps you and I should sign it.”

Celestia shakes her head. “That... is up to Princess Twilight’s discretion.”

Twilight grimaces. “I’m not sure what to do. Might I read it over one more time?”

Chrysalis nods warmly. “Of course, princess. Take as long as you need to study it. I can wait.”

Thorax takes the clipboard from Celestia and walks it over to Twilight again. Taking it in her hoof, she begins reading the document over again several times. Sighing as she concludes her final scan, Twilight looks to Chrysalis.

“I... I agree with the terms as laid out.”

Chrysalis puts a hoof to Twilight’s cheek again. “A wise decision, my dear. You are intelligent far beyond your years.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

Chrysalis looks to Pharynx. “Bring Princess Twilight a quill so we can begin.”

Doing so, Pharynx walks a quill over to Twilight. Looking over the document one last time, she signs it. Chrysalis looks to Celestia with a smirk.

“And you may sign as a witness.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “Why would I...?”

Twilight interrupts her. “Please, Princess Celestia. The terms are sound and will bring about an end to the conflict between our two nations.”

Celestia points a hoof at the clipboard. “There’s more to this than a mere treaty though, Twilight!”

“That may be. But as the Princess of Friendship, I need to do my best to make policies that protect our land and citizens. And right now that means attempting to bring peace to both nations.”

Chrysalis claps her hooves happily. “Very well said, Princess Twilight. I knew you would be willing to work with me on this.”

Twilight holds out the document to Celestia. Looking at her former student for a long moment, Celestia eventually stands and walks over to Twilight. Taking the clipboard, she looks it over and signs her name under Twilight’s. Giving it to Thorax, he signs his own name under ‘witness’ before giving it to Chrysalis. Grinning broadly, she too affixes her name to the document and looks to Twilight.

“With our signatures this document becomes legally binding.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “So that means the war is over?”

Chrysalis smiles as she gives Twilight one of the treaty copies. “Yes. As per our agreement, I will order my forces to never again venture beyond the borders of The Badlands without prior authorization.”

She looks to Thorax and hands him their copy of the document before continuing.

“Give the order to everyone as I’ve just stated and put this in our vault for safekeeping.”

Thorax grins as he takes the treaty and bows respectfully. “With pleasure, my queen.”

He leaves the Throne Room and closes the door behind him. Twilight watches him do so before standing and hopping off the rock. Returning to Celestia’s side, she turns back to Chrysalis and speaks.

“Now that our new treaty is officially in force, I would like you to keep your word and release Hero of Light Arc to us, Queen Chrysalis.”

Chrysalis smirks. “Of course, Princess Twilight. Believe me when I say that I am a monarch of my word.”

Hopping off of the rock, Chrysalis’ twisted horn glows brightly in tandem with the rock she was laying on. It begins to move slightly as both Twilight and Celestia take a step back instinctively. The movements become greater and more erratic as the seconds tick by. Finally, with a massive blast of magic from Chrysalis’ horn, the outer membrane of the rock bursts open as a slime covered appendage emerges from it. Landing on the floor with an audible ‘splat’, the appendage begins pulling the rest of itself from its slimy cocoon. A few moments later a head emerges and looks all around. Twilight’s pupils shrink in horror as she gasps.

“A-A-Arc?!”

Celestia seethes as she turns to Chrysalis. “What have you done to him?!”

Chrysalis smirks as she steps forward. “Nothing much. Just made him... better.”

She puts a hoof on Arc’s cheek and turns his face to look at her before continuing.

“A very fine transformation, if I do say so myself.”

Twilight grits her teeth angrily. “Transformation?!”

“Oh yes. My greatest creation to date.”

“But you said...!”

Chrysalis interrupts her. “...that I would ALLOW him to return to you, Princess Twilight!”

She returns her attention to Arc before speaking again.

“Tell me, my champion... do you wish to return with Princess Twilight to Equestria?”

Arc shakes his head stoically. “No... my queen.”

Celestia seethes. “This was your plan all along! “

Chrysalis puts a hoof to her chest as she feigns innocence. “Why, I just don’t know what you mean, Celestia.”

“You manipulated us into signing that blasted paper and ending this conflict!”

Chrysalis frowns. “I did nothing of the sort! You both read the document and were satisfied with the terms as written!”

Celestia points a hoof at Chrysalis. “You’ll break it the first chance you get!”

“No, Celestia. For you see...”

She licks a bit of green slime off of Arc’s cheek before continuing.

“...I have exactly what I want.”

Twilight stammers. “But... but WHY?!”

“You mean, why take your precious Hero of Light, Princess Twilight? Partially as an insurance policy. His continued presence here will prevent you from launching another foolish attack on our nation.”

Wrapping her hooves around Arc’s neck, she looks into his eyes before speaking again.

“That... and I’ve always wanted to do... this!”

Leaning forward, she presses her lips to Arc’s. Moaning contentedly, Chrysalis continues making out with Arc as Twilight grits her teeth angrily. Charging forward, she is stopped as Pharynx spits a green substance at her front hooves. It hits it’s mark and effectively glues Twilight’s hooves to the floor. Celestia rushes to Twilight’s aide but is similarly stopped by more slime from Pharynx’s mouth to her hooves. He looks to them angrily.

“None may interrupt the queen when she is feeding!”

Twilight gasps. “F-feeding?!”

Celestia nods, clearly sickened at the sight before her. “Changelings eat love, Twilight! She’s eating him!”

Twilight turns to Chrysalis angrily. “STOP!”

Pharynx spits a glob of green goo onto the pair’s muzzles, effectively gluing them shut, as Chrysalis continues making out with Arc. As she finishes, the changeling queen stumbles back groggily as if intoxicated and looks to Twilight.

“I see now why you wanted him for yourself. This one is powerful both physically and magically.”

Motioning for him to step forward, Chrysalis steps behind Arc and stands on her hind legs. Placing her front hooves on his shoulders, she taps his head eagerly.

“But it’s what’s in here that interests me the most.”

The pair before her can only glare silently as Chrysalis continues.

“He has the most beautiful mind. Intelligence and wisdom combined with tactics and raw strength. The perfect warrior to lead my forces into battle. Should your refuse to keep our treaty, that is.”

Pharynx bows respectfully. “I shall see to it personally that he is properly groomed for such a task, my queen.”

Chrysalis scoffs. “Will you now?”

“Yes. I shall make him into the greatest warrior this land has ever seen!”

“I don’t believe you understand the situation, Pharynx. You see... he’s already the greatest of our kind.”

Pharynx appears confused. “But... that would mean he could potentially challenge me for my position.”

Chrysalis smiles cooly. “Oh, don’t worry about that, my dear Pharynx. As you know, you’ll be my wing until your dying breath.”

Pharynx bows respectfully. “Thank you, my queen.”

His face to the floor, Chrysalis’ horn glows slightly. Looking upward, she fires a small blast from it to a crude looking chandelier hanging overhead. It falls, crushing Pharynx under it with a sickening crunch. Blood flows freely from around his carapace as he holds out a hoof to Chrysalis and weakly calls out.

“My... queen. Why...?”

Chrysalis smirks. “Thank you for your service, Pharynx. You shall be remembered always.”

His hoof falls to the floor as he lets out his last breath. Chrysalis looks to Arc and smiles warmly.

“It would appear that we now have an opening for a ‘wing’. And you shall fill it.”

“Yes, my queen.”

“Serve the hive well then, my champion.”

“What would you have your ‘wing’ do, my queen?”

Chrysalis licks her lips. “Patience, my champion. There will be time for such things soon. But for now, you will sit.”

Sitting down on the floor as commanded, Arc stares straight ahead as Chrysalis lays down across his lap and wraps her hooves around his neck.

“For now, you will hold me.”

“As you desire, my queen.”

Holding Chrysalis close, she licks his face and neck tenderly while looking to the mares standing before her smugly. All the while, Twilight and Celestia can do little more than just stand there and watch. Sometime later, Thorax returns to the Throne Room. Spotting his brother’s body lying under the chandelier, he hurries over to him.

“Pharynx!”

Chrysalis looks to Thorax sadly. “I am sorry for your loss.”

“Wha... what happened, my queen?! Pharynx was always the most powerful of our kind!”

Chrysalis motions to the ponies before her. “Princess Celestia, seeing an opening, sliced the rope holding up the chandelier overhead. Your brother never saw it coming.”

Thorax strokes his dead brother’s head as he speaks. “Was it... was it... quick for him?”

“Yes, Thorax. He died instantly.”

Thorax glares at Celestia as he storms over to her. “I’m going to tear out her heart for this!”

Chrysalis flaps her wings and flies to stand between Thorax and Celestia. “No, Thorax.”

“But, my queen...!”

“I understand that the punishment for lifting a hoof against the queen’s wings is punishable by death. However, as you are fully aware, such a thing is not possible for an alicorn.”

“Then what can be done?! Pharynx deserves justice!”

Chrysalis nods wickedly. “And he shall have it! As will you! Now then, some drones to help you lay your brother to rest.”

“At once, my queen.”

As he leaves the Throne Room, Chrysalis walks over to Twilight and casts a spell. The slime covering her muzzle dissolves allowing her to speak again. She hastily spits the slime from her mouth before looking up to glare at Chrysalis.

“What are you DOING?!”

Chrysalis puts a hoof to Twilight cheek and smiles. “Taking care of business, my young princess.”

Twilight looks to Pharynx. “By killing your own guardian?!”

Chrysalis feigns ignorance. “But we both saw Celestia do that.”

“You KNOW it was you!”

“Just a bit of misdirection to grease the wheels of progress, Princess Twilight.”

“I don’t understand!”

“Then allow me to explain.”

She reaches down and picks up Twilight’s now slime-covered copy of the treaty before continuing.

“This document says that any and all crimes committed by Equestrians against the changelings here in The Badlands will fall under the jurisdiction of us. Namely... me.”

Twilight gasps. “And you blamed this murder on Princess Celestia so that you can hold her here!”

Chrysalis smirks wickedly. “So says the treaty, my dear. She is legally our prisoner and will be punished according to my will.”

“But why?!”

Chrysalis seethes as she turns to Celestia. “For all the years of torment we’ve received from Equestria and its rulers! Left here in The Badlands to waste away! Not allowed to set even one hoof on their lush, green lands! And for that, she shall be tortured night and day until I am satisfied!”

Raising a hoof, Chrysalis appears ready to deliver a mighty blow to Celestia. However, at the last possible moment she calms herself and stops before turning back to Twilight.

“However... I suppose I could find it in my heart to be merciful. Assuming that you yourself are willing to make a sacrifice to appease me, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight nods fervently. “Name it!”

Chrysalis rubs her hooves together wickedly. “You will join your mentor in imprisonment and torture. If you are willing do that, I shall be lenient with both you and her treatment.”

Twilight grimaces. “I...”

She turns to look at Celestia whom is shaking her head in the ‘no’ position frantically. Sighing, Twilight bows her head as her ears droop.

“...I will submit myself to share in her punishment.”

Chrysalis licks her lips happily as Thorax returns. “Very good, Princess Twilight. I knew you were a wise and noble ruler.”

She turns to Thorax as the drones begin dragging Celestia away.

“Princess Twilight will be joining her mentor in captivity.”

Thorax appears confused. “My queen?”

“She begged for mercy regarding Celestia’s punishment. Very persuasively, I might add. So I have granted her request to share in the torture sentence.”

Thorax motions to the drones. “You two, take Princess Twilight into custody! If she wants to defend a murderer then let her suffer alongside them!”

Holey hooves roughly grab Twilight and drag her down the corridor behind Celestia. Chrysalis, Arc, and Thorax follow them as the queen speaks to Thorax.

“I’ve decided to put our newest champion here into your brother’s vacated position as my ‘wing’.”

Thorax sighs. “Yes, my queen.”

Chrysalis turns to him. “You do not agree with my decision?”

“It’s not that, but...”

He motions to the trail of blood on the floor before them.

“...this is all happening so fast.”

Chrysalis nods as she puts a hoof around his shoulders. “As it must, Thorax. Our lands must be defended properly at all times.”

She motions to Arc at her other side before continuing.

“And I’m sure you of all changelings can understand that he is the perfect candidate to succeed Pharynx.”

Thorax nods sadly. “Yes, my queen. You are correct.”

Sometime later they arrive at a large set of double doors. The drones push them open to reveal a very large room. In the center lies a large fetid-looking green pool of slime. Chrysalis walks to stand in front of Twilight and Celestia as she gestures with a wave of her hoof.

“Welcome to our hive’s Spawning Pool. This is where all changelings are born.”

Twilight grimaces. “And we’re to help you care for them?”

Chrysalis grins. “In a manner of speaking. Let me explain the process.”

She motions for them to be dragged over to the side of the pool. A single drone sits in the green slime with only their head poking out above the surface. Chrysalis looks to several drones nearby as she points to the submerged drone. They step forward and position themselves on either side of her. Putting their front hooves around the pair’s shoulders, the trio begins slowly walking toward the edge. As they step out, Twilight immediately sees the submerged drone’s bloated appearance.

“Is she sick?”

Chrysalis shakes her head. “Oh no. Just heavy with eggs. Observe.”

The assisting drones carefully lay the drone down and roll her onto her back to look up at the ceiling. Their raspy breathes as they struggle to breath being the only other sounds in the room. Completing their task, the pair’s horns glow green as they cast a strange spell on the bloated changeling before them. It begins to shudder violently and scream as its body expands greatly. Suddenly, the drone’s midsection explodes outward revealing a large cache of eggs withing her body. More drones step forward to pick them up and leave the room as Chrysalis turns to a justifiably horrified Twilight.

“And thus the next generation is born.”

Twilight gags. “But... that other drone! She...!”

Chrysalis shrugs. “Such is the circle of life, my dear. Some must die so that others can be born.”

She motions to the pair of drones as the last of the eggs is removed from the ruined body. Picking it up, they toss the dead changeling’s body back into the Spawning Pool. Twilight grimaces as the body splashes into the green liquid and slowly begins to sink beneath the slime.

“What are you...?”

Chrysalis interrupts her. “The slime is actually a nutrient solution. It provides the host drone with far more nutrition than traditional eating ever could. This allows the eggs within them to feed off of her via what you ponies know as an umbilical cord.”

Twilight gasps. “But there were so many eggs! How could one host possibly provide nutrition for all of them?!”

“They can’t. The latter stages of incubation see the eggs start to feed off of the body directly. Blood, tissue, muscle, and fat are absorbed into them leaving the host with just enough resources to survive.

She looks menacingly at Celestia before continuing.

“And that is where Celestia’s role begins.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “You mean...?!”

Chrysalis smiles toothily. “Yes, my dear. My judgement is that she be punished for her crimes by being filled to the brim with changeling eggs.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 5 - A Dam Broken

Celestia stares coldly at Chrysalis, but otherwise shows no outward signs of fear. Twilight does her best to lean closer to Chrysalis in order to plead her mentor’s case.

“But... but my friend isn’t able to carry foals! No alicorn can!”

“I am aware of that particular... how shall we say... biological shortcoming of hers. But don’t worry. Her womb isn’t necessary for such a process.”

Twilight appears confused. “It isn’t?”

Chrysalis shakes her head. “Not at all. As I hinted at earlier, an egg filled drone’s womb bursts a few hours after being put into the Spawning Pool. The eggs simply latch onto whatever flesh they can and begin feeding.”

She smiles wickedly at Celestia before walking over to the alicorn and looking down at her belly.

“As large as you are, I’m planning to have you filled especially full.”

Twilight shakes her head violently. “No, no! Put them in me instead!”

Chrysalis puts a hoof on Twilight’s cheek as she smiles. “Oh, I’m planning to, yes. But before we can move on to that particular event we must first take care of one thing.”

Turning to Thorax, she nods. The drones whom ferried Pharynx to the Spawning Pool enter its slimy waters and lay his body in the green muck as Thorax joins his brother in it. Pushing the body to the outer edge of the pool, he turns to those gathered and begins to speak.

“Today we bring forth my brother, Pharynx. He fought long and hard to protect the queen and the hive itself from any and all threats. Before dedicating his life to the defense of our lands, he started his life here, as we all do.”

He looks down at Pharynx’s form before continuing.

“And now... now we bring him back to the slime... to be reborn through our future generations. May his spirit always live on in them.”

Putting a hoof on his brother’s chest, Thorax gently pushes him down below the surface of the goo. A few bubbles surface as his chest cavity quickly fills. Holding him there until buoyancy is lost, Thorax slowly walks back to the edge of the pool and steps out. Approaching Chrysalis, he bows respectfully.

“I will continue my brother’s work, my queen. Now and forevermore.”

Chrysalis nods as she puts a reassuring hoof on Thorax’s shoulder. “And together we shall honor your brother’s memory by punishing his killer.”

Turning back to the drones, Chrysalis continues.

“Prepare the prisoners.”

The drones approach with two strange looking racks. Maneuvering them under Twilight and Celestia, they fasten the pair down with their rear legs spread. After verifying that all is secure, a drone casts a spell on both mare’s front hooves, freeing them from the hardened slime. Chrysalis steps in front of them and smirks.

“You will notice that while your midsections and rear legs are secured, your front hooves are not. Such is allowed for safety purposes only.”

Twilight grimaces. “S-safety?!”

Chrysalis nods. “Yes. As a drone’s womb is filled, their bellies will naturally extend. You will need to push yourselves up with your front hooves in order to be able to breathe at that point.”

She puts a hoof under Twilight’s chin to raise it as she begins visibly shaking from fear.

“But I am not without mercy. At least regarding you, Princess Twilight.”

“Huh?”

“Unlike my old foe Celestia, you came to us with an open mind and the honest desire to bring peace to our two nations. Rather than fill you to the bursting point, like the drone you saw earlier, I will order that you recieve only a small fraction of eggs deposited into you uterus. Rather than excruciating pain, yours will be more akin to indigestion and a slight feeling of heaviness. I will also order the drones attending you to feed you proper pony food at your command. This will further help lessen your discomfort during this time.”

“How... how long will I have to stay here?”

“That is entirely up to you.”

Twilight appears confused. “I don’t understand. Am I not a prisoner?”

Chrysalis nods. “You are, yes. But that is only because you asked to be. Just say the word and my drones will release you. However, the punishment you were taking will then be added to Celestia. And she herself will stay here until I am satisfied. Which will most likely be long after both her mind and body are broken beyond repair. So... what will it be, Princess Twilight?”

Twilight bows her head as she stammers. “I... will stay.”

Chrysalis smiles. “Very touching of you. Shall we begin?”

Twilight nods as Chrysalis motions to a drone nearby. She carries over a large bowl with half a dozen eggs (which are roughly the size of chicken eggs) floating in slime within. Setting it down in front of Twilight, Chrysalis picks up an egg and holds it up as she speaks.

“As you can see, they’re not very big at this point. A mild discomfort at worst when inserting them. However, they will grow to more than twice this size as they feed on their host, making things much more painful during delivery. But, as another form of mercy to you, I will order my drones to used their magic to put you to sleep during the most unpleasant parts. Again, out of respect for you and your ideals, princess.”

Chrysalis walks around Twilight and over to Celestia as another bowl of eggs is set in front of her. It contains so many eggs that she cannot even begin to count them. The queen grins wickedly as she stands before the bowl and looks down at Celestia.

“You however... will recieve no mercy whatsoever, Celestia. Every last one of these will be put inside you one at a time until you can hold no more.”

Twilight grimaces as she looks over. “But... but nopony’s womb could hold THAT many! Even before they start to grow!”

Chrysalis nods. “Very astute of you, Princess Twilight. And you are correct in that assumption. Only half of them, or as many as will fit, will be put inside your friend’s uterus. The rest will be inserted into her digestive tract in the most cruel method imaginable. I’ll let you figure that one out.”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide at this and she struggles to get free as Chrysalis shakes her head and sighs.

“Try all you want, you cannot escape these racks. Now then, unless you want your front hooves bound, and to feel the pain of suffocation, I suggest that you calm down.”

Grunting, Celestia begrudgingly complies. The drones take the bowls behind the pair and sit down in front of their backsides to await their orders as Chrysalis continues explaining the situation to Twilight and Celestia.

“Now then, before we start I need to be honest with you two about something. Do you remember that drone that was filled with eggs from earlier?”

Twilight grimaces. “Wha-what about her?”

“She was, unfortunately, the last of her kind.”

Twilight gasps. “So nopony else can carry eggs here?”

Chrysalis sighs. “Sadly, no. And that’s in addition to the severely limited supplies we have at the moment.”

She turns to Celestia before continuing.

“That’s why I stepped up my antics in Equestria these past few years. To force you to come here yourself and try to stop me. Had you simply ignored us, we would have all but died out within a few decades.”

Chrysalis leans in close and whispers in Celestia’s ear.

“Thank you for preventing that fate for us. Both then... and now.”

Stepping back, Chrysalis swings violently at Celestia’s head with a holey hoof. The heavy blow causes her snout to start bleeding profusely. Watching the blood pool on the floor before the elder alicorn, Chrysalis smiles wickedly as she continues.

“And that is but the tip of the revenge iceberg that is coming for you now!”

She walks all around Celestia several times before speaking again.

“Believe me when I say that I’m honestly not trying to stall things here. I just want to remember you like this, Celestia. As you were... before the eggs that I’ve laid ultimately destroy you.”

Laughing wickedly at her victim, she turns to Thorax.

“You will personally oversee and guard the prisoners until the process is complete. However, do not begin until you recieve word to do so. I’m waiting for a very special part of this experiment to arrive.”

“Yes, my queen. It shall be done.”

Walking back to Twilight and Celestia, Chrysalis smiles wistfully as she speaks.

“And now I must be off to rest. Egg laying is both time consuming and labor intensive. But, I do have one final surprise for both of you.”

Twilight groans. “Please... no more.”

“This will be the last one, I assure you.”

Picking up an egg, Chrysalis holds it up to Twilight’s face for a closer inspection before speaking again.

“I laid every last one of these myself. However, as you’ve probably already noticed by looking around, the changelings produced lately are far from adequate. That leads me to the pinnacle of my plan.”

Motioning for someone to approach, Chrysalis waits. Arc soon joins her in front of the pair. Chrysalis leans against him affectionately as she speaks.

“You see, I knew you both would come. And that your so-called Hero of Light wouldn’t be far behind when you did. We’ve been studying him for some time now, and were able to work wonders during his transformation. If my calculations are correct, and they always are, his modified sperm will make for the perfect next generation of changelings.

Looking to Twilight, she smiles warmly.

“I know of your feelings of lust, Princess Twilight. How you desire to be bred by him. So I am going to make that happen. After the eggs are carefully inserted within you, my champion will approach your backside and fertilize them inside of you.”

Twilight looks down as she blushes heavily. “That... um... isn’t exactly how I wanted my first time to be though. Restrained and watched by a bunch of strangers, I mean.”

Chrysalis nods. “Very well, Princess Twilight.”

She looks to Thorax.

“When the time for insemination comes, order the non-essential drones out of the room. However, you must remain here to guard them.”

Turning back to Twilight, she continues.

“That is the most privacy I am willing to give you.”

Shuddering, Twilight begins to whimper slightly as Chrysalis heads for the door.

“Notify me when the procedure is finished, Thorax. I will want to monitor the results very carefully and... personally.”

“It will be done, my queen.”

Laughing, Chrysalis closes the door behind her. Thorax turns to a nearby drone.

“We wait now for her message to begin.”

They nod respectfully as Thorax walks over to the mares. Grabbing Celestia’s head roughly by her mane, he raises it to look her in the eye.

“I don’t know why you killed my brother, Princess Celestia! And frankly don’t really care to hear your excuses at this point even if you could talk! But I’m going to do my very best to make sure that you suffer for what you did to Pharynx during this entire procedure!”

Twilight turns to him. “She didn’t kill your brother though! Queen Chrysalis did!”

Thorax grits his teeth. “Don’t lie! My brother was the most powerful among us! The personal favorite of the queen! For what reason would she do such a thing?!”

“I don’t know! But I saw her do it with my two eyes!”

“You’re fortunate that the queen has taken a liking to you, Princess Twilight. But your friend here isn’t so lucky. So for that reason I’m going to be stuffing her full of eggs with my bare hooves if I have to! And I promise I won’t be gentle!”

Without looking, Thorax smacks Celestia across the face as he keeps his gaze focused on Twilight.

“That’s just a sample of what will happen to her if you ever speak that horrible lie about my brother again!”

He storms away as Twilight looks to her mentor sadly.

“Princess Celestia. I... I’m sorry.”

Celestia nods slightly, unable to speak due to her muzzle being sealed shut as she closes he eyes and allows Twilight to continue.

“This whole thing is all my fault. If I had just listened to you in the first place none of this would have happened. I’m a terrible princess and a terrible leader!”

She begins crying before feeling a hoof on her cheek. Opening her eyes, Twilight sees Celestia wiping a tear from her face.

“Aren’t you mad at me?!”

Celestia silently shakes her head.

“But... but how?! I mean... look how things turned out for us!”

Patting her head, Celestia appears to be trying to console Twilight as the door behind them opens and two drones enter. Twilight hears them dragging something toward her. Looking to her left, she sees a third rack being set up. Suddenly, Hammer enters her field of vision. She stumbles toward the table and half falls towards it. Grabbing it, she is able to hold herself up and turns to Twilight.

“Princess Twilight?”

“Are you alright, Hammer?”

Hammer groans as the drones begin strapping her in. “I’ve been better. Uh... what’s going on here?”

“Um... I don’t really know how to tell you this.”

Hammer sighs. “You don’t have to.”

“I don’t?”

“Nope. I know torture when I see it.”

She turns to the drones before continuing.

“Let’s see what you freaks of nature got! I won’t talk!”

Thorax shakes his head. “It’s not that kind of torture, idiot.”

“Huh?”

Twilight bows her head. “They don’t need information.”

Hammer appears confused. “Then what are we doing here?”

Twilight turns to her. “You see...”

Thorax interrupts and motions to a large bowl of eggs as it is brought forward. “We’re going to be stuffing you full of these.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “What a waste. That’s way more food than anyone could ever eat.”

Thorax smiles wickedly at her. “They’re not going in that end.”

“Then where...?”

Hammer stops talking as she puts two and two together.

“AW, HELL NAW!”

Thorax pats the eggs tenderly. “And I’m going to order the drones to fill you up till you nearly pop. And you will when these eggs are ready.”

Hammer gasps. “Those things are EGGS?!”

Thorax facehoofs. “Yes. What did you think they were?”

“I dunno. Can’t really see too good right now with the swelling around my eyes, genius.”

Two of the drones look Hammer over for a few moments. Grabbing her shirt near her midsection they pull it apart, tearing the buttons free and exposing her belly. Hammer gasps as she looks around.

“What the heck are you all doing?!”

Thorax smirks. “Believe me, that’s mercy.”

“How...?!”

“When your belly begins to distend you’ll thank us for unwrapping you.”

Nodding to the drones, they grab her pants and pull them roughly to her ankles as one of them looks to Thorax.

“The queen wanted me to tell you to begin as soon as the third prisoner was prepared.”

Thorax nods. “Good. I’m anxious to get started with this.”

Turning to the three, he continues.

“We’ll begin in just a few minutes. If there’s anything you want to say to one another, now is the time.”

He walks away as Hammer looks to Twilight.

“So... I guess this is it for me then.”

Twilight sighs. “It might very well be, yes. Sorry.”

“Don’t be, princess. Remember, I chose to follow you out here.”

She looks past Twilight to Celestia.

“You too, I guess.”

Celestia nods as best she is able as Hammer speaks again.

“If this is the end though, do you think that you could do me a favor, Twilight?”

Twilight nods fervently. “Name it!”

“When the cavalry gets here and saves you two, just be sure to tell Arc that I love him. And that I gave it my best shot. All the way to the end.”

Twilight appears confused. “He’s... actually standing behind us somewhere.”

Hammer grins. “We’re saved!”

“But they’ve turned him into one of them.”

Hammer groans. “We’re dead!”

Twilight looks back as best she is able. “Arc. I don’t really know if you can hear me or not, but... I’d just like you to know that I don’t blame you for what you’re about to do to us. Your being mind-controlled and can’t help it. So... just do what you have to do and don’t feel bad about what happens to me... er, us.”

“What are you talking about, Twilight? What’s he going to do?”

“After the eggs are... implanted into us, Arc will... ah... inseminate them.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh... what’s that mean?”

“That he’s going to have sex with us to fertilize them.”

Hammer turns her gaze to Thorax. “Seriously?”

Thorax nods smugly. “Very much so, yes. In fact, he’ll need to fertilize both of your rear holes numerous times in order to make sure...”

“This whole thing is suddenly looking up!”

Thorax frowns. “Um... what?”

“The way I see it, if you’re going to kill me in order to make a bunch of freakish alien-looking bugs, then at least I can die happy!”

Twilight looks to Thorax. “She’s wanted Arc to have sex with her for a very long time now.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah! A REALLY long time!”

Thorax appears confused. “But I was told you wanted that, Princess Twilight.”

“I do, yes.”

“Really?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. We’re in love, after all.”

Hammer grins. “Engaged actually.”

Thorax rolls his eyes. “Next you’ll be telling me that he’s also dating Princess Celestia.”

Celestia glares at him silently as Twilight shakes her head.

“They don’t really get along very well.”

A drone steps forward. “We are ready to begin, Thorax. Whom shall we focus our efforts on first?”

Thorax puts a hoof to his chin as he thinks. “I’m not sure. The queen didn’t specify a particular order, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.”

Tapping his chin for a few moments, Thorax thinks before continuing.

“But she did make a point about treating Princess Twilight especially gently though. So perhaps you should start with her.”

Hearing this, Celestia begins violently thrashing in her stocks. Doing her best to scream through the slime on her muzzle, she motions to her backside with her neck as best she is able and lifts her tail as high as she can. The drone looks to Thorax again.

“It would appear Princess Celestia is eager to begin her sentence.”

Thorax grins wickedly. “Very well. But I want to do it myself.”

The drone appears confused. “Sir?”

Thorax grits his teeth angrily. “She killed my brother! I want to make her suffer for that!”

“Very well. We shall assist you in that endeavor.”

Hammer calls out. “Hey! I gotta question!”

Thorax groans. “What is it now?!

“Just to make sure I understand this whole thing, you’re going to fill my belly with those eggs, right?”

“Yes.”

“And when I say my belly, I mean literally my belly.”

“Are you getting at something?”

“Yeah! You said that after I’m filled up, Arc’s going to impregnate me.”

“That is correct. The eggs need to be fertilized, after all.”

“Do me first then!”

Thorax stares at her in disbelief. “I’m sorry, what?!”

Twilight looks to Hammer, confused. “But you’ll literally explode as they grow!”

Hammer smirks. “If it means I get what I want, then that’s fine with me!”

Thorax tilts his head to one side, confused. “What you... want?”

“At least this way I’ll die after having Arc blow his load in me! Multiple times and in both holes, no less! So let’s get this thing moving!”

The drones turn to Thorax for guidance. Shrugging, he looks to Hammer.

“Very well. If you’re truly that anxious to die, then who am I to begrudge a prisoner their final wish.”

Twilight gasps. “Can’t you at least be merciful to her though! After all, she was only following my orders in coming here!”

Thorax sighs. “I understand that, Princess Twilight. But the queen’s orders were explicit. She wants to use this one’s ruined corpse as a message to Equestria regarding what happens to those whom attack our hive.”

Hammer shakes her bare backside as she calls out. “Hurry up and get started then!”

Thorax shrugs. “We shall do as she asks. “

He points a hoof to two of the drones.

“You and you will carry out the procedure. Everyone else will now leave the room as per the queen’s earlier orders.”

Obeying, all the unnecessary drones begin filing out of the room. As they do so Twilight looks to Hammer and holds out a hoof to her. Reaching out, Hammer puts her hand around the fetlock and squeezes it tightly. Twilight smiles sadly as she speaks.

“I’m sorry, Hammer.”

“Don’t be, Twilight. Like I said, I came because I wanted to.”

“How can I...?”

Hammer interrupts her. “Hey. We don’t have a lot of time here, so I need you to do me one last favor.”

“Name it!”

“No matter what it takes, get Arc out of here.”

“But what about...?!”

“Forget me! I’m dead already! Just...! Just find a way to help him. Like he helped me. Do that and I’ll be satisfied.”

Twilight nods sadly. “I will. I promise. And thank you... for everything, Hammer.”

Hammer offers Twilight a nervous smile as the last extra drone leaves and closes the door behind them.

“Just... think of me once in a while, okay?”

Twilight sniffles as Celestia reaches out to her. Putting a hoof on her former student’s shoulder, she silently reassures her. The pair of drones from earlier walk over to Hammer’s stocks and sit on either side of her backside. Pulling the bowl to rest between them, they each pick up an egg and look to their... targets. However, as they move to begin inserting the eggs, Arc approaches. One of them turns to him and shakes her head.

“Please be patient, Wing Arc. We will be ready for you in just a short...”

They are cut off as Arc puts his hands on the back of their heads and slams them together. The pair fall to the ground, unconscious. Thorax gasps and steps back instinctively as he cries out.

“What... in the world...?!”

His horn aglow, Thorax prepares to attack. He fires as Arc steps forward, but his armor absorbs the blasts. Continuing his attack, Thorax backs up until his backside hits a wall. Feeling it on his flank, he grits his teeth and charges forward. Lunging at Arc, he quickly finds the young man’s gauntlet around his neck. Gasping, Thorax flails angrily in an effort to free himself. Looking at the changeling for a moment Arc eventually throws him against a wall, effectively knocking him out. Turning back to his friends, Arc calls out.

“Everything is going to be okay.”

Twilight gasps happily. “Arc?! Are you... alright?!”

Arc groans. “It’s... complicated.”

Hammer turns to look at him as best she is able. “Get us out of here, then we can talk!”

“Sounds good.”

Making his way over to Hammer, Arc releases her. Helping her stand up, she falls backwards. Arc quickly catches her.

“Are you okay?!”

Hammer grins mischievously. “Kinda. Admittedly that thing wasn’t exactly comfortable. But if you’d like to put me back into it...”

Arc rolls his eyes as he sets her up. “You just keep fantasizing while I release the others.”

Making his way over to Twilight as Hammer pulls her pants up, Arc undoes her binds. She rolls out of the stocks and turns to her rescuer.

“Thanks, Arc! Um... give me one second.”

Quickly undoing Celestia’s restraints, Twilight helps her friend from her stocks.

Come on, up you go.”

Celestia shakily stands and begins pawing at the slime covering her mouth with her hooves. Twilight jumps up onto a nearby table and tries to brush it away as well but to no avail. Hammer joins her and tries to claw it off with her fingers, but meets with no more luck than Twilight’s efforts. Looking to Arc, Hammer points at Celestia.

“Think you could help get that stuff off of her?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, I don’t know how to. Even after whatever it was that Chrysalis did to me.”

Twilight frowns. “What DID she do?!”

Arc leans against the wall and puts a gauntlet to the cowl covering his head. “First I need to see something.”

Removing his headgear, Arc looks to Twilight and Hammer. They gasp and instinctively step back. Arc sighs.

“How bad is it?”

Hammer grimaces. “Not good.”

Twilight nods soberly. “You’re skin! It’s... it’s GREEN!”

Pulling off a gauntlet, Arc looks at his hand. Clenching a fist angrily, he turns and slams it down on a table nearby. Twilight and Hammer cautiously approach him.

“Things are going to be okay, Arc.”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. We’ll get you back to Equestria for some medical help, or something.”

Twilight turns to Celestia. “There IS a way to help him, right?”

Celestia silently nods and motions to the door with a hoof. Twilight turns back to the others as she speaks.

“We need to get out of here and find a way back to the main entrance!”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Why? What’s out there?”

“Our forces!”

Hammer gasps. “You mean you two weren’t captured like I was?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, we came here willingly.”

“Why would you DO that though?! I’m not worth so much risk!”

Arc frowns. “Neither am I.”

Hammer looks to him. “They took you too?!”

Twilight appears confused. “Yes, you both have been gone since last night. Didn’t they take you together?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. The last thing I remember is waking up to a weird clinking sound. Next thing I knew I was in their jail. Or brig, or whatever.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “And you?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Hammer knocked me out.”

Hammer frowns. “Did not!”

“Yeah, I’m assuming it was actually a changeling that did it. You, or they, didn’t attack until I went for my helmet. They kept trying to keep me from taking it and get us away from the camp to investigate something or other.”

Twilight nods. “I believe you. Both of you, that is. But right now we need to contact our forces and mobilize them to attack the hive.”

Arc grimaces. “That... isn’t a good idea.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow, confused. “Not using the army we brought all the way out here isn’t a good idea?”

“Chrysalis is up to something... dark.”

Twilight tilts her head to one side. “What do you mean, Arc?”

“You see...”

A groan rings out from across the room. They turn to see Thorax slowly getting up. Frowning, Arc walks over to him and grabs the changeling by a hoof.

“You and I need to talk!”

Thorax looks away, angrily. “I have nothing to say to...!”

Arc interrupts him. “You want justice for your brother, right?”

“What would you know about him?!”

“When I grabbed you earlier, I... saw some things.”

Hammer frowns. “Saw... how?”

“A vision of some kind.”

Thorax scoffs. “That’s not possible. Only changelings can do such a thing with one another. And even then only with those whom are extremely close to one another.”

Twilight walks over. “Do what?”

“Share consciousness.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “That cleared it up.”

Thorax frowns. “It’s something like telepathy, but more advanced.”

Arc nods. “Something to do with changelings whom maintain individuality while being part of a hive mind.”

“Which isn’t possible, because you aren’t a changeling and we aren’t close!”

Twilight gasps. “Unless he is!”

Hammer looks to Twilight. “Princess?”

“Chrysalis said that such was her plan all along. To lure us out here and capture Arc. She intended to turn him to her side by making him part of the hive!”

She turns to Celestia before continuing.

“Is that possible?!”

Celestia shrugs as Arc touches his face with a hand.

“She made me into a... one of them?”

Hammer smiles nervously. “You’re still you inside though, right?”

“I sorta feel... strange. Like my consciousness is loosely connected to others.”

He motions to Thorax before continuing.

“Even him. Which leads me to want to try something a bit... unorthodox.”

Thorax backs away “L-like what?!”

Setting Thorax down, Arc kneels in front of him on the floor.

“Celestia didn’t kill your brother.”

“She most certainly did!”

“Chrysalis did.”

Thorax looks away angrily. “You mock my brother’s memory!”

“Want proof?”

“Yes!”

“Then here!”

Grabbing Thorax’s head, Arc concentrates. Thorax’s mind appears to be elsewhere for a few moments before he frowns, leans forward to touch foreheads, and grabs Arc’s head in his hooves. They continue doing so for several moments. Eventually, Thorax pushes Arc back angrily and turns to walk away.

“That isn’t possible!”

Arc stands. “Believe me. It is.”

Twilight moves to join Arc. “I saw it happen. She killed your brother as he bowed to her.”

Hammer frowns. “That’s cold!”

Arc sighs. “It was all part of her plan.”

Thorax scoffs. “I don’t see how killing Pharynx could possibly have helped her defeat the Equestrians though.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not us. You.”

“Me?”

“Well, not you personally I don’t think. But at some point she... linked up with my mind and I saw her standing over a lot of dead changelings... smiling.”

Twilight appears confused. “But how would you have...?”

Thorax cuts in. “It’s probably when she attempted to realign your mind. Dominate you. It’s a risky thing to do though, as it requires her to momentarily link her mind to yours. If successful, she’d have a new warrior to set loose upon our enemies.”

Hammer frowns. “And if she failed?”

“The subject retains their faculties and gets to see that which is in the forefront of her mind.”

Arc nods soberly. “Which in this case was the changelings losing badly and her somehow being happy about it.”

Thorax puts a hoof to his chin. “It doesn’t make sense though. The queen, even as powerful as she is, wouldn’t be able to survive without the hive behind her.”

Arc looks to the door. “Then we had best go see her.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “With our forces at our back, yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Hammer. Now.”

“Uh... what do you have against an army backing you up?”

“Like I was saying when Thorax woke up, Chrysalis is up to something really dark. We need to stop her, and now.”

Twilight sighs. “But we’ll stand a much better chance of succeeding with help, Arc.”

“There isn’t time!”

Hammer shrugs. “Fine, Arc.”

Twilight nods. “What do you need us to do?”

Thorax gasps. “Wait! You two are just going to go along with him on this, Princess Twilight?!”

“If Arc believes that’s the best course of action, yes.”

“But you two won’t survive a confrontation with the queen!”

Hammer smiles. “And if Arc hadn’t saved me in the past, and just now, I’d probably already be dead.”

Arc motions for them to approach him. “Alright. Here’s the plan...”

Sometime later Arc and Thorax approach the Throne Room door with Twilight, Hammer, and Celestia following them closely behind. Arc frowns at the changeling as they stop.

“Here we are.”

Thorax nods soberly. “Yes. Now then, I’ll remain outside the Throne Room with the princesses while you go in there and commit suicide.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Glad to see you have faith in me, Thorax.”

Twilight points a hoof to Celestia. “Before we get started, can’t you remove Princess Celestia’s slime muzzle?”

Thorax frowns. “No.”

Hammer groans. “Come on! It’s not like her voice is gonna hurt you!”

Arc shrugs. “Or restore her magic.”

Thorax sighs. “Oh, very well.”

His horn aglow, Thorax casts a spell on Celestia’s muzzle. The slime runs down her neck to pool at her hooves. Gasping for breath, she falls to her knees as Twilight rushes over to her.

“Are you alright?!”

Celestia nods weakly. “Yes, I’m fine. Just a bit... tired.”

Hammer looks over her shoulder. “After what we went through back there, that’s understandable.”

Thorax shrugs. “That’s a known side effect of the muzzling slime. It keeps you from talking but also pacifies through draining the target’s energy.”

Arc looks to the door. “In any case, wish me luck.”

Opening the doors, Arc enters the Throne Room alone. Seeing Chrysalis lounging on her throne, he walks over to her and kneels respectfully.

“I have completely the task set before me, my queen.”

Chrysalis grins widely. “Very good, my servant. Now then, arise.”

Arc stands as he is told. Chrysalis flaps her wings and flies gracefully toward him. Landing, she looks him over for a few moments before speaking.

“Tell me, which of the mares screamed the loudest during the fertilizing?”

“Princess Twilight, my queen.”

Chrysalis raises an ‘eyebrow’. “That’s surprising. I had thought her to be built a bit tougher than that.”

“You misunderstand, my queen. She cried out the loudest when Princess Celestia’s turn came. Not her own.”

“Such makes sense.”

She spits before continuing.

“Loyalty to others. A foolish sentiment that is prevalent in the weak.”

Saying nothing, Arc listens as Chrysalis rambles on for a time. Eventually she finishes and turns to him.

“You will continue fertilizing Celestia daily as well as the officer. However, Princess Twilight shall not be touched again.”

“As you desire, my queen.”

“In the meantime, I have new orders for you. Proceed to the main entrance with Thorax and deal with the remaining Equestrian forces out there.”

“Just the two of us, my queen?”

Chrysalis nods wickedly. “Yes. That will be all that is needed. As I recall, you share a bond of some kind with the mongrel out there. Order it to join you and Thorax when you leave. Together the three of you should be able to easily defeat the weakened forces that foolishly followed their princesses out here.”

Arc nods. “It will be done, my queen.”

“Very good. Now then, there is one other thing I’d like done while you’re out there. After the last Equestrian dies, you are to kill Thorax.”

“My fellow ‘wing’, my queen?”

Chrysalis snarls. “He has become weak during his time away from us. Such things cannot be tolerated in a changeling. Much less a ‘wing’ of the queen.”

“If that is your desire, I shall obey, my queen.”

“You will then rally our remaining forces, which are little more than drones and a few guards at this point, and order them to fly to the Equestrian’s airships parked at our border to destroy them.”

“With drones, my queen?”

Chrysalis smiles wickedly as she speaks. “Most of them will die. However, that is a sacrifice I am willing to make in order to maintain the primary hive cluster. You will personally kill any whom survive the attack.”

She licks her lips as she pats Arc’s cheek with a hoof.

“With the weak changelings culled from the primary hive cluster and our enemies advancement slowed by the destruction of their two most powerful ships, we shall begin the next phase of my plan.”

“And what is that, my queen?”

“Building our forces back up, but properly this time.”

She eyes his pelvis before continuing.

“Your seed’s genetics, combined with my eggs, shall usher in an entirely new breed of changelings. Strong, resilient, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to me. With these improved changeling forces, we shall invade and conquer Equestria before moving north toward the Crystal Empire. Using both country’s resources to construct transports, we shall ferry our forces across the sea to the rest of the nations to repeat the process until everything is brought to heel before my hooves!”

“As you desire, my queen, so shall it be done. But if I may be so bold, for what reason are we taking control of the world?”

“First and foremost, to provide for the hive and its inhabitants.”

Chrysalis walks over to Arc and puts a hoof on his cheek before continuing.

“Before you came to us, the changelings were forced to go out into Equestria and scrouge for love wherever they could find it. Table scraps, really.”

“But no longer.”

Chrysalis shakes her head. “Not after the current world governments are brought to heel, no. We shall conquer and assimilate them into our own land. A one world order, if you will. However, I am not a mindless murderer of the innocent. Those whom submit to us will be allowed to live relatively similar lives to that which we are replacing. The only real difference will be a scheduled rotation of fresh faces to feed the changeling nation. Perhaps farms of sorts for those whom are... shall we say... particularly loving.”

“And what of Thorax? Should we not find a suitable replacement for him before starting your grand plan, my queen?”

Chrysalis waves a hoof dismissively. “That will not be necessary. Princess Twilight will soon be willing to fill that role rather nicely.”

“You believe she would so easily betray her land, my queen?”

“She would if it were to save those she cares about, yes. And if she will not... the little freak shall have her mind broken and her will shattered by me... personally.”

She looks to the fallen remains of the chandelier before continuing.

“Much like Pharynx was removed to make room for one much more... worthy of such a position.”

Suddenly the door to the Throne Room bursts open and Twilight, Hammer, Celestia, and Thorax rush inside. Thorax is the first to speak as he points a hoof accusatorily at Chrysalis.

“Murderer!”

Chrysalis frowns as she spots Twilight, Hammer, and Celestia approaching. “So you have freed the prisoners.”

Hammer nods matter of factly. “Darn right!”

“Why, Chrysalis! Why kill my brother when he was so loyal to you all these years?!”

“To replace him with one more adept at his job.”

Motioning to Arc with a hoof, she continues.

“Equestria’s Hero of Light makes even the considerable fighting prowess of Pharynx pale in comparison.”

Thorax seethes. “And me as well!”

Chrysalis shrugs. “One cannot build anew without first destroying the old.”

Twilight gasps. “But that’s just genocide!”

“I see it more as something akin to doing what’s best for the hive as a whole.”

Celestia grins. “So much for that though! Taking your own plan, we shall oust and replace YOU instead!”

Hammer smirks. “Right, queenie! Your reign is over!”

Chrysalis shakes her head. “A pity you still think that, little ones. Tell me, why do you think I would have openly admitted such a thing to you, Celestia, and Thorax?”

Twilight is suddenly taken aback. “I... uh...”

Celestia chimes in. “Because you’re overconfident!”

Chrysalis smirks. “Nay, Celestia. I have confidence that I hold all the cards here. You may have escaped my Spawning Pools, but now you have only succeeded in falling from the frying pan and into the fire!”

She turns to Arc and points a hoof smugly at the intruders.

“Now then... kill Thorax and return the princesses to the Spawning Pool for breeding, my wing.”

Arc turns to Chrysalis. “No.”

Chrysalis raises an ‘eyebrow’. “That is an order!”

“I suppose it is. However, you presume far too much.”

Chrysalis hisses. “Kill them! Kill Thorax NOW! Your queen commands it!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not going to happen.”

“You cannot resist a direct order from the...!”

Hammer laughs. “No one can control Arc!”

Twilight nods with conviction. “Right! He’s his own human!”

Celestia smirks as she steps forward. “Now then, Chrysalis. Will you come peacefully and surrender to our forces outside? Or will you allow this to become even more of a problem for you?”

Chrysalis seethes as she spreads her wings and grits her teeth. Flying back to her throne, she looks down at them with great contempt.

“Fools, all of you!”

Twilight glares at Chrysalis. “The only fool here is YOU! Killing your own subjects is just beyond disgusting!”

Chrysalis points a hoof at Twilight angrily. “You and Celestia are the real fools here, princess! Neither of you can see the big picture! I’m doing what I have to in order to...!”

She is cut off as Thorax charges forward and lunges at Chrysalis. She catches him in midair with a spell and holds him there for a moment before back hoofing him violently. Taking the opportunity, Celestia calls out.

“Enough of this, Chrysalis! Everypony, get her!”

Arc and his friends rush towards her. Shaking her head, her horn glows as a barrier forms around her and the throne. Try as they might, the barrier appears unbreakable by conventional methods. Chrysalis laughs as she continues channeling her spell.

“Try all you like! You’ll never get through!”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “For a firefly, you’re pretty dim! We can’t get in, but you can’t get out either!”

Twilight nods. “Right! Your magic will run out before long! And then we’ll have you!”

Arc sighs. “No, it won’t.”

Celestia turns to him. “What are you saying?”

“She’s sitting on the throne. It’s Chrysalis’ source of power. She could stay safe in there pretty much indefinitely.”

Chrysalis laughs wickedly. “Not actually forever, mind you. But long enough for all of your pony forces outside to be dried out husks from lack of water.”

She looks to Twilight before continuing.

“You should have just turned around and left when you had the chance. Now you’ll have all your dead followers on your mind for the rest of your life!”

Continuing her tirade, Chrysalis fails to see Thorax creeping toward her. Taking the opportunity to catch his opponent by surprise, he again throws himself at Chrysalis. Surprised, her spell falters momentarily. However, it is not weakened enough for Arc and his friends to get through. Shaking her head, Chrysalis looks to Thorax as she speaks.

“You just don’t know when to give up, do you?”

Thorax grits his teeth. “I need to avenge my brother!”

Chrysalis smirks. “Then by all means, go ahead! Just try and defeat me!”

Planting his hooves firmly, Thorax begins charging up his magical power. Waiting impatiently for him to finish, Chrysalis taps her hoof.

“Sometime today would be nice.”

Thorax grits his teeth. “Only... have... one... shot...!”

Chrysalis laughs. “Then you had best make it a good one. After all, it’s what you’ll be known for after I kill you.”

Leveling his horn at Chrysalis, Thorax takes a deep breath and mutters to himself.

“This is for you, Pharynx.”

Turning his head slightly, he fires at the throne next to Chrysalis. She cries out as it explodes, causing the barrier around them to fall.

“What... NO!”

Seething, she looks at Thorax as he falls to the floor exhausted.

“You have doomed our entire nation, idiot!”

Thorax smiles weakly as he gasps for breath. “Then... it is... over. “

Arc hurries over to Thorax along with Hammer as Twilight and Celestia step toward Chrysalis. Twilight looks to the defeated queen and smiles.

“Queen Chrysalis. It doesn’t have to end here. You can rise above and lead your subjects to a new tomorrow.”

“What? But how?”

“By being the leader that your subjects deserve.”

She extends a hoof to Chrysalis and smiles. Slowly reaching toward Twilight, Chrysalis roughly slaps her hoof away with a sneer before standing and crying out angrily.

“There is no revenge you could ever CONCEIVE of that will come close to what I will exact upon YOU one day... Princess Twilight Sparkle!”

Looking upward, she blasts a hole in the ceiling and flies away. Twilight turns to Celestia whom nods soberly as she motions to Thorax. Walking over to him, they kneel down as he struggles to speak. Twilight looks to Celestia.

“What’s wrong with him?”

Celestia sighs. “If it is true that the source of the changeling’s power came from the throne Thorax destroyed, then their fate may be connected to it as well. Without its influence, they appear unable to survive.”

Thorax nods weakly. “That is... fine.”

Turning to Arc, he continues.

“Equestria... is safe... from... changelings.”

Arc nods soberly. “So it would seem.”

Celestia looks down at him. “Thorax, I must know. Why did you do that? Why sacrifice your entire race to help us?”

“Chrysalis... she needed... to be... stopped. Nothing... important to her... other than... control... and winning.”

He looks to Arc again.

“But you... didn’t.”

Hammer appears to be confused. “Arc didn’t what?”

“Rise up to... fight... Chrysalis.”

Arc sighs. “I... suppose I could have used my Changeling Magic to attempt to dispel her barrier.”

Celestia gasps. “What?! You mean, you could have...!”

Hammer steps between them. “Let’s put a pin in this, shall we?”

Thorax groans. “My insides feel... strange. Like... I’m filling up... with something.”

Twilight looks him over frantically. “What can we do?!”

“Nothing... now.”

“But there must be SOMETHING we can do! We have to save you!”

Thorax smiles weakly. “You... already have... princess. Thanks to you... the changelings are now... and forever more... free.”

He closes his eyes and exhales. Twilight puts a hoof on his shoulder and bows her head sadly. However, she quickly draws back as a thick outer shell suddenly forms over Thorax’s entire body. She steps forward cautiously and moves to touch it. But as she does so a bright light emanates from the shell, forcing everyone present to instinctively turn away. As it dims they look upon the fallen changeling. Hammer is the first to speak.

“What the...?!”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide at the sight before her. “This... this defies all reasoning!”

Arc calls out. “Thorax? Can you hear me?”

Slowly opening his eyes, Thorax sits up and looks around.

“I... feel different.”

Hammer nods. “Look different too!”

Thorax looks down at the polished floor beneath him. His eyes wide, he gasps.

“What the heck happened to me?!”

Twilight shrugs. “Some sort of metamorphosis.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps due to the energies released during the destruction of the throne.”

The sound of hooffalls ring out as the doors to the Throne Room burst open. A cadre of changelings, whom now look very similar the Thorax in terms of color schemes and form, all rush inside and over to him.

“Wing Thorax! What has happened to us?!”

Thorax groans as he slowly gets to his hooves. “I... don’t really understand it myself.”

Twilight turns to them. “He freed you all from Chrysalis’ control!”

She gestures to the ruined throne before continuing.

“Thorax defeated Queen Chrysalis by destroying that which she was trying to protect!”

One of the changelings gasps at this. “But... but the queen nurtures and watches over all of us!”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, she doesn’t.”

Hammer nods to the ruins. “If anything, she was holding all of you back.”

Arc steps forward and removes his cowl. “And me as well it would seem.”

Twilight appears relieved. “You’re not green anymore, Arc!”

Arc nods as touches his face. “That and I don’t feel Chrysalis’ influence clawing at my mind either.

Thorax turns to Twilight and bows respectfully before speaking.

“Princess Twilight... on behalf of the changelings, I hereby announce our unconditional surrender.”

Twilight nods. “And I accept it.”

Hammer looks to Celestia. “So... do you think we should take them into custody, or something?”

“I don’t believe that will be necessary.”

Arc nods. “They don’t appear to be a threat to anyone at this point, after all.”

Twilight grins. “Right. With Chrysalis gone, they now have a chance to spread their wings and choose their own destiny.”

Hammer shrugs. “As long as Equestria’s safe, I guess that’s a ‘mission accomplished’.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “What now though?”

“They need a new leader, for starters.”

Thorax nods to Arc. “And that should probably be you.”

“Oh?”

“After all, you are the strongest amongst us.”

“Maybe. But you showed everyone that you were willing to do whatever it took to do what’s right for the nation as a whole. So I believe that the new ruler of the changelings should be you, Thorax.”

He chuckles before continuing.

“Or should I perhaps call you... Sandstorm Mirage.”

Thorax gasps. “You... you mean...?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I knew.”

Celestia glares at Arc. “WHAT?!”

Thorax raises an eyebrow. “When did you...?”

Arc taps his head. “As you know, my current helmet has a Truesight Enchantment on it, as did the original one I brought with me from Tartarus. If you recall, I was wearing it the day Flash Sentry brought you to my office to be promoted to sergeant.”

Thorax gasps. “That long?!”

“I did think you looked rather strange at the time. So I made a few inquiries and requested a book chronicling the land’s inhabitants. There was a picture of something resembling you within it.”

Hammer scoffs. “Then why not bust him, Arc?!”

“Because, after reviewing his record, I found that Sandstorm Mirage had always been an exemplary soldier. Honest, trustworthy, and loyal to Equestria.”

“So you just... let me go?”

Arc shrugs. “I saw it more along the lines of giving you the respect you had earned.”

Twilight steps forward. “Sir?”

“Yes, Princess Twilight?”

“If Arc is willing to vouch for your character, then I’ll accept it.”

Clearing her throat, she continues.

“Thorax, as the new leader of the changelings, I look forward to discussing how we can improve our relationship in the future.”

Celestia nods soberly as she motions to the doors. “As do I. However, for the moment, perhaps it is best that we leave the Changeling Kingdom... to the changelings.”

Arc chuckles. “Agreed. We need to get back to our troops and you have much to do, Sandstorm Mirage.”

Thorax grins. “Please, sir. I’m really just ‘Thorax’.”

“Very well. We shall take our leave.”

“I’ll escort you to the main entrance personally. This place can be kinda complicated if you’re new to it.”

Leading the group to the entrance, he motions to a drone to open the gates. As they do so, Arc steps forward with Twilight to the worried faces of those waiting for them outside. Mio and Ember run up to them as they step outside. Ember is the first to speak.

“Arc! Princess Twilight! Are you alright?!”

Arc nods. “We’re okay, yes.”

Mio smiles widely. “Hammer!”

Hammer gives her sister a ‘thumbs up’. “Right as rain, Mio!”

The squad approaches Arc and salutes as Max speaks.

“The battle was soundly won out here, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! It was quite the spectacle!”

Hugh looks past them at the hive’s interior. “Hopefully things went just as well inside.”

Viktor smirks. “I’m sure it did.”

Sereb turns to the changelings behind them. “And it would appear that you made some new friends along the way.”

Celestia nods soberly. “The changelings have... evolved.”

Twilight gestures to Thorax. “For the better it seems.”

Thorax smiles nervously. “Indeed.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest as she jerks a thumb toward the soldiers nearby. “All well and good. But we need to see to our forces. Everyone here looks pretty tired and thirsty.”

Arc looks to Thorax. “Think we could trouble you for some supplies?”

Thorax appears confused at this. “I could give you some water, yes. But wouldn’t it be easier to just open a portal, sir?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But our various schools of magic don’t work out here.”

Hammer groans. “Right! Watch!”

Holding out her hand, Hammer aims it at a nearby rock. It suddenly begins floating under a Telekinesis Spell. Everyone gasps as she steps back, clearly surprised.

“What the heck?! That didn’t work last night!”

Thorax gestures to the hive’s upper tower overhead. “The anti-magic field was generated by the queen’s throne. My apologies for not saying something about it earlier, as I thought you already knew that.”

Arc shrugs. “Guess I kinda did.”

Celestia turns to him and frowns. “How?!”

“Just a bit of latent changeling intuition, I guess.”

Celestia narrows her eyes. “More of your... intuition?!”

“Something like that.”

Twilight looks to Celestia nervously. “You see, he’s pretty good at...!”

Celestia interrupts her. “Just a moment, Twilight. I have a few more things I want to say to him.”

Turning back to Arc, Celestia continues.

“What happened back there to Twilight, myself and Lieutenant Hammer... you’re saying that you could have stopped it at any time, correct?”

“Theoretically, yes. You see, I was trying to...”

Celestia cuts him off. “And you also could have taken down Chrysalis’ barrier in the Throne Room, yes?!”

“Maybe. That one isn’t...”

“That and you knew all along that Thorax here was a changeling?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You already know the answer to that. What exactly are you getting at?”

Celestia seethes as she storms over to him and pokes his chestplate with an accusatory hoof. “Everything you do and every decision that you make seems to be heavily steeped in intuition!”

“I call it trusting my gut.”

“That’s not how a leader should make decisions though!”

Twilight steps forward to intervene, but Ember puts a claw on her shoulder.

“Let them be, Twilight.”

“But...!”

Sereb growls softly. “This has been coming for a long time now, princess.”

Hammer smirks as she leans against Sereb. “Yeah. Time to get everything out in the open where it belongs.”

Arc frowns. “Are you saying ALWAYS have all the information before making a decision?!”

Celestia shakes her head. “No! But...!”

Arc interrupts her. “Look around you! Everything worked out, didn’t it?!”

Celestia scoffs. “Barely!”

“Then why are you...?!”

“Because Twilight and everypony else here seem to think that you’re some kind of tactical genius! When in reality, you’ve been winging it this entire time!”

“I do my best to...!”

Celestia taps her hoof on Arc’s chestplate harder as he talks. “Your BEST?! I question whether or not you’re even TRYING sometimes! Especially when you let my student be forcefully captured by the enemy, restrained, and almost... well, you know!”

Arc frowns. “But she didn’t get hurt! I was right there the whole time to make sure things didn’t go that far as well!”

“And the emotional strain to all of us?! Was that part of you ‘plan’ as well?!”

“Look! Twilight’s fine! Hammer’s fine! And you’re fine! I didn’t let any of you be harmed in any way and we were able to stop the changeling threat facing Equestria! How is this not a win?!”

“Because you just made things up as you went! Either learn to be a proper leader or get out of the way of true leadership!”

She pushes Arc back roughly. Regaining his balance, Arc steps forward quickly and retaliates with a shove of his own to the mare before him. The pair stare at one another silently for a long moment angrily as Thorax turns to Twilight.

“Um... should we...?”

Twilight bows her head and sighs. “Let them do this.”

Celestia wordlessly puts a hoof on her armor’s clasps. Releasing them, she allows her breastplate to fall to the ground as Arc does the same with his own armor. Wide-eyed, Mio turns and calls out to the soldiers.

“Everyone fall back! BACK!”

The soldiers quickly turn and retreat to a sizable distance as Mio and Sereb stay by Twilight’s side along with Arc’s squad. Celestia motions to his gauntlets as Arc removes them.

“Those can stay.”

Nodding, Arc puts them back on. Taking a deep breath, Arc clenches his fists and takes up a battle-ready stance. Celestia does the same. The pair size each other up for a few very tense moments before Celestia lunges forward and swings a hoof at her opponent angrily.

“Always the hero! Never the thinker!”

Arc dodges her attack and lets her pass. “You’re one to talk! Letting Twilight walk right into the enemy stronghold without a single guard! What the heck were YOU THINKING?!”

Countering her attack with a blow of his own, Arc catches Celestia in the sternum. She retaliates with a knee to his chest as she talks.

“I warned her about that though! Strongly I might add! But as a princess, she can do whatever she wants!”

Arc straightens up and smacks Celestia across the face with the back of his gauntlet. “And you expect me to believe that you were powerless to stop her?!”

Celestia grunts as she stumbles back regains her balance. “Yes! What was I supposed to do?!”

Arc steps forward. “Stop her! Forcefully if necessary!”

Celestia hoofs Arc in the gut. “Like you did when she personally marched into Canterlot in front of the troops!?”

Arc kneels down and sweeps Celestia’s front hooves out from under her as he slams her face into the ground. “Equestria needed a proper leader to sit on the throne! Besides, YOU weren’t doing your job back then and were just letting Decimus roam the land completely unchecked!”

Celestia sits up quickly and headbutts Arc in the chin. “I never thought he of all stallions were capable of such things! But maybe if you had done YOUR job better Twilight wouldn’t have had to take such a stance in the first place!

Arc stumbles back into a large rock. Putting a foot on it, he braces himself as Celestia charges him. Using the rock as an anchor Arc jumps and kicks her in the face.

“Me do MY job better?! HA! Since coming here I’ve saved Equestria more times than I can count!”

Celestia wipes blood from her snout. “I was doing that before you were BORN you arrogant little COLT!”

Running towards him again, Celestia jumps over the boulder and bucks it over Arc. Doing a backflip, she lands on top of it to look down smugly.

“See what happens when you don’t plan ahead?”

Grunting, Arc summons all of his strength and begins lifting. Standing up, with the boulder still on his back no less, he looks up angrily.

“That’s the problem... with being on top... princess...!”

Shifting his weight, Arc throws the boulder backwards. Being off balance from the event, and due to inertia to a degree, Celestia falls face first toward him. Putting his elbow back, Arc allows her face to slam into it on the way down. Celestia falls to the ground, breathing heavily, and does not rise as Arc finishes his sentence.

“...there’s just so far to fall.”

Turning to walk away, Arc suddenly finds himself falling backwards from a powerful kick to both of his feet. Landing on top of Celestia, she grabs him and rolls over to look down on her opponent. With a smirk, she speaks.

“That may be. But as a last resort...”

She hoofs him in the head hard. Arc goes limp as Celestia finishes her sentence.

“...you can always take your opponent down with you.”

Moving to stand, Celestia suddenly feels pressure on her mane as she turns away. Before she can act, Arc pulls her back down. She hits her head hard on a rock next to him and passes out. Arc chuckles weakly as he too loses consciousness.

“Couldn’t... agree... more...”

Volume 54 - Chapter 1 - Roads to Recovery

Author's Note

An alternate version to the story is being written by another member.

https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/1027492/alternate-version

Credit for the pictures in this chapter goes to my kid whom painted them as Christmas presents for my wife and I. :yay:

Volume 54 - Chapter 1 - Roads to Recovery

A week passes. Twilight and Hammer walk down the corridor of Ponyville Hospital together along with Ember and Sereb. Hammer is the first to speak as she turns to Twilight.

“So, uh... how’s Arc been lately?”

Twilight sighs. “A bit... out of sorts, I’m afraid.”

Sereb nods soberly. “From his fight with Princess Celestia, I would imagine.”

Ember smirks wickedly. “He showed that royal pain but GOOD!”

Hammer shrugs. “I guess he did. But seeing as how it ended with both of them lying on the ground out cold, I’d have to say that the result was more or less a draw.”

Sereb growls. “Considering that Arc was doing battle with an immortal pony princess whom has centuries of combat experience, I would say that he was the victor.”

Twilight groans. “Princess Celestia has been rather... out of sorts as well since that day.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Even with you, Twilight?”

“I still see her multiple times a day, of course. But her attitude and demeanor isn’t what it was before. That and she won’t tell me why.”

Hammer looks to the upcoming door. “Then let’s work on something we can actually accomplish together. Getting Arc back on his feet.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Coming to the patient room, Twilight knocks lightly with her hoof before opening the door. They see Derpy, Scootaloo, and Dinky sitting by Arc’s bedside talking to him. The trio stand and walk over to Twilight. Derpy is the first to speak.

“Good morning everypony.”

Dinky waves happily. “Hi!”

Hammer tousles Dinky and Scootaloo’s manes. “Hey there, short stuffs.”

Ember grins. “Nice to see you again, Derpy.”

Sereb looks to the mare. “We hope you have been doing well lately.”

Derpy nods. “Oh, yes! Very much so!”

Dinky hops up onto a chair. “This is the most my dad’s been around in forever!”

Arc chuckles from his place in the bed. “Can’t argue with that.”

Hammer walks over to the bedside and looks down at Arc with a smirk. “How you feeling, champ?”

“Okay, I guess. Frankly I feel like I’m going to fat cooped up in here this long.”

Ember grins as she joins Hammer. “Still look good from where I’m standing.”

Twilight smiles at him. “I’m told you’ve had no shortage of visitors lately though.”

Derpy giggles as she joins them on the opposite side of the bed. “Dinky, Scootaloo, and I like to come by before we head to the orphanage in the morning.”

Dinky nods. “Then I run over after school and have supper here!”

Scootaloo puts her small hooves on the bedside. “We both do!”

Arc pats both filly’s heads. “It gives us a chance to sit here and visit for a couple hours until Derpy gets off of work and joins us.”

Derpy smiles at Arc. “Then we all sit here and tell Arc about our days. That and whatever else strikes us before turning in early together.”

Dinky hops from the chair to a nearby hospital cot. “It’s not as soft as the beds we have at home though.”

Scootaloo giggles as she looks to Arc. “But having Big Brother around is still a nice tradeoff!”

A knock from the door rings out as Doctor Horse enters the room with a chart. He walks over to the bed as Ember calls out to him.

“So Arc’s going to be okay, right doctor?”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes, indeed. That’s actually what I came here to talk about.”

Sereb appears hopeful. “What news of our friend then?”

The doctor looks to Arc. “First of all, how are you feeling today, sir?”

“Just fine. Other than being a bit restless cooped up in here, that is.”

Twilight nods emphatically. “You’ve never been much for just sitting around, Arc.”

Doctor Horse looks over his clipboard. “Merely a precaution, sir.”

Hammer frowns. “Considering what was done to you in The Badlands by the changelings, you’re lucky to not be all messed up inside!”

Derpy appears confused. “What could have happened?”

Ember shrugs. “His organs could have been changed, or something.”

Scootaloo shudders. “That’s a scary thought.”

Sereb growls lightly. “To say nothing of what you endured at the hooves of Celestia.”

Dinky grits her teeth angrily. “Trust me, she got off light!”

Arc sighs. “In my defense, neither of us walked off of that field under our own power.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “Um... actually Princess Celestia did. Well, eventually that is.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Ten minutes later, you mean!”

Sereb grins toothily. “After someone reminded her where she was and what happened to her, you mean.”

Derpy grimaces. “Did you really have to be so hard on her, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda did.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “I’d have gone further!”

Scootaloo sneers. “Me too!”

Sereb growls. “After the way she spoke to Arc, whom has done nothing but be helpful to her personally, I too must agree that she deserved no quarter!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Yes, well... please continue, doctor.”

“In regards to the... transmogrification you underwent, it would appear that all of your bodily functions have returned to normal.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Probably due to the destruction of Chrysalis’ throne.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s hard to imagine something like that being so powerful.”

Sereb looks to the doctor. “Are you certain of that, Doctor Horse?”

“Yes. As per Princess Twilight’s orders, I’ve run every possible test available to us on every inch of the Hero of Light’s anatomy. Believe me when I say that everything inside of him is fine.”

Ember eyes Arc’s bandages suspiciously. “What about his other wounds?”

“Nothing permanent or that won’t heal normally.”

Arc shrugs. “It was mostly bruising though.”

Derpy gasps. “Are you sure, Arc?”

Dinky shudders. “Yeah dad. You looked pretty beat up when they brought you in.”

Arc chuckles as he gestures to the nearby window. “Nothing a little staring at the moon didn’t fix.”

Scootaloo grins. “Crimson form for the win!”

Twilight looks to the doctor. “So when can Arc go home?”

“Immediately. That is, if he wants to and feels up to it. Now that all his test results are in, that is.”

Hammer grins. “Hear that, Arc! We can bust you outta here!”

Arc chuckles. “It will certainly be nice to sleep in my own bed again.”

Ember smirks wickedly. “With someone special at your side, you mean?”

Twilight covers one of Dinky and Scootaloo’s ears with her hooves as she pushes their heads together. “Little ears!”

Dinky shrugs. “It’s okay, Princess Twilight.”

Scootaloo nods as she steps away. “Yeah, we do understand Ember’s feelings for Big Brother.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You do?”

Derpy smiles as she walks over to the fillies. “Arc and I had a long talk about everything with them.”

Arc nods. “As well as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.”

Twilight turns to Ember. “That may very well be. But it doesn’t mean that we can just say such raunchy things around them with reckless abandon.”

Ember groans. “Fine. I’ll try to tone it down a bit around them.”

Hammer bows her head. “Me too.”

Arc pushes the covers off and sits up. “Thanks you two. I appreciate that.”

Sereb sniffs him. “Perhaps you should start this day with a shower though, my friend.”

Derpy nods. “You can use the bathroom at home, Arc.”

“Alright. We’ll stop by there so I can get a quick shower in before walking you two to the orphanage.”

Twilight giggles. “Want me to wash your back, Arc?”

Ember feigns surprise. “Twilight, please! Little ears!”

Twilight gasps and blushes as she realizes her mistake. “I’m sorry!”

Hammer laughs heartily. “That was FUNNY!”

Arc smiles and shakes his head. “Admittedly, yes it was.”

Derpy sighs. “In any case, let’s get you standing, Arc.”

Helping Arc rise from the bed, Derpy stays by his side as he shakily takes a few steps, grimacing with each one. Ember frowns as she turns to the doctor.

“I thought you said he was supposed to be okay!”

Hammer points at Arc. “Yeah! Why’s he walking all funny?!”

Doctor Horse gestures to the chart in his hoof. “A week in bed mostly.”

Derpy’s eyes grow wide. “Were his muscles weakened too much from the bedrest?!”

Dinky shakes her head. “I don’t think that just a week in the hospital would do that, mom.”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. Such a thing would take a several weeks at least.”

Doctor Horse looks to Derpy. “The fillies are right, miss. He’s just a bit stiff from not moving around too much.”

Arc grunts. “I think I just need to kinda walk it off, or something.”

Twilight turns to the door. “Then let’s step out into the corridor and let you get dressed.”

Ember grins. “Good idea, Twilight. I’ll stay here and give Arc a hand though.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “Ember.”

“What?”

“Little ears.”

Groaning, Ember follows the others out of the room. Doctor Horse looks to Arc as he speaks.

“It would appear that you have a number of very devoted friends, sir.”

Arc chuckles as he slowly makes his way over to a small closet nearby. “Yeah. They’re the best though. But is there anything I should be watching out for regarding a relapse, or something?”

“Any unexplained skin pigment changes, extreme weakness, fever, loss of appetite, or swelling of the flesh.

Arc tosses aside his hospital gown. “You make it sound like I could just fall over dead.”

“Just making sure you’re made aware of the potential complications of your previous... encounter.”

Arc sighs as he steps into a pair of pants. “Yes, that mission could have gone better. Worse too, I suppose.”

Doctor Horse walks over to him as Arc buttons up his shirt. “The newspaper said that we lost very few soldiers during the invasion though.”

Arc nods soberly. “Five to be exact.”

“Quite the accomplishment. Considering the scope of the mission, I would say.”

Arc sighs as he sits down to put on his shoes. “Maybe. But I’m sure those five soldiers, and their families, would disagree with you.”

A few minutes later Arc emerges from the patient room with Doctor Horse. Walking over to those waiting for him, he smiles.

“Sorry for taking so long everyone.”

Derpy smiles warmly at him. “It’s okay, Arc.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

Ember gestures down the corridor. “You ready to go?”

“In a moment.”

Turning to Doctor Horse, Arc continues.

“Thanks for patching me up.”

“It was my pleasure, sir. Just be sure to take things easy for a bit and ease into your normal activities.”

“I will.”

Derpy giggles. “We’ll look after him.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah!”

Scootaloo tugs at Arc’s pantleg. “Come on, Big Brother! Let’s go!”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Right! Let’s blow this popsicle stand!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Um... what?”

Arc chuckles. “It’s a human thing, Twilight.”

Heading toward the exterior door, Arc stops as Sereb steps in front of him.

“What’s up, big guy?”

“I believe that you are forgetting something, my friend.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“A warm overcoat.”

Twilight gasps. “I can’t believe that we didn’t think to bring you one!”

Arc shrugs. “Not to worry. I always carry a spare.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls a coat from it. Putting it on, he leads the group out into the cold morning air. Hammer motions to Sereb.

“Maybe you should ride home, Arc.”

Sereb nods. “I am both willing and able to do so, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. After all that lying in bed, sitting in a saddle really is the last thing I want to do.”

Twilight, Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo follow Arc down the path toward the main road. They talk happily as they do so. Ember, Hammer, and Sereb hang back a ways. Hammer is the first to speak.

“It’s good to see Arc up and about.”

Sereb nods. “Yes, it is.”

Ember grunts. “Can’t really stand being bedridden myself. So I do know how he feels.”

Hammer frowns. “Uh... he IS recovered though, right?”

Sereb turns to her, confused. “You were there when he was given a clean bill of health by the doctor.”

Ember nods. “Right. He knows what’s what. But the same could be said of you, Hammer.”

Hammer grins and thumps her chest proudly. “I’m just fine!”

Sereb sighs. “We read the report of what happened inside the hive.”

Ember nods soberly. “To you personally.”

Hammer shrugs. “Just part of a battle.”

Sereb frowns. “I do not believe that being nearly forcefully impregnated with a different species eggs could be considered typical combat experience.”

“Maybe not. But Arc got me out of there before anything bad could happen to me or Twilight.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You weren’t... nervous at all?”

“A bit, yeah. But I was trying to focus on the good over the bad.”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “What could possibly be considered good regarding such an event?”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Yes, do tell.”

Hammer smirks wickedly. “I was going to die in there, yeah. But not before having Arc pound my backside.”

Sereb sighs. “Why am I not surprised?”

Hammer grins. “Come on! Being plowed to death is totally how I wanna go out!”

Ember puts a claw to her chin. “I guess it would beat simply falling in battle.”

“Think about it, Ember. Your life ebbing away... things going dark... and unimaginable pleasure from your lower half.”

Sereb groans. “Admittedly, I’d rather not visualize such a thing regarding either of you and Arc.”

A short time later they arrive at Derpy’s small house. Running ahead, the fillies call out happily.

“I’ll get the water started!”

“And I’ll fetch Big Brother some clean clothes!”

Derpy giggles as she turns to Arc. “It’s so nice that they want to help.”

Twilight nods. “And are thinking ahead.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Entering the house, they spot the fillies running out of the bathroom. The sound of running water fills the air as they do so.

“There you go, dad!”

“Have a nice shower, Big Brother!”

Derpy gestures to the bathroom door with a hoof. “I’ll make you something to eat while you get cleaned up.”

Arc heads for the bathroom. “Alright, thanks.”

Twilight walks with Derpy to the kitchen. “Need a hoof in there?”

Derpy giggles. “Always!”

Dinky runs after them. “I’ll help too!”

Scootaloo flaps her tiny wings excitedly. “Let’s get cooking then!”

Meanwhile, Arc disrobes and steps into the warm shower. Sitting down, he sighs and looks up into the stream of water.

“The battle... really did go our way. I mean… Chrysalis was defeated and driven from the Badlands presumably. That and the changelings are now free from her grip. All of this really does feel like an overwhelming victory. So why do I still feel conflicted about it?”

Groaning, Arc grabs a bar of soap and lathers up as he continues.

“Celestia was right. I could have handled my end of it differently though. Even though everything was kinda made up as I went along, I guess. Maybe I should have attacked Chrysalis when I awoke in the cocoon thing.”

Putting his hand to his chin, Arc thinks about this for a few moments before shaking his head.

“No... no, she was ready for that. Her stance, her candor. I had to make Chrysalis believe that I was under her control.”

Leaning back against the shower wall, he continues.

“But... I still believe that I could have handled that whole mess in some other way. What though is beyond me.”

Finishing his shower sometime later, Arc leaves the steamy bathroom to the welcoming smell of freshly cooked pancakes and syrup. Entering the kitchen, he sees Twilight, Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo sitting at the table waiting for him. Joining them, he looks around.

“No Ember or Sereb?”

Derpy smiles as she pulls out his chair. “They went into town for something or other.”

“How about Hammer?”

Twilight grins. “Same.”

Arc sits down. “Oh? All the shops are still closed at this hour though.”

Dinky giggles. “Some project in town.”

Scootaloo looks to the spread before them. “We can talk about it later, Big Brother. Right now all of us should eat and get moving.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, one must do their best not to be late for school.”

Arc begins serving the food as Derpy fills everyone’s glasses with milk. He looks to Twilight as they begin to eat.

“So... has there been any sign of Chrysalis?”

Twilight shakes her head. “None whatsoever. And our forces have kept watch from every point on the Equestrian/Badlands border for the past week.”

Dinky frowns. “Where could she have gone though?”

Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps she has some secret way to move underground.”

Derpy looks too Arc. “A tunnel system of some kind?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s possible that she’s hiding in some cave or something waiting it out.”

Twilight groans. “I suppose. After all, she has to realize that we can’t just sit on the border and look in forever.”

Scootaloo nods. “Especially if we hope to establish any kind of diplomatic ties with the newly reformed Changeling Nation.”

Dinky looks to Twilight. “Just so that I understand correctly, the war IS over, right?”

Twilight smiles at the filly. “Yes, the war is officially over. Why do you ask?”

“I’m just a bit worried about what’s supposed to happen to those survivors over there.”

Derpy points a hoof to the counter. “The newspaper said the other day that Canterlot was sending them some supplies to get started.”

Arc chuckles. “Oh really. How did they manage to package love?”

Scootaloo turns to him. “From what I heard, the new changelings don’t need it to survive, Big Brother.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Now they subside on fruits and vegetables.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So they can’t eat love anymore, or just don’t?”

“From correspondences with Thorax, he claims that they no longer have the need or desire to do so.”

Dinky frowns. “But that doesn’t answer the question at hoof though.”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose not. However, I’m trying to give him the benefit of the doubt in this matter.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So Thorax, or Sandstorm Mirage as he was known previously, is the officially recognized... what exactly?”

Scootaloo grins. “King, I would imagine.”

Twilight shrugs. “That hasn’t officially been established as of yet. He’s seen as the leader, of course. Being the highest ranking survivor of their nation’s leadership. But as far as a title goes, it’s anypony’s guess right now.”

Derpy appears confused. “Shouldn’t that have been one of the first things to figure out though?”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I would imagine that they’re rather busy at the moment trying to get a number of things figured out over there. Leading a nation is hard enough without having to rebuild it from the ground up.”

Scootaloo grins. “Probably more so after a massive metamorphosis of the population as well.”

Twilight sighs. “As diminutive as it may be.”

Derpy turns to her. “What do you mean, Twilight?”

“Their numbers had been in decline for many years prior to the war according to Thorax.”

Arc nods. “And that was before Chrysalis decided to foolishly throw her army against us.”

Scootaloo bows her head. “They were killed to the last of them, I hear.”

Twilight grimaces. “Yes, that’s true. But it’s due to the fact that of them would allow themselves to be taken prisoner or surrender peacefully.”

Arc grits his teeth. “As Chrysalis wanted.”

Dinky looks to her father. “I still don’t get that part of it though, dad. Why would she let Equestria kill off her forces like that?”

“Chrysalis wanted the previous generation of changelings gone so they wouldn’t consume resources that could be used for the new ones she wanted to make.”

Twilight snorts angrily. “Doing what’s best for the nation as a whole is something I honestly do understand. However, literally sending out your military forces to be intentionally killed isn’t something I can stomach.”

A short time later they finish their meal. Derpy stands and begins clearing the table as she looks to Dinky and Scootaloo.

“Go brush your teeth and your manes, and then get your saddlebags. We need to head out in five minutes.”

Dinky hops down from her chair. “Okay mom.”

Scootaloo follows. “We’ll be quick.”

She and Scootaloo run toward the bathroom together. Twilight levitates the last of the dishes into the sink as Derpy begins quickly washing them. Arc joins her and picks up a dish towel.

“Need a hand?”

Derpy grins. “That I would.”

Twilight steps forward. “I’ll help too.”

A few minutes later the fillies run to the door with their saddlebags. Grabbing their hats and scarves, they turn to see Arc, Derpy, and Twilight walking toward them. Derpy is the first to speak.

“You two ready?”

“Yeah, mom!”

Scootaloo appears surprised. “The dishes are already done?”

Derpy nods happily. Yes, they are!”

Twilight hangs up the dish towel. “Many hooves make for light work, after all.”

Arc looks at the wall clock. “Aren’t we a bit early though?”

Scootaloo grins. “Kinda. But Dinky and I have something to show you at school, Big Brother.”

Dinky nods. “Right! We’ve been working really hard on them too!”

Arc chuckles as he grabs his coat. “Then let’s get over there so I can see for myself.”

Opening the door, he allows the fillies to run out into the dim morning light ahead of them. Twilight and Derpy step out as Arc closes the door behind the group. Making the short walk to the orphanage, Dinky and Scootaloo push the doors open to allow their parents and Twilight to enter the Main Hall. Stomping the mud from their hooves and feet off on the large mat just inside the door the fillies hurry into their classroom together as Dinky calls out loudly.

“Be right back with them dad!”

Arc turns to Derpy. “What’s she talking about?”

Derpy giggles. “I think I know. But they thought it should be a surprise for you.”

Twilight smiles. “It must be something very important considering just how excited they both are.”

A few moments later Dinky and Scootaloo run back out into the Main Hall. Each are holding a small, board-like item in a fetlock. Dinky holds hers out to Arc proudly.

“Here dad!”

Arc takes the item and looks it over. “A painting of you and your mother.”

Dinky nods happily. “I made that during art class!”

Derpy smiles proudly. “She and Scootaloo have been trying to outdo one another to see whom can paint the best picture for a while now."

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Outdo one another?”

Scootaloo quickly chimes in. “It’s all in good fun though, Princess Twilight.”

Dinky nods. “Scootaloo’s right, dad. This has always been a friendly competition.”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “This looks really nice, sweetheart.”

“Thanks dad. Now check out Scootaloo’s.”

Scootaloo holds out her painting to Arc nervously. “It’s not much. But I hope you like it, Big Brother.”

Taking the painting from her, Arc looks it over carefully.
“This is really well done, Scootaloo!”

“Thanks!”

Twilight looks at it, confused. “What is this?”

Arc chuckles. “It’s from an old anime that was popular when I was a kid called ‘Sailor Moon’.”

Derpy turns to Arc, confused. “Anime?”

Arc nods. “They’re fairly detailed cartoons from a country called Japan. This is a drawing from the titular main character.”

Scootaloo grins. “Dinky and I found this show when we were looking for something to watch when visiting Earth for Christmas a while back.”

Dinky giggles. “We first started watching it because of all the vivid colors.”

Scootaloo taps her painting. “But then we kept watching for the story.”

Twilight looks to Dinky. “You mean the plot?”

“Right! It’s really good!”

Scootaloo takes up a battle ready stance. “Every episode there was a baddie causing trouble that needed to be stopped.”

Dinky moves to join Scootaloo in posing. “And Sailor Moon, along with her friends, would always find a way to take them down.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc proudly. “Kinda like you and I did during our time on the road, Big Brother.”

Arc smiles as he gestures to the picture. “Well, it looks like you captured Serena’s likeness well.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Serena?”

“That’s the real name of Sailor Moon. She puts on the costume and refers to herself by that name to protect her secret identity.”

Twilight looks to Scootaloo and winks. “Like the Scarlet Filly did, I would imagine.”

“Right. But I’ll keep practicing to make it better.”

Dinky takes back her own picture. “Me too! Even if Scootaloo is a lot better at drawing that I am.”

A few early schoolfoals begin walking in the front doors. Among them are Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Seeing Arc, they rush over to him. Apple Bloom is the first to speak.

“Hey Arc!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Feeling better?!”

Arc nods and smiles as he kneels down to their level. “I am, yes. Thank you for coming to see me in the hospital.”

Apple Bloom smiles. “It was good to have time to talk to you more, Arc.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Right. And getting to know you better too.”

Derpy grins at the fillies. “We should all go out and do something together one of these days.”

Scootaloo turns to her. “Like what, mom?”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I’m not really sure. It was kind of just a spur of the moment thing to say, I guess.”

Dinky gasps happily. “How about going out to eat together?”

Arc chuckles as he puts his hand to his chin. “Not sure where we would go though. After all, it’s not like there’s any place to get a meal here in Ponyville.”

Twilight raises a hoof. “What about Shelly and Lily’s new place then?”

Arc grins as he feigns ignorance. “Ah! Forgot about that!”

Twilight frowns. “How could you...? Maybe we should have Doctor Horse look you over one more time, Arc.”

Scootaloo sighs. “I believe that Big Brother was just making a joke, Princess Twilight.”

Dinky giggles. “Yeah!”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Oh! Right! Now I feel silly.”

Derpy puts a hoof around Twilight’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. If it makes you feel any better, I was kinda confused too.”

Arc looks to the fillies. “We’ll have to set up a date and time to do that. Just the four of you and me.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “What about mom though?”

Apple Bloom gasps. “And Applejack.”

Sweetie Belle grins. I’m sure Rarity would love to go too.”

“They probably would admittedly. But this would be a time for me to get to know you fillies.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, there will be time for us to join Arc for a meal at another date and time.”

Derpy looks to the cafeteria. “Right. But I should be getting to work now.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’ll see you later then.”

Dinky looks over. “Need some help, mom?”

“Of course, sweetie. Just as long as you get to class on time.”

Arc waves after them. “Have a nice day, you two!”

Scootaloo gestures to the classroom. “I’m going to see about getting some more art practice in before school starts.”

Apple Bloom gasps happily. “Can we watch?!”

Sweetie Belle hops up and down happily. “Yeah! It’s fun to see!”

Scootaloo nods. “Sure. But we have to hurry. I don’t want to have the art stuff out when class starts.”

They hurry toward the classroom as Arc and Twilight call out after them.

“Be good!”

“And study hard too!”

As the fillies disappear inside their classroom, Twilight turns to Arc.

“So... do you have any plans for today?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m supposed to be kinda taking it easy for a bit. So I was planning to just go back to Derpy’s house and have a nice quiet day reading a book, or something.”

Twilight giggles. “And that would certainly be a very good use of your time, yes. However, I was thinking that perhaps you’d like to spend a bit of time with me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I actually would, yes. But don’t you have royal duties to attend to, or something?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nope. I told Luna that I’m taking the day off to spend with you and my other friends.”

“Well... I suppose that I’d like that then. Was there anything in particular you’d like to do though?”

Twilight grins. “Yes. Truth be told, we have something very special that I want to show you.”

Arc appears confused. “We?”

“Yes, I asked Cherry to join us for this particular exhibition. I hope that’s okay.”

“Sure. I’ve been meaning to spend some time with her for a while now too. But things just kept coming up that prevented us from coming together.”

Twilight gestures to the large windows that point toward Ponyville. “Then let’s make that right. Cherry said that she’d meet us here just after school started.”

Arc looks to the increasingly large number of foals entering the building. “It looks like we won’t have long to wait then.”

A short time later a loud bell rings out. Foals and younglings alike run to their respective classrooms in a flurry of hooves and talons. As the last student in closes the doors, Arc and Twilight hear the telltale sound of metallic footsteps approaching from the cafeteria. Eidolon’s Ward enters the Main Hall and waves happily.

“Hello you two!”

Arc grins. “Hi, Cherry.”

Twilight smiles at her. “How have you been?”

“Doing just fine working here at the orphanage. But why don’t we talk about it on the way to town?”

Arc chuckles. “Alright. Twilight, would you like to lead the way?”

Twilight nods happily. “I would, yes.”

The three walk towards the doors together. Leaving the warm building, they are met with a cool morning breeze. Twilight gestures down the road that leads to Ponyville.

“This way.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc as they begin walking. “So how have you been doing, Arc?”

“Okay, considering the circumstances.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to visit you in the hospital, Arc. “

“It’s fine, Cherry. After all, someone had to run the orphanage kitchen and keep the little ones fed.”

Twilight looks over her shoulder as she speaks. “And we all appreciate your hard work over there too.”

“It let Miss Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo spend more time at the hospital with Arc.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thanks for that, Cherry. I did enjoy the extended visits from them. And you too, Twilight.”

Twilight grins. “It was enjoyable for me as well.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds confused. “How so, Twilight?”

Twilight turns to Arc with a smirk. “Is it wrong that I thought you looked very cute in that hospital gown?”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “I can just imagine.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Great. Now there’s two of them.”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on Arc’s shoulder. “I may be dead, Arc. But my feelings are still very much alive.”

Twilight looks to the armor behind her. “I’ve been thinking about that very thing, Cherry. Maybe something could be done about that.

“Oh?”

“You were able to inhabit that old suit of armor without incident. So what if you could be transferred to something a bit more... marelike?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How though, Twilight?”

“While it’s never been done before in a laboratory setting, Cherry’s continued existence within the armor and inside your head at times, proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that a pony’s soul can indeed be transferred.”

“But this really was a one in a billion shot, Twilight.”

Arc gestures to the gem in the breastplate. “Right. Doubt anyone anywhere has such a thing as this close at hand.”

Eidolon’s Ward bows its head. “Much less when somepony is literally dying in their arms.”

Twilight smiles. “That much is true, yes. However, if you were able to do it once, such a thing could theoretically be done again.”

Arc shrugs. “Cherry did try, with permission mind you, to ‘possess’ her sister Ruby Jubilee some time ago. However, I must point out that she was unable to do so.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes, I do remember hearing about that. My idea is a bit different though in terms of its approach.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds curious. “What have you come up with?”

“A bit of advanced magical theory from a book I was reading recently. In it, the author spoke about theoretical magical spells and their effects. One such idea was the act of transferring the life force of one creature into the body of another and theirs to the first.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Body swapping?”

Twilight nods. “More or less, yes. My question is... what if one of the target bodies was not alive?”

Eidolon’s Ward shudders. “Um... are you talking about a dead body, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nothing of the sort. In fact, he touched on that very subject in his book.”

Arc grimaces. “In theory, I hope.”

“Oh yes. He pointed to the fact that, upon the death of a creature, decomposition begins nearly immediately and starts with the decay of the vital organs.”

Arc sighs. “Rotting from the inside out from what I read in science class.”

“Pretty much. The internal organs are the first to rot and lead to putrefaction in a few days.”

Eidolon’s Ward shudders. “I don’t think that sounds like a good idea. The idea of me trying to inhabit a corpse is just plain gross to me.”

Arc nods soberly. “And taking over someone else’s body isn’t much better in my opinion.”

Twilight smiles warmly. “I agree with both of your statements. But that book got me to thinking about alternate methods to allow Cherry to return to the land of the living... literally.”

She stops walking and turns to them before continuing.

“My idea would be to create an artificial body for you to inhabit, Cherry.”

“Artificial?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “You mean something like Rose?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. If you recall from my initial explanation of her systems, she’s not actually alive. Well, not in the sense that you or I view life, that is.”

“What else could there be though?”

“A theoretical invention from another book. This time by Star Swirl the Bearded.”

Arc chuckles. “That name keeps popping up.”

Eidolon’s Ward shrugs. “Well, he was the driving force behind a number of different magical advancements. I’m told.”

Twilight grins as she looks to the armor. “Right. You see, one of his uncompleted ideas was that of combining magic and flesh to create what he called a ‘homunculus’.”

“What’s that?”

“An artificial life form that you could, in theory, bond with as we bring it to life.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t think I like where this conversation is going, Twilight.”

“It would, for all intents and purposes, be just a lifeless body otherwise. And if we fail, then we haven’t really lost anything.”

Arc sighs. “Twilight... you’re a very accomplished mare. Very studious, and very smart.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

“In fact you’re so smart that you’ve somehow accidently managed to create sentient life in the past. Not once, but twice.”

Eidolon’s Ward shudders. “I’d be afraid of you accidently making a body that has a mind of its own.”

“It could work though. Then you’d be able to join all of us in the herd, Cherry.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “What would it take to do that though?”

“A lot of time and research admittedly. Years of it probably. I just wanted to bring the subject up before getting started. After all, I wouldn’t want to go through all the time and effort to make something like this and then have you tell me you aren’t interested, Cherry.”

“I... would have to think about it first.”

Twilight nods. “No rush there. Just let me know what you decide on. And I mean both you and Arc.”

“Alright. Um...”

“Something wrong, Cherry?”

“I just... all of a sudden, what with being away from the orphanage for the first time in a while... I’m feeling a bit... homesick.”

Twilight appears confused. “But we just left there a few minutes ago.”

“Yes, I know it must sound silly. But they’ve really become a big part of my life. Well... afterlife, I suppose.”

Arc gestures down the path back toward the orphanage. “Would you like to go back?”

“Actually... might you let me into you again, Arc?”

“Sure. It’s been a long time since we did that.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Twilight. “With your permission, of course.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “No, no. Remember, I don’t own Arc. He’s free to do what he wants.”

Looking to his old armor, Arc nods. It opens to allow him to step inside. Closing around him, Cherry enters his head and lets out a contented sigh as Arc recalls the armor to his ring.

“I’ve missed this.”

Arc grins. “So have I admittedly.”

Twilight looks down the road. “Shall we continue on?”

Cherry giggles. “Yes! Let’s!”

They continue walking. As the trio enters town, Arc looks around to see a number of businesses opening for the day.

“This is nice.”

Twilight turns to him. “Oh?”

“Seeing the town peaceful. Everyone going about their lives happily.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s usually this way from what I’ve seen, yes.”

Arc sighs. “I’ve brought trouble here numerous times though.”

Twilight puts a hoof on his side. “Not on purpose though, Arc.”

“Intentionally or not, I’m still the cause.”

Twilight smiles nervously and attempts to change the subject. “Why don’t we see about getting you a snack at Shelly’s Kitchen, Arc?”

Cherry calls out. “Yes, I heard that they opened for business a few days ago.”

Arc nods soberly. “Shelly had wanted me to be there for their grand opening. But I was still laid up in the hospital.”

Twilight sighs. “I do remember hearing that she was considering pushing back the date.”

“Right. But I told her not to hold off on my account.”

Cherry giggles. “Word is that it’s very popular for both breakfast and lunch.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, the food is pretty good. The girls and I had a short meeting there over tea one morning a couple days ago.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So you liked it?”

Twilight nods. “Oh yes. But we decided to cut the meeting short so somepony else could use the table. As I said, they’re quite popular. And busy.”

Cherry chimes in. “I wouldn’t mind seeing that for myself.”

Arc shrugs. “Alright. While I’m not exactly hungry after our breakfast at Derpy’s place, I would like to check in on Shelly and Lily. See how they’re doing.”

Turning a corner, they continue on their way. Coming to the new restaurant, they see it fairly busy as described earlier. Entering, Arc walks over to the counter with Twilight and looks around.

“I don’t see either of them.”

Twilight points toward a pair of swinging doors. “They must be in the back.”

Arc chuckles. “Let’s go see.”

Twilight gasps. “But we can’t do that!”

Arc turns back. “Why not?”

Twilight points a hoof. “Because it says ‘employee’s only’ on the sign!”

“Well, back at the other place Shelly and Lily told me I was always welcome to come on back to the kitchen if they weren’t up front.”

“It still seems a bit... intrusive to me.”

Cherry calls out. “Maybe we could lend them a hoof, Twilight?”

Arc grins. “That sounds like a good idea. Let’s go.”

Sighing, Twilight follows Arc behind the counter and through the swinging double doors. They spot Shelly at the stove as Lily finishes assembling a platter. Spotting Arc, Lily calls out happily.

“It looks like we have more customers, Shelly!”

Shelly turns around and giggles. “They’re not customers, Lily. Arc is family.”

Arc smiles as he hugs Lily. “We just came by to see how you two were getting on with the business.”

Lily looks to Twilight and winks. “Here to inspect us?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no. This is just a friendly visit to check up on you.”

“Lily was just making a joke, Twilight.”

“Oh... right. Now I feel silly.”

Lily smiles apologetically. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. But in all seriousness, are you two doing alright?”

Shelly nods as she pulls a pan of hash browns off the stove and walks over to them. “Very much so, yes!”

Lily gestures toward the front. “Business has been booming these last couple of days.”

“So much so that we had to find some part time help.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Who?”

The door to the back room opens and a griffon walks in with several sacks on his back. Setting them on the counter nearby, he turns to Lily.

“I got the sacks of flour you wanted, Miss Lily.”

“Thank you. Come over here and meet some friends of ours.”

He walks over and grins at Arc as he speaks.

“Hello again, sir.”

Shelly appears confused. “Have you two met already?”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed.”

“Lord Arc is the one whom brought me to Ponyville, Miss Shelly.”

Arc nods. “Via portal, no less. So how are you getting on here in, Gunther?”

“Great, sir! I help out Miss Lily and Miss Shelly in the morning and early afternoon. Then I do writs until evening.”

Shelly giggles. “That he does.”

Arc smiles. “Sounds like you’re learning how things work around here.”

“And I’m getting better at reading too!”

Twilight grins. “From the Writ Board?”

“Kinda.”

Shelly gestures to Lily. “While I’m cleaning up the restaurant after closing time, Lily and Gunther walk over to the board to find him something to do.”

Gunther nods. “She helps me with the words I don’t understand, sir.”

Lily looks to Gunther proudly. “Which I must point out are becoming fewer and far between I must say.”

“And Miss Shelly is teaching me some basic cooking.”

“We’re starting with prep work and going from there.”

Arc gestures to the sacks. “And how is that going?”

“Really well! Until I came to Equestria, I didn’t think such amazing food even existed, sir!”

Shelly nods proudly. “I’ve never had a more eager student, Arc.”

Twilight chimes in as she turns to Lily. “Had any problems with the nuts and bolts of the operation?”

“Nothing too serious.”

Shelly sighs. “It’s more along the lines of cultural issues.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Lily groans. “I keep accidently asking our pony customers if they would like sausage or bacon with their eggs.”

Twilight shrugs. “Not to worry. Most ponies don’t even know what those are.”

Shelly giggles. “That we figured out from the confused looks on their faces.”

Gunther looks to Arc. “Miss Lily explained the concept of sausage and bacon a while back. It sounds pretty good to me.”

“I like them too. But I can see where the ponies are coming from on this, what with being herbivores.”

Twilight takes a step back toward the door. “Well, we should probably let you three get back to work.”

Arc nods. “Yeah, it looks pretty busy out there.”

Lily walks them to the door. “Don’t be a stranger though, Arc. After all, you’re welcome here anytime.”

“Thanks, Lily. I’ll come by again when I can.”

Arc and Twilight head down the path again. Cherry calls out happily.

“They seem to be doing well.”

Twilight nods. “That they do.”

Arc chuckles. “Agreed. But feel free to participate in the conversation too, Cherry.”

Cherry sighs. “I just worry about making others feel... disconcerted when I do that from your head, Arc. After all, a disembodied voice isn’t the most reassuring thing in the world.”

“No, I suppose it isn’t. However, Lily and Shelly would be fine with it.”

“Alright. Next time I’ll speak up.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Hey, this is Hammer. I just got a message from Canterlot that says you and Princess Twilight are needed back there right away!”

“Twilight’s right next to me. But what’s this about?”

“No idea. Supposedly it’s something super top secret though.”

Twilight frowns. “Sounds bad. We should head over there.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Whom should we see though, Hammer?”

“Princess Celestia. She said to meet her in your room though, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “In my...”

Twilight gasps as she cuts Arc off. “Got it! We’ll take it from here, Hammer!”

Hammer sounds hopeful “Want me to come too?”

“N-no, that’s alright! Just take some time to rest and relax here in Ponyville today! After all, you’ve earned it!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. I’ll meet you back at Light’s Hope when I’m done at the castle.”

“Uh... okay. But can I ask you something, Twilight?”

“Is it quick?!”

“Yeah. Princess Celestia isn’t trying to worm her way into the herd, or something, is she?”

Twilight gasps. “What?! No!”

Arc quickly chimes in. “This is just a very... private meeting between the three of us. That’s all.”

Hammer grunts. “Fine. But just be sure that it stays PG rated in there. PG-13 at the worst, you hear me?”

Twilight nods frantically. “You have our word! Gotta go though! Bye!”

She motions for Arc to cut the feed. Touching his earring in order to do that, he frowns.

“What was that all about?”

“It’s probably regarding you know whom which is staying in your room in the castle.”

“I know that. But I meant Hammer.”

“Oh. Right. She was probably just worried that another mare was trying to join, or something.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. After all, Hammer’s never made any kind of jealous showing before. At least not that I can remember.”

Twilight bows her head. “Well... she isn’t exactly happy with Princess Celestia right now.”

“After our little display in the Badlands, I can understand her feelings.”

“Right. But we should get moving.”

“Alright.”

Cherry calls out. “Um… if this is supposed to be a secret, should I head back to the orphanage?”

Twilight sighs. “You probably should, yes.”

Arc nods. “Sorry, Cherry. Looks like my quiet day of reading just got put on hold.”

“It’s okay, Arc.”

Calling forth Eidolon’s Ward, Arc waits for Cherry to return to it. A few moments later she calls out.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

The front of the armor melts away to allow Arc to step out. Turning back, he watching it reforms as he speaks.

“Sorry about this, Cherry. In all Honestly I really was looking forward to spending some quality time with both you and Twilight.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “You could stay here with Cherry and let me handle this matter though, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, your mentor specifically asked for both of us, after all.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “She wouldn’t have done that if it wasn’t important, I imagine.”

Arc looks to his old armor. “Thanks for understanding.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Twilight. “But what about that thing you wanted to show Arc?”

“It will still be there when we get back, I suppose.”

Arc chuckles. “Good. I’m looking forward to seeing whatever it is.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “As am I. But you two should probably get moving. Mustn’t keep Princess Celestia waiting.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “I’m ready when you are.”

“Alright. We’ll see you later, Cherry.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “See you soon!”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Stepping through with Twilight, the pair find themselves in Auriel’s room within the castle. Looking around, Twilight appears confused as she turns to Arc.

“Um... I thought we were going to your room.”

“I wasn’t sure if we should be doing that, what with whom is in there.”

Twilight shrugs. “Well, it’s not too long a walk after all.”

Heading for the door, they step out into the corridor. Beginning their trek, Twilight turns to Arc nervously.

“Um... can I ask you something?”

“What’s on your mind?”

“I was just wondering how you felt about Princess Celestia.”

Arc grimaces. “You mean, after our little fight?”

Twilight sighs. “There wasn’t anything little about what happened there.”

“You have to understand that such a thing had been brewing between us for some time, Twilight.”

“I know, I know. And I’m certainly not blaming you for it. But what I am asking is if there are any... how do I put this...?”

Arc chimes in. “If there’s still bad blood between us?”

“Something like that, yes.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really know at the moment, Twilight. But that’s more or less up to her right now.”

Twilight appears confused. “Up to Princess Celestia?”

Arc nods. “Right. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I’m hoping she can start letting go of... the animosity between us. After all, as you know, I’ve always done my best to be cordial to her.”

“And I thank you for that, Arc. But do you think there will be another... incident like back then?”

“Again, that’s up to her.”

Continuing on their way, the pair eventually come to Arc’s room. Innumerable soldiers guard the entrance along with Celestia and Luna whom are waiting for them. Twilight approaches her friend and smiles up at her.

“Good morning.”

Celestia smiles at her.” And good morning to you as well, Twilight.”

Luna nods at the pair. “Thank you two for coming.”

“We came as quickly as we could. Is something...?”

Celestia interrupts Twilight. “Why don’t we talk more about this matter inside?”

Luna lowers her voice. “Yes. More privacy.”

Arc motions to the guards, whom quickly step away to allow the group entrance. Pushing open the doors, he holds them open for the others. Closing the doors, they walk around the numerous privacy screens that have been set up to prevent the room’s interior from being seen from the corridor. Approaching the bed, Arc and company see what appears to be a completely different griffon lying there. She smiles as they approach and bows her head respectfully.

“Hello, everypony.”

Twilight giggles. “Good morning, Galena.”

Celestia nods approvingly. “It appears that your conversations with Twilight have done wonders to acclimate you to our culture.”

Galena nods. “Yes, your highness. And I’m very grateful to her for taking the time to help me.”

Arc looks Galena over. “It appears the doctor did an amazing job on your surgery as well.”

Luna smiles “Yes, they did.”

Twilight giggles. “Had I not known what you were going to look like before the operation, I’d have thought you were somepony totally different.”

Galena touches her own face, which is still healing. “So did I. Which made for a rather embarrassing encounter a few nights ago.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What happened?”

“You see, I was walking to the bathroom half asleep. As I was washing my talons at the sink, I looked up momentarily and caught a glance at my reflection in the mirror. Apparently in my state I completely forgot the procedure had occurred and thought somepony was in the room with me.”

Twilight gasps. “Oh my!”

Galena sighs. “Falling over backwards screaming was the result. Well, it was actually more like a yelp than anything audible, I suppose.”

Luna nods. “Didn’t recognize yourself?”

“Not in the least. But as I said, that was probably due to the fact I was still half asleep.”

Celestia smiles. “Good.”

Twilight turns to her mentor. “Princess Celestia?”

“The outward transformation was a complete success then.”

Arc nods as he again looks Galena over. “I suppose it was, yes. But I doubt that’s why you called us here.”

Galena appears confused. “You called for them, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia nods. “That I did.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Can we help in some way, Princess Celestia?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.”

Luna walks over to the bedside. “You see, in a short time Galena will be transported to the Crystal Empire’s hospital under the guise of having undergone a recent major medical procedure.”

Galena nods. “The records will say that I was admitted on complications stemming from my supposed injuries from the explosion back in the Griffon Kingdom. Headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, loss of memory, and such.”

Celestia gestures to the griffon before her. “This is in an effort to make her story more believable and allow Galena, or Grace as she’s chosen to rename herself, to be able to fully and seamlessly integrate herself into our land and culture.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “So it would appear that everything has been taken care of.”

“More or less. There is a place to stay waiting for her as well as some food, a bit of money, and other essentials to get her started here.”

Celestia nods soberly. “That leaves only one last bit to take care of.”

Luna sighs. “As unpleasant as it may be for me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “For you, Luna?”

“A final task must first be carried out before Galena can leave for the Crystal Empire.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow, confused. “Some kind of finishing touches, Princess Celestia?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

She looks to her sister before continuing.

“Would you like to explain, Luna?”

Luna nods soberly. “Very well.”

Turning to Arc and Twilight, she speaks.

“As you know, the only ones whom know the truth about whom Galena truly is are currently standing in this room. Other than the surgeon, whom we trust to keep such professional secrets to himself, of course. It was necessary to keep this circle of information extremely small in order to keep the diplomatic relations between the Griffon Kingdom and Equestria intact. While we trust everypony here with this information, it is important to keep that knowledge a secret from the rest of the world. And to do that, we must remove as much evidence of it as possible.”

Luna gestures to Galena before continuing.

“Therefore, Galena has agreed to undergo a very thorough mental cleansing.”

Twilight appears confused. “Mental cleansing?”

Arc frowns. “What does that mean?”

Celestia shudders. “It’s a very old and closely guarded secret of Unicorn Magic. This spell can undo the memories of an individual from their short term memory.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “So Galena will temporarily forget this conversation?”

Luna sighs. “Normally that would be the extent of its power, yes. However, by coupling this spell with my ability to delve into an individual’s subconscious via their dreams, the effects will become much more... pronounced.”

Arc frowns. “Meaning what exactly?”

Galena sighs. “That I’ll forget a lot more than just the past week or so.”

Celestia nods. “Rather than covering the memories of a few recent conversations with the a fore mentioned spell, Luna will completely and totally remove all of the memories themselves.”

Twilight gasps. “But that would lead to her being nothing more than a blank slate!”

Luna shakes her head. “No so, Twilight. I will be very thorough but selective of which memories I remove. Basic knowledge and memories gained from growing up will be left completely intact as will everything leading up to her initial employment by Lord Goldstone.”

Celestia bows her head. “Correct. However, any information pertaining to anything after that will be removed in its entirety.”

Galena smiles. “I won’t remember being employed by Lord Goldstone nor what he did to me or what I did to others in order to satisfy his desires.”

Twilight looks to Luna. “And her memories of the trial?”

“Gone. That in addition to what was done in order to smuggle her to Equestria, her plastic surgery treatments, as well as this conversation.”

Arc nods soberly. “Very nice and neat for the purposes of security. “

He looks to the griffon lying on the bed before continuing.

“But how do you feel about it, Galena?”

“Truth be told, I’m looking forward to forgetting the horrors I endured in my service within the Aviary.”

Turning to Twilight, she sighs sadly.

“However, I will miss the happy memories I made with you, Lady Twilight. How you tried your very best to help me avoid execution as well as taking the time to teach me about your land’s customs.”

“It was my pleasure, Galena. Perhaps sometime in the future I could even come check in on you.”

Luna sighs. “You could, yes. But remember, she won’t remember any of the time you spent with her, Twilight.”

“Oh... right.”

Arc bows his head. “So this truly will be goodbye then.”

Galena nods soberly. “I... guess it is. While I don’t wish to forget the good that happened to me, I do understand Princess Celestia’s idea to have me undergo this procedure. It’s for my well-being as well as Equestria’s.”

“That is correct, my dear. However, we need to get underway soon if we are to stay on schedule.”

Luna gestures to Arc and Twilight. “Please say your goodbyes.”

Galena turns to Twilight and smiles.

“Thank you for helping me, Lady Twilight. It’s not every day that a lowly commoner such as myself is given such extraordinary leeway in life.”

“You deserved it, Galena. After all you’ve been through, what we did was the least that anypony could do.”

“I hope you too find happiness in your life. As I have here thus far.”

Twilight smiles and looks to Arc as she speaks. “That I will, I’m sure.”

“Just... please don’t forget about me, your highness. Or the Griffon Kingdom’s innocents across the sea. After all, there are so many more whom could use a helping talon. Or hoof, I suppose.”

Arc nods as he steps forward. “We shall continue to deepen ties with the Griffon Kingdom. Or at the very least, I will.”

Twilight nods. “Right. All we can do is try though.”

Galena smiles. “That’s all I ask, Lady Twilight. All any of us can ask.”

Celestia sighs. “I’m sure Twilight will do her very best.”

Luna bows her head. “As will I. But we really must get underway now.”

Galena turns to the alicorn. “Very well, Princess Luna. I am...”

She is cut off as Twilight suddenly lurches forward and throws her front hooves around Galena’s neck. Surprised at first, Galena smiles and puts her talons around Twilight. They hug for a long moment before parting and looking each other in the eye.

“Thank you so very much, Lady Twilight. For everything.”

Twilight smiles sadly. “I wish you well... in your... um... future life.”

“With any luck, our paths will cross again. And even if I don’t remember you, that will be okay.”

Arc nods. “Take care of yourself, Galena.”

She smiles and nods at Arc before turning again to Luna.

“I am ready.”

“Very good. Now then... lie back.”

Galena does as she is told. Celestia steps forward, her horn aglow.

“I shall now put you to sleep with my magic. When you awaken, you will remember nothing of this nor of your troubled past. Do you consent to this procedure, Galena?”

Galena closes her eyes and nods. “I do, Princess Celestia.”

Nodding, Celestia casts the spell. Galena’s breathing slows as she loses consciousness. A small smiles crosses her face as she does so. Luna steps forward and looks to the others.

“I shall now begin the process of removing Galena’s memories as stated earlier.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Anything we can do to help?”

Luna shakes her head. “Nothing, I’m afraid. I only require total peace and quiet to properly complete the task.”

Celestia looks toward the door. “Then we shall take our leave, sister.”

She motions for Twilight and Arc to follow her out. Returning to the corridor, Celestia nods to the guards whom close the door behind them. Twilight grimaces slightly as the finality of the situation is made clear with the click of the lock. Looking to her former teacher as the three begin walking down the corridor, she speaks.

“Did we... really do the right thing here, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia sighs. “What is right and what is easy are very seldom one and the same, Twilight. I’m sure you’ve had your own share of hard decisions to make since becoming a princess.”

“I have, yes. But this... this just seems like it’s in a league of its own.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “That’s because you became close to you know who. Had you not, this would have been a lot easier.”

Twilight sighs. “Nothing will change that now though.”

Celestia nods soberly. “Then you must accept that you did what you could with what you had, learn from this experience, and move on with your own life.”

Arc smiles nervously. “Such is good advice, Twilight. I remember a few cases I ruled on as the nation’s Lord Regent that still keep me awake some nights.”

“What do you do about that though?”

Arc shrugs. “Pretty much the same thing your mentor said, Twilight. Try to accept that you did your best and move on.”

“I will try to...”

She is interrupted as Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is the Canterlot Castle switchboard. We just received a phone call from Matron Coco Pommel of the Little Hooves Orphanage asking you to come there at once.”

“Did she say what this is all about?”

“Just that it was in regards to a very pressing legal matter concerning the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Anything else?”

“No sir, that was it.”

“Let her know that I’m on my way and will be there soon.”

“I’ll see to it, sir.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection and turns to the princesses before him.

“Looks like I have more work to do.”

Celestia shrugs. “Such is the life of a leader.”

Twilight steps towards Arc. “I should come too. After all, a legal matter between the Griffon Kingdom and our orphanage could be a very tense situation.”

“If you want to, sure.”

Celestia clears her throat. “Twilight?”

Twilight turns to her mentor. “Yes, Princess Celestia?”

“With Cadance doing her part in the Crystal Empire and Luna taking care of you know what for whom knows how long, you are needed here to lead the nation.”

“I... suppose that is true, yes.”

She looks back to Arc and smiles wistfully before continuing.

“It looks like you’re going to have to take care of this without me.”

Arc nods. “I’ll do my best.”

Twilight smiles. “That you will.”

Celestia steps forward. “Might I suggest an alternative, Twilight?”

“Oh?”

“I would be willing to accompany our Hero of Light to the orphanage and aid him in clearing this matter up.”

Arc frowns. “Would you now?”

“Yes. After all, I am well versed in both nation’s laws and culture.”

Twilight looks away nervously. “I... don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Capable as you believe him to be, I don’t think our Hero of Light has the necessary legal skills to handle this.”

“That is true, yes. However, I believe that somepony else could be found to advise him on such things.”

“Whom though?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well...”

She thinks for a moment before continuing.

“...how about Raven Inkwell?”

Arc nods. “That would work.”

“And normally I would agree with that. But as you recall, she recently asked for a leave of absence, Twilight.”

“Ah... right!”

Sighing, she continues thinking. Coming up with nothing, she looks to Arc.

“I suppose it’s ultimately up to you on what to do here.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well... I suppose she is right. Years of experience would certainly help to find a way to fix whatever problem has come up at the orphanage.”

Nodding, he turns to Celestia.

“Very well. I’d welcome your... input on this matter.”

“Very good.”

Twilight looks to Celestia. “Just remember that Arc is in charge of this matter, Princess Celestia. You’re just there to advise him as needed.”

“Understood, Twilight.”

“Now that we have an agreement, I need to start audiences. Let me know what’s going on over there, Arc.”

“Sure. Have a nice day, Twilight.”

Kneeling down, he gives her a hug. As Twilight wraps her front hooves around his neck she gives his cheek a few light pecks. Celestia grimaces at this display of affection but says nothing. A few moments later the pair break off their embrace and step back.

“Good luck, you two. And let me know if you need anything.”

Celestia nods. “Thank you, Twilight.”

Arc sighs. “We will. Count on it.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Motioning with a hand, he looks to Celestia.

“After you.”

“Why, thank you.”

Celestia enters the swirling energies as Arc follows closely behind. Twilight waves a hoof nervously as they do so. Watching the portal close, she bows her head and groans.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

Chapter 2 - Open Mouth, Insert Foot

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 3 - Plans, or the lack of...

Early the next morning, The Equinox lands at the Griffonstone Skyport. As it touches down with a slight bump, Arc’s eyes open. Seeing the first streaks of light coming over the horizon through his window he smiles and sighs contentedly.

“Looks like we’re here.”

The sound of sheets rustling next to him greets his ears as a warm feeling suddenly finds itself on his side. Turning, he looks to Hammer lying next to him and speaks softly.

“Good morning.”

Hammer yawns. “That it is.”

Smirking wickedly, she continues.

“But I still think it would have been a whole heck of a lot better if you and I had gone all the way last night.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he sits up. “Same old Hammer. Never gives up.”

Hammer laughs. “You know you love that about me!”

Arc turns and smiles at her. “I guess I do, yes.”

Pulling the covers away to expose her nude body, Hammer grins.

“And this too!”

“Okay, okay, I admit it. I do enjoy sleeping with you naked, Hammer.”

“Good! Because I do too!”

Arc chuckles as he stands. “Hey. My eyes are up here.”

Hammer continues looking at his pelvis hungrily. “And?”

Arc tosses her uniform at her. “And it’s time to get dressed.”

The pair begin making themselves ready for the day. As Arc finishes, Hammer groans and calls out.

“Guess I’m going commando today.”

Arc turns to her. “What?”

Hammer lifts her uniform skirt to expose her bare genitals. “I didn’t bring any spare clothes, or undergarments aboard, remember?”

Pulling aside her uniform jacket to expose her bra strap, she continues.

“Wearing this thing for a second day is bad enough. But I can’t exactly go around with these puppies flopping around all over the place either.”

“I think I can help you with that.”

Hammer licks her lips seductively. “Wanna hold them up for me?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I was thinking more along the lines of this.”

Pulling a pair of panties and a bra from his ring, Arc holds them out to Hammer as he continues.

“Here you go. They might not fit perfectly, of course. But they’re still a lot better than nothing.”

Hammer grins. “Raiding someone’s panty drawer, Arc?”

“Not exactly. You see, I put them in my ring along with an outfit for Rainbow Dash to change into after we went swimming on our date.”

Hammer nods approvingly as she pulls the panties up. “Good idea there.”

Stopping, she looks to Arc and frowns.

“Uh... but if these were supposed to be for blue, then why do you still have em?”

Arc sighs. “Because she never got dressed after that.”

Hammer grins as she prepares to ‘high five’ him. “Way to go, Arc!”

“I just meant that she didn’t need them afterwards.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “That makes it sound even better!”

Arc groans. “It was because she fainted!”

“Got any popcorn in that ring of yours, Arc?! Because I am loving listening to this play by play!”

“Huh?”

“I’d like something to munch on while I watch you dig yourself into a deeper hole.”

Arc shakes his head. “I did give her some clothes after she woke up a few hours...”

Stopping, Arc groans before resuming.

“You know what. I’m going to stop talking now.”

Hammer slaps Arc on the shoulder happily. “I know you didn’t do anything like that to her. Even if she probably wanted you to. But what’s all this about her passing out?”

“Apparently we spent a little too long in the sauna.”

“Ouch. That’ll do it.”

Arc walks over to the bathroom as Hammer follows him. He picks up a comb from next to the sink as his bedmate brushes her hair.

“We spent the next couple days sick in bed too.”

Hammer shudders. “Sounds like it put the brakes on your date for a bit.”

“Sorta. I mean, we were pretty miserable back then. But it did give us a chance to talk a bit.”

“At least you two made good use of your time back there.”

Arc nods. “And since we were both already sick, neither of us had any qualms about sharing the bed.”

“Nice!”

Arc shrugs as the pair leave the bathroom together. “So I guess you could say that the whole thing sorta had a silver lining to it.”

“I’ll say. While you two were gone, I’d often lie awake at night staring up at the ceiling and wondering how it was going.”

“You could have just called us, you know.”

Hammer grins sheepishly. “Yeah, well... that could have been really awkward.”

“How? I mean, we’re all friends.”

“If I had called and you two were doing something more than just cuddling, I mean. It would have totally killed the mood.”

“Ah! Okay, admittedly you do raise a good point there.”

“I mean, I knew that you two would have a nice time together. But I still thought about it a lot. Like I did last night.”

Arc appears confused. “You thought about Rainbow Dash and I last night?”

Hammer facepalms. “That didn’t come out right.”

“Oh?”

Hammer groans. “Truth be told, I had trouble falling asleep last night and staying asleep.”

Arc shrugs. “It happens to everyone.”

“Not usually to me though.”

“Then what was the issue?”

Hammer sighs. “I… sorta, kinda, mighta kept looking over at the door.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “The door?”

“To make sure it was locked.”

“Ah! The whole fiasco with Ashe yesterday.”

Hammer bows her head. “And with Princess Celestia too.”

“Right. Kinda forgot about that.”

“She probably thinks I’m nothing more than a total slut now.”

“Maybe.”

“I know I would have had I found myself in a position like that.”

“She knows you’re interested in me and are a potential future herd mate. So it really shouldn’t come as that big a surprise to her.”

Hammer looks to Arc apologetically. “Yeah, well... I’ll try to do better in the future.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “While I do appreciate that, please don’t stop being you.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow, confused. “Don’t stop... what now?”

“Being yourself. The whole teasing thing you do to me is something that I kind of enjoy.”

“Really?”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

Hammer grins. “Then I’ll do it more often!”

“You just need to take precautions. Like locked doors, for starters.”

“I will! Promise!”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Go ahead.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I have a message for you from Lord Gestal.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “When did he send it?”

“Just a few moments ago, sir. Is this a good time?”

Arc nods as he looks to Hammer. “Sure, go ahead.”

“He said... ‘I am told by my daughter that you have an urgent matter to discuss with me. Please come to my estate, along with anyone else whom is a part of this affair, for an early breakfast so we can discuss whatever concerns have come up’.”

Arc frowns. “When did Ashe contact him?”

“About ten minutes ago, sir.”

Hammer whistles, clearly impressed. “That was fast!”

Lemon Hearts continues. “Shall I send a response, sir?”

“Yes, tell Lord Gestal that we shall accept his invitation and be there in two hours.”

“I’ll send the message immediately, sir. Should I notify Princess Celestia as well?”

Arc nods. “Please do. Tell her that she is welcome to join us for this meeting at the estate.”

Wrangler calls out as she heads for the door. “I’ll take care of it!”

Lemon Hearts nods. “The message is on its way. Um… there is one other matter you should know about though, sir.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Princess Celestia had a very long phone conversation with Princess Twilight last night.”

“What about?”

“I’m not sure, sir. They asked for a secure connection which didn’t allow for anypony, myself included, to listen in.”

Hammer looks to Arc as she pulls on her boots. “That’s standard procedure for royal communications though.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I don’t really have a problem with them talking late into the night. They’re not fillies, after all.”

Lemon Hearts grimaces. “Yes sir. And normally I wouldn’t have even mentioned it. But it’s what transpired after they finished talking, sir.”

Hammer groans. “Uh oh. What happened?

“Princess Twilight notified me that she would be… joining her mentor aboard The Equinox.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“Princess Twilight is currently aboard The Equinox, sir.”

“What?! How?!”

Lemon Hearts shrugs. “Princess Celestia brought her here… somehow.”

Arc facepalms. “Didn’t know her portal magic was that powerful.”

“I was ordered not to awaken you, but to notify you of this matter when we touched down, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. Thank you for that, Lemon Hearts. Anything else I should know?”

“No sir, that should do it.”

“Good. In any case, tell the princesses that we’ll all meet in the Cargo Hold and take the chariot to Lord Gestal’s estate.”

Hammer frowns. “Um... are you sure that’s a good idea, Arc? After all, there’s already been an... issue with that mode of transportation here in the past.”

Lemon Hearts quickly chimes in. “Lord Gestal did say in his earlier correspondence that he would be willing to send his new armored carriage to safely ferry you and your entourage to his estate, sir.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “That would probably be for the best.”

“Normally I would agree with that. However, the last time Twilight was here she had a panic attack due to the claustrophobic nature of the carriage.”

Lemon Hearts nods soberly. “Your orders, sir?”

“We’ll leave that decision up to Twilight and go with whatever she wants to do.”

“Very well, sir. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I think that will be all.”

“Yes sir.”

“Arc out.”

He severs the connection with a touch of his finger to the earring. Walking over to the window, Arc looks out over the city before them as he sighs as he speaks.

“Seems like we just keep coming back to this place.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s where all the action is lately.”

“So it would seem. But I still don’t like it.”

“We all do what we have to, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now then, if we’re going to be heading out for breakfast at a lord’s estate I guess we’d better get a bit more cleaned up than we are currently.”

“A shower would probably be in order.”

Arc gestures to the bathroom as he turns to Hammer. “You can go first if you...”

He stops talking as he sees Hammer standing before him completely naked. Raising an eyebrow, Arc continues.

“When did you...?!”

Hammer puts her hands on her hips. “…get in the buff? As soon as you turned your back.”

“But that was just a few moments ago.”

Hammer grins. “What can I say? I move quickly when there’s something I want.”

Arc shakes his head. “I really don’t think this is the time for...”

Hammer interrupts him again. “Sure it is! I’ve already triple checked the door locks!”

“But we need to get ready for...”

“Don’t you like what you see though, Arc?”

“I do, yes.”

Hammer smirks. “Then do me a favor.”

“What?”

“Let’s get cleaned up together.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But only because I don’t have time to argue with you.”

“All right!”

Grabbing his hand, Hammer pulls Arc toward the bathroom. Sometime later they join Twilight, Ashe, and Celestia in the Cargo Hold. Celestia looks them up and down as Twilight speaks.

“Good morning, you two.”

Celestia frowns. “It would appear that you two made… good use of your time last night.”

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

Celestia motions to Hammer’s uniform with a hoof. “It would appear that your outfit was lying on a floor all night.”

Hammer sighs. “I didn’t have a change of clothes, okay.”

Ashe attempts the straighten the as she talks. “Why not just hang them up then?”

Hammer groans as she jerks a thumb toward Arc. “Because I was a little too... distracted at the time, okay!”

Arc sighs. “Admittedly, I probably should have said something.”

Celestia shakes her head. “Then allow me to correct that.”

Her horn aglow, Celestia casts a spell on Hammer’s uniform. Gasping, Twilight watches wide-eyed as it suddenly appears freshly pressed.

“How...?!”

Celestia turns to her former student. “Just a little something I came up with years ago out of necessity. You see, after the Hoof Maidens complete their tasks and make me ready for an event, I need to maintain the level of perfection that they have worked so very hard to achieve for me. Any amount of pressure in the wrong place will certainly make wrinkles. So I developed a spell to momentarily greatly increase the elasticity of the outfit I cast it on at the microscopic level.”

Ashe nods as she looks over Hammer. “And gravity does the rest.”

Celestia smiles. “Exactly. And in doing so the wrinkles simply cease to exist.”

Arc inspects the spell’s effect. “That they do.”

Hammer looks to Celestia sheepishly. “Th-thanks.”

“You are welcome, lieutenant.”

Turning to Twilight, Celestia continues.

“I’m told that the carriage will arrive shortly.”

Ashe nods. “And it’s much better than the original was.”

Twilight grins. “That’s good. We can avoid disrupting the citizen’s lives by setting out at such an early hour.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So you’ve decided to use the armored carriage over your chariot, Twilight?”

Twilight nods. “I was planning to use the chariot, yes. But Princess Celestia was able to convince me to do otherwise. For security purposes, that is.”

Hammer sighs. “Considering what happened the last time you and Arc were here, that’s probably for the best.”

Celestia groans. “It did take quite a bit of coaxing from me to change her mind though.”

A guard approaches Twilight and salutes before speaking.

“Your majesty, the Bridge reports that the carriage from Lord Gestal’s estate has arrived.”

“Very good. Go ahead and admit them via the...”

Hammer interrupts her. “Hold on a second! Has the carriage and it’s drivers been vetted?!”

The guard nods. “Yes, Lieutenant Hammer. Our forces have inspected the interior as well as checked the papers of the griffons pulling it.”

“Sounds like someone did their due diligence.”

“Yes, ma’am. Captain Soarin has the ship on high alert for just that reason. Which keeps everypony on edge.”

Arc looks to the guard. “Go ahead and admit the carriage then.”

“Yes sir.”

Motioning to the guard near the large exterior door, he presses a button. The doors slide open and the carriage rolls up the ramp and into the Cargo Hold. As it stops Hammer walks over to it and opens the door. Getting in, she carefully looks all over the interior for a few minutes before sticking her head out and calling to Twilight.

“All clear, Princess Twilight.”

“Alright. Um... can we get underway now?”

Hammer nods as she hops out of the carriage. “Yes, your highness.”

Arc gestures to the door as he looks to Twilight. “After you.”

Taking a deep breath, Twilight walks toward the carriage. Stepping inside, she looks over to Arc.

“Would you please sit next to me?”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

Getting in, Arc takes his place beside Twilight. Celestia, Ashe, and Hammer get in next and sit down across from the pair. Hammer pulls the door shut and presses a button on her radio before speaking.

“Ready to depart.”

A few moments later the carriage begins to move. Twilight looks out the window and sighs as the guards escorting them come into view.

“We’re on our way.”

Ashe turns to her. “Is something wrong, Princess Twilight?”

Twilight nods sadly. “This is my second time visiting the Griffon Kingdom, you know. While I suppose that I really should be excited about visiting another country, ever since I first learned about the trouble here, I can’t help but feel a nameless dread every time I hear the name ‘Griffonstone’.”

Arc frowns. “Well, to be fair, your first trip wasn’t exactly a happy occasion for anyone. What with the subject matter on the line.”

Celestia looks to her student evenly. “But that former matter is over now, Twilight.”

Ashe gestures out the window. “Lord Goldstone is dead and buried. He can’t hurt anyone any longer.”

Hammer nods soberly. “That’s true, yes. But I get the feeling that his past actions are going to be causing trouble for folks here for quite some time to come.”

Twilight groans. “Natalya and her siblings at the moment, yes.”

Celestia gazes out the window as she speaks. “Such is the reason we are here, Twilight.”

Ashe appears hopeful. “With any luck, my father will be able to advise us on this matter and give his take on it.”

A short ride later they arrive at the now familiar estate. As usual, griffon guards patrol the grounds as well as the skies overhead. Stepping out of the carriage, Arc and company are quickly escorted inside via the front door. They find Lord Gestal waiting for them in the Main Hall patiently. He approaches his daughter and the pair embrace. Gestal is the first to speak.

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

Ashe smiles sadly. “Likewise. I only wish it were under happier circumstances, father.”

Gestal looks over to the others as he and Ashe break off the embrace. “Welcome to our home, Princess Twilight. Princess Celestia. Lord Arc.”

Twilight curtsies. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, sir.”

Celestia nods. “Yes, we’re aware that the issue at hoof is very sensitive along with a very tight deadline.”

Gestal gestures to a doorway with a talon. “Indeed. However, we can discuss it over a light breakfast.”

Leading the procession deeper into the manor, they soon come to the Dining Room. A large spread is already set out with innumerable servants around the perimeter of the room awaiting orders. Pulling out a chair for Celestia, Gestal motions for her to approach as Arc does the same for Twilight. Taking their own seats, Arc looks to their host.

“Thank you for the meal, sir.”

Hammer motions to the servants all around them. “Begging your pardon, sir. But with the sensitive nature of the matter at hand, might I recommend dismissing the hired help?”

Gestal nods. “Of course.”

Waving his talon at them Gestal motions to the door. The servants bow respectfully and leave the room together. Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell on the door, closing and locking them behind the departing griffons. Turning to their host as everyone begins to eat a few moments later, Arc speaks.

“We do hope you can give us some kind of a solution to this issue, Lord Gestal.”

Twilight nods. “Yes. We’ve already tried talking through a number of potential scenarios with Lord Goldstone’s heirs on the way over here.”

Celestia sighs. “And none of them have an amicable outcome for all parties concerned.”

Ashe turns to her father. “It appears that some kind of legal loophole will be required in this case.”

Gestal nods as he wipes his chin with a cloth napkin. “Indeed. I’ve considered the matter since learning of the reason for your arrival and there are indeed a few avenues one could take to rectify the situation.”

Arc appears hopeful. “That’s good.”

“Shall I go through them one at a time?”

Twilight smiles. “Please do, sir.”

“Very well. Now then, the simplest solution would be to do what most in their position would. Accept their inheritance and the position of the deceased.”

Ashe shakes her head. “I have already advised them on that, father. None of Lord Goldstone’s heirs actually want to do such a thing, as that would require them to remain in the country.”

“Did you warn them of the possible complications regarding this estate being fought over by Lord Goldstone’s other heirs, Ashe?”

“I did, yes.”

Gestal turns to Arc. “A smaller estate could, of course, be turned over to a management company to look after in their absence. However, nothing of the sort has ever been attempted regarding an estate of this magnitude.”

Arc sighs. “Ashe did mention such a thing to us previously. Could it be done?”

“As I said, normally yes. However, such things are usually only done short term for extensive estates.”

“They are, father?”

Gestal nods. “Yes, Ashe. For example, if a noble were planning to go on vacation abroad for a month or so they would use such a service for both their business and personal estate. After all, things do come up sometimes that require immediate decisions and action. Smaller estates could, of course, use such a service for extended periods of time. However, even they need maintenance from their shareholders sometimes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Shareholders?”

Gestal turns to him. “That’s what the head of an estate, their spouse, and heirs are known as.”

Ashe looks to Celestia. “Anyone with a talon directly in the pot, so to speak.”

“It would appear that such an option is not viable in this case.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Any other paths we could take, Lord Gestal?”

“Another slightly similar option would be for them to turn the estate over to someone close to them that they trust in the Griffon Kingdom. They could remit instructions to that individual on what to do with their fortune. However, such a thing could in theory void their shareholder status, as the individual left in charge would legally have full authority to act as they saw fit.”

Ashe sighs. “This individual would then have to take their place in permanent residence here in the Griffon Kingdom, I assume.”

Gestal nods. “Correct, my dear. There really is no easy way to get around something like that.”

Hammer groans. “Which puts us right back here at square one again.”

Arc shakes his head. “Right.”

Gestal looks to him. “There is another avenue, Lord Arc. As Natalya’s owner, you have the legal right to take possession of her inheritance and declare yourself the primary shareholder over her and her siblings.”

Twilight frowns. “But that would also require him to remain here in the Griffon Kingdom, would it not?”

Gestal puts a talon to his chin. “Normally, yes. However, an exemption might be possible in this extreme case.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “An exemption, sir?”

“Since Lord Arc is simultaneously a well-known foreign public figure, high ranking government official, directly in line for the Equestrian throne, and a noble of you land, a case could be made that he cannot realistically be required to stay here in the Griffon Kingdom as his presence is needed periodically back in Equestria.”

Arc groans. “But that would still require me to take what rightfully belongs to Natalya.”

“Yes it would, Lord Arc. That and such a thing would require unanimous approval from both the Council of Lords as well as King Guto.”

Celestia appears confused. “But how would he be able to make decisions for the estate if not from within the country?”

“The king would most likely require Lord Arc to liquidate the physical assets and sell off any businesses run by Lord Goldstone.”

Ashe chimes in. “Those would be a number of large financial institutions and other assorted businesses mostly.”

Twilight taps the table with a hoof. “And what about the money made from the sales of the a fore mentioned businesses?”

“Limits would probably be set in place before the sale on how much could be transferred outside the country at a time. After all, it wouldn’t do for such a large amount of money to up and leave our economy all at once.”

Hammer scoffs. “But if it’s his shouldn’t Arc be able to just physically transfer it to Equestria via his airship?!”

Celestia shakes her head. “The Griffon Kingdom has a say in this matter due to sheer size of this estate.”

Ashe nods. “Right. As was stated over dinner last night, if he were to simply take such a vast amount of wealth back to Equestria all at once, it would do great harm to both our nations’ economies.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Not something I want to do, mind you. But the final decision right now rests with Natalya.”

Gestal nods soberly. “Then I recommend that you have the eldest sibling take their papers to the address listed on them and get their take on this matter. Since the office deals with estates on a regular basis it is possible that they will be able to think of some kind of exemption on the books that I do not know of. Can I assume that she came with you on this trip, Lord Arc?”

“Yes, sir. She and her siblings are still asleep back on my airship. I volunteered to come see you about their options prior to them speaking to the powers that be regarding what path they want to take.”

Celestia looks to Gestal as she speaks. “I recommended that they stay behind to get a good night’s sleep. After all, one can’t make proper decisions when fatigued. More so when they may affect the entire country.”

Gestal sits back in his seat. “Then I ask that you bring my council back to them and let the proper officials know what path they wish to take.”

Twilight nods. “Yes sir, we will.”

Hammer grins as she looks to the food. “But in the meantime, let’s enjoy this spread!”

Everyone chuckles as they continue eating. A short time later they finish and stand. Twilight looks to Gestal and smiles.

“Thank you for your time, sir.”

“It was my pleasure, Princess Twilight. I’m sorry that I couldn’t be of more help to you in this matter. And please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. After all, both of our nations’ economic futures hinges on this matter.”

Leading them back to the front door, Gestal calls for the carriage. Entering it, they wave to him and begin the trip back to The Equinox. Celestia frowns.

“That could have gone better.”

Twilight turns to her mentor. “Princess Celestia?”

“We were far too casual in there, Twilight.”

Hammer shrugs. “It was just a lord, right? I mean... it’s not like he’s the king, or something.”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “I’m sorry. Is the head of the Council of Lords not high enough for you, lieutenant?”

“I didn’t mean it like that!”

Arc shrugs. “Think of Lord Gestal kinda like a prime minister, or something, Hammer.”

Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “Woah! That’s a bit higher than I thought!”

Twilight clears her throat loudly. “In any case, I initially thought we should play this one by ear. But when Lord Gestal spoke to us so casually, I thought such a thing to be the norm.”

Ashe gestures with a talon. “It was probably due to Lord Arc being present.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“As I’m sure you already know, Lord Arc has done so much for the Griffon Kingdom through pushing for the treaty, taking in our street orphans, and saving me personally on several occasions.”

Arc nods. “Lord Gestal is the one I can call at any time if I have some kind of a dilemma that I can’t figure out. He’s always been able to either solve the problem outright or put me in touch with the one whom can.”

Ashe smiles. “And quickly too. Any time Lord Arc’s ship contacts my father’s office, he drops everything to return the call.”

Hammer sighs. “We’re probably going to need his help on this matter later too. Best keep him close at hand, just in case.”

Sometime later they arrive back at The Equinox. Proceeding to the cafeteria the group finds Natalya, Gallus, and Gabby sitting at a table together. They stand as Arc and company approach them. Gabby is the first to speak as she looks to Arc.

“How did it go?!”

Natalya frowns as she turns to her little sister. “Gabby! That’s no way to speak to someone of Lord Arc’s position!”

Gallus nods. “Right.”

He turns to Arc before continuing.

“We were just waiting here for Saffron to get breakfast going.”

Natalya smiles nervously. “I hope that was okay.”

Arc nods as he sits down. “Sure. After all, I’m sure you three are hungry.”

Hammer sniffs the air hungrily. “Smells like she’s in the middle of it right now.”

Twilight turns to her, confused. “How are you still hungry after eating that much at Lord Gestal’s estate?!”

Arc chuckles. “I think Hammer has a hollow leg.”

“Yup!”

Celestia clears her throat as she looks to the young griffon’s before her. “In any case, things did go alright at the meeting, yes.”

Ashe nods. “My father suggested a couple ideas we’ve already gone over before landing on one that might be of use to us.”

The ambassador looks to Natalya before continuing.

“As it stands, you cannot accept your father’s estate without permanently moving back to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Natalya frowns. “Which is something I refuse to do.”

“I understand that you have put down roots and have a job back in Equestria, yes.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “And this country sucks!”

Hammer frowns. “Sure sounds like it, yeah.”

Gabby gasps. “What?! I like it here!”

Gallus glares at his little sister. “You would!”

Natalya looks to Twilight. “Like the ambassador says, I have a life in Equestria. It just... feels like home to me. Like I belong there.”

“So we’re left with the last option.”

Hammer shrugs. “A potential option, that is.”

Arc sighs. “As you know, according to griffon law, legally I own you.”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir.”

“And according to Lord Gestal, I technically have the right to take anything you own. Including your right as a shareholder.”

Gallus glares at him. “But that’s my sister’s rightful estate!”

Gabby points to Gallus. “Yeah! Whatever he said!”

Natalya bows her head. “What you say is indeed correct, sir. However, that would only make you responsible for overseeing the estate from here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ashe looks to Natalya. “Under normal circumstances, yes. However, my father believes that a special exemption could be found for Lord Arc.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “What kind of ‘exemption’?”

Arc sighs. “Lord Gestal believes that I being a well-known political figure, amongst other things, I couldn’t be forced to stay in the Griffon Kingdom and babysit the estate.”

Natalya appears confused. “But someone has to be in physical control of such a thing.”

Celestia nods. “Normally, yes. However, there are a few additional caveats to this potential plan.”

Twilight picks up where Celestia left off. “The physical assets, as well as Lord Goldstone’s intangible possessions, would most likely need to be liquidated.”

Gabby raises a talon. “Um... I don’t understand what ‘liquidated’ means?! Does that mean you put it in a giant blender, or something?!”

Hammer shakes her head. “It means everything is sold.”

Gabby appears hopeful. “To us?!”

Celestia puts a hoof on Gabby’s shoulder. “No, my dear. To others. Likely at auction.”

“WHAT?!”

Gallus shrugs. “That’s just fine with me.”

Gabby gasps. “But Natalya said that we could come back home to visit sometime!”

Natalya sighs. “We can, Gabby. Just not at the old estate, as someone else will own it by then.”

Gallus scoffs. “If you really want to come back to this terrible place I’m sure we could get you a hotel room somewhere.”

Gabby frowns. “What do I need that for?! I already have a room!”

Natalya shakes her head. “Which is inside the estate.”

“So?!”

“It’ll be sold, remember?”

Gabby jumps up onto the table angrily. “But you can’t do that! It belongs to me!”

Celestia clears her throat loudly. “Actually, it belongs to whomever owns the estate.”

Hammer shrugs. “And at the moment, that’s in some kind of legal limbo.”

Ashe nods. “Until an heir legally takes possession of the estate, yes.”

Natalya turns to Arc. “So... what would I have to do in order to turn over the estate to you, sir?”

“I don’t really know. Ashe?”

Ashe chimes in. “You would have to go to the office handling the estate transfer with Lord Arc and present yourself and your paperwork to the official there. After notifying them of your intent to claim your inheritance you would then inform the official of your status as a slave to a foreign master. He will then ask Lord Arc to see the ownership papers to verify your claim.”

Arc grimaces. “That... might be a problem.”

Ashe appears confused. “You no longer have the papers presented along with Natalya upon her delivery to you?”

Arc shrugs. “I think I burned them.”

Gallus grins. “Good!”

Twilight looks to Ashe. “But it’s probably still on record somewhere, right?”

“Yes, Princess Twilight. Lord Arc would simply have to tell the official that your papers were lost in a fire and that he is awaiting new ones.”

Hammer frowns. “That would only delay things. How would he go about getting new papers?”

“Normally there is a slew of paperwork to fill out and hoops to jump through in order to acquire the necessary copies. However, I could call my father later and ask him to put through a special request for immediate copies to be delivered here to the ship.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Will the official allow the matter to go forward without those papers?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Legally, he can’t. For any sort of claim over that of which belongs to another individual, notarized proof of ownership is required. And that can only be done with the proper documentation present.”

Gallus frowns. “So we really do have to wait for them?”

Ashe nods. “I’m afraid so, yes.”

Arc looks to the ambassador. “How long will that take?”

“If I call him now, my father can send a guard to the Aviary to retrieve copies of the transfer of ownership to Lord Arc. They would then have to take them back to my father for a signature before flying them here to The Equinox for Lord Arc’s signature to make them valid.”

Hammer groans. “Sounds like it would take a while.”

Ashe shrugs. “A couple hours, yes.”

Twilight puts her front hooves on the table and stands. “But we do need to get this ball rolling! And soon!”

Celestia sighs. “Yes. The Griffon Kingdom is very strict on its legal timetables.”

Natalya holds up the legal document. “According to my math, we have until the close of the business day today.”

Hammer shudders. “Best not wait until the last minute though.”

Gallus turns to Natalya. “She’s right. We’re already cutting this pretty close, sis.”

Gabby looks to her sister pleadingly. “Can’t I have the estate?! I promise I’ll be good!”

Natalya rolls her eyes. “No, Gabby.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Think you could call your father and see about getting that matter underway?”

“Sure.”

As she leaves the room, Hammer turns to Natalya.

“Hey, uh...”

“What is it?”

“I just... was wondering how someone in the Griffon Kingdom could be... you know...?”

Gallus frowns. “Sold into slavery?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. It just doesn’t seem right for any reason to me.”

Natalya shrugs. “Extreme debt and criminal convictions mostly.”

Celestia looks to Natalya. “And which one were you, my dear?”

“Technically, neither.”

Arc nods soberly. “She never got a trial.”

Natalya sighs. “The evidence against me at the time was pretty one sided though. So it would have been an open and shut case for me anyways.”

Arc chimes in. “As a reward for rescuing Ashe back then, Lord Gestal offered to give me Natalya as a reward.”

Hammer frowns. “Couldn’t you have asked for something else though?”

“It was either that or execution for her. So I didn’t really want to try to play the negotiating game. He had papers drawn up for me and had some guards deliver Natalya to my room aboard the Lunar Destiny.”

Natalya smiles. “He had me looked over by Nurse Redheart and even bathed me when I couldn’t do so myself.”

Arc sighs. “Considering the circumstances at the time, it was the least I could do.”

Twilight puts his back. “It sounds like you did well though, Arc.”

Celestia nods. “Yes. A life spared is a life saved.”

Natalya grins. “And I do appreciate all you’ve done for me, sir. It’s more than a slave ever gets here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“You deserved no less though, Natalya. Remember, you were innocent in the crimes levied against you.”

Gallus scoffs. “Not that the powers that be cared one bit.”

Gabby shrugs. “Natalya’s okay though! That’s what really matters!”

Natalya sighs. “No, Gabby. There’s one more thing.”

“What’s that?!”

Natalya smiles at her little sister. “That I’m happy too.”

A short time later Ashe returns to the cafeteria. Approaching the table, she calls out.

“My father will expedite a new copy of Natalya’s ownership papers immediately. It should arrive in about an hour.”

Celestia appears impressed. “That’s quite a bit faster than anything else I’ve heard of.”

Twilight giggles. “I guess when the order comes from the top, everypony jumps.”

Hammer grins. “Lord Gestal says ‘jump’, and they ask ‘how high’, huh Arc?”

“Something like that, yes.”

Natalya shrugs. “He is the king’s right talon, after all.”

Gallus looks around “Now then, what should we do in the meantime?”

Gabby looks to the kitchen doors as Saffron emerges with several platters of food suspended by a magical spell. “How about eat?!”

Gallus groans. “Gabby, how can you think about food at a time like this?!”

Twilight smiles. “She’s right though.”

Celestia nods. “Yes. You three need to keep your strength up.”

Hammer sighs as the platters are set before them. “Especially with what lies ahead.”

Gallus frowns. “What? Seeing our sister’s enslavement paperwork again?”

Arc attempts to change the subject. “Thank you, Saffron.”

“You’re welcome, sir. Can I get you anything else?”

“No, I think we’re good.”

As she returns to the kitchen, Arc turns to Gallus.

“I’ll make you a deal.”

“What is it, sir?”

“When this matter is settled and done with, you can be the one to burn Natalya’s papers this time.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Gabby grins wickedly. “Fun with fire!”

Natalya grimaces. “Maybe keep Gabby away when you two are doing that though. She doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to open flames.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh oh. What happened?”

Gallus sighs. “Let’s just say that it involved marshmallows, an open fire, and an open container of kerosene.”

“I just wanted to see what would happen!”

Sometime later the group finishes their meal. Twilight stands and looks around the table

“Well... we should probably adjourn for now.”

Celestia nods. “Yes. Not much we can do until the replacement papers arrive via courier, after all.”

Natalya picks up the dirty dishes. “I’ll bring these back to Saffron.”

Hammer joins her. “Let me give you a hand with that.”

The pair head for the kitchen as Gallus looks to Arc.

“Um... can I talk to you, sir?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

Gallus grimaces. “Could we go somewhere a bit more... private? It won’t take long.”

“How about my office?”

“That’ll work.”

Gabby raises a talon excitedly. “Can I come too?!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “What part of ‘private’ don’t you get?!”

“But it’s just me!”

Twilight smiles at Gabby. “Now, now... just let them have their little talk. How about you and I play a game?”

Gabby hops out of her chair. “Really?! I love games!”

Celestia giggles. “Is there room for another?”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Would you like to play too, Princess Celestia?”

“Yes, I would.”

Arc chuckles as he looks to Gabby. “Lucky girl! You’re going to be the first griffon in history to play games with not one, but two princesses!”

Gabby flaps her wings excitedly. “I’ll be famous!”

Twilight motions to the door. “This way to the Game Room.”

She, Celestia, and Gabby leave the room together as Arc and Gallus follow them out. Parting ways, they head to the Upper Deck and Arc’s office. Entering, Arc sits down at his desk and rests his hand on his blotter as Gallus sits across from him.

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

“I... just wanted to tell you that I really don’t like what was done to my sister. How she was forced to become your slave, and all that.”

“Neither do I.”

“But, at the same time, I do understand why you did it.”

Arc nods soberly. “I couldn’t just let them execute Natalya. After all, she had done nothing wrong.”

“How did you know that though?”

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

“I’m asking how you knew my sister was innocent.”

“From what I could tell the evidence that was brought forward was obviously planted in her room. I mean... a rebel cloak just happened to be found in her room that just happened to have documentation found with it that just happened to be discovered on the very hour and day of the treaty signing.”

“It did seem to be really convenient, yeah. And while I’m certain I already know the answer to this, what exactly did your investigation turn up?”

“Investigation?”

Gallus nods. “Into my sister. I mean, I’m sure you checked her out before releasing her in Ponyville.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I already knew she was innocent.”

“How though?”

“Like I said, the evidence against her was...”

Gallus interrupts him. “So there was no investigation at all?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Gallus. And believe me when I say that Natalya isn’t the leader of the rebels.”

“I know that, sir. But one thing doesn’t make sense.”

“Oh?”

“While I know everything about Natalya… you don’t. So there’s really no way you could have known she was innocent back then. That is unless...”

“Unless what?”

Gallus looks Arc squarely in the eye. “Unless you already knew whom the real rebel leader was.”

Arc sighs and looks away as Gallus stands and plants his talons on the desk as he leans forward.

“You do, don’t you?!”

“Yes.”

Gallus glares at him. “They why not report it?! My sister could have been publicly exonerated and the real culprit held accountable!”

“It’s not that simple, Gallus.”

“Oh, I think it is!”

“Believe me, it isn’t.”

“Then break it down for me!”

Arc stands and walks over to the window. Looking out it, he speaks.

“It happened some time ago. Shortly after the treaty was signed by Princess Luna and King Guto. I was... out of sorts from a poisoned crossbow bolt that I took to the hand in defense of the princess earlier. Having failed to sabotage the treaty, they sought to take revenge on me personally for my role in the proceedings. That and a particularly personal attack from me on a very good friend of theirs. Lying in wait, the rebel leader attacked me in my quarters when I was alone and weakened. I was able to badly wound them before passing out on top of them though.”

Gallus narrows his eyes. “If that’s true, it would have been reported by the Griffonstone Skyport to the proper authorities!”

“By the time I was discovered, we had long since taken off. Well outside the borders of the Griffon Kingdom, I might add.”

“But you still could have turned them over to the Griffon Kingdom! Equestria, as well as you personally, would have become legendary!”

Arc sighs. “As I said before, it’s not quite that simple. Even with the evidence I had, no one would have believed that they were the rebel leader had I turned them over.”

“Why though?!”

“Because of their position in griffon society. The leader is... they’re just so high up the food chain that no one would suspect them. Or believe me for that matter.”

“But my sister told me that Lord Gestal trusts you completely! Surely he could have been convinced if presented with the proper evidence!”

Arc turns and looks back at Gallus. “Perhaps. However, this is a very high stakes situation here. Even the best outcome would have dire consequences for both of our nations.”

Gallus frowns. “Worse than what already happened to Natalya?!”

“Much.”

“How?!”

Arc walks over to his desk chair and puts his hands on the back of it as he speaks.

“The leader of the rebels is extremely powerful in the Griffon Kingdom. That much I’ve already said. In fact, they’re so high up that their exposure and subsequent arrest would literally have destabilized your entire country.”

Gallus scoffs. “That doesn’t seem likely, no matter how powerful they are.”

“Think about it this way then, Gallus. Some griffons would have rejoiced at their capture. While others would have seen it as their last hope for freedom being snuffed out by the government. The rebel’s rank and file troops would increase exponentially overnight, forcing the nation’s leadership to declare martial law. More griffons would be driven by the additional oppression to either join with the rebels or form their own splinter groups to fight the current system.”

He looks Gallus in the eye before continuing.

“Battles would be fought, towns destroyed, crops ruined, and lives lost in an attempt by all sides to try and gain the upper hand in the conflict. Those whom remain neutral would have eventually been forced to either make a choice on whom to follow or be destroyed by both sides. Now tell me this... does that sound like something you would like to see happen here?”

Gallus looks away as he grunts. Eventually he speaks.

“I still think that there has to be a better way! As it stands, all that blame was forced upon my sister!”

Arc sighs. “There might be. But I don’t know what it could be.”

“Well, how about we start with something small?”

“Like what?”

Gallus stands up. “Give me a few minutes.”

Heading for the door, Gallus leaves the office. A few minutes later there is a knock at the door as Natalya slowly opens it and sticks her head inside.

“Sir?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Natalya?”

“You wanted to see me?”

Gallus’ voice rings out behind her.

“Right. I think you have something to tell my sister.”

Arc nods soberly. “That I do. Please come in. Both of you.”

They do so, closing the door behind them. Arc motions to the chairs before him.

“Have a seat you two.”

Doing so, Arc sits down in his own desk chair as Gallus speaks.

“The Hero of Light wanted to tell you something. Isn’t that right, sir?”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, I suppose so.”

He looks Natalya over for a few moments before continuing.

“First off, I wanted to apologize to you.”

Natalya appears confused. “Apologize, sir?”

“For not having this conversation sooner. It’s in regards to something that happened some time ago.”

Gallus nods angrily. “You being accused of being the rebel leader, that is.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, that’s right.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “Has there been some kind of breakthrough in the case, sir?!”

Gallus grunts. “Kinda has been.”

“Is that true, sir?!”

“I suppose so. You see... I knew you weren’t the rebel leader back when you were originally accused.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, you may have been the only one in the entire country whom believed that though.”

“There’s more to it though, sis.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Oh?”

“The reason for that is because... you couldn’t have been the leader.”

“And why is that, sir?”

“Because... I already know whom the real leader is.”

Natalya gasps. “You do?!”

“Yes.”

“Who?!”

“I can’t tell you.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Yeah. Because it might destroy the entire Griffon Kingdom.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “How could it though, sir?!”

“If anyone else knew whom the real rebel leader was it would start a literal civil war.”

Gallus scoffs. “They’re supposed to be really high up in the social ranks.”

Natalya nods soberly. “No one would believe you then. And even if they did, it would cause a massive destabilization of our government.”

Gallus turns to his sister, confused. “But it couldn’t be as bad as you being arrested and enslaved, Natalya!”

“It could be, yes.”

“HOW?!”

“With their identity revealed, the leader would have no reason to maintain their current subtlety. And if they’re really that high up in status, then logically speaking they must also have extreme wealth, power, and influence as well.”

Arc nods. “And a shadowy army at their command.”

“But sis... he... he KNEW who the leader was and said NOTHING! How is that justice in any way, shape, or form?!”

Natalya sighs. “I... really didn’t like being told I was something that I wasn’t.”

Looking to Arc, she continues.

“But one thing I’ve learned about you, especially after you took ownership of me, is that you always have a reason for doing things, sir.”

“Usually, yes.”

“And that you always do what’s right for the greatest number of individuals.”

Gallus seethes. “Don’t you want to know who framed you though, Natalya?! We could go after them and...!”

Natalya interrupts him. “No, Gallus.”

“But...!”

Arc cuts him off. “Please let your sister explain herself.”

Natalya turns to her brother. “Gallus, listen to me. What happened to me back then... being thrown out of the military... accused of being the rebel leader... and even being sold as a slave and forced to leave the country...”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“…I don’t blame Lord Arc for any of it.”

“WHAT?! WHY NOT?!”

“Because I was able to find happiness in my new life within Equestria thanks to him.”

“But you’re literally his property!”

“That may be true, yes. However, not once has he forced me to do anything against my will or taken anything from me that I didn’t freely give. Every coin I’ve earned since relocating to Equestria was legally his to take. But he never once did so. I have not been assaulted, abused, or violated in any way by anyone at any time.”

“You could have become something great here though! Maybe risen through the ranks and changed things for the better!”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, Gallus. I couldn’t have. But he did. And for that I am very grateful.”

Arc looks to Natalya. “Just so we’re clear though... Gallus was correct when he said that I do know the identity of the rebel leader. Does that bother you, what with me keeping such knowledge from you?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not in the least, sir. Believe me when I say that I trust you completely and will always do my very best to make you proud of me.”

Gallus jumps up and storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Natalya sighs as she looks to Arc.

“I apologize for Gallus’ behavior, sir. He’s just very protective of me.”

“No offense taken.”

Natalya looks to the door sadly. “That’s one thing I didn’t get to say before he left though.”

“Oh?”

“How happy I am that he and I are so close as siblings now.”

“I’m... glad to hear that, Natalya.”

“You’re still upset about something though?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Just myself.”

“Because of what you did?”

“I made a choice a long time ago. And have had to live with the consequences ever since.”

“As we all do, sir.”

“But mine led to that rebel bombing that hurt a lot of griffons.”

Natalya bows her head sadly. “That’s true, sir. But you were just trying to protect my country as best you could.”

Arc sighs as he turns in his chair to look out the window. “Tell that to the injured lying in hospital beds and the families of the dead.”

Standing, Natalya walks around the desk and puts a talon on Arc’s arm before speaking.

“I need to tell you something, sir.”

“What is it?”

“You make so many important decisions. Some of which I’m sure you’re happy with. Others maybe not. But from me to you... from a slave to their master... I’d like you to know one thing. That I’d be willing to stand behind you and any decision you make. No matter what they may be.”

“Such a thing might not end well for you though, Natalya.”

“Even if it costs me my life, I can die knowing that my sacrifice was somehow important in the grander scheme of things. That you didn’t just throw me away callously, but weighed all the options before deciding on the one which would protect the largest number of individuals and preserve the greater good.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’d... be willing to die for me?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. At a moment’s notice and without reservation. And not just because I’m your property. But because I believe in you and what it is you’re trying to do.”

“I... thank you.”

“You are welcome, sir.”

“Would you please leave me now though. I’d... like to be left alone for a while.”

Natalya bows respectfully. “Yes... master.”

Turning, she walks toward the door. As Natalya closes it behind her, Arc puts his face in his hands and leans back in his office chair.

“Natalya... you’re willing to give me everything. Your loyalty... your faith... and even your very life if I were to ask it of you.”

Groaning, he continues.

“How... how can someone like you simply pledge themselves to someone so fully and completely?”

A voice nearby suddenly rings out.

“The same could be asked of you, Arc.”

Surprised, Arc falls backward in his chair. Sitting up, he pulls himself up to look toward the window. Wiseman stands where Arc did a short time ago looking out. Frowning, Arc stands.

“How long have you been there?!”

“Long enough.”

Arc groans. “Look, I’m not exactly in the best of moods right now, so if you could just tell me what you’re here for we can move this thing along!”

“You are upset due to your inability to be Honest with Natalya, whom trusts you completely regarding Ashe’s true identity?”

“How did you...?!”

Wiseman continues. “Or is it BECAUSE she trusts you with so much that you are upset?”

“I’m upset because choices I made in the past are hurting others!”

“Then correct them.”

“How?!”

“Such is up to you to figure out, Arc. However, I did not come here to lecture you on the past, but the future.”

“Then get on with it!”

“Very well. Listen well to my words.”

Taking a deep breath, Wiseman speaks.

“The road to destruction is paved with good intentions.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Seriously, can’t you just speak plainly?”

Wiseman chuckles. “But I am, Arc.”

“I don’t understand...!”

“Correct. You do not. So let me just spell it out for you then.”

Arc groans. “Please do.”

“A time is coming when you will need to make choices that will affect many individuals all across the land. It will be hard. It will be complicated. But remember this. Many in the past have started out on the straight and narrow path. However, at some point along the way they stepped off onto a different and wider road.”

“A wider road. You mean they started off wanting to do good, but lost interest in that goal?”

Wiseman nods. “Something like that, yes.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well, not me!”

“Oh?”

“I’ll never stop trying to bring peace to this land!”

Wiseman chuckles. “Peace, eh?”

“What greater goal could there be?!”

“Believe me when I say that there are quite a few more desirable things than just peace, Arc.”

“Oh yeah? Like what?”

“Perfection.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. Always doing the right thing. Always accomplishing what you set out to do. And always having the correct solution to every problem.”

Arc scoffs. “Such a thing isn’t possible though.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you remember how we first met, Arc?”

Arc nods. “In the apartment fire.”

“I led you to safety when your access to the roof was cut off.”

Arc frowns. “What about it?”

“You and Ember nearly lost your lives because you didn’t think ahead.”

“No plan is ever foolproof though.”

“And Angel’s father lost his life that day.”

Arc looks away and shudders. “That still haunts me to this day.”

Wiseman folds his arms over his chest. “Later on you failed again. I seem to remember a certain someone making quite the miscalculation on the mission to rescue Princess Celestia from Damocles Base.”

“There were lots of mistakes made that day.”

“When I found you, your motorcycle had been hit by a missile and you were flying through the air as the second projectile took out the Land Rover and your friends.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’m not going to pretend that didn’t happen.”

“If you recall, Kronos was able to turn back time for you a few precious seconds. Just enough to give you a second chance at completing your mission.”

“You here looking for a ‘thank you’, or something?”

“Perfection, Arc. With time rolled back, you were able to get it right the next time around.”

“What does this have to do with...?”

“Such power would allow you to always get it right. Make a mistake when negotiating with another nation’s leader and you could simply turn back time to have another shot at it. Say the wrong thing to one of your fiancées and return to the moment before you even said it.”

“I’m good just doing my best to get it right the first time.”

Wiseman chuckles. “Are you now?”

“Yes!”

“So you’ve never had a single time in your life where you wished you could do something over again? Or do it differently in hopes of an even better outcome?”

“Everyone has at some point, yes. But it’s just a fantasy.”

“One that you conveniently experienced first-hand on that dark, back road.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “Okay, okay. Maybe it’s not purely fiction. However, you do have to admit that such a thing isn’t something that can be done on a whim.”

Wiseman nods. “For good reason though. After all, if we could all just turn back the clock it would be chaos.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And that’s where Kronos comes in, eh?”

“Right. The Keeper of Time does their best to stabilize the space/time continuum and keep all of reality running relatively smoothly. Or at the very least, make sure the train stays on the rails.”

“And when a wheel tips?”

“They are the one to provide the proper counter pressure to rectify the situation at hand.”

“Sounds awfully convenient for them.”

“Oh?”

“If Kronos messes up, they can just back time up and try again.”

“Their powers in that regard are limited, as such a thing takes more energy than you could possibly imagine.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t know, as I can imagine quite a bit.”

“Just wanted you to understand what had to be done just to get you those few precious seconds back. But in any case, remember what I told you earlier. The road to destruction is paved with good intentions.”

As he speaks this, Wiseman fades away. Arc sighs and shakes his head.

“If he was really interested in warning me about something, Wiseman should just come out and say what it is he means. Something to the effect of ‘Arc... if and when such and such happens DON’T do this, do THIS instead’.”

Turning to look out the window, Arc continues muttering to himself.

“You’re not really very helpful, Wiseman. Not helpful in the least.”

Chapter 4 - Talking Through Trouble

Sometime later there is a knock at the office door. Arc raises his head from its place on the desk and calls out.

“Come!”

The door opens and Twilight sticks her head inside.

“Um... is this a good time, Arc?”

Arc nods as he motions for her to enter. “Sure, Twilight. What’s up?”

Twilight steps into the room levitating an envelope. “A courier just arrived with the copy of Natalya’s ownership papers.”

Arc sighs as he reaches out with a spell of his own to accept them. “Thanks.”

Twilight appears suddenly concerned. “You okay?”

“Kinda. Just... a bit... I don’t know.”

“Frazzled?”

Arc shrugs as he tosses the envelope down onto his desk. “I guess. Just feeling really out of it right now.”

He pats the desk’s surface before continuing.

“Was kinda taking a few minutes to myself and lay my head down. Guess I must’ve dozed off.”

Twilight nods soberly as she speaks. “You really do need to rest more, Arc. Take time off to recuperate properly. And more often.”

Arc sighs. “Believe me, I would love to do that, Twilight. But at the moment we have two countries that may go into a full blown recession if we don’t handle this matter properly.”

“Yes, I understand that. However...”

Arc interrupts her. “Please, Twilight. I do recognize and understand that you are correct, Twilight. Not trying to argue with you over this.”

“I was just going to say that I do know what you’re going through.”

“You do?”

Twilight nods with a smile. “Remember, I too have a tendency to work too hard and forgo normal rest and relaxation.”

Arc chuckles. “I guess you do. Not sure why I was so surprised that you understood what I’m going through. And I’m sorry for kinda jumping on you for it.”

“It’s okay. I know that you’re kinda stretched thin at the moment.”

She gestures to the envelope before continuing.

“But you were right about one thing. We can’t put this matter off any longer.”

Arc nods as he stands. “Right. So let’s get this ball rolling.”

Picking up the envelope, Arc heads for the door. Twilight follows him out into the corridor and motions with a hoof toward the stairs.

“The others are in the cafeteria having lunch.”

Arc looks out a window and frowns. “Lunch?! How long was I out?!”

“About two hours, I guess. It’s a rather early meal though, as we assumed you and Natalya would want to get moving as soon as those papers arrived.”

“I suppose so. But I do kinda wish you had called me. You know how much I hate missing a meal.”

“We were going to. However, Natalya relayed your desire of wanting some alone time.”

“Ah... I guess that makes sense.”

A short time later the pair arrive at the cafeteria. Entering, they see the others gathered around a table together. As they approach, Gallus stands and storms out of the room with Gabby. Natalya bows her head as she addresses Arc.

“I’m sorry for that, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Gallus is still mad at me, huh?”

Natalya nods. “Yes, sir. And Gabby too.”

Twilight appears confused. “Why her?”

Natalya bows her head. “Because she thinks Lord Arc is going to take everything for himself.”

Hammer scoffs. “Yeah right.”

Celestia shrugs. “Legally, he is.”

Arc frowns. “Only on paper though. I’ll hand over whatever I can legally have transferred back to Equestria into your name, Natalya.”

Natalya smiles nervously. “Thank you sir. But please be sure to take something for your trouble as well. After all, this matter is going to be very complicated.”

Arc nods. “That it will be. However, I wouldn’t feel such a thing is right taking that which didn’t belong to me.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Yeah! Stealing a kid’s lunch money ain’t exactly what I would call ‘okay’ under any circumstances.”

Ashe stands. “Very commendable of Lord Arc. Now then, we should make our way to the office that is handling this matter and inform them of your intents”

Arc grimaces. “Is there really such a big rush though? I mean... we do have all afternoon, right?”

Celestia looks to Arc evenly. “Indeed you do. However, who’s to say how long you will have to wait to gain an audience with the proper official?”

Twilight nods. “If they have a ‘first come, first served’ policy, you might not be able to get in at all today.”

Ashe looks towards the door. “And young Gallus, in his current state of mind, would most likely not agree to go along with our plan.”

Hammer groans. “He could mess this whole thing up for everyone!”

Natalya sighs. “Although I don’t want to be a burden, we really should take care of this right away, sir. But, of course, the final decision in this matter is up to you.”

“Alright. Let’s get moving then.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “Might I be allowed to come along as well? As ambassador I may be needed, as this matter includes both a griffon and Equestrian citizen.”

“Sure. That might help.”

Twilight motions to the door. “If you’d like you three could take the carriage.”

Ashe frowns. “Such a thing might draw unwanted attention though, Princess Twilight.”

Hammer points to a map lying on the table before her. “And according to this, the office really isn’t that far away.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “What shall we do, sir?”

“Walking would probably work.”

Celestia shakes her head. “You may want to take some guards with you then. It wouldn’t do for any of you to be harmed while here.”

Twilight grimaces. “Right. We really don’t want any trouble right now.”

Arc pats his ring. “I’ll wear my armor in lieu of soldiers.”

Natalya smiles nervously. “And I’ll do the same.”

Ashe clenches a talon into a fist. “If anyone attacks us, I’ll make sure the report clearly states that we were defending ourselves.”

Celestia looks to Arc. “The ambassador’s presence, along with your diplomatic immunity, should be enough to prevent anypony from coming after you I would think, Hero of Light.”

“Alright. Let’s get ready and meet at the main hatch in ten minutes.”

Heading out the door, they part ways. Ten minutes later they come together at the appointed spot. Arc motions to a guard whom presses the door release button. Stepping out onto the deck, Arc looks all around before turning to Ashe and Natalya.

“You two ready to do this thing?”

Ashe nods as she adjusts her armor. “I am, yes.”

Natalya sighs as she pats a sword and shield in her belt. “Let’s get it over with.”

Arc nods as they begin their walk. Half an hour later the trio approach a very well maintained building. A number of guards meet them at the gate and look the group over suspiciously. The one in charge approaches and looks to Natalya as she approaches first.

“State your business!”

“I, uh… I have business inside in regards to a...”

Ashe steps forward and interrupts. “...a very delicate, and private, legal matter.”

The commander looks to Natalya. “You contact’s name?”

Natalya looks over the paper. “It doesn’t list one. Just that we needed to speak to an official about it.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No. You see, we just arrived back in the country early this morning.”

The commander folds his talons over his chest. “All clients are required to make an appointment with scheduling prior to being seen. No exceptions.”

Ashe steps forward. “Excuse me, sir, but might I be allowed to speak with your superior officer? I’m sure we can find a way to come to a...”

Shaking his head, the commander motions for his troops to level their weapons at Ashe and Natalya as he interrupts Ashe.

“This matter is closed! Now begone, before I order my troops to take you into custody!”

Arc removes his helmet and looks to the commander. “And me?”

“Lord Arc of Equestria, I presume?”

“Indeed.”

“Griffon law does not allow us to raise a talon against a foreign noble, sir. However, I still cannot allow you or your entourage admittance without an appointment.”

“And I assume such a thing would take several days.”

“I am unsure, sir. Scheduling is very busy at the moment and behind on a number of legal appointments.”

“It is good to see you taking your position seriously. And I do not wish to try and tell you have to do your job. However, I do not believe it’s in your best interest to speak in such a tone to our nation’s ambassador.”

The commander looks to Ashe, confused. “Equestria’s... ambassador?”

Ashe nods as she removes her helmet. “Yes. I am Lady Ashe. Ambassador to Equestria and advisor to Lord Arc in this matter.”

The griffon rolls his eyes. “Even you... ambassador... cannot simply arrive without prior announcement. Please contact the main desk at...”

Arc interrupts him. “Do we personally have to call to make the appointment?”

“No, Lord Arc. It can be handled by your staff.”

“Or anyone else, I would assume.”

“Whomever you empower to do such things, yes sir.”

Arc reaches for his earring. “Then I suppose I’ll just have to call Lord Gestal and see if he can get this matter straightened out.”

“Lord... Gestal?!”

Ashe nods. “Yes, he told Lord Arc earlier that we needed to have this matter taken care of as soon as possible.”

Arc looks to the commander. “He was very insistent about it over breakfast this morning. Quite the spread he put on.”

“I’m not sure that my father is the right one to call though, Lord Arc.”

“You may be right, Ashe. If you recall, the last time we had some kind of a problem he just connected me directly to the king himself.”

The commander gasps. “The king?!”

Arc nods. “Nice guy. Was able to fix our little problem in a flash.”

“There is no need for that, Lord Arc! Please head inside at once! I’ll radio ahead and inform the main desk of your arrival and... special circumstances at once!”

Arc steps toward the gate. “Thank you, officer. You’ve been quite helpful.”

Motioning for the guards to step aside, the gates open and the trio walks inside. Natalya turns to Ashe.

“That was a lucky break. I can’t believe he bought that story though.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Story?”

Natalya nods. “About Lord Arc being referred directly to the king.”

Arc shrugs. “I was.”

Natalya stops walking. “Sir?”

“We had a bit of an... out of the ordinary special request a while back. Something that required someone really high up to approve.”

Ashe grins. “So I called my father and we were redirected to King Guto by him.”

Natalya gasps. “Immediately?!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it was kind of a time sensitive issue.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “But we should probably worry about THIS particular time sensitive issue right now.”

“Agreed.”

Coming to the building, the party is admitted by the guards stationed at the door. Walking toward the front desk, they watch as guards step forward and usher those ahead of them out of the way. Approaching the now cleared desk, Arc addresses a very nervous looking griffon on duty.

“C-can I help you, Lord Arc?”

“I hope so.”

He gestures to Natalya before continuing.

“My friend here has a rather pressing legal matter to speak to someone about regarding an inheritance.”

Natalya steps forward with the letter. “Here’s the information I was sent.”

Placing the papers on the desk, Natalya steps back as the griffon picks them up and looks them over. Their eyes wide, they quickly walk around the desk and gesture down a corridor.

“Please follow me!”

Leading the group down a long hallway, they eventually come to a large set of double doors. The griffon stops and gestures to them as he speaks.

“Here we are. Magistrate Garner will want to personally oversee this matter. Please wait here while I inform him of your case.”

As the griffon enters the office, Arc turns to Natalya.

“Looks like we’ll be able to get this matter sorted out for you.”

“Y-yes sir.”

“Something wrong?”

Natalya shakes her head. “I’m just a bit... nervous, sir.”

Ashe smiles at her. “That is to be expected. After all, no one really knows what to expect when taking possession of an estate.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What to expect?”

Ashe nods. “Yes, Lord Arc. It’s kinda like a mystery box. You might open it to find untold riches, of course. Or, you could also find that your dearly departed relative was heavily in debt and that which you thought to be coming to you was actually mostly going to collection agencies.”

Arc chuckles. “Considering the size of the estate here though I’m guessing that won’t be happening.”

“One would assume not, no.”

Natalya sighs. “I kinda wish it was.”

Arc looks to her. “Oh?”

“Then there’d be nothing for Gabby, Gallus, and I to fight over.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll share what you get with them though.”

“Of course. But Gallus isn’t too happy about the way we’ll be handling it. And as I’m sure you’ve already heard, Gabby wants everything for herself.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “I’d like to point out that in griffon culture the inheritance is always left to one individual. Typically the oldest of the deceased. That can often lead to the rest of the family feeling left out and bitter.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why do it that way though? I mean... wouldn’t it make more sense to split a larger fortune up between all the siblings, or something?”

Ashe shrugs. “The way that the Griffon Kingdom does things is in an effort to keep the fortune together under one shareholder.”

Arc frowns. “Don’t they know that the first part of ‘shareholder’ is ‘share’?”

“It doesn’t make much sense to me sometimes either, Lord Arc. However, in the case of a business mogul, it kinda does.”

Natalya puts a talon to her forehead. “Breaking up a business empire in order to split it between multiple shareholders would be very confusing and time consuming I would imagine. Such a thing would probably end up before the courts to settle.”

Ashe nods. “Which is why a single shareholder is declared to hold full authority over the physical estate and its assets. However, it is traditional for them to financially provide for the relatives that the deceased cared for in the past.”

Arc frowns. “You mean siblings?”

“Or anyone else that was having their bills paid by the former shareholder, Lord Arc.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “So with Lord Arc as the shareholder, everything should be alright. Even if he doesn’t give us anything.”

Arc sighs. “Like I said earlier, anything I can have transferred to Equestria will be given directly to you, Natalya. One-hundred percent of it, that is.”

“Thank you, sir. But what about my siblings?”

“That will be up to you. I assume you’ll be sharing what you get with them though.”

Natalya nods. “We’ll split whatever you give us three equal ways.”

Ashe looks to Natalya approvingly. “Very admirable of you, as tradition doesn’t dictate that a recipient of dividends be required to share them with anyone.”

The griffon from earlier returns and looks to Ashe.

“Magistrate Garner will see you now, ambassador.”

“Thank you. We shan’t keep him waiting.”

Entering the resplendent office, they walk up to a truly magnificent desk with an equally well-dressed griffon sitting behind it. He smiles widely and motions to the posh looking chairs before him. As they sit the magistrate extends a talon as he looks to Arc.

“Welcome, Lord Arc! I don’t really know where to begin! It is such an honor to meet you!”

Arc chuckles as he shakes the griffon’s talon. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”

“Such is the least we could do for such an esteemed member of the Equestrian court. Now then, I’m told that you have a very important legal matter to discuss with me.”

Arc nods. “Indirectly, yes. I’ve come here today with Ambassador Ashe and a friend of mine, Natalya, the latter of whom is the one in need of your help.”

Leaning forward, she holds out the letter to the magistrate.

“I received this in the mail yesterday.”

Handing over the official letter to the magistrate, Natalya sits back as to allow him time to carefully read it over. As he finishes he look over the page at Natalya before speaking.

“Very interesting. So you are the heir of the late Lord Goldstone, eh?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir.”

“If I may... what took you so long to come forward with this?”

“Like I said, I only just received the letter in the mail yesterday.”

Garner frowns. “I shall have to mention this inexcusable delay to the proper postal authorities. That is far too long for priority mail.”

Ashe shakes her head. “It is about right for international mail though.”

Garner appears confused. “International?”

Arc nods. Natalya is an employee of the Little Hooves Orphanage in Equestria.

Garner looks over the physical document closely. “That does make sense then, yes. And this does appears to be legitimate.”

Ashe frowns. “Yes, of course it is. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Forgive me, Ambassador Ashe. However, with the death of every powerful and wealthy figure we always see an influx of fake heirs bearing forged documents.”

Arc sighs. “Trying to take inheritances that aren’t theirs, eh?”

“Yes sir. And the bigger the estate, the greater the numbers trying to take them.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “Has anyone been here for mine yet?”

“Non-stop since the day after the Battle of Truth. In fact, probably everyone you passed on the way in here was here for that very reason.”

Ashe gasps. “Oh my!”

Garner leans back in his chair. “Under normal circumstances, I would have simply taken these documents and attached them to a case number to be investigated along with the hundreds of others.”

He looks to Arc before continuing.

“However, since you’re with one of Equestria’s greatest lords, I think we can skip a large amount of that red tape.”

Natalya sighs. “Thank you, sir. What must be done though?”

“I’ll need to see a notarized copy of your birth certificate showing Lord Goldstone as the father.”

Natalya grimaces. “That might be a problem though.”

Arc turns to her. “How so, Natalya?”

“My father kept such things hidden away with his other important documents assumedly. And I have no way of knowing where to start looking for it.”

Ashe looks to the magistrate. “Is there some other way to prove her identity?”

“A number, yes. However, I’d still have to verify their authenticity for security’s sake.”

Natalya nods. “How about this?”

She reaches into her bag and pulls out a piece of paper along with a plastic card before continuing.

“Here’s my old military identification badge along with my notice of discharge.”

Turning them over to the magistrate, he looks them over carefully. Nodding, he looks up and speaks.

“This should do nicely. I’ll just have to call the Aviary and authenticate the information on these documents to verify that they are indeed legitimate.”

Arc nods. “How long will that take?”

“Not to worry, Lord Arc. I should have the verification in just a few minutes.”

Reaching for his phone, the magistrate dials a number from memory. After being connected to the proper office, he reads the name, rank, and badge number to someone on the other end of the line and waits. A few minutes later he nods, thanks the individual cordially for their time, and hangs up the phone before looking to Natalya.

“It appears that your documents are in order, miss. I shall get right to work on filling out the paperwork necessary for you to be named as your father’s successor. However, you will have to sign additional documents agreeing to stay within the borders of the Griffon Kingdom for at least ninety percent of the year and relocate your permanent residence back to Griffonstone in order to accept your inheritance.”

Natalya groans. “Thank you, sir. However, this matter is a bit more complicated than that.”

Garner appears confused. “How so, Miss Natalya?”

Natalya bows her head. “In truth, I’m... actually enslaved.”

Garner raises an eyebrow. “You... you are?!”

Ashe nods. “It’s true, magistrate. She is the legal property of Lord Arc.”

Arc looks to the magistrate soberly as he pulls the new ownership papers from his ring. “That is correct. And here are the papers proving this.”

The magistrate takes them and quickly reads them over. Frowning, he puts them down on the desk with the other documents and sighs as he leans back in his chair.

“This does complicate things.”

Ashe bows her head. “Yes, I’m sure this is not exactly the norm.”

“To be completely honest with you, ambassador, I don’t believe there is any kind of legal precedent that I can turn to in order to advise you on this matter. Normally a shareholder is required to remain within the country at a bare minimum in order to maintain control of their assets. However, at the same time, it is against griffon law to require a foreign citizen to remain within our borders for any reason other than imprisonment.”

He looks Arc up and down before continuing.

“Forgive me, Lord Arc, but can I assume that you are a legal citizen of Equestria?”

“Yes, I am.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out a document and holds it out to the magistrate.

“Here is a royal decree, signed by Princess Cadance, declaring me a citizen of Equestria with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it.”

Garner accepts the paper and looks it over as he speaks. “Yes, sir. Forgive me for asking, but it is a necessary formality in order to try and come to some kind of an amicable agreement on this matter as a whole. After all, it’s quite complicated and will most likely require a decision by the Council of Lords on how to proceed.”

Arc leans back and folds his arms over his chest. “That’s roughly what Lord Gestal told us this morning at our meeting regarding this matter.”

Ashe nods. “He said for an estate the size of Lord Goldstone’s, along with the fact that Natalya is a slave, that the decision of what exactly to do about all of this may have to go all the way to King Guto himself.”

Garner sighs. “Such is not surprising. We are certainly in uncharted territory at this point.”

There is a knock at the door as a secretary enters with an envelope. Walking over to the magistrate, she speaks.

“Forgive me for interrupting your meeting, sir. However this missive has just arrived for you from the Council of Lords.”

Garner accepts the envelope. “Thank you.”

Nodding slightly to her boss, she turns to Arc and bows respectfully.

“Again, please excuse the intrusion.”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s fine. Thank you for bringing this.”

Keeping her head down, she slowly backs out of the office as the magistrate opens the missive and begins to read. His eyes wide, he looks to Arc.

“It would appear that the Council of Lords has already consulted with the king on this matter.”

Natalya gasps. “Already?”

Ashe nods soberly. “For something this important they would certainly want to move quickly.”

Arc looks to the magistrate. “What is their ruling?”

“That the estate, as well as the businesses and their intellectual property, be sold at auction one at a time.”

Ashe sighs. “And the money from these sales?”

“Deposited in the state bank for safekeeping. Standard interest will, of course, apply to the balance.”

“And the withdrawal policy?”

“No more than one percent of the account’s balance may be allowed to leave the country per calendar year.”

The magistrate looks to Arc before continuing.

“Just to put that into perspective, that’s ten times higher than the standard limit, sir.”

Ashe frowns. “Can I assume that’s to maintain market stability?”

“Yes. An estate of this size would upset everything if it’s value were to be allowed to leave the country all at once.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “But it could be spent domestically, right?”

“Yes, miss. Investments, leisure, purchases of property and/or other tangible goods are permitted without limit.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Can the money be invested in other businesses or otherwise used to start a new business?”

“Yes, Lord Arc. There will be no limits on what it can be spent on within the Griffon Kingdom’s borders.”

Ashe frowns. “Then why does everything have to be liquidated in the first place?”

Garner gestures to the paper. “According to this missive, the Council of Lords and King Guto consider the idea of a foreign lord having control over a business network the size of Lord Goldstone’s to not be in the best interests of the Griffon Kingdom.”

He looks to Arc with a pained expression on his face.

“I’m sure they meant no offense, sir.”

Arc shrugs. “None taken. That and I do understand their reasoning behind this ruling.”

Garner looks at the bottom of the page. “There is one minor requirement from the king in order to allow this to go through as stated though.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “And that is...?”

“It says here that in exchange for Lord Arc being allowed to take possession of this estate over Miss Natalya, his slave, he is hereby required to abide by an upcoming change in the law regarding the contract between masters and slaves.”

Natalya appears confused. “A change?”

Ashe frowns. “That doesn’t make any sense. Once a griffon is declared a slave the matter is final and irrevocable.”

Arc gestures to the papers in the magistrate’s talons. “Does he give any indication of what it is that I will have to do?”

Garner continues reading. “Yes sir. Apparently, a new law is being drafted as we speak specifically for this purpose and will be added to the books as soon as it is signed by the king. The law will change the letter of the law to only allow a master to be able to take their slave’s inheritance for their own on the condition that they first marry them.”

Natalya gasps. “MARRY?!”

Garner nods. “Yes, ma’am. A secondary law is also being written stating that any and all ownership papers will be made null and void if a master and slave wed.”

Ashe grins. “So Natalya will be free again and have all of her former rights restored to her after the wedding?”

“I would have to read the letter of the law after it’s released, of course. But it appears that a marriage between a master and slave will fully annul ownership papers.”

Arc nods soberly. “So it would be as it they never existed?”

Garner taps the paper in his talon. “According to this that is correct, Lord Arc. However, that makes their new spouse next in line to inherit their estate when they die.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “What about in the event of a divorce?”

Garner shrugs. “Such a matter would have to go through the courts system. But in theory the former slave would be entitled to at least half of the assets of the inherited estate. And that’s only if they can’t prove that the marriage was just to take what was rightfully theirs in the first place.”

Ashe frowns. “That would be fraud, correct?”

“Correct. A case could then be made that the estate would go to the former slave in addition to the ownership papers being nullified.”

Arc sighs. “I... um... how long do we have before a final decision has to be made?”

“Until the law is finalized. Most likely by tomorrow with the urgency this matter is being given.”

Ashe looks to the letter lying on the desk. “And what of our timeframe for making a claim?”

“I will have my staff take a few minutes to write up papers stating Lord Arc’s intent to accept the inheritance from his slave. That will give you time to make a final decision on what to do while the legal aspects are being ironed out by us and the government. I estimate that we can have the proper paperwork written up by the time the Council of Lords and King Guto finish writing and publishing the new laws.”

Arc leans back in his chair. “Anything else we need to do?”

Garner shakes his head. “Nothing, sir. Other than make a final decision on whether or not you want to marry your slave, that is.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “I think we should return to the ship and... consider our next move.”

Arc nods as he stands. “Yes, I believe that’s probably for the best.”

Garner stands and extends the papers from the Council of Lords to Arc as he speaks. “Very well, sir. I shall notify you personally when we know more. Tomorrow morning at the earliest.”

The pair shake hands as Arc turns to Natalya with the papers.

“Are you ready to return to the ship?”

She wordlessly nods. Arc turns and leads the pair out of the office. As Ashe closes the door behind them, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. They step through together to find themselves back in Arc’s quarters aboard The Equinox. However, as the portal closes behind them, Natalya suddenly grabs her stomach and runs into the bathroom. Slamming the door behind her, the sounds of her throwing up ring out from within. Ashe turns to Arc and grimaces.

“I... guess I should probably let you and Natalya talk this thing out.”

“Y-yeah.”

“Um... what exactly should I tell Princess Twilight about what was said back there? I mean, I’m sure she’ll want to know.”

“Simply say to her that I want to be the one to tell her that story. I just need some time to talk to Natalya first.”

Ashe looks to the closed bathroom door. “Very well. I hope your conversation goes better after I leave though.”

“So do I.”

Ashe turns and leaves the room. Arc sighs and sits down at the table to wait. A few minutes later the door opens and Natalya sheepishly steps out. She looks to Arc and bows her head before speaking.

“I... please forgive me for that... um... outburst, sir.”

“It’s fine. Um... but I think you and I need to have a talk about... this.”

Natalya nods sadly. “Yes, I agree.”

Arc motions to the chair across from him. Natalya slowly walks over to it and takes a seat. Arc clears his throat and begins.

“First off... are you alright now?”

“Sir?”

“You sounded a bit ill from out here.”

Natalya blushes slightly. “I’m sorry, Lord Arc, but I was just... a bit overwhelmed at the sudden turn in conversation.”

“That’s... understandable.”

“Again, please forgive me for my outburst, sir.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “It’s in the past. But that does leave us with the matter of what to do now.”

Natalya shrugs. “What else is there to do, sir? We don’t really have much of a choice in this.”

Arc sighs. “Other than to leave everything to Gallus.”

“He wouldn’t want to stay here though. We both love our work and new lives in Equestria.”

“And you don’t want to be separated by an ocean, do you?”

Natalya shakes her head. “I really don’t. We don’t always get along, mind you. But I do care about Gallus and don’t want him to have to walk away from a life in Equestria that he enjoys and be forced to trade it in for one here in the Griffon Kingdom that he hates.”

“The only other option would be to leave it to Gabby though.”

“But I can’t let her do that. She’d just get hurt.”

Arc looks at Natalya evenly. “So what do you want to do?”

Natalya sighs. “I... don’t really have a choice other than to allow you to take me as your wife.”

“That’s something I’d have to clear with my fiancées first, of course.”

Natalya looks down at the table. “Will I... um... be added to your herd, sir?”

“First let me ask you this, Natalya. What is it that YOU want in this regard?”

“As your slave I can’t say no to you, sir.”

“That wasn’t what I asked you though.”

“I... um... don’t really know how I feel. You saved my life when the Griffon Kingdom wanted to execute me and gave me a new home in Equestria. Everything I’ve earned thus far was left in my care and every decision has been mine to make. No one has harmed me or forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do. You included, sir.”

Arc nods soberly. “Like I told you back then. You’re a slave in name only, Natalya.”

“And I appreciate that, sir However, I... I’ve never really given any thought to you romantically.”

“Then how about I make you an offer?”

Natalya appears confused. “An offer, sir?”

Arc nods. “Assuming that my fiancées agree to this, of course, I’d be willing to take you as my wife in name only.”

“I don’t understand.”

“We’d sign the paperwork to be declared married here in the Griffon Kingdom. However, it would be a marriage in name only. You wouldn’t have to have any kind of romantic relationship with me whatsoever. Kinda like how I treat you as my slave, you’d be allowed to do whatever it is that you want.”

Natalya puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “That does sound good, yes. But, um... what if I were to meet someone else in the future and want to marry them? We can’t exactly divorce without incurring the wrath of griffon law and causing trouble for both our nations.”

“Then I would ask Twilight to give you a royal decree authorizing you to form a herd.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Form a herd? But I’m not really interested in multiple pairings, sir.”

“That’s fine. The herd would just consist of myself, you, and your future husband then.”

“We’d all be married?”

“Again, you and I would just be married on paper. I’d still be your legal husband as far as the Griffon Kingdom was concerned, of course. But at the same time you would be officially married to the griffon you honestly loved as well. This would allow you to enjoy your life with the one whom you actually love versus being stuck with me forever.”

“That’s... um... actually very well thought out, sir.”

“Just a notion I had when the magistrate mentioned us having to get married to make this work.”

“Could I have some time to think this over, sir?”

Arc smiles and nods. “Of course. Even though this would just be a marriage of convenience, it’s still a big decision. One that we’d both have to agree on before moving forward.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll talk to Gallus and Gabby about it right away.”

Arc stands. “And I’ll call an emergency meeting of the herd to make sure they’ll be willing to agree to this as well. We can then take the afternoon to think about it alone before coming together after supper to talk together alone.”

Natalya nods as she too gets up. “Alright. And thanks again for doing all of this, sir.”

Arc leads her to the door. “Good luck trying to convince Gallus and Gabby of this though.”

Natalya sighs. “I’ll do my best. But in the end the decision is mine to make.”

As she leaves the room, Arc turns and looks out the window at Griffonstone outside. Shaking his head, he mutters to himself.

“Crazy griffon laws. They make everything just so complicated and inconvenient for everyone not in their little circles.”

Clenching a fist, he continues.

“And right now, that circle has Natalya and I in it. Not that it makes things that much easier.”

Touching his earring, he speaks.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Heart here. Go ahead, sir.”

“I need to call an emergency meeting with a number of Ponyville’s residents at Light’s Hope. Have them meet me in my quarters.”

Lemon Hearts picks up a pencil. “What are their names?”

Reciting his friend’s names and locations, Arc puts a hand to his chin.

“Now then, I need a couple individuals from Canterlot Castle to be notified as well. Ember and Auriel. Tell them to meet me in my quarters in the castle. I’ll pick them up for the meeting via portal.”

Lemon Hearts nods as she writes. “Yes sir. What shall I say the meeting is about?”

“Tell them... that it’s a matter of great importance to international relations. Nothing more though.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that should do it. But be sure to make clear to them just how urgent this matter is.”

“Yes sir. I’m on it.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Taking a deep breath, he heads for the door and walks quickly down the corridor. Going down to the Mid Deck, he comes to the Game Room. Seeing Twilight, Hammer, and Celestia walking out of it, he joins them.

“Hey, um... did Natalya come and get Gabby?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, she did. And Gallus was with her.”

Celestia frowns. “Is something amiss?”

“Kinda. Um... to tell you the truth, it’s a bit... complicated.”

Twilight steps forward. “How can I help?”

Hammer steps forward as she looks to Twilight. “You mean how can WE help.”

Arc continues. “By attending an impromptu herd meeting.”

Twilight appears confused at this. “Um... what?”

“We all need to get together and talk about something very important right away.”

Hammer shrugs. “Okay Twilight and I will be there. When is it?”

“Literally as soon as everyone can get to the meeting spot. We’re going to get together at Light’s Hope after I pick up Ember and Auriel from Canterlot Castle via portal. The others should already be in Ponyville though, so for them it’s just a fairly quick walk to the base.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Um... alright. But what’s so important that...?”

Arc interrupts her. “Let’s wait until we’re all together before talking about it further.”

Hammer puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder before she can protest further. “We’re with you.”

Twilight nods. “Right.”

Arc holds up his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Then let’s go.”

The trio rushes through as Celestia shakes her head whimsically and muses to herself.

“Off on another adventure it seems. Such an... interesting life Twilight leads these days. Much like I did oh so long ago.”

She sighs before turning and walking away.

“While I wouldn’t trade the memories of that time in my life for anything in the world, I only hope Twilight doesn’t make the same mistakes as I did.”

Sometime later, the rest of the Mane Six, along with Derpy, burst into Arc’s quarters in Light’s Hope. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak.

“We came as soon as we could, Arc!”

Rarity nods breathlessly. “Yes, whatever is the matter though?!”

Arc looks to her. “It’s a very serious matter that I believe requires everyone’s immediate input.”

Ember taps her foot impatiently. “Then let’s get to talking!”

Auriel grins. “Agreed.”

Arc looks around the room. “First let’s all head over to my office. There’s a couple couches over there.”

Hammer frowns. “But it’s still not big enough for all of us to sit down though, Arc.”

Fluttershy raises a hoof nervously. “I wouldn’t mind standing.”

Applejack shrugs. “Me either. After all, I’m on my hooves all day anyways.”

Pinkie pulls out her party cannon from… somewhere and flops down on it. “I’m good!”

Derpy looks to Arc. “What about that room just outside your office though? What was it called again?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “The War Room?”

Derpy nods. “Sure. It has a number of desks and chairs all pointing one direction, after all.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “But ain’t that supposed to be used as a command post in the event of an emergency only.”

Arc sighs. “This kinda qualifies.”

Ember points a claw in the general direction of the War Room. “Then let’s move out!”

Grabbing Arc’s arm, she pulls him out the door and down the corridor as the others follow closely behind. Coming to the large double doors, she and Arc push them open as he gestures to the desks and turns to the others.

“Grab a seat and we’ll get this thing moving.”

Everyone picks a desk and takes a seat as Arc heads for the front of the room and looks around as he begins.

“Alright, here’s the...”

Twilight interrupts him and raises a hoof. “Wait!”

“What is it?”

Rarity giggles. “I think Twilight was going to say that you forgot to call the meeting to order.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

Fluttershy smiles. “We try to keep things organized during meetings.”

Hammer frowns. “That whole mess still doesn’t make a lick of...!”

Arc looks around the room at those assembled. “Is that really how you all do this?”

Rainbow Dash laughs heartily. “Only when Twilight’s around!”

Applejack sighs. “She also tried to make a bunch of rules about who gets to talk, for how long, and how to start and end a meeting.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Uh… did you implement Robert’s Rules of Order?”

Twilight appears confused. “Not sure what that means.”

Hammer smirks. “Oh yeah! To a ‘T’ with the rulebook!”

Pinkie pouts. “It was all boring and stuffy though!”

Ember nods. “We got rid of that straight away.”

Auriel looks over. “I still think it was a rather good idea though.”

Derpy shrugs. “It did keep things very... organized.”

Rarity giggles. “That it did.”

Rainbow Dash groans as she rocks on her chair. “Yeah! And made it really hard to talk through stuff!”

Twilight groans as she facehoofs. “Yes, yes. I suppose it did. So we dropped it.”

Applejack smirks. “Like a hot pie, yeah!”

Arc chuckles. “That sounds like it would make for nice and informal meetings.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Like we had in your Sanctuary on Hearth’s Warming.”

Auriel taps a claw on the desk before her. “Nice and organic.”

Rainbow Dash raises her hooves happily. “That was awesome! We need to do that again sometime!”

Rarity sighs. “It did have one unintended consequence though.”

Arc turns to her. “What was that?”

“Us getting off topic easily.”

Applejack taps the desk in front of her. “Which is what this is doing.”

Twilight clears her throat loudly. “Right. Arc called this meeting for a very important reason, I’m sure.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You mean you don’t know what it was, Twilight?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. He just came back and said we needed to have a meeting.”

Hammer frowns. “I’m curious to know what’s so all fired important too, Arc.”

“Alright. Then let me start at the beginning.”

Hammer grimaces. “Is this about that breakfast at Lord Gestal’s place?”

“It starts with that, yes.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Breakfast in a big mansion?!”

Auriel grins. “Sounds interesting!”

Twilight looks to the others. “We were trying to get some legal insight into the estate of Lord Goldstone.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs as she leans back and puts her hind legs up on the desk. “Just give it to his foals and be done with it.”

Arc frowns. “That’s not quite how things work over there, Rainbow Dash.”

Hammer nods. “Right. blue. Only one can inherit the motherlode.”

Twilight sighs. “But they would have to stay there and manage it.”

Derpy gasps. “Gallus and Natalya love their jobs though! Why would they want to up and leave Equestria?!”

Arc shakes his head. “They don’t. Which is why we were trying to figure out a way to let them keep their new lives here in Equestria.”

Ember raises a claw. “How about a cash out then? Just sell everything and move the money to Equestria?”

Twilight bows her head. “The Griffon Kingdom already has laws against that.”

Arc nods. “Right. The funds need to primarily remain in the Griffon Kingdom. And as such, every idea we came up with had major downsides to it. However, the one thing that made the most sense was for me to take the inheritance from Natalya.”

Twilight sighs. “As she is owned by Arc, he has the right to do so.”

Rainbow Dash falls over backwards in her chair. “SAY WHAT?!”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “Oh my!”

Applejack frowns. “That sounds an awful lot like stealing to me, Arc!”

Rarity grits her teeth. “Even if it is legal, Natalya deserves the money!”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. Natalya and her siblings should indeed get their father’s full estate. However, the reason it was suggested that I take it from her, at least on paper, was due to my place in Equestrian society.”

Ember grins. “You’re a big name over here, yeah.”

Hammer shrugs. “And as such, they couldn’t really force him to stay over there and babysit a bunch of businesses.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Arc would have to be allowed to return to Equestria, even if that meant leaving the bits in the bank back in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc looks around the group. “And that’s what brings us here today. You see, while Ashe, Natalya, and I were in the magistrates office taking care of tentative paperwork to make a claim to her inheritance, a message from the Council of Lords came through.”

Pinkie jumps up and down happily. “Wowie! That was fast!”

Derpy appears hopeful. “So they had the solution?”

Arc sighs. “Sort of. The message the magistrate received said that they were in the process of writing up amendments to give exemptions to the current law. As it currently stands, a slave owner can take their slave’s inheritance for themselves.”

Ember scoffs. “And they’re just now addressing this?”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward her. “I’m with Ember on this one. The whole thing just sounds like full blown thievery to me.”

Rarity turns up her nose. “Indeed. At that point they’ve already lost their freedom and probably everything else they own.”

Auriel frowns. “Then they are to be forced to forfeit that which their parents worked so hard to earn.”

Twilight bows her head sadly. “I read up on this aspect of griffon society a while back. While I don’t agree with the concept, slavery is perfectly legal over there. However, it’s generally only relegated to individuals whom have committed a serious crime or those heavily in personal debt.”

Applejack narrows her eyes angrily. “So it only applies to the poor folks, eh?”

Pinkie’s mane deflates. “That just sounds so MEAN!”

Fluttershy frowns. “I agree! There’s no reason for one creature to be allowed to own another!”

Rainbow Dash slams her hooves down on the table. “So the rich folks can pay their way out of trouble without getting made a slave, right?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Sounds like it, yes.”

Derpy sighs. “And that’s probably why it didn’t come up until now. Nopony whom was that poor had much to take anyways.”

Twilight nods. “Exactly.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “So what would the exemption do exactly?”

“This is all tentative, as a royal decree hasn’t yet been signed into effect. But at the moment they are saying that the law will be amended to provide a bit of extra protection for slaves in such a position.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “Good! Tell us more!”

“A master will still be able to take a slave’s inheritance without their consent. However, before they will be allowed to do that they will have to, uh... have to...”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong, Arc?”

Ember taps her foot impatiently. “Spit it out! What do you have to do?!”

Auriel grimaces. “Yes, please just be straightforward with us.”

Arc bows his head. “I’d have to... marry her.”

There is a stunned silence for several seconds. After a few moments, Twilight speaks.

“Are you... serious, Arc?”

Arc nods soberly. “Very. The new law would require a master to first wed their slave in order to get their inheritance. But by the same token, that will also free her as well.”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... I suppose if there’s no other way, I’d be willing to accept her.”

Rarity nods. “Tentatively, of course.”

Pinkie leers at Arc as she grins slyly. “Finally adding a griffon to your herd, eh Arc?!”

Applejack taps the desk with a hoof as she speaks. “While Natalya is a very nice individual, we should probably all get to know her better before making this official.”

Rainbow Dash jumps up on top of her desk. “Right. We can’t be letting just anypony into the herd!”

Twilight appears surprised. “Wait! So you’re all okay with Arc just up and marrying Natalya?!”

Ember shrugs. “It sounds like it just needs to be done.”

Hammer raises a hand. “I’m with Twilight on this one. None of us really know this griffon very well. We don’t want to be letting someone into the herd whom isn’t going to be compatible with all of us.”

Derpy makes a downward motion with her hooves. “Everypony, please! You’re all forgetting the most important thing here!”

Auriel appears surprised. “Oh? What’s that, Derpy?”

“No one here is thinking about what Arc wants. You’re all just talking about the herd as if it were just composed of us mares. But it’s so much more than that. It’s us mares, and a demon, and a dragon, and a human female, and... and Arc too.”

Hammer gestures to Arc. “Right. We need to hear what Arc thinks of this matter.”

“I already spoke to Natalya about this, and she’s in the process of talking it over with her siblings Gallus and Gabby as we speak.”

Applejack nods soberly. “And what were her thoughts on it?”

“She’s... willing to do what I suggested.”

Rainbow Dash moves her hoof in a circular motion as she speaks. “Which is...?”

“That I would be willing to take her as my wife. But only on paper. And just for the sake of protecting her and Gallus from having to choose whom has to leave Equestria.”

Rarity taps her desk with a hoof. “So you two would just be married for the sake on convenience then?”

Arc nods. “Right. We wouldn’t live together, comingle our finances, or be sexually involved with each other.”

Ember scoffs. “Sounds boring to me.”

Hammer frowns. “All things considered, I think it’s not something that should have to be done this way.”

Derpy pipes up. “Hammer’s right. Nopony should be forced to marry someone else. Inheritance or not. But I do understand his reasoning for this.”

Fluttershy raises a hoof. “Can I ask a question?”

Arc turns to her. “Yes, Fluttershy?”

“How do you feel about Natalya?”

“As a wife?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No. As an individual.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “I think what she means is, do you have any feelings for her?”

Arc shrugs. “Just as a friend. But just to answer your question, I’m not attracted to Natalya, no.”

Twilight raises a hoof. “But what if you were?”

Fluttershy nods. “Right. Would she potentially be allowed to be more than just a wife out of necessity?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well... should that happen, I think we would all need to have a meeting based just on that matter alone. However, I would like to reiterate here and now that at the moment I’m just friends with Natalya, and would like to keep our relationship platonic.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “If this is just a relationship for the sake of protecting a fortune, it seems a bit unnecessary. I mean... Arc already has plenty of bits.”

Hammer sighs. “Normally I’d agree with you on that one, blue. But there is so much more than just money at stake here.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Should nopony claim the inheritance, it would go to the various courts to be fought over by Lord Goldstone’s illegitimate younglings and their families.”

Arc groans. “Such a thing would cause insane amounts of turmoil for the nation as a whole.”

Hammer looks out the window to the east. “And mess up their economy royally.”

Twilight turns to the others. “Such a thing could also cause economic harm to Equestria as well. So it’s more than just Arc trying to preserve a fortune.”

Rarity giggles. “It sounds like he’s just trying to do the right thing by everypony, as usual.”

Ember nods. “Yeah. So... do we vote on this, or what?”

Hammer shrugs. “Probably should.”

Auriel frowns. “To be completely honest here, I don’t really like that idea of voting on whether or not someone can get married though.”

Arc chimes in. “I see it more as a showing of how many of you are in support or against this idea versus whether or not I can actually do it.”

Applejack holds up a notebook from her desk. “So... do we vote on paper, or what?”

Rarity smiles. “Secret or open?”

Pinkie holds up all four of her hooves, tail, and mane somehow. “We could all just raise our hooves!”

Twilight nods. “I like that idea.”

Pinkie appears surprised. “You do?!”

Arc nods. “So do I. If we’re all potentially going to get married someday, we shouldn’t be voting via secret ballot on what to do about this or anything else that might come up in the future. If at all possible, everything needs to be kept out in the open for all to see. And that includes everyone’s opinions.”

Hammer chuckles. “So a head count vote it is then.”

Arc looks around. “All those in favor, raise your hand. Er... hoof! Ah... whatever!”

Every hoof, hand, and claw is raised as Arc looks around the room. He nods approvingly before speaking.

“I guess it’s unanimous.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yup!”

Auriel smiles. “So it would seem.”

Ember smirks. “Just do us one favor, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“If you do start liking Natalya more than just as a friend, come talk to us.”

Arc nods. “That’s a promise, yes. And thank you all for allowing this matter to go so well.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Of course it did.”

Twilight appears confused. “Did you think it wouldn’t?”

Arc sighs. “I was a bit worried, yes. After all, it’s not every day that I randomly announce that I need to get married to someone outside the herd.”

Hammer grins. “We get it though, Arc.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Right. These are very special circumstances, after all.”

Arc looks out the window. “That they are. But now the proverbial ball is in Natalya’s court.”

Hammer frowns. “Ball?”

“What I mean is that because all of you are in agreement, it’s been approved on my end. However, Natalya herself still needs to come up with a decision with her siblings on whether or not she’s going to go through with this.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “So what happens now?”

Arc turns back to the others. “Hammer, Twilight, and I need to head back to The Equinox and wait for supper.”

Rarity giggles. “Always thinking about the next meal.”

Arc grins. “Normally, yes. However, that’s when Natalya and I agreed to come back together with our decisions on what we planned to do.”

Auriel smiles warmly at him. “Then we shouldn’t keep you here any longer, Arc.”

Applejack looks through a window at the sun’s position in the sky. “You’ve got plenty of time though. Wanna stick around for a bit? Maybe we could talk some more about herd ideas.”

Ember shrugs. “You all do what you want. But I have to get back to training with Sereb.”

Pinkie jumps up. “And I have a few cakes that need baking!”

Rarity sighs. “There are several upcoming dress orders that I still need to fulfil as well.”

Hammer shrugs. “Guess that settles it.”

Fluttershy looks to Twilight. “Go ahead and say it.”

Twilight appears confused. “Say what?”

Derpy smiles. “That thing from the first meeting.”

Rainbow Dash taps her hoof on the desk loudly. “I declare this meeting of the herd, adjourned!”

Applejack groans. “But Twilight’s supposed to say that!”

Ember laughs as she stands. “Guess she missed her chance.”

Arc leads the way toward the door. “In any case, thanks for coming out here everyone. I’m sure Natalya will appreciate this too.”

He kneels down to hug them as they pass. Ember is the first to approach.

“Finish up quick over there.”

Derpy giggles. “Tell Natalya that we all miss her at the orphanage.”

Auriel smiles. “I’ll keep working on my experiments while you’re gone.”

Applejack grins. “Don’t take any wooden bits over there.”

Rarity pecks Arc’s cheek. “Let us know if something changes.”

Fluttershy shudders. “Be careful over there.”

Rainbow Dash does a backflip. “Stay awesome!”

Pinkie bounces past. “Come by and have a cupcake at the shop when you get back! My treat!”

Arc waves after the group as they walk down the corridor. Turning back to Twilight and Hammer, he breathes a sigh of relief.

“That was kinda nerve wracking.”

Twilight appears confused. “How so?”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah. I mean... everyone here is really chill about, well... pretty much everything.”

“I know, I know. But this request was beyond anything I thought I’d ever need to ask everyone.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s side. “You had your reasons for doing it though. The herd saw and fully understood that.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Agreed. But we should be getting back to the ship now, Twilight.”

“I suppose so. However, as somepony said earlier, we do have plenty of time before supper.”

Arc nods. “Assuming there isn’t anything else that needs doing aboard The Equinox, that is.”

Hammer smirks. “Oh, I got an idea.”

A short time later the trio steps through a portal back into Arc’s quarters abord The Equinox. As it closes, Arc turns to Hammer and speaks.

“Okay, we’re here. Now what’s your big plan?”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “It’s something I noticed quite some time ago about you, Arc.”

“Regarding...?”

“Your idea of being a self-trained ‘problem solver’.”

Twilight giggles. “He does a very good job of it though.”

“I can’t argue with that. However, there is one problem’s solution that appears to be out of your reach.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. What problem?”

“How to just kick back and relax.”

Twilight nods. “She’s right, Arc. You really aren’t very good at resting. And bear in mind, this is me saying this.”

Arc sighs. “That is true, yes. But with so much going on all the time...”

Hammer interrupts him. “Yeah, yeah. You don’t have the time. I get it. Taking a real vacation is totally out of reach for you, Arc. That’s why what I’m about to suggest should help.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “A way for Arc to rest?”

“Yes, Twilight. And you too.”

Twilight appears confused. “Me?”

Hammer nods. “You said it yourself a few moments ago. Resting and relaxing is also a weak point for you too.”

Arc chuckles. “We’re not the only ones, mind you.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“You’ve been working really hard since we came to Equestria as well. And while that is very praiseworthy, you too need to relax once in a while, Hammer.”

Hammer groans. “Fine, fine. Just trying to do my best here.”

Twilight smiles at her. “And we appreciate that.”

“So I have a plan to help you both... all of us, I guess, relax.”

Arc sighs. “What do we need to do, Hammer?”

“We have about three hours to kill before supper. So let’s make the best of it right here and now. I’m proposing three separate mini vacations.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Three... what now?”

“Mini vacations. It’s where we each choose what to do with the other two for one hour. Then we move on to the next individual. So it’s both restful AND relationship building.”

Arc appears impressed. “That’s actually a really good idea. What brought this on though, Hammer?”

“Well, I gotta be honest with you, Arc. We all really need to get to know each other better. Not just you. So I’d like to take this time to get to know Twilight better too.”

Twilight giggles. “This really is a pretty good idea. The only question now is who goes first?”

Hammer shrugs. “It doesn’t really matter, I guess. Just whomever has an idea.”

Arc raises a hand. “Then I’d like to start.”

Hammer grins. “Atta boy, Arc! Taking the initiative!”

Twilight nods. “So what would you like to do, Arc?”

Arc chuckles. “Okay, now I know that this might sound a bit weird, but please bear with me.”

Motioning to the table, he continues.

“We’d best sit down first though.”

Leading Twilight and Hammer over to the table, they sit down together around it as Arc continues.

“Now then, when I was younger, I used to like reading a science fiction series I found in the Farburg Orphanage’s library called the ‘Tom Swift Jr series’.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What was it about?”

“A young man whose father was a scientist and inventor whom made all kinds of extraordinary things. They owned a company called ‘Swift Enterprises’ where they invented and manufactured their designs.”

Hammer frowns. “So it’s about how they ran a business?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. Each book was about the development of a new invention. What went into building and testing it along with the various steps taken to create a working model.”

Twilight shrugs. “Sounds kinda interesting to me. But I don’t really see how that would make for a convincing story.”

Hammer sighs. “Me either. It just sounds like a business plan made into a fictional story.”

Arc chuckles. “Just like with inventing something for real, there’s setbacks. And not all of them are mechanical in nature.”

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

“They had to deal with sabotage from other companies, international spies, and whatnot.”

Hammer grins. “So it’s like a James Bond movie?”

“Not quite so exciting, but sometimes, yes.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t mind taking a look at such a book if you were to bring a copy back from Earth someday, Arc.”

Hammer appears confused. “What does this have to do with your mini vacation though, Arc?”

“An audio book.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Audio what?”

“It’s where a book is recorded and read aloud by a narrator whom does all the voices. When I used to read Tom Swift, I would imagine all the characters had their own distinct voices, as everyone subconsciously does, I’m guessing. As far as I know though there’s no such thing here in Equestria. So my idea is to do it ourselves.”

Hammer frowns. “So your idea of resting is to do what exactly, Arc?”

“Read a book aloud.”

Twilight nods approvingly. “An interesting idea. But whom would do the reading?”

Hammer looks to Arc. “Would just you be reading or would we take turns?”

Arc grins. “That’s the beauty of it. We’d all be reading.”

Twilight giggles. “So we’ll pass a book around?”

Arc chuckles as he reaches for his ring. “I can do one better.”

Pulling out three books, Arc slides two of them across the table to Twilight and Hammer. Picking her copy up, Hammer reads the cover aloud.

“‘Daring Do and the Temple of Doom’?”

Twilight nods. “That one came out a while back, I think.”

Hammer sighs. “I remember blue talking my ear off one day about this whole Daring Do series.”

Twilight taps the cover with a hoof. “She’s a big fan of A.K. Yearling’s work on the Daring Do series. And they are very well written.”

Arc smiles. “Which leads me to my idea. I’d like to read the book aloud with you two.”

Twilight grins. “That sounds like fun, yes!”

“But it won’t be just regular reading though.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Is there another kind?”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. But here’s my idea. I’ll read the narrator’s parts. Anything describing the location or whatnot. That along with the villain of this book, Doctor Caballeron.”

Hammer frowns. “What about us?!”

“Since you and Rainbow Dash are such good friends, I thought you’d like to read Daring Do’s lines, Hammer.

Twilight raises a hoof happily. “And me? Daring Do books are usually just her and the villain as the main characters.”

Arc chuckles. “Not this one.”

“Oh?”

Arc holds up his copy of the book. “In this one, Daring Do goes on an adventure with a new sidekick named ‘Abagail’.”

Twilight gasps excitedly. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Twilight appears hopeful “I wonder if she’ll be a recurring character!”

“Not likely, no. But what do you think of my idea?”

Hammer shrugs. “It might be kinda fun. Never tried anything like this before though, so I probably won’t be any good.”

Twilight giggles. “Neither have I. But it’ll be fun trying something new.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “One question though. How does this Daring Do character act? I mean, what’s her personality.”

“Just pretend she’s like Rainbow Dash and you’ve got it.”

Hammer looks at the book in her hand. “Kinda looks a little bit like blue too.”

Twilight shrugs. “They say everypony has their double somewhere in the world. I’ll just have to figure out how to read Abagail.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Just think of her as you. She’s supposed to be the brains of Daring Do’s brawn in this one.”

“I can do that!”

Arc grins as he opens his copy of the book. “Then let’s begin.”

One hour passes. Arc looks at the pair as they close their books.

“That really was fun!”

Twilight grins. “I’ll say! From what we read that might have been her best book yet!”

Hammer smirks. “Maybe! I really wanna know how it ends!”

Arc chuckles. “You two can keep those books if you want.”

Twilight giggles. “Thanks! But I think I’d rather finish it with you two instead of reading it alone.”

Hammer nods fervently. “Me too! However, now it’s Twilight’s turn for a mini vacation.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “I... kinda do have something I’d like to do.”

Arc smiles at her. “How can we help?”

“Well... to be honest with you two, it’s... kinda out there in terms of normalcy.”

Hammer laughs. “Come on, Twilight! How bad could it be?!”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Right. Just tell us what you need us to do.”

“Alright. But feel free to say ‘no’ if it’s asking too much.”

Taking a deep breath, she continues.

“As I’m sure you both know by now, I’m a mare of science. Obtaining knowledge and facts are my main source of entertainment.”

Hammer appears confused. “Uh... so you actually enjoy studying?”

“Yes. Anything that helps me to gain insight or learn something is fun to me.”

“I don’t get that one bit.”

Arc chuckles. “Hammer?”

“Yeah?”

“How’d you feel about figuring out how to build me that new Jeep?”

“That was awesome!”

“Now do you get it?”

“Kinda, I guess.”

Twilight puts her front hooves up on the table. “Naturally some topics are of greater interest to me than others. Anything to do with magic or history are especially fascinating. But since meeting you, Arc, I’ve become very attracted to another subject.”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“Humans.”

Hammer grins. “Makes sense.”

“Since you came to Equestria, Arc, I’ve been gathering information on you in an effort to better understand your species. Now I know that probably sounds kinda cold and calculating. But my intentions were purely focused on knowledge for the intention of helping you, Arc.”

“And I do appreciate that.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Are you okay being a lab rat though?”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose so. Twilight’s always done right by me in the past.”

He chuckles before continuing.

“Well... most of the time, that is.”

Hammer groans. “Uh oh. What happened?”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Well... you see...”

Arc interrupts her. “It’s in the past. Let’s just leave it there, Twilight.”

“Thanks. And I’m really sorry for...”

“Leave it.”

Hammer clears her throat loudly. “Why don’t you just tell Arc and I what it is you want to do then, Twilight? I’m guessing it has to do with studying.”

Twilight nods. “That it does. Now then, like I said before, if this is asking too much just say the word and I’ll think of something else. But I would be interested in... um...”

She begins wringing her hooves before continuing.

“...examining both you and Arc.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow, confused. “What do you mean by ‘examining’ us?”

“I’d like to be allowed to study your bodies and take my own notes for later publishing.”

Arc nods approvingly. “You’re looking to write a book about humans?”

“Someday, yes. When I’m not so busy, that is. And when I’ve learned more about humanity as a whole.”

Hammer moves her hand in a circular motion. “So... can you explain exactly what it is you’d like to do?”

“Examine both you and Arc’s bodies and note the similarities along with your physical differences.”

She points a hoof to the bed before continuing.

“Ideally, you would both... ah... remove your clothes and lie down on the bed. That would give me the best vantage point so that I could look you two over. If that’s okay, I mean.”

Hammer shrugs. “I don’t mind. Check me out all you want, Twilight.”

Arc nods. “And I’d be willing to submit to your examination as well.”

Twilight grins. “Great! I just need some paper and pencils first!”

“I think I can help you with that.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out a pad of paper and a pen. Hammer appears surprised.

“Do you always walk around with that kind of stuff?”

Arc shrugs. “Only because I needed them a couple times and didn’t have them. Now that I do have paper and writing utensil, I’ve yet to have a use for them.”

Twilight giggles as she accepts the items. “Until now, you mean.”

Hammer grins hugely. “Yeah! So when do we start stripping?!”

Twilight smiles. “I didn’t realize you would be so interested in being studied, Hammer.”

Arc chuckles. “Are you sure there isn’t some other reason for that?”

Hammer nods as she looks at Arc’s pelvic region. “There sure is! The sooner I bare all, the sooner you do too, Arc!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “I guess so.”

Hammer quickly begins unfastening her uniform’s belt as Arc starts unbuttoning his tunic. A short time later they carefully hang their clothes over the table and chairs. Smirking, Hammer grabs Arc’s arm and pulls him toward the bed.

“Come on! I wanna get started!”

Arc groans. “Give me a second! You’ll pull my arm off!”

Lying down side by side, Hammer looks over to Twilight as she walks over to them, already writing.

“So... are there any special positions you’d like to see us in, Twilight?”

Twilight looks up from her paper, confused. “Positions?”

“Like me on top of Arc, or anything?”

“Actually, I’d prefer it if you two just laid there in the anatomical position and let me look you over. That will allow me to more accurately examine your bodies and note my findings.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “Can we at least hold hands?”

Twilight nods. “I suppose so, yes. At least for part of the examination.”

She turns to Arc and continues.

“Shall we begin?”

“Sure.”

Starting at the top, Twilight runs a hoof along Arc’s head. Feeling it for a few moments, she writes with her magic as she speaks.

“Round skull. Not spherical, but closer to such than an equine’s.”

Lowering her hoof, she pushes Arc’s cheeks slightly as she continues.

“Smaller and more rounded jaw. Chin protrudes down in a slightly square like manner.”

Arc nods. “Most males do, yes. Females have a bit different jaw shape though.”

Hammer appears surprised. “We do?”

“Yup. Let Twilight take a look.”

Stepping around to the other side of the bed, Twilight puts her hooves up on the side of it and looks Hammer’s face over. Touching her jaw lightly, she traces it with a hoof before looking back to Arc.

“It does feel a bit smaller. Is that normal?”

“For humans, yes. But it’s also not an absolute.”

Hammer frowns. “Not a what now?”

“Absolute. It means that everyone is different, and that there are women with larger jaws and men with smaller ones.”

Twilight giggles. “That’s rather interesting, as ponies are approximately the same measurements-wise.”

Arc nods. “But the stallions here do have more square-like jaws though. Just like mares have the smaller rounded ones.”

Hammer grins. “I noticed that too. They’re both kinda cute in their own way.”

Twilight shrugs. “Like I said, pretty much everypony in Equestria has nearly identical measurements. There are a few notable exceptions though. The princesses and Applejack’s brother, Big Macintosh, for example.”

Twilight’s eyes move down to Hammer’s chest as she continues.

“I do have some questions about your mammary glands though, Hammer.”

Hammer appears confused. “My what now?”

Arc chuckles. “Your breasts.”

Hammer frowns. “Why didn’t you just say that, Twilight?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I thought I did.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “So what is it that you’re concerned with?”

“The differences between our two species mammary glands. Tell me, does a female human lactate during pregnancy?”

Hammer grins. “We make milk if we get knocked up, yeah.”

“Do they get bigger at that time?”

Hammer looks down at her chest and grimaces. “I sure hope not.”

Arc sighs. “They do tend to swell up at that time, yes.”

Hammer looks at Twilight’s chest. “Do pony mares even HAVE boobs?!”

Arc chimes in. “That’s human slang for mammary glands.”

Twilight nods. “We do, yes.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “They’re just not in the same place as on a human.”

Hammer blushes slightly. “Yeah, I know all about that, Arc. Blue accidentally taught me that fact a long time ago. What I guess I should have said was... uh... are they just... inside you, or do they come in when you have a foal?”

Twilight nods. “The milk producing glands are inside me, yes.”

Hammer groans. “That still came out wrong though!”

Arc chuckles. “Why don’t you just come out and say what I think you’re trying very hard not to, Hammer?”

“Fine!”

She turns to Twilight and takes a deep breath.

“What I mean is that... I’d like to see your tits, Twilight.”

“My what?”

Arc facepalms. “It’s another human slang for teats, Twilight.”

“Oh! Um... okay.”

“Really?”

Twilight nods. “Sure. After all, I’m learning about your body right now. So it seems only fair to share knowledge on my own if you have questions.

Hopping up onto the bed, Twilight sits down on her haunches. Rolling backwards, she lays on her back and spreads her hinds legs. Raising her head, she points a hoof between her legs.

“You may now look at my mammary glands all you’d like.”

Hammer sits up and crawls forward on all fours. “No offense, but they’re, uh... kinda small.”

Twilight giggles. “Well, of course they are. I’m not pregnant, after all.”

Arc nods as he too looks between Twilight’s legs. “I’m guessing they get a bit bigger at that point.”

“Right. But not too big. After all, we’d have trouble walking if that were the case.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “Can I... touch em?”

Arc gasps. “Hammer?!”

Twilight nods. “That’s fine, yes. As long as you’re gentle with them, that is.”

Hammer reaches forward and touches the small mounds. Giving them a light poke, she looks to Twilight.

“So... I don’t see any nipples on here.”

“They’re there, yes. Let me help you.”

Taking Hammer’s hand, Twilight moves it down a couple inches before continuing.

“There.”

Hammer frowns. “I still don’t really feel anything.”

“That’s just because there’s nothing in them.”

Hammer continues poking slightly. “No offense but this thing’s kinda... flat, Twilight. All mares are like this though, right?”

Twilight nods. “That’s correct, yes. We just have a very small amount of extra fat inside the mammary gland to support the teat. Hardly noticeable even when you’re feeling for it. However, if a mare becomes pregnant, they can grow significantly larger.”

“How big are we talking?”

Twilight points to Hammer’s chest. “About the size of yours I would say.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really? I mean... I’ve never actually noticed a mare that was lactating before.”

“That’s not surprising, as mares whom are still feeding a foal typically stay at home to care for them.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “What about Derpy?”

“Huh?”

“She told me a while back that you discovered she was pregnant literally the day she gave birth. So you must’ve seen her full boobs when you delivered Dinky.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I guess I just never really noticed.”

Twilight smiles. “You were probably kinda busy at the time, granted. That and a pregnant mare’s belly can sometimes mask their larger mammary glands, as it just appears to be part of their stomach.”

Hammer grimaces. “Sounds uncomfortable.”

Arc shudders. “It must be. Derpy was walking really slow when I first met her. Probably due to her being so far along in her pregnancy and being so hungry.”

Twilight nods. “The mammary glands of a new mother, after delivery of course, are much more pronounced, yes.”

Hammer chuckles. “With the belly back where it should be, I would hope so.”

Arc looks away. “Yes, well... I guess I just didn’t have enough time to notice before... you know.”

Twilight bows her head. “Yes.”

Hammer appears confused. “Before what?”

“I... came in and saw all the blood covering the table, Derpy, and Arc.”

Arc groans. “And I was holding a spear too.”

Hammer shrugs. “That does look kinda bad, I guess. What’d you do though, Twilight? Try to arrest him, or something.”

Twilight sighs. “Kinda.”

“Kinda?”

“I... banished him to Tartarus.”

Arc nods. “It’s about what you think it is.”

Hammer frowns. “What the heck, Twilight?! Didn’t give him a chance to explain, or nothing?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, it was a snap judgement. And a clearly wrong one.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “One which, as you can see, Twilight feels very bad about too. So she mobilized nearly the entire town of Ponyville to come rescue me.”

“Well, I am glad it ended up working out.”

Arc chuckles. “Met Ember in there too.”

Hammer grins. “I gotta ask her about that time. Must have a lot of cool stories to tell.”

“We didn’t start off on the right foot though. It took some time for us to even become friends.”

He looks to Twilight before continuing.
“
“But we should probably continue the examination.

Twilight nods. “Yes, um... Hammer?”

“Yeah?”

“Feel free to say ‘no’ to this if you don’t feel comfortable, but... could I touch your mammary glands to ascertain their physical properties?”

“Sure, go right ahead.”

Arc chuckles. “No hesitation whatsoever.”

Hammer shrugs. “What’s wrong with that? We’re both gals, after all. And I did just get done feeling her up.”

Twilight looks at her targets. “Alright. Let’s see...”

Stepping forward, Twilight gently pokes Hammer’s breast with a hoof a few times as she writes via a Telekinesis Spell.

“They’re a lot firmer than I would have imagined.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah well… I’m in pretty good shape, after all.”

Moving her hoof inward, Twilight gently pokes at Hammer’s nipple. She moans slightly at this before blushing.

“Sorry about that.”

Twilight grimaces. “Did I do something wrong?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. Human females usually like stuff like that.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Stuff like... what?”

Having their tits played with.”

She points to her nipple poking out and grins.

“It’s kinda a turn on for some of us.”

Twilight gasps and steps back quickly. “I’m very sorry, Hammer! You have my word that I honestly didn’t mean to...!”

Hammer laughs heartily. “It’s cool, Twilight! But just take a look what it’s doing to Arc!”

They turn to see Arc blushing slightly. Grimacing, he instinctively puts his hands over his growing member and looks away as he speaks.

“Um... this is awkward.”

Hammer smirks. “For me or you?!”

Arc groans as he facepalms. “Yes.”

Twilight blushes. “It was purely for science though. Rest assured that I’m not getting any kind of pleasure from stimulating you, Hammer.”

Hammer motions to Arc with a move of her head. “What about him?”

Twilight giggles. “Seeing what happened to Arc’s genitals, that I did enjoy, yes.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Guess it’s unanimous then.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What is?”

“Us all getting a bit... warm.”

Twilight smiles. “For science!”

Sometime later she finishes her examination of their bodies. Looking up at the clock, Twilight sighs.

“That would be about an hour.”

Hammer appears surprised. “Already?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

“Did you get all the data you wanted, Twilight?”

Twilight nods as she holds up the notepad. “Everything I could get without any equipment.”

Arc chuckles. “Like biometrics?”

“Yes. When we have time, I would be interested in running some more in depth tests on the two of you. If that’s okay, I mean.”

Hammer nods. “Sure, Twilight. You just let me know what and when.”

“Me too. It’s for the best, after all.”

Hammer grins. “You like getting naked for Twilight that much, handsome?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really mind it, no. But I was talking about our future medical needs.”

Twilight looks to them soberly. “In the event of a serious medical malady befalling either of you, the more information we have about your species the more prepared the doctors will be to treat you.”

Hammer smirks. “Ah! So it’s in preparation then?”

“Exactly. Um... that’s okay, right?”

“I guess so. I mean... you’re doing all of this to help us.”

Twilight nods. “That I am, yes. Um... and Auriel asked for this information as well.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “She did?”

“It’s for her... experiments. The one’s regarding mare eggs and human sperm.”

She looks at Hammer before continuing.

“She’d also like to do a full examination of you, as well as take some blood samples at some point. If that’s okay, I mean.”

Hammer grins and offers Twilight a thumbs up. “Whatever helps her find a way to make all of you lovely ladies into mothers is fine with me.”

Arc chuckles. “Anything I can do to help with that, Twilight?”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Uh... kinda.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

“Auriel also asked me to try and gauge your willingness to give us some special... samples.”

Hammer appears confused. “You mean blood samples, right?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Something a bit more... intimate.”

“You mean...?”

Twilight nods and looks away. “Sperm.”

Hammer grins. “Can I get in on that?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

Hammer licks her lips seductively. “What? I could help you get in the mood! And maybe even do the deed if you’d let me!”

Twilight shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary, Hammer. The samples would need to be taken by a specialized machine.”

Hammer frowns. “That sounds a lot less fun though.”

Twilight bows her head. “And Auriel already volunteered the exact same services, Hammer.”

Arc facepalms. “Should have seen that one coming.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “Does she need an assistant then? I could tag team with her in whacking Arc off and save the need for an expensive machine in the process.”

“It’s necessary to keep the sample pure and as sterile as possible.”

Hammer shrugs. “Sure... that is, if you want to do it the hard way.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “I’d be fully willing to cooperate in any way you need me to, Twilight. Whatever you need of me, you and Auriel just say the word.”

Twilight giggles. “We’ll hold you to that, Arc.”

Hammer grins slyly. “I’m not sure that tone you used there was purely platonic, Twilight.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is there more to it?”

“A bit, yes. Remember, science is all about forming a hypothesis, setting up an experiment, implementation, collecting data, and then interpreting the data.”

“What are you getting at?”

Twilight looks down at his pelvis and points a hoof. “Eventually we’ll need to test prototypes, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “I think I get your meaning. But define ‘test’.”

Twilight turns and swishes her tail as she shakes her flank. “It’s exactly what you think it means, Arc.”

Hammer grins. “Oh, hell yeah!”

Arc nods soberly. “And when that time comes, I’ll... do my very best to be ready for you. Or whomever I’m with.”

Twilight sighs. “It won’t be for a long time though. Years probably. Decades possibly.”

Hammer rolls over and presses her bare chest against Arc’s side. “And in the meantime, you can work on putting a bun in my oven, handsome.”

Arc chuckles. “We should probably at least go out first before doing something like that, Hammer.”

Hammer appears confused. “But we have. Multiple times.”

“Not as a legitimate couple we haven’t.”

Twilight chimes in. “Maybe after we get back to Equestria you two could...”

Hammer shakes her head as she interrupts Twilight. “No way! Not until Arc has gone out with everyone else first!”

“But Hammer...!”

“No ‘buts’, Arc! I’m serious about this!”

Arc chuckles. “I was just going to say that Pinkie is the last one I need to date before such a stipulation is met.”

“Oh... right.”

Twilight smiles. “Then you should probably think about taking Pinkie out on a date, Arc.”

“I’ll give the matter some more thought when we’re done here.”

Twilight giggles. “Good. I’ll mention it to the others and we’ll see about trying to plan something.”

Hammer grins as she puts a hand on Arc’s thigh. “In the meantime, I do believe it’s my turn now.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You really don’t give up, do you?”

“Nah. But this time I actually meant my turn for a mini vacation.”

“Oh... right.”

Twilight giggles. “So what do you want to do, Hammer?”

“Well... first promise me that you two won’t laugh.”

Arc nods. “I promise.”

“Me too, Hammer.”

Hammer looks to them soberly. “Raise your right hands and promise! Well... right appendage, I guess. And say the words too.”

Arc raises his right hand. “Alright, I promise not to laugh, Hammer.”

Twilight shrugs as she raises her right hoof. “As do I.”

Hammer shakes her head. No, no! You have to actually SAY it, Twilight!

“Fine. I promise I won’t laugh at your idea, Hammer.”

Hammer grins. “That’s better.”

Taking a deep breath, Hammer continues.

“As you both know, I’ve always liked being with Arc. The feel of his skin on mine. The gentle touch of his hands. And even his smell just drives me crazy.”

Arc chuckles. “So what exactly do you want then, Hammer?”

“I’m getting to that! Just be patient! First I need to give you both a little backstory.”

She turns to Twilight before continuing.

“You see... I’ve never told this to anyone before, but... I used to have this dream some nights. In it, I was a little girl walking through a field of flowers. The sun was shining and I was wearing a light sun dress, bare legs, and no shoes. It was warm, but not hot and the sun was bright but not too bright.”

Pausing, she thinks for a few moments.

“Now, as I was walking along, I would come to a small brook. Along with the sound of the water I would also hear hooves running toward me. Turning, there would be a beautiful unicorn running toward me. They would stop in front of me, kneel down and allow me to get on their back. As they walked on, I could feel their body moving against my inner thighs, the warmth of their body, and even the smell of their fur.

Smiling as she closes her eyes, Hammer again speaks.

“It’s a really nice thing I’ve always remembered. Anytime I’m feeling sad, I just close my eyes and think of that unicorn. Which leads me to what I want to do.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want to ride Twilight?”

Hammer shakes her head. “I’m a bit too big for that as it stands. In truth, I just want to remember the end of the dream.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“The sun would begin to set and I would lay my head down on their neck and wrap my arms around them as best I could. And as I fell asleep, yes while still in the dream, I would feel as if I was melting into them. Becoming one with that unicorn.”

Grinning sheepishly, Hammer looks Arc in the eye.

“It’s kinda like how I felt when you held me as I fell asleep back on Earth. Just kinda melting into you. So, I would like to take a nap with you two while holding onto Twilight from the rear. That is... if it’s okay.”

Twilight nods happily. “Sure. That actually sounds really nice to me too.”

She motions to the pillow before continuing.

“Shall we give it a try?”

Hammer nods happily. “Yeah! Let’s do it!”

Laying her head on a pillow in the middle of the bed, Hammer rolls over onto her side as Twilight walks across the mattress and lays down next to her. Turning to look away from the young woman, Twilight allows Hammer to put her arms around her belly and hold her close. Hammer sighs contentedly.

“This feels nice. Like holding a stuffed animal.”

Arc chuckles. “A living, breathing one, yes.”

Twilight giggles. “I do like being held. It kinda reminds me of how Arc did that on our date.”

Hammer looks over to Arc. “Come on over here and join us, handsome. We’ll see if I can melt into both of you.”

Twilight nods as she raises her head slightly. “You could probably get your arm over both Hammer and myself.

Arc chuckles. “Then let’s give it a try.”

Lying down behind Hammer, Arc presses his body against hers. She grins as she feels his warmth combined with Twilight’s.

“I like this! It makes me feel like a Hammerburger!”

Twilight giggles. “Arc’s the only one I’ve ever gotten into bed with, so this is a new experience for me as well.”

Hammer looks down at the mare. “How am I doing, Twilight? Not holding you too tightly, am I?”

“Not at all. But you’re forgetting something.”

Hammer appears confused. “What’s that?”

You said that in your dream you put your face in the unicorn’s mane.”

“Oh, I know. But I just thought that’d be going too far.”

“It’s fine. Go ahead.”

Doing as Twilight suggests, Hammer buries her face in Twilight’s mane. Smiling widely, she speaks.

“It’s just like in my dream. Soft and sweet smelling.”

Twilight giggles. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Hammer smirks slyly. “That along with Arc’s schlong pressed against my backside makes this absolutely perfect.”

She looks over her shoulder before continuing.

“Not going to say anything about that, Arc?”

Hearing no response, Hammer chuckles as she whispers in Twilight’s ear.

“I think he’s asleep.”

“Are you sure?”

Hammer nods. “Positive. His breathing is slower and he didn’t say anything about what I just said.”

Twilight smiles. “Then why don’t you and I follow his lead and see about... how did you word that feeling?”

“Melting into one another?”

“Right.”

“Alright. But what about an alarm clock? We don’t want to oversleep and miss supper, after all.”

“If we don’t come, the ship’s crew will call us on Arc’s earring, or something.”

Hammer looks down at her naked body. “As long as they don’t just burst in here and see this.”

Twilight shakes her head. “They can’t. We locked the door earlier, remember?”

“Oh... right. Gotta stop forgetting stuff like that.”

“Get some rest and feel free to enjoy me as much as you want.”

“I will, Twilight. Thanks.”

Twilight giggles as both she and Hammer close their eyes. “Who knows. Maybe one day this will become a regular thing. For all of us.”

Chapter 5 - Traditions

Arc, Twilight, and Hammer walk down the corridor toward the cafeteria. Entering, they find Natalya, Celestia, and Ashe sitting together at a table going over some paperwork. Approaching, Celestia calls out.

“Hello again.”

Natalya gestures to the table. “The ambassador and I were just going over the legality of our plans, sir.”

Arc nods as he and the others sit down. “So you’ve come to a decision then?”

Ashe picks up a stack of papers. “She tentatively has, yes. “

Natalya appears suddenly apprehensive. “But that’s kinda dependent on how your own meeting went, sir.”

Hammer gives her a thumbs up. “All good on our end!”

Twilight smiles at Natalya. “We all unanimously voted to allow you to join the herd, Natalya.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “That’s rather surprising.”

Natalya sighs. “I suppose it’s... good that they all agree.”

Arc looks to her. “You don’t appear too thrilled about it.”

“It’s my siblings, sir. They don’t like the idea of someone taking my inheritance in addition to ‘forcing’ me to marry them.”

Hammer scoffs. “Ain’t nobody here forcing anyone to do anything though!”

Twilight nods. “Yes, at least on our end, that is.”

Celestia bows her head. “While I too am against allowing such an action, there is admittedly little I can do to stop it.”

Ashe groans. “Young Gallus was the most vocal about it. However, I believe it’s more about protecting his sister than regarding the actually inheritance, Lord Arc.”

Natalya looks to Arc sheepishly. “I understand that everything required of me now is due to griffon law. And while I am thankful that you are willing to... help me in this matter, I am still rather torn on the process, sir.”

Arc appears confused. “Process?

Ashe gestures to the paperwork on the table before them. “A lot of forms need to be filled out, filed with the proper entities, and traditions followed.”

Twilight frowns. “Traditions?”

Celestia nods. “The Griffon Kingdom does require a number of proverbial legal hoops in all things, after all.”

Hammer smirks. “Like ‘something borrowed, something new’?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not exactly. As I’m sure you’ve already noticed, sir, everything here in the Griffon Kingdom has a proper procedure that need to be followed. Matrimony is no exception to this either.”

Arc sighs. “Kinda figured there would be more to it. How do we get started?”

“First, you must publicly ask me to marry you in the presence of my parents.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “Since that stipulation is not an option right now, the law dictates that the closest living relatives can be substituted to fill this role.”

Twilight grimaces. “Gallus and Gabby?”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “I don’t see them going along with something they don’t agree with though.”

Arc looks to the ambassador. “Can they stop it?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not really, no. “

Celestia shrugs. “You must understand that this part is merely a tradition and not actually a substitute for a legally binding marriage.”

Hammer groans. “Then why the heck are we doing it?!”

Natalya looks to the others. “Because this is going to be the first legally recognized marriage of a griffon to a non-griffon in the nation’s history. And as such, it will set the precedent for generations to come. So we have to make sure to follow the customs of the Griffon Kingdom to the letter.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “It will also help prevent legal challenges in the future. Any deviation from what has always been done could open Natalya, and by proxy you, up to legal troubles.”

“I’ll do whatever is asked of me to prevent that though.”

Natalya sighs. “Thank you, sir.”

Twilight nods as she turns to Celestia. “When will the official declaration take place?”

“Today at dinner.”

Hammer gasps. “Right here in the cafeteria?!”

Natalya shrugs. “The language of the ‘public declaration’ is rather vague. It’s generally done in the middle of the town square as the pair’s immediate families look on. One of us needs to declare to the other their feelings.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “In Equestria we just call that ‘proposing’.”

Arc nods. “Same on Earth too.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “As the higher ranked half of this... relationship, you will be required to declare you intentions while Natalya accepts.”

Hammer frowns. “So what exactly does he have to say?”

Natalya blushes slightly. “Whatever he wants to mostly. It just has to end with something along the lines of ‘will you marry me’.”

Ashe picks up where Natalya left off. “Most griffons like to take that opportunity to talk about their early relationship at that point. Tell those assembled how they met and any major events leading up to that moment. However, as Natalya stated, the only real requirement is that you ask for her talon in marriage at the end.”

Natalya nods. “After the initial declaration the mother and father, or in this case Gallus and Gabby, have to give their permission to Lord Arc in order for us to be officially engaged.”

Celestia grimaces. “Will they though?”

Natalya groans. “They kinda have to at this point, as the official won’t certify the engagement without their consent.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Official?”

Ashe nods. “They bear witness to the event in its entirety. After which, they sign the document making the engagement legally binding.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean ‘legally binding’, Ashe?”

“After that point, in the eyes of the law that is, you are required to marry one another within a reasonable amount of time. Generally no longer than six months for commoners, and up to two years for nobles.”

Twilight frowns. “So what would happen if they decided to call it off after that, Ashe?”

“She could take Lord Arc to court under a ‘breach of promise’ torte. The court would either order the marriage to take place on schedule or force him to pay a very large fine and be publicly humiliated.”

Natalya quickly chimes in. “I’d be willing to peacefully call off the matter if you changed your mind, Lord Arc. There’s no need for theatrics or shaming.”

Celestia bows her head. “It would still harm our two nation’s relationship though, so please think about this matter thoroughly before going through with it.”

Arc nods soberly. “I understand. Hopefully something else comes up, of course. But if not, I’m fully willing to do this with you, Natalya.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Hammer looks around. “So who’s going to be our official for this thing?”

Ashe raises a talon. “I am. It’s one of the duties of an ambassador. Assuming one of those getting married is a citizen of the country I’m representing.”

Twilight nods. “Which Natalya still is.”

Natalya looks toward the doorway. “We’ve planned to take care of that first step before supper today. So Gallus and Gabby should be here any time now.”

A few minutes later Gallus and Gabby enter the Cafeteria together. They appear angry as they approach the others. Natalya walks over to them.

“Thank you for coming you two.”

Gallus groans. “It’s not like we have a choice here.”

Gabby frowns. “Yeah. You told us that we had to, remember?”

Ashe clears her throat loudly. “It’s actually the law that says you have to be here though. Not your sister.”

Hammer shrugs. “Kinda comes to the same thing.”

Celestia nods. “Indeed.”

Twilight looks to Ashe. “Maybe we should get started. “

Arc looks toward the kitchen. “Yes, it smells like dinner is almost done. Don’t want to keep Saffron waiting.”

Ashe hops up on top of a table and looks to Arc and Natalya. “If you two are ready, you may begin at any time.”

They walk up to Ashe together. Arc turns to Natalya and speaks.

“I, uh... I met Natalya not that long ago when she was assigned to be my escort during a diplomatic visit to the Griffon Kingdom. We didn’t exactly start off on the right foot, but I soon learned to respect and trust her. Later, when she was... forced to come to Equestria, I saw to it she was given a job at the Little Hooves Orphanage along with her older brother, Gallus. It was to keep them together as a family as well as allow her to be able to earn a living in her new home.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc continues.

“And now we come before our family and friends so I may ask... will you marry me, Natalya?”

Natalya bows her head and nods sadly. Ashe looks to her after a few moments.

“Forgive me. I’m very sorry to cut in like this, but the law clearly states that you must speak the words audibly unless mute.”

Natalya whispers. “I... I will.”

Ashe leans forward. “Again my apologies, but the law also dictates that you must answer loud enough for everyone whom is part of the ceremony to hear you.”

Taking a deep breath, she looks to her siblings and speaks.

“I... yes. Yes, I will consent to marry you, Lord Arc.”

Gallus looks away angrily as Gabby frowns at her sister. Ashe nods and clears her throat.

“Then as ambassador, I hereby formally announce the engagement of Natalya Goldstone of the Griffon Kingdom to Lord Arc of Equestria.”

She looks to Twilight, Celestia, and Hammer while making a clapping motion with her talons. They begin applauding and approach the couple together. Twilight is the first to speak.

“I... guess congratulations are in order.”

Celestia nods. “That they are.”

Hammer shrugs. “I’m bipartisan on that.”

Gallus scoffs. “I still think you’re making a big mistake here, Natalya!”

Gabby grunts. “Me too! He’s going to take you away from us!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’m not. Your sister will still work at the orphanage in Ponyville when we’re done here.”

Natalya nods. “Right. Lord Arc has promised that nothing needs to change in either of our lives.”

Gallus frowns. “While I do understand that this is supposed to be just a marriage of convenience, I still feel that the Griffon Kingdom is in the wrong here yet again! I mean... Natalya just keeps getting the short end of the stick!”

Gabby stomps her feet angrily. “Right! Gallus should be marrying Lord Arc! Not you, Natalya!”

Gallus turns to his little sister aghast. “Wha-what?!”

Ashe looks to him. “That could potentially be allowed under and exemption. I could tell the powers that be here in the Griffon Kingdom that as a citizen of Equestria, Lord Arc is free to marry whomever he chooses. And I haven’t yet signed the papers making it official. We could start over with you.”

Gallus shakes his head nervously. “No way! I’m not into that sort of thing or him for that matter!”

Gabby frowns. “But it is just a marriage of... what was that word again?!”

Celestia steps forward to answer her. “Convenience, my dear.”

“Right! So if that’s all it is, then you could take her place, Gallus!”

Gallus turns away angrily. “Not happening!”

“Come on! He seems like a really nice... uh... thingy!”

Natalya gasps. “Human, Gabby!”

Gallus frowns. “If you like him so much, then you marry him!”

“Okay!”

Turning to Arc, Gabby runs over to him.

“Marry me, Lord Arc!”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

Ashe facepalms. “Sadly, that actually is an option at this point, as the Griffon Kingdom has no laws stating a youngling can’t be wed.”

Twilight frowns. “But it is illegal back in Equestria.”

Celestia puts a hoof on her former student’s shoulder. “As you’ve reminded me in the past though, Twilight, the Hero of Light is above the law. So legally he could take a youngling bride.”

Hammer makes a face. “That’s just gross though!”

Gabby glares at her. “I’m perfectly clean! Gallus and I bathed just this morning!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think that’s what she meant.”

Gabby looks to Arc pleadingly. “Come on! It’s just a marriage of continent lance!”

Twilight sighs. “Convenience, miss.”

“Yeah, that! I’ll be the bestest wife ever too! So, what do you say?!”

Arc shakes his head. “While I do appreciate your, uh… eagerness, I think you’re a bit too young for me, miss.”

Gabby groans. “Aw... I’m never going to get that money.”

Natalya shakes her head. “I know you want to be able to buy whatever it is that you want again, Gabby. But marriage isn’t the way to do that.”

“But you’re marrying him out of... whatever that word was!”

“One of us has to do it though.”

“I still think Gallus would make a much better wife to Lord Arc than you would, Natalya!”

Gallus shakes his head as he blushes. “No, I wouldn’t! And I’d be his husband, not his wife!”

Gabby shrugs. “Sounds about the same to me!”

Gallus groans. “Fine.”

He turns to Arc and walks over to him.

“If... if you’d like, I’d be willing to... take my sister’s place.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks, but I’m not really... um... into that sort of thing.”

“But Gabby is right though. I mean, it doesn’t really matter whom does this deed here.”

Natalya sighs. “I already filled out the paperwork to accept the inheritance though.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “You could file an amended form three-thirty part G designating you desire to revoke your original claim though. However, I must warn you that such a form is well over a hundred pages in length and must be filled out in triplicate. And that’s not including the forms to seek an exemption from the law to allow for a same sex marriage.”

Hammer groans. “Heck, just getting married has GOT to be easier than all that!”

Natalya nods. “Agreed. My original claim stands. Both for the inheritance as well as my acceptance of Lord Arc’s... proposal.”

Arc turns to Ashe. “Now that we have that out of the way, what’s next on the list of things that we need to do?”

Ashe taps a stack of papers on the table next to them. “I need to sign and file these documents stating that I witnessed the official proposal between yourself and Natalya. Normally that would take several hours to complete. However, I’ve already taken the liberty of filling out almost everything ahead of time.”

Celestia smiles approvingly. “A good idea there, ambassador.”

Twilight looks to the papers. “So they just have to sign it?”

Ashe picks up a pen. “Close, Princess Twilight. It will require about two dozen signatures.”

Hammer facepalms. “Should’ve seen that coming.”

“Each.”

Arc mutters under his breath as he and Natalya step toward the stack of papers. “I hate bureaucracy.”

As they finish signing the last documents, Celestia walks over to the kitchen door. Opening it, she motions for Saffron to approach as she calls out to the mare.

“I’m sorry for the delay, but we’re ready for dinner now.”

Saffron nods. “Yes, Princess Celestia. I’ll move everything from the warmers to the carts.”

Smiling in affirmation, Celestia returns to the others as Ashe gathers up all the paperwork and stuffs it into a satchel.

“I’ll run this over to the Aviary right away.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Can’t it wait until after supper though?”

Hammer nods as she sniffs the air. “Yeah. Judging by the smell, I don’t think you want to miss this.”

Ashe pats her satchel. “Tempting, but I want to get this filing started with the after-hours clerical staff.”

Gabby appears confused. “After-hours?”

Natalya sighs. “There’s so much paperwork that needs to be filed that the clerical staff runs three shifts to keep up with it.”

Gallus scoffs. “Sounds like more of a pain than it’s worth to me.”

Ashe puts a talon to her chin as she speaks. “Well, my father has ordered that this be given priority treatment. So it should sail through the process with ease.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Great! Uh... how much longer do you think it will take to finish this matter?”

“I would imagine around a week.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s ‘sailing’?”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Sounds like it to me.”

Natalya nods. “That’s why most couples have such a long engagement, Lord Arc. A lot of it is waiting for the proper paperwork to go through.”

Gabby gasps. “So a week long engagement really is lightning then?!”

Twilight sighs. “I suppose it is.”

Ashe picks up her satchel and hefts the strap over her shoulder. “Well, I’m off.”

Celestia calls out. “We shall save some supper for you, ambassador.”

Ashe looks over her shoulder. “Thank you, Princess Celestia. I’ll try to get back quickly.”

Heading for the door, she makes her way to the main hatch and out onto the deck. Spreading her wings, Ashe takes flight. Soaring over the city, she looks down at the collection of slums that make up the outer crust of Griffonstone. As she flies toward the Aviary at the center of the city, the houses slowly become nicer and better kept until they turn into mansions and large estates. Sighing, she shakes her head.

“I never really noticed how quickly things go from tar paper shanties to mansions in some places. While I know that the servants certainly can’t afford nicer accommodations than they have, even the lowest of them should at least be able to live in better homes than that.”

Continuing on, she looks at the Aviary before her.

“My commander is right though. We can’t just give up the fight without enacting meaningful change. The rank and file of the nation are counting on us to help them, after all.”

Tapping her beak, she frowns.

“But at the same time, we can’t just do whatever it takes to get results. Blowing up a carriage in the middle of the street isn’t the work of freedom fighters. Just mindless terrorists.”

Arriving at the Aviary, Ashe makes her way inside and down the familiar corridors. The sun has reached its lowest point causing the hallways to be very dimly lit by this point. Rounding a corner, she hears a small whistle. Looking around a few moments to make sure that she is alone, Ashe spies a nearby door slightly ajar. Quickly entering it, she quietly closes the door behind her and waits. A few moments later the sound of footfalls approaching ring out. A small light on a nearby table turns on and a rebel cloak wearing griffon looks to her with a smirk.

“Here we are again.”

Ashe nods soberly. “Yes, indeed… commander.”

“You don’t sound very happy to see me.”

“I’m still a bit upset with you at the moment.”

“Is this about the carriage incident?”

“It is, yes.”

“You know what happened wasn’t our intention.”

Ashe frowns. “Intended or not, a lot of innocent griffons were harmed that day. Some gravely.”

“We’ve gone over this, Ashe. War is pain and loss. That and we can’t wage it without losing some griffons here and there.”

“That isn’t what we set out to do though! Freeing the nation from the current ruling party is!”

“A few will die to see to it that the rest of the nation has a happier tomorrow, Ashe. The sacrifices are well within tolerance given what is at stake here.”

“I won’t be a part of such a thing! I can’t!”

The commander sighs. “Equestrian life has made you soft, Ashe. You’ve forgotten what it means to be down in the dirt with the rest us.”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, I haven’t. My methods and mindset have just changed. Not the end goal.”

The rebel commander leans against a wall as he speaks. “Fine then, Ashe. What is it that you think we should do to free the nation?”

“Enact change from the bottom up.”

“How?”

“By showing the working class that there are other options available to them besides poverty. The factories that were opened here by the Equestrians are making a nice profit for their owners.”

“So you’re now helping the pony fat-cats?”

“Not exactly. The steps I’ve taken are actually more for the benefit of our citizens.”

“Explain.”

“I’ve already sent in the proper paperwork requesting permission from the king and Council of Lords to be allowed to open more of them.”

“But how would that help?”

“According to the treaty, their factories here in the Griffon Kingdom must follow Equestrian labor laws. Fair pay, safer working conditions, and reasonable working hours.”

“I must admit, that is a step in the right direction. But such things will take quite some time to go through the bureaucratic hoops. Then they must obtain building permits, gather supplies, actually build the facilities, and then look at staffing them. Our citizens are suffering NOW, Ashe!”

“Yes, they are. But even you can’t say that this whole treaty business with Equestria hasn’t benefitted the lower class at all.”

“A drop in the bucket though. They need more and they need it now.”

Ashe sighs. “I don’t disagree with you. But this is the best way to change things for everyone.”

“A country of factory workers, Ashe?”

“Not exactly. As the lower class citizens take home more money they will also spend more. That will help those whom provide goods and services to afford to expand their own businesses.”

“And taxed at a higher rate, no less.”

Ashe nods soberly. “No system is perfect, I admit. Princess Celestia spoke to me about this very matter some time ago. She referred to it as ‘trickle up economics’.”

“Heavy on the ‘trickle’ I might add.”

“It will be slow going, yes. But as it stands, our nation is well on course to entering into a new age of peace and prosperity within a few decades.”

“Which brings us right back to my original point of the commoners of TODAY needing help NOW!”

Ashe frowns. “I’ll have to leave the future of our movement to you then.”

“What?!”

“My old rebel uniform is hanging up behind a secret false back in my closet within my father’s estate.”

“I... I don’t understand. What are you saying, Ashe?”

Ashe sighs. “That I can’t be a part of this movement anymore.”

“So you’re just going to walk away?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, I’m not. I’ll continue trying to bring about change via my position within the Equestrian government.”

“Such will take far too long though!”

“True. Which is where you come in.”

“Me?”

Ashe nods. “Take up my uniform and assume command of the rebels as their new leader.”

The commander frowns. “Like I’ve been doing since you left?”

“I suppose so. But now officially.”

“What do I tell then though? They’ll want to know what happened to you. Should I say that you were killed? Or captured?”

“Simply say... that I’ve taken a more talon’s-on approach and don’t want to bring the authorities down on the rest of them.”

“They won’t accept that though!”

Ashe smiles sadly. “Yes, they will. Because it is the truth and it comes from you. The one whom held the group together after I left for Equestria.”

“I will do my very best, Ashe. But... do you have any suggestions as to where we should go from here?”

“Just keep fighting the good fight. And don’t forget what it is that you’re fighting for. The leadership of the Griffon Kingdom needs to be changed, of course. But without needless bloodshed.”

The commander frowns. “You do know that isn’t possible though, right?”

“Maybe not. But do your very best. You have your mission and I have mine. Just do me one favor.”

“What is it?”

“Promise me that the rebels will do their best to leave any and all Equestrian’s that come to the Griffon Kingdom alone. That kind of thing will only hurt those whom we’re trying to help.”

“Very well, Ashe. You have my word that any and all Equestrians will be safe from us when they come here. To the best of our abilities, that is.”

“Especially the princesses.”

“Why them?”

“Because the public loves seeing Princess Twilight riding around the city on her chariot. And she can’t do that if there’s the threat of rebel assassins looming over her. And if not for them, for me as a personal favor.”

“Understood. I will tell the others to give any Equestrian diplomats an extra wide berth in the future.”

“Thank you. This will go a long way in giving our citizens hope.”

“It’s the least I could do after all we’ve been through together.”

He motions to Ashe’s satchel before continuing.

“What are you here for at such an hour anyways, Ashe?”

“Paperwork that may help bring the Griffon Kingdom on step closer to freedom.”

“Oh?”

“Lord Arc is going to be marrying a... um... a certain very high profile griffon.”

“How does that help us?”

“It will give him a foothold in this nation, as the griffon in question is very wealthy.”

“Is that so.”

Ashe nods. “Yes.”

“I still fail to see how allowing a noble of another species to sink their meat hooks into our land’s wealth will help advance our goals.”

“The current business moguls take as much as they can get and still desire more. He wishes only to help others become all that they can be. Imagine such an individual with large amounts of wealth opening businesses or investing in other industries.”

“He is planning to do such things?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. But even if he were to leave his money in the bank, Lord Arc would still be able to force the institution to cave to his will regarding their business practices.”

“They would never go for it.”

“Believe me, with as much money is at stake, he would simply let the banks know that he is willing to deposit everything into the one whom agrees to his terms.”

The commander gasps. “The wealth of this griffon is THAT much?!”

Ashe nods. “That it is. And its control being transferred to him will most likely bring about some of the changes we’re looking for. It will still be slow, of course. But much faster than what we were anticipating prior to this.”

“Are you certain of this, Ashe? Perhaps he and this griffon will change their minds.”

Ashe pats the satchel at her side. “That is unlikely, as I have the engagement papers right here.”

“So it is... official?”

“Yes. Signed, sealed, and soon to be delivered. So when this matter is finalized, I will be quite busy.”

“I’m sure you will be.”

Ashe turns to the door. “Well... I should probably be off.”

“Ashe?”

“Yes?”

“Will I... will we ever see you again?”

Ashe sighs as she puts a talon on the knob. “I... don’t really know. Perhaps one day when the land is truly free I will no longer be needed. Then I may be able to return and enjoy the freedom along with everyone else. But for now... farewell.”

Opening the door, Ashe slips out into the corridor. The commander frowns as he heads for a secret passage on the other side of the room. Making his way outside the Aviary, he heads for Lord Gestal’s estate under the cover of darkness. Arriving at the secret passageway, he enters Ashe’s room and heads for the closet. Pulling aside the false back, he spies Ashe’s rebel leader’s cloak. Removing it from its place on a hook, he quickly retreats through the passage. As he moves down it silently he mutters to himself.

“Ashe seeks to marry Lord Arc and use her father’s wealth to help the nation’s commoners. A potentially long waiting game, as her father is healthy and strong.”

Smirking, he continues.

“Unless... her plan is to wed Lord Arc and then arrange for her father to meet an untimely end. Or... perhaps Lord Arc truly is the one pulling the strings. A sobering thought.”

Reaching the street again, he looks at the cloak and mask in his talon and sighs.

“Ashe is either a total victim in this matter or a bona-fide criminal mastermind. And at this point I can’t really say which she is. All I can do is follow her suggestion and try to come up with a way to bring about a change in leadership to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Tapping his talon against his beak for a few moments, he continues as a smile crosses his face.

“And I think I know just the one to help me.”

Sometime later Arc and company finish their supper together. Twilight turns to Celestia and smiles.

“That place Arc and I went for our date was just amazing!”

Celestia giggles regally. “I’m very happy that you had so much fun, Twilight. And that you were able to pay for it from your gambling winnings. However, I must caution you not to fall down the rabbit hole of relying on betting to earn your money.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Extravagant places like that aren’t built on winners, after all, but losers.”

Gallus stands and looks to Twilight. “Thank you for the meal, your highness.”

Gabby rubs her belly. “Yeah! That was yummy!”

Natalya turns to her sister. “You should probably get to bed soon though, Gabby. It’s getting late, after all.”

“But I’m not even...!”

Gabby interrupts her own sentence with a long, drawn out yawn. Gallus raises an eyebrow and shakes his head.

“You were saying?”

Gabby sighs. “Guess I should get back to our room.”

Hammer chuckles as she steps toward Gabby. “Come on. I’ll help you.”

Picking the young griffon up, Hammer heads for the door with Gallus following closely behind. He turns to Natalya at the door.

“You coming, sis?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not just yet. I’ll be along later. Don’t wait up for me though.”

Nodding, Gallus leaves the cafeteria. Natalya looks to Twilight and Celestia as she bows her head respectfully.

“I wanted to thank you two for coming along on this trip.”

Twilight smiles at her. “It’s no trouble, Natalya. After all, you’re very important to us.”

Natalya appears confused. “I am?”

Celestia nods. “Yes. Those whom help raise the next generation are to be treasured for their service to Equestria.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “You and Gallus are probably a welcome sight to the incoming orphans from the Griffon Kingdom. A bit of familiarity can go a long way in helping sooth their worries, after all.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “I do want to especially thank you as well, sir. It’s not just anyone whom would go so far to help someone.”

“It’s my pleasure, Natalya.”

Twilight giggles. “You’ll be a member of our growing family too.”

Celestia looks to Twilight soberly. “Yes, I suppose she will be. But only on paper.”

Natalya nods. “Indeed. After all, I don’t want to do anything to hurt the relationship you and Lord Arc share, Princess Twilight.”

“And we do appreciate that. However, I would like to say that we do envy you for being the first of us to be able to wed Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s just something to keep the Griffon Kingdom happy though.”

Natalya smiles at Twilight. “Yes, your highness. But I assume you’ll be walking down the aisle with him yourself soon enough.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Is that so, Twilight?”

Twilight’s ears droop. “Not exactly. We’ve both been quite busy with... everything lately.”

Arc sighs. “I... haven’t really had the time to talk to any of my future wives about our own wedding yet either.”

Celestia appears relieved. “There’s plenty of time for such things. After all, you’re so young still, Twilight. One mustn’t rush these things, after all.”

Natalya nods. “Agreed. Making the right choice along with the proper timing is very important in any situation. Moreso for matrimony.”

Twilight grins. “But hopefully soon we can at least start.”

Celestia stands and turns to Twilight. “And on that note, you and I should retire for the evening as well.”

“I’m not really tired yet though, Princess Celestia.”

“Then might I suggest that we do a bit of reading together?”

Twilight gasps happily. “We haven’t done that for so long!”

Celestia smiles at her former student. “Then let us set about rectifying that oversight at once.”

They head for the door together as Natalya turns to Arc.

“Sir, I... um...”

“Something wrong, Natalya?”

“Not... exactly. I just... don’t really know what to do right now.”

“Regarding your future?”

Natalya sighs. “That, my siblings, and what I should do with the money when this matter is settled.”

“The deposits will be a slow drip from the principal amount, of course. But I’m sure they’ll still be nothing to sneeze at.”

“I’d give it all up just to have peace with Gallus and Gabby.”

“That’s not something you should feel too concerned about. Gabby is far too attached to physical desires. And Gallus is merely worried about his older sister.”

“All I want is for things to go back to the way they were before all this started. Get up, eat breakfast, tutor the younglings, assist with lunch preparations, help with Miss Cheerilee and Miss Peachbottom with their classes, aid Miss Derpy in the kitchen for supper, eat together, and go to bed.”

Arc chuckles. “The simple life.”

“Is it really asking too much for us to be allowed to be happy though, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. In fact, that’s something that pretty much everyone is striving for. Regardless of income and social status. The wealthy are able to spoil themselves and their families with large houses and expensive goods. While those on the bottom rung of society must settle for much more... simple pleasures I would assume.”

Natalya nods. “A slightly thicker blanket, food that is a bit less rotten, and a roof that doesn’t leak as badly are the most sought after luxuries for the extremely poor in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc gestures toward a window as he speaks. “Just like the rich, the poor still want to attain some degree of comfort and happiness for themselves and their families. Just like you want for Gallus and Gabby. The methods by which they try to find joy are certainly very different though. So my advice to you is to try and figure out how to rekindle the a fore mentioned happiness together with your siblings after this is all over.”

“How do I start though, sir?”

“Try just talking with them. Ask what they want to do and see if it’s a reasonable request.”

Natalya puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “Gallus would probably want to take the orphans into town and buy them some sweets from Sugarcube Corner.”

“And Gabby?”

Natalya sighs. “Probably a big house and plenty of expensive things to fill it.”

Arc groans. “That would be much more difficult to obtain.”

“If the amount of bits we’ll most likely be getting is anywhere near what I think it will be, I could probably afford to build her a castle.”

“But would that actually make her happy?”

Natalya shakes her head sadly. “No, sir. But she believes it would, I’m sure.”

“Being raised in the lap of luxury would make anything less than what one was accustomed to pale in comparison.”

“A big house, nice furnishings, maids, butlers, gardeners, guards, and unlimited entertainment. All things she grew up with at the tips of her talons.”

“And you don’t think that’s healthy for her, do you?”

“Not really, sir. I mean... it’s not a bad thing to have such niceties. However, I do think that the a fore mention things in her life have helped make Gabby into the spoiled little youngling that she is today.”

Arc nods. “You’ve identified the problem. Now what should be the remedy?”

“I’d like to get Gabby used to living like an average Equestrian citizen. A modest house, a healthy amount of normal food, no servants, and an average possessions.”

“Might I make a suggestion there?”

“Of course, sir.”

“How about giving her an allowance?”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “An allowance?”

Arc nods. “A set number of bits given to her at the beginning of each week that she can spend on whatever she wants. Sweets, toys, or whatever else she likes.”

Natalya sighs. “Knowing Gabby, she’ll come crying to me in about twenty minutes when it’s all gone.”

“That’s the point. Show her that money isn’t an unlimited commodity so she’ll learn to treat it wisely.”

“I suppose it’s something she should have learned long ago. Gallus and I will have a talk later about how much she should get.”

Arc smiles. “Good. He should be part of that conversation too, after all. You two... you’re more or less her parent’s now.”

Natalya nods sadly. “Yes, I... Miss Pommel gave me the papers to sign already. Someone has to be responsible for her, after all.”

“It was either you, Gallus, or she would have become a ward of the state.”

“That’s what she told me. Miss Pommel, I mean. But that also means that I have to raise her with Gallus now that our father is gone.”

Arc puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ll do okay. Just start with trying to get her used to having less than literally everything she wants and go from there.”

“I shall, sir.”

Ashe walks into the cafeteria and heads over to them with her satchel. Arc turns to her as she approaches.

“Welcome back, ambassador. I trust you were successful?”

Ashe nods and pats her satchel. “I was indeed.”

Pulling out a stack of papers, she hands them to Arc before continuing.

“The appropriate paperwork has been submitted and is being processed even as we speak. However, since this is a priority job for them, I’ve brought back the documents stating that they have accepted your papers and recognize their legal status.”

Natalya appears confused. “What exactly does that mean though?”

“That you two are now legally engaged in the eyes of the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc sighs. So what happens now?”

“At the moment we need to wait for the documentation from the Aviary stating all is in order with your paperwork before applying for the marriage license.”

Natalya looks out the window. “And that should take a few days?”

Ashe nods. “Right. I’ll be notified the moment it is finished. Then I’ll put through the request.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “The waiting game now, eh Ashe?”

“Yes, Lord Arc. However, there are a few, ah... additional laws you’ll need to follow in the meantime.

“Oh?”

“I was briefed by the official whom accepted the paperwork. My apologies, but I was not aware of these particular... ordinances.”

“It’s fine, Ashe.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, we’ll both do our best to follow whatever laws apply to us.”

Ashe smiles nervously. “That is most certainly... appreciated. Now then, according to the law as it is currently written, upon officially declaring themselves engaged a couple is required to begin... ah...”

Arc moves his hand in a circular motion in hopes of advancing the conversation. “Begin... what exactly?”

Ashe takes a deep breath. “Cohabitating.”

Natalya appears confused. “Um... what?”

“It’s when two individuals...”

Natalya interrupts her. “I know what the word means! What I meant was why is this a law?!”

Arc frowns. “And why didn’t you tell us about it before!”

Ashe bows her head. “Believe me, this revelation was as much a surprise to me at the time as it is to you now. Well, the fact that it’s actually a law, I mean.

Natalya turns to Arc. “It’s true that griffons whom fall in love start living together, yes. However, I always just assumed it was because they wanted to. Not because the law said they had to.”

Ashe sighs. “Same here. No one ever mentioned it to me either.”

Arc groans. “So anyone whom turns in paperwork stating their engagement is just told on the spot ‘now you have to shack up together’?!”

Ashe nods. “For some reason, yes. Now, I don’t know if Natalya and I just were never told in school how this works, or if there’s some other reason for this, but it is what it is.”

Natalya turns to Arc nervously. “What are we going to do, sir?”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Then again, who’s to say that we actually have to? I mean... we’re aboard a foreign diplomatic vessel. So it’s not like they’re going to be sending officials to check in on us, right?

Ashe smiles nervously. “Actually, yes.”

Natalya narrows her eyes. You can’t be serious, ambassador.”

“There is apparently a small branch of the law enforcement agency called the ‘customs division’ that periodically checks in on those whom are engaged. Covertly, of course so as not to let them know they are being watched.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That may very well be. However, they would do well to remember that as it stands this ship is an extension of Equestria, and as such I will not allow such agents to board.”

“The official I spoke to said as much, Lord Arc. They agreed that in this particular case they could not legally inspect your vessel, but did inform me that without the proper attachments to their reports it would hinder your ability to get a marriage license.”

Natalya groans. “So what did they come up with?”

Ashe sighs. “That I would personally write up the report and submit it along with a sworn affidavit stating that I had personally verified and was certain that you two had been cohabitating during your engagement..”

Arc frowns. “But aren’t we kinda already doing that?”

Natalya looks to Ashe. “Yes. Cohabitating simply means living together under the same roof. We’re already doing that technically.”

“I did point that out to the official, yes. However, they showed me in the law where it stated that an engaged couple must sleep together in the same room.”

Natalya grimaces as she blushes. “S-sleep together?!”

Ashe nods. “That’s literally what it said, yes. But I would like to point out that such was the exact wording.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How does that help us?”

“It only says ‘sleeping together’. There’s no law stating that you have to do any more than that.”

Natalya gasps. “That’s a relief!”

She quickly turns to Arc apologetically.

“Forgive me for saying such a thing, sir! I only wished to express my...!”

Arc interrupts her. “It’s fine, Natalya. I know what you meant.”

Ashe smiles nervously. “If it makes you two feel better, at the rate things are moving along at, your engagement should only be a few more days. A week at most.”

Natalya leans back heavily in her chair and groans. “This whole thing is getting more and more complicated all the time!”

Ashe looks to her soberly. “I can’t really argue with that fact. If it’s too much for you, there is still the option of rescinding the engagement.

Natalya sighs and shakes her head. “We can’t do that. The consequences would be dire for both our nations.”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed.”

Ashe looks to the pair. “So you’re both still willing to continue?”

“Yes.”

“Me too.”

“Very well. But might I make a bit of a suggestion?”

Natalya frowns. “What is it?”

Ashe gestures to the corridor. “That the two of you retire to Lord Arc’s quarters for the evening and have a good long talk about this matter. After all, communication is key to any good relationship.”

Arc stands. “I suppose you’re right.”

He looks to Natalya before extending a hand to her and continuing.

“Shall we?”

Natalya nods as she blushes and takes his hand. “Y-yes sir.”

Standing, the trio makes their way to the Upper Deck and Arc’s quarters. Stopping in front of them, Ashe turns to Arc.

“Now then, every evening I shall do my best to walk you two to your room and witness you entering together.”

Natalya groans. “Um... is that really necessary?”

Ashe nods. “Believe me when I say that I’m no happier about this than you are. But if I’m going to be signing a sworn affidavit stating that you two are sleeping together, than I need to make sure that you two really are.”

Natalya sighs. “I suppose so.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Griffons take sworn statements very seriously, after all. Making a false one is something punishable by death here.”

Ashe shudders. “And not a quick one, I might add.”

Arc grunts. “Please tell me you’re not going to be camped out here to make sure we do, Ashe.”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. That is, as long as both of you give me your word that you will not try to leave in an effort to circumvent this requirement afterwards.”

Natalya nods. “Very well. I promise.”

“As do I.”

Ashe gestures to the door. “Then I shall wish you both a good night and will see you at breakfast.”

She turns and walks away as Arc looks to Natalya.

“I, uh... hope you’ll excuse a bit of a mess.”

Natalya appears confused. “Mess, sir?”

Arc motions to his door. “In truth, I didn’t have time to do any kind of straightening up beforehand.”

“Oh, that’s just fine. I’m... sure it’s okay.”

“Well, why don’t we take Ashe’s advice and have a bit of a talk then?”

“Um... if I may, sir.”

“Something else you want to do?”

“Forgive me, but... I am rather tired after the events of the day.”

Arc nods as he puts a hand on the door. “Alright. We can talk tomorrow then.”

Pushing it open, the pair enter the darkened room together. As the door clicks shut however, the bedside light suddenly turns on. Looking toward the bed, Arc and Natalya see a naked Hammer lying seductively on the bed covered only by a thin sheet. Her pupils shrink as she lays eyes on Natalya.

“Arc! I... I, uh...!”

Arc facepalms. “Hammer, of all the times to...!”

Sighing loudly, he pauses to compose himself before continuing.

“Just... please put your clothes back on.”

Hammer nods fervently. “Right away!”

Rolling toward the edge of the bed, Hammer miscalculates in her extreme haste and accidently falls off the edge. Crashing to the floor, she pulls the sheet off the bed and holds it to her chest as she grabs her uniform off the floor with her free hand. Running toward the bathroom, the sheet becomes tangled in her legs which causes her to again fall to the floor. Crawling on her hands and knees the rest of the way, Hammer grabs the doorknob, slamming the door unceremoniously behind her. Arc turns to Natalya with a pained expression on his face.

“S-sorry about this.”

Natalya blushes heavily as she looks away. “It... it’s okay, Lord Arc. I’m sure you have certain, uh... needs, after all.”

A short time later the bathroom door opens and a visibly humiliated, but fully dressed, Hammer slowly steps out. She shuffles over to Arc with her head down.

“I, uh... I’m really sorry for what I did just now.”

Arc groans. “It’s, ah... okay, Hammer. After all, you didn’t actually know we were coming.”

Natalya nods as she looks away. “Yes, I’m sure you simply thought Lord Arc was coming to bed alone.”

“Right. You see...”

Hammer stops talking and looks to Natalya for a few moments before continuing.

“Um... maybe it’s none of my business, but why exactly did you come back to Arc’s quarters with him, Natalya?”

“I... kinda had to.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Had to?”

Arc nods sadly. “It’s part of some crazy Griffon Kingdom law we have to abide by. Supposedly now that Natalya and I are officially engaged we have to start, um... sleeping together.”

“Say what now?!”

Natalya sighs as she looks to the bed. “It’s true. That’s why Lord Arc brought me here. So that we could get some rest.”

Arc sighs. “Right.”

Hammer looks to Arc as she folds her arms over her chest. “And when were you planning on telling Twilight and I?!”

“Honestly, in the morning. After all, it’s kind of a bit late to be shuffling around and knocking on doors.”

Natalya nods. “He’s right. Please don’t be mad at Lord Arc on my account. He’s doing his very best to help me.”

Hammer groans. “I ain’t exactly mad. After all, we’ve already talked about Arc sleeping with other females. But I still think that you should have told us right away.”

Arc bows his head. “Sorry. You’re right, Hammer.”

“Darn right, I am! I mean, if you have to do this, we all have a right to know! After all, what would Rarity say?!”

Arc appears suddenly confused. “Wait, Rarity?”

Hammer nods matter of factly. “Yes, Rarity! You told her she could go first, you big dummy!”

Arc groans. “Go first as in whom I would have sex with, Hammer! I’m not planning on doing that with Natalya!”

“You’re not?”

Arc shakes his head vehemently. “No! The law, as Ashe stated it, just says that we have to start cohabitating!”

“Um... what’s that mean exactly?”

Natalya quickly chimes in. “That Lord Arc and I have to live together from now on.”

Hammer gasps. “From now on?!”

Arc nods. “Just until we get back to Equestria. Then everything can go back to the way it was before all of this happened. I’ll go back to my place at Derpy’s house and Natalya can return to her room at the orphanage.”

Natalya looks to him nervously. “To be honest with you, Lord Arc, I was actually in the middle of trying to close on a house when this whole thing came up.”

Arc gestures to Natalya. “See, Hammer? This is just temporary.”

Hammer sighs. “Well... if you say so, Arc.”

“I do, yes. Now then, why don’t we all...?”

He stops talking and looks Hammer up and down for a few moments before turning to Natalya and continuing.

“Actually... would you mind if Hammer stayed?”

Natalya blushes heavily and backs away nervously. I... I don’t know if I could handle such a thing!”

Hammer grimaces. “Not sure if that’s really such a good idea, Arc. I mean... that would be a bit weird for her.”

“I meant that you should stay for Natalya’s sake.”

Natalya appears confused. “Sir?”

“You’re probably feeling a bit nervous right now, what with having everything happen to you all at once. I just thought that having someone else here, especially another female, might help put your mind at ease.”

Hammer snaps a finger. “I get it now.”

She turns to Natalya before continuing.

“If you’d like, I’d be willing to stay here and sorta keep you company.”

Natalya smiles nervously. “I... suppose that would be okay. That is, if Lord Arc approves.”

Arc nods. “Yes, of course.”

“Then yes, I accept. Thank you, Lieutenant Hammer.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s just ‘Hammer’. Don’t need to be using that fancy military title when it’s just us, after all.”

“I shall try to remember that.”

Arc gestures to the bed. “Now that we have everything settled, why don’t we all get some sleep now?”

Natalya nods nervously. “Yes, sir. Um... which part of the bed would you like me to sleep on?”

Arc shrugs. “I’ll let you and Hammer figure that out.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide as she gasps. “But Ambassador Ashe told us that the law says...!”

Arc interrupts her. “According to what Ashe said you and I just have to cohabitate and, as she put it, ‘sleep together in the same room’. From the way I took that, it says nothing about us actually having to be in the same bed, after all.”

Hammer chuckles. “And if I were you right now, I’d feel a lot better sleeping next to another gal.”

She turns to Arc and smiles sheepishly.

“No offense to you though, Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “None taken.”

Natalya appears confused. “But where will you sleep, sir?!”

Arc points a finger. “On the couch here.”

Hammer chuckles as she leers at him. “Think there’s room for two over there?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Uh, what part about trying to help Natalya feel more comfortable in my quarters did you not understand, Hammer?”

“Oh... right. Guess that would be a bit awkward for her.”

Natalya looks to the sofa. “If it would make things simpler, I could just sleep on the couch though, sir. After all, this is your room and Hammer here is your, uh... special friend.”

Hammer frowns. “Girlfriend!”

She looks to Arc quickly.

“I am your girlfriend, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Hammer. Yes, you are.”

Natalya gestures to the bed. “Then it would make more sense for you two to, um... spend time together in bed though.”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s another reason I want you over there with Hammer. To keep her emotions in check.”

Hammer glares at him. “Hey! That’s...!”

She puts a hand to her chin before continuing.

“Okay, it kinda makes sense now that I think about it.

Arc chuckles. “Good. Then why don’t we all lie down and get some rest?”

Natalya smiles nervously. “Yes sir. As long as both you and lieu… and Hammer are sure that you’re both okay with this sleeping arrangement.”

Hammer shrugs. “Fine with me.”

Arc calls out as he heads for the couch. “Me too.”

Hammer looks to Natalya and gestures to the bed as she speaks.

“Go ahead and pick whichever side you’d like. I need to get ready for bed first.”

“Oh! Um... okay.”

Hammer turns and heads for the bathroom. Closing the door behind her, Natalya turns to Arc.

“Um... Hammer isn’t going to come out here… bare again, is she?”

Arc shakes his head as he pull a t-shirt and sweat pants from his ring. “Nah. I’m guessing she just wanted to change into some night clothes.”

Natalya appears confused. “Night... clothes?”

Arc nods as he heads toward the bathroom himself. “Right. It’s just something simple and more comfortable to sleep in. And that goes for me too. Be right back.”

Stepping into the bathroom with Hammer, Arc closes the door behind him as the young woman pulls off her shirt. Grinning at him, Hammer strikes up a sexy pose.

“You come to see the show, handsome?”

Arc rolls his eyes as he holds up his night clothes. “Just wanted to change before lying down.”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah, I figured. After all, it wouldn’t do to get those fancy duds all wrinkled up.”

Arc nods as he begins unbuttoning his tunic. “Right you are.”

Hammer lowers her voice as she continues. “Um... you really okay with all of this, Arc?”

“The whole engagement thing?”

“Yeah. It’s all really out there in terms of normalcy.”

Arc chuckles as he finishes undressing. “We’re in a land of mythical creatures riding in a ship made by magical ponies. And you want to talk about normalcy?”

Hammer shrugs. “It sounds bad when you put it like that.”

“But in all seriousness, I’m totally okay with Natalya and I getting married on paper.”

“If you’re okay with it then so am I. Just wanted to make sure.”

“And I appreciate that vote of confidence. Now then, why don’t you finish getting ready for bed so we can get some sleep now, Hammer?”

Hammer groans. “Fine. I’m just a bit conflicted.”

Arc turns to look over his shoulder at her as he steps into a pair of shorts. “How so?”

“It feels weird to be getting ready for bed in here while knowing I won’t be sleeping next to you, Arc.”

“They’ll be plenty of time for things like that when this is all over.”

“I know. It’s just new to me.”

A short time later the pair step out of the bathroom together. Natalya is standing on the far side of the bed. Hammer looks to her as she speaks.

“You didn’t have to wait up for us, you know.”

Natalya puts her talons on the bedspread as she pulls back the covers. “I just thought it would be respectful to do so.”

Arc nods. “Well, now that we’re all out here, let’s get some sleep.”

Hammer gets into her side of the bed as Natalya does the same. She turns to Hammer as they pull the covers over themselves.

“I hope it’s alright for me to be over here.”

Hammer shrugs. “Both sides are about the same in terms of comfort, as far as I can tell.”

“Well, I didn’t want to block your view of Lord Arc.”

“Oh! Um... thanks for that.”

Arc chuckles as he pulls a blanket and pillow from a nearby cabinet. “Yes, I’m sure Hammer will fall asleep looking my way.”

Hammer grins. “You know it!”

Getting himself situated on the couch, Arc lies down and covers himself with the a fore mentioned blanket. Hammer looks over to him as he finishes.

“You look comfy over there.”

Arc pats the throw pillow. “Luckily for me it’s a very comfortable couch. Now then, would you please turn off the lamp, Hammer?”

“Sure thing.”

Reaching over, Hammer turns the small knob to plunge the room into darkness. Lying down, she looks over to Arc and grins.

“Good night, handsome.”

Arc sighs contentedly. “Good night, Hammer. And pleasant dreams to both of you.”

Closing his eyes, Arc quickly falls asleep. However, Natalya stares up at the ceiling for quite some time. Eventually, Hammer turns to her and whispers.

“Hey.”

Natalya looks over to her. “Yes?”

“You okay?”

“Fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“For starters, you’re still awake.”

“Just having some trouble falling asleep, that’s all.”

“And you keep sighing as if something’s on your mind.”

Natalya sighs. “I am?”

Hammer nods soberly. “You just did it again.”

“Can I ask you something, Hammer?”

“What is it?”

“How do you... feel about Lord Arc?”

Hammer gins. “I’m in love with him. Can’t you tell?”

Natalya bows her head. “Truthfully, I don’t really know what that means.”

“Which part?”

“Love.”

“Oh! Um... it’s kind of a feeling you get when someone you care about is near.”

“I do understand that much. After all, I feel very nice when Gallus and Gabby are with me. But I’m assuming it’s different than that.”

“Kinda is. But at the same time, it kinda isn’t.”

Natalya appears confused. “Sorry, but I don’t get your reasoning.”

“I have two sisters whom I really care about. The feelings I have for Arc are similar to how I feel about them. Just... different. Can’t really think of any other way to describe it other than that.”

“Then can you explain to me what you like about him?”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin. “Well... he’s Kind, gentle, brave, Honest, strong, smart, Loyal, and really good looking.”

“There has to be more to it than that though.”

“Well, I suppose there’s also the fact that Arc’s rescued me a time or two in the past. Took me in when I had nowhere else to go. Provided food and shelter even though he and I had a kinda messed up past. Something I’m told you understand quite well.

Natalya nods. “Yes, he took me back to Equestria in order to save my life when I was wrongfully accused of being the rebel leader.”

“I was set up and kidnapped by some really bad folks I used to work for back on Earth. Arc broke in there and got me out before they could hurt me too bad. He brought me to Equestria and saw to it amnesty was extended.”

Hammer smiles and closes her eyes as she continues.

“Back then, I was already head over heels in love with him. But him sticking his neck out for me... that’s what really showed me what was in his heart.”

“His heart?”

“I had literally fought against him in the past. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that is. But he knew what I had done and was able to look past that fact. All the while still wanting to care for and try to help me. That’s a true man right there if ever there was one.”

“I think I have a lot to learn about love.”

Hammer grins. “You really wanna learn about love? Then Arc’s your guy.”

“Should I talk to him about it in the morning?”

“Nah. Just watch and learn.”

“And that will work?”

Hammer chuckles. “Believe me, you can learn a lot just by watching someone.”

“Very well. What is it I should be looking for?”

“How about you start with how he treats others?”

“You mean yourself and Princess Twilight?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. Well, yes. But I meant everyone.”

“Everyone?”

Hammer counts on her fingers. “The crew, Ambassador Ashe, and any other officials he deals with.”

“And what will that show me?”

“That he treats everyone with basic respect and dignity. From the princesses back in Equestria to the lowest, poorest griffon you can imagine.”

Natalya puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “I have seen that, yes. After all, he treated me well in the past. Even after I was demoted from my position as lieutenant to a footpad, he still spoke to and treated me the same way. That and he helped train me to get my position back too.”

“Guessing that’s not the norm around here.”

Natalya shakes her head. “Anyone else would have looked down their beak at me as I deserved at the time.”

“So watch, learn, and feel free to ask him or me about anything you don’t understand.”

“I don’t think I could do that. Well, ask Lord Arc such things, I mean.”

“Then just me. I’ll explain what I can as best I can.”

“Thank you.”

Natalya yawns widely before continuing.

“But I do think that I’m ready to sleep now.”

“We both are at this point.”

“Good night, Hammer. And thank you for the talk.”

“Night. And no problem.”

Natalya rolls over and closes her eyes. A few minutes later her breathing slows and she falls asleep. Hearing this, Hammer looks over to Arc and grins as she muses to herself.

“All it took was a bit of talking it out and Natalya was able to work through her immediate problems. Hopefully the rest will fall into place just as nicely.”

Watching Arc lying on the couch for a few more moments, Hammer continues.

“I doubt it will though. But with Arc helping her, she at least stands a really good chance of coming out ahead.”

Chapter 6 - Homecoming

The next morning Arc, Natalya, and Hammer wake up at roughly the same time. Hammer turns to Natalya as she stretches.

“Morning. Sleep well?”

Natalya nods as she stands. “Yes, I did. Not really sure why though.”

Hammer grins as she pats the mattress next to her. “It’s all in the hide.”

Natalya appears confused. “All in the… what now?”

Arc sits up. “I think Hammer meant the sheets.”

“Nah. Well, I guess yeah actually. But I originally meant the sheets and blankets.”

Arc chuckles. “Those are nice too, yes. But it’s the perfect balance between firm and soft in the mattress that makes for the perfect night’s sleep.”

Hammer hops out of bed. “We can argue about this more over breakfast. I’m starving!”

Arc turns to Natalya. “Hungry?”

“Kinda, sir.”

Hammer walks quickly over to the door. “Then let’s fix that, shall we.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh, Hammer?”

Hammer looks over as she moves to turn the knob. “Yeah?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Not that I can think of, no.”

Natalya looks the young woman over. “I believe Lord Arc was talking about you forgetting to dress.”

Hammer frowns as she looks down at herself. “But I’m wearing clothes!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You really want to go to breakfast in just shorts and a t-shirt?”

Hammer sighs. “Yeah, I guess I could stand to at least put on my uniform before heading out.”

Natalya nods. “That would probably be for the best, yes.”

Arc motions to the bathroom with a wave of his hand. “After you, Hammer.”

Hammer grins as she grabs her uniform. “Let’s go, Arc!”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Um, sir?”

Arc turns to her. “Yes, Natalya?”

“Might I talk to you privately?”

Hammer groans. “We’re gonna be late for breakfast though!”

“It won’t take long.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

“Fine, fine. Have your chat.”

Entering the bathroom, Hammer closes the door behind her as Arc turns to Natalya.

“Now then, what is it you wanted to say?”

Natalya wrings her talons nervously. “I, uh... just wanted to thank you for allowing Lieutenant Hammer to stay here with us. Admittedly, I was a little... apprehensive about spending the night alone with a male. That was my first time, you see.”

“You are quite welcome. And I just want to say that you should feel free to tell me if there’s anything else I can do to make you feel more comfortable with this... situation.”

Natalya nods. “If I do, I’ll be sure to say something right away. But, um… I do think Lieutenant Hammer is waiting for you just inside the bathroom.”

Hammer sticks her head out and frowns. “How’d you know?!”

Natalya grins. “It was simple really. After the door closed there wasn’t any other sounds of movement in there or water running.”

Arc chuckles. “I think she’s got you, Hammer.”

Hammer grunts. “Yeah, yeah. So get in here and let’s get changed, Arc!”

Arc heads for the bathroom. “Fine. You didn’t have to wait for me though.”

Hammer smirks as he enters the bathroom with her. “Just didn’t want you to miss the show.”

A short time later the pair leave the bathroom together. Arc motions for Natalya to follow them as they head for the outer door. Together, they step out of his room and into the corridor. However, they are surprised to find Gallus waiting for them. Natalya is the first to speak.

“Gallus? What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to talk to you, sis.”

He looks to Arc cooly before continuing.

“Alone.”

Natalya frowns. “You can’t demand such things aboard Lord Arc’s ship! Remember, he’s still...!”

Arc interrupts her. “It’s alright, Natalya. Go ahead and talk to your brother.”

Hammer motions down the hallway. “We’ll see you in the cafeteria.”

She and Arc walk away together. Gallus watches silently as the pair turn and make their way down the stairs toward the Mid Deck before returning his attention to Natalya and lowering his voice.

“Are you okay, sis?!”

Natalya appears confused. “I’m just fine. Why wouldn’t I be though?”

“Did Lord Arc... do anything to you?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, not at all.”

“Nothing?”

“Right. We just kinda went to sleep after a short talk.”

“And after that?”

Natalya rolls her eyes. “I wouldn’t know what happened after I fell asleep, Gallus.”

Gallus looks at his sister’s tail. “Um... does your backside feel... hurt, or anything?”

Natalya groans. “No, Gallus. Believe me when I say that everything under my tail feels just fine.”

“Did he touch you in any way?”

“Like I said, we just went to sleep and that was it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very! Look, Lord Arc had Lieutenant Hammer and I share the bed with each other while he slept on the couch!”

Gallus grimaces. “Did she...?”

Natalya groans. “Before you ask, no the lieutenant didn’t do anything to me last night either!”

“Good.”

“Is that why you were waiting for me out here?”

Gallus nods. “Yeah. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Natalya smiles at him. “And I do appreciate that. But please believe me when I say that absolutely nothing even remotely inappropriate happened to me in that room last night.”

That’s good to hear. Um... but I would like it if you’d keep me in the loop on this.”

“Regarding what Lord Arc does to me, you mean?”

Gallus blushes slightly as he turns away. “It sounds really bad when you say it like that. I’m just worried about my big sister’s safety, that’s all.”

Natalya sighs. “Even if I did tell you about any mistreatment I might be subjected to, what could you do about it?”

Gallus clenches a talon. “Make him regret it, for starters!”

“Gallus, you have to remember that Lord Arc is one of Equestria’s greatest warriors, has diplomatic immunity here in the Griffon Kingdom, and is literally above the law back in Equestria. There is no scenario here in which you attacking him would be of any help to me.”

“So what do you expect me to do then, huh?!”

Natalya puts a talon on his shoulder. “Trust me.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Trust?”

“Just don’t do anything against Lord Arc. No matter what he does to me, okay?”

“Fine. But only if you promise to bring any misconduct straight to Princess Twilight and Princess Celestia.”

Natalya nods. “Very well. That I can do.”

“Thanks. And I do want you to know that I’m not trying to be difficult here, Natalya. I just want to know if something bad happens to you.”

“You have my word that I’ll tell you if he does, Gallus. That and allow you to accompany me to reporting it to the princesses. But why don’t we catch up with the others and have some breakfast now?”

Gallus sighs. “Sure. Why not?”

Making their way to the cafeteria, Gallus and Natalya find the others waiting for them as they sit around several platters of eggs, toast, and pancakes. Twilight motions to a seat as she smiles at them.

“Good morning, you two. Now that you’re here we can get started.”

Natalya sits down next to Gabby. “Thank you, Princess Twilight. But you didn’t need to wait for Gallus and I.”

Gallus nods. “Right. We just needed a few minutes.”

Gabby looks to Ashe. “Does this mean we can eat now, miss ambassador?!”

“That’s up to the princesses.”

Celestia smiles at the young griffon and nods. “I believe so, yes.”

“YAY!”

Reaching out, Gabby grabs a talonful of pancakes as Natalya groans.

“Gabby! You should let the princesses go first!”

Gallus frowns. “And use the serving utensils, for crying out loud!”

He turns to Twilight before continuing.

“Sorry about this.”

Twilight smiles. “It’s fine. Your little sister is a growing griffon, after all.”

The others each serve themselves as Arc turns to Ashe.

“I’m almost certain I already know the answer to this, but you haven’t heard anything more regarding our case, have you?”

Ashe nods. “Actually, yes. Early this morning a courier brought a package with a partial reply.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You mean an envelope, right?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, it was a package. Several hundred papers made up the bulk of the document.”

Celestia sighs. “And I thought Equestria was heavy on paperwork.”

Natalya shakes her head. “Were they by any chance more forms for us to fill out?”

Gallus groans. “Probably.”

Gabby calls out with her mouth full. “I’ll help!”

Ashe sighs. “These were actually what’s known here in the Griffon Kingdom as ‘Statements of Tentative Ownership’.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What exactly does that entail?”

Natalya looks to Ashe. “Yes, I’ve yet to hear of this myself.”

“During processes, such as the one facing us, that take a significant amount of time and paperwork to properly formalize, the powers that be in the government will often issue these papers to allow the one taking possession of an estate to legally begin moving into their new position.”

Arc puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “So it’s like giving us the power of attorney?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“It’s where someone is legally allowed to take action on behalf of another.”

Ashe shrugs. “I suppose you might say that it’s similar to what you’re describing, Lord Arc. Only this is a precursor to full ownership of an estate.”

Natalya appears confused. “So where does that leave our case?”

Ashe reaches down and pulls out a paper from her pack next to her on the floor. “Well... according to this document, you can now legally take possession of your father’s former estate.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Whoopie.”

Gabby giggles. “We’re going to see dad’s room?!”

Natalya turns to her little sister. “His house actually.”

“You mean we’re going home?!”

Gallus groans. “Dad’s manor, Gabby. Not ours.”

“What do you mean?!”

Natalya sighs. “Our father lived in a different estate, remember?”

Gallus frowns. “Wait a minute! How did you not know that, Gabby?!”

“No, he lives with us!”

Gallus shakes his head. “Just because he has a room that he never EVER used doesn’t mean he lived with us.”

Gabby shrugs. “He might’ve been there when we were all gone though!”

“No, Gabby. He was always away.”

Celestia chimes in nervously. “Perhaps it would be wise for you three to avoid such a place.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

“Painful memories.”

Arc nods soberly. “I too found it difficult to return to my childhood home when I aged out of the Farburg Orphanage all those years ago. The memories of my childhood there with my mother still haunted me.”

Gallus shrugs. “That doesn’t mean much to us though. After all, you can’t miss what you never knew.”

Gabby glares at her brother. “We knew dad though!”

Natalya sighs. “Barely. After all, he was always working.”

Twilight chimes in. “Is there anything we could do to help you right now, Natalya?”

“I think that I need to just go and face whatever is over there.”

Gallus nods as he puts a talon on Natalya’s shoulder. “Yeah. We can figure this thing out together.”

Gabby raises a talon. “Me too!”

Ashe looks to the siblings. “As the estate is legally the property of Lord Arc, I’ll still need to add you three to the list of authorized visitors to the estate first. I can take care of that after breakfast though.”

Twilight grimaces at the thought of more paperwork. “How long will that take?”

“ A couple hours. Normally such a thing would take significantly longer, of course. But I’ll have my father personally sign the forms. That will speed things up tremendously.”

Gabby throws her talons up happily. “Hooray!”

Hammer looks to Ashe. “And Arc?”

“He’s already been added to the list, what with being the primary shareholder.”

Celestia sighs. “It sounds as if everything is in order. Well, other than getting the keys, I would imagine.”

Twilight appears confused. “Keys?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, I would imagine that the locks on those estates must be pretty sophisticated. Considering all the treasures inside.”

Natalya grimaces. “That could pose a problem for us.”

Gallus frowns. “How so?”

“Because those locks are unpickable.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Worst case scenario, I could always break down the door for you three.”

Hammer cracks her knuckles. “I’ll help.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Estate doors are quadruple reinforced with nearly unbreakable alloys.”

Hammer pulls her gun. “Nothing a few shots through a window wouldn’t cure.”

Celestia shrugs. “While I’ve never actually considered it, I would imagine that the windows are equally resilient to burglary.”

Ashe nods. “Very. As with the doors, they too are extremely durable.”

Twilight looks to Natalya. “So how DOES one get into an estate without a key?”

“Manors are almost never empty, Princess Twilight. Servants and guards stay within at all times, of course, so there’s always someone there to open the door.”

Ashe puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “There have been a few times throughout history that a manor has been emptied and the key lost.”

Hammer frowns. “So do they just have another one made by a locksmith, or something?”

Ashe sighs. “No. They call the military to bring in a battering ram.”

Arc chuckles. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Celestia looks to Arc. “I believe she’s speaking literally.”

Ashe nods. “That I am.”

Hammer scoffs. “So, if some absent minded noble loses their house key it becomes a legit miliary mission to get inside by breaking the door down?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “A wall, actually.”

Natalya sighs. “I’ve heard that such is the weakest point in a manor’s defenses.”

“It is, yes. However, not just any wall will do, as most of them are equally reinforced.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin as she thinks. “So an upper floor wall then?”

“A basement wall actually.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “But how would such a thing even be done?”

“I’m told that it requires digging up a large portion of the front lawn in order to expose the outer basement walls. Then the battering ram is lowered down and used to make a large enough hole for the skinniest of footpads to crawl through.”

Arc chuckles. “Then they open the door for the occupants and all is well.”

Ashe nods. “Something like that.”

Natalya sighs. “I really do want to see what our father had in his estate, naturally. But not if it means destroying it in the process.”

Ashe nods. “That and you couldn’t request such an act from the military yet, as such a thing is of course VERY expensive. And as it currently stands, the paperwork for control of the assets are still pending.”

Gallus turns to Natalya. “The old guy might’ve had a spare key in his room at our place.”

“I suppose it’s possible. After all, we never actually went in there.”

Gabby raises a talon. “No, I did!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Of course you did.”

Gabby nods fervently. “It’s a REALLY nice room! I used to go inside just to jump on the bed a lot!”

Arc looks to Natalya. “Well, if you really feel that way, why not do as Gallus suggested and check your father’s room at your house for a key, Natalya?”

Natalya fidgets for a few moments as she speaks. “It’s... not exactly a place I’d like to be though.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Come on, sis! Dad’s dead, gone, and buried in his mausoleum! What, do you think he’s going to ground you from beyond the grave, or something?!”

Gabby giggles. “Yeah! I’m sure he wouldn’t mind!”

“Well... I suppose we should investigate his estate.”

Celestia nods approvingly. “And with a key is the only way you’re going to accomplish that particular goal anytime soon.”

Twilight looks to Natalya. “I’d be willing to come with you if you’d like.”

Arc smiles at the siblings. “As would I.”

Ashe chimes in. “Technically, Lord Arc really should be there anyways. From a legal standpoint, that is.”

Hammer pats her gun. “You can count on me to secure the place.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “I really don’t think his place is boobie-trapped.”

Gabby appears confused. “What’s that mean?!”

Celestia sighs. “Hidden traps to... discourage would-be intruders.”

“Good!”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean ‘good’?!”

Gabby waves a talon dismissively. “We’ll be fine! After all, we’re not intruders! At least I don’t think so.”

Arc shakes his head. “Kinda are. That and those kinds of traps don’t exactly discriminate between friend or foe.”

Twilight looks to Ashe. “Are such things common in a noble’s estate?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not typically, no. After all, the noble and his family would be at risk.”

Natalya turns to Arc. “I do believe we’ll be fine. Due to his position our father was a very secure individual, naturally. However, I don’t see him risking his own safety to possibly catch an intruder that couldn’t have gotten in anyways due to the building’s own security and guards.”

Arc stands. “Then why don’t we get moving?”

Twilight raises a hoof. “I too would like to take this chance to see another estate’s interior. This is, if it’s okay with Natalya.”

Natalya nods. “Of course, your highness.”

Twilight runs to the door as she calls out. “Just let me get my notebooks and I’ll be ready to go!”

Celestia smiles proudly as she watches Twilight leave the room. Turning to Hammer, she speaks.

“Lieutenant, please take good care of Twilight during this trip.”

“I’ll do my very best, Princess Celestia.

Natalya quickly chimes in. “You’re welcome to come as well, your highness.”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, thank you. After all, my place is here. Out of the public eye.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“That and I’m told that Twilight is considered something of a celebrity here in Griffonstone. I wouldn’t want to get in the way of her rising popularity.”

Hammer nods soberly. “It’s also not wise for you two to be out and about together. Security, and all that.”

Celestia stands and nods. “Correct. Therefore, I shall leave this matter to you, lieutenant.”

She heads for the door as Hammer looks to Ashe.

“Anything special I should know about regarding security?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Nothing that you wouldn’t have to watch out for back in Equestria, no.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“But might I have a private talk with you about a rather... personal matter, Lord Arc?”

“Sure.”

Gabby frowns. “Wait a minute here!”

Ashe looks to the youngling. “Yes, miss?”

“I thought my big sister was supposed to be engaged to Lord Arc!”

“That is correct, yes.”

“Then why are you leaving with him?!”

“I just want to talk to him alone.”

Gabby hops up on the table as she looks to her brother. “We should come too!”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

“To make sure Lord Arc doesn’t cheat on Natalya with Ambassador Ashe!”

Natalya gasps as her eyes grow wide. “GABBY!”

“What?! We wouldn’t want Lord Arc to accidently put an egg in the ambassador’s...!”

Gallus puts a talon over his little sister’s beak as he turns to Ashe. “Better head out before she keeps going.”

Ashe nods nervously. “Y-yes, I think we should.”

Standing, Ashe and Arc head to his office. Closing the door behind her, Arc motions to the chair in front of his desk.

“Have a seat, Ashe.”

“Thank you, I think I will.”

She sits down as Arc takes his place in the comfortable office chair behind the desk. Folding his hands and resting them on the blotter he looks to Ashe and speaks.

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

“First, I wanted to thank you again for doing all of this. Coming along and helping Natalya with this mess, I mean.”

“It was the least I could do.”

Ashe looks around nervously. “The second matter I would appreciate you keeping to yourself though.”

“Oh?”

“It’s about... my relationship with the rebels.”

Arc nods soberly. “Understandable. Did something happen?”

“More or less. On my way to take the forms to the Aviary, I met up with my former commander in a side room.”

“For what purpose?”

“He wanted to talk to me about my reasons for being back so soon. But I didn’t tell him about your engagement to Natalya. Just that you were getting married to someone.”

Arc appears relieved. “Thank you. For all our sakes, that is.”

“I... also informed him of my intention to... resign.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Resign?”

“As the leader of the rebels, I mean.”

“You kinda did that some time ago when you took the role of the Griffon Kingdom’s ambassador to Equestria though.”

“Not really. Remember, none of them know my true identity. Save for my commander, that is.”

“Now ‘former commander’, I would imagine. As I’m assuming you promoted him to leader upon your departure.”

Ashe nods. “That I did. After all, they’ll need someone to organize and lead them.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not really sure if that was the best course of action though.”

“Neither am I admittedly. But things couldn’t keep going as they had been. What with me being gone and not knowing what happened.”

“Well... it’s not like I could really do anything about your decision at this point.”

“Nor could I. For better or worse, I’m no longer in charge of that particular movement.”

Arc looks to her evenly. “If I may, Ashe. What will you do now?”

“About what exactly?”

“Regarding your efforts trying to fix the Griffon Kingdom, I mean.”

“My feelings about the state of my nation remain the same. Change still needs to come about for the commoners as a whole. But I do see things improving slightly with our alliance.”

“You would know better than I in that regard. But I do believe you when you say that it’s true.”

“Ultimately, the only thing that’s going to change for me is that I’ll be putting my full effort into helping my fellow griffons with my current position as ambassador.”

“A noble goal. But how though?”

“I’m going to start with trying to get more Equestrian businesses to invest in the Griffon Kingdom. That should help boost wages and force those running the domestic sweatshops to either better their working environments or face a mass exodus of their employees.”

“Something Celestia could probably advise you on better than I could.”

“I’ll have to sit down with her and Princess Luna at some point. Together I’m hoping the three of us can come up with some more ways to improve the commoner’s lives here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Good. They certainly need it.”

Ashe becomes suddenly serious. “Um... there is one las thing I would like to talk with you about though.”

“What is it?”

“It’s in regards the conversation I had with my former commander in the Aviary.”

“Oh?”

“I asked him not to take any action against the Equestrian princesses in the future.”

Arc frowns. “Like assassination attempts?”

Ashe nods. “Yes. But anything really.”

“And did he agree?”

“Once I convinced him that Equestria and their leaders are trying to help our citizens, yes. So, we have his word that the princesses, and any other citizens of Equestria, will be more or less safe here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Can he be trusted to uphold that promise though?”

“He’s always done what I’ve asked in him in the past. Moreso when our citizens are on the line.”

Arc frowns. “I’m still remembering what happened to your carriage, Ashe.”

“That was purely a terrible accident on their part. As I told you before, their plan wasn’t to hurt the civilians. Just ransack my father’s estate.”

“Tell that to those that were hurt. Or worse.”

“Believe me when I say that I’m sure they’ve learned their lesson.”

Arc nods. “I sure hope so. For everyone’s sake.”

There is a knock at the door. Reaching out with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc reaches out and opens it from his desk. Twilight steps inside with a notepad and several pencils levitating near her. Trotting in place excitedly she looks to Arc.

“I’m ready to go!”

Arc stands as he chuckles. “That you are.”

Twilight looks to Ashe. “Oh! Sorry! Did I come at a bad time?!”

Ashe shakes her head as she too stands. “No, Princess Twilight. We were just finishing when you knocked.”

“That’s good.”

Arc looks past Twilight as he speaks. “Are the others back there?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, they said we could meet them in the Cargo Hold.”

Ashe looks to Twilight nervously. “That could be a bit of a problem, your highness. You see, the carriage only holds four riders comfortably.”

“Natalya already volunteered to let Gabby perch on her back.”

Arc puts a hand on his shoulder. “I’m guessing that’s kinda like a piggy back ride. But it would still be pretty crowded, as I’m kinda... big.”

Twilight giggles. “Not to worry, Arc. I have the solution.”

“Oh?”

“You can just hold me on your lap.”

Ashe shrugs. “I suppose that would work, yes.”

Twilight eyes light up as she gasps. “Wait! I just had an even better idea!”

Arc chuckles. “What’s that, Twilight?

“The open air chariot! It could hold all of us easily!”

Ashe grimaces. “That would be a major security risk though, your highness.”

Twilight smiles hopefully. “I know. But I do miss smiling and waving at the citizens.”

Arc smiles at her. “Getting used to being a princess now, Twilight?”

“I suppose I am. Mostly I just like making others happy though.”

Ashe sighs. “They do really like seeing you admittedly.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “It’s your call on what vehicle we take.”

Twilight grins. “Then I want to go in the chariot!”

Ashe looks nervous. “Are you sure, Princess Twilight?”

“I am, yes.”

Arc reaches for his phone. “Then I’ll have some guards sent over from Canterlot to pull it.”

Twilight facehoofs as she groans. “I forgot that we didn’t bring any with us this time!”

“It won’t take but a short while to have some brough over via portal though.”

Ashe looks to Twilight. “And it would be best to have some extra soldiers surround the chariot to maintain a perimeter as well.”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed.”

A short time later Arc, Twilight, and Ashe enter the Cargo Bay together. Hammer, Natalya, Gallus, and Gabby are waiting for them. Twilight looks to the griffon siblings apologetically before speaking.

“Sorry for making everypony wait!”

Natalya bows respectfully. “It’s fine, Princess Twilight.”

Gallus shrugs. “That and it’s not like we have anywhere we need to be right now.”

Gabby hops up and down happily. “Can we get going now?!”

Hammer looks to Twilight. “That’s up to the princess.”

“I’m ready, yes. But there’s been one slight change of plans.”

Ashe looks to the chariot parked in a corner. “Princess Twilight would like to take her chariot over my father’s carriage.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “If that’s okay with everypony else, that is.”

Natalya nods. “Whichever method of transport you wish to take is fine with us, your highness.”

Arc pulls his gauntlet from his ring. “Just let me get us some guards.”

Powering up his crystals, Arc opens a portal back to Equestria. A few moments later a number of Royal Guards emerge and quickly form ranks. Standing at attention before Arc they wait patiently for him to speak.

“Princess Twilight, myself, and the rest of our party are going to be heading into town. I need the four strongest of you to pull the chariot while the others maintain a perimeter around it.”

Hammer steps forward and points as she talks. “You, you, you, and you will be pulling! Hop to it!”

Hurrying forward, the stallions hitch themselves to the chariot as Arc leads Twilight over to it. Helping her up, he watches as the others also board and sit down behind her. Getting on last, Arc motions to the guard at the door controls. He presses a button and the large outer doors slowly begin to open. Hammer motions to several guards to take point as she looks to them.

“You lot will be in front! You all will be on the sides! And the rest of you will guard the rear! Let’s keep everyone safe, you hear?!”

They salute and rush to their designated places. Hammer walks over to the chariot and hops up onto it as she looks around. Making sure everyone is in their assigned place, she calls out loudly.

“MOVE OUT!”

The carriage starts to move as Hammer sits down in the back. Arc looks to Natalya as they roll down the gangplank.

“Think you could call out directions to the stallions pulling us?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir.”

Twilight turns around. “There’s an intercom button to your left.”

Arc chuckles. “Handy.”

As they leave the Skyport and enter the city, innumerable griffons rush from their homes and businesses to line the streets. They cheer and wave at Twilight as she smiles and waves back happily. Gabby does the same as she turns to Gallus.

“Look how happy everyone is to see us!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “I wonder why.”

Gabby giggles as she continues waving. “It’s a mystery to me too!”

Natalya turns to her sister. “They’re actually excited to see an Equestrian princess.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, it’s like this every time Twilight goes out.”

Hammer grimaces as she scans the crowd. “They love it. I don’t.”

Ashe sighs. “I would imagine such a thing does make for a rather... unsecure trip though.”

Natalya shrugs. “Yes, well... it is the princess’ wish though.”

Gallus shrugs. “She can’t die either, right?”

Gabby giggles. “That sounds like fun! I could play forever!”

Arc looks around as he speaks. “With any luck we won’t have to test that theory.”

Sometime later the chariot pulls into a gated section of the city. The griffon guards stationed outside turn back those whom try to follow the chariot. Twilight sits down on her haunches and rubs both cheeks with her hooves. Arc turns to her, concerned.

“You okay, Twilight?”

Twilight nods as she moves her jaw side to side a few times. “Yes, just a bit... sore from all the smiling.”

Natalya looks to the princess. “We’ll be at our estate in just a few minutes, Princess Twilight.”

Gallus looks to Twilight’s cheeks. “An ice pack or cold compress might do the trick.”

Gabby giggles. “Or a nice, hot bath!”

Ashe sighs. “I don’t think such a thing would be... proper.”

Twilight smiles at them. “Thank you, but I think I’ll be okay.”

A few minutes pass before Natalya calls out into the intercom.

“Take a left into the upcoming drive.”

Obeying, the stallions pull the chariot up to a large mansion set a short distance from the road. Parking in front of the main door, they stop as the other guards hurry forward to extend the steps. Twilight descends first and looks around, clearly impressed.

“This is a really nice place you have here, Natalya!”

Arc chuckles. “It sure is well-kept.”

Hammer gasps. “And big!”

Gabby puffs out her chest proudly. “Twenty four rooms!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “For just the three of us I might add.”

Natalya sighs. “It is a bit much, I admit. But why don’t we go inside before talking more?”

Hammer nods soberly. “Sounds good. After all, I want to get Twilight out of the open as soon as possible.”

Walking up the steps, Natalya reaches into her satchel and pulls out a key. However, before she has the chance to use it, the door opens and a very stuffy looking griffon greets her.

“Welcome home, Mistress Natalya.”

“Oh! Um...”

Gallus steps forward. “Hey, Heathcliff.”

Gabby waves excitedly. “We’re back!”

Heathcliff nods and steps to one side dutifully. “That you are.”

Natalya regains her composure. “We, uh... need a cold compress for Princess Twilight’s cheeks.”

Heathcliff motions for them to enter. “Right this way, your highness.”

They enter the Main Hall together as Heathcliff closes the door behind them. Hammer looks to Twilight as she speaks.

“How’re you holding up?”

“Just fine. The pain’s already gone.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So you’re okay then?”

Twilight nods. “That I am.”

Heathcliff bows respectfully. “Shall I cancel that cold compress then, your highness?”

“Yes, please.”

“Very good, Princess Twilight.”

Natalya looks around. “Um... where are the rest of the servants, Heathcliff?”

“They left shortly after receiving their final pay, ma’am.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow, confused. “Final pay?”

Heathcliff nods. “Yes, Mistress Natalya. A message from the bank with the monthly wages informed them that such was the final disbursement they could authorize due to an unexpected shift in legal status.”

Natalya sighs. “The death of my father.”

“Precisely, mistress.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Then why are you still here, Heathcliff?”

Gabby appears confused. “Where else would he be though?!”

“If you recall, I was assigned here by Lord Goldstone himself to look after and care for you three.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “But now that Lord whatshisname has kicked the bucket you’re not getting paid anymore, right?”

Heathcliff shakes his head. “No, ma’am. However, that hasn’t changed since the day I was sent here.”

Arc frowns. “Wait a minute! Does that mean that you’re... his property?!”

Heathcliff nods. “Yes, Lord Arc. I’ve been a slave since long before any of my wards were born.”

Gallus gasps. “WHAT?!”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide. “But... but, you never said anything about that to us!”

Heathcliff smiles at her. “Such were part of my orders. I was to look after you, care for the manor, and not speak of my status to anyone.”

Twilight steps forward. “I don’t understand. If Lord Goldstone is dead, aren’t you free now?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Slaves aren’t released upon their master’s death in the Griffon Kingdom, no.”

Gallus folds his talons over his chest angrily. “Yeah. They’re just transferred to whomever inherits an estate.”

Hammer looks around. “Like they were furniture, or something?!”

Heathcliff shrugs. “Such is not my place to say.”

Natalya sighs. “I don’t... really know what to say right now.”

“Then why not start with the reason for your return home, mistress?”

Gallus steps forward. “We’re looking for a key to our dad’s estate.”

Gabby jumps on her brother’s back. “Maybe there’s one in his room here?!”

Heathcliff shrugs. “It is worth looking into, I suppose. Shall I lead the way?”

Natalya nods. “Please do.”

Bowing slightly, the butler leads the group over to a grand staircase and proceeds to climb them. On their way Twilight looks to him and speaks.

“Um... sir?”

Heathcliff turns to her. “Yes, Princess Twilight?”

“I, um... was wondering if there was something I could do for you.”

“Something, your highness?”

Hammer chimes in. “I think she means getting you out of here.”

Ashe shakes her head. “According to the law, slaves cannot be freed. The closest one could come to doing so would be to simply allow them total freedom of movement and action. However, their ownership papers would still list the master as their legal owner.”

Arc nods soberly. “As I did for Natalya.”

Heathcliff appears confused. “Mistress Natalya? You’re...?”

Natalya sighs. “Yes. Lord Arc owns me.”

“Then I suppose he will also inherit your father’s estate along with this one.”

Gallus shrugs. “Looks like it.”

Gabby frowns. “Except for my room! It’s MINE!”

Heathcliff turns to Arc. “You have my word that I will do my very best for you in the future, Master Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Sir?”

“I don’t really like the idea of owning someone.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Yeah! That’s just plain sick!”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Could you possibly extend the same leniency to him that you did for me, sir?”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

Heathcliff raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand, Mistress Natalya.”

“Lord Arc declared me a slave in name only. In truth, I’m allowed to do whatever I wish back in Equestria.”

Gallus grins. “She and I work at the Little Hooves Orphanage together.”

Gabby nods. “Lord Arc also lets her keep all of the money she earns there!”

Natalya shrugs. “Granted it isn’t a lot, mind you. But enough for me to live a simple and comfortable life.”

Twilight turns to Heathcliff. “We could take you there too, if you’d like.”

“I am bound to this place until given new instructions, Princess Twilight. What a slave wants isn’t something that matters here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Natalya looks to the butler. “Well then, what is it that you would like to do, Heathcliff?”

“If allowed, I would like to remain in your service, Mistress Natalya.”

Gallus groans. “Come on! What is it that you’d REALLY like?!”

Heathcliff sighs. “In truth, I’ve heard talk recently regarding the land known as Equestria far across the sea. The gardeners and delivery griffons spoke of it often when carrying out their tasks around the manor. I had originally thought their words to be merely propaganda they heard from our nation’s leadership. A way to give us all some sort of false hope.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “So what exactly have you heard?”

“That slavery is not permitted there, for starters.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes, we do not allow anypony to own another sentient creature.”

“And that the land is green and ripe with good food and water.”

Ashe smiles. “That it is.”

“They spoke often of good paying jobs and plentiful opportunities for the commoners too.”

Natalya grins. “It’s true, Heathcliff. All of it.”

Gallus smirks. “Compared to the Griffon Kingdom, it’s practically paradise.”

Gabby giggles. “They have lots of sweets too!”

Heathcliff puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “I’m not sure how I could make it to such a place though. After all, it’s quite late in life for me to start anew.”

Arc chuckles. “Who says you have to start anew?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

Arc turns to Heathcliff. “Tell me, what are your duties here?”

“Caring for my master’s younglings, cooking, cleaning, and minor repair work, sir.”

Arc looks to Natalya. “And how good did he do at that?”

“Very well, sir. Heathcliff has always done right by all of us.”

Gallus shrugs. “He’s a pretty good butler, yeah.”

Gabby grins. “I like the sweets he makes!”

Arc nods. “There could be work for him at the orphanage.”

Natalya appears confused. “Doing what though?”

“Probably helping in the kitchen mostly. But his official duties would be up to the matron to decide.”

Gallus looks to his sister. “He could probably do what Natalya and I do, yeah.”

Gabby gasps happily. “That sounds like fun!”

Ashe pats her saddlebags. “If you’d like to have him join us when leaving for Equestria, I can fill out the proper paperwork and file it with the Aviary, Lord Arc.”

Arc gestures to Heathcliff. That’s up to him to decide.

Heathcliff chuckles. “A decision all my own. It’s been a long time since I had to make such a grand thing on my behalf.”

Hammer shrugs. “What’s there to think about?! It’s a choice between freedom and literal slavery!”

Heathcliff gestures to their grand surroundings. “I have indeed been a slave for many, many years. However, as you can see, my cage has always been a very beautiful one. The food I partook of in addition to nourishing my wards has been some of the best a slave could ever hope for. I was never beaten, berated, or abused either.”

He turns to Gabby and winks before continuing.

“Well... most of the time.”

Gabby bows her head. “Sorry, Heathcliff.”

Natalya gestures to the room around them. “We’re planning to liquidate my father’s assets and invest them via the banks. That includes this house.”

Gallus chuckles. “It’s not going to be ours for much longer.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “Technically it belongs to Lord Arc at the moment. Tentatively, that is. Should he desire a manor of his own within the Griffon Kingdom, this would a prime property for him.”

Arc shakes his head. “I have no use for this place though.”

Natalya nods soberly. “Neither do we.”

Gallus shrugs. “Don’t think we’ll ever be coming back after this thing is done with either.”

Gabby sulks. “I’m still taking my room with me though!”

Arc looks to the griffon. “If you’d like, I would be willing to give it to you, Heathcliff. With Natalya’s consent, of course.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, if it means he has a place to live.”

Heathcliff smiles and shakes his head. “Thank you. But what use would an old griffon like me have for such a large estate?”

Hammer looks to the elderly griffon. “So what do you want to do, fellah?”

“If it pleases you, Mistress Natalya, I would like to continue in your employ.”

“My employ?”

Heathcliff nods. “I assume you could use my services in your new home. Cooking, cleaning, and maintenance.”

Natalya looks away nervously. “We... actually don’t have a place of our own over there yet.”

Gallus nods. “Yeah. Natalya and I share a room in the orphanage as part of our employment agreement.”

Gabby frowns. “Hey! I live there too!”

Gallus glares at his little sister. “Only by special permission from the matron though!”

Natalya sighs. “I don’t think Miss Pommel would allow another guest in our room. It’s really not that big to begin with.”

Gabby appears hopeful. “What about that house you said you were buying, Natalya?!”

Gallus groans. “That deal was nowhere near complete when we left though.”

Natalya shrugs. “Right. He’d have nowhere to go.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “How about Light’s Hope?”

“Your base, Arc?”

Hammer frowns. “But that’s a military facility, Arc!”

“True. However, I have private quarters there that need to be maintained.”

Ashe looks around. “Similar to his former role here, I would imagine.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That may very well be, Arc. And, of course, you are fully able to decide on whom will staff your base. However, I really don’t think such a thing would be a full time job.”

Gabby quickly chimes in. “He could cook too!”

Hammer chuckles. “I’m sure Saffron would probably appreciate the extra help.”

Natalya looks to her caretaker. “It would certainly be something a bit... different than what you’re used to, Heathcliff. But believe me when I say that you would be infinitely better off in Equestria versus staying here.”

“I admit that it’s a very... interesting idea. However, I don’t think a military base would be the place for me in the long term.”

Gallus looks to his sister. “Could we hire him ourselves?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Our wages aren’t enough to do something like that though.”

Gabby frowns. “But aren’t we rich, Natalya?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “Remember, all that wealth actually belongs to Lord Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe legally. But like I said before, I would pass all of it on to you to do with what you pleased, Natalya.”

Ashe looks to Natalya. “And as such, you could choose to hire him to keep your house. Or whatever duties you decided on.”

Gallus shrugs. “Maybe ‘hiring’ Heathcliff isn’t the best way to go about doing it though.”

Gabby appears confused. “What else is there though, Gallus?!”

“We could just have him live with us, rent-free. I mean... he did spend a decent sized chunk of his life looking after us.”

Twilight turns to Heathcliff with a smile. “An interesting idea they have there.”

Hammer grins. “Sounds like he’s certainly earned a nice pension to enjoy his golden years.”

Heathcliff stops as he pulls out a set of keys as they arrive at a large double door. “In any case, here we are. Lord Goldstone’s suite.”

Natalya smiles at him. “Thank you for escorting us here, Heathcliff.”

Gallus nods. “Yeah. Think about what you’d like to do in the future though.”

“I shall, yes.”

Heathcliff looks to the three siblings before continuing.

“However, as was stated earlier, it is very likely that this manor will be sold in the near future. You three would do well to pack what things you would like to keep, lest they be liquidated along with the rest of the estate.”

Gabby giggles. “Right! Like my whole room!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “The new place we’re getting is smaller than that, Gabby.

“You mean I’ll have a smaller room?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “Gallus means that the house as a whole will be smaller than your current room.”

Gabby gasps. “WHAT?! But... but you can afford...!”

Heathcliff interrupts her as unlocks the door. “Now, now. Why don’t we take care of this matter before attempting to tackle another?”

“But, I...!”

Heathcliff continues. “That and there is a jar of strawberry jam with you name on it in the pantry, Gabby.”

Gabby turns and runs the opposite way. “Let’s go!”

She runs down the corridor as Heathcliff turns to Twilight and bows respectfully.

“By your leave, Princess Twilight.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you for bringing us here.”

Heathcliff walks slowly down the corridor as he follows Gabby. Gallus turns to his older sister and sighs.

“I think I’ll head over to my old room and see what I want to bring with me too.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “You don’t want to see our father’s room?”

Gallus shakes his head as he moves to walk away. “Nah. Remember, he and I didn’t exactly see eye to eye on much of anything.”

“Alright. I’ll go in there and take a look around.”

Twilight turns to Natalya. “Might I be allowed to see the room with you two as well? I’m interested to know just how griffons decorate their personal spaces when money is no object.”

Natalya nods. Sure. Um... follow me.”

Taking the last few steps toward the door, Natalya puts a talon on the doorknob and turns it. Pushing the door open she enters first as the lights immediately, and automatically, turn on. They attune themselves to the muted sunlight coming from behind the clouds. It shines weakly through a number of lustrous floor to ceiling windows which are adorned with magnificent curtains with golden sashes. Arc enters with Twilight by his side as they all take in the scene before them. Natalya is the first to speak.

“This is... incredible!”

Hammer looks around. “I’ll say!”

Twilight nods, wide-eyed. “Even Princess Celestia’s room in Canterlot Castle pales in comparison to this one!”

Arc sighs. “Marble floors, vaulted ceilings, hand carved wood paneling. Some serious thought and money went into this place.”

Twilight turns to Natalya. “How does this compare to the rest of the house?”

“Our home here is quite extravagant admittedly. However, it’s nothing like this room’s furnishings.”

Arc walks over to a mirror overlooking a vanity. “Opulent, yes. Lovely, of course. But functional, not really.”

Natalya appears confused. “Sir?”

“Take a look at this vanity here.”

The pair walk over as Arc picks up a brush and continues.

“For example, this brush here appears to be made out of gold, studded with precious stones, and fitted with some kind of exotic animal hair.”

Twilight looks it over. “It appears to be mongoose.”

Hammer makes a face at this. “Mongoose? Those rat-like things that eat snakes?!”

Natalya nods. “Yes, lieutenant. They’re extremely rare here in the Griffon Kingdom and as such products made with them command a hefty price.”

Arc points at the handle. “While it feels as though this would work very well, I must point out that the gemstones in the handle make it rather cumbersome to hold.”

Twilight frowns. “Now that you mention it, this does appears to be made more for show than actual practical use.

Hammer scoffs. “Kinda silly to make something THAT pretty.”

Arc nods as he picks up a small hand (or talon in this case) mirror. “Agreed, Hammer. But it’s the same with the matching mirror here. Gold and covered in gemstones. While someone could certainly use this for its intended purpose as it stands, the gems in the body of it are indeed rather sharp. Or, at the very least, will make this item very uncomfortable to hold over a longer period of time.”

Twilight points to another item on the vanity as she looks to Natalya. “What’s that?”

“A cologne bottle.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

Natalya nods as she picks it up. “Yes. However, this one is especially precious. It’s actually a meticulously hollowed out gemstone with a carefully fitted stopper.”

Twisting the cap off, she puts her talon over the opening and turns the bottle on its side momentarily before demonstrating.

“The cologne is pressed into the chest feathers via the talon in this manner to emanate from the user all evening.”

Twilight nods. “This is a very interesting design. But Arc’s point still stands as it appears to be more for looks than an actual useful item.”

Arc shrugs. “Agreed. I mean, a normal glass bottle would be much easier to hold in my opinion.”

Twilight looks the ‘bottle’ over as she speaks. “How long would such a thing take to create?”

“Several weeks, as it must be done very slowly and meticulously with precise tools and a steady talon. One wrong move and they could accidently carve a hole in the side, rendering the gem useless for such a purpose.”

Arc nods as Natalya sets the cologne bottle down. “Another example of functionality taking a back seat to appearances.”

Natalya sighs. “As you’ve probably seen a number of times already, the Griffon Kingdom is rife with such things, Lord Arc.”

Twilight frowns. “Some of what we’ve seen here are also true back in Equestria, I might add. I’ve seen the nobility of Canterlot riding around on platforms that are carried by several stallion’s backs before.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “On their backs?”

Natalya appears confused. “Why don’t they just use wheels instead?”

Twilight shrugs. “It’s like Arc said earlier. Functionality took a back seat to appearances. The nobles I mentioned just wanted to stand out from the rest.”

Arc looks out the window. “That’s not surprising. The nobility here are very similar to their Equestrian counterparts in terms of their attitudes.”

Natalya joins Arc in gazing out over the city. “I have to partially disagree, sir. They may act similar, but unlike here in the Griffon Kingdom, the nobility of Equestria doesn’t have unlimited power with which to oppress the commoners.”

Twilight nods soberly. “True. But that’s mostly due to Princess Celestia passing various legislation that limits what can and can’t be done by the wealthy. That and there are basic rights afforded to all Equestrian citizens regardless of their personal status or income.”

Hammer grins hugely. “And things like that assumedly allowed Equestria, and its citizens, to flourish.”

Arc turns and looks around the room again. “Right. However, why don’t we table this discussion for the moment and get to looking for a key?”

Natalya nods as she turns her attention to a nearby dresser. “”Agreed, Lord Arc. However, it will most likely take quite a bit of searching, as my father was notoriously...”

Twilight calls out. “Is this it?”

Arc and Natalya walk over to Twilight whom is holding a strange looking key in the center of her hoof. Natalya’s eyes grow wide as she takes it.

“This must be it! Wherever did you find this, Princess Twilight?!”

Twilight gestures to the vanity. “It was just lying in the center drawer here.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Seriously, Twilight?”

Arc looks the key over. “But it could go to anything really. Another lock around the house here somewhere. Even just a spare key for this manor itself.”

Natalya shakes her head. “I do know what the keys to our home here look like, sir, as I have one myself. This one is certainly different. But it’s definitely a manor key.”

She points to a thin, black line running down the length of the key before continuing.

“This bit here is the giveaway.”

Twilight squints. “What is it?”

“A bit of guardanium that all manor keys have forged into them, your highness. It reacts to a special slot within the lock which allows the key to be turned. Without it the key wouldn’t work.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “So it’s like a really expensive way of preventing unauthorized copies?”

Natalya nods. “That’s true, lieutenant. After all, a noble’s manor is often filled with many valuable treasures. It also makes such an important key unmistakable.”

Twilight grimaces. “And valuable, I would imagine.”

“Yes, your highness. And as such it’s not uncommon for such a thing to be kept under lock and key.”

Arc nods understandingly. “And to just let the servants open the front door for you in when you arrive home.”

“Exactly, sir.”

Natalya looks at the key again before continuing.

“This one has to be for my father’s estate though, as it was kept in such an intimate place within his room.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So does that mean we can head over there now?”

Natalya nods. “Yes. After all, his servants would have all left by now, as their pay would have been stopped just like our own staff’s was.”

Twilight looks out the window as she speaks. “And they would have vacated the premises.”

“After receiving their final pay, yes. It’s also likely that the estate was professionally emptied with guards verifying everyone had left before locking the door and closing it behind them for value retention.”

Hammer turns to Natalya. “We should probably tell Gallus and Gabby about this now.”

Natalya sighs. “I’d rather just go over there and take care of things myself though.”

Twilight puts a hoof on her shoulder. “But they’re also Lord Goldstone’s younglings. Don’t they have a right to be there as well?”

“Yes, I suppose so, your highness. However... it’s just really... difficult for all of us to process this.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “If they don’t want to come that’s fine, Natalya. But that choice really should be up to them to make.”

Natalya nods sadly. “That’s true, yes.”

Twilight looks to Natalya. “Would you like me to tell them?”

“I... would like that.”

Twilight heads for the door as she speaks. “Then leave it to me.”

Hammer follows her. “I’ll come with you, princess. Can’t be leaving you unprotected, after all.”

Arc calls out after the pair. “We’ll meet you in the Main Hall in a bit, Twilight!”

Twilight shouts from the hallway. “Alright! See you there!”

As the sound of Twilight’s hooves and Hammer’s boots clopping down the corridor ring out, Natalya turns to a nearby window and looks out it sadly. Arc walks over to her and puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder as he speaks.

“I’m with you, Natalya.”

“And I thank you for that, Lord Arc. Admittedly, it’s... more than some fiancées would do.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But we’re just doing this on paper.”

Natalya turns to him and blushes heavily. “Y-yes, of course! Sorry for making it sound like you were in love with me!”

“It’s okay. I, um... would like to tell you something though.”

“What is it, sir?”

“That I’m very proud of you for the way you’ve handled this whole situation so far.

Natalya bows her head. “Just doing my duty as the oldest, sir.”

“I suppose you are, yes. But everything you’ve done since we arrived here has been to try and protect your siblings from this whole mess.”

“They shouldn’t have to go through any of it.”

“Neither should you though.”

Natalya sighs. “Someone has to though.”

“The only good thing here is that everything should all be over and taken care of very soon.”

“Yes... with our marriage, that is.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “If you’re willing to do it that way, yes.”

Natalya nods. “I am. But what choice do I have?”

“This probably is the best choice for everyone concerned admittedly. It spares your siblings from being prisoners to the estate as well as allowing you to maintain financial security and freedom.”

“I’m still a little nervous though, sir.”

“Anyone would be, considering what we’re going to do. But I’ll do what I can to help you through this time as best I’m able.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Natalya turns to him and bows respectfully before continuing.

“It’s... more than a slave such as myself deserves.”

Arc bends down and puts a finger under her beak. Raises it to look him in the eye, Arc speaks.

“You deserve to be free, Natalya. But this is the best I can do for you.”

Natalya smiles sadly. “Again, I thank you.”

Arc looks toward the door. “We should probably get moving. Twilight and Hammer will be getting to the Main Hall soon, I would imagine.”

Natalya sighs as she stands and heads toward it with Arc. “Probably. But I’m not sure that my siblings are any more anxious to get into our father’s estate than I am.”

“What exactly are we planning to do there?”

“Go through my father’s effects mostly. That and learn about him if we can.”

Arc appears confused as he opens the door for her. “Learn?”

Natalya nods as they step out into the corridor together. “Lord Goldstone was my father, yes. But I actually know very little about him other than that single fact.”

“So you hope to learn about his past.”

“And what exactly he was after.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “After?”

“What drove him to work so hard. Obtaining more money than anyone else in the land, I mean.”

“It doesn’t make much sense to me either. After all, at some point I would say one would want to retire and start enjoying that which they had spent their entire life acquiring.”

“I’d also like to learn more about any other family members I may have.”

“There aren’t genealogy papers on record?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Normally, yes. However, I’ve never been able to find them via public inquiry.”

She sighs before continuing.

“In fact, that’s part of the reason I joined the military.”

“Oh?”

“I figured that if I got high enough up the ladder, I could gain access to the confidential files containing the information I required.”

“So you’re saying that for some reason Goldstone redacted his own family records?”

Natalya nods. “So it would seem, yes.”

“But why?”

“That’s one of the things I’m hoping to find out today. But, um...”

“Something wrong, Natalya?”

Natalya struggles to find the words. “I just... I’m kinda worried about what I’ll find. After all, my father was a very shrewd griffon. If he redacted our family records, I’m sure he did so with good reason.”

Arc frowns. “Probably to hide something.”

“Most definitely, yes. However, what that could be is beyond me.”

“Only one way to find out, I suppose.”

Natalya nods as she looks out a nearby window as they pass it. “It’s likely he had them transferred to his personal manor. Hidden away where no one would ever find them.”

“All we can do is try. Maybe they’ll be there. Maybe not.”

“With luck, I’ll have my answers before the sun goes down.”

Arriving at the Main Hall sometime later, Arc and Natalya see Gallus, Gabby, Hammer, Twilight, and Heathcliff waiting for them. Twilight is the first to speak.

“Looks like we’re all together again.”

Gabby groans. “I still want to eat more though!”

Heathcliff chuckles. “The snacks will still be here when you return, Mistress Gabby.”

Gallus nods. “Right. Besides, you’ll give yourself a stomach ache if you keep eating like that.”

“I’m a growing youngling though!”

Hammer shrugs. “Well, it still pays to eat healthy.”

Twilight nods. “Right.”

Natalya turns to Gallus. “Aren’t you bringing anything from your room?”

Gallus looks at the corridor behind him. “I put some stuff aside, yeah. But no point in dragging it to dad’s place. I mean... we’ll be coming back here later I would imagine.”

Arc appears confused. “We will?”

Hammer shrugs. “It is their home, after all.”

Gabby grins. “Yeah! No need to stay on Lord Arc’s ship now that we have our manor back!”

Natalya puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “I... suppose that’s true. And I don’t see Ambassador Ashe having any problem with it as long as we hold to the letter of the law here as well.”

Twilight looks to a nearby telephone. “Agreed. I’ll contact her later and inform her of the changes if you’d like.”

“We’ll... have to think about it, Princess Twilight. But thank you just the same.”

Twilight nods. “Very well. Just let me know what it is that you’d like to do.”

Heathcliff bows respectfully. “Shall I accompany you, Mistress Natalya?”

“To our father’s manor?”

Heathcliff nods. “After I was originally enslaved many years ago, I served Lord Goldstone in his personal estate. If it pleases you, I can guide you through its many halls to wherever it is you wish to go.”

Arc looks to Natalya. “That would be really helpful if you’ve never been there before.”

“I haven’t, no.”

Gallus sighs. “Then it sounds like we’ll need a guide. That is, unless we want to just wander through the place aimlessly.”

Gabby hops up and down. “That kinda sounds like fun to me!”

Hammer groans. “It’d be really time consuming though.”

Twilight shrugs. “Well, we don’t exactly have much of anything else to do until the powers that be in the government process our paperwork.”

Arc turns to Natalya. “So what’s it going to be?”

“I suppose a guide would be of help to us over there. But I don’t really think the cold air would be good for Heathcliff.”

Heathcliff smiles. “A thick winter coat would help ward away the cold.”

Hammer nods. “And the chariot is heated.”

Arc kneels down to touch the floor. “How about this though? With your permission, Natalya, I could place a sigil here in the Main Hall.”

Twilight nods. “That would allow Arc to open a portal for Heathcliff to your father’s manor when we arrive there later.”

Gallus grins. “And help us get back here when we’re done over there too.”

Gabby hops on her brother’s back. “Nifty!”

Arc looks to the butler. “You okay with that?”

Heathcliff bows respectfully. “I will do whatever is asked of me, Lord Arc.”

Hammer shrugs. “Guess that’s settled.”

Twilight motions to the front door with a wave of her hoof. “Shall we be off then?”

Natalya nods. “I guess we’d better.”

Arc chuckles. “Ready to face your adoring fans again, Twilight?”

Twilight giggles. “Sure.”

Gallus looks to Twilight. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that.”

Heathcliff nods. “The route to the late Lord Goldstone’s estate is fully within the Noble’s Gardens. There will be no commoners to slow your advance.”

Gabby pouts. “Aw! I really like them waving to me!”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “It was Twilight they were looking at!”

“And me too!”

Arc clears his throat loudly as he creates a sigil on the floor in front of him. “In any case, we should get moving.”

Heathcliff calls out after Arc as he and the others all head for the front door together. “I shall wait here for your... portal, sir.”

Arc nods as he holds the door open for the others. “We’ll try not to keep you waiting.”

Closing the door behind them, Arc descends the stairs and steps into the chariot along with the others. Looking to Natalya, he speaks.

“Um... do you know where this estate is?”

Natalya nods as she points a talon to the horizon. “Not to worry. Everyone knows where Lord Goldstone lives. Or ‘lived’, I suppose.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Yeah. It’s the biggest, tallest, most well-kept manor in the country.”

Turning to look in the direction indicated, Arc and company see a very tall manor some distance away over the treetops. Twilight gasps.

“It’s just so tall!”

Hammer smirks. “For a house, yeah.”

Gabby claps her talons together happily. “We’ll be there in no time!”

Gallus sighs. “Great.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “I’m ready whenever you are, sir.”

“Then let’s get moving.”

Turning to the stallions pulling the chariot, he motions to the towering manor in the distance.

“We need to go there. See if you can find a route.”

Hammer claps her hands. “And make it snappy! Time’s a wasting!”

Twilight looks over Arc’s shoulder at the armored stallions before them. “But I don’t mind a few wrong turns. After all, it will give me a chance to see more of these beautiful estates.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I guess we don’t really have a pressing need to get there as soon as possible.”

Natalya sighs. “I suppose not.”

Gallus leans back against a cushion. “So we’ll get there when we get there.”

Hammer grins as she looks to the stallions. “Onward!”

Nodding, they turn to face forward and begin walking. Pulling the chariot down the drive, they turn onto the street and begin their short journey.

Chapter 7 - Truths

Quite some time later, after innumerable twists and turns, the chariot reaches a truly massive estate. Turning into the driveway, they physically have to raise their heads to see the entire building that stands before them. Quite the feat for anyone’s home, I must say. As the chariot stops Arc and company get out and look over the building, clearly astonished. Hammer is the first to speak.

“This is just... crazy big!”

Twilight gasps. “I’ll say!”

Ashe nods. “It’s not nearly as tall as Canterlot Castle, but the manor is certainly wider by far.”

Natalya turns to the others. “The estate is certainly the biggest in the Griffon Kingdom, yes.”

Gallus scoffs. “”Yeah well… I think dad was just compensating for something.”

Gabby appears confused. “What’s that mean?!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “It’s... not important, Gabby.”

Ashe attempts to move the conversation along. “In any case, we should try that key. No point in just standing around outside.”

Approaching the door, Natalya puts the key Twilight found in Goldstone’s room into the lock. Turning it, she hears a series of small clicks from within the door. Rotating the knob clockwise, the young griffon pushes it open to allow all of them to enter. The group steps into a grand Main Hall and looks around as Natalya closes the door behind them. Twilight is the first to speak.

“Incredible!”

Hammer grins. “Everything in here is just so sparkly!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Yeah. And as far as the Griffon Kingdom is concerned, sparkles translate to crazy expensive.”

Natalya nods as she steps forward. “Right. But expensive doesn’t always mean functional.”

Walking over to a small end table with an ornate looking vase sitting atop it, Natalya picks it up. Turning back to the others, she speaks.

“This gemstone encrusted vase probably costs more than all the commoners in the city make in a month.”

Ashe looks at the vase as she speaks. “At a glance it appears to be solid gold, yes.”

Gabby shrugs. “And all those pretty gems probably aren’t cheap either!”

Arc sighs as he shakes his head. “All that for a bit of decoration.”

Twilight frowns. “True. It could have been spent on something a bit more... practical.”

Natalya taps the vase. “All of you are correct in your own way. However, that wasn’t the point I was trying to make.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Then what...?”

Natalya interrupts her. “It’s in regards to something Lord Arc said in my father’s room before we left our estate. Observe.”

Raising the vase over her head, Natalya brings it down hard on the center of the end table. A dull thump is heard as she does so. Turning the vase toward the group, Natalya points to a sizable indentation on the base of the vase. Gabby frowns as she does so.

“Now it won’t sit right!”

Natalya nods as she sets the vase down on the end table again. “Right. The vase was made from pure gold, so it’s very pliable.”

Letting go of the vase, she allows it to fall to the floor as the base is no longer able to hold it level from the first blow. Gallus shakes his head as he speaks.

“Beautiful, but extremely fragile.”

Gabby scoffs. “Shouldn’t we throw it out now?!”

Ashe gasps. “No, it’s still valuable due to the materials used to make it!”

Twilight looks to Natalya. “So what would a noble do with it at this point?”

“Probably send it in to an artisan to be melted down and reforged. Very expensive to do, of course. But also the only way to make it perfect again.”

She gestures to the end table before continuing.

“But take a look at where the vase hit the table.”

Arc squints. “I see splinters.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “The table itself is just gold coated wood?”

Ashe nods. “Right, Princess Twilight. After all, it needs to be stronger in order to be able to hold the weight of the vase, after all.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “But at this point, any other noble would probably discard the table as it can’t really be fixed. Well... fixed inasmuch as made perfect again.”

Natalya points a talon. “True. But look at where the vase originally sat.”

Twilight touches the table top with a hoof. “I see a slight ring in the table’s gold finish?”

Natalya traces the ring with a talon. “Right. The weight of the vase displaced the gold finish on the table. So anytime the vase was moved, perhaps for cleaning of the table or vase, it would have to be put back EXACTLY where it had been in order to hide such a defect.”

Hammer frowns. “This sounds like a LOT of work to me.”

Gabby shakes her head. “Just for the servant doing the cleaning!”

Arc looks around the Main Hall as he speaks. “I’m seeing a lot of pure gold furniture and whatnot around this single room. Seems like you’d have to tiptoe through your own home for fear of damaging something.”

Gallus kicks over the table. “Right. It’s all so stupid.”

Ashe nods. “Agreed. Why have things that you can’t really enjoy for fear of causing defects?”

Twilight carefully steps away from a large plant next to her. “We should probably look this place over carefully then.”

Natalya shrugs. “That’s up to Lord Arc, I suppose. After all, this home legally belongs to him at the moment.”

Ashe smiles at Arc. “Contingent on your marriage, of course. But tentatively, yes.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not too worried about things getting damaged here. After all, we’re just going to have the place and it’s furniture sold.”

Gabby gasps. “What?! But this place belongs to my dad!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Hence why he’s inheriting it.”

Natalya puts a talon on her little sister’s shoulder. “We talked about this the other day, Gabby. Our father is dead and Lord Arc is helping us get out of this legal mess.”

Hammer clears her throat loudly. “Yeah, well... why don’t we get that Heathcliff guy over here to help us navigate the place?”

Twilight nods as she looks around. “Agreed. This manor, while beautiful, is kinda creepy without others around.”

Ashe sighs. “Empty manors are like that admittedly.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet. “Then let’s get Heathcliff over here so we can get started.”

Kneeling down, Arc creates a sigil before opening a portal in the center of the room and waits. A few moments later the elderly griffon steps through and looks around before turning his attention to Natalya.

“Hello again, Mistress Natalya.”

“Good to see you. Um... did you have a nice trip over?”

Heathcliff turns to look at the now closing portal. “It was very... quick, ma’am.”

Gallus moves his talon in a circular motion. “Speaking of ‘quick’, can we get this show on the road please?”

Arc looks to Heathcliff. “Some of us are rather unnerved by all the empty and quiet space over here.”

“Shall I fix that for you, Master Arc?”

“Um... sure, I guess.”

Walking over to a golden wall panel, Heathcliff carefully removes it to expose a series of buttons and switches. Pressing a few, the sound of classical music rings out all around them. Hammer frowns as she folds her arms over her chest.

“Uh... that isn’t exactly making the place feel more homey.”

Arc shrugs. “I kinda like it.”

Twilight smiles. “ At the very least, this makes the manor feel more like a place of learning than a vacant house to me.

Natalya turns to Heathcliff. “Does this just play here in the Main Hall?”

Heathcliff shakes his head. “No, Mistress Natalya. I can program the system to be heard in every place within the manor if you’d like.”

Gallus shrugs. “Sounds better than all this silence, I guess.”

Gabby sticks out her tongue. “Well, I don’t like it!”

Natalya looks to Arc. “What would you like to do, sir?”

“I think that the music is very nice. And that it will help alleviate the ‘creepy’ factor to this place.”

Heathcliff nods as he presses a few more buttons and flicks some switches. “Very good, sir. I’ll activate the speakers in the rest of the manor now.”

A few moments later he closes the panel and turns to the group.

“All speakers are now active in the common areas.”

Twilight appears confused. “Common areas?”

Heathcliff nods as he counts on his talons. “Corridors, dining rooms, living rooms, sun rooms, and lounges.”

Arc frowns. “I noticed that all of those things you just listed were plural.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying that this place has multiple... all that stuff?!”

Heathcliff nods. “Yes, ma’am.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But why?!”

Heathcliff shrugs. “I can only assume such was the will of Lord Goldstone when he ordered the manor additions a number of years ago.”

Arc looks around, confused. “Construction additions? To a place that I can only assume was already quite large.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ashe frowns. “But the outside all looks the same age.”

“Lord Goldstone ordered that the outside of the new construction be made to look like the original façade. Special processes were made to give the appearance of age to the exterior walls.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “All that wasted money just to keep up appearances.”

Gabby giggles happily. “Yeah! But it made for the biggest home in all the land!”

Natalya grimaces. “I’m not sure that’s necessarily a good thing though.”

Ashe looks around. “Yes, there is such a thing as too much space.”

Twilight drags a hoof across a slightly dusty banister nearby. “And it’s probably a major pain to keep clean.”

Hammer nods. “The number of servants required to keep things running around here must be crazy too.”

Heathcliff turns to her. “At last I knew, there were well over two hundred employed here to keep the interior and exterior in prime condition.”

He gestures with a talon before continuing.

“But perhaps we should adjourn to the master’s study.”

Natalya appears confused. “Why there though, Heathcliff?”

“I’m assuming that’s where you’ll find what you came here for.”

Gallus looks to his sister. “Uh... what did we come here for again?”

Gabby folds her talons over her chest. “A grand tour, I thought!”

Natalya sighs. “Answers, hopefully. That and I honestly just wanted to see where our father lived before his old house and its contents are sold at action.”

Arc nods. “We should also go through his quarters as well as his study.”

Twilight frowns. “Arc?”

“I’m sure Goldstone had secrets that he wanted to keep hidden. Maybe some of them could be of use to us.”

Ashe appears confused. “How though?”

“That would depend on what we found, of course. But if he was anywhere as business savvy as I’ve been led to believe, maybe he recorded some way out of this whole inheritance mess.”

Natalya puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “Admittedly, he probably could have figured something out.”

Hammer shrugs. “Worth checking out, I guess.”

Gallus turns to Heathcliff. “Where do you think we should start?”

“As I stated earlier, the late master’s study would be the logical choice.”

Arc nods. “Then that’s where we’ll start. Lead the way, Heathcliff.”

“Right this way, Master Arc.”

Turning, he leads the group down a corridor. They pass innumerable paintings on the walls. Twilight looks to Heathcliff as she speaks.

“Lord Goldstone’s ancestors?”

“Indeed, Princess Twilight. The bloodline of the Goldstone’s is a long one dating all the way back to the time of King Grover.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Grover?! The first king of the Griffon Kingdom?!”

“Yes, ma’am. It is said that the pair were business partners before the land was united.”

Natalya gasps. “I didn’t know that.”

Gallus scoffs. “No surprise there. I mean, when did dad have time to tell us anything about anything?”

Gabby puffs out her chest proudly. “He told me lots of stuff!”

Gallus frowns. “Yeah? Like what?”

“Like how pretty I am! And how smart I am! That I’m growing up into a fine young griffon!”

Arc turns to Gabby. “Um... he didn’t touch you anywhere, did he?”

Gabby looks herself over. “Like where?!”

Gallus points a talon to her back half. “Anywhere between your hind legs or under your belly.”

Gabby gasps as she sits down instinctively. “But that’s where my no-no parts are!”

Natalya nods soberly. “Right. So, did our father touch you down there?”

“No, never!”

Hammer breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s a relief!”

Gabby puffs out her chest proudly as she struts ahead of the group. “He said I was always his favorite little youngling though!”

Gallus puts a talon to his stomach as he grimaces. “Yeah... right.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Just to clarify, our father did contact her the most though.”

She lowers her voice before continuing.

“Considering what information came out at his trial though, should I be worried about that?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at this point, no.”

Ashe joins them in keeping her voice down. “But if Gabby has been fondled in the past, she’ll need therapy!”

Arc looks at the youngling trotting some distance ahead of them. “I don’t think she was sexually abused, no.”

Natalya grimaces. “How can you tell?”

“When I was growing up in the Farburg Orphanage there were kids who had been molested by their parents, or others, in there. We could usually tell by the way they carried themselves though.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “How did they act?”

“Pretty much the opposite of how Gabby is. They were sullen, distrustful, and introverted. Not saying everyone that came to live there whom was like that had been abused, mind you. But it was a pretty common set of traits among them.”

He sighs before looks ahead at the happy youngling strutting around.

“But I do have a feeling that Goldstone was grooming her.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “But he had servants to clean us as younglings.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. In this context, ‘grooming’ means that he may have been trying to form a relationship with Gabby for the purpose of sexual exploitation in the future.”

Ashe grimaces. “If we were talking about anyone else, I would have just said that it was most likely a parent just trying to connect with one of their younglings. But considering the context of Lord Goldstone’s past...”

Natalya shudders. “I don’t really want to think about my father doing something like that. Especially to someone as innocent as Gabby.”

Gallus shrugs. “According to her though, nothing happened in the past. So let’s just be happy that she’s safe from him. Now that dad’s six feet under, I mean.”

Gabby calls out to the group from down the corridor. “What are all of you whispering about over there?!”

Natalya smiles nervously. “Nothing! Just talking about... um...!”

Gallus cuts her off. “The past!”

Ashe nods. “Yes. And other boring things.”

Heathcliff calls out as he stops walking. “Here we are. Lord Goldstone’s study.”

Gabby turns around and runs back to the group as Heathcliff pushes open the large double doors. Before them stretches a massive room with floor to ceiling bookcases made of what appears to be solid oak. A floating second floor is visible around the perimeter of the room with a second level of bookshelves. Twilight’s eyes light up as she gasps excitedly.

“It’s incredible!”

Gallus shrugs. “Certainly... big.”

Gabby makes a face. “And stuffy!”

Ashe looks around. “These are probably every book ever written in the Griffon Kingdom!”

Heathcliff nods as he allows the group to pass. “They may very well be. I’m told that this collection was originally started in conjuncture with King Grover and another griffon whom later took the name and title of Lord Goldstone the first.”

Natalya gasps. “A founding member of our country!”

Hammer sighs. “Cultural stuff. Never thought much about it.”

Arc calls out to Heathcliff as he walks over to the desk. “So you’re saying that some of these books are literally hundreds of years old?!”

“It would stand to reason, Master Arc. However, the oldest ones were transferred to the Aviary to be put into a private museum for King Guto about twenty years ago, I’m told.”

Twilight calls out from a shelf on the other side of the room. “That would make sense. They should be kept in a proper vault and carefully copied for posterity.”

Ashe turns to the butler. “Just out of curiosity, do you happen to know the subjects of the books that were transferred?”

“They were personal journals of King Grover. Written before he took the throne, of course.”

Hammer gasps. “Those really should be in a museum!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Oh yes. That way only the nobles can see them.”

Gabby giggles. “Did they have pictures?!”

Natalya sighs as she turns to Hammer. “What my brother means is that such things are not open to the general public. Only scholars and the aristocrats are allowed to see them. And even then only with prior approval from the Aviary.”

Ashe chimes in. “Which takes quite a long time to request and a great amount of paperwork too.”

Twilight looks to Ashe sheepishly. “Do you think I might be able to see them?!”

“I can put in an expedited request on your behalf when we get back to the ship, Princess Twilight. Just be aware that it will still take quite some time and a number of meetings to gain approval.”

Hammer shrugs. “Sounds boring to me. But I’ll go with you, Twilight.”

Arc looks over. “Me too.”

Natalya turns her gaze to look around the room. “Heathcliff, did my father have a record’s room of some kind around here?”

Heathcliff nods as he walks toward a nearby smaller door. “Right here, Mistress Natalya. However, only Lord Goldstone knew how to open it.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “How hard could it be to turn a key though?”

Gabby flaps her small wings happily. “I’ll help look for it!”

Heathcliff chuckles. “It’s not that kind of door, I’m afraid. Take a closer look.”

Natalya walks over and looks the door over. “It just looks like a normal door to me.”

Heathcliff smiles as he gestures with a talon. “Try the knob.”

Doing as suggested, Natalya turns the knob. However, it does not budge. Frowning, she continues trying but to no avail. Gallus kneels down and examines the knob more carefully.

“It’s weird looking down here. I don’t think this thing is even supposed to turn.”

Hammer steps forward. “Let me see it.”

Moving aside, Gallus allows Hammer to take his place. She frowns while looking it over and calling out.

“It’s just solid metal.”

Gabby appears confused. “Like the door itself?!”

Hammer nods. “Yeah. Like the whole door itself is just one big piece of metal. Knob included.”

Knocking on it with a knuckle, Hammer groans.

“It’s solid too.”

Arc sighs. “So no breaking it down?”

Hammer shakes her head as she stands. “Not without a blasted bulldozer, no. We’d be better off trying to cut through the walls than tackling that door.”

Arc smirks. “Or going through the ventilation ducts.”

Hammer chuckles. “Like in the movies, yeah!”

Heathcliff puts a talon on the wall. “Lord Goldstone once told me that this room is built like a bank vault. Thick metal plating all around and no ventilation whatsoever.”

Ashe bows her head. “Such extreme measures to access the room would most likely destroy whatever is on the other side though.”

Natalya looks around. “So there has to be a hidden switch somewhere to open it.”

Gallus nods. “Somewhere in this room, I would imagine.”

Gabby cries out. “Scavenger hunt!”

Arc calls out. “I already checked in and around the desk. Nothing of interest there.”

Twilight walks over levitating a book. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”

Arc turns to her. “You have an idea, Twilight?”

“I do, yes. Let me try something.”

Her horn aglow, Twilight vanishes in a pop of magic. About ten seconds later she reappears and shakes her head.

“No good.”

Hammer appears confused. “Where’d you go?”

Twilight motions to the door with a hoof. “I just Blinked inside.”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Yes, it would make sense not to bother warding the room against magical entry in a country utterly devoid of any magic users.”

Natalya looks to Twilight. “Can I assume there wasn’t some kind of a manual release near the door?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not that I saw, no.”

Heathcliff chimes in. “There probably is one in there for safety’s sake. After all, Lord Goldstone was a very secure griffon.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “That may very well be. But you’d run the very real risk of breathing up all the oxygen in the room looking for it.

Gallus taps the door with a talon. “What if whomever Blinked in there brought an oxygen tank in with them?”

Gabby grins. “Like a scuba diver?!”

Natalya nods. “That would certainly be safer, yes.”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose it would be. But I may have a better solution to the problem.”

Natalya turns to him. “Sir?”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the guardanium dagger. Hammer grins as she sees it.

“Hot dog, Arc! That thing can cut through anything!”

Gallus appears skeptical. “It can?”

Gabby shrugs. “Well, it does look sharp!”

Twilight giggles. “Good idea. I’ve seen what that thing can do.”

Arc turns to Natalya. “You okay with me doing this?”

“Legally this place and everything in it belongs to you, sir.”

“Only on paper. I’m asking if you’re personally okay with it.”

Gallus shrugs. “It’s just a door, sis.”

Gabby nods fervently. “Yeah! It can be fixed later!”

Ashe smiles. “By the new owner, yes.”

Natalya sighs. “I suppose it’s fine. That and I really do want to see what our father has in there.”

Heathcliff gestures to the door with a talon. “It would appear that you have your answer, Master Arc.”

Arc nods. “Guess so. Everyone should probably stand back though.”

Walking over to the door, Arc focuses his magic into the dagger. Making four cuts in the shape of a square, he reaches out with his opposite hand to pull the core toward them with a Telekinesis Spell. The thick metal slab falls to the ornate marble floor, cracking it. Putting away the dagger, Arc turns to Natalya.

“Sorry for the mess.”

“It’s fine, sir.”

Gabby bounds past them and into the room. However, she emerges a few moments later looking bored.

“Nothing but a bunch of filing cabinets in there.”

Heathcliff steps toward her. “Why don’t you and I head to the kitchen for a snack then? I’m sure there’s plenty of yummy treats to be found there.”

Gabby grins happily as she bounds toward the door. “Sounds good to me!”

Heathcliff looks to Natalya. “I hope you find what you’re looking for in there, mistress.”

“So do I.”

Stepping forward, she looks to Arc. He nods silently and motions to the opening. Taking a deep breath, Natalya enters the room and looks around. A large number of filing cabinets line the walls and extend all the way to the ceiling. Gallus and Ashe enter next and look around. Sighing, Gallus speaks.

“I didn’t think it was possible. It’s even more boring on the inside than I originally thought it would be.”

Ashe frowns. “While I’m certain records aren’t exactly exciting, they must be very important for Lord Goldstone to put them under such extreme security measures.”

Hammer enters the vault. “Either that or he was paranoid.”

Twilight follows her in. “Perhaps a bit of both.”

Arc steps inside last. “Shall we have a look at some of them then?”

Natalya shrugs. “Might as well. We’ve come this far.”

They each pick a drawer and open them. Pulling out a number of files they look them over for a time. Eventually Hammer calls out.

“I got the financial records of a landscaping business over here.”

Gallus sighs. “Expenditures for a shell company is all I have.”

Twilight taps her hoof on a filing cabinet. “Patents for a number of items here.”

Natalya nods. “Bank notes.”

Arc closes a drawer. “Generic receipt storage.”

Ashe shrugs. “Archived contracts.”

Hammer groans as she turns. “Nothing of real importance at all.”

Twilight walks to the center of the room. “I wouldn’t say that, Hammer. After all, one would have to go through all of these records to know for sure.”

Gallus gasps. “But that would take months if not years!”

Ashe looks to Natalya. “It’s not really something we need to dig into too deeply, mind you.”

Natalya appears confused. “Why not? He might have been involved in any number of shady dealings.”

Arc turns to them. “That may be. But with his death all of that came to an end.”

Twilight nods soberly. “And even if he did do something illegal there’s no longer any way to punish him for such a thing.”

Hammer shrugs. “Let sleeping dogs lie, I guess.”

Natalya groans. “I really thought there would be something of interest here though.”

Twilight looks through the door to the study beyond. “It’s not a total loss. I’m sure many of these books would be of great interest to the scholars back in Equestria.”

Ashe nods. “As well as those here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Gallus grins slyly. “What would you give us for them, princess?”

Natalya frowns. “Gallus!”

“It was just a joke! Sheesh!”

“Lord Arc owns these books now!”

Arc sighs. “Kinda. But they’re yours from where I stand, Natalya.”

Twilight steps toward Natalya. “Equestria would be willing to pay for a number of those tomes, of course.”

Hammer looks to Twilight. “What about this land’s government though? I mean... some of these are probably priceless historical documents. Not that I care too much about that sort of thing, mind you. But it could cause an international incident if we were to just arbitrarily take them back to Equestria.”

Ashe sighs. “While that is most certainly true, if the Aviary knew about this collection they’d probably just take possession of the whole lot via royal decree.”

Natalya nods sadly. “They’d put the books they wanted into secure vaults and private collections.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Not all of these would be worthy of such a high honor though I would imagine. Perhaps we could purchase them later.”

Ashe shakes her head. “It’s not likely, Lord Arc. Going through the process of selling them would be a lot of trouble for the Aviary, after all.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “So what would they do with the rest? Throw them in the trash?”

Ashe sighs. “Most likely the incinerator actually.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?!”

Natalya bows her head. “It’s standard procedure to burn documents and books that potentially could be dangerous or libelous toward the ruling body. I’m guessing there isn’t much here in regards to the latter, of course. However, it’s not likely that the Aviary would be willing to run the risk of something important getting out to the public.”

Arc frowns. “That just seems like a terrible waste to me.”

Gallus scoffs. “And that’s why our country doesn’t advance socially. Because the moment something is deemed even minutely dangerous, it’s either locked up or outright destroyed.”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “It’s likely that an appraisal team will go through the house prior to putting it up for auction. They’ll refer this to the powers that be over at the Aviary and a team will be dispatched to examine the collection.”

Twilight looks to Ashe pleadingly. “We can’t let them destroy all of this though!”

Arc nods as he thinks. “Maybe we don’t have to.”

Natalya appears confused. “Sir?”

Arc turns to Ashe. “You said that this manor, and all of its contents, belongs to me at the moment. Isn’t that right?”

“Tentatively, yes. When your marriage to Natalya is formalized you two will officially be declared the new lord and lady of the estate.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Just to be sure though, I can do whatever I want with this place, right?”

“Yes. Within reason, that is.”

Gallus gestures to the bookcases with a wave of his talon. “Then why don’t you just take the books, and anything else you want, before torching the place?”

Hammer grins. “Kid’s got a good idea there. Can’t prove that we took the books if the whole place goes up like a matchbook.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide. “But the entire house is still culturally relevant! It’s history in and of itself!”

Twilight nods soberly. “Agreed. That and we can’t just go around burning down buildings. I’m sure that’s probably illegal here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ashe sighs. “Yes, it’s called ‘arson’.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “Then I suggest that we turn it over to Equestria.”

Gallus appears confused. “Turn it over?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Like donate it?”

Arc nods. “It could be used as a vacation home for the princesses.”

Twilight frowns. “But we don’t leave the country for such things, Arc.”

“Maybe not in the past, no. However, you could start a new tradition, Twilight.”

“A tradition?”

“We could come up here sometimes with the others. Like a vacation home of sorts.”

Ashe chimes in. “It could also be listed as a kind of Equestrian Embassy, Princess Twilight.”

Hammer looks to Twilight. “But do we actually need an embassy here?”

“It’s something that should probably be looked into, what with all the industry coming to the Griffon Kingdom from oversees.”

Gallus shrugs. “I guess that’s true. However, it would probably require an official ambassador to be appointed to it, right?”

Twilight gestures with her hoof. “A pony counterpart to Ambassador Ashe.”

She turns to the griffon before continuing.

“You’d have an office here too, of course.”

“Thank you, Princess Twilight. But a pony ambassador would still be required to fill the post.”

Arc chuckles. “Know anyone whom could do the job, Twilight?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “It would have to be someone intimately knowledgeable of both griffon and pony customs and rule of law.”

Natalya looks out a nearby window. “And they’d have to be willing to permanently relocate to the Griffon Kingdom as well.”

Gallus sighs. “A tall order, to be sure.”

Ashe turns to Twilight. “This might be something all four of the princesses should talk about face to face.”

Twilight nods. “I’ll bring it up when we get back to Canterlot. There must be somepony whom could do the job. Or at the very least, temporarily fill the roll until a permanent ambassador could be appointed.”

Arc shrugs. “We’ll put a pin in that for the moment then.”

Hammer looks to Twilight. “In any case, the whole vacation home idea does make a nice plan though. We could station a handful of guards up here for security along with some support staff to keep things clean and ready for us, Twilight. That and they’ll be needed here anyway to maintain the embassy side of things.”

Ashe nods. “Appearances must be kept up for the sake of, well... appearances.”

Arc looks around the study. “And it could still be designated as an extension of Equestria for diplomatic purposes.”

Hammer grins slyly. “Nice place to get away from it all. And have some privacy too.”

Ashe looks to Twilight. “I’ll run the idea by my father if you’d like, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight nods fervently. “Please do! And don’t mention the books here unless he specifically asks!”

“If he does I’ll make sure to mention the fact that you’re personally very interested in them. With any luck I can convince him to just let them all stay here.”

Gallus chuckles. “That would just leave the matter of the bill of sale.”

Arc shrugs. “I was just going to donate it for such a purpose.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no! Equestria will need to pay you for it if it’s going to be used as a government building, Arc!”

“Then figure out a sum with the other princesses and give the money to Natalya.”

Natalya appears surprised. “Me, sir?!”

Arc nods. “I already told you that I’d be turning over all the money we got for liquidating your father’s assets. And I intend to keep that promise.”

Gallus folds his talons over his chest as he sits down on his haunches. “She’d be able to get it anyways after you two tie the knot though.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “Or at the very least, half of it.”

Natalya sighs. “I’d be more than happy with just a small sum, Lord Arc. You can keep the rest.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Natalya. I said you could have it all, and I meant it.”

“Thank you, sir.”

She turns to Gallus before continuing.

“I’ll give you and Gabby a fair share too. We’ll split it right down the middle into thirds.”

Gallus shrugs. “Thanks, sis. But you might want to put Gabby’s share away until she’s older though. Otherwise she’ll just blow through it.”

“Yes, I may just do that.”

Hammer sighs. “Give the kid an allowance then! Make her understand that money doesn’t just grow on trees!”

Ashe clears her throat loudly. “We can figure all that out later. Right now I’m guessing there are other parts of the manor which should be searched.”

Twilight calls out as she walks over to yet another bookcase. “I’d like to look over this room a bit more. See what books there are to save.”

Hammer nods as she follows her. “And I’ll keep an eye on Princess Twilight for security’s sake.”

Gallus looks to Ashe. “Maybe we should split up?”

“That would help us cover more ground, yes.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It does make sense. After all, this is a REALLY big house.”

Ashe nods. “True. However, you and Natalya should stick together, Lord Arc.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Not that I mind, but why?”

“It’s a griffon tradition that an engaged couple spends as much time together as possible.”

Hammer frowns. “What about having to go to work though?!”

“That would fall under the category of what is known as a ‘necessary departure’. However, as Lord Arc is currently doing his job as Equestria’s Hero of Light, and Natalya is more or less on sabbatical from her position at the orphanage, such a thing could be seen as a departure from tradition for you two to be needlessly apart during this time.”

Arc nods. “Then Natalya and I will go together then.”

He turns to her before continuing.

“If that’s okay with you, of course.”

“Yes sir.”

Ashe shakes her head. “One more thing. As Lord Arc’s fiancée, you really shouldn’t be referring to him as ‘sir’, Natalya.”

Arc sighs. “I gave her permission to use that title over ‘master’ when I received her though.”

“I understand that. However, as your fiancée she should be treated as such though. “

Ashe turns to Natalya before continuing.

“Using Lord Arc’s first name would more prudent.”

Natalya gasps. “But I’m legally still his slave, aren’t I?”

“Technically, yes. However, in the eyes of griffon tradition you’re also classified as his fiancée. And as such it is improper to refer to him by a title.”

Natalya sighs. “I’ll try.”

Arc puts a hand on Natalya’s shoulder. “No one’s around though. So you can call me whatever makes you feel the most comfortable, Natalya.”

“Thank you... s-sir.”

Ashe sighs. “Very well.”

Gallus heads for the door. “Now that we have that foolishness out of the way, let’s get moving.”

The others follow him toward the door. Arc turns to Twilight whom is already adding tomes to a pile next to her.

“See you in a bit, Twilight.”

Twilight nods but does not look away from the bookshelf. “Have fun.”

Hammer grins as she waves. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Twilight here doesn’t get buried in a mountain of books, or something.”

Twilight smiles as she adds another book to the pile. “”Oh, come on now! That hasn’t happened in quite a long time!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Just be careful, Twilight.”

“I will.”

Leaving the room, Arc looks to Natalya.

“How about you and I go this way?”

“Sounds good, sir.”

Gallus points a talon. “Then Ambassador Ashe and I will go the other way.”

Ashe nods in agreement. “Very well. Where shall we all meet though?”

Arc looks down the corridor. “How about the Main Hall at sunset?”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Sunset? Do you really think this will take so long, sir?”

“Considering how big this place is, it might take longer.”

Gallus turns to Nataly. “He has a point, sis.”

“Sunset it is then.”

They turn around and go their separate ways. Gaining some distance from the study, Natalya sighs and bows her head.

“This whole thing is exhausting!”

Arc nods. “Yes, going through a lost family member’s things isn’t exactly easy.”

“Nor is getting married.”

“That too.”

“I just... don’t really know if I can do that though.”

“If you really can’t go through with the marriage, I do understand.”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, I have to at this point. Remember, we both signed for it.”

“I’ll do my best to make this as easy for you as possible.”

“For me?”

“When it’s all said and done, you won’t have to refer to me as your husband. I’ll be okay with you putting the whole thing out of your mind and having your own life.”

“But what if I... find someone else?”

“Then like was suggested before, I’ll have one of the princesses sign the papers allowing them to legally join our herd as your spouse.”

“And you’d be okay with that?”

Arc nods. “Of course. After all, our marriage is just one of convenience.”

“I suppose so. But, um...”

Arc turns to her. “Something wrong?”

“I just... kinda always had a vision in my mind of what my wedding would look like.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Well... I would have a modest white wedding gown. Gallus would be there to give me away, and Gabby would be my flower griffon.”

“We could do that.”

Natalya appears surprised. “Sir?”

“I could ask Rarity to make you a wedding dress.”

“Oh, would you?! I can pay her whatever she wants!”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll foot the bill for it.”

“But I’ve saved up some money since moving to Equestria!”

“Isn’t that supposed to be for a house though?”

“I can wait a couple more months to save up some more.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Please keep your money and let me do this for you though. You can think of it as my wedding gift.”

“Well... I suppose I can’t really say ‘no’ to you.”

“Remember, I’m not actually ordering you to accept this from me. But I would like to do my part to make that day special for you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Anything else you’d like for the special day?”

Natalya puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “I... haven’t actually had time to give it much though.”

“Let me know if you think of something and I’ll see what I can do.”

“I’ll try to keep it as cheap is possible though.”

Arc smiles at her. “And I do appreciate that. But remember that I too want this to be a special day.”

Natalya appears confused. “You do?”

Arc smiles as he turns to her. “Remember, I’ve never been married before either.”

“That makes sense, yes. A bit of practice for you before the wedding between you and Princess Twilight.”

“And my other future wives, yes.”

“They’re all very nice mares. I’m sure they’ll make you very happy as well.”

“I hope I can measure up to their expectations too.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “You, sir?”

Arc sighs. “As a husband. Remember, I’m not perfect.”

“You’ll do just fine. I can tell.”

As the pair round a corner they spot Heathcliff and Gabby walking towards them. Gabby waves happily to her sister as she speaks.

“They have the biggest sweets bins here, Natalya!”

Heathcliff chuckles. “Lord Goldstone always had a weakness for sweets after a hard day’s work.”

Gabby nods. “Where are you two going?!”

Natalya smiles at her. “We’re all exploring the house at the moment.”

Gabby looks behind them. “And Gallus?!”

Arc points down the corridor behind them. “With Ambassador Ashe.”

Natalya nods. “They went one way and we went the other. We’re planning to meet up in the Main Hall at sunset though to compare notes on what we’ve discovered.”

Heathcliff bows respectfully. “Can I perhaps be of assistance to you, Mistress Natalya?”

“Maybe. We’re looking for something that could give us more information on my father. Any ideas?”

“Have you checked his private suite?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, we haven’t.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Is it close by?”

Heathcliff nods and points a talon. “Just down this hallway and to the left. All the major bedrooms are there.”

Natalya appears confused. “Major bedrooms?”

“That’s what Lord Goldstone always referred to them as for some reason.”

Arc begins walking. “Thanks. We’ll check it out.”

Gabby tugs at the old griffon’s uniform. “Come on, Heathcliff! You said you’d show me where the pool is!”

Natalya stops and turns as she raises an eyebrow. “This place has a pool?”

Heathcliff nods as Gabby pulls him down the hallway. “A small indoor one, yes. We’ll catch up with you two at dinnertime.”

Arc looks in the direction Heathcliff pointed them. “I guess we should get moving too.”

Natalya nods nervously. “Y-yes, indeed.”

They continue on. Turning a corner, they see a corridor with several doors on either side of it. Natalya appears confused as she walks up to the first door.

“This one has a sign on it that says ‘Gabby’.”

Arc looks the door over. “I thought you and your siblings lived at the other estate though.”

“We do. Or at least, we did. None of us has ever been here before.”

Arc motions to the door. “We should probably take a look in there then.”

“Yes, I believe you’re right, sir.”

Turning the doorknob, Natalya pushes the door open and steps inside. The lights turn on automatically to illuminate a well-furnished room that appears specifically tailored for a young female griffon. Arc looks around as he enters.

“Looks like Lord Goldstone spared no expense on this place.”

Natalya nods as she looks around. “A large bed, brightly colored walls, several toy chests overflowing with whatnot, an entire wall of plushies, books, and even a ball pit.”

“But if you three were never here, nor even had much contact with your father in the first place, why would he make all of this?”

Natalya sighs. “I don’t know, sir. It doesn’t make any sense to me either.”

Arc frowns. “Let’s continue down the corridor.”

Turning around and walking out of the room, Arc and Natalya make their way further down the hall together. Coming to the next door they see a wooden sign on it labeled ‘Gallus’. Natalya pushes the door open and allows them to step inside. Looking around for a few moments, she eventually turns to Arc.

“This room is certainly full of things that Gallus likes.”

Arc nods. “Any teen griffon for that matter, I would assume.”

Natalya shakes her head. “Believe me, my father did go to great lengths here to make it especially for Gallus.”

“How so?”

“The paint scheme of all the items in here were his favorite colors growing up. That and there’s a small balcony with a telescope. Gallus always liked looking up at the stars at night. And then there’s the paintings on the walls.”

Arc looks around. “Unicorns?”

“Don’t tell anyone, but Gallus has always been fascinated by the idea of magical ponies and spellcasting.”

“But griffons don’t have magic.”

Natalya shrugs. “No harm in dreaming about it though, right?”

“I suppose not.”

Arc turns to Natalya before continuing.

“That leaves us with just one more room to see on our way.”

Natalya appears confused. One more?”

“If Lord Goldstone made rooms especially for both Gabby and Gallus then it stands to reason that he did the same for you.”

“I suppose so.”

“Wouldn’t you like to see it?”

Natalya looks away nervously. “I... um... I’m not really sure.”

“We don’t have to do so if you really don’t want to, of course. Or if it would make you feel more comfortable, I can wait in the corridor while you look at it alone.”

Natalya sighs. “No, sir. It’s just...”

Putting a talon to her forehead, she continues.

“Knowing what my father did to so many female griffons, and that he may have been grooming my own little sister for the same purpose... it kinda makes me think that maybe this was to get us closer to him in order to do that same to all of us.”

Arc nods soberly. “I admit, that certainly is a possibility.”

“And to be completely honest with you, going in to my room alone isn’t exactly something I’d feel comfortable doing at the moment.”

“Do you want to skip it then?”

Natalya bows her head sadly. “No, I... I’d like to see this thing through.”

Gesturing to the door, Arc leads Natalya through it and down the corridor to a door with her name on it. Staring at it for a long moment, Natalya steps forward slowly. Standing there for an even longer period, she eventually feels a hand on her shoulder as Arc speaks.

“You okay?”

Natalya nods nervously. “I... um... I’m kinda scared.”

“What can I do to help?”

“This might be asking a bit much, but... do you think you could... hold my talon, Lord Arc?”

Arc smiles. “Of course.”

Extending a hand to her, Natalya slowly puts her talon into it. Arc gently wraps his fingers around it as she again looks to the door. Slowly reaching out, Natalya takes the knob in her other talon and turns it. The door slowly swings open and the pair walk inside. Looking around as the lights automatically come on, Natalya sighs.

“It’s certainly my room.”

“Everything you like, huh Natalya?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. Under normal circumstances the old me would have been very happy having such a room tailored to me.”

Arc looks around. “Armor racks, training dummies, various weapons... this is certainly the room of a soldier.”

“My father must’ve made it when I was still in the military then.”

“How about that bookshelf?”

“Probably filled with books on military tactics and etiquette.”

“Want to see?”

Natalya shrugs. “I guess so.”

They walk toward the shelves together. Arc scans the titles silently for a few moments before speaking.

“Just like I though. All military books on this...”

He stops talking as his eyes fall to the bottom shelf. Kneeling down, Arc pulls a book from its place and looks at the cover.

“Um... is this a romance novel?”

Natalya bows her head and nods slightly. “Yes sir.”

“Did your dad mess that up?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, sir. Admittedly, I... I do like those things.”

“Really?”

Natalya blushes and looks away. “Pretty much all female griffons do.”

Arc shrugs as he puts the book back in its place. “Nothing wrong with that. After all, everyone has their own likes and dislikes.”

“Yes, of course. I mean... who doesn’t want to find love, settle down, and raise a family with the one they love?”

“No arguments here.”

Natalya looks to him, confused. “You mean... you aren’t upset?”

Arc appears confused. “Um… no. Why would I be?”

“Well... I’m going to be your wife. Most griffons would be angry with their wives for fantasizing about romance. At this point in the relationship, I mean.”

“You mean they’re jealous of books?”

“Usually, yes. When a female griffon meets someone special, they usually put things like this away. And when they get engaged to someone it’s traditional to either give away or dispose of such things. Otherwise their future husband might see it as them continuing to think about other griffons.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But they’re just characters in a book. Not exactly corporeal.”

Natalya shrugs. “It is what it is though, sir.”

Kneeling down, she begins pulling the books off the shelf as she continues.

“I’ll run these down to the incinerator right now.”

“You really don’t have to do that, Natalya. I mean... we’re just getting married on paper.”

Natalya nods as she continues. “That is true, yes. However, it’s a sign of respect to the future spouse.”

“Have you read all of these before?”

“Very few of them admittedly.”

“Don’t you want to see what happens in them though?”

“I suppose so. But out of respect for you and our engagement, I...”

Arc interrupts her. “If you want to keep them, I’m totally fine with it.”

“Our traditions...”

Arc cuts her off. “I keep hearing that word lately. Tradition, tradition, tradition. Nothing wrong with it in the basic sense of the word. But another thing I’ve seen is that the Griffon Kingdoms seems to be more concerned with maintaining the old ways over the feelings of those whom have to actually carry them out.”

“But I’m just trying to be a good fiancée to you, Lord Arc.”

“And I do appreciate that.”

He puts a hand on her shoulder before continuing.

“However, at the same time I need to be willing to do the same for you.”

“I don’t understand, sir.”

Arc gestures to the bottom shelf. “The whole reason for getting rid of those books is to please your future husband. Make him happy, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And I want you to be happy too, Natalya.”

He looks to the books before continuing.

“So if they bring you even a little bit of joy, then I want you to be able to keep them.”

“Are you sure, sir? I know that our marriage is largely ceremonious, but I also don’t want to do anything that would shame you.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’m sure, yes.”

Natalya turns to the bookcase again and continues pulling books off. “I’ll just take a few then.”

“Go ahead and take them all if you’d like.”

“I can’t exactly carry all of them though, sir.”

Arc pats his magic ring. “Want me to help with that?”

“Help, sir?”

“I can store them in my ring until we get back to the ship.”

Natalya appears relieved. “Oh, would you?! That would be so helpful!”

“Sure. Just give me the ones you want.”

“I can’t really decide.”

“Then just grab all of them.”

“Well... alright. If you’re sure, that is.”

Arc nods. “I am.”

Handing the books to him one by one, Arc puts them safely in his ring. Finishing their task, Natalya stands and lowers her voice.

“For reputation’s sake, I’ll keep this just between us, sir.”

“It’s okay. If you want to tell Twilight and the others I’m fine with it.”

“I’ll... think about it. But for now we should probably do what we came here for.”

Arc nods soberly. “Visiting your father’s room.”

Natalya looks towards the door. “It’s probably the one at the end of the hall.”

“Then let’s find out.”

Standing, they make their way out of the room and down the corridor together. Looking ahead, they spy a large and very ornate looking set of double doors. Natalya reaches out and takes Arc’s hand again as they approach. Stopping, she turns and looks to him with a pained expression on her face.

“I... I don’t...”

“Scared?”

Natalya bows her head and sighs. “Very. But that doesn’t make any sense to me.”

“How so?”

“I’ve been in combat before. Faced off against opponents in the Gladiator’s Arena for promotion. But here I stand, shaking in terror of a closed door and the vacated room of my dead father.”

“We don’t have to go in there if you don’t want to.”

“No, I do feel that it’s my duty to do this. For Gallus and Gabby as well as my own cloture.”

“Can I help?”

“Just... stay with me please, sir.”

Arc smiles. “Sure.”

She reaches forward toward the knob and squeezes his hand tightly. Putting her talon on the door, Natalya stands there looking at it for a long moment. Eventually, Arc speaks.

“Want me to do it?”

Wordlessly nodding, Natalya draws back slightly. Stepping forward and reaching for the knob, Arc turns it and pushes one of the large doors open. A sprawling room stretches out before them. Stepping into it with his fiancée, Arc looks around as he speaks.

“Now THIS is a room!”

“I’ll say. It’s bigger than most modestly sized houses.”

Arc points to the bed. “Biggest one of those I’ve seen too.”

“At least three times the size of the one you have aboard the ship, sir.”

Arc motions to the end table next to it. “What’s that?”

“Some papers.”

“It’s a start. Let’s check them out.”

Approaching the end table, Arc picks up the papers and gives them to Natalya. She reads them over silently for a few moments before gasping.

“It’s a letter!”

“Whom from?”

“My father!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “To himself?”

“It appears to be for me!”

Arc steps back. “If it’s personal, I understand.”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, no. I’d like you to hear it.”

She clears her throat and begins to read aloud.

Dear Natalya,

If you’re reading this then it would appear that I fell in the Battle of Truth. Hopefully I died with honor and dignity, but I suppose at this point it doesn’t really matter. There are many things I wish that I could tell you face to face. But at this late hour on the night before the battle, I suppose this written correspondence will have to do.

You no doubt saw the rooms meant for you and your siblings on the way to my suite. How each one was custom tailored for each of you. My plan was for you, Gallus, and Gabby to one day be able to join me here in this manor so as to create a real family. Had I survived the battle, I had hoped to put my plans with you three into motion. We would have lived together for the first time. Shared meals and quality family time as I instructed each of you in the manner of running my businesses. Such would allow for each of you to build your respective fortunes in separate, non-competing industries.

For Gabby, I have raised a sizable entertainment business. Her spunky and happy demeanor make her the perfect heir to carry on the business of bringing joy to others. It includes catering, live entertainment, and even a branch for the amusement of younglings. I am certain that she will take it farther than I ever dreamed possible with her unorthodox ideas and personality.

Gallus will take over my production factories. They produce most of the goods consumed by both the public and government sectors of the Griffon Kingdom. Food, toiletries, medicine, textiles, and even a small amount of military armaments. His organizational skills and charisma will allow him to expand the existing factory’s output from shore to shore. Perhaps even to Equestria itself one day.

And you, Natalya... you will inherit my numerous financial institutions. Banking, financial planning, and real estate primarily. Most of the money which flows to help businesses grow and prosper come through my coffers. While it is not nearly a monopoly, I have faith that you can make it so with your youthful spirit, discipline, and the training you received in the military. At that point, it will be time for you to expend your holdings to Equestria and do the same there as I did here in the Griffon Kingdom.

You’re probably wondering why I made such grand plans for each of you without saying a word. Well, the time was coming when I was planning a big reveal for all three of you. Everything was nearly in place to allow me to turn over the businesses to subordinates for a time. However, as you’ve no doubt heard by now, that stupid pastel maned cow Princess Twilight brought charges against me which forced me to take drastic action. And since you’re reading this it looks like I failed. Had I been able to rise above and proven my innocence I would have spent each and every day tutoring you and your siblings on the proper way to run their respective industries. And when you were ready, I was planning to transfer all assets, titles, and intellectual properties to the three of you so as to get you started on your way. I then would have relegated myself to the role of an advisor to each of you while enjoying the fruits of my labors in quiet retirement. Fortunately, I always had a backup plan in case something happened to me.

Across the room on the top shelf of the bookcase you will find three books. One for each of you that explains the basics of the industries which you will be inheriting as well as tutorials on how to take care of the day to day affairs of them. They also contain letters of intent which you can present to the business’ executives stating my desire for you three to take over the respective companies. As such, my top managers will help you get settled in and provide the guidance that I myself am apparently unable to give at this point. Learn from them and use what they teach you to expand and become more profitable. However, when they are no longer needed, you should offer then a nice severance package with enough funds and property to allow them to retire very comfortably. While I know this will be very costly, you’ll want to gain a reputation for rewarding those whom helped you grow.

With the business side of things taken care of, you may wish to live in the a fore mentioned rooms that I have provided. You are certainly free to do so, of course. However, I do recommend that upon completion of your respective takeovers that you three part ways and have manors built for yourselves. Gallus and Gabby will have to start their own separate family names and fortunes while you yourself maintain the Goldstone name and legacy, Natalya. When time permits, be sure to begin a search for a proper husband. One whom can help you bring forth an heir to carry on our family name. I’m sure you know how these things work.

It would appear that I have rambled on for longer than I intended and the hour is late. I must now end this letter and rest myself for the Battle of Truth tomorrow. If luck is with me I’ll be able to exonerate myself and throw this letter in the trash. However, one must always be prepared for the potential future. Be sure to help your brother and sister begin their new lives as business moguls, as their success will reflect positively on you personally.

I wish all three of you the best of luck on your future business dealings.

With high hopes,

Your father

Natalya closes the letter and sets it back down on the bedside table. Sitting down heavily on the bed she puts her face in her talons. Arc sits down next to her and puts an arm around Natalya’s shoulders as she speaks.

“My father, he... he was planning to get closer to us.”

“It sure sounds like it, yes.”

“We were going to be his heirs and live in wealth and splendor.”

“Nothing wrong with that. After all, it sounds like he built his business empire for you, Gallus, and Gabby.”

“That’s the worst part of all!”

“Huh?”

Natalya turns to him with tears in her eyes. “Don’t you see, sir?! I don’t want his businesses! Any of them!”

Arc nods understandingly. “You just want a simple life with a job that makes you happy.”

“And I have that back in Equestria! We all do!”

Arc shrugs. “Well, there’s no law that says you have follow in his footsteps. Is there?”

Natalya sighs. “Tradition states that younglings follow their parent’s wills for their future. Especially final requests like this.”

“However doing so would make you miserable.”

“But I have to do it!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you don’t.”

Natalya holds up the letter. “This says that I do though.”

“But no one knows about it.”

“The executive boards certainly do.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps not.”

Natalya appears confused. “Sir?”

“Think about it. That note said that the books up there contain letters conveying Lord Goldstone’s intent for the executives of those companies to help you and your siblings.”

“So?”

“Meaning that he hasn’t told them of that plan. Had he done so, there would be no reason to have those letters.”

Natalya sighs. “I suppose not. But griffon tradition says...”

Arc interrupts her. “Enough with tradition, Natalya. If you don’t want to do what your father wanted you to then we can just stick with the original plan.”

“Liquidate the companies and return to Equestria?”

Arc nods. “Right. There’s no reason that you should be forced to do what your father wants at this point. You, Gallus, or Gabby for that matter. Just be your own griffon and do what you want to do with your life.”

“But what if someone finds out about this?!”

“They won’t. Remember, that letter was sealed when you found it and was apparently written the night before your father died. There’s no way he had time to tell anyone else.”

“Not that he would have anyways. But what about Gallus and Gabby?”

“You already know that Gallus has no interest in inheriting any sort of business. And Gabby would just get into trouble if she was given any sort of authority.”

“But can I really make that decision for them?”

“Gallus, no. Gabby, yes. Remember, with your father dead, Coco Pommel gave you legal guardianship of her. And as such, you have every legal right to decide this.”

“Could I maybe wait until she’s older before telling her of the plan and giving her the book?”

“If that’s what you want to do, then yes. It’s your choice to make right now.”

Looking toward the bookshelf, Arc stretches out a hand. Pulling the three books to himself with a Telekinesis Spell, he takes them in his hands before presenting them to Natalya.

“Do whatever you want with these.”

“I... I think I need some time to think.”

“Want me to hold onto them for you then?”

Natalya appears relieved. “Please do.”

Taking the books back from Natalya, Arc carefully stores them in his ring before standing and looking to her.

“With that out of the way, should we continue looking around the room?”

“For what though, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “Whatever there is to find. Remember, this may be your one and only chance to search your father’s room before things are potentially disturbed.”

Natalya nods soberly as she gets up. “I suppose you’re right, sir. Where should we look now though?”

Arc looks toward the desk in the corner. “How about over there?”

“Sir?”

“A desk in a private room would probably hold a lot of personal information. Things that might not be found anywhere else.”

“Which is why we came here in the first place, I suppose.”

“Do you want to go through it?”

“Me?”

“Well, Lord Goldstone was your father, after all. I just figured you might want to do it privately.”

“A fiancée is supposed to share everything with their counterpart though.”

Arc smiles at her. “I understand if you’d like to do something like this alone.”

Natalya sighs. “And I’m a bit nervous about what I might find. So... do you think we could do it together?”

“If you’re comfortable with it, then sure.”

Walking over to the desk together, they begin opening drawers. Natalya is the first to speak.

“Just a bunch of blank papers and pencils over here.”

“Same on this side. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

Natalya groans. “My father was a very neat individual. He was well known for taking care of things properly and immediately filing them.”

“So if he had done any work here he would have finished the task without leaving papers lying around.”

“Exactly. Wait! What’s this?!”

Pulling a large book from the bottom of the lower drawer, she opens it hastily. However, after looking the first page over her excitement fades.

“False alarm, sir. It’s just a dictionary.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A deluxe sized one I might add.”

“My father always made sure that he went for the very best available products. And in this case, a very complete dictionary.”

Moving to put the book back, Natalya’s talon slips. The dictionary tumbles to the floor with a dull thump. However, as it does so, a strange looking key falls from within the pages and clatters to the floor. Picking it up, Natalya looks it over carefully.

“A key of some kind.”

Arc nods. “A pretty detailed one too.”

Natalya points at a line running down the center of it. “And it has a guardanium stripe too.”

“So it’s a manor key?”

“I don’t think so. The shape is all wrong.”

“What else would such a key be used for?”

“Anything that one wants to make pickproof. Like a manor door generally. But they’re also used for high security safes, panic rooms, and mausoleum vaults. Although it’s probably not the third thing, as that wouldn’t be something one would keep so close at talon usually.”

“So it’s for a safe or panic room then?”

“Probably, yes.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “If that records room in your father’s study had a keyhole in it, I would have guessed this was used to open it.”

“There was probably a hidden control panel somewhere in that room for it. But it would have taken forever to find.”

Arc looks at the key. “Well, he went through the trouble of hiding this in his quarters. That says a lot.”

“Oh?”

“Your father must’ve wanted it close at hand for a reason. I mean, locking something like this up in a safe would have made more sense.”

Natalya looks around the room. “But I don’t see one in here. Unless it too is hidden, that is.”

“That does make sense though.”

“A safe out in the open, no matter how secure it was, would scream out as being obviously filled with valuables. I would imagine that there is one in here. Hidden in plain sight, that is.”

“Then we just need to find it.”

“Where to start though.”

Arc points at a wall. “With the paintings.”

Natalya appears confused. “Paintings, sir?”

“It’s kinda cliche back on Earth, but in the movies the wealthy often times had paintings on the wall that could swing out of the way to expose a large safe built into the wall behind it.”

“I guess it’s worth a look.”

Arc and Natalya carefully remove each painting from its place on the wall. However, there is nothing but normal wood paneling behind each of them. As Natalya stands on a chair to put a painting of her father back in its spot over the fireplace, she loses her footing and crashes to the floor. Arc runs over to help her up.

“You okay, Natalya?!”

Natalya nods as she gets to her feet. “Y-yes sir. Just a bit of a tumble.”

“What happened?!”

Natalya motions to a small cabinet next to her. “I put my foot on here to get just a little higher and bumped into what was on it.”

“How does one fall from that though?”

Natalya sighs. “It just kinda startled me.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I am, yes.”

Arc turns to look at the cabinet and what is on top of it.

“Looks like just a common vase.”

Natalya groans. “Now I feel even more silly.”

Arc frowns. “Wait a minute. These indentations in the gold over the wood.”

“What about them, sir?”

“You said that when cleaning things like this, the support staff were always very careful to put things like vases back on the table exactly where they were.”

Natalya nods. “That’s correct. It’s to avoid showing the indentations in the gold over time from the weight of the vase.”

“Well, that wasn’t the case here.”

“Sir?”

“There are numerous rings where the vase was set back down out of alignment with where it was.”

Natalya gasps. “You’re right! My father must not have noticed it though! He would have had a fit!”

“Maybe he did.”

“Did what?”

“Notice.”

“I don’t get your meaning, sir.”

“Think about it. This room here is filled with gold and jewel covered furniture. Why would Goldstone have such a plain looking vase to decorate such an exquisite table top?”

“It does seem kind of strange when you put it that way. But what does that prove?”

“Let’s see.”

Picking up the vase, Arc sets it aside and looks at the wood under it before pointing.

“There!”

Natalya gasps. “A keyhole!”

“He must’ve figured that no one would give a normal vase a second glance.”

“I certainly didn’t!”

Arc holds up the key they found earlier. “And we have a key. Care to try it?”

“I suppose it’s worth a shot, yes.”

Taking the key from Arc, she puts it into the hole. It slides into place perfectly. Taking a deep breath, Natalya turns it until a soft ‘click’ rings out. A few moments later the back of the fireplace opens to reveal a secret door. Arc chuckles as he points to it.

“Looks like we found our safe.”

Natalya peeks inside the dark interior. “So it would seem.”

Arc gestures to the fireplace as he turns to Natalya. “Shall we?”

“I guess we should. But I don’t see any lights in there.”

“Good point.”

Looking back to the cabinet. Arc pulls open the top drawer. Inside is a flashlight and a stack of extra batteries.

“Perfect.”

Natalya appears confused. “But how did you know that a flashlight would be in there, sir?”

Arc smirks as he picks up the light and tests it. “Because Goldstone was a griffon. And as far as I know griffons can’t see in the dark.”

“So it would stand to reason he’d have a source of light close to where the keyhole was.”

“Exactly. Shall I lead the way?”

Natalya nods. “Yes. Let’s go.”

Taking Arc’s hand, Natalya falls into step next to him as they enter the dark corridor. Finding a staircase that leads down, they continue on. Going down what must be the equivalent to several flights of stairs, they find themselves in front of a small door. Opening it, the pair see a small room with several simple shelves on one end of the room along with a small table and chair in the center. Walking over to the table, they find a large leatherbound book sitting next to a lantern, quill, and inkwell. Natalya turns to Arc nervously.

“What do you suppose is in here?”

“No idea. But considering the measures your father took to keep this room hidden I’m guessing it’s not your grandmother’s secret recipes.”

Natalya sighs. “One way to find out.”

Sitting down, she opens the book and begins to read as Arc lights the lantern next to her and turns off the flashlight.

“It’s a journal! I didn’t even know my father kept one!”

“Probably all his sordid affairs I would imagine.”

Natalya grimaces as she turns the pages. “Yes, this isn’t a business log. Lots of personal thoughts about various females. Along with what appears to be a rating system based on looks, voice, scent, and something he calls ‘pliability’.”

Arc frowns. “I think I get what the last thing means.”

“Oh? Do tell.”

Arc gestures to Natalya’s tail. “Think about it for a minute.”

There is a tense silence as Natalya puts two and two together. Blushing heavily, she looks away from the pages.

“Gross!”

Arc frowns. “I’ll say. Scanning these entries, it’s obvious that your father didn’t think of them as griffons with feelings and opinions. But rather just bags of meat to do with as he pleased.”

Natalya bows her head as she closes the book. “I still can’t believe he was guilty of raping so many griffons though.”

Arc looks to the books on the shelves. “Maybe there’s something of use in those other books. I mean, they can’t all be like this one.”

Picking up the books with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc levitates them over to the table. The pair look through each of the books for a few moments before setting them aside and moving on to the next one. Sometime later Arc makes a face as he closes the last book.

“I stand corrected.”

Natalya puts a talon to her belly. “It’s incredible! Every one of these contains rankings for what must be the entire Aviary staff!”

Arc nods soberly. “Male and female, I might add.”

“My father was also raping male griffons as well.”

“So it would seem. But I don’t recall any males storming the Throne Room at the trial.”

Natalya sighs. “That’s part of griffon culture. Males are thought to be impossible to rape. So anyone whom comes forward is at best thought of as a prankster or at worst a liar.”

Arc frowns. “So it wasn’t that they wouldn’t come forward, but that they couldn’t.”

“Right. It’s likely that after experiencing such a thing they just got cleaned up and had to try and move on with their lives.”

“Kinda like the female victims.”

“Not quite. They were probably ignored if they told anyone about what happened. Although I don’t think that’s any better than what happened to the males.”

Arc shoves the stack of books off the table angrily. “Your father really was a piece of work!”

Natalya nods sadly. “I know. Now anyways.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry for blowing up at you like that, Natalya. After all, absolutely none of this is your fault.”

“Maybe not. But it’s my job to answer for it.”

“You can figure out how to do that later.”

He gestures to the lamp before continuing.

“This thing is pretty much out of fuel. We should probably take the last couple of books back up to your father’s room to look over there.”

Natalya groans as she stands. “I don’t know how much more I can stand to learn about my father’s antics.”

Arc holds up two large books. “You don’t have to read these if you don’t want to.”

Natalya shakes her head as she blows out the lantern. “No, I’ve come this far. Might as well go the distance. Besides... they can’t be any worse than what we’ve already seen.”

Nodding, Arc puts the books under his arm as he takes Natalya’s talon. She holds the flashlight as they ascend the stairs together. Returning to the brightly lit room above, the pair stop for a few moments to reaccustom their eyes to the light before closing the secret passage behind them. Arc drops the books on the desk along with the key as he steps back and looks to Natalya.

“Would you like to do the honors?”

“How about you open the smaller one first? Judging from the cover it looks like a ledger of sorts.”

“Alright.”

Sitting down at the desk, Arc opens the smaller book. Scanning the first couple of pages, he frowns.

“Numbers for the cost of building something.”

“Something?”

“A building of some kind. Look here. Wood, cement, screws... that sort of thing.”

“But a building would take more than that to properly raise.”

“Maybe there’s more further in.”

He continues looking for a few minutes as he turns the pages. Suddenly, Arc stands and holds the book closer to his eyes.

“This can’t be right!”

“What is it, sir?!”

Arc turns the book to face her. “Look here! An entry for a large amount of weapons, armor, rations, and black cloth!”

“You think he was raising a private army?”

Arc flips through a few more pages. “I have a hunch.”

Continuing his search, Arc points at another entry before speaking again.

“Here!”

Natalya looks over his shoulder. “Some kind of magic cloth?”

“Imported from Equestria!”

“But what does that prove?”

“Nothing by itself. However, the other items that follow do.”

Natalya scans the entries. “I don’t know what these items are.”

Arc frowns. “The reagents needed to make magic cloaks.”

“For what purpose though?”

“Clandestine operations.”

“But our forces do that all the time.”

“True. However, the black cloth isn’t exactly standard issue, is it?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No. And there really is a lot of it there.”

“Right.”

Putting the book down, he stands and turns to Natalya with a sober look on his face.

“It all makes sense to me now.”

“How though, sir?”

“A while back I made contact with the rebels here in Griffonstone.”

Natalya gasps. “You what?!”

“I needed to talk to them about a recent attempt on Twilight’s life. During the conversation, I was able to turn the tables on their leader and interrogate him regarding someone they had received certain magical based goods from. He told me that the figure was covered from head to foot with a cloak but that he walked like a noble.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide. “Are you saying...?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Natalya. Your father was the one supplying the rebels.”

“But... but that’s impossible! What reason would a member of the Council of Lords have to overthrow the government?!”

“My guess is nothing.”

“Then why...?!”

“To potentially have his own private underlings with which to send off on missions completely off the record.”

“But what if they had actually succeeded though? He’d have been ousted by the incoming regime.”

“Because he knew it would never actually happen. Commoners going against trained soldiers never ends well.”

“They did so much though.”

“Which allowed the current administration to clamp down harder on the commoners and raise taxes I would guess.”

Natalya eyes grow wide. “They did, yes! It really was all part of his plan!”

“Even if they had somehow won, a nation runs on business. Which he’d still control as he’d still have all the money. Either way, Goldstone knew he’d come out on top.”

Natalya walks over to the bed and sits down heavily. “It’s just... just so overwhelming.”

“Admittedly, I didn’t suspect him either. I figured it was some other lower noble trying to take over.”

Natalya puts her face in her talons. “My own father... a traitor!”

She looks to the other much larger book before continuing.

“Well, I’m certainly glad we saved that one for last.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“Because whatever’s in that one can’t be as bad as what we’ve already found.”

“I guess not. But we should still take a look.”

Natalya smiles sadly. “The only way it could be worse is if it contained a signed confession.”

Opening the book, Arc looks it over for a few moments. Grimacing, he turns to Natalya.

“Um...”

“What is it?”

“You know how we just agreed that this couldn’t be worse?”

Natalya nods skeptically. “Yes.”

“It is.”

Natalya groans as Arc walks over to her and sits down on the bed. “What is it?”

“Have a look for yourself.”

Giving the book to Natalya, Arc watches as she opens it. Looking over the pages for a few moments she appears confused.

“What... is this?”

Arc sighs. “Something he really didn’t want anyone to find, I assure you.”

“All I see are feathers, names, dates, and places.”

“It’s... a confession.”

“Of what?”

“I’ve heard about things like this back on Earth. When I was a young boy, my uncle was engaged to get married to his girlfriend. But out of the blue one day she called it off. I thought that was kinda weird at the time as they seemed really happy together.”

“So what happened that split them apart?”

“My mother wouldn’t tell me when I asked. But I overheard her talking on the phone a day or so later with another family member about that breakup. She said that the girlfriend had found what she referred to as his ‘sex book’.”

“What’s that?”

“That’s what the person on the other end of the line must’ve said, because my mother had to explain it to them. Supposedly, she opened that book and found a lock of her hair, a date, and her name written within.”

Natalya grimaces. “So... he had a book of all the humans he’d had sex with?”

“Pretty much. And from what I overheard, it wasn’t a small book. But that wasn’t what pushed her to call off the marriage.”

“I don’t see how it could have gotten any worse.”

“It did. Below her name and hair sample was an entry for her mother.”

Natalya gasps. “What?!”

“And above... was her teenage daughter.”

“I know things are done... differently in other places. But that just doesn’t sound even remotely appropriate. Having sex with three generations, I mean.”

“Believe me, it’s not culturally acceptable back there either.”

He motions to the book again before continuing.

“This appears to be the same thing though.”

Natalya looks over the page they’re on. “I’ve seen several of these names before on duty rosters!”

“Military?”

“Mostly support staff.”

Arc shakes his head. “And this is a pretty big book.”

Natalya groans as she pushes the book back into Arc’s hands. “I think I’ve seen enough of that.”

“Me too. But...”

Natalya turns to him. “You want to look at it more?!”

“Just the end. After all, I’m assuming this is in chronological order.”

Flipping to the last page, Arc stares at it for a long moment. Looking to Natalya, he frowns.

“Take a look.”

Natalya shakes her head. “I really don’t want to.”

“Believe me. You need to see this.”

Sighing, Natalya glances over at the page. Her eyes wide, she cranes her neck to get a closer look.

“Th-those feathers...!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Gallus, and Gabby’s.”

“But I never...!”

Arc points to the top of the page. “See here? He has them under the label of ‘future conquests’. Looks like Goldstone was planning to get with both of your siblings at some point.”

“Thankfully he’ll never be able to... to...”

“Natalya?”

Turning to look at the griffon next to him, he spies her putting a talon on her belly and the other over her mouth. Jumping off the bed, Natalya runs into the private bathroom slamming the door behind her. Arc hears the sounds of vomiting and coughing as he closes the book and tosses it aside.

“I know what you mean, Natalya. It’s all I can do to keep from throwing up myself.”

Putting a hand on the bed below him, Arc slowly and carefully stands.

“Don’t think I want to sit on this thing anymore.”

Looking down at his outfit, he groans.

“Not sure if I want to have these things washed heavily after a VERY long shower or just burn them.”

He frowns as the sound of another round of vomiting rings out from the bathroom nearby. Sighing, he nods.

“Right, Natalya. Burned it is.”

Chapter 8 - Ghosts of the Past

After giving Natalya quite a bit of time to get everything out of her system, Arc walks over to the bathroom door. Knocking lightly, he calls out to her.

“Um... you okay in there, Natalya?”

“K-kinda.”

“Can I come in?”

“That might not be a good idea, sir. I’m... not exactly at my best right now.”

“That’s okay. I just want to check on you.”

“Okay. You can come in then.”

Pushing open the door, Arc sees the young griffon lying on the floor in front of the toilet. As she sheepishly turns to face him, Arc immediately sees the vomit caked all over the front of her chest. Smiling weakly, she speaks.

“Just... give me a minute to get cleaned up.”

She reaches for a washcloth as Arc quickly chimes in.

“Um, Natalya?”

“Yes sir?”

“Remember, no one is doing laundry here I would imagine.”

Natalya draws back. “Oh... right.”

“How about you and I take a portal back to The Equinox and get you cleaned up there instead?”

“Thank you, sir. That would help.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Stepping through with Natalya, the pair find themselves in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Gesturing to the adjoining bathroom, Arc speaks.

“Here you are. One restroom complete with full laundry services.”

Natalya looks away nervously. “Um... I’m sorry to ask this of you, but... would it be alright if I used your shower, sir? I feel really... REALLY dirty right now.”

Arc nods soberly. “I understand. Sure, go ahead.”

“Thank you. I won’t be long.”

Arc looks to her as she heads for the bathroom. “And while you’re doing that I think I’m going to pop back over to the manor and grab those two books we left over there on the bed.”

Natalya turns to him, confused. “But why, sir? I mean, it’s not like I want to keep those filthy things.”

“Because I don’t want someone like Gabby walking in there and finding them.”

“Oh... right. Makes sense.”

“I’ll be back in a bit.”

Opening a portal, Arc steps through as Natalya disappears inside the bathroom. Returning to the manor’s Main Hall he looks around for a few moments.

“Uh... which way was that room again?”

Sighing, Arc starts walking.

“I’ll just have to figure it out.”

Sometime later he steps through a portal back to his quarters aboard ship with the books under his arm. Natalya is just walking out of the bathroom as he sets them on the table.

“Sorry for taking so long, sir. I... may have kinda zoned out in there.”

“Don’t worry about it. I just got back myself.”

Natalya appears surprised. “Really? Did something happen?”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah. Got lost a few times in there.”

Natalya sighs. “Such can happen in a noble’s manor. Moreso I would imagine while in the biggest one.”

Arc motions to the vanity nearby as he himself heads for the bathroom. “Feel free to use my mirror to take care of yourself.”

“I shall, yes.”

“Right. Now then, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to shower myself.”

Natalya shudders. “Believe me, that much I do understand.”

Closing the door behind him, Arc quickly sheds his clothes, turns on the water as hot as he can stand, and jumps into the shower. Scrubbing his body vigorously, he muses to himself.

“Grossest thing I’ve ever read. Well... things, I guess. While I always knew Goldstone was a sick freak, even I never thought he would have been plotting to go after his own kids in such a way.”

Shuddering, he pulls back the shower curtain to grab another bar of soap and washcloth from the cabinet across the room with a Telekinesis Spell. Latherin up yet again, Arc continues his earlier thought.

“If I do donate that place to the Equestrian government like I suggested earlier, I’m going to suggest to Twilight that the room be scrubbed completely by a hazmat team before gutting the whole thing out and having it redone completely!”

Quite some time later he emerges from the bathroom in a cloud of steam. Natalya is sitting on the sofa waiting for him. Arc turns to her and calls out.

“Sorry for making you wait.”

“It’s okay, sir. Like I said before, I understand.”

Standing, she looks to the books on the table before continuing.

“Um... what should we do with these?”

Arc clenches a fist. “Part of me wants to burn them right now.”

“Agreed. But I should probably still tell my siblings about what we found.”

“You sure about that, Natalya? I mean... I’m a fully grown adult and I’m still sicked by what’s in there.”

Natalya sighs. “Gallus can take this knowledge right away certainly. Gabby... she probably should know about this when she gets older. After all, she still thinks our father was innocent of the crimes brought against him.”

“I’ll leave that decision up to you. They are your siblings, after all.”

“Thank you, sir. But we should probably get back to the estate now and look for more... information.”

Arc shudders. “Yes, well... I think I’ve learned enough about your dad for one lifetime.”

“Then how about we look through the rest of the manor and see if we can find any more cultural artifacts that may be worth saving?”

“Twilight would appreciate that I’m sure.”

“Where should we start then?”

Arc puts his hand on his chin thoughtfully. “Well... I can open a portal back to the estate’s Main Hall. Then we could just go in the opposite direction everyone else went earlier.”

“Sounds like a plan, sir.”

Opening a portal, the pair step through. Emerging in the Main Hall again they see Gabby trotting toward them with Heathcliff following as best he is able. She giggles happily and runs over to them.

“There you two are!”

Natalya looks away nervously. “Um... hey, Gabby. Having fun?”

Gabby nods happily “Loads! This really is a cool house, isn’t it?!”

Natalya puts a talon to her stomach. “I, uh...”

Arc interrupts her. “Have you two been back to the study yet?”

Heathcliff shakes his head. “No, Master Arc. I’ve been quite busy entertaining Mistress Gabby here. But I would assume that those whom stayed there are quite alright.”

Natalya turns to look down the corridor. “Why don’t we see if we can find Gallus and Ambassador Ashe on the way?”

Gabby grins. “Sounds fun!”

The young griffon bounds away as Arc, Natalya, and Heathcliff follow her. A considerable walk later they approach the open door of the study. Entering, Arc sees Twilight surrounded by what can only be described as a mountain of books all around her. Ashe and Gallus sit at a table reading over a few of them as Hammer relaxes in a nearby chair with her feet up on a coffee table. Natalya is the first to speak.

“Find anything, Gallus?”

Gallus shakes his head. “Just a lot of meaninglessly large rooms that didn’t really appear to serve any practical purpose other than to waste space.”

Ashe sighs. “In a word, ‘no’. And you two?”

Natalya puts a talon to her belly and grimaces. “Kinda did.”

Gallus looks up. “Oh? What did you find, sis?”

“I... don’t really want to talk about it.”

Heathcliff appears concerned. “Mistress Natalya?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Was it really that bad?”

Arc groans. “Let’s just say... that it’s something Natalya should talk over with her siblings at some point privately. And hopefully never ever speak of again after that.”

Natalya attempts to change the subject as she looks to her brother. “So what are you two reading?”

“Just some books about the life of King Grover and Goldstone the first.”

Ashe nods. “Indeed. Apparently they were very good friends prior to the forming of the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something happen between them?”

Gallus shrugs. “Just a couple things. One built a massive fortune through business. And the other became king.”

Ashe holds up a book. “Apparently Goldstone, meaning the first to have that name of course, was very shrewd. He delighted in trying to find out of the ordinary ways to earn his money.”

Hammer looks over. “What did that have to do with King Grover though?”

Gallus smirks. “He liked high adventure and danger. Things that Goldstone was keen to find as well. But for the profit aspect more than the thrill of it.”

Ashe closes her book. “According to these old tomes, the pair shared what they found right down the middle. So Grover himself was greatly enriched by his adventures with his friend.”

Heathcliff nods. “The Goldstones have always been able to find profit where none is thought to exist.”

Gallus shrugs. “Well, the common consensus among historians was that Grover showed Goldstone that profit was more than just how many bits one collected.”

Natalya frowns. “What do you mean?”

Ashe puts a talon on her book. “Grover showed Goldstone that by investing his wealth in helping others he could reap benefits far more than one could hope to earn otherwise.”

Twilight looks up from her own book. “Like the Idol of Boreas.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh... what now?”

Heathcliff chimes in. “The Idol of Boreas, madam. The griffons of that time period rallied behind it, as it gave them great pride.”

Gallus nods soberly. “When the demons in southern Equestria were starving, Grover flew his airships over there to deliver food and other critical resources that they needed.”

Ashe looks out the window at the city. “And as a sign of thanks for his generosity, they gave him the idol.”

Twilight stands. “Which he indirectly used to bring the griffons together and form the Griffon Kingdom.”

Gallus holds up his book. “Our ancient ancestor apparently took those lessons to heart.”

Ashe gestures with a talon outside. “He used his fortune to invest in government buildings, basic infrastructure, and early social programs for the fledgling country.”

Twilight smiles as she walks over to Arc and Natalya. “According to those books, he was the one whom got the Griffon Kingdom off the ground and helped lay the ground work that allowed them to became a proud nation on the international stage.”

Arc frowns. “So what changed?”

Ashe appears confused. “Lord Arc?”

“You said that Grover used the Idol of Boreas to unite the griffons and Goldstone funded the government initially. That sounds pretty benevolent compared to the Lord Goldstone of this generation.”

Hammer scoffs. “I’ll say! Total one-eighty from that guy in the books!”

Natalya shakes her head. “My guess would be that the lessons of the past were slowly lost to time.”

Gabby frowns. “But they were still together as a nation, right?!”

Heathcliff nods. “Mistress Gabby is potentially correct. After all, who’s to say that it wasn’t something else that pushed the nation off its rails?”

Gallus folds his talons over his chest. “Maybe. However, it still looks like the theft of the Idol of Boreas was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back to me.”

“So it would seem, yes.”

Twilight lays her book on the table as she turns to the others and speaks.” Perhaps. But who’s to say that history can’t repeat itself?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “I don’t get your meaning, princess.”

Arc frowns. “Are you saying that you’d like them to fail again, Twilight?

Gallus rolls his eyes. “I wouldn’t worry too much about that though. After all, there can’t be too much further for our nation to fall. I mean, our country today is a far, FAR cry from the land described in those ancient history books.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no. Quite the opposite, in fact. I was referring to the origins of the country itself.”

Gabby flaps her wings. “What’s that mean, Princess Twilight?!”

“Think about it this way. The griffons of that time period originally rallied behind Grover, as he possessed the Idol of Boreas. It gave them all a source of pride and united them all. Then Goldstone paid the bills to build things to get the country started.”

She looks to Natalya before continuing.

“What if the griffons of today had something else to rally behind? Something they could take pride in like they did in the past.”

Heathcliff tilts his head to one side, confused. “But what would be the source of this pride, your highness?”

“How about themselves?”

Gallus frowns. “Taking pride in oneself?”

Twilight nods as she turns to Ashe. “You said that things are improving for the common griffons. If this trend continues, a case could be made for them to take pride in their own accomplishments. Their own... advancements.”

Gallus puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “It sounds good. But factories and better working conditions can only do so much.”

Natalya thinks aloud as she puts a talon to her beak. “Infrastructure.”

Gabby looks to her sister. “What was that, Natalya?!”

“The first Goldstone used his money to build infrastructure.”

Gabby frowns. “Infra… what now?!”

Heathcliff counts on his talons as he speaks. “That would include bridges, guards, government buildings, and running water.”

Natalya nods. “Very basic things that all civilizations need in order to survive.”

She looks to Twilight before continuing.

“If the griffons really could rally behind something as you suggested a few moments ago, Princess Twilight, they could take pride in it. Such as a better life through honest and fair paying labor. We could build on that initial burst of pride like the first Goldstone did.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Build on it?”

Natalya turns to her. “As in use that as a starting point to give the public even more to be proud of.”

Gallus sighs. “But how would we do that?”

Natala picks up a nearby book. “Through education.”

Hammer appears confused. “But I thought that only the rich could go to school here.”

Heathcliff nods. “Yes, that is correct, ma’am.”

Natalya smiles. “What if they could though? Let’s say that the Griffon Kingdom adopted similar schooling policies as Equestria has had for pretty much forever?”

Hammer grins. “Meaning that every youngling would be provided a basic education at no cost to them or their families?”

Arc nods as he puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “I would imagine that such a thing would cause the next generation to potentially be just as educated as the nobility.”

Gallus shrugs. “Maybe not that much, no. But at the very least give them a chance to be more than they currently are.”

Ashe smiles broadly as she considers this. “An educated general public.”

Twilight giggles. “Something no griffon alive today would ever dream of happening.”

Gabby frowns. “How could we do that though, Natalya?!”

“By building schools in every town and hiring teachers to staff them.”

Heathcliff shakes his head. “The government would never agree to such a thing, Mistress Natalya.”

Hammer groans. “Yeah. They don’t seem to be the type to spend money on things outside of the military or their own fat, lazy butts.”

Natalya nods as she smiles. “Righty you are, Hammer. And that’s where my plan comes in. If they won’t pay for it, we will.

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “How?”

“With the funds from our father’s estate. Like we were told, the law won’t allow us to take that money out of the country en masse. But we can invest in domestically. So I’d like to use it to finance a number of schools for all.”

She turns to Arc with a hopeful look in her eyes.

“That is, if it’s okay with you, sir.”

Arc nods approvingly. “It’s your inheritance, Natalya. Do with it what you will.”

Twilight grins. “I think that’s an absolutely amazing idea!”

Ashe looks to Natalya. “That it is! Very generous too!”

Heathcliff smiles wistfully. “Younglings all going to school. I never thought I would live to see that day that such a thing would be possible.”

Hammer grins. “I’m not seeing any down side to this idea either.”

Twilight turns to Ashe. “What about the law? Would the government here have any reason to block such a thing?”

Ashe shrugs. “Not really, no. But it’s worth pointing out that if they really wanted to they could theoretically block anything. That and with the news of the late Lord Goldstone’s sordid affairs becoming public knowledge, this family’s name isn’t exactly one that evokes an air of trust at the moment.

Heathcliff bows his head. “Especially by the Council of Lords.”

Gallus groans. “They might say ‘no’ just because it’s funding would be linked to the Goldstone name.”

Ashe nods. “Very true. However, I have an idea on how to prevent such a thing from happening.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Lord Arc could personally request a meeting before the Council of Lords regarding a proposed new business idea.”

Gallus grins as he makes air quotes. “Yeah. A new ‘business idea’.”

Ashe continues. “He could promote such a thing as merely a goodwill gesture from Equestria to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “They would certainly hear you out at least, Arc.”

Arc nods. “All under the guise of trying to deepen ties with the Griffon Kingdom and use the Goldstone wealth to try and help make up for the sins of the past.”

Natalya smiles. “I do believe you could convince them, yes.”

Gallus sighs. “All well and good. But this would be a temporary fix at best.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “How do you figure that?”

“As rich as our estate is, even its grand wealth is still finite. If we run out of money, the schools will close, younglings will be back on the streets, and the country will be right back to where it was before.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not necessarily. After all, an estate that’s well managed can sustain even a large family for innumerable generations by then simply living off the interest and investing wisely.”

Arc taps the tabletop as he speaks. “The money in the bank will, of course, be lent out by the bank to others seeking capital and repaid. We get part of that interest as does the bank.”

Hammer grins. “They get rich while you do too!”

Twilight gestures out the window. “It’s also worth pointing out that since the money is remaining within the country, it will help their economy by soothing the uncertainty that comes with a fortune of this size changing hooves.”

Heathcliff nods. “Moreso if it’s announced that the new lord of the estate plans to use their wealth for the betterment of younglings.”

Gallus chimes in. “Then those younglings grow up and are able to get better jobs since they’re well educated.”

Ashe points a talon up. “Income levels increase for more griffons, allowing them to purchase more goods and services.”

Gabby nods happily. “And nicer houses! Like my room!”

Arc chuckles. “That too.”

Twilight continues. “The increased collective intellect of the country will most likely lead to new ideas along with better ways of doing things. Industry will become more efficient and cost effective as well as safer.”

Natalya makes a sweeping motion with her talons. “And such things will ebb out into other sectors too.”

Hammer grins widely. “Until it touches everything! In a positive way, I mean.”

Arc counts on his fingers as he speaks. “The Griffon Kingdom’s younglings get schooling. Equestria appears to be an even greater ally than originally thought. The economy here grows steadily. And life becomes better for all. I’m honestly not seeing any downsides whatsoever to this idea.”

Heathcliff nods fervently. “Indeed, Master Arc. However, that still hinges on you being allowed to do such a thing with the money.”

Twilight looks to the ambassador. “Do you think you could set up a meeting between Arc and the Council of Lords, Ashe?”

Ashe nods. “I do believe that such a thing would be in order regardless. After the transfer of such a large estate, it’s traditional for the new lord to have a short conversation with the council anyways.”

Gabby gasps. “What about?!”

“Condolences for the loss of their predecessor and inquiries on their plans for their newly acquired estate.”

Gallus frowns. “A meet and greet?”

Natalya sighs. “Sounds like it, yes.”

“Which I will be able to set up after Lord Arc is officially wed to Natalya.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thank you, Ashe. But what about...?”

He is cut off as his earring chirps. Reaching up, Arc touches it before speaking.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts! We’ve just received an emergency transmission from the Lunar Destiny on the border of the Badlands!”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest and shakes her head. “Well, that particular treaty didn’t last too long.”

Twilight calls out. “What happened?!”

Lemon Hearts continues. “Colonel Flash Sentry reports that a changeling approached the ship, which as you know is acting as the temporary border crossing station between our two nations, and delivered a message to them from King Thorax!”

Arc frowns. “What did it say?”

“Just that the king needs to see you right away, sir!”

“Nothing else?”

“The exact message was, ‘I need to speak to Hero of Light Arc right away regarding a very delicate diplomatic matter. Please come at once.’.”

Twilight grimaces. “This doesn’t sound like a very good idea.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Agreed.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll head out there and meet with him in a few minutes. Send word to Colonel Flash Sentry to expect me, Lemon Hearts.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?!”

“Yes sir.”

“Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection as he turns to a positively livid Twilight.

“It’s most likely a trap, Arc!”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward the princess. “Twilight’s probably right about that! We can’t trust those bugs any further than we can throw em!”

Arc shrugs. “So what do you want me to do about it?”

Ashe turns to him. “You should probably take some troops with you, Lord Arc.”

Natalya shudders. “Agreed.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “You want him to bring troops to a ‘very delicate diplomatic matter’?”

Gabby nods fervently. “I would!”

Gallus scoffs at his little sister. “You can’t even spell ‘delicate’!”

Hammer looks to Arc. “How about I come with you then? I can watch your backside.”

Twilight frowns. “Considering what happened the last time we were there, I’d feel more comfortable if you went with more than just one individual, Arc. Why don’t I come as well?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Twilight?”

“If it’s a diplomatic matter I may be able to help.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Am I the only one that remembers what we all went through over there recently?”

Natalya steps forward soberly. “I’ll go too.”

Gallus appears surprised. “You, Natalya?!”

Gabby gasps. “Why?!”

“Because I’m still a warrior. And I’d like the chance to help repay all of Lord Arc’s Kindness.”

Arc sighs. “While I do appreciate the sentiment, I’d feel a lot better if you stayed here where it’s safe, Natalya.”

Ashe steps forward. “If I may, Lord Arc. As Natalya’s fiancé, you and she are supposed to stay together whenever possible.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “How is something like this not worthy of an exemption though?”

“The law just says ‘whenever possible’. While it’s most certainly ambiguous, as I said the other day, the powers that be will be expecting you to follow our customs as closely as possible, Lord Arc.”

Natalya folds her talons pleadingly. “Please let me come along, sir! I really do want to help if I can!”

Arc nods. “Alright, Natalya. We’ll get you a weapon from The Equinox before we leave though.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “I’m still coming to watch your back though, right?”

“Sure.”

Twilight bows her head. “Might I suggest taking Sereb as well, Arc?”

“I thought we should keep this group small.”

Heathcliff chimes in. “There is strength in unity, sir.”

Ashe nods. “That and he can sniff out trouble and hopefully tip you off before it becomes a problem as well.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose that’s true. But I kinda wanted to go alone just in case it did turn out to be a trap. Remember, magic now works in the Badlands. If things did get bad, I could just blast or teleport my way out.”

Twilight narrows her eyes. “Arc. Take Sereb.”

Arc smiles nervously. “Yes dear.”

Touching his earring, Arc makes the call to Lemon Hearts. Finishing, he looks to Hammer and Natalya.

“Ready to head back to the ship now?”

Ashe frowns. “What about us?!”

Gallus shrugs. “We could just hang out here.”

Gabby points toward the corridor. “I wanna sleep in that nice room here with my name on the door!”

Twilight looks to the bookcases. “And I still have a lot of books to go over.”

Heathcliff nods. “Don’t worry, Master Arc. I’ll see to it that they’re comfortable and fed.”

Arc turns to Ashe. “You want to stay here or go back to the ship?”

“I should probably be aboard The Equinox in case any messages or additional paperwork come in regarding your current situation.”

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Twilight walks over. “Arc?”

Arc turns to her. “Yes, Twilight?”

Flapping her wings to get some air, Twilight leaps forward and wraps her front hooves around Arc’s neck. Returning the hug, he smiles and speaks.

“Have fun over here while I’m gone.”

“I will. And you be careful in the Badlands.”

Kissing him on the cheek, Twilight allows Arc to lower her down to the floor. As her hooves touch down, she looks up at him and smiles sadly.

“Hurry back.”

Arc pats her cheek. “I will. Count on it.”

Opening a portal, Arc motions at the others to step through. Turning back to Twilight, he playfully salutes her.

“See you later, princess.”

Stepping through his portal, Twilight watches as it closes behind him. Gallus walks over to her.

“Um... you okay, Princess Twilight?”

Gabby looks to her brother. “Maybe she just needs to rest?!”

Heathcliff approaches. “Would you like me to show you to a private suite, your highness?”

Twilight nods sadly as she turns toward the door. “Yes, I... I’d like to be alone for a bit.”

Leaving the room with Heathcliff, he escorts her to a nearby suite. Gesturing with a talon, he turns to Twilight.

“I hope this will be adequate for you needs, Princess Twilight.”

“Yes, it will be fine.”

“Shall I wake you for lunch?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, thank you. I’m... not very hungry at the moment.”

Heathcliff bows as he steps back. “Very well, your highness. Rest well.”

As the door is closed, Twilight walks over to a large bed on one side of the room and lays down. Staring out a window across the room, she is able to see The Equinox parked at the Skyport in the distance. Closing her eyes, she sighs.

“Be careful, Arc.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Natalya, Ashe, and Hammer step through the portal into Arc’s quarters aboard The Equinox. Closing it, Arc heads for the door.

“Your armor is in storage down in the Cargo Hold, Hammer. “

Hammer grins. “Then let’s go dust it off.”

Arc looks over his shoulder as they step out into the corridor. “And we’ll see about getting you a weapon, Natalya.”

Ashe raises a talon. “I have griffon style armaments in my suite that she can use.”

Natalya appears relieved. “Thank you, Ambassador Ashe.”

Arc nods. “Alright. Meet us back here at my quarters in twenty minutes then.”

They part ways. Ashe and Natalya make the short walk to her suite. Entering, Ashe opens a large wardrobe to expose an armor rack.

“Here we are. Let’s get you ready.”

Removing the pieces of the armor one by one and handing them to Nataly she is soon fully armored. Opening a drawer, Ashe pulls out an extremely high quality sword and shield. Turning back to Natalya she holds them out as she speaks.

“I’m not sure what weapons you’re used to, but this is all I have here.”

Natalya accepts them. “They’re fine, thank you.”

Adjusting herself a bit before attaching the sword and shield to her belt, Natalya looks herself over in a large mirror nearby.

“Everything appears to be in order.”

“Yes, you look fully prepared for battle now.”

“That’s true, yes. But I am curious.”

“About what?”

“Why would a peace ambassador be carrying around such things? Especially since our current mission is of an economic nature.”

“After reading the reports of Lord Arc’s other expeditions I’ve decided to always be prepared for trouble when accompanying him.”

Natalya frowns. “That seems a bit pessimistic to me.”

“I prefer to think of it as simply being prepared.”

Ashe gestures to the armor on Natalya’s body before continuing.

“And it would appear that I was right to bring it this time.”

“I can’t really argue with that, I suppose. Um... but can I ask you something a bit... personal.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“From one griffon to another, how do you personally feel about the state of our nation?”

“That we need things to change. Drastically.”

“In what way?”

“Pretty much everything really. Economic, judicial, legislative, monetary policy, diplomacy, and any number of other things that I can’t think of off the top of my head.”

Natalya nods. “I really can’t argue with that. We don’t really have any say in what happens within our own land.”

“Right. Take you for example. You were sold into slavery without any sort of a trial. And now you have to be a part of a more or less forced marriage in order to protect both your family and our countries’ economies from collapsing. Something no one should ever have to experience.”

“Do you... think I’m doing the right thing by marrying Lord Arc?”

Ashe sighs. “Not so much the ‘right’ thing. But the only thing you can do at this point.”

Natalya smiles sadly. “I... admit that I was really scared when I was made Lord Arc’s slave. Not just because I thought I was losing all my freedoms, but because of... what’s traditionally done to female griffon slaves.”

Ashe clenches a talon. “Another shortcoming of griffon culture.”

“After I was cleaned up properly, I resigned myself to such an act and presented myself to Lord Arc.”

“I do hope he went easy on you.”

Natalya smiles. “He... he didn’t do anything to me.”

“Really?”

“Which was a surprise to me as well. And a relief too, as he’s quite a bit... bigger than I am.”

Ashe shrugs. “I’m guessing that’s just because he walks on two legs.”

“But I am a bit worried about what will happen when he and I get married. I’m sure you know what is traditionally done the night after the wedding.”

Ashe nods soberly. “To say nothing about the day of.”

Natalya appears confused. The day of?

“We should... probably talk about it after this business is concluded. With Lord Arc present, mind you.”

“Um... alright.”

Ashe heads for the door. “But for now, I suggest we do as Lord Arc said and meet him back at his quarters.”

Leaving her room, the pair return to Arc’s quarters. Seeing Hammer, Arc, and Sereb waiting for them, they call out. Natalya presents herself to the group for inspection.

“I’m ready.”

Ashe puts a talon on Natalya’s shoulder. “Luckily everything fit.”

Sereb nods. “Hello again, miss.”

Hammer grins. “Looking good, Natalya!”

“Thank you, lieutenant. Um... you appear prepared as well.”

Arc looks around at the group. “If everyone is ready, we should probably get moving.”

Holding up a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Motioning for the others to step through, Ashe calls out after them.

“Be careful over there!”

Arc nods as he prepares to follow. “We will be.”

Reappearing in the master quarters of the Lunar Destiny, Arc leads the group out the door.

“Let’s get to the Bridge and see what this is all about.”

Hammer frowns. “Yeah. The sooner we get this thing figured out the sooner we can get out of there.”

Natalya grimaces. “Do you expect trouble, sir?”

Arc sighs. “Unfortunately, yes.”

Sereb growls. “It was not long ago that we were marching the Badlands on our way to do battle!”

“Well, with any luck we won’t have to fight and just ‘battle’ with words at the very worst, big guy.”

Arriving at the Bridge, Arc spots Flash Sentry standing next to the captain’s chair waiting for him. He salutes as they approach.

“Good day, sir. My apologies for the short notice.”

Arc nods as he steps forward. “It’s fine, colonel. What’s the situation?”

“One of the new changelings approached the border recently. I ordered a few guards to approach them and ascertain what exactly they wanted.”

He points to a scroll on a nearby console before continuing.

“They gave our soldiers that scroll and said it was for you, sir.”

Arc reaches out and picks up the scroll. “Let’s see here.”

Opening it, Arc reads aloud.

“It says, ‘I need to talk to Hero of Light Arc right away regarding a very delicate diplomatic matter. Please come at once.’”

Sereb frowns. “That is all?”

Arc nods as he rolls it back up. “Yup.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Definitely not a trap.”

Natalya grimaces. “I do admit that his lack of any kind of details is certainly... suspicious, yes.”

Arc sighs. “Then all we can do is head out there. With luck we should be able to reach the hive tomorrow afternoon.”

Flash Sentry quickly chimes in. “Begging your pardon, sir, but I don’t believe that will be necessary.”

“Oh?”

Flash Sentry points a hoof out the window. “Have a look.”

Walking over to the window, Arc looks out to see a changeling standing some distance away at the border waiting patiently. Turning back to Flash Sentry, Arc speaks.

“So he’s waiting to escort us there?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Such was the only other thing they said. That they would provide transportation.”

Hammer frowns. “If by ‘transportation’ he means a shortcut, I’m all for it.”

Sereb looks out the window at the horizon. “Perhaps there is a faster route hidden beneath the sand.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Like underground caverns?”

Sereb sighs “Wishful thinking, I know.”

Flash Sentry taps the comms. “I’ve already notified Canterlot of the event. Princess Luna has the military on standby, just in case.”

Arc nods. “Good. Continue observing and let me know if you see anything else.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir.”

Arc turns to the others. “Well now, I guess all that’s left to do here is to get started.”

They nods silently as Arc leads the way off the Bridge. Arriving at the Main Hatch, he calls forth his armor and looks to the others.

“Anyone want to stay here?”

Hammer groans. “Just open the darn door, Arc!”

Arc shrugs. “Just checking.”

Pressing the nearby button, Arc walks out onto the deck with the others. Sereb approaches and beckons him.

“Shall I ferry you down there?”

“I should probably walk.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah, you should ride, Arc.”

“Why?”

Natalya turns to him. “It would be interpreted as a sign of strength. And a precaution.”

Sereb nods. “For if things go wrong.”

Hammer grins. “And it makes you look REALLY cool!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Alright, I’ll do it.”

Getting into the saddle, Arc looks down at Sereb and motions to the changeling.

“Let’s get down there.”

Nodding, Sereb begins walking as Hammer and Natalya fall into step behind them. Approaching the lone changeling, Arc looks down at them and speaks.

“I’m told that your king wants to speak with me.”

The changeling bows respectfully. “That is correct, sir.”

“What about?”

“He did not say.”

Hammer frowns. “Awfully convenient of him.”

Natalya looks to the changeling. “Any guesses though?”

“None, ma’am. But...”

Arc frowns. “But what?”

“Well... he did seem very... worried when ordering me to deliver the message to your ship.”

Sereb looks over his shoulder at Arc. “What shall we do?”

Arc shrugs. “I guess we’ll head over there and find out for ourselves.”

He turns to the changeling before continuing.

“Apparently you’re supposed to take us there, correct?”

The changeling nods. “Yes sir. Are you ready to depart?”

“I guess so.”

“Very well.”

Turning, the changeling’s horn glows. Arc draws his spear from the ring as Natalya and Hammer take up battle ready positions. As they do so however a portal forms. The changeling turns and looks to them, clearly surprised.

“I... I mean you no harm!”

Arc groans. “Providing transportation?”

“Yes sir. This will take us directly to the primary hive cluster.”

Natalya eyes the swirling energies suspiciously. “It looks kinda like one of your portals, Lord Arc.”

Hammer frowns. “I still have a bad feeling about this.”

Sereb growls. “As do I.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it sure beats walking across the desert. Again.”

He looks down at Hammer and Natalya.

“You two can stay here if you want.”

Hammer scoffs. “Heck no! Where you go, I go!”

Natalya looks to him respectfully. “Agreed.”

Arc shrugs. “Alright. I’ll go first though.”

Patting Sereb’s side, Arc motions for him to advance. Walking forward through the portal, Arc looks around to see the hive directly in front of him. A number of tents are pitched in front of it. Turning to their guide as they emerge, he speaks.

“Something wrong with the hive itself?”

The changeling frowns. “We’re demolishing it.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“King Thorax has declared it necessary for us to move on from that chapter in our history. He has therefore ordered that it shall be rebuilt in a more... horizontal fashion.”

Natalya appears confused. “Horizontal?”

Sereb growls. “For what purpose?”

“To be somewhat less imposing, I would imagine.”

Arc shrugs. “Admittedly, that would be an improvement.”

Their guide points with a hoof. “But in any case, King Thorax is currently inside the hive overseeing the deconstruction personally. Shall I take you to him.”

Arc nods. “Please do.”

Stepping forward, the changeling leads the group toward the hive. Passing numerous changelings hard at work, they eventually come to a large set of double doors. Arc dismounts and looks to their guide.

“So he’s in there?”

“Yes sir.”

Hammer points to the door. “What’s in there?”

“Queen Chrysalis’ personal chambers.”

Sereb growls. “So he has moved into her quarters?!”

Natalya shrugs. “It kinda makes sense to me.”

Arc turns to their guide. “So do we just walk in, or what?”

“I shall announce you and your entourage, sir.”

Entering the room, the changeling closes the door behind them. Hammer turns to Arc.

“I don’t like this.”

Arc sighs. “Neither do I.”

Natalya looks around nervously as she puts a talon on her weapon hilt. “What should we do?”

“Just keep your eyes open for the moment.”

Sereb sniffs the air. “I shall call out any danger I perceive.”

Hammer draws her gun. “So will I.”

A few moments later the changeling returns. Looking to Arc, he speaks.

“The king will see you now, sir.”

“Good.”

“He does however request that you enter alone though.”

Hammer frowns. “Uh... that’s not suspicious at all.”

“Due to the nature of the conversation...”

Natalya interrupts the changeling. “Considering that your two nations have been at each other’s throats for centuries, that isn’t a good idea.”

Sereb bares his teeth. “That is correct.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Then go back in there and tell Thorax that he can see all of us together. And that I’ve brought only my most trusted allies with me.”

“I will inform him of your terms at once, sir.”

As the changeling enters the room again, Natalya turns to Arc.

“Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Lord Arc.”

“It’s fine. And your concerns were certainly factual and valid.”

Hammer looks to Sereb as she lowers her voice. “Think he’ll go for it?”

Sereb snorts. “If he wishes our aid, yes.”

Arc nods. “Right. Remember, we’re just one portal away from walking out of here.”

Natalya looks to his gauntlet. “Perhaps you should test that, sir.”

“Good idea.”

Raising his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal with ease. Poking his head through it, he looks around for a few moments before pulling out and allowing it to close.

“Saw the master suite aboard the Lunar Destiny, so we’re in business.”

Hammer levitates a piece of nearby rubble. “Magic’s still on too.”

Sereb looks around. “Let us be sure that such continues to be available to us.”

A few moments later the changeling opens the door and beckons for them to enter.

“King Thorax will see all of you now.”

Arc leads the way inside. Walking past several tarps and other deconstruction implements, they spot Thorax pacing by the bed nervously. He looks up as they approach and smiles strangely.

“Th-thank you for coming, sir.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’m told you’re having some kind of... issue.”

Thorax grimaces. “You... could say that, sir.”

Hammer groans. “Just tell us what the problem is then!”

Natalya nods. “Yes, perhaps we can help.”

Thorax takes a deep breath. “Alright. But... it’s really, REALLY shocking!”

Arc sighs. “Then I think we’d best get to it.”

Thorax motions with a hoof. “Please follow me.”

Walking over to a very creepy looking statue of Chrysalis (yes, she really had a statue of herself in her own room) Thorax puts a hoof on the horn. Pushing it back, a slight click is heard as a secret door next to it opens. Motioning to it, Thorax enters with Arc and company in tow. Making their way down a narrow corridor, they eventually come to a large, dimly lit room filled with boxes of some kind covered with heavy cloths. Hammer frowns as she looks around.

“Something in here low key smells.”

Natalya puts a talon over her beak. “Kinda reminds me of rotting fruit.”

Thorax puts a hoof on a nearby table. “It is. Or was.”

Looking over the table they see a number of wrinkled husks that were, presumable at some point, fruit. Only the stems poking out of the tops indicate that they were originally edible. Arc turns to Thorax.

“So I’m assuming you didn’t bring me all the way out here to tell me that your former queen liked fruit?”

Thorax shakes his head. “No, changelings back then didn’t eat food. We got our nutrition from draining love and absorbing minerals through our carapaces via nutritional fluid.”

Sereb frowns. “Then why did your queen have such things?”

Thorax looks to Arc. “This is the reason.”

Putting a hoof on one of the boxes, Thorax removes the cover. Looking down, they see that what they had presumed to be simply a box is actually a very sturdy looking cage. Inside of it lies a skeleton. Natalya gasps as she looks to the king.

“What... is that?!”

Thorax bows his head. “We... believe it to be... an equine.”

Hammer frowns. “You mean it’s a pony?!”

“Most likely.”

Arc motions to the rest of the cloth coverings around the room. “And the others?”

Thorax gestures with a hoof. “See for yourself, sir.”

Turning, Arc grabs a cover and rips it off. Inside he finds another skeleton with a horn on its skull. Hammer does the same and calls out.

“I got one over here with wings like a pegasus does!”

Natalya puts a talon to her stomach as she uncovers a cage of her own. “This is monstrous!”

Arc looks to Thorax angrily. “So Chrysalis was killing ponies?!”

Thorax nods sadly. “It would appear so.”

“And as her right hand, you knew nothing about this?!”

“Believe me when I say that I honestly didn’t.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “What the heck was she even doing to them?!”

Thorax points a hoof at a book lying next to the rotten fruit. “According to that, they were... snacks.”

Arc walks over to the table and picks up the book. Opening it, he quickly begins flipping through the pages. Natalya looks to Arc as she speaks.

“What does it say, sir?”

“It’s a journal of how much love she was able to suck from each victim as well as personal notes about them.”

Sereb growls. So they were experiments to her?!

Hammer looks over his shoulder. “Are they logged by name?”

Arc shakes his head as he closes the book. “Just a number. Probably matches a number on the cage somewhere.”

Natalya clenches a talon. “She didn’t even bother to ask whom they were!”

Thorax looks to Arc soberly. “Rest assured that the Changeling Nation will cooperate fully with your investigation into this matter, sir. Um... but there is one other part of this you need to know about first.”

Arc groans as he sets down the book and looks over the cages again. “Please tell me there aren’t more of these elsewhere in the hive.”

“Not that we’ve been able to locate, no.”

Hammer looks over to Arc. “From a security standpoint, it would make sense to keep them all in one spot.”

Sereb turns to look behind them. “Since the only entrance to this place appears to be within Chrysalis’ room, it is not likely anyone else could have accidently discovered this.”

Natalya appears confused. “What else could there be to tell us then?”

Thorax sighs. “I... just need to show you. Please follow me again.”

Leading the group out of the secret room and through the door back to the corridor, Thorax eventually stops in front of a set of doors. Turning to Arc, he speaks.

“This is the Spawning Pool. It’s...”

Arc interrupts him. “I know, Thorax. Remember, I was here already.

Hammer shudders. “Some of us would kinda rather forget. Well… certain parts of that ordeal.”

Thorax facehoofs. “Oh... right. Sorry about... everything.”

Sereb growls at the king. “What are we doing here?”

“There was something else we found in that secret room. I ordered it moved here for... um...”

Hammer frowns. “For what?!”

“Medical aid.”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “You mean there was a survivor in there?!”

Thorax nods. “Yes sir. Please follow me.”

Pushing the doors open, Thorax leads the group over to a green cylinder-like object filled with fluid. Arc looks to it and frowns.

“Please tell me you’re not trying to do to them what was done to me.”

Thorax shakes his head. “No, sir. We’re giving them all the nutrient solution that we have left in an effort to save them. However, they were badly malnourished when we found them earlier today.”

Sereb growls. “And you just now thought to contact us?!”

“Forgive me, but our first thought was to try and stabilize the victim.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Still seems kinda suspicious to me.”

Natalya puts a talon on the pod’s outer wall. “Let’s just think about saving this pony’s life before we get distracted placing blame on others.”

Arc nods. “Right. Um... can we get them out of there safely?”

Thorax looks to the green cylinder. “Any changeling can open the pod and release them, yes. However, I suggest having Equestrian medical staff and a proper hospital on hoof before doing so.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Perhaps it would be best to return them to the ship for medical aid.”

“All things considered, they’re not set up for this sort of thing.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Taking them to a real hospital may be prudent.”

“Sounds good.”

Turning to Thorax, he continues.

“Can you help us transport them?”

Thorax nods. “I can lend you a special cart for moving them, yes.”

“Very well. If you’ll have them loaded up, I’ll take them to Equestria for help.”

“Right away.”

Motioning to the drones attending to the pod, they quickly move it onto a cart and step back. Thorax looks it over before speaking to Arc again.

“It’s ready to move, sir.”

“Good. Ah... but how do we open it once arriving in Equestria?”

Thorax sighs. “The safest way would be for a changeling to accompany you and do it themselves.”

Hammer frowns. “So... come with us.”

Natalya gasps. “But aren’t they the king?!”

Thorax groans. “Kinda. However, the treaty requires all changelings entering Equestria to do so at the border checkpoint.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “I’ll authorize an exemption then. After all, we just need you to open the pod once it’s taken to a hospital room, I would assume.

“Actually, a large shower room might be better. I’m assuming the hospital you have in mind would have something like that.”

“Probably. I can call ahead and have things made ready at Ponyville Hospital. We’ll all go there together, you open the pod, and I’ll send you back here.”

Sereb nods. “Your subjects will need you back as soon as possible, after all.”

Thorax smiles nervously. “I will do whatever I can to help, of course.”

Arc reaches for his earring. “Good. Then let’s get started.”

Touching his earring, Arc relays the information to Lemon Hearts. A short time later his earring chirps.

“Go ahead.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve just received word from Ponyville Hospital that they are ready and standing by.”

“Good. And they understood our needs?”

“Yes sir. Doctor Horse’s staff has made a large shower room ready for you and are standing by.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection and turns to Thorax.

“Are you ready to go?”

Thorax nods. “I’ve informed my aides that I’ll be stepping out for a bit. They’ll continue working on our demolition project while I’m gone.”

“Then let’s get started.”

Raising his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Motioning for them to enter, Hammer and Natalya push the cart with the pod on it through. Sereb follows Thorax closely along with Arc. Arriving on the other side they see Doctor Horse waiting for them with a number of medical staff. The doctor motions with a hoof.

“This way!”

Leading the procession past the reception desk, they rush down the corridors toward the staff showers. Entering, they find the nurses inside waiting for them. Doctor Horse calls out.

“Get two showers set to warm water, stat!”

They rush to do so as the cart is carefully moved into the shower area. The nurses push the shower heads to be pointing toward each other as the pod begins to shed water. Doctor Horse turns to Arc.

“We’re ready for you to remove the patient, sir!”

Arc looks to Thorax. “Looks like you’re up.”

Nodding, he steps forward. His horn aglow, Thorax begins casting a spell. A few moments later the pod splits open and green slime flows forth. As several orderlies rush forward to remove the pony from the slime two nurses bring forth a special gurney. The orderlies pull them from the pod and lay the goo covered victim on the gurney as the other cart is removed. Carefully the nurses begin washing away the slime as the doctor approaches Arc and motions for him to follow. Walking to the changing area adjoining the showers, he turns and speaks.

“As soon as they’re cleaned up we’ll begin examining this individual, sir. But I’d like some more information on what exactly happened to them.”

Arc turns his head. “Thorax?”

Thorax sighs. “It appears that they were imprisoned and starved from what I saw when they were found. The nutrient solution you’re washing from around their body now was put there to try and remedy their condition as well as keep them alive while we called for help from Equestria.”

“Any idea what else we should look for?”

“Nothing I can think of, no. Sorry.”

Doctor Horse looks to Arc. “How shall we get in touch with your regarding this matter, sir?”

“Notify my base with any updates to their condition that you come up with. But I would like to have someone try to identify them as soon as possible.”

“Yes sir, that’s standard procedure for anypony whom is unconscious and potentially a victim of a crime.”

An orderly enters the room with a camera and passes Arc and his group. They take several pictures of the pony’s head, body, and cutie mark before stepping back. Walking over to the doctor, they speak.

“Got some decent shots, sir.”

“Very good. Now we just need to send them in to Canterlot for processing.”

Arc holds out a hand. “I’ll take them.”

The orderly gives Arc the pictures. “Here you are, sir.”

Arc accepts the photos and glances at them. “Thank you. With any luck we’ll be able to...”

He stops talking as he looks at the picture on top of the victim’s face. Frowning, he shoves the photos into Hammer’s hands and run into the shower area. Making his way past the nurses, Arc looks over the pony lying there for a long moment before running back to the others and opening a portal.

“Hammer, you and Natalya keep Thorax here at the hospital! Sereb, you’re with me!”

Sereb grins. “I am with you my friend!”

The pair disappear through the swirling energies and are gone. Hammer looks at the pictures, confused.

“I don’t understand why Arc was so upset by this.”

Natalya looks over at the photos. “Do you recognize the victim?”

Hammer shakes her head and shrugs. “No, never seen them before.”

She looks the Thorax as she puts the photos in her pocket and frowns before continuing.

“But you apparently have something to do with it.”

Thorax bows his head. “I’ll cooperate with you to the best of my abilities.”

Doctor Horse looks to the group. “We need to finish washing and examine the patient now. Please head to the Waiting Room.”

Nodding, Hammer, Natalya, and Thorax leave the room together. Heading to the Waiting Room as suggested they sit down and make themselves comfortable. Half an hour later a portal opens and Arc runs through with a mare as Sereb brings up the rear. She pushes past everyone else and slams her hooves down on the receptionist’s desk.

“Where is he?!”

The receptionist gasps. “Wh-who?”

Arc joins her. “The patient I brought in a while back!”

“I... I’ll check!”

Picking up her telephone, she dials a number. A few moments later she is connected.

“The, ah... Hero of Light wishes to know of the condition of the patient. Yes... yes, I see. I’ll inform him.”

Putting down the receiver she turns and looks back to Arc.

“He’s in Treatment Room #5. I’ll...”

Without another word the mare bounds past the desk and down the corridor with Arc and Sereb hot on her heels. Natalya stands along with Hammer as she turns to her.

“Who was that with Lord Arc?”

Hammer shrugs. “Beats me. Probably a family member of the John or Jane Doe.”

Thorax appears confused. “The what?”

“The unknown victim. Back on Earth that’s what we call someone who can’t tell us their name.”

Thorax grimaces. “I hope I’m wrong about whom that was with the Hero of Light.”

Natalya points a talon down the corridor. “Should we follow them?”

Hammer frowns. “I think we’d better. But slowly.”

Making their way down the corridor, they take their time getting to the room. Meanwhile, the mare bursts into the room and looks to the nurse whom confronts her.

“Ma’am, please let the doctor...”

“Get out of my way!”

Arc motions for her to move. “We need to see them right now! National security concerns!”

The nurse steps aside as the mare pushes past Doctor Horse and looks over the victim. Carefully turning the unconscious pony’s head one way and then the other, she looks them over silently for a long moment. Moving to the foot of the bed she lifts the sheet to see their flank before turning to Arc, barely controlling their rage.

“What... happened?!”

Arc sighs. “We’re not fully sure yet.”

Doctor Horse looks over from the bed. “I’ve only just begun to examine the patient, miss.”

Arc nods. “Give him some time. This is one of those things that really shouldn’t be rushed.”

The mare points a hoof at the bed angrily. “That’s an Equestrian hero you have lying there!”

Arc looks to her. “So you’re absolutely, one hundred percent sure that’s him, Tempest?”

Tempest nods as she again looks to the stallion lying on the bed. “Yes. That’s Decimus.”

Chapter 9 - Patients and Parties

For a few moments no one in the room speaks. Eventually Arc breaks the silence as he looks to Tempest.

“Could there be any doubt in your mind?”

Tempest shakes her head. “None at all!”

Arc turns at the stallion lying before him. “How did he...?”

Tempest glares at him as she interrupts. “Enough talking! Help him!”

Arc looks to the doctor. “Please continue your examination.”

“Yes sir.”

Tempest frowns. “I’ll stay here and...!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I need your help to figure this out, Tempest.”

“But...!”

“And the doctor needs to get back to work. You’d just be in the way.”

Tempest stomps a hoof angrily. “Fine! I’m not leaving the hospital though!”

Arc shrugs. “Fair enough.”

Horse points a hoof. “You and your friend can wait in my office, sir. I’ll come see you two as soon as I am able.”

Arc nods to Tempest. “This way.”

Grunting, Tempest allows herself to be led out the door. Stepping out into the corridor they see Hammer, Natalya, and Sereb waiting for them. Hammer is the first to speak.

“So... what’s going on here?”

Arc sighs. “It’s complicated.”

Natalya walks over to Tempest. “Hello, miss. My name is Natalya.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow as the two shake talons/hooves. “Tempest.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise, I guess.”

“Are you a friend of Lord Arc’s?”

Tempest looks away nervously. “Uh...”

Arc chimes in. “Why don’t we do as the doctor suggested and head to his office? We can talk there.”

“Alright. Lead the way, Arc.”

As they head down the corridor together, Sereb follows behind Tempest cautiously. She looks over her shoulder and sneers at him.

“I can see what you’re doing over there.”

Sereb growls. “Do not try anything and nothing will happen to you!”

Tempest rolls her eyes as she again faces forward. “You couldn’t take me down anyways.”

Arriving at the office, Arc holds the door open for everyone. As they sit down Arc closes it behind them and turns to the group.

“Well... um... perhaps introductions are in order.”

Tempest stands and looks to Hammer. Special Agent Tempest. Member of the Council of Shadows.

Hammer draws her gun. “WHAT?!”

Arc sighs. “She’s with me, remember?”

“But the Council of Shadows is...!”

Arc gently pushes Hammer’s gun down. “Tempest is here in support of Decimus at the moment. Think of this hospital as neutral ground at the moment.”

Natalya raises a talon. “Excuse me sir, but... is the Council of Shadows supposed to be an enemy of Equestria?”

Sereb bares his teeth. “You could say that, yes.”

Tempest frowns at him. “We, unlike anyone else, are merely trying to save Equestria from the coming darkness!”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Yeah, I heard this spiel before. Doing whatever it takes to stop some unseen boogeyman.”

Arc sighs. “Any proof of this evil you keep talking about, Tempest?”

“No, but I cannot ignore such a threat to the world!”

“And that is the only reason that I allow you to continue on.”

Hammer frowns. “I wondered why you weren’t actively hunting them down.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “Now you know.”

Returning his gaze to Tempest, Arc continues.

“But we should probably stick to the matter at hand. Tempest, I know that I already asked you this before, but are you completely and totally sure that the stallion we saw in there was actually Decimus?”

Tempest groans. “For the umpteenth time, yes! It is him!”

“But how did he get there?”

“Get where! I want to know how you came to capture him!”

Natalya sighs. “We didn’t capture anyone.”

Hammer nods. “Right. He was found by this guy over here.”

She jerks a thumb towards Thorax. Tempest looks him over for a few moments before speaking.

“Who... or what are you?”

“My name is Thorax. Former wing of Queen Chrysalis and current leader of...”

Tempest’s eyes grow wide. “Wait a moment! Does that mean you’re a... changeling?!”

“Yes, I...”

Without warning, Tempests lunges at Thorax. His horn aglow, he quickly shapeshifts into a robin. Flying across the room, he is pursued by Tempest whom corners him. Swinging a hoof at him, Thorax transforms himself into a diamond. Her hoof bounces off the surface of his body as Arc quickly steps between them.

“Tempest, stop!”

Tempest points a hoof past him at Thorax. “That beast serves the traitor Chrysalis!”

Hammer shrugs. “I don’t really see how that crazy banshee could be considered a traitor. To us, at least. I mean... she was never on our side to begin with.”

Tempest seethes. “He’s the traitor to the Council of Shadows, this one is!”

Thorax returns to his normal form. “The changelings have ousted Chrysalis from her throne.”

Arc nods. “Right. Thorax is their new king.”

Tempest scoffs. “And I am supposed to believe that he is no different than she is?!”

Hammer gestures to Thorax’s carapace. “Well, there is the whole technicolor hue scheme going on with them now.”

Tempest folds her hooves over her chest as she sits down on her haunches. “That means nothing to me! How do you know that anything inside of them has changed?!”

Natalya steps forward. “Pardon me, but if these changelings were willing to completely remove their former ruler, then I think that’s a pretty concise showing of their intentions.”

Thorax sighs. “We’re just looking for a chance to prove ourselves.”

Arc nods. “And he came here in order to help that stallion in there.”

Tempest glares at him. “His name is Decimus!”

“We’ll see about that when he wakes up. Now sit down and let’s try talking through this mess again.”

Tempest seethes as she walks back toward her seat. “Fine.”

Retaking her place, Arc turns to Thorax.

“Now then, can you please explain to Tempest how exactly you came to find that stallion?”

“Well, like I told you back in the hive, we found him in a secret room within the former queen’s suite.”

Arc nods. “And how long after that initial discovery did you wait before sending word to our border station?”

“Literal minutes from when we found him to when the messenger left me.”

Arc looks to Tempest. “Sounds like he’s at least trying to be good.”

Tempest frowns. “You still don’t know if any of that is true though!”

“I suppose not. However, Thorax did volunteer to come with us to Equestria in order to help remove the stallion from his cocoon.”

Thorax raises a hoof. “Which was filled with nutrient solution in order to help rejuvenate him I might add.”

Hammer shrugs. “He could have just stayed safely in the Badlands. I mean... we couldn’t have really forced him to leave his own kingdom for this.”

Tempest folds her hooves over her chest again. “Believe what you will. But I’m not buying his act.”

Thorax frowns. “Fine. Think what you want of me and the rest of the changelings. But from where we stand, you’re not exactly on the best footing either.”

Arc turns to Tempest. “I thought you were allied with Chrysalis though. Well, the Council of Shadows anyways.”

“In the past, yes. However, things have changed.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

Tempest frowns. “Let’s stay on topic here. I want to know about Decimus and how he came to be in such a state.”

Thorax shrugs. “Like I said, we found him in a secret room within Chrysalis’ suite.”

Tempest puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “She may have wanted to take revenge on the Council of Shadows for what we decided.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Let me guess. Old holey holes wanted your council to help her retake her fortress, or whatever it is?”

Tempest nods. “More or less, yes. When we refused the request she left our stronghold and has yet to be seen again.”

Sereb growls. “And where was Decimus when all this was going on?”

“He had already left to take care of a personal matter of some kind the previous day.”

Arc looks to Tempest. “Personal matter? Regarding what exactly?”

“All he said when I asked him was that it was urgent and deeply personal. But that was also the last time I saw him.”

Natalya turns to Tempest again. “And how was he then? Physically, I mean?”

“Normal looking, I guess.”

Tempest shudders before continuing.

“Nothing like what I saw in that room though.”

Natalya puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “What could have been done to him to bring about such a drastic change?”

Sereb growls. “Perhaps a bit of draining from the former changeling queen.”

Hammer looks to Thorax. “How about it, your highness? Is that something Chrysalis could have done to that stallion?”

“Draining his love, yes. Torture, certainly. But what we saw in that room is far beyond any kind of feeding technique known to the changelings.”

Arc frowns. “Could it be some kind of royal secret, or something?”

Thorax shakes his head. “No, sir. Draining too much essence from a subject can result in fatigue for them. Something every changeling is taught early on to avoid doing, as it serves to raise suspicion.”

“How about if they just didn’t care about being found out? What would happen to the host?”

“Continued feeding would lead to a brief loss of consciousness.”

“Then what?”

“A comatose state requiring several days of bedrest.”

“Beyond that?”

Thorax shrugs. “No idea. As I said, changelings are taught not to go that far.”

Natalya grimaces. “Could it potentially lead to death?”

Thorax shakes his head. “Not likely, no, as the more love we drain from an individual the harder it is to continue doing so. Think of it like squeezing water from a sponge. You can only get so much out of it before the force needed to keep doing so becomes more than one can muster.”

Hammer snaps her fingers. “Could Chrysalis be that powerful though?”

Thorax sighs. “She’s stronger than I or anypony else in Changeling Magic, yes. However, to add to my earlier example regarding the sponge, one must squeeze it significantly harder as time goes on. Eventually we would get less love than the energy we were expending to continue the process.”

Arc nods. “The Law of Diminishing Returns.”

Sereb turns to him. “Eh?”

Natalya chimes in. “The idea that increasing input eventually leads to a drop in output.”

Arc sighs. “Like driving a car back on Earth. The faster you go the less gas it takes per mile.”

Hammer continues the analogy. “But eventually you’re forcing the engine to work so hard that it takes more and more fuel. That’s when your efficiency drops off.”

Natalya considers this. “It makes sense in that regard.”

Tempest scowls. “That may very well be. However, that doesn’t explain the fact that when Decimus left us he was fine, but was so heavily emaciated a week later.”

Sereb paws at the floor. “I would imagine that even if he had not eaten for the duration, he would still be in better condition than we found him in.”

Arc looks to the door. “Hopefully the doctor can tell us more after his initial examination is completed.

Sometime later, Doctor Horse enters the office. Walking over to his desk with a clipboard he sits down and looks to Arc.

“The patient has been stabilized and is resting in the intensive care unit.”

Tempest quickly stands. “I want to see him!”

Doctor Horse sighs. “Please, miss. He’s very weak right now and needs absolute peace and quiet.”

“Then I want to know exactly what’s wrong with him!”

The doctor turns to Arc whom nods. Returning his gaze back to Tempest, he continues.

“The patient is currently suffering from phase three starvation.”

“WHAT?!”

Natalya gestures to the mare sitting nearby. “But doctor, Tempest here insists that she saw him only a week or so ago.”

Hammer shrugs. “It just doesn’t seem possible.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I know he looked thin back there. But stage three is unthinkable.”

The doctor looks at his clipboard. “Based on the results of my examination, the patient is unresponsive to stimuli, breathing is shallow and weak, heart rate is elevated, and he showed early signs of major organ failure.”

Sereb frowns. “While I am sure that everyone here has sufficient faith in your abilities as a doctor, I also realize that for any creature to show such extreme signs of personal decay takes a considerable amount of time to manifest itself.”

Hammer appears confused. “Uh... I don’t really get what Sereb just said, but I’m guessing you’re saying this ain’t sounding right.”

Arc nods. “Yes, it’s hard to see how someone could go from healthy to literally starving to death in a week’s time. Doctor?”

“While I cannot speak for the timeline as you see them, ma’am, I do know from my examination and subsequent tests that the patient has been undergoing traumatic experiences for some time now.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Explain.”

“There are innumerable scar wounds all over the patient’s body.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Decimus has been in combat countless times. Naturally he has scars.”

“That may be. However, while many of them are fully scared over, some are still fresh. Many of them are festering and infected as if no care whatsoever was given to them.”

Tempest frowns. “Such makes no sense. Decimus has always been a firm advocate of medical aid. Even going so far as to do it himself if needed.”

Arc turns to her. “But what if such a thing wasn’t available, or he couldn’t due to lack of materials?”

Hammer shrugs. “Can’t get treatment if there’s no one around to do the treatment or supplies at hand.”

Doctor Horse taps his desk. “Agreed. However, I believe there is more to it than that.”

Natalya appears confused. “How could there be, doctor?”

“Judging from the level of infection and open wounds, I daresay that somepony was doing this to them intentionally.”

Tempest looks to Thorax angrily. “Somepony, you say?!”

Thorax glares back at her. “We had nothing to do with that! If anything, Chrysalis is the one you want to talk to!”

“Believe me, I would if I could! But she’s nowhere to be found and you’re right here!”

Arc holds up a hand to each of them. “Easy there, Tempest. Before we go any further, I think we need some assurances.”

Hammer frowns. “Assurances of what though, Arc?”

“The patient’s identity.”

Natalya sighs. “How though?”

Tempest scoffs. “I’ve already told you who he is!”

Sereb motions to the office door. “Perhaps the patient can answer our questions better. After all, it is always best to go straight to the source when seeking the truth.”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “I’m afraid that’s impossible, as the patient is still very weak and currently unconscious.”

Hammer moves her hand in a circular motion. “Could you, I don’t know... wake them up with a shot, or something?”

“Technically, yes. However, unless there is an extremely dire need for such an extreme treatment option, I can’t in good conscience administer it.”

Tempest stands up angrily. “Why not?!”

“Because the patient is literally at death’s door, ma’am.”

“Normally that would bother me. However, since I’ve seen him literally come back from the dead on numerous occasions, then why not do it?”

Natalya grimaces. “And if it isn’t him, Tempest?”

“But I’m telling all of you that it is!”

Natalya continues. “Or what if this is the one time that he doesn’t come back? Do you really want to roll the dice on this?”

Hammer shrugs. “Probably better off listening to the doctor here.”

Sereb nods. “He does have years of experience behind his words.”

Tempest grunts. “Fine. But I want to see him.”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “He won’t be able to hear or speak to you though miss.”

“Understood. However, I... I just really need to know... to... to verify that it really is him. Please.”

The doctor turns to Arc whom shrugs slightly. Sighing, Doctor Horse nods and stands.

“Very well. But only for a very limited time.”

Arc stands as well. “I’ll come with you too.”

Tempest frowns. “Afraid I’ll do something drastic?”

“No. But I would like a second look at this stallion as well.”

Turning to the others, Arc continues.

“We won’t be long.”

Leaving the office together, Arc and Tempest follow Doctor Horse down the corridor to the intensive care unit. Coming to a room, the doctor turns to them.

“Here is where the patient is resting. Please keep your voices low and your visit brief.”

Nodding, Arc and Tempest enter the room. Looking to the bed, they see the stallion hooked up to innumerable machine and IV bottles. Tempest slowly makes her way to the edge of the bed and puts a hoof forward. However, the doctor quickly intervenes.

“Please, miss! His body and immune system are very weak right now! Your touch could inadvertently cause even further infection!”

Tempest pulls back and frowns as Arc looks the stallion lying on the bed over.

“It certainly looks like Decimus.”

Tempest glares at him and hisses. “That’s because it is!”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “I only wish there was some way to definitively tell if this was really him or some other kind of plot.”

Arc sighs. “Same here.”

Tempest looks around as she addresses the doctor. “What... are all these machines?”

“As I said earlier, his major organs were on the verge of shutting down. We’re monitoring every aspect of his physiology in order to be able to immediately act should he take a turn for the worst.”

He gestures to the IV bottles before continuing.

“Saline to rehydrate him as well as powerful antibiotics to try and get the infection level down.”

Tempest frowns. “Tell me more about these infections. You said there were open wounds on him.”

“My nurses have sense cleaned, treated, and bandaged all of them.”

“Any idea how they were inflicted?”

“None, ma’am.”

Arc puts a hand on Tempest’s shoulder. “We really should let him rest now. I’m sure the staff here are doing everything they can.”

The doctor nods. “Yes, we are. But this is going to take quite some time.”

Tempest grimaces as she looks into the stallion’s face. “How long until I can talk to him?!”

“Unknown. However, it’s best for a pony in his condition to stay unconscious as long as possible. That way all his energy can be used to heal the massive amounts of internal and external damage.”

Arc pulls Tempest gently toward the door. “Come on. We should go.”

Allowing herself to be led away for but a moment, Tempest stops suddenly and shakes her head.

“No. No, my place is here by his side.”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “He needs to rest though.”

“I won’t say a word above a whisper.”

Arc sighs. “Not that he could hear you anyways, I suppose.”

Doctor Horse frowns. “What are you hoping to accomplish, ma’am? After all, there’s absolutely nothing you could do for him.”

“I know that. But...”

She looks over her shoulder at the critically injured stallion lying there before continuing.

“...but I just feel as though I need to be here for him right now. Moreso than ever before.”

Sighing, Doctor Horse nods as he turns to Arc.

“With your permission, I’ll allow it, sir.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s your hospital, doctor. Run it as you see fit.”

The doctor looks to Tempest. “Please allow the patient to rest and obey any and all instructions given to you by the hospital staff. If you will agree to these terms then I will allow you to stay, miss.”

Tempest nods soberly. “Very well.”

Arc and Doctor Horse head for the door together. As they leave, Tempest walks over to the bed and pulls a chair over to it. Sitting down, she puts her hooves on the railing and looks down at the stallion sadly.

“I’m right here. You’re not alone anymore.”

He makes no response as she bows her head and grips the railing tighter.

“Whomever did this... I’ll find them. I swear that I’ll make them pay for what they did to you!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Doctor Horse return to his office. As they enter Natalya turns to him with a concerned look on her face.

“How did it go?!”

Arc jerks a thumb toward the door. “Tempest wanted to stay with him and the doctor allowed it.”

Doctor Horse shrugs. “It was more for her state of mind than anything else though, sir.”

Thorax sighs. “She did seem really upset, yes.”

Hammer sighs. “I kinda get where she was coming from. After all, if one of my sisters was in a hospital bed back on Earth, I’d want to be there for them too.”

Sereb bows his head. “So where do we go from here?”

Natalya turns to Arc. “Back to the Griffon Kingdom for the moment, I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Hammer chuckles. “After all, we did leave Princess Twilight behind.”

Natalya sighs. “And my siblings too.”

Sereb looks too Natalya. “I am sure they are just fine though.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet. “Agreed. But either way, I’m sure we’re needed there more than here at the moment.”

Turning to Doctor Horse, Arc continues.

“Thanks for letting Tempest stay. I’ll try to check in on them soon.”

The doctor nods. “I don’t think we could have kept her out anyways, sir.”

Hammer shrugs. “Probably not.”

Arc chuckles. “Right.”

Turning to Thorax, he continues.

“But first, can I offer you a portal back to the Badlands, Thorax?

Thorax nods. “Yes sir, that would be helpful.”

Opening a portal, Arc turns to the others as Thorax enters it.

“I’ll meet all of you back in the Waiting Room in a little while.”

They nod as Arc enters his own portal. Reappearing in the master suite aboard the Lunar Destiny, he leads Thorax out the door and down the corridor. Turning to his escort sheepishly as they step out onto the deck, the monarch speaks.

“Thank you for coming, sir. Although I’m sorry it wasn’t for a more positive reason.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not your fault though. After all, Chrysalis was the one whom did the deed.”

“But as the king, I’m responsible for everything that involves the changelings.”

“To a degree, yes. However, I can’t really judge you for things that apparently happened before you came to power.”

“I’ll try to find a way to make this right as well.”

“Actually, there is something you could do for us.”

Thorax turns to Arc. “What is it, sir?”

“Allow a forensics team from Equestria to look over that secret room and remove the bodies within for potential identification. We need to notify their families if at all possible and allow for them to be buried.”

Thorax nods sadly. “Yes sir. I’ll send a messenger to the border to set up a date and time. That and I’ll seal off those rooms until they arrive so as not to disturb the scene.”

“Thank you.”

Thorax looks out over the horizon. “All things considered, it’s the least I can do.”

They are silent for a few moments before Thorax turns back to Arc.

“Sir, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“How do you... deal with the stress of leadership?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Stress?”

“Always having to be available to deal with the problems of those whom are looking to you for guidance.”

“I suppose that’s one way of looking at it.”

“The hive... we... we’ve all been having a hard time... adapting to all of this.”

“Considering that everyone had to face the fact that everything they thought they knew was false, that’s justified.”

“What would you do if you were me?”

Arc sighs. “Well... first you have to stabilize things.”

Thorax appears confused. “Stabilize?”

Arc nods. “Fear and uncertainty of the future are probably on the forefront of everyone’s minds right now. Much has changed for them. You included, of course. To start, you must restore a sense of normalcy to your population. Try talking through what happened with them in a community setting. Listen to their words and try to reassure them that while your numbers are few after the previous battle, this is not the end for the changeling race. In fact, it’s a new beginning and should be used as a fresh start for all.”

“I will try. What next?”

“After that, you should probably start examining yourselves physically. See what else has changed, inside and out.”

Thorax sighs. “At least we don’t need to consume love anymore. Regular food along with nutrient solution fills that role now. Anything else?”

“Encourage the others to create and maintain a dialogue with one another. Be there for each other during this trying time. Do all of that and you’ll be well on your way to a functional society.”

“I’ll give it a try, sir. “

“Let the border station’s guards know if you need assistance. We’ll try to help if we can.”

Thorax smiles nervously. “Thank you, sir. For everything.”

Arc chuckles. “I didn’t really do much. After all, it was you whom took a stand against Chrysalis.”

“Guess so. But I was talking more along the lines of you trusting me even though you knew I was a changeling.”

Arc sighs. “That really was a calculated risk. Especially after they started causing trouble for Equestria. But you had never done anything to earn imprisonment, so I allowed you to remain under my command with the other soldiers whom had earned my trust.”

“I’m going to do my best to be worthy of that trust too, sir.”

“Yes, I’m sure you will. But right now you’re subjects need you while I too am needed elsewhere.”

“That’s true. I should be getting back. And I’ll think about what you said, sir.”

“Good. I’m sure you’ll do well.”

Opening a portal, Arc returns to the Ponyville Hospital Waiting Room. Stepping through, he spies the others waiting patiently for him there. Approaching them, he speaks.

“Everyone ready to go?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Already?”

Arc shrugs. “Might as well. We can’t really do any more here at the moment.”

Natalya nods. “I’m ready when you are, sir.”

Sereb sighs. “Perhaps I will remain here in Ponyville. Just in case, that is.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “In case of what?”

Sereb growls. “Tempest not keeping her word.”

“Very well. Do what you will, big guy.”

Powering up his crystals, Arc opens another portal. Motioning for the others to go through, he follows. Arc, along with the rest of his friends, reappear in the Main Hall of the Goldstone Estate. Sighing, Natalya turns to him.

“Here we are again.”

Arc motions down a corridor. “Yeah. Let’s check in with Twilight.”

Returning to the library, they enter to see Twilight sitting at a table going over yet another pile of books. Chuckling, Arc walks over to her.

“We’re back.”

Twilight looks up, confused. “But you just left.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “That was a few hours ago!”

Natalya looks around. “Where did Gallus and Gabby go?”

Twilight motions to the door with a hoof. “I believe I overheard Heathcliff offering to take them to the Dining Room for a snack at some point.”

She looks to a full cup of tea next to her before continuing.

“And he left this for me, I believe.”

Picking up the cup with her magic, Twilight takes a sip. Frowning, she puts it back down again.

“But that was apparently quite a while ago, judging from the temperature of it.”

Hammer shrugs. “Looks like it, yeah.”

Natalya bows respectfully. “We returned to check on you, your highness.”

“Thank you, but I’m fine. Not that much could happen to me within such a secure estate, I guess.”

Arc shrugs. “That’s true, yes.”

Twilight stands and walks over to Arc. “But enough about that. I want to know how things went in the Badlands.”

“Not the greatest, I guess.”

Natalya frowns. “It was certainly... unexpected.”

Hammer gasps. “Oh no! I just realized something, Arc!”

Arc turns to her. “What is it?”

“We never actually told Flash Sentry that we were leaving the Badlands!”

Arc groans. “You’re right! I totally forgot about that!”

Touching his earring, he calls out.

“Arc to Lunar Destiny!”

“This is the Lunar Destiny, sir.”

“I need to speak to Colonel Flash Sentry at once!”

“One moment, sir.”

The line goes dead for a few moments before Flash Sentry’s voice comes over the airwaves.

“Sir! Are you alright?!”

“Just fine, actually. All of us had to make an emergency trip back to Ponyville though. But we’re all okay and have returned to the Griffon Kingdom, and Princess Twilight, safely.”

Flash Sentry sounds relieved. “That’s good, sir. Um... is everything going alright over there?”

Arc shrugs. “More or less. But you should know to expect another changeling messenger sometime soon to coordinate a very special investigation at their hive.”

“Investigation, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. They’ll let you know what is needed for it when the time is right.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for them, sir.”

“Good. While I don’t think we’ll have any trouble from them in the future, it never hurts to be prepared. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Turning back to the others, he sighs.

“Decimus is back.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! Where?!”

“In Chrysalis’ room.”

Natalya frowns. “It sounds a bit... off when you say it like that, sir.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s the truth though.”

Arc nods soberly. “Guess I’d better explain then.”

Walking Twilight through what little they know about the current situation, she frowns and puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully.

“So this new Decimus is currently lying in Ponyville Hospital recovering from malnutrition.”

Hammer sighs. “The doctor said he was stable for the most part. But I don’t think he’s out of the woods just yet.”

Natalya nods. “His friend was very worried about him too.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “As she would be, I suppose. Tempest is staying with him in the Intensive Care Unit until further notice.”

“And she was completely certain that the a fore mentioned stallion is indeed Decimus?”

“Right.”

“What about you, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “I mean... it really does look like him. However, considering the fact that I’ve seen him die numerous times, I’m a bit skeptical of this guy’s identity.”

“So... what should we do about this?”

“Nothing until that stallion wakes up, I suppose.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “Maybe then you can ask him some questions.”

Hammer grins. “We’ll certainly try.”

Arc gestures to the books. “Maybe we should head back to The Equinox now.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I suppose that would be for the best. After all, I really should tell Princess Celestia about this new development in the Badlands.”

Hammer frowns. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, you know. After all, she’s still just a regular citizen.”

Twilight sighs. “She deserves to know though. After all, her and Captain Decimus are very old friends.”

Arc looks to Twilight soberly. “It’s your choice to make, after all. But I don’t know how she’ll feel about him after all that’s happened.”

Twilight appears confused. “What do you mean?”

Hammer clenches a fist. “He caused a lot of chaos and destruction within this land. Whatever friendship they may have shared in the past has most likely long since evaporated.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably, yeah.”

Natalya steps forward. “But shouldn’t that be Princess Celestia’s choice to make? I mean... I’m certainly glad I heard about my father’s charges before his end.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “While not a perfect example, Natalya’s point does, uh... make a point.”

“Agreed. So I’ll be sure to tell Princess Celestia about Captain Decimus when the time is right.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “When the time is right?”

Twilight nods. “I’ve ordered Emerald Dream to keep me appraised of Princess Celestia’s therapy sessions.”

Natalya frowns. “Princess Twilight?”

Hammer grins. “Way to go!”

Arc sighs. “While this is certainly your right to do so, is not such a thing usually confidential?”

“Generally speaking, yes. However, I gave such an order due to the fact that her mental condition is certainly a matter of national security.”

Arc sighs. “If you say so, Twilight.”

Twilight turns to Natalya. “Would you please call for Gallus and Gabby so that we can leave for the ship?”

Natalya bows slightly. “Yes, Princess Twilight.”

Turning, she leaves the room as Twilight looks to Arc sheepishly.

“Do you... think I made the wrong choice with such an order?”

Arc shrugs. “I would think that you certainly know your mentor better than any of us do. And if you believe that such a thing was necessary, I won’t second guess your decision on it.”

Hammer sighs. “She could always tell Princess Celestia the truth. But at the moment there’s not much point in doing so, as his identity hasn’t yet been confirmed officially.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I had already considered how such a thing could hurt our relationship. But the harm to her mental state wasn’t something I had thought of.”

Arc nods soberly. “Guess you kinda have to keep it to yourself for now then, Twilight.”

“I suppose so.”

A short time later Natalya returns with Gallus, Gabby, and Heathcliff. She looks to Twilight apologetically.

“Sorry for taking so long, your highness.”

Gallus nods to his younger sister. “Yeah. Gabby wanted to finish eating.”

“Hey! I’m a growing youngling!”

Gallus groans. “But you take forever!”

“To enjoy the food!”

Natalya sighs. “Enough, you two.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “It’s fine.”

She gestures to a pile of books nearby before continuing.

“Um... would it be alright if I borrowed these texts from your father’s library?”

Natalya nods. “Yes, Princess Twilight. Anything here that you’d like is yours.”

“Thank you very much!”

Arc opens a portal and motions for everyone to step through. Gabby leads the way followed by Gallus, Hammer, and Natalya. However, Heathcliff stops and looks around. Twilight turns to him, confused.

“Is something wrong, sir?”

Heathcliff sighs. “Not exactly, Princess Twilight. It’s just... I’ve spent the majority of my life serving the Goldstone name in two estates. And now I am leaving both for the last time it would seem.”

Arc smiles at him. “You going to miss this place?”

Heathcliff shakes his head. “Just the monotony, sir.”

Twilight puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Then think of this not as the end of an assignment, but as the beginning of something new.”

“Yes, your highness. I shall try.”

With a smile, she leads the elderly griffon by the talon through the swirling energies before them. Arc chuckles as he leans down and picks up Twilight’s pile of books before following them through. Reappearing in his quarters aboard The Equinox, Arc turns to Hammer as he sets the books down on the table before him.

“Lieutenant, see to it that Heathcliff is issued proper quarters in the VIP area of the ship.”

Hammer grins as she salutes. “Aye, sir!”

Heathcliff bows his head respectfully. “Thank you, Master Arc. That is more than generous.”

Gabby grabs the elderly griffon’s talon and pulls him toward the door. “Then we can show you around the ship!”

Gallus nods as he follows. “I think you’ll find it pretty impressive.”

Hammer looks to Arc as she leaves. “With your permission, I’ll head to the Bridge and tell the captain to recall the chariot and guards from outside the Goldstone Estate.”

Arc facepalms. “Yes, please do so. Can’t believe I forgot about them.”

Natalya turns to Twilight as her siblings leave. “Might I speak to you about an important matter, Princess Twilight?”

Twilight nods. “Of course.”

Arc motions to the table. “Why don’t we have a seat?”

“Thank you, sir. That might help.”

Walking over to the table, they pull out chairs and sit down. Twilight puts a hoof on the stack of books next to her as she turns to Natalya.

“Before we start, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to take these books from your father’s estate. They’re all very interesting and will be a boon to Equestria’s knowledge of the Griffon Kingdom.”

“You’re very welcome, Princess Twilight. I hope you and others enjoy them.”

“I’m sure we will. Now then, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

“It’s in regards to the Goldstone Estate we just visited. As you know, Lord Arc and I are planning to liquidate my father’s assets and slowly transfer them to Equestria.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I believe that would be the best course of action to take on this particular matter.”

“Well... I had the idea to donate the a fore mentioned property to Equestria.”

Twilight appears confused. “That’s very generous of you. But for what purpose?”

Arc chimes in. “The idea of it becoming the Equestrian Embassy did come up at one point.”

Natalya nods. “Our nation has already sent Ambassador Ashe to Equestria in order to represent the citizens of the Griffon Kingdom there. With the uptick in businesses from your country coming here to open factories, I just thought that you would do well to open an embassy of your own here.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... the idea hadn’t actually crossed my mind until now. However, it does make sense to at least consider it.”

Arc nods as he looks to Twilight. “That and we should probably bring Ashe and the other princesses in on this before talking about it at any length.”

Twilight stands. “Agreed. Let me go get Princess Celestia. I’d like to hear her thoughts on this matter.”

She leaves the room and returns a short time later with Celestia and Ashe in tow. Gesturing to the table, Twilight speaks.

“Now that you’re both here, we can talk about this.”

Celestia smiles as she takes a seat. “I’m certainly willing to lend my experience to this matter, Twilight. “

Ashe nods. “As will I.”

Celestia continues. “But you must remember that I currently have no authority to act on anything spoken of here.”

Twilight nods as she too sits down. “Yes, I am aware of that, Princess Celestia. I would really appreciate your input on this matter though.”

“Then I shall do my best to advise you, Twilight.”

Twilight gestures to Natalya as she speaks. “This is about Natalya wanting to turn her father’s estate over to the Equestrian government.”

Natalya nods. “It could be used as an embassy for Equestria as well as a vacation home for royalty.”

Celestia smiles. “From what I’ve heard, the estate is quite large. “

Ashe nods. “That it is. The largest within Griffonstone.”

“And while I’ve never seen it, I would imagine it wouldn’t take much to transform the numerous bedrooms into offices and various conference rooms.”

Twilight grins. “Right. My only concern is if this would be allowed by the powers that be.”

Ashe puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “It of course would require approval from both the Council of Lords as well as the king himself. If you wanted to make it into an official embassy, that is.”

Arc looks out the window at the estate in the distance. “How would we start that process, Ashe?”

“Normally it would require an official petition to the Council of Lords through official channels. In this case, however, me contacting my father and presenting a summary of the idea would get the ball rolling.”

Celestia nods. “Do you think they would go for such a thing though, ambassador? After all, it might look bad for the Griffon Kingdom to have their former lord’s manor turned into an embassy for the nation that took him down.”

“They might, yes. However, since the Griffon Kingdom’s ties with Equestria are stronger than ever right now, I would hope they could look past such a thing. Especially since the accused was the one whom instigated the process that led to his own demise.”

Arc glances to Natalya as he speaks. “Let’s not talk about Goldstone’s past. Ashe, would you please put the idea into writing and send it to your father?”

“I can do that, yes. That is, if you’re sure this is what you want to do.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, I would like to see some good come of that building. And I won’t be using it myself. Ever.”

Celestia turns to her former student with a smile. “A simple chat puts this idea into motion. Well done, Twilight.”

“I can’t take all the credit for this, Princess Celestia. In truth, it was Arc and Natalya whom came up with the idea of donating the property.”

Arc gestures to the griffon next to him. “Natalya should get the credit though. After all, it’s her family’s estate.”

Natalya sighs. “I really just want this whole matter behind me. That and if it can help Equestria in some way then I’ll gladly give it up.”

Ashe turns to Twilight. “I may have a way to help get this matter moving.”

“Oh?”

“Normally someone would have to wait for an opening in the Council of Lord’s schedule to officially propose this to them. However, I received word just a few minutes before coming here that my father will be attending the annual Aviary Extravaganza.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“It’s a very exclusive party for the nobility held every year at the Aviary.”

Celestia nods soberly. “Think of it like the Grand Galloping Gala back home. Very posh. Very exclusive.”

Arc sighs. “When is it?”

“Tonight.”

Twilight shakes her head. “We probably shouldn’t bother him with this then. I mean... he’s probably going to be very busy with the preparations and everything that comes with it.”

Celestia giggles. “I would imagine that Lord Gestal has others to do that for him, Twilight.”

Ashe nods. “Indeed. Ultimately, all he has to do is just come home early from the council chambers and dress for the occasion.”

Arc grins. “So you could go there and suggest it to him, Ashe.”

“I could, yes. But it would probably be more effective if all of us went together to show just how serious about the idea we were.”

Natalya grimaces. “I don’t know how well I would be received there. After all, I am the daughter of a disgraced lord.”

Celestia nods soberly. “Perhaps it would be unsafe for Natalya to go with you.”

Ashe shakes her head. “I don’t believe so, no. After all, Lord Goldstone’s fate was of his own doing. That and it would look good for her family name to be seen publicly with her future husband.”

Twilight appears confused. “But how would that help?”

“The nobility have all heard of Lord Arc’s engagement to Lady Natalya, and as such...”

Natalya interrupts her. “Wait a moment! Lady?!”

Ashe nods. “Yes. As the future wife of Lord Arc, they now view you as such.”

Natalya sighs as she sits back down. “I... don’t really know how to act like one though. What if I do something wrong and embarrass all of us?”

Arc shrugs. “If it makes you feel any better, I don’t actually know how to act like a lord either.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Then how have you made it thus far?”

Ashe chimes in. “If I may interject, I might have some insight on that.”

Twilight smiles. “Please enlighten us, ambassador.”

“As all of you know, Lord Arc is known here in the Griffon Kingdom as both a citizen of Equestria and also a foreigner to that land because of his species. Due to his... exotic background, the nobility here don’t really know what is and is not proper for his species to do or say. Therefore, he is more or less regarded as being above such things.”

Arc chuckles. “Lucky me.”

Natalya groans. “But I’d be scrutinized heavily, I would imagine.”

Celestia sighs. “Anypony would be, yes.”

Twilight turns to Ashe. “What do you recommend?”

“That she not give the nobility any more reason to distrust her. And the best way to do that would be to keep up the ruse.”

Arc frowns. “Of being engaged?”

Ashe nods. “Meaning that you have to make your ‘feelings’ look convincing at the Extravaganza.”

Natalya gasps. “But I don’t really have any experience with such things!”

Ashe puts a talon on her shoulder. “Not to worry. I will instruct you.”

She stands and turns to Arc before continuing.

“Might you allow me to use you as a visual aid?”

“Sure.”

Standing, Arc follows Ashe around to the far side of the bed. She looks across the room at the others as she calls out.

“The bed will act as the corridor wall. Shortly before coming in view of the main entrance to the ballroom, Lord Arc and I will take a few moments to compose ourselves. We will look each other over and fix any minor defects in our outfits together. When completed, Lord Arc should extend an arm and allow me to latch onto it.”

Turning to him, she nods. Arc holds out his arm to Ashe whom puts her talon through it. Looking to Natalya, she continues.

“Next, we shall speak to the servant present and give him our names to be announced properly.”

Celestia nods. “I have witnessed such things done during my visits here in the past. A bit of grandstanding, really.”

Twilight shrugs. “While I do think it’s a bit... over the top, different cultures have their own customs which we should observe whenever possible.”

She looks to Ashe before continuing.

“For the sake of this example, would you please allow me to demonstrate?”

“Certainly, Princess Twilight.”

Standing, Twilight walks over to the bed and calls out loudly.

“PRESENTING LORD ARC OF EQUESTRIA AND HIS FIANCEE LADY NATALYA!”

Ashe nods. “And that is our cue to enter the ballroom.”

She steps forward with Arc. They turn and walk past the foot of the bed as Ashe smiles and nods to invisible onlookers. Approaching the table they stop as Ashe looks to Natalya.

“After entering the ballroom, it is customary to mingle with the other guests. Or, in our case, only the most powerful there.”

Arc sighs. “The Council of Lords, you mean.”

Ashe nods. “Yes. And the king if he approaches.”

Natalya gasps. “The king?!”

Ashe smiles at her. “He does usually attend this function, yes.”

“But I can’t... I don’t know how to talk to someone like him!”

Ashe waves a talon dismissively. “You probably won’t even have to. His attention will most likely be directed at my father, the other lords, and Lord Arc. In fact, that leads me to the next part of the lesson.”

She looks to Celestia.

“Princess Celestia, would you please assist me in playing the role of King Guto?”

“I will, yes.”

Standing, Celestia walks over to Arc and Ashe. She smiles and speaks.

“Good evening, Lord Arc. Whom is this lovely young individual with you?”

Arc gestures to Ashe. “My fiancée, Lady Natalya, your highness.”

Ashe curtsies, but says nothing as Celestia continues.

“You are a very lucky individual, Lord Arc. May she bring you happiness and prosperity.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Ashe looks past Celestia at Natalya. “Only speak when absolutely necessary. Like when directly asked a question.”

Celestia looks to Ashe. “How are you enjoying the festivities, Lady Natalya?”

Ashe smiles and turns her head to one side abashedly. “It is divine, your majesty.”

She looks to Natalya again.

“When answering a direct question use as few words as possible. Also please note my demeanor in batting my eyebrows and appearing slightly flirty.”

Arc frowns. “But wouldn’t the king just see that as Natalya hitting on him?”

Ashe shakes her head. “That is how the nobility acts though. The higher you go, the more you wished to be looked up to. Or ‘at’ as the case may be.”

Natalya sighs. “That is true, yes. When I was in the military we called it ‘fawning’.”

Celestia nods as she turns to Natalya. “The ambassador is correct though. Don’t talk unless absolutely necessary.”

Arc looks to Natalya. “If it would help, I can try to answer any question sent your way.”

Twilight chimes in. “Would that be prudent though? I mean... for diplomacy, and all that.”

Ashe puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “Well... too many times would be thought of as something out of the ordinary. A limited number of interjections would be fine though.”

Natalya appears relieved. “I’ll try to let you do the talking, sir.”

Arc chuckles. “Then how about this? If I feel that you’re not able to answer something, I’ll do my best to ‘rescue’ you.”

“How though, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “I’ll think of something to divert the conversation somehow.”

Celestia looks over the group as she thinks. “Perhaps this warrants additional diplomatic support. After all, this matter is very... sensitive. To both of our nations.”

Twilight turns to her mentor. “What did you have in mind, Princess Celestia?”

“Somepony else should accompany you to this event as a representative of Equestria.”

Twilight appears confused. “But Arc is already...”

Celestia interrupts her. “A native to Equestria, that is.”

Arc frowns. “What are you getting at?”

“Ambassador Ashe said that the king will be looking to the lords and our Hero of Light in addition to his future... bride. I believe that I should come along as well in order to help keep the king’s eyes off of Natalya.”

Ashe nods. “That is a good idea, Princess Celestia. Are you acquainted with King Guto?”

“We’ve met, yes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that a good or bad thing?”

Celestia smiles slyly. “All old rulers know each other. Don't you know that?”

Twilight appears confused. “They do?”

“Yes, Twilight. I maintain that aspect by personally visiting foreign leaders every so often and meeting them along with their families. That allows me to see them grow and eventually take their parent’s place on the thrones.”

Ashe smirks. “A bit of psychology there as well, I would imagine.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Ambassador?”

“They and their parents age. But you yourself remain the only constant.”

“Before Luna’s return, yes. However, I did it more as a reminder to them.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Reminder, your highness?”

“That I am always watching. Watching for any sort of trouble that may come my way. And when it does, I deal with it as quickly as possible.”

Ashe nods approvingly. “Some well-placed intimidation can work wonders to nip small problems before they can grow into bigger ones.”

Celestia walks back toward the table. “I prefer to think of it as ‘persuasion’.”

Twilight looks to the ambassador. “In any case, do you have any other suggestions to give Natalya, Ashe?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Nothing else, no. But I suppose it goes without saying that you shouldn’t, under any circumstances, allow anyone else to find out that your engagement to Lord Arc is all just an elaborate ruse to help you maintain your new life in Equestria.”

Natalya nods soberly. “Yes, I understand.”

Celestia motions to the door. “Then I suppose we would do well to get some rest in preparation for tonight’s affairs.”

Twilight sighs. “That would probably be for the best, I agree. After all, we all want to be at the top of our game for this.”

Ashe appears surprised. “Princess Twilight? You’re planning on going too?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow, confused. “Um... yes. Why wouldn’t I?”

Arc sighs. “That could be a bit... problematic.”

“How so?”

Celestia chimes in. “This evening will certainly be used to scrutinize our Hero of Light and Natalya. We should send as few of us as possible.”

Twilight frowns. “But I thought you were subtly suggesting earlier that I should go, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, Twilight. I only said that ‘somepony’ should be sent.”

Arc frowns. “And as you said earlier that it’s you whom fits that bill?”

“Maybe, yes. However, I have read the reports regarding your dinner at the Aviary with King Guto and my sister some time ago, Hero of Light. It said that he was very... interested in her.”

Twilight appears surprised. “He was?”

Arc nods. “Very. King Guto even attempted to... ask her out.”

Natalya sighs. “Our king is most likely looking for a queen. And what better one that a princess of Equestria.”

Celestia continues. “Agreed. Which is why I believe that my sister Luna would actually be the better candidate than I to accompany the Hero of Light and Natalya on tonight’s little excursion.”

Ashe nods. “Her presence would certainly keep the king’s attention away from Lord Arc and his fiancée, yes.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose so. But we may have a problem with that.”

Natalya appears confused. “How so, sir?”

“When King Guto expressed his interest in Luna, she told him that she and I were already in a relationship.”

Ashe groans. “That complicates matters. Greatly.”

Natalya nods sadly. “Yes. The king will certainly assume that Lord Arc and Princess Luna have broken up if he and I are engaged.”

Twilight bows her head. “Then he’ll try to go after her again.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps. Then again... perhaps not.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Do you have a plan, Princess Celestia?!”

Celestia nods and sighs. “I do, yes. However, it will take quite a bit of acting to properly pull this off.”

She looks to Arc and Natalya before continuing.

“The two of you should rehearse and practice with Luna.”

Arc nods as he points to his earring. “I can have Lemon Hearts contact her before opening a portal to get her here.”

“Good. Let’s go to my quarters and go over a few scenarios then, shall we?”

Celestia turns to Twilight before continuing.

“Do you think you could return to Canterlot and take over Luna’s duties for the rest of the day so she can come here?”

Twilight nods. “Of course.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “I’ll let you know when Luna is ready to come over. We can do the switch at that time.”

Natalya raises a talon. “Um... might I have a word with you first, Princess Twilight?”

“Of course.”

Celestia stands. “Please catch up with us when you are done. Both of you.”

Arc, Celestia, and Ashe leave the room together as Natalya approaches Twilight. She gestures toward the couch with a wave of her hoof.

“Why don’t we sit down first?”

Natalya nods. “Thank you. That might help.”

Making their way over to the sofa, the pair sit down together. Twilight smiles and looks to Natalya.

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

“I, uh...”

She fidgets for a few moments before continuing.

“...I just wanted to say... that... I’m sorry.”

Twilight appears confused. “You’re sorry? Whatever for?”

“It’s just... I feel really guilty for this whole situation.”

“What happened wasn’t your fault though, Natalya.”

Natalya sighs. “It really is though. I mean... if I was just willing to stay here and run my father’s estate then none of this would be necessary.”

“That may be true, yes. However, I believe that nopony should be forced to take a path in life that they don’t want to.”

Natalya sighs. “Try telling that to our leaders.”

“Indirectly, we are.”

“Oh?”

“By going to all this trouble to help you.”

“But how does that...?”

Twilight interrupts her. “Think about it. Deep down they have to know that all of this is only because of their antiquated and archaic laws.”

“To say nothing for tradition.”

Twilight nods. “That too. If the government here were less restrictive of their citizens then none of us would have a problem here. You, me, Arc, and them too.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying that ultimately the Griffon Kingdom government is the one at fault?”

“I suppose so, yes. Not that they put these laws in place specifically to harm you, of course. But this can’t be the first time they’ve caused problems for somepony I would imagine.”

“It’s mostly about keeping the money and power consolidated.”

“Which is another problem here in this country. If the citizens were free to pursue their own destinies then they’d be much happier.”

“Yes, that’s true. However, this isn’t the only problem that I see.”

“Oh?”

“You and Lord Arc are engaged, I’m told.”

Twilight nods. “That we are, yes.”

“And now he and I are fiancées. Albeit only on paper. But because of that, you now have to go back to Equestria in order for him and I to go on what amounts to a very fancy date.”

“What are you getting at, Natalya?”

“Are you really okay with this, Princess Twilight?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I am.”

“But how?! I mean... you’re a princess! And I’m going to be marrying your future husband!”

“It’s just going to be a marriage of convenience though. After all, it’s not like either of you have romantic feelings for one another.”

Natalya looks away nervously. “I... kinda do.”

“You do?”

Natalya nods sadly. “It’s... difficult to explain. First off, I’d like to say that I’m not actually in love with Lord Arc. However, I view our relationship as more than just platonic friends. Fake wedding notwithstanding, of course.”

“Tell me how you feel.”

“Very... nice when he’s with me. Secure. Fuzzy even.”

“Is that really such a bad thing though?”

“I think so, yes. After all, you and the other herd members are there for a reason. But I’m just here out of necessity.”

“Have you spoken to Arc about this yet?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, I... I wanted to talk to you first. Get your reaction to it before going that far.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well... I do feel very... happy for you.”

“Happy?”

“That you feel so good being with Arc.”

“But such a thing is not appropriate!”

Twilight shrugs. “It sort of is though. After all, when this is done and over with, you’ll legally be his wife.”

“What about you and the others though?!”

“We’ve already accepted this plan and allowed you into the herd, Natalya. Unanimously, I might add.”

“But that was just as a fiancée of necessity though!”

Twilight nods. “That’s true, yes. And if your feelings in this matter were to change, you would have to talk to us about your new frame of mind.”

“Talk?”

“Make everypony aware of the change, yes.”

Natalya sighs. “I suppose that does make sense, yes. After all, you have a right to know about such things.”

“As do the others I would think.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “Do you... think they would be upset?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I doubt it, no. However, there is another you should talk to about this.”

“Lord Arc?”

“Yes. After all, he has a right to know as well.”

“Maybe after the events of tonight are done and over with.”

“That’s probably for the best. He’s very busy at the moment. As you will be too, I would imagine.”

“Yes, well... I should probably head over to Princess Celestia’s suite and practice with Lord Arc.”

“As you should. But before you do so, there is something I would like to tell you.”

“What is it?”

Twilight puts a hoof on Natalya’s talon. “Just that I think you’re a very nice young griffon for all you do back home in Ponyville. And that any stallion would be proud to have you as their wife.”

“Thank you, Princess Twilight. I will do my best to be worthy of your respect.”

“I’m sure you will.”

Twilight stands and motions to the door before continuing.

“Now then, let’s get over there and see what we can do.”

Natalya slowly stands. “Yes. I... I do need to do my best on this.”

“All of us do, Natalya. For the benefit of everypony in both our countries.”

She puts a hoof on Natalya’s shoulder before continuing.

“You included, I might add.”

Natalya bows her head. “I’m... not worthy of such attention.”

“This isn’t about being ‘worthy’ of help, Natalya.”

“It isn’t?”

“Right. It’s about doing what’s right for somepony whom needs help.”

Natalya smiles nervously. “Then I will do my best not to let you down.”

Twilight leads the way to the door. “I know you will.”

Chapter 10 - The Aviary Extravaganza

As the sun sets over Griffonstone, Arc looks out over the horizon from the Observation Deck. Hearing the clip clopping of hooves behind him, he waits for them to join him before turning his head to see whom it is. Surprisingly enough, he spies Celestia herself standing next to him as he speaks.

“This is certainly a surprise.”

Celestia nods as she looks out over the sunset. “An unwelcome one?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I didn’t say that.”

Celestia sighs. “I suppose not.”

“How’s Natalya?”

“Doing just fine. I’m confident that she’ll do well tonight.”

Arc turns to look forward again. “That’s good to hear.”

Celestia nods soberly. “She has the relatively easy role of mostly just staying silent. With any luck, she won’t have to speak more than a simple greeting to anypony all night.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t like this.”

“Well, I would like to point out that it was your idea.”

“No, no. I mean the way that the Griffon Kingdom treats situations like this.”

Celestia shrugs. “Such are their ways.”

Arc scoffs. “When someone has to marry a foreign diplomat, after being enslaved to them no less, just to protect their siblings from being chained to an estate, there’s a serious problem.”

“I don’t disagree with your analysis of the situation. However, we can’t change how other nations do things. At least not directly.”

“Yes, I know. But that doesn’t change my feelings on the matter.”

“In any case, Luna and Natalya will be ready soon.”

She looks him over before continuing.

“And it appears you are as well.”

Arc shrugs. “Takes less time for me. No mane or tail to style.”

“Yes, I suppose there are some advantages to being a… a non-pony.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Arc turns to Celestia.

“I get the feeling you didn’t come here just to make small talk.”

“You would be correct, yes.”

“Then just say what you want to.”

“Very well.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“In truth, I... just wanted to tell you that I... I respect what you’re trying to do here.”

“Is this in regards to Natalya and her father’s estate?”

Celestia nods. “It’s not just anypony whom would turn down the chance to become fabulously wealthy overnight, you know.”

Arc shrugs. “Rich, yes. Powerful, yes. But alone.”

Celestia turns to him, confused. “Alone?”

“All of those whom I care about would still be across the ocean in Equestria. And I can’t exactly ask them to just casually uproot the lives they’ve made for themselves in Equestria and move to the Griffon Kingdom with me.”

Celestia bows her head. “They would though, I assume.”

“Probably. But I don’t want to do that to them.”

“Friends and their well-being over extreme wealth and power. Very interesting.”

“Sounds kinda strange coming from someone like you.”

“Oh?”

“You already have wealth, power, and friends.”

Celestia sighs. “Less than you think.”

“Well, there is such a thing as quality over quantity as far as friends go.”

Celestia shakes her head. “It’s really just Twilight whom fills that role for me these days.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he turns to her. “Really? You don’t have anyone else in your life?”

“Nopony, no. Everypony else just sees the crown and starts bowing and scraping.”

“I do understand that.”

Celestia looks to him out of the corner of her eye. “Do you now?”

Arc nods. “When I was Lord Regent there were innumerable ponies whom wanted to kiss my boots. But no one, other than my original friends that is, actually wanted to get to know me for whom I was over my position.”

“Heavy is the crown, after all.”

“Your head must feel much lighter then since... you know.”

“Since you relieved me from my duties, you mean?”

Arc nods soberly. “It had to be done.”

Celestia sighs. “I suppose so. But that doesn’t really help me right now.”

“Equestria still has Twilight, Luna, and Cadance to lead it.”

“That fact is the only thing that allows me to sleep at night since that fateful day. But in any case, I wish you the very best of luck tonight.

“Thank you. And I... um...”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to... apologize.”

Celestia appears confused. “Whatever for?”

“What I did back in the changeling hive... looking back at it, I... I really messed up.”

“Regarding what was going to happen to Twilight, Lieutenant Hammer, and myself?”

Arc nods. “While I certainly wasn’t going to allow anything bad to actually happen to any of you, I still let you three believe that great harm was coming.”

Celestia grimaces. “I was very upset with you regarding that fact, yes.”

“And it was indeed justified.”

“However, looking back at that time, I suppose I really shouldn’t have been angry.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

Celestia facehoofs. “Because... you ultimately got the idea from me.”

“I did?”

“Loosely, yes. Do you recall your date with Applejack?”

“Within the Celestial Realm, yes.”

“As you did while within the hive, I watched everything the two of you did very closely. Were you to do anything to harm young Applejack, or try to force yourself on her, I was fully prepared to forcefully intervene and save her.”

“That was my plan too. Watch and wait.”

Celestia bows her head sadly. “It didn’t actually occur to me until much, MUCH later that I had inadvertently put that young mare into a position where she could have very easily been raped.”

Arc turns to her, confused. “But I thought you were planning to step in if I did that.”

Celestia nods. “I was, yes. However, you have to understand that a mare doesn’t actually need to be penetrated to be raped. Had you sexually assaulted her, she would have remembered that moment for the rest of her life. And I would have been the one to blame for it.”

“Just like what I did.”

“I was fully willing to take Twilight’s place during that time and be forcefully impregnated. Back then, I had wanted to scream out for them to allow her and the lieutenant to go free. To take out their revenge on me, and me alone.”

“The reason I let it go on for so long was to gain time to come up with some sort of plan.”

“And what did you come up with?”

“Chrysalis announced that she was willing to allow Twilight to have some privacy before they began. I knew that would be the best time to free all of you, as the extra drones would be gone.”

Celestia frowns. “Then why didn’t you stop the process immediately after they left?”

Arc sighs. “Because I needed the remaining drones to be properly distracted before doing that. And them preparing to... do the deed to you was all the distraction I needed.”

“Then you knocked them out and released us.”

“Right.”

Celestia snorts. “I hope you do realize that both Twilight and the lieutenant were absolutely terrified the entire time.”

“Twilight was, yes. Hammer not as much.”

“Believe me, she was.”

“How could you tell?”

“Her voice. I could hear it.”

Arc sighs. “I really should sit down with them and apologize then.”

“That would be for the best, yes.”

“And you too.”

Celestia appears confused. “Me?”

Arc nods. “Remember, I put you in the position to be molested along with the others.”

Turning to Celestia, he continues.

“And for that, I am truly sorry.”

Celestia steps back, clearly surprised. “I... I’m speechless!”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Not at all. I just... never expected to hear such a thing from you. And I... I’m sorry for what I did... after we returned to our forces.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that was justified.”

“In any case, I still apologize for my actions back then.”

“Apology accepted.”

Turning to face her, Arc extends a hand. Celestia puts her hoof in it and the pair shake hands/hooves for a moment. As they step back, Luna enters the room with Natalya and Ashe behind her. All three are outfitted to the nines in their finest dresses. Ashe looks to Arc as she approaches him and speaks.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. I’m sure getting ready isn’t a quick and easy process.”

Luna gestures to the Hoof Maidens behind them. “We had plenty of help though.”

Natalya smiles nervously as she looks down at the floor. “H-how do I look, sir?”

“Very nice, Natalya.”

Natalya appears relieved. “Good! I really don’t want to make you look bad tonight!”

Ashe puts a talon on her shoulder. “Believe me, with all the coaching you received this afternoon, everything will be just fine.”

Luna nods. “With any luck, I will be able to field any questioned levied at us.”

Arc turns to Luna. “Thanks for agreeing to do this. It means a lot to me.”

Luna smiles sheepishly. “Considering what I started on our last visit, it seemed the least I could do.”

Natalya turns to Luna “Your highness?”

Luna bows her head. “I told the king during a dinner at the Aviary that Arc and I were romantically involved.”

Arc sighs. “And I went along with it.”

“Just to keep me safe from his advances though.”

Ashe clears her throat loudly. “In any case, don’t forget what we taught you regarding how you address the princess, Natalya.”

Natalya sighs. “That’s going to be a tough one for me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand.”

Ashe gestures to Luna and Natalya. “In order to avoid suspicion tonight, Natalya needs to remember to refer to Princess Luna as simply ‘Luna’.”

Luna turns to her. “It’s alright. Just for tonight, that is.”

Natalya nods nervously. “Yes, Princess Luna.”

Ashe groans. “No, no! Not ‘princess’! Just Luna!”

“I’ll try to get it right.”

Celestia steps forward. “In any case, it would appear that everypony here is ready to go.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, we’ve done all we can. Now the only thing left to do is to figure out how to get there.”

Arc shrugs. “Chariot or carriage?

Luna groans. “While I would rather take the enclosed carriage, I don’t think our dresses would enjoy the seats.”

Natalya nods. “I’m fine with whatever everyone decides on.”

Ashe turns to the princess. “The public would certainly enjoy seeing you again, Princess Luna.”

Celestia looks out the window as she speaks. “I imagine it would be the high point of the evening for the commoners, Luna. From where I stand, it appears that the whole city is out in the streets to celebrate this event.”

Ashe nods. “That’s normal, yes. Since they can’t attend the Aviary Extravaganza directly, everyone in the city just kinda makes their own fun in the streets.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, we still need a mode of transportation. So what’s it going to be, Luna?”

“I suppose we could take the open air chariot. That is, if the commoners would like it that much.”

Ashe smiles at Luna. “That would be for the best, yes.”

Arc gestures toward the door. “Then I suppose we should make our way to the Cargo Hold.”

Celestia waves a hoof as they turn to leave. “Have a nice time!”

Walking down the corridor, Natalya looks to Arc.

“I’ll do my very best for you, sir.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thank you. It’s appreciated.”

Luna nods soberly. “Just let me do all the talking and this will be over before you know it.”

Ashe looks over her shoulder as they walk. “Right. You don’t have to do much of anything on this trip other than stay by Lord Arc’s side and look pretty.”

Natalya blushes at this compliment. “That’s not something I’m used to being, mind you. Pretty, I mean.”

Luna looks her over. “You wear that dress well. So do not worry about that.”

Arriving at the Cargo Hold, they spot Hammer and a number of Royal Guards waiting for them. They come to attention as the group enters. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Good evening, Princess Luna. Hero of Light.”

Luna nods. “Are the preparations complete, lieutenant?”

“Yes, your highness. We’ve made ready both the carriage and open air chariot for your group tonight. Which will you be taking?”

“We’ve decided to ride in the open air chariot.”

“Very well.”

Turning to the guards, she continues.

“You all heard the princess! Hitch up and make ready to move out!”

They guards hurry to comply as Hammer returns her gaze to the group.

“Let’s get all of you seated.”

Nodding, they board the chariot. Luna sits down in front as Ashe takes her place behind her. Arc and Natalya take up a spot in the rear together as the guards finish hitching up. As the door is opened, Hammer takes her place in front of the guards hitched to the chariot. Luna turns to look at those behind her.

“Here we go again.”

Ashe nods as they begin to move. “Yes, your highness.”

She turns her head to look at Arc and Natalya before continuing.

“Um... aren’t you two forgetting something?”

Arc appears confused. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re supposed to be engaged! Look like it!”

Natalya appears confused. “But how?”

“Sit closer for starters.”

Arc and Natalya scootch closer to one another as Ashe watches.

“Closer.”

They do so.

Ashe groans. “Closer!”

Natalya’s hip bumps Arc’s. She gasps and blushes.

“F-forgive me, sir!”

Arc moves away slightly. “It’s okay.”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, no! Stay that way!”

Natalya gasps. “But...!”

Ashe interrupts her. “Fiancées are supposed to be as close to one another as possible. Hugging, kissing, petting... all that mushy stuff.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think either of us would be comfortable doing that stuff though.”

Natalya looks down. “Go ahead, sir.”

“Natalya?”

“Do whatever you have to do in order to make this believable.”

“Um... okay.”

He puts an arm around her and pulls her close. Natalya leans toward him as Ashe nods approvingly.

“Much better.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Any other suggestions?”

“Well... it would be more convincing if you two were to start making out when we reached the city.”

Natalya appears confused. “Making out?”

Arc turns to her. “Kissing, touching, and whatnot.”

“Oh! Um... well I guess... that would be okay with me. Given these circumstances, I mean.”

Arc frowns. “That’s going a bit too far in my book.”

“If it would help maintain the illusion, sir, I’m willing to submit to whatever you wish to do to me.”

“Let’s just stick to what we’re doing now. Sitting close with my arm around you.”

“How about if Natalya put her head on your shoulder?”

Arc shrugs. “That’s up to her.”

“Alright. How’s this?”

Leaning her head against Arc, Natalya looks to Ashe whom nods approvingly.

“Good. But don’t forget to smile.”

Natalya sighs. “I’ll try.”

As they leave the Skyport and enter the city, Arc and company are greeted by innumerable griffons reveling in the streets. Hammer calls out loudly.

“MAKE WAY FOR PRINCESS LUNA AND LORD ARC!”

They quickly part as Luna begins smiling and waving. Looking to Ashe, she grimaces.

“I’ve never been very good at this sort of thing.”

“You’re doing just fine, your highness.”

Luna groans. “We should have brought Twilight for this.”

Ashe shakes her head. “She’s needed in Canterlot to take care of your duties though.”

Luna sighs. “Yes, I know. Wishful thinking on my part, I suppose. It’s just that... she’s more of a positive figurehead to these griffons.”

“As are you, Princess Luna. Remember, it was you whom signed the treaty between our nations and helped usher in a new age of prosperity for all.”

Luna bows her head. “I suppose that is true, yes. However, Twilight and my sister are much more... how do I say this... likeable.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t sell yourself short, Luna.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, your highness. I think you’re a very nice individual.”

Luna sighs as she goes back to smiling and waving. “Thank you. But I still don’t think I’m cut out for this sort of thing.”

Sometime later they arrive at the Aviary. The area is heavily decorated with beautiful lamps and shining decals to give the whole area a very festive look. As the chariot is pulled through the gates, they see innumerable carriages parked inside with guards and drivers alike mingling. Natalya whispers in Arc’s ear.

“This is a bigger event than I originally thought!”

Arc looks around. “That it is. Much more so than the parties I’ve attended in the past at various estates.”

Natalya grimaces. “Every noble house in the country must be here!”

“That many, eh?”

Natalya groans. “I won’t fit in though!”

“Sure you will. Remember, you’re still the daughter of Lord Goldstone.”

“Whom is a disgraced noble I might point out!”

“And does that mean you’re disgraced too?”

“Legally, no. But that doesn’t mean that they won’t be upset with me.”

Arc shrugs. “The court of public opinion.”

“While I highly doubt anyone would try to come after me, especially with so much security here, it’s still a bit overwhelming.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side the entire time.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “Remember, you shouldn’t call me that while we’re here. First names only.”

Natalya groans. “Sorry. I think that’s the military training.”

Ashe frowns. “Probably.”

Looking to Arc, she continues.

“Everyone whom joins our nation’s military is taught to refer to everyone by their proper title above all else.”

Natalya nods. “Out of respect, of course.”

Arc sighs. “Well, that’s something you can’t really do here.”

Luna looks back at them. “How about if she calls you something else then, Arc?”

“Like what?”

Luna shrugs. “A pet name of some kind.”

Ashe smiles. “That’s a good idea. Natalya could just call you that instead of saying your actual name, Lord Arc.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin as she thinks. “How about simply ‘dear’?”

Ashe nods. “So instead of saying ‘that’s a very interesting idea, Arc’, she would say ‘that’s a very interesting idea, dear’.”

Arc turns to Natalya. “Would that make you feel better?”

Natalya nods nervously. “Y-yes, I think it would, sir.”

Ashe looks to her. “Then try answering him again using the proper term.”

Natalya takes a deep breath and looks to Arc.

“That would be fine... dear.”

Arc smiles at her. “Good.”

Ashe turns her attention to Arc. “You should also respond in kind, Lord Arc.”

“Oh?”

“Griffons in love are very... passionate about each other. If you don’t want to fawn all over Natalya, which is understandable given the situation, then I recommend using a pet name for her as well.”

“Like what?”

Ashe shrugs. “Anything really. It just needs to sound cute.”

Luna looks Natalya over. “How about referring to her as a flower?”

Natalya appears confused. “Um... what?”

Luna points a hoof. “I mean no offense, but the feathers on top of a griffon’s head always looked like flower petals to me.”

Arc turns to Natalya. “What do you think?”

“That’s fine.”

Ashe taps her beak with a talon as she thinks. “It needs something else though, as just ‘flower’ doesn’t really do it.”

Arc looks to his date. “How about ‘little flower’ since Natalya is smaller than I am?”

Luna nods approvingly. “I like it, yes. Natalya?”

Natalya smiles and blushes slightly. “That does sound very nice, yes.”

“Alright then. Shall I try it out?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Alright.”

Looking her over, Arc continues.

“You look very nice tonight, my little flower.”

Natalya giggles. “So do you, my dear!”

Ashe grins. “Very nice, Natalya. That sounded very natural.”

Luna gestures with a wave of her hoof. “Agreed. However, it would appear that we are out of time for practice.”

Looking ahead, they see a griffon guard directing their chariot toward the main entrance. Stopping at the foot of a large and ornate stone staircase, Hammer jumps over the side of the chariot and hurries over to lower the built in steps. She bows respectfully at the waist as Luna descends and steps down onto the red carpet below. The others follow her lead as she begins ascending the stairs. Arc turns to Hammer and lowers his voice.

“You sure you’re okay acting as our bodyguard for the evening?”

Hammer nods. “Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Sorry, I just thought you might be a bit... put off by Natalya and I acting like an engaged couple.”

Hammer shrugs. “I know it’s all just an act. But thanks for asking.”

Natalya motions to Luna and Ashe halfway up the stairs. “We should catch up to the others now, dear. Don’t want to be left behind.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right, my little flower.”

Hammer motions to the stallions to drive on as she falls into step behind Arc and Natalya. Entering the Aviary, they are escorted to the Grand Ballroom by numerous guards. Approaching the doors, a phone stands next to a stuffy looking but well-dressed griffon. Luna approaches him and speaks.

“Princess Luna of Equestria.”

Nodding, he picks up the phone and repeats the message. A few moments later he speaks.

“Please enter, your majesty.”

Luna does so with Hammer in tow. As she walks into the ballroom another griffon calls out in a loud voice.

“PRESENTING PRINCESS LUNA OF EQUESTRIA!”

Excited murmurs ring out as Ashe walks up to the griffon and states her name. Turning to Arc and Natalya, she smiles and gestures to the doorway.

“See you two inside.”

Arc chuckles. “We’ll be along directly.”

After being given the go ahead by the griffon, Ashe enters and is announced. Arc looks down at Natalya and smiles.

“Are you ready?”

Natalya nods nervously. “As ready as I can be, yes.”

Arc extends his arm to her. “Then let’s go, my little flower.”

Natalya smiles. “Yes, dear.”

Walking up to the griffon, Arc identifies them. A few moments later the griffon nods.

“Please enter, sir.”

“Thank you.”

Walking toward the door, the pair enter and are announced.

“PRESENTING LORD ARC OF EQUESTRIA AND HIS FIANCEE LADY NATALYA!”

All eyes turn to the pair. Arc taps Natalya’s side and motions to her talon. Taking his hand, she steps forward with him as they approach Luna and Ashe. Rejoining their companions, Arc looks to Ashe.

“So far, so good.”

Ashe nods. “Yes indeed.”

Luna lowers her voice and turns to Ashe. “Should we mingle at this point, ambassador?”

Hammer looks around. “Plenty of other guests to do that with.”

Ashe shakes her head. “As I said back on the ship, not with the normal nobles. Just those on the princess’ level.”

Arc chuckles. “Lords and royalty?”

Ashe nods. “Yes. One moment.”

Looking around, she scans the griffons around her before stopping and gesturing with a nod.

“There’s my father over there with the rest of the Council of Lords.”

Luna takes a deep breath. “Then I suppose we should join them.”

Ashe leads the group over to her father. Upon seeing her, he smiles warmly and steps toward her. They embrace as he speaks.

“Glad to see you could make it, ambassador.”

Ashe giggles. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world, father.”

She gestures to Luna before continuing.

“May I present Princess Luna of Equestria.”

Gestal bows at the waist respectfully. “A pleasure to see you again, your highness.”

“Likewise, Lord Gestal.”

Ashe gestures to Natalya. “And may I also present Lord Arc’s fiancée, Lady Natalya.”

Natalya nods cordially as Gestal addresses her.

“It is good to see you again, my dear. My condolences regarding your father’s fate.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Weller steps over to talk. “We had heard that you emigrated to Equestria around the time of the treaty signing with our new allies.”

Arc nods. “Yes, it was a difficult time back then. For all of us, that is.”

Adalbert folds his talons over his chest. “Tell us, what made you decide to make such a move, Lady Natalya?”

Natalya looks away nervously. “I... uh... decided to follow Lord Arc to Equestria to... learn more about the mysterious land of the equines across the sea.”

Gestal nods soberly. “So the relocation was successful?”

Arc chimes in. “That it was, Lord Gestal. Natalya was able to secure a position at the Little Hooves Orphanage overseeing the foals and younglings there.”

Adalbert grunts. “We’ve read Ambassador Ashe’s reports regarding the facility.”

Weller smiles warmly at Ashe. “A glowing review, I might add. However, I don’t recall reading anything about Lady Natalya being employed there.”

“I only reported on the facility itself and the curriculum of the schooling. Not the staff individually, as I felt that doing such a thing would have negatively interfered with their ability to educate the little ones.”

Gestal chuckles. “A wise choice, my dear.”

He turns back to Natalya before continuing.

“However, perhaps you could tell us your thoughts on the rest of the staff.”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “Well... Miss Peachbottom teaches the very young foals and newly arrived younglings, sir.”

Adalbert raises an eyebrow. “In the same classroom?”

“Yes sir. They have only two, after all.”

Weller sighs. “And the instructor is qualified for their job?”

Arc nods. “That they are, Lord Weller. In fact, several of the first group of younglings have graduated up to the second class.”

Ashe looks to her father. “Of which the teacher, a Miss Cheerilee, is fully qualified to educate them further.”

“That is good to know.”

Weller gestures to the niceties around them. “In any case, I do hope that all of you are enjoying our hospitality.”

Luna nods. “While we’ve only just arrived, I could smell the delicacies all the way from the main gates.”

Gestal frowns. “You don’t have a drink yet, Princess Luna?”

Adalbert motions to a servant. “Let’s fix that, shall we?”

A griffon walks over with a tray of glasses containing sparkling champagne. They each take a glass as Gestal speaks.

“To Equestria, and our guest’s health.”

Everyone clinks their glasses together before drinking. Luna nods in approval of the drink in her hoof.

“A very nice vintage, I must say.”

Gestal swishes the contents of his glass around as he speaks. “The king spares no expense for the Aviary Extravaganza.”

Adalbert turns to Luna. “How about sampling some of our nation’s fine cuisine now, your highness?”

Weller quickly interjects. “That which would agree with your... constitution, that is.”

Luna waves a hoof dismissively. “No, no. I would be honored to sample whatever it is that you have to share. Regardless of its origin.”

Gestal waves over a number of servants each carrying a tray of delicious looking morsels. They each take a serving of spiced hams, cheeses, and pasties (not a misspelling). Munching on them, Gestal turns to Luna.

“Would you and your group like to join us at our table, your highness?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Table?”

Ashe turns to Arc sheepishly. “My apologies, Lord Arc. I don’t think I ever got around to telling you that this is a dinner party.”

“No, I don’t think you did. However, that is a welcome piece of news indeed.”

Gestal gestures with a talon. “Then let us adjourn to the Banquet Hall.”

Arc turns to Natalya. “That sounds good. Are you hungry, my little flower?”

Natalya nods. “Yes, I am dear.”

Following Lord Gestal, the group eventually comes to a large round table. Sitting down, they are immediately served steaming hot platters of various meats and vegetables. Gestal turns to Luna as her plate is set before her.

“I ordered the kitchen to prepare for you a more palatable meal, your highness.”

“Thank you, this is lovely.”

Luna picks up her silverware and takes a bite. Chewing slowly and swallowing, Luna nods approvingly.

“Very flavorful!”

Weller smiles at her. “We’re so glad you like it, Princess Luna.”

Adalbert chuckles. “It’s all in the spices.”

Hammer fills the glass with water before Luna. “Here you are, your highness.”

“Thank you, lieutenant.”

Ashe looks to Hammer. “Would you like to join us, lieutenant?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Thank you, ambassador. But I’m on duty right now.”

Adalbert raises an eyebrow. “On duty?”

Arc holds up his glass of champagne. “She’s the princess’ bodyguard for the night. Mine too, I suppose.”

Weller smiles warmly. “I do believe we are quite safe here.”

Adalbert holds up a glass. “Yes, have a seat and enjoy the festivities!”

Looking to Arc, he nods. Taking a seat next on the other side of Arc, she grins.

“Thanks. Don’t mind if I do then.”

Gestal looks Hammer over. “You are the same species as Lord Arc, I presume?”

Hammer nods. “Yes sir. We’re both humans from Earth.”

Arc makes a sweeping motion with his hand. “Indeed. From far beyond the transdimensional barrier.”

Adalbert frowns. “Transdimensional what?”

Weller looks to Arc. “Yes, I too am curious about that term.”

Ashe chimes in. “I did put a summary of where Lord Arc is from in one of my reports if I recall correctly.”

Gestal nods. “You did, yes. However, we were unable to figure out definitively what exactly much of that meant.”

Arc shrugs. “It is rather complicated, admittedly.”

Luna sighs. “While I am loathe to admit it, even I don’t really understand such magic.”

Hammer grins. “Mio explained it to me a while back. Maybe I can show you the example she used.”

Suddenly remembering her place, Hammer looks to Luna nervously.

“Um... that is, if it’s okay with you, Princess Luna.”

Luna nods. “Please do.”

“Alright. It’s like this.”

Hammer picks up an empty plate and sets it in the middle of the table.

“So let’s say that this here is the world.”

Grabbing two rolls, Hammer lays them on either side of the plate.

“Think of these as Equestria on the left and the Griffon Kingdom on the right. We could use boats or airships to reach any spot on this plate, er world.”

Setting another plate about six inches away from the first, she puts a number of rolls on it before continuing.

“Think of this other plate as Earth. Our country is here.”

Tapping two rolls on Earth, she gestures with a hand.

“Just like here in Equestria, we have ships and airplanes that can take us anywhere in our own land.”

Patting the roll representing Equestria, Hammer chuckles.

“But no matter how far the airships fly, whether high or low, they can’t reach the other world.”

Picking up a butter knife, Hammer lays it over the edge of both plates.

“However, if one is able to create a magical bridge, travel then becomes possible.”

Weller looks to Hammer, clearly interested. “And how does one create this bridge?”

Adalbert chuckles. “I’m guessing not with timber or stone.”

Hammer nods. “Right. That’s where magic comes into play.”

Arc puts a finger on either side of the plates. “Continuing with the earlier analogy, each side of the bridge has to be anchored in its respective world. Once that’s done, a portal can be opened to allow us to travel from one world to the other.”

Gestal nods. “A simplified version of what I would assume is very complicated topic.”

“That it is.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “And it requires a special item of sorts to create such a portal bridge.”

Arc removes something from his ring and sets it on the table. “This.”

Weller gasps. “Exquisite craftsmanship!”

Gestal nods approvingly. “A masterpiece, to be sure!”

Luna gestures to it with a hoof. “In addition to being of the highest quality, it is also capable of opening a portal between our worlds.”

Arc nods as he puts it back in his ring. “Right. We call it the ‘Rainbow of Light’.”

Hammer taps the knife connecting the two plates. “It’s our bridge.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “Perhaps one day we could mount a joint expedition to Earth. Purely from the aspect of gaining knowledge, of course.”

Arc shrugs. “I wouldn’t be opposed to it at some point in the future.”

A number of trumpets blow as everyone stops talking and stands. They turn to the main entrance and bow. King Guto enters to an elaborate fanfare of musicians and applause. Looking out over the crowd before him, he speaks.

“Welcome to this year’s Aviary Extravaganza! Eat, drink, and be happy as we have much to be thankful for!”

The king gestures to Arc’s party before continuing.

“It would appear that our allies from across the sea have joined us for a bit of merriment! I look forward to continuing to deepen our relationship with the Equestrians and hope that we can one day be as brothers and sisters!”

Those assembled applaud excitedly as the king descends the stairs. His guards escort him to the table and pull a chair out for him. Arc and company sit down as he does. Guto looks to Luna and smiles widely.

“Hello again, Princess Luna. I hope you are doing well.”

“Oh! Um... very well, yes.”

Looking to Natalya, the king continues.

“And whom might this young griffon be?”

Ashe gestures with a talon. “Lady Natalya. Daughter of the late Lord Goldstone and fiancée to Lord Arc, King Guto.”

Natalya bows her head respectfully as she smiles and batts her eyelashes.

“Ah, yes. I had heard of you coming back to the Griffon Kingdom to claim your inheritance, young one.”

Gestal bows his head soberly. “That is complicated by the fact she is currently owned by Lord Arc, sire.”

Guto sighs. “Yes, an unfortunate matter. However, I’m told that a compromise has been reached.”

Weller nods. “Lord Arc has voluntarily agreed to legally wed Lady Natalya in order to nullify her status as a slave, my lord. As per the new law that was put forth, of course.”

Adalbert smirks. “That and the estate of Lord Goldstone will be liquidated with the vast bulk of the money remaining within the kingdom.”

Arc looks to the king. “Yes, that’s right. After all, we don’t want to cause undue strain on your nation’s economy.”

Ashe smiles. “The paperwork for this matter is still pending, of course. However, the couple has come to a very interesting decision on what to do with Lord Goldstone’s personal estate.”

Guto folds his talons, clearly interested. “Oh? Do tell.”

Arc puts a hand on Natalya’s shoulder. “My future bride and I would like to be allowed to donate the manor, and it’s attached land, to Equestria for the purpose of transforming it into the future Equestrian Embassy.”

Ashe nods. “Such does make sense, as their nation’s factories are popping up everywhere.”

Gestal looks to the king. “They will at some point require representation, naturally.”

Luna smiles. “And it wouldn’t do to wait until a problem arises to appoint an Equestrian ambassador.”

Guto puts a talon to his beak thoughtfully. “I must admit that the notion is indeed sound. However, I question whether or not a facility of such a grand size is truly needed for such a purpose.”

Weller turns to Arc’s party. “The Goldstone Estate is well known here in the Griffon Kingdom for being the largest and most luxurious of all manors in the land.”

Adalbert frowns. “Turning it over to a foreign power would seem a bit... problematic from a political standpoint.”

Gestal turns to the king. “While I do agree that this matter could be politicized, doesn’t the law state that a noble has the right to do with their property as they see fit?”

Ashe nods. “I believe it does, yes. And with Lord Arc marrying Lady Natalya, he is allowed to do with the estate what he wishes.”

Guto gestures to Adalbert and Weller. “That is most certainly true under normal circumstances. However, my two lords here do raise valid concerns as to what the rest of the nation will see with such a proposal. And such a large transfer of assets would require approval of the government.”

Luna chimes in. “If you are worried that such a thing would cause your nation some kind of political blowback, we would most certainly do all in our power to alleviate such a thing.”

Arc smiles. “Yes, of course. After all, it wouldn’t do to cause harm to one of our allies.”

Guto looks to Natalya. “What do you think, Lady Natalya?”

“I, ah... don’t really want to cause trouble for either of our nations. After all, the point of our gift was merely to help solidify relations with both lands. Not drive a wedge between us through this.”

“Then might I offer you an alternative solution?”

“By all means, yes sire.”

“I’m familiar with the geographical location of the Goldstone Estate and would like to point out that it’s not exactly in the best place for use as an embassy. Such a facility should be in a spot that is easily accessible to all citizens. Not just the aristocracy.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “So you are suggesting a completely different venue, King Guto?”

“I am, yes. There is an old, vacant building near the Skyport on a large parcel of land. It could easily be demolished to make way for a proper embassy.”

Weller nods. “The building in question is certainly in a prime spot for the a fore mentioned purpose. Accessible to both the commoners and nobles alike.”

Adalbert grins. “And it’s on a route that is properly patrolled for the Skyport’s own security purposes.”

Hammer looks to Luna. “Such would be necessary to protect the building and its occupants.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That does sound like a better location for our nation’s embassy, yes. If the Griffon Kingdom would be willing to send over official survey documentation as well as pricing I will forward it to the proper branch of the Equestrian government.”

Guto smiles warmly at her. “Certainly, Princess Luna. I will personally see to it any plans you have drawn up are fast tracked through the approval process for maximum expediency. However, that does still leave the matter of what to do with the Goldstone Estate.”

Gestal nods. “An estate is generally not permitted to be left vacant for extended periods of time, after all.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “It’s to maintain the integrity of the surrounding property values.”

“That’s understandable. However, my future bride and I don’t have any plans to live there at any point.”

Natalya turns to Arc. “Dear, might I make a suggestion?”

“Of course, my little flower. What did you have in mind?”

“If the estate wouldn’t be an ideal place for the embassy, what if we were to trade it to the government in exchange for the proposed parcel of land?”

“That’s fine with me if you’re okay with it.”

Natalya nods. “I am, dear.”

Gestal looks to Natalya. “Very generous of you. However, the Goldstone Estate is worth exponentially more than that parcel near the Skyport ever will be.”

Weller frowns. “With or without the building already on it.”

Adalbert shrugs. “As it stands we have a very lopsided deal on our talons, Lord Arc.”

Luna taps the table in front of them with a hoof. “Then perhaps we could agree to something a bit more... even.”

Guto looks to Luna intently. “Of course, Princess Luna. What could we do to make this more fair to you?”

“Have the Goldstone Estate appraised to determine its fair market value along with the parcel mentioned earlier. Subtract the cost of the proposed land from the estate and send the difference to Lord Arc’s ship.”

Gestal nods approvingly. “He could then use the money to purchase a piece of property back in Equestria wherever he so chooses.”

Weller sighs. “What of the estate’s contents though?”

Adalbert smirks. “Yes, I’m sure Lord Goldstone amassed a fortune in gems, fine art, precious metals, and any number of other means within his personal estate.”

Natalya gestures to her future husband. “What Lord Arc and I don’t want can be sold at auction and the money used to build the new embassy.”

Luna smiles. “Very generous of you, Lady Natalya.”

“Thank you, Luna. But I only wish to be allowed to give something back to both countries. The one of my youth as well as the one which I now call home.”

Ashe giggles. “A gift to all one could say.”

Gestal turns to the king. “What do you say, your majesty?”

“It is a very fair deal for all concerned. However, I must point out that Lord Goldstone was known to collect many priceless artifacts and treasures that cannot leave the Griffon Kingdom due to them having great cultural significance.”

Weller turns to the king. “Our historians and appraisers could be of help determining what is important and what is merely valuable from a monetary standpoint, sire.”

Adalbert waves a talon dismissively. “Seems like a waste of time to me. Let them take what they will and leave the rest for the auction block.”

Arc looks to the monarch. “I do understand your position in this matter, King Guto. You wish to maintain your national treasures and I can respect such a thing. Now then, if Lady Natalya and I were agree to your terms as set forth, would you be willing to make an exemption for a single room?”

Guto appears confused. “A room? One… room?”

Ashe chimes in. “I believe what Lord Arc is saying is that he wants to make the contents of a single room exempt.”

Arc nods. “Yes, that’s right.”

“It would depend what that room is and what it contains, Lord Arc.”

“I would like the entire contents of Lord Goldstone’s personal study. However, that will be limited only to his books. Not the financial records or any other paperwork contained within.”

Adalbert raises an eyebrow. “You just want... his books, Lord Arc?”

“Correct.”

Guto leans forward. “That would be acceptable, yes. But just so we’re in full understand here, you’re only referring to the physical books themselves. Not the shelves nor the furniture or any other object found within the study?”

Arc nods. “Yes, your majesty.”

“Might I inquire as to why you want such a thing, Lord Arc?”

Luna smiles. “I believe that I may be able to explain that. You see, Princess Twilight is fascinated with books. The older the better.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. She can’t get enough of them.”

Natalya giggles. “It sounds as though Lord Arc wishes to present them to her as a gift of sorts.”

Luna nods. “Such would make her very happy indeed.”

Guto leans back in his chair. “Very well. I’ll grant your proposal pending the official appraisals mentioned earlier.”

Hammer clear her throat. “Begging the king’s pardon, but that will make Princess Twilight very happy.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’m looking forward to presenting them to her.”

Natalya looks to the king. “Might we be allowed to do so soon?”

Guto nods. “Yes, Lady Natalya. As a show of goodwill, I will allow you to take the books to your ship and back to Equestria as soon as you’d like.”

“Thank you, sire.”

King Guto returns his gaze to Arc before continuing.

“So can I assume that we have a deal, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes, your highness. My fiancée and I will sign over the estate as soon as the papers can be drawn up.”

Ashe turns to him. “I’ll send in a request for the proper forms when we return to the ship later tonight.”

Gestal smiles at his daughter. “Thank you, ambassador. However, I must remind you that no transfer of property can legally be made until after the marriage ceremony is complete.”

“Of course. But I’m sure that the king will want to complete the transaction as soon as it is feasibly possible.”

Guto gestures with a talon. “Yes, as will Princess Luna I would imagine.”

Luna shrugs. “A brief wait is just fine with me. After all, there is much work that needs to be done in the interim. Surveys, drawing up blueprints, and sourcing materials.”

Arc nods. “One shouldn’t rush such things. Like a good relationship, slow and steady wins out over fast and furious.”

Guto puts a talon to his beak thoughtfully. “An interesting way of looking at it, Lord Arc. Might I inquire further into your way of thinking regarding this?”

“Of course, your majesty.”

“You compared this transaction to a relationship. While I don’t disagree with your analysis of the situation, I do find it a bit strange that you are moving very quickly to cement a permanent relationship with Lady Natalya.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I have known her for quite some time, your majesty. And her character is that of loyalty and grace. She’s quite the young griffon, after all.”

Luna smiles at them. “Yes, I agree. Lady Natalya and Lord Arc do make a very nice couple.”

Guto looks to Luna. “And you, princess?”

“Your highness?”

“How do you feel about this... how shall I put this... this change of events?”

“I am very happy for both of them.”

Guto appears confused. “That is quite surprising. Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t you and Lord Arc seeing one another?”

Arc nods. “Yes we are, King Guto. However, humans historically have had multiple partners.”

Luna puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “Indeed. Perhaps one day I too shall join these two in matrimony.”

Guto puts a talon to his beak thoughtfully. “Multiple wives. An interesting concept.”

Gestal looks to the king. “Such used to be the way of our land according to the history books.”

Weller shrugs. “But it became too complicated after the Griffon Kingdom was officially formed and was summarily outlawed.”

Adalbert nods. “Right. These days citizens of the Griffon Kingdom are limited to a single spouse.”

Luna sighs. “Such is the way of Equestria as well. Traditionally speaking, of course.”

Arc looks to the king. “I’m an exception to the rule due to my species and unique position in Equestria.”

Guto nods soberly. “Yes, well... perhaps there is more we can learn about the humans as well as the Equestrians.”

Gestal appears confused. “Sire?”

“I think I’ll order an examination of the concept of multiple spouses.”

Luna frowns. “Such is certainly very difficult, as everypony involved must agree to the relationship and be compatible with one another.”

Guto smiles at her. “Of course, Princess Luna. My inquiries are purely for the sake of knowledge alone at this point. But they may spread into implementation if the right individuals were to… come together.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “An experiment of sorts?”

“You could call it that, Lord Arc.”

Ashe raises her glass. “Then I hope there is success in such an endeavor, your highness.”

Gestal nods. “Indeed.”

A servant approaches with a vast platter of food for the king. As he is served they all go back to eating. Looking to Natalya, Guto speaks.

“Lady Natalya?”

“Yes, your highness?”

“I am sorry for what happened to your father.”

Natalya sighs. “Justice was certainly done on that day, your majesty.”

Gestal bows his head. “While it is not usually easy, we must always strive to see to it that those guilty of a crime are properly punished for their actions.”

Weller nods soberly. “No matter their position of power.”

Adalbert grins as he holds up his glass. “I’ll drink to that!”

Guto clears his throat. “In any case, I’d like to assure you that the Griffon Kingdom does not hold your father’s crimes against you or your family as a whole.”

“Thank you, your majesty. My siblings and I were just as mortified to learn of such things as the rest of the nation was.”

Guto continues. “However, I’d also like to point out that should you, or your family, cause any legal problems here in the Griffon Kingdom that your name will not protect you.”

“Yes, sire. I understand.”

Ashe looks to the king. “I think you’ll be happy to hear that Lady Natalya has found her place in life within the borders of Equestria, your highness.”

“Is that so?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sire. I plan to return there with Lord... with my husband to remain in Equestria indefinitely.”

Guto puts a talon to his beak. “I see. So you and Princess Luna, along with Lord Arc, will take up permanent residence within Canterlot Castle?”

Arc shakes his head. “We haven’t actually decided where we’re going to live yet. But I don’t think it will be Canterlot, no.”

Ashe leans forward. “Lord Arc is very fond of a small town to the south of the capital known as ‘Ponyville’.”

Guto nods. “Where the orphanage is located?”

Arc gestures toward a window with his hand. “Yes, your majesty. It’s a small, out of the way town. Very close knit.”

Guto looks to Luna. “And you, Princess Luna? Will you reside there is well should you and Lord Arc also be wed?”

“Perhaps at times. As I’m sure you understand, my duties to Equestria will require me to remain in the capital most of the time.”

“That sounds like it would make for a very... hard long distance relationship.”

Arc nods. “I am confident that we can make it work though.”

He pats Natalya’s talon and smiles at her before continuing.

“Right, my little flower?”

Natalya nods happily. “Of course, dear.”

Sometime later they finish their meal. Gestal wipes the side of his beak with a napkin as he speaks.

“Another wonderful meal.”

Weller smiles. “Yes, I too enjoyed it.”

Adalbert chuckles. “Haven’t had a bad one yet at the Aviary.”

Luna nods. “Yes. A fine meal and fine company.”

Ashe turns to Luna. “We should have another peace summit at some point, your highness.”

“That does sound nice, yes.”

Gestal chuckles. “One that allows us to see more of your land than just Lord Arc’s base though, I hope.”

Weller frowns. “That would be quite the security risk though.”

Adalbert waves a talon dismissively. “Bah! Live a little once in a while, Weller!”

Hammer looks to Luna. “He is right. But we could probably organize something aboard The Equinox if you wanted us to.”

“That sounds good. You and Ambassador Ashe should look into coming up with some kind of an itinerary.”

Guto grins. “I’d very much like to be included in these plans.”

Gestal turns to the king, confused. “Sire?”

Weller raises an eyebrow. “You... you wish to travel to Equestria for a tour of sorts?”

Guto nods. “I would indeed.”

The king looks to Luna before continuing.

“That and I would look forward to learning more about Equestria from their princesses... personally.”

Luna smiles nervously. “We would... love to have you, King Guto. And your Council of Lords too, of course.”

Adalbert frowns. “We probably all shouldn’t leave the country at once though, sire.”

Weller nods. “For security’s sake as well.”

Guto shrugs. “Very well. I’ll go while you three run the country.”

Gestal bows his head. “Whatever you desire, sire.”

Guto chuckles as he turns to Ashe. “Keep me appraised of what you come up with, ambassador.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Looking over his shoulder at the ballroom dance floor, King Guto turns to Luna as he stands and extends a talon to her.

“Princess Luna. Might I have a dance?”

“I... suppose that would be fine, yes.”

She stands as the king leads her toward the dance floor. Gestal looks to Ashe and chuckles.

“It’s nice to see the king loosening up for once.”

Ashe shrugs. “I suppose so. But how about we have a dance as well, father?”

Gestal slowly stands. “As long as you don’t mind a slow, old griffon for a partner.”

Ashe smiles at him. “You’re no such thing, father! Now come on!”

The pair leave together as Weller and Adalbert stand.

“Well, we should probably mingle with some of the other guests.”

Adalbert groans. “Yes, I suppose we should.”

Arc playfully salutes. “I understand. Duty calls.”

As the pair walk away, Hammer leans over and whispers in Arc’s ear.

“I’m gonna keep an eye on Princess Luna and the king.”

“Probably a good idea. She’s quite the target for assassins.”

Hammer frowns. “And the king.”

Arc sighs. “That too. Just don’t intervene unless absolutely necessary. We don’t want to embarrass Luna or our host.”

Nodding, Hammer makes her way over to a column and watches the royal pair as they dance. Meanwhile, Natalya turns to Arc and smiles nervously.

“Um... dear?”

“Yes?”

“Would you... care to dance with me?”

“I would, yes.”

Standing, he extends his arm to Natalya and leads her onto the dance floor. Finding a spot, she puts a talon in Arc’s hand as he puts his other on her hip. The music slows, as does the speed of everyone dancing. Natalya leans in close and rests her chin on Arc’s shoulder.

“This is... new to me.”

Arc chuckles. “Never been dancing before?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, never. Always too busy with the military.”

“How about growing up?”

“There were several dances in my latter years of schooling, yes. However, no one knew my lineage so I was an unknown.”

“A what?”

“Griffons tend to befriend and fall in love with those within their social means. No one knew what my background was, so they didn’t want to take a chance on dating me.”

Arc shakes his head. “They wouldn’t have believed you even if you told them, I imagine.”

“Probably not.”

She sighs before continuing.

“Um... dear?”

“Yes, my little flower?”

“Thank you for dancing with me.”

“You’re welcome.”

Natalya smiles. “This is a dream come true for me.”

Arc chuckles. “I guess you must really like dancing.”

Natalya grimaces. “There’s... a bit more to it than that though.”

“Oh?”

“When I was a youngling, every year the school I attended would have what’s called a ‘daddy/daughter dance’. Everyone would show up with their fathers and have a good time.”

Sighing, she continues.

“Everyone... but me.”

“Goldstone was always too busy?”

Natalya nods sadly. “Every year I would stand against the wall in my prettiest dress and watch the door hoping he would come. And every year he would stand me up.”

“Every time?”

“Yes. So in all honesty you really are giving me my very first dance.”

Arc smiles. “Hope I’m doing okay.”

“Very well, yes. Not that I would know, I guess. But I’m enjoying it nonetheless.”

Meanwhile, across the room, Luna and Guto share a dance of their own. Guto looks to his partner with a smile.

“Thank you for coming tonight, Princess Luna.”

“Thank you for having us, King Guto.”

Guto looks around. “Most years this is the most colossal of bores to me.”

“I feel the same way about a similar event we have back in Equestria.”

“You have an Extravaganza too?”

“We call it the ‘Grand Galloping Gala’. But it’s roughly the same thing as this.”

“The rich and powerful come together in order to sip champagne and eat hors d'oeuvres while listening to classical music there too?”

Luna groans. “Please don’t remind me.”

Guto chuckles. “My apologies for bringing up such painful memories for you.”

Luna smiles. “I just found it extremely boring.”

“Well, I invited you to my Extravaganza. So it’s only fair that I be forced to suffer through your version of it too.”

“I’ll... send an invitation through Ambassador Ashe.”

“Looking forward to it.”

“Might I ask you something, your highness?”

“Please. Just call me ‘Guto’.”

“Um... alright then. I just wanted to know, from one ruler to another, how it’s like to rule your nation alone?”

Guto chuckles. “I do have the help of the Council of Lords, you know.”

“Yes, but no other royals that I know of. Is that not the case?”

Guto sighs. “You are correct. I am the only heir to the throne currently alive. But to answer your question, it is a bit lonely much of the time. While I have innumerable servants and officials, all of them see me as just the ruler of the Griffon Kingdom.”

“That much I do understand, yes.”

Guto smiles. “But at least you have your sister. An equal.”

“Yes, and Twilight. Cadance as well.”

“And the Hero of Light too I would imagine.”

“”He’s... a very special friend.

Guto grins. “Just a friend?”

Luna groans. “That... came out wrong.”

“I can imagine.”

“Arc is... very important to me.”

“And you two care for one another?”

Luna nods. “Very much so, yes. He’s... been able to pull things out of me that nopony else could. Gotten me to talk about subjects I once thought to be ancient history. Been there for me in ways I can’t even begin to explain.”

“Well, when compared to such an individual I don’t really see how I could compare.”

“It’s not that, King...”

Guto interrupts her. “Ah, ah, ah! Guto, remember?”

“Right... Guto. What I mean is that there really a competition here for whom is the best at... whatever.”

“Oh?”

“And that there isn’t a limit on the number of those whom we can talk to. And trust.”

“I would very much like such a thing. To earn your trust, I mean.”

“As would I.”

“Then how about we start?”

Luna appears confused. “How?”

“A correspondence exchange.”

“What?”

Guto chuckles. “I’ll write to you and you write to me. No limits on whom or what we can talk about. Economic policy, audiences with nobles, or even just the weather. Just use me as an outlet for your feelings. Things you can’t or don’t want to tell others.”

Luna sighs and looks away. “I... don’t think you’d really want to hear about things like that. My inner most thoughts aren’t exactly pretty.”

Guto puts a talon on Luna’s mane. “With all due respect, princess... I would relish the opportunity to be allowed to make that decision for myself.”

“Alright. When I return to Equestria I’ll try to send you a note when I can.”

Guto nods happily. “And I shall do my best to write you daily. Well, that is as long as you don’t mind me going off on tangents. I tend to ramble sometimes when I get fixated on a subject that I greatly enjoy or that displeases me.”

Luna nods. “Fair enough. But don’t feel as though you have to write every day just for my sake. After all, I’m sure that you have innumerable other things to take care of.”

“Yes, of course. However, most of them can be handled by my staff and council if need be.”

“Delegation. A skill I so seldom make use of.”

“Then that shall be the subject of my first letter, Princess Luna. A basic description of the duties I’ve seen fit to delegate to others.”

“Very well. I look forward to reading it, K... Guto.”

“Hopefully this is the start of a long and lasting friendship, Princess Luna.”

“Just one thing though.”

“Yes?”

Luna smiles at him. “Please... call me Luna.”

Sometime later the song ends. Those on the dance floor along with the spectators clap and return to their seats. Guto turns to Luna and smiles.

“Would you like to take a walk, Princess Luna?”

Luna nods. “Actually, yes. I could use a bit of air.”

Guto gestures with a talon. “Right this way then.”

Leading her toward the door, Hammer falls into step behind Luna. As they walk down the corridor together King Guto turns to Luna.

“Forgive me if I made you feel uncomfortable at the dinner table earlier.”

Luna appears confused. “Uncomfortable?”

“My comments regarding you and Lord Arc’s relationship.”

“It’s alright. I know we have a very... unique bond.”

“Then may I inquire as to how you came into such a situation?”

Luna sighs. “It is very... difficult to explain.”

“Please try.”

“Well... I suppose it all started shortly after Lord Arc’s official appointment as our nation’s Hero of Light. He had some... issues regarding the newly built base over which he had been given command over. I traveled there personally in order to see for myself the problems he claimed were present. As we talked, I felt that I was very able to speak to him. Seemingly about anything.”

“Were you familiar with Lord Arc prior to this?”

Luna shakes her head. “I knew of him, yes. However, other than his name, I didn’t know anything about him.”

“Then how did you know that you could trust him with what I’m assuming to be sensitive personal information?”

Luna sighs. “Honestly, I don’t have an answer to that. I can only surmise that I was in a weakened mental state at the time due to ruling the nation without my sister.”

Guto frowns. “It almost sounds as if you’re saying that he took advantage of you, Princess Luna.”

“Quite the opposite actually. Lord Arc put me at ease and allowed me to speak at my own pace as well as drive the conversation.”

“Such things aren’t exactly new concepts for a ruling monarch though. Some days that’s all I do when passing judgment.”

“Agreed. However, he didn’t respond as my other subjects would have. Instead, he spoke to me as if he and I were equals. And while technically we are on somewhat even footing, I was addressed as if I were a normal mare.”

Guto raises an eyebrow. “But why would any ruler want such a thing? We’re to be looked up to. Respected. Sometimes feared.”

“I cannot disagree with that, Guto. However, I found it to be a very... grounding experience for me. And in return for it, I spoke to him about some very old matters. Things long forgotten by all but myself and Celestia.”

“Equestrian history?”

“In a sense, yes. My past before ascending to the throne.”

“Certainly quite a tale I would imagine.”

“A bit less so than one would imagine. But important to Celestia and I nonetheless.”

“Trust.”

Luna appears confused. “Guto?”

“In life, everything boils down to it. You trusted Lord Arc with the secrets of you and your sister’s past. Can I assume that he kept any sensitive information to himself?”

“That he did, yes.”

“So you’ve seen fit to increase you trust in him since that point.”

Luna nods. “Exponentially, yes. Lord Arc has roundly shown that he can be trusted with any information, task, relic, or whatnot that we may wish to share with him.”

She smiles at Guto before continuing.

“As you yourself have done.”

“Have I?”

Luna nods. “Yes, Guto. Remember, you told me earlier that you’ve seen fit to delegate some of your responsibilities to various officials. Can I assume that they were selected for such roles based on the amount of trust placed in them?”

“They were indeed, Luna. And as that trust grows so does their position within my government.”

He sighs before continuing.

“However, I have yet to find anyone to whom I can confide in regarding personal matters.”

“What about your Council of Lords?”

“Each of them are experts in their respective fields. Capable of leading those sectors in the way they should go. But even so, I cannot bring myself to confide personal matters with them.”

“That sounds... rather lonely to me.”

“It is, Luna. However, I am at a loss on what to do.”

“Perhaps you should get to know them better.”

Guto shakes his head. “I don’t believe that is possible. After all, I have full records on each of them.”

“When I said that you should get to know them, I didn’t mean them as leaders. But them as griffons. Friends even.”

“But that would require me to open myself up to betrayal!”

“That is certainly a possibility. However, the alternative is a lifetime of loneliness and heartache.”

Luna looks up at the moon through a window as they pass. Sighing, she turns back to Guto.

“And believe me... that is indeed a subject that can say that I fully understand.”

“It still sounds like a double edged sword to me.”

“Or you could look at it this way, Guto. A trusted friend is much less likely to stab you in the back than an unknown official.”

Guto nods as he smiles. “It appears you have given me much to think about, Luna.”

“Just doing my best to improve our relationship.”

“Perhaps one day you and I will share a bond of trust.”

“We are currently building the foundation of one, yes.”

Guto chuckles. “Brick by brick.”

“A good analogy, yes.”

“Then might I add a few to the pile.”

“Of course.”

“I personally believe that the griffons and the ponies will one day be the closest of friends. Not just economically, but personally as well.”

Luna nods. “It will take a long time, of course. Years even. But if all sides are willing to come together there’s no telling what we could accomplish.”

Guto smiles. “That I agree with. However, such things in life are certainly worth the effort. And the wait.”

Sometime later the pair return to the Ballroom together. They spot Arc with Natalya and move to join them. Luna is the first to speak.

“I do hope you two had a nice dance.”

Arc nods. “Oh, yes. It was very nice.”

Natalya smiles. “The music just kinda washed over us as we danced.”

Guto gestures to the band. “That’s not surprising. Only the finest musicians are invited to play at the Aviary Extravaganza, after all.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’ve just received word from Ponyville Hospital that the patient you brought there is beginning to regain consciousness. Doctor Horse has requested that you return there at once.”

“Tell him I’ll be there as soon as I can. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Turning to the king, Arc speaks.

“It would appear that duty once again calls, sir.”

Guto chuckles. “Such is the life of a leader, Lord Arc.”

Turning to Natalya, the king smiles as he continues.

“It was very good to meet you, Lady Natalya. I want to formally wish both you and Lord Arc the best in your upcoming nuptials.”

“Thank you, King Guto. I believe that we’ll be very happy together.”

Arc nods. “Indeed. But we need to get moving.”

He looks to Luna.

“Would you like a portal back to The Equinox, Princess Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, thank you. I would like to stay here and enjoy the festivities some more.”

Hammer salutes. “I’ll continue watching over the princess in your absence, sir.”

“Good. Please enjoy yourself tonight and I’ll catch up with you at the ship when I can.”

Luna nods soberly. “Hopefully things go well at the hospital.”

Arc grimaces as he opens a portal. “Agreed.”

He and Natalya step through and vanish from sight as Guto turns to Luna and extends a talon.

“Might I interest you in a light drink and some more conversation, Luna?”

Luna nods as she puts her hoof in his talon. “Yes, I’d like that, Guto.”

Hammer frowns as she dutifully follows the pair over to their table.

Chapter 11 - Parallel Parties

Arc and Natalya step out of the portal into the Ponyville Hospital Waiting Room. Walking up to the nurse’s station, Arc addresses the nurse on duty.

“I’m told that Doctor Horse sent for me.”

The nurse nods. “Yes sir. He’s currently with the patient. Shall I escort you to the room?”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary. We know the way.”

Turning, they head down the corridor together. Natalya turns to Arc as she speaks.

“I do hope Miss Tempest is doing alright.”

“All things considered, I’m sure she is.”

“Oh?”

“Before I came to Equestria some time ago, she was its greatest warrior. Strong, smart, and resourceful according to the records.”

“While the Griffon Kingdom wasn’t really that close to Equestria before the treaty, still I don’t think her name ever came up during my time in the military.”

“She’s not exactly well-known. Even here. You see, Tempest did a lot of clandestine work for this land before retiring to run the New Beginnings Orphanage in Vanhoover far to the northwest.”

“That sounds like quite the change in profession. But I’m sure she did her best.”

Arc frowns. “A bit more than that actually.”

“How so?”

“The first investigation I made as the Hero of Light was to ascertain whether or not she was abusing the foals under her care.”

“Was she?”

Arc nods. “Very much so, yes. She and I fought over it as well.”

“I’m guessing from the fact you’re standing here today that you came out on top though.”

Arc sighs as they approach the room. “That’s... complicated. And probably best saved for another time.”

Knocking lightly, they wait patiently. A few moments later Doctor Horse opens the door and beckons them inside with a wave of his hoof. Entering, they see Tempest sitting by the bedside holding Decimus’ hoof and looking into his face silently. Arc walks over to her and puts his hands on the back of her chair before speaking softly.

“How is he?”

Tempest sighs but does not look over. “Slowly gaining strength.”

Doctor Horse looks at his clipboard. “The patient’s vitals show spikes of brain activity though. Quite a bit sooner than normal though, I might add.”

Tempest frowns at this. “Decimus has always been a fast healer, doctor!”

Natalya walks over to her. “Can Lord Arc and I be of help to you, Miss Tempest?”

Tempest appears confused. “I didn’t send for you.”

Doctor Horse raises a hoof. “It was I whom sent the message to you, sir. Your orders were to notify you of any changes to the health of the patient. And these readings are certainly important.”

Arc nods. “What do they mean, doctor?”

“That the patient’s body is attempting to regain consciousness. Against all odds, I might add.”

Natalya appears confused. “Against all odds?”

“Yes, ma’am. In his current condition he shouldn’t be able to do much more than simply try to stay alive as he body is still extremely weak.”

He holds up the chart before continuing.

“However, our readings show him attempting to awaken.”

Decimus’ hoof twitches at this. Tempest gasps as she calls out.

“He just moved again!”

The doctor hurries over to the bedside. “Moved?!”

“Yes! I felt his hoof shake slightly at the sound of us talking!”

She squeezes it slightly and leans down to Decimus’ ear before continuing.

“I’m right here! FB is here!”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “FB?”

Natalya turns to him. “It’s probably a military codename, sir.”

Doctor Horse looks over the stallion. “Perhaps you were mistaken, miss. This really shouldn’t be possible at this point in treatment.”

“I know what I felt!”

Patting the hoof in hers, she whispers.

“Come on! I know you can do it!”

Looking to the doctor, she glares at him.

“Can’t you give him something to help?!”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “As I stated before, in his weakened condition it would be unwise to give him stimulants of any kind.”

“He can take it! I know he can!”

“Miss, if there was some kind of emergency...”

Tempest interrupts the doctor. “There is! Those changelings are up to no good over there in the Badlands! And Decimus here might be the only one whom knew what they were up to!”

“I can’t in good conscience do that though. Not without an extremely good reason.”

“This is clearly an urgent matter of national security!”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“Tell him to do it!”

Arc frowns. “Are you absolutely certain that we should though, Tempest? I mean, like you said earlier, he’s the only one whom knows what happened inside the changeling hive.”

Natalya nods. “That and if he dies from this you’ll lose that information forever.”

Tempest stomps a hoof angrily. “I know that! But it’s what he would want us to do! Decimus is trying to wake up because he NEEDS to say something!”

Arc sighs as he turns to the doctor. “As much as I hate to admit it, Tempest does have a point here.”

“I must strongly advise against this, sir.”

“I understand your point of view as well as your position in this matter, Doctor Horse. But as the Hero of Light, I hereby order you to administer a stimulant to the patient in an effort to bring them around.”

Doctor Horse bows his head. “Yes sir.”

Walking over to a nearby drawer, he pulls out a syringe. Turning to the patient, the doctor purges the needle before inserting it into Decimus’ fetlock. Depressing the plunger, he removes the needle and drops it into a nearby receptacle before turning to Arc.

“There you are, sir.”

“Thank you.”

Tempest looks over. “How long until...!”

She gasps as a slight tugging at her hoof interrupts her thought process. Looking down, she sees one of Decimus’ eyes slowly open a crack as a weak moan escapes his lips. Smiling at him, Tempest’s face quickly appears ashen as she looks up at Arc.

“The doctor and griffon need to leave immediately! What Decimus has seen is most certainly top secret!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and shakes his head. “Doctor Horse is needed here to monitor the patient. And Natalya can be trusted with whatever is said here.”

“But...!”

Arc interrupts her. “My decision is final. They stay.”

Tempest scoffs. “Fine.”

Patting his face, Tempest keeps her voice low in an effort to encourage him.

“It’s okay, Deci. You’re safe now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Deci?”

Tempest wordlessly glares at him. Arc takes a step back and holds up his hands apologetically.

“Point taken.”

A few moments later the stallion’s lips slowly move as he struggles to speak.

“Wh-whe-where...?”

Tempest smiles. “Ponyville Hospital.”

His eyes move around the room. “Ponyville... safe?”

“Yes, Deci. We’re safe along with the town.”

“Others... hive... bodies...”

Tempest looks to Arc, confused. “Do you know what he’s talking about?”

Arc sighs and nods. “The recent discovery of this stallion within the changeling’s hive... wasn’t the only thing that was found.”

Natalya appears confused. “Lord Arc?”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Elaborate.”

“There were... others there as well.”

“Good. Maybe we can get some information from them.”

Decimus shakes his head slightly. “Not... able...”

Tempest pats his fetlock. “I’m sure the staff here will be able to bring them back to health with time. “

Arc frowns. “No. They won’t.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Are there really that many?”

“You don’t understand, Tempest. You see... none of them were alive when we got there.”

There is a stunned silence as Tempest processes what was said. Eventually she looks down at the stallion again and speaks.

“Is that true?”

“Y-y-yes. Nothing... left.”

Tempest stands as she looks to Arc. “We should examine this secret room together then. With any luck you may have missed a survivor, or two.”

Arc walks over to her. “Tempest... all we found were skeletons.”

“Dead... so... long...”

Tempest looks into the stallion’s face. “Who were they? Anypony important?”

Doctor Horse turns to Tempest. “The patient is weakening fast.”

Natalya nods as she looks to Tempest. “We really need to let this stallion rest now.”

Tempest grimaces. “But he could know more about...!”

Arc puts a hand on Tempest’s shoulder. “Look at him though. He can barely keep his eyes open. Please... just let the patient go back to sleep.”

“Saw... them...”

Tempest grimaces. “You saw whom, Deci? The changelings?”

“The... the...”

He lapses back into unconsciousness as Tempest angrily looks to the doctor.

“Give him more stimulant! Now!”

Doctor Horse looks to Arc. “Sir?”

“Can I assume that would be dangerous?”

“Extremely.”

“Then we shouldn’t do it.”

Tempest glares at him. “But we need to know...!”

The doctor cuts her off. “Miss, please. The patient must rest.”

Arc bows his head. “Agreed. That and our time could be better spent elsewhere.”

Tempest frowns as she looks back to her lover. “Where else would I be needed more than at a time like this?!”

Natalya puts a talon on Tempest’s shoulder. “We could do like he said and see ‘them’, you know.”

“Whom? The changelings?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s an even money bet. But we should probably see to it that the investigators are allowed to take a look first.”

Tempest frowns. “I am fully capable of investigating a crime scene personally.”

“And how would you do that AND stay here, Tempest?”

There is a long pause as Tempest and Arc silently stare each other down. Eventually she returns her gaze to the stallion lying on the bed before her and scoffs.

“Fine then. Just be sure to tell me what they find.”

“Very well.”

Natalya raises a talon. “I could go for you, miss, and give you a full report.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“With Lord Arc’s permission, of course.”

Arc nods. “We’ll give the report together.”

Tempest groans. “Whatever, I don’t care who does the deed! Just... get to it!”

“I’ll call the border and see when the investigation team is scheduled to arrive as soon as I get back to my ship.”

Tempest nods as Arc motions for Natalya to follow him. As they reach the door however, Tempest calls out.

“Hey.”

Arc turns around. “Yes?”

“Take my advice. Don’t trust those shape shifting freaks.”

Sighing, Arc leaves the room and closes the door behind him. Natalya looks to him nervously.

“Sir, are these changeling creatures really such a threat?”

Arc nods soberly as the pair begin walking. “I admit, they have been in the past, yes.”

“Then you’re saying that we should be cautious””

“Agreed. I’m willing to give Thorax and his citizens the benefit of the doubt due to the recent changes in leadership within the Badlands, of course. But that doesn’t mean I actually trust them just yet.”

“Can you tell me more about them?”

“Sure. But we should return to the ship now and inform Twilight of this matter first.”

Opening a portal, he motions for her to step through. Following Natalya, the pair reappear in his quarters about The Equinox. Turning to her, Arc motions to the table.

“Would you please have a seat? I need to call for Twilight.”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir.”

As she walks over to the table Arc picks up his telephone. After being connected to Twilight’s room, he asks her to come to his quarters for an update on the situation at hand. Setting the receiver down, Arc turns and walk over to the table to join Natalya.

“Twilight will be here in a few minutes.”

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“I... just wanted to know how you thought I did this evening?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Did?”

“At the Aviary Extravaganza, I mean.”

“Very well actually. But let me turn the question around.”

Natalya appears confused. “I don’t understand, sir.”

“How do you think I did in my role as your fiancé? I hope I didn’t make you feel uncomfortable at any point.”

“Oh! Um... not at all, sir!”

Arc chuckles. “You’re slipping.”

“Slipping?”

“Back into your old habit of calling me ‘sir’, I mean.”

Natalya gasps. “Forgive me! It just... feels proper to do that!”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s alright. I mean... you didn’t actually do it when we were in the public eye, so it’s fine.”

“I’m sorry, dear. It won’t happen again.”

Arc chuckles. “All is forgiven, my little flower. As long as you’re still okay with me calling you that pet name, I suppose.”

Natalya giggles. I have to admit that it was a bit... strange to hear such a thing directed at me at first. But I’ve since grown to enjoy it over the course of this evening. But by the same token, are you okay with me continuing to call you ‘dear’ as well?”

Arc nods. “That I am. While I know that it’s really just to keep up appearances, I have to admit that I do enjoy hearing it.”

Natalya appears relieved. “Good! I was worried I did something wrong.”

Arc pats her talon. “Not a thing, Natalya. And to be completely Honest with you, all night I was worried about the exact same thing. Messing up or making you feel out of sorts due to what I say.”

“It appears we’re doing well in regards to our relationship then.”

“Relationship?”

“A good couple should always be trying to make each other feel comfortable with them. Or so I’ve observed back in Ponyville.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But our marriage really is just for show.”

“I know. However, it does stand to reason that there will be times in the future where we’ll again have to put on a display of a genuine relationship to keep up appearances.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Yes, I suppose that’s true.”

“And when the ceremony is complete, you and I will for all intents and purposes be legally married as well.”

“True. But I do hope that won’t change our relationship.”

Natalya blushes slightly. “No, no! I’m... actually looking forward to it!”

“You are?”

Natalya nods and smiles. “Ever since we met, you’ve always treated me as a, well... as an equal, more or less.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s just what you deserve, Natalya.”

“And even now I feel as though you’re doing your utmost to do what’s best for me in addition to both our nations.”

“As I said, you deserve such a thing. That and I just can’t stand the thought of you being chained to a fortune that you don’t even want.”

“Well, I do appreciate everything you’re doing for me sir. Now and in the past, I mean. So I do want to say that I’ll do my very best to be a good addition to your herd.”

“Natalya, I...”

There is a chirp from Arc’s earing. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve just received word that Princess Twilight is in position and ready for a portal.”

“Good. I’ll open one for her momentarily. Arc out.”

Severing the connection, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. As Twilight trots through she looks at the couple. Clearly confused at their appearances and location, she speaks.

“Um... did something happen at the Aviary Extravaganza?”

“Kinda, yes. But that’s not why we’re here, Twilight.”

Twilight looks around. “What about Luna and Hammer?”

Natalya looks to the window and gestures toward the Aviary with a talon. “They’re still at the Aviary enjoying the party, I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “Right. However, there’s been a development regarding a matter in the Badlands that I’d like to bring to your attention.”

He motions to a chair. Twilight walks over and sits down as Arc begins to speak. Bringing her up to speed on the state of affairs, Arc ends his explanation with a sigh.

“And that’s where we stand now.”

Twilight frowns. “So the stallion back in Ponyville Hospital just appears to be Decimus?”

Arc shrugs. “Yes, he does. But as for his identity, we’re not fully sure at this point.”

Natalya chimes in. “Tempest seemed very convinced though.”

Arc shakes his head. “She’s too close to him to be objective though. That and it will take a full interview with the stallion in question before anything more can be done.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Any idea how long until he’s strong enough for such a thing though?”

“It’s too early to tell. Doctor Horse says his condition is still critical though.”

Twilight bows her head. “At least the changelings found him when they did. Regardless of whom he is, nopony deserves to be held captive in such a manner.”

Natalya looks to Twilight. “While I hate to say this, there is still the chance that they knew full well what was going on all along though.”

Arc furrows his brow. “Possibly, yes. However, I’m guessing this matter was as much a surprise to them as it was to us.”

Twilight turns to him. “What makes you say that, Arc?”

“Turning that stallion over to us now was extremely risky for them. For all they knew, we could have responded to it very badly. Perhaps even going so far as to cancel the peace treaty you signed.”

Natalya taps the table with a talon. “That does make sense, yes. But perhaps they saw it as an act of goodwill toward Equestria. Something to help start the healing process between the two nations.”

Arc shrugs. “It could still backfire on them though. After all, if this stallion survives, he’ll hopefully be able to tell us what he went through. That would certainly be a bad bit of publicity for the changelings, after all.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “It’s obvious from what you say that he was heavily mistreated while in their clutches. In fact, I don’t really see how them turning him over to us and confessing what was found in Chrysalis’ chambers could really help them.”

Natalya raises a talon. “I really hate to say this, but from a purely diplomatic standpoint, it probably would have been better for the changelings to simply kill the stallion mercifully and bury him along with the skeletons in greatest secrecy.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, that’s true. Perhaps Thorax is telling the truth here and the rest of the changelings really didn’t know anything about this.”

Natalya shrugs. “It is possible that they honestly just wanted to do the right thing here.”

Twilight sighs. “Agreed. However, we won’t really know anything more until the investigation team looks over the scene.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“When will that be?”

“I need to call the Lunar Destiny and find out. One moment.”

Touching his earring, Arc speaks.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”

“I need to know when the investigation team from Canterlot is scheduled to arrive at the Lunar Destiny. Can you call over there and find out?”

“Yes sir. I’ll do it right away.”

“Thank you. Call me back the moment you have something. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, he severs the connection before turning to Twilight.

“This shouldn’t take too long.”

“While we wait, can you tell me how things went at the Aviary Extravaganza tonight?”

“Pretty well actually. It’s very similar to the Grand Galloping Gala back in Equestria, with the exception that there’s a sit down meal served.”

Twilight looks out the window. “Since Luna isn’t back yet, I’m guessing she’s greatly enjoying the festivities.”

Arc nods. “I got the feeling that things were improving between Luna and the King as the dinner conversation continued. In fact, Luna and King Guto shared a dance before leaving the ballroom to take a bit of a stroll though.”

“Are you sure?”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Yes, Princess Twilight. Was that a bad thing?”

“Not... exactly, I suppose. It’s just that I can’t really see her willingly spending so much time with the king. I mean... it all sounds a bit out of character for her to me.”

Arc shrugs. “At first it did seem a bit out of the ordinary to me as well. But Hammer followed the two of them to make sure nothing happened to her.”

“Would you please call her for an update?”

“Alright.”

Touching his earring, Arc continues.

“Arc to Hammer.”

“Hammer here.”

“Are you with Princess Luna?”

“Kinda. She’s talking to King Guto.”

Twilight leans in. “Where are they right now?”

“The ballroom at the moment.”

Arc nods. “So they’re back from their walk then?”

“Yeah. I followed them on that too. Nothing out of the ordinary happened though. But then again, I don’t see how anything could considering all the security patrolling this place.”

Natalya looks to Twilight. “The Aviary is a literal fortress on a night like tonight, what with all the nobles and the king personally in attendance.”

Hammer chuckles. “Right. But I still followed them just in case. Uh... everything okay over there?”

Arc shrugs. “More or less. We can talk about it later though, Hammer.”

Twilight calls out. “Just keep an eye on Luna for us.”

“Will do, princess. Anything in particular I should be looking out for though?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. We just don’t want anything to happen to her, that’s all.”

Twilight leans in again. “Any idea when you’ll be getting back to the ship, Hammer?”

Hammer sighs and shakes her head as she look to Luna and Guto sitting together at a nearby table, talking. “Probably not anytime soon. Princess Luna appears to be having a really nice time with the king at the moment. You need us to come back?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. We’ve got everything under control here. I was just checking in for Twilight’s sake mostly.”

Twilight sighs. “Sorry if I sound a bit... overbearing here. I’m just a bit... concerned for my friend, after all.”

Hammer chuckles. “It’s cool, princess.”

Arc clears his throat. “Well, I’ll let you get back to it then, Hammer.”

“See you when we get back.”

“Right. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring, severing the connection as he turns to Twilight.

“It sounds like everything is going just fine over there.”

Twilight sighs. “I guess so. But I still worry about something happening to her.”

Natalya puts a talon on Twilight’s shoulder. “Believe me when I say that the Aviary is very secure at the moment, Princess Twilight. Even more so than usual.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Now then...”

His earring chirps, Arc touches it again.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve spoken to the communications officer aboard the Lunar Destiny and have been informed that the investigation team will be arriving within the hour.”

“Good. Have the colonel meet them personally when they arrive and assign them quarters for the night. However, they are to move out first thing in the morning.”

“Yes sir. Shall he accompany them?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. The team will be led to the changeling hive by me personally. Tell them to expect my arrival sometime after breakfast.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir. Will there be anything else?”

“That should do it. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Turning back to the pair before him, he continues.

“Hopefully tomorrow we’ll get to the bottom of this matter.”

Twilight sighs. “It’s not likely. After all, investigations are typically slow and methodical.”

Natalya smiles. “I would think that it’s best that way though. After all, you wouldn’t want a hasty investigation that misses clues and other vital information, would you?”

Arc stands. “I suppose not. But we should probably get some rest now. After all, morning comes early.”

Twilight nods as she too gets to her hooves. “Agreed. But I think I’ll aboard ship for Luna.”

Natalya giggles. “Still worried about her, Princess Twilight?”

“A bit, admittedly. But I also want to bring her up to speed on what Arc told me. After all, as a princess she should be kept in the loop regarding these things.”

Arc nods. “I suppose you’re right, Twilight. “

Natalya looks up at the clock nearby. “However, I would imagine that Princess Luna will be quite tired after returning to the ship.”

“Right. Maybe you should tell her tomorrow morning instead, Twilight.”

“I guess this could wait that long. After all, it’s not like things will change before then.”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably not. But if they do, I’ll be informed immediately.”

Twilight yawns. “Then I suppose I will head back to Canterlot.”

“Uh... Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think you could stay here tonight?”

Twilight eyes light up excitedly. “Yes, I’d love to spend the night with you, Arc!”

She looks to Natalya for a few moments before continuing.

“But what about your fiancée?”

“That’s the reason I want you to stay. With Hammer at the Aviary Extravaganza, Natalya and I would be in here alone. And such a thing would be a bit... strange for her.”

Natalya smiles nervously. “I... think I’d be okay with it though.”

Arc turns to her. “Are you sure?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. I am.”

Twilight giggles. “Well then, I guess I’ll see you later, Arc.”

“Before you leave, I do have one thing to ask of you, Twilight.”

“What is it?”

“Please don’t mention to anyone, especially the other princesses, that the stallion at the hospital may be Decimus.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow, confused. “But why not? I mean... shouldn’t they know about him returning again?”

“At the moment he’s still relatively unresponsive, so we haven’t been able to ascertain who he truly is or what his angle is here. I really don’t want to put them on edge by letting them know that he’s back… again.”

“Very well, Arc. I’ll keep it to myself for now.”

“Thank you, Twilight.”

“Think you could give me a quick portal back to the castle, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Powering up his crystals, Arc opens a portal for Twilight. She smiles warmly at him before turning and walking toward it. As she does so, Arc and Natalya call out after her.

“Night, Twilight.”

“Rest well, Princess Twilight.”

She waves and steps through. As the portal closes behind her, Arc turns to Natalya and gestures to the bed.

“Feel free to take the bed again.”

“Are you sure, sir? After all, I’m really just a guest here.”

Arc nods. “Yes. You and Hammer can share it again like you did last night. Well… whenever she gets back, that is.”

“Thank you. But I suppose that I should probably remove this dress first and wind down for bed.”

“That sounds like a plan to me. One that I should follow as well.”

“Sir?”

Arc gestures to his own outfit. “I need to get cleaned up too. Don’t want to sleep in this thing any more than you do in your dress.”

Natalya looks to the bathroom. “You can go first then, sir. I’ll just get undressed out here.”

“Are you sure? I can wait a bit if you’d like to use the bathroom.”

“It’s fine. Go ahead and do what you need to in there. I’ll be waiting for you out here.”

“Alright. Think I’ll take a shower while I’m at it too. Don’t feel like you need to wait up for me though.”

“Alright, sir. Take your time.”

Arc heads for the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, he disrobes and steps into the shower. As the hot water cascades over his body he muses to himself silently.

“I gotta admit, I actually did have a really nice time at that party with Natalya. Sounds like Luna did as well. Or ‘is’ as the case may be.”

Tapping his chin thoughtfully, he continues.

“Although it is kinda strange that she’s now volunteering to spend extra time with King Guto. Especially after he was kinda hitting on her at the dinner date she and I attended at the Aviary a while back.”

Sighing, Arc leans back against the wall.

“While she’s certainly able to spend time with anyone she wants, I can’t help but think that King Guto is up to something.”

Sometime later Arc steps out of the bathroom in his night clothes. Natalya is sitting on the couch waiting for him as he does so. Walking over to her, Arc sits down.

“Sorry for taking so long.”

“It’s okay, sir.”

“I was just doing some thinking and kinda lost track of the time.”

“What about?”

Arc sighs. “Luna mostly.”

Natalya giggles. “You really like her, don’t you?”

“As a friend, yes.”

“She does seem to be a rather... reclusive individual though.”

Arc shrugs. “Most leaders are from what I’ve seen.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, they can’t really open up to others without making themselves vulnerable on a personal level. But not with you it would seem.”

Arc shrugs. “Luna trusts me, yes. And I trust her as well.”

“I’ve noticed that, yes. However, it seems that the same holds true for Princess Twilight, Ambassador Ashe, Lord Gestal, and even King Guto to a degree.”

“Is there something wrong with that?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not at all. It’s just... well... they all trust you very much. And I... am a bit... jealous of that fact.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Jealous?”

Natalya sighs. “You have to understand that over the course of my life, no one ever really listened to me. What I thought or what I had to say meant very little to everyone around me. My superiors in the military, Gallus, Gabby, and even my own father. The last of which hurt me more than words can say.”

She smiles up at him before continuing.

“But not you, sir. You’ve been nothing but supportive and conscious of my wishes and feelings ever since we met.”

“Just what anyone in your position deserves.”

“I don’t think you fully understand the situation though, sir.”

“Then enlighten me.”

“Griffon culture is a patriarchal one. Males are in every major leadership role on all levels.”

“I have noticed that when dealing with officials they were pretty much exclusively male, yes. But what about General Blackbeak’s daughter, Gilda? Or Lord Gestal’s own daughter, Ambassador Ashe?”

Natalya groans. “They are only in power thanks to their fathers acting as a patron of sorts. Believe me when I say that without their say-so neither of them would be where they are today.”

She sighs before continuing.

“While it pains me to say this, females are mostly just for making eggs and caring for the home here in the Griffon Kingdom. You might see an odd one with a semi-decent job around the city. But that’s only because either their parents are rich and powerful, their husband is, or that they haven’t yet found a mate.”

“I can’t understand why though. I mean, as an outsider looking in, there really doesn’t seem to be any difference between griffon males and females. At least not that I’ve seen.”

“Honestly, I’ve yet to see any kind of concrete evidence that anyone is superior here due to their sex. However, it is something that I, along with everyone else, always just kinda accepted as an unspoken fact. And that belief was shattered when I learned that females have the right to pursue whatever path in life they choose just like the males do.

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You didn’t know? I mean… did you think it was some kind of rumor or misinformation?”

“More or less. But when I was banished and left the Griffon Kingdom to follow you to Equestria, I immediately saw how mares were treated there. With respect, dignity, and most of all... equality.”

“Yes, I’ve personally never seen someone there being discriminated against simply due to them being a mare.”

“The same goes for the three pony races as well. They all appear to live in peace and harmony with each other.”

“I’m told it wasn’t always that way. However, these days that’s just viewed as a dark page in their collective history.”

“It took some getting used to admittedly. Not being required to step aside when a male passed or look down slightly as I walked. Things in Equestria are just... just so much better than here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

She looks out the window before continuing.

“That’s why I never want to return to the Griffon Kingdom once the matter of my father’s estate is settled. I don’t want to have to live my life somewhere I’m not free.”

“Agreed. And you never will if I have anything to say about it.”

Natalya nods. “I believe you. Which brings me back to my original thought of how trusted you are.”

“Oh?”

“When you said that I could win my promotion battle in the Gladiator’s Arena, I believed you. When you told me that I would be your slave in name only, I believed you. When you said that I was an important part of the Little Hooves Orphanage staff, I believed you. And when you say that I’ll never have to come back to the Griffon Kingdom, I believe you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But those were just examples of me telling the truth.”

“Yes. However, you followed through on each and every one. You helped me train to win back my military rank. You allowed me to pursue whatever path I chose in Equestria after being legally transferred to you as a slave. You vouched for me in my position at the orphanage before the matron and the reports sent to the Council of Lords. Therefore, I am fully confident that you will keep your promise and do your best to allow me to remain in Equestria for the rest of my life.”

She puts her talon on his shoulder before continuing.

“I believe you, sir. Because you’ve never once let me down. Not in all the time I’ve known you. So if you say something, I have faith that you’ll move mountains if need be to keep those promises. Especially the one to allow me to join your herd, even if it is purely ceremonially.”

Arc nods. “You deserve it, Natalya.”

Natalya bows her head. “Do I though?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t you?

“Remember, sir. I’m the daughter of Lord Goldstone. The most reviled griffon of our time at the moment. Even with all the wealth of my father, as well as my extremely old family name, it’s not likely that any griffon would have wanted to take my talon in marriage.”

“Because of what your father did?”

Natalya nods sadly. “Yes. Our family name is now mud thanks to him. Only the vast wealth gives it any meaning right now.”

“I have to disagree.”

“Sir?”

“Your family name, while damaged, can be repaired.”

“How though?”

“By doing good for others.”

“You mean serving the community?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. I meant using your family fortune for the betterment of the nation as a whole.”

Natalya puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “Betterment of the nation as a whole, huh?”

“You have an idea?”

“Basic needs.”

“Food and water?”

Natalya nods. “Healthy and safe food, yes. For those whom can’t afford them, that is.”

“Back on Earth we call that a ‘food bank’.”

“I could buy food cheaply in Equestria and ship it back to the Griffon Kingdom via airship.”

“You might want to start with a small scale plan.”

“How so?”

“Try a single food pantry in the poorest section of Griffonstone.”

Natalya thinks for a moment. “That would be the area around the Skyport.”

“Perfect! There are a number of what appear to be empty warehouses there that could be turned into such a facility with little effort.”

“It sounds easy when you put it like that.”

“If it works out, you can expand to other facilities around the city and use the original warehouse as a depot.”

Natalya smiles. “That sounds like a plan.”

“The start of one, yes.”

“Do I have your permission to look into this further?”

“As I’ve already told you, it’s your inheritance, Natalya. Do with it what you will.”

Natalya facepalms. “Sorry, sir. I’m just having a hard time coming to terms with that topic for some reason.”

“Was there anything else you’d like to do though?”

“Well... there is one other thing.”

“Name it.”

“It’s just the schooling idea I had earlier.”

“For the commoners, right?”

Natalya nods. “Yes.”

“On Earth we call that the public school system. And yes I do think it’s a great idea.”

“Which should I do first though?”

“Personally, I’d start with the food idea. It would benefit everyone and younglings can’t learn on an empty stomach, after all.”

“Alright. Then that’s what I’ll do. Although I’m not really sure where to begin.”

“You could start by asking Applejack to sell you apples and apple accessories at wholesale prices. That and Ruby Jubilee over in Dodge Junction could probably sell you a lot of cherries and cherry preserves.”

“That wouldn’t make for much of a diverse meal set though.”

“True. But it’s just the start. And all that I could think of off the top of my...”

Arc suddenly stops talking and taps his chin for a few moments before continuing.

“Might work out.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “You had another idea?”

“I did, yes. But it’s not exactly going to be easy.”

“What is it?”

“Well... there’s a lot of food being produced in Abyssinia with some Earth technology I shared with them some time ago.”

Natalya grimaces. “Considering what their queen said happened to her at my father’s trial, I don’t think they’d be willing to share it with us.”

“Maybe they would. That is, if I were to ask them.”

“They’d have to really respect you though. But I get the feeling they already do, don’t they?”

Arc nods. “Yup. I’ve helped them out more than once when their citizen’s lives were on the line. So it’s an even money bet that they’d listen to me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

She looks at the clock before sighing and standing up.

“We should probably get some rest now though. After all, you have an early day ahead of you.”

“I suppose so. In truth, I was kinda hoping to kill time until Hammer got back.”

“So you can bring her up to speed on what we talked about?”

“More for you actually.”

Natalya appears confused. “Me?”

“So you wouldn’t feel apprehensive about going to sleep alone with me.”

“Oh! Um... it’s fine!”

“Are you sure?”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir. I know you wouldn’t do anything inappropriate to me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How though?”

“Simple. I’ve been your slave for quite some time now. Had you wanted to have relations with me you could have ordered me to do so at any time.”

“Not really interested in stuff like that though.”

Natalya smiles. “Yet another reason why I trust you, sir.”

Arc gestures to the bed. “In any case, you can take the bed and I’ll sleep on the couch again. And when Hammer gets back she’ll join you over there.”

Natalya stands and smiles. “Sounds more than fair.”

Meanwhile, Ashe walks with her father to his carriage parked outside. He turns to her as they walk down the steps toward it.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to come home with me, Ashe? You could sleep in your old room again.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Thank you for the invitation, father. But as you know, I have a job to do.”

Gestal chuckles. “You’re so hard working, my dear.”

Ashe giggles. “I wonder where I learned that from.”

“Well, I do hope you have time to come by for dinner at some point soon, Ashe.”

“I’d like that too, father.”

They embrace and part ways as Gestal gets into his carriage and begins his trip home. Walking back inside the Aviary, Ashe spots a door slightly ajar. Looking around, she quickly steps inside. Closing it behind her, she turns around as the lights come on to reveal her former commander. Frowning at him, she speaks.

“I already told you I was done with...!”

“Listen! We need to talk!”

Ashe groans. “What about?”

“Lately the king has been having a number of secret rendezvous with unnamed individuals. I’ve had my operatives within the castle try to find out whom is attending these meetings, but to no avail.”

“So you want me to ask my father what the meetings are about?”

“No. These meetings aren’t with the Council of Lords, any high ranking military officials, or powerful nobles.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Whom else would King Guto be talking to though? It would have to be one of the a fore mentioned groups.”

“I thought the same, so we’ve been staking out the Aviary since I took over leading the rebels.”

“For what purpose?”

“To learn whom the meetings are with, of course.”

Ashe waves a talon dismissively. “Every leader has private meetings though.”

“Agreed. And we didn’t see anyone special enter and stay.”

“So they’re getting in through a secret passage.”

“We already know of all the passages running in and out of the building. I’ve had them watched constantly.”

“Ever consider just trying to listen in on the meetings?”

“I did that just last night. They were talking in rather hushed tones so it was hard to make anything out. But it sounded like the king was talking to only one individual.”

“Whom though?”

“No idea. I didn’t recognize the voice.”

Ashe puts a talon to her chin thoughtfully. “Can I assume it wasn’t female?”

“No. The voice was certainly male.”

“What could you make out regarding the conversation?”

“The words ‘mass production’ and ‘national security’ kept coming up along with ‘leverage’.”

Ashe frowns. “That sounds like something he would normally discuss with the military. Are you sure this meeting wasn’t with General Blackbeak or some other high ranking officer?”

“Completely. These late hours these meetings took place was long after all officials had left for the day. I even ordered them followed to make sure they actually went home. Or at the very least stayed away from the Aviary.”

Ashe taps her beak with a talon. “Male, late night meetings, military conversations, and utmost secrecy. It’s possible that this could be some kind of meeting with a contractor building something for the government.”

“Even that wouldn’t require this level of secrecy though. The king wasn’t just trying to hide their identity. He was attempting to make sure that no one even knew anything was going on.”

“Plausible deniability.”

“Right. According to everyone else, no meetings ever took place.”

“If King Guto is this secretive about such a thing it’s possible that he hasn’t even told my father.”

“And even if the king had, it’s not like Lord Gestal would be willing to talk to you about it.”

Ashe sighs. “He’d probably be more interested in hearing how I learned about it in the first place.”

“Which leads me to the reason for this rendezvous. As Equestria’s ambassador, have you heard anything regarding secret meetings the princesses, or their representatives, may be attending?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Nothing of the sort. All of the princesses are very open about their dealings with me.”

“Are you so sure of that though?”

“What are you saying?”

“That it may yet be possible that someone from Equestria is in league with King Guto.”

“It’s more likely that they’re a griffon though, as a pony would certainly stand out around here.”

“I believe them to be a non-griffon due to their voice. As you know, griffons as a whole have a certain tone to their voice along with a slightly gravelly pitch. What I heard was either someone whom was not a griffon or and individual whom had worked VERY hard to overcome their racial speech mannerisms.”

“And you have someone in mind, don’t you?”

“That I do.”

“Whom?”

“Lord Arc.”

Ashe frowns. “What?!”

“It makes sense the more I consider the matter! He’s male, certainly not a griffon, and is able to move without being seen via teleportation and invisibility!”

“But he wouldn’t have any reason to privately deal with our king. Secretly or otherwise. Remember, all official communications between our two countries go through me as our nation’s ambassador.”

“But not unofficial correspondences though. Think about it, Ashe. They went to great lengths to keep these meetings a secret. So for what purpose would they want to tell you what was going on?”

Ashe frowns as she begins pacing. “You have a good point there. And while this matter could be nothing more than normal operations, it is certainly...”

The griffon before her holds up a talon for silence as he touches the side of his head. A long moment of silence passes between then as he nods and speaks.

“Good. Disengage and let me handle this. Out.”

Ashe appears hopeful. “Your operatives found something?”

“Apparently an aide has just been dispatched to give the king an urgent message.”

“What makes you think it’s connected?”

“You know as well as I do that on a night such as this, King Guto has standing orders not to be disturbed without an extremely good reason. Related or not, this must be especially important.”

“So what’s your plan?”

“Private meetings of such an urgent nature are generally held in the king’s office. It is likely that, since a messenger has been sent to notify King Guto, that the one whom the king is going to meet is already in there. So I’ll use one of the secret passages that lead to his office to covertly listen in on the conversation.”

“With luck you’ll pick a passage close to where they are talking.”

“I’ll use the one closest to the king’s desk. It will give me the best chance at hearing their conversation.”

“Be careful though. There’s always a chance the visitor will use that one to leave afterwards.”

“I’ll get out of there quickly when the meeting is set to break up. They’ll never know that anyone was even there.”

“Let me know what you find out too. This whole thing, while potentially on the level, has me worried.”

Nodding, the commander walks over to a bookcase. Pulling out a tome, it opens to expose a narrow passageway. Turning back he looks to Ashe and speaks.

“Wish me luck.”

Entering the secret corridor, the bookcase closes behind him. Ashe grimaces as she leaves the room and walks down the corridor toward the festivities.

“I really hope that this matter amounts to nothing more than a wild goose chase. Could Equestria really be involved though? Princess Luna is currently with the king, so it can’t be her that he’s being summoned to see. However Princess Celestia is also within the kingdom at the moment.”

She frowns before continuing.

“As is Lord Arc. Could he be meeting with the king after dropping Lady Natalya off at the ship? They did leave quite some time ago to deal with some sort of important private matter. Or at the very least, he did.”

Entering the ballroom again via the main entrance, Ashe descends the stairs. Looking over at King Guto and Princess Luna sitting at a table together talking she spies a griffon messenger walking quickly toward the king. He whispers something in his ear as Guto stands and turns to Luna.

“My apologies for the interruption, Luna. But it appears that there is an urgent matter that I must attend to.”

Luna nods. “I completely understand. Such is the life of a ruler.”

Bowing at the waist to her respectfully, Guto hurries away with the messenger. Ashe slowly walks over to Luna and takes the king’s vacated chair.

“I’m back, Princess Luna.”

“So your father is on his way home now?”

Ashe nods. “Yes, your highness. As you know, he has a habitually full schedule and needs his rest.”

“That I do understand, yes.”

Ashe looks around as she feigns confusion. “Where did King Guto go?”

Luna points with a hoof toward an exit some distance away. “An aide came and delivered a message to him. He left to handle whatever matter has come up.”

“I suppose even the king can’t get a full night off these days.”

“As I told him, such is the life of a ruler.”

“Yes, well... speaking of which, have you heard from Lord Arc since he left earlier?”

“I’m not sure. Let me check.”

Turning around to look behind her, Luna beckons Hammer over with a wave of her hoof. Approaching, the young woman salutes.

“Yes, Princess Luna?”

“Ambassador Ashe was just wondering if you had heard from Arc since he left.”

Hammer nods. “Once, yes.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “What did he want?”

“Ironically, to ask about Princess Luna’s security.”

“And what did you tell him?”

Hammer shrugs. “That you and King Guto had safely returned to the ballroom from an earlier walk and were sitting at a table talking. Uh... was that not the right thing to say?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, no. The truth is just fine, lieutenant. But did he have anything to say about his own whereabouts?”

Hammer shakes her head. “He didn’t explicitly say, no. But at one point in the conversation Princess Twilight asked me something, so I assumed both she and he had returned to The Equinox.”

Ashe appears hopeful. “Might you call him for me please?”

“Sure.”

Pulling out her radio, Hammer presses a button and waits. A few moments later he responds.

“This is Arc. Go ahead, Hammer.”

“Sorry if I’m interrupting something, but Ambassador Ashe wanted to talk to you.”

“Sure, put her on.”

Hammer holds out the radio to Ashe. Taking it, she clears her throat and speaks.

“This is Ashe.”

“Something wrong?”

“Not exactly. I was just a bit... concerned.”

“What about?”

“Just regarding Lady Natalya. You left very quickly and I was worried about her.”

Arc chuckles. “Ah! Well you needn’t be. We’ve since returned to The Equinox and are safely in my quarters.”

“That’s good to hear. But as long as I have you on the line, would it be alright if I asked her a quick question regarding the upcoming wedding ceremony.”

“One sec.”

Looking over from the couch, Arc sees Natalya’s form lying on her side. A light whiffling snore comes from the bed as he responds.

“She’s already asleep. Can your question wait until tomorrow?”

“Yes, yes, of course. No need to wake her for something like this. I’ll talk to her about it in the morning.”

Arc yawns. “Good. It’s been a rather long day for me too.”

“Then I won’t keep you any longer, Lord Arc. Rest well.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks. And don’t keep Luna out too late.”

Ashe giggles. “I won’t. Ashe out.”

Handing the radio back to Hammer as she sits down next to her, Ashe muses to herself.

“Is he really aboard The Equinox? I’ll have to talk about this with Lady Natalya tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the rebel commander (or leader at this point, I suppose) made his way through the hidden corridors toward his destination. Coming to what appears to be a dead end, he pulls a device from his pouch and puts it on the wall. Putting on a pair of headphones, he inserts the end into the device and flicks the switch to ‘on’ before sitting down and musing to himself.

“And now... we wait.”

He doesn’t have to wait long before the sound of a door opening rings out from the other side of the wall. Guto’s voice rings out as he presumably speaks to the guards stationed outside.

“See to it that I’m not disturbed.”

The click of the door locking is heard as Guto walks across the room. Stopping, he speaks.

“What’s your report?”

“Never a ‘hello’ or ‘how do you do’. It’s always just business with you.”

Guto groans. “I’m a busy griffon, so if we could just move this along...”

“Don’t get me wrong. That’s what I like about you. Straight to the point.”

Chuckling, the visitor continues.

“In any case, production of your requested item is complete.”

The sound of rustling papers can be head before the speaker continues.

“Here’s a comprehensive guide on how they work and proper operational standards. Believe me when I say that you really don’t want to make a mistake with one of these things.”

“Understood. However, as you already know, if my plan works out as I intend, these won’t need to be used.”

“Yes, that’s probably for the best. After all, I don’t want needless bloodshed on either side of the border.”

“Neither do I.”

The sound of papers hitting a hard surface ring out as the king continues.

“However, I will do what I must to ensure the future of my country as a whole.”

“Just concerned for your country?”

Guto sighs. “My personal future is forever intertwined with the Griffon Kingdom. If I prosper, so does it. Should I suffer, it will suffer along with me. So believe me when I say that these steps are not taken lightly.”

“Describe it as you will. We all know that the one with the biggest stick makes the rules.”

“I’m not denying the accuracy of that analogy. But you must bear in mind that it was you whom helped ensure that I have such a stick in my repertoire.”

“Can’t deny that fact, no. But you should also remember one thing, your majesty.”

“And what might that be?”

“You will have the items you desire as per our agreement. However, I maintain my own equivalent items and the knowledge of how they are created. Should you ever require more, I would be the sole supplier of them.”

Guto chuckles. “Is that so? How can you be so sure that we won’t simply reverse engineer them to cut you out of the equation?”

“Simple. While I am certain that your engineers could do so, given enough time, the required materials are not present anywhere in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“An interesting notion. However, I’m sure you’re aware that I can import whatever I need from the surrounding countries.”

“You are certainly free to try. But it is not likely that you will succeed in such an endeavor, as only my organization can source several key components.”

“In any case, when will the items be delivered?”

“Just as soon as you remit payment and specify a drop off location.”

“The agreed upon sum is located in the chest in the corner.”

The sound of footsteps walking across the room rings out. A squeaky hinge creaks open and the jingle of coins in bags echoes through the room. Chuckling greedily, the visitor calls out.

“These will do nicely, yes.”

“I would hope so. Now then, deliver my order to warehouse number five as soon as possible.”

The visitor sounds surprised. “A warehouse?”

“It’s the most secure of my storage facilities, yes.”

“If that’s what you want, that’s what I’ll do. But I would have thought you’d have wanted to keep this item closer.”

“Such as in the Aviary?”

“Something like that.”

“Believe me when I say that the facility in question’s security is second only to that of the Aviary itself. Numerous priceless relics are stored within along with the fruit of a number of other top secret projects.”

“Kinda putting all your eggs in one basket though, aren’t you? Keeping them offsite, I mean.”

Guto chuckles as the sound of his desk chair creaking slightly permeates the air. “I prefer to think of it as keeping them together... and then watching the basket very carefully.”

“You’re the customer. But just remember one thing. As soon as this item is delivered, you are fully responsible for it.”

“Very well. I look forward to our future business dealings under the alliance we share.”

“As do I. Now then, I need to get out of here and you should get back to your... party, or whatever it is.”

Guto sighs as his chair again creaks and his footsteps head for the door. “Yes, yes... duty calls. Just give me a few moments head start before you leave.

“I know the drill.”

The office door opens as the king leaves the room and makes his way down the hall. As the door clicks shut behind him the air is quiet for a few moments before the sound of footfalls walking across the room are heard. They pass the entrance to the secret passage and head for the fireplace. Opening the passageway exit a crack, the commander looks out to see a black cloaked figure open a portal and step through. As it closes behind the visitor, the rebel leader cautiously steps into the office and makes his way over to the desk. Picking up the papers left behind, he looks them over for a few moments before pulling out a small camera and taking pictures of every page. Returning the papers to their exact order and spot on the desk, he returns to the passage and pulls the door shut as he muses to himself silently.

“That thing I saw... it wasn’t a griffon or a pony! It walked on two legs... just like Equestria’s Hero of Light does! But why would he be working with our king in such secrecy?!”

Turning, he quickly makes his way back down the passageway from whence he came. Sometime later, Luna, Hammer, and Ashe walk down the corridor toward the outer courtyard. Hammer looks to Luna and grins.

“Good to see you being able to loosen up, your highness.”

“Yes, I very much enjoyed tonight’s festivities.”

Ashe smiles. “As did I. But it appears that you now have a bit of an admirer, Princess Luna.”

Luna shrugs. “King Guto and I are merely friends. However, I did find conversation with him very interesting.”

“How so?”

“As a fellow monarch, he understands the daily struggles that I face. Very few can honestly say that they’ve had the weight of the world on their shoulders.”

Ashe looks away nervously. “In any case, I do hope you two can be of help to one another.”

Hammer grins. “I hear that. Your job can’t be an easy one, princess.”

Ahead of them, Ashe sees the door from before slightly ajar. Looking to Luna, she speaks.

“Princess Luna, I’m sorry to ask this, but might you go on without me?”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Is everything alright, ambassador?”

Ashe nods “Oh, yes. I simply need to use the restroom before I leave. Please don’t wait up for me.”

“It’s no trouble. The lieutenant and I can wait for you at the chariot.”

“I’ll try to make it quick then, of course. But taking care of such bodily functions while wearing a dress is a rather difficult thing to do.”

Hammer turns to her. “Want me to give you a hand?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, thank you. Please just keep Princess Luna safe and I’ll try to be quick.”

They part ways as Ashe enters the room. Closing the door behind her, she turns on the lights to see her former commander leaning against the wall. Frowning, she walks over to him.

“Can I assume what you found wasn’t good?”

“Not in the least.”

“Explain.”

“The king did indeed meet with someone in his private office. They spoke about the clandestine sale of something or other.”

“What was it?”

“No idea. They just referred to them as an ‘item’.”

Ashe groans. “It could have been anything then. But the fact that he went through the trouble of hiding the meeting and sale is indeed troubling.”

“The visitor left a number of papers that appeared to be an instruction manual and a schematic behind too. I took some pictures and will look over them in greater detail when they’re developed.”

“Smart move there. Taking the papers would have alerted the king to a trespasser in the morning.”

“It looked pretty complicated from the glances I was able to take of those papers while photographing them. But we’ll know more after I dig into them a bit deeper.”

“Can I assume that you didn’t see the physical items in question?”

“No, the visitor said that he would have them delivered to warehouse number five at a later date.”

“Maybe you could get a look at them there.”

“You know that warehouse number five is the most secure storage facility in the entire Griffon Kingdom though. Even when compared to the Aviary, it’s a literal fortress.”

Ashe sighs. “Yes, I know. But if whatever is being delivered really is THAT important, it might be worth the risk.”

“I’ll give the matter some thought. On how to see this so-called item, I mean.”

“While I do wish I could help, I have my own path to walk these days.”

“We all do, I suppose. So you do what you can on your end and I’ll do what I have to.”

“Just be careful. If the king was so insistent on using clandestine means to meet with this individual this must be very important.”

“Um... yeah... about that.”

“About what?”

“The one meeting with the king.”

“Were you able to identify them?”

“I only saw their back as they left.”

Ashe sighs. “A shame. But not worth getting caught over, I suppose.”

“They were wearing a black robe too.”

“Probably just in case an aide entered the room unexpectedly.”

“And... they walked on two legs.”

There is a long silence as Ashe frowns.

“How tall were they?”

“Roughly Lord Arc’s height.”

Ashe sighs. “I have to admit that such a thing certainly looks bad for him. However, there’s still a chance it was someone else.”

“And they left via a magical portal.”

Ashe bows her head.

“That... does sound rather unfavorable to his case.”

“There’s no one else that it could have been, Ashe!”

“Is there ANY possibility that it could have been a griffon standing on their hind legs?!”

“Ashe! Face facts! It was certainly Lord Arc!”

Ashe shakes her head. “There has to be a reasonable explanation though! I mean... why would he do such a thing?”

“I have no idea, Ashe. But there’s literally no one else anywhere in the country whom has a figure like that, can use magic, and doesn’t speak like a griffon.”

“And his alibi is certainly a bit... weak.”

“You’ve already checked into it?”

Ashe nods. “I radioed him under the guise of wanting to know if everything was alright on his end. He did leave very suddenly, after all.”

“Considering the fact that he was mysteriously called away while guarding an Equestrian princess speaks volumes though. I mean, what could be more important than that?”

“While I can’t deny that this does look very bad for him, I also can’t imagine Lord Arc doing such a thing. Conspiring with King Guto in such a way, I mean.”

The robed griffon folds his talons over his chest. “Then you’d best get to the bottom of it, Ashe. After all, should he be found out, you could be on the hook too.”

Ashe turns and heads for the door. “In all sincerity, I’m not too worried about anything much happening to me. But such a thing would certainly imperil the treaties that we have.”

“While I was never much of a fan of such a thing, I also can’t deny the good that has come from it.”

Ashe rests a talon on the door handle. “Agreed. However, at the moment I can do little more than closely watch his actions. Well, as closely as I can, since he doesn’t usually report to anyone on his actions or whereabouts.”

“Then how...?”

“I’ll... think of something.”

Chapter 12 - Wounds, Past and Present

The next morning, Arc and the others sit around a table in the cafeteria eating breakfast. Ashe turns to the young griffon sitting next to her.

“Did you sleep well last night, Lady Natalya?”

Natalya nods. “Yes, I did.”

Hammer looks to her sheepishly. “I hope I didn’t wake you up when I got back. After all, it was pretty late.”

“Only for a brief moment. Then I was out again.”

Luna looks to Arc. “So... what is on the agenda for today?”

“I need to head back to Equestria for a while. Going to be starting a very special… investigation into something.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow as she leans forward. “Oh? What are you looking for?”

“Just gathering information at this point.”

Celestia frowns. “On what subject?”

“The changelings.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Yeah, we really need to get that ball moving.”

Luna sighs. “And make sure there’s nothing more going on over there too.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “Might I be allowed to come as well?”

Arc appears confused. “What for?”

“Well... if the Changeling Kingdom truly is interested in making amends with Equestria, than as a representative of the Griffon Kingdom I would like to meet with them as well. With any luck, diplomatic ties could potentially be formed between our nations parallel to the existing ones with Equestria.”

Celestia smiles warmly. “Very hopeful of you, ambassador. However, you have to understand the long and tumultuous history between them and Equestria. Such a thing may not even be possible.”

“Even if I will most likely fail, I would still like to be given the opportunity to try.”

Luna shrugs. “Very commendable. But such a decision is up to Arc, I suppose.”

Arc put a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I guess it couldn’t hurt for Ashe to try. That and I’m sure your government wouldn’t mind a report on their... progress.”

Natalya turns to him. “And me, sir?”

“While I’d like to bring you, I don’t think that would be such a good idea at the moment. After all, they could be trying to lull us into a false sense of security.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But aren’t you two supposed to be together if at all possible?”

Luna looks to Ashe. “It’s only for a bit, after all. That and I don’t think griffon tradition took into account a fiancée having to conduct sensitive diplomatic acts with a hostile nation.”

Ashe nods soberly. “If Lord Arc will allow me to accompany him, I would be willing to let it go unreported as a ‘necessary separation’. No need for the powers that be to hear about it.”

Arc stands. “You have a deal. Now then, let’s get a move on. Meet me at my quarters after you’ve donned your armor, Ashe.

Ashe nods and playfully salutes. “Yes sir.”

A short time later they meet in Arc’s quarters. Ashe enters wearing her armor and carrying her sword and shield. Arc and Hammer are waiting for her clad in their own respective armors.

“Sorry for the wait.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine.”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah, we just got finished getting ready ourselves anyways.”

Arc holds up his gauntlet. “Shall we be off?”

Ashe nods. “I’m ready, yes.”

Hammer grins as she checks her gun. “Me too.”

Powering up his crystals, Arc opens a portal. He then proceeds to step through with Ashe and Hammer. Reappearing in the master suite aboard the Lunar Destiny, Arc motions for them to follow him.

“Let’s get to the Bridge. The investigation team should be assembled and ready by now.”

Leading the way, Arc and company soon arrive at the Bridge. Flash Sentry is waiting for them with a dozen ponies. He salutes along with the others before speaking.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Morning. Can I assume this is our investigation team?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Yes sir.”

The colonel gestures to the leader before continuing.

“This is Fire Streak. He’ll be heading up the investigation for you.”

Arc looks to the stallion before him. “Good to meet you.”

Fire Streak salutes. “Likewise, sir.”

“Have you been briefed on the task ahead?”

“No, sir. All I was told was that it was both urgent and top secret.”

“Then I suppose I’ll have to bring you up to speed.”

Flash Sentry calls out from the main window. “Sir, your changeling escort is approaching the ship.”

Arc sighs. “Guess we’ll have to do the briefing on site.”

Fire Streak appears confused. “Sir?”

“The scene isn’t here. Follow me.”

Leading the group off the Bridge, Arc makes his way down the corridor, out the main hatch, and down the gangplank to where a changeling is waiting for them. They smile nervously at the sight of the group before addressing Arc.

“H-hello, sir. I’m here to transport you and your party to the scene as per the king’s orders.”

“Good.”

He turns to Fire Streak before continuing.

“Can I assume you and your team have everything you need?”

Fire Streak gestures to his team. “Yes sir. We have all the tools required in our saddlebags.”

Arc looks to the changeling. “Shall we be off?”

“Yes sir.”

Opening a portal, they motion for the others to follow. Arc steps through as Hammer turns to the group of ponies.

“Well, don’t just stand there! We’ve got a job to do!”

Nodding, they walk through as Ashe turns to Hammer and lowers her voice.

“So... are these creatures... friendly?”

Hammer sighs. “Well... kinda.”

“Kinda?”

“You gotta understand the we were at war with them just a short time ago.”

The pair step through together and find themselves in a large, well-furnished room. Thorax walks over to Arc and salutes.

“Welcome back, sir.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m not your superior officer anymore, Thorax. You don’t actually have to do that.”

“Sorry, sir. It’s just a habit at this point.”

Arc gestures at the ponies behind him as he continues.

“These are the investigators I mentioned would be coming. They’re here to see if any answers can be found in there as well as remove the bodies with your permission.”

Thorax nods fervently. “Yes, of course! Please do what you will with whatever you find in there!”

“We’ll get started as soon as I’ve brought the team up to speed on the situation.”

Turning to the ponies, he continues.

“Alright, here’s the situation. During a recent… deconstruction of this place, a secret room was found in the former queen’s suite. King Thorax contacted the border crossing facility, which is currently the ship we departed from, to inform them of what they found inside.”

Fire Streak appears confused. “But what does that have to do with an investigation, sir?”

“A number of pony skeletons were found within locked in cages. I need them identified and the causes of death made known for a report so as to give their family’s cloture.”

“Very well, sir. We’ll do our best.”

Arc steps toward the opening. “This way.”

Walking down the secret passageway, Arc comes to the a fore mentioned room. Gesturing with a wave of his gauntlet, he speaks.

“Here is the scene.”

Fire Streak gasps as he looks around. “This is… abhorrent!”

Hammer grunts. “That it is. “

Ashe grimaces as she takes in her surroundings. “There… there are… just so many!”

Arc looks to Fire Streak. “Now then, I don’t care how long it takes to do this, but we need to know what happened here.”

Fire Streak turns to his subordinates. “All of you, pick a cage and get to work. Standard categorization practices. Leave nothing overlooked.”

They nod nervously and get to work as Fire Streak walks over to Arc and frowns.

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“What… is all of this?”

Arc sighs as he leans against a wall. “I wish I knew.”

“Were there any survivors?”

“Just one.”

Hammer chimes in. “We took him to Ponyville Hospital for treatment. However, he’s still in pretty rough shape.”

“I’ll need to interview him to complete my report. Any idea when somepony can talk to him?”

Arc shrugs. “No time soon. It’s up to Doctor Horse though.”

“Can I get a preliminary declaration from you then, sir?”

“I suppose. Though admittedly I don’t really know that much.”

Fire Streak pulls out a notepad from his saddlebag. “Whenever you’re ready, sir.”

Arc points a finger at the end of the room. “The changelings tell us that he was found inside a slime filled cocoon over there.”

Hammer nods soberly. “King Thorax helped us take him to Ponyville Hospital where he personally opened the cocoon for the medical staff there.”

Fire Streak continues writing. “And his current condition as best you know?”

“Unconscious and critical. He appeared heavily emaciated and was completely unresponsive to stimuli.”

“His name?”

Arc frowns. “We’re… not actually sure yet. Like I said, he’s been unconscious pretty much since he was admitted.”

Fire Streak looks up, confused. “Pretty much?”

“In the name of national security, I ordered Doctor Horse to give him a stimulant so we could ask a couple of important questions.”

“Such as…?”

“Mostly regarding any other potential survivors. According to him though there were none. I didn’t ask his name back then as such a thing wasn’t exactly a priority at the time.”

“Anything else you can tell me, sir?”

“Just that he’ll need quite some time to recover. When we first got him out of the pod I had thought he was dead due to how thin he looked.”

Fire Streak puts away his notepad as he sighs. “I’ll notify the hospital regarding my investigation. They’ll call us at headquarters when the time is right.”

Ashe steps toward Fire Streak. “Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes ma’am?”

“Your uniform’s insignia is that of what Equestria calls the ‘Wonderbolts’, correct?”

“That’s right.”

Arc turns to him. “I’m assuming you and your team were sent here because they were the closest and could get here quickly.”

Fire Streak nods. “We were, yes. But rest assured that my team and I are fully qualified to perform these duties.”

Ashe gestures to the cages. “Please forgive me, sir. I didn’t intend for my words to be interpreted as condescending. It’s just that I was… concerned that these victims get the best care they can at this point.”

“And they will.”

Arc gestures to the rest of the investigators. “Good. Please carry on with your duties with the rest of your team.”

The stallion nods respectfully as Arc turns to Hammer.

“Keep your eyes open. Just in case.”

Hammer nods as she puts a hand on her gun. “Sure.”

She steps forward to observe the proceedings as Ashe moves to stand next to Arc.

“This is just…”

“Ashe?”

“Yes, sir?”

“I’m curious of something. Why did you want to come with us?”

“To speak to the new king of the changelings.”

“At a time like this?”

Ashe shrugs. “There aren’t exactly ‘good times’ to start diplomacy.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose not.”

“That and I can help by interviewing the king if you’d like.”

“Go ahead. But I do have one request.”

“Oh?”

“Try to help calm him down.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow, confused. “Calm him…”

“He still seems a bit nervous about this whole thing.”

Ashe lowers her voice as she leans in close. “Do you think he knew about it?”

Arc shrugs. “Anything is possible at this point. But you can try to figure that out for us if you’d like while I oversee things here.”

“I’ll try.”

Turning, Ashe walks back the way they came. Coming back to Chrysalis’ room she immediately spies Thorax pacing the floor nervously. Making her way over to him, she speaks.

“Um… your majesty?”

Thorax yelps instinctively. “Huh?! Oh! Right! Sorry, I keep forgetting I’m the king now.”

Ashe appears confused. “Forgetting?”

“I took over for Chrysalis when she… left.”

He looks over to the secret passage before continuing.

“And then this was discovered.”

“My apologies. I should probably start with introductions. My name is Ashe. Ambassador to Equestria for the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Yes, I’ve heard of your country before. Don’t worry, as the changelings have never left this continent.”

“Um… thanks.”

“We didn’t have the numbers or the resources. Believe me, I’d have known if we had.”

“What were you before though?”

“One of the former queen’s ‘wings’. It’s like a personal bodyguard.”

“So you were intimately involved with her daily affairs?”

“Yes, as was my brother Pharynx.”

Ashe looks around. “Is he here too?”

Thorax sighs. “He’s gone. Killed by the very queen that he had sworn to protect.”

“What?! Why?!”

“It was part of her plan to replace him with her new champion, Lord Arc.”

“That doesn’t make much sense.”

Thorax sighs. “Chrysalis’ plan was to bring him into our ranks via mind altering techniques. At the time she thought it had worked. That she was controlling him. But in truth it was he whom was playing her for the fool.”

“So he broke free of her control?”

“Either that or he was never controlled in the first place. I kinda lean more toward the latter being the case though.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sure of what?”

“That he’s free of her control.”

“He has to be. She gave him an order and he was able to ignore it.”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Unless that was her intent all along.”

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

“Is it possible that this is all just part of her plan? To pretend to be ousted and flee so as to be able to focus fully on whatever her real objective is?”

Thorax puts a hoof to his chin. “I never thought of that. It may be that she only pretended to not have control over Lord Arc. Then she could retake control at a later date and opportune time.”

“This is all theory though. He may be just fine as well. But we should probably get back to my original reason for coming up here.”

“Which was…?”

“To talk to you about our two nations.”

Thorax appears confused. “Oh?”

“As you probably already know, Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom have a peace treaty.”

Thorax nods. “As does the Changeling Nation with Equestria thanks to Chrysalis.”

“I was wondering if you’d be willing to talk about forming a similar treaty with the Griffon Kingdom.”

Thorax sighs. “At the moment we’re not really interested in forming any other agreements, no.”

“Really?”

“As you said yourself, the Griffon Kingdom is across the sea. We don’t really have any contact with griffons either here in Equestria nor there anyways. So for what purpose would such a treaty be made?”

Ashe looks away nervously. “I… really just wanted to extend the offer.”

Thorax turns to walk away. “Well, you can tell your superiors that our answer at the moment is ‘no’.”

Ashe steps forward. “Wait! There is another reason!”

Thorax looks over his shoulder. “I’m listening.”

“Forming a treaty with the Griffon Kingdom would show Equestria that you’re willing to make the effort toward peace. Be part of the international dialogue.”

“But we can’t offer any kind of goods or services.”

“I understand that. You’re just getting started with your new nation, after all. However, I could advise you on other ways to increase trust between your kind and the ponies of this land.”

Thorax turns around. “That… would actually be of use to us. But I can’t promise that we’ll ally ourselves with the Griffon Kingdom in the future.”

“Then I’ll just have to show you how useful I can be. Tell me, what do you need the most right now?”

“Equestria’s already supplied us with everything that we need for the moment.”

“Come now. There has to be something.”

“Well… I suppose the a fore mentioned offer of information would be of use.”

Ashe grins. “Great! What do you want to know?!”

“First, I need your word that everything spoken of here will be kept confidential.”

Ashe nods. “Of course.”

Thorax looks around and lowers his voice. “I… need some advice on how to be a king.”

“How to lead?”

Thorax grimaces. “I’m not exactly the most… persuasive changeling around.”

“But you were second to Queen Chrysalis, weren’t you?”

“Both my brother and I were, yes.”

“How did you do it back then?”

“I usually left things like that to Pharynx. He was always much more… assertive than I was.”

“Let’s try a bit of role play then.”

Thorax raises an eyebrow. “Try what now?”

“Role play. It’s like acting with a scenario in mind.”

“Well, okay. If you think it could help.”

“Let’s say that I came before you with a problem, like… we’re low on food and need more. So I walk in and address you. Like this…”

Turning away for a few moments, Ashe turns back to Thorax and bows respectfully.

“Good day, King Thorax.”

Thorax waves a hoof. “Oh, you don’t have to call me that. Or bow either.”

Ashe frowns. “That’s a problem.”

“What is?”

“You’re the king! Your subjects are supposed to be respectful to you! And bowing is a part of that!”

“Okay, let’s try this again.”

Ashe turns around to ‘restart’ her act. Bowing, she speaks.

“Good day, King Thorax.”

Thorax nods to her soberly. “What brings you before me today?”

“Our nation is running low on food. What shall we do to remedy this situation?”

“Um… I don’t know. What do you think?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, no! A king can’t ever say ‘I don’t know’!”

“But I really don’t know.”

“Then you should say something like ‘what are our options’. Or make a potential suggestion of your own.”

Thorax nods. “Okay, let’s continue.”

He clears his throat before speaking again.

“What are our options to fix this problem?”

“We could send teams out to search for food, ask Equestria for international aide, or look into raising our own.”

Thorax puts a hoof to his chin. “The third idea sounds like the best to me.”

“But you need to get more information on it before committing to an idea. Ask questions and make sure it will actually work first.”

“Alright. How could we go about raising our own food?”

“I don’t know, sire. Do we have seeds, water, and fertile soil?”

“Just the fertile soil and water.”

“Then how can we grow anything, your majesty?”

Thorax groans. “I see what you mean. And growing food would take a long time too.”

Ashe nods. “Right.”

“What are your recommendations?”

“In the short term we could request food be sent to us from Equestria. However, we need to become more self-sustaining in the future as well.”

“We could ask for seeds from the ponies as well. That could be one of our long term goals.”

“Yes sire. But there is still the matter of repayment.”

Thorax sighs. “Right. They won’t want to keep feeding and giving us other needs forever, after all.”

“Perhaps we could work out a trade agreement with them, your highness.”

“Trade agreement?”

Ashe nods. “Yes, sire. They provide us with food and other tangible goods. In return, we export our own products.”

Thorax shrugs. “All we have at the moment is limited quantities of nutrient fluid.”

“Could that be adapted for pony use?”

“It’d have to be tested. We’re not fully sure how such a thing would work on them biologically.”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Tested.”

Thorax appears hopeful. “You have an idea?”

“Can I assume Equestria doesn’t understand your physiology?”

“It’s not likely, no.”

“Then how about exporting information?”

“How would we do that?”

“Ask your subjects for volunteers to be sent to Equestria in order to be studied. In return you could ask for food, your majesty.”

“It’s an interesting idea. I’ll have to contact Princess Twilight in Canterlot about it.”

Ashe smiles at him. “You see how we did that?”

“Did what?”

“Talked through a problem.”

“Kinda. But we didn’t come up with a firm solution to the food problem.”

“Sometimes it takes multiple meetings and many ideas though. That exercise there really only scratched the surface of what can be required to figure out the solution to a problem.”

“I think I understand it though. Ask for more information and other’s opinions.”

“But in all seriousness, you really should look at what you could export to balance the books.”

Thorax nods. “Your idea to export information might be worth looking into.”

“I’m sure Princess Twilight would be very interested in studying your new physiology.”

“And we too would like to know more about ourselves as well.”

“A very mutually beneficial partnership could be started with that. Perhaps sending along some of that nutrient solution for testing would be in order too. Equestria does all the lab work and you get whatever it is you want in trade.”

Thorax puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “I think I’d ask for information in trade regarding how we can start growing our own food.”

“Good idea. I’m sure they’d be anxious to get started.”

“I’ll send a message to Canterlot regarding this just as soon as the investigation is complete.”

Ashe smiles at him. “Would you like me to mention it to Lord Arc?”

“If you’d like, sure. Just please be sure to wait for the right time. I’m sure he’s extremely busy at the moment.”

“Maybe I’d best direct it to Princess Twilight then when I get back to the ship then.”

“I’ll leave it up to you. Just let whomever know that I’ll await their response.”

Several hours later, Fire Streak approaches Arc and salutes.

“We’ve completed our investigation of the site, sir.”

Hammer looks over. “And every victim has been catalogued along with any items found with them?”

Fire Streak nods. “Yes ma’am. We’ve also carefully collected their remains to be transported back to Equestria for proper burial.”

Arc sighs. “Good. Bring them out of the secret room and line the body bags up so as to take a final count.”

“Right away, sir.”

Returning to the entrance of the secret room with Hammer, Arc spies Thorax and Ashe sitting on a couch talking. Walking over to them, he speaks.

“It looks like you two are getting along well.”

Thorax nods. “Yes sir. The ambassador was just advising me on how to be a better king to my nation.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “And their future exports as well.”

“Just brainstorming, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s… good, I suppose.”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward the secret door behind them. “We just came to tell you two that the investigators have finished.”

Arc looks to the entrance of the secret room. “Right. They’ll be bringing out the bodies now so we can return them to Equestria.”

Thorax quickly stands. “Can I call for some of my subjects to aid you in that?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. They got this.”

Thorax looks to Arc. “Very well. And I just want to again state that I’m very sorry for this whole ordeal, Lord Arc.”

“We don’t blame you for their deaths. Queen Chrysalis is the one we want.”

Hammer clenches a fist angrily as she looks at the body bags being brought out. “And we’re going to find that varmint!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “That we will. After all, she can’t hide forever.”

Thorax looks to Arc soberly. “When you do, she’s all yours though, sir. I can categorically say that the Changeling Nation does NOT want her back.”

“Thank you. We’ll keep you appraised of any new information we uncover regarding this matter though.”

“That is appreciated, sir.”

Turning to Ashe, Thorax continues.

“Thank you for the talk, ambassador.”

“It was my pleasure, your majesty.”

A short time later Arc turns to the investigation team’s leader as they bring up the last body bag. “Are we ready to go?”

“Yes sir.”

“Alright.”

Channeling power through his crystals, Arc opens a portal. Motioning for the others, they begin transferring the body bags through the swirling energies one by one. As the last one is passed through Arc turns to Ashe and Hammer.

“Time to go.”

Hammer sighs. “Alright. See you there.”

Ashe steps forward. “Right behind you.”

The pair step through together as Thorax looks to Arc.

“Is there anything else you need in this matter, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I believe that the investigation team got everything they needed. Go ahead and continue with your demolition project.”

“Sir, I… uh…”

“Was there something else?”

Thorax looks away nervously. “Just that… I’m very sorry that this happened. Please let me know if we can be of any further assistance.”

“I will.”

Stepping through his own portal, Arc reappears in his quarters within Canterlot Castle. Several medical staff members, along with Doctor Whooves, are busy putting the body bags on gurneys. The doctor looks to his staff as he points a hoof.

“Take the victims to the infirmary.”

Fire Streak calls out. “They will be held there until the investigation is complete.”

Hammer approaches the group. “I’ll lend you a hand.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “So what happens now?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “The investigators will have to further examine the bodies, along with any personal effects found with them.”

“Is there anything that I can do to help?”

“I don’t think so, no. But how did things go with King Thorax?”

“Oh! Um… well… I didn’t really get the feeling he had anything to do with this event.”

“Then what were you two going on about?”

“Like he said, I was just trying to coach him on being a better leader. Being more… assertive and decisive.”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing wrong with that. But then again, I suppose going from a sergeant to a king in but a moment’s time doesn’t really help. Were you able to do anything for him?”

Ashe nods. “I think so, yes. However, someone should contact him soon regarding an exchange of information.”

“Information?”

“King Thorax is willing to allow the Equestrian scientists to study some of his subjects in return for sharing some of their knowledge with the changelings.”

Arc chuckles. “That should make Twilight happy.”

Ashe giggles. “I can’t wait to tell her about it.”

“It’ll have to wait, as I should probably send you back to The Equinox pretty soon.”

“Oh?”

“I’m sure you have lots of things to do there, what with this whole marriage thing coming together.”

“Yes, I suppose I do.”

“But don’t worry. I’ll mention your talks with her.”

A short time later Hammer returns and approaches Arc. Saluting, she speaks.

“All of the bodies have been properly transported to the morgue, sir.”

“Good. Now then, I want you to return to The Equinox with Ashe here. I’ll report to Princess Twilight what we saw.”

“Sure. But there is one thing I need to do before we go, sir.”

“Fine. What is it.”

“This.”

Pushing Arc against a bookcase, Hammer knocks his helmet off and locks lips with him passionately for a time before pulling back and looking him in the eye as she grins.

“Now I can go.”

Arc chuckles as he leans down to pick up his helmet. “Dismissed.”

Opening a portal for the pair, Arc watches as they leave. Closing it behind them, he turns and walks down the corridor toward the infirmary. Doctor Whooves is signing documents along with Fire Streak. As they finish, Arc speaks.

“So you two are going to coordinate a more thorough investigation now?”

Fire Streak nods. “Yes sir. I’ll be checking the missing ponies reports and see if I can connect them to any of the cold case files.”

Doctor Whooves gestures to the back room. “And I’m going to be examining the bones in an effort to try and determine an official cause of death before writing my own report regarding the whole matter.”

Fire Streak bows his head. “With a bit of luck, we’ll be able to give somepony some cloture in their missing relative’s case.”

Arc sighs. “Good. I’ll let you two get to that. But I’d like to see the personal effects of the victims for myself.”

He turns to Fire Streak before continuing.

“Bring them to the Conference Room and organize them by victim. I’ll be there shortly with Princess Twilight.”

“Yes sir.”

Turning, Arc leaves the room and heads down the corridor. Approaching the Audience Chamber he looks to the officer on duty. Motioning to the door with a wave of his hand, he is immediately admitted. Twilight looks up from the throne for a moment before returning her gaze to the stallion standing before her.

“We will have to continue this talk later. It appears something urgent has come up.”

They bow and turn to leave as Arc approaches the throne. Twilight looks to the office and motions with a hoof.

“Shall we talk in private?”

Arc nods. “Yes, that’s probably for the best.”

Heading for the office, a guard opens the door for them. As it closes behind them Twilight looks to Arc nervously.

“Are you alright?!”

“Yes, Twilight. Nothing out of the ordinary happened.”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good! How about we sit down and you can tell me all about it?”

Arc sighs. “That might be for the best.”

They walk over to the couch and sit down together. Arc looks to Twilight and smiles sadly.

“The victims of Chrysalis are officially back in Equestria. In the castle morgue to be exact.”

Twilight bows her head. “That’s good. And can I assume the effort to identify them has started?”

“Underway as we speak. Doctor Whooves is looking over the bones to try and come up with causes of death while Fire Streak will be going over the recovered personal effects in an effort to figure out whom they might have been.”

“That sounds like it’s going to be a long process.”

“Probably, yes.”

“Let me know if they need more resources. I want all of those ponies to be properly identified and laid to rest as per their families’ wishes.”

“As do I. I just wanted to tell you that I was back from The Badlands without incident. Well, that and do this.”

Leaning down, he gives Twilight a quick peck on the lips. Giggling, she looks up at him.

“Oh you can do better than that.”

Arc smirking. “How about this?”

Picking her up, Arc embraces Twilight as he locks lips with her. Pulling back, he continues.

“How was that?”

Twilight giggles sexily at him. “Much better.”

Arc smiles as he sets her down. “I aim to please.”

“Um… do you think I could see the item recovered from the scene?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I figured you would want to do that. Therefore, I told Fire Streak to set them out in the Conference Room, as I wanted to see them for myself.”

The pair stand and head for the door. Leaving the office, Twilight calls out to a nearby guard.

“Tell the officer in charge that I’m taking a short recess from audiences.”

“Yes, Princess Twilight.”

He runs ahead as Arc and Twilight walk toward the door. Leaving the chamber they walk down the corridor together. Twilight turns to him and smiles as she speaks.

“I am glad you’re back safely, Arc.”

“As am I. But the changelings made no attempts to hide anything nor made any kind of advances toward me or the investigation team.”

“Good. We need allies we can trust, after all.”

Arc turns to her. “About building trust. Ashe was able to convince King Thorax to allow some Equestrian scientist to study some of them.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Study?”

Arc nods. “Their bodies have changed significantly on the outside, and it stands to reason the same is true about their innards. We can study them in return for some information.”

“I’ll send a message to King Thorax later regarding the details of this partnership.”

“Alright. But you’ll need someone to head the investigation.”

Twilight sighs. “While I wish that was me, I’ll have to leave such a thing in the hooves of others.”

“We all have to let someone else help out sometimes though. None of us is a one man show. Well, one pony show, as the case may be.”

“I suppose not. However, I will be sure to keep up on what they find as best I’m able.”

Twilight looks to Arc before continuing.

“Hey. You okay?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well… coming face to face with so many dead bodies would make anypony a bit… squeamish”.

“I suppose so. But they were skeletons by this point. If they had been freshly dead or partially decomposed I think my reaction would have been a bit different.”

Twilight grimaces. “The state of the bodies actually has me quite worried.”

“How so?”

“Full decomposition down to a skeleton isn’t something that happens quickly. It’s slow and steady under normal circumstances.”

Arc sighs. “Imagine how those ponies felt as those around them died one by one. Lying there surrounded by the stench of rotting flesh as you too are dying.”

Twilight shudders. “Yes, I wouldn’t wish such a gruesome fate on anypony.”

Coming to the Conference Room doors, Arc motions for the guards outside of them to allow them access. Standing aside, they allow the pair to pass. On the table before them lies innumerable objects meticulously labeled and categorized for easy identification. Fire Streak bows respectfully at the sight and Twilight as he speaks.

“Hello, Princess Twilight. It is an honor to see you.”

“Thank you for your service in helping us in this matter. Hero of Light Arc tells me that you recovered quite a few items from the deceased.”

Fire Streak gestures with a hoof. “That we did, your highness.”

Arc nods soberly. “We’ve come to see them for ourselves.”

“Yes sir. I’ve also ordered the photographs we took of the scene upon arrival to be delivered as soon as they are ready.”

Twilight steps forward and puts her front hooves on the table. “There really are quite a few items here.”

Arc sighs as he looks down. “That there are.”

Fire Streak chimes in. “I’m currently in the middle of recording every item. After that, pictures will be taken of them before they, along with the items, are turned over to a specialized forensics team for further examination.”

Twilight gazes at the trinkets before her. “A good number of these appear hoof made.”

Fire Streak bows his head. “From my experience, such a thing is actually quite normal, your highness. You see, those held in captivity for an extended period of time generally have nothing but time on their hooves. So they usually turn to making things to take their minds off of their situation while in captivity.”

Arc picks up a small trinket. “This appears to be made out of a chunk of mane.”

“Yes, it’s probably a comfort object. Think of it like a stuffed animal, sir.”

Twilight gasps. “Wait! Were there foals among them?!”

Fire Streak nods soberly. “Yes, Princess Twilight.”

Arc frowns. “How many?”

“Six foal sized skeletons were recovered, sir.”

Arc puts the item down and grits his teeth. “Barbaric!”

Twilight looks to Fire Streak. “I want a copy of the full report sent to me right away. When it’s available, of course.”

Fire Streak bows. “Yes, Princess Twilight. I’ll see to it personally.”

Arc points to an item nearby. “What’s this?”

Fire Streak turns his head. “It appears to be a makeshift game board.”

Twilight sighs. “They were just trying to stay busy, I would imagine.”

Arc picks it up. “Looks like something foals would play with.”

Fire Streak walks over to him. “Adults are known to do the same in prisons. However, I can’t imagine the level of boredom those foals would have experienced being locked up as they were.”

Arc clenches a fist as he puts the board down. “And the cage sizes too.”

Twilight frowns. “Too small?”

Fire Streak nods. “It appeared that the cages were sized in such a way as to prevent too much movement. A full grown stallion would have barely been able to raise their head. While a foal could have just stood up if they kept their head down.”

Twilight seethes. “Imprisonment AND literal torture!”

Fire Streak looks over the table as he speaks. “While the investigation is of course still ongoing, I get the feeling that the victims most likely either starved to death or died from dehydration.”

Arc groans. “And neither is a pleasant way to go.”

“While I know it’s not pleasant to think about, it’s likely that the foals would have died first, sir. That is, unless the mares and stallions had given them part of their rations.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead and turns away from the table. “I just… I can’t imagine how somepony could do this.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Me either. I mean, how could Chrysalis sleep in her bed knowing full well that there were ponies literally dying just on the other side of her wall?”

Fire Streak bows his head. “We may never have those answers though, sir. The best I can do at the moment is to see that they are laid to rest properly.”

Twilight looks over her shoulder at the table again. “Leave no stone unturned when…”

She stops talking and walks over to the end of the table. Pointing a hoof at a small box, Twilight continues.

“Wait. What is this?”

“It’s an evidence storage box designed to preserve waterlogged or fragile items. The lining is made of a special material that absorbs water from the item in an attempt to bring it to a state where it can properly examined.”

Arc walks over to join Twilight. “So what’s in there?”

Fire Streak looks over his clipboard. “A foal sized notebook. With luck we can dry it out enough to be able to read it.”

Arc nods soberly. “That might be the best stroke of luck we’ve had so far.”

Twilight looks to Fire Streak. “Maybe they’ll have their name in it!”

“Before you get your hopes up, your highness, this item was found lying next to a fully grown stallion.”

Arc points to the box. “But you’re sure that it’s foal size though, right?”

Fire Streak nods. “Yes, sir. It’s the kind of notebook one would use for school for taking light notes or doodling.”

Twilight reaches toward the box. “I’d like to see it.”

Fire Streak quickly steps forward and stops Twilight’s hoof. “Forgive me, Princess Twilight. While it is likely that the first few pages from the front should be dry enough to move, we really should let somepony trained in the art of handling damaged books deal with it, your highness.”

Twilight pushes his hoof away gently. “Not to worry. I’m fully capable of handling old, damaged, and wet books.”

Fire Streak appears surprised. “You are, princess?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Some time ago I restored a number of heavily waterlogged books that Hero of Light Arc took from the grounds of a Griffon Kingdom library.”

Fire Streak gasps. “He took them?!”

Arc frowns. “Yes, I did. And you are hereby ordered to forget that you heard the princess say that.”

“Yes sir.”

Twilight nods. “It was a matter of preserving abandoned literature, sir. But let’s see what we come up with here, shall we?”

Opening the box, Twilight cautiously pulls the still slightly damp book from within with her magic. Looking it over carefully for a few moments, she slowly and judiciously opens the cover and looks at the first page.

“It’s a foal’s drawing.”

Arc looks over her shoulder. “Looks like a family picture.”

Fire Streak sighs. “It’s likely they all perished there.”

Twilight squints. “There’s some writing in here too. Mom… dad… and I can’t quite see the next one.”

Fire Streak looks to her. “Would you like a magnifying glass, your highness?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, please.”

Opening his satchel, Fire Streak procures a large magnifying glass. Giving it to Twilight, she again looks at the page.

“I can just make out two letters here. Looks like it says ‘F and B’.”

Arc groans. “Maybe the foal whom drew it was so young that they hadn’t learned how to spell their sibling’s name yet.”

Fire Streak sighs. “Probably. Judging from the quality of the drawing and the hoofwriting, it was most likely done by a very young foal.”

Twilight squints as she continues examining the paper. “There’s one more name here. But I can’t quite make it out.”

Arc appears hopeful. “A full name?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Must be the foal’s, as that’s one of the first things they learn to spell in school.”

Arc steps forward. “Can I see it?”

Fire Streak grimaces. “That isn’t recommended, sir. Unless you have training in handling such things, that is.”

“I could hold it for you, Arc.”

“Alright.”

Taking the magnifying glass from her, Arc leans in close as Twilight holds the notebook up for him to see. Carefully looking over the name for a long moment, he sighs.

“It’s too badly blurred to… wait!”

Leaning in close, he looks over the two smaller figures carefully. Frowning, he puts a hand to his chin and mutters to himself.

“Could it be?”

Fire Streak appears hopeful. “Did you find something, sir?”

Arc nods soberly. “Kinda. Well, think of it more like a hunch than anything concrete at this point.”

Twilight slowly closes the notebook. “What is it?”

Arc sets the magnifying glass down on the table and heads for the door. “I’ll be back in a bit. Both of you please wait here.”

As Arc leaves the room, Fire Streak looks to Twilight. She shrugs and carefully lays the notebook on the table. A short time later Arc returns with a nervous young mare following him. Closing the door, Arc speaks.

“Princess Twilight… Fire Streak… this is Cerulean Skies.”

Cerulean Skies waves a hoof shakily. “H-hello.”

Arc gestures to the table. “I’m sorry to bring you here on such short notice. But I have a theory and I’m hoping you can help set the record straight.”

“I’ll certainly try, sir.”

Arc gestures to the table. “Twilight, the notebook please.”

As Twilight begins the process of carefully opening the notebook, Arc continues.

“This item was just found this morning. I’d like you to look over a particular page and tell me it you can read it.”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Yes sir, I’ll do my best.”

Twilight carefully levitates the notebook toward the mare as Fire Streak gives her the magnifying glass. As soon as the page comes into view however, she gasps and stares at it in disbelief for several moments. Eventually Cerulean Skies turns to Arc, her face ashen.

“Where did you find this, sir?!”

“I’m sorry, but we can’t say right now.”

Fire Streak points a hoof at the page. “Can you read the name on the far right, miss?”

Cerulean Skies nods fervently. “Yes! It says ‘Cerulean Skies’!”

Twilight eyes grow wide. “So this is your notebook?!”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head. “No, your highness! It’s my older sister’s pad!”

Fire Streak gasps. “Are you absolutely certain, miss?!”

“There’s one way to know for sure!”

Arc turns to her. “How?”

“Turn to the last page! My sister wrote her name on the inside cover!”

Carefully and methodically turning the notebook over, Twilight slowly and calculatingly opens it to the last page. Cerulean Skies points a hoof at a spot.

“There!”

Arc squints. “Fizzlepop Berrytwist?”

Twilight looks to Cerulean Skies. “Who’s that?”

“My sister’s real name!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean…?”

Cerulean Skies nods. “Tempest!”

“Her real name is Fizzlepop Berrytwist?!”

“Yes! Um… you might want to keep that to yourself though, sir. She never really liked that name.”

She looks to the items on the table before continuing.

“But I would like to know where this notebook was found. It may help lead us to our lost parents.”

Arc sighs. “Cerulean Skies, I… um… I think… that we need to tell Tempest about what we found here.”

Twilight quickly chimes in. “Before continuing the story, that is.”

Fire Streak looks to Arc. “Could you bring her here, please?”

Arc nods soberly. “Sure.”

Turning to Cerulean Skies, he continues.

“Let’s go.”

Cerulean Skies smiles and trots after him. “Right behind you, sir!”

Arc and Cerulean Skies leave the room. Opening a portal, Arc motions for her to step through. Reappearing in the Ponyville Hospital waiting room, Arc gestures for the mare to follow him. As they walk, she turns to him.

“Um… what are we doing here, sir?”

“This is where your sister is.”

Cerulean Skies gasps. “Oh my! Is she alright?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, she’s fine. Tempest has been staying here to watch over her… um… alleged former commanding officer.”

“You mean Captain Decimus?”

“Kinda. It’s really complicated.”

Coming to the now familiar door, Arc knocks lightly before entering. Looking to the bed, they spot Tempest sitting in a chair slumped over the bed. Cerulean Skies smiles and walks over to her as Arc hangs back. Putting a hoof on her sleeping sister’s shoulder, Cerulean Skies gently shakes her as she speaks.

“Tempest?”

Slowly opening her eyes, Tempest appears confused.

“Cerulean Skies? What… what are you doing here?”

Cerulean Skies gestures to Arc. “The Hero of Light brought me.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow as she sits up. “Why though? Thought I could use the company?”

“You could, I suppose. But that’s not actually why we’re here.”

“Then why…?”

Cerulean Skies grins as she interrupts Tempest. “They found something!”

Tempest frowns. “Found what?”

“Information on our parents!”

Tempest sits up so fast her chair falls over. “WHAT?!”

Arc nods. “It’s a possible lead, yes. I need you to come with me to Canterlot Castle and… look over what we found.”

Tempest walks around the edge of the bed hurriedly. “Then let’s go!”

Cerulean Skies looks to the stallion lying on the bed. “What about Captain Decimus though?”

Tempest sighs. “The doctor says he’ll be out for a while longer. That and if he were awake right now he’d tell me to go.”

Arc opens a portal. “Shall we be off?”

“Yes!”

Arc opens a portal and allows the two mares to go through first. Following them, the swirling energies collapse upon themselves leaving the hospital room silent as it was before. The stallion in the bed smiles slightly in his sleep but does not open his eyes. Meanwhile, Arc, Tempest, and Cerulean Skies reappear in Arc’s quarters in the castle. Tempest walks quickly toward the door and out into the corridor. Calling out to her sister, she does not look back.

“Give me the details!”

“Well… Hero of Light Arc brought me here to examine an item they found somewhere. “

“Somewhere?!”

“It’s classified at the moment.”

Tempest grits her teeth angrily. “It if means potentially finding our parents, it had better get unclassified, and quickly!”

“Sister, please! Rules are rules!”

Arc continues. “Cerulean Skies told me that the notebook in question is yours from years ago.”

Tempest looks over at her sister. “How can you be so sure?!”

“Because it had your name in the back.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Fizzlepop Berrytwist, I believe.”

Tempest stops suddenly. Turning her head she looks to Arc, clearly furious.

“Do not… EVER… say that name again!”

“Okay, okay. Sheesh.”

Cerulean Skies whispers to Arc as they begin walking again. “As I said before, Tempest’s never liked that name. Even when we were little.”

“I believe that.”

Tempest snorts. “Cerulean Skies is the only one I’ve ever let call me by my birth name. Well, other than Decimus. And even then only when we were alone.”

Arc frowns. “Um, Tempest?”

“What?!”

“Where are we going?”

She stops dead in her tracks and looks suddenly embarrassed.

“I… don’t really know. The Audience Chamber, I would imagine.”

Arc points in the opposite direction. “It’s in the conference room.”

“Uh… which way was that again?”

“This way.”

Taking the lead, they make the short walk to their destination. Motioning for the guards to part, they are allowed entrance. As the doors are closed behind them, Tempest looks Twilight up and down before speaking.

“So you’re the newest princess, huh?”

Twilight nods and extends a hoof. “Yes. My name is…”

Tempest interrupts her. “…Twilight Sparkle.”

“Well, yes it is. But how did you know that?”

“Newspapers and radio reports. It’s not like you’re an unknown figure at this point, after all.”

“I… suppose not.”

Tempest walks toward the table. “But let’s get down to brass tacks. I want to see what this is all about.”

“Very well.”

Turning to the special case, Twilight carefully opens it and pulls out the notebook with her magic. Opening it to the first page, she displays the drawing. Tempest looks it over for a long moment before speaking.

“Now there’s a picture I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Cerulean Skies smiles. “Nor have I, sister.”

Fire Streak looks to Tempest. “So you’re saying that this is your old notebook?”

Tempest nods. “Yes, it is.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t get it. If it’s yours why write your name as ‘F.B.’?”

Cerulean Skies sighs. “Because I was the one whom drew that picture. You see, I was really little at the time and didn’t understand that it wasn’t mine.”

Tempest smirks and closes her eyes. “Yeah. I remember being so mad at you for doing that too.”

“But you kept it in there though.”

“After writing my name on the last page, yes.”

Twilight pipes up. “Would you like to see that?”

Tempest grimaces. “Not in the least.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Now then, I would like you to tell me where you found this, and I mean NOW!”

Cerulean Skies grimaces. “But Tempest, it’s…!”

Arc interrupts her. “I’ll tell you, Tempest. However, you have to do something first.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “You want me to sign a non-disclosure agreement, or something?”

“No. Just don’t fly off the handle and do something drastic.”

“When have I ever?”

Cerulean Skies puts a hoof on her chin. “Well, there was the time you…”

Tempest interrupts her. “Not a good time, Cerulean Skies!”

Twilight frowns. “Look, all Arc is saying is that this whole matter is part of an ongoing investigation that can’t be endangered by a single pony’s actions.”

Fire Streak nods. “It’s a matter of national security as well.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Fine. Whatever. Just give me the information and I’ll help out as best I can.”

Arc sighs. “Very well.”

He gestures to the items of the table before continuing.

“The notebook, along with all these other items, were found in a secret room in the changeling hive.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Wait! You mean… in The Badlands?!”

Twilight nods. “Yes. You see, we were contacted by their new leader, King Thorax, about a hidden room that was found during demolition of their former hive.”

Arc picks up where Twilight left off. “Apparently they’re looking to start anew after Chrysalis’ departure. And that means getting rid of the old hive.”

Fire Streak taps the table. “There was a secret door in the former queen’s quarters that led to a small room nearby.”

Twilight sighs. “And in it were a large number of pony… skeletons.”

Tempest turns to Arc. “You mean… there were no survivors?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Other than that stallion back at the hospital, no.”

“That’s Decimus I tell you!”

“As far as I’m concerned, the jury’s still out on that one.”

Tempest looks back to the notebook in the box. “So what was this notebook doing with the skeletons?”

Cerulean Skies steps forward. “Tempest… I think you and I already know the answer to that question.”

There is a long pause as Tempest looks at the notebook silently. Turning to Fire Streak, she speaks.

“Did they have anything else on them?”

Fire Streak shakes his head. “Other than that, no.”

Tempest walks toward the door. “I want to see the crime scene for myself.”

Cerulean Skies gasps. “It’s all the way across the country though, Tempest!”

Twilight sighs. “And it’s already been cleared.”

Arc nods. “Right. There’s nothing there anymore.”

Tempest turns to Fire Streak. “Standard procedure is to photograph the scene, is it not?”

Fire Streak nods. “Yes, ma’am.”

“I need to see the photos of the victim whom this notebook was taken from.”

“That’s up to the Hero of Light, miss.”

Arc nods. “Go ahead.”

Reaching out, the stallion picks up a folder. Opening it, he flips through a number of pictures before pulling out two and laying them on the table.

“The notebook was found underneath this body.”

“Was it of a male or female?”

Fire Streak looks over his papers. “The skeleton was of a male.”

Cerulean Skies puts a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “Is that important?”

Tempest nods as she grits her teeth. “The day we left to go play in the forest… I remember our father having it in his hooves. He was going to look over my homework later that morning.”

She looks to the pictures and touches it with a hoof before bowing her head.

“This… may very well have been him.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“But there is one way to know for sure.”

“How?”

“I need to examine the body myself.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You need to… what?!”

“Show me the actual skeleton!”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head. “Sister, I don’t see how that could possibly…”

“Trust me!”

Fire Streak looks to Arc for guidance. Sighing, the young man nods silently.

“Go ahead. But you may not touch the body itself, Tempest.”

“I understand.”

Leading her toward the door, Arc and Tempest walk with the procession down the corridor and to the castle Infirmary. Finding Doctor Whooves going over a body with a forensics team in the back, Arc speaks.

“Doctor Whooves, a word.”

The doctor puts down his tools and removes his ‘gloves’ before approaching Arc and company.

“Yes sir, what can I do for you?”

“I need to see one of the victim’s bodies.”

Arc gestures to Fire Streak before continuing.

“He has the identification number.”

Fire Streak reads it off his clipboard as the doctor writes it down on a piece of paper.

“Very well. Please follow me.”

Arc turns to the others as he heads for the back. “Tempest and I will do this alone.”

Following the doctor to the back room, they are led over to a wall of large drawers. Looking over the labels for a few moments, Doctor Whooves pulls one open slowly to reveal the remains of the a fore mentioned stallion as he speaks.

“We’ve laid the bones out as best we are able. This is for study purpose.”

Arc turns to Tempest. “What did you want to see?”

Tempest points a hoof. “The front left femur.”

The doctor carefully lifts the bone up with his magic. Holding it up for Tempest, she looks it over for a few moments before looking to the doctor.

“Can you do an x-ray of this bone?”

“Yes, I can. But it doesn’t appear to be broken or even fractured.”

“I know that. However, I want to know if there are any signs of it being broken anywhere in the past.”

Arc looks to the doctor. “Is that even… possible?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Yes there is, sir. But not with an x-ray machine, no. We can use a bit of powder though.”

“How would that…?”

“I’ll show you.”

Heading back to the other room, the doctor returns a short time later with a container. Putting the bone in a tray, he liberally douses it in powder. Picking up something akin to a makeup brush, he carefully dusts away the powder. Setting down the brush, he follows up with a large magnifying glass and looks it over very carefully before turning to Tempest and speaking.

“There we are. Three fractures on the top and one near the middle.”

Arc leans in. “That’s incredible! How does that powder work?!”

“It’s actually just baby powder. You see, when a pony’s bone breaks, even if it heals properly, there will always be a very, VERY small line left behind which can be found by using the method I just demonstrated.”

Arc puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “Interesting. I’m pretty sure humans don’t have that.”

The doctor raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“As in once a bone has healed no sign of the break remains.”

Arc looks to Tempest before continuing.

“But what does this have to do with anything?”

Tempest grimaces. “When I was a filly, my father had a bad fall while fixing our house’s roof. He broke his leg in three places.”

She points to the leg bone before continuing.

“And those were the places where it broke.”

Doctor Whooves nods soberly. “So you’re certain that this is your father, ma’am?”

Tempest sighs. “Yes, it is.”

“Then the mare in the cage next to him could have been his wife.”

The doctor taps a clipboard before continuing.

“According to the report here, when the skeletons were found these two were reaching out toward one another as if they were trying to hold hooves.

“That sure sounds like something they would do. Might I see her body please?”

Doctor Whooves stands. “Of course.”

Walking over to another drawer, he pulls it open to reveal another skeleton. Tempest looks it over for a few moments before nodding and pointing a hoof.

“That’s her, yes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How can you be so sure?”

“Two things stand out. One, the horn color. It matches my mother’s. Second, there’s slight chip near the base. She tripped and hit her head on a rock one winter when her hoof caught some unseen ice.”

Doctor Whooves writes on his clipboard. “I’ll record their names and deaths for the public record. But I’ll need some information from you first, miss.”

“Sure. One second.”

Turning to Arc, Tempest continues.

“Could you please go back to the front and ask Cerulean Skies if she’d like to see our parents one last time?”

Arc nods. “Sure. I’ll meet you in the corridor when you’re done with the doctor.”

Turning, he leaves the back room. Spotting Cerulean Skies standing with Twilight and Fire Streak he moves to join them. Walking over to her, he bows his head.

“Your sister has confirmed that both of your parents were among the bodies found.”

Cerulean Skies groans. “I knew it.”

“Tempest is helping Doctor Whooves fill out the official reports now. But she wanted me to come out here and ask if you wanted to see them one last time.”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head. “No thank you, sir. While I don’t remember much about them, I don’t want the most vivid memory to be of them like that.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Cerulean Skies’ shoulder. “That’s probably for the best.”

Fire Streak turns to her. “Some ponies need to see the bodies for cloture. Like your sister, for example.”

“Tempest always liked to say ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’ when we were little. Guess she just had to know for certain.”

A short time later Tempest and Doctor Whooves emerge from the back room together. Tempest looks to her sister.

“It’s done.”

Cerulean Skies bows her head. “Thank you, Tempest.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “Fire Streak and I will start with your parents next so as to expedite this process.”

Fire Streak sighs. “Their examination should conclude by this evening, I would imagine.”

“After that point, their remains will be released for transfer in whatever method of tending you desire.”

Tempest sighs. “Good. I’ll…”

Cerulean Skies interrupts. “Might I be allowed to do that, Tempest?”

“Cerulean Skies?”

“I just… really would like to take care of them. Just this once. Like they did for me in what few memories of them that I do have.”

“Sure. Just let me know if you need help with anything.”

Turning to Arc, Tempest frowns.

“But at the moment, I need to take care of somepony else.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

Tempest grits her teeth as she calls forth Light’s Bane. “Chrysalis! Whom else?!”

Arc appears hopeful. “Do you know where she is?!”

Tempest turns and heads for the corridor as she seethes. “No! But I do know who would!”

Walking over to the center of the hallway, Tempest makes a slicing motion with Light’s Bane. A portal opens and she heads for it. Cerulean Skies gasps and calls out.

“Tempest! What is this?!”

Tempest looks over her shoulder. “A portal to the Council of Shadows’ headquarters.”

Twilight gasps. “What?!”

“I’m going to see the Dark One. He has to know where to find Chrysalis.”

Arc steps forward. “Want some company?”

Tempest scoffs. “Company?”

“I wouldn’t mind talking to him again myself.”

Tempest frowns. “You do realize that I’m going to the council’s innermost sanctum, right? You’d be at his mercy should he decide to end you right then and there.”

“A risk I’m willing to take.”

Twilight gasps. “But why, Arc?!”

“Because I want to know where Chrysalis is too. And how the changeling’s antics were part of their plan.”

Tempest sighs. “Fine. But if you make him angry, you’re on your own.”

“Understood.”

Calling forth his armor, Arc turns to Twilight and playfully salutes her.

“Be back in a bit, your highness.”

He and Tempest enter the portal as Twilight waves a hoof nervously. As it closes, Cerulean Skies turns to her.

“Why did you let him go, your highness?”

Twilight bows her head. “I can’t actually force Arc to do anything.”

Sighing, she sits down and leans against the wall before continuing.

“That… and when he sets his mind to do something, nothing will change it.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Tempest reappear in a dark cave. Arc looks around as he speaks.

“Where are we?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Our hideout. Like I said a few moments ago.”

“And that is…?”

Tempest holds out Light’s Bane to light the way. “A secret.”

She begins walking with Arc by her side. A few moments later they emerge into a massive inner cavern. A large table stands before them covered in papers, maps, and writing utensils. Tempest walks over to a small gong and taps it with her spear. Arc covers his ears as she does so before calling out.

“What the heck was that for?!”

Tempest frowns. “To call an assembly of whomever is here. Think of it like our doorbell.”

“Next time let’s just knock then.”

A few minutes later the sound of hooves walking toward them echoes out. Emerging from a dimly lit corridor, the Dark One makes his way over to the table to stand opposite of Tempest and Arc. He snorts as he points a hoof toward Arc.

“What… is he doing here?”

Tempest shrugs. “The Hero of Light just wanted to… tag along.”

Arc folds his gauntlets over his chest. “Right. We need to talk.”

“Regarding what exactly?”

“Chrysalis’ role in your little organization. How does she fit in here?”

“She provides, or I suppose ‘provided’ would be the correct term, information to us.”

Tempest frowns. “Changelings make decent enough scouts, I suppose.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And her attack on the Crystal Empire?”

“Not part of my plan, no.”

Arc glares at him. “You really expect me to believe that?!”

“We have simple rules here, Arc. You give us what we ask for and in return the council allows you to do whatever it is you want.”

Tempest looks to Arc. “It was probably part of her larger plan to take down the Equestrian government.”

“Maybe. But we need to ask her ourselves.”

Tempest nods as she again faces forward. “Where is she, Dark One?!”

The Dark One scoffs. “Do you really believe that I know? You were here when she departed after failing to convince us to help her retake her hive.”

“Yes, I was here. And I know that you don’t leave anything to chance. Or… loose ends.”

“That is true. However, I’ve only kept tabs on her when she was in the area.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So she’s still nearby?!”

“Correct. I can sense her unique magical powers over a fairly large distance.”

“Then tell us where to find her!”

“No.”

Tempest seethes. “WHAT?!”

“There is no reason for you to go after her, Tempest. In fact, she may still be of some use to us one day.”

Tempest stomps a hoof angrily. “She needs to go down!”

“You seek revenge.”

Arc frowns. “How…?”

The Dark One chuckles darkly. “I can sense the feelings of sadness and rage from within her.”

“Then you can sense my desire to rip her apart!”

“Yes. However, you must remember that the oath we all took was to aide and support the cause without directly interfering with other member’s activities.”

Tempest sputters angrily. “She killed my parents!”

“Unfortunate, but ultimately not part of the grander plan, Tempest.”

“Neither is a former member that flies off!”

“Still… it would be best if she were left alive. That is… unless you could replace her with someone far more… useful.”

He looks to Arc and smirks before again addressing Tempest.

“Was that your plan in bringing Arc here?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Believe me, that’s not an option with him.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

The Dark One shrugs. “Then it appears that we have nothing more to talk about.”

Turning, he begins walking away. Tempest seethes and calls out after him.

“Where do you think you’re going?!”

“Back to what I was doing. Actual work that benefits the cause.”

Tempest jumps up on top of the table. “Not before you tell me where to find Chrysalis!”

“Make me.”

Screaming out in a rage, Tempest charges toward the Dark One with Light’s Bane at the ready. However, as she swings at him, the Dark One effortlessly stops her blow with a fetlock to prevent the blade from hitting him. With a quick motion, he wraps the other fetlock around the scythe’s shaft and pulls it from Tempest’s grasp. Tossing it aside, he blasts her in the face, stunning the mare. Using the momentum, the Dark One pulls a blade from his cloak and stabs Tempest in the chest with it. Her eyes wide, she gasps before falling to the ground. Arc runs over to her and presses against the wound as Tempest gasps and writhes on the ground.

“Can’t… breath…!”

Arc picks her up. “Don’t worry! I’ve got you!”

Raising his gauntlet, Arc looks over his shoulder as the portal forms.

“This conversation isn’t over, Dark One!”

Running through the swirling energies, Arc vanishes from sight as his portal closes behind him. Turning, the Dark One picks up Light’s Bane and slings it over his shoulder. As he turns to walk away he chuckles and mutters to himself.

“You are indeed correct, young Arc. This is matter is not yet over.”

Chapter 13 - Nocturnal Actions

Arc reappears on the sigil in the Ponyville Hospital waiting room. He calls out loudly as he runs toward the nurse at the desk.

“I NEED HELP OVER HERE!”

She quickly presses a button on the counter. An alarm goes off indicating a medical emergency. Two orderlies run toward them with a gurney. Arc lays Tempest down as Doctor Horse approaches and begins looking over the patient as he speaks.

“What happened?!”

“Single stab wound to her chest!”

Doctor Horse looks to the orderlies. “Get her to the operating room, stat!”

They begin running down the corridor as the doctor hops up onto the gurney frame. Putting a stethoscope to Tempest’s chest, he grimaces.

“Her lung is filling up with blood! Faster!”

As the gurney careens toward the open doors of the operating room Tempest looks weakly to Arc and gasps.

“Tell… sister…”

Arc nods fervently as he stops at the doors. “I will! Don’t worry!”

The doors slam shut as a light comes on overhead to indicate that the room is now in use. Arc stares at it for a long moment before walking over to a nearby bench and sitting down heavily. Removing his helmet, he sets it down next to him and puts his head in his hands.

“The Dark One. Tempest never even saw his attack coming. Is he really that much more skilled than she is? Or was she just being overconfident? And why the heck did he try to kill her anyways? I mean… it’s not like her attack would have done anything to him. At least I think it wouldn’t.”

Groaning, Arc leans back and rests his head on the wall as he continues.

“This whole thing makes even less sense now.”

Sitting there for a few minutes, Arc eventually stands and sighs. Picking up his helmet, he opens a portal and steps through. Finding himself back in his room in Canterlot Castle, he recalls the rest of his armor and heads for the door. Walking through it, Arc makes his way back to the Infirmary. Spotting the doctor coming out with a clipboard he calls out to him.

“Doctor Whooves, is Cerulean Skies still here?”

The doctor shakes his head. “No sir. She, along with the princess and investigator, went back to the Conference Room shortly after you left.”

“Thanks. I’ll head over there now.”

Turning, Arc heads down the corridor. Reaching his destination, he enters to find Twilight looking over the pictures of the scene with Fire Streak as Cerulean Skies sits in front of a few other items. Twilight looks over as he approaches.

“Arc! Are you, alright?!”

Arc nods. “I’m fine, yes.”

Fire Streak appears hopeful. “Did you find out anything about Queen Chrysalis’ location, sir?!”

“No, I didn’t. Um… would you please excuse me for a moment?”

Turning, Arc walks over to Cerulean Skies. Standing next to her, he looks down at the items before her.

“More things from your parents?”

Cerulean Skies nods sadly. “Just a few things. My mother’s mane bands, my father’s bandana, and that notebook from earlier.”

Sighing, she continues without looking over.

“Would you like to keep these things, Tempest?”

Arc bows his head. “She’s… not with me.”

Cerulean Skies turns around, confused. “What? Did she go after the one you were looking for already?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Cerulean Skies. She… Tempest was injured.”

“But she’s regenerated already, right?”

“Not this time, no.”

“I don’t understand!”

“The Dark One… he stabbed her.”

Cerulean Skies gasps. “Where is she?! Is Tempest okay?!”

“I portaled us out of there after it happened to Ponyville Hospital. When I left, the medical staff were rushing her into surgery.”

Cerulean Skies quickly stands up. “Can you take me to her, sir?!”

“To Ponyville Hospital, yes. But like I said, she’s in surgery.”

“Please do!”

Opening a portal, Arc and Cerulean Skies rush through as Arc calls out to Twilight.

“I’ll call you later!”

Twilight waves a hoof nervously. “Take care, Arc!”

Reappearing on the sigil in the Waiting Room, the pair run up to the nurse’s counter. Cerulean Skies is the first to speak.

“My sister was just brought here! She was stabbed!”

Arc looks to the nurse. “She’s the mare I carried in a little while ago.”

The nurse nods. “The patient is still in surgery. And I’m sorry to say that I don’t have any additional information regarding her current condition.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I figured as much. Might we be allowed to wait in the doctor’s office though?”

“Of course, sir. Shall I have somepony take you there?”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you, but I know the way.”

Motioning for Cerulean Skies to follow him, Arc leads her down the corridor. Coming to the now familiar office, he opens the door for her and allows the mare to enter first. Closing it behind them, he motions to a couch nearby.

“Why don’t we have a seat?”

Cerulean Skies nods sadly. “Yes, this will probably take a long time.”

They sit down together. The room is silent for a few minutes before Cerulean Skies turns to Arc soberly.

“Can you go over with me what happened again?”

Arc shrugs. “There’s really not much more to say. We went to the Council of Shadows’ hideout and met with the Dark One. He wasn’t willing to tell us where Chrysalis was hiding, other than saying that she was still around, so Tempest attacked him with her scythe.”

“And he broke Tempest’s defenses to stab her?”

“Kinda. In truth, he effortlessly knocked her attack away before countering with a knife to her chest.”

“That’s a bit scary. After all, Tempest isn’t somepony you could easily get the drop on.”

“I get the feeling that the Dark One is in a league of his own. At least his magical powers are.”

Cerulean Skies appears hopeful. “What… do you think my sister’s chances are?”

“Well, I’m not really a doctor.”

“Please guess though, sir!”

“The doctor said that one of her lungs was filling with blood. That was moments before they arrived at the operating room though. And she was still able to speak as they took her inside.”

“What did she say?”

“Just to inform you of what happened.”

“Nothing else?”

Arc shakes his head. “There wasn’t time for anything else, no.”

Cerulean Skies puts her face in her hooves. “I just don’t understand how this could have happened! My sister has always been so… so hyper-alert!”

“And she’s been able to regenerate any damage done to her thus far as well.”

“Tempest told me some time ago that he was the one whom granted her the weapon she has along with her regeneration abilities.”

Gasping, she continues.

“Do you suppose that he took that ability away from her somehow?!”

Arc sighs. “It stands to reason that he did. After all, no one’s been able to make any damage to her stick in the past.”

Several hours pass. Eventually Doctor Horse enters the office. He walks over to Arc and Cerulean Skies, whom is dozing on the couch. Shaking her gently, Arc speaks quietly.

“Cerulean Skies. The doctor is here.”

Slowly sitting up, she looks to the doctor nervously.

“Is… is my sister… okay?”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes, ma’am. She’s been stabilized and is resting peacefully in an intensive care room.”

Arc grimaces. “Did you find anything… out of the ordinary when you operated?”

“No sir. Everything I saw was that of a badly wounded mare.”

Cerulean Skies bows her head. “I was hoping you would say that she started healing partway through the operation.”

“I’m afraid not. Such regeneration has never been observed by anypony previously. Other than Princess Celestia, I’m told.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Can we see her?”

“You can, yes. However, the patient is currently unconscious from the sedatives administered prior and during surgery. That and they will remain so for some time to help the healing process.”

Cerulean Skies nods soberly. “I’d still like to be with her though.”

“Very well, miss. Please, follow me.”

The doctor leads them out the office door and down several corridors. Coming to a door, he stops and turns to the pair.

“Here we are. Now then, please be aware that the young mare within is in very shape and shouldn’t be disturbed any more than absolutely necessary.”

Arc and Cerulean Skies nod as the doctor turns to open the door. Pushing it inward, he steps aside to let them enter. Cerulean Skies gasps as she sees Tempest lying on the bed out cold. Walking shakily over to her, she takes her sister’s hoof and whispers to her.

“I’m right here, Tempest.”

Arc turns to the doctor. “Have you given her a blood test?”

“Yes, sir. After hearing that the wound was made by an unknown blade type, I ordered a test for poison. It came back negative.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good.”

“However, she is far from out of the woods yet. We’re still keeping an eye out for infection and further complications.”

Cerulean Skies looks over as she points to her sister’s bandages. “All this from a single knife wound?”

The doctor shakes his head. “It wasn’t a normal knife that did this.”

Arc frowns. “What do you mean, doctor?”

“A jab from a knife does a great deal of localized tissue damage. However, it’s generally all in a straight line. The wound in the patient though was much, MUCH wider.”

Cerulean Skies gasps. “How is that possible?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I don’t recall seeing the Dark One twist the knife, or anything else other than just pull it out.”

“All I can think of then is that it was the knife itself. Normal blades are straight to allow for easy piercing. However, there are certain knives that are serrated and/or barbed to allow for maximum damage.”

Turning to Arc, the doctor continues.

“Did you happen to notice anything strange about the weapon, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “It all happened so fast that I didn’t really see how or what he did. One moment they were arguing, the next, Tempest was lying on the ground bleeding heavily.”

Cerulean Skies looks to the doctor. “Will she recover?”

“Oh, yes. With luck, she could awaken as early as tomorrow morning.”

“How about walking around?”

“That’s up to the patient. They can get up as soon as they awaken if they feel as though they can take the pain. But it’s going to be a number of weeks before your sister is going to be able to do much more than light duty.”

Cerulean Skies sighs. “Tempest won’t like that. She’ll want to be out of that bed as soon as possible.”

Arc snaps a finger. “I think I have an idea on how we can keep her resting.”

Sometime later a cadre of nurses and orderlies walk down the corridor on either side of Tempest’s gurney. The doctor leads the way as Arc and Cerulean Skies bring up the rear. She turn to him happily.

“Thank you for suggesting this, sir. I know Tempest would want it.”

Arc shrugs. “Whatever keeps her in that bed.”

The doctor opens a door and steps aside to allow the others to pass. They carefully wheel Tempest inside as those pushing IV bottles and machines follow. After hooking everything up again properly the extra staff leaves the room. Doctor Horse turns to Arc as he speaks.

“It appears everything is now in order. But I must point out that it is highly irregular to have two patients in one intensive care room.”

Cerulean Skies shrugs. “This really is for the best though.”

Arc nods. “I doubt any of us would want to be around if Tempest were to wake up anywhere other than next to Decimus.”

Doctor Horse looks to Arc, hopefully. “So does that mean you’ve officially identified him is Captain Decimus, sir?”

“Nah. Just kinda habit to call him that, I suppose.”

Cerulean Skies turns to the bed. “When he wakes up maybe you’ll get your answers, sir.”

“I hope so.”

Doctor Horse clears his throat. “Yes, well… I should look in on my other patients now. Feel free to buzz for the nurse if either of you needs anything or has questions.”

Cerulean Skies smiles at him. “Thank you, doctor.”

Turning, Doctor Horse leaves the room as Arc motions for Cerulean Skies to sit down with him on a nearby bench. Looking to her, he sighs.

“I’m really sorry about all of this.”

Cerulean Skies appears confused. “What for, sir?”

Arc gestures to Tempest lying on the bed. “This.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t your fault, sir.”

“If I had just been a bit quicker or perceptive then maybe I could have…”

Cerulean Skies interrupts him. “Please, sir. My sister is hurt because of her own actions. Not yours.”

“I still question that.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I doubt Tempest will hold what happened against you when she wakes up.”

Yawning, she puts a hoof to her forehead before continuing.

“But I think I need to follow my sister’s lead and rest for a bit. It’s been a long, hard day.”

“Go ahead. I’ll keep watch for a bit.”

“You don’t have to do that though, sir. After all, I’m sure you have a million other things to do right now.”

“Kinda do, yeah. But…”

He sighs before continuing.

“This is admittedly one of them. So get some rest, Cerulean Skies.”

“Thank you, sir. I will.”

Leaning back, she closes her eyes. As she falls asleep, Arc turns to her and smiles.

“Rest well.”

Sometime later, Cerulean Skies opens her eyes. Looking around, she immediately notices that the sun has since set. The only illumination in the room comes from lights over the two patient’s beds and the machines they are hooked up to. Seeing Tempest resting peacefully nearby, she smiles warmly. A few moments later a familiar voice rings out.

“Sleep well?”

Turning her head, Cerulean Skies sees that she is leaning against Arc’s shoulder. Clearly embarrassed, she pulls back and bows her head.

“Please forgive me, sir!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine, Cerulean Skies. I knew you were tired, but I didn’t realize you were THAT sleepy!”

Cerulean Skies rubs her eyes. “Have I really been out all afternoon?!”

“Yup. You’ve slept through every nurse coming to check both patients’ vitals, every time the doctor came to look in on us, and even a supper cart coming in to offer us something to eat.”

“My apologies, sir! I really didn’t mean to…!”

“Like I said, it’s fine. But how about I call for something to eat now? Considering I doubt that you’ve eaten yet today, what with how early I came to get you this morning, you have to be famished.”

Cerulean Skies puts a hoof to her belly. “Well… I actually am really hungry now that you pointed it out.”

Arc stands. “Then I’ll go get us something from the hospital cafeteria.”

Cerulean Skies hops off the bench. “No need to do that, sir. I’ll go.”

“I really don’t mind going though. That and I’m sure you’d like to stay with your sister as well.”

“Yes, I would. Thank you.”

Arc turns to the door and heads out. Making the short walk to the cafeteria, he finds it closed. Groaning, he looks at their hours on the board next to the door.

“Missed it by ten minutes.”

Tapping his chin for a few moments, Arc eventually snaps his fingers as an idea hits him. Opening a portal, he passes through and reappears inside his quarters within Light’s Hope. Entering the cafeteria he sees a number of guards eating. They immediately stand and salute respectfully as Arc smiles.

“As you were.”

Picking up two plates, Arc levitates a portion of food onto each one from the warmers on the buffet. Opening another portal, he steps through to return to the hospital waiting room. Making the short walk back to the intensive care unit, he pushes the door open with a foot and enters.

“Sorry it took so long. The cafeteria here was closed.”

Cerulean Skies appears confused. “It was? Then where did this food come from?”

Arc chuckles as he gives Cerulean Skies her plate. “My base on the other side of town.”

Cerulean Skies accepts the food. “Thank you very much, sir. It smells delicious.”

As the pair eat, Arc looks to the beds as he addresses Cerulean Skies.

“Can I assume neither of them stirred while I was gone?”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head. “Not so much as a sniffle, no.”

“Yeah, I figured as much.”

“But I do thank you for giving me the opportunity to be here for my sister.”

“She needs you right now.”

“Normally I’d have been forced to leave when visiting hours are over though.”

“That’s true. However, I don’t want Tempest coming around without someone here to tell her what happened.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Go ahead.”

“Lord Arc, this is Ashe. Are you planning to come back to the ship soon?”

“Um… I was kinda thinking I’d stay here in Ponyville tonight. Why?”

“It’s my duty to remind you that it’s getting rather late, and you’re supposed to be spending evenings with Lady Natalya.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I know. Griffon law, and all that.”

Cerulean Skies turns to him. “Sir, if you have to go take care of something else I completely understand.”

Ashe continues. “Lady Natalya’s been asking if there’s been any word from you for the last few hours.”

“I did leave in a bit of a hurry. Alright, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, Lord Arc.”

“Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection and turns to Cerulean Skies.

“Guess I really do need to be elsewhere.”

Cerulean Skies shrugs. “Such is the life of the Hero of Light, I suppose.”

“I’ll come by early tomorrow morning to check on you three.”

“Yes sir. I’ll try to be awake and composed when you do.”

Arc chuckles as he opens a portal. “It’s okay if you’re not up when I get here, Cerulean Skies. I can just ask the staff if there have been any changes.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“Good night.”

Cerulean Skies waves as he steps through the portal. “Bye.”

Arc vanishes and reappears on the sigil in his quarters. Hammer, Twilight, Ashe, and Natalya are sitting at the table together talking as he approaches them.

“I’m back. Did I miss anything?”

Hammer shrugs. “Just paperwork regarding your case, is all.”

Arc groans as he sits down. “Sorry. I’m really not trying to run away from it.”

Luna smiles at him. “It’s fine, Arc. Natalya and I helped Ashe fill out the latest ones.”

Ashe holds up a piece of paper. “Yes, well… there’s just one left.”

Arc holds out a hand. “I’ll take care of it. All things considered it’s the least I could do. What’s it about though?”

“Officiation of the ceremony.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… not sure what that entails.”

Natalya looks to him. “It’s where an official asks if we’re both willing to be married. Then after we both say ‘I do’ they declare us legally wed.”

Hammer chuckles. “We just wanted to talk to you before filling this last one out though. After all, it is your big day.”

Luna nods. “You and Natalya first need to figure out whom will officiate the ceremony.”

Natalya sighs. “I don’t really mind whom does it. Lord Arc?”

“It’s not really too important to me either.”

Turning to Ashe, he continues.

“Any suggestions?”

Ashe puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “Any public servant is generally empowered to carry out the ceremony after all the paperwork is complete. However, it’s a status symbol for a noble to get the highest ranking official they can convince to do the job.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “How though? By asking them face to face or is there another form?”

“Face to face. But usually with a gift as compensation for their time.”

Hammer scowls. “You mean a bribe?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, a gift. Everyone deserves to be compensated for their time, after all.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “I believe I can see the logic in that. However, it still does feel like any gift given to a government official to convince them to do something is a bribe.”

Natalya turns to Arc. “We could ask the captain of the guard to do it.”

Arc shrugs. “Whatever makes you comfortable.”

Luna looks to Ashe. “Does the ceremony have to be public?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Legally, no. However, most nobles make a grand statement with their wedding. Driving through the town together is pretty standard for the aristocracy.”

Natalya grimaces. “I’d rather keep this whole thing quiet. After all, my family name isn’t exactly the best right now.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. We just need someone whom won’t make a big deal out of it. That and a venue of some kind.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “And since Twilight will be in attendance, it needs to be a secure one too.”

Natalya gasps. “I didn’t think of that!”

Luna smiles at her. “It’s alright. I’m sure that wherever you and Arc want to have the ceremony is just fine with her.”

Hammer grins. “Me too. After all, this is your big day.”

Arc looks to Natalya. “Would you be okay having the ceremony aboard The Equinox?”

“Sure. Were you thinking of having it on the bridge?”

Hammer shrugs. “Like you said earlier, maybe Captain Soarin would be able to officiate for you two. You know… cause he’s the captain.”

Ashe shakes her head. “That won’t be an option, I’m afraid. For a wedding in the Griffon Kingdom to be valid, a proper griffon official needs to perform it.”

Arc puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “How about you, Ashe?”

Luna nods. “That would be a good idea. I’m assuming you’re empowered as ambassador, that is.”

Ashe shakes her head. “ I would be for anyone else, yes. However, since I took care of signing off on all the paperwork, the law would see the act of me officiating as a conflict of interest.”

Natalya groans. “So we need someone not connected to this matter in any way?”

Ashe nods. “Or Equestria, yes.”

Arc turns to Ashe. “What about Lord Gestal?”

“My father?”

Arc nods. “Sure. I’m guessing he’d like seeing you again anyways, Ashe.”

“Well… he’s certainly able to do that. But I’d have to ask him.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “Do you think he’d go for it?”

“Probably. At least for Lord Arc’s sake, I mean.”

Arc looks to his fiancée. “Is that alright with you, Natalya?”

Natalya nods. “Yes, it’s just fine.”

Arc turns to Ashe. “Go ahead and ask your father if he’d be able to do this for us.”

“Very well. What about the date though?”

“As soon as possible would be better. All of us need to get back to Equestria for various reasons.”

Ashe stands. “Alright. I’ll call my father and ask him as soon as I get back to my quarters. If he agrees, we could have the ceremony as soon as the day after tomorrow.”

Luna appears surprised. “That soon?!”

Ashe points to the last form. “With all the paperwork ready, that is.”

Hammer gasps. “Will it be though?”

“If my father is officiating, yes. Believe me when I say that the a fore mentioned paperwork will absolutely fly through the proper channels.”

Natalya smiles. “Then it sounds like we have the beginnings of a plan.”

Arc nods as he finishes writing. “That we do. But if it’s all the same to everyone, I’d like to get some sleep now. It’s been a really long day for me, after all.”

Hammer stands. “That it has.”

Luna takes the form from Arc. “Very well. Ashe and I will see about making preparations for the ceremony.”

Natalya raises a talon. “I can help you with that.”

Ashe smiles at her. “Normally that would be fine. However, you have to remember that this is YOUR wedding we’re talking about. Meaning that it needs to be done for you.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess that means I can help either?”

Luna smiles warmly. “Right. But I think you two will be busy enough as it stands.”

Hammer smirks. “Getting themselves ready, eh?”

Ashe nods. “Traditionally, the couple spends the day of the wedding itself wining and dining in addition to partaking in entertainment.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “What kind of entertainment?”

“The law doesn’t officially specify what needs to be done. It’s just whatever you two enjoy doing, I suppose.”

Arc grins. “So a day of fun before the ceremony?”

“Right. And at sunset the couple makes their way to the predetermined ceremony location where all their family and friends are waiting for them. Everyone sits down as the official goes through the marriage pact. He then asks both parties if they’re willing to be wed before making the final declaration.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “And that makes it all legal, right?”

Ashe nods. “Exactly. Then Lord Arc and Lady Natalya can return to Equestria as per their case’s exemption.”

Luna heads to the door. “I’ll order the crew to see to it that the Bridge is ready by then.”

Natalya quickly calls out. “Um… excuse me, Princess Luna?”

“Yes?”

“Would it be okay if we had the ceremony on the Observation Deck instead?”

“That’s up to Arc, as the ship is his.”

Arc nods. “If that’s what you want to do, then sure.”

Hammer chimes in. “Any particular theme or special request you’re looking for though?”

Natalya looks toward the window. “There’s just one thing. Is there any chance that the ship could be turned so that the Observation Deck’s windows give a nice view of the western skyline behind the one officiating?”

Arc nods. “As long as the Skyport gives their permission, yes.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “They will with proper paperwork filled out.”

Hammer grins. “I can help with that. Then I can radio them and set up the date and time.”

Ashe smiles. “It’s only a single page form for that as well.”

Luna giggles. “That will make for a nice scene. A wedding with a lovely sunset behind them.”

Natalya bows her head. “I suppose it will be, yes. But I had a different reason for such a request.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What is it, Natalya?”

“While the ceremony is underway, I want to be able to look to the west unimpeded. Even though I won’t be able to see it, that’s the direction of Equestria. And I want to be facing my new homeland which did so much FOR me. Rather than the country that did so much TO me.”

Ashe nods soberly. “I’ll see to it those requests are approved, Lady Natalya.”

Hammer looks out the window. “We can get started on brainstorming decorations tomorrow.”

Arc yawns. “Yes. Right now I think we should just get some rest and get moving on this matter in the morning.”

Ashe turns to Luna as they head for the door together. “I’ll just quickly call my father to get his thoughts on officiating before turning in for the night.”

Luna And I’ll be sure to speak to Princess Twilight about ideas to make this day special for both of them.

Giggling, the pair leave the room together. Natalya turns to Arc and smiles nervously.

“They’re… trying very hard to make our wedding… memorable.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s a big decision!”

Arc nods. “Right. Even for a marriage that’s just done out of necessity, a wedding is still a wedding.”

Natalya looks away nervously. “Yes, well… um… like you said, we should probably get some rest now.”

Hammer stands and yawns. “Yeah. Lots of planning and whatnot on our plate for tomorrow.”

Arc chuckles. “You too, Hammer?”

“What can I say? I’m a sucker for a nice party.”

Natalya sighs. “You and I have very different opinions on the meaning of that particular word.”

Hammer grins as she puts her hands on her hips and swings them side to side. “Doesn’t matter if you’re in front getting hitched or in the seats. Everyone’s going to party when it’s all said and done. Some a bit… harder than others though.”

Arc heads for the couch. “In any case, let’s get some sleep. Big day, and all that.”

Natalya smiles shyly. “Tomorrow will be my last full day being single.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “So… how exactly are we supposed to celebrate that?

Natalya appears confused as she and Hammer lie down on either side of the bed. “No, as was explained earlier, the celebration for the couple is the day OF the wedding. Not the day before.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah, I heard that part. But back on Earth there’s a tradition of the bride and groom going out with their friends and partying.”

Natalya looks past Hammer at Arc. “Is that true, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yup. The bride and her friends usually have what’s called a ‘bachelorette party’ at some point before the wedding day.”

“And what sort of things do they do?”

Hammer shrugs. “Usually just go to check out male strippers, I hear.”

Natalya appears confused. “What’s a male stripper?”

“It’s a human guy that…”

Arc interrupts her. “You know, they don’t really HAVE to go and do that sort of thing.”

“Oh?”

“My mother once told me about her bachelorette party when I was little. She said that her and her friends got together and played silly little = games.”

“Games?”

“One of them was her being asked pre-determined questions about my dad. Each wrong answer she gave though forces her to put a marshmallow in her mouth.”

Hammer smirks. “Hopefully she could hold her sugar.”

“I’m told that she only got two wrong. A lucky break for her.”

Natalya smiles. “What else did they do?”

Arc shrugs. “A lot of sitting around and talking, I think.”

“Just… talking?”

“Ultimately the bride gets to choose what the group is going to do. Some do it my mother’s way. Most do it Hammer’s way. But the important thing is to remember to have fun.”

Hammer turns to the bride to be. “So whaddya wanna do, Natalya?”

Natalya bows her head. “I… don’t think I could have one then.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“My family, other than Gallus and Gabby, is nonexistent. And I don’t actually have any friends.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Well, that ain’t true.”

She smacks her own chest and points at Arc before continuing.

“Arc and I are your friends, ain’t we?!”

“I… suppose that’s true, yes. But it doesn’t sound like something that would work here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc chuckles. “After all, it would look kinda silly if the groom went to a bachelorette party with his bride to be.”

Hammer shrugs. “Guess that would kinda kill the vibe.”

Arc smiles as he turns off the lights. “Probably, yes.”

They all lie back and get situated. A few minutes pass before Natalya turns to Hammer.

“So… would you like to get something to drink together?”

Hammer sits straight up, turns to Natalya, and grins as she nods emphatically.

“Oh, hell yeah!”

They both hop out of bed. Hammer grabs her officer’s uniform as Natalya walks over to the couch.

“Would you like to come too, sir?”

As she looks to Arc through, Natalya immediately notices that his eyes are closed and that he is lightly snoring. Hammer approaches with her officer’s coat slung over her shoulder. Looking down she shakes her head.

“What a lightweight.”

Natalya gasps as she turns to Hammer. “I think he’s had a harder day than we have.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah, I know. So let’s go!”

“Without Lord Arc? It just doesn’t feel right.”

“What?!”

“Like Ambassador Ashe said, during the engagement period the couple must stay together as much as possible.”

Hammer groans. “Come on! He’ll never know! Nor will the ambassador!”

“Are you sure?”

“Remember, she said she was going to call her old man and then go to bed! So they’re either neck deep in a long conversation or sawing wood right now!”

“Well… alright. But I’m going to tell Lord Arc everything that we do out there tonight, so we really have to stay out of any real trouble.”

Hammer grabs Natalya’s talon and hurries toward the door with her. “Whatever! Let’s just get going!”

Leaving the room, Hammer and Natalya make their way down the corridor and out the main hatch. Walking down the gangplank, Hammer speaks.

“Um… should you wear a disguise, or something?”

Natalya appears confused. “Why would I need one?”

“Well, your old man being Lord Goldstone, and him being pretty much universally hated right now. That and the fact you’re the heir to his estate.”

“While true, I’ll be fine. The general public doesn’t know my face, after all.”

“What about your name?”

Natalya grimaces. “I suppose that has come up in the news by now, yes.”

“Then I should probably call you something else for the evening.”

“A different name?”

Hammer shrugs. “Think of it like an alias.”

“How about just ‘Nat’?”

Hammer grins. “Simple and effective. I like it.”

Natalya giggles. “Nat it is then.”

“Fine. What do you want to do though?”

“How about we start with that drink I promised you?”

“You read my mind!”

“This way then. There’s a lounge just outside the Skyport grounds that flight crews frequent.”

“Is it seedy?”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “I’m not sure what that means.”

“Run down and filled with troublemakers.”

“It’s not exactly somewhere that nobles go, no. But security crews from the Skyport patrol just outside. That keeps everyone on their best behavior.”

“Darn!”

“Um… that’s a good thing.”

Hammer chuckles. “Yeah, maybe. But I was kinda hoping for a little action.”

“Action?”

“A barfight, or something entertaining.”

“All I want is a bit of fun before I get married though.”

“Fine. You’re the boss. Lead the way.”

Making their way out the gates toward the city, Natalya points a talon at a good sized building. A sign over the door says ‘The Red Roost’. Hammer grins and laughs a bit as Natalya turns to her, confused.

“What’s so funny?”

Hammer points. “The name!”

“I don’t get it.”

“It’s a bird pun, Nat!”

“Is it?”

Hammer nods. “Back on Earth, a ‘roost’ is where wild birds go at the end of the day to sleep.”

“Oh. Now I kinda see what you mean.”

Entering the establishment, the pair walk over to a corner table and sit down across from one another. Hammer looks around at the numerous griffons relaxing at the surrounding tables and nods approvingly.

“Liking this place already.”

“But we just got here, Hammer.”

“The vibe, I mean.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Vibe?”

“It’s not a fancy-schmancy snooze fest in here. Everyone looks like a normal member of society and not some stuck up noble.”

“That’s surprising. I would have guessed that you were used to things like that. What with being with Lord Arc all the time.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Mostly I work security at Canterlot Castle while he’s off doing whatever.”

“So you’re a bodyguard of the princesses then?”

“Sometimes, yeah. Mostly I coordinate security with or for the Captain of the Royal Guard though.”

Natalya grins. “You must have more than a few interesting stories then.”

Hammer scoffs. “Not really. I mean… my job really is more about figuring out ways to prevent trouble from happening. So if nothing happens, then that means I’ve done things properly.”

“I kinda get that.”

A waitress walks over with an order pad.

“What can I get for you two?”

Natalya looks to her. “Beer.”

“Domestic or imported?”

Natalya points to a drink listing. “Definitely imported.”

The waitress nods as she looks to Hammer. “And you?”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward Natalya. “I’ll have whatever my friend’s having.”

“Alright. Be right back.”

Making her way to the bar, the waitress fills two large glasses before returning to the pair. Setting them down before them, she continues.

“Anything else I can get for you two?”

Natalya shakes her head as she slides some money across the table. “No thanks. We’re just here for a drink.”

The waitress nods as she takes the coins. “Alright. I’ll check back on you in a bit though.”

She turns and walks away as Hammer looks to Natalya, confused.

“That was a fairly large amount of money you gave her, Nat. Was that a generous tip, or something?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Just the price of the drinks.”

Hammer gasps as she looks down at her glass. “Woah! This stuff ain’t cheap!”

“That’s because it’s imported.”

Hammer smirks. “Aw, you don’t need to splurge on me. The domestic stuff is just fine.”

Natalya makes a face. “Trust me, it isn’t.”

“Is it really that bad?”

Natalya lowers her voice. “The word ‘swill’ comes to mind.”

Hammer holds up her glass. “Then thanks for sparing me that pain.”

Natalya nods as she picks up her own drink. “No problem. But here’s to tonight.”

Hammer grins. “May it be fun filled and memorable!”

They clink their glasses together and take a deep drink. Hammer coughs violently and sets the glass down. Natalya looks to her, clearly concerned.

“Are you alright?!”

Hammer nods between coughs. “Yeah… yeah, I’m cool.”

“If you don’t like it, don’t feel as though you have to finish that.”

“Naw, it’s good. Just way, WAY more powerful than I thought it would be!”

“According to the sign over the bar, it’s from a city far to the south of Equestria called ‘Klugetown’.”

Hammer shrugs. “Never heard of it.”

“They don’t do a lot of business with the Griffon Kingdom. But what they do sell is really expensive.”

“What else they got?”

“Mostly just alcohol and other… exotic merchandise. Sorry, but I don’t really know any more than that since I knew I could never afford any of their goods in the past.”

“But things are going to be different for you now.”

She lowers her voice before continuing.

“You know… since you’re rich.”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not really. I haven’t received anything yet from my inheritance, after all.”

Hammer points to her drink. “Then where did you get the money for these?”

“I got paid the day before that letter arrived, so I had my money on me when we left.”

She smiles and taps her glass with a talon before continuing.

“That and I wanted to try something a bit nicer than just swill before we leave.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s all about trying new things?”

“Sorta, yes.”

Hammer turns and calls out to the waitress at the bar.

“I’ll have a domestic beer please!”

“Coming right up!”

A few moments later she walks the beer over to the table. Hammer slides a few coins across the table as she grins.

“Thanks!”

“You’re welcome.”

As she leaves, Hammer looks over the drink and compares it to the other one.

“Looks about the same. And smells sorta similar, I guess.”

Natalya grimaces. “Believe me, it’s very different.”

“Any tips?”

“Most griffons drink domestic beer hard and fast to avoid tasting it.”

“I’ll just start with a sip then.”

Natalya frowns. “Not a good idea.”

Hammer shrugs. “Well, like you said earlier, I want to try something new.”

Natalya sighs. “It’s your call.”

Taking a small sip, Hammer makes a face. Swallowing it, she shudders as she speaks.

“That’s nasty!”

“Told you.”

Taking the glass, Hammer tips it up and downs the contents as quickly as she is able. It flows down her chin and onto her uniform. As she finishes, Hammer slams the glass down on the table and gasps for breath. Taking a few moments to compose herself, she looks to Natalya as she regains her voice.

“You… you were right.”

“See?”

“About drinking it fast, I mean.”

“That’s the only way to make it even slightly palatable.”

Hammer points to a menu on the wall nearby. “Does food help?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not really, no. The flavors just kinda intermingle into a not so pleasant experience. That and griffon cuisine isn’t exactly the best when compared to pony food. Unless you’re at a proper restaurant, that is.”

“Arc told me about that. Is it really that bad?”

Natalya groans. “It’s probably worse than you think.”

Hammer looks to the menu again. “There has to be something halfway decent to eat around here.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “But didn’t you eat supper aboard The Equinox?”

“Yeah.”

“Then how…?”

Hammer grins as she interrupts her. “Because it’s a celebration, Nat! So I think we should try more new things!”

“Like what?”

“I got an idea.”

Waving the waitress over with a hand, Hammer points to the menu as she speaks.

“What on here is good? And I don’t care what it costs.”

“We do have a pretty decent toasted ham and cheese sandwich. But it’s the most expensive thing on the menu due to the cost of the ingredients.”

Hammer pulls a bag of bits from her overcoat. “We’ll each have one then.”

The waitress writes down the order as she takes their payment. “Alright. Any sides?”

Hammer looks to Natalya. “Got any suggestions?”

“I’ve always been fond of deep fried brussels sprouts.”

Hammer makes a face. “Is that actually a thing?”

Their waitress nods. “They’re honestly pretty good.”

Hammer shrugs. “Fine. Bring us each a side of them.”

Natalya holds out a talonful of bits. “And bring us some more of that imported beer with them.”

A short time later Natalya and Hammer are presented with their food. The waitress steps back and looks to the pair.

“Anything else I can get you?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah, I think we’re good.”

She walks away as the pair begin eating. Hammer takes a bite of the sandwich and washes it down with her fresh beer. Grinning, she looks up at Natalya.

“That’s actually pretty good.”

Natalya nods. “The better beer makes it way tastier too!”

“I’ll say!”

“Normally one would eat their bar food quickly with little to no drinking.”

“Because it tastes bad?”

“And because it gives you a reason to drink it faster at the end.”

Hammer sniffs her empty domestic glass. “Judging by the weak scent of alcohol, I’d guess that it would take a ton of this stuff to get drunk too.”

Natalya nods. “Very true, yes. But that’s also more or less a part of griffon culture. Being in a publicly intoxicated state is by and large frowned upon as something only the lowest of commoners do.”

“Is that true though? I mean… do only the poor get drunk around here?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not in the least. But the wealthy have ways to avoid the shame of the public eye.”

“Drinking at their homes?”

“Well, that too. But if you lived here you would quickly notice that all of the high profile restaurants always have carriage drop off and pickup right at the front door.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “I get it. Whomever would want to be forced to walk more than a few steps to get to a building though? It must be such an inconvenience for them.”

“There is that too, yes. But more or less for drunkenness. A noble that has had too much can usually make those few steps outside to their carriage. At worst, with some help.”

“And a commoner would just have to walk, or in their case stumble, down the street for all to see?”

“You got it.”

Hammer smirks. “Which ones would we be?”

“Huh?”

“The rich kind whom can hide it or the commoners whom just have to deal with it?”

“Neither.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Natalya holds up her glass. “We’ll be the ones whom just don’t care what others think of us.”

Hammer grins as she clinks her glass against Natalya’s. “I hear that!”

“With the exception that we still need to be able to walk, of course.”

“Yeah, I understand what you mean. No point in getting ourselves to THAT point.”

Natalya looks down at her glass as she speaks. “Then we should probably be careful. This imported beer is significantly more powerful than the domestic stuff I’m used to.”

Hammer sets down her empty glass and grins slyly. “That it is. So let’s try something different before we’re done.”

“Like what?”

Chuckling, Hammer waves the waitress over again. Picking up the menu, she points.

“You got any good wine?”

“We do have a few bottles of vintage wine left behind by the former owner. But the house rule is that you have to buy the whole bottle to get some.”

Hammer pulls a bag of money from her overcoat. “Deal!”

Taking the payment, the waitress disappears behind the counter. The squeaking of a trapdoor rings out for all to hear. Returning a few minutes later, she holds out a bottle and two wine glasses.

“Here we are. The best bottle we have.”

Hammer takes it. “Sure looks old.”

Natalya nods as Hammer uncorks it. “That it does.”

Giving the bottle back to the waitress, they watch as she pours out two servings before setting the bottle down on the table.

“Can I get you two anything else?”

Hammer looks to the menu. “Yeah. It says here you have deep fried potatoes. Are they cut up really fine?”

The waitress appears confused. “No, we just cut them in half and deep fry them.”

Natalya looks to Hammer. “It’s a traditional griffon bar food.”

Hammer grins. “Do you take special requests?”

“Sorry, just what’s on the menu.”

Hammer pulls a handful of coins from her pocket. “You sure about that?”

“I… suppose the cook could be persuaded to try something outside of the lineup. What would you like?”

“I want a bunch of potatoes cut up in little sticks. Then deep fried.”

“Alright. That shouldn’t take too long to cook.”

“Thanks.”

She walks away as Hammer rubs her hands together happily.

“This should be good.”

Natalya frowns. “How would they be any different than what’s on the menu?”

Hammer grins. “You’ll see.”

Picking up her glass, Hammer continues.

“But for now, I’d like to propose a toast.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow, confused. “It’s just the two of us though.”

Hammer smiles sheepishly. “Yeah, I know. I’ve just always wanted to do that.”

“Well, I suppose it is something that you do for special occasions.”

“And what’s more special than getting married?!”

“Alright. What should we drink to?”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin. “How about… to you and Arc’s future together?”

Natalya smiles nervously. “But the whole marriage thing is just… you know…”

“Yeah, I know. However, that doesn’t mean you aren’t still special to him.”

“I do understand that. After all, whom else would go that far out of their way to help someone?”

“It’s because he cares about you.”

“And I for him.”

“A lot?”

Natalya blushes slightly. “Yes, I suppose so.”

Hammer leans forward. “Are you in love with him though?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not… exactly. At least, not at this point.”

“So someday you might be?”

“Maybe. It’s just… I really don’t feel like I’m ready to make such a big choice. For real, I mean.”

“And that’s fine.”

“Lord Arc promised that nothing would have to change for either of us. So I believe him.”

“As do I. And I’m glad to hear that you’re taking this thing just as serious as he is. But there is one other thing I wanted to talk to you about it.”

“What’s that?”

“If at some point in the future you two do have… sparks flying, me and the rest of the herd would certainly welcome you into our relationship.”

“You all would?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah, sure. I mean… you’re really nice, and all. That and everyone thus far has been approved by the group after a short bit of talking with them.”

“And if that day never comes?”

“Then we’ll still think of you as someone really special to Arc. You are going to be his first wife, after all.”

Natalya shrugs. “Well, you’ll all have to wait for quite some time.”

Hammer chuckles. “Still have some growing up to do?”

“Yes, I do. Is that a bad thing?”

“Nah. It’s just knowing your limitations and living within them.”

Natalya breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good. I thought I was being rather silly.”

Hammer shrugs. “I’m just sayin’ that the door is always open.”

“Then let’s toast to that.”

Hammer holds up her glass. “Alright. A toast to everyone’s future happiness.”

Natalya nods as she raises her own glass. “Future happiness.”

The glasses clink lightly before the pair take a sip of their respective wine glasses. Nodding, Hammer grins.

“That’s pretty good stuff.”

Natalya nods as she looks at the contents. “Agreed. It has a lot of body to it.”

Hammer smirks. “I have no idea what that means.”

“It’s just something I heard in the military. At the time I was pulling guard duty at a wine tasting event for the lords and ladies of the place. They kept complaining about the lack of ‘body’ and a few other terms I don’t remember.”

“Definitely different from a beer, that’s for sure.”

“Is this your first wine too?”

Hammer grins as she nervously nods. “Yeah. I always kinda thought it was just something for snobs. But I’m actually enjoying this stuff.”

A short time later the waitress walks up with a platter of deep fried potatoes. Setting them down before the pair, she speaks.

“This is what the chef came up with.”

Hammer grins widely. “Then let’s see what we have here.”

Popping one into her mouth, she chews it and frowns before continuing.

“Needs some seasonings.”

Natalya sighs. “Things like that are extremely expensive here in the Griffon Kingdom though.”

The waitress nods. “Right. We don’t even carry such things in our kitchen.”

Hammer appears hopeful. “How about just normal salt then?”

“That we do have, yes.”

Turning away, she reaches over to the bar and pulls a small salt shaker from a spot next to a bowl of nuts. Giving it to Hammer, she smiles.

“Here you are.”

“Thanks!”

Shaking it over the potatoes, Hammer grabs another and tosses it into her mouth. Grinning, she makes a thumbs up motion as she grabs more.

“Much better!”

Natalya giggles. “Can I try one?”

“Help yourself!”

Taking one, Natalya tosses it back and catches it in her mouth. Smiling, she grabs more as she looks to Hammer.

“These are great!”

The waitress appears confused. “How did you come up with this idea?”

Hammer laughs. “They’re just a little something we have back on Earth called ‘French Fries’. Pretty popular there.”

She eyes the plate suspiciously. “Really?”

Hammer nods. “Yup. Care for a taste?”

Looking around to make sure that the bartender isn’t looking, the waitress covertly eats one and chews quickly.

“Those are amazing!”

Hammer shrugs. “They’d be better with proper seasonings though.”

Natalya looks to Hammer. “Not bad with just the salt though.”

“I’m going to tell the cook about these! We really need to add this dish to our menu!”

Hammer grins. “Sounds good!”

She runs back toward the bar and through the kitchen door as Hammer and Natalya go back to eating. Natalya looks across the table at her friend.

“Hammer?”

Hammer talks between bites. “What, Nat?”

“I just wanted to ask you something.”

“Oh?”

“Just give me your honest opinion on it though. Even if it’s not very nice.”

Hammer swallows and raises an eyebrow. “Okay. What’s it about?”

Natalya fidgets as she looks down. “Um… do you… uh… think that it would, or I suppose could, be possible for a griffon and a non-griffon to… be something more than just friends?”

“You mean if I think you and Arc could ever be something special?”

“Yes.”

“I think you already are.”

Natalya blushes slightly. “That is certainly true, yes. But what I really wanted to know was… how far do you think such a thing could go? Actual love and commitment or just a simple cohabitation and physical relationship?”

Hammer puts a hand to her chin. “I think either is possible. After all, it’s more about what you, him, and the rest of the herd thinks about the idea.”

“The latter happens more in the Griffon Kingdom than Equestria from what I’ve seen.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Natalya sighs. “I don’t really know. It seems rather… unofficial to me.”

Hammer shrugs. “Love ain’t about a wedding, legal processes, or other folk’s opinions. It’s about the feelings that the pair in question have for one another.”

She chuckles and leans back with her wine before continuing.

“Heck, if it became well-known back on Earth that I was interested in joining a multi-pronged love circle with a guy and his pony fiancées, the media would have a field day with it!”

Natalya appears genuinely confused. “Why though? Is it illegal?”

Hammer nods. “Very. Marriage there is typically seen as being between a couple. Not three, four, or even more! And having a relationship like this with what humans consider to be animals is also super illegal!”

“So you’re really outside of your comfort zone on this one too?”

Hammer shrugs. “Not anymore. I’ve made my peace with it.”

“How though? How did you come to terms with something that is apparently against your country’s laws and culture?”

Hammer grins as she puts her wine glass to her lips and takes a sip. “Simple. Don’t care.”

“Don’t care about what exactly?”

“What anyone back on Earth thinks. Every one of them could hate my guts and call me every name in the book. It wouldn’t change how I feel about Arc, or the rest of the herd, in the least.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Just to make sure that I’m understanding you correctly, you’re saying that you would just go about your business as normal?”

Hammer nods. “Exactly. Reason being that MY own happiness stems from MY decisions and MY lifestyle choices. No one else outside of the herd will be affected in any way by MY choice to join with Arc and his future pony wives.”

“You’re very brave, Hammer.”

“Nah, it’s not about being brave.”

“Then what…?”

Hammer interrupts her. “It’s about seeing what you want in life and just kinda going for it.”

“What else though? I mean… it can’t be THAT simple.”

“Only other thing I could add is to be honest with yourself.”

“Honest?”

“Don’t make excuses or live in fear of what might happen if you act. You don’t want to be old and wonder what could have been.”

“I’ll have to give this some thought.”

Hammer picks up her glass. “You do that, Nat.”

Tipping it up, she down the contents before refilling it from the bottle. Topping off Natalya’s glass, Hammer holds hers up and grins.

“In a word… ‘no regrets’!”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “But that’s two…”

Hammer cuts her off. “You know what I mean!”

Sometime later, the waitress walks over to their table.

“Last call.”

Hammer grunts. “I, uh… I think we’ve had enough.”

Natalya groans as she leans back and covers her eyes. “Same here.”

“So… nothing else?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. We need to get going anyways.”

Natalya glances up at a clock over the bar. “Right. It’s REALLY late.”

Hammer looks to Natalya as she stands. “Well, let’s get moving.”

“Are you two… okay? I could get you a ride home if you’d like.”

Natalya shakes her head. “It’s okay. We’re fine.”

Hammer points a finger out the window. “That and we don’t really have that far to walk anyways.”

“Alright. Well, please enjoy the rest of your night.”

Hammer laughs as she puts an arm around Natalya’s shoulder for additional support. “We’ve already had a blast though! Time to get back to that nice, warm bed and sleep it off, eh Nat?”

Natalya groans. “You said it, Hammer.”

They help each other toward the door as the waitress watches them leave. Smiling, she muses to herself as she begins clearing the table.

“Nice couple, those two. Hope they stay together.”

Meanwhile, the pair start walking down the way together. Natalya motions to a bench with a wave of her talon.

“Do you mind if we sit down?”

Hammer chuckles. “You tired of walking already?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not really. It’s just that I think I’d rather sober up a little bit before going back to the ship.”

Hammer sighs. “Yeah, I guess we probably should. If we wake up Arc while we’re like this, he really won’t be too happy.”

The pair sit down together as Natalya turns to Hammer and smiles.

“Thanks for doing this, Hammer.”

“No problem. I had a blast!”

Natalya smiles nervously. “Um”… you don’t think Lord Arc will be mad at us for doing this, do you?

Hammer shrugs. “Maybe a little bit. But I’m sure I can convince him that I was just trying to help you loosen up with an impromptu bachelorette party. Or something.”

Natalya sighs. “Sorry.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What for?”

“Making trouble for you.”

“Hey now, that’s now what happened here!”

“It still feels like it.”

“Believe me, I’ve been meaning to get out and let loose for a while now. Going out with you tonight helped me to scratch that itch as well as give us time to get to know one another.”

She grins widely before stopping and turning to Natalya.

“And that last part REALLY needed to be done!”

“Why’s that?”

“This whole thing about you and Arc getting hitched really came out of nowhere for all of us. I mean… when he suggested it, I was just as surprised as the others were.”

“But you still allowed it. Why?”

Hammer puts her arm around Natalya’s shoulders. “Because Arc sat us all down and explained the whole situation to us. He informed everyone that this was the solution that had the highest chance of fixing the problems you were having. That and he said that it would just be a marriage on paper, mind you. But that might not be the case at this point.”

Natalya blushes slightly. “I… yes.”

“You like Arc?”

“Kinda. I mean… I have to admit that he really is sweet and I do trust him.”

“But…?”

Natalya sighs. “It’s like I said the last time we talked. I said something to the effect that I’m very happy that he’s helping me out and that I’m more or less going to be glad to be free of my burdens here in the Griffon Kingdom. But at the same time that I’m just not ready for an bona-fide actual relationship.”

“What if you were though?”

“Ready for a relationship, you mean?”

“Yeah. Would you consider potentially taking on the role of wife? Well, one of them, I mean.”

“I think… that I would certainly be interested in, at the very least, getting to know Lord Arc better, yes.”

“And if it worked out?”

“Then I’d certainly be open to talking about marriage. Well… a real marriage, that is.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “See? What that really so hard?”

“Not really. Well, after you got me to just say what I’m thinking that is.”

“You gotta be more honest with yourself, Nat.”

Natalya sighs. “I guess I do. But sometimes even I don’t know what it is that I want.”

Hammer smirks. “That I do understand.”

“Oh?”

“A long time ago, I met Arc at a mall back on Earth. He was shopping with his daughter Dinky while my sisters were checking out clothes. We struck up a conversation while waiting for our respective families outside the changing rooms. And by the end of it I had given him my phone number.”

“Sounds like you were being honest about your feelings though.”

“Oh, I was. At least back then.”

“Something happen?”

Hammer grimaces. “Yeah. I found out in a letter he sent that he had been using me to get into the facility that I worked at in order to complete a top secret mission he was on.”

Natalya frowns. “That doesn’t sound like something he would do though.”

“It was a surprise to me too. I had proof of whom he really was in addition to still having feelings for him. Admittedly, it did drive me a little bit crazy.”

“You mean that you didn’t know what to do?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. I meant that I literally went a little crazy guarding the information that he had entrusted to me. His true identity in addition to what he had done.”

“How did it end?”

“With Arc and I reuniting while he tried to help bring me back to normal. Some pretty bad things went down back then which forced me to hide out at his place back on Earth for quite a while.”

“And that allowed you two to get closer? Living together, I mean.”

“Sorta. I mean… he wasn’t around much since he has duties as the Hero of Light, and all. But it did make me privy to all the stuff he was involved in.”

“Bad things?”

“More along the lines of… clandestine. But with good reasons.”

“So you saw that he was doing some morally gray things in the name of the greater good?”

“Something like that.”

“And that made you want to get closer to him how exactly?”

“It wasn’t so much that as what came later.”

“Some big event?”

Hammer smiles. “Kinda. We were having Christmas dinner at his house. It’s an Earth holiday celebrated in the winter. Anyways, since running away from the facility I worked at I had been estranged to my sisters whom were still employed there. I got a message that they wanted to spend some time with me before the holiday was truly over. But that wasn’t the truth.”

Natalya sighs. “They were just trying to get you to come back to them?”

Hammer shudders. “Yeah. My older sister, Stingray, she set me up and had be brought back to the facility to be tortured to learn Arc’s secrets.”

“That’s terrible!”

“In her defense, she honestly believed that was the right thing to do. Get me away from Arc, that is. But he didn’t leave me there to rot.”

“Lord Arc came to rescue you?”

Hammer nods. “That he did. Broke me out of the facility with the help of… someone else, and brought me to Equestria where he knew my sisters couldn’t get to me. At least for a while, that is.”

“Have they figured out where you are yet?”

“My little sister did, yeah. She was trying to figure out a way to get to me.”

“She missed you?”

Hammer groans. “Yes. But her plan was more or less to rescue me.”

“Your sister thought you had been kidnapped?”

“I admit, it did kinda look like it. My old boyfriend that dumped me walks back into my life and suddenly I’m gone. No contact with either of them for… quite a while.”

“And she was successful in getting to Equestria?”

“Only because Arc brought her there. A bunch of stuff happened to her and she was extremely sick. She needed a bunch of medical treatment and was at that point a fugitive for leaving the organization like I did.”

“Where is she now?”

“Mio, that’s her name, is back in Canterlot Castle right now. She works for me as my assistant. Does a darn good job of it too.”

Natalya smiles at her. “Well, I’m glad it turned out well for both of you.”

“Me too. But getting back to your original point about not knowing what it is that you want or not being ready… I do get that.”

“After that story I would hope so!”

“All kinds of bad things happened to me because of situations tied to being around Arc. But I don’t regret meeting him in the least. Heck, he changed my whole world view as well as made me ask myself the tough questions.”

“Such as…?”

“My future. Where I’ll go, what I’ll do, and who I’ll do it with.”

Chuckling, she looks up at the stars and smiles.

“And right now I can’t think of any other future for me besides becoming Arc’s wife and having his babies.”

Natalya sighs. “I envy your level of certainty naturally.”

“There’s just one problem for me.”

“What’s that?”

Hammer smiles sheepishly as she turns to Natalya. “I… haven’t exactly been able to figure out how to get myself into a situation where we can talk about this.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Talk about what?”

“Getting engaged.”

Natalya gasps. “You mean you’re not?!”

Hammer bows her head. “Not officially, no.”

“Why though?! A blind griffon could see that you’re positively smitten with Lord Arc!”

“It’s just… we’re both just always so busy.”

“Too busy to even talk?!”

Hammer frowns. “Hey now… it would be one heck of a talk!”

“I know, I know. But you really need to have it with him.”

“Working on it.”

Frowns as she makes ‘air quotes’. “And just how long have you been ‘working on it’?”

Hammer groans. “Quite a while admittedly.”

Natalya facepalms. “Seriously?”

“It’s hard, okay?!”

“I can imagine, yes. After all, my own wedding to Lord Arc is purely a political matter and it’s still quite nerve wracking.”

“Yeah. I think when this whole thing is over he and I need to start working toward that talk.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Working towards the talk? Why not just have it?”

Hammer wrings her hands nervously. “I… don’t really… know.”

“Come on! A strong young female like you can do it! After all, you’ve already confessed to loving him!”

“Things need to be right though!”

Natalya folds her talons over her chest. “What kind of ‘things’?”

“The location, the mood, the conversation, the…”

Natalya interrupts her. “Sounds like you two need to go on a date.”

“We have in the past already.”

“Then it should be an extra-special date.”

“How though?”

“Something private, quiet, and romantic I would think.”

Hammer puts a finger to her chin. “A private dinner date?”

Natalya nods. “Something like that. Then again, I don’t really know what’s considered romantic for your species though.”

“It varies from human to human. But I will give this matter some serious thought. That much I can promise you.”

Standing, Hammer looks back and holds out a hand to Natalya before continuing.

“But I think we should be getting back to the ship. After all, it’s REALLY late now.”

Natalya sighs as she takes Hammer’s hand and stands. “That it is.”

Taking a few steps, Hammer suddenly freezes and holds out an arm motioning for Natalya to stop as well.

“What the heck?!”

“Hammer?”

Pointing a finger towards two guards up ahead, Hammer looks to Natalya.

“Something’s wrong here!”

Natalya appears confused. “They’re just guarding a warehouse.”

Walking toward the guards, Hammer waves a hand and calls out.

“Hey! You got a minute?!”

The guards remain motionless. Nataya shakes her head as she speaks.

“The guards here are specifically trained to ignore anyone asking for their help, as it’s a known diversionary tactic to take their attention off of their current…”

She gasps as Hammer walks past them a few paces and turn around.

“Hammer! What are you DOING?!”

Hammer shrugs. “These guys are out cold on their feet.”

Natalya runs over to the guards and quickly looks them over. “But how did you…?!”

Hammer interrupts her as she pulls her gun. “Seen plenty of pony guards trying to do that when on guard duty in the castle. But I’m thinking that the broken window up there means they have an intruder.”

Natalya looks around. “We need to get help!”

“From where?! There’s nobody around here and I left my radio back in Arc’s room!”

“Not even any other guards that I can see!”

Hammer motions to window overhead. “Let’s get up there and see what we can find then!”

Natalya sighs. “Fine. I’ll fly up there and peek inside.”

“Go ahead.”

Spreading her wings, Natalya takes flight. Hopping onto the windowsill, she looks around for a few moments before turning to call out to Hammer. However, before she can utter a word, Hammer appears next to her. Falling backwards from surprise, Natalya is quickly caught by Hammer grabbing her talon and putting her other hand around her mouth and whispering.

“Shhh! Listen!”

Releasing her mouth, Hammer allows Natalya to speak. She looks around a few moments before answering.

“I don’t hear anything.”

Hammer grimaces. “Exactly. I heard some noble at the Aviary Extravaganza bragging about the security of these warehouses. How they’re guarded inside and out.”

“So?”

“Where are all the guards?! We should be hearing their footsteps and armor echoing all around here!”

“Maybe the same thing that happened to the ones out front! We should get back to The Equinox and report this though!”

“First I need to make sure that those guards are okay! Then we’ll call for help if it’s needed!”

“But…!”

Hammer points out the window. “You fly back to the ship and let someone know to send help over here! And make sure they don’t wake up Arc with this!”

Natalya sighs. “I’ll try. Be careful though.”

Turning, she hops out the window and takes flight. Hammer looks around and stealthily makes her way deeper into the warehouse. Racks of boxes surround her on either side as she listens intently for any sort of sound in the darkness. Turning a corner she spies a slightly ajar door and opens it. A guard falls out and into her arms. Carefully lowering him to the ground silently, Hammer pulls off his helmet and puts two fingers to his throat.

“Dead.”

Sighing, she looks at a trail of blood snaking its way through the now open doorway. Peeking inside, she sees a security office with monitors all around the room. Entering it, Hammer sees half a dozen griffons slumped over their stations. Quickly going around the room, she checks each of them one by one, but finds no signs of life. Looking over the controls, she frowns.

“Everything here is turned off. An inside job.”

Looking to a fuse box nearby, she opens it to find all of them missing. Turning to another panel, which is also ajar, Hammer finds a number of wires hanging inside that appear to have been ripped from their respective devices. Gritting her teeth, Hammer continues.

“An inside job to get the intruder in here without making a bunch of noise. He then kills the guards, the security system, and took what was probably the storage devices holding the video of him coming in.”

Hearing a slight noise from the corridor, Hammer turns and follows it into another part of the facility. Seeing a light nearby, she cautiously approaches with her weapon at the ready. Peeking around some boxes, Hammer spots a number of crates which appear to have been roughly opened. The sound of rustling coming from one catches her attention and she approaches it stealthily. Taking up a position directly across from the crate, Hammer lays her arms on a box and aims her gun at the crate in question. A few moments later a griffon pops out with something in their talons. Hammer grins and calls out.

“Hands in the air! Well, talons!”

The robed figure does as they are told as they slowly turns to face her. Looking her up and down for a few moments, they chuckle.

“Ah… the Equestrian royal pet.”

“And just who the heck are you!?”

“Just a rebel. Nothing special really.”

“Then what are you doing here?!”

The figure motions to the device in his talons. “Just doing a little bit of… shopping.”

Hammer frowns. “Yeah, call it whatever you want, dirtbag! But when my backup gets here you’re going to be turned over to the authorities!”

“Been there, done that. Didn’t care much for it. However, you will do very nicely in aiding me in my departure.”

Hammer clutches her trigger. “You’re not going anywhere!”

“True. At least, not until the proper time.”

A few minutes later the sound of clanking armor approaching them rings out. Smirking, Hammer eyes her captive.

“Now you’ll get what’s coming to you.”

“Nope. But you will.”

Turning, he opens a portal to his left and turns to run through. However, Hammer fires as he makes a run for it. Grunting, he falls to the ground and chuckles as she runs over and points her gun in his face.

“Nice shot, little pet.

Hammer scoffs. “Lousy escape attempt, scum.”

“Not really. Whom do you think you’re dealing with here?”

“Just a scrub whom wants to overthrow the government is all I see here.”

“The second part yes. However…”

Kicking Hammer’s gun from her hand, he lunges forward and tackles the young woman as he perches over top of her.

“You’re not dealing with a normal rebel. But their leader!”

Smirking, Hammer vanishes. A moment later she reappears on top of the rebel leader. Putting them in a headlock, she chuckles as she calls out.

“And you ain’t dealing with any old guard either!”

“Very… interesting! But…!”

Blinking, he reappears in front of his portal before pulling the device lying on the ground next to Hammer to his talons with a Telekinesis Spell. Mock saluting her, he hops through the swirling energies as Hammer pulls her gun to herself and is gone. Getting to her feet just as the griffon guards enter, she finds herself back on the ground as they tackle her.

“Don’t move, criminal scum!”

Hammer grunts as she struggles to respond from under their weight. “I’m… here to stop a burglar!”

“Silence! Thieves don’t kill guards, murderer!”

Hamme gasps. “Murderer?! Those guys back there were dead long before I got in here!”

An officer motions to their subordinates. “Take her into custody!”

Hammer is lifted up and shackled before being led back toward the entrance. Leaving the building, she spies a number of guards canvassing the area. A griffon just outside the door waves for a prison carriage to approach. However, as it stops in front of the open doors, Natalya runs up and inside with Ashe. With them are a number of pony soldiers. Natalya is the first to speak.

“Wait! You’re making a mistake!”

Ashe nods as she approaches the commanding officer. “Yes, this young officer is here on my orders.”

The commander raises an eyebrow. “Lady Ashe?”

“This Equestrian officer was escorting Lady Natalya, Lord Arc’s fiancée, into the city for a bit of relaxation. However, on their way back she saw what she claims was signs of forced entry into this government warehouse. As our nation’s ambassador, I gave her permission over the radio to investigate the situation.”

“For what purpose, ma’am?”

“I’m aware that this facility houses a number of… sensitive items belonging to the king. The lieutenant was instructed to go inside and attempt to protect his royal majesty’s property while help was dispatched from our ship.”

The commander looks to his subordinates. “Leave us.”

They salute and walk out the door, leaving Hammer behind. Ashe motions for the pony guards with her to do the same. The commander folds his talons over his chest and frowns.

“Do you honestly think I believe that crazy story, ambassador?!”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “It’s the truth.”

The griffon officer points to Hammer. “Or… perhaps this one was just banking on Equestria’s diplomatic immunity protecting them! Which it won’t, believe me!”

Natalya looks up to him pleadingly. “Please, sir! The lieutenant here is my personal bodyguard! I need her to keep me safe!”

“Very interesting. She must be very important for you to insist on her being released from what is clearly a case of attempted espionage.”

Hammer shakes her head vehemently. “I didn’t take nothing though! Check my pockets!”

“Of course you didn’t have time to take anything. We found you when you had just opened the crates.”

“That was the guy I was following who did that!”

“Guy?”

“Griffon! Sheesh!”

“And you were the only one found inside while no one was seen leaving via the skies.”

“He just… took a portal out!”

The commander raises an eyebrow. “A portal?”

“It’s magic!”

“A griffon with magic?!”

“He was the leader of the rebels!”

“Yes, yes. You foiled a major robbery that was attempted by the leader of the rebellion whom can now use magic like a unicorn.”

Hammer groans. “I know it sounds crazy, but you gotta believe me! He got away with some doohickey from inside the crates!”

“Believe me, someone will be taking full inventory of this entire facility. A very tedious, and expensive, process.”

Gesturing to Hammer, he continues.

“One that the king himself will be hearing of at her trial.”

Ashe grimaces. “I… suppose there will have to be a hearing of some kind done. But it needn’t involve the king.”

“That is at my discretion via my report.”

Natalya continues begging for Hammer’s safety. “Please, sir! Is there nothing we can do to convince you of her innocence?!”

The officer glares at her. “Ma’am are you attempting to bribe me?!”

Ashe steps between Natalya and the commander. “No sir, she wasn’t. This young griffon is merely concerned for her own safety, as without a protector to…”

“Enough, ambassador! It’s my duty to see that this matter is investigated properly and that justice is meted out to the guilty party! The accused will have a chance to share their point of view at their trial!”

Ashe sighs. “Very well. However, I do insist that she be released to my custody pending processing at the…”

“The accused is clearly a flight risk though! And should she return to Equestria with Lord Arc when he leaves, we would have quite a hard time extraditing her!”

“But the treaty says…!”

“Enough! This officer was caught inside this facility and will be held until such time that…!”

The sound of footsteps entering the building ring out. Everyone turns to see a hooded figure walking toward them wearing a black cloak. They stop in front of the commander as they speak.

“Sir, my name is Lord Arc. I see that you’ve captured my officer.”

The commander salutes. “Yes, Lord Arc. She was found infiltrating a government facility when we found her.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “At my orders, sir!”

Natalya nods fervently. “Right! Lieutenant Hammer was just trying to stop the thieves and protect the king’s property!”

The officer shakes his head soberly. “The dead bodies inside would say otherwise.”

Ashe looks to him. “And you’ve already determined the cause of death?”

“Not yet, naturally. We need to fully investigate this matter, of course. However, your officer being the only one in the facility still breathing when we arrived leads me to believe her to be the original, and only, infiltrator.”

Arc chuckles. “I see. Then let me propose a counter argument.”

Lowering his hood, Arc looks to the commander whom gasps at his appearance as his eyes glow red.

“Sleep.”

Falling to his knees, the griffon closes his eyes and loses consciousness. Natalya grimaces as she sees his new appearance.

“Lord Arc?! What are…?!”

Arc looks to Hammer. “Talk fast! What happened?!”

“Someone immobilized the guards out front and broke in here!”

Natalya does her best to compose herself. “Y-yes! Hammer saw a broken window and wanted to investigate!”

Hammer nods. “I saw a room full of dead griffons and found a rebel opening crates! He opened a portal after escaping with something or other! Then the griffon guards found and arrested me!”

Arc sighs. “While I already know the answer to this, you didn’t hurt anyone in there, did you Hammer?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No way! They were dead when I found them!”

Natalya grimaces. “It was my fault we were out here in the first place, sir! Please find a way to convince them to let Hammer go!”

Hammer groans. “No, it was my idea to come in here!”

Arc facepalms. “We are going to talk about this back aboard the ship. But I think I can get you out of this mess, Hammer.”

Turning to look around, Arc spies an empty crate nearby. Grabbing it, he heaves the box through an overhead window before raising his hood, leaning down, and quickly shaking the investigator.

“Hey! Hey, are you okay?!”

The griffon slowly opens his eyes and groggily looks around as Arc continues.

“He really got the drop on you!”

The griffon officer shakes his head in an effort to clear it. “What… happened?!”

“A rebel came out from the warehouse floor! He knocked you out before heaving a crate through the window!”

Ashe nods. “Then he flew through it at a crazy speed!”

Natalya points a talon. “It was so fast that we couldn’t hardly see him!”

The commander gets to his feet and groans. “Great. Did he have anything that you could see?”

Hammer nods angrily. “That doohickey, yeah!”

“I thought you said he left via portal earlier.”

Arc looks the griffon in the eye as he speaks slowly and deliberately. “It must have been some elaborate trick by the rebels.”

“Yes. Yes, it must have been a trick by the rebels.”

“Very clever of him to try and frame an agent of Equestria.”

“Smart of him to try and pin this on the bodyguard.”

“My lieutenant is free to return to our ship with us.”

“The suspect is free to return to the ship with you, sir.”

“Ambassador Ashe will write a report regarding this incident and send it to the proper authorities. In it, she will say that you were the first to notice the attempt at an escape by the rebel inside the facility. And that you were knocked unconscious attempting to do your duty to protect a foreign diplomat from an attack which would have caused an international incident.”

“I saw him coming, yes. But my first responsibility was to protect the Equestrians in order to prevent an international incident.”

“An written commendation from Equestria will be sent to your superiors naming you a hero.”

“It was all in the line of duty, sir.”

“Now you must begin your investigation and we must be off.”

“Yes sir. You are free to leave with your officer.”

The commander calls out to his soldiers outside the building. Motioning for them to come inside and release Hammer from her restraints, he turns to Arc.

“I will now begin my investigation, sir. Please be aware that your officer may be called to testify as to the identity of the perpetrator.”

Arc nods. “Equestria will do whatever we can to assist in this matter. But we won’t keep you from your investigation any longer.”

Opening a portal, Arc motions for the others to step through. Turning back to the griffon, he continues.

“You may send word to my ship’s communication’s officer regarding any further information you may need from us.”

“I will do so, sir.”

“Very good. Carry on with your duties.”

Arc steps through his portal and vanishes from sight. The griffon officer shakes his head and looks to his subordinates.

“Let’s get started! Get the forensics team in here right away! The king will want answers!”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears on the sigil in his quarters. He looks to Hammer and Natalya as he folds his arms over his chest.

“So what was all that really about?”

Natalya bows her head. “It was my idea to go out and have some fun, sir. So I asked Hammer if she wanted to head out for a drink.”

Hammer nods soberly. “I wanted to give her a mini bachelorette party. A meal and a few drinks, is all.”

Arc sniffs the air. “Yes, I can smell the alcohol on you from here.”

“Spilled a bit on my coat. But as you can see, we didn’t have too much.”

Natalya smiles nervously. “Right.”

Ashe looks them over. “It appears that you were still able to walk back, so that’s a plus.”

Arc groans. “And how did the whole breaking and entering thing come about?”

Hammer looks to the window. “I noticed the guards outside weren’t moving and that there was a broken window overhead! It was my idea to go inside as well!”

Natalya turns to Arc. “But she didn’t do so until I left to fly back to the ship for help.”

Ashe steps forward. “That’s when I was awakened to deal with the issue.”

“I told the ambassador not to wake you up, sir. After all, you do need your sleep.”

Ashe points a talon outside. “The guards came with me willingly when told that they were needed by the lieutenant.”

She gasps before continuing.

“We left them back there too!”

Hammer facepalms. “Yes, we did.”

Arc sighs. “One moment.”

Touching his earring, Arc waits. A few moments later a voice rings out.

“This is Lemon Hearts, sir. What can I do for you?”

“Sorry to wake you up, but I need a message sent.”

“Sir?”

“We left some troops outside a warehouse nearby. I need you to recall them.”

“Yes sir, I’ll take care of it.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection before looking back to the others.

“One problem solved. Now then, what happened next, Ashe?”

“Natalya and I arrived with the soldiers as they were trying to walk Lieutenant Hammer out.”

Hammer bows her head. “I admit that this really does look bad for me here. But you have to believe me when I say that the leader of the rebels WAS there, Arc!”

“I believe you, Hammer. But now it’s a matter of what the government here will believe.”

Natalya sighs. “Right. All it takes is for that investigator to start giving conflicting reports and we’re in trouble.”

Arc looks to the ambassador. “They won’t. Because Ashe is going to make him sound like a real hero in her report. He’ll take all the accolades and the credit.”

Natalya steps forward to try and look under his cowl. “But how did you do all of that, sir?”

Arc groans. “I suppose you should know about this.”

Lowering his cowl, Arc looks to Natalya. She grimaces at his pale skin and red eyes as he continues.

“This is my Crimson form. I can turn into this when I look at the full moon at night.”

“What happened though?”

“It’s a really long story. But the short version is that I get stronger, faster, and have interesting magical powers when in this form. However, since it makes those around me nervous, I generally choose to just stay in my regular form.”

Hammer licks her lips. “I think you look sexy like that though, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “Thanks. And I am glad that I could get you out of that mess, Hammer. But I still don’t understand why you two suddenly decided to go out in the middle of the night. And without me too.”

Hammer smirks. “No boys allowed.”

Natalya sighs. “I wanted you to come as well, sir. But you were asleep when I approached the couch and I didn’t want to wake you.”

Hammer raises a hand. “That was my idea too. Partially because you looked really tired and also because I knew there would be drinking involved.”

Arc frowns. “I do appreciate the thought. However, I don’t really like being woken up by lights from outside either.”

Ashe gestures to the window. “The guards use powerful searchlights to illuminate crime scenes, yes.”

Hammer looks away nervously. “Thanks for bailing me out again, Arc. And I’m really, REALLY sorry about how this turned out.”

Arc shakes his head. “Why did you two inside anyways?”

“Was kinda hoping to catch the thief and make my commanding officer, you, look good mostly. I guess the alcohol did make me a bit… stupid though.”

Natalya bows her head. “I went along with it though, sir.”

“It’s fine, Natalya. Now then, why don’t you two get cleaned up and head back to bed?”

Ashe yawns. “Yes, we can all get a few more hours of sleep before sunrise.”

Hammer sniffs herself. “I’ll take a shower first. Don’t want you to have to smell this all night, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

She heads for the bathroom as Ashe looks to Arc.

“I’ll contact the authorities right away. With luck I can see about what parts of our involvement were reported by that investigator.”

Arc shrugs. “Assuming that my mental manipulation worked, he should report everything I told him to.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Nothing else?”

“Again, please note that ‘should’ was the word I used there. Just let me know if you need me to speak to someone about this matter.”

Ashe nods as she walks toward the door. “I will. Good night, Lord Arc.”

She leaves the room and frowns as she mutters to herself.

“The leader of the rebels breaking in there. What is he up to?”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Natalya. She looks away nervously as he approaches.

“I’m very sorry about how this turned out, sir. It wasn’t my intention to cause you any trouble.”

“Yes, it’s fine. You just wanted to have a good time.”

“That’s true, yes.”

“And did you?”

“Did I what, sir?”

“Have fun.”

Natalya nods. “Yes sir.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Well, Hammer and I went to a tavern that’s just down the way from the Skyport entrance.”

She points out the window as she continues.

“In fact, you can see it from here.”

“So you just got a few drinks?”

“And ate a bit, yes. But my favorite part was the conversation.”

“Oh?”

“Hammer asked me a few questions that made me think about a few things. It really opened my eyes to a few new possibilities for my future.”

“Then I’m glad you two went out. Although I think it would have been better for Hammer to just call things like that in to us so that the proper authorities could handle it.”

Natalya points to the radio on the dresser. “She said she forgot it when we went out.”

“Ah! Now I see it.”

“Hammer is… really dedicated to you though, sir. Tonight when we were talking at the pub, she couldn’t say enough nice things about you.”

Arc smiles. “Yes, and I feel the same way about her.”

“She knows you do. But… um…”

“What is it, Natalya?”

“Do you think you could help me do something nice for her?”

Arc smiles. “Sure.”

Sometime later, Hammer emerges from the bathroom wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Looking to Arc and Natalya sitting at the table together, she walks over to them.

“All de-stinked of that stuff.”

Arc huckles. “Is that really a word?”

Natalya shrugs. “I don’t think so, no.”

Hammer smiles nervously. “No clue.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“But I did want to apologize again for what we did, Arc. Both by leaving without telling anyone and getting caught in that warehouse.”

“It’s in the past, Hammer. And I’m totally okay with you taking Natalya out like that.”

Hammer appears surprised. “You are?”

Arc nods. “Yes. She said that you showed her a really good time.”

Natalya smiles warmly. “That you did, thank you. And I’ve asked Lord Arc to do something a bit… outside the norm.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“I requested that he and I switch sleeping arrangements.”

Hammer grins widely. “You mean…?!”

Arc chuckles. “Yup. You and I will be sleeping together in the bed.”

Hammer literally dives toward the bed. “All right!”

Natalya giggles as she looks towards Arc. “That sure made her happy.”

Arc nods. “Yes, it doesn’t take much to bring a smile to her face.”

Hammer calls out from the bed. “Less talking, more bedding! My body is ready!”

Arc facepalms. "Seriously, Hammer?"

Hammer sighs. "I mean that it's ready to sleep."

Natalya smiles as she walks toward the couch. “Then I shall leave you two to that.”

Arc heads for the bed as he chuckles. “Alright. But it’s going to be a short night.”

Hammer looks at the clock and groans. “Yeah, that’s for sure.”

Natalya turns to Hammer as she makes herself comfortable on the sofa. “I’ll be sure that the coffee is brewed extra strong in the morning. Well… later this morning.”

Arc reaches for the lights. “In any case, good night you two.”

Natalya yawns. “Good night, sir.”

Hammer rolls over and puts an arm over Arc’s chest as she sighs contentedly. “That it is, Arc. That it is.”

Chapter 14 - Royal Amends

The next day Arc opens his eyes to see that the sun has already risen. Looking to his right, he sees Hammer still snuggled up to him. Stroking her hair for a few moments, the young woman eventually opens her eyes and smiles up at him sheepishly.

“Um… hey.”

Arc smiles down at her. “And good morning to you too.”

Hammer sits up nervously. “S-sorry about last night.”

Arc sighs. “What’s done is done, Hammer. But you should probably take another shower before he leave the room.”

Hammer sniffs herself and makes a face. “Ugh! I thought I got that all off last night!”

Arc shrugs. “Strange phenomenon. My mother had that too when she went to sleep after a night of drinking. You must be sweating it out, or something.”

Hammer quickly jumps out of bed. “Well, I’ll try again.”

As she closes the bathroom door behind her, Hammer inadvertently wakes Natalya. With a small groan, she sits up and looks over to Arc on the bed.

“Sir? What’s going on?”

Arc points to the bathroom door. “Hammer’s just trying to get last night’s smell out.”

Natalya sniffs herself and grimaces. “Maybe I would do well to do the same as her.”

“It’s up to you, of course. But I’m guessing Hammer is going to be in there for quite a while.”

“I can wait, sir.”

Arc stands up and stretches. “Do what you want to.”

Natalya hops off the couch. “Um… can I tell you something, sir?”

“Sure. What’s on your mind?”

“I just wanted to say again just how sorry I am about what happened last night.”

Arc sighs. “So am I. But it’s in the past now.”

“However, thanks to Hammer and I, you’ll have to be the one to deal with this mess!”

“It’s fine. Assuming that the intruder didn’t take a lot, I’ll just offer that Equestria be allowed pay for it along with the damage to the building.”

“They shouldn’t have to though! I’ll send the money to Canterlot just as soon as I have it! Just let me know the cost!”

Arc chuckles. “Very conscientious of you.”

“All things considered, I feel that it’s the least I can do.”

“Alright. Just stop blaming yourself for it though.”

Natalya bows her head. “I’ll try, sir.”

She looks at the bathroom door for a few moments before turning to Arc and continuing.

“Um… can I ask you something else, sir?”

“Go ahead.”

“You care very much for Hammer, right?”

Arc nods. “That I do.”

“And she’s a very… affectionate human from what I’ve seen.”

“Such would be one word to describe her, yes.”

“Judging by what I’ve heard from the others about her, Hammer appears very interested in… ah… physical contact and her own bare appearance to show her affections.”

“What are you getting at?”

Natalya looks to the bathroom door. “I’m just saying that… maybe you should join her in there.”

“Oh! Um… I suppose that would be nice, yes.”

“Then why are you still out here?”

Arc sighs. “In truth, I just didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“And I appreciate that, sir. But right now I think you should be with the female that you love.”

Arc smiles. “Well… alright.”

Walking over to the door Arc enters as Natalya sits down on the couch to look out at the city below. She giggles as she muses to herself.

“Have fun, Hammer.”

Meanwhile, Arc quietly removes his t-shirt and shorts. Tossing them aside, he silently makes his way over to the shower curtain and carefully pulls it back. Seeing that Hammer is turned away from him as she rinses out her hair, Arc slowly moves forward and puts his hands on her hips. Whirling around, the young woman catches Arc with an elbow to the chin. He falls backwards onto the floor of the shower as Hammer looks down and spies him lying there.

“Arc! What’re you…!”

Hammer’s foot catches the bar of soap lying on the tiles and causes her to slip. Reaching up, Arc catches the young woman as she lands on top of him. Clearly embarrassed, she turns away and mumbles.

“S-sorry about…”

“Hammer?”

“Yeah?”

“Look at me.”

Turning to him, Arc grabs Hammer’s face and pulls her in for a passionate kiss. Reciprocating, the young woman wraps her arms around his neck as they continue making out for some time. Eventually at some point Hammer breaks the kiss and looks down at Arc sheepishly.

“Thanks for that, handsome.”

Arc chuckles. “No. Thank YOU.”

“And, uh… sorry about the, um… the chin.”

Arc puts a hand to his cheek. “That was kind of my fault though. Sneaking up on you when you least expect it, I mean.”

Hammer grins as she holds out a hand in order to help Arc up. “Yeah. I mean, trying to get the drop on a military babe like me… it’s just not a good idea.”

“Noted.”

Hammer holds up the soap. “So… want to help me wash my back?”

Arc pulls the bar to himself with a Telekinesis Spell. “Yes, I would.”

Hammer turns around and sits down on the tile floor of the shower as Arc begins lathering up a washcloth. As he starts with her face, Arc speaks.

“I’ll rinse this out for you right away.”

Hammer closes her eyes and grins. “Oh no! I can’t see! Anyone could do whatever they wanted to me right now and I wouldn’t be able to stop them!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Very funny, Hammer.”

Hammer smirks as her face is rinsed. “I know you love when I do stuff like this though!”

“It’s what make you… you, I suppose.”

Hammer nods as Arc continues with her torso. “Not that I mind you being in here with me, Arc. Heck, I really do love getting felt up like this! But what convinced you to do it?”

“Natalya.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow, confused. “Come again?”

“She suggested that you really liked things such as this. I already knew that, of course. But I stayed outside the bathroom with Natalya so as not to make her feel uncomfortable.”

“Uncomfortable?”

Arc shrugs as he again lathers the washcloth. “It’s a bit weird for us to be showering together while Natalya sits in the room alone. Especially since her and I are supposed to be engaged.”

Hammer smirks leerily. “So you’re finally coming around and admitting that you have feelings for her?”

“Just friendship. More or less, that is.”

“Define ‘more or less’.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… I do consider her to be a very nice griffon. But you have to understand that, all things considered, I really don’t know Natalya all that well. After all, we’re both kept really busy by our jobs.”

Hammer sighs. “That’s true, yeah.”

“You get it too, don’t you?”

“Of course. I mean… I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off a lot of the time. Castle security isn’t exactly quick and easy. Or set it and forget it.”

Arc smiles as he washes her legs. “That’s what I like about you, Hammer. You’re so understanding of the situation.”

Hammer shrugs. “Cut from the same cloth, you and I.”

“Right.”

“Doesn’t mean I have to agree with it though.”

Arc looks up from his task with bewildered look on his face. “Huh?”

“What I’m trying to say is that I do understand the issue. But still think that we’re wrong for doing it that way.”

“Honestly, I do wish that I could do more with the herd. Spend whole days with all of you, or go on more one-on-one dates to get to know everyone better.”

Hammer leans into Arc as he finishes lathering her up. “And I wish that I could stay by your side all day every day, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Exactly. But that isn’t really an option for either of us.”

“Yeah. Nor is it fair. I mean, I can’t spend all that time with you, as the others deserve such things with you as well.”

“And I can’t just stop being the Hero of Light all at once. Equestria still needs me. At least for a while longer, I suppose.”

“So for the time being, let’s just do whatever it is that we can and be happy for the time we do have with one another.”

Arc nods as he rinses the soap off of Hammer’s body. “Agreed.”

“But right now there’s something I want.”

“What’s that, Hammer?”

Hammer grabs the bar of soap with a Telekinesis Spell. “To wash you!”

Arc chuckles as he tosses her a clean wash cloth. “Go for it.”

A short time later the pair step out of the shower together and begin drying off. Hammer turns to Arc and grins as she checks him out.

“Thanks for joining me in there, Arc. You know what I like.”

“It’s like you said before, Hammer. We need to make use of the time we have.”

“Right. And, uh… sorry about the mess from last night.”

“Don’t worry about it. But we really should talk to the others about what happened.”

Hammer taps her wrist as if there were a watch there. “Kinda late for that, you know. It’s already mid-morning.”

Arc shrugs. “Alright, brunch then.”

“Brunch?”

“Tea time?”

Hammer groans. “How about just a regular talk without food or beverages of any kind being involved?”

Arc looks away innocently. “I don’t know. Sounds a bit too minimalistic to me.”

“So broaden your horizons! Try it! You might like it!”

Arc chuckles. “Alright, Hammer. Just a regular sit down conversation with you, Luna, and Natalya.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Gallus and Gabby, you big dummy!”

“Kinda figured that Natalya would tell them later.”

“That may be. But they really should be in on any conversations regarding their sister’s well-being.”

“With Natalya’s permission, sure.”

“Sounds good.”

A few minutes later the pair leave the bathroom. They spot Natalya sitting on the couch waiting for them patiently. Hammer walks over and smiles at her sheepishly.

“Sorry for making you wait.”

Natalya giggles. “It’s okay. I’m hoping you had a… nice time in there.”

Hammer nods fervently. “The best!”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes, thank you for suggesting it, Natalya.”

Hammer looks to the door. “Um… Arc was just saying that we should probably talk to Princess Luna about what happened last night.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “And that you should tell your siblings that you’re alright as well.”

Natalya gazes out at the mid-morning sun and nods. “I would imagine that they’re getting a bit worried about me by now, as I haven’t left this room yet today.”

Hammer grimaces. “So… do you want to talk to them about last night privately? Or invite them to the talk with Princess Luna?”

“All together would probably be easier admittedly. That and it would give us a chance to hear if anything has come through from the government regarding… you know.”

Arc nods. “We could have Ashe there too if you’d like.”

“Sure. Let’s just get this thing out in the open so we can start dealing with it, sir.”

Arc motions to the door with a wave of his hand. “Then let’s get moving.”

Leading the group out the door, he hears the sound of laughter echoing through the corridors. Following it to its source they come to the Observation Deck. Twilight, Gabby, and Gallus are sitting at a table together playing a board game. Seeing them, Twilight waves the trio over.

“Good morning you three!”

Gabby giggles. “Did you have a nice time at the slumber party, Natalya?!”

Natalya appears confused. “Slumber party?”

Gallus smiles nervously. “Yeah, sis. We told Gabby all about your slumber party last night.”

“How did you know about that?”

Gabby raises an eyebrow. “Uh… because you and the lieutenant went into Lord Arc’s quarters together, silly! What else could you have been doing in there?!”

Twilight nods. “Right. I’m guessing you three had a nice time.”

Hammer puts a hand to her forehead. “More so than you know.”

Arc looks around. “Um… what happened to Luna though?”

Twilight smiles. “She and I switched places early this morning. By now I would guess she’s giving audiences. Why? Did you need to talk to her?”

“Not so much her as a princess. But in any case… I think we all need to sit down and have long talk about something.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Uh… about what?”

Natalya groans. “What happened last night.”

Twilight gasps. “Did you three…?!”

Arc puts a hand over Twilight’s mouth and holds her muzzle shut. “Let’s not jump to conclusions now. Go ahead and start us off, Natalya.”

Natalya nods soberly as Arc releases Twilight and sits down. “Well… you see…”

She brings the group up to speed on the activities of the previous night with Hammer’s help. Arc ends the explanation with his own account.

“And then we went back to my room to get some sleep.”

Hammer quickly chimes in. “After I showered, that is.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Natalya groans. “That’s why we all slept much later than usual too.”

Twilight sighs. “It sounds like you three had an interesting evening.”

Gallus frowns. “Yeah! What possessed you to do something like that, Natalya?!”

Natalya bows her head. “I just… wanted to loosen up a bit.”

Gabby gasps. “Why couldn’t I have come too then, Natalya?!”

“It was for adults only, Gabby.”

Hammer nods. “Right. A bar is no place for a youngling, after all.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Have you spoken to Ashe yet today?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not yet, no.”

Gallus looks down the corridor. “Now that I think about it, she didn’t even come to breakfast.”

Gabby raises a talon. “I went to bring that plate to her office like Princess Twilight told me to! But she was too busy on the phone to say anything!”

She lowers her voice before continuing.

“That and… I didn’t know she had a hard time hearing.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Hard time hearing?”

Gabby nods. “Right! The griffon on the other end of the line kept shouting and saying a lot of words that I didn’t understand!”

Natalya puts her face in her talons. “Great.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sounds like the Griffon Kingdom isn’t exactly too happy with us for that mess.”

Hammer groans as she turns to Twilight. “I’m really, REALLY sorry about this!”

Twilight facehoofs. “What’s done is done, I suppose.”

Gallus turns to his sister. “It’s going to be okay, Natalya.”

Gabby grins. “Right! And look on the bright side!”

Natalya looks over at Gabby. “Bright side?”

“It couldn’t get any worse!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Not really helping, Gabby.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “Um… do you think this could jeopardize our relationship with the Griffon Kingdom?”

“It just might.”

Hammer looks out the window in the direction of the warehouse. “Ultimately, it really depends on what was exactly taken from the warehouse by that so-called rebel leader.”

Gabby appears hopeful. “Maybe it was just some crusty old piece of art!”

Gallus shrugs. “Or some really powerful artifact.”

Twilight looks to Hammer. “And since Hammer was there when the guards arrived, they may still think that Equestria had something to do with the break in.”

Arc taps the table with a finger. “Even with me convincing the one in charge to corroborate my story, they might still think the pair were in cohorts after all.”

Natalya stands. “Then there’s just one thing to do.”

Twilight turns to her, confused. “Oh?”

“Get the answers from Ambassador Ashe.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably for the best, yes.”

Gabby raises a talon. “Can I come too?!”

Gallus groans. “Gabby…”

“What?! I want to know if bad things are happening!”

Hammer shrugs. “Might as well just head to her office then.”

Twilight nods as she gets to her hooves. “Agreed. We’ll all go.”

Leading the way, Twilight and company head for Ashe’s office. Arriving, she knocks lightly before entering. Celestia sits in a chair next to the desk going over some papers. Ashe is just hanging up the phone as they all step inside. Black lines are visible under her eyes and she appears very tired. Arc is the first to speak.

“Um… are you okay, Ashe?”

Ashe groans as he leans back heavily in her chair. “Not exactly.”

Twilight looks to her mentor, confused. “Princess Celestia? What are you doing here?”

“Doing my best to help the ambassador with this little… problem.”

Ashe nods as she yawns. “Princess Celestia was waiting outside my office door when I came to it last night to make that phone call.”

Celestia nods. “I had been looking out over the city at the time and saw the lights converge on that warehouse.”

Natalya grimaces. “Are they… mad?”

Ashe leans back in her chair. “Very much so. “

Celestia nods soberly. “The ambassador and I just got off the phone with King Guto himself.”

Gallus gasps. “Wait, what?!”

Hammer groans. “I’m guessing that’s not a good thing.”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not in the least.”

Ashe looks to Twilight. “You see, the king delegates much of his innumerable responsibilities to the Council of Lords, other various politicians, aides, and whatnot. For him to be troubled enough by something to handle it personally speaks volumes about its importance in his eyes.”

Gabby grimaces. “So we’re in trouble?!”

Ashe nods sadly. “Very much so, yes.”

Gallus clenches a fist. “They’re not going to try and come take Natalya away again, are they?!”

Twilight steps forward. “As per the treaty, they legally can’t. You see, The Equinox is registered as a diplomatic ship at the moment.”

Arc sighs. “Not that its official designation would mean much if the king gives the order to his guards to board.”

Hammer grunts as she falls backwards into a chair. “This is all my fault! If I had just listened to Natalya and gone back to the ship instead of trying to be some kind of big shot hero then none of this would have happened!”

Ashe nods. “That probably would have been the best course of action, yes.”

Twilight shrugs. “Let’s not waste time talking about what could have been done differently.”

Celestia taps the desk with a hoof in order to get everyone’s attention. “What was done is done and over with. Now we have to figure out what to do next.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “So can I assume that the item that rebel took was something really important?”

“No clue. However, since it was stored in that particular warehouse, it’s either extremely valuable or extremely dangerous.”

Hammer sighs. “Can’t imagine them getting this bent out of shape over something valuable though.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Right. Worst case scenario, Equestria could just volunteer to compensate them for their loss with monetary compensation or something of greater value.”

Celestia frowns. “Yes, that has worked in the past.”

Natalya turns to Celestia. “Might I ask about the most recent time, your highness?”

“It was after the theft of the Idol of Boreas. The Griffon Kingdom accused Equestria of complicity in the matter. So I gave them a deeply personal item in order to soothe their feathers.”

Ashe appears suddenly interested. “What was that, Princess Celestia?”

“A parting gift from my mentor, Star-swirl the Bearded. You see, before he left he gave Luna and I each a gift. Mine was a spear.”

Arc nods. “The Spear of Justice.”

Ashe gasps. “The weapon of the Arbiter!”

Celestia appears surprised at Arc’s response. “Yes. But… how did you know that?”

“Luna told me the story some time ago.”

“Did she also tell you of the gift she received on that day so long ago?”

Arc nods. “She did. Star-swirl’s prized pair of amethysts.”

Celestia continues. “And were you aware that she offered to give them to the Griffon Kingdom in trade back then?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Jewels, even such priceless ones as those, would have been a much safer gift over a legendary weapon I would imagine. That being the case, why give the griffons the your spear, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia bows her head. “Because it was all Luna had left of our old friend, save for the memories. I… I didn’t want my sister to have to part with such a thing when there was no offense. So I volunteered the spear instead.”

Looking out the window at the Gladiator’s Colosseum for a time, Celestia continues.

“It was nice to hold it again when fighting Lord Goldstone. If even for a moment.”

Smiling wistfully, she looks to Arc.

“But we should get back to the matter at hoof.”

Arc nods. “I suppose so, yes.”

Looking to Ashe, Arc continues.

“Have you brought up the matter of compensation to the king?”

“I did, yes. However, the king told me that what was taken was irreplaceable and beyond value.”

Gallus frowns. “Then how are we supposed to make this thing right?!”

Gabby raises a talon. “What about having Natalya go to them and say just how sorry she is that this happened?!”

Gallus shakes her head vehemently. “Not a chance! Natalya, as usual, didn’t do anything wrong here! That and she’s already been thrown under the cart twice now by the Griffon Kingdom! If you ask me, they more than owe HER!”

Twilight nods. “Agreed. Since Equestria is blameless in this matter we cannot ask Natalya to pay for such a thing.”

Arc frowns. “I agree with that sentiment, yes. But something will still need to be done.”

Celestia nods. “Yes. And in the name of diplomacy, we will need to make amends.”

Hammer straighten up. “Fine then. Turn me over to them.”

Natalya turns to her. “Hammer?”

“Remember, this whole thing was completely my fault. So I really should be the one to take the consequences.”

Arc clenches a fist. “NO!”

Twilight gasps as she instinctively draws back. “Arc?!”

“Hammer was in the wrong for entering the building, yes. But when they apprehended her, she had nothing on her person, correct?”

Hammer nods. “Right. That rebel took it and ran through a portal.”

“So you couldn’t have taken whatever was stolen.”

Ashe sighs. “True. But how does that help our situation, Lord Arc?”

“The Griffon Kingdom obviously can’t get a lead on the rebel whom actually stole their item. So at this point they’re going to try and use Hammer as a scapegoat.”

Gallus clenches a fist. “Just like they did with Natalya when they sold her into slavery!”

“Exactly!”

Twilight shakes her head. “We won’t give her up though. No matter what happens, nopony deserves to be punished for a crime they didn’t commit.”

Celestia bows her head. “Try telling that to the king.”

Arc frowns. “Believe me, if need be, I will. Personally. Hammer isn’t going anywhere, nor is Natalya.”

Ashe grimaces. “You must understand that they could seize all of the Goldstone assets in retaliation though.”

Natalya scoffs. “So be it!”

Hammer gasps. “Natalya?”

“They can have it all if they’re so interesting in reparations!”

Gallus nods fervently. “Yeah! That money’s been nothing but trouble for our family anyways!”

Gabby appears hopeful. “Can I have some more of it then?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “If it means that Hammer and Natalya can be absolved from this matter entirely it’s worth losing in my opinion.”

Natalya nods. “Agreed.”

Ashe sighs. “I will… mention it to the king when he calls back.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Calls back?”

“He said he needed some time to come up with an idea.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “Fine. If it’s money he wants, it’s money he’ll get. But we’re not giving up anyone else to the proverbial griffon grinder.”

Celestia looks to Twilight. “Yes, we should send a delegation to discuss this matter though.”

Ashe stands. “I can go.”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, ambassador. It needs to be an Equestrian.”

Twilight raises a hoof. “How about me?”

Celestia smiles at her former student. “While I’m sure you would like to, this matter requires an experienced ruler to handle, Twilight.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Your majesty?”

“Yes, ambassador?”

“I do need to report that King Guto did say one last thing regarding negotiations though.”

“And what would that be?”

“That he would prefer to talk about this matter further, but with Princess Luna instead.”

Gallus frowns. “Um… why?”

Hammer shrugs. “They did really seem to hit it off at the Aviary Extravaganza the other night.”

Arc sighs. “I can’t deny the fact that he did seem very… interested in her that night, yes. But I’m still remembering what occurred at our dinner some time back.”

Gabby frowns. “Oh?! What happened?!”

Natalya quickly chimes in. “Now Gabby… that’s probably a state secret.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes, well… as long as they’re only talking, I don’t see any issue with meeting this particular demand.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It’s going to be up to Luna though.”

Ashe nods. “We should probably consult with her regarding this situation then.”

Hammer frowns. “But who would be leading the country if she comes back here to do that?”

Celestia points a hoof at her former pupil. “Twilight could return to Canterlot in order to switch places with Luna for the duration of her negotiations.”

Twilight appears surprised. “Yes, of course.”

Arc turns to her. “Shall I put in the call for you, Twilight?”

“Please do.”

A short time later Luna emerges from a dark portal. She walks over the group and looks to Twilight.

“I’m told that I am needed.”

“Right. King Guto requests your… consul.”

“Oh?”

Celestia gestures with a hoof. “Lieutenant Hammer went out with Lady Natalya last night for a bit of… relaxation at a local establishment. However, on their way back to the ship…”

She recalls the events of the previous evening along with all the pertinent information to her sister. Frowning, Luna looks to Hammer.

“What exactly possessed you to do such a thing though?!”

Hammer groans. “Just trying to help out a friend, I suppose.”

Natalya quickly chimes in. “It’s really my fault though, your highness! You see, I was the one whom wanted to go out!”

Arc turns to Luna. “In any case, it’s clear to all of us that the Griffon Kingdom is just trying to pin this embarrassment on Hammer, whom didn’t have anything on her when they grabbed her.”

Celestia nods. “Right. And while she was certainly wrong to do such a thing, it’s not as if she knew it would cause such trouble.”

Hammer bows her head. “I’m really sorry about all of this too. And I’m willing to do whatever they ask of me to make it right.”

Luna sighs. “With luck, I can convince the king to be lenient and accept some kind of monetary payment as penance.”

Natalya raises a talon. “And I’ve already volunteered to use my inheritance to pay whatever it is that the king desires.”

Luna turns to her. “That should be helpful, yes.”

Ashe smiles. “Yes, it will show King Guto that Equestria is looking to set this matter right. Now then, I’ll stay here in my office and wait for the king to call me back with the details of his demands.”

Celestia turns to the ambassador. “On a side note, does this interfere with Arc and Natalya being able to get married?”

Ashe shakes her head. “I don’t see how it would. After all, that matter is pretty much set in stone at this point from a legal standpoint. Why do you ask, your highness?”

“Because the ceremony is supposed to be tomorrow evening. That is, if your father is still able to officiate.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, and he’ll be here as I requested.”

Luna sighs. “Then I will have to see about having this matter taken care of by then.”

Natalya folds her talons nervously. “Please don’t feel that you have to rush things for our sake, Princess Luna.”

Arc looks to Luna. “Yes, just listen to what the king has to say and take things as slowly as you need to.”

“That isn’t my reasoning for haste though.”

Celestia appears confused. “It isn’t, sister?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. In truth, I want it to be resolved so that I too can attend the ceremony. If that’s alright, I mean.”

Arc smiles at her. “Of course! I’m told that it won’t take long though.”

Natalya nods. “That is true, yes. Griffon wedding ceremonies, once underway, aren’t very time consuming. It’s mostly the reception afterwards which drags on and on.”

Hammer grins. “A party?!”

Ashe smiles at her. “Haven’t you had enough of such things though?”

“Drinking, yeah. But I’d still like to see everyone having a nice time together after the fact.”

Arc chuckles. “As would I admittedly.”

Luna sighs. “However, a matter like this hanging in the air would make such a thing difficult, if not altogether impossible.”

Arc turns to Ashe. “How long do you think it will take for…?”

His earing chirps. Touching it, Arc speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve just received a message from the Aviary regarding Ambassador Ashe’s recent… conversation with the king.”

“Did they have instructions for us on how to proceed?”

“Yes sir. The message was…”

Lemon Hearts clears her throat before taking a deep breath and speaking.

“Please send Princess Luna to meet with me at the Aviary immediately upon her arrival. You have my word that I will drop everything to begin the talks as soon as she comes before me. Hopefully this matter can be settled amicably and quickly so as to prevent any lasting diplomatic problems.”

Luna groans as she heads for the door. “Then I’d best get over there and see him.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Lemon Hearts, notify Twilight back in Canterlot that the process is underway.”

“Yes sir.”

Ashe steps forward. “Shall I come as well, your highness?”

Luna nods as she motions for Ashe to follow her down the corridor. “I believe that would be for the best, yes.”

Arc waves after them. “Good luck!”

Turning his attention back to the earring, he continues.

“Luna and the ambassador are just about to leave the ship, Lemon Hearts. Have Wrangler report to the Cargo Hord and go with them in order to organize security.”

Wrangler call out as she heads for the Bridge door. “On my way, sir.”

“Very good. Arc out.”

Hammer appears confused as Arc severs the connection. “But… but that’s supposed to be my responsibility though, Arc!”

Arc turns to her. “I know that, Hammer. However, at the moment it would probably be a bad idea for you to be seen by the king or his advisors.”

Natalya bows her head. “That would also go for me as well. We need to keep a low profile at the moment.”

Hammer groans. “Guess I could just kind of hide out here in the ship with you then, Nat.”

Arc shrugs. “We don’t necessarily have to stay here and hide out, Hammer. Just keep away from the Aviary mostly.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “So… you’re saying that we SHOULD go out?”

“Maybe later. Right now, you, Natalya, and I should probably get something to eat.”

Natalya sighs. “I’m… not really hungry right now though.”

Arc shrugs. “Neither am I. But we need to keep our strength up.”

Hammer motions down the corridor with a hand. “Then let’s see about getting a bite to eat at the cafeteria.”

Meanwhile, Luna and Ashe arrive at the Cargo Hold. Wrangler is waiting for them and salutes soberly as she speaks.

“Reporting for duty, your highness.”

Luna looks confused. “Duty?”

Wrangler nods as she gestures to the waiting chariot. “I’ve been ordered by Hero of Light Arc to accompany you and Ambassador Ashe to the Aviary along with some guards for security purposes.”

Ashe sighs as she boards the chariot with Luna. “Good. We need to get this process started as soon as possible.”

Luna groans as she too boards. “Agreed.”

Taking their seats, Luna and Ashe wait patiently as the doors before them slowly open. Wrangler takes the lead and walks outside with her guards. Looking all around, she signals for the chariot to advance. As it rolls down the ramp, more guards fall into step behind the vehicle. Luna turns to Ashe as they reach the ground level.

“Tell me, do you know anything more regarding these charges, ambassador?”

“Just that Lieutenant Hammer was caught inside a very high security warehouse last night. While I believe her story of chasing a lead, it’s not likely that the king will buy her story.”

Luna sighs. “Yes, it does make Equestria out to be the guilty party here.”

“I only wish I knew what it was that was taken. Then we could attempt to replace or compensate the government for it.”

“Top secret though I would assume.”

“That it was, your highness. And while Lady Natalyah has offered to donate the money to pay off the debt, we would need the king to give us a number first.”

Luna looks ahead of them as griffons being lining the streets excitedly. “I’ll do my best to soothe him in this matter.”

Ashe turns to her soberly. “Then I hope you have a plan for that, Princess Luna.”

Luna nods as begins waving at onlookers. “I do. Get the king talking about our previous meeting in hopes of smoothing things over to the point he’ll let us make amends.”

Sometime later, the pair arrive at the Aviary. As the chariot stops within its high walls a large griffon approaches and waits for them to disembark. Doing so, Ashe gestures to the griffon as she looks to Luna.

“Your highness, may I present to you Arbiter Ghaleon of the Griffon Kingdom.”

Looking to the arbiter, she continues.

“Sir, this is Princess Luna of Equestria. She is here to discuss a matter with the king that came up very early this morning.”

Ghaleon nods soberly as he looks to Luna. “Yes, I’ve heard of the little… misunderstanding near the Skyport.”

“Indeed. Our goal here is to get to the bottom of this matter, sir.”

Ghaleon motions for them to follow him. “As is mine.”

As they begin their walk, Luna looks to the griffon before them and speaks.

“Might I ask you about the griffon side of the matter, sir?”

Ghaleon nods but does not looks back as he speaks. “An unknown item was taken from the warehouse in question from the king’s personal stock.”

Ashe frowns. “Any idea what was taken though?”

Ghaleon shrugs. “The preliminary report of the inventory claim is that it came from the king’s personal items. My gut tells me that it was likely a piece of art or some other knickknack he’s collected over the years.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s reassuring.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Are you certain of that, sir? After all, the king was very upset when I spoke to him about this matter on the phone earlier.”

Ghaleon rolls his eyes. “He gets like that when something happens to an item he really takes a fancy to.”

Luna sighs. “Very… possessive?”

Ghaleon scoffs. “That’s one word for it, your highness. Personally I prefer the term ‘spoiled’.”

Ashe smiles nervously as she attempts to move the conversation along. “So… do you think we’ll be able to talk him down on this matter?”

“Maybe.”

Luna appears hopeful. “Any advice you could give us, sir?”

“I’ve known the king for many years now and can categorically say that your best bet is to take his mind off of the item in question.”

Ashe frowns. “How though?”

“By offering him something greater than what was lost in return.”

Luna smiles. “What about compensation via gold?”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “King Guto already has quite a large personal fortune. So unless the gold you’re talking about is shaped into a sculpture, or in some other such interesting way, it’s not likely that the king would think much of it.”

Ashe lowers her voice and turns to Luna. “This just got quite a bit more difficult.”

Luna sighs. “That it has.”

“What are we supposed to do now?!”

“Just play it by ear, ambassador. We’ll get the king talking and try to figure out some tangible item to make this right.”

Sometime later they come to a large ornate set of doors. Ghaleon turns to the pair and speaks as he gestures to it.

“Here we are. The royal Audience Chambers.”

Ashe looks around. “Are there many cases ahead of us?”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “None, actually.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“King Guto has declared everything else on the schedule today to be secondary to rectifying the problem. Therefore, all other audiences have been cancelled.”

Ashe nods. “That is… surprising!”

Ghaleon heads for the door. “I shall announce you two. Please wait here with your guards.”

Entering the room, he closes the door behind him. Luna turns to Ashe and frowns.

“How normal is cancelling all audiences for the day here?”

“Very out of the ordinary, Princess Luna. Usually it’s reserved for times in which the king is ill, away from the capital on business, or some other major event that requires his full and undivided attention.”

“What kind of event would be required?”

“Something that imperils the country as a whole generally speaking. A major natural disaster, potential invasion, or any other event that could cause widespread harm to the citizenry.”

Luna grimaces. “I’m not sure which category this would fall into though.”

“Perhaps he believes the disappearance of the item to be a danger to the public as a whole.”

“Such a response is especially concerning, as it can mean just one thing.”

“And what’s that, Princess Luna?”

“That the item which was taken from the warehouse early this morning was not simply a piece of art or of some other cultural significance. But something of great importance nonetheless.”

Ashe frowns. “How could we hope to put a price tag on something such as that though?”

Luna sighs. “It’s likely that we won’t. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try to talk the king down from his anger.”

A short time later Ghaleon returns to the corridor. Motioning for Luna and Ashe to approach, he gestures to the guards to non-verbally instruct them to hold the doors open for the pair in order to allow the pair admittance. Entering the Audience Chambers together, Luna and Ashe look ahead to see a long red carpet leading up to a resplendent looking throne situated at the end of it. King Guto sits on the a fore mentioned throne surrounded by innumerable guards clad in heavy plate armor, swords, and shields. Walking down the carpet together, the pair come to the base of the throne and bow respectfully as Ashe speaks.

“Thank you for seeing us so quickly, your majesty.”

Guto nods soberly. “As I told you on the phone, I want this matter taken care of quickly, ambassador.”

Luna steps forward. “Yes, King Guto. And I have been sent here on behalf of Equestria in order to try and make that happen.”

“How though?”

“I… don’t really know yet, your highness. But I believe that you and I can come to an agreement if we simply talk through this unfortunate matter.”

“Very well, Luna. One moment, please.”

Guto looks to the officer in charge before continuing.

“Guards, leave us.”

Saluting, the commander motions to his guards to head for the door. Luna does the same for her own pony entourage. Leaving the room together, they join Ghaleon in the corridor. As the doors are closed behind the troops the arbiter looks to the officer and frowns.

“What the heck are you doing out here?!”

“The king ordered us out of the room, sir.”

“Along with the pony guards, I see.”

“Yes, sir. Princess Luna reciprocated the king’s desire to speak privately and ordered her own guards out of the chambers as well.”

Ghaleon puts a talon to his chin. “Interesting.”

“What do you suppose this means, sir?”

“Don’t worry about it. Just guard this door and await further orders from his royal highness.”

The officer salutes as Ghaleon walks away. Frowning, he muses to himself as he makes his way down the corridor.

“Something is amiss here. The king is never without some form of royal protection.”

Grunting, Ghaleon continues down the hallway as he makes a turn.

“I think I had best start my own inquiries into this particular matter.”

Meanwhile, King Guto descends from his throne and stands before Luna and Ashe.

“Tell me something, Luna. Are you empowered to do what it takes to rectify this situation?”

Luna nods. “I am.”

“Good. Then let’s talk about it in my office.”

Ashe appears confused. “Your office, sire?”

Guto nods. “Yes, I believe we will all be more comfortable there than just standing around here.”

Walking toward a column, he reaches up and pushes a specific brick. A slight ‘click’ is heard before a secret passage opens up behind him. Gesturing to it, Guto looks to Luna and Ashe.

“Shall we be off?”

Luna appears surprised. “Where…?”

“My office, Luna. This is merely a more secure, and efficient, method of traveling there.”

Nodding, Luna follows the king into the passageway as Ashe joins them. Walking single file down the narrow corridor, they eventually come to a dead end and a chain. Pulling it, the king exposes another secret door which opens up into a well-maintained and very ornate looking office. Stepping inside, he turns to Luna and Ashe as they emerge and gestures with a talon to two posh looking chairs sitting in front of his desk.

“Welcome to my office. Please, make yourselves comfortable and we’ll see about trying to figure this matter out.”

Doing as they are told, the pair take their seats as Guto walks around his desk and sits down across from them. Smiling, he speaks.

“First off, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for coming, Luna. Your dedication to this matter is a boon to you and your nation.”

“Thank you, your highness. I…”

Guto interrupts her. “Ah, ah, ah. Your highness?”

“Thank you for seeing us, Guto.”

“It’s my pleasure, Luna.”

Ashe looks to the king. “The princess is very interested in making amends to the Griffon Kingdom for what happened early this morning, your highness.”

“And I am very interested in hearing how that is to be done.”

Luna smiles nervously. “Perhaps we should talk about the situation as it stands.”

“Very well.”

Picking up a folder on his desk, the king continues.

“According to the official report from my investigator, an Equestrian lieutenant was caught deep inside a government warehouse near a number of open crates. A single item was found to be missing when inventory was taken.”

“And what was the item that was taken, Guto?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot elaborate as to the nature of the missing item. National security, you see.”

Ashe chimes in. “Nothing else was taken, sire?”

Guto shakes his head. “Correct, ambassador. All other inventory has already been accounted for.”

Luna frowns. “And you believe our lieutenant to have taken it?”

“Not exactly, Luna. The report clearly states that another perpetrator was seen leaving the scene of the crime at great speed. And while your lieutenant was searched and found to have nothing, it can be surmised that she may have been in league with the one whom got away.”

“Was there any proof of this found during the investigation?”

“Nothing concrete, no. However, it would be too convenient to simply chalk up to happenstance and chance. Or lack of such things as the case may be.”

Ashe frowns. “So Princess Luna is supposed to believe that the lieutenant was working with the one whom is currently at large?”

Guto nods. “It makes sense, ambassador. After all, why else would they have been walking past that particular warehouse at such a late hour?”

Ashe sighs. “While I know that such a thing does sound rather strange, Lieutenant Hammer was simply escorting Lady Natalya to a local tavern for a bit of a drink to celebrate her upcoming wedding to Lord Arc.”

Luna nods. “Yes, such things are certainly very mentally taxing. And considering her family’s wealth, it does make sense that she wouldn’t have wanted to go alone.”

Guto sighs. “I understand that, Luna. However, our investigators have already spoken to the employees at the tavern in question and were told that the lieutenant as well as Lady Natalya ate and drank heavily.”

Ashe appears hopeful. “But wouldn’t such testimony serve to help prove that they weren’t trying to rob the warehouse, but simply get back to Lord Arc’s ship?”

“Perhaps. Or it could also have been done in an attempt to create an alibi.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “An alibi?”

Guto nods. “A distraction to help their accomplice get away.”

Ashe frowns. “Forgive me, your highness, but it’s not likely that Lieutenant Hammer would have gone so deep inside the warehouse then, sir. At least in my mind, that is.”

“Either way, she will have the chance to defend herself at her upcoming trial.”

Luna grimaces. “Trial, Guto?”

“Yes, Luna. Here we believe in giving others the opportunity to confess their crimes publicly or prove their innocence.”

Ashe looks to the king nervously. “And what of Lady Natalya, sire?”

Guto taps the papers on his desk. “According to the report, she was not found inside the facility nor even past the main gates. It would appear that she went back to Lord Arc’s ship to requisition the aide of the Equestrian guards within it as well as fetch Ambassador Ashe.”

Luna appears hopeful. “So you believe her to be innocent regarding this matter?”

Guto sighs as he closes the folder. “I am conflicted regarding that fact.”

Ashe looks to the king. “Can you elaborate on that topic, sire?”

“The official record states that she was sold into slavery to Lord Arc as penance for accusations stemming from some very compelling evidence that pointed to her being the leader of the rebels.”

Ashe quickly chimes in. “But they’ve been active since her departure. Or so I’ve been told, your highness.”

Guto shrugs. “That is correct, yes. However, it would have made sense for them to appoint a replacement following her departure to Equestria.”

Luna smirks. “That leaves the matter of her guilt unproven though.”

“Only due to the fact that Lady Natalya’s right to a trial was waved due to her unwillingness to cooperate with the investigation.”

“Tell me something, Guto. Do you believe that she was actually the rebel leader you’ve been searching for?”

“It seems rather unlikely admittedly. Lady Natalya being in such a position socially and financially would have made her gaining anything by a rebel victory nearly impossible.”

Ashe nods fervently. “Had the rebels succeeded in their goals, she would have had nowhere to go in society other than down a rung or two.”

Guto frowns. “That in combination with her appearing to follow the letter of the law in her response to the supposed break in this morning leads me to believe that she may not have been the leader of the rebels, yes.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “May not?”

“All things are possible, Luna. And we cannot take chances with such things that could harm the nation as a whole.”

Ashe chimes in. “If I may, your highness. If that were the case, why allow her to leave the country with Lord Arc after her arrest?”

“Standard procedure was followed. She was taken into custody and interrogated by our top agents. Their reports came back inconclusive though, so I couldn’t see any reason to release her. However, Lord Gestal informed me of her true identity before she was summarily executed, which is why she was spared.”

Luna appears confused. “Lord Gestal? But I thought she was supposed to be the daughter of Lord Goldstone.”

Ashe nods. “She is. But sire, are you saying that Lord Goldstone didn’t say anything to you about this matter?”

Guto shakes his head. “Not a word. Which is why I was so surprised when Gestal told me whom she really was.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “So she wouldn’t have been executed anyways?”

“I had intended to keep her imprisoned on a diet of bread and water. However, Lord Gestal asked to be allowed to devise a plan to deal with her.”

Ashe frowns. “Deal with?”

Guto nods. “Yes, ambassador. My only condition to this was that she be removed from our society by any means necessary. What else he had as a backup plan for her had Lord Arc not accepted her as payment for a debt of some sort I do not know.

Luna looks to the king. “Lady Natalya has taken the initiative and asked me to express to you her intention to pay for the stolen item and damage to the warehouse already, Guto. At this point she only wishes to make this matter right in your eyes and gain the pardon of Lieutenant Hammer.”

“This matter is not one of money, Luna. But of security.”

Ashe leans forward. “Please, your highness. We only wish to make amends on behalf of the Equestrian government. What must be done to earn that?”

Guto puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… I suppose you could help me with a bit of a problem.”

Luna smiles eagerly. “What would that be, Guto?”

“First I’ll need to explain a bit about what was taken from the warehouse this morning.”

He turns to Luna before continuing.

“But with you alone.”

Luna appears surprised. “Oh? But Ambassador Ashe is…”

Guto interrupts her. “Please, Luna. What I have to say to you is top, TOP secret.”

Ashe stands. “It’s alright, Princess Luna. I understand.”

Turning to the king, she continues.

“I shall wait outside, your highness.”

“Very good, ambassador. You are dismissed.”

Bowing respectfully, Ashe heads for the office door. Stepping out into the corridor, she closes the door behind her and walks over to a large floor to ceiling window across the hall. Sitting down on her haunches she sighs and mutters to herself.

“It’s all up to you now, Princess Luna.”

Meanwhile, Guto stands and makes his way over to the office door. After locking it, he returns to his desk, sits back down, and looks to Luna soberly.

“Might I ask that you keep this conversation between us, Luna?”

Luna nods. “Yes, of course.”

“Thank you. Now then… in regards to this matter.”

Sighing, he continues.

“I’m sure you’re familiar with the duty of a leader to protect their citizens and borders from invasion.”

“That I am. After all, we recently brought a very old conflict to heel with the Changeling Kingdom to the south of Equestria.”

“Yes, I’ve heard of the tentative peace between your two countries.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Tentative, Guto?”

“You know as well as I do that any nation can be caught off guard by a bordering foreign power. Ultimately, all of us are just one surprise attack from domestic ruin.”

“Are you saying that you believe Equestria to be plotting something?”

Guto shakes her head. “Not at this time, no. Luna. You and the other princesses have shown yourselves to be fair and noble emissaries to us. However, I must point out that trustworthy individuals such as yourself will not always be on the throne. And whom is to say that a future replacement would deal so favorably with the Griffon Kingdom?”

“But our treaty…”

Guto interrupts her. “…is but a piece of paper, Luna. It’s only real power comes from both of our nations following its statutes to the letter.”

“Which I believe both of our respective nations have thus far, yes.”

“Agreed. But as I said, that may not always be the case due to leadership changes within our nations. You and your sister may one day be replaced by a pony whom does not share your ideals.”

“Likewise, you may be succeeded by a future king whom wishes to go back to the old ways.”

“So you understand my need to plan for the future then, Luna?”

“Of course. It’s always important to look ahead to the future. But I don’t understand what that has to do with the matter at hoof.”

“I’m getting to that, Luna. Now then, the item that was stolen was a top secret device.”

“A device?”

“It was a prototype of a concept that has been in review by our greatest minds for some time now.”

“But if that’s the case, why not just build another?”

“We could, yes. After all, the thief only took the device itself. The blueprints for it were safely locked away in a separate but secure location.

“And you are concerned with the idea that whomever stole it may reverse engineer it and turn such a thing against the Griffon Kingdom.”

Guto shakes his head. “I’m honestly not too worried about such a thing, Luna. My science advisors have already told me that it’s extremely complicated and relatively useless without the blueprints to explain the inner workings.”

“Still, it could be a danger to national security.”

“Agreed. That’s why I’ve already ordered the scouring of the country to retrieve it.”

Luna frowns. “But wouldn’t that be akin to looking for a needle in a haystack?”

“It may be, yes. However, I need to show my subjects that I am willing to do whatever it takes to protect them in addition to rooting out the rebel threat once and for all.”

“How so?”

“By making examples of those caught sympathizing with the rebels.”

He stands and walks over to a nearby window. Luna joins him as he looks out over the land before them.

“I’ve been far too lenient regarding the rebel threat in the past, Luna. Allowing them to continue to cause trouble for this land rather than uproot them. But that ends here and now.”

“How will you deal with this, Guto?”

“Anyone caught with rebel paraphernalia will be summarily, and publicly, executed. Those whom give them aid and shelter will be forced to suffer life in prison. And any whom get in the way of these proceedings will be sold into slavery along with their families.”

Luna gasps. “Their families too, Guto?!”

Guto nods. “It’s the only way to assure that the rebels are cut off from their allies. The very stiffness of the penalties will dissuade anyone else from joining them or aiding in their actions.”

“Such will only serve to make your subjects fear you though!”

“If that’s what it takes, then that’s what I’ll do. This land must be protected from those whom would do it harm.”

“Is there no other way?”

“There is, yes. The reason I asked to speak to you privately about this matter as a whole.”

“A different plan?”

“Yes, Luna. Strength.”

“I don’t understand your meaning, Guto.”

“Let me explain. Suppose two ponies had a disagreement about how things should be done. How would they go about coming to a solution to their problem?”

“By talking through it.”

“And if that failed?”

“Then they could petition a princess to adjudicate the matter as a neutral third party.”

“What if there were no one to do such a thing though? No third party, I mean.”

Luna appears confused. “Nopony to judge between them?”

Guto nods. “Right. It’s just them and their disagreement.”

“I suppose without a solution it could come to blows.”

“Correct. Now I need you to assume that they aren’t alone in their disagreement. That both sides have numerous ponies behind them whom stood in opposition to the other ponies. What could that lead to, Luna?”

“War, I would assume.”

“Right.”

“One that neither side would ultimately win, I must say.”

“Correct again, Luna. Now then, continuing with my analogy on this matter, let’s say that there was a third party able to make a decision on the matter. It would still require both sides to respect the wisdom of those whom pass judgment.”

“You mean that one or both sides might not abide by what was decided?”

“Exactly. The third party would have to find some way of forcing both sides to abide by their ruling in such an event.”

“And how would they do that?”

Guto clenches a talon. “Through the threat of force. Which is where the stolen prototype comes into the picture. I ordered its development not so much to be used as a weapon, but as a deterrent.”

“Meaning that if one side didn’t come to heel then they could be dealt with.”

“Yes, Luna. You have my word that such would be a last resort though. After all, I wish to be known as a fair and just ruler. Not a bloodthirsty executioner or butcher.”

“So by you simply possessing such a weapon you could ensure peace in the Griffon Kingdom over your enemies.”

“Domestically, yes. We would of course never use them against our allies without just cause.”

“Future leaders perhaps?”

Guto sighs. “As I said before, I must do what I can to safeguard my nation’s future survival.”

“I still fail to understand what this had to do with Equestria making amends for the loss of your prototype.”

“With the prototype’s loss, it is possible but unlikely that the rebels, or someone else in the distant future, may be able to find a way to make it work for them. If that happens, many will be harmed in the ensuing conflict.”

He turns to Luna before continuing.

“And this is where you come into the picture, Luna.”

Luna appears surprised. “Me, Guto?”

Guto nods. “Yes. You see, my idea here is twofold. First and foremost… the weapon prototype, while extremely powerful, doesn’t hold a candle to the raw magical power of an Equestrian alicorn princess. So what I want from you is… to stay here in the Griffon Kingdom and serve the nation by my side.”

Luna frowns. “You wish for me to be your servant?”

Guto shakes his head. “No, Luna. What I want… is for you to help me guide this nation forward as my queen.”

“As your… what?!”

“I understand that this is very sudden, Luna. And I am sorry for dropping it on you all at once. But I do think very highly of you and your ability to lead Equestria. Such a thing is just what the Griffon Kingdom needs to drive it toward a new age of peace and prosperity.”

“But… but, I don’t…!”

Guto interrupts her. “Forgive me, Luna. I may have gotten a bit ahead of myself here. Just for the sake of clarity, I’m very interested in forming a special relationship with Equestria through our union. Our nations would be joined by matrimony when you and I are both ready to do such a thing. At that point you will be the guiding voice of the Griffon Kingdom and can lead the nation as you see fit.”

“B-but I can’t just up and leave my country! What about my sister?! What about Twilight?!”

“Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight are fully capable of leading Equestria together with Lord Arc. But here, you could make a real difference. We could create something new and grand for both our nations.”

“Guto, I… I just…!”

She puts a hoof to her forehead and sighs before continuing.

“…I don’t… why me though?”

“Because you and I are very compatible, Luna. While I know that we just met a short time ago, I already feel a very special bond between us. And would like the opportunity to expand on our relationship.”

Luna looks away nervously. “I’m not sure that… ah… that Lord Arc would approve of such a thing. After all, he and I are still… you know.”

“Involved in a relationship?”

“Right.”

“Lord Arc is planning to make what you Equestrians call a ‘herd’ with Lady Natalya and Princess Twilight. If you were to join then in such an endeavor it would be nothing but a competition for love and affection.”

He puts a talon on her shoulder before continuing.

“But here with me, you would be the alpha wife. My one and only queen. The apple of my eye and jewel of the kingdom.”

“I’m not sure that such a thing would really work out though. The herd is very… connected with its members. Potential and confirmed.”

“So you are saying that you are already a part of their group, Luna?”

“Not… officially, no But I do plan to be someday soon, yes!”

Guto sighs. “Luna. A life here with me in the Griffon Kingdom would be in the best interest of all concerned. Ponies, griffons, and even the rest of the world as well.”

“I don’t understand. You speak of world peace now?”

“Tentatively, yes. With our marriage, Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom will enter into an eternal alliance of mutual peace. None of the other countries could hope to stand against us. And as such, we could use that leverage to usher in an age of peace among all nations.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes… yes, I do see what you’re saying. Should any number of the other nations become hostile to one another, then our two nations could step in and stop the conflict before it even begins.”

“Agreed! World peace would be a simple task for us to achieve together!”

“I suppose it would be, yes. But what of the missing prototype?”

“It was something I had wanted to debut to the rest of the world in an effort to show everyone that the Griffon Kingdom was fully ready and able to defend itself from any and all threats.”

He smiles at her before continuing.

“But with you by my side, the prototype would be obsolete. So the only real question now is… will you join with me in this, Luna?”

“I don’t… think I can! I mean… I’m not ready for such a thing!”

“It’s understandable, my dear. After all, this is a very big choice for both of us. Please understand that I’m not making it lightly nor did I come to this idea quickly. But I do want you to know that I am very serious about making this matter work out… for both of our nations.”

“Well… can I have some time to think about it?”

Guto nods warmly. “Yes, of course. Talk it over with your sister and Lord Arc as you see fit. However, I do ask that you keep this matter from everyone else as you promised earlier.”

“Very well. I, uh… think I need to… do that. Immediately.”

Guto smiles as he gestures to the office door. “Certainly. I shall personally escort you back to your carriage then.”

Opening the door, they see Ashe waiting patiently. She bows respectfully to the king as she speaks.

“I do hope Princess Luna and you were able to come to an agreement on this matter, sire.”

“We tentatively have, yes.”

Luna walks toward her. “It’s important that I return to The Equinox now and talk it over with my sister and Lord Arc though.”

Ashe nods as she follows Luna and the king down the corridor. “Very well. I shall help in any way that I can.”

Sometime later Guto returns to his office. Closing the door behind him and locking it, he walks over to a nearby curtain covering the wall. Reaching behind it, he pulls a heavy sash to part the heavy cloth. It spreads to expose the picture of Luna hanging up on his wall. Sighing happily, the king runs a talon over the canvas gently as he speaks.

“It won’t be long now, my dear Luna. Soon you shall be my queen and together… together we will unite the world under our rule.”

Chuckling, he looks at the flank of the mare in the painting and smiles lewdly.

“And with luck, she and I will be able to create an heir to carry on my bloodline. While it may take quite a bit of time in order to achieve that goal, I’m certain that we shall both enjoy the… endeavor.”

Chapter 16 - The Big Day

The next day Arc lies on his bed staring up at the ceiling. There is a knock at the door. Looking over to it he calls out.

“Come!”

Hammer enters and closes the door behind her. Walking over to him, she folds her arms over her chest and frowns as she speaks.

“Uh… what they heck do you think you’re doing?”

Arc shrugs. “Just kinda… thinking about a few things at the moment."

Hammer makes a circular motion with her hand in an attempt to move the conversation forward. “About…?”

“Everything, really.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Yeah, that didn’t really clear it up for me, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “I’m thinking about what led me to this point, I guess.”

“Care to expand on that?”

“Today at sunset, Natalya and I are getting married.”

“Just on paper though.”

Arc nods. “I know that it’s not going to be what we all think of as a ‘real’ marriage. Well, real as in being in truly being in love with someone. But at the same time, it is still a marriage.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Which from what I could tell before, you were totally okay with up until this very moment.”

“Guess it all just hit me at once.”

Hammer sits down on the bed next to him. “Be real with me, Arc. What’s this really all about?”

“Natalya and I are going to be wed. Isn’t that enough?”

“Remember, if you want to call this whole blasted thing off, Natalya said that she would be okay with it and wouldn’t press charges.”

“I know. But I honestly have to do this. After all, both of our nations will suffer greatly if I don’t.”

Hammer shakes her head. “So, what are you going to do then?”

Arc shrugs. “Think mostly.”

“Well, Ashe sent me in here to remind you of griffon tradition.”

“Spending the day with Natalya doing what we enjoy.”

“Her words, yes.”

Arc grunts. “In truth, I’ve had enough of these so-called griffon traditions to last me a lifetime.”

Hammer smirks. “You and me both, Arc. But right now, you have a job to do.”

She gestures to the door before continuing.

“Natalya is out in the corridor waiting for you.”

Arc looks confused. “She is?”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Yeah. Where did you think she was?”

“At breakfast I would imagine.”

“We all were, yeah. And everyone ate happily as we all always do. Everyone except for Natalya, that is.”

Arc rolls over to face Hammer. “Say what?”

“Natalya, your bride to be, just kinda picked at her food and kept looking to the door. For you to show up, I would imagine.”

“I… didn’t know that.”

Hammer glares at him. “And you would have if you weren’t in here hiding!”

Arc turns away as he speaks. “Not exactly ‘hiding’ per say.”

Hammer groans. “Call it whatever you want then. But I know for a fact that neither one of you has eaten since supper last night.”

Arc sighs. “Neither of us was really hungry then either.”

“And like I said before, she didn’t eat much at breakfast either.”

“Maybe Redheart should look her over.”

Hammer shakes her head. “Are you really that dense?!”

“I know she’s scared. To be Honest with you, I’m scared too. Which is why I don’t have an appetite either.”

“Fine then. Take her out for breakfast on the town.”

“Natalya would probably like that.”

Hammer gestures to the door. “So… do it.”

“Can I ask you something, Hammer?”

“What is it?”

“Are you… really okay with this?”

“With the whole marriage thing to Natalya?”

“Right.”

Hammer nods matter-of-factly. “Completely.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he turns to her. “You didn’t even hesitate.”

“What’s there to think about?! She needs someone to help and you’re helping her! It not like Natalya has any other options at this point!”

“And just to make sure that I’m understanding this correctly, you’re not jealous, or anything?”

Hammer frowns. “Not in the least!”

“How though? I mean… if, just for an example mind you, Rarity was going to marry someone else on paper to settle a legal matter, I’d certainly be upset.”

“Would you really?”

“Yes!”

“Why though?”

“Because… I don’t know!”

Hammer puts a hand on his shoulder. “Listen, Arc. I’m totally okay with your marriage to Natalya, as is the rest of the herd, for one reason and one reason only. Because we know that at the end of the day, she honestly isn’t trying to come between you and us.”

“So, you aren’t worried that she and I might… uh… hit it off, or something?”

Hammer shrugs. “I mean, if that happens, it happens.”

Arc appears confused. “Wait, what?!”

“She’s a real sweet gal, Arc. And I get the feeling that she’d fit right in with the rest of the girls if you wanted her to join us.”

“I’m Honestly not interested in doing that at this point though. Adding another female to the herd, I mean.”

Hammer smirks. “Now then, if that’s true, and I don’t have any reason to think that it isn’t… then what do the rest of us have to worry about?”

There is a long silence as Arc ponders Hammer’s words. Eventually he sighs and nods.

“Nothing, I suppose.”

“Right. So get lazy your butt outta bed, get dressed, and take Natalya out for the day like you’re supposed to.”

Arc sits up. “Alright. But I really don’t know what I’m supposed to do with her other than get breakfast.”

Hammer shakes her head. “I’m sure you two will figure something out. And if you can’t, I’m sure Ashe can give you some advice.”

Arc appears confused. “Ashe?”

Hammer nods as she jerks a thumb behind her toward the door. “Yeah. She’s in the corridor with Natalya.”

“Making sure I do my duty in the name of griffon tradition, eh?”

“Well, she IS responsible for making sure that you two follow all of these dumb procedures.”

Arc walks over to the dresser. “Fine. Just let me get some clean clothes.”

“Ashe says your supposed to look the part.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

Hammer shrugs. “I dunno. It was her words, not mine.”

“She doesn’t really know what my best is though.”

Hammer smirks. “Yeah, yeah. In all seriousness here, you could probably wear whatever you wanted to and get away with it at this point though. I mean, you ARE Lord Arc of Equestria, after all.”

Arc chuckles as he turns to the wardrobe. “That infernal title rears its ugly head again.”

“What? You don’t like it?”

Arc shrugs as he pulls out his royal raiments from the nearby wardrobe. “That’s not it, Hammer. But it just sounds kinda weird when you say my title aloud. I always thought it made me sound like some stuffy, stuck-up noble… or something.”

Hammer watches intently and licks her lips as she watches Arc disrobe. “Well, I for one think that it makes you sounds sexy as heck.”

“You would.”

“I mean it, Arc! The whole ‘lord’ thing is hot as hell!”

Arc looks over his shoulder at Hammer. “You sure it’s not just because of my current state of undress.”

Hammer grins. “That doesn’t hurt your case, no. But it is a nice little bonus for me.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he goes back to making himself ready. “You’ll never change, Hammer.”

“Nope. And neither will you.”

A short time later Arc looks to Hammer. Turning slightly to allow her to see him properly, he speaks.

“How’s this?”

Hammer looks him over carefully. “Okay, I guess. But…”

Arc appears confused. “What is it?”

“I don’t know. It just kinda feels as if you’re missing something.”

“That didn’t really clear it up, Hammer.”

Hammer taps her chin thoughtfully. “A super special day like this needs something more though. Tell me, do you have any, uh… um… man perfume around here?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Do you mean ‘cologne’?”

Hammer snaps her fingers. “Yeah, that!”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out a bottle and holds it out to Hammer. She takes it from him and sniffs the cap. Grinning, the young woman nods approvingly.

“I like it!”

“Thought you would.”

Hammer hands the bottle back. “Where’d you find that stuff?”

Arc chuckles as he applies the cologne. “Lily gave it to me a few Christmases ago.”

“Well, you can tell her for me that she really hit the nail on the head with that one!”

Arc returns the bottle to his ring. “So, does that allow me to pass inspection?”

Hammer looks him over again. “I don’t know. It still feels like something’s missing though.”

“No idea what else I could do to fix that though?”

Hammer shrugs. “Nah. But I guess it can’t be helped.”

Walking toward the door together, Hammer opens it and calls out loudly.

“HERE HE COMES!”

Arc steps out into the corridor to see Ashe standing there with Natalya. She is looking down at the floor nervously as she sits on her haunches. Ashe steps forward soberly and speaks to him.

“Good morning, Lord Arc.”

“Uh… hi, Ashe. Something wrong?”

Ashe frowns. “I should say so! After all, I’m quite certain that I informed you some time ago about how this part of the process works!”

Hammer nods matter-of-factly. “The day of the wedding is supposed to be spent doing what the couple loves, together I might add, before the sun begins to set.”

Ashe looks down the corridor. “Then you both will return to the ship where my father and I will be waiting on the Observation Deck. He will perform the ceremony and that will be that.”

Hammer grins. “Right!”

Arc looks to Natalya. “Uh… are you ready to do… something together then?”

Natalya nods nervously as she looks at the floor. “Y-yes sir. I mean dear!”

Ashe makes a dismissive motion with a talon. “Go on you two. Have your special day as the law decrees.”

Hammer grins. “We’ll make sure things are prepared on this end.”

Ashe groans. “Now then, you two should get underway. “

Hammer nods. “And be sure to have a nice time together!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. We’ll head out in a bit.”

Ashe smiles at him. “Very good, Lord Arc. Just be sure to return to The Equinox before the sun sinks below the horizon for the ceremony.”

“Alright.”

Ashe looks to Hammer as she turns to leave. “This way, lieutenant. We have much work to do.”

Hammer falls into step. “Right behind you, ambassador.”

As Ashe and Hammer walk away, Arc turns to Natalya. Smiling nervously, he approaches and speaks.

“So, ah…”

He shifts uneasily before continuing.

“…what… should we do?”

“Anything you’d like to, sir.”

Arc sighs. “I was afraid you’d say that.”

Natalya grimaces. “Really, whatever you want to do is fine with me.”

“Can you give me a hint though?”

“Sir?”

Arc sighs. “I just realized that I don’t really know you too well. What you like eludes me.”

“It’s… not really something I’ve had much time to think about either.”

“What about doing something special with your siblings?”

Natalya looks to him, confused. “But griffon tradition states that the couple are to spend the day together.”

Arc nods. “Right. However, from the way Ashe worded it the other day, it doesn’t actually say that they have to do such a thing alone, now does it?”

Natalya puts a talon to her beak as she thinks. “I… suppose that’s true, yes.”

“So does that mean that you’d like to make this a group outing?”

“If you want to, sir.”

“I do if you do.”

Natalya smiles. “Then… yes. Yes, I think I’d like that.”

“Alright. Now that we have that settled, let’s head over to their rooms and collect Gallus and Gabby.”

Making their way down the corridor together, Arc and Natalya stop in front of the door. Knocking, they step back and wait. A few moments later Gabby opens the door a few inches and peeks out. Frowning, she speaks.

“What are you two doing here?!”

Natalya fidgets slightly. “We just…”

Gabby interrupts her. “Aren’t you supposed to be out having fun right now?!”

“Kinda. You see…”

“Need some suggestions, or something?!”

Arc steps into her line of sight. “Natalya and I wanted to know if you…”

Gabby gasps happily. “So Lord Arc really is out there!”

“Yes, I’m here.”

Natalya sighs. “Where’s Gallus, Gabby?”

Gabby looks to the side as she talks. “In my bathroom stinking it up right now!”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “How do you know…?”

“I can go check!”

Arc holds out a hand. “No, no. We can just wait for him to come out on his own.”

As if on cue, the sound of the bathroom door opening rings out along with footfalls. Gabby grins as she looks to Arc.

“He’s out now! Phew! Stinky!”

Gallus looks over to his sister, confused. “Who are you talking to over there, Gabby?”

“Natalya and Lord Arc! They’re here to…!”

Frowning, she taps her beak before continuing.

“Actually, I don’t know why they’re here!”

Looking through the door again, she continues.

“So why are you…?!”

Groaning, Gallus steps forward and pulls his little sister away from the door. Opening it wide, he speaks.

“What’s up, sis?”

“I, um… Lord Arc and I were about to leave for our, uh… day together.”

Gallus shrugs at the pair as he begins closing the door. “Have a nice time then.”

Natalya puts a talon on the door to hold it open. “We were wondering if you and Gabby would like to… come with us.”

Gallus appears confused. “But I thought that today was supposed to be a private thing between you two.”

Arc shrugs. “According to Ashe, the law just says that we’re supposed to do what makes us happy together.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, it says nothing about whom we can and can’t have with us.”

Gabby peeks out again. “Can we go somewhere fun then?!”

Gallus groans as he looks to his little sister. “No, Gabby! It’s supposed to be things that THEY like to do! Not what YOU want to!”

Arc looks past Gallus. “And what do you think would be fun for us to do, Gabby?”

“How about going shopping?!”

Arc looks to Natalya. “What do you think?”

“Shopping would be a fine thing to do while we think of other things to do together.”

“Alright. Shopping it is.”

Gabby appears hopeful. “Can I come too?!”

Gallus grunts. “Like I said, it’s supposed to be…!”

Natalya interrupts him. “Sure, Gabby. Let’s go.”

Gabby leaps past her brother. “YAY!”

Arc looks to Gallus. “You’re welcome to come with us as well.”

Gallus sighs and shrugs as he steps out of the room. “Sure. Why not?”

They walk down the corridor toward the main hatch together as Natalya turns to Gallus and Gabby.

“So… what else do you two want to do?”

Gallus frowns. “Uh… isn’t this supposed to be YOUR day, sis?”

Gabby flaps her wings excitedly. “I wanna get something yummy to eat!”

Arc looks to Natalya. “That would probably be a good place to start.”

“Agreed.”

Gallus shakes his head. “You should be doing what YOU want to do though, Natalya!”

Natalya nods. “Right. And at the moment I want to have a nice sit-down meal with my siblings.”

Gabby jumps on Gallus’ back as she throws her talons in the air. “YAY!”

Gallus groans. “Fine. Let’s go.”

The group makes its way toward the Main Hatch together. Arc turns to Natalya as they near it.

“I really hope you know of a place we could go.”

Natalya nods. “That I do, yes. It’s a nice little place not too far from here.”

Gallus grunts as he rolls his eyes. “Cue the five-star meal sizes.”

Natalya turns to her brother. “It’s actually just a mom-and-pop place down the road. Decent portions and reasonable prices.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That sounds kinda like my friend’s place back on Earth.”

Natalya giggles. “You mean Shelly’s Kitchen?

“Right. You’ve heard of it?”

Gallus chuckles. “They just opened up in Ponyville, remember?”

Arc facepalms. “Oh… right. Now I feel silly.”

Gabby smiles. “It’s a really nice place! Good food there too!”

Natalya looks to Arc as the three of them step out onto the deck. “Gallus and I took Gabby there when she did well on a hard test recently.”

“And I loved it!”

Gallus shrugs. “It’s okay. Needs some meat on the menu though.”

Natalya frowns at him. “Meat at a place that almost exclusively serves ponies?”

Arc smirks as they walk down the gangplank. “I’m actually with Gallus on this one.”

Gallus appears surprised. “Really, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Their restaurant back on Earth had sausage, bacon, and burgers too. So they certainly know how to make that stuff.”

Gallus puts a talon to his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe they need some kind of a ‘secret menu’, or something.”

Arc chuckles. “Lily said she would experiment with a cockatrice if I sent one over. I just haven’t had time to do that yet.”

Gabby tilts her head to one side, confused. “What’s a ‘cockatrice’?!”

“A dangerous bird-like animal that lives in the Everfree Forest.”

Gabby gasps. “We’re not cannibals though!”

Gallus shudders. “Yeah! It’d be weird eating a bird!”

Arc facepalms. “Ah! That does make sense now that I think about it. Well then, maybe I can buy one of Applejack’s pigs for Lily to make a few things out of.”

Natalya grins. “Ham sounds good.”

Gallus shrugs. “Yeah. Around here only the rich can afford it though.”

Natalya frowns. “Only because it needs to be brought in from far away.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“The pig farms are really far from Griffonstone, so it costs a lot to bring their meat to market here in the city.”

“Makes sense.”

Walking down the road, they leave the Skyport and enter the city together. About ten minutes later Natalya gestures to a small building with a talon.

“Here we are.”

Arc reads the sign over the door aloud. “It’s called ‘The Blue Feather’.”

Gabby looks to her sister. “What’s that mean?!”

Natalya shrugs. “No idea.”

Gallus steps forward. “You can ask inside if you really want to know, Gabby.”

Arc holds the door open to allow the others to enter first. Gabby bounds inside as Gallus and Natalya follow. Bringing up the rear, Arc looks around. Their modest surroundings lead him to smile inwardly as a middle-aged griffon approaches in a waitress outfit.

“How many…?!”

Upon seeing Arc, she gasps and drops the menus in her talon. Quickly bowing, she speaks softly.

“Forgive my earlier outburst, sir!”

Gabby appears confused as she looks to her older sister. “What’s going on, Natalya?!”

Natalya sighs. “It’s because Lord Arc is with us.”

Arc kneels down and picks up the menus as he speaks. “Good morning, miss. Are you alright?”

“Y-yes sir! I’m just fine!”

Arc sets the menus on the hostess stand nearby as he extends a hand to the griffon. “Let me help you up then.”

Looking up, she sees Arc’s hand in front of her. Slowly reaching out she takes it and stands. Dusting herself off, she smiles nervously and again bows her head.

“How can I serve you, Lord Arc?”

“We’re looking for a table for four, please.”

The waitress runs toward a table and begins rigorously cleaning it with a dish rag. “Just let me make sure this is spotless for you, sir!”

“Thanks.”

A few moments later she steps back and motions for them to sit. Natalya leads the group to the table and sits down with Arc. Gallus and Gabby take their places across from them as their waitress shakily pulls out her order pad and looks to Arc.

“What can I get for you today, sir?!”

“Me first? Well… how about some pancakes?”

Natalya smiles. “That does sound nice, yes. I’ll have that as well.”

Gallus nods. “Same for me please.”

Gabby giggles as she bounces up and down. “Yeah! With lots of syrup too!”

Their waitress writes something down on her pad as she nervously nods. “I’ll have the kitchen make up a big platter of them for you all then.”

Arc grins. “Thank you, miss. That sounds good.”

As their waitress walks quickly into the back-room Natalya sighs as she turns to Arc.

“Sorry about that.”

“Huh?”

Natalya gestures to the kitchen doors. “That was this place’s only waitress, Greta. She’s a bit… skittish.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “With a foreign noble here, I can’t imagine why.”

Gabby shrugs. “It’s a mystery to me too!”

Meanwhile, Greta hurries through the kitchen and over to the cook standing over the stove. Grabbing her, she cries out fearfully.

“Hey Gwen! We’ve got a problem!”

Gwen turns from the stove and groans. “Someone trying to order something that isn’t on the menu again?”

“Natalya is here with what I assume are her siblings!”

Gwen appears confused. “How is that bad?”

“They’re here with Lord Arc of Equestria!”

“Are you sure it’s him?”

Greta nods as she points toward the swinging door. “See for yourself!”

Sighing, Gwen walks over to the door and peeks out the window. Spotting Arc sitting in a chair next to Natalya, she falls over backwards and crashes into a prep table. Looking to Greta, she gasps.

“That really is him!”

“What do you suppose he’s doing here?!”

Gwen shrugs. “I don’t know! Did they order yet?!”

Greta nods as she looks down at her order pad. “Yes! They wanted… um…”

Gwen frowns. “What’s wrong?!”

“I was so scared back there that I can’t read my own handwriting!”

Gwen groans. “Great!”

Greta looks nervous as she trots in place. “What are we supposed to do?!”

“Leave this to me. Watch the stove.”

Taking a deep breath, Gwen stands in front of the swinging doors for a few moments before stepping through and walking over to the table. Approaching, she bows respectfully before speaking.

“Good morning, everyone.”

Natalya smiles. “Hi Gwen!”

Turning to the others, Natalya continues.

“Gwen here is the owner of this place. She’s usually in the back cooking though.”

Gwen does not look up as she speaks. “Thank you for coming. It will be an honor to serve all of you.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Gee… thanks.”

Gabby giggles. “I can’t wait to eat!”

Arc nods. “Me either. Natalya says your cooking is pretty good.”

“We do our very best here, Lord Arc.”

Gabby grins. “Pancakes are the best!”

Gwen raises her head to look at the youngling. “Is that what you ordered, miss?”

“Yup! It’s gonna be super tasty too! I can tell!”

Natalya nods as she looks to the proprietor. “We all decided to try your famous pancakes, Gwen. So, it should make preparing our orders pretty simple.”

Gwen backs up slowly as she keeps her head bowed. “Yes, I’ll get right on them.”

Making her way back to the kitchen, Gwen rushes over to the stove. Greta turns to her with a hopeful look on her face.

“What did you do?!”

“I figured out their order covertly! All of them wanted pancakes!”

Greta raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Gwen nods. Yes!

“Even Lord Arc?”

“Well, they said all of them ordered the same thing, so apparently yes!”

Greta gasps. “But our pancakes aren’t good enough for an Equestrian lord!”

Gwen grins as she takes her place at the stove again. “Oh yeah! Challenge accepted!”

“Challenge?! Gwen, if he doesn’t like them there’s no telling what Lord Arc might do!”

“Then I’ll just have to make him the best darn pancakes he’s ever tasted!”

A short time later Greta emerges from the kitchen with a large platter. However, as she approaches the table her foot catches a nearby chair leg. The young griffon waitress gasps as the platter flies toward their customers and squeezes her eyes shut instinctively. Hearing no sound of collision a few moments later, she cautiously opens her eyes to see Arc standing and holding out a hand as he casts a Telekinesis Spell to stabilize the platter. Reaching out with his other hand, he helps her up.

“Are you alright, miss?”

“I… I am, yes sir! But how…?”

Arc nods to the platter as he magically lowers it onto the table. “Just a quickly cast spell. Nothing too fancy.”

Natalya looks to Greta apologetically. “Sorry. I forgot to mention that he could use magic like a Unicorn.”

Gwen steps out of the kitchen just in time to see Arc help Greta up. Rushing over, she puts their drinks on the table and bows respectfully.

“Forgive my employee, Lord Arc!”

“Huh?”

“I heard her trip! Did the food get on you sir?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I caught it in time.”

Gabby looks over as she takes a large bite. “Tastes good too!”

Gallus nods as he sets a plate in front of Natalya. “Sure smells good!”

Natalya turns to Arc. “That it does. Gwen makes the best pancakes around, after all.”

Gwen smiles nervously. “Thank you, Natalya. I… try my best.”

Natalya looks to her plate, confused. “I didn’t know you could order pancakes with sliced ham.”

Greta giggles awkwardly. “It’s a special dish that Gwen came up with a while back.”

Gwen nods fervently. “I do hope you like it!”

Arc sits down as Natalya puts a plate before him. Picking up a fork, Arc takes a bite as Greta and Gwen watch him intently. Chewing, he nods approvingly.

“Very good!”

Gwen appears relieved. “I’m glad you like them, sir!”

Greta quickly chimes in. “Can we get you anything else?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m good, thank you.”

Natalya looks to Gwen. “How about some mini sausages? I know Gallus and Gabby would probably like those.”

Gabby nods fervently. “That sounds even more yummy!”

Gallus turns to Natalya. “Good idea, sis.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll try them too. They sound tasty with the sweetness of the syrup.”

Gwen smiles and bows as she back toward the kitchen with Greta. “I’ll get right on those! Be right back!”

They hurry back into the kitchen as Gabby turns to Gallus.

“What’s up with them?!”

Gallus groans. “Hero worship.”

Natalya sighs. “Yes, it’s pretty thick too.”

Arc shrugs. “But I’m just a normal guy whom loves a good home cooked meal.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Normal, huh?”

“More or less.”

Natalya pats his hand. “Well, you are the only human here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not true. Hammer is with us too.”

Gabby grins. “It’s probably not every day that they have someone so important come in here though!”

Gallus looks around. “Right. This is a commoner’s restaurant, after all.”

Arc gestures to his plate. “With good food I must point out.”

Natalya smiles. “That’s true.”

“Back on Earth we would call a place like this a ‘dive’.”

Gabby appears confused. “What’s that?! Like what you do when you’re flying and late for curfew?!”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “No, no. A dive is a restaurant which looks kind of run down inside and out, but has really good food nonetheless.”

Natalya frowns. “Is that normal?”

Arc shrugs. “Kind of a stereotype, I suppose. But this time it all worked out.”

Gallus turns to his sister. “How’d you find out about this place, Natalya?”

“Sometimes I would come here when I was on a three hour pass.”

Gabby appears confused. “But eating doesn’t take anywhere near that long!”

“I’d order my food and then just kinda eat it slowly as I watched griffons walking by in front.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Why though?”

Natalya sighs. “You have to understand that when someone is in the military they have pretty much every moment of every day planned out for them by the superior officers. And as such, sometimes you just want a bit of something new or different. A chance to just sit back and watch things happen around you without having to act on anything.”

Arc chuckles. “The simple times.”

Natalya turns to him. “Sir?”

“Sorry. I was just thinking aloud.”

“What do you do on your time off, sir?”

Arc chuckles. “When I get the chance, visiting my friends and family mostly.”

Gallus smirks. “Did you forget that Miss Derpy and little Dinky exist, sis?”

Natalya facepalms. “Momentarily, yes.”

Gabby giggles and sticks out her tongue. “Silly Natalya!”

Arc attempts to move the conversation along. “I also like to get a good meal when I can. It helps me relax.”

Natalya smiles. “We have that in common then as that another reason why I like to come here. It sure beats the military food.”

Gallus makes a face. “That I’ve heard.”

Gabby turns to her sister. “What’s it like?!”

“Think about the paste you used in school when you were little, Gabby.”

“Huh?”

“It’s about the same taste and texture.”

Arc instinctively puts a hand to his belly. “Yeah, I can vouch for that.”

Gabby frowns. “Then why don’t they just make better food?!”

“Because that would be very expensive.”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “And take actual effort on the government’s part.”

Arc holds up a forkful of pancake and ham. “This is much better, yes.”

Meanwhile, Gwen and Greta watch from the kitchen window. Greta looks to Gwen as she whispers.

“Do you think he likes the food?”

Gwen nods. “He must.”

“What makes you say that?”

Gwen sighs. “Usually when an aristocrat doesn’t like something they’re very quick to let everyone around them know.”

“So… he must like it then!”

“He’s taken several bites, yes.”

“Should we be doing something else?”

Gwen appears confused. “Like what?”

“Making more food?”

Gwen looks to the order pad. “I think that’s all they ordered though.”

“How can you be so sure? I mean, I can’t read the order as I wrote it.”

“Because you only used one line. That means just one course.”

Greta groans. “Oh… right.”

Gwen puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Then again… the nobility is used to lavish meals with the next portion served as they finish the previous ones.”

“So… what are we going to do?!”

Gwen makes her way back to the stove. “I’ll make up a platter of eggs, sausages, and hash browns.”

Greta gasps. “But that stuff is really expensive!”

Gwen waves a talon dismissively as she picks up a clean pan. “Lord Arc is an Equestrian noble. Believe me when I say that he can afford it.”

Sometime later, Gwen and Greta emerge from the kitchen carrying a pitcher of juice and the platter of assorted food. As they set it down Natalya turns to Gwen, clearly mystified.

“What’s all this?”

Gwen smiles. “Then next course.”

Greta holds up the pitcher. “And some juice to wash it down with.”

Gabby claps her talons together. “Goody! I just love juice!”

Gallus frowns. “You love everything that’s sweet.”

Natalya bows her head. “I… can’t actually afford all of this.”

Arc appears confused. “Afford?”

“Not after all the money I spent the other night with Hammer.”

Gallus looks to Arc. “Juice is REALLY expensive here in the Griffon Kingdom since it takes so much fruit to make it. And eggs aren’t much cheaper either since they have to be brought in from far away farms. Like the ham was.”

Arc pulls a bag of bits from his ring and sets them on the table. “It’s fine. I’ll pay for it then.”

Natalya gasps. “I can’t let you do that though!”

Gabby frowns. “Why not?! It’s a really special occasion, after all!”

Gwen tries to guess. “A birthday?”

Gallus groans. “Nah. My sister’s marrying Lord Arc.”

Greta smiles widely. “You are?!”

Gwen claps her talons excitedly. “Congratulations, Natalya!”

Natalya blushes slightly at the sudden attention. “Th-thank you.”

Greta appears hopeful. “Is there anything else we can get you to make this more special?!”

Arc nods. “Actually, yes. Now I know that it might seem a bit redundant after the pancakes, but do you have French Toast?”

Gwen appears confused. “French… what now?”

Greta raises an eyebrow. “Is that made with some kind of special bread?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. It’s just bread that is dipped in a batter made of milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure vanilla extract.”

Gwen bows her head. “You lost me on the ingredients list after ‘sugar’.”

Greta turns away nervously. “We don’t carry much in the exotic seasonings department.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “They’re all probably very expensive if they exist in the Griffon Kingdom at all.”

Gabby’s tongue hangs out of her mouth. “It sounds tasty though! Whatever it is!”

Arc looks to Gwen as he pats his ring. “This might sound a bit strange, but I actually have the nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract with me though.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “You seriously walk around with seasonings?”

“I picked some up to whip up some French Toast for my family a while back. The only problem is that I haven’t had time to make it with them as of yet.”

He nods to the kitchen before addressing Gwen.

“Might I use your stove to make some?”

Gwen appears surprised. “You… cook, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods. “Off and on, yes. Less lately given my busy schedule. I can teach you how to make it too.”

“I suppose that would be alright.”

Arc stands. “Thanks.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Can I help?”

“That’s okay. Why don’t you and your siblings just enjoy the morning and get caught up?”

Gabby grins. “Sounds good to me!”

Arc turns and follows Gwen and Greta into the kitchen. A short time later the smell of the French Toast wafts into the front of the restaurant. Several other customers look around, clearly confused as to what it is that they could be smelling. Greta holds the door open for Arc as he emerges with a large tray. Setting it down on the table, he motions to it as he speaks.

“This is French Toast.”

Natalya giggles. “It certainly smells nice!”

Gallus grins. “That it does!”

Gabby frowns. “Looks kinda weird to me!”

Arc puts a slice on a plate and hands it to Natalya. “I think you’ll like it. Just put a bit of syrup on it before cutting like you would with pancakes.”

Doing as she is told, Natalya pours a small amount of syrup on the plate and cuts the bread. Taking a bite, her eyes light up happily as she looks to Arc.

“This is really good!”

Gabby gasps. “Let me try next!”

Grabbing a fork, she takes a piece from her sister’s plate. Tasting it, she grins and grabs a few slices from the platter before dumping syrup on them giddily.

“Yummy!”

Arc puts a slice on two plates and offers them to Gwen and Greta. “Care for a taste?”

Gwen appears confused. “Us?”

Greta bows her head. “But we can’t afford such exotic ingredients.”

Arc smiles at them. “That’s fine. This one’s on me.”

Taking the plates, they each take a bite. Smiling, the pair nod enthusiastically as they chew. Gwen is the first to speak.

“It’s really different from pancakes!”

“I’ll say! Not nearly as sweet either!”

Gallus nods. “Even with the syrup!”

Arc chuckles as he cuts into a slice. “It’s probably because the batter we dipped the bread in helps it resist soaking up the syrup like pancakes do.

The rest of the customers looks toward the table longingly. Arc puts a slice on a number of plates and looks around.

“Whom else wants some?!”

The talons of every other customer immediately go up. Using his magic, Arc levitates plates to everyone else in the small establishment. They call out happily as they munch on their treat. Turning back to Gwen, Arc continues.

“The nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract are fairly common back in Equestria. Hopefully someone will start importing them in bulk to help keep the prices down.”

Gwen appears hopeful. “I heard about an Equestrian company trying to do just that.”

She turns to Greta before continuing.

“Do you remember the name?”

“Barnyard Bargain Imports, I think.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I guess it’s a start.”

Gwen looks to her now empty plate. “If we can get some of those ingredients here, I’m definitely going to have to experiment with this dish!”

Greta looks around. “Judging by how much everyone here appears to be enjoying it, I bet it’ll be our best seller in no time!”

Gwen sighs. “Agreed. As long as we can keep the price reasonable, that is.”

Greta nods. “I’ll look to experiment with some recipes to maintain consistency.”

Arc chuckles. “Try some powdered sugar for garnishment.”

Gwen appears confused. “Powdered sugar?”

Greta looks to Arc. “Another Equestrian product, sir?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s just really finely ground sugar.”

Natalya nods. “Think of it like the consistency of flour.”

Gabby grins. “But sweet!”

Gallus sighs. “I’ve seen it here in the Griffon Kingdom. But it’s marked up to a crazy level though.”

Arc gestures toward the kitchen. “If you have some kind of food processor or something to grind spices that could probably work.”

Gwen turns to Greta. “We could try that on pancakes too!”

Greta bows respectfully. “Thank you, sir! It sounds like we have some experimentation to do!”

Gwen nods as she heads back toward the kitchen. “I’ll start writing down some ideas while I cook!”

Greta sees some customers at the cash register. “And I’ll watch the front while you do that!”

Gwen disappears into the kitchen as Greta heads over to the counter to check out a few customers. Arc looks around for a few moments before turning to Natalya.

“Hey, uh… can you tell me where the restroom is here?”

Natalya points to an unmarked door. “Right through there. You can’t miss it.”

Arc stands. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”

Heading to the door, Arc goes inside to take care of his call of nature as Natalya and her siblings continue eating. As they do so three male griffons walk in the front door and up to the counter together. Greta greets them warmly as they approach her.

“Good morning. Are you looking for a table or a take-out menu?”

One of the griffons points to a boxed cake in the glass case next to the register. “That will do.”

Nodding, Greta pulls the box from the case and puts it into a carrying bag before setting the parcel on the counter.

“Will there be anything else?”

He nods slyly. “Yeah. Put the money in the bag.”

Greta appears confused. “I beg your pardon?”

The three griffons draw their blades and point them at Greta menacingly as the leader calls out angrily.

“I said put all your money in the bag! NOW!”

Greta hurriedly opens the cash register and begins filling the bag with the contents. The other two griffons step toward the tables as the leader again speaks.

“Now then, my associates here are going to make their way around the room and collect all your money and valuables. Don’t try to be a hero and no one gets hurt.”

One of the griffons looks to Arc’s table and grins as he calls out.

“Looks like we got ourselves some real high rollers over here, boss!”

The leader looks their table over. “Yeah! That spread looks mighty expensive to me!”

He walks over to them and looks down at Natalya.

“You a rich broad, missy?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not particularly, no.”

Gabby grins. “Yes, we are! We’re super rich!”

Gallus groans. “Gabby…”

The leader looks to Natalya’s satchel lying on the bench next to her. “Empty out your bags then!”

“I don’t have any money! My friend and I spent it at the tavern the other day!”

Gallus nods soberly. “She’s telling you the truth. We’re just here with her fiancé having breakfast.”

The leader looks to Gabby. “So he’s rich too?”

“Super, ultra, mega rich! Like the king!”

“And where is he?”

Gabby points a talon. “In the bathroom right now!”

“You want us to shake him down, boss?”

“Nah. Wait for him to come out. Then we grab him and make a mint on the ransom!”

As if on cue, the bathroom door opens and Arc steps out. Seeing the griffons with their weapons drawn, he narrows his eyes and frowns.

“I’m guessing this isn’t a maintenance crew.”

Gabby giggles. “Nope! They’re robbers!”

Smirking, the leader nods. “Yeah. Now then, you just come with us peacefully and no one gets hurt.”

“Uh, boss?!”

“What?!”

“Th-that’s Lord Arc of Equestria!”

“Good! They’ll pay a fortune to get him back!”

Pointing his weapon at Arc, the leader continues.

“Now then, are we going to do this the easy way or the hard way?”

Arc steps forward. “I’m a big fan of the easy way.”

“Smart choice.”

As Arc approaches the leader at their table, he puts his hand behind him and pulls the minion’s blades to himself. Quickly stuffing them into his magic ring, he again looks to the leader as he speaks.

“There we go.”

“What did you…?!”

Arc interrupts him. “Someone could get hurt if those two idiots kept waving those things around.”

Winding up to swing his own blade at Arc, the leader charges forward. Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out his guardanium knife and waits patiently. Taking up a defensive position, the knife not only blocks the incoming attack but puts a sizable gouge into the sword. Stunned, the leader looks at his blade for a few moments as Arc channels his magic into his knife. Making a few quick slicing motions, Arc deftly cuts his opponent’s sword into half a dozen pieces before he can even react. Smirking, Arc speaks.

“Now then, I suggest you surrender peacefully.”

The leader looks past Arc to his partners. “Don’t just stand there! Help me out here!”

Charging forward, the pair are stopped in their tracks as Arc holds up a hand and picks them up with a Telekinesis Spell. They clutch their throats with their talons as Arc continues to look at the leader evenly.

“You should probably give up now. My patience isn’t limitless, after all.”

Seething, the leader rushes toward Arc. Shaking his head, Arc throws the other two griffons at him. Flying through the front door, the trio land in a heap in the middle of the street. Greta runs outside, flags down a patrol, and calls out as she points.

“These three assaulted a lord!”

Glancing inside the restaurant, the guards see Arc. He waves to them as they turn their attention back to the griffons lying on the ground before them. The commanding officer blows a whistle and points. A number of guards converge on the thieves as Arc steps outside and approaches the griffon commander. He comes to attention and salutes respectfully.

“Good day, Lord Arc. Did these three give you trouble?”

Arc nods. “They were robbing that place and wanted to take me captive to collect a ransom.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out their swords and holds them out to the officer.

“Here are their weapons.”

The commander nods as he takes them. “Just the two?”

Arc jerks a thumb behind him. “The one in charge had one as well. But the pieces of it are lying on the floor in there.”

“I’ll see to it that they never again see the light of day, sir.”

“Thank you.”

As the three griffons are led away in chains, Arc returns to the restaurant to the sound of applause. Kneeling down, he picks up the bag with the money in it and looks to Greta.

“I believe this belongs to you, miss.”

Greta nods as she takes it. “Y-yes sir! Thank you very much!”

Turning back his party, Arc walks over to the table as Greta hurries through the kitchen door.

“Is everyone okay?”

Gabby nods as she continues eating. “Just swell! I love entertainment when I’m eating!”

Gallus shrugs. “Yeah. I mean, they couldn’t take what we didn’t have, after all.”

Natalya smiles at Arc. “Thank you for handling that, sir! It was very impressive!”

Greta returns with Gwen by her side. The proprietor looks at the remains of the weapon on the floor in front of the cash register before turning to Arc and smiling.

“I appreciate you helping out my employee just now, Lord Arc.”

“Happy to help. Uh… does this sort of thing happen often?”

Greta sighs. “Semi-regularly, yes.”

Arc frowns. “Really?”

Natalya sighs. “The guards don’t really do much to stop such things unless it’s literally happening right in front of them.”

Gallus nods. “And the only reason the patrol even stopped at all was because they heard that a lord was being attacked.”

Gabby giggles. “It made for a nice show though!”

Greta bows her head. “We’re usually on our own though as far as security goes.”

Gwen looks to the remains of the weapon on the floor. “And thieves know it.”

Arc turns to Natalya. “I think we should get moving.”

Natalya nods as she stands. “Yes, I believe so.”

Gabby pouts. “But I’m still hungry!”

Gallus groans. “How though?! You ate more than all of us combined!”

“I’m a growing youngling!”

Arc reaches for his ring as he speaks. “We’ll get you some more to eat later, Gabby.”

Setting a large bag of bits on the table, he turns to Gwen and smiles.

“I’ll talk to Lord Gestal about what happened here today. Maybe he can speak to the patrols around here regarding them protecting all of the Griffon Kingdom’s citizens rather than just the top tier.”

Gwen smiles nervously. “Thank you, sir. But…”

Arc turns to the others. “Let’s go.”

Gwen and Greta watch the four leave. Turning to the bag on the table, Gwen opens it and sees the number of coins. Turning to her employee, she speaks.

“Lord Arc is certainly generous for a noble.”

Greta sighs. “Not like the other aristocrat whom came in here a while back.”

“The one whom thought he should get free food because of his status?”

“That’s the one.”

Gwen nods to the group across the street. “I think Lord Arc will make Natalya very happy.”

“I sure hope so. She’s a nice young griffon, after all.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Natalya and speaks.

“Well, that was interesting.”

Natalya sighs. “Not exactly the word I would have used there.”

Gabby giggles. “The food was good though!”

Gallus grins. “That it was.”

Arc turns to Natalya. “In any case, what else you’d like to do today?”

“Well…”

Gabby cuts in. “How about we go clothes shopping?!”

Gallus groans. “This is Natalya’s big day, Gabby! Not yours!”

“But we haven’t gone shopping together in forever!”

Natalya giggles. “I did used to like dressing you up when you were little.”

She turns to Arc nervously before continuing.

“Would you mind if we head to the clothing store?”

Arc shakes his head. Whatever you want to do today is just fine with me, Natalya.”

Gabby grins. “Great! Let’s go!”

Arc and company follow Gabby down a number of streets. Eventually they come to a large department store. Natalya gasps as she sees the building.

“What are we doing here, Gabby?!”

Gabby appears confused. “Clothes shopping, remember?!”

Gallus shakes his head. “Yeah, but this place is WAY beyond what we can afford!”

“But we’re rich! We can afford anything we want, right?!”

Natalya sighs. “Not exactly, Gabby. You see, I haven’t gotten any money from our father’s estate yet since Lord Arc and I aren’t married.”

“But you’re doing that tonight! Can’t you just tell them that we’ll pay tomorrow, or something?!”

Gallus groans. “That’s not how this place works.”

“Then how am I supposed to look my best for the wedding?!”

Arc removes a large bag of bits from his ring and gives it to Natalya. “She does have a point, you know. Take her to the younglings’ section and get Gabby something nice to go with the dress Rarity made for her.”

Natalya nods. “Alright, sir. But only if you’re sure that this is what you want.”

“I am, yes.”

Gabby flaps her wings excitedly. “YAY! I’m gonna looks so pretty!”

She runs inside with Natalya following behind. Arc and Gallus enter together and watch the pair disappear into the youngling section of the store. Gallus turns to Arc and sighs.

“You really shouldn’t encourage her, you know.”

“Yes, well… today really is a special day. And I wanted her to remember it as a happy one.”

Looking Gallus over, he continues.

“But what about you?”

Gallus appears confused. “What about me?”

“Your sister said that you would rather just go as you are. But don’t you want something a bit more formal to wear tonight?”

Gallus looks away nervously. “I’m… not much for that sort of thing.”

“What about Natalya?”

“Huh?”

“This is her big day, after all. Wouldn’t she want everyone to look their best?”

“I… suppose so.”

Arc gestures to the formal attire nearby. “Then let’s see about getting you dressed up.”

Leading Gallus over to a rack with formal suits on it, he watches as the young griffon picks one up and turns to him.

“How’s this one?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s up to you.”

“Then I’ll take it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Don’t you want to try it on first?”

“I’m sure it’s fine.”

“Are you sure?”

Gallus shrugs. “Pretty sure, yeah.”

“Just ‘pretty sure’?”

Gallus groans. “Fine, I’ll try it on.”

Heading for the changing rooms nearby, Gallus enters with the suit as Arc leans against a wall to wait. A few minutes later he knocks on the door and calls out.

“You okay in there, Gallus?”

“I, uh… I’m kinda having some trouble here.”

“Trouble?”

“Putting this thing on, I mean. My talon keeps getting stuck when I try to put the other sleeve through.”

“Do you want me to help you?”

There is a short silence followed by a groan as Gallus responds.

“I… I guess so.”

“Alright. I’m coming in.”

Pushing the door open, Arc spies Gallus with the suit only halfway on. Closing the door behind him, Arc walks over and pulls the suit coat over the young griffon’s back and helps him put his other talon through the sleeve. Stepping back, Arc motions to the full-length mirror before him.

“So, what do you think?”

Gallus sighs. “It’s… okay, I guess.”

“You don’t like it?”

“Not really. I mean… this isn’t really my kinda thing.”

“Well, you only have to wear it for one night.”

“I guess that’s true. It’s just… I don’t really feel like… myself in this thing.”

Arc chuckles as he puts a hand on Gallus’ shoulder. “Don’t like getting dressed up all fancy, huh?”

Gallus shakes his head. “That’s not it. I mean…”

“Don’t feel too bad. I’m not much for such things either.”

Gallus turns to Arc. “You aren’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I’d much rather be wearing my normal day to day clothes than my royal raiments.”

“But you look really good in them!”

“Well, it just doesn’t feel right to me.”

Gallus turns to look at his reflection again. “That I do understand.”

He looks at himself for a long moment before continuing.

“Sir, I… uh… need to say something.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about Natalya. And when this whole marriage thing started.”

Arc bows his head and nods. “I know that you’re not too keen on the idea of us having to get married under such circumstances, but…”

Gallus interrupts him. “It isn’t that. Back when you and her first started sleeping together in your quarters, I took Natalya aside and asked her if you had hurt her.”

“And did she tell you about Hammer joining us?”

“Yeah. And how she and her slept in the bed while you took the couch.”

“At the time I figured she would feel better with another female in the room with her. And it wouldn’t really be proper for me to ask Hammer to sleep on the floor.”

“I guessed that much. And I’ve been asking her every day privately if she’d been… inappropriately touched in any way by you.”

“Which I didn’t, I assure you.”

“That’s what Natalya told me, yes. She said that you took her feelings into consideration every chance you got. That and talked her through any problems which arose or whatever else was on her mind.”

Arc nods. “It’s just what she deserved. To be treated as a living, breathing, feeling individual. Not a bag of meat or an unfeeling doll.”

“I really do appreciate it. You taking the time to help my sister out and look after her like you did. Especially after the Griffon Kingdom pretty much abandoned her.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest soberly. “She deserved better than what happened, after all. No one should be sold to another for life, after all. Especially when they didn’t do anything to deserve such a thing in the first place.”

Gallus grunts. “Yeah. Especially females. I’m guessing she told you what happens to them?

“Yes. When I first took… for lack of a better term… possession of her, Natalya… ah, initially presented herself to me by lifting her tail and presenting herself to me. I didn’t take her up on it, of course.”

“She told me as much, yeah. But I’d like to hear from you directly why you didn’t? I mean… is it because of her species?”

Arc shakes her head. “No, Gallus. I’m not against relations with a different species, after all.”

“Then did you not find her attractive?”

“Natalya is really pretty, yes. However, I find the thought of having relations an unwilling partner to be very… disturbing.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “So… you didn’t have sex with Natalya because she didn’t want you to?”

“Right.”

“But what if she did?”

“Did what?”

“Hypothetically… let’s say that, after you two were officially married, Natalya told you that she wanted you to do that to her.”

Arc blushes slightly. “I, uh… guess I’d have to sit down and have a long talk with her. Figure out why exactly she wanted such a thing all of a sudden.”

“Assuming she was able to explain that she was honestly in love with you and wanted to have your eggs, then what?”

“Then I’d have to call a meeting of the rest of the herd to explain the situation to them.”

“Why? I mean… you two would be married by then.”

“Because, as a herd, everyone needs to be on the same page as to what’s going on in matters such as this. They agreed to allow Natalya into the herd already, of course. But that was just under the idea of our marriage only being a relationship on paper. A formality without romantic overtures, that is.”

“What would you tell them?”

“The truth. That Natalya and I, assuming I really did feel the same what about her, were honestly in love and wanted to make our marriage from one of convenience to a full and unrestricted one.”

“To include intimacy.”

“Right.”

“And if they didn’t go for the idea?”

“In that case, I’d suggest everyone get to know each other better in hopes that they would change their minds.”

“Then what if they agreed?”

Arc shrugs. “I’d probably consult with my doctor on how to safely have sex with a griffon.”

“You seem really interested in your partner’s safety and feelings.”

“It’s just part of caring for others. Not wanting them to get hurt as well as making them feel safe, comfortable, and pleasured.”

Gallus smiles. “I… think that’s really… very nice of you.”

“Just the Honest truth. But now I have a question for you, Gallus.”

“Huh?”

“You seem really concerned with Natalya and I’s future relationship. Moreso than a brother normally would be though. Especially given that she and I have never actually voiced any kind of romantic feelings for one another in the past.”

Gallus looks down. It’s… complicated.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I don’t think so. You’d probably just think I was being weird.”

“It’s okay if you don’t want to talk. But it sounds to me as if you’ve been holding something in for some time now.”

“I don’t… like wearing fancy clothes like this because… I’d rather be wearing…”

Turning to Arc, Gallus beckons him to come closer. Whispering in his ear, Arc nods.

“Do you want me to get you something different then?”

Gallus nods nervously. “Could you?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Be right back.”

Turning, Arc leaves the changing room. A few minutes later he knocks lightly before opening the door part way and passing another outfit inside. Waiting a few minutes, Arc hears Gallus call out to him nervously.

“I… think I’m ready.”

“Do you want to come out so I can see you?”

Gallus sounds nervous. “You should probably come in here instead. I’m not… really ready for this.”

“If you need some more time…”

Gallus interrupts him. “No, no! I mean… that I’m not ready for others to see me. Just you.”

“Alright.”

Stepping into the changing room, Arc sees Gallus standing before him in a pretty dress. He looks down and blushes as he mumbles.

“You probably think I’m just being silly asking for this.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Whatever makes you feel comfortable. So… how do you feel right now?”

“Really… nice, I think. Very… um… myself.”

“But you still don’t want others to see you like this.”

“Right.”

“Why though?”

“It’s… complicated.”

“I’d be willing to hear you out if you’d like to talk about it though.”

Gallus grimaces nervously. “Can you just keep this to yourself then?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Whatever you say here will be kept between us.”

“Alright. Here goes.”

Taking a deep breath, Gallus continues.

“I, ah… suppose it all started years ago back at our estate.”

“The one you shared with your siblings?”

Gallus grimaces. “Right. Natalya had already left to join the military, so it was just Gabby and I living there with Heathcliff looking after us at the time. She’s really impulsive, as I know you’ve already noticed, and would often burst into my room at random times.”

Arc chuckles. “Younger siblings can be like that. At least from what I’ve heard.”

“Well, you see… this one time I was on my bed looking at a magazine when she suddenly burst through the door. Before I could even speak, she lunged onto my bed and grabbed the magazine while asking a bunch of questions about what I was reading.”

Arc shrugs. “She was just young and curious though I would imagine.”

Gallus grimaces. “I guess. But the truth of the matter was… that it wasn’t actually a magazine on fashion, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh? What was it then?”

Gallus blushes heavily. “A… a dirty one.”

“Pornography?”

“Y-yeah.

Arc sighs. “I suppose it’s normal to be interested in such things at your age. And it’s not like you could have prevented Gabby from seeing it considering just how fast she moves.”

“It… wasn’t exactly normal porn though.”

“How so?”

Gallus looks around instinctively. “This just stays between the two of us though, right?”

“Yes.”

“It was… it was just… male griffons. In really provocative positions.”

“Adults?”

“Yeah.”

“What did Gabby say about it?”

Gallus shrugs. “She’s kind of an airhead about some things. Luckily for me, this was one of those times. So I was able to just kinda downplay the pictures as some new kind of wrestling. After all, she hates sports.”

“Forgive my naivety, but is such a thing legal here in the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Pictures of adults, yeah.”

“I don’t really see the problem then. Well, other than Gabby seeing it. But that was just an accident. One I’m assuming you didn’t repeat.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Wait. That’s your takeaway from this?”

Arc appears confused. “Well, yeah. Should it have been something different?”

“Sort of. I mean… I just told you that I was looking at other male griffons doing stuff to each other.”

“Assuming none of them is being forced to do that sort of thing, I don’t really see the issue with it.”

“Magazines portraying such things are viewed as simply acting, and are completely legal. But… for a griffon to actually do stuff like that is a punishable offense.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though?”

“It’s against the law.”

Arc groans. “More griffon laws.”

Gallus groans. “Yeah. They really like to try and control everyone. But I’m getting off topic here.

“Carry on then.”

“Like I said, Gabby doesn’t like sports at all though. So when I told her that was what she was looking at, she just kinda dropped the whole matter like a hot potato. That is… until this whole thing came around with you and Natalya getting married.

Arc frowns. “I don’t understand what any of this has to do with Natalya and I though.”

“All I can think of is that she must’ve remembered that magazine from back then because if you recall, she suggested that maybe you and I should… you know…”

Arc finishes Gallus’ sentence. “Get married instead?”

Gallus nods his head sheepishly. “Right.”

“She was probably just being silly though. I mean… Gabby doesn’t even fully understand what marriage is I don’t think.”

Gallus shakes his head. “I think she understands more than she lets on.”

“So… are you saying that you believe that she really meant what she said back there?”

“That I do.”

Looking himself up and down in the mirror, Gallus touches the silky-smooth fabric as he talks.

“You see… for a male griffon to act or dress feminine here in the Griffon Kingdom isn’t allowed. Gabby likes to spy on me and others, so it’s likely that she’s found out the rest of my secret already.”

“What would that be?”

“That I… I don’t want to grow up and get married like everyone else.”

“Then what is it that you do want?”

Gallus looks away as he blushes heavily. “I’ve never told this to anyone before, but… I’d be much happier finding a nice male griffon and being taken as he wife.”

Sighing, Gallus takes a few moments to compose himself before looking over his shoulder at Arc and speaking again.

“Or… a male of any species, I guess.”

“I see.”

Gallus sighs. “Yeah, I know. I’m weird.”

“Not really.”

“Huh?”

“I mean… there’s nothing wrong with wanting something different than what society deems normal.”

Gallus gestures to his outfit. “So… are you saying that you think something like this is… okay?”

Arc nods. “If it makes you happy, yes.”

Gallus smiles nervously. “Th-thanks, sir. I, uh… that is, if you’d be willing to do so… I… wouldn’t mind getting to know you better and maybe… take my sister’s place by your side.”

Arc puts a hand on Gallus’ shoulder. “I’m flattered that you were willing to confide in me regarding this. But I need to be Honest with you too, Gallus.”

“Yes?”

“While I’m happy that I was able to help you face this matter, I… don’t really feel the same way about you.”

Gallus sighs as he looks back to the mirror. “It’s… okay. I mean, I should be happy that you’re willing to accept this about me. Even if you’re not interested in expanding our relationship.”

“You’re a very nice individual, Gallus. And I’m sure you’ll make someone very happy someday. But at the same time I have to admit that I don’t feel attracted to you in that particular way.”

“Yeah, well… thanks for listening though. And for being Honest with me about your feelings too. It was… nice though.”

“To tell someone?”

Gallus groans as he pulls the dress off. “To finally be able to confess that to someone, yeah. I feel kinda like a weight has been lifted from my back. It fells very… liberating.”

“So where do we go from here?”

“Back to the way things have been. But at the same time, I want you to know that I really do hope that you and Natalya find happiness. Whether with each other or someone else entirely.”

Arc smiles at him. “Thank you. Now then, what do you want to do about… the clothes?”

Gallus picks up the suit from its place on a hook. “I should probably buy this one for the ceremony tonight. Like you said, I’m sure Natalya will want me to look my best for her big day, after all.”

“Yes, well… might I offer you an alternative?”

Gallus turns to him. “I’m listening.”

Quite some time later Natalya and Gabby meet back up with Arc and Gallus. Gabby holds up a large box proudly.

“I’m going to be so pretty tonight!”

Natalya nods and smiles as she hands Arc the remaining money. “That you are, Gabby.”

“Gallus found something as well.”

Gallus nods nervously. “Right. I’m ready to do my part tonight.”

Natalya appears surprised. “You are?”

Gallus grins as he offers his sister a ‘thumbs up’. “Yeah. Can’t let my older sister down, now, can I?”

“Um… thanks Gallus.”

Gabby looks to Arc and pulls on his sleeve as she points a talon. “Can I get an ice cream cone?!”

“Sure.”

Looking to Natalya as Gabby takes his hand, Arc continues.

“We’ll be right back.”

Natalya and Gallus watch as the pair walk over to the stand together. Gallus chuckles as he turns to his older sister.

“It’s nice to see Gabby warming up to Lord Arc.”

Natalya smiles. “He’s not the only one though.”

“Huh?”

“You seem a bit different in the way you speak about him. Did something happen with you two while we were gone?”

“Let’s just say that he helped me talk through a problem I have.”

Natalya nods happily. “He is very good at that, yes.”

Gallus turns to face his sister. “Look, Natalya… I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“I just wanted to say… that I’m very happy for you.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “You mean that you’re happy that I’m marrying Lord Arc?”

“More along the lines of me being happy that you’re happy, I guess.”

“Ah! Well, thank you for that. And it is nice to know that you two are getting along as well.”

Gallus smiles as he mutters under his breath. “Moreso than you know, sis.”

The four spend the remainder of the day together doing other various things they enjoy. As the sun begins to set that evening, Natalya looks up into the sky before turning to Arc.

“It’s getting late.”

Gallus nods soberly. “That it is. Should we head back to the ship now?”

Gabby pouts. “But I want to play more!”

Arc chuckles as he motions for the others to follow him. “Yes, it’s probably about time we made our way back to The Equinox. Best not to keep Lord Gestal waiting, after all.”

Natalya appears confused. “We’re not going to take a portal back?”

Arc shakes his head. “I kinda want to walk if it’s okay with all of you.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. Not that I mind, but why?

Arc smiles whimsically. “Because this way it feels like there’s a real destination we’re heading for.”

Gabby tilts her head to one side. “Destination?”

“The ceremony. And the future.”

Natalya grins. “That’s kinda deep when you think about it.”

Arc sighs. “Maybe it sounds a bit silly at this point, but I’m still a bit nervous.”

“Nervous about a marriage on paper?”

“It may just be a matter of necessity. But either way we’re both getting married tonight, Natalya.”

“Are you still okay doing this, sir?”

Arc nods. “I am if you are, yes. However, just let me have this time to enjoy myself before the ceremony please.”

Gallus shrugs. “Sure. Whatever makes you feel better.”

Sometime later they arrive back at the Skyport. As they ascend the gangplank and arrive on the deck, Natalya looks at the large ship looming before them and stops. Grimacing, she looks down and sighs. Arc too stops and looks back.

“You okay, Natalya?”

Gallus smirks. “Got some last-minute butterflies, sis?”

Gabby looks around, confused. “Butterflies! Where?!”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, no. I’m just a bit… nervous, is all.”

Looking to her siblings, Natalya continues.

“You two should go inside and get ready though.”

Gabby gasps. “But Natalya…!”

Gallus cuts her off. “Go on, Gabby. It’ll be okay.”

Arc nods as he turns to Gabby. “There will be a Hoof Maiden waiting for you in your room to help you get ready and give you what you need. Just do what they tell you to and you’ll be ready in no time.”

Gabby grins and runs toward the ship with her dress box. “Okay! See you all later!”

Natalya turns to her brother. “Why don’t you get changed too?”

“Are you sure you’re okay, Natalya?”

Natalya smiles and nods. “Yes. I’m fine.”

“Hey, um…”

“What is it, Gallus?”

“I just… wanted to say again that I… um… I’m okay with all of this.”

“With what?”

“You and Lord Arc getting married.”

“I’m very glad to hear that. But what made you change your mind?”

“We had a nice long talk back at the clothing store.”

He glances back at Arc before continuing.

“And I… I was able to walk through a few things with him.”

Natalya smiles at her brother. “That’s good to hear. But you should hurry up and get ready now, Gallus. Lord Arc and I just need to have a talk before the ceremony.”

Gallus appears suddenly concerned. “Everything okay, Natalya?”

“Yes, I just wanted to get a few things out in the open before the ceremony.”

Arc nods as he steps forward. “Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to help your sister with whatever is bothering her before we head inside.”

Gallus smiles at Arc. “Yes sir, I know that you will.”

“But before you go, there is something that I’d like to say to you.”

“What’s that, sir?”

Arc points to the large clothing box on Gallus’ back. “Just that I believe you’ll look great in your new outfit at the ceremony.”

Gallus blushes slightly. “I, um… th-thank you, sir. I’ll do my best not to disappoint either of you.”

“I know. Now then, you know what to do.”

Nodding, Gallus enters the ship. Arc turns to Natalya and smiles.

“So… how are you doing?”

Natalya smiles nervously. “Okay, I suppose. It’s just some last minutes wedding jitters, I think.”

“Second thoughts?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not exactly. I mean… I do want to do this, yes. It’s just… everything regarding this entire matter happened so suddenly.”

Arc nods. “That letter which started it all came to you barely a week ago.”

“Yes. Up until that point in time, I was just living my life at the orphanage and doing my best to move past what happened to lead me to that point.”

“And help acclimate orphaned younglings to their new lives in Equestria. Very admirable, I must point out.”

Natalya smiles happily as she puts her talons up on the guardrail and looks out over the ocean to the west.

“To be honest with you, I find my life at the Little Hooves Orphanage to be very fulfilling. The job, while very demanding, is one that fills me with pride and allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of those whom have lost literally everything.”

Arc nods soberly. “That was after you yourself had everything taken from you as well. Your military rank, your freedom, and even your future here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Natalya looks over her shoulder at him. “But you saw fit to return that to me, sir.”

“I knew you deserved better. That you didn’t earn the punishment given to you.”

Natalya looks down and sighs. “I… kinda did.”

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

“My family caused the Griffon Kingdom and its inhabitants great suffering in the past. Lord Goldstone, my father, raped more griffons than I know simply for his own sick pleasure. So, if my suffering at the talons of the government can help make up for that, then I’ll gladly accept my fate.”

Arc shakes his head. “Natalya… you didn’t have anything to do with what you father did though. They were his choices and his crimes alone.”

Natalya sighs. “In the eyes of the public, what the head of the household does is passed on to their family members. At least the scorn is, I mean.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “But you didn’t do anything to deserve that.”

“I know, sir. However, that doesn’t change the fact that this is, and always will be, my burden to bear.”

She smiles sadly before continuing.

“You’ve told me in the past, numerous times I might add, that when you and I are officially wed that the money from my father’s estate will be mine to do with as I see fit.”

Arc nods. “Right. After all, I don’t feel that it’s mine to take.”

Natalya looks out over the city below. “Then I want to promise you here and now that I’ll use it to help make the Griffon Kingdom better for all. Schools, jobs, and medical care for those whom have none.”

“A very nice sentiment, Natalya.”

“While I know it won’t make up for what my father did, in this way I want to try and make things better for the citizenry. For everyone, that is.”

Turning to Arc, Natalya looks him in the eye soberly.

“This is my oath. Both to you and my homeland.”

Arc smiles as he takes her talon. “And I’ll do my best to support you in that. Both as a friend and your husband.”

“Thank you. I really do believe that together we can bring about change.”

Leaning forward, Natalya wraps her talons around Arc’s neck and hugs him. Arc reciprocates and hugs her back. They stand there for a long moment before stepping back and breaking the embrace. Natalya takes Arc’s hands in her talons and smiles widely as she speaks.

“You and I… we originally met as guide and diplomat. Later we became slave and master. I was allowed my freedom and saw us as friends. And now… now we’re about to be joined as husband and wife for the rest of our lives. While I don’t really know what the future will bring us… if this will merely be a marriage of convenience as you put it in the past… or if we’ll one day come to truly love one another. But right now, I’d just like to say that I’m looking forward to seeing what life has in store for us together… Arc.”

“I’d like that too, Natalya.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “Do you think… that maybe one day we could be more than we are now? That perhaps we might get to the point of actually being in love?”

Arc smiles at her. “No one knows the future, of course. But are you saying that you’re interested in such a thing?”

Natalya giggles slightly and nods. “Like most other griffons, I’ve always wanted to grow up and get married. Find someone special to spend my life with. Maybe that’s you.”

“Time will tell, I suppose. After all, I do care about you, Natalya.”

“And I for you. But… does that mean that we’re in love?”

“Not necessarily. You can love someone without being in love, after all.”

“I would like the chance to figure it out for myself though. Would that be okay?”

Arc nods happily. “That it would, Natalya. And to be completely Honest with you, I’d like to find out for myself.”

Natalya sighs wistfully. “I’m not really sure if a griffon and a human would be compatible though.”

Arc shrugs. “I can’t imagine it would be much different than a pony and human falling for one another.”

“I suppose that’s true. But… where do we go from here?”

“Well… at the moment I think we should get ready for the ceremony.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “Do you think that you and I could talk about this more later though?”

“Of course.”

He looks up at the colorful sunset before continuing.

“But it appears that it’s finally time, Natalya.”

“Might I say one last thing though before we part ways?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

“This whole marriage ceremony really is backwards.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“Think about it. We’re about to get married and then get to know one another better. Generally speaking, it’s done the other way around.”

Arc chuckles. “Yet another first for the nations.”

“The first non-griffon marriage and now a non-traditional relationship.”

“Well, that is generally how discoveries are made.”

“But for the first time since it was originally suggested, I’m honestly looking forward to this.”

“Me too if I’m being Honest. So, here’s to the future.”

Natalya grins as she and Arc walk toward the main hatch. “Yes. One in which things are better for everyone.”

Entering the ship, Arc walks Natalya to her suite. Arriving, they see two Hoof Maidens waiting for them outside. They bow respectfully and turn to Arc.

“All the preparations have been made for your bride, sir.”

Arc nods. “Good.”

Natalya gasps as her talons fly to her face. “Oh no!”

Arc turns to her. “What is it, Natalya?”

“I just realized that I never actually picked out a dress for today!”

Arc chuckles. “Not to worry. Remember, I had Rarity make one up for the occasion. My wedding gift to you.”

The other Hoof Maiden nods as she gestures to the closed door. “Yes ma’am. It has been made ready and is waiting for you inside along with some additional adornments for the occasion.”

Natalya groans, slightly embarrassed. “Oh! Um… not sure how I forgot about that.”

Arc smiles at her. “Well, I’ll go and let you get ready then. See you at the Observation Deck in a bit?”

Natalya giggles happily. “I’ll be there.”

The pair part ways as Natalya enters her suite with the Hoof Maidens and Arc makes his way to his own quarters. Entering them, he finds Sereb and Hammer waiting for him inside. Arc chuckles as he closes the door behind him.

“And what might you two be doing here?”

Sereb grins. “We have been tasked by Princess Twilight herself with making sure that you arrive at the ceremony properly dressed and in a timely manner.”

Hammer grins as she grabs Arc’s arm. “That and looking your absolute best! So get in the bathroom and get cleaned up for the ceremony!”

Arc playfully salutes with his free hand. “Yes ma’am.”

Sometime later, Arc stands in front of a mirror in a fancy black tuxedo looking himself over. Turning to Hammer and Sereb, he holds out his arms and grins.

“So how do I look?”

Hammer winks and gives him a ‘thumbs up’. “Like a million bucks, stud!”

Sereb nods approvingly. “Very nice, yes.”

He levitates a small bottle from the vanity over to Arc before continuing.

“I was told by Princess Twilight to give this to you.”

Arc takes the bottle and looks it over. “What it is?”

“A very expensive bottle of cologne.”

Hammer shrugs. “Yeah, well… apparently it smells really good to griffons.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Spritzing a bit on his sleeve, Arc smells it and frowns.

“I don’t really smell much of anything.”

Hammer sighs. “Neither did I when I smelled it myself a little while ago.”

Sereb grins toothily. “Believe me when I say that it is quite the interesting smell.”

Arc puts a few more spritzes on himself before capping the bottle. “Griffons must have a better sense of smell than we humans do, Hammer.”

Hammer nods as she looks him over. “I guess so.”

Sereb chuckles. “If it makes you feel any better, my friend, I do think it smells very nice.”

Arc puts the bottle on the vanity. “And with luck so will Natalya. Now then, is there anything else we need to do before heading out?”

Hammer eyes his lewdly. “Nah, I don’t think so. I mean… you couldn’t possibly look any sexier than you do right now.”

Sereb motions to the door with a paw. “Then perhaps we should head over to the Observation Deck now.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Leaving the room, the trio make the short walk to their destination. Approaching the doorway, they find that a large curtain has been stretched over it to hide the interior and act as a makeshift door. Entering, the group sees that the entire room has been transformed into a flower filled paradise with two rows of chairs set up for guests. Twilight stands at the front of the room with Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. They smile widely as Arc approaches and looks around before turning to address Twilight.

“What’s… what’s all this?”

Twilight giggles. “We just wanted your special day to be, well… special.”

Rarity nods happily as she gestures to their outfits. “Yes, darling. And I must say that you look especially fetching in that outfit I made for you.”

Applejack gestures with a wave of her hoof. “And I helped decorate this room for the occasion.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Fluttershy and I hung the banners and anything high up.”

Fluttershy smiles warmly. “Yes, it makes the room look really pretty.”

Pinkie sniffs a nearby flower arrangement. “Smells good too!”

Hammer puts a hand on his shoulder. “We all understand that this whole thing really is just a marriage of convenience, Arc. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t still a real, honest to goodness marriage.”

Eidolon’s Ward steps out from behind a display. “Right. It’s all official and legal too. And if I’m being totally honest, the two of you really are cute together.”

Sereb nods. “I agree with Miss Cherry. Everyone worked very hard to make this a day for you and Miss Natalya to remember. However, what you see here is not all that was done on your behalf, my friend.”

Arc appears confused. “Oh?”

Hammer grins. “Right. There are a bunch more guests that will be coming to see this.”

Hearing footfalls behind them, Arc turns to see Derpy, Auriel, and Ember approaching. All three of them are dressed in their finest clothes and smiling broadly. Auriel is the first to speak.

“We’re here to share this special day with you, Arc.”

Ember grins. “Right. And to show our support for Natalya.”

Derpy giggles. “Someday it’ll be us walking down that aisle with you too, after all. But this is her time to shine.”

Arc nods approvingly. “I’m glad all of you could make it.”

Applejack points a hoof behind them. “There should be a few more guests coming too, sugarcube.”

Ember jerks a thumb behind her. “Yeah. They’re right behind us.”

Stepping aside, Arc spies Lily, Shelly, Max (in his human form and wearing a suit for the occasion), along with Frank slowly walking towards them. Shelly is holding onto Frank and Max’s arms as they enter the room. Lily runs over to Arc as best she is able in her high heels and throws her arms around him happily.
“Congratulations, Arc!”

Arc chuckles as he returns the hug. “Thanks for coming.”

Shelly giggles as she too steps forward to hug him. “We’re here for you, Arc.”

Frank nods approvingly. “Yes, my friend. As I have said many times in the past, us orphans all need to stick together.”

Arc nods as he turns to hug Shelly. “That we do, Frank.”

Shelly beams as she and Arc embrace. “It’s so nice to be able to see you get married, Arc.”

Max shakes hands with his commanding officer as Shelly steps back. “That it is, sir.”

Arc nods to him. “Thanks for being there for Shelly, Max. And me too, of course.”

Max smiles as he puts a hand on Shelly’s shoulder. “I could do nothing less for the foalhood friend of the woman I love.”

Shelly pats his hand. “That’s ‘childhood friend’, Max.”

“Ah, yes! Sorry.”

Frank grins. “You’ll get it right eventually.”

A dark portal opens nearby and Luna steps through. Everyone gasps in surprise and instinctively bows. She smiles and calls out.

“No need for that, everypony. This day is about Arc and Natalya, after all.”

Twilight steps forward to greet her friend. “Thank you for coming, Luna. Truth be told, I was starting to worry that you wouldn’t be able to make it.”

“I came to show my support for what Arc is trying to do here. However, I didn’t come alone.”

She steps aside as Dinky, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all trot through the portal. They are each wearing cute dresses and carrying baskets with flower petals in them. Dinky runs over to her father and grins.

“Hi dad!”

Arc grins as he kneels down to their level. “Hey there, Dinky. I’m glad that you and your friends could come.”

Apple Bloom gasps happily. “Are you kidding, Arc?! We couldn’t wait to get here!”

Sweetie Belle does a little twirl. “And Rarity made us all matching dresses for the occasion too!”

Scootaloo looks herself over. “I’ve never worn anything like this before! But I have to say that I do like it!”

Arc nods approvingly. “Well, you look very nice in it, Scootaloo. All four of you do.”

He turns to Luna before continuing.

“Uh… but I do have to ask, if you and Twilight are both here, who’s running the country?”

“Cadance is currently in Canterlot to watch over things there.”

Hammer nods. “That and her Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor, is temporarily in charge of the Crystal Empire.”

Twilight quickly chimes in. “It’s just for one evening, after all.”

Sereb looks around. “In any case, that should be everyone.”

Hammer frowns. “Other than Lord Gestal, that is.”

Rarity raises a hoof. “I escorted him to a suite earlier so he could get changed. He should be here soon.”

The sound of footfalls approaching ring out. Everyone turns and gasps as Princess Celestia herself approaches in a beautiful dress of her own. Looking to Arc, she smiles warmly.

“Good evening, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Uh… hi.”

“Forgive me, but I’m here to see history in the making.”

Applejack appears confused. “History in the what now?”

Celestia looks to Arc. “For the first time in our history, an Equestrian citizen will be marrying a citizen of the Griffon Kingdom. And I wanted to be here to not only witness this event, but to show my personal support for such a matter.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thank you. It’s good to know that my actions are smiled upon by all four of Equestria’s princesses.”

Three more enter the room together. Arc turns to see Heathcliff, Ashe, and her father approaching them. Ashe is the first to speak.

“Sorry to keep everyone waiting.”

Gestal nods soberly. “We must apologize for our tardiness, Lord Arc. We would have been here sooner, but there was a bit of a wardrobe malfunction.”

Ashe bows her head. “I accidently tripped and got some makeup on my father’s lapel.”

Heathcliff pulls out a brush and goes over Gestal’s outfit one last time. “Which required me to perform a quick cleaning of his overcoat.”

Ashe smiles. “However, we are here now and ready to do our duty.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Shall we begin?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I believe everything is ready.”

Those assembled take their seats as Pinkie Pie pulls a record player seemingly out of nowhere and sets it on a nearby table. Rarity puts a record on it and sets the needle in motion. The sound of beautiful classical music fills the air as Gestal makes his way to the front of the room with Arc. Dinky and her three friends hurry through the curtain and out of the room to wait for the bride. About ten minutes later they slowly re-enter the Observation Deck led by Gabby. The little ones drop flower petals on the red carpet as they make their way to the front of the room. As they arrive, Heathcliff motions with a talon and ushers them to one side. Applejack and Ashe motion for them to line up as Rainbow Dash flies to the curtain and looks through it for a moment along with Fluttershy. Turning around, they nod to Eidolon’s Ward whom quickly moves the needle to a new place on the record. The Bridal Chorus begins to play as Lord Gestal holds his talons aloft and calls out in a loud voice for all to hear.

“ALL RISE!”

Everyone stands respectfully and turns around as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flap their wings and, taking the edges of the curtain in their hooves, lift it high to allow the pair behind it to be seen. Natalya steps forward wearing a simple wedding gown and golden tiara with lightning bolts on it. She is flanked by Gallus whom is wearing a formal tuxedo and smiling with her. The pair walk forward with Natalya latched onto her brother’s talon. Approaching the front of the room, Gallus steps back and allows his sister to walk the last few steps to Arc as he takes his place in front of a chair in the front rom. Arc and Natalya face one another silently as Gestal begins to speak.

“Whom gives this bride to be married?”

Gallus speaks soberly and clearly. “I do.”

Turning to look at those gathered, Lord Gestal again speaks.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here today in the sight of God and in the presence of friends and family to join together Lord Arc and Lady Natalya in holy matrimony. Such a thing is applauded to be highly honorable among all creatures and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly. But instead, reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two individuals present now come together be joined. Therefore, if any one present can show just cause as to why they may not be joined together… let them speak now or forever after hold their peace.”

The room is silent as Gestal looks around. After a few moments, he continues with his speech.

“Marriage is the union of a husband and wife in heart, body, mind, and purpose. It is intended for their continued joy and also for the help and comfort given to one another in prosperity and adversity. But just as important, it is also a means through which a stable and loving environment may be found. Through their marriage here today, Lord Arc and Lady Natalya make a solemn commitment together to face their triumphs and disappointments together… embrace their dreams and failings together… realize their futures together… and to accept each other’s failures together. Lord Arc and Lady Natalya come now to promise one another to aspire to the a fore mentioned ideals throughout their lives together as one. And through mutual understanding, openness, and sensitivity to each other they will find true happiness.”

Pausing for a moment, Gestal clears his throat and continues.

“This is both a new beginning as well as a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility, and knowledge comes the affirmation of each’s life’s happiness, growth, and freedom. With all due respect for their individual boundaries, of course, comes the choice to have and to hold one another unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship the knowledge that these two offer one another willingly becomes as fertile soil for their continued growth both as a couple and as individuals. With care and responsibility towards one another comes the potential for full and happy lives to be had by both of them. Marriage… marriage is an act both of faith and of personal commitment. It is more than simply a moral and physical union between two individuals. Such a thing has been described as both the best and most important relationship that can exist between anyone. Such is the construction of their love and trust into the single growing energy of their future together. And it is a moral commitment that requires and deserves regular attention. For as we all know, marriage should be a lifelong consecration of the ideals of love and kindness backed with the will and determination to make such a commitment last a lifetime.”

Gestal turns to Arc as he speaks.

“Do you, Lord Arc, take Lady Natalya to be your lawfully wedded wife? To live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others and keeping yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?”

Arc smiles and nods. “I do.”

Gestal turns to Natalya. “Do you Lady Natalya, take Lord Arc to be your lawfully wedded husband? To live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others and keeping yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?”

Natalya smiles widely. “I do.”

Gestal nods approvingly. “May you always share with each other the gifts of love and be one in heart, mind, and body. May you always do your best to create a home with one another that puts in your hearts love, Generosity, and Kindness. Let it be known to all that have gathered here today that Lord Arc and Lady Nataly have consented together in marriage before God and have hereby pledged their faith and declared their unity and are now joined.”

Gestal looks to the pair as he comes to the end of his speech.

“In doing so, you have pronounced yourselves to be one in mind and body. But remember to always be each other’s best friend. What unity has been declared here today let no one attempt to pull asunder. And so, by the power vested in me by the Griffon Kingdom and Almighty God… I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Smiling, Gestal turns to Arc.

“You may now embrace the bride.”

Arc leans forward and gives Natalya a hug which she reciprocates. Everyone assembled bursts into a round of applause as talons, hooves, and hands all clap together to show their approval. As they eventually quiet themselves, Gestal again speaks.

“And now, as per our nation’s traditions, the bride and groom will retire for a time to finalize their vows.”

He motions for the pair to walk back down the aisle together. Natalya latches onto Arc’s arm as they do so. Those assembled continue to cheer for them as the couple walks back down the red carpet and through the curtain with Gestal. He leads them back to Arc’s quarters and opens the door for them. Natalya turns to Gestal, confused.

“I don’t really understand what this part is about, sir.”

Gestal smiles warmly. “It’s very simply, my dear. After a couple is wed, they retire to a private place and perform a tradition which is called the ‘joining’.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And what does that entail, Lord Gestal?”

Gestal chuckles. “Simply put, that the happy couple becomes as one. Both figuratively and literally.”

He looks to Lord Arc before continuing.

“It’s considered lucky if a wife’s new husband impregnates her at this time under the light of the full moon.”

Natalya gasps. “Impregnates?!”

Gestal shrugs. “Superstition, I’m sure. Now then, this is where I leave you two to consummate your marriage. When you have finished, please compose yourselves and join in the festivities which will be held in the cafeteria of the ship I’m told.”

Turning, Gestal leaves the room and closes the door behind him. The room is silent for a few moments before Arc turns to Natalya.

“I, um… I… wasn’t told of this particular tradition.”

“N-neither was I, sir!”

“Do we… really have to…?”

Natalya bows her head. “Yes. Like Ambassador Ashe said, griffon traditions in this matter must be upheld dutifully. I just… don’t know if I’m ready for such a thing yet.”

“Me either.”

“But we must do our duty to our respective countries.”

“Agreed. However, before we do this, I’d like a moment to wash up.”

“Of course. I’ll wait for you out here.”

Arc turns and heads for the bathroom as Natalya makes her way over to the table. Sighing, she slowly removes her wedding gown and carefully lays it out flat so as not to wrinkle it needlessly. Turning to the bed, she walks over to it and lies down on the bedspread to wait. A few moments later Arc emerges wiping his hands on a towel. As he does so, he walks over to the bed and sits down next to his bride. She looks to him with a nervous smile and speaks.

“This last bit, while a surprise to me, is still something I’m willing to do to complete this task. But I have one request.”

“What’s that, Natalya?”

Natalya smiles meekly. “Please… be gentle with me. It’s actually my first time with someone.”

Arc smiles at her. “That I can do. Now then, close your eyes for me.”

Doing so, Natalya waits patiently. She hears the sound of cloth rustling and hitting the floor nearby as the motions of someone getting closer to her are indicated by the shifting of the mattress.

“Open your mouth.”

Obeying, Natalya waits. A few moments later she feels a hand on the back of her head as something slides past her beak and into her mouth. Natalya’s breath quickens as she shudders, instinctively licking and sucking it slightly. A slight moan escapes from her as she opens her eyes. However, the sight before her is unlike what she is expecting. Looking down, she sees Arc removing his finger from her mouth. Sitting back, he smiles sheepishly.

“That should do it.”

“Do… what?”

“Count as completing the ‘joining’, I would assume.”

Natalya appears confused. “But... I don’t understand. After all, you’re supposed to have sex with me.”

“Not necessarily.”

“But Lord Gestal said…!”

Arc interrupts her. “He only told us that ‘the happy couple becomes as one’.”

“I don’t get your meaning.”

“Think about it, Natalya. When I put my finger in your mouth, we were joined and became ‘as one’.”

Natalya puts a talon to her cheek. “I… suppose that’s sort of true. But then why did you keep going in and out?”

Arc blushes slightly. “To be completely Honest with you, I wasn't really sure how much I had to do that. In reality, I was just trying to keep from going too deep and making you throw up.”

“Oh! Um… th-thank you. And, ah… about me licking, sucking, and moaning, I… um…”

She looks away before continuing.

“I guess I was… enjoying what I thought to be your… ah… you know.”

Arc pats her cheek. “Yes, I know what you meant. But I also didn’t think you wanted your first time with a male to be forced by tradition.”

“That’s true, yes.”

“And to be perfectly Honest with you… I’m not really ready for such a thing either.”

Natalya appears relieved. “Thank you for that, Arc. But… it would appear that my body was apparently fully willing to do the deed.”

“Yes, I heard the moan.”

Natalya grimaces nervously. “That… isn’t exactly what I meant.”

Arc appears confused. “Then what…?”

Natalya blushes heavily as she looks away. “Judging by the heat going through my backside, I… may have had a small… discharge down there.”

“Ah! Yes! That’s… understandable! I think!”

“I’m really sorry about doing that! I can clean it up if you’d give me something to…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Natalya?”

“Yes?”

“It’s fine. Accidents happen.”

“You mean… you aren’t upset with me for what I did?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not in the least, no. In fact, I’m actually kind of flattered.”

“Huh?”

Arc chuckles. “That what I did excited you so much.”

Natalya giggles nervously. “Yes, I suppose you did.”

“And don’t worry. I’ll keep this matter to myself. There’s no need to tell the others about it.”

“Thank you. But… I would like to say again that I am very interested in expanding our relationship in the future.”

“Same here. We should talk to the others about it though. Just not today, alright?”

Natalya nods happily. “Yes, it’s not the right time.”

Arc stands and extends a hand to Natalya. “Well… now that we’ve ‘become one’ as Lord Gestal told us to, how about you and I head over to the cafeteria and join the others for the wedding reception?”

Natalya grins as she accepts his hand. “I… I’d like that, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “Nice.”

“What is?”

“I really like hearing you say my name without the title.”

“Well, we are married now.”

Arc shrugs as they walk toward the door. “That we are.”

“But… do you remember how you told me that nothing needed to change between us?”

“Yes. What about it?”

Natalya giggles as she puts a talon on the doorknob. “I’d kinda like it to. We really should get to know each other as well. See if this really is something that both of us would like to pursue.”

Arc nods knowingly as Natalya opens the door. “Agreed. But right now, we have a reception to get to.”

Natalya sighs contentedly as she steps into the corridor with him. “Yes, dear.”

Chapter 17 - Dark Revelations

Arc and all of his friends eat a nice meal, prepared ahead of time just for the occasion, in The Equinox's cafeteria. As they eat, drink, and make merry, Arc and company talk and laugh together into the very wee hours of the following morning. Eventually Natalya yawns as she finishes giving Twilight a fairly detailed description of the Griffon Kingdom’s social hierarchy. Twilight giggles as she responds to this.

“It would appear that you’re coming to the end of your batteries, Natalya.”

Pinkie walks over with jumper cables for some reason. “Need a jump start?!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “I think Twilight just meant that Natalya is getting tired.”

Rainbow Dash stretches. “Yeah, yeah. But it was worth it to be here for all of this.”

Fluttershy smiles at the new couple happily. “Maybe we should let them get some rest then.”

Rarity nods as she stands. “Yes. And the fillies are up far past their bedtime.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Aw, come on, mom! I’m not even…!”

She yawns widely before continuing.

“… that tired!”

Applejack pats her sister’s head. “You’re looking mighty bushed too, sugarcube.”

“Yeah, well… it’s not every day we get to go to a wedding.”

Rainbow Dash looks to Scootaloo. “How about you, Scoots?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “It’s fine. I’m a night pony, after all.”

Dinky smiles sleepily. “Well, I could go for a nice warm bed right about now.”

Derpy giggles. “So could I if I’m being totally honest.”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Come on! The night’s still young! Who’s up for another party game?!”

Ember raises a claw. “I am!”

Auriel giggles. “While I too would like such a thing, I should probably get back to Canterlot Castle. This was just a break from my current project.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What are you working on these days?”

Auriel smiles nervously. “It’s a bit of a state secret I’m afraid.”

Lily puts a hand on Frank’s arm. “Then we won’t push the matter any further.”

Frank nods. “Correct.”

Shelly smiles as she rests her head on Max’s shoulder. “Right. Wouldn’t want to get you into trouble now.”

Max nuzzles his girlfriend’s head. “Come on, Shelly. We need to get you to bed.”

Ashe nudges the griffon whom is dozing next to her. “That goes for you as well, father.”

Gestal slowly raises his head. “I suppose you are correct, my dear.”

Luna taps Celestia’s shoulder. “Sister? It’s time to wake up.”

Celestia opens her eyes and looks around. “Where…? Oh! Right! The reception!”

Twilight giggles as she stands. “We should get you back to your suite, Princess Celestia.”

Everyone gets to their feet as Arc and Natalya head for the door. They see their guests out one at a time. Twilight is the first to speak.

“I’m glad I could be here for your special day.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thanks for coming.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles as it claps. “That was the highlight of my… um… lifetime, I guess! “

Celestia nods as she looks to Natalya. “You two will be very happy together. I can tell.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “My father and I will see to it that the forms are sent to the Aviary for processing first thing in the morning.”

Gestal chuckles. “You mean later this morning.”

Auriel looks at the clock. “Yes, the hour has long since past midnight.”

Ember smirks. “Party hard when you can, as I always say.”

Frank shakes Arc’s hand. “Pleasant dreams, my friend.”

Lily embraces Arc as she smiles widely. “I’m so proud of you right now!”

Shelly nods weakly. “As are Max and I.”

Max salutes. “I’ll see to it Shelly gets home safely, sir.”

Luna looks to the three humans and one set of armor. “Shall I give you four a portal back to the shop in Ponyville before I return Twilight to Canterlot?”

Lily appears grateful. “That would be helpful, yes.”

Frank nods. “Indeed.”

Eidolon’s Ward shrugs. “I can walk from there back to the orphanage.”

As Luna begins giving everyone portals, the rest of the Mane Six approach to offer their own farewells. Applejack beams as she removes her dress hat and looks to Arc.

“We’re all super excited that you did what you did, sugarcube.”

Rarity nods happily. “Indeed, we are.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “That and we’re really excited to see what comes next for all of us!”

Pinkie giggles. “And whom you’re going to marry next!”

Fluttershy points a hoof. “That should be Rarity though.”

Sweetie Belle nods her head fervently. “Right! Rarity’s been waiting really patiently, after all!”

Derpy smiles. “Yes, she should be next in line.”

Dinky points a small hoof. “Then my mom, I hope!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “And next my sister!”

Scootaloo shrugs. “There will be time to talk about all of that later.”

Sereb chuckles. “Like after a good long sleep.”

Arc embraces everyone one by one as they each take portals to their respective towns. Eventually only he, Natalya, Gallus, Gabby, Ashe, Gestal, and Hammer are left in the cafeteria. Hammer looks to Natalya as she speaks.

“Hey, uh… you okay?”

“Just fine. Why do you ask?”

“You were really quiet while everyone else was saying their goodbyes.”

Natalya puts a talon to her forehead. “Sorry about that. I’m just… a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s happened today.”

Ashe puts a talon on Natalya’s shoulder. “Well, getting married is certainly a very… mentally taxing task. At least from what I’ve seen.”

Arc smiles sleepily. “That it is.”

Ashe takes her father’s talon. “But in any case, why don’t you get some rest in my suite before returning home in the morning, father? There’s a spare bed and ample room for you.

Gestal yawns as he is lead toward the door. “Yes, I think I’ll take you up on that, Ashe.”

Hammer looks to Arc as Ashe and Gestal leave the room. “I think that’s our cue to head on out too.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I agree.”

Gabby frowns. “But I still want to eat more cake!”

Gallus groans. “I’m sure there’s going to be leftovers of it tomorrow.”

Natalya pats her little sister’s head. “That and you need to get some sleep too, Gabby.”

“I’m not tired though!”

Arc chuckles. “Pretty sure I saw you yawning a time or two.”

“That was just me taking extra deep breaths!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Yeah! Which is what a yawn is!”

Hammer picks Gabby up. “Yeah. So, let’s get a move on.”

Gallus looks down at himself. “Don’t need to tell me twice. After all, I want to get out of the penguin suit.”

Walking down the corridor, they head upstairs and down the corridor. Gallus and Gabby head for their suites as Arc, Hammer, and Natalya make their way toward Arc’s quarters. However, as Hammer puts a hand on the door handle, Natalya speaks.

“Um… excuse me?”

Hammer turns to her. “Yeah, Nat?”

Natalya wrings her talons nervously. “I… um… was wondering if you would be in any way… upset if I were to… ah… ask to be alone with my new husband tonight?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You won’t feel uncomfortable?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, I… I’ll be okay.”

Hammer shrugs. “Sure thing. That is, if your husband’s okay with it.”

Arc nods. “Yes, that’s fine.”

“Then I’ll head back to my room for some shuteye.”

Arc chuckles. “Good night, Hammer.”

Hammer turns and walks away. “Night Arc. Night Nat.”

They watch as she makes her way down the corridor and enters another suite. Hearing the door shut behind her, Arc and Natalya look to one another for a few moments silently. Eventually, Arc breaks it.

“So… I, uh… guess we should probably get some sleep too.”

“R-right.”

Opening the door to his room, Arc allows Natalya to enter ahead of him. Closing it behind them, he turns to her and smiles.

“It… was a nice ceremony.”

Natalya nods. “That it was.”

“So, you liked it?”

“Very much so, yes. Your friends all did their very best to give us a wedding to remember.”

“Yes, they did.”

Looking over to his dresser, Arc continues.

“Well… guess I’d better get changed into something a bit more, ah… conducive to sleeping so we can get to bed.”

“Go right ahead.”

Pulling shorts and a t-shirt from the dresser, Arc heads for the bathroom as he calls out to Natalya.

“I won’t be long. But don’t wait up for me.”

Closing the door, Arc quickly gets changed and brushes his teeth. As he does so he muses to himself.

“Quite the day I had. Wasn’t really sure I could go through with it when I woke up though.”

Spitting out the toothpaste, Arc rinses his mouth as he continues with his train of thought.

“But it did have to be done. And when I was up in front of everyone, Natalya just looked so happy. So… ready.”

Sighing, he dries his mouth on a washcloth and tosses it into the nearby hamper before leaving the bathroom and turning off the light. Natalya is waiting for him just outside. Looking to her, Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Uh… something wrong?”

Natalya smiles nervously. “Not… exactly wrong, no.”

Arc yawns as he turns toward the couch. “Then we should probably get to…”

He stops talking as he feels pressure on his tunic. Turning back to Natalya he sees that she is holding the hem of his shirt.

“I, um… need to tell you something, Arc.”

“What is it?”

“While I do understand that this wedding was purely out of necessity, it is still our wedding night. And as such I would… very much like to… ah… feel like any other bride would right now.”

“How so?”

“I know that I’m not ready for sexual intimacy yet, as I told you earlier. But at the same time, I would enjoy it if we could maybe… share the bed tonight. That is, if you’re okay with doing such a thing.”

Arc smiles. “Honestly, I’d like that, Natalya.”

Natalya takes his hand. “Then let’s get to bed, dear.”

Leading him over to the bed, Natalya hops up on top of it and pulls back the covers. Watching Arc make himself comfortable, she too lays down and looks to him again.

“Would it be alright if I laid close to you?”

Arc nods. “That’s fine.”

Scootching closer to him, Natalya allows Arc to pull the covers over both of them. Reaching over to the bedside lamp, Arc turns it off and lays back down. For a few moments the air is quiet and still before Arc looks to his bride and smiles.

“Comfortable?”

“I am, yes.”

“Um… can I ask you something?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Is there anything I should know?”

Natalya appears confused. “Know?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry. That came out a bit off. But you have to understand that this is the first time I’ve been in bed with a griffon. So, I was just wondering if there was anything that I should be aware of.”

Natalya shakes her head. “I don’t think so, no. But then again, I should probably ask the same of you, as I’ve never been with a human before.”

“Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“My apologies, but you see… I’ve actually never slept with anyone else before. Well, other than Gabby a number of times during thunder storms, that is.”

“It’s fine. And like I said a few moments ago, I’ve also never been in bed with a griffon before.”

Natalya sighs. “Not really sure what it is that I’m allowed to do in such a situation. Or supposed to for that matter.”

Arc shrugs. “It varies from couple to couple.”

“I assume that you’ve slept with any number of mares in your herd back in Equestria.”

Arc nods. “Sleeping, yes. Intimacy, no. It generally boils down to us falling asleep in each other’s arms. Or hooves as the case may be, I suppose.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “So… I can do that?”

“Sure. But only if you’re okay with it.”

“I think I’d like to experience that, yes. However, I don’t really know how to get started.”

“Want me to show you?”

“Please do.”

Pressing his body against Natalya, Arc puts an arm around her and pulls her closer. Natalya’s breath quickens and she blushes in the darkened room. As he holds her, Arc speaks.

“This is what my fiancées and I did. Just kinda… cuddled.”

“What… is it that I should be doing?”

“Just whatever makes you feel comfortable.”

Natalya grimaces. “But what if that makes you feel uneasy?!”

“Then I’ll just ask you to stop.”

“Um… okay.”

Putting a talon across his belly, Natalya drapes one of her hind legs over Arc’s thigh as she presses her face against his chest. Sighing contentedly, she speaks softly.

“This feels… nice.”

Arc puts a hand on her back. “I’m glad you like it.”

Natalya sounds suddenly nervous. “This is okay though, right?!”

Arc nods. “Sure. But we should probably get some sleep now. Well, what little we can get before the sun comes up, that is.”

Closing their eyes, the pair fall asleep together. However, sometime later that night Natalya awakens with a start. Looking around for a few moments, her eyes eventually fall on Arc whom is still holding her in his sleep. Smiling, she carefully moves away in an effort not to wake him up. Slowly getting out of bed, the young griffon leaves the room and walks down the corridor toward the Observation Lounge. Seeing the room’s decorations still in place from the wedding the previous evening, she looks around for a few moments before noticing Gallus, wrapped in a blanket, standing at one of the many windows and looking outside silently. Smiling, Natalya makes her way over to her brother. As she approaches, he turns to her.

“Couldn’t sleep, sis?”

Natalya sighs. “Not exactly. Had a bit of a start and woke up though.”

“Bad dream?”

“I don’t actually remember. But I was fully awake and figured I’d take a little walk.”

Gallus sighs. “Guess that’s why I’m out here too.”

“Are you okay?”

“Kinda. I was just doing some thinking.”

“About what?”

“Something Lord Arc and I talked about yesterday at the clothing store.”

“While Gabby and I were picking out her outfit?”

Gallus nods. “Yeah. I… couldn’t really pick which one I wanted though. So he, uh… bought them both for me.”

“That was very Generous of Arc. I hope you thanked him properly.”

“Not actually sure if I did or not.”

“But that’s not why you’re out here, is it?”

Gallus shakes his head. “Nah. It was because of a, uh… a choice that I made before the ceremony.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Regarding what exactly?”

“Which of the outfits to wear.”

“I’m sure they were both very nice, Gallus. And you did look especially nice in that suit.”

“They were, yeah. But you see… I… I just wanted to wear the other one so badly! So, when I woke up a little while ago, I decided to put it on before coming out here to think.”

Natalya looks him over, confused. “So, it’s under that blanket?”

Gallus nods. “Yeah.”

“Why though?”

“Because… I didn’t want anyone to see me in it.”

“You’re not making any sense, Gallus. If you like the outfit, why try to hide it now?”

Gallus blushes slightly. “It’s not exactly something someone like I would traditionally wear.”

“Can I see it?”

“I guess you probably should.”

Taking a deep breath, Gallus allows the blanket to slide off of his back and down onto the floor. In the glow of the moonlight streaming through the large windows, Natalya sees the beautiful dress her brother is wearing. Raising an eyebrow, she speaks.

“Gallus? Why… why are you wearing a dress?”

Gallus looks down at the floor. “Because I… it’s what I wanted to wear.”

“But… why?”

“You don’t understand, Natalya. I’m not… like other guys. I don’t want to find a nice gal and settle down with her.”

“Then what is it that you do want, Gallus?”

Gallus blushes heavily. “To find a nice male and…”

He turns away clearly ashamed before continuing.

“…and become his wife.”

The pair are silent for a long time before Natalya breaks it.

“Gallus, I… I never imagined you were… um…”

Her voice trails off as Gallus nods sheepishly.

“You should know that when I told Lord Arc about my secret, he was really understanding about it. That’s why he bought me this dress. So that I could choose which one to wear at your wedding yesterday.”

“That’s another thing I don’t understand, Gallus. If you liked the dress better, why did you wear the tuxedo?”

Gallus looks to his sister with a sheepish smile. “For you, Natalya.”

Natalya tilts her head to one side, confused. “For me?”

Gallus nods. “Yeah. You see… the wedding… that was your day to shine and be seen. Not mine. I didn’t want to take that away from you by making a spectacle of myself with such an outfit when I walked you down the aisle. So, I chose to wear the tuxedo instead.”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Very commendable of you, Gallus.”

The pair turn to see Arc standing in the doorway. He approaches them as Gallus speaks.

“Sir, I’m really sorry for making you spend all that money on an outfit I didn’t actually use.”

Arc smiles at him. “It’s fine, Gallus. After all, you just wanted to make your older sister happy on her big day. Nothing wrong with that.”

Natalya turns back to her brother. “I really appreciate you thinking of me like that, Gallus. But why didn’t you say something about before we left the clothing store? I mean… we could have talked about it.”

Gallus sighs. “At that point in time I felt that it was far too late to have such a deep conversation, as the wedding was only a couple hours away. That and I figured, at the very worst, you’d be really upset with me.”

Turning away, he continues.

“That and I really didn’t want to be the one to add any more stress to that which you already had on your plate at the time.”

“Gallus, I…”

Gallus interrupts her. “Natalya, I’m really sorry that you had to find out about my secret all at once like this. But I honestly couldn’t keep it to myself any longer.”

Natalya puts a talon on her brother’s cheek and turns it to face her before speaking.

“Listen. I need you to understand something, Gallus.”

Gallus groans. “I’m listening.”

“And that is… that I’m really proud of you.”

“You… you are?”

Natalya nods. “Yes, I am.”

“How though?”

“You had the courage to be honest with me about your true feelings. About your… potential future.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that a bad thing though? I mean… none of this is even remotely legal here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“I suppose it isn’t, no. But you’re aboard Lord Arc’s ship at the moment. Which, I must point out, is legally an extension of Equestria.”

Arc nods. “And there aren’t rules there about what someone can wear and whom they can or can’t fall in love with and marry.”

Natalya smiles. “So, when all of us return to Equestria, you’ll be free to pursue romance with the individual of your own choosing.”

Gallus looks away nervously. “I, uh… kinda already did that.”

Natalya appears confused. “Oh?”

“Back at the clothing store, after I told Lord Arc everything, I… I volunteered to take your place.”

“Take my… place?”

Gallus nods. “I was willing to marry Lord Arc and become his wife instead.”

Natalya gasps. “But… but why?!”

“Because I hated the fact that you were yet again forced into something due to more stupid griffon laws, Natalya! You had already lost your position in the military, your citizenship, and even your freedom because of it! And then you were more or less being forced to get married to someone just to protect Gabby and I from having to return to the Griffon Kingdom and younglingsit dad’s fortune!”

Arc puts a hand on Natalya’s shoulder. “You have to understand that Gallus was just trying to protect you, Natalya.”

Gallus nods as he composes himself and looks to Arc. “And I… I’ve always dreamed of falling in love with someone who was willing to accept me for who I am. Whom would be willing to take me as their wife and allow me to be there for them and they for me.”

Blushing heavily and looking down, he continues.

“And I… I wanted someone whom could accept my differing sexual desires and treat me as the griffon I want to be.”

Natalya smiles at her younger brother. “Gallus, I… I had no idea you felt this way.”

“Sorry.”

“What for?”

“Not being the brother you think I am.”

“To be honest with you, I always thought that you were a little… different, Gallus. Not seeming interested in females or dating from what I could tell.

Gallus groans. “Well, now you know why.”

“That I do. And it doesn’t change how I feel about you in the least.”

“It… it doesn’t?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, Gallus. You’re still my little brother. And I love you very much.”

Leaning forward, the pair embrace as Arc watches and nods approvingly. Eventually they break it off and Gallus speaks.

“So… just to make sure that I’m understanding what you just said, Natalya… you’re okay with me being like this?”

“The only question I’m interested in is ‘are YOU okay with it’, Gallus.”

Gallus blushes. “I… don’t really know how I feel right now. Well… other than a bit embarrassed about how Lord Arc reacted to my… proposal.”

“Oh?”

Arc steps forward. “When he volunteered to take your place and marry me himself. I told Gallus that I was flattered at the offer, but didn’t feel the same way about him.”

Gallus smiles sheepishly. “To be honest, I was a bit sad that he didn’t say ‘yes’. I mean… he’s probably the only one in the entire Griffon Kingdom whom would have responded to such a thing with a response other than anger or laughter after my confession. But at the same time, he turned me down with dignity and respect for my feelings.”

Natalya looks to Arc and smiles. “As I’ve come to expect of him, yes.”

Gallus sighs. “Look, sis… I’m really sorry I didn’t say anything about this whole thing earlier. And for sorta kinda almost nearly trying to come between you and Lord Arc with it.”

“It’s alright, Gallus. After all, you did have my best interests at heart.”

Gallus looks to Arc. “And I’m sorry for the way I acted a few days ago in your office, sir. This whole time you’ve just been trying to do what was best for my sister AND both our countries.”

Arc nods. “Right. And you have my word that nothing will change for Natalya. She’s still free to do as she sees fit.”

Natalya turns to her brother. “Yes, well… as long as we’re on the subject of admitting our secrets, it’s time for me to confess something to you now, Gallus.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “What is it, sis?”

“This past week here while dealing with this whole inheritance matter, Lord Arc and I have gotten closer than I thought possible. We’ve… shared a few very nice moments and I’ve told him that I’d like to be given the chance to continue to deepen our relationship.”

“So… are you trying to tell me that you’re in love with Lord Arc, sis? Like… for real in love?”

Natalya blushes slightly. “I kinda am, yes.”

Arc puts a hand on Natalya’s shoulder. “But you have to understand that the two of us are going to take things slowly here. Get to know each other better before committing to anything. Maybe go out on a date at some point. And do a lot of talking.”

“With the rest of the herd too.”

Arc nods. “Right. Can’t keep something as big as this from them, after all.”

He turns to Gallus before continuing.

“That and I’m sorry for not saying anything to you earlier either. But this really is a very recent revelation for us both.”

Natalya takes Arc’s hand. “Yes, in truth it’s something we brought to each other’s attention shortly before the wedding ceremony.”

Gallus grins. “It’s okay. I know you would have said something to me sooner if you could, sis. And I really do want you to be happy.”

He turns to Arc before continuing.

“And I know that Lord Arc will make you very happy. That is, if you decide to get together. For real, I mean.”

Natalya hugs her brother. “And I’m sure that you’ll make someone very happy one day too, Gallus.”

Arc motions to the doorway. “Agreed. Now then, I think that at this point all of us should get to bed and try to get what shuteye we can before morning is upon us.”

Natalya sighs. “Right.”

Gallus grins as the three of them head for the doorway together. “Yeah, I think that’s sound advice. And… thanks. To both of you, I mean.”

They head back to their respective rooms together to get a bit more sleep. Sometime later Arc opens his eyes to the early morning light streaming through the windows. Looking down at Natalya, whom is lying in his arms with her face pressed to his chest, he smiles and gently shakes her. Opening her eyes, Natalya looks up at him sleepily and smiles at him.

“Good morning, dear.”

“Sleep well?”

Natalya sits up and stretches. “Yes, actually.”

Arc pats the sheets. “It’s probably the bed.”

Natalya giggles. “Or being held by someone whom cares about me.”

Arc chuckles as he tosses the covers back. “That could also be a factor too, yes.”

Natalya stands. “So, I guess we’ll be heading back to Equestria soon?”

“Not quite yet. First, I have to make sure Ashe gets the proper paperwork sent to the Aviary in order to make our marriage official and legally binding. Knowing her, she’ll probably be taking care of it after breakfast I would assume. Then I need to be sure to thank Lord Gestal for performing the ceremony.”

“He did do a very nice job, yes.”

“After that, we should probably see about starting the paperwork to transfer your father’s manor to the Griffon Kingdom.”

“That will probably take quite some time to figure out I would imagine.”

Arc shrugs and stands. “We’ll just see about getting the process started before we leave. I’ll make a sigil somewhere and head back as needed in order to take care of signing the paperwork when it’s available.”

“Anything I need to do?”

Arc shakes his head as he walks over to the window. “I don’t think so. Remember, now that we’re married, I’m legally allowed to sign for anything on behalf of your father’s estate.”

Natalya joins him in looking out over the city. “A fact that I am very happy about.”

“Me too.”

Natalya appears confused. “Arc?”

“Now you can go back to the Little Hooves Orphanage and continue with your life as it was before.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet. “In fact, if you’d like I could give you a portal back to Ponyville right now.”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not just yet, no. I’d like to stay here in the Griffon Kingdom until this matter is settled. If that’s okay, I mean.”

“Sure. Shouldn’t take too much longer, I would imagine.”

“So, what now?”

Arc chuckles as he recalls his gauntlet. “Breakfast?”

Natalya nods. “That does sound nice.”

“Alright. Let’s head over to the cafeteria and see about…”

He is cut off as his earring chirps. Sighing, Arc touches it and calls out.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve just received a message from a Doctor Horse at Ponyville Hospital. Your presence has been requested there at once.”

“I’ll head over there right away. Anything else?”

“Lord Gestal departed the ship a short time ago and asked me to relay his thanks to you for the hospitality extended.”

Arc chuckles. “He did seem to have a nice time last night.”

Natalya gasps. “We didn’t get a chance to thank him properly though!”

Arc turns to her. “I’ll be sure to catch up with him later and do that.”

Lemon Hearts continues. “Ambassador Ashe went with him to take care of some important paperwork as well, sir.”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda figured she’d do that. Probably for the best that it gets filled out and filed with the proper authorities.”

“While I have you on the line, sir, Captain Soarin wanted to know if you had a timeframe for departing.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at this time, no. We still have a few more diplomatic matters to iron out before leaving for Equestria. Anything else though, Lemon Hearts?”

“No, sir. That’s everything.”

“Alright. Tell the captain that I’ll let him know when I figure out a departure date and time. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, he severs the connection and turns to Natalya.

“Sorry, but it looks like I’m needed back in Equestria.”

Natalya sighs. “Such is the life of a public servant, I would imagine.”

Arc nods as he calls forth his gauntlet again. “Right. But I think I’m a bit busier than most. Tell the others that I’ll be back when I can.”

“I will. But, um… aren’t you forgetting something, Arc?”

“Oh?”

Natalya gestures to his outfit. “You’re not exactly dressed for the occasion.”

Looking down at himself, Arc sees that he is still wearing his shorts and t-shirt from the previous night. Groaning, he hurries over to the wardrobe and pulls out fresh clothes.

“Now I just plain feel silly. Thanks for stopping me from making a total fool of myself, Natalya.”

Natalya giggles. “Yes, well… I’m just doing my job as your wife.”

A short time later Arc appears on the sigil in the Ponyville Hospital waiting room. Walking down the corridors, he eventually comes to the now familiar room. Knocking lightly before entering, he spies Cerulean Skies sitting next to her sister’s bed. She looks up as he closes the door and walks over.

“Good morning, Cerulean Skies. I’m told I was needed here.”

Cerulean Skies nods as she stands. “Yes sir. Thank you for coming.”

“It’s no problem. What can I do for you?”

Cerulean Skies gestures to the bed. “It’s Tempest. She came around a short time ago.”

Arc looks to the unconscious mare. “Looks like that didn’t last though.”

“Right. She woke up just long enough to wake me up. I called for Doctor Horse, but she had passed back out by the time he arrived.”

“I suppose that’s to be expected, given her condition.”

Cerulean Skies appears embarrassed. “The doctor said he’d call for you before he left the room. I’m guessing he didn’t want my sister to wake up again without you here.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, I asked him to contact me if either of the patient’s conditions changed. Which it would appear it did.”

There is a knock at the door. It opens and Doctor Horse walks in with a clipboard. He approaches Arc and speaks.

“Thank you for coming, sir.”

“It’s no trouble. How are the patients doing though?”

The doctor gestures to Tempest. “As I’m sure you’ve already heard, your friend here awakened a short time ago. Even though her vitals still show her to be very weak.”

Cerulean Skies shrugs. “Tempest has always been a fighter. On and off the battlefield, I suppose.”

Doctor Horse sighs. “It would appear that is true, yes. Most whom sustain trauma of this magnitude stay down for quite some time.”

A low groan from the bed rings out as they all look down. Seeing Tempest’s eyes slowly opening, the doctor hurries over to her bedside to check her vitals. She grunts and speaks.

“I’m not… most.”

Cerulean Skies puts a hoof to her sister’s cheek. “Shush! Don’t try to talk, Tempest!”

The doctor nods. “Yes, please don’t strain yourself, ma’am.”

Tempest tries to turn her head. “Decimus… how… is he?”

Arc nods to the bed next to hers. “Still out like a light.”

“He hasn’t made so much as a whisper though, sister.”

Doctor Horse looks over the nearby chart. “Although his test results show that he is improving. Very slowly though, of course.”

Arc nods. “What of Tempest though?”

“Still very weak as you can see, sir. However, she too is slowly improving.”

Cerulean Skies bows her head. “I still don’t understand how this could have happened though. After all, my sister has always been so resilient!”

Arc frowns. “And she’s always been able to regenerate during our… encounters in the past.”

He turns to Tempest before continuing.

“What changed?”

Tempest groans weakly. “S-s-stim…”

Cerulean Skies frowns. “You want a stimulant, Tempest?”

She nods weakly as Cerulean Skies shakes her head and continues.

“No, sister. You’re still much too weak to…”

Tempest grimaces as she squeezes her sister’s hoof. “Please…”

Looking to the doctor, Cerulean Skies awaits his answer. Doctor Horse turns to Arc for guidance. Sighing, Arc nods as he speaks.

“Give it to her.”

“Yes sir.”

Walking over to a drawer, Doctor Horse pulls out a syringe. Returning to Tempest’s side, he purges it before injecting the mare with its contents and stepping back. After properly disposing of the needle, he turns and waits as it quickly begins to take effect. Cerulean Skies looks to her sister nervously as she speaks.

“Tempest, are you okay now?”

Tempest grunts. “Much better.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That’s good to hear. Because I’d like to know what the heck happened back at your organization’s base, Tempest.”

“The Dark One was probably… upset that I broke one of the Council of Shadow’s so-called ‘golden rules’.”

“Golden rules?”

Tempest nods. “That we not interfere in the affairs of other members.”

Arc sighs. “So when you told him that you wanted to go after Chrysalis…”

Tempest cuts him off. “…he knew it was for revenge. But that wasn’t the end of it.”

The doctor appears confused. “Miss?”

“I also physically attacked him. Another of the rules is that we are not to attempt to harm other members either directly or indirectly.”

Arc looks to Tempest’s bandages. “That still doesn’t explain your current inability to just… regenerate. Or whatever it is that you do.”

Tempest puts a hoof to her chest and winces slightly. “Yes, that is… a new development. However, I need to check something before I can answer that for certain.”

Looking to the doctor, she points a hoof at the closet before continuing.

“Can I assume that my things are in there?”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes, ma’am. It’s standard hospital procedure to keep a patient’s personal property in the room with them whenever prudent.”

“Then bring me my armor.”

Cerulean Skies stands. “I’ll get it for you, sister.”

Making her way over to the patient closet on the other side of the room, Cerulean Skies opens it. Looking inside the young mare quickly spots her sister’s trademark leather armor hanging there on a hook. Picking it up, she returns to the bedside and gives it to Tempest. Laying it in her lap, Tempest unlatches a small blade and pulls it out. Before anyone can stop her, she deftly runs it across the top of her fetlock lightly. Gasping, Cerulean Skies cries out.

“Sister! What are you…?!”

Tempest interrupts her as she removes a cloth from another pouch. “Just checking something. Give it a moment.”

They stand there silently as Tempest holds the cloth to her fetlock for a solid minute. Looking down to it, she removes the fabric. The small cut is still oozing blood as she does so. Arc frowns.

“Just like the wound The Dark One gave you the other day, it isn’t healing.”

Tempest frowns. “Right. Now then, one more test.”

Holding out a hoof, Tempest frowns. A few moments later Cerulean Skies looks to her sister and speaks.

“Um… did you want us to give you something, Tempest?”

Tempest groans. “No. I was trying to call for my weapon.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Light’s Bane? But we left it back at your base.”

“Yes, I know that! However, I should have been able to call it to me by the power of thought.”

Doctor Horse frowns. “I’m a bit confused here, miss. What does that prove?”

Tempest sighs. “That I’m back to my original self.”

Arc gestures to her cut. “So… no more so-called blessings from the Council of Shadows?”

A voice rings out behind them.

“No.”

They turn to see The Dark One standing there in a corner. Taking a few steps forward, he looks to the bed and Tempest as she glares at him.

“What do you mean, ‘no’?!”

“Exactly what I said. You have been banished from our midst for your violations against the council.”

Tempest points an accusatory hoof at him. “Me?! It was YOU whom betrayed the order when you attacked ME!”

“Mine was in self-defense though.”

Arc steps forward. “And what of Chrysalis? Is she not out as well?”

Tempest nods fervently. “Right! She left us!”

The Dark One shakes his head. “She may have left our midst in a huff. However, in doing so she did not actually break any rules. Merely walking away because one doesn’t get their way is not a violation of…”

Cerulean Skies interrupts him. “What about my sister?! Will she be alright?!”

“That is up to the medical staff here. But if it is any consolation, I was careful not to pierce her heart or any other major vital organs other than her lung.”

The doctor nods. “Her only real risk now would be complications from infection. Which we’re currently monitoring her for, I might add.”

Tempest groans. “Whatever! Give me back my weapon then!”

The Dark One sighs. “I don’t think you understand the severity of the situation, Tempest. When you were removed from our order, I took Light’s Bane back into my custody.”

Tempest seethes. “We had a deal!”

“That we did. Please note the past tense though.”

Arc chuckles as he puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Interesting.”

The Dark One appears confused. “You believe this matter to be humorous?”

“Kinda. I always thought you asking for Tempest’s soul upon her death was a bit much for what she received in return.”

“It was a very fair exchange from my point of view. She was immortal to injury when she took up her weapon thanks to my endowment.”

“And what did you get out of it?”

“A powerful warrior whom would fight for this land and the Council of Shadows’ ideals.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “There was more to it than that though, wasn’t there?”

Tempest nods. “I was gathering power in order to fight back the coming darkness. As I defeated others and gathered souls, their strength was added to my own. Hence why I was so powerful in the dark artes even without my horn.”

Doctor Horse raises an eyebrow. “So, you’re saying that the weapon in question acted as a replacement focus for your missing horn?

Tempest shrugs. “More or less, I suppose. A small price for an individual to have to pay in order to save this land from the coming evil.”

Cerulean Skies gasps. “But that just seems so cruel! One mare shouldn’t have to face such things alone!”

The Dark One shakes his head. “She would not have, as I would have been by her side in the battle.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Sounds like you had it all figured out, Dark One.”

“That I do.”

“But there is one small hole in your plan.”

“Is there now?”

Arc nods. “If Tempest had died before this alleged ‘great evil’ came to Equestria.”

Tempest shakes her head. “No, he did think of that.”

“Hence why I insisted on her soul being mine upon death.”

Arc chuckles. “And now that’s a moot point.”

Cerulean Skies appears hopeful. “It is?!”

Yes.”

The Dark One looks to Arc. “Do tell.”

“With you withdrawing your power from Tempest, you yourself broke the deal she made with you.”

Tempest smirks. “And my soul remains my own.”

Cerulean Skies breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness!”

The Dark One chuckles. “Not exactly.”

Arc frowns. “Don’t tell me you’re going to try and claim your prize without keeping up your end of the bargain.”

“No. But that point leads us to the reason for my presence here today.”

Tempest frowns. “Do tell.”

“I came here to do… this.”

A dark aura surrounds him as the room suddenly goes dark. Arc looks all around but can see nothing. Reaching for the bed in order to steady himself, he finds it gone. As he is about to call out, his surroundings begin to brighten again. Looking around, he sees a barren wasteland in all directions. Kneeling down, Arc picks up a handful of soil. However, instead of vibrant and rich dirt he finds it to be more akin to a mixture of sand and ash. Hearing a sound behind him, he quickly straightens up and whirls around to see the Dark One approaching him. Frowning, Arc speaks.

“What have you done?! Where are we?!”

“The future, Arc.”

Arc appears confused. “Future?”

“Or more accurately, the most likely one.”

Gesturing to their surroundings with a hoof, he continues.

“A long, long time ago a great evil came to this land from beyond. Its wickedness knew no bounds and its capacity for cruelty was without limit. This energy sought to cover the entire land with its presence and snuff out the light of life from it.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Sounds to me kinda like what you’ve been trying to do since I came to Equestria.”

“Believe me when I say that my methods are to ultimately preserve life. Not take it.”

“Could have fooled me.”

“In any case, the former ruler of the land, a mare named Queen Faust, sent her two daughters through time along with the remaining survivors.”

Arc nods soberly. “Celestia and Luna.”

The Dark One appears surprised. “You already know of this story?”

“More so than you yourself, yes.”

“How?”

Arc frowns. “That’s none of your concern.”

“Very well. In any case, they were entombed in what is known as the Tree of Harmony which birthed the Elements which go by the same name.”

“Twilight and her friend’s Elements of Harmony.”

“Correct. And when the time was right, they were awakened and sent out into the world.”

“To the orphanage, you mean.”

The Dark One appears confused. “Orphanage?”

Arc chuckles. “It would again appear that I know more about this story than even you yourself do.”

“I imagine that the Keeper of Time Kronos has something to do with that.”

“Think what you want. But get to the point of your tale.”

“Very well. In the span of time between when the ponies left this land to when time caught back up to them, the evil which had covered the land began to recede due to a lack of nourishment. It needed the negative energies of the land’s inhabitants in order to survive. And without such a thing it began to starve.”

“So the queen sent her daughters and the other survivors forward in time as far as she could in an effort to give the evil time to waste away to nothing.”

“Precisely.”

“And the ponies have continued to inhabit the land since then.”

“That is correct, Arc.”

“But if the evil in this story starved long ago then why are you preparing for its return?”

“The evil did not die. It merely went into a state akin to hibernation in an effort to conserve energy in the interim.”

“Yet we’ve seen nothing to prove that your story is true.”

“You are correct. I cannot prove any of this. However, I feel the power of the creature growing back in our world.”

Arc shakes his head. “Again, something that supposedly only you can sense.”

“Eventually it will amass enough energy to regain its corporeal form and once again threated Equestria!”

“And your ‘great idea’ was for Tempest to kill enough ponies with Light’s Bane to make its wielder powerful enough to challenge it?!”

“More or less. However, that one didn’t have to be her.”

“You?”

The Dark One shakes his head. “No, I am unable to do this task myself.”

Arc scoffs. “Unable, huh? Sounds like cowardice talking to me.”

“You believe that I am afraid to fight the coming darkness?!”

Arc shrugs. “If the shoe fits. I mean, you’re oh so willing to send others to fight this phantom menace. But you yourself can’t be…”

He is cut off as the Dark One picks him up with a Telekinesis Spell and holds him close to his face angrily.

“I fight against the energies of the coming darkness daily, you fool! And I have done so for far, FAR longer than you can even IMAGINE!”

Throwing Arc violently across the terrain, he slams through a pile of rocks. Picking himself up, Arc spies a number of bones at his feet as the Dark One Blinks over to him and points at them.

“These poor lost souls never stood a CHANCE against it! And they paid the ultimate price for their complacency!”

“Then why come to me?! Why not approach the princesses about it?!”

The Dark One turns way angrily. “I have in the past! Celestia herself ignored my warnings due to my inability to prove them!”

Taking a few moments to compose himself, the Dark One continues.

“But I have found you to be a bit more… open-minded than Celestia and her ilk are.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “So, you’re hoping that I can be convinced that all of this is real so that I’ll go to Canterlot and change their minds.”

The Dark One chuckles. “Now you are beginning to understand.”

Arc looks away. “Hard pass.”

“After all of this you still do not believe me?!”

“It’s not so much a matter of believing you, as I have my own source of information on this subject. But considering what you and your Council of Shadows has done in the past, I can’t see myself working with you.”

“Very well. I cannot force you to do that which you will not.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“That seemed a bit too easy.”

“Shall I elaborate, Arc?”

“I wish you would.”

“With the betrayal of Tempest, you and I are the only ones capable to carrying out the task of protecting this land when the time comes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You and I?”

“Correct.”

“What about the princesses?”

“As I stated earlier, they are unwilling to do what needs to be done.”

Arc frowns. “I get the feeling that you’re holding something back here. After all, I’m certainly no substitute for an alicorn princess’ power.”

“You are not. However, I believe that you have the potential to surpass them all in every conceivable way.”

“How so?”

“It is… merely a feeling that I have. And I am seldom wrong about such individuals.”

“What about Tempest?”

“I was still correct regarding her abilities. She spearheaded our organization’s efforts for a time, yes. However, I did have the feeling when she signed on with us that such a mare wouldn’t be able to go the distance.”

“So she was just a stand-in for you?”

“More than that. Tempest was the best I could find whom was willing to join the Council of Shadows. But you have to understand that I never stopped looking for her successor.”

“You mean her replacement.”

“Call it what you will. But the needs of the world require the best of the best’s efforts if it is to survive.”

“Sounds more like you were always looking to cast her aside.”

“For one such as you, yes.”

Arc scoffs. “Thanks, but no thanks.”

“It will remain an open invitation.”

“Perhaps you didn’t hear me. I already said ‘no’.”

The Dark One shrugs. “Very well. For now. But I would ask one thing of you.”

“What is it?”

“Take a long look around at our surroundings.”

Arc does so as the Dark One continues.

“Remember my words… if nothing is changed, this is our world’s future.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Things again go dark as the world around them vanishes. A few moments later Arc finds himself back in the hospital room with the others. Cerulean Skies runs up to him.

“Sir! Are you alright?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’m fine.”

Tempest glares at the Dark One. “What did you do?!”

“I simply showed Arc the future.”

“The world of ruin?”

“Exactly.”

Arc frowns. “You’ve made your sales pitch, Dark One. Now then, any chance of you leaving so we can get back to the matter at hand?”

“I do have one last proposition.”

Sitting down on his haunches, the Dark One holds out his hooves as Light’s Bane materializes in them. Extending the weapon to Arc, he continues.

“With my blessing, you will be allowed to wield this scythe in battle. It will augment your already considerable combat prowess with the power of the souls already contained within. That and any others whom fall to its bite will be added to it.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Wasting your time there, Dark One. He’s a filly scout when it comes to battle.”

Arc frowns. “Thanks, but I’d rather not have my soul on the line here.”

The Dark One shakes his head. “You won’t be forced into any such pact. I simply want to see it go to a worthy warrior in defense of the land.”

“That and I don’t want to be indebted to you in ANY way, shape, or form.”

“Very well then.”

Turning to Tempest, he continues.

“Would you like to make amends to the Council of Shadows?”

Tempest scoffs. “Not a chance!”

“Then I shall take my leave.”

Recalling Light’s Bane to… somewhere, the Dark One looks to the stallion’s bed before turning to Tempest again and speaking.

“However, for your past service to the cause, I would like to give you a bit of a parting gift.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “What kind of ‘gift’?”

“Just a little something an old friend of mine taught me so very long ago. Think of it as your severance package.”

His horn aglow, the Dark One casts a strange spell on the stallion before him as he vanishes into nothingness. Cerulean Skies gasps as she looks to Tempest.

“What did he do?!”

“I have no idea!”

Arc looks to Doctor Horse. “Take a look at him.”

“Yes sir.”

As the doctor walks over to the stallion, his eyes suddenly open. Gasping, Doctor Horse instinctively steps back. Tempest looks over, her eyes wide as the stallion speaks.

“What the…?! Tempest, what happened to you?!”

Tempest frowns. “ME?! What about you?!”

The stallion looks himself over. “I… I don’t…”

Putting a hoof to his forehead, he groans.

“So much… has happened. I don’t really know where to start.”

Arc steps forward. “Then why don’t we start with your name?”

He salutes stoically. “I am Captain of the Royal Guard Decimus, sir.”

Tempest appears confused. “Uh… why are you saluting him?”

“It’s traditional for even an officer such as myself to salute the Hero of Light, Tempest.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “I… suppose it is, yes. Anyways, my name is…”

Decimus interrupts him. “Hero of Light Arc.”

“So you know who I am?”

“I do, yes.”

“Then can you tell me why I shouldn’t arrest you here and now?”

Doctor Horse looks to Arc. “Sir, I must point out that this stallion has not yet been cleared to be released from the hospital.”

Arc groans. “Other than that, I mean.”

Decimus nods soberly. “Yes, I’ve committed innumerable crimes against Equestria, the princesses, as well as you personally, sir.”

“Then start with how you came to be in the clutches of Chrysalis.”

“It was some time ago. Tempest had just called me on my quarter’s personal line to talk about some kind of lead regarding strange occurrences in the Vanhoover Woods.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “The Vanhoover Woods?! But that was a couple of years ago!”

Cerulean Skies looks to her sister. “Back when you were still the matron of the New Beginnings Orphanage?”

“Yes!”

Decimus sighs. “I’m aware of that, Tempest. You had called me to ask for some troops to be dispatched in an effort to get to the bottom of the matter.”

Arc looks to the stallion. “Did you send them?”

Decimus shakes his head. “No, I didn’t. A few moments after I hung up the phone there was a knock at my door. When I answered it though there was a carbon copy of what looked like me standing there.”

The doctor frowns. “A changeling, perhaps?”

“It must have been. Because, before I could do or say anything, they cast a strange spell on me and everything went dark.”

Arc nods. “What’s the first thing you remember after that?”

Decimus puts a hoof to his forehead and groans. “Being put into that awful prison-like room with a number of other ponies.”

Tempest appears hopeful. “Did you talk to any of them?!”

Cerulean Skies nods fervently. “Like our parents?!”

Decimus shakes his head. “I only saw them for a few moments before being podded.”

Doctor Horse gasps. “Was it supposed to be some form of suspended animation?”

“Quite the opposite actually. The clone of myself, or changeling, walked, talked, and even sounded like me. However, whenever they needed information that only I had, they could access my mind somehow.”

Arc grimaces. “That sounds… unpleasant.”

“Very, sir.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “So you could see what was going on around you? Or more accurately, around the changeling?”

Decimus nods. “And feel what they felt.”

He looks to Arc before continuing.

“I can still remember the pain from the magical flames you used to incinerate me at the end of our battle in Canterlot Castle.”

Tempest seethes as her gaze snaps to Arc. “WHAT?!”

Decimus turns to her. “Let it go, Tempest. The Hero of Light was merely doing what he had to do in order to safeguard the castle and princesses.”

Arc nods soberly. “So what happened with the changeling impersonating you was killed?”

“I would awaken in great pain inside my slime filled pod. While I could see those imprisoned with me at that point, I couldn’t interact with them in any way.”

Shaking his head, he continues.

“While I’m loathe to admit it, every time I was killed, I noticed that the ponies around me seemed thinner and gaunter than I remembered them being previously. At one point, they stopped moving entirely. And the last time I awakened was after quite a long span. During which I had been declared the nation’s new Hero of Light by Princess Celestia whom also appeared to be suffering from some sort of… mental infirmities. When I met my end in the Audience Chamber from some kind of blow to the rear, I remember that the pod was roughly ripped open by Chrysalis herself.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “She let you out?”

Decimus grimaces. “Only long enough to drag me to a cage of my own.”

Tempest frowns. “Didn’t you try to escape?!”

“I wanted to, of course. But I found that my own body was heavily malnourished by that point as well.”

Cerulean Skies gasps. “So you didn’t have the strength?”

Tempest shudders. “And the other ponies in the room?!”

Decimus bows his head. “All skeletons by that point. Chrysalis threw me in a nearby empty cage and told me that I was going to die in there.”

Doctor Horse frowns. “How long were you in that cage?”

“No idea. It felt like years, but in reality I believe it to have been merely days.”

Tempest scowls. “Sensory deprivation.”

Cerulean Skies shudders. “Were you at least fed?”

Decimus shakes his head. “Not a bite to eat or a drop to drink, no. In truth, I survived by spending the majority of my time licking the slime from the walls for water and minor amounts of nourishment.”

The doctor looks over his clipboard. “That explains the stomach infection that you had early on. Which has been treated, I might add.”

Decimus looks to Tempest. “The last sight from the changeling imposter of myself was of me saying goodbye to you at the Council of Shadow’s headquarters.”

“Where did you go? I mean… where did THEY go?”

“That was a day or so before our nation’s forces led an assault against the changeling’s primary hive cluster. Chrysalis had recalled every drone from Equestria in order to defend her territory. When they arrived at the hive thought I was… disconnected from their consciousness. That’s when I was transferred to the cage.”

He turns to Arc before continuing.

“Considering that I was probably in the deepest reaches of the hive at the time, I can only assume that the changelings were soundly beaten.”

Arc nods soberly. “Every warrior was defeated, yes. However, that was part of Chrysalis’ plan at the time.”

Tempest appears confused. “To lose the battle on purpose?”

“Actually, yes.”

Arc brings them up to speed on his own encounter with Chrysalis’ attempted mind control and how they were ultimately overcome.

“And now the remaining changelings are led by King Thorax.”

Cerulean Skies looks to her sister. “And they’re our allies too from what I read in the newspaper.”

Tempest sneers. “Strange as it may seem.”

Doctor Horse shrugs. “The newspapers claim that they were victimized nearly as much as the Equestrians were.”

Arc nods. “Right. Chrysalis had wanted them all to die in order to bring forth the next generation of changelings. Out with the old and in with the new, so to speak.”

Decimus puts a hoof to his forehead. “It’s… just so hard for me to come to terms with all of this madness. After all that was done to me, we made a treaty with them?”

Arc sighs. “No one knew about you or the others at the time. That and you were found when they were demolishing their hive.”

Tempest bows her head. “While what was done to you was indeed terrible, it couldn’t have compared to the horrors that our parents and other villagers went through in there.”

Cerulean Skies shakes her head sadly. “They were probably nothing but snacks for Chrysalis.”

Arc nods soberly. “When I find her, she’ll pay for that.”

Tempest seethes. “Not if I find her first!”

Doctor Horse looks to her. “Please calm yourself, miss. Remember, you’re still quite weak from your own medical emergency."

Arc clenches a fist. “She can’t hide forever, after all. Eventually Chrysalis will have to stick her head above ground. And when she does, I’ll go after her… personally.”

Decimus nods fervently. “Please do, sir. She is a most dangerous loose end that needs to be cut off as soon as possible.”

The doctor looks to Arc. “Sir, as the healthcare professional here I must point out that both patients should be allowed to rest at this point. So unless you have other urgent questions to ask of them, I request that you please conclude your interview soon and allow them time to get some sleep.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I suppose that’s for the best, doctor.”

Looking to Decimus, he continues.

“On a final note, I would like to take a moment to inform you that the land is currently at peace and all four princesses are safe.”

Decimus appears relieved. “That’s good.”

“You and Tempest should do your best to rest and recover from here on out.”

Cerulean Skies looks to her sister with a hopeful look in her eyes. “I’ll stay too, sister. That is, if you and Captain Decimus will have me.”

Tempest smiles weakly at her sister. “Yes, I’d like that.”

Decimus nods. “As would I.”

Arc looks to the door. “Well… I should do as the doctor says and let you two rest now.”

Decimus turns to Arc soberly. “Sir, before you go, there is one last thing that I’d like to say to you.”

“And what’s that?”

“That I’m very sorry for everything that happened. I caused you and Equestria quite a bit of grief.”

Tempest frowns. “That wasn’t you though! It was Chrysalis and her cronies!”

Cerulean Skies nods fervently. “Right! You were as much a victim as anypony else!”

Arc looks the stallion in the eye. “If I have anything to say about it, you won’t be held accountable for the actions of a changeling imposter. So don’t worry about facing justice for that which you couldn’t control.”

Decimus bows his head. “I still feel somewhat responsible though.”

Arc puts his hand on the door. “We can talk about it more when you’re feeling a bit stronger.”

He turns to Doctor Horse before continuing.

“I would like Captain Decimus to receive another full medical examination though.”

Doctor Horse appears confused. “Sir? He’s already had…”

Arc interrupts him. “There’s no telling what the Dark One’s magic did to him. Meaning that this surge in his condition could be only temporary.”

Tempest scoffs. “Not likely. In truth, he does have very powerful healing magics. It’s likely that the Dark One just used them on Decimus.”

“Still, I want him looked over. Just to be sure.”

Cerulean Skies turns to the beds. “These two should have some rest first though, sir.”

Arc nods as he heads out the door. “Agreed. So, I’ll leave and let them get to it.”

Doctor Horse looks to Decimus. “I’ll come back to perform that examination in a bit after you’ve had time to do some more resting.”

“Thank you.”

As the doctor leaves, Tempest turns to her sister.

“Why don’t you get something to eat at the cafeteria now, Cerulean Skies? I’m sure you’re hungry.”

Cerulean Skies puts a hoof on her belly. “That I could. But I don’t want to leave you alone right now.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Completely.”

Decimus motions with a hoof. “That and there’s always the call buttons next to our beds.”

Cerulean Skies puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose that’s true, yes.”

Tempest grimaces. “And there’s something I’d like to talk to Decimus about privately.”

“Ah! Alright. I’ll take my time then. But I still want you both to rest after your talk.”

Decimus nods. “Thank you, we will.”

Cerulean Skies leaves the room and closes the door behind him. Tempest turns to Decimus and smiles.

“Um… I…”

“What’s wrong, my dear?”

Tempest bows her head. “I need to… apologize to you.”

“For what?”

“While you were gone, I…”

She wrings her hooves nervously before continuing.

“…I did some things that I’m ashamed of.”

“Did you now?”

“Yes, I… cheated on you.”

Decimus raises an eyebrow. “You did? With whom?”

Tempest looks out the window sadly. “The changeling that was impersonating you. We would often… you know.”

“I know.”

“You have to understand that I honestly thought it was you though!”

“But I already know what you did, Tempest.”

Tempest gasps. “What?! How?!”

Decimus sighs. “Remember, I said that I could see everything the changeling imposter did. And feel what he did.”

Tempest looks away nervously. “So, you could feel… what I was doing with him?”

“Yes. And it wasn’t your fault either. Everyone just assumed that the one standing before them back then was me. It really was a perfect disguise, after all.”

“There was another incident though.”

“Like I said, I don’t blame you for doing what you did with that changeling, Tempest.”

“It… wasn’t with them though.”

Decimus frowns. “Huh?”

“There was some kind of magical… issue a while back and I… um… kinda tried to have sex with the current Hero of Light.”

“Why though?”

“I was under the influence of some weird magical spell, or something. He was able to find the cure and made me drink it before I did anything too embarrassing though.”

“Did you have sex with him?”

Tempest makes a face. “No, luckily for me!”

“Then I forgive you.”

“How though?!”

“Because there’s been a lot of things that have happened recently that we couldn’t control, Tempest. And if you won’t hold what I did back then against me, then how could I hold your transgressions against you?”

Tempest grins. “I love you, Deci.”

Decimus smiles back at her. “And I love you too, Fizzlepop Berrytwist.”

Tempest licks her lips seductively. “I still think that it’s really sexy when you say my name.”

“I’ve always liked how it rolls off the tongue. But you look like you’re coming down from that stimulant now.”

Tempest groans. “Yes, I have been for quite some time now.”

“Then get some sleep. After all, I want you to be fully recovered as soon as possible.”

“Fine. After all, we have work to do out there.”

Decimus nods. “Agreed. But first things first.”

“Rest, right?”

“And lots of it, yes.”

Tempest smirks wickedly. “Alright. But as soon as I’m all better, I want you to do all the things that you used to, and then some more.”

Decimus smiles. “Nothing would make me happier than to hold you in my hooves again, my dear.”

Tempest giggles sleepily as she closes her eyes. A few moments later she is fast asleep. Decimus watches her lying there for as long as he is able to before sleep finds him as well.

Chapter 18 - A Turn for the Worst

Arc returns to The Equinox via portal and turns his gaze to look out the window. Gazing over the city that stretches out before him, he sighs while muttering to himself.

“While I Honestly do hate this country with a passion, at this point in time I also can’t deny the fact that I now have a place in it. With my marriage to Natalya and now being in a position over an inheritance I’m probably seen as one of them now.”

Chuckling, he continues his monologue.

“Well, at the very least, Natalya isn’t like the other nobles I met from here in the past. Stuck up, snobbish, and with a serious daddy complex. Well, admittedly that last thing was probably more or less just Ashe. And speaking of which, I should probably go see her and get the next ball rolling.”

Leaving his room, Arc heads down the corridor to Ashe’s suite. Knocking lightly, he waits patiently. A few moments later Ashe opens the door. Arc smiles at her as he speaks.

“Good morning, Ashe. I’m sorry to bother you with this after the festivities late last night, but I wanted to know if you’d had a chance yet to deal with the paperwork concerning the whole Equestrian embassy idea.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, I have indeed. In fact, we’re working on it right now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean by ‘we’?”

Ashe grins. “See for yourself.”

Opening the door wide, she steps aside to allow him entrance. Arc spies Celestia, Twilight, and Natalya sitting at Ashe’s table as they go over a number of papers. Entering, he looks to the group as he speaks.

“I’m back. Sorry for running out on all of you earlier this morning. And without telling anyone either.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “It’s fine, Arc. We heard all about it from Natalya.”

Natalya nods. “Don’t worry. I made sure to tell them right away about your early morning summons, Arc.”

Celestia appears concerned. “Is everything alright back in Equestria?”

Arc sighs as he sits down. “That’s… kinda complicated. But I think you and I should have a talk about it at some point later.”

“Oh?”

“Not right now though. The timing isn’t right.”

Arc looks to the paperwork before turning to Ashe and continuing.

“So… where do we stand on the whole embassy idea?”

Ashe holds up a small stack of papers. “Before we can move forward with the trade, we need the manor in question to be properly appraised.”

She gestures to another pile of papers before continuing.

“These are to authorize the transfer of Lord Goldstone’s estate to you, sir.”

Arc looks over the papers. “There are a lot less than I thought there would be admittedly.”

Twilight giggles. “That’s because most of the paperwork was done before the wedding, Arc.”

Celestia taps the stack with a hoof. “Indeed. Think of these as merely the finishing touches.”

Ashe nods. “Right. By this very afternoon, you’ll be able to legally withdraw from the account that has been set up for disbursements.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “Disbursements?”

Natalya turns to him. “As you and I were told before, Arc, we can’t remove all our money from the country without risking both nation’s economies.”

Twilight picks up a paper with her magic. “That’s why Natalya had us draw up plans for a disbursement account with orders to allow for the maximum transfer at regular intervals.”

Celestia looks out the window. “From that you will be allowed to move money from there to Equestria. Or anywhere else you desire, I suppose.”

Ashe grins. “And still stay within the law, of course.”

Arc appears impressed. “All done automatically?”

Natalya nods. “It all works out on paper.”

Twilight turns to the ambassador. “Ashe says she’ll have to run this by the bank, of course. But it should pass through without any major incidents.”

Celestia smiles at Natalya. “Yes. And I for one would like to thank you for your embassy idea as well.”

Natalya bows her head respectfully. “It’s no problem, your highness. Arc and I really have no need for a piece of property here in the Griffon Kingdom, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “Agreed. That and it just seemed like a colossal waste to do nothing and let it sit there unused.”

There is knock at the door. Natalya stands and moves to answer it. Opening the door, she finds Heathcliff standing there with a silver tea service. Bowing at the waist, he speaks.

“Your morning tea, Mistress Natalya.”

Natalya appears confused. “But I didn’t ask for it.”

“Very true, miss. However, I brought it anyways. Just like I used to.”

Natalya giggles as she steps aside. “Back when I was a youngling, yes.”

Heathcliff nods as he rolls the cart into the room. “It was part of your daily routine for quite some time.”

“That it was.”

Setting the tray on the table, Heathcliff pours each of them a cup. Twilight’s eyes light up as she takes a sip.

“This is amazing!”

Arc nods approvingly. “Yes, it is. Very sweet too.”

Ashe sets her teacup down. “I don’t think I’ve ever tasted this kind before.”

Heathcliff looks to her as he hands a cup to Natalya. “It was the late Lord Goldstone’s favorite blend, Lady Ashe. Not many knew this about him, but he was quite fond of sweets.”

Natalya sighs. “Just like Gabby, I suppose.”

Heathcliff nods. “Yes, Mistress Natalya. However, as you know, she’s not much for tea.”

Arc looks to the elderly griffon. “So… are you really okay with all of this?”

“With what, Master Arc?”

“Leaving the Griffon Kingdom.”

Natalya chimes in. “And the manor as well.’”

Heathcliff sighs. “I must admit that I am feeling a bit… apprehensive about the upcoming change, yes. However, if even a small portion of what I’ve heard about Equestria is true, then I welcome the forthcoming transition.”

Ashe nods fervently. “It’s all true. That and so much more.”

Celestia sets down her tea. “I agree with the ambassador. However, admittedly I may be just a teensy bit biased on the matter.”

Two hours later they finish filling out the paperwork. Ashe gathers it up and puts it into her satchel before turning to Arc and Natalya.

“I’ll fly these papers over to the Aviary for their approval along with the other withdrawal request for…”

Twilight interrupts her. “Ambassador!”

Arc appears confused. “Wha was that, Ashe?”

Natalya sighs. “It was supposed to be a surprise for you.”

Arc chuckles. “I can still try to be surprised if that would help.”

Celestia smiles at Natalya. “In any case, you may as well tell him at this point.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “I was planning to withdraw the maximum amount from our account.”

Arc appears confused. “But what’s wrong with that? As I said before, the money is yours to do with as you see fit, Natalya.”

“Yes, I do remember you telling me that. But… I had wanted to create something very special for us in secret when we returned to Equestria.”

“And what was that?”

“A house for you and all your future herdmates.”

Twilight giggles. “We were talking about building something especially for you and the others.”

Celestia taps the table with a hoof. “I suggested an open floor plan in the center with private rooms around the perimeter.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That’s actually kinda what I was thinking. Just haven’t had time to put pencil to paper on anything yet.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “So… do you like the idea?”

Arc nods. “Very much so, yes. But I do have one request first, Natalya.”

“What is it?”

“That before you do anything more, for me or anyone else, you should first either purchase or have a house built for you and your siblings.”

He looks to the elderly griffon next to him before continuing.

“Heathcliff too, of course.”

Heathcliff bows at the waist respectfully. “I would enjoy serving you again, Mistress Natalya. And your new husband as well.”

Natalya smiles and nods. “If that’s what you would like me to do, then yes.”

Arc chuckles. “Good. And… thank you for the thought.”

Natalya looks to Twilight and smiles. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll join all of you in that house one day.”

Twilight smiles back. “And we’d love to have you, Natalya.”

Ashe heads for the door. “Well, I should probably get moving. Lots to do today in terms of paperwork.”

Celestia calls out after her. “Let us know if you need a hoof with it.”

“I’m sure I will, your highness.”

As Ashe closes the door, Arc turns to Celestia.

“Hey, um…”

“Is there something you wanted to say to me?”

“Kinda, yeah. You see… I have a bit of a problem that requires your help to verify something.”

Celestia appears confused. “Oh?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What’s this about, Arc?”

“It’s in regards to that issue back in Equestria. We’ve… discovered something in the Badlands that I though was gone. However, it’s… complicated.”

Celestia stands. “Then I will help as I am able. However, you must remember that I am not currently authorized to exercise any sort of royal powers.”

Arc nods. “That’s understood. In truth, I really just need you to verify something’s authenticity.”

Natalya giggles. “Then you and Princess Celestia should probably get to it, Arc.”

Arc chuckles as he too stands. “Yes, dear.”

Turning to Celestia, he continues.

“I’m ready to go when you are.”

“Then let us be off.”

Nodding, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. Motioning for Celestia to go first, he turns to Twilight.

“I’ll see about actually being here for some of the upcoming paperwork.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “Don’t worry about it, Arc.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, we can handle it just fine.”

“Thanks, but I’ll do my best to be back to help nonetheless.”

Turning, he heads through his portal. As it closes, Natalya turns to Twilight and smiles.

“I see why you like Arc so much.”

“Because he’s helpful?”

Natalya rests her head on her talons happily. “True. But I was going to say something more along the lines of ‘considerate’.”

Twilight sighs. “He is very busy though.”

Natalya smiles as she pulls a blank piece of paper to herself. “Nevertheless, he still wants to help with the preparations.”

Twilight looks to where the portal was. “What do you suppose that was all about though?”

Natalya sighs. “Like Arc said earlier, it’s… complicated.”

Twilight picks up a quill with her magic. “Even so, I should probably ask him more about it when he gets back.”

“Agreed.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Celestia reappear in the waiting room of Ponyville Hospital. She looks around for a few moments clearly confused before turning to Arc and speaking.

“What are we doing here?”

Arc motions for her to follow him. “I’ll tell you on the way.”

They begin walking together. Those whom see Celestia instinctively stop and bow as the pair pass by. Arc speaks as they continue on.

“After the battle in the Badlands and Chrysalis’ escape, Thorax and the remaining changelings decided that they needed to make a fresh start.”

“Did they now?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And as such, they came up with the idea to demolish their former hive in order to get away from their past.”

“Moving on might be a better way of putting it.”

“In any case, during the deconstruction it was found that Chrysalis had a secret room within her suite. That and she had imprisoned a number of ponies within it for personal reasons.

Celestia frowns. “Judging from the sound of your voice, I imagine that they were not well.”

Arc sighs. “Right. When found by the changelings they were nothing more than skeletons in the cages.”

Celestia grits her teeth angrily. “We shall have to double our efforts to root out the fugitive queen then. And bring our fallen citizens home as well.”

“The second part of that has already been done. Doctor Whooves back at the castle is doing his best to process their remains before identifying them in order to notify their families.”

“Good. They deserve at least that much. But one thing still mystifies me.”

Arc turns to her. “Huh?”

“If their remains are in the castle then why are we here?”

“Because there was one survivor. He was heavily emaciated and very weak when we found him. However, according to Doctor Horse, he’s on the mend.”

“While that is certainly a relief to hear, I still don’t understand what you need of me then?”

“I need your help identifying them. We need to verify their true identity before their story can be believed, after all.”

Celestia nods soberly. “That does makes sense. One can’t simply take their story at face value without a name to go with it.”

“Then does that mean you’ll help?”

“Of course. It’s the least I can do considering all they’ve probably been through over there.”

Stopping at the familiar door, Arc turns to Celestia before speaking.

“I think I should warn you that this victim suffered greatly at the hands, er… hooves of Chrysalis.”

Celestia sighs. “Yes, well… it won’t be my first time seeing those whom have suffered terribly, you know. There have been numerous occasions over the centuries where ponies have been the victim of tyrants.”

Arc grimaces. “I’ll take your word for it.”

Pushing the door open, Arc holds it ajar for Celestia. Entering the room, she looks toward the bed and gasps as its occupant’s face comes into view. Arc walks over to him and gently shakes the stallion awake. Slowly opening his eyes, Decimus smiles sleepily as he speaks.

“Celestia… is that you?”

Celestia smiles as she approaches the bed. “It is, old friend.”

Decimus sits up as best as he is able. “I… um… I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you and the other princesses in the past.”

“Think nothing of it. After all, I’m guessing that you didn’t have anything to do with what happened.”

Arc points to the stallion. “So… is this really him?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, of course.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But how can you be so sure?”

Celestia scoffs at this. “I think I would know one of my dearest friends.”

Decimus looks to her. “Celestia, the Hero of Light is indeed correct. I was taken from Canterlot and replaced by a changeling for such a long time that even I still question if I’m really me.”

Arc turns to Celestia. “Isn’t there some way to know for sure though?”

Decimus sighs. “I doubt it. The changelings took every thought and memory that I had.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps they did, yes. However, what if I were to tell you something about yourself that even you didn’t know.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… how would something like that even work?”

Decimus appears equally confused. “Yes, Celestia. I wouldn’t be able to verify if it were true.”

Celestia smiles at her friend. “You’ll see. But first I have to ask how much you trust me.”

“Completely!”

“Very well. Then I want you to do exactly as I say.”

Clearing her throat, she continues.

“Roll over onto your belly.”

Decimus slowly does so with Arc’s help as Celestia continues.

“Now then, raise your flank.”

Carefully using his hind legs to raise his backside, Celestia pulls away the covers with her magic and pushes his hospital gown to one side.

“And lastly… I need you to lift your tail.”

Arc frowns. “Um… what?”

Celestia nods. “Go ahead, Decimus.”

Nervously, Decimus raises his tail to reveal his… uh… let’s just say ‘backside’. Celestia steps forward to examine it. Nodding, she points a hoof as something as she turns to Arc.

“There!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… what am I supposed to be looking at?”

“Look at the base of his tail.”

“I don’t see anything.”

“It’s under the hair.”

Parting the hair at the base of Decimus’ tail with her magic, Celestia reveals the skin under it. Arc turns to her as he shrugs.

“I still don’t get it.”

“A number of years ago, when he was still very young, Decimus was attending a parade with his father whom was the Captain of the Royal Guard at that time. He was on a balcony and leaned over just a bit too far when I was passing by on my chariot. His father noticed just in time to grab him before he went over the edge though.”

Decimus looks over his shoulder. “What does that have to do with my tail though, Celestia?”

“Your father, being an Earth Pony, did the only thing he could at the time. Grab your tail in his teeth. His quick thinking saved you, of course, but then had to rush you to the hospital due to the damage he accidently did to that particular area.”

Arc nods soberly. “Definitely not something that would be talked about at length, I suppose.”

Celestia points with a hoof at the affected area. “As you can see, the hair grew back in just fine. However, it did leave a long, thin scar underneath on two sides where his father’s teeth were dragged along the skin as he fell.”

Decimus gasps. “I never knew that!”

Arc turns to Celestia. “Can he put his flank down now?”

“Oh, yes! Of course!”

Arc looks to the empty bed next to Decimus. “Uh… while I probably should have asked this when we came in here, but… where’s Tempest?”

Decimus points a hoof to the door. “A few minutes ago, she announced that she wanted to get out of that bed and stretch her legs a bit. Not to worry though, as Cerulean Skies went with her to make sure she didn’t do anything too reckless.”

Arc groans. “Well… more reckless than moving around with such a wound still trying to heal, that is.”

Celestia smiles. “I’m sure Tempest knows her own body.”

Decimus sighs. “That she does.”

Looking to Celestia, he continues.

“Um… and on that note, I’m not exactly sure just how long I’ll be in this bed myself.”

Celestia pats his fetlock. “Not to worry. You take as long as you need to recover. After all, Equestria has a number of heroes ready and willing to defend it.”

Arc turns to Celestia. “We should probably let him get back to resting now though.”

“I suppose so.”

A meal cart enters the room pushed by a nurse. Celestia turns to her friend as she and Arc step back to allow it to pass.

“And be sure to eat heartily. You’re looking a bit thin since the last time I saw you.”

“I will, Celestia.”

Arc chimes in. “And a nap too.”

He nods as the pair leave the room. Walking down the corridor together, Celestia turns to Arc.

“He appears to be doing alright.”

Arc sighs. “Considering what he looked like when we found him, that’s incredible.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “Chrysalis was never known for her mercy.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I figured that out when I saw the skeletons.”

“She’ll turn up sooner or later though. Even a changeling can’t hide forever when the entire country is looking for them.”

Sometime later, Arc and Celestia step through a portal back in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Twilight and Natalya look over as they stand. Natalya is the first to speak.

“Everything okay back in Equestria?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, it is.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “I just needed your friend here to verify something for us.”

Celestia looks to the papers on the table in an effort to change the subject. “So… what have you been working on since we left, Twilight?”

“Well, you see…”

There is a knock at the door. Arc opens it with a Telekinesis Spell to see Ashe standing there. She enters and looks to Natalya.

“All of the papers are being processed as we speak.”

“Thank you, ambassador. Um… what’s the next step though?”

“An appraiser will be sent over to the estate later today to look things over, take notes and measurements to take back to his office. That will allow them to calculate the value of the manor and come up with a number. And your first disbursement of bits is being sent over as we speak.”

She motions out the window with a wave of her talon as she continues.

“In fact, there it is.”

They look outside to see a convoy approaching the ship under heavy guard. An armored transport is sandwiched between innumerable griffon guards on the ground as well as the air. Natalya turns to Arc.

“We should probably head out there to meet them.”

Arc nods as he heads for the door. “Agreed.”

Walking down the corridor, Arc leads the group toward the main hatch. Exiting the ship, he and Natalya walk down the gangplank together to meet the convoy. It stops at the base and an officer approaches them. Saluting, he addresses Arc.

“We present to you the requested disbursement, sir.”

“Thank you.”

“Shall we bring it aboard for you?”

Arc shakes his head. “That will not be necessary. Simply set the bags here on the ground.”

The officer appears confused. “Right out here in the open, sir?”

“Yes. I will take things from there.

Doing as he is told, the officer motions to those under his command. Opening the transport, they begin unloading bag after bag of coins. Placing them on the ground in a line front of Arc, the officer watches and counts as he checks boxes off on a clipboard in his talons. As the last bag is removed, he turns to Arc and holds out the clipboard as he speaks.

“As you can see, the count it complete and accurate, sir. Would you please sign for the delivery?”

“Very well.”

Accepting the clipboard, Arc signs his name before handing it back. Looking it over, the officer nods.

“That will be all, sir. Please enjoy the rest of your day.”

The transport along with its guards turn and begin to leave as Natalya looks to Arc.

“Maybe we should have had them leave this stuff in the cargo hold.”

Twilight grimaces. “Not sure that would have been a good idea.”

Celestia nods soberly. “This would appear to be far over the ship’s weight capacity.”

Ashe turns to Natalya. “I can call someone to take the excess coins back to the bank if you’d like.”

“That’s up to Arc.”

Arc cracks his knuckles as he looks over the bags. “Hold on a second. I got this.”

Picking up a bag, he puts it into his ring. Repeating the process over and over again, Arc stashes the money safely within the pocket dimension. As Ashe watches the final bag vanish, she looks his ring over before speaking.

“Do you feel any heavier, Lord Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not in the least.”

Celestia nods. “That is normal though for such a magical item, ambassador.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “How though?”

Celestia points at Arc’s hand with a hoof. “The ring merely acts as a doorway to connect our realm with wherever the items are stored. Contrary to what you may think, those bags of coins are not actually inside the ring itself.”

Ashe puts a talon to her cheek. “So, it’s kinda like a doorway of sorts?”

Twilight giggles. “Exactly.”

Arc chuckles as they turn to head inside together. “I really should start keeping inventory.”

Natalya looks to him. “What kind of things do you keep in there though, Arc?”

Arc counts on his fingers. “My armor, spear, knife, bits, cupcakes…”

Twilight interrupts happily. “So just the essentials, huh?”

“Right.”

Entering the ship, the group returns to Arc’s quarters together. Closing the door behind them, Ashe looks to her rather full looking satchel lying next to the table.

“I brought back the forms to set up the automatic transfers of funds between accounts as you asked me to, Lady Natalya.”

“Thank you.”

Twilight turns to Natalya. “That will make transporting them back to Equestria a regular event then?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, it won’t. The money will, for the most part, stay here in the Griffon Kingdom. These papers are merely authorization to move assets to the disbursement account as the law allows. That way we won’t accidently withdraw too much and cause trouble for both countries.

Arc nods. “Right. But at the same time, if Natalya wants something it’s always an option.”

Celestia smiles approvingly. “Sounds like everything is more or less figured out on that end.”

Ashe taps a paper. “I suppose so, Princess Celestia. Right now we’re more or less in the ‘implementing’ stage of things.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’ve just received a message from Canterlot Castle regarding an investigation of yours.”

“Whom is it from?”

“Auriel, sir.”

Arc frowns. “Tell that I’m on my way. Was there anything else?”

“Just that she was very… intense in her desire to speak to you right away about the findings.”

“Alright. I’ll head over to Canterlot Castle in a few moments. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, he severs the connection. Turning to Twilight, he continues.

“Duty calls… again.”

Twilight gestures to the table. “You go and do what you have to then. I’ll stay here and help with the paperwork until Luna and I switch places in Canterlot again.”

Natalya giggles. “Hurry back. Arc!”

Arc chuckles. “I will.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc powers up his crystals and opens a portal. Stepping through, he finds himself back in his room in Canterlot Castle. Heading for the door he mutters to himself.

“Sure hope Auriel and her mother have some good news for me.”

A short time later he arrives in front of Auriel’s door. Knocking lightly, he waits patiently. A few moments later Maria answers it. Stepping aside, she allows him to enter the room.

“Good morning, Arc. I trust you’re doing well.”

Arc nods. “Very much so actually.”

Maria smiles as she closes the door behind him. “My daughter made a breakthrough a short time ago.”

“Oh?”

Auriel calls out from a desk in the corner. “I’m just checking my calculations one more time. You know, just to be sure.”

Maria pulls out a chair at a table in the center of the room. “Have a seat, Arc. We’ll be right with you.”

As Arc sits down, Maria begins gathering up the various books and papers strewn about. Sighing, she looks to Arc.

“Sorry about the mess. It’s been a crazy couple of days over here.”

“That’s fine. Twilight’s the same way when she’s working on something new.”

Auriel walks over with a stack of papers. “I’m sure she would have loved to be in on this."

Arc shrugs. “We all have our roles to play though.”

Maria nods understandingly. “Princess Twilight’s role is just one of administration at the moment.”

Auriel looks around. “Where is that device, mother?”

Maria points to a nearby workbench. “I believe you left it over there behind the third stack of papers.”

Auriel walks over to the indicated spot. After rummaging around for a few moments, she finds the prototype. Carrying it over to the table, she sets it in the center before sitting down. Looking to Arc, she sighs.

“We now have a preliminary understanding of this device.”

“Good. What does it do?”

“Explode.”

Maria nods soberly. “Exponentially, I might add.”

Arc eyes the device suspiciously. “Um… is it safe to have it sitting here then?”

Auriel giggles. “Yes. As you recall, when you brought it to me originally, I was forced to deactivate it.”

Maria points a finger. “We took additional precautions and removed the payload as well.”

Auriel shrugs. “Right. So at the moment, it’s really nothing more than an oversized paperweight.”

Maria smiles at her daughter. “Which you have used it for a few times admittedly.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s reassuring. But are you absolutely sure that it’s a bomb?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. If you recall, I’ve said in the past that I made similar devices at my father’s orders.”

Maria frowns. “Not recently though, I would assume.”

“Back when we were still trying to escape Tartarus, I mean.”

Arc picks the device up. “It’s really not much bigger than a football though. Tell me, what kind of destruction would something like this cause?”

Maria frowns. “That’s difficult to ascertain at this point since we haven’t been able to analyze the effects of the payload yet.”

Auriel chimes in. “However, the inner mechanisms show that the outer shell was designed for external durability.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not really sure if that’s supposed to be a good thing or not though.”

Auriel shakes her head. “It really isn’t in this case. You see, Arc… most bombs of this size, being more or less portable in nature, generally rely on the outer shell exploding outward to form shrapnel in order to do the maximum amount of damage.”

Maria picks up where Auriel stopped. “The fact that this device is made with an extremely high level of durability leads us to believe that its main purpose is to protect the inner workings above all else.”

Arc eyes the device suspiciously. “So are you saying that this is a… um…?”

Maria puts a hand on the device. “Yes, Arc. Back on Earth something like this would be known as a WMD, or Weapon of Mass Destruction.”

Auriel frowns. “Mass destruction.”

Arc turns to her. “Auriel?”

“Everything I made in the past was always designed to be very localized. We had wanted the resulting explosion to be as small as possible to be kept to the Gates of Tartarus that we were attempting to destroy. But this…”

She turns to the device before continuing.

“…this monstrosity was designed to do the exact opposite. Its sole purpose was to do as much damage over a large area as possible.”

Arc looks to Maria. “So is this thing kinda like an atomic bomb?”

Maria shakes her head. “Not really, no. I’ve done a preliminary examination of its payload and found it to be nonradioactive.”

Auriel frowns. “I don’t really understand how that’s important though.”

“Weapons like these back on Earth were used for such purposes due to their ability to cause astronomical destruction while still being rather small.”

She pats the device before continuing.

“Not nearly this small in size though, mind you. But still relatively so in relation to their destructive power.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Any way to figure out what it’s capable of?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not really, no.”

Maria bows her head. “Other than to set it off, of course.”

Arc groans. “And that would certainly alert the Griffon Kingdom to the fact that we really did have their missing prototype.”

Auriel turns to him. “My mother and I can keep trying to figure this thing out if you’d like, Arc.”

Arc leans back in his chair as he stares at the mechanism before him. “Part of me would like to know the truth about it, yes.”

Maria raises an eyebrow. “And the other part?”

“The more rational side of my brain says that we should properly dispose of the payload and melt down the frame.”

Auriel nods soberly. “I agree, Arc. This thing is nothing but trouble.”

Maria frowns. “Only if it is allowed to fall into the wrong hands, Auriel.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“If you allow us to continue to study it, we may find a new energy source in there. One with numerous safe, and peaceful, purposes.”

“Tell me, Auriel, what exactly is the payload made of?”

Auriel shrugs. “That’s what has us stumped.”

Maria sighs. “It’s made up of a number of different substances. Several of which are unknown both on Earth and here in Equestria.”

Arc groans. “So it’s beyond both nation’s understanding.”

Auriel grimaces. “And ours as well, I’m afraid.”

Arc stands and frowns as he picks up the device. “Then I think we need to keep digging.”

Maria appears confused. “Arc?”

“In the name of safety, I want to know everything there is to find out about this thing.”

Auriel gasps. “But why?!”

Arc sighs. “Because I have to know for sure just how far King Guto was planning to go with it.”

Maria sighs. “You mean if he could have conquered the world with this?”

Arc nods. “From what Luna told me, he said something very similar to that which I’ve heard back on Earth regarding using it as a defensive strategy.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow, clearly confused. “But how could an offensive weapon such as this possibly be used for defense, Arc?”

Arc hands the device to Auriel. “Simple. He could have detonated one of these for all the world’s leaders to see. If it’s as powerful as I think it could be, then the Griffon Kingdom merely possessing such a thing would have been enough to deter anyone from ever even considering attacking them again.”

Maria nods soberly as she takes the prototype from Auriel. “That much is certainly true. However, one might also look at it from another angle, Arc.”

“How so?”

“Should one nation be able to perfect such a device, then it is likely that the others will simply be driven to make one of their own.”

Auriel gasps. “Either that or some kind of counter for it!”

Arc sighs. “Mutually assured destruction.”

Maria nods as she sets the device down on the table. “And such a thing would all start with this.”

“A sobering thought.”

Auriel groans. “Even so, are you certain that you still want us to keep studying it then, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I suppose not. I don’t think the world is ready for it.”

Maria frowns. “It may never be.”

“Right you are, doctor.”

He turns to Auriel before continuing.

“How long will it take you to dismantle this thing completely?”

“Just a few minutes actually.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That fast?”

Maria nods as she hands the device to her daughter. “Remember Arc, we’ve already taken it apart once before. To do so again would be a trivial matter at this point.”

Auriel turns to walk toward a workbench. “I’ll get started on that right away.”

Maria turns back to Arc. “What should be done in regards to the payload?”

“I’d like you and Auriel to see to it that the mixture be properly, and safely, disposed of.”

“Sadly, we can’t really do that without knowing exactly what it is and how it works.”

Auriel looks over from her workbench. “And as things stand, that might not be possible.”

Maria chimes in. “We’ll keep studying the chemical makeup of it though.”

Arc sighs. “Good. I for one will feel a lot better when this thing is gone.”

Auriel nods soberly as she works. “As will I.”

A short time later Auriel walks over to Arc with the remains of the device in a small cardboard box. Handing it to him, she speaks.

“Here you are. On dismantled superweapon.”

Arc looks down at the contents. “And this is everything?”

Auriel taps the box. “Yes, Arc. Every plate, rod, nut, bolt, screw, and washer.”

Maria gestures to a secure cabinet. “With the exception of the inner housing which is currently still holding the mixture we talked about earlier.”

Auriel grimaces. “Yes, my mother and I felt it best to continues to store it in a container that was, hopefully, designed to hold it safely.”

Arc puts the box into his ring as he moves to stand. “Then I should leave you two to continue with your work.”

Maria also gets to her feet. “There is one more thing you should have though, Arc.”

Arc frowns. “Oh? I thought you said that I already had all the parts of the prototype.”

Auriel appears confused. “Yes, what else is there, mother?”

“This.”

Walking over to a workbench, Doctor Knowles picks up a large rolled up piece of paper. Returning to Arc, she holds it out to him.

“Here you are.”

Arc unrolls the paper. “What is it?”

“The technical schematics of that device.”

Auriel gasps. “Mother?! Why would you…?!”

Maria turns to her daughter. “Because I was asked to find out everything I could about that device, Auriel.”

She taps the paper before continuing.

“And that means recording everything that we found out.”

Auriel frowns. “Those schematics should be destroyed along with the device though!”

Arc sighs. “I’m afraid that I have to agree with your mother on this one, Auriel.”

“But why?!”

“Because it stands to reason that the Griffon Kingdom still has their set of plans. With them, they could theoretically create another one of these things.”

Maria nods soberly. “And should relations between this nation and the Griffon Kingdom deteriorate at some point in the future, these schematics could be useful in maintaining a stalemate.”

Arc puts the plans into his ring as he turns to Maria. “You have my word that it will be kept safely in my ring under the utmost secrecy.”

“I know they will, Arc. You do with them as you see fit.”

Auriel sighs. “Yes, I know you won’t use them for evil, Arc.”

Maria looks to a very secure looking cabinet nearby. “And in the meantime, Auriel and I will try our best to get to the bottom of this substance, of course. Just be aware that it most likely won’t be quick or easy.”

“You two are free to take as long as you need. Just be sure to do it safely.”

“We will, Arc.”

Arc smiles as he pats Auriel’s cheek. “I’ll come check in on you two again when we’re finished with everything that needs to be done in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Auriel smiles happily. “Looking forward to that. After all, it’s been far too long since you and I were together for something other than work, Arc.”

Maria looks to the door. “Should I give you two some time alone?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, no. After all, all three of us have work to do.”

She smiles sheepishly before continuing.

“That and I haven’t showered in a few days.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Please take care of yourself, Auriel. I don’t want to see you be consumed by your research again.”

“I’ll do my best not to.”

“Good.”

He turns to Maria before continuing.

“And thanks for helping out with this.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal and steps through. As it closes behind him, Maria turns and looks to her daughter before speaking again.

“Auriel?”

“Huh?”

“Are you alright?”

Auriel sighs and bows her head. “Kinda.”

“Tell me how you feel.”

“Really warm and happy.”

“Your love for Arc?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, I do care for him dearly.”

Turning, she looks into a nearby mirror. Putting a hand on her face, she continues.

“But I don’t really see how he can feel the same. After all, compared to him I’m nothing more than a monster.”

Maria frowns. “Don’t say such things about yourself, Auriel!”

“But it’s true. I’m not a demon or a human.”

Maria puts her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “That is correct. You are neither, but also something else entirely.”

Auriel looks over her shoulder at her mother. “What though?”

“Loved.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it this way, my dear. I love you. Your father loves you. Arc loves you, as does the rest of the herd.”

She smiles and hugs her daughter from behind as she continues.

“You’re more loved than anyone I know.”

Auriel smiles as she puts her claws on her mother’s arm. “And I love you and them all so much too, mother.”

“You have to understand that it’s not about being what everyone else around you is. But being someone whom they can care for and whom cares for them.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears back in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Sighing, he tosses the schematic onto the table as he touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“This is Lemon Hearts, sir.”

“Please page Ambassador Ashe and tell her that I need to talk to her privately in my quarters at once.”

“Yes sir, I’ll see to it immediately. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that will be all. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Sighing, he walks over to the window and looks out as he muses to himself.

“Guto. What exactly were you thinking when you ordered the construction of this thing? Was the device really going to be just for defense? And regardless of what you were planning to do with it, no one could really say what your descendants would have used it for.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Arc turns and calls out loudly.

“Come!”

The door opens and Ashe walks in. Approaching him, she speaks.

“You wanted to see me, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods as he locks the door with a Telekinesis Spell. “That I do.”

Gesturing to the table, the pair sit down across from one another. Arc removes the box from his ring and sets it on the table between them as he speaks.

“These are the remains of the device that was delivered to you.”

Ashe eyes the contents suspiciously. “So… it’s inert now?”

“Yes, the fuel source however is still back in Canterlot Castle being researched by Auriel and her mother. I’ve ordered them to continue their efforts to learn exactly what it is.”

“For what purpose though?”

“So we can figure out how to safely dispose of it.”

Ashe looks to the box. “So what exactly was this?”

“A weapon of mass destruction.”

Ashe gasps. “Are you sure?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Auriel and her mother were, yes.”

Ashe frowns. “It doesn’t make sense though. What would the king be doing with such a thing?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably just trying to get to the front of the proverbial international arms race.”

“How did the weapon work though?”

“They weren’t fully sure. But they did assure me that it would have caused great destruction had it actually gone off.”

“So what are we going to do with this thing?”

“I’ll be holding it in my ring for the time being. Along with this.”

Pushing the rolled-up paper across the table toward her, Arc gestures for her to take a look. Unrolling them, she looks the paper over for a moment before turning to Arc, clearly confused.

“What is all this?”

“A schematic detailing the construction of the device.”

“Um… but what would we need this for?”

“Just a bit of an insurance policy in case King Guto, or his future descendants, decide to make more and threaten to use them against Equestria.”

Ashe sighs as she rolls the paper back up again. “Such a thing may very well come to pass someday.”

Arc puts the box and schematic in his ring. “While I hope not, we also can’t ignore the fact that things change over time. Inhabitants… places… and even rulers.”

“So what should I do about this?”

“Just keep the knowledge of its existence to yourself for now. When our work here in the Griffon Kingdom is over, and we get back to Equestria, I’ll call a meeting of the princesses and bring them up to speed on this matter.”

“And then what?”

“My guess is that they’ll want to put the schematic safely away and forget about it for the time being. The parts though I’ll recommend be destroyed. But that decision will be up to the princesses, I suppose.”

Ashe groans. “I do understand your reasoning behind this. But it’s not something I thought I’d ever have to face.”

Arc nods soberly as he stands. “And if we all play our parts correctly, no one ever will.”

Heading for the door, Arc and Ashe leave his quarters together. As they walk, she turns to him.

“So… how’s married life?”

Arc shrugs. “In truth, I have no idea. I haven’t really had much time to spend with Natalya since our wedding night.”

Ashe lowers her voice. “I’m sure she appreciated you going easy on her.”

Arc turns to Ashe, confused. “Easy?”

“Most females don’t do much for a few days after they get married, as they’re trying to heal from the rough treatment they receive on their wedding night.”

“Natalya and I didn’t actually do anything though.”

Ashe appears confused. “Oh? Was there some kind of human tradition that prevented you from consummating your marriage?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ashe. Remember, it was just a marriage of convenience to help both our nations. And as such, Natalya and I are not going to be doing anything that normal married couples do.”

Ashe shrugs. “That’s your choice, of course. Still, were it me in her position, I think I would have wanted to at least… you know.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Think what you will of the matter, Ashe.”

Coming to her quarters, Ashe opens the door for him. They spot Natalya, Gallus, Gabby, and Luna sitting around the table together talking. Luna turns to the pair and speaks.

“Welcome back, you two.”

Arc closes the door behind them. “Twilight went back to Canterlot?”

Luna nods. “A short time ago, yes.”

Natalya puts a talon on a stack of papers. “Princess Luna helped us finish everything, Ambassador Ashe.”

Gallus chuckles. “She’s really good at paperwork.”

Gabby nods fervently. “It was like a whirlwind watching her work!”

Luna sighs. “I have had much practice doing such things in the past.”

Arc sighs. “Thank you, Luna. And I’m sorry that Ashe and I couldn’t have been here to help though.”

Ashe smiles nervously. “Yes. Duty called.”

Natalya looks to Ashe. “With that done, what’s next?”

“Well…”

Gabby raises a talon as she cuts her off. “How about an early lunch then?!”

Gallus groans. “Gabby!”

“What?! I’m a growing youngling!”

Luna stands. “Then let us adjourn to the…”

She is cut off as Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve just received a message from Lord Gestal.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is something wrong?”

“I’m not really sure, sir. He merely wanted me to inform you that the king is about to address the nation.”

Ashe appears confused. “That’s strange.”

Luna turns to the ambassador. “Is it?”

Natalya nods. “It’s very rare for him to do such a thing these days.

Gallus shrugs. “And even more so with such short notice.”

Arc grimaces. “Broadcast the speech through the ship’s intercom system, Lemon Hearts. I want everyone aboard to hear what it is that he has to say.”

“Yes sir. In fact, it sounds like it’s starting now.”

“Alright. We’ll let you get to it then. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Turning to the others he speaks.

“I guess we can listen to it on the way to the cafeteria.”

Arc leads the group out of Ashe’s quarters and down the corridor as an announcer begins to speak.

“Good day, citizens of the great Griffon Kingdom! Today is certainly a day of glory for us all! Our ruler, the great and powerful King Guto, comes to us today in order to bring some wonderful news to you the public!”

Gallus rolls his eyes as the announcer continues lauding praises on the king and the nation as a whole. As the group reaches the cafeteria though he comes to the end of his speech.

“And now, without further ado, I present to everyone the ruler of the Griffon Kingdom… King Guto!”

Applause rings out as Arc and company sit down at a table together. Hammer walks in and joins them. Turning to Arc, she frowns.

“What’s all this nonsense about?!”

Arc shrugs. “Some big announcement.”

Ashe nods. “Lord Arc ordered it played on the speakers so we could all hear it.”

Gallus scoffs. “Hooray for us.”

Gabby frowns. “What a waste of time!”

Natalya puts a talon on her little sister’s shoulder. “Now, now Gabby. It must be something very important for King Guto to go through all the trouble to take time out of his busy day to do such a thing.”

Luna smiles nervously. “Perhaps that item taken from the warehouse… turned up.”

Arc puts a hand over his ring. “I doubt it.”

Hammer shrugs as she sits down with them. “Guess we’ll know the answer soon enough though.”

A few moments later the din of applause slows and the king’s voice rings out.

“Good morning to all of you, my lovely citizens! It is indeed a great time to be alive and greater still to be a part of the most wonderful kingdom to ever exist in the history of the world!”

Gallus scoffs. “If you’re rich, yeah.”

Natalya waves a talon. “Gallus! Shush!”

Guto continues. “Today is a day of great celebration! For our allies across the sea have seen fit to accept my proposal of marriage to Princess Luna of Equestria!”

Luna gasps. “COME AGAIN?!”

Cheers ring out from the speakers as Arc turns to Luna.

“What is he talking about?!”

“I have no idea!”

Ashe looks to Luna. “Could he possibly have misunderstood something in your conversation with him?”

Luna shakes her head vehemently. “During our telephone call earlier this morning I only said that I was interested in a role as an advisor!”

Natalya frowns. “Anything else, your highness?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… at the end of the call I did say that I was looking forward to getting to know him better.”

Gallus groans as he leans back in his chair. “That did it.”

Gabby appears confused. “I don’t get it!”

Arc turns to Hammer. “He somehow misconstrued such an innocent conversation to mean marriage?”

“How exactly?! I mean… it’s still really a stretch!”

Ashe nods. “It kinda makes sense now.”

She turns to Luna before continuing.

“You see Princess Luna, here in the Griffon Kingdom historically speaking, the queen is often referred to as the king’s ‘closest advisor’.”

Natalya gasps. “So when you said you wanted to be his advisor, he took it as a marriage proposal.”

Luna facehoofs. “Great.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Is such a thing actually legally binding though?”

“Normally it probably would be, yes. However, as things stand King Guto doesn’t really have any way to enforce such a thing on a foreign ruler. Well, other than declaring war, that is.”

Natalya frowns. “He might if he wanted such a thing that badly.”

Gabby shakes her head vehemently. “No, he wouldn’t!”

Hammer grunts. “Yeah, he would. “

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Our king really is just a spoiled brat most of the time.”

Luna sighs as the cheers of the citizenry and applause begin to lessen. “This couldn’t possibly get any worse.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I don’t know about that. Sounds like he has more to say.”

The king clears his throat and again speaks.

“I’m aware of how much all of you adore the Equestrian princesses and am looking forward to Princess Luna’s importation to our land permanently! But rest assured that I will not keep her strictly for myself, but will parade her around the city daily so that all can see her radiant beauty and grace!”

Cheers ring out from the speakers as Luna blushes heavily and covers her face with her hooves. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as he speaks.

“Don’t worry. We’ll find a way to get you out of this.”

Hammer grits her teeth angrily. “Right! That pompous blowhard has a lot of nerve!”

Natalya clenches a talon. “No one should be forced into a marriage that they don’t want be in, after all.”

Gabby appears confused. “But isn’t that what happened to you, Natalya?!”

“No, Gabby. I willingly married Lord Arc.”

Gallus nods. “Right. Natalya could have backed out of it at any time.”

Gabby giggles. “Then you could have married Lord Arc yourself, Gallus! You and him could have…!”

Arc interrupts the youngling. “Shush! Let’s listen.”

King Guto again speaks across the airwaves.

“I am certain that we shall enjoy a long and happy marriage together! The Griffon Kingdom will coexist with Equestria and over the years the two nations, and their respective subjects, will become as one!”

Cheers again ring out as Gallus turns to Arc.

“Does he mean some kind of empirical alliance?”

“Sounds like it.”

Hammer grimaces. “Maybe that and intermingling the species.”

Gabby sticks out her tongue. “Griffons having younglings with PONIES?!”

Luna sighs. “While I’m not sure if such a thing is possible due to differences in… biology, it may lead to some very interesting pairings.”

Hammer shrugs. “I really don’t see what the big deal would be. The way I see it, if two folks are in love then they’re in love, right?”

Arc nods. “As long as all parties involved are consenting, I don’t see a problem either.”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Our history books do speak of griffons and ponies having offspring long ago in the past. But even then only if a stallion were to impregnate a female griffon.”

Natalya appears confused. “What about a mare being impregnated by a male griffon?”

“There are no records of any live births, no. However, such things happened so long ago that such knowledge may have simply been lost to the sands of time”.

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “So what about the eggs that did make it?”

Gabby grins. “Yeah! Were they griffons or ponies?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “Neither actually. Such creatures were a combination of both races. And as such referred to as ‘hippogriffs’ as they had the characteristics of both a griffon and a pony.”

Arc gestures to the speakers. “Sounds like Guto’s about to start up again.”

“Our nation’s paths will be tied together and as one we shall move forward toward a bright and glorious future for both griffon and pony alike!”

King Guto pauses for a moment before continuing.

“However, for such a future to be made possible for all, we must first root out and eliminate those whom would stand in the way of our nation’s progress! Those whom would stand against the joining of our two countries! I am, of course, speaking of the rebellion against our very way of life! Those whom have terrorized the land with their antics and somewhat recently committed a vile and heinous terrorist act against the very commoners that they claim to want to liberate! The very ones whom blew up a noble’s carriage and killed innumerable innocent griffons nearby! A great number of which were still younglings!”

The crowd boos as Ashe turns to Arc and cries out.

“My carriage!”

Arc nods soberly. “He’s politicizing that event in order to demonize the rebels.”

Gallus clenches a talon. “Those punks deserve to take the blame for it though!”

Gabby scoffs. “Right! They’re the baddies here!”

Natalya sighs. “The king is right about what he said just now. We all know that a lot of innocent commoners were needlessly killed that day.”

Luna turns to Arc. “I heard about that in Canterlot. It was apparently blamed on the rebels, yes?”

Arc nods. “Yes, their group did claim responsibility.”

Ashe furrows her brow. “And it was the wrong thing for them to do! Blowing up the carriage, I mean. Not that they shouldn’t have taken responsibility for it.”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward the speakers. “Maybe the king has some kind of plan for stopping them once and for all.”

Luna appears sober at this. “Yes, I do hope that is the case.”

Guto continues. “After that particular incident, I came to the realization that these rebels were no longer a small threat to the Griffon Kingdom! No minor hindrance to our progress that could be left to their own devices! But instead, were bona-fide terrorists seeking to use whatever means necessary to carry out their selfish goals of taking over the kingdom!”

The crowd again boos as Ashe frowns.

“But that’s only part of their reasoning!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “That may very well be, Ashe. But what King Guto said was true.”

Natalya nods soberly. “Right. Remember, they did hurt a lot of innocent griffons that day.”

Gallus clenches a talon angrily. “And younglings too.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “There really is no way to justify doing something like that.”

Luna taps the tabletop with a hoof. “Yes. That and it is a leader’s job to safeguard their population as best they are able. King Guto knows that he must act.”

As the din dies down, Guto again speaks.

“The number of dead and injured griffons from that day speak for themselves! And as such, justice must be served to the guilty parties! I have just received word from General Blackbeak that he has successfully raided a rebel meeting and captured an extremely large number of their membership in the process!”

Cheers cry out as Ashe grimaces. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as they continue to listen.

“They are being processed as we speak in our dungeon and will be publicly tried just as soon as I conclude this speech! As there is no real defense for such atrocities, I don’t believe such a process will take very long! However, as per our nation’s laws, they must still be given a fair trial! And as such, anyone whom suffered injury or loss from their actions in the past are invited to come forward and address the court in this matter!”

He pauses momentarily before continuing.

“But rest assured that justice will be done this day! This rebel cancer will be cut out and the nation will move past these terrorists and their actions! Of this I promise you all! Thank you for listening and please stay tuned as this broadcast will begin airing the trial itself very soon!”

Sighing, Arc turns to Ashe.

“It would appear that this is the end of the rebels.”

Ashe bows her head. “So it would seem.”

Natalya appears confused. “But isn’t that sort of a good thing? I mean… I understand their complaints and why they feel the need to rise up. But at the same time, resorting to straight up murder isn’t helping their cause.”

Gallus scoffs. “Yeah. I thought their ideals would help the commoners. However, it turned out that they weren’t any better than the government.”

Gabby looks out the window. “The treaty with Equestria helped them more than anything the rebels ever did!”

Luna sighs. “Indeed. Up until this point, I thought there was a chance for them to come to terms with Equestria’s slow and steady progress with the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ashe quickly stands. “I have to go.”

Natalya turns to her. “More paperwork to do, ambassador?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. I need to attend the trial.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

“Because the king is going to execute the rebels!”

Hammer frowns. “But that’s a good thing, right?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Not necessarily. But I’m sure that the king only plans to allow those whom would respond accordingly to be allowed to attend that trail and speak.”

Natalya shrugs. “Agreed. Even after that explosion, a large percentage of the commoners still support the rebels and their ideals.”

Arc stands and turns to Ashe. “We should go over there and see the trial for ourselves.”

“And say a few words too.”

Luna bows her head. “It isn’t likely that there is anything that any of us could say that would change the outcome of this situation though.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “Should I escort you and the ambassador over there?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Gather some guards and ready the chariot for transport.”

“Yes sir.”

Hurrying away, Hammer moves to carry out her orders as Luna slowly stands.

“I suppose I should come with you as well.”

Natalya gasps. “But that would be extremely dangerous for you, Princess Luna!”

Gallus motions with a talon toward the window facing the city. “Yeah, there’s probably going to be a lot of griffons there to testify as well as others wanting to watch the proceedings.”

Gabby points to the overhead speakers. “You should just listen to it on the radio with us here in the ship!”

Luna shakes her head. “No, I’m going with Arc and the ambassador.”

Arc sighs. “But Luna…”

Luna interrupts him as she walks out the door. “End of discussion!”

Ashe looks to Arc whom shrugs. Turning, they also move to follow Luna toward the Cargo Hold. Arriving, they find Luna already sitting aboard the open air chariot. Approaching her, Arc is the first to speak.

“Luna, I’d really like to talk you out of this.”

Luna continues to stare straight ahead. “My mind is made up, Arc. I’m going.”

Ashe sighs and boards the chariot. “Very well, Princess Luna. But so are Arc and I then.”

“You don’t really have to though. After all, it’s not likely that we’ll be able to change anything here.”

Arc joins them in the chariot. “Maybe not, Luna. But I’d still like to come.”

Ashe smiles. “Me too, your highness.”

Luna shrugs. “Very well. I can’t exactly force either of you not to come, after all.”

A short time later, Hammer enters the Cargo Hold with a number of Royal Guards at her heels. Motioning for a number of them to hitch up to the carriage, she turns to Luna and salutes before speaking.

“Hitched up and ready to go, Princess Luna.”

Luna nods. “Very well, lieutenant. Then let us be off.”

Turning, Hammer motions to the stallion nearest the exit. He salutes and presses the button to open the door. As it does so, Hammer takes her place at the front of the procession. Turning, she looks to the stallions hitched to the chariot and calls out loudly.

“MOVE OUT!”

Stepping forward, the chariot begins moving down the ramp. As they make their way down to ground level, Arc turns to Ashe and lowers his voice.

“This doesn’t look good for your former companions.”

Ashe nods nervously. “Not at all. I just hope they haven’t captured my former commander.”

“Still have feelings for him?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not really, no. After the whole carriage bomb fiasco, I really saw him in a new light.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why…?”

Ashe interrupts him. “Because without him to lead them, the rebels are finished.”

“That’s kind of a good thing at this point though.”

“Maybe, yes. But at the same time, they really only wanted basic necessities.”

Arc frowns. “So much so that they were willing to kill for it though.”

Ashe sighs. “That was probably just a small cell though. Or perhaps even just my former commander working alone.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Either way, they were connected to it back then and still chose to stay even after the fact.”

“Everyone knew the risks and what they might be called to do one day.”

“Give their life for the cause.”

Ashe nods. “Myself included.”

“You’re not planning on turning yourself in at the trial, are you?”

“No, I wasn’t. After all, what would that even accomplish? And it’s not likely that I’d be believed anyways.”

“That and it would reflect negatively on Equestria. Remember, we’re already on thin ice as it is after what Hammer did.”

“Trust me, that much I do understand, Lord Arc. I’m just going there to show my silent solidarity for my fellow companions.”

As the chariot leaves the Skyport they see innumerable griffons all making their way down the street. While many crowd the skies, still more both young and old make their way via the street. Hammer calls out loudly and frowns.

“MAKE WAY FOR PRINCESS LUNA AND LORD ARC!”

They attempt to do so, but with limited results. Arc calls out to her.

“I don’t think they can move enough to allow the chariot to advance any further, Hammer!”

Hammer groans. “Talk about a grade A-1 traffic jam!”

Luna looks up at the skies. “It would appear that only chance of making it there before the trial begins would be to fly to the Aviary.”

Ashe sighs. “Agreed, Princess Luna. But Lord Arc and Lieutenant Hammer don’t have wings, your highness.”

Arc stands. “Just go. I’ll find a way there somehow.”

Nodding, Luna and Ashe spread their wings and quickly take flight. They fall into line with the others flying toward the Aviary as Arc hops off the chariot and makes a beeline for Hammer. Looking all around, he turns to her.

“Take the chariot and guards back to the ship.”

“What about you though?”

Arc looks to the Aviary. “I have to be there.”

Hammer shrugs. “Ain’t no way you can make it through this mess though. Unless you’ve got wings that I don’t know about.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll be okay. Just get back to the ship and listen to the trial on the radio with the others.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Yes sir. But might I speak freely?”

“Go ahead.”

Hammer grabs Arc by the front of his raiments and pulls him in for a passionate kiss. They share an embrace for a few moments as they continue making out. Eventually Arc breaks it and smiles at Hammer.

“Be safe on the way back, lieutenant.”

Hammer grins. “You too, handsome.”

Nodding, Arc watches as Hammer turns to the stallions and calls out.

“Alright, back it up! We’re returning to the ship now!”

She aids the stallions in carefully turning the chariot around before leading them back the way they came. Arc looks around for inspiration as he walks slowly with the others down the street. Eventually he connects the dots and grins.

“Now I have a plan.”

Blinking up onto a nearby rooftop, Arc looks around before Blinking onto another roof some distance away. Repeating the process innumerable times, he eventually makes his way to the Aviary gates. Arriving, he sees that a horde of griffon citizens stand at the main entrance pushing and shoving as the guards bar their way. General Blackbeak calls out in a loud voice in an effort to address them.

“THAT’S ENOUGH! THE ROYAL AUDIENCE CHAMBERS ARE NOW FILLED TO CAPACITY! EVERYONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE TRIAL ON THE RADIO!”

Although everyone hears him, no one makes any kind of attempt to leave. Instead, they appear to push forward even harder. Blackbeak looks to his guards and groans.

“They aren’t listening.”

“What should we do, sir?”

General Blackbeak shrugs. “Nothing we can do really. They outnumber us ten thousand to one.”

A citizen sees Arc hop down from a nearby rooftop and calls out.

“Hey! There’s Lord Arc!”

“He’ll make them let us in!”

“Make way for Lord Arc!”

The griffons move as best they are able to allow Arc to advance. Reaching General Blackbeak, Arc breathes a sigh of relief and addresses him.

“Good day, general. It looks like I’m a bit late.”

Blackbeak salutes him. “Yes sir. However, I’m sorry to say that the Audience Chamber is already full to bursting.”

“Did Princess Luna and Ambassador Ashe make it here safely?”

Blackbeak nods. “Yes sir. In fact, they were the last ones let into the Aviary before the order came to seal the main entrance.”

Hearing this, the citizens begin crying out.

“We want to hear too though!”

“Yeah! The king said that we could all be at the trial!”

Blackbeak groans. “I’m sorry, but everyone will just have to tune in on the radio!”

“And who has one of those?!”

“Not me!”

“They’re too rich for my blood!”

“None of us can afford those things!”

“And every shop that does have one is full too!”

Arc looks to the general. “Is there somewhere around here that I can buy one? A radio, I mean.”

The general points a talon. “There’s a store over there that sells such things. However, he’s barred the front door to keep out looters and thieves until the trial is over.”

Arc gazes out past the crowd to the shop in question. He sees that the bars have been lowered over the front entrance and an elderly griffon sits behind them scowling. Making his way over to the shop as best he can, he reaches it and calls out to the proprietor.

“Hey! You have any radios to sell?!”

The shopkeeper nods. “I do! But I’m not selling anything until this thing is over!”

“I need one though!”

“Sorry, we’re closed!”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out a bag of money. “I can pay for it though!”

“I can see that! But the moment I open these gates I’ll be swarmed with looters!”

“Then just pass me one through the bars!”

“Already tried doing that for someone else whom had the money! It didn’t fit!”

Groaning, Arc Blinks through the bars to reappear before the shopkeeper. Surprised, the griffon falls backward off his chair. Arc extends a hand in an effort to help him up.

“How about now?”

“I suppose I can sell you one then.”

Arc gestures to the other griffons outside behind the gate. “And them?”

“Ain’t nobody out there has any money though.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Give me every radio you have.”

The shopkeeper raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Arc removes a number of bags of coins from his magic ring. “I said that I want every radio that you have.”

Shrugging, the griffon walks Arc into the shop. The young man puts the radios into his magic ring on at a time after paying the shopkeeper for them. Pointing to an electrical outlet, Arc continues.

“Mind if I put one out here so others can listen in?”

The shopkeeper shrugs. “Whatever.”

Arc leans down and plugs one of the radios in. After tuning it, he turns the device toward the gate and calls out to those gathered.

“Alright, some of you should be able to listen in from here!”

Blinking back outside, he pulls a radio from his ring before continuing.

“The rest of you can have one from me if you’re willing to plug it in somewhere to allow everyone around to hear it!”

Nodding, griffons approach Arc one by one and are handed a radio. They take flight and disperse in all directions. Eventually, Arc gives out the final one and calls out.

“That’s all of them! Everyone find a place to listen!”

Much of the crowd disperses to do as Arc says as the general makes his way over to Arc.

“That was a very Generous thing of you to do, Lord Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “As King Guto said in his speech, everyone deserves the chance to hear the trial, sir.”

“Very true. However, instead of complaining like everyone else did, you found a way to make it happen.”

“Just doing what I could.”

“And as it turns out, there is room in the Audience Chambers for one more.”

Arc smirks. “Is there now?”

Blackbeak nods. “Yes sir. A space was saved for me. However, as things stand, I don’t think I can leave the gates unattended. You can have my spot.”

“Thank you, general.”

Leading him back toward the Aviary’s main gates, General Blackbeak motions for the guards to allow Arc to pass. Entering the Aviary courtyard, Arc is quickly escorted inside and to the balcony where Luna and Ashe are standing together. They appear confused as he approaches. Ashe is the first to speak.

“How did you get in here, Lord Arc?”

Luna nods. “Yes, we were told there would be no more admittance after us.”

Arc chuckles. “Just lucky I guess.”

Ashe nods approvingly. “That’s pretty impressive considering how long it must have taken you to get here via the street.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I kinda did fly.”

Luna appears impressed. “How so?”

“Blinked from rooftop to rooftop. Did I miss anything though?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, but I think it’s about to start.”

Gesturing to a side door opening, the trio watches as a large number of griffons are led into the Audience Chamber in chains. Arc leans in close to Ashe as he whispers.

“How many is that?”

“Pretty much everyone from what I can tell.”

Arc sighs. “It all ends here then.”

As the griffons are led and forced to kneel before the seat of power, King Guto emerges from the opposite direction and takes his place on the throne. Looking to those gathered before him for a long moment, the king speaks to those whom have come to witness the trial.

“These are the rebels whom have plagued our nation for years. They stand here now accused of high treason, terrorism, murder, attempted murder, assault, battery, and larceny.”

The king pauses as he looks down the line of defendants.

“How do each of you plead?”

None of the accused speak. After a long moment Guto continues.

“If none of you will cooperate with these proceedings and defend yourselves, I will have no choice but to move on.

Again, silence reigns. Leaning back on the throne, Guto narrows his eyes.

“I assume that all of you already know of the punishment for such things. So we shall move on.”

Looking to those gathered, the king calls out loudly.

“Anyone whom was a victim, or was in any other way affected by this group whom stands before us may approach the stand to give their testimony.”

A line forms behind the stand. Innumerable griffons give their testimony against the group for several hours. Eventually they reach the end of the line. Guto looks around as he speaks.

“Is there anyone else to testify before I render my verdict?”

Everyone looks around silently at one another. But no one steps toward the stand or calls out. However, as the king opens his mouth to speak, a voice rings out.

“I would speak!”

Everyone looks up to see Luna looking to the king. He raises an eyebrow, clearly confused.

“Princess Luna. I wasn’t aware that you had cause to bring testimony before this group.”

Luna puts her front hooves up on the guardrail. “I do, yes. Some time ago, while I was attending a formal dinner here in your kingdom, I was attacked by a rebel assassin wielding a crossbow.”

Guto nods. “Very well. Your cause is accepted and you are free to approach the stand.”

He gestures to the witness stand as Luna flaps her wings and takes flight. Making the short flight down to the stand, she sits down at it and looks to the king as she waits for permission to speak.

“You are free to give your testimony now, Princess Luna.”

“Thank you, King Guto.”

Clearing her throat, Luna points a hoof at the group of the accused before speaking.

“Some time ago, I was personally attacked by one of these rebels. I believe that they sought to do me great physical harm in order to bring shame unto the Griffon Kingdom and its government. However, I was spared the pain and embarrassment of such an attack by none other than Lord Arc himself, as it was he whom took the bolt meant for me through his hand.”

Guto looks to the defendants. “Do you see your assailant here today, Princess Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “I do not. However, I must point out that such would be very difficult to do, as they were wearing a mask at the time of the attack.”

“So you would like to press general charges against the group then?”

“No, King Guto.”

Guto appears confused. “I don’t understand your reasoning, Princess Luna. For what other purpose could you have come forward?”

“Merely to tell the public of my own altercation with this rebel group. And to say one thing to them and to you, your highness.”

“Go ahead.”

Luna looks to the rebels. “I just wanted to say that I don’t hold any of you accountable for the events of that night.”

Those gathered gasp and murmur amongst themselves as Guto frowns.

“But I thought you said that they attempted to cause you great bodily harm, Princess Luna!”

Luna nods. “That is correct, King Guto.”

“Then how can you say that you don’t hold them accountable for their actions?!”

“Because they believed that such an act was the right thing to do at the time. That they were imperiled by my presence within their country. And for that reason, I would like to officially say that I, and by extension Equestria, do not hold the rebels at fault for what they did on that night. Thank you.”

Standing, Luna flies back up to her place next to Arc and Ashe as those around them appear confused at her testimony. Looking around, King Guto calls out.

“Is there anyone else whom would like to give testimony in this matter?”

“I would, your highness!”

Looking up again, the king sees Arc raising his hand in the balcony. Frowning, Guto calls out to him.

“You too have been affected by the accused, Lord Arc”?

Arc nods. “Yes, your highness. As just stated, the crossbow bolt meant for Luna pierced my hand and caused me to be poisoned by a substance on the tip.”

“Very well then, Lord Arc. You have shown that you have legal standing in this case and may approach the stand.”

Jumping from the balcony, those below gasp momentarily before Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell to slow his fall. More or less magically gliding nimbly down, he lands skillfully to stand between the king and the accused. Looking to King Guto, Arc speaks.

“Your majesty, as one whom has personally been attacked by the rebels in the past… I would like to take this opportunity to speak on their behalf.”

Those assembled murmur in confusion as the king looks to Arc skeptically.

“Are you here to make some sort of plea for leniency, Lord Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, King Guto. I already understand that as the legitimate ruler of the Griffon Kingdom, you are certainly free to uphold your laws and do with your citizens as you see fit. However, I merely wanted to come down here and point out a few things that the court should take into account before rendering its verdict.”

Guto groans as he leans back on the throne. “Very well, Lord Arc. Make your point so that we may proceed.”

“Thank you, King Guto.”

Turning, Arc points a finger at the rebels as he looks to the king and speaks.

“Your majesty… when you spoke previously about these individuals that stand here accused of many serious crimes, you referred to them collectively as ‘rebels’. And I don’t think anyone here could deny that their actions in the past were certainly in line with such a definition. We all know what the punishment is for such things in pretty much any country. After all, death has been known to stop rebellions in the past on my home planet.”

Arc steps toward the king, making certain not to take his eyes off the monarch as he continues pointing at the rebels.

“But I don’t believe that it’s a rebellion that you’re truly trying to stop here.”

He turns to look at the rebels.

“It’s progress.”

The onlookers look to one another, clearly puzzled at this as Arc again speaks.

“These griffons, whom stand here now accused of the numerous charges your brought forth today, most certainly did not initiate the dissent which now runs rampant through your entire country, King Guto. Their eagerness to take a stand against the Griffon Kingdom’s current regime merely reinforces the social differences between the commoners and the aristocracy. Something that was already very well established before they decided to act. I imagine that those whom stood up first became a symbol to which others could look to as being the moniker of change.”

Returning his gaze to the king, Arc continues.

“You, King Guto, have the authority and means to punish these whom stand before you. And in doing so you may be able to silence those symbols here today. But that does not mean the death of the meanings behind that which these symbols represent. No ruler in this or any other land be they mayor, governor, princess, king, or even of an emperor… can hope to stop the force of progress once it has taken root.”

Walking to stand in the center between both the king and the rebels, Arc again points to the accused as he looks to the king and speaks soberly.

“Be warned, King Guto. The execution of the rebel leadership as well as those whom follow them… may elevate these simple commoners to the status of martyrs. And martyrs… martyrs cannot be silenced.”

There is an eerie hush over the room as Arc and the king cooly stare each other down for several moments. Eventually King Guto breaks the silence and speaks.

“Thank you for your testimony and advice, Lord Arc.”

Nodding, Arc turns and walks in the direction of the balcony. Blinking back up to his place with Luna and Ashe he looks to them.

“That’s all I can do.”

Ashe smiles nervously at him. “Thank you for that, Lord Arc.”

Luna nods soberly. “Yes. The rest is up to the king now.”

Turning, they look down at the proceedings as King Guto looks around and calls out again.

“Is there anyone else whom wishes to speak now before judgment is rendered?”

No one steps forward or says anything. The king nods silently as his gaze returns to the accused. Looking at them evenly, he speaks.

“I… King Guto of the Griffon Kingdom, hereby find every defendant guilty of the crimes levied against you. And as such, you are all sentenced to death by beheading. A fitting tribute to the death of your pitiful revolution.”

He motions with a talon to the guards. They step forward and lead the prisoners from the Audience Chambers. Looking all around at those assembled, the king speaks in a clear voice.

“This court… is adjourned.”

Standing, he quickly leaves the chambers through the door in which he entered. Luna’s ears droop as she looks to Ashe.

“I’m sorry, ambassador.”

Arc nods soberly. “We did what we could.”

Ashe sighs. “It’s alright. After all, the king clearly had his mind made up even before he entered the room.”

Luna turns and looks down to where the rebels had been standing. “So… how long do they have to live?”

Ashe looks away. “Executions here in the Griffon Kingdom are traditionally done at sunset. It’s supposed to be a last bit of mercy to allow the guilty party to see one final sight of beauty before they’re killed.”

Arc frowns. “Mercy. I don’t think this country even knows the meaning of the word.”

Luna bows her head. “It is not our place to judge how other lands conduct their business, Arc.”

“I know, Luna. But… this is one matter that’s going to keep me up at night for quite some time.”

Luna looks out a nearby window. “It’s nearly sunset now though, Ashe.”

“If the king follows traditional procedure, the rebels will be led straight from here to the inner courtyard. For something as controversial as this, he probably won’t allow the executions to be public though.”

Arc grits his teeth. “So they’ll die alone.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not exactly, Lord Arc. They’ll still have each other.”

Luna nods soberly. “The bonds of warriors transcend mere friendship and can lead to even stronger feelings of attachment.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet sadly. “Say what you will about this matter, the end result will still be the same.”

Luna chimes in. “Perhaps we should get back to work on…”

Arc interrupts her as he creates a portal. “No, Luna.”

Ashe appears confused. “Lord Arc?”

“We’re going back to the ship and flying it back to Equestria tonight.”

Luna gasps. “But what about…?”

Arc cuts her off again as he steps toward his portal. “I don’t know about you two, but I for one have had just about enough of this country to last me a lifetime.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 19 - The End of an Era

Arc, Luna, Ashe, and Hammer reappear in Arc’s quarters aboard The Equinox. Luna sighs as she looks to Arc.

“I, um… I think I should go call Twilight in Canterlot. Let her know what happened here.”

Arc nods soberly. “Alright. Tell her that I’ll… get in touch with her later too.”

Luna calls out as she heads for the door. “She’ll be looking forward to it, I’m sure.”

Hammer looks to Arc and frowns as Luna leaves. “I still don’t get why you’re so upset by all of this, Arc. I mean, they killed a LOT of innocent griffons with their crazy antics. Or so I’m told.”

Arc sighs. “Very true, yes. However, I don’t believe executing them will do much of anything to stop the rebellion’s ideals as a whole.”

Ashe nods soberly. “Agreed. If anything, it will strengthen those whom are left.”

Hammer shrugs. “Well, I’m going to take a rest. All that excitement’s got me worn out.”

Arc lifts his hand. “Alright. Catch up with you later, Hammer.”

He watches as Hammer leaves the room. Turning to Ashe, he speaks.

“Hey, um…”

Seeing that Ashe has made her way over to the couch, Arc walks over to join her. Taking the spot next to her, Arc puts a hand on the ambassador’s shoulder as he continues.

“I’m sorry about what Hammer said. Remember, she doesn’t know who you are. Or were.”

Ashe sighs. “It’s alright. I suppose that if the lieutenant knew my true history, well… let’s just say that I doubt she’d even be willing to allow me to walk the ship freely.”

“Very true. But Hammer doesn’t have to find out. No one does at this point.”

“But is such a thing really for the best? I mean… those griffons at the trial are going to lose their lives because of me.”

“That’s true, yes. However, it’s like you said before. They knew the risks.”

“However, they wouldn’t be in such a position if I hadn’t…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Ashe, I want you to listen to me. We were both at the trial as it happened. And we both saw and heard the same things. Those griffons they caught didn’t utter a single word while in front of the king. Why was that?”

“Because none of them knew anything.”

“Very true. But I also want you to take note of what it is that they didn’t say.”

Ashe appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Not one of them tried to save their own skin by turning on their companions. No one tried to get away in a last-ditch effort to stay alive. And no one broke down and begged the king for mercy.”

“You’re right, of course. But why didn’t they?”

“Because they didn’t want to give the king, or anyone else for that matter, the satisfaction. All of them knew that they would be condemned to die for their beliefs at the end.”

Ashe moves to stand. “I… I really should be there for them. See if I can attend the execution.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “That would raise the suspicion of the king though. Needlessly, I might add.”

“But don’t they deserve to die alone!”

“They aren’t alone, Ashe. All of them fought for equality together and chose to die together.”

Ashe bows her head. “I’m honored to have served by their side, of course. And still want to be there for them.”

“Then honor their memory, their sacrifice… by continuing their fight.”

Ashe smiles sadly. “Are you saying that I should reform the rebels?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ashe. From now on, you should fight with words and peaceful actions to slowly change the way things are done in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ashe groans as she leans back. “That will take years though. Decades even.”

“Right. You and I may not live long enough to see a truly free Griffon Kingdom at all. However, we can set the groundwork for such a thing and allow for others to pick up the torch when it is time to be passed.”

He looks out the window at the Aviary in the distance before continuing.

“As your rebels will soon do.”

“I’ll do my very best to make sure that they haven’t died in vain. The Griffon Kingdom will one day be free. That will be my life’s work. I swear it.”

Arc smiles at her. “Very commendable, Ashe. And I’ll help as best I can too. Even if the work won’t be done in my lifetime.”

Ashe stands. “I think I’m going to go back to my room and do some brainstorming on this.”

Arc nods as he too rises with her. “You do that, Ashe. Meanwhile, I’m going to head over to the ship’s bridge and tell Captain Soarin to prepare to fly the ship back to Equestria.”

Ashe appears confused. “Really, Lord Arc? But what about the Equestrian embassy plans?”

“They can’t really move forward until the powers that be here in the Griffon Kingdom to their part and appraise the Goldstone Estate so that they can offer us a price. We can start drawing up blueprints back in Canterlot as well while we wait.”

Ashe sighs as she opens the door for him. “I suppose there are a number of things that could be done on that end, yes.”

Arc nods as the pair make their way down the corridor together. “And like I said right before we came back to the ship… I’ve had enough of the Griffon Kingdom and its draconic laws to last me a lifetime.”

As they continue onward, they see Natalya step out of Gallus’ room. Spotting the pair, she walks over to them.

“Um… hey.”

Arc stops as they reach her. “What’s up, Natalya?”

“I, uh… I’m sorry things went that way at the trial.”

Ashe sighs. “It was coming. We all knew it.”

Natalya turns to her husband. “Yes, well… I was actually coming to find you, Arc.”

Arc appears confused. “Me?”

Natalya nods. “It’s a rather personal matter though.”

Ashe smiles sadly. “Then I won’t keep you any longer, Lord Arc. And… thank you for the talk.”

“Anytime, Ashe.”

Ashe turns and quickly walks away. As she enters her suite some distance down the corridor, Natalya turns to Arc, confused.

“What was that all about?”

“Sorry, it’s a… it’s kind of a state secret. Best if you don’t know anything about it, believe me.”

“Then I won’t push the matter.”

“Thanks. So what can I do for you?”

Natalya gestures to the door. “Gallus wanted to show you something.”

“Ah! Lead the way!”

Taking his hand, Natalya leads him toward Gallus’ quarters. Opening the door for him the pair enter. Arc immediately spots Gallus standing in the middle of the room wearing the dress he purchased for him. However, this time the young griffon is also wearing earrings, a necklace, and even some light makeup. Seeing him, Gallus instinctively looks away nervously as Natalya closes the door behind them. Finding his voice after a few moments, Gallus speaks.

“Um… hey, Lord Arc.”

“Hello, Gallus.”

Natalya gestures to her brother. “Gallus just wanted to show you his progress.”

Gallus smiles nervously. “I, uh… thought that since you were the one whom told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be you’d be a fair and Honest judge of this.”

He does a little twirl before continuing.

“So… how do I look?”

Arc nods approvingly. “Very nice. I have to say, the jewelry is a nice touch.”

Natalya straightens a hem on the dress. “What do you think about the makeup, Arc?”

Arc smiles. “It really brings the whole outfit together, yes.”

Gallus beams. “You really mean it, sir?!”

“That I do.”

Natalya giggles. “See what I mean, Gallus? You really are very pretty like that.”

Gallus puts a talon on his chest as he turns to look in the mirror. “Thanks, sis. I really do feel great when I’m in this outfit.”

Arc walks over to take a closer look. “It appears that you and Natalya did a really nice job putting that ensemble together too.”

Natalya shrugs. “Gallus had me try it on first. But admittedly I didn’t look the greatest in it admittedly.”

Gallus scoffs. “Don’t sell yourself short, Natalya! You looked great!”

Natalya giggles. “Well, you look much better in that particular dress.”

Gallus smiles. “Thanks for saying so, sis. Maybe someday I’ll have the courage to show the world who I really am.”

Arc puts a hand on his shoulder. “Natalya and I will support you all the way in that when the time is right.”

“Yes, we will.”

Gallus looks away. “Yeah, well… I don’t think I’m ready for such a thing just yet.”

Arc appears confused. “Ready?”

“To wear stuff like this on a regular basis, I mean.”

Gallus turns to Natalya before continuing.

“For me, it’s enough that you and Lord Arc are willing to accept me as I am. And I hope that one day I too can find someone that I feel comfortable enough to share my secret with. That and allow them to take my backside and do with me whatever they want.”

Gallus looks to Arc nervously.

“Um… stuff like that IS legal in Equestria, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is. Assuming both parties involved fully consent, that is.”

Gallus blushes and smiles. “Then I’m looking forward to the future.”

Natalya puts a talon on her brother’s shoulder. “And I’m looking forward to that day as well, Gallus. You finding someone to spend the rest of your life with would be very nice.”

“Um… can I ask you two for a really big favor?”

Arc smiles. “Don’t worry. We won’t tell anyone until you say we can.”

“Thanks, sir. But that isn’t what I meant.”

He turns to his sister before continuing.

“When my big day comes, do you think… that I could wear your wedding dress, sis?”

Natalya grins widely. “Of course, Gallus! I’ll even have it altered to fit you perfectly when the time is right.”

“Thanks a lot! But it won’t be anytime soon, mind you.”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Yes, one mustn’t rush into marriage.”

“That’s true, I suppose. But I have a favor to ask of you too, Lord Arc.”

“Oh?”

Gallus smiles nervously. “When my big day comes and I’m all decked out in Natalya’s dress, do you think that you could… you know… walk me down the aisle?”

Arc smiles at him. “I would be honored, Gallus.”

Natalya puts her talons on Gallus’ shoulders. “You’ll have whatever it is that you want for your big day too.”

“Thanks, Natalya. But I don’t want you spending too much on me.”

“I can afford it. That and I want to make sure that it’s perfect for you. Gabby too someday.”

Gallus sighs. “As long as you know it won’t be for a long, LONG time though.”

He looks down at himself before continuing.

“After all, I think that I still have a lot of… growing up to do.”

Arc gestures to the door. “We all do, I suppose. But I should probably be getting over to the Bridge.”

Natalya grimaces. “Is something wrong, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “I’m just… really tired of this whole place. We’ll be taking off soon to return to Equestria.”

Gallus grins. “Now you’re coming around to my way of thinking, sir!”

Natalya looks out the window toward the city. “Mine too, I’m afraid. The Griffon Kingdom and its policies are just… too much for me.”

Arc nods. “We’ll take care of the rest of the Equestrian Embassy idea from Ponyville then. That and I think we’ve all earned some time off.”

Gallus shrugs. “I just want to get back to the orphanage.”

Natalya bows her head. “As do I. In all honesty, I’ve missed both the younglings and foals alike.”

Arc looks out the window wistfully. “And I’ve missed having family time with Derpy and Dinky. And the others too, of course.”

Gallus turns to Arc. “Um… sir?”

“Yes, Gallus?”

“I just wanted to say… thanks. Again, I mean. For helping me come to terms with who I really am.”

Arc smiles at him. “All I want is for you to be happy, Gallus. And as long as you have that, you pretty much have everything.”

Turning, he leaves the room and heads for the bridge. Entering, Arc makes a beeline for the captain whom is looking over a book in his chair.

“Soarin?”

Jumping slightly, Soarin looks to Arc and quickly salutes.

“S-sir! Forgive me! I was just…!”

Arc interrupts him. “It’s fine, captain. I just came to tell you that I’m finally ready to return to Equestria.”

“To the capital, sir?”

“Light’s Hope, actually. Tell the crew that they’ll be able to have some shore leave for a while when we get there too.”

“I’m sure they’ll like that. But aren’t you afraid of something potentially coming up here in the Griffon Kingdom? It does seem to be a hotbed of political activity lately.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not much here for me to do now. That and I’ve left a couple sigils to allow for me to return as needed.”

Soarin nods as he stands. “I’ll call the crew to their stations and have them prep the ship for immediate takeoff.”

“Good. I’d like to get underway as soon as possible.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks. Well… carry on.”

Turning, Arc leaves the Bridge and hears Soarin’s voice over the ship wide loudspeaker announcing their upcoming takeoff. Sighing, he walks down the corridor toward the Observation Lounge. Spotting Luna sitting in a chair and looking out the window he makes his way over to her. Sitting down, Arc speaks.

“Hey.”

“Good evening, Arc.”

“How are you holding up?”

Luna sighs. “Alright, I suppose. Considering the fact that we failed to help those condemned to die this day.”

Arc nods soberly. “The king had it in for them. And such a thing isn’t exactly unjustified, all things considered.”

“Yes, I cannot deny the fact that they killed so many with their antics. However, this matter just seems so complicated.”

“Agreed. However, at the same time, he couldn’t really have just let them go. That and the prison system here is such that they would have soon begged for execution.”

“I don’t think there was a good outcome available here.”

Arc sighs. “Part of me kinda wants to break them out of the dungeon before the sentence can be carried out.”

Luna frowns. “It is not likely that such a thing would sit well with the families of those hurt or killed in their bombing though, Arc.”

“Yes… that’s what’s keeping me from intervening. But I still think that the king is making a mistake in just killing them.”

“Martyrdom.”

“If anything, this will just show the rest of the citizenry that they were ready and willing to die for their beliefs.”

“And cause others to take up their fight.”

Arc looks to the setting sun. “Even with the sad state of their prisons, a life sentence probably would have been the better choice.”

“Perhaps. But the victims would must certainly sleep better knowing they were gone for good.”

“I really can’t argue with that logic. However…”

Luna holds up a hoof “Arc, please. We both know the dangers of a leader second guessing things.”

“Yes, I suppose we should just accept that this is a Griffon Kingdom matter and leave it to them.”

“Agreed.”

They turn and look at the sunset for a few moments before Luna speaks again.

“I, um… would like you to know that I had a talk with Rainbow Dash after you and her returned from your date on Earth.”

Arc turns to her warily. “What about?”

“She had wanted to apologize for our past… interactions.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, she talked about what was bothering her to me and we worked through it.”

“That may be. But our conversation was very… in depth.”

“I won’t bring it up again then.”

“N-no, it’s… um…!”

She fumbles with her words before continuing.

“Rainbow Dash… suggested that I would be… given a fair chance should I decide to join your herd.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“She apologized for thinking that I was trying to take you away from her and the others before offering to give me a chance.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Luna, I’m really sorry about that! Rainbow Dash apparently misunderstood what I meant when I…!”

Luna interrupts. “It’s alright, Arc. In fact, I’m rather glad she brought the subject up.”

“You are?”

Luna nods. “Yes. It made me consider a few things.”

“Like what?”

“Well… that I now have friends whom care about my future. Twilight… you… and now Rainbow Dash.”

“I don’t understand your meaning here.”

“In the past, I always just saw myself simply as the Princess of the Night. Someone whom ruled the nation by Celestia’s side. And that such was all that I was destined to do. However, I now know that I can do more than that. Be more than just a princess of Equestria. Experience things outside of ruling.”

“Like what though?”

“Have friends. Maybe… maybe even follow Cadance’s lead and… find somepony.”

“Our herd?”

Luna looks away and blushes slightly as she continues. “I honestly never considered looking for love, and certainly not within a herd. But… I admit that I would certainly entertain the idea if it meant finding happiness.”

“So… are you saying that you have feelings for me too, Luna?”

Luna sighs. “Honestly, I don’t really know. Remember, the idea of friendship is still a fairly new concept to me.”

“Then let’s try talking this out. How do you feel right now?”

“A bit nervous admittedly.”

“Anything else?”

“Hopeful. And optimistic. And you?”

“Me?”

Luna nods. “While Rainbow Dash never came out and said it, she more or less indicated that you were willing to give anypony whom wished to join your herd a chance. So, I just wanted to know how you felt about me. Not as a princess, mind you, but as a mare.”

“I do believe that you’re a very nice individual, Luna. And I Honestly do think of you as a good friend of mine.”

“So does that mean that you care about me?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But admittedly I’ve also never really thought about you romantically.”

“Neither have I for you truthfully. My apologies if I’m making this more difficult than it needs to be though. You have to understand that I don’t really know what I’m doing here.”

“It’s okay, Luna. As long as we’re being open about what we’re feeling, whatever is said is just fine.”

“I spoke to Twilight about you a short time ago. Asked her what she liked about you.”

“And what was her response?”

Luna smiles. “That she enjoyed your company. The fact that you allowed her to just be herself. And that you were so good at calming her when she needed it.”

Arc shrugs. “Just doing what I could to help.”

“It did her more good than you know, Arc. Since you and her became engaged, Twilight has become a completely different mare.”

“How so?”

“She now acts with such passion for her duties.”

Arc chuckles. “That sounds more like the old Twilight to me.”

“I feel as though everything she does now is for your sake.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “My sake?”

Luna nods. “As if she were doing her best to make you proud of her, I mean. To be… worthy of your attention.”

Arc frowns. “Not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing though.”

“Normally I would say it were bad. However, she doesn’t appear to be acting out of obsession or fear of losing you. But… I suppose the best way to put it would be akin to a filly trying her best to make her parents proud of her.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “A very interesting way of looking at it admittedly.”

“You have that air about you though, Arc. I must say that I myself have fallen prey to it in the past.”

“Really?”

Luna nods. “Oh yes. When I saw just how hard you were trying to make a difference in the world, I felt that I too had to dig my hooves into whatever I was doing in order to help out. To put it another way, you just seem to bring out the best in everypony.”

Arc chuckles. “Glad to be of service.”

“But it would appear that we have now come full circle.”

“Back to your conversation with Rainbow Dash?”

Luna nods. “Right. She extended an invitation for me to have a chance at joining. Admittedly, when she first mentioned the idea, I was merely humoring her in an effort to try and bridge the gap that existed between us.”

“So, what made you consider it?”

“I suppose it was the way she spoke about the herd. How it was a place for everypony to belong. Equally, I mean. A concept that I had long forgotten even existed.”

She smiles and sighs wistfully before continuing.

“I suppose that such a sentiment might sound silly to you. But you have to understand that as a princess I’ve spent so long on a pedestal that the notion of being just another face in the crowd isn’t something I can even remember at one point being.”

Arc shrugs. “Not really, no. I actually can understand what you mean. Being the Lord Regent the first time was a very lonely experience for me. Everyone was bowing and scraping before me and the work hours were long and hard.”

“Such is the weight of the crown though, Arc.”

“Very true. But it was the thought that I was doing it all for Derpy and Dinky back home in Ponyville that kept me going day after day. Not to mention my other friends as well too. I worked so hard to bring you and Cadance back in order to help Equestria. However, at the same time I also wanted to do so in order to get my old life back.”

Luna bows her head. “While I don’t say this very often, it seems at this point in time that I don’t really know what it is that I should do.”

“Do you want a suggestion?”

“Please.”

“Alright. I think you should talk to Twilight about this conversation.”

“Talk to her? About what exactly?”

“Everything. Get her opinion on it. And if she thinks it’s a good idea, then you should come to tea with her and the rest of the herd at their next meeting.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “And that would be alright with you?”

Arc nods. “Of course. All I want is for you and them to be happy, after all.”

“But if I did have tea with everypony, what would I even say?”

“That you’d like to hear what they have to say about your current state of mind. Maybe your place is with us within the herd. Maybe it isn’t. But you’ll never know if you don’t raise the important questions with everyone.”

“I… shall talk to Twilight about this when we return to Canterlot.”

“Why not just call her on the phone?”

“It’s alright. After all, I’m sure you’re anxious to do that very thing yourself.”

“That I am. However, you can go first.”

Luna stands. “Very well then. Thank you for the opportunity. I’ll do my best to keep our conversation short.”

“No need to do that. Take all the time you need, Luna.”

“Again, I thank you, Arc. Shall I tell Twilight that you will call her later tonight?”

Arc nods as he too stands. “Sure. After she and I finish supper, we’ll talk.”

Luna looks at the sunset. “Then I should probably get to it.”

Arc chuckles. “I guess so. If you’d like some privacy, feel free to use the phone in my office.”

Luna smiles. “That I will, thank you.”

Turning, she walks toward the door as Hammer enters. The young woman steps aside to allow Luna to pass before approaching Arc nervously.

“Hey, um…”

“Something wrong, Hammer?”

“I heard that we’re taking off.”

Arc nods soberly as he turns to look out the window. “Yes, I’m anxious to leave.”

“Sorry.”

“What for?”

Hammer sighs. “Everything, I guess.”

Arc chuckles. “Care to narrow it down a bit?”

“I really can’t. It just seems like every time I turn around I make you look bad lately.”

Arc shrugs. “No one is perfect, Hammer.”

“Like when I forget, numerous times, to lock doors?”

“Admittedly, that was pretty bad. But I don’t think you’ll be doing that in the future.”

“I won’t, no. However, there’s still the mess regarding that prototype thingamabob that was stolen.”

“We’ll get it sorted out.”

Hammer lowers her voice. “Any word on that thing?”

Arc nods soberly. “Let’s just say that it’s probably in the best interest of everyone that it went missing.”

“That bad, huh?”

“Very.”

He pats his ring before continuing.

“The parts are close at hand though.”

“What about the boom-boom components?”

“Auriel and her mother are looking into identifying them so as to figure out how to safely dispose of the substance.”

“So… can I help?”

Arc shakes his head. “Unless you have some sort of a degree in theoretical chemistry, I would say probably not. But thanks for offering though.”

Hammer sighs. “Figured you’d say that. But I had to throw the offer out there.”

“In any case, don’t feel too bad about what you did at the warehouse.”

“Leaping without looking has always been my weakness.”

“Everyone has faults though.”

Hammer groans. “Not you!”

Arc turns to her. “Come again?”

“I can’t think of a single thing you’ve ever done wrong!”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “What about leading you on when we first met?”

“You had to do that to get to Princess Celestia!”

“Doesn’t make it right though.”

Hammer groans. “You’ve got to stop beating yourself up over it!”

“Just like you need to stop apologizing for the past, Hammer.”

She is silent for a time before speaking.

“But… but I did stuff that made you look bad!”

Arc shrugs. “True. However, they were all accidents.”

Hammer facepalms. “Like what I did in your quarters at Light’s Hope when you came by with Princess Celestia?”

“There was no way you could have known I was going to come back with her of all ponies though.”

“It still feels wrong though.”

“You could just not lie in wait like that then.”

“But that’s my thing! Sponten… Spoontien… um… being unpredictable!”

“Spontaneity?”

“Yeah, that!”

Arc chuckles. “I do like that about you.”

“Which is why I keep doing it!”

“Then do what makes you happy.”

“I just don’t want to make you look bad though!”

“So what are you going to do, Hammer?”

Hammer groans. “I dunno.”

“How about this then?”

Hammer turns to him, confused. “What…?”

She is cut off as Arc grabs her roughly by the front of her uniform and pulls her in close. Kissing her passionately for a long moment, they eventually break apart. Hammer grins.

“You know I like it rough.”

Arc smiles at her. “You’re the only one I do that to though. Anyone else might really get hurt.”

Hammer beats her chest with a fist. “I can take it.”

Shoving him roughly to the floor, Hammer lands on top of Arc and continues making out with him. As she pulls back, she grins widely.

“But I’m not the only one whom can take it.”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose not.”

“Look, I’ll try to be a bit more… um… choosy about when I do stuff like this though, Arc.”

“How about just doing it when you’re out of uniform then?”

Hammer nods. “That would probably be for the best, yes.”

She quickly begins unbuttoning her uniform tunic as Arc rolls his eyes.

“Seriously, Hammer?”

Hammer laughs heartily as she rebuttons. “Yeah, I’m just messing with you!”

Arc sighs as the ship slowly begins lifting off. “Thank goodness.”

Hammer extends a hand and helps Arc to his feet. “So how about you and I head back to your quarters so I can…?”

She stops talking and focuses on something behind him. Frowning, Hammer points out the window.

“What the heck?!”

Turning, Arc squints and looks outside. Seeing a lone griffin flying toward the ship at high speed he frowns.

“Who is…?”

Hammer cries out. “He’s armed!”

“With what?”

“Looks like a spear!”

Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“This is Lemon Hearts. Go ahead, sir.”

“There’s a griffon approaching from the rear of the ship.”

“Sir?”

“I want you to open the main hatch and allow them aboard.”

Hammer gasps. “What?! Are you nuts?!”

“Maybe. Lemon Hearts, tell Thunderlane to continue on our course back toward Equestria. But at the slowest speed possible until further notice.”

“Yes sir. Wrangler’s opened the main hatch and I’ll tell Thunderlane to slow our departure as best he is able. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that should do it. Lieutenant Hammer and I will head over there now to meet our guest. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Turning to Hammer, he motions for her to follow him. Together the pair make their way to the main hatch. As they do so a large griffon lands on the deck and rushes inside. Arc slams the main hatch shut and turns to their visitor.

“Good evening, Arbiter Ghaleon.”

Ghaleon nods soberly. “Not exactly the word I would have used.”

Hammer frowns. “Something up?”

“I just needed to say something to you, Lord Arc.”

Arc gestures down the corridor. “Shall we head to my office then? I can tell the captain to hold the ship as well if you’d like, sir.”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “No, I… won’t take much of your time.”

Sighing, the arbiter walks over to a window and looks out at the city below as he starts to speak.

“I’ve been in my position for a good many years now, Lord Arc. During that time, I’ve seen many things happen in the Griffon Kingdom. While at the same time nothing has changed.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?! That doesn’t make a lick of sense!”

“Talks are made, policy is enacted, but the land remains as it was before.”

Looking to Arc, Ghaleon continues.

“When I was a youngling, my parents convinced the previous Lord Goldstone to take me on as a protector of sorts for his son.”

“A young bodyguard?”

Ghaleon nods. “Yes. However, I was also to act as a companion to him. A personal friend, if you will.”

Hammer shrugs. “Nothing wrong with that, I suppose?”

“We grew up together, he and I. Every night he would ask me of the land outside of the family estate. How the commoners lived. And I would tell him.”

Arc sighs. “It doesn’t appear that such knowledge did much for them though.”

“He originally intended to though. Goldstone would talk of ways to fix certain problems facing the nation. How he could solve their problems and bring about peace and order to the land.”

Hammer scoffs. “That didn’t really work out though.”

Ghaleon sighs. “I suppose not. But he studied hard to learn how to make his plans a reality one day. As did I.”

Arc nods. “In the armed forces?”

“As per his father’s wishes, I followed him into the military academy. Goldstone was hated… reviled by the others because of whom his family was. I wasn’t thought of as much better though, due to my association with him. So he and I did all that we could to show everyone that we were the best and brightest.”

Hammer smirks. “A competition?”

“Of sorts, yes. There was always a sort of friendly rivalry between the two of us in this matter. But with our constant pushing of one another to get even better, we became the best of the best. Breaking numerous records that had stood for many years, no one could even come close to matching us in combat.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s rather surprising to hear. Had I not faced him myself in the Gladiator’s Arena, I wouldn’t have thought he was a fighter.”

“After the death of his father, Goldstone returned home to take over his family’s estate and his father’s position on the Council of Lords.”

Hammer frowns. “Leaving you in the military?”

“Not exactly. The first thing he did as the new Lord Goldstone was to put forth a statement to the rest of the council recommending me to become the Griffon Kingdom’s new Arbiter.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And thanks to your record, you were confirmed.”

“More or less. It wasn’t an open or shut case by any stretch of the imagination. However, he was able to convince the other three members of my worthiness.”

“I don’t understand, sir. Did you fly all the way out here just to tell me this?”

Ghaleon shakes his head. “No, Lord Arc. I’m coming to my point though.”

Gesturing to the city below, Ghaleon continues.

“Lord Goldstone and I always planned to help guide the Griffon Kingdom toward a more equitable system. However, for many years he felt that there was something else to be done first. A business dealing here… a meeting there… and before we both knew it, years had gone by.”

Hammer chimes in. “And nothing changed.”

“Very true. However, a year or so ago you came to our land to extend the idea of a treaty to our leaders, Lord Arc. One that was taken up and signed into law.”

Turning to look Arc in the eye, he sighs.

“Since that point in time, I’ve seen so much progress made to help our citizens. Thanks to the actions made by Equestria as well as you personally, Lord Arc. I’m ashamed to say that you’ve done more in that time than Lord Goldstone and I could have hoped to in our entire lives.”

He gestures to his spear before speaking again.

“I was appointed to my position in order to keep the leadership of the Griffon Kingdom in line. To mete out justice as it was needed and to protect the innocent. But I failed in all of those tasks. Spectacularly, I might add.”

Hammer shrugs. “You’re just one griffon though. Strong as you may be, no one can change an entire nation by themselves.”

“Very true, yes. However, it seems that Lord Arc has seen fit to do my job for me a time or two.”

He holds out the Spear of Justice to Arc.

“I came here today to give this to you, as you’re a much more worthy bearer of it than I am.”

Arc gasps. “But isn’t this supposed to be a national treasure of the Griffon Kingdom?”

Ghaleon nods. “It is the icon of the nation’s greatest warrior, yes. Proof of my position and rank. To be wielded in defense of the land and its inhabitants now and forevermore. But such a title should really be yours, Lord Arc. For all you’ve done to help our nation’s citizens.”

“Sir, I…”

Ghaleon interrupts him. “It was given to our nation by Princess Celestia many long years ago. And thanks to Equestria’s aid to our citizens, I believe that it should once again reside there.”

Arc takes the weapon soberly. “Our nation will of course do our best to be worthy of it. But I should probably tell you that I plan on returning it to Princess Celestia in the near future.”

“I’m told it was her personal weapon from time immemorial. Do with it what you will, Lord Arc. But I should depart now before your ship gets too far out.”

Arc gestures to the spear. “Yes, of course. And thank you for this. I’ll see to it that it’s cared for properly.”

Ghaleon nods soberly. “Yes, I’m sure you will.”

Heading back toward the main hatch, Ghaleon puts his talon on the door release. Turning, he looks at his former weapon one more time before opening the door and flying through it. Hammer smacks the button to close the hatch again as Arc looks over the spear.

“Amazing that this thing has held up over all these years.”

Hammer walks over to him. “It doesn’t look that old to me.”

“Centuries at least though.”

“Guess it just goes to show that if you make something to last, and then take care of it, they can stay in tip top condition darn near forever.”

Arc chuckles as he hefts the weapon over his shoulder. “Can’t argue with that.”

“So… should we head over to Princess Celestia’s suite to give it to her right away?”

“We could. But I think she was supposed to be busy tonight talking about governmental matters with Twilight this evening.”

“Tomorrow then?”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose. After all, she gave this to the Griffon Kingdom hundreds of years ago.”

Hammer grins. “What’s one more night then?”

The pair make their way down the corridor together. Reaching Arc’s quarters, they enter to find Natalya sitting on the couch reading a book. Hammer appears confused as she walks over to her.

“Uh… hey, Nat.”

Natalya closes her book and smiles at Hammer. “Good evening.”

Arc looks to the book. “What are you reading?”

“It’s a book I found in the ship’s library that talks about Equestrian relationships.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “You seeing someone back home?”

Natalya giggles. “Kinda.”

Arc turns to Hammer. “Natalya wanted to talk to you and the others regarding her feelings.”

“Arc and I really bonded during our engagement. I was hoping to learn more about relationships and love so as to better communicate with them, you, and Arc in the future.”

Hammer grins. “So you fell for him too, huh Nat?”

Natalya smiles and blushes slightly. “I think I may have, yes. But I don’t really know for sure as all of this is still very new to me.”

Arc chuckles as he sets the Spear of Justice on the table. “We’ll all have plenty of time to talk things over and get acquainted back in Ponyville.”

Hammer chuckles. “Before the next adventure, you mean?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. The biggest thing I’ll be doing for quite some time after this is helping do my part to get the Equestrian Embassy idea off the ground.”

Natalya smiles. “And having a house of your own built too, I would hope.”

“First the embassy though. After all, I still have my room back in Light’s Hope as well as Derpy’s house.”

Hammer smirks. “It’d sure be nice to know that you had a place to go home to at the end of the day though, Arc.”

“I guess. But I’d rather spend that time getting to know you and the others better, Hammer.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “And me, Arc?”

Arc smiles at her. “And you too, Natalya.”

“Thank you. I’ll do my best to get along with the others.”

Hammer grins. “They’ll love you, Nat. Trust me. But we should probably hit the hay now. After all, it’s been a long day.”

Arc nods as he yawns. “No arguments here.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “Um… do you think I might join you and Hammer?”

Arc chuckles. “Join us back in Ponyville?”

Hammer grins slyly. “Or in bed?”

Natalya nods. “In bed, yes.”

Hammer’s eyes grow wide. “Woah! Seriously, Nat?!”

Natalya appears confused. “Arc and I slept together last night though.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it was our wedding night.”

Natalya turns to Hammer. “I understand if I’m overstepping my bounds here, but…”

Hammer interrupts her. “No way! After all, you and Arc are officially married now!”

Arc chimes in. “As soon as the paperwork goes through, that is. And as such we’d be happy if you’d join Hammer and I, Natalya.”

“Yeah, Nat. Just as long as we talk to the others about all of this when we get back to Light’s Hope.”

Arc nods as he pulls back the covers. “Which should be by tomorrow morning, I would imagine.”

After Arc and Hammer change into something more comfortable, she and Natalya allow him to get into the bed first. As he does so, the pair crawl in on either side of Arc. Pulling the covers over themselves, they snuggle up to him and sigh contentedly. Smiling, Arc looks to the pair as he speaks.

“Comfortable?”

Hammer grins. “Very!”

“As am I, Arc.”

“Good. Now then, off to dreamland.”

Hammer reaches over and turns off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness. Both she and Natalya snuggle up to Arc and get comfortable. Soon the trio are fast asleep. However, a couple hours later they are awakened by a frantic pounding at the door. Getting to her feet, Hammer walks quickly over to the door and opens it as Arc turns on the lights. Ashe hurries inside and over to Arc.

“I’m very sorry for waking you, Lord Arc!”

Arc rubs his eyes. “Ashe?”

Natalya sits up. “What’s wrong, ambassador?”

“Your communication’s officer just picked up a transmission from the Griffon Kingdom on the emergency wavelength!”

Hammer frowns. “Something happen back there?!”

“I don’t know! The emergency band causes every radio in range to go off! It’s to let everyone know to turn them on to hear an important message!”

Arc stands up. “What was said?”

“It was just an automated communication saying that the king would be addressing the nation in just a few minutes!”

Natalya looks over at the clock nearby. “At this hour?!”

Ashe grimaces. “Something serious must have come up! I don’t know what, but this certainly isn’t a drill or anything like that!”

Arc grabs his clothes as he turns to Hammer. “Get dressed! We’ll head to the bridge to hear what King Guto has to say!”

Natalya hops off the bed. “I’ll come too!”

A few moments later the four run toward the Bridge door. Entering, they hurry over to Lemon Hearts whom turns to them.

“It’s starting, sir. Shall I put it on the speakers?”

Arc nods. “Yes, but just in this room. No need to wake up everyone aboard the entire ship for whatever is going on.”

Nodding, Lemon Hearts complies. Pressing a few buttons, static comes forth from the speakers. Turning a few knobs, she dials in and focuses the signal. A few moments later the static clears and a voice begins to speak.

“Good evening my fellow griffons.”

Ashe’s eyes grow wide. “That’s…!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Shush, Ashe!”

“My name… is not important right now. You need only know me as the leader of the rebels.”

Natalya gasps. “The rebels?!”

Hammer grits her teeth. “Guess the guards somehow missed him when they rounded up the others!”

“A few short hours ago, my fellow rebels were executed. Butchered within their cells below the Aviary. Their blood flowed freely for our cause and was spilled for the commoners of the land. For you and all those whom do not have a voice in the Griffon Kingdom. They and I together sought to free everyone from the crushing yoke of King Guto and the Council of Lords. Sadly, with their deaths marks the end of our rebellion. However, this heinous act of stomping out the lives of those whom simply wanted a better life has shown me a great truth. That our actions in the past were not enough to bring about change to our land.”

Natalya frowns. “What is he talking about?!”

Hammer scoffs. “Yeah! They killed a ton of innocents with their crazy bomb stunt!”

Arc waves a hand. “Everyone, quiet!”

“Therefore, I am left with naught but the most final of resolutions. The last resort by which freedom might be gained for all. One that, ironically, came from our very own King Guto.”

Ashe gasps. “The king?”

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

“Unbeknownst to all of you, the king commissioned a weapon of unimaginable power recently. I had originally thought he had done so with the secret aid of the Equestrians. However, recent events have exonerated them of any and all responsibility in this matter.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “Do you think he’s referring to the device stolen from the warehouse?”

“Must be.”

“Even now the guards are coming for me. Hoping to silence my voice as they did my brothers and sisters earlier this evening. But I… I will not be quieted. I will not be censored, restrained, restricted, or suppressed in any way. From this day forward no griffon will be.”

Hammer frowns. “What’s he talking about?”

Ashe puts a talon to her chin. “I don’t…”

“King Guto’s weapon was one he had hoped to use as a final defense for the Griffon Kingdom’s future. And he was right in thinking that. It will be used to defend the ideals of the weak and oppressed. I’m sure he would disagree, of course. However, he is no longer capable of doing such a thing. Our beloved king joined my fallen rebels in the Great Beyond just a few minutes before I started this broadcast.”

Natalya gasps. “He… he KILLED King Guto?!”

Ashe instinctively takes a step back. “But that’s impossible!”

Hammer mutters under her breath. “Scumbag kinda deserved it.”

Arc glares at her. “Hammer!”

“What?! It’s true!”

“For those whom are frantically searching for me, I am broadcasting this message from the king’s personal suite. And as such, you will not be able to reach me in time to stop what is coming. However, before I finish what I set out to do, I must say one last thing. If you are listening to this, Lord Arc, I left a package in your upper left desk drawer with some information that I’m sure you will find useful.”

He pauses momentarily before sighing and continuing.

“I started down this bloody path to help others. All I wanted… all I ever wanted… was to make our land better for everyone. However, I along with my compatriots failed in that task. As far as I know, I am the last surviving member of our group. There is always the chance that a few escaped the king’s raid earlier. But nowhere near enough to continue this fight in earnest. Therefore, I must do what I can to finish this matter. To set things right… once and for all.”

The sound of him taking a deep breath rings out before he again speaks.

“To that end, I have used the vast supplies gathered by our operatives, along with copies of the weapon’s schematics, to cobble together a number of the a fore mentioned devices. They will bring forth the peace that we crave. And to that end… to all that can hear my voice, let this be known as the final rebel’s cry… before our eternal silence.”

A few moments later static rings out through the speakers. Arc turns to Lemon Hearts.

“Did… did we lose the signal?”

Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “Yes sir. The signal simply… stopped.”

Wrangler gasps. “Sir! I’m picking up bizarre readings from six o’clock!”

Arc frowns as he hurries over to her station. “Back in the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Yes sir!”

Soarin turns his head. “Moon Dancer! Analysis!”

Moon Dancer looks over her console. “On it, sir!”

She is silent for a few moments before her eyes grow wide.

“This can’t be right.”

Ashe grimaces. “What is it, miss?”

“Unknown energy waves are bouncing all over the place. But they’re not like anything we’ve ever encountered before.”

Hammer frowns. “Any idea what it is?”

“I’m analyzing them as we speak. But it’s not… logical.”

Natalya grimaces. “Tell us anyways!”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Moon Dancer sighs. “Well… if I’m reading this correctly then a number of devices were set off back there at the exact same time.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “What’s so strange about that?”

Hammer shrugs. “Right. It’s not too hard to make things happen at the same time.”

Arc looks to Wrangler. “Were they bombs of some kind like he was suggesting?”

“The soundwaves suggest large explosions, yes.”

Moon Dancer nods. “Right. But the sound waves and energy emitted from them are like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”

Thunderlane calls out from the helm. “Incoming shockwave! Estimate thirty seconds to impact!”

Soarin presses a button on his console. A klaxon goes off throughout the ship as he speaks into the intercom.

“This is Captain Soarin! All passengers and crew brace for impact! Repeat, brace for impact!”

Arc and the others head for seats near the back wall as Natalya runs for the door. Hammer calls out to her.

“Nat, what are you…?!”

Natalya yells out as she passes. “I have to get to my siblings!”

Arc runs after her. “Me too! Everyone else buckle up!”

Running down the corridor together, Natalya looks to Arc and cries out.

“I’ll get to Gabby! You get Gallus!”

“Alright!”

Bursting through her little sister’s door, Natalya sees her sitting up and rubbing her eyes. Gabby looks to her confused.

“Natalya? What’s…?”

She is cut off as Natalya leaps onto the bed. Digging her talons deeply into the bed frame the young griffon calls out.

“Hold onto me tight, Gabby!”

Hearing the urgency in her sister’s voice, Gabby complies. Meanwhile, Arc runs into Gallus’ room. He spies Heathcliff frantically shaking Gallus in an effort to wake him up.

“Master Gallus! Please open your eyes!”

Arc looks to the elderly griffon. “I’ve got this!”

Holding out his hands, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell. Lifting Heathcliff and Gallus, he suspends them in the air as the captain’s voice rings out over the loudspeaker.

“Hang on, everypony!”

A moment later a massive shock rocks the ship. Arc is knocked to the floor but focuses on maintaining his spell. A few moments later the turbulence subsides. Carefully lowering Heathcliff to the floor as he stands, Arc turns his attention to Gallus whom is slowly opening his eyes. Looking around confused for a few seconds, his gaze eventually falls to Arc whom is still holding him aloft.

“Uh… what happened?”

Arc sighs as he sets him down. “Big explosion.”

Gallus gasps. “What?! Gabby!”

Running out into the corridor, he opens the door across from his to see Natalya lying on top of Gabby whom is hugging her tight.

“Are you two alright?!”

Natalya nods as she lets go of the bedframe. “I think so, yes.”

Looking down, she calls out.

“You can let go of me now, Gabby.”

Gabby shakes her head. “No way! That was way too scary!”

Gallus breathes a sigh of relief. “I’m sure the ship is okay. Lord Arc saved Heathcliff and I. At least I think he did.”

Arc and Heathcliff run into the room together. Heathcliff is the first to speak.

“Mistress Natalya! Mistress Gabby! Are you two alright?!”

Natalya nods. “Yew, we’re fine.”

Gabby slowly lets go of her sister. “What happened?!”

Arc sighs. “Well…”

A door across the corridor opens as Luna and Celestia rush outside. They join the others as Celestia grunts.

“Are we under attack?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was a shockwave from an explosion that may have originated back in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Luna looks out the window. “Then how did we feel it all the way out here?!”

Arc frowns. “Good question. But first let’s get back to the Bridge.”

Everyone runs down the corridor to the Bridge. Arc looks to Soarin.

“Damage to the ship?!”

Soarin shakes his head. “Nothing major, sir.”

“Good! Thunderlane, turn this ship around and get us back to the Griffonstone Skyport as fast as you can!”

“Yes sir!”

Arc turns to the science station. “Any headway on what happened back there, Moon Dancer?!”

“I’ve confirmed that the explosions came from the Griffon Kingdom, yes. And that there have been no others since the initial blast.”

Wrangler grimaces. “That doesn’t mean that it’s safe to go back there though!”

Arc frowns as he clenches a fist. “That is irrelevant! We’re going! Soarin, call for all power to be diverted to the engines!”

Turning to Lemon Hearts, he continues.

“Any chatter from the Griffon Kingdom?!”

“None, sir.”

“Raise Canterlot then! Tell them to send every available ship to the Griffon Kingdom to lend aid!”

“They won’t get there until midafternoon at the earliest though, sir.”

Arc nods. “Then they’d best get started!”

Luna steps forward and looks to Lemon Hearts. “Order the Lunar Destiny to recall any troops in the area and take off! I want them to join us in this effort!”

“Yes, Princess Luna.”

Ashe gasps. “But that would leave the border to the Badlands completely unguarded, your highness!”

Celestia stomps the floor with a hoof. “When innocent lives are at stake, we cannot allow one of our most powerful ships to remain unutilized!”

Arc looks to Wrangler. “Was the city of Griffonstone the only one hit?”

“It doesn’t look like it, sir! The computer shows explosions as far out as our sensor range can pick up!”

Natalya looks to Arc. “We don’t have enough supplies or helpers to lend aid to an entire country though!”

Gallus turns to look out the window. “And we’re still a long way out!”

Arc calls to the helm. “ETA, Thunderlane?”

“At our top speed I can get us back there in two hours, sir!”

Heathcliff pulls out a pocket watch. “Roughly dawn then.”

Gabby grimaces. “There must be something else we can do though!”

Ashe nods. “Right! The citizens will need more help than we can provide!”

Arc frowns. “Agreed.”

Looking to the comms station, Arc continues.

“Lemon Hearts… raise Abyssinia. Tell the king and queen that I’m asking, no… begging them to send every available set of paws they have to help with the rescue efforts.”

Celestia shakes her head. “They would never agree to help the Griffon Kingdom though. There’s too much animosity between them for such a thing to happen.”

Luna turns to her sister. They will if the message comes on behalf of Arc.”

Arc nods. “Make it clear that I am personally making this request, Lemon Hearts.”

“Yes sir. I’ll see to it.”

Heathcliff gestures to the door. “In the meantime, perhaps we should all try and get some more rest. After all, once we land sleep will be a precious commodity.”

Gabby yawns. “I don’t think I can though.”

Natalya leads her sister toward the door. “Try, Gabby.”

“Okay, Natalya.”

Luna turns to the door. “I’ll see about helping our support crew get the ship’s medical supplies ready.”

Celestia follows Luna. “As will I.”

Gallus turn to them. “Then I’ll help too, your highnesses. After helping Natalya put my little sister to bed, that is.”

Ashe looks to Arc. “We should see about those papers the rebel leader said he left in your desk.”

Arc nods as he heads for the door. “Agreed.”

“What do you suppose they are though?”

“We’ll know soon enough.”

Coming to his office, Arc opens the door and hurries inside. Pulling on the drawer, he finds a package. Pulling it out and setting it on the desk’s blotter, he opens it and pulls out a folder and looks at the top sheet. Sighing, he looks to Ashe.

“I’m guessing this is the chemical composition of the bomb’s payloads.”

Ashe sighs. “It’s beyond me.”

Arc grabs the paper and sits down in his desk chair as he grabs the phone. “Let’s get someone whom can then.”

A few moments later Lemon Hearts responds.

“Go ahead, sir.”

“Raise Canterlot Castle and tell them I need to speak to Auriel right away about a very important matter regarding her current project.”

“Yes sir.”

“Have you had luck with Abyssinia?”

“The king has promised to send as much aid as possible to the border at once. They should be in position to enter by the time we arrive in two hours.”

“Good. Ring me the moment you get Auriel on the line. Arc out.”

Setting down the receiver, he leans back in his office chair and looks to Ashe as he holds up the paper and continues.

“I can read this off to Auriel and her mother back in Canterlot. With any luck they can probably analyze the data on this and tell us if we should expect some kind of fallout from those bombs.”

Ashe shudders. “I sure hope my father is alright.”

“As sturdy as his manor is built, I would assume so, yes. But right now we have to worry about the big picture.”

Ashe sighs. “The country as a whole. My father would have said the same were he here right now, I imagine.”

Arc nods as his phone rings. “Right. And helping save as many griffons as we can.”

Volume 54 - Epilogue

Later that day, as the sun begins to set, Arc paces back and forth on The Equinox’s bridge. Lemon Hearts calls out to him from her station.

“Sir, you really should sit down.”

Thunderlane nods soberly. “Yeah, you’ve been at that for hours now.”

Arc does not slow down. “Just… don’t like feeling useless.”

Lemon Hearts puts a hoof to her headphones. “Sir, I’m picking up a transmission from Equestria.”

Arc looks over as he turns. “Whom from?”

“Princess Cadance. She says that her airships from the Crystal Empire should arrive within the hour.”

“Good! Good…”

He goes back to pacing as the door to the bridge opens. Auriel and Maria enter wearing respirators. Removing them, they approach Arc. Auriel is the first to speak.

“We’ve completed our assessment, Arc.”

“And?”

Maria sets her respirator on a nearby table. “That there is no radioactive fallout from the blasts anywhere in the country nor any other lingering chemicals from the explosions in the air.”

Auriel quickly chimes in. “At least not from the bombs themselves, that is.”

Maria nods as she gestures to the table. “Right. Our rescue parties should still continue to use their respirators especially when entering confined spaces to protect them from dust and other airborne contaminants that are still floating around in the air.”

Arc looks to Lemon Hearts. “Be sure to pass that information on to those overseeing our rescue crews.”

“Yes sir.”

As she does so, Arc looks at his pocket watch. Seeing what time it is he returns his gaze to the pair before him.

“It’s about time for the progress meeting.”

Auriel heads for the door. “My mother and I will head back out and see about verifying…”

Arc cuts her off. “I’d actually like it if you and Doctor Knowles would attend this one.”

Maria raises an eyebrow, confused. “Isn’t this whole matter supposed to be a big state secret though?”

Arc sighs as he looks out the window. “There’s no keeping something this big under wraps. Nor any real reason to do so anyways.”

Auriel nods soberly. “I’ll come them, Arc.”

Maria steps forward. “As will I.”

“Thank you. Both of you.”

Leaving the bridge, the trio head for Arc’s quarters. Opening the door, they find Twilight, Luna, Celestia, Cadance, King Felix, and Queen Fiona sitting around the table waiting for them. All appear to be emotionally drained from the day’s activities. Arc looks around the room as he speaks soberly.

“Thank you all for coming.”

Twilight nods sadly. “We hope there’s some kind of light at the end of this tunnel.”

Luna frowns. “Indeed.”

Celestia bows her head. “That may not be the case though.”

Cadance looks to Auriel and her mother. “Hopefully you can tell us something about what happened.”

Felix gestures toward the window with a paw. “Yes, this is just… atrocious!”

Fiona takes her husband’s other paw in hers. “Agreed, dear.”

Arc takes a deep breath. “First, I should start us off by telling everyone what we know of the situation thus far.”

Motioning for Auriel and Maria to take two empty chairs, Arc walks over to the window and looks out of it as he begins.

“All of you have already heard the recording my communication’s officer made of the rebel leader’s speech from earlier today. How he confessed to the nation about killing King Guto and that he was going to avenge his fallen comrades.”

Twilight shakes her head. “It’s just such a terrible loss.”

Cadance points a hoof toward the window. “The worst part is that we don’t really know what did all of that.”

Arc sighs. “I do.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “You… what?”

“A new kind of bomb.”

Luna tilts her head to one side, confused. “Bomb?”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “There isn’t anything in all the world capable of making explosions like that though.”

Arc looks to Luna. “The one King Guto told us was taken from the warehouse apparently was.”

Luna frowns. “How would you know that though, Arc?”

Arc turns and walks toward the table. “This is why.”

Reaching for his ring, he pulls out the box of parts. Setting them in the center of the table, Arc continues.

“This is the disassembled remains of the a fore mentioned stolen device.”

Celestia appears confused. “You mean… you were the one whom took it?”

Cadance gasps as her hooves fly to her mouth. “Arc! But why?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I didn’t steal it from the warehouse, no. It was delivered here to the ship via courier.”

Felix frowns. “By whom though, Lord Arc?”

“Presumably by someone whom was connected to the rebels.”

Fiona puts a paw to her chin thoughtfully. “But that still doesn’t make any sense. Why would the rebels go through all the trouble of stealing this thing just to turn it over to you?”

“I don’t have a definitive answer to that, Queen Fiona. Just theories.”

Luna eyes the remains curiously. “First off, is it really safe to have this thing just lying in the middle of the table?”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is. I had Auriel and Doctor Knowles professionally disassemble it and remove the payload.”

Auriel points at the box with a claw. “As it stands, that’s nothing but scrap right now.”

Maria gestures out a window to the west. “And the payload that was contained within it is safely stored away back in Canterlot Castle.”

Celestia frowns. “How did it get there though?”

Arc sits down at the table with them. “After I talked over this mysterious… acquisition with Ambassador Ashe, I decided it needed to be looked over by professionals in greatest secret. That’s where Auriel and her mother came into the picture.”

Maria nods. “My daughter and I were able to safely deconstruct it as well as make a schematic of the design for future study.”

Auriel sighs. “Before we came over here today, my mother and I were working on Arc’s latest orders.”

Arc chimes in. “Which were to find a way to safely dispose of the payload.”

Luna shakes her head. “Why didn’t you say something to us, Arc?”

Celestia taps the table with a hoof. “Yes, we could have helped.”

Arc sighs. “In truth, I was trying to keep it a secret for nation security’s sake, as well as give all four princesses plausible deniability.”

Twilight nods. “When we said we didn’t know anything about it, such was the truth.”

Cadance looks at the parts and sighs. “I still can’t believe that King Guto was working on something so incredibly powerful though.”

Luna sighs. “That’s why he wanted my hoof in marriage as repayment for its loss.”

Celestia nods soberly. “An Alicorn is probably the only thing in the entire world more powerful than this bomb.”

Arc removes some papers from his ring. “In the transmission from the rebel leader earlier this morning he told me that something was left in my desk by him. When I went to check I found these papers.”

Turning to Auriel, he hands them over before continuing.

“I’m guessing they’re more information on the device.”

Auriel nods as she looks down at them. “Just at a glance, this does appear to be a complete chemical makeup of the payload, yes.”

Maria looks over her daughter’s shoulder. “I imagine that we will have no trouble disposing of the payload after reading these over.”

Luna looks to them soberly. “Good. Do so at once upon returning to Canterlot.”

Auriel bows respectfully. “Yes, Princess Luna.”

Twilight raises a hoof. “If possible, I’d like to help with that.”

Felix sighs. “Please don’t overwork yourself, Princess Twilight.”

Fiona nods. “Yes, the role of leader is a strenuous one, after all.”

Twilight shakes her head “Thank you for your concern. But I have to be a part of the disposal process. It’s the only way I’ll ever be able to sleep peacefully again.”

Celestia turns to her former student. “Do what you feel is right in this matter, Twilight.”

Twilight smiles at Celestia. “Thank you for understanding.”

Arc clears his throat. “Now that we have that matter settled, let’s move on to the next major issue at hand. Survivors. Lieutenant Hammer, Captain Soarin, and Security Officer Wrangler all reported their findings to me prior to this meeting.”

He bows his head and sighs before continuing.

“So far, no one has been found withing Griffonstone.”

Felix gestures toward the window with a paw. “My own forces have been dispatched to the outlying towns and villages nearest our border.”

Fiona sighs. “They also report finding no one.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “No one alive, you mean?”

Fiona shakes her head. “No, Princess Cadance. I meant that they’ve located literally no one.”

Luna appears confused. “You mean there were no bodies?”

Felix nods grimly. “Yes, Princess Luna. The villages were empty when our forces arrived.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps they merely fled at the sight of your troops advancing.”

Fiona looks to Twilight. “That thought had crossed our minds as well. So, my husband ordered our forces to approach the next town covertly in an attempt to keep from being discovered.”

Celestia appears hopeful. “And what did they find?”

Felix sighs. “More of the same. Completely abandoned.”

Luna groans. “This just doesn’t make any sense. Every town’s inhabitants can’t all have fled.”

Arc frowns. “If it was just a town or two, I would have thought it was like the Stableton incident.”

Cadance gazes out the window. “As would I. But that still doesn’t explain the fact that the entire capital of Griffonstone is empty just like the outlying towns.”

Auriel shrugs. “Right. Everyone had to go somewhere.”

Maria looks to Celestia. “Perhaps this is the result of some kind of mass teleportation spell?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Such a powerful thing would have been felt by me and any other powerful magic users here aboard The Equinox.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her head. “And taken more magical energy than all the magic users of Equus combined, I would imagine.”

Luna nods. “Several times over, in fact.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “That still doesn’t really explain why the inhabitants were singled out while their…”

There is a knock at the door. Arc looks to it and calls out.

“Come!”

The door opens and Moon Dancer walks inside. She appears very upset as she approaches Arc and shakily salutes.

“Sir, I… uh…”

Arc gestures to a clipboard in her hoof. “Did you find something?”

“Y-yes sir.”

Luna’s ears prick up. “Then let’s hear it.”

Moon Dancer looks to the group. “It’s… I just…!”

Putting a hoof to her belly, she drops the clipboard and runs out of the room. Auriel reaches down and picks it up as Arc closes the door to his quarters with a Telekinesis Spell. Looking it over for a moment, the young demon begins to speak.

“Let’s see here. It looks like she cross referenced the data that the ship’s sensors took with those that Arc told her to gather from the capital.”

Maria looks at the clipboard too. “It should only take us a few minutes to piece together an analysis.”

Arc nods. “Good. Get started you two.”

Touching his earring, Arc continues.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.”

“Moon Dancer just left my quarters looking very ill. Have Redheart find her and give her a full examination.”

“Yes sir. I’ll notify the Chief Medical Officer at once. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at this time, no. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection and turns back to Auriel as she gasps.

“No… no, this can’t be right!”

Maria frowns. “It does appear to be so though.”

Arc appears hopeful. “What is…?”

Celestia interrupts him. “Perhaps we should have a private meeting regarding…”

Arc cuts her off. “Everyone in this room can be trusted with the truth.”

He turns to Auriel before continuing.

“Go ahead. Tell us what you found there.”

“Well… when the bombs went off, it did a lot of damage to the more remote areas. Near total destruction at the point of detonation.”

Maria nods to the window. “Since then, there has been a thick cloud of dust over the city which doesn’t easily settle.”

Twilight shrugs. “That’s to be expected though, considering what happened here.”

Auriel sighs. “I thought so as well, Twilight. That’s why we recommended respirators for all of the rescue crews.”

Maria taps the clipboard. “And this new data shows that we were right to do so. But for a different reason than you might think.”

Auriel continues. “According to this combined data, when the bombs exploded the payload underwent some kind of chemical change in concert with the machinery inside the device.

Maria nods. “It made a totally new chemical compound that vaporized on the air.”

Celestia grimaces. “The true nature of the bomb.”

Luna gasps. “Chemical warfare?!”

Auriel shudders. “Yes. But much more dangerous.”

Cadance quickly stands. “Are the rescue crews outside going to be alright?!”

Maria looks to Cadance. “Yes, your highness. This new chemical breaks down completely into inert elements over a span of just an hour.”

Felix appears relieved. “That’s good news.”

Fiona turns to her husband. “We should still have our troops keep their respirators on though. Just to be sure.”

Maria nods. “Agreed. But the original compound appears to be very nasty indeed.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Nasty in what way?”

Auriel points a finger to the page. “If I’m reading this correctly, it appears to break down any and all organic material.”

There is a stunned silence for several moments. Eventually Celestia speaks.

“Just to be clear, miss. You did say ALL organic material?”

Auriel nods soberly. “Yes, Princess Celestia.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “So… the dust out there right now is probably…!”

Luna looks outside. “The citizens of Griffonstone, yes.”

Arc groans. “That’s why we didn’t find any bodies.”

Maria nods sadly. “Yes, Arc. They were completely dissolved by the compound.”

Felix grimaces. “Sounds absolutely terrible!”

Fiona turns to Auriel with a hopeful look on her face. “Was it at least quick?!”

“I would imagine so, judging by the lack of any signs of struggle outside.”

Maria bows her head. “However, for a couple seconds at most, they would have been in absolute agony.”

Arc grimaces. “What about those inside of more sturdy buildings? Like the manors and the Aviary itself.”

Twilight turns to look out the window. “Yes, the manors appear to be relatively untouched from the outside.”

Auriel shakes her head. “It’s not likely that such a thing would have helped them. The amount of the chemical that would need to make it into a domicile to be effective on its victim is measured in nanograms.”

Celestia sighs. “A chimney, vent, or even cracks in the foundation would have been enough to allow the substance inside to do its job.”

Luna frowns. “So there is a chance then, albeit slim?”

Arc groans. “Mathematically, yes. However, I ordered a number of our unicorns to Blink inside and inspect the estates. So far every one they’ve come to has been empty. Other than…”

His voice trails off as Twilight looks to him.

“Other than what, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “They reported finding a number of piles of what they presumed to be dust throughout the manors.”

Felix’s eyes grow wide. “The servants!”

Fiona shakes her head. “And the nobles too!”

Arc nods soberly. “So it would seem.”

Felix puts both paws on the table. “Our own operatives reported dust everywhere in what houses were still standing. But at the time they just attributed it to the blasts.”

Celestia taps a hoof on the table. “That doesn’t me we can just give up though. We need to fully go over this entire country before jumping to conclusions that there really were no survivors.

Arc sighs. “Right.”

Turning to Twilight, he continues.

“How long do you suppose such a thing will take?”

Twilight looks over a stack of papers lying on the table in front of her. “With the additional aid from Canterlot, Abyssinia, and the incoming troops from the Crystal Empire arriving soon, I estimate they we should complete the initial survey of all known griffon cities and towns by dawn tomorrow.”

Luna nods soberly. “After that we’ll start scouring the land for unmarked villages or settlements.”

Celestia bows her head. “Such will almost certainly be a waste of time though, as the Griffon Kingdom doesn’t allow unauthorized settlements under any circumstances. But we shall still do our best to look for them nonetheless.”

Arc leans back in his chair. “Right. Now it’s just a matter of time.”

Cadance sighs. “So it would seem.”

Felix looks to Twilight. “Is there anything else we can do to help speed that process along?”

Fiona nods fervently. “Yes! More supplies perhaps?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nothing really, I’m afraid. We already have everything needed to complete the task at hoof.”

Maria stands. “As such, I believe that Auriel and I’s expertise is no longer…”

She is cut off as a dark portal opens nearby. Instinctively stepping away from it, everyone watches as a figure in a dark robe steps through. Arc calls forth his armor as Celestia takes up a battle-ready stance alongside of him. As they stare down the figure, she looks coldly to the one before here.

“You?!”

“I do have a name, you know.”

Arc nods as he steps forward. “Yes… yes, I suppose that you do. But what are you doing here, Dark One?”

“Think of this as a… a social call of sorts.”

Arc frowns. “If this is going to be about the topic of our previous meeting, you can forget it!”

The Dark One shakes his head. “Nothing of the sort, Arc. I merely came to talk. And present you with a gift.”

Celestia seethes. “Then talk!”

“Very well.”

Turning, he walks over to the window and looks out over what’s left of Griffonstone. Sighing, the Dark One shakes his head as he continues.

“Such a waste.”

Luna frowns. “What are you talking about?!”

“I’m afraid to admit this, but the Council of Shadows was more or less… indirectly responsible for this mess.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “You were?!”

Arc frowns. “How? Tempest?”

The Dark One shakes his head. “No. The fool whom calls himself the ‘Storm King’.”

Arc gasps. “He’s still alive?!”

“Indeed.”

Felix grits his teeth. “Not for long he isn’t!”

Fiona slams a paw down on the table. “Right! That monster caused so much harm to our citizens!”

The Dark One nods. “Then perhaps you shall be pacified with my little… gift.”

Felix shakes his head vehemently. “I don’t see how anything you could offer us would make up for the pain and suffering of our…!”

The king stops talking as The Dark One opens a satchel and tosses something from within onto the floor. They all gasp as the Storm King’s severed head rolls toward the king and queen. It stops mere inches from their furry feet. Turning to Auriel, the newcomer continues.

“You appear to be one of the smart ones in this room.”

Auriel stammers. “Y-yes, I am.”

Maria steps in front of Auriel. “But I am more so than she is.”

The Dark One turns to Maria. “Then take this.”

Pulling a large folder from the satchel, he gives it to her before continuing.

“I do hope you’ll pardon the bloodstains.”

Maria takes it. “What is…?”

“Every paper I found in the so-called Storm King’s quarters at our base. The information on what did this must be in there somewhere.”

He looks outside before turning to Arc again.

“Now you should have everything you need to assure that something like this doesn’t ever happen again.”

Arc gazes down at the Storm King’s head. “Yes, it does appear you’ve seen to that.”

“My apologies for you having to clean up yet another mess of his.”

Celestia frowns. “But… but why?! Why would you be helping us?!”

“He caused the death of an entire country, Princess Celestia. And as such, I saw to it that he paid the ultimate price for his transgressions.”

Maria holds up the folder. “I will see to it that this never again sees the light of day.”

“See to it that you do. For if that day does come, then the blood of those victims shall be on your own heads.”

Opening a portal, The Dark One walks through and is gone. Auriel looks to her mother.

“It appears as though we have yet another project in this matter.”

“Agreed.”

Cadance gasps. “You’re going to study it?!”

Maria nods. “Yes, your highness.”

Felix frowns. “But why?!”

Fiona points a paw at the papers in Maria’s hands. “Just burn the lot of those and be done with it!”

Auriel shakes her head. “It’s best if we’re thorough in this matter. After all, we don’t know if the papers mentioned are even in there. Studying this new information will verify if key knowledge is still out there to be found.”

Twilight walks back to the table and puts her front hooves on it as she looks to the device parts. “If it is, then we’ll scour the land to find it!”

Luna puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “I’ll lead the way personally!”

Celestia looks to Auriel and Maria. “We’re counting on you two to do what is right not just for Equestria, Abyssinia, and the Great Demon Kingdom. But for all of Equus as a whole.”

Auriel nods. “We won’t let you down, your highness.”

Maria holds up the papers. “Right. The stakes are far too high to think of just one nation.”

Arc frowns. “Let’s not risk another event such as this one happening ever again.”

Twilight walks over to Auriel. “Then let’s head back to Canterlot right now. I want to get started on the contents of that folder along with all the one’s from the rebel leader right away.”

Cadance joins them. “Perhaps you should let them do that, Twilight. After all, it is getting quite late and you have audiences in the …”

Twilight interrupts her. “Audiences are cancelled until further notice.”

Celestia gasps. “Twilight?”

The young mare holds out a hoof to Auriel. She gives Twilight the folder as she turns arounds and looks to the others.

“This is of greater importance. And we shall not rest until we are sure that Equestria will not fall to a similar fate.”

Luna bows her head. “Very well, Twilight. Do what you feel that you must.”

Arc looks to her. “Shall I give you a portal back to the castle?”

Twilight nods as she gives the folder back to Auriel. “Please do.”

Arc focuses the power into his crystals as he opens a portal. Twilight, Auriel, and Maria step through and vanish. As it closes, he turns back to the others.

“I suppose that means this meeting is adjourned.”

Felix sighs. “Yes, Lord Arc.”

Fiona takes her husband’s paw. “Shall we reconvene in the morning?”

Arc nods and recalls his armor as he heads for the door. “Yes, that would be for the best. Now if all of you will excuse me, I’ll be leaving the ship for a while.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “You will?”

Cadance gasps. “But where are you going?”

Arc sighs as he reaches down to pick up the Storm King’s severed head. Tossing it into a nearby garbage bin, he pulls the bag and stuffs it in his ring before answering Cadance’s question.

“I need to go check on a very dear friend of mine.”

Leaving the room, Arc heads down the corridor to another door. Knocking lightly, he waits there patiently. A few moments later Gallus opens the door. Stepping aside wordlessly, he allows Arc to enter. Gabby sits in Natalya’s lap crying as her older sister does her best to console her. Arc kneels down and sits on the bed next to them as he speaks.

“Sorry for taking so long to come see you, Natalya.”

“It’s okay, Arc.”

Gallus nods soberly. “Yeah. We know you’re probably really busy right now.”

Gabby looks to Arc through her tears. “What… what happened out there?!”

“Some very nasty bombs went off.”

Gallus peeks through the curtains at the wasteland before them. “Must’ve been some blast.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “But there must be survivors out there, right?”

Arc bows his head. “I don’t think so.”

Gabby gasps. “You mean… we’re all that’s left?!”

Natalya clenches a talon angrily. “We have to figure out who did this and see to it they don’t do it again though!”

Gallus looks to Arc. “They could do this to Equestria next!”

Arc shakes his head. “That problem has already been solved.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “How’s that?”

“The one responsible for creating the devices that did this has already been caught.”

Natalya appears relieved. “That’s good.”

Gallus frowns. “Not really. They could still make another one.”

Gabby gasps. “WHAT?!”

Natalya glares at her brother. “Gallus! Think of Gabby’s feelings before you talk!”

“But it’s a serious problem, sis!”

Arc puts a hand on Gallus’ shoulder. “Don’t worry about that. We have all of his papers and notes on the subject.”

Gallus looks up at him. “What about them making it again from memory?!”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t think that’s going to be an option for him. We’ve got his head too.”

“He could still escape!”

Arc pats his ring. “Again, don’t worry. We literally have his head.”

Gabby turns around, confused. “What about the rest of him?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not really sure where the body is. Someone just turned in his head along with the research notes.”

Gabby grins. “Cool!”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Um… what, Gabby?”

“Can I see?!”

Arc shakes his head. “You’re probably better off not doing so. To tell you the truth, it was all I could do to keep my own stomach from heaving when I took care of that mess on my floor back there. I just wanted to stop by and check in on you three to make sure you were doing okay.”

Gallus shudders as he looks toward the covered window again. “That’s debatable.”

“If you’d like, I can give you three a portal back to Light’s Hope. You could be back at the orphanage in time for supper.”

Natalya shakes her head. “Thank you, Arc. But we’ll go back when you do.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Natalya?”

Gallus forces a smile. “I think what my sister is trying to say is that our place is here right now.”

Natalya looks toward the window. “I may not have liked this country very much. Especially toward the end. But it was still where I grew up. Where I spent my formative years.”

Gabby sighs. “It’s not going to be the same when we go back to Equestria though. Before I always made myself feel better knowing that the Griffon Kingdom was still here waiting for me.”

Arc kneels down to her level. “If you think about it, it still is.”

Gabby appears confused. “Huh?”

“You have to understand that the Griffon Kingdom will always be here. Even if no one lives there anymore.”

“I… guess that’s true.”

Turning, Gabby looks to Arc as she continues.

“Do you think… that I could move back here when I grow up?”

Arc smiles. “If you really want to, then yes.”

“I’d like that.”

Gallus shakes his head. “There won’t be any shops or manors though. Remember, they’re pretty much destroyed.”

Gabby looks to Gallus matter-of-factly. “Then I’ll rebuild them!”

Natalya appears surprised. “You will?”

“Right!”

Gallus scoffs. “Why though?”

“So that other younglings can come and visit too!”

Arc nods approvingly. “That’s… actually a really interesting idea.”

“I’ll clean up everything and make it just as pretty… no, prettier than it was before!”

Natalya giggles. “Okay, Gabby. But for now, how about we get you something to eat in the cafeteria?”

“Can I have pancakes?!”

Gallus rolls his eyes. “I don’t think they have that on the menu for supper.”

Natalya stands. “Then we’ll make some.”

Arc walks out to the corridor with them. “Have fun.”

As the three griffon siblings head for the stairs, Arc turns and looks out the window at the setting sun. Sighing, he heads for the main hatch. After grabbing a respirator from a nearby box, he heads outside onto the deck. Arc takes a deep breath and calls out loudly.

“SEREB!”

A few moments later the thud of four massive paws running toward him rings out. Running up the gangplank, Sereb makes his way over to Arc. He sounds a bit strange through his respirator, but does his best to address his friend.

“Yes, Arc?”

“I need a ride.”

Sereb gestures to his saddle. “Let us be off then.”

Getting up into the saddle, Arc gestures to the city.

“Let’s go.”

Sereb runs down the gangplank and to the edge of the Skyport (or what’s left of it). As they enter the city, the pair spy innumerable teams of both ponies and Abyssinians combing the buildings and houses all around them. Sighing, Arc looks down to Sereb.

“Can I assume you found nothing today?”

Sereb shakes his head. “That is correct, my friend.”

Arc sighs as he looks around at the devastation. “This place.”

“Arc?”

“I remember riding down this very road in the open-air chariot with Twilight numerous times. So many griffons would line the streets just hoping to catch a glimpse of her.”

“Twilight was a living hero to them, my friend. A living reminder that hope still existed for the common folk.”

“Not anymore though, as every last one of them is dead and gone.”

“They may no longer be with us in body. But their spirits still inhabit this place.”

“How so?”

Sereb gestures to the buildings around them as he slows down. “The records and signs of their civilization will still endure for many years to come. And while they may not be as grand as before, this place is now and always will be the homeland of the griffons.”

Arc smiles sadly. “What’s left of it you mean.”

“Perhaps we should visit somewhere familiar on our patrol for signs of life.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah. And I know just where to go.”

Sometime later they arrive at the now familiar property. Sereb walks up the steps and looks toward the building. Sniffing the air, he turns to Arc as the young man dismounts him.

“There is someone here.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Oh?”

“Just one though.”

Arc groans. “Great. Can you take me to them?”

Sereb nods. “Right this way.”

Walking up the steps together, the pair push the doors open and enter the building. Walking down a number of corridors, they eventually come to a slightly ajar door with a light shining weakly under it. Sereb turns to Arc and points with a paw.

“Here we are. Shall I wait for you out here?”

Arc nods as he removes his respirator. “Please do.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc puts a hand on the door. Slowly pushing it open, he hears the sounds of sobbing from within. Entering, he looks toward a large desk with a single candle burning atop of it. Stepping toward the sobs, he walks around the desk to see Ashe lying on the floor next to a pile of dust. She pats it gently as Arc kneels down to her level.

“Ashe?”

“Lord Arc… I found my father.”

Arc nods sadly. “I’m sorry, Ashe.”

“Did… did anyone else…?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not that we’ve found so far, no.”

Ashe digs her talons into the wood flooring as she speaks. “It just isn’t fair!”

“I agree.”

“The Griffon Kingdom wasn’t a nice or fair place to live for most, granted! But for that IDIOT to just up and kill EVERYONE was just plain crazy!”

“Victory at any cost.”

“When they caught the others, he saw this as his only chance to bring about change. A final resolution. I should have stopped him.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “You didn’t have any idea he would go this far though.”

“The blood of every last dead griffon in the kingdom is on my talons! It’s all my fault!”

“This isn’t the end of things, Ashe.”

“Yes, it is! This event marks the end of the Griffon Kingdom! Everyone… everyone is DEAD!”

“Not all of them, Ashe.”

Ashe turns to him, clearly confused. “But I thought you said that no one was found alive.”

“That is true, yes. However, you have to remember that there are a number of griffons whom call Equestria home. And the younglings at the orphanage too.”

Ashe sits up. “Wait! You… you’re right!”

“They’re still safe.”

“No, no! I get it now. What my former commander was trying to do.”

“Avenge his fallen rebels?”

Ashe shakes her head. “More than that. He wanted to bring equality to the commoners! Make this land free for all.”

“Um…”

“It can be now.”

“How?”

“The younglings at the orphanage. He would refer to them as our nation’s future. And now they literally will be.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I think I see what you’re saying now, Ashe. They’ll grow up, a good number will become curious about their heritage, and some of them will return to this land.”

“Right. They’ll recolonize it.”

“And in time the Griffon Kingdom will be reborn.”

“Exactly.”

She looks down at her father’s remains sadly before continuing.

“While the cost was very high, I’m sure that I’ll find a way to make my father proud of me.”

Arc smiles at her. “I’m sure Lord Gestal was already.”

“That he was. But now that the Griffon Kingdom doesn’t need an ambassador, I can devote all of my time to making preparations for the future of this land.”

“Sounds like you have things sorta figured out now.”

Ashe sighs. “Before we go, there is one thing I’d like to do. But I’ll need your help.”

“Sure. What is it?”

A short time later, as the last rays of sunshine recede from the land, Arc steps back from Ashe with a shovel in one hand and a lantern in the other. Ashe pushes the dirt over the hole he dug as she speaks.

“There you go, father. You’re finally resting next to mother… just like you would have wanted.”

Standing, she continues.

“The two of you will be alone in this dead land for a while. But I’m planning to revitalize and resettle it along with our nation’s orphans one day. We’ll come back and start over again. This I swear.”

Arc nods. “Ashe won’t be alone in this matter. I’ll lend a hand as well.”

Ashe turns to him. “Thank you, Lord Arc. I’m sure my parents would appreciate that.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “Hopefully, yes. But as you know I have somewhere to be right now.”

Ashe nods soberly. “Right. This has to be taken care of. And I’m sure my father would approve of that someone being you.”

“Would you like to come with me back to the ship?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, I’d… like to spend the night here in my father’s house one more time.”

Arc nods. “Alright. I don’t know how long I’ll personally stay in the country after this. But I’ll notify our forces that you’re here and tell them not to leave without you.”

“Thank you.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “I can ferry Lady Ashe back to the Skyport tomorrow morning, my friend.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Is that alright with you?”

“Yes. And thank you for understanding.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and sighs. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Ashe nods as Arc opens a portal. Heading through, he reappears in his quarters back aboard The Equinox. Leaving his room, Arc spies Luna standing in the corridor raising the moon. Standing back respectfully while she finishes, he waits for her to turn to him.

“Good evening, Arc.”

“Raising the moon, huh?”

Luna nods soberly as she turns to look out at her moon. “Somepony needs to do it, after all. But it doesn’t really matter whom just as long as it’s done and done right.”

“Makes sense.”

“The captain stuck his head out here a few minutes ago and told me that the preparations are nearly complete.”

Arc sighs. “Good.”

“Are you sure that you don’t want Cadance or myself to do this though? We’d be willing to, of course.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. Equestria’s involvement with the Griffon Kingdom was my idea from the start. I’ll do it.”

Chuckling, he continues.

“And it’s like you said before. It doesn’t really matter who does it as long as it gets done right.”

Smiling, Luna silently nods and gestures to the bridge door. Entering, Arc sees a small table with a number of devices set up on it. The bridge crew salutes as he approaches them. Soarin is the first to speak.

“We’re all ready for you on this end, sir.”

Lemon Hearts points a hoof. “I just need to press a few buttons to start things.”

Wrangler looks to the door. “Moon Dancer, Soarin, Thunderlane, and I will wait out in the corridor and make sure nopony comes in here to disturb you, sir.”

“Good. I just need a few minutes to figure a few things out in my head.”

Lemon Hearts nods as she sits down at her console. “Just let me know when you’re ready to get started, sir.”

Thunderlane heads for the door. “We’ll give you some space then, sir.”

Wrangler nods as she and the others join him. “Good luck, sir.”

They leave the room together. Arc looks to Lemon Hearts.

“What exactly do I have to do to start this?”

Lemon Hearts points a hoof. “Just pick up the microphone on the captain’s chair and nod to me. I’ll do my part and motion to you when it’s your turn.”

“Alright. Just let me get myself in the mood first.”

Walking over to the window, Arc looks out over the ruins of the city stretching out before him. Even in the moonlight, the signs of the great loss were easily visible. He stands there for a long moment before sighing and turning back to Soarin’s command chair. Picking up the microphone, he holds it in his hand before looking to Lemon Hearts and nodding. She presses a button and speaks into her headset.

“We interrupt this regularly scheduled program to bring you a special news bulletin. As announced earlier this evening, Hero of Light Arc will be addressing the nation on a matter of utmost urgency. It is heavily encouraged for all citizens to listen to his speech together with their families as a whole if at all possible. And now I present to you Hero of Light Arc.”

Lemon Hearts points a hoof to Arc as she presses a few buttons with the other. Arc clears his throat and begins to speak.

“Good evening. I’ve been told that this broadcast will be transmitted all over Equus. Earth Ponies, unicorns, pegasi, griffons, Abyssinians, and probably even a few humans will hear what I have to say here tonight. But I must take this opportunity to ask for everyone’s forgiveness ahead of time as I’m going scriptless for this.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc continues.

“Today… in the very early hours of the morning… a transmission was sent out on the Griffon Kingdom’s nationwide band. It’s normally used by the king to address the nation in times of need. However, the broadcaster was not King Guto, but instead the leader of a rebel faction within his country. We shall now play his speech for all to hear.”

Nodding again to Lemon Hearts silently, Arc watches as she presses a few buttons. A few moments later an edited version (all mention of the papers left in Arc’s desk being removed, of course) of the recording of the rebel leader’s earlier speech is broadcast over the air. As it finishes, Lemon Hearts switches the primary feed back to Arc and points to him with a hoof. Soberly, Arc continues with his speech.

“After he finished delivering that message, the rebel leader proceeded to detonate a number of devices strategically placed all around the Griffon Kingdom. Their purpose… was to eliminate all organic life within the entire country. My personal forces as well as reinforcements from Canterlot, the Crystal Empire, and Abyssinia rushed to the Griffon Kingdom to render aide and see if we could help the survivors.”

Sighing, Arc bows his head.

“However… even though everyone searched all day and into the evening… no traces of life were found. The devices destroyed every animal, plant, and griffin within their borders. We shall, of course, continue our search for survivors. However, I’ve been advised that the chances of finding anyone alive at this point are very slim.”

Looking out the window at the ruined city, Arc continues.

“We were able to seek out the plans for the devices that did such a thing and took them into our custody. In this way, such a thing can never again be unleashed upon anyone. Griffon, Abyssinian, or pony alike. To all the little ones listening with their parents or other family members, I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure all of you of my personal promise to defend those whom I represent back in Equestria. I know it may sometimes be hard to understand what goes on in this world of ours. While it may not be easy to see to come to terms with, sometimes painful things like this happen. Not because of anything you or your loved ones did, of course. But because certain individuals took it upon themselves to make a decision that trumped all opinions and feelings but their own. To stand up and, by their selfish actions, say that their wants and desires were greater than those of the everyone else whom called the Griffon Kingdom their home. And this was the result of that choice.”

Standing and looking outside, Arc sighs.

“But today is a day of mourning. Mourning for those innocents whom were taken so quickly from the face of our world. The princesses and I are pained to the core by this unspeakable tragedy. And I know that we share this pain with all of the citizens of our country, and beyond. This… is truly a monumental catastrophe for the world. The loss of an entire kingdom and its inhabitants in but an instant. It is my hope that one day griffons living abroad in Equestria, or elsewhere in the world, will return to their homeland in order to rebuild it. But nothing will bring back those whom were lost today. Hopefully future generations of leaders will look to this day in the history books and remember it for the dark time that it was. And to do all in their power to see to it that such an atrocity is never again repeated. Princess Twilight and Princess Luna will be addressing the nation in a day or so to share the results of our search and to keep all of you informed of any new developments.”

Looking to Lemon Hearts, he nods. Cutting the feed, she stands and walks over to Arc as he rises from the captain’s chair.

“Sir?”

“Yes, Lemon Hearts?”

“I… um… don’t really understand what happened here.”

Arc sighs. “Then that makes two of us.”

Lemon Hearts looks out the main window at the devastation. “I mean… how could somepony do something like this?!”

“They all just wanted to be free. And at the time thought that destroying the nation was the only way to achieve that.”

“But how does something as terrible as this accomplish anything?!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “It doesn’t. And nothing will change what was done here today. As I said during my speech, all we can do is try to prevent it from happening again to another country.”

Nodding, Lemon Hearts looks outside again as she speaks.

“I know that you’re right, sir. But at the same time, it doesn’t really help me understand the mindset of the perpetrators.”

Arc calls out as she turns to leave. “And that is something that will be a topic of debate for many years to come.”

Arc leaves the bridge to rejoin the rest of the crew waiting outside. Looking to the captain, Arc sighs.

“Does the Lunar Destiny have enough additional crew and supplies to continue with the search?”

Soarin nods. “Yes sir.”

“Good. Then I’d like to take off.”

Wrangler raises an eyebrow. “Come again, sir?”

“The Equinox will be returning to Equestria.”

Thunderlane frowns. “When, sir?”

“Just as soon as you’ve set our course.”

Sighing, Arc turns to walk away. He calls out as he does so though.

“After all that’s happened here today… I don’t ever want to come back to the Griffon Kingdom again.”

Walking back to his quarters, Arc shuts the door behind him. Sitting down heavily on the couch, he looks outside for a few moments before quickly standing and turning around. Grunting, he reaches out and closes the curtains before him, plunging the room into darkness. Storming over to the bathroom, Arc slams the door behind him. Turning on the water, the young man quickly disrobes and steps into the warm stream of water. Leaning against the cold wall, he allows himself to slide down it to rest on the tile floor. Burying his face in his hands, Arc groans as he tries his best to make some sense of the matter at hand. So deeply in thought is he that he doesn’t hear the bathroom door open and footsteps approaching the shower. Feeling something touch his shoulder, Arc turns to see Ember standing there. Looking him in the eye soberly she speaks.

“Hey, um… Princess Luna said you’d probably…”

She is cut off as Arc grabs her wrist and pulls her down to his level. Throwing his arms around her, Arc pulls his friend close as Ember recovers from her surprise. Slowly putting her arms around him, Ember returns the hug silently for a few moments. Eventually she leans in close and whispers in his ear.

“I’m right here if you need to talk.”

“Ember, I… this is all my fault!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… how?”

“For interfering in things I shouldn’t have!”

“Like what?”

“Not turning in the rebels when I had the chance, for starters!”

Ember frowns. “You’re not making any sense, Arc.”

Arc groans as he turns away. “I met with them multiple times in the past. And each time we all just kinda walked away.”

“But isn’t that what you should have done though? I mean… you can’t be taking down their citizens. No matter who they are or what they’ve done.”

“Then I should have told someone about it! Maybe then they could have been stopped!”

Ember shakes her head. “Probably not. I hear their leader is… was a real whack job.”

“But…!”

Ember cuts him off. “Arc, stop!”

Sighing, she looks him in the eye before continuing.

“Look, I need you to listen to me. Did you have any idea that the rebels would have done such a thing to their own citizens?”

“I knew it was a possibility.”

“Then were you aware that such a weapon existed?”

“Kinda did, yeah.”

Ember groans. “You know… you’re making it really hard to console you here!”

Arc frowns. “Not that I deserve it, mind you.”

“No way!”

“Look outside before you tell me that again, Ember.”

“Okay, look. The human I fell in love with wouldn’t have done anything even remotely like what I saw out your window. Not on purpose.”

“Indirectly, you mean.”

“Was the story on the radio true?”

Arc nods. “All of it was, yes.”

“So let me see if I get this then. King Guto ordered the weapon developed and built, right?”

“Right.”

“And the rebels stole it?”

“Yes.”

“And then they decided to use it to beat their government?”

“That and to avenge their executed brothers and sisters.”

“So what part of that mess were you responsible for?!”

“I said nothing to anyone in power of what I knew.”

“Alright then, so answer me this then. Had you told someone, would it have changed anything?”

“Probably.”

“How?”

“They could have stopped the rebels before they could set all those bombs.”

“But you said that you didn’t know they were going to do that though.”

“Then the governing authority could have stepped up their efforts to stop them.”

“Which apparently they did. And it let to this mess.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well… I could have killed them when I had the chance at our latest meeting.”

“And that would have killed the leader?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, he can regenerate. Or could, as the chances of him surviving all that aren’t too high.”

“Then slaughtering those with him would have stopped them?”

“Doubtful. I mean, there were only a handful at the meeting back then. Nothing like the number of rebels I saw facing the king at the trial yesterday.”

“So what you’re saying is that even if you had done something different in the past that it wouldn’t have for sure stopped this from happening?”

Arc sighs as he pulls his knees up to his chest and buries his face in them. A long moment passes before he speaks.

“I still feel as though I could have done something. Maybe capturing their leader and imprisoning them in Equestria.”

“As resourceful as they were, I don’t think you could have kept them locked up for long. To say nothing for the fact that they could have turned their wrath on Equestria as a result.”

“Then maybe I could have talked them out of it.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “From what I heard of that lunatic’s speech, it sounded like the time for talking was long over.”

“Maybe our forces could have worked with the griffon government to find and disarm the bombs then.”

“First off, we’ve already established that you didn’t know they were going to do that. Second, you’d probably have been killed too.”

“That would have been a price I’d have been willing to pay to save an entire country’s inhabitants though.”

Ember wraps her arms around Arc from behind him. “I know how you feel about such a thing, Arc. Were there such a threat to the Dragon Lands, I too would be willing to lay down my life to save it along with the dragons whom call it home. But at the same time, I couldn’t have stopped something I didn’t even know was happening until it was too late. No one could.”

Arc sighs as he leans forward and turns off the water. “I… suppose not. But that won’t bring back all of those dead griffons out there.”

Stepping out of the shower, Arc grabs a towel and dries himself off. Tossing it aside, he leaves the bathroom and sits down on the bed. A few minutes later Ember finishes drying herself and joins him. Sitting down next to Arc, she takes his hand and speaks.

“I need you to do something, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “I can’t.”

Ember takes his hand and places it on her leg. “Move your hand slowly down toward my knee.”

“Why?”

“Just trust me.”

Putting a claw on the back on his hand, Ember slowly pushes Arc’s hand down her leg. Picking it back up, she repeats the process a few times before continuing.

“How does my leg feel?”

“Very… smooth.”

“Even with our scales, dragons secrete an oil that helps them stay properly in place and moisten them.”

Stopping at her knee, she looks to Arc before continuing.

“Now then, I’d like for you to slowly and carefully move your hand from my knee back up to my thigh.”

Shrugging, Arc does as he is told. However, this time his hand is met with resistance. Ember speaks as he does so.

“As I’m sure you can feel, the scales themselves aren’t allowing you to do such a thing. At least not easily.”

“Why is that?”

“Because a dragon’s scales are meant to overlap one another in order to provide maximum protection, Arc. It forces blows or slashes to bounce away harmlessly.”

She runs a claw up her leg to pull up a scale slightly.

“However, if you were to go the other direction, you can literally get under our scales.”

“Which could lead to injury.”

“Sometimes, yeah. But our bodies have another defense.”

“Oh?”

“When you stroked the wrong way, my scales poked you. It was my body’s way of defending itself. Just in a slightly different form.”

“What are you getting at though, Ember?”

“Problems need to be handled, of course. But in the right way. Moving with the flow, one can get things done while also protecting themselves. However, if you go about it the wrong way you’re more prone to hurt others, and yourself, in the process.”

“And accomplish very little too I would imagine.”

Ember nods. “Right.”

She pulls his hand up her leg slowly again as she speaks.

“Now then, you might be able to get from my knee to my hip. But in all likelihood either one of us would probably stop you before you got anywhere near there due to discomfort or downright pain.”

“So you’re saying that if I had tried to stop the rebels by alternative means they would have turned on me?”

“And by proxy, Equestria too.”

“Maybe. But there had to have been a better way. A path that would have led to them being stopped or, at the very least, learning to coexist with their nation’s leadership.”

“It’s not wrong to try and think of other ways you could have done something in the past, Arc. However, when you start beating yourself up over the path not taken, that’s when you start having problems.”

“So I should do what then?! Accept the loss of an entire country?!”

Ember shakes her head. “No, Arc. But you do need to come to terms with the fact that you did your best.”

“Which failed, I might add!”

“Sometimes your best just isn’t going to be good enough though, Arc. Try your hardest, you can’t save everyone every time.”

“So what are you suggesting that I do then?!”

Ember puts her arms around Arc’s neck and looks him in the eye. “Accept what happened here, learn from it, and become a better person because of it. But first… mourn the loss of those innocent whom were lost.”

Pulling Arc into an embrace, Ember allows him to lay his head on her chest as they fall backwards onto the bed together. She does her best to console him as his tears roll across her scales. Petting his head, Ember whispers words of encouragement to Arc as she holds him in her arms. The pair doze fitfully throughout the evening as Arc remains restless. Eventually he rolls off of Ember to stare up at the ceiling. Ember follows him and lays upon his body to look down at him as she speaks.

“You can’t bring them back, Arc. No matter how much you want to do so, the Griffon Kingdom is gone.”

Arc sighs as he looks away. “I… I do know that. It’s just… that could have been Equestria instead. And it may yet be one day if someone figures out how to recreate that device.”

“But you won’t let such a thing come to pass, Arc.”

Arc sits up and speaks soberly. “Right.”

Ember looks to him, confused at his tone. “Arc?”

“That’s all I can do at this point, Ember. Make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“And how do you plan to do that?”

“By making sure that it’s never again found.”

“What’s never found?”

“The device.”

Turning to her, Arc continues.

“Ember, I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything!”

“Go back to Canterlot Castle and ask Twilight how she’s doing in her current project.”

Ember frowns. “Um… how would that help?”

“You said anything.”

“Guess I did. Not sure what this has to do with what we were talking about though.”

“It’s really important. Just see how she’s doing on it and send word back to me.”

Ember shrugs. “Fine.”

Arc stands and calls forth his gauntlet. “Thanks.”

Opening a portal, he motions for Ember to step through. Turning to him, she smiles.

“Just don’t do anything too crazy over this, Arc. Remember how much we all love you.”

“And I feel the same about you and the others, Ember.”

Giving his face a quick lick, Ember turns and hurries through the portal. As it closes, Arc quickly dresses and heads for the door. Coming to the bridge he spies Thunderlane at the helm. Walking over to him, he speaks.

“How are things going up here, Thunderlane?”

“Just fine, sir. We’ll make it back to Light’s Hope by dawn.”

“Good. But, uh…”

Thunderlane turns to him. “Somewhere else you want to go first, sir?”

“Kinda. Tell me, can the ship still land in the water?”

Thunderlane raises an eyebrow, confused. “Um… yes sir. But why?”

“Because I want you to do so.”

“Just to make sure that I understand you correctly, sir… you want the ship to land in the water and float?”

Arc nods. “Exactly. I need to do something.”

“Yes sir. I’ll begin the landing procedure.”

“Good. Feel free to shut the engines down and let the ship drift. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to take off again.”

Without another word, Arc turns and leaves the bridge. Making his way to the main hatch, he watches through a window as the mammoth ship lands gently on the waves and comes to a gentle stop. Listening for the engines to shut down, he waits until all is silent before opening the hatch and stepping out onto the deck. Walking to the bow, Arc puts his hands on the railing before sighing and looking out over the water. A full moon reflects off the smalls waves as they ripple against the hull. Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out a bottle and takes a long drink. Sitting down on the metal deck, he pulls out a large white box and sets it down before him.

“Been saving all this for a long time. Might as well use it now.”

A short time later the main hatch opens. Luna and Twilight walk out onto the deck. Spotting Arc at the bow, they walk over to him. Twilight is the first to speak.

“Um… Arc?”

Arc sighs. “Yes, Twilight?”

Twilight points with a hoof. “What is all of this?”

Arc looks down to the spread before him. “Just a little something I’ve been saving for a while now.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “I see cupcakes, cookies, milkshakes, brownies, and what appears to be a triple layer chocolate cake.”

Arc nods as he looks away. “When I was a little boy and my mother was upset, she’d drown her sorrows with alcohol. This is my way of coping without falling down drunk.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “Can we… join you?”

“Please do.”

Sitting down, Arc hands them both plates from his ring. After serving them each a slice of cake he pulls bottles out of his ring and hands them over.

“You can wash it down with this.”

Luna eyes the strange colored liquid within the bottles. “What… is it?”

“Gatorade. Fruit Punch flavor.”

Twilight smiles. “Rainbow Dash told us about this from her date with you.”

Arc gestures to the rest of the goodies before him. “Help yourselves to anything else you want. As you can see, I have plenty to share.”

They eat for a few moments before Twilight looks to Arc and speaks.

“Ember told me that you wanted an update on our progress.”

“That I do. But I’m surprised that she didn’t return with you.”

Luna gestures to the ship. “She did, yes.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Ember’s waiting for you back in your quarters. According to her, she said all that she could and wanted us to give it a try.”

Arc smiles sadly. “She tried her best. But let’s get back to the task at hand.”

Twilight sighs. “Auriel and Doctor Knowles were able to use the papers you sent them back with, Arc.”

“And the result?”

Luna takes a bite of her cake. “A method to safely dispose of the device’s payload has been developed.”

Twilight chimes in. “I personally did the deed though. It’s now completely inert and separated into base substances which were then broken down into their respective elements.”

“So just so I make sure that I’m understanding you, there’s absolutely no way of recombining them into the payload again?

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at this point, no.”

“Good.”

Luna frowns. “Twilight brought me up to speed on everything that’s been going on behind the scenes.”

Twilight looks to Arc nervously. “After Auriel told me what she knew, I relayed it to Luna. I hope that was alright.”

“It’s fine, Twilight. She needed to know eventually, after all.”

Luna sighs. “While I’m not usually pleased about being kept in the dark, I do understand your reasoning for it this time, Arc.”

Arc nods as he pulls a small box out of his ring. “Then you’ll know what has to be done next.”

Luna looks at the box. “What is that?”

Twilight’s ears droop. “The pieces of the device I would imagine.”

Arc sighs as he picks up a bolt and stares at it. “So much trouble was caused by such a small collection of parts.”

Standing, Arc turns and looks out over the water before them. Turning his gaze to look at the bolt in his hand, he winds up and throws it as far as he is able. They all watch as it sails through the air to land in the water with an audible ‘plop’. Luna gasps as it disappears from sight under the waves.

“Arc, what are you…?!”

Arc cuts her off as he picks up a nut. “This thing can’t ever be found and reconstructed, Luna. Ever.”

Twilight nods as she picks up a few wires. “Right. They have to go.”

Throwing the components into the ocean, Twilight and Arc take turns heaving pieces in all directions. In a few moments they come to the last one. Picking up the housing, Arc holds it in his hands before frowning and speaking.

“Here we are. The end of the line.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes. Go ahead, Arc.”

Luna steps toward him. “Um…”

Arc turns to her. “Yes, Luna?”

“May I?”

Arc holds out the housing to her. “Sure. Have at it.”

Taking it in her hooves, she looks at it for a long moment. Shaking her head, she speaks.

“This is what Guto wanted me to replace. A hunk of needlessly dangerous metal.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “And it cost him and his country everything.”

Luna turns and looks toward the moon for a moment before holding her hooves out over the side of the guardrail. As she drops the housing, a large sploosh rings out as it breaks the surface of the water and quickly sinks beneath the waves. Turning to Arc and Twilight, she nods soberly before crushing the now empty box with her hoof.

“It is done.”

Arc nods. “That it is.”

Luna looks to Arc. “I need to ask you something.”

“What is it, Luna?”

“Guto could have theoretically conquered the world with this and proclaimed himself emperor of all Equus.”

“I suppose so, yes. What about it?”

“How… how did you overcome the desire to keep it for yourself, Arc?”

Twilight appears confused. “What would he have even done with it?!”

Arc sighs. “The same Guto wanted to, I’m assuming.”

Luna continues. “Our world in its entirety could have been yours, Arc. With you as the world’s singular ruler, I am certain you would have brought about peace and prosperity.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Luna. Weapons can’t do something like that.”

“Oh?”

Arc looks out over the water as he speaks. “Such a thing can only be accomplished by allowing the citizens as a whole to remain free. Giving them the choices necessary to live their lives as they see fit.”

Twilight smiles up at him. “And that’s one of the reasons I’ve come to trust you so deeply, Arc. I feel as though I could easily allow you to take the throne for a finite amount of time. And yet, when the proper time came, you’d still be willing to give it back when asked.”

Arc chuckles. “I already have a time or two if you recall.”

Luna steps forward. “That Arc has. As the Lord Regent he ruled our nation with a noble and just hand.”

Arc looks to the west. “Equestria is a nice place. I didn’t want to change it.”

Luna nods soberly. “Yes, I can see that.”

Thinking for a few moments, she again speaks.

“Arc, would you please order the ship to continue onward with its journey?”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I suppose I should.”

“But as they carry out your order, I would like the two of you to accompany me somewhere… very special.”

“Sure, Luna.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But where would we be going?”

Luna sighs as her ears droop. “A place which is very… dear to my heart.”

“Just give me a few moments to call Thunderlane.”

Touching his earring, Arc speaks.

“Arc to Thunderlane.”

“I’m here, sir.”

“The business here has concluded and I’m ready to continue our journey back to Light’s Hope. How soon before the ship can take off?”

“I just need about ten minutes to go over a few things and restart the engines.”

“Good. Get started and take off when you are ready. I’ll be heading out via portal.”

Thunderlane sound confused. “Sir?”

Twilight flaps her wings to get some air. Leaning toward Arc’s earring, she speaks.

“Arc along with Princess Luna and I will be going on a very secret mission. Please don’t tell anypony that we’re gone.”

“Yes, Princess Twilight.”

Arc nods. “I’ll do my best to meet you at the base at some point tomorrow. Arc out.”

Severing the connection, he turns back to Luna before continuing.

“We should get moving before Thunderlane starts those engines again.”

Luna takes a deep breath. “Alright.”

Her horn aglow, Luna opens a portal and motions for Arc and Twilight to step through. As they do so the pair find themselves in the middle of a dark, foreboding, and very dense forest. Arc turns to Luna as the alicorn steps through her own portal to join them.

“Luna… where are we?”

Luna sighs. “A place Celestia and I spent quite a bit of time over a thousand years ago.”

Twilight gasps as her eyes grow wide. “You mean…?!”

Luna nods as she steps forward and gestures with a hoof to the ruined structure before them.

“Yes, Twilight. This… is the Castle of the Two Sisters.”

Arc looks it over as he and Twilight follow Luna. “I remember hearing about this at one point. But don’t recall how it came to be in such a state.”

Luna bows her head. “I… I did this.”

Twilight chimes in. “During your battle with Princess Celestia as Nightmare Moon?”

“Yes.”

Twilight turns her head to take in their surroundings as the trio enters the castle ruins. “Even in this state it’s still a sight to behold though. But why was it abandoned?”

Arc frowns. “The damage to it, while extensive, would probably have been much simpler and cheaper to repair than to build a whole new castle in Canterlot.”

Luna shrugs. “I imagine it would have been, yes. That and the capital was moved as well.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Did nopony want to live here anymore after the battle?”

“Not after Canterlot Castle was completed, no. Celestia told me that, while the city here was going to be rebuilt, when the nobles heard about the plans to move the capital to the north, they too followed.”

Arc gestures to the forest behind them. “And no one wanted to buy broken down manors.”

Luna nods. “Exactly.”

Twilight looks in awe at their surroundings. “This place is an architectural gold mine though! Why has nopony been here in so long?!”

“Most likely because only Celestia and myself even remember that it’s out here.”

Arc nods. “Everyone else whom called this city home has been dead for centuries. With no one ever coming out here I’m assuming eventually they stopped even putting it on maps.”

“That is correct, Arc. Only the most ancient of maps in the vault show the location of the nation’s former capital.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “The city… what was it called?”

Luna stops walking and looks all around. A few moments later she answers.

“The city of old was called… ‘Starborough’.”

Arc chuckles. “Not quite what I was expecting admittedly.”

Twilight frowns. “I’m confused as well, Luna.”

“When we took the seat of power, Celestia and I renamed the city that sprang up around the castle in memory of our mentor and friend.”

Arc looks to Luna. “Star-swirl the Bearded?”

“Correct. Even though he was gone, we wanted his name to be permanently attached to the land.”

Coming to a large set of double doors, Luna pushes them open with her magic. Entering what appears to be a massive library, Twilight gasps.

“This is… incredible!”

Luna gestures to it with a hoof. “Our friend’s former study. While not many of his books survived the battle between Celestia and I, an important few are still kept in the Canterlot achieves and the vault.”

She looks around the room for a few moments before looking to the pair and continuing.

“I myself haven’t been here since Celestia banished me oh so many centuries ago.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Painful memories?”

“Very.”

Walking over to a bookshelf, Luna sighs and runs a hoof along the rotting wood and empty shelves. Reaching into the darkness of a particular shelf she begins feeling around for a few moments. Wrapping her hoof around something, Luna gives a mighty pull. A slight click is heard as Luna sighs and steps to one side. Putting her front hooves on the side of the bookshelf she begins pushing. A few moments later the wood gives way to reveal a secret passageway hidden behind it. Motioning for Arc and Twilight to follow her, Luna casts a Light Spell and enters the darkness. Walking down a number of sets of stairs, the trio eventually comes to a large open room. Arc and Twilight join Luna in casting their own Light Spells as Luna gestures with a hoof and speaks.

“Here we are. The reason I brought you two here tonight.”

Twilight looks around confused. “Where are we though?”

Arc sighs “Where it all began, I assume.”

Luna nods soberly. “Correct, Arc. This is where Celestia and I started our journey as alicorns.”

Twilight gasps as her eyes grow wide. “This is where you ascended?!”

“Yes, Twilight.”

Luna looks down at the floor and blows away centuries of dirt and dust to reveal a portion of an ancient sigil underneath. Tapping it with a hoof, she looks to Twilight.

“This is the original sigil that Star-swirl used to transform Celestia and I.”

“Incredible!”

Arc kneels down and pushes some dirt away with his hand. “Agreed. Other than a thick layer of dust down here, it appears the original sigil was preserved perfectly.”

Luna sighs. “Our mentor was a very cautious and secure stallion. While he took great pains to make sure that nopony would every accidently find this place, he also wanted to make is so that it would stand the test of time.”

Twilight looks to Luna. “Why though? I mean… both you and Princess Celestia are immortal.”

“I don’t really know, Twilight. Perhaps he thought that, should something befall either myself of Celestia, that the surviving royal sister could use this to create another alicorn to replace the one whom was lost.”

Arc nods soberly. “A backup plan.”

Luna sighs. “A secondary one actually. Remember, I was originally the backup for Celestia.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Luna. He had faith that you too were needed to rule over Equestria.”

“His plan was originally for a single alicorn to be created though. Not two.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “He must’ve just changed his mind when he couldn’t choose one over the other.”

Luna shrugs. “Perhaps. But this place was something he worked on all by himself for many years assumedly. Digging it out and disposing of the dirt slowly over time so that nopony would have grown suspicious.”

Arc taps the floor with a foot. “All while doing the research needed to come up with the necessary sigils to make his dream a reality.”

Twilight grins widely. “He’s even more incredible when you put it like that!”

Luna nods. “That he was, Twilight.”

Arc turns to look Luna in the eye. “While I can’t disagree with that, I also don’t know why you’re sharing this with us now.”

Twilight gasps. “Yes, this is something that should be kept to just you and Princess Celestia!”

Luna steps to the center of the sigil. “We’ve done that for a long time, Twilight. Celestia and I have had our secrets for what many would consider forever. But the idea came to me when Arc told us of his reasoning behind destroying the griffon weapon.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Luna smiles at him. “You merely wanted what was best for the nation as a whole.”

“As does Twilight.”

Luna nods. “Right. Therefore, I felt that the two of you could be trusted with the greatest secret of the alicorns.”

She walks over to an ancient looking stone lectern. Putting her front hooves on it, she traces the top gently and looks to the pair.

“In here is the book that Star-swirl used to cast the spell to turn us into alicorns.”

Twilight gasps. “It’s still there?!”

Luna nods. “Yes, Twilight. Even now, I can feel it’s power ever so slightly.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How hasn’t it been taken by mold and time though?”

“There is a special enchantment cast on this cover. Something to preserve the pages and the information they contain.”

Sighing, she looks up at Arc before continuing.

“As I said, this is our greatest secret. But I know it will be safe with you and Twilight.”

“I’ll never tell anyone about this.”

“Nor will I.”

Luna bows her head. “Thank you. With Twilight and Cadance learning how to rule the land, the time will eventually come when Celestia and I will become redundant.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! But Equestria will always need you two!”

“No, Twilight. One day Celestia and I shall step back and turn the land over to you and Cadance to lead from that point on.”

Arc nods soberly. “No ruler leads forever, after all.”

Luna sighs. “You are correct, Arc. Should they try to do so, it would only lead to calamity for the nation. In this way we will preserve Equestria for future generations to grow up in and thrive.”

Twilight smiles. “I’ll do my best to make you and Princess Celestia proud, of course. But… I know I’m nowhere near ready for such a thing.”

“Not to worry, Twilight. Celestia and I will mentor you for many years before our departure. You won’t be made to flounder about needlessly as we did in our first few years as princesses.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Thank you! I’ll do my very best to learn all I can from you and Princess Celestia before that day comes!”

“I trust you will, Twilight. But for now, I believe that we should return to Equestria.”

Twilight frowns. “Now?”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Was there something else you wanted to do first, Twilight?”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “Yes actually. Would it be asking too much for you to, uh… give me a tour of this place?”

Arc chuckles. “You want to see the castle?”

Twilight nods. “I would! After all, it’s not every day that I’m able to see such a historic site and be guided by someone whom actually lived there hundreds of years ago!”

Luna giggles slightly. “But aren’t you tired after such a long day?”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “I can sleep anytime. And I can’t picture myself doing such a thing knowing this important part of Equestrian history is out here.”

Arc chuckles. “We could always head back via sigil if you or Twilight gets too tired.”

Luna smiles at Twilight as they head back toward the stairs. “Very well then. I shall show you the upstairs first.”

“Oh? Why there?”

“I just thought you’d like to see Celestia and I’s old room.”

Twilight grins happily. “Yes, I would!”

“Please follow me.”

The trio begin their tour. Hours later, as the first rays of the dawn’s light shine over the horizon, Arc, Twilight, and Luna emerge from a portal in front of Light’s Hope. Twilight turns to Luna as it closes behind them.

“Thank you for showing us that wonderful place!”

Arc nods as he lowers his voice. “Yes, but remember that we have to keep it to ourselves, Twilight.”

Twilight nods fervently. “I won’t tell a soul! Promise!”

Luna smiles. “Thank you, Twilight. Just be aware that there are innumerable secrets that we shall share with you before you are ready to take your proper place.”

“Where will you and Princess Celestia go when that time comes though?”

“We’ll probably travel for a time before settling down in some remote part of the world.”

Twilight appears hopeful. “But you’ll still be in Equestria, right?!”

Luna shrugs. “One never really knows what the future holds, Twilight. However, rest assured that should the land have need of us, both Celestia and I shall return to lend our aid.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Agreed.”

Twilight turns to him. “Arc?”

Arc steps toward Luna. “I need to say something.”

“What is it?”

“You and your sister ultimately just want to find peace. That and have a life outside of ruling over the nation at some point in the future.”

Twilight frowns. “I don’t see what’s wrong with that, Arc.”

“Nothing really. But you have to understand that I want that for myself as well as my future wives.”

Sighing, he looks to Luna soberly before continuing.

“Princess Celestia is safely back in Equestria with Twilight by her side. Things are stable and the world is pretty much at peace right now.”

Luna nods approvingly. “Thanks to you, Arc.”

“And now… now I just want to enjoy that peace.”

Kneeling down in front of Luna, he bows his head.

“Princess Luna. As Equestria’s Hero of Light, I hereby wish to declare my resignation.”

Luna gasps. “Resignation?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I would like to go back to being just a normal Equestrian citizen.”

Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “But why, Arc?!”

“Like I’ve made clear in the past, Twilight, I just want to settle down here in Ponyville with you and the others. Have a simple and normal life. Eat breakfast with everyone at Shelly’s Kitchen some mornings. Go on dates and eventually marry you and the others. As Luna said, should the land have need of her and Celestia, they will be here to help. And the same goes for me as well. If something big comes up I’ll do what is needed to protect the country. But as it stands, I think it’s time for ‘the torch to be passed’.”

Luna sighs. “Arc… the office of the Hero of Light isn’t something that is normally vacated other than through death. While I certainly can’t force you to stay in such a position, please understand that it would cause problems were you to simply announce your resignation publicly.”

Twilight frowns. “But that isn’t fair! You and Princess Celestia are planning to do the exact same thing at some point in the future, Luna!”

“Yes, we are. However, it will be a very long transition period requiring decades if not centuries of micro steps to completely remove us from power.”

Arc nods as he stands. “I do kinda understand what you’re saying. Were you and your sister to announce one day that you were leaving right away, everyone in the country would be on edge over it.”

Twilight groans. “So what are you supposed to do, Arc?!”

Arc turns back to Luna. “How about this idea then? I’ll stay on as the nation’s Hero of Light, but on paper only. The citizens can think that I’m still around and actively doing things to keep them safe. But in reality, I’ll just be enjoying my life in Ponyville with the others.”

Luna appears hopeful. “And we’ll still be able to count on your support should a domestic or international need arise, correct?”

Arc nods. “Of course. I can’t just let trouble run rampant, after all. Assuming there isn’t some other way for you and the other princesses to bring it to heel.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s leg. “Right. We shouldn’t be in the habit of calling on Arc for everything, after all. Others, myself included, will need to step forward to protect the land.”

Luna smiles. “Well said, Twilight. And I do agree with you. We shall do our best to allow Arc to enjoy his retirement.”

Twilight smirks. “Along with some sort of generous severance package, I would assume.”

Luna nods. “Agreed. No one can deny that he has worked hard for Equestria as well as gone well beyond what can be called his duty.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Is there something you’d like of Equestria, Arc?”

“I would actually. You see…”

Sometime later The Equinox lands on its pad next to Light’s Hope. Arc, Twilight, and Luna stand nearby and watch along with the entire base’s personnel lined up. As the ship’s engines die down, Hammer leads Celestia, Ember, Natalya, Gallus, Gabby, and Heathcliff down the gangplank. They approach Arc together as the rest of the ship’s crew begins to disembark. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Came to welcome us, I see.”

Arc grins. “Yup.”

Gallus looks at the guards lined up with their packs. “Um… this supposed to be some kind of spring cleaning, sir?”

“In a matter of speaking, yes.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “That doesn’t make any sense though.”

Celestia looks to Luna. “What is going on here, sister?”

“Just a bit of a… a changing of the guard, Celestia.”

Natalya appears confused. “Is everything alright, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Natalya. All will be made clear in due time.”

Soarin and the bridge crew disembark the ship with their saddlebags along with Stellar Flare. They line up in front of Arc and salute as the captain approaches Arc and speaks.

“All present and accounted for, sir.”

“All the crew, Soarin?”

Lemon Hearts looks over a clipboard. “Everypony is accounted for, sir. With the exception of your steed Sereb and Ambassador Ashe, that is.”

Moon Dancer quickly chimes in. “Whom will be returning at a later date on the Lunar Destiny, sir.”

Arc turns to Thunderlane. “Perfect. And the ship has been completely shut down?”

“Yes sir. All engines are cooling normally.”

Wrangler steps forward. “Sir, might I ask what the hay this is all about?”

Luna gestures to the ship. “The Equinox is being transferred.”

Stellar Flare raises an eyebrow. “You mean that we’re being transferred right, your highness?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Luna meant what she said.”

Nodding to Arc, Twilight motions to the ship with a wave of her hoof. Stepping toward it, he looks the vessel over for a few moments before raising his hands and casting a spell. All present watch in awe as the ship quickly begins to shrink until it is roughly the size of a football. Picking it up Arc places it dutifully in his ring before turning and walking toward Light’s Hope. Doing the same to it, he puts Light’s Hope in the magic ring as well. Looking to those present, Arc speaks.

“All of you have performed your duties well and brought honor to both my command and our country! However, until the time comes when the land is again in need of them, I shall be decommissioning both The Equinox as well as Light’s Hope! Everyone here will be granted a two-week shore leave before reporting back to Canterlot Castle for new duties!”

He smiles widely as he looks to everyone present and continuing.

“Thank you all for your service and for making this land a safe place for everyone. Dismissed.”

They salute him respectfully and turn to leave. Hammer frowns and looks to Arc.

“Uh… what are you doing, Arc?”

“In a word… retiring.”

Natalya gasps. “Right now?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, Natalya.”

Ember grins. “About darn time!”

Lemon Hearts frowns. “But who will…!”

Twilight interrupts her. “Arc will still be our nation’s Hero of Light. However, he won’t be gallivanting all over the world on a regular basis anymore.”

Thunderlane chuckles. “I guess things are probably going to be pretty calm for a while now.”

Moon Dancer nods. “Logically, yes.”

Wrangler sighs. “Trouble’s always around the corner though, sir.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And if it rears its ugly head then I’ll come deal with it. However, for the moment, I just want to be able to have some semblance of a normal life.”

Stellar Flare raises a hoof. “Sir, might I be allowed to return to my duties in Canterlot Castle?”

Arc smiles at her. “With Sunburst?”

“It has been a long time since we were together, yes.”

“That’s up to the princesses.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose we could find you something to do over there, miss.”

Stellar Flare bows respectfully. “Thank you, Princess Luna.”

Soarin steps forward. “Sir?”

“Yes, captain?”

“I… just wanted to say that I’m honored to have served under you. Captain Tight Ship would be happy knowing that this warship was no longer needed.”

“As am I. Now then, all of you enjoy yourselves doing whatever it is that you like. And thank you all… for everything.”

The bridge crew salutes as one and walks away together. Arc watches them disappear around a curve in the path before he notices those behind him. Ember, Hammer, Natalya, and Twilight are all resting their hand, claw, talon, and hoof on his shoulders. Turning to them, he smiles.

“And that goes for me too.”

Ember smirks. “So what now?”

“I’m going to be spending significantly more quality time with my little family, going on dates, and getting to know everyone better.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “And me?”

Ember nods approvingly. “You too.”

Hammer grins. “Right! You’re family now, Nat!”

Twilight looks in the direction of town. “We’ll have a tea time later today so that you can tell the rest of the herd about your feelings.”

Luna smiles. “And I’ll return to Canterlot with Celestia so that you can have some time with your friends, Twilight.”

Celestia quickly chimes in. “But do return when you have the time, Twilight. After all, Equestria won’t rule itself.”

“I will, Princess Celestia. But right now I have things to do here in town.”

Luna nods. “Then we shall leave you to it, Twilight.”

Looking to Arc, she smiles before continuing.

“Take care of her for us, Arc.”

“I will, Luna.”

Opening a portal, Luna motions to Celestia. They enter together and are gone. Arc looks to Natalya and chuckles.

“I’ll run your bits over to the bank later when it opens.”

“No rush, Arc. After all, I’m sure you have more than a few things to do.”

Gallus chuckles. “Now that you’re retired you can live the good life.”

Gabby frowns. “Hey! What about Heathcliff and I?!”

Hammer looks to Arc. “They can’t really live in Light’s Hope with it in your ring, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “We’ll get them a room at the inn for a day or two.”

Natalya giggles. “That’s about how long it will take to close on the little house I had picked out.”

Gallus grins. “There room for all of us though, right?”

Natalya nods. “Yes, indeed.”

She looks to Heathcliff before continuing.

“As well as a guest room too.”

Heathcliff bows respectfully. “I shall serve you dutifully, Mistress Natalya.”

“That isn’t necessary, Heathcliff.”

Gallus grins. “After all, a small place is a lot less work for everyone.”

Gabby gasps. “Work?!”

Natalya looks to her sister. “Yes, Gabby. We’re all going to be doing chores.”

“What are ‘chores’?!”

Gallus shakes his head. “I’ll explain it on the way into town, Gabby.”

“Good idea! We need to show Heathcliff around!”

She grabs his talon and begins pulling as she speaks.

“We can start with Sugarcube Corner! I want a snack!”

Natalya looks to Arc apologetically. “Can I catch up with you and the others later?”

“Sure. No rush.”

Ember grins. “Yeah! Just have a nice time with your family.”

Hammer winks and gives her a ‘thumbs up’. “We’ll find you later.”

Twilight giggles. “I’ll stop by the Town Hall when it opens and see about expediting your deed paperwork, Natalya.”

“You really don’t have to do that, Twilight.”

Ember shrugs. “She kinda does.”

Arc nods. “Right. Heathcliff and your siblings need a place to stay.”

Hammer grins widely. “That and it’ll go smooth as butter with a princess calling the shots.”

Twilight nods. “With luck we can get this done today.”

Natalya bows her head respectfully. “Thank you, Twilight. But I should probably catch up to Gallus and Gabby now.”

Twilight steps forward. “I’ll come with you. There are a few things I need to do in town as well.”

Arc waves after them. “Have fun! I’ll call you later, Natalya!”

Natalya appears confused. “Call?”

“Sorry! Human reference!”

They head for Ponyville as Arc turns back to Ember and Hammer.

“So… I guess that just leaves the three of us.”

Ember grins wickedly. “That it does.”

Hammer smirks. “Yup!”

“Um… anything special you two want to do to celebrate this?”

Ember nods. “I can think of something, yes.”

Hammer licks her lips. “Yeah!”

“What is it?”

Ember latches onto Arc’s arm. “How about we head on over to that inn and get a room of our own together?”

Hammer grabs Arc’s other arm. “Thinking the same thing.”

Arc chuckles. “And what about Derpy, Rarity, and Applejack?”

Ember presses her body against his. “I didn’t think you’d be into making this into a group thing though, Arc.”

Hammer leans her head on his shoulder. “The more the merrier though! Let’s do it!”

Arc rolls his eyes and sighs as the three of them slowly make their way down the path toward town. “You two… one track minds.”

Author's Note

I hope you've enjoyed reading the story thus far. While I am working on the next volume, it's not likely I'll be able to read it with my wife and start translating the text before May. As of now, I'm about six hundred pages into the next volume. But it's probably only about halfway done.

If you haven't done so already, please go back and re-read the first two volumes. I remastered them some time ago and added another major story arc during the time Arc and Ember were imprisoned in Tartarus. During their adventure they met a demon whom will be making another appearance in the upcoming volume. Hopefully my wife will enjoy it as much as I am thus far.

Stay tuned for the aftermath of Arc's retirement.

Chapter 2 - Lost and Alone

Arc slowly opens his eyes. Before him stretches nothing but darkness. Groaning, he rolls over onto his back and calls out groggily.

“Ch-Cherry? Are you there?”

Silence ensues. Shaking his head a few times, he eventually gets a response.

“Ugh... I’m here, Arc.”

“You okay in there?”

“Yes, I am. But that was a bit strange.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead as he sits up. “I don’t remember a whole lot after that flash of light. How about you?”

Cherry sighs. “A large bang. But nothing after that.”

“Were you knocked unconscious too?”

“So it would seem. A very strange phenomenon considering the fact that I’m not alive anymore.”

“You’ve never blacked out before though, right?”

“Not once. It was a very... disconcerting feeling.”

Arc slowly gets to his feet. “That’s an understatement.”

“Where are we though?”

“I can’t really tell. Too dark to see much of anything. Give me a minute to get my bearings and we’ll try again.

A few moments later Arc casts a Light Spell. Looking around he frowns.

“This looks like the Golden Oaks Library to me?”

Cherry gasps “It would appear as though whatever happened really did a number on this place!”

Arc nods as he takes in their surroundings. “I’m guessing that some kind of magical explosion happened.”

“And knocked us out in the process?”

“Presumably, yes.”

“And for quite some time too it would seem. Look outside.”

Walking over to a window, Arc peers out into the inky darkness. Frowning, he speaks.

“It’s nighttime already?”

“How long do you suppose were we out, Arc?!”

Arc turns his head. “The clock over there says... wait a second.”

Looking at it closely for a time, Arc shakes his head before continuing.

“It’s stopped.”

“But I know it was working when we arrived! If you recall, it chimed as we walked in the front door!”

Arc shrugs. “Probably due to the same magical explosion that knocked us out.”

“None of this makes any sense though! I mean... Twilight and Ember were in the kitchen! Why didn’t they come to our aid?!”

Arc gasps. “Oh no!”

Running into the kitchen, Arc quickly looks around. Seeing no one at the table and the chairs knocked over, he breathes a sigh of relief.

“Good!”

Cherry grunts. “Good?!”

“That they’re not lying here hurt, or something.”

“But that still doesn’t answer the question of what happened to them. I mean... they wouldn’t have left you and I to lie here on the floor all day.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Not a chance. But at the same time, I’m still glad they weren’t hurt.”

Cherry gasps. “Unless somepony kidnapped them, that is!”

Arc clenches a fist. “It is possible, yes! That whole magical explosion might have been meant to take me out of the picture long enough to do the deed!”

“We should get some help then!”

“Agreed! Let’s head to Canterlot Castle and mobilize the soldiers there!”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc attempts to open a portal. However, to his surprise nothing happens. Looking at his gauntlet Arc gives it a smack before trying again.

“Come on!”

“Is something wrong, Arc?”

“I can’t seem to open a portal!”

“How about calling somepony on your earring then?”

“Good idea!”

Touching his earring, Arc speaks.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts!”

Silence rings out. Frowning, Arc tries again.

“Why doesn’t she answer?!”

Cherry sighs. “Because you have The Equinox in your ring, Arc. Remember, the ship’s crew isn’t aboard.”

“Oh… right! Now I just plain feel silly.”

Thinking for a moment, Arc again touches his earring and speaks.

“Arc to Sunburst!”

Again nothing.

“Arc to Hammer! Come in please!”

Groaning, Arc continues.

“Arc to Lunar Destiny! Arc to Canterlot! Arc to... anyone!”

As before, his calls return nothing. Grunting, Arc turns to the telephone on a nearby table. Picking it up, he puts the receiver to his ear for a moment before tapping the top a few times. Setting it back in his cradle, he shakes his head.

“It’s dead.”

Cherry gasps. “What?!”

“Sorry, I just meant the phone line.”

“Perhaps the magical explosion?”

“Probably.”

Turning toward the door, Arc makes a beeline for it. Cherry calls out to him as he does so.

“Arc! Where are we going?!”

Arc grits his teeth. “To the Town Hall, I guess. We can us a phone there to make a call to Canterlot.”

Opening the front door, Arc steps out into the cool night air. Looking around in total darkness, save for his Light Spell, he sighs.

“Let’s see about getting to the bottom of this.”

Reaching for his ring, he calls forth his armor. As his helmet materializes, Arc is able to see a bit more clearly. Turning, he begins running down the road toward town. Eventually, Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc, wait!”

Arc frowns. “What is it, Cherry?!”

“Look to your left!”

Stopping, Arc does as he is told. Shrugging, he speaks.

“There’s nothing there though.”

“Exactly!”

“I don’t get your meaning.”

“That’s the field behind Light’s Hope!”

Arc’s eyes grow wide. “What?!”

“I remember the tree line at the other end of it!”

Arc looks around frantically. Then where’s the base’s indentation in the soil?!

“It’s gone!”

“That doesn’t make any sense! Even if nature had reclaimed the land under the base there would still be signs that it had been here originally! Like the path leading up to the door!”

“I know, Arc! But this is where it was, and it’s not here!”

Arc frowns. “Let me check something.”

Heading for the tree line, Arc looks all around. Sighing, he bows his head.

“It’s gone.”

“I assume you’re not talking about the base anymore.”

Arc shakes his head. “My mother’s monument. I ordered it permanently set right around here. But it’s nowhere to be seen.”

“This is getting weirder and weirder all the time, Arc.”

“You’re telling me.”

“What now? Do we continue on towards the Town Hall?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Yes. But first we’ll continue down the path and head to the orphanage.

Cherry sounds confused. “The orphanage?”

Arc nods. “Normally I wouldn’t go there at this hour and risk waking up the foals whom are trying to sleep. But given the nature of this situation I’ll stop in there and use Coco Pommel’s office phone to call Canterlot. The princesses can have troops sent over.”

“Ah! Why didn’t I think of that?”

Arc chuckles as he begins running again. “I could say the same. After all, we would have to pass by it to get to the Town Hall.”

Continuing on his way, Arc makes the short run to the orphanage. Approaching the spot, he stops and frowns.

“What the...?!”

Cherry grunts. “It’s not here either!”

Looking around, they see no sign of the building or any traces that there had ever been a structure there at all. Arc puts a gauntlet to his forehead.

“This has to be a bad dream!”

Cherry gasps. “I wanna wake up then!”

“Me too!”

“What now?!”

Arc puts a hand on a nearby tree. “This is beyond weird. I remember this land being cleared for the building.”

“What does that prove though?”

“Think about it, Cherry. Suppose someone had found a way to spirit away the Little Hooves Orphanage somehow. And let’s also assume that they had been able to take the building all the way down to the foundations as well. Even so, which is already quite a stretch for the imagination, they probably couldn’t have regrown all these trees in the structures’ places.”

Cherry groans. “And even if they had somehow been able to do so, the dead foliage underhoof appears to be many years old. You can’t fake something like that with magic.”

Arc looks around nervously. “Did we... do you suppose that we went back in time?”

“Not a chance, Arc! That’s impossible!”

“It does make the most sense though. For all we know that blast might have been some kind of tearing of the space/time continuum, or something.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Space and time... what?”

“It’s something from a movie back home. A guy travels through time and accidently changes things.”

“But we didn’t do anything of the sort!”

“At this point all I can figure is that we’ve somehow traveled backwards in time to before I came to Equestria. Or at the very least, before I became the Hero of Light.”

“How can we know for sure though?”

“I have an idea. Let’s head into town.”

Making his way down the road for a time, they find themselves in front of a small building. Trying the door, Arc finds it locked. Cherry sighs as she calls out.

“It’s the middle of the night, Arc. Nopony’s going to be in there at the moment.

“I suppose that’s true, yes.”

Looking around for a few moments, Arc eventually makes his way over to a window. Sighing, he makes a fist and smashes a pane of glass with his gauntlet. Cherry gasps at this and cries out.

“Arc! What are you...?!”

Arc cuts her off as he brushes away the broken glass to enlarge the hole. “I have to know for sure, Cherry.”

“But this is breaking and entering!”

“Uh... Hero of Light. Above the law, remember?”

“That may be, but...!”

Arc interrupts her. “I’ll have someone come over here and replace the window tomorrow morning, okay?”

Cherry groans as Arc reaches through the window and unlatches the lock. Opening the window, Arc climbs inside. Looking around for a few moments, Cherry calls out to him.

“Where are we?”

“The office of the local newspaper, the Ponyville Daily.”

“What could we possibly find here though?”

“If we’re lucky... answers.”

Walking over to the printing presses, Arc pushes aside reams of blank paper to get to the end of the line. Finding a stack of newspapers, he quickly snatches one up and looks at the front page. Turning to a nearby lamp for some light and pointing to the top of the page, Arc continues.

“There!”

Cherry sounds confused as she reads the headline aloud. “Barnyard Bargains announces largest ever sale on wallpaper?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not the headline. The date.”

Cherry gasps. “It’s from almost a year ago!”

Arc frowns as he tosses the paper aside. “Right. So it would appear that we did indeed travel back in time.”

“Maybe not.”

“What do you mean, Cherry?”

“Look at the printing presses themselves.”

Doing so, Arc frowns. Running a finger along the metal frame makes a line in the dust.

“That’s odd. I would have thought that this machine would get a lot of use.”

“Now check the ink tray.”

Arc walks behind the machine. Rolling up a newspaper, he pulls open the small door and sticks it into the reservoir. Pulling it out again he examines the end.

“Not a drop.”

Grabbing a nearby chair, Arc steps onto it and peeks into the tank.

“It looks like I was only partially right. There is indeed ink in there.”

“But it’s hardened up.”

Arc frowns as he steps down. “I imagine it would take quite some time for something like that to happen.”

“Weeks. Maybe even months.”

“None of this makes any sense. “

Cherry sighs. “Why would the local newspaper be shut down?”

Arc clenches a fist. “I can think of only one reason.”

“Oh?”

“Let’s see if I’m right.”

Leaving the building, Arc walks down the street. Coming to Barnyard Bargains he tries the door. Finding it locked, naturally, Arc looks to the window and raises a gauntlet. Cherry cries out hastily.

“Arc, wait!”

Arc stops. “What is it, Cherry?”

“There might be an alarm on the door!”

Arc shrugs. “If my theory is correct, it won’t matter.”

“Might I suggest a less brute force idea then?”

“Sure, Cherry. What is it?”

“Could you not just simply Blink inside?”

There is a long silence during which Arc facepalms.

“Yes... yes, I could.”

Doing as Cherry says, Arc reappears inside of the shop. The smell of rotting produce greets his nose immediately. Gagging, he glances around for a few moments before looking up and Blinking through the ceiling to reappear up on the roof. Falling to his knees, Arc removes his helmet and coughs violently in an effort to clear his lungs as Cherry calls out to him frantically.

“Are you alright?!”

Arc gags. “I could literally taste the air!”

“What was it?!”

“The smell of decay. Lots of decay.”

“Decay?!”

“From the fruit and vegetable stands I’m guessing.”

“But no proper vendor would allow such a thing to get to that point!”

Arc nods as he gets to his feet. “You’re right. Filthy Rich may be a penny-pinching scumbag, yes. But he does pride himself on selling quality merchandise. Generally speaking, of course.”

“Meaning what exactly?”

Arc frowns as he looks out over the dark town. “That something is very wrong here in Ponyville.”

“So you still believe us to have traveled through time?”

“Until something more concrete shows itself, yes.”

“Fine. So what are we supposed to do now, Arc?”

Arc gestures to the town. “Do you hear that?”

“Hear what exactly?”

“That’s just it. There’s not a sound to be heard. No crickets, no owls, no... whatever else comes out at night. Hardly even a breeze either.”

Cherry gasps. “You’re right! But what could cause such a thing?!”

Arc sighs as he picks up his helmet and puts it back on. “I have no idea. But I want answers.”

“Where could we get them from?”

“I’m going to guess that Ponyville as a whole is deserted. But we’ll check around just to be sure.”

“Good idea. Carousel Boutique is just down the road.”

“Then we’ll start there.”

Jumping off the roof, Arc levitates himself to the ground with a spell. Making the short walk to the shop he looks it over from the outside for a few moments before muttering to himself.

“No lights on inside.”

Cherry sighs. “Just like the rest of the town, yes.”

“At this point, I hope I don’t find anything in there.”

Blinking inside Arc looks around the darkened shop. Dust covers the displays and the sewing machine in the back. Heading upstairs he enters Rarity’s room and looks around. Walking to the vanity he picks up a brush and looks it over for a few moments.

“Covered in dust too.”

“I can’t see Rarity letting things get this messy, Arc.”

“So, she hasn’t been here in quite some time, I would imagine.”

“It would appear not.”

Arc sets the brush down as he turns around. “Let’s check a couple of my other friends’ homes then. See what we can turn up.”

“I suppose that’s a plan. After all, we really have nothing else to go on.”

Making the rounds, Arc visits a number of his friend’s houses. Finding no signs of life, he continues on down the road back toward the center of town. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as he walks.

“It would appear that the entire town is abandoned.”

“Agreed. But I do want to check one last place before moving on.”

Heading down the road quickly, Arc approaches Derpy’s small house. Finding the door unlocked, he enters. Looking around the living room, he frowns.

“This is strange.”

“What is, Arc?”

“The layout of this place is off.”

“Define ‘off’.”

“This is the old cottage floor plan. From the way it was before the town was rebuilt after Decimus burned everything to the ground.”

He sighs before continuing.

“That and Derpy’s furniture is all gone too.”

“Is that important?”

Arc nods soberly. “She sold it to a pawnbroker named Fortunate Ire to buy food. It would appear that I wasn’t here to buy it back for her.”

He points to an old rug lying in front of the cold, dark fireplace before continuing.

“And Derpy told me that her old rug burned in the fire.”

“So you’re saying that we really did go back in time?!”

Arc sighs. “It would seem so, yes.”

“But that doesn’t explain why the town is abandoned though!”

“True. However, at this point I don’t really know where we’re supposed to go from here.”

“Do you think there’s anything more to find here in Ponyville?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. It would appear that we’re going to have to head to another town to get help.”

“What’s the closest settlement?”

Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out a map. “According to this, Canterlot.”

“I imagine it would be, yes. But without a train you would have to walk the tracks.”

“Nothing wrong with that though, is there?”

“There kinda is. You see, the route up the mountain is long and winding. And cold too this time of year I would imagine. Especially on foot.”

Arc sighs as he puts the map away. “So what do you suggest?”

“How about Dodge Junction? It may be a bit further to travel, but that’s over level terrain.”

“That would still be quite a ways to go on foot though.”

“What if you had a vehicle?”

“Anything would be preferable to walking at this point.”

“I remember that the train station back in Dodge Junction had a small pump cart. It was used by the staff to travel down the tracks to do maintenance.”

Arc grins. “So, it would stand to reason that Ponyville should have one as well.”

“Exactly!”

“Then let’s go see for ourselves.”

Leaving the house, Arc closes the door behind them and looks around.

“None of this makes any sense to me. Where the heck is everyone?”

“No clues anywhere as to where they went or why either.”

“Right. But we do need a place to stay.”

“Like here in Derpy’s place?”

Arc grimaces. “I... don’t really think that would be the best choice. Remember, Derpy doesn’t have any furniture. That means no beds.”

“Then how about the Golden Oaks Library? It’ll probably be comfy enough. With a bit of cleaning and washing of the sheets, that is.”

“That would probably work in theory. But I was actually thinking we should use Fluttershy’s cottage instead.”

“Oh? Why there?”

“Because it’s small, outside of town, and not known to many ponies other than the residents of Ponyville.”

“You sound like we’re trying to hide from something, Arc.”

“We may very well be. After all, who’s to say that we’re truly alone out here.”

“Then I suppose the cottage it is then.”

Arc motions to the road. “Let’s head over there now so I can set up a sigil.”

Heading toward Fluttershy’s cottage, the pair walk on. Arriving, they enter the small home to the latent scent of straw, animal fur, and earth. Looking around for a few moments, Arc walks over to a small picture sitting on an end table. Picking it up, he looks it over as he sits down on the couch. Seeing it is a picture of Twilight and her friends smiling happily, Cherry speaks softly.

“I’m sure they’re fine.”

Arc sighs. “I sure hope so. But if something terrible really did happen here in Ponyville, they would have been the first to face it.”

“That’s true, yes. However, they’ve done so in the past and always come out on top from what I hear.”

“Hopefully they did in this instance too.”

Smiling, he touches the picture and speaks softly.

“I’ll find you, my friends. That’s a promise. But until then, stick together and stay strong. I love all of you.”

Looking at the picture for a few moments longer, Arc eventually sets it back down in its place and stands.

“Guess we’d better get moving.”

“Yes. Mustn’t keep them waiting, after all.”

Kneeling down, Arc creates a sigil in the middle of the Living Room. Turning his head to look around the room again, he eventually calls out.

“Ready, Cherry?”

“I suppose I am, Arc. But... um...”

“Something wrong?”

“Perhaps we should stay here for the night. After all, it’s really late and you could use some sleep.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’m actually not tired.”

“How though?! It’s literally the middle of the night!”

“Probably all the ‘rest’ I got lying on Twilight’s floor.”

“And there’s that too. We really should have you looked at by a doctor.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh... why?”

“Well... you don’t really know if anything happened to you on the trip through time!”

“And what exactly would I tell the doctor to look for?”

“Just a general check-up then!”

Arc motions to the window as he talks. “That and I’m guessing the hospital is as abandoned as the rest of the town is.”

Cherry sighs. “I... suppose that’s true. But would you do me one favor?”

“What’s that?”

“Be mindful of yourself and your surroundings while we’re out there. We still don’t know what’s going on or what dangers lie beyond these walls.”

Arc nods. “That’s fair. I’ll watch your back and you watch mine. Now then, shall we be off?”

“I’m ready when you are.”

Walking toward the door Arc leaves the cottage and make his way down the path back toward town again. Arriving at the train station, the pair look around. Spotting a large building with tracks leading into it (the train kind, not human or pony), he walks over to it. Blinking inside, Arc quickly scans the contents of the building. Several overhead cranes line the ceiling and numerous workbenches sit in various states of disrepair. Cherry calls out excitedly.

“Over there, Arc! In the corner!”

Looking over, Arc spies a pump cart pushed off to one side. Grabbing it, he pushes the cart over to the tracks. Holding out a hand, he picks up the cart with a Telekinesis Spell and sets it on the rails. Running over to the large doors, Arc pushes them open before returning to the cart. Hopping up onto it he pushes the pump down. The cart lurches ahead as it pulls out of the building. Pulling the lever back up, Arc grunts as he pumps the mechanism up and down. Frowning, he speaks as they approach the station.

“I think this might actually be more effort than just walking down the tracks, Cherry.”

“Do you want me to help you?”

“How though?”

Cherry giggles. “In your armor, silly!”

Arc facepalms as he stops pumping. “Okay, admittedly... now I feel like an idiot.”

Jumping down from the cart, Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward from his ring. Cherry enters it and allows him to step out. Climbing onto the cart across from Arc, she grabs the lever with both gauntlets and looks to him as he gets into position across from her.

“Ready?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

They begin pushing in tandem. Arc grins as they do so.

“Yes, this is MUCH easier!”

“The cart appears to have some kind of mechanism inside to help amplify our pushes. It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be too.”

As the cart pulls outside of town Cherry points ahead.

“We have to stop here first, Arc.”

“What? Why?”

“You’ll see.”

Shrugging, Arc does as Cherry says. As the cart rolls to a stop, Eidolon’s Ward jumps down and runs over to a post. Grabbing a lever, she pulls it to the side. A slight grinding sound is made as the tracks shift to the other path. Hurrying back to Arc on the cart, Cherry quickly hops back on and grabs her side of the lever again.

“That should do it.”

“Glad you noticed that, Cherry. I wouldn’t have wanted to go miles in the wrong direction.”

“I am glad to help.”

“But how did you know the tracks were set the opposite direction?”

“Back in Dodge Junction we only got one train every week or two, so there wasn’t a need for full-time train station staff. That meant we all had to pitch in to keep things running.”

“By doing what exactly?”

“Some folks would do maintenance on the station buildings to keep them up. Others would be there to receive the train’s cargo. I was put in charge of the train schedule which told me what days to change the switcher on the tracks between Dodge Junction and Appaloosa.”

Arc nods. “And that’s how you knew about the pump cart.”

“Right. I would take a member of the maintenance crew along to help work the cart whenever I went out on inspection. We both would look for damage to the tracks on the way there and back.”

“Well, that information was certainly helpful to us in the current situation.”

He sighs and looks over Eidolon’s Ward at the town behind them growing smaller and smaller. Cherry picks up on this and speaks.

“I’m sure the others are okay, Arc.”

Arc nods soberly. “I sure hope so. This whole thing is just baffling.”

“For what it’s worth, time travel isn’t likely at play here admittedly. After all, nopony’s ever been able to do it as far as I know.”

“Are you sure?”

“Something like that would be a major discovery. It would be all over the newspapers and radio.”

“You’re probably right about that. Everyone would be talking about it, yes. But I do know for a fact that it’s possible.”

“How so?”

Arc chuckles. “I’ve done it before.”

“WHAT?! WHEN?!”

“During my mission to rescue Princess Celestia.”

“You never told me that!”

Arc looks away. “I didn’t tell anyone about it.”

“Why not?!”

“Because it was just so crazy that I figured no one would believe me. That and I kinda wanted to keep that to myself for the sake of Equestria’s safety.”

“Safety?”

Arc nods. “If everyone knew that time travel was possible, they’d all be trying to do it. And with our luck someone with less than honorable ideas would figure it out and mess up the timeline.”

“Mess it up?”

“Go back and change things.”

“Like what?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin as he pumps. “Let’s say there was a stallion whom was in love with a mare whom was already happily married. They could go back to when the pair met and prevent their initial encounter.”

“And then come back to the present and maybe have a chance with them!”

“Or find a way to put their past self in the proper place to meet up with them instead.”

“A sobering thought!”

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Imagine if some really bad individuals got ahold of that ability. They could literally change the course of history.”

“Like stopping the princesses from taking their thrones?!”

“Or even preventing Equestria from forming in the first place.”

“But what kind of terrible pony would do such a thing?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. However, I didn’t want to tempt fate.”

They pump on in silence for a time. Eventually Cherry speaks.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Couldn’t... certain things be done to better everypony?”

“Regarding time travel?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “We could prevent terrible events from ever coming to pass. Princess Celestia’s attempted murder of you. The bombing of those three buildings in Baltimare. Even the whole Nightmare Moon incident could be stopped before it even started.”

“I admit, that is a tempting idea. But in my mind at least it isn’t worth the risk.”

“How could stopping terrible events possibly be a bad thing though?”

“Let’s take the whole Nightmare Moon incident for example. We all know that Celestia defeated Luna and banished her to the moon via the Elements of Harmony long ago.”

“Which was most certainly hard on the nation as well as Princess Celestia herself. We could alert her to the imminent threat to prevent Princess Luna’s transformation. Get her the help she needed.”

Arc sighs. “True. We might be able to stop it. But that would change the timeline of the nation.”

“For the better though I would imagine.”

“Agreed. But who’s to say that’s all that would be changed?”

“What do you mean, Arc?”

“Luna might be stopped from transforming into Nightmare Moon, yes. But who’s to say that it would be prevented altogether? For all we know it could only kick the proverbial can down the road to a point in time where Luna might be much more powerful.”

“Even more powerful than her sister even!”

Arc nods soberly. “Nightmare Moon could end up besting her sister, which in turn would lead to the eternal tyrannical rule of the Princess of the Night.”

“But it might also give Princess Celestia the edge she needed to make things turn out alright between them.”

“That is possible, yes. However, it could mess other unrelated things up too.”

“Like what?”

“Well... say that in our timeline around the time of the original Nightmare Moon incident a mare and a stallion met on a trip to the capital. They fell in love, got married, and had a family together. But let’s say that in this theoretical alternate timeline where Luna never succumbed to her jealousy, she was walking down the street and everyone was bowing respectfully. That one distraction could be enough to prevent the a fore mentioned pair from ever meeting. Their foals would never be born, which would also lead to the non-existence of their descendants.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps. “A whole family tree wiped out before it even began!”

“Now let’s assume that it was Applejack’s ancestors whom never met. That would prevent her from being born and becoming the Element of Honesty. And without her, the Elements wouldn’t work.”

“It’s a scary thought! One innocent decision could unravel everything we know! But how do you know all of this, Arc?”

“Back on Earth there was a popular movie trilogy on the subject made called ‘Back to the Future’. In it, the main character goes back in time and accidently messes up the timeline. He then has to go back with his friend to fix things numerous times.”

“How did it end?”

“With things better than they had been before admittedly. However, at one point the villain gets ahold of their time machine and goes back to the past in order to give his younger self some information that will make him very rich in the future.”

“And by proxy, him very wealthy as well.”

Arc nods. “Right. The future villain becomes a big shot businessman and turns the small town into a cesspool of scum and villainy. So then they have to fix that too.”

“Okay, I admit... time travel really doesn’t sound like a very good idea.”

“Glad you agree with me, Cherry.”

“Um... I’m just curious at this point. How far back did you go in time back then?”

“Just a few seconds. Ten at the absolute most. You see, a plane overhead had shot a rocket at my motorcycle and blown me off of it. As I flew through the air, I saw a second one blow up the van ahead of me which had Princess Celestia, Ember, Auriel, Sereb, and my squad in it. That was when Kronos stopped time with Wiseman and offered me a second chance.”

“By sending you back in time a few seconds?”

Arc grimaces. “It was more or less a do-over. I was able to evade the missile the second time around, Blink up into the aircraft, disable the pilot, and set the plane to auto-pilot before rejoining the others on my bike.”

“So... things turned out well then?”

“Yeah. But I’m guessing that was Kronos’ doing.”

“Twilight mentioned them to me once. Something about them being the Keeper of Time.”

Arc shrugs. “That’s what they told me. I’m assuming they control time somewhat and steer things in the more or less ‘right’ direction with small changes here and there.”

“Sounds kinda stressful.”

“I’m guessing it is. But luckily for me I’ll never know for sure.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles. “One never really knows, Arc. After all, you might be the one to discover how to time travel one day.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not likely. And even if I did, I’d have to destroy all knowledge of how to do it for the a fore mentioned reasons.”

“You’d do what’s right for everypony. I just know it.”

“Yup. And burying that information would certainly be what’s best, believe me.”

Several hours later they crest a hill. Eidolon’s Ward points a gauntlet ahead.

“There’s the town!”

Turning to look over his shoulder, Arc sees Dodge Junction in the distance. Frowning, he looks to Eidolon’s Ward.

“That it is. But I didn’t see any lights on over there.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Neither did I admittedly.”

“I’m almost sure I know the answer to this question, but that isn’t normal here, is it?”

“At this time of night, maybe. But one would think that somepony would have at least turned on a light somewhere in their house.”

Arc nods soberly. “We’ll know for sure soon enough.”

Sometime later they arrive at the Dodge Junction Train Station. Eidolon’s Ward hops down and turns the switcher to allow them to park the cart off to one side of the main tracks. As their vehicle comes to a halt, Arc and his former suit of armor jump off the pump cart and onto the dry dusty ground below. Looking around, Eidolon’s Ward is the first to speak.

“This is beyond weird, Arc.”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. Maybe there’s still someone here.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “I sure hope so.”

They begin walking down the main street. Not a single building they pass has the slightest sign of life within. Arc frowns as he turns to Eidolon’s Ward.

“While I’m still trying to remain optimistic, I don’t like this.”

“Me either. How could an entire town, let alone two, just be abandoned?”

Arc frowns as he looks around. “No idea. Just like Ponyville, there’s no signs of anyone anywhere.”

“But also no indication of any kind of attack or anything resembling a hasty retreat.”

“I suppose that in and of itself is a good thing.”

“How so, Arc?”

“An evacuation would mean that there was some kind of unexpected emergency that they were fleeing from.”

“Or they could have been taken! Like Decimus did to Ponyville’s residents!”

Arc grimaces. “I sure hope that’s not the case. After all, kidnapping an entire town would be just beyond terrible. But two... that’s just plain vile. Even for him.”

“Let’s head up to the ranch. Maybe Ruby’s still there. “

“Good idea.”

Taking the road out of town, the pair soon crest the hill overlooking Cherry Hill Ranch. However, as they do so Arc and Cherry stop and stare wordlessly as a terrible sight meets their eyes. Cherry gasps as she speaks.

“The... the whole thing is...!”

Arc frowns. “This doesn’t look good.”

Walking toward the property, the pair pass through the broken archway that once bore the ranch’s name. Continuing on, they see that the farmhouse, barn, and other outbuildings have all been burned to the ground. Stopping at the front porch they look over the ruins silently for a few moments before Cherry calls out.

“RUBY!!!”

Silence follows as her calls echo across the otherwise still landscape. Walking up the front porch steps, the armor pushes a charred timber aside and walks in the front door. Arc follows closely behind but says nothing. Coming to roughly the center of the building, they look all around. Arc puts a gauntlet on Eidolon’s Ward’s pauldron as he speaks.

“I’m sure she’s safe wherever she is. After all, Ruby’s pretty tough.”

He instinctively rubs a hand on his chest before continuing.

“Believe me, I know.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods sadly. “Yes, she is. But... if this house is any indication...”

Her voice trains off as she continues looking around.

“...something very bad happened here.”

“Hopefully a terrible accident.”

“An accident?”

Arc nods. “After all, we haven’t seen any other buildings damaged in any way. Both in Ponyville and here in Dodge Junction.”

Stepping forward, Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on a fallen overhead beam leaning against a wall and looks up at the black starless sky overhead.

“That may be. But it doesn’t get us any closer to the truth.”

Hitting the beam with all its might, a loud ‘thump’ rings out. Arc steps forward and turns to his old armor.

“Please, Cherry. Allow me.”

Pulling a fist back, Arc punches the beam with all his might. It flies through the remains of the wall to topple end over end into the front yard. Eidolon’s Ward nods approvingly.

“Thank you, Arc.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Eidolon’s Ward puts its arms around itself. “But... might I get back inside your head right now?”

“Cherry?”

“I just feel so... so lost and alone right now.”

“Same as I do.”

“We need each other. Now more than ever.”

Nodding, Arc silently agrees. Recalling his own armor, Eidolon’s Ward opens to allow him entrance. Stepping inside of it, Arc waits as it reforms around him.

“Okay, I’m in.”

Recalling Eidolon’s Ward, Arc again dons the Lionheart armor and sighs contentedly.

“Thank you, Cherry.”

Cherry sounds confused. “What for, Arc?”

“Being here with me. If I were alone right now, well... I don’t think I could have made it this far.”

“Same here. I’d probably be lying on the ground crying.”

“You lean on me and I’ll lean on you.”

“Arc?”

“It’s something I saw years ago at the end of an anime. The two main characters had just defeated the last boss of the show and were both injured in the process. They walked away leaning on each other, as neither had the strength or fortitude to do so on their own due to their wounds.”

“I won’t leave you, Arc.”

“And I’ll keep you close too.”

“Thank you, Arc. But... um...”

“Cherry?”

“Would you please take me to the back of the house? I... want to see something.”

Nodding, Arc walks through the living room and kitchen. Stepping through the ruins of the back door he walks down a path and toward a small fenced in area. Looking around, he sees the tombstones of Cherry’s ancestors marred and sooty from the heat and intensity of the flames. Coming to a particular stone, Arc stops and looks down at its ruins for a moment silently before Cherry speaks.

“Looks like I still died.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“A shame. I was kinda hoping that things could have been different for me.”

“We must not have gone back far enough to... you know.”

“It’s alright, I suppose. Nothing we can do about it, after all.”

Arc looks around. “The fire must’ve been really bad to mess up all these markers.”

“There was a very large tree here before.”

“Was there?”

“Yes. My grandparents planted it here to signify our family’s commitment to this place and its future. I can only imagine that the smaller branches that stretched over the roof must’ve started on fire when the house did. When fully engulfed, the limbs falling from overhead must’ve taken all these grave stones with them.”

Arc nods. “A likelihood, yes. But that would point to one very important thing, Cherry.”

“What’s that?”

“The fact that someone would have had to come here afterwards to clear the remains of the tree away.”

Cherry gasps. “You’re right! Which means somepony must still be around!”

“At the time of the incident, at least.”

Arc looks back at the ruins of the house before speaking again.

“Maybe even Ruby herself was among them!”

“I hope you’re right, Arc.”

“But for now, we need a new plan.”

Cherry sounds confused. “To do what?”

“Remember, I still need to find a way to contact Canterlot. Get some help to these towns. And see if there are others in the same state.”

Cherry sighs. “Yes, well... it would appear that my telephone is toast at this point.”

“Any others in town?”

“The sheriff’s office should have one.”

Arc turns and starts walking. “Then that’s where we need to go.”

“Y-yes. Lead the way.”

Leaving the ranch, Arc heads back into town. Making his way down the main street, Cherry suddenly calls out to him.

“Arc! I just thought of something!”

“What is it, Cherry?”

“We should check the saloon!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um... why?”

“Because here in Dodge Junction it’s the central meeting place!”

“We passed it on the way to your place though. No lights on inside or any movement.”

“I know! But maybe somepony left some kind of clue as to what’s going on here!”

Arc shrugs as he turns toward the saloon. “Might as well check it out, I suppose.”

Entering the building via the swinging front doors, Arc looks around the darkened room. It appears well used, with beer mugs sitting on some tables while others appear overturned. Removing his helmet, Arc picks up a mug and sniffs it. Turning his head away, he makes a face.

“Now that’s surprising!”

Cherry sighs. “Admittedly out town’s alcohol isn’t exactly the best quality, Arc.”

“That may be. But this isn’t alcohol.”

Cherry sounds confused. “It isn’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. This smells like vinegar.”

“What?! But how?!”

Arc sets the vessel down. “Well... from what I learned in science class, alcohol is made by yeast eating the sugars in a liquid and changing them into alcohol. But if a certain kind of bacteria is introduced into the mix it slowly changes the alcohol into vinegar.”

“So that would mean that this mug has been sitting here for a very long time?”

Arc shrugs as he pushes the mug over. “Months at least.”

“So we know that Dodge Junction, as well as Ponyville, have been abandoned for quite some time now.”

“Confirmed by the state of this place, yes. Is there anything we should be looking for in here though?”

Cherry sighs. “I’m not really sure at this point. Truth be told, I was hoping to find somepony here. Or at the very least, signs that somepony had been here recently.”

Arc looks to the bar. “Maybe in the back room?”

“It’s just storage back there though. Kegs and mugs from what I’ve seen.”

“It’s worth checking though. After all, we are here.”

“Alright.”

Walking behind the counter, Arc puts a gauntlet on the doorknob. Frowning, he speaks.

“Locked.”

“Are you sure it just isn’t stuck, Arc?”

Arc nods as he continues turning the knob and pushing. “Nope, it’s definitely locked.”

“Strange.”

“What is, Cherry?”

“The bartender never did that in the past. Frankly, I didn’t even know this door had a lock on it.”

Arc looks at the door more closely. “There isn’t even a keyhole here though. Guess I’ll have to Blink in there.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc Blinks through the door. Reappearing, he winces as a nasty odor meets his nose.

“UGH!”

“What is it, Arc?”

“It stinks in here!”

“Probably dead rodents. This place has always had trouble with them in the past.”

“Let’s get this over with quickly then.”

Stepping forward, Arc starts walking down the rows of kegs and crates one by one. Noticing one that appears strange, he stops.

“This might be something of interest.”

“What’s so special about that crate, Arc?”

Arc points a finger. “Look at the floor here. It’s all scratched up.”

“Those scratches are pretty much everywhere though as kegs and crates are pushed around regularly.”

“True. But this spot appears a bit different than the rest of this place.”

“Oh?”

“The scratches appear to be from the crate going back and forth, yes. But significantly more often than side to side.”

“So you think that somepony was fixated on this crate in particular?”

“Right. So let’s find out why.”

Grabbing the crate, Arc pulls it all the way out. Shoving it to one side, he looks in the space it previously occupied. His eyes grow wide as he stumbles backwards and falls to the floor. Gasping, Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc! What...?! Is... is that...?!”

Arc sighs as he nods. “Yes, Cherry. Two dead ponies.”

“How horrible!”

“They must be what caused the smell.”

“The bartender must have locked them in here before he left!”

Arc frowns. “I’m not so sure about that though, Cherry.”

“But they were clearly...!”

Arc interrupts her. “That door didn’t appear to have a keyhole in it, remember?”

“What does that prove though?”

“Let’s look at it again.”

Walking back to the door, Arc kneels down to examine it. Putting his gauntlet on a bolt, he unlatches it and pulls. The door opens as easily as can be as Arc speaks.

“The door was locked from the inside.”

“Which means they locked themselves in here.”

Arc nods as he straightens up. “So it would seem.”

“Maybe they were tied up or otherwise restrained.”

“It’s possible. Let’s check on them again too.”

Walking back to the bodies, Arc kneels down and crawls behind the racks to get a closer look. The bodies are little more than skeletons at this point with tatters of cloth hanging off of them. Arc shakes his head.

“The two waitresses. I remember their uniforms from the first time I visited here years ago.”

Cherry groans. “They were always so kind to everypony. No way they deserved this fate.”

Arc gestures to their surroundings. “Looks like they had moved in here. The remains of a candle, matches, sacks as makeshift bedding, and empty bottles of beer.”

Something catches his eye. Leaning down, Arc spies an object under one of the mare’s heads. Gently pushing it aside he spots a notebook. As he picks it up Cherry calls out to him.

“Her order pad?”

Arc opens it. “Let’s see.”

“What are you looking for though, Arc?”

“Some kind of clue.”

Flipping through the pages, Arc comes to one that appears to have something other than drink orders on it. Stopping, he begins to read aloud.

“Everypony has gone. The town is dark and quiet. Not a sound anywhere. Even still, we cannot bring ourselves to leave as the others did. As the nights grow colder, we huddle together to stay warm. The food is frozen and we cannot risk making a fire to cook anything. Our time is short and the winter long. But we both agreed that staying here is still a better choice to the alternative.”

Cherry sighs. “They tried to make it through the winter back here.”

Arc frowns. “But why though?”

“She said something about an ‘alternative’.”

“Leaving for someplace safer like the rest of the town did is my guess. But I don’t understand why they were afraid to make a fire.”

“Anything else in there?”

“Let’s see...”

Flipping through the pages they detail the various day to day activities, or lack of therefore, of the pair. Coming to the last page Arc frowns as he reads.

“Only one page of my pad remains. At this point, it seems only fitting considering the circumstances. My sister, Milly, has been sick for the past few days. I lay next to her in an effort to try and keep her warm, but it was for nothing. She stopped breathing just a few minutes ago, and from the cough that I’ve developed I feel that I am not far behind her. While I am scared of my impending doom, I still believe that her and I made the right choice. Better to die here together on our own terms than to...”

Arc stops reading and closes the notebook as he sighs.

“That’s the end.”

Cherry groans. “She must’ve laid down to rest next to her sister and... and never woke up.”

Arc nods soberly. “It would appear so, yes.”

“We... should probably get to the sheriff’s office, Arc. See about getting help.”

“Yes... we’ll get someone to properly take care of their bodies too.”

Putting the notebook down next to the pair, Arc steps back and heads for the door. Leaving the building, he walks down the street to his destination. Entering the office, he looks around at the dusty furniture and fixtures. Heading toward the sheriff’s desk, Arc picks up the phone and puts it to his ear. Listening for a few moments, he frowns before putting the receiver down and sitting down heavily in a nearby chair.

“Nothing.”

“Not even a dial tone?”

Arc shakes his head. “Right.”

“That’s strange. We almost never have outages around here.”

“Any other phones around town?”

“If this one isn’t working, it’s not likely the other ones are either. But there is one thing we could check.”

“What’s that?”

“Could you Blink me up onto the roof please?”

Nodding, Arc stands. Cherry calls out as he does so.

“Now look to your left.”

“Okay. At what though?”

“Do you see those wires on the poles that follow the train tracks?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Those are the telephone lines. Keep following them with your eyes.”

Doing so, Arc quickly traces them until they reach the limits of his sight. Shrugging, he speaks.

“They appear alright. Can’t see any further though.”

“Alright. That would mean that one of two things happened. First, the lines could be down further down the way.”

“Or...?”

“The entire phone system is down.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that second idea... possible?”

“Yes, but not likely.”

“Why not, Cherry?”

“Because the system is based in Canterlot. Such a thing is very well maintained so as to prevent outages.”

Arc frowns. “Which means that there’s trouble in the capital.”

“This thing... whatever it is, must be very widespread to have spread to Canterlot.”

“Maybe even all of Equestria.”

“It’s possible, yes. So what are we going to do now, Arc?”

Arc sighs as he looks out the window. “Not really sure at the moment. Right now... we just don’t have any leads.”

“We could try another town. If we shrink down the pump cart and take a portal back to Ponyville, we could head west to...”

Arc cuts her off. “There isn’t really anything out that way though. We’d have to go all the way to the west coast to hit Las Pegasus.”

Cherry gasps. “That’s all the way to the South Luna Ocean!”

“Right. If anything, we should retrace our route back down the tracks we came here on and take the rails to Appleloosa.”

“But there’s no way to know if anypony is there either.”

“Right. Considering the state of Ponyville and Dodge Junction, things aren’t looking good on that front.”

“In any case, we should go somewhere for you to rest now though, Arc. It’s been a VERY long day for us.”

Arc puts a hand to his helmet. “I am getting a bit tired admittedly. But at the same time, I don’t really want to head back to Fluttershy’s cottage at this point.”

“But we agreed to use it as our refuge for now.”

“True. However, it just makes me feel uncomfortable being there without her.”

“Then what do you want to do, Arc?”

“I have an idea. But first we have to do something.”

Sometime later, Arc stands in the alley next to the saloon. Before him lie two mounds of raised earth side by side. Kneeling down next to them, he carefully ties the tatters of their waitress uniforms to the two posts sticking out of the ground before stepping back and speaking aloud to them.

“This is the best I can do for you two. I’m sorry it’s not much.”

Cherry sighs. “We’ll come back and see to it this is done properly when we can though.”

Arc nods. “Right. After we fix this mess. Whatever it is.”

Sighing, Arc turns and walks away. Stepping into the center of the main road, he turns back and looks at the graves wordlessly one last time before removing the Rainbow of Light, opening a portal, and stepping through. As the portal closes behind him, Arc looks towards his house. Groaning, he walks over to the back steps and sits down in the darkened yard. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Arc… there was nothing you could have done for them.”

Arc nods. “I know, Cherry. It’s just… nothing is right!”

“That’s true, yes. But we can’t do anything more tonight. You should get some rest here at your house and go back there tomorrow. Maybe things will make more sense in the daylight.”

“Maybe. But I don’t think that will help all that much.”

“You’ll be able to see better though.”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “I can see in the dark just as well as you do in the light though, Cherry. However, both you and I know that things are really messed up back in Equestria right now.”

“None of it makes sense though. You were out for less than a day. Well… we were, I suppose. How could all of that happen in just a hoofful of hours?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea, Cherry. But if those dead waitresses are any indication, some really bad things must’ve gone down.”

Cherry sighs. “Go and get some sleep now, Arc. We’ll both need clear heads to figure this out.”

Arc stands. “I suppose you’re right.”

Standing up, Arc recalls his armor and turns to the door. As he puts a hand to his pocket, he suddenly stops. Groaning, Arc shakes his head.

“Great.”

“Arc?”

“I left my house keys back on the dresser in Equestria! Of all the times…!”

Cherry interrupts him. “Just Blink inside then.”

Arc shrugs. Guess that will have to work for now.”

Looking up at his bedroom window, Arc Blinks through it. Reappearing in his old room, he lays down on the bed and stares up at the ceiling.

“Derpy… Dinky… Scootaloo… Twilight… I just left them back in Ponyville.”

“At least they’re not there now. Remember, the town was deserted.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Not sure if that’s a good thing or not.”

“We didn’t see any signs of a battle though. So it’s likely that everypony was simply evacuated.”

“Maybe to Canterlot.”

“Yes. But we can’t be running all over the country without resting first, Arc.”

“Yeah, that’s quite a hike on foot from Ponyville.”

“It’s one we’ll most likely have to make though. After all, I’m sure somepony in Canterlot Castle will be able to tell us what’s going on.”

“We’ll talk more about it in the morning. I’m running on empty right now.”

“I’d also like to point out that you haven’t eaten since breakfast either though. Why don’t you head downstairs for a quick bite first?”

Arc puts a hand to his belly. “I’m hungry, yeah. But at this point I’m more sleepy than anything.”

“Then I suppose you’ll have to make an especially big breakfast tomorrow to make up for it.”

There is no reply. Cherry calls out again.

“Arc?”

She listens and hears that his breathing has slowed. Giggling softly to herself, Cherry sighs contentedly and speaks softly.

“Pleasant dreams, Arc.”

Chapter 3 - Difficult Conclusions

Arc awakens the next morning to the sun shining in his face. Groaning, he pushes the covers off of himself and sits up. Rubbing his eyes, Cherry calls out to him.

“Good morning, Arc. Did you sleep well?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda.”

“Well, how about we get you something to eat before heading back to…?”

She is cut off as the banging of pots and pans rings out from downstairs. Arc frowns as he sits up.

“That’s odd.”

“I thought everypony went back to Equestria long ago, Arc.”

“They did.”

Getting to his feet, Arc opens his bedroom door and creeps downstairs as quietly as possible. As he nears the kitchen however, he hears a familiar sound. Stopping, he wordlessly listens for a few moments before taking a deep breath and peeking around the corner. Standing in front of the stove, humming, is a woman. Seeing him she smiles and calls out.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

Arc gasps. “M-mom?!”

“Arc, are you alright?”

“I, uh… I just…”

Putting a hand to his forehead, Arc tries to speak for a few moments before running forward and wrapping his arms around his mother. Smiling warmly, she returns the hug as he finds his voice.

“I love you, mom.”

“And I love you too, dear. But I don’t understand what you’re doing home.”

Arc grimaces. “Um…”

“You should have left early to catch your flight.”

Arc pulls back, confused. “Flight?”

His mother shakes her head. “Did you forget to set your alarm?”

“Oh! Um… no, I just… kinda thought I should stay here with you.”

“Well, that’s very sweet of you, Arc. But it’s not every day that you have the chance to study abroad.”

“But I don’t understand how you could be…?”

Moving his hands, he tries to finish the sentence, but fails. Eventually he shakes his head and sits down heavily in a chair. Giggling, his mother turns her attention back to the stove and continues cooking.

“Don’t worry, I’m almost done over here. And as long as you’re going to be staying here at home you might want to get moving on that term paper.”

Arc looks to her, confused. “Term paper?”

She turns her head. “You said you were going to the library to finish it the other day.”

“I was?”

“But with all your preparations to leave I doubt you got around to it.”

“I don’t… um… what was it for again?”

“For school, silly.”

“School? You mean… college?”

His mother grins as she turns around with a stack of pancakes on a plate. “What else, silly?!”

She sets the plate down and returns to the stove to make more. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“What is going on here, Arc?!”

“I don’t know! This is just so… so weird!”

“Isn’t your mother supposed to be… you know…?”

Arc sighs inwardly. “Death from liver failure when I was a child, yes.”

“She looks totally healthy though.”

“Agreed. Let me check something real quick.”

Picking up his glass of milk, Arc downs the entire contents before turning to the refrigerator. Opening it, he spies nothing but healthy fruits, vegetables, meats, juices, and of course milk. Pulling the jug out, he refills his glass before putting it back and returning to his place at the table. His mother looks over at him apologetically.

“I’m sorry, dear. Did I forget to fill up your glass?”

Arc shakes his head. “N-no, mom. I was just… really thirsty and drank it already.”

His mother smiles as she sets another plate on the table across from him. “Well, hurry up and eat your food before it gets cold.”

Arc looks at the plate, surprised. “You must be really hungry, mom.”

“Oh, no. That’s for…”

She is cut off as the back door opens and a man steps inside. Motioning to the food, she speaks.

“Perfect timing, dear.”

The man inhales deeply. “Thanks. Sure smells good.”

Arc whirls around to look at the newcomer.

“D-dad?!”

His father grins. “It’s me, yes.”

Mom nods out the window. “Your father was just getting an early morning trimming the hedges.”

Arc gasps. “Where have you been all this time though?!”

Dad appears confused. “Um… in the driveway mostly.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no, no! I mean… you were gone for years!”

Arc’s father looks to his wife as he sits down at the table. “Um… is this some kind of game, Polta?”

Polta shrugs. “I’m not really sure.”

Arc looks all around. “But… didn’t dad disappear?!”

Dad chuckles. “I admit that I did take a bit longer getting milk the other day. Still a far cry from disappearing though.”

Polta nods. “Did you get that flat tire fixed yet?”

Dad chuckles as he cuts into his pancakes. “First thing this morning, yes.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I don’t…”

Polta puts a hand on his shoulders. “Honey, is something bothering you?”

Arc sighs. “It’s… complicated, mom.”

Dad points to the plate of pancakes. “Well, eat up, son. Things will look better on a full stomach.”

Polta sits down next to him with a smaller portion for herself. “And let me know if you want more.”

Nodding, Arc picks up his fork and begins eating. Looking to his father, he speaks.

“So… what have you been up to lately, dad?”

“Other than the hedges, you mean?”

“Yeah.”

Dad shrugs. “Not much since the base switched gears.”

Mom giggles. “On the robocop clones?”

“The androids, yes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Switched gears to what?”

“New all-terrain vehicles. Amphibious ones too.”

“Anything else?”

Dad shakes his head. “All I do is make sure the base is secure. And due to its location, that’s a pretty easy job.”

“Where is it again?”

“That little island in the middle of the lake I used to take you camping on as a boy. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. But isn’t it supposed to be top secret?”

“Not in years, no. We’ve got a lot of civilian contractors in there at the moment doing a remodel.”

“What are they doing?”

“Now that the base is switching over from smaller android experiments to larger vehicles, they need a lot of open space between work stations. That along with overhead cranes, floor jacks, and conveyor belts.”

He looks at his watch before standing.

“Speaking of which, I need to get moving.”

Polta hands him his wallet. “Don’t forget this, dear!”

“Thank you, honey.”

They kiss lightly before Arc’s father heads out the back door. A few moments later the sound of his motorcycle moving down the driveway are heard. As it fades into the distance Polta looks to her son and smiles.

“You should get moving too, Arc. The library should be opening soon.”

Arc slowly stands. “Uh… yeah. I guess so.”

“Will you be home for lunch?”

“I’m not… really sure.”

“Well, if you are just be sure to call ahead and I’ll be happy to make you something.”

“Thanks… mom.”

Polta appears concerned. “Is something wrong, Arc?”

Arc smiles and shakes his head. “No. Nothing at all.”

She walks over to give him a hug which he returns. As they embrace, Arc continues.

“Everything is just perfect.”

Stepping back, Polta looks her son over and frowns.

“Um… did you sleep in your clothes last night?”

Arc looks down at himself. “Guess I did, yeah.”

Polta groans. “How didn’t I notice that?!”

“It’s really not that bad.”

“Not to worry. I did the laundry yesterday so you have plenty of options. Now scoot upstairs and get changed.”

Arc turns and heads for the stairs. “Yes mom.”

Returning to his room, he opens the closet and pulls out a pair of pants and a button-down shirt. Cherry calls out to his telepathically as he does so.

“Everything in here is nicely ironed and hung up properly.”

Arc nods. “That it is. And pretty much everything in here is pretty… um… what’s the word?”

“Semi-formal?”

“I was going to say business casual myself. But that works too.”

“You’ll look very nice in whatever you pick out of here.”

Arc looks down to see his shoes neatly lined up on the floor inside the closet. “I remember my mother doing things like this when I was a little kid. Before she became an alcoholic, that is. All my clothes would be ironed and hung up neatly just like my father’s uniforms were.”

“Although it seems a bit silly to get all dressed up just to go back to Equestria and start investigating things over there.”

“I, uh… think I want to explore this place a bit more.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Oh?”

“Nothing is right back in Equestria, granted. But it’s the same here. Well, the same inasmuch that nothing appears to be the way it’s supposed to be.”

Cherry sighs. “That much I do understand.”

“I still have a responsibility to this world too, you know.”

“It’s not like I could stop you even if I wanted to. Remember, I’m just a disembodied voice inside your head at the moment.”

Arc sits down on his bed to put on a pair of shoes. “Listen Cherry, I won’t force you to come with me to look around. If you really want me to, I’ll head back to Equestria right now.”

“No, no. It’s okay. I’m sure you’d still like to know what’s going on here too.”

“That I do.”

“And I’d probably feel the same if I found my parents alive and well back at Cherry Hill Ranch.”

Arc sighs. “It’s not like I could have ever imagined this happening. Coming home to find them here, I mean.”

“So let’s figure out how it happened so we can do the same in Equestria afterwards.”

“Sounds good. But let me check something first.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc concentrates for a few moments silently. After a time, he opens them and looks around before sighing.

“Still here, huh?”

Cherry calls out. “Arc?”

“I was just making sure we weren’t in my Sanctuary, or something. So I tried to change things.”

He gestures around as he continues.

“And as you can see, nothing changed.”

“So this is the real world then?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably. But I’m still on the fence regarding what exactly happened.”

He leaves the room and heads downstairs. Arc’s mother is waiting for him by the back door with a backpack and his keys.

“Here you are, Arc.”

Arc smiles as he takes them. “Thanks mom.”

Kissing her cheek, Arc heads out the door and over to the garage. Opening the side door, he spies his Jeep and hops into it. Buckling up, he is about to put the key in the ignition before stopping and thinking. As he looks at the keys again, Cherry calls out.

“What is it, Arc?”

“It’s my keys.”

“The ones in your hand?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, my real keys are back in Equestria. Or at least they’re supposed to be.”

“Those really do look like them though.”

“That they do.”

“So what should we do?”

Arc shrugs. “Head to the library, I guess.”

“Why though?”

“You heard my mom. I have a report, or something, to do.”

“Huh?”

Arc sighs as he starts the vehicle. “That and I could certainly use a nice quiet place to… process everything.”

Pressing the button to open the garage door, Arc shifts into gear and heads out. Making the short drive to the local library he gets out, grabs his backpack, and heads inside. Entering a vacant study room, he closes and locks the door behind him. Setting his backpack on the table before him, Arc sits down.

“Alright. We should have some privacy in here now.”

Cherry speaks softly. “Are you sure nopony can hear us?”

Arc nods. “I am. These walls are made to keep noise in, at least to a degree. That and no one will think twice about hearing two sets of voices in here since they can’t see us.”

“That’s a relief!”

Arc opens his backpack. “Now then, let’s see what we have here.”

“Looking for clues?”

“Exactly. Guess we’ll start with what I’m supposed to be writing.”

Pulling the entire contents of his backpack out, Arc finds numerous pencils, pads of paper, erasers, folders, and textbooks. Picking up the books he looks their covers over one by one as he reads them aloud.

“Criminal justice, forensics, introduction to law, and writing composition.”

“Is that important, Arc?”

“Kinda. You see, not sure if I ever mentioned this to you in the past, but before I came to Equestria I had wanted to become a private investigator. Look into things for people whom needed help.”

He gestures to the books before continuing.

“And these textbooks are probably part of the curriculum for that career path.”

“What about the paper you’re supposed to be writing?”

“Let’s see here…”

Opening the folders, he finds a number of papers.

“Looks like an assignment sheet stating the requirements for this paper.”

Cherry groans. “It’s all foreign to me.”

“This looks like a pretty big project though. Not something one would do in an afternoon, mind you.”

“So… how far have you gotten on it?”

Arc looks in the notebooks. “Nowhere.”

“Huh?”

“It kinda makes sense, but I haven’t even started this assignment.”

“While part of me thinks we should get started on it, the more rational part of my brain says there are more important things to look into here.”

“Right. Um… let’s see here…”

Opening up the backpack’s pockets, he rummages around for a few moments. Eventually, Arc pulls something out.

“Here we go!”

“What is it?”

“My wallet.”

“I thought you usually kept that in your ring though.”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “Normally, yes. However, at the moment it’s lying next to my keys back in my room in Derpy’s house.”

“Then what is it doing here?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. I had the same question regarding my keys though if you recall.”

“None of this makes any sense though!”

“We really need some sort of clue to get this ball rolling.”

“Something we can start with, yes.”

Arc looks at his wallet and grins. “And I think I just found one.”

“Your wallet?”

Arc nods. “Something inside of it, yes.”

Opening it, Arc pulls out a card.

“This.”

“Some form of identification?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. This is called a library card. It’s used to check books out to take home if need be.”

“But how does that help us?”

Arc stands. “You’ll see.”

Walking over to a computer terminal, Arc sits down in front of it and moves the mouse. Double clicking on an icon, he waits as a page is loaded. Glancing down periodically at his library card, he types the number printed on it into the box and presses ‘enter’. A list comes up on the screen a few moments later. Cherry calls out as it does.

“What is all this, Arc?”

“Books I checked out in the past.”

“There are quite a few. I wasn’t aware you had time to read all of these.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t.”

“Then why…?”

Arc interrupts her. “I never checked any of these out. But according to these records, I did.”

“While I know this sounds a bit hollow, could you have done so and then forgotten about it?”

Arc shakes his head. “One or two, maybe. But a list this long, no.”

Cherry sighs. “I felt a bit silly asking that question admittedly.”

“No, it’s a good point. We need to think about things from all possible angles, after all.”

“So… could there be some other ‘you’ here in this world?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest as he leans back in the chair. “That would be the most likely explanation, yes.”

“But if that’s true, why was your bed empty last night?”

Arc shrugs. “An equally interesting question.”

“If they were missing, your parents would have asked a lot of questions regarding your whereabouts.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “However, they acted as though nothing was wrong.”

“Um… there is one other possibility, Arc. Maybe you’re dead and this is supposed to be heaven.”

“I guess it could be. I mean… being reunited with my parents really is great, and all. Kinda thought it would be a bit different though. As it is, they’re more or less acting as though they’re just playing a part.”

He taps his chin lightly with a finger before frowning. Grabbing his things, he hastily shoves them back into the backpack before hefting it over his shoulder. As Arc heads for the door, he calls out to Cherry.

“Just had an idea.”

“What is it?”

“I’ll explain on the way.”

Returning to the parking lot, Arc hops into the Jeep and starts it. Turning out of the parking lot, he drives through town until they reach the city limits. Frowning, Arc calls out.

“We’re on our way.”

Cherry sounds confused. “To where though?”

“Just out to the countryside.”

“Do you think there’s a clue to be found out here?”

“Maybe. I was just thinking about my date a while back with Applejack back on Earth.”

“What about it?”

Arc frowns. “All of this is just a bit too perfect to be real.”

Pulling off to the side of the road Arc hops out and looks around. Shaking his head he calls out loudly.

“This is the Celestial Realm! You’re upset with me again, or something!”

Arc listens but hears nothing but the sounds of birdsong. Eventually, he continues.

“Look, I already said I was sorry about the whole changeling hive incident! We should move past it! I have!”

Frowning, he folds his arms over his chest.

“What do you want?! Me to say I’m sorry again?! Well, I’m sorry! Happy?!”

Again, nothing but birdsong fills the air. Grunting, Arc heads back to the Jeep and starts it. Putting the vehicle into gear, he continues driving down the road angrily muttering to himself.

“Darn crazy alicorn princess.”

Cherry gasps. “ARC! Princess Celestia might hear you!”

Arc calls out loudly again. “I hope she does because I mean it! At this point she is totally out of control!”

“And so are you! Please calm down!”

Arc frowns. “That’s something I can’t do here. Need to get out of the Celestial Realm.”

“But how?”

“First, I have to prove that we’re inside of it.”

“By doing what? Driving?”

Arc smirks. “In a matter of speaking. Celestia told Applejack and I that she used the memories in our minds to alter the Celestial Realm in an effort to make it a near perfect imitation for us.”

“And you think she’s doing that right now?”

Arc nods. “It makes sense, yes.”

“But how will driving do anything?”

“Like I said, she used our memories to shape the world around us into a believable facsimile. So I just have to drive further out and in a different direction than I ever have before.”

“Then she won’t know what comes next because you yourself won’t know.”

Arc chuckles. “Exactly.”

Looking around, Arc calls out loudly again.

“You might as well end this now, princess! I’m going to run out of things for you to copy from my brain in about two hours!”

Again, his words are met with silence. Shrugging, Arc turns to look forward again as he continues.

“Fine then. Eventually you’ll run out of proverbial road to materialize.”

Several hours later the Jeep pulls back into Angel Grove. Cherry sighs as she calls out to him.

“So what have we learned here?”

Arc groans. “Either we’re really on Earth or Celestia has an extremely vivid imagination with which to create something plausible.”

“I’m betting on the first one.”

Arc sighs. “So am I.”

“That means the couple in your house really are your parents though.”

Arc smiles. “Yeah. That’s a plus.”

“But Equestria is still in trouble.”

“We should probably get back there and see about figuring that out soon then.”

His stomach growls as Arc looks down at it. Cherry giggles.

“Maybe we should get you something to eat first though.”

“That would probably be a good idea. I haven’t eaten since breakfast and it’s way past noon.”

“And who knows where we’ll find food back in Equestria.”

“We can hit up Shelly’s Kitchen then. It’s just down the road, after all.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Pulling into the parking lot, Arc parks the Jeep and heads inside. Seeing someone turning the sign to ‘closed’ he throws up a hand. Spotting him, Frank grins and unlocks the door to let his friend inside.

“Hey, Frank.”

“Afternoon, Arc. We were just about to close up for the day.”

“Sorry about barging in here like this then. I’ve been on the road all morning and need something to fill me up.”

Frank nods as he walks over to the counter for an order pad. “What can we get for you today?”

“Have Jackal make me a cheeseburger and a side of fries to go, please.”

Frank writes down the order. “I’ll put that right in for you.”

Arc looks around. “Um… is Lily around?”

Frank nods. “Upstairs going over today’s receipts at the moment.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

“I’ll help Jackal throw your order together. Just give us just a few minutes. That and I’ll call upstairs to let Lily know you’re coming up.”

Heading to the kitchen, Frank returns just a short time later with a plate of steaming food. Gesturing to the stairs, he smiles slyly at Arc.

“Head on up with your meal, Arc. And be sure to tell Lily that we’ll finish cleaning up down here in just a few minutes and head out.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… okay, sure.”

Walking upstairs with his plate, Arc pushes the door open and calls out.

“Lily!”

Lily calls out from her bedroom. “I’m getting changed! Be out in a minute!”

Shrugging, Arc walks over to the kitchen table and sits down to eat. A few minutes later he hears the bedroom door open and footsteps walking toward the kitchen. As he turns to greet his old friend, Arc can only sit there in utter shock. Standing before him in an apron (and apparently nothing else) is Lily. Doing a little twirl (which confirms Arc’s suspicions regarding her lack of clothing) she smiles and puts a hand on her hip.

“Hey there, handsome.”

Arc blushes. “L-Lily?! What are you doing?!”

Lily walks toward the stove. “I was just about to make myself a grilled cheese sandwich and didn’t want to burn myself.”

Arc shakes his head as he turns to look down at his plate. “No, no! I mean… why are you naked?!”

Lily giggles. “Because you’re here, silly!”

Looking over she spies his red cheeks. Walking over to stand behind him, Lily puts her arms around him and leans down to rest her chin on his shoulder.

“Come on, don’t be like that. After all, you’ve seen me naked more times than I can remember.”

“I… I have?!”

Lily lightly kisses his neck. “And more.”

“Um… can we talk?”

Lily continues kissing him. “Sure. Want to get into bed first though?”

“What?!”

Lily appears confused. “Like you’ve said in the past, it’s where we have our best conversations, after all.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! I meant just here at the table!”

“If you want to, sure. But I still need to cook myself something.”

“Tell you what. If you’ll just get dressed, I’ll make you a grilled cheese sandwich.”

“Aw… that’s sweet of you, Arc. But I know you like seeing me like this.”

Arc looks away nervously. “Well, I… I just don’t want you to catch a cold.”

“Alright. Be back in a bit.”

Leaning over, she kisses him on the cheek before walking back to her bedroom. Standing, Arc plants both of his hands on the table to steady himself as Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Arc, are you alright?”

“I certainly was not expecting that!”

“Why so upset though? I mean… you’ve seen Hammer, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash bare in their human forms.”

“Yeah. But that’s different. Lily is… just a friend. At least she’s supposed to be.”

Cherry sighs. “I still don’t understand the problem here. I mean… you do care about Lily, after all.”

“Not like that though.”

“Well, you kissed her in the pantry some time ago. Twice, if I remember correctly.”

“That was just a one-time thing though. But Lily was saying just now that we regularly sleep together.”

Cherry grunts. “Something is very wrong here.”

“I’ll say. But I think I know what’s going on now.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Oh? Do tell.”

Arc walks over to the refrigerator and pulls out butter and cheese. “Let me take care of this first though. We can talk about it later.”

Getting a pan, Arc starts making Lily’s grilled cheese sandwich. A short time later she returns to the kitchen wearing her waitress uniform. Arc turns to her as he removes the sandwich from the pan and transfers it to a plate. Looking her up and down as he approaches and sets the plate before her, Arc speaks.

“Much better.”

Lily appears confused. “Huh?”

“I was just saying that you look nice.”

Lily smiles wickedly as she picks up her sandwich. “Right. I get it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Lily?”

“I know how much you like me in a dress.”

“Well, you’ve always been…”

Lily interrupts him. “Easy access. But it’s still not as simple as my apron that you had me take off.”

“Come on, Lily. I don’t think you want Shelly seeing you in such a thing. It’d make her really uncomfortable.”

Lily sighs. “Yes, I suppose so. After all, I’m sure she’s looking down on us from time to time.”

Arc grimaces. “Looking down on?”

“We should visit her grave along with Frank again soon. Shelly would probably like that, I think.”

Arc stands there for a few moments before putting a hand to his forehead.

“Would you excuse me for a few moments, please?”

Withing waiting for a response, Arc walks quickly to the bathroom. Closing the door behind him he sits down on the toilet lid and puts his face in his hands. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc… I know this is hard for you, but…”

Arc cuts her off. “This is all wrong!”

“Agreed. Shelly was just fine before.”

“It’s all wrong here! Nothing’s as it should be!”

Shaking his head, Arc takes a few minutes to compose himself before leaving the bathroom and turning to Shelly’s closed bedroom door. Opening it, he looks inside. Lily stands and walks over to join him. Putting her arm around his waist, she smiles sadly.

“It’s exactly the way it was when she left that day.”

Arc nods soberly. “Shelly was always a very tidy person.”

Lily sighs wistfully. “I knew that day when she went to the hospital that she wasn’t coming back.”

“Were you with her the whole time?”

Lily nods. “Frank, you, and I never left her side.”

Closing her eyes, she leans her head against Arc’s shoulder as she continues.

“I can still remember her final moments. Even though Shelly must’ve been in excruciating pain by that point, she reached out and took my hand. Holding it out to you, she said ‘take care of Lily for me’.”

Lily looks up at Arc as she sighs.

“And as soon as you took my hand, Shelly stopped breathing. That was the end of her battle with the disease.”

Arc sighs as he walks over to Shelly’s bed and sits down. “It… it shouldn’t have ended that way.”

Lily sits down next to him. “I know, Arc. Shelly should have lived a lot longer. We all could have spent our lives together. Just the four of us running the restaurant until we all retired.”

“Shelly deserved better than that.”

Lily looks around the room. “Every morning I still knock on her door to wake her up like I always did before. At first it was just an old habit of mine. But then I continued doing it to remember her and the good times we had.”

Arc puts an arm around Lily and smiles at her. “The three of us are still together though.”

Lily smiles and leans her head on his shoulder. “And we always will be.”

“I… I sure hope so.”

Lily stands and grabs Arc’s hand. “Well, if Shelly were here right now, she’d probably be telling us to stop talking and go eat something.”

Arc nods as he follows Lily back to the kitchen. “Probably, yes.”

“So let’s take care of that.”

Returning to their food, the pair go back to eating. Lily looks up at him and smiles.

“Thanks for making this for me.”

“It’s… the least I could do. I mean, you spend all day cooking for others, after all.”

“How’s school going?”

Arc looks away. “Um… okay, I guess.”

“Get started on that report?”

“Went to the library this morning. But couldn’t concentrate on it.”

“Well, don’t put it off too long. After all, I’m just as anxious for you to graduate as you are.”

Arc suddenly stands. “In any case, I should probably get moving.”

Lily appears hopeful. “Can I assume that you found your inspiration for that report?”

“Something like that.”

He heads for the door as Lily follows him. Taking his hand, she wraps her arms around him happily before looking up at him and closing her eyes. Arc takes a deep breath and leans down to kiss her. There is a light snap as their lips meet. Drawing back, she giggles as he opens the door.

“Let me know if you get done early, Arc. I’d still like for us to have one of our ‘in bed talks’.”

Arc looks away nervously. “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

Lily smiles. “See you later!”

Making his way down the stairs, Arc leaves via the front door of the restaurant as a woman walks out from around the building. Looking inside she sees the darkened windows and groans.

“Darn it! Forgot they closed at…!”

Arc gasps. “Hammer?!”

Hammer appears confused. “Um… hi?”

“What are you doing here?!”

“Getting lunch. But I guess I lost track of time and didn’t make it here before…”

Arc shakes his head. “What were you working on?”

Hammer frowns. “First off, do I know you?”

“Yeah! It’s me, Arc!”

“Who?”

Arc groans. “Arc!”

“Can’t say as I recall the name.”

“What are you talking about?! You’re totally smitten with me!”

Hammer frowns. “Smitten?!”

“How can you not remember me?!”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest as she glares at him. “Look, I don’t know what kind of game you’re trying to play here fellah, but I’m single and happy to be so.”

She turns to leave as she continues talking.

“Now take a hike!”

Getting back into her military Jeep, Arc watches Hammer drive away. Frowning, he thinks for a moment before speaking.

“Interesting.”

“How so?”

“Not sure how I didn’t think of this sooner, but I just figured out a sure-fire way to test something.”

Walking back over to his Jeep, Arc opens the driver’s side door and leans down to pop the hood. Making his way back to the front of the vehicle, he takes a deep breath before lifting the hood and looking at the engine. Grinning, he calls out to Cherry.

“Paydirt!”

“Um… what?”

Arc points a finger. “Look at the engine!”

“What about it?”

“Don’t you see?! It’s the old one! From before!”

“Before it was destroyed by King Malevolence, you mean?”

Arc nods as he closes the hood. “Right. Hammer never had to make me a new one.”

“So… what does that mean?”

“That we’re in some kind of parallel universe rather than the Celestial Realm.”

“Are you sure?”

Arc grins as he gets into the Jeep. “Positive. Had this been Celestia’s doing, she would have made it as close to perfect as possible.”

“Then that means that the Equestria we came here from was what? A fake?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really fake, but different. Just like this version of Earth.”

“Your parents still being alive?”

Arc sighs. “And Shelly… you know.”

“Like you said. It’s different.”

“All I can figure at this point is that in this alternate world Twilight never pulled me into Equestria with the Crystal Mirror. And as such, I was never able to find Doctor Knowles to cure Shelly before she died.”

Cherry groans. “I’m sorry to hear that, Arc.”

“That still leaves me with one question though.”

“Which is…?”

“What am I supposed to do now?”

“Well… I suppose worst case scenario you could keep living with your parents.”

“It seems like Lily and I are an item here though.”

“Not sure how that happened.”

“I am.”

“Do tell.”

Arc looks out the window at the restaurant. “Well, with me being here on Earth full time rather than going to Equestria a few years ago, Lily must have somehow found the courage to say something to me about her feelings sooner. Since I never met any of the mares, Auriel, or Hammer I must’ve chosen to reciprocate her feelings.”

Cherry sighs wistfully. “And you spent the past few years getting to know each other better and falling in love.”

Arc blushes slightly. “And more it would seem.”

Cherry giggles. “Yes, it does seem that you and her are very involved.”

“That’s actually the problem.”

“I don’t really see how. After all, you do care about her.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I mean it’s a problem for me.”

“How so?”

“I mean the other me. The one whom actually belongs here.”

“Your mother said that you, I mean the other you, were supposed to go somewhere for schooling early this morning.”

“He probably took a cab to the airport to avoid having to pay for parking.”

“How can you be so sure of that?”

“Because that’s what I would have done.”

“So he’s out of the picture for a while.”

Arc nods. “At least a semester I would imagine.”

“How long is that?”

“Months.”

“What if he calls though?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That is a sobering thought.”

“Imagine your mother picking up the phone while you’re sitting at the kitchen table eating and it’s you. Well, the other version of you.”

Arc sighs. “Great. I can’t stay here then.”

“Then where will you go, Arc?”

“Back to Equestria. We need to figure out what’s going on over there, find a way to fix it, and get the princesses of this alternate reality to help me find a way back to our home world.”

“What if they don’t believe you though?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably won’t at first. But if we can fix their world, they’ll be indebted to us.”

“So you can make the request of them to have the sages figure out how to send us back.”

“Exactly.”

“What’s our next move then?”

“Putting this Jeep back where we found it and quietly leaving.”

Cherry gasps. “Without telling your parents?!”

Arc shrugs. “That’s probably for the best, you know.”

“But it’ll just look like you disappeared!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “And they would start asking some really tricky questions. Worst case scenario, I’m assuming they have the contact information on where the other me is staying wherever they went.”

“They could call him and find out that he did leave today!”

“So we need to come up with something to make our disappearance plausible.”

“Right.”

“I guess the easiest way would be to tell them that I changed my mind about going out of state.”

“How soon could we leave then?”

“Probably tonight. I’ll just tell my parents that I have a flight in the morning early and that I’ll take a cab to the airport.”

“Would that work?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s plausible. That and such a plan has a high chance of succeeding because it’s so simple. Less to go wrong.”

“I suppose so. Do we head back now though? I mean… it’s still early afternoon.”

Arc nods to the building. “Either that or we could go back upstairs and spend the day with Lily.”

Frowning, he shakes his head before continuing.

“Probably not a good idea though. Lily might get ideas if we hang around her.”

“Is that really so wrong though? I mean… she does appear to be completely smitten with you.”

Arc sighs. “I believe so, yes. After all, it’s not me whom she’s in love with, but the other version of ‘me’. Admittedly that sounded better in my head.”

“So you think it’s cheating?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda is. That and what would the others think?”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose so. But that still leaves the matter of what to do until suppertime.”

“We could go back to the library.”

“Good idea. You still have that report to do.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… you mean the other me has a report to do, right?”

Cherry groans. “Not sure why I’m having such a hard time wrapping my mind around this whole thing.”

Arc puts the vehicle into gear. “Well, there is one thing we should do before leaving.”

Turning out of the parking lot, Arc starts driving. A short time later they pull into a shady, tree filled driveway. After parking, Arc gets out and looks around. As he walks down a path Arc looks from side to side before turning off the path and stepping onto the grass.

“Here we are.”

Before him sits a simple tombstone bearing Shelly’s name. Cherry sighs.

“She’s really gone.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah. Just like Lily said.”

Sitting down on the ground in front of the stone, Arc looks it over for a long moment before speaking.

“Hey, Shelly. Um… I…”

He shakes his head before continuing.

“This is all wrong.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Arc?”

“I went with Lily and Shelly to pick out this headstone a number of years ago. That’s how I was able to find it.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Because it wasn’t me whom did that! It was the other me!”

Looking to the grave again, Arc continues.

“Shelly, I need to confess something to you. The truth of the matter is that you… you didn’t need to die. There was a doctor back in Equestria, well Tartarus, whom could have cured you. You, Lily, Frank, and myself… we all could have lived side by side like we always talked about when we were kids.”

He puts a hand on the stone before him.

“If I had been pulled through to Equestria by Twilight it would have started a chain reaction of choices that led to your survival.”

Cherry calls out softly. “Arc… you can’t blame yourself for what happened to the Shelly in this alternate world. There was nothing you or the other you could have done to prevent this.”

Arc nods. “I know. But at the same time, that doesn’t change the fact that Shelly is dead.”

Cherry sighs. “As it stands, we can’t go back in time to change things. All we can do is try to help anypony still alive back in Equestria tomorrow.”

“There’s one thing I can do here though.”

“What’s that?”

Arc turns back to the grave. “Keep Shelly company for the moment.”

Arc leans against the back on the tombstone and smiles. Starting from the beginning, Arc tells her about his adventures early on in Equestria. How he became the Hero of Light, gained magical powers, fought for the pony nation, and had found love with a number of mares, a dragon, a demon, and a young woman. He moves on to speak about how his world’s version of Shelly and Lily are doing well after she was cured. How they opened a restaurant back in Equestria in the town of Ponyville. And how they had made a new life there with him. As the sun begins to set, Arc stands and puts his hands on the tombstone before ending his speech.

“I really don’t know how I got here, Shelly. Whether it was Princess Celestia’s doing, Wiseman, Kronos, the Dark One, or someone I haven’t even met yet. Heck, maybe it’s just a colossal cosmic accident that I was transported here. While that last one doesn’t really make much sense, I guess it doesn’t really matter at this point. All I can do now is head back to Equestria and fix things so as to start down a new path that ends with me finding a way back home. Well, to my version of home, that is.”

Sighing, he traces the top of the headstone with his hand before turning away and returning to the Jeep. Leaning back against the headrest, he looks out at Shelly’s grave and sighs.

“I hope this world’s versions of myself and Lily visit you regularly, Shelly.”

“If they’re anything like you are, they will.”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

Cherry sighs. “Shelly wouldn’t have wanted you to be held back by her death. Remember what Lily said earlier today.”

Arc nods. “That Shelly’s final words were for me to take care of Lily. Well, the other me.”

“Right. She apparently wasn’t bothered by the imminent approach of her own death. But just wanted to make sure that Lily would be cared for and happy.”

“She does appear to have moved on nicely.”

“Probably because in this world’s you were there for her along with Frank.”

“Yeah.”

Sighing, he turns the key and starts the vehicle. Looking at the grave one last time, Arc shakes his head and groans.

“I’ll make sure I get back to my Earth someday. After all, I don’t want any of my friends to pass on without knowing what happened to me. To be forced to die wondering what my fate was. That and I want to be there for them in both the good times and the bad. Just like Shelly was.”

Putting the vehicle into gear, Arc drives away. Making his way back to his parent’s house, he backs into the garage and heads inside. His mother is just putting a pot on the table as he does so. Smiling, she looks to him.

“Welcome home, Arc.”

Arc closes the door behind him. “Uh… hey.”

Polta pulls out a chair. “Have a seat. Your father is just using the bathroom before supper.”

Doing as he is told, Arc sits down. A few moments later his father joins them at the table and begins serving the food. His mother looks to him.

“So how was your day, Arc?”

“It was very… informative.”

Dad smiles at him. “Oh? You get that report done for school then?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Couldn’t really focus on it. So I went to visit Lily at the restaurant.”

Polta nods. “How’s she doing?”

“Good. We had lunch together.”

Dad smirks. “I’m sure she liked that.”

Polta puts a hand on Arc’s shoulder. “She’s such a nice girl.”

Arc’s father chuckles as he serves his son. “I was kinda surprised that you came home then after that.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why’s that, dad?”

“Usually when you go over there you stay all day.”

Polta nods. “And then half the time you spend the night at the restaurant.”

Arc blushes. “Ah! Well… I had other places to be.”

Polta appears suddenly worried. “You didn’t have a fight with her or anything, did you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, mom. I just… we talked about some things. Like the future.

Polta claps her hands. “So you finally popped the question?!”

Arc’s father looks to his son. “Well… did you, son?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! I… we talked about me going on that trip for school.”

Polta sighs. “So you decided to go after all?”

“Yeah. I’ve already got a plane ticket lined up and everything.”

“When do you leave?”

“Early tomorrow. My flight takes off at three in the morning.”

Polta smiles. “I can get up and make you breakfast.”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s okay, mom. You need your sleep, after all.”

His father gestures out the window. “Need me to drive you to the airport, son?”

“I was actually planning on taking a taxi. But thanks.”

Polta sighs. “My baby boy is finally leaving home.”

“Now, Polta… you knew this day was coming eventually.”

“Yes, I know, honey.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Hurry up and eat so you can get packed and get to bed early.”

Arc smiles. “I will, mom.”

“Your mother and I will watch out for Lily while you’re gone.”

“Thanks.”

After supper, Arc returns to his room. His mother helps him pack things properly in a suitcase before turning to him and smiling.

“That should be everything you need, Arc.”

“Thanks, mom.”

A knock rings out from the open door. Turning, they see his father standing in the doorway. Looking to the suitcase, he speaks.

“All packed, son?”

Arc nods. “Yeah, dad.”

Polta turns to her husband. “We just finished actually.”

Stepping forward, Arc’s father puts a hand on his son’s shoulder.

“Tomorrow really is the big day, huh?”

“Y-yup.”

“I remember the first time I left home as a lad. It was a… difficult time for me.”

“It was?”

“Yes. I was leaving behind everything I had ever known to join the military. But you know what kept me going?”

“What?”

He looks to Polta. “The knowledge that I had someone special waiting for me back here in Angel Grove.”

Polta puts an arm around her husband. “So as soon as your father could, he requested a transfer to the base just outside of town. That way he could be close to me.”

“Right. I asked your mom to marry me and she accepted.”

Polta smiles at him. “And nine months later you came along, Arc.”

Arc grimaces. “Dad, I… I don’t understand. Why are you telling me all this now?”

“Because I know that someday you’ll follow in my footsteps. You’ll finish school, get your career on track, and come back to Angel Grove to be with Lily.”

Polta giggles. “And us too.”

“Right.”

Arc nods soberly. “I will. Someday.”

With a smile, Arc’s father puts a hand on his son’s shoulder and nods.

“That you will, son. That you will.”

Turning to his wife, Arc’s father continues.

“Well, we should let our boy get some sleep. Morning comes early for him, after all.”

Polta sighs. “Yes, I suppose we should.”

She walks over to her son and wraps her arms around Arc. Reciprocating the hug, he kisses his mother on top of her head and smiles warmly.

“I love you, mom.”

“And I love you too, Arc.”

Arc’s father smiles as he extends a hand. “Take care of yourself out there.”

Arc turns and throws his arms around his father. Grinning as his father returns the hug Arc speaks.

“Take good care of mom while I’m gone, dad.”

“I will. Promise.”

The pair leave the room together. Arc watches as the door closes behind them with a slight click. Sitting down on his bed, he puts his face in his hands and sighs heavily. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as he does so.

“Arc? Are you alright?”

“I just… I just got them back.”

“Your parents?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. And now I’m leaving them behind again.”

“That may be, Arc. But you and I both know that this is for the best. After all, this world has its own version of you in it. And he deserves to have his rightful place in their lives.”

“I know, but… I still wish that I could have spent more time here with my… his parents. Growing up without them really was hard on me. I had to figure things out for myself and try to pass that on to the other kids at the orphanage.”

“We’ll find a way back to our world, Arc. Dimension, I guess. But we can’t do that sitting here and taking somepony else’s spot.”

Arc lays down on his back and stares up at the ceiling. “I suppose not. However… I kinda wish I could have met myself. Told him just how lucky he was to have them.”

Cherry giggles. “If he’s anything like you, Arc, I’m sure he already knows.”

Reaching out a hand, Arc flicks the light switch with a Telekinesis Spell and closes his eyes. A short time later he falls fast asleep. In but a moment he hears his alarm clock going off though. Sitting up, Arc shuts it off and stands. Walking to the bathroom, he showers, dresses, brushes his teeth, and heads to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator door he spies a plate of food with a note on it. Picking it up, he reads it aloud.

“Eat up. Love you, Arc. Mom.”

Smiling, Arc sits down at the table and pulls the plastic wrap from the top of the plate. Eating it quickly, he puts the empty dish in the sink before heading into the living room. Grabbing the phone book from its place he looks up a number and dials it. Speaking his address, he hangs up and calls out to Cherry telepathically.

“A cab is on its way.”

Cherry giggles. “You’re taking a cab to Equestria?”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda. But I’m actually just trying to make this whole thing plausible for my parents. Just in case they’re awake and see me leave.”

A short time later a yellow cab pulls up in front of the house. Arc walks over to it as the cabbie opens the trunk and puts his suitcase in. Getting in the back seat, Arc looks up at his parents’ window to see them both looking out at him and waving goodbye. He waves back to them as the cab pulls away from the curb. The cabbie glances over to Arc as they drive.

“Airport or bus station?”

“Airport please.”

Nodding, the driver turns the wheel and begins driving. Sometime later they arrive at their destination. Handing the cabbie some money, Arc gets out and grabs his suitcase from the trunk before heading inside the building. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as he does so.

“Um… what are we doing here, Arc?”

“Just one last thing to make the story complete. I don’t like lying to my parents, after all.”

“Lying?”

“That I was going to catch a flight early this morning to leave town.”

“So we’re actually going to get on an airship?”

“Here they’re called ‘airplanes’, Cherry. And not exactly, no.”

Heading for the bathroom, Arc walks into a unisex bathroom and closes the door behind him. Calling forth the Rainbow of Light from his ring, Arc looks at it for a long moment. Eventually, Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc… it’s time to go.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I know. But… every fiber of my being wants to just stay here and live out my life.”

“What about the others though? The herd and your other friends, Arc?”

Arc nods soberly as he looks down at the pendant in his hand. “That’s the only thing keeping me moving forward at this point.”

The door opens behind him and a disheveled looking man walks inside. Seeing Arc, he moves to step back as he speaks.

“Sorry fellah. I didn’t know this one was occupied.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. After all, I was just leaving.”

Channeling his magic into the Rainbow of Light, Arc opens a portal and looks over his shoulder to the man.

“All yours now.”

Making his way through the portal, Arc vanishes from sight as it closes behind him. The man stands there for a few moments before stepping inside and doing his business. As he turns to leave, he stops and reaches into his overcoat pocket. Soberly pulling out a number of bottles of airline alcohol he looks at them for a few moments. Tossing them into the trash can one at a time he mutters to himself.

“Think I’ve had enough of this stuff if it’s making me see weird things like that.”

Chapter 4 - Breakthroughs

Arc reappears on the sigil in Fluttershy’s cottage. As it closes behind him, he looks around for a few moments, unmoving. After a few minutes of silence Cherry calls out to him.

“Um… is something wrong, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. I was… just searching for fresh hoofprints in the dust on the floor.”

Cherry sighs. “All I see are the ones you made when we came here the first time.”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t quite follow your logic on this.”

“Think about it, Cherry. Had Fluttershy, or anyone else for that matter, came back here since we departed they would have left hoofprints.”

“Ah! Well… it takes a long time for that much dust to settle in the first place though.”

“That it does. But I was hoping against hope that we’d find signs of life. Fluttershy, or otherwise that is.”

“So, what should we do now? Head for Canterlot?”

Arc shrugs. “Like we agreed on last time. That’d be one heck of a walk.”

“But it’s also the most likely place for us to get some help. After all, the princesses must be working on… whatever it is that happened here.”

“I suppose that’s true. However, I’m also not looking forward to the mountainous part of our trip in the pump cart.”

Cherry groans at this realization. “Which we left back in Dodge Junction, I might add.”

“There’s that too. We’d first have to go there to get it first.”

Arc facepalms as he continues.

“That and I just realized that I never created a sigil back there. So we would literally have to walk there to get it first.”

Cherry sighs. “Back to square one then in the matter of our next step.”

“Yes, well… I think we should head outside and take a walk before the sun rises. See if we can find anything of note in town.”

Cherry sounds confused. “But we did that the last time we were here, Arc.”

“Right. However, that was before I figured out that this isn’t the real Equestria. And by ‘real’ I mean that this is an alternate version of it, that is.”

“So you think that our friends back home are most likely just fine?”

Arc nods. “No reason why they wouldn’t be.”

“That’s a relief! But at the same time, the inhabitants on this land are still missing.”

Arc heads for the door. “Right. Let’s head back into town and see if we missed something in Derpy’s cottage.”

“Why there though?”

“Just a hunch.”

Leaving Fluttershy’s cottage, Arc walks down the path toward town. Making his way back to Derpy’s small house Arc enters via the front door and looks around again. Walking over to the fireplace, he sees Derpy’s old mat lying there. Picking it up, he shakes the dust off of it before laying it back in its place. However, as he straightens up, Arc spies movement outside the window.

“Something’s out there!”

“Oh?! What though?!”

Hurrying to the window, Arc looks out it. In the moonlight he spies a small robed figure making its way across his line of sight. Cherry calls out to him.

“Can you tell whom it is?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Just that they’re small. And apparently don’t want to be seen.”

“Should we follow them?!”

Arc nods. “Might as well. With luck, they could lead us to the others.”

Pulling a magic cloak from his ring, Arc quickly puts it on and heads for the back door. Blinking through it, he spies the figure a short distance away. Slowly and carefully following them around the outside of town, they eventually lead Arc toward the cemetery. Stopping in front of a pair of headstones, the figure sits down on their haunches silently. After a few moments, the figure pulls something out and lays it on the ground in front of the headstones. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“Is that a… a foal?”

“Looks like it from the size.”

Cherry groans. “Oh no! They must be visiting their parent’s graves!”

“I sure don’t want to interrupt that.”

“So, what are we supposed to do then, Arc?”

“We’ll just give them some time to do their thing here before following them on their way.”

“Good idea. Then we can make contact.”

Arc sighs. “That and reappearing inside a graveyard would give anyone a heart attack. Foal or otherwise.”

A few minutes later the figure stands and looks around at a slight sound. Hearing nothing more the relax again. However, as the foal returns their gaze to the tombstones before them, a pair of armored stallions quietly walk around the side of a nearby mausoleum. Cherry telepathically calls out, relieved.

“Oh, thank goodness! Royal guards!”

Arc grins. “Good luck for us. They’ll be certain to have some answers for us.”

“We should probably decloak and talk to them, Arc. Maybe they know what happened here in Ponyville.”

“In a minute, Cherry. I want to see what they have to say to that foal first.”

Making their way over to the robed foal, the guards leap forward and tackle them. As one of them holds the foal down the other rips the cloak from their body. They kick frantically, but are easily overpowered by the stallion’s size and strength. A set of small chains are pulled from a saddlebag as they restrain them. Frowning, Arc walks over to the group and decloaks.

“Um… excuse me.”

The guards stop and turn to him. Looking Arc up and down for a few moments, they quickly stand and call out to him.

“You’re under arrest, creature!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Am I now? On what charges, might I ask?”

“Surrender yourself to us immediately or face the consequences!”

Arc pulls aside his cloak to reveal the Crest of Light on his shoulder. “Not gonna happen. As you can clearly see, I’m the Hero of Light and as such am above such things.”

The guards draw their weapons and take up a battle-ready position.

“On the ground! Now!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest “Like I told you, that’s not going to happen.”

One guard looks to his companion. “It must be after our little fugitive!”

“We can’t let her escape!”

The guard turns back to Arc as he raises his voice. “Kill the little one quickly now and then help me deal with this thing then!”

As the guards turns toward the foal lying in the grass, Arc watches fear fill the foals’ eyes and they once again attempt to escape from their bindings. Reaching out a hand, Arc picks up the stallions and holds them in the air angrily.

“What are you two thinking?! That’s just a foal!”

The guards attempt to break free of his grasp as they call out.

“She must not be allowed to escape!”

“Your interference in this official matter has earned you a death warrant, scum!”

Arc grits his teeth angrily before turning to the foal lying in the grass nearby.

“Close your eyes, little one.”

The foal quickly does so as Arc tightens his magical grip on the stallion’s throats. Frowning, he speaks to them.

“Are you willing to surrender to me now?”

Sneering, the guards continue to resist.

“You won’t get away with assaulting the Royal Guard, traitor!”

“That foal must die!”

Seething at their clear intent to murder a helpless foal, Arc clenches his fists. There is a slight cracking sound as the stallions’ windpipes are crushed. Releasing them, Arc allows their dead bodies to fall to the ground in a heap. Walking past their twitching forms he approaches the foal whom is still squeezing their eyes shut. Kneeling down, he gasps.

“What the… Platinum Valve?!”

Platinum Valve opens her eyes, confused. “Huh?”

Arc looks to her chains. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you out of these things.”

Platinum Valve sighs. “That’s not likely. They’re both unbreakable and pickproof.”

Arc reaches for his ring. “Well, I think I have a key.”

Pulling out his guardanium knife, Arc reaches forward. Channeling his magic into the blade, he deftly slices through the chains. They fall away from the young filly onto the ground as she gasps.

“How did you..?!”

Looking to the knife, she frowns.

“What is…?!”

Arc interrupts her as he holds up a gauntlet. “Not now. We need to get out of here before talking.”

Opening a portal, he grabs Platinum Valve and charges though with her. Arriving back in Fluttershy’s cottage, Arc carefully sets her down on the couch and kneels down to her level.

“Are you okay? Those guards didn’t hurt you, did they?”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “N-no, I’m okay. But who are you? And how did you know my name?”

Arc sighs. “It’s complicated. At the moment, I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on around here. But to answer your first question, my name is Arc.”

“Platinum Valve. But I guess you already know about that.”

“What were you doing in the cemetery though?”

Platinum Valve’s ears droop. “I was… visiting my parents.”

Arc gasps. “Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer are dead?!”

“You knew my parents?!”

Arc nods. “I did, yes! They’re the ones whom passed on their titles to me!”

Platinum Valve eyes him suspiciously for a moment as Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“What are you doing, Arc?!”

“Just trying to convince her that I’m on the level.”

“By lying to her?!”

“It’s the truth though. The Hammers really were the ones whom offered me their former positions.”

“In our world, yes!”

“It’d be too complicated to go into the alternate universe idea right now with her. Trust me on this one.”

Cherry sighs. “Alright.”

Platinum Valve looks him over. “What are you talking about? What titles?”

“The Hero of Light.”

“Where’s your crest then?”

Pulling aside his cloak, Arc points to the Crest of Light on his shoulder.

“Right here.”

“Can I have a closer look?”

“Sure.”

Leaning forward, Arc allows Platinum Valve to touch his crest. Looking it over for a few moments, she nods and sighs.

“It sure looks real, yes.”

Arc nods. “That’s because it is.”

“But my parents never found anypony to take their places before they died.”

Arc sighs. As he looks away. “It’s… a bit more complicated than that, yes.”

Platinum Valve looks out the window sadly. “So is life these days.”

Arc nods as he too looks outside. “About that. What the heck is going on out there? Guards attacking an unarmed filly. Empty towns. Where is everyone?”

Platinum Valve frowns. “That’s… complicated.”

“I figured that much. Look, if you don’t have the answers to my questions, do you think you could put me in contact with someone whom does?”

Platinum Valve looks away nervously. “I… can’t do that.”

“Because you don’t want to or don’t know how?”

“Sorry, but it’s a matter of security.”

“Look, all I want to do right now is to help put things back the way they were. But I can’t do that if I don’t know what’s going on here.”

Platinum Valve sighs. “Fine. The best I can do is to bring somepony to check you out if you’d like. It’s their call whether or not you’re allowed to proceed though.”

Arc tilts his head to one side, confused. “Procced?”

Platinum Valve nods. “If we trust you enough to tell you what’s up, I mean.”

Arc groans. “Fine. Where do we find this individual?”

“I can bring them here.”

She looks around a few moments before continuing.

“Uh… where are we though?”

“Fluttershy’s cottage on the outskirts of Ponyville.”

“Ah! Sorry. Didn’t recognize it in the dark.”

“That’s fine. But I don’t like the idea of you running around out there alone.”

“Believe me, I’ll be okay.”

“Those guards might have someone looking for them soon though!”

“Probably. Which is why I’m going to bring somepony here to look you over.”

“Why can’t I just come with you though?”

Platinum Valve rolls her eyes. “Again, for security reasons.”

She looks him in the eye before continuing.

“Look, I know that you want me to trust you. And I sorta do after what you did for me back there. But at the same time, you have to understand that I’ve never met you before and really can’t take chances on somepony unknown. So I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you want my trust you, have to be willing to give me your trust first.”

Arc sighs and shrugs. “Guess I don’t really have much of a choice here.”

“Glad we have an understanding then. Now then, I just need to use the bathroom before heading out. We’ll meet you here again in one hour.”

Arc nods. “Alright.”

Platinum Valve heads to the bathroom. “Good.”

As the door closes behind her, Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“We can’t let her leave here alone, Arc!”

Arc nods as he pats his magic ring. “We won’t have to. When Platinum Valve leaves, I’ll just follow her at a distance in an effort to keep her safe.”

“But what if she’s just planning to go out the bathroom window?”

Arc chuckles as he sits down on the couch. “Not to worry there. Fluttershy’s bathroom window isn’t the kind that opens.”

Cherry giggles. “That means that she has to get past us to leave.”

“Right. And when she does, we’ll be…”

He is cut off as a strange light glows from under the bathroom door for just a moment. Quickly getting to his feet, Arc pushes the bathroom door open and steps inside. Looking around he sees that Platinum Valve has vanished. Frowning, he makes a more thorough investigation of the bathroom before returning to the living room. Making a quick walk around the outside of the cottage, Arc returns inside and sits down on the couch as he frowns. Cherry calls out to him.

“What the heck happened to her, Arc?”

“I felt a slight magical backwash when that light shone out from under the door.”

“So, you think she Blinked outside?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’m aware of how a nearby Blink should feel. And that wasn’t it.”

“Then what was it?”

“Something new entirely.”

“Think she’s come up with a new spell?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. After all, Platinum Valve’s a smart little filly.”

“That just leaves the matter of what to do now.”

“The only thing we can do, I guess.”

Cherry sounds hopeful. “What’s that?”

Arc leans back on the couch. “Wait for her to come back.”

“There’s nothing else we can do?! Maybe we should look around the town for her. Just in case.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we can’t risk not being here when she gets back. After all, she’s our only lead at this point.”

Cherry gasps. “But she could get hurt!”

“Like she said, we need to be willing to trust her if this is going to work.”

Roughly an hour later there is a small knock at the door. A moment later it opens and Platinum Valve steps inside. Looking to the couch where Arc is waiting for her, she speaks.

“I, uh… I’m back.”

Arc stands. “Are you okay?”

Platinum Valve nods nervously. “Yes, I’m fine.”

Arc looks past the filly. “I thought you were going to bring someone with you though?”

“I, uh… I did.”

A split second later something crashes through a nearby window. Arc finds himself unceremoniously slammed to the floor. Feeling his assailant leap onto his back, Arc instinctively Blinks up to the ceiling. Silently falling onto his attacker, he grabs them around the neck and yells.

“Platinum Valve, run!”

Platinum Valve cries out. “Wait! Let her up!”

Arc looks down. “Her?!”

Standing up, he watches as the mare under him gets to her hooves. Nodding, she looks him over before speaking.

“Not too bad.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “What do you mean ‘not too bad’?! He had you pinned!”

“Believe me, I had the situation well under control.”

Arc raises an eyebrow as he looks to the hooded figure before him. “Um… is that you under there, Tempest?”

Throwing back her hood, Tempest glares at him.

“How do you know that name?!”

Arc groans as he realizes his mistake. “It’s… complicated.”

Platinum Valve looks to Tempest. “He knew my name as well too.”

Tempest frowns. “That is very suspicious.

Arc groans. “Look, I really need to know what’s going on around here. Where is everyone? Why are Ponyville and Dodge Junction deserted?”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “We could say the same of you.”

“Huh?”

Tempest points a hoof at him. “I’d also like to know about your origins. How things are literally falling down around us and you, the supposed Hero of Light, just now happens to show up.”

Platinum Valve looks to Arc and sighs. “She does raise a good point, you know.”

Arc sighs. “Look, I get where you’re coming from here. I really do. Things look bad and I’m kind of to blame for that. But the fact of the matter is that I’m here now. And I can’t do anything about any of this without information.”

Tempest sits down on her haunches and frowns. “And how do I know you’re really on our side?”

Platinum Valve looks to Tempest. “Some kind of a test would probably be in order.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “A test? Considering how bad things are at the moment I would have thought you would welcome any help you could get at this point.”

Tempest sneers. “Not when that so-called help hasn’t proven themselves to me yet.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. What do I have to do?”

Tempest gestures to the window. “First off, I’ll humor your curiosity with a bit of a light briefing. About a year ago, Canterlot more or less closed its doors to everypony. Those outside the city at the time were unable to enter while anypony inside was trapped.”

Arc chuckles. “You mean non-flying ponies were, right?”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “Nope. They put up a magical barrier to maximize security and keep the city locked down.”

Tempest grunts. “That included communications as well. For all intents and purposes, they were completely cut off from the rest of the country.”

Arc raises an eyebrow skeptically. “How did the public take that?”

Platinum Valve shrugs. “Not too badly, actually.”

Tempest nods. “Everypony just thought there was some kind of super top secret meeting going on or some contagious disease within the city and just went about their business as usual for a short time.”

Platinum Valve bows her head. “But that was some time ago at this point.”

Tempest stomps a foot. “About nine months ago the sun suddenly stopped rising. That’s when things really started going downhill.”

Platinum Valve shudders. “Canterlot started sending out Royal Guards and Lunar Protectors to round up everypony they could find and transport them to some unknown location.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “But nopony whom was by them there ever returns or is heard from again.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And you want me to go to Canterlot and find them?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Nothing so involved, no. To prove yourself to me all I want you to do is bring me a basket of apples from Sweet Apple Acres to the north of here.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That’s it?”

Tempest nods stoically. “Yes. Think you can handle that?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t see why not. After all, Applejack is a very understanding mare.”

Platinum Valve sighs. “She’s not there though.”

Arc heads for the door. “So, I’ll just grab a basket of apples then and leave some money for them then.”

Tempest calls out after him. “It’s recommended that you scout out the farm first before approaching it.”

Platinum Valve nods fervently. “And try not to use magic over there. It’ll set off the alarm.”

Arc stops and turns around. “Alarm?”

Tempest chuckles. “Yes. Now then, if you manage to survive this bring the apples to Sugarcube Corner and wait there for contact.

Platinum Valve looks around nervously. “And make sure that you’re not followed there either.”

Arc shrugs. “Sounds simple enough.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “If that’s what you think than it is unlikely that we will meet again.”

Arc again turns and head for the door. “I’ll take your suggestions into consideration though.”

Platinum Valve shudders. “Be careful out there.”

Arc nods. “I will.”

Leaving the cottage, Arc makes a beeline for Sweet Apple Acres. Cherry calls out to him as he walks.

“We’re not taking the road?”

Arc shakes his head as he cloaks. “I get the feeling that this is not like the old Sweet Apple Acres we’re used to. We should sneak up on them from the hill to the east of the farm and scout it out like Tempest said.”

“Scouting it out?”

“If it’s anywhere near as bad as Tempest and Platinum Valve say it is then I’d rather go in quietly, do the job, and get out without anyone even knowing I was there. That and it’s likely that the roads will be either patrolled or watched by someone on stakeout.

“But the plains not so much, huh?”

“In theory, yes. So that’s why we’re doing it this way.”

Sometime later, Arc lays down on his belly and crawls his way the last bit up to the crest of a hill. Peeking over he looks out at the orchard below. A large number of Royal Guards and Lunar Defenders patrol the grounds around the house and barn as well as the orchards themselves. Frowning, he whispers.

“That sure is a lot of security just to look after apples.”

“Maybe there’s something else there to guard, Arc. Like in the barn, or something.”

“Can’t think of what that might be though. I mean… there’s much more secure locations than out here.”

“So, what’s you plan, Arc?”

Arc looks to the barn. “Any other time I would just walk in, announce myself, and tell them that I was going to take some apples.”

“Your status as the Hero of Light would certainly have let you do such a thing, of course. But judging by how those two guards in the cemetery treated you, here you’re technically no different than anypony else in terms of status.”

“And if that wasn’t hard enough, Platinum Valve told me I couldn’t use my magic.”

“I get the feeling that those watch towers are for more than just watching out for trouble.”

“Agreed. Those appear to be way more cables than are needed for powering the search lights.”

“Maybe some kind of magic sensor.”

“Must be localized though.”

“What makes you say that, Arc?”

“Because I’ve already used magic numerous times around town and no one’s come after me yet.”

“So you could use magic. Just not on the grounds of Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Yeah.”

“But you’ll still need a plan to get to the barn. How about just using a magic cloak to sneak in?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m betting that such a thing won’t work on fooling the dampers. After all, my magic cloak has the word ‘magic’ right in the name.”

“The only other option would be for us to go in there fully visible. And that won’t be even remotely safe.”

“In that case let’s just see what we have to work with around here.”

Arc looks around for a few moments before his eyes settle on a massive rock nearby. Grinning, he nods to himself.

“That’ll do.”

Making his way over to the rock, Arc slowly begins pushing it over the crest of the hill. As gravity does its thing, the rock gains momentum and careens toward the orchard. Smashing into a tree on the outskirts, it knocks it over with a colossal crash. A number of guards run over to investigate as the search lights turn to convene on it. Grinning, Arc looks up at the moon and changes into his Crimson form. Turning into a mist, he makes his way up and over those whom are actively investigating the incident. Snaking under the barn door Arc rematerializes and looks around.

“Now then… just need to find some apples.”

“That might be harder than we thought though, Arc.”

“How so?”

“Look at the stack of baskets in the corner.”

Arc turns his head. “They’re empty.”

“Right. Apples aren’t in season right now, after all.

“But Applejack always seems to have some in the barn. At least as long as I can remember, that is.”

“Well, this version of her apparently doesn’t.”

Arc facepalms. “Great.”

Cherry sighs. “We should probably get out of here now then, Arc. After all, who’s to say that the guards won’t be running patrols through here at some point?”

“But I can’t leave without some apples!”

“There aren’t any to find though!”

Arc looks to a rack of crates nearby. “Maybe. Then again, maybe not.”

Making his way over to the crates, Arc peeks through a knothole. Grinning, he opens it and pulls out a large jar.

“Here we go!”

“But those aren’t apples, Arc!”

Arc nods as he closes the crate’s lid. “Yes, they are. Just in a slightly less… solid form.”

Shoving the jar into his ring, Arc quickly returns to his mist form as the barn doors open and several guards walk inside with their weapons at the ready. Taking the opportunity to make his way through the doorway, Arc floats high over the orchard back towards town. Rematerializing in front of Sugar Cube Corner, Arc walks inside and looks around. Seeing no one he sighs inwardly and calls out to Cherry.

“Guess I’m early.”

“Maybe Tempest figured that you’d need a lot more time to come up with a plan.”

Arc shrugs as he turns and leans against the counter to face the door. “Probably. But that still doesn’t explain why she and Platinum Valve…”

Arc’s thought is cut off as a rough blow from behind knocks him off his feet. Turning, he sees Tempest standing next to Platinum Valve behind the counter. Seething, she calls out angrily.

“You idiot!”

“What?!”

Platinum Valve sighs. “Sweet Apple Acres is now on high alert thanks to a rock that crashed into a tree a little while ago.”

Arc stands up. “You were there?”

Tempest shakes her head. “How stupid do you think we are?! That would have been far too risky!”

Platinum Valve holds up a device. “We watched it on this screen. It’s connected wirelessly to a hidden camera in one of the apple trees.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “Which just happened to be the one you knocked down!”

Arc puts his hands on the counter as he frowns. “Oh, come on! How was I supposed to know that?!”

Platinum Valve looks to Tempest as she puts the device on the counter. “He does raise a good point, you know.”

Tempest scoffs. “Well, that doesn’t change the fact that we now have no way of keeping tabs on the farm. To say nothing about the fact that they’ll probably find that camera when they start cleaning up the tree.”

Platinum Valve turns back to the device. “Looks like they just did.”

Holding it up, Arc and Tempest see a number of guards observing the camera and looking around. Turning the screen off, Platinum Valve puts it in her saddlebags before sighing and looking to the pair.

“In any case… I suppose what’s done is done. But we should see about how the mission went.”

Turning to Arc, Platinum Valve continues.

“Were you able to get the apples, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “There weren’t any to be found, no.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “None?”

Platinum Valve shrugs. “That actually does make sense.”

Arc continues. “Because they’re out of season?”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “More along the lines of because they’re so valuable.”

Tempest nods soberly. “With no sunlight, we can’t grow food. So what currently exists is all there is.”

Platinum Valve bows her head sadly. “What apples were left have probably been transferred to a secure location along with whatever else in there was edible.”

Arc smirks. “Not exactly.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“I was able to grab something to at least prove that I was there and tried my best.”

Reaching for his ring, he pulls out the jar. Setting it on the counter, he continues.

“Apple Jam.”

Platinum Valve gasps. “Was there any more in there?!”

Arc nods. “A number of crates, yes.”

Platinum Valve turns to Tempest excitedly. “We need to find a way to get them out of there!”

Tempest groans. “Believe me, I’d love to do that. At this point though it’s likely that the farm will be locked down while they start searching the town.”

Arc looks around. “We should probably get out of here then.”

Platinum Valve grimaces. “Where to though?”

Tempest frowns. “You and I are going back to base, Platinum Valve.”

Platinum Valve points a hoof at Arc. “What about him though?!”

Tempest scoffs as she walks around the counter. “He didn’t pass the test. I asked for apples and he didn’t provide them.”

Platinum Valve gasps. “But he couldn’t have! There weren’t any to take!”

Arc frowns. “I did bring apples.”

Tempest turns to him. “Huh?”

Arc taps the jar on the counter. “You asked me to bring you a basket of apples. But I wasn’t told what form those apples needed to be in.”

Platinum Valve giggles. “I think he’s got you.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “While that’s technically correct…”

The sound of hooves and armor clanking outside rings out. Platinum Valve frowns and looks to Tempest.

“We need to go!”

Tempest pulls something from her saddlebags. “Right!”

Pressing a button on it, Tempest disappears in a flash of light. Platinum Valve runs over to Arc and cries out.

“Pick me up! Hurry!”

Doing as he is told, Arc kneels down and wraps his arms around the filly. As she removes a similar looking device from her saddlebags, Arc turns and grabs the jar from the counter. Pressing the button on it, both she and Arc vanish together. A few moments later they reappear in a very large tent with a number of ponies pointing makeshift spears at them. A mare steps forward and frowns at Tempest.

“Are you completely nuts?!”

Tempest appears confused. “What are you…?”

Turning, she sees Platinum Valve hop down from Arc’s arms. Seething, she looks to the filly.

“Why the heck did you bring that thing here?!”

Platinum Valve stomps a hoof defiantly. “Because he passed the test!”

Tempest groans. “No, he…!”

Platinum Valve interrupts. “That and the guards would have found him if we’d left him behind!”

The mare appears confused. “Who is…?!”

A stallion sees the Crest of Light on Arc’s shoulder and points a hoof as he turns and cries out.

“Colonel Spitfire! Look there!”

Spitfire gasps. “The Crest of Light?!”

Platinum Valve turns to her. “He says that the previous Heroes of Light picked him to be their replacements before they died.”

Spitfire looks to Arc cooly. “Kinda late, aren’t you?”

“I… suppose I am.”

Tempest sneers. “At least you’re Honest about it.”

Spitfire frowns at Arc. “Where have you been?!”

“Well…”

Platinum Valve steps forward. “Colonel Spitfire, please remember that the Hero of Light doesn’t actually answer to anypony. If he wasn’t here before then I’m sure he has a good reason. But even if he doesn’t…”

Arc interrupts her. “Look, I’m really sorry that I couldn’t have been around up until this point. But I am here now. So… can I help?”

Spitfire looks to Arc silently as she thinks. Eventually, she nods evenly.

“Very well. But only on a probationary level. He’ll still need to prove himself to us first.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “Shouldn’t that be up to the general though?”

Tempest motions to Spitfire. “She left the colonel in charge of security though.”

Platinum Valve taps Tempest’s insignia. “You technically outrank her though.”

“True. But I trust her judgment.”

Arc nods as he looks to Spitfire. “Fine then. What do you want me to do to prove myself?”

Holding out the jar of apple jelly to Tempest, he continues.

“Again, I might add.”

Tempest frowns as she takes the jar. “That’s up to the colonel.”

Spitfire smirks. “He can spearhead our next operation.”

Platinum Valve raises an eyebrow. “A mission?”

Tempest’s eyes grow wide as she looks to Spitfire. “You don’t mean…?!”

Spitfire nods. “Yes, we were just about to head out.”

Platinum Valve grimaces. “That might not be a good idea right now, colonel.”

Tempest gestures to Arc. “Yeah. This idiot’s antics put Apple Base on high alert.”

Spitfire facehoofs. “Seriously?”

Arc turns to Tempest. “In my defense, I did do what you wanted me to. I snuck into the barn and got some ‘apples’ without technically using magic while on the property. That and they never saw me enter or leave.”

Platinum Valve nods. “He did, yes. Somehow. But I was confused when Tempest asked him to break in there with a mission coming up.”

Tempest shrugs. “I figured he’d get caught and could be our diversion for the upcoming attack.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean…?”

“We were watching via the hidden camera. When you were inevitable discovered and captured, I was planning to come back here to lead our forces onto the property from the other side of wherever you were.”

Spitfire looks to Tempest. “Could we still attack from a different direction?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Nah. High alert is high alert.”

Platinum Valve groans. “And it’s likely due to that scuffle that reinforcements have been dispatched from Canterlot.

Spitfire looks to a nearby clock. “Assuming that’s true, we still have an hour or so before they get to Apple Base.”

Tempest stomps a hoof angrily. “True. But if we can’t get out before they arrive, we’ll be sitting ducks.”

Platinum Valve shrugs. “Then we should call it off.”

Arc raises a gauntlet. “Excuse me?”

Spitfire groans. “What is it?”

“I know that I’m the new guy here, but can I make a suggestion?”

Spitfire frowns. “Unless you have a surefire plan to make this work…”

Arc interrupts her. “That I do.”

Tempest shrugs. “Let’s hear it then.”

“It’s very simply actually. We could just use the plan that I did to get in originally.”

Platinum Valve raises an eyebrow. “Roll a rock down a hill into a tree?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. My idea is to create some kind of a diversion on the other side of the property to draw the guards toward it. Meanwhile, the real attack force could storm the barn and take what they needed from it.”

Spitfire chuckles. “And poor fool is going to be making the a fore mentioned diversion? You?”

“Sure, I can do that.”

Platinum Valve gasps. “What?! But… but that would be a suicide mission!”

Tempest scoffs. “Not really.”

Spitfire turns to Tempest, confused. “Oh?”

Tempest gestures with a hoof to Arc. “If this creature really is the Hero of Light as he claims, then the guards shouldn’t be able to lay a hoof on him.”

Arc nods. “Right. And since this isn’t cloak and dagger anymore, I’ll be able to use my magic as well if need be.

Platinum Valve appears confused. “You can use magic?”

Tempest chuckles. “How well?”

Arc shrugs. “Let’s just say that I’m above average.”

Tempest turns to Spitfire. “It’s your call, colonel.”

Platinum Valve shakes her head vehemently. “We shouldn’t let him do it! This is just too dangerous!”

Arc shrugs. “Only to me. The rest of the group will be exposed to minimal risk due to only a small number of enemy troops being left behind.”

Spitfire sighs. “Very well. We’ll do it.”

Turning to her forces, she continues.

“As planned, we’ll arrive just outside the town to the west of the farm. From there we’ll watch and wait for the secondary party of one to make their move on the orchard from the east.”

A stallion raises a hoof. “But how will we know when to attack, Colonel Spitfire?”

“That depends on how well a diversion works out.”

Tempest smirks. “The harder he fights the more troops will have to be sent to try and stop him.”

Platinum Valve grimaces. “How will he get out though?!”

Tempest turns to Spitfire. “Platinum Valve brings up a good point, colonel. After all, we can’t yet trust him with one of our recall beads.”

“Very true.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Tempest taps a map of Ponyville lying on a nearby table. “Should you survive this, I could pick you up from Sugar Cube Corner.”

Platinum Valve runs over to Tempest. “But he’ll be too tired to have to go that far! That and they’ll certainly be chasing him by that point!”

Spitfire nods soberly. “How about this then? When our part of the operation is done, I’ll fly over to the east side of the property and get him out myself.”

Arc frowns. “Alone?”

“Yes.”

Tempest turns to Spitfire. “I know you’re the best flyer here. But even you have your limits.”

“They’ll never be able to catch me though. And if all goes well, I won’t have to waste energy flying before then.”

Arc nods. “Sounds like a plan. I’d just like to add one thing though.”

“What is it?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “If something goes wrong and you can’t get to me, just make sure to evac the others back to safety.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “What about you then?”

“I’ll… think of something. And if the bakery is compromised, we can meet at Fluttershy’s cottage instead.”

Tempest looks to Spitfire. “Sounds like we have ourselves a real plan then.”

“Agreed. Tempest, you will take the Hero of Light to a prime position on the east side. Figure out the details of the plan from that side before making your way back to our group on the west side.”

“I could help him with the diversion though.”

Spitfire folds her hooves over her chest. “Could, but won’t. I can’t risk somepony with your skills you on a mere diversion.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s alright. I’ll be okay.”

Tempest scoffs. “Fine.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“Ready?”

Arc nods. “Lead the way.”

Sighing, Tempest turns and walks over to a strange looking pad behind them. As Arc follows her onto it, Spitfire calls out.

“A moment.”

Looking to Arc, she continues.

“Succeed or not, I just wanted to say that I’m very impressed by your willingness to do this.”

Arc nods. “I’m just doing what I can to help.”

“See you soon enough.”

Tempest looks to a nearby stallion and nods. He manipulates the control panel in front of him deftly. As he does so the pad begins to glow slightly before the pair are teleported to Sugar Cube Corner. Arriving, Tempest heads toward the door.

“Let’s go.”

Arc nods. “Right behind you.”

Leaving the building silently, they make their way carefully to the east side of the orchards. Tempest climbs a tree, pulls a pair of binoculars from her saddlebags, and scans the area as she speaks.

“Looks like the other group is in position.”

“Good.”

Tempest frowns. “And there appear to be a lot less guards than I thought there’d be.”

“You think they’re still in Ponyville looking for us?”

Tempest shrugs as she puts away the binoculars and jumps down. “No way to know for sure at this point. But it’s an even money bet, yes. However, there are still a few dozen guards that I could see still on the grounds. And when you start your diversion they’ll probably hear it and come running.

Arc nods as he clenches a fist. “A calculated risk on my part.”

Tempest shakes her head. “Yeah, well… I’d just like to take a moment to say that you officially are nuts.”

Arc smirks. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You would. At least if anything I’ve read about past Heroes of Light are any indication.”

“Oh really?”

Tempest nods. “Yeah.”

“And what exactly have you heard?”

“That they’re experts at making the impossible possible.”

“I’ve done that a few times, yes.”

“Wouldn’t mind hearing about that later then.”

“Sure. When we get back, that is.”

Tempest frowns. “You mean ‘if’ right?”

Arc looks out at the apple trees. “I said what I said.”

“Fine. What about your diversion?”

Arc chuckles. “You just leave that to me. I’ll get them all over here.”

Tempest sighs. “Fine. I need to meet up with the other group. So be sure to give me a ten minute head start before you get to… whatever it is that you’re going to do.”

“Alright.”

Tempest leaves as Arc sits down at the foot of a tree. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Arc, what are you planning to do?!”

“Use magnetism.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Um… how?”

“You’ll see.”

Pulling a magic robe from his ring, Arc quickly recalls his armor and puts it on. Cherry gasps.

“Arc, you need protection!”

Arc shakes his head. “At the moment I need to stay silent though. Armor just kinda clanks around.”

After waiting for the specified amount of time, Arc calls out to Cherry.

“It’s time.”

“Are you sure this is what you want to do though, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. But it needs to be done.”

Taking a deep breath, he cloaks. Spotting a larger than average tree off to one side of the orchard, Arc walks over to it. Climbing up into the branches, he steadies himself before looking towards the guards by the farm buildings and muttering to himself.

“Let’s see if they’re able to pick up my magic cloak with their sensors.”

A few moments later a guard runs out of the farmhouse with a strange looking device. He calls for a few guards to come with him. Heading into the orchard they come to the spot where Arc is hiding and look around. Seeing nothing, the stallion motions for them to fan out. Arc waits for them to turn away from one another before hopping down to the ground. Picking a target, Arc looks to them and matches their steps. As they pass close by a tree, he slams their head into the trunk with a Telekinesis Spell. The others hear it and start running toward the commotion. Picking out two more guards, he repeats the process. Seeing three stallions on the ground, the one with the device speaks hastily into a radio. Cherry calls out telepathically.

“Looks like he’s calling for reinforcements!”

Arc grins. “Just like I knew he would.”

“But that means that there will be even more guards looking for you, Arc!”

“All according to plan, Cherry.”

As the western group waits in their position, they see a number of guards hurry out of the farmhouse and into the orchards. Spitfire smirks as she turns to Tempest and whispers.

“They’re moving. That thing out there is actually doing it.”

Tempest frowns. “I’ll congratulate what’s left of him when they track him down.”

Spitfire grimaces. “Remember, it was his idea though. And if he keeps it up, there won’t be hardly anypony here at the farm.”

A stallion points a hoof to the road. “They’re recalling the guards from town now!”

Tempest chuckles. “That means the farmhouse must be empty now.”

Spitfire nods and crouches down. “Right. As soon as they pass by us, we’re moving in.”

As the stallions run onto the property and past the farm buildings, Spitfire motions silently with a hoof. Tempest speaks into a radio. A few moments later the watchtower lights turn away from the barn to other areas of ground. Tempest looks to Spitfire and grins.

“My operatives have taken the towers. The way to the barn should be clear.”

Spitfire points. “Everypony, move out!”

They make a dash for the barn. Entering, Tempest points at the racks of apple products.

“Grab everything! We need to start transporting this stuff out of here as long as we can!”

A stallion with a strange looking device makes his way over to the racks. Opening a portal, he stabilizes it and holds it open as teams of two start shuttling crates through. Meanwhile, Arc continues to use telekinesis to knock out guards. Several times he Blinks to other locations to further hamper their efforts to locate him. However, he soon hears the sound of wings flapping overhead. Looking up, Arc spies a large number of pegasi making their way toward the orchards at high speed. Grimacing, he calls out to Cherry telepathically.

“Great. Now the Wonderbolts are here.”

“On the upside, they still won’t be able to see you though.”

Arc frowns. “I got a bad feeling that they can.”

The Wonderbolts press buttons on their goggles and look around. A few moments later they fly straight for Arc. Shrugging, he hops down and decloaks. Pulling off the cloak and putting it back into his ring he calls forth his armor and turns to his assailants as they surround him.

“I’m the Hero of Light! Stand down!”

The soldiers continue advancing as Cherry calls out to him.

“It doesn’t look like they’re going to be listening to you, Arc!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I didn’t actually think they would. Had to try though.”

“Don’t hurt them though!”

Arc takes up a battle-ready position as he speaks. “That may not be an option at the moment.”

“Here they come!”

The stallions lunge forward. Making a sweeping motion with his arm Arc knocks them back with a Telekinesis Spell. Drawing the Spear of Righteousness from his ring Arc points it at them menacingly as he calls out loudly.

“I will not say this again! Stand down, all of you!”

As they again advance, Arc shakes his head and sighs.

“Very well.”

As Spitfire and her group removes the crates of food from the barn, Tempest watches from the window. Smirking, she whispers to Spitfire as the mare approaches.

“Sounds like our diversion is really earning his pay out there.”

Spitfire grimaces. “Most likely. But those whom are standing against him…”

Tempest cuts her off. “They’ve made their choice. So, we have to make ours.”

Spitfire nods soberly. “Yes, I suppose that’s true. However, it doesn’t make their deaths any easier.”

A short time later the last crate is sent through. Spitfire heads for the door as she turns to Tempest.

“Get back to base. I’ll see about getting our decoy out of there.”

Tempest nods as she pulls a bead from her saddlebags. “Good luck with that. Just be sure to look before you leap though.”

Spitfire nods. “I will.”

“And if you can’t get to him, there’s no shame in aborting the extraction and getting out of there yourself.”

Leaving the barn, Spitfire whistles loudly. Those whom had taken the watch towers earlier vanish as they use their beads. Spitfire takes flight and makes her way over to the eastern side of the property. As she does so however, she sees a fist coming right at her. Gliding masterfully around it, she does a one-eighty and lands on her hooves to face Arc.

“What were you…?!”

Arc groans. “Sorry. I thought you were one that I missed.”

Spitfire appears confused. “Missed?”

Arc gestures to the stallions lying all around on the ground. “Yeah.”

Spitfire’s eyes grow wide as she sees innumerable guards and Wonderbolts lying on the ground moaning. Turning to him, she frowns.

“Did you have to be so hard on them?!”

Arc shrugs. “They just have broken legs and wings from what I can tell. Everyone here should pull through when their reinforcements arrive.”

Spitfire pulls out a bead and sighs. “In any case, let’s not be here when they do. Hold still.”

Making her way around behind Arc, Spitfire jumps onto his back and activates her bead. A split second later she and Arc find themselves back in the tent they started in. Looking around, they see stallions unpacking the crates and loading the supplies into small wagons which are being pulled through the tent flaps. Hopping off of Arc, Spitfire calls out loudly.

“Take careful inventory of what we have before remitting these supplies to the depot! And be mindful of the jars! Every one of them counts! Platinum Valve!

Platinum Valve looks over. “Yes?!”

“See to it that the first to be fed are the very young and very old. Next should be anypony wounded. Then everypony else.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Spitfire smiles at the foal. “Did the foals like the jam?”

Platinum Valve grins. “That they did. We put it on some stale bread to soften it and make everything about it a bit more palatable.”

“Good. There’s plenty more where that came from now though.”

Turning to Tempest, Spitfire continues talking as she gestures to Arc.

“Well, it appears you were right about this one.”

Tempest shrugs. “I’m seldom wrong about other’s abilities.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So… does that mean I’m in?”

Spitfire taps her chin with a hoof. “I don’t know. After all, it’s pretty convenient that you showed up just now.”

“How so?”

Tempest shrugs. “We were about to hit Apple Base when you came anyways. Lack of food won’t help our rebellion continue onward.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Rebellion?”

Spitfire nods soberly. “Yes.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Against Canterlot?”

Spitfire frowns. “Something like that. Which is another reason why I’m a bit hesitant to just let you into our inner circle. Much less our base of operations.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “You could still be working with the princesses, after all.”

Spitfire nods. “Yes. We don’t yet know whose side you’re on.”

“Equestria’s.”

Spitfire appears confused. “Come again?”

“You wanted to know whose side I was on. I was just answering your question.”

Tempest looks to Spitfire. “In any case, we should probably let the general make the final call on what to do in this matter though.”

“Agreed.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Can I talk to them then about it directly then? After all, I still haven’t actually agreed to help with your… rebellion.”

Tempest sighs. “Guess we’d better.”

Spitfire looks to a stallion. “Get the general.”

Nodding, they quickly leave the tent to carry out the colonel’s orders. Returning a few minutes later, the stallion points a hoof over to Spitfire as they and Tempest continue talking to Arc. The general walks over to them and clears their throat loudly to get the group’s attention. However, as Arc turns to see them his eyes grow wide as he gasps inwardly.

Chapter 5 - Proving One's Worth

The general walks over to them. Spitfire turns and gestures with a hoof to the uniformed pony as she speaks.

“This is the leader of the rebel forces, General Cherry Jubilee.”

Cherry rolls her eyes as turns to Arc. “Just call me ‘Cherry’ though. I’m not much for fancy titles.”

She looks Arc up and down as she continues.

“After all, I don’t actually have any experience leading anypony.”

Spitfire shrugs. “You’re in charge of this camp though. That makes you a general.”

Tempest nods. “Pretty much, yeah. Well, that and the fact that you have the respect of everypony here. Including me.”

Cherry spies his Crest of Light. “So Equestria does still have a protector. Mister…”

Tempest cuts her off. “The Hero of Light’s identity is supposed to remain a secret though, ma’am!”

Spitfire folds her hooves over her chest. “Yes, it’s a matter of national security!”

Arc shakes his head. “Normally I suppose it is, yes. However, I don’t have any problem with others knowing whom I am.”

Removing his helmet, he continues.

“My name is ‘Arc’. I’m a human whom accidently came to this land quite some time ago under… shall we say, extreme circumstances.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “And the princesses just decided to make you the Hero of Light?”

Arc shrugs. “There was a lot that happened before things got to that point, of course. But you’re probably better off not hearing about all of that. Top secret matters, and whatnot.”

Spitfire narrows her eyes. “But how does somepony from another country even get to the point of being entrusted with such power?!”

Arc sighs. “It’s kinda complicated. So, I’ll give you the short version.”

Taking a deep breath, he continues.

“You see, I did my best to do right here in Equestria when I arrived. To try and overcome the negative stereotypes surrounding my race. However, at one point I was accused of brutally murdering a helpless mare.”

Tempest frowns. “And the verdict of your trial?”

“While I never actually got one, it did look like an open and shut case from the start. I was found ‘guilty’ by the party that found me and summarily punished for the crime with a one-way trip to Tartarus.”

Spitfire frowns. “Then how’d you get out?!”

“This isn’t exactly common knowledge, but the princesses have contingency plans to enter Tartarus in such events. None of which I can tell you the specifics about though. In any case, the mare whom they thought was dead recovered and told some friends of mine what really happened. How I hadn’t been trying to kill her, but was assisting in delivering her foal. There was a snowstorm outside and I couldn’t get her to the hospital.

Cherry nods soberly. “That led to you being covered in blood along with her I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “You got it. So when we were discovered I was immediately sent off to Tartarus.”

Tempest smirks. “And when your innocence was discovered, they got you out and gave you a full pardon?”

“Something like that. As a bit of an additional apology, Princess Cadance gave me a blank royal decree. I was allowed to write whatever I wanted as penance for their mistake.”

Removing the scroll from his magic ring, Arc continues.

“And I asked for citizenship here in Equestria.”

Spitfire holds out a hoof. “May I see that document please?”

“Of course.”

Holding the scroll out to her, Arc allows Spitfire to read it over. Nodding, she rolls it back up and returns it to Arc as she speaks.

“It certainly appears authentic.”

Tempest turns to the colonel. “What about the signature?”

“Identical to the ones I’ve seen in the past.”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “So how exactly does one make the jump from citizen to Hero of Light?”

“The previous Heroes of Light were impressed by my actions and offered me their former job. They gave me their sigils and told me the proper words to say to Princess Luna when I turned the sigils over to them.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “And she trusted you… just like that?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In truth, she actually sent spies to watch my actions for a while after that in order to make sure I was really on the level. But I was eventually able to gain her trust. The rest of the story needs to stay a secret though for national security reasons.”

Cherry nods. “Very well. And I do believe that we could use the help of somepony so… uh… talented.”

Spitfire scoffs. “Late as they may be, yes.”

Arc grimaces. “Yeah, about that. I um… I’m sorry for just showing up now out of the blue.”

Tempest shrugs. “Or in this case, out of the black.”

Spitfire sighs. “Sun’s been down for what feels like forever.”

She turns and calls out.

“You got numbers yet, Platinum Valve?!”

The filly hurries over to the group with a clipboard.

“That I do. Have a look.”

Giving the clipboard to Cherry, the young mare looks it over for a short time before nodding approvingly.

“Good work on that raid. All of you”

Spitfire gestures with a hoof. “You can thank our Hero of Light for his role then.”

Cherry looks to Arc as she gives the clipboard back to Platinum Valve. “Well, considering this list of supplies liberated, I would say you did very well then.”

Platinum Valve nods as she holds the clipboard to her chest. “I’ll see to it that everything is properly stored away in the supply depot, general.”

“Very good. Carry on.”

The filly walks away and starts directing the stallions on which crates to move before following them out of the tent. Cherry turns her attention back to Arc.

“Tell me, what was your role in this raid, sir?”

“I made a diversion on the opposite side of the property.”

Tempest smirks. “He kept the guards busy while we took out the watch tower guards and got to the barn.”

Cherry appears surprised. “Alone? Without other aid?”

Spitfire shrugs. “When I arrived to extract him, he’d already delt with the guards AND Wonderbolt reinforcements.”

Cherry turns back to Arc. “Are you injured?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’m fine.”

Spitfire grimaces. “Those whom crossed him aren’t though.”

Arc chuckles. “They’ll all pull through though.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Explain.”

“I was careful to only do enough damage to stop them from continuing to fight. Not outright kill them. The guards needed a couple broken legs or some smashed ribs. And the Wonderbolts just required some broken wings to stay down.”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “I am grateful that you showed such restraint. But attacking the Hero of Light is a crime punishable by death. Why would you feel the need to go so easy on them?”

“Because I wasn’t sure if they were the bad guys or not.”

Folding his arms over his chest, Arc continues.

“After all, I still don’t really know who’s in the wrong here.”

Tempest glares at him. “Are you siding with Canterlot?!”

“Like I said before, I’m on Equestria’s side. That means whomever is right is whom I’ll fight for.”

Spitfire draws her weapon as she looks to Cherry. “We might want to get rid of him then.”

Arc shakes his head as he reaches for his ring. “You would lose.”

Cherry motions for the colonel to lower her weapon. “Yes, we have no interest in fighting the Hero of Light.”

Tempest frowns. “We’re already short on help as it is.”

Arc pulls back from his ring. “Thank you. I’m not too keen on fighting anyone here either. At least until I have the full picture.”

Spitfire keeps a hoof on her blade. “So you might at some point then?”

Arc shrugs. “It depends on what’s needed to help the citizens of Equestria return to their daily lives.”

Spitfire looks to Cherry. “Not sure if telling him our side of things is in our best interests then.”

Cherry sighs. “The only other option would be for him to attempt to enter Canterlot.”

Tempest scoffs. “Assuming he actually got in, I don’t think they’d give him an honest answer anyways.”

Arc nods. “Right. So I’ll hear you out if I can.”

Cherry steps back. “Very well.”

She gestures with a wave of her hoof before continuing.

“This is our command center. It’s where we coordinate our missions against various targets.”

Spitfire nods. “At the moment that just involves supply runs and rescue operations though.”

Tempest shrugs. “We’re just trying to get by right now.”

Cherry bows her head. “Yes. It’s been a rather… stressful time for all of us here.”

Arc looks around. “But what exactly happened that brought you here? I mean… Tempest was saying that Canterlot has closed its borders and the moon never lowers these days. But the part that really got to me was hearing about them rounding up other ponies.”

Cherry nods soberly. “We still don’t know what happens to them or where they go. However, the fact that they’re never seen again leads me to believe that foul play is involved.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It does make sense. Have there been any kind of transmissions sent out from Canterlot? An explanation of any kind?”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Nothing.”

Tempest stomps the ground. “Their actions speak louder than words though!”

Cherry takes a few steps over to a machine and puts her front hooves on it. “Agreed. So when Tempest and Spitfire came to Dodge Junction, I called together the citizens and we talked it over. Nearly everypony decided to leave and come here to hide out.”

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “All except a couple of mares, if I recall.”

Arc grimaces. “Waitresses at the saloon?”

Cherry appears hopeful. “Have you seen them?! Are they doing alright?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but they were dead when I found them in the back room of the saloon.”

Cherry gasps. “What?! But… but how?!”

Tempest instinctively puts her hoof on her weapon. “Were there signs of a struggle?!”

“No, they were lying together behind some crates on makeshift beds. One of their order pads had been used as a diary of sorts though.”

Spitfire sighs. “Did it give any hint of what killed them?”

Arc nods. “One of them got sick and apparently passed whatever they had onto the second mare. They said it was winter when this happened.”

Cherry bows her head. “No heat, improperly cooked food, and a lack of hygiene probably did it to them.”

Tempest walks over to a map on a table. “While this probably isn’t the best time to mention such a thing, general, I do have to point out that we did leave the storeroom behind the saloon full for them. Given this set of rather unfortunate circumstances, it may be prudent to go back there and take what we can salvage for everypony here.”

Spitfire sighs. “And to lay them to rest properly.”

Arc raises a hand. “I already did the second part.”

Cherry appears confused. “Oh?”

“The alley next to the saloon. I buried them side by side there with their uniforms tied to sticks as a marker. While I know it isn’t much, I couldn’t just leave they lying there on the floor.”

Cherry smiles sadly at him. “Thank you for doing that, sir. It’s appreciated.

Spitfire looks to Arc. “And the supplies there? Could they still be of use?”

“I didn’t exactly go rummaging through a bunch of crates, but it did appear that pretty much everything there was still in one piece.”

Tempest taps the map before her. “Then we should head over there and gather them up!”

Cherry motions to the others as she speaks. “Agreed. Spitfire, take Tempest and scout out the town. See if there’s any signs of Canterlot’s guards being near or in Dodge Junction.”

Arc shrugs. “I was just there yesterday and didn’t see a soul.”

Tempest turns and heads for a cabinet. “We’ll make that determination ourselves. Let’s go, colonel.”

Spitfire hitches up her armor again. “Right with you.”

Arc steps forward. “Would you like me to come along?”

Tempest shakes her head. “We got this.”

Spitfire grins as she checks her weapons. “Thanks, but Tempest and I work well together.”

Cherry nods. “That you do.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“They’ll be fine over there. But I should probably bring you up to speed on how we do things over here. First let’s watch these two leave.”

Tempest and Spitfire step onto a large pad. Turning to a technician nearby, Spitfire points a hoof to a nearby map.

“Dodge Junction. Northern outskirts.”

Nodding, the stallion presses a few buttons. The whine of machinery coming to life rings out as the pad begins to glow. In a burst of energy, the two mares disappear from sight as the device begins to power down. Cherry gestures to the machine as she explains.

“This is a magic teleporter. We can use it to send ponies anywhere in Equestria.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Very interesting. But how do they get back?”

Picking up a small bead off of a nearby counter, Cherry nods to it as she speaks.

“This is a recall bead. An agent in the field can use it to reappear on our return pad over there. Much like you did to come here I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. The first time I piggybacked with Platinum Valve.”

Cherry holds out the bead to him. “Why don’t you keep this one?”

Arc accepts the bead. “Thank you. But I don’t know if I’ll actually need it, as I can do something similar with my gauntlet.”

Cherry looks to his armor. “Oh? Do tell.”

Arc holds out his gauntlet. “I can use this to create a sigil, like so.”

Kneeling down, Arc demonstrates by placing a sigil on the ground. Taking a few steps to one side, he places a second sigil before continuing.

“Then I can step onto one and teleport to the other.”

Powering up the sigil, Arc teleports to the other one. Stepping off, he taps his gauntlet.

“Or, if I’m not near a sigil, I can open a portal that will link me to one.

Opening a portal, Arc steps through and reappears on one of the sigils. Cherry nods approvingly.

“That’s very impressive! But I’m guessing the science behind it is a bit of a state secret.”

Arc shrugs as he removes one of the sigils. “Not exactly. This is made possible by magical enchantments on my gauntlet. Something that’s pretty much the equivalent of a magical antique in this day and age.”

He looks to the teleporting device for a few moments before continuing.

“But this thing looks cutting edge.”

Cherry nods. “It was actually built by…”

She is cut off as Tempest and Spitfire suddenly materialize on the return pad. Hurrying over to Cherry, Spitfire is the first to speak.

“We’ve got trouble!”

Tempest grits her teeth. “The town is overrun with soldiers!”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “But what would Canterlot’s troops be doing way out there?”

Spitfire shakes her head. “No, not Canterlot’s Royal Guards! Griffon soldiers!”

Arc frowns. “What are they doing here?!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Uh… well, for starters, we’re at war with them.”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Not officially we aren’t. But then again, considering just how badly things are going in their country, they’re probably trying to get resources any way they can.”

Arc turns to Tempest. “I don’t understand. What’s going on over there?”

Tempest groans. “Have you been living under a rock, or something?!”

“Kinda have apparently.”

Cherry sighs. “I’ll give you the short version then. The Griffon Kingdom and Abyssinia have been locked in a bloody war for well over a year now. They’ve been going at it so hard that both sides have pretty much run out of resources.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So they decided to travel across the ocean to try and steal ours?”

Spitfire shrugs. “It does make sense from a tactical point of view. Their only other option at this point would be to raid Abyssinia for resources, which they likely also don’t have, while attacking a force that’s already on the defensive.”

Tempest nods as she checks her weapons. “But Dodge Junction is pretty remote and difficult to reinforce.”

Cherry looks to Tempest and Spitfire. “Just luck of the draw that you two found out they were there.”

Arc cracks his knuckles. “Well now, we can’t just let them steal from the Equestrian public. I’ll go over there and stop them.”

Spitfire looks to Cherry. “It’ll take probably every fighter we have to turn them back though.”

Tempest grunts. “And that’s with careful planning along with guerrilla tactics.”

Cherry sighs. “But that will take time to organize. It’s not likely they’ll stick around that long though.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Which is why I’m willing to take care of this.”

Cherry turns to him. “That won’t help with the planning and deploying aspect of this operation though.”

“No, no. When I said I’d take care of it, I meant just me.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Tempest appears skeptical. “You… alone?”

Arc nods. “Exactly. I can move quickly, make decisions independently, and won’t be risking any of your assets in the process.”

Cherry shakes her head. “I can’t in good conscience let you do that though. You’d be throwing your life away needlessly.”

Spitfire groans as she turns away. “While supplies are certainly very important right now, we can’t be taking such extreme risks to get them.”

Tempest smirks. “Right. But I do like your style. Care for some company out there?”

Cherry facehoofs. “You too, Tempest?!”

Arc nods. “Sure. However, only as an observer.”

Tempest frowns. “A what now?”

“Someone to watch me work and report back on how things go.”

Tempest scoffs. “That’s not happening. I’ve proven that I can do a lot more than just sit around sightseeing, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “Fine then.”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “If you want to go commit suicide, be our guest.”

Arc walks toward the pad. “Good. Send me somewhere outside the town limits where I can see what I’m going to be up against ahead of time.”

Tempest falls into step behind him. “Our original landing point was pretty good.”

“Then that’s where we’ll go.”

Taking their places on the pad, Arc nods to the stallion. Pressing a few buttons, the pair vanish from sight and reappear on one side of a sand dune. Tempest motions for Arc to follow her as she drops to her belly and begins crawling up the dune. Reaching the top together, she points to a large airship parked near the train station.

“Looks like they’re starting with the commercial storage warehouses near the station.”

Arc turns to Tempest. “Is there a lot of stuff in there?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Nah, we took out pretty much anything that would be useful to our cause when abandoning Dodge Junction.”

Arc frowns. “Seeing that there isn’t anything for them in there, they’ll head deeper into town though.”

Tempest nods soberly. “Eventually finding the goods still stored in the saloon’s back room I would imagine.”

Arc looks out over the town again. “Do you have some binoculars?”

“Sure. One sec.”

Reaching into her pouch, Tempest pulls out a small pair of binoculars. Arc takes them and scans the scene before them. Smirking, he calls out.

“Good news. They’re splitting up.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “That means they’ll be able to cover more ground faster.”

Arc nods as he hands back the binoculars. “And be easier to take out covertly.”

Tempest looks Arc up and down. “You don’t look very stealthy to me.”

“I mean for you.”

“Me?!”

Arc appears surprised. “Aren’t you the Special Agent here?”

“Yes, but…”

Arc interrupts her. “So you’re saying that you can’t do it?”

“Of course I can! But it just takes one of them to call in an alarm to their commanding officer and I’ll be overrun!”

“You just leave that to me. Take out as many groups as you can as quietly as you can while I keep the ship busy.”

“Ship? What about the commanding officer?”

Arc gestures to the griffon’s ship. “I’m guessing that would be them standing on the deck.”

Tempest looks through her binoculars. “Probably, yes. Or at the very least they’re the one leading the ground forces.”

“I’ll just go over there and have a talk with them then. They, along with the crew aboard, will be so interested in me that they won’t have time to worry about their forces in town.”

He looks the ship over for a few more moments before turning to Tempest and continuing.

“I’m guessing the griffon ships don’t have those magic detector thingamabobs though.”

Tempest shakes her head. “No, they don’t. And it’s not likely that Canterlot has anything like that way out here either.”

Arc smirks. “Perfect. That gives me more options on how to do this thing.”

“There are a lot of assumptions in what you’re planning though.”

“Yes, well… if things go wrong, just get yourself out of here and back to base. I’ll be fine on my own for a while.”

Tempest shrugs. “Fine. It’s your funeral.”

They part ways. Tempest heads into town under the cover of darkness as Arc makes his way toward the griffon airship. Looking around for a gangplank, he shrugs and casts a Telekinesis Spell to give himself a boost. Grabbing the guardrail, he hefts himself over it to land loudly on the steel deck. The griffon in charge whirls around to see what all the noise is about. Spotting Arc, they look him over for a few moments before speaking.

“Uh… what the heck are you supposed to be?”

Arc chuckles. “No one special.”

“That doesn’t really answer my question.”

“Then how about I ask you one then.”

“Huh?”

Arc points a finger at them. “Who are you?”

“General Gilda of the Griffon Kingdom.”

“My name is Arc. So… what brings you here?”

Gilda scoffs. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m looking for something.”

“Are you now?”

“Yes. But I really don’t have time to waste talking to whatever it is that you are.”

Arc shrugs. “Aw… don’t like talking to non-griffons?”

“It’s not that. I’m just extremely busy over here. That and I’m still not even sure what it is that you are. Certainly not a pony from your stance though.”

“Yeah, I’m a pretty rare specimen around here.”

Gilda appears confused. “So what exactly are you? Definitely not an equine from where I stand.”

Arc does a small twirl to show his form off. “Just a different creature. That’s all.”

“Curious too.”

“Yup.”

Gilda puts a talon on a device strapped to her hip. “Do what you want. Just don’t cause me any trouble.”

She removes the device and presses a switch on it. Opening her beak to talk, the device suddenly slips and bounces across the deck before falling to the ground below. Looking over the guard rail, Gilda groans as she sees the device in a number of pieces. Arc joins her and looks down.

“Looks like you dropped your little toy box.”

Gilda grunts. “Great! Those things are expensive and in short supply too!”

Turning, Gilda makes a few steps toward the main hatch as she continues talking.

“Guess I’ll just have to coordinate this thing from the bridge instead.”

Arc moves to join her. “Alright. Lead the way.”

Gilda stops and turns to him. “That’s not happening.”

“Why not?”

“Regulations state that no animals are allowed inside the ship.”

Arc frowns. “Hey now! That’s not very nice!”

Gilda rolls her eyes. “You’re not a pony or a griffon, so what else could you be other than an animal?”

“I’m this nation’s Hero of Light.”

Gilda appears confused. “What’s that? Some kind of sport’s mascot?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. It’s a position that balances the powers that be in the capital and takes care of problems here in Equestria.”

“That didn’t really clear it up for me.”

“How about we start over then?”

Gilda groans. “I really don’t have time for this right now. My troops in the field need to be able to check in.”

She heads for the main hatch again, but Arc blocks her way.

“What’s the rush? I’m sure everything’s fine out there. I mean… just listen to all that quietness.”

Gilda glares at him as he blocks her path to the door. “Get out of the way dweeb!”

Arc grins. “Make me!”

Shrugging, Gilda takes few steps back and looks up at a large windshield high above them. Waving a talon to someone up there, she turns back to Arc and grins smugly.

“Now you’re gonna get it.”

“Oh?”

“I just called for a few of our troops to come and play with you.”

“Great! I love to play!”

Gilda snickers as the main hatch opens and a number of guards make their way out. “They’ll teach you a lesson while I’m gone. But don’t worry. I’ll be back to clean up the mess in a bit.”

She enters the ship as the guards surround Arc. Closing the door behind her, Gilda quickly makes her way up to the bridge. As she walks, she mutters to herself.

“What the heck was that thing out there? Some weird Equestrian pet, or something?”

Frowning, she continues thinking about it on the way. Shrugging as she approaches the bridge door, Gilda finishes her thought.

“Maybe I should try to capture it. Such a thing might make an interesting test subject for the lab back home. Or even an exotic gift for the king if it isn’t too dangerous.”

Entering the bridge, Gilda sees the crew lying on the floor unconscious. Running over to one, she checks for a pulse before breathing a sigh of relief.

“They’re alive! But I wonder what happened here!”

A voice rings out behind her.

“Overworked, probably.”

Whirling around, Gilda sees Arc sitting in the captain’s chair. Raising an eyebrow, she looks him over, confused.

“What the heck are you doing up here?!”

Arc shrugs. “Just sitting here waiting for you. Why do you ask?”

Gilda points to the crew. “And them?!”

“They started freaking out when I came in here. So, for their own safety as well as my own, I put them to sleep. Don’t worry, they’re fine.”

Gilda grimaces. “First I see one of you things outside on the deck! And now there’s one in here!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, that was me out there too.”

Gilda runs over to the main viewscreen. “Wait, what?!”

Looking outside, she spies the guards whom had been dispatched to take care of Arc lying in a heap on the deck. Turning, she spies Arc standing next to her looking out as well.

“Nice and tidy down there I must say.”

Gilda raises an eyebrow. “How did you…?!”

Arc cuts her off. “…get up here before you?”

“Right! You would have had to pass me!”

“It’s actually really simple. I just took them out quickly and Blinked back up here.”

Gilda appears confused. “Blinked?”

“Like this.”

Blinking out onto the deck, Arc reappears on the pile of unconscious guards. Looking up, he waves at Gilda before Blinking back onto the bridge and into the captain’s chair. Chuckling, he looks to her before speaking again.

“Any other questions?”

Gilda glares at him. “Really, what ARE you?!”

Arc shrugs as he stands. “Like I said before, I’m just Equestria’s Hero of Light. Keeping things balanced is more or less my task. But in any case, I do have to inform you that your ship is currently on Equestrian soil and your troops are sorta occupying one of our towns. Abandoned or not, I can’t allow you to do that.”

Gilda narrows her eyes. “You won’t allow me to do my duty?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. At least not when your so-called duty involves invading one of our towns.”

Gilda groans. “We’re not getting anywhere by talking.”

“It would appear not, no. So, you’re suggesting that you and the other griffons with you leave, correct?”

“Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of you getting out so that we can complete our task here!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’ll leave when you and your forces do.”

Gilda glares at him. “Are you threatening me, beast?!”

Leaning forward, Arc looks Gilda squarely in the eye as he speaks.

“The real question right now is… are you?”

Screeching loudly as she draws her sword and shield, Gilda charges headfirst at Arc. Shaking his head, he waits for her to approach. As she does so, Arc calls forth his own armor and holds up a gauntlet to catch her sword talon. At the same time, he puts his other hand on the bottom of her shield and shoves it upwards and back. It catches the griffon just under her beak and knocks her head back. Leaning forward, Arc puts a knee into Gilda’s gut as the young griffon falls backwards with him on top of her. The force of his knee pushing into her stomach knocks the wind out of her. Holding her sword to one side and the shield to her neck, Arc looks down at her soberly.

“Are you really sure that you want to keep fighting me, general? I don’t think you’re going to like what comes next.”

Gasping for breath, Gilda attempts to speak but fails. Arc presses her shield a bit harder against her throat as he continues.

“Can I take this as your surrender?”

Gilda looks up at Arc angrily but does not speak. Narrowing his eyes, Arc continues.

“If not, I can simply finish you off here and now. And after that, your bridge crew.”

After considering this for a few moments, Gilda sighs and nods weakly as Arc pulls the sword and shield from her talons and stands. Gilda takes a few moments to catch her breath before shakily getting back to her feet. Looking to him, she gasps.

“What… just what ARE you?!”

“Equestria’s Hero of Light, if you recall our earlier conversation. Try to go one on one with me and you’ll just get hurt.”

Gilda groans as she puts a talon to her belly. “You… won’t be so cocky… when my forces… start reporting back!”

Arc chuckles. “Oh, but I think I will be.”

“Think what you want. But they’ll make you regret those words.”

“Really?”

Gilda smirks. “Yeah.”

Arc gestures out the window. “Then why don’t you try recalling them?”

Gilda grins as she smacks a button on a nearby console. “I just did. It’s best if you just surrender now though.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You… and what army?”

Gilda points a talon out the window. “The one that’s coming!”

Continuing to point, she frowns as the seconds tick by. Groaning, Gilda runs over to another console and calls out into a microphone.

“Hey! We’ve got trouble at the ship! Everyone return at once!”

Turning to look out the window, she again sees no one. Touching the radio button again, she continues.

“All squads report!”

Again, silence. Arc chuckles as he walks over to her.

“It looks like you’re on your own here, general. So… do you want to take another shot at me, or is surrendering in the cards?”

Gilda bows her head. “I… guess I have no choice.”

Turning to Arc, Gilda suddenly pulls a knife from her belt and hurls it at her opponent. Smacking it away with a gauntlet, it flies back at her and embeds itself in Gilda’s talon. Crying out in pain, she instinctively holds her bleeding talon and crawls backwards as Arc draws his Spear of Righteousness and points it to her face.

“Last chance, griffon! I want your full and unconditional surrender right here and now! Or death to you and your forces will be a likelihood!”

Grimacing, Gilda nods sadly.

“I… I surrender my forces to you, beast.”

“Hero of Light.”

“Fine… whatever loser.”

Arc nods as he spies a robed pony jumping up onto the ship’s main deck. “Good. And just in time it seems.”

Motioning to the pony outside, Arc turns to Gilda.

“Let them in.”

Nodding, Gilda limps over to a console and presses a button. The main hatch slides open and Tempest walks inside. Making her way past the unconscious guards she starts walking to the bridge. Arriving, Tempest looks around at all the unconscious crew members strewn around the room before looking to Arc.

“It would appear that you did… alright, I suppose.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Just ‘alright’?! I took out all the guards and crew in here without breaking a sweat!”

Tempest points a hoof out the window toward the town. “And I stopped forty griffon guards without even being seen!”

Arc shrugs. “We’ll call it a tie then.”

Tempest looks to Gilda and grins. “Good. You were able to take the leader alive.”

“They’re more useful that way.”

Tempest points a hoof at Gilda. “She give you much trouble?”

Arc motions to her bleeding talon. “Nothing I couldn’t handle. But one of her sneak attacks went sideways.”

Tempest grins. “I’ll take it from here then.”

Walking over to Gilda, Tempest grabs her by the front of her armor and pushes her down onto the deck roughly.

“What are you doing here?!”

Gilda grimaces. “Just following orders.”

Tempest smirks wickedly. “Wrong answer!”

Kicking her talon to one side, Tempest stomps on the young griffon’s bad talon hard. Gilda cries out in pain as Tempest continues speaking.

“Again… why are you here!”

“I… was told to… come here and get… whatever supplies… we could find!”

Tempest frowns. “Piracy then?!”

Gilda shakes her head. “This town is abandoned though! It’s not like anything here is being used, after all!”

Tempest seethes. “It’s still in Equestria though!”

Arc steps forward. “Easy there. She was just following orders.”

Tempest turns to Arc. “Which amounts to theft!”

“I suppose it does, yes. But if we hurt her any further it may lead to an international incident.”

“This already is one!”

Tempest looks down at Gilda and smiles wickedly before continuing.

“I wonder what state secrets are in that feathery little head of yours.”

Gilda’s eyes grow wide. “But I don’t know anything!”

“We’ll figure that out ourselves during your interrogation.”

Arc shrugs. “Why wait then? Let’s ask her some questions now.”

Tempest grins. “Go ahead.”

Arc looks to Gilda. “How is your war effort against Abyssinia going?”

“Very well. We’ve been able to push them back several times now.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Government propaganda.”

Gilda frowns. “What did you say?

“My intel says that the Griffon Kingdom is losing ground against the Abyssinians fast lately.”

Gilda looks away. “We outnumber them ten to one though!”

Tempest scoffs. “More lies by your government.”

“I checked it with the latest census data!”

“Oh, did you now?”

Gilda nods. “Yes, it’s the truth!”

Tempest shakes her head. “More citizens, maybe. But how many of them are battle ready soldiers?”

Gilda is silent for a time as she ponders this. Eventually Tempest continues.

“Very few I would imagine. That and I know for a fact that your resources are all but expended.”

Arc gestures out the window. “Hence the need for this invasion.”

Gilda frowns. “But we weren’t invading! Just… looking for supplies!”

Tempest points outside with a hoof. “Where are we?!”

“Just outside of a town called Dodge Junction.”

“Which is in what country?!”

“Equestria.”

Tempest seethes. “That’s called ‘invading’, genius!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And if your side really was doing as well as you’ve been led to believe, why would they risk an international incident with a crazy stunt like this?!”

Gilda avoids their gazes. “I’m a soldier. It’s not my place to question…”

Tempest smacks her insignia. “You’re an officer! It’s you job to think about everything before doing something idiotic! Like trying to sack a foreign town!”

Arc looks to Tempest. “What should we do with her?”

Tempest smirks as she draws a blade. “My suggestion is that we make an example out of this one and her crew, for starters.”

Arc frowns. “Example?”

“Allow a skeleton crew to remain alive in order to fly the ship while we execute the rest of them.”

Gilda gasps. “What?! NO! Please, they don’t deserve that!”

Tempest smirks at her wickedly. “You’ll be the last to die as well! After you watch me gut the rest of your troops like fish!”

Arc looks to Gilda. “Unless you’d be willing to do us a favor, that is.”

Gilda appears hopeful. “Anything!”

“Fly back to the Griffon Kingdom and deliver a message to the powers that be over there.”

Gilda nods fervently. “Yes, yes! What should I tell them?”

“That we are very upset by their decision to invade Equestria and attempt to steal from our land. However, we are not completely without mercy or understanding regarding their current situation. Therefore, we are allowing the commanding officer of the mission, you, and your troops to return home without further incident.”

Tempest smirks. “And you’ll tell them about how two of Equestria’s finest were enough to effortlessly stop you and your forces without suffering any sort of injury.”

Arc looks to Tempest. “Any of her guards injured while you were doing your thing?”

Tempest shrugs. “Nothing too serious. A few broken wings, a couple likely concussions, and a number of sore backs from what I could tell. But zero fatalities.”

“Good.”

He returns his gaze to Gilda before continuing.

“We’ll be confiscating all the weapons and armor from your troops though.”

Tempest chuckles. “As well as your ship’s cargo.”

Arc cuts in. “Except for the food, water, fuel, and medical supplies, yes.”

Gilda bows her head. “I guess I can’t really say ‘no’ to such an offer.”

Tempest puts a hoof on her blade hilt. “Exactly. Not if you want to keep breathing, that is.”

Arc uses a Telekinesis Spell to pull Gilda’s arms to his hands. “Right. Now then, I’ll be keeping your sword and shield. But let’s get your troops on the deck and here on the bridge taken care of.”

Arc puts the armaments into his magic ring as Tempest motions for Gilda to start walking. Sometime later they stand in front of the group whom is sitting on the deck in rows. A number of ponies appear nearby as Tempest looks over the guardrail before turning to Arc.

“It would appear that our backup is here.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. I wasn’t enjoying there being this many enemy combatants and just the two of us to watch them.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Uh… you do realize that we took them out to begin with, right?”

Arc nods. “True. But not all at once and not when they were together.”

Tempest smirks. “I’d have liked those odds.”

Arc gestures to the newcomers as he looks to Tempest. “In any case, why don’t you show them the way to the supplies so that we can get out of here.”

Tempest turns and motions for them to follow her. “Yeah. I’m on it.”

She points a hoof at the ship as Spitfire lands on the deck with a few pegasi.

“Check their cargo hold for anything that could be useful.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “Look for a manifest too. I want to know exactly what they have.”

Spitfire looks to Tempest. “Uh… he’s not really in charge here, is he?”

Tempest shrugs. “Kinda is. Hero of Light, and all that.”

Sighing, Spitfire enters the ship with her group. Sometime later she returns with a clipboard. Giving it to Arc, she speaks.

“Here you are.”

Arc accepts it. “Thank you.”

Spitfire continues talking as Arc reads it over. “We’ve just completed transporting everything back to base.”

Arc looks over the clipboard as he frowns. “Everything?”

Spitfire nods. “Yes. There isn’t anything left in their cargo hold.”

“What about the food and water?”

“Back at base now.”

Arc frowns. “And how exactly do you expect them to get back to the Griffon Kingdom?”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Uh… in their airship.”

“I meant without supplies.”

Spitfire shrugs. “It takes weeks to die of starvation and days for dehydration though.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “We’re not monsters here, colonel! Put the food and water back!”

“But…!”

Arc smacks the side of the ship angrily with a fist. “NOW!”

Spitfire groans as she pulls out her bead. “Very well. I’ll head back and talk to the general about it. But that’s all I’m willing to do.”

She vanishes and reappears on the pad. Spotting Cherry looking over the stacks of supplies taken from the griffon ship, Spitfire walks over to her and salutes.

“General.”

Cherry sighs. “I’ve told you that you don’t actually have to call me that in the past.”

“Yes, well… Tempest has taken command of a small group of our forces to reclaim the supplies from the saloon.”

“Good. We’ll need them.”

“There’s just one slight problem.”

“Oh?”

“That… creature whom claims to be the Hero of Light is insisting that we return the food and water to the griffon’s airship.”

Cherry turns to her. “What?!”

Spitfire grins. “Should I tell him to stop worrying about those birds?”

Cherry shakes her head vehemently. “No, no! They need food and water to get home! Bring all of such provisions back at once!”

Spitfire groans. “At once, general.”

A short time later Spitfire reappears on the deck with a number of others whom are carrying several boxes. Walking up to Arc, she frowns.

“The food has been ordered sent back by General Cherry.”

“Good. And the water?”

Spitfire sighs. “There were just a few casks of it when we opened the crates.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“The rest of them were filled with garbage.”

“Excuse me a moment.”

Turning, Arc walks over to Gilda whom is sitting with the rest of her troops.

“I’m told that you only had a small amount of water aboard your ship.”

Gilda sighs. “Yes, that’s true.”

“Was that some kind of clerical error on the part of your supply officer, or something?”

Gilda shakes her head. “Not exactly. You see, water is really scarce right now in the Griffon Kingdom. We were given enough to get here, of course. But I was told that I would need to steal enough supplies in order to get home again.”

Arc frowns. “Steal water?”

“We didn’t really have a choice in the matter.”

“I see.”

Turning, Arc motions for Spitfire to approach. As she does so, he continues.

“Colonel, I want you to take General Gilda and a couple of her soldiers into town and get a few empty barrels from the saloon.”

Spitfire appears confused. “I don’t understand why though.”

“You’ll need to fill them with water before returning to the ship though.”

Spitfire frowns. “And the water is for what purpose?”

Arc gestures to the prisoners. “For their trip across the ocean.”

“But they could just try to escape!”

Arc removes the Spear of Righteousness from his ring and points it at the prisoners. “Oh, I don’t think she’d risk that. After all, with her disappearance, who would lead these poor griffon’s home?”

Gilda looks up to Arc. “If I promise not to try and escape, will you guarantee the safety of my forces while I’m away?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But only if they also agree not to try and flee.”

“That is acceptable.”

Arc motions to Spitfire. “Take a couple of their stronger looking soldiers and follow the general into town then.”

Gilda stands and looks to her troops before clearing her throat and speaking.

“I’ll be back in a little while! None of you losers move! Got it?!”

They nod silently as Gilda points to two guards.

“You and you… come with me.”

Rising, they follow their general along with Spitfire and a couple pony guards down the gangplank. Tempest turns to Arc and frowns.

“Are you nuts?!”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. Regarding what exactly?”

“You’re giving our enemies food and water!”

“Don’t prisoners have the right to eat though?”

“Yes, but…!”

Arc interrupts her. “And to have clean drinking water?”

“But you’re going to let them leave!”

“So what?”

Tempest lowers her voice. “We could use them as bargaining chips with the Griffon Kingdom! Word is that they’re pretty low on soldiers these days!”

Arc looks over those before him. “Admittedly, these don’t appear to be their brightest and best.”

“Probably don’t want to risk losing those whom can actually fight on supply runs behind enemy lines.”

Arc frowns. “Are you saying that this was thought to be a suicide mission?”

“Maybe not ‘suicide’ per say. But certainly a very risky mission nonetheless. Think about it this way. Should this group have been caught by us, as they were, it wouldn’t make sense for the Griffon Kingdom to send any sort of a rescue party after them.”

Arc nods as he puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Agreed. It was a big enough risk in terms of resources and soldiers just to send this many over here.”

“That means their nation is desperate.”

Arc frowns. “Then Abyssinia may not be too far behind them for a supply raid or two.”

“Not likely. They don’t have much in terms of airship technology. Their primary mode of transportation is via the water. Strange as it may sound for cats.”

“That sounds as if it would be even more resource intensive than this attempt was.”

Tempest grunts. “Exactly. But if the Griffon Kingdom really is this desperate for supplies then I doubt this will be the last we see of their antics on our soil.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “We’ll have to talk it over with the general when we get back to base then.”

Tempest nods as she keeps a hoof on her weapons. “Agreed.”

Sometime later Spitfire leads Gilda and her soldiers up the gangplank. They are rolling a number of casks filled with water. Spitfire looks to Tempest and speaks.

“Any trouble while we were gone?”

Tempest shakes her head. “They didn’t make so much as a peep the whole time.”

“Good.”

Turning to Arc, she frowns and continues.

“Any more aid you’d like us to render to the enemy, sir? Maybe back massages for everypony?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I think they have what they need to get back to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Turning to Gilda, he continues.

“Am I right?”

Gilda nods nervously. “Yes sir.”

“Good. Now then, board your vessel and take off at once. And relay a message to your superiors for me.”

“What would you have me tell them?”

Arc frowns. “Just that I don’t want to see you or any of your forces here again trying to steal our resources. Failure to do so will result in another visit from our military. And me personally.”

Grabbing the guardrail next to him, Arc heavily bends it down before putting a boot on it and turning to Gilda again.

“Next time I will not be so forgiving.”

Gilda gulps nervously. “Yes, I’ll see to it that the message is delivered.”

“Very good. Now then, I want you to leave our land and take the most direct route out of our airspace.

Nodding, Gilda motions for her soldiers to stand. As they do so, she speaks.

“Back inside the ship, everyone! I want to get underway at once!”

The troops obey and head for the main hatch. Arc motions for Spitfire and Tempest to follow him down the gangplank and away from the ship. A short time later they watch as the vessel takes off and flies away. Tempest turns to Arc and frowns.

“I still say that we could have used their supplies and soldiers as leverage.”

Spitfire grimaces. “And their ship too.”

Arc turns to Tempest. “Do you have the facilities to hold that many prisoners?”

Tempest sighs. “Not really.”

Arc looks to Spitfire. “And does your organization have the facilities to care for, hide, and maintain an airship?”

“Not… really, no.”

“Then letting them go was probably the best thing to do.”

Tempest stomps a hoof. “With a bunch of dead soldiers aboard would have sent a sterner message.”

Arc shrugs. “Perhaps. But that’s not the dialogue we need to be sending our neighbors across the sea right now.”

Spitfire frowns. “I have to agree with Tempest on this one. We should have sent those turkeys back to their homeland in boxes. Especially their general.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, starting a war with the Griffon Kingdom right now would be perfect timing.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “We could take them!”

“Really?”

Spitfire shrugs. “Kinda could. I mean, Canterlot has been shooting down any vessel that approaches it from the east.”

Arc looks to the ship as it flies away. “That’s why they left by the south? To avoid artillery fire from the capital?”

Tempest nods. “Exactly. But they must’ve had to fly three times as far out of their way to avoid detection by our nation’s forces on the coast.”

Spitfire bows her head. “Well, now that you let them go with that information, the Griffon Kingdom will know that this route will get them into Equestria safely.”

Arc looks around. “Perhaps we could set up a listening post here then. Have a few soldiers keep an eye on the skies from Dodge Junction.”

Tempest shrugs. “That’s not really necessary at this point.”

“Oh?”

“Their general probably overheard the idea of our own resource gathering operation here. So she’ll know we’re going to remove anything of use from the town.”

Spitfire nods as she looks to the north. “Which means that they would have to fly further and most certainly be spotted by somepony on the way.”

Tempest motions to the Town Hall. “I’ll have somepony set up a camera though. We can monitor this place from our base.”

Arc sighs. “Good. As long as it seals up this potential security issue.”

Sometime later a stallion approaches Spitfire and salutes.

“We’ve removed everything of use from the saloon’s back room, colonel.”

“Good. And the two mares buried in the alleyway?”

“We don’t know where they should be laid to rest though, ma’am. Nor do we have the tools dig a grave or make a proper headstone.”

Spitfire sighs. “Fine. I’ll talk to the general about them though. See what she wants done.”

Arc looks around. “We should probably get moving though. No reason to stand around in this desolate place.”

Tempest grimaces. “Agreed. That and I’d like to report back and get General Cherry’s take on how this matter was handled.”

She removes her bead from a pouch in her leather armor and turns to the others.

“Everypony head back to base now.”

One by one everyone vanishes from sight as they power up their beads. Eventually, Arc and Spitfire stand in the middle of the road alone. Spitfire looks up to him and sighs.

“Shall we be off?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

Spitfire holds up her bead. “Need a ride back?”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. I’ve got my own method of travel.”

Shrugging, Spitfire vanishes. Arc holds up his gauntlet and looks back toward the two graves in the alley. Sighing, he opens a portal and steps through. Reappearing in the center of the tent again, he looks around to see others taking the supplies out one crate at a time. Platinum Valve goes over her clipboard as she takes inventory with Cherry. Looking up at the mare, she speaks.

“That should be everything, general.”

“Very good, Platinum Valve. Now then, make sure everything is properly organized and stored properly at the depot.

Platinum Valve sighs. “That tent is getting pretty full though.”

Spitfire points a hoof. “We have a number of unpitched tents in storage though. Get somepony to put one or two of them up to accommodate the extra supplies.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The little filly hurries out the tent flap as Cherry turns to Tempest and Spitfire. Gesturing with a wave of her hoof at the supplies, she smiles.

“It would appear everything went according to your plan.”

Tempest nods. “No major complications and no casualties. Not something we can always say.”

Spitfire motions to Arc as he too approaches. “Even though our Hero of Light wanted to help our enemies.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I don’t see how giving them food and water to return to their homeland could be seen as ‘helping’ them.”

Tempest shrugs. “I have no love for the Griffon Kingdom or its antics. However, even I have to admit that it would be very bad for our international reputation to become that which amounts to slow butchers.”

Arc nods soberly. “They might not have died en route. However, had there been any kind of malfunction aboard their ship it’s not likely they’d have had time to fix it before succumbing to dehydration. And we can deal with them fittingly at a later date.”

Turning to Cherry, he continues.

“So… what are your thoughts on my performance?”

“Very interesting. No loss of life on either side and you’ve defended the land from a small invasion force.”

Spitfire frowns. “Very small.”

“I think that you’re just what we need around here to start making headway on our ultimate goal.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Which is…?”

Cherry points to the map on a nearby table. “Being able to return Equestria to normal and free it from Canterlot’s iron grip.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I’m in. Just let me know what needs to be done.”

Tempest looks to Cherry. “Guess we’d best start with a tour of our camp.”

“Agreed.”

Stepping toward the tent flap, Cherry pulls it aside and motions for Arc to step forward. As he stands up outside, he gasps at the sight before him.

“I… what the…?! Are we on the moon?!”

Cherry nods. “That we are, yes.”

“But how?!”

Tempest shrugs. “I don’t really get the details of it myself.”

Spitfire sighs. “To make a long story short, all of this was a contingency plan of Princess Luna’s. In the event of a fallback position becoming necessary she had standing orders that the Nightborn were to open up their secret citadel upon the moon to those whom needed shelter.”

Cherry waves a robed stallion over. “I’ll let their leader tell you more.”

The stallion moves to join them. Looking to Arc, he speaks.

“Um… hello there.”

Arc nods stoically. “Moonlit Dusk, I presume?”

Tossing back his hood, the stallion eyes him suspiciously.

“Yes. But how did you know that?”

“When you’re the Hero of Light sometimes you pick things up covertly.”

Cherry clears her throat in an effort to keep the conversation moving. “In any case, Moonlit Dusk represents the Nightborn Citadel here at Lunar Base.”

Arc looks to Equus off in the distance. “The name makes sense now.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “We aid the resistance these days out of concern for the Night Mother’s safety. She has not been heard from since the eternal night fell over the land.”

Spitfire waves a hoof dismissively. “She’s probably fine.”

Tempest chuckles. “Yeah. Alicorn princesses are pretty tough, after all.”

Moonlit Dusk continues. “My own forces have combed the land searching for clues to what exactly happened to bring us to this point. However, as of this date, no headway has been made in that regard.”

Arc nods. “What about trying to raise the sun ourselves?”

Cherry shakes her head. “Nopony around is that powerful though.”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “Normally my Nightborn could raise the sun if we put our magical powers together. However, when we tried to do so it felt as if the sun and moon were being held in place by some outside force.”

Tempest frowns. “Probably by Nightmare Moon somehow.”

Arc looks around. “Maybe it’s kinda late to ask this, but… how are we still breathing out here?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t we be though?”

Spitfire shrugs. “Yeah. I mean, it’s not like we’re under water.”

Moonlit Dusk chuckles. “This is what the Night Mother referred to as the ‘blue area’ of the moon. It served as both her home and prison for a thousand years after she was banished here for the Nightmare Moon incident.”

Cherry continues. “And it’s the only place that Canterlot can’t get to. At least not in any great numbers, that is.”

She holds up her bead before continuing.

“Our beads only allow transport for one or two ponies. So they would have to get their hooves on quite a large number of them to be a viable invasion option.”

Tempest points to the command center tent. “And if they did try to invade, we could always just shut off the machine when they first start coming.”

Spitfire nods. “That too. Which is another reason we’re here.”

Arc turns his gaze to the land around him. “I’m just seeing a lot of tents though.”

Cherry sighs. “We don’t really have any building supplies to make anything useful.”

Tempest points a hoof to some small structures against another tent. “We’ve been able to confiscate some water recycling machines from the Wonderbolt’s Academy and set up a number of showering stations to maintain personal hygiene though. Best thing out there to ward away infections. Especially of those injured on missions.”

Spitfire frowns. “Security takes a front seat over comfort though.”

Moonlit Dusk shrugs. “But the down side is that we’re pretty ineffective up here.”

Cherry looks back toward Equus far away. “It was assumed that Princess Luna meant for this place to be used only for very brief stints. Not for ponies to live up here for weeks or months at a time.”

She turns and points a hoof before continuing.

“That patch of smaller tents is family housing. The larger ones nearby are for group living. Soldiers or displaced individuals can rest there.”

Tempest motions to a decent sized tent off to one side. “And that’s our temporary branch of the New Beginnings Orphanage.”

Spitfire appears relieved. “We were able to evacuate all the orphans before things got too bad in Vanhoover.”

Arc grimaces. “Any of them hurt?”

Cherry bows her head. “Fortunately not. At least not physically.”

Arc nods as he looks to the tent. “I’d like to see how they’re doing.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “For what purpose?”

“Just an inspection. After all, the foals of Equestria are an important part of our nation’s future. And as such I just want to make sure they’re being properly cared for.”

Cherry bows her head respectfully. “Very well. Whatever it takes to put your mind at ease, Hero of Light.”

They walk over to the tent and enter together. A filly sees Tempest and calls out to the others.

“Attention!”

Everyone gets into a line and faces Tempest. They salute and wait for her to speak.

“At ease.”

The foals sit down on their haunches as Tempest turns to Arc.

“As you can see, they are healthy, well-fed, and being trained on how to conduct themselves militarily.”

Arc frowns. “Militarily?”

Spitfire sighs. “While I don’t like to think about it, we may need replacement soldiers to carry on the fight one day.”

Cherry nods soberly. “Sadly, yes. As there has been no headway on this matter in quite some time.”

Tempest turns her head to a small colt. “Pipsqueak, where is Coco Pommel?”

“She’s at the depot trying to get us some food for supper tonight.”

The foal whom called the room to attention steps forward.

“She left me in charge, ma’am.”

Tempest nods. “Very good. Anything to report, Aquamarine?”

Aquamarine shakes her head. “No, ma’am. We were just having a bit of play time while Matron Coco Pommel is gone.”

Tempest looks around the tent at the orphans. “Good. As long as everypony is behaving themselves, then I’m happy. Now then, have you all been playing the new games I laid out for you?”

Pipsqueak nods. “Yes, ma’am. Tackle Tag and Hide and Go Sneak are the most popular ones.”

Tempest smiles at him. “Those skills will serve you well someday. Maybe even save your lives at some point.”

The tent flap opens and Coco Pommel enters pulling a cart laden with small boxes. She smiles at Tempest and speaks.

“Good day, matron.”

Tempest shakes her head. “Remember, you’re the matron now, Coco Pommel.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Sorry, ma’am. I keep forgetting.”

“I’m told you’re doing a good job here though.”

Pipsqueak hops up and down happily. “Training is fun!”

Aquamarine sighs. “Usually, yeah. If a bit rough some days.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “I’m glad you all like it. But I do hope that you’ll never need to use these skills.”

Tempest gestures to Arc. “They may not have to, yes. This is the Hero of Light. He wanted to come here and… inspect the orphan’s living conditions.”

Coco Pommel appears confused. “Oh? Is something wrong?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, ma’am. I just wanted to see for myself how the orphans were treated and cared for.”

Looking around, he continues.

“Safe and relatively clean living quarters. Toys and an education too, I assume?”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes sir. We have lessons in the morning and training in the afternoon.”

Arc kneels down in front of Pipsqueak and Aquamarine. “They all look healthy and happy as well.”

Pipsqueak grins. “We are, yes.”

Aquamarine pats his head. “It’s okay since we’re all together up here.”

Arc looks to Pipsqueak. “Is there anything I can do for you little ones?”

Pipsqueak puts a hoof to his chin. “Well… I would like to go back to the real orphanage as soon as possible.”

Aquamarine nods. “Camping out here is kinda fun. But I miss my old bed back in the dormitories.”

Pipsqueak points a hoof to a stack of rolled up sleeping bags in a corner. “Any bed would be better than what we have now.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll… see what I can do about that.”

Turning to Cherry, he continues.

“That’s all I wanted to see. But we should probably speak more outside.”

Nodding, Cherry leads the way out of the tent. Tempest turns to Arc.

“Very commendable.”

“Huh?”

“Caring about the orphans. Most folks just kinda see right through them.”

Arc sighs. “That I understand.”

Spitfire looks to Cherry. “So what else is there to show him?”

“Admittedly, not much. The Hero of Light has already seen the command center, orphanage, supply depot, and the dormitory tents.”

Arc turns to her. “How are you doing on supplies?”

“Alright at the moment thanks to those liberated from both Apple Base and Dodge Junction. However, we could always use more of them.”

Tempest frowns. “Agreed. After all, who knows just how long we’ll be stuck up here before things normalize back in Canterlot.”

Spitfire stomps a hoof. “Ultimately, I believe that we need to take the fight to them. Nothing’s changing in the capital, so they’re probably just waiting us out.

Arc folds his arms over his chest as he looks out toward Equus. “Besieged.”

Cherry looks to him. “I’m sorry, what was that?”

“Many years ago, when an invading army wanted to take down a walled city but didn’t want to lose a lot of troops doing so, they would ‘besiege’ the place. Surround it with troops and not allow supply caravans to enter.”

Spitfire frowns. “So they would starve them out?”

Arc nods. “More or less.”

Tempest turns to Cherry. “Sounds like what Canterlot is counting on.”

Cherry grits her teeth. “Eventually they’ll win without so much as a single soldier lost on their side.”

Spitfire points to the planet with a hoof angrily. “All the more reason to take the fight to the surface!”

Tempest sighs. “I like your attitude, Spitfire. But we don’t have the resources to do anything that would truly hurt Canterlot at this point in time.”

Cherry nods soberly. “Even if we were to march on the capital, there’s still the barrier around it that needs dealing with first.”

Spitfire groans. “And no plan on how to accomplish such a task.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “We need to start small and work up to something like that.”

Cherry appears hopeful. “What did you have in mind?”

“First off, making the base self-sufficient.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Self-sufficient?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Show Canterlot that we won’t be starved out. That we can stay up here as long as we need to.”

Spitfire sighs. “A nice idea. But how though?”

“First, by upgrading our living conditions for all.”

Arc looks around before continuing.

“I need a large, flat piece of land for this.”

Cherry points a hoof. “How about over there?”

“Is that area used for anything currently?”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Just for future expansion for more tents when needed.”

Arc grins. “Perfect. Wait here.”

Taking a number of steps forward, Arc pulls something from his magic ring. Setting it carefully down on the ground, he backs up significantly before casting a spell. A large building slowly grows to full size right in front of them as the three mares look on in amazement. Finishing his task, Arc turns to them.

“Here we are. One bona-fide military base.”

Cherry gasps. “It… it’s real!”

Tempest nods as she turns to Arc. “Yes. Wherever did you acquire such a thing?”

Spitfire narrows her eyes. “Do tell.”

“Princess Luna had it built for me a few years ago. She wanted me to have a place to fall back to after missions.”

He gestures to it with a gauntlet before continuing.

“Would you care to see the interior?”

Cherry nods. “Yes, we would!”

Entering, Arc turns to them.

“This is the Main Hall. Not much to say about it other than it’s where my secretary would greet visitors as needed.”

Tempest looks around. “Uh… anypony here now?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at the moment, no. They were reassigned before I shrunk the base down a while back.”

Spitfire smirks. “It’s designation?”

“Light’s Hope.”

“Never heard of any projects with that name before.”

Tempest shrugs. “It does make sense to keep it a secret though. You know as well as I do that the Hero of Light is meant to be a clandestine warrior.”

Arc nods. “That I am. Well, as much as I am able, what with being rather… recognizable. But we should probably continue.”

Making their way down the main corridor, Arc stops and opens a set of double doors.

“Here we have one of our VIP suites.”

Cherry smiles. “It’s very nice.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “What is this needed for though?!”

Arc looks to Tempest. “Visiting foreign dignitaries and princesses.”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “When do they ever come out though?”

Arc chuckles as he closes the door. “You’d be surprised. These rooms have seen quite a bit of use in the past.”

Cherry points a hoof. “What about that smaller door over there?”

Spitfire shrugs. “Looks like a janitor’s closet?”

Arc shakes his head. “My quarters actually.”

Tempest scoffs. “They probably put this room’s luxury to shame.”

“Not really.”

Walking over to the door, Arc opens it and steps aside. The mares enter and look around, clearly confused. Cherry is the first to speaks.

“It’s very homey.”

Tempest nods approvingly. “Spartan.”

Spitfire sighs. “Can’t argue with that.”

Arc gestures with a hand. “I asked for a simple room. It just needed to be functional. Not elaborate.”

Making their way out to the corridor again, Arc leads them down a ways before opening another set of double doors.

“Here’s our training room and armory. The soldiers assigned to me would work on their fighting prowess here when time permitted.”

Cherry looks to the racks of weapons along one wall. “This would be enough to outfit everypony in the base!”

Tempest grins. “Several times over, I might add.”

Spitfire picks up a weapon.” They seem very well made.”

Arc nods. “That they are. Whomever is in charge of training will be able to do so from here.”

Spitfire grins. “I’ll take that task on when I can.”

Cherry looks to Arc. “While I hate to ask this of you, does this facility have any food within it?”

Arc nods. “Our very next stop.”

Leaving the training room, Arc leads them to the cafeteria. Gesturing to the buffets, he speaks.

“I’ve never had any trouble feeding my troops in the past. With proper meal scheduling, that is.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s very large, yes.”

Spitfire points a hoof. “That the kitchen?”

“Yes. Fancy a look.”

Tempest shrugs. “Might as well.”

Stepping forward, they look over the prep areas, stoves with ovens, and the large pantry full of supplies. Cherry nods approvingly.

“We won’t have to worry about food for quite some time now.”

Tempest shakes her head. “It will eventually run out though.”

Spitfire grins. “But this gives us a chance to figure out a more permanent solution in the meantime.”

Arc nods. “I might have an idea there. However, we can talk about that later as we have another stop to make.”

Walking down the corridor, Arc pushes open a double door to expose numerous bunk beds.

“This is the barracks. As you can see, we have the facilities to house quite a few soldiers.”

Cherry grins. “Or in our case, refugees.”

Spitfire points a hoof at the latrine nearby. “And we’ll be able to keep clean too.”

Tempest nods. “And sleep in real beds instead of on the ground.”

Arc gestures to a linen closet nearby. “Extra sheets, blankets, and washing facilities in there too. But now I have one last thing to show you all.”

Making their way back to the corridor, Arc approaches a large set of double doors. Pushing them open he gestures to the large number of desks lines up before speaking.

“This is the War Room. From here, we can coordinate any and all offenses below.”

Tempest smirks. “It looks very… complete.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Why would the princesses build such a room though? I mean… Equestria was peaceful back when it was designed.”

Arc sighs. “That it was, yes. And I asked that very question myself when I originally toured this place. Princess Luna told me that it was set up this way if the need to run the nation from here ever came up.”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “Run the nation from here?”

“Assuming something happened to Canterlot Castle, the princesses could come here and continue doing their duties within this facility until it was safe to return to the capital.”

Tempest looks around. “What about situations requiring… extra coordinating?”

Spitfire frowns. “Such as the room’s name implies?”

Arc nods. “Yes, one could coordinate a war from here.”

He gestures to a large door nearby before continuing.

“There’s my office.”

Walking over to it, they see a well-furnished office complete with maps of the countryside. Arc turns to Cherry.

“You can use this office to coordinate your forces.”

Cherry gasps. “Me?!”

Spitfire shrugs. “Well, you ARE the general.”

Tempest nods. “Agreed.”

Cherry shakes her head vehemently. “But I don’t have any experience leading troops into battle or coming up with plans!”

Spitfire steps forward. “I do though. Studied tactics and leadership during my time at the Wonderbolts Academy.”

Tempest raises a hoof. “And I know all about clandestine operations as well as guerilla warfare.”

Arc points to them. “You two could probably handle planning our moves then.”

Cherry smiles nervously. “While I keep things here moving smoothly for the civilians.”

Arc nods. “Yes, they do need someone to be there for them too. But one thing confuses me.”

“Oh?”

“Can I assume that you don’t have any real military or combat training?”

Cherry shakes her head. “Not in the least. I ran Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction before all this happened.”

“Then why are you the general here?”

Tempest shrugs. “Because she rallied the ponies of Dodge Junction to leave when things went south.”

Spitfire puts a hoof on Cherry’s shoulder. “She gained their trust even before this. So the civilians just kinda started calling her ‘the general’.”

Cherry looks to Arc. “But now that you’re here, I think you should take over, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… but you don’t even know anything about me.”

Cherry sighs as she walks over to the desk. She puts a hoof on it as she looks out the window.

“Maybe not. But the princesses do, and entrusted much to you by making you our nation’s Hero of Light.”

She turns to him soberly before continuing.

“That, and if the princesses really are in trouble, you may be the only one able to rally the troops and help them at this point.”

Arc nods. “I’ll certainly give it my best shot. But I think I should probably introduce myself properly first.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Introduce?”

“If we’re going to be working together, it just makes sense that all of you should know whom I am.”

Spitfire gasps. “But nopony is supposed to know the Hero of Light’s identity! That’s how they can hide in plain sight!”

Arc chuckles. “That doesn’t really work for me. Given the whole… you know…”

He motions to his helmet before continuing.

“So now that I know all of your names, here’s mine.”

Removing his helmet, Arc sets it on the desk.

“My name is Arc. I’m a human.”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “A… human?”

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I remember hearing about them as a filly. Never really thought anything about mythical creatures though.”

Tempest frowns. “Not so mythical at the moment it would seem.”

Arc nods. “Yes, well… if you’re all still interested in following me, I’ll do my best to lead you.”

Spitfire shrugs. “You’re the Hero of Light. Those of us in the military don’t really have much of a choice here.”

Tempest looks to Spitfire. “True. But I get the feeling this is for the best.”

Cherry taps the desk. “So you can keep the office, sir.”

Arc shakes his head. “Actually, I think Spitfire, Tempest, and you should share it.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Tempest frowns. “The three of us?”

Arc nods. “You know more about the current situation than I do. We need to come up with plans together.”

Cherry turns to leave. “I’ll let your get to that then.”

Arc calls out after her. “We’ll also need your input too.”

“Oh?”

Tempest nods. “It might be for the best to have a non-military mind weigh in on things from time to time.”

Spitfire looks to Cherry. “You could still be the liaison between the military forces and the civilians, general.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Yes, they’ll need someone to help them with their issues. Kinda like a mayor, or something.”

Cherry smiles at this. “Sure, I can be the mayor if it would help. I’ll also assist in any other way that I can though.”

Arc gestures to the room around them. “Good. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s move on to the next order of business on our to do list. We need to get this place up and running again. At the moment we don’t have running water, heat, or even electricity. The lights you’ve seen thus far have just been our emergency backups, after all.”

Tempest looks to Spitfire. “We could probably find a way to wire in the solar array to get some power going.”

“But even that won’t be enough to run a place this big!”

Cherry looks to Arc. “How about a generator to supplement the lack of solar power?”

“I’m no engineer, but it would probably work. Not sure where we’d get such a thing though.”

Tempest turns to a map on the wall. “Our best bet would be to salvage one from a military base and retool it to fit our own power structure here.”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Even if we did, it would take some really big source of power to run.”

Arc walks over to Tempest. “So let’s start with the first problem then. Getting a generator here on site.”

“We could start checking the various secret installation around the country.”

Spitfire frowns. “How though. They’re secret.”

Tempest puts a hoof to her head. “Not to me.”

Cherry grins. “So you and Spitfire could find something, report its location back to us here, and then we’d send Platinum Valve and a team over there to see about relocating it to the Lunar Base.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like a plan for you two.”

Spitfire nods. “Yeah, we work well together.”

Tempest smirks. “Agreed. But what will you be doing while we’re out there?”

Arc looks out the window. “Finding a suitable power source for the a fore mentioned generator.”

Cherry gasps. “Where though?”

Arc shrugs. “I have a few ideas. But it involves going into some pretty dangerous places.”

Cherry puts a hoof on a nearby telephone. “Shall I send some of our soldiers with you, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, they’d probably just get killed. That and I need to be able to move quickly and silently to avoid detection.”

Tempest steps forward. “I’d be willing to come as well.”

“Thank you. But I’d rather you stick with Spitfire and get us a generator.”

“Fine then. When do you want us to leave?”

“Anytime you want. This is your mission, after all. However, I’m going to get a good night’s sleep first.”

He turns to Cherry before continuing.

“Why don’t you gather everyone together and get them bunked down in the dormitory? As you saw, it’s certainly big enough for everyone.”

Cherry salutes him. “Yes sir. But what about the families?”

Spitfire shrugs. “Put them in with the others. What’s the problem with that?”

Cherry sighs. “A few of them have small foals though. It wouldn’t do to have everypony wake up in the middle of the night to them crying, after all.”

Tempest groans. “We don’t have the facilities for them though. They could stay outside in their tents.”

Spitfire folds her hooves in front of her chest. “That seems a bit harsh though. I mean, what do we tell them? Sure we have this great big facility. But you can stay out there in tents?”

Tempest shrugs. “Not like it’s dangerous outside though.”

Arc sighs. “How many infants are there?”

Cherry turns to him. “About a dozen.”

“Do they have cribs?”

Spitfire nods. “Yeah. We raided Ponyville Hospital for bedding early on.”

“Good. We can clear some of the extra furniture out of one of the VIP suites and make that into a makeshift nursery for them and their parents to sleep in.”

Tempest scoffs. “But then if one foal woke up and started crying, they all would.”

Spitfire shrugs. “At least it would be limited to one room though.”

Arc nods. “And they’re soundproof walls too. Cribs along one wall and some bunk beds for their parents would be all they needed.”

Cherry looks to Arc. “What about splitting them up to the other VIP rooms?”

Arc shakes his head. “One of them should made into a makeshift clinic. Keep anyone sick in there and away from the others. We don’t want a cold making the rounds here.”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Not a bad idea there. Perhaps another for those recovering from injuries in the field too?”

Arc smiles. “Sounds good to me.”

Spitfire taps a hoof on the desk. “There were several of them though. Should the rest be used for storage?”

“Maybe later. How many officers are here?”

Tempest points a hoof. “Just Colonel Spitfire.”

Spitfire chuckles. “You’re close enough though.”

Tempest shrugs. “Then there’s two of us.”

Arc points. “What about Cherry?”

Cherry shakes her head. “My title as ‘general’ was strictly ceremonial. I don’t actually have any ties to the military. That and I’d rather stay in the dormitory with the others than be sequestered away in a private room.”

Arc nods. “Alright. Tempest, you and Spitfire should have a room together though due to your ranks.”

Spitfire frowns. “Not that I’m arguing, but we don’t really need that.”

Tempest chuckles. “Yeah, we can just stay in the dormitories with the others.”

Arc shrugs. “If you really want to you can. But I just figured that you’d want a nice quiet place to return to after missions. That way you could properly relax and not have to hear the general hubbub from everyone else.”

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin. “That does make sense.”

Tempest looks to Spitfire. “We do need to stay at our best, after all.”

Arc nods. “Private room, private office, and private bathrooms too.”

Spitfire grins. “Alright, you sold us on the idea.”

Tempest shrugs. “Yeah.”

“Good. The one furthest from the main entrance has two single beds if I recall correctly.”

Spitfire looks to the door. “We’ll check it out.”

Cherry claps her hooves together excitedly. “Then I’ll get some guards to help everypony move their things into the base.”

Tempest stands. “And Spitfire and I will see about our room.”

Spitfire turns to the clock. “Probably should get started after supper though. It’s getting pretty late.”

Arc looks to Spitfire. “I’m guessing you have ponies here with cooking experience?”

“Just a few.”

“The Cakes from Ponyville, the bartender from Dodge Junction, and a restaurant owner from Canterlot along with his daughter whom were in the area when Canterlot was sealed.”

Arc nods. “Have them figure out how to make the kitchen work. We have enough battery powered devices and emergency backups to last us a while. But that doesn’t mean that permanent power can wait.”

Cherry raises a hoof. “I’ll talk to them about what it would take to switch over from outside cooking to the kitchen in here at suppertime.”

Arc looks around the group. “Then we all have our assignments. Cherry will run things here at Light’s Hope, or the Lunar Base as you’ve been calling it. Spitfire and Tempest will locate a suitable generator while I look for a power source.”

Tempest chimes in. “We could also use more experienced technicians too.”

Spitfire sighs. “Platinum Valve is our best right now. But her age and inexperience mean that she pretty much has to figure things out as she goes.”

Arc nods. “If I find anyone in my travels, I’ll send them back here.”

Tempest sighs. “That might be a double-edged sword though.”

Cherry appears confused. “How so, Tempest?”

“You have to understand that the more ponies we have here the more supplies we’ll need to keep everypony fed and healthy.”

Cherry looks to Arc. “After the power matter is sorted out, we might want to look for a more permanent source of food.”

Arc heads for the door. “Agreed. But for now, let’s get started with what we have. Supper tonight and get everyone inside Light’s Hope.”

They leave the office and head down the corridor together. Arc stops at his room and opens the door as Cherry calls out to him.

“Would you like me to call you for supper later, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you. I think I’m just going to go to bed.”

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“More tired than anything else. But I’ll be sure to get some breakfast before heading out in the morning.”

Cherry smiles at him. “Alright. Pleasant dreams, sir.”

“Thank you. Good night.”

Closing the door behind him, Arc sits down heavily on his couch. Looking out the window, he spies Tempest, Spitfire, and Cherry outside talking to the others residents whom are looking over the base from exterior. Cherry calls out to him.

“That went well.”

Arc sighs. “Kinda.”

“You’re unhappy with how it went?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. But remember, I was trying to retire from this sort of thing. And now I have to save Equestria… again.”

“No one else can though, Arc!”

Arc nods as he watches the others follow Cherry toward the base. “I know that, Cherry. And that’s the only reason I agreed to do this. Because all the other leaders are gone it seems.”

“Maybe you can find them out there.”

“I sure hope so. After all, even I can’t do everything by myself. We’re going to need some help to fix a mess this size. And lots of it too.”

“You’ll find it. After all, you did back in our Equestria.”

Arc stands and heads for the bedroom door. “Yeah. But that’s assuming they’re all still alive.”

“There weren’t that many survivors out there, I admit. However, who’s to say they aren’t hiding out elsewhere in the country?”

Arc shrugs as he recalls his armor and lies down on the bed. “From the way they described, it sounds like whatever happened did so very quickly.”

“What do you suppose happened anyways?”

“The theory of the return of Nightmare Moon returning makes the most sense. What with the threat of eternal night literally staring us in the face.”

“So the ultimate plan is to do what exactly?”

“Break into Canterlot when the time is right and challenge her.”

Cherry gasps. “But that’s Princess Luna you’re talking about!”

“I know.”

“You can’t kill her though!”

Arc sighs. “I’ll try reasoning with her, of course. But if that fails…”

Cherry groans. “You’ll do what, Arc?!”

“What every Hero of Light is expected to do. Protect Equestria from an out of control alicorn princess.”

“What about using the Elements of Harmony on her then?! She could still be saved!”

“That may be an option, yes. But at the same time we don’t actually know where Twilight and the others are or where their respective Elements ended up.”

“Tempest and Spitfire may be able to find out. After all, they’re supposed to be very good at what they do.”

“Worth a shot. I’ll bring it up at breakfast tomorrow.”

“With luck, they’ll be able to do their duty and help save Equestria.”

Arc frowns as he rolls over onto his side. “And at the same time, Nightmare Moon would have known that they were the only one’s whom could stop her. That would have made them top priority to her.”

“All we can do at this point is hope that they’re well-hidden then.”

“Yeah. And that they can just lay low until we figure out a way to reach out to them.”

“I’ll keep thinking of ideas that you could pass on to the others and the other me.”

Arc chuckles. “It sounds strange hearing you talking about yourself.”

Cherry groans. “Imagine seeing yourself too.”

“Point taken.”

“But like you said earlier, you really need to rest now, Arc. We can do something about all of this in the morning. Well… when morning is supposed to be, that is.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I suppose so. However… I… you know…”

“What it is, Arc?”

“Right now I just feel so… so lonely.”

“I won’t leave you.”

Arc smiles sadly. “I know you won’t, Cherry. But what I meant was lonely in terms of my fiancées.”

“They’re probably fine back in our Equestria, you know.”

“Yeah. But I miss having them around. Ever since I’ve retired, I haven’t had a single night alone. From Twilight to Applejack to Rarity and even Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo… I’ve been with someone at all times.”

“And now you feel alone.”

“Sorry.”

Cherry sounds confused. “You’re sorry?”

“For dumping this on you. It’s not your fault I’m feeling this way.”

“And it’s not your fault either. But let’s just focus on finding other survivors and getting the power back on around here before we start searching for the others.”

Arc smirks. “Yes, general.”

Cherry giggles. “Good night, Arc.”

“Good night, Cherry.”

Closing his eyes, Arc falls fast asleep.

Chapter 6 - Dark Deals

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

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

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

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

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

“Halt!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “What is it?”

“Only authorized personnel are allowed beyond this point!”

Arc facepalms. “Seriously?”

“Yes sir! Orders from Colonel Spitfire!”

Arc sighs. “Alright.”

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

“How’s that?”

“Very well, sir. Come right in.”

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

“You three are up early.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“This is rather awkward.”

“Which part?”

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

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

“Kinda, yes.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

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

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

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

“Yes, I’m here!”

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

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

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

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

“About two weeks’ worth.”

“Medical supplies?”

“Three full medkits.”

“Weapons?”

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

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

“This.”

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

“Amazing craftsmanship!”

Arc nods. “I thought so too.”

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

“Pure guardanium from what I’m told.”

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

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

“Where did you get it?”

“The Griffon Kingdom.”

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

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

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

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

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

“You mean a tent and sleeping bag?”

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

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

“Gauntlet?”

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

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

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

“Someone mentioned that, I think.”

“Really? Who?”

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

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

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Here you go.”

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

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

“But how does that help me?”

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

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

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

“Perfect. Got anything else?”

“How about some grenades?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Grenades?”

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

“Um… is that safe?”

“Sure. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Couldn’t they go off?”

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

“Are they powerful?”

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

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

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

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

“Lethal or non?”

“Preferably something safe.”

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

“How about a bribe?”

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

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

“Ah! That kind of ‘defensive’ item!”

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

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

“What are they?”

“Chocolate bars.”

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

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

“What do you mean?”

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

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

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

“Anything else you need, sir?”

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

As he turns to leave, Platinum Valve calls out.

“Um…”

Arc looks back. “Yes?”

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

“That’s kinda complicated.”

Platinum Valve appears confused. “Huh?”

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

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

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

“I’d like that, thanks.”

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

“She’s really hurting inside.”

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

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

“Luckily you had Ruby there with you.”

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

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

“Did you four… always get along?”

“What do you mean?”

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

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

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

“Of course.”

Cherry sighs. “I wish I had.”

“Huh?”

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

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

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

“Yes, what about it?”

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

“Because you two had a fight?”

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

“And you butted heads?”

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

“But that didn’t last.”

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

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

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

Arc shrugs. “At least she was happy.”

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

“Real truth?”

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

“So you both were unhappy then?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I need a way out.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Very well, sir.”

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

“Ready, sir?”

Arc smirks. “Energize.”

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

“That means you can go ahead.”

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

“Where are we now?”

“Literally in the middle of nowhere.”

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

Arc nods. “I do, yes.”

“Um… where then?”

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

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

“There.”

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

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

“Some kind of mine, or something?”

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

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

“Here we are. The Gates of Tartarus.”

Cherry gasps. “Tartarus?!”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

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

“To get a power supply.”

“How though?!”

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

“But you stopped them, I would imagine?”

Arc nods. “That I did.”

“How?”

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

“Then how did you get away safely?!”

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

“Too much magical energy used at once?”

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

“The demon came with you?!”

“It was just Auriel.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Do you really think that will work though?”

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

“Oh?”

“The Vile Tribe.”

“Come again?”

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

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

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

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

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

“I suppose not.”

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

“Then we should probably get moving.”

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

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

“What are they doing?”

“Brainstorming ideas on how to escape.”

“Do you think that will work for them?”

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

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

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

“What’s that, Arc?”

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

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

Arc sighs. “Sadly, I don’t think so.”

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

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

“Was it really that bad?”

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

“How did you get through to her then?”

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

Cherry sounds confused. “A leash?”

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

“How much control exactly?”

“From what I could tell, total.”

“Sounds kinda dangerous to me.”

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

“I’m sure she appreciated that.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Guess not.”

Arc sighs as he continues.

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

The sentry frowns. “We’ll see!”

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

“Somepony down there need something?!”

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

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

“That’s because I’m not.”

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

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

“He’s suspicious!”

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

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

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Relative?”

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

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

“Sounds like a nice fellow to me!”

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

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Nope!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Because it’d be a security risk!”

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

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

“Wait! What demons?!”

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

Arc whirls around “What the…?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Are you done now?”

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

“Now then… where were we?

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

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

Turning his attention back to Mythic Honor, Arc continues.

“Now can we talk?”

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

Arc facepalms. “I meant face to face.”

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

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

“That works!”

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

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

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

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

Mythic Honor looks around and lowers his voice before continuing.

“Unless… somepony’s been naughty!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mythic Honor groans. “Knew it?!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“All I can do is try though.”

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

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

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

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

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

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

“Oh?!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Your money or your life!”

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

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

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

“Silly?!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arc cuts his off. “So powerful?”

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

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

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

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

“We’ll make it up to you!”

“How so?”

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

“Very well. Where is it?”

“Let me loose and I’ll show you!”

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

“Not very loyal to your gang.”

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

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

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

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

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

“What was that all about?!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Actually…”

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

“Mommy! I’m thirsty!”

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

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

Rebme bows her head. “Not to do it.”

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

“Yes, mommy.”

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

“Sorry about that.”

“Your daughter?”

Esther nods. “Yes sir. She’s…”

Arc interrupts her. “Rebme, was it?”

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

“Very unique.”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

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

“I… suppose it is, yes.”

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

Esther appears suddenly nervously. “Her?”

Arc nods. “Ember the dragon.”

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

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

Esther grimaces. “You… you have?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes indeed. Ponies back in Equestria.”

“That makes even less sense!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arc nods. “Yes, I will.”

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

“Prove what?”

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

“Alright. How can I do that?”

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

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

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

“Fine then.”

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

“What… is this?”

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

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

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

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

“This is incredible!”

Arc nods. “They are pretty good admittedly.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Believe me now?”

“Yes, I do!”

“So do we have a deal?”

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

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A favor?”

“Yes. A deeply personal one at that.”

“What is it?”

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

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

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

“Money problems?”

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

“How can I help?”

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

“So you’re their slave?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“With me?”

Esther nods soberly. “Yes. To Equestria.”

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

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

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

“Thank you.”

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

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

“How so?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“How though?”

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

Gesturing to the curtain again, she sighs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Esther calls out after him. “Wait!”

Arc turns back. “Yes?”

“What if you don’t come back?!”

“Why wouldn’t I…?”

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

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

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

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

“How’s that?”

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

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

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

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

“So I’m beginning to see, yes.”

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

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

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

“From whom?”

Arc stops walking. “Huh?”

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

Arc frowns. “I think you’re right.”

“What are we going to do then, Arc?!”

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

“I did notice that she looked rather thin.”

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

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

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

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

“State your business!”

“I am here to see King Malevolence.”

He picks up a clipboard. “Name?”

“Hero of Light Arc of Equestria.”

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

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

“Yes, well… I still need your name.”

“As I said, I’m Hero of Light Arc.”

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

“Nevertheless, I am who I say I am.”

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

“No, of course not.”

“Good.”

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

“Very funny.”

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

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

“I don’t have any.”

“Yet you claim to work for the crown.”

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

“Explain.”

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

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

“More or less.”

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

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

“Fine! To the dungeon with you!”

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

“Alright. Have it your way.”

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

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

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

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

“Surrender!”

“No.”

“NO?!”

Arc frowns. “That’s right! No!”

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

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

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

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

“I… what?”

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

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

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

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

“And what’s that?”

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

“This.”

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

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

The officer chuckles. “This way.”

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

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

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

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

“All of it.”

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

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

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

“The mutually beneficial kind.”

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

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

“It might actually.”

“Oh?”

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

“That much I do know.”

“Still want that audience with him?”

Arc nods. “Absolutely.”

“You sound very sure of yourself.”

“That I am.”

“How though?”

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

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

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

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

“Awfully eager to go to your doom.”

“I’ll be fine.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“HE HAS GUTS! I’LL GIVE HIM THAT!”

King Malevolence turns to Arc as he continues.

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

“I wish to offer you a trade, sir. “

“YOU WISH SOMETHING FROM ME?!”

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

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

“Information.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“That and I can teleport.”

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

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

“AND WHERE MIGHT THAT BE?!”

“Equestria.”

“HOW?!”

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

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

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

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

“I could be here.”

Blink.

“Or here.”

Blink.

“Now I’m over here.”

Reappearing on the king’s desk, Arc decloaks.

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

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

“Father? What’s going on here?”

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

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

“Hello, Auriel.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auriel appears confused. “My hopes up?”

Arc nods. “About your mother, princess.”

Auriel gasps. “MY MOTHER?!”

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

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

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

“Yes, King Malevolence.”

Arc clears his throat before continuing.

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

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

“A professional secret, sir.”

Auriel looks earnestly to Arc. “Please continue.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arc points to Auriel. “For her.”

“Me?!”

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

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

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

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

Arc removes his helmet. “Just like me.”

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

“It’s alright. I mean you no harm.”

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

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

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

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

“It’s complicated, sir.”

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

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

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

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

Arc sighs. “Not exactly, no.”

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

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

Auriel gasps. “Where?!”

“The Dragon Lands.”

Malevolence roars. “WHAT?! HOW?!”

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

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

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

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

Malevolence narrows his eyes. “EXPLAIN, RUNT!”

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

“HOW DOES THAT HELP US THOUGH?!”

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

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

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

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

Auriel gasps. “Why not?!”

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

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

“WHAT ARE YOU BABBLING ABOUT, PEON?!”

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

“HOW IS SUCH A THING POSSIBLE THOUGH?!”

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

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

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

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

Malevolence glares at his daughter. “AURIEL…!”

“I need to find mother!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“ELABORATE!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“AS YOUR PRISONER THOUGH!”

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

Auriel gasps. “But I’m a demon!”

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

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

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

Auriel appears surprised. “They are?”

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

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

“WHAT… WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO?!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’m… ready to go, I think.”

“Good.”

“ONE FINAL THING BEFORE YOU DO THOUGH!”

“What is it, father?”

“I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOUR… PROTECTOR!”

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

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

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

“SEE TO IT THAT YOU DO!”

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

“DO SO!”

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

“WHAT IS IT?!”

“There is still the matter of the bloodstone.”

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

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

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

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

Author's Note

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

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

Chapter 7 - Making Plans

Turning, the pair leave the audience chambers together. As the doors close behind them, Auriel puts a claw against a wall as she breathes a sigh of relief.

“That… was terrifying!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It was?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. I’ve never had the courage to stand up to my father before.”

“Must be your desire to see your mother again.”

“Truth be told, it would actually be the first time.”

Arc gestures away from the door. “Shall we get moving then?”

Auriel grimaces. “Yes. Let’s.”

They make their way back to the entrance of the palace. As they step outside, Auriel turns to Arc as she raises a hood to obscure her identity.

“Um… can I ask you something, sir?”

“Sure. And my name is Arc, Princess Auriel.”

“Okay. But please just call me ‘Auriel’.”

“If that’s what you want, then alright. But what’s your question?”

“Was what you told my father true?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“About my mother’s fate.”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Forgive me, but it was a very hard to believe tale.”

“Then why did you believe it?”

Auriel looks back toward the palace. “Because I read the reports made by those whom examined my mother’s laboratory. The schematics she left behind did point to some kind of transmogrification being attempted.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You… you mean you knew?”

Auriel sighs. “Yes.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I kinda got the feeling that you weren’t supposed to though.”

Auriel grimaces. “You would be correct. My father sealed any and all information surrounding my mother’s disappearance long ago. However, some time ago when I was in the archives looking for some information on another topic, I… may have decided to take a peek.”

“That along with me knowing your mother’s name was enough for you?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Truthfully, I never actually knew her name. My father didn’t like talking about her very much.”

“He must miss her terribly.”

“Yes, I would assume so. But we should get underway now.”

“Not quite yet.”

Auriel appears confused. “You have other business to attend to in the city?”

Arc nods. “That I do. You see, the land of Equestria is that of darkness and chaos at the moment. Before going to the palace to see your father, I went to a certain apothecary here in town in order to secure medical supplies for our group.”

“I’m sure that didn’t go to plan.”

“Kinda did.”

Auriel gasps. “How though? I mean, everyone knows that dealing with the Equestrians is an offense punishable by death.”

“True. But some things are worth the risk.”

“I’m afraid that I don’t get your meaning.”

Arc chuckles. “You’ll see soon enough. But in any case, let’s go see if my order is ready yet.”

Making the walk back toward the apothecary shop, Arc and Auriel turn a corner to see a number of the thugs from earlier that day. Arc looks to them evenly as he speaks.

“Hello again.”

The one appearing to be the new leader seethes.

“YOU?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Want to try and extort me again?”

“I’ll…!”

The punk stops talking as he sees Auriel standing nervously behind Arc and the new insignia on his armor. Backing up slowly, he grimaces.

“N-no need! You’re free to go, sir! Please, forgive us!”

They all quickly draw back from the pair and allow them to pass. Arc turns to Auriel as they continue on.

“That was a nice surprise. Them cooperating for once, that is.”

Auriel turns to him. “You’ve dealt with their kind before?”

Arc nods. “I have, yes. Gave them a bit of a beating earlier today actually. Sorry for not taking a different route. But I kinda figured that they would have learned their lesson from earlier and moved on.”

Auriel sighs. “It’s fine. After all, they knew what would be coming for them if they didn’t cooperate with your orders.”

“What do you mean?”

Auriel turns and taps the insignia her father gave Arc. “This badge marks you as a royal agent. Its sight is something that every demon is taught from an early age. Everyone knows that ignoring an order from an agent of the king is a crime punishable by death.”

She looks around before continuing.

“That and they knew about the other agents all around us.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Other agents?”

Auriel nods. “My father does let me leave the palace with him and a contingent of guards from time to time. On one occasion, when a bar fight broke out as we were passing by, they got a bit too close to my entourage. The guard assigned to protect me whistled and pointed at them. And before I knew what was happening, my father’s shadow agents were slaughtering them mercilessly.”

Arc glances behind him. “And you think they’re all around us even now?”

“I guarantee it. Which is why that mugger was suddenly so nervous when he saw me and you clenching a fist.”

Arc chuckles. “He probably thought I was going to have him turned into hamburger meat?”

“Well, the situation certainly could have gone that way, yes. After all, everyone knows that my father would never allow anything bad to happen to me here in his city.”

She sighs before continuing.

“But once we leave this place we’ll be totally on our own. Something I’ve never actually done before.”

“Guess we’d better get moving then. Wouldn’t want those agents to get bored.”

Continuing on their way, Arc and Auriel reach the shop. Arc pushes open the door and allows Auriel to enter first. Glancing around, he spies a large crate in the center of the floor. Walking over to it Arc looks inside to see a large number of jars filled with a strange looking substance. Auriel joins him and picks up one of the jars. Sniffing around the cap she turns to him.

“This would appear to be healing balm.”

Arc turns to her. “Is it the good stuff?”

Auriel nods as she continues sniffing. “It smells like it is, yes.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Good. I’d like to think that I bought the best. Even though I have absolutely no idea just how much money I gave this shop owner.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound like it was thought out very well.”

Arc shrugs. “Well the way I figured it was if I got ripped off all I’d have lost would have been the money I took from those thugs earlier.”

“You may have though.”

“Oh?”

Auriel points to the crate again. “The shop keeper could have easily put another layer of jars in here.”

Arc groans. “Yeah, about that.”

The sound of footsteps approaching them rings out. A curtain separating the back room from the shop is pushes aside as Esther walks in carrying Rebme. She sets him down next to the crate as she looks to Arc and speaks.

“Here is your order, sir.”

Arc nods. “Yes, we were just looking it over.”

Looking over at the hooded figure, Esther turns back to Arc.

“It is okay to speak in front of them?”

“Yes, she’s with me.”

Esther breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! For a moment there I thought we were in trouble.”

She puts a claw on the side of the box before continuing.

“As agreed, I’ve made as much salve as I could with what you gave me. How will you be paying in the future?”

“It’ll have to be something other than money, as I don’t exactly have a steady supply of demon currency.”

“I’d be willing to trade for gems and precious metals. Those are the easiest things to barter with here in Vengeance.”

“Then that’s what I’ll bring next time.”

“Good.”

Looking down at Rebme, she sighs as she picks the little demon up. Smiling at the little one, she looks to Arc pleadingly.

“Might I have a few moments with her before you leave?”

Arc nods. “Sure. I can wait a while.”

Carrying Rebme over to the counter, Esther sets her down. Taking the child’s claws in hers, Esther speaks.

“You’re going on a little trip, Rebme.”

“Where to, mommy?”

“A magical land filled with yummy food and clean air.”

Rebme looks suddenly excited. “I am?! How?!”

Esther points to Arc. “This customer and his friend will be taking you there.”

Rebme frowns. “What about you, mommy?”

Esther looks away nervously. “I… mother need to stay here and run the shop.”

Rebme gasps. “But… but who’s going to read me bedtime stories and give me hugs then?!”

“Well… I’m sure someone over there can do that for me.”

Arc nods. “Yes, there are a number of younger foals there whom would be your friends.”

Rebme appears confused. “What are ‘friends’?”

Esther stammers. “They’re… um…”

Arc interrupts her. “Individuals whom play with you and make you laugh and help you feel at home.”

Rebme smiles. “That sounds like fun!”

Esther picks her daughter up and hugs her. “You be good over there, Rebme.”

Rebme hugs her back. “I will, mommy!”

Walking over to the crate, Esther lays her daughter on top of the jars before picking a sack from the counter. Laying it next to the young demon, she again speaks.

“I put your clothes in there, little one. And your toys too.”

“YAY!”

Esther picks up the wooden top and looks down at her child.

“But right now we have to play a little game.”

“What kind of game, mommy?”

“It’s… like hide and seek. You see, to get to this place you have to hide first. And mommy already got you the best hiding spot ever. Inside one of her shipping crates.”

Rebme looks around. “But I’m not allowed in your crates, mommy!”

Esther smiles sadly. “You can this once, dear. Now then, be a good little demon and don’t make a sound until the crate is opened again.”

“You’ll come later, right mommy?!”

Esther nods as a tear courses down her cheek. “I… I’ll do my best to visit when I can.”

As she moves to put the cover on, Auriel steps forward and speaks.

“Um… excuse me. But what exactly is going on here?”

Esther sighs as she looks to Arc. “This is just his part of the deal.”

Arc nods. “I’m to bring her daughter to Equestria.”

Auriel looks to Esther. “What about you though?”

“There’s too much debt in my name for me to be moving around. Were I to try, those watching me would retaliate against my little one and this shop to leave me with nothing.”

Arc sighs. “She’s going to be working from here for those of us back at base to make medicine for our…”

Auriel interrupts him. “I don’t understand the logic of this arrangement at all. Wouldn’t it be significantly more efficient for her to come with us? She could make the medicine there instead of you having to transport it to and fro.”

Esther shakes her head. “Like I said, my debtors wouldn’t allow such a thing.”

Auriel gasps. “So you’re just giving up your child?!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “To give her a chance at a better life, yes. Kinda like what your father is doing for you, Auriel.”

Esther appears confused. “Auriel? As in… P-P-Princess Auriel?!”

Lowering her hood, Auriel looks to the demoness as Esther stumbles backward into the medical crate. Rebme puts out her small hands to help her mother stay upright as she stammers.

“Y-your highness! I’m…! To what do I own this extreme honor?”

“Equestria’s Hero of Light and I will be leaving Tartarus very soon along with your daughter. But answer me this. Would you like to come with us as well?”

Esther nods fervently. “Yes, your majesty! Moreso than anything else in the world! But as I said earlier, I am held to this place due to my extreme debt!”

Auriel nods soberly. “I see. However, if you were to stay close to me, I am certain that those whom are tasked with keeping you here would not dare approach.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Wouldn’t you agree, my protector?”

Arc nods. “Right. And if they do, I’ll have them taken care of.”

Esther bows respectfully. “That would be wonderful, your highness! I would be willing to give all that I have in my possession to your cause upon resettling in Equestria should you have need of it!”

Auriel shakes her head. “As we don’t have servants to carry our baggage that would not work very well. Please pack light, as we have a long walk to the Gates of Tartarus.”

Arc chuckles. “That will not be necessary.”

Esther appears confused. “Sir?”

“Is there anyone else here at the moment?”

Esther shakes her head. “No sir. Just Rebme and myself.”

Arc opens the front door. “Everyone step outside please.”

Esther picks up Rebme and carries her outside as Auriel puts up her hood and follows them. As Arc closes the door behind them, he takes a few steps away from the building before turning around and holding up a gauntlet. The building quickly begins to shrink until it is roughly the size of a watermelon. Kneeling down, Arc carefully picks it up and stows the building safely in his magic ring. Auriel and Esther gasp.

“Sir, how did you…?!”

Rebme looks to her mother. “Mommy, where did our house go?”

“I don’t really understand it myself, dear!”

Auriel looks to Arc’s ring. “Shrinking magic and a pocket dimension.”

Arc nods. “You know of such things?”

Auriel grins as she looks to his gauntlet. “That I do. And it seems that there is more to you than meets the eye, sir. Who are you really?”

Arc shrugs. “Like I told you before, I’m Equestria’s Hero of Light.”

Esther bows respectfully. “We shall follow you then, oh great Hero of Light.”

“Alright. But it’s just ‘Arc’ though.”

Looking to Auriel, he continues.

“Now that we have Esther and Rebme though, I’ve done nearly everything came here to do.”

Auriel appears confused. “Oh? But what else…?”

Arc cuts her off as he turns to leave. “You’ll see.”

Making his way back to the main boulevard, Arc and his companions come to the city gates. However, as they do so a number of angry looking, burly demons suddenly block their way. Arc looks to them cooly as he motions for Auriel and Esther to stop. Turning his attention to those whom now block their path he speaks.

“Something I can do for you?”

The leader points to Esther. “Your party has a female whom is currently under contract!”

Arc folds his arms over his head. “Oh really?”

The demon points to Esther. “You will return to your shop at once!”

“But, I…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Please know that I understand your position here and your place in this city. However, at the same time you also need to understand that this young demon has agreed to work for my… organization.”

“You will not leave this city!”

Arc frowns. “Is that your final answer on this matter?”

With a flick of his gauntlet, Arc pushes aside his cloak to expose the insignia King Malevolence gave him before continuing.

“Sure you want to do this?”

The demon scoffs. “Clearly a fake.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Wanna find out?”

Auriel steps forward and lowers her hood. “It’s real though! My father gave it to him personally!”

Chuckling, the demon looks to Esther. “You really went all out with this charade!”

Esther grimaces as she steps behind Arc. “Look, all I want to do is leave the city with my daughter. Can’t you just let us do so in peace?”

“Sorry. But I have my orders. Now then, turn around and walk home… now.”

Arc sighs. “Oh well. I tried to be reasonable.”

Pointing a finger at the demons blocking their way, Arc whistles loudly. Arc and company watch as a number of shady looking guards leap from nearby buildings, alleyways, and even from within the crowd. Esther pulls Rebme close to her body to shield the little one’s eyes as the opponents are quickly slaughtered to the last. As the guards finish their task, they quickly return to their places in the shadows. Arc looks to Auriel and grimaces.

“Uh… should we get a mop, or something?”

Auriel sighs. “No need to do such a thing. The palace will send out a cleanup crew shortly.”

Esther turns to Arc with a claw still over Rebme’s face. “We should probably move on though. sir.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. This way.”

Leading them out through the city gates, Arc and his cohorts make their way to the Vile Tribe’s base. Banging on the doors with a gauntlet, he looks up to see the sentries peeking over.

“It’s again.”

The sentry nods stoically. “Mythic Honor is waiting for you at the Town Hall.”

Arc frowns. “Then open the doors and let us in.”

Shaking his head, the sentry points a hoof at Auriel, Esther, and Rebme. “You can Blink up here. But your… companions will need to stay outside.”

Arc shakes his head. “Are you joking? It’s not exactly safe out here.”

“It’s for security purposes.”

Arc draws the Spear of Righteousness from his ring and points it at the gates. “I don’t have to simply go over them, you know! Through is also an option here!”

“You’re bluffing!”

“Am I?!”

The sentry gasps. “But that would endanger everypony here!”

“Then might I suggest that you simply open them like I told you to?!”

There is a tense few moments as Arc and the sentry stare each other down. Eventually Arc breaks the silence.

“Look, we can all just stay inside the entrance and be surrounded by your guards if you’d like. But you need to understand that I am NOT leaving these three out here all alone!”

“But…!”

Arc stomps his foot angrily. “END OF DISCUSSION!”

Sighing, the sentry pulls his head in and disappears from sight. A few moments later the gates slowly open and innumerable guards point their weapons at the group. Rebme buries her face in her mother’s shoulder as Arc positions himself in front of the trio. Walking slowly inside the walls, Arc and company see what appears to be the entire population of the Vile Tribe have gathered to watch. As the massive gates are closed behind the group, Mythic Honor makes his way through the guards to stand before Arc.

“Well now, this sure is a surprise! More guests! You just missed some big fellah a few hours ago!”

Arc frowns. “I did?”

Mythic Honor nods. “Yup!”

“What did he look like?”

Mythic Honor puts a hoof to his chin. “Well, he was really tall, and walked on his hind legs! That and he had on some really scary looking armor too! Kinda like what you’re wearing.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Are you talking about my first visit?”

Mythic Honor gasps. “That was you?!”

Arc groans. “Yes, it was. Now then, as I stated previously, I came back to hear what you came up with regarding my earlier proposal.”

“Uh… which one would that be?!”

A sentry calls out. “I believe he’s talking about us leaving Tartarus, sir.”

Mythic Honor gestures to the town. “What?! But who would want to leave all this behind?!”

The sentry sighs as he looks to Arc. “We called a town meeting after you left to tell everypony about the offer.”

Mythic Honor grins. “Oh right! That meeting!”

Arc appears hopeful “And what was the consensus?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “We’re all staying here!”

Esther gasps. “What?! But your lives are most certainly terrible in this place!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “It sorta seems bad at first! But after a little while you grow to hate it!”

Auriel motions to the gates. “Then come with us!”

A curious sentry steps forward to get a better look under Auriel’s hood. “Wait a moment!”

Mythic Honor raises an eyebrow. “What?! Does she have something from lunch on her face?!”

The sentry gasps and turns to Mythic Honor. “Sir! This individual is none other than Princess Auriel! King Malevolence’s daughter!”

The rest of the sentries step toward Auriel as Arc gently pushes her behind him and calls out menacingly.

“Hey! All of you back off!”

Mythic Honor waves his hooves. “Wait a minute! That’s Princess Auriel! Why didn’t somepony say something?!”

Another sentry growls. “What is she doing here?!”

Auriel grimaces. “I just… um…!”

Arc cuts her off. “She’s with me! That’s all any of you need to know!”

Pulling his guardanium knife from his ring, Arc slashes cleanly and effortlessly through several of the sentry’s spears closest to him as he continues.

“If you want to get to her, then you’ll have to go through me first!”

The disarmed sentries slowly back up as Mythic Honor looks to Arc.

“Well… getting back to the matter at hoof, nopony here volunteered to leave. So I think you might be wasting your time and our spears at this point!”

Arc looks around at the ponies nearby. “Is that really how all of you feel?”

They nod silently as Arc sighs and taps his chin thoughtfully.

“Alright, I do understand where all of you are coming from. Equestria is a land in turmoil right now. So how about I offer an alternative?”

Mythic Honor tilts his head to one side. “What did you have in mind?!”

“A trade deal. The Equestrians will be in need large quantities of body armor that is tough, easy to produce, and moves quietly. And in return we can provide items that you don’t have here. Professionally made furniture, record players, books, reagents, and maybe even some tools.”

Mythic Honor grins. “That sounds like and even better bargain than the ones we made with the beetles!”

Arc appears confused. “What deal would that be?”

“Well, we can use them for food, to make armor, and pull wagons! And in return…!”

He taps his chin for a few moments, thinking. Eventually, Mythic Honor shrugs.

“You know, I can’t remember what it is that we give them in return!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, well… in any case, this will all be contingent on the leadership of our organization agreeing to these terms. So how about we trade for a single suit of armor so I can show them what they’d be getting?

Mythic Honor grins. “What’ve you got to trade?!”

Thinking for a few moments, Arc pulls a few books from his ring. Holding them out to Mythic Honor, he speaks as the stallion takes them.

“Here’s a book on engineering, one on various animals of the world outside of Tartarus, another is a medical textbook, and I’ll throw in Daring Do’s latest book for good measure.”

Mythic Honor appears confused as he looks up. “Daring… what now?”

“It’s a book about… you know what, you’ll just have to read it for yourself. So, do we have a deal?”

Mythic Honor grins as he motions to the warehouse. “Sure! We’ll give you two suits of chitin armor for these! Somepony go get those!”

Arc nods to Mythic Honor as a different stallion runs to carry out the orders. “Anything in particular that you want in the future to trade for?”

“Top priority…! Cord!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Cord?”

Mythic Honor nods fervently as he pulls a pony-like figure out of his robe and holds it up proudly. “For macrame, of course!”

A sentry steps toward Mythic Honor. “Sir, might I suggest something that the entire tribe could use?”

“We can all use macrame though!”

“Perhaps something to make our lives more comfortable.”

The rest of the ponies nod as Arc chimes in.

“How about real mattresses?”

Mythic Honor raises an eyebrow. “Uh… what are those?!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Something soft to sleep on.”

“Never heard of them! Are they edible?!”

Arc facepalms. “I’ll bring one by to show you what I mean.”

A sentry from up on the wall suddenly calls out.

“Mythic Honor! A great number of demon soldiers have just left the capital!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “No reason to panic over something like that! They’re probably just on maneuvers, or something!”

“They’re heading this way, and fast!”

“Never mind! This is a perfect time to panic!”

Auriel looks to Arc. “It’s most likely because I went inside the Vile Tribe’s base. My father probably thinks I’ve been captured.”

Arc grimaces. “We’d better get moving then.”

Turning to Mythic Honor, Arc continues.

“I’ll come back with some stuff for you to look over in a day or so when I have some time.”

Mythic Honor grins. “We’ll be waiting!”

Turning, Arc watches as the gates open. Stepping outside the walls with Auriel, Esther, and Rebme, they are quickly closed behind them. Making their way back to the main path, Arc motions for them to stop.

“We should wait for those soldiers to get here.”

Esther appears confused. “Why sir?”

“To reassure them, and the king by proxy, that Auriel here is just fine.”

Auriel nods. “A simple but important task.”

A short time later the demon guards approach the group. The commanding officer walks over to Auriel and kneels respectfully.

“Lady Auriel, are you well?”

“Yes, I’m just fine.”

Arc points to the Vile Tribe’s base. “We just had some business to conduct in there.”

“What kind of ‘business’.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “The Equestrian kind. Which I do not believe has anything at all to do with you, the king, or the city of Vengeance.”

The pair stare each other down as Auriel steps between them in order to intervene.

“In any case, you can report to my father that I am fine and that we will be heading to the Gates of Tartarus now.”

The officer salutes. “We shall escort you there, Lady Auriel.”

“Very well. Let us be off.”

The demon guards join Arc and his allies on their trip to the Gates of Tartarus. As they arrive, the officer in charge turns to Auriel and salutes.

“Here we are, Lady Auriel. But what business could you possibly have way out here in the middle of nowhere?”

Auriel nods to the officer. “Thank you for the escort. However, I need to carry on without you now.”

“Lady Auriel?”

Stepping toward the Gates of Tartarus, Auriel looks through them for a long moment before taking a deep breath and stepping forward. The demon guards assembled gasp as she passes through them unhindered. Turning back around, she holds out a hand toward Esther whom follows her through with Rebme. Arc looks to the guards and breaks the silence.

“Tell the king that his daughter has made it safely to Equestria. I’ll take it from here.”

The officer cries out. “Wait!”

Arc turns back to him. “Yes?”

“The king sent us here to bring Lady Auriel back to the palace after she was supposed to be stopped by the barrier!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But he knew where we were going.”

“He simply assumed that there was no escape and had hoped to instill that into his daughter, sir! What am I supposed to tell him now?!”

“Just what I told you to. That we’ve departed Tartarus and Auriel is safe.”

Turning, Arc himself walks through the Gates of Tartarus to join Auriel, Esther, and Rebme on the Equestrian side. Rebme is the first to speak as she looks around.

“So this is Equestria?! It looks just like Tartarus to me!”

Esther turns to Arc. “Where exactly are we now?”

“In a cave in the middle of nowhere. The exit is right over here.”

Leading the group toward the mouth of the cave, Arc steps outside and takes a deep breath as he continues.

“Ah! Much better!”

Auriel gasps as she looks around. “Is this…?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. This is Equestria.”

Esther looks around, clearing astonished. “It’s so warm even though it’s night!”

Rebme points a claw at the ground. “Mommy! What’s that?!”

“I… don’t really know, Rebme.”

Arc looks over to them. “It’s called ‘grass’.”

Rebme reaches out toward the ground with both fingers. “Can I touch it?!”

“Sure.”

Esther leans over and sits down on the ground with Rebme. The young demon cautiously steps down onto the green grass before getting down on all fours and rolling around.

“This feels great!”

Esther sits down with her daughter and rubs the grass with a claw. “That it does.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “What exactly is ‘grass’ though?”

“A number of small plants that make the ground softer and act as food for some animals.”

Auriel kneels down to inspect the grass. “So we can eat it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Can, but probably shouldn’t.”

Rebme looks up at the sky. “When will it be morning?! I wanna see that thingy in the sky from the fairy tales!”

Esther giggles. “You mean the ‘sun’.”

“Yeah, that!”

Arc sighs. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to wait. The sun doesn’t rise over Equestria anymore.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Why not?”

“We’re not fully sure. But it has to have something to do with the trouble in Canterlot. That’s the capital of Equestria, mind you.”

Esther pats the grass next to her. “So, are we going to rest here?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we should probably get back to our base. You three can rest there.”

Holding out his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. The three demons instinctively step back. Auriel is the first to speak.

“What is that?!”

Arc points to it. “A portal that will take us to the base.”

“Is it… safe?!”

Arc nods. “Oh, yes. I’ve taken any number of them over the years. It’s a very smooth ride.”

Rebme grins. “Let’s go then!”

Before anyone can stop her, the little demon bounds through as her mother gasps and runs in after her. Arc looks to Auriel as she hesitates.

“Come on. It’ll be fine.”

Auriel grimaces. “A-alright. If you say so.”

Stepping forward nervously, Auriel puts a claw into the swirling energies. Feeling cool air on the other side, she steps through as Arc follows close behind her. They find themselves in the Main Hall of Light’s Hope with every stallion and mare staring at them nervously as Rebme runs over to a nearby window and presses her face to it excitedly.

“Is that Equestria out there?!”

Arc nods. “Kinda. It’s more than just our country.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “There’s more than one country?”

“Yes. The Dragon Lands, Abyssinia, the Crystal Empire, and the Griffon Kingdom. Amongst others, that is.”

Esther joins her daughter. “So we’re high up in the sky then?”

“On the moon actually. “

Auriel gasps. “The moon?!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s the one place that we’re safe. At least for the time being, that is.”

He turns and motions for them to follow him.

“But in any case, let’s head to my quarters. We can sit down and talk there.”

Turning to the stallion behind the desk, Arc continues.

“Have the base’s leadership come to my room as soon as possible for a full debriefing.”

The stallion salutes as he picks up a phone. Leading them to his quarters, Arc pushes the door open to allow them entrance. Esther gasps as Rebme’s eyes dart all around the room.

“This is a very nice room, sir!”

Rebme nods. “It sure is big!”

Auriel smiles at Arc. “Fitting od someone important, I would imagine.”

Arc chuckles as he closes the door behind them. “It’s actually the simplest room in the place. I’m not much for fancy surroundings.”

Motioning to the table, Arc continues.

“Have a seat everyone. Should I call for something to eat?”

Rebme nods happily. “I’m starving!”

Esther gestures to her daughter. “She can have mine.”

Arc shakes his head. “No need for that. We have plenty of food here.”

Looking to Auriel, he smiles.

“And you?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Nothing for me, thank you.”

Arc picks up the phone. “Alright. I’ll have something brought here.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Arc opens it with a Telekinesis Spell as he finishes talking on the phone. Cherry, Spitfire, and Tempest enter together. Looking to those around the table for a moment, Tempest calls out to Arc without taking her eyes off of them.

“I’m nearly afraid to ask this, but why are there demons outside of Tartarus, Hero of Light?”

Arc walks over to the table to stand between Auriel and Esther. “Because they were able to walk out of there.”

Spitfire frowns. “Fine and dandy. But what are they doing here?”

Arc sighs. “Help.”

Cherry appears confused. “Help?”

Arc nods. “Yes. But I suppose introductions are in order.”

Gesturing to Esther, Arc continues.

“This is Esther, an apothecary of sorts from the Tartarus capital city of Vengeance.”

Esther bows her head respectfully. “It is an honor to be here, your highnesses.”

Cherry smiles nervously. “Oh! Um… th-thank you, but we’re not royalty.”

Arc nods. “Right. They’re just in charge of the base and this organization.”

Spitfire shrugs. “More or less, yeah.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Whatever.”

Arc continues. “This is her daughter, Rebme.”

Rebme smiles. “Hi!”

“And this is Auriel. Daughter of King Malevolence.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “The king of… Tartarus?”

Auriel nods nervously. “Yes. My father rules over that land.”

Cherry gestures toward the window. “And you just kinda… walked out of that place?”

“That I did. You see, I was born in Tartarus rather than being banished to that place for a crime of sorts.”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose that makes sense.”

Spitfire frowns. “What you say may very well be true. However, how do we know that we can trust you?”

She turns to Esther before continuing.

“That goes for you as well.”

Auriel shrugs. “I suppose that at this point in time you can’t.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Eh?”

“Neither of us have had time to do anything good or bad yet.”

Esther chimes in. “But I’d like to be given the chance to show my skills.”

Auriel smiles. “We both would.”

Rebme giggles. “My mommy is really smart! She can treat pretty much anything!”

Cherry looks to Tempest. “That could be helpful. After all, we don’t have any kind of medical staff around here.”

Tempest snorts. “True. But that doesn’t mean we should trust the first individual whom comes by though.

Spitfire nods matter of factly. “Right. For all we know she could be working for Canterlot.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “That seems kind of unlikely. What with her being in Tartarus her whole life up until recently.”

Cherry nods. “Yes, they both should be able to prove themselves. And we do really need the help right now.”

Esther Admittedly, I’m not actually a doctor. My customers back in Tartarus would generally get a diagnosis from a medical practitioner before coming to me for the proper herbal concoction. But I can treat various health issues with the compounds found in my shop.

Arc removes the shrunken crate from his magic ring and sets it down on the floor. “Here’s what I bargained for earlier today.”

Casting the Matter Compacting counter spell, Arc brings the crate back up to full size. Opening it he pulls out a jar and sets it in the middle of the table.

“Medicinal salve.”

Tempest looks it over. “That could be very useful for those injured in the field.”

Spitfire turns to Esther. “How good it is?”

“It cuts the recovery time down to around half as well as preventing infections.”

Cherry picks up a jar and opens it. “Smells a bit… strange to me.”

Auriel shrugs. “Well, it was made with reagents found in Tartarus.”

Tempest nods. “I suppose that makes sense. But at the same time, can I assume that you don’t have any knowledge on how pony herbal remedies work?”

Esther shakes her head. “No, we only had information that’s been passed down from generation to generation. And that was strictly on demon physiology.”

Cherry taps the jar on the table. “We should probably have this tested by somepony knowledgeable in such things.”

Spitfire frowns. “Who though?”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin. “A chemist. Perhaps in Baltimare or Manehattan.”

Tempest nods as she picks up the jar. “I’ll run this over and see about finding somepony to analyze it.”

Arc turns to Esther. “Please understand that this is only to make sure that a pony patient won’t have any kind of adverse effects to your treatments.”

“I completely understand, sir.”

Cherry smiles. “We should probably have anything else you make tested as well before putting it into stock.”

Tempest stands with the jar in her hoof. “I’ll see about getting this ball rolling.”

Spitfire looks to Arc as Tempest leaves the room. “So what’s your plan for these… newcomers?”

Arc gestures to Esther. “Well, the original agreement I had with her was that she would make us medical supplies in exchange for goods from Equestria as long as I took her daughter, Rebme, out of Tartarus when I left.”

Esther nods. “However, that changed when I was able to escape along with them.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “I was able to convince my father to allow me to leave in order to find my mother. The guards took care of the demons whom tried to stop Esther from leaving with us.”

Cherry gasps. “Wait! What’s this about a demon queen?”

“My mother disappeared one day when I was just a baby. But Arc here has told me that he knowns roughly where she is.”

Arc nods. “Right. She’s currently somewhere in the Dragon Lands.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Might I ask how you found this out?”

“Sorry. Trade secret.”

Cherry clears her throat loudly. “In any case, we should probably assign our new guests quarters away from the general public for the time being.”

Spitfire nods. “Agreed. It’ll take some time to get everypony used to seeing demons walking around the base too.”

Arc gestures to the door. “I could give them a VIP suite together. Last I knew there were still several left.”

Esther raises a hand. “Excuse me, sir?”

Arc turns to her. “Yes, what is it?”

“I would be comfortable just living in my shop.”

Cherry appears confused. “Your shop?”

Arc puts a hand on his ring. “Yes, I shrunk down her business and brought it with us before we left the city of Vengeance. Figured that the reagents inside would be useful.”

Rebme sighs. “Aw…”

Esther looks to her daughter. “What is it, dear?”

“I thought I was going to get to sleep in a real bed.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Where do you sleep now?”

“Mommy and I snuggle together in a corner of the shop near the stove.”

Cherry smiles at the small demon. “Well, I think we can spare a couple mattresses and blankets.”

Esther nods. “Just one please. My shop really is small, after all.”

Cherry sighs. “Are you certain that you wouldn’t like a room inside the base though?”

Esther shakes her head. “No, thank you. I’d prefer the familiarity of my own home. But I do appreciate the offer just the same.

Arc nods. “Very well. I’ll set up your shop just outside the doors of Light’s Hope. That’s the building we’re in currently.”

Esther gasps. “So close to the palace?!”

Spitfire frowns. “Palace?”

Esther looks outside. “This is your central point of government at the moment I would assume.”

Cherry shrugs. “Kinda is, yes.”

“So wouldn’t it be proper for us to be moved some distance away from it?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s my base though, and I say that you’re welcome to be just outside the entrance. Both for your convenience as well as those whom need your help.”

Esther nods. “Very well, sir. I will do as you say.”

“Very good.”

There is a small knock at the door. Spitfire walks over and opens it. A guard with a cart comes into view and speaks.

“The Hero of Light’s lunch, ma’am.”

Spitfire looks over her shoulder at Arc. “You order room service?”

“Just for Esther and Rebme. They haven’t exactly been eating the best.”

Nodding, Spitfire accepts the cart and pulls it into the room. Picking up the two plates from under the warmers, she sets them in front of Esther and Rebme before Arc speaks.

“There you are. A bit of a late breakfast.”

Rebme looks confused. “What’s this?”

“Pancakes.”

Auriel looks the plate over. “My father told me about those. Wheat flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and sweet syrup for garnishment.”

Esther sniffs them. “It certainly does smell nice. But Rebme needs the nourishment more than I do.”

Arc gestures toward the door. “We have more in the kitchen. So please eat your fill.”

Cherry smiles at the young demon. “That and if you’re going to be working with us you need to be properly fed.”

Esther smiles. “Thank you, ma’am. Um… are you the mayor?”

Spitfire shrugs. “Kinda is, yeah.”

“Then I thank you for your help.”

She picks up a fork and knife before getting to the task of cutting the pancakes for Rebme. The little demon quickly goes to work more or less inhaling their food as their mother begins eating from their own plate. Arc stands and heads for the door.

“I’ll see about setting up your shop outside while you eat.”

Cherry moves to follow him. “And I’ll have Platinum Valve stop over there to see what you need to stay comfortable and healthy.”

As Arc and Cherry leave the room together, Spitfire turns to the demons and muses to herself.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

A short time later Arc returns and enters his quarters again. Looking to Esther, he speaks.

“Your shop is ready. Cherry and Platinum Valve are setting up a small cot in your back room with a number of blankets as we speak.”

Esther bows respectfully. “Thank you, sir.”

Turning to Auriel, Arc continues.

“Now that just leaves the matter of getting you a room.”

“Anything would be fine, yes.”

“I’ll see to it that you get a VIP suite for privacy’s sake.”

“Thank you.”

Spitfire turns to Arc. “It’s all well and good that you found us such… help. However, if I recall correctly, you were supposed to be out there looking for a suitable power source for our electrical needs.”

Arc sighs. “The demon king has something called the ‘bloodstone’ which could be used for that purpose. My plan was to try and get it from him in exchange for some information. However, he wouldn’t give it up unless we can return the queen to him.”

Auriel raises a hand sheepishly. “Um… sir?”

Arc looks to her. “Yes, Auriel?”

Auriel grimaces. “I… um… need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

Sighing, she reaches into her pack and pulls out a small box. Setting it on the table she looks to Arc.

“This is for you.”

Taking the box, Arc opens it to reveal the bloodstone. His eyes wide, he looks to Auriel.

“Where did you…?!”

Auriel cuts him off. “I took it from the vault before leaving the palace.”

Spitfire gasps. “So you stole it?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not really. I mean, as the daughter of the king I’m authorized to take whatever I require for my projects from the vault. “

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“And judging from the conversation you had with my father, it sounded like you really needed it.”

Arc looks the bloodstone over. “Then why did you wait until now to show us this?”

“A bit of an insurance policy just in case you weren’t actually on the level. I was planning to bury it somewhere so that you’d never find it if all of this was nothing more than a big hoax. But I’ve seen nothing but kindness and understanding from you and your followers since I arrived.”

She gestures to Rebme whom is dozing in Esther’s claws before continuing.

“You were willing to spend precious resources and space on those whom were your enemy up until this day. That’s not something I thought I’d see from an Equestrian official. Or anyone else in such a position, that is.”

Arc nods. “Thank you for your trust, Auriel.”

Turning to Spitfire, he continues.

“Looks like we have our power supply issue figured out.”

Spitfire gestures out the window. “Tempest and I got some equipment from the Wonderbolt’s Academy. Platinum Valve said she’d have to look over whatever you found to power it all though.”

Arc stands. “Then I suppose we should head over to Esther’s shop and see her about it then.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Might I wait for you here in the meantime? I’d like to have a few minutes to call my father. Let him know that I arrived safely.”

“Sure. We won’t be long.”

Making his way out the door, Arc leads the group outside. Esther’s shop sits perpendicular to the entrance of Light’s Hope. Entering, they find Cherry and Platinum Valve just stepping out of the back room. Cherry is the first to speak.

“We cleared a space for the cot and got it all set up for you.”

Platinum Valve points a hoof at the sleeping demon in Esther’s hands. “Looks like we did it just in time too.”

Arc clears his throat. “Yes, well… why don’t you two get some rest now? We’ll get to work figuring things out for you two tomorrow morning.”

Esther bows respectfully.” Thank you, sir. You’ve already been more than generous to us already.”

She disappears into the back room as Arc and Spitfire leave the shop. Laying Rebme down on the cot, Esther joins her and covers them both with blankets left behind by Cherry and Platinum Valve. Nuzzling the top of Rebme’s head, she whispers to the sleeping child.

“Things will be better here for you, my little one. And I’ll do whatever it is that is asked of me to keep you safe and provided for.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Spitfire re-enter Light’s Hope with Platinum Valve and Cherry. Spitfire frowns as she sees the new shop through a window.

“I don’t like this.”

Cherry looks to her. “The new apothecary?”

“She’s a security risk!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Like everyone here is, I might point out.”

Platinum Valve nods soberly. “Right. Civilians living in a military base is practically unheard of.”

Spitfire grimaces. “But she’s a demon!”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with that, Colonel Spitfire?”

“They’re not ponies!”

Arc shrugs. “Neither am I.”

“That’s different!”

Platinum Valve raises an eyebrow. “How so? I mean, they’re both similar in stature.”

Spitfire points a hoof at Arc. “The Hero of Light has proven himself to be an ally to our cause! She hasn’t!”

Cherry sighs. “I believe that, given the chance, she will though.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. That and it’s extremely likely that we’ll be in dire need of her skills at some point here.”

Spitfire groans. “Fine. But I’ll be watching her.”

Cherry shrugs. “As is your duty, colonel.”

Returning to Arc’s quarters, they see Auriel just putting away her communication device. She smiles as they enter.

“My father was very relieved to know that I arrived in Equestria safely. Well… Equestrian territory, that is.”

Arc chuckles as he nods toward the window. “I think we’re a bit outside of that at the moment though.”

Auriel sighs. “That we are. But I didn’t want him to worry about me though.”

Cherry steps forward. “On the upside, Esther is now settled into her shop and resting comfortably.”

“Good. Her little one really needed a nap from what I saw.”

Spitfire nods soberly. “That just leaves the matter of what to do with you now.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “The colonel means getting you a room of your own.”

“Thank you, I’d like that. But I do feel as though I need to do something more at this point.”

Cherry smiles. “What did you have in mind?”

“Someone mentioned an engineer whom was going to try and get power restored to this building. I believe their name was ‘Platinum Valve’.”

Spitfire nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“I think I can be of help in that regard.”

Cherry appears surprised. “Are you mechanically minded?”

Auriel nods. “I am, yes. Just like my mother, I’m told.”

Arc appears hopeful “So you think you could help Platinum Valve with wiring up those generators to the bloodstone?”

“Most likely, yes. That and I’d really like to learn how Equestrian technology works as well.”

Spitfire narrows her eyes. “For what purpose?”

“A thirst for knowledge mostly. I’ve always been interested in figuring out how things work. And how to make them better if I can.”

Arc nods. “That’s fine with me. Cherry?”

“Agreed.”

“Thank you. Now then, when can I meet this engineer.”

“She’s right here.”

Stepping aside, Arc gestures to the filly behind him as he continues.

“This is Platinum Valve.”

Platinum Valve smiles nervously. “Um… hello.”

Auriel gasps. “A filly?”

Cherry nods as she steps toward the filly. “I know she’s small. But Platinum Valve here has already proven herself to be a capable mechanic.”

Auriel smiles at her. “Then I will do my best to help you with your work as I learn.”

Platinum Valve points a hoof at the bloodstone. “I’m pretty new to the whole magical item manipulation idea though.”

“It’s actually pretty simple when you know how. First, you have to make sure the energies are siphoned evenly from the item in question so as to avoid magical buildup. Then it just boils down to attuning the siphons to the particular wavelength of the…”

Platinum Valve interrupts her. “That sounds like the opposite of simple!”

Arc chuckles. “Well, I’ll let you two get to it then.”

Holding out the bloodstone to Auriel, he puts it in her claw before continuing.

“I’m sure the two of you can figure it out together.”

Cherry nods. “Yes. Just be sure to let us know if more supplies are needed.”

Spitfire groans. “Anything to get the lights back on.”

Platinum Valve grins as she heads for the door. “We’ll find a way to get it done.”

Auriel smiles. “That we will!”

They leave the room together as Cherry looks to Arc.

“It seems we have one problem handled now.”

Spitfire sighs. “A permanent power supply for the base will make us one step closer to being self-sufficient.”

Cherry appears confused. “But we don’t really need to be. Do we?”

Spitfire shrugs. “Kinda should. I mean… who’s to say just how long this whole mess is going to last?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “She’s right. While I hope we can settle everything quickly, it could take months or even years before we have that chance to end this.”

Cherry sighs. “That does make sense.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“All things considered, you should probably get some rest then.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Cherry nods. “After all, you went out to find us a power source this morning and came back with one, an apothecary, their young foal, their shop, and the demon king’s daughter whom is apparently well versed in machines. All in all, I’d say you’ve done more than your fair share of work for the day.”

Spitfire shrugs. “That and rest is going to be a precious commodity in the future.”

Arc sighs. “Well… I suppose I could use a nap, after all.”

Cherry smiles at him. “You do that and we’ll see you at supper.”

She turns to Spitfire before continuing.

“That goes for you as well.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Ma’am?”

“You and Tempest found the generators for us and got them back here.”

“I… guess I could go for a nap too then.”

Arc chuckles. “Then I guess it’s settled.”

Cherry nods. “Yes, and I’ll see about giving Platinum Valve and Auriel a hoof with their task too. After all, I’ve certainly had to do my share of repairs back home.”

She and Spitfire head for the door as Arc makes his way to the bedroom. Lying down on his back, he stares up at the ceiling as Cherry calls out to him.

“That was quite a busy day we had!”

Arc nods. “Yes, it was. And it’s not over yet either.”

Cherry gasps. “You want to do more?”

“Kinda. After all, the sooner we fix this world’s mess the sooner we’ll be headed back home to our Equestria.”

“So what do you think happened?”

“In regards to what?”

“How things went wrong in this world.”

“Well… I’ve been going over that in my mind for a bit. And it got me thinking about something Twilight told me a long time ago.”

“Oh?”

“She said that, before I was brought to Equestria, Nightmare Moon came back after a thousand years on the moon. However, she was defeated by Twilight and her friends with the Elements of Harmony and returned her to her original form of Princess Luna.”

“And you think that in this world Twilight and the others weren’t able to defeat her?”

Arc shrugs. “It seems to be the case, yes. After all, the whole eternal night along with Canterlot being cut off would lead anyone to believe that the monarchy had been overthrown.”

“So the princesses are prisoners then?”

“Most likely.”

“And the Element Bearers?”

Arc sighs. “It’s possible that after their defeat by Nightmare Moon they were taken into her custody. Whether or not she decided to keep them around though really is anyone’s guess.”

Cherry gasps. “You think she may have killed them?!”

Arc shrugs. “Such a thing would make sense from a tactical standpoint. After all, only Twilight and her friends could use the Elements of Harmony. Which means that only they would be able to stop Nightmare Moon. Well, as far as she knows.”

“And you have a plan, don’t you?”

Arc nods. “At this point, Nightmare Moon will assume that she’s won and that no one can stand up to her.”

“Except for the Hero of Light.”

“That’s probably why she went after Platinum Valve’s parents.”

“And you too eventually.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Bring it on. I’m ready for her.”

Cherry sighs. “Please don’t take any unnecessary risks, Arc. Well, any more than you already do, that is.”

“I’ll have to face her eventually, you know.”

“With others by your side, I would hope.”

“Maybe. But they won’t be able to harm her.”

Pulling the Dagger of Eternal Slumbers from his ring, Arc continues.

“After all, I’m the only one whom can deal the killing blow. Both from a physical and legal standpoint, that is.”

“With luck though it won’t come to that.”

Arc nods soberly as he returns the dagger to its place in his ring. “True. But at this point in time, I don’t think there’s any other option.”

“Although there’s always the chance that you could find a way to break through to Princess Luna. Talk her down from this madness.”

Arc closes his eyes. “And I’ll certainly try to, of course. But I’m not getting my hopes up for such a thing.”

Sometime later there is a knock at his front door. Getting up, Arc walks over and opens it to find Cherry standing there.

“Hi. Sorry, did I wake you?”

Arc stretches. “Yes, but it’s fine. I needed to get up anyways.”

“I just came to tell you that Platinum Valve and Auriel have successfully wired in the necessary equipment as well as that stone you brought.”

“The ‘bloodstone’, yes.”

Cherry looks up at the lights overhead. “They should have everything up and running in just a couple…”

The normal lights all turn on as cheers ring out throughout the base. Cherry giggles as she continues.

“I guess they’ve got it.”

Arc nods. “Yup. And a good thing too.”

“Oh?”

“Now the base’s hot water heaters will begin working again.”

“Platinum Valve said she’d begin connecting it to the moon’s water next.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Cherry points a hoof down at the floor. “Apparently there are a number of underground rivers below us.”

“Huh… that’s handy.”

“Not sure if that’s something Princess Luna and the Nightborn did in preparation for such an emergency, or if it’s just a naturally occurring phenomenon.”

“In any case, have her look into the sanitation system as well.”

Cherry appears confused. “The what?”

“Light’s Hope has an emergency sanitation system for times like this when the base is cut off from normal utilities. It filters, disinfects, and otherwise purifies the backup water supplies for consumption again.”

“From what I’m told, the moon isn’t in any danger of running out though.”

“While we may have plenty of water, I also have to point out that we don’t have any place to dump the sewage at the moment.”

“I’ll inform her of this. Hopefully it’s not too complicated to hook up.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably just a couple switches and some valves to turn. But I’ll leave that up to her to figure out.”

Cherry grimaces. “Um… I’m almost afraid to ask this, but where has all of our… um… water been going?”

“Storage tanks to be cleaned and recycled since there’s no sewage hookup.”

“That’s a bit unsettling. But I do understand the idea behind it.”

“As long as you’re here, I was wondering if there was anything else we needed?”

“Well…”

A voice rings out, cutting Cherry off.

“Got good news!”

They turn to see Tempest walking toward them. She continues as she holds up a familiar looking jar.

“My contact in Manehattan took a look at this stuff and says it’s some of the most potent salve they’ve ever seen!”

Arc grins. “Safe too I would assume?”

Tempest nods. “Completely.”

Cherry sighs. “Hopefully we won’t need it. But it’s good to know that we can treat injuries now.”

Arc looks to Tempest. “It would be nice to add a doctor to our ranks though.”

“Agreed. However, all of them have fled to larger cities where it’s safest.”

Cherry looks to Arc. “Baltimare, Manehattan, Las Pegasus and our Lunar Base are currently the four major sanctuaries in Equestria right now.”

Tempest nods. “That are officially known about, yes.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “And I’m guessing they wouldn’t want to leave those big cities for our little spot.”

Tempest shakes her head. “It’s not likely, no.”

Cherry sighs. “I know some basic first aid. But I’m a far cry from a real physician in terms of what I can do.”

Arc looks around. “We don’t have much in terms of medical facilities here either. However, even having someone here would still be a big help in diagnosing any sicknesses that creep up.”

Tempest holds up the jar. “That apothecary you brought in could probably treat a sick pony’s symptoms while they rest.”

Cherry shudders. “But if complications set in…?”

Tempest cuts her off. “We could, in theory, take them to either Baltimare or Manehattan for treatment at the city’s hospital. However, they’re full to bursting lately largely due to the influx of refugees.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It would also be another large step towards independence.”

Cherry bows her head. “True. But we have bigger problems at the moment.”

Tempest chuckles. “It’s definitely not a supply problem, that’s for sure.”

“Actually, it is.”

Arc appears surprised. “What are we low on?”

Cherry shrugs. “Nothing yet. However, we need to be able to keep supply levels high. And one thing that is clearly finite at the moment is food.”

Arc sighs. “The base’s stores are certainly well stocked. However, assuming we’re in this for the long haul, it’s not going to be enough.”

Tempest looks to Cherry. “What do you suggest?”

“We need to figure out a way to start growing crops somehow.”

Tempest frowns. “Not really an option though, as we lack tillable soil.”

Cherry groans. “I know. But as it stands, we’re in a unique position up here on the moon. After all, unlike down in Equestria at the moment, we’re the only ones whom have sunlight.”

Tempest taps her chin thoughtfully. “Could we bring up soil to grow things?”

Arc sighs. “It would have to be a LOT of soil to grow enough food to feed everyone up here though.”

Cherry turns to Tempest. “What about down below? How are the other strongholds feeding the masses?”

“They’re going through canned goods and military ration packs. However, when I was there earlier I overheard talks of switching over to eating fish.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, Manehattan and Baltimare are on the ocean.”

Cherry puts a hoof to her belly and groans. “I for one would have to be VERY hungry to eat a FISH!”

Tempest nods soberly. “It’s probably going to come to that though.”

Arc looks to Tempest. “Do they have fishing vessels?”

“Not really, no. Duke Carleon of Baltimare has ordered a couple larger ships to be modified for that purpose though. They’re still putting together the equipment needed to do the deed from what I could tell.”

Arc smirks. “Fish might help us out though.”

Cherry makes a face of disgust. “I certainly hope you’re joking!”

“It’s part of a larger plan. I’ll need some paper to sketch it out though.”

Tempest points a hoof. “Why don’t we continue this in the office then? More privacy there too.”

Arc nods. “Good idea.”

Heading down the corridor, they enter the War Room and make a beeline for the adjoining office. Spitfire is going over some files as they enter and calls out.

“Time for another meeting already?”

Cherry nods. “The Hero of Light has a plan of sorts to secure future food.”

Arc nods. “That I do. But everyone can just call me ‘Arc’ though.”

Spitfire frowns. “That’s against military protocol!”

Tempest shrugs. “So is ignoring an order from the Hero of Light.”

Cherry quickly chimes in. “I think that if they want to be called something else that we should honor their wishes though.”

Spitfire sighs. “Fine, fine. Now what’s this idea for food?”

Arc looks to the door. “First we should call for Platinum Valve and Auriel. I’ll need their input on this too.”

Cherry picks up the phone. “I’ll page them.”

A short time later Platinum Valve and Auriel enter the office together. Platinum Valve is the first to speak.

“Everything is running just fine in the mechanical room.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, it’s quite the sight to behold!”

Arc smiles at them. “Good job you two.”

Tempest clears her throat loudly. “We called you here to talk about some new idea that the Hero of… that Arc here has.”

Cherry slides him a piece of paper and a pencil. “Perhaps you should draw it out like you said earlier though.”

Arc nods as he takes the pencil. “Yes, I think that will help. Now this is what’s called an ‘aquaponics system’.”

Sketching a number of diagrams as he talks, Arc walks them through his idea. An hour later he steps back and looks around.

“Any questions?”

Platinum Valve raises a hoof.” I get the basic idea behind this system, being a symbiotic one between the plants and the fish. But the climate here on the moon isn’t exactly good for farming.”

Auriel sighs. “It is rather cool outside the base. And I would imagine that the plants as well as the fish like it warm.”

Arc nods. “Right. That’s where the second part of the plan comes into play. This system would have to be built inside of greenhouses to keep the temperature up as well as the humidity levels.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Greenhouses? Here on the moon?”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I remember learning about those in school as a filly. Never actually seen one though.”

Spitfire frowns. “So, first we’d need to get ahold of some building materials. Wood, nails, glass, that sort of thing.”

Tempest points a hoof toward the window. “Baltimare has plenty from what I’ve heard. The main problem would be finding a way to acquire these things, as we don’t really have that much in the way of money right now.”

Platinum Valve grins. “How about we work out some kind of trade then?”

Auriel looks to Arc. “That would probably be the only way such a thing would be possible without currency.”

Cherry sighs. “Other than outright theft, I suppose.”

Tempest nods to Arc’s Crest of Light. “He could just go in there and order them to turn over whatever we need.”

Spitfire frowns. “Under normal circumstances, yes. However, that’s a bit complicated at the moment as the Hero of Light’s authority technically comes from Canterlot.”

Arc bows his head. “Which I’m guessing isn’t exactly high on the list of places to be obeying at the moment, I suppose.”

Cherry shrugs. “It stands to reason that they’d probably just ignore you at the moment. And that’s at best.”

Platinum Valve sighs. “And try to arrest you at the very worst.”

Auriel nods. “So the idea of a trade is probably the best one right now.”

Tempest groans. “But we don’t really have anything of value with which to spare at the moment.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… I guess that’s true. But maybe we could figure something out with the leadership over there. Duke Carleon is known for being fair in his dealings as far as I know.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “Have you dealt with him in the past?”

“That’s classified, I’m afraid.”

Tempest shrugs. “Makes sense. So what’s the plan then?”

Arc walks over to a map on the wall. “Tomorrow morning I’ll teleport over there and talk to him about this. At worst, I’ll see about getting us some supplies to start growing small scale produce. Even if that means dirt and pots.”

Platinum Valve raises a hoof. “And seeds too, I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “We can get some of those from Barnyard Bargains in Ponyville. Assuming the store still has some, of course.”

Spitfire smirks. “Those can be taken freely by you, as the town is abandoned.”

Tempest turns to Cherry. “But it’ll take more than just greenhouses and seeds to make this plan work.”

Cherry nods. “Right. We’ll require reservoir tanks for the fish, beds to grow the crops, pipes to connect everything, pumps to move the water, live fish, food for the fish, and tools to build the system.”

Platinum Valve taps the table. “We have basic tools for construction back at my parent’s shop. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind me taking them.”

Auriel turns to her. “What kind of shop is it?”

“They were the town’s blacksmith and jeweler before this mess happened.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “I could really use their facility to build things up here if you could move it like you did Esther’s shop.”

Platinum Valve appears hopeful. “Is that an option?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t see why not. After all, it worked out alright with Esther’s shop. We just have to be kinda careful when moving it to prevent damage.”

Cherry nods. “If this all of these ideas work out, we’ll theoretically have unlimited food and water.”

Tempest grins. “And to that end things with which to trade for what we need with other towns. After all, with the sun being down all of the time, food is going to become very scarce at some point in the near future.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “Such a thing would meet all of our basic needs. But I’d also like to remind you that the entire reason I came out here was because I wanted to find my mother.”

“And we’ll find a way of getting to the Dragon Lands to looks for her soon enough.”

Turning to Cherry, he continues.

“What do you think about that teleportation device taking us there and back?”

Cherry shakes her head. “Sadly, no. Its range only allows for domestic teleportation.”

Spitfire looks to Platinum Valve. “Could its power output be increased to fix that problem?”

“It’s a lot more complicated than that. Such would require a full rework of the inner systems which would take more tools and expertise than we currently have here on hoof.”

Auriel sighs. “While I haven’t looked the machine in question over, I’m guessing it would also take quite a bit of time to figure out as well. And longer still to make sure that it’s safe.”

Cherry nods. “Right. The system here was invented and perfected hundreds of years ago, if not longer, by the Nightborn of old.”

Spitfire appears hopeful. “Maybe they could help us.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen Moonlit Dusk since I first came here.”

Tempest nods toward the window. “He’s most likely in the Nightborn Citadel with the rest of them right now.”

Platinum Valve shrugs. “They don’t come up too often.”

Auriel appears confused. “Up?”

Cherry nods. “Right. Their citadel is found deep within the caves under the moon’s surface.”

Spitfire shrugs. “We’re allowed to stay up here and do whatever we want, more or less. But they don’t generally allow anypony not a member of their ranks to enter the citadel.”

Arc sighs. “So we’ll have to find another way of crossing the ocean.”

Tempest frowns. “Not sure what that would be at the moment though. After all, we don’t have any boats available to us.”

Cherry looks to a nearby map. “What about Baltimare? They have a very large harbor.”

Tempest shakes her head. “No ships are going out as far as I know. At the moment, the Griffon Kingdom and Abyssinia are patrolling the waters with their airships, ocean vessels, and undersea ships. So nopony is willing to risk it.”

Spitfire shrugs. “Even if they wanted to, there’s no real reason for anypony to be leaving the Equestrian shores right now.”

Auriel gasps as she looks to Arc. “Then how are we going to get there?!”

“Not to worry. I know of a secret alternative way of getting to the Dragon Lands. But we need to get the food situation figured out before I can focus on anything else.”

Auriel frowns. “I understand what you’re saying. However, until you hold up your end of our agreement, I can’t do any more for you or these refugees.”

Spitfire glares at her. “But you’ll still be eating our food!”

Tempest seethes. “And sleeping in our nice, warm, secure base!”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Auriel does make a very valid point. After all, I already made a deal with King Malevolence to escort his daughter to the Dragon Lands to locate her mother. And since I’ve… uh… inadvertently already been compensated for that task with the bloodstone which now powers our base, I can’t really demand her to do anything else until I do what I said I would for her.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“You can stay here at Light’s Hope while I head over to Baltimare tomorrow and see about getting this ball rolling. After that, I’ll return to make sure construction starts out right before leaving for the Dragon Lands with you.”

Auriel nods. “That sounds fair enough.”

Cherry looks to Arc. “In the meantime, I suggest that you get a good night’s sleep so you’re ready for the day ahead then.”

Arc heads for the door. “Yes, I think I’ll get some supper and head to bed.”

Spitfire turns to Arc as she and the others follow him. “What do you think the chances of success are, sir?”

Arc sighs as they step out into the corridor. “Sadly, there’s no real way of knowing that.”

Tempest frowns. “Pretty low if my gut is any indication.”

Platinum Valve appears hopeful. “The Hero of Light will figure something out though. After all, he’s already shown us that he’s resourceful and smart.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed. But those two things might not be of much help in securing building materials.”

Arc groans. “I’ll do my best, of course. However, no matter what happens, we need those supplies.”

He frowns before continuing.

“And I’ll do whatever needs to be done in order to make sure that we get them.”

Chapter 8 - Power

Early the following morning Arc awakens and looks to the clock next to his bed. Sighing, he sits up and stretches as Cherry calls out to him.

“You slept well.”

“After all that we went through the other day, yes.”

Cherry giggles. “A rousing success too, I might add.”

Arc heads for the bathroom. “That it was.”

Turning on the shower, he continues.

“This is going to feel good.”

“It has been a bit since your last shower.”

Arc nods as he steps into the water. “At my parent’s house before we returned to Equestria I might add. So I’m glad we got the hot water running over here.”

“In any case, how do you think today’s mission is going to go?”

“Hopefully everything goes as well as yesterday did. But at the same time, I don’t exactly know what I’m going to use for leverage in order to secure those building materials.”

“First you have to make sure they actually have such things I would imagine.”

“There’s that too. After all, there’s really no point in trotting out the song and dance if they don’t have what we need.”

“Well, if not there’s always Manehattan.”

“Very true. But I’m hoping to deal with Duke Carleon in Baltimare over a leader in Manehattan that I don’t actually know.”

“You don’t really know the Duke Carleon of this world though.”

Arc shrugs. “I guess that’s true. However, I do know that he’ll be fair with me like ours was.”

“Then again, he might not be. After all, this is a whole different world with its own problems and alternate set of circumstances.”

Arc turns off the water. “One way to find out though.”

Stepping out of the shower, Arc dries himself and quickly dresses. Leaving his quarters, he heads for the cafeteria. Spotting Tempest and Spitfire sitting at a table nearby he gets some food and heads over to them.

“Is this seat taken?”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Nope. Have at it, sir.”

Tempest takes a drink as he does so. “You’re up early.”

Arc nods as he sits down. “I just wanted to get this thing on the road.”

Tempest grunts. “As do I.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“I’m coming with you to Baltimare.”

“Not that I mind the company or aid, but why?”

“Just to help make sure you get the job done.”

Spitfire shrugs. “It’s best if you have a guide with you. That and it’s always good to have somepony to watch your back if things go sideways.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… then I welcome your help, Tempest.”

Tempest points to his plate. “Then eat up and let’s get moving.”

Sometime later they all finish eating and stand. As the trio heads for the door, Arc looks around before speaking.

“Is Cherry around? We should probably tell her that we’re leaving.”

Tempest shrugs. “She’s probably going over our supply manifests in the office, or something.”

Spitfire nods. “Right. I told her I’d help with that after breakfast.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“But the Hero of Light doesn’t really have to tell anypony what they’re doing. Her included.”

Arc chuckles. “Just trying to be a team player here.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Yeah, that always works out.”

Spitfire groans. “Not this again.”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

Tempest gestures to Spitfire. “The colonel and I have an ongoing… discussion regarding the merits of working solo.”

Spitfire nods. “I say that it’s a bad idea for the most part.”

Tempest continues. “While I believe it to be the best course of action generally speaking.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… there are pros and cons to both arguments admittedly.”

Spitfire smirks. “Interesting.”

Tempest scoffs. “I’ll say.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

Spitfire gestures to him. “The Hero of Light is generally seen more or less as a lone wolf. Doing what needs to be done quickly, quietly, and most importantly… alone.”

Tempest smirks. “And I’m assuming that you have, since I’d never heard of you before a day or so ago.”

Arc sighs. “That’s… a bit more complicated than you know. But we should probably get moving.

Spitfire waves as they turn to walk away. “Good luck you two.”

Arc and Tempest head for the Main Hall together. Arriving, they walk over to the stallion at the desk. He salutes to them respectfully as he speaks.

“Destination?”

Tempest points to a spot on the map. “Right here. But be sure that we appear outside the city this time.”

Arc turns to her. “Why’s that?”

“Last time I appeared inside the city limits I was jumped by every nearby guard.”

“You alright?”

“I’m fine. But they cumulatively suffered a couple dozen broken bones amongst the lot of them.”

Arc groans. “Yeah… I probably should have seen that coming.”

Tempest looks to the stallion. “Make it a standing order that anypony heading to Baltimare knows that they need to enter via the western gate. There’s a processing station there where newcomers need to check in and be screened before being allowed into the city.”

The stallion makes a note on a piece of paper. “Yes ma’am. Please step onto the pad and I’ll start the process.”

Arc turns to Tempest as they approach the teleporter pad. “So… do you think we’ll have any trouble… signing in over there? Or whatever it is we need to do.”

“I won’t, no. You on the other hoof are a different story entirely.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

Taking their places on the pad, Tempest looks to the stallion and silently nods. Pressing a few buttons on a nearby console, both she and Arc vanish and reappear on a grassy hill overlooking Baltimare. Tempest gestures to it with a hoof.

“As you can see, they’ve finished their wall.”

Arc frowns. “Not a sight I thought I’d ever see here in Equestria.”

Tempest shrugs as they begin walking forward. “They have to maintain their security though. Know who’s coming into the city, and all that.”

“Yeah, I get that. But I don’t have to like it.”

“What’s not to like? It’s for safety.”

Arc sighs as he follows her. “Equestria always felt so much different before this happened. So… so open and free. Walls just don’t feel proper in a land like this.”

“Think what you want of them then. In any case, the border checkpoint is this way.”

Making their way toward the city, Tempest leads Arc to a heavily guarded border checkpoint and a stallion sitting inside a small booth. He looks up from his paperwork as they approach. Narrowing his eyes, he looks to Tempest angrily.

“You again?!”

Tempest sneers. “Yes, me again!”

“What do you want now?!”

Tempest gestures to Arc with a hoof. “The Hero of Light wanted to come here to do some trading.”

The guard looks to Arc skeptically. “The Hero of Light?”

Arc holds up a gauntlet. “Hello.”

Frowning, the guard turns to Tempest again. “Is this supposed to be some kind of sick joke?!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Canterlot falls, the entire land is dark, and we’re besieged by soldiers that are supposed to be on our side!”

He points to Arc with a hoof before continuing.

“And you’re trying to tell me that Hero of Light shows up NOW of all times?!”

Arc puts a gauntlet on the counter as he speaks. “Admittedly, it’s a long story. But as you can clearly see, I am here now. And I’m just trying to figure out ways to make this mess better for the citizens while working on the bigger picture.”

Rolling his eyes, the guard scoffs. “Yes, I’m sure you are.”

Tempest glares at the guard. “Look, if you don’t want to do your job and vet us, we could always just teleport inside like I did earlier!”

Smirking, the guard leans back in his chair and chuckles. “Yeah?! And how well did that work out for you?!”

Tempest leans across the counter. “Just fine. Not so much for your forces though from what I recall.”

Arc reaches into his ring and removes something. “In any case, might I be allowed to talk to Duke Carleon?”

He sets a chocolate bar on the desk and pushes it toward the guard before continuing.

“I’m sure you can understand my need for a meeting with him.”

The guard nods as he deftly sweeps the candy into a drawer with a hoof and picks up his phone.

“Fine then. No promises though. Anything to be rid of you two.”

Speaking into his receiver, the stallion asks to be connected to his superior officer. Explaining the situation to him he listens before hanging up and looking to the pair again.

“It’s going through the chain of command now.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “And that will take several hours.”

Arc shrugs. “Like you said before, Tempest. Security and all that.”

Tempest scoffs as she turns to walk away. “Yeah, yeah.”

Arc looks to the guard. “Thank you for your help.”

“Don’t thank me yet. Nopony has authorized anypony outside of our own forces to enter in quite some time.”

“I see. How long do you think before we’ll have an answer?”

The guard shrugs. “An hour or so probably. Maybe longer. So I understand if you two don’t want to sit around waiting.”

“It’s fine.”

Walking over to Tempest as she scans the horizon, Arc turns to her.

“What do you think our chances are?”

“Very low.”

“Agreed.”

Tempest turns to him, confused. “Then why were you so polite to that guard?”

“Because he’s just doing his job.”

“And?”

“That’s all.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “You do realize that this whole thing is a waste of time, right?”

“So what do you suggest we do then?”

Tempest lowers her voice. “Sneak in like I tried to do last time.”

Arc scoffs. “Yes, I’m sure doing such a thing will make them want to trade with us all the more.”

Tempest grunts as she sits down on her haunches. “Well, it’s either that or we’re not getting into the city.”

“Let’s just play this one by ear. After all, we can always escalate things. It’s the de-escalation that’s the tricky part.”

Sometime later the guard’s phone rings. After a short exchange with someone on the other end, he turns to Arc and calls out.

“Surprisingly enough it would appear that Duke Carleon would like to see you, sir.”

Arc turns around. “Good.”

Tempest follows him to the gate. “It’s about time.”

The guard points a hoof at Tempest. “You can wait out here though.”

Tempest glares at him. “WHAT?!”

“The duke’s orders state that only the Hero of Light and any guards accompanying him are to be admitted.”

Arc gestures to Tempest. “Which she is.”

The guard raises an eyebrow. “Come again, sir?”

“Special Agent Tempest is currently acting as my aide and personal bodyguard while I’m here.”

Tempest grimaces. “That I am… sir.”

Arc lays a couple more candy bars on the desk. “And as such, I require her by my side at all times.”

The guard picks up his phone as he again sweeps the candy into a drawer. “Very well. I’ll see what I can do for you, sir.”

After being connected, the guard talks to someone for a few moments before hanging up and looking to Arc again.

“I’ve explained the situation” and have been told that both you and your… aide will be allowed entrance to the city.

“Good.”

“That is, assuming that you’re willing to take full responsibility for her actions while you two are here.”

Arc nods. “Very well. Tempest will not act without explicit orders from me. Right?”

Tempest frowns. “Yes sir.”

“Then please step toward the gate.”

Pressing a button on the console in front of him, the gates open. Arc and Tempest step inside as they close behind them. Tempest turns to Arc and frowns.

“Let’s get one thing straight here. I am NOT your aide!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “No arguments there.”

“What possessed you to tell him that though?!”

“To get us both inside.”

“But I could have…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Did you really want to sneak into this city that badly?”

“Not really, no.”

“Then just play your part like I’m playing mine.”

Tempest scoffs. “Fine.”

As the gates behind them finish closing, the one’s in front of them slowly open to reveal the city of Baltimare. An officer and his contingent of soldiers are waiting for them on the other side. He salutes stoically as Arc and Tempest approach.

“Good day, Hero of Light. I’m here to bring you and your entourage to our town hall to meet with Duke Carleon.”

He looks to Tempest momentarily before continuing.

“I trust there will be no… complications.”

Arc steps forward as he speaks. “None. Lead the way.”

Nodding, he motions for Arc to follow him. Falling into step behind the officer, Arc and Tempest are immediately surrounded by the other guards as they begin their walk down the way. Looking around, Arc sees that the streets are significantly less clean than he remembers them being back in him home Equestria with piles of trash piled high at every street corner. Street lamps glow weakly from candles burning within them in lieu of the normal light bulbs. And the buildings themselves appear significantly more run down as well, with peeling paint and a general sense of decay hangs in the air. Turning to the officer, Arc speaks.

“Things look kinda bad here.”

The officer nods. “Yes, I suppose they do.”

“Why though?”

“My orders are to bring you to Duke Carleon, sir. He will decide what you will and will not be told.”

Tempest glares at the officer. “That is the Hero of Light you are talking to!”

Arc holds up a hand. “It’s fine, Tempest. I’ll hold my questions for the moment.”

Sometime later the group arrives at the Baltimare Town Hall. Entering the building they head for the office on the top floor. As the guards open the doors for them Arc and Tempest see Duke Carleon at his desk going over a myriad of papers. He looks at Arc’s insignia as they approach and stands.

“Good day to you, Hero of Light.”

Arc nods. “Likewise, sir.”

“To what do I owe this visit?”

“I’m looking to trade with your city.”

Carleon raises an eyebrow. “My apologies. Trade?”

Arc nods. “For some building materials.”

“Constructing a military base, are you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we already have the base. Just looking to construct some… outbuildings.”

“And this is for Canterlot, I assume?”

“For the ponies that have sought refuge.”

Tempest nods. “The Hero of Light plans to build facilities to grow food at our base.”

Carleon appears confused. “Without sunlight?”

Arc chuckles. “We’ve already solved that problem.”

Tempest shrugs. “Strange as it may sound.”

Carleon sighs as he leans back in his chair. “I’m almost afraid to ask this, but where is the a fore mentioned base located?”

Arc gestures toward the window. “On the moon.”

Tempest nods. “The only place where the sun still shines.”

Carleon turns and looks outside. “I had heard rumors that some ponies had found a way up there. But I thought such things to be simply idle chatter amongst the public.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “We would be willing to trade food for our other needs in the future as well.”

Tempest taps the desk with a hoof. “If nothing changes around here, it’s only a matter of time before all of the settlements start running out of food.”

Carleon frowns. “It’s still quite the risk for us to give up any supplies right now. As you no doubt saw on your walk over to the Town Hall, we aren’t exactly doing too well around here.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not asking you to just give the supplies to us though.”

Tempest nods. “Right. Like we said before, we’re looking to trade other items for them.”

Carleon puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… I suppose we could trade some of what building materials we do have on hoof. That is, if there was a way to replace what we gave you.”

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

Duke Carleon stands and walks over to a window. Gazing outside, he gestures with a hoof for Arc and Tempest to join him before speaking.

“Look down at the city below and tell me what you see.”

Arc squints. “Not much admittedly.”

Tempest shrugs. “It’s too dark to see much more than the candles in the street lamps.”

Carleon turns to them. “Exactly.”

Arc sighs. “No power, I’m guessing.”

Tempest looks to Duke Carleon. “Dare I ask why not?”

“Because of trouble at the power plant supposedly.”

Arc frowns. “I’m assuming that you aren’t able to get the parts to make repairs.”

Carleon shakes his head. “Not quite. In truth, the real problem is that we can’t get inside to see what needs to be done.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “I’m guessing this isn’t just a simple matter of some misplaced keys either.”

Carleon nods. “You would be correct. As it stands, I’ve sent three groups to secure the power plant and ascertain the damage to the building in the past. And thus far nopony has returned.”

Tempest looks out the window again. “Have you tried sending out a recon team to figure out what happened to them?”

Carleon nods. “Yes, I did. The first was a group of engineers which were accompanied by a few guards for safety. When they didn’t come back, I sent out a platoon of guards to see what had happened. And after they failed to report back I sent out a few scouts. As I said, nopony came back.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “So you want us to find out what happened to them?”

“That I do. If you can secure the facility and take care of whomever is taking my workers, I can send in a team to repair things and get the lights back on.”

Tempest frowns. “And what would we get in return for this harrowing mission?”

“The building materials we’ve kept in reserve.”

He opens his desk drawer and pulls out a paper. Setting it on the desk, the duke pushes it toward the pair as he continues.

“Here’s an itemized list of what we have.”

Tempest looks it over. “That’s not nearly as much as I’d hoped.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s enough to build a single decent sized greenhouse, I’d wager.”

He looks back to Duke Carleon before continuing.

“But one thing about this agreement confuses me. If you need these materials so desperately, why offer to give them to us?”

“Simple. With the power restored to the city, we’ll be able to bring the factories that make such things back online and replace them in no time. That and it will be a boon to morale around here.”

Tempest looks to Arc. “Basic needs not being met during times of trouble have a tendency to make the public nervous.”

“Very well. I’ll look into it. Just tell me where this facility is and I’ll head over there now.”

Carleon walks over to a map on the wall. “It’s about a mile south of the city. Here.”

He taps a spot on it with a hoof as Tempest frowns.

“Kinda remote, isn’t it?”

Carleon nods. “Intentionally, yes. It’s so that the citizens don’t have to listen to the noise such a facility makes.”

Arc shrugs. “Makes sense, I guess.”

Tempest sighs. “Anything else you can tell us about this place?”

“Nothing more than I’ve already said, no. If you can secure it, I’ll send some guards to make sure it stays safe while our technicians get to work making repairs.”

Arc nods. “We’ll certainly give it a shot. Thank you for your time, sir.”

Duke Carleon nods as Arc and Tempest turn and leave the office. Making their way back to the street together, they stop as Tempest frowns.

“Very shrewd of him.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “The duke?”

Tempest nods. “Sending us in lieu of going himself.”

“Well, as far as I know he isn’t a warrior. So it would make sense for him to send someone whom is.”

“That and if we’re never heard from again, he won’t have lost anything of value.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Glad to see that you think so highly of our chances, Tempest.”

Tempest grins wickedly as she puts a hoof on her weapon. “Oh, believe me. Whomever is causing this is going to pay dearly for it.”

“So should we head over there right now?”

Tempest shrugs. “I guess. That is, unless you want to head back to base and get some backup?”

“Half of me would like to, yes.”

“And what does the other half think?”

Arc shakes his head. “That enough ponies have good missing over this.”

Tempest turns to walk away. “Fine. Let’s get moving then.”

Arc calls out after her. “Hey, um…”

Tempest looks over her shoulder to him. “What is it now?”

“What kind of weapons do you have?”

Tempest gestures to her belt. “My knives mostly. Usually I prefer to just use my hooves.”

“Got anything… bigger than a standard blade?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Uh… no. Why would I lug anything larger around when I’m already more than enough?”

“Just asking.”

As the pair walk down the street together, Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“It doesn’t sound like she has Light’s Bane in this world.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “I was kinda hoping she did. Then Tempest would be immortal too.”

“Do you think she just said ‘no’ to the Dark One’s offer?”

“Either that or he never made it in the first place.”

“So what’s your plan here then, Arc?”

“Scout the place out from a distance before approaching mostly.”

“That doesn’t sound very safe though, Arc.”

“We’ll be careful. Whomever is doing this will probably be looking for a large force to come for them at this point. Not two lone individuals at this point.”

Cherry groans. “I sure hope you’re right.”

“Me too.”

They leave the city via the front gates and start walking. Sometime later, the pair climb a hill on their bellies and look out over the crest to see their target. Arc frowns as he speaks.

“There it is.”

Tempest nods. “The power plant.”

“Somehow I thought it would be bigger.”

“Things like this are built mostly underground both for safety and natural cooling.”

“Ah!”

Tempest turns to him. “So, do you have a plan for this? I mean other than just us barging in there, kicking flank, and taking names?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Care to let me in on it?”

Arc pulls something out of his ring. “It starts with this.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “A magic cloak?”

“Something wrong with that?”

Tempest frowns. “Our tax bits at work, I guess. At least that helps you, I suppose.”

Arc removes another cloak from his ring. “I have one that should fit you as well.”

Tempest scowls as she accepts the cloak. “How many of those things do you have in there?!”

“Half a dozen. Why?”

“You’re the reason the budget’s all screwed up then!”

Arc sighs as he puts on his cloak. “We can talk about fiscal responsibility later. Right now we have a job to do.”

“If we’re both invisible, how are we supposed to stick together though?!”

Arc points to his head. “There’s a Truesight Enchantment on my helmet that will allow me to see you even when cloaked.”

“Good for you. But what about me?”

“Then I guess you’ll be taking point then.”

Tempest grunts. “Lucky me.”

Cloaking, Tempest stands and begins walking toward the power plant. As Arc falls into step behind her, she stops and turns to where she presumes he is.

“Wait a minute. If I see something I can point to it. But what are you supposed to do to get my attention without making a sound?”

“How about this?”

Holding out a hand, he casts a weak Telekinesis Spell to tap Tempest’s back as he continues talking.

“Three taps means stop. I’ll get closer so I can whisper to you if I have to.”

“Not exactly the high-tech solution I was expecting.”

Arc shrugs. “Should work though.”

“I suppose.”

“Shall we be off then?”

“Fine. Follow me.”

Continuing on their way, the pair approach the building. Looking around, Arc lowers his voice as he speaks.

“Nothing suspicious out here.”

“Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security though. The real danger starts once we go inside.”

Arc nods soberly. “Then let’s do that and get this over with.”

Seeing an ajar door some distance ahead, Arc and Tempest head for it together. Entering the facility, they are met with an unimaginable stench. Frowning, Tempest calls out softly.

“Rotting flesh.”

Arc frowns. “Look over there in the corner.”

He turns her head with a Telekinesis Spell. Tempest spies a number of dead ponies strewn around. Some of them are wearing heavy armor while others have on technician’s outfits. A few toolboxes and their contents on the ground nearby confirm their former occupation. Gritting his teeth, Arc kneels down close to Tempest as he continues speaking.

“Normally I’d say we should take a look at them. But that smell is rather… telling.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “They’ve been there a while, yes.”

“What do you think? A couple weeks?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Over a month. But the wounds don’t look like they were made with traditional weapons.”

“Oh?”

“Look at the soldiers. Their armor appears to have been torn open rather than just pierced with blades or bludgeoned with something heavy.”

Arc nods. “Kinda like what a can opener does when in use.”

Tempest grunts. “Nice analogy.”

“Thanks. But it doesn’t bring us any closer to figuring out this mess.”

“One thing’s for sure though. Whomever did this purposely allowed those stallions to enter the facility before killing them. Which means they’ll be waiting for their next set of victims.”

Arc stands. “Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

The pair walk deeper into the facility together. However, as they step around a large machine, the sound of footsteps in front of them rings out. A large creature growls menacingly as it takes up a battle-ready stance. Tempest takes a step back as she calls out.

“Stealth isn’t going to fool this thing!”

Arc frowns. “Decloak then!”

Reappearing, the pair toss aside their magic cloaks and draw their weapons. Tempest charges forward and slashes at the beast with her knife. However, it’s hide more or less deflects the blow. Holding out a gauntlet, Arc pulls her back with a Telekinesis Spell as the creature attempts to take a piece out of her with a mighty swing of its claws. Landing on four hooves next to him she grits her teeth.

“It’s like trying to cut through a tree!”

Arc grins. “Let’s try something a bit more brute force then!”

Running at the creature, Arc uses his spear like a baseball bat and hits the beast in the skull with it. Slamming its head against a wall, the beast cries out but sounds more angry than in pain. Arc Blinks back to Tempest’s side as she turns to him.

“Any more bright ideas?!”

“Just one.”

Looking to one side, he spies a number of large crates stacked up against a wall. Pulling them over, they crash down on top of the beast. It gasps and cries out for a moment before going silent. Tempest breathes a sigh of relief as she sheathes her weapon.

“Glad that’s over with.”

“As am I. Now then, are you alright?”

Tempest appears confused. “Fine. Why do you ask?”

Arc points “Because you’re bleeding.”

Tempest puts a hoof to her fetlock. “It’s nothing.”

“Well, you should probably treat that wound before it gets infected.”

“After we’re done here, I will.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And if we’re attacked again?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You want to potentially go into battle with open wounds?”

Tempest groans. “Fine. I’ll wrap a cloth around it, if only to shut you up.”

Arc reaches for his ring. “I can do you one better.”

Removing a med kit from his ring, Arc opens it and pulls out a bandage. Tempest takes it and quickly begins wrapping her wound. Holding up an alcohol pad, he speaks.

“Don’t you want to clean that first?”

Tempest shakes her head as she works. “No time. We could be attacked again at any moment.”

Arc looks to the crates. “I don’t think it’s getting up though.”

“Maybe not. But it may have friends.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes.”

Tempest finishes dressing her wound and moves her fetlock around to get acclimated for a few moments. Hopping around, she makes a few stretching movements before turning back to Arc.

“Looks like it won’t hinder my ability to fight.”

“Good. Now then, let’s see if you’re right about there being more of these…”

He is interrupted by a low growl nearby. Looking to the crates, Arc and Tempest see a new but equally ugly creature jump over the crates and bare its teeth. Looking around, Arc points to a door at the end of the corridor.

“Tempest, go open that door and wait!”

“If you think that you can handle that thing by yourself, sure!”

Quickly making her way down the corridor, Tempest does as she is told as Arc locks eyes with the creature and slowly backs toward the door. Keeping his spear leveled at the beast, Arc stops and carefully removes a small bag from his ring. Opening it, he takes a deep breath and tosses his spear away. Seeing him defenseless, the monster lunges toward Arc. Blinking off to one side, he allows the creature to pass him before tossing the contents of the bag of marbles in front of it. Landing on the floor, it slides haphazardly toward the door and into the room. As it does so, Arc looks to Tempest and calls out.

“NOW!”

Tempest slams the door shut and bolts the lock. The sounds of the creature lunging against it rings out weakly against the heavy steel as she returns to his side. Arc puts a gauntlet on his hip as he muses aloud.

“I wonder if that was its mate.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I didn’t get a close enough look at its backside to know for sure.”

“Well, in any case, let’s see if we can find the control room. From there we can check the security cameras and make sure we got them all.”

“Good idea.”

Picking up their cloaks and Arc’s spear the pair make their way down a number of corridors, checking every door they see. Arc and Tempest eventually come to one that is locked. Smirking, Arc jerks a thumb towards it.

“This must be it.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “What makes you so sure?”

Arc points to several cable trays overhead. “That’s an awful lot of wires going into a single area for it not to be the control room.”

“Fair assessment.”

“So now the only question left is should we go in quietly or with brute force?”

Tempest smirks. “Not to worry. I have a key.”

She walks toward the door, turns, and bucks it hard. The door flies open as it is ripped from its hinges. Arc facepalms as he speaks.

“I was thinking more along the lines of just Blinking us inside.”

Tempest shrugs. “You do what you want. But I’m tired of doing things the nice way here.”

Arc steps through the doorway. “Well, at least I was right about it being the control room.”

Tempest nods as she looks around. “Not that it’s going to do us much good though.”

Arc frowns. “Agreed. This place is pretty messed up.”

“How though? I mean, the door was locked.”

A low growl is heard nearby. Arc and Tempest turn to see a half dozen or so of the beasts from earlier stepping out from behind panels and other furniture. However, instead of attacking they simply stare at the pair. A few moments later the sound of hoof steps approaching them rings out as a pony in a black cloak enters from a side room.

“Now then… what do we have here?”

Arc tilts his head to one side. “Uh… is that you, Trixie?”

Groaning, the pony pushes their hood back to expose their face.

“How did you know that I was the great and powerful Trixie?!”

“Your voice gave you away.”

Trixie looks to him smugly. “Ah! A fan then!”

“Not… exactly.”

“Feel free to bask in my glory to your hearts content!”

Tempest frowns. “Yeah, whatever. Look, we should probably get out of here before these beasts get hungry and attack us again.”

Trixie giggles. “That isn’t a problem.”

Arc sighs. “You’re controlling them, aren’t you?”

Trixie groans. “Again, how did you know that?!”

“Lucky guess.”

Tempest frowns. “How though?!”

Trixie steps forward. “Well, it’s actually quite a long story. You see, a while back the great and powerful Trixie was…”

Arc cuts her off. “…in the aqueducts under Vanhoover. You found the ogre tribe that lives down there and learned how to control all manner of beasts from them. After gaining enough skill in this new school of magic you used the beasts to subjugate the ogres and take their tribe over.”

Trixie seethes. “Trixie does not believe that you understand the need for a show pony to keep some things to themselves.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Are they alright at least? The ogres, I mean.”

Trixie smiles wickedly. “Not anymore, no. You see, the king tried to retake control of the beasts from Trixie.”

Tempest frowns. “So you killed him?”

“Trixie had no choice! It was either him or Trixie! But it kinda worked out in the end.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “How so?”

“The beasts were having trouble finding enough food and were rather… peckish at the time. So Trixie told them that he was food and let them take care of the problem.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And what about the rest of the tribe?!”

Trixie grimaces. “Let Trixie just say that when these creatures start a feeding frenzy it’s really hard to try and get them to stop before they’re full.”

Tempest gestures to their surroundings with a hoof. “But this place is on the other side of the country from Vanhoover. Why come here?”

“Trixie and the beasts have been on the move to find new audiences since then. But there’s a lot less towns with ponies in them since the sun stopped shining. We had to keep moving in order to find enough food for them to eat.”

Arc nods. “Then you found this place.”

“At first Trixie wanted to use this spot as a warm up performance before entering Baltimare. But it had been a long and hard walk since we had last found them food.”

Tempest grunts. “So they ate the staff?”

Trixie shrugs. “More or less.”

Arc gestures out the door. “And all three of the groups that were sent here from Baltimare to figure out why the power plant shut down too.”

Tempest points a hoof at Trixie. “They were just food for your beasts!”

“Believe me, that wasn’t Trixie’s original plan. But it was getting to the point where Trixie was having trouble keeping them from eating her.”

Arc frowns. “Well, so much for that.”

Trixie giggles darkly. “Yes, Trixie saw what you did to her sentries outside. But they were taken on one on one and with great effort. Trixie doesn’t think the current odds favor you two.”

Tempest narrows her eyes as she draws her blade. “Maybe we should test that.”

“Oh, go ahead. Trixie knows that these beasts are ready for feeding time.”

Arc holds out an arm beckoning Tempest to stay back. “Now, now… let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.”

Trixie smiles smugly. “Glad to see that at least one of you understands the situation here.”

“I just wanted to ask you something, Trixie.”

“Oh?”

“What exactly was your plan? Long term, I mean?”

Trixie appears confused. “Trixie’s plan?”

Arc nods. “Walking across the country with beasts whom could end your life in a moment isn’t exactly something that one does on a whim without having some kind of end game.”

“Originally, the great and powerful Trixie planned to incorporate them into her act.”

She puts a hoof on the side of the largest beast next to her before continuing.

“However, Trixie realized that she would be giving up a valuable opportunity in doing so.”

Tempest scoffs. “Bigger plans, eh?”

“After all, why settle for paltry numbers of bits when Trixie can have it all?”

“All? Like taking over towns?”

Trixie shakes her head. “Nothing quite so grandiose, no. Trixie realizes that doing so is a big risk. She’d have to subject herself to potential personal harm to take over. Then maintain her hold on the city which would do everything it could to oust her at some point.”

Arc looks around. “So what then? You settled for taking over a power plant why exactly?”

Trixie pulls a scroll from a nearby table. “For this?”

Tempest appears confused. “Huh?”

Trixie smirks. “It’s a letter to Duke Carleon of Baltimare demanding ten thousand bits and a number of supplies we need in return for us vacating this place.”

Arc frowns. “And you allowed the first three expedition member’s disappearances to weigh on the city while you waited for the right time to make you demands.”

Trixie nods approvingly. “Very smart of you. Trixie thinks somepony like you would make a valuable addition to her little troupe.”

“Thanks, but I already have a job.”

Pulling his spear from his ring, Arc points it at her before continuing.

“And right now, that’s securing this place so that it can be brought back online.”

Trixie waves a hoof dismissively. ”Oh, believe that Trixie is fully willing to allow such a thing. As soon as she’s been given what she wants in return, that is.”

Tempest snarls angrily. “Oh, we’ll give you something alright.”

Trixie smiles wickedly as her horn glows. “You would be lunch for Trixie’s pets then.”

Arc taps his Crest of Light with a gauntlet. “Believe me when I say that we’re more than capable of stopping you.”

Trixie frowns. “The Hero of Light here? Now? Trixie is skeptical of the validity of such a thing.”

“Do you really want to find out then?”

“It is more than likely that you’re an imposter and will be eaten at Trixie’s command. But you could still be useful to her.”

Tempest scowls. “We’re not joining up with you if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Trixie shakes her head. “No, no. Trixie understands that part just fine. But you could make her plan that much easier.”

Arc frowns. “How so?”

“By delivering this scroll to Duke Carleon in Baltimare. And telling him that this will resolve the matter peacefully.”

Tempest scoffs. “For a time.”

Trixie tilts her head to one side, confused. “Trixie does not understand what you mean. She fully intends to abide by the terms set forth in the scroll.”

Arc nods. “Now anyways. But what about later?”

“Later?”

“When your supplies again run out and your beasts are again hungry, I mean. What’s stopping you from marching right back here, murdering the staff of the power plant yet again, and repeating this process?”

Tempest nods. “If it works once, it would work again.”

“Trixie and her creatures will be far away by that time though.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Then you’ll go after another city or town for more supplies.”

Tempest stomps a hoof. “Which are becoming more scarce by the day, I might add.”

Arc nods. “Right. And when they have nothing more to give you, that’s when the subjugation starts.”

Tempest points at Trixie. “You won’t give up your power over the beasts as you’ll be too used to having that sway over ponies. So you’ll do whatever it takes to keep them fed and loyal to you.”

“Even if that means that you start demanding ponies to be given to you as food for them.”

Trixie gasps. “Trixie would never go that far!”

Arc points a finger at her. “Then stop this madness here and now. Surrender to us peacefully and I’ll see to it that you’re given a fair trial in Baltimare.”

Trixie grits her teeth. “A trial?! For what?!”

Tempest motions to the door with a hoof. “All those dead stallions out there, for starters.”

“Trixie would never see freedom again then!”

Arc sighs. “Maybe not. But you’d still have your life. However, should you forgo my offer of allowing you to stand trial I can’t make any assurances that you’ll survive this encounter with us.”

Trixie laughs wickedly. “Trixie has the advantage in numbers here though!”

Tempest sneers. “We’re more resourceful than you think.”

Trixie licks her lips. “Then let us see for ourselves whom comes out on top.”

Pointing a hoof at Arc and Tempest, Trixie motions for her beasts to attack. Five of them begin walking toward the pair as the sixth is held next to Trixie as a last line of defense. Tempest turns to Arc and grimaces.

“I sure hope you have a plan here.”

“More or less.”

“What is it?”

“How far can you throw a rock?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Uh… pretty far.”

Arc points. “How about that far wall?”

“Easily.”

Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out a grenade. “Then throw this at it!”

Tempest frowns. “You mean throw it at these monsters, right?!”

“Just do what I said!”

Taking the grenade in her hooves, Tempest pulls the pin, winds up, and lobs the grenade over Trixie’s head. It lands and skitters across the floor to rest near the far wall. As it explodes, taking a rather large chunk of the outer wall along with it, Trixie is knocked off balance which momentarily breaks her spell’s concentration. Taking the provided opportunity to act, Arc casts a powerful Telekinesis Spell to push the five creatures through the hole. They fall unceremoniously to the ground below and roar out angrily as they land in the dirt. The sixth looks to Trixie angrily and swings at her, hitting the mare in the head and shattering her horn. Opening his maw, he grabs her in by the throat causing her to scream out in pain as she is shaken for a few moments before being thrown violently against a far wall. Tempest calls out to Arc.

“Now’s our chance!”

Lunging toward the more or less distracted beast as it walks toward Trixie, Tempest slams into it, knocking the beast down. Arc runs forward and draws his magic blade from his ring. Channeling his magic into it as he leaps high overhead, he plunges the blade deep into the beast’s skull, killing it instantly. It falls to the floor with Arc on top of it. Pulling his blade from the creature, Arc stows it away quickly as he rushes over to Trixie. Removing a med kit from his ring, he opens it and pulls out gauze in an effort to slow the violent bleeding from her neck. Tempest shakes her head as she walks over.

“You’re wasting your time there. With a wound like that, she done for.”

Trixie looks over and reaches for her forehead with a hoof in vain. “My… my horn.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sh! Don’t try to talk!”

Tempest picks up the remains of the horn. “Here.”

Trixie takes the horn, which is little more than shards at this point. Holding them to her chest, she looks up at Arc.

“I… I’m sorry. All I ever wanted… was to make my parents… proud of me.”

Arc nods as he changes out the blood-soaked gauze. “They are, I’m sure.”

Trixie shakes her head weakly. “No… they’re not. I’m a… a failure. Always… was.”

She coughs up a mouthful of blood before continuing.

“So… cold.”

Arc removes a blanket from his ring and covers her up. She smiles up at him weakly and tries her best to talk through blood-soaked lips.

“Tell them… I’m sorry.”

Reaching out with her other hoof to him, Arc takes her fetlock and holds it in his gauntlet as she again speaks.

“Don’t… leave… me… here… alone.”

“I won’t. Promise.”

With a final smile, Trixie’s head falls to one side as her hooves go limp. Shards of her horn slide down her chest and onto the floor below. Sighing, Arc removes a gauntlet and puts two fingers to her neck.

“She’s gone.”

Tempest shrugs. “I figured as much. In fact, I was surprised that she held out as long as she did. Wounds like that tend to make one a corpse fairly quick.”

She gestures to the hole in the side of the building before continuing.

“Sounds like those beasts ran off.”

Arc sighs. “Probably. After all, with Trixie gone there’s no one to control them.”

“We should probably notify Baltimare of the dangers out here.”

Arc groans as he begins wrapping Trixie’s body up in the blanket. “Yeah, we’ll do that.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Um… what are you doing?”

“Getting Trixie ready for transport.”

“We’re taking her with us?”

Arc nods as he covers her face with the blanket. “Yes, we are.”

“Just leave her for the clean-up crew. Or better yet, toss her outside. Those beasts will smell the meat and come running.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Tempest. I promised Trixie that I wouldn’t leave her alone. And I’m a man of my word.”

Standing with the bloody bundle in his arms, Arc turns and heads for the opening in the wall. Hopping down, he slows his descent with a Telekinesis Spell. As he and Tempest land next to one another, they turn and begin walking toward Baltimare. Tempest looks to him as she speaks.

“Sounds to me like you know this mare. Well… knew, I suppose.”

“Kinda. Let’s just say that I’ve… done a bit more than just read her file.”

Tempest scoffs. “Sounds like a colossal waste of time to me. From what I could see back there, she was just a small-time con artist whom made the mistake of getting in way over her head.”

Sometime later, the pair return to the gates of Baltimare. After being admitted by the guard on duty, they quickly make their way to the hospital. Entering, they walk over to the nurse on duty whose workstation is lit by candlelight. Looking up quizzically at the odd pair before her, she eventually speaks.

“Can I… help you two?”

Arc looks down at the bundle in his arms. “I, uh… have a body that needs to be placed in the morgue.”

The nurse nods as she waves over a couple orderlies. “Very well.”

A gurney is brought over and Arc lays Trixie’s body on it. Removing the blanket, the staff quickly cover her completely with a sheet before walking away. The nurse pulls out a form and looks to the pair as she continues.

“The victim’s name?”

Arc groans. “Trixie. Trixie Lulumoon.”

“Cause of death?”

Arc sighs. “It’s… kinda complicated.”

Tempest steps forward. “Lacerations to the neck resulting in death due to blood loss.”

The nurse nods as she writes. “Time and location of death?”

Arc frowns as he looks up at the clock. “About an hour ago inside the power plant.”

Nodding, the nurse the finishing touches on the report. “I’ll send this over to City Hall. They’ll start an investigation as soon as possible.”

Tempest taps a hoof on the desk. “We’ll be reporting our findings to Duke Carleon. Send the report directly to him.”

“Very well.”

The pair turn around and leave the building together. Arc sighs and shakes his head as he mutters.

“It didn’t have to end that way.”

Tempest shrugs. “That mare made her choices though. We can’t be responsible for the actions of criminals, after all.”

“Yeah, I suppose not. But her formative years weren’t exactly the best.”

“Oh?”

“Trixie’s parents had wanted her to go to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. But before she could even have her interview, she was upstaged by another mare ahead of her whom was gifted beyond imagination.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “So, she didn’t get in?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. And her life just kinda went downhill from there.”

“Yeah, I kinda get that much. Having a hard foalhood, I mean.”

“You do, don’t you?”

Tempest nods and looks away. “Things… weren’t exactly easy for me growing up either. That and I had a little sister to take care of too.”

“Cerulean Skies.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “How do you know about that?”

“The Hero of Light needs to know a little bit about a lot of different things. I pick information up as I go.”

“So do you know how I got into the military then?”

Arc nods. “A stallion named ‘Decimus’ found you and vouched for you.”

“I haven’t had time to see her in so long. Really hope she’s doing well.”

Looking to him hopefully, Tempest continues.

“In any case, I don’t suppose you know where she is these days?”

“Last I knew she had a job as the secretary for High Justice Hawthorne.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Hawthorne? But he’s in Baltimare.”

Arc nods. “That he is.”

Tempest grins. “So she’s safely within this city then?!”

“As far as I know, yes.”

“I’ll have to head over to the courthouse then! See if I can find out if she’s doing okay!”

“She’d like that, I’m sure.”

“Why don’t you go report to Duke Carleon while I do that?”

“Alright. Um… should we meet back at base then?”

“Yeah. Tell the others not to worry if I don’t come back right away too.”

Arc smiles. “Want to do some catching up, eh?”

“If I can, yes. Heck, I’d even be willing to help her with work if it means we can spend some time together.”

“Well, have fun then.”

“See you back at base at some point.”

The pair part and go their separate ways. Making his way back to City Hall, Arc is ushered up to Duke Carleon’s office. Entering, he finds him looking out the window. Joining him there, Arc speaks.

“It is done.”

Carleon turns to face him. “The power plant is now secure?”

Arc nods. “More or less.”

“Elaborate.”

“There were a number of great beasts there whom had attacked the crews you sent out. However, they were being controlled by a mare by the name of Trixie Lulumoon.”

Carleon groans. “Her again?!”

“You know of her?”

“She’s been petitioning me for a few years now to allow her to perform her act in our largest theater!”

“And you didn’t let her?”

Carleon shakes his head. “The acts put on there are done by the best of the best. One must first prove themselves to be of great skill to be invited to do so.”

“Can I assume that you explained all that to her in the past?”

“That I did. But her response was something to the effect of somepony of her caliber should start at the top.”

Arc sighs. “Admittedly that does sound like something she would say.”

“Can I assume you were able to take her into custody?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. She was attacked by one of the beasts when she momentarily lost control of them during the battle.”

“I see. And where is she now?”

“The hospital morgue pending a written report.”

Carleon heads for his desk. “Just let me call the hospital and tell them to send it over as soon as it’s completed.”

“No need to do that, sir.”

“Oh?”

“My… companion already asked the nurse to do that.”

“Good. And where is she at the moment?”

“On a trip to the courthouse.”

Carleon frowns. “And you are responsible for her actions.”

“I still am. She wished to speak to one of the staff members regarding a very… personal matter.”

“Very well. However, should she cause any trouble…”

Sighing, the duke breaks off his sentence before beginning a new one.

“In any case, what of the beasts that Trixie controlled?”

“Two were killed, another was locked in a room, and a half dozen others fled the facility after the battle.”

“I shall have to send out another team equipped with the proper tools to deal with large animals.”

“Tell them to bring out the big guns, as these things have the toughest hide ever seen.”

“Very well. Thank you for your service, Hero of Light.”

Arc shrugs. “Just doing what I said I would.”

“And to that end, I shall hold up my end of the bargain. You wanted building materials, I believe.”

Arc nods as he pulls a piece of paper from his ring. “Here’s a tentative list of what we need to build our specialized greenhouse.”

Carleon accepts it. “I’ll have these things brought together and ready for you to pick up by tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“But might I have a few more moments of your time, sir?”

“What is it?”

Carleon grimaces. “I… was wondering what the status of Canterlot was.”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, I don’t think I know any more on that subject than you do.”

Carleon turns and looks out a window to the west. “It just doesn’t make any sense to me. The capital is enshrouded by an impermeable barrier, all contact with everypony inside of it has been lost, and the sun no longer rises.”

“We believe it to be due to Nightmare Moon bringing about a so-called eternal night.”

Carleon nods. “That is what the citizenry is saying, yes. I was merely hopeful that you may have had some insider information.”

“I don’t. At the moment I’m just trying to stabilize the land’s most basic needs. Starting with the food issue which shall become more scarce as time goes on.”

“It is good to know that somepony is. Please keep this to yourself, but our city’s stores are down to less than twenty five percent at the moment.”

Arc frowns. “And I can’t imagine the rest of the land is doing much better in that regard.”

“The last major holdouts here in Equestria are Baltimare, Manehattan, and Las Pegasus. We’re doing alright as is Manehattan.”

“And Las Pegasus?”

“Ironically, much better than either of us are.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Aren’t they off the beaten path though in terms of supply lines though?”

“That they are. Which is why the head of city, an Earth Pony named Gladmane, always insisted on buying supplies in bulk whenever possible. That and his resort is well known for always having exactly what a guest wants.”

“So he’s always sure to have things in storage within reach.”

Carleon nods. “Right. It’s said that his warehouse is so big that it spans the entire city perimeter!”

Arc appears confused. “The entire city?”

“Under it, really. According to Gladstone, it helps keep things fresher longer as well as make managing the security of it easier.”

“I may have to pay him a visit at some point.”

“If your idea to put greenhouses on the moon doesn’t pan out, he’ll be the last pony with food in this country.”

Arc sighs as he looks out the window. “But such would only delay the inevitable. No storage house, no matter how large, is bottomless after all.”

“Then it would seem as if Equestria may survive or fall based on your success with this plan.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Which is why we can’t fail in this. Assuming I can’t find a way to end whatever is happening soon, we may all be in for the long haul.”

Carleon sits back down at his desk. “If you are able to get this source of food going, the population will be able to continue on. However, it still does nothing to address the root of the problem at hoof.”

“Canterlot.”

Carleon frowns as he leans back in his chair. “And the princesses too.”

“Well, one of them anyways.”

“I can only surmise that Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance are prisoners somewhere in the capital. If you could free them, I would imagine that the three of you could stand against Nightmare Moon and put this matter to bed… permanently.”

“That is most likely true, yes. However, first I’ll need to find a way into Canterlot.”

Carleon gestures in the direction of the capital. “Yes, it’s quite the quandary. Frankly, I’m not really sure how they’re making due over there.”

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

“I’ve had scouts watch the city pretty much since it was closed off. From a safe distance, of course. To date, they’ve yet to bring in much in the line of supplies.”

“Then how are they making due over there?”

Carleon shrugs as he leans back in his chair. “I have some theories, but little concrete evidence.”

“Tell me anyways.”

“Very well.”

He leans forward on his desk before continuing.

“It is very likely that, since it’s the capital, there are a number of very large storage facilities strategically placed around Canterlot. Princess Celestia would have made preparations for every possible contingency for her city. And that’s in addition to the large stores that the nobility each keep in their own manor’s larders and cellars.”

“But this mess has been going on for almost a year now, hasn’t it? Even if the princesses had stored large amounts of goods, it’s unlikely that they would have enough to feel all the citizens and the military within the city for that long.”

“Possibly, yes. However, I’m sure that they are capable of bringing things in as needed. My scouts have reported that there are guards whom can come and go as they please.”

“Can they now?”

Carleon nods. “We’re not sure how they do it though. The train now stops outside the station prior to where the barrier stops it. Anypony whom gets off can easily pass through. But at the same time, nothing else can.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. My scouts have ascertained that fact due to seeing a number of animals smacking into the barrier and appearing confused why they cannot advance.”

“How about from the air?”

“They reported the same for birds. No penetration.”

Arc sighs. “Great. Any additions to their armor? Enchantments, sigils… anything like that?”

“I didn’t order them to try and figure that out. After all, their survival rests on them staying as far away as possible.”

Arc looks out the window. “In any case, now I know for a fact that there is a way to get through the barrier.”

“That may be true. However, there’s no information on what lies inside the city now in terms of military forces. And my scouts tell of a great many of them coming and going on a regular basis.”

“Where to though?”

“In all directions via flight generally. My scouts say that they see hundreds of guards every day. And that they seem to be going in all directions.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Sounds like they’re looking for something.”

“Supplies perhaps?”

“Maybe.”

“We haven’t seen anypony wearing armor around here recently though.”

Arc shrugs. “They might just be keeping a large distance between themselves and your sentries.”

“As my scouts are doing to Canterlot.”

“They watch you as you watch them. “

“Do you believe that they’re sizing us up for an attack, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably not. That and it would certainly be easier for them to take what they need from abandoned towns than try to hit a bigger target like Baltimare.”

“There have been no sightings of any large crates or other packages of note entering Canterlot though. So if they indeed are out and about looking for supplies, they aren’t bringing them back to the capital city.”

“Then perhaps they’re searching for something and not finding it.”

“Something special, eh?”

“It’s the only other logical reason for sending military forces in every direction, after all.”

Carleon puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “You do have a point there, sir. But that doesn’t really lead anywhere.”

“Any idea what they’ve brought to Canterlot thus far?”

“From what the scouts have seen, they appear to mostly be bringing in paperwork.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Paperwork?”

Carleon nods. “Presumably they’re field reports from those stationed elsewhere.”

“So even now they insist on a paper trail.”

“Most likely to communicate with whomever is running things over there on the status of their search.”

“On the upside, if they’re still searching even now, then they haven’t found whatever it is that they’re looking for.”

“But that could also be a bad thing. For all we know, they could be searching for something with which to solve this problem.”

“Part of me thinks I should try to intercept some of those reports.”

“Such a thing could undermine their investigations should they be on the level though. That and it’s not likely you’d be able to get close enough to do so anyways, as the couriers are heavily guarded when they return.”

“Maybe I could grab some orders off of one of them leaving Canterlot.”

“I thought the same and sent a team to do just that. They returned to report that they found nothing of interest on the messenger.”

“So they’re only bringing messages back to Canterlot then.”

“Either that or they’re being ordered to memorize whatever the outgoing message is to avoid interception by us.”

“Were you able to get it out of the messenger back then?”

Carleon shakes his head. “Sadly, no. When facing capture, he quickly swallowed something and fell to the ground. My forces were unable to revive him.”

“A suicide pill.”

“It’s rather unnerving the levels that our opponent will go to in order to keep their movements a secret.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it’s just become something new that I have to figure out now. But at the moment I should probably get back to my base.”

Carleon stands. “Very well. As I said earlier, your building supplies will be ready for pickup in the morning.”

The pair shake hands/hooves as Arc again speaks.

“Thank you for your help, Duke Carleon. But as it stands, I’m going to need one more thing in order to make this project work.”

“I’m listening, sir.”

Chapter 9 - With Forked Tongue

A few days later Arc stands outside the newly constructed greenhouse with Tempest. He turns to her and speaks.

“It turned out nice.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Other than the inclusion of fish, yes.”

“Don’t like them much, do you?”

Tempest frowns. “They just represent yet another thing that we have to care for around here!”

Arc shrugs. “Like I told you before, they’re a necessary part of the system to provide the plants with nutrients.”

“Still don’t get it.”

Arc sighs. “Trust me, we need them. That and there are a few of us here that would like the protein.”

Tempest makes a face. “That’s another thing. It’s just plain gross.”

“Rebme, Esther, Auriel, and myself like that kinda stuff, okay.”

Tempest waves a hoof dismissively. “Just don’t expect me, or anypony else around here, to join you three for dinner on those days.”

“Understood.”

Platinum Valve approaches with Cherry and Spitfire. A number of other Unicorns follow behind them. Arc looks to Cherry as he speaks.

“Is everything ready?”

Cherry nods. “Yes, it is. Platinum Valve says that every Unicorn present has been taught a simple growing spell as well.”

Spitfire gestures to the greenhouse. “If it’s cast correctly, it will make for a blanket effect.”

Tempest frowns as she puts a hoof to the remains of her horn. “Yes, well… I think I’ll abstain from this… exercise.”

Platinum Valve looks to Arc. “We’re ready to go just as soon as you give the order.”

Arc gestures to the greenhouse. “Proceed.”

Nodding, Platinum Valve leads the Unicorns into the greenhouse. Cherry closes the door behind them as she, Spitfire, Arc, and Tempest watch from outside. Walking over to a small cupboard, the filly pulls out a box. Setting it on a nearby table Platinum Valve opens it to reveal a number of seeds in moist cloths. Small root systems are poking out of them as she and the others begin concentrating their spell. Slowly but surely their roots begin to grow into more complex systems as stems also form. Motioning for everyone to stop casting, Platinum Valve gives a plant to each of the ponies around her. They walk over to the empty plant beds and push the pea gravel aside to place their respective plants in the resulting hole. Replacing the stones to give the plants stability, they do the same to the rest of the seedlings as Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“It looks like things are going well in there.”

“Yes, it’s a good start. But the next step is where the real results will be found.”

As the ponies finish making their preparations, they step back and look to Platinum Valve. Taking a deep breath, she leads them in continuing with the spell. The seedlings quickly grow into fully developed plants and begin budding. A few minutes later fruit forms on their stems. Picking a couple, she gives them to several of those present to taste. Tossing them into their mouths and chewing, they nod in approval. Arc leads his group into the greenhouse to address the others.

“Well done!”

Cherry smiles. “Yes, these first plants seem to be looking very well.”

Tempest shrugs. “Considering they’re just a few minutes old, yes.”

Spitfire pokes a piece of fruit apprehensively with a hoof. “Are you really sure this is a good idea though? I mean… forcing plants to maturity in mere moments with magic just seems kinda… unnatural.”

Arc turns to Cherry. “What do you think of all of this, general?”

“As an Earth Pony, I have to admit that I did feel a bit… out of sorts watching that be done. However, I’m told that in ages past getting plants started using magic was a fairly commonplace occurrence.”

Tempest steps forward. “I know that it’s certainly not… traditional to raise food in such a way as this. But we all have to remember the main goal here. Feeding those whom call this place home at the moment.”

Platinum Valve looks through the glass at Equus below. “And potentially having to feed the whole country at some point in the future.”

Spitfire looks to Arc. “This can’t go on THAT much longer though!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’m not so sure about that. After all, I’m told Canterlot has been dark for quite some time, has it not?”

Cherry nods soberly. “Almost a year now, yes.”

Tempest gestures to the plants. “It might sound a bit strange to hear me say this, but the Hero of Light has a very good point here. We should be hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.”

Platinum Valve grimaces. “The food situation might just be the difference between winning and losing for Equestria, after all.”

Spitfire bows her head. “In this way we could, at least in theory, outlast Canterlot. As they don’t have a theoretically infinite source of food in there.”

Cherry shudders. “I’m hoping we can end this matter before being forced to resort to starving Nightmare Moon out of there.”

Arc nods as he plucks a small melon from a nearby vine. “Agreed. As things deteriorate in there, the citizens will grow more and more desperate.”

Tempest grunts. “As they start dying off it’ll force them to reevaluate their position in the world.”

Platinum Valve looks to Spitfire. “But they’ll likely make a move prior to that happening I would imagine. Right?”

Spitfire sighs. “If Nightmare Moon is anywhere near as intelligent as I’ve heard, then she’ll probably make a move long before that.”

Tempest nods soberly. “She’d probably start looting smaller towns before moving on to something more well defended.”

Cherry frowns. “Such as Baltimare and Manehattan!”

Tempest shrugs. “Las Pegasus too, I would think. Even with their security forces, such a treasure trove would be difficult for somepony with a proper military force to ignore in the long term.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “In any case, let’s consider our potential food solution from this small-scale experiment we’ve just witnessed. It took six Unicorns to make this one bed grow. How many would it take to fill this greenhouse?”

Platinum Valve steps forward. “My calculations show that a dozen is all that it would take to grow the food in here. After that, the Earth Ponies could properly harvest it while the Pegasi do their part to preserve it.”

Tempest looks to Cherry. “And do we have a plan for preservation?”

“We’ll be relying on canning mostly. Although some fresh fruits and vegetables would be kept in their natural state to feed us for that day.”

Spitfire taps a grow bed with a hoof. “And how many crops could we get out of these things a day?”

Tempest turns to the fish tanks nearby. “Probably not as much as we think. After all, these fish can only… excrete so much, so fast.”

Platinum Valve nods. “Right. I’m estimating one crop a day from this greenhouse. Any more and we’d need to add more fish tanks and more fish to the process.”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I like the idea of being able to product two crops a day. If we start early enough in the morning the first batch of produce could be completely grown, harvested, and preserved by lunch. Then we could have the afternoon crop to take us through the rest of the work day.”

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin. “That keeps a dozen or so of us busy with growing, a couple more harvesting, and another half dozen or so processing.”

Tempest shrugs. “We’d still have plenty of hooves to do other things too. Guard duty, training, and recon as well.”

Arc nods. “Such would certainly provide enough food to keep everyone here fed. But as things stand, we need to face the very real fact that we may well be required to feed the nation at some point.”

Platinum Valve gasps. “What are you suggesting, sir?”

“That we’re going to need to figure out a proper system of growing, harvesting, and preserving. And we need to build a few more of these greenhouses to grow food for exports.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “We go too far expanding this thing and we’ll have our entire group tied up with producing food before too long.”

Cherry shrugs. “While at the same time such a thing may not actually be necessary.”

Spitfire appears hopeful. “You have a way to end this matter quickly?!”

Cherry shakes her head. “Not really, no. However, I’d like to point out that Baltimare does have a much larger population. As well as their power plant.”

Platinum Valve points a hoof toward Equus. “They could very well use our system here to grow food for their entire city.

Tempest nods. “It wouldn’t be too hard for them to do such a thing what with all the ponies whom call that city home. After setting up the basic infrastructure and getting everypony trained on what to do.”

Spitfire looks to Arc. “That may be a good idea from more than just the food standpoint.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m told a lot of them are out of work at the moment. This would also solve the unemployment problem for them too. Or at the very least put a sizable dent into it.”

Arc turns to the Unicorns. “We’re counting on all of you to get a system worked out. Something that can be replicated here as well as elsewhere later.”

Platinum Valve starts writing of a pad of paper. “I’ll see about streamlining the designs further as well. See if we can make things more efficient.”

Cherry looks to the filly. “How long do you think it would take to do all of that?”

Platinum Valve shrugs. “Probably a week or so. With luck on our side, of course.”

Tempest shrugs. “Good, I suppose. So where does that leave the rest of us?”

Arc turns to her. “Anyone whom isn’t on guard duty or recon should be learning these new concepts. We can use our new source of food to barter for other things that we need as well. Blankets, medical supplies, building materials, and anything else we can think of.”

Spitfire leans against the fish enclosure. “I’ll coordinate with Platinum Valve to get some kind of information cataloguing system going too. We need to watch this thing really closely in order to maximize efficiency. After all, lives may depend on it soon.”

Cherry raises a hoof. “And I can help teach others how to properly can and jar things.”

Platinum Valve looks up from her paper. “I imagine that it’s going to be a bit more time consuming that we think to process the harvest. Things will, of course, need to be properly washed, cut up, cooked, and jarred. But we’re also overlooking a very critical step to this.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”

The filly picks a tomato and lays it on a workbench next to her. Pulling a small knife from her belt she cuts the fruit in half and holds it up for the others to see as she speaks.

“The seeds. Not only do we have to preserve the food itself, but we’ll also need to harvest and properly dry them so as to be able to grow the next generation of produce. Some will be a simple matter to extract, such as the large seeds found within a melon. However, smaller fruit like this tomato will be a much more labor-intensive process.”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe we shouldn’t grow such things then. After all, there’s only so many hours in the day.”

Tempest looks to the melons. “Or maybe start with all easy to extract seeds and move up to something a bit more challenging. Like tomatoes.”

Arc picks up a melon. “That does sound like the best course of action at this point. Start simple while we’re trying to figure the finer points of this thing out. Then we can move on to more difficult matters as time allows.”

Spitfire sighs. “I kinda wish we could get some trees going though. After all, everypony would love to see apples again.”

Cherry chimes in. “And cherries too. Although I may be a bit biased there.”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “Such things would take far too many nutrients that could be used to grow smaller crops though.”

Tempest looks around. “And they take up a lot of space too.”

Arc nods. “It would take an extra-large greenhouse and actual soil to be able to stand upright. The pea gravel we’re using right now wouldn’t cut it.”

Cherry gestures to the produce. “Yes, well… at least this appears to be going well.”

Spitfire speaks as she turns to Platinum Valve. “I’ll send somepony out to scavenge for some more diverse seeds.”

Arc nods toward the planet. “There’s probably quite a few to be found in Ponyville. I’ll pick some up when I’m there.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “You’re planning to go back to Ponyville?”

“Yeah.”

Platinum Valve raises an eyebrow. “While I do appreciate the help with this, what’s so special about Ponyville, sir?”

Arc looks away. “It’s… a place that holds a very special place in my heart for personal reasons. One’s that I’d rather not speak of at the moment.”

Cherry nods soberly. “Then we won’t pry any further.”

Tempest walks towards him. “Want some company?”

“I suppose that would be helpful, yes. With any luck though this will be just a long but uneventful mission.”

“In my experience, those are the ones that have an annoying tendency to go off the rails the quickest though.”

Arc shrugs. “Can’t argue with that. Get packed and meet me in the main hall in fifteen minutes then.”

Tempest turns to leave. “Right.”

Arc turns to Platinum Valve. “I’ll be on the lookout for anything else we might need while I’m out there as well.”

“That would be very helpful, thank you.”

Cherry looks to Arc. “Is there anything we can do to help you in this mission of yours, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. It’s just something that needs to be done.”

Spitfire throws up a hoof in salute. “Good luck out there then.”

Nodding, Arc leaves the greenhouse. Entering the base he quickly makes his way to a large set of double doors. Knocking lightly, the young man steps back and waits. A few moments later the door opens a few inches. Arc takes the opportunity to speak.

“Good morning, Auriel.”

“I, um… hello.”

“Did you sleep well?”

“Okay, I suppose. Then again, I don’t really have anything else to do while I wait for you to make good on your word.”

Arc nods. “Which is why I’m here.”

Auriel appears hopeful as she opens the door wide. “You mean…?”

“Yes, the greenhouse is up and running. Platinum Valve and the others will see about experimenting with various techniques to increase the yields. But in the meantime, this is a perfect time for us to start the process of finding your mother.”

Auriel turns and grabs her satchel which is next to the door. “Let’s go!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “We don’t have to leave right this second. Don’t you want to grab a quick bite to eat first?”

Auriel shakes her head. “I’m ready now!”

“Alright. But admittedly, this is going to be kind of a roundabout trip.”

“What do you mean?”

“At the moment we don’t have any way of crossing the ocean. So first we have to remedy that problem.”

“How?”

“Well, you see…”

Tempest trots over to them with her saddlebags and looks to Arc.

“I’m ready to…”

Turning, she notices Auriel standing in the doorway. Returning her gaze to Arc, she frowns and points a hoof.

“Uh… what is SHE doing here?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Auriel will be coming with us too.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “You want to bring a demon royal?!”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Why?!”

“Because I made a promise to try and find her mother. That and there are a few other things that need to be done along the way.”

Tempest frowns. “You do know that this is a mistake, right?! I mean, has this little twig ever even seen combat?!”

Auriel fidgets nervously. “Well… no. My father was always afraid that I’d get hurt in training.”

Tempest points a hoof. “See?! She’s dead weight!”

Arc grunts. “Helpful or not, I did give her my word.”

“But…!”

Arc interrupts Tempest. “You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. I can handle this on my own, after all.”

Tempest shakes her head. “Not a chance! We’re going to need every one of our warriors eventually, and you’re one of our best!”

“What’s that have to do with you coming though?”

“Because I can’t stand the thought of potentially losing somepony as powerful as you are!”

Arc shrugs. “Fine then. Are you ready to go?”

Tempest walks towards the Main Hall. “Very.”

Auriel sighs as Arc turns his attention back to her and speaks.

“Sorry about that. Tempest is just… um…”

Auriel interrupts him. “A warrior?”

“Well, yes.”

“She is right though. I’m going to be a liability on this trip.”

“It should be pretty safe though. Just do what I tell you to and things will be fine.”

Auriel steps out of her room to join Arc. “I sure hope so.”

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to though. I could probably find your mother and bring her back here if you’d like.”

“Thank you. But you have to understand that I’ve spent my entire life trapped in Tartarus AND the city of Vengeance. I know there’s a big world out there, and I really want to see it for myself.”

Arc nods as he motions for Auriel to follow him. “Fine. Just understand one thing.”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“That not everything you’re about to see out there will be pleasant.”

A short time later they arrive at the Main Hall. Tempest is waiting for them in front of the teleporter pad. Frowning, she speaks.

“If you two are done dawdling over there, can we get this thing moving?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Just let me point out our first destination and we’ll be off.”

Walking over to the map, Arc points as he looks to the stallion behind the desk.

“I need to visit Ponyville again. What would be the safest place to teleport to?”

“Our intelligence indicates that the foothills outside of town to the south are a good place to approach undetected.”

“Then that’s where we’ll start.”

Stepping onto the teleporter pad with Auriel and Tempest, Arc looks to the stallion and nods. Manipulating the controls, he watches as the three disappear. They find themselves outside of Ponyville a few moments later in an undeveloped field with knee high grass and flowers. Auriel smiles as she looks around.

“This is amazing!”

Tempest scoffs. “It’s nothing special.”

Arc chuckles. “It probably is if you’ve spent your entire life in a magical prison.”

Auriel kneels down and begins picking a few stems. “I need to study these!”

Tempest groans. “We don’t have time for this though!”

Arc shrugs. “Yes. That and these aren’t exactly what I would call ‘rare specimens’.”

Tempest points toward the town with a hoof. “We’ll get you a book about them! Now let’s go!”

Getting to her feet, Auriel walks over to Arc whom motions for the pair to follow him. Tempest looks up at him as they approach the outskirts of Ponyville.

“So, we’re just here to get what exactly? Seeds?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. I also told Platinum Valve that we’d be on the lookout for anything of use to her and the rest of those up on the moon.”

Auriel grins. “Where would one find seeds though? Are they rare? What should we be looking for?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “About as rare as plants in general are.”

Arc nods. “Tempest is right. Seeds can be found literally everywhere in this world. But the fact of the matter is that we really just need certain kinds.”

“Like what?”

“One’s that grow into specific foods that can actually reach maturity up there without being too labor intensive. Lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, various herbs, and whatnot.”

As the group makes their way into Ponyville, Auriel looks around nervously for a few moments before turning to Arc.

“What… happened here?”

Tempest frowns as she points a hoof toward Canterlot in the distance. “That happened!”

“A mountain castle?”

Arc nods. “That’s Canterlot. It’s the capital of Equestria.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “They’ve stopped raising the sun and cut themselves off from the rest of the country by enshrouding the city in a magical barrier.”

Auriel appears confused. “But why?”

Arc shrugs. “No one really knows. However, we need to help the citizenry get to a point of sustainability before taking the fight to Canterlot.”

Tempest nods. “That and figure out a way to get in there.”

Arc stops walking. “In any case, here we are.”

Auriel appears confused. “Huh?”

Arc gestures with a gauntlet. “Barnyard Bargains.”

Tempest shrugs. “It’s what we here in Equestria would call a ‘general store’.”

Arc Blinks through the door and opens it from the inside. Auriel and Tempest step across the threshold and look around. Auriel flaps her wings to get some air and get a better view of things. She gasps as she looks around.

“Very interesting!”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

“There’s so many different things on display here!”

Arc chuckles. “Hence the term ‘general store’.”

Auriel giggles as she lands. “Yes, it’s very aptly named!”

Tempest shakes her head. “Whatever you say. Can we get what we came here for and get moving please?”

Arc shrugs. “Sure, if that’s what you really want.”

Auriel follows Arc over to a display nearby. He looks it over for a few moments before picking up an empty box nearby and holds it out to Auriel.

“Would you hang onto this for me, please?”

Auriel nods as she takes the box. “Sure.”

She watches as Arc begins putting a number of packages into the box. Auriel reaches in and pulls one out to examine it as she speaks.

“So these are seeds?”

Arc nods as he tosses another handful of packages into the box. “Yup. They’re dried and sealed in there to keep them from sprouting prematurely.”

Tempest groans as she walks over and stars pulling packets off the other displays. “Stop being so picky with these things! Just grab everything you can get your hooves on and let the Earth Ponies back at the base sort them out!”

Arc shrugs. “Alright. How about you box these up while Auriel and I look around for other things we could use then?”

“Whatever. Just make it snappy.”

Arc motions for Auriel to follow him as Tempest begins filling boxes. They turn down another aisle as Auriel sighs.

“Is it just me or does she always seem to be in a hurry?”

“Well, that’s probably her military training talking. Get the job done and report back to base, or whatever.”

“And you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“I’m guessing that, like her, you too have such training as well.”

“Not really, no.”

Auriel appears confused. “But aren’t you supposed to be… um… what was it called again?”

“The Hero of Light?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, that. I thought you were supposed to be Equestria’s greatest warrior.”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt that.”

“But then why isn’t whomever is the best…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Because that’s not what the position is for.”

“I don’t understand.”

“The Hero of Light is supposed to be strong, yes. But above that they also need to be extremely trustworthy.”

“All those in power should be, of course.”

“Moreso for me, as I’m part of the Order of Succession.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “What is that?”

“It’s an official list that states whom will take over running the country in the event that the ruling princesses are unable to rule the nation.”

“So if something were to happen to Princess Celestia then whom would take over for her?”

“Under normal circumstances that would be her sister, Princess Luna.”

“And then?”

“Next would be the youngest of the three, Princess Cadance, whom currently rules over the Crystal Empire to the north.”

“Then the Hero of Light?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And after that it’s the Captain of the Royal Guard followed by the Lead Sage. Not sure about whom is after that though.”

“So you’re saying that if all three princesses were unable to rule, then you would be in charge of leading the nation?”

“Exactly.”

“I spoke to Miss Cherry about your position the other day. She said that you’re empowered to… remove princesses as you see fit as well.”

“If they posed a threat to the nation, yes. That or if they weren’t able or willing to carry out their duties.”

“Such a thing sounds rather dangerous to me.”

“How so?”

Auriel puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… they’re giving an individual the power to remove them at will. Aren’t the princesses afraid that a Hero of Light could just oust all of them and take over the nation?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. Which brings us back to what started this line of conversation in the first place. The trustworthiness of the one in this position.”

“Strong but also not someone whom would try to usurp them.”

“And whom would do what’s best for the nation as a whole.”

“Sounds like it would be hard to find such an individual.”

“Oh, it is. But let’s get back to our original mission.”

“Looking for useful supplies?”

Arc nods. “Right.”

“I’m told that we have plenty of food, water, and medicine at this point. Moreso the latter due to Esther joining us on the moon. How about blankets?”

“We have plenty back at the base. They came from the local hospital.”

“Then how about spare clothing?”

Arc chuckles. “Ponies don’t usually wear such things. And I have plenty for myself.”

Auriel sighs. “Now I just plain feel silly.”

Arc turns and points. “Then how about that?”

Looking, Auriel spies an aisle of small toys. Raising an eyebrow, she turns to Arc before speaking.

“Don’t we have bigger needs than that though?”

“Maybe. But at the same time, this has to be a scary thing for the foals to go through. Some toys might help them pass the time and keep them out of mischief.”

“I’m sure you know what’s best. That and I wouldn’t mind studying them myself.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Studying… toys?”

Auriel nods. “That and I’d like to learn how the foals interact with them. Remember, very little is known about ponykind to us demons. I want to study everything about them and their way of life that I can, after all.”

“Alright. Just help me pick out what would be the most fun, like…”

Turning, he points before continuing.

“…like those.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “What are they?”

“Board games.”

Auriel appears confused. “Something that you play with when you’re bored?”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “No, no. Not ‘bored’ as in B-O-R-E-D, but ‘board’ as in ‘B-O-A-R-D’.”

“So they’re made of wood then?”

“Some are, yes. But that’s just what we call any game that comes in a box like this.”

Auriel points to something on the rack. “Even this strip of fabric here?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that’s a hair ribbon.”

Auriel picks the ribbon up. “What does it do?”

“It’s just something to add a bit of flair to a pony’s mane or tail. That or it could be used to keep the hair out of their eyes if they need to work or study.”

“Then what is it doing here?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m guessing that it was something a customer’s foal picked up from elsewhere in the store in passing. And when their parents saw it and said ‘no’, they just kinda left it there for an employee to put back.”

Auriel looks over the ribbon carefully. “How exactly is it supposed to work?”

“You just kinda take your hair and bunch it up before using the ribbon to tie it together.”

“Can you show me?”

“I can try. This way.”

Leading Auriel to another aisle, they find a larger mirror and stand before it as Arc speaks.

“First you hold your hair in one hand. Like this.”

Taking Auriel’s hair, he continues.

“Then you wrap the ribbon around it and tie it into a bow, or something.”

Doing so, Arc puts Auriel’s long hair over her shoulder so she can see the ribbon. Looking at herself in the mirror, Auriel smiles widely.

“That does look really nice! And it would keep my hair from dangling over my eyes and shoulders at the wrong time.”

“There are a few different things you could do with it. Some put multiple ribbons in their hair to hold it together all the way up their back.”

Reaching over, Arc pulls a few ribbons from a nearby display and puts them in Auriel’s hair. Turning to the side, Auriel looks over her hair in the mirror and giggles.

“That’s really interesting! It’s such a simple design that serves an important purpose! What else can you tell me about these ribbons and their uses?!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… younger fillies sometimes put two in their manes on each side of their head.”

Auriel appears confused. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Want me to just show you then?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, very much so!”

Pulling the ribbons from Auriel’s hair, Arc lets it flow freely again before taking the left half of her hair and tying the ribbon into a bow close to her scalp. He then does the same for the right side before turning Auriel to look in the mirror again as he speaks.

“These are called ‘pigtails’. It holds the hair out of your eyes while giving you a new look.”

“What’s just one ribbon in the hair called then? A ‘pig’s snout’?”

Arc chuckles. “No, no. In truth, I don’t really know where the term ‘pigtail’ comes from. A single one in the back is generally just known as a ‘ponytail’ though.”

Auriel grins. “Because it makes their mane look like a tail on their head?”

“While I never really thought too much about it, I think you’re right about that.”

Auriel goes back to looking at herself in the mirror. “These make my hair look really… different.”

“So, keep them.”

Auriel appears confused. “Keep?”

Arc nods. “It’s either that or they’ll just sit there on the shelf forever. Might as well get some use out of them.”

“Well… alright. That is, if you don’t think the shop owner will mind.”

Tempest rounds the corner pushing two full boxes of seed packets. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think the stallion that runs this place would care too much about a few ribbons. After all, none of the ‘Rich’ family members have been seen since Canterlot went dark.”

Arc turns to her. “What do you think happened to them?”

Tempest shrugs. “Probably hidden away in some well stocked doomsday bunker somewhere around here.”

Arc shrugs. “Admittedly that does sound like something Filthy Rich would do.”

Auriel looks at the ribbon display. “Can I take some of these back for the others? Maybe the foals there would like them.”

Arc nods. “Sounds good to me. Pack up whatever you want to send back and I’ll get a sigil set up.”

A short time later a pile of items sits in the middle of the floor on top of a sigil. Arc powers it up and teleports the items back to the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. Turning to Tempest, he speaks.

“The others will take care of what we found. You ready to move on?”

Tempest looks around nervously. “Yes, I am. After all, it’s dangerous to stay in one place for too long these days.”

Auriel appears confused. “Why’s that?”

“Because you never know when soldiers from Canterlot might fly by on patrol.”

Arc frowns. “You make a good point, Tempest. Onward then.”

Leaving the general store, Arc leads the group down the deserted paths toward the edge of town. Rounding a corner, he points a gauntlet.

Here we are.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “A tree?”

Auriel gasps. “It appears to be someone’s home!”

Arc chuckles. “You’re both right. But let’s get inside before talking more.”

Pushing the door open, Arc leads the pair inside. As he closes the door behind them he calls out.

“Welcome to the Golden Oaks Library.”

Auriel gasps happily. “A library?!”

Tempest raises an eyebrow as she turns to Auriel. “What’s so special about this place?”

Auriel grins as she hurries over to the closest shelf. “It’s filled with the knowledge of the three pony races! Things that I want desperately to understand!”

Arc chuckles as Auriel grabs a book and begins reading. “I thought you’d like this place.”

Tempest frowns. “Yes, well… I get the feeling that you didn’t just bring us here for her sake.”

Arc nods. “That I didn’t. In truth, I wanted to see about securing a path to the Dragon Lands.”

“A path? One that starts at a library?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s a bit more complicated than that, mind you. But ultimately, yes.”

Tempest shakes her head. “I think you’re in dire need of a medical checkup if you’re starting our journey across the sea here of all places.”

Auriel calls out from a growing pile of books. “Would it be possible for me to borrow these?”

Arc looks at the books. “I don’t see why not. After all, no one else is reading them.”

Auriel giggles. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to take good care of them.”

Arc turns to Tempest as he heads for the stairs. “Stay with Auriel while I check on something up here.”

Tempest scoffs. “Fine. Just don’t take all day.”

A short time later Arc returns to the main level. Looking to the two, he calls out.

“Sorry for the wait.”

Auriel nods absentmindedly as she reads. “It’s fine.”

Tempest frowns. “What the heck were you doing up there anyways?”

“I just had to grab a few things real quick. Now I know that this probably sounds kind of like an out of the way path we’re on. But you have to believe me when I say that it’ll lead us to our destination.”

Auriel looks up from her book. “I don’t understand how it could myself. But seeing as I’m a guest in this land, I can’t really say anything about how you’re doing things.”

Tempest scoffs. “That makes one of us.”

Arc gestures to the door. “In any case, we can leave at any time.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “Can I have just a few more minutes here though?! I feel as though I’ve just scratched the surface of what this library has to offer!”

Arc chuckles. “We can come back later if you’d like.”

Tempest points a hoof. “Just take what you have there and let’s get going!”

Auriel sighs as she picks up a couple books. “Very well.”

Opening a portal, Arc motions for Tempest and Auriel to step through. Doing so himself, they find themselves back in the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. Arc walks over to the stallion at the desk and points to the map as he speaks.

“Now we need to go here.”

The stallion appears confused at his instructions. “Sir?”

“Something wrong with that?”

“No sir. It’s just, um…”

Tempest interrupts him. “There’s nothing out there though!”

Arc grins. “Trust me. There is.”

Turning his attention back to the stallion, Arc continues.

“So, can you send us there or not?”

The stallion nods. “Yes I can, sir.”

“Good. Then we’re ready to depart. Again, I suppose.”

Typing the coordinates into his control panel as the trio steps onto the platform, the stallion looks to Arc. Nodding in affirmation to the operator, Arc, Tempest, and Auriel vanish again. This time they reappear on a peninsula surrounded by water below. Tempest looks to Arc warily.

“Ah… what the heck are we doing all the way out here?”

“Checking out a potential route to the Dragon Lands.”

Auriel appears confused. “I don’t see anything here though. No bridges or boats or anything else that could help us cross the ocean.”

Arc points a gauntlet. “There is that though.”

Turning their attention to a statue nearby, Arc leads the pair over to it. Auriel kneels down to look it over as she speaks.

“Is this statue of a dragon?!”

Arc nods. “That it is.”

Tempest moves a hoof in a circular motion. “And this helps us how exactly?”

“A bit of an explanation first.”

Arc gestures to the statue before continuing.

“This statue is here to mark the start of an alternate path that leads to the Dragon Lands. It’s meant to be used by those dragons whom can’t fly due to being either too old or not old enough.”

Tempest grunts. “Fine then. Let me ask again how this helps us.”

Auriel nods as she looks to Arc. “Yes, I’m assuming that only a dragon could activate this magical road of sorts.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Which we sorely lack at the moment.”

Arc chuckles. “Correct. But in truth we only need scales and fire to make it work.”

Auriel appears interested. “I’d very much like to see that.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “As would I. After all, it’s not like dragon scales are something that you can just go to the store and purchase on a whim.”

Arc nods. “Correct. Truth be told, they’re found at the library.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out a small handful of scales. Tempest’s eyes grow wide at this revelation.

“Why the heck would a library have such things though?!”

Auriel appears impressed. “Was it run by a dragon?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. A mare by the name of Twilight Sparkle lived there and operated the library before the town was abandoned. However, she did have a baby dragon for an assistant.”

Tempest smirks. “So you just looked around their living quarters for shed scales then?”

“Just the basket he slept in. I pulled out the bedding and found a number of scales under them.”

Auriel eyes the scales. “So how do we use these to get there?”

“First off, we have to put them in this stone bowl. Like so.”

Arc puts the scales into the bowl and steps back. Turning to the others, he continues.

“Then we just need a bit of flame.”

Holding out a hand, Arc casts a Fire Spell on the scales. A few moments later a sigil lights up at their feet/hooves, causing them to be instantly teleported. Tempest frowns as they reappear.

“What the…?!”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “Sorry. I probably should have warned you about that sigil under there.”

Auriel puts a hand to her belly. “That was not a very smooth ride.”

Tempest grunts. “No… no, it…”

Burping, she suddenly runs toward a bush and sticks her head into it. The sound of heavy vomiting rings out as Tempest does what she needs to do. Eventually she returns to Arc and Auriel with a scowl. Looking to them, she lowers her voice.

“We will never speak of this again.”

Auriel appears confused. “About what?”

Arc looks to Auriel. “I believe Tempest was talking about what she just did in those bushes.”

Auriel turns to the mare. “How you threw up?”

Tempest glares at her. “Like I said, we aren’t speaking of it!”

Arc chuckles. “Alright, alright. It never happened.”

Auriel wrinkles her nose. “Uh… what’s that smell?”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Come on. It’s not THAT bad.

Arc frowns. “I don’t know. But it’s strange that we didn’t smell that until just now.”

Tempest grunts. “The wind shifted. That’s all.”

Arc sighs as he motions for the pair to follow him. “We can figure out what it is later. Right now we have more important matters to attend to.”

Auriel looks around. “I suppose that’s true, but… where are we though?”

Arc chuckles. “The Dragon Lands.”

Tempest gasps. “WHAT?!”

Pulling a radio from her saddlebag, she speaks into it.

“Tempest to base! Come in!”

Nothing but static comes over the airwaves though. Trying a few more times yields no better results. Grunting, Tempest puts the radio away and turns to Arc.

“I sure hope you’ve got extra dragon scales for the return trip.”

Arc shakes his head. “Used them all to get us here actually.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “Then how are we supposed to get back?!”

Tempest pulls out a bead. “She’s right! We can’t make contact with the base as it stands! And even if we could, the Dragon Lands are just too far out of range for us to get home with a bead!”

Arc gestures to the horizon across the water. “Not to worry. I’ll get us back when the time is right.”

Auriel grimaces. “How though?”

Arc looks around. “One sec.”

Spotting a large rock nearby, Arc Blinks over to it and kneels down. Placing a gauntlet on it, he creates a sigil before hopping down and turning to the pair before him.

“There we go. One sigil.”

Tempest appears hopeful. “Can you open a portal that far though?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I can.”

Auriel breathes a sigh of relief. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. This sigil I placed here is just to give us a foothold in the Dragon Lands. That is, in case we need to leave and come back again at some point.”

Tempest scoffs. “Not sure why we’d ever need to do that though.”

“Just planning for the future, Tempest.”

Auriel looks around nervously. “Are you sure my mother is actually here though? I mean… considering what we had to do in order to get here, I don’t really see how she would have come on her own.”

Tempest turns to Arc. “Yes, I question that myself.”

“This was her last known location, so that’s why we’re here.”

Auriel sighs. “I guess I don’t really have any choice but to trust you in this.”

Arc motions with a gauntlet. “In any case, let’s head to Pyreston and see if we can get an audience with the Dragon Lord then.”

Auriel appears confused as she falls into step next to Arc. “The what?”

“Dragon Lord.”

Tempest chimes in. “Think of him like the king of all dragons.”

Auriel gulps. “Is he… scary?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. I mean… he is a lot bigger than your father King Malevolence is.”

“How much bigger?!”

“Think of something roughly the size of a small mountain.”

“Oh?”

Arc is silent for a few moments. Eventually Auriel responds.

“Are you serious?”

“Very.”

“What should I say to him then?!”

Tempest scoffs. “Nothing probably.”

Arc nods. “Tempest is right. I’ll do all the talking.”

A few hours later they arrive at the outskirts of town. As they step out of the foliage, Arc turns to Tempest.

“Keep your eyes open.”

“What for exactly?”

Arc frowns as they enter the town. “Trouble mostly.”

Walking down the dirt road, the trio is surprised to find the town more or less deserted. Hearing the sounds of footsteps nearby, Auriel instinctively draws closer to Arc as Tempest puts a hoof on her weapon. A large dragon steps out from around a nearby corner and moves to block their advance. Arc motions for Auriel and Tempest to stop as he turns his attention to the dragon before them.

“Something I can do for you?”

The dragon scoffs. “I was going to ask you the same thing, runt! What are you doing in our town?!”

“We’re just here to see the Dragon Lord.”

Sighing, the dragon rolls his eyes. “Kinda late for that.”

Tempest glares at him. “I don’t care what time it is here! We have… business with him!”

Frowning, the dragon motions to his comrades whom are out of sigh. They quickly move to surround the trio as he speaks.

“Believe me when I say that they don’t like being disturbed when they’re in one of their… moods.”

Arc steps forward to stand face to face in front of the dragon. “Nevertheless, we must see the Dragon Lord at once. Now then, are you going to show us the way or are we just going to head there ourselves?”

Auriel looks past Arc pleadingly. “Please! We just want to announce ourselves to his highness before searching for my mother!”

The dragon raises an eyebrow. “Mother?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I believe she is here in the Dragon Lands somewhere.”

Tempest frowns. “So let us carry on with that so we can get the heck out of here!”

Sighing, the dragon looks in another direction. “Fine then. But audiences are no longer held in the Throne of the Dragon Lord.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Where then?”

“Near the lava pools. I can show you the way. If only to see the Dragon Lord tear all three of you to pieces.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “What?!”

Tempest smirks. “We can handle ourselves.”

“So you say. This way to your graves.”

The dragons turn and begin walking as Arc and Tempest fall into step behind them. Auriel latches onto Arc’s arm as she does her best to stay close to him. A short time later they leave the city and make their way through an extremely arid and rocky area. Stopping in front of a large colosseum they turn to Arc.

“The Dragon Lord is in there.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Are they now?”

The dragon shoos them away with a wave of his claw. “Yes, yes. Now then, rush forward to your inevitable deaths like good little runts. We could all use the entertainment right now.”

Arc motions with a gauntlet for Tempest to follow him as Auriel repositions herself behind him. Walking into the building, they follow a lone corridor to the open-air center. Innumerable dragons scurry about as they come into view as a lone voice booms out.

“WHAT IS THIS INTRUSION?!”

The guards part as Ember hops up onto a rock with the Bloodstone Scepter in her claws. Looking to Arc and company disdainfully, she continues speaking.

“HAVE YOU THREE COME HERE TODAY SIMPLY TO OFFER YOURSELVES TO US AS SOME SORT OF BELATED TRIBUTE?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. We merely wish to speak to Dragon Lord Torch regarding…”

Ember glares at him as she interrupts. “FOOL! THAT IS ME!”

“My apologies. I was not aware of this… change in leadership Dragon Lord Ember.”

“GET TO THE POINT THEN! WHY ARE YOU HERE?!”

Arc gestures to Auriel. “You see, we’re looking for my friend’s mother. It’s likely that she’s somewhere here in the Dragon Lands.”

Tempest steps forward. “We just came forth to announce ourselves and assure you that we are only here for peaceful purposes.”

Ember sneers. “PEACEFUL PURPOSES, YOU SAY! DO YOU THREE TAKE ME FOR A FOOL?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, ma’am. Our mission is both genuine and urgent. We only wish to locate Auriel’s mother so that we can return her to…”

Ember again cuts him off. “WAIT A MOMENT! AURIEL?!”

Looking to the figure mostly obscured by Arc’s body, Ember narrows her eyes.

“LET ME SEE HER!”

Arc turns to Auriel and extends a gauntlet to her. Taking her hand, he steps to one side to expose her. Ember looks her over for a long moment before grinning wickedly.

“INTERESTING! I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT EQUESTRIA WISHES TO MAKE AMENDS!”

Tempest frowns. “Amends?”

“FOR THE CRIMES AGAINST OUR NATION!”

She turns her attention back to Arc before continuing.

“YOU MAY SEARCH MY DOMAIN FOR THIS ONE’S MOTHER ON ONE CONDITION!”

“Oh?”

“THAT IS, YOU MUST LEAVE HER WITH ME!”

Auriel gasps. “What?!”

Arc frowns. “For what purpose?”

“SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF THE DEMON KING OF TARTARUS AND MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR HER RACE’S CRIMES THERE!”

Tempest sneers. “That doesn’t make any sense!”

Ember points the Bloodstone Scepter at them. “EITHER TURN HER OVER TO ME AT ONCE FOR PUNISHMENT OR ALL THREE OF YOU SHALL SHARE HER FATE!”

Arc gently pushes Auriel behind him as he speaks. “That’s… not going to happen.”

“VERY WELL!”

She turns to the guards before continuing.

“SLAY THESE FOREIGNERS AND BRING ME THEIR HEADS! MY THRONE NEEDS DECORATING!”

The guards step forward as others block their retreat. Tempest pulls her weapons and turns to Arc as she takes up a battle-ready stance.

“Nice plan, genius.”

Arc frowns. “We’re not dead yet.”

Auriel grimaces. “That won’t be true much longer though!”

“Just let me handle this, will you?”

Tempest scoffs. “Oh sure. You’ve done a great job thus far.”

Arc pushes Auriel toward Tempest and puts her claw on the mare’s back before turning around to face Ember and calling out loud enough for all present to hear.

“DRAGON LORD EMBER! ON YOU DRAGON’S CODE, I HEREBY CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “YOU WHAT?!”

“One on one, you and I!”

“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR PEA SIZED MIND?! “

“Just trying to make a deal with you.”

“ELABORATE!”

“If I win then you agree to allow us to search for Auriel’s mother unhindered. And take her back to Equestria with us if we find her.”

“AND WHAT SHALL BE DONE WHEN YOU FAIL IN THAT?!”

“Then I suppose you’ll have carried out your own orders. That and I hear your subjects are looking for some entertainment.”

The nearby dragons grin toothily and cry out as Ember folds her arms over her chest and laughs heartily.

“FOOL! I’LL WIPE THE FLOOR WITH YOU!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Which means that you have nothing to worry about I would imagine.”

Smirking, Ember motions for the other dragons to step back as she calls out.

“MY ARMAMENTS AT ONCE!”

She looks back to Arc as her armor is hastily brought forth.

“YOU SHALL HAVE YOUR FIGHT, RUNT!”

“Good. Just remember the terms of our agreement.”

Ember scoffs as the Spear of Courage is given to her. “IT IS ONE THAT I SHALL NOT HAVE TO KEEP!”

Setting the Bloodstone Scepter down on her rock, Ember takes up a battle-ready position. Tempest steps back with Auriel as Tempest hisses at him.

“Tactically and diplomatically speaking, this is not a wise course of action!”

Auriel looks around nervously. “Just open a portal and we can get to safety!”

Tempest nods fervently. “Yes! Equestria still needs its champion!”

Arc shakes his head. “And that is why I have to do this. Believe me when I say that I can take her.”

As Arc turns to face Ember, the two of them stare each other down. Taking a deep breath, Arc draws his own spear from his ring and levels it at Ember as he continues.

“Dragon Lord! Shall we begin our dance?!”

Ember grips her weapon tightly. “I shall enjoy watching you die, vermin!”

Lunging forward, Ember attempts to end the battle quickly as she takes aim at Arc’s chest. However, he knocks the weapon away with his own before sending Ember flying across the field with a swift kick to her midsection. She quickly gets to her feet and composes herself as Arc calls out to her.

“Dragon Lord! You may not know me, but I certainly know you!”

Ember scoffs. “That is impossible! I’ve been gone for some time now… training abroad!”

Arc chuckles as he leans against a nearby rock. “If that is truly the case, you should have no trouble defeating me.”

Ember charges forward again as Arc simply stands there and waits for her patiently. However, as she nears, he Blinks behind the young dragon. Her spear embeds itself deep within the stone. As Ember tugs on it, Arc puts his hand on the back of her head and smashes it into the rock. She swings a fist backwards in an attempt to catch him off guard. Arc holds up a gauntlet and blocks her attempt as she wrests the spear free. Pushing her away as she again swings her weapon at him, the pair again face one another as Ember breathes heavily.

“What the…?!”

Arc shrugs. “I know how you fight.”

“But how?!”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Ember seethes. “More Equestrian treachery!”

Arc frowns. “Wait. More?”

Ember nods angrily. “Yes! You and your kind are unwelcome here after what happened the last time!”

“I don’t understand. What are you talking about?”

Ember levels her weapon at him. “Stop playing games with me and fight like a real warrior!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of that story when we’re done here.”

Taking flight, Ember flaps her wings hard enough to kick up the dust at Arc’s feet in an attempt to blind him. However, he Blinks slightly above her and lets gravity do its thing. Looking up to see him just as Arc grabs her wrist, Ember swings a fist at his head using his hold on her for additional leverage. It connects and knocks Arc backwards, staggering him. Tossing her weapon aside, she dives headfirst at him. Knocking her opponent onto his back she quickly pulls his helmet off. Seeing his face for the first time, Ember tosses the helmet aside and jumps back as she cries out.

“What the heck ARE you?!”

Arc quickly gets to his feet and takes up a defensive position. “My name is Arc. I’m Equestria’s Hero of Light.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You’re what now?”

Tempest calls out. “He’s kinda like our nation’s top arbitrator!”

Ember grits her teeth. “So you’re really important?!”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. My rank is generally seen as being about on par as the princesses.”

Ember appears suddenly furious. “I’LL KILL YOU!”

Diving toward him, Ember plants her spear tip down in the dirt as she cries out.

“DRAGON KING SLICE!”

A massive magical explosion rips through the structure, leveling it and knocking everyone to the ground. Ember stands there, breathing heavily, and looks to where Arc was standing just a few moments ago. As the dust slowly begins to clear, her eyes grow wide as she sees that Arc is unmoved. A gauntlet held out in front of him is casting a Barrier Spell while the other is being used to shield Tempest and Auriel. Furious, Ember prepares to continue the battle until the sound of footsteps approaching from one side ring out. Turning she spies Auriel hurrying to stand between her and Arc.

“Please stop this! I don’t want anyone to get hurt over…!”

Ember clenches a fist. “This is between him and me, missy! Get out of the way or get hurt!”

Charging forward, Ember roughly pushes past Auriel. The young demon trips and falls to her knees. Looking over at Arc and Ember whom are once again trading blows, she looks around and mutters to herself.

“I need to stop this before someone gets hurt!”

As she looks around, Auriel hears Tempest call out to her.

“CATCH!”

Her eye on the flying object, Auriel grabs it and runs toward the pair with Tempest, whom are still duking it out. Angrily, Auriel calls out loudly.

“STOP IT NOW!”

Ember breaks off her attack mid-swing as Arc’s fist connects with her belly. She doubles over and falls to the ground. Groaning, Ember looks up at Arc, clearly confused.

“What… what did you do… to me…?!”

Arc takes a step back instinctively. “I… I don’t think I did anything!”

Looking up, Arc spies the Bloodstone Scepter in Auriel’s claws. The other dragons take note of this and snarl angrily. Tempest brandishes her weapon at those whom approach.

“Back off!”

Auriel nods fearfully. “Yes, please stop!”

Every dragon ceases their advance as Tempest smirks. Looking to Auriel, she points a hoof.

“Tell them to kneel!”

Auriel gasps. “What?! But I can’t just…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Just do it.”

Sighing, Auriel takes a deep breath and speaks.

“KNEEL!”

The dragons all get on their knees and bow their heads respectively. Tempest grins widely as she looks to the scepter.

“Now we’re getting somewhere!”

Auriel appears confused. “But… how…?”

Arc steps toward her. “It’s the power of the Bloodstone Scepter. The Dragon Lord can use its power to control their subjects.”

Ember looks up from her place on the ground. “What?!”

Tempest rubs her hooves together happily. “This is perfect! Now we have an army at our beck and call!”

Auriel gasps. “We can’t do that to them though! It’s slavery!”

Tempest turns to Arc. “Sounds good to me.”

Arc sighs. “Auriel’s right.”

Auriel holds out the scepter to Arc. “Please take this away from me! I don’t want to rule over anyone!”

Nodding, Arc accepts the Bloodstone Scepter from her. Turning to Ember, he walks over to her and looks down. Looking away, she grimaces.

“Just… end it already.”

Arc kneels down and holds out a hand to her. She looks up at him, confused.

“Rise, Dragon Lord.”

Taking his hand, she stands. Sighing, Ember continues to look away as she speaks.

“What… would you have us do?”

“Well, for starters, take this.”

She looks up to see Arc holding out the Bloodstone Scepter to her. Tempest frowns as she calls out.

“Uh, free army for the taking here!”

Auriel shakes her head. “This isn’t the way though!”

Tempest groans. “We could easily free Equestria!”

Auriel frowns. “At what cost?!”

Arc looks to Tempest. “Auriel is right. Forcing our wills onto an entire race isn’t the Equestrian way.”

Slowly reaching out a claw, Ember takes the scepter and holds it close to her chest for a few moments before returning her attention to Arc.

“But… why?”

Arc sighs. “I know that the dragons of this land are a proud and noble race. It wouldn’t do to force them into Equestria’s service against their will.”

Tempest mutters under her breath. “Still would have been the best choice though.”

Ember frowns. “This doesn’t change our shared past though.”

Arc nods soberly. “No, I suppose it doesn’t. But why don’t you at least allow us to talk to you about it.”

Ember nods as she stands. “Very well. We can speak more about this back at my place.”

She motions for the other dragons, those whom have picked themselves up off the ground, to stand aside. They do so as Ember leads Arc and company out of the ruins of the structure. They return to Pyreston and approach a small hovel. Ember pushes the door open and allows them entrance. Closing the door behind them she motions to a small table with a wave of her claw.

“Please, have a seat.”

Doing as they are told, Ember sits down across from the three as she leans the Bloodstone Scepter against the wall behind her and looks to Arc evenly as she speaks.

“First off, I would like to thank you for what you didn’t do back there.”

Arc nods. “The Hero of Light is supposed to stand for order and justice in Equestria. And there is neither in the face of mandatory servitude.”

Ember frowns. “Big talk for one whom represents the nation whom attacked us.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Attacked?”

Auriel turns to Arc. “What is she talking about?”

“I really have no idea. But I’d very much like to know.”

He looks to Ember before continuing.

“Please tell us what happened.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You seriously don’t have any idea?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I don’t.”

“Fine.”

Taking a deep breath, Ember continues.

“A few years ago I was imprisoned in Tartarus for a crime I didn’t commit.”

Tempest looks to Arc. “For the alleged murder of two ponies in the wilds from what I read.”

Ember shakes her head. “Just a classic case of me being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “I remember finding out that there was a female dragon in Tartarus from the wanted posters around the city.”

Arc nods. “Mythic Honor told me that you were released by a contingent of Royal Guards though.”

“Right. There wasn’t much said by them other than I was being released from Tartarus and deported back to the Dragon Lands.”

Tempest frowns. “That part is news to me.”

Auriel appears surprised. “You mean that it was kept a secret?”

“Right. Prisoners are never released from that place, after all.”

Arc returns his gaze to Ember. “So you came straight back to the Dragon Lands?”

Ember nods. “They brought me back on an airship and let me off a couple miles off the coast before leaving. But when I arrived back home, I found out the real reason for my release.”

“Oh?”

Ember clenches a fist. “Shortly before my return, a mare came to the Dragon Lands and stood before my father. She told him to surrender his nation to Equestrian rule and to stand down.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “A mare? You mean one of the princesses?”

Ember shrugs. “I wasn’t here, of course. But I’m told that she was much larger than a normal pony with a black coat, dark purple mane, and slitted eyes like a dragon.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “Could she have been the offspring of a pony and a dragon?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not likely. A, uh… very knowledgeable individual once told me that different species were generally unable to produce offspring.”

Tempest shrugs. “There are certainly exceptions though.”

“True. But this sounds more like Nightmare Moon though.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Is that her name?!”

Arc nods. “If we’re thinking of the same mare, then yes. But what did you father do after she tried to take over?”

“I’m told that he just laughed at her for a few moments before stopping as he realized that she was serious. That’s when he started breathing fire at her.”

Tempest smirks. “Guess that takes care of Nightmare Moon then.”

Ember sinks her claws into the table. “And then she blasted him through the head with some magic spell!”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

Auriel’s claws fly to her face. “Oh my! Did he…?!”

Ember seethes. “Yes! She murdered my father in cold blood!”

Arc frowns as he puts a gauntlet to his chin. “And then she went back to Equestria, ordered you released from Tartarus, and sent back to the Dragon Lands to act as some kind of puppet ruler in his place.”

Tempest grunts. “It sure sounds like it, yes.”

Ember angrily nods. “That and I was told she swore to return soon in order to take possession of our land and inhabitants!”

Auriel appears confused. “But you said that was a couple years ago. Why hasn’t she done as she said she would?”

Ember shrugs. “Beats me. We’ve been training our forces to take her, and by proxy, the Equestrian military on in the meantime.”

Tempest turns to Arc. “I think I may know why she didn’t come back.”

“Guessing she didn’t get cold feet over it.”

“This probably happened shortly before the war with the Griffon Kingdom and Abyssinia broke out.”

Auriel frowns. “Two other countries, I’m assuming.”

Tempest nods. “And that’s not including the resources she had to go through to take on the Crystal Empire.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “So you’re saying that Nightmare Moon might have just spread her forces too thin to be able to come back here?”

“Exactly.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Whatever the reason is, we’ll be ready for her when she does return!”

She looks to Arc before pointing at him and yelling.

“AND YOU CAN GO BACK THERE AND TELL HER THAT!”

Arc shakes his head. “You misunderstand my position in the Equestrian hierarchy, Dragon Lord.”

Tempest nods. “The Hero of Light doesn’t actually answer to the princesses. If anything, they technically answer to his judgment.”

Ember frowns. “I’m confused. So he’s over them in terms of rank?”

Arc sighs. “Only in terms of their competency. Should a princess be unable or unwilling to do their duty to Equestria and its citizens, it is the duty of the Hero of Light to rectify the situation as they see fit.”

Ember glares at him. “So stop her then!”

“We’re working on it.”

“Then work faster!”

Tempest stomps a hoof angrily. “Believe me, as soon as we can get to her in the capital, we will.”

Arc nods. “Right. At the moment we’re just trying to think of ways to keep the country’s inhabitants alive.”

Ember scoffs. “Then what are you doing here?”

Auriel raises a claw. “Looking for my mother!”

Tempest shrugs. “The Hero of Light has the idea that she’s here of all places.”

Arc looks to Ember. “Yes. Although at the moment she’s known as ‘Brightwing’.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Brightwing? That weird little toothless…”

Auriel gasps as she cuts her off. “She’s here?!”

Ember points out the window. “Yeah. Brightwing usually spends her time over at the old Throne of the Dragon Lord with my father’s… um… body.”

Tempest frowns. “You didn’t bury him?”

“How could we?! He’s the size of a small mountain!”

Arc sighs. “She’s right about that.”

Turning to Ember, Arc continues.

“I’m very sorry for what Nightmare Moon did to your father. So I’ll do what I can to help you lay him to rest.”

Ember scoffs. “That’s impossible. It would take a thousand years of digging to even come close.”

“Believe me when I say that I can do it.”

Ember stands. “Fine. Let’s see if your hubris matches your abilities then.”

Walking out of the house, Ember leads the group to the former Throne of the Dragon Lord. As they near, the stench quickly intensifies. Entering, the group sees former Dragon Lord Torch lying on his back in the midst of decomposition. Ember walks over and puts a hand on her father’s side as she speaks.

“Hey dad, I’m back. Um… I don’t really think it’s going to matter, but this… individual from Equestria says that he can help us finally lay you to rest.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“Do your thing.”

Nodding, Arc steps forward. Looking the massive corpse over for a few moments, he takes a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he powers up his crystals and begins to levitate slightly. Tempest and Auriel instinctively step back as a powerful magic aura surrounds Arc. Holding out his hands toward the body, Arc begins casting a Matter Compacting Spell. Torch’s body slowly begins to shrink in size as he does so. A few minutes later Arc stops and drops back down to the ground, breathing heavily. He turns to Ember as Tempest and Auriel rush forward to help support him.

“There you are, Dragon Lord Ember. As… promised.”

Looking around, Ember sees that innumerable dragons have come, having seen the body begin shrinking. Kneeling down next to her father’s body, Ember claws at the dirt for a few moments to dig a hole. Finishing her task, she carefully scoops up her father’s remains and lowers him into it. Forcing a small smile, she whispers to him.

“I’ll make you proud of me, dad. I promise.”

Reaching over, she pulls the dirt back into the hole and stands. Turning to look at the assembled dragons, she speaks. However, not in the tone from before.

“The Dragon Lord… my father… is finally laid to rest. We shall honor his memory and legacy by strengthening both ourselves and our nation. One day he shall be avenged and his murderer brought to justice for their transgressions. But for the moment, we shall mourn him. Now… leave us.”

Nodding, all dragons assembled roar out sadly as they take flight. A short time later only Ember and Arc’s cadre remain. Ember looks over to Arc and sighs.

“Thank you for this. It hurt more than you could possibly know to have to see my father’s rotting body lying here day in and day out.”

Auriel looks to the mound of dirt. “He can finally rest now.”

Tempest points a hoof. “Uh… what is that?”

They all turn to see a small but very strange looking dragon fluttering towards them. Landing in front of the mound of dirt, Brightwing walks slowly toward it with a number of flower blossoms. Laying them down on the grave, she sighs and shakes her head.

“Friend sleeping underground now. Rest forevermore. Be free, friend.”

Turning to Ember, she bows her head before continuing.

“Dragon Lord’s father is okay now?”

Ember nods. “Yes. Thanks for watching over him.”

“Brightwing was happy to do it! Dragon Lord make land happy and free! Maybe you do that now too?!”

“I’ll… do my best.”

Ember gestures to Arc and company as she continues.

“These individuals came here looking for you though.”

Brightwing appears confused as she turns to the group. “Oh?! Are you three friends with the Dragon Lord too?!”

Tempest shrugs. “It’s complicated.”

Auriel steps forward. “Um… you’re… a baby dragon?”

Brightwing shakes her head and giggles. “No, silly! Brightwing is Brightwing!”

Blinking over to Auriel, Brightwing sniffs her and smiles.

“You smell nice, pretty lady!”

“Oh! Um… thank you.”

Brightwing tilts her head to one side as she points a claw at her wings. “Are you… a special kind of dragon?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, I’m a demon? My name is Auriel. “

“What’s a demon?!”

“It’s, um… just a different kind of species than a dragon.”

“Brightwing not understand.”

Tempest groans. “Well, we came all this way to find you. So, let’s get moving.”

Arc looks to Ember. “With the Dragon Lord’s permission, of course.”

Ember shrugs. “Dragons are free to go wherever they want. So the choice is up to her.”

“Brightwing not sure why friends want her to go with them! Why you need Brightwing?!”

Arc sighs. “I know this might seem a bit weird, but… you’re actually Auriel’s mother.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… what now?”

Tempest sighs. “Believe me, I don’t get it either.”

Brightwing giggles. “That’s just plain silly, friend! Brightwing too small to make eggs!”

Arc steps forward. “You accidently turned yourself into this form while trying to become a demon for Auriel’s sake.”

Auriel nods. “So I came here to find you and turn you back into your original form.”

Brightwing tilts her head to one side, confused. “How though, friend?!”

“I’m not really sure yet. But I’m sure that together we can find a way. That is, if you’ll let me.”

Brightwing taps her chin for a moment before spreading her wings and taking flight. Landing on top of Auriel’s head, she begins sniffing the young demon’s hair. Looking down Auriel’s back, Brightwing sniffs her wings and giggles.

“We can both fly, yes?!”

“Um… that’s right.”

“No need to for walking then, friend! Spread you wings and fly with Brightwing!”

Taking flight, Brightwing flutters away. Auriel turns to Arc whom nods. Spreading her wings, Auriel takes off after the little dragon. A short time later they come to a small cliff high above the city. Brightwing lands and sits down to look out over the ocean as Auriel comes to rest behind her. Pointing with a small claw, Brightwing speaks.

“Friend come from across the water?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Well… kinda.”

“What over there?!”

“A land full of ponies mostly.”

“More like you there?!”

Auriel nods her head. “Two others, yes. But I don’t really know them very well.”

“Why not?!”

“Because I just met them.”

“Like we just did?!”

“I guess.”

“It’s always good to have friends! After all, Brightwing would be lonely without someone to talk to!”

Auriel sighs as she sits down next to her. “I know all about that.”

“Being alone?”

“Yes.”

“Why though?! Friend pretty and nice! Should have lots of friends back where you came from!”

Auriel sighs. “Well, that’s complicated by the fact that I’m different.”

“Different is bad?!”

“Sometimes.”

“Why?!”

“Because things that are different don’t fit in. Like me. I don’t look like most demons. That and my father is the king, so everyone’s afraid of angering him.”

Brightwing scoffs. “So others not like friend because of silly reasons?!”

Auriel sighs. “Pretty much, yes. Being different is hard.”

Brightwing grunts. “Brightwing understand that.”

“You do?”

Brightwing nods. “Other dragons not like Brightwing much. Say Brightwing is too small to do anything. Leave Brightwing to find her own place.”

“So you’re all alone here then?”

“Yes. So Brightwing do whatever Dragon Lord tells her!”

She sighs before continuing.

“But then big scary pony came! Killed Dragon Lord and left him to rot! Brightwing still did her best though!”

“What did you do?”

“Brightwing bring flowers to dead Dragon Lord! Try to do her best to make him a little less stinky that way!”

“I hope his daughter appreciated that.”

“Brightwing not sure! She not care much for Brightwing! But Brightwing still do it for big Dragon Lord because he needed help!”

She points a small claw out towards the water before continuing.

“But now that he’s asleep underground, Brightwing not needed here anymore. Want to go see what is across the ocean again!”

Auriel appears hopeful. “Again?”

Brightwing nods. “Brightwing was there for a time when the sun still shone! It was a pretty land with lots of plants and sunshine! But Brightwing not belong there, so Brightwing came here to live with other dragons! Even though Brightwing not like them much either!”

“What’s different though? I mean, other than the wings and teeth you look like any other dragon to me.”

Brightwing shrugs. “Even still, Brightwing always felt out of place! This place not proper home for Brightwing.”

Auriel looks out over the water again. “I feel the same way back in Equestria. It’s a really nice place, yes. But at the same time, I didn’t really get the sense of home that I thought I would.”

“Brightwing could come with you! Then we’d be lonely together!”

“I’d like that. Um… and I’d still like to see about finding out the truth about you.”

Brightwing appears confused. “Truth?”

Auriel nods. “Whether or not the Hero of Light is right about you actually being my mother.”

“Brightwing not understand that part! But still wants to do what makes friend happy!”

Auriel appears hopeful. “So you’d like to come back to Equestria with us?”

Brightwing giggles. “Yes, yes! Brightwing will follow pretty lady wherever she goes!”

“Are you sure though? After all, where I’m going after this isn’t exactly the same as what you’re used to here.”

“But that’s what friends do!”

“Huh?”

“They stick together through the good times and the bad! Through both the happy times and the sad! Even when they begin to rot and start to smell bad, those are when a friend needs to be had!”

Auriel giggles. “That was really cute.”

Brightwing appears confused. “What you mean, friend?!”

“You rhymed.”

“Brightwing not know what that means though! But wants to learn more from pretty lady!”

Auriel holds out a hand to Brightwing. “And I’d like to learn what I can from you too.”

Brightwing takes Auriel’s hand in hers. “YAY!”

Pulling Brightwing into her arms, Auriel hugs her tightly as the creature does the same. It snuggles up to her and licks her face lightly with a forked tongue as she speaks.

“Brightwing will be bestest friend she can be!”

Auriel lays her face on the top of Brightwing’s head. “And I’ll do my very best to turn you back into what you used to be.”

Brightwing snuggles up to Auriel and smiles contentedly. “Brightwing not understand that part, but will do what makes friend happy!”

Chapter 10 - A Trip Down Memory Lane... Again

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

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

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

Brightwing grins. “Okay, friend!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“AURIEL! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!”

Auriel nods. “I’m fine, father.”

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

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

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

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

Malevolence frowns. “IN WHAT WAY?!”

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

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

“VERY WELL! WHAT MUST I DO?!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“MAINTAIN YOUR POSITION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arc nods. “Agreed. Auriel?”

“Yes sir.”

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

“Come on out now. Don’t be shy.”

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

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

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

Brightwing gasps. “Oh! Scary thing!”

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

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

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

“And what did you find out, my dear?”

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

“But how?!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Auriel?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What?! But…!”

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

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

“Thank you. I… would appreciate that.”

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

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“That is, if they’ll have me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Do tell.”

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

Auriel grins widely. “What?! Where?!”

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

Brightwing giggles. “Friend has good idea!”

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

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

Turning to Brightwing, he continues.

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

“Brightwing would like that too!”

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

“Agreed.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

He looks to Arc before continuing.

“I’m ready to return now.”

Arc nods. “Right this way.”

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

“A very welcome feeling.”

“Oh?”

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

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

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

Arc nods. “Two daughters, yes.”

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

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

“That is good to hear.”

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

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

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

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

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

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

Malevolence nods. “It is.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

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

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

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

Auriel nods as Brightwing flutters over to her.

“Pretty lady is sad.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Sir!”

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

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

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

Arc interrupts her. “Sure.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Have a seat.”

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

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

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

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

“When was that?”

“A few years ago, if I recall.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh?”

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

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

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

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

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

“What are you getting at, Platinum Valve?”

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

She looks at Arc evenly before continuing.

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

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

“You are both correct and incorrect.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “How so?”

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

“Try.”

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

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

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

“Another… version?”

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

“Then why are you still here?”

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

“So you came back to Equestria?”

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

“I don’t get it.”

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

“That doesn’t make any sense though!”

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

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

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

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

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

“What do you mean?”

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

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

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

“That can’t be denied, no.”

“And… I didn’t come here alone.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arc nods. “Sure.”

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

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

Platinum Valve frowns. “Your death?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arc appears relieved. “Thank you for understanding. While I know my words don’t really mean much at this point, thank you for allowing me to continue on unabated.”

Platinum Valve bows her head. “Not that I can really stop you though.”

“I’ll do my best to earn your trust then.”

Platinum Valve looks up. “You kinda already have.”

Cherry sounds confused. “He has?”

Platinum Valve nods. “All the help we’ve gotten thus far, thanks to him.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“You’re not all talk of what somepony else needs to do. Instead, you go out there and just do what needs to be done. And while this doesn’t actually make up for you lying to us, I also can’t disagree with the fact that we need the Hero of Light more than ever right now.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I’ll… have to come clean to everyone about that before this is all over. But, like you said, right now we need everyone to be united in the task at hand.”

Platinum Valve looks out the window at Equus. “And I’ll do my part to keep everypony, you included, supplied with whatever is needed. That and keep this place going as best I can.”

Cherry points a gauntlet at the door. “If you need some help, I’m sure Auriel down the hall could be convinced to lend her expertise.”

Platinum Valve nods. “She is pretty smart admittedly. I’ll go see her later about talking over some of our system’s finer points. Maybe she could make them more efficient and durable.”

She and Arc head for the door together. However, as they near it, Platinum Valve turns and looks at him evenly.

“I understand that you’re not really our nation’s Hero of Light. That and you didn’t technically know my parents or were recommended by them. But… at the same time, I do get the feeling that you’re our best hope at surviving this thing.”

Arc nods soberly as he puts a hand on the doorknob. “Yes. And I’ll do my very best to bring this matter to a peaceful resolution.”

Opening the door for her, Platinum Valve steps out into the corridor. Turning back to Arc, she bows her head before speaking.

“Thank you… for the talk, sir.”

“Anytime, Platinum Valve.”

Closing the door, Arc turns and heads for his couch. Sitting down heavily, he leans back and looks up at the ceiling. Eidolon’s Ward walks over and sits down next to him.

“You okay, Arc?”

Arc groans. “Platinum Valve was right, you know.”

“About which part?”

“Me not really being the Hero of Light.”

“But you already knew that.”

“Yes, I know. But having someone say it to me really hit home.”

“Still, it’s not like you could have told everypony the truth outright. Like them, we need their help too.”

Arc sighs. “True. However, that doesn’t make me feel any better about this whole thing.”

There is a knock at the door. Turning to Eidolon’s Ward, Arc walks toward it as the front melts away. Getting into his old armor, Arc feels Cherry enter his mind before he recalls the armor to his ring. Walking quickly toward the door he opens it to find a soldier standing there. As the stallion salutes, he speaks to Arc.

“Good day, sir. I was sent here by General Cherry with a message. She requests your immediate presence in her joint office.”

“Very well. Tell her I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Nodding, the soldier turns and walks away as Arc closes the door behind him. Cherry calls out to him, clearly confused.

“Why not head over there now though, Arc? After all, we aren’t really getting anywhere with our current conversation.”

“Yeah, I know. But I need to take care of something first.”

“What though?”

Arc walks toward a nearby door. “The bathroom. It’s been a while.”

A few minutes later Arc leaves his quarters and heads down the corridor toward the War Room. Calling forth his armor, he is allowed entrance by the guards. Stepping over to the office doors, he recalls the armor and opens them to see Cherry pacing in front of the desk. She appears relieved to see him and speaks.

“Thank you for coming, sir.”

Arc nods as he closes the door behind him. “I’m told something’s come up.”

Cherry walks with him over to the desk. “Yes, I need your assistance with it. Please have a seat.”

Arc sits down in front of the desk as Cherry looks to him, confused.

“Um…”

“Is something wrong?”

Cherry smiles nervously. “I… just kinda thought you would… you know…?”

She motions to the office chair behind the desk before continuing.

“…sit behind the desk.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that’s your chair at the moment.”

“Are you sure?”

Arc motions to the chair. “Completely.”

Sighing, Cherry walks around the desk and sits down. Taking a deep breath, she looks to Arc and pushes a piece of paper towards him as she speaks.

“This message was just received by our communications officer.”

Arc picks the paper up. “Who is this from?”

“Supposedly the office of the mayor of Manehattan.”

Arc reads aloud from the paper in his hand.

“To the leader of the Lunar Resistance…”

Cherry chimes in. “That’s what we’re being called these days I’m told.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Lunar Resistance. I like that.”

Cherry nods to the paper. “As do I. But forgive my interruption and please continue.”

“…I’m looking to speak to you, or an authorized individual, regarding a very pressing matter that has befallen Manehattan in recent days. Please respond to this message with all due haste. Signed, Mayor Shining Armor.”

Looking over the paper at Cherry, Arc continues.

“Mayor Shining Armor?”

Cherry nods. “From what we’ve been able to ascertain, Manehattan has fared rather poorly lately in terms of leadership and overall stability.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why didn’t we approach them to trade with ahead of Baltimare?”

“Because the city of Manehattan is, at least at the moment, more or less cut off from the rest of Equestria. Nopony goes in or out without proper authorization from the local government at this point. That and getting the a fore mentioned authorization isn’t really possible right now either.”

Arc taps the paper with the back of his hand. “Unless they call for someone by name, huh?”

Cherry shrugs. “Pretty much, yes.”

“Things must truly be dire for them to call us for help then.”

“I certainly hope not. However, at the same time, I can see why they would reach out to us in particular.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Cherry walks over to the window and looks outside. “Word has begun to spread that our group is growing in both resources and influence. That and having the Hero of Light here among us has certainly bolstered our credibility.”

“It might also be that, given the current state of things right now, they just don’t have anyone in authority that they could call in times like these.”

Cherry shrugs. “Perhaps. But ever since the sun stopped shining, we’ve been inadvertently able to cultivate a reputation for getting things done quickly, quietly, and without too much collateral damage.”

She gestures with a hoof out the window toward the greenhouse before continuing.

“The fresh produce that we grew and sent to Baltimare was the first of its kind that anypony had seen in a long time. Naturally when it was set out for sale they wanted to know where such things came from.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And they were told that it came from the moon?”

Cherry nods. “Yes.”

“I’m sure that wasn’t exactly easy to explain.”

“Quite the opposite actually.”

“Oh?”

Cherry giggles. “You have to remember that this base is visible from the surface of Equus to the naked eye. So with even a simple telescope, or binoculars even, they can see the greenhouse.”

“Makes sense, I suppose.”

“Everypony in Baltimare knows what we’re capable of up here now. I’ve already been contacted by Duke Carleon for more produce in exchange for building supplies.”

“Sounds like we’ll have to expand to secondary greenhouses soon.”

Cherry nods. “That we will. They’re even willing to throw in the fish for free this time.”

Arc chuckles. “They’re trying to sweeten the pot for us.”

“I’ve already talked this over with Colonel Spitfire and she agrees that we’ll need to ramp up production in order to keep everypony down below fed.”

“Can we though? I mean… feeding an entire country isn’t going to be easy.”

“That thought had occurred to me as well. However, our hosts have seen fit to provide the solution.”

“Hosts?”

Cherry nods. “The Nightborn.”

Arc frowns. “Ah, right. Them.”

Cherry appears confused. “Yes. Is something wrong with that?”

“Not exactly. Please continue.”

“As you know, the speed at which the plants grow can be greatly increased via magical means. However, we can’t just have our Unicorns casting non-stop all day, every day. So the leader of the Nightborn, a stallion known as Moonlit Dusk, has volunteered his own forces to help with the magic issue.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Moonlit Dusk.”

“Do you know him?”

“Unfortunately.”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “Is there a reason we shouldn’t accept his offer then?”

Arc groans. “Nothing that would supersede our nation’s future need for food, no.”

“So… should I send word to him that we accept?”

“I’ll meet with him personally before heading over to Manehattan later.”

“Later? As in today, you mean?”

Arc appears confused. “Yes. Something wrong with that?”

Cherry shakes her head. “Not really. It’s just that such would mean that you would arrive at your destination fairly late in the evening.”

She points a hoof at a wall clock before continuing.

“After all, it’s nearly supper time.”

Arc sighs. “The lack of a sun really doesn’t help me keep track of what point in the day it is.”

Cherry smiles at him. “I can understand that. Up until now, the sun was a constant in all of our lives. Everything revolved around its position in the sky to give us a sense of time’s passage.”

“So I should see the Nightborn tomorrow then as well?”

“You could, of course. However, as per their namesake, they’re actually more active at night.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin as he stands. “That does kinda make sense now that I think about it. So I suppose I’ll see him about this right away.”

Cherry turns to him as they approach the office door together. “Are you certain that you don’t want to eat supper first? After all, who knows how long such a meeting will take.”

Arc nods soberly as he opens the door for her. “Positive. After all, this is one meeting that I want to happen as soon as possible.”

They part ways. The young mare heads for the cafeteria as Arc makes his way toward the Main Hall. Cherry calls out telepathically to him nervously.

“Arc? What are you planning?”

Arc frowns as he walks. “Feel free to look into my mind and find out if you’d like.”

“I’m kinda scared to at this point in time.”

“Why? I mean… it’s not like I’m going to kill him. Well, probably not.”

Cherry sounds relieved. “That’s good to hear! After all, the ponies of the Lunar Resistance, as well as those still living on the surface, will need the Nightborn’s help.”

“That’s the only thing staying my hand at this point.”

Walking over to the stallion at Raven’s desk, Arc looks to him as he speaks.

“I need to talk to Moonlit Dusk with the Nightborn. How do I get to… wherever on the moon they are?”

“Yes sir. I can teleport you to their domain.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Domain?”

The stallion nods. “It’s under the surface of the moon, yes.”

Arc sighs. “Should’ve seen that one coming.”

“Shall I send you there now or do you need some time to prepare, sir?”

“I’m ready now.”

He steps onto the teleporter pad and turns to face the stallion whom is working the controls. After a few moments, the machine comes to life and in a flash Arc is teleported elsewhere. Looking around, he sees an empty room save for a single door. Taking a deep breath, Arc walks towards it and puts a hand on the knob. However, as he does so, Cherry quickly calls out.

“Arc, wait!”

“Cherry?”

“Shouldn’t you put on your armor first?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… why?”

“Just in case these Nightborn don’t give you a chance before attacking. That and you really should have your Crest of Light in plain view when they first see you.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes.”

After calling forth his armor, Arc again puts a hand out and grabs the doorknob. Turning it, he opens the door to see a large, ornate looking room with a number of robed ponies mingling around it. They all stop talking and turn to look at him as he enters. Clearing his throat, Arc speaks.

“I’ve come as a representative of the Lunar Resistance to speak to Listener Moonlit Dusk.”

A robed pony approaches him and speaks.

“Good evening, Hero of Light. I am the Speaker for Listener Moonlit Dusk. What business do you have with him?”

“I’m here to discuss his earlier… proposal regarding our magically grown produce.”

The Speaker nods. “Very well. Please follow me, sir.”

They lead Arc down a number of corridors. Other robed ponies stop and step to the side as they bow to the pair. The Speaker turns to Arc.

“Our Listener has been anxiously awaiting the Lunar Resistance’s reply to his missive.”

Arc smirks. “Getting low on supplies too, huh?”

The Speaker sighs. “More or less. I would assume that the Listener was merely being proactive when he made the offer. We’re… not much for working with outsiders unless directly ordered to do so by the Night Mother.”

“But at the same time you don’t want to wait for your cupboards to be completely bare before looking for solutions.”

“I’m glad we have an understanding.”

A short time later the pair step up to a large, ornate looking door. The pony opens it and they step inside. Arc spies Moonlit Dusk sitting behind a desk going over papers and scrolls. He does not look up as the hooded pony approaches and speaks.

“Listener, the representative from the Lunar Resistance has arrived.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Very good. I’ll be done here in a moment. Please leave us, Speaker.”

Bowing slightly, the pony backs out of the room, closing the door behind them. Arc waits patiently for Moonlit Dusk to finish his task. As the stallion puts down his quill and stands up, he speaks.

“Good evening. My name is…”

Arc interrupts him. “Moonlit Dusk.”

Moonlit Dusk appears surprised at this and Arc’s appearance. “I… yes, that’s correct.”

“General Cherry said as much.”

“Ah! That does make sense.”

“But I already knew whom was the leader of the Nightborn before she called me to her office a short time ago.”

Moonlit Dusk gestures to the Crest of Light on Arc’s shoulder. “I suppose somepony in your position would, naturally.”

He appears hopeful before continuing.

“Have you… perhaps heard any word from the Night Mother?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I haven’t spoken to any of the princesses.”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “It was worth a try.”

“In any case, I came here to talk to you about your offer to send some of your followers to help us grow food for Equestria.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Yes, we have a number of very powerful magic users here. I’m sure they could be added into the rotation above.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Most likely. However, I get the feeling that you wanted to talk about some sort of… compensation for such a trade.”

“Naturally.”

Arc sighs. “And what would that be?’

“Something a bit… outside the proverbial box.”

“Elaborate.”

Moonlit Dusk stands and walks over to a large tapestry hanging on the wall. It depicts the royal sisters flying around what appears to be sun and moon. Pointing a hoof at Celestia, he speaks.

“As you know, Princess Celestia has ruled over this nation alone for the past one thousand years. However, that ended when the Night Mother returned from her banishment to the moon. Since then they’ve ruled side by side along with Princess Cadance.”

Arc frowns. “All this everyone already knows. But I don’t see how that’s relevant to our current food situation.”

“Yes sir. I’m coming to that.”

Placing his hoof over the picture of Celestia, Moonlit Dusk continues.

“At this point in time nopony knows what has become of Princess Celestia. However, it is certain that both she and the Night Mother were in Canterlot when the barrier went up and the sun came down.”

Arc nods. “We’re still working on how to get inside the city to restore order to the nation if that’s what you’re getting at.”

“Not exactly. You see, as the leader of the Nightborn, I believe that the Night Mother should rule the nation alone.”

“And why is that?”

“To even the proverbial scales. Remember, Princess Celestia ruled the land unopposed for a thousand years. It seems only right that Princess Luna should be given the same opportunity to lead.”

Arc scoffs. “It seems like she already is.”

Moonlit Dusk stomps the floor angrily. “The eternal night must be the doing of Nightmare Moon! An abomination of the Night Mother’s powers!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You do realize that Nightmare Moon IS Princess Luna, right?”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Yes, I do. She gave instructions on what to do in the event that this very thing came to pass.”

“Do tell.”

“Our orders were to gather a number of survivors and take them to the moon for safe keeping. We were then to wait for word from either Princess Celestia or Princess Cadance that things were safe and we could return.”

“And that hasn’t happened yet.”

“It’s not likely that they are in a position to do much to help us right now. So it would appear that we are on our own here. And as such, the Nightborn are prepared to do what we can to help the survivors above on the surface of the moon as we were order to do. But when this is all over and the dust settles, I want to see Princess Luna sitting on the throne of Equestria alone.”

Arc scoffs. “The land ruled over by one princess?”

“Such has been done for centuries! You cannot deny the fact that a single ruler has done wonders to keep the peace thus far!”

“But at what cost?!”

Moonlit Dusk appears confused. “Cost?”

“To their mental health.”

“I don’t understand your meaning. The Night Mother is an immortal alicorn.”

“True. However, that does not mean they do not have feelings as we do.”

“While I am sure that they do, the Night Mother operates on another level from the rest of the nation.”

Arc frowns. “Only because they’re the rulers of Equestria. Other than each other, none are their social equals. Mental fatigue, fear, and loneliness are their constant companions.”

“Still, I am certain that the Night Mother would rule the country better than Princess Celestia ever could. We merely need to return Princess Luna to her original form.”

“How though?”

“The Nightborn are currently working on coming up with a method in which to separate the Night Mother from the darkness of Nightmare Moon that now enshrouds her. Rest assured that we will not fail her.”

Arc sighs. “Have you considered freeing her the same way as the last time?”

Moonlit Dusk groans. “Unfortunately, we’re not actually sure just how such a thing was done. The details of the process used were never released to the public nor spoken of by the Night Mother herself.”

The stallion appears hopeful as he turns to Arc.

“I don’t suppose you know.”

Arc nods. “Six very special mares used something on her called the ‘Elements of Harmony’.”

“Perhaps we could locate these relics and use them on the Night Mother ourselves.”

“First we’d have to find the Elements of Harmony themselves, which could be anywhere at this point.”

Moonlit Dusk walks over to a map. “The Nightborn could perhaps track them down.”

Arc joins him at the map. “Then we’d need the six mares.”

Moonlit Dusk waves a hoof dismissively. “We have plenty of mares here though.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I mean that we need the mares whom used the Elements of Harmony on Princess Luna back then. They’re the only ones whom can wield them.”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “That’s probably not an option at this point though.”

“Why not?”

“Because much of the nation’s population has been… displaced. Nopony knows where anypony is.”

Arc points to points on the map. “Baltimare, Manehattan, and Las Pegasus from what I’ve been told.”

“That’s where ponies fled to, yes. However, it’s far from the entire population.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then where is everyone else going?”

“At one point I heard reports of soldiers rounding up citizens and carting them off somewhere.”

“Where though?”

Moonlit Dusk shrugs. “That’s the worst part of it. Nopony really knows. They just… vanish. Never to be heard from again.”

Arc clenches a fist. “These six are resourceful though. I’m sure they found a way to escape capture.”

“I hope so as well. But it would be foolish to put our hopes in something so unlikely. Now then, shall we get back to our original conversation regarding the Night Mother’s future?”

Arc shakes his head. “The land needs both of them if at all possible. Putting one princess on the throne would make her workload insufferable.”

“As I pointed out earlier, Princess Celestia did such a thing for many years though. I’m sure that the Night Mother could easily outdo her.”

“You seem so confident of what others are capable of.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “I’m quite adept at gauging such things, yes.”

“And you’re never wrong?”

“Not usually, no.”

“Very well. Then perhaps you could prove that by helping me with an ongoing issue that I have.”

“If I can, yes. Tell me about it.”

“It’s in regards to a certain… investigation I have going. Might we take a few minutes to see the scene of the crime together?”

Moonlit Dusk puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose I wouldn’t mind going down to the surface for a short while. It has been quite some time since I had some different surroundings. That and I could always summon help at a moment’s notice should something happen.”

“I can teleport us back to my base on the surface of the moon. From there we can transport directly to the specific location.”

“Alright. Just give me one moment to inform one of my Speakers that I’m stepping out for a bit.”

A short time later Arc and Moonlit Dusk appear outside of a small, rather run down house. Turning to the stallion, Arc speaks.

“Here we are.”

Moonlit Dusk looks around, confused. “Where are we though?”

“Ponyville.”

Moonlit Dusk nods to the house. “I wasn’t aware that there was anypony still living here.”

“There isn’t. At least not to the best of my knowledge, that is. But please, follow me.”

Entering the house via the front door, Arc leads Moonlit Dusk into the Living Room and stops. Turning to the stallion, he continues.

“My investigation shows that there was a young mare living here some time ago.”

“You mean before the issues in Canterlot?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“And she’s missing?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In truth, she’s in the backyard.”

Moonlit Dusk raises an eyebrow. “I’m a bit confused. What is it that you’re getting at here?”

Arc gestures to a nearby door. “Step outside and see for yourself.”

Shrugging, Moonlit Dusk walks to the back door and opens it. He spies the two headstone, one smaller than the other, and walks over to them as Arc follows and continues talking.

“The mare was a fairly young one at the time of her death. She was laid to rest next to her foal.”

Moonlit Dusk frowns. “And you believe there was foul play at work in her death?”

“I’m hoping that you can tell me.”

“Very well. Give me the details then.”

“As I said, she was a young mare. Pregnant, but with no record of marriage that we could find.”

Moonlit Dusk shakes his head. “A shame, really.”

Arc continues. “The mare had recently moved to Ponyville and bought this house.”

Moonlit Dusk appears confused. “I thought you said that she was unwed.”

Arc nods. “That is correct. However, the public records showed that upon her arrival she paid for the house in full and all up front.”

“Such is indeed quite suspicious. Perhaps she was involved in some sort of illegal activity off the books. What else is known about this case?”

“As I said, she was pregnant and single. The cause of death was listed as blood loss during labor.”

“That too is out of the ordinary, as Ponyville is home to a very well-known hospital.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “She gave birth here in the house.”

Moonlit Dusk raises an eyebrow. “And nopony thought it prudent to get her some help?”

“The mare was alone at the time and didn’t have a telephone with which to call anyone.”

Moonlit Dusk looks to the smaller grave. “And the foal died with her?”

Arc nods. “Without aid of any kind she never stood a chance.”

“How about previous addresses? She had to come from somewhere, after all.”

“Some papers found during the investigation showed that she was from a town called ‘Trottingham’.”

Moonlit Dusk grimaces. “I’m sorry, where?”

“Trottingham.”

“Are you… certain?”

“That’s what the paperwork said. However, when investigators were sent there to see if they could locate her family, everyone seemed to clam up about her as soon as they heard her name.”

Moonlit Dusk stammers. “What… what was it?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Derpy Hooves.”

They are silent for a long time. Eventually, Moonlit Dusk puts a hoof on the stone before him and speaks softly.

“Derpy.”

“So… what do you think?”

“I… I didn’t…”

He turns his head to look away from the stone, but only succeeds in bringing the smaller grave into his line of sight. Staring at it silently for a time, he eventually calls out.

“The foal. Was it… born?”

Arc shakes his head. “Without help, no. She died inside her mother.”

“So it was a… filly?”

“Yes.”

Again silence reigns in the backyard. After what feels like forever, Moonlit Dusk speaks softly.

“I… I didn’t know…”

“Didn’t know what?”

“That this would happen.”

Arc frowns as he looks away. “It’s amazing what life altering decisions can be made so easily. Like inside a tent in the middle of the woods in the middle of the night.”

Moonlit Dusk gasps. “You…! How did you…?!”

Arc interrupts him. “I have my sources.”

“So… you know the truth then?”

Arc nods. “Derpy used to go to your campsite outside of Trottingham for a little companionship. She would regularly give you supplies. Food, blankets, a coat… whatever you asked of her really.”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “She… really was generous, yes.”

“Until one cold night, she stayed just a little too late. So you invited her into your tent, and… well… I think we both know what happened next.”

“I… I did it, yes.”

“And then you left her.”

Moonlit Dusk bows his head. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I figured that she was better off without me. I mean, her father owned pretty much the whole town. If anypony could provide for her and the foal it was him.”

“But that’s not what happened.”

Moonlit Dusk turns to him, confused. “Huh?”

“He was angry that she was with foal and unmarried. So he gave her a bag of bits and sent her away.”

“To Ponyville?”

Arc sighs. “She found her way to the mainland and onto a train that led here, yes.”

Moonlit Dusk bows his head. “Derpy… deserved better than that.”

“I agree.”

“But I couldn’t take her with me though!”

“Why not?”

“Because I was about to be promoted to a Speaker position in the Nightborn! And nopony with a wife or foals can do that!”

Arc grits his teeth. “So you abandoned her for your career?!”

Moonlit Dusk looks away. “I did, yes. But what I did still haunted me.”

“And your so-called ‘best’ was to forget all about her?!”

“No, I… I worked extra hard after that! In truth, she was always on my mind!”

“Then why did you leave her?”

“Because I… I felt that my work with the Nightborn was more important than anything else.”

Turning to Arc, Moonlit Dusk continues.

“And I took steps to make sure that such a mistake was never again repeated.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Steps?”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “Yes. You see, I’ve… always been quick to fall for a pretty face. Although that was the first time it got to the point of impregnating a mare. So I… I returned to the Nightborn Citadel and requested to be… um…”

“You what?”

“I requested to undertake the ‘Lunar Vow’.”

“And what exactly is that?”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “It would just be easier to show you.”

Sitting down on the ground, Moonlit Dusk removes his robe and tosses it aside before continuing.

“Such a vow is a statement to the rest of the Nightborn that one is cutting themselves off from certain… worldly pleasures. It’s to illustrate that no mare could ever come close to the beauty and intellect of the Night Mother. Therefore…”

Moonlit Dusk lays down and spreads his hind legs to expose his genitals. Pointing with a hoof, he again speaks.

“…the truly devoted have no need of these parts.”

Arc frowns as he sees the lack of stallionhood. “Looks like you went all the way with that.”

Moonlit Dusk nods as he sits back up. “We do everything for the Night Mother, yes. And when the previous Listener stepped down, I was immediately put on the top of a very short list of possible replacements due to my Lunar Vow.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And how does Princess Luna feel about such things?”

“I’m… not sure I understand the question.”

“Does you removing parts of your body make her happy?”

“It’s a sign of sacrifice!”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“I’m sure she appreciated the devotion to her!”

Arc scoffs. “Doubtful.”

Moonlit Dusk glares at him. “You dare speak ill of the Night Mother?!”

“Just speaking facts actually. Believe me when I say that I know Luna better than you do.”

Moonlit Dusk gasps. “Whom gave you permission to speak her name with such candor?!”

“She did.”

“You’re on a first name basis with her?!”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

“So… what are you to her? A stallionfriend?”

“Just a close friend, actually. She’s really more like any other mare one might encounter when you get to know her.”

Moonlit Dusk looks away incredulously. “You would know better than I apparently.”

“I gave her what she wanted.”

“Which was?”

“Friendship.”

Moonlit Dusk raises an eyebrow. “Friendship?! But she has a literal army at hoof’s reach. That along with the other two princesses, servants, aides, and the Nightborn as well!”

Arc shakes his head. “And with the exception of the other two princesses, they all bow and scrape to her.”

“That’s how a princess should be treated though!”

“Perhaps. However, that’s not always what she wants.”

“What else could there be?”

“Real and true friends. Those she can bring her problems to and get an honest opinion. Those whom spend time with her willingly and not just because of her position in society. And those that can be trusted with her deepest, darkest secrets.”

Moonlit Dusk puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “I… guess I never really thought about it before. We of the Nightborn should have been the ones to fill that gap in her life.”

“To be fair, it’s a little more complicated than that, as she only recently allowed me into her personal space. And apparently I was the only one at the time.”

“When we do find the Night Mother, I shall speak to her about what we can do about helping her in this matter.”

Sighing, he looks back to the graves before continuing.

“As well as admit to my own past.”

“That’s probably for the best. But at this point in time, we need to be there for our respective groups.”

“Yes, of course. We should be getting back. However, I’d like a couple moments to… say a few things.”

Arc nods soberly. “Sure. I’ll be waiting for you inside.”

Turning, he walks inside Derpy’s house and closes the door behind him. Moonlit Dusk looks to the stone and sits down in front of it sadly as he speaks.

“Derpy? It’s… it’s Moonlit Dusk. I, uh… just heard about what happened to you a few moments ago.”

He struggles to find the words before continuing.

“I don’t… really know what to say to you right now. An apology seems too little, too late. And it’s not as if I could bring you back at this point. So I’m just going to be honest with you about why I left.”

Putting a hoof on the stone, he bows his head.

“The truth of the matter is… I was afraid. Afraid of my actions with you that night harming my place within the Nightborn. But that wasn’t the only reason. You see, I wasn’t ready to become a parent. And while I suppose nopony ever truly is, I don’t think I could have even if I wanted to.”

He lays down on the ground and shakes his head.

“Such parental warmth isn’t something I have in me. But… at the same time, I still should have been willing to take responsibility for what I did to you. And for causing you to become pregnant.”

Glancing over at the smaller grave next to hers, Moonlit Dusk sighs.

“Had our little one survived and been safely born, I’d like to say that I would have taken them in and raised them properly as you would have wanted. But… the truth of the matter is that I doubt that’s what I would have done. It’s likely that I would have taken our filly to the orphanage in Vanhoover to hopefully be placed with a suitable couple. While I know that isn’t what you would have wanted, it probably would have been for the best.”

Looking up at the moon overhead, he smiles sadly.

“I guess all I can do at this point to try and make up for what I did by helping the land through these hard times. That and coming clean about what I did when it’s all over. While I know this won’t bring you or our foal back or even remotely make things right… it’s really all I can do at this point.”

Meanwhile, Arc looks out a window at the stallion. Turning away and walking toward the cold fireplace, he sighs. Cherry calls out to him softly.

“You did what you could, Arc.

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I know. He needed to know what his actions did to Derpy, of course. And I do get the feeling that Moonlit Dusk here is more upset about this whole matter than our version of him was back home.”

“The Lunar Resistance, along with the rest of the world, need their help now though.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Which is why I didn’t gut him like a fish.”

Turning around, Arc spies the rug lying on the floor. Sighing, he walks over to it and kneels down. Running a hand across the material, he shakes his head as he picks it up. Turning his head to look out the window at Moonlit Dusk in front of Derpy’s grave, he continues.

“Thanks to his selfishness she died alone and in agony.”

Looking down at the rug in his gauntlet, Arc carefully rolls it up and places it in his ring as Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“Taking this with me.”

“But why?”

“Because it’s not doing any good just lying here collecting dust. And our Derpy back home might want it to replace the one that went up in flames when Decimus torched Ponyville.”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose so. However, it still seems a bit… underhooved to just up and take it.”

Arc shakes his head as he sees Moonlit Dusk stand. “If this Derpy was anything like ours, Cherry, she would have wanted it to bring someone else happiness.”

Closing his eyes, Arc remembers Derpy’s original small house when he first met her. How it was devoid of any furniture other than the mat she lay on and the food that he donated to her that first day. He is snapped back to reality as the sound of the back door opening rings out along with hoof steps approaching. Opening his eyes he sees Moonlit Dusk approaching him soberly as he speaks.

“I need to get back to the Nightborn now. We have much to do.”

Arc nods soberly. “That we do.”

Moonlit Dusk gestures to the back door. “I can’t bring her back. But I can do what she’d want me to.”

“And that is what exactly?”

“Make things right.”

Looking to the stallion for a long moment, Arc eventually turns and opens a portal. Motioning for Moonlit Dusk to step through, he takes a last long look around before doing so and vanishing from sight. Arc steps forward as he mutters under his breath.

“I’m sure Derpy would appreciate the sentiment.”

Chapter 11 - Can Do!

Sometime later, Arc and Moonlit Dusk reappear on the sigil in Light’s Hope’s Main Hall. The stallion turns to him and sighs.

“I will instruct my Speaker to see to it that acolytes are sent up in some sort of a rotation to help with the magical growing of our crops.”

“Thank you. I’m glad we could come to an agreement on this.”

Moonlit Dusk looks around and lowers his voice. “Indeed. I only ask that you keep the details of our earlier conversation to yourself. At least for the time being anyways.”

Arc nods. “Very well. As long as you hold up your end of the bargain, that is.”

Moonlit Dusk nods as his horn glows. Opening a dark portal he turns and steps through. Arc watches it close before turning and walking down the corridor. As he does so Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Are you sure that was the right thing to do, Arc?”

“You mean letting him go?”

“Yes. After all, his actions did lead to Derpy and Dinky’s death in this world.”

Arc sighs. “True. However, like it or not, at the moment this land needs the Nightborn’s help. That and there isn’t really anything to be gained by detaining him or spreading around his past misdeeds.”

“Do you think he’ll do as he said and turn himself over to Princess Luna when this is all over?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. But even if he doesn’t, nothing will bring this world’s Derpy and Dinky back.”

Coming to the cafeteria, Arc finds the place deserted. Picking up a few pieces of fruit from bowls left out on a table near the door, he walks back to his room. Making a beeline for the bathroom, Arc gets the shower going as he muses to himself softly.

“Busy day.”

Cherry calls out audibly. “Yes, it was.”

Arc sighs as he sets the fruit down on the counter and begins disrobing. “It could have gone better as well.”

“It had its ups and downs, yes. You were able to reunite Auriel with her mother and gave her some time with her father as well.”

“Things went downhill from there when Platinum Valve figured out the truth about me though.”

Cherry groans as Arc steps into the shower. “It stood to reason that somepony would eventually put two and two together though. That and you handled that matter well by entrusting her with the truth.”

Arc sits down on the tile floor and pulls the fruit from the counter to himself with a Telekinesis Spell. “Maybe. But she’s just another orphan now thanks to me not being here.”

“However, what happened to this version of Equestria wasn’t your fault, Arc!”

Arc shrugs as he takes a bite of the fruit. “Yeah, I know. But thanks to that fact, her parents died fighting against Nightmare Moon presumably.”

“I’m sure they accepted the risks before leaving for that particular mission, Arc. That and it’s not like you yourself haven’t been on a number of harrowing adventures as the Hero of Light.”

“Then there’s also Derpy and Dinky’s fate. And the fact that what happened to them was still Moonlit Dusk’s fault.”

“Please don’t put too much thought into the ‘what could have been’ for this alternate world, Arc. After all, it’s over and done with at the moment.”

“True. But it doesn’t make me feel any better about this situation as a whole.”

Sometime later, Arc turns the water off and dries himself. Heading for the bedroom he lies down on his back and turns off the bedside lamp. The light from the moon outside illuminates the room with a soft glow as Arc’s eyes adjust. Looking over to the empty bed next to his, he sighs heavily.

“Ember.”

Cherry calls out audibly. “What was that, Arc?”

“She lost her father.”

“That wasn’t your fault either though.”

“And she and I aren’t a thing here.”

“But how could you be though? Remember, the you from this world is still back on Earth going to school across the sea. He never came to Equestria and has his own life to live over there.”

“That too. My parents are still alive and well over there.”

“They’re not your parents, Arc, but his.”

“Was that really for the best though?”

Cherry sounds confused. “I don’t quite get your meaning.”

“Me coming to Equestria. Well, the other version of Equestria, that is. Had I not been drawn through the mirror back then Twilight and her friends, along with the princesses, could have probably kept the peace by working together.”

“They are very resourceful, yes.”

“That and the Ember here was a MUCH stronger opponent than she was in our world.”

“She’s had a hard couple of years I would imagine. Finding that her father was gone probably forced her to grow up quickly and train very hard in order to keep the Dragon Lands safe.”

Arc grunts. “In truth, I actually had trouble holding my own against her a few times. Which leads me back to my original idea that maybe she would have been better off not meeting me in the first place.”

“That’s actually surprising to hear, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

“Yes. Considering that you claim to love her as much as you do.”

“But I do care about Ember.”

“Then why would it have been a mistake for her and you to have met?”

“Well, I don’t think that the term ‘mistake’ was the best one to describe it. But you can’t deny the fact that she would have been much stronger by now had I not come into her life.”

“That may very well be. However, she’s certainly much happier than this world’s Ember is.”

Arc sighs as he puts an arm over his face. “True. But me not being here also caused the death of both Derpy and baby Dinky.”

“So which is it, Arc?”

“Huh?”

“You say that Ember would have been better off had you not come to Equestria. But then in the very next breath you’re beating yourself up over the fact that you weren’t here to help Derpy deliver Dinky.”

“I know that I’m probably not making any sense and talking in circles here. But I still can’t shake the feeling that all of this could have been prevented.”

“Not by you though. After all, you didn’t even know that another world existed before being transported here. Nopony did.”

Arc closes his eyes. “Tell that to those here in the base whom are living in literal exile.”

Sleeping fitfully through the ‘night’ Arc awakens the next ‘morning’ and rises diligently. Changing into fresh clothes and donning his armor, he leaves his quarters and heads down the corridor. Approaching the War Room, Arc is admitted by the guards. Walking over to the office door the young man pushes it open to find Spitfire and Tempest going over a map on the desk. Recalling his armor, Arc makes his way over to them.

“Is something up?”

Tempest taps the map with a hoof. “Not exactly. The colonel and I were just brainstorming ideas of places to look for survivors.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Survivors?”

Spitfire nods as she stands. “When Canterlot cut itself off from the land a lot of ponies panicked and abandoned their towns to seek refuge in the wilds. Well, those whom couldn’t get to either Baltimare, Manehattan, or Las Pegasus, that is.”

Tempest frowns. “Hiding out made them more difficult for the Royal Guards to find. And while their actions do kind of make sense from a tactical standpoint, it also led to them being vulnerable.”

Spitfire points a hoof out the window towards the planet below. “We’ve been sending agents out to try and find these small groups in an effort to bring them here to the moon.”

Tempest gestures to a bowl of fruit on a nearby table. “Moreso now that we have the supplies and whatnot to support more ponies than in the past.”

Arc nods. “That’s good to hear. I just wanted to see what you two were up to before heading over to Manehattan.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Manehattan?”

“We received a message earlier asking me to meet with their mayor about something or other.”

Tempest smirks. “That’s interesting.”

“How so?”

“Since this whole mess started, they’ve been pretty much silent in terms of communication with the rest of the country.”

Spitfire puts a hoof on the maps where Manehattan is. “The only reason we know they’re still alive over there is due to the lights of the city still burning down there.”

Arc frowns. “So they haven’t been interested in helping anyone besides themselves lately, huh?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Nope. And now that we have something of value, they have the nerve to beg us for help.”

Spitfire grits her teeth as she looks to Arc. “Do be sure to remind them of that convenient little fact when they give you whatever sale’s pitch they’ve prepared for you, sir.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Anything else I should know?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Not really, no. Just listen to whatever it is that they want, tell them to deal with it themselves as they have in the past, and come on back.”

Arc frowns. “Kinda counterintuitive though. I mean, they’re still ponies.”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “Yeah, they are. Ponies whom just hide behind their walls and don’t do anything other than whatever benefits them.”

Arc turns and heads for the door. “Then I’ll have to see if I can change that.”

As he leaves the room Spitfire turns to Tempest and sighs.

“Our Hero of Light is quite the optimist.”

Tempest scoffs. “That’s one way of putting it.”

“Still… he’s come through for us in ways that I couldn’t have predicted.”

“True. However, not everypony deserves to be helped.”

Spitfire sighs. “I suppose not. But at the same time I have to remember that he gave us all these resources and this facility to house our group.”

“What’s your point, Spitfire?”

“From a strategic point of view, he would have been much better off keeping them to raise and house his own forces. A strong army is going to be needed to bring this matter to a close and we both know it.”

Tempest frowns. “Yes. But where that army will come from is anypony’s guess at this point in time. After all, the nation’s standing forces are all loyal to Canterlot and Nightmare Moon right now. Which might actually be his actual long-term goal.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “You mean starving out the enemy?”

“Even Canterlot doesn’t have enough food to feed the military forever. Eventually when their stocks start to get low, they’ll have mass desertions.”

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “And if were the only ones with food they’ll defect to us.”

Tempest nods. “Exactly. However, it’s not likely they’ll let things get to that point.”

“You mean to say that Canterlot could openly attack one of the major cities to sack its resources?”

“To prevent their forces from starving and deserting, yes. Which might be why the Hero of Light had us build that greenhouse up here on the moon instead of within the major cities. No matter how powerful Canterlot’s forces are, they still can’t even hope to reach us all the way up here.”

“So he could just stop sending food to the surface and force them to defect to us.”

“It would make the most sense strategically.”

Spitfire waves a hoof dismissively. “I can’t see a Hero of Light doing things like that though. Cutting off resources to the country would also cause the citizens to suffer as well.”

“It’s a hard pill to swallow admittedly. And even though he may not want to do it, sacrificing a number of the ponies below is still a far better fate for the nation as a whole if it frees us from Nightmare Moon.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way back to the Main Hall. Entering, he spies Cherry going over a clipboard with the stallion at Raven’s desk as a number of boxes sit on the teleporter pad. He walks over to her and nods to the boxes.

“Outgoing supplies?”

Cherry nods as she turns to him. “Yes sir. These are going to Baltimare in trade for more building supplies.”

“For more greenhouses and aquaponics systems I would imagine.”

“That they are. Assuming you were able to convince the Nightborn to help us grow it, that is.”

Arc gives her a thumbs up. “That I was. Their leader said he’d get back with us soon regarding a schedule of sorts. So I think our crop growing magic user problem is more or less solved.”

Cherry grimaces. “Good. And what did they want in return?”

“Just enough food to keep them fed.”

Cherry appears surprised. “Really?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Moonlit Dusk and I had a long chat about a number of subjects the other day.”

“What did you say to him that led to such a decision though?”

“I just reminded him that without the food we’re growing up here, both the Lunar Resistance and Nightborn won’t survive long term. To say nothing for the rest of the country as well.”

“That’s it?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, there was more. But the rest of it I need to keep to myself. State secrets and all that.”

“I can’t really argue with results, I suppose. With their help, along with the additional greenhouses that we’ll be building in the very near future, we should be able to produce a steady stream of food for both us and those down below.”

Arc grins. “With food to spare, I would imagine.”

Cherry sighs. “Most likely. However, there is such a thing as overproduction.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’m afraid that I don’t get your meaning.”

“Remember, the produce that we’re growing up here has a fairly short shelf life after it’s harvested. What isn’t eaten will just start to rot in time.”

“What about canning the excess or otherwise preserving it? I thought that was already planned out.”

Cherry shakes her head. “While I would love to do such a thing on a larger scale, doing that for several greenhouses worth of food would require facilities and equipment we just don’t have up here.”

“How about dehydrating it then?”

“I’ve dried cherries in my old oven back at Cherry Hill Ranch in the past. However, the main problem with that idea is that such a thing would take several hours in the oven under low heat. And while we do have a number of industrial ovens installed in the base’s kitchen, they’re also needed to cook our meals.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That does leave us with quite the problem here then. I’ll see if I can come up with some ideas on what to do with excess food that doesn’t involve it going to waste.”

Cherry steps onto the teleporter pad. “As will I. But in the meantime I’ll see about getting these supplies traded and construction started on more greenhouses.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You?”

“It’s just a simple exchange, after all. Tempest and Spitfire can run things here at the base during the short amount of time that I’m gone.”

“But, I… suppose that’s true.”

“In any case, I’m off.”

She nods to the stallion behind the desk. Fiddling with the controls, he watches as both Cherry and the supplies vanish. Sighing, Arc walks over to the map and points a finger at a location.

“Send me here.”

The stallion gestures to the teleporter pad. “Yes sir. Step onto the pad and I will program the destination for you.”

Arc does so and waits patiently. A few moments later the stallion looks up and speaks.

“Coordinates are locked in, sir.”

“Very good. Energize.”

The stallion raises an eyebrow. “Um… what was that, sir?”

“Sorry. I just meant that I’m ready to go.”

“Oh… alright.”

Pressing a few buttons, the stallion watches as Arc vanishes from sight. Reappearing on a small hill near Manehattan, Arc looks around and sighs.

“Here we go again.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Um… Arc?”

“Yes, Cherry?”

“You’re upset.”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“About what?”

“Cherry, the other Cherry I mean, leaving the base mostly.”

Cherry sounds surprised. “But you didn’t have anything to say about Tempest or Spitfire doing the same.”

Arc shrugs. “The difference is that they have the combat skills to take care of themselves though.”

“There’s more to it than that though, isn’t there?”

Arc sighs. “I… just worry about something bad happening to you. Well, the other you, I mean.”

“You’re scared of losing her.”

Arc puts a hand against a nearby tree. “Yeah.”

“But she’s not me though, Arc.”

“I know. However, if something did happen to her, it would be like losing you all over again, Cherry. That’s not something I’d like to go through again.”

“Then why didn’t you try to stop her?”

“Because I really couldn’t. I mean… what would I have even said? That I’d already seen her die?”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose you do have a point, Arc. But please don’t try to stop her from doing what she thinks is right. After all, she’s a headstrong and independent mare.”

“I’m not making any promises there.”

“If you had a legitimate reason she shouldn’t do something she’d listen to you, of course. But the other me will always do what she believes to be the right course of action.”

“All this parallel universe stuff is starting to get to me. I mean…”

Cherry interrupts him. “At this point it’s probably for the best that you try not to think about your shared past with the others back home when dealing with the ponies here.”

“I suppose you’re right, Cherry. But let’s put a pin in this conversation and see what Mayor Shining Armor wants.”

Turning toward the city, Arc starts walking. A short time later he comes to a makeshift gate with a number of stallions standing guard. As he approaches, they level their weapons at him as the leader calls out.

“State your intent!”

Arc steps into the light from overhead. “I’m Hero of Light Arc. Your mayor sent for me.”

The officer nods. “Yes sir. Please enter.”

Allowing him to pass, the stallions motion for the gates to open. They do so as a guard inside salutes and addresses Arc.

“Good day, sir. I’ll be your escort today.”

Arc frowns. “Escort?”

“Nopony from the outside is allowed to enter the city unaccompanied.”

“Very well. Lead on.”

The stallion turns as Arc falls into step behind him. As they walk down the various streets Arc looks around to see numerous ponies gathered outside and whispering amongst themselves. Turning to his guide Arc speaks.

“What’s the status of the city?”

“I’m not at liberty to say, sir.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You do realize whom I am, right?”

“Yes sir. However, I have my orders.”

“Fine. I’ll take it up with the mayor then.”

“That would be for the best.”

A short time later they come to a large government building. The guard motions for those outside to part in order to allow them entrance. As the doors are opened for them Arc sees innumerable soldiers walking the halls in pairs. Coming to an elevator they take it to the top floor. Stepping out into a large penthouse office Arc spies Shining Armor sitting at a large desk going over some paperwork. He looks up and stands as Arc and the guard approach.

“I’m Mayor Shining Armor. Thank you for coming, sir.”

Arc nods. “It’s good to be here, thank you.”

Shining Armor turns to the guard and motions with a hoof to the elevator.

“I’ll take it from here.”

Saluting, the guard steps back into the elevator and takes it down. Returning his gaze to Arc, Shining Armor gestures to a chair as he walks back around the desk.

“Have a seat. I’ll try to be brief.”

Arc does so as Shining Armor sits back down and rests his hooves on the desk.

“I’ve heard that you and the Lunar Resistance are looking for ways to secure food for the nation.”

Arc nods. “We’ve actually already done it. There’s a way to grow crops up on the moon without soil.”

“What can you tell me of this method?”

“I can draw you a sketch and walk you through the basic principles if you’d like.”

“Please do.”

Arc picks up a pencil and a piece of paper. Drawing out the greenhouse and interior, he finishes his tutorial.

“And that leads to a finished product.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “It’s a very… interesting idea, to be sure. However, we’d need to use grow lights to replace the light of the sun down here.”

“That’s dependent on how much extra electricity you have.”

“I’ll have to go over it with the town’s engineers later. They’ll figure out a way to implement this technology.”

“Good. Now then, I’d like to ask you some questions.”

“Very well.”

“First off, how are things going here in Manehattan?”

Shining Armor sighs. “Tense. The lack of supplies has put everypony on edge already. But me calling you in has really stirred the pot.”

“Yes, I noticed others whispering while I walked here. But how would me showing up make things worse?”

“The city has been cut off from the outside pretty much since the sun stopped rising. Anypony that comes in now is seen as a potential threat to the security of Manehattan.”

“I suppose that does make sense. However, I’m sure they saw my Crest of Light as well.”

“Which is why nopony gave you any trouble.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “Yes, well… I’m going to venture a guess that you didn’t just call for me to talk about food production.”

“Very astute, sir. In truth, we have much larger problems at the moment.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why not start with them?”

“A bit of feeling you out, sir. I had to be sure that our relationship would be one of mutual benefit.”

“Alright. What else is it?”

“As you know, Canterlot has been cut off from the rest of the nation along with the princesses themselves. We need to get inside the city and take down the one responsible for all of this.”

“Nightmare Moon?”

Shining Armor nods. “Exactly.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“To deal with Nightmare Moon, yes. We can stop her with the Elements of Harmony as the Element Bearers did some time ago.”

Arc leans forward. “So you know where they are?!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not exactly. The Elements were left with their respective bearers for safe keeping. Only they know where to find them at this point.”

Arc sighs. “And they’re the only ones whom can use them too.”

“Right. But I believe that if we can find the Element Bearers, then they can tell us where they hid their Elements. That and it goes without saying that they’ll need to be protected until all six are found and the time is right.”

“Where though?”

“Either here in Manehattan with us or with the Luna Resistance.”

Arc points a gauntlet out the window. “I’d imagine they’d be safest on the moon.”

“We can cross that bridge when we get to it. Now then, I’ve ordered two mares to quietly investigate a number of possible locations where the Element Bearers might be found.”

“And what of Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Magic? Have you heard where she it yet?”

Shining Armor sighs and shakes his head. “No, sir. There’s been no sign of her since Canterlot was cut off. However, according to several survivors, she was heading to Canterlot Castle to answer a missive sent to her by Princess Celestia around that time.”

“Very convenient.”

“I’m assuming it was actually penned by Nightmare Moon, whom wanted to take her out of the picture before making their next move. With Twilight gone, and the Element of Magic presumably in the clutches of Nightmare Moon at the moment, the rest of them are more or less useless.”

Arc nods. “Nightmare Moon didn’t have to capture all the Element Bearers. Just one to render them inoperable.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “We’re hoping that she kept Twilight alive as a sort of political prisoner. However, we have no proof that she’s alright.”

“Then we should see about locating the others in the meantime.”

“Agreed. Let me call in the agents on that case.”

Picking up his phone, Shining Armor dials a number and speaks.

“We need to speak about your findings thus far. Come to my office at once for a debriefing.”

After a short exchange, he hangs up the receiver and turns back to Arc.

“My agents will be here in a few minutes.”

“Good. I’m anxious to get started making this situation right.”

“As am I.”

A short time later two mares enter the room together. They approach the desk and salute Shining Armor respectfully. After returning the salute, the stallion turns to Arc and gestures with a hoof as he speaks.

“Sir, this is Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do. They’ve taken on the task of locating the Element Bearers.”

Sunset Shimmer motions to Arc with a hoof. “Is it alright to be sharing that knowledge with him though, sir?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes, the Hero of Light has already proven himself to be an ally.”

Daring Do grunts. “Good. Because we’re going to need some serious help to make any of this work.”

Arc appears hopeful. “You found something?!”

Sunset Shimmer steps toward the desk. “We have, yes.”

She reaches into her saddlebag and pulls out a small map. Unfolding and laying it on the desk, Sunset Shimmer continues.

“During a recent side investigation to source more food, Daring Do and I located a small outpost in the woods nearby.”

Daring Do taps the map with a hoof. “At first we thought it to merely be some sort of intel gathering site for Canterlot. However, they appear to have taken a number of ponies captive.”

Arc frowns. “Captive? But for what purpose?”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Labor, it would seem. A good number of guards appeared to be foraging in the forest for whatever food they could find.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But what does that have to do with captives?”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “Because when the guards brought their bounty of the forest back to camp a number of the captives were being forced to process their findings.”

Sunset Shimmer nods soberly. “And one of them appeared to be the Element of Honesty, Applejack.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I’ll head over there right now and get her out of there then!”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on his desk phone. “While I wanted to do the same when I originally learned of this, I thought it more prudent to call for help first, sir.”

Arc sighs. “The message to my base, huh?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes sir.”

Daring Do sits down on her haunches. “It would be best to go there with as small a force as possible in order to remain undetected.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “And it’s been said that you work well with limited resources.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll go and see about rescuing Applejack from that outpost. And the rest of the ponies held there as well, of course.”

Shining Armor gestures to Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do. “Thank you, sir. I’ll send these two with you as well.

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be…”

Shining Armor interrupts him. “Please think of the victims, sir! This operation MUST go without a hitch!”

Daring Do stomps a hoof. “We’ll do our part to help.”

Sunset Shimmer’s horn glows. “Yes. And I think you’ll find that we’re far from a liability.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose the help couldn’t hurt. If you two are combat ready, that is.”

Daring Do shadowboxes. “That we are!”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “As am I. While my strengths are in planning and magic, rest assured that I can hold my own in a fight.”

Arc heads for the elevator. “Alright. Show me where this outpost is and well scout it out together.”

Shining Armor gasps. “Right now, sir?!”

Arc nods. “No time like the present.”

Daring Do shrugs. “I’m ready whenever.”

Sunset Shimmer falls into step behind Arc. “Then let’s be off.”

They leave the office together via the elevator. As they descend, Daring Do turns to Arc.

“So… do we need to stop off anywhere first?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, I’m good.”

Sunset Shimmer looks him over. “But I don’t see any gear other than your armor.”

Arc chuckles as the elevator doors open. “Believe me when I say that I have everything I need.”

Stepping out into the lobby, Arc leads the two mares out the front doors and down the street. After leaving the city walls, Arc turns to Daring Do.

“Which way?”

Daring Do points with a hoof. “The outpost is about an hour’s walk this way.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “It’s really off the beaten path though.”

Arc starts walking. “Then we should get moving.”

As they move, Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc.

“Shouldn’t you call for reinforcements now?”

“What for?”

“There isn’t exactly what I would call a small contingent of Canterlot forces at this outpost.”

Daring Do frowns. “Right. That and they’re probably pretty dug in by now. It’s going to take a decent number of ponies to dislodge them at this point.”

Arc shakes his head. “And risk the lives of the prisoners in the process.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaces. “While I do sympathize with their… predicament, I also must point out that the mission is actually to take out this unauthorized outpost. That along with freeing the captured Element Bearer should take priority over everything else we might do there.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We will not relegate the ponies that are being held captive there to a secondary objective. Element Bearer or not, they all deserve a chance at rescue.”

Sometime later the trio crawls toward the edge of the foliage. Peeking through a bush, they spy a couple of more or less camouflaged buildings in the moonlight and pony guards wearing black cloth uniforms patrolling the grounds. Arc frowns as he looks over the scene before him.

“That largest building must be where they work.”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Most likely, yes. But we can’t get to it without being detected.”

Arc turns to her. “What about if we were invisible?”

Daring Do points a hoof. “Motion trackers and heat sensor array over there.”

Sunset Shimmer grits her teeth. “We’ll have to start by taking that out first.”

Arc groans. “But that would alert them to the fact that someone is trying to break in.”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “And if we don’t, this will be a really short infiltration.”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “Either way we’re not getting in there without being spotted.”

Daring Do smirks as she turns to Arc. “I suggest that we each take a target and hit them hard and fast. In the confusion we can find a way inside and free the prisoners.”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “That’s risky in and of itself. But it only takes care of the getting in issue. There’s no way we would be able to get out again.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And with all the prisoners too.”

Daring Do spreads her wings. “Then how about I make a scene and try to lure away as many guards as I can?”

Sunset Shimmer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That would help our chances, yes. But at the same time it would also alert them to trouble.”

Arc sighs. “And you’d have no backup if they were able to catch up to you.”

Daring Do scoffs. “I’ll be fine. Worst case scenario, I’d have to lay low for a day or two before heading back to the city.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns at her partner. “Which would lead to a secondary mission to come back and find you.”

Daring Do shrugs. “No plan is perfect here.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “She is right about that. However, I still think that you should call for more troops to help us with this.”

Arc shakes his head. “As I said before, that would only make this whole thing that much more difficult.”

Daring Do groans. “But as it stands, it might just be impossible.”

Arc returns his attention to the scene before them. “There’s always a way. We just need to find it.”

They sit there in silence for a few more moments as Arc looks over the terrain. Eventually, he speaks.

“All we need to do is get inside quietly in order to avoid being detected.”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “And also prevent them from raising the alarm.”

“Yeah.”

Daring Do points a hoof in the opposite direction. “I still like the idea of me making a distraction.”

Arc smirks. “That’s not completely out of the question. One thing though… are either of you well-known?”

Sunset Shimmer appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Facial recognition. Would either of you be recognized by your appearance as a governmental agent, or anything?”

Daring Do shakes her head. “Not me. I was more of a freelance adventurer before all this started.”

Sunset Shimmer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe. After all, I’m part of the Manehattan militia so it’s possible, albeit very unlikely, that they might recognize me.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “What about acting ability?”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Uh… what?”

Sunset Shimmer turns to her. “I think he means if we could pretend to be something we’re not.”

Arc nods. “Exactly.”

Daring Do bows her head. “Let’s just say that my track record in that regard is kinda… checkered.”

Sunset Shimmer raises a hoof. “I could probably pull off a simple acting job if you needed me to.”

Arc looks the mare up and down. “Alright. I think I have a plan then. But first things first.”

“What do you need?”

“Take your clothes off.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

Arc points “Your cloak. They can’t see you in that.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaces. “Oh! Right!”

She begins undressing as Arc turns to Daring Do. Looking her over, he continues.

“Are you claustrophobic?”

Daring Do appears confused. “Am I what now?”

Sunset Shimmer looks over as she finishes putting her cloak in her saddlebags. “It means you’re afraid of enclosed places.”

“Uh… no. Why?”

Arc chuckles. “Because you’re about to be in one. Just give Sunset Shimmer and I a few minutes to prepare.”

Turning to the other mare, he motions for her to follow him quietly. She does so as Arc approaches a large mud pit. Sighing, he looks to Sunset Shimmer.

“This should do.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “For what?”

“Hop in.”

“Um…”

“I need you to be dirty. And I mean really dirty. Like you’ve been out in the wilderness for an extended period of time.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Alright.”

Stepping forward, she lies down in the mud pit. Grimacing as the cool mud seeps into her fur, Sunset Shimmer looks up at Arc and speaks.

“How’s this?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not enough. It needs to be all over you. Like this.”

Holding out a hand, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell. Using it to pick up a large ball of mud, he levitates it over to Sunset Shimmer and begins rubbing her with it. She grunts as he does his best to cover her in mud. A few moments later he nods.

“That should be enough.”

Sunset Shimmer shivers as she looks up at him. “Does that mean I can get out now? This stuff is cold.”

Arc nods. “Sure. But we’re not done yet.”

Sunset Shimmer groans as she slowly rises from the mud. “Great. What’s next?”

“Roll around on the ground and smear that mud deeper into your coat.”

Sunset Shimmer does so as Arc picks up a handful of dead leaves and twigs. Walking over to the mare, he ruffles her mane with one hand while putting the detritus into it with the other. Sunset Shimmer snorts as he does so.

“This is going to take forever for me to wash and brush out, you know.”

Arc nods. “True. But if my plan works out it will all be worth it.”

A short time later a dirty and matted mare steps out of the foliage and limps toward the camp. She falls to the ground as the guards surround her. Looking up at them she calls out weakly.

“Help… me…”

“What happened, miss?!”

“Lost. Hungry. Please help.”

The guard smirks. “Oh, we’ll help.”

He motions with a wave of his hoof. A guard approaches with a device and snaps it onto Sunset Shimmer’s horn. She gasps slightly as he does so.

“What… what are you…?”

“Can’t have our workers using magic, now can we?”

Sunset Shimmer groans. “Workers?”

The guard turns to a couple of subordinates. “Take her to the barracks with the others.”

They roughly grab Sunset Shimmer and drag her inside one of the buildings. After going through two locked gates they arrive at a smelly and dimly lit room. As the door opens the ponies inside skitter back from their captives. The guards unceremoniously toss the newcomer on the floor and leave. As the door closes behind them the other ponies approach and help her up. An elderly mare is the first to speak.

“Are you alright?”

Sunset Shimmer nods as she stands. “Yes, I’m fine. In fact, I’m here to rescue everypony.”

The mare sighs and bows her head. “I don’t really see that happening though. These walls are too thick for us to break through and all our magic has been dampened. Same as yours it would seem.”

Sunset Shimmer looks around. “Are there magic dampeners in here too?”

A stallion shakes his head. “No need, what with all of us wearing these things on our horns.”

A different mare puts a hoof to her horn. “And no we can’t get them off.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to a stallion. “Is this everypony that was captured though?”

“Yeah. They keep us all together when we’re not working.”

The elderly mare sighs. “Easier for them to guard, I would imagine. Now then, we don’t have much in the way of comforts around here, but why don’t you lie down and get some rest?”

The stallion sighs. “We’ll have plenty of work to do when the next shipment of forageables comes in. And we can’t rest again until it’s all done.”

Sunset Shimmer grins. “You won’t have to worry about that anymore though. I’m here to help.”

A mare shakes her head. “It’s not possible though.”

“We have a plan. Watch.”

Getting down on her belly, Sunset Shimmer lays her head down on the ground and tilts it to one side. Those gathered watch as Daring Do and Arc climb out of her mane and jump down. Casting the Matter Compacting counter spell, Arc returns the pair to their normal size. Daring Do smirks and looks up at him.

“I can’t believe that worked!”

Arc turns to those around him. “Everyone listen to me! My name is Hero of Light Arc! We’re here to get you out of here! But first I need to know where they’re holding a mare named ‘Applejack’!”

The elderly mare appears confused. “There isn’t anypony by that name here.”

Sunset Shimmer points a hoof. “But she was seen outside at one point!”

Arc nods. “Orange coat, sun colored mane, wears an old brown hat.”

A stallion shakes his head. “Nopony like that here.”

Sunset Shimmer looks around to everyone. “What about officers out there? Who would know for sure?”

The elderly mare approaches Daring Do. “The Overseer would be the one to interrogate.”

“Huh?!”

A stallion puts a hoof on the door. “They’re some officer from Canterlot who’s in charge of this facility and its guards.”

Arc clenches a fist. “So Canterlot IS behind this place?!”

The elderly mare nods. “Very much so, yes!”

Sunset Shimmer turns to Arc. “We should go find this overseer. They must know where Applejack is being held.”

Daring Do stomps a hoof. “So what’s the plan?”

Arc gestures to the others. “First we have to get these ponies to safety.”

Holding up a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. He turns to those gathered as it forms.

“This will take you to our base. There’s a number of ponies there ready and waiting to help you.”

Nervously the ponies begin filing through. As the last of them do so, Arc closes the portal and turns to Daring Do and Sunset Shimmer.

“Phase one complete.”

Daring Do grins. “So now we find the overseer?”

“Yup.”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “How though?”

Arc smirks. “Well, I suppose that since there aren’t any more captives to rescue, the stealth part of this mission is over now. So how about the three of us go out there and make some noise?”

Daring Do grins. “Need some help with that?”

“If you’re up to the task, then sure.”

Sunset Shimmer taps her horn with a hoof. “I’ll come too. Even if I can’t use my magic I can still take care of myself.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”

“Very.”

Arc shrugs. “Alright. Just don’t push yourself too hard.”

Daring Do walks over to the door as she pulls a lockpicking kit out from under her hat. “Just give me a few minutes with the door and I’ll have us out of here in a jiffy!”

Arc chuckles. “I could just break it down.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “That would make a lot of noise though.”

“So?”

Daring Do looks over her shoulder. “We should keep the element of surprise close at hoof. Might need it soon.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. How much longer until…?”

Daring Do interrupts him. “Got it!”

The door opens and the pair step out into the corridor. Across the hall is a slightly ajar door. Peeking inside, Arc spies a number of screens and a stallion dozing over the controls. Softly pushing the door open, he points to the guard. Sunset Shimmer quietly makes her way over to him and pulls him backwards out of the chair. Hoofing him in the face she steps aside to allow Arc to pick him up. After tossing him into the room they left and locking him inside, he returns to find Sunset Shimmer sitting at the vacated console and pressing keys. She looks over her shoulder as he approaches.

“The cameras and automated alarm are offline now.”

Arc nods. “What about the heat sensors?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “They were just around the perimeter. But I shut them down too for good measure.”

Daring Do steps forward. “And their communications?”

“One moment.”

Reaching for a control panel nearby, she opens it and pulls out a few wires. The smell of burning plastic fills the room as Sunset Shimmer turns to Arc.

“Comms are fried.”

“Very good. Now then, we just need to set things in motion for the final phase of my plan.”

Pulling a radio from his ring, he switches it on and speaks.

“Arc to base.”

“Lunar Resistance here. Go ahead, sir.”

“I need Tempest to lead some soldiers to my current location and surround an outpost. We want to make sure no one tries to escape when we them attack from within.”

“Yes sir, I’ll inform her. Anything else?”

“Have Tempest call me when she’s in position. I’ll go over with her what needs to be done.

A short time later Tempest’s voice comes over the speaker.

“Our forces are in position. Shall we begin the attack?”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ve already infiltrated the place in front of you. Just need you and your forces to prevent anyone from getting away when we start breaking things here.”

Tempest chuckles. “Want some help cracking skulls?”

“That I already have. See you outside in a bit. Arc out.”

Turning off his radio, he puts it on his belt before turning to the pair.

“Now then, shall we be off?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “Sure. But where should we start?”

Daring Do points a hoof. “I suggest stalking the corridors and taking out guards one by one.”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “That would take a long time though.”

Arc sniffs the air. “Agreed. But do you smell that?”

Daring Do appears confused. “Smell what?”

“Cooking.”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “They’re probably just making lunch.”

Arc grins. “Exactly.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Is that important?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Come on.”

Opening the door, Arc leads the mares out of the room and down the corridor. Sniffing the air as he walks, they eventually hear the sounds of dishes around the next corner. Walking into what appears to be a cafeteria, Arc calls out loudly.

“SORRY TO INTERRUPT THE MEAL, BUT I NEED EVERYONE HERE TO STAND DOWN AND SURRENDER!”

They all turn and look at him for a few moments, confused. Standing, the guards make their way toward Arc and company. Rolling her eyes, Daring Do turns to Arc and sighs.

“Any more bright ideas?”

Arc calls forth the Spear of Righteousness. “Had to give them a chance to give up.”

Sunset Shimmer motions to the corridor behind them. “More are coming!”

Arc clutches his spear tightly. “You two stop the guards in the halls! I’ll take these jokers on myself!”

Lunging forward, Arc engages the horde of guards as Daring Do and Sunset Shimmer turn to meet the newcomers. Dispatching their assailants with ease, they return to the cafeteria in order to lend their leader a hand. However, they find nothing but unconscious stallions lying all around the room and Arc holding a guard by the front of his armor.

“Where is the overseer?! TALK!”

The stallion looks away but says nothing. Gritting his teeth, Arc punches him in the face, knocking the stallion unconscious before dropping him in a heap. Standing, he turns to the mares whom are approaching him.

“You two do alright?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “Just fine.”

Daring Do grins. “We had the easy job. But I’m assuming that nopony in here talked?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a word.”

Sunset Shimmer groans. “Then they’re protecting the overseer.”

Daring Do looks behind her. “And considering just how much noise we just made there’s no way they don’t know we’re here.”

Arc’s radio crackles as Tempest’s voice rings out.

“We’ve got stallions coming out of there! You okay?!”

Arc nods. “Just fine, Tempest. Detain them by using however much force you need to in order to keep them from getting away. I’ll be out there in a few minutes. Arc out.”

Putting the radio back into his belt, Arc turns to his companions.

“Let’s get outside and see what we’ve caught in our trap.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to him. “Do you think the overseeing is fleeing the base?”

Arc shrugs. “At this point they’d be a fool to stick around.”

Daring Do trots forward. “Then let’s see if we’ve caught this fish!”

Retracing their steps, they come back to the communications room. As they near it however an armored pony runs out into the corridor and turns to face them. Arc gasps as he sees them.

“Applejack?!”

Applejack glares at them. “Surrender, traitors!”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “Traitors?! Us?!”

Daring Do points an accusatory hoof at Applejack. “You’re the one kidnapping ponies here!”

Arc steps forward. “Wait! Applejack?! Is that… really you?!”

Applejack looks to Arc stoically. “On behalf of the princesses I hereby place you three under arrest! Surrender now!”

Sunset Shimmer stomps a hoof defiantly. “Not going to happen!”

Daring Do scoffs. “Right! You’re the only traitor here!”

Applejack draws a knife from her belt. “Then you have chosen death! In the name of the princesses, I’ll punish you!”

As she approaches the trio, Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do take up battle ready stances. However, Arc steps forward and motions for them to get back. Looking to the approaching mare, he takes a deep breath and speaks.

“As the Hero of Light, it is my duty to stop you, Applejack. Please do not resist.”

Applejack scoffs. “I’m the highest authority here! You’ll regret raising a hoof against the crown!”

Lunging headfirst, her knife pointed forward, Applejack flies at Arc. However, he holds up a hand and grabs her fetlock. Twisting it slightly, he forces the young mare to drop her weapon which clatters away before being picked up by Daring Do. Arc’s opponent cries out angrily and kicks him in the chest with a powerful rear hoof. Staggering back, Arc is caught by his companions and with their help manages to stay upright. Seeing Applejack going for her a backup weapon in her belt, Arc pulls it to himself with a Telekinesis Spell. Turning, she screams in fury and again lunges at her assailant.

“FOR THE PRINCESSES!!!”

As the young mare nears the trio, Applejack throws herself at them. Arc grimaces and grabs the mare by her the front of her armor. Using the force of her attack, he slams her into a nearby wall in an effort to stun her. She falls to the floor, dazed, as Arc leaps on top of her to use his own body weight to pin the mare down. Spotting her exposed flank, he quickly pulls a syringe from his ring and jabs it into her. Depressing the plunger, Arc continues holding her down for a few more moments before being bucked off of her. Backing up to stand with Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do, they watch as she gets to her feet and pulls the syringe out with her teeth. It clatters to the floor as she again rushes them.

“YOU CAN’T… GET… AWAY… FROM… ME… THAT… EASILY…!”

As she nears them, Applejack begins moving strangely. She stumbles and falls to her fetlocks. Trying to stand, she more or less crawls forward. Looking up at Arc, she reaches out with a hoof shakily before her eyes roll into the back of her head and she loses consciousness. Sunset Shimmer steps forward and puts a hoof to Applejack’s forehead before listening to her chest and turning to Arc.

“She’s alive.”

Daring Do looks at the syringe on the ground. “What the heck was in that thing?!”

“Just a powerful sedative from a med-pac. She’ll be out for a while.”

Sunset Shimmer appears relieved. “Good. We need to get her some help, and quickly I would think.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. But first things first.”

Pulling the radio from his belt, he speaks into it.

“Arc to Tempest.”

“You’re still alive in there, huh?”

Arc chuckles. “Somehow. We’ve secured an Element Bearer and freed all the prisoners here. You are free to move in with our forces and scour the outpost for anyone else that might be hiding under their bed, or something.”

“Alright. I’ll need some way to transport them though.”

“I’ll give you a portal to Manehattan when we’re done here. They can take the prisoners into custody.”

“Good. After all, we don’t have the facilities with which to hold prisoners on the moon.”

“Right. I’ll see you outside in a bit. Arc out.”

Returning the radio to his belt, Arc looks down to Applejack lying on the ground. Sighing, he picks her up and motions for the other two to follow him toward the exit.

Chapter 12 - Deep Dives

The elevator doors open to Shining Armor’s office. Arc, Sunset Shimmer, and Daring Do step out together and approach the mayor whom is pacing in front of the desk. He looks to them nervously as they near.

“Is it… done?”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is. The prisoners were transported to my base for food, showers, and a good rest.”

Sunset Shimmer nods toward the window. “And the traitorous guards have been brought to the Manehattan prison for interrogation and detainment.”

Daring Do frowns. “All except their so-called leader, Applejack. That screaming banshee is restrained at the hospital.”

Shining Armor gasps. “What?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “She was the one leading the soldiers there.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his forehead. “But… but that doesn’t make any sense! Why would she of all ponies do such a thing?!”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “When we found her, she accused US of being traitors to the princesses.”

Daring Do shudders. “It was almost a religious fervor she went into when going after us.”

Arc sighs. “The look in her eyes said that she believed herself to be doing the right thing too. That’s the part which worries me the most.”

Shining Armor appears hopeful. “Will she be alright though?!”

Arc nods. “I don’t see why not. After all, I just tranquilized her.”

Shining Armor sits down heavily on the floor. “That’s good! I don’t think my little sister would have taken her death lightly.”

Daring Do stomps the floor with a hoof angrily. “Applejack has clearly taken Canterlot’s side in this matter though! So she’s a traitor to us and the rest of the citizenry!”

Sunset Shimmer nods soberly. “That is true. There was absolutely no negotiating with her back there.”

Shining Armor groans. “That doesn’t make any sense though. She’s supposed to be the Element of Honesty.”

Daring Do points to Arc’s shoulder. “She must have seen the Hero of Light’s crest though, so she knew whom he was.”

Shining Armor sighs. “I’ll… have to order her transferred to the prison section of the hospital then.”

Arc walks over to the window and looks outside. “That’s… probably for the best right now. In her current mental state, she could hurt the normal hospital staff.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “But that leaves us with a bigger problem.”

Daring Do bows her head. “Where do we go from here?”

Shining Armor walks over to his desk. “Admittedly, I was hoping Applejack could tell us where the rest of her friends are currently in hiding. And where her Element presently is too, of course.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t think she’ll be helping us anytime soon though.”

Sunset Shimmer grunts. “Not without major mental reconditioning and a lot of therapy, that is.”

Daring Do turns to the mare, confused. “What are you saying? That she was being controlled?”

“It is possible, yes. After all, for somepony to change so drastically in such a short amount of time isn’t exactly what I would call ‘normal’ by any stretch of the imagination.”

Shining Armor looks to Sunset Shimmer. “How would we go about returning her to her regular self then?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “That would depend on the method used to control her. The medical staff would have to run a bunch of tests to determine what to do going forward.”

Daring Do sighs. “So again, where does that leave us then?”

Shining Armor groans. “Back at square one at the moment, it would seem.”

Arc turns from his place at the window. “Not exactly. While we were there, we rescued a number of ponies whom were being used as slave labor and liberated Applejack from her service to Canterlot. So I’d say that we’re still better off now than we were before this mission.

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “And her warped view of the princesses.”

Sunset Shimmer bows her head. “That too. However, somewhere in her mind is the information we need to take the next step in finding the other Element Bearers.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on a stack of papers. “I’ll keep on trying to find leads on them, of course.”

Arc nods. “Good. Now then, can I assume that you were satisfied with my performance, Mister Mayor?”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Performance, sir?”

Arc chuckles. “I know this was all a setup.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “But why would we have…?”

Arc interrupts her. “To see if I could be trusted. I accepted the task you gave to me of taking out that outpost as well as rescuing Applejack. All that without asking for any kind of kickbacks or special consideration. Not something that’s common in this world at the moment I would imagine.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “You’re right. But if I may be so bold, how did you figure it out?”

“It was actually pretty simple. For starters, this city appears to have more than enough standing forces to take on such a small outpost easily.”

Daring Do frowns. “But rescuing the Element Bearer was an important task!”

“Right. And at the same time, you couldn’t have been sure that I would have taken her alive. Which is why you and Sunset Shimmer were poised to take her on yourselves before I stepped forward.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “To be completely honest with you, we were just as surprised as you were to find out that she was leading the efforts at the base.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “And that’s the truth of the matter, sir.”

“I believe you. After all, you really did hedge your bets on that last point.”

Daring Do tilts her head to one side, confused. “Hedge… what now?”

Arc turns to her. “I saw that you and Sunset Shimmer were constantly poised to attack me if I went too far with Applejack. The whole time I could feel you watching me every moment back there.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Like you said, it was an important mission, naturally. But we needed to know for certain if the Lunar Rebellion, and by proxy it’s mysterious new benefactor, could truly be trusted with matters of such grave importance.”

Shining Armor nods. “I know that the rest of the Element Bearers are still out there somewhere. We’ll need the best of the best to get to them once located.”

Daring Do shrugs. “And as capable as Sunset Shimmer and I are, it’s just the two of us.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “Yes, well… if you find something please notify the Lunar Rebellion at once. You have my word that I’ll drop everything to come and aid in their rescue.”

Shining Armor smiles nervously. “Thank you, sir. In truth, I was hoping you would say that. And I shall be sure to inform you of any new developments regarding this matter. Please keep whatever intel I send your way to yourself though, as we’re trying to keep this circle as small as possible.”

Arc nods. “That’s understandable. However, I will have to tell the leadership of the Lunar Rebellion what we did out there today.”

Daring Do sighs. “We did kinda leave them out there to clean up the mess that we made.”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “It’s only natural for them to ask questions. But please, for the sake of the nation as a whole, please keep this information as limited as possible.”

“I will. “

Shining Armor gestures to the two mares as he speaks. “Good. Now then, I’d like to assign my two best agents to you for the time being.”

Sunset Shimmer appears confused. “You want us to join the Lunar Resistance, Mayor Shining Armor?”

Daring Do grins as she shadowboxes. “Sounds good to me! I like the direct approach, after all!”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes, the Hero of Light will need your help when the time comes. That and I’m sure he has numerous other tasks to take care of. Many hooves make light work, as they say.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “If you’ll have us, we’d be honored to accompany you back to your base, sir.”

Arc nods. “Sure. I’ll inform the general, or ‘mayor’ as she prefers to be called, that you two will be joining us.”

Daring Do rushes to the elevator. “Alright! We’ll get packed!”

Sunset Shimmer walks over to join her companion. “Yes, where shall we meet you though?”

“How about in front of the building in two hours?”

Daring Do nods as the elevator doors open. “We’ll be here!”

The mares step into the elevator as Arc looks to Shining Armor.

“I don’t suppose you have any more leads?”

Shining Armor sighs as he shakes his head. “Sadly, no. I’ve got agents scouring the land though as well as a few sages attempting to find them via scrying. But as of yet they haven’t turned up anything of note.”

Arc shrugs. “Not much more you can do then, I would imagine.”

Sighing, he looks to the elevator before continuing.

“I… think I’ll head over to the hospital and see if there’s any word on Applejack’s condition.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “While I told them to notify me if such a thing happened, I’m sure she’d appreciate the gesture. Subconsciously, of course.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

Leaving the office, Arc takes the elevator down to the ground floor. As he does so Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“That wasn’t exactly the best outcome.”

Arc leans against the wall. “Yeah. I was hoping we would just find her locked in a cell, or something.”

“I still don’t understand why Applejack would have taken Canterlot’s side in this though. And holding innocent ponies prisoner as well!”

“It doesn’t make any sense to me either. I mean… something like that is just so… so unlike her!”

“To say nothing for her Element.”

Arc groans. “The only thing I can think of is that she actually believed that she was doing the right thing back there.”

“Not sure how she would have been able to justify something like that in her mind.”

Arc stands up straight as the elevator slows. “Hopefully she can tell us in her own words soon enough.”

The doors open and Arc steps out. Making his way back outside to the street, he gets directions from a nearby guard on how to get to the hospital. Entering the waiting room, Arc walks up to the front desk and looks to the nurse going over a stack of papers.

“Excuse me. I’m here to inquire about a mare whom was recently brought here. Her name is ‘Applejack’.”

The nurse does not look up from her work. “We cannot release information on patients without either permission from them, their family, or an official legal order.”

Arc chuckles. “I believe I have the third thing.”

Sighing, the nurse holds out a hoof. “Papers, please.”

Arc puts a gauntlet on the paper which the nurse is working on. “How’s this?”

She looks at his hand for a moment before following it with her eyes up to his face. Her eyes wide, she quickly stands.

“I-I’m sorry, sir!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. I know that the doctors probably haven’t had much time with her, but I’m hoping something’s been figured out by this point.”

“The doctor overseeing her case is currently in the patient’s room. Shall I page him for you, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’ll speak to him in the patient’s room. Please have me escorted there.”

The nurse waves over an orderly. “Right away!”

She quickly explains the situation to the orderly whom shows Arc the way. Motioning to the room in question with a wave of his hoof, the young man thanks the stallion and pushes open the door. He spies a stallion in a white coat going over a chart next to the bed. Walking over to him, Arc speaks.

“Good day, Doctor Horse.”

Doctor Horse looks up, confused. “I’m sorry, but do I…?”

Spotting the Crest of Light on Arc’s armor, as well as the large creature itself a few moments later, the doctor stops talking and instinctively takes a step back. Arc recalls his armor and slowly approaches the bed.

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to alarm you, doctor.”

“It was just a bit… startling really.”

Arc gestures to Applejack lying on the bed. “How is she doing?”

“I, um… just had to sedate her.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But she was already sedated when they brought her in.”

“Are you certain, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I administered the injection myself. Did something happen?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “The patient awoke a short time ago and tried to escape.”

“Anyone hurt?”

“Nothing serious. A few orderlies were thrown into walls and furniture as she ran away. Fortunately, the two mares whom brought her here were still talking to the nurse at the front desk. They were able to overpower her long enough for me to sedate her again.”

Arc frowns as he looks to Applejack. “Did she say anything?”

Doctor Horse shrugs. “Just that we were impeding her mission for Canterlot and would be punished accordingly.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I was afraid of that. Applejack said as much when her and I spoke earlier.”

The doctor looks to his clipboard. “In my initial examination, I was unable to find any physical injuries anywhere on her body. However, her vitals are a bit… off.”

“Define ‘off’.”

“They’re a bit higher than they should be.”

Arc looks to the bed. “Could that be how she burned through the sedative I gave her?”

“Most likely, yes.”

The doctor taps an IV bottle next to the bed before continuing.

“Which is why I switched the patient over to this steady drip version in an effort to keep her under this time.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “But what could be causing her vitals to be ‘off’ as you put it?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “It’s still too early to tell, I’m afraid. I’ve ordered a number of further tests in addition to blood work to try and sort this out.”

Arc looks to the bed again. “Is there anything else we can do for her?”

“Sadly, not at this time, no. But you have my word that we will do all we can for her.”

“Good. Equestria needs Applejack. And so do…”

His voice trails off before Arc turns, calls forth his gauntlet, opens a portal, and quickly leaves through it. Reappearing in his quarters and closing the portal behind him, Arc sits down on the couch heavily and sighs. Cherry calls out to him as he sits there silently.

“Arc? What just happened?”

“I just… “

Moving his hand with his mouth open, Arc gestures but is unable to put his thoughts into words for a few moments.

“Applejack, she… you know.”

Cherry sighs. “No, I honestly don’t understand what it is that you’re getting at.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I just… I couldn’t take seeing her lying there like that. Especially after she took Canterlot’s side in this mess.”

“But that’s not the Applejack you know. Perhaps this world’s version is slightly different than ours.”

“Maybe. And I do understand that she’s not the mare I fell in love with. However…”

Cherry interrupts him. “Are you developing feelings for her, Arc?”

“Not exactly. It’s more along the lines of being… torn on how I should be feeling. Confused, I suppose. While I do understand that she’s a completely different mare, the fact that she has the same looks, voice, and presumably every other aspect of our Applejack is just something that I’m not comfortable with.”

“You didn’t appear to have any problems being reintroduced to the other ponies that you’ve met back home. At least not that I could see.”

Arc sighs. “True. But as you know, Applejack, she… she’s special to me.”

“Yes, I know she is, Arc. As are Twilight and Rarity, whom we have yet to find in this alternate land. But at the same time you need to remember that they’re not the mares you fell in love with. Now I’m not saying that such a fact makes them any less important as individuals. However, you can’t let that cloud your judgment. Especially right now.”

Arc lays down on a throw pillow and groans. “I know you’re right, Cherry. But this whole thing has my brain in knots right now.”

“Why don’t you take a nap then, Arc? Try to clear your head a bit and rest.”

“That does sound good, yes. But…”

Cherry interrupts him. “But you still feel like you should be doing something, right?”

Arc groans. “Took the words right out of my mouth.”

“And right now there isn’t really anything you CAN do.”

“I suppose I could help out in the greenhouse. Or do a bit of work on the construction of the new ones.”

Cherry sighs. “And burn yourself out even further in the process.”

“Well, this feeling of powerlessness isn’t helping my mental health right now, Cherry.”

“We both know that you’ll just work yourself to exhaustion though, Arc. You need to take the opportunity to rest when it presents itself.”

Arc puts an arm over his eyes. “Yeah, I know. But I think I’ll do it a bit differently than suggested.”

Closing his eyes, Arc falls asleep. Opening them, he sits up to see himself lying in the middle of Sweet Apple Acres. Standing, he dusts himself off and concentrates. Cherry materializes in front of him in her pony form. Looking around for a few moments, she turns to Arc and shakes her head.

“All things considered, this might not be the best surroundings for you right now, Arc.”

Arc pats a nearby tree. “Yeah, well… I just wanted to see something familiar to me.”

Reaching up into the leaves with a hand, he pulls down two apples. Giving one to Cherry, Arc raises his own to her before they both take a bite. Sighing contentedly, he turns and gestures to the orchards before continuing.

“Nothing quite like it.”

Cherry nods as she swallows. “Agreed. Applejack’s orchard is certainly the best in the business.”

Arc looks to the farmhouse. “They do keep things up nicely too.”

“You miss them, don’t you?”

Arc smiles wistfully. “Very much so, yes. I mean, I think that the only thing keeping me sane right now is the knowledge that they’re safe back in our… home dimension, or whatever.”

“But at the same time, we can’t really just leave this land’s inhabitants to their fate.”

“Right. That and we’ll need their resources in order to find a way back again.”

“A spell or magical device of some kind?”

Arc shrugs. “Whatever it takes to get home again, yes.”

“After we fix things for them though.”

Arc sighs as he materializes a waste bin nearby. “I don’t think it can be.”

Cherry appears confused as they drop the apple cores into the bin. “How so?”

“Think about it, Cherry. So many ponies have gone missing since Canterlot cut itself off. I mean, large chunks of the population of Ponyville are completely unaccounted for. Doctor Horse is one of the first one from there that I’ve seen since we arrived.”

“I see what you mean. At this point, normalcy might no longer be an option for everypony.”

Arc turns and looks toward the town. “The best I can do at this point is to liberate the country from Canterlot’s rule. After that, the road to the land’s recovery will be both long and winding. It’s going to take at least a couple generations to put this behind them.”

Cherry inhales deeply. “I’ll try to come up with some ideas on how we might speed that process up.”

“That would be appreciated. And… sorry.”

Cherry appears confused. “Whatever for?”

“For getting you wrapped up in this mess.”

Cherry puts a hoof on Arc’s side. “I don’t think either of us could have foreseen such an event taking place during a tea time with Twilight at her new library though, Arc.”

“Well, I still feel responsible for it. After all, it does sometimes seem like I attract misfortune like a magnet.”

“While other times you bring about solutions that nopony else could have though.”

Arc shrugs. “The good with the bad.”

“This world’s Applejack is safely at the hospital now though, thanks to you. So I’d say we’re moving in the right direction.”

“If she can tell us where to find the others, yes.”

Cherry grimaces. “And if she can’t?”

Arc sighs. “Then this is going to be a LONG stay.”

“Which also isn’t your fault in the least, I must point out.”

Arc walks toward the farmhouse. “I know, I know. But that means that we’ll be away from our friends for that much longer.”

Cherry follows Arc up the steps and over to the screen door. He opens it to a loud squeak and steps inside. Smiling, he looks around the Living Room in an effort to take it all in. Leading Cherry into the kitchen, Arc sighs before continuing.

“I still remember the first day that I worked here at Sweet Apple Acres so long ago. The Apple family invited me to stay for a home cooked supper after a long, hard day’s work.”

“And you accepted, I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. And while I can’t remember exactly what we had for dinner, I do know that it was delicious.”

Cherry giggles. “Knowing Applejack, I’m sure it was.”

“As we ate, they asked me a lot of questions about humans as we didn’t exactly have the best reputation in Equestria at the time. And I was Honest about which parts were true about my species. Both the good and the bad.”

“But they still accepted you for whom you are though, right?”

Arc nods. “Something Granny Smith said to me back then. She asked if I was guilty of any of those human stereotypes that had been listed earlier. And when I told her that I wasn’t personally no, she said that I couldn’t really be held accountable for what others did. Or something like that anyways.”

He runs a hand along the kitchen table and smiles wistfully.

“Up until that point, I had been kinda worried about what my future held in this land. But that evening’s conversation put my mind at ease.”

“I have noticed that you’re often trying to talk through matters.”

“It’s usually an attempt to fully understand the situation as a whole. Or try to get someone else to see my point of view.”

Cherry sits down at the table. “How do you think everypony else is feeling right now then?”

Arc sighs. “Anxious. Scared. Terrified even. I mean… their whole world has been turned upside down.”

“But not Applejack.”

Arc appears confused as he sits down across from Cherry. “What do you mean?”

“The look in her eyes back in that facility showed me that she wasn’t afraid of what was going on around her. If anything, she appeared focused and sure of herself.”

Arc frowns. “But Applejack would never enslave other ponies!”

“True. Ours certainly wouldn’t. However, what if she believed that doing so was the only way to save others?”

“Saving others?”

Cherry nods. “Think about it. They were supposedly processing food that had been foraged in the woods. And where was it going from there?”

“Probably back to Canterlot somehow.”

“Maybe. But the answer I was looking for was somepony’s belly. Since the sun no longer shines food has become scarcer. Perhaps the ponies we found were prisoners serving a sentence.”

“Maybe. However, we’ll know more when they’re interviewed by Spitfire and Tempest. For the time being though I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.”

“Which is for the best. But we also need to give Applejack the same.”

“Even though it looks bad for her, yes.”

“With luck, and a bit of time, she can be brought around in order to give her side of the story.”

“Yeah.”

Looking out the window at the setting sun together, Cherry sighs and speaks.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think we’ll be able to find a way home again someday?”

Arc nods soberly. “We have to, Cherry. For our sakes as well as those back in Equestria.”

Sometime later Arc opens his eyes and sits up. Looking around for a few moments he does his best to get his bearings on his surroundings. Cherry calls out to him as he does so.

“We’re back in your room in Light’s Hope, Arc.”

Arc groans as he rubs his eyes. “Yeah, I know. It’s always a bit… strange to come back to reality though.”

The phone next to him rings. Picking up the receiver, Arc speaks into it.

“Yes?”

“Sir, I have a Doctor Horse on the line asking to speak to you.”

Arc quickly sits up. “Put him through at once!”

“Yes sir.”

The line goes dead for a few moments before they are connected.

“Sir, this is Doctor Horse from Manehattan General Hospital.”

“Good to hear from you, doctor. Has there been any news regarding Applejack’s condition?”

“A bit, yes. Those tests I ordered showed that her brain waves are very abnormal.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Does that have anything to do with her vitals being off?”

“I believe so, yes. And even though she’s unconscious, such readings are out of the ordinary even for a conscious mare.”

“What does that mean though?”

“That her body and mind are acting as if something major is out of alignment internally.”

“So where do we go from here, doctor?”

“This narrows the cause of her condition down to something wrong with the patient mentally, not physically. I’ve ordered more tests to be run on her brain in an effort to pinpoint the source of her ailment. However, when the staff were entering her room to begin the tests, another patient whom was being wheeled down the hall suddenly flatlined. The sound of the heart monitor caused her own brainwaves to suddenly go haywire.”

“Did it cause any problems?”

“She actually overpowered the sedatives and began calling out groggily for her family members from Ponyville. It took a second IV bottle to knock her out again. Which is something I personally have never seen in a patient of her size and stature before, sir.”

“What does it all mean though?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “That her conscious thoughts are being manipulated in some way.”

“So you’re saying that she was trying to return to normal?”

“It did seem so, yes. Under normal circumstances there are a number of drugs that could be used to bring her around slowly over time.”

“However you don’t have them, do you?”

“No, sir. Medicine is yet another very scarce commodity at this point in time.”

“What are you going to do then?”

“I’ve sent word to both Baltimare and Las Pegasus asking if they have the cacophony of drugs we need. But I must admit that it’s not likely they will.”

Arc groans. “And if they don’t?”

“Then all we can do is keep her warm, safe, and sedated until she’s able to come around naturally. While I’m sure this isn’t the news that you wanted, it is the truth.”

“Thank you for taking the time to notify me about this, doctor. How long will it take for you to hear back from the other cities?”

“Probably a day or two. Maybe longer though, given the current national circumstances. I’ll call you again with a final answer when I know more or if her condition changes in some way.”

“Very well. I’ll let you get back to work then.”

“We’ll do our best over here, sir.”

Grimacing, Arc sets the receiver back in the cradle and flops down on the couch to stare up at the ceiling. Silence fills the room for a time before Cherry calls out to him.

“Doctor Horse is very skilled at his job.”

“That he is.”

“After all, he’s the one whom saved my life a couple years ago.”

Arc groans. “But that was with a fully stocked hospital and all of his best staff by his side. Right now he’s working under very different circumstances. Lack of supplies and personnel can’t be helping right now, after all.”

“What more could be done though? I mean, if there were any other options in which Applejack could have come back to us I’m sure he’d have at least mentioned them.”

“Yes, I’m sure that Doctor Horse would have…”

Arc’s voice trails off as he appears to be thinking. Tapping his finger on the side of his chin, Arc mutters to himself.

“In lieu of no medicine, she’d have to come around naturally.”

“But how though, Arc?”

“Sanguine Azolla?”

“Sanguine… what now?”

“It’s a rare plant that does strange things to a pony, or human’s, mind.”

Cherry gasps. “You think that Applejack has been poisoned by this plant?!”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s not likely, no. First of all, that particular plant is very rare. That and I’m sure the doctor didn’t find any traces of it in her bloodwork. The last time this matter came up it was detected as an impurity in the blood of both Luna and Cadance.”

“So how does that have anything to do with what’s wrong with Applejack?”

“Back then, I was able to delve into the minds of the afflicted princesses with the help of a very special enchantment on Princess Celestia’s bed. It allowed me to communicate with their consciousnesses directly in the dream world. At least that’s the best way I can think of to describe it.”

Cherry sighs. “But we can’t exactly go to Canterlot to use that particular bed at this point.”

“True. However, I’m guessing that there are probably other ways to enter Applejack’s mind.”

“You mean by some kind of magical means?”

Arc stands. “It’s worth looking into.”

Heading for the door, Arc leaves his room and heads down the corridor. Approaching Auriel’s room, he knocks lightly and waits. A few moments later Brightwing opens it and giggles happily at the sight before her.

“Friend has come to visit, Brightwing! Hooray!”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda. Is Auriel around?”

Brightwing nods happily. “Yes, yes! Come in, friend!”

Fluttering to the side, she allows Arc to enter the room. As the little creature closes the door behind him dutifully, he spies Auriel at a small desk in the corner. Innumerable books, tools, devices, and other items Arc cannot identify litter the room. Walking over to the young demoness with Brightwing by his side, she lands on Auriel’s head and cries out happily.

“Friend has come for a visit!”

Auriel looks up, clearly confused. “Huh?”

Looking down into Auriel’s face, Brightwing points a small claw to her left. Auriel turns her head to see Arc standing there. Quickly standing up, she accidently knocks Brightwing down her back to flutter away.

“Sir! I, um… forgive me for not noticing you earlier!”

Turning to Brightwing, she groans.

“Why didn’t you tell me that we had company, mother?!”

Brightwing shrugs. “Brightwing tried to tell friend several times! But friend didn’t respond!”

Auriel sighs as she returns her gaze to Arc.

“My apologies, sir.”

“It’s fine. I’m guessing you were just really deep in thought.”

Auriel looks to the desk and nods. “Yes, I spent all afternoon yesterday taking various readings from mother here.”

Brightwing giggles. “That was fun! Brightwing liked playing that game!”

“And now I’m trying to work through the results from those tests.”

Arc gestures to the equipment. “To that end, do you need anything else?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Special Agent Tempest had some of her forces go back down to the Golden Oaks Library. They brought back all the materials and implements I needed in addition to a list of books I asked for.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Auriel holds out her elbow to allow Brightwing to land on her shoulder and rest her paws on her head. “It’s going to take a long time to figure this mess out. Years even. But I’m confident that I can one day return my mother to her original form.”

“And we’ll do what we can to help in that.”

Brightwing giggles. “Brightwing still not understand what pretty lady means by that!”

Auriel scratches the small creature behind the ears. “I’m just trying to help you go back to normal.”

Arc nods. “Very praiseworthy. However, at the moment I was wondering if you could advise me on a certain matter that has come up recently.

Auriel appears surprised. “Me advise you?”

Brightwing laughs heartily as she again takes flight. “Good idea! Pretty lady really smart!”

“You see, I recently took into custody a mare whom has undergone a very strange mental realignment. In the past she always tried to help out others whenever she could. But now she’s taken Canterlot’s side and was found to have kidnapped a number of ponies. She then forced them to do work for her.”

Auriel gasps. “Oh my! That sounds terrible! How can I help?!”

“Doctor Horse, the physician looking after her right now, said that there were some very strange brainwaves in her test results. Something like this came up a couple years ago in two other patients that I saw. The difference between the two cases were that they were unconscious and unable to be awakened. However, I was able to more or less delve into their minds via a special enchantment on a bed in order to speak to them.”

Auriel puts a claw to her cheek thoughtfully. “And you’re wondering if I know some other way for you to enter another’s mind?”

Arc nods. “I know that this is a long shot, yes. But I don’t have access to the a fore mentioned bed or anyone whom knows anything about the case in question.”

Auriel walks over to one of her piles of books. “Well… there are spells that allow for a magic user to be able to speak directly to another’s mind. However, they all involve a very high level of mental domination.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You’re talking about more or less mind controlling them?”

Brightwing gasps. “Oh, scary!”

Auriel nods. “Exactly. That and such high-level Dark Magic is very difficult to cast correctly. Moreso than I’m capable of doing personally.”

Arc grimaces. “And if done incorrectly it would do damage to the subject’s mind?”

Auriel groans. “You’ve got it. My father employed such methods to determine the truth when all other matters had been exhausted. That and when he didn’t care if the subjects lived or died.”

Arc frowns. “We can’t risk that on Applejack though.”

Auriel shrugs. “It wouldn’t really be an option though even if you wanted to, as it requires someone very powerful in the dark artes to cast such a thing anyways.”

Arc sighs. “Great. Now we’re right back to square one.”

Auriel picks up a book. “Not exactly. There is another option that might be more prudent thought due to it being much safer.”

“Tell me about it.”

“When I was younger, I was reading a book from my father’s library regarding the ancient history of the Great Demon Kingdom’s customs. It was said that the powerful among us would pay to undergo a procedure known as ‘mental exploration’.”

“Mental exploration?”

Brightwing grins as she licks her lips. “Is that edible?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, little one. It was a process by which one could enter another’s consciousness.”

Brightwing tilts her head to one side, confused. “Enter… what now?!”

Arc appears hopeful. “What does it entail?”

“First, both parties would imbibe a special elixir to attune their psyches and make the process smoother. Then, as the pair laid near one another, their minds would naturally become one.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And this was used for what exactly?”

“Mostly as a way to deepen trust between two demons. A couple whom wanted to take their relationship to the next level. Or to test the loyalty of a soldier’s dedication to their military commander. There were a number of various examples recorded in the book, of course. But those two were the only ones I remember off the top of my head.”

“And the risk to the subjects in the event of failure?”

“Negligible. A mild headache at worst for both parties.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “So to do such a thing we’d need two of those elixirs.”

Auriel bows her head. “And I’m not exactly able to mix up such a thing.”

“Yes, well… we’d still need the recipe for the elixir though in addition to details on how to make it. So I guess that would require a trip back to Tartarus to retrieve the book.”

Auriel walks over to a nearby shelf. “No need for that. It was one of the books I brought with me when we left.”

Scanning the shelf for a few moments, Auriel eventually pulls a large tome from it and flips through the pages. Stopping, she points a claw at a certain page and continues.

“Here we are! The part about the procedure!”

Arc walks over to her. “Can I see it?”

“Sure!”

Handing the book over, Auriel looks over Arc’s shoulder as they both read. Eventually, Arc speaks.

“This sounds pretty good on paper. Safe and very similar to the effects of the bed enchantment.”

Auriel nods. “That it does.”

Brightwing crosses her eyes and looks away. “Brightwing not understand this at all!”

Auriel looks to Arc. “It’s certainly a very interesting part of my culture, to be sure.”

Arc sighs. “Now all we need to do is figure out how to go about acquiring the reagents in order to make these elixirs.”

Auriel points to a passage. “That shouldn’t be too hard to do. The ingredients listed here aren’t exactly what I would call rare. At least they aren’t back in Tartarus.”

“Do you think Esther could do it?”

Auriel nods. “Most likely, yes. After all, you did bring her entire shop with us.”

Arc closes the book. “I’ll head over there and talk to her about it then. Mind if I borrow this book for a while?”

“Go right ahead. After all, I’m currently borrowing quite a few books from the Golden Oaks Library. So it’s only fair that I be willing to do the same with my own.”

“Thank you. I’ll bring it back when I’m done.”

Auriel nods as she walks Arc to the door. “Just let me know if I can be of further help in this matter.”

Brightwing waves a claw happily as she lands on Auriel’s head again. “Good luck, friend!”

Leaving the room, Arc heads for the Main Hall and exits the building. Walking toward Esther’s small shop next door, he pushes the door open and calls out.

“Esther? Are you here?”

A few moments later the young demoness steps out from behind the curtain and approaches the counter with Rebme in her arms. Smiling at him as she sets the young demon down, Esther speaks.

“Yes sir. What can I do for you?”

“I need some advice on a certain alchemical matter.”

Laying the book on the counter, Arc points to the page in question as Esther sets Rebme down next to it. The small demon looks over the page and frowns.

“No pictures!”

Esther smiles at her daughter. “These kinds of tomes don’t generally have pictures, dear.”

Arc pulls a small book from his ring. “This one does though.”

Holding it out to Rebme, she takes it and looks it over before speaking.

“What is it?”

“A book for foals that I picked up at Barnyard Bargains in Ponyville.”

Rebme opens the book. “Lots of pictures in here!”

Esther nods. “Yes. Something like that must be very expensive.”

Arc shrugs. “A few bits actually.”

Esther gasps. “What?! How can they be made so cheaply?!”

“Books like this are mass produced via a machine called a ‘printing press’.”

“Amazing! Back in the city, books had to be written out by claw!”

Arc nods as he points to the page in the larger tome again. “Like this one was?”

“Yes sir! Forgive me to taking attention away from your request!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. I’m just looking to recreate a method used by the demons of old to delve into the mind of a pony mare. Would that be possible?”

Esther scans the page. “I don’t see why not. Assuming the subject is in decent enough shape, that is.”

“What do you mean?”

“If they’re sick or have some kind of chronic disease this process may weaken them. It’s very physically demanding on the subject, after all.”

“It is?”

“Well, I suppose that wasn’t the best way to put it. Back in Tartarus, if this method was employed then they were going to get to the bottom of the matter no matter what. The health of the subject was secondary to success.”

“Any way to make it less dangerous?”

“Just instruct whomever is doing the delving to go slow and not push the subject too hard with their methodology.”

“So just be patient with them?”

Esther nods. “Exactly. So should I mix up two pony sized portions of this potion for you?”

“Only the subject is a pony. I’ll be delving into their mind personally. Would that be problematic?”

Esther looks over the writing as she speaks. “Let’s see…”

Flipping the pages, she points to a paragraph before continuing.

“Here we are. Instructions on how to create an oversized dose.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “The what now?”

“As you probably already know, demons come in different sizes. The standard dosing is for a standard size demon, which is roughly what most are. They also record recipes for oversized and undersized demons as well as math formulas for precise sizing as needed.”

“So which one would I be?”

Esther looks him over. “Oversized due to your warrior’s strength. If you’d like I can use your weight to check though.”

Arc nods. “Sure. Better safe than sorry, I suppose.”

Gesturing to a scale in the corner of the room, Esther watches as Arc steps on. She adjusts a number of sliders on top before writing down the results and returning to the counter. Picking up a pencil, she gets to work doing the calculations longhand. As she works Arc points to the book in Rebme’s claws.

“That’s a cow.”

“What’s it does?”

“Makes milk.”

Rebme looks to him, confused. “Milk?”

Arc nods. “It’s a white liquid that the cow feeds to its calves. They’re baby cows.”

“Are they big?”

“Bigger than a pony when fully grown, yes.”

Rebme looks out the window. “Are there any around here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. But then again, that’s probably for the best.”

“Why?”

“Because they eat grass, and we don’t have any of that up here.”

Rebme giggles. “Grass is that funny plant that covers the ground, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s food for a number of creatures.”

“I’d like to see a cow someday.”

Arc smiles at her. “One day when the sun shines again you might just get your wish.”

Esther looks up from her paper. “It looks like you are in the oversized demon category, sir.”

“Will that be a problem?”

Esther shakes her head. “No, sir. I’ll just have to compensate and make it stronger for you.”

Arc gestures to the racks of reagents behind the counter. “And do you have everything you need to make these elixirs?”

“Yes sir. I can make them whenever you need.”

“How long would it take?”

“About ten minutes for each.”

“Good. I’ll go tell the others of my plans and come back in about half an hour. Would that work for you?”

Esther nods as she picks up Rebme. “Yes sir. Just let me put my little one down for her nap first.”

Rebme pouts. “Aw… but I wanna look at my picture book more!”

“You can do that in your cot. Now come along.”

Rebme grumbles as she is led into the back room by her mother. Arc chuckles as he turns to leave. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as he makes his way back toward the base.

“Aren’t you rushing things here, Arc?”

“I don’t think so, no.”

“You don’t know how safe this will be!”

“Both Auriel and Esther said it will be fine.”

“And they don’t know how humans work inside either!”

Arc shrugs. “We’re pretty similar internally I’m told.”

“I still think that you should have more research done on this before…!”

Arc interrupts her. “And while that’s being done Applejack will lie in that hospital bed, alone.”

Cherry sighs. “I’m not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?”

“Nope. She may not be the same mare I fell in love with. But that’s still Applejack who needs my help. That and we really do need to get the ball rolling on finding the Element Bearers along with their respective Elements.”

Arc suddenly stops walking and groans. Cherry calls out to him.

“Is something wrong, Arc?”

“Kinda. I… might have forgotten something.”

“What though?”

“Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do.”

Cherry gasps. “You were supposed to meet them ages ago!”

Arc opens a portal. “Guess we’d better get over there and pick them up then.”

Sometime later Arc walks down the hospital corridor with Doctor Horse, Cherry, and Tempest. The doctor turns to Arc as they reach Applejack’s room.

“Sir, I must again protest this particular medicinal practice.”

Tempest snorts. “Me too! After all, it’s demon alchemy!”

Cherry sighs. “I’m not too thrilled about this idea either.”

Arc turns to the doctor. “You said it yourself, doctor. This is a mental issue not a physical one.”

“But that doesn’t mean that we should just jump to…!”

Arc interrupts him. “Do you have another proven treatment option available, Doctor Horse?”

The doctor groans and shakes his head. Arc looks to the door and continues.

“Look, I’m not thrilled with this plan either. However, we need to act if we’re going to save Applejack and find the others.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “By using demon methods?!”

Cherry looks to Arc. “Are you absolutely sure this is safe?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. The demon apothecary, Esther, weighted me and tailored my dose to it.”

He holds out a piece of paper to the doctor before continuing.

“And here are dosage instructions for Applejack. I’m assuming we can get her weight from the chart in the room.”

Doctor Horse grimaces as he accepts the paper. “Yes… yes, we can.”

Arc turns to the door. “Then let’s get started.”

Opening it, Arc steps inside with the others. A second bed has been set up next to Applejack’s along with a number of additional instruments. Next to the bed a nurse stands silently waiting for directions. Doctor Horse walks over to the end of the bed and picks up the medical chart. After consulting it for a time, he does some figuring on a piece of paper before turning to Arc.

“I’ve determined the patient’s dose, sir.”

Arc recalls his armor and lies down on the empty bed. “Good. Are you ready to begin the procedure then?”

“First I’ll need to explain the process and ready you for it.”

He gestures to the devices around both beds before continuing.

“I’ll be monitoring the patient’s vitals the entire time, as well as yours.”

Nodding to the nurse, she picks up several wires and turns to Arc. He removes his shirt to allow them to be placed on his chest and temples. As the nurse finishes her task, the doctor turns on the machines and checks them.

“Everything appears to be running smoothly at the moment.”

Cherry grimaces. “So what happens now?”

Tempest motions to a vial on a nearby tray. “Yeah. Does the Hero of Light just kinda… drink it down?”

Doctor Horse nods as he holds out the vial to Arc. “Yes, that’s the first step.”

Arc takes the elixir and uncorks it. Downing the contents, he hands the now empty vessel to the nurse whom puts it back on the tray. Doctor Horse picks up a syringe with his magic as he walks over to Arc’s bedside.

“Now I’ll administer a sedative similar to what the patient is under.”

Cherry steps forward. “How long will the Hero of Light be out for?”

“About three hours, miss. He’ll be groggy after that, but otherwise fine.”

Tempest grunts. “Guess you should get started then.”

The doctor turns to look at Arc. He nods silently. Sighing, Doctor Horse puts the needle in Arc’s arm and depresses the plunger. Putting the spent syringe into the proper disposal receptacle, he turns back to Arc whom is already fading.

“Good luck, sir.”

As Arc loses consciousness, the doctor motions to the nurse.

“You watch his vitals while I take care of our patient.”

“Yes doctor.”

As she takes her place next to the machines, the doctor picks up the other vial. Uncorking it, he carefully measures out the proper amount before adding it to a bag of nutrient solution via a syringe. Putting it into another machine, he presses a button and turns to the others.

“I’ve just inserted the… medicine into the patient’s afternoon meal. It should be fully within her shortly.”

Tempest frowns. “Then what do we do?”

Cherry appears hopeful. “Yes, we can help if need be.”

Doctor Horse turns to face Applejack’s bed. “There’s nothing we can do now other than to watch over these two’s vital signs. With any luck, the Hero of Light will be successful in his task.”

Meanwhile, Arc opens his eyes and looks around. He is surrounded by darkness on all sides except for a small circle of light around his person which sadly doesn’t illuminate anything other than himself. Frowning, he sighs.

“This isn’t exactly what I was envisioning.”

Cherry calls out to him. “What now though?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Well… worst case scenario, I can wait until the sedative wears off and wake back up in the hospital bed.”

“Sounds like that could take a while. At least according to what the doctor said earlier.”

Arc shrugs. “At least you can’t die from boredom. Not that I could anyways, seeing as you’re here with me.”

Cherry giggles. “We could always just talk.”

“What about?”

“Anything really.”

“How about…?”

He stops talking and looks all around before continuing.

“Did you hear that, Cherry?”

“Hear what?”

“It sounded like… arguing.”

Looking all around for a few moments, he spies a small beacon of light some distance away. Calling forth his armor, Arc runs towards it as best he is able, quickly reaching it. Before him stands a much younger filly-ish version of Applejack and a smaller (figuratively speaking) Big Macintosh. While unable to understand what they are saying, it’s clear that the pair are involved in a heated argument. Walking over to them, he speaks.

“Um… hey.”

The brother and sister ignore him completely and continue with their tirade. Arc waves a hand between them in an effort to get their attention to no avail. Frowning, he sighs and folds his arms over his chest.

“This is weird.”

Cherry sighs. “What did you expect?”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. Something more akin to… the Applejack I’m used to.”

“Look at her though, Arc. She’s so young.”

“Guess we all start out that way.”

He kneels down to the foal’s level as he continues.

“But at the same time…”

Looking at the pair as they continue to fight, he sighs.

“…this just doesn’t seem like them either.”

“Agreed. Applejack’s always been so level headed. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her even raise her voice before. Much less get into such a heated argument.”

Arc gestures to the pair before him. “So… do we just… let them keep going, or what?”

Cherry groans. “I’m not sure what else we could do. After all, you’ve already tried getting their attention before to no avail.

“Well, let me try something else.”

Reaching out a hand, Arc touches Big Mac’s head. His hand passes right through as the foal turns into a mist and vanishes from sight. Applejack instinctively takes a step back as Arc comes into her field of vision.

“What the hay… are you?!”

“Oh! Um… my name is Arc. I’m the Hero of Light.”

Spotting the Crest of Light on his shoulder, Applejack appears conflicted as she speaks.

“Are you… really though?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Something wrong with that?”

“Not exactly. It’s just that you… uh… don’t really look like somepony who would have that particular job.”

“The armor makes me look kinda scary, I know.”

Recalling his armor, Arc continues.

“How’s this?”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “What… are you?”

“A human.”

Applejack shakes her head. “But those ain’t real!”

“Yet here I am.”

Applejack sighs. “I suppose I can’t argue with that.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“That foal… your brother… what is it that you were arguing about?”

Applejack frowns. “Everything!”

“Could you maybe narrow it down a bit?”

“He’s always thinking that he should be in charge because he’s the oldest between us! Well, I have plenty of good ideas too, you know!”

“I’m sure you do.”

“One of us has to take over Sweet Apple Acres when we get older though! Granny Smith deserves to retire at some point, after all!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And you two can’t work together?”

Applejack snorts. “That’s up to Big Mouth!”

Nodding toward another beacon of light in the distance, Applejack looks to Arc as she starts walking.

“Come on! I’ll show you!”

Making their way toward the light, they see another vision of Applejack and Big Macintosh. However, this time they are both adults. The mare points a hoof toward a pig pen as she speaks angrily.

“How many times do I have to tell you, Big Mac! There’s a right and a wrong way to do this!”

Big Mac shakes his head. “Nope.”

Applejack groans. “Look! I’ll show you one more time!”

She opens the gate to the pen a few inches before closing it again. Walking around to the other side of the pen, Applejack makes a funny face as she waves her hooves and sticks out her tongue. Returning to a spot about halfway to the gate, she stands on her hind legs and clucks like a chicken. Grabbing a rope in her mouth, Applejack runs into the barn and reappears on a large beam overlooking the pig pen. Tying one end of the rope to it, she attaches the other to her belly and swings out over the pen with a fishing pole. Dangling an ear of corn over the creatures, she uses it to lure the pigs into a stampede past their trough. The force of their hooves running past it causes a pail on the fencepost nearby to shake just enough to dump its contents into the trough. Seeing this, the pigs double back and begin to eat hungrily. Looking over her shoulder to Big Mac, she speaks.

“Got it this time?!”

Big Mac shakes his head as he walks away. “Nope.”

The filly next to Arc groans and bows her head as Arc kneels down to her level. Turning to him, she sighs.

“See? He wouldn’t take me seriously.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But I don’t see how all of that was really necessary.”

“It is though!”

“Then talk me through it.”

Applejack walks over to the gate. “Alright then. First of all, the gate squeaks really bad. So I open and close it to show the pigs that it’s safe.

Arc frowns as she does so. “I don’t hear a squeak though.”

“It was fixed a long time ago. But the squeaking scared them and drove the pigs over to their shelter.”

Walking over to the other side of the pen, she puts her hooves up on the fence before continuing.

“That’s why I made those faces. To scare them into coming out again.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And that worked?”

“Well… not so much now, since they got used to it.”

Taking a few steps, Applejack continues.

“The chicken dance was to show them that if they didn’t eat quick enough, the chickens would get to their food.”

Running up to the top of the barn, she calls down to Arc.

“And since I was a ‘chicken’, I couldn’t see myself opening the gate. So that’s where the corn and rope came in.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And the bucket just happens to fall in?”

“That part was kind of an accident at first. Figured that one out when I left it there one day.”

“How does your brother do it?”

Applejack shrugs. “I dunno. But I’m sure he isn’t doing it the right way!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You mean ‘your way’.”

“It comes to the same thing though!”

Arc sighs. “But why are you so insistent that it be done this way?”

“Because everything here on the farm needs to be done perfectly to keep things running smoothly.”

“I get the feeling that there’s more to it than simple methodology though.”

Applejack appears confused. “What do you mean? All I want is for it to be done the very best way.”

The filly vanishes into nothingness. Cherry gasps and calls out.

“Applejack?!”

Arc chuckles. “That was surprising.”

“What happened?!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I’m guessing that she’s some kind of figment of the true Applejack’s imagination.”

“I guess that would make sense. After all, we are inside of Applejack’s consciousness. But wouldn’t that mean that every version of her we see would be just a thought?”

“Probably. But I get the feeling that the real Applejack, as in the one that everyone in this world knows, is in here somewhere.”

“So you’re saying that she’s been… suppressed, or something.”

Arc frowns as he begins walking. “Hopefully that’s all it is.”

Sometime later he comes to another beacon. A wooden door stands there silently. Taking a deep breath, Arc slowly pushes it open. A small room that looks as if it belongs to a young foal lies before him. A storm rumbles outside as raindrops pelt the window panes. Hearing something, Arc turns to see a small filly curled up in a corner of the room. Walking over to her, he kneels down and speaks softly.

“Applejack? What’s wrong?”

Applejack looks up at him sadly. “It’s my momma! Granny says that she’s really sick and took her to the hospital!”

Arc looks toward the window. “Out in a storm, huh?”

“Yeah. She must be really sick to leave in this! Mom didn’t look too good and I’m scared!”

“Are you worried that she…?”

Applejack interrupts him. “Granny says that the doctors at the hospital are the best! But she also says that everypony makes mistakes sometimes! So what if that happens?!”

“Well, ah… I’m sure they’ll do their very best to help her.”

Applejack turns to look at the wall. “I sure hope so. But as sick as my mom is, they’ll have to do everything perfectly.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully as the scene before him fades away. “Perfectly, huh?”

Cherry sighs. “I’m seeing a trend here.”

“As am I.”

Looking all around, Arc spies yet another light some distance away. As he walks towards it, he sighs.

“Let’s see if we can put this matter to rest.”

Reaching the beacon of light sometime later, Arc sees a fully grown Applejack sitting in front of a pair of tombstones and staring at them blankly. As he approaches, he hears her talking softly to herself.

“It should have been done right. It should have been done right. It should have been done right.”

Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically as he moves to stand next to Applejack. “Her parent’s graves?”

Arc nods. “It looks like it, yes.”

“She’s stuck saying the same thing over and over again though.”

Arc looks to the mare beside him. “Then this must be Applejack’s consciousness.”

“But how are we supposed to reach her? I mean, Applejack doesn’t seem to notice you at all.”

“I have an idea.”

“What’s that?”

“If this works like I’m guessing it does, the graves are the things that are, more or less, holding her consciousness prisoner.”

“So you’re saying that you should destroy them?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.”

“It’s worth a try.”

Walking so as to stand between the pair of tombstones, Arc smacks them both with a fist. However, he quickly finds that they are akin to immovable objects. Rubbing his hand, Arc grimaces as he steps back.

“Ouch! Didn’t expect that to happen!”

Cherry gasps. “Are you alright, Arc?!”

“Yeah, just… not used to the idea of hitting something and not seeing it go flying.”

“So as it stands, we can’t destroy the tombstones. That leaves us with only one other option.”

Arc looks down to the mare before him. “Address Applejack directly.”

Kneeling down to her level, Arc takes a deep breath and speaks.

“Applejack?”

“It should have been done right.”

“Can you hear me?”

“It should have been done right.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll take that is a strong ‘maybe’.”

“It should have been done right.”

“Listen, what happened to your mother and father wasn’t your fault.”

“It should have been done right.”

“You were just a filly back then, after all!”

“It should have been done right.”

“There was absolutely nothing you could have done to prevent their deaths back then.”

“It should have been done right.”

Cherry sighs. “I don’t think you’re getting through to her, Arc.”

Arc nods soberly as he stands. “Not in the least.”

“What now though? I mean, we can’t just leave her like this. Can we?”

Arc groans. “No, we can’t. But I get the feeling we don’t have much time left before my sedative wears off and I wake up again.”

“But what else could we do? I mean… talking to Applejack in this state is sort of like talking to a brick wall.”

“She obviously can’t hear me. However, that doesn’t mean that she can’t be reached.”

“What do you mean?”

Arc looks past Applejack in the general direction where they came from previously. “Maybe someone else has to try reasoning with her.”

Stepping past the mare, Arc takes a dozen or so paces away from the gravesite. Taking a deep breath, he concentrates. A door materializes in front of him a short time later. Quickly opening it, he sees the filly Applejack lying in the corner still crying. Walking over to her he kneels down and puts a hand on her head.

“Applejack?”

She looks up at him sadly as he continues.

“I need you to come with me.”

Applejack appears confused. “What for?”

“Someone… very close to your parents needs help.”

Applejack slowly stands. “But how could I help anypony?”

“By listening and helping them accept something very… difficult.”

The pair walk through the door together and over to the adult Applejack whom is still repeating the same phase as before. Looking to Arc, filly Applejack speaks.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Her parents are buried here. She blames herself for what happened to them.”

Applejack bows her head. “By ‘them’ you really mean my parents, don’t you?”

Arc sighs. “Yes.”

Kneeling down to her level, he gestures to the mare before continuing.

“She, or ‘you’ if you prefer, is stuck. Stuck in an eternal loop blaming herself for what happened to her parents.”

“I don’t get it. How could them dying be her fault?”

“It wasn’t, of course. But she’s still blaming herself for it by insisting that everything around her be done ‘perfectly’ ever since. And I can’t seem to get her to listen to me.”

“Maybe I can fix that.”

Turning to her older self, the filly trots over to her and taps her fetlock before continuing.

“Hey. There’s somepony here who says they need to talk to you.”

She points up at Arc. Applejack slowly looks up at him with empty eyes silently. Arc clears his throat before speaking.

“Your parents are gone, yes. But that doesn’t mean that there was anything you could have done to stop it.”

He turns to the graves before sighing and putting a hand on one of them.

“I lost my own parents a long time ago. When I too was little, I was sent to an orphanage. It… was a very hard time in my life. And at the time I too blamed myself for what happened to my mother. But as I came to terms with what had happened, I learned to let go and move on with my life.”

Holding out a hand to her, Applejack slowly puts her hoof into it and stands up at his prompting. They turn to face the tombstones together.

“They helped make me whom I am today. As did your parents.”

Filly Applejack steps over to her older self. “Mom and dad will always live on in our hearts! And we have a lot of ponies whom rely on us too!”

Applejack nods and speaks slowly. “I… suppose so. But… Apple Bloom…”

“We’ll find her! I just know we will!”

Arc sighs. “And she wouldn’t want to see you like this either.”

The little filly walks over to the tombstone and looks at it for a long moment before turning to Applejack and speaking.

“We have a lot more to do. So we can’t let the past hold us down any longer.”

Applejack nods soberly “You’re right! I have to figure out how to help everypony!”

Joining the filly in looking at the tombstones, she continues.

“Mom… dad… I have a lot of work to do. So I won’t be around much for a while. Someday we’ll all get together again and I’ll tell you all about how things went. But for now, I have to go.”

Standing, she turns her back on the stones. They vanish into nothingness as she looks to her filly counterpart.

“I’m ready.”

“So am I.”

Stepping forward, the filly becomes one with Applejack and vanishes. Turning to Arc with a determined look on her face, she speaks.

“Let’s go.”

Arc nods and smiles. “Then let’s be off.”

Waving a hand, a door appears before them and opens. A bright light emanates from it as Applejack instinctively takes a step back as Arc looks to her.

“Don’t be afraid. We’ll go together.”

Taking a deep breath, Applejack nods and follows Arc into the light. A few moments later he opens his eyes and sits up to see Tempest and Cherry looking at him. Cherry is the first to speak.

“How did it go?!”

Arc grunts. “Alright, I think. How about on this end?”

The nurse taps the screen before her. “Both of your vitals stayed about the same the whole time fortunately.”

Tempest yawns. “Admittedly it was a really boring experience for us.”

Slowly swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Arc turns to the nurse.

“Give me a stimulant so I can shake this groggy feeling.”

“Yes sir.”

Pulling a needle from a nearby drawer, she purges it before depressing the plunger into Arc’s arm. As she puts the now empty needle into a nearby receptacle, Arc stands and walks over to Applejack’s bed. He looks to the doctor and points to the IV bottle.

“Discontinue the patient’s sedatives.”

Doctor Horse frowns. “Are you sure that’s wise, sir. After all, the last time such a thing happened she was very…”

Arc interrupts him. “I’m sure, doctor. Carry out my orders.”

Sighing, Doctor Horse shuts off the flow from the IV bottle. Stepping back, he returns his attention to the monitors. A short time later Applejack’s eyes slowly open part way. Cherry steps over and smiles down at her.

“Can you hear me, Applejack?”

Applejack nods weakly. “Ch-Cherry? Is that you?”

Cherry grins. “Yes! How do you feel?!”

“Like I’ve been hit by a full wagon.”

She moves to put a hoof to her forehead but is unable to do so due to the restraints. Frowning, Applejack looks to the doctor.

“What the hay?! Why am I tied up?!”

Doctor Horse sighs. “For the staff’s safety, I’m afraid.”

Tempest steps forward. “You were out of control when we brought you in.”

Applejack again tugs on her restraints. “Can you let me loose now though? I won’t try to leave.”

The doctor looks to Arc. He nods silently. Doctor Horse and the nurse get to work untying Applejack’s appendages. Cherry begins rubbing Applejack’s back fetlocks as she repositions herself with Tempest and the nurse’s help. Taking a quick glance at the readouts, the doctor speaks.

“You’ll be very sleepy for the next twelve hours or so. Best not to fight it and allow your body to recover from this trauma.”

“What… exactly happened to me though?”

Cherry looks up from her place at the end of the bed. “We can talk about it tomorrow, Applejack.”

Doctor Horse nods. “You should just rest for now, miss.”

Tempest shrugs. “What they said.”

Arc steps forward. “One last thing before you do though.”

Applejack appears confused. “Oh?”

“In the name of national security, we’ve been trying to locate the Elements of Harmony. Can you please tell me where you hid yours?”

Nodding sleepily, Applejack lays back against the pillow. She whispers something as Arc leans down to hear it. Closing her eyes, Applejack falls asleep again as Arc straightens up and turns to Cherry.

“I’ll head out and secure the Element. You should probably stay here with Applejack and make sure she’s alright when she wakes up.”

Tempest steps toward Arc. “Want some company?”

Arc nods. “Where I’m going, I might just need it, yes.”

Tempest heads for the door. “Then let’s be off.”

Looking to the now unconscious Applejack lying there, Arc sighs and lowers his voice.

“Rest well, Applejack.”

Leaving the room with Tempest, Arc opens a portal and motions for the mare to step through. Following her, they reappear back in the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. Walking over to the stallion at the desk, he points to the map and speaks.

“Special Agent Tempest and I need to go here.”

Tempest frowns. “Are you serious?!”

Arc turns to her. “Very.”

The stallion nods and gestures to the pad. “Very well, sir.”

Arc and Tempest step onto the teleporter pad together. A few moments later they are teleported to a grove of trees. Making their way silently up a hill nearby, they look over it to see Sweet Apple Acres. Innumerable guards swarm over the property which is illuminated by powerful spotlights. Tempest grunts as she surveys the scene before them.

“Kinda figured they’d have upped the security after what we did here not too long ago.”

Arc frowns. “Food must be getting scarce for them in Canterlot.”

Tempest points with a hoof. “Looks like they set up some grow lights to ‘feed’ a number of the trees.”

“Seems like kind of a waste to me though. After all, trees take a lot of energy and don’t give that much food in return. They’d be better off using those lights to grow smaller fruits and vegetables like we are on the moon.”

Tempest chuckles. “Sounds like idiots are in charge. But let’s stay focused on the task at hoof.”

Arc nods. “Getting in and finding Applejack’s Element.”

“Please tell me it’s not in the house or barn.”

“Don’t worry. It isn’t.”

“Good.”

“Applejack said that it’s hidden at the far edge of the orchard.”

Tempest smirks. “That’s a bit of luck. Probably not as many guards way out there.”

“We could help ensure that fact with a diversion.”

“Did you have something in mind?”

Arc nods. “Kinda, yeah.”

“I’m listening.”

A short time later smoke begins pouring out of the barn. An alarm goes off and the surrounding guards run toward the structure. As they do so, Arc and Tempest make their way through the shadows toward the orchard’s outskirts. Pushing their way through the less well kept part of the property, they come to a very strange looking pair of trees. Two trunks have grown together to form a single tree which bears both apples and pears. Tempest narrows her eyes as they approach it.

“That just doesn’t look natural to me.”

Arc walks toward the tree. “Natural or not, we have a job to do.”

Tempest puts a hoof on her weapon as she looks around nervously. “Then hurry up and do it! I’ll keep watch!”

Arc looks over the tree for a few moments before spotting a small knothole partway up the trunk. Reaching into it, he feels around for a few moments before pulling out the Element of Honesty and turning back to Tempest.

“Got it!”

Tempest grimaces. “Good! Now let’s get out of here before a patrol spots us!”

Nodding, Arc quickly opens a portal and rushes through it with Tempest at his side.

Chapter 13 - Going Down

Arc and Tempest reappear in the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. As the portal closes behind them, Spitfire looks over from her clipboard and calls out.

“You two alright?”

Arc nods as he holds up the Element of Honesty. “That we are. And mission accomplished as well.”

Spitfire gasps. “How did you…?!”

Tempest shrugs. “We just made a diversion in the opposite direction we were heading. It was ‘Infiltration 101’ all over again.”

Arc nods. “It was right where Applejack said it would be too.”

Spitfire sighs. “That’s good, I guess. Um… but that does leave us with a new problem.

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Spitfire gestures to the Element in Arc’s hand. “Where the heck are we supposed to keep that thing?”

Tempest frowns. “The colonel is right. We shouldn’t leave something so valuable to our cause just lying around.”

Arc holds up a hand. “Not to worry. There’s always my magic ring.”

Spitfire shakes her head. “And if you or it should be captured, all that work would then be for naught.”

Tempest nods. “Agreed. We need someplace a bit less… mobile.”

Arc gestures down the corridor. “How about the base’s vault then?”

Spitfire frowns. “I’ve only seen it in passing while on patrol. Can I assume that it’s secure?”

Arc nods. “According to the architect whom designed the base, it’s second only to Canterlot’s vaults.”

Tempest shrugs. “Sounds good to me.”

Spitfire writes something down on her clipboard. “Alright. I’ll make a memo for General Cherry letting her know of the Element’s location when she returns.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “She’s usually just called the mayor now though.”

Spitfire facehoofs. “Yes, I know. Old habits die hard, I guess.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, let’s get this thing locked up.”

Leading the way to the vault, Arc opens it and steps inside as the two mares wait respectfully at the door. Carefully setting the Element of Honesty on an empty shelf, Arc sighs as he mutters to himself.

“I’ll find the rest of you. This I promise.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Talking to a rock now?”

Arc sighs. “Just musing to myself, I suppose.”

Turning, he leads them out of the vault and closes it. Looking to Spitfire, Arc again speaks.

“That just leaves the matter of our next move.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Tempest frowns as she looks around. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about sensitive matter like this here.”

Arc points down the corridor. “Office?”

Spitfire nods. “Probably a good idea, yes. I can give you a rundown of what’s going on at the moment as well.”

The trio heads for the War Room together. Entering, they make a beeline for the main office. After securing the door behind them, Spitfire walks over to the desk and sits down. Pulling out a stack of papers she clears her throat and speaks.

“Platinum Valve has reported to us that food production has increased by three hundred percent with the introduction of the Nightborn’s aid in growing food.”

Arc looks to the window. “What of the other greenhouses?”

Spitfire smirks. “Completed ahead of schedule with the aid of their shadow creatures, or whatever those things are. That’s most of the reason for the increase in food production.”

Tempest sits down on her haunches and frowns. “I still don’t trust those robe wearing freaks or their pets.”

Spitfire sighs. “In times like these we need all the help we can get though, Tempest.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. And we’re going to need the additional food to help the survivors down on the surface. What about transit lines?”

Spitfire taps the map on the wall. “We’ve already sent aid to Baltimare and Manehattan to keep their food stores up. It’s all done via teleporter which helps keep things secure.”

Tempest grins. “It wouldn’t do to have Canterlot intercept their shipments, after all.”

Arc looks to the map. “And what of Las Pegasus?”

Spitfire shrugs. “I sent word to them offering our assistance. However, the return message said that they’re doing very well on their own at the moment and don’t require any outside support.”

Tempest scoffs. “Pride.”

Arc turns his gaze to the planet outside their window. “Either that or their food stores honestly are as big as they say they are.”

Spitfire frowns. “That may very well be. But I must also point out that no matter how plentiful their supplies may be at the moment, nothing is ever truly bottomless.”

Tempest looks to the colonel. What do you suggest we do then?

Spitfire bows her head. “Nothing much at the moment. I mean, it’s not like we can force them to accept our aid.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Agreed. For now, let’s just focus on those whom need our help.”

Tempest nods to the map. “Baltimare and Manehattan.”

“Right. But as was suggested a while back, we should also look into putting the increased food stuffs into either jars of cans for potential long term storage.”

Spitfire taps the desk with a hoof. We’re doing that as best we can, of course.”

Tempest shrugs. “True. But we don’t have the facilities to do such a thing to accommodate the increased output of the greenhouses though.

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I’ve seen such things in stores, so it’s possible.”

Tempest nods. “With the proper equipment such things would be an option, yes.”

Arc turns to Spitfire. “Where would we find such equipment then?”

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “There’s always Sweet Apple Acres. They jar jams and other preserves, after all.”

Tempest shakes her head. “True. But that equipment has been moved since then though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How do you know?”

“Because I saw what I can only assume was its former spot in the barn when we were raiding it some time ago. Wires sticking out haphazardly as well as pipes and scratch marks leading to the door.”

Arc frowns as he puts a hand to his chin. “What would Canterlot need with such things though?”

Spitfire shrugs. “It is possible that they too have come into their own source of food via grow lights. After all, it would make sense for them to look at long term food storage as well.”

Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically. “What about Cherry Hill Ranch?”

“Huh?”

“We have jarring equipment there. It’s very similar to that which Applejack had on her farm.”

Arc looks to Spitfire. “There’s always Cherry Hill Ranch as well.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “That place in Dodge Junction?”

Tempest nods. “He’s right. They would have had equipment there to process cherries.”

Spitfire sighs. “I suppose that’s true. But we’d still need the approval of general… Mayor Cherry first. After all, it is her property.”

Arc looks to the door. “If it would help expediate the process, I could head back over to the hospital and ask her about it.”

Tempest bows her head. “That’s probably not a good idea right now.”

Spitfire nods. “Right. She has enough on her plate at the moment, what with her friend lying in a hospital bed.”

Tempest shrugs. “And it’s not like we’re in desperate need of that equipment just yet.”

“I suppose that’s true. Worst case scenario we could always just send the excess food out to either Manehattan or Baltimare as a sort of free gift.”

Spitfire grins. “A bit of goodwill never hurt.”

Tempest looks to the colonel. “Now that we have a plan for what to do with the food stores, what are we supposed to do in the meantime?”

“We should probably increase our search parties to bring back anything else that could be of use to us in the future.”

Tempest turns to the window and the planet below. “And what about searching for more allies? I mean, there has to be others out there whom could be convinced to join us.”

Spitfire taps the map on the desk with a hoof. “But we’ve already searched every town on the map and saved those whom we could.”

Arc walks over to the desk. “Let me see.”

Scanning the map, he looks over the various towns which have been crossed out by a red pencil. Pointing a finger at one of them, he looks to Tempest.

“What about here?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Vanhoover?”

Arc nods. “Can I assume that you evacuated it?”

“The orphanage along with the town’s citizens, yes.”

“Anyone else?”

Tempest frowns. “Um… I’m not really sure what you’re getting at with that.”

Spitfire shrugs. “Yeah, I can’t imagine Tempest leaving anypony behind.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe not intentionally, no. But that doesn’t mean there’s no one there.”

“What are you getting at?”

Arc instinctively lowers his voice. “This is top secret, but… there is another country underneath Baltimare.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?”

“For many years they have lived far below the streets of Vanhoover.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “And how long is ‘many years’ supposed to be?!”

“Centuries.”

Spitfire gasps. “But how could they have done such a thing without us knowing about them all this time?!”

“The civilization uses beasts, whom they are able to communicate with somehow, to hunt and forage for them rather than going up to the surface themselves.”

Tempest groans as she puts a hoof to her forehead. “This is… just so hard to believe though! Are you certain of this?!”

Arc nods. “Very. The ogres…”

Spitfire cuts him off. “OGRES?!”

“Is that a problem?”

“Yes!”

“How so?”

“We have OGRES living in Equestria?! Isn’t that enough reason?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “No.”

Tempest steps forward. “As much as I hate to admit it, the Hero of Light is correct in this matter.”

Spitfire gasps. “What?! How?!”

“Because they’ve been here for so long without incident, for starters. That and we don’t really have the military might to chase them out even if we wanted to.”

Arc chuckles as he looks out the window at Equus. “I can do you one better though. Their civilization actually predates the founding of Equestria. So if anything, they have every right to stay where they are.”

Spitfire facehoofs. “But… but ogres…”

Tempest sighs. “In any case, we should probably send somepony over there to make contact with them.”

Spitfire motions to Arc. “Sounds to me as though the Hero of Light already did that.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. And before you ask, to the best of my knowledge no one has approached them in all the time they’ve been down there.”

Tempest smirks. “Then I suppose we’ll be the first.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “We?”

Tempest nods. “Can’t let you go on this one all by yourself. That and I’d like a word with these ogres as well.”

Spitfire looks to Arc. “Do you know where to find them?”

“In the old aqueducts that run under Vanhoover. There’s a trap door in the New Beginnings Orphanage that we can use to get down there.”

Tempest frowns. “How do you know about…?”

Arc cuts her off. “It’s a state secret.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “But I have the highest level of security clearance of anypony in…!”

Arc interrupts her again. “Some things are a secret from everyone though.”

Spitfire shrugs. “That does kinda make sense. Part of keeping the public safe is hiding certain facts, after all.”

Tempest turns and heads for the door. “Fine. But I’m still coming along!”

Arc falls into step behind her. “Very well. Shall we be off then?”

Spitfire appears confused. “Uh, aren’t you tired from this morning though?”

Arc shakes his head. “Oddly enough, no.”

Tempest smirks. “Why would he be? Remember, all he had to do was lie there and sleep. More or less anyways.”

Arc shrugs. “There was a bit more to it than that. But we’ll have to leave such a conversation for another day.”

He gestures to the door and Tempest follows him toward it. As he puts a hand on the doorknob, Arc turns back to Spitfire.

“Keep things on track here until either we or Cherry comes back.”

Spitfire nods. “I will.”

Leaving the office, Arc and Tempest head to the Main Hall. As they walk Arc turns to her.

“So why did you want to come on this mission?”

“It involves going back to my old orphanage. If something was indeed going on there it was my fault for not noticing it.”

“I get the feeling there’s more to it than that though.”

Tempest scoffs. “Let’s just stay focused on the matter at hoof.”

“But…”

Tempest stops walking and turns to him. “I’d like to point out that you are the one whom is keeping any number of dangerous secrets to yourself here! So don’t act so surprised when somepony else wants to keep things to themselves!”

Arc sighs. “Fair enough.”

Continuing on their way, they come to the Main Hall. Arc walks over to the desk and points at a spot on the map.

“We need to go here.”

Tempest walks over and shakes her head. “Make it here instead.”

The stallion looks to Arc. “Sir?”

Arc shrugs. “There then, I guess.”

As the stallion gets to work imputing the coordinates Arc and Tempest step onto the teleporter pad. A few moments later the stallion powers it up and the pair vanish. Reappearing in a dense forest, Arc turns to Tempest.

“What’s so special about this place?”

Tempest sighs as she looks around. “It’s a very… special spot for me personally.”

Walking over to a tree, she reaches a hoof into a knothole partway up the trunk. Pulling out a small case, she sets it down on the ground and opens it. Peering inside for a few moments silently, Tempest groans and closes it again before putting the case back in its place. Arc raises an eyebrow, clearly confused.

“Uh… care to tell me what that was all about?”

Tempest turns and walks away. “Not really.”

“Fine.”

“Really?”

“Uh… yeah.”

“Huh. Interesting.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What is?”

“I thought you would try and order me to tell you. Not that such a thing would have worked, mind you.”

Arc shrugs. “Like you pointed out before we left the base. You have your secrets and I have mine.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Yes, I do believe you have established that fact.”

“All in the name of national security though.”

“Same here. So let’s forget all about that and just get on with the mission.”

“Very well.”

Approaching the edge of the forest, they step out onto a road. Tempest points a hoof as she speaks.

“The orphanage is this way.”

Arc looks around. “Are you sure?”

Tempest nods as she continues on. “Very. Remember, this town was my post for a number of years.”

“Post?”

“Assignment. Which means that I know both it and the orphanage like the back of my hoof.”

“Because you designed it.”

Tempest stops and turns to him, her eyes narrowed. “And how exactly did you know that?”

“I saw the blueprints. According to the notes they were apparently drafted by ‘T. Shadow’.”

Tempest begins walking again. “Oh… right.”

A short time later they approach the orphanage. It stands before them silent and dark. Walking up to the front door, Tempest pushes it open and the pair step into the Main Hall together. As Arc closes the door behind them Tempest turns to him and speaks.

“There’s a hatch leading underground…”

Arc continues her sentence. “…in the closet at the end of the hall.”

“Blueprints?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Tempest motions for him to follow. “Knew I should have destroyed those back then.”

“There is one thing that I don’t understand though.”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“If you personally designed the orphanage, why draw in an access point to the aqueducts?”

Tempest sighs. “Force of habit.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’m afraid I don’t get your meaning.”

“You have to understand that when somepony is trained in the art of stealth and subterfuge one of the things that’s drilled into our heads relentlessly is to always have a number of different escape routes available to oneself at all times. And after a while making sure such a thing stays true, well… it just becomes second nature.”

“So I’m assuming you figured that, if the need ever arose, you and the orphans could take shelter down there?”

Tempest nods as they stop in front of the closet door. “More or less. While it certainly wouldn’t have been my first choice for a retreat, as I’m not even sure if there’s still a safe way up to the surface down there, in the event of an emergency it would have been a decent plan of last resort.”

Arc gestures to the door. “I suppose so. But considering what’s down there, it’s a good thing you never had to follow through.”

Tempest grimaces. “Ogres. I’ve only ever read about them in books detailing extinct species.”

Arc chuckles. “They’ll have to amend them after this.”

“Maybe.”

Arc sighs. “You still think I’m making all of this up, don’t you?”

Tempest shrugs. “It just doesn’t make sense. I mean… how could they have lived down there all these years without anypony figuring it out.”

“You included I might add.”

“That too!”

Arc calls forth his armor. “Then let’s get underway so we can put this matter to bed.”

Nodding silently, Tempest puts a hoof on the doorknob. Turning it, she pulls the door open to reveal a more or less empty closet. Arc knocks aside the throw rug with a Telekinesis Spell and takes a step forward. Tempest frowns and quickly steps in front of him.

“Wait!”

“What is it?”

“Remember, I’m still technically the matron of this orphanage.”

“What’s your point?”

“So, I should be the one to go first.”

Arc shakes his head. “Trust me when I say that wouldn’t be a good idea.”

Tempest puts a hoof on her blade as she replies sarcastically. “Aw, what’s the matter? Are you afraid that the big, bad ogres are going to get me?”

“Not so much the ogres themselves as much as their ‘pets’ might.”

“You did mention before that they had domesticated animals, yes. But I’m sure I’ll be able to handle some woodland creatures.”

Arc groans. “These are a bit bigger than what you would normally see though.”

Tempest smirks. “Then they’ll be easier to see coming.”

“I’m not going to be able to convince you to let me go first, am I?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Nope.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “Then how about a bit of a compromise?”

“I’m listening.”

A short time late the pair walk down a dark tunnel together side by side. Tempest turns to Arc as she speaks.

“Happy?”

“Not really.”

“Why not? After all, we were able to come to an agreement.”

“I still say this is a bad idea though.”

Tempest rolls her eyes as they step into a larger room. “And I’m sure that you’re just…”

She is cut off as Arc violently shoves Tempest to the ground. As the mare opens her mouth to speak, she is again interrupted as Arc dives on top of her. The sound of numerous small projectiles bouncing off his armor echo in the otherwise still chamber. Grabbing her muzzle, Arc pulls Tempest’s head close to his and whispers.

“Pretend you’re paralyzed!”

Grunting, Tempest wordlessly nods. Arc releases his grasp on her muzzle and waits. A short time later a contingent of ogres, flanked by a number of very large scorpions, cautiously step out of the shadows and approach the pair on the ground. As they near, Arc quickly jumps to his feet. The ogres point with their spears, commanding the scorpions to attack. Arc casts a Barrier Spell to counter their barbs and shield himself along with Tempest. After a few moments the ogres call off their assault and cry out for reinforcements. Arc takes the opportunity to speak to them.

“Wait! We come in peace!”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Oh, this is going to work out great.”

“My name is Arc. I’ve come here to represent the country of Equestria.”

The leader of the group appears confused as he speaks.

“Equestria?!”

Arc points toward the ceiling with a finger. “The country up there.”

“Wat yew doing down here?!”

“There’s trouble in our land. I’ve come to talk about it with King Megut.”

The ogres bow their heads and sigh. Tempest looks at them, confused.

“Uh… what are you doing?”

“King Megut’s name sacred to us. He bravest of the brave and toughest of the tough. But even he not strong enough to survive bad pony betrayal.”

Arc groans. “So he’s gone?”

“Dead and buried.”

“Then how about his son, Prince Tugem? Is he here?”

“Ya! Prince Tugem our new leader, after all.”

“Can I see him please?”

The ogre levels his weapon at Arc and growls. “What for?!”

“Just to talk over future potential diplomatic relations between Equestria and the Ogre Nation.”

“Uh… first you explain what all that mean!”

Tempest groans. “This isn’t going so well.”

Arc nods. “I know.”

Looking back to the ogre, Arc continues.

“In other words, I merely want to speak to the prince about important leadership matters.”

The ogre bangs his spear against his shield angrily. “You want Prince Tugem to hear your words, then you tell them to me and I tell him for you!”

“It’s pretty complicated stuff though.”

“Go ahead! Me leader of this group because me the smartests!”

Arc shrugs. “Alright.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc continues.

“As Equestria’s Hero of Light, I’ve come here today in order to extend a proverbial olive branch to the illustrious monarch of your nation. Our two societies needn’t be adversaries, as our sovereignties have shared the same continent since time immemorial to all. It is my hope that through this dialogue I hope to have with his royal highness, as well as future correspondences forthwith, we can see fit to bury the hatchet and come to a benevolent understanding of one another.”

The ogre stands there staring at Arc for a few moments. Eventually he speaks.

“Uh…”

Arc smirks under his helmet. “Did you get all of that or should I repeat it?”

“I gets it. But, uh…”

“Is there a problem?”

The ogre scratches his head. “Not sure I can… say all of that to the prince.”

Arc shrugs. “I know. Like I said, it’s pretty complicated stuff.”

Tempest facehoofs. “With subjects like these it’s a wonder they made it this far.”

The ogre grunts. “Me thinks you just going to have to say that to Prince Tugem himself.”

Arc nods as he gestures toward a nearby corridor. “Good. Please lead the way.”

“No! First we go and ask prince what he want us to do! Then he decide if he listen to your words or just has us come back and make you into beast food!”

Arc chuckles. “Oh, I’m sure he’ll want to see me.”

The ogres back away with his troops and their scorpions. “You stay here! No leave this spot!”

Arc waves after then. “We’ll be waiting.”

As they retreat down another corridor, Arc lowers his Magic Barrier. As he does so, Tempest steps forward and looks around at their surroundings as she speaks.

“Maybe one of these other tunnels will let us get ahead of that group!”

“Perhaps, yes.”

“So which one do you want to try?”

“None of them.”

Tempest frowns. “What?”

Arc leans against a wall. “I said that we would wait here for them. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “You do realize that fighting fair seldom wins a battle, right?”

“That may very well be. However, this isn’t my first time dealing with foreign powers.”

“Foreign powers?! They’re just a bunch of stupid beasts that learned to string words together into semi-coherent sentences!”

“I agree that they may not be as intelligent as you or I. But you can’t deny their other achievements.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “What? You mean coming up with sticks for weapons?”

“I meant how they’ve managed to not just survive down here, but thrive. For centuries, I might add. And right under your very nose too.”

Tempest scoffs. “Yeah, well… nopony knew they were here anyways.”

“Including the princesses themselves, I might add.”

“Really?”

Arc nods. “They were very surprised when I first told them of the ogres here in the aqueducts.”

Tempest smirks. “And all this time I thought that nopony could surprise an alicorn princess.”

Arc shrugs. “No one knows everything.”

Sometime later innumerable ogre guards step out from several dark corridors and approach the pair. Tempest instinctively puts her hoof on her blade but Arc motions for her to hold her position. Stepping forward, Arc places himself in front of Tempest as the ogres finish getting into formation. A few moments later a better dressed ogre approaches and looks Arc up and down before speaking.

“Good day, Equestrian.”

Arc bows at the waist. “Thank you for seeing us, Prince Tugem.”

Tugem frowns. “Forgive me, but it is ‘King Tugem’ now.”

“Ah, yes. My apologies, sir.”

“I am told you are what is known in Equestria as the ‘Hero of Light’.”

Arc nods. “Yes sir. My name is Arc. And my companion here is Special Agent Tempest.”

Tugem nods to her. “The matron of the orphanage.”

Tempest appears surprised. “I am, yes. But how did you know that?”

“We may not go to the surface very often, miss. However, that does not mean we are ill-informed about the comings and goings of this land.”

He turns back to Arc before continuing.

“Now then, for what purpose have you come into my domain today?”

“You are no doubt aware of the instability within Equestria these days. How the sun no longer shines and the land is in turmoil.”

Tugem nods. “Yes, we can hear the land crying out on the winds. But is that not you Equestrian’s doing?”

“I suppose it is, yes. It appears that one of the princesses has succumbed to her inner darkness and overthrown the capital to rule alone.”

Tugem folds his arms over his chest. “And you come to me now seeking the military aid of the ogres with which to retake your capital city and overthrow the current monarch?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, sir.”

Tugem raises an eyebrow. “Then for what reason do you stand before me?”

“It has been centuries since the ponies and ogres shared the land above. And over the years your civilization was forgotten. Lost to all in the sands of time. But it need not stay that way.”

“You seek an economic alliance of sorts then?”

“In a manner of speaking. I’d like for us to be able to trade with your nation.”

Tugem gestures with a wave of his hand. “What would we trade with though? As you can see, we don’t exactly have a lot of resources.”

Tempest steps forward. “I’m assuming you’re short on food at the moment.”

Tugem sighs. “I must admit, our hunting beasts have had great difficulty finding prey for some time now, yes. However, that does not address my earlier question of what we would use to bargain with.”

Arc chuckles. “Information.”

Tugem appears confused. “I am afraid that I don’t get your meaning.”

“In order for our rebellion against Canterlot, our capital city, to be successful we need to know more about what’s going on around the country.”

Tempest groans. “And we don’t really have the hooves to do that as it stands.”

“The ogres are masters of training animals to do their will. Even going so far to be able to speak to them. Such skills would be very valuable to our cause.”

Tugem puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Our beasts can move swiftly and silently among the land above, yes.”

Tempest shrugs. “And even in the off chance that they were seen, it would not raise any concerns from whomever spotted them.”

Tugem turns to Arc. “What kind of information would we be seeking for you?”

“Our top priority right now is to find a way to enter the capital again. And to do that we need to locate a number of very specific mares.”

Tugem frowns. “Mares?”

Arc nods as he pulls a picture from his ring. “Yes. There are six of them.”

Holding out the photograph, Arc waits. King Tugem motions to a guard whom steps forward to take it. Shuffling it back to his monarch, the young ogre looks it over for a long moment before turning his attention back to Arc again.

“They do not appear to be warriors.”

Arc nods. “That’s because they aren’t. Top left, the pink one is named Pinkie Pie. She’s a professional party planner. The blue pegasus to her right, Rainbow Dash, is a weather pony. On the bottom left, Rarity, is a dress maker. To her right, lying on the ground, is a yellow pegasus named Fluttershy. She’s…”

Tugem cuts him off, his eyes wide. “THE MOTHER!”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Uh… mother?”

“This mare is very… special to those of us whom are attuned to that land! The yellow one you know as ‘Fluttershy’ is referred throughout the animal kingdom simply as ‘mother’!”

Arc appears hopeful. “Does that mean you can find her?”

Tugem nods soberly. “Her at the very least, yes.”

Tempest frowns. “We need all six though!”

Arc shakes his head. “Five now. Remember, we already found Applejack.”

Tugem holds up the photo. “You have my word that we shall begin the search for the Mother at once!”

Arc grins. “And the other four?”

Tempest points upward. “Along with other intel too.”

Tugem shakes his head. “I have not yet agreed to your earlier trade offer, Hero of Light. The ogre tribe will track down the Mother’s current location and pass it on to you, of course. However, that is all I am willing to commit to at this time.”

“Then let me show you a token of the bounty we can offer.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out a large basket. Setting it down on the ground he steps back and continues talking.

“This is but a sample of what we’ve been able to grow lately.”

Removing a second container from his ring, Arc sets it down next to the first and opens the lid. Reaching out a hand, he casts a Telekinesis Spell and lifts a flopping fish from it. Looking to the king again, Arc speaks.

“We also have access to fish from the eastern seaboard of Equestria if that would be of interest to you.”

Tugem raises an eyebrow. “Very interesting. We’ve never had such fresh things before.”

Tempest taps a hoof impatiently. “So let’s make a deal then!

Tugem frowns. “I shall talk it over with my advisors first.”

“But we need to…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Thank you very much, King Tugem. When might we return for your final answer in this matter?”

“Tomorrow morning. You may remain here in the meantime.”

Tempest points a hoof back the way they came. “Fine. We’ll spend the night in the old orphanage above.”

“That may not be advisable at this point in time.”

Arc appears confused. “Oh?”

“My scouts have informed me of an increase in the number of armored pony patrols within the woods in and around the town above you know as ‘Vanhoover’. It is likely that they would investigate any source of life they came across.”

Tempest looks to Arc. “We could always head back to base and return in the morning.”

Tugem chimes in. “Or you may remain here in this section of our domain. I would assume that it’s certainly not what you’re used to. But is nonetheless safe from the patrols above.”

Arc looks around. “I… suppose we could.”

“Very well. I only ask that you not leave this chamber without being escorted by our guards.”

He gestures to the adjoining corridors before continuing.

“They patrol the area regularly, so you will have no trouble locating them should the need arise.”

Arc bows at the waist respectfully. “Thank you, King Tugem. We shall wait here for your decision then.”

Nodding, the king turns and leaves with his guards. As they vanish from sight down a corridor, Tempest looks to Arc and frowns.

“Very good. I love the idea of spending the night in a cold, dark hole in the ground without the necessary supplies to do so.”

Arc pats his ring. “I do have camping supplies though.”

“That makes things a little bit better, I suppose. But I still don’t understand why you agreed to stay here.”

Arc pulls a tent from his ring. “It was my idea to show King Tugem just how serious I am in having a partnership with the ogres. That I’m not afraid of them or their domain either.”

Tempest steps forward to help him. “An interesting take on our current situation. However, I’m guessing that we have the numbers to simply take them head on.”

“Maybe. But that’s not my goal here.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Securing all land withing Equestria’s borders isn’t on your radar?”

“Only from perceivable threats.”

Tempest gestures with a hoof toward the corridor the king took. “And you don’t seem to think that a whole civilization living under our very noses to be an issue?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope.”

“Why not?!”

“Because they were forced to come here.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Arc sighs. “Let’s finish setting up our camp before I start that story.”

Sometime later the tent is pitched and two sleeping bags laid out inside of it. Removing a device from his ring, Arc sets it in the middle of the floor and turns it on. A few moments later it begins to glow softly. Tempest walks over and sits down in front of it. Holding out her hooves, she rubs them together and sighs contentedly.

“I’ve always loved that warm feeling.”

Arc sits on the ground across from her. “Warming up over a magically powered stove after working on getting the tent set up?”

Tempest nods. “Yeah. It always gives me something to look forward to.”

Arc recalls his armor and holds his hands out to the device. “This little stove really does put out some heat.”

“They’re pretty standard for field operations. As long as you have at least one Unicorn in your party to keep its magical batteries charged up, staying warm isn’t an issue.”

She reaches over and rummages around in her saddlebags for a few moments before pulling out two boxes. Tossing one to Arc, she begins unwrapping hers.

“It’s not much. But this is certainly better than nothing.”

Arc sighs as he too opens his package. “Right. Military meals.”

Tempest nods to the stove. “These were specifically made for this purpose, after all. Well, that and keeping warm, I suppose.”

They cook their food and begin to eat. Looking over at Arc, Tempest again speaks.

“So… you going to fill me in on this?”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

“On what you were saying earlier about how the ogres were ‘forced’ to come here.”

“Ah! Right!”

“I’m assuming it’s a big state secret though.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not exactly. I mean… it’s not like anyone really knew that they were down here until somewhat recently.”

‘Then talk.”

“Fine.”

Putting down his meal, Arc looks to Tempest and continues.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the origins of Equestria.”

“Origins?”

Arc nods. “The story of Hearth’s Warming.”

“You mean when the three pony races came together to create this country?”

“Exactly. Now then, the three races came to this land in order to escape the cold in their former homes caused by the windigos. However, their constant fighting over whom owned the land caused the windigos, and by proxy the arctic cold, to come here as well. It plunged the continent into winter seemingly overnight.”

Tempest shrugs. “Everypony has heard that story before.”

“The ogres lived to the west of Vanhoover on islands just off the coast.”

Tempest frowns. “Islands? In the North Luna Sea?”

Arc nods. “Right.”

“But we’ve had our forces look them over in the past. There wasn’t anything found that suggested they once had a city there.”

“Remember, this was well over a thousand years ago. Everything they built had plenty of time to rot or be buried.”

“I suppose so. But what does that have to do with them being here in Vanhoover? Well, under it.”

“When the temperature started to drop, strange winged creatures that I can only assume were windigos attacked the islands. The leaders of the clans led their entire nation across the sea to the mainland in an effort to preserve their society. They kept walking, looking for shelter, and eventually ran across an Earth Pony city.”

“Vanhoover?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, this city predated that. It was before Unification also.”

“So they stayed there?”

“They tried to, yes. The Earth Ponies wouldn’t let them in though. So the ogres set up camp outside the walls. However, their leader saw in a dream a creature of pure light that promised to lead his ogres to safety if they would just follow.”

Tempest shrugs. “It was just a dream though, right?”

“Apparently not, as when he awoke there was a strange light shining some distance away.”

“So he followed it?”

Arc nods. “With his entire tribe behind him. They followed the light to a broken grate in the town wall that led underground to the aqueducts.”

“And they remain here to this day.”

“Exactly. When Vanhoover was constructed on the ruins of that city they just built right over the old aqueducts.”

“But how did they survive?”

“Apparently mushrooms grew thick around here back then. That was before they turned to using their beasts for foraging, of course.”

“An interesting tale. But if what you’ve told me is true, why keep it to yourself?”

Arc sighs. “Because that would mean others would have a reason to come here looking for them. You saw what the ogres did to protect their territory when we arrived.”

Tempest frowns. “They certainly weren’t fooling around with security earlier.”

“Anyone else that comes here might not be lucky enough to be wearing such heavy armor. So I’d ask you to keep what I told you to yourself.”

“Fine, I guess it wouldn’t hurt anypony not to know the truth about this place.”

“Yes, just leave its existence in the past where it belongs. It’s best for all concerned.”

They stare at the glow of the stove for a few minutes before Arc again speaks.

“Hey, um…”

Tempest looks to him. “What is it?”

“I… just wanted to say ‘thank you’.”

Tempest appears confused. “For what?”

“Having my back in the past.”

“It’s a soldier’s duty though.”

“I suppose it is, yes. To follow the orders of their superiors in an effort to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. But you’ve volunteered to come with me a time or two.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “So?”

“I’m just wondering why you did that.”

“Because you’re the best chance we have at overthrowing Canterlot and freeing Equestria.”

“I suppose so. But I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”

Tempest sighs. “Yeah. Kinda is.”

Arc folds his hands and places them in his lap. “If you’d like to talk about it, I’d like to listen.”

Tempest looks away. “I’d… rather not.”

Arc shrugs. “Alright.”

They are silent for a time, the only sounds coming from the magically powered stove between them. Eventually, Arc continues.

“If you don’t want to talk about that, there is something I’d like to speak to you about. Off the record though.”

“What’s that?”

“At any point in time, have you ever… been approached by someone asking you to work with them on something?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, but I don’t get your meaning.”

Arc makes a circular motion with his hand as. “Someone… outside of the military hierarchy.”

“Can you be a bit more specific?”

“A stallion in a black robe that exudes dark power.”

She is silent for a time. Eventually, Tempest takes a deep breath and nods.

“Yes.”

“Do you remember his name?”

“He would just refer to himself as ‘The Dark One’.”

“And what did he want?”

“Me to join his group in defending Equestria from what he called ‘the coming darkness’.”

Sighing, she looks over her shoulder at the corridor they used to get there before speaking again.

“And it appears what he was trying to stop came to pass.”

Arc frowns. “Came to pass?”

Tempest nods. “The sun no longer shines and the capital has fallen. What else could he have meant?”

“I suppose you have a point there. Can you tell me more about what he was willing to offer for your help?”

“Some kind of blade. A scythe, really. He said that it had the power to absorb souls, or some such nonsense. And that by using it I could become more or less immortal.”

“And you turned him down?”

Tempest nods. “Yes. Yes, I did.”

“May I ask why?”

“When accepting something of great value, something of equal or greater value must be given in return. So when I asked him what I had to give in return he uttered a single, chilling word.”

She closes her eyes and continues.

“Everything.”

“What do you mean?”

Tempest shakes her head. “He wanted my soul upon my death.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Probably for the best that you turned down such a thing.”

“That’s what I thought at the time. But now… now I’m not so sure.”

Arc appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“With that kind of power I could probably have trounced anypony whom stood in our way. Heck, maybe even broken into Canterlot by now.”

Sighing, she looks to Arc before continuing.

“That’s part of the reason why I volunteer to go out as often as possible. All in hopes that I might run into him again.”

Arc frowns. “And take him up on his offer?”

“It would be a small price to pay! Liberating a nation by sacrificing one mare’s life!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’d rather do it without sacrificing anyone.”

“That’s not going to be possible and you know it!”

“Sure. But I still wouldn’t trust someone who made such offers.”

“Why not?!”

“Mostly because of the power discrepancy.”

“Huh?!”

“Think about it, Tempest. If he had the ability to give you an item of such power, then he must have even greater power himself.”

“And…?!”

“If he really is that powerful, why doesn’t he use that power to save the nation himself?”

There is a long silence that Arc does not try to break. Eventually, Tempest nods silently.

“I… guess I never really thought about it that way before. If he’s so powerful than why would he need me?”

“Believe me when I say that I think you made the right choice by turning him down.”

Tempest groans. “Yeah, maybe. But then I’d have been able to…”

She suddenly stands up as a strange look covers her face. Turning, Tempest quickly walks toward the tent and enters it wordlessly. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically as she does so.

“What was that about?!”

Arc sighs. “I’m guessing she’s having some regrets from not taking the power from the Dark One. So every time she fails, or feels that she could have done more, her mind goes back to what could have been.”

“Like somepony else I can think of.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really? Who?”

“You, Arc.”

“Me?!”

“Yes, you.”

“But I never…!”

Cherry interrupts him. “Every time you have a free moment you always second guess your past decisions.”

“I… suppose I do. But not THAT often! Right?!”

Cherry groans. “All the time, Arc.”

“Guess that’s true.”

Grunting, he facepalms.

“So I’m going to regret it like she did.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Regret what?”

“Before we came to this version of Equestria I was visiting our Tempest in the hospital with Cerulean Skies. The Dark One came and offered me her weapon, Light’s Bane, with no strings attached.”

“And you didn’t take it I would imagine.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, I didn’t want anything to do with that guy. And who’s to say that it really was catch free?”

“So it’s possible that at some point you’ll be in a situation where things don’t turn out the best and you will be lamenting your previous choice?”

Arc nods. “Like Tempest is, yes.”

“While I’m not trying to say that either of you made the wrong decision in your respective decisions, I do understand all too well how you think, Arc. And I just wanted to get this out in the open beforehoof.”

“Yeah, I get it. But…”

“But, what?”

Arc gestures to the tent. “Do you think I should say something to Tempest?”

“Probably not. I mean, that’s more than likely crossing a line.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“In any case, you should probably take Tempest’s lead and get some rest now.”

Arc shuts off the stove and stands. “Sounds good.”

Heading to the tent, Arc sees Tempest in her sleeping bag facing away. Closing the flap behind him, he lies down in his own bag and gets comfortable. Staring up at the ceiling for a time, Arc considers the conversation from earlier in his head. Eventually he closes his eyes and falls asleep. However, sometime later Arc is awakened by a strange sound. Sitting up, he looks around for a few moments before peeking outside the tent. Frowning, he calls out to Cherry.

“Am I hearing things?”

“No, I heard it too.”

“What was it?”

“I have no idea.”

The sound again rings out. Turning his head, Arc sees Tempest moving erratically in her sleeping bag. Raising an eyebrow, he calls out to Cherry again.

“Uh… is she… you know…?”

“I think she may be having a bad dream, or something.”

“Does that mean I should I wake her?”

“That would probably be wise, yes.”

Reaching over, Arc puts a hand on Tempest’s shoulder and shakes her gently. However, instead of waking up she puts her hoof on his hand and coos slightly.

“Oh, Deci… you’re a forward one!”

Arc grimaces. “Oh boy.”

Shaking her a bit harder, Arc sees her eyes open. Tempest looks at Arc for a long moment before slowly pulling her fetlock back inside her sleeping bag and looking away.

“Um… is something up?”

“No, I just… you were… uh…”

Tempest rolls over to again face away from him. “I’m sure it was nothing. Night.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. Good night.”

He lays back down and closes his eyes. Shortly thereafter Arc falls asleep again. However, Tempest lies awake staring at the tent wall. Blushing heavily, she pulls the sleeping bag over her head and grunts softly as she muses to herself.

“Of all the stallions to do something like that in front of…!”

The next morning (as per the clock not the sun, of course) Arc awakens. Sitting up, he looks over to Tempest’s sleeping bag to see it empty. Getting to his feet, he pushes the tent flap open to see Tempest sitting on her haunches in front of the stove heating up two pouches of food. Turning to him, she grimaces.

“Um… I just… thought I’d get started making breakfast.”

Arc approaches her. “Ah! I see.”

Sitting down across from her, he waits silently as Tempest finishes warming up their ‘meal’. Handing him his portion, Tempest picks hers up and begins to eat. They do so without a word for a few minutes. Eventually Arc breaks the uncomfortable silence.

“So… how did you sleep last night?”

Tempest looks down at the food as she speaks. “Alright, I suppose.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Tempest motions to the corridor behind her. “Think the king will keep us waiting long?”

“No idea.”

Another uncomfortable silence fills the air. Groaning, Tempest drops her food pack on the ground and looks Arc straight in the eye.

“I…! You see…!”

Arc looks at her evenly. “What is it?”

“About… last night. You see… I was… you know…”

“…dreaming.”

Tempest appears confused. “What?”

“You were making some rather strange noises last night. So I decided to wake you in an effort to make sure that you were alright.”

Tempest grimaces. “R-right. Dreaming.”

“And we don’t need to speak of it any further if you don’t want to.”

“I would appreciate that, yes.”

“Then if you’re happy with that, the subject is closed.”

Tempest nods. “I am.”

“Good.”

He goes back to eating as Tempest picks up her packet again and picks at her food for a few minutes. Eventually she looks to him again and speaks.

“I have a question.”

Arc raises his eyes and looks to her. “What is it?”

“Can you tell me your exact… position within the… order of things?”

“Not applicable.”

Tempest frowns. “Huh?”

“The Hero of Light is not part of the military.”

“Yes, I know that! What I meant was… ah…!”

She trails off and begins wringing her hooves nervously. Arc sighs, puts down his food, and looks her in the eye.

“Whatever it is that you want to say to me, just say it. You have my word that I will keep it to myself.”

“Alright.”

Taking a deep breath, Tempest composes herself before continuing.

“How much do you know about my past?”

“A bit admittedly.”

“Elaborate.”

“You and your sister, Cerulean Skies, were originally born in a small town called Stableton. You fled to Vanhoover as fillies when the population mysteriously disappeared one day. To support yourselves you relied on petty theft and lived under the tavern to keep warm.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “How did you…?!”

Arc continues. “One day, you met an officer in the military named Decimus whom saw something in you. He gave you an advance to join the military, which you used to buy a small house for your sister before you left with him.”

“That’s right, I did.”

“His sponsorship landed you in special forces training. Which you excelled at. Eventually, you and him became more than just officer and subordinate though. And much more than just friends.”

Tempest nods as she blushes slightly. “I… I can’t deny that. But… I still don’t understand how you know all of this.”

“As I’ve said in the past, when you’re the Hero of Light you just kinda pick things up. After all, you never really know when certain facts can come in handy.”

Tempest sighs. “I suppose so. After all, we were taught to use every advantage available to us in training as well.”

“So I can only surmise that you were dreaming about Decimus last night and that my touch somehow worked itself into your dream of him. How close was all of that?”

“Dead on admittedly.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Tempest grunts. “Don’t worry about it?! Somepony knows my deepest, darkest secrets and you tell me not to worry about it?!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not going to tell anyone.”

“And what do I need to do in return for such a favor?”

“Nothing.”

Tempest frowns. “Nothing?”

“I told you before that this conversation would stay between us, and I meant it.”

Tempest sighs. “Guess I can’t really do much other than trust you in that.”

“Not really, I guess. You’ve been holding that in for a while though, I imagine.”

Tempest scoffs sadly. “More you know about me, huh?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just intuition on that one.”

“It… all happened so fast.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“That day in Canterlot.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Tempest bows her head. “Might as well. You pretty much know everything else already.”

Dropping her food pack into a bag, she sighs before looking at the stove and speaking.

“It was a day just like any other. Decimus and I had been recalled to Canterlot for a debriefing with the princesses. However, when we arrived in the capital, we found that so many others had been given the same orders.”

“To report to the princesses?”

Tempest nods. “Suspicious of the circumstances, Decimus told me that we were going to hold back in town rather than report directly to the castle as ordered.”

“Why though?”

“He wanted to gather information. Try to figure out what was going on.”

“What was your take on it though?”

Tempest shrugs. “At the time nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary in town. To me it looked like just another day.”

“But that wasn’t the case.”

“No. All at once a dark barrier started forming high overhead. Decimus and I ran toward the city gates with a number of the citizens nearby as the barrier quickly began to spread downward. I didn’t think we could make it, but Decimus just told me to keep running.”

“Since you’re here I’m assuming that you made it.”

“I did. But only by the skin of my teeth. And even then…”

She looks down at her hooves before continuing.

“…only because I felt a warm muzzle give my flank a push at the very last minute.”

“Captain Decimus pushed you through?”

Tempest nods. “I turned back, of course. But the barrier had already fallen, cutting us off. The last thing I heard him say before the barrier fully hardened was for me to run. Run, and not look back.”

“And you did?”

“The few citizens that made it through with me didn’t really know what to do. So I ran down the tracks to a call box there. It connected me with the incoming train that was due in just a few minutes. I warned them of what had happened and ordered them to pick us all up.”

“Where did you go?”

“The conductor told me that the closest major town was Ponyville. So that’s where we went. I was originally going to just drop the citizens off there and call Cloudsdale for aid. However, as I was making the call at the Ponyville Station… that’s when the sun fell and the moon rose.”

“And it’s remained that way ever since, huh?”

“Right. And the phone lines died with it.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Sounds like whatever happened in Canterlot was coordinated.”

“Agreed. But I didn’t have time to think about that, as the citizens of Ponyville were going crazy.”

“Scared?”

“Yeah. Royal Guards were chasing ponies down and arresting them. And the ponies on the train were in danger of being next. I was thinking about how best to defend them when a portal opened up and the leader of the Nightborn stepped through with some of his acolytes.”

“Moonlit Dusk came to get you?”

“Indirectly, yes. As his acolytes opens portals to call forth their… creatures, Moonlit Dusk spoke to me. Apparently he was just executing orders from Princess Luna on some kind of a contingency plan.”

“The Lunar Base on the moon.”

Tempest nods. “I led everypony from the train through a portal as the Nightborn did their best to rescue those being pursued by the guards.”

“And the train itself?”

“It had cargo for Las Pegasus, so the conductor decided to stay put and keep going. Frankly I’m thinking he just wanted to get as far away from Canterlot as he could.”

“But how did you meet up with Cherry and Spitfire then?”

“They were brought to the moon by a second extraction team that Moonlit Dusk sent to Dodge Junction.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Just the two towns?”

Tempest sighs. “Yes. It was all he had supplies to support at the time.”

Arc frowns. “And the rest of the country? You just left them to fend for themselves.”

“We sent out broadcasts on all frequencies advising everypony to relocate to the closest major city.”

“Baltimare, Manehattan, and Las Pegasus.”

“There is strength in numbers.”

Arc shakes his head. “Look, I’m sure you’ve been trained extensively on how to deal with every imaginable situation. Good, bad, and probably even apocalypse level stuff. But I don’t really understand how you could even consider abandoning such a large percentage of the population.”

Tempest looks away. “It… wasn’t an easy choice to make. But this was the will of Princess Luna.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“According to Moonlight Dusk, in the event of extreme crisis he was to select two small towns and relocate their populations to the moon. This wasn’t to save their lives though.”

“What else…?”

Tempest cuts him off. “To safeguard the entire pony race. We were to remain on the moon until the danger had been dealt with before returning in order to rebuild and repopulate the land of Equestria again.”

Arc mutters to himself. “Kind of like Queen Faust did.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing. Just thinking of a certain… historical parallel.”

Tempest nods. “I’m sure it’s been done in the past, yes. But you have to admit that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I suppose that does make sense from a logical and tactical standpoint.”

“Why do I get the feeling that there’s a really big ‘but’ incoming?”

“I’ve… been in that position myself before.”

Tempest sighs. “Where you had to make a choice over saving somepony you cared about and saving a great many more?”

“Yeah.”

“So you agree with me then?”

Arc is silent for a time. Eventually, he looks to Tempest soberly and speaks.

“What I’m about to tell you is top, TOP secret, Tempest.”

“I’ll keep it to myself.”

“Quite some time back one of the princesses was kidnapped and taken to a foreign land.”

“What?!”

Arc holds up a hand to calm her. “My personal squad along with three others left to rescue her. During the battle to escape, all but one of us was critically injured. And that one nearly died in the final leg of our flight from that land.”

Tempest bows her head. “Their sacrifice was not in vain.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Huh?”

“I didn’t leave them behind.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you were there to save a princess.”

“Right, I was.”

“But their safety should have taken priority over all else then.”

Arc shakes his head. “I wasn’t leaving anyone behind.”

“Why though?!”

“All of us had been through so much thus far. We were almost like family by that point. They didn’t deserve to be left behind do die in a foreign land.”

“And if things hadn’t gone the way you had planned?”

Arc clenches a fist. “The thought of leaving someone behind wasn’t something I could do. While I know that probably goes against everything you’ve ever been taught. But it’s how I do things.”

Tempest shakes her head. “Did the princess get home safely?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And the entire team recovered as well, given time.”

“Sounds like it all worked out in the end. Somehow.”

A voice rings out nearby.

“That it did.”

Turning their heads, the pair see King Tugem walking towards them alone. They instinctively stand as he approaches. Arc is the first to speak.

“Good morning, sir.”

Tempest bows slightly. “Thank you for your… hospitality.”

“Have you had time to consider our proposal?”

Tugem nods. “I have, yes.”

He looks to the corridor from whence he came before continuing.

“But then again, I never went far.”

Arc frowns. “I don’t recall the Throne Room being that close though.”

“It isn’t.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “You mean…?”

“I spent yesterday night in the corridor.”

Arc gasps. “But… why?”

Tugem chuckles. “To think.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “I can imagine a few better places to do such a thing.”

“Yes, well… I wanted to get to know you two a bit better. And what better way than to wait, watch, and listen?”

He looks to Arc before continuing.

“You treat your subordinate well, Hero of Light.”

“She’s not technically under me.”

Tempest shrugs. “It’s complicated.”

Tugem continues. “Nevertheless, I now know that the Hero of Light possesses a Kind and noble soul. He makes decisions with his heart. Albeit foolishly sometimes.”

Looking to Tempest, he nods.

“And you make yours with logic and reason. Cold and calculating, like a viper’s bite.”

Tempest scoffs. “Somepony has to make the difficult choices!”

“Indeed. However, you too have a softer side for someone special.”

Tempest blushes slightly as she grimaces and looks away. Chuckling, the king goes on.

“I do believe that we shall make excellent allies. At least if this is the caliber of individuals Equestria contains, that is.”

Arc appears hopeful. “So we can count on your aid?”

Tugem nods. “Yes, Hero of Light Arc. We shall aid you in locating your missing mares.”

Tempest grins. “And any troop movements or strange activities as well?”

Arc quickly chimes in. “We shall repay you for any helpful knowledge you can procure for us, of course.”

Tugem puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That only leaves the matter of how to contact you with our findings.”

Tempest points a hoof up. “I have a long distance transmitter upstairs in my quarters. However, it doesn’t have enough power to reach us on the moon.”

Arc turns to Tempest. “How about Manehattan?”

“That would work, yes.”

Arc looks to Tugem. “I’ll put you in touch with that town’s mayor. He’s been looking for these mares pretty much since this mess started.”

Tempest nods. “Mayor Shining Armor has the training to coordinate such a thing, yes.”

Tugem smiles. “We shall speak to him later this morning. However, using only words to describe our desires isn’t exactly the best way to share information. Were we face to face this would be much easier.”

Tempest smirks. “Not to worry there. The transmitter has both audio and visual signals. He can show you maps and additional information as needed. I can run the device down to the entrance if that would be helpful.”

Tugem nods. “It would be, yes.”

Arc motions for Tempest to follow him. “I’ll give you a hand with that.”

Sometime later they switch on the device. As it warms up, Tempest turns to the king.

“We may be far underground, but the antennae is on the roof so we should have excellent reception still.”

Arc grimaces. “I sure hope so.”

A moment later Shining Armor’s face appears on the screen. He appears a bit surprised as he looks to Arc and speaks.

“This is a surprise, sir. I wasn’t aware that anypony was still broadcasting on this frequency.”

“We needed a secure connection. But I believe that I’ve found some help for you in locating the Element Bearers.”

Stepping to one side, Arc motions for the king to approach. As he does so, Arc continues.

“Mayor Shining Armor, I’d like you to meet King Tugem of the Ogre Nation. He rules over a tribe of ogres in… an undisclosed location.”

Tugem nods respectfully. “Good day to you.”

Arc continues. “His forces are ready and willing to help us in this regard.”

Tugem chimes in. “I look forward to working with you, Mayor Shining Armor.”

Shining Armor smiles. “Likewise, your majesty.”

“It is likely that we both can learn much about one another in this.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, I need to be returning to the Lunar Base. The two of you can talk about how best to begin the search.”

Shining Armor salutes. “Yes sir. And thank you for the aid.”

Nodding to Tempest, she follows him back toward the hatch. Stepping through it, the pair return to the orphanage and walk down the corridor together. Arc turns to Tempest as he speaks.

“That’s one more problem delegated.”

“Yes. But do you think they’ll really be able to do it?”

“I think so, yes. In any case, we’ll have to tell Cherry that regular shipments of food will need to be sent here.”

“Agreed. Best to keep our new ally happy.”

As they reach the orphanage’s Main Hall, Tempest stops and looks around for a few moments. Arc notices this and calls out to her.

“Something wrong?”

“I was just… thinking about something.”

“Oh?”

“My past.”

“Is this about what we talked about earlier?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Not really.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I’ve… had numerous roles since joining the military. Some I enjoyed while others I didn’t.”

Gesturing with a hoof to the building around them, she continues.

“I wanted to be the matron of the orphans as a bit of a break from the norm. But also to try and give back to my country. Give the orphans something I never had growing up.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”

“A fighting chance.”

“I don’t quite get your meaning.”

“My sister and I didn’t really have any kind of training in much more than ABCs and basic math. So when things went sideways, we didn’t really know what to do. How to survive in a harsh environment.”

She puts a hoof on a window sill and looks outside as a cool rain begins to fall.

“I wanted to teach the orphans how to be better than I was at that age. However, my original goal blinded me to that which was right in front of me.”

“And what was that?”

“Back then, I thought that the ends justified the means. That everything I did was in their best interests. But one day my assistant fainted while she was teaching a class. I called for the hospital and they took her in for an examination.”

“Coco Pommel.”

Tempest nods. “She was sick. Very sick actually. Thin… gaunt… and literally starving.”

“It would appear that she recovered nicely.”

“That she did. And when she returned, I stepped down and promoted her to acting-matron before returning to Canterlot for reassignment.”

“The foals really seemed to like her. At least from what I could see the other day.”

Tempest sighs. “She’s loved by them, yes. Moreso than I imagined. Coco Pommel has been able to move past her foalhood traumas and raise them. However, I still advise her on activities which build cooperation and critical thinking.”

“Do you regret how you did things though?”

“Every day since I resigned, yes. While I was honestly just trying to help them become strong, for their own good… I didn’t realize at the time just how hard I was being on them.”

“I still don’t understand how you couldn’t see that your methods were so flawed though.”

Tempest bows her head. “At the time I saw results as being the only metric by which to measure success. How well somepony can protect the land and its inhabitants being paramount over all else.”

“But…?”

“But I had lost sight of the true goal. Protecting the citizens. Whom those orphans were.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Look, Tempest… what you did was certainly terrible. But the fact that you were able to recognize it before something even worse happened speaks volumes.”

“I raised Coco Pommel from a very small filly. I knew her inside and out. However, I still didn’t see her wasting away under that robe of hers.”

“Have you spoken to her about it?”

Tempest nods. “At length, yes. When she first took over I called her every day to help acclimate her to the role.”

“And the orphans?”

“Mostly I just stayed away from Vanhoover at first. But I decided to do what I could to help them get everything they needed.”

“Like what?”

“Better beds, proper maintenance on the building, textbooks, sufficient toys, and the most healthy foods.”

“As a good matron should.”

Tempest groans. “But it took me leaving my position to do that.”

“It’s like you said before. All you wanted was to make them into the best that they could be. You leaving was what they needed most.”

“I suppose that’s true. However, it doesn’t change what I did to them.”

“Then do your best to fix it, as you are. And show them all that you can be a better mare.”

Tempest sighs. “Things between us are changing. Slowly, of course. But there isn’t anything I can do to erase the past.”

“Good.”

Tempest turns to him, confused. “Good?”

“That you realize your mistakes and are actively trying to make up for them.”

“I’ve thought about it for a long time now. And I was treating my role at matron as I did every other one. Doing my best for Decimus.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Decimus?”

“He’s the one whom gave me a chance when no one else did. So everything I do is for him. At least now that I think about it.”

“And that’s not actually a bad thing, mind you.”

Tempest bows her head. “Even though… he’s probably gone.”

“Gone?”

“There’s been no word from him since the barrier went up over Canterlot.”

“But he might just be holed up somewhere waiting this thing out.”

Tempest sighs. “I hope so. But we both have numerous ways of getting messages to one another outside of normal channels.”

“Can I assume you’ve tried contacting him too?”

Tempest nods. “Every day since that time. It’s always the same message with no response.”

Closing her eyes, she continues.

“Special Agent Tempest to Captain Decimus. Requesting immediate communication.”

“It’s not much.”

“Such is procedure though. Before verification of a secure link is established I can’t really say much more than that.”

Arc gestures to the front doors. “Then why don’t we head back to the Lunar Base so you can send out today’s message?”

Tempest sighs. “Sounds like a plan. Or at the very least, the only thing I can do at this point.”

Holding up a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal and the pair step through together.

Chapter 15 - Freedom

Later that evening, in the wee hours of the morning (or night if you want to look at it that way), there is a knock at Arc’s door. Opening it, he spies Tempest and Spitfire standing there. Frowning, Spitfire is the first to speak.

“Are you ready to do this thing?”

Arc nods as he steps out into the corridor. “I am. If you believe that the timing is correct, that is.”

Tempest shrugs. “Pretty much. After all, the halls don’t get much more bare than this.”

Spitfire looks around as they begin walking. “Just the odd civilian whom can’t seem to fall sleep. Along with our regular patrols around the base.”

Tempest smirks wickedly. “Whom have conveniently been scheduled to patrol outside the target area.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Sounds like you two have taken care of everything.”

Spitfire sighs. “Not quite everything, no.”

Tempest points a hoof down the corridor. “There’s still the matter of the stallion on duty at the teleporter.”

Arc chuckles. “Just leave him to me.”

Approaching the Main Hall, Arc peeks around the corner to see a lone stallion sitting at Raven’s desk. He appears bored and tired without a task. Making a few quick movements with his hand, Arc waits a few moments as the stallion slowly begins to nod off. As his eyes close, the stallion leans on the desk and falls asleep. Motioning for the mares to follow him, Arc rushes forward and behind the desk. He leans the sleeping operator back in his office chair and rolls him backwards as Spitfire takes their place behind the controls. Tempest walks over to her and points to a spot on the map as Arc takes his place on the teleporter pad. Spitfire looks up to him from the desk.

“We’re all locked on over here, sir.”

Arc nods. “I’m ready to…”

Tempest interrupts him. “Wait!”

Walking quickly over to the teleporter pad, she takes her place next to Arc. He raises an eyebrow, confused.

“Uh… what are you doing, Tempest?”

“Going with you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though?”

Spitfire groans. “We don’t have time for this! Just go, do your thing, and come back!”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. Do it.”

Pressing a few buttons, Spitfire watches as the pair vanish from sight. Returning the controls to their previous settings and putting the rest of the desk back in order, she rolls the stallion in his chair back over to his earlier place. Looking around to make sure that they are alone, she grabs the stallion by the shoulders and begins shaking him.

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

Opening his eyes, the stallion looks around for a few moments before his eyes rest on the mare before him. Gasping, he cries out.

“C-Colonel Spitfire?!”

Spitfire glares at him. “I know it’s a boring post, but you need to keep awake!”

The stallion bows his head. “Yes, colonel.”

Spitfire turns to walk away. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

As she leaves the Main Hall the stallion grabs a nearby pot of coffee and pours himself a fresh mug. Downing it quickly, he mutters to himself.

“Of all the times for me to fall asleep on duty…”

Meanwhile, Arc and Tempest reappear in a small clearing. Looking around for a few moments, Tempest hops up on top of a nearby rock and motions for Arc to join her. As he does so, she points a hoof at a nearby building.

“There it is. Luna Bay Prison.”

Arc grimaces. “It’s not much to look at. Inside or out.”

Tempest turns to him. “You’ve been there before?”

“I have, yes. But that’s a story for another time.”

Turning and hopping down, Arc kneels and makes a sigil. Standing, he turns back to Tempest and speaks.

“You ready to head on back?”

Tempest looks away nervously. “I, uh… “

“Something on your mind, Tempest?”

“It’s just something Spitfire said before about the prisoners here.”

“The ones sent here from Canterlot?”

Tempest nods. “And those whom were transferred out from this place. Any prisoner being moved either into or out of Canterlot’s dungeon has to have the Captain of the Royal Guard’s signature on their papers.”

“Decimus’ signature.”

“One or two could have been the work of a skilled forger, of course. However, the numbers she was talking about couldn’t have gone unnoticed by him.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So you’re saying that you think Decimus was in on the whole scheme?”

Tempest grimaces. “While I don’t want to believe such a thing to be the case, all the evidence does point to him either doing the deed himself or turning a blind eye to somepony else’s actions. Neither bode well for him.”

“That doesn’t make any sense though. I mean… his file shows him to be a loyal retainer of the princesses. Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance have known him his whole life even.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “They have?”

Arc groans. “Probably shouldn’t have said that.”

Tempest folds her hooves in front of her chest. “Well, you did. So tell me just how much they trust him.”

“His family has served the princesses for generations. The princesses are there when the newest foal is born as well as being a limited part of the foal’s life as they grow up to take their place in the royal court. Such is more than just a post for them. It’s getting to spend their time with an old friend.”

Tempest sighs. “Decimus never said any of that though! I mean… I know he was well trusted by all three princesses, but… but I never knew that trust went so deep.”

“I’m not saying that he’s automatically innocent or guilty here. After all, anyone can change sides at any time in theory. However, things don’t really look the best for him right now.”

Tempest puts a hoof to her forehead. “My dearest Decimus a traitor to Equestria. I can’t accept that!”

She turns to look Arc in the eye before continuing.

“There has to be more to it than that though! Maybe it’s all part of some sort of elaborate plan to do… something or other!”

“I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for the moment. But if it’s found out that he’s working with Nightmare Moon, I’ll… do what needs to be done.”

Tempest shakes her head. “No. That should fall to me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though? I mean, doesn’t he outrank you by a significant margin?”

“Because I love Decimus and he feels the same way about me. Remember, if he’ll talk to anypony about what’s really going on in Canterlot, it’ll be me.”

“Fine. If he’s just working undercover, or something I’ll see to it he’s spared when the time comes. If not, well… I think we both know what will happen.”

Tempest nods soberly. “Yes, I understand.”

“I just need to be sure of one thing though, Tempest.”

“And what’s that?”

“How do I know that you’ll do your duty when that time comes?”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Are you saying that I’m disloyal to my country?!”

“Are you?”

There is a tense silence for a long moment. Eventually Tempest speaks.

“No. As for your desire for assurances, I do believe that my record speaks for itself. But then again, what about you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“I’ve read over the reports of past Heroes of Light, as per what is pertinent to my role in the military, of course. And one thing is always the same with them.”

“And what’s that?”

“Their temperament.”

“Elaborate.”

“Every Hero of Light is a great warrior, of course. Fearless and nearly unstoppable in regards to both combat and tactics. They always get the job done in the quickest and most efficient method possible. Which always seems to involve bloodshed.”

“Which I have done in the past admittedly.”

Tempest points a hoof. “However, not you.”

“I don’t find it efficient.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Believe me, it is tops in efficiency.”

“Not my style. After all, such things are quite messy.”

Tempest scoffs. “Sensitive stomach?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I just don’t like the idea of making such… permanent choices. After such a deed is done, there’s no way to take it back if it turns out to have been done in error.”

“So your idea is to do what exactly?”

“Get the job done, of course. But keep as many ponies breathing as possible.”

Tempest shakes her head. “That mentality will be your end one day, you know.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe so. But that is my choice to make. Much like your desire to give Decimus a chance to explain himself before I go all ham on him.”

“That… is one way of putting it, I suppose. But we should return to the base now.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Opening a portal, he motions for Tempest to go first. Following her through, Arc and Tempest find themselves back in his quarters in Light’s Hope. As the portal closes behind them, Tempest turns to him.

“I, uh… was wondering if we could keep that earlier conversation to ourselves.”

“Sure. I’m guessing that officers and agents aren’t generally allowed to… co-mingle, after all.”

Tempest shakes her head. “No, they are not. Which is why I need to keep my relationship with Decimus on the down low. Both for the sanctity of his career as well as mine.”

“I’ll keep your secret then. After all, there’s nothing to gained by outing you two.”

Tempest shrugs. “Nor anypony to ‘out’ us to as it stands, I would think.”

“There’s that too.”

Tempest heads for the door. “In any case, I’ll let you get some rest now. Spitfire and I will carry out our part of the plan later this morning and cover for you.”

“Thank you. I’ll try not to be gone for too long though. After all, I wouldn’t want others to start asking questions about where I really am.”

“That’s another thing. Why exactly are you trying to keep this whole thing a secret? I mean, it’s not like you have to.”

Arc shrugs. “Mostly because I want to investigate the situation over there first. The others probably wouldn’t be too keen on me having meetings with criminals, after all.”

“It still seems like a lot of hassle for very little return. I mean, you could always just say that you were unable to come to an agreement and that we should move on to other avenues.”

Arc chuckles as he opens the door. “Yes, well… I’ll let you know how it goes.”

Grunting, Tempest leaves. Arc closes the door behind her and heads for the bedroom. As he lies down Cherry calls out to him.

“Tempest does raise a good point, you know.”

“Regarding which part?”

“You really don’t have to keep this thing a secret, Arc. I mean, you’re the Hero of Light after all. More or less.”

“This will be a risky move, Cherry. I’ll be going deep into the most notorious prison in the nation.”

“All the more reason for you not to go alone!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But doing so would imperil others.”

“And NOT doing so would be dangerous for you!”

Arc chuckles. “You’ll be there though.”

“I’m serious, Arc!”

“Yes, I suppose you do have a point. But I can’t bring Tempest or Spitfire with me. After all, they need to cover for me here.”

Cherry groans. “Again with the secret mission thing?!”

Arc sighs. “That and I don’t want to leave this place unguarded.”

“But nopony can get up here, Arc.”

Arc turns to look out the window. “To date, yes. However, who’s to say that such a thing will always be true?”

“What are you saying?”

“It hit me when Shining Armor sent us his message to your counterpart referring to our cause as the Lunar Resistance. As it stands, we’re growing in both numbers and notoriety down on the surface due to our ability to grow food here on the moon. That makes us a prime target for Canterlot’s wrath due to our strategic importance.”

“So you’re just trying to protect everypony then?”

Arc nods. “Right. I’m okay with the idea of subjecting myself to danger if that means everyone up here is safe.”

Cherry sighs. “While that’s very brave of you, Arc, it is rather counterproductive.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it this way. If Canterlot is somehow able to reach us here on the moon and you were captured or killed, with you gone forever they would immediately launch an attack on the Lunar Resistance.”

Arc groans. “And I wouldn’t be there to stop them.”

“Right. It’s a paradox, to be sure.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So I really should bring backup then.”

“But whomever it is needs to be both non-essential to the comings and goings of our base and capable of defending themselves. That and wouldn’t be missed by anypony if they weren’t around for an extended period of time.”

“Right. On that note, I think I know just whom to bring now.”

A few hours later, Arc reappears on the sigil near Luna Bay Prison. He is flanked by Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do. The former looks around as she speaks.

“So where are we now?”

Daring Do shrugs. “I thought we were going to check out some remote jail, or something.”

Arc nods. “Right. We’re a short distance away from Luna Bay Prison.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Luna Bay?”

“I have an appointment to see the warden.”

Daring Do frowns. “Seems like a strange time to do an inspection tour, what with Canterlot being in such a state.”

Arc motions for them to follow him. “In any case, let’s get started.”

They begin walking. Arc turns to Daring Do as they do so.

“I still don’t understand why you didn’t want some kind of armor.”

Sunset Shimmer taps her chainmail. “Right. Especially considering where we’re going.”

Daring Do scoffs as she straightens her pith helmet. “But I am.”

Arc frowns. “Protecting just your head isn’t exactly what I would call an adequate defense.”

“It is for me. However, this is more than just a helmet after all.”

“Oh?”

Daring Do smacks it with a hoof. “It protects my head, yes. But at the same time I can use it as a bona-fide weapon if need be.”

Removing it, she holds the hat on her hoof before continuing.

“Or as a shield to a lesser degree.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Then why not just carry an actual shield? Like a buckler and short sword like I do.”

Daring Do waves a hoof dismissively as she tosses the hat back onto her head. “More junk I’d have to lug around then. I prefer to travel light in order to move fast and quietly.”

Arc gestures to the upcoming building. “Fine. You do you, Daring Do. But it’s time to do this thing.”

Approaching the large steel doors Arc looks up to the sentries overhead and calls out.

“I’M HERO OF LIGHT ARC! THE WARDEN IS EXPECTING ME!”

He sees a stallion look him over for a moment before nodding to someone else out of sight. The doors slowly open as Arc turns to the mares with him. Motioning for them to follow, they enter. As the doors close and lock behind them the ones in front slowly open. Standing before them is a cadre of guards in position behind makeshift barricades. They stand there silently with their weapons pointed at the group. Sunset Shimmer draws her blade as Daring Do takes up a defensive stance. Holding out an arm to silently tell the pair to stand down, Arc looks to the guards and speaks.

“I am Hero of Light Arc! You will take me to General Virtuous Lance at once!”

None of them move. Frowning, Arc pulls the Spear of Righteousness from his ring and points it at them before continuing.

“Are you really certain that you’d like to defy my wishes?!”

The sounds of hooves running toward them echoes through the air. What appears to be an officer rushes to stand before Arc. After taking a few moments to catch their breath, they speak.

“My apologies, sir!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What the…?”

“We were told that you would be arriving early this morning. But you were supposed to be alone.”

Frowning, he reaches out a hand and casts a Telekinesis Spell. It unceremoniously pulls the helmet off of the officer to expose their head. The soldiers quickly charge forward, their weapons at the ready. Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do move to stand next to Arc in order to fight by his side. However, Arc calls out a name.

“Rarity?!”

The mare appears confused. “What?”

Motioning for her troops to hold back, she turns her attention to Arc before speaking again.

“Do I know you?”

Arc sighs. “Not… really, no.”

Sunset Shimmer keeps her eyes training on the soldiers before them. “Sir, your orders?!”

Daring Do frowns as she hovers a foot or so off the ground. “We doing this thing, or what?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Stand down. Everything is… is…”

He looks Rarity over for a few moments before continuing.

“…just fine.”

Rarity tilts her head to the side, confused. “Shall I escort you to the warden’s office now, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Please do so.”

Rarity turns and motions to the soldiers. They stand aside and let the group pass. As they walk Arc turns to Rarity.

“My apologies for the earlier outburst.”

“It’s quite alright. But…”

Arc interrupts her and gestures to his companions. “I suppose I should probably have called ahead regarding my entourage.”

“It’s quite alright. After all, I suppose it does make sense now that I think about it.”

“Makes sense?”

Rarity nods. “Right. After all, the Hero of Light is a very important individual. Even more so now that Canterlot is… you know.”

Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically. “See? Rarity understands how things work.”

Arc sighs as he looks to the mare. “Yes, I suppose you’re right Ch… Rarity.”

Rarity turns to him. “But how do you know whom I am?”

“It’s just… something that the Hero of Light does before entering into a situation. Gather intelligence on where they’re going, I mean.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully as the pair continue onward. “That does make sense, I suppose.”

“So, ah… how’s your little one?”

Rarity again stops and turns to him nervously. “My… what now?”

“Your… little sister, Sweetie Belle.”

Rarity looks away. “I, um…”

Cherry groans telepathically. “You’re making her upset, Arc! Now’s not the time for this line of questioning!”

Arc motions down the corridor. “Never mind. We should keep moving.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, lets!”

Coming to a large door, Rarity knocks lightly with a hoof before pushing it open and entering with Arc and company. Walking over to the desk, she salutes and speaks to the stallion sitting behind it.

“The Hero of Light is here to see you, sir.”

Virtuous Lance looks up from his paperwork and stands. “Ah, yes. Welcome to Luna Bay Prison, sir.”

Arc nods cordially as he and the stallion shake hands/hooves. “Thank you for having me, sir.”

Gesturing to his companions, he continues.

“My friends here are Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do.”

Sunset Shimmer salutes. “General.”

Daring Do grins. “Sup.”

Rarity looks to the door as she speaks. “I shall leave you to your meeting, sir.”

Arc turns to her. “Actually, would you please stay, Rarity?”

Rarity appears confused. “Huh?”

“I’d like to hear more about the situation here from you as well as a number of… other subjects.”

Looking to the general, Rarity grimaces. He shrugs and nods. Turning back, Rarity sits down on her haunches nearby silently as Arc turns his attention back to the general.

“First of all, I’d like to extend my apologies for taking so long to come see you, sir.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“While it’s a bit embarrassing, I really didn’t think to check up on this place until recently.”

Virtuous Lance nods to the window. “We are quite a way off the beaten path, sir.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Yeah, well… we’re here now though.”

Sunset Shimmer quickly chimes in. “To lend you and your staff aid by way of supplies, I might add.”

Arc nods. “Yes. I can’t imagine that your stores are doing well at this point.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “That is true, yes. To slow the use of our food supplies I’ve had guards foraging for food near the bay.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her belly. “It’s gotten so bad that we’ve had to start cutting rations with ground… fish flesh.”

Virtuous Lance grimaces. “Please keep that last bit of information to yourself though, sir. “

Rarity looks to Arc. “After all, we don’t need the rank and file guards finding that bit out.”

Daring Do sticks out her tongue. “I sure wouldn’t want to know either!”

Arc nods as he again turns to the general. “We’ll start sending fresh produce regularly to help out.”

“Thank you very much, sir. That’s more than Generous of you considering the state of affairs here in Equestria. However, I do believe that you came here for more than just to offer us supplies.”

“Yes. I hear that things have been a bit… off here recently.”

Rarity turns to the warden. “As far as I know things have been business as usual.”

Sunset Shimmer steps forward. “I believe that the Hero of Light was talking about the time predating Canterlot’s fall to Nightmare Moon.”

Virtuous Lance bows his head as his ears droop. “Yes, I suppose that would be a matter to report to him.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Supposedly there’s been some rather questionable things going on in regards to prisoner transfers.”

“That there has.”

Daring Do grimaces. “Start at the beginning then.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Very well.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing.

“About a year before the land went dark, I started getting more prisoners from the capital. They all had just a few years for sentences though.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Is that really such a bad thing though? I mean, a crime is a crime.”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Normally, no. However, the details of their transgressions weren’t exactly up to my standards.”

Daring Do frowns. “You think they were all innocent?”

Certainly not all of them, no. But at the same time I couldn’t really figure out the truth for myself.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Are you saying that Canterlot intentionally redacted that information?”

“It would appear so, yes. While I didn’t have any proof of wrongdoing, I also couldn’t see such a thing happening so many times.”

Rarity shrugs. “We do seem to have quite a few prisoners, yes. But that’s necessary to keep the land safe.”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “That in and of itself wouldn’t be cause for concern. However, they also ordered a great deal of prisoners transferred from here to Canterlot dungeon for various reasons.”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “Let me guess. Reasons that they didn’t go into.”

“Exactly. Not that such things are out of the ordinary though. After all, there normally isn’t any reason to share such information with me. But for it to happen to so many prisoners certainly isn’t normal.”

Arc sighs as he looks to the warden. “How many prisoners were transferred out?”

“Quite a few.”

Turning to Rarity, he continues.

“We should have a tentative number in the report I sent to Canterlot about a year ago.”

Rarity walks over to a filing cabinet. “I’ll see if I can find it, sir.”

Rummaging around for a few moments, she eventually pulls out a folder and walks it over to the warden. Taking it, he opens the folder and looks its contents over for a few moments before continuing.

“As of the writing of this report, about half of the main level prisoners.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Half?!”

Daring Do whistles. “That’s a lot of ponies!”

Arc points to the folder. “And that’s when you sent the report to Canterlot?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Yes. I felt the need to raise concerns about so many case errors requiring transfers back to the capital. After all, if somepony is innocent they really shouldn’t have been sent to prison in the first place.”

Rarity points a hoof to the filing cabinet. “I didn’t see a response to that report in there.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “That’s because there wasn’t one.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “No reply whatsoever?”

Arc turns to her. “Is that normal?”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “Not in the least. Every request for information or official correspondence is required to be answered in writing.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “What if the answer is ‘no’ though?”

“Then that needs to be written out on official stationery by the proper authority and sent out.”

Arc folds his arms over his chestplate. “Sounds like something a bit fishy was going on over there.”

Virtuous Lance looks to Arc. “I now believe that is true, yes. However, my suspicions were confirmed shortly thereafter.”

“How so?”

“The number of prisoners greatly increased. Both incoming and outgoing.”

Daring Do groans. “As retaliation maybe?”

Sunset Shimmer looks to the former general. “Probably to keep you too busy to follow up on the earlier request.”

“Agreed. That and a number of months later the land went dark and Canterlot cut itself off from the rest of the country.”

Arc motions to the filing cabinets. “Have you looked over the files of the prisoners that you do have?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Most of them are either small time offenders or Royal Guards whom…”

Sunset Shimmer cuts him off. “Wait! Royal Guards?!”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “That’s when I knew that something was up.”

Daring Do shrugs. “What’s so special about Royal Guards though? I mean, they have a ton of them, after all.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to her. “Guards are generally disciplined by their commanding officer by being issued more work or, in extreme cases, sending them to the castle dungeon.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “What if the case was more severe though? Wouldn’t it warrant jail time?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Yes. However, if they had committed such a crime deeming them worthy of such punishment, they would first be discharged from the military before being transferred to Luna Bay Prison.”

Rarity nods to the window overlooking the prison. “It’s also worth pointing out that we hardly ever have any problems with them. Well… the prisoners up top, I mean.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Up top?”

Virtuous Lance taps a security monitor displaying a heavily guarded door. “The pit’s prisoners haven’t increased much in the past year. Nor have any of them been transferred out.”

Daring Do smirks. “That’s good to hear.”

She turns to Arc before speaking again.

“It is good. Right?”

Arc nods. “Agreed. However, as you said before, the transfer of so many prisoners to Canterlot along with the sentencing of so many Royal Guards to Luna Bay leads me to believe that such a thing was part of a larger plan to destabilize the security of Canterlot.”

Rarity appears confused. “How so though? I mean, what would Canterlot have to gain by doing such a thing?”

“My guess is that Nightmare Moon, or maybe her agents, were getting rid of Royal Guards whom were loyal to Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance. They then replaced those guards with certain prisoners whom would follow orders that the others wouldn’t.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Then when Nightmare Moon was ready to make her move, she was already surrounded by guards whom would do her bidding without thinking about it too much.”

Daring Do shudders. “That’s a scary thought.”

Arc chuckles. “And in doing so, Nightmare Moon has made her first mistake.”

Virtuous Lance appears confused. “Sir?”

Arc turns to him. “Think about it this way. The guards imprisoned here are either more or less innocent or not worth sending to prison for their minor crimes.”

Rarity shrugs. “As you said, they were merely banished here in order to allow for less scrupulous ones to take their place in Canterlot.”

Arc gestures out the window to the cell blocks. “Right. And in doing so, Nightmare Moon has given us good and true military forces with which to bolster our ranks.”

Sunset Shimmer grins. “They can help us retake the capital when the time is right.”

Daring Do shadowboxes. “Those traitors in Canterlot won’t know what hit them!”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He turns to the warden before continuing.

“General Virtuous Lance. As Equestria’s Hero of Light, I hereby order the release of any and all guards whom were sent here by Canterlot as a means to frame them for misconduct.”

Virtuous Lance pulls a piece of paper from his desk. “While I am no longer a general, sir, I have already compiled a list of stallions whom fit the description of what you are asking for.”

Rarity looks to the warden. “Shall I have them brought to the courtyard, sir?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Yes, please.”

She takes the paper and leaves the office. Arc watches as the door closes before turning to Virtuous Lance.

“On another note, I’d like to ask you for some information.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “Regarding what, sir?”

Arc motions to the door. “Your aide. What is Rarity doing in a prison of all places?”

“She was found washed up on our shores, unconscious, by one of our patrols over six months ago. They brought her to the prison where we nursed her back to health. However, when she regained consciousness, all she could remember was her name.”

Sunset Shimmer gasps. “Amnesia?”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Right.”

Daring Do frowns. “So you just let her become your aide?”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Not exactly. Her first assignment was to organize our storeroom. Which she did exceptionally well at, I must say.”

Arc nods. “Then you moved her to a more difficult task?”

“Rarity told me that she wanted to help safeguard the land. So she asked to be trained as a guard.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Her?”

Arc appears skeptical. “How did that go?”

“Very well, actually. In but a month’s time she surpassed our combat instructor.”

Sunset Shimmer gasps. “That’s quite impressive.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Agreed. Has she done anything… out of the ordinary since arriving?”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Nothing but numerous acts of heroism during uprisings in ‘The Pit’. That’s where the worst offenders are kept.”

“So you’re saying that she’s extremely capable?”

“And trustworthy too. Rarity is stalwart in her duties to the prison as well as her fellow guards. They’ve taken her in as a therapist of sorts.”

Daring Do gestures toward the darkened window. “Considering what’s going on in the world, they’ll need it.”

Arc looks to the general. “So you wanted to keep her close?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Yes sir. She’s important to the comings and goings of the prison now.”

Daring Do smirks leerily. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “Yes, what other reason would there be?”

Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes. “I can’t imagine.”

A short time later Rarity returns to the office. Approaching the desk, she salutes Virtuous Lance respectfully and speaks.

“The prisoners on the list are awaiting us in the courtyard, sir.”

Virtuous Lance stands. “Very good.”

Turning to Arc, he gestures to the door before continuing.

“We shall escort you and your entourage to the catwalk overlooking the courtyard, sir.”

Arc nods. “Lead the way.”

Exiting the office, Virtuous Lance turns left as Arc and the others follow. Rarity brings up the rear with Sunset Shimmer. Turning to Rarity, she speaks.

“Um… so you don’t remember anything from before you came here, right?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not a thing, no.”

“That sounds really terrifying.”

Rarity sighs. “Maybe not the word I’d use to describe it. But I often lie awake at night and wonder what it is that I left behind.”

“Friends and family?”

“Who knows? I mean… for all I know, I could have parents and siblings. Or even a husband and foals waiting for me out there somewhere. “

Sunset Shimmer nods to the front of the group. “The warden could probably make inquiries on your behalf.”

Rarity groans. “We don’t exactly have communication with the rest of the country right now. So that’s not really an option for me.”

Coming to the catwalk, Virtuous Lance stops and gestures to the stallions lined up below as he turns to Arc.

“That’s everypony, sir.”

Arc nods. “Good.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “Should I make the request? They might respond well to me.”

Rarity appears confused. “Why though? Are you somepony important?”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “No, but I am a mare. And they probably haven’t seen one in quite a while.”

Daring Do sits down on her haunches and smirks as she slaps her own flank with a hoof. “Sex does sell, after all.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you for the offer but I’ll do the talking here.”

Turning to the stallions, Arc looks them over for a few moments before leaping over the guardrail. Landing in the dirt in front of them, he straightens up and speaks.

“Everyone please listen to me! My name is Hero of Light Arc! Canterlot has fallen and the land is dark! I’m told that all of you were once guards in the service of the princesses! Sworn to uphold the law and defend her and the castle from those whom would cause harm! And for your service you were sent here to Luna Bay Prison by the very ones you had promised to protect!”

He pauses and looks around at them before continuing.

“It is my opinion that the princesses have been overthrown by Nightmare Moon whom has forced the moon to keep itself high in the sky! I need to get into Canterlot and stop her in order to save Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance! However, I can’t do that on my own! The princesses need you! Your country needs you! And I need you! While I won’t try to force any of you to join my cause, know that any of you whom decides to reject my request will nevertheless be allowed to leave! Manehattan and Baltimare are still standing and will be your new homes should you desire!”

The stallions begin murmuring amongst themselves as Arc gestures to the warden.

“I’ve ordered the Warden Virtuous Lance to release all of you! If you will join with me to help liberate this land then so be it! However, should you choose to be discharged, I wish you well in your future endeavors!”

Turning, Arc Blinks back up onto the catwalk. Looking to the warden, he sighs.

“That’s the best I could come up with. Please begin the release process as soon as possible.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “I will, sir.”

Arc looks toward the prison building. “I’m also looking for a couple specific stallions as well.”

Rarity holds out a paper. “Here’s a list of everypony assembled.”

Arc takes the paper and looks it over for a few moments before shaking his head and returning it.

“It looks like they’re not on it.

Sunset Shimmer turns to Rarity. “Maybe we could find them in the files.”

Daring Do groans as she falls backwards. “Great. Paperwork.”

Rarity nods. “We do have a master list of prisoners back in the warden’s office.”

Pulling out a pad of paper and a pen, she continues.

“Do you have their names?”

Arc lists the stallions in question as Rarity writes them down. Virtuous Lance sighs as he steps forward and puts a hoof on Rarity’s notepad.

“No need to continue writing.”

Rarity appears confused. “Sir?”

Virtuous Lance groans. “I already know where they are.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “Why do I get the feeling this won’t be good news?”

Virtuous Lance turns to Arc. “Those ponies were some of the first sent here to Luna Bay Prison from Canterlot. Orders were for them to be sent immediately to ‘The Pit’. It’s our maximum security, self-governing, side of the prison.”

Rarity sighs. “Then those prisoners fall under Buffalo Bull’s jurisdiction.”

Daring Do frowns. “I don’t get it. If you and the warden are in charge of the place, why can’t you just order them to come up, or whatever?”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Yes, I would imagine that you have a contingency plan for getting ponies in and out of there.”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Not for The Pit we don’t, no.”

Rarity points a hoof down the catwalk to another building. “It’s been sealed off for quite some time now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then how do they eat?”

Virtuous Lance leans against the guardrail. “We toss food packs down a small shaft. It used to be for dropping prisoners down there.”

Arc nods soberly. “Then take me to this shaft.”

Rarity frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

Arc looks to Virtuous Lance. “These ponies are important to the liberation of Canterlot. I need them.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Very well. This way, sir.”

Motioning with a hoof, the stallion leads the group across the catwalk and back inside the building. After making their way down innumerable corridors and whatnot, they come to a door guarded by several heavily armored stallions. They part to allow the group entrance and open the door for them. Before them stands a hole in the floor which leads to only darkness. Turning to Virtuous Lance, Arc speaks.

“This is the only way into The Pit?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “At the moment, yes sir.

“What about their courtyard?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Sealed off for security reasons since the sun stopped rising.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Guess that does sorta makes sense. Wouldn’t want inmates able to walk around outside in the dark.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to the hole. “What exactly is down there?”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “A long drop into an old well. The water is there to break the fall for whomever and whatever we toss down.”

Arc steps forward. “I’m heading down then.”

Daring Do smirks. “You mean that we’re heading down, right?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Yes, it wouldn’t do to have you go down alone, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “Guess I could use someone watching my back.”

Rarity steps forward. “I’ll accompany you as well then.”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “Rarity?”

“This sounds most important. And if I can help the Hero of Light accomplish whatever it is he’s trying to do, maybe then I’ll have time to search for my family.”

Daring Do scoffs. “Thanks for the offer, marshmallow. But we’ll be fine down there.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Rarity. “Unless you have a necessary skill for this mission you would just be a liability.”

Rarity frowns. “While the sentiment is appreciated, I can be of help to you three.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “I have to agree with my companions on this one. We really do need to keep this group as small as…”

He is cut off as Rarity jumps into the dark hole. She quickly disappears from sight as the others crowd around the hole and look down in vain. A few moments later Virtuous Lance calls out to her.

“RARITY! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!”

“Just fine! Come on down!”

Groaning, Arc looks to Daring Do and Sunset Shimmer as he kneels down to create a sigil on the floor.

“I’ll go down first. Wait for me to call for you two.”

Nodding, the mares step back to allow Arc access to the hole. Hopping down, Arc casts a Light Spell with one hand and slows his descent with a Telekinesis Spell with the other. Nearing the bottom, he spies a slight glow from Rarity’s horn. Floating over to her, he drops to the ground and turns around to call for the other.

“I MADE IT! COME ON DOWN!”

The sound of hooves approaching the edge ring out. A short time later he spies Sunset Shimmer falling slowly toward the water below. Reaching out with a Telekinesis Spell he pulls her to his side as Daring Do flies down into the chamber behind her Landing, she looks around and wrinkles her nose before speaking.

“What stinks so badly?!”

Sunset Shimmer frowns as her horn begins to glow. “I would guess years of mold, mildew, sweat, and excrement.”

Rarity nods as she heads for a door. “Right. After all, I would assume that they don’t exactly do much cleaning down here. But let’s announce ourselves and see if we can get through this without too much trouble.”

Arc grimaces as he Blinks between Rarity and the door. “Wait!”

Rarity appears confused. “Is something wrong?”

“Not… really. I just… thought that I should take point.”

Daring Do nods. “Agreed. With any luck, the inmates down here will be too scared of the Hero of Light to try anything.”

Sunset Shimmer turns her head. “I can light the rear and keep an eye out for trouble from behind.”

Rarity stomps the ground. “Leave that to me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re volunteering to watch our backs?”

“That I am, yes.”

Daring Do shrugs. “I should probably do that though. After all, I have a fair amount of experience watching out for ambushes.”

Rarity frowns. “And I know more about the criminal mind than you three do, having been around them for some time.”

Arc sighs. “Can’t argue with that. Sunset Shimmer, you light our path up front with me while Daring Do and Rarity watch the rear.”

They all nod as Arc heads for the door. Pulling it open he spies a number of prison jumpsuit wearing stallions milling around. Turning to stare at him, Arc steps through the door as those behind him follow. As they spy the three mares, the stallions move to surround them. Arc frowns and calls out.

“I’m here to see Buffalo Bull.”

A stallion smirks as he looks the mares up and down. “Sure, sure. We’re just… admiring the view.”

Another stallion licks his lips. “It’s been some time since we had a mare in here.”

A dumpy looking one saunters closer. “Much less three.”

The first stallion looks to Arc. “Tell you what. I’ll take you to see the boss while my… associates here take care of the rest of your little group.”

Arc shakes his head. “We’ll all go together.”

“No need for that. Besides, we’ll take extra good…”

He is cut off as Arc kicks the stallion in the head with a boot. Another lunges at him as Daring Do takes flight and tackles him. Hoofing the prisoner in the face, she renders him unconscious as Arc pushes two more away with a Telekinesis Spell. Drawing the Spear of Righteousness from his ring, he points it deftly at the last stallion before speaking.

“Now that we have your undivided attention, how about you lead us where we want to go?”

Sunset Shimmer nods as she puts a hoof on her blade. “Right. Before this gets messy for you.”

Daring Do returns to the group. “Or we can keep going at it. Your call.”

Nodding, the stallion gulps and points with a shaky hoof.

“This… this way.”

Leading the group deeper into The Pit, the stallion walks slowly and constantly looks around. Arc holds his weapon tightly as he surveys their surroundings closely as well. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“I don’t like this, Arc.”

“Neither do I. But it’s important to my plan.”

“To endanger yourself and those three mares?!”

“Sadly, yes.”

“I still don’t understand why…!”

Arc interrupts her. “If everything works out the way I’m hoping, it will be one more step toward freeing this land, Cherry. High risk, high reward. That sort of thing.”

Cherry sighs. “I understand that, Arc. But at the same time, I still think that something else could have been done other than you and them walking around down…”

Their conversation is interrupted as a large number of crates suddenly comes crashing down from an otherwise covered perpendicular corridor. Arc dives on top of Sunset Shimmer as the crates land on them both. Rarity and Daring Do instinctively jump back to avoid a similar fate. As the dust momentarily blinds them, a number of stallions jump out from the other corridor and lunge at the pair. Daring Do turns and bucks one of them in the face as Rarity draws a blade from her belt. A dozen more stallions surround the mares and smile leerily at them as they speak.

“Come on fine flanks. We’ll show you two a good time.”

Daring Do wrinkles her nose. “How about you show yourself to the shower first? You all stink!”

Rarity frowns. “Back off, all of you!”

The stallion glares at her. “Drop that knife before you get hurt, dearie!”

A larger stallion steps forward as he gestures to the others. “Yeah! There are two of you and a lot more of us!”

Daring Do takes up a battle ready position. “Stay back, Rarity! I’ll take care of…!”

She is interrupted as Rarity lunges forward. The young mare hits the stallion in the head with the hilt of her knife as she bucks another in the face with rear hooves. Rolling out of the way as they fall toward her, Rarity throws her knife at the largest of their attackers, hitting him squarely between the eyes. Jumping to her hooves, she pulls her blade back to herself with a Telekinesis Spell as she turns to the remaining stallions.

“Anypony else want some of this?!”

Daring Do rushes forward to stand with Rarity as she too takes up her battle ready stance.

“Come on! We’ll take all of you on!”

The noise of their battle rouses a number of other inmates from the other corridors nearby. They come running down the halls from all directions as Rarity surveys the situation. She turns to Daring Do and grits her teeth.

“Fly back to the entrance and get reinforcements!”

Daring Do gasps. “What about you?!”

“I’ll hold them off!”

“But you’ll be…!”

She is cut off as a number of stallions lunge at them. Daring Do rushes forward to take them on. However, as they close the distance between one another the stallions suddenly stop in their tracks and begin gasping for breath. The mares turn to see a gauntlet sticking out from under the smashed crates. Arc pushes through the remains of the splintered boxes on his hands and knees, his hand still maintaining the spell as Sunset Shimmer crawls out from under him. She rushes to join Rarity and Daring Do as Arc gets to his feet and turns to the stallions approaching.

“Now that I have everyone’s attention, are all of you still sure that you want to go down this road?”

They glare at him silently but do not turn or make any motion to disperse. Frowning, Arc holds out his other hand as Sunset Shimmer casts a Telekinesis Spell to return the Spear of Righteousness to him. As he grabs it, Arc tightens his other hand, crushing the windpipes of the stallions whom stand against them. As their bodies fall to the floor, he takes up a battle ready stance himself and calls out loudly.

“All of you just made your last mistakes!”

Charging forward with Sunset Shimmer by his side, Arc and his companion engage their assailants. Daring Do and Rarity rush to join them as the four fight back to back. A minute or so later the remaining inmates retreat. Arc turns to his companions.

“Everyone okay?!”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Just fine.”

Daring Do grins. “Nopony even got close!”

Rarity sheathes her weapon. “Same here.”

Arc looks around. “Looks like our guide ran off with those punks.”

Daring Do scoffs. “Probably smart of him.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to Rarity. “Do you know the layout of this place?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, I don’t. The Pit isn’t really regulated as it’s cut off from the rest of the prison for security’s sake.”

Daring Do frowns. “Then how are we supposed to find our way?!”

Arc steps forward. “Not to worry. I know how to get there.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “You do?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Daring Do narrows her eyes. “How?”

Arc shrugs. “Sorry. State secret.”

He motions for the others to follow. Walking the corridors for a time, Sunset Shimmer eventually calls out.

“We’re not seeing much in the way of inmates now.”

Daring Do smirks. “They’re probably hiding from us.”

Rarity nods soberly. “Considering what we did to their companions back there, that doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “Uh… is it really okay what we did back there though? I mean, some of those stallions won’t be getting up.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose it is. After all, these are the worst of the worst.”

Daring Do points to Arc. “That and they attacked the Hero of Light!”

Rarity keeps looking around. “Such would earn anypony a death warrant, I suppose.”

Arc nods as he tightens his grip on the Spear of Righteousness. “They were given the chance to run away and leave us to our task too. And they made the wrong choice.”

Sometime later they approach a larger door. A few stallions standing guard outside of it run away as the group nears them. Arc turns to the others as he gestures to the door.

“Here we are.”

Sunset Shimmer appears confused. “Where though?”

“The leader of The Pit’s quarters.”

Daring Do grins. “So let’s get in there and say ‘hello’ to him then.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaces as she looks to Arc. “Anything we should know about him first though?”

“His name is Buffalo Bull. He’s what you’d call an… extra-large stallion. Like, princess big. And really strong as well.”

Rarity nods soberly as she instinctively puts a hoof on her weapon. “That’s true, yes. He’s down here for attempted kidnapping, larceny, assault, and battery. And that’s just off the top of my head.”

Daring Do gasps. “So you’re saying that there’s more to his rap sheet?!”

Rarity sighs. “Very much so, yes.”

Arc gestures to the door. “Right. So I should probably be the one to go in there.”

Daring Do stands on her hind legs and shadowboxes. “You mean with us though, right?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I meant alone.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “I don’t advise that. He could easily get the jump on you.”

Rarity steps forward. “That and if he’s even half as dangerous as his file suggest you’ll be up against a literal monster!”

Arc chuckles as he puts his spear away. “Believe me when I say that I’ll be fine.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “How can you be so sure about that?!”

“This won’t be the first time he and I have squared off. You three just wait out here and make sure that I’m not interrupted.”

Sunset Shimmer groans. “And what if we’re attacked?!”

Daring Do looks around. “Not many places out here for an ambush. We’d be able to see them coming from a mile away.”

Rarity puts a hoof on the door. “That and we could quickly take refuge inside of here if things really got out of hoof.”

Arc nods. “Right. If it comes to that I can always teleport us back to where we came from via a portal too.”

Looking around one last time, Arc puts a gauntlet on the doorknob as he continues.

“Here we go.”

Attempting to turn the knob, he finds the door locked. Shrugging, Arc Blinks through the door. Turning around, he unlocks and opens it before speaking to the mares outside.

“I’ll be back.”

Closing the door, Arc looks around for a few moments. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as he does so.

“I don’t like this, Arc.”

“Me going in alone?”

“That too. But it’s more about you seeing Buffalo Bull again.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though? I mean, I do have a really high success rate when dealing with him, after all.”

“You mean with OUR Buffalo Bull.”

Arc shrugs. “He can’t be THAT different though.”

“Who’s to say?”

Arc sighs as he walks toward a nearby closed door. “The sounds coming from the bedroom, for starters.”

Opening the door, Arc spies Buffalo Bull lying on the bed with two familiar looking mares spread out on the sheets under him. And since I’d very much like to keep my story rated ‘T’ for teen, I won’t describe exactly what he is doing to the a fore mentioned mares. Not looking over, the stallion speaks as he continues his ‘task’.

“Whatever it is, come back later!”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Get off of those two. Now.”

Hearing an unfamiliar voice, Buffalo Bull turns his head to look at Arc. Raising an eyebrow, he looks the young man over for a few moments before getting off the bed and speaking.

“Who… or what… are you supposed to be?”

Arc looks to Aloe and Vera. “The party’s over for the moment. Compose yourselves and wait in the other room.”

They look to Buffalo Bull for direction. Nodding soberly, the stallion gestures to the door.

“You heard him, girls. Party’s over.”

Aloe and Vera quickly get off the bed, lower their maid outfits, bow to Buffalo Bull respectfully, and leave the room as ordered. Arc closes the door behind them, not taking his eyes off of the stallion before him as he does so. As the door clicks shut, he speaks.

“Now then, let’s not waste any of my time.”

Buffalo Bull glares at him. “Waste any of YOUR time?!”

Arc nods. “Right. Now then, my name is Hero of Light Arc. I’m here to take a number of inmates out of ‘The Pit’ and back to civilization.”

Buffalo Bull smirks. “Thanks, but I’m not interested in leaving.”

Arc frowns. “I didn’t say that it involved you.”

Buffalo Bull appears confused. “They why…?”

Arc interrupts him. “I’m starting with Aloe and Vera.”

“Who?”

“Those two mares.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles.” Sorry. I never asked their names.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then how do they know who you’re talking to?”

Buffalo Bull shrugs. “I just call them ‘front’ and ‘back’.”

“What?”

“One is really good with their mouth while the other’s backside is…”

Arc cuts him off. “Forget I asked. But in any case, they’re coming with me.”

“How about just one of them?”

“No.”

“I’ll let you choose first.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Both mares. End of discussion.”

Buffalo Bull sneers. “We’ll see about that.”

Arc continues. “Next topic.”

“There’s more?”

“I’m looking for a couple of stallions that were sent down here by Canterlot.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles. “Should’ve known you wouldn’t have come all the way down here just for those two flanks. Nice as they are, that is.”

“In any case, their names are…”

Buffalo Bull cuts him off as he points to a pad of paper nearby. “Write them down.”

Arc does so and levitates the paper over to the stallion. He frowns as he takes it.

“Darn crazy magic users.”

Arc scoffs. “Like I’m the only one of them down here.”

“Unicorns down here can’t use their magic, genius.”

“Well, as you can plainly see I’m not a Unicorn. But I do want those stallions brought to me immediately. And in one piece. Or else.”

Buffalo Bull sneers. “Or else what?”

Wordlessly, Arc raises an arm. Bringing it down on a nearby end table he reduces it to splinters. Looking to Buffalo Bull again, he speaks.

“Any more questions?”

Buffalo Bull grimaces. “No. Just let me give this note to one of my bed mates.”

Arc opens the door for him. The pair enter the living room together as Buffalo Bull holds out the note to Vera.

“You and your sister will kindly bring these stallions to my quarters at once. Clear?”

Taking the note, the pair nod nervously and hurry toward the door. As they leave, Rarity and the others stop them. Daring Do is the first to speak.

“Woah! Where did you come from?!”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Mares in an all stallion prison?”

Rarity frowns. “Perhaps we do need to regulate things down here more strictly.”

Arc calls out from the room. “They’re just messengers. Let them pass.”

Nodding, they do as Arc instructs before entering the room and closing the door behind them. Rarity frowns as she sees the furniture around them.

“Now I know that we need to clamp down harder on The Pit!”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “I’ve seen better.”

Daring Do gasps. “Yeah, me too. But not in a maximum security prison.”

Arc returns his gaze back to Buffalo Bull. “In any case, I do hope those two are quick.”

Buffalo Bull frowns. “Why? You got somewhere else to be?”

“I do, yes.”

“Where?”

“Literally anywhere but here.”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Agreed.”

Daring Do looks around. “I don’t know about that. This prison cells looks nicer than most hotel rooms I’m been in. And that was before Canterlot fell.”

Rarity shakes her head. “A cage is still a cage, no matter how nice it is.”

Buffalo Bull gestures to another room. “Can I interest any of you in some refreshments?”

Daring Do grins. “What’ve you got?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing, thanks.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to the stallion. “I am interested to hear how you got all of this down here though.”

Rarity frowns. “As am I.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles as he walks over to the couch and sits down. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

Buffalo Bull picks up a glass and pours himself a drink from a nearby decanter. “It does if you’re connected.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Fortunate Ire.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “Who, sir?”

“He’s the fixer for the prison. Gets whatever you can afford delivered via unconventional sources.”

Rarity narrows her eyes. “Anything?”

Buffalo Bull nods. “Yup. Candy, furniture, alcohol, even weapons if I wanted them.”

Daring Do looks around. “Don’t see any though.”

Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes. “They’d naturally be hidden.”

Buffalo Bull shakes his head. “Nah. I mean, who needs things like that when everything is so nice here?”

Rarity scoffs. “Nice for you maybe.”

Buffalo Bull shrugs. “Can I help it if I’m well off?”

He takes a drink before continuing.

“My wealth didn’t just materialize out of thin air, after all.”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Kinda did according to your file.”

Daring Do appears confused. “What do you mean?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Organized crime.”

Rarity nods soberly. “Mostly centered around Dodge Junction, if I recall correctly.”

Buffalo Bull turns to Rarity and grins. “Very astute, cream puff. If you’re looking for a better paying job, I can offer you one as my… aide.”

Arc frowns. “You have a very different definition of that word than most.”

Buffalo Bull laughs heartily as he pours himself another drink. “An aide just does whatever needs doing though! And sometimes that involves them lying face down on a pillow with their flank in the air!”

Rarity makes a face. “I’ll pass.”

“Your loss, toots.”

Buffalo Bull looks to Arc before continuing.

“So… if our nation’s ‘illustrious’ Hero of Light is down here looking for recruits, then it means that things really are as bad out there in the world as I’ve heard.”

Daring Do groans. “It’s not exactly paradise, that’s for sure.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “We’re working to fix things though.”

Rarity points an accusatory hoof at him. “All while you sit down here doing nothing I might add!”

Buffalo Bull smirks. “Oh, believe me, I am doing things.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “That I do believe, yes. Considering the position I found you in when I entered, that is.”

“One must keep themselves… entertained.”

The front door of the quarters open and a number of burly looking stallions rush inside with Aloe and Vera. They bolt the door behind them as Arc looks to Buffalo Bull.

“Very interesting.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t recall any of them being on the list.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles. “Sure they are. Everypony you asked for, right?”

Daring Do takes up a battle ready stance. “It’s a setup!”

Sunset Shimmer draws her weapon. “Agreed!”

The stallions reach into their belts and pull blades of their own. Frowning, Rarity turns to Buffalo Bull.

“No weapons, eh?”

Buffalo Bull shrugs. “Have to have a few around for times like this.”

Standing, he sets down his glass and turns to the stallions.

“The beast before you needs to die. Take the guard prisoner though. I’ll use her later.”

Rarity grunts. “Ruffian!”

Buffalo Bull continues. “The other two mares will be free use for everypony. A bit of a bonus to all of you.”

Turning to Arc, he smiles slyly.

“Any last words?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You should have brought more stallions.”

“Oh really?”

“These punks don’t stand a chance against me.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles. “Then let’s see if your skills match your ego.”

Rarity calls out. “Wait!”

Buffalo Bull looks to her. “Yes, my little gem?”

Rarity points a hoof at Arc’s shoulder as she looks to the stallions before her. “This is the Hero of Light! He’ll make short work of all of you!”

The stallions appear suddenly nervous and slowly back away at the sight of Arc’s Crest of Light. Buffalo Bull sees this and growls as he stomps a hoof angrily.

“And if you lot don’t take him down then I’ll kill each and every one of you myself!”

Hearing this, the stallions nervously begin approaching Arc and company again. Shaking his head, Arc looks to Buffalo Bull and sighs.

“I’m guessing there’s no way I could talk you out of this.”

Buffalo Bull smirks wickedly. “None at all.”

“Very well.”

Before anyone can do anything, he lunges at Buffalo Bull. Punching the stallion in the face, he rears back on his hind legs from the blow. Taking the opportunity and reaching for his ring, Arc pulls the Spear of Righteousness from it and plunges the blade into the stallion’s belly. Pressing forward, he pins Buffalo Bull to the wall with it and holds him there.

“Should’ve just talked it out.”

Buffalo Bull gasps. “Y-you…?”

Looking at the stallions before him, he points a hoof at Arc before calling out weakly.

“Get… him!”

None of them move. Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc, her hoof on her blade.

“Your orders, sir?!”

“Hold position.”

Returning his attention back to Buffalo Bull, Arc again speaks.

“You see, that’s the difference between me and you.”

“What… are you…?”

Arc continues. “Even outnumbered as we are, my allies still stand with me. Yours however are just standing there as you bleed out.

Snarling, Buffalo Bull swings a mighty hoof at Arc. The young man catches it with a gantlet and starts squeezing. Crying out in pain, Buffalo Bull speaks.

“What… what is it you want from me?!”

“Just what I already asked for. Aloe, Vera, and the stallions on that list. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

The sound of a cracking bone rings out as Buffalo Bull again screams in pain. Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the guardanium knife. Stepping forward, he plunges it deeply into Buffalo Bull’s chest, piercing his heart. As he breathes his last, Arc pulls the spear from the stallion’s belly and allows his body to fall to the floor as he sneers.

“Good night, you disgusting animal.”

Chapter 16 - Technological Advantages

Turning, Arc points his spear at the stallions with one hand as he allows the blood from the knife in his other to drip onto the floor and pool.

“Now then. Which one of you is going to be next?”

None of them move for a long moment. Eventually a larger than average stallion steps forward a few paces and kneels. Those around him do the same until everyone is on their fetlocks. Daring Do turns to Arc with a grin.

“Would you look at that! More conscripts!”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “That wouldn’t end too well for us.”

Rarity nods soberly. “They’re far too dangerous to release into the world.”

Daring Do groans. “We need all the help we can get though!”

Rarity looks to Arc. “What should be done with them, sir?”

Arc frowns. ‘Nothing.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “I’m almost positive that I didn’t hear that right!”

Arc shrugs. “There’s no reason to release or punish the group further.”

Rarity grimaces. “But they were about to…!”

Arc interrupts her as he turns to the stallions. “All of you, get out of my sight. Except Aloe and Vera, that is.”

Rising, they flee the room together as Rarity uses a Telekinesis Spell to close the door behind them. Arc looks to the two mares whom as still fearfully kneeling before him.

“Vera, do you know where the stallions on the earlier list are?”

Vera nods. “Yes sir.”

“Good. Go get them and bring them here.”

Sunset Shimmer points a hoof at the mares. “But they’ll just bring more reinforcements!”

Daring Do smirks. “Yeah! I say we just go find those stallions ourselves while cutting a path through as necessary!”

Rarity looks to Arc. “That might actually be for the best, sir.”

Arc points to the door. “Vera will go while Aloe remains here.”

Looking to Vera, he continues.

“Should you betray me again, your sister shall bear the brunt of my wrath. Do you understand?”

Vera nods fearfully. “Y-yes, sir.”

“Good. Go now and carry out my orders.”

She rises and runs out the door. Aloe stands and approaches Arc with her head down.

“What is your wish, master?”

Arc frowns. “Don’t call me that.”

“Very well. What shall I call you then?”

“Just ‘sir’ will do for now.”

“Yes sir. Shall I tend to your needs now?”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Tend to?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “I’m confused as well.”

Rarity grimaces. “With any luck, I’m wrong.”

Aloe gestures to the bedroom. “I will dop my very best to make up for my earlier crime against you, sir. Use me as you see fit. But please let your anger fall on me and spare my sister any additional pain.”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Sir?”

“As long as Vera does as I ordered, both you and her will be allowed to live.”

Daring Do gasps. “What?! But she gathered that mob to wipe us out!”

Rarity looks to Aloe. “Why did you do that though?”

“Buffalo Bill had a number of code words for us. When he said the word ‘kindly’, that meant that he wanted us to get a strike team together and bring them to him.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to the dead stallion lying on the floor. “I’m guessing that word isn’t used too much here.”

Aloe shakes her head. “No, ma’am. My sister and I are… we’re the property of Buffalo Bull.”

Rarity frowns. “Property?”

Aloe bows her head. “He protected us in exchange for sexual acts performed by my sister and I. We’re quite skilled at it if we can be of service to you or the others.”

Rarity makes a face. “I’ll pass, thank you.”

Arc motions to the table. “Sit down, Aloe.”

She does so as Arc takes his place across from her. Looking to her, he speaks.

“Tell me, do you deserve to be in here?”

Aloe appears confused. “Sir?”

“I’m asking if you and your sister deserve to be in prison.”

Aloe nods. “Yes, sir.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to Rarity. “What’s she in here for?”

“Murdering her parents, I believe.”

Daring Do grimaces. “Hardcore crimes. We should probably leave these two here.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I don’t think so.”

Aloe raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think you had much of a choice at the time.”

“In what, sir?”

“Killing your parents. After all, your father was about to do something terrible to Vera, wasn’t he?”

“He was about to… to rape her, yes.”

“And you beat him to death with your bare hooves.”

“How did you…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Then your mother came in.”

Aloe nods. “Yes. And she came at me with a knife.”

Daring Do frowns. “So you killed her too.”

Aloe looks away nervously. “Y-yes. Yes, I did.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Vera did that.”

“Sir?”

“Your sister killed your mother with a full bottle. Caved her skull in from the blow.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaces. “That’s why they’re both in here.”

Rarity nods. “They were found guilty of murder, yes.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Sounds more like self-defense to me.”

Aloe shakes her head. “We weren’t exactly able to convince the guards of that though.”

Arc stands. “You’ll leave with us then.”

Aloe groans. “I shall serve you to the best of my abilities, sir.”

“That will not be necessary.”

“Oh?”

“You’re being released.”

“To your service?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not to me, no. Released as in freed. I’m commuting you and your sister’s sentence.”

“I… I don’t… um… th-thank you, sir.”

Rarity turns to Arc. “Where would she and her sister go though?”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “She’s right. After all, the world isn’t exactly full of opportunities at the moment.”

Daring Do smirks. “We could always use more help growing food.”

Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes. “These two aren’t Unicorns though.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Still need hooves busy picking and packing up the produce though.”

Aloe nods. “I will serve as ordered, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Sure. But only if that’s what you want to do.”

A short time later, Vera returns to the room with the stallions Arc requested. They appear haggard, nervous, and gaunt from their stay in prison. Arc stands and approaches them as he speaks.

“Thank you for coming. I’m Hero of Light Arc, and I need your help.”

“One of the stallions appears confused. “With what though, sir?”

“Retaking this land.”

The other stallion shakes his head. “We are powerless in that regard though.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you are not. The three of you are the best of the best.”

He looks the trio over before continuing.

“Tight Ship, you and Soarin along with Thunderlane here were the most talented officers in the Equestrian Air Force, were you not?”

Tight Ship sighs. “That was a lifetime ago, sir.”

Soarin nods soberly. “All the airships are in Canterlot.”

Thunderlane bows his head. “And since that’s currently cut off from the rest of the land, we’re largely useless in that regard.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “You just leave that to me. The only thing I need to know from you three is… will you help me?”

Tight Ship smiles and nods sadly. “For my friends, the princesses… yes, sir.”

Soarin gestures to Tight Ship. “I go where the captain goes, sir. I’m in too.”

Thunderlane smirks. “Count me is as well!”

“Good.”

Raising his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Turning to the others, he continues.

“Head through here to return to the main level of the prison.”

They do so as Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do follow. Arc brings up the rear with Aloe and Vera. Stepping out, they find themselves outside the entrance to The Pit again. Virtuous Lance approaches them and frowns as he lays eyes on Aloe and Vera.

“I don’t recall there being any mares on your original list, sir.”

Arc shrugs. “We can add them to it then.”

Vera looks around. “What’s going on?”

Aloe grins. “The Hero of Light says that we can leave, sister!”

Vera gasps, her eyes wide. “What?!”

Arc nods. “You can go to Manehattan, Baltimare, or my base as a refugee.”

Aloe turns to her sister. “A big city probably isn’t the best place for us.”

“Agreed. That and our past might catch up with us there.”

The pair turn back to Arc. Aloe steps forward.

“We’ll come to your base to work then, sir.”

“Agreed.”

Arc nods. “Alright. We’ll head there just as soon as I’m done with my task here.”

Looking to Virtuous Lance, Arc again speaks.

“I also need several other mares from you as well.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

Arc gestures to Tight Ship. “The rest of his crew. Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, Wrangler, Redheart, and Stellar Flare.”

Daring Do facehoofs. “Great. Another trip down the rabbit hole.”

Sunset Shimmer nods to the hole. “Back underground then?”

Rarity steps forward. “That won’t be necessary.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “The female side of the maximum-security wing is a lot more… laid back recently.”

Rarity shrugs. “Stellar Flare kinda took over down there.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh. Uh… how do we get there then?”

Rarity points a hoof. “I can just walk over and get the mares you requested, sir.”

Daring Do grimaces. “We’ll come with you then.”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “That we will.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Thank you, but that’s not really necessary.”

Arc shrugs. “Take them anyways. That and I need you back here afterwards as well.”

Virtuous Lance gestures with a hoof. “We’ll meet back at my office then.”

Nodding, Rarity motions for the pair to follow her. Arc and the others head for the warden’s office together. Sometime later Rarity enters with Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, Wrangler, and Stellar Flare. Approaching the desk, Rarity salutes before speaking.

“The prisoners as ordered, sir. Save for one, that is.”

Arc looks them over. “Redheart?”

Virtuous Lance looks up from his papers. “There is no prisoner here by that name, sir.”

Turning to them, he continues.

“The Hero of Light has seen fit to release all of you.”

Lemon Hearts grins. “Really?!”

Moon Dancer appears hopeful. “Does that mean the princesses have pardoned us?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Quite the opposite. They’re still prisoners in Canterlot under Nightmare Moon.”

Wrangler stomps the floor with conviction. “Then we need to get them out of there!”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “We’re still not able to get to the capital though, as a barrier covers the city.”

Daring Do sighs. “Or get ahold of an airship either.”

Arc chuckles. “As I said before, leave that to me.”

Returning his attention to the mares, Arc continues.

“Can I count on all of you to help me do this?”

Wrangler tips her hat. “Darn right!

Moon Dancer nods. “I will help as well.”

Lemon Hearts looks to the warden. “We just need to find the captain, Commander Soarin, and Thunderlane first though.”

Virtuous Lance points a hoof. “Not to worry. They’re in my private restroom making themselves presentable.”

The door opens and the three stallions step out. Tight Ship walks over to the mares with Soarin and Thunderlane at his sides. Smiling, he looks them over one by one before speaking.

“It’s good to see all of you again.”

Lemon Hearts appears genuinely concerned. “Are you three, okay?!”

Soarin grimaces as he puts a hoof to his belly. “We’ve been better.”

Wrangler smiles. “How about we get you three something to eat then?”

Moon Dancer looks them over and frowns. “Yes, you all appear to be undernourished.”

Daring Do shrugs. “We can get some food back at base.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to Arc. “Which we should probably do sooner rather than later.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Turning to Rarity, he continues.

“I need you to come with us as well.”

Rarity appears confused. “Sir?”

“It’s in regards to whom you really are.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “So, you know her then?”

Arc sighs. “It’s a bit more complicated than that.”

Rarity frowns. “But I have so much to do here though.”

Virtuous Lance stands. “Rarity.”

“Yes, sir?”

“I… think you should go with the Hero of Light.”

“But why?”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Because he has the resources to help you figure out whom you really are.”

“I’m happy here though, sir!”

Virtuous Lance walks around the desk to face her. “That isn’t really in question.”

“Then why…?!”

Virtuous Lance puts a hoof on her shoulder. “Because you had a life before coming here. I’d like to see you reconnect to it if at all possible.”

“What if it’s not what I want though?!”

“Then you may return to us. You’ll always have a place at Luna Bay Prison, after all.”

Arc joins the warden. “I know that we just met today. But I need you to trust me when I say that there’s so much more to you, Rarity.”

Rarity takes a deep breath. “Very well. I’ll come.”

Nodding, Arc opens a portal. They begin filing through one by one until only Arc and Rarity remain. Stopping in front of the portal, she turns back to Virtuous Lance and smiles sadly.

“Thank you… for everything, sir.”

Smiling at her, Virtuous Lance nods silently as Rarity steps through the swirling energies. Arc moves to follow her, but the warden suddenly speaks.

“Take good care of her for me, would you sir?”

Arc nods. “I will, sir.”

Walking through his portal, Arc reappears in his quarters. The others are looking around, clearly confused. As the portal closes, Arc gestures to the window and speaks.

“Everyone… welcome to Lunar Base.”

Gasping, they see Equus miles away. Arc allows them a few more moments to look at it before continuing.

“Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do will take all of you to the cafeteria for a good meal before announcing your presence to the leadership here. I’m sure they’ll want to welcome you all to our base.”

Aloe nods. “Yes sir.”

Vera grimaces. “What shall our duties be?”

“Get something to eat and then ask Mayor Cherry what she’d like you to do.”

Moon Dancer raises a hoof. “Sir?”

Arc turns to her. “Yes?”

“Are we really on the moon?”

“We are, yes.”

Lemon Hearts looks toward the window. “And it’s safe here?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Very safe, yes.”

Daring Do grins. “No way for the baddies to get us all the way up here, after all.”

Wrangler nods as she gazes at the planet below. “Makes sense. After all, no Pegasus could fly THIS high!”

Tight Ship sighs. “We should get some rest after eating as well.”

Soarin nods. “I haven’t slept soundly in forever.”

Stellar Flare trots to the door. “Then let’s get started!”

They file out of the room as Arc turns to Rarity.

“I’d like you to stay for a time if you would.”

Rarity appears surprised. “Oh! Um… yes sir.”

As the others close the door behind them, Arc motions to the table nearby.

“Why don’t you sit down? We need to have a little talk.”

Rarity does so as Arc sits across from her. Reaching for his ring, he pulls out a cupcake and sets it before her.

“Please eat this first.”

Rarity appears confused. “Sir?”

“Trust me.”

Eyeing the cupcake for a few moments, Rarity eventually picks it up with a Telekinesis Spell and looks it over before taking a small bite. Smiling widely, she continues eating it. As she finishes her treat, Arc speaks.

“Did you enjoy it?”

Rarity nods happily. “Very much so, yes!”

“It was made by a friend of yours.”

“Oh? Who?”

“A mare named Pinkie Pie. Do you remember her?”

Rarity shakes her head. “The name doesn’t ring a bell, no.”

“She works at a bakery called ‘Sugarcube Corner’. It’s owned by Mister and Misses Cake.”

“Where is it located?”

“Ponyville.”

Rarity looks out the window. “That’s a long way from the prison.”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is.”

“And you’re saying that I know this… this Pinkie Pie?”

“That you do. She’s a very good friend of yours.”

Rarity sighs. “I wish I could remember her.”

“Pinkie isn’t exactly the kind of mare you can easily forget.”

Rarity returns her gaze to Arc. “Did I live in Ponyville then?”

“Down the road from the bakery, yes. Would it help if you could see it?”

“See what? The bakery?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not just that. Ponyville in general, I mean.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “It might help jog my memory, yes. But I don’t even know how to get there from here.”

Arc stands. “I’ll take you then.”

“How though?”

“Another portal.”

Holding up a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Motioning for Rarity to enter, he follows her through. The pair appear in Fluttershy’s cottage. Leading the young mare toward the door, Arc speaks.

“Stay close to me.”

Rarity checks her weapon. “Right.”

They leave the cottage and begin walking. Looking back, Rarity sighs.

“Did I know that place?”

Arc nods. “It belongs to a mare named Fluttershy. Do you remember her?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not at all. Should I?”

“She’s another friend of yours.”

“Another friend. I seem to have quite a few of them as it stands.”

“That you do.”

Sometime later they enter the town. Walking up to a building, Arc pushes the door open. Looking around, Rarity spies a number of empty shelves, cabinets, and display cases. Running her hoof along a dusty table, she sighs.

“This is that bakery you told me about, isn’t it?”

Arc appears hopeful. “You remembered it?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, I just smelled the faintest scent of sugar and spice on the air when we entered.”

“Oh. Right.”

“Um… do you think you could tell me some more about that Pinkie Pie mare?”

Arc nods as he walks over to the counter and puts a hand on it. “She’s very… intense. Very… dedicated to her job as a party planner and part time baker. Endlessly happy and full of energy at all times.”

“So she’s a very positive mare then?”

“Extremely. That and I think she’s constantly on a sugar rush. At least how she talks and acts, that is.”

“She sounds very… um… nice.”

“In truth, you don’t really have much in common with her personality-wise.”

“But we’re friends though, right?”

“Yes, you are.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “How though?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really know. You and Pinkie, along with others, just kind of… understand one another.”

“That doesn’t make much sense.”

“I know. But I can’t really think of any other way to describe it.”

“What do we have in common?”

Arc shrugs. “Admittedly, not much. Other than a shared social group, that is.”

Rarity looks toward the window. “You mean I have more friends out there?”

Arc nods. “Five of them here in Ponyville at least, yes.”

“Are they… around?”

Arc shakes his head. “They went missing after Canterlot fell. You included, that is.”

Rarity sighs. “I’m not really feeling much here. By any chance could you show me where I live?”

Arc heads for the door. “Sure. Follow me.”

Leading Rarity outside, they begin walking again. A short time later Arc leads her up the path to her shop. Stopping, he motions with a gauntlet.

“Here we are. Carousel Boutique.”

Rarity appears confused. “I thought you were taking me home though.”

“I did. You live upstairs.”

“So I rent from the proprietor?”

Arc shakes his head. “You own the shop.”

Pushing the door open, Arc leads Rarity inside. She looks around at the mannequinsfor a time before speaking.

“So… I sell dresses?”

Arc nods. “That’s right. But you only sell what you make.”

“Then I’m a seamstress?”

“I think of you more as a designer.”

Rarity looks to the back room. “My workshop?”

“Care to take a look?”

Rarity groans. “I suppose I should.”

Entering the back room, Rarity steps inside and looks all around. Arc waits silently in the doorway as she walks to the various work benches and looks them over. Eventually Rarity turns back to him and shakes her head.

“My mind is a complete blank here.”

Arc sighs. “No memories whatsoever?”

Rarity bows her head. “Nothing. I feel as though I’ve never even been here before. Are you completely sure that your information is accurate in this regard, sir?”

“I am, yes. But I do know of something that will prove it to you.”

Leading Rarity back out onto the shop floor, they head for the stairs. Reaching the second floor, he pushes open a door and walks inside with her.

“This is your bedroom.”

Rarity nods approvingly. “It’s very nice.”

Arc points a finger. “Look at the picture on the nightstand.”

Rarity does so. Picking it up, she gasps at the sight before her.

“It’s me! And I… I have a filly?!”

Arc sighs. “That’s… kind of complicated.”

“How so?”

“Everyone in Ponyville knows that Sweetie Belle, that’s her name, is your little sister. And that she came here to live with you a number of years ago.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. What’s wrong with that?”

“It’s not the truth.”

Taking the picture frame from Rarity, Arc pulls the backing off to reveal a large envelope. Opening it, he pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to her.

“This is Sweetie Belle’s birth certificate.”

Rarity frowns. “My name is listed as the mother though.”

“Which you are.”

“But… but I can’t even remember ever having a foal!”

Arc reaches back into the envelope. “Then you’d best look at this.”

Handing Rarity a picture, she stares at it for a long moment. Turning to Arc, Rarity again speaks.

“I look so young in this!”

Arc nods. “I’m told that this was taken shortly after you gave birth.”

Rarity turns to look at the picture frame again. “This newborn does look like the filly here.”

“Believe me now?”

Rarity bows her head. “Yes. Is she… around?”

“No idea. Even I don’t know where Sweetie Belle is at the moment.”

“How about her father then? I’m assuming that I’m married.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you’re single.”

Rarity frowns. “Then how did I manage to…?”

Arc interrupts her. “The short version is that you got drunk at a party in college and blacked out. The stallions there then proceeded to rape you one at a time. So Sweetie Belle’s father is completely unknown to everyone.”

“That’s terrible!”

“Agreed. No one should be taking advantage of someone whom can’t consent.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “I want to remember. Believe me, I really do! But… it’s just not happening.”

Arc sighs as he puts the birth certificate and photo back in the envelope. “Sorry. I was hoping this would jog something in your mind.”

“As was I.”

“We should probably head back to base now though so you can rest.”

Rarity nods. “I’d like that, yes.”

Arc reassembles the picture frame and sets it on the bedside table. “As hard as this must be for you, I imagine not knowing is worse.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not particularly, no. After all, you can’t really miss that which you never had.”

Arc frowns. “I suppose not.”

“But… at the same time there’s always been a hole in my heart.”

“Huh?”

“Not a literal one, mind you. I meant figuratively.”

“Ah!”

“Granted I didn’t remember anything or anypony. But I wasn’t really sad because, like I said, I didn’t remember.”

“I kinda know how you feel.”

Rarity appears confused. “You do?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. You see, my mother died when I was young. My dad vanished without a trace prior to that, so I was raised in an orphanage.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my! That must have been very hard on you!”

“Kinda was, yes. But I don’t really remember much from before then. Too young for that, I suppose.”

“And you feel that something is missing from your life?”

“Close. I felt that I missed out on a big part of life by having a rough childhood.”

“But that wasn’t you fault!”

“True. And neither is you losing your memory.”

Sighing, Rarity nods sadly. Looking to the picture again, she eventually turns back to Arc.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you deal with that?”

Arc shrugs. “I just had to make the best of the situation as it was. Deal with the new life I had been thrust into. Going from a happy home to the orphanage was really hard, of course.”

“But since there was no alternative, you just had to make the best of it.”

“Right.”

“That’s what I’ve been doing since I woke up at Luna Bay Prison. Just kinda trying to do what I could to keep going.”

“Keeping busy.”

“Exactly, sir.”

“I’ll still keep trying to find a way to help bring you back to your old self.”

Rarity smiles at him. “Thank you. But I know that my memory might never come back.”

“Scared?”

Rarity shakes her head. “My plans are to just take things one day at a time right now. To start a new life elsewhere and make new friends. Of course I’d like to have my filly back. But I don’t really know where to start looking for her.”

“Sadly, neither do I.”

“I can’t just wait around for my life to come back together. So I’ll start anew.”

“At the Lunar Base, I hope.”

Rarity shrugs. “Anywhere is as good a place as any, I suppose.”

Arc turns away, relieved. “Good.”

“Can you tell me anything else about myself though?”

“Well… you’ve always been very understanding of others. Very generous and… and willing to help those around you. But there’s someone else whom could probably tell you more than I.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Really? Who would that be?”

“We recently located and liberated a young mare originally from Ponyville. She’s recovering in my base on the moon.”

“Might I speak to her?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Assuming she’s up to it, that is.”

“Then let’s go see!”

Arc turns and opens a portal. Stepping through with Rarity, he heads for the door. Making the short walk down the corridor, Arc stops in front of the door and turns to the mare next to him.

“She’s in here. Just let me pop in real quick and see how she’s doing first.”

Rarity nods. “Alright. I’ll wait for you out here.”

Knocking lightly, Arc pushes the door open. He sees Applejack sitting in a chair in front of the window looking outside. Walking over to her, he speaks.

“Everything okay?”

Applejack sighs. “I suppose so.”

Arc motions to the window. “See something out there you like?”

“Just watching everypony else work while I lie around doing nothing.”

“I’m sure Doctor Horse knows what he’s doing.”

Applejack groans. “Yeah, me too. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“So you want something to do?”

“It wouldn’t have to be much. I just feel like I’m sponging off everypony else at the moment.”

“Well… to tell you the truth, there is something that you could do for me.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“First off, how strong are you feeling?”

Applejack shrugs. “Okay, I suppose. Why?”

Arc gestures to the door. “Because there’s a mare I just brought in waiting in the corridor.”

“Who is it?”

“She’s lost her memory. But it’s Rarity.”

Applejack stands up so fast she knocks over her chair. “What?! Rarity?!”

“Can I send her in?”

Applejack nods fervently. “Sure! Please do!”

Arc walks over to the door and opens it. Motioning for Rarity to enter, she slowly does as instructed. As she and Arc step forward, Applejack rushes over to meet the pair halfway.

“Rarity! Is that really you?!”

Rarity nods as she removes her helmet. “So I’m told.”

“Where’s Apple Bloom?! And Sweetie Belle too?!”

Rarity tilts her head to one side, confused. “Apple Bloom?”

“She was having a sleepover at your place when it all happened!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead and sighs. “I’m afraid that I don’t really know.”

Applejack groans. “I… I was told that you don’t remember anything. Does that include me too?”

Rarity looks the mare over. “You… actually do look really familiar, yes. But I can’t quite put my hoof on it.”

“So you really don’t remember everything we’ve all been through?”

“Not at all. Sorry.”

Applejack groans. “It’s fine. I’m just glad that you’re okay at least.”

She looks Rarity over for a few moments before speaking again.

“You ARE okay, right?”

Rarity nods. “Other than not remembering anything, yes.”

Arc chimes in. “I took Rarity to Ponyville already. Showed her Sugarcube Corner as well as Carousel Boutique.”

Rarity sighs. “It was all new to me though.”

Applejack frowns. “So you don’t remember me or the others then?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Sorry, but no.”

“How about… what we all did in the past””

“Was it something… bad?”

“I meant us all being the Element Bearers.”

Rarity appears confused. “Element… what now?”

Arc steps forward. “You and five other mares in Ponyville were able to use the Elements of Harmony to vanquish Nightmare Moon a number of years ago. Since then you’ve collectively been called the ‘Element Bearers’.”

Rarity gasps. “So we each have one?”

Applejack nods. “Right. I’m the Element of Honesty and you’re the Element of Generosity.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Can we show her my Element, sir? Maybe it’ll jog something for her.”

Arc heads for the door. “Sure.”

Leaving the room, Arc makes his way toward the vault. As he does so Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“This isn’t exactly going the best.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I know. Two Element Bearers here and we’ve yet to make any headway on the original problem.”

“Breeching Canterlot?”

“Right.”

“While I’m sure you’ll figure it out, the longer we take the more ponies will suffer.”

Arc groans. “All I can do is provide food and muscle as needed.”

“But that won’t win the day, Arc.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

Cherry sighs. “No.”

“If you do happen to think of something, feel free to speak up. But, uh…”

“What is it, Arc?”

“I just… wanted to know if you’re upset with me?”

“Why would I be?”

“For what I did to Buffalo Bull earlier today.”

Cherry grunts. “Well, I’m not exactly happy about it. But I do understand why you did that. I mean… he was leveraging his position to force those stallions to attack you and the others!”

“To say nothing of what was happening to Aloe and Vera.”

“There’s that too. However, the way I saw it, your only other option would have been to kill all those stallions instead.

“And he would have just called for more when that was done.”

“I get the feeling that Buffalo Bull would have sacrificed everypony down there to get rid of you, Arc.”

“Probably.”

“You traded one life to save a great many more.”

“It’s not like it was my first time either. Making hard choices to decide who gets to continue to draw breath.”

“And I trust you to make them wisely and fairly.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Arriving at the vault, Arc opens it and steps inside. Walking over to the shelf with Applejack’s Element on it, he carefully picks the item up and turns to leave. Closing the door behind him, Arc returns the way he came. Returning to the room he knocks lightly before entering.

“I’m back.”

Walking over to Applejack, he puts the Element of Honesty in her hoof. Turning to Rarity, Applejack holds it out to her.

“This is my Element. It allows me to combine my power with that of you and the others to do wonderful things.”

Rarity takes the Element and looks it over. “It looks just like your cutie mark.”

“Yours does as well, you know.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Do you… happen to know where it is?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nah. We each kept our Elements where they would be the safest. And that place is different for everypony.”

“I see.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“Was there a safe back in my shop?”

Arc shrugs. “Not to the best of my knowledge, no.”

Applejack bows her head. “If this were about anything else, I’d say that we should just wait it out and hope that Rarity’s memories would just come back naturally.”

Arc sighs. “But we can’t really hope for such a thing.”

Rarity shudders. “Considering what’s at stake, I agree.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “The information we need is in your head somewhere. Along with what happened to your sisters.”

Applejack nods. “We just need a way to get it out.”

Rarity looks to Arc. “While I wait, do you think I might be given duties here at the base?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“Anything really. I just don’t want to sit around doing nothing right now.”

“How about you take care of Applejack then?”

Applejack nods. “I could use the company. Still kinda weak from what happened to me.”

“Well, I suppose that is a job which needs doing, yes. But I can do more than that. After all, I helped organize the guards at the prison on a regular basis.”

Applejack frowns. “Prison?”

Arc nods. “That’s where I found her.”

Rarity sighs. “Sadly I don’t remember how I got there or much of anything other than my name.”

Arc shrugs. “When Applejack recovers that might be an option, yes. However, you told me earlier that if it came right down to it that you were interested in starting over.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Starting over?”

Rarity nods soberly. “Relearning everything and everypony. Who I am and what it is that I do.”

Arc gestures to Applejack. “Then you can learn from her.”

Applejack nods. “We’ve known each other for years. I can probably tell you everything there is to know about you.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Alright. Then I’ll listen to what you have to say. Until you get too tired, that is.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Arc motions to the door. “I’ll let you two get to it then. Feel free to call for Mayor Cherry when you get some time though. She’ll want to see you as well, Rarity.”

Rarity appears confused. “Mayor Cherry?”

Applejack chimes in. “She’s kind of in charge around here. Well, other than the Hero of Light is, I guess.”

Arc nods. “Someone needs to be running things full time, after all. That and I’m not around much these days.”

Applejack grins. “I’ll have her come by to talk to Rarity later today.”

“Good.”

He turns to Rarity before continuing.

“That and I’ll let you know if something comes up regarding Sweetie Belle or your Element.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Arc nods. “It’s Arc.”

Rarity tilts her head to one side, confused. “I beg your pardon?”

“My name. I’m not much for fancy titles or being called ‘sir’.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Yes, well… I’ll try my best to remember that.”

Arc chuckles as he heads for the door. “Don’t work too hard you two.”

Leaving the room, Arc walks down the corridor. As he passes a door, he stops and turns to it. Knocking lightly, he waits. A few moments later the door opens and Auriel looks out.

“Hello. Is there something I can do for you, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. You see, I was just passing by and wanted to check in on you.”

“Oh! Um…”

Brightwing flutters over and perches on Auriel’s head. Spotting Arc, she giggles happily.

“Friend back!”

Arc chuckles. “Hi Brightwing. You being good?”

Brightwing grins toothlessly. “Yes, yes!”

Auriel gestures to her room. “Would you like to see my progress?”

Arc nods. “I would, yes.”

Auriel steps aside. “Please, come in.”

Arc does so as Auriel closes the door behind him. Brightwing flutters over to Arc and perches on his shoulder haphazardly before turning her head to look him in the eye.

“Brightwing and pretty lady have been so very busy!”

Auriel smiles. “That we have been.”

She gestures to a table heavily laden with books and notes before continuing.

“I’ve been studying my mother here since we found her and have taken readings from every bodily system I can. Blood, saliva, skin, urine, and fecal.”

Brightwing makes a face. “That last one was stinky! Blech!”

“Brightwing is certainly not a dragon. Not biologically nor genetically.”

Arc scratches the small creature under the chin. “Other than the wings, she kinda does.”

“I thought so too. But the science definitively ruled that out.”

“What exactly is Brightwing then?”

Auriel sighs. “At the moment, her own species as best I can tell.”

“Brightwing is Brightwing! YAY!”

“Any idea how that happened? I mean, we do know that she was trying to turn herself into a demon. But this is what came out of that experiment.”

Auriel shrugs. “Not a clue. But considering the sheer volume of variables, both directly and indirectly affecting the experiment at the time, it’s not likely that we’ll ever know the answer to that question for sure. Even if she was here as herself, I don’t think that my mother would know the answer to that without months if not years of testing and study.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I suppose it doesn’t really matter at this point.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed. So I’ve moved on from trying to analyze how she got to this point and transitioned to trying to figure out what she is now.”

Brightwing shudders. “Lots and lots of tests! Super boring!”

Auriel puts a hand on the small creature’s head. “That led me to do all those tests I mentioned earlier to analyze what exactly Brightwing is.”

She picks the small creature up from Arc’s shoulder before continuing.

“But that didn’t really bring me any closer to my goal of returning my mother to her normal form.”

“So what’s your next step?”

Auriel sets Brightwing on a stool. “I want to study how my mother was transformed into Brightwing. Learn about the exact process and events leading up to her transformation.”

“Should we get the original machine from Tartarus?”

“I did consider that. However, the event which led to this outcome may have damaged or altered certain parts of the device. So it would be best to try and learn from the original drawings.”

“Which are back in your mother’s lab, I assume?”

Auriel shakes her head and nods to her satchel at the foot of the bed. “No, I brought them with me when I left.”

Brightwing giggles. “Pretty lady so smart! She thinks of everything!”

“So you could, at least in theory, recreate the original device?”

Auriel sighs. “With the necessary materials, probably. But that wouldn’t really help me as much as you’d think.”

“Where does that leave you then?”

“My current line of thought is that I need to see the original device prior to the incident.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But that isn’t possible though, right?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not literally, no. So I’m trying to do the next best thing.”

Walking over to a cabinet, Auriel pulls out a device. Returning to Arc, she holds it out to him as she continues.

“This device allows me, in theory, to see a subject’s memories.”

Brightwing nods with evident pride. “Friend worked very hard on that!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So you’re trying to see the original device through your mother’s memories?”

“Exactly.”

Arc frowns. “How do you plan to test this though?”

Auriel looks away nervously. “I… was planning to ask someone to use it on me.”

Brightwing gasps. “Woah! Scary!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that… safe?”

“If my calculations are correct, yes. Would you mind running it for me?”

“Running it?”

Auriel sighs. “Sadly, I can’t really operate it while being the test subject.”

“But I don’t have much in the way of tech knowledge.”

“It’s actually quite simple. I just put it on my head in order to give you access to my memories.”

“Isn’t there a less invasive way to do this?”

Auriel puts a claw to her cheek. “We could start slow, of course. For example, I could think of more recent memories and the device would display them on the attached screen. That would mean that I’m in control of what is displayed though. So, could you bear witness to this for me?”

“Well… I suppose so. But only if you’re completely sure that this is safe.”

Auriel puts the device on her head. “That I am. So much so that I’m willing to be the test subject.”

“Alright. What do I need to do?”

Auriel sits down in a nearby chair. “Just watch the screen and describe what you see.”

“I can do that.”

Brightwing flutters over. “Can Brightwing watch too?!”

Auriel smiles and nods. “Sure. Just be very quiet and let me concentrate.”

“Okay, friend!”

Flicking a switch, Auriel closes her eyes and concentrates. A few moments later the screen comes to life. Arc watches as he begins to speak.

“I see you walking up to a door. You’re opening it and stepping into another room. It’s your father’s Audience Chambers. I’m there with him.”

Auriel nods. “That’s the day you and I met. When you told my father that you knew where my mother was.”

Brightwing gasps. “Scary demon is big!”

Arc continues. “It looks like we’re talking to him about you leaving.”

Auriel sighs. “I’m not yet able to do audio though.”

“We’re at the part where you convinced him. You’re leaving the room to get packed, I assume.”

Auriel nods as she turns off the machine. “Right.”

Brightwing appears suddenly concerned. “Friend feel okay?!”

Auriel puts a claw to her belly. “Admittedly, I do feel a bit… queasy.”

Arc looks to the door. “Should I get help?”

“No, that’s alright. It’s probably just due to my brainwaves being piggybacked like that.”

“Well, it appears that your device does work as intended.”

“Brightwing want to watch more!”

Auriel sighs as she removes the device. “I’ll have to perfect it before using this on someone else though. After all, something like this shouldn’t be rushed.”

“Agreed. However, the idea isn’t exactly new.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“While this isn’t exactly well known, Equestria already has such a device.”

Brightwing gasps. “Friend does?!”

“How does it work?”

“I’m not really sure. Like I said before, technology isn’t exactly my strong suit.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out a machine before continuing.

“How about I demonstrate this for you though?”

Auriel looks it over curiously. “What is it?”

“A device that can display thoughts.”

Brightwing giggles. “It pretty!”

Arc points the device at the wall. “This will project the images. Give me a minute to set up the screen and we’ll be ready.”

Doing so, Arc sits down and pulls a crystal from his ring. Turning to Auriel, he continues.

“All you have to do is hold one of these crystals and concentrate on what you want shown. Like this.”

Closing his eyes, Arc takes a deep breath. A few moments later the scene of him meeting with King Malevolence plays out before them in its entirety. As the king gives Auriel permission to leave, Arc puts the crystal down and stands.

“What do you think?”

Brightwing gasps in awe. “That was amazing!”

Auriel nods. “I agree with my mother! And I assume this is perfected?!”

Arc shrugs. “Not exactly. The device you see here is actually a prototype. The technology is really expensive to produce and doesn’t have much in the way of interest by those whom are rich, after all.”

Picking up the crystal, Arc continues.

“It also records what you saw for posterity. If we put the crystal in here, we can watch that again.”

Brightwing whistles. “Fancy!”

Auriel appears impressed. “What’s the range?”

Arc appears confused. ‘I don’t get your meaning.”

“How far back in one’s mind can it go?”

“Not really sure. I’ve never tried to imagine something too far back.”

“Might I make a suggestion then?”

“What is it?”

“Try to remember something further back. Like something from your very early childhood.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Like when I was a baby?”

“Maybe not quite that far back. But at the very least something that you wouldn’t be able to normally remember on your own.”

“I’ll give it a try.”

Brightwing giggles as Arc sits down again. “You can do it, friend!”

Arc takes the crystal and closes his eyes. However, this time nothing comes up on the screen. After a solid minute of trying, Arc opens his eyes and shakes his head.

“Looks like even this device has its limits.”

Auriel sighs. “What were you trying to remember?”

“My third birthday. However, as I kinda thought would happen, I just didn’t have a point of reference with which to even start to remember such a thing.”

“That’s to be expected though. Memories that far back are often buried so deeply in our brains that they can’t normally be accessed at will. There are sometimes exceptions for extremely memorable moments, of course. But not usually.”

“What if this machine were altered to be more like yours though?”

“Altered?”

“You said that the memories from early childhood are there, but aren’t accessible by us normally. Could your machine allow us to go further back that we normally could?”

Auriel shrugs. “I don’t see why not. The safest way to do such a thing would be to have the subject think of something from as far back as they are able and then allow us to manually wind back from there.”

“Would that be dangerous though?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not in the least, no. The subject would have full control of what is allowed, of course. But the operator would be able to rewind at will. However, I don’t think we’d be able to go so far back so as to see decades into the past.”

“How long would it take you to do that though?”

“Do what, sir?”

“Combine the devices to do what you just described.”

“I’m not really sure. Probably no more than a day or so though. But even then I doubt I’d be able to dial back far enough to access my young memories of my mother’s lab from so long ago.”

“Well, I’d still like for it to be done. There’s an important need for that technology at the moment.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you said that this technology doesn’t have much of a place in Equestria.”

“For the masses, no. However, I need it to help a certain mare that I brought to Light’s Hope earlier today.”

“Who is she?”

“Another one of the Element Bearers. The problem is that she doesn’t remember what happened to her when the country went dark. Or where her Element is hidden.”

“Amnesia?”

“You’ve got it.”

“And you need it to help take down Canterlot?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I will. She and the others defeated Nightmare Moon in the past and could certainly do it again. With military support, of course.”

Auriel sighs. “While I don’t really like the idea of making things that hurt others, this would probably be in the best interest of the nation as a whole.”

“Agreed. Now then, if there is anything you need to make this happen let Platinum Valve at the supply depot know. I’ll instruct her to give you whatever it is that you require.”

“Thank you, sir. Rest assured that I’ll get it done.”

Arc turns toward the door. “Good. I’ll leave you to it then.”

He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Auriel turns back to her device as Brightwing flutters over to her.

“Friend… okay?”

Auriel groans. “Am I really doing the right thing here, mother?”

Brightwing appears confused. “Right thing?”

“I’m making something that can access another’s memories.”

“Isn’t that good thing though?”

“At first I thought so, yes. But… as the Hero of Light left, I realized whom I’m making this for.”

“But aren’t you making it for everyone?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not really. At the moment it’s just for him. However, it just hit me that this could be used for some really shady things later down the road.”

Brightwing tilts her head to one side. “Like what, friend?”

“Invading another’s memories against their wills.”

Brightwing gasps. “But friend wouldn’t do that!”

Auriel looks to the door and sighs. “Maybe. I don’t really know him that well though.”

“So… what will pretty lady do then?”

Auriel sighs. “I don’t really have a choice at the moment, as I can’t leave this place without permission.”

“Friend could ask!”

Auriel smiles sadly as she pats the creature’s head. “Yes, I suppose I could. But where would I even ask to go?”

“How about someplace fun?!”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “A test of sorts.”

“Like the tests you gave Brightwing?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not like that, no. Something to gauge whether or not the Hero of Light will abuse my creations.”

“Friend have idea?!”

“Kinda. But it involves making what he asked for first.”

“Well… Brightwing thinks he’s a good creature!”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What makes you say that?”

Brightwing puts her small claws on the device. “He gave you this!”

Auriel appears confused. “But he had to for me to upgrade it.”

“Yes, but Brightwing saw that he was willing to trust you with something very special! Something very important to this land!”

Auriel frowns. “Maybe. But I have to know for sure.”

Smiling slightly, she walks over to her workbench and begins working before muttering under her breath.

“And I think I know just what I need to do.”

Chapter 17 - Looking Ahead

A few days pass. Arc knocks lightly before he enters Rarity’s room, which she is currently sharing with Applejack, and walks over to the two mares. They stand as he approaches and speaks to Applejack.

“How are you two doing today?”

“I’m feeling a lot stronger than I have recently. Then again, to be honest with you, I don’t think I’ve ever laid around this much in my entire life.”

Arc turns to Rarity. “And you, miss?”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “Still no change in my condition, I’m afraid.”

“Nothing?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not even glimpses of my past memories, no.”

Applejack bows her head. “I’ve been doing my best to talk her through everything I can think of. From when we first met to our day trips to the spa to how we became the Element Bearers.”

Rarity nods. “And the various citizens of Ponyville too. Like mister and misses Pie.”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, no. Mister and misses Cake run Sugarcube Corner together. Pinkie Pie does party planning.”

Rarity appears confused. “I thought you said she’s a baker though.”

“Just a part time one.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “And Twinkle Sprinkle runs the library.”

Applejack facehoofs. “Again, her name is ‘Twilight Sparkle’.”

Rarity groans. “I just can’t believe that I’m a dress maker AND have so many friends too.”

Arc sits down across from the pair. “This is certainly quite a lot to take in, I’m sure. Believe me when I say that losing one’s memory is a very jarring thing to happen.”

Applejack appears surprised. “You’ve had it happen to you before?”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed. After a very… serious injury and magical attack some time ago.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my!”

Arc continues. “But unlike you, Rarity, back then I didn’t even remember whom I was.”

Applejack looks to him. “So you were able to come around after a while, I’m guessing?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. A friend of mine and I had to travel the world in order to get reagents for an ancient potion to do that.”

Applejack frowns as she points a hoof at Rarity. “Then why in tarnation can’t we do the same for her?!”

“It took forever to get all of them together. And that was when the sun still shone.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “What ingredients would be problematic?”

Arc sighs. “At this point, all of them. Without sunlight herbs aren’t growing these days. The destruction of the Crystal Empire means that I can’t get a special vial from them. And with the Dragon Lands being on high alert for attacks from all sides it’s not likely we could get a Dragon Fruit from their shores. To say nothing for the Poison Joke needed as well.”

Applejack bows her head sadly. “Yeah, I get what you’re saying. But I don’t see how that machine you mentioned the other day is supposed to help.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, even if I were to see my past it doesn’t mean that I’d be able to remember anything.”

Arc looks toward the window. “True. But at the risk of sounding rude, this is more for the benefit of your lost sisters than you, Rarity.”

Applejack grimaces. “I’m sure that Apple Bloom was with Sweetie Belle when things went south. So I’m hoping they left together.”

Rarity groans. “I still wish I could remember them.”

Arc nods. “With any luck they’re hiding out somewhere safe.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “But it’s been almost a year since this whole mess all started! What makes you think that they’d still be where they went?! Or even if they made it there in the first place!”

Arc sighs. “If nothing else, it will make for a good starting point. If they have moved on, hopefully they left some clues behind or a note of some kind.”

There is a small knock at the door. Arc stands to answer it. Opening the door, he spies Auriel standing in the corridor with a cart. Atop of it is the altered device with Brightwing perched happily on top of it. He steps aside to allow them entrance. Closing the door behind the pair, Arc turns to Auriel.

“Thank you for coming.”

Auriel looks down at the device as she wheels it toward Rarity. “It’s… it’s no trouble, sir.”

Brightwing giggles happily. “We’re here to help friends heal!”

Stopping in front of the mares, Auriel puts a claw on the machine and looks to Rarity before continuing.

“Now then, I don’t really know what you’ve been told of this altered device. But to sum it up, we should be able to use it to see exactly what happened on the day that the town of Ponyville was abandoned.”

Applejack looks to the cart warily. “Are you sure this thing is safe?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, I’ve tested it on both myself and the Hero of Light here. Both before and after the necessary modifications were made.”

Brightwing grins toothlessly. “Brightwing help too!”

Arc moves to stand with Auriel. “And I’ve used it numerous times in the past few years. That and it was fully tested by Canterlot prior to it being gifted to me by the princesses themselves.”

Rarity grimaces. “I’m still a bit apprehensive about doing this though.”

Auriel shrugs. “It’s certainly your choice on what you want to do here. If you’re not okay with things as it stands, I can go back to my lab and do more testing.”

Brightwing nods happily. “And we can do this later, friend!”

Applejack raises a hoof. “Um… if Rarity isn’t too keen on the whole process, do you think I could try it out myself?”

Arc appears confused. “You, Applejack?”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. I’d… kinda like to see something. If it’s okay, that is.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Sir?”

Arc shrugs. “Sure. Let’s set it up.”

Reaching for his magic ring, Arc pulls out the screen as Auriel walks over to Applejack with her part of the device. Putting it on the mare’s head, Auriel explains the process.

“This will act as the reader while the device on the cart here processes the information and displays it on the screen. You can manually pull things up just by thinking about them. From there we can dial forward or backwards in time if you’d like.”

Applejack nods as she leans back in the couch to get comfortable. “Thanks, but I think I’ll stick with me pulling stuff up.”

Stepping back, Auriel presses a few switches on the headset as Arc turns on the machine for her. A few moments later Applejack takes a deep breath and concentrates. A scene of Sweet Apple Acres comes up on the screen as seen through Applejack’s eyes. The young mare pushes through the screen door of the farmhouse and make her way toward the barn. Stopping as a voice rings out behind her, Applejack turns around.

“Big sis!”

A filly comes into view from the direction of the farmhouse. Rarity gasps as she turns to Applejack.

“Is that…?!”

Applejack nods sadly. “Yup. That’s my little sister, Apple Bloom.”

The filly runs over to Applejack with a pair of bulging saddlebags on her sides. Coming to a stop, she grins and speaks.

“I’m all set and ready to go!”

“Did you remember your toothbrush and extra bows?”

Apple Bloom nods happily as she opens a saddlebag. “I did!”

“Good. Now then, do you want me to walk you over to Rarity’s place?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “It’s okay. I know the way.”

Applejack sighs. “I suppose you do. Be good and do what Rarity tells you to.”

Apple Bloom turns and runs down the path. “I will!”

Applejack waves a hoof after her. “Have fun!”

The screen goes dark as Applejack looks to Arc sadly.

“That… that was the last time I saw my little sister.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’m… sorry to hear that.”

Rarity turns to Applejack. “She was coming to my shop to have a sleepover with my… little sister.”

Applejack groans. “Yeah. And shortly after that I left the farm to go catch up with Big Mac whom was on their way to the hospital to check in on Granny Smith.”

Auriel gestures to the machine. “Would you like to see that part too?”

Brightwing giggles happily. “Brightwing would! Ponies are all so cute!”

Applejack bows her head. “It wouldn’t come up, as we never actually made it there.”

Rarity appears confused. “Never made it to the hospital?”

Applejack sighs. “I was walking there with my older brother, Big Mac, when all of a sudden the sun set and the moon rose. There was a lot of screaming and chaos all around us instantly. Then the guards descended on the town and started grabbing everypony.”

Arc frowns. “What?!”

Rarity gasps. “My goodness! How did you get away?!”

“Big Mac lunged at the ones that came for us. As he fought them off as best he could, he called out for me to get to Granny and see to it that we both got to safety. He’d run back and pick up Apple Bloom and meet up with us later. But as I neared the hospital something hard hit me in the back of the head.”

The young mare instinctively rubs her cranium as she continues.

“I fell and felt a number of other bodies jump on top, pinning me to the ground. The last thing I saw before blacking out was a dark mare looking down at me and smiling wickedly as she said ‘one down’.

Arc clenches a fist. “Nightmare Moon.”

Rarity appears confused. “But why would she go after you, Applejack?!”

“For the same reason she probably sent others to get you, Rarity. To take down the six Element Bearers. After all, we’re the only ones whom could stop her.”

Arc nods soberly. “And it seems that she was successful in that regard. After all, we’ve heard no word from the other four nor been able to locate them either.”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “Not to be crass, but why would this Nightmare Moon individual have wanted to capture you two? I mean, if you and your other friends really are the only ones whom could stop her wouldn’t it have made more sense for her to just outright kill the Element Bearers?”

Brightwing gasps, wide-eyed. “Scary!”

Arc frowns as he thinks. “Yes. Capturing you and Applejack doesn’t make much sense to me either.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Could it have been part of a plan to weaponize the Elements of Harmony? Perhaps she had hoped to take them into her service.”

Applejack shakes her head. “That wouldn’t have worked anyways. After all, the Elements of Harmony are non-lethal. All they really do is to restore balance.”

She looks out the window at the planet before continuing.

“Something that Nightmare Moon doesn’t seem to be too interested in doing right now.”

Rarity frowns. “Then we have no choice but to do everything in our power to stop her!”

Turning to Auriel, she continues.

“I’m ready to do my part.”

Auriel appears confused. “Miss?”

Rarity holds out a hoof. “Give me your device.”

“Are you certain that’s what you want? I mean, you were so apprehensive about doing this just a short time ago.”

Rarity nods soberly. “I still am, yes. But if this land is to be saved, we must all do our parts. Even if such things aren’t completely safe.”

Looking to Arc, Auriel appears conflicted. After a few moments Arc silently nods. Auriel turns and puts the device on Rarity’s head as Brightwing flutters over to her to help.

“Here you are, friend!”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Thank you.”

Arc walks over to Rarity as Auriel finishes her task. “Now then, all we need you to do is focus on the last thing you remember.”

Rarity sounds confused. “Waking up in the prison?”

Auriel nods as she steps over to a small control panel. “Yes. From there I can dial your memories back. With any luck we’ll be able to see how you got there in the first place.”

Applejack frowns. “That must be quite the tale. After all, Luna Bay Prison isn’t exactly what I’d call a hop, skip, and a jump from Ponyville, after all.

Arc clenches a fist. “And with a bit of good fortune, we might just be able to find out what happened to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.”

Closing her eyes, Rarity takes a deep breath and concentrates. The scene unfolds on the screen of her awakening groggily with a number of prison guards all around her. Looking around, they see that she is surrounded by sand and water with a full moon shining overhead. Rarity calls out as the image freezes.

“This is me waking up on the shores of Luna Bay.”

Arc turns to Auriel. “It’s all up to you now.”

Nodding, Auriel begins pressing buttons. Rarity grimaces as she does so. Applejack looks to her friend, concerned.

“You doing okay, Rarity?”

Rarity makes a face. “It just feels very… strange. Like somepony is stirring the contents of my brain with a spoon.”

Applejack takes Rarity’s hoof. “Just remember why you’re doing this. It’s for our little sisters, after all.”

Rarity nods as she squeezes Applejack’s fetlock. A short time later Auriel shakes her head.

“There’s nothing.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“The memories from how she got to Luna Bay aren’t there.”

Brightwing tilts her head to one side, confused. “Did friend just forget them?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Memories, especially those from less than a year ago, can never truly be forgotten. They really should be in there somewhere, but for some reason aren’t.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her head. “How could this have happened to me though?!”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… it is possible that you were knocked unconscious.”

Applejack frowns. “Like I was?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. However, that wouldn’t explain the missing year of memories.”

Rarity grimaces. “What if I was unconscious the whole time?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Unconscious for the better part of a year?”

“Yes.”

Auriel shrugs. “That would be the most plausible explanation for the lack of any memories, yes. However, that in and of itself would have been extremely difficult to do and would have left behind signs.”

Brightwing looks Rarity over. “Signs?! Like for directions?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “More along the lines of severe muscular atrophy, residual drugs in the bloodstream, and other signs of mental damage.”

Applejack turns to Arc. “Could somepony have cast some kind of magic spell on her then?”

Arc frowns. “Something to make her forget, you mean?”

“Right.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing, no. Auriel?”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “It would be possible to do, yes. At least in theory, that is. However, I’d like to point out that if such a thing were indeed possible it would take a magic user of unimaginable power to do such a thing.

Rarity grimaces. “Like Nightmare Moon you mean?”

Auriel shrugs. “It might be possible, yes. But it still wouldn’t explain the complete lack of evidence pointing to a long term coma. To say nothing for exactly how those memories were apparently erased.”

Brightwing looks Rarity over. “Is friend okay though?!”

Auriel nods. “It would appear so, yes. After all, she hasn’t shown any adverse effects since being found.”

Rarity grimaces. “What would I have to look for?”

“Theoretically speaking, brain damage from the procedure, an inability to form new memories, difficulty with motor functions, and balance issues.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So you’re saying that we can rule out the memory wipe then?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, sir. In truth, both explanations have rather large holes in their logic. However, they’re also the most plausible at the moment.”

Applejack groans. “We can explore those theories later. Right now we should be focusing on whether or not we can see what happened to our little sisters on the day the sun fell.”

Arc nods. “Right. Auriel?”

Auriel turns back to her panel. “All I can do is try.”

Manipulating the controls, Auriel slowly turns a dial counter-clockwise. The screen remains blank for several minutes before Auriel looks up and speaks.

“I think I’ve found something!”

Rarity gasps. “What is it?!”

“If we’re lucky, exactly what we’re looking for. Let me just tune this in first.”

A few moments later she looks to the screen as a myriad of colors flash across it. Grinning, she points a claw excitedly.

“There!”

Rarity squints. “What is it?”

Applejack shrugs. “It just looks like a mess of colors to me.”

Auriel nods. “True. But they’re brighter than before. More vibrant.”

Arc points to the screen. “As if it was a bright, sunny day!”

Auriel grins. “Exactly.”

Arc walks over to Auriel. “Can you show us this particular memory from the start?”

“I think so, yes.”

Turning some dials, Auriel continues to look at the screen with the others. Soon enough they see a sewing machine and two white hooves working on a garment of some kind. Rarity gasps.

“I’m sewing!”

Applejack nods. “It’s your trade, after all.”

Arc points at the screen. “That and there’s sunlight shining on the corner of the desk.”

Brightwing grins. “Sun is pretty! Brightwing misses it!”

A small thumping sound rings out from the speakers. Turning her head, the mare on the screen calls out loudly.

“Sweetie Belle, would you be a dear and answer the door please!”

“Yes, Rarity!”

Rarity goes back to work as the sound of small hooves running down the stairs somewhere off screen ring out. They hear a door opening and more small hooves approaching. Sweetie Belle calls out again.

“Apple Bloom is here for the sleepover, Rarity!”

Rarity gasps as she quickly turns around. “What?! That’s today?!”

Sweetie Belle grins. “Yup!”

Apple Bloom hops up and down excitedly. “It’s the weekend, after all!”

Rarity looks to a calendar. “Aha, that it is. Sorry for forgetting.”

Sweetie Belle pouts as she looks down at the floor. “So we can’t…?”

Rarity interrupts her. “Oh, no, no, no! I said that you two could have a sleepover and I meant it. Now then, I want both of you head upstairs and put Apple Bloom’s saddlebags in Sweetie Belle’s room. That will give me time to put the finishing touches on this dress before making lunch for you two.”

Sweetie Belle turns to head out the door. “Okay, Rarity!”

Apple Bloom calls out after her. “Hey! Wait for me!”

The fillies run out of the room as Rarity goes back to work. Sewing the last gusset onto the dress, she stands and lifts it with her magic. Looking it over for a few moments, she turns her head and puts it on a mannequin before looking it over once more and sighing.

“Another order finished. Just ten more to go.”

Leaving the back room, she meets the fillies whom are running down the stairs together. Smiling at them, Rarity motions to the kitchen.

“Let’s see what we can make for…”

She is cut off as another knock rings out. Turning to the door, Rarity steps forward and opens it. Spike stands there with a couple of books under his arms. Grinning widely, he speaks.

“Hey, Rarity. Twilight wanted me to bring these over to you.”

Rarity squeals happily as she trots in place. “Oh good! Those must be the experimental sewing techniques books I asked for some time ago!”

Spike nods as he walks inside. “That they are.”

Rarity points a hoof. “You can just set them down on my desk in the back room, Spike. I’ll take a look at them later when there’s time.”

Apple Bloom grins. “We were just about to make lunch, after all.”

Sweetie Belle looks to her older sister. “Can he stay too?”

Rarity nods. “I don’t see why not. Would you like to join us, Spike?”

Spike gasps happily. “Sure would!”

They walk into the kitchen together as Rarity speaks.

“Now then, what do you three want for lunch today?”

Sweetie Belle hops up and down excitedly. “How about Grilled Cheese?!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “That sounds great!”

Spike grins. “Agreed! Rarity makes the best Grilled Cheese I’ve ever had!”

Rarity giggles as she levitates a skillet from a cupboard over to the stove. “Thank you for saying so, Spike.”

Sweetie Belle runs over to the refrigerator. “I’ll get the cheese!”

Apple Bloom hurries over to the counter. “Here’s the bread!”

Reconvening at the stove, they give the items to Rarity whom is just setting out a cutting board. She takes the ingredients and sets them down as Spike walks over with a stick of butter. As she takes it from him, Rarity calls out.

“Now then, which one of you wants to…?”

She is cut off as the sun quickly begins to set. The young ones run over to the window and gasps. Sweetie Belle is the first to speak.

“It’s way too early for evening!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right! We should have six more hours of daylight!”

Spike turns to Rarity. “Twilight didn’t say anything about an early light’s out to me.”

Rarity frowns. “This doesn’t make any sense. We should probably…”

Sweetie Belle points a hoof. “Look! Soldiers are flying in from Canterlot!”

Apple Bloom appears relieved. “That’s good. Maybe they’re coming here to speak to Twilight about this!”

Spike squints. “That’s an awful lot of armor and weapons for just a talk.”

Rarity grimaces. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

Turning to Apple Bloom, she continues.

“Run upstairs and get your saddlebags! Hurry!”

Apple Bloom nods fearfully and does as she is told. Rarity turns and tosses her own saddlebags at Spike. Catching them, he watches as Rarity puts a number of packages of food into them with her magic. Confused, he speaks.

“Rarity, what are you…?”

Rarity interrupts him. “Taking precautions, Spike! Just keep holding the bags open for me!”

Spike does as he is told. A few moments later Apple Bloom returns with her saddlebags. Rarity rips the straps holding her bags together and turns to Sweetie Belle. As she ties the ruins of the straps to her little sister’s back, she speaks.

“Now then, I need the three of you to run to the Everfree Forest!”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “What?! But you told me never to go there, Rarity!”

Rarity points a hoof. “Just follow the path! When you enter take a right at the first fork and a left at the second!”

“What’s there?!”

“A small hut that belongs to a zebra named Zecora! Tell her what happened and she’ll let you stay there until the danger has passed! Spike knows the way if you get lost!”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Danger?!”

Spike sighs. “Rarity, it’s probably not that…”

Rarity angrily interrupts him. “Do as I say!”

Spike draws back, clearly surprised. “Yes, ma’am.”

Rarity’s expression softens as she again speaks.

“Take care of them for me, Spike.”

“I will.”

Sweetie Belle begins to sniffle. “But… but Rarity! What about you?!”

Rarity smiles sadly. “Don’t you worry about me. I’ll be alright.”

Apple Bloom calls out from the window. “Those soldiers just landed in the town square!”

Rarity grimaces. “You three have to go! Now!”

Sweetie Belle throws her hooves around Rarity’s neck as she begins crying. Patting her head, Rarity gently pushes the filly back and motions to Apple Bloom. She grabs her friend’s fetlock and pulls.

“Come on! We’ve gotta go!”

Spike grabs the other half of the saddlebag and hefts it onto his back. “This way you two!”

Rarity watches as the trio runs through the door and down the path. Looking after them from the doorway, she closes it, locks it, and steps back wordlessly. Sitting down on her haunches in the middle of the shop floor, Rarity waits patiently. Eventually there is a loud banging on her front door. Rarity does not move as the pounding gets louder and louder. Eventually the door gives way and a number of guards swarm inside. One of the first ones in roughly hoofs the mare in the face as the screen goes dark. Auriel turns to Arc as she turns off the device.

“It would appear that’s all there is.”

Applejack gasps. “They… why did they do that though?!”

Brightwing growls angrily. “Those were very bad ponies!”

Arc frowns. “Probably for the same reason you were tackled and knocked out, Applejack.”

Auriel nods. “They were clearly targeting the Element Bearers.”

Applejack sighs. “Yeah. But at least now we know that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Spike are safe with Zecora. Right, Rarity?”

Turning to her friend, Applejack sees tears streaming down her face silently. Putting a hoof on her friend’s shoulder, she continues.

“They’re okay. I’m sure of it.”

Rarity sniffles. “I… I sent them away!”

Arc nods soberly. “To safety though.”

“Through a dangerous forest, all alone!”

Auriel shrugs. “It appeared to be your only option at the time.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Darn right! Those stallions would have grabbed them too if they were there!”

Brightwing looks to Auriel. “We should help friend.”

Auriel sighs. “I think we just did.”

Rarity stands and pulls the device off of her head. “We need to go there and get them right away!”

Arc shakes his head. “That wouldn’t be wise, Rarity.”

Applejack stands. “I’m coming too!”

Auriel gasps. “But the two of you are extremely high value targets right now!”

Rarity frowns as she walks over to a closet and begins putting on her armor. “I don’t care!”

Applejack nods soberly as she puts on her hat. “Right! Our sisters are in trouble! We have to head over to Zecora’s hut and make sure they’re okay!”

Arc sighs. “Alright then. I’ll escort you two.”

Auriel calls out as they head for the door together. “Be careful out there!”

Arc nods. “We will. And thank you for doing all of this, Auriel.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “It was… my pleasure.”

As Arc and company leave the room, Auriel walks back over to the machine. Brightwing flutters over to her and frowns.

“Why pretty lady not finish?”

Auriel appears confused. “Finish?”

Brightwing nods as she points a claw at the machine. “You didn’t push that extra button!”

Auriel bows her head. “I… I just couldn’t.”

“What was that for anyways?!”

“It was a… circuit breaker bypass.”

“Oh?”

“When this was done, I had been planning to press it and let the machines overheat.”

Brightwing frowns. “Overheat?! But pretty lady told Brightwing that heat is very bad for machines!”

Auriel nods. “That it is. However, it would also have prevented my design from being used in the future.”

“But you didn’t press it! Why?!”

Auriel looks to the door sadly. “Because I… I now believe that the Hero of Light would only use it for good and noble purposes.”

“He is a really nice one!”

Auriel sighs as she begins packing up the device. “That he is.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Applejack, and Rarity walk down the corridor toward the Main Hall. Entering, they walk up to the stallion on duty. Rarity is the first to speak.

“We need to go to Ponyville right away!”

The stallion looks to Arc. “Sir?”

“First I need you to page Special Agent Tempest and Colonel Spitfire. I need some backup for this mission.”

“My apologies, sir, but they are both in Baltimare at the moment negotiating with the mayor for an upcoming trade.”

Arc sighs. “Then call for Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do.”

“Yes sir.”

Picking up his phone, the stallion does as Arc requests. A few minutes later the two mares hurry into the Main Hall and over to Arc. Sunset Shimmer is the first to speak.

“We came as quickly as we could, sir!”

Daring Do lands and looks around. “Where’s the trouble today?!”

“A bit of a foray into the Everfree Forest.”

Sunset Shimmer groans. “That place?”

Daring Do grins. “Sounds like an adventure to me!”

Arc nods. “I’ll give you more details once we’re on site.”

Turning to the stallion again, Arc points to the map as he continues.

“We need to go…”

Stopping, he thinks for a few moments before speaking again.

“Actually, never mind.”

The stallion appears confused. “Sir?”

“I’ll handle the transport there myself.”

Leading the group over to his sigil nearby, Arc motions for them to step onto it. As they do so he calls forth his armor and powers it up. In the blink of an eye they are teleported to Fluttershy’s cottage. Looking around, Daring Do speaks.

“So we’re in Ponyville now?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Applejack looks around. “Fluttershy’s cottage.”

Rarity taps her forehead. “Why does that name sound familiar?”

Applejack turns to her. “She’s another of the Element Bearers. And a good friend of ours.”

Arc sighs. “Indeed. I came here a while back while looking for… something.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “And are you still looking for that ‘something’?”

“Yes, I am. However, that’s not the mission for today.”

He walks toward the window before gesturing toward the Everfree Forest nearby.

“We’re heading into the forest in order to investigate the disappearance of two young fillies and a baby dragon.”

Applejack nods. “Our sisters and their friend.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “And what makes you sure that they’re here, sir?”

“New information from Rarity.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her head. “The Hero of Light had me wear a mind reading device to reveal this.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Still sounds kinda sketchy to me.”

Arc frowns. “Agreed. They went missing when the mess in Canterlot started about a year ago.”

Sunset Shimmer bows her head. “I hate to say it, but if that’s the case it’s not likely they’re alive then. After all, the Everfree Forest is well known throughout Equestria for being extremely dangerous.”

Applejack scoffs. “They were told to run to Zecora’s hut. She lives in that place full time.”

Daring Do smirks. “Sounds like my kind of pony! Adventurous and brave!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. She’s actually an apothecary of sorts.”

Applejack chimes in. “And not a pony either.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow, confused. “Then what…?”

Applejack interrupts her. “Zecora’s actually a zebra.”

Sunset Shimmer gasps. “Interesting. I’ve never actually seen one of their species before. Just pictures in books.”

Arc sighs. “Do try to curb your enthusiasm until after we find the two fillies and dragon, please.”

He leads the group out of the cottage and down the path. Turning to Applejack, Arc continues.

“I know Rarity gave directions to Zecora’s hut in that memory, but do you know the way as well?”

Applejack nods. “Yes, I do. My friends and I used to visit her sometimes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Did you now?”

“Yup. She’s really good at treating ailments that fall outside of traditional medicine and magical means.”

Arc calls out to Cherry telepathically. “That’s interesting.”

“What is, Arc?”

“That Applejack and her friends know Zecora.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Not inherently, no. But in our home world they never met.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. When Ember, Sereb, and I approached Zecora’s place during a search for a cure for the princesses’ Sanguine Azolla illness, she was upset that ‘ponies’ were banging on her door. In fact, she wouldn’t open up until I told her that none of us were ponies.”

“What does she have against ponies though?”

“Probably a lot. Being different isn’t easy, after all.”

“You made it work though.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “Well, it would appear that our version of her didn’t get the same benefit of the doubt that I did.”

Sometime later they approach the small hut. Arc turns to the others and gestures to the dwelling.

“All of you should wait here.”

Daring Do tilts her head to one side, confused. “Uh… why?”

“Because this might be dangerous.”

Applejack waves a hoof dismissively as she steps forward. “Hogwash! It’s just…!”

She is cut off as a blast suddenly bursts forth from Sunset Shimmer’s horn. It connects with a spring loaded spike trap bursting out of the ground, smashing it to pieces. Applejack instinctively jumps to the side at this, but accidently steps onto a hidden pitfall. As the ground under her hooves gives way, Daring Do flies toward her faster than can be seen. Grabbing the mare’s fetlock, Daring Do pulls her back to the others. Rarity calls out as she reaches her friend first.

“Are you okay?!”

Applejack nods weakly. “Y-yeah, I’m okay. Thanks for the save you two.”

Sunset Shimmer looks around nervously. “Don’t mention it.”

Daring Do scoffs. “It was just a common pitfall trap. Nothing too elaborate.”

Applejack puts a hoof on top of her head before looking around. “Has anypony seen my hat?”

Arc nods to the pitfall “I think it fell in there.”

Daring Do frowns. “Let me check.”

Making her way forward, the mare cautiously checks every step she takes. Reaching the hole in the ground she looks down into it for a few moments before turning back and frowning.

“Looks like it’s down there pretty far.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll get it.”

Rarity gasps. “Be careful!”

Arc looks to Daring Do. “Is the ground to your right safe?”

Daring Do appears confused. “Yeah. But why?”

Without another word, Arc Blinks next to her. Daring Do frowns as he kneels down and looks into the hole. Reaching out, he casts a Telekinesis Spell and pulls the missing hat to his gauntlet. Turning to Applejack, he Blinks back to her and holds out the hat as he speaks.

“There you are. Might want to wash that when we get back though.”

Applejack appears confused as she takes the hat from him. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“It’s a bit… soiled.”

Applejack looks it over. “Nothing I haven’t…”

She stops as a tinge of red comes into view. Arc continues.

“Apparently you weren’t the first to almost fall in there.”

Daring Do nods soberly. “Right. And some weren’t so lucky.”

Sunset Shimmer gasps. “Are you saying that there are dead bodies down there?!”

Arc nods. “That there are. A lot of sharp sticks pointing upward saw to that.”

Daring Do frowns. “And a few pony skeletons too.”

Rarity charges forward. “WHAT?!”

Sunset Shimmer pulls her back with a spell, grunting to hold the nearly frantic mare back as Daring Do continues.

“Not to worry. These are fully grown ponies. Not fillies.”

Rarity grimaces. “Are you sure?!”

Daring Do nods. “Positive. They’re also wearing armor.”

Applejack looks to the hut. “Guess we’d best get in there then.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Agreed. But we need to do so safely.”

Sunset Shimmer steps forward. “I can Blink to the front door easily.”

Rarity holds out a hoof to her. “But who’s to say that it isn’t trapped too?”

Applejack sighs as she turns toward the pitfalls. “Considering what we’ve already seen, that’s certainly not out of the question.”

Arc looks to the mares. “I’m open to suggestions on this.”

Daring Do steps forward. “Let me go then.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Why you?”

“Because trap avoidance is kind of my specialty.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Are you saying that you’ve seen every trap out there then?”

Daring Do shrugs. “Pretty much. But who’s to say?”

Applejack frowns. “This thing just got a whole lot more complicated.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Agreed.”

Rarity grimaces. “What are we supposed to do then?”

Arc sighs. “I’ll go. After all, I’m the one with the heaviest armor here.”

Applejack points a hoof at the pitfall from earlier. “And if there really are more of those things between here and there?!”

Arc points to the pitfall. “Then I can Blink to safety before hitting the pokers at the bottom.”

Rarity points a hoof. “What about more of those buried spikey things that spring out at you?!”

Arc taps his chestplate with a gauntlet. “Pretty sure my heavy armor can take those things on. I mean, they’re really just sharpened sticks.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “That’s putting a lot of faith in something so critical to your survival though.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “What if I had a secondary defense?”

Daring Do appears confused. “A what?”

“Something like this.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out his shield and takes up a defensive stance. Sunset Shimmer looks him over for a moment as she muses to herself.

“That would be helpful in this regard, yes. But such an endeavor will still be very dangerous should a trap be sprung behind you.”

Rarity horn glows. “Then we’ll just have to be sure to watch that part of him!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “And do what? Call out a warning?”

Sunset Shimmer moves to join Rarity. “I think she means that we could try to counter any traps that the Hero of Light doesn’t see.”

Rarity nods. “Right!”

Daring Do raises a hoof. “Blinking over to the doorstep was brought up earlier. What if the Hero of Light were to just Blink straight inside the place? I mean… they wouldn’t have traps in the hut, right?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s not likely, no. But considering the circumstances here, I don’t really want to risk doing such a thing.”

Applejack shudders. “To say nothing for scaring the tar of out anypony in there.”

Arc taps his armor. “So that just leaves my shield and backup plan.”

Daring Do turns to Sunset Shimmer. “It’s probably the best way to get in there safely.”

“Agreed.”

Looking to Arc, Sunset Shimmer continues.

“Rarity and I will be ready to blast anything that comes up from behind you.”

Daring Do plants her hooves firmly. “And I’ll call out anything suspicious that I see.”

Arc looks to the mares. “Alright then. Now that we have a plan are we ready to implement it?”

They all silently nod. Arc turns to look over the land before him before his eyes rest on the hut. Taking a deep breath, he levels his shield in front of him and slowly but surely steps forward. Making baby steps Arc slowly advances toward the hut. A spike trap pops out of the ground behind him and is blasted by Rarity and Sunset Shimmer in tandem. Daring Do calls out loudly.

“PIT!”

Kneeling down, Arc smacks the ground with his shield to knock away the brush from a hidden hole. Stepping over it carefully, he continues on his way. Two more spike traps pop out and are blasted by the mares. However, a third one pops out directly in front of him. Winding up, Arc melees it with his shield, smashing the trap to splinters. As he approaches the hut’s door Applejack spies something overhead.

“LOOK OUT!”

Charging forward, Applejack runs past the others and the rest of the ruined traps. Plowing into Arc, the two of them crash through the door as a falling log from overhead narrowly misses hitting them. Slowly sitting up, Arc looks back at the log lying on the ground outside. Turning to Applejack, he breathes a sigh of relief.

“Thanks for the save.”

Applejack nods shakily. “You okay?”

“I am, yes.”

As Arc reaches out to help the young mare up, he is suddenly thrown through (yes, through) a wall to crash into a tree outside. Before he can react, something hits him in the gut hard as a familiar voice rings out.

“Die, monster!”

Arc Blinks back toward the huge hole in the side of the hut as Applejack hops through it. Gasping, she calls out loudly.

“Spike?! Is that you?!”

The creature stops and turns to look behind him. Arc takes the opportunity to position himself in front of Applejack. He puts an arm in front of her and takes up a battle ready stance.

“We don’t want to hurt you, Spike. Now then, I need you to just calm down and let us help.”

The creature before them sighs and looks to Arc before speaking.

“Is that you back there, Applejack?”

Applejack nods as she pokes her head out from behind Arc. “It’s really me, Spike. The Hero of Light and a couple others are just here looking for Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Are they okay?”

Spike nods as he points a claw at the hut. “Yeah, they’re just in the basement.”

He leads the pair back into the hut through the hole Arc’s body made in the wall. As they do so Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, and Daring Do cautiously enter via the front door. Sunset Shimmer’s horn glows along with Rarity’s as she points to Spike.

“Is everything… okay in here now?”

Arc nods. “I think so yes.”

Applejack turns to Spike. “How do we get to my little sister?”

“Right over here.”

Walking over to a rug in front of the fireplace, Spike pulls it back to reveal a small trap door. Tossing it aside, he opens the door and calls out.

“Come on up! Your sisters are here!”

The sound of small hooves running rings out as the fillies clamor up the ladder together. Apple Bloom jumps into Applejack’s hooves and buries her face in her sister’s shoulder happily. Sweetie Belle does the same to Rarity as the young mare nervously pats her head and looks around.

“I’m… uh… glad you’re okay.”

Applejack looks Apple Bloom over. “You two are okay, right?”

Apple Bloom nods happily. “We sure are!”

Sunset Shimmer looks around. “Anypony else here?”

Daring Do looks to Spike. “We were told that somepony named Zecora was supposed to live in this cottage.”

Spike sighs. “Not anymore she doesn’t.”

Arc frowns. “What?”

Spike points a claw outside. “She… went out to forage for food one day and… didn’t come back.”

Apple Bloom nods sadly. “Spike’s been watching out for us ever since.”

Sweetie Belle hops up onto the table to put a fetlock on his shoulder. “Yeah. Ever since he started getting bigger, that is.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “We should probably send somepony out to look for Zecora’s remains.”

Daring Do looks outside. “Not liking that idea. Her bones have probably been picked clean by now.”

Applejack bows her head and removes her hat. “Yeah, you’re probably right. That and I know for a fact that Zecora wouldn’t want anypony to risk their lives for such a thing.”

Arc waves a gauntlet to the party. “We can talk about all of that later. Right now we need to get these three to safety.”

Opening a portal, Arc turns to see the fillies backing away nervously. Applejack puts a hoof on her sister’s shoulder.

“It’s okay, Apple Bloom. That’s just how we get around at the moment.”

“What… is it?!”

Sunset Shimmer walks over to her. “A magic portal. It connects two points magically to allow for instantaneous travel.”

Sweetie Belle looks over. “Say what now?”

Daring Do shrugs. “I don’t get it myself. But it does work.”

Spike sighs. “Yeah, I’ve seen the princesses use these things before… you know.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Okay. Um… Applejack, could you…?”

“Sure thing, sugarcube. Hop on.”

Apple Bloom hops onto her older sister’s back. They walk through the portal together as Sweetie Belle tugs at Rarity’s fetlock.

“Let’s go, Rarity!”

“I… uh…”

Sunset Shimmer moves to Rarity’s side. “It looks like your sister here is a bit wobbly at the moment.”

Daring Do shrugs. “We should probably get her back to base then.”

Nodding, Sweetie Belle and Sunset Shimmer help Rarity through the portal. The rest follow with Arc taking up the rear. Reappearing in his quarters in Light’s Hope, Arc watches the portal close behind him before turning to Applejack.

“Would you please take Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle into my private bathroom and help them get cleaned up?”

Apple Bloom frowns. “But we’re not babies!”

Sweetie Belle sniffs herself and makes a face. “We could probably use the help though.”

Spike sighs. “None of us have been able to stay clean for the longest time.”

Apple Bloom appears hopeful. “You’ll come too though, right Spike?”

Sweetie Belle wipes a hoof on his scales. “Yeah, you need to wash up too.”

“I don’t think we’d all fit though.”

Arc shrugs. “Probably would. I do have an extra-large shower, after all.”

Applejack motions to the bathroom. “This way then.”

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Applejack, and Spike all head for the bathroom together. As the door closes behind them, Rarity turns to Arc nervously.

“Uh… sir?”

“Yes, Rarity?”

“I, uh… I’ve never seen that filly before in my life.”

Sunset Shimmer groans. “You still don’t remember her then?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not in the least.”

Daring Do sighs. “I was kinda hoping that you seeing her would jog something loose in there.”

Arc groans. “Well, it doesn’t appear to have worked that way.”

Rarity grimaces. “What am I supposed to do though?!”

Arc looks toward the bathroom door. “I’ll talk to them first. Get their take on what happened between the day they left your shop and now.”

He turns to Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do before continuing.

“Thanks for your help. Why don’t you two get cleaned up and head to the cafeteria for something to eat?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Alright. Should we report this to the mayor?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not yet, no. I want them to have plenty of time to get cleaned up and debriefed before anything else. That and I’ll have her come by at some point to see the fillies herself.”

Daring Do chuckles. “Good luck talking this mess out.”

They leave the quarters together as Arc walks the pair out. As he closes the door behind them, Arc sees Rarity sitting on her haunches looking out the window at Equus. Walking over to her, he puts a hand on her shoulder and speaks.

“We’re going to get through this.”

“How though?! I mean… I don’t even know that little filly!”

“But she remembers you.”

“How does that…?!”

Arc interrupts her. “Because Sweetie Belle needs her big sister right now.”

Rarity groans. “Don’t you mean her mother?”

Arc shakes her head. “She doesn’t know about that yet. As far as she’s concerned, you’re her older sister.”

“I really don’t know what to do or say though.”

“It’s fine. Now then, I’ll start with the debriefing if they’re up to it after showering. If not, I have two beds in the next room they can take a nap in while we wait out here.”

“And then what?”

Arc shrugs as he leads Rarity over to the couch. “We’ll decide that after our talk.”

Sometime later the bathroom door opens and the two fillies trot out. Spike follows them with a towel slung over his shoulders. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hurry over to the couch and stand before Arc and Rarity happily.

“All clean!”

Sweetie Belle runs a hoof through her mane. “And it feels funny too! In a good way, I mean.”

Spike tosses the towel into the hamper. “I didn’t realize how much dirt had accumulated under my scales.”

Arc stands. “Very good. Now then, are you three hungry?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “We had breakfast about an hour before you came.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof on her belly. “It was really filling too.”

Spike smiles nervously. “That it was.”

Arc gestures to the nearby living quarters. “Then how about we get started?”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “With what?”

Rarity smiles nervously. “We all just need to have a little talk.”

Applejack nods soberly. “That we do.”

Arc gestures to the couch as he steps to one side. “You three have a seat and we’ll get started.”

Spike, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle walk over to the couch and sit down together. Arc looks to them before continuing.

“My name is Arc. I’m the nation’s current Hero of Light. We’ve been looking for the Element Bearers for some time now and happened across information of where you three were as well.”

Spike turns to Rarity. “We did just like you said. Zecora took us in and provided for us. At least as long as she could.”

Rarity looks away nervously. “Um… th-thank you for that.”

Applejack looks to the fillies quizzically. “What did you three eat though? I mean, food must be pretty scarce in the Everfree Forest, I would assume.”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “Roots, berries, leaves, and a few… other things later on.”

Sweetie Belle grimaces as she puts a hoof to her stomach. “They were very ‘other’, that’s for sure.”

Arc looks to the trio. “Please elaborate.”

Spike sighs. “After Zecora went missing, I took over foraging for food. Since I couldn’t find enough to feed all three of us, I started hunting small animals to supplement my own diet.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her belly. “Small… animals?”

Spike shrugs. “I am a dragon, after all.”

Applejack turns to the fillies. “Then why aren’t you hungry now? I know you said that you ate before coming here, but that couldn’t have been a very filling meal.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “Eventually the food got so scarce that we had to… branch out, so to speak.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Oh?”

Sweetie Belle grimaces. “Animal flesh.”

Rarity gasps. “What?!”

Apple Bloom bows her head. “We aren’t proud of it, of course. But we were just so hungry!”

Spike sighs. “It was either that or… I mean, they were getting so skinny until that point! All the while I myself was getting… bigger.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Arc nervously. “Are we in trouble for that?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you just did what you needed to do in order to survive. However, I will have you three sent over to Baltimare Hospital when we’re done here.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Why though?”

Applejack pats her sister’s head. “To make sure you’re really okay. Especially on the inside.”

Spike groans. “Me too?”

Arc shrugs. “Might as well. After all, you were living off the land for some time as well.”

Sweetie Belle raises a hoof. “Where are we now though, sir?”

“A military base on the moon.”

Apple Bloom’s eyes grow wide. “What?! How?!”

Rarity sighs. “At least it’s safe here.”

Arc gestures to the window. “Fancy a look?”

The trio hops off the couch and runs over to the window. Arc opens the curtains to show them the landscape and Equus far below. Apple Bloom is the first to speak.

“We’re so high up!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “You can see EVERYTHING from up here!”

Spike smiles. “Twilight would love this!”

Turning to Arc, he continues.

“She… isn’t here though, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’m afraid not. Applejack and Rarity are the only Element Bearers that we’ve been able to find thus far.”

Spike sighs. “Yeah, I kinda figured that.”

“Speaking of Twilight, I don’t suppose you know where she might be.”

Spike shakes his head. “Sadly, no. The day this mess all started Twilight had sent me to Rarity’s shop to deliver something. Up until that point though it was a normal day for her and I.”

Arc groans. “Great.”

Applejack bows her head. “That’s a darn shame.”

Spike turns to Rarity. “I don’t suppose you have any idea on what happened to Twilight.”

Rarity looks away. “Um… I don’t… ah…”

Arc interrupts. “That’s the next thing we need to talk about as well. Rarity’s memories.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “What are you talking about, sir?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “Yeah. I mean, if she doesn’t know, then she doesn’t know.”

Applejack sighs. “It’s a bit more complicated than that.”

Rarity nods soberly. “I don’t remember anything.”

Spike grunts. “It was worth asking though.”

Arc bows his head. “No, she means it literally.”

Sweetie Belle looks to her sister. “Rarity?”

Rarity averts her gaze. “It’s true. I don’t remember anything from that day and before it.”

Sweetie Belle gasps as she stands on her hind legs to look her sister in the eye. “But you remember me though, right?!”

Rarity shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I don’t.”

Arc points to his head. “We were only able to find out where you three went by using a device to revisit those missing memories of hers.”

Applejack nods soberly. “That led us to Zecora’s hut.”

Apple Bloom appear suddenly frightened. “But you still remember me though, right Applejack?!”

Applejack pats the filly’s head. “I do, yes. At least now, that is.”

Spike frowns. “What do you mean by ‘now’?

“When the Hero of Light found me, I was kidnapping ponies and forcing them to work.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “But why?!”

Applejack hangs her head. “I really don’t know. Everything from the day Ponyville fell to when I was discovered is kind of a blur to me.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “But unlike me, her memories were able to be restored.”

Sweetie Belle looks to Arc hopefully. “Could the same thing be done to my sister?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m afraid not. Applejack’s condition was more akin to mind control than memory loss.”

Spike gestures to Rarity. “So what are we supposed to do for her?!”

Arc sighs. “When the problems with Canterlot are solved, and the sun again shines over the land, I’ll be able to devote my time to gathering the ingredients for a very special potion.”

Rarity appears suddenly interested. “A potion?”

Arc nods. “It restores lost memories.”

Spike raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Are you sure it works though? I mean, Twilight always said that when something sounds too good to be true it usually is.”

Arc turns to Spike. “Sound advice, yes. However, I can assure you that this one does indeed work, as I’ve used it myself.”

“On you?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “After a particularly traumatic injury I lost all of my memories. Including my identity too. However, that potion brought them all back in just a few moments.”

Sweetie Belle grins as she looks to her sister. “We’ll get you back to normal someday, Rarity!”

Rarity smiles nervously. “I’d… like that. I think.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Now we have a plan!”

Spike frowns. “Right. But no way to implement it.

Arc turns to Spike. “I’ll need your help at some point to help make it.”

Spike appears surprised. “Me?”

Arc nods. “It involves going to the Dragon Lands and other various places throughout Equestria to find rare reagents.”

“I’ll help you then. But what should I do in the meantime?”

“You can always stay here with the others.”

Applejack nods. “This place is sort of a refugee camp too.”

Rarity grins. “And a rebellion.”

Arc points outside. “We’re known to many as the ‘Lunar Resistance’ these days. Mostly because we have a military base and standing forces. But also house a large number of ponies whom were forced to flee their homes when this all happened.”

Spike grunts. “Not sure where else I’d go. But I do have one request.”

“What is it?”

“Someday when you’re able to figure out where Twilight is, I want in.”

Arc nods. “Sounds reasonable enough.”

Applejack approaches the dragon. “In the meantime, we could all help out in the greenhouses.”

Spike appears confused. “Greenhouses?”

Applejack nods. “We’re growing food to feed everypony here and a large number back home.”

Rarity points a hoof to the door. “Why don’t we get some lunch before showing you around though? After all, I’m sure both you and the fillies would like a bit of a snack at the very least.”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “I guess so.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Sounds okay.”

Arc nods. “I’ll have someone escort you to Baltimare later for that medical check I mentioned earlier.”

Applejack smiles. “And I’ll come with you three.”

Rarity nods matter of factly. “As will I.”

Spike shrugs. “Let’s get going.”

They leave Arc’s quarters together. Sighing, Arc sits down heavily on the couch and leans back. Cherry calls out to him as he does so.

“Is something wrong, Arc?”

“I just… kinda thought that when Rarity saw Sweetie Belle she’d remember her.”

Cherry sighs. “That’s not how memory loss works though, Arc. Believe me, I know.”

“Yes, well… I was just hoping that this time it would. After all, it’s not like I didn’t go through the same thing a while back.”

“As did I if you recall.”

“It’s… scary, you know. Not knowing who you are or where you came from.”

“I at least remembered most things. Other than you and our confession of love for one another.”

“Right. But for me the memory loss was total. That and I was alone.”

Cherry sighs. “Rarity has Applejack and now Sweetie Belle to help her through this time though.”

Arc looks toward the door. “That’s good for her. However, I still want to do more for both Rarity and Applejack.”

“They both suffered from memory loss. Or repression as the case may be. But I think what they really need right now is just to be able to maintain a sense of normalcy. That and the support of their loved ones too, of course.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying that I should be doing what exactly?”

“Focusing on the mission at hoof. Returning the land to normal.”

Arc sighs. “While I know you’re right, I still feel as though I should be doing more.”

Cherry groans. “Which is what you always say though!”

Arc shrugs. “I can’t help it. After all, everyone is looking to me to fix everything.”

“Then just focus on that.”

“Huh?”

“Leave food production, base leadership, and literally everything else to the others so that you can focus on doing what you need to do, Arc. Getting into Canterlot and stopping Nightmare Moon’s reign of terror.”

Arc sighs. “I know that I should. But at the same time, I don’t really know what I would do with all the in-between time.”

“Use it to actually rest for a change. Or train your skills with somepony. I understand that you don’t like just sitting around doing nothing, Arc. But at the same time, you also can’t work yourself to death.”

“You’re right, of course. However, at this point I don’t really know where to start. I mean… we can’t just march into Canterlot, what with that barrier up.”

“Then focus on what you CAN do at the moment.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “What I can do.”

“Either alone or with help, of course.”

Arc smirks. “An interesting way of putting it.”

“All I’m saying is that you just need to let everypony else do their jobs while you do yours. When something comes up that requires your personal attention you can switch to that.”

“There are a number of problems that we need to address here in Equestria. And elsewhere, naturally. I just need to look for ones that I can do something about.”

“It sounds to me as though you’ve already figured that one out.”

Arc nods as he stands. “That I have. I just need to get the ball rolling on a few things here first.”

Heading for the door, Arc makes his way down the corridor to the War Room. After being admitted, he pushes open the office doors. Seeing Cherry, Spitfire, and Tempest going over paperwork he approaches the desk.

“Something going on?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Just being proactive with planning guerrilla tactics.”

Spitfire shudders. “In case things get to that point.”

Cherry grimaces. “Hopefully they won’t, of course.”

Arc nods. “I suppose it does pay to be prepared though. But I came here for a bit of a reveal of sorts.”

Tempest looks up. “Oh?”

“It’s another tool for us in the future fight against Canterlot.”

Spitfire sighs. “Unless it’s a massive cache of weapons along with equally powerful armor for our forces I don’t really see how anything could really help right now.”

Cherry quickly chimes in. “But we will accept anything to help further the cause nonetheless.”

Tempest shrugs. “That we will. We’d be fools not to, of course.”

Arc picks up a blank piece of paper and a pencil. “Then please call for these ponies and tell them to meet us behind the base. I’ll meet you there.”

Spitfire calls out to Arc as he heads for the door. “Meet us behind the base? Where are you going then?”

“Just to get the last member of the team.”

A short time later the ponies Arc rescued from Luna Bay Prison walk around the side of the building. Sunset Shimmer, Cherry, and Tempest are waiting for them. Tight Ship approaches Cherry and speaks.

“What is this all about, ma’am?”

Cherry shrugs. “I’m afraid that I don’t know.”

Tempest sighs. “We’re just as confused as you are at the moment.”

Spitfire looks around. “The Hero of Light just told us to meet him out here regarding some kind of aid, or something.”

Arc walks around the building with Auriel by his side. Approaching the group, he speaks.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice. Auriel, will you please join the others?”

“Yes sir.”

She does so as Arc continues.

“As you know, we’re going to be fighting an uphill battle to retake Canterlot and take down Nightmare Moon at some point. We’ll need every advantage available to us in order to make that happen though.”

He begins walking past them and away from the base.

“Therefore, it’s time to show you all another trump card of mine. Something that will allow us to even the playing field a bit.”

Arc removes something from his ring and sets it down on the ground. Stepping back, he casts a counter spell on it. Slowly it begins to grow before their eyes. Everyone gasps as a large airship comes into view and towers over them as Arc finishes his task and turns to them.

“Everyone… may I present to you my personal airship, The Equinox.”

Tight Ship turns to Arc. “But… but I heard this airship was still in Canterlot when it fell to Nightmare Moon!”

Arc gestures with a gauntlet. “Yet here it is. However, it’s not the same ship that was originally commissioned.”

Soarin appears confused. “What do you mean, sir?”

Stellar Flare looks the ship over as she speaks. “The outside appears to be slightly altered from the plans I saw.”

Arc motions for them to follow him. “Even more so inside. Let me show you.”

Leading the group up the gangplank, Arc and company enter the ship together. Making their way to the Bridge, Arc gestures to the weapon systems as he speaks.

“This ship, which I’ve dubbed ‘The Equinox’ is equipped with both shields and a prototype cloaking system.”

Wrangler grins. “That makes us more or less invincible!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. You see, we can’t raise the shields and fire the weapons at the same time.”

Thunderlane raises an eyebrow. “What’s this about a cloaking system?”

“The ship can turn invisible at the captain’s command. However, that takes an immense amount of energy. Which means no weapons or shields at that time.”

Moon Dancer nods. “And I would assume that our top speed would be reduced as well?”

“As it stands, to about half.”

Lemon Hearts looks to a station. “Communication?”

Arc shrugs. “We’ll need to make some adjustments to be able to transmit to Light’s Hope, I would imagine.”

Auriel turns to him. “All of this is very impressive, sir. However, I noticed a very strange console next to the weapons system.”

“That’s a very special subsystem. Now then, this is top, TOP secret, but…”

He lowers his voice before continuing.

“…when charged, this particular subsystem can be used to disable large scale magic barriers. Like the one surrounding Canterlot.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “And you just happened to have such a thing already installed aboard your ship?”

Spitfire frowns. “This stuff doesn’t officially exist!”

Cherry gasps. “Oh my! Has it been tested?!”

Arc nods. “In actual combat, yes.”

Auriel looks over. “What powers it?”

“That’s the down side. It requires an outside power source and be charged manually by at least one magic user.”

Tight Ship looks the console over. “I would imagine that such a feat would take several magic users, yes.”

Arc sighs. “And it’s set up to only use Dark Magic.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Is it for security purposes?”

Cherry appears confused. “Security?”

Spitfire nods. “It would make sense to use the least understood school of magic to power it. Then even if an enemy were to steal such technology, they would be unable to make use of it.”

Auriel looks over the controls. “Without making extensive and extremely time consuming modifications, yes.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t know the specifics of how this device works, of course. However, this ship and its components only solves one problem.”

Tempest grins. “Taking down the barrier around Canterlot.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not even that. You see, to make use of this particular feature the ship must first land and deploy its outriggers. Then all power is diverted to the subsystem to help charge the shot.”

Spitfire groans. “Which makes the ship and the device easy to take down.”

Soarin looks outside. “It would take a lot to defend such a large ship while that was happening.”

Lemon Hearts shudders. “And even then, such would only get us into the capital.”

Wrangler stomps a hoof angrily. “Right. After that we’d still have to deal with Nightmare Moon.”

Tight Ship turns to Arc. “Which would be a completely different plan I would assume.”

Arc nods. “Right. At the moment, the only known way to take on Nightmare Moon would be to use the Elements of Harmony on her. Which is why I’m putting so much effort into locating the Element Bearers and their respective Elements.

Stellar Flare salutes. “All we can do is to make sure that the ship is ready to go when you say the word, sir.”

Arc grins. “Just what I wanted to hear.”

Auriel raises a claw. “I can go over this device if you’d like. Make sure it’s ready to disable that barrier when the time comes.”

“That would be very helpful. Thank you.”

Spitfire looks around at those assembled. “Sounds like we have the beginnings of a plan here. But there’s another variable that hasn’t been spoken of yet.”

Tempest points a hoof toward the planet outside the main window. “The war abroad?”

Spitfire nods. “When we attack Canterlot our nation will be extremely vulnerable.”

Cherry gasps. “It would be a prime opportunity for either the Griffon Kingdom or Abyssinia to make a move on our shores.”

Wrangler looks to the controls. “Or us particularly.”

Soarin groans. “And we’d be too busy to deal with them.”

Moon Dancer shudders. “If they timed it right, we’d be forced to fight on multiple fronts against completely different enemies.”

Lemon Hearts points to the science station. “We could have others watching the shorelines to make sure we attack when they’re not around.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “While an early warning system would of course be helpful, it would still be just that. A warning system.”

Auriel raises a claw. “What about stationing troops on the border to intercept them?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “We’ll need every available hoof to be front and center when attacking Canterlot though. Nopony can be spared to possibly engage what amounts to just a potential threat.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “What if we could guarantee that neither side could attack at that time?”

Cherry looks to Tempest. “Would that even be possible?”

Tempest shrugs. “No idea. But it would have to come about before the attack on Canterlot to raise our chances of success.”

Arc nods. “Right. At the moment, I’m looking at disabling the barrier at least long enough to get myself, the Element Bearers, and a number of honor guards inside to infiltrate Canterlot Castle. From there we can engage Nightmare Moon while the Element Bearers do their thing and reseal her.”

Wrangler grins. “It sounds easy enough when you put it that way, sir.”

Lemon Hearts shudders. “Only if there are no surprises though.”

Moon Dancer taps the map on the wall. “Hence the idea of stopping a potential invasion at that time.”

Spitfire shrugs. “It is a very bare bones plan nevertheless.”

Tempest smirks. “But from what I can tell, such a thing would have the highest chance of success. At least if we coupled it with some sort of diversion.”

Arc chuckles. “Our forces outside of Canterlot fighting the traitorous Royal Guards would fit that bill.”

Tight Ship frowns. “I don’t like the idea of us fighting our fellow countryponies though, sir.”

Cherry sighs. “While I understand your feelings on this matter, it has to be done though. They’ve betrayed the oaths they took to protect and serve the public, after all.

Arc nods soberly. “I’ve already faced them in the past. The guards didn’t seem to care that I was the Hero of Light and insisted on fighting me, earning themselves swift deaths.”

Spitfire steps forward. “I don’t think any of us like the idea of fighting our fellow Equestrians. However, the truth of the matter is that we have to at this point. The citizens are counting on us to take back our land for them. To restore some sense of normalcy to their lives. And to allow them to rebuild their homes and lives.”

Tempest nods. “Colonel Spitfire is right. We all have a duty to our country that needs to be upheld. Not to the capital and not even to the princesses themselves. But to the citizens whom call this land home.”

Tight Ship salutes. “I’ll do my best to help with that, sir.”

Soarin joins with the captain. “As will I.”

Wrangler stomps a hoof with conviction. “We’ll fight for Equestria!”

Lemon Hearts grins. “And make it a free and happy place to live once again!”

Moon Dancer looks toward the window. “We owe it to those whom have put their faith in us.”

Stellar Flare taps a console. “At this point we can’t let them down!”

Thunderlane turns his gaze to the pilot’s seat. “And we won’t!”

Auriel raises a claw. “I’ll help too!”

Tempest grins. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything. I’m in too.”

Spitfire spreads her wings. “Let’s free our country!”

Cherry nods happily. “I’ll keep things running smoothly up here while all of you are fighting.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And I’ll be on the front lines doing my best to make this plan a reality.”

Everyone assembled cheers as Arc continues.

“Now then, I need all of you to take your stations and go over every inch of this ship to make sure it’s in prime condition for what’s to come.”

Cherry grimaces. “You mean the upcoming battle?”

Arc chuckles. “In a manner of speaking. Like what was said earlier, first we have to see about neutralizing the oversees threat of Abyssinia and the Griffon Kingdom.”

Tempest looks around. “And we can do that with this airship.”

Arc grins. “Right. It can ferry us across the ocean stealthily to their homelands.”

Spitfire smirks. “Giving us a chance to limit their ability to wage war on us.”

Auriel sighs. “And one another hopefully.”

Arc points to the planet outside. “I’m still working on a plan to do just that. But I need this ship ready to go when the time comes.”

Tight Ship salutes. “We’ll see to it, sir.”

The crew joins him in a salute as Arc looks around and nods.

“All of you will be stationed aboard ship until further notice. Captain, assign quarters and call the supply depot for anything the ship needs.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc turns to leave. “Whatever they don’t have I’ll find a way to get you.”

Auriel calls out. “And me?”

Arc looks back. “You may either continue to use your quarters inside the base or move into a VIP suite here. Or do both. Just let the captain know of your decision.”

“Okay. But for now I need to get back and finish up a few things.”

She follows Arc out the door as Wrangler turns to Tight Ship.

“Sir, what do you think our chances of success are?”

Tight Ship sighs. “Very low, I’m afraid.”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “Then why not tell the Hero of Light that, captain?”

Tight Ship walks over to the captain’s chair. “Because we really don’t have a choice here. We may fight and die on the battlefield, yes. But at the same time, it’s the only option available to us.”

Lemon Hearts looks to the base outside. “We could always stay safe up here though.”

Tight Ship shakes his head as he sits down. “And who’s to say that this place will always be out of Canterlot’s reach?”

Soaring nods as he approaches Tight Ship. “The captain is right. We fight and win or die trying.”

Moon Dancer frowns. “You’re pretty adamant that those are the only two options though.”

Stellar Flare groans. “For the citizens, yes. After all, should Canterlot continue to stand unchallenged it is likely that the three sanctuary cities will eventually fall one by one to their forces.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “And by that point they’ll be too powerful for anypony to stop.”

Spitfire bows her head. “All hope would be lost by then.”

Tight Ship nods soberly as he looks out the main window at Equus below. “Right. Therefore, we must act before Nightmare Moon is able to get to that point. Or everything that’s been done up to this point will be for naught.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 18 - Priority Shift

A few days pass. Arc steps onto The Equinox’s Bridge with Spitfire and Tempest following closely behind him. They walk over to the captain’s chair where Tight Ship is going over a clipboard dutifully. Arc is the first to speak.

“Good morning, captain.”

Tight Ship turns to him. “Likewise, sir. Have you come for an update on the status of the ship?”

Arc nods. “That I have.”

Tight Ship gestures with a wave of his hoof. “Every station is green all across the board. The crew worked late into the night getting things to this point.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Why is that? Was there a lot to do?”

“Repairs, no. I ordered everything checked anyways though, since we didn’t really know how the former crew treated this ship.”

Arc chuckles inwardly. “And what did they find?”

“Just a few loose ends mostly. Extremely minor in nature.”

Tempest looks to the helm. “So are you saying that the ship is now ready for takeoff?”

Tight Ship nods. “That it is.”

He turns to Arc before continuing.

“But I would like to ask that you allow the crew a bit more time to sleep. As I stated before, they did have a late night.”

Arc shrugs. “Very well. We still need to load supplies anyways.”

He turns to Spitfire before continuing.

“Can I assume that Platinum Valve has had time to go over the ship’s supplies?”

Spitfire nods as she holds out a clipboard. “That she has. I have the list of her suggestions right here.”

Arc takes it from her. “Very good.”

Tempest shrugs. “It’s probably not complete though, since we don’t really know what the details of your plans for the future are.”

Arc speaks as he reads the papers on the clipboard over. “An international flight, for starters.”

Tight Ship gestures toward the window. “So we’re heading east then, sir?”

Arc nods as he looks up from the paperwork. “Yes, captain. The next step in my plan involves us flying across the sea in order to bring the fight to the griffons.”

Spitfire frowns. “I’d like to point out that it would probably be easier to take on the Abyssinians first, sir.”

Tempest smirks. “They do have a much smaller military, after all. Both in numbers as well as height.”

Arc sets the clipboard aside. “That is very true. However, you have to understand that since they’ve been able to go paw to talon with the griffons for this long, it stands to reason that they must be very skilled.”

Spitfire shakes her head. “More along the lines of stealth and traps than actual combat though, sir.”

Arc walks over to the map on the wall and points to the Griffon Kingdom. “Nevertheless, I feel as though the griffons would be easier to deal with than the felines right now.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Are you saying that you have additional intel on them, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Just my previous experience dealing with them actually. A bit more than most have, I would imagine.”

Spitfire frowns. “In any case. How many troops will you be bringing with you, sir?

“Just the ones we liberated from Luna Bay Prison.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “That’s really not that many though.”

Arc chuckles. “True. But they’ve been training in Light’s Hope these past few days. And no one can say that they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Spitfire nods soberly. “I’ve watched them spar. They have moves that aren’t exactly taught at the military academy.”

Tempest frowns. “Then where did they learn them?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Prison, most likely.”

Tight Ship sighs. “That would make sense, sir. Fighting down there wasn’t exactly what I would call fair or honorable. It’s all about winning using whatever means are available to you at the time.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Any advantage we can get over there I’ll take.”

Spitfire stomps the floor with feeling. “But I have to point out that none of our forces know how griffons fight, sir!”

Tempest turns to Arc. “Very true. However, by the very same token, the griffons also don’t know how Equestrian’s do battle either.”

Arc smirks. “Agreed. With any luck I can change that though.”

Spitfire frowns. “Care to let us in on that plan, sir?”

“Nothing really to say at this point. After all, I won’t be able to come up with a plan until I get over there and have a chance to take a look around.”

Spitfire raises a hoof. “I have real world experience doing recon for intel and supplies, sir. Take me with you.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you for the offer, but I’d like you to stay here and keep things running smoothly while I’m gone, colonel.”

Tempest steps forward. “How about me then? I’m pretty good at moving behind enemy lines unseen and striking silently when needed.”

“While I’m sure that you would be helpful, Tempest, I’d also like you to stay here at Light’s Hope with Colonel Spitfire.”

“But why?!”

Arc looks out the window at the base nearby. “For the same reason I gave the colonel. This base needs to be both guarded and run properly. And I need you here to carry out that task.”

Tempest sits down on her haunches and folds her fetlocks over her chest. “Fine.”

Spitfire walks over to her. “Why don’t you go over our base security and look for any weaknesses. I’ll be along after I finish going over a few more things with the Hero of Light.”

With a snort, Tempest turns and leaves the Bridge. Spitfire picks up the clipboard and turns back to Arc.

“Shall I run this over to the supply depot for you, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’ve also penned in a few extra supplies that we’ll need as well.”

Spitfire sighs as she turns to the door. “I’ll tell Platinum Valve to get right on it.”

“Colonel?”

Spitfire looks back. “Yes sir?”

“I just wanted to say that while I do value your devotion to this cause, and to me as the Hero of Light, you and Tempest really are needed here to make sure that we have a base to come back to when this is over.”

Nodding, Spitfire leaves the Bridge with the papers. Tight Ship looks to Arc.

“The crew has seen to it that the Mid Deck is ready for occupancy, sir. Lemon Hearts and Moon Dancer will take care of securing our supplies as they are loaded.”

“Good. Please notify me when all preparations are complete.”

Tight Ship steps toward him. “Sir, might I know more about what it is that we’re going to be doing over there?”

“As I told Colonel Spitfire earlier, I don’t really know yet. We’ll be going full subterfuge at first though. Once we’re in the air I’m planning to tell the crew and troops aboard what it is we’ll be doing to start with. Until then, it needs to stay a secret for security reasons.”

Tight Ship salutes. “Yes sir.”

Arc turns and leaves the Bridge. Walking to the Observation Lounge at the end of the long corridor, he looks out the window at the sea of stars stretched out all around them. Sighing, he sits down as Cherry calls out to him.

“Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “Kind of, yes.”

“Why though? I mean, this certainly won’t be the first operation you’ve led.”

“True. But this one is definitely going to lead to fighting.”

“How can you be so sure of that though, Arc? I mean, you’ve been able to sort out most problems in the past by talking things through.”

“True. But this is a country actively at war with Abyssinia and technically Equestria. They’re not going to just lay down their weapons and give up so easily.”

“You’re still going to try and keep casualties to a minimum though, right?”

Arc nods. “Of course. After all, a bunch of dead griffons won’t help anyone.”

Gazing out at the stars, he continues.

“It’s all so small.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Arc?”

Arc gestures toward the land below. “This world, I mean. In the grander scheme of the universe, that is. Just one small planet in an ocean of stars.”

“Do you suppose there are other beings living on other planets out there?”

Arc chuckles as he shrugs. “Who’s to say? I mean, if someone had tried to tell me that there was a planet of ponies, griffons, felines, dragons, and whatnot else before I came to Equestria, I’d have thought they were nuts.”

“If they do exist, they probably have their own customs and whatnot though.”

“Most likely, yes.”

“And problems too.”

Arc sighs. “Every nation has them.”

“The problems facing Equestria might be vastly different to those in the Griffon Kingdom and Abyssinia though.”

“It would make sense, yes.”

“By that logic, should we really be doing this then, Arc?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Doing what?”

“Invading another nation.”

Arc frowns. “Kinda has to at this point.”

“There are always alternatives though.”

Arc sighs. “Such as?”

Cherry sounds rather uncertain. “I… don’t really know.”

“You know that I’ll do my very best to keep casualties on both sides to a minimum though.”

“But some will still die!”

“Such is war, Cherry.”

Cherry groans. “Yes, well… I don’t really have to like it.”

“That makes two of us.”

Turning away from the window, Arc opens a portal and steps through. Reappearing in his quarters inside of Light’s Hope he heads for the door. Leaving his room, Arc hears a voice behind him call out.

“Hey.”

Turning, he spots Spike walking toward him. Meeting the young dragon half way, Arc speaks.

“Something wrong?”

Spike looks over his shoulder at a door nearby. “Kinda. I… uh… was just visiting Rarity and Applejack.”

“How’s she doing?”

Spike sighs. “About the same, I’m afraid. No new progress on her condition.”

“I figured as much.”

“There is something I need to tell you though.”

“Oh?”

Spike fidgets as he continues. “I… might know where Rarity’s Element is.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You do?”

Spike nods. “One time, long before all this mess happened of course, I was helping her move a piece of furniture in her room from one wall to another. As I pushed it away from the wall though I happened to see a loose earring that had fallen behind a dresser. When I gave it to her, she was really happy. Guess it had been missing for a long time, or something.”

“While I’m glad for Rarity, what does that have to do with her missing Element?”

“Well, after I gave it back to her, she walked over to her closet and pulled open a massive drawer that had a false bottom in it. Removing the panel exposed a multitude of little dividers with really expensive looking earrings and other jewelry in them. While she found the matching one fairly quickly, I’m pretty sure that I saw the Element of Generosity in one of those slots.”

“Back in her room at Carousel Boutique?”

Spike nods. “Yes sir.”

“If we were to go over there could you show me this secret drawer?”

Spike sighs. “Normally I wouldn’t even consider doing such a thing. At least not without Rarity’s permission, of course. But, considering the circumstances at the moment, I think I should.”

Arc motions for the dragon to follow him. “Then let us be off.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Now, sir?”

“No time like the present, after all. That and we really do need to secure the Elements at all costs.”

“I suppose that’s true. But how will we get there? To Ponyville, I mean.”

“Follow me and I’ll show you.”

Arc leads Spike to the Main Hall. Stepping toward the stallion on duty at Raven’s desk, he points to a spot on the map.

“We need to go here.”

The stallion nods. “Right away, sir.”

Calling forth his armor, Arc steps onto the pad. Gesturing to an empty spot next to him with a wave of his hand, Spike takes his place at Arc’s side. The stallion looks to Arc and speaks.

“Ready over here, sir.”

“Go ahead.”

Pressing a few buttons on the console, Arc and Spike vanish from sight together. Reappearing inside of Sugarcube Corner, Spike looks around.

“How did we…?”

Arc chuckles as he heads for the door. “Teleportation.”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “With a machine? I didn’t even think such a thing was possible.”

Arc shrugs. “Stranger things have happened.”

The pair step out into the darkness and head down the path. As they walk, Arc looks to Spike.

“So… how did you, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom survive in the Everfree Forest after Zecora… disappeared?”

“They stayed at the hut and built a number of traps while I foraged for nut and berries in the woods. When things like that petered out, I started supplementing their food with animal flesh.”

“But they were aware of that, right?”

Spike nods. “Yeah. I was completely up front with them about my idea. They didn’t like it, of course. But when they got hungry enough Apple Bloom came up with the idea of mixing it into a soup.”

Arc smiles. “Less chance of tasting it that way, huh?”

“That and they could drink it down quickly as well.”

“I’m assuming that was a major part of it.”

“Yeah. Naturally, they were really grossed out about doing it at first. It got better with time though.”

“They needed to keep their strength up to make all those traps.”

Spike shrugs. “I dug the holes with my claws while they carved sticks into spears to put on the bottom of them.”

“Have much trouble out there?”

“A couple times soldiers came around. They always fell into the pits though.”

He looks around nervously for a few moments before continuing.

“Uh… how safe is it out here?”

Arc taps his helmet with a gauntlet. “There’s a reason I’m wearing my armor.”

Spike grimaces. “Then let’s hurry on.”

Arriving at Carousel Boutique, Spike leads the way up to the second floor. Entering Rarity’s room, he looks around for a few moments before sighing.

“It feels like forever since I was last here.”

“A lot of memories, eh?”

Spike nods as he heads for the closet. “Yeah. But there isn’t time for that right now.”

Opening the closet door, he steps inside and heads for a drawer. Pulling out a few bedspreads, Spike removes the false bottom to expose a myriad of expensive looking jewelry. After looking them over for a few moments he reaches inside and pulls something out. Holding it in his palm for a few moments, he eventually turns to Arc and holds it out.

“Here it is. Rarity’s Element.”

Arc picks up the Element of Generosity and looks it over himself for a few moments. Looking back to Spike, he nods.

“Thank you. I’ll see to it that this is safely stored away back at Light’s Hope.”

“Can I watch?”

Arc appears confused. “Watch what exactly?”

“It being secured.”

“I suppose so. At this point it seems the least I could do. Considering how you told me about its location and came here to retrieve it with me. But there is one thing we need to do first.”

A short time later the pair reappear on the sigil in Light’s Hope’s Main Hall. Walking down the corridor together they eventually come to a door. Knocking lightly the pair wait patiently. A few moments later Apple Bloom answers it. Spike smiles at her as he speaks.

“Hey there, Apple Bloom. Is Rarity up for some company?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Sure. We were all just talking to her about the past. Come on in.”

Pushing the door open wide, she allows them to enter. Arc and Spike walk over to the couch where Applejack, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle are sitting. Applejack is the first to speak.

“This is a surprise.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Yeah. We thought you’d be on your way across the sea by now, sir.”

Arc nods toward a window. “The Equinox is still being loaded with supplies at the moment. That and I was following up on a lead from a very reliable source.”

Holding out the Element of Generosity to Rarity, Arc allows her to pick it up. She looks the Element over for a long moment before speaking.

“What is this?”

Apple Bloom points a hoof at it. “That’s your element!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “It’s the Element of Generosity, Rarity!”

Applejack taps it with a hoof. “As you can see it’s got your cutie mark on it too. Just like mine.”

Rarity sighs as she hands the Element back to Arc. “I still don’t remember this thing.”

Arc nods as he accepts it. “That’s fine. After all, we can’t rush these things.”

Spike groans. “But how is Rarity supposed to do her duty as an Element Bearer if she can’t even remember anypony?!”

Sweetie Belle puts her front hooves on the arm of the couch. “Something will come up!”

Apple Bloom hops down. “Right! It always does, after all!”

Applejack pats Rarity’s fetlock. “We’ll just have to keep telling her about life in Ponyville. Try to jog things along in her mind as best we can.”

Spike folds his claws over his chest. “That’s not enough though considering what’s at stake here!”

Arc turns to the young dragon. “Do you have any ideas then, Spike?”

Spike shakes his head. “That’s the worst part about all of this. I know that we need to do more. But at the same time, I don’t have a clue on what more could be done.”

Rarity raises a hoof. “Um, excuse me.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Rarity?”

“Spike, was it? Maybe you could help.”

Spike appears surprised as he points a claw at himself. “Me?”

Rarity nods. “The Hero of Light could probably use a dragon’s aid in his travels. Why not go with him?”

Spike thinks about it as he speaks. “I… guess I could use it as a chance to help both you and Equestria. That is, if he’ll have me.”

Arc nods. “Sure. I’m actually heading out to do something a bit… clandestine though.”

Apple Bloom tilts her head to one side, confused. “Something what?”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I think that’s supposed to mean ‘secret’.”

Applejack grimaces. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about it then.”

Arc nods. “Right. But I might need someone big to use for the intimidation factor at some point.”

Spike bows his head. “I’m… really not that good at being scary though.”

Rarity smiles at him. “You’ll do fine, I’m sure.”

Arc looks to the door. “In any case, I should probably get back to the ship and see how preparations are going over there. You’re free to come with me, Spike. But don’t feel obligated to do so if you really don’t want to.”

“It’s okay. I’ll do what I can to help.”

Turning to Rarity, Spike continues.

“You just rest and try to sort things out on this end.”

Rarity smiles at him. “Thank you. I shall.”

Arc and Spike leave the room together. They walk down the corridor side by side and head for the vault. Opening it, Arc puts the Element of Generosity on the shelf next to the Element of Honesty. Stepping back, he looks at Spike whom silently nods. Turning back, he closes the vault door and heads for the Main Hall. Together he and Spike leave the base and make their way over to The Equinox. As they walk up the gangplank though Spike turns and looks back toward the base.

“Be well, Rarity.”

Arc smiles at him. “You really like her, don’t you?”

Spike nods. “Ever since coming to Ponyville, yeah.”

“Rarity is a very welcoming mare.”

“She wasn’t even fazed that I was a dragon back then. Or when she met me again earlier.”

“The Rarity you knew is still in there somewhere, you know.”

Spike groans as they again begin walking. “I’m still wishing she would come back.”

Arc nods soberly. “As do I.”

Entering the ship, they head to the Bridge. As they do so Arc makes his way over to the captain’s chair. Tight Ship stands as he does so and salutes.

“Sir.”

“I’m back to see how the supply loading is going.”

“Very well, sir. We should be fully loaded in about an hour.”

“Good.”

Arc gestures to Spike with a wave of his hand before continuing.

“We’ll have an additional guest aboard ship for our little trip across the sea. This is Spike. He’ll be helping me with the upcoming task.”

Tight Ship nods. “I’ll have a room prepared for him then.”

Arc turns to Spike. “Is there anything you need to get before we leave?”

Spike shakes his head. “No, I… don’t really have anything left.”

Tight Ship raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“When I left Ponyville that day, I was forced to abandon everything I owned back at the library.”

Arc looks to the door. “Why don’t you get something to eat in the base’s cafeteria before we leave, Spike?”

Spike sighs. “Yeah, I think I will.”

He leaves the Bridge as Arc turns to Tight Ship.

“When the ship is ready have all the crew meet outside at the base of the gangplank.”

Tight Ship raises an eyebrow. “Everypony, sir.”

Arc nods as he turns to leave. “Everyone, yes. I’ll say a few words before we get underway. But right now there’s something I need to do.”

Sometime later Tight Ship and the rest of the ship’s crew stand at the base of the ship together. They are joined by what appears to be the entire base’s population as well. Arc steps out of Light’s Hope with Spike by his side. Walking over to the ship he and Spike part ways as Arc takes his place at the front of the group. Clearing his throat, he speaks.

“Everyone. Thank you for all your hard work. I know it can’t have been easy to do what you did in such a small amount of time. Especially after what you all went through since the sun stopped shining. Together we can bring things back to normal. But it will be a long and hard battle. One which starts today. Let us begin the process of bringing this matter to a close.”

Everyone clops their hooves happily as Arc turns toward Tight Ship and continues.

“Is everyone accounted for, captain?”

Tight Ship nods. “Yes sir. The ship was emptied as per your orders.”

“Good.”

Holding out his hands, Arc casts the Matter Compacting spell and the mammoth ship begins to shrink down in size. Before long it returns to its earlier smaller form. Arc picks the ship up and holds it in the cruck of his arm as he opens a portal with the other. Looking to those assembled he nods to it.

“All crew and support staff will now proceed through here to the landing zone.”

The group steps forward as the base personnel and the civilians all salute, wave, and cheer at them as they do so. As the last few pass him, Arc looks up to see Sunset Shimmer approaching. She calls out as she does so.

“I’ll be coming too.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But I thought…”

Sunset Shimmer interrupts him. “Please, sir. We all have our reasons for wanting this. That and the base has more than enough ponies to look after it in the meantime.”

A familiar voice rings out some distance away.

“Don’t forget about me!”

They look over to see Daring Do running out of the Light’s Hope. She approaches and adjusts her pith hat before speaking.

“I’m coming along too!”

Arc groans. “You as well?”

“Come on! You’ll need all the help you can get out there!”

Sunset Shimmer nods soberly. “Indeed. This will be a long fight.”

Daring Do grins as she heads for the portal. “So we’d best get started.”

Sunset Shimmer follows her though the swirling energies. Arc sighs, shrugs, and does the same. Reappearing on a large concrete pad with the others he walks to the center, sets The Equinox down, steps back, and casts the Matter Compacting counter spell on it. Returning the ship to its normal size Arc turns to the others.

“Everyone please board the ship now. I want to take off as soon as possible.”

Nodding, everyone present files up the gangplank and enter the ship. Arc is the last one in. Closing the door behind him, he turns to Sunset Shimmer, Daring Do, Auriel, and Spike.

“Follow me.”

He leads them to the Observation Lounge. Pointing out the window, he continues.

“Do you all see those lights out there?”

Auriel looks outside. “That looks like a pretty big city to me.”

Spike squints. “Is that Manehattan?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Mayor Shining Armor gave us permission to use one of the city’s airship landing pads to come and go as needed.”

Sunset Shimmer grins. “It’s good to have such an ally as him.”

Spike sighs as he sits down. “Yeah. “

A few minutes later the engines come to life and the ship takes off. They look outside to see themselves flying into the clouds east. Arc touches his earring and speaks.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“This is Lemon Hearts, sir. I read you loud and clear.”

“Thank you for linking me up to the ship’s radio. Are you sure that this signal is secure though?”

“Very, sir. It appears that your earring is taking care of that detail though. It’s really an amazing bit of technology.”

“Are we on course?”

Thunderlane calls out from the pilot’s seat. “Yes sir. We’ll stay above the clouds for the duration of the trip and arrive tomorrow.”

“Is the cloaking device ready?”

Moon Dancer nods from her station. “It is, sir.”

Wrangler shrugs. “We just finished going over it one more time.”

Arc nods. “Good. Active it at will.”

Tight Ship sighs as he looks to Moon Dancer. “Go ahead.”

Pressing a few buttons, Moon Dancer looks over her console at the various energy level readouts. A few moments later she calls out.

“We have successfully cloaked, sir.”

Tempest looks outside. “This is just plain weird. I can’t even see the wings out there!”

Sunset Shimmer shudders. “It’s a very… interesting feeling.”

Daring Do shrugs. “I’ve seen stranger things.”

Auriel nods approvingly. “A scientific marvel, to be sure.”

Arc continues. “Very good. Now then, I want the ship to stay cloaked until further notice.”

Soarin raises an eyebrow. “What about when we arrive, sir?”

“We stay cloaked even then. It’s all part of my plan.”

Tight Ship nods. “I’ll see to it, sir. Will there be anything else?”

“Yes, I’d like to address the crew now. Tell them of our mission.”

Lemon Hearts chimes in. “If you’d like, I can link your earring to the ship’s intercom, sir.”

“That sounds good. Make it so.”

“Yes sir. It will just take a few seconds. Go ahead and start talking when you hear a small beep.”

A couple moments later Arc hears the beep. Clearing his throat he speaks.

“Attention everyone. This is Hero of Light Arc. We’ve reached our traveling altitude and are currently flying east over the Celestial Sea. I’d like to take this opportunity to brief you all on the reason for this trip.”

He walks over to the window and looks out before continuing.

“Some time ago, an Equestrian town known as Dodge Junction was invaded by a small group of griffon soldiers. They had sought to plunder the abandoned town for resources with which to continue their war with Abyssinia. I, along with a small group of volunteers, were able to stop their troops and send them packing without anything other than the food and water which they needed to get home again. While we haven’t heard of them attempting such a brazen act since that time, the fact still remains that the Griffon Kingdom may take the opportunity to attack Equestria at some point in the future when we storm the capital. The purpose of this mission is to find a way to stop them from interfering when that time comes. To take away another variable from the grand equation. Please understand that the point of this excursion isn’t invasion, but mitigation. We will do all in our power to keep casualties on both sides low, so as not to cause lasting strife between our two countries. Everyone should use this time to train, rest, and otherwise prepare for whatever comes our way. Thank you all for coming and have a nice night.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Daring Do grins wickedly as she speaks.

“We’re finally taking the fight to those bird brains.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “So it would seem.”

Auriel grimaces. “But is such a thing really necessary?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “While such a task is indeed distasteful, the Hero of Light is right though. We can’t just ignore the fact that they invaded our country.”

Spike frowns. “Doesn’t this make us just as bad as them though? I mean… now we’re going to be doing the same to them.”

Arc sighs. “Admittedly it kinda does, yes. But this has to be done, Spike.

He looks to the others before continuing.

“Now then, everyone head to your quarters and get some rest. We’ll need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for that which is coming.”

They all nod and file down the corridor. Everyone enters their suites and closes the doors behind them. However, Spike holds back a bit. Turning to the young dragon, Arc puts a gauntlet on his shoulder.

“You doing okay?”

Spike sighs. “Yeah, I… it’s just… I kinda have trouble sleeping these days.”

“Oh?”

Spike groans as he looks out the window. “The world’s just so different these days. I don’t really recognize it anymore.”

Looking down at himself, Spike grunts.

“And that includes me too.”

Arc joins him at the window. “We’ve all had to adapt in order to survive, yes. No one has been spared that as far as I know. But you need to at least try to rest.”

Motioning to a door, Arc beckons Spike to follow him. Pushing it open, Arc turns on the lights to illuminate the room for him. A posh suite stretches out before them. Spike looks around sadly as Arc closes the door and walks over to the bed.

“I think you’ll be very comfortable here.”

Spike shrugs. “Yeah, I guess I probably will be. It’s kinda my first time away from my friends though.”

Arc smiles. “Feeling a bit of separation anxiety?”

Spike nods. “Back when we were living in Zecora’s hut I still had Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle with me. But now…”

Arc nods soberly. “Now you’re just amongst strangers in a strange new ship.”

“Right. It’s all a bit overwhelming.”

“Well, I may have something that might make you feel a bit better.”

Spike turns to him. “Oh? And what’s that?”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls something out and hands it to Spike. The young dragon’s eyes grow wide as he looks it over.

“This… this is… my old basket?!”

Arc nods. “Right. I know it isn’t much, but I wanted you to have something from the Golden Oaks Library.”

Spike smiles sadly as he looks the basket over. “I’m a bit too large for this thing now though.”

“I thought so too. So while I was there, I decided to grab something else for you.”

Reaching again for his ring, Arc pulls out a pillow and blanket. Handing them over to Spike, he grins.

“Is this what I think it is?!”

“Twilight’s bedding. It’s still a bit small for you, of course. But I figured it might help.”

“It does, yeah. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Now then, I should probably let you get some rest now.”

“Thank you again.”

Arc leaves the room and closes the door behind him. Spike walks over to secure his door and turns off the lights before lying down on the bed. Grabbing the pillow, he puts it under his head before covering himself as best he is able with the blanket. Bringing it up to his chin, he inhales deeply as he muses to himself.

“Twilight… I miss you so much!”

Meanwhile, Arc walks down the way to his own quarters. Entering them, he is surprised to see Sunset Shimmer standing at the window looking out. As he closes the door behind him, she turns and speaks.

“I’m sorry for barging in like this.”

“It’s fine. Is something wrong though?”

“Nothing specifically, no. I just wanted to come by and apologize to you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Apologize?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “For just kind of inviting myself along. Daring Do and I probably should have asked first verses merely announcing that we were coming along.”

“Don’t worry about it. After all, I really have no idea just how much help I’m going to need on this mission. But as long as you’re here, do you mind if I ask you some questions?”

Sunset Shimmer appears confused. “Questions?”

Arc nods. “I just want to better understand whom I’m working with.”

“Ah! That… sort of makes sense, I suppose.”

Arc gestures to the table. “Then let’s have a seat.”

They both sit down across from one another as Arc continues.

“Why don’t you start with how you came to be in Mayor Shining Armor’s service?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “There’s not really much to tell there. When the sun went down for the last time I was in Manehattan doing my studies. Outside was pandemonium like I had never seen before. Everypony was just kinda running around aimlessly or sheltering in their homes.”

“But not you.”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “I did initially shelter inside the library, of course. But a day or so later I heard news that the mayor of the city along with the entire council had vanished.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait a minute. Vanished? As in they were kidnapped?”

“Either that or they fled to some kind of safehouse somewhere.”

“So then Shining Armor stepped in?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “He had been sent to the city in order to do some kind of investigation into the mayor actually. Kind of ironic now that I think about it.”

“So maybe the original mayor and council thought he was getting too close to something or other and decided to use the chaos to make their escape.”

“That is likely, yes. So when I heard that there was nopony running the city I went to volunteer.”

“To do what though?”

“Anything, really. It was easy enough to convince him, as I’m a graduate of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“So what did he have you doing?”

“At first I was tasked with gathering information of the situation at hoof. But I also came up with a number of solutions to fix the a fore mentioned issues.”

“Can you give me some examples?”

“To restore water to the city when the power plant went offline, I designed a workaround system by strategically redirecting emergency power from around the city’s structures. Things like City Hall, the library, guard shacks, public transportation and whatnot.”

Arc frowns. “But aren’t those also important to power?”

“They are, yes. Which is why I was able to divert just a small amount of power from each of those locations. Meaning that the lights and other electricity using devices were very slightly weaker, but still able to function without impairment.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Interesting workaround.”

“The exact words from the mayor were ‘this way we can have our cake and eat it too’.”

“And you were able to hold your own at the power plant as well.”

Sunset Shimmer smirks. “You might say that my background is very… well-rounded.”

“Yes, it is.”

“I was kind of expecting to just weather the storm in Manehattan until Mayor Shining Armor transferred me to the Lunar Resistance.”

“Are you happy here with us?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Very. I feel as though I can have a real impact on the fate of the country here with you and the rest of the resistance.”

“Very admirable. You’re clearly very qualified for such tasks as well as those that go off the rails as well.”

“Not everything goes according to plan, sir. Sometimes you have to come up with a workaround on the fly.”

Arc stands. “Agreed. Which is why I’m glad that you’re here right now.”

Sunset Shimmer appears confused. “Sir?”

Walking over to the window, Arc looks outside at the star filled sky. Sighing, he speaks.

“This mission… doesn’t actually have a hard plan yet.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “You mean…?”

Arc nods. “I’ll be making it up as I go, yes.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “But that would imperil our forces.”

“No. Just me.”

“I’m afraid that I don’t quite get your meaning there, sir.”

“In the early stages we’ll be focusing on intel gathering. Stealthily, of course. That will involve us cautiously seeking out the current situation in the Griffon Kingdom and compiling it on board to keep track of.”

“Similar to what the guards do when investigating a crime?”

Arc nods. “Something like that.”

Sunset Shimmer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I may be able to help with that. You see, I used a very similar method to track my experiments years ago in school. It helped me find issues in my methodology as well as backtrack effectively if problems were to arise mid-experiment.”

“Good. I may just call on you to handle our information cataloguing when things get underway.”

“You can count on me, sir.”

“Thank you for that. And the talk too, of course.”

“As long as we’re speaking of such things, might I ask you something as well, sir?”

Arc turns back to face the mare. “Certainly. What’s on your mind?”

“It’s… about the princesses. You’ve spoken to them all in the past I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “That I have, yes.”

Sunset Shimmer appears hopeful. “Did Princess Celestia… ever mention me?”

“No, I’m afraid that she didn’t.”

“Are you certain?”

“Positive. Your name has never come up in a conversation between Princess Celestia and myself. Why do you ask?”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “I was just curious, that’s all.”

“From your time at her school I imagine?”

“Yes. You see, I was a very fast learner. But I’ve taken up enough of your time, sir.”

Arc nods as she stands and salutes before leaving the room. Sitting down on the couch, Arc frowns and muses to himself.

“She’s hiding something.”

Cherry groans. “But what, Arc?”

“Probably her involvement with General Mustang on Earth, for starters. It’s an even money bet that she still had some sort of contact with him in this alternate world.”

“I get the feeling there’s more to it than that though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What else could be so…?”

Cherry cuts him off. “Sunset Shimmer said that she was a very smart student at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“And that’s important how exactly?”

“Only the best and brightest are allowed to attend that particular school. And those whom do well are generally given important government jobs around Equestria.”

Arc looks to the window. “Maybe that’s what she was doing in Manehattan then.”

“It’s possible, yes. However, she also stated that at the time she was already a graduate.”

Arc frowns as he puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “You’re right, Cherry. Why would someone whom had finished school still be studying at a library?”

“It’s always possible that she was in some sort of a researcher role and was searching for something specific in those old books. But I do think you’re right about her having contact with General Mustang back on Earth.”

“Where else would she have learned how to fight, after all?”

“Such a thing is a rather large hole in her story, yes. After all, I don’t think combat is exactly something a student would be taught at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Not that I’ve ever been there myself, of course.”

Arc shrugs. “I guess the only way to get those answers would be to ask her directly.”

“Do you really think she’ll answer truthfully though? Or at all for that matter.”

“It’s not likely. That and I don’t really have any way to verify any explanations she would give me.”

“So what are you going to do, Arc?”

Arc stands and stretches. “At this point, nothing.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Nothing?”

“Sunset Shimmer hasn’t really done anything that would warrant suspicion, after all. For all we know this world’s version of her could be completely innocent of any and all wrongdoing.”

“What if you’re wrong though? She could jeopardize the mission.”

“If she were planning to betray us, this would not be a good time to do it.”

“Oh?”

Arc turns to look out the window. “Think about it, Cherry. We’ll be on another continent tomorrow morning. Not just that, but one that is hostile to Equestria at this point in time. If Sunset Shimmer were to do anything that could be seen as counterproductive to the mission, she’d be branded a traitor and a criminal.”

Cherry gasps. “Meaning that she’d have no way back to Equestria and be stuck in a land that is rather unfriendly to ponies at the moment.”

Arc nods. “Exactly. She hurts us or our mission and she hurts herself. Worse probably.”

“I suppose that would be quite the incentive for her to stay loyal.”

Arc chuckles as he heads for the bathroom. “Right. So until she does anything suspicious I’m just going to let her continue helping the Lunar Resistance.”

He bathes and heads for bed. However, early the next morning Arc is awakened by his earring chirping. Sitting up, the young man touches it and speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’re approaching the shores of the Griffon Kingdom. What course shall we set?”

Arc stands up quickly. “I’ll come to the Bridge now and we’ll figure that out.”

Dressing hurriedly, Arc leaves his quarters and heads to the ship’s Bridge. Arriving, he spies Tight Ship and Soarin going over a large map on the wall. Joining them, Arc speaks.

“What’s our status, captain?”

“We are roughly an hour away from the coast of the Griffon Kingdom, sir.”

Soarin points a hoof. “The cloaking system has kept us invisible up until now. But we’ll need it more than ever to avoid detection soon enough.”

Tight Ship gestures to the map. “Commander Soarin and I have been looking for a suitable place to land and set up our base camp, sir. But without knowing exactly what it is that you have planned we’re just flying blind.”

Arc points to Griffonstone. “Our ultimate destination will be the capital city, of course. But going there directly wouldn’t work out so well for us.”

Thunderlane looks over. “Even if they can’t see us, it’s likely that the sound of the engines would give us away.”

Moon Dancer sighs. “Or at the very least let them know something was amiss.”

Arc turns to Lemon Hearts. “Anything on the airwaves?”

Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “So far I’m not picking up any radio chatter regarding anything other than normal civilian broadcasts.”

Wrangler grins. “So we still have the element of surprise.”

Arc looks back to the map. “Are there any smaller towns along the way? Or villages?”

Soarin taps a hoof on the map. “There are a number of coastal towns that dot the shoreline, sir.”

Tight Ship looks to Arc. “Small settlements which rely on fishing for food and trade from what I understand, sir.”

“We could land near one of them then.”

Thunderlane turns around confused. “Uh… how near are you talking, sir?”

“Close enough to be within walking distance. Far enough that they won’t hear us landing though.”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “Such a thing may be more difficult than you think though, sir.”

Wrangler nods. “Right. We’ll also need a fairly secluded place to land as well.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But we’ll still be cloaked.”

Lemon Hearts shrugs. “True. But that won’t stop leaves, branches, and animals from climbing on The Equinox.”

Tight Ship looks to the comms. “Lemon Hearts is right, sir. We can’t rely on the ship’s cloaking device to keep us hidden from everypony once landing.”

Soarin gestures out the main window. “Perhaps we should just stay hidden in the clouds then, sir.”

Arc turns to the captain. “Would that potentially be an option?”

Tight Ship nods. “Yes sir. Chief Engineer Stellar Flare tells me that the ship can stay in the air nearly indefinitely.”

Arc nods soberly. “Then that’s the route we’ll have to take.”

Soarin points a hoof at the coast below. “The infiltration team could fly down under the cover of darkness and scout out the town for you, sir.”

“While I do appreciate that, I’ll be going solo for the initial contact.”

Moon Dancer looks him over quizzically. “But how will you get down to the surface safely, sir?”

“Leave that to me. Notify me at once when we are in visual range of the closest remote town.”

Tight Ship nods as Arc heads for the door. As he leaves, Soarin turns to him.

“What do you suppose the Hero of Light is planning here, captain?”

Tight Ship shrugs. “I have no idea.”

Moon Dancer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I’m more concerned with how he plans to get safely to the ground without wings.”

Lemon Hearts looks to Wrangler. “He must have some kind of plan though.”

“Agreed. His tone of voice hinted that he had at least that much figured out.”

Tight Ship heads back to the captain’s chair. “Then we have no choice but to trust in his abilities and support him as best we are able.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks down the corridor alone. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as he walks.

“You were pretty cryptic back there, Arc.”

“Kinda had to be.”

“Don’t you trust the crew?”

“It’s not a matter of trust, Cherry. But I Honestly don’t really know what I’m going to do down there.”

“But, uh… you do have a way to GET down there, right?”

Arc nods. “That much I do, yes.”

Cherry continues as Arc heads down the steps toward the Mid Deck. “Then where are you going, Arc?”

“To the cafeteria.”

“Well, I suppose a good meal is in order. Considering what’s coming, I mean.”

Arc chuckles. “That and I kinda forget to eat last night before going to bed.”

Cherry sighs. “And I forgot to remind you.”

“Guess we’re both getting a bit sloppy here.”

“I’ll try to do better in the future then, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Me too. But I don’t think it’ll help much.”

Sometime later Arc steps out of the Cafeteria. Patting his belly, he walks down the corridor and burps lightly. Cherry giggles.

“Feeling better, Arc?”

Arc burps. “Much. It’s amazing what a good meal can do.”

“I’ll say.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“This is Lemon Hearts, sir. We’re approaching a small village on the coast of the Griffon Kingdom. Shall we hold position?”

“Assuming the captain agrees with that course of action, yes.”

Tight Ship sounds confused. “Sir?”

“As long as we’re in the Griffon Kingdom’s airspace I want you to do whatever is necessary to keep The Equinox from being detected. If that involves flying around then do that. Or if you believe that it would be best to simply hover in place then that works too. It’s up to your discretion.”

Soarin frowns. “But what if you require aid, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Under no circumstances can our presence be detected. So we can’t have Pegasi taking off from the flight deck.”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “That seems like a pretty big risk to me, sir.”

Moon Dancer shudders. “Yes, you’d be completely on your own.”

“It has to be this way for the moment. Now then, plot a course if necessary and I’ll head down to that village.”

Tight Ship sighs. “Yes sir.”

Lemon Hearts chimes in. “I’ll be sure to only use encrypted channels when communicating with you from now on, sir.”

“Good. All of you, take care of the ship while I’m away. Hopefully this initial contact won’t take too long though. Now then, before I get underway, is there anything else we need to speak about?”

Tight Ship shakes his head. “No, sir. I think that pretty much covers everything.”

“Alright. Let me know if anything back in Equestria changes or if there’s some kind of emergency aboard ship that requires my immediate attention. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Turning, Arc begins walking. As he approaches the Main Hatch however Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“So… how are you getting down there, Arc?”

Arc shrugs. “I was just planning to jump.”

“That doesn’t exactly sound safe.”

“You want to stay here?”

“Not a chance!

Arc chuckles as he calls forth his armor and dons a magic cloak. “I thought you’d see it my way.”

As the door opens, Arc steps out onto the deck. After forcefully closing the door behind him, he walks to the bow and looks around. Seeing nothing but clouds below, Arc puts both hands on the guardrail. Taking a deep breath he looks up at the moon. Changing into his Crimson form, Arc hefts himself up and over the railing. As he begins to fall through the clouds, Arc turns into a mist and by doing so is able to slow his descent considerably. Looking around (quite a feat without eyes, I must say) Arc spies the lights of the a fore mentioned village. Drifting down to the water he makes his way across it as Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“That was amazing!”

Arc chuckles. “Agreed.”

“I wonder if that’s what it’s like for a Pegasus to fly!”

“Probably close to it I would imagine.”

Drifting over to the docks, Arc makes his way over the rooftops again to get a better view of the village. Sighing, Cherry calls out.

“Guess it’s still a bit early.”

Arc smirks. “Just like I planned.”

“Oh?”

“I wanted to come around before too many griffons got up if at all possible.”

“You might have gone a bit too far though, Arc. After all, I don’t see anypony anywhere.”

“With luck we can find someone…”

He trails off for a few moments before continuing.

“We might have hit the jackpot here.”

Cherry sounds surprised. “You saw somepony?”

“A bit of movement beyond the tree line, yes.”

“Should we check it out?”

“Definitely.”

Making his way towards the area in question, Arc flattens his misty self against the ground as he advances. Spotting a pair of griffons lying together under a small tree he watches them silently for a time. After a few moments the male speaks.

“It’s almost morning, Gail.”

The female nuzzles her companion as she sleepily calls out.

“Just five more minutes, Gregory.”

Gregory smiles at her. “You said that twenty minutes ago.”

“This time for real then.”

Gregory shakes his head as he slowly stands up. “Come on. We both need to be getting back home. Don’t want our parents to get suspicious now.”

Gail groans as she too gets to her feet. “Yes, I know. But I do wish that I had the courage to tell them the truth.”

Gregory sighs. “Me too. But you know how they both are. Stuck in the past, and all.”

Gail rolls her eyes. “What happened was generations ago though. I don’t get how they can still be upset about something from before even they themselves were born.”

Gregory puts a talon on Gail’s cheek and smiles at her. “Eventually we’ll both save up enough money to be able to leave this place together.”

Gail bows her head. “But at the rate we’re going, that will take years.”

“As long as we can be together someday, I can wait if you can.”

Gail giggles as she pushes Gregory onto his back and leaps on top of him. “In the meantime we’ll have to be content with the occasional nightly rendezvous.”

The pair nuzzle one another affectionately. Arc smirks inwardly as he muses to himself.

“Perfect.”

Cherry calls out warily. “What are you going to do, Arc?”

“Gather intel.”

Drifting into some bushes across from the couple, Arc calls out quietly.

“Griffons.”

Gail raises her head fearfully. “What the…?!”

Gregory looks around. “Who’s there?!”

“I… I am what you would call the spirit of this land.”

Gail gasps. “The stories are true?!”

Gregory scoffs. “Impossible!”

Leaping toward the bushes, he tears his talons through them. Ripping the plants apart in vain the young griffon looks around as the mist moves to another bush across from them.

“You cannot harm me, Gregory.”

Gregory frowns as he quickly returns to Gail’s side. “How did you know my name?!”

“Nothing is hidden from my sight, young one.”

Gail grimaces as her eyes dart around nervously. “What… what is it that you want from us?!”

“Merely to help you, young one.”

Gregory appears skeptical. “How?!”

“I can offer you two the means by which you might realize your dream.”

Gail gasps happily. “Of being together?!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes.”

Gregory rolls his eyes. “You mean to tell me that a spirit can provide all of that?”

“I can, yes.”

Gail nods excitedly. “What do we have to do?!”

Gregory turns to her. “Now wait just a minute, Gail! We don’t know anything about this so-called spirit! Or whatever it really is!”

“But it couldn’t hurt to listen, right Gregory?!”

Gregory frowns as he sits down on his haunches. “Fine. Let’s hear your offer then.”

Arc clears his throat. “Very well. As I said earlier, I can provide you two with the needed gold by which you might leave this village.”

Gail turns to Gregory. “That’s all we need to start our lives together in a new place somewhere!”

Gregory nods soberly. “True. But I can’t imagine anyone, even a spirit, just giving two strangers gold without wanting something in return.”

Arc chuckles. “Very astute. In truth, I do want something from the two of you.”

Gail leans forward excitedly. “Name it!”

“Turn your eyes up into the branches of that tree in front of you.”

Gregory looks up. “I don’t see anything.”

Gail squints. “Me either. It’s too dark.”

Arc rematerializes nearby and removes his helmet. “Now look straight ahead.”

Doing so, they gasp as Arc’s red eyes meet theirs. Gail opens her beak to scream but Arc holds it shut with a quick Telekinesis Spell as he speaks.

“Both of you are now under my control. Step forward so that I might look you two over in the moonlight.”

They wordlessly do so. Arc looks the pair over for a few moments before speaking again.

“You both appear a bit… thinner than the other griffons I’ve seen. Why is that, Gail?”

Gail speaks in a monotone voice. “There is little food in our village.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “No food in a fishing settlement?”

Gail nods. “Nearly everything we catch is taken by the powers that be in Griffonstone in order to feed the troops fighting in the war.”

Arc looks to Gregory. “If that is the case, then why aren’t you fighting on the front lines?”

“Because I’m the mayor’s son. He pulled strings to get me declared unfit for military service.”

Arc smirks. “Interesting. So you mean to say that there are no other males in the village?”

Gregory shakes his head. “No one young. Only the elderly and very small.”

Arc folds his arms over his head. “Tell me of this war, both of you.”

Gail sighs. “It started shortly after the sun stopped shining.”

Gregory frowns. “The Abyssinians crossed our borders looking for food according to the state news.”

Arc chuckles. “Do you believe their story though?”

Gail shakes her head. “The news is known for its lies.”

Gregory shrugs. “There is no way for us to know for certain though.”

Arc turns his head and looks inland. “And the rest of the country is just going along with all of this?”

Gail nods. “We are forced to, yes.”

Gregory points a talon east. “All resources have been diverted to fighting. We are left with only enough to scrape by.”

Arc frowns. “Then what did you hope to accomplish by fleeing to another town?”

Gregory looks to Gail. “We have heard rumors of independent settlements in the middle of nowhere.”

Gail returns his gaze. “If we can find one, we hoped to be able to use our money to buy our way into it.”

“Just for the record, you don’t actually know where they are, right?”

Gregory shrugs. “We don’t. No one does though.”

Gail nods. “It’s how they stay alive.”

Arc sighs. “Is the situation the same in other towns?”

Gregory nods. “Yes. Every town produces something that can be used to fight the war. So resources are very scarce.”

“Is there anyone not affected by that?”

Gail puts a talon to her cheek. “The nobles in Griffonstone. Or so we hear.”

Gregory shrugs. “I’m told that they pay heavy taxes to help fund the war though.”

Arc facepalms. “Even they aren’t spared.”

Gail sighs. “None of their younglings are sent off to fight though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait a moment. Younglings are being sent to war?”

Gregory nods. “If they can hold a weapon, they are conscripted into the military to fight.”

Arc frowns. “It sounds as though the current situation is desperate for the Griffon Kingdom.”

Gail shakes her head. “Maybe not. All the news reports say that we have the Abyssinians on the run.”

Gregory sights. “But at the same time the need for more resources for the war machine never stops.”

Arc looks off into the distance. “How about your nation’s leadership. Are they all in favor of the war?”

Gail nods. “I believe so, yes.”

Gregory shrugs. “If anyone is not, they are smart enough to keep such treasonous thoughts to themselves.”

“Yes, it does not end well for those whom dissent.”

Arc groans. “Prison time for them?”

Gregory shakes his head. “Public execution.”

“Anyone foolish enough to risk it?”

Gail puts a talon to her cheek thoughtfully. “The only one’s I know of are a rebel faction based somewhere in Griffonstone.”

Gregory turns to her. “They were around before the war started though.”

Arc grins. “The rebels in the capital city. Now that’s in interesting concept. I figured they would have been wiped out early on.”

“King Guto and the Council of Lords have tried.”

“But they can never seem to find more than one or two at a time.”

Arc shudders. “Can I assume that they’ve tried… intensive interrogation?”

“The news doesn’t talk about them much, so we don’t really know.”

Gregory looks toward the village. “My father says that they always die fighting rather than be taken alive.”

Arc sighs. “That’s probably for the best though, huh?”

Gail shudders. “I suppose so.”

Arc turns to Gregory. “And how about public support? Do the rebels have the backing of the citizens?”

“I’m told that many in the capital secretly support ending the current regime through any means possible.”

Gail bows her head. “Any system would be better than what we have currently. As it stands no one has any food, no resources, and no real future.”

Arc smirks. “How would someone get in touch with these rebels?”

Gregory shrugs. “No idea. Since the king’s agents can’t seem to locate their hideout it’s not likely that one could contact them.”

Gail nods. “You’d have to get their attention and be found by them instead.”

“I see. Thank you very much you two. You’ve been very helpful.”

Pulling a good sized bag of bits from his ring, Arc sets them down on the ground in front of the pair. Returning to his mist form he draws back to the bushes and continues speaking.

“Now then, neither of you will be able to remember what I looked like. Other than an ethereal and incorporeal voice, that is. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“We will do as you say.”

Arc chuckles. “Now then… awaken.”

The pair shake their heads as if to clear their thoughts. Looking around for a few moments, Gail calls out.

“Are you… still there, spirit?”

“I am, yes. Do you see the bag in front of you?”

Gregory nods. “Yes. What of it?”

“Open it.”

The pair step forward and cautiously do as they are told. Untying the mouth of the bag they see the multitude of coins within. Gasping, Gail calls out.

“Where did this come from?!”

“It is a gift from me to you two.”

Gregory raises an eyebrow. “For what though?!”

“Doing as I asked.”

Gail appears confused. “Looking up into a tree?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.”

Gregory frowns. “But… but where are we supposed to say it came from?!”

Gail looks over her shoulder at the village behind her. “By now the rest of the village should be up and noticed that we’re missing!”

“Tell them… that it was a gift from a great and very old spirit of this land.”

Gregory groans. “They’ll never believe that though!”

“Those gold coins will be proof enough that I exist. Now then, return to your village. Or, if you prefer, make good on your plan to leave and start a new life together elsewhere. The choice, as it always has been, is yours.”

The pair nod as Gregory picks up the bag. Taking Gail’s talon in his, the pair turn and run quickly back towards their village. As they do so Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“So now we know that things are just as bad here as they are back in Equestria.”

Arc sighs. “If not worse.”

“Are you sure you did the right thing back there, Arc.”

“Which part?”

“Telling them you were a spirit, for starters. And giving them all that money too.”

Arc shrugs. “I had to give myself some kind of identity though. That and it looked like they could use the money.”

“They could tell others about you though.”

“Just that alias though. They don’t know who I really am.”

“So what’s our next step then?”

Arc turns and drifts upward. “We’re going to head inland.”

“To do what though?”

“See how things are there. And, with any luck, locate the leaders of whatever resistance is active in this land.”

Cherry gasps. “Wait! You mean…?!"

Arc cuts her off. “Yes, Cherry. If things go the way I hope they will, our forces will be lending aid to this alternate world’s rebel faction.”

Chapter 14 - Past and Present

Author's Note

If memory serves correctly, this is only the third time in 319 chapters (at the time of this writing) that I have used the Author's Notes section. However, this is the first time I've put it at the top. That's because I'd like to have a little chat with all my loyal readers to explain this chapter's picture, which I had been waiting to have restored by one of my artists. They did an amazing job recreating it from a single photograph that was around forty years old.

The man pictured below is Will Lee. He was better known to my generation as Mr. Hooper, the owner of Hooper's General Store on Sesame Street. I referenced a line he made during the TV special "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" briefly at the end of the Christmas Special - VOLUME 14 FINALE - Chapter 22 - Christmas Miracles in the Author's Notes. It was a very touching scene to me. Sadly, this chapter's reference is not so happy.

On November 24, 1983, Thanksgiving Day, a very special scene was played on that day's episode of Sesame Street. In it, the cast of the show take the opportunity to explain to Big Bird (and the children watching) about a very sober topic... death. Will Lee passed away suddenly on of a heart attack on December 7, 1982. The executives were unsure of what to do about his passing. It was eventually decided to use the event to teach children about the natural inevitability of life's conclusion, as Will Lee would have wanted. After consulting with child psychologists a script was written and the scene performed. It aired on Thanksgiving to assure that there would be adults in the house whom could answer any other questions their children might have about death.

A bit of myself is personified in nearly every character in this story. Therefore I found it only fitting to take this opportunity to pay homage to Will Lee in the chapter that directly references him. A copy of the original footage can be found here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37M5fcM-cSU

Rest in peace, Mr. Hooper...

August 6, 1908 – December 7, 1982

Gone... but not forgotten.

Chapter 14 - Past and Present

Arc and Ember wait a few minutes after they hear the exterior door close before recalling their armor. Ember frowns.

“Well, that was a colossal waste of time.”

Arc shakes his head. “I disagree.”

“Yes, well… we did get to spend the day with Lily and Shelly, so I suppose…”

“I mean they actually told us quite a bit.”

“How so, Arc?”

“We now know The Riders are working with the Shards.”

“I already knew that!”

“Maybe. But until now we had no proof.”

“They’re all the same!”

“True. But different gangs, at least here on Earth, don’t usually work well together.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Tell that to Stingray.”

Arc puts a hand under his chin. “Yes. I do wonder how she managed to pull that off.”

“To say nothing about the trucks.”

“More questions, few answers as usual.”

“Where do we start?”

“By finding The Rider hideout.”

“How?”

“Hopefully the guys can find something we can use in that regard on the Internet.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh really. You think they advertise?”

“No. But I’m guessing at least a couple of their members can be found blabbing about some heist online somewhere.”

“Like the pizza parlor incident?”

Arc chuckles. “Probably not that one. But you get the idea.”

“Yeah, well… we should probably tell Shelly and Lily those thugs are gone.”

“Agreed.”

The pair leave the Pantry and head back to the front. Shelly is ringing up a check. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as they approach. She turns to him as Lily approaches.

“Are… are you finished in back?”

Arc nods. “Yes. They’re gone.”

Lily breathes a sigh of relief. “Good!”

Shelly hands a receipt to the customer before her. “Is… is he still here by any chance.”

“Who? Oh! Uh… sorry, but he had to go.”

Shelly looks down sadly. “Oh.”

Ember steps forward. “Don’t worry, Shelly. He said he didn’t want to slow things down, as the restaurant was so busy.”

Arc looks over, confused. “He did?”

“Yeah. Don’t you remember, Arc? He said he’d come back later.”

“When?”

“After the restaurant closed.”

Arc sighs. ”Oh… right.”

Shelly smiles. “Really?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. He’ll come to the Pantry again later tonight.”

Lily turns to Shelly. “We’ll be ready. Should we close early?”

Ember shakes her head. “I think he’ll give you plenty of time.”

Arc grabs Ember’s arm. “Right. Well, we should be going.”

Shelly looks over to him. “Won’t you stay for a bite to eat, Arc?”

“Not tonight. We have a lot of papers to go over at home.”

Ember frowns. “We do?”

“Yes. All that info on The Riders. Remember?”

Ember sighs. “Right. That.”

Lily waves after them. “See you later, Arc.”

Shelly calls out after him. “Let us know if anything changes with Frank.”

“I will.”

The pair head out the door and walk over to the Jeep. Hoping in Arc starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot. He frowns.

“What was that all about, Ember?! Telling Shelly the Hero of Light’s going to show up all of a sudden!”

Ember sighs. “Sorry. It’s just… Shelly looked so sad when you told her he was gone. You think she has a crush on him?”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it. She’s not one for whirlwind romances.”

“Then why was she so insistent on seeing you? Him! You know what I mean.”

“Honestly, I have no idea. But I guess I’ll find out.”

Later that night the Arc enters the back door of Shelly’s Kitchen. Seeing all the lights off except for the Pantry he heads for it. Entering, the Hero finds Shelly and Lily waiting for him. Lily looks at him nervously.

“We… we heard you were a bit shy of people. So we waited for you here.”

Arc nods silently. Shelly looks up at him from her wheelchair.

“We won’t take up too much of your time, sir. But I felt the need to tell you something very important.”

Arc walks over to her but does not make a sound.

“You see, Lily and I have been watching your adventures on the news. It looks like you’ve taken on the task of dismantling the Shards.”

Arc remains silent as Shelly continues.

“Their leader, Frank Fontaine… he’s a very dear friend of ours.”

Lily nods. “We grew up together, you see.”

“Right. So I… I’d be very grateful if you could see it in your heart to not hurt him.”

Arc tilts his head to one side as if confused.

“I think everyone in town knows that eventually this is going to end in a fight between the Shards and you.”

Arc sighs and nods.

Shelly looks to him nervously. “We’ve seen so much of your strength and abilities on TV. It would probably be a simple task for you to snap our friend and his followers like twigs.”

Lily nods. “That and I don’t think anyone would, or even could, stop you.”

“Yes. So if you would be willing to… go easy on him, we’d really appreciate it, sir.”

Shelly slowly, and with great effort, stands. Lily helps her hobble over to the Hero. She looks at him sadly for a long moment.

“I… Lily and I grew up with Frank in an Orphanage in another town some ways away. When we got older our friend Arc invited us to come live with him in his parent’s old house. We stayed there for a while and learned how to cook. How to… take care of ourselves.”

Shelly looks around the Pantry.

“This room hasn’t changed much since then.”

Lily picks up. “Back then it was owned by a kindly old chef named Mr. Hooper. He hired Lily as a waitress and me as a hostess.”

Shelly smiles. “Mr. Hooper even taught us his recipes.”

Lily nods and smiles as she remembers the past.

“Yes. He was so very nice to us. Even when we made mistakes.”

Lily looks down sadly. “But one day we came to work to find the restaurant locked. I went up the stairs and knocked on his apartment door. But I couldn’t rouse him.”

“We waited for a bit. But he didn’t come down.”

“Shelly and I went down the street and called the police. They came out and… and…”

Lily’s voice trails off as Shelly picks up the story.

“They forced the door open and went inside. The police found him still in his bed… unresponsive.”

Lily nods. “A week later we attended his funeral. Pretty much the whole town was there to honor Angel Groove’s grandest man.”

Shelly closes her eyes and smiles. “Every business shut down in honor of him. The main street was closed to traffic. Marshal Raynor even organized a motorcade to escort the hearse out of town to the cemetery.”

Lily sighs. “Shelly and I attended the graveside service with our friend Arc.”

“We were his only family , you see. I can still remember looking out over the cemetery as the gray clouds opened up and a cool spring rain began to fall. As if the heavens themselves were weeping at the passing of the man who gave us a chance.”

Shelly is silent for a time as Lily takes over.

“A lawyer came a few days later with a letter from Mr. Hooper. He… he left us every worldly possession he had. The restaurant and everything in it.”

“Yes. But it wasn’t the same without him around. At the time, at least to us, it seemed as if everyone important to us always…”

Lily hangs her head. “My parents abandoned me when I was a baby. Shelly’s parents both died about the same time.”

“You see… Lily and I, we… made new friends. Arc… and then Frank.”

Shelly reaches a hand into her uniform pocket. Pulling something out she looks at it sadly for a moment before turning her gaze up to the armored man before her.

“I only have this to remember my parents by.”

She takes his gauntlet and puts the item into it before closing his fingers around the items and covering it with her hand.

“If… if you would please spare Frank’s life, I’ll give you these. I know they’re not worth much money. But to me at least, they’re priceless.”

Arc looks down at his gauntlet and holds his hand out toward Shelly. She pushes it away and shakes her head as tears form in the corners of her eyes.

“Please… take them. Take them and spare Frank! Please!”

Arc nods silently.

“Thank you, sir.”

Lily carefully turns and helps Shelly back into her wheelchair. “Yes. Thank you for coming.”

Shelly looks back up as she sits. “We won’t take up any more of your…”

They look around the room, but the Hero of Light is nowhere to be seen. Lily gasps.

“Where did he…?”

“I don’t know. One moment he was here. The next…”

Lily pushes the wheelchair out of the Pantry. “Do you think he’ll make good on his word?”

Shelly nods and smiles as she wipes the tears from her eyes. “I believe he will. He’s a good person. That much I can just feel.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears outside the restaurant. He looks at the items in his gauntlet silently before raising his other hand to open a portal. Stepping through he reappears in his basement. Arc’s squad hurries over to him and salutes. Max is the first to speak.

“Everything go alright, sir?”

Arc recalls his armor but keeps his fist clenched.

“Y-yeah. Shelly and Lily are just fine.”

Hugh looks relieved. “That’s good.”

Viktor nods. “Yes. The two of them are very nice humans.”

Xenos sees Arc’s expression. “Sir? Is something wrong?”

Arc looks at his closed hand. “I… I’m sorry, but I need to be alone right now.”

He walks over to the stairs and slowly climbs them as his squad looks to each other and shrugs. They return to the table and continue to go over papers. Xenos looks to Hugh.

“What do you suppose is wrong with the commander?”

“You don’t suppose something’s up with Lily or Shelly, do you?!”

Max shakes his head. “No. If something was wrong he wouldn’t have left them.”

Viktor sighs. “Well, let’s see if we can come up with something for him to go on by tomorrow morning then.”

The squad nods in agreement. Meanwhile, Arc passes Ember and Sereb sitting on the couch together

“Hey! How did it go?”

Arc does not stop or look over.

“I… just fine. But right now I need some time to think.”

He proceeds up the stairs alone. Ember looks to Sereb.

“Uh… what just happened?”

“Arc is very upset by something.”

Ember stands up. “I should go to him.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I sense a great deal of grief in him right now.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You can sense grief now?!”

Sereb nods. “I always could.”

“How?!”

“Personal experience. Although you may wish to help him, there are some things in life one must work through alone.”

Ember frowns as she sits back down. “Fine.”

Meanwhile, Arc enters his parent’s room. He closes the door and sits down on his bed. Cherry’s voice reverberates in his head.

“Arc. I’m here.”

Arc looks at his closed hand. “Thank you, Cherry.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Shelly and Lily… Frank… we’re the same, you know. We all lost our parents and had to make do with what life dealt us.”

“Everypony does, Arc.”

“Well, some more than others.”

Arc sighs.

“I remember Mr. Hooper too.”

“He was your friend?”

Arc nods sadly. “My dad used to take me there for dessert after supper sometimes when I was a little boy.”

“Happy memories?”

“Yeah. He was always working the counter with his wife, Sarai.”

Arc smiles.

“If any two people were ever in love, they were. “

“What happened to her?”

“She fell ill, and… never quite recovered.”

“I’m sorry.”

Arc sighs. “I remember his place being closed for a week. That in and of itself was hard on the town.”

“How so?”

“Hooper’s was the backbone of the community. Everyone went there to celebrate after an event. Graduations, wedding receptions, parties, and even funerals usually ended there.”

Arc pauses before continuing.

“When I returned to Angel Grove many years later, I found that time had not been particularly kind to him.”

“What do you mean?”

“After coming home and getting a good night sleep, I walked over to Hooper’s. It was still a bustling center of the community. But I found that the man responsible for that had endured much since I went to the orphanage.”

“Hard times?”

“Yes. Mr. Hooper told me he had survived a heart attack recently. And while he was currently doing better I saw that he didn’t move as fast as he used to and was much less vibrant than I remember him being.”

Arc pauses before continuing.

“He… he was never a supporter of Frank or the Shards, but… he never gave up on any of us.”

“Why would he have?”

“We were kinda infamous around town for getting into trouble. Nothing too serious, mind you. Shoplifting from the stores for things the gang needed mostly.”

“I… I saw that in your memories.”

“You did, huh?”

“Yes, Arc. Remember, you’ve hidden nothing from my gaze.”

“I suppose this must make you think less of me.”

“Quite the opposite, actually.”

“Huh?”

“What did he say when you told him of your plans to make the world a better place with the Shards?”

“I… um… he asked me… why.”

“And you didn’t really know, did you?”

“No.”

“And his response?”

Arc smiles. “He said… ‘you don’t need a reason to help people’.”

“Arc, I see from your memories that Mr. Hooper spent his life making others happy. In doing so he found happiness himself.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so. But do you understand what he was really trying to do?”

Arc shrugs. “Make others happy. What else could there be?”

“He was trying to pass his wisdom on to you, Arc.”

“I… I suppose so. Giving others hope was what he was good at, after all.”

“That wasn’t all he gave.”

“Shelly and Lily. They were like daughters to him. He left them his restaurant and gave them a chance at a future.”

“You still miss him though. Don’t you?”

Arc nods. “I do. But one day I’ll see him again.”

“What will you tell him?”

“A few things, actually.”

“Oh?”

Arc smiles as he continues. “Just… thank you. Thanks for not giving up on me. Thanks for being there. And… and thanks for giving Shelly and Lily a future.”

“I’m sure he’ll be very proud of all three of you.”

“I hope so.”

Arc opens his hand a looks at down.

“Shelly. I can’t believe you gave this to me!”

“What is it?”

“Her parent’s wedding rings.”

“She sought to trade them to you for Frank’s life. Shelly must care for him deeply to give up her most prized possessions.”

Arc sets the rings carefully in the nightstand’s drawer as he turns off the light. “That she does.”

“Shall we continue this conversation in our little Sanctuary?”

“I’d like that, Cherry.”

Arc sleeps peacefully through the night. As the first rays of sunlight hit his face he slowly opens his eyes and stares up at the ceiling.

“What a day yesterday was. Hopefully today goes better.”

Ember’s voice next to him rings out.

“I sure hope so.”

Arc turns to see his friend’s face pressed up against his chest.

“Good morning, Arc.”

“Morning.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Sorry for being short with you last night.”

“It’s okay. I came up here later to comfort you, but found that you’d already gone to bed.”

Arc sits up. “Thanks.”

Ember looks at him as she sits up as well. “What for?”

“Caring.”

She smiles at him as they leave the room. “You taught me that, remember?”

Arc turns to her as they head down the stairs. “Did I?”

“Yup. But is smells like what you taught your squad is coming in handy right now.”

The pair enter the Kitchen together. Arc’s squad is just setting the food out. Max looks up.

“Good morning, sir.”

Xenos grins. “Feeling better?”

“Yes. Thanks for asking.”

Hugh looks worried. “Anything we can do to help?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Just old memories of the past. I’m fine.”

Viktor sits down with the others. “We went over everything I could find on The Riders, sir.”

Ember looks hopeful. “Anything we can use?”

Xenos shakes his head. “Nothing too helpful, I’m afraid.”

Viktor sighs. “Those punks cause trouble around town and then ride off before the guards show up.”

Arc puts a stack of pancakes on Ember’s plate. “Any idea where their base is?”

Max sighs. “No sir.”

Ember frowns. “Not even some guesses?”

Hugh suddenly looks over. “Sir? Do you suppose they’re using magic to stay hidden?”

“I don’t think so. When I fought them the other day I didn’t see anything that would suggest any of them possessed such a thing.”

Viktor thinks for a moment. “We shouldn’t rule out the possibility though, sir.”

Ember eats happily. “Agreed!”

Sereb walks into the Kitchen. “Should we walk around town? I might be able to sniff them out?”

Arc shakes his head. “Farburg is a pretty big town. We could go over it for weeks and not find a thing.”

Max frowns. “Does that mean we’re stuck?”

Ember sighs. “I think so. We’ve gone over every news article available and come up with nothing.”

Arc taps a finger on the table. “Articles… news…”

Sereb looks over. “You’ve thought of something, Arc?”

“Kinda, sorta, maybe.”

Ember looks to him confused. “What does THAT mean?!”

“It means my idea is a total longshot.”

Xenos looks hopeful. “Sir?”

“Not every bit of information that is found makes it into the newspaper.”

Hugh nods. “I suppose not. But how does that help us?”

Ember turns to Arc. “You saying we should start asking around?”

“Kinda. Asking, yes. But just the right people.”

Max nods. “Who, sir?”

“I want to start with the media.”

Ember sighs. “Like that Minerva Moore on the TV?”

Arc smirks. “She’d be a good place to start, yes.”

Sereb growls. “She did show up at just the right time the other day.”

Xenos snaps his fingers. “That was pretty suspicious.”

Hugh turns to Arc. “Right. Perhaps she’s working with them.”

“Possible, but unlikely. I’ll have to ask her.”

Ember sighs. “When?”

“After breakfast.”

Max nods. “But how will we find her?”

“She’s with Channel 7. They have their studio right here in town.”

Xenos grins. “So she probably has an office there, right?”

“Exactly.”

Viktor heads for the basement. “I can get the address for you, sir.”

“Thanks, but I know where the TV studio is. It’s not too far from here.”

Ember frowns. “And if she IS working with those guys?!”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed. This could become very dangerous, very fast.”

Arc chuckles. “Don’t worry. I already have a plan.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 22 - Making Something of Oneself

Ember helps Arc sit up. Sereb frowns.

“Arc, are you certain about this plan?”

“No. But I never am.”

He turns to Ember.

“Do you disagree too?”

Ember shakes her head. “While I admit this isn’t exactly the norm… even for you Arc, we have to do SOMETHING!”

Rose nods. “Right. We all heard Sunburst’s words of wisdom on this.”

Arc coughs. “Y-yeah. Now, I didn’t want to worry you Ember, but…”

“But what?!”

“I… think I’m getting worse.”

“WHAT?!”

Sereb sighs. “Calm yourself, Ember. As Arc said earlier, he has an idea.”

Ember turns quickly to Rose. “Is there ANY chance he could turn into that… THING from last night?!”

“As Sunburst said, inconclusive, but unlikely.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Please elaborate.”

“Arc inhaled a small amount of the gas. Bloodletter, or John Smith if you prefer, was injected. It stands to reason his was a much more potent version.”

Arc turns to Ember. “I know you think this plan of mine is dangerous, but…”

“Dangerous? Not at all. It’s just… I don’t know. Really out there. That and we don’t really know if it’s feasible.”

Arc goes into a coughing fit. He rides it out before being able to talk again.

“I understand, Ember. But this is what needs to happen. Now then, are you going to help with this or not?”

Ember sighs. “Yeah, I’ll help.”

Frowning, she helps Arc stand up. His legs shake as they walk to the center of the room. Sereb looks to Rose.

“What is your analysis of this plan?”

“Chances of success are unable to be determined due to a lack of pertinent information.”

Ember looks to Rose. “It won’t hurt him though, will it?”

“Unlikely. The chances of death are very low.”

“DEATH?!”

“If this fails, I surmise that nothing will happen. However for the sake of safety, perhaps we should give Sunburst a chance to come up with something.”

Arc winces as he holds his chest. “I’d… kinda like to get this over with.”

Ember nods soberly. “Me too.”

Sereb turns to Rose. “There is no harm in waiting, is there?”

“Most likely not. The only question is how long?”

Ember sighs. “How about until after supper? That should be plenty of time for something to come up, right?”

Arc nods as Ember helps him back to his bed. “Fine. I was getting cold anyways.”

Meanwhile, back at Minerva’s apartment she and Cherry go over her notes.

“Be sure to use the proper tone when asking that question.”

“Like this…?”

Minerva clears her throat and starts. She sounds slightly bored.

“What can you tell us about the history of our town, Mister Mayor?”

“Not like that! Try to sound a bit more interested.”

“Why? I mean, who really cares about how things got started? Almost everyone who was there is long dead after all.”

“All the more reason to try and preserves what knowledge is left.”

Minerva frowns. “I’m more of a futurist then a historian.”

“To know where we’re going one must sometimes look back.”

“Come again?”

“I understand your desire to live in the present and look to the future. But you should have a working knowledge of what happened in the past so you don’t make the same mistakes as your ancestors.”

Minerva rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry. I won’t ever tie my horse to a streetlamp, or forget to boil my drinking water.”

“History can be interesting! It’s not just facts and outdated knowledge mind you.”

Minerva sighs. “Tell me then, what does a helmet know about their past?”

“A bit actually. For example, my grandparents worked very hard to build up our family farm. My parents took it over and ran it for many years before my sister and I took the lead.”

Minerva laughs. “Your family?! Do you mean the rest of the Hero’s armor?!”

“No. That’s just inanimate metal plates… or something.”

Minerva shakes her head, still chuckling. “I’m trying to imagine helmets and hats working the soil. What did you grow?”

“Cherries.”

“…and?”

“That’s all.”

“Just cherries? Nothing else?”

“We specialized.”

“That couldn’t have been too profitable.”

“It paid the bills for three generations.”

Minerva sighs. “Look, I’m not a tycoon by any stretch of the imagination, but I did take some business classes in college. While it may be tempting to do one thing only, it’s much safer to diversify whenever possible.”

“Diversify?”

“Right. Let’s say you do nothing but grow cherries. If you have a bad harvest due to poor weather, or some other scenario outside of your control, you stand to lose your income for the year.”

“We did have that happen in the past.”

“Find a way to fully utilize the land. Giving tours and showing what goes into your business is a good way to make some extra income and promote your brand.”

“I see. Tell me, where did you learn this?”

“Like I said before, in college.”

“From a teacher?”

“They’re called professors.”

“And these professors were experts in business?”

“Some may have been, yes. But most of them were just teaching what they learned from reading and studying their subject.”

“Reading? Tell me, who wrote those books?”

“Are you going somewhere with this, Cherry?”

“I’m assuming those books were written by business experts from years ago. Where do you suppose they acquired their knowledge before the books were written?”

“Probably from the previous generation passing it down.”

“That makes sense. You see? History is everywhere!”

“Maybe. But I just find it really boring. I can’t tell you how many times I feel asleep studying it back then.”

“Well, you must’ve taken your schooling seriously.”

“I did. It was the best way to achieve my goal.”

“Of being a reporter?”

Minerva shakes her head. “No. I didn’t JUST want to report the news. I’ve always wanted to be the absolute BEST in the business!”

“Really?”

“Yes! You see, when I was in elementary school we were tasked with writing a paper on influential people from the past. Our teacher was pretty old and chose names for us from her generation.”

“And who did you get?”

Minerva smiles. “Walter Cronkite.”

“I don’t believe I’ve heard of him. Was he a reporter?”

“Kinda. He was a news anchor for many years.”

“A what?”

“Someone who sits at a desk in front of a camera in the station and reports the news on television.”

“And that’s what you want to do?”

“More than anything! But only the very BEST make it to that point.”

“So what’s your plan?”

Minerva looks confused. “Plan?”

“To become an anchor.”

“I need to make a name for myself. Break some big stories to the public!”

“Like the apartment fire?”

Minerva frowns. “Small potatoes. I need something HUGE! Something that we can run with for days at a time. Weeks even! The antics of a hero could certainly make that dream a reality.”

Cherry continues warily. “And you think my friend can help you do that?”

“It’s worth a shot. He’s the biggest thing to ever happen to this town. Other than the Shards, that is.”

“Why do you want this so badly?”

“Because of what I learned about Walter Cronkite back then. Everyone looked to him when something big happened. He was a very influential man, you know.”

“And you want that same level of recognition?”

“Yes. I want the town… no, the country to be able to look at me and say ‘Minerva Moore is the face of the truth’!”

“Well, it’s a goal I suppose.”

“But it won’t be happening if we don’t get these interview questions hashed out!”

“Agreed. Let’s get back to it.”

Hours pass. The sun lowers in the sky and the smell of supper wafts into the room. Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks over to see Ember snuggled up next to him. He gently nudges her.

“Hey.”

“I’m not asleep.”

“Really?”

Ember sighs. “I couldn’t, what with your future so… uncertain.”

“While I don’t feel any better than when I went to sleep, somehow I don’t think this bug will get the best of me.”

He looks around the room.

“Where’s Rose?”

“She went downstairs to make you something to eat. Apparently you haven’t eaten much of anything yet today, remember?”

“I… haven’t?”

“You don’t even remember not eating?! Arc, you’re worse than I thought!”

Arc sighs. “Humans don’t usually feel like eating when they’re not well.”

“I know that! But I just thought you of all humans were different in that regard.”

Arc shakes his head as he brings a hand to his forehead. “Nope. But it might be due to this terrible headache I have.”

“Rose detected some rather strange things while you were out.”

“Oh?”

“You’re temperature is fluctuating wildly!”

“That would explain why I feel cold, but smell sweaty.”

“Yeah. One minute you were holding onto me shaking. The next I was getting pushed away.”

“Sorry.”

Ember sighs. “It’s fine. Rose says she can still monitor your condition from the kitchen. So I’m not TOO worried.”

“How are my guys?”

“Still resting. They’re not as bad as you, but have similar symptoms. Sereb is keeping an eye on them.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Ember is silent for a time.

“You’re still worried, aren’t you?”

“Of course! I mean, I know I don’t have any reason to be. Either Sunburst figures this out, or we go to ‘Plan B’.”

Arc nods. “I do hope he figures something out. This plan of mine isn’t my best work.”

“Yeah. Uh… should we call him?”

“He said he’d contact us if he made any headway, remember?”

Ember looks at the clock. “Well, time’s about up on that.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Arc reaches for his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“Sunburst here, sir.”

“Any luck?”

“Sadly no, sir. This substance has a rather strange chemical makeup that should simply break down on its own.”

Ember frowns. “Then why isn’t it?”

“That is unknown. Every test I’ve done under every condition shows it breaks itself down naturally. Whether this was intentional or simply a shortcoming in the chemical’s design is also unknown.”

Arc sighs. “So any idea what I should do?”

“While I advise against it, I believe you have no other choice at this point but to follow through on your earlier idea.”

Ember looks nervous. “No other ideas at all? Nothing?”

“I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear, miss. But I’ve done all I can at this point.”

Sunburst is silent for a few moments before continuing.

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“Right before you called I did make one more discovery.”

“Good! Maybe it will help!”

“I don’t believe so, no.”

Arc sighs. “Well let’s hear it anyways, Sunburst.”

“Yes sir. The residue on the inside of the container you sent me appears to be… created from that mixture I showed you in my office recently.”

Ember frowns. “The multicolored stuff?”

“Yes.”

“I thought you said that stuff would kill anyone who used it!”

Sunburst sighs. “Yes. In its liquid form, that is. The gas appears to be a less potent version. It’s usable… possibly.”

Ember puts a hand on her friend’s sweaty forehead. “Well, it’s not working so well on Arc!”

Arc coughs into his hand. “That it isn’t.”

Sunburst grimaces. “Do you feel any different, sir? Other than being sick, that is.”

“No. If I didn’t know any better, I’d just say this was a bad case of the flu.”

“How about your abilities?”

“I feel physically weaker and my magic is no more powerful than before.”

“Most curious. I’ll keep studying my samples to see if I’ve missed anything.”

Ember lashes out angrily. “That’s IT?! You don’t have ANYTHING else?!”

Arc sighs. “Calm down, Ember. I’m sure Sunburst is doing all he can. He’s actually learned quite a bit in less than a day of study.”

“Forgive me for not being able to learn more, sir.”

“It’s okay. Just keep trying. I’ll… try my other idea.”

Sunburst nods soberly. “Yes sir. Please be careful.”

“I will. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring and looks to Ember.

“It looks like there’s no other option.”

Ember nods. “Right.”

“Could you go get Rose and Sereb please?”

“Sure.”

Ember gets up and walks slowly to the door as Arc begins coughing uncontrollably.

“I’ll be right back. Don’t move!”

She closes the door behind her as Arc smiles weakly and lies back.

“If this works, it will certainly be the most… unique thing I’ve done yet.”

A few minutes later Ember returns with the pair. Sereb sits down on his haunches at the foot of the bed.

“How are you feeling, Arc?”

“Not any better, sadly.”

Rose looks him up and down. “My scanners agree with you.”

Ember nods sadly. “I think we really have to do this.”

Arc coughs into his hand. “Yeah.”

Sereb sniffs the air and frowns as he hops off the bed. “More so than before it would seem.”

Ember looks to him, confused. “’Sereb?”

“Let me show you what I mean.”

He returns to his normal form. His horn aglow Sereb uses his magic to pull a number of wadded up tissues from the bedside waste basket. He unrolls them to reveal bloodstains. Ember gasps.

“Arc! Are you hurt?!”

“No. I’ve been coughing that up for a bit though.”

“You’ve been coughing up BLOOD?! And you didn’t think to SAY anything?!”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Can you please not yell, Ember? It’s not really helping my head right now.”

Ember glares at him. “Fine! But you and I aren’t done with this conversation!”

“Okay, okay! Just help me up, will you?”

She helps Arc sit up. He slumps toward her chest clumsily. Ember blushes.

“A-Arc?!”

“Sorry. Just… don’t have the energy to do much right now.”

Ember holds him up. “It’s okay. Let’s get this plan underway.”

Sereb looks to Arc soberly. “Are you absolutely certain this is what you want?”

Arc nods. “Do it.”

“Very well.”

Ember takes Arc’s hand. As Sereb’s horn glows, the wolf takes a deep breath and channels a spell.

Chapter 4 - Giving it Everything

Minerva starts her car and turns out of the parking lot. A grin is shamelessly plastered across her face.

“I can’t believe that interview! The mayor’s announcement of retirement along with the truth about the town’s past!”

Cherry sighs. “He sounded very old.”

“That he is. In fact, that’s probably why he doesn’t give many interviews.”

“The mayor did sound pretty tired toward the end. I’m glad you wrapped it up when you did.”

“Yes, well… I had everything I needed. No reason to beat a dead horse.”

Cherry gasps, clearly horrified. “DO WHAT?!”

Minerva sounds confused. “It just means I didn’t want to waste my time asking meaningless additional questions. Sheesh!”

“That’s a terrible way to put it!”

“You really didn’t like that, did you?”

“Not… at… ALL!”

“Fine. Don’t have a cow over it though.”

“Um… what?”

Minerva rolls her eyes. “Don’t tell me that makes you mad too.”

“No. I just don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“It means… aw, skip it.”

She turns the car into another parking lot and unbuckles her seatbelt. Cherry looks around.

“Where are we?”

“I’m just going to grab something to eat. You going to be okay in here for a few minutes?”

“I guess.”

“Okay. Be right back.”

Minerva walks quickly toward the building and enters. A short time later she returns with a plastic bag in one hand. Opening the driver’s side door she sits down.

“Sorry I took so long. There was quite the line in there!”

“It’s fine.”

Minerva pulls a salad out of the bag and sets it on the dashboard as she pulls a second one out.

“Here, I got you one too.”

“Oh, um… thank you, but I…”

Minerva looks confused. “You don’t like vegetables?”

“I do. But I don’t have a mouth.”

Minerva sets down the salad and facepalms. “You’re a helmet. Now I feel like an idiot.”

“The thought was appreciated.”

“You don’t EVER need to eat?”

“Nope.”

Minerva opens her salad and sighs. “You must save a boatload of cash on groceries.”

“Cash?”

“Money.”

“Oh.”

Minerva takes a bite and turns to the helmet.

“The Hero must’ve really sheltered you.”

“Sheltered me?”

“Not kept you in the loop.”

“I don’t…”

“It means keeping you up to speed!”

They are silent for a time. Minerva puts a hand to her forehead.

“You don’t know what that means either, do you?”

Cherry sighs. “I don’t.”

“This right here is what I mean. He didn’t teach you anything!”

“He… kinda did.”

“Regarding what?”

“Normally I can see into his mind if there’s something I don’t understand.”

Minerva drops her fork. “Wait! So you know who he is, right?!”

“Of course!”

She pulls her cell phone out of her purse. “What’s his name? I can probably find his address in a few minutes.”

“I… I can’t tell you that!”

“Don’t you want to go home?”

“Yes, but… he’s very secretive about humans knowing who he is.”

“Come on! I’ll take you home and ask him for an exclusive in return! Everyone gets something!”

“But then everyone would know his identity!”

Minerva sighs as she goes back to eating. “Can’t stay in the shadows forever.”

“Wanna bet?!”

“I’ll find out sooner or later. With or without your help.”

“What?! Why would you…?!”

“I’m a reporter. It’s my job.”

Cherry grunts indignantly. “Well, what about what HE wants?!”

Like I said, he can’t stay underground forever. Trust me, it’ll be better for him and Dragon if I’m the one whom unmasks them.”

“That won’t end well.”

“I’m the professional here, remember? Don’t worry. It won’t happen anytime soon.”

“Good.”

“We need to build up to that.”

“Do what now?”

“The news is really just a serious, fact-filled showpiece. We can’t have a big reveal like that randomly. It has to be the right time.”

“He’s not a prop, you know!”

Minerva laughs. “Of course he isn’t. He’s the star of the show, and I’m the director. I’ll figure out how to do this when we get to the office. Don’t worry, I won’t leave you in the car this time.”

“Thanks. I think.”

“I have a shelf where you could see out the window. My offices isn’t the biggest, but it gets the job done.”

“Yes, but I’ve been there already.”

Minerva looks to her, confused. “You have?”

“Remember when Hero and Dragon visited you?”

“Of course! He was wearing his armor and helmet. But why didn’t you say anything?”

“I usually let him do the talking. Humans, like you, would understandably be unnerved at a talking helmet.”

“Yes, I can understand that. Sorry for what I did before.”

“It’s fine.”

There is a ringing sound. Minerva reaches for her purse, pulls out her phone, and puts it to her ear.

“Hello? Yes, the interview went quite well! I’m sure you’ll be… what now? Tonight? But I…! Yes sir…! I’ll take care of it.”

Minerva pushes a button on the phone and puts it back in her purse.

“Everything okay?”

Minerva sighs. “That was my editor. He just got the go ahead for a story on the caves outside of town.”

“A news story about caves? Was a crime committed?!”

“No. It’s part of a segment about our town’s diverse ecology. The story is about the creatures that call the cave home.”

“Dragons?”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Bats mostly. A biologist will meet me there with my cameraman for the shoot.”

“Are we heading there now?”

“No. The story is about nocturnal creatures. We’ll head there after dark tonight.”

“That will make for a rather late night.”

“I’ll say. First I’ll need to familiarize myself with the specifics of the animals we’ll most likely see.”

“Is that important?”

Minerva nods. “It is if I don’t want to make a fool of myself. The chief is emailing me the files now. I’ll take a look at them when we get back to my apartment.”

“Would you like some help?”

“Actually I would. There’s a lot to do and not much time.”

“You also need to get some sleep before tonight.”

Minerva chuckles. “I will if there’s time.”

“You’re very dedicated to your job.”

“That’s why I’m the best around!”

Minerva turns the car around and heads for her apartment building. Meanwhile, Arc and his friends continue their vigil. The sun slowly sinks toward the horizon as the parking lot begins to empty. Arc looks over the side of the building with the others. Ember turns to him.

“I don’t think Minerva’s coming.”

Arc does not take his eyes off the lot below. “Just a few more minutes.”

“You said the same thing over an hour ago.”

Sereb nods. “We will certainly return tomorrow.”

Ember takes Arc’s claw. “Yeah! She has to come here eventually.”

Rose smiles. “And when she does we’ll be here.”

Arc glares at them. “I SAID…!”

Ember puts a calm, reassuring claw on his shoulder.

“Arc, it’s time to go home now.”

“But what about Cherry?!”

Sereb sighs. “It is clear Minerva is not coming to the office today. There is nothing to be gained from staying through the night.”

Rose takes Arc’s arm. “The temperature is dropping rapidly. Your dragon body will not like the levels of cold that are coming.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. But I’m coming right back here tomorrow!”

Ember nods. “We all are, Arc.”

Everyone gathers around Arc and he Blinks them to the ground. They wordlessly return to the Jeep. Getting in Rose starts the engine as he and the others decloak. Arc looks out the window sadly.

“Cherry… I WILL find you! That I promise!”

Rose nods weakly. “We’ll… we’ll come here every day if… if need be.”

Sereb frowns. “Rose? Are you alright?”

“My re-reserves are getting l-low.”

Ember looks Rose over quickly. “We should get her home, Arc.”

“Agreed. You want me to drive?”

Rose shakes her head. “N-no. I can make it… as far as the house. Remember… you can’t… be seen.”

She pulls the Jeep onto the road and looks in the rear view mirror at Arc in the back seat.

“But are you… going to be… okay?”

Arc nods. “I will be. After we find Cherry.”

A short time later they arrive at Arc’s house. Ember gets out with Sereb as Arc hurries over to Rose and carefully picks her up.

“I got you.”

Rose smiles up at him weakly. “Thank… you.”

Ember frowns. “Let’s get her inside.”

Arc nods as Ember hurries to open the back door. He walks in past her to the warm kitchen which is filled with the smell of supper. Max looks over from the stove.

“Sir, welcome… Rose?!”

Xenos hurries over. “What happened to her?!”

Sereb sighs. “She expended too much energy today.

Hugh gasps. “Was there a battle?!”

Ember shakes her head as she closes the door behind them. “No. I believe Rose used all her energy trying to keep Arc and I warm up on that roof.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. It was very noble of her.”

Viktor grins. “I’ll say!”

Ember looks up. “She can rest in my room, Arc.”

Arc looks down at the android in his arms. “Do you want that, Rose?”

“N-no. I… I don’t… want…”

Her eyes slowly close as she struggles to speak.

“…to be… alone… tonight…”

Rose’s eyes close as she goes limp. Sereb looks to Arc.

“What did she mean by that?”

“I’ll take her to my room and look after her.”

Arc heads upstairs as Ember and Sereb help with supper. Hugh looks to Xenos.

“Rose is really dedicated to the commander.”

“Yeah! Even without directives to tell her to do that.”

Viktor sighs. “How that’s possible is beyond me.”

Max smiles. “I think I understand it.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Do you?”

Ember turns to Max. “Great! Explain it to us then!”

“The commander just personifies leadership. Others simply WANT to follow him.”

Hugh grins. “I certainly do.”

Viktor nods. “Even if we weren’t assigned by Canterlot, I’d stick with him.”

Xenos chuckles. “Me too.”

Sereb nods. “Such is the power of his charisma. Even a machine like Rose willingly follows.”

“She’s not the only one, you know.”

Max looks confused. “What do you mean, Ember?”

“Think about it. You guys and Sereb have to stay with Arc. Me, I choose to do so. As do the Hammers, Twilight and her friends, Spike, and even the princesses. They all trust him completely! Even though he’s… different.”

Meanwhile, Arc carries Rose to his parent’s room and lays her down. As he covers her up he strokes her cheek with a claw.

“You’re so cold, Rose. Are you really okay?”

Rose’s head slowly nods once. Her eyes do not open.

“Rose?! Can you hear me?!”

Her head again nods.

“Is there anything I can get you?! Anything at all?!”

Rose shakes her head no. Arc forces a sad smile.

“You really gave everything today.”

“Y-yes.”

“Are you in any pain?”

“I… am… not. Heart… levels… will be… normalized… tomorrow.”

“Rose. Are you really okay?!”

“Fright… ened.”

“You’re scared? Of what?”

“Dark… cold… alone... scared.”

“I’m here, Rose!”

She slowly moves her hand toward the edge of the bed.

“Stay… with… Rose?”

Arc takes her hand. “I’ll stay with you, I promise!”

“Rose… cold. So very… cold.”

“What can I do?”

“Warm… Rose. Hold… me. Dark… scared.”

“Okay.”

Arc removes his magic robe and lets it fall to the floor. He then climbs into bed with Rose and takes her in his arms.

“I’m here. You’re not alone.”

“Thank… you.”

Sometime later Ember knocks on the door with a plate of food.

“Arc?”

He raises his head slightly. “Come in.”

Ember walks over to the bed and sets the plate down on the night stand.

“We saved you some food.”

“Thank you. But I’m not hungry.”

Ember looks to Rose. “How is she?”

“Scared mostly. And cold.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods. “She asked me to hold her.”

Ember looks at the robe lying on the floor nearby.

“No clothes?”

Arc shakes his head. “Dragon’s don’t need them. Remember?”

Ember sighs. “I suppose not.”

“It made sense at the time to help her warm up.”

Ember sighs. “That and a dragon’s body doesn’t really generate much external heat. How about I help?”

Arc looks down at Rose. “Would you like that?”

Rose slowly nods her head. Ember walks over to the other side of the bed and slips under the covers next to Rose. She presses her own body against the android.

“We’re both going to keep you warm, Rose.”

Arc nods. “And safe.”

Rose smiles slightly and nods. Ember looks over to Arc.

“We must be quite the sight.”

“Huh?”

“Two dragons warming an android.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s probably a first for both Earth and Equestria. But Rose is so much more than just a robot.”

“I’ll say. She’s so kind and loyal to us.”

“Even more so now that she willingly stays. But we should get some sleep soon. Busy day tomorrow.”

Ember rests her head on Rose’s shoulder. “Yeah. Good night, Rose.”

“Good night you two.”

As the pair drift off to sleep a small smile creeps across Rose’s face as a single tear courses down her cheek. The next morning Arc awakens early. Sitting up quickly he pats Rose’s face gently.

“Rose? Can you hear me?”

Rose slowly opens her eyes. Her pupils enlargen quickly before shrinking as if recalibrating as she sits up.

“Yes. Sorry to make you worry.”

“It’s not your fault. I was the one who…”

Ember interrupts. “Would you two keep it down?! Some of us are still trying to sleep over here!”

Rose looks down. “I’m sorry.”

Arc frowns. “Ember!”

Ember sits up and yawns. “Sorry, Rose. I’m just not really a morning dragon.”

“Yes, well… I’m fully charged and ready for another day.”

Arc nods. “Good. Let’s get downstairs and see about some breakfast.”

Ember grins. “That I can get behind!”

The trio get up and head downstairs. Meanwhile Minerva and Cherry pull into the Station 7 parking lot. Cherry sighs.

“Shouldn’t you still be in bed? I mean, last night was…”

Minerva sighs heavily. “I already told you! I need to get an early start for today’s story!”

“Fine.”

“You could have stayed back at my apartment and slept, you know. Do you sleep?”

“No.”

Minerva rolls her eyes. “Then what’s your problem?!”

“You need rest! I don’t!”

She turns off the engine and puts a hand to her forehead. “Look, I’m sorry for being in a bad mood today.”

“I understand the lack of sleep part. What I don’t get is your need to get up THIS early!”

Minerva picks up the helmet from the passenger seat and puts it in a rather large satchel.

“There’s work to do, Cherry.”

“But I thought you were the best!”

Minerva nods as she opens her car door and steps out. “I am. But one doesn’t stay on top by sleeping in.”

She walks into the building and is promptly buzzed inside. Arriving at Minerva’s office she closes the door behind them and turns on the lights.

“Is the shelf okay?”

“Yes.”

Minerva walks over to her bookshelf and places the helmet on top.

“How’s that?”

“Could you turn me to look out the window?”

“Sure.”

She does so.

“Better?”

“Much! Now I can watch you work AND have a little scenery.”

Minerva heads for her desk and sits down. “Does the Hero usually keep you on a shelf or something?”

“Um… not usually, no. Why do you ask?”

Minerva sighs as she turns on her desktop computer. “I assume he only wears you with the rest of his armor. He’s often out of sight for weeks at a time. Where does he leave you? In his gauntlet?”

“In his what?”

Minerva turns the screen to depict Arc pulling the Spear of Righteousness from his ring.

“We’ve captured video footage of Hero appearing to pull things directly from his gauntlet. I’m just wondering if you stay in there somehow.”

“No. Before he removes his armor, I transfer to his…”

There is an awkward silence.

“Something wrong?”

“I guess the best way to describe it would be to say that I enter his… mind, so to speak.”

“That sounds a bit disturbing. Is it uncomfortable?”

“Quite the opposite actually. I feel very secure and happy.”

“So you possess him?”

“Huh?”

“Can you control Hero?”

Control him?!”

Minerva shrugs. “Well, you ARE in his head at the time, right? Can you move his body?”

“I… I’ve never tried.”

“But you two can communicate, right?”

“Of course! He and I can talk just like you and I are right now.”

“Really? Because we’ve never picked up any of your voice before.”

“On the battlefield I speak directly to his mind.”

Minerva frowns. “Okay, that’s just creepy.”

Cherry sighs. “Sometimes there’s no choice. I don’t want his opponents to hear me, after all. That and when I’m linked up with the rest of his armor I can see behind him and in all directions.”

“Again… creepy.”

“You sure do ask a lot of questions.”

“It’s my job, remember?”

“Well, why don’t we get to work then? You came here for a reason, remember?”

Minerva nods as she goes back to typing. “Right.”

“Tell me again what we’re doing here.”

“Like I said back at the apartment, I need to do another story on The Riders.”

“But I don’t understand why…”

“Because I go where I’m told like a professional.”

“I understand it’s your job. But why are they sending you to The Riders headquarters alone?!”

Minerva grins. “That part was my idea.”

“To keep your cameraman safe?”

“No. So I don’t have to share the credit. That and I can probably get better footage alone.”

“But you’ll be in constant danger!”

“Yeah! And LOVING it!”

Minerva stands and walks over to the shelf.

“Well, I just submitted my interview with the mayor.”

Cherry sighs. “Couldn’t you do that from your computer at the apartment?”

Minerva shakes her head as she puts the helmet back in her satchel. “No. For security reasons, all stories can only be submitted from within the building via our company’s intranet.

“You mean internet?”

Minerva sighs as she heads for the door. “No, I said intranet. That means it can’t be accessed by anyone outside the building.”

“This is very confusing.”

“You just let me worry about that. Now let’s get moving.”

Chapter 6 - Drastic Measures

A few days pass. Ember, Sereb, Rose, Arc, and his squad look over the papers on the basement table. Arc frowns.

“Nothing adds up.”

Ember sighs. “If Diva was using the Shards to build an army, why did she leave them to die in that mine?”

Rose looks up from her papers. “They may have simply been loose ends to her.”

Sereb nods. “Right. Perhaps to keep the secret of the serum’s existence from the prying eyes of the authorities.”

Max walks over from the computer. “That’s certainly a very real possibility.”

Cherry sighs. “Yes. But what could she have done with it on her own?”

Hugh tosses a stack of papers into the waste basket. “She still has Stingray, Hammer and Mio though.”

Viktor nods. “True. But an army of four can’t do much. They would still need larger numbers to accomplish anything major.”

Xenos looks to Ember. “Like accomplishing Frank’s goal?”

“They couldn’t care less about what he thinks!”

Arc frowns. “I suppose not. After all, they did kidnap and imprison him. But I can’t help but think Diva was telling the truth at that farmhouse.”

Max sighs. “About her organization?”

Sereb growls. “But she’s left the Shards. None of them have seen her since that day.”

Arc nods. “True. But who’s to say that was the organization she was talking about?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “You think she’s got another gang out there somewhere?!”

Hugh shudders. “That’s a chilling thought.”

Cherry calls out. “At the very least, it can’t be as big as the Shards were.”

Max nods. “Yeah. Big groups have a hard time staying hidden.”

Arc taps his fingers on the table thoughtfully. “Unless they’re hiding in plain sight.”

Rose nods. “Sometimes that’s the best place to hide something.”

Ember grimaces. “Where though, Arc?”

“No idea. But let’s look at the whole picture here. The Shards were working on not one but two factories. The equipment in that mine wasn’t cheap, cobbled together junk. It was state of the art and looked new.”

Hugh nods soberly. “They may have been thugs with a lot of resources, but there’s no way they could’ve come up with all that stuff themselves.”

Ember chuckles. “None of them have the brains to do all that.”

Arc sighs. “Not even Frank.”

Cherry clears her throat. “How about that formula we discovered? That would have taken quite a bit of scientific know-how to create.”

Max looks toward the stack of papers liberated from the bank. “So the Shards were simply strong backs and weak minds?”

Viktor nods. “Sounds like it.”

Sereb sighs. “Diva certainly didn’t have any qualms about tossing them away.”

Xenos grins. “But without the factory she won’t be able to get any more of that serum.”

Hugh looks to Arc, nervously. “Maybe they’d already made enough. I mean, it was really chugging along from what I could see from the footage you brought back, sir.”

Rose nods. “Judging from what was in the video feed, I’d say several truckloads of vials could have been produced per week with a steady flow of base materials.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Yeah. And who knows just how long they operated before we got there?”

Ember nods soberly. “Right! What about your conversation with Sunburst, Arc? Did he come up with anything?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Apparently finding a way to give a non-unicorn magic has been the holy grail of magical science for thousands of years.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “It would certainly have given the Earth Ponies and Pegasi an edge during their war many years ago.”

Cherry sighs. “Yes, well… perhaps it’s for the best nopony ever figured it out.”

Viktor grins. “It would be really cool to be able to move things with our minds though.”

Xenos flexes. “And use it to become super strong as well.”

Arc shrugs. “That may be. But I think it would just be something else to fight over. Whomever controlled that formula would have unimaginable power after all.”

Ember nods. “So no one was EVER able to figure it out, huh?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Not even Star Swirl the Bearded. Or at the very least if he did, he never told anyone.”

Max snaps his fingers. “Wait a minute! He HAD to know! After all, he created the princesses and gave them their Alicorn Magic, right?!”

Hugh puts a hand to his chin. “I guess that makes sense. Do you think Sunburst intentionally lied to you, sir?”

“I doubt it. Something that dangerous was probably never written down in books available to the public.”

Ember turns to Arc. “How about the Canterlot Armory? Maybe one of those books has something on the subject.”

“I’ll have to ask the princesses when I go back tomorrow.”

Rose looks to him sheepishly. “May I accompany you?”

“If you want to, sure. You coming too, Ember?”

“I really should. After all, you remember what happened last time I didn’t join you?”

“The whole assassination attempt thing?”

Ember blushes. “There was that too, yes.”

“Oh… that.”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “Shall I accompany you as well, Arc?”

“Please do.”

Max nods. “That’s probably for the best.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. Who knows what could happen to the commander over there?!”

Hugh nods. “Hopefully nothing.”

Arc frowns. “I second that.”

Viktor turns back to his computer. “Yes. But it will be nice to know you’ll be well defended, sir.”

Ember turn to him. “What do you suppose the princesses want to speak to you about, Arc?”

“I’m not really sure. But Luna sounded pretty nervous about whatever’s happening over there.”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “You don’t suppose mother is in danger, do you?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Unlikely. Were the land in real danger I’m sure Arc would have been notified of the situation at once.”

“Right. It probably has something to do with one of my more clandestine operations.”

Ember frowns. “Like what?!”

Sereb rolls his eyes. “Ember, I believe that’s what Arc means by ‘clandestine’.”

“Um…”

Rose giggles. “It means secret.”

“I knew that!”

Arc chuckles. “Sure, Ember. Whatever you say.”

Cherry sighs. “Arc? Are you sure you’re fully recovered?”

“Sure I’m sure. A couple good night’s sleep would have brought anyone around. Why?”

“Oh, um… no reason. Just… worried about you, that’s all!”

Sereb frowns. “Are you certain, Arc?”

“What are you talking about? I’m fine!”

Ember puts a hand under her chin. “I think I see it too, Arc.”

“See what?”

“Those bags under your eyes.”

“What?!”

Arc walks over to the basement bathroom and looks in the mirror before turning back to the others.

“I don’t see anything.”

Max frowns. “Maybe you should turn in early, sir.”

Hugh nods. “You’ll want to be at your best when seeing the princesses after all.”

“Uh, I see them all the time. This isn’t really a big deal for me or them.”

Viktor looks him up and down. “Still, it would be wise to be well rested for whatever problem needs solving back in Equestria.”

Ember takes Arc’s hand and leads him out of the bathroom. “Come one. Let’s get you to bed.”

Arc frowns as the pair heads for the stairs. “This just seems so unnecessary!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “I will wake you in plenty of time for your wormhole.”

“Fine. See you in the morning.”

Ember leads Arc upstairs. His squad grins at one another as Rose turns to Max.

“I did not detect any abnormalities in Arc’s vitals, nor did he appear fatigued to me.”

Max chuckles. “Trust us, Rose. The commander really does need some rest.”

Hugh nods. “Yeah! He’s really in need of some R and R.”

“I’m not sure what you four are basing that assumption on.”

Sereb walks over to her. “They are correct, Rose.”

“Maybe you can explain it to me then.”

“Ember was trying to get Arc upstairs for Miss Cherry’s sake.”

“Why?”

Xenos sighs. “The commander’s been really focused on our research these past few days.”

Viktor frowns. “He hasn’t really had much time for her.”

Hugh looks to Max. “We know he’s doing this for the greater good of both our worlds. But Miss Cherry needs more time with him.”

Max smiles. “And he with her.”

Rose looks to the stairs. “What about Ember?”

Sereb appears confused. “What about her?”

“If this is supposed to be a special time for Arc and Miss Cherry, why is Ember there?”

Sereb chuckles. “The relationship between those three is a complicated one at best. While I am unsure of human traditions, I believe they have some kind of synergy.”

Rose tilts her head to one side. “You mean he has multiple mates?”

Sereb chuckles. “Perhaps. Together they can meet his total needs.”

Max looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Miss Cherry is there for emotional support with her kind spirit. And Ember, while brash and straight-forward, is quite taken with Arc. She, unlike Miss Cherry, can satisfy Arc’s physical needs.”

Xenos grins. “Maybe you’re right. I mean, they do sleep together pretty much every night.”

Hugh blushes slightly. “Yes, well… the thought of one stallion having multiple partners is a rather… new concept to us.”

Viktor chuckles. “That may be true. But the commander deserves the absolute best in every facet of life. The best food. The best lodgings. And the best companions.”

Rose looks confused. “From what I have seen in both Equestria and Earth, there are no shortage of human girls and mares whom would enjoy an evening with him.”

Sereb looks to her. “Does that make you jealous?”

“I wouldn’t use that word, no. But I must say I have enjoyed our nights together. Should I head upstairs to join them?”

Max shakes his head. “That might be pushing it, Rose.”

Xenos grins. “Three mares at once would blow anyone’s mind!”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember head up to his parent’s room.

“What’s up all of a sudden, Ember?”

Ember closes the door behind them. “You need to rest!”

“But I’m not even that tired!”

He points out the window.

“I know we had an early supper, and all. But the sun’s just begun to set. Why… are…”

Arc’s eyelids grow heavy as he turns to Ember. He sees her outstretches hand casting a familiar spell as he falls to his knees. Ember kneels over Arc and gives him a small smile.

“Sorry, Arc. But this is for Cherry.”

Arc loses consciousness. Ember helps him up and carries him to the bed. Lying him down carefully she stands back and smiles.

“He’s all yours, Cherry. Enjoy.”

Meanwhile, Arc opens his eyes to the customary sunset overlooking Cherry Hill Ranch.

“Huh? Why did Ember…?”

The screen door opens and Cherry walks out. Her hooves making small clops with every step she makes toward the swing.

“Because… I asked her to.”

Arc looks confused. “You did? Why?”

“You’ve been so busy these past few days. We haven’t had time to do anything other than exchange single sentences.”

Arc looks away. “Oh. Sorry about that, Cherry.”

Cherry giggles as she walks over to him and puts her hooves in his lap. “All is forgiven.”

Arc smiles down at her as he puts his hands around her furry waist and picks her up. Cherry wraps her hooves around Arc’s neck as he sets her down in his lap. She lays her head over his shoulder as they share an embrace.

“I’ve missed this time together.”

Arc nods and replies softly. “So have I.”

They sit there motionless for a time just holding one another. Eventually Cherry breaks the embrace and slides onto the swing next to Arc.

“You’re not to mad about this, are you?”

“No, Cherry.”

“Sorry.”

Arc sighs. “If anything I should be apologizing to you, my love. You deserve better than to be put on the back burner like that.”

“Thank you for understanding, Arc. Please don’t be mad at Ember for my suggestion. But I just really needed to talk to you about something.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I… I realized that I never got to apologize for my actions the other day.”

“Your actions?”

“Choosing to stay with Minerva. My place really was by your side, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “She’s your friend and she needed help. There’s nothing to apologize for. By the way, how’s she doing?”

“After you left she… um… threw everything up.”

“Maybe it was a bit much for her stomach at the time.”

“Probably. Her fever came back a bit after that. I carried her to the shower and helped her get cleaned up.”

“I hope it wasn’t too gross for you. Human vomit smells terrible!”

“Oh I didn’t mind. After all, I don’t have a nose anymore, dear.”

“Oh… right.”

“But I have to say. Human mares are a bit… different than ponies.”

“How so?”

“Well, for starters, their mammary glands are much higher than…”

Arc interrupts as he blushes fervently. “OH! That kind of different! I thought you were talking about the lack of fur, or something.”

“There was that too. But I didn’t feel strange or anything as I cleaned her up. Nor did she seem to be embarrassed that I saw her without coverings.”

“That’s because you’re both girls.”

“I’m still unsure why that’s a big deal to you, Arc.”

“Well, guys are about the same in that regard. We don’t mind showering together at the gym or pool.”

“Why is that?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Probably because we all have the same… equipment.”

Cherry looks confused. “Equipment?”

Arc blushes. “Genitals.”

“But stallions and mares back in Equestria see each other’s genitals all the time. Nopony’s ever said anything about it.”

Arc sighs. “I guess the only thing I can say about that it’s a cultural difference. That and stallions back there do keep themselves… uh… sheathed, I guess would be the word.”

Cherry nods. “Yes, I suppose they do. But female ponies don’t keep their mare parts hidden. After all, a tail can only cover so much.”

Cherry’s eyes suddenly grow wide as she moves to cover her flank better with her tail.

“Am I making you feel uncomfortable?! I can put on a dress or something if it would help!”

Arc smiles at Cherry and shakes his head. “That’s okay. Truth be told, I’ve gotten used to seeing things like that.”

“How long did that take?”

“A couple months. When I first came to Equestria I lived with Twilight, after all.”

“I do remember you telling me that much.”

“Whenever she would turn around I’d find some excuse to look in another direction. Or bury my nose in one of her books.”

“Was it really that bad for you?”

“Kinda. At that time, Twilight was a stranger to me though. I mean, I’ve seen my friend Shelly naked plenty of times. So it’s not like I’ve never seen a vagina, or anything.”

Cherry giggles. “Yes, I remember you dressing her to go to the hospital to see Frank.”

Arc chuckles. “I thought you were going to say something about that when I helped her up from the toilet.”

“From what I saw, she honestly couldn’t do it alone. But she didn’t appear bothered that you saw her nether regions when you pulled up her undergarments.”

“I’ve had to do that quite a few times in the past. Before Lily aged out of the orphanage, that is.”

“Yes, Arc. I’ve seen all that in your memories of the past. Forgive me for all the questions, but I truly just don’t understand the problem. How did you get over it with Twilight?”

“Well… one day she went out to see Applejack about something or other. I sat down with Spike and asked him about it. After all, he’s really at eye level there, if you get my meaning.”

“Makes sense. What did he say?”

“He just looked at me kinda funny and asked what the big deal was.”

Cherry giggles. “He’s quite an innocent little dragon!”

“Yes, he is. I told him it was customary for humans to cover themselves, and not to see others without clothes on.”

“Then he said something to the effect of ‘everyone’s got something’. Right?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. That was when he ran over to a nearby shelf and pulled a book off. Handing it to me he said it would explain a few things.”

“And did it?”

“Yes. It was a book about manners for foals. Looking back I guess that made sense. You certainly wouldn’t want a filly or colt to start pointing and asking loudly about no-no parts in public.”

“No-no parts?”

Arc chuckles. “Sorry. That’s what the book called them though. Other than that, ponies and humans are pretty similar.”

Cherry leans against Arc and smiles. “Yes, we are.”

They are silent for a time as they watch the sunset.

“You’re a bit nervous about tomorrow, aren’t you Arc?”

“A little.”

“As powerful as you are, I wouldn’t think there was anything in our world or any other that could frighten you.”

“You would think so. But I wouldn’t call it fear as much as… apprehension.”

“What’s the difference?”

“I’m not scared of what the princesses want to talk to me about. But I am nervous about the ramifications of whatever’s wrong.”

Cherry frowns. “Now I’m nervous too.”

“Sorry.”

“And here I was trying to help. But I think I made it worse.”

Arc puts his arm around Cherry as he looks out toward the sunset again. “Just stay with me. It’ll be enough.”

Cherry nods. “We’ll get through this together.

“That we will, Cherry. That we will.”

Preface - Volume 21 - Preparations and Proposals

In our previous volume, Arc, having exhausted all his magical energies saving The Shards from an abandoned mine, was carried home by Ember and Sereb. His squad bathes him, and puts him to bed with Ember. Meanwhile, Minerva returns home to Cherry. The helmet offers to allow Minerva to see her true form. Allowing the young woman to wear her, she is drawn into Arc and Cherry’s Sanctuary.

After explaining her unique circumstances Cherry drops her coverings and allows Minerva to see that she is not human, but a pony. Telling Minerva how she and Arc met along with the method by which she died, Cherry hides nothing save for the identity of Arc and his friend. Wracked with guilt, Minerva asks to leave the Sanctuary. Waking, she quickly leaves her apartment and goes for a late night walk. However as she does so a hand reaches out from an alleyway and pulls her in.

Bound and gagged, Minerva’s purse and money are quickly taken from her as two thugs rob her. As they turn to leave the alley a figure in a navy blue cloak stands in their way. Refusing to return what they stole, the pair rush at their opponent. But they are no match for the stranger whom effortlessly dispatches them. Walking down the alley they approach Minerva and untie her. Identifying himself as Wiseman, he invites Minerva out for coffee and a chat. Revealing that he knows of her crime against the Hero, Wiseman pressures Minerva into returning Cherry before vanishing. Shaken, Minerva walks home through the rain, all the while contemplating what to do. Arriving back at her apartment, soaking wet no less, Minerva grabs the helmet and hides it away in a drawer. Listening to Cherry’s cries for release stirs something in the woman. Opening the drawer she removes the helmet and confesses her earlier lie to the Hero. Wasting no time, she grabs her purse and the helmet before rushing out the door and down to her car. Sometime later Sereb awakens Arc to inform him of Rose’s sensors picking up his helmet. Rushing downstairs he opens the front door just in time to catch Minerva as she passes out, helmet in hand. Carrying her inside he lays her down on the couch and takes Cherry in his arms.

Hugging the helmet Arc expresses great happiness at Cherry’s return. Taking Minerva upstairs, he waits in the hallway as Ember and Rose remove the young woman’s clothes and dress her in a dry pair of pajamas. Loading Minerva in her car, Arc and company drive her back to the apartment. After putting her to bed Cherry asks to stay with her friend. Arc agrees and sends the others back home to join Cherry in watching over Minerva.

The next morning Minerva awakens to a cloudy and rainy day. Looking at the unfamiliar clothes, she originally believes she invited someone home with her. Cherry enters the room in Eidolon’s Ward which does not go over well with Minerva. Helping her sick friend to the Kitchen Arc serves them breakfast. He confronts Minerva about her treachery to which she takes full responsibility. Telling all she knows, Minerva confirms what Snake said about truckloads of goods leaving the Shard Hideout. Asking to be allowed to keep the armor to care for her, Cherry bids farewell to Arc as he returns home.

Several days later Arc and his friends talk through what they know about the Shards and their plans. Not being able to make further headway Ember more or less forces Arc to turn in early. Putting him to sleep with a spell, Ember helps Arc into the bed. Entering the Sanctuary, Arc sits down as Cherry steps out of the house. She confesses that she put Ember up to the idea of putting Arc to sleep so they could talk privately.

Waking up the next morning, Xenos catches Arc and Ember in a very compromising position. Albeit completely innocently. Getting up, the pair head to Shelly’s Kitchen to say goodbye to the pair before returning to Equestria. They learn that the others have been helping out around the restaurant during peak hours. Returning to the house they find an ominous looking scroll on the couch. Opening it Arc discovers it to be a message from Tempest asking for a meeting. Upon returning to Equestria, Sunburst informs Arc that the princesses are waiting for them in the Meeting Room. Reaching it, they find two very haggard looking alicorns along with Shining Armor and Trixie.

Luna and Cadance make reference to Arc’s numerous accomplishments before informing him of the reason for the meeting. Having called for a meeting of all the world’s leaders, the princesses had found themselves at a political impasse. Every leader was in support of the peace summit. But none trusted Equestria enough to hold the meeting in Canterlot Castle. Arc was nearly floored when Luna informed him that he had been requested by all involved to preside over the summit personally. Pouring over a map they agreed to use Light’s Hope as the facility to house the diplomats during the summit. Near the end Trixie accidently speaks of a new project currently underway. Luna and Cadance lead the group to the castle’s hanger to show Arc and his friends a newly completed airship docked there. Upon reaching the master cabin Arc spots his crest over the doorway, as Luna informs him that the airship was commissioned for him personally.

Arc orders the crew of his new airship to fly them back to Ponyville as he heads to his quarters with Ember. She forces him to rest while they wait for the ship to take off. Upon arriving back at Ponyville they disembark and head for town. Rose heads for the Golden Oaks Library as Arc and company stop at the orphanage/school to see Derpy and Dinky. They spend the noonday meal helping serve lunch to the school foals and younglings.

Heading to the library to meet up with Twilight and Rose they run into Auriel. She reports the gathering of the Dragon Fruit essence goes well before letting them into the library and departing. Walking downstairs to the basement they find Rose being operated on by Twilight. Confessing to her the danger of the fight with Bloodletter, Twilight warns them that Rose, while powerful, is not invulnerable. Splitting up, Arc heads for Sweet Apple Acres to speak to Applejack regarding Dinky’s sleepover. Applejack agrees, but informs him that Filthy Rich is in a position to take the farm via their potential default on a loan. Arc gives her the money to pay off the loan on the condition Applejack pays him back when she can.

Walking to Carousel Boutique to ask Rarity about a fore mentioned sleepover he is asked to give Princess Luna a special dress from Rarity to further her career. Thinking that the two of them were sexually involved, she informs Arc of the rumors circulating about the pair’s earlier date. After dispelling the rumors, Arc tells her the… other reason for his visit. Rarity does not take it well, as she locks the door and lowers her voice. Convincing the paranoid mare that it’s best to come clean about her secret, he heads over to the Hammer’s shop. Asking them about the peace summit, they inform him of their own reservations regarding the plan. From their experience, they know the world leaders are merely posturing for position on the world stage. However, they have faith that Arc can find a way to make it work. Heading home Arc gets to work cooking supper. Sadly, he becomes distracted when Dinky and her friends come home and burns the meal. Not wanting to start over Arc announces they are going out as he steps onto the sigil.

Arc and his family reappears on the sigil in his room in Canterlot Castle. Leaving the room, he leads them into town and to The Tasty Treat. Ordering one of everything on the menu (most likely as a gesture to help Coriander Cumin financially) they eat until they can eat no more. As he pays the bill Sweetie Belle accidently mentions the identity of Arc’s date being Princess Luna. Coriander Cumin is terrified, knowing that he has unknowingly cooked for royalty. After boxing up the leftovers the group returns home. The fillies head to bed, but speak at length about their respective families amongst themselves.

Early the next morning Arc prepares breakfast for the fillies as Derpy leaves for work. They rise, eat, and head out the door to Sweet Apple Acres to talk to the Apples about Babs Seed’s recent school troubles. Arc convinces Applejack to let the young filly come with them on a day trip. They take a portal back to Light’s Hope where Raven asks to speak with Arc privately. She confesses to having doubts regarding her value and her desire for cloture.

Arc returns to the fillies on the Main Hall. They proceed outside and over to his new airship. After boarding, they head to the Bridge and request a course to Dodge Junction, over the Everfree Forest, and ending at Baltimare. Deciding to play games as they fly, they head to the Observation Deck for a more scenic view. However, Babs Seed appears distracted as she spends all her time looking out the window. Volunteering to head to the kitchen for snacks, she leaves as Arc and the others play a new game. As he going looking for her, Arc finds the errant filly staring out yet another window completely oblivious to the passage of time. Approaching her, Arc is able to bring her back to reality. After getting a snack from the kitchen they return to the cafeteria where Arc tells Babs to sit and talk about what she’s thinking about. Her thoughts immediately turn to ways to help make Zap Apple Jam production easier for Granny Smith. Arc learns that she wishes to repay the Apples for their kindness toward her.

As the ship nears Baltimare Arc orders the crew to land. He and the fillies disembark and head into the city. Finding a shop that sells patches Arc buys each of them a patch for their Cutie Mark Crusader capes. Leaving the Shopping District they pass numerous massive houses owned by the land’s elite. Some time later they arrive at Cerulean Skies’ house. As they approach she comes outside with a large cooking pot. Nervously she speaks to them before the door opens and Tempest herself walks out.

Claiming to only be there to help Cerulean Skies feed the hungry neighbors, Arc relents and watches over her in the kitchen as Ruby and the fillies help serve outside. After supper Arc leaves via portal with the fillies. Cerulean Skies confesses her desire to have a family with Arc along with Tempest as a sister wife.

After dropping Ruby off at her ranch they return to Ponyville. Dinky and her friends head to bed, but talk at some length about how Arc changed their lives. Meanwhile, Arc covers Derpy with a blanket, accidently waking her. She confesses that the soldiers he ordered to help were more trouble than they were worth, as none of them had any cooking skills. As they sit on the couch and have some dessert there is a knock at the door. Answering it they find Sassy Saddles on the front steps. She tells Arc that Rarity would like him to bring Sweetie Belle home tomorrow morning for some reason. The next morning the fillies rise early as Arc and Derpy cook breakfast. Arc informs Sweetie Belle of her sister’s request to which she groans.

As they finish their meal Arc leaves with Sweetie Belle. Upon arriving at the shop Rarity, looking very tired, leads them upstairs to her room. Sitting down she talks to her sister about love and where foals come from. While they had already had that conversation previously, Sweetie Belle asked several good questions regarding love and sex. Eventually the conversation returns to the topic of importance. Rarity confesses to Sweetie Belle how Arc had read her diary in an effort to help her when she was hospitalized some time ago. She also tells the filly of her own story of how she was passed around during a drunken haze at a college party, during which she conceived her. Sweetie Belle initially takes the news badly, thinking Rarity is playing a cruel joke on her. It’s only when her birth certificate is shown to her along with several pictures of a young Rarity holding her in the hospital that she relents and accepts the truth that Rarity really is her biological mother. Arc leaves to allow the pair to speak in private. Sweetie Belle confesses her own attempts to help Rarity get close to Arc in hopes the pair would hit it off. They embrace for the first time as mother and daughter before continuing with a day’s worth of questions.

However, many questions still remain. Will Arc be able to organize a peace summit? How will the Apple family fare now that their debt to Filthy Rich has been forgiven? Will Rarity be able to come to terms with the events in her past? Can the guards at Light’s Hope learn to cook? Will Emerald Dream be able to help Babs Seed with her apparent Attention Deficit Disorder? How will Cerulean Skies and Tempest handle their newfound feelings for Arc? How will Sweetie Belle handle the knowledge that her sister is actually her mother in the long term?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 13 - Experimental Treatments

Arc appears on the sigil in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Shining Armor stands dutifully by Cadance as Arc walks over to Luna’s side. IV bottles hang overhead.

“How are they?”

Shining Armor sighs. “No change. I was hoping there’d be at least a little better with the treatments, but…”

He shakes his head as Arc nods.

“Redheart just started this infusion though. We can’t expect immediate results.”

“I know, sir. It’s just… this is all she can do.”

He squeezes Cadance’s hoof. She turns to look at him with empty eyes.

“She’s just so… dazed. So… devoid of her normal life and vigor. I hate seeing her like this!”

Arc looks down at Luna and takes her hoof. “I know what you mean. Neither of them deserves such a fate.”

They are silent for a time. Luna turns to look at Arc, her eyes unfocused.

“Luna? Can you hear me?”

A strange gargling sound is the only response. Shining Armor looks to her, hopeful.

“That’s an improvement. Cadance can you do the same?”

Cadance does not move. Shining Armor sighs.

“Well, it was worth a try. Any luck on a cure?”

“I think so, yes. But I need to run my idea by Redheart. Has she been by lately?”

“Yes. In fact she was here just a few minutes before you arrived to start the IV drips and…”

The door opens and Redheart enters. She walks over to the patients and looks them over before turning to Arc.

“My apologies, sir. I know you wanted the princesses to remain undisturbed. While I just started their treatments, I wanted to check and see how they were doing.”

Shining Armor turns to the nurse. “Cadance is unchanged. But Princess Luna sounded like she was trying to speak a moment ago!”

Redheart sighs. “That might be the best we can do as it stands.”

Arc appears serious. “That’s actually what I came to discuss with you. Are you familiar with historical medical practices?”

“How far back are we talking, sir?”

“Pre-unification.”

Redheart nods. “Actually, I am. Truth be told, I wrote a paper on some of the more effective practices for my thesis years ago.”

“That makes this easier. You said earlier that the synthetic cure needed to be amplified, right?”

“Yes sir. However there’s no known way to make it potent enough for it to be an effective treatment.”

“What if we used hydra humor?”

Redheart puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That would certainly do the trick. But unfortunately the hydra have been extinct for centuries.”

Shining Armor clears his throat. “That’s not exactly true, ma’am.”

Redheart looks confused. “Oh?”

Arc nods. “There are two of them inside Light’s Hope right now.”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

“They’re representatives at the summit. The place they come from isn’t exactly well-known or easy to get to.”

Redheart looks to Arc, a hopeful look in her eyes. “Do you think they’d be willing to spare some humor?”

“I believe so.”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out a tendril. Redheart and Shining Armor gasp

“Sir! Is… is that…?”

“You should be able to extract enough humor from this to amplify their treatments.”

Redheart takes the tendril with her magic. “Yes sir! I’ll get to work mixing it up right away! Shouldn’t take but a few minutes!”

She hurries out the door. Shining Armor turns to Arc, a concerned look on his suddenly green face.

“S-sir? You… uh… did you have to… you know…?”

Arc shrugs. “That’s where the humor is. Don’t worry though. I asked permission before cutting it off.”

“You say that so… casually, sir.”

“It’s not the first time I’ve done this. Probably won’t be the last either.”

He looks down at Luna.

“This might be all you need, Luna. Just wait a few more minutes.”

Redheart returns shortly with two fresh IV bottles. She quickly hangs them up and turns to Arc.

“I used a 1:1 ratio, sire. That should do the trick.”

“Hopefully, yes.”

Redheart opens the valves with her magic and steps back.

“Now all we can do is wait.”

A full minute passes. Shining Armor turns to Arc.

“Sir! I think Cadance is coming around!”

Arc nods. “Luna too!”

Cadance looks up at Shining Armor sleepily.

“Wha… what… h-happened…?!”

“Shhh… it’s okay. You’re safe now.”

Arc squeezes Luna’s fetlock as he speak to her softly.

“Luna? Can you hear me?”

She groans softly as she gently squeezes Arc’s hand.

“Is… somepony there…?”

“Luna! It’s me! It’s Arc!”

Redheart walks over.

“Your highness? This is Redheart. If you can understand what I’m saying I need you to raise your left hoof.”

Luna slowly does so. Redheart smiles as she turns to Cadance.

“Princess Cadance. Can you raise your right hoof please?”

Cadance complies. Redheart looks to Arc.

“I do believe they’re on the road to recovery. In a few more minutes they may even be able to properly communicate with us.”

“I sure hope so.”

A short time later Luna looks up to him. She speaks weakly.

“Arc? Is… that you?”

Arc nods and smiles. “Yes, Luna! How do you feel?!”

“My head… feels strange. It’s hard to see as well.”

Redheart smiles. “That’s the remnants of the toxin. It should pass soon, your highness.”

“Redheart?”

“Yes, your highness?”

“Where… where am I…?”

Arc grins. “Aboard The Equinox.”

“What… happened…?!”

“I don’t really know, Luna. Hopefully you can tell us.”

“My head just feels so… jumbled. Where’s Cadance?”

Shining Armor looks over. “Right next to you, your highness.”

“What…? But I don’t see her.”

Arc gently puts a hand on top of Luna’s head. He carefully turns her to face her friend, whom is beginning to come around.

“Cadance?”

“Luna? I feel so… strange.”

She looks up at Shining Armor.

“What…? Where…?”

“Safe and sound aboard Arc’s ship, Cadance.”

Luna looks back up to Arc. “My head…”

Cadance groans. “Mine too.”

Arc looks into Luna’s face. “What are the last things you two remember?”

Luna puts a hoof to her head. “Not much, I’m afraid. We had just returned to your quarters to prepare for that day’s official meeting.”

Cadance nods. “Right. We needed to change outfits and brush our manes. The last thing I remember was feeling rather ill and sitting down on the couch to rest.”

“I experienced something similar in the bedroom. Feeling rather strange, I decided to sit down for a moment. That’s the last clear thought I had.”

She turns to Arc, concerned.

“Were we poisoned?”

“Yes. Redheart found a toxin similar to the one used to put you and Cadance down awhile back.”

Shining Armor looks to Cadance. “Could it have possibly been in the food?”

“That’s certainly a scary thought.”

Luna’s eyes grow wide.

“What about the other leaders?! Is anypony else sick?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Just you two.”

Redheart looks to Arc. “Sire, it may be prudent for the others to be tested as well. At this point we can’t definitively rule out the food.”

Arc nods. “I agree. Take what you need and get blood samples from everyone who ate anything from my base recently.”

“Yes sire, I’ll see to it.”

She leaves the room as Luna turns back to Arc.

“Did she just call you sire, Arc?”

Arc sighs. “Yes. I… unofficially took the role of Lord Regent again this morning when you two were discovered.”

Shining Armor lowers his head sadly. “Yes, I… didn’t feel that I was qualified to preside over the summit. Arc has the respect and admiration of nearly everypony in there.”

Cadance smiles at him. “That was a wise choice, Shining Armor.”

Arc nods. “Someone had to be in charge, I suppose. And Redheart needed someone to authorize your treatments.”

Shining Armor nods. “Arc had the idea to combine the antidote from last time with hydra humor to increase its potency.”

Luna smiles weakly. “Very clever. Again I must thank you for acting judiciously in this matter, Arc. However we must still get to the bottom of this.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Shining Armor looks down to Cadance. “Assuming it wasn’t anything in the food, was anypony else in the room at the time?”

“No. Luna ordered everypony out so we could have some time alone.”

Luna nods. “We do so every morning if time permits. It’s very difficult always being surrounded by others.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “One of the Hoof Maidens did stay behind after she brought out tea.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Really? Who?”

“Eventide Shine. She set out my dress and cleared the table of our after-breakfast tea dishes.”

Arc frowns. “Tell me more about this mare. Do you trust her?”

Luna nods. “Oh yes. She’s been with us for well over a year now. Always very dependable and diligent in her duties.”

Cadance smiles. “Agreed. She’s also a good listener.”

Luna nods. “Yes. She doesn’t say much, but it’s always a comfort to talk to her.”

Shining Armor looks up to meet Arc’s gaze. “I’ve met her. She almost reminds me of Twilight’s friend Fluttershy, as she’s very soft-spoken.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I think I’ll have a word with her about that tea.”

Cadance turns to Arc nervously. “Do you think it was poisoned?”

“It would seem so. You two drank it and suddenly fell ill.”

Luna shakes her head. “I don’t believe this was the case, Arc. Cadance and I could taste something off in our food back then, but didn’t think much of it.”

“Yes. The tea tasted the same as it does every day.”

Shining Armor frowns. “It still wouldn’t hurt to ask her some questions.”

“Agreed. She might know something. But I’m going to hold off on that until Nurse Redheart gets back with those blood samples.”

Luna looks to Arc. “Tell me, how long were we out?”

“About half a day.”

Cadance smiles. “You’re getting much faster at saving us.”

Arc chuckles. “Practice makes perfect. But you two need to rest for now. When Redheart gets back I’ll have her re-examine both of you just to be sure.”

Luna sits up. “That won’t be necessary, Arc. I’m feeling better by the minute.”

“Please, Luna. I insist!”

Shining Armor holds up a hoof. “Begging your pardon, Princess Luna. But he is technically the Lord Regent right now.”

Arc nods sadly. “Look, I won’t try to force you to be examined. But for the sake of your health I strongly recommend it.”

Cadance turns her head. “Please, Luna. Let’s just wait patiently and do as Arc asks.”

Luna lays back down and sighs. “Very well.”

An hour later Redheart enters the room. She walks over to the bed and looks up at the IV bottles.

“I see your treatments are nearly complete. How are you two feeling?”

Luna sighs. “Very tired. But otherwise fine”

“Same here.”

Arc turns to Redheart. “Do you think you could look them over just to be sure?”

“Yes sire.”

A short time later Redheart steps back and smiles.

“Everything appears to be returning to norma. The two of you are free to resume your normal duties tomorrow.”

Luna appears confused. “Tomorrow?”

“Your bodies have sustained very severe trauma. I’d like you to rest for the day at least.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc. “On the bright side we can tell everypony that the problem is solved.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Yes, we could. But we won’t.”

Redheart looks confused. “Sire?”

Arc turns to the princesses. “Think about it. Someone in my base tried to take you two out of commission. If they hear you’re doing better, they may try more drastic measures.”

Shining Armor frowns. “He’s right! We need to catch the perpetrator first.”

Redheart nods “Or perpetrators?”

Arc shudders. “That’s a scary thought. More than one would make for a messy situation.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc soberly. “Shall I help you, sir?”

“No, I want you to stay with the princesses. They shouldn’t be alone right now.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc turns to Redheart. “Have you had time to analyze the blood samples from everyone else in my base?

“All negative, sire.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “Good.”

“Yes. I suppose this proves you two were their only targets. But it still brings us no closer to finding out who did this.”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“Let me do some digging while you two rest.”

“Be careful!”

Luna nods. “Yes. And let us know what you find.”

Arc head for the door. “I will.”

Shining Armor turns to the pair as Arc leaves the room.

“Can I get you two anything?”

Luna nods. “How about some books from the library?”

“Yes, your highness.”

He bows and leaves the room. Cadance turns to Luna.

“I didn’t know you liked to read.”

Luna sighs. “Ever since Celestia disappeared I haven’t had time.”

“Yes, well… hopefully Arc figures this out soon. I’m not much for hiding things from others. Especially Twilight.”

Meanwhile, Arc leaves The Equinox and walks inside Light’s Hope. Trixie meets him in the Main Hall.

“Trixie is wondering if you need anything, sir.”

“Actually, yes. I’d like to speak to the delegation from the Griffon Kingdom in my quarters in fifteen minutes. Would you go tell them please?”

“Yes sir.”

Trixie hurries to carry out Arc’s orders as he heads for the Abyssinian’s room. The guards salute as he approaches.

“At ease. Did the monarchs give you any trouble?”

“No sir. They’ve been very quiet. Lieutenant Trixie ordered guards both inside and out of their room.”

“Good.”

The guards push the doors open for him as Arc steps forward. Six guards line the room stoically. Fiona lies on the bed face down crying into a pillow as Felix rubs her back in an attempt to comfort her. Arc turns to the soldiers in the room.

“Guards, leave us.”

They salute and step into the corridor. The guards close the door behind them as Arc walks over to the bed. Felix gently shakes his wife.

“Fiona? Lord Arc is here to see us.”

The queen slowly sits up as she takes her husband’s paw. She does not look up.

“Are… are you here to formally arrest me, Lord Arc?”

Arc kneels down in front of her and looks up into her tear-filled eyes.

“I’ve spoken to my ship’s medical officer. She says there’s no sign of Abyssinian Itchweed anywhere in either of their bodies.”

“B-but… that’s impossible!”

“How, sir?!”

“Redheart believes their bodies have already metabolized it, and that the substance found in their blood tests is completely different from what you accidently gave them.”

Fiona smiles. “You mean…?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’m clearing you of all charges and you’re no longer confined to quarters.”

Sobbing, Fiona jumps off the bed and wraps her paws around Arc’s neck.

“Thank you, Lord Arc! Thank you so much! You have my word that I’ll NEVER do anything like this to anyone ever again!”

Arc returns the hug. “Yes, please don’t. I know it was an accident, but I appreciate your sincerity nonetheless.”

Felix smiles as he breathes a sigh of relief. “You have Abyssinia’s thanks for exonerating my wife once again, Lord Arc. If there is ever anything you need, you have but to ask.”

Fiona nods as she steps back and wipes the tears from her eyes. “Y-yes! But we should probably leave now.”

“Leave?”

Felix nods. “Yes. After all the trouble we caused it’s not appropriate for us to be part of the peace summit any longer.”

“Please. All is forgiven.”

Fiona looks to him, sadly. “But…!”

“You said you’d like to make up for what you did a moment ago. I really need you to stay.”

Felix appears confused. “Lord Arc?”

“I’ll explain everything later today. But in any case, please compose yourself and rejoin the other representatives.”

Fiona smiles as she wipes her eyes. “Yes, Lord Arc.”

“Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to continue my investigation.”

He heads for the door. Felix calls out after him.

“Lord Arc?”

“Yes?”

“How are the princesses doing?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll figure out a way to save them. Trust me.”

Arc leaves the room and turns to the guards.

“The Abyssinians are no longer under house arrest. They may now come and go as they please. Room guards will report to their superiors for new directions.”

The guards salute and walk away as Arc returns to his quarters. He closes the door, walks over to the table, and sits down as he flips to a fresh page in his notebook and clenches his fist.

“Ashe, you and your rebel friends had better not be behind this!”

A few minutes later there is a knock at the door.

“Come!”

Trixie enters and salutes.

“The Griffon Kingdom delegation, sir.”

“Send them in.”

Trixie nods and steps back out the door. A moment later Gestal, Goldstone, and Ghaleon walk into the room. The lieutenant closes the door behind them as Arc gestures to the table.

“Please be seated.”

They do so as Goldstone smiles smugly.

“I see we were the last to be interviewed. Most likely due to our obvious innocence.”

Arc sighs. “No one is accusing anyone of anything, Lord Goldstone. I just need information on anything you might have seen last night.”

“Very well. Although I hope you’ll take our nation’s treaty into account when making any…”

Ghaleon frowns. “Shut up, Goldstone!”

Gestal clears his throat. “We will tell you what we can, Lord Arc.”

Ghaleon nods as he looks at Goldstone. “Right.”

“There was one event that springs readily to mind. I saw Prince Tugem leave the Dining Room with one of Matriarch Iris’ bodyguards. The larger one.”

“Any idea why, Lord Gestal?”

“No. However it was quite strange, as the prince had consumed quite a large amount of champagne. How he was able to walk straight at that point was quite impressive.”

Goldstone chuckles. “I noticed that as well. However that was after he bumped into the Dragon Lord.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Accidently?”

Goldstone shakes his head. “No. I saw him use the opportunity to whisper something in her ear to which she appeared to agree to. They might both be involved in what happened to the princesses.”

Ghaleon frowns. “That’s quite the conclusion, Goldstone.”

“It might be important!”

Gestal nods. “Perhaps. We will have to let Lord Arc decide that.”

“Thank you. What was your take on the evening, Lord Gestal?”

“I was doing my best to share my experience with Ashe most of the time. However I did see something a bit off. Princess Luna kept looking over at Prince Tugem. It was as if she was expecting him to do something.”

Goldstone raises an eyebrow. “Really? Do you think she’s interested in him?”

“Curious might be a better word.”

Arc turns to Ghaleon.

“And you, Arbiter Ghaleon? I know you’re very perceptive in such matters.”

Ghaleon nods. “I saw everything that transpired throughout the evening.”

Arc looks to him. “Anything stand out as being important?”

“Everything is important to someone.”

“Um… anything in particular?”

Gestal turns back to Arc. “Arbiter Ghaleon means that he literally saw everything that transpired in the Dining Room that night.”

Goldstone frowns. “He is very… vigilant.”

“I prefer the term ‘hyper-observant’.”

“Are you saying you know EVERYTHING that happened?!”

“Most likely.”

He gives Goldstone a quick glance and frowns.

“This should be easy then. Can you start with…?”

“Hold on. Are you not this land’s Hero of Light?”

Arc looks up, surprised. “I am. What about it?”

Ghaleon folds his talons over his chest. “If you are as capable as I have been told, you should be able to solve this small mystery on your own. “

“Well, I’m certainly trying. But how about a hint?”

“I do suppose I owe you that much for your actions in rescuing the Council of Lords. Matriarch Iris knew of what was to come.”

Arc frowns. “How do you know that?”

“I could tell she smelled something that troubled her from the look on her face. However, she said nothing.”

“What do you suppose it was?”

Ghaleon frowns. “I’m perceptive, not psychic.”

Arc sighs. “Thank you for the information, Arbiter Ghaleon. I believe I need to give what I know some thought.”

Gestal stands and nods.

“I am confident you will uncover the truth, Lord Arc.”

Goldstone rolls his eyes as they head for the door together. As they leave the room Arc rests his forehead in his hands as he looks over his notes.

“What the heck happened last night?! I’ve gathered so much information, but none of it makes any sense!”

Sighing, Arc stands and walks over to the window. Looking outside he stares at the afternoon sky.

“I’m certainly glad the princesses are going to be alright. But that doesn’t mean much unless we find the one who did this.”

He frowns.

“And right now, Ashe and her ilk are still in my sights.”

Chapter 1 - Shadows of the Past

Author's Note

This concludes the summit and our game of Clue. Unlike the board game, there were several guilty parties... Kane, Eventide Shine (Sunset Shimmer), and Prince Tugem (Hawthorne). Were you able to figure it out? My wife wasn't. But she still had a blast trying to. :twilightsmile: By the way... did anyone figure out Prince Tugem's secret yet? :rainbowderp:

Surprisingly enough, Goldstone had nothing to do with any of the events during the summit. Other than staring lewdly at backsides, and slapping Eventide Shine's flank, that is. While not expressly written, we can assume he got what was coming to him from Sunset Shimmer later. :twilightoops:

Chapter 1 - Shadows of the Past

Arc stands in the Dining Room with Twilight and her friends as they regain their senses. As the nurse enters, he turns to Redheart.

“How are they?”

Redheart sighs. “Everypony is slowly coming around in their suites. I should still do some bloodwork to make sure they’ll be no lasting effects though.”

Arc nods. “Very well. But only if they consent.”

“Yes sir.”

Redheart turns to leave the Dining Room as Arc heads over to Twilight and her friends. They are rubbing their foreheads.

“You five feeling better now?”

Applejack winces. “That wasn’t exactly fun.”

Rainbow Dash moans. “Yeah. And I LOVE a good mug of cider.”

Pinkie frowns. “That bad mare! She’s a meanie!”

Rarity looks him up and down. “Forget about us! Are YOU alright, Arc?!”

“I’m fine. Twilight?”

They look over to see their friend looking out a window silently as Arc walks over.

“You okay?”

Twilight silently shakes her head.

“Um… should I call for Redheart?”

Twilight sighs. “No, it’s not that. I just… I never thought I’d see her again.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

“Sunset Shimmer.”

Arc frowns. “You know that mare?”

Twilight sadly nods. “From a long time ago, yes.”

Rarity gasps. “Was she always so rough?”

“No. In fact, she was the first friend I ever made.”

Applejack gasps. “That was a FRIEND?!”

Pinkie grins. “With friends like that, who needs enemies?!”

“We used to be so close. But that time has passed apparently.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Where’d you meet her?”

“Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”

Hearing this Trixie trots over.

“Trixie remembers her! She was rather… um… troublesome, wasn’t she?”

Twilight sighs. “At the time, I thought her to be merely driven to succeed. She was sometimes reckless in her magical experiments.”

“Reckless?! Trixie remembers the destruction of several labs due to her crazy theories!”

Arc frowns. “Wait, what?!”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “That doesn’t sound like somepony you would be friends with.”

Twilight’s ears droop. “We weren’t exactly friends. I suppose ‘rivals’ would be a better word to describe our relationship.”

“Being at the top of the class was everything to us back then. Trixie remembers you always being first on every list, Twilight.”

“Yes. I think that may have pushed her to succeed a bit too much.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “How so?”

“She was a brilliant student. Maybe even smarter than I. But one thing Sunset didn’t have was much of a creative side.”

Rarity laughs. “Not creative? Impossible! Such things are easy!”

Trixie sighs. “Not for all of us. Twilight was quite good at coming up with new and fresh ideas on topics to research.”

Twilight sadly nods. “Sunset Shimmer could only expand on ideas she got from books or… other sources.”

Arc frowns. “Other sources? You mean she would steal other’s ideas?”

“To put it negatively, yes. But once she had an idea, she could take it to the next level. Make something of what others couldn’t see.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “So, what happened to her?”

Applejack sighs. “Was she expelled for blowing labs up?”

Pinkie gasps. “Or worse, made to work in the school cafeteria?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. She was… elevated, along with me to Princess Celestia’s personal students.”

Rarity appears surprised. “Both of you?”

“Yes. But that didn’t last.”

Arc nods soberly. “The rivalry?”

Twilight nods. “She was determined to one-up me at nearly everything. Studies, testing, reciting facts and figures. But none more viciously than for the princesses’ time.”

Trixie raises an eyebrow. “Her… time?”

“Princess Celestia could only schedule so much time to hear our reports. Sunset would insist on going first and would try to keep it going as long as possible so her report would appear more detailed than my own.”

Arc frowns. “Sounds like she was jealous.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Yeah! Majorly!”

Rarity tilts her head to one side. “Whatever brought her to that point?”

“Princess Celestia had a very powerful magical item called the Crystal Mirror. It was the same one I used to accidently bring you to Equestria, Arc.”

“Good times.”

“Upon learning of its existence, Sunset Shimmer became obsessed with it. She would constantly ask the princess questions about the mirrow, hoping to be given the chance to perform experiments on it.”

Arc frowns. “And Princess Celestia didn’t go for it?”

Twilight shakes her head. “She denied every request, naturally. But that didn’t stop Sunset from reading every tome on the subject, cover to cover, over and over again. Then one day she snapped.”

Pinkie grins. “Oh! Like a candy cane?!”

“Kinda, yes. She snuck into the library’s Dark Magic wing and read a forbidden tome explaining the intricacies of the Crystal Mirror.”

Trixie frowns. “So she learned the truth?”

“Exactly. And it made her furious.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But shouldn’t have discovering the truth have made her happy?”

“One would have thought so. But she must’ve seen it as Princess Celestia trying to hold her back. They had a very loud argument about it that very day. In the end she was banished from the castle and removed as a student from that day forward.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “HA! Serves her right!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Do you think she joined the Dark One after that.”

“Not immediately, no. About a week later there was a break-in. The guards that stood watch over the Crystal Mirror were found unconscious. Princess Celestia was immediately notified, of course. However, there were no clues on what had happened, save for one.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh?”

“On the ground in front of the mirror… lay Sunset’s saddlebags. The ones Princess Celestia gave her when she became her student. We can only assume that she was able to somehow activate the mirror and travel through it to another world.”

Arc nods soberly. “And the bag was left behind as a proverbial middle-finger to the princess?”

“If by that you mean a gesture to spite her, then yes.”

Pinkie grins. “So, what happened to her when she got back?!”

Twilight shrugs. “She was never heard from again.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “Could she have been on Earth?”

“It’s possible, but unlikely. There are any number of worlds she could have reached with that mirror. Whether or not she chose to stay there, or simply couldn’t figure out how to come back, is unknown.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait! She was able to use the mirror to GO somewhere?”

“Yes. But what…?”

“Remember when you tried to send me back, Twilight? The mirror wouldn’t let me through. How did she do it?”

Twilight shrugs. “Probably by using the forbidden knowledge she discovered in the Dark Magic wing. I would have done research there on how to send you back, but I didn’t have access, and still don’t.”

“It’s fine, Twilight. But that still leaves the question of what she did in the meantime, and how she got back to Equestria.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “And how she joined the Dark One.”

Arc sighs. “That too.”

Nurse Redheart walks over to them and stands before Arc.

“What’s the verdict?”

“Everypony is nearly fully recovered now in their rooms. I’ve taken blood samples, but that’s likely a formality at this point.”

“Good work.”

Arc looks past her at Sereb standing silently in the middle of the room with his mother. Cherry calls out.

“He must be suffering greatly.”

Rarity nods sadly. “You should go talk to him, Arc.”

“I will. Why don’t all of you head back to the Equinox and get some rest now? It’s been quite the day.”

Applejack appears concerned. “That it has. But what about you?”

“I’ll head back to check on the princesses myself after I talk to Sereb. Don’t worry. I won’t be long.”

Twilight smiles at him. “See to it you’re not. You need to sleep too, Arc.”

Pinkie hops toward the door. “You’re one to talk, Twilight! Remember that time I found you asleep in the Bathroom on your toi…?!”

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof in Pinkie’s mouth. “That’s enough, Pinkie. Come on.”

They nod and walk out of the room together as Rarity turns back.

“Arc? Might I see you in my room for a few minutes when you have time? I know you’re tired, but it won’t take long.”

“Sure. I’ll see you in a bit.”

Rarity nods and leaves the room with the others. None of them speaks for a solid minute. Finally Applejack breaks the silence.

“So… what was that all about, Rarity?”

Rarity blushes “I… um…”

Pinkie giggles. “She probably wants to confess her love!”

Rainbow Dash glares at her. “Pinkie!”

Rarity sighs. “That’s… not far from the truth.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Really?!”

“Yes! I… I want him! And not just for Sweetie Belle!”

Rainbow Dash notices the determined look on Rarity’s face. “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?”

Rarity nods. “More so than anything.”

Applejack sighs. “I know how you feel, sugarcube.”

Twilight nods. “As do I.”

Pinkie bounces up and down. “Me too! I wanna night in Arc’s bed now!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I suppose we all want that, Pinkie.”

She turns to Rarity.

“But, I just have to ask… how did it feel?”

Rarity stops and closes her eyes as a content smile spreads across her face. “It was the most amazing warmth I’ve ever felt in my life. There was just so much coursing through my body that I… I just… it felt so good! So unbelievably right!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Say, I just had an idea! Arc’s bed aboard the Equinox is probably big enough to hold a couple of us. Why don’t you and I ask if he’d be interested in a sleepover?”

Twilight frowns. “Rainbow Dash…”

Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight. “You and Applejack could have the next night.”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide. “Wha… what?!”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Pinkie and Fluttershy too if they want!”

Twilight blushes. “I… um… actually…”

Rarity turns to her friend. “Don’t take what Rainbow Dash said too literally, Twilight. I’m sure she was just making a joke.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not really. It’s a legitimate idea as far as I’m concerned. But you look like you have something to say, Twilight.”

“I do.”

Applejack sighs. “You’ve already slept with him, haven’t you?”

Twilight blushes heavily. “H-how did you know that?!”

Applejack looks to Twilight. “When Rarity was describing being in Arc’s arms, you kept smiling and nodding ever so slightly. As if you had first-hoof experience.”

Pinkie gasps. “So when did it happen, Twilight?!”

“Back when he was Lord Regent. We slept together in Princess Celestia’s bed.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my! Somepony really shot for the stars there!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! I never would’ve had the guts to do something like that with Arc when he was the Lord Regent!”

Twilight blushes heavily. “It was just a science experiment!”

Applejack chuckles. “Some experiment though, huh? Was it like what Rarity described?”

“Exactly. Amazingly warm and it, um…”

Twilight’s voice trails off. Pinkie taps her hoof impatiently.

“And what else?!”

Twilight puts her front hooves to her cheeks as she sits down on her haunches. “And it… it left me wanting more.”

Rarity turns and walks starry-eyed toward the Main Hall doors. “That it does, Twilight. That it does.”

Meanwhile, Arc walks over to Iris.

“Want me to have a talk with him?”

“I would appreciate it. He hasn’t said a word since Kane left with that mare. Perhaps he will open up to you, as you two share a Life Pact.”

“I’ll certainly try. Why don’t you head back to your room and get some rest? Today has been hard on all of us.”

Iris nods. “Thank you, I shall. And I also wish to apologize for Kane’s betrayal of us and Equestria.”

“He made his own choice. No one could have foreseen it, or stopped him.”

She rises slowly and walks toward the door. Arc takes a few steps across the room to stand next to his friend.

“How are you holding up?”

“Not well.”

Arc sighs. “That’s to be expected.”

“I’ve… been doing some thinking since it happened. Do you believe I drove Kane to do this?”

“Drove him?”

Sereb nods. “He has always been the biggest and strongest among our tribe. Even as cubs, he was quite formidable.”

“He was used to being the best. You think that when you beat him, he couldn’t handle the fact he was now second?”

“I do.”

“Sereb, at that time he was going to lead your tribe into battle against Equestria. Had you not acted, many innocents would have died. That and we would have met him on the field of battle. Do you think the result of that would have been any better for him?”

“He would have died by your hand I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “Yes. You saved your brother’s life along with countless others by choosing to risk your own safety by challenging him.”

“That may be. But I still can’t believe he craved power and dominance this much!”

“You can’t control his actions any more than you can control the wind, Sereb. He made his choice, and we may be forced to face him along with Sunset Shimmer one day.”

“I… do not believe either of them will give up willingly.”

Arc nods. “True. But then again, neither will we.”

“You can count on me to do what is necessary.”

“Thank you. However you should probably join your mother now.”

“Eh?”

“This can’t have been easy for her either. To see Kane betray us all to the Council of Shadows like that.”

Sereb stands and turns to Arc. “I will.”

“Good. See you at breakfast?”

The wolf nods and leaves the dining room as Arc looks around at the now empty room and mutters to himself.

“Guess I’d better get going too.”

Opening a portal Arc steps through and finds himself in his quarters aboard The Equinox. He quietly walks over to Shining Armor who is dozing on the couch.

“Captain?”

Shining Armor slowly opens his eyes and looks over to Arc.

“Forgive me, sir. I…”

“It’s nighttime. Sleeping is normal.”

Arc turns toward the princesses.

“How are they?”

“Doing much better. A representative of the Nightborn was here earlier to speak to Princess Luna.”

Arc frowns. “What about?”

“I’m not sure. She asked me to leave the room.”

“I suppose everyone has their secrets.”

“Yes sir. Was there something you needed to talk to them about?”

Arc turns toward the bed. “No. I just wanted to check on them one last time before turning in for the night. What did Redheart say about their recovery?”

“That they’ll be able to get up tomorrow morning to continue ruling.”

“Good. I wasn’t looking forward to holding audiences again.”

“You handled them very well though, sir.”

“Thank you. But it’s not my place to do so. It’s theirs.”

Arc looks over to the sleeping princesses for a few moments longer before walking over to the table in the center of the room and picking up their crowns.

“Sir? What are you doing?”

“Something that needs to be done.”

Walking back to the bedside, he uses his magic to levitate Cadance’s crown to the nightstand next to her. Smiling at Luna he sets her crown on the other nightstand.

“I hope you two enjoyed a bit of rest. Tomorrow it’s back to work for you.”

He turns back to Shining Armor.

“Get some sleep, captain. They’ll still need you to protect them.”

Shining Armor smiles as he salutes. “Yes sir.”

Arc takes one last look at the princesses before leaving the room. He closes the door behind him and walks across the corridor to look outside at the well-lit yard. The destruction from the earlier battle is everywhere. He sighs as he chuckles.

“Well, that went well. Only problem is I need another front door… again.”

Taking the scene before him in for another minute, Arc slowly makes his way down the corridor toward Rarity’s room. He takes a deep breath and knocks.

“C-come in.”

He opens the door and slowly steps into the room. Rarity is lying on her bed. The only light being a small lamp on an end table beside her.

“You wanted to talk to me, Rarity?”

“I did.”

She hops off the bed and slowly walks over to him.

“Th-thank you for coming, Arc. I know you must be quite tired from today’s activities.”

“Kinda. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep.”

“I’ll try to make this brief then. You see… um… I… I just…”

Rarity’s voice trails off as she clops at the floor nervously. Arc smiles at her.

“Why don’t we sit down? That might help.”

Rarity nods. “Y-yes. I think it might.”

The pair sit on the end of the bed together. Rarity looks straight ahead for a few moments silently before speaking.

“Arc, I wanted to… th-thank you for the other day.”

“Other day?”

“Well, the other night actually.”

“Our dinner together?”

Rarity nods. “Yes.”

“I should be thanking you. After all, you were the hostess. And I had a great time.”

Rarity appears confused. “You did?”

“Yes.”

Rarity sighs. “Even when I dumped a pot of tea on you?”

Arc shrugs. “No evening is perfect.”

Rarity looks to him, suddenly concerned. “How’s your back, by the way?!”

“Just fine.”

Rarity blushes slightly. “Can I… take a look at it?”

“Don’t worry. The pain’s completely gone now.”

“Please, Arc? I really need to see it with my own eyes!”

Arc sighs. “Very well.”

He removes his tunic and tosses it onto a chair. Rarity stands and walks behind him to examine his back more closely.

“It certainly looks alright.”

She pokes at it gently with a hoof.

“Does that hurt?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all.”

Rarity breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I was afraid I’d done some serious damage to your coat, er… skin! Tell me, do humans scar like ponies do?”

“Yes, we do. At least if Tempest’s face is any indication.”

“We do have certain treatments to remove scars like that. Why she chooses not to partake of them is beyond me.”

“I’m sure she has her reasons.”

Rarity takes a few steps to return to her spot next to Arc. However her hoof slips and she tumbles forward.

“Rarity!”

Wrapping his arms around her, Arc turns his body to land first. He looks up to see Rarity laying on his chest, blushing heavily.

“Are… you okay?”

Rarity nods. “I… I am! Thanks to you. Again I might add.”

They look into each other’s eyes for a long moment before Rarity slowly rolls off Arc and back onto her hooves to return to her spot. She looks away nervously.

“I’ll… try to be more careful.”

“Thanks. But I’ll always do my best to catch you when you fall, Rarity.”

“That’s most reassuring.”

“Now then, is something bothering you? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you so nervous.”

“It’s… um… rather hard to put into words.”

“Take your time, Rarity. I’ll wait.”

“I… ah… just wanted to… um… a… ask you a question.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Rarity clops her front hooves together nervously. “Well… you see… it’s about… um…”

Arc puts a hand on Rarity’s mane.

“Rarity, what’s wrong? This isn’t like you.”

“I know. But it’s really hard for me to talk about these things.”

“Because of what was done to you?”

Rarity sighs and silently nods.

“Well, in that case, can I ask you something?”

Rarity looks to him, surprised. “Oh! Um, yes. I suppose so.”

“Would you be interested in having lunch with me sometime?”

Rarity turns to him with a hopeful look in her eye. “Are you asking me out? Like… like a… date?”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “Kinda.”

“I would, yes! But tell me, what brought this on?”

“After I left your place that night I returned to Derpy’s house. Cherry was sitting up waiting for me.”

Rarity shrinks back nervously. “Was she… angry?”

Arc shakes his head. “More disappointed than anything, really. I mean, she was right after all. It doesn’t make me a good role model to come home in the wee hours of the morning almost naked.”

“I suppose not. Please tell her I’m sorry, and that it won’t happen again!”

Cherry giggles. “No, Rarity. It’s okay.”

Rarity jumps back, clearly startled.

“M-M-Miss Cherry! I’m so very sorry for…!”

“Rarity, there’s something I need to say to you… face to face.”

Rarity’s hooves shake slightly as Cherry continues.

“Arc? Would you please stand up and call forth your armor?”

“Sure.”

Arc does so, his armor appearing on his body.

“I’m going to let you out now, Arc.”

He nods as the front of the armor melts away to allow him to step out. Eidolon’s Ward reforms itself as it turns to Rarity and kneels down to her level.

“I was only upset because Dinky wouldn’t have understood, being so young and all. To see her father come home after spending the night with a mare isn’t something a young filly like her is able to process.”

Rarity nods and gulps.

“Arc was very forthcoming with me regarding the… activities of that evening.”

Rarity looks to the armor nervously. “So… how much did you hear about… what went on?”

“Everything.”

Rarity looks down at her hooves. “I suppose you must hate me for what I said and did.”

“No, Rarity.”

“…what?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “I told Arc to see other mares, and I meant it. Personally, I think you’re a wonderful individual, and fully capable of making Arc happy.”

Arc nods. “Cherry told me a while back to move on. Up until that night, I didn’t really think I was ready to do that. But now I understand that it’s not so much about moving on as it is moving past the pain of losing her.”

Rarity looks into Arc’s eyes. “Wha… what are you saying?”

“That I’d like to get to know you better.”

Rarity’s face brightens. “So you’re interested in making me your marefriend?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not quite. You see, like I told you that night, I still have so much to do before I can settle down and have a proper relationship.”

“Your duties as Hero of Light?”

“Yes. I still have to find Princess Celestia and bring her home. Then I can resign and start a life here in Ponyville.”

Arc takes her hoof.

“… maybe even have a real ‘marefriend’ as you call it.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “And you’re interested in… me?”

Arc nods.

“I’m interested in going out and getting better acquainted, yes. I can’t promise anything major, like becoming Sweetie Belle’s father, or anything. But I do want to have the time to devote to a wife and family before I try to have one.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to Rarity. “Is that okay with you?”

“I… um… yes, very much so! But what about you, Miss Cherry?”

“When Arc finds somepony to spend the rest of his life with, I’m move on and join the rest of my family in the afterlife. After all, there won’t be any reason for me to stay at that point.”

Arc puts his other hand on his armor’s shoulder. “One day we’ll all join you, Cherry.”

Rarity smiles. “Nopony lives forever, I suppose. But I want to make the best of the time I have with everypony.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “That’s good. But I should probably go now.”

Arc appears confused. “Go?”

“You two should have some alone time now to talk out what you both want to do.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I suppose that’s a good idea.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods and turns to leave. Rarity calls out after her.

“Miss Cherry?”

“Yes?”

“I… um… just wanted to say… thank you for being so understanding. But I have to ask something. How can you just walk away so easily?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “As I am, I can’t be there for Arc… physically. Like a living mare could be.”

“But…!”

“Please. Just talk and get to know one another before resting.”

Arc nods. “We will, Cherry.”

“Good night, you two.”

Eidolon’s Ward leaves the room. The door closes behind them with a small but firm click. Arc turns to Rarity, and she to him.

“I… need to say something, Rarity.”

“Yes?”

“At the moment, I can’t really have a marefriend.”

“What are you saying?”

Arc sighs. “That I see you as more than a friend, but less than a lover.”

“But in the future, I might have a chance?”

“When I retire, of course. In all honesty, I really do like you. But by that same token, I feel wrong trying to monopolize your affection while not making our relationship official.”

“So what should we do?”

Arc thinks for a moment.

“How about this? When the time is right, we’ll get to know each other better, go out when we can, and see where it takes us.”

“That’s fine with me!”

“Wait, there’s more.”

Rarity appears confused. “What else could there be?”

“If you find a stallion that turns your head, promise you won’t wait for me.”

Rarity gasps. “What?! But… but I can’t do that!”

“Believe me, I don’t expect you to sit around idly while potential husbands pass you by.”

“That wouldn’t be fair to you! I mean… what would you get out of an arrangement like that?!”

Arc sighs. “You’ve already told me about how the others have their eyes on me. If need be, I can find someone else. I just want you to find happiness, Rarity. For you and Sweetie Belle’s sake.”

Rarity nods sadly. “I… I’ll do my best to do what you ask of me.”

“Thank you.”

“But I want you to know that I can’t imagine anypony else giving me the same feeling as you did that night in my room.”

Arc blushes. “I actually felt the same way, Rarity.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. You just felt so soft and warm in my arms.”

Rarity looks into his eyes. “Arc, I… I need to know something.”

“What is it?”

“Do you think… that a mare and a human could ever fall in love?”

Arc turns and cups her face in his hands, smiling.

“Cherry and I already proved that, Rarity. Man and mare… anything is possible.”

Arc’s face draws closer to Rarity’s. She takes a deep breath and slowly closes her eyes. A moment later she feels warmth surging through her entire body as their lips meet. Rarity wraps her front hooves around his shoulders as Arc puts his arms around her back and pulls her into his lap. Suddenly, Rarity jumps back with a small yelp.

“My apologies for that unladylike sound. I was just… surprised.”

“Sorry. Um… did I go too far?”

Rarity shakes her head and leans forward to give his lips another small peck. “Not at all, Arc.”

Looking up at him with her luminous blue eyes, Rarity offers him a hopeful smile.

“Would you like to… spend the night with me?”

Arc nods. “I would.”

Rarity leans into Arc as he takes her in his arms. The pair fall backwards onto the pillows and sigh contentedly. Rarity puts a hoof on his bare chest.

“Good night, Arc.”

Arc smiles as he gives her face a small stroke. “Pleasant dreams, Rarity.”

Chapter 13 - New Lives

A short time later Arc, Rose, and Ember appear on the sigil outside Redemption Village. Ember turns to Rose.

“I still don’t like coming back here.”

Rose appears confused. “Why not?”

“Because Mythic Honor is NUTS!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You didn’t have to come, you know.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah, well… what else would I be doing?”

“Well, anything really.”

“Like…?”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“We really need to get you a hobby, or something.”

Ember grins. “I got one. Watching your back and making sure you don’t get yourself killed!”

Cherry sighs. “She has you there, Arc.”

“Great. Thanks you two.”

Cherry giggles. “You’re welcome!”

They walk toward the village. As they do, they spot Celaeno and her crew leaving. The two parties meet part way. Celaeno is the first to greet them.

“Welcome back, sir.”

Arc waves. “Hello there.”

Squabble appear suddenly nervous. “Here for a parole visit, sir?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Should we be?”

Mullet shrugs. “We’ve been behaving ourselves.”

Marco puffs his chest out with evident pride. “Yeah! We’re even building a new ship!”

Celaeno looks to Arc, nervously. “I, uh… hope that’s okay. We’re not trying to escape, or anything.”

“Fine by me. None of you are prisoners here anyways. But I am curious. Where would you go?”

Mullet sighs. “We were thinking of heading back to Ornithia. At least where the Griffon Kingdom and the rebels wouldn’t find us.”

Ember thinks for a moment. “I’ve never heard of that place. Is it nice?”

Celaeno grimaces. “Not… exactly.”

Squabble shudders. “What the captain means it that it’s rather… inhospitable.”

Arc chuckles. “That cleared it up.”

Mullet frowns. “It sucks there.”

Celaeno glares at him. “Mullet!”

“What? Just being honest.”

Arc looks around. “Uh… wasn’t there one more in your group?”

Marco grins. “You mean Lix? She’s at the Town Hall working for the mayor.”

Ember looks toward the town nervously. “Uh oh.”

Celaeno nods. “Mythic Honor hired her to cook the communal meals.”

Arc appears confused. “Communal?”

Mullet sniffs the air. “Didn’t you know? The ponies of this village eat every meal together.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Just like in Tartarus.”

“Old habits die hard, I suppose.”

Celaeno looks toward the tree line. “Well, we’d better get back to work. Mythic Honor has us hunting for mushrooms today.”

Ember sticks out her tongue. “For meals?”

Mullet shakes his head. “Not usually.”

Squabble looks over his shoulder. “This is for some kind of magical experiment of his. Not sure what though.”

Arc grimaces. “Well, we won’t keep you any longer then. Take care.”

The group nods as they part ways. Ember turns to Arc.

“I wonder what that was all about.”

“Which part?”

“Them wanting to leave all of a sudden.”

Rose shrugs. “Perhaps they just want the freedom to fly again, Arc.”

“Maybe.”

They head to the Town Hall. Approaching the building they see Lix Spittle busy tending to a pot. She greets them warmly.

“Hello again, sir.”

“Hi. Is Mythic Honor around?”

Lix appears suddenly nervous. “Uh… you could say that.”

Ember looks around. “Well, where is he then?”

Suddenly the pot begins to bubble violently. Before any of them can react, they are splashed with soup as a familiar figure pokes his head out and looks around. His eyes eventually focus on Arc.

“Fancy meeting you here!”

“Uh… hi?”

Ember glares at him. “What are you doing in there, Mythic Honor?!”

“Just soaking my tired muscles! Why do you ask?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Because you’re in a soup pot for starters.”

“I am?”

Lix sighs. “Yes sir. You are.”

Mythic Honor turns his gaze to Lix. “Huh… I thought it was my soaking pot! That explains why you were stirring it! You could’ve said something!”

“I did!”

Mythic Honor cackles as he hops out. “Oh well… no use crying over spilled soup! But what can I do for you three today?!”

Arc sighs. “I have a couple things I need you to look at.”

Mythic Honor motions with a hoof. “Sure! Come inside!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh… Mythic Honor?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t you want to get cleaned up first?”

Mythic Honor looks to Ember, confused. “Why?”

Ember groans and rolls her eyes. “You know what? I’m not even going to dignify that with an answer.”

“Glad you’re coming around to my way of thinking, Ember!”

“I’m not…!”

Arc wordlessly puts a hand on her shoulder as Lix points a claw.

“Mister Mayor, what’s that over there?”

“What? Where?”

“Behind you.”

Mythic Honor looks over his shoulder. Lix silently picks up a bucket of water and hurls the contents at the mayor, dousing him and knocking the stallion to the ground before putting the empty bucket down behind her.

“What the…?!”

The stallion quickly gets to his feet and looks around, fuming.

“That’s the tenth time that sneaky varmint has gotten the drop on me! But I’ll catch them sooner or later!”

Lix rolls her eyes. “Yes, well… why don’t you head inside and get dried off, sir? I’ll see if I have the ingredients to start a new pot of soup.”

“Okay! But what’s wrong with this one?!”

Ember facepalms. “Trust us. It’s tainted.”

They walk into the Town Hall. As usual it is filled with piles of everything imaginable. Mythic Honor walks over to a wardrobe and pulls out a fresh robe. Throwing it up into the air he Blinks out of his old one into the dry one before it touches the ground.

“Now then, what can I do for you two today?!”

Arc clears his throat. “Um… I just need advice on some interesting enchantments on a few things.”

He removes the outfit along with Hammer’s gun and Mio’s staff from his ring. Mythic Honor looks them over carefully before responding.

“These garments have several! The hat is enchanted with something resembling a Clear-Thought enchantment, while the cape has defensive enchants all over it.”

He points to the trousers.

“This part even has a Thermal Balancing enchant on it!”

Ember nods approvingly. “To keep the wearer warm?”

Mythic Honor cackles. “Or cool if need be!”

Arc puts a on the table. “What about the weapons?”

Mythic Honor grins as he picks up the gun. “This strange looking thing is quite curious! While I don’t sense an enchantment, I can feel the potential in this! Focus on it with your magic, Arc!”

“Uh… okay.”

Arc does so.

“Now aim it out the window at the tree line and fire!”

As Arc takes aim and fires a blast of magical energy blazes forth. Arc appears taken aback at the display.

“Woah!”

Rose claps her hands. “Very impressive!”

Ember frowns. “How much energy did you put in that thing, Arc?!”

“Um… I…”

Ember facepalms. “You have to remember to hold back sometimes!”

Arc looks down at the gun in his hands. “I thought I was.”

Mythic Honor grins. “That’s the weapon’s ability to amplify your powers, Arc!”

“To do what now?”

“It stores and then increases the power!”

Ember gasps. “How?!”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “No idea! I could take it apart if you really want to know!”

Ember looks to him skeptically. “Could you put the weapon back together again afterwards?”

“Maybe!”

Arc puts the gun cautiously in his ring. “I think I’ll just hold onto this.”

“Suit yourself!”

Ember frowns. “What about upper limits? Should Arc worry about overcharging the weapon and blowing up?!”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Unlikely! Nopony in their right mind would create something so powerful without safeguards to prevent such a thing!”

“That’s a relief. Now what about this?”

He gestures to Mio’s staff.

“It’s a stick with a rock on top!”

Ember seethes. “We can see that!”

Mythic Honor picks the wand up and looks it over. “Primitive magical amplification technology here! Nothing really special!”

Arc looks hopeful. “What kind of increases would this make possible?”

“At best it would bring a foal up to average adult magical prowess!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “That sounds dangerous.”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Nah! No foal would EVER do something nefarious with the likes of this!”

Arc shrugs. “Probably not. But let’s not take chances.”

“Be careful if you use it! This you CAN overload!”

Ember sighs. “Any tips on how to NOT do that?”

Mythic Honor nods. “Yeah! Don’t use it!”

“Anything else?”

“If you do decide to, be sure to channel your magic evenly! It’ll make for the best chances of success!”

He looks over the items again silently. Rose notices this and raises the question.

“Something else, sir?”

“Kinda! You see, these enchantments just feel a bit… wrong!”

Arc frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s kinda hard to explain! Think of it like making soup!”

Ember instinctively puts a claw to her stomach. “Soup?”

“Yes, soup! A chef could give their recipe to somepony else to make! However, it’ll never quite be the same as the original version!”

Arc steps back, surprised. “That… actually kinda makes sense.”

Rose turns to him. “It does?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Rose. I think he means that a human trying to enchant something is different than a pony doing the same.”

“Pretty much! It’s kinda sloppy actually!”

“Thanks for the insight. By the way, how are Captain Celaeno and her crew doing here?”

“Great! They’re making enough to afford proper lodgings! Even built themselves a sort of bunkhouse!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “So they’re living together?”

“Yup!”

Rose appears confused. “Is that strange?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, Rose. They probably just feel safe sharing a roof. It’s probably kinda like their new ship.”

“Which they’re building!”

Ember nods. “They did mention that.”

Arc looks to the mayor. “That doesn’t worry you, does it?”

“Not in the least! We’re kinda remote way out here! It would be nice to have some way of ferrying supplies to and from the village!”

Ember puts a claw to her chin. “For trade with other towns?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “More for bringing in things we can’t make ourselves! Like solar powered alarm clocks!”

Arc frowns. “Um… is that a thing?”

Ember sighs. “I certainly hope not.”

“Somewhere, somepony must make those!”

Arc considers this for a few moments. “How would you even…?! You know what, I don’t want to know. In any case, we have to be going.”

“Why don’t you two stay for lunch as my guests?!”

Arc grimaces. “Uh… we’re kinda busy right now.”

Ember looks to Mythic Honor. “I’m kinda hungry. What are you having?”

“Soup!”

He points a hoof out the front door at Lix Spittle as she stirs the pot. Ember’s pupil’s shrink.

“On second thought, let’s get moving.”

Mythic Honor grins as he shows them to the door. “Take care now!”

The trio leaves the Town Hall. Arc turns to Lix.

“Uh… is that the same…”

Lix sighs. “There isn’t time or materials to make another pot.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Does this happen often?”

“You mean him swimming in the food?”

“Yeah.”

Lix frowns. “That was new. But he always does things that most of us would consider bizarre at the very least.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Well, that isn’t new.”

Rose appears confused. “Ember?”

“He’s been like that as long as I’ve known him.”

Arc shrugs. “I can’t argue with that.”

Lix looks around and lowers her voice. “The rest of the town’s inhabitants really look up to him though. I just don’t understand why.”

Ember sighs. “He’s been the leader as long as anyone can remember. They just don’t understand how crazy he is, as it’s all they’ve ever known.”

Arc nods. “So you think he should retire?”

“Probably. I mean, he does work really hard. One of these days he’ll give himself a heart attack though. Especially at his age.”

Lix sighs. “Yes. But I don’t think he, or anyone else, wants anything to change.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Well, at some point someone else needs to step forward and lead!”

Arc frowns. “You’re right, Ember. But Mythic Honor shouldn’t be pushed aside simply because he’s old and a little crazy.”

“Why not?!”

“Because he still has a lot to teach the current generation.”

Arc sighs.

“Back on Earth, we have the same problem.”

Lix frowns. “Crazy old ponies?”

“Not exactly. It seems that when people get old and have things to warn us about, we like to tell them to step back and let the current generation handle it.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What happens to them?”

“Mostly nursing homes.”

Lix appears confused. “Nursing homes?”

“It’s a place where they live with other seniors and are, sadly, often forgotten and ignored by their relatives.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Why?!”

“Because their old and frail or maybe a bit senile.”

Lix looks down at the pot. “Like Mythic Honor?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, he’s nuts!”

“I suppose he is, Ember. But there’s so much expertise in that head of his, it’s staggering! This town needs ponies like him, as does Equestria.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “If you say so.”

Arc’s earring chirps.

“Arc here. Go ahead.”

“This is Max, sir! We’ve just received a phone call from one of Frank’s men! They say something is wrong with him!”

“What?! Did they elaborate?!”

“No sir! But things sounded a bit strange over there! Are you and Ember still in Equestria?!”

“Yeah!”

“Might I ask when the next wormhole will be?!”

“As soon as I get to Canterlot Castle! Let me know if you learn anything else! Arc out!”

He touches his earring as he turns to Ember.

“I’ve got to get back!”

“You mean ‘we’, right?!”

“Ember, this will be dangerous!”

“I’m coming, and that’s final!”

Arc sighs as he calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Fine! Let’s go!”

The pair rush through and hurry down the hall. Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst!”

A few moments later a different voice reverberates in Arc’s ear.

“Um… this is Spike. Sunburst is still out cold.”

Arc groans. “Great! I forgot!”

“Something I can help you with?”

Ember frowns. “Arc and I need to get back to Earth right away!”

“Right! Does anyone else know how to use the S.P.E.A.R.?!”

“I can start it up. The only problem is I don’t know how to read the data on times for safe wormhole windows.

Arc sighs. “Well, we’re going right now with or without a window!”

Spike’s eyes grow wide. “What?! But…!”

Ember interrupts him. “It’s urgent! Now are you going to help, or am I just going to start pushing buttons?!”

Spike grimaces. “I’ll be right there.”

The baby dragon frowns as he hurries out of the office.

“Of all the times…!”

Arriving at Princess Celestia’s bedroom Spike finds Arc and Ember pacing impatiently

“There he is.”

“Spike, get this thing working!”

He hurries over to the machine. “Fine. But I want to go on record as saying this is a bad idea.”

Arc nods. “Duly noted.”

Manipulating the controls a wormhole forms. Ember frowns.

“It looks unstable.”

Spike grimaces as he looks over the controls. “That’s probably because it is! Remember, I can’t read the data on windows!”

“I’m going!”

“Me too!”

Spike nods soberly. “Alright. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

The pair step through the portal and vanish. Spike sighs.

“Good luck you two.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ember reappear on Earth. Arc looks around.

“That wasn’t so bad. Kinda foggy, but…”

“Uh… Arc?”

“Yes, Ember?”

She wordlessly points a claw at her feet. Arc look down as his pupils shrink.

“Crap.”

Cherry calls out. “Arc? What’s…”

As the pair begin to slowly fall he calls out.

“ARMOR UP, QUICK!”

“ON IT!”

The pair call forth their respective armors. Within seconds they emerge from the bottom of a cloud. Ember grabs Arc’s gauntlet.

“HANG ON!”

“DO I HAVE A CHOICE?!”

She strains. “FUNNY!”

Ember spreads her wings and takes flight. In a few moments they level off.

“WHERE TO?! YOUR HOUSE?!”

“JUST LAND! I’LL OPEN A PORTAL! WE CAN’T HAVE SOMEONE SEEING US RETURN HOME!”

“FINE! I’LL LAND ON THAT BUILDING OVER THERE!”

Flapping her leathery wings the pair land on a tall rooftop. Arc lets go of Ember’s claw and drops nimbly on the roof as she doubles back and lands next to him.

“You okay?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah. And you?”

“I’m fine. But that was quite the trip!”

Cherry sounds frightened. “I’ll say! That was scary!”

“Agreed. And I can fly.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, at least Spike got us here safely. But this little experiment proves something rather important.”

Cherry answers warily. “What’s that?”

“That portals to Equestria can be opened elsewhere. Not just on the ground.”

Ember looks out over the horizon. “I suppose it does. But unless you want to fall to Earth every time we come here, how does that help us?”

“We might need to portal in somewhere high or low one of these days.”

Cherry calls out. “You mean when Princess Celestia is found?”

“Yeah. But for now let’s get home. We can grab my Jeep and head over to see Frank.”

“Why not just fly there? I can get you there faster.”

Arc shakes his head as he raises a gauntlet. “True. But we’d have trouble explaining why there isn’t a vehicle parked out front.”

They enter the portal and appear in Arc’s basement. Xenos tosses Arc the keys.

“We just got another phone call, sir! Couldn’t make out what they were saying, but there was a LOT of yelling!”

Max nods nervously. “Yes, sir. You should hurry over.”

“Alright. Thanks for letting me know.”

Arc runs up the stairs as Ember walks over to the others

“What do you guys think?”

Hugh shrugs. “No idea. The yelling didn’t seem like it was from an argument though.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “What other reason would they have for doing that though.”

Rose looks over from the table.

“I think I know.”

Xenos grins. “Great!”

“You were right, Hugh. They weren’t angry, but were experiencing an equally powerful emotion.”

Ember frowns. “Which one?”

“Fear.”

Chapter 3 - Insecurities

Frank emerges from the Bathroom sometime later. He spots Arc and Ember sitting on the couch together waiting for him and walks over.

“I apologize for making your two wait.”

Ember grins mischievously. “Don’t worry about it. The delay allowed Arc and I to have some quality alone time together.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yeah. That’s what we were doing.”

He holds up a tome.

“This is the book Twilight gave me. It really helped me take my first steps into the wide world of magic.”

Frank nods and accepts the book as he sits down. “Thank you, my friend.”

He opens the pages and begins to read. Arc turns to Ember.

“I have a few things to do. Think you can stay with Frank?”

“Sure. But what’s so important?”

Arc counts on his fingers as he talks. “Inform Captain Tight Ship about tomorrow’s expedition. Check in with Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage on the what they’ve been up to since I was here last. Head over to Carousel Boutique for…”

“Okay, okay! Preparations! Got it!”

Arc chuckles as he stands up. “You good for a bit, Frank.”

Frank nods, but does not look up. “Fine.”

Arc heads for the door. “I’ll try to be back for lunch.”

Ember calls out after him. “Isn’t this the day Saffron makes pizza?”

Arc grins as he steps out the door. “Thanks! Forgot about that.”

Ember chuckles as the door closes behind him. “That was easy.”

Frank looks up as Ember turns back to him. “Oh?”

“Arc’s pretty easy to read.”

“That much I do know. We grew up together after all.”

“At the Farburg Orphanage, right?”

Frank nods. “Correct. Did I mention that during our car ride over there before Christmas?”

Ember shrugs. “Either that or Arc said it. Truth be told, at this point I can’t remember either way.”

“Memories fade with time. No shame in that. But I was wondering if you could tell me something.”

“What is it?”

“Forgive me for being so blunt, but… are you and Arc honestly not intimately involved?”

Ember sighs. “No.”

“Apologies, but from the way I’ve heard you speak to him…”

“Sorry if I came on a bit strong in front of you. Arc told me that humans don’t usually get into… relationships outside their species.”

Frank nods. “That is true, as it’s considered ‘bestiality’.”

Ember appears confused. “What’s that?”

“Sexual relations with an animal.”

Ember glares at him. “I am NOT an animal!”

“It was not meant as a slight, Ember. Humans consider any living, breathing creatures that are not ‘homo sapiens’ to collectively be animals.”

“That’s still kinda rude!”

“Again, it was not intended to be. However, you honestly seem to care about his well-being from what I can tell.”

“That I do. But… can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you… do you think it could ever work out between a human and a… a non-human?”

“By that you mean between you and Arc?”

Ember nods as Frank considers the question.

“Had you asked me that yesterday I would have quickly said no, as animals back on Earth lack the mental fortitude for complex thought.”

“But…?”

Frank sighs. “However, from what you’ve displayed thus far, I do believe you do indeed have the mental aptitude for proper emotions and the ability to love.”

“Um… thank you?”

Frank chuckles. “In any case, I must admit I’m looking forward to our little excursion tomorrow morning. Tell me, is the rest of this land as beautiful as I think it is?”

Ember nods. “Yes. But probably not for the reasons you think.”

“Oh?”

“It’s full of life. Ponies whom care for one another and help make this land… I don’t know. Whole?”

“I’d like to see this for myself.”

“Trust me, you will.”

Arc returns sometime later. He heads for the couch where Ember and Frank are still talking.

“Sorry I took so long. Nice to see you two getting along.”

Ember shrugs. “We’ve come to a tentative agreement.”

“Indeed.”

“Frank’s actually really similar to you, Arc.”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose we are. Although our methods are certainly very different as of late.”

Frank nods. “Perhaps. But we still have the same endgame in mind.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah well… let’s hit the Cafeteria for lunch.”

The trio head for the door together. Frank looks to Arc.

“Can I assume you have total authority here, my friend?”

“Yes. Why?”

Frank chuckles as they walk down the corridor together. “Pizza?”

Arc shrugs. “What? It’s veggie pizza.”

Ember frowns. “Hey!”

“Well, all except Ember’s.”

“I assumed all the ponies here were plant eaters.”

Arc nods. “They are. But my chef makes one especially with meat.”

Ember turns to Frank. “I’d be willing to share.”

“What… kind of meat are we talking about?”

Arc grins. “Cockatrice and fish.”

Frank frowns. “Admittedly that doesn’t sound very appetizing.”

“I thought so at first too, but my chef can seemingly make anything taste good.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah. But Arc still prefers his extra-cheese.”

“Hey, I know what I like.”

They arrive at the Cafeteria. Frank looks around to see guards sitting at various tables with happy faces buried in their plates or levitating slices with magic.

“It must be hard to eat without hands.”

Ember shrugs. “Or magic as far as Unicorns are concerned.”

Arc chuckles. “They’ve managed this long. After all, you can’t miss what you never had.”

He leads the group to his table. They sit down as Saffron emerges from the Kitchen levitating several pizza pans.

“Good afternoon, commander.”

“Hi, Saffron. We’ve been looking forward to this.”

She looks to Frank.

“My apologies, sir. I was not aware the commander had a guest. Shall I make you a pizza of your own?”

“No, no. I can just eat what the others are, Miss… Saffron was it?”

“Yes sir. Let me know if you change your mind.”

“Thank you.”

Arc chuckles. “We’ll share with him.”

He looks around the Cafeteria before turning back to Saffron.

“It appears my pizza order has been quite the hit.”

Saffron nods. “That it has, sir. Today’s lunch is the high point of the week. Well, I need to get back to the Kitchen. There’s a few pizzas in the oven that need to come out soon.”

Ember calls out after Saffron as she returns to the Kitchen. “Tastes great as usual!”

Saffron giggles from the doorway. “I’m glad you like it, Ember!”

Frank turns to Arc as he hands him a slice of his pizza.

“Thank you, but I can eat…”

Arc interrupts him. “Trust me. You can’t stomach most of the pizzas that were baked for my soldiers.”

“Oh? Is there something wrong with them?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “I don’t know. Do you like barley and grains?”

Arc nods. “Whole grains and barley, that is. As toppings. Along with spinach, bananas, apples, cherries, lettuce, carrots, and radishes.”

Ember nods. “Their pizzas are pretty much salads with tomato sauce.”

“While I do enjoy a good salad, I… think I’ll abstain.”

“You should try Ember’s pizza though.”

Frank eyes it suspiciously.

“What’s cockatrice meat taste like?”

Ember looks confused. “Uh… like… cockatrice?”

Arc chuckles. “Think of it like chicken. It’s really quite good

Frank looks over the slice for a moment before taking a bite.

“I admit, it certainly isn’t what I was expecting. However, this is quite good. Tell me, what’s that other slightly salty taste?”

“Tuna.”

“Tuna?”

Arc nods. “Saffron grinds it up before adding it to the tomato sauce.”

Ember grins. “Makes it taste better in my opinion.”

Frank continues chewing. “I suppose it does add to the flavor of the sauce.”

He takes a bite of cheese pizza.

“Interesting.”

“You like it?”

Frank nods. “Very much so! I’ve never been much for plain cheese. But this is just divine!”

Ember chuckles. “Saffron says it’s all in the seasonings.”

Arc grins. “She’s right about that.”

“Yes! It’s like a flavor explosion in my mouth! Where did this cheese come from?!”

Arc looks toward the Kitchen. “Saffron said she was unable to find the perfect cheese, so she resorted to making her own.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Really? I didn’t know that.”

“True story.”

Frank nods approvingly. “She’s very talented. Tell me, where did you find her?”

“Canterlot sent her over. Apparently she was originally worked in the castle’s kitchen.”

Ember grins. “Tastes like it.”

“Agreed.”

They continue eating. Ember turns to Arc.

“What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”

“I figured we should probably let Frank rest up for tomorrow.”

Frank frowns. “Truthfully, I’d be interested in seeing more of this town.”

Ember shrugs. “You could always open a portal back to your quarters back at Light’s Hope, Arc.”

“I suppose so. Well, if that’s what you want, we can do that.”

A short time later they leave Light’s Hope and walk back toward Ponyville. Frank turns to Arc.

“Where should we go first?”

“We should probably head over to Carousel Boutique and have you measured up for some new clothes.”

Ember grins slyly at Arc. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

Arc looks away as he blushes slightly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ember chuckles. “Right.”

The group makes their way to the shop. Entering, they find Rarity and Sassy Saddles setting out displays. Upon seeing him Rarity quickly trots over.

“Arc! It’s good to see you again!”

He kneels down to give her a hug which she returns as Sassy Saddles walks over to join them.

“Hi, Rarity.”

“How are things on Earth?”

“Um… complicated right now. But I want you to meet someone.”

He turns and gestures to Frank.

“Rarity, this is my friend Frank Fontaine. Frank, this is Rarity. She owns Carousel Boutique and is my sole supplier for clothing. And this is her assistant, Sassy Saddles.”

“A pleasure, sir.”

Sassy Saddles smiles at him. “How do you do?”

“Very nice to meet you two.”

“Frank is going to be here awhile. So I thought we should get him some clothes made up.”

“Yes, of course. Please step right over here, Mr. Fontaine.”

She leads Frank over to her workbench. Picking up a seamstress’ tape she quickly takes his measurements as Sassy Saddles writes down what she calls out.

“…and thirty.”

Sassy Saddles tears off the page from her notepad. “Got it.”

Rarity turns back to Frank. “I’ll get to work on something nice right away.”

“Thank you, but it doesn’t have to be…”

“Oh, but it does! After all, we want you to look your best for the event!”

Arc looks to her, confused. “Event?”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Yes. For the party.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What party?”

Rarity gasps. “Oh dear. You just got back into town, so of course you didn’t know.”

Sassy Saddles turns to Arc. “In a few days we’ll be celebrating the anniversary of the town’s founding.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. And it’s a big year too. Ponyville’s fiftieth anniversary.”

Arc grins. “I didn’t know that.”

Rarity looks up at Arc with a hopeful gleam in her eyes. “Will you be attending?”

Ember shakes her head. “Sorry, but we have a lot of preparations to make before…”

Arc interrupts. “Yes, of course. After all, it wouldn’t do for the Hero of Light to miss such an auspicious occasion.”

Frank nods. “I too will come.”

Ember frowns. “Uh… okay. Count me in then.”

“I’ll be sure to have a new set of clothes made up for you as well, Arc.”

“Oh, that isn’t really…”

Rarity smiles. “No, no, I insist. You should look your best, after all.”

“Okay. If you say so.”

Rarity turns to Frank. “Stop by later for your fittings.”

“I look forward to it, Miss Rarity.”

“Oh, please. Just call me Rarity, sir.”

“Very well. But only if you call me Frank.”

Rarity smiles. “It’s a deal.”

She turns to Arc.

“Arc, might I talk to you privately?”

“Yes, of course.”

He turns to Ember and Frank.

“I’ll be right back.”

Rarity turns to her assistant. “Could you please make them some tea, Sassy Saddles?”

“Certainly.”

She leads the pair to the Kitchen as Rarity and Arc head upstairs. Ember chuckles to herself as she mutters under her breath.

“Good luck, tiger.”

Meanwhile, Rarity leads Arc to her room. Entering together, she closes the door behind them as Arc turns to her.

“So what seems to be the problem, Rarity?”

“I… um… need a bit of… uh…”

She shifts uneasily on her hooves as she forces a smile.

“…parenting advice.”

“Should we sit down? You look like you’re really nervous.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, I am.”

The pair sit on the edge of the bed together as Rarity collects her thoughts.

“Things have been rather… strained since that night I told Sweetie Belle the truth.”

“I’m sure it was quite the bombshell for her.”

“Don’t misunderstand me. I’m very glad you were able to convince me to do it. After all, she needed to know the truth. But…”

Rarity clops her front hooves together nervously.

“…but she’s become such a handful since then.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sometimes she calls me ‘Rarity’. Like when we’re around town running errands. Other times she calls me ‘mom’. While it makes my heart soar to finally hear her call me that, I just feel a bit… conflicted by it.”

Arc looks confused. “How so? After all, you’re certainly her mother.”

“It took me until a week or so after the peace summit to figure it out. She never calls me ‘mother’ or ‘mom’ other than in the privacy of our home.”

Rarity looks up to him and lowers her voice.

“I think… that she might be a bit embarrassed by me.”

“Embarrassed?”

“Yes. After all, she was born without a father. I wanted to know if that was… um… an issue in your household.”

“You mean with Dinky’s father?”

Rarity nods as Arc sighs.

“Not really, no. After all, she’s met him before.”

“She has?”

Arc nods. “Yes. There was a bit of a… misunderstanding some time back. In any case, Derpy introduced the two, as she felt it was important.”

“That must’ve been very heartwarming.”

Arc frowns. “No, it wasn’t.”

“Oh? What happened?”

He clenches a fist angrily. “He told her off.”

Rarity gasps. “WHAT?!”

“It’s true! That scum sucker told Dinky she wasn’t his!”

“I’m very sorry to hear that! How did she take the news?!”

“Very well, actually. In fact, she agreed with him.”

“But I thought you said…!”

“Dinky walked over to me and said something to the effect of… ‘my REAL dad is right here’.”

Rarity smiles. “That was very mature.”

Arc smiles. “Yes, I’m very proud of her.”

“Has it affected your relationship in any way?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. But until that moment, I didn’t really know that she saw me in that way. As more of a parent than her own biological father, I mean.”

Rarity sighs. “I must admit, I’m a bit jealous.”

“You are?”

“Yes. You two seem to have the ideal relationship.”

Arc looks down at his hands. “I… haven’t actually seen her is a while.”

“What? But… what about the last time you were here?”

“Truthfully, I was so busy with the preparations for the summit, I… didn’t really have time to…”

Arc’s voice trails off as Rarity puts a hoof on his knee.

“And you haven’t seen her since coming back?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I spent last night at the castle and this morning at Light’s Hope. I’m planning on meeting her and Derpy at the Orphanage after school gets out, of course. But I just feel like a terrible parent.”

He looks to Rarity and smiles sadly.

“Truth be told, I’m jealous of you.”

Rarity sighs. “You’re jealous of a mare who made the biggest mistake of her life?”

Arc shakes his head as he reaches over and puts a hand on Rarity’s hoof. “Sweetie Belle wasn’t a mistake. She was just… unexpected.”

“I know, but… I just can’t help but wonder if… if maybe… I should have put her up for adoption back then.”

“Why’s that?”

“Maybe then she would have been raised in a loving home by parents whom care for her.”

“And you don’t?”

“No, no! I mean… it’s just… I’m always working on something or other. It could be clothes or doing paperwork. But either way, I’m constantly neglecting her.”

“Rarity. I’m traveling between dimensions constantly. You’re here for your daughter. At least physically.”

“That’s true, I suppose. But… but there’s more to it than that.”

“Something happen?”

Rarity nods. “Last week was parent/teacher conferences at the school. I was very busy that day, so I was trotting in place impatiently as Sweetie Belle and I waited our turn.”

Arc sighs. “At least you were able to go.”

“Yes, well… on the way back home Sweetie Belle said something about me needing help.”

“She might be onto something there if you have THAT much work to do.”

Rarity shakes her head. “It wasn’t that kind of help. You see… I’ve been very stressed out lately due to my workload, and don’t really have much of an outlet for it. When Sweetie Belle suggested getting help, I originally thought she meant hiring somepony. But she wasn’t talking about that.”

“I think I see where this is going.”

“She… told me I should think about finding a special somepony and… settling down with them.”

Arc blushes. “Oh. Um… did you tell her about… us?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No. After all, you were the one who said you didn’t have time for a marefriend.”

“Sorry.”

“No, no! I understand completely! After all, if you’re too busy to see Dinky regularly, I don’t want you to feel guilty about neglecting a marefriend.”

Rarity lays her head on his shoulder.

“Although I have to admit, I’ve absolutely loved every moment you’ve spent with me. Especially recently.”

Arc puts an arm around Rarity. “And I’ve enjoyed the time we spent together too.”

He sighs.

“We’re really similar, you and I.”

Rarity nods. “Yes. Both of us have fillies we don’t have time for. But what can we do?”

“I really don’t know. All I can think of is just doing our very best.”

Rarity sighs. “Admittedly, it isn’t much.”

“True. But it’s all we can do right now.”

“I should be able to do more.”

Arc nods. “I think the same of myself quite often.”

“But you really can’t do more. After all, as capable as you are, even you can’t be in two places at once.”

“I suppose not.”

They are silent for a time. Eventually Rarity speaks.

“Sweetie Belle and Dinky… they both deserve a proper home and… a father.”

“Yeah.”

“Arc, I… um… I know this might sound a bit strange, but…”

Her voice trails off.

“What is it?”

“I… just wanted to say that I believe you’re an excellent father to Dinky. And that… you’d make an equally fine father to Sweetie Belle.”

“Thanks. But I can’t see that being true until I’m a full time parent.”

“But you will be one day. You said so yourself.”

Arc nods. “As soon as Princess Celestia again sits on the throne, yes. Then she can deal with the problems facing the land as she has in the past.”

Rarity looks to him, hopeful. “And us?”

“Like I said before, I’d… actually like to explore that option.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. But as we agreed on last time, if you find someone else in the meantime, please don’t wait for me, okay?”

“Alright. If that’s what you want, I suppose. But the same goes for you.”

“Huh?”

“If you find somepony special, don’t hesitate on my behalf.”

“But what about…?”

“Sweetie Belle? She and I both know that no matter whom you choose to spend your life with, you’ll always make time for your friends.”

“I’ll try to anyways.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

“What for?”

“Being a good role model for my daughter. She talks about you all the time, you know.”

“I’d like to be able to do more for both of them. And… for you.”

Rarity smiles. “That would be a dream come true.”

“Hopefully soon we’ll be able to do so.”

“I… actually already spoke to my friends about that very thing.”

“You did?”

Rarity looks nervous. “Yes. I hope that was okay.”

“No complaints here.”

Rarity breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I was a bit worried you’d be upset. After all, we aren’t actually dating.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to say that you can’t talk to your friends about whatever you want, Rarity. Even if we were dating, or even married, I don’t own you.”

“Thank you. And you’ll be very happy to hear that they approve of our relationship.”

“Oh… um… that’s good to know. All of them?”

“Well… kinda.”

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I know this can’t be easy.”

“The only issue was Rainbow Dash.”

Arc chuckles. “That kinda doesn’t surprise me. She’s so competitive, after all. What was her complaint?”

“She… kinda suggested something a bit… unorthodox.”

“How bad could it have been?”

Rarity blushes. “That maybe we could… share you.”

“You mean like a ‘herd’?”

Rarity looks up, surprised. “You… you know about that?”

Arc nods. “Cherry told me about their historical significance.”

“I see. So… um… are you… interested in something like that?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, no. It just seems so impersonal. And you?”

“Truthfully?”

“Always.”

“I’ve always viewed them as something from our land’s barbaric past. But in all honesty, with you and my friends…”

She looks up at him and smiles.

“…I think we’d all be very happy together.”

“Really?”

Rarity nods. “Yes. You, me, our friends, Derpy…”

“Wait! Derpy?!”

Rarity appears confused. “You do care about her, don’t you?”

“I… I do! But I never thought of her as anything more than just a friend!”

“Well, if that’s how you feel about her, I won’t push it. But you should know that we’d allow her into the herd with open hooves.”

“Um… thanks?”

“That and it wouldn’t be proper to take Dinky away from her father. Not to mention she, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom would love being sisters.”

“Applejack too?”

Rarity nods.

“Wow. I… I guess I have a lot to think about.”

“There’s no rush. After all, none of us are going anywhere. But I’d really like it if you’d at least consider it.”

“I’ll give the matter some thought.”

Rarity nods and straightens up, She turns and looks Arc in the eye as she smiles broadly.

“Thank you for listening to a silly mare’s problems.”

“Anytime, Rarity.”

She leans in close and gently kisses Arc’s cheek before drawing back and blushing.

“Whatever you choose to do, make sure you’re happy, okay?”

“That I can do.”

Arc wraps his arms around Rarity and pulls her into his lap. They share a long embrace before he plants his lips on hers. Contentedly, Rarity leans into the kiss as she muses to herself.

“I never want this to end. Arc would make all of us very happy. It’s so nice having friends you can share literally everything with.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - Epiphany

Arc awakens early the next morning as the first rays of dawn shine through the window into his face. He looks over at the bed and sees the three fillies resting peacefully. Dinky sits up slowly and rubs her eyes as Arc walks over to the bed.

“Sorry, sweetheart. Did I wake you?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No, dad. This is about the time mom and I get up every day, remember?”

“Oh… right.”

She looks at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle on either side of her before gently nudging them.

“Wha?”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Five more minutes, mom.”

“Come on, you two. We need to get breakfast going.”

“They can sleep in if they want, sweetheart. After all, you three had a busy time yesterday.”

Apple Bloom sits up. “Nah, I’m good.”

Sweetie Belle kicks the covers off. “Well… I’m already awake. Might as well get up.”

They hop down from the bed and head toward the door with Arc and Dinky.

“You three want to help me cook breakfast?”

Dinky nods. “Sure thing!”

Apple Bloom looks up to him as Arc opens the cabin door. “Applejack and I cook together most mornings, so this’ll be…!”

They stop talking as they spot Aurora standing in the corridor. She appears to be waiting for something. Arc greets her.

“Oh! Um… is everything alright, Aurora?”

“Yes.”

Dinky steps forward. “Did you sleep well last night?”

“Aurora does not sleep.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “Then what were you doing?”

“Waiting for you to start moving again.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “What for?”

“For speaking.”

Arc nods. “I see. Well, would you like to follow us to the Kitchen??

Dinky grins. “We’re going to cook breakfast together!”

“Aurora will follow. Although we are not sure what we should be doing.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “You could keep us company.”

“Very well. Lead on and Aurora shall follow.”

They head toward the Cafeteria together. Aurora turns to Arc.

“Tell Aurora something. How do you… what is the term…? Function?”

“I don’t understand the question.”

“The Consciousness and Aurora have been debating theories until now.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “All night?!”

“Yes.”

“What did you come up with?”

“We have agreed that it is a form of magic that keeps you moving.”

Dinky looks confused. “Moving?”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Wait! Do you mean alive?”

“We are not familiar with that term. But since we have not witnessed a living creature stop moving, there is little we can understand about this.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But we were asleep last night.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Yeah! We all stopped moving for several hours.”

“Indeed. However, you started moving again after the Great Light reappeared.”

Arc looks out a window as they pass. “You mean the sun, right?”

Aurora points at the rising sun. “If that is what you call this wondrous object, yes. Did it somehow cause you to start moving again?”

Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes. “We just woke up.”

Dinky turns to Aurora. “Right. All of us need to sleep at some point.”

“But the first one witnessed many other creatures in our homeland stop moving. Are you perhaps different?”

Arc holds up a hand, gesturing for them to stop walking. “Wait a moment. Aurora, can you describe what happens when something… stops moving?”

“The creature slows internally and externally before falling to the ground. There they lie as other much smaller creature arrive and begin the process of consuming them.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “What?! They get eaten?!”

“Yes. However I do not see any of the small creatures attempting to consume any of you.”

Arc sighs. “I think what you know as ‘stop moving’ we know by a very different name.”

“What’s that, dad?”

“Death.”

Aurora looks around. “The creatures should have shown signs of appearing by now.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “We weren’t dead!”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose to someone with Aurora’s point of view, we may have appeared so. But it isn’t magic that wards away death.”

“You are comprised of many different living parts all working together. However, we do not understand how.”

She looks them up and down.

“Were such a display not right in front of us, it would be unbelievable.”

Dinky smiles. “Well, aren’t you the same?”

“No. The Collective is a mass of numerous Dragon Fruit essences existing together.”

Arc nods. “Like us.”

Apple Bloom turns to him. “We’re not plants, Arc.”

“True. But our bodies are made up of cells that all work together to keep us alive.”

Aurora looks them over. “An interesting concept. We would like to learn more about our similarities.”

Dinky points a small hoof down the corridor. “How about after breakfast?”

Arc and the fillies laugh. Aurora appears confused.

“Break… fast?”

Arc continues down the corridor. “We’ll show you.”

Sometime later, after a hearty meal, Arc and his friends leave the Cafeteria. Twilight looks to Aurora sheepishly.

“Again, Auriel and I are very sorry for falling asleep back there.”

“There is nothing to worry about. We merely thought you two had stopped moving.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Stopped… moving?”

Arc chuckles. “She thought you and Twilight were dead.”

Twilight nods. “Oh. Wait, what?!”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Are we almost there?”

“Yes. We’ll land at Canterlot Castle soon enough.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Canterlot?”

Twilight nods. “Aurora told us last night she wanted to meet with Sunburst before returning to Ponyville. I think the three of us could learn a lot from one another.”

Auriel smiles. “Agreed.”

Aurora sighs. “I only hope he does not stop moving before that time.”

Apple Bloom rolls her eyes. “I wouldn’t worry about that. He’s not THAT old!”

“Yes, well… why don’t you and your friends head for the game room, Dinky?”

“What about you, dad?”

“I’ll meet you there in a little while, sweetheart. First I have to pick up your mother and Ember.”

“Okay. See you in a bit.”

Aurora turns to Twilight. “Might we relocate to the area with clear walls again?”

“You mean the Observation Deck?”

“Yes. Basking in the Great Light’s warmth is of great comfort to us.”

Auriel gestures with a claw. “Right this way.”

They part company as Arc chuckles.

“That was quite the adventure for what was supposed to be a rather boring trip.”

Cherry giggles. “It really was touch and go for a while there. But I’m glad it all worked out.”

“Well, that’s still up in the air.”

“Oh?”

Arc sighs. “Aurora seems to really like the sun and nature.”

“Considering what she is, that does make sense.”

“Agreed. But I’m worried she won’t agree to do what Auriel wants.”

“You mean light Tartarus?”

Arc nods. “Right. There’s no sun and no plants there.”

“All you can do is ask, Arc.”

“Yeah. But if she doesn’t agree, Auriel will be heartbroken.”

“I’m sure she’ll understand. Auriel wouldn’t force Aurora to go anywhere she didn’t want to.”

“Yeah. But it’s kinda nice having her around.”

“Because she looks like me?”

Arc blushes slightly. “Yeah. But…”

He sighs.

“At the same time she’s just a reminder of something I’ll never have again.”

“You’ll find another love, Arc. Think of Rarity, or any other mare whom we talked about the other day.”

Arc leans against the wall. “Rarity. How am I going to explain having Sweetie Belle appear aboard my ship?”

“It’s happened before. Her teleporting across the continent, that is.”

“Yes. And as I recall, Rarity wasn’t too happy with her about it.”

Cherry giggles. “Considering your current relationship, I would think she’d be happy to have you watching Sweetie Belle.”

“I guess. She really is a sweet little filly.”

“Agreed.”

Arc raises a hand as he calls forth his gauntlet.

“But we should get a move on.”

Opening a portal Arc steps through. He arrives on the sigil in the corner of Ember’s small house. The pair are waiting for him on the couch.

“I’m here. Everything okay?”

Derpy smiles and nods. “Yes. Just a little mare time.”

Ember looks away. “Yeah… can we get moving?”

“Um… okay.”

Reopening a portal, Arc allows Ember and Derpy to enter first before following them. They reappear in his quarters aboard The Equinox.

“Dinky and her friends are in the Game Room. Should we join them?”

Ember turns to him. “Are Twilight and Auriel okay?”

“Oh, yes. They’re on the Observation Deck with Aurora.”

Derpy appears confused. “Who?”

“A new friend we made.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “And where did you meet this pony?”

“Well, she isn’t actually a pony. Truthfully, she’s… actually, it’s complicated.”

Derpy giggles. “I’m not surprised!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Yeah. Leave it to Arc to make a friend in the middle of nowhere.”

Arc gestures for the pair to follow him. “Come on. I’ll try to explain it before we get to Canterlot.”

Several hours later The Equinox touches down inside Canterlot Castle’s hanger. Arc and company disembark as he turns to Aurora, whom has changed into Arc’s navy blue magic cloak.

“This is Canterlot Castle. The seat of power for the land of Equestria.”

Aurora looks around. “Is it all so… hard?”

Dinky looks confused. “Hard?”

Aurora reaches down and puts a hand on the concrete floor.

“No plant could grow through this.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Well, without sunlight they wouldn’t do well either.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah. But maybe you could come to Ponyville and see Sweet Apple Acres.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Now, now. You should talk to your sister before inviting company, Apple Bloom.”

He looks back to Aurora.

“I should probably introduce you to the princesses first.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes. They should know what I’ve done.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “What you’ve done?”

Auriel nods. “We’ve inadvertently created a sentient being… again.”

Dinky frowns. “What’s wrong with that? Aurora seems like a nice human to me.”

Ember shrugs. “True. But she’s radiating some pretty powerful magical energy.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, you would too if you were magical plant essence.”

Aurora turns to Arc. “Is that a problem?”

“I don’t think so. But either way the princesses need to know you exist.”

They make their way toward the Audience Chamber. Derpy looks Aurora up and down.

“Should we see about getting her some clothes first?”

Aurora looks down at the robe adorning her. “But Aurora thought that was what this was for.”

Frank puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It wouldn’t hurt. After all, she IS going to meet royalty.”

Arc sighs. “I can take her to see Rarity about some proper clothes after the audience.”

“Should Aurora make oneself more presentable?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What did you have in mind?”

“One moment please.”

They stop and Aurora appears to concentrate. A small flash of light emanates from her momentarily before she pulls off the robe to reveal a rather startling sight. Cherry speaks to Arc telepathically.

“Is that… what I think it is?”

“Yes, Cherry. A human version of the outfit you wore to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Aurora looks around. “Is this more appropriate?”

Frank nods approvingly. “I would say so, yes.”

Derpy smiles. “You do look very nice, miss.”

“Thank you. Shall we continue on?”

Arc shakes his head as if to clear it. “I… uh… sure.”

They enter the outer chambers. Arc approaches the guard on duty.

“My group and I require an immediate audience with the princesses.”

“Yes sir. I will announce you.”

He hurries into the Audience Chamber and returns a moment later with the previous audience.

“They will see you now, sir.”

“Thanks. Let’s go everyone.”

Arc and company enter the Audience Chamber together. Luna and Cadance smile and step down from their thrones as they enter.

“Welcome back, Arc.”

Cadance nods as she look to the group. “I see you’ve brought more friends today.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Yes… well…”

Arc interrupts her. “Might we speak privately?”

Luna nods. “Very well.”

She turns to the guards.

“Leave us.”

They bow and head for the doors as Cadance gestures to their office.

“Why don’t we all sit down?”

Arc nods. “That might be a good idea.”

They enter the office and head for the couches. Arc looks to Luna.

“I’d like for Sunburst to join us. His knowledge might be useful in this matter.”

Luna nods. “I’ll summon him.”

“No need, Princess Luna. I’ll give him a call.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Sunburst.”

“Sunburst here, sir.”

“I need you to join me in the princess’ office for an impromptu meeting right away.”

“Yes sir. I’ll head over there now.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

He turns to Aurora as the others take their places.

“Would you like to sit down?”

Aurora appears confused. “What is ‘sit’?”

Dinky calls over from the couch. “What we’re doing now.”

“Oh. I… do not believe so, no.”

Cadance smiles at the newcomer as she sits down next to Twilight. “Suit yourself.”

Luna clears her throat as she looks to Frank. “Now then, Arc. Does this have anything to do with your friend’s magical training?”

“Not exactly, Luna. I took Frank to see Twilight here, of course. She recommended a book.”

Cadance giggles. “That does not surprise me.”

Frank nods. “It was very informative.”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “At the time I… may have mentioned my idea for an experiment to Arc.”

“Yes. But…”

There is a knock at the door. Luna calls out.

“Come in.”

Sunburst enters and trots quickly over to the group.

“I came as quickly as I could! Did I miss much?!”

Ember shrugs. “Nothing yet.”

Dinky giggles. “We barely started!”

Arc nods. “Have a seat, Sunburst. Now that you’re here we can get down to the business at hand.”

He gestures to Aurora standing next to him.

“This is Aurora. We… encountered her on our most recent adventure.”

Sunburst appears confused. “On Earth, sir?”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “A bit more locally.”

Arc nods. “Right. But to understand, I’ll have to start at the beginning. It all started when I agreed to help Twilight with her experiment.”

Twilight sighs. “Auriel and I had finally extracted enough Dragon Fruit essence to create a prototype artificial sun.”

Auriel nods. “At Arc’s recommendation we chose a test site far to the west.”

Frank chuckles. “That was quite a flight.”

Derpy grins. “Right.”

Cadance turns to Arc. “Where exactly did you go?”

“A peninsula south of Las Pegasus.”

Luna thinks for a moment. “Quite a ways from here. Were you concerned about the essence becoming volatile?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. But we figured nothing bad would happen to anypony way out there in case something unexpected did come up.”

Cadance nods. “Very prudent.”

Arc sighs. “I thought so. But when the essence was ready, some rather strange black vines grew out of the ground and went for the machinery.”

Sunburst grimaces. “The Plunderseed Vines you mention before?!”

“Yes.”

Luna’s eyes grow wide. “Wait a moment! Plunderseed Vines?!”

Cadance turns to her friend. “You’ve heard of them, Luna?”

“Yes! They’re a very dangerous plant that feeds on various magical energies!”

Sunburst nods soberly. “It was thought that they had been eradicated centuries ago.”

Frank folds his arms over his chest. “Some must have been missed.”

Dinky grins. “Well, I don’t think any of them survived what happened.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Right. That explosion was pretty big.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Agreed.”

Cadance gasps. “Explosion?!”

Arc nods. “We sent a warning to Las Pegasus before taking action. There were no injuries fortunately, as we were quite a distance away.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. I’ll send a team to verify this infestation has been completely neutralized. But how did you stop the vines?”

“Well…”

Arc retells the story of the battle. Luna frowns.

“Very risky.”

Twilight nods sheepishly. “True. But the science behind it was sound.”

Auriel sighs. “And there wasn’t any time to come up with something safer.”

Cadance gestures to Aurora. “So you were pulled into another realm by this young human?”

Arc shrugs. “To tell you the truth, she isn’t what she appears to be.”

“That is correct. Aurora is the physical manifestation of The Consciousness.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “And what is this… Consciousness?”

“The collective will of what you know as the artificial sun.”

Twilight bows her head. “Sorry about this. It looks like we’ve accidently created a living being.”

Auriel nods soberly. “Again, I might add.”

Dinky sighs. “It wasn’t on purpose though.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Right. Who could’ve know that would happen?”

Apple Bloom grins. “Luckily Dinky came and got us when she did.”

Arc appears relieved. “Yeah. Thanks for that you three.”

Luna nods stoically. “We are happy you and your friends are safe, Arc. But how did these fillies help?”

Dinky jumps to her hooves. “We jumped into that artificial sun thing to lend our power.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Just like Kronos showed us.”

Sweetie Belle looks up at Arc sheepishly. “You’re not mad, are you?”

“No. But I do wish you three hadn’t put yourselves in harm’s way.”

Ember rolls her eyes as Frank sighs.

“Well, I suppose what’s done is done.”

Sunburst nods. “Quite the tale, I must say.”

He looks Aurora up and down.

“Miss, might I speak with you further on your physiology?”

Aurora nods. “Yes. The Consiousness also wishes to learn more about the others whom inhabit this land before we depart.”

Twilight gasps. “Depart? You mean return to where we found you?”

“No. The Consciousness wishes to relocate to Tartarus.”

Auriel smiles. “Really?!”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “That is rather surprising. Might we inquire as to why?”

“During last night’s conversations it was brought to our attention that the reason we were extracted was to create something known as an artificial sun for that place.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. Twilight mentioned that to us in the past.”

Luna sighs. “Truth be told, we thought it was impossible.”

Auriel gestures to Aurora. “The artificial sun was indeed created as intended. At the moment its energies reside within her.”

Ember looks the woman over. “Will you be okay? I mean, being cut off from the real sun.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, you seemed to enjoy the sun on our trip here.”

“In Tartarus, The Consciousness would BE the sun. We have discussed this matter and can think of no greater honor than to bring hope to such a place.”

Auriel grins happily. “Thank you! This will mean a lot to the other demons, I’m sure!”

Twilight turns to Auriel. “We’ll have to perfect a device capable of sustaining and suspending the artificial sun.”

Ember looks skeptical. “How long will that take?”

Auriel thinks for a moment before responding. “I have some theories, of course. But until we got the readings from this experiment I wasn’t completely sure how to proceed.”

Twilight nods. “We’ll get to work right away on some prototypes.”

Sunburst turns to Twilight. “Might I see your data as well? This whole idea is fascinating!”

“Of course. I’ll send over copies of what notes and data we’ve collected thus far.”

Auriel looks to Sunburst. “Maybe the three of us could figure this out together.”

Sunburst sighs. “Sadly, I don’t think I’ll have much time to dedicate to this. As you know I’m quite busy with my current projects.”

Aurora nods. “To find Princess Celestia?”

Ember gasps. “How did you know that?!”

“When The Consciousness attempted to make contact with Arc via his pocket dimension, we learned the basics of a great many things. Such appears to be a side effect from when we attempted to reach out to his mind.”

Arc frowns. “Not sure how I feel about that.”

“Forgive us, as the willful invasion of your thoughts was not our intention. Only contact.”

Aurora looks to Sunburst.

“However, during that time we learned that our magical powers could be redirected.”

“In what way?”

“It is difficult to explain. Perhaps a demonstration is in order.”

Luna frowns. “Is it safe?”

Aurora nods. “Yes. We only require a volunteer.”

Twilight raises a hoof excitedly. “I’d like to try!”

Cadance sighs. “Now Twilight…”

Sunburst steps forward. “This really is something I should do myself.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Sunburst?”

“I am the Lead Sage, after all. If there’s some new magical technique it’s my job to study, catalogue, and record my findings.”

He turns to Aurora.

“Shall we begin?”

“Very well.”

She kneels down next to Sunburst and closes her eyes.

“I am ready. Begin casting your spell.”

Sunburst nods. His horn glows and the air is suddenly thick with magical energy. Cadance gasps.

“What the…?!”

Luna grits her teeth. “Such magical power!”

Ember turns to Twilight. “Should we stop them?!”

“Maybe we should.”

Sunburst grimaces. “N-no! I need to see this through!”

Arc frowns. “Are you sure you can handle it?”

“Yes!”

“Aurora will see to it your friend does not come to permanent harm.”

Auriel takes a step back. “Are you sure he’ll be okay?”

“Yes.”

Several minutes pass as Sunburst continues casting.

“Can you give me more?”

“Aurora can, but…”

“Do it!”

“Aurora does not believe this would be beneficial, but will comply.”

Cadance frowns. “Luna…”

“Sunburst knows what he’s doing. We should have faith in him.”

The air around Sunburst and Aurora begins to swirl.

“Dad?!”

“Sunburst?!”

“Just… a bit… more…”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom run to hide behind Arc.

“I don’t like this!”

“Me either! And I can’t even use magic!”

Suddenly Sunburst levitates a few inches above the floor. His eyes suddenly glow white as his magical powers continue to grow. Luna and Cadance step back.

“This defies all logic!”

“What should we do?!”

Arc calls out over the din. “Aurora, stop!”

“Aurora cannot stop at this point. He must complete the spell that has been started, lest the magical energies destroy him.”

As suddenly as the process begins it ends. Sunburst falls to the floor, his hooves making a light tap as they touch down.

Derpy looks to Sunburst. “Oh my! Are you alright?!”

Saying nothing, Sunburst rushes over to the princess’ large desk and grabs a piece of paper and pencil. Luna calls out to him.

“Sunburst? Are you alright?”

Not responding to her query, the stallion begins writing.

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… should we call Doctor Whooves?”

Derpy watches Sunburst’s erratic movements. “That might not be a bad idea.”

Arc cautiously walks over to the desk. “Sunburst? Hello?”

Ignoring all attempts at communication for a full minute. Sunburst eventually drops the pencil and falls to the floor. Auriel runs to the door.

“I’ll send for the doctor!”

Arc nods. “Good!”

Reaching Sunburst first Arc rolls him over onto his back.

“Sunburst, can you hear me?!”

He nods weakly. Cadance gasps as she and the others approach.

“What happened?!”

Sunburst smiles weakly. “I… I saw it…”

Luna raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Saw what?”

“A large, white stone building with a tall concrete wall around it. Two guard towers stood on either side of the main gate. Human soldiers patrolled the grounds while I could feel more were inside the structure. That was when I felt… something familiar.

Cadance looks nervous. “What was it?”

Sunburst holds up the paper in his shaking hoof.

“H-here.”

Arc takes the paper and looks it over before looking to Sunburst.

“Coordinates? To that building you spoke of?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes. She’s there.”

Twilight gasps. “You mean…?!”

Sunburst nods.

“Yes. That facility… is where Princess Celestia is being held.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - Talks Over Tea

After a few moments, which feel like an eternity, Arc pushes Aurora away.

“Wha-what?! Why did you…?!”

Aurora smiles as she continues to sit on Arc’s chest. “We wanted to help fulfil your fantasy, of course.”

“My… my what?!”

Twilight gasps. “ARC! Have you been thinking about doing things like THAT with her?!”

Arc turns to looks at the voice behind him. “Twilight?! Auriel?! How… how long have you two been there?!”

Cherry sighs. “They walked in just as Aurora was doing that.”

Auriel blushes heavily. “Y-yes. Twilight, we should give them some privacy.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! I… it’s just… this isn’t what it looks like!”

Twilight looks as if she’ll explode in a fit of rage. However a few moments later she takes a deep breath and calms herself.

“Okay then. Can you please explain what you’re doing here then?”

“Yes! I actually came here to see Auriel!”

Auriel continues to blush and smiles fervently. “Y-you came to see… me?!”

“Not about THAT?!”

Aurora tilts her head to one side. “We are confused. What is happening?”

Twilight frowns. “Well for starters, you and Arc were apparently about to begin… an experiment!”

Arc shakes his head. “No! I was just asking her how things were going!”

Auriel turns to the young woman. “And you, Aurora? What were you doing?”

“As we said, The Collective and Aurora were merely attempting to fulfill one of Arc’s fantasies.”

Twilight’s jaw drops as Aurora continues.

“We saw this scene play out many times in his mind when we were part of what he calls his Sanctuary.”

Arc looks around nervously. “What?! But… but I never…! At least I… um…”

Cherry calls out meekly. “I think I can explain. Aurora, that wasn’t something from Arc’s mind.”

“It wasn’t?”

“No. It was… my fantasy.”

Twilight takes a step back. “Wha-what?!”

Cherry sounds rather pained as she continues. “While I admit I can’t be there for Arc physically, as I wish I could be, for the longest time I… I’ve wanted to…”

Auriel nods. “…do what Aurora did?”

Cherry sighs. “Yes. I’m very sorry for the trouble it caused.”

Twilight lowers her head. “I… uh… I’m sorry too. When I saw that I just… kinda jumped to conclusions.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Yeah. Thanks for not… um… flying off the handle and blasting me… or something.”

He looks to Aurora.

“Are you okay?”

Aurora nods happily. “We are, yes. Truth be told, that was a very… interesting experience for us. Should you ever want to do that again, The Collective would be very eager to experiment further in…”

Arc interrupts. “Aurora, can you let me up now?”

“Oh. Yes, of course.”

She stands and extends a hand. Arc takes it and allows Aurora to help him up.

“I think I should probably get to why I’m actually here before more bad things happen.”

They step out of the closet together as Twilight gestures to the stairs.

“Should we sit down?”

Arc nods. “It might help.”

Auriel turns back. “Would you like to come, Aurora?”

“Yes. I would enjoy some some sunlight.”

They head upstairs and make their way to the Kitchen. Twilight looks to the stove.

“Would anyone like some tea?”

Auriel grins. “I could go for a pick me up right about now.”

Arc nods. “Me too.”

“Aurora?”

“I do not require such things. That and it seems a bit… strange to me to consume plant flesh.”

Arc frowns. “You did mention that earlier.”

Twilight appears conflicted. “Maybe we shouldn’t make tea then.”

“Please do. The Collective is very interested to learn more about the lifestyles of those whom we share the land with.”

Twilight turns back to Arc as she puts the kettle on. “So what brings you here today?”

Auriel looks apprehensive. “Is anything wrong?”

“Not… exactly. Truth be told, I came to ask you for a bit of a favor, Auriel.”

“Me?”

“Yes. It’s in regard to my upcoming mission.”

Twilight turns back. “Um… is that the one on Earth to find… you know…?”

“Yes.”

“But you need my help?”

Arc nods. “That I do, Auriel. You see, I’ve ordered a special vehicle built to help us on the mission.”

Auriel suddenly frowns. “You’re not asking me to design weapons for it, are you?”

“No. It’ll only have a defensive system in place.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Like the ORB?”

“Exactly right. However, we’re having trouble with finding a way to store the energy.”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin as she thinks. “Batteries would take up too much space on a land based vehicle.”

Arc sighs. “Right.”

Twilight turns to him. “How about having somepony power a shield? Like my brother.”

“He won’t be there. I have another assignment for him.”

Auriel grimaces. “So you want me to power it?”

“Yes, Auriel.”

Auriel sighs. “As much as I hate to admit it, my magical aptitude isn’t exactly noteworthy. Twilight would be a better candidate.”

Arc chuckles. “She’s certainly powerful, I’ll give you that.”

Twilights smiles modestly. “I’d be willing to try.”

“Thank you. However, Princess Celestia would never forgive me if something happened to you. I’m told you’re her most faithful student.”

“Yes, well… even so, that system takes massive amounts of magical energy to function. Without a magic amplifier it’ll probably suck me dry in only a few minutes.”

Auriel sighs. “Then there’s no way I could be of any help.”

“I already have a plan for that.”

He reaches into his ring and pulls out the Bloodstone.

“Could you use this to augment your Dark Magic, Auriel?”

“Y-yes, I suppose so. But how did you get that, Arc?!”

Twilight shudders. “I can feel it’s dark energy all the way over here! Something like that should be locked up in the Armory!”

Auriel instinctively draws back. “It’s supposed to be, yes!”

“They let me borrow it for the mission. I was hoping you could help them perfect the ORB system in Canterlot.”

Auriel nods and sighs. “Very well. But only because this is a defensive system.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “Are you sure you can handle this thing’s power, Auriel?”

“Yes. I’ll be fine.”

Aurora tilts her head to one side, confused. “We do not understand. Is this not just a strange rock?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Aurora. It’s a source of Dark Magic.”

“The Collective does not really understand.”

Twilight turns to Aurora. “Well, you’ve seen Auriel and I use our magic to levitate objects, right?”

“Yes. It was quite interesting to behold.”

“We focus our mental energies and direct magic to do what we want.”

Auriel gestures to the Bloodstone in Arc’s hand as she continues.

“Think of this stone as extra nutrients. With it I should be able to do more than I currently can.”

“May we bear witness?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You want a demonstration?”

“Yes.”

Auriel sighs. “That isn’t a bad idea. But we should probably go outside for this.”

Twilight nods as she walks over to the kettle. “Just let me pour the tea and I’ll join you three.”

Arc, Auriel, and Aurora stand and walk out the front door. Auriel looks around.

“Let’s see here…”

She spots a few small rocks on the ground. Reaching out her claws she slowly picks them up and orbits them.

“As you can see these rocks are being held up by my magic.”

“What is the source of your energy?”

“General nutrition mostly. The same energy that allows me to walk and talk also allows me to perform magic.”

Twilight steps out of the library and joins them as Auriel continues.

“I was never too good with my magic. Mostly because I spent all my time studying and almost none practicing.”

“Very interesting. So ultimately your magical energy comes from your life force?”

Arc nods. “That’s one way of putting it.”

Twilight frowns. “Yes. If somepony uses too much magical energy they can pass out.”

Arc chuckles. “I can attest to that.”

Aurora turns to Twilight. “Can you show us what practicing your magic can do?”

“Sure.”

Looking toward some boulders nearby Twilight focuses her magic and lifts them.

“My magic helps me do things I couldn’t do otherwise. There’s no way I could lift these things with just my hooves, after all.”

“I suppose not.”

Auriel nods. “There are any number of spells one could cast. For example…”

Focusing, Auriel forces a small flame to spring forth from her fingertips.

“It’s not much more than a candle would make. But there it is.”

Aurora takes a step back, nervously. “Y-yes, that is true.”

“However, if I amplify my power with the Bloodstone…”

Arc give Auriel the stone. She takes it and focuses for a few moments. Her eyes begin to glow and a dark aura surrounds her. Raising her hand to the sky she directs a wide stream of pure blue flames upward. Aurora screams.

“STOP IT!!!”

She runs inside the library as Arc turns to Auriel.

“Auriel, stop!”

The young demoness does as she is told. She looks to Arc sheepishly.

“Did… did I do something wrong?”

“No. But Aurora really didn’t like that for some reason.”

Twilight sighs. “We should go check up on her.”

They enter the library and look around. Arc calls out.

“Aurora?”

There is no response. Auriel turns to Twilight.

“Where do you suppose she went?”

“Probably back down to the basement. She told me she’s most comfortable there with the Dragon Fruit plants, after all.”

Arc gestures to the basement door. “Let’s go see.”

Walking down the stairs they head over to the makeshift greenhouse. Arc knocks lightly.

“Aurora? Are you in there?”

“Y-yes.”

Auriel appears guilt-stricken. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

Arc sighs. “Can we open the door please?”

“…okay.”

Arc does so. They see Aurora sitting on the floor in the corner furthest from the door. He notices she is shaking slightly as he kneels down and puts his hands on her shoulders.

“Are you okay?”

“We… are not sure what happened. This feeling inside us is… new.”

Arc nods soberly. “I think that would be called ‘fear’.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Fear of what though? Auriel?”

“No. Fire.”

Aurora nods. “That destructive force is not something we enjoy being near!”

Arc sighs. “That does make sense. Aurora is, at her core at least, still a plant. Fire destroys everything it touches in nature.”

Auriel bows her head, sadly. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“We thank you for understanding.”

Auriel walks over to Arc and puts the Bloodstone in his hand. Immediately she returns to normal.

“I think you should hold onto this.”

Twilight looks her friend over. “Did it hurt, Auriel?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not at all. In fact, when I held the Bloodstone I felt as if I could accomplish anything.”

Arc turns to Auriel. “Do you believe you were in any danger?”

“No, Arc. I can safely do this for you.”

“Good. Well then, why don’t we go upstairs and have our tea. I’m sure it’s cooled down by now.”

Twilight turns around. “Yes. Let’s do that. Aurora, are you coming?”

Aurora shakes her head. “I’d like to stay here with the young plants for a while.”

Arc gives Aurora’s shoulders a quick squeeze before standing and leaving the room with Twilight and Auriel. Heading back upstairs they sit down at the kitchen table together as Twilight levitates the now cooled cups of tea over.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Arc. Tell me, is there anything I can do to help with your plan?”

“At the moment, no. We have the full intellectual force of Canterlot’s corps of engineers and sages working on the gear I need to make my plan work.”

Twilight looks down at her tea sadly. “Oh… I see.”

“You’re worried about the princess, aren’t you?”

Twilight nods as Arc takes a moment to think.

“Well, if you really want to, you could help Auriel with the ORB system modifications.”

Twilight grins. “Sure! I could…!”

Auriel points toward the basement door. “What about Aurora?”

Arc shrugs. “She could come too, I suppose.”

Twilight sighs. “No. Somepony needs to stay and look after the plants.”

Auriel smiles. “I could do that, Twilight. You could head to Canterlot and…”

“But you understand Dark Magic better than I do.”

“Well, I am a demon after all. But I can tell you really want to help make this plan work.”

Twilight smiles sadly. “That I do. But I know that you would be of more help than I would.”

She turns to Arc.

“Just… please hurry! Princess Celestia could be in mortal danger!”

“We’ll do our very best, Twilight. But don’t worry about your friend. The humans whom have her wouldn’t dare kill her.”

“Really? Why not?”

Arc sighs. “As callous as it may sound, she’s too valuable to them alive.”

Auriel nods. “Yes. It’s been proven that after a magic users death their mana quickly leaves their body.”

“Tell you what. I’ll ask the princesses if you can be by the radio when I undertake the mission. You’ll be one of the first ones to know when the deed is done.”

Twilight frowns. “Can’t I come with you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. Like I said earlier, this is going to be far too dangerous. Equestria can’t risk losing an Element Bearer, after all.”

Twilight looks down sadly. “I suppose not.”

Auriel nods. “Princess Celestia would agree with Arc. I’m certain of it.”

“She probably would. I’ll stay here and work on the machines needed to make your artificial sun, Auriel.”

Auriel smiles. “Our sun, Twilight.”

“Well, the idea was yours.”

“I couldn’t have done this without your help though. We can share the credit.”

Twilight nods. “If you want to, sure. You help Arc with his project, and I’ll keep going with yours.”

Auriel grins. “Deal!”

Twilight turns her attention back to Arc. “Now that we have that settled, there’s something I need to tell you.”

She looks to Auriel. The demoness stands and heads for the basement door with her tea.

“I’ll just gather a few things before we go.”

The basement door closes behind her as Twilight turns her attention back to Arc.

“My friends and I had a rather… interesting conversation over tea earlier today.”

Arc chuckles. “Oh? Another idea for a science project?”

“Um… yes and no.”

“If you’d like to tell me about it, I’d like to hear it.”

Twilight appears suddenly nervous. “Well… you see… it’s… um… actually about you and Rarity.”

“Something wrong?”

Twilight waves her hooves in front of her face as she shakes her head. “No, no! We all believe the two of you make a beautiful couple! It’s just… that leaves the rest of us in a rather… undesirable position.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Well… um… I’ve already told you how I feel about you. Rarity confessed that she’s done the same, of course.”

“Um… okay. Wow, you six really DO talk about everything!”

Twilight nods. “That we do. But they weren’t the only ones with something to say.”

“About… me?”

“Yes. Although you probably already know this, all of us feel very… strongly attracted to you.”

Twilight smiles and blushes as she continues talking.

“Again, I’d like to reiterate our happiness that you and Rarity are getting on so well in your relationship. But… all of us would be very interested in… sharing it.”

“As a herd?”

Twilight nods sheepishly. “Yes. Rarity told us that you already knew about that aspect of Equestrian history.”

“Cherry informed me, yes.”

“So… we were kinda wondering if there was anything we could do to try and… make you more comfortable with the idea.”

“Twilight, I…”

“Rarity said that you aren’t looking for a relationship until after you rescue Princess Celestia! Is that the problem?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no! I just… I mean, it feels wrong to be forced to split attention between multiple companions.”

“We could come up with a schedule, or something! I could organize dates for you between the six of us!”

“Woah there, Twilight. Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself?”

“Yes, I suppose so. But…”

Twilight reaches over and puts a hoof on his hand as she smiles up into Arc’s face.

“…we all really want to make this work.”

The pair are silent for a time before Twilight continues.

“All of us saw just how deeply Cherry’s death hurt you. It was plain to see just how much you two loved each other.”

Cherry sighs. “That we did.”

“We also wanted to know how you feel about this plan, Cherry?”

“I’m all for it. But only if that’s what Arc wants.”

“Thank you. I… um… really like all of you.”

Arc thinks for a minute before continuing.

“But liking someone is quite a bit different than wanting a romantic relationship with them, Twilight.”

“We understand that, and all believe we can make it work! Just give us a chance to get to know you better!”

Cherry calls out. “Please calm down, Twilight. Love is a two way street, after all. You can’t make Arc have feelings for you or anypony else.”

“I know, Cherry. But… we’d all like the chance to show Arc that we’re serious about this. We completely understand it won’t happen overnight. Not even soon, as you’re so busy with preparations for your final mission. But all of us want to be there for you after your retirement as the Hero of Light.”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“She sounds very dedicated to this, Arc.”

“That she does.”

“Why not go along with her idea? After all, you DO need to get out there and date other mares.”

“I… suppose so.”

“You may find you like their idea. Or everypony might just realize it isn’t meant to be. Either way you all need to know if this is a possible future for everypony.”

“Alright. Thanks, Cherry.”

Arc clears his throat at Twilight looks at him with a gleam of hope in her violet eyes.

“Okay, Twilight. I’ll agree to get to know you and the others better.”

Twilight smiles broadly. “You will?!”

Arc holds up a hand. “Wait. There’s more I need to say first.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. I’m only agreeing to try and get to know you and the others. You need to understand that I’m not making any promises of marriage to anyone right now. Like I told Rarity, at the moment I don’t have the time for relationships.”

“But when Princess Celestia comes back you will, right?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ll resign and go back to doing odd jobs around town, or something.”

“And dating, right?”

Arc smiles at her. “And dating, yes. I just don’t want anyone to be expecting more than that from me right now.”

Twilight sighs happily. “Yes, that’s fair. I’m sorry if I’m being a bit pushy, Arc. It’s just…”

She wrings her hooves together and smiles nervously.

“…we all really like you.”

“I… uh… really like all of you as well. It’s just…well… I’m not sure I can give you and the others what you want.”

“You mean foals?”

“Yes. I’m no biologist, but I’m going to assume our two species’ DNA are incompatible. And even if it wasn’t, I haven’t seen a mare in my travels who’s… um… big enough to push out a human baby.”

Twilight smiles. “Oh, yes. Not to worry. We’ve already come up with a solution for that.”

Arc appear suddenly nervous. “It’s not more of that tea, is it?”

“Oh no, no, no!”

“Good.”

“Rarity actually came up with it.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but that’s reassuring.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Given my past actions, no offense taken.”

“So what was Rarity’s idea?”

“Well… she suggested that after we’re all married we could… um…”

Twilight blushes slightly before continuing.

“…become human mares so you could impregnate us all.”

Arc’s jaw drops and he is speechless for a time as Twilight’s face turns a deeper shade of crimson. Eventually he is able to respond.

“I… um… anything else you’d like to tell me?”

“Just one more thing.”

Arc rests his elbows on the table as he puts a hand to his forehead. “Not sure if I can take much more.”

“We all agreed that Rarity should… um… be allowed to go first.”

She giggles as Arc sighs.

“Twilight, please tell the others to stop making plans like that for the future.”

“What? But why?”

“Because I already told you I’m not even sure I’d be okay with this. The thought of having a wife is nice, of course. But having six might just be…”

Twilight interrupts. “We were thinking seven.”

Arc sighs. “Oh boy. Derpy?”

“Yes. Can’t leave her out.”

Arc frowns. “Okay, let’s put the brakes on this conversation.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“I do.”

Cherry clears her throat loudly. “Can I say something?”

Arc groans. “Please do, Cherry.”

“Twilight, like I said before, I’m all for this plan. But I do wish you and the others would think of Arc and his needs more.”

“What do you mean?”

“It sounds like you and the others are making plans to get what YOU want. Not so much what he does.”

Twilight is a bit taken aback. “But all we want is to make him happy!”

“I’m sure you do. But he’s already said he’s not ready for a marefriend, and you and your friends are already talking about who he’ll impregnate first!”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. Just… slow it down a bit, okay?”

Twilight looks down, clearly embarrassed. “Sorry about that. We were just so excited for Rarity that we all wanted in on it.”

Arc puts a hand under her chin and lifts it to look her in the eye.

“Look, Twilight. I’m flattered that the six of you think so highly of me. But we can discuss this more after my retirement, okay?”

Twilight smiles and nods as she takes his hand in her hooves.

“Okay. Sorry for being so forward. But can I tell you something?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Do you remember that time I accidentally hit you? It was when you were the Lord Regent.”

“Right after I told you the truth about what had happened to Princess Celestia?”

Twilight nods. “Yes.”

“What about it?”

“Do you remember what you did?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin as he thinks. “Well… I believe you were crying.”

“Right. You forgave and then held me.”

“Yeah, I remember that. What about it.”

Twilight smiles. “That feeling back then was the most amazing thing I had ever felt! Talking to the other girls, you’ve held all of us at one point or another. They all agree that the feeling we got from you during those times was nothing short of magical!”

“I don’t really see how. All I did was hug you.”

“None of us could explain it either, nor had we felt this way about anypony else. But we all knew one thing. That you honestly care for us, and we for you.”

“That’s really sweet, Twilight. If you’re being so honest, I need to be too.”

Twilight appears confused. “Huh?”

“ I… really enjoyed holding all of you as well. Sorry I’ve been so evasive regarding my future lately. After all, I really do want to settle down with someone. Or, in this case, maybe more than one.”

“Are… are you saying what I think you are?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, Twilight. I’d… like to see if we can make this work. But let’s just take it slow. After all, I don’t want to do anything to you or our friends that we don’t all want. Sorry if that sounds callous, but it’s how I feel.”

Twilight smiles. “That’s really all we want. To be given a chance with you.”

“Okay, Twilight. When I retire, we’ll move forward with this.”

Meanwhile, Auriel peeks through the cracked basement door and smiles as she thinks to herself.

“I’m very glad you and your friends are finally making headway on this matter, Twilight. But I can’t help but wonder if maybe… maybe there’s room in that herd for one more.”

Chapter 8 - Truth Laid Bare

Later that evening Arc walks in the front door of his house with the others. Dinky turns to him.

“Do you think Miss Cybil will be okay all alone, dad?”

Arc nods. “I believe so, yes.”

Auriel looks to Viktor. “Was there something wrong with her?”

“There WAS a while back, yes.”

Arc sighs. “I had to carry her in here over my shoulder.”

Dinky wrinkles her nose. “I remember that. She stunk!”

“That was the alcohol, sweetheart.”

Viktor frowns. “And a few other things.”

Auriel tilts her head to one side as she looks to Arc. “Alcohol? Like what Applejack makes in her still?”

“Something like that, yes.”

“I don’t understand the problem. That stuff was pretty tasty.”

Viktor sighs. “That may be. But Cybil apparently didn’t know when to stop.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. She’d lost pretty much everything by the time we found her. Her husband, job, a place to live, all her money, and even her daughter.”

“Is that a problem here on Earth?”

“For some people, yes.”

Ember calls out to them from the Living Room.

“Are you all just going to stand there talking all night?!”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like Ember is feeling a bit left out.”

They move to the Living Room. Ember and Sereb are sitting on the couch.

“Where the heck were you guys?!”

Sereb chuckles. “Yes. I would not have thought such a trip would have taken so long.”

Dinky grins as she holds up several bags. “We went to the mall first to get Auriel some clothes.”

Ember looks the young woman up and down. “Looks good.”

“Thank you.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “So how did Auriel handle her first time out in public?”

“Not too bad.”

“I was a bit nervous when we got to the mall.”

Dinky giggles. “And when we got to Miss Cybil’s apartment.”

Arc nods. “Don’t worry. I held her hand.”

Ember looks soberly to Arc. “Does she have a decent place?”

“Let’s just say it’s better than the apartments you and I went to a while back.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Safe?”

“Yes. That much I can attest to.”

Viktor clears his throat. “Sir? Um…”

“What is it, Viktor?”

“I was just wondering why her place looked so… empty.”

“Well, when you’re just getting started, or a fresh start as far as she’s concerned, you don’t have much to fill your place with.”

He gestures to the room around them.

“I inherited all this from my parents, so I kinda had a head start.”

“Do all parents give their children houses, dad?”

“No, Dinky. Property is very expensive here on Earth. Apartments are how a lot of people get started though.”

“That makes sense. But why did you give her a TV?”

“They’re really not that expensive, and everyone should have one.”

Viktor grins. “It was very Generous of you, sir.”

“Well, there were a couple other reasons. First of all, I was worried that she wouldn’t have anything to do on her days off. Idle hands might have led her back to drinking.”

He looks to Dinky and tousles her hair.

“Second, Angel will need something to watch cartoons on.”

Dinky grins. “Yeah! Where do you suppose she is?”

“Still at the Farburg Orphanage.”

Dinky looks confused. “Didn’t Miss Cybil get her daughter back yet?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, sweetheart. Given her past, she has to have her parental rights restored by a judge.”

Ember muses as she looks to Arc. “After a home visit from… what was her name again?”

“Miss Kulara. Her report will be what the judge uses to make his own decision.”

Viktor appears nervous. “Will she have the opportunity to plead her case?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda. The judge will be the one asking the questions though.”

“Dad?”

“Yes, Dinky?”

“Um… where would Angel sleep?”

“Cybil didn’t have enough money for both the apartment deposit and extra furniture. But don’t worry. She’ll have time to save up some before the home visit, I’m sure.”

Viktor smiles. “That’s a relief.”

Auriel steps forward. “Arc? I am confused. This Cybil human has a child?”

“Yes.”

“But that child does not live with her?”

“That’s about the size of it.”

“Is her situation similar to mine?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah! You had to leave to stay safe!”

Dinky frowns. “But Angel’s mom hurt her!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I suppose it is kind of a similar case when you think about it that way.”

Auriel appears suddenly nervous. “Does… does my father have to stand trial to get me back as well?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. You’re an adult, Auriel. Angel is about Dinky’s age, I think.”

Sereb shrugs. “Or at the very least the same size.”

Arc nods. “The government took Angel after her father died since her mother couldn’t be found and she was an alcoholic.”

Auriel sighs. “This is very new to me. All this knowledge along with an entirely new world.”

Viktor puts a hand on her shoulder. “It’s a lot to take in, I know.”

Dinky grins. “We’ll help you though.”

“Thank you everyone. Um… might I go to bed now?”

Arc appears surprised. “Sure, I guess. It’s been quite a day for all of us.”

“Shall I get supper going, sir?”

“Yes, Viktor. Just something quick though. I’m tired too.”

Dinky heads for the kitchen. “I’ll help!”

Ember follows her. “Me too”

“Let me show you to your room, Auriel.”

She takes Arc’s hand and the pair head upstairs. Ember grins as they enter the kitchen. Sereb turns to her.

“You appear quite happy all of a sudden.”

“That I am.”

Dinky looks over from the refrigerator. “Did something good happen?”

Ember nods. “Oh yes! Auriel found someone she likes.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “Did she?”

“Arc, silly!”

“Really?!”

Dinky giggles. “Well, she has been holding his hand pretty much all day. I kinda just thought she was scared.”

Sereb nods. “She most likely was. However, I have a theory on her actions.”

Ember grins. “Do tell.”

“It is possible that she now views Arc and security as one and the same. His presence brings her comfort.”

Dinky smiles. “Probably. I know I feel better when my dad’s around.”

Ember nods. “Me too.”

Viktor shrugs. “He just kinda has that air about him. The commander’s always confident. That inspires those around him to act accordingly. But we should probably get supper going.”

Dinky looks to Viktor. “What should we make?”

“Let’s surprise the commander with something he wouldn’t suspect.”

Ember frowns. “He did say something quick though.”

Viktor nods as he heads for the refrigerator. “Don’t worry. I have it all figured out.”

Meanwhile, Arc leads Auriel upstairs to his old room which Cybil left neat as a pin.

“You can sleep here. I’ll see to it your new clothes are properly washed and hung up.”

“Oh, you don’t have to go to all that trouble.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, I do. When I say I’ll see to it, I really mean Viktor will take care of it.”

“Is he still being punished?”

“Kinda. Truth be told he got off light. Doing something like that in Equestria would of led to a court martial and discharge.”

Auriel gasps. “Oh my! That seems a bit extreme!”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not getting rid of him or anything.”

“Thank you, Arc. I really believe he and Xenos thought they were doing the right thing.”

“Well, get some sleep. Tomorrow’s another day.”

He turns to leave but stops.

“Oh! Why don’t I get you something to wear to bed?”

Auriel shakes her head. “That’s okay. I usually just sleep naked. Is… is that okay for a human girl?”

“Um… I suppose so. Just be sure to put something on before heading downstairs, okay?”

“I can do that. But… would it be okay if we talked about something?”

“Sure. What’s on your mind?”

Auriel sighs as Arc sits down next to her. “It’s just… you showed me a lot today. However, the more I saw, the more I got the feeling there’s more to this culture than I originally thought.”

“You mean our culture, right?”

“Huh?”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Like your dad said, you’re half human.”

“I’ve… never really felt like a demon, or a human. Now I understand why. I’m just a half-breed. The demons don’t want me, nor would the human world if they knew the truth, I would assume.”

Arc frowns. “Hey now! That’s not true!”

“I hypothesize that it is, Arc. But there’s one way to prove it.”

“Oh?”

“Let’s go back to the mall tomorrow. You change me back into my demon form and we’ll see what everyone there does.”

“That’s… not a good idea.”

“And why not?”

“Because… no one’s ever seen a demon before.”

Auriel sighs. “Right. I’m a freak.”

“You’re not a freak.”

“Then what am I?!”

“A very nice girl whom just wants a place to call home. Same as anyone else in this world or Equestria.”

Auriel takes his hands and sighs.

“Thank you for saying so. But that doesn’t change what I am.”

“You’re right, it doesn’t. Remember this though. I accepted you as you are, as did the Equestrians. We all knew you were a demon right from the start.”

Arc stands up and heads for the door.

“I want you to think about that.”

Auriel nods. “Okay.”

He leaves the room. Auriel sighs and removes her shoes.

“What’s there to think about though? I’ll always be a freak, no matter where I go.”

Standing, she removes her shirt and drapes it over a chair.

“Arc’s very nice to me. Even though he knows the truth about my bloodlines.”

Auriel frowns as she finishes undressing and gets into bed.

“There was so much more I wanted to say to him. But…”

Reaching out with her magic Auriel flips the light switch off. She rolls over onto her back and stares up at the ceiling for a time.

“…but he deserves better.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads downstairs. Sniffing the air he raises an eyebrow.

“It can’t be.”

Entering the kitchen he finds a growing stack of pancakes on a platter in the center of the table. Dinky grins as she sets the table.

“Ready to eat, dad?!”

“Um… I guess. But what’s all this?”

Ember laughs. “Viktor wanted to surprise you with breakfast for supper.”

Viktor grins. “You never saw it coming, sir.”

Arc chuckles as he sits down. “No, I guess not.”

They sit down to eat. Dinky looks to her father.

“Hey, dad? I was just wondering something.”

“What is it?”

“How’d you get so good at talking to people?”

Ember looks up from her food. “That’s a strange question.”

Arc nods. “Yes. One that I don’t really understand.”

“I mean that you’re really good at getting people to listen and do what you want. Even ones you don’t know.”

Viktor nods. “Like when he was Lord Regent?”

“Right. Mom said when my dad spoke at the grand opening of the orphanage everyone took notice and listened intently.”

Cherry giggles. “Well, a lot of those ponies were locals.”

Sereb chuckles. “There were many fresh faces I had never laid eyes on in attendance as well though.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Was there?”

“Yes, I suppose there was. Dinky, I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘charisma’.”

“What’s that, dad?”

“It’s something that makes others listen and take note.”

Ember frowns. “I don’t get it.”

“Think of it this way, Ember. You often don’t like my plans, yet you go along with them anyway. Why is that?”

“Because I… um… believe you can get the job done.”

Arc nods. “So even if a plan doesn’t have much chance to succeed you’d still go with me?”

Ember nods. “Right. After all, I’m still interested in this whole base infiltration plan. Even though a million things could go wrong.”

Arc turns to Dinky. “It’s kinda like being able to inspire those around you to be loyal. Sorry, but I can’t think of any other way to put it.”

“Like that nice lady at the clothing store?”

Ember grins wickedly. “Meet someone new, Arc?”

Cherry sighs. “It’s not like that, Ember.”

“Right. I was waiting for Dinky and Auriel to get done trying on clothes and this really… talkative woman sat down next to me.”

Dinky giggles. “I liked her! What was her name again?”

“Hammer.”

Ember and Viktor drop their silverware as their necks snap to look at him.

“Sir?!”

Ember grits her teeth. “HAMMER?!”

Cherry calls out. “She’s actually very personable when you get right down to it.”

Viktor frowns. “You mean when she’s not trying to kill you, sir?!”

Ember nods angrily. “I’m with Viktor on this one! Why didn’t you take her down then and there?!”

“Why would I?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. Because she’s CRAZY?!”

Viktor nods in agreement. “You could have at least taken her prisoner, sir. That would certainly have hindered our opponent’s forces.”

“And do what with her? Keep her in our basement?”

“There’s always Canterlot Castle’s dungeon, sir.”

Dinky appears surprised. “She didn’t seem like a bad person though.”

Ember grits her teeth. “You didn’t see her fighting with your dad on that back road a while back, Dinky! She’s bad news!”

Arc nods. “I suppose that might be true. However, I can’t help but think there’s more to her than just mindless violence.”

“We’ve seen that firsthand though, sir!”

“Violence, yes. Mindless, no.”

Ember frowns. “As much as I hate to admit it, Hammer and the others always seem to be one step ahead of us. What they do is definitely well planned.”

Victor clenches a fist. “Right. If we could just get a break… find out what it is they’re really up to we might be able to stop them before they get any further.”

Arc grins. “Agreed. And I think I know just how to do that.”

Sereb chuckles. “Do you perhaps have a crystal ball, Arc?”

“Something almost as good.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper.

“What’s that, dad?”

“Hammer’s phone number.”

Ember, Viktor, and Sereb simultaneously start coughing as a piece of food goes down the wrong tube.

“You got her WHAT?!”

Arc shrugs. “She thought I’d like to go out to dinner some night and talk.”

Ember laughs. “Well, she can hope and dream all she likes. But that won’t make you go out with her, right Arc?”

“I was actually going to call her in a day or so.”

Viktor narrows his eyes. “You can’t be serious, sir.”

“I am. Look, there’s a chance she might let something slip that we can use. Maybe I can get her to tell me about herself and her sisters.”

Cherry sounds nervous. “I’ll be there too, right?”

Arc nods. “Of course. This isn’t a real date, after all. I’m gathering intel.”

Ember frowns. “Well, I want to come too!”

“Wouldn’t that blow the commander’s cover?”

Sereb nods. “Probably.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “By ‘probably’ you mean definitely, right?”

Ember glares at him. “This is dangerous, Arc! You shouldn’t go alone!”

Cherry calls out. “I’ll be there.”

“Someone… physical!”

Sereb raises a paw. “How about me?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I’ll handle it.”

Ember grits her teeth. “But…!”

“Look, I’ll make sure we stick to public places. I don’t think Hammer would risk drawing attention to herself by trying anything funny.”

“That and she doesn’t know you’re the Hero of Light, sir.”

Dinky grins. “Right. To her you’re just a normal human.”

“Meaning I’ll be just fine.”

Ember sighs. “You’re going to do this even if I disagree, aren’t you?”

“Yup.”

“Fine. Just be careful over there.”

“I can listen in and track you via your earring, sir.”

Cherry groans. “It’s not nice to listen in on a date, Viktor!”

Arc sighs. “Normally I’d agree. But this is what would be called ‘extenuating circumstances’. Stay on comms.”

“Yes sir.”

Ember clenches a fist.. “And when were you planning on setting up this little date of yours?”

“I’ll call her on Monday and see if we can set something up for Wednesday.”

“Why not now, dad? After all, you told me not to wait until the last minute with my school project.”

“Normally, yes. But this is a bit different. If I call her too soon it might make me look desperate. Or like a weird stalker.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I don’t get it.”

Sereb sighs. “Neither do I.”

“Well, I’m sure you know what you’re doing, dad.”

They finish their meal and pile the dishes in the sink. Arc yawns.

“We should probably get to bed.”

Ember nods. “Yeah.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “Can I sleep with you, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, sweetie. That’s okay for a filly, but you’re a young girl now.”

“Aw…”

Ember smiles. “Come with me, Dinky. You can stay in my room. After all, it’s a pretty big bed.”

“Okay.”

Viktor runs the water. “I’ll get these done before turning in for the night, sir.”

“Thanks. Just don’t stay up too late.”

“Yes sir.”

The trio climb the stairs together. As they reach the top Dinky turns to her father.

“Dad?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“I just wanted to say thank you for letting me come. It means a lot to me.”

Arc kneels down and Dinky runs into his arms. The pair exchange a hug.

“Good night, Dinky.”

“Night dad.”

Arc kisses her gently on the top of her head before standing back up and watching her and Ember head for their room. He sighs and heads for bed.

“Pleasant dreams you two.”

Lying down in his parent’s bed, Arc quickly falls asleep. He dreams of lying in a sunny summer field as Rarity lays next to him in the warm grass. She nuzzles his side as he gently strokes her mane. Neither says a word for what feels like forever. Eventually their eyes meet and they move to kiss. However moments before they connect Arc wakes up. Groaning at the perceived missed opportunity he looks out the window. A warm summer rain pelts the glass making soothing noises which echo through the otherwise silent room. Suddenly something in the bed moves to press itself against his side.

“Did you leave Dinky to sleep with me, Ember?”

She shakes her head and sniffles.

“Is that you, Dinky? Did you have a bad dream?”

The sniffling continues as Arc moves to rub her back.

“There, there. I’m right here, sweetheart. You just…”

Arc suddenly stops talking as his hand touches bare skin.

“Dinky?”

Running his hand down her back, Arc feels the supple curve of an adult female’s side and a distinct lack of panties. Frowning he casts a Light Spell and pulls back the sheet.

“Ember, I thought I told you…!”

In the dim light from the weak spell Arc quickly sees his bedmate is not Ember. Auriel’s body lays pressed up against his. Her breathing is erratic and her body shakes with emotion.

“A-Auriel?! What are you…?!”

She raises her head and looks Arc in the eye. Tears stream down her face as she struggles to put her thoughts into words.

“I… I’m sorry… to wake you, Arc. It’s… I just…”

“Calm down. Just… try to think and tell me what’s wrong.”

“It… it was… a dream. At least I think it was.”

“What happened?”

“I… I woke up in my lab back in Tartarus with my father. But instead of being happy, he chased me outside yelling that I was no daughter of his. The rest of the city yelled and threw things at me as I ran.”

“That sounds terrible!”

“Eventually I reached the Gates of Tartarus. As I passed through I saw you waiting for me. But…”

She sniffles as fresh tears begin to flow.

“But you didn’t welcome me like I thought you would. Instead I was pushed back toward the gates. You tried to shove me back across, but my father was there pushing to keep me out. All the while you and him were yelling at me to get my filthy half-breed self out of your lands!”

Auriel drops her face onto Arc’s chest as she cries. He puts a hand on her back and does his best to comfort her.

“You don’t feel like you belong in either world, huh?”

Auriel shakes her head but does not raise it.

“Listen, Auriel. It was just a dream. Your father loves you for who you are. And you’re welcome here on Earth or back in Equestria as long as you like.”

“But I don’t belong there! Or here! Or in Tartarus!”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m a stupid halfling! We both know I shouldn’t even exist!”

“Don’t say that, Auriel!”

“Why not?! It’s true!”

“No it isn’t. You’ve made so many friends in Equestria. We all care about you, and want you to have a stable life.”

“But I’m a monster!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you’re not. You’re a very kind young woman.”

“I’m not even that! You said so yourself!”

“No I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did! You said I look like someone named Diva! Someone very, very bad!”

“I said you LOOKED like her. But you’re not. You’re whomever you choose to be.”

“But… I just… I’m BAD!”

“No, you’re not.”

“Then what am I?!”

“My friend.”

Auriel sits up, a blank look on her face.

“I’m… what?”

“I said you’re my friend.”

“Even though I’m a half-demon?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Because I really like you. And because I choose to be.”

“But…!”

He puts a hand over her mouth.

“Auriel, stop saying things like that. I know who you are. I know your father is a demon and your mother is a human. I know that you’ve made wise and good decisions in the past. I know you willingly turned over the Bloodstone to me, knowing full well that your father would be upset. I know you faced The Dark One in Ponyville to protect everyone. And I know everything you’re doing is for the betterment of everyone in Tartarus and Equestria. Now I want you to tell me something. How much more do you have to do before you stop thinking you’re a monster?”

“I… I just feel like I need to make up for my very existence.”

“Considering all you’ve already done, what more can you do?”

“It’s… complicated.”

“Try explaining it to me then.”

“I can’t. Not yet anyways, as I don’t understand it myself.”

“When you do, I’ll be here to listen to you, okay?”

Auriel nods sadly as Arc continues talking.

“Now I want you to know something. No matter what you dream, or what thoughts go through your head, remember that you’re special to us. To Twilight, to Ember, to pretty much all of Ponyville, and… to me.”

Auriel smiles as Arc wipes away the tears from her eyes.

“Now then, you really should get some sleep. You look exhausted.”

“So do you, Arc.”

She looks away nervously before continuing.

“Um… might I… stay with you tonight.”

“Huh?”

“I’m still really scared! That dream just felt so real!”

Arc sighs. “Okay. But I need you to do a favor for me.”

Auriel nods happily. “Anything!”

“Put on some pajamas first please.”

Chapter 9 - A Night Out

Several days later Arc descends the stairs to the main level. He is dressed in his best suit with his hair slicked back and his dress shoes shined. Dinky hops off the couch and hurries over to him.

“You look really nice, dad!”

Ember stands up. “Yeah! Like when you and Princess Luna went on that date.”

“That wasn’t a date, and neither is tonight. Remember, this is a recon mission.”

Sereb nods. “That it is. However I am certain you will find some way to enjoy yourself with the female companion.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Um… you could have worded that differently, Sereb.”

“Oh?”

Ember sighs. “Never mind.”

Auriel and Viktor enter the room from the kitchen.

“It looks like you’re ready to go, Arc.”

“Pretty much.”

Viktor nods soberly. “I’ll keep an ear open for you, sir.”

“Good. Just one thing. Don’t send help unless I ask for it.”

“Like a code word, sir?”

“Exactly.”

Ember groans. “Fine. But what?”

Cherry calls out to them. “Something that no one says would be a good one. After all, we don’t want them to make a mistake and hurry over there.”

Dinky grins. “How about ‘fubar’?”

Viktor appears confused. “What does that mean?

“I dunno. I heard it in a movie.”

Arc sighs. “Oh boy. Remind me to pay more attention to what you’re watching on TV, Dinky.”

“That is a pretty good word for our purposes, sir. I’ve certainly never heard anyone use it.”

Cherry giggles. “Fubar it is!”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose.”

Ember looks at the wall clock. “In any case, you should get going. Wouldn’t want keep Hammer waiting.”

Auriel smiles. “Yes. I for one would want a potential mate to be punctual.”

Dinky turns to her, confused. “A what, Miss Auriel?”

“It’s when…”

Arc interrupts her. “Look at the time! I’ll see you all later!”

“Wait, sir!”

“What is it, Viktor?”

“I left something on your front seat that should, um… help you.”

“Uh, thanks. I think.”

Arc steps out the door and proceeds to his Jeep. Noticing it has been freshly washed and waxed he chuckles as Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“They really want you to succeed tonight, Arc.”

“Or at the very least, make a good first impression.”

Getting in, Arc closes the door behind him. Turning, he spots a heart shaped box of chocolates and a bouquet of white flowers. Rolling his eyes Arc clears his throat.

“You listening, Viktor.”

“Yes sir. As ordered.”

“What’s with this stuff?”

Viktor grins. “Like you said, you want tonight to be a success.”

“I suppose. Well, here we go.

He starts the Jeep and turns onto the road. Pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket he looks it over as he muses to himself.

“Why does this address looks so familiar?”

Cherry giggles. “I thought so too.”

Viktor sighs. “You’ll find out soon enough, sir.”

Driving along they eventually come to an old, run-down apartment building. Arc frowns.

“This place again?”

Cherry sounds confused. “Arc?”

“You don’t recognize it? This is where we found that secret cache of gear.”

Cherry sighs. “I remember the bomb scare.”

“That too.”

“So, what now?”

“We head upstairs to her apartment.”

Parking, Arc grabs the candy heart and flowers before entering the building. Heading for the stairs, he walks up them to the second floor. Looking around he spots the door with the proper number on it and knocks. A voice rings out from inside.

“Come on in!”

Opening the door Arc steps into the apartment’s Living Room. It is sparsely furnished, similarly to Cybil’s. The voice rings out again down a hall.

“Sorry, but I ain’t quite ready yet! Just got out of the shower! Be out is a few minutes though! Make yourself comfortable!”

Viktor’s voice rings out in his ear

“Sir, she’s completely defenseless! Now’s the time to take her down!”

Arc shakes his head as he whispers. “No. I need intel.”

Cherry sighs. “You could get it from her during questioning.”

“We stick to the plan. Gain her trust and let her willingly tell me what I want to know.”

“Yes sir.”

Ember frowns. “I still say I’d be safer for you to just take her out and be done with it. One less weapon aimed at us when we storm that base.”

“She’s alone and defenseless in there, sir. One gauntlet to the face would probably be enough to take her down.”

“Duly noted. Let me handle this, okay?”

Ember grimaces. “Fine.”

Spotting an empty vase on top of the television Arc grabs it, fills it with water, and puts the flowers in it before returning it to its place and sitting back down.

“There. She should like that.”

A short time later Hammer steps out of the bathroom. She is wearing a nice button down shirt and dress pants. Grinning, she looks him up and down.

“You clean up real good.”

He stands and walks towards her.

“Oh, um… thank you. So do you.”

Hammer does a small twirl. “Sorry I don’t own anything nicer. Fancy duds aren’t really my thing.”

“It’s fine. I brought you a bit of a gift.”

Hammer takes the heart shaped box and grins.

“Thanks! I know just where to put it.”

She walks over to a drawer and pulls out a hammer and nail. Walking back to the Living Room she drives the nail through the heart and into the wall before stepping back to admire her work.

“There! That’s just what the spot needed!”

Her eyes turn to the flowers in the vase.

“Where’d these come from?”

“I brought them for you.”

“They look real nice in that jar. Almost like it was designed for it.”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically. “Is she… serious?”

“I think so.”

Hammer motions for him to follow. “Well, how about we get a move on?”

“Okay.”

She heads for the door as Arc follows her.

“Don’t forget your purse.”

“My what?”

“What you keep your keys and wallet in.”

“Oh! You mean my pockets!”

She pulls out a ring with three keys on it and a leather wallet.

“Uh… yeah.”

They leave the apartment and lock the door behind them. Arc leads Hammer down the stairs and back to his Jeep.

“So where do you want to go?”

“How about somewhere to eat? I’m starving!”

“Yeah, sure.”

Hammer looks hopeful. “You know any good places?”

“There’s a really good pizza place just off the highway towards Farburg.”

“Let’s go!”

They begin driving. Arc turns to Hammer.

“So… what do you do for a living?”

“Oh… uh… I’m a sergeant in the military.”

“You on leave?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. I have a regular desk job. My sisters and I all work together.”

“You’re all sergeants?”

“Yup!”

“That’s lucky.”

“Huh?”

“To all be the same rank and be allowed on the same post.”

Hammer shrugs. “I guess.”

“Uh oh. You don’t get along or something?”

“Well… we have our differences. The other two are always trying to one-up each other.”

“To impress that guy you mentioned the other day?”

Hammer nods. “Right!”

“Does he work at the base too?”

“Yup. Base commander, actually.”

“Talk about shooting for the stars!”

Hammer looks confused. “What’s that mean?”

“It’s an expression that equates going for the top prize. No matter how out of reach it is.”

“That sounds like what they’re doing. I don’t know why though.”

“You said the other day he already has someone I believe.”

“One of his colonels.”

“And they’re jealous of her position?”

“Kinda. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be an officer! But I think they just want to be by the commander’s side and have his favor. He’s quite the officer after all.”

Arc looks over to her. “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“I mean do you like him too?”

Hammer chuckles. “I guess. Sorry if that’s kinda rude, seeing as we’re on a date.”

“No offense taken. He must be quite the guy.”

“Yeah. General Mustang pushes everyone pretty hard. But he’s really smart and fair at the same time.”

Arc nods. “General Mustang, huh?”

“You know him?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I just thought it’s a rather unusual name is all.”

“You sure ask a lot of questions.”

“Sorry. I’m just a curious guy.”

“What about you? Have a job?”

Cherry calls out telepathically. “You can’t tell her anything, Arc!”

“I’m… kinda a private investigator.”

“A what?”

“Someone who looks into things for people. Discovers the truth. That sort of thing.”

Hammer grins wickedly. “Looks into things, huh? Were you looking into my bathroom when I was changing?”

Arc blushes. “What?! N-no!”

Hammer laughs throatily. “Naw, I’m just joking! You need to loosen up!”

Sometime later they arrive at Roberto’s Pizza. Arc leads Hammer inside and over to a table. She looks around happily.

“This here’s a real nice place.”

“I like it. An old friend of mine runs it.”

Hammer sniffs the air. “Something smells GOOD!”

“That’s the pizza and other dishes. Don’t tell me you’ve never had pizza before.”

“I’ve heard of it. Is it good?”

Arc nods. “Very. Tell me, where were you raised?”

“Well…”

A waitress walks over with two menus.

“Good evening you two. I’ll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?”

“I’ll have a Coke.”

Hammer looks nervous. “Um… I… don’t really know what I’d like.”

“How about some water then?”

“Sure.”

They open their menus and begin to read as the waitress leaves to get their drinks.

“I think I’ll have a small extra-cheese pizza with some breadsticks and a side of lasagna. You?”

Hammer appears confused. “Well, I… I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle the bill.”

“Oh, it’s not that. I just… dunno what any of this stuff IS!”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc, I think she’s telling the truth.”

Viktor frowns. “I thought pizza was popular on Earth.”

Arc nods. “Well then, why don’t you just let me order for both of us?”

“Sounds good.”

The waitress returns with a Coke and a water. She sets them down and pulls out her order pad.

“Now then, can I start you two off with some appetizers?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, thank you. We’ll take a large extra-cheese pizza, a basket of breadsticks, and two servings of lasagna, please.”

He looks at Hammer’s glass.

“And bring my friend here a Coke too.”

The waitress nods as she takes the menus.

“I’ll get that right in for you.”

Hammer turns to Arc as the woman walks away.

“Thanks. I’ve never been out before.”

“Really? Not even with your sisters?”

Hammer shakes her head. “Not to eat, no. They usually just want to go to dumb shops such as the salon and the mall.”

“Like the other day?”

“Yeah. I’m not really into those places.”

“Then why go?”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Because they need someone there to tell them which shirt makes their chests look the most flattering. That and which dress shows off their legs best. Or who’s more beautiful overall.”

“And all that’s for the base commander?”

Hammer groans. “It’s supposed to be, yes. But remember we’re part of the military, so uniforms are a must.”

“So when would they get to use their outfits?”

“Every once in a while he gives everyone a night off. The dress code is relaxed, and we can let loose a bit in the Mess Hall.”

“So it’s like a party?”

“You could say that. All the gals dress up and try to score a dance with the guys there. My sisters stick to the base commander like glue the whole night though.”

“Not you though?”

Hammer blushes slightly. “Not… really.”

“Oh?”

“Well… okay, maybe a bit. But I try to hold myself back. Stingray and Mio are absolutely shameless though!”

“What do they do?”

“Try to please the commander by offering to get him drinks or food mostly. It’s the same stuff we eat every day though.”

Arc chuckles. “Let me guess. He doesn’t pay attention to either of them though, right?”

“Not really. He’s partial to his personal aide, the colonel.”

Hammer frowns.

“Her being an officer might have something to do with it though.”

She looks around.

“Hey, is there a latrine around here somewhere?”

“Yeah, over by the cash register.”

Hammer stands up. “Thanks. I just need to answer the call of nature real quick. Don’t go anywhere.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll be waiting.”

She walks over to the door and disappears. Arc grins.

“This is going well.”

Cherry sighs. “More or less.”

Viktor smirks. “You have her eating out of your hand, sir.”

“You taking notes over there, Viktor?”

“Yes sir. I’m also making audio recordings of everything.”

“Perfect. Just keep an ear out.”

Ember frowns. “You too, Arc. I still don’t trust that woman.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Do I detect a hint of jealously, Ember?”

“Shut up, Sereb!”

Arc sighs. “Play nice over there.”

Viktor chuckles. “Yes sir.”

A few minutes later Hammer returns and slides back into her spot at the booth across from Arc.

“Sorry about that. I had to wait a few minutes for a stall.”

“It’s fine.”

He looks around.

“Pretty busy in here tonight.”

“Is it?”

Arc nods. “Yes. It wasn’t that long ago that I came here with a friend of mine and found the place empty about now.”

“As good as things smell, I can’t imagine why.”

“Well, you saw this place in the news, right?”

Hammer shakes her head. “No, I didn’t. What happened?”

“Some guys calling themselves ‘The Riders’ got themselves kicked out of here by none other than the Hero of Light.”

Hammer winces. “Did they now?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. It was quite the story. You could probably find the archived footage online somewhere.”

“I think I’ll look into that when I get back to my apartment.”

“It was quite the fight.”

The waitress returns with their order. She sets several steaming pans before the pair along with plates and silverware.

“Now then, can I get you two anything else?”

Arc grins. “How about a couple refills?”

“Coming right up.”

Hammer looks at the food, her eyes wide.

“This… this is the most amazingly smelling spread I’ve ever seen!”

“Yes, well… help yourself. Just be careful. Everything’s fresh out of the oven.”

“What should I start with?”

Arc chuckles. “Try the pizza. It’s one of mankind’s greatest culinary achievements.”

“So… do I just…”

She reaches for a slice, unsure of how to pick it up.

“Here, let me help you.”

Arc picks up the pie server and carefully sets a slice on Hammer’s plate before doing the same for himself. Carefully lifting the pizza to his mouth he blows on it a few times before taking a bite. Watching, Hammer does the same.

“Wow, that’s hot!”

She grabs her water and takes a few sips.

“You okay?”

Hammer grins. “Okay?! I’m great!”

She fans the pizza before her a few times before taking another bite.

“This stuff’s incredible!”

Arc chuckles. “Try taking a bite of your breadstick with your pizza.”

Hammer does so. She moans from the explosion of flavor in her mouth.

“I didn’t know food like this even existed!”

“Now try washing it down with your Coke. But just take a small sip or the bubbles will get to you.”

Cautiously, Hammer tastes the Coke.

“Sweet and bubbly!”

She turns to the last plate.

“What’s this called again?”

“Lasagna. It’s pasta sheets with meat, tomato sauce, and several types of cheese between each layer.”

Hammer makes a face.

“I think I’ll pass.”

“Something wrong?”

“We have something like that in the Mess Hall. It tastes kinda like cardboard and sweaty gym socks.”

“This is much tastier. Trust me.”

Taking a deep breath Hammer takes a small bite of her lasagna. Her eyes light up.

“Much better!”

Arc chuckles. “I thought you’d like it.”

The waitress returns to refill their glasses.

“How’s everything tasting?”

Hammer nods happily. “Great! The best ever!”

“Yes. Roberto certainly hasn’t lost his touch.”

“My compliments to the cook!”

The waitress smiles. “I’ll pass it on to him.”

“Thanks.”

He and Hammer go back to eating.

“So you’re a detective, eh?”

“Something like that.”

“You ever investigate anything interesting?”

Arc nods. “Several times now, yes.”

“Cool! Tell me all about it!”

“Sadly, I can’t.”

“Why not?!”

“Client confidentiality.”

“So you’re keeping it quiet why? Who would I tell?”

“Well, let me put it this way. Let’s say you asked me to investigate your sisters. I would follow them around secretly and record all they do. But I’m assuming you wouldn’t like me telling anyone else what I found out, would you?”

“I… suppose not. But could you maybe give me a hint? Without any names, that is.”

“Hm… I guess I could.”

Ember frowns. “Easy there, Arc. Don’t give her too much now.”

“There was a case I took to find a missing mother.”

Hammer gasps. “Kidnapping?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. She was just a full blown alcoholic. My client wanted me to find her in order to fulfil her young daughter’s wish.”

“A wish?”

“Right. They wanted to reunite mother and daughter for Christmas.”

“Was it the girl’s father?”

Arc sighs. “No. He was dead. The girl was staying in an orphanage since the state couldn’t locate her mother.”

“But you did?”

“Yup. Got her sobered up enough to tell her of her former husband’s death and their daughter’s wish too. Just an extra bonus for the client.”

Hammer grins. “Impressive! You must be pretty good at what you do!”

“Thank you. But you must be too.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you’re a sergeant after all. I’m sure the military doesn’t let just anyone have such a rank.”

Hammer shrugs. “It’s really just a matter of following orders.”

“Like what?”

“Um… like…”

Hammer thinks for a moment before responding.

“Sorry, but it’s top secret.”

“I understand. Confidentiality, and all that.”

Hammer appears relieved. “Thanks.”

“You did say you were a desk sergeant, right?”

“Most of the time, yeah.”

“I’m sure it’s not the most glamourous job out there. But it has to be done, eh?”

Hammer grins. “Right! But sometimes we do head out into the field.”

“Anything interesting?”

“Not really. Driving trucks with important cargo, picking up VIPs, search and rescue…”

“Like missing people?”

“Something like that.”

“Ever find anyone of note?”

“I… probably shouldn’t tell you. If my sisters were here, they’d have a fit over what I’ve already said.

“Come now. Who am I going to tell?”

Hammer chuckles as she takes another slice of pizza. “That’s why I said as much as I did.”

The pair finish their meal as the waitress walks over with the check. Arc hands her the money as well as a tip as he and Hammer stand up.

“Thanks. Please come again.”

Hammer grins. “Oh, believe me, I will!”

They return to the Jeep. Getting in Arc starts the vehicle and pull out onto the road. Hammer looks up at the sky.

“It must be a really clear night. There’s so many stars out.”

Arc nods. “Yes. That and we’re quite a ways from any major cities.”

Hammer sighs. “I… don’t get to see them very often.”

“Too busy with your job?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Sometimes you just need to stop and relax. It’s not good to work too hard.”

Ember frowns. “Hypocrite.”

Viktor and Sereb chuckle. Sometime later Arc pulls up in front of Hammer’s apartment building. She turns to him.

“Thanks for the date! I had a great time!”

“Me too.”

Hammer hops out and walks around to the driver’s side door as Arc rolls down the window.

“Give me a call anytime. I’m usually pretty busy with my job, but I’ll get back with you as soon as I can.”

“Yeah, I think I’ll do that.”

“Take care, Arc.”

“You too.”

Arc pulls away as Hammer walks inside. Walking quickly to her apartment she goes straight to her computer in the bedroom and sits down.

“Let’s see… Roberto’s Pizza… Hero of Light… AHA!”

The footage from Minerva’s coverage of the event plays. Hammer sits back in her chair and frowns as Bloodletter’s face come onto the screen.

“That moron! I told him not to be doing any side work!”

She watches as the gang is brought low by the Hero of Light.

“It’s good to see those punks taken down a few notches. And by such a powerful warrior.”

Hammer grins as she socks her fists together.

“Although I’m looking forward to him and me going a few rounds again. After all, I still owe him for the scratching my truck! It’s been far too long since I faced a worthy opponent.”

Chapter 10 - Deceptive Practices

Arc looks to Hammer, confused.

“Why would she go to all that trouble though?”

Hammer shrugs. “Man, I don’t know! She’s crazy sometimes!”

She cracks her knuckles.

“If you really want to find out, just drop me off by our apartment and I’ll have my fist ask her!”

“Let’s not do that. I don’t see that ending well for either of you.”

Hammer grunts. “Whatever. By the way, is your hand okay?”

“It’s fine. Why?”

“Well, it just looked like it hurt when that one fella blocked your fist with his forearm.”

“In all honesty, it certainly didn’t feel good. For either of us I would imagine.”

Hammer laughs. “I don’t think he’ll try doing that again.”

Arc winces. “Yeah. I think I might have broken his arm.”

“Probably. But could you take me back to my little apartment? We can look it over in some better light.”

“Sure.”

A long drive later they park in front of Hammer’s place. Getting out she leads him inside and up the stairs.

“You sure you’re okay, Arc?”

“Y-yeah. Why?”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you’re walking kinda funny?”

Arc winces. “I guess I am.”

Hammer puts an arm around his back and helps support him. “Come on inside. I’ll take a look at it.”

Opening her apartment door she assists Arc in making his way over to the couch.

“There you go. Now then, let me get the light.”

She flicks a switch which causes a single bulb overhead to spring weakly to life. Hammer kneels down in front of Arc and carefully removes his shoe before looking his foot and ankle over.

“Well… the good news is it doesn’t look broken. I think you just twisted it somehow.”

Arc sighs. “I tripped one of those goons. That must’ve done it.”

“You should be fine in a day or so. Let me get you something to wrap it up with.”

“Oh, you don’t have to…!”

Hammer stands as she grins. “Oh yes I do. It’s a girlfriend’s duty to care for her man’s injuries. Especially since you got hurt trying to help me.”

She walks to her room and closes the door. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“That went well.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Don’t you get it? Those thugs did you a real favor.”

“How so?”

“You’ve gained not only her trust, but now Hammer’s respect.”

“I guess so.”

Cherry giggles. “Yes. Now you have to decide what to do with it.”

“Huh?”

“You could probably ask her anything and she’d tell you. Maybe even up to taking you to Princess Celestia.”

Arc frowns. “That might be pushing it. I don’t think she even knows about her though.”

“Oh?”

“Remember, she said over dinner that the research being done wasn’t something she was involved with.”

“I suppose that’s true. Say, what do you suppose is taking her so long to get a bandage?”

“No idea. Maybe she just…”

Arc’s thoughts are interrupted as the door opens and Hammer walks out with a cloth bandage. He notices that she has changed out of her dress and into a tight fitting t-shirt and fairly low cut shorts. Kneeling down in front of him she carefully wraps the ankle.

“That oughta do it.”

“Thanks.”

Leaning forward, she sits down on the couch next to him.

“Give me your hand.”

“Huh?”

“You hit those guys pretty hard without so much as a glove. I just want to make sure they’re not hurt as well.”

“Oh… okay.”

He extends his hand. Hammer takes it and looks over both sides before turning her attention to the other one along with his wrists.

“You look okay, I suppose. Just some minor bruising. You done this before?”

“What? Go out on a date?

Hammer rolls her eyes. “No. Fight.”

“Let’s just say I’m above average in that department. After all, when investigating things situations have a tendency to degrade very quickly. My guys and I have had to defend ourselves on numerous occasions.”

Hammer grins. “Well, you did a really good job of it tonight.”

“Thanks.”

“Hey, I’ve got a bit of a headache. Would you mind if I shut off the light?”

“Go right ahead.”

Reaching up Hammer flicks the switch. The light from the streetlights outside shine weakly through the windows.

“Feeling better?”

Hammer nods. “Much. Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Um… how… how did you get that uniform for Auriel the other day?”

“Oh… um…”

“I don’t recall giving you one.”

“We… found it.”

“Did you now?”

Arc nods. “Yes. There was a shipment of them in the back of the truck we jumped in.”

“Jumped… in?”

“The back, that is. Driver never noticed the two of us hop in when he slowed down to take a sharp curve.”

“Very brave of you two. Boarding a moving vehicle.”

“We did what had to be done to get inside the base. The uniform was just a lucky break to seal the deal.”

Hammer smiles as she narrows her eyes seductively. “That’s very interesting. But I should probably offer you a place to sleep.”

“Sleep?”

“After all, it is getting to be quite late.”

She wiggles her way into his lap and leans in close to his ear.

“My bed is plenty big enough and has clean sheets if you’d like to spend some more time with me.”

“Ah… that’s probably not a good idea.”

Hammer sighs. “You don’t think I’m pretty?”

“No, no! It’s just… inappropriate for me to be doing things like that with a client, that’s all!”

Hammer looks hopeful. “So when you finish my case… do you think we could…?”

“Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.”

He carefully picks her up and sets her aside before reaching for his shoes. Hammer frowns.

“That’s it?! You’re just going to leave?!”

“I probably should. Like you said, it’s late. That and Daisy will get worried if I’m gone too long.”

Hammer sighs as he stands up and follows him to the door.

“I understand. Sorry for being so forward.”

“It’s okay. I’ll see what I can do to figure your case out. Just be aware that it’ll probably take some time.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. But feel free to call me anytime.”

“Sure. In any case, thanks for tonight. It was certainly eventful.”

Hammer grins. “That it was.”

“Good night.”

As Arc reaches for the doorknob Hammer grabs him, wraps her arms around his neck, and plants her lips on his. The moment seems to go on forever before she pulls back and smiles at him.

“Now it was a perfect night.”

“I… uh… yeah! I’ll definitely be in touch with you.”

Grabbing the doorknob he turns it and gently eases out of Hammer’s grasp. Locking it behind him she leans against the door and slides down it to the floor. She sits there as the sound of Arc’s Jeep starting can be heard and grins broadly.

“You are without a doubt the total package, Arc! I can’t wait for my case to be completed now!”

Meanwhile, Arc drives down the road. He grips the steering wheel tightly and shakes his head.

“Of all the brainless things to do!”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc?”

Viktor’s voice fills his ear. “Sir? Is everything alright over there?”

“No! Everything is just… WRONG!”

Rose bows her head. “You sound upset, Arc. Come home and we’ll figure this out together.”

“I… I just… look, I need some time to think. Everyone get some sleep. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Cherry is silent as Arc continues driving. Eventually they reach the town limits.

“Where are you going, Arc?”

“No idea.”

“How about a nice quiet place to sit? I see a little diner up ahead.”

Arc sighs. “Sure. Why not.”

Turning into the parking lot he shuts off the engine and walks inside. A familiar face sits in the first both.

“Good evening, Arc.”

Wiseman gestures to the seat in front of him. A slice of pie and glass of milk are waiting.

“Have a seat.”

“I just… okay.”

Sitting down, Arc picks at the pie.

“So how are things with Hammer?”

Arc glances up. “I get the feeling you already know.”

Wiseman nods. “That I do.”

“Are you here to tell me ‘I told you so’?”

“In a sense.”

Arc sighs. “Go ahead.”

“You sought to use a woman’s feelings to get ahead in your mission.”

“It sounded like a good idea at the time.”

“And now?”

“I just feel like slime. Am I really any different than Decimus at this point? Manipulating a woman to get what I want?”

“Or General Mustang?”

Arc gasps. “So he IS controlling Stingray and Mio?!”

Wiseman nods as Arc clenches his fist.

“I knew it!”

“Yes. However the difference is that unlike you he feels no remorse for such actions.”

Arc nods soberly. “So what do I do? Dump Hammer?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “That would be… unwise. As much as she loves you, should you chose to hurt her in such a way, well… it’s not likely you’d walk away from such an encounter.”

“Yeah. I got that feeling earlier. So I’m stuck, huh?”

“Not necessarily.”

“You have an idea that won’t get me clobbered? I mean… I guess I deserve that.”

“I do.”

“Then let’s hear it.”

“Tell her the complete and total truth.”

Arc frowns. “Is that mask cutting off the blood flow to your brain?! She’d never believe that and you know it!”

“Hammer is quite a strong-willed woman. But she can tell when someone’s being honest with her.”

Arc sighs. “I wish she knew when I had been lying.”

“But you weren’t.”

“How so?”

“Everything you’ve told her has been at least mostly true. You do want, and technically have, a job investigating things. The squad really are your employees in a manner of speaking. Dinky is your adopted daughter. How am I doing so far?”

“It still feels dishonest.”

“That’s because it is.”

“Great. Words of wisdom?”

Wiseman shrugs. “Just the truth.”

“I could use some real guidance here.”

“Very well. Here is my advice.”

Wiseman clears his throat before continuing.

“Remember this in all things. The truth will set you free. Always.”

“I don’t see how that will help me now. As it stands, I’ve already betrayed Hammer.”

“So tell her. Confess your transgressions and she may yet forgive you. However, should you continue to lead her on as you are now, your relationship may be damaged beyond any hope of repair.”

He looks Arc straight in the eye.

“What do you think that will do to her? After she gave you her heart… and offered you so much more just a short time ago.”

“I… I don’t…”

Wiseman narrows his eyes. “Don’t lie to me, Arc. You know exactly what would happen.”

“She’d… close her heart to anyone else for… a very long time. Kinda like I did when Cherry…”

His voice trails off. Wiseman nods soberly.

“You felt as if the ground had vanished under you. That you couldn’t love again, didn’t you?”

“I did, yes.”

“How did you like that?”

“Not at all!”

“So do not inflict it upon another, you fool! The way I see it, you have two choice right now. One, tell Hammer the absolute truth. Or two… rescue Princess Celestia, return her to Equestria, and never return.”

Arc gasps. “What?”

“Your rescue mission will be quite the spectacle, after all. Hammer may be led to believe you were killed in the skirmish. While such a path would be hard for her to walk, she would still have her memories of the time you two spent together to give her hope.”

“Tell the truth or fake my own death?! What about Shelly and Lily?!”

“For that question I have the same advice. Tell the truth, or do not return. The choice, as always, falls to you.”

Wiseman looks out the window at the moon before turning again to Arc.

“Enjoy your pie.”

The robed figure slowly fades away. Arc puts his face in his hands.

“I… I can’t do either!”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically. “Yes, you can! I have faith in you!”

“Well, which should I do?! Both will lead to pain for everyone! I… I never should have done this!”

Cherry sighs. “This is my fault too, Arc. Remember, I justified the ends with the means.”

“Same as me.”

“Yes.”

“What do you think I should do?”

“I honestly have no idea. Both of Wiseman’s suggestions would be very dangerous and painful for all concerned.”

Arc looks out the window and sighs.

“I guess I have a lot to think about.”

He sits in the booth for some time, thinking. Eventually, looking down at the table, Arc spots the bill. Frowning, he pulls some money from his pocket and places it on the table before walking to his Jeep.

“Wiseman… leave it to him to skip out on paying his share of the bill.”

Cherry sighs. “Well, yours certainly cost more. All he had was coffee.”

“Yeah, well… maybe he was trying to show me a little of what it feels like to get stuck with someone else’s problems.”

“Or he’s just cheap.”

“That’s also a possibility.”

“So… what are you thinking, Arc?”

“I’m going to do my best to get Princess Celestia out of there and back to Equestria as soon as possible. No matter what it takes.”

“What about Hammer?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I… I could come back afterwards. Tell her the whole story.”

“But will you?”

“Truthfully?”

“Always.”

“Right now… I don’t know.”

Making his way home, Arc parks and steps out of the Jeep. Frowning he walks up the steps and through the back door. Ember and Auriel are sitting at the table waiting for him. Ember is the first to speak.

“You okay now, Arc?”

“I don’t know.”

Auriel appears worried. “You sounded very upset on the radio.”

Arc nods as he closes the door behind him. “I was. Still am, I suppose. Is Dinky in bed?”

Ember nods. “Yes. We put her down shortly after dark.”

“She wanted to wait up for you to say goodnight. But we convinced her you wouldn’t want her to stay up past her bedtime.”

“Thanks. I… think I’ll go check on her.”

He heads for the stairs. Auriel and Ember turn to one another, clearly confused. Arc quietly enters the guest room which Dinky shares with Ember. Casting a very small Flame Spell he approaches her bed. Reaching out he covers her up. Dinky stirs ever so slightly and opens her eyes partway.

“Sorry to wake you, sweetheart.”

Dinky smiles up at him sleepily. “Hey, dad. How was your date?”

“It was… okay. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.”

She nods with a weak smile before turning over and going back to sleep. Leaning down Arc kisses the top of her head before slowly backing out of the room and closing the door. He stands there for a time just staring at the wood. Eventually Arc feels a hand on each shoulder. Turning, he sees Auriel and Ember smiling at him. They each take a hand and lead him back to his parent’s room. Sitting down on the bed together Ember speaks.

“Seriously. What’s bothering you, Arc?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, you signed off so quickly.”

Arc looks down at his hands and sighs.

“I think… no… I KNOW I’ve made a terrible mistake!”

Ember chuckles. “Not taking Hammer up on her offer?”

Auriel gasps. “Ember!”

Arc forces a small smile. “No, that I’m sure I handled well.”

Ember sighs. “Then what?”

“What I’m doing to Hammer… it’s… it’s just plain wrong.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“She’s fallen for me.”

Auriel smiles. “We do understand that, Arc.”

“Yeah. Auriel and I totally love you! Hammer’s just… Hammer.”

“Oh? You should’ve seen her face when I turned down her invitation to the bedroom. And when she kissed me.”

Ember grits her teeth. “She did WHAT?!”

“You heard me.”

Ember clenches a fist angrily. “Next time she does that, I’ll rip her lips off!”

Auriel appears surprised. “Why, Ember? She’s done nothing wrong.”

Arc sighs. “That’s not entirely true. Hammer was working with the Shards and now our real enemy, General Mustang.”

Ember nods fervently. “Right. She deserves what she gets!”

Auriel looks to Ember. “What will she get?”

Arc groans. “A broken heart as it stands.”

Ember shrugs. “I’m remembering all the trouble she gave us in the past. Not seeing how a little heartache’s a bad thing.”

Arc shakes his head. “Wiseman was right.”

Ember scoffs. “No way! That guy has a lot of nerve trying to tell you how to run a mission!”

“I mean tonight.”

“On your date?”

Arc sighs. “No. After I left.”

Cherry calls out to them. “Arc and I went to a little diner. He was there waiting for us.”

“Right.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “What was his terrible advice this time?”

“That I should do one of two things. Either tell Hammer the complete truth, or…”

He looks down at the floor before continuing.

“…or get Princess Celestia and… never return to Earth.”

Auriel gasps. “Never?”

Arc nods as Ember seethes.

“What about Shelly and Lily?!”

“I… I just don’t know what to do?”

Auriel looks to him, hopeful. “Can’t you do both?”

“Huh?”

“Rescue the princess and then tell Hammer what you were really up to.”

Arc groans. “I already thought of that.”

Cherry sighs. “It does make the most sense. After all, once the princess is safely home Arc won’t really need a cover story or secret identity.”

Ember shrugs. “Makes sense.”

“She’ll still be mad and hurt though.”

Auriel takes his hand. “Whatever you chose to do, know that I believe in you. I know you won’t let her down.”

“Like I’m letting Hammer down?”

Auriel looks him in the eye and smiles.

“Arc, you were willing to take in a prisoner of Tartarus. A demon, no less! Even though the princesses were against it, you convinced them to let me stay. I’ll always believe in the courage of your heart and the wisdom in your decisions.”

Ember nods. “Auriel’s right. You need to have more faith in yourself. I know you. If there’s something you want to see changed, you’ll find a way to make that happen. I just know it.”

“Thanks. I hope… I hope there’s a way to make everything right.”

Ember gestures to the pillows. “Why don’t you sleep on it?”

Auriel nods. “Right. Things may look better in the morning.”

“I’ll try.”

He stands and heads for the dresser.

“First I need to get out of this suit though.”

Auriel smiles at him. “Take a quick shower. It’ll help wash away the troubles of the day.”

Ember raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “Really?”

Auriel nods. “That’s what Twilight and I do after a hard day of experiments. Well… when we remember to. And have the energy.”

“Thanks. I think I’ll try that. Why don’t you two head to bed? I… kinda want to be alone tonight.”

Grabbing some clean clothes Arc heads for the bathroom. Stepping into the shower he turns the water on and lathers up as Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc? Is everything okay?”

“Not really. Why do you ask?”

“You’re scrubbing yourself unusually hard.”

Arc sighs. “I guess I am.”

“Why?”

“Trying to wash the slime off.”

“Slime?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. After the way I’ve been handling my relationship with Hammer… I just feel like total garbage.”

“Please stop talking about yourself that way, Arc. Even you can’t always be right.”

“Well, that was beyond wrong.”

“You forget that I went along with your plan, Arc.”

“True. But I made the final choice to implement it.”

Stepping out of the shower and dressing Arc returns to his parent’s room. Closing the door behind him he finds Ember and Auriel still waiting for him.

“I thought I said I wanted to be alone tonight.”

Ember nods soberly. “We heard you, yes.”

“Then would you two please…”

Auriel interrupts him. “Arc, you shouldn’t be alone right now.”

“I’m perfectly capable of…”

Ember steps forward and takes his hand. “Listen to me, Arc. There’s been several times in the past where I was in trouble and you helped me through it. When my father wanted me to pick a mate I didn’t love. When I was ill in Ponyville Hospital. And when… after my mother… well… I didn’t want to keep living after that. But you stuck with me through it all.”

Auriel nods as she takes his other hand. “Yes, Arc. When I had no one else to turn to, you took me in. Thanks to you I have a new life and a future in Equestria. You’re hurting and need someone to be there for you. We won’t leave you now.”

The pair gently pull him over to the bed. Arc rests his head on the pillow as they take their places on either side of him. Still holding his hands, they snuggle up to him and close their eyes.

“Good night, Arc.”

“Pleasant dreams.”

Arc sighs and cracks a smile. “Thanks.”

Chapter 16 - Compromises

Xenos sits in the pilot’s seat of The Landmaster as he drives it silently through a corridor. Viktor looks over from his seat.

“Everything okay back there?”

Arc nods. “We’re good.”

Ember frowns. “This is not what I would call ‘good’.”

She gestures to the shrunken down Shards in a box on one side of the vehicle. Snake frowns.

“This is no picnic for us either.”

Wolf grumbles. “Yeah. How long do we have to stay like this?!”

Jackal chuckles. “I think it fun! We like action figures!”

Arc sighs. “Until we find a way out of here.”

Auriel nods. “We couldn’t all fit in here otherwise. Even if the vehicle is a bit smaller too.”

Sereb growls. “Indeed.”

Arc shrugs. “It wouldn’t have fit in the corridors at full size.”

Auriel looks at her monitor. “And we’re cloaked as well.”

Rose giggles. “It’s much easier to protect everyone if they’re in one place too.”

Max gestures to Hammer lying on the floor of the vehicle as Rose holds her down. “Even her?”

Xenos grins. “Especially her.”

Hugh frowns. “We’re safest if she comes with us.”

Viktor turns to the Shards. “And she’s quite the bargaining chip if we need one later.”

Hammer chuckles as she looks over to Arc. “Now who’s the kidnapper?”

“Us, I guess.”

She glares at him. “At least you’re man enough to admit it.”

“Think what you will of me.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah! The Hero’s a better man than anyone in this place!”

“HA! Now there you’re wrong!”

Sereb growls. “Are we now?”

Hammer nods. “Yeah! I know a fella that’s ten times the man you are… Hero!”

“Is he now?”

“Right! And by the time he gets back from oversees I’ll have saved up some more money to hire him again!”

“To do what?”

“Track you fools down! You’d better watch your backs, as I’ll come for all of you as he finds you for me one by one!”

Rose tightens her grip on Hammer’s wrists. “You just keep quiet.”

“Enjoy the feeling of being hunted!”

Arc walks over to Ember and sits down as Hammer continues fuming.

“How’s she doing?”

Ember sighs. “Not good. Every little thing scares her. It was all I could do to keep her calm while you left us here to free the Shards.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Oh, I understand why you did it. But try explaining that to her.”

Arc puts a hand on Celestia’s back. She cries out frantically.

“Twilight!”

Arc pulls his hand back instinctively. “Woah!”

Ember moves Celestia to the side. “Don’t! She doesn’t like to be touched!”

“What about you?!”

“She seems to like me, I think. Not sure why.”

“Maybe it’s because you two have a mother/daughter relationship?”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Har, har.”

“No, I mean it. Remember, she was the one whom hatched and cared for you as a newborn.”

“So?”

“That means you two have a special bond. You can’t just expect her not to remember that.”

Ember groans. “She’s a mess! That and she can’t even see me through that headgear thing!”

“Maybe not. But look at how she reacts to your touch.”

Ember puts a hand on Celestia’s back. She relaxes and lays her head down contentedly as Ember sighs.

“I wish we could get that thing off her head.”

“Sunburst can probably take care of that. It not, Luna could…”

Celestia raises her head. “Twilight?”

“Has she said anything else?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nothing. Just various tones of that one word.”

Auriel turns her head. “We’re coming up on the main entrance now, Hero.”

Rose nods. “Someone take over for me.”

Hugh steps forward. “I will.”

Rose leans back as Hugh kneels down and takes Hammer’s wrists. She heads for Viktor’s console and sits down.

“Let’s see…”

Arc frowns. “What’s waiting for us out there, Hammer?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

Rose looks up from the console. “Looks like over a hundred soldiers.”

Hammer gasps. “How could you possibly know that?!”

Rose grins as she points at the device before her. “Sensors.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “Of course. And what else did they tell you?”

“That Stingray and Mio are in there as well.”

Max looks to Rose. “What about Diva?”

“No sign of her.”

Hammer frowns. “Really?! She’s never around for the important stuff.”

Hugh looks to Arc. “What should we do, sir?”

Viktor grins. “How about another few rounds of grenades?”

Hammer screams. “WHAT?!”

She squirms angrily as Hugh struggles to keep her restrained.

“Stay down!”

Auriel puts a hand to her cheek. “Together we should be able to repeat the earlier plan with explosives and surprise our enemies.”

Hammer cries out. “Leave my sisters alone!”

Arc shakes his head. “Hammer’s right. Stingray and Mio could be badly injured by our grenades.”

Ember frowns. “But Mio has shields!”

Rose nods sadly. “But if she does not see the attack coming…”

Snake grins. “So what!?”

Wolf clenches a fist. “Yeah! Take those two out!”

Jackal grimaces. “They not good ladies!”

The rest of the Shards nod in agreement. Arc sighs.

“Just leave this to me, everyone.”

Auriel groans. “Well, we do have to do SOMETHING!”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He looks down at Hammer.

“And I think I know exactly what that is.”

A few minutes later Arc walks into the massive elevator room. Every android aims their weapon at him as Stingray and Mio step forward.

“Turning yourself in, eh?”

Mio looks around. “Keep an eye out for his friends! This is most likely a trap!”

Arc shrugs. “Not really. In fact, I’ll tell you exactly where the others are.”

Stingray raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Oh really?”

Arc points behind himself with a thumb. “Inside my vehicle just around the corner.”

Stingray frowns. “Call them out into the open! I want to see everyone!”

“The best I can do is one of them.”

Mio grimaces, her staff aglow. “We’re not in the mood to play games!”

“Neither am I, as I’m on a schedule here. So let’s get this thing moving.”

Pointing his spear out into the corridor, Arc motions to someone. A few moments later Rose steps forward with Hammer in front of her. She roughly pushes the injured young woman onto her knees. Stingray gasps.

“HAMMER?!”

Mio looks to Arc angrily. “Release our sister at once!”

“Fine. But we want something in return.”

Stingray narrows her eyes. “What is it?”

“To leave.”

Mio scoffs. “That isn’t going to…!”

Stingray sighs. “Fine.”

“What?!”

Stingray shrugs. “The general says he can go.”

She turns back to Arc.

“Tell you what, Hero. I’ll let you and your friends pass unharmed in exchange for Hammer’s safe return.”

Rose frowns. “What about the others?”

Mio shakes her head. “We can’t let the Shards go. They belong to us, after all.”

Arc seethes. “So you think you OWN them now?!”

Stingray shrugs. “More or less. They’ll be properly cared for back in the research lab. Nutrition, housing, shelter, medical care. It’s everything they wanted, right?”

Mio smiles. “This could be their place in the world.”

Arc shakes his head. “They wanted a place to call their own, yes. But you’re not offering the one thing they really need.”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “What’s that? Income?”

Mio thinks for a moment. “A place in the Organization?”

“Freedom. Under you, they’re nothing but a science experiment.”

Mio sighs. “But they’ll be helping us make the world a better place!”

Stingray nods. “Like they wanted.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m not leaving them with you. Now are you going to let us pass, or are we going to fight it out?”

Mio turns to Stingray and whispers. “Hammer’s defenseless as it is. A firefight isn’t something that she would do well in right now. Especially in her condition.”

“So what are you suggesting we do?”

“Getting Hammer back safely needs to be our top priority.”

“But what about our orders?!”

“I’m sure the general would understand the loss if it meant we kept Hammer from getting killed here.”

Stingray sighs. “Fine. For better or worse, she is one of us.”

Hammer groans. “You know I can hear you, right?”

Mio smiles smugly at Hammer. “Good. Then you should appreciate the vast sacrifice we’re making to get you back safe and sound.”

Stingray nods. “Right. Even if you did try to turn us against our true love.”

Hammer cries out. “He’s FORCING you to think that! Didn’t you understand a word I said before?!”

Mio giggles. “Yes, Hammer. But nevertheless we have a job to do.”

Hammer frowns as she looks away. “You two really are a couple of hopeless fools, you know that?!”

Stingray shrugs. “Maybe. But even after what you did, we won’t abandon you to the Hero, Hammer.”

Mio sighs. “It’s a small price to pay to keep you around.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “Gee… thanks.”

Stingray turns to Arc. “So how should we do this?”

“I want you to order your guards to stand down. You and Mio will step onto the elevator with me and my companion, who will keep Hammer restrained. We’ll ride the elevator to the ground level where I will order your sister’s release just as soon as I’m sure there’s no funny business up there.”

Stingray frowns. “Fine.”

She motions for her troops to stand aside. They do so as Arc steps out into the corridor and motions to Xenos to drive The Landmaster into the room. He and Rose, along with Hammer, walk past the androids and onto the elevator. Mio presses a few buttons and the elevator begins its ascent. Auriel stands up and looks to Xenos.

“Take over watching the Shards for me.”

“Um… okay.”

Hugh frowns. “Something wrong?”

Auriel heads to her station and puts a claw on the Bloodstone casing. “I want to be ready. Just in case.”

Max grimaces. “That’s wise. I smell a double cross coming our way.”

Viktor laughs. “As long as Rose has Hammer, they wouldn’t dare!”

Ember nods. “Yeah? But after they let her go anything could happen.”

Celestia looks up. “Twilight?”

Ember turns her attention back to Celestia. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe.”

Celestia offers her a small smile. “Twilight…”

Meanwhile, Stingray walks over to Arc as the elevator continues on its way.

“I just want you to know that we’ll be looking for a way to get you back for this!”

Mio tightens her grip on the staff in her hands. “Right! Anyone who hurts one of us…!”

Hammer groans. “I’m fine! Really!”

She winces in pain and leans forward. Stingray looks to her.

“Just a bit longer, Hammer.”

Mio nods. “We’ll make sure you’re healed up in no time.”

She glares at Arc.

“Some hero YOU are!”

“Think what you want, Mio. But your sister’s only alive right now because of me.”

Stingray narrows her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ll let Hammer tell you later.”

Auriel’s voice comes over his earring.

“We’ll be reaching the ground level soon.”

“Anything I should know about?”

“No idea, as our vehicle’s scanners still can’t track anything out there.”

Stingray grins. “And you won’t either!”

Mio smiles smugly. “Right. Our security is second to none.”

Rose looks over. “We got in.”

Arc nods. “Easily, I might add.”

Hammer grits her teeth. “And as soon as I figure out how you and your buddies got in through the lake, that leak will be PLUGGED!”

Mio frowns. “Count on it!”

Stingray looks at him wickedly. “Then we’ll find you… Hero.”

Arc shrugs. “I’ll be long gone by then. But good luck with that.”

He turns to Hammer and kneels down in front of her. She does not look up.

“Sorry for all this.”

Hammer grits her teeth both in anger and in pain. “I swear… that I’ll make you pay for this one day.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I… kinda deserve it after this.”

Hammer looks up to him, confused. “You… agree with me?”

“Kinda. I mean… it wasn’t my intention to have anyone harmed. Not you, your sisters, or anyone in the base.”

Hammer frowns as she looks away. “Could’ve fooled me.”

“But as they say, no plan survives contact with the enemy.”

Hammer grunts. “You started this mess!”

Mio shakes her head. “No, Hammer. We did.”

Stingray grits her teeth. “It doesn’t matter who started it! But we’ll be the ones to end it!”

Mio nods soberly. “That we can agree on.”

Hammer cries out. “You’re darn right! As soon as Arc gets back, he’ll…!”

Stingray rolls her eyes. “Will you stop talking about the guy who walked out on you?!”

“He didn’t! There was a case he had to leave the country to…!”

Mio sighs. “Hammer, did it ever occur to you that he was just trying to break it off?”

“No way! Why would he have wanted to…!”

“Because you’re too pushy!”

“And overbearing.”

Stingray shakes her head. “Getting too serious too fast drives men away!”

Hammer glares at her sister. “No, it doesn’t!”

Mio giggles. “Oh really? You said before that you’d had him over to your apartment twice. I bet you just threw yourself at him, didn’t you?”

“Well… I wouldn’t say I necessarily…”

Arc grimaces. “Uh… can you three talk about this after we leave?”

Stingray grins wickedly at Hammer. “You did, didn’t you?!”

“Okay, maybe a little.”

Mio makes kissy sounds. “Did you sleep with him?”

“WHAT?! NO! I mean, I offered. But he didn’t want to!”

Stingray laughs. “You mean he turned you down?”

“Yeah! Wait, no! I mean…!”

Xenos turns to Hugh from inside The Landmaster. “Can we please cut this transmission?”

Hugh shakes his head. “Viktor could. But we need to keep our ears open.”

Viktor frowns. “Right. After all, who knows when the commander will need us.”

Max sighs. “This is hard to listen to though.”

Ember groans. “Yeah. The Hero really did a number on Hammer’s emotions.”

Auriel gasps as she listens intently. “I knew she was… interested in him. But I wasn’t aware things had progressed quite THIS far.”

Snake’s jaw drops. “Wait a sec! The Hero was into… HAMMER?!”

Wolf makes gaging sounds. “That’s just sick!”

Jackal claps his hands together. “Well I think it sweet!”

Snake rolls his eyes. “You would.”

Meanwhile, Stingray facepalms. “Hammer, you can’t DO that?!”

“Do WHAT?!”

Mio rolls her eyes. “Throw yourself at any man who’ll take you. It isn’t dignified!”

“Arc wasn’t just ANY MAN! He loves me! And I love him!”

Arc winces inside his helmet as Hammer continues.

“When he gets back, we’re gunna…!”

Stingray groans. “He didn’t love you, Hammer! Don’t you see!”

Mio sighs. “Stingray is right. If Arc truly loved you, he’d be here for you when you needed him. Not supposedly traipsing around the world.”

“But…!”

Mio continues. “And where is he now?”

Hammer opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out for a long time.

“I misjudged him… didn’t I?”

Stingray nods soberly. “Yes, Hammer.”

Mio smiles at her sister. “Don’t beat yourself up over it. After all, Arc really was pretty good looking.”

Stingray grins sneakily. “Yeah. And he DID stick around quite a bit longer than any of your other boyfriends to date.”

Hammer nods sadly before responding. “He… isn’t coming back… is he?”

Mio shakes his head. “No, he’s not.”

Stingray bows her head. “Tell you what, Hammer. In the off chance that he does, Mio and I promise to give him a fair chance this time.”

“You… you mean it?”

Mio nods. “Yes, indeed. After all, he did make you very happy.”

Stingray sighs. “Right. But his return really is a big ‘if’.”

As the elevator reaches the top Rose forces Hammer to stand. She does so with great difficulty as she winces in pain.

“Ow! Watch it!”

Arc turns to Rose. “Treat her with kid gloves. I don’t want Hammer hurt any more than she already is.”

“Yes sir.”

Arc turns to Stingray and Mio as he points his spear. “You two back up. Don’t interfere with what happens next.”

The pair angrily nod as Arc turns to The Landmaster and raises his gauntlet. Slowly the vehicle begins to return to normal size.

“Open the back hatch.”

Nodding, Xenos presses a button. The back doors fly open and the Shards hop out. They line up as Sereb begins the process of returning them to normal size. Max brings up the rear clutching his spear as he makes his way over to Arc.

“Everything okay out here, sir?”

“So far so good. We just need to wait for my mount to finish his task.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Then what, Hero?”

Arc chuckles. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

He turns to watch the growing group of Shards.

“This is the beginning of the final act. All we need to do now is finish the show and take our bows.”

Meanwhile, Stingray moves her hand to her belt and deftly pulls something out. She carefully slips it into her sleeve and continues observing the situation before her intently.

“Keep at it, you freak. It won’t be long now…

Chapter 10 - Into the Breech

Arc looks to the Gates of Tartarus before turning back to the others.

“Anyone want out of this?”

No one speaks. Eventually Arc chuckles.

“Me either.”

Twilight nods bravely. “We can do this, everypony.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! So let’s go already!”

Fluttershy looks around nervously. “Wha-what’s the rush?”

Rarity puts a hoof on the pegasus’ shoulder. “Think of it this way, Fluttershy. The sooner we get started, the sooner this’ll be over.”

Applejack walks over to one of the wagons and hitches herself up to it. “Right. Now then, let’s get this show on the road.”

Pinkie giggles. “It’ll be like a carnival ride! Over before you know it!”

Aurora raises an eyebrow. “Carnival?”

Auriel sighs. “Hopefully it’s that simple.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Shall I go first?”

Arc shakes his head as he removes his cape from the ring. “No. I’ll do that. Take your position, Fluttershy.”

Gulping, the frightened pegasus flies over to the Gates of Tartarus with the cape.

“Now what do I do?”

“Put it over yourself and fly into the barrier. The energy should be blocked by the hydra scales, allowing us to pass through.”

Fluttershy does so. A small opening forms in the barrier as a result. Arc steps forward and through the Gates of Tartarus to stand on the red dirt of the hellish landscape. He looks to the capital city of Vengeance as the others bring the supplies through. Auriel walks over to him along with Aurora whom gazes out at the bleak landscape.

“What a barren wasteland.”

Twilight turns to her. “Aurora?”

“For the first time since the Consciousness gained… consciousness, we do not sense the warmth of nature.”

Fluttershy gulps. “Nothing really grows here. So that’s to be expected.”

Auriel looks to the city. “Yes, well… it shouldn’t be long now.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Agreed. Your father is very… prompt.”

“Not exactly the word I would have used, Arc.”

About ten minutes later they see movement from the capital. Ars squints.

“Here he comes.”

Fluttershy gasps. “But not just him!”

“My father always has guards with him.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces as she calls out. “Well, this looks like more than just what’s needed for protection.”

Applejack turns to Arc. “You don’t suppose he’s coming for a fight, do you?”

“Hopefully not. After all, he’s already lost to me more than once.”

Pinkie smiles wickedly. “Yeah! Arc’s got this!”

Rarity nods, her horn aglow. “As do we!”

Arc waits until the king halts his forces before stepping forward alone. King Malevolence calls out to him.

“ARC! WHY HAVE YOU COME TO MY DOMAIN?! “

The king looks to Auriel with a pained expression on his face.

“YOU KNOW MY DAUGHTER IS BANISHED, YET YOU HAVE BRAZENLY BROUGHT HER HERE!”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof angrily. “Hey, buster! That’s LORD Arc to YOU!”

“WHAT?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes, father. He’s currently the legitimate ruler of Equestria.”

King Malevolence clenches his fist angrily.

“HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?! HAVE THE PRINCESSES BEEN VANQUISHED?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. They are merely busy with another task. One that requires their full attention. As such, they abdicated and appointed me as Lord Regent.”

“WELL THEN… FOR WHAT REASON HAVE YOU COME TO THIS PLACE?!”

“As you know, my friend Twilight here has taken Auriel into her home. They’ve been working on a very special… project together.”

“OH?!”

“The one we spoke of last time we met, father.”

“I SEE! AND YOU NOW HAVE A SOLUTION?!”

Twilight motions with a wave of her hoof. “Here in these carts, yes.”

Arc nods. “We’d like permission to travel to the old Vile Tribe’s hideout and set it up.”

“AURIEL HAS ALREADY TOLD ME OF HER PLANS!”

“Have you made preparations then, father?”

“YES! EVERYTHING IS READY!”

Arc appears hopeful. “Does that mean we can…?”

“YOU MAY ENTER, YES! HOWEVER, YOU MAY ONLY GO STRAIGHT TO YOUR DESTINATION! I WILL SUPERVISE TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NOTHING AMISS!”

He looks to his forces.

“RETURN TO THE CITY AND AWAIT FURTHER ORDERS!”

They turn and march away as the king returns his gaze to Arc and his friends.

“LET US BE OFF!”

Walking towards the walled structure in the distance, Arc and Auriel walk side by side with the demon king. He looks over his shoulder at the mares pulling the wagons.

“I SEE YOU’VE SUBJUGATED THE MASSES!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. I just asked for help.”

Rainbow Dash glares at the demon king. “Yeah! We’re nopony’s slaves!”

Applejack nods angrily. “Darn right!”

Pinkie looks at her back. “Some of us like these harnesses Arc had us wear!”

Everyone stops and looks at her, their mouths agape.

“What?! I’m enjoying being hitched up for him!”

Arc clears his throat. “Let’s just… table that statement for another time.”

Twilight blushes. “Y-yes.”

Auriel shrugs. “If that’s what you want.”

She looks to her father.

“Cultural differences.”

“I DON’T SEE THE PROBLEM!”

“Equestrians are not as… open about their sexuality as most demons are, father.”

Auriel gestures to Pinkie.

“With some exceptions, that is.”

“THEY SHARE THAT TRAIT WITH YOU, I ASSUME!”

“For the most part, yes. But tell me something, father. Is everyone still upset regarding what I did?”

“YES, AURIEL! THANKS TO YOU WE LOST A PERFECT CHANCE TO ESCAPE THIS PLACE!”

“But I…!”

“YOUR REASONS ARE… UNDERSTANDABLE THOUGH!”

Fluttershy calls out softly. “So she can come home again?”

“NO! HOWEVER, I BELIEVE IN AURIEL AND HER HEART!”

Sereb growls. “How kind of you.”

“THAT IS THE ONLY REASON I’M ALLOWING THIS EXPERIMENT TO PROCEED!”

“I didn’t get this far on my own though, father. Twilight here was instrumental in many regards.”

“Thank you. But the real idea was yours, Auriel.”

Arc smiles. “Working together you two could probably accomplish anything.”

King Malevolence chuckles. “ARE YOU PERHAPS LOOKING FOR WORK, PURPLE UNICORN?!”

Twilight shakes her head nervously. “N-no thank you, sir.”

Arriving, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy fly up and over the wall. Finding the release, they open the gates to allow the others inside. Entering, the king looks around.

“WHAT A DUMP!”

Rarity sighs. “I admit, it is a bit run down.”

Rainbow Dash frowns as she points to the king. “Yeah! But I get the feeling that’s YOUR fault!”

Fluttershy gasps. “Rainbow Dash!”

“YOU ARE CORRECT, LITTLE ONE! THE PONIES WHOM ONCE LIVED HERE WERE NOT ALLOWED WITHIN THE CONFINES OF VENGEANCE!”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “That… doesn’t make sense.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Everyone, ‘Vengeance’ is the name of the capital city.”

Sereb growls. “It sounds… aptly named.”

“THANK YOU, BEAST! I SENSE THAT YOU AND I HAVE MUCH IN COMMON!”

“Do we?”

“MOST LIKELY! TELL ME, DO YOU CRAVE THE THRILL OF BATTLE AS I DO?!”

“To a degree. However it would depend on what I was fighting for.”

“FIGHTING… FOR?!”

Arc steps toward Sereb. “He’s like me in that regard. We’ll fight if we need to. But would rather do so for a good cause.”

“NEITHER OF YOU MAKE ANY SENSE!”

Auriel sighs. “Hopefully you’ll understand that someday, father.”

“I WISH THE SAME FOR YOU, AURIEL!”

Twilight looks to Aurora for guidance. “Where should we set up?”

“A central location with somewhat level ground would be preferable for us.”

The king looks to Aurora, clearly confused.

“I STILL DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE!”

Arc looks to the king. “That’s Aurora. She’s going to be staying here to… oversee the artificial sun.”

“I DID NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR SOMEONE TO OCCUPY THIS FORT PERMANENTLY!”

Rainbow Dash flies into King Malevolence’s face. “No Aurora, no sun! Pick one!”

The king growls at her menacingly.

“DO NOT PUSH ME, LITTLE ONE! I’VE DEFICATED THINGS BIGGER THAN YOU!”

Arc steps forward. “Like me?”

“YOU ARE A TRUE WARRIOR, ARC, AND WORTHY OF RESPECT! UNLIKE THE OTHERS WHOM YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH!”

“Remember, these are the mares whom helped me and the Vile Tribe escape Tartarus. Don’t take them lightly due to their size.”

Malevolence looks to his daughter. “I SUPPOSE THERE IS WISDOM IN YOUR WORDS, ARC!”

Auriel looks to him. “Can we use that location near the fire pit, Arc?”

“Yes, that’s where the communal meals were cooked.”

“I NOTICED IT IS ALSO THE LOCATION OF THE TOWN’S WELL!”

Auriel grins. “Perfect!”

Twilight looks to the wagons. “Let’s get everything set up.”

Rarity turns to Auriel. “Can we help?”

“Yes. The crates are arranged numerically. If we unpack in order everything should go smoothly.”

Aurora looks to Arc. “Might we see the Source of Life?”

Pinkie looks confused. “The… what?”

Fluttershy smiles. “You mean the water?”

Aurora nods. “Yes. Nothing can live without it.”

Rainbow Dash flies over to the well and looks down it. “Kinda far down there.”

Applejack frowns. “Yeah. How’s this supposed to work?”

Twilight picks up a clipboard. “We’ve taken that into account. Go ahead and open box number one.”

Pinkie does so. She turns to the others, her face aghast.

“We’ve been robbed!”

Arc gasps. “What?!”

“The machine parts were stolen and a bunch of pipes left in their place!”

Auriel rolls her eyes. “Those are for irrigation. My plan is to connect them to make a pipeline for a constant flow of water to the rest of the system.”

Aurora nods. “Sunlight, fertile soil, and now water. We should have no problem sustaining life as it stands.”

Twilight pokes her head into a crate. “Agreed. However our goal isn’t so much to just sustain the plants, but to allow them to thrive.”

Applejack appears suddenly interested. “What exactly are you going to grow first?”

“Before anything else, Aurora says she needs a… what was it called again?”

“An Enclave.”

King Malevolence growls. “A WHAT?!”

Aurora looks at him evenly. “Somewhere for The Consciousness to reside.”

Arc shrugs. “Think of it like a Town Hall, I guess.”

Aurora tilts her head to one side, confused. “While that term is not understood, we will accept it.”

Rainbow Dash pulls two pipes out of the box. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let’s get this thing going!”

The pegasi work on running the pipes as Twilight and Auriel get to work on the pump nearby. Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie begin unpacking the rest of the boxes and laying their contents in a row. King Malevolence turns to Arc.

“THINGS GO WELL!”

“Indeed.”

“TELL ME SOMETHING! IS AURIEL HAPPY IN EQUESTRIA?!”

Auriel looks over. “I’m fine, dad.”

Arc nods. “What she said.”

“A PRIVATE CONVERSATION IS RATHER DIFFICULT AS IT STANDS! MIGHT YOU REMEDY THAT FOR ME?!”

“Sure. One moment.”

Reaching out a hand, Arc casts the Matter Compacting Spell. The king shrinks down to roughly Arc’s height.

“How’s that?”

“Much better.”

Arc gestures with a wave of his hand. “How about we take a walk?”

“Very well.”

Sereb quickly steps forward. “Shall I accompany you?”

“No thanks. Stay here and help with the assembly as needed.”

“Are you certain you will be alright?”

“I’ll be fine.”

Arc and King Malevolence turn to leave. Rainbow Dash looks over her shoulder and grits her teeth.

“Somepony should follow them.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Arc knows what he’s doing.”

“But…!”

“You want him to trust you, right?”

“Of course!”

“Then you need to trust him too.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Fine… but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the king walk through the town together.

“Very… run down.”

Arc nods. “Lack of anyone living in buildings will do that.”

“How did you survive out here?!”

“What other choice did we have?”

“Live or die. I suppose anyone would want to continue breathing. But it is a bit easier surrounded by a palace.”

“Let me show you something.”

He leads the king over to a small building. Opening the door they walk inside. The king looks around before speaking.

“Not much here. Some kind of domicile?”

“Mine actually.”

Malevolence chuckles. “You and Ember?”

“Sometimes.”

King Malevolence grins wickedly. “Tell me, is she as wild in bed as she is on the battlefield?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“Oh?”

“While we’ve slept together many times, I’m not interested in her sexually.”

“You don’t find her attractive?”

“I do, yes. But she’s my friend, and I want to keep it that way.”

“That is a new concept to me. You see, our culture has always been one of carnal pleasure. Eat, drink, and be merry.”

“Always?”

King Malevolence sighs. “For as long as we’ve been here, yes.”

“I’m told there was a time you and your people were different. One with the land if I recall correctly.”

“We may have spoken of this at our breakfast in your base.”

“Yes, we did.”

“That was a very… interesting experience for me.”

“Seeing the sun and sky again?”

“And Auriel. She looked so happy.”

“She is.”

The king frowns. “Do you take me for a fool?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“I can see how my daughter looks at you. The hunger in her eyes.”

“She’s… already mentioned wanting to become one of my wives.”

“While such a ceremony is unnecessary, I am confident that Auriel is capable of bearing you many strong offspring, Arc. Brave, intelligent, crafty…”

“So you’re okay with that?”

“Yes. The strongest deserve the best mates, after all. And I can’t exactly say you aren’t worthy, having been beaten by you on several occasions.”

The king chuckles before continuing.

“That and you seem to make her very happy. If her mother were here, I’m sure she would approve of you, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

“More so that you’re a human.”

“Huh?”

“Maria worried that our daughter would be alone forever, being a halfling and of royal blood. That does not bother you, does it?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She’s really very pretty in either form.”

“What do you mean?”

“I took her to Earth some time ago.”

“Earth?”

“The human homeworld. For the sake of safety, I ordered a spell cast to allow her to appear as a full-blooded human.”

“How did she take that?”

“Very well. Auriel was enamored with Earth. In all honesty, I think she wanted to stay there.”

The king nods soberly. “Arc, I… have a request of you.”

“What is it?”

“Might I be allowed to see my daughter as a human?”

“I suppose that would be okay. As long as Auriel approves, that is.”

Leaving the hut, the pair return to the center of town. They spot everyone working diligently to get everything assembled. Auriel waves to them happily.

“It’s coming along nicely.”

Applejack grins. “This is pretty easy!”

Twilight nods. “We didn’t want maintenance to be difficult, so we kept the design as simple as possible.”

Pinkie giggles as she juggles several smaller crates. “It’s like playing with blocks!”

Rarity sighs as she looks over the diagrams with Auriel. “Maybe not quite THAT simple.”

Fluttershy looks over. “The pump is assembled and ready to go as soon as it’s powered.”

Rainbow Dash cocks her head to one side. “By what? Magic?”

Auriel beams with evident pride. “My sun will power it.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “How is that possible?!”

“I originally planned for a magic battery to keep the pump running. However I learned about an interesting human invention called ‘solar power’ back on Earth. It was a simple matter to find some diagrams on the Internet and integrate them into the pump’s systems.”

The king chuckles. “It sounds like you have it all figured out, Auriel.”

“Hopefully, yes.”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, can we see you and Sereb privately, Auriel?”

“Oh! Um… I’m kinda busy right now.”

Twilight turns to her. “We can handle things here if you need to step away.”

Pinkie nods. “Yeah! Twilight will make sure we don’t screw anything up!”

“Okay. I’ll be back as soon as I can though.”

Auriel and Sereb join Arc and the king. Together the four of them walk back to Arc’s hut. Stopping in front of it, Auriel turn to him.

“Now then, what is it you want of me?”

“I had a request, Auriel.”

“You do, father?”

“Yes. Arc tells me you’ve been to see your mother’s homeworld of… what was it again?”

Arc nods. “Earth.”

“Yes, well… I’d like to see you in your human form.”

“Oh… okay. Sereb?”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Shall I?”

“Yes. But let’s go inside first.”

King Malevolence frowns. “Is there a problem?”

“Kinda. You see, Auriel is a bit… bigger in her human form. Those clothes won’t fit her as they do now. Sereb and I will change her into a human and give her something to wear before she comes out.”

“Very well.”

Arc, Auriel, and Sereb enter the hut. Closing the door, Arc turns to her as he pulls some clothes from his ring.

“Sorry I don’t have any women’s clothes with me. Just some of my spares.”

“It’s fine.”

Arc turns around and faces the door. ”In any case, you don’t want to keep your dad waiting.”

“I suppose not. But you don’t have to do that.”

“Do what?”

“Look away. I mean, you’ve seen everything before.”

“Just trying to be a gentleman.”

“Very well.”

Disrobing, Auriel tosses her lab coat and other garments onto the nearby bed before putting on Arc’s clothes and turning to Sereb.

“I’m ready.”

Turning around, Arc and Sereb see the rather baggy looking clothes hanging off of her.

“As soon as you transform those should fit a bit better, miss.”

Auriel giggles. “I hope so. Right now I’m drowning in them.”

Arc stands next to Auriel as Sereb takes his place in front of them.

“Ready?”

Auriel gasps. “Just a moment.”

Touching Arc’s hand, she looks to him pleadingly.

“Please?”

Arc smiles. “Sure.”

Taking Auriel’s claws in his hand, Arc motions for Sereb to begin. His horn aglow, the spell is cast. Auriel changes into her human form as her claws soften into fingers and her features become that of a woman. Arc turns to her as the process completes.

“There you…”

Auriel suddenly doubles over in pain. Arc gasps.

“A-Auriel?!”

“H-help!”

Sereb’s eyes grow wide. “What is wrong?!”

“Shirt off! Hurry!”

Arc pulls the tunic over her head and tosses it aside. He quickly spots the problem.

“Your bra!”

“Get it off!”

Reaching around her Arc attempts to unclasp the hooks, but to no avail.

“It’s too tight!”

“Rip it!”

Nodding, Arc grabs the bra between Auriel’s breasts and pulls down hard. A slight tearing sound is heard as it breaks at the weakest point. Tossing it aside he pulls the frightened Auriel in for an embrace.

“Are you okay?!”

Auriel nods. “Y-yes, I am now.”

Sereb groans. “Why did you leave that on?”

“I didn’t think I grew in that area too much as a human.”

Arc sighs. “Well, your entire body is larger as a human. ”

“Thanks for helping me out.”

“No problem.”

Turning, he picks up the tunic and puts it back over Auriel’s head. Taking her by the hand, he gestures to the door.

“You ready to show your dad just how pretty you are?”

Auriel smiles and nods. “Yes.”

Opening the door, Arc leads Auriel through it and over to the king. She stands before him nervously.”

“How… do I look?”

The king smiles widely. “Just like your mother, my dear.”

“Was she pretty?”

“As pretty as you are now, Auriel.”

He takes Auriel’s hand and turns to Arc.

“Take my daughter and make her happy.”

Auriel gasps. “Father?”

“You may join Arc as one of his wives. That is, if he’ll have you.”

Arc looks away nervously. “I’m still kinda busy for marriage right now.”

“Then perhaps in the future. When things are more stable for you.”

Auriel blushes. “I’d like that.”

“In any case, I’m looking forward to holding my grandchildren.”

“Dad?!”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “We should probably get back to the others now.”

Arc nods fervently. “Yes. Let’s do that.”

Returning to the center of town everyone looks at Auriel, clearly surprised. Twilight is the first to speak.

“A-Auriel?”

Fluttershy gasps. “Is that really you?”

“Yes, it’s me!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Lookin’ good!”

Applejack nods approvingly. “That you are!”

Rarity looks the young woman over carefully. “Very nice!”

Pinkie smiles slyly. “Wowie, Auriel! I don’t know how Arc’s holding back right now!”

The king turns to Twilight. “In any case, how is assembly coming along?”

“We just finished.”

Auriel smiles, clearly impressed. “That was fast!”

Applejack chuckles. “When we all work together anything’s possible.”

Rainbow Dash looks at the device. “So let’s fire this thing up!”

Aurora takes a step back. “F-fire?!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof on her backside. “It’s just an expression.”

“Oh.”

Arc turns to Auriel. “Should we start the process?”

“Yes. Is the essence loaded?”

Twilight nods. “It is. I was very careful not to spill any.”

“Good. All we have to do is press this button and the machine will take care of the rest.”

She turns to Arc.

“Would you like to have the honors, Lord Regent?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. That belongs to you and Twilight.”

Twilight steps forward to stand with Auriel. Putting her hand on the button, Twilight gently lays her hoof on it and together they press. A low whirl is head within as the essence is fed into the main storage container. Aurora looks at the machine before turning to Auriel.

“How long will this take?”

“Only a few minutes thanks to the data we took from the prototype’s launch.”

A short time later Twilight presses a button. The inert artificial sun stands before them waiting to be lit. Arc holds up his hands.

“Think we can do this on our own?”

Rarity’s horn glows. “I’ll lend my magic.”

Auriel nods. “As will I.”

Aurora shakes her head. “That will not be necessary.”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “It won’t?”

Sereb frowns. “What do you mean?”

“The Consciousness will take care of it.”

Twilight looks at the young woman. “Aurora?”

Turning to the sun, Aurora holds out her hands and lays them on the cool surface of the hard sphere. Concentrating, she channels her energy into it. An intense light cascades across the surface and the reaction begins. Auriel gasps.

“It’s… it’s done!”

The king’s eyes grow wide. “Breathtaking!”

Pinkie looks upward as she eats a bag of popcorn. “Do we raise it now?!”

Applejack chuckles. “Probably should.”

Rarity’s eyes sparkle excitedly. “Let everypony around see it!”

Arc nods. “Go ahead, Twilight.”

Pressing a lever forward, the emitters deploy and push the sun upward until it is high overhead. Auriel presses several more buttons to open the solar array. The sound of water pumping can be heard nearby. Aurora smiles as a massive stream of water flows over the ground.

“This will do nicely.”

Arc turns to the king. “It’s going to take some time, but this place will be green before you know it.”

Aurora nods. “That it will. However, first I have to form the Enclave.”

Fluttershy turns to Aurora. “How long will that take?”

“You will see.”

Looking at the ground, Aurora kneels down and makes a small hole with her hand in the dirt. Opening her mouth, she sticks out her tongue to reveal a small object inside. The king frowns.

“What is that?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I… think it’s a seed.”

Allowing it to roll off, Aurora drops it into the hole. With a wave of her hand she covers it with mud and walks over to the others again.

“Everyone please step back.”

They do so as Aurora holds her hands out and appears to concentrate. For a few moments nothing seems to be happening. Suddenly the ground shakes and splits as a large green vine snakes out at breakneck speed. As it grows in height it also increases in width. The green fades and is replaced with hard brown bark. Branches extend in all directions and leaves spring forth from them. In a few more moments the limbs cover the entire compound. Arc gasps in surprise.

“A-Aurora?”

“The Enclave is now complete.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “What… is it?!”

“A physical manifestation of The Consciousness. This will be our home from now on, after all.”

The king nods, clearly shocked. “Extraordinary!”

Sereb sniffs the air as he turns to Arc. “I believe we’re about to have company.”

“Demons?”

“Indeed.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Bring em on!”

Auriel nods soberly. “Yes, we shall do that.”

Rarity appears confused. “We will?”

Arc nods. “She’s right. Open the gates.”

Fluttershy cowers behind Twilight. “Wha-what?!”

Twilight looks to the king. “Everypony here deserves access to this place.”

King Malevolence nods. “Agreed.”

Rainbow Dash flies to the lever and pulls it. The gates swing open to a throng of curious demons. They look around, confused, as the king beckons them to come closer.

“Enter! Come forth and bask in the glory of nature everyone!”

He gestures to Aurora.

“This is Aurora. She, along with the Lord Regent of Equestria, have brought life to our dead land!”

Putting his claws on the massive trunk, King Malevolence smiles and continues.

“From here the green will spread across the land until it covers everything. It will provide us with food and joy. Two things that have always been difficult to obtain here.”

Auriel reaches into the final crate. “If I may, we’ve brought a number of seeds to start the process.”

Holding out a bag to Aurora, she walks over to a break in the leaves where some light from the artificial sun shines through. Pulling out a seed, she plants it and stands up. Waving her hands, a small plant emerges and grows quickly. Soon small green orbs form on its vines and quickly turn red. Reaching down to pick one, Aurora offers it to the king. He accepts it and tosses it into his mouth.

“It has been centuries since I last tasted a tomato. Just as tasty as I remember them.”

Auriel picks a few and offers them to the nearby demons. They take them cautiously and slowly eat them. Their faces beam with joy as the juices flow down their chins. The king turns to them.

“Go now and tell everyone of what you have seen here today. Together, we will rebuild our nation… one plant at a time.”

The demons turn and hurry to carry out his orders as King Malevolence looks to Arc.

“Thank you, Lord Regent. Thank you for giving my people hope for a brighter future.”

“Don’t thank me. Auriel and Twilight did all the work. I just authorized it.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “Do you think this will make our people happy, father?”

“Yes, Auriel. In time everyone will know the glory of nature once again. Today you have made me very, VERY proud of you.”

“You… you mean…!

“This land will once again be open to you.”

“Th-thank you, father. But to be honest with you, I would like to return to Equestria with Arc and the others.”

“Very well. Do whatever makes you happy, my dear.”

Chapter 8 - Little Detectives

Derpy knocks on the bedroom door. Hearing nothing she steps inside. Even though it is light outside the room inside is dark due to the curtains being closed.

“Sweetie?”

Dinky lies on her father’s bed wrapped up in his blanket.

“Did you want to go out and play?”

“No, mom. I… just want to lie here with dad.”

“With… Arc?”

Dinky nods as she nuzzles the pillow. “Yeah. The covers still have his scent. I just close my eyes and imagine he’s here.”

Derpy walks over and puts a hoof on her daughter’s back.

“But he’s not here. Physically anyways.”

“I know. Do you… think he misses us, mom?”

“Yes, dear. After all, you were the most important pony in his life, sweetheart.”

“What about Miss Rarity?”

“Believe me when I say Arc always put you first in that regard.”

“Huh?”

“Twilight and her friends told me a while back that they all wanted to marry your dad.”

“I know. Sweetie Belle told me.”

“Do you know why he didn’t?”

“Was he waiting for the right time?”

“Kinda. You see, Arc was upset that he wasn’t giving you enough attention. So he decided to forego a relationship until Princess Celestia was back.”

“But why?”

“Because a marefriend, or six in his case, is a full time commitment. He didn’t want to split his time any more than he did already.”

Dinky sighs. “That actually makes me feel worse.”

“I’m sorry, Dinky. While I guess I didn’t think that one through, I just wanted to you how much your father loved and cherished you.”

Dinky sits straight up and glances at Arc’s Crest of Light on the end table before looking her mother squarely in the eye.

“Mom? Is… do you think there’s any way dad could’ve survived?”

Derpy sighs as she shakes her head. “I don’t think so, sweetie. After all, we both saw what was left of his armor. That and if he had made it, there isn’t anything in this world that would have prevented him from finding a way back here.”

“Yeah, I suppose that’s true.”

“Why don’t you go outside and play with your friends, sweetheart? They’ve been coming by every day asking about you.”

“I think I will.”

Dinky hops off the bed and heads for the front door. As she puts her hoof on the doorknob she soberly looks to Derpy.

“I love you, mom.”

Without another word Dinky bounds through the door and down the path. Derpy looks out the window after her and smiles.

“I know your father’s very proud of you, sweetie.”

Meanwhile, Dinky runs down the road as fast as she can. Reaching town she spots Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle coming out of Barnyard Bargains with full saddlebags. Seeing their friend the pair wave happily.

“Hey Dinky!”

“How… how’re you doing?”

Dinky looks at them soberly. “I need to talk to both of you.”

They follow Dinky around to the back of the shop and unbuckle their saddlebags before sitting down in the grass. Apple Bloom is the first to speak.

“So… what’s up?”

“I… um… need some help.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Sure! What do you need?”

“My dad, he… um… he deserved better.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “You mean a nicer funeral?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. A more thorough investigation.”

Sweetie Belle grins. “So you want us to help you figure out what really happened to him?”

“No, I believe that Princess Celestia really did kill my dad. What I want to do is…”

Dinky lowers her voice and whispers her plan to the pair. Sweetie Belle gasps.

“But we can’t do that!”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “Why not?!”

“Because that’s what the guards are for!”

Dinky frowns. “Well, I didn’t see any of them trying to figure this out!”

Apple Bloom stands. “Right. It’s up to us now.”

“But… but Rarity will be FURIOUS!”

Dinky puts her hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Sweetie Belle, you wanted my dad to be your dad once, right?”

“Of course!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Me too!”

“Well, this is what family does. They take care of, and stand up for one another. Now I’m going to do this with one with or without help. So I guess the question is… are you two in or out.”

“I’m in! Applejack will definitely be mad at me for it. But I really wanted her and Arc to get hitched so we could be sisters, Dinky.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Rarity’s going to ground me for a year when we get back. But I’m in too.”

“Great! Now all we need to do is gather some supplies for the trip!”

Apple Bloom grins. “Way ahead of you there!”

She opens her saddlebags to reveal some basic camping supplies. Sweetie Belle frowns.

“I wondered what you were planning to do with this stuff.”

“Truth be told, I was planning to ask you two to join me on this little trip when I had everything together. Dinky just beat me to it.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “Well, now we just have to think of when and where to meet up.”

“How about tonight in front of my dad’s grave?”

“So soon?”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “Might as well. After all, we need to be back before fall.”

Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes. “Why? For school?”

“I think Apple Bloom meant before it gets cold.”

“Right. Nopony should be traipsing around the countryside through the snow. Arc wouldn’t want that.”

“I don’t think he’d want us doing any of this.”

“We have to. Or at least I do. After all, he always took care of everypony whom needed him. Now he needs us to do the same for him.”

Later that night as the moon reaches its apex, Dinky silently puts on her saddlebags and peeks out into the living room. She spies her mother lying on her mat, sleeping soundly. Smiling, Dinky quietly closes the door and walks over to the nightstand. Her horn aglow, she picks up Arc’s Crest of Light and looks it over soberly.

“Let’s go, dad.”

Stowing the crest safely in her bag, she turns to the bed and lays a single piece of paper on the covers. Smiling, she closes her eyes and shakes her head.

“Sorry, mom. But I really have to do this.”

Walking over to the window, Dinky quietly opens it and drops down to the grass below. Making her way through the deserted streets to the edge of town she soon reaches Light’s Hope. Trotting around the building she spots Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle waiting for her in front of the memorial.

“Sorry I’m a bit late. I had to make sure my mom was asleep.”

Apple Bloom nods. “We just got here too. It was harder than I thought to get out silently. I ended up jumping off the roof.”

“You okay?!”

“Fine. There was a pile of hay to cushion me. I’m just lucky everypony in my house goes to bed really early.”

“Rarity often stays up all hours to get her work done, so I had to get a little creative.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “What’d you do?”

“Switched the labels on her coffee tins. She’s been drinking decaf all day.”

Apple Bloom grins. “So she went to bed early?”

“Not willingly, no. Before I went to my room for the night I brought her a fresh mug. One with a couple sleeping pills dissolved in it.”

Apple Bloom giggles. “That should take care of her for the night. But we should get moving.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Right. They’ll be ponies looking for us before we know it!”

“Okay. One second though.”

Dinky turns to the grave and sits down respectfully.

“Dad? I… I don’t know if you can hear me or not. But if you can, I just wanted to say… thanks. Thanks for being there for mom and I. Thanks for listening to me, caring for me, and always being there for me when I needed to talk. I know you’re not in this grave. It’s just an empty box down there. But I… I feel like I need to change that for everypony… for me to move on. That and… and you deserve to be properly laid to rest.”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“That he does.”

Gasping, the trio turns around to see two bright yellow eyes staring out at them from the foliage. Stepping forward into the moonlight the figure stares at them silently for a few moments. Eventually Dinky speaks.

“S-Sereb?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Yeah. I thought you and Miss Ember were heading back to the Dragon Lands.”

Sereb nods. “We did. However… I decided to return.”

Dinky looks nervous. “When did you get back?”

“A few minutes ago.”

Apple Bloom nods to the memorial. “Here to see Arc again?”

“Yes. However it would appear that you three have much larger plans than merely a moonlit service.”

Dinky nods soberly. “We’re going to go look for my dad’s body.”

“If the destruction of the castle’s corridor was any indication, he was most likely vaporized.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Well… we have to try!”

Apple Bloom puts her front hooves together. “Please don’t tell on us!”

“This is not what Arc would have wanted. He would rather you three went home where it’s safe.”

Dinky shakes her head. “I can’t, Sereb. You and my dad shared a Life Pact, right?”

“That is correct.”

“And when does that pact end?”

“When my rider is slain.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Really? So if a rider gets killed in battle, you just leave him there?”

“No. It was always customary to return their body to their hometown for burial. “

Sweetie Belle nods. “That’s what we’re trying to do!”

Apple Bloom grins. “Come with us! It’ll be safer for everypony if we stick together.”

“And isn’t that what my dad would tell you to do? To keep me safe?”

Sereb sighs and nods. “Very well, little ones. I will accompany you on your trip.”

Sweetie Belle looks relieved. “Hooray!”

“After all, you’ll just go on your own even if I tell you not to.”

He turns to Dinky, soberly.

“I only ask one thing of you.”

“What is it?”

“Please listen to me should trouble find us. After all, Arc would be very upset with me should any harm befall any of you.”

“Okay.”

“We’ll be good.”

“Yeah. Promise.”

“Then you have my aid. Put the contents of you saddlebags in mine and we’ll be off.”

The three fillies open their saddlebags and quickly fill Sereb’s. Sweetie Belle looks at hers nervously.

“I… kinda have to bring mine though.”

Sereb turns to her. “Oh?”

Dinky appears confused. “Why’s that?”

“Rarity made it for me. She spent a really long time on it too.”

Apple Bloom looks at the bag. “I guess it would be kind of a waste for something as nice as yours to just sit here and get rained on, or something.”

“Very well. Put it in.”

The fillies finish putting their gear in Sereb’s bags and step back. Apple Bloom turns to Sweetie Belle.

“That’s the last of it.”

“What should we do with yours and Dinky’s saddle bags?”

Sereb sighs. “Leave them. We cannot bring unnecessary items along.”

Dinky grins. “I have an idea. Bring them over here.”

Following their friend’s lead, the fillies carry their bags over to the grave. Dinky sets hers down in front of the headstone. Placing a rock on top, she speak albeit sadly.

“We’ll leave our bags here with you, dad.”

Apple Bloom nods as she follows suit. “It might take some time, but we’ll come back for them.”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “Yeah. We promise.”

“See you soon, dad.”

Sereb kneels down and motions for the fillies to hop up into the saddle.

“Shall we be off?”

“Yeah. If we wait too long, our journey will be over before we know it.”

“Where should we start?”

“Canterlot Castle. I need to see the scene of the crime.”

Sereb nods. “Very well. I can get you there by about this time tomorrow.”

Dinky giggles. “No need for that, Sereb.”

“Oh? You want to wait for the train now?”

Apple Bloom smiles. “I think what Dinky means is that we can teleport there.”

Sweetie Belle claps her hooves together. “Right. No need to walk when we can be there instantly.”

Dinky motions for the other two to take their places around Sereb. Concentrating, they vanish in a flash of light. A moment later they reappear. Sweetie Belle looks around the room as she casts a simple Light Spell.

“There we go.”

“Where are we?”

“My dad’s old room in the castle.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “I was not aware you could use your father’s sigils.”

Dinky shakes her head. “We can’t. To teleport, one of us just has to visualize where we want to go while the other two channel their power into them.”

She steps toward a wardrobe and opens it. Grabbing something off a hook she turns to the others.

“This should help us move around without raising attention.”

“What is it?”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Is that a magic cloak?! Rarity was just telling me how expensive and difficult they are to make!”

Apple Bloom looks to her friend. “Is this the one your dad got from Miss Derpy?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Nah, he had several of these made up a while back. We just need to borrow one.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “Isn’t that stealing?!”

“We’ll bring it back.”

“Right.”

Sereb nods. “That and I believe Arc would have wanted you to have it, Dinky. The only question now is what is the plan?”

“Go to your Cub Form, Sereb. I think all four of us can fit under here.”

Sereb does so as Dinky puts the cloak over her head.

“Sweetie Belle, you stand next to me. Apple Bloom and Sereb will follow behind us in a two by two formation.”

“Sounds like it should work.”

“If we can walk in tandem, yes.”

Sereb frowns. “Perhaps a bit of practice is in order?”

Dinky nods. “Good idea, Sereb. Everypony get under the cloak and we’ll try it.”

Walking back and forth from one end of the room to the other the pair do their best to synchronize their steps. Eventually they are able to get into a rhythm.

“So before we turn I’ll motion the direction with my head, like this…”

Dinky tilts her head to the right before slowly turning. The others follow her perfectly in step.

“I think we’re ready to do this!”

“Right!”

Sweetie Belle shudders. “I sure hope so. It’s not like we’ll get a second chance at this if we get caught.

Sereb looks to the filly. “Dinky, what is the plan if we are detected?”

“Depends on who it is and how many there are. If it’s just one guard I think Sweetie Belle and I can put them to sleep.”

“But I don’t know that spell!”

Apple Bloom clops her hooves together. “Then just bash them on the head! We don’t have time to explain ourselves to everypony!”

Dinky sighs. “Not that they’d listen to three fillies and a wolf, mind you. We’ll use Apple Bloom’s plan if something goes wrong.”

Sereb sighs as he puts a paw over his face. “What have I gotten myself into?”

The fillies and Sereb step out into the corridor with the cloak over them. Looking around Apple Bloom turns to Dinky.

“Which way?”

“Take a right.”

They begin walking as quietly as their small hooves will allow. Passing several patrols they eventually make their way to the corridor of stained-glass windows. Dinky looks around and grits her teeth as she pulls the cloak off of everyone.

“This is where it happened.”

Apple Bloom turns to Sweetie Belle. “Let’s look around for clues.”

“Like what?”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Unknown. However it is likely the guards and janitorial staff have already collected all the evidence and cleaned the rest.”

Dinky nods soberly. “We have to try.”

They split up and look around. Sweetie Belle is the first to speak.

“There’s some white pebbles over here.”

Sereb looks over to her. “Glass perhaps?”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “I don’t think so.”

Dinky walks over and gasps. “It’s a few fragments of my dad’s armor!”

Apple Bloom joins them. “Are you sure?”

Dinky nods. “Yes!”

Sweetie Belle looks nervously. “But the amount of force it would take do that would be… um… let’s keep looking.”

Apple Bloom looks up at a window. “Hey! I thought this was supposed to be all stained glass!”

Dinky frowns. “It is. Why?”

“Because that window over there is just regular glass.”

Sereb gestures with a paw. “As are a few over here.”

Sweetie Belle looks around. “I heard that all the widows here were destroyed when Princess Celestia… did whatever it was she did back then.”

Apple Bloom narrows her eyes. “That’s what Applejack said too.”

Dinky nods soberly. “Right. But the rest of them have been replaced to be as they were before.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “What’s wrong with that?”

Sereb growls. “It would appear the only windows to be replaced with normal glass have been ones depicting Arc.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “But… why?”

“Rarity told me this was supposed to be a visual rendition of our country’s history. If you take Arc out of it, that would be like… um…”

Dinky grits her teeth. “Trying to change history.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “But you can’t change what’s already happened, right?”

Sereb nods. “Correct. However you can change what is remembered and passed on to future generations.”

Sweetie Belle points a hoof at a damaged column near a clear window. “Hey, look over there!”

Sereb walks over. “It appears to be fresh.”

Apple Bloom squints. “What is?”

Sereb puts a paw on a column. “These scratches were made by something very hard hitting this at great speed.”

Dinky gasps. “Like my dad’s armor!”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “But what does that tell us?”

Dinky points a hoof, angrily. “That my dad was thrown out this window!”

Apple Bloom looks outside. “It’s a pretty big fall to the city below.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “I don’t get it. Nopony found his body, or even any trace of it. Maybe he really was vaporized like everypony was told.”

Sereb shakes his head. “I do not believe so. After all, his armor was intact enough to make these marks in the column.”

Apple Bloom turns to Dinky. “Is that important?”

“Yes! Don’t you see?! If my dad’s armor was intact enough to make these gouges, it might have protected him from most of the blast!”

Sweetie Belle points to the city with a hoof. “But nopony saw him fall or found his body.”

Sereb nods. “As powerful a blast as this must have been to shatter hydra armor, I can surmise that Arc would have been thrown quite a ways.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “You think he went OVER the city, Sereb?!”

“It is possible. However I personally scoured the city for traces of Arc’s remains, and found nothing. The idea he was vaporized did seem to be likely at the time, but…”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! I think I see something!”

She walks over to what appears to be a piece of her father’s armor firmly embedded into the wall. Looking it over carefully for a few moments before speaking.

“This looks like another shard of my dad’s armor!”

Sweetie Belle looks to Dinky. “You think it broke off when he was blasted?”

“Yes. But let’s think about this. This shard is embedded in the wall BEHIND where my dad was supposedly standing.”

Apple Bloom tilts her head to one side. “What does that prove?”

“That he couldn’t have been standing there! His body would have prevented this shard from hitting that part of the wall.”

Sereb frowns. “Then where did this piece of armor come from?”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I have a theory.”

She walks across the hall to the adjacent window and turns around.

“My dad was standing here instead.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “How can you tell?”

“That piece in the wall! It was blasted loose from my dad’s armor from the princess’ spell. I’m guessing it flew past her, hit that column which left that large gouge in it, and embedded itself into the wall!”

Sereb nods. “That is indeed possible.”

Sweetie Belle walks over and looks out the window. “There’s a pretty big lake down there. Could Arc have somehow landed in that?”

Apple Bloom looks nervous. “Maybe. Um… he could still be down there.”

Sereb sighs. “Perhaps just I should go then. I don’t think you fillies should potentially have to…”

Dinky shakes her head soberly. “No. I have to see his body for myself, Sereb.”

“And Dinky needs us right now.”

“Right! More than ever!”

Sereb nods. “Very well. But only if you’re sure. Now the only question is how to get down there safely.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “Leave that to us.”

The three fillies form a circle around Sereb and join hooves. Concentrating, they vanish and reappear on the shores of the lake. Sereb turns to them.

“You three should probably stay here.”

Apple Bloom pouts. “But we can help!”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Can you see in the dark?”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Not… really.”

Dinky nods. “I know a Night-Eye Spell for that. Let me see…”

Concentrating, Dinky casts the spell on her friends before doing the same to herself. They look around. Apple Bloom gasps.

“This is amazing!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Not bright as day, but as good as sunlight through dark clouds.”

Sereb sighs. “It will have to do. All of you search the banks for any clues that present themselves.”

Dinky turns to the wolf. “What will you be doing?”

“I’ll… search the lake. Hopefully I won’t find anything, but I will do my best.”

Nodding, they split up as Sereb drops his armor and saddlebags before jumping into the cool lake. Half an hour later Sereb returns to the shore as the fillies regroup. Dinky reaches him first.

“Anything?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “I did not discover a body, no. However, I did find this.”

His horn aglow, he pulls something out of the lake and levitates it over to Dinky. She gasps.

“It’s my dad’s sigil gauntlet! He DID get knocked through that window!”

Apple Bloom frowns. “So everypony investigating his death was searching in the wrong direction!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “It seems so.”

Sereb growls. “This is most disturbing.”

Dinky turns to him. “What do you mean, Sereb?”

“At the memorial service Princess Luna told us Captain Decimus, Admiral Gaston, and Princess Celestia were there when this deed was done. The captain himself wrote the official report, of course. However, I find it hard to believe he, the admiral, and the princess herself could all have been so wrong as to what window Arc fell through.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “You think they were trying to cover it up?!”

Sweetie Belle seethes. “Probably just that Decimus stallion! After all, he was leading the investigation.”

Sereb nods. “It would have been easy to send everyone the opposite direction and then report that they found nothing.”

“So the princess killed my dad and Captain Decimus covered it up?!”

Sereb sighs. “It’s certainly possible, yes. But we should withhold judgment until all the facts are known.”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Somepony should probably investigate how that Decimus guy was able to regain his position after all he did.”

Apple Bloom nods. “You mean us?”

Dinky shakes her head. “No. We’d just be laughed at. Somepony who’s all grown up and is allowed to be here would be a better choice.”

Sereb nods. “Perhaps Miss Twilight could do that. She’s quite intelligent as well as a normal figure around the castle. I can’t see anyone trying to impede her.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “But wouldn’t she be in danger?!”

“No. Everyone knows she’s Princess Celestia’s personal student. Should any harm befall her, the princess wouldn’t rest until she was found.”

Apple Bloom grins. “That and her magic is powerful enough to prevent anypony from hurting her.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “My sister and her friends would probably join in the hunt.”

Sereb picks up his saddlebags with his magic. “There is safety in numbers. But we should head into the woods and make camp for the night. We can resume our search in the morning.”

Dinky sighs. “Good idea. Let’s go.”

As the fillies hop on Sereb’s back he walks into the forest in search of a proper campsite. Finding a small clearing the fillies jump out of the saddle and get to work pitching their tent. No sooner is the last peg secured than a cool rain begins to fall. Sweetie Belle groans.

“Great!”

Dinky opens the flap. “Everypony inside!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle bound past Dinky into the dry tent. Sereb walks under a nearby tree.

“You too, Sereb!”

“The tent is a bit too small for all of us. I will sleep out here.”

“Just get into your Cub Form! We’ll make it work!”

“Very well.”

Casting the spell, Sereb returns to his Cub Form and bounds into the tent. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are busy setting out their sleeping bags.

“Not sure all three bags are going to fit in here.”

“This tent is just meant for two, after all. Usually that’s my sister and I.”

Sereb looks toward the tent flap. “I could still sleep outside.”

Dinky shakes her head. “No way, Sereb. I have an idea.”

Unzipping the sleeping bags all the way Dinky lays two of them on top of each other face up.

“Everypony lay down in a row.”

They do so as Dinky joins them. Reaching out with her magic, she pulls the last sleeping bag over them before looking to her friends.

“See? I knew we’d fit.”

Apple Bloom smiles. “That was a pretty good idea, Dinky.”

“Yeah! Where’d you get it?”

“From the time my mom and dad took me to the Winsome Falls. We were all really cold, so my dad suggested what I just did. It worked like a charm.”

Sereb lays down. “Admittedly it is a bit cool out here by the lake. Now then, if everyone is warm enough I suggest we get some sleep.”

Sweetie Belle nods as she yawns. “Good… idea.”

Apple Bloom closes her eyes. “I’m tuckered out too.”

Dinky sighs. “Good night, everypony.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle fall asleep peacefully. However, Dinky tosses and turns most of the night.

Chapter 4 - In a Giving Mood

Dinky slowly opens her eyes as the early morning light shines into her face. A searing pain wracks her body causing her to gasp in pain. She instinctively puts a hoof to her side. Feeling bandages wrapped around her she looks around again.

“Where… am I…?”

Looking around the sparsely furnished room Dinky sees only the bed she is laying on, a table, chair, and a cabinet in the corner. As she tries to get up, she accidently moves wrong. Screaming out in pain she drops back down onto the bed which elicits more pain and cries. A unicorn mare hurries into the room.

“You’re awake already! Can you understand what I’m saying?”

“Y-yes.”

“Amazing recovery time!”

Dinky gasps. “Where… where are my friends?”

“In the rooms next to yours recovering.”

“Recovering? From… what?”

“You don’t remember?”

“No…”

“One of our patrols heard cries and decided to investigate. They found you and two fillies next to two monsters. One alive, one dead.”

“I remember… the snake.”

“It was dead when they arrived. The other beast however was still breathing.”

Dinky gasps. “S-Sereb?”

“Oh? Is he your pet?”

“Where… is he…?”

“Tied up outside.”

“WHAT?!”

Dinky jumps out of the bed. However her hooves give way and she crashes to the floor.

“Please be careful, little one! You’ll pop all those stitches!”

“I need to… Sereb!”

The mare picks Dinky up carefully with her magic and levitates her back to the bed. “If you promise to calm down, I’ll get a wheelchair and we can go see your pet.”

Dinky nods. The doctor leaves the room but returns momentarily with a wheelchair. Gently picking Dinky up she puts her in the seat and slowly walks out of the room. Looking around Dinky sees a hallway with numerous doors on her side, one on the opposite, and one at the end.

“Where… are we?”

“Safe Haven. Oh, and my name’s Doctor Lighthoof. What’s your name?”

“D-Dinky.”

They reach the door at the end of the hallway. Opening it with her magic the doctor squints momentarily before pushing the wheelchair outside. Dinky sees a number of mares and stallions slowly walking around. All of them appear extremely tired. Sereb lies in the shade of a large tree, his paws bound and a muzzle over his mouth.

“Let him go!”

“But…”

Dinky looks up at her, pleadingly. “Please. He’s… my dad’s friend.”

Lighthoof sighs. “Very well. Just let me call some of the guards just in case.”

“Just help me up. I can undo his muzzle if you help me over there.”

“Are you certain he won’t bite you?”

“Very.”

Lighthoof helps Dinky over to Sereb. Reaching forward, Dinky removes the muzzle and puts a hoof on Sereb’s head.

“Sereb? Can you hear me?”

The wolf grunts and slowly raises his head.

“Dinky?”

“I’m right here.”

“Are you… okay?”

“Kinda.”

Sereb attempts to stand, but feels his binds tightening.

“Why am I restrained?”

“The villagers were scared of you.”

She turns to Lighthoof

“Now can we untie him?”

“I… um…”

Lighthoof looks to Sereb.

“You’re not going to come after me if I let you go, are you?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No, ma’am. But I think I can help ease your mind.”

His horn aglow, Sereb returns to his Cub Form and steps out of his bindings. Limping forward, he walks to Dinky.

“You appear to be injured.”

“So do you. Doctor Lighthoof hasn’t actually told me much though.”

Lighthoof nods. “Yes, well… why don’t we go see the other two fillies? I can explain everything there.”

She helps Dinky back into the wheelchair before carefully lifting Sereb into her lap. Returning to the clinic, Lighthoof wheels them into another room. Apple Bloom lies on the bed, but sits up as she spots Dinky.

“Hey, Din… ow!”

“Take it easy, little one. You need to heal like the others.”

Apple Bloom looks around. “Where’s Sweetie Belle?!”

“I’m here.”

Sweetie Belle limps into the room as Lighthoof gasps.

“You shouldn’t be up yet!”

“But I missed my friends.”

Dinky grins. “Now that we’re all together, can you tell us where we are, Doctor Lighthoof?”

“As I said before, you’re in the town of Safe Haven. A patrol found all of you near a giant dead snake and brought you to me. All of you had been stabbed by its barbs.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “Barbs?”

Doctor Lighthoof nods and levitates a surgical tray from a nearby cabinet. In its center lies a giant boney looking object with spines sticking out in all directions.

“I removed one of these from each of you. Well, two from your… pet.”

Sweetie Belle gasps. “That was inside of us?!”

“Yes. You see, that variety of snake uses it to paralyze its victims before slowly releasing an enzyme to aid in digestion.”

Dinky grits her teeth as she puts a hoof to her bandages. “After it hit me I did feel like something inside me was burning.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Are we going to be okay?!”

“Yes. I was able to remove them and administer the antidote before any permanent damage was done to you. But now I have a question for all of you.”

Dinky appears nervous. “What is it?”

“How did three fillies and their pet get this deep into the Hayseed Forest?!

Sweetie Belle looks away. “We were… looking for somepony.”

“Who?”

“My dad.”

Apple Bloom nods. ”He’s Equestria’s Hero of Light. Did he come through here recently?”

“I’m not sure. Hero of Light?”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow, confused. “Appointed by the princesses? Nation’s greatest warrior? Full authority to act on the princesses’ behalf?”

Dinky looks to the doctor. “You’ve never heard of him?”

Lighthoof shakes her head. “I’ve never left the village. And we don’t have any contact with the rest of the country.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “So no strangers in town now or recently?”

Lighthoof shakes her head. “You’re the first in many years.”

Dinky groans. “Great. Back to square one in our search. Let’s get moving everypony.”

Sereb grunts. “You should rest, Dinky.”

Lighthoof gasps and steps forward. “Please! All of you are still very badly injured!”

Sweetie Belle groans as she holds her side. “I think we all need to get some rest.”

Dinky looks to the doctor. “Like everypony outside?”

“Huh?”

“They all looked so tired.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “Are they sick?”

Lighthoof shakes her head. “No. There’s just a food shortage. Nopony’s eating regularly.”

Sereb frowns. “Are crops not growing?”

“Oh, they grow all right. But something comes after them in the night. Even with guards watching the fields we can’t always chase them away.”

Dinky sighs. “Beasts from the forest?”

“Close. We suspect it’s thieves from Knothole Village.”

Apple Bloom appears hopeful. “There’s another town out here?!”

“A dozen or so miles away, but yes.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “What makes you think it’s them?”

“They’re the only settlement around that we know of. That and the amount of food taken would be enough to feed their assumed population.”

Sereb frowns. “And you’ve seen them make off with crops?”

“No. But like I said, who else could it be?”

Dinky puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “We might be able to help with the immediate problem. Tell me, Doctor Lighthoof. What happened to our saddlebags?”

“The patrol went back and recovered everything they could. What was found is in my quarters across the hall.”

“Can we have our things back?”

Lighthoof sighs. “As long as you don’t try to run off while still injured, yes. I’ll be right back.”

The doctor leaves the room but returns a short time later levitating Sereb’s saddlebags and Arc’s knife. She sets them down in front of Dinky.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. But… where did you four come from exactly?”

Apple Bloom smiles. “Ponyville.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Same here.”

Lighthoof sighs. “Not sure why I asked. As I’ve already told you I’ve never left this place.”

Dinky pulls out the sack from Wiseman.

“Do you have a really big pot around here somewhere?”

“I believe our chief does. What do you need it for?”

Dinky gives Lighthoof the bag. “You can use these to make soup.”

Opening the bag, Lighthoof looks at the contents, wide-eyed.

“Where… did you get all of this?!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “We traded for it with somepony in our travels.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah. But I think you need it more than we do.”

“Thank you very much! I’ll bring this to our chief right away! Please stay here!”

She runs out of the room with the sack as Sweetie Belle looks to Dinky.

“As hungry as you say they looked, I don’t mind sharing. But you just gave away all our food.”

Apple Bloom nods. “We could always teleport back to Ponyville and get more though, right?”

“That was my plan. But we need to get healed up before doing anything else.”

Sereb carefully lies down on the floor. “Indeed.”

Meanwhile, Arc opens his eyes to the sounds of birdsong. Turning his head, he looks at Snowflake sleeping peacefully next to him. Feeling something warm on the other side, Arc turns to see Sunshine next to him as he muses to himself.

“Forgot she was there.”

Sitting up slowly, he carefully pulls aside her tail and looks at her genitals. Even in the dim morning light Arc can see the physical trauma to them and the surrounding flesh. Getting up, he quietly leaves the barn and heads for the house. Grabbing a thermal bulb and the jar from the other day, he heads to the back of the barn and fills the washtub. Sighing, he drops the bulb into the water.

“I’m sure everyone has their own… um… kinks, and all. But that just looks like torture.”

As the water begins to steam Arc returns to the barn. Putting a hand over Sunshine’s mouth he gently shakes her. Opening her eyes, she looks up to Arc as he motions for her to stay quiet. Carefully picking her up, he carries the injured mare behind the barn and carefully lowers her into the hot tub. She sighs contentedly.

“Thank you very much.”

“No problem. I, uh… saw the damage when I woke up and thought you’d need this for your body to recover.”

Sunshine sighs. “That I do. But I do hope I get pregnant soon. I’m not sure how much more of this my backside can take!”

Arc frowns. “Wait a second. I thought you LIKED what Shadow was doing to you!”

“Kinda. I mean, I do LOVE the feeling of… you know. But he’s so drunk by the time he gets done with foreplay that it takes forever for him to ejaculate. You see, the alcohol lowers blood flow to his…”

Arc blushes as her interrupts her. “Yeah, I get it.”

“Don’t misunderstand. I do love my husband… and the sex. He’s just… different than when I married him.”

“Oh?”

Sunshine smiles. “He used to be so loving and doting. Please keep this to yourself, but when we were first married he would often stop during sex to make sure I was okay.”

“I can see that’s no longer the case.”

Sunshine sighs. “That it isn’t.”

“Look, I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but it just seems like he’s getting worse. Why stay with him?”

“Because I know that deep down inside he still loves me.”

“From what I saw last night, that wasn’t love. Is there anything I can do to help? Maybe I could try talking to him.”

Sunshine shakes her head. “That wouldn’t work. He doesn’t remember anything the next morning. And I doubt he’d believe you, as you’re just our daughter’s pet.”

She gasps before continuing.

“I’m sorry. That was rude of me.”

“It’s fine.”

Sunshine puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “But if you’re serious about wanting to do something, I do have an idea. But it involves you and Snowflake bringing me something very special.”

Snowflake trots around the barn happily.

“Good morning mom. Is Big Brother helping you take a bath?”

“No, dear. He was just keeping me company. That and I was in the process of asking him to bring me something from your foraging expedition today.”

“Oh? What did you need?”

“As much Lobelica Root as you can find. You remember what it looks like, right?”

Snowflake nods. “Yeah. But what for?”

“I sold the last of it the other day.”

“But there’s only a couple customers that use it. Why do we need so much?”

“For some experiments I want to run. Now why don’t you see about getting us some breakfast?”

“Okay, mom.”

She trots off toward the house as Arc looks to her.

“What’s Lobelica Root?”

“It’s a powerful sleep aid. I have a few customers in town whom use it to treat their insomnia.”

“You looking use it on Shadow?”

Sunshine nods. “Yes. It’ll have to be a very small amount in his first drink for it to properly take effect.”

“Is that… safe?”

“It is as long as I properly dose it. Too much and it could probably stop his heart.”

“I’m not sure this is such a good idea.”

Sunshine sighs. “Well, I can’t actually force you to do this. But if you don’t, Shadow will just keep doing this to me.”

Arc frowns as Sunshine rests her head on the edge of the tub. “Fine. Just be really careful with the dosing.”

“I will. You can count on that.”

Meanwhile, Twilight awakens next to Luna. She instinctively draws away, but remembers the situation and stops. Luna groans and raises her head.

“Ugh. What… Twilight?”

“S-sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Luna frowns. “Meant or not, I’m awake now and with nothing to do.”

“We could watch the sun rise.”

Luna narrows her eyes. “Twilight, please remember that you’re literally talking to the one whom, for the past year at least, was RESPONSIBLE for that very feat.”

“I know. But you were just doing your job. Try to appreciate the moment as it happens.”

Luna sighs. “Very well.”

The pair stare out the window as the sun slowly rises. Luna turns to Twilight.

“Um… I… I don’t really understand… what I’m supposed to be feeling right now.”

“Sometimes you have to stop and just watch the clouds.”

“But I thought we were looking at the sunrise.”

“We are. It’s about the same thing though. Stopping to enjoy the little things in life.”

Twilight sighs before continuing.

“Arc taught me that.”

“Did he now?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Recently when Auriel and I were attempting to test our artificial sun theory Arc did just that with Derpy and Dinky. Looking back, I wish I’d joined them. If only for a few minutes.”

“Because you cared about him?”

“Yes. After all, nopony really knows just how long we have in this life.”

“That is a difficult matter for a princess.”

“I suppose so. But the finite time should make us commoners appreciate what we do with it. Sadly, it often does the opposite. We find ourselves wasting time on frivolous matters when it could be spent with the ones we love.

Luna raises an eyebrow. “How does that apply to me?”

“Even eternal life must get boring, right?”

Luna sighs. “Yes. However I am unsure how to change that. It would seem one would require a purpose to be, at the very least, entertained.”

“Use what you have. Power, influence, magic… try to make the world a better place.”

“That is no longer necessary. With the return of my sister, I have been relegated to my previous role of being merely a backup princess.”

Twilight frowns. “You don’t have to change the entire world. Try something small. Like improving somepony else’s day.”

“I suppose I could attempt to make somepony else happy. After all, it’s not like I have anything else to do. But where should I start?”

“You told me you used to enter other’s dreams. Why not start there?”

“While I haven’t done that in a while… it’s not something that…”

Luna groans.

“Such things are a bit unpleasant.”

Twilight smiles. “What if I came with you?”

“Dream riding?”

“Is that what you call it?”

Luna nods. “Yes. It may not be the best expression. But I was never able to come up with something better.”

“So… can I come?”

“If you would like, yes.”

Twilight grins. “Thank you! Oh, this is going to be SO much fun!”

Luna frowns. “I don’t believe you understand how this works.”

Chapter 7 - Coordination

The next day Arc and Scootaloo awaken late in the morning.

“Do we have to get up so early, Big Brother?”

“Considering when we used to rise, this is sleeping in.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“Give it a few days. We’ll get our sleep schedules back on track.”

“Must we?”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “What do you mean?”

“We’re stronger at night when we transform. Maybe we could do some night work.”

“Like what?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I dunno. More bounties?”

“That did go pretty well, I’ll give you that.”

“Yeah! It was fun!”

“Well, let’s go see what’s on the Writ Board. If we’re lucky there’s some more low level bounties.”

Leaving the tent, Arc cloaks and walks toward the tree line. Scootaloo calls after him.

“Aren’t we going to pack up the camp, Big Brother?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. We’ll come back to it later.”

“Okay.”

Entering town they head down the street together. Scootaloo calls out to Arc.

“This is why I cover up. I’m getting stared at.”

“News spreads fast.”

“Huh?”

“You took down that stallion last night, remember?”

“But you did that.”

Arc nods. “True. However everyone saw YOU do it.”

Reaching the Writ Board, the pair look it over. Scootaloo sighs.

“Nothing but odd jobs on here.”

Arc sighs. “That wanted poster must’ve just been a one-time thing.”

“What else could we do, Big Brother?”

“You mean what else can YOU do. I’m kinda conspicuous.”

Scootaloo points a hoof. “Here’s something. A job in the middle of nowhere.”

“Where?”

“Some place called ‘Cherry Hill Ranch’.”

“Cherry Hill… Ranch…?”

Arc holds his head as fragments of memories flood his mind. He sees Ember and Auriel picking cherries as he and Dinky watch. Cherry pulls a pie from the oven and smiles. The last memory is of them kissing on her couch.

“Big Brother? Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah. In fact, I think I’ve been there before.”

“You have?”

“There’s some memories of… stuff there.”

“That doesn’t make sense.”

“I was… um… kissing a mare.”

Scootaloo blushes. “Oh… um… maybe they might recognize you.”

“If we see the mare from my memories, I’ll ask. Now let’s head over there and scope out the place.”

“Okay.”

Following the directions on the writ, Arc and Scootaloo make their way down the path out of town. Coming to the crest of a hill they look down to see the ranch. Arc nods soberly.

“I know I’ve been here.”

“There’s some mares in the orchard picking cherries. Should we ask them?”

“Just about a job. Nothing else right now.”

Nodding, Scootaloo walks down the path toward the cherry trees. Approaching the mares she asks for the pony in charge. They point her toward the warehouse. Entering, Scootaloo looks around. Arc taps her back gently.

“There’s a pony over there by those crates.”

“On it.”

Scootaloo walks over to the pony and clears her throat loudly. They turn around and give her a smile.

“Hello there, miss. Did you need to talk to me?”

“Yes. Um…”

Scootaloo holds out the writ before continuing.

“I wanted to see you about this.”

“Oh. Are you looking for a job, little one?”

“Kinda. You see…”

Arc calls out to her. “Ask her about night work.”

“…I was wondering if you have any work around here after dark.”

The mare shakes her head. “Not really. Right now we’re looking for Cherry Pickers. But they only work during the day, as it’s too hard to work by moonlight. And you look a little too small to be on the ladders.”

“Well, it’s actually for my Big Brother. You see… he’s really skittish around other ponies and doesn’t like the sunlight very much. So he was kinda hoping you needed something done after dark.”

“Well… I suppose if he doesn’t mind being in the orchard alone at night I could take him on as a temp worker. Just be sure he understands we pay by the sack, not the hour here.”

“That’s fine. We won’t let you down.”

“We?”

“I’ll come here with him. Like I said, he doesn’t do too well around others.”

“If it’s okay with your parents, sure.”

“Um… can he start tonight?”

“Certainly. I’ll see you at the house this evening.”

“Thank you Miss…”

“Ruby. Ruby Jubilee.”

“We’ll be here at sunset, Miss Ruby. See you later.”

Ruby waves after the filly. “See you then.”

Scootaloo and Arc walk back toward their camp. Arc sighs.

“Big Brother? Is something wrong?”

“Ruby Jubilee.”

“You know her?”

“Yes.”

“They why didn’t you say anything?!”

“Because I don’t know if I remember her for a good reason. One of the glimpses of memories I got when I saw her was me lying on the floor being hit by her repeatedly. The look on her face was one of unbridled rage.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Oh my! You must’ve done something REALLY bad to her! Uh… was it breaking up with her, or something?”

Arc shakes his head. “She wasn’t the one I remember kissing, no?”

“Ah! So you don’t have a… thing with her.”

“No. That’s why I kept quiet.”

“Probably for the best. So what’s next?”

“Let’s use the rest of that money from last night to buy some groceries. Then we’ll head back to camp and rest until evening.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Guess we should be well rested for our first day. Night?”

Arc shrugs. “Call it what you will.”

Buying various canned goods, Scootaloo puts them in her saddlebags and walks back toward their camp. Arriving, she drops her load breathlessly.

“That… was heavy!”

“Sorry I couldn’t help you. But I think it would have raised suspicion if you had full saddlebags one moment and empty ones the next.”

“Yeah, well… can we rest now? I didn’t sleep too well last night.”

Arc sighs. “I remember you doing a lot of tossing and turning.”

“Sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“Nah. Remember, you slept on the far side of the tent. Something about being too hot I think.”

“Right. I was having a bunch of nightmares.”

“What about?”

“Mom and dad mostly.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“I just… I can’t believe my dad was using me like that! What else did he do before ordering me to forget it?!”

“Nothing after you started hanging around with me.”

“And mom… she… she trusted him! Love him! And he… he KILLED HER!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there, Scootaloo.”

“My dad must’ve sent you away on purpose! I tried to get help from others I passed, but they just ignored me!”

“Look. What everyone did back there was terrible. But think about it this way. You’ll never have to see them again. We’re going to the other side of the continent.”

“That actually makes me feel a lot better. But there is one thing I wish we’d have done before leaving.”

“What’s that?”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Killed every last one of them!”

“Scootaloo!”

“I know, I know. But… they deserved it!”

Arc frowns. “Kinda did, yeah.”

“Why didn’t they help?! Was it because I’m a freak?! Or because of all the stuff my dad made me do?!”

“I can’t answer that. But know that you’ll be safe with me.”

“Thank you, Big Brother. You’ve always been so nice to me. Why don’t we forget the whole trip to Vanhoover?”

“Scootaloo…”

“I’d watch your back, and do whatever to told me to! We could go live someplace else or stay here! I wouldn’t mind!”

“Look, I already explained why you can’t stay with me.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But you just CAN’T be bad!”

“How do you know that?”

“I… I just know!”

Arc sighs. “You need to be raised up properly by a pony family. They can give you a normal life. I can’t.”

“But…!”

“You’re going to the orphanage, and that’s final!”

Scootaloo bows her head sadly. “Yes, master.”

Arc sighs and puts his hand on her shoulder. “Sorry. It’s going to be a long trip. So don’t get the idea that you and I will be parting ways anytime soon.”

“How long do you think?”

“Rough estimate… I’m hoping to be in Vanhoover before it snows.”

“That long?!”

Arc pulls out the map and lays it on the ground. “Take a look. It took us a week to walk to this point. And we have to take the long way around to avoid a bunch of towns and mountains.”

He traces their route with a finger before continuing.

“With luck, we can buy any supplies we might need here with the wages from this job.”

“But we’re not going to ANY other towns?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. Less chance of us being found out that way.”

“Then why are we stopping here?”

“This is a small, off the path town. It’s easy to stay hidden here. Other places might be looking for me.”

“I still doubt it.”

“Better safe than sorry.”

“Okay, Big Brother. But we should rest now.”

“Good idea. Evening will be here before we know it.”

Scootaloo looks to him sheepishly. “Um… could I… you know…”

“Worried about nightmares?”

Scootaloo nods wordlessly as Arc holds out a hand to her.

“Sure. Come over here.”

Walking over, Scootaloo lays down next to Arc. Putting his arm around her, she snuggles up to his chest and sighs contentedly.

“Thanks.”

The pair fall asleep together. Meanwhile outside a familiar figure in a navy blue cloak walks away from the campsite.

“All the pieces are falling into place nicely. Just keep walking this path and you’ll be fine, Arc.”

Several hours later Arc and Scootaloo awaken. He looks down at the filly lying next to him.

“Sleep well?”

Scootaloo nods. “A lot better. I don’t really know what it is, but when I’m with you I just feel like everything’s going to be okay.”

“Glad to help. But we should probably eat something real quick and head out.”

“Okay.”

A short time later the pair walk down the nearly deserted streets to the outskirts of town. Arriving at the ranch, Arc speaks to Scootaloo telepathically.

“Walk up to the front door and knock.”

“Will do.”

Doing so, Ruby comes to the door. Smiling, she looks down at the filly before her.

“Hello again.”

“Good evening. Big Brother and I are ready to work.”

Ruby looks around. “I don’t see anypony.”

“Tell her I’m shy and hiding.”

“Like I said earlier, he’s really shy. Just let me know what you want done and I’ll tell him.”

“Well… okay. Follow me, please.”

She leads Scootaloo toward the orchard. Pointing a hoof at a large wagon, she turns to the filly.

“There’s a number of empty sacks back there. We’ll pay out for each one you two fill up.”

“Do you want them in the barn?”

Ruby shakes her head. “No, the barn’s locked for the night. Just stack them in the wagon and I’ll take care of them in the morning.”

“We can do that.”

“There’s also a ladder back there too. I only ask that you don’t go up it. Just your older brother.”

“Okay.”

Ruby yawns. “Well, I’m heading to bed. See you in the morning. Oh, and feel free to eat as many cherries as you’d both like.”

“Thanks. Good night, Miss Ruby.”

She leaves as Scootaloo hops up into the wagon and tosses the empty sacks on the ground. Arc reaches in and picks up the ladder. Setting it up, he frowns.

“I don’t think this thing’s going to work for someone like me.”

“Why not?”

“Well, for starters, it doesn’t look like it would hold me. And the steps are too close together.”

“Sized for a pony I would imagine.”

“That doesn’t help us though.”

Scootaloo sighs. “So what are we going to do?”

“Grab the wagon cover and unlatch the far side.”

Scootaloo hops up into the wagon and does so.

“Toss it down here to me and I’ll tie the ends.”

Arc fastens the clips to the trees on either side of the one he’s starting with. Scootaloo appears confused.

“What should I do?”

“Stay in the wagon and watch. This might work or just be a waste of time.”

Climbing the tree, Arc stands on two low limbs. Grabbing the trunk with both hands he shakes it violently. The cherries fall onto the cover and are funneled into the wagon. Scootaloo grins.

“Now all I have to do is get them into the sacks.”

“I have a plan for that too. Line up three sacks side by side so that they fill as I shake the tree. Then we won’t have to pick too much up.”

Scootaloo does as Arc says. A short time later the tree is empty. Arc climbs down to untie the two ends.

“Just let me push the wagon forward a bit and we’ll repeat the process.

“I can do that.”

“I doubt it. It’s pretty full of…”

Putting her front hooves on the back, Scootaloo pushes the wagon forward. Arc gasps.

“Woah, whoa! That’s far enough! Sorry, I didn’t know you were that strong!”

Scootaloo giggles. “I’m not.”

“Then how…?”

Scootaloo points a hoof skyward. “I looked at the moon and transformed. Was that okay?”

“I… guess so. After all, we’re all alone out here.”

“That and I’m wearing my cloak. But you should transform too, Big Brother.”

“Might as well, I guess.”

Looking up, Arc changes into his Crimson form. Grinning, he jumps up into the next tree as Scootaloo ties the knot to the corresponding trees.

“Ready!”

Arc grins. “Shaky time!”

They repeat the process numerous times throughout the night. Eventually the sun pokes over the horizon. Arc looks over to Scootaloo as she calls out to him.

“That’s the last sack.”

Arc chuckles. “Good. Looks like we’re out of time anyways.”

He hops out of the tree and walks over to the wagon. Each sack is neatly lined up and tied.

“We did well tonight.”

“Thanks to your idea, that is.”

“Yes, well… I couldn’t have done it without you. But let’s get the cover back on the wagon. We want to leave it like we found it.”

“Okay.”

As they finish, the sound of the farmhouse’s screen door opening echoes across through the orchard.

“Sounds like Miss Ruby’s awake.”

Arc nods as he cloaks. “Good. We should get our pay and move on.”

Ruby walks over to Scootaloo. She gasps as she looks at the load.

“Oh my! You two certainly were busy last night!”

Scootaloo grins. “Big Brother’s really efficient.”

“I can see that. Let me just count these up…”

She does so and nods approvingly.

“That’s a record for a new farmhand. Just let me head back to the house and I’ll get your pay.”

Ruby trots back to the farmhouse and returns with a massive bag of bits. Scootaloo gasps.

“How… how many bits is that?!”

“A thousand.”

“Isn’t that too much?!”

Ruby shakes her head. “Like I said yesterday. We don’t pay by the hour here. Everything to do with harvesting is done piecework.”

“Take the bag and thank her.”

“Well… thanks. Um… Big Brother and I need to be going now. We’re both pretty tired.”

Ruby smiles at her. “I can understand that. Will I see you again tomorrow night?”

“Big Brother and I were planning to move…”

“Tell her yes.”

“…move quicker tomorrow night.”

“Wonderful! I’ll have to stop by the bank for more bits, but I’ll be ready.”

“Thank you, Miss Ruby. Goodbye.”

The filly carries the sack of bits under her fetlock as Ruby unlocks the barn door for the day. She looks after Scootaloo as she makes her way back to the road.

“Hardest working pair I ever saw.”

Meanwhile, as they crest the hill, Scootaloo sets the bag of bits down and sits on her haunches.

“This would be a lot easier if I was still in my Crimson form. Bits are heavy!”

“I’ll take it.”

Walking over, Arc reaches through the robe and picks up the sack.

“That does have some heft to it.”

Scootaloo sighs. “We heading back to the campsite now? Or do you want to do some shopping, Big Brother?”

“Neither. I think we both need a bath after all that work.”

“There was a stream a mile or so into the woods.”

“Let’s pack up the camp and get a room at the inn.”

“The what?”

“They rent rooms. I saw it on the way to the saloon the other night. We can bathe there and sleep in real beds versus on the ground.”

“Sounds good.”

Returning to the campsite, they pack it up and head for the inn. Scootaloo walks up to the counter and stands on her hind legs to press the bell. An elderly stallion walks out and looks down at her.

“Something I can do for you, little one?”

“I need a room.”

The stallion chuckles. “Very funny. Now why don’t you head outside and play your games elsewhere?”

As he turns to walk away, Arc drops the bag of bits on the counter. The stallion looks at it, wide-eyed.

“Wha…?!”

Scootaloo smiles under her hood. “Is this enough?”

“For several weeks easily!”

“Good. I’m planning on sticking around.”

“One moment please.”

Putting the bits on a shelf, the stallion grabs a key and beckons for them to follow. Leading them upstairs, he stops in front of a large door.

“This is our finest room. I’ll let you get settled in. Please let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks.”

Opening the door Arc and Scootaloo walk inside. Closing it behind them Arc removes his cloak and hangs it up on a nearby hook. The room is decently furnished with a small kitchenette and bathroom. A large bed sits in one corner of the room and several windows overlook the main street in front of the building. Scootaloo walks over to the curtains and quickly closes them.

“There. That looks a bit better.”

Arc calls out from the bathroom. “Let’s get cleaned up now. We both reek.”

“Sounds good.”

Entering the room, Scootaloo looks all around.

“Um… where’s the tub?”

“They just have a shower.”

“What’s a shower?”

“I’ll show you. But first you have to take off your cloak.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “I do?”

“Yup. Trust me. You can go first though.”

“Go… first?”

“I’ll show you what to do, then wait in the other room.”

“Shouldn’t we do this together?”

Arc shakes his head. “I… don’t really want to be bare.”

“Why?”

“It just… isn’t appropriate.”

“But we did it before back home.”

“And we were covered.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “True. But I don’t think you have anything under there that I haven’t seen before.”

“Well… I have an idea.”

Stripping down to his shorts, Arc turns to Scootaloo as she pulls her robe over her head.

“First, you turn on the water. Like this.”

Arc demonstrates which knobs do what.

“Then you adjust the temperature to your liking. That’s about right in my opinion.”

“Okay. So… what now?”

“Step in. Like so…”

Arc walks into the shower. Scootaloo eyes him as the water runs over his skin.

“Um… does it hurt?”

“Not at all. Now hop in and I’ll clean you up.”

Doing as she is told, Scootaloo steps into the shower. She stiffens momentarily as the water hits her, but soon relaxes. Arc pulls down the nozzle from its place overhead and hands it to Scootaloo.

“See? Nothing to be afraid of.”

“It just feels so strange for bath water to do this.”

“Ready?”

Scootaloo nods. Arc takes the soap and begins washing her coat and mane. A short time later he rinses her off.

“Feel better?”

“Much! Now how about I clean you up?”

“That’s okay. I can do it myself.”

“Please?! I really want to help out!”

Arc sighs. “Well… okay. Just stay away from the skin covered by my shorts, okay?”

“Sure.”

Sitting on the floor of the shower, Arc holds the nozzle as Scootaloo rubs the soap on his back. Before long she finishes and steps back.

“All done.”

“Thanks. Now how about you take a towel and leave the room for a few minutes? I need to get dressed.”

“Okay.”

Grabbing a towel, she runs into the next room. Arc chuckles as he removes his shorts and finishes cleaning himself. A few minutes later he steps out, towels off, and puts on clean clothes. Leaving the bathroom he finds Scootaloo clad in a fresh cloak waiting for him.

“You know, you don’t really need that on when it’s just the two of us.”

“I guess not. But I just feel so bare without it.”

“Like me without my clothes, huh?”

“Is that what it feels like?”

“I guess.”

“Do you want me to take it off?”

“Only if you want to.”

Scootaloo puts her front hooves around herself. “I… feel really safe and secure with it on.”

“That’s fine. Let’s get to bed though. You okay with sharing it?”

“Yeah. Can you hold me again? That really helped with the bad dreams.”

“Sure.”

Arc lays down as Scootaloo hops up onto the bed. Flopping down next to him, she sighs contentedly as Arc puts an arm around her and pulls her in close.

“Good night, Scootaloo.”

“Good night, Big Brother.”

Chapter 10 - Monstrous Discoveries

Some weeks pass as Arc and Scootaloo walk the land toward the point indicated on Decimus’ map. Arriving at a hill overlooking the settlement one night, they gaze down at the houses.

“So this is it, huh?”

Arc nods as he checks the map. “Yup. No doubt about it.”

“It doesn’t look like a rebel stronghold.”

“What does such a thing look like?”

“Um… I guess… well, it would at least have some kind of wall around it!”

Arc chuckles. “Probably. But we won’t figure anything out hanging out around up here.”

“You have a plan?”

“Sort of. We’ll get some sleep now and implement it in the morning.”

“Um… okay.”

Setting up their tent, the pair lie down together and stare up silently for a time. Eventually Scootaloo speaks.

“Lucky break with that crystal vial, huh?”

“I guess. While I certainly didn’t expect them to be in a gift shop at the station, it was surprising to find one at the jewelry store.”

“It kinda makes sense though. I mean… a semi-valuable vessel like that makes for a nice knick-knack.”

“Yeah. Wonder why they don’t use them for potion making though.”

“You saw that book Grand Pear was reading the reagent list out of. It looked like it was a million years old!”

“Do you think the crystal vial was unnecessary?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Some potions do require special handling. But it’s not likely a more cost effective method has been discovered since that book was written.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Crystal has properties that can’t be easily replicated. That and if something works…”

“…don’t change it?”

Scootaloo nods. “Right. We’ll have to give some thought to where to find Ogre’s Blood though.”

“Extinct?”

“Maybe.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

“We’ll think of something. The Dragon’s Fruit and Poison Joke will be tricky to locate, of course. But at least we know what region to look for them.”

Arc nods as he reaches into his bag and pulls out the crystal vial, which is topped with a cork. “Yeah. The other more common reagents the apothecary had in stock. We find those other three and mix them in this…”

“Then you can answer all your own questions!”

“I hope so anyways.”

The next day as the sun rises, Scootaloo walks toward the village with Arc behind her. While he himself is cloaked, she is not. He looks all around before calling out.

“Kinda barren.”

“I’ll say. Hardly any plants at all. Wonder what they eat?”

“Good question. One that we’ll be able to answer shortly, I hope.”

Entering the town, they find several ponies taking care of what appears to be everyday business. All of them are wearing black robes that cover their entire body, save for the head. Scootaloo removes her own cloak and leaves it with Arc. Approaching one of them and clears her throat.

“Excuse me, I…”

The stallion turns to her. His eyes dart around nervously.

“Leave.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Get out while you still can.”

Without another word, he turns and hurries away. Scootaloo calls out to Arc telepathically.

“That was beyond strange.”

“Agreed.”

“Should we try talking to somepony else?”

“Not sure what else there is to do right now.”

Approaching everyone she sees Scootaloo attempts to speak with them. However she receives similar responses
from them. Arc looks around and frowns.

“Okay, this doesn’t make any sense.”

“Which part?”

“All of it! If these were rebels of any kind, they’d be looking to recruit newcomers to town.”

“Maybe they feel that new members aren’t needed?”

“Unless there’s some kind of hidden base nearby that’s housing a LOT more forces, I’m going to have to say ‘no’. I mean, look around. Do you really think this small a group could be a threat to an entire country?”

“Not really, no. But it also doesn’t make sense that Captain Decimus could have such flawed information.”

“Or any information at all.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. He claimed in his letter that he had sent scouts to check this group out earlier. Even a blind pony could see they’re not doing anything nefarious.”

“Then why would the scouts have reported it?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s possible they attempted to speak to the ponies here and were met with the same responses. Out of an abundance of caution, they may have reported that more effort was needed to uncover whatever’s going on in this town.”

“Maybe. But our instructions from the captain were to infiltrate and learn their plans.”

“Well, the infiltrating part isn’t going too well. But that isn’t what concerns me.”

“Then what is?”

“The letter said that this town’s leader was keeping everyone in line through intimidation, and that they were quite large.”

He looks around again before continuing.

“No one here fits that bill.”

“Maybe not. But these ponies are certainly acting strange.”

“That’s the only reason why we’re still here.”

“So what are we going to do, Big Brother?”

“I suppose the best thing would be to simply approach the leader. Figure this out one way or the other.”

“Efficient, I guess.”

“Yeah. Head for that building over there and knock.”

“Why that one?”

“Just a hunch.”

Sighing, Scootaloo does as she is told. Rapping her hoof against the wood, a mare answers. She appears more nervous than the others.

“Can… can I… help… you?”

“Um… I…”

Arc calls out telepathically. “Tell her you’re looking for help. Make up some story about being lost, or something plausible.”

“…I need help. You see… I got separated from my parents a couple days ago.”

The mare appears confused. “Way out here?!”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah.”

“But how?!”

Arc calls out again. “Your parents are criminals on the run.”

“My mom and dad woke me up in the middle of the night and told me we had to leave town because they did something bad. We didn’t even take the roads!”

“So… they could be nearby…”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “I’ve been alone since they told me to rest. When I woke up, they were gone! That was days ago!”

“Oh my! Well… this isn’t exactly the best place for you to…”

“I can pull my own weight! Please let me stay!”

“But…”

“Please! I don’t have anywhere else to go!”

The mare sighs and nods.

“Fine. Come in.”

Stepping aside, she allows Scootaloo to enter the house. It is modestly furnished, but neat as a pin. She motions to the table.

“Hungry?”

Scootaloo lies. “Very!”

“I don’t have much to offer you other than some kinda stale bread and water.”

As Scootaloo sits down the mare opens a cupboard and pulls out an old looking plate containing an equally old looking loaf of bread. Scootaloo draws back inwardly as she sets a slice of it down before her.

“Eat up. I’ll get you a glass of water.”

Scootaloo calls out to Arc frantically as the mare turns away.

“Big Brother…?!”

“I got it.”

Grabbing the bread, Arc pulls it inside his cloak. Scootaloo makes some chewing sounds as the mare turns around with a glass.

“Oh my! You really were hungry, weren’t you?! Would you like some more?”

“N-no thank you, miss… um…”

“Miss Mayor. Now then, would you like to rest? I’m sure you’ve had quite the journey.”

“Um…”

“Say yes.”

“Yes, please.”

The mayor leads Scootaloo to a small adjoining room with a bed, nightstand, and little else.

“Take a nap. We’ll talk more later.”

Nodding, Scootaloo heads for the bed as the mare closes the bedroom door behind her and sighs.

“It… has to be this way.”

Meanwhile, Arc decloaks as Scootaloo peeks through the curtains to the street as she speaks.

“Something is very wrong here.”

Arc frowns. “That there is.”

“There isn’t anything of value around here, including basic necessities like real food! I mean, how can the mayor of all ponies not have anything to eat?!”

“If she’s faring this poorly, I can imagine the rest of the townsfolk aren’t doing any better.”

“These ponies CAN’T be rebels! At least not very good ones anyways. I mean… the mayor didn’t even ask my name.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. If they can’t even feed themselves, how could they pose a threat to the country?”

“Yeah. But something really, REALLY out of the ordinary is going on here. I can feel it in the air.”

“So can I. Let’s try earning the mayor’s trust for now. With any luck she’ll spill the beans sooner or later.”

Scootaloo makes a face as Arc looks at the slice of bread in his hand. “Hopefully sooner rather than later. Not sure how long I could survive eating moldy bread and drinking dirty water.”

“Well, try to get some rest.

“But we just got up a little while ago.”

“I know, I know. However we have to keep up appearances.”

Scootaloo sighs as she flops down on the bed. “Fine…”

A short time later Scootaloo falls asleep. Arc busies himself by looking out the window and watching those on the street. A stallion approaches the front door and knocks.

“A visitor, eh? Let’s see if we can learn something.”

Arc puts his ear to the bedroom door and strains to hear the conversation. However all he is able to pick up are a few hasty sentences spoken in inaudible whispers. A short time later the mayor knocks lightly on the door as she slowly opens it.

“Rise and shine, sleepyhead.”

Scootaloo sits up and rubs her eyes. “Huh…?”

“Meet me in the living room.”

She turns and walks away as Scootaloo moves to stand. Arc calls out to her.

“That was unexpected.”

“Maybe we’ll get some answers though.”

Scootaloo hops out of bed and walks out the door. The mayor is nervously pacing in front of the fireplace.

“What’s going on?”

“Well… you see… everypony here has to pull their weight. As you’ve no doubt noticed we’re very short on resources.”

“Um… okay.”

“We’re in need of somepony to… fetch something for us.”

“What is it?”

“There’s a cave not too far to the north where a very special moss grows. It doesn’t taste very good, but helps make our bread especially nutritious. Since food is scarce, we need to make the best of every resource.”

“So you want me to go there and harvest some?”

“Not alone. I’ll go with you. Can’t have a filly running around all by themselves, after all.”

“Okay. When do we leave?”

“Right now. Unless you’d like something to eat first.”

“N-no thanks!”

Nodding, the mayor gestures to a small cloak hanging up by the front door.

“I had somepony bring you one of our robes. Put it on and let’s be off.”

Scootaloo wordlessly does so. Stepping outside onto the street the pair walk towards the edge of town. Everyone they pass stops and stares at them wordlessly.

“What’s…?”

“They’re… very shy. Come now. We need to make it there and back before the sun goes down.”

“Uh… okay.”

Leaving the settlement, they head into the nearby hills. Scootaloo looks to the mayor.

“So… what does this moss look like?”

“It’s orange and smells slightly musty. Not much different looking than normal everyday moss one might find in a forest. Other than the color, that is.”

“You said before that food is scarce. What’s everypony doing here then? I mean… there has to be better places for a village.”

“We… have our reasons.”

“Can you…?”

“It’s not far now. Let’s hurry on.”

Quickening her pace, the mayor hurries on with Scootaloo in tow. Soon they arrive at the large mouth of a cave. Entering, the mayor looks around.

“H-hello?”

Scootaloo tilts her head to one side, confused. “I thought we were here to look for moss.”

“We are.”

“Then who are you calling to?”

The mayor grimaces as she steps away from the filly. “I… I’m sorry, little one.”

Somewhere the sound of movement rings out. Scootaloo looks around but sees no one as the mayor continues speaking.

“I’ve brought the newcomer like you asked. Please show yourself.”

A large cloud of mist saunters forth from the depths of the cave as several rocks begin to shine. They fill the cave with an eerie glow as the mist swirls around them. With a rumble, a large rock rolls in front of the entrance, effectively barricading them inside. Arc calls out to Scootaloo telepathically.

“Do you feel that?”

“Yeah. It feels really… familiar.”

The mist filling the cave congregates between two torches as they burst into green flames. It slowly forms into a more tangible shape wearing a black cloak as the mayor bows.

“Warmest salutations, your grace. May I present…”

“You may dispense with your mindless dribble, cow. I can already sense that she is the one.”

Scootaloo steps back nervously. “Wha… what ARE you?!”

“The same as you are, my dear.”

The mayor looks to him, confused. “What… she is?”

“Do not concern yourself with matters beyond your understanding, cow!”

The creature brings both hands up and lowers its cowl to reveal a green face. Scootaloo gasps.

“An ogre?!”

“And so much more.”

Their eyes grow red as they transform. Scootaloo gasps.

“You’re a Crimson too?!”

“Yes.”

“But how can you do that in the middle of the day?!”

The ogre gestures to his right and left. “The torches mimic the moon’s light as long as I remain close enough to them. But enough of me.”

He turns to the mayor and tosses her a small burlap sack.

“Your payment for the meal.”

The mayor wordlessly nods and takes the sack as the ogre continues.

“I would let you out. But I don’t want the sunlight in my domain right now.”

She gasps in horror. “You… you mean I have to WATCH?!”

The ogre nods wickedly. “Yes. I do so enjoy your looks of disgust as I feed.”

The mayor looks away. Frowning, the ogre stretches out a hand toward her and casts a Telekinesis Spell to turn her back to him.

“Do not look away again!”

As she nods, the ogre looks to Scootaloo.

“I require certain essences to stay in this form. And your Crimson energies will be a smorgasbord. Now come to me, little one.”

“No way!”

“You WILL do as I say!”

Scootaloo plants her hooves defiantly. “Not a chance!”

“Quite a tongue on you. It would be a shame to have to rip it out.”

“Funny. I was about to say the same to you.”

“Interesting. I wonder what exactly gives you the confidence to say such things. Could it possibly be… oh, I don’t know… THIS?!”

Stretching out a green hand, the ogre’s hand glows as he casts a spell. Arc decloaks. The mayor gasps.

“What is…?!”

The robed figure chuckles. “Interesting. I didn’t expect this one’s master to be an ogre.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not… probably.”

He lowers his own hood and looks the ogre dead in the eye.

“Look, it’s pretty obvious what you’re doing here.”

“Do tell.”

“I’m going to guess there’s a trove of that moss stuff deeper in this cave. You’re keeping the ponies of that town out of here in order to trade it to them for… sustenance of you own.”

“Energy. Let me show you.”

He turns to the mayor and holds out a hand. She gasps and tries to run away.

“Get back here!”

Casting a Telekinesis Spell, the ogre pulls her to himself. Squirming, she tries to get away. Reaching out, the ogre puts his fingers to her forehead. As he does so her movements become sluggish and forced. A moment later, with a flick of his wrist, he sends her flying across the cave to slam against the wall. She groans weakly, but does not rise. Arc frowns.

“So you took her energy?”

“Yes. Her lifeforce, as well as the other cows in that foul little town of theirs, keeps me well supplied and strong. However…”

He turns to look at Scootaloo.

“Another Crimson’s lifeforce would take me much further.”

“I already have a master!”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

The ogre looks to Arc. “There are other interesting items that I’ve collected over the years in this cave. Perhaps we could work out a trade.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I’m not an object!”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’d take very good care of you.”

Arc shakes his head. “Scootaloo’s not for sale. But as long as I’m here, there’s something I’d like to say.”

“Do tell.”

“I’d like you to stop hurting the ponies of that town.”

“Hurting?”

Arc gestures to the mayor. “She doesn’t look too good after you… fed.”

“The cow is fine! I need sustenance and they need that moss! It’s a perfectly logical trade!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “And if they refused to give you energy?!”

“We all need to eat.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Why can’t you just eat normal food like everyone else?”

The ogre laughs wickedly. “Apparently you’ve never had the pleasure of feasting on another’s essence! It’s absolutely amazing! No food in all the world even comes close! And I should know!”

Scootaloo frowns. “Really?”

“Oh yes. After all, I’m well over a thousand years old.”

Arc gasps. “How?!”

“A side effect of the siphoning. Their lifeforce sustains me in more ways than one.”

Scootaloo’s eyes grow wide. “So you shorten their lives to prolong your own?!”

“Why not? After all, they’re just animals.”

He looks to Arc.

“A creature of such power as yourself should certainly be able to understand that much.”

“I do admit that they are… different. However, everyone I’ve met is certainly much more than an animal.”

“Are they now?”

“Yes. Feelings, complex thought, the ability to speak coherently and reason with me… that sort of thing.”

The ogre chuckles. “Like a pet.”

“More so.”

“How much?”

“More like… equals.”

The ogre appears suddenly furious.

“Well then, if you feel so strongly about your beloved ponies, watch what I can do to one of them!”

Turning to the mayor, the ogre roughly pulls her weakened form to himself and grabs her by the neck. Gripping it roughly between his fingers, he begins draining her again. She gasps feebly.

“P-please… stop…”

“Make me!”

He is knocked off balance slightly as Arc dives forward, wraps his arms around the mayor, and pulls her away before quickly standing to face the ogre.

“Just did!”

Baring his teeth, the fiend reaches out with another Telekinesis Spell. Shoving Arc violently against the wall, he continues pressing as he steps forward.

“Young fool! Did you really think a wet behind the ears mongrel such as yourself could hope to stand a chance against me?!”

Arc strains to speak. “Kinda.”

“Big Brother!”

Lunging at the tyrant, she too is slammed against the wall next to Arc as the ogre casts a second spell.

“I’m going to enjoy devouring your energies. With it, I may become strong enough to retake my ancestral home!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “We won’t give it up without a…!”

She is cut off as the ogre puts his hand on the filly’s forehead and begins channeling.

“Delicious!”

Straining every muscle in his body, Arc finds himself unable to move even an inch to help his friend.

“Stop it! Leave her alone!”

“If you care so much about your pet then you should be able to stop me, weakling.”

Scootaloo cries out in pain as her movements become sluggish. Her gaze turns to Arc and his to her. Seeing the look in her eyes triggers something inside Arc.

“Stop it.”

“Make me.”

“Stop it!”

“Ha!”

“STOP IT!!!”

Casting a massive spell of his own, Arc knocks the ogre across the room. Arc and Scootaloo fall to the floor and gasp for breath.

“Big Brother? How did you get so…?”

“I… I don’t know. That felt really weird.”

The ogre stands and clenches his fist angrily.

“Then let me change that feeling to PAIN!!!”

Holding out a hand, he begins pulling the young man to himself. Focusing his energies, Arc is able to repel the effects of the spell levied against him. Both grunt from the magical strain as Scootaloo crawls to the mayor and nudges her.

“Hey! Are you alive?!”

She slowly nods.

“Some… how…”

“We need to help!”

“H-how? I can barely… do anything as it… stands.”

“I don’t know! But my Big Brother’s barely holding that thing back! Something has to give!”

She looks at the nearby torches.

“If we can get Big Brother to those torches, we might stand a chance!”

“How?”

“With a distraction!”

“Like this?”

Firing a blast from the tip of her horn, she hits the ogre squarely in the back of the head. Turning, he glares at her.

“You want to play too? Fine!”

Reaching out, he grabs the mare again and slams her against the floor. She gasps as the air is forced from her lungs. Taking the opportunity, Scootaloo runs over to the torches and stands between them. Using their energies, she transforms and spreads her leathery wings as she turns to the ogre.

“Hey, moldy butt!”

“Huh?”

Spotting her red eyes, he frowns.

“Clever filly. But even in that form, you’re still no match for me.”

“Wanna bet?!”

“You’ll lose.”

Scootaloo narrows her eyes. “Prove it.”

Lunging at her, the ogre misses his target as Scootaloo jumps over him. He roars angrily as the filly flies nimbly around the cavern. She calls out to Arc telepathically.

“Big Brother! Now’s your chance!”

“Right. Keep him busy just a bit longer.”

The mayor limps over to him.

“We have to get out of here!”

“Help me over there.”

“That’s the opposite of escaping!”

“Trust me.”

Sighing, the mare does as Arc asks. Helping him across the cavern, the ogre suddenly turns his attention back to the pair.

“Ready for more, eh?!”

He charges forward and plows through them. Arc and the mayor are knocked apart as Scootaloo flies toward the monster.

“We weren’t done yet!”

“Get out of my way!”

Backhanding the filly, she crashes against a wall causing a large rock to fall on her wing, pinning it to the floor. The mayor hobbles over to Arc and stands in front of him.

“Please! Nopony has to get hurt! Just let us go!”

Storming forward, he slaps her away and grabs Arc by the front of his cloak. Picking him up to a standing position, he looks at the young man with a wicked grin.

“Goodbye, beast.”

Taking a mighty swing at his adversary, the ogre is surprised to find his fist suddenly stopped as Arc catches it in his palm.

“H-how…?”

Looking up, Arc’s eyes glow red and his hair pales.

“You’re not the only one strengthened by the moon’s energies.”

Throwing a punch of his own, Arc topples his opponent and stands over him.

“I suggest you surrender now… before I grow angry.”

“NEVER!”

Getting to his feet, the monster casts a number of fireballs at Arc. With a wave of his hand they are knocked harmlessly away. Enraged, the ogre charges headlong at Arc. Ducking his blow, Arc slams his fist into the beast’s gut, knocking the wind from him and sending him to his knees. Grabbing his forehead, Arc grins.

“Now then, let’s see if we can figure out how you did this.”

Concentrating, Arc begins to drain the ogre’s energy. He cries out in pain as the lifeforce is transferred to the young man. A few moments later Arc pushes him roughly away and onto his back. The ogre speaks through weak gasps.

“Why… why didn’t you… finish?”

“Because I’m not a monster like you.”

“What?!”

Arc grins. “Tell you what. If you leave now and never return you have my word that I won’t hunt you down.”

“Very… Generous of you, beast.”

Arc turns toward the exit as he casts a Telekinesis Spell to move the rock from Scootaloo’s wing.

“Let’s go, you two.”

Nodding, they slowly stand and make their way over to Arc. Pushing aside the large rock with a spell, Arc steps aside to let the other two leave. The ogre, seething, pulls his hood over his head and jumps to his feet. He grabs a truly massive boulder and, with every ounce of strength he can muster, throws it Arc. It catches him squarely in the back, pinning him unceremoniously to the wall. Running past him, he knocks the mayor aside and grabs Scootaloo by the throat.

“This isn’t over yet!”

As he begins to drain her energy, the mayor looks over to Arc as he does his best to free himself.

“He’ll never make it to her in time! I have to do something!”

Looking around, she spots a sizeable branch. Picking it up with her magic, the mayor swings it at the ogre with all her magical might.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 11 - Crystal Confessions

Two days later Arc, Ember, Sereb, and Scootaloo step off the train. Arc remains cloaked as he calls out to them.

“Finally here.”

Ember stretches her wings. “That was the longest train ride of my life!”

Sereb sighs. “I suppose we’re all used to flying in the comforts of The Equinox.”

Arc frowns. “Yeah. What happened to that thing?”

Ember grins. “Princess Cadance flew it here after your funeral.”

Sereb nods. “That means it’s probably still here.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “What’s that?”

“My personal airship. The princesses gave it to me when I became more… internationally known.”

Ember sighs. “It flew like a dream too.”

Sereb nods. “Much faster than walking.”

Arc chuckles. “Or in this case, taking the train.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “Do you think she’ll give it back?”

“If we need it, yes.”

Ember grins. “Will we?”

Arc nods. “Most definitely.”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“Darn right you will!”

They turn to see Rainbow Dash’s head sticking out of one of the train’s windows. Arc frowns.

“Rainbow Dash?! What are you…?”

Pinkie squeezes through next to Rainbow Dash.

“We’re here for you, silly!”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Right! We need everypony to follow us now!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… okay.”

Pinkie grins. “One sec!”

Squeezing the rest of her body through the window, Pinkie beckons them to follow her as Rainbow Dash hurries through a nearby train door. Leading the group inside one of the station’s outbuildings, they close the door behind them and turn on the lights. Arc decloaks and looks around to the familiar faces before him.

“What’s… all this?!”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Like Pinkie said… we’re here for you, Arc!”

Applejack grins. “That we are!”

Fluttershy smiles sheepishly. “We couldn’t let you come here alone, Arc.”

The sound of hoofsteps approaching from behind some crates is heard. Turning, Arc and his friends see Derpy, Dinky, and Rarity approaching.

“Dinky and I couldn’t have just sat at home waiting for you, Arc.”

Dinky runs over to her father to give him a hug. “Yeah, dad! We’re a family! And families stick together!”

Rarity smiles. “And I needed to make sure you would be okay here, my love.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s great that everypony cares about you so much as to just hop on a train at a moment’s notice, Arc.”

“Yeah. Uh… what happened to Scootaloo?”

Derpy points a hoof at the door. “She’s on guard duty.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You left a foal to guard the door?”

Applejack shrugs. “Everypony knows the Scarlet Filly, sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash trots in place happily. “Yeah! Nopony would dare cross HER!”

She squeals happily.

“She’s so COOL!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Glad you’re starstruck.”

“What about my squad? Did they come too?”

Derpy shakes her head. “They’re working at the orphanage for the time being.”

Dinky gasps. “But Decimus might find them, and…!”

Derpy giggles. “Not a chance. He’d never think to look for them in the kitchen. Miss Pommel said she’d see to it they always have a job there.”

“Good. Hopefully we can head back there soon and get them though.”

Ember nods. “Yeah, yeah. But we really need to focus on the task at hand.”

Derpy sighs. “Getting Arc to the castle?”

Sereb nods. “Partially, yes. Additionally, he needs a way inside.”

Pinkie tilts her head to one side, confused. “There isn’t a front door?!”

Applejack bows her head. “Not one we can just walk through, that is.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “They don’t have audiences here?”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “Not daily, no.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Rarity called to try and get one before we left.”

“All I got was a recording that all audiences were suspended until further notice.”

Sereb growls. “That… isn’t good.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “There has to be a way.”

Rainbow Dash spreads her blue wings proudly. “When in doubt, there’s always an aerial infiltration!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “That’d be a sure fire one way ticket to the dungeon!”

“Maybe! But it’d also get me in to see the princess at my trial.”

Sereb sighs. “If audiences are on hold, it’s safe to say that trails may be as well.”

Fluttershy appears suddenly nervous. “You don’t suppose Princess Cadance is sick, do you?!”

Rarity frowns. “Not likely. I’ve never heard of a princess taking ill before. Arc?”

“They’re supposed to be immune to pretty much everything. But it’s not like Cadance to not see her subjects.”

Ember clenches a fist. “Something’s up. Let’s get to the bottom of it.”

Sereb growls. “Agreed. But we need a plan.”

Arc nods as he looks at Ember. “That we do. And I think I have one.”

A short time later they approach the Crystal Castle. At the main entrance stand innumerable Crystal Defenders. Dinky looks to her mother.

“Dad and the others can’t take on that many!”

“Hush, Dinky. If your father’s plan works, they won’t have to.”

“Trust Big Brother on this one.”

The commanding officer steps forward and holds up a hoof as his troops take up defensive positions behind him.

“HALT!”

He looks over the group, clearly confused.

“The castle is closed to visitors! If you don’t have a royal decree or other similar order all of you must leave at once!”

Rainbow Dash hurries forward.

“Idiot! Don’t you know who these are?!”

“Do they have prior authorization to enter?!”

“Well, no. But…!”

Rarity steps forward. “Let me handle this.”

She looks to the commander and clears her throat.

“May I present to you Dragon Lord Ember of the Dragon Lands, Warchief Sereb of the Forsaken Tribe, and their escort… the Scarlet Filly. They are here to see Princess Cadance.”

“On what business?”

“They claim there was recently an attack by several citizens of the Crystal Empire on the shores of the Dragon Lands.”

“I’ve heard nothing of this!”

Rarity frowns. “Of course you haven’t! It’s being kept quiet for diplomatic reasons. They come now to settle this matter with Princess Cadance herself.”

“I’m sorry. But without prior approval, I can’t allow…”

“Don’t you understand?! If this isn’t resolved immediately, they’ll declare war on the empire!”

The commander looks to the armored pair. Ember calls forth her spear and points it wordlessly at him while Sereb bears his teeth and growls menacingly. Scootaloo taps her hoof impatiently as the commander gulps.

“I will… send somepony to fetch my commanding officer. You can take it up with them.”

Rarity smiles smugly. “Better tell them to hurry. Neither of these dignitaries is known for their patience.”

The commander motions for a subordinate behind him. They hurry into the castle as Rarity returns to her group.

“And that’s how you do it.”

Fluttershy smiles. “Impressive.”

Applejack sighs. “Now all we have to do is convince whoever’s in charge to let us in.”

Derpy appears nervous. “And if that doesn’t work?”

Scootaloo grins under her cowl. “Then we bust in!”

Ember bares her claws. “That we will!”

Rainbow Dash gushes happily. “I’ll have your back, Scarlet Filly!”

“Thanks. But let’s hope for these soldier’s sake that it doesn’t come to that.”

A short time later the soldier returns with a heavily armored pony. They look over Arc’s group for a few moments before motioning for the commander to approach them. The pair speak for a time before they walk back inside the castle for a few moments. Eventually the pony in charge approaches Ember and Sereb.

“My commanding officer has ordered you brought to their office. Please follow me.”

Leading the way, the Crystal Defenders part to allow them entrance. Walking through the corridors for some time they eventually come to a fancy wooden door. Opening it, the commander steps aside.

“Please have a seat. My superior will be with you momentarily.”

Bowing at the waist, he steps back and closes the door behind him. Arc calls out to them as he decloaks.

“That was easy enough.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Easy? You call THAT easy?!”

Sereb shrugs. “They did let us in.”

Derpy sighs. “I don’t like this.”

Pinkie groans. “Well, what would you like?! A party parade?!”

Applejack frowns. “Let’s keep a lid on the party until we know what’s going on first.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Yeah. We’re not out of the woods on this yet.”

Fluttershy shrinks back. “You think they’re planning something sinister?!”

Dinky shakes her head. “Probably not. Right, dad?”

“I doubt it. As long as Cadance is still in charge here, that is.”

Rarity gasps. “You think she might have been ousted?!”

Scootaloo shrugs. “It’s a possibility.”

Sereb frowns. “And if she has been?”

Ember clenches a fist. “We find her and put her back on the throne!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s not make any rash decisions here.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. After all, you’re on thin ice right now, dad.”

“With any luck that will change soon.”

A few minutes later the sound of hoofsteps approaching can be heard. Arc cloaks as the door opens. The heavily armored officer enters the room and walks over to the desk. Removing their helmet they set it down on the desk before turning to face the group.

“Hello again, everypony.”

Applejack gasps. “Trixie?!”

Rainbow Dash points a hoof. “YOU’RE in charge of castle security?!”

“That Trixie is!”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “What happened to Shining Armor?!”

“It’s… complicated. Trixie thinks you shouldn’t hear it from her though.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “Can we see him then?”

Derpy nods. “Or Princess Cadance?”

“Yes, of course! I can announce you, but first Trixie needs to know what your business entails.”

She looks to Ember and Sereb.

“Trixie was told this had to do with a crime involving out citizens on your soil?”

Ember smiles innocently. “We… uh…”

Rarity sighs. “Forgive us, but that was my idea.”

“Trixie does not understand.”

Applejack sighs. “Rarity just said that so they’d let us in. We’re really sorry about that.”

“So that story was a fabrication?”

Pinkie nods. “Yup!”

“Trixie is kind of glad about that. At least we won’t be going to war now.”

She looks to Ember and Sereb again.

“We aren’t, right?”

“Right.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed. However, we must speak to Princess Cadance at once regarding… the investigation behind Arc’s disappearance.”

“Oh, that IS important! Let’s go see them at once!”

Getting up, she grabs her helmet and puts it on before opening the door. Gesturing for the others to follow her, they make their way down the corridor. Numerous patrols pass them on their way. Rarity frowns.

“This place is busier than Manehattan!”

Derpy turns to Trixie. “Did something happen?”

“Not yet, no. And I intend to keep it that way!”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “From what?”

“Trixie does not know. But she only wishes to carry her sworn duty to protect those she cares about.”

Scootaloo purses her lips. “That I can understand.”

“Thank you. Um… who said that?”

Scootaloo steps forward and raises a hoof.

“I did.”

Trixie gasps. “Oh my! Trixie welcomes the Scarlet Filly to our kingdom! What brings you here?!”

“I… can’t really say.”

Trixie nods as they come to the Audience Chamber doors. “Trixie understands. Everypony can discuss that with Princess Cadance. Please wait here while I announce you.”

Stepping through the doors she vanishes from sight. Scootaloo calls out to Arc.

“Is this normal, Big Brother?”

“Not exactly. But I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason for her actions.”

A few moments later Trixie returns. Holding the door open she motions for them to enter.

“Princess Cadance will see you now.”

Walking into the Audience Chamber, they see innumerable Crystal Defenders lining the red carpet leading up to the throne. Shining Armor stands at the head of the group next to Cadance. He looks them over before turning to Trixie.

“Dismiss the guards. We will speak in private.”

“Yes, sir.”

She turns to the guards.

“Follow Trixie!”

Leading the group to the door, she opens it to allow them to leave before closing it behind them and returning to stand with Shining Armor. Cadance forces a small smiles and nods.

“Welcome to the Crystal Castle, everypony.”

Trixie clears her throat. “Presenting Dragon Lord Ember and Warchief Sereb, your highness. They are traveling with the Scarlet Filly.”

Scootaloo bows respectfully “Hello.”

Cadance sighs. “I’m sorry we’re not more hospitable these days. But we are living in difficult times.”

Shining Armor nods. “That we are.”

Sereb stands. “What is happening, your highness?”

“All of you know what happened in Canterlot to Arc. We’re trying to avoid something like that happening here.”

Shining Armor looks to his charge. “Should something befall Princess Cadance, Equestria might not be able to take it.”

Trixie nods. “For that reason she’s been sequestered.”

Derpy gasps. “Oh my!”

“It is rather… tiring to always be inside. However I am still able to serve Equestria and its inhabitants. Now then, what can I do for you?”

Rarity steps forward. “We bring word of Arc.”

Cadance bows her head. “A terrible tragedy, to be sure. Tell me, has his body been located?”

Derpy sighs. “Not… exactly.”

Pinkie giggles. “Of course not!”

“Oh?”

“He’s still alive!”

Cadance gasps. “WHAT?! Are you certain?!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! Completely!”

Fluttershy smiles. “He’s doing alright.”

Shining Armor appears relieved. “Where is he?! We have to speak to him at once.”

“Right here.”

Decloaking, Arc tosses back his hood to reveal his face. Cadance gasps as she stands and slowly steps forward.

“H-how did you…? Is it really…?”

Arc nods. “I’m here. Really.”

Breaking into a sprint, Cadance lunges into Arc’s arms as tears of joy flow down her cheeks. They embrace heartily

“You… you’re here! You’re really here!”

“Somehow, yes.”

“How?!”

Ember shrugs. “He just kinda showed up in the Dragon Lands.”

Scootaloo sighs. “It was quite a journey finding a way to restore his memories, yes.”

Cadance gasps. “Amnesia?!”

“Yeah. A lot has happened since then. But it sounds like more went on while I was out of the loop.”

“Yes, indeed. Shining Armor, can you elaborate for us?”

“We’ve been receiving strange reports regarding Equestria’s actions. Princess Celestia proclaimed my sister a princess then they both seemed to go silent.”

Cadance shudders. “We fear that they may have been kidnapped, but have no proof of this.”

Rarity clears her throat. “I can assure you that they haven’t, Princess Cadance.”

“Oh?”

“Twilight has been calling me every night.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Are you certain it’s her?!”

“Oh, yes. We sometimes talk about the past. Things only she would know about.”

Applejack nods. “It was part of an agreement we made with her prior to leaving Canterlot Castle.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “All of us were worried something would happen to her. So Rarity agreed to be near her telephone in the evening.”

“Trixie believes that was a good idea, yes.”

Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “Indeed. It is good to know Twilight is well. But with all of you here, who will answer her calls?”

Rarity smiles. “Auriel agreed to do that.”

Pinkie nods. “She promised to wait for the call every evening!”

Trixie sighs. “Good. That only leaves the problem of what to do now?”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “What to… do?”

“Can my dad go to Canterlot and… I don’t know… dethrone Princess Celestia?”

Shining Armor’s ears droop. “I’m sure that he could, yes. After all, it’s in the Hero of Light’s charter.”

Arc frowns. “There’s a charter?”

Cadance nods. “Oh, yes. Luna and I just gave you the short version when you accepted the position. Back then it was mostly stealth and indirect action.”

“The Hero of Light doesn’t typically do what I did, huh?”

Rarity smiles proudly. “But you did it very well.”

Pinkie grins hugely. “Agreed!”

“Cadance, should I remove you aunt from her position?”

Cadance sighs and sits back on her haunches.

“Even after all that’s happened, I don’t believe that course of action would be prudent.”

Ember explodes. “WHAT?!”

Sereb growls savagely. “She certainly is unfit to rule as it stands!”

Shining Armor looks around. “Please, everypony. Let’s hear Cadance out on this one.”

“Aunt Celestia is a powerful figurehead in Equestria. Her mere presence on the throne kept this land safe for centuries.”

Trixie nods. “If she were to be removed, it would only serve to weaken our position internationally.”

“Like when I first took the throne as Lord Regent?”

Shining Armor nods. “Exactly. It really shook up the power structure of the world. But we were lucky you were a human.”

Dinky frowns. “What does that matter?”

Rarity sighs. “I believe I understand. The popular theory at the time was the humans were power hungry war mongers. The rulers of the other nations may not have wanted to attack for fear of incurring your wrath, Arc.”

“That’s good, I suppose.”

Cherry calls out. “But if we can’t remove the princess, what should be done?”

Derpy groans. “That’s the ten thousand bit question right there.”

Cadance bows her head. “I believe that she is still suffering the after effects of her time as a prisoner on Earth. It is my opinion that, with therapy, she can be returned to her original state.”

Fluttershy appears nervous. “Then what?”

Shining Armor nods. “We can return to Equestria with evidence against Captain Decimus and make a motion to remove him from his position.”

Trixie gasps. “Can that really be done?! Impeaching a Hero of Light has never been done before… has it?”

Cadance shakes her head. “No, never. But we all know of his past actions. If Luna and I return together, we can force a vote on the matter.”

Shining Armor nods. “If a majority of the princesses agree to remove him, it will be so. He’ll be stripped of his Crest of Light and imprisoned for crimes against the kingdom.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Can’t Arc just take him out?!”

Cadance nods. “Technically, yes. But that would only serve to cement in Aunt Celestia’s mind that Arc is nothing more than everything she thinks a human is.”

Sereb growls. “Where are we supposed to go from here then?”

Shining Armor sighs. “For anything to happen we need Princess Celestia back in her former mindset.”

Trixie nods. “Emerald Dream is working on that.”

Cadance grimaces. “Sadly, there isn’t really anything we CAN do right now.”

Shining Armor turns to the princess. “Other than survive until then.”

Cadance moves to stand with Shining Armor. “That we are doing… very well.”

“More so soon, Cadance.”

He whispers something in her ear. Nodding, Cadance turns to the group.

“What I’m about to tell everypony is top secret. Please don’t let it leave this room.”

They nod as she takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Shining Armor and I are… engaged.”

Applejack gasps. “What?!”

Rainbow Dash turns her head to one side, confused. “Can… can a princess really get… married?!”

Rarity shrugs. “I don’t see why not. But it’s never been done before.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Best wishes, you two.”

Arc smiles. “Congratulations. Um… what did Twilight have to say about this?”

Cadance bows her head. “We… haven’t actually told her yet.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Lack of communication between our two countries mostly.”

“We’d love her to know, but…”

She frowns as Shining Armor puts a hoof on her shoulder.

“…there’s no way for us to get ahold of her.”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Pinkie bounces in place happily. “When’s the ceremony?!”

Shining Armor chuckles. “Not until Princess Celestia is better.”

Cherry calls out. “That makes sense.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. After all, I’d want my family there if I was getting married.”

Cadance blushes slightly. “Truth be told, we’d like her to officiate.”

Derpy clops her hooves together happily. “That would be lovely!”

Arc turns to Shining Armor. “So is that why Trixie appears to have taken over as Captain of the Guard here?”

“Yes. I’m officially Cadance’s personal bodyguard right now.”

Trixie nods. “It’s a transitionary time for all of us.”

Cadance smiles. “That it is. But I’d like to get back to the matter at hoof.”

She looks to Arc.

“Right now you’re public enemy number one in Equestria.”

“Yes, I’ve seen the posters.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Cadance held out hope that you were still alive. So she’s made arrangements to get you to safety.”

Ember chuckles. “Where to? A safehouse?”

Sereb frowns. “The Dragon Lands would be far more secure.”

Rarity appears nervous. “Wherever it is, I hope I can go too.”

Arc nods as he turns to Cadance. “Tell me, where did you have in mind?”

“The one place Aunt Celestia couldn’t and wouldn’t follow you. Earth.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “I’m sorry, what?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “Equestria is far too dangerous for Arc right now. It’s be much safer for him back on Earth.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “But we’d never see him again?!”

Pinkie’s hair deflates. “That’d just be too SAD!!!”

“Arc?”

“Yes Derpy?”

“I agree with the princess.”

“Mom?”

“Arc’s safety should come before our own feelings.”

Trixie nods soberly. “Please understand that we aren’t making this suggestion lightly, Arc. A lot of time and thought has gone into it.”

Fluttershy shudders. “But how would we even get him home?”

Rarity gasps. “Right. Sunburst dismantled the machine.”

Applejack frowns. “And Decimus stole our Elements.”

Shining Armor smiles slyly. “That last part isn’t exactly true.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wait, what?!”

Cadance smiles. “I instructed Sunburst to send me the Elements of Harmony. He only reported them taken by Decimus as a cover story. In reality, they’re right here.”

Using her magic, Cadance pushes aside her throne and accompanying rug. Underneath they spot a small safe. Opening it, she pulls out a small but durable looking case. Walking over to Arc she gives it to him.

“Here you are.”

Arc opens it to see the Elements of Harmony safely nestled around the perimeter. A strange looking device sits in the middle.

“What is this?”

Shining Armor grins. “The culmination of Sunburst’s research from your trips between dimensions, Arc.”

Trixie nods. “According to the Lead Sage, it is a compact version of the S.P.E.A.R. that he created back in Canterlot.”

Cadance smiles. “All we have to do is place the Elements in the proper slots and the machine will automatically power up.”

Scootaloo frowns. “And then what?”

Shining Armor motions with a hoof. “It will open a portal back to Earth.”

Cadance nods. “The coordinates are hard coded to your house there, Arc. You should be able to travel there easily.”

Derpy gasps. “But what about coming back?!”

Arc looks to Shining Armor. “Right. Does this device connect with the recall unit I have back at my house?”

“No. It’s a one way trip.”

Cadance turns to Arc. “We could use the Crystal Mirror to bring you back, Arc. When the time is right I will contact you on your earring.”

“Thanks. But… I don’t really want to go.”

He looks to the others.

“After all, I have a life here now.”

Applejack sadly steps forward. “Arc… I don’t like the idea either. But the princess makes a good point. Here you’ll be hunted down.”

Pinkie nods. “Right! On Earth you’ll just be another face in the crowd!”

Fluttershy smiles weakly. “And it won’t be permanent either.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! You’ll be back in a… what? Few weeks?”

Trixie shakes her head. “Emerald Dream believes it could be as long as a year.”

Rarity gasps. “A YEAR?!”

Ember seethes. “We’d miss him too much! Right Dinky?!”

“Yeah. But… I already lost my dad once. It’d be too much to lose him a second time.”

Derpy’s ears droop. “Dinky’s right, Arc. You really should go.”

Ember frowns. “The Dragon Lands is still an option, Arc.”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. But it is still within Decimus’ reach.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “He wouldn’t DARE!”

“Would you risk Arc’s life to prove that?”

Ember is silent for a time before speaking again.

“No. I… I can wait a year for him. Or longer if necessary.”

“Rarity?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“I… what do you think?”

“M-me?!”

Scootaloo nods. “You’re the closest to Big Brother, after all. Other than me, that is.”

Arc sighs. “Then what do you think?”

“That he should do what is best. Nothing more… nothing less.”

Rarity sighs as she turns to Arc.

“I’d like… I’d like you to stay safe, Arc.”

“You could come with me.”

“Really?!”

“Sure! You said you wanted to visit Earth and be a human, after all.”

Cadance shakes her head. “That is unwise, Arc.”

Shining Armor sighs. “Agreed. Rarity is the Element of Generosity. She may be needed here to wield her Element.”

Trixie tears up. “But that’s just so… so… sad!”

Arc bows his head. “Cadance is right.”

Rarity sighs. “I suppose so.”

Arc turns to Cadance.

“When do I leave?”

“As soon as possible. The fact that you are alive must be kept secret, after all, if future plans are necessary.”

Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “What about Twilight? Can she know?”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Nopony outside of this room can know.”

Arc sighs. “I… understand.”

Applejack bows her head. “She won’t like that when she finds out.”

Fluttershy nods sadly. “It’ll be hard for Applejack not to tell her the truth as well. Being the Element of Honesty, that is.”

Rarity looks to her friend. “If it would help, I’ll make sure she always calls me instead of Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Thanks. That would help.”

Derpy steps forward. “Arc?”

“You want to come too?”

“Of course!”

“Me too, dad!”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “What about me?”

Arc smiles at her. “I wouldn’t think of leaving you behind.”

“That’s a relief.”

Shining Armor looks to Arc. “Shall we set up the device now?”

“Yeah. Get it ready. I… need to say a few things before I go.”

Turning to the others, he sighs.

“Thanks for coming everyone. I… don’t think I’d be able to leave without saying goodbye properly.”

Applejack forces a smile. “You take care of yourself, Arc.”

“I will. And you take good care of Apple Bloom and Babs Seed too.”

Rainbow Dash winks hugely at him. “And you take care of yourself. Stay handsome, will ya!”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll try.”

Pinkie grins. “While you’re gone I’ll come up with something extra tasty for when you get back!”

“A party?”

“Hopefully!”

“I’ll leave that to you.”

Fluttershy blushes slightly. Please stay as Kind as you are now, Arc. I… REALLY find it attractive.”

“Always.”

Turning to Rarity, he looks at her for a long time.

“I… guess this is it for a while.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Rarity, I… I just wanted to say… that the other night at your place was… magical.”

Rarity smiles sadly. “I’m looking forward to doing it again.”

“Me too.”

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… I love you!”

Arc kneels down and puts his hands on her shoulders. “And I love you too, Rarity. Never forget that.”

Holding back tears, Rarity falls into Arc’s arms. They hold each other for a long time before leaning back.

“I’ll wait for you!”

“Thanks. But… you don’t have to.”

“What?!”

“If you meet someone else… don’t hold back on my account.”

“But…!”

Arc turns to the others. “That goes for everyone here. After all, I just want all of you to be happy.”

They nod sadly as Shining Armor calls out.

“Last Element, Arc.”

Nodding, Arc turns back to the machine.

“Let me do it.”

Nodding, Trixie gives him the Element of Magic.

“Trixie will miss you too, Arc.”

Shining Armor nods. “As will I. This land won’t be the same without you.”

Cadance bows her head. “Agreed. You’ve become part of our way of life. Please take care of yourself, Arc.”

Shining Armor looks to him. “Sir, I… I have a request.”

“Now?”

“Yes. At the wedding, would you be willing to be my ‘best stallion’?”

“Sure. I’d be honored.”

Trixie giggles sadly. “Now you have to come back sometime.”

“Guess I do.”

Ember groans. “Yeah, yeah. Come on and fire that thing up! We have to get moving!”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “You’re going too?”

“Uh… yeah!”

Arc frowns. “But you’re the Dragon Lord now.”

“And?”

Shining Armor looks to Ember. “Don’t you have responsibilities to your land?”

“My father will handle things while I’m…”

Cadance clears her throat. “Ember?”

“Yes?”

“From one monarch to another. Personal feelings are normal and natural for everypony. However, often times we cannot act on them. Much as it pains us, we often live solitary lives even when surrounded by others. You are no exception.”

Arc nods. “She’s right, Ember. The Dragon Lands needs you to stay in this world.”

“But… but this isn’t FAIR! I just got you back!”

Sereb sighs. “It also isn’t fair that he is forced to self-exile, Ember.”

Shining Armor looks to the princess. “Nor is it fair that Cadance had to leave Canterlot behind.”

“Or that Trixie was sent to Tartarus for a crime she didn’t remember committing.”

Ember is silent for a time before walking over to Arc and nodding soberly.

“I… understand. Take care over there. And say ‘hi’ to Shelly and Lily for me.”

“I will.”

Sereb gestures with a wave of his paw. “Shall we be off?”

Ember frowns. “Hey! What was all that about my country needing me, Mister Warchief!”

“My Life Pact requires me to stay by Arc’s side no matter what. And there is still my mother to lead my tribe.”

“It still doesn’t seem fair to me.”

Applejack groans. “That’s what they were trying to tell you before.”

“Huh?”

Rainbow Dash bow her head. “Life itself sometimes just isn’t fair. Sucks, but what can you do?”

Arc nods. “Right. Now then… let’s get moving.”

Putting the Element of Magic in its place, the device begins to hum. Setting it in the middle of the floor, Arc steps back as a wormhole forms. As it stabilizes he looks to Derpy and Dinky.

“Head on through with Sereb. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Nodding, they do as he says. Sereb follows closely as Arc turns to Rarity.

“I’ll be back before you know it.”

Rarity nods as Arc kneels down.

“We’ll be together again someday. I promise.”

“I know we will, Arc. But before you go, I have one thing to say to you.”

“What is…?”

He is cut off as Rarity’s lips lock onto his. They share a passionate kiss for several moments before Arc pulls back and runs toward the portal.

“I’ll miss everyone! Take care!”

He turns and grabs Scootaloo before leaping through the portal just before it closes. Everyone turns to Cadance. Ember is the first to speak.

“What… do we do now?”

Cadance sighs. “Live. Live and protect this land as best we can in preparation for Arc’s return.”

Chapter 1 - Exiled

Arc and Scootaloo fly out the other end of the portal as it closes. Scootaloo looks around, confused before turning to Arc.

“Where… are we?”

“Earth.”

Dinky giggles as she walks towards them. “Yup! I can’t wait to have fingers and toes again!”

“What are those?”

Derpy smiles as she helps Scootaloo up. “Something that Arc has instead of hooves, dear.”

Sereb looks around before speaking. “We should get inside though.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. It’s a bit chilly out here today.”

They head for the house. Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out his keys. Opening the door he steps aside to let them enter. Scootaloo looks around nervously.

“This place is so big!”

Dinky grins. “I said the same thing my first time too.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “A bit cool in here.”

“Yeah. I’ll get the furnace going.”

Sereb turns to Arc. “Shall we change your family back into their human forms now, Arc?”

“One sec. Heat first, big guy.”

Flicking a switch on the thermostat, Arc steps back. A few moments later warm air blows up through the vents as he turns to the others.

“Okay. Now let’s head upstairs and do the transformation thing.”

Leading the way Arc takes everyone to his parent’s room. Heading for the closet he pulls out a sheet and turns to Derpy.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

Dinky runs into the room levitating two sets of clothes.

“What about Scootaloo and I, dad?!”

“Let’s try this.”

Pulling his magic cloak from his ring, Arc drapes it over Dinky before pulling out the navy blue one for Scootaloo.

“What’s this for?”

Arc chuckles as he puts the cloak over her. “For after the transformation.”

“I don’t get it.”

Dinky giggles. “You will!”

Stepping behind the fillies, Arc motions for Derpy to kneel down with him.

“Let’s see if we can do this in one shot, Sereb.”

“Very well.”

Returning to his normal form, Sereb charges up his magic and casts the spell. In short order Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo transform into humans. Scootaloo gasps as she looks at Dinky.

“What happened to you?!”

Arc looks at her. “The same thing that happened to you, Scootaloo. Now then, I’ll let you get dressed with Derpy and Dinky.”

“We’ll take care of her, Arc.”

“Yeah, dad!”

Arc nods. “I’ll wait in the hall.”

He leaves with Sereb. Derpy walks over to the bed and allows the sheet to fall onto it before heading for the closet. Scootaloo gasp at the sight of her new body.

“M-miss Derpy?!”

Derpy turns to look at the little girl. “Yes?”

“What… what ARE we?!”

“Humans. Now, I know this might be hard to understand, but this is what we need to look like while here on Earth.”

Dinky nods. “That and walking is going to be a bit harder.”

“Walking?”

Dinky smiles. “On two legs. Like this.”

Standing up, Dinky allows her robe to fall to the floor. Taking a few steps, she twirls nimbly before facing Scootaloo.

“You look different too! But not like your mom though.”

Dinky points to her mother’s chest. “Yeah. Mom’s an adult, so she has breasts.”

Derpy giggles slightly as she puts on her bra. “You will too someday, dear. That is, if you stay here on Earth. Now then, how about I help you onto the bed, Scootaloo?”

“I can do it myself.”

Standing shakily, she attempts to walk but falls to the floor. Derpy walks over to her and kneels down.

“Can I help you now?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No thanks.”

Getting to her hands and knees, Scootaloo crawls to the bed and hefts herself up onto it. Sitting, she looks down at her new body.

“I… just can’t seem to understand how I’m… what’s Big Brother again?”

Dinky smiles at her. “A human.”

“And now I am too?”

Derpy puts a hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder. “Only on the outside. In your heart, you’re still you.”

Dinky nods as she points to the clothes she brought. “Yeah. These are for you though.”

“What for?”

Derpy gestures to the clothes. “Humans have to stay somewhat covered.”

Scootaloo sighs. “Fine. What do I need to do?”

Dinky picks up a pair of panties. “We start with these. They cover your filly parts. It’s really important.”

“But I’ve never had to cover them up before. How will I pee?!”

Derpy smiles. “You can pull them down before sitting on the toilet.”

Scootaloo groans. “This is going to take some getting used to.”

Dinky grins. “We’ll help you!”

“Thanks.”

Dinky sits down next to the little girl. “Now then, just do as I do.”

She picks up a pair of jeans and pulls them over her legs.

“Keep going until your feet stick out the holes at the bottom. Like this.”

“Okay.”

“Now you have to zip it up and fasten the button.”

Dinky demonstrates as Scootaloo follows along.

“Now we have to put on a shirt.”

Scootaloo points to Derpy. “What about that other thing?”

Dinky appears confused. “Huh?”

“That gadget your mom’s wearing under her shirt.”

Derpy shakes her head. “This is called a ‘bra’. It’s only for mares.”

Dinky lifts her shirt. “I’m not wearing one either.”

“Okay. Anything else to put on?”

Derpy sighs. “Probably some socks. It’s not exactly the warmest here now.”

“Socks?”

Dinky looks down at her feel. “They keep your toes warm.”

“Toes?”

Derpy nods as she touches the little girl’s feet. “These little things here are toes. They can get cold easily though, so we wear these.”

She carefully slips a pair of socks over Scootaloo’s feet.

“There. Now you’re dressed.”

Dinky shakes her head. “Not completely. There’s also ‘shoes’. But we usually only wear those when going outside. Extra protection for the feet.”

“What about my other feet?”

Derpy appears confused. “Other…?”

Scootaloo holds up her hands. “These.”

Dinky grins. “Only during winter. They make socks for hands called ‘mittens’.”

“And winter’s coming, isn’t it?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not for a while yet. But the house is warm, and we have Arc here to protect us.”

“Big Brother’s good at that.”

Dinky looks to the door. “Yeah. You ready to show him how nice you look?”

“I guess so.”

Standing, Scootaloo again attempts to walk. Taking a couple steps, she quickly falls to the floor yet again. Dinky moves to help her up, but Scootaloo waves her away. Crawling to the door, she pulls herself up with the aid of the doorknob. Turning it, she opens the door to see Arc and Sereb waiting for her patiently.

“Hey there.”

“H-hi, Big Brother.”

Sereb frowns. “Everything go alright?”

“Mostly. I kinda feel like I’m trapped in these clothes though.”

Dinky looks to her father. “We could get her a dress, dad.”

“I suppose. But it’s kinda cool for that now.”

“Is there something wrong with how I’m dressed?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Scootaloo. Dinky was just suggesting that you might be more comfortable in something else.”

“Oh. Um… do I look okay though?”

“Yes, you look very nice. But your posture is a bit off.”

Derpy sighs. “She’s having trouble walking, Arc.”

“I’ll figure it out though!”

Letting go of the doorknob, she takes a few unsteady steps toward Arc. Stumbling, he rushes forward to catch her.

“I got you!”

“Thanks, Big Brother.”

“Why don’t we go downstairs and I’ll help you learn to walk like a human?”

Dinky giggles. “My dad taught mom and I how to walk. I’m sure he can do the same for you.”

“I’ll certainly do my best.”

Picking Scootaloo up, Arc carries her downstairs as Derpy and Dinky follow along with Sereb bringing up the rear. Sitting her down on the couch, he pulls her socks off. She appears confused.

“Big Brother? What are you doing?”

“It’ll be easier for you to learn without these on.”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. They’re kinda slippery.”

Derpy sits down on the couch with Dinky. “We’ll be here for emotional support.”

Arc spends the next hour teaching the little girl the basics of walking as his family watches from the couch. Taking a few steps away as Scootaloo holds on to an end table he kneels and holds out his arms.

“Okay, let’s try again. Just take it one step at a time as slowly as you need to.”

“I’ll try.”

Taking a deep breath, Scootaloo lets go of the table. Shakily putting one foot in front of the other, she carefully takes a step. Repositioning her other foot, the little girl does her best to stay balanced. Derpy and Dinky call out from their places on the sofa.

“Just like that!”

“You’re doing it!”

Breathing heavily, Scootaloo looks down at her feet as she moves to take another step. Sereb nods approvingly.

“Keep at it, little one.”

Making another step, she stumbles but is able to recover before wrapping her arms around Arc’s neck and grinning.

“I did it!”

“Very good!”

Dinky smiles. “I knew you could!”

Derpy giggles. “You learned faster than I did.”

“What should I do next, Big Brother?”

“Just keep doing what you’re doing. Practice makes perfect, after all. Before long you’ll be running and jumping.”

“I hope so. Um…”

“Something wrong?”

Scootaloo nods. “Kinda. I’m a bit hungry.”

Dinky gasps. “We forgot to eat breakfast!”

Sereb sighs. “I thought we’d get that at the castle.”

Arc looks at the clock. “It’s almost noon already.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Should we cook something?”

“Admittedly, we can’t.”

“Why not, dad?”

“No fresh food in the fridge or freezer. I made sure we ate it all before our last mission.”

Derpy appears nervous. “What should we do then?”

“I’ll order a pizza.”

Scootaloo grins. “Pizza? Like what we ate at your base?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Let me make a call.”

Picking up the receiver, Arc dials a number. After talking to someone on the other end for a few moments he hangs up and turns to the others.

“It should be here in about forty-five minutes.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Somepony’s going to bring it here?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. But we should probably teach you a few things about talking.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I know my voice is a little scratchy! But I was born that way!”

Sereb shakes his head. “She means specific words.”

“What?”

Derpy smiles at her. “For starters, you can’t say things like ‘somepony’ or ‘anypony’ here.”

Dinky nods. “Or refer to someone like my mom as a ‘mare’.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. Instead it’s ‘someone’ or ‘anyone’. And rather than call someone a mare, you would say ‘woman’. Oh! That and you aren’t a filly here, but rather a ‘girl’.

Dinky clears her throat. “For example, ‘has anyONE seen my mom’.”

Derpy nods. “Or ‘you’re a pretty young girl’.”

Arc turns to Scootaloo again. “There’s a few other words that are different here, of course. But I’ll go over them with you as they come up.”

“This is all very confusing.”

“What should we call Scootaloo though, dad?”

Scootaloo frowns. “How about by my name?”

“Dinky means that you need a human name. ‘Scootaloo’ would raise suspicion.”

“I’m called ‘Dawn’.”

Dinky giggles. “And my dad picked out ‘Daisy’ for me.”

Scootaloo tilts her head to one side. “Those are strange names.”

She turns to Sereb.

“What about you?”

“No change.”

Arc nods. “On Earth, naming a pet something out of the ordinary is pretty common. Well, other than Sereb, that is. Now then, let’s see…”

He looks Scootaloo up and down silently for a few moments before grinning.

“How did you like being called the ‘Scarlet Filly’?”

“It was really cool! Can I go by that?!”

Arc shakes his head. “We could shorten it to just ‘Scarlet’. It’s not the most common human name out there, mind you. But no one would start asking questions about it. Are you okay with that, Scootaloo?”

“Yup! Just call me ‘Scarlet’!”

Dinky smiles. “We can do that.”

Derpy nods. “It’s a very pretty name.”

Arc offers her a thumbs up. “‘Scarlet’ it is then.”

Sometime later there is a knock at the door. Scootaloo appears confused.

“Who could that be?”

Dinky grins excitedly. “Our pizza.”

Arc stands. “I’ll get it.”

Walking to the door, he opens it to find Jackal standing there holding a pizza box. Sereb stands and growls.

“Here your… hey! It’s you!”

“Uh… hi.”

“You boss’ friend, right?! Yeah! The one with the doggie!”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“He gonna be SO happy you back! Can I pet the doggie?!”

“Maybe another time. Tell Frank I’ll stop by the old base this evening at dusk to see him.”

“Okays! You take pizza!”

“Thanks. Um… here’s the money.”

“Thanking you! Enjoy that!”

The large man turns and hurries back to an old looking car idling in the driveway. Arc watches him drive away before turning to head inside with his pizza. Dinky looks to her father as he returns.

“Who was that, dad?”

“Jackal. He’s one of the Shards.”

Sereb frowns. “All muscle and no brains, that one.”

Derpy groans. “You don’t suppose they’re causing trouble again, do you?!”

Arc furrows his brow. “They better not be.”

Dinky grins wickedly. “If so, do you think the Hero of Light will take care of them again?”

Arc shakes his head as he sets the pizza on the table. “No. But if they’re up to their old tricks, regular old Arc will.”

“Want a hoof with that, Big Brother?!”

“Want a HAND with that, Scootaloo. And I think I can handle them.”

“You sure, dad?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Dinky. If necessary I can talk Frank into keeping them on a tighter leash.”

Derpy appears nervous. “Would he listen though?”

“He knows who I really am, AND what I’m capable of. So, I’d say it’s a… definite maybe.”

“I should come too then, Big Brother.”

“Now, Scootaloo…”

“We’re a team!”

“This is a bit more than you’re used to.”

“They can’t be worse than that gang we took out in Dodge Junction!”

Dinky giggles. “You might want to take her and Sereb with you dad.”

Derpy nods. “Agreed. They’re both well-versed in combat from what you’ve told us.”

“Yes, well… I suppose I could do that. But we’ll have another ace up our sleeves.”

Scootaloo grins. “I think I know just what you mean.”

“But if you want to come, you have to learn how to properly walk, Scootaloo.”

“No problem, Big Brother! But don’t you mean, ‘Scarlet’?”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose I do. Let’s see if we can keep that level of detail up this evening though.”

Sereb puts a paw in front of his face. “And now I’m worried…”

Chapter 8 - Nightly Conversations

Arc lays on his bed for a time after disconnecting with Rainbow Dash. Sighing, he eventually sits up and heads back downstairs. Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo meet him at the foot of the stairs. Derpy is the first to speak.

“I’m putting the girls to bed for the night.”

“Oh? But it’s a bit early, don’t you think?”

Dinky yawns. “Yeah, well… I’m kinda tired.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Me too.”

“Alright. Why don’t you two brush your teeth and head to your rooms? “

“Will you and mom still put me to bed?”

Derpy smiles at her. “Of course, dear. Now run along.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Put to… bed?”

Arc nods. “Take you to your room and make sure you’re comfortable before turning out the lights.”

“I still don’t get that.”

Derpy puts a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “You will in time, dear.”

The pair nod and heads upstairs as Arc and Derpy do so as well. Derpy smiles at Arc.

“Dinky’s taking all of this so well.”

“I was a bit worried that this transition would be hard for her. But she’s taken to Earth like a real girl. Scootaloo’s having a bit more trouble than I thought she would.”

Derpy giggles. “For all intents and purposes they both are though.”

“Agreed. But…”

“Arc? Is something wrong?”

“Kinda. But let’s talk about it downstairs.”

A few minutes later Dinky walks into her bedroom wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Rubbing her eyes she lies down on the bed. Derpy pulls back the covers for her.

“Comfy, sweetie?”

She nods sleepily as Arc pulls the covers up to her chin.

“You stay warm tonight. It’s supposed to get awfully chilly.”

“I will, dad.”

Dinky turns to her mother.

“Are you coming to bed soon too, mom?”

Derpy nods. “I will, yes. But first I want to have a talk with your father.”

Dinky giggles sleepily. “Don’t stay up too late you two.”

Arc grins as her kisses the top of her head. “Okay, sweetheart.”

Derpy smiles as she does the same. “We’ll try to keep it short.”

Turning, they leave the room. Closing the door behind them Arc leads Scootaloo to his old room and over to the bed as Derpy watches from the doorway.

“Thanks, Big Brother.”

“What for?”

“For sticking with me, and not leaving me back in Equestria when you left.”

“We’re a family, and family sticks together.”

“This is all so new to me. “

“Do you like it?”

“I’m… not really sure at this point.”

“Let me ask you this then. Do you like hugs?”

“From who?”

“Anyone.”

Scootaloo thinks for a moment. “Well… I like getting them from you.”

“What does it feel like?”

“Security. Like armor plating that won’t let anything through.”

“That’s what family feels like. At least to me.”

Derpy nods as she calls out from the doorway. “We’ll stick with you, Scootaloo. You’ll always have a home with Dinky and I if Arc has to go on a mission.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “But I thought I was emancipated.”

Arc smiles. “You are. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay with those whom care about you.”

“Okay, Big Brother.”

She holds out her arms as Arc leans down to share an embrace. Eventually Arc kisses her forehead gently before pulling the covers up to her chin.

“Get some sleep. We’ll have more fun tomorrow.”

Scootaloo smiles. “Are we going back to that diner for breakfast again?”

“Yeah. You like eating there?”

Scootaloo nods. “I do. Um… but can I try your meal next time?”

Arc chuckles. “Sure. If you think you’re ready, that is.”

Nodding, Scootaloo closes her eyes. Arc heads for the door and turns off the lights. Sereb nods to them as he lies on the floor between the two bedrooms as if keeping watch. Derpy follows him downstairs to the living room. Sitting down on the couch he looks to her, smiles, and sighs contentedly.

“I just never get tired of doing that.”

“Putting Dinky to bed?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. She’s just so adorable.”

“That she is. Now then, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

“I, uh… wanted to hear your thoughts on something Rarity and her friends talked to me about a while ago.”

“About forming a herd?”

“Yes.”

Derpy smiles shyly. “To tell you the truth, Twilight was actually the one whom approached me about it.”

“She did?”

“Oh yes. Her and the others agreed that it wouldn’t be fair to make any sort of plans involving you without talking it over with us first.”

“Us?”

“Dinky and I.”

“And how does she feel about it?”

“Our daughter is okay with whatever we come up with. She only had one thing to say.”

“What was that?”

“That no matter what happened, she didn’t want to have to refer to anyone other than me and you as ‘mom’ and ‘dad’. Rarity and her friends would be your wives too, yes. However she didn’t feel comfortable referring to them as ‘mom’.”

“Fair enough. But what about you, Derpy? “

“What about me?”

“Twilight told me awhile back that you were interested in joining the herd.”

“Very much so!”

“Can I ask why?”

Derpy looks suddenly worried. “You don’t want me as part of this?”

“No, no. It’s just… you’ve never made any indication that you were… interested in me.”

“I suppose not.”

“As it stands, I’d like to know why you’d like to join the potential herd.”

“Well, you’ve always cared for me and Dinky. Even when you were busy, you tried your best to make time for us. You were the one whom always believed in me. Even when I didn’t do so myself.”

She takes Arc’s hand.

“I agree that you and I need to become better acquainted, of course. We mustn’t rush into things like this, after all.”

“That’s for the best, yes. But there’s something else.”

“Oh?”

“How long have you felt this way?”

Derpy sighs happily. “I suppose it started when you were in Tartarus. Every time I looked into my filly’s eyes I thought of you. The one whom had brought her into this world and safeguarded me during the delivery. Had you not been there I don’t think either of us would have survived.”

“Probably not.”

“Arc. Do you remember what you did when you returned to Ponyville from Tartarus?”

“Um… went back to your house?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. But your first thought was to hold little Dinky. As I watched you pick her up… it was then that I knew I wanted us to become more than just friends. The only problem was that I was too worried to speak up.”

“All this time you were afraid?”

“Not exactly. You soon made new friends and formed new relationships. I saw how Ember and Cherry Jubilee looked at you. Rarity as well, to a degree.”

“And you were…?”

Derpy sighs. “Willing to let my feelings take a back seat to your happiness.”

Arc gasps. “Wait! So you were okay with me marrying someone else?!”

Derpy nods. “I knew you would always be there for Dinky and I. It didn’t matter to me if you and I were in a relationship. Just that you and our daughter were happy.”

“Derpy, I… don’t really know what to say.”

“Well… how about you tell me how you feel?”

“About you?”

“Yes.”

“Well… I do believe that you’re really nice. Pretty too. And your heart really is in the right place seemingly all the time. But I have to admit that I learned something new about you recently.”

“You did?”

Arc nods. “When Scootaloo and I told you about your father’s death and how you could have taken control of his business.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You could have liquidated it. Ordered everything sold and the money sent to you.”

Derpy appears confused. “But why would I have done a thing like that?”

“For revenge.”

“Revenge?”

“Against those in that town whom hurt you. With a single word you could have destroyed their economy and livelihood. But you didn’t. Why?”

Derpy closes her eyes and smiles as she speaks.. “They were very cruel to me at times, yes. However, I don’t want to get even or hurt them in any way. That includes the years of torment my father inflicted on me. There’s too much darkness in Equestria as it is without me adding to it. Orphans… ponies hurting others… the monarchy’s actions… and more that I don’t even know about, I’m sure. If anything, I want to help make others feel better, not worse.”

Arc smiles at her. “You’re a very special young mare, Derpy.”

Derpy grins and wags her finger at Arc. “Ah, ah! Young woman, Arc.”

“You got me there.”

Derpy looks up a him hopefully. “So… am I acceptable to you?”

“As a member of the herd?”

“Right.”

“I really like you too, Derpy. You were one of the first friends I made in Equestria. Not to mention the one whom I spent my first adventure with.”

“The dream world?”

“Yeah. You didn’t deserve that. And I think you’re really special for another reason.”

“Oh?”

“Even though you were treated so badly growing up, you still decided not to let it hold you back. Since coming to Ponyville you’ve bought a house, safely delivered your filly, decided to raise her in a loving home, learned to read, and found a stable job.”

“You missed one.”

“Did I?”

Derpy tilts her head to one side and smiles. “I also found friendship with others for the first time. And even… love.”

Arc puts his arm around her. “Yes, you did.”

“Do you think my father would be proud of what I’ve accomplished?”

“Judging by how much he wanted his letter to reach you, I’m sure he would be.”

Derpy sighs. “I never really knew him. And now that he’s gone, I never will.”

“Sorry we couldn’t have gotten the message here sooner, Derpy.”

“You would have if you could, Arc. But I thank you for bringing it to me just the same.”

She thinks for a moment.

“Although… I should probably reward you and Scootaloo for your efforts.”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s okay. We’re just glad to be of help.”

Derpy sighs contentedly as she lays her head on Arc’s shoulder. “If my father’s business is anywhere near as big as I remember it being, I should be quite wealthy with my share.”

“What are you going to do with it?”

“Leave it in the bank mostly.”

“You’re not going to buy anything special?”

“I suppose I should. Let me think…”

She continues leaning against Arc silently for a time.

“How about a cake?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A… cake?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. We don’t have those very often at home. I’d love to share one with you and Dinky. Could we?”

“If that would make you happy. We could stop by the store tomorrow morning, and…”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, Arc. I want to buy one when we get back home to Equestria.”

“Oh?!”

“We can celebrate our new future there.”

“It might be a while though.”

“That’s fine. I’m sure Twilight will be able to convince Princess Celestia sooner or later that you’re not like the humans whom kidnapped her.”

“If you’d like to wait, sure.”

Meanwhile, Dinky hears a small knock on her door. Sitting up, she walks over and opens it to find Scootaloo standing there with Sereb.

“We are sorry to bother you, Dinky.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I wanted to talk.”

“Come in.”

Stepping aside, Dinky allows the pair to enter the room. She motions for them to sit down on the bed before closing it and joining them.

“What’s up?”

“Scootaloo had some questions about family that I cannot answer.”

“Oh?”

Scootaloo nods. “What’s the point of a family?”

“I… Sereb, help me out here.”

“I am unable to, as my own is rather… dysfunctional.”

Scootaloo looks to the little girl. “You and your mom get along well, right Dinky?”

“Of course.”

“And Big Brother is your dad.”

Dinky appears confused. “What are you getting at?”

“My mom and dad didn’t really see eye to eye on a lot of things. He just saw her as a way to make foals.”

“That’s where they come from.”

“Yeah, I know that. But… your mom and Big Brother really seem to care for one another. I wanted to ask you something about their relationship.”

“Oh?”

“Are they going to make a foal together?”

“I… don’t think so, no. Why do you ask?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Because that’s all my dad did with my mom. I thought she really wanted that too, but… it was all he cared about.”

Sereb nods. “That innate desire to reproduce. To take one’s place in the circle of life.”

“If Big Brother gets your mom pregnant, he’ll take care of her and the foal too, right?”

Dinky nods fervently. “I know he would! After all, he loves me and my mom.”

Scootaloo groans. “Sometimes when I could hear my parents mating downstairs, I would wonder what exactly would happen if they did have another foal.”

Sereb frowns. “To what end?”

“Would things be different?”

Dinky appears confused. “Different how?”

“Would it finally make my dad happy for once?”

Sereb shrugs. “A difficult question.”

“I’m not really sure. After all, I never met your parents. Tell me, did they care about one another at all?”

Scootaloo looks away. “I… don’t know. But I have trouble believing that they did.”

Dinky looks to the girl before her soberly. “Then let me ask you this. Can you teach me how to fly?”

Scootaloo turns to Dinky, clearly confused. “Um… no.”

“Why not?”

“Because my little wings don’t work, for starters! Well, when I had them, that is. And you were a unicorn. Not a pegasus.”

“How about if I was a pegasus myself?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, I can’t fly.”

“So there’s no way you could teach another pegasus to fly?”

“Right.”

“Because you can’t teach what you don’t know.”

“What are you getting at?”

“You asked if your parents having another foal would change things. If it would make them love each other, you, and the new foal.”

Sereb nods. “If they could not or would not care for one another before, another foal would not have changed that dynamic.”

Dinky sighs. “Right. They couldn’t show love to one another before, as they didn’t know how.”

“But how do you know they didn’t know how?”

“Because they would have displayed it at some point. Did they?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “No, never. I mean, my mom was always nice to me, and all. But she was also pretty busy with work down at our shop. While she took care of me of course, I really didn’t know what it was like to have someone really take the time to talk to and care for me until I met Big Brother.”

Sereb sighs. “As was the story of my own upbringing. My mother is the matriarch of our tribe, after all, which didn’t leave much time for the raising of cubs. Like you, I too was taken aback by Arc’s concern for my well-being.”

“My dad wants you to be part of our family, Scootaloo. But he wouldn’t make you.”

“I’d like to know more.”

“About what?”

“Everything regarding family. It just… just seems too good to be true.”

“Stick with my mom and dad. You’ll see.”

“Alright. And I hope that if they do have a foal together they’ll be raised better than I was.”

Sereb grins. “I am certain that would be the goal, yes.”

Meanwhile, Arc stands up from the couch with Derpy.

“Well, we should probably get to bed now.”

“Yes. I’m a bit tired.”

Heading upstairs, Arc enters the bathroom and jumps in the shower. Sighing, he puts a hand to his forehead as Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc?”

“How didn’t I see that?”

“See how Derpy looked at you?”

“Yeah.”

“If you recall, I did mention her affection some time ago.”

Arc nods. “And I just told you I viewed her as a friend.”

“Right.”

“But now… things are different.”

“Are you interested in her?”

“Yes. She’s just so… strong.”

“Few take as much abuse as she did.”

“Yeah. My childhood at the orphanage was harder than some. But Derpy’s life must’ve been absolute hell.”

“Worst of all, she didn’t have anypony to turn to for help or advice.”

“Right. I have no idea how she isn’t jaded.”

Cherry giggles. “It’s not in her nature.”

“Fortunately for Dinky.”

“Oh?”

Arc grimaces. “Some of the kids I met growing up told stories about how their parents were abused in the past and then did the same to them.”

“What?! How?!”

“I don’t know. But it’s pretty common here for those who’ve been abused to grow up to become abusers themselves.”

“How could they?! I mean, they knew what it was like!”

“I can’t answer that, Cherry. But they weren’t taken from loving homes, that’s for sure.”

“Were you worried Derpy would have done the same to Dinky?”

Arc sighs. “Part of me was, yes. But I figured out some time ago that she’s not like that.”

Getting out of the shower and toweling off, Arc puts on a t-shirt and shorts before heading to his parent’s room. Entering, he finds Derpy sitting on the end of the bed waiting for him.

“Something wrong?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not at all. In fact, everything is just perfect.”

Looking up at him as he approaches, Derpy blushes slightly.

“I was just wondering if I could sleep with you tonight.”

“Oh, um… I suppose so.”

“Thanks.”

Turning off the light’s with a flick of his wrist, Arc lays down next to Derpy. She pulls the covers over them and snuggles up to him. Pressing her body against his, Arc puts his arm around her.

“Comfy?”

Derpy nods. “More so than you know.”

“Derpy?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think Hammer was abused as a child?”

“What brought that up?”

“Something Cherry and I were discussing in the shower. I remembered a few things from my childhood about abused children. Some of them became heavily introverted. But others would latch onto anyone who would listen to them.”

“I don’t understand.”

Arc sighs. “Hammer was desperate for love. She just wanted someone to be there for her. That’s why she warmed up to me so quickly.”

“She was pretty clingy from what I could tell. Kinda like me when I got to know you. I wanted to be with you as much as possible. While that wasn’t always an option, it made for a nice surprise when you came home to Dinky and I.”

“So what do you think?”

“That she’s lonely and hungry for someone to love.”

Arc sighs. “Anyone. Even someone like me?”

“You did what you had to, Arc.”

“I manipulated her!”

“Our entire nation thanks you for that.”

“Well, I don’t.”

“Arc?”

“Wiseman was right. I should’ve found another way.”

“Had there been another, I’m sure you would have taken it.”

“I should’ve tried harder to find one. Then maybe she wouldn’t be so messed up right now.”

“Maybe. But you’ll find a way to make it right. I just know it.”

Arc drapes an arm over his face and groans. “While I’ll certainly try, it’s a mistake I should never have made in the first place.”

CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL - Chapter 15 - Through the Chimney

Hammer nods. “What do you need me to do?”

“Drive across the street and park in the bank’s lot.”

“Okay.”

Putting the Jeep in reverse, Hammer backs out of the parking spot by the door, turns back the way they came, and across the street to the bank. Parking again she turns to Arc.

“Now what?”

“Just stay here and keep the engine running. I have a little… shopping to do.”

Carefully picking Scootaloo up with his magic, Arc turns and lifts her over the back seat and into the cargo area with the presents. She stirs slightly and opens her eyes as Arc calls out to her telepathically.

“Go back to sleep and don’t make a sound. I’ll be back soon.”

Scootaloo wordlessly nods and does as she is told. Gently pushing Shelly and Lily to rest on their respective windows Arc leans forward and whispers to Hammer.

“If they wake up, tell them I’ll be right back.”

Hammer nods as Arc looks up at the awning of the bank. Concentrating, he Blinks onto the roof as Cherry calls out to him.

“What’s the plan, Arc?”

“We’re getting those supplies.”

“But I thought you said that store was the only one open.”

“It is, yes.”

“Then how are you planning to…?”

Arc chuckles. “By taking a page from Frank’s old playbook.”

Cherry sounds confused. “What do you…?”

“Take what you need.”

Calling forth Eidolon’s Ward, Arc pulls a magic cloak from his ring and puts it on as well. Cherry calls out to him again.

“What about your grandfather’s armor?”

“I’d rather be seen in this right now. After all, if anyone sees me in that I might still be able to talk my way out.”

“And if you can’t?”

Arc sighs. “I’m sure my reputation isn’t exactly the greatest after Minerva’s broadcast went out. Just adding one count of breaking and entering won’t make it any worse.”

“If you say so.”

Blinking across the street to the store’s roof, Arc looks around. Spotting a roof hatch he walks over to it. Standing on top of it, he Blinks down to the room below.

“This is a pretty strange looking store.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s just the mechanical room.”

“The what?”

“Where the air handlers, boilers, electrical panels, and whatnot are. But let’s get this over with.”

Spotting a door with his True Sight Enchantment Arc heads for it. Turning the knob he gives it a pull and steps into the store.

“They left the lights on?”

Arc nods. “It’s a safety thing. That way the employees can get around when leaving for the day as well as when coming in for the next shift.”

Walking to the front of the store, Arc retrieves a cart and heads for the ‘baking needs’ isle. Grabbing bottles of sprinkles, chocolate syrup, nuts, canned whip cream, and a few other things he heads for the dairy isle.

“Need some milk.”

“For home, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Some of the kids get thirsty from all the sweets. That and it’s good for them”

“Anything else we need?”

“Just ice cream.”

Heading to the next isle they grab half a dozen gallon buckets of ice cream. As Arc closes the door to the freezer however he feels a heavy smack to the top of his helmet. Instinctively activating his magic blades he turns to face his assailant.

“Hey! What’s the big…?!”

Spotting a very surprised female clerk holding a now broken broom, Arc quickly recalls his energy blades and takes a step back.

“Oh! Um… hi?”

“Are… are you… the Hero of Light?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Sorry about…”

Her eyes light up and she squeals excitedly.

“You’re here! You’re here! You’re really here!”

“Um…”

“Wow! This is SO exciting! Hi, I’m Lorna! My brother and I are your biggest fans!”

Arc tilts his head to one side, confused. “I have fans?”

Lorna nods excitedly. “Of course you do, silly!”

She turns and calls out to someone.

“Pietro! Get out here! We have a very special customer!”

A young man steps out of the back room carrying an armful of boxes.

“What are you talking about? I locked the front door over two hours ago. Were they in the restroom or…?”

He stops talking as he spots the tell-tale white helmet under the cloak. The man’s face breaks into a grin.

“Lorna! Is that…?!”

Lorna gasps. “Pietro, the boxes!”

Arc calls out. “I got them!”

Stretching out an arm Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell to carefully levitate the boxes a short distance away. Pietro gasps as he does so.

“That power! It’s really you!”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Lorna grins. “Can I get a picture?!”

“Sure.”

Lorna pulls a cell phone from her store apron and hurries over to Arc. Her brother frowns.

“Hey! I want in on this too! How’s my hair?!”

Lorna rolls her eyes. “Oh, you look fine! Just get over here!”

They pose in front of Arc as he raises a gauntlet to wave. The camera function clicks as Lorna and Pietro reposition for another shot. Arc allows them to take a number of pictures in order to satisfy them. Eventually Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“We really need to get moving, Arc.”

“Yes, I know. They just look so happy.”

He looks to Lorna.

“Sorry to cut this short, but I really need to get going.”

“Oh, okay! We’ll bag this up for you as fast as we can!”

Pietro nods. “Right!”

“Thanks. Just let me grab a few more buckets of ice cream first.”

Opening the glass freezer door he levitates a number of ice cream buckets into the cart. Lorna watches intently.

“It’s just like on the news!”

Pietro turns to him. “How do you DO that?!”

“Magic.”

Lorna looks him over. “Is it your armor?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, I can cast spells without it.”

Pietro appears hopeful. “Can you do anything else?!”

“Quite a bit, yes. But I’m in a bit of a hurry. I just stopped in to get a few things for a Christmas Eve party.”

“Yes, of course! Right this way!”

She and her brother lead Arc to the front of the store. They unload his cart and begin putting things in bags. Arc raises an eyebrow.

“Uh, I think you need to scan that first.”

Lorna shakes her head. “Oh, no! For the Hero of Light’s supper, it’s on us!”

“But won’t you get in trouble?”

Pietro chuckles. “With ourselves maybe. It’s our family’s business. We’re supposed to take it over in a couple weeks.”

“While I thank you for your generosity, I’d still feel much better actually paying for my groceries.”

Lorna smiles. “If that’s what you want, then sure!”

She scans each item and passes it down the lane to her brother whom bags it and puts the items back in the cart.

“I’m really sorry for barging in like this. The doors were locked, of course. But I really needed this stuff.”

“That’s fine!”

“Right! If the Hero of Light needs something from our store, we’re happy to help!”

“I was planning on leaving the money on the counter. Wasn’t expecting anyone to still be here, after all.”

Pietro looks back toward the aisles. “We were just trying to get a head start on making the store look presentable for the day after Christmas.”

Lorna nods. “It’s always pretty busy and we’ll still be tired from the day before. That’s why we’re still here.”

“But we’re glad to be able to help out a star like you!”

Arc chuckles. “Oh, I don’t think I’m that popular.”

Lorna gasps. “Are you kidding?! There’s products featuring you all over the place!”

“There are?”

Pietro nods. “T-shirts, mugs, Halloween costumes a couple months back…”

Lorna giggles. “Apparently they’re selling nationwide!”

“That and action figures!”

“Those I did see in the toy store the other day.”

Lorna gasps. “They had some?!”

“Yeah. Quite a few actually.”

“It’s supposed to be the hottest toy line this season!”

“They must’ve gotten a late shipment, or something!”

“Guess it was a good idea for me to do my shopping early that morning. It was really cool seeing myself depicted in plastic like that. They totally nailed my armor depiction. Well… pre-damage, that is.”

Pietro looks at Arc’s exposed gauntlet. “So what exactly happened to your armor?”

Lorna frowns. “I don’t remember it looking like that on the news.”

“It was heavily damaged during my flight from the military.”

Pietro chuckles. “We did see that live on television.”

Lorna shudders. “That was one heck of a battle!”

“Yes, it was. But there was another fight I got into sometime later. They were able to finish demolishing this armor. Smashed it into quite a few pieces.”

Pietro gasps. “Are you alright?!”

“I am now, yes. But that one really hurt. In any case, the reason my armor looks kinda funny is because of an unsuccessful reforging of Eidolon’s Ward.”

Lorna tilts her head to one side, confused. “Eidolon’s… what now?”

“It’s what I call my armor. Whatever spell was used against it a while back really messed up the material somehow.”

Pietro nods. “You should probably replace it then.”

“Right. It doesn’t appear battle ready as-is.”

“Already have actually.”

Pietro grins. “Can we see?!”

“I guess so.”

Turing away, Arc recalls Eidolon’s Ward and calls forth his new armor. Turning back to the pair he pulls off the magic cloak and tosses it over his shoulder. Lorna and Pietro gasp in astonishment.

“It’s incredible!”

“That looks amazing!”

“What’s it called?!”

Arc shrugs. “This armor doesn’t actually have a name, as I just got it.”

“Where from?!”

“Inherited from my grandfather.”

Lorna grins. “Was he also a superhero?!”

“Kinda. It’s a very recent development.”

Lorna finishes scanning the items and tells Arc his total. He pulls some money from his ring and hands it to her.

“Please keep the change.”

“Are you sure? I mean… the superhero gig doesn’t usually pay much.”

“If anything!”

Arc nods. “I do alright. In any case I’ll just put these away.”

Walking over to the cart Arc picks up each bag one by one and stores them in his ring. Pietro looks confused.

“Where’d they go?!”

Arc holds up a gauntlet. “I’m wearing a magic ring under here. It allows me to store items in it.”

Lorna steps away from the cash register. “Can we have one more picture please?!”

“Sure. “

They walk toward a wall and line up. Lorna takes out her phone again and holds it as far away as possible. Arc turns to her.

“Want me to take it for you?”

“But then you wouldn’t be in it!”

Arc holds out his gauntlet. “Trust me.”

Handing him the camera, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell. Levitating it, he presses the shutter button with his magic. After taking several shots from different angles he returns the phone to Lorna. Pietro looks to his sister.

“I can’t wait to see those shots!”

“Me either!”

She turns back to Arc, happily.

“Thank you, sir!”

“We’ll treasure it always!”

“No problem. But I need to be off now.”

He waves and hurries toward the front doors.

“Merry Christmas!”

Lorna and Pietro wave too and call out in tandem. “Merry Christmas!”

As Arc approaches the door he Blinks through it. The siblings hurry over to it and look outside. Pietro points.

“There’s his footprints on the others side!”

Lorna looks around. “Yes, but it looks like he just reappeared and then vanished again!”

“How do you suppose he did that?!”

Lorna giggles. “Magic I would guess.”

“Yeah. Well we’re pretty much done stocking for day after tomorrow. You ready to head out?”

Lorna nods. “That I am. But I need to do something real quick. Can you grab my coat from the back room please?”

“Sure. See you in a few minutes.”

The pair part ways. A short time later Pietro returns to the front wearing a coat and carrying his sister’s. Looking around he calls out.

“Lorna! You ready?!”

She calls out from behind the photo counter.

“Just a sec!”

A moment later she runs over to him with something in her hands.

“What do you have there, sis?”

“Check it out!”

She hands it over. Pietro gasps as he looks at a framed picture of them with Arc in his new armor.

“He got a great shot!”

Lorna nods. “That he did! I’m sure glad he took a few though, as some of them were kinda out of focus.”

“Where should we put it?”

“How about in the office?”

“It would look nice there, yes. But then only we’d see it. After all, it was a big deal having a celebrity here.”

“The entryway?”

“Perfect!

“We’ll hang it up properly when we get back.”

“Sounds good to me.”

They set the picture frame on the counter and head out the door together. Meanwhile, Arc stands atop the building and watches them leave. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

Arc chuckles. “Was it that obvious?”

“Yes.”

“I suppose everyone likes being told they’re doing a good job. Especially when what they do may not be exactly popular.”

“The altercation with the military?”

Arc sighs. “At least no one was killed. On either side, I mean. But let’s get back to the others.”

Putting on his magic robe and cloaking again Arc Blinks across the street to the center of the bank’s roof before walking to the edge and Blinking down. Looking around carefully he recalls his armor and puts it away before jogging quickly around the building. Heading for the Jeep, he sits down next to it and Blinks back into his spot between Shelly and Lily. Hammer turns to him and grins.

“How’d it go?”

Arc gives her a thumbs up as he pulls a bucket of ice cream from his ring. “Mission accomplished.”

“Good! Uh… is that thing a freezer?”

“My ring?”

“Yeah.”

Arc shrugs as he puts the bucket back. “If it can keep my cupcakes fresh, I assume ice cream will stay frozen.”

Scootaloo peeks over the seat from the back. Arc motions for her to rejoin him. Carefully stepping over the seat she sits back down in Arc’s lap. Putting his arms around Shelly and Lily, they again snuggle up to Arc as Hammer puts the Jeep in reverse and turns back onto the road. A short time later they pull into the mostly empty orphanage parking lot. Looking to his friends Arc gently shakes them awake.

“Shelly… Lily… we’re here.”

Lily slowly opens her eyes and looks at Arc groggily.

“Is this… a dream?”

Arc chuckles. “Not last time I checked.”

Lily blushes as she realizes her error.

“Oh! Um… I just…!”

“It’s okay, Lily.”

Derpy turns to Dinky as the little girl rubs her eyes. “Let’s see about getting Shelly’s wheelchair out, Daisy.”

“Okay, mom.”

Hammer grins. “I’ll give you a hand.”

Getting out of the Jeep, they walk around to the back and pull out the wheelchair as Lily lowers her voice and looks to Arc sheepishly.

“Sorry.”

“Huh?”

“Embarrassing you in front of your family like that.”

Arc chuckles. “I’m not worried about it. You must’ve been having a really nice dream.”

Lily blushes. “That I was.”

Arc smiles at her as he gives Lily’s hand a quick squeeze.

“Let’s get Shelly inside where it’s warm.”

Nodding, Lily gets out and walks around to the other side of the vehicle as Arc pats Shelly’s cheek.

“Shelly? It’s time to wake up.”

Groaning, the young woman awakens. Looking around for a few moments, her eyes eventually focus on Arc.

“We’re here already?”

“Yup. You ready to go inside.”

Shelly smiles and nods. “Yes!”

Arc nods to Lily and Hammer standing outside the door. They open it and help the young woman into her wheelchair as Arc gets out himself and motions for the others to follow him. While Lily gets Shelly covered with a blanket the others walk over to the still open back hatch. Arc covertly removes the ice cream and condiments purchased earlier and sets them in the back of the Jeep.

“Alright, everyone grab a bag or two and let’s get moving.”

Picking up bags and buckets of ice cream they head for the door as Lily pushes the wheelchair. Entering the building they walk up to the receptionist’s window. Knocking, Arc announces them.

“We’re there to see Miss Kulara.”

“Yes, she told me to admit all of you immediately.”

Pressing a button, the door next to her clicks as the lock disengages. Opening it, Arc and the others walk through as the receptionist turns to them.

“Miss Kulara is currently waiting for you in the Day Room.”

“Thank you.”

Leading the way, Arc walks down the corridor. Everyone looks around at the pictures on the walls. Hammer is the first to speak.

“Looks like we’ve got some pretty talented artists living here.”

Arc nods. “Yup. Miss Kulara does her best to encourage the orphans to find activities here that stimulate them.”

Derpy appears confused. “Stimulate?”

Shelly smiles. “Brings them joy.”

Lily nods. “Right. Other than going to school, doctor’s appointments, and court appearances, the orphans aren’t typically allowed to leave the building and it’s grounds.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Why not?”

Arc sighs. “Because the staff here are responsible for them and their well-being.”

Dinky turns to Lily. “So no sleepovers or going to the park?”

Lily shakes her head. “No. That was a tough part of orphan life for all of us back then.”

Shelly nods. “Right. Every Friday at school we would hear other children talking about what they were going to do after class with friends. Slumber parties… going to the mall… heading to the stadium to catch a game…”

Arc chimes in. “There were occasional exceptions, mind you. When Miss Kulara took over she began organizing special trips for us. We’d be taken to indoor play-places for a few hours every so often.”

Lily sighs. “Yes. But she and a couple staff members would have to sit at the entrances to make sure no one tried to leave.”

Derpy looks to Lily. “Why would anyone want to get away?”

“Some kids were habitual runaways. They’d take any opportunity to try and get back to their original home.”

Dinky gasps. “Did anyone ever make it?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Just one that I can remember. Dooley was his name.”

Shelly giggles. “I remember him. He was always trying to escape when he first arrived.”

Lily nods soberly. “One night he actually made it though.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “What happened?”

“He hid behind some boxes that were on the loading dock while the weekly delivery was made.”

Shelly looks out a window as they pass. “While the truck was being unloaded he slipped out the overhead door without being seen. No one noticed he was gone until mealtime.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. Then the staff had to search the entire facility. When he wasn’t found the police were notified and started interviewing us.”

Lily nods. “We all said about the same thing to them though.”

Hammer grins. “What was that? A cover story?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. That he was heading for his mother’s place.”

Dink gasps. “He was taken away from her?”

Arc frowns. “Yes. You see, she was a full blown alcoholic. Very abusive and mean whenever she drank. So much so that the state stepped in and took Dooley out of there.”

Dinky looks nervously to her father. “Was she like Angel’s mom?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Almost exactly the same. She had lost her job, had no money, and was living in a filthy trailer while spending every moment that she could completely drunk.”

Lily sighs. “But even so, he was fiercely loyal to her.”

Shelly smiles sadly. “I suppose every child is, after all.”

Arc groans. “Right. He didn’t realize that her behavior wasn’t normal though.”

“So did he make it there, Big Brother?”

“Yes. You see, no one knew where his mother lived as she would move her trailer from place to place to try and avoid paying her bills and other creditors.”

Lily nods. “That’s why the police couldn’t find her. He never told anyone the spots she would move to.”

Shelly turns to Arc and grimaces. “Remember when he got back?”

“Yeah. He had a black eye.”

Hammer frowns. “Got into a fight with mom?”

Arc nods sadly. “Dooley told us that when he got to the trailer she hit him in the face and told him to go back to the orphanage.”

Dinky gasps. “What?! Why?!”

Lily shrugs. “We don’t really know for sure. But it’s likely that she was drunk and out of her mind at the time.”

Shelly thinks for a moment. “There weren’t any other attempts to escape after that if I recall.”

Arc nods. “Right. Nowhere else for him to go.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “Any idea what happened to her?”

Lily shakes her head. “None. But after that Dooley started making friends with the other orphans and put down some roots.”

Shelly smiles. “I think that incident taught him that she really didn’t want him around. Or at the very least that drinking was more important to her than he was.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “Was he ever adopted?”

“Yes, he was. His grandfather took him in when the state located him. However, he fell deathly ill one winter less than a year later. Fortunately, Dooley was taken in by his grandfather’s employer.”

Hammer appears surprised. “Who was that?”

Lily smiles. “Father Timothy Kavanaugh of Lord’s Chapel.”

Shelly nods. “Dooley didn’t have anyone else to care for him back then. It was either that or back to the orphanage.”

Arc chuckles. “His grandfather signed off on the idea and Father Tim became his guardian.”

Lily turns to Shelly. “I wonder what happened to him.”

“So do I.”

“He went to medical school to became a large animal veterinarian. Does a lot with farm animals now. At least that’s what Marshal Raynor told me when I asked him.”

Hammer grins. “Sounds like he’s doing alright then.”

Arc shrugs. “More or less. I mean, we all have our own problems, after all.”

They arrive at the Day Room. Dinky looks around along with Scootaloo.

“Everyone here looks pretty happy.”

“If I didn’t know they were orphans I would say they didn’t have a care in the world.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well…”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“Hello again, Arc!”

They turn to see a woman walking toward them. Arc smiles broadly.

“Hello, Miss Kulara. As promised I’ve brought Lily and Shelly with me today.”

With great difficulty, Shelly carefully stands. Taking Arc and Lily’s hands she slowly walks toward Kulara. Giving the woman a hug which she returns.

“It’s good to see you again, ma’am!”

Lily giggles. “That it is!”

Kulara smiles as she hugs them. “And it’s good to see you three together as well.”

Arc grins. “How’ve you been?”

“Very busy. We’re trying to organize plans for an addition.”

Shelly appears surprised. “Addition?”

Kulara nods. “Yes. An investigation showed that we’ll outgrow this facility in less than five years. So the state is working to allocate funds to add on to the building.”

Arc looks around. “Where will everyone stay during construction?”

“Here. The new section will be blocked off with heavy duty temporary walls during that time for safety purposes. A separate entrance will also be cut in the perimeter fence for construction traffic too.”

Lily sighs. “Sounds like things will be getting busy here soon.”

“That they will. But probably not for another six months or so.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Now then, why don’t we head to the kitchen and put the ice cream in the freezer?”

“Good idea.”

Heading back down the hall, Arc turns to Kulara again.

“Oh! I didn’t introduce my other friends. Miss Kulara, this is Dawn along with her daughter Daisy whom I’ve adopted. And this is Scarlet, another adoptee from a nation across the sea.”

Derpy smiles. “Hello.”

Dinky grins. “Hi!”

Scootaloo looks up at her. “Good evening, ma’am.”

“And this is a new friend of ours, Hammer. She used to work for Frank.”

Kulara nods happily. “It’s very nice to meet all of you.”

Hammer looks to Kulara nervously. “Hey, uh… ma’am?”

“Yes?”

“I was just wondering something.”

“What is it?”

“Is it true that Frank Fontaine was raised in this very building?”

Kulara smiles and nods. “Oh, yes. He along with your other friends were inseparable for many years before aging out of our system.”

“What kind of person was he?”

“Very… driven. He would become angry when someone bullied others.”

Arc nods. “That he was. Although he usually answered such things with force.”

Shelly shudders. “It was sometimes scary to watch!”

Kulara sighs. “Thankfully he’s been able to move past that and focus his energies on more positive endeavors.”

Hammer frowns. “But he didn’t really…”

Arc interrupts her. “…stray too far from his beliefs. After all, he still wants everyone to be able to live their lives in peace.”

Kulara nods. “A noble goal, yes.”

They come to the kitchen and put the ice cream in the freezer. Dinky turns to her father.

“Are we going to bring in the presents now?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, sweetheart. They’ll be fine out in the Jeep.”

Hammer frowns. “But what if someone tries to steal them?!”

Kulara points out the window. “Our maintenance worker just went outside to close the gate for the day. It’ll be quite secure.”

Arc nods. “Right. That and I had something else in mind for them.”

Derpy appears confused. “Oh?”

“What’s that, Big Brother?”

“You’ll find out later.”

Returning to the Day Room, Kulara beckons them to follow her.

“There’s someone who wanted to see you when you arrived.”

Arc appears genuinely surprised. “Who?”

“This way.”

She leads them to a partitioned off area in the corner. Entering, they see various young children playing with appears to be baby toys. An older child hurries over to them smiling happily.

“Hello everyone!”

Arc grins. “Hi, Angel!”

Dinky looks to her. “What is this place?”

“This is a play area for the special needs kids. You see, they need special toys to help then grow and learn.”

A voice calls out from behind a large dollhouse.

“That they do.”

Stepping forward, Arc spots Cybil sitting on the floor with two toddlers on her lap. She smiles happily at the sight of him.

“It’s been a while, Arc.”

“That it has. You look like you’re doing well, Cybil.”

“I am, yes. Much better than last year when you found me, that is.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Found?”

Cybil nods. “Yes, miss…?”

“Call me ‘Hammer’. I’m here with Arc.”

“Well, Miss Hammer… last year about this time Arc found me as I was getting fired from my job for coming to work drunk yet again. He took me into his home and sobered me up enough to tell me that my daughter’s father had died in an apartment fire.”

Arc winces as she continues.

“I stayed with him until his trip here on Christmas Eve. Identifying myself as Angel’s mother, I was prepared to give her up to the state.”

Angel grins broadly. “But you didn’t, mom!”

Cybil smiles as she sets the toddlers down and walks over to her daughter. “Right. And now I’m so glad I didn’t.”

Kulara speaks up. “Miss Cybil has been volunteering here a few times a week to be able to see her daughter more often.”

Angel nods. “It’s been great!”

Cybil sighs. “Sadly I’ve yet to have custody of Angel restored.”

“But we’re still together!”

Kulara smiles. “And much improved I might add.”

Arc turns to the headmistress. “Did you tell the court that, Miss Kulara?”

“It was in my report, yes. She’s much more stable than that night you brought her here.”

Cybil bows her head. “Back then I thought giving up my baby was the best I could do for her. But thanks to Arc, my new coworkers, and the AA meetings, I’ve learned that I can give her a better life myself.”

“When do you think we can go home, mom?”

“Not this year, sweetheart. The judge wasn’t convinced that I’ve changed completely.”

Derpy sighs. “We’re sorry to hear that.”

Scootaloo looks her over. “You look okay to me.”

Dinky nods. “What was the problem?”

“He said that I need to show more distance from my old life.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

Cybil shrugs. “I don’t really know. Hopefully with enough time I can convince him that I’m not the same woman I used to be.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “Can we help?”

Cybil smiles and pats Dinky on the head. “I don’t think so, dear. It’s enough for me that your mother and father went out of their way to give Angel and I a perfect Christmas last year.”

Angel grins. “Last year was a lot of fun!”

Arc sighs. “I’m sorry we couldn’t do more. But for now the issue lies with the court system.”

Kulara nods. “Indeed. It’s out of our hands.”

Derpy looks around. “Why don’t we do our part to make it the best Christmas we can for these little ones today then?”

Hammer gives them a thumbs up. “Yeah! Let’s give em a day they’ll remember!”

Arc turns to Kulara. “Can we do story time again?”

“That would be a very good idea for Daisy here, yes.”

“Me?”

“The children love to hear from others their own age, along with their parents.”

Lily nods. “Shelly and I can help in the kitchen making lunch.”

“Yes indeed!”

Arc chuckles. “The kids here would probably love getting some food that’s made by those with their skills.”

Kulara sighs. “I’m sure they would. But remember that we buy our food in bulk via the same suppliers the school system uses.”

Arc grimaces. “Kinda hoped that had changed.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “What about some special desserts?”

Kulara nods. “We do have some base ingredients that could be used for that purpose, yes.”

Lily smiles. “Shelly and I will give it our best.”

“That we will.”

Hammer frowns. “That’s all well and good for them, but what about me?”

Kulara puts a hand to her cheek and thinks. “Hm…”

Arc turn to the headmistress. “What about the older kids?”

“We have board games and cards to play. But not much else in the way of entertainment, I’m afraid.”

Hammer looks toward the tables the older children are sitting at before turning to Arc.

“I have an idea. But I need to borrow your Jeep to make it happen.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Just trust me on this one!”

Arc nods and tosses her the keys.

“Alright.”

“Thanks!”

She hurries away as Dinky grabs his hand.

“Come on, dad! I want to read to the other kids!”

Derpy giggles. “Me too.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, let’s get started then.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “I’ll stay with Angel and Miss Cybil.”

Kulara nods. “Very well.”

She looks after them as they make their way to the reading corner. The little ones all run after Arc and his daughter as they do so. Kulara smiles as she watches Dinky pick up a book and begin to read.

“I’m glad they were able to make it through the snow. The children do love visitors.”

Arc and company read to and play with the orphans for a solid two hours. Kulara approaches him sometime later.

“I just received a call from the front desk. The receptionist says that your friend Hammer is back with quite a few things.”

“She is?”

Kulara nods. “Yes. Would you please come with me to investigate?”

“Sure.”

Standing up, Arc follows Kulara to the front. They find Hammer standing triumphantly next to a flatbed cart stacked high with boxes and covered with a large sheet. Arc turns to her.

“What’s all this?”

“Entertainment for the older kids.”

Kulara looks at the covered boxes. “What exactly…?”

“It’s supposed to be a surprise! I just need to set it all up!”

“I do understand that. However, I need to know exactly what’s coming into the facility.”

Hammer steps aside. “Take a look.”

Kulara looks under the sheet and gasps.

“I’ve been trying to convince the state to get something like this for years!”

Arc appears hopeful. “So does that mean we can set it up?”

Kulara nods fervently. “Yes, of course!”

Arc turns to his friend. “Need help with this, Hammer?”

“Actually, yeah. It’s really a two person job.”

They head back to the Day Room with the cart. Kulara calls out to everyone.

“Attention! We’re going to have some outdoor time now! Everyone bundle up and head to the playground!”

The children both young and older stand up and head out of the room. Kulara turns to Arc as the others approach them.

“How long do you need?”

“About an hour or so.”

Hammer shrugs. “Something like that.”

Dinky hurries over to him and looks at the cart. “Dad? What’s going on?”

“Hammer has a surprise for everyone. We just need some time to set it up.”

Derpy giggles. “Can we help?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. It’s kinda technical.”

“We could go outside and play, mom.”

Hammer nods. “That’s a good idea.”

Kulara smiles. “I’ll come get everyone when it’s ready.”

Arc grins. “Perfect.”

Derpy and Dinky leave the room with Kulara as Arc and Hammer get to work. Opening up box after box they remove components, assemble them, and set them up. A little over an hour later they stand back to admire their work. Hammer grins.

“I love it!”

Arc nods. “It does look nice, yes.”

“Do you think the kids will like it?”

“I guarantee it.”

Kulara enters the Day Room and walks over to them. Looking at their progress she smiles widely.

“I can’t thank you enough, Miss Hammer! This will be quite the blessing to our children!”

“Don’t mention it!”

Arc nods. “I think we’re ready for everyone to come inside now.”

Hammer grins. “Sure are!”

Kulara smiles. “Very well. I’ll head out there now and blow the whistle.”

“We’ll wait here then.”

Kulara nods and walks away. Arc and Hammer look over the setup. Hammer wrings her hands together happily.

“They’re gonna LOVE this!”

“That they are.”

She slips a hand around Arc and into his back pocket.

“Like I love this.”

“Hammer…!”

“They won’t be back for a bit. Gives us a few minutes alone.”

Pushing Arc down on a nearby couch, Hammer jumps on top of him and plants a kiss on his lips. Kneeling back, she grins sheepishly at him.

“Sorry about that. But working side by side with you got me all hot and bothered.”

“It’s… okay. Um… can I get up though please?”

Hammer lays down on him and whispers in his ear.

“Sure. Let’s find an nice quiet spot somewhere else once we get everyone situated.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Hammer…”

Hammer groans. “Fine.”

Standing up she reaches out a hand. Helping Arc stand, she and him step aside as they hear the sound of feet running toward the room from down the hall. The younger kids look at the setup, clearly confused, as the older ones hurry over to have a look. Kulara walks over to Arc and Hammer as she blows a whistle to get everyone’s attention.

“All of this is a gift to the orphanage from a friend of one of our former orphans. Miss Hammer saw that there wasn’t much for the older generation to do and has seen fit to provide this equipment to us. What do we all say?”

“THANK YOU MISS HAMMER!”

Hammer grins. “You’re all welcome.”

“Now then, this is for the older kids primarily. But I’ll come up with a schedule in a few days on who gets to use it and when.”

Arc nods. “Play nice.”

Kulara turns to Hammer. “Do you want to tell the kids anything?”

Hammer laughs. “Yeah! Let’s play!”

The older kids run over and each grab controllers as Hammer turns on the Xbox consoles. Arc presses the ‘power’ button on a remote and the screens come to life.

“I got football, basketball, and soccer! Take your pick!”

She steps back as the older kids each grab one of the sixteen controllers from a nearby table nestled in their charging stations. Arc turns to Kulara.

“The charge on those controllers won’t be too long at first. But if they charge them when not in use it’ll work out.”

Kulara nods. “I’ll mention that to everyone later. Thank you again, Miss Hammer.”

“No problem.”

Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo enter the room and head for Arc. They look over at the sight before them.

“What is it, dad?”

“Xbox.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow, confused. “Boxes with lights?”

Arc laughs. “They’re video games.”

Hammer nods. “Each Xbox has four controllers for a total of sixteen. They’re each playing a sports game together.”

Derpy marvels at the sight before her. “It looks like a very complicated game!”

Dinky nods. “But they all seem to already know how to play.”

Scootaloo frowns. “How though? We were only a couple minutes behind them.”

Arc chuckles. “Kids pick that stuff up pretty quickly.”

A few hours later they eat a nice supper together in the cafeteria before returning to the Day Room to play. As the sun goes down Arc looks out the window before turning his attention to the wall clock. He looks at Dinky who is playing with a few of the younger children together with Angel.

“Daisy, can I see you for a moment?”

“Yeah, dad.”

Standing up, they head out of the Day Room and down the corridor together. Looking around to be sure they’re alone, Arc pulls a bag out of his ring and quickly hands it to Dinky as he points.

“There’s a bathroom just over there. Get changed and head over to the Jeep to start the next phase of the plan.”

Dinky grins and hurries into the bathroom as Arc looks out the window to watch the gently falling snow. A short time later Dinky runs out in a small, black cloak. She gives her father a thumbs up before running toward the main entrance. Returning to the Day Room, Arc looks for Derpy. He walks over and whispers in her ear.

“Dinky’s changed into her other outfit.”

“Is it almost time already?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Don’t want to wait too long now.”

He looks over to Kulara and nods. She blows her whistle and addresses the orphans.

“Attention everyone! It’s time to read a story together!”

The little ones cheer and run to the story corner. Kulara nods to Hammer who walks over to the older children playing video games.

“Alright! You heard the lady! Let’s go!”

Herding the group to the place in front of the chair, Hammer takes a spot in the back as Kulara picks up a book, sits down, and begins to read aloud.

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring. Not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

She gestures to the old fireplace before continuing.

“The children were nestled all snug in their beds. While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled down for a long winter's nap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter.”

A crash outside rings out. Scootaloo turns to Derpy.

“What was that?”

Derpy giggles. “Probably nothing, dear.”

Lily smiles. “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

Shelly shushes her friend as Hammer looks out the window.

“Snow falling off the roof.”

Kulara looks to Arc and nods. Turning, he opens the window as she continues reading.

“I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash. Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the crust of the new-fallen snow, gave a luster of midday to objects below. When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer. With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be Saint Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.”

A voice from outside rings out.

“Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer, and Vixen! On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen!”

Kulara grins and raises her voice. “To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!”

The voice from outside continues. “Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

“As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly. When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the housetop the coursers they flew. With the sleigh full of toys, and Saint Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof. The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.”

The sound of something thumping along with sleigh bells is heard overhead as Kulara continues reading.

“As I drew in my head, and was turning around. Down the chimney Saint Nicholas came with a bound.”

Kulara looks to the chimney as Arc looks out the window and nods. With a small flash, a portly man in a red coat lined with white fur, black boots, and a stocking cap appears with what appears to be an elf next to him and a large sack over his shoulder. The children turn and smile widely as one of them calls out.

“Santa Claus!”

“And one of his elves!”

They stand and run over to him happily as he sets down the sack and opens it. Handing out presents to everyone whom approaches. Soon the bag is empty as more children turn to Santa waiting for a gift.

“Oh my! It appears I didn’t bring enough presents this year!”

The children hang their heads for a moment before Santa continues.

“It’s a good thing I brought help!”

His elf runs to the doorway and motions for someone to enter. Three large elves enter with large sacks over their shoulders walk in. They hurry over to Santa and place the sacks at his feet as he continues giving out presents. Kulara keeps reading.

“He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot. And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back. And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes how they twinkled. His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses. His nose like a cherry. His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf. And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.”

As Santa finishes giving out the gifts he motions for the elves both tall and small to surround him.

“A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work. And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. Laying his finger aside of his nose and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.”

In a flash of light, Santa and his elves vanish.

“He sprang to his sleigh. To his team gave a whistle. And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight…”

Santa’s voice rings out from overhead as the sound of sleigh bells and thumps ring out.

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Kulara closes the book as the orphans run to the window and look at the sky. She puts it down and walks over to Arc and his friends.

“That was most impressive!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Frank and his guys really outdid themselves there.”

Hammer gasps. “Wait! That was FRANK?!”

Lily nods. “Yes. Shelly and I ordered the costumes.”

“And I filled the coat with stuffing to make him look fat.”

Derpy giggles. “Daisy made a very cute little elf.”

Hammer chuckles. “Her I recognized. But where did Frank go?”

Arc points down the corridor. “A bathroom on the other side of the building. He’ll send his guys back to their place before joining us.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Who were the elves?”

“Snake, Jackal, and Wolf.”

Hammer nods. “They did look familiar. Well, at least Jackal did.”

She leans in close and lowers her voice.

“Uh… so why didn’t they come after me? I mean, I KNOW they all saw me with the kids.”

“I told Frank that you would be here and to pass it onto his guys. The last thing we needed was a fight breaking out between Santa and you, after all.”

Hammer appears relieved. “Thanks! I mean… I’m not sure I could have taken all of them on my own. Well, maybe if Stingray and Mio were…”

“Hello again, lieutenant.”

Turning, they see Frank walking toward them with Kulara, his signature cane in hand. Dinky follows him closely.

“How’d I do, dad?!”

“Great, sweetheart!”

Derpy giggles. “The other kids looked really happy!”

Kulara nods. “It was certainly the high point of the celebration. Thank you all for helping put on that special Christmas skit.”

Frank bows respectfully. “You are most welcome, Miss Kulara.”

Shelly smiles. “You did great, Frank!”

Lily giggles. “That you did! Your entrance was perfectly timed!”

Frank chuckles. “I had Arc to signal me.”

He looks over at the new televisions and Xbox’s lined up before turning his gaze back to Arc.

“Although it appears someone else was more generous than I.”

Arc shakes his head. “That wasn’t me.”

“Oh?”

Hammer raises a hand. “I did that.”

Frank nods approvingly. “Did you now?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Might I inquire as to why?”

Hammer turns to look at the kids making their way back to their games. “When I arrived I noticed that the bigger orphans didn’t have much to do around here. It just seemed like the right thing to do.”

“Very conscientious of you. There may be hope for you yet, lieutenant.”

“Thanks! Hey!”

Arc clears his throat. “In any case, why don’t we get the ice cream and other snacks out here before the night gets too late?”

Kulara nods. “Oh, yes. That’ll be quite the undertaking, serving all the ice cream.”

Shelly giggles. “It won’t be as hard as you think, Miss Kulara.”

Lily appears suddenly happy. “Yes. We had an idea to make that a bit more special as well.”

She turns to Arc and Derpy.

“Can we get your help carting them over here please?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

“No problem.”

Dinky grins. “Can I help too?”

Arc laughs. “Sure. Scarlet, can you come as well?”

“If you need me to, yes.”

Hammer appears suddenly nervous. “I’ll stay here with Frank and get the tables set up.”

Frank chuckles. “Indeed.”

Kulara motions for the pair to follow her. Unlocking a nearby storage room she opens the door and points to a stack of long folding tables.

“I think we’ll need at least six of these. After all, everyone will want a place to sit and eat their treats.”

“Good idea, Miss Kulara. We don’t want anyone to not have a seat.”

“Thank you. But if you two will please excuse me, I need to return to my office to take care of a few things.”

Hammer grins. “Don’t worry. We got this.”

Kulara leaves the room as Hammer grabs one of the tables. She turns to see Frank looking at her.

“Something wrong?”

Frank wordlessly uses his magic to close the door. Hammer frowns as she sets down the table and cracks her knuckles.

“We doing this?!”

“Having a conversation, yes.”

“Oh… uh… what about?”

“Arc.”

“What about him?”

“Your relationship.”

Hammer narrows her eyes. “Let me guess. You think I’m trying to get close just to hurt him?”

“The thought had crossed my mind, yes.”

“I’ve had plenty of chances already.”

“He appears fine. But I still wonder what your angle is.”

Hammer makes air quotes. “My ‘angle’, as you put it, is that I want something I’ve never had before.”

“And what is that?”

Hammer turns away and sighs. “A family.”

“Oh? What about your sisters?”

“They don’t approve of this at all. I’ve tried innumerable times to contract them without so much as a note back. But Arc and his crew are just so close to one another. It’s just… such a nice feeling being around Derpy, Dinky, Scootaloo, Sereb, Shelly, and Lily. They all accepted me without so much as a second glance.”

“Arc is a bit easy to allow others into his life.”

Hammer grins. “Into his bed too.”

Frank sighs. “You would know better than I.”

“I’m sticking with him! And there’s nothing you can do to stop me!”

“Very well. However know that if harm should befall Arc that comes from you, no force on this Earth or any other celestial body would save you from the wrath of the Shards.”

“Fine. Just remember that you yourself aren’t exactly trustworthy.”

“I’ve changed, Hammer.”

“So have I!”

“Let me guess. Arc gave you a second chance?”

“How’d you know?!”

Frank chuckles. “It’s his way.”

“He really is a great guy.”

“That he is.”

Hammer grins as she blushes. “And I want to get to know him more… intimately.”

“Be wary, Hammer. Know that being Arc’s friend comes with certain risks.”

“Whaddya mean?!”

“Someone like him has made many friends in the past, as well as enemies. I merely thought you should understand that.”

“Then I’ll watch his back.”

“Fine. But we should probably get these tables over to the Day Room.”

“Right. Arc and the others will be back soon.”

A short time later Arc and his friends return. Arc and Derpy push carts containing bowls of already served ice cream. Dinky and Scootaloo follow carrying the various sprinkles, chocolate syrup, cherries, chocolate chips, and other assorted condiments. Lily brings up the rear with Shelly who is carrying two extra tubs of ice cream on her lap for refills. They make their way over to a small table where Kulara hands out the ice cream as Arc and his friends apply the desired condiments to the children whom approach. Half an hour later they sit down to ice cream themselves. Hammer grins as she eats.

“This is the best time I ever had!”

Derpy smiles. “Serving others is always fun to me.”

Scootaloo turns to her. “Why is that?”

“I see it as trying to make things just a little bit nicer for those around me. While I won’t be changing the world with my actions, it’s nice to know that I can still do something.”

Shelly nods. “That’s why Lily and I opened the restaurant.”

“Right. We wanted to fill the void left in the town by Mister Hooper.”

Frank chuckles. “Arc and I come here every Christmas at this time for similar reasons. We want the orphans to know that they have not been forgotten.”

Arc grins. “Right.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Forgotten?”

Arc sighs. “That’s how we felt as children. Like the world had continued on without us.”

Frank nods. “It was as if we didn’t matter to anyone for the longest time. That was before Miss Kulara took over here though.”

Cybil and Angel walk over and sit down. Arc smiles at them.

“Got the special needs children to bed?”

Cybil nods. “That we did.”

Angel giggles. “Most of them wanted to stay up and play all night.”

“Right. But they were also falling asleep.”

Hammer nods approvingly. “How’d you convince them to go to bed?”

Cybil smiles. “We just kept playing with them. One by one they nodded off.”

“When they did my mom carried them to bed. We just put the last little boy down in their dormitories.”

Dinky appears suddenly nervous. “What if they wake up though?”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Not to worry. There’s designated staff available to see to their needs at all hours of the day and night.”

Frank looks around the room at the happy children. “Well, these little ones may be up all night with all the sugar we just pumped into them.”

Derpy giggles. “At least until they crash.”

Angel appears confused. “Crash?”

Dinky nods. “Eating too much sugar makes you hyper. But after a while you get REALLY tired.”

Arc look around. “That should be happening soon. At least for the younger kids. Now it’s the waiting game.”

Scootaloo turns to Hammer. “What should we do in the meantime?”

“How about we watch some sports? The older kids are really getting into it.”

Lily nods. “That they are.”

“I’ve been watching them from here for some time. It’s just fun to see their reactions whenever someone scores.”

Arc grins. “Well then, let’s get closer and see who’s winning.”

Standing, Arc leads his friends over to the televisions. Pulling up chairs they look over the various games playing out. Every so often a child nearby would nod off, requiring Arc or Hammer to pick them up and carry them to bed. Around midnight Kulara returns and walks over to the televisions.

“That’s enough for one night. Everyone head to bed.”

Groaning, the kids do as they are told. A few minutes later Arc and his friends are the only ones left in the room. Kulara smiles at them warmly.

“I just wanted to thank all of you for helping make this Christmas especially happy for everyone.”

Arc laughs. “We were happy to do it.”

Frank nods. “Indeed. These children need more happiness in their lives.”

Dinky giggles. “They looked really happy tonight!”

Scootaloo look at the Xboxes. “Yeah! Those games were COOL!”

Derpy smiles. “That they were. But we should probably get back home soon.”

Hammer nods. “It’s quite a drive, after all.”

Shelly yawns. “At least it stopped snowing.”

Lily puts her hands on Shelly’s shoulders. “You can sleep on the way back. I know you’re very tired.”

Angel looks to the headmistress. “Miss Kulara? Can my mom stay here with me tonight?”

Kulara shakes her head. “No, dear. Legally, only residents and staff can do that. I had to get special permission for everyone to be allowed here after normal visiting hours.”

Cybil gets down on her knees as Angel sighs.

“I’ll be here again in the morning, dear.”

Kulara grimaces as she speaks. “We… aren’t open to the public on national holidays, Miss Cybil. I’m very sorry, but those are the rules.

Angel begins to cry. “You… you mean I can’t be with my mom on Christmas Day?!”

Kulara shakes her head sadly. “I’m sorry, but no.”

The night receptionist walks into the room and over to the headmistress.

“Miss Kulara, I just noticed this in the incoming mail tray. While I’m not sure how it was overlooked, it appears important.”

“Thank you.”

She accepts the envelope and looks at the front, wide eyed. Frank appears nervous.

“What is it, Miss Kulara?”

“An official letter.”

Quickly opening it, she reads it silently. Her hands shake slightly as she looks up.

“Oh my! This is quite a shock!”

Arc gasps. “Is something wrong?”

Kulara smiling. “Quite the opposite actually.”

She looks to Cybil who is still trying to console Angel.

“Miss Cybil, a week ago I sent a request for a redetermination in your case. This is the reply.”

Cybil looks to her nervously. “What… what does it say?”

“That your parental rights are being restored.”

Lily grins. “Really?!”

Shelly smiles. “When?!”

“It says here ‘effective immediately’.”

Angel gasps. “So I can go home with my mom?!”

Kulara nods happily. “Yes. Your mother and I just need to sign the enclosed form first.”

Pulling a pen from her pocket, she hands it to Cybil. Signing the document through her tears she gives it back to Kulara. After signing her name, Kulara looks it over a moment.

“With this, you’re free to take Angel home tonight.”

Cybil grabs the woman’s hand and shakes is as she cries happily. “Oh, thank you ma’am! I promise I’ll be the best mother ever!”

She and Angel embrace and cry together happily as everyone watches and smiles happily.

Chapter 5 - Intercontinental Intervention (Part 1)

Arc takes the key from Stellar Flare’s hoof and looks it over soberly before speaking.

“I knew he wasn’t happy with the direction we were going, but this… Tight Ship, he… he actively tried to stop us.”

Hammer clenches a fist angrily. “He’s a traitor then!”

Sereb growls. “Indeed.”

Arc sighs. “Is he?”

Applejack sighs. “It kinda sounds like it, Arc. This would thing have been over before it got started had Spitfire been successful.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. He was only protecting his friends… Celestia and Decimus.”

Lemon Heart’s voice rings out over his earring.

“Sir, we’re approaching Canterlot.”

“Good. I’m on my way.”

Turning to the others, he motions to the stairs sadly.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Making his way to the Bridge, Arc enters with the key in hand. Soarin turns to him.

“Hero of Light on the Bridge.”

Wrangler appears hopeful. “Did you take care of that saboteur, sir?!”

“Yeah. She’s gone.”

Moon Dancer frowns. “How did she get in here?!”

“With this.”

Arc holds up the master key. Everyone gasps as he does so Lemon Hearts is the first to speak.

“ Sir! Is… is that…?”

“It’s Tight Ship’s, yes.”

Turning, he gives it to Soarin.

“I believe this is yours now.”

Nodding, Soarin accepts it

“Yes sir. I’ll do my best.”

Arc looks to the rest of the crew.

“Anything on the radar?”

Moon Dancer shakes her head. “Clear, sir.”

Thunderlane frowns. “There’s no movement from what I can see, sir.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “None?”

“Right, sir.”

“Is that… normal?”

Wrangler sighs. “Not really, sir. At this time of day there should be innumerable Pegasi flying around.”

Cherry calls out. “But it’s nighttime.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Cherry. Remember, no one raised the sun.”

“Oh… right.”

“Getting back to the matter at hand, do you suppose everyone is just scared to go out?”

Soarin puts a hoof to his chin. “It is possible, yes. However, I believe that Princess Celestia knows we’re coming and ordered the capital locked down.”

Moon Dancer nods. “During such a time everypony would be ordered to shelter in place. But I am rather surprised that nopony has yet hailed us.”

Thunderlane frowns. “Or physically challenged the ship.”

Wrangler looks to Arc. “We should go to high alert, sir.”

“Agreed. Make it so.”

Lemon Hearts gives the order on the intercom as Arc steps forward to the helm and stands next to Thunderlane. Looking out over the city before them, he frowns.

“That’s a lot of fog.”

Thunderlane nods soberly. “The weather’s perfect for it right now, sir.”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “Yes. A bit of luck for the princess.”

Arc turns his head. “Moon Dancer, are you sure there’s nothing down there?”

“Radar is clear, sir.”

“Radio chatter, Lemon Hearts?”

“Everything’s silent, sir. Has been for some time now.”

Soarin frowns. “That isn’t normal.”

Thunderlane looks over to the captain. “Think it’s a trap, sir?”

“Most likely. We should be ready for anything though.”

Arc grimaces as he heads for Wrangler’s station.

“Well, I’m going to charge up the O.R.B. then.”

Putting his hands on the spheres, Arc channels his magic into the console for a solid minute. Stepping back, he breathes heavily and looks to Wrangler.

“How’s… that?”

“Twenty-five percent, sir.”

“Enough. Activate the shields.”

“Aye sir.”

Pressing a few buttons, a barrier forms around The Equinox. She turns to Arc.

“Barrier up and stabilized, sir.”

Moon Dancer frowns. “A very defensive move, sir. But one that also doesn’t let us fight back.”

“We don’t need to fire a single shot.”

Soarin nods approvingly. “Right. Remember, our fight is against Princess Celestia and Decimus. Not the military or anypony else right now.”

Thunderlane squints and leans forward.

“Sir, I think I just saw something move down there.”

Arc looks over. “Moon Dancer?”

“Still nothing on screen.”

Lemon Hearts frowns. “No radio chatter either.”

Wrangler turns to him. “Sir, we could see for sure if you would raise the sun though.”

“Agreed. But that would let Celestia know for sure that I’m still alive.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Considering Decimus and his troops saw you, she probably already knows.”

Arc sighs and nods. “Maybe. Well, it’s worth the risk I suppose. One sunrise coming up.”

Concentrating, Arc holds out his hand. Slowly the sun begins to rise to the noonday position. It’s warm rays cut through the fog in moments revealing the terrain around the city. Thunderlane gasps.

“Armada dead ahead!”

Soarin cries out. “Take evasive action!”

Thunderlane turns the ship as hard as he can. The ships take off and train their weapons on The Equinox. Arc turns to the comms.

“Hail them!”

Lemon Hearts does so. A moment later she turns to Arc.>

“No response!”

Wrangler calls out. “They’re preparing to fire!”

Soarin looks to Arc. “Sir, your orders?!”

“Put some distance between us!”

Thunderlane appears surprised. “Retreat?!”

“Yes! Now!”

Thunderlane accelerates as the ship curves away from the city and its defenders as they open fire on their craft. Arc turns to the tactical station as their shots hit their target.

“Wrangler?!”

“Shields are holding, sir! We’re in no danger!”

Lemon Hearts turns to Arc.

“Incoming transmission, sir.”

Wrangler scoffs. “Now they want to talk?! Ignore it and let’s turn about and blast these punks!”

Soarin shakes his head. “Sir, we should hear them out.”

“Agreed, Soarin. Lemon Hearts, patch it through.”

Doing so, she turns to the captain and nods.

“This is Commander… Captain Soarin of The Equinox. We have urgent business with Princess Celestia that…”

A voice from the other end cuts him off.

“We already know whom you are and what you’re doing here, captain.”

Arc clenches a fist as he mutters under his breath. “Him?!”

“This is Admiral Gaston. Commander of the Griffon Kingdom’s Equestrian Defense Force. We have orders to fire on any vessel whom attempts to enter Canterlot’s airspace.”

Soarin grits his teeth. “Fire upon?!”

“That is correct. We were also told your ship would be arriving soon by Hero of Light Decimus himself.”

“I have vital information on Hero of Light Arc that must be delivered to Princess Celestia at once though!”

Gaston chuckles. “Don’t you mean Hero of Light Arc himself?”

“What are you…?”

“He was seen attacking Ponyville less than two hours ago before boarding your vessel. You seek to sneak past us to allow him access to the city! We won’t let that happen! Gunners, fire at will!”

Lemon Hearts looks up. “Transmission has ceased.”

Wrangler points a hoof. “Incoming salvo!”

Moon Dancer gasps. “Confirmed. All ships firing!”

Thunderlane calls out from the helm. “Orders?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “Take us east!”

Soarin nods. “Make it so!”

Moon Dancer grimaces. “They are pursuing!”

Thunderlane grins. “We’re faster though!”

A short time later the shots lessen as the griffon ships turn back toward Canterlot. Arc grits his teeth.

“Evaluation.”

Wrangler steps forward soberly. “We could break through their lines with a fully charged O.R.B. system.”

Thunderlane frowns. “Assuming they don’t have ground defenses in place, yes.”

Soarin sighs. “And if they did we might not be able to escape before our barrier fell.”

Moon Dancer looks over her console. “That is entirely possible. Even after they took off I was unable to detect the griffon ships.”

Arc gasps. “They have some kind of dampeners, huh?”

“It would appear so, sir.”

Lemon Hearts sighs. “They can sneak up on us, but we stand out like a sore hoof. Clever.”

Wrangler bows her head. “I don’t think we can take them on as it stands, sir.”

Soarin looks to Arc. “What shall we do now, sir?”

“We need more information. Thunderlane, set a course for the Dragon Lands.”

“Sir?”

“The Dragon Lord, or some of their subjects, had to have seen the griffon airships crossing the Celestial Sea. We could also potentially use their assistance with another attack on the capital.”

Wrangler grimaces. “Asking the dragons for help now, sir? That sounds akin to playing with fire.”

Moon Dancer shudders. “We might get burned.”

“True. But at the very least I want to set down outside of the country. As long as we’re in Equestria all of us are in danger from attack.”

Lemon Hearts appears nervous. “Begging your pardon, sir. But what’s to stop the dragons from doing the same? Or the military for that matter.”

Soarin chuckles. “The military wouldn’t dare enter the Dragon Lands and start a battle.

Arc nods. “Right. The Dragon Lord would almost certainly retaliate against them AND their nation. So we’d be relatively safe there.”

Wrangler sighs. “From the military, yes. But there’s always the locals.”

Arc smiles as he walks over to Lemon Heart’s station. “I suppose so. But I think they know where I stand with the Dragon Lord. Well… both of them, that is.”

Looking down at the mare, he motions to the microphone.

“Right now, I need to address the crew and citizens of Ponyville though.”

Lemon Hearts pushes a few buttons and nods to him. Arc begins to speak.

“Attention everyone. This is Hero of Light Arc. My apologies for the rough flying a few minutes ago. When we approached Canterlot the ship was attacked by airships sent by the Griffon Kingdom. We’re now on our way to the Dragon Lands to try and come up with a better plan. If anyone wants to get off before we leave Equestria please come to the Bridge and let us know to drop you off at Baltimare. Again, sorry for all of this everyone.”

He looks to Lemon Hearts and gives back the microphone as she presses a button. Sighing, he turns to Thunderlane.

“When do you think we’ll make it to the Dragon Lands?”

“By tomorrow morning, sir.”

“Good. Keep a look out for reinforcements from either the Griffon Kingdom or Equestria. I’m going to head to the Cafeteria and see how everyone’s doing.”

He leaves the Bridge as Sorin sits back down in the captain’s chair.

“We’re on our way again.”

Thunderlane nods soberly. “Aye, sir.”

Moon Dancer sighs. “Leaving Equestria again though.”

Wrangler shrugs. “It’s not like this is the first time though.”

Lemon Hearts looks out the window. “Yes. But we’re not leaving on good terms this time.”

Soarin sighs as he turns to the now closed Bridge door. “And if we fail, Equestria’s last hope fails with us.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way to the Cafeteria. Everyone sits around the large room nervously munching on soups and salads. Auriel spots him and waves. Walking over, Arc sits down with her, Dinky, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. The party pony is the first to speak.

“Hey, Arc! How’s it going?!”

Arc sighs. “Not the greatest.”

Applejack nods soberly. “We all figured we’d fly to Canterlot and you’d set everything right with the princess.”

Fluttershy shudders. “One way or another, that is.”

“What happened, dad?”

Auriel looks toward the corridor windows nearby. “Yes. We saw the sun rising so quickly.”

“I used it to cut through some dense fog. A bunch of Griffon Kingdom airships were lying in wait for us.”

Pinkie gasps. “What do you suppose they wanted?!”

“Our hides. Fortunately I had ordered our shield’s raised, so there was no damage to the ship.”

“So we’re going to get Ember, dad?”

“Something like that.”

Applejack grins. “That should even the odds.”

“Hopefully. Say, is Derpy in the kitchen still?”

Dinky nods. “Yup. She told all of us to eat something real quick though.”

Auriel sighs. “Right. Feeding this many ponies isn’t exactly an easy job.”

Arc stands up. “She’s not in there alone though, is she?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nah. Hammer’s helping out too.”

Arc sighs as he sits back down. “That’s… good.”

Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong, Arc?!”

“Yeah. If I had been able to…”

His earring chirps as Lemon Heart’s voice fills his ear.

“Sir, there’s a transmission coming in from Canterlot.”

“Oh? Who’s it from?”

“Princess Celestia herself is about to address the nation.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “The nation?”

“Yes sir. It’s very rare indeed, but she’ll be using the same broad range signal you did when you were Lord Regent. Shall I put it on the intercom or keep it to just your office?”

“Put it on the intercom. I believe everyone has the right to hear what’s she has to say.”

“Yes sir. She’ll be going live in just a few minutes.”

“I’ll announce it here. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection as he stands and clears his throat before speaking.

“Attention everyone. I have an announcement to make.”

Everyone stops talking and looks to him as he continues.

“I’ve just been notified that Princess Celestia will be addressing the nation in just a few minutes. My Communication’s Officer will be airing it live over the intercom for everyone to hear.”

He sits back down as Dinky leans in close to her father and lowers her voice.

“Do you really think it will be anything good, dad?”

Arc sighs. “I doubt it.”

A short time later the sound of hooves clopping together rings out over the intercom system. Everyone stops eating and look to the speaker nearest them. Derpy and Hammer along with Coco Pommel, Natalya, and Gallus all step out of the kitchen to listen with the others as a spokespony’s voice rings out.

“Good evening, everypony. Today I have the distinct honor of announcing that for the first time since her return, Princess Celestia is now strong enough to stand before you all and speak. So without further ado, please help me in welcoming our fair ruler, Princess Celestia.”

Cheers ring out as the stallionpresumably steps back to allow Celestia to take her place at the microphone. As the applause dies down she begins to speak.

“My fellow Equestrians… today has been a hard day for all of us. I’m sure everyone was understandably unnerved this morning when the sun did not rise as it has every day prior without fail. Rumors began to circulate that I was not well or had again been kidnapped. My presence before you all today is to help alleviate such baseless claims.”

The sound of hooves clapping again rings out. Auriel turns to Arc.

“At least she sounds okay.”

“That’s not much consolation.”

Dinky grits her teeth. “Yeah. Remember, she’s the one who blasted my dad not that long ago.”

Celestia continues. “A short time ago, many here in Canterlot heard the roar of engines and explosions. Those were airships from the Griffon Kingdom whom came here at my request as part of a new treaty. They came to uphold their part of our agreement to defend Canterlot from any and all threats.”

<he sound of uneasy murmuring can be heard as those assemble turn to one another. Eventually Celestia speaks again.

“It was very fortunate that they were here, as Canterlot was beset upon by a substantial threat. Much to our surprise, the former Hero of Light stole our nation’s most powerful airship The Equinox from its place in the Crystal Kingdom. He immediately forced its crew to fly him to Ponyville where he wasted no time burning and laying waste to the peaceful town he once called home. Hero of Light Decimus tried his best to stop him but was overwhelmed by the traitor’s standing forces and a group of soldiers whom defected. If everypony will turn and look to the horizon, even now you can see the smoke rising from the burning buildings of the town.”

Cries erupt from the audience as they look in the direction Celestia is assumedly pointing. Dinky grits her teeth.

“WHAT?! That was Decimus!”

Fluttershy gasps. “He… burned Ponyville down?!”

Applejack sighs. “Sure sounds like it.”

Pinkie mane deflates. “It’s a good thing the whole place was empty!”

Rose nods. “Indeed. Had the population been there the loss of life would have been substantial.”

Auriel cries out. “This is monstrous!”

Hammer frowns. “I’ll say!”

Celestia continues her speech. “Sadly, all ground forces save for a few along with Decimus himself were slaughtered as the traitors torched the defenseless town. However, that was not enough for the former Hero of Light, as he then boarded his stolen ship along with a number of kidnapped orphans, taken as hostages. He flew to Canterlot in an effort to do the same to our city. Our griffon allies, led by the valiant Admiral Gaston, fired several warning shots to drive the coward away. I refused to order any more, as the lives of the hostages may yet be saved in future encounters.”

The townsponies in the Cafeteria look around, clearly aghast at what they have just heard from their revered leader.

“Even now the coward flies his vessel along with its captured crew and hostages east. I’ve sent orders to both Fillydelphia and Baltimare to be evacuated at once in case he plans to carry out more terrorist attacks against them and their citizens. Even now more air and naval ships from the Griffon Kingdom are headed toward our shores in an effort to take down this vile criminal. Rest assured that he will not find safe harbor anywhere in our lands. Our own standing forces, along with reinforcements from the Griffon Kingdom across the sea, will not rest until this threat of our land is utterly destroyed. Have no fear, my little ponies, for I along with our warriors both domestic and international will not allow this menace free reign of the skies. He will FALL as every other would-be tyrant has in the past! This I swear to all of you!”

The cries of joy from the crowd in Canterlot rings out. As Lemon Hearts cuts the feed the sounds of cheers is replaced by the angry shouts and pounding hooves of the citizens of Ponyville. Applejack cries out.

“All of that was a dang blasted LIE!”

Pinkie nods fervently. “Darn right!”

Fluttershy’s lower lip trembles. “But… but why would Princess Celestia have said all those terrible things?”

Hammer clenches a fist. “She’s either being manipulated or is just willfully ignorant!”

Dinky grits her teeth. “Maybe both!”

Natalya hurries over to Arc. “Sir, I… I just want you to know that I… I didn’t have anything to do with…”

Arc nods soberly as he puts a hand on the griffon’s shoulder.

“I know, Natalya. You’re with us for a reason.”

He turns to see Coco Pommel, Derpy, and Gallus approach. Coco Pommel is the first to speak.

“This is terrible!”

Derpy bows her head. “Right. Now the entire country thinks you’re a monster, Arc.”

Gallus seethes. “Leave it to the Griffon Kingdom to screw this up!”

Hammer draws her gun. “Let’s go back there and wipe the floor with those varmints!”

Arc shakes his head. “Now isn’t the right time.”

Sereb growls. “If we wait, they will be reinforced.”

Natalya nods. “But if we don’t cross the Celestial Sea before the navy arrives we’ll be stuck in Equestria!”

Arc sighs. “Right. We need to leave the country, and now.”

He turns to the angry townsponies and motions for silence. Eventually they quiet down and look to him.

“Everyone… we’ll be flying over Baltimare soon. Anyone whom wants to get off there can do so. But I strongly suggest you stay aboard The Equinox.”

Mister Cake appears confused. “Why’s that, Arc?”

Misses Cake nods. “Yes, wouldn’t we be safer here then the Dragon Lands?”

“Normally, yes. However it stands to reason that Decimus would be checking the towns along our route for residents of Ponyville. Remember, all of you know the truth of what really happened earlier today. It’d be bad for him if you started talking to others about how he lied about pretty much everything.”

Sereb nods. “If caught, your lives would be forfeit.”

Hammer sighs. “Yeah. And the truth would die with you.”

“Anyone whom wants off is still free to do so. Just remember that once we leave the coast, there’s no turning back.”

Nopony says a word. Eventually Applejack steps forward and speaks.

“I’m staying. After all, there’s no place safer right now than The Equinox.”

Pinkie looks around. “Yeah! And we have so many friends here!”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “If we left now, where would we even go?”

The ponies nod and murmur to each other softly as Hammer steps forward.

“My place is with you right now, Arc. Lead on and I’ll follow.”

Auriel smiles. “Me too.”

Rose clenches a fist. “This fight will not be yours alone.”

“Thanks. Now then, anyone whom wants to leave please head to the Bridge now.”

Nopony moves. After a few moments Arc nods and smiles.

“I’ll do my best to protect everyone while we sort this out. We should be in the Dragon Lands early tomorrow morning.”

Nodding, the others smile at him and sit back down to continue eating. Hammer turns to Arc.

“How’s… your friend doing?”

“Which one?”

“Rarity.”

“She still kinda out of it right now. Sweetie Belle and Rainbow Dash are looking after her. Well, it’s mostly just Sweetie Belle as she’s the only one not hurt. But they’ll recover in due time.”

Auriel puts a claw on his shoulder. “Would you like to spend the afternoon with them?”

“Yes indeed. But there’s a lot to do here, what with all the extra mouths to feed.”

Coco Pommel smiles at him. “We’ll handle that part, Arc.”

“Well, there’s also the foals and younglings. I was going to…”

Derpy interrupts him. “They’re doing just fine in the Rec Room, Arc.”

“Yeah dad. Everypony ate really fast and ran back there and to the Library.”

Natalya nods. “Miss Cheerilee and Miss Peachbottom are tutoring some of younglings that are having trouble keeping up with their studies as well.”

Gallus grins. “We were planning to go help them out for a bit after lunch.”

Natalya shrugs. “It wouldn’t be for very long, as supper preparations would need to start an hour or so later.”

Coco Pommel smiles up at Arc. “Take some time to do what you want to, Arc. We’ll take care of things here.”

“Um… okay. Thanks. I’ll see everyone at supper. Come along, Dinky.”

“Dad?”

“I think Sweetie Belle needs some cheering up.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

Dinky and Arc leave the Cafeteria together. Derpy looks to the room full of ponies and smiles.

“It’s just like at the orphanage, Miss Pommel.”

Coco Pommel nods happily. “Yes. The only difference is that our charges are a bit more numerous and larger.”

Natalya giggles. “And eat more.”

Gallus looks back toward the kitchen. “We’re lucky this ship was set up for mass food production.”

Hammer grins. “Darn right.”

Auriel nods. “I think it may be better equipped in that regard, yes.”

Rose sighs. “Arc once told me this ship was set up to be a military vessel. But it could also be used for relief efforts after natural disasters. I didn’t understand what that meant up until now though, as Equestria doesn’t usually have such things.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Arc enjoys helping others. Protecting them and providing for them. That’s why Princess Luna designed ordered his flagship this way. To allow him, and others, the ability to serve the public in their hour of need.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Dinky walk into the Infirmary. They see Rainbow Dash sleeping on her hospital bed as Sweetie Belle lays next to Rarity. Approaching the filly they see her eyes closed and tear stains on her cheeks. Dinky puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder as Arc pats her head. Opening her eyes she looks up at them sadly. Dinky is the first to speak to her friend.

“You’re not alone in this.”

Arc nods. “Right. We’re right here, Sweetie Belle.”

Holding out her hooves, the filly looks to Arc pleadingly. Reaching out he picks her up and sits down in a chair next to the bed. Sweetie Belle wraps her hooves around his neck as Arc pulls her close. She buries her head in Arc’s shoulder as he gently pets her mane.

“It’s okay, Sweetie Belle. Just let it all out.”

Dinky hops up into his lap a puts her own hooves around both Arc and Sweetie Belle in a three way hug. The filly unicorn stays there unmoving as Arc and Dinky do their best to comfort her.

Chapter 7 - Impromptu Interrogations

Aloe looks to Arc.

“So shall we talk to Buffalo Bull now, sir?”

Vera sighs. “That may be counterproductive. After all, it’s almost breakfast time.”

Arc chuckles. “Good. We’ll see him there.”

“Forgive me, sir. But what exactly do you hope to gain from this?”

“Yes, if not escape, then what?”

Arc looks straight ahead as they walk. “Answers. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

A short time later they head to the courtyard with the rest of the prisoners. Looking around, Arc quickly spots Buffalo Bull along with his lieutenants. Walking over to them, he is immediately blocked by the stallions whom protect him. Arc narrows his eyes as he motions for Aloe and Vera to stay back.

“You guys really want to do this?”

Buffalo Bull nods. “Yes, we do!”

“Even though you lost to me the other day?”

Aloe grins wickedly. “And this morning, sir.”

Buffalo Bull narrows his eyes. “I’d love a rematch!”

Arc chuckles. “Nice to see you care so much about your hired help.”

“Eh?”

“Yeah. You’re going to fight me yourself rather than let them get pounded, right?”

“Not a chance! GET HIM!”

The lieutenants turn to their boss nervously.

“Well?! What are you waiting for?!”

Arc looks to Aloe and Vera. “Get ready, you two.”

Arc and the two mares take up a battle ready stance as those around them hurriedly step back. Spitfire turns to Virtuous Lance.

“Looks like there’s going to be another incident, sir. Shall we go into lockdown?”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “No. Let this play out.”

“But sir…!”

“Have more faith in the former Lord Regent, Lieutenant. I’m sure this isn’t over the pecking order.”

Arc motions for the stallions to come at them.

“Let’s go! Come on! I’ll even let you attack first!”

The stallions back up nervously before running to hide in the throng of other prisoners. Buffalo Bull sighs and shakes his head.

“Good help is so hard to find.”

He look over to Aloe and Vera before continuing.

“…and keep.”

Arc shrugs. “Doesn’t seem to be a lot of loyalty around here.”

Buffalo Bull frowns. “Skills are for sale. Loyalty is not.”

“Glad we finally agree on something.”

“Then how about a bit of a business proposition?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I’m looking to hire on some… servants.”

“Not interested.”

Buffalo Bull leers at the mares behind Arc. “I wasn’t talking about you, fool.”

“I know.”

“What would you want in exchange for those two?”

“Nothing.”

The stallion raises an eyebrow. “You’re giving them away?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I mean they’re not for sale.”

“Everything has a price.”

“Find someone else.”

Buffalo Bull grins slyly. “So I can only assume you’ve since sampled their… special skills.”

“I have not, no.”

“A shame really. Aloe’s tongue is just perfectly trained to…”

“ENOUGH!”

Everyone takes a step back at Arc’s outburst. Arc composes himself before continuing.

“Aloe and Vera are currently under my protection. And that is not going to change anytime soon.”

“Fine. Keep them for yourself. But they’ll be mine again one day.”

Arc looks up at the warden and nods. Turning to Spitfire, Virtuous Lance speaks.

“Begin the feeding process.”

Spitfire presses a button to fill the trough. As it finishes she blows a whistle. No one moves as they look to Arc for guidance.

“I’d like a word with you, Buffalo Bull. Privately. Everyone else can go eat now.”

The other prisoners walk quickly toward the troughs. Arc turns to the stallions accompanying the former king.

“That means you as well. My two friends here will join you. Just keep your hooves to yourselves.”

Nodding, the stallions walk toward the trough with Aloe and Vera behind them. Arc turns back to Buffalo Bull.

“Back inside.”

Nodding angrily, the stallion does as he is told. Spitfire turns to the warden.

“Sir, they’re leaving!”

“Let them.”

“Sir?!”

“There’s no rule against prisoners talking, nor is there one that says they have to eat.”

“But they could be up to something!”

“Most likely, yes. But they can’t get into much trouble in The Pit, for obvious reasons.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Buffalo Bull walk down the hallway about halfway.

“That’s far enough.”

The stallion looks around before speaking. “So… where are they?”

“Where’s who?”

“Your help.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Eating with your lieutenants, remember?”

“A blind pony could tell you’re setting me up!”

“Am I?”

“Yes! Getting me alone and out of sight from the guards while everypony else is at mealtime!”

“I’m not here for a fight.”

“Then what…?”

“I know you’re up to something.”

“And what if I am?”

“You’re planning an escape, aren’t you?”

“How did you…?!”

“I have my sources.”

Buffalo grits his teeth. “Yeah, I’m sure you do. Fortunate Ire must’ve squealed. When I get my hooves on him, I’ll…!”

“…do nothing.”

“What are you…?”

“I’m the one in charge down here at the moment, remember. He, like Aloe and Vera, are under my protection. You go after any of them and I’ll come for you… personally.”

“And do what?!”

Arc gestures to the stallion’s legs. “I won’t stop at just breaking your bones next time.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Fine then. Try it. See what happens.”

There is a tense silence at they stare each other down. Eventually Buffalo Bull breaks it.

“That maggot isn’t worth my time anyways.”

“So tell me… how were you planning on getting out of here?”

“I never said I was.”

“Then why did you look so guilty when I accused you of it?”

Buffalo Bulls sighs and shakes his head.

“Fine, you got me. But you completely misunderstand my motives.”

“Explain.”

“Why would I want to leave this place?”

“Oh, I don’t know… freedom? Go back to your criminal ways? Am I close?”

“Not even.”

“Then enlighten me.”

Buffalo Bull gestures with a hoof toward the courtyard. “You see all those stallions and mares out there?”

“What about them?”

“Don’t you think they’d love to see the outside world again?”

“Of course. Who wouldn’t?”

“I’m planning something a bit… extreme.”

“A mass escape?”

“Precisely.”

“Dare I ask why? Assuming you’re being honest about not wanting to leave, that is.”

“As a favor to the other prisoners.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Really?”

“Yes, I’ve a warm place in my heart for them.”

“You don’t have a warm place in your whole body.”

“Fine then. The real reason for this is the new warden and his drop-dead gorgeous lieutenant.”

“Oh?”

“We had it good down here until they showed up!”

“I’m not seeing how that much could have changed. I mean, this is the lowest one can go in the system I’m assuming.”

“The former warden was… how shall I say this… less than vigilant.”

“How so?”

“Frankly, he and his sergeant were idiots.”

“Oh?”

“Names were Colonel Klink and Sergeant Shultz. The colonel always full of himself… a real blowhard.”

Arc chuckles. “Sounds like Virtuous Lance was a step up then.”

“Are you nuts? Klink may have been a moron, but he knew to just let us do our thing without interference.”

“What are you talking about? I haven’t seen a single guard anywhere near this place since I got here.”

“We could smuggle pretty much anything in here back then, no problem. That and Sergeant Shultz could be convinced to look the other way with a few words and the occasional candy bar.”

“So you were paying them off?”

“With care packages of sweets, yes.”

“Sounds like a lot of risk for little return for those two. Why would they jeopardize their careers for candy?”

“We had an agreement. The prisoners here in The Pitt would be kept in line by me. In return he would pass every inspection tour with flying colors. No prison riots, no dead bodies, and no escapes.”

“Made him look like an efficiency expert.”

“Right. When I got here he was on thin ice with his superiors in Canterlot. I immediately saw the opportunity in those two and struck a bargain.”

“Amazing operation.”

Buffalo Bull grits his teeth. “Which the general and his lieutenant ruined!”

“He didn’t want to play ball with you?”

“Nah. I tried to offer him the same deal, but it seems he’s a big name back in the capital. Doesn’t need the help.”

“So he clamped down on smuggling and security?”

“You got that right. Compared to Klink and Shultz, Virtuous Lance and Spitfire are geniuses. We’ve had quite a few close calls when trying to get stuff in here. Luckily they’ve never actually caught us doing anything, or we’d be in more trouble.”

“What happened to Klink and Shultz?”

“They retired. Got themselves set up with nice benefit packages too.”

“And that leaves you out of a good thing, eh?”

“You got it.”

“So you cook up this plan to cause a mass escape, the general and his lieutenant get blamed, they’re fired, and someone else has to take their spots.”

“You’re not as stupid as you look.”

Arc grins. “I’ll take that as a compliment. But how do you know the ones who replace them won’t be just as bad?”

“Trust me, nopony could be as bad as those two.”

“If you say so.”

“I just have one thing to ask of you.”

“Don’t get in your way?”

“Yeah.”

“We’ll see.”

Buffalo Bull raises an eyebrow. “We’ll see?!

“Right.”

“Does this have anything to do with the whole Hero of Light schtick you had going there?”

“Yup.”

“The whole ‘righteous warrior’ bit, eh?”

“Still am.”

“Well, look around and see what that got you!”

“A mistake on Celestia’s part.”

“Why not just escape with the others then? Take her down or whatever.”

“And help ensure that your plan to discredit the warden works? No thanks.”

“Come on! Even you can’t be THIS dense!”

Arc frowns. “Lay it out for me then.”

“You were ABANDONED here! Left to rot while Celestia and her cronies do their own thing. Can’t say as I blame them though. After all, whom would like having an assassin running around the country with their address?”

“I’ll… think about it.”

“You do that. But for now we should get back over there before all the gruel’s gone.”

“Go ahead. I’ll wait here.”

Buffalo Bull shrugs and walks away. “Do whatever you want, weirdo.”

Arc watches as the stallion heads toward the courtyard. Shaking his head, he reaches out with his powers.

“Scootaloo?”

“I’m here, Big Brother.”

“Anything going on in the castle?”

“I just walked out of Decimus’ office actually. He’s sending me to the Luna Bay Prison with a detail of guards.”

“What for?”

“Something about being worried about an escape. Probably thinks you’re planning a breakout.”

“I’m not. But another guy here is.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Awfully convenient that he chose now to send troops over there. Think he knows about the upcoming escape?”

“He must. Really clever plan Decimus has this time too.”

“Big Brother?”

“The guy organizing it must’ve somehow tipped off Decimus.”

“To foil his own escape?”

“Right. After all, what’s the point of being in charge of an empty prison ward?”

“Not much I’d guess.”

“Right. He starts the thing and lets everyone else get caught. But looks like a hero for trying in the process.”

“What’s that have to do with you though, Big Brother?”

“Think about it this way. I try to escape with the other prisoners and they just so happen to kill me in the process of trying to recapture all the escapees.”

“That’s terrible! He’s setting you up!”

“Well, I’m not taking the bait.”

“Big Brother?”

“Contrary to what he believes, I don’t have any reason to leave here. At least not yet.”

“So the escape happens, the prisoners are rounded up, and you’re sitting in your cell like a model prisoner?”

“Exactly.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Prevent the others trying to escape. I’d do it myself, but the captain would probably just come after me thinking I was being part of it.”

“Probably. He’s not coming with me though.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So who’s leading the operation?”

“I am.”

Arc chuckles. “Scootaloo in command. I like it.”

“He’s been training me how to lead pretty much since I got here.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Decimus says he’s grooming me to be his second in command.”

“Sounds like you already are. Congratulations though.”

Scootaloo groans. “Big Brother, please!”

“Alright, alright. You just make sure no one gets out of here whenever the escape takes place.”

“Tonight.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Decimus told me the escape is taking place tonight.”

“How’s he know?!”

“No idea. It’s like he has a crystal ball, or something.”

“More along the lines of he has a mole in here that’s feeding him information.”

“The one planning the escape like you suggested?”

“Yeah. But I can’t exactly ask around though or it might get back to him.”

“Why not?”

“Because then they’ll ask how I know when the escape is, in addition to how I found out that there’re soldiers out there waiting.”

“That would be kinda awkward, yes. So… what are you going to do then, Big Brother?”

Arc sighs as the other prisoners walk toward him and the elevator. “The only thing I can do. Wait for the escape to happen… and stay here.”

Chapter 6 - Maybe I'm a Lion

A couple days later Arc and his friends sit around the table in the Town Hall. Platinum Valve hurries in.

“Sorry for making everypony wait!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah. When you gotta go, you gotta go.”

Hammer appears confused. “Wait! Who is this?!”

Arc clears his throat. “Just so everyone’s on the same page, this is Platinum Valve. She’s the daughter of Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer as well as an accomplished inventor.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Rainbow Dash looks at the filly skeptically. “What’s she made?”

Twilight smiles. “The Matter Compacting Spell, for starters.”

Rarity turns to Arc. “Didn’t she do some work on your armor too, Arc?”

Platinum Valve nods. “Yes. I helped my parents augment Eidolon’s Ward back when Mister Arc became the Hero of Light.”

“And you installed my Hand Cannons on it as well.”

Pinkie gasps happily. “Could she do that on your new duds, Arc?!”

“Probably, yes.”

Fluttershy turns to him thoughtfully. “By the way, Arc. What’s your new armor called?”

“I haven’t actually had time to think of something.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Is that bad?”

Arc shrugs. “Not really. I mean… it’s just armor, right?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I have to disagree. Every finely crafted piece of armor I’ve ever heard of has a name. This is partially to associate it with its wearer and their deeds, of course. But also to give due credit to whomever crafted it.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “So let’s come up with something then!”

Pinkie bounces up onto the table. “Let’s see that new armor, Arc! Maybe it’ll give us some ideas!”

“Sure.”

Standing, Arc calls forth his armor. Rainbow Dash grins wickedly.

“Sexy!”

Applejack nods approvingly. “It does look good on you, sugarcube.”

Ember chuckles. “Agreed! But let’s get to brainstorming here.”

Hammer grins hugely. “Uh… yeah!”

Arc turns to her. “Hammer?”

“Huh?”

He points at her before motioning to his eyes with two fingers. Hammer chuckles.

“Sorry.”

Rarity clears her throat. “Yes, well… let’s see about thinking of a name for your armor, Arc.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “How about ‘The Legend’?!”

Applejack frowns. “A bit… off. How about ‘Earthen Guardian’?”

Pinkie raises a hoof excitedly. “Oh! I got it! ‘Glorious’… something or other?!”

Fluttershy smiles shyly. “I vote for ‘Freedom’s Avatar’?”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “To me it looks more like a ‘Royal Maverick’?”

Sereb sighs. “We could just stick with ‘Eidolon’s Ward’.”

Ember groans. “That could cause confusion. I like ‘Dragonsguard’.”

Hammer grins and clenches a fist. “Well, I was thinking something more like ‘The Punisher’.”

Platinum Valve giggles. “How about ‘Iron Giant’?”

Arc shakes his head. “None of these are really striking me as something I’d want to use long term though.”

Twilight sighs. “Agreed. But then again, I can’t think of a thing.”

Sereb turns to him. “Arc?”

“Yes?”

“That figure from the chest back on Earth was your grandfather, correct?”

“Right.”

“And this was his armor, was it not?”

“What are you getting at?”

“Is it possible that this suit of armor already has a name?

Twilight nods. “It very well may, yes.”

Ember frowns. “But since your grandfather isn’t in any of the known history books it’s not likely his armor is either.”

Arc grins. “True. However there is someone who would know for certain.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Princess Celestia?”

“Her too. But there’s one other.”

Platinum Valve looks to him, confused. “Who?”

“My grandfather.”

Rarity gasps. “Is he still alive?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. He died when I was a little boy.”

Applejack bows her head. “Then that knowledge died with him.”

“Not exactly.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out Cherry’s engagement pendant. Pinkie grins.

“Isn’t that Cherry’s?!”

“Yes. But now it’s so much more.”

Rainbow Dash eyes the pendant. “What are you talking about, Arc? I mean, it’s really cool looking and all, but…”

“Why don’t I just show everyone?”

Taking a deep breath, Arc holds the pendant in his palm before continuing.

“Grandpa, can you hear me?”

The visage appears from the heart. Everyone gasps as it speaks.

“I can, Arc.”

“Everyone, please meet my grandfather.”

Rainbow Dash waves a hoof nervously. “Uh… hi.”

Pinkie bounces up and down happily. “I’ll throw him a ‘Welcome to New Ponyville’ party!”

Daniel chuckles. “That will not be necessary, miss. I’m not really here.”

Hammer shrugs. “He’s a holo-whatsits.”

Sereb clears his throat. “A ‘hologram’ was the term used before.”

Daniel nods. “Correct. Now then, was there something you wanted to know, Arc?”

“Yes. The armor I inherited from you… did it have a name in the past?”

“It did indeed.”

Ember grins. “What was it?”

“Many years ago I was known as the ‘Lion of Equestria’. Hence the shape of the helmet. Therefore my armor was simply referred to as the ‘Lionheart’.”

Twilight muses to herself. “Lionheart…”

Sereb nods approvingly. “A powerful name.”

Hammer gives a thumbs up. “I like it!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Me too, cupcake!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “But aren’t lions dangerous beasts?”

Fluttershy shudders. “Usually, yes.”

Pinkie waves a hoof dismissively. “They’re just big cats!”

Applejack frowns. “That may be. But they still have claws and teeth.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “They’re usually seen as symbols of bravery and strength. Symbolically, anyways.”

Daniel nods. “Indeed. As I was the bearer of the last remaining suit of anti-magic armor, it fell to me to defend the realm from the darkness.”

Rarity gasps. “Anti-magic?!”

Arc chuckles. “I should probably test that. Someone want to blast me?”

Ember glares at him. “What?!”

Hammer raises a hand enthusiastically. “Me first!”

Sereb shakes his head. “Really?”

“At least I’d hold back.”

Twilight frowns. “That’s not exactly reassuring.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “He does raise a good point. After all, it’d be better to find out if that claim is true now versus on the battlefield.”

Rarity sighs. “I suppose so.”

Fluttershy points a hoof toward the door. “Maybe we should go outside first though.”

Sereb nods. “Good idea.”

Stepping outside in the heat of the day Arc gives the pendant to Twilight before he walks a short distance away. Hammer stands to face him as he turns.

“Give it your best shot, Hammer.”

“Here goes…!”

Charging up, a fireball forms in her palm. Throwing it with all her might, it flies at Arc. Standing resolutely, it diffuses against the cool metal. Twilight nods approvingly.

“Interesting! Arc, you didn’t do a thing to deflect that, did you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. The armor did everything.”

Hammer grins, slightly embarrassed. “Well, that probably wasn’t the best idea I’ve had. Remember, my magic isn’t very powerful.”

Ember steps forward. “Let me give it a go then.”

Arc nods. “Sure. Just do me a favor.”

“What is it?”

“Don’t hold back.”

Channeling, Ember charges up a large fireball in her palm. Throwing it with great velocity, it hits Arc squarely in the chest knocking him back. Rarity cries out.

“ARC!”

“You okay, sugarcube?!”

Arc nods as he gets up. “Fine. It just knocked me back. Do it again, Ember.”

“Uh… did you hit your head or something?”

“I said… again.”

Ember sighs. “Alright. Once again… with feeling.”

Taking a deep breath, Ember channels her magic and lobs a large fireball at Arc. However this time he uppercuts the spell as it approaches smashing it into pieces. It flies up and out of sight as the flames die out. Everyone gasps. Applejack is the first to speak.

“What the…?!”

Rainbow Dash gushes. “That… was… AWESOME!!!”

Pinkie grins. “I know, right!”

Rarity fans herself with a hoof. “Indeed! That made me a bit weak in the knees!”

Fluttershy giggles. “Me too!”

Hammer nods approvingly. “Really impressive!”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Might you tell us how you did that?”

Twilight steps forward. “I think I can explain it.”

Platinum Valve smiles. “Please do!”

Ember grins. “It’s because he’s super strong, right?”

“Partially, yes. The anti-magic properties of the armor coupled with Arc’s own magical manipulating abilities were enough to force the spell away. His physical power merely redirected the magical energy upward to seal the deal.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “And if he hadn’t deflected it upwards?”

“Then the spell would have broken apart and ricocheted across his armor to the side of him.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “So what you’re saying is that either way he would have been fine?”

Platinum Valve giggles. “I get it now! It’s all about dispersion!”

“Exactly. The spell as a whole was quite powerful. However when broken apart the force of each component was greatly diminished.”

Arc looks down at his gauntlets. “Well, I guess this proves the armor is indeed magic-proof.”

Daniel shakes his head. “Nothing is ever one-hundred percent effective, Arc. Remember, the armor can only lessen the force of spells. Inertia is still a factor though.”

“That I did feel, yes.”

He removes his helmet and looks at it for a moment.

“This will allow us to face Celestia on somewhat even ground.”

Twilight appears suddenly nervous. “Just to talk, right?”

Applejack bows her head. “Twilight, I think that boat has sailed.”

Pinkie frowns. “Right! She’s a meanie!”

Twilight gasps. “But this all just might be a big misunderstanding!”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Look around you, Twilight! We’re hiding out in another COUNTRY because she had our entire town DESTROYED!”

Fluttershy nods sadly. “We didn’t have a chance to defend ourselves.”

Rarity sighs. “Everypony lost everything that day.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “Yeah. This can’t be allowed to happen to anyone else.”

Hammer clenches a fist. “And we’ll see to that.”

Arc turns to look east. “That we will. But for now we need to head back to Equestria.”

Sereb grins. “What is our plan?”

Arc points a finger toward the horizon. “To take it back.”

Hammer steps forward. “I’m in!”

Ember cracks her knuckles. “Me too!”

Sereb growls. “I shall accompany you as well.”

Platinum Valve looks to Arc. “We should get started then. After all, it’s a long flight.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He turns to the others.

“Everyone going to be okay staying here?”

Fluttershy smiles. “Oh, yes.”

Applejack chuckles. “After all, I think we’re pretty safe in Abyssinia.”

“I mean staying as opposed to coming with me.”

He looks at Rarity as she shrinks back and giggles nervously.

“Well, I… um…”

“You still want to come, don’t you?”

“Yes!”

Pinkie bounces around happily. “We all do!”

Twilight sighs. “That’s right. But I do understand why you don’t want us to.”

Arc nods. “Right. This isn’t going to be safe, after all.”

Rarity raises a hoof sheepishly. “I’d… still like to come.”

Arc groans. “Rarity…”

Hammer nods soberly. “She should come, Arc.”

“Huh?”

“ I mean, just looks at her! She’s TOTALLY devoted to you!”

Ember nods approvingly. “Gotta say, Rarity’s really into this relationship.”

Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”

“Yes, well… Twilight help me out here.”

“I think you should take Rarity.”

“Wait, what?!”

Applejack nods. “Honestly, I agree.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! You two shouldn’t be apart!”

Rainbow Dash hovers. “That’s right! But do you think you could do something for me, Rarity?”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Let us all know when you and Arc have sex!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Because once you do, I’m coming for my turn!”

Applejack looks to her friend, mouth agape. “Wow…”

“I’ll do things to you that you’ve never even thought about, Arc!”

Fluttershy blushes heavily. “That’s a bit…”

“It’ll blow your mind!”

Sereb puts a paw over his face and turns away. “Not sure this is the best time to be…”

“I won’t be able to walk straight for a…!”

Twilight interrupts her. “That’s enough, Rainbow Dash!”

Hammer laughs heartily. “Yeah! Save some action for the rest of us!”

“You want in on this too, cupcake?”

“Well duh!”

“Wanna tag team him?”

“That does sound hot!”

Ember frowns. “Hey! What about me?!”

Platinum Valve looks to Arc. “I’m not sure I understand what this all means. Can you explain it to me?”

Arc facepalms. “Oh boy. Look, we all need to go. The rest of you can continue fantasizing about… this.”

Rarity runs over to Arc and extends a hoof to him.

“Shall we be off?”

“Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes.”

Arc accepts Rarity’s hoof and motions for the others to follow him. Twilight turns to Rainbow Dash as they return to the Town Hall.

“What’s the matter with you?!”

“Huh?”

Applejack frowns. “Couldn’t you see that made Arc feel uncomfortable?!”

Pinkie nods. “Yeah! He practically ran out of here!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I did come on a bit strong, didn’t I?”

Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “A little?”

“Okay, a lot!”

Twilight groans. “Look, we all want to feel Arc on and… inside of us, Rainbow Dash. But you need to control yourself.”

Pinkie giggles. “Pushing him to do it won’t make it any easier!”

Applejack sighs. “For either of you I would imagine.”

“Sorry everypony. He’s just so… HOT!”

Fluttershy looks to the pegasus. “That’s not the issue here though.”

Applejack nods. “Right. Remember, if you really care for Arc you won’t put him in positions like that in the future.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “I’ll show him positions…”

Twilight groans. “Do you need to get this out of your system?”

“Yeah!”

“Fine. Start talking.”

“So first I was thinking I would go down on him before…!”

Everyone listens to the extreme details of Rainbow Dash’s sexual fantasies. Meanwhile, Arc and company board The Equinox. Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out. “Bridge here.”

“Is the ship ready to go?”

Soarin nods. “Yes sir.”

“Good. Tell me, is Auriel still working down in Engineering?”

Wrangler chuckles. “Yup. She and Stellar Flare are trying to come up with new ways to modify the engines along with the O.R.B. system.”

“That might come in handy later if things don’t work out as planned.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t they…?”

“I’d rather fly away than stay and fight.”

Hammer grins as she pulls out her gun. “Why?”

“Because they’re Equestrians.”

Sereb growls. “And traitors.”

Rarity gasps. “But they’re just following orders!”

Platinum Valve scowls. “Just because a superior tells them to do something doesn’t make it right though!”

Thunderlane nods approvingly. “Agreed. We’re sworn to protect Equestria and its citizens. Not be used as cannon fodder by the monarchs.”

Arc sighs. “That and I’d rather be able to go around a fight than into one. I’ll need Auriel to help with this whole statue thing when the time comes.”

Platinum Valve looks to him. “What about me?”

“The two of you will be working together on it. Hopefully that’ll lead to an increase in productivity.”

Hammer chuckles. “It ain't a race, Arc.”

Moon Dancer nods soberly. “To a degree, it is.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “How do you figure?”

Sereb growls. “If we don’t do this in time, innumerable ponies may pay the price of our failure. Correct?”

Wrangler grits her teeth. “Right. But that doesn’t mean we have to be passive about it.”

Lemon Heart sighs. “Stealth will most likely serve us well in the coming days.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Let’s not let them down.”

Thunderlane nods. “What course do you want set, sir?”

“Head for Horseshoe Bay. I want to fly northwest, but south of the bay.”

Soarin raises an eyebrow. “Sir? Won’t that put us in visual range of Baltimare?”

“Yes. But Twilight’s agreed to send a very special letter that I’ve written to Celestia once we give her the go-ahead.”

Ember chuckles. “All part of the master plan, Arc?”

Hammer grins menacingly. “You’re trying to freak out that royal pain in Canterlot?”

“Not exactly. Ultimately I need Decimus to act, as he’s the one pulling the strings at the moment. But getting to Celestia is the secondary objective, yes.”

Chapter 3 - The Duties of a Royal

A short time later Flash Sentry and Platinum Valve enter the Audience Chamber with Kibitz. The Mane 6, Twilight, and Arc are standing in the middle of the room waiting for them. Flash Sentry is the first to speak.

“We came as soon as we could, sir!”

Platinum Valve nods breathlessly. “Yeah! What’s the problem?!”

Arc gestures to Twilight. “The princess will explain.

“I will?”

Hammer sighs. “Probably should.”

“You ARE the ruler of this land, remember?”

Arc nods. “Right. Why don’t you take your place on the throne and we can get down to business?”

“But shouldn’t you…?”

Arc frowns and shakes his head. Twilight grimaces.

“I… understand.”

She approaches the throne and, after looking it over for a few moments, nervously sits down. Arc stands off to one side with Hammer and Ember as Twilight’s friends stand on the other.

“Captain. I’ve heard of a new… monument that was going to commemorate Princess Celestia’s return. Is this true?”

Flash Sentry shrugs. “While I had heard of such a thing, there is no such object here in the capital.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes. I’ve been up most of last night trying to locate it.”

Rose raises an eyebrow. “So you believe it’s a threat?”

“I believe that anything Decimus was connected to in his time here should be investigated.”

Arc frowns. “Could it have been moved?”

“Possibly, yes. However something that large would be hard to keep under wraps.”

Hammer grins. “They probably destroyed it before retreating.”

Ember chuckles. “Scorched earth, eh Hammer?”

“Something like that.”

Platinum Valve puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That would be the logical thing to do, yes. He may have even left parts of it in a somewhat obvious place for it to be found.”

Applejack appears confused. “For what purpose?”

“To make us believe the threat to be neutralized.”

Rarity shudders. “A chilling thought.”

Rainbow clops her front hooves together. “So let’s find this thing and REALLY destroy it!”

Fluttershy hides behind Rainbow Dash. “Agreed! Nopony is safe while it’s out there.”

Hammer shrugs. “Assuming it really is a weapon, that is.”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Oh, it is!”

Arc turns to her. “How do you know?”

“Pinkie Sense!”

Twilight groans. “Not this again!”

“But it’s always right!”

Ember turns to Twilight and clears her throat loudly in an attempt to change the subject. “What should be done, Princess Twilight?”

“We need more information. Captain, locate this weapon and report its location to me.”

She turns to Platinum Valve.

“On the recommendation of Hero of Light Arc, I’m granting you access to all information regarding historical weapons of this type. Kibitz will relay my command and see to it all pertinent information is sent to the Sunburst’s office. You and the Lead Sage will familiarize yourselves with it and come up with a strategy.”

Platinum Valve nods. “Yes, your highness.”

Kibitz turns to the door. “I’ll return just as soon as possible, your highness.”

Arc nods with a small smile as the filly grins widely at him. She turns to leave with Kibitz as Twilight returns her gaze to Flash Sentry.

“Captain, see to it this city remains in friendly hooves until further notice.”

“Yes, your highness. But we’re a bit short of officers.”

Hammer raises a hand. “I can help!”

Ember chuckles. “She does have military training, Twilight.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “What do you think?”

“Ember’s right. Hammer’s done a fair share for us after coming over to our side. I feel that we can trust her to assist Flash Sentry in this matter. However they may need more authority to act in this regard.”

“Very well. Flash Sentry… I bestow upon you the rank of Colonel in addition to the authority granted by your station as the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

“Hammer, you will act as the colonel’s lieutenant.”

Ember gives Hammer a thumbs up. “Moving on up in the world!”

Hammer grins. “Thanks! I won’t let you down, princess!”

“I’ll let you two get to work. See the quartermaster for new armor and insignias. That and I want you to keep me posted regarding any new developments.”

Flash Sentry bows. “Yes, your majesty.”

The Audience Chamber doors open and a guard hurries in. They looks up at Arc, breathlessly.

“Sir! We’ve got trouble!”

Arc frowns as he hurries down from the throne. “What is it?!”

“A massive horde of ponies is at the drawbridge!”

Flash Sentry grits his teeth. “An attack?!”

Ember groans. “I’ll check it out!”

Spreading her wings, she flies out the door. Twilight appears concerned.

“I guess our enemies aren’t going to give us time to prepare a defense.”

Flash Sentry draws his twin blades. “I shall defend you, Princess Twilight!”

Hammer grins as she pulls her gun. “Bring em on!”

Rainbow Dash flies over to stand with Hammer. “I’ve got your back, cupcake!”

Applejack takes up a battle ready stance. “We all do!”

Arc draws his spear as he calls forth his armor. “If it’s a fight Decimus wants, I’ll kill him AGAIN!”

Twilight looks nervous as Ember returns sometime later. She walks lazily toward them, shaking her head and sighing.

“False alarm.”

Rarity beams. “Wonderful!”

Fluttershy looks out from behind a pillar. “I don’t understand. The guard said there was a horde of ponies at the gates.”

Pinkie frowns as she looks to the guard. “Yeah! How’d you mess THAT up?!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Technically, he didn’t. There really is a lot of ponies at the gates. However it appears they’re here for audiences.

Twilight’s face twitches. “Wha…?!”

Applejack sighs. “Well, somepony has to do it.”

“Yes, but I don’t know if I’m…”

Arc interrupts her as he turns to the Captain of the Royal Guard. “Flash Sentry, tell the guards to allow the citizens into the outer chambers. We’ll begin the process of having them seen shortly. After that you and Hammer get new insignias befitting your station.”

“Yes sir.”

“We’re on it!”

They bow respectfully and leave. Pinkie grins.

“First audiences! Nervous, Twilight?!”

“I…!”

Applejack groans. “Of course she is. Who wouldn’t be?”

Rarity smiles warmly at Twilight. “Do you want us to help?”

Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. “That would be great!”

Fluttershy sighs. “Not sure how much we can do though.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “How about we just listen and try to advise Twilight if a case is too hard for her?”

Pinkie grins. “That’d work!”

Ember shrugs. “Probably.”

Arc turns toward the throne. “Is that okay with you, Twilight?”

“I suppose so.”

“Might I speak with you in private before you start though?”

Twilight nods fervently. “Thanks. I’d like a bit of a talk on how to do this beforehoof.”

She turns to her friends before continuing.

“Would everypony please wait in the office?”

Applejack nods. “Sure thing, sugarcube.”

Pinkie bounces toward the door. “We’ll be back before you know it!”

Fluttershy appears confused. “But we’re only going to another room.”

Pinkie grins as she hops. “So?! I’m still right!”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly as she looks to Arc and Twilight. “Be good in here you two.”

Rarity smiles at her friend. “Pay attention to what Arc tells you, Twilight. He has a lot of experience with this sort of thing, after all.”

“I will.”

They close the office door behind them as Arc looks to Ember.

“Why don’t you take a bit of a walk? I’ll catch up with you later.”

Nodding, Ember leaves the Audience Chamber. Arc turns to Twilight.

“Scared?”

“I am, yes.”

“Would you mind if I came up there?”

“I wish you would.”

Arc walks up the steps to stand next to Twilight. She turns her head to look at him as he kneels down next to her.

“Look straight ahead, Twilight.”

“Um… okay.”

Doing as she is told, Twilight looks down the red carpet toward the large double doors at the end of the room as Arc speaks.

“Tell me, what do you see?”

“A large empty room.”

“Oh? Is that all?”

Twilight shrugs. “Yes. What else is there to see?”

“The room itself has seen so many audiences over the years… decades… centuries even. Ponies come from all around to have their case heard and judged by a princess.”

“I know that, Arc. What are you getting at?”

“Tell me, what would happen if the princess one day decided not to see anyone in this manner ever again?”

“I’m… not sure.”

“Property disputes, divorces, diplomatic affairs, and even personal advice would not be administered. This would be very hard on the population whom rely on the princesses for help.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That does make sense. But I’m not Princess Celestia! She had CENTURIES to practice this!”

“Agreed. However, at some point in time she was in the exact same position as you are right now. Sitting on a new throne with throngs of ponies waiting to see a princess without any real experience to speak of.”

“That… logically speaking has to be true, I suppose.”

“Why did they come? I mean they had to know Celestia didn’t really understand how to rule yet.”

“I… I don’t know.”

“Because they believed in the rulers that Star-swirl the Bearded had selected.”

Twilight bows her head. “But he didn’t pick me.”

“True. Celestia did.”

“Why I don’t know.”

“Because she believed that you could one day be someone whom she could entrust the kingdom to.”

“But I’m not ready!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Twilight… I’m going to let you in on a little secret. From a former ruler to the current one.”

“Yes?!”

“There is no ‘ready’.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! But you did great!”

Arc sighs. “Only because I knew there was a job to do and that it was mine.”

He takes her face in his hands and smiles.

“Just do your best. No one can ask for more.”

Twilight silently nods as she puts her hooves around Arc’s neck. The pair hug for a few moments before pulling back.

“Don’t be afraid to ask your friends for their viewpoints as well. That’s something I wish I had sometimes.”

“I’ll do that. Um… might I ask for something before we get started?”

“What is it?”

“A… um… kiss?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Now?”

Twilight blushes and nods. “I know it sounds strange, but I just felt so… empowered the last time we did that.”

Arc grins. “Well if it would help you, sure.”

Putting his arms around the mare, Twilight leans into him. Closing her eyes, she presses her lips against Arc’s and sighs contentedly. Shifting her weight, she pushes Arc over and onto his back at the foot of the throne. They lie there for a time kissing as Arc strokes Twilight’s mane. Eventually she pulls back, grinning ear to ear.

“That… should help.”

“Feeling better?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chest and smiles woozily. “I’m feeling… just so relaxed right now. But I would like more.”

Arc shakes his head as he picks her up. “Another time, Twilight. We all have work to do now.”

Setting her down on the throne, he looks her over. Straightening the Element of Magic on her head, Arc nods.

“You look pretty good there, Twilight.”

“How’s my mane?”

“Fine. That’s kinda surprising considering what we just did.”

Twilight giggles. “It was worth it.”

She is suddenly sober as a thought crosses her mind.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… was kinda hoping… um…”

“What is it?”

“Sorry. It can wait.”

“If you say so.”

Kibitz enters the Audience Chambers and quickly approaches with a massive stack of papers on his back. Arc hurries over to him.

“Woah, that’s a lot of something!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What’s all that?”

“The backlog of audiences, your highness! It’s pandemonium out there right now!”

Twilight sighs. “Then we’d best get started.”

“Do you have something simple to start Twilight off, Kibitz?”

“Yes. Remember, I’ve never done anything like this before.”

Kibitz nods as he gestures to the papers. “I’ve taken the liberty of sorting the workload to include only the most straightforward cases at the moment, your highness.”

Twilight gasps. “Wait! You mean that ISN’T everything?!”

“No, ma’am. Think of it as the tip of the iceberg.”

Kibitz turns to Arc before continuing.

“Sir, I hate to say this but there’s no possible way Princess Twilight could handle this workload as it stands.”

“Can’t we just extend audience hours, or something?”

“Yes, sir. But based on my experience as Princess Celestia’s personal aide, even if audiences were to take place all day without any kind of break it would still not be possible to get through even half of them by midnight tonight.”

Twilight groans. “What do you suggest then?”

“While certainly out of the ordinary, it would be pertinent for the Hero of Light to lend a hoof to some of the more… complicated matters on the docket today.”

He looks to Twilight apologetically.

“No offense intended, your highness.”

“None taken.”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“I… suppose I could help get things caught up in that department. Could I borrow Raven to organize things for me though?”

Kibitz nods. “Of course, sir. She’s putting together today’s paperwork at the moment.”

“Tell her to put that on hold.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Arc? Paperwork may not be glamourous, but it still needs to be done.”

Arc sighs as he turns to Twilight. “Sorry, I overstepped my position. But I do believe that the citizens need to come first. After all they’ve waited for so long.”

“Very well. Kibitz, we will be foregoing paperwork today.”

“By your will, Princess Twilight. But I must warn you that it’s been piling up just like the audiences have.”

“One problem at a time. Now then, where will Arc hold his audiences?”

Arc points toward the doors. “I could use the Conference Room. It’s certainly big enough to hold audiences.”

Kibitz looks to Twilight. “Your majesty?”

“Fine. Whatever Arc deems necessary will be accommodated.”

Arc turns to Kibitz. “All right. I’ll head over to the Conference Room and wait for Raven then.”

“Yes sir. I’ll notify the commanding officer outside of the change and coordinate the transfer of certain choice matters to your charge.”

“Fine. Oh! And send anyone with a bad attitude to me as well.”

Twilight frowns. “Arc?”

“I just want you to have a good first day, Twilight. They get pushy with me and I’ll push them right back… into the dungeon!”

“While I appreciate that, Arc, I won’t learn how to properly lead by being sheltered from my duties.”

“Alright. If you’re sure.”

He turns back to Kibitz.

“Rescind my earlier request to take all those with bad attitudes.”

“Yes sir. Now then, might I suggest a quick combing of the hair and brushing of the tunic before you get started? It appears you fell over.”

“Oh… uh… I guess I did.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “You see, we were…”

Arc grabs Kibitz by the hoof. “Let’s go!”

He moves toward the door with Kibitz in tow before turning back to his friend on the throne.

“Have a nice day, Twilight! Don’t let anyone push you around!”

Twilight smiles as she waves a hoof. “You too, Arc!”

They leave the chamber as Twilight stands and walks over to the office. Opening the door she motions for the others to step out. Applejack is the first to speak.

“How’d it go?”

“Just fine. Arc mostly just told me to have faith in myself though.”

Pinkie giggles. “Aw, we could have told you that!”

Twilight blushes slightly and looks away. “Well… he did a bit more, I suppose.”

Rarity smiles warmly. “Oh? Like what?”

“I asked him to… kiss me.”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “I bet he almost fell over!”

“Arc was a bit surprised, yes. But he did give me what I wanted.”

Fluttershy gasps happily. “Really? Was it nice?”

Twilight nods. “Very. I suggest you try it sometime, Fluttershy.”

“Yes, I will.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Hey! Don’t forget about me! I want my first kiss too!”

Applejack sighs. “I know what you mean, sugarcube.”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Me two! Three?! Aw, I don’t even know anymore!”

Twilight giggles. “He’s certainly loosening up lately.”

Applejack appears relieved. “That’s good.”

Rainbow Dash looks toward the now closed double doors at the end of the red carpet. “Yeah. I was worried all of this herd stuff would just kinda be too much for him to handle.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Well, he deserves all the love in the world.”

Twilight looks to her friends. “About that. I wanted to speak to all of you regarding something I’ve been thinking about for some time now. You see…”

They talk softly and giggle happily as the mares escort Twilight back toward her throne.

Chapter 5 - Hospital Visits

As the sun rises over the city, Arc and Rainbow Dash walk down a corridor toward the now familiar hospital room. She looks around a few moments before lowering her voice and turning to him.

“S-sorry about last night.”

“It’s… no problem, Rainbow Dash.”

“That really wasn’t cool. What I did, I mean. I should have been up front with you about Zephyr from the start.”

“Yeah, probably should.”

“Um… what would you have said if I had been?”

“You mean would I still have agreed to include you in the herd?”

Rainbow Dash nods as Arc sighs.

“Honestly, I would have asked that you approach Zephyr about what you and your friends were planning and made sure your past with him was resolved before even considering the matter further.”

“Y-yeah. That probably would have been for the best.”

“Well, there’s a chance up ahead to remedy that.”

Rainbow Dash appears confused. “There is?”

“When we enter and speak to Fluttershy’s parents you could leave with Zephyr and talk to him about this.”

“What?! But he’ll tell my parents!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “They’ll have to know sooner or later, won’t they?”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I guess so. But I don’t think they’ll be too happy about it.”

“Maybe not. However this is ultimately your choice to make.”

“But I’m their last chance to…!”

Arc interrupts her. “…to join your family with Fluttershy’s?”

“Yeah!”

“That’s not important.”

“It is to them!”

“Well, which do you think is more important? Their desire to be closer to family friends, or your happiness?”

Rainbow Dash looks down at the floor. “I know they want what’s best for me. But shouldn’t I want that for them too?”

“What do you mean?”

“If me and Zephyr getting together is really THAT important to them…”

Arc shakes his head vehemently. “No, Rainbow Dash. That’s going too far.”

“But my parents mean the world to me!”

“Does Zephyr?”

“Kinda. I mean… we’re still friends.”

“But does that constitute you being married to him for life?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “I don’t know. Maybe?”

Arc frowns. “Only you can answer that question, Rainbow Dash. But think about it long and hard before you come to a final decision.”

She nods as they reach their destination. Arc knocks lightly before turning the knob and opening the door. Entering, they see Fluttershy and Zephyr Breeze sitting in chairs near the bed. Neither appear to have slept well the previous night. Rainbow Dash walks over to them slowly and quietly.

“Hey. Um… how’s it going?”

Fluttershy groans lightly. “Okay, I guess.”

Zephyr looks to the beds. “They’ve been mostly sleeping since I got here last night. Sorry for running out on you, Rainbow.”

“It’s fine. Family comes first, right?”

“Y-yeah. Um…”

Arc steps forward and clears his throat.

“Forgive me for interrupting. But if your parents are able to do so, I really need to talk to them.”

Fluttershy nods sleepily as she stands. “Yes, of course.”

Walking over to the beds, she gently shakes her father’s hoof.

“Father? Can you hear me?”

The elderly stallion slowly opens his eyes and looks up at his daughter.

“Fluttershy?”

“Yes, father. It’s me. How are you feeling today?”

“Still a bit drained. How’s your mother?”

“I’m letting her sleep. Sorry for waking you up, but there’s somepony here whom needs to talk to you.”

“There is?”

“Yes. The Hero of Light needs to know what happened.”

Zephyr approaches and together he and Fluttershy help the elderly stallion sit up. He looks to Arc nervously as Fluttershy speaks.

“Now remember, father, this is my friend. I know he may look a bit scary, but he’s actually very nice.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah. Give him a chance.”

Nodding, the stallion waits for Arc to speak.

“Hello, Mr. Shy. My name is Arc, and I need to talk to you about what happened to you in the Rainbow Factory.”

Mr. Shy puts a hoof to his forehead. “My head still feels muddled from the whole ordeal.”

Zephyr puts a hoof on his father’s shoulder. “I’m sure it was bad, dad. But we really need to get to the bottom of it.”

“Yes… yes.”

He looks to Arc.

“What do you want to know?”

“Let’s start with how you were captured.”

“I was taking care of some additional duties after normal business hours. One of the machines needed repairs, which are easier to do at that time versus during the workday. The last thing I remember was the sound of hoofsteps approaching me from behind.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces. “Who was it?!”

Mr. Shy sighs. “Like I said, I was busy repairing a machine at the time, so I didn’t see. It’s not out of the ordinary for others to be on the floor at that hour, so I just figured it was a maintenance pony.”

Arc frowns. “What did you see when you awoke?”

“A cage with several other ponies in it. Like myself, nopony really knew what was going on.”

“When I found you and the others a number of guards were tossing in condiments. Was that what you ate?”

“Yes. All we were given was condiments and a little water every day.”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “Any idea what they wanted?”

“Not really. After feeding time our captors would gather around the cage and stare at us with very… strange looks on their faces.”

Zephyr grits his teeth. “Did any of them hurt you?”

“They didn’t lay a hoof on us, no. Just stared for a time before stepping back and allowing the next group to do the same.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I see. And how did you feel when they were doing this?”

“Very uncomfortable. However not just because of the lack of basic needs. It felt like their stares were somehow weakening us.”

Fluttershy looks at her father. “Did they cast any spells on you or mother?!”

“No. Our captors were all Pegasi. Not Unicorns.”

Arc nods. “Did it make you feel tired?”

“Actually, yes. What did they do to us?!”

Arc sighs. “Those weren’t ponies.”

“But they most certainly were…”

“They were changelings.”

“I’m not sure what that means.”

Fluttershy bows her head. “It means they’re creatures that can change their appearance at will, father.”

“But… how?”

Arc shrugs. “Some kind of magic known only to them. Now then, if she’s able, I would like to speak to your wife now.”

Zephyr sighs. “That’s not a good idea, sir.”

Fluttershy nods. “Yes, my mother is in much worse condition than my father.”

Mr. Shy groans. “They looked at her the most. At the time I thought they were just using her for eye candy. But if what you say is true, they were draining her more than me. It’s fortunate that she was taken sometime later than I was.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Later?”

“Yes. I was there for a week before she joined me. The others looked to be in pretty rough shape by then.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth angrily. “They might have been trying to increase their yield.”

Arc furrows his brow. “Agreed. By reuniting spouses, the pair would theoretically put off greater amounts of love for them to feed on.”

Fluttershy turns to Arc. “The real question now is what they were doing here. For all we know those were a scouting team.”

Zephyr looks out the window. “Or they were just acting alone.”

Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Either makes sense.”

Mr. Shy looks to Arc. “Have you been able to interrogate them yet, sir?”

“All of them were killed or committed suicide before we could take them. Sadly you and the others are our only source of information.”

“There is one thing I overheard.”

Fluttershy gasps. “What was it, father?”

“All of them would talk about something to the effect of a reunion.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide. “With a larger force?”

“No idea. I only heard bits and pieces. None of it made sense though.”

Arc frowns. “Tell it to me anyways.”

“Well… the reunion talks always preceded something to do with Princess Celestia.”

Zephyr shakes his head vehemently. “You must be mistaken, dad! Princess Celestia would never work with the changelings!”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Maybe she would.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Rainbow Dash!”

“You know what she’s already done! I wouldn’t put something like that past her!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Or you could have been meant to hear that.”

“Sir?”

“Think about it. When you were taken, no one was left to take your place. They had to know someone would eventually track them down and uncover the whole plot.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Then they’d be interviewed and we’d hear about Princess Celestia’s involvement.”

Fluttershy gasps. “If we released this information publicly it could serve to destabilize the entire country.”

Arc nods. “Further, yes.”

Zephyr looks to his father. “But we can’t just keep it to ourselves, can we?”

“If it would hurt others, yes.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah, well if Arc says we do…!”

“Right. This doesn’t leave the room. At least until we’ve figured out what’s going on.”

Zephyr points a hoof toward the door. “But what about the others whom were taken? Eventually somepony will say something to somepony.”

Mr. Shy shakes his head. “I don’t think they heard it. Everypony was pretty out of it when they were done with us, after all.”

Rainbow Dash shudders. “Either way, this is kinda scary.”

Fluttershy grimaces. “First the Crystal Empire. Now Cloudsdale.”

Arc sighs. “To say nothing for the changelings in Vanhoover a while back.”

Zephyr gasps. “You think they’re invading?!”

“I think they’re gauging us. Either that or probing.”

Mr. Shy looks to Zephyr. “Neither sounds pleasant.”

“Well, hopefully that won’t happen. But I’ll do my best to keep quiet about this at dinner tonight.”

Mr. Shy appears confused. “Dinner?”

“Don’t you remember, dad? Rainbow Dash’s mom invited me over to their house for supper tonight.”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “I think he was still asleep when she said that.”

“Oh. Sorry. You nodded when I asked if that was okay though.”

“No memory of doing that either.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Shouldn’t you be with your mom and dad right now though, Zephyr?!”

Mr. Shy chuckles. “It’s alright. Like the doctor said, your mother and I will be just fine with some rest. Go ahead, son.”

“Thanks, dad. I do hope you and mom get better soon.”

“And I hope you do well on your new career, son. Whatever that might be.”

Zephyr nods and steps back as Arc turns to Mr. Shy.

“Anything else you can tell me?”

“Just one thing. Those things that took us… they didn’t care.”

Fluttershy sighs. “About you and the others?”

“To them we were nothing more than vegetables. So if you’re hoping to reason with them, remember that.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.”

He turns to Fluttershy.

“Is there anything you need?”

“Just time, I suppose. But if you could let Twilight know about this, I’d appreciate it.”

“I already spoke to her regarding the kidnappings, so she’s aware of the changeling threat. Of course I’ll bring her up to speed on what was said here today as well. Anything you’d like to add?”

Fluttershy nods. “Tell her to do her best and that we’re behind her all the way.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll do that.”

He turns to Mr. Shy before continuing.

“Thank you for your time, sir. Please get some rest now.”

“I will, thank you.”

Arc turns and leaves the room as Zephyr looks to Rainbow Dash.

“We should probably give them some time alone now.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow, confused. “Uh… why?”

“Because my parents are still really weak. That and we both have things to do right now.”

Fluttershy raises a hoof. “I’ll stay with them though.”

“Thanks, sis.”

He turns to his father and grins.

“Take care, pops.”

“You too, son.”

Rainbow Dash and Zephyr leave the room together as Mr. Shy turns to his daughter.

“So… how are things going with those two?”

“With who?”

“Zephyr Breeze and Rainbow Dash.”

“Oh, um… I don’t actually know. You see, I came back to Cloudsdale to support Princess Twilight during her speech and was told you were in the hospital. There hasn’t been much time for me to do anything since.”

“But do you think they’ll hit it off?”

“I don’t think so, no.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“They don’t seem to have much in common anymore.”

“Time can do that.”

“And they don’t really strike me as being open to rekindling an old flame.”

Mr. Shy sighs. “A shame. But what about you, Fluttershy?”

“M-me?!”

“Do you have somepony in your life?”

Fluttershy blushes. “I… kinda do, yes.”

“Really?”

“Is that surprising, father?”

“It is, actually. Your mother and I thought you’d be single forever.”

“We aren’t officially dating though, no.”

“But you’d like to?”

“Oh, yes. To be honest, we have gone out together before.”

“Dinner and a show?”

“Dinner and a trip to Canterlot’s indoor nature preserve.”

Mr. Shy raises an eyebrow. “Canterlot?”

“Yes. Is something wrong with that?”

“Oh no. I just didn’t think you were dating an aristocrat.”

“He’s not… I mean… it’s complicated.”

“Does he treat you well?”

Fluttershy nods. “Oh yes! Very!”

“And do you love him?”

Fluttershy blushes and smiles. “Quite a bit, yes!”

“Then that’s all that matters. But tell me, what is it about him that you like?”

“Well… he doesn’t try to change me. I’m okay just the way I am.”

“Accepting. That’s good. What else?”

“Gentle. He’s extremely careful with my feelings and goes out of his way to not upset me.”

“Conscientious.”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “And he’s very… um… family oriented.”

“Oh?”

“He has a perfect little filly.”

“So he’s been married before?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “Oh no, never. He adopted her and helped support the filly’s mother in her time of need. She’s a single parent, after all.”

“This stallion sounds like a good match for you, Fluttershy. I can’t wait to meet him.”

“It won’t be for a while though. He’s… um… very busy with his job at the moment.”

“Ah, so he’s works in Canterlot Castle, eh?”

“…kinda.”

“He must be doing well for himself to be able to afford to take you out on the town though. What is his job exactly?”

“Well… a lot of what he does is top secret. National security, mind you. But one of the things he does is to advise the princess.”

“Princess Twilight?”

“All of them, actually. Well, other than Princess Celestia, I suppose.”

“Now I can’t wait to meet this stallion.”

He yawns as Fluttershy pushes him gently down onto the pillow.

“Yes, father. But you just rest now.”

Mr. Shy nods as he closes his eyes and drifts off. Fluttershy sighs and shakes her head.

“I’m not really sure how you’ll take that meeting, father. But gather your strength nonetheless.”

Chapter 9 - Late Night Endeavors (Part 1)

Hammer and Rarity fall asleep shortly thereafter. However Arc lies there staring up at the ceiling for several hours. He muses to himself silently.

“Rarity. Hammer. Everyone else too. They all want me to have sex with them so bad. Is this normal for ponies? Should I just… give them what they want? I mean… I do want it too, but…”

He sighs before continuing.

“…but they’re all just so… so CUTE! And they deserve someone whom can give them each the attention they deserve. After all, with so many wives…”

Arc puts a hand over his face and groans slightly. Frowning, he Blinks out of bed and over to the window. Resting his arm against the glass he looks out across the darkened terrain that lies before them.

“I’m starting to wonder if I can truly make any of them happy. Much less all of them.”

Standing there for a time, he eventually turns and grabs his pants. Putting them on Arc leaves his quarters and begins walking. Coming to the Observation Deck he spies someone there already. Walking over he spots Applejack’s signature hat. Clearing his throat in an effort to get her attention she turns around and looks to him, confused.

“Arc? What are you doing up?”

“Just taking a walk. And you?”

Applejack looks away nervously. “I’ve… got a lot on my mind.”

“Would you like to talk about it?”

“Kinda would actually.”

Arc sits down next to her and waits for her to speak.

“First off, I’d like to say ‘thank you’ for what you did earlier in getting me out of a very… embarrassing situation.”

“No problem.”

Applejack sighs. “Pinkie means well, of course. But sometimes goes a bit too far.”

“Completely understandable. After all, I don’t want anyone to be pressured into doing something they don’t want to do.”

“That’s… actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh?”

“I… think I need to just come out and say it.”

Arc waits patiently as Applejack considers what to say.

“Arc?”

“Yes?”

“I… I… uh… I love you.”

“And I love you too, Applejack.”

“You do?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Does that surprise you?”

“Kinda, yeah. I mean… after I showed reluctance to get into bed with you earlier I kinda thought… you know.”

“It’s just fine, Applejack. We all need to go at our own paces here. And if you’re not ready, you’re not ready.”

“That… wasn’t the problem.”

“Then what is?”

Applejack groans. “I just… feel so out of it when you’re around. Like there’s butterflies in my stomach. More so when we’re with the others for some reason.”

She turns and looks Arc in the eye before continuing.

“Arc… I want to be totally honest with you about something.”

“Honesty’s the best policy after all.”

Applejack nods. “All I ask is that you take everything I have to say here tonight seriously. And to keep it to yourself.”

“Sure thing.”

“I never told anypony this before, but… I have a dream.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Not sure if you know this, but Granny Smith raised us after our parents died. She was like a mother and father at the same time.”

“You all always seemed so close to me.”

“She gave all of us lots of advice. From how to best tend to the orchard to how to pull flavor from a dish. It just always seemed like there was nothing she didn’t know.”

Applejack wrings her hooves before continuing.

“She also… pulled me aside the day I got my cutie mark to have a conversation about a few things.”

“Family secrets?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No. She talked to me about… sex.”

“The birds and the bees?”

“What?”

“It’s what humans call the conversation where a parent tells their kid about that sort of thing.”

“She taught me about how to recognize if a stallion liked me. How to make myself look especially fetching to them. And… um… not to lift my tail to just anypony.”

Arc nods. “Sounds like good advice.”

“Yeah.”

“But what does that have to do with your dream?”

“I… didn’t realize it until I was a fully grown mare, but… everything granny taught me wasn’t just to prepare me for life as an adult. But to show me how to be a proper wife and mother someday.”

She is silent for a time.

“And I’d like to show her that those lessons were well learned.”

“How so?”

“By settling down and getting married.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”

“You’re right. I… um… would really like to bear you a foal, Arc.”

Arc blushes slightly. “What?”

“My dream… is to bear a foal with the one I love and stand with him as Granny Smith holds the newborn for the first time.”

Applejack puts her hoof on his hand.

“She won’t live forever, and I don’t want her to die before she gets a chance to see her great-grandfoals.”

“And you’d like to do that with me?”

Applejack nods as she smiles nervously. “Very much so, yes.”

“That’s actually pretty surprising.”

“Oh?”

“Forgive me, but I’ve always seen you as the most… conservative of the group.”

“Is that… bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. In fact, I find that very… I don’t really know how to put it into words, but it’s a good thing.”

“So… you’re interested in having a foal with me?”

“After getting to know you, and the others, yes.”

Applejack sighs. “Granny Smith may not have that much time.”

“I’m sure Auriel could find a way to make it work.”

“She said as much when we talked. But also that it would take years of research potentially.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t think there’s really anything we could do to speed it up either.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “Maybe. Then again… maybe not.”

“You have an idea?”

“Yeah.”

Standing, Applejack hops off her chair. She beckons Arc to kneel down to her level as she lowers her voice.

“This would have to be kept just between us, of course.”

“Applejack?”

Turning around, she lifts her tail to expose her flank and looks over her shoulder.

“My idea… is to just go for it.”

“And you want me to…?”

Applejack plants her front hooves firmly against a nearby table. “Yes. Put your seed in my belly.”

Arc sighs. “The initial tests all said that it won’t work. Incompatibilities with DNA.”

“I’ve never been much for science, sugarcube. So if you’d like to make something happen right now, I’m totally willing to…”

“Applejack?”

“Yes?”

“Please put your tail down.”

Sighing, she does so before turning around and bowing her head.

“Did I come on too strong?”

“Kinda.”

Applejack groans. “Sorry. I just… wanted my dream to come true so badly. I know we all agreed that Rarity should go first, but…”

“Have you talked to her about this?”

“No. I haven’t said a word to anypony else. Just you.”

“That’s not a good thing, Applejack.”

“Oh?”

“If you all want to be sister wives, the last thing you should be doing is to go behind their backs. After all, it’s not exactly Honest.”

“I suppose not. But what would I even SAY to them?!”

“Start with the truth.”

“Huh?”

“Tell them how you feel and get their opinions on the matter. They may not agree, of course. But that’s still better than what would happen if they find out you’re going behind their backs on something like this.”

“I’ll… try that when we all have a moment.”

“Perhaps on the trip home there will be time.”

“But we don’t exactly know when that will be.”

Arc shrugs. “True. But you could still talk to them anytime. This is really just a suggestion of mine. The final decision is still yours to make.

“Okay. Um… th-thanks for the talk. And, uh…”

She looks around and lowers her voice before continuing.

“Sorry about… being so forward earlier.”

“It’s fine. But can I be honest with you about something, Applejack?”

Applejack nods fervently. “Y-yes! Always!”

Arc kneels down in front of her. “I just want to say that I’m looking forward to going out with you at some point.”

Applejack blushes and looks away.

“I… I’m looking forward to that too.”

“That and I do think you’re really cute.”

Blushing deeper, Applejack looks to him.

“Really?”

“Really.”

Applejack smiles and allows Arc to wrap his arms around her. He pulls her into an embrace which she reciprocates. Arc removes her hat and gently kisses the top of her head which elicits a slight moan from her. Pulling back, he gives the hat back and smiles at her.

“Feeling better?”

“Much! But what were you doing up?”

“Just a lot on my mind.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not right now. It’s just the situation we’re in as a whole.”

“Alright. But you can always talk to me if you need to. Any of us really.”

“Thanks. I might just take all of you up on that offer later.”

“Well, I’m going to head back to bed now. You coming?”

Arc turns to look out a window. “I need a bit more alone time. Think I’ll step out onto the deck and get some fresh air.”

“You sure about that? I mean, this place might be dangerous.”

“I suppose so. Guess I could put on my armor though.”

“That’d probably be for the best. But you should probably go with somepony.”

Arc chuckles. “That would kinda negate the whole ‘alone time’ advantage. But I’ll walk you back to your room.”

“Okay.”

Heading down the corridor together, they come to Applejack’s room. She smiles at him and heads inside. However no sooner has Applejack closed her door than another one opens. Auriel steps out into the corridor with her father. Seeing Arc, they head over to him. Arc is the first to speak.

“Couldn’t sleep either?”

Auriel shakes her head. “We’ve been just sitting in our room talking.”

Malevolence puts a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “I’ve been telling Auriel of our land’s rich history and traditions. Sadly most were abandoned when we were relocated to Tartarus.”

Auriel sighs. “Hopefully our archives survived.”

Arc appears confused. “Archives?”

The king grins. “They hold the collective knowledge of our race. Things that have been forgotten can be rediscovered there.”

Auriel smiles. “I look forward to reading any tomes that may yet still exist. But what are you still doing up, Arc?”

Arc motions down the corridor. “Truth be told, I was just heading outside to get some air.”

“Might we join you?”

“We might be able to see the old palace from the deck.”

Arc nods. “I… suppose.”

Auriel takes Arc’s hand as they walk. King Malevolence follows the pair out the Main Hatch and onto the deck. Arc looks around, confused.

“It’s… so warm here.”

Malevolence chuckles. “Our race has always enjoyed the warmth of the tropics. When we were sent to Tartarus the first thing we noticed was just how dry the air there was.”

Auriel giggles. “But now, with the introduction of trees and other vegetation, the air is often laden with humidity.”

“Yes, it’s a welcome change.”

The king inhales deeply and sighs contentedly.

“But nothing compares to the smell of vegetation that has grown from thousands of generations of plants. From seed to sprout to full grown plant to death and finally to decomposition. From them grow new seeds and the process begins anew.”

Auriel turns to her father. “Yes, I was astonished at such a sight when I came to Equestria originally. That’s what drove me to create the artificial sun, father.”

“And succeed you did my dear.”

“With a lot of help from Twilight.”

Arc puts an arm around Auriel. “That really was impressive work you did back…”

King Malevolence suddenly bears his teeth.

“We are not alone out here!”

Auriel gasps as she looks to Arc. “Did you allow anyone else to leave the ship?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, just us three. What do you see?”

Malevolence points a claw. “A pony just ran inside the palace!”

Auriel gasps. “I saw that too!”

Arc calls forth his armor and looks around before turning to the pair.

“Are you sure?”

Malevolence grits his teeth. “Yes! That was NOT an animal!”

Auriel grimaces. “What should we do?!”

“Let me call the Bridge.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

“Soarin here, sir.”

“Have you detected anything in the area?”

“No craft within range, sir.”

“What about something on the ground?”

“Like what, sir?”

“A pony or other lifeform.”

“Our scanners can’t pick up anything that small reliably, sir. Might I ask where you are?”

“I’m out on the deck with King Malevolence and Auriel. They say they saw something out here.”

“Scanning for something that small would be hard to do on open ground, much less this jungle.”

Auriel looks to Arc. “What should we do?”

“Captain, I’m going to head into the ruins with the king and Auriel now.”

“Might I send you with backup, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at this time, no. Just the three of us will stick together though.”

“Yes sir.”

“If we’re not back by first light though send a team to look for us.”

“I’ll see to it, sir.”

“Good. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring, severing the connection as he turns to the pair again and gestures to the palace.

“Ready?”

Malevolence clenches a fist. “Very.”

Auriel nods as she squeezes Arc’s arm. “Me too.”

Arc carefully pushes Auriel towards her father.

“Stay close to the king. I need freedom of movement right now.”

Malevolence nods. “He’s right, my dear. Don’t worry though. I’ll keep you safe.”

Arc Blinks down to the ground as the king and Auriel flap their wings and glide down to join him. Looking around, Arc slowly advances toward the ruins before him. Walking up the silent stone steps before them he leads the way inside and looks to King Malevolence.

“Which way?”

Malevolence points to the right. “The archives are this way.”

“But how do you know that’s their target, father?”

“Break-ins were common when we lived here originally. But one thing was always the same. It was always to steal something from there.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “They were after your books?”

Malevolence shakes his head. “The Archives were home to more than just tomes, Arc. As they were the most secure location in the castle we would store our valuables there as well. In addition to some very… powerful magic artifacts.”

“Dark Magic, father?”

“Well, we ARE demons, my dear.”

Arc sighs. “I’d guess that after this long there since abandonment there would be nothing left worth taking. Either taken already, destroyed by the elements, or time itself.”

Malevolence grits his teeth. “Either way, we must find out what they’re after! This way!”

Leading the group to a large room they look around. Massive bookshelves line the perimeter. Auriel gasps.

“Oh my! So much knowledge!”

She turns to walk toward a shelf but her father grabs her arm, pulls her back, and puts a hand over her mouth.

“We are not alone here.”

Looking all around he bares his claws and calls out.

“I know you’re here! Show yourself!”

Silence again reigns through the room. Auriel pushes her father’s hand away and looks up at him.

“It may have been nothing, father. For all we know it could have simply been a…”

Arc interrupts her. “No one move.”

Frowning, Arc looks around the room. Hearing something, he whirls around and holds out a gauntlet.

“I’VE GOT YOU!”

A gasp rings out as he casts a Telekinesis Spell. Walking forward he kneels down and begins feeling around. Pulling at something, Arc removes a cloak to expose a pony lying face down on the floor. King Malevolence and Auriel hurry over as the king glares at the intruder.

“Who are you?!”

The pony grits their teeth angrily. “I’ll never talk!”

Auriel gasps. “What are you doing here?!”

“What part of me not talking did you not understand?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’ll let you up now. But if you try to get away, you’re going right back down on the ground.”

Growling, the pony rolls over and looks up at them as Arc releases her. Auriel casts a weak Light Spell to illuminate the room. The pony looks around at their captors before their eyes rest on Arc’s armor and his Crest of Light. Gasping, their eyes grow wide.

“YOU!”

“What about me?”

“Hero of Light Arc?!”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“What are you doing with these monsters?!”

Malevolence seethes. “Monsters?!”

The king steps forward angrily, but Arc puts up a hand motioning for him to stop.

“Wait. I want to hear her out.”

Turning back to the pony, he frowns.

“We’re here on a bit of an archeological expedition. But first I want to know who you are.”

The pony sighs and nods before speaking.

“The name’s Daring Do. You’ve probably heard of me.”

King Malevolence and Auriel look to one another and shrug. Daring Do rolls her eyes.

“What?! Have you two been living under a rock, or something?!”

Arc chuckles. “They kinda have. But I’ve been all over the world and never heard of you. Now then, what are you doing here?”

Daring Do sighs. “I don’t normally explain myself to others. But… my current employer left standing orders that we’re supposed to help you if asked.”

“Employer?”

“Princess Luna.”

Auriel gasps. “The princess sent you here?!”

“Yeah.”

Malevolence narrows his eyes. “For what purpose?!”

She turns to Arc and sighs.

“I’m here to collect a very dangerous artifact.”

Arc looks around. “Well, if the state of this place is any indication that relic is long gone.”

Malevolence glares at her. “Which one, thief?!”

“I… shouldn’t say.”

Arc points a thumb behind him. “You can trust them. They’re with me.”

Daring Do looks over to the pair. Auriel smiles and waves nervously as her father crosses his arms over his sizable chest and glares at her. Turning her attention back to Arc, Daring Do raises an eyebrow.

“You can’t be serious, sir.”

“I am. Tell me, what did Princess Luna say?”

“That we should help you in any way we can.”

“And why is that?”

“Because she trusts you I would imagine.”

Arc nods. “Right. Now answer my earlier question about the artifact.”

Daring Do groans. “Fine. I was sent here to retrieve something called the ‘Telepathy Ball’.”

Malevolence appears ready to explode. “WHAT?!”

“Father?”

“This little harpy CANNOT have our nation’s greatest treasure!”

Arc eyes the Pegasi. “What is it? Some kind of secret weapon?”

Daring Do shrugs. “No idea. Princess Luna didn’t exactly say what it did. Just that I shouldn’t touch it with my bare hooves.”

Malevolence scoffs. “She was right about that! Outsiders cannot handle its power!”

Arc frowns. “Again… what is it?”

“Something she should not have!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “That… didn’t really clear it up.”

“It is a sacred object that has been passed down through the generations from king to king!”

Auriel gasps. “So it’s of great historical significance?!”

“Very!”

Arc frowns. “Why can’t non-demons touch it though?”

“Because of its dark power! Anypony other than a demon would be instantly corrupted by it!”

Daring Do nods soberly as she speaks to Arc. “That might be why Princess Luna wanted it, sir.”

“To keep it out of demon hands?”

“Exactly. She told me that it had to be recovered at all costs.”

Chapter 2 - A Link to the Past

Sometime later Arc awakens to someone poking him. Slowly opening his eyes he looks up to see Hammer gazing down at him with her trademark cheesy grin.

“Now, don’t you look comfy.”

Arc smiles sleepily. “Anyone would on this mattress.”

“Don’t I know it! But that wasn’t what I meant.”

She points to his bedmate. Auriel lies curled up next to him smiling contentedly as she sleeps. Arc gently pushes a stray bit of hair from her face and looks down at her.

“Auriel really showed me something special last night.”

Hammer chuckles slyly. “I can only imagine what you saw in that shower.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But I just wanted to have a bit of fun.”

“Should I let her sleep?”

Hammer shrugs. “Maybe. After all, you two were up a big chunk of the night.”

Arc sighs. “I’d like to, but I know she wants to see her ancestral home.”

Tapping Auriel’s cheek lightly, Arc calls out to her.

“Auriel?”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks up.

“Arc?”

“I think it’s time to get up.”

Auriel looks up at him, confused. “But we just lay down.”

Hammer laughs. “That was over an hour ago.”

The young woman turns and looks to the door as she grins and continues.

“But… I understand if you two want a little more… alone time.”

Auriel lays back down on Arc’s chest. “Thank you.”

Arc sighs. “Come on, Auriel. Let’s go.”

“Do we have to?”

“I do. You can stay here if you want.”

Auriel shakes her head as she gets up with him. “Thanks, but I’d rather stay with you.”

Hammer chuckles as she takes Arc’s arm. “That I can understand.”

Auriel smiles as she latches onto his other. “Let’s go!”

Arc leads the pair out of the room and down the corridor. Entering the Cafeteria the trio finds everyone just sitting down. Hammer calls out.

“I got em!”

Applejack grins. “We thought you’d have a bit of trouble doing that.”

Arc smiles at all assembled. “Nah. I’m sure Auriel and I are just as hungry as everyone else.”

Auriel puts a claw to her belly. “Maybe more.”

They sit down together with the others as Auriel’s father turns to her.

“How are you feeling this morning, my dear?”

“A bit sore. But otherwise fine, father.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Perhaps Nurse Redheart could…”

Ember interrupts. “Nah! Auriel’s hard core!”

Hammer laughs. “Right! Even I didn’t think she had it in her to save Arc like that though!”

Rainbow Dash grins slyly. “Right, cupcake.”

Applejack nods approvingly. “She sure proved herself back there.”

Auriel blushes shyly. “Thank you, everyone.”

Pinkie turns to her. “Were you scared?!”

“Oh yes.”

Fluttershy gasps. “Then how did you…?”

“Because I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life without Arc by my side.”

Arc puts a hand on hers and smiles. “Thanks.”

“Speaking of last night, how are you feeling, Big Brother?”

“Like Auriel, a bit sore.”

“And the other thing?”

“As soon as the ‘Telepathy Ball’ was out of my possession I felt myself changing back.”

“I know that much. But any lasting effects?”

Arc shakes his head. “Fortunately no.”

He turns to Applejack.

“By the way, these pancakes are delicious.”

“How’d you know it was me whom made these?”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Are you psychic now, Arc?”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, it’s a side effect of the gas.”

Twilight gasps. “We need to get you to Nurse Redheart right away, Arc!”

Hammer groans. “I’m pretty sure he’s joking, princess.”

Arc grins. “That I am. But to answer Applejack’s question, I remember these apple pancakes from breakfast at the farm.”

Twilight blushes slightly as King Malevolence laughs heartily and smacks the table with a large hand.

“A good jest, Arc!”

Sometime later they finish eating and descend the gangplank together. Arc turns to Twilight.

“I’d like to go on record as saying that I think this is too big a risk.”

Twilight continues to look straight ahead. “Noted.”

Sereb groans. “Arc is correct. It is not wise to have you and the Element Bearers out in the open like this, your highness.”

Scootaloo looks around nervously. “Yes. So many things could happen!”

Twilight sighs. “While I understand everypony’s positions, this matter as a whole is very delicate.”

Auriel appears confused. “It is?”

“Yes. It’s my first diplomatic excursion since taking the throne.”

Malevolence grins. “I do hope it goes well for both of us, princess.”

Rainbow Dash appears crestfallen as they head for the palace ruins. “This place is falling apart!”

Applejack pokes at a fallen brick with a hoof. “Darn right.”

Pinkie frowns. “Is it really safe to go inside?!”

Fluttershy shudders. “Probably not.”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “It’s her call though.”

Twilight looks to King Malevolence. “What do you think?”

“Our kind build things to last. It may look old and run down to you. But there’s still a bit of life left in this place.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “I’d like to see the inside more in depth as well.”

Ember shrugs. “Well, I guess that settles it.”

Hammer turns to Arc. “Does it?”

“Kinda. But I do believe we should all stick together just in case.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “Agreed.”

Walking up the steps together, they enter the palace. Looking around everyone marvels at the detail of the architecture. Rainbow Dash is the first to speak as she hovers and looks up.

“Woah! Demons don’t do anything halfway!”

Auriel giggles. “So I’m told.”

The king nods approvingly. “That is true. Back when we inhabited this land our race was one with nature. Everything taken from the land had to be returned to the land in one way or another.”

Twilight turns to him. “Can you give us an example?”

“Leftovers from a kill could not be left to rot in the sun. Instead we used everything we could in any way we could before either properly burying or burning whatever was left. That involved both animals and plants.”

“You did mention that to me as a child, father. But could you elaborate on that?”

“While we had plenty or resources at our disposal it was viewed as being an affront to the land to waste even a scrap of what we were given. Fat was rendered and combined with dried meat to make pemmican. Bones could be crafted into tools, weapons, and other implements we needed. Hides were treated to make coverings of fur and leather as well as insulate homes. Teeth and claws were sometimes used to make blades. And the organs were rendered for their own inner fat to make soap.”

Rainbow Dash wrinkles her nose. “Gross.”

Applejack glares at her. “Rainbow Dash!”

“What?! Can you imagine wearing some other creature’s SKIN?!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her belly. “Admittedly it is a bit… unsettling.”

Rarity sighs. “I’m with them on this one, I’m afraid.”

Pinkie gasps. “But they were just using what they had!”

Hammer shrugs. “No shame in that.”

Twilight appears conflicted. “What do you think, Arc?”

“Better than letting it rot and letting young ones freeze.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah. Skin’s soft too.”

Auriel turns to her. “How would you know, Ember?”

“Remember that leather coat I had back on Earth?”

“Oh… right.”

Scootaloo speaks up. “But ponies use leather for some things.”

Applejack nods. “Right. It’s not a huge industry, mind you. But some things just can’t be made with cloth.”

Malevolence gestures to an open field nearby. “Indeed. What little we couldn’t use was pulverized and worked into the soil which we used to grow various herbs.”

Twilight turns to the king. “You farmed the land too?”

Malevolence shakes his head. “Not for food, no. Most of our diet consists of meat. We do enjoy fruits and vegetables found in the wild, of course. But our stomachs can only digest so much of it.”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “What kind of herbs were you growing then?”

“Medicinal mostly.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Mostly?”

“We did have a fondness for certain, shall we say… recreational herbs.”

Scootaloo appears confused. “Medicine for fun?”

“I don’t understand either, father.”

“They gave a certain euphoric high when taken internally.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “We have things like that on Earth too. They’re sometimes used as medicine, but can be abused too.”

Twilight frowns. “I’m not sure I approve of such things.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Why not? I mean, they weren’t hurting anything, right?”

Rarity sighs. “That may be. But such things can lead to some rather foolish decisions.”

Fluttershy groans. “I’ve found cats whom have gotten into wild catnip before. It’s not a pretty sight sometimes.”

Applejack turns to the king. “By ‘euphoric high’ you mean that it made them feel tipsy, right?”

“Something like that, yes.”

Scootaloo frowns. “Like alcohol?”

“It led to a different experience. While the individual might be considered out of sorts, it was not the same kind of impairment one gets from fermented liquids.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m familiar with the feeling of intoxication.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Auriel gasps. “When did YOU get drunk, Twilight?!”

Arc chuckles. “I remember. That’s how I got to Equestria.”

Twilight nods sadly. “Yes. I had far too much cider than I should have.”

Arc turns to look around. “It’s in the past though, Twilight. No use worrying about it now.”

Malevolence motions to the mountain. “Indeed. But please allow Auriel and I to take you on a small walk around the palace.”

Auriel grins. “Please forgive our dust though.”

Arc smiles at her. “Yes, we understand that you haven’t had time to clean.”

They laugh together as the group walks through the old hallways together. Coming to a large double doors they stop. King Malevolence turns to them before speaking.

“This is the Throne Room.”

Auriel grins expectantly. “Good! I’ve always wanted to see it!”

The kings turns and pushes the doors open. They are immediately blinded by an intense light within. Arc is the first to speak as they slowly enter.

“What… is that?!”

“Solis Crystals. The walls here are made almost entire of them. Give your eyes a moment to adjust to them and you’ll feel much better.”

Rainbow Dash’s squints as she looks around. “It… feels almost like real sunlight!”

Auriel giggles. “That’s what I was told they were intended to do.”

Malevolence nods. “Yes. I was in my chambers here for much of my day. It is… was… difficult for our kind to be separated from the fresh air and open spaces provided by nature. Therefore I ordered my sages to create a crystal to mimic sunlight.”

Twilight gestures to a fallen crystal on the floor. “And these were the result?”

“Yes. It made life so much easier.”

Rainbow Dash grins as she picks one up. “They hard to make?”

“Very easy actually. These crystals are naturally occurring in these mountains, after all.”

Rarity looks one over. “What makes them glow then?”

Auriel taps the wall. “An enchantment cast during the affixing process.”

Applejack gasps. “And they shine this brightly… forever?”

“Only when properly affixed to the walls or ceiling. Others require regular recharging with magical energies. Observe.”

Picking up a fallen crystal the king casts a strange spell on it. The gem immediately comes to life with an intense light as he does so.

“They last for weeks with only a single charge.”

Pinkie grins. “Was that Dark Magic you used to do that?!”

Auriel nods. “Yes, it’s the main school of magic demons use.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not possible!”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “Right! How you can you make light with darkness?!”

Scootaloo steps forward. “I think I understand.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes light up expectantly. “Really?!”

“Yes.”

“I knew you’d figure it out!”

“There are many schools of magic from what I’ve been told. Alteration, restoration, destruction, and alchemy being the most widely known.”

Sereb nods. “That is true, yes. But what about Dark Magic?”

“I’m coming to that. In addition to what I’ve already listed there is also illusion, conjuration, and enchanting.”

Twilight nods. “Those last three aren’t very well studied.”

Arc appears surprised. “Why not?”

Rarity shrugs. “Because nopony has the desire to do so I would suppose.”

“Maybe. But there’s also Dark Magic which Big Brother and I can use in our Crimson forms.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “I don’t understand what you’re getting at though, Scarlet Filly.”

Ember frowns. “Me either.”

Scootaloo turns to Arc as she speaks. “We’ve been able to help so many ponies by using our Dark Magic. More so than I would have thought possible. Therefore I was able to come to the realization that our powers, or magic if you will, aren’t evil.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “Uh… but it’s DARK!”

Pinkie gasps. “Yeah! But they’re using it for good!”

Applejack sighs. “Kinda seems like a contradiction of terms to me too.”

Auriel nods. “She’s right. Demonic powers, unicorn magic, dragon magic, Crimson magic… it’s neither good nor evil. It’s just power.”

She gestures up at the glowing crystals overhead before continuing.

“Arc, would you agree that you’re powerful enough to pull down those larger crystals in the ceiling if the need arose?”

“I suppose so.”

“How would you accomplish that?”

“At the moment, by using my Dragon Magic to cast a Telekinesis Spell.”

“And if you were in your other form?”

“My Crimson Magic could be used in much the same way, I suppose.”

Malevolence frowns. “But why would Arc do such a thing?”

“He wouldn’t, father. However, let us now reverse the question. Arc… if the ceiling were to suddenly come crashing down on its own what would you do?”

“Cast a Barrier Spell, I suppose.”

Auriel turns to Hammer. “And would you accept Arc’s aid?”

“Uh… yeah. Why wouldn’t I?”

“What if he was using Dark Magic to do it though?”

Everyone is silent for a time. Eventually Sereb speaks.

“Perhaps Equestrians are warned to stay away from such things due more to past prejudices rather than actual facts.”

Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “You mean that the reason unicorns here don’t use Dark Magic is because they’re afraid of it?”

Twilight puts a hoof on her chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps ‘afraid’ isn’t the best word, Rainbow Dash.”

Rarity shrugs. “I just always thought it was against the law.”

Twilight turns to Rarity. “Technically no. For starters, there aren’t a lot of books on the subject. Mostly due to a lack of demand rather than being banned by royal decree. Second, such magic is generally not culturally accepted.”

Fluttershy looks to Twilight. “As a non-magic user I don’t really understand that. I mean, how did we get to this point?”

“Every foal is taught the history of Equestria and the Crystal Empire. Some of the greatest threats to this land have come from magic users wielding Dark Magic.”

Applejack frowns. “Is that really so wrong though? What kind of magic they used, I mean.”

Ember shrugs. “Probably not. After all, Dragon Magic draws upon our emotions to grant power in a similar manner as Dark Magic users.”

Scootaloo nods. “And dragons aren’t considered evil, are they?”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Not to my knowledge, no.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “A bit cranky or hard-headed, maybe.”

Hammer turns to Ember. “I suppose that does make sense. After all, you’re always in full control of your actions, right?”

“Yeah.”

Twilight frowns as she puts a hoof on the wall. “Dragons, ponies, humans… any one of us could go too far. Be blinded by our goals and emotions.”

Malevolence sighs. “For many long centuries in Tartarus we demons did the same. Allowing ourselves to be consumed by thoughts of revenge or retribution against Equestria and its princesses. And where did that lead us? Ultimately toward a never ending cycle of hate and bigotry.”

Auriel nods as she puts a claw on her father’s arm. “True. But we now have a chance to end that cycle here and now.”

Arc looks to the king and then to Twilight. “Agreed. However…”

Sereb sniffs the air and growls.

“There is someone here!”

Arc appears surprised. “Who?”

“Unknown scent! Shall I hunt them down?!”

Malevolence nods fervently. “Yes! No one else other than us are allowed in my palace!”

Sereb turns to Arc for direction. He nods and sighs.

“Bring them here.”

“Very well.”

Ember turns to follow. “I’ll come too.”

Hammer pulls her gun. “Let’s go hunting!”

“Very well. Hop on you two.”

The wolf hurries out the door with the pair on his back. Auriel turns to Arc.

“Who could possibly have followed us all the way out here?!”

Arc frowns. “I can think of a few possibilities. None of whom I want to see right now.”

A short time later the trio returns with a group of stallions. Auriel gasps and turns to Arc.

“These are…!”

“Yeah.”

Ember points her spear at the group. “We found these guys going through some rooms.”

Hammer nods as she levels her gun at the group. “Yeah. And they weren’t being too kind to the stuff in those rooms.”

Sereb growls. “Indeed.”

King Malevolence looks at them sternly before speaking. “What are you DOING here?!”

“Looking for our cheat of a boss!”

“Yeah! He didn’t pay us for nothing!”

“We thought this place was abandoned!”

Applejack mutters under her breath. “Kinda is.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! But now that the king’s here, it isn’t!”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Well how were they supposed to know that?!”

The stallions turn to the alicorn nearby nervously.

“Princess… Twilight?”

“Y-yes?”

“Um… what’s going on here?”

Malevolence makes a fist and yells at them. “I will ask the questions here!”

They shrink back, clearly frightened, before the king continues.

“You are in MY domain, and will answer to MY judgment!”

Rainbow Dash gasps. “But they’re ponies, not demons!”

Applejack sighs. “He’s right though. This is his land.”

“Princess Twilight, please!”

Twilight sighs. “King Malevolence is still the ruler of these lands. And this is his palace.”

Fluttershy appears concerned. “You can’t do ANYTHING for them?!”

“Just plead their case.”

Twilight turns back to the king before continuing.

“King Malevolence, it doesn’t appear that these stallions meant any real harm in coming here. After all, searching for their employer is hardly a danger to you or your daughter.”

“That may be! But an example must be made!”

He looks them over before putting a claw to his chin thoughtfully.

“Or perhaps… perhaps something else could be worked out.”

Pinkie frowns. “Uh oh! This doesn’t sound like it’s going to be good!”

Rarity waves a hoof. “Shush, Pinkie!”

“Princess Twilight… I’m sure you’d like your citizens returned unharmed.”

“Yes, of course.”

“And I’d like my own brethren to be able to come home safely as well.”

Applejack narrows her eyes. “You’d better not be hinting at what I think you are!”

Malevolence frowns. “And what’s wrong with that? Equestria AND The Great Demon Kingdom can both gain from this.”

Rarity frowns. “But that’s coercion!”

“Mayhap. However…”

Auriel steps forward. “Father?”

“Yes, Auriel?”

“Don’t.”

“What?”

“Can’t you see? This is a perfect opportunity.”

“I know. And I’m taking it!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, father. I mean we now have a chance to show a princess of Equestria just how much the demons have changed.”

“What do you suggest I do then?! Roll over a be a lapdog to them?!”

“No, father. Show Twilight that you’ve embraced the concept of mercy and forgiveness by releasing their citizens safely.”

Arc cracks his knuckles. “While I suppose I could easily force you to do this, I’d rather see you do it yourself.”

King Malevolence looks from the prisoners to Auriel to Arc to Twilight to the others assembled before turning and walking away.

“Take them, Princess Twilight. They are free to go.”

Nodding, Twilight looks to Arc. Raises a hand, he calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal before turning to the stallions.

“Take this portal to the Crystal Empire.”

“But… what would we do there?!”

Fluttershy smiles nervously. “Stay alive.”

Hammer nods as she motions to the portal with her gun. “Right. Do try to be good now.”

They hurry through the portal. Arc closes it behind them as Auriel walks over to her father. Putting a claw on his shoulder, she smiles and speaks.

“I’m very proud of you, father.”

Malevolence sighs. “Our only bargaining chips just walked through that portal though. What hope is there for our land and citizens now?”

Twilight walks over to him and looks up into the king’s eyes.

“That was very impressive, sir.”

“Oh?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Before today I never would have dreamed such a thing to be possible. I see now that you’ve changed since that day we freed Arc from Tartarus.”

Turning, she motions for Auriel and her father to follow her. Leading them over to the throne she turns to King Malevolence.

“Please have a seat, your majesty.”

Malevolence looks to the throne. “For what purpose?”

Auriel smiles. “Please trust her as I do, father.”

Nodding, the king sits down. Twilight clears her throat before speaking.

“King Malevolence. As the Princess of Friendship and current ruler of Equestria, I hereby declare your banishment to Tartarus over and you sentence complete. You have proven yourself to be fair and just in your demeanor. Let the past be the past and help those whom share your feelings of peace also return to their ancient ancestral home.”

Auriel smiles excitedly. “Twilight! You… you mean…?!”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Auriel. Your father and every demon whom is able to pass through the Gates of Tartarus is now free to do so. Go now with Equestria’s blessing.”

Malevolence narrows his eyes. “But what of Celestia?”

“Her own ruling still stands and has been followed to the letter. Any creature whom repents of their past crimes may pass freely through the Gates of Tartarus and return to society. You are free to return to Tartarus and lead those whom share your mindset back here to your lands.”

A familiar voice rings out behind them.

“A very wise ruling, Twilight.”

They turn to see Wiseman standing in the doorway. Twilight frowns.

“Who… are you?”

Wiseman shrugs. “Just someone whom wants to see peace return to the land. Arc can vouch for me.”

Arc frowns. “I can vouch for the fact that this guy is a pain!”

Auriel steps forward. “Sir, for what reason have you come here now?”

“My presence is twofold. First, I wished to see the restoration of the Great Demon Kingdom with my own eyes.”

Rainbow Dash glares at him. “What else then?!”

Applejack plants her hooves firmly. “Yeah! You’re kinda creeping us out here!”

“That and I wanted to give something special to Arc here.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “More headaches?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “No. This.”

Holding out a gloved hand, Wiseman extends a strange looking dark crystal to Arc. He accepts it and looks the gem over before responding.

“What… is this?”

“A jewel that is capable of holding vast amounts of magical energy.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “But what is Arc supposed to do with it?”

Sereb growls. “More of your chores I would assume.”

Scootaloo grits her teeth. “We’re kinda busy right now.”

Wiseman continues. “After being fully charged this crystal will be able to power the device I gave you early this morning, Arc.”

“But what is it?”

Wiseman chuckles as he fades away. “Ask the king.”

No one speaks for a time. Eventually Pinkie calls out.

“Um… did that really just happen?!”

Twilight nods. “Yes. But I don’t really know what it was about.”

Hammer steps forward. “Arc? What was he talking about?”

“When Auriel and I were at those ruins last night we saw Wiseman there.”

Malevolence frowns. “Where?”

Auriel sighs. “He was inside what appeared to be the main vault.”

“How did he get inside?!”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But he had a strange looking device with him.”

The king seethes. “HE STOLE IT?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, father. He gave it to Arc and told him to hold onto it.”

Twilight appears confused. “What was it though?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. But he did say that King Malevolence would know.”

The king steps forward. “Show it to me.”

Nodding, Arc pulls the device from his ring. The king raises an eyebrow, confused.

“This is a magic dispersion unit. Largely useless.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “What does it do?”

“We developed it in an attempt to counter Equestrian unicorns in the past. You see, we were being hampered by their Barrier Spells and needed an equalizer for them. This device was capable of being fired at a unicorn shielding their allies to disable their barrier.”

Ember frowns. “To allow you to attack through it?”

“Yes. However it was too large to be carried by our warriors whom were fighting on the front lines.”

Auriel taps the device. “And this was as small as you could make it?”

Malevolence shrugs. “Sadly. Had it been perfected, that war so long ago may have ended very differently.”

Twilight looks the device over as she speaks. “Did it work on a small scale trial?”

“Yes. However as I said before portability was the real issue.”

Arc grins. “You think this could be useful in taking down the barrier surrounding Light’s Hope, Twilight?”

“This device, no.”

Auriel sighs. “The barrier around your base is MUCH more powerful than a standard Barrier Spell, Arc. However that doesn’t mean the technology couldn’t be adapted for such a purpose.”

Hammer rolls her eyes. “That’d take some crazy amounts of amplification. To say nothing for the size it’d have to be in order to work.

Ember groans. “We’d have to build that in front of the base!”

Rarity grins, her horn aglow. “Either that or find a way to teleport it there.”

Rainbow Dash holds her front hooves aloft. “How about a really big sigil?”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “That sounds like it could work.”

Applejack sighs. “But Princess Celestia would feel magic THAT powerful coming a mile away.”

Pinkie giggles. “What if we disguised it?!”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “As what?”

Ember facepalms. “Let me guess. A party cannon?”

“It could work!”

Auriel speaks as she looks over the device. “That could do it.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Come again?”

Rarity gasps. “You really think disguising it would…?”

“No, no. I was talking about the amplification idea.”

Twilight turns to Auriel. “We’ll have to look the inner workings over before committing to anything.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Yes, well… I think you two are forgetting something.”

Scootaloo nods. “That device doesn’t actually belong to either of you.”

Ember sighs. “Much as I hate to say it, I think you’ll need King Malevolence’s permission before doing anything.”

“Father?”

Malevolence chuckles. “You’d like to try, wouldn’t you?”

“I would, yes.”

“Very well. Take the device and do with it what you will, my dear.”

Twilight smiles as Auriel accepts the device. “Thank you, sir. Now then, while I’d love to stay here and hear more about demon culture I’m afraid we need to return to Equestria.”

Hammer grins. “Yeah. And figure out a way to soup up that barrier thingamabob.”

Arc nods. “We’re one step closer to facing Celestia and Decimus.”

Twilight shudders slightly but says nothing as they all leave the Throne Room together.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - ...For I am Not Alone

Meanwhile, Sereb catches up to Arc and Shining Armor.

“I am with you, my friend!”

Arc grins as he jumps up into the saddle. “Perfect timing!”

Shining Armor groans as he looks around. “We’ve lost them though!”

Sereb growls. “Not for long!”

Sniffing the air, Sereb looks around a few moments before turning and pointing with a paw.

“Princess Twilight went this way!”

Shining Armor charges forward. “Let’s go then!”

Running in the direction indicated they eventually spot Celestia lying on the ground panting. She jumps up as they break into the clearing, her horn aglow. Gritting her teeth she yells at them.

“Why can’t you just leave us alone?!”

Shining Armor points a hoof at his unconscious sister. “Let Twilight go, princess!”

Celestia shakes her head as she motions to Arc. “I can’t! She’ll just be taken by this usurper here!”

Arc takes a step forward. “All I want to do is help her. There are medical facilities aboard my ship that can…”

Celestia interrupts him. “NO! I’ll never let her out of my sight again! NEVER!!! Now then, both of you stand down!”

“I don’t take orders from you or anyone else, Celestia.”

Celestia turns her gaze to Shining Armor. “Then I hereby ORDER you to defend us from this monster!”

Shining Armor frowns. “No, your highness.”

“NO?!”

Shining Armor slowly steps forward. “You need help. Just let us…”

“Stay back!”

She fires a magical blast at Shining Armor. Putting out his arm, Arc effortlessly blocks it with his shield. Frowning, he turns to Shining Armor.

“This isn’t getting us anywhere.”

“Agreed, sir.”

Sereb growls. “We require a new strategy.”

Shining Armor narrows his eyes as he raises his blade. “Rush her?”

Arc shakes his head. “Twilight might get hurt though.”

“There’s no way the princess would let any harm come to her though.”

Sereb grins. “Perhaps we could use that to our advantage.”

Arc frowns. “No meat shields.”

Turning back to Celestia, Arc pulls his spear from his ring as he calls out.

“Look, all I want to do is to end this peacefully. Don’t make me do something we’ll all regret later.”

“Then let us go!”

Shining Armor looks to him. “We’re just talking in circles at this point, Arc.”

Sereb sighs. “Indeed.”

“I guess there’s no way around this then.”

Frowning, Arc tosses his spear to Shining Armor as he addresses Celestia.

“Like it or not, I’m taking Twilight back. At any cost.”

Celestia grins wickedly as she pulls a blade from the underbrush. “Just try it!”

Arc begins walking toward her slowly, his shield at the ready. Nervously, Celestia turns to Twilight and carefully uses her magic to remove her from her back. Laying the unconscious mare down under a nearby tree she smiles lovingly for a moment.

“Just rest, Twilight. I’m going to make everything all better now.”

Turning back to Arc, she maintains her position between him and Twilight. As he gets too close, Celestia lets loose a powerful spell. Holding his shield at the ready, Arc braces for the impact. As the shield is hit the force of the spell pushes him back a couple paces but otherwise is diffused. Celestia frowns.

“That… that shield!”

“It’s from the armory.”

“H-his shield!”

Gritting her teeth, she glares at him.

“A beast such as yourself is unworthy to hold such a sacred relic!”

Shining Armor calls out. “Keep going, sir! She can’t stop you!”

“I can, and I WILL!”

Firing again and again, Celestia slowly pushes Arc back toward Shining Armor. As Arc peeks out from behind his shield he spies Celestia panting heavily.

“You can’t keep this up forever, princess.”

“Please don’t strain yourself, your highness. Just give up and let us help you.”

“Not a chance!”

Looking skyward, Celestia casts a Telekinesis Spell on the limbs above her. Pulling one roughly down, she throws it at Arc. The shield is knocked from his hand as he is slammed against the tree behind him. She grins and fires another blast from her horn in an effort to finish her opponent off. Arc instinctively puts his hands in front of his face to protect himself from the blast. However as it hits him the majority of the magical energy is harmlessly deflected across his armor as it fizzles out. Shining Armor gasps.

“What the…?!”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide. “That… that armor!”

Arc looks at his gauntlets as he muses to himself. “Guess grandpa was right. Anti-magic armor.”

Looking back to Celestia, Arc speaks.

“Look, I really don’t want to hurt you. But this needs to stop… now.”

He continues slowly walking toward Celestia. She fires at him over and over again, but each blast is effortlessly deflected by a wave of Arc’s hand. Sweating profusely, Celestia lays down on the ground as she does her best to catch her breath. As Arc continues to walk toward her, Celestia looks to Twilight lying behind her. Gritting her teeth, Celestia slowly stands and looks at Arc.

“You won’t… have her.”

“She won’t be harmed. You have my word.”

As he nears them, Arc stops and looks at Celestia. Extending a gauntlet to her, she looks at it for a few moments before angrily knocking it away. Sereb sighs and shakes his head.

“You’re going to have to get physical with her, my friend.”

Shining Armor bows his head. “Agreed. Let’s just get this over with.”

Sighing, Arc moves to walk around Celestia. However as he does so she Blinks in front of him to block his path. Turning, Arc again attempts to go around to which the same is repeated. Trying a third time, Celestia suddenly stands and slams a hoof into Arc’s side sending him staggering to one side. Regaining his composure Arc kneels down and looks at Celestia evenly as she looks at him quizzically.

“What are you…?”

Blinking, Arc reappears behind Celestia, kneeling down behind Twilight. Turning around, her eyes grow wide as she lunges at Arc. Grabbing Twilight, Arc Blinks back to Shining Armor and Sereb.

“Don’t worry. She’s safe.”

Celestia seethes. “Return her at once!”

“I can’t do that, princess.”

“You can and you WILL!”

Sereb sighs. “Please allow us to take both of you to a doctor, your highness.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Yes. Twilight needs help, as do you.”

Grimacing, Celestia glares at them silently. For a time there is not a sound other than the wind in the trees. Suddenly Celestia bows her head and begins to chuckle. Arc raises an eyebrow confused.

“Princess?”

Shining Armor grimaces. “Are you… alright?”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Be wary! Her heartrate is out of control!”

Arc turns to him. “What does that mean?”

“Unknown!”

The chuckles turn into a laugh which leads into mad hysterics. Shining Armor steps between Arc and Celestia.

“What in the world…?”

Suddenly stopping, Celestia’s gaze returns to Arc and the mare in his arms. She wears a wild grin and a strange look in her eyes as she speaks, albeit softly.

“Give… back…”

Arc frowns. “What was that?”

Sereb growls. “She said to return Twilight.”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not happening.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

They continue to watch as Celestia’s eyes begin to twitch as do the corners of her mouth.

“Twilight… back… me…”

Sereb takes a step back. “This is… rather unsettling.”

Arc grimaces. “Y-yeah. Princess, you really need to…”

“GIVE!”

Shining Armor calls out. “Arc?!”

“GIVE!!”

Sereb bares his teeth. “She is irrational!”

“GIVE!!! BACK!!! NOW!!!”

Charging toward him, Celestia lowers her horn in an attempt to stab Arc. Turning to Sereb, he quickly puts the mare in his saddle and motions for him to step back as he turns back to Celestia. Putting out a gauntlet, he takes the princess’ attack full force. Planting his feet firmly, Arc is able to stop Celestia’s advance. Left to grunt and push against his hand, she mutters to herself.

“Have… to… get… her…”

Arc sighs. “Look, you can stay by her side the whole time Redheart examines her.”

Shining Armor nods. “She’ll be in good hooves.”

Not able to make any headway, Celestia’s shake from the strain before her legs buckle as she falls to the ground slowly. Arc keeps his hand on her forehead though.

“Must… must save… Twilight. Must save. Must save. Must… SAVE!!!”

With a primal roar, Celestia’s mane ignites into a plume of blue flames. Startled, Arc instinctively pulls his hand away and steps back. Gasping, Shining Armor charges forward to knock the crazed alicorn away. Grabbing Arc’s shield as he runs, he slams it into Celestia at full speed until they hit a tree some distance away. Holding her against it, Shining Armor turns to Arc.

“You okay, sir?!”

“Y-yeah. Didn’t expect that to happen though.”

Sereb looks around. “What is our next course of action?!”

Shining Armor looks back over his shoulder. “We need to immobilize her somehow! Get her some help!”

Arc groans. “Not sure if that’s going to be an option at this point though.”

There is a rustling in the brush nearby. Sereb and Arc turn to look as Scootaloo bursts through the foliage and over to him.

“Big Brother! I…!”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide as she spots the Dagger of Eternal Slumber in Scootaloo’s hoof. She screams out, Blinks, and charges at the filly.

“GET THAT AWAY FROM TWILIGHT!!!”

Before anyone cans stop her, Celestia slams into the filly. The force of the blow sends her flying through the woods. Charging after her, she spots Scootaloo lying on the ground some distance away with the dagger on the ground next to her. Grinning maniacally, Celestia makes a beeline for it. However before she can reach her target Arc Blinks over to Scootaloo. Grabbing the filly and the dagger he Blinks back to Twilight’s side as Scootaloo groans in pain.

“You okay?!”

Scootaloo nods as she rubs her forehead. “Y-yeah, I think so.”

Arc sets her down and grips the dagger tightly as Celestia looks all around for them.

“HEY!”

Looking up, Celestia spots Arc back with Twilight, dagger in hand. Charging forward, she lunges at him.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

Sighing, Arc clenches his weapon and prepares to strike as the mare nears. At the last moment however, he turns and kicks Celestia in the face violently. She rolls across the ground, dazed. Slowly getting up, she puts a hoof to the growing welt on her face. Looking at her hoof she spots the blood. Losing what little semblance of rational thought she has left, Celestia screams out angrily as her horn glows brightly. So much so that Arc and company are forced to shield their eyes from it. Sereb growls.

“This is not good!”

Arc holds his arm over his face. “What’s she doing?!”

Scootaloo grits her teeth as she holds he cloak up. “Charging up!”

“That sounds bad!”

Shining Armor nods frantically as he hurries over to them. “It is! Charged Alicorn Magic is one of the most powerful things known to ponykind!”

“Guessing she’s putting everything into this one last attack!”

Sereb growls. “How do we stop her?!”

Shining Armor points a hoof skyward. “She’s the Princess of the Sun, so that’s the source of her power!”

Scootaloo grins and looks to the stallion. “Lower the sun?!”

“Lower the sun!”

Arc frowns. “Worth a shot!”

Reaching out, Arc gathers his magical energies. However the sun does not budge. Scootaloo grimaces.

“It’s not working!”

Shining Armor frowns. “I saw it move a little at first! Then nothing!”

Sereb points a paw at Celestia. “She is holding it in place as she draws power from it!”

Arc groans as he continues to try and lower the sun. “And I can’t overpower her magic!”

A dark portal opens between them. Arc groans.

“Great! We don’t need this right now!”

They watch as a large robed figure gallops through. Throwing back their cowl, they turn to look at Celestia as Shining Armor gasps.

“Princess Luna?!”

Scootaloo turns to Arc. “What’s she doing here?!”

“Hopefully she has something to help us!”

Luna looks to Celestia as she speaks.

“Sister! I’ve come to help you!”

Celestia does not respond, but does not stop channeling her immense power as Luna continues.

“This is risky, but Equestria cannot lose you without exhausting every option at our disposal!”

Channeling her own magic, Luna’s horn glows with an intense darkness (it’s quite the sight to see, I know). A moment later a strange dark beam is shot from it and strikes Celestia in the forehead. She stops channeling and appears suddenly woozy. Putting a hoof to her forehead, she groans slightly before looking around.

“Where… am I…?”

“In the forest near Ponyville, sister.”

“Don’t… remember getting here.”

“It’s okay, Celestia. You’re safe now. But right now you need to…!”

Celestia’s eyes fall on Arc and Twilight on Sereb’s back. Gasping, she begins charging her magic again. Luna sighs and bows her head as she turns back to Arc, her wings spread wide to shield them from the glare of her power.

“This is… unfortunate.”

Shining Armor frowns. “Princess Luna?”

“I tried to free my sister, but have certainly failed.”

She looks to the dagger in Arc’s hand and sighs.

“Please, Arc… end her suffering.”

“What?!”

“I’m asking you to free my sister from the burning hatred inside of her. But please… make it quick for her.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But… can we really…?”

Luna nods sadly. “It must be done, and soon.”

Shining Armor motions to Celestia. “How much more can she charge up?!”

“Unknown. But if this continues unabated her body will eventually reach the point where she is unable to contain it. The resulting magical blast would be enough to level much of Equestria.”

Arc grits his teeth. “What?!”

“We have but minutes to act, Arc! Please… do your sacred duty to Equestria. Kill Celestia and free her from her burdens.”

Shining Armor shakes his head vehemently. “There has to be another way though!”

Sereb appears hopeful. “Can you not try again with your earlier spell, Princess Luna?!”

Luna shakes her head. “She’s too powerful right now. We’d have to weaken her considerably for me to have even a chance of…”

Arc interrupts her. “Weaken? How?”

“Force her to release her magical energy by using it.”

Scootaloo groans. “So we need her to blast us?!”

Luna nods. “Yes. But none of us would survive that.”

“Big Brother and I probably could in our Crimson Forms!”

Sereb looks skyward. “But the moon will not rise without the sun being lowered.”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “And she’s holding the sun up!”

Luna turns to him. “Arc, what do you think?”

“That our Crimson Forms might be our last chance at stopping Celestia without killing her!”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “Can you force the sun down, Princess Luna?!”

Luna shakes her head. “I cannot. However there may be something else I can do to help.”

Arc sighs. “Do it.”

Nodding, Luna turns back to Celestia. Taking a deep breath, her horn glows. Raising her hooves, Luna concentrates. Shining Armor gasps.

“The… the moon!”

Scootaloo’s eyes grow wide. “It’s rising with the sun still up!”

Arc grins. “I think I get what she’s trying to do. Get ready, Scootaloo.”

Watching Luna cast, they see the moon slowly cover the sun. An eerie red glow covers the countryside as Celestia appears suddenly weakened. Sereb grins.

“I believe it’s working.”

Shining Armor shudders as he holds Arc’s shield in front of him. “But she’s still pretty powerful.”

Arc grits his teeth. “Yeah. But so are we when we do… THIS!”

Looking up at the moon, Arc and Scootaloo transform into their Crimson Forms. He looks down at her.

“You don’t have to do this with me.”

Scootaloo smiles as she looks up at him. “We’ve come this far together, Big Brother. Might as well go the distance.”

Luna grits her teeth as she strains. “Hurry, Arc! I can’t maintain this forever!”

“Here goes nothing!”

Holding out their hands/hooves, Arc and Scootaloo begin channeling. Slowly but surely they begin to drain Celestia together. Scootaloo strains as she does so.

“It’s… just so much!”

“Just do what you can! Don’t overdo it!”

“I can… I can go on, Big Brother!”

Celestia begins to weaken as they continue. Arc steps forward with Scootaloo slowly as Celestia falls to her fetlocks and begins breathing heavily. Reaching her, Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and looks Celestia in the eye.

“Princess. It’s time… to stop.”

Crying out weakly, Celestia puts her front hooves on Arc’s chest in an attempt to physically push him away. They struggle briefly before Arc grits his teeth and calls out to Scootaloo telepathically.

“She’s not stopping. Give me the dagger.”

Nodding, Scootaloo stops draining Celestia and pulls the Dagger of Eternal Slumber from her belt. Looking at it for a moment, she flaps her leathery wings to get some air and tosses the dagger to Arc. Sighing, Arc looks down at the weakened mare before him.

“I’m sorry, princess.”

Winding up, Arc strikes her skull with the butt of the dagger. Celestia’s body goes rigid. A few moments later her eyes roll into the back of her head. As she falls to the ground Arc tosses the dagger aside to catch the alicorn and help lower her safely to the ground on her back. Quickly removing his gauntlets, he puts two fingers to the side of Celestia’s neck to check for a pulse. Unmoving for a time, Arc eventually lowers his head to her chest and listens. The others watch on nervously as Scootaloo lands behind him.

“Big Brother, is she…?”

Arc leans back and sighs. “She’s alive, but unconscious.”

Luna breathes a sigh of relief as she ceases her own casting to allow the moon to again sink below the horizon. Walking over to Celestia, she lowers her horn to touch her sister’s forehead. A small flash of dark ‘light’ passes between them before she steps back and looks to Arc.

“It’s done.”

Shining Armor appears hopeful. “You… you mean…?”

Luna nods. “Yes. I’ve done literally everything I can do.”

Sereb appears skeptical. “And if it isn’t enough?”

Scootaloo picks up the Dagger of Eternal Slumber and gives it to Arc. “Then Big Brother will end it… once and for all.”

Arc accepts the weapon as he looks to Twilight lying on Sereb’s back.

“Yes. But let’s get her and Twilight back to the ship now.”

Chapter 8 - The Morning After

Arc awakens early the next morning to the smell of eggs and hash browns. Heading downstairs he spies Applejack at the stove.

“Good morning, sleepyhead. I figured you’d wake up for this. It’s almost done, so have a seat.”

Arc grins as he walks over to the kitchen table. “You know me. I never miss a good breakfast.”

Applejack chuckles as she turns off the stove and scoops the eggs onto a large plate. “That I’ve heard, yes.”

Setting the plate down she pulls out a chair and sits down herself as Arc serves them. Sighing, she looks to him.

“I don’t suppose anyone called on your earring?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing. Either that or I was really out cold last night.”

Applejack appears hopeful. “Wanna try again?”

“I suppose I should.”

Touching his earring Arc speaks.

“Arc to Sunburst. Anyone out there?”

Silence ensues. Arc shakes his head as he looks to Applejack.

“Looks like we’re going to be playing the waiting game.”

Applejack sighs. “I guess so.”

“Anything special you want to do?”

“Huh?”

“Well, we have nothing but time on our hands at the moment. I was just wondering if you had a preference on how to spend it.”

“Um… kinda.”

“What is it?”

Applejack smiles nervously. “You’ll probably think it’s silly, but…”

She pauses before continuing.

“I’d… like to practice cooking.”

“That’s not silly at all, Applejack. But might I ask why?”

Applejack sighs. “Back home there’s always something that needs doing. Harvesting apples, tending to the property, fixing up the buildings.”

Looking out the window as the sun comes up, Applejack gestures to the scene outside before continuing.

“But here there’s nothing for me to do. Well, other than chores around the house, I mean.”

“Well, how about we finish eating and head to the store for some ingredients then?”

“Sure. But we should probably do the dishes first.”

“Fine with me.”

Sometime later the pair hop in the Jeep and start driving. Arriving at the store Arc leads Applejack inside and grabs a cart.

“So what do you want to cook?”

“I’m… not really sure.”

“Too many things to choose from?”

“Kinda. But the main problem is the fact that the old family recipes I’d like to tweak are back in Equestria.”

“Do you have any memorized?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Sadly, no. Like I said back at the house, there’s usually a lot to do so I don’t experiment with cooking all that much. And the things I do have memorized were perfected long ago.”

“How about we pick up a cookbook then?”

“Good idea. Is there a bookstore nearby?”

“Yes. But they sell those here too.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods. “A supermarket carries a bit of everything. That’s why it’s called a ‘super-market’.”

“So Earth doesn’t have specialty stores?”

“Oh, we do. But it’s easier to come here than to run all over town.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“If you want a generic cookbook they carry those here. But if you wanted a very specific one you’d need to visit an actual bookstore. Either that or look online.”

“Online?”

“The Internet.”

Applejack appears confused. “What’s that?”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll have to show you when we get home. For now why don’t you follow me to the book section?”

“Okay.”

Leading Applejack to the proper section of the store, he waits while she picks out a cookbook and reads it over.

“This should do.”

Arc smiles. “What did you decide on?”

“Main courses.”

“Oh?”

“I can make a pie better than anyone else. But cooking for a full meal isn’t something I’m very good at. Especially the main dish.”

“Then that’s what we’ll focus on.”

“We?”

“Sure. I’d like to learn some more recipes too, you know.”

Applejack grins. “That does sound like fun.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “How about we start with something for lunch? Say… a soup of some kind?”

Applejack grins as she holds up the book. “I was actually just looking at a recipe for Tomato Soup.”

“Then let’s find all the ingredients and see what we can do.”

Walking the aisles, they gather the necessary ingredients before heading to the checkout lanes. Leaving the store Applejack looks happily at the bags in the cart.

“This should be good!”

“Agreed. “

“But I didn’t realize how many herbs and spices we’d need.”

“Earth has many cultures. Each of which have their own unique spices and seasonings.”

“Sounds complicated from a cooking standpoint.”

“I suppose it might be. If you cook something in a different region without the proper spices, that is.”

“But it looked like they had everything we needed in there.”

“Right. Fortunately we can get all the major international spices here. But the flavor might change depending on where you live.”

“Oh?”

“Different things from different parts of the world can smell and taste differently.”

“How so?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… let’s take apples for example. The ‘Fuji’ variety come from Japan while the ‘Granny Smith’ kind originally came from Australia. Now while I’ve never actually tested this, I’m told that over the years the latter grown across the ocean tastes very different from the ones we grow domestically.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “But if they’re the same species why taste different?”

Arc shrugs as they reach the Jeep. “No idea. Then again it could just be a tall tale. Like I said, I’ve never actually tested it.”

Loading up the Jeep they hop in and drive back towards Arc’s house. Arriving, Arc helps Applejack carry in their bounty. Setting everything down on the table she begins unpacking.

“Ready to get started, Arc?”

Arc suddenly has a pained expression on his face. “Um… there’s actually something I suggest you do first.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Do you smell something a bit… off?”

Applejack sniffs the air. “Yeah. I first started smelling that partway through the store. What is it?”

“Um… it’s you.”

“Me?”

Arc points to her armpit. “Smell this.”

Doing so, Applejack makes a face and blushes fervently.

“That smells terrible! What happened?!”

“Humans need to put something called ‘deodorant’ under their armpits. If we don’t, that happens.”

Applejack puts her arms down to hide the smell. “Princess Celestia had her Hoof Maidens put a spray of some kind under there when they were getting me ready. I just kinda thought it was perfume, or something though.”

“Must’ve been some kind of liquid anti-perspirant.”

“I’m sorry, Arc! I didn’t know about…!”

“It’s okay, Applejack. In truth, I should have been the one to tell you about it. Now then, why don’t you take the guest room’s shower while I use the upstairs one?”

“Sure. But I don’t know what I’m supposed to do after showering.”

“I’ll show you. Follow me.”

Heading upstairs, Arc leads Applejack into the guest room’s bathroom. Opening the medicine cabinet he removes a stick of deodorant. Pulling off the cap Arc turns to his friend.

“After you shower and dry off you need to rub this under your armpits. Against the skin, of course.”

“What’s it do?”

“Keeps your body from producing that smelly perspiration mostly. Humans generally apply it daily in the morning.”

“I’ll do my best to keep up with my hygiene in the future.”

“Thanks. I’ll do the same.”

“But you always smell okay.”

“That’s because I do my best to bathe daily and use anti-perspirant.”

Applejack gasps. “Every… DAY?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is something wrong with that?”

“Not… really. It’s just that ponies don’t bath nearly as much.”

“They don’t?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nope. Even on the farm we kinda just rinse ourselves off after a hard day’s work. And that’s just to avoid getting the kitchen dirty.”

“How often do you actually…?”

“About once a week. But I’ll start showering regularly when we get back to Equestria if that’s what you want.”

“It’s… okay. Well, when you’re in your pony form, that is. Truth be told I never really questioned it.”

Applejack looks him in the eye. “Arc… be honest with me.”

“About what?”

“When I was a pony, did I… smell bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. You smelled just fine to me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. From what I could tell, pony body odor is much different from the human equivalent.”

“Is that… good?”

“I by suppose by comparison it is. After all, if a female human went a week without showering, well… it wouldn’t be too hard to smell her coming. But I should probably let you get to it.”

“Alright. Meet you back in the kitchen later?”

“I’ll be there.”

Arc leaves and closes the door behind him. Applejack sighs and disrobes before turning on the water. Setting it to a very hot temperature she jumps in and begins feverishly scrubbing her body. Groaning, she talks to herself as she works.

“Of all the times to smell and I have to do it while on a date!”

She thinks for a moment before continuing.

“Well… extended date, that is.”

Sometime later Arc and Applejack descend the stairs together. Applejack turns to him sheepishly.

“Do I smell better now?”

Arc nods. “Much.”

“Again, sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, Applejack.”

“Like I said before, I’ll do my best to take care of my personal hygiene in the future.”

Arc chuckles. “That really wasn’t a big deal. Now then, why don’t we get back to the kitchen and start cooking?”

“Sounds good.”

Picking up the cookbook, Applejack opens it to a specific page and begins to read as she talks.

“It looks like we need to puree some tomatoes along with the spices and seasonings. This could take a while.”

“Not to worry. I have something for that.”

Opening a cupboard, Arc removes a device and sets it on the kitchen counter. Applejack appears confused.

“What is that?”

“A food processor. Think of it like a blender with a bigger blade.”

Applejack grins. “That’ll make this a snap!”

“Right. All we have to do is cut up the tomatoes and put them in here with the rest of the ingredients. Then just cook it for however long the book says.”

“I’ll start chopping tomatoes if you want to measure out the spices.”

“Sure.”

They get to work with their respective tasks. Arc looks to her as he sets the spice bottles on the table.

“I remember doing things like this with my mom sometimes.”

Applejack smiles as she looks over her shoulder from the cutting board. “Did you now?”

“Yeah. Well, before she became an alcoholic anyways.”

He sighs before continuing.

“Sometimes I wish I could go back to those simpler times.”

Applejack looks away. “I wish I’d had times like that.”

“Applejack?”

“Truth be told, I… don’t actually remember much about my mother. She died when I was just a filly.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up painful memories.”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, no. It’s like you said last night, Arc. We need to get to know each other better.”

“Then would you like to tell me about her.”

Applejack puts a hand to her chin. “Well… I remember watching her and Granny Smith cook when I sat in my chair at the table. They would mix things I couldn’t identify into bowls and add seasonings before mixing them up.”

She chuckles before continuing.

“Sometimes Big Mac would join them. They’d have a lot of fun together. But I was too little to do much of anything.”

“So you just watched?”

Applejack nods. “Sometimes they’d let me lick the spoon or bowl clean. But that was about it.”

“Anything else?”

“If they weren’t in a hurry my mother would put a spoon in my hoof and help me stir a bowl of ingredients.”

She smiles and closes her eyes.

“And by ‘stir’ I mean that my hoof was on the spoon. She did pretty much everything.”

“Sounds like you had fun.”

“I think so. I mean… I was pretty young at the time. It was fun to just be included.”

“Spending time with loved ones is always a good time.”

“Yeah. But I do remember my mom’s belly getting bigger. At the time I didn’t think much of it until one day Big Mac told me that mom was pregnant.”

“Were you excited?”

“At the time, yes. But that changed.”

“Uh oh. What happened?”

Applejack stops cutting as she speaks. “One night I woke up to shouting coming from down the hall. I hopped out of bed and walked over to the door to see what was going on. As I peeked out, I saw stallions from the hospital running down the hall with my mother on a stretcher and Granny Smith hurrying after them. Mom was breathing heavily and covered in sweat. When she turned to me as they passed I remember her telling me to be a good little filly until she got back.”

Sighing, Applejack puts down her knife and looks away.

“That was the last time I saw my mother alive.”

Arc steps toward her and puts his hands on her shoulders. Applejack silently puts a hand on his before continuing.

“I’m told she died from complications of foalbirth. But it wasn’t until years later, as an adult, that I learned the whole story.”

“Oh?”

“Granny Smith, on one of her... better days, took me and Big Mac aside to talk to us. We both though we were in trouble for something or other. But she just told us that we had to had a talk about what really happened that night.”

Arc waits patiently as Applejack pauses to compose herself.

“My father had passed away almost a year prior from an undiagnosed heart condition. It was right after he impregnated my mother. Back then it was Granny Smith whom went to the hospital with mom when the time came, so she knew exactly what happened.”

Taking a deep breath, Applejack continues.

“Granny told me that the labor was a hard one. At one point the doctor turned to her and gave her a choice. They could only save… one of them.”

Arc nods soberly. “So she had to choose between your mother and Apple Bloom?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, Arc. You see, while granny was trying to decide, my mother forced herself to look over at her. She pointed a hoof at her large belly and mouthed the words ‘save the baby’ before passing out. Granny told the doctors my mother’s wishes and they got to work. As you know, Apple Bloom made it. But at the cost of my mother’s life.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Does Apple Bloom know?”

“No. In fact, granny told us never to tell her about it.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why tell you and your brother?”

“She said she didn’t want to die without telling somepony. And since we were her closest living relatives it made sense that we should be the ones.”

“I’m glad you’re all so close. It must have helped a bit, especially during that hard time.”

“Actually… no.”

“What?”

“You see… back then I believed that Apple Bloom had killed mom. So I was always being mean to her. Granny Smith would give me a bowl of food to feed her and I’d toss it to the hogs. I’d go to change her diaper and give her flank a smack before putting the clean diaper on. And whenever I could I’d pull her mane or do whatever to make her feel pain.

She bows her head before continuing.

“I did all that to her right up until I learned the truth about what happened that night.”

“Then you started being a better big sister?”

“Right. From then on everything was about her. After all, I felt I had a lot to make up for.”

“Well, I say you’ve done a good job there. After all, Apple Bloom seems to be really happy.”

Applejack groans. “Yeah, she is. But sometimes in the past I was a bit… overbearing.”

“Oh?”

“I’d treat her like a newborn instead of a growing filly. The first time we left her home alone I came back to make sure she was okay.”

“And she was, right?”

Applejack shakes her head. “I found her in the kitchen surrounded by a large mess of food.”

“Uh oh. She get into the sweets?”

“It looked more like she was trying to make a full course meal at the time. Apple Bloom told me later that she had just been trying to get the leftovers out of the refrigerator and things kinda went from there.”

“So you felt the need to protect her still?”

“Right. But I still viewed her as the baby of the family. That and subconsciously I still felt as though I was responsible for all the future bad things that happened, or might happen, to her.”

“And you overreacted.”

“I did, yes. Not proud of that fact, but I did.”

Applejack sighs and looks to Arc.

“Even today I feel the need to protect her from things that even might remotely be dangerous.”

“Rarity did the same, you know.”

“She did?”

Arc nods. “By trying to protect Sweetie Belle from the truth about whom her mother really was.”

“She told us about that, yes. But it isn’t really the same.”

“How so?”

“Rarity told her the truth.”

“You can too, you know.”

“I guess so. While I’ve been meaning to tell her about it, that would also require her learning about what really happened to our mother.”

“She might be ready to hear that. After all, she’s pretty mature.”

Applejack frowns. “How can you say that, Arc?! She’s just a filly!”

“A filly whom traveled halfway across Equestria to try and find me with her friends.”

“Well, I suppose she is growing up. But I still don’t think she’s ready, Arc.”

“That’s your choice to make, of course. And I know you’ll tell her eventually. However it’ll bother you until you do.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“I’m sure you will, Applejack.”

Applejack turns to him with a hopeful look on her face. “Do you… think you could possibly… you know…?”

“You want me to be there when you tell her?”

Applejack nods as Arc smiles.

“You’re going to be her father-figure, after all.”

Arc chuckles. “Kinda already am.”

“That too. And Rarity said it worked out so well with Sweetie Belle with you being there. What’d you do exactly?”

“I just kinda made sure the conversation didn’t stray too far from the topic at hand.”

“There had to have been more going on than THAT though!”

“The only other thing I did was hold Rarity’s hoof.”

“Then that’s what I want from you. Someone to make sure I stay on topic and to help me keep it together.”

“I can do that.”

Applejack appears relieved as she looks back to the tomatoes. “That you can. But why don’t we get back to work now?”

“I suppose we should. After all, there’s nothing we can do about this at the moment, right?”

“Other than wait, no.”

Arc turns back to the seasonings. “So let’s make the best use of our time and come up with some perfected recipes to take home.”

Applejack grins. “Right!”

Chapter 1 - Talking in the Sheets

Arc and Applejack walk down the corridors of Canterlot Castle together. As they round a corner the pair nearly bump into Ember. She looks away nervously.

“Oh! Um… s-sorry. I was just… uh… on my way to the Kitchen for a… a snack.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong, Ember?”

“Kinda. Did I break the mood?”

Applejack appears confused. “Mood?”

Ember sighs. “I’m guessing you two were on your way to Arc’s room.”

Applejack chuckles “Well, yeah.”

Arc shrugs. “It is pretty late, after all.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Couldn’t you sleep?”

“I… was kinda curious how you two were doing.”

“Just fine, thanks. But that isn’t what you meant, is it?”

Ember groans. “Alright, alright! I wanted to know how your date went!”

Arc grins. “What’s that have to do with your walking the hallways?”

“I was heading to your room to wait for you two to get back from… wherever it was you went.”

“Because you were worried I’d take Arc for myself.”

“What?! NO! Of course not!”

Applejack looks Ember in the eye for a long, silent moment. Eventually the young dragon bows her head and sighs.

“Are you mad?”

“I’m not. Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In fact, it’s actually kinda flattering.”

Ember looks to him, confused. “Huh?”

“That you care enough to worry about our relationship.”

Applejack puts a hand on Ember’s shoulder. “Listen. Arc and I have something to tell everyone in the morning. But I want you to know that nothing’s going to change between him, you, and the others.”

“Are… are you sure?”

Arc nods. “We are.”

“What exactly are you two going to…?”

Applejack giggles. “Now, now… we can’t say.”

“After all, the others need to know too.”

“Well… I guess I can trust you and Arc to do what’s best.”

Applejack smiles. “Thanks, Ember. I promise that everything will be made clear at that time. To everyone.”

Arc looks around and lowers her voice. “Right. But… uh… do you think you could do us a favor, Ember?”

“What did you have in mind?”

Sometime later Arc and Applejack arrive at his room. Closing the door behind them, Arc turns to his friend.

“That really was a date and a half.”

Applejack nods nervously. “Y-yes, it was.”

“Applejack?”

“Sorry, but I just don’t understand why you wanted Ember to do… this?”

She motions to herself with a wave of her hoof. Arc smiles and walks over to her. Kneeling down to her level, he speaks.

“I asked Ember to turn you back into a pony because it’s who you are.”

“I don’t understand.”

“While I have to admit you were very beautiful as a human woman, the real Applejack is the one standing before me.”

“But if you like the woman me more I could just stay like that.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think you’d be happy that way though.”

“I’d get used to it! And I’m willing to do whatever you want me to…!”

Arc puts a finger to Applejack’s mouth as he interrupts her.

“This is who you are, Applejack. Remember… I’m the one whom fell in love with seven mares, a dragon, and a demoness.”

“But there’s also Hammer too.”

“Right. And I love her just the way she is.”

“All I want is to be in a form that is most pleasing to you though.”

Arc smiles as he puts a hand on her furry cheek. “And that’s the one which makes you the most comfortable.”

Taking Arc’s hand in her front hooves Applejack stands there smiling at him wordlessly for a time. Eventually she nods and speaks.

“Thank you.”

Giving his hand a quick tug, she pulls him in and nuzzles noses with Arc. Chuckling, he grins.

“Sorry.”

Applejack appears confused. “What for?”

“Laughing.”

“Huh?”

“Your fur is a bit… ticklish on my nose.”

Applejack smiles and narrows her eyes seductively. “Then let me try something else.”

Leaning forward, she gives him several small kisses and licks on his cheek before whispering in his ear.

“How was that?”

“Nice. But now it’s my turn.”

Putting his hands on either side of Applejack’s face, he pulls her in and kisses her lips tenderly. She leans in instinctively and wraps her hooves around his neck. Moaning slightly, Applejack wraps both her hind legs around Arc’s midsection as if trying to get even closer to him. Eventually Arc breaks the kiss and pulls back. However the mare does not move.

“Applejack?”

“Arc, I… I think we should go to the bed.”

“Oh… alright.”

Moving to stand, Arc finds Applejack still unmoving. Putting one hand on her back and the other under her rump he carefully picks her up. Walking to his bed he sits down with her on his lap. Slowly but firmly he pulls Applejack off and lays her on the sheets before standing up and removing his suit coat.

“Give me just a minute.”

Applejack smiles as she lays down, her head on one of the pillows. “Take your time, sugarcube.”

Arc undresses as Applejack watches his every move. Eventually reaching his undershirt and shorts Arc lays down on the bed next to her. She immediately presses her body against his as Arc pulls the covers over them. Turning to her, he smiles.

“Comfortable?”

Applejack nods. “You have no idea.”

Kissing her tenderly on top of her head, Arc rolls over to lay on his back. Staring up at the ceiling he hears a sigh. Turning, Arc spies Applejack on her side looking at him with a strange expression on her face.

“Everything okay, Applejack?”

“Almost.”

She moves closer and presses her body against his side before continuing.

“Laying here with you just feel so perfect, so… right, Arc.”

Arc nods as he smiles. “I agree.”

“But something’s still a bit off.”

“Oh?”

Applejack stands and steps over him. Laying down on his belly, she looks into his eyes.

“I need to say something.”

“What is it?”

“Arc… I… I’m just a simple Earth Pony. Simple thoughts… simple job… and simple pleasures. A nice dinner or a nap under an apple tree are usually plenty to fulfil my desire for rest and relaxation.”

She nuzzles his chest affectionately before continuing.

“But now… now I’ve found something else.”

“Being with me?”

Applejack nods. “Yes, Arc. Being close to you is nothing short of amazing. Feeling your body against mine earlier was just… just so soothing to me.”

“Glad I could help.”

“It felt like you and I were melting together. Becoming one.”

“So did I.”

“Was it good?”

“Very.”

“I’m happy you feel that way. It’ll make this a lot easier.”

“Applejack?”

“There’s something I need to say, if that’s alright.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Applejack takes a deep breath before speaking.

“Like I said… last night, I think. In the Celestial Realm, that is.”

“Let’s just call it last night for simplicity’s sake.”

“Okay. Well… back there, I… I really liked you holding me.”

“And I liked holding you too, Applejack.”

“But, I… I wanted more. More than just being held.”

“You wanted… intimacy, right?”

Applejack nods. “I did, yes.”

“How… how long have you felt this way, Applejack?”

“I’ve wanted more for quite some time, Arc. But since that night it’s become... much more pronounced. Before we went on our date I did like you, of course. Even more so when I was able to spend time with you as a human woman. However… that day you took care of me when I was sick, I… um… I felt something… new. Well, new to me, that is.”

“Oh?”

“It happened when I was lying there. We were watching television and you were massaging my feet. Not sure if you remember, but I started making some really odd sounds.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I do remember that.”

“My body started feeling really warm. But not because of the sickness, mind you. To be completely honest with you, I… I was getting… aroused.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured. That’s why I offered to stop.”

“Now I don’t know if you think it’s weird, Arc. But I really, REALLY liked what you did to me there.”

“It’s not weird at all, Applejack.”

“Really?!”

“Really. Humans call it a ‘foot fetish’.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “A… what now?”

“Fetishes are what you call something an individual really likes. Something that turns them on sexually.”

Applejack smiles slyly. “So you knew that would happen to me then?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. Every person is different in that regard. While you might like your feet being played with, another woman might find it to be a turn-off.”

“Just like food?”

“Food?”

“I love apples. But someone else might find them not so tasty.”

Arc chuckles. “Right.”

“What’s so funny?”

“You said ‘someone’ just now.”

“Guess I just got used to speaking like a human. In fact, it opened my eyes to so many new things.”

“Like what?”

Applejack licks her lips seductively. “My own sexuality.”

“Me too.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Before I hadn’t really given much thought about intimacy with you and the others. All I did was look into how to safely do it.”

“I don’t get how that’s much different.”

“Back then I was looking at sex as just something couples did together. I hadn’t yet thought about how to properly… um… pleasure any of you.”

“Me either. I mean, I knew I wanted to sleep with you and hopefully get pregnant someday. But that was more for the purpose of carrying on my own family name than for actual enjoyment.”

“Can I asked what changed?”

“My perception of love as a whole.”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s a whole lot more to it than I originally thought. When I was lying on your chest last night, so many new and strange thoughts were going through my head. How I wanted… certain things.”

“You wanted me to have sex with you back there, didn’t you?”

Applejack smiles sheepishly. “Truthfully, I still do.”

“Really?”

“Yup. That was another thing that I wasn’t able to clear from my mind since then. The thought of you… um… for lack of a better term… plowing me.”

Arc sighs. “I… know how you feel.”

“You want to do it too?”

“I’d like to… explore such things with you, yes.”

Applejack puts a hoof on her flank as she grins. “Then let’s do it!”

Arc shakes his head. “We can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because it isn’t the right time, Applejack. That and all of you agreed that Rarity should be the first one.”

Applejack sighs and nods. “You’re right. After all, she was the first one of us you fell for.”

“Sorry.”

“No need to apologize. I mean, Rarity and you were engaged long before you and I were.”

Arc looks at her nervously. “Um… Applejack?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“I… that’s not actually true.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Rarity… I… never actually asked her to marry me.”

Applejack gasps. “You… are you saying…?!”

Arc nods and looks away. “Yes. You’re the first and only mare I’ve asked.”

“But… but WHY?! I mean… aren’t you in love with Rarity?!”

“I am, yes. However before you and I went out together I… I didn’t… I mean, I hadn’t fully committed to marriage yet.”

“You did say you wanted to go on dates to get to know everyone. But I just assumed that was to make sure we were compatible.”

“It was, yes. But that meant me too.”

“You?”

Arc sighs. “I… didn’t actually know if I myself truly wanted, or was ready, for marriage.”

Applejack bows her head. “And we just kinda railroaded you into it.”

“Not… exactly. I mean, I could have just said ‘no’ at any time, after all.”

“But we were pretty pushy about it.”

“Sort of.”

“Then why didn’t you tell us about this?! If you felt that way we needed to know about it!”

“I guess… I was hoping my mind and emotions would eventually catch up with this whole thing.”

Applejack takes Arc’s face in her hooves as she looks him straight in the eye and speaks.

“Arc, I have to know. Do you… or do you not… love me?”

“I do, Applejack. But I do still need time to be ready to marry you. That is, if you still want to by that time.”

“Trust me, I will. After all, feelings like this aren’t something I could just forget about. Or move past.”

Arc chuckles. “We really did grow a lot in the Celestial Realm.”

“Emotionally, yes.”

“Still not too happy with Celestia doing that to us though.”

“I’m grateful she did. After all, thanks to that ‘week’ you and I discovered our own feelings for one another and were able to confess our love. That might not have happened if she hadn’t tricked us into thinking we were back on Earth.”

“That may be true. But I’m of the opinion that we would have figured it out eventually.”

“Maybe. However that does give me an idea.”

“What is it?”

“You suggested going on dates to figure out if our feelings are real, right?”

“Yes. But what does that have to do with…?”

“I think you and the others need more than just an evening together.”

“Oh?”

“We need to recreate what happened back on Earth.”

“You mean cohabitate with the others one by one?”

Applejack nods happily. “Right. But that means no distractions if at all possible. No jobs should interfere with it, and no one else should be around to potentially come between you and whomever you’re with.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “That’s actually a pretty good idea, Applejack.”

“Thanks. After all, look how good things worked out for us.”

“Maybe it’ll go just as well with the others.”

“It’s what I’m hoping. But it also works the other way too.”

“Oh?”

“If it isn’t meant to be, you and they will be able to figure it out together. That way you two won’t keep trying to make something happen that isn’t meant to work.”

“Do you think they’ll go for it?”

Applejack nods fervently. “Sure, I’m sure! After all, they want to know how compatible you are with them just as much!”

“Then I’m all for it. That is, if they agree individually.”

“Good. We can talk about it with them temorrow morning.”

Arc looks to the clock on the wall nearby. “You mean later today.”

Applejack chuckles. “I suppose so, yes.”

“Then we’d better get some sleep.”

“Right. Um… but…”

She looks away nervously before continuing.

“I don’t… really know how to feel right now.”

“Applejack?”

Applejack sighs as she turns away and sits down. “My upbringing was very... traditional. This whole herd thing is really outside the norm for me.”

“Is that going to be a problem?”

“I don’t know. After all, I do love you and want to be with you forever. But it’s the other thing that’s kinda got me a bit… scared.”

Arc leans over and puts a hand on Applejack’s shoulder. “What ‘other thing’?”

“My feelings of… sexual desire.”

“It’s only natural to want…”

Applejack shakes her head as she cuts him off. “No, you don’t understand! I’ve never felt this sort of thing before!”

“And you don’t know what to do about it.”

“Right. Last night in the Celestial Realm… every cell in my body was screaming at me to… to get you inside of me. To have you ravish me and… and fill me with your seed.”

“And now?”

“I still want that, yes. However… it’s much more tempered. Manageable.”

Arc frowns. “I wonder if Celestia had anything to do with that.”

“How would she have…?”

“Think about it. She had full control over her realm, right. Makings things happen the way she wanted. Causing you to feel sick. Taking our orders at the restaurant.”

Applejack turns around to face him. “That was kinda obvious after you pointed it out.”

“You couldn’t tell at the time? After all, she had the exact same voice and was named ‘Tia’. It’s just a shortened version of Celestia.”

“No, I didn’t see that. Until you pointed it out, of course. What do you think she was doing there?”

“Like she said, Celestia probably just wanted to get up close and personal.”

“To sabotage us?”

Arc shrugs. “Who knows. But you remember her rules, right?”

“That the date wasn’t over until we returned to the castle gardens?”

“The other part. She told me I was free to do whatever I wanted to before adding that I needed consent from you.”

Applejack gasps. “You mean…?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. She was talking about sex.”

Applejack seethes. “What the hay?! Princess Celestia’s actions could have gotten me pregnant!”

“I’m going to assume she had control over that too. As much as I don’t trust Celestia, I also can’t imagine her allowing you to potentially get pregnant while she was mentally urged you to have sex.”

Applejack sighs. “Hopefully not. I mean, I do want to bear your foals, Arc. But not like that. Not being manipulated into doing it, I mean.”

“Back then I had my suspicions that she was involved with your mood, yes. That’s one of the reasons I didn’t do anything.”

“The other being Rarity?”

“Yeah. However that’s not going to be for quite some time.”

“We can wait. After all, you’re worth it.”

Arc puts a hand on Applejack’s cheek and smiles at her.

“That’s something we share in common.”

“It is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’re worth the wait too.”

Smiling, Applejack leans forward and plants her lips on Arc’s. The pair fall backwards onto the sheets where they continue kissing.

Chapter 15 - Dream Come True

As the sun sets Arc and his little family sit around the kitchen table eating dessert. Dinky looks over at the refrigerator which is covered from top to bottom in leaf art.

“Do you think we went a little overboard, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “But we’re out of tape now.”

Arc shrugs. “I’ll add it to the shopping list.”

Apple Bloom grins. “That was really fun though!”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “Yeah! Not sure why we didn’t think to do it before!”

Scootaloo puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t think wax paper exists in Equestria.”

Brightwing flutters up onto the table. “Friends bring some home then!”

Arc chuckles. “Right. We’ll bring back some wax paper and show this to the foals at the orphanage.”

“Good idea, dad!”

“Glad you approve, sweetheart.”

Derpy motions to the refrigerator. “We should probably go shopping tomorrow too, Arc. The milk and bread are getting really low.”

“Fine. Tomorrow after breakfast then.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “How about visiting Shelly too?”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah. She seems like a really nice lady.”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Can we come too?”

“I don’t see why not. But just like last time, I’ll have to make sure she’s doing okay before the rest of you enter the room.”

Derpy nods in approval. “That’s for the best. After all, I wouldn’t want a lot of visitors if I was having a bad health day.”

Arc motions to the last two slices of pie. “Maybe we should bring Shelly and Lily some of the pie we made too.”

Dinky smiles. “I’m sure she’d like that. After all, the food in hospitals isn’t the greatest.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “When where you in the hospital?”

“That’s what the television shows all say.”

Arc tousles Dinky’s hair. “True. But it’s not exactly real life they’re portraying.”

Apple Bloom looks to Sweetie Belle. “The food we got from Doctor Lighthoof was pretty good though.”

“It was, yes. But if you two recall they made it mostly with the ingredients that WE gave THEM.”

Derpy shudders. “I’m glad you three ate well over there. However please don’t ever do that again.”

“We’ll try not to, mom.”

Arc stands. “Actually, I think I’ll run over the leftover pie this evening.”

Brightwing licks her plate. “Tasty!”

Apple Bloom shrugs. “Well, it is better fresh.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “And warm.”

“Can I come too, Big Brother?”

“I’m only planning to be there for a few minutes. After all, it is getting pretty late.”

Derpy smiles at the little girl. “And you’ll see her in the morning.”

“I’d still like to come though.”

Arc shrugs. “Fine.”

Dinky looks at the clock. “Better hurry then, dad. Visiting hours will be over soon.”

Apple Bloom walks over to the sink. “We’ll get started on the dishes while you’re gone!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah!”

Derpy heads over to a cupboard. “I’ll get you some clean plates and silverware to take over there.”

“Thanks.”

A few minutes later Arc and Scootaloo step out of the portal on the roof of the hospital. Blinking down to ground level they head to the main entrance. Scootaloo looks to Arc as they enter.

“Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“I… um… never mind.”

“You can tell me when you’re ready.”

“But I’m sure you already know what I’m thinking.”

Arc shakes his head. “Not this time.”

“Huh?”

“I try to stay out of your head unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“But why?”

“Because you deserve a bit of privacy. Especially in that regard.”

“I trust you though.”

“And I appreciate that. But you’re still a living, feeling creature that deserves to be more than just a slave to those above them.”

Scootaloo grins. “You do take really good care of me though. I’m okay being your thrall, or slave as you put it.”

Arc frowns. “Well I’m not okay with being your master.”

“Big Brother?”

“If there was a way to sever that connection, I’d gladly do it.”

Scootaloo gasps. “But why?!”

“To free you.”

“Please don’t!”

Arc stops and turns to her. “Why not?”

“Because I really enjoy being your thrall! Our connection makes me feel secure!”

Arc sighs. “Well it makes me feel like an overlord.”

“I… I’m sorry, Big Brother. I didn’t realize it was such a burden for you.”

“It isn’t so much a burden as it is… well… morally ambiguous.”

“What does that mean?”

“That a human shouldn’t be in such a position of power over another human.”

“But I’m not a…”

Arc interrupts her. “Or pony in your case.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m extremely happy with you being my master, Big Brother.”

Arc sighs as he motions for Scootaloo to follow. “I’m glad. But I still wish I could free you.”

Coming to Shelly’s room the pair enter quietly. Shelly is lying on the bed asleep as Lily dozes in a nearby chair. Their footsteps awaken Lily whom sits up and looks to them happily as she speaks in a hushed tone.

“Hey there, you two.”

Arc holds up the Tupperware case with the food in it. “We made some pie this afternoon and thought you and Shelly would like some.”

Lily sighs. “Shelly can’t eat regular food, remember?”

Arc groans. “Crap, I forgot! Lily, I’m sorry about this!”

“It’s alright. Mistakes happen, after all.”

Scootaloo walks over to the bed. “How’s Shelly doing?”

Arc grimaces. “Bad day?”

Lily nods sadly. “Very. She’s been asleep almost all of it.”

“Hopefully it’ll pass soon.”

Lily sighs. “Normally, yes. But lately the bad days have been more often and last longer.”

Scootaloo turns to Lily. “How much longer?”

“It used to be a day in the past. Now it’ll probably be at least two.”

Arc frowns. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Scootaloo appears hopeful. “Anything we can do to help?”

Lily shakes her head. “No, Scarlet. The doctor says that rest is the best thing for her right now.”

She sighs and takes Shelly’s hand before continuing.

“After all, it’s not like we can do any more for her ourselves.”

Arc joins Lily in standing next to the bed. “Anything else the doctors can tell you?”

“Just that they’re administering as much medicine as fast as they can. But there’s only so much she can take.”

“I… guess I should have known that.”

“No need to be ashamed of asking a question, Arc.”

Scootaloo tugs at his shirt. “We should probably be getting home, Big Brother.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

He turns back to Lily before continuing.

“Sorry about the pie mistake.”

“Don’t be. I’m sure it’s amazing.”

“Would you like to try it?”

Lily shakes her head. “I… don’t really want to leave Shelly out of something like that. Thank you though.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Okay. We’ll come back in a day or so then.”

Lily smiles as she puts a hand on Arc’s. “You’re welcome here anytime though. I know Shelly would approve.”

“Sure. I’ll stop by tomorrow morning then.”

“See you then.”

Arc turns to leave. Motioning to Scootaloo to follow him they walk slowly down the corridor together. Scootaloo looks up at him.

“Big Brother?”

“Yes?”

“You’re scared.”

Arc sighs. “Worried would be the better term for it.”

“I’ve felt you being worried before. This is definitely different.”

“Guess I am then.”

“I… have to admit that I don’t really know what you’re going through right now. My only real loss was my mom. And that just happened so fast. Can’t imagine what it’d be like to have to watch someone go downhill like this over such a long time.”

“Pray that you never do.”

The pair return home. Dinky, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Derpy are watching television on the couch as they come up from the basement. Dinky grins as she presses the ‘mute’ button on the remote.

“Welcome home!”

Apple Bloom points. “Wanna watch television with us?!”

Scootaloo walks over. “What are you watching?”

Derpy giggles. “A very interesting show called ‘Dirty Jobs’.”

Dinky nods. “Right! This human, Mike Rowe, he tries out all these really dirty or hard jobs!”

Apple Bloom grins. “He’s really brave!”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. In fact, I think I’m going to lie down upstairs.”

Derpy nods soberly. “Oh… okay, Arc. I’ll see to it the little ones get to bed at a decent time.”

Arc calls out sadly as he heads for the stairs. “Thank you.”

Derpy and the others turn to Scootaloo as Arc leaves. Dinky is the first to speak.

“What happened over there?”

“Shelly was having a bad day.”

Derpy grimaces. “Was she in a lot of pain?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “She was unconscious the whole time we were there.”

Apple Bloom shudders. “That sounds bad.”

“Lily said that she had been like that all day.”

Sweetie Belle groans. “And there isn’t anything the doctors can do?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “Sounds like they’re doing all they can right now.”

Derpy sighs. “Poor Arc. He and Shelly have known each other for years.”

Dinky bows her head. “And he’s been watching this happen for so long.”

Scootaloo looks to the stairs as she speaks. “It’s really starting to get to him too.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “So no visit to the hospital tomorrow?”

“Big Brother said he’d go over there alone to see how she’s doing.”

Sweetie Belle nods soberly. “Probably give Lily a bit of a break too.”

Derpy looks out the window. “This can’t be easy for her either.”

Scootaloo turns to leave. “Yeah. Um… I think I’m going to hit the sack now too.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “It’s a bit early for that though.”

“I know, but… I just need some alone time.”

Derpy smiles sadly. “Good night then.”

Heading upstairs, Scootaloo pauses outside Arc’s door. Raising her hand to knock she stops herself. Shaking her head, the little girl heads for her bedroom. Laying down on her back she kicks off her socks and shoes. Staring up at the ceiling as the sun slowly sets she thinks to herself. Eventually darkness fills the room save for the moonlight shining through the curtains. The sounds of the others heading for bed ring out for a time before silence again reigns. As Scootaloo stares up at the ceiling she mutters to herself.

“This just… it isn’t right. Big Brother deserves better.”

Sitting up, she grabs her small black cloak and throws it over her shoulders. It surrounds her as she walks toward the window. Looking at the moon Scootaloo transforms into her Crimson form and, opening the window a crack, turns into a mist and floats up to the roof. Returning to her human form she looks all around.

“Which way was it?”

Taking a few moments to get her bearings she spots her destination some distance away. Becoming mist again, she floats high into the sky and begins her journey. Arriving at the hospital a short time later she enters via the main entrance, which is devoid of people for the night, and floats down the corridor. Coming to Shelly’s room she looks all around before returning to her corporeal form.

“Okay. Here goes.”

With a deep breath, Scootaloo enters the room. Her bare feet make only small plip-plap sounds on the tile floor beneath her as she closes the distance between the bed and herself. Lily sits in a nearby chair, asleep. Scootaloo looks to her and sighs.

“Guess I’d better take care of you first.”

Putting her hands on either side of Lily’s head, she touches her forehead to the young woman’s temples and concentrates. A few whiffling snores and gasps ring out from Lily as Scootaloo steps back.

“Let’s see if this worked.”

Clearing her throat she gently nudges Lily. The young woman groggily opens her eyes to look into Scootaloo’s face as the young girl speaks.

“Stand.”

Lily slowly does so. Scootaloo steps back as she continues.

“Follow.”

Walking Lily into the bathroom, she turns on the shower and sets the water temperature, never once taking her red eyes off of her victim as she does so.

“Brush your teeth and take a long shower.”

She steps toward the door as Lily slowly heads for the sink. Closing the door behind her, Scootaloo heads for the bed. Looking Shelly over for a few moments, she returns to her mist form and floats under the covers with her. Returning to her human form she takes a deep breath and presses her body against Shelly’s.

“Here goes nothing.”

Closing her eyes, Scootaloo concentrates. A few moments later she feels a warm wind surrounding her.

“Please have worked.”

Scootaloo slowly opens her eyes to see a courtyard filled with children playing. Looking around she spies a group of two boys and two girls. Walking over to them they acknowledge her with smiles.

“Hey there! You new here?!”

Scootaloo nods. “Y-yeah. My name’s… Scarlet.”

“Cool name! I’m Frank! And these are my friends Arc, Lily, and Shelly!”

Lily smiles shyly. Hello.

Shelly giggles. “Nice to meet you.”

Arc grins. “Hi!”

Scootaloo gestures to the building. “So this is an orphanage, huh?”

Arc nods. “Yup. We call it home.”

Frank grins as he gives her a thumbs up. “And I’m in charge here!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Right.”

Lily looks to Scootaloo. “He likes to pretend.”

Shelly smiles. “That Frank does.”

Frank frowns. “Hey! Don’t make me look bad in front of the new kid!”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “In any case… have they given you a bed yet?”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow, confused. “A… bed?”

Lily nods. “Everyone’s assigned one. It’s your special place here.”

Arc grins. “There’s a footlocker at the end where you can keep anything they let you bring with you.”

Frank folds his arms over his chest. “We all keep our treasures in there.”

“Like what?”

Shelly sighs. “Momentos from your family or whatever else is important to you.”

Lily giggles. “Frank keeps old valentines from Shelly in his.”

“So what if I do?!”

Arc frowns. “It’s kinda creepy, man.”

Shelly blushes slightly. “Well, I think it’s sweet.”

Frank points a finger. “See?! Shelly likes it!”

Arc shrugs. “More like tolerates.”

Shelly smiles and looks to Scootaloo. “Why don’t we go inside and get you situated?”

“Okay.”

Shelly takes the little girl’s hand and leads her inside the building. Walking past several sleeping security guards they enter the office. Looking over a desk nearby Shelly picks up an envelope and motions for Scootaloo to follow her. They walk down several corridors before entering a large room with innumerable bunks on either side of it. Leading Scootaloo over to a bed Shelly stops and points.

“This will be your bed.”

Holding out the envelope to her, Shelly smiles.

“The combination to your footlocker is in here.”

Scootaloo takes it. “Thanks. But I don’t really have anything to put in it.”

“You will eventually, trust me. Now then is there anything else you need?”

“Actually, yeah. Can we talk about something?”

“Sure.”

Shelly and Scootaloo sit down on beds across from one another.

“First off, I know this is all just a dream.”

Shelly nods. “Yes it is, Scarlet.”

Scootaloo looks around. “Can I ask why this though?”

“Because it was a happy time for me.”

“You mean before you found out you were sick?”

Shelly shakes her head. “No. I was still sick at this age. They just didn’t know what was wrong with me.”

“Then why…?”

Shelly stands up and takes Scootaloo’s hand. Walking her over to a nearby window they peer out as she talks.

“Look out there. What do you see?”

“A lot of kids.”

“Yes. However I see Arc, Frank, and Lily. We were really good friends back then.”

“Like you are now?”

“True. But this point in time is still my happy place.”

“Why though? I would have thought it would have been when you and your friends grew up and moved in together.”

“That was a nice time too, yes. Sometimes I dream about that as well. But this… this is what made me the most happy.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Living in an orphanage?”

“Helping other kids.”

“I don’t understand.”

Shelly sighs. “It always made me so happy when we were kids. That’s really the only thing I miss about my childhood. Being there for others when they needed me.”

“You could always go back and volunteer though.”

Shelly shakes her head. “Not anymore. My condition has made that impossible.”

“So now you just dream about it?”

“Almost every night, yes. And I want to continue doing so until my end comes.”

“That’s why I’m here actually.”

“Oh?”

“I need to know something. What if you didn’t have to die?”

“That would be wonderful, yes.”

“You could live a full life with everyone you care about. Walk normally again. And... maybe even do things you didn’t even know you could.”

“But how would such a thing be possible?”

“It’s… complicated. All you have to know is that you would most likely recover from everything very soon.”

“What would the catch be though?”

“You… would probably have to leave Angel Grove behind forever.”

Shelly turns away. “That’s asking too much.”

“Just the town though. Not your loved ones.”

“So I would have to relocate?”

Scootaloo nods. “You could say that, yes.”

“Anything else?”

“The only other thing is that you’d have to get used to a new body.”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “A new… body?”

“It’ll look identical to your current one for the most part. And you’ll be able to do certain things that no one else can.”

“That sounds like it would be hard on everyone.”

“They’d manage.”

“And there’s no real guarantee that it’d work, right?”

Scootaloo sighs. “Honestly, no. But it’s your only hope at this point. All you’d have to do is accept my powers.”

Shelly raises an eyebrow. “Your… powers?”

“It’s complicated. However the short version is that you would awaken as a Crimson. It’s a creature of the night.”

Shelly frowns. “That… doesn’t sound very nice.”

“It’d only be at night. And even then only if you looked at the moon to transform.”

“And you could turn me into one of these… Crimson things?”

Scootaloo nods soberly “Yes. The only catch would be that you’d be bound to me.”

“Like a servant?”

“I’d give you full freedom at all times though.”

Shelly shakes her head. “Thank you, but I think I’d rather just be myself.”

“But I can make you so much more!”

“I’m sure you could, Scarlet. But I have the freedom to refuse, don’t I?”

“Technically no. I could force you to undergo the metamorphosis.”

“Would you?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because of something Big Brother taught me. That everyone needs the freedom to live their lives as they see fit.”

“Agreed. And that’s why I choose not to accept.”

“But…!”

Shelly interrupts her. “My death is coming. I can feel its approach drawing nearer with each passing day. However I’ve done that which I want to do in this life.”

“Everything?”

“Just one thing is left undone. And that’s to see Lily get married.”

“Then you could…!”

Shelly shakes her head. “It’s fine. I can die knowing that she’ll be cared for by Frank and Arc. Lily won’t be alone. Not by a long shot.”

“Is that your final answer?”

“Yes.”

“But Big Brother wants you to live so badly!”

“As do I. However I won’t put everyone else through the wringer in terms of forcing change on them for my sake.”

“I… very well.”

Shelly smiles. “Thank you for understanding.”

Scootaloo frowns. “I really don’t.”

“Someday maybe you will. Then we can talk about it.”

“About that. You won’t remember any of this. At least not the particulars. Just the general gist of someone whom looks like me being here.”

Shelly sighs. “Such is the nature of all dreams.”

“Right. Now then, you do what you want... and I’ll do what I have to.”

Shelly nods soberly. “You do that. But I want you to remember one thing, Scarlet.”

“What is it?”

“Would you like someone to do something to you against your will?”

“If it was for my own good, yes.”

“Then there’s nothing more that I can say to try and dissuade you.”

“I guess not.”

Shelly stands. “Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s still quite a few things I want to experience tonight.”

“Sure.”

Closing her eyes, Scootaloo vanishes. When she opens them she finds herself lying next to Shelly in the hospital bed again. Sitting up, she looks down at the young woman before her and sighs.

“I’m sorry, Shelly.”

Scootaloo bares her fangs. She puts her small hands on Shelly’s shoulders and leans into her. Slowly moving toward her neck, Scootaloo inches closer and closer. Eventually the tips of her fangs touch Shelly’s throat. They press into the soft skin gently but do not break it. Shelly gasps and shudders slightly but does not open her eyes. The little girl stays in that position for a few seconds before sighing and pulling back. Sitting up, she looks over the unconscious woman for a long moment before shaking her head.

“No. Shelly, she… she doesn’t want this.

Leaning down, Scootaloo gives Shelly a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Pleasant dreams, Shelly.”

Turning back into her mist form, Scootaloo drifts out of the room and down the corridor. Heading back the way she came, the little girl leaves the building and floats up to the roof. Rematerializing, she sits down in front of a vent which is blowing out warm air and stares up at the moon.

“I just don’t understand you. With my help you could have become a Crimson, Shelly. Then your body would have repaired itself just as Big Brother’s did after my dad stabbed him.”

Shaking her head, Scootaloo looks down at her hands.

“But you turned it down. Instead of pain and weakness you could have been strong and healthy. As my thrall you would have been free to enjoy your life with Big Brother and I along with your other loved ones.”

Sitting there for some time to think on this, Scootaloo eventually groans.

“I don’t understand why you flatly rejected my offer. But at the same time I’m equally confused as to why I didn’t just bite you and save your life. After all, it was certainly for your own good.”

Frowning, the little girl stands and looks at the moon for a few moments before turning back into a mist and floating over the edge. Making her way back to Shelly’s window she looks inside for a time before leaving the hospital grounds as she thinks to herself.

“While I would have given you all the freedom in the world as my thrall, just like Big Brother does for me, for some reason I chose to give you the greatest freedom of all. The power to say… ‘no’.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing flutters down the hallway of Arc’s second floor. Coming to the room that Dinky shares with her mother she slowly pushes the door open. Finding the pair asleep, Brightwing flutters over to them and lands on the nightstand next to Dinky. Carefully reaching forward she slowly picks up a lock of hair between two claws. Rubbing them together slowly she eventually cuts through the hair and flutters quietly out the door and down the hall to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle’s room. Spotting the girls asleep, she does the same to them. Making her way downstairs with the locks of hair in both palms, with the third held in her tail, she concentrates as a portal forms. Hopping through, Brightwing returns to her office in Canterlot Castle.

“Another reagent down!”

Putting the hair neatly into the potion, Brightwing begins stirring. It glows as the little creature grins happily.

“Yes! More magical power! Potion amplified! Will increase Brightwing’s final chances of success!”

She watches as the potion stops glowing. Frowning, Brightwing growls.

“Potion powerful! But not HOLDING its power! Needs something to help power STAY in there!”

Tapping a claw on her chin, Brightwing thinks for a time as her tail continues stirring the potion absentmindedly.

Chapter 22 - Would You be Mine, Could You be Mine

Watching television throughout the day, the pair laze around together. As the sun sinks below the horizon Arc enters the bedroom in a bathrobe as he carries a pizza box and two liter of soda. Derpy giggles as he closes the door behind him with a foot.

“That smells great!”

Arc nods. “The perfect ending to a perfect lazy day.”

Derpy grins sheepishly. “I admit, it’s a bit… strange to not have cooked anything for lunch or supper.”

“And I feel a bit funny having accomplished nothing all day.”

“Well, I suppose everyone needs a day off once in a while.”

Arc nods as he sets down the box on the bed. “That and it did give us quite a bit of time to talk.”

“Yes, it did. I feel a lot closer to you now.”

Arc chuckles as he removes the bathrobe and tosses it aside. “Are you sure that’s not because of the lack of clothes?”

“That was nice too.”

He lifts the lid of the pizza box as Derpy opens the bottle of soda. As they get comfy again Arc picks up a slice and hands it to his companion. Accepting it, she takes a bite and gasps.

“That’s hot!”

Arc smiles as he holds out the soda to her. “It’s amazing how much heat a pizza box can hold in. We’ll give it a few minutes to cool before trying again.”

“Sounds good.”

They continue watching their show for a few moments before Arc turns to Derpy again.

“Tell me something. Is this how a pony feels all of the time?”

“I don’t understand.”

“As a mare you don’t typically wear anything.”

“Ah! Yes, the freedom of being uncovered was great today. I kinda hope we can do it more in the future.”

“I’d… like that too.”

Derpy smiles happily. “Maybe next time we can invite the others for an uncovered day of watching television.”

Arc blushes slightly. “I’m… not sure I’m ready to be surrounded by ten naked women.”

Derpy giggles. “Well, I’m sure they’re ready for you to be bare.”

“Let’s just stick with the one-on-one idea for now.”

“If that’s what you want I’m sure they’ll understand.”

Arc nods as he picks up a slice of pizza. “Let’s try eating again, shall we?”

“Good idea.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing flutters out of the device. Making her way over to the young woman, she lands next to Mio as she begins to stir. A small spell shoots forth from her tiny palm and hits Mio in the forehead. Brightwing frowns as she stops moving.

“Friend needs to stop trying to wake up! Just rest and leave everything to Brightwing!”

Turning back to the machine, she gives the internal components one more check before stepping back and grinning.

“Looks like Brightwing did it! Maybe. Um... probably, that is.”

Tapping a claw to her chin she thinks for a few moments before sighing.

“Brightwing guess there’s no real way to know other than to just do it.”

Concentrating, she opens a portal back to her office, grabs the potion from the desk, and doubles back before landing and setting the vial on the ground next to Mio’s machine.

“This SHOULD work. But Brightwing suppose potion COULD use a bit more magical power.”

She looks to Mio and grins wickedly before fluttering toward her with the potion.

“Friend can help with this!”

Pulling back the sleeping bag, Brightwing grabs Mio’s coat sleeve and pulls with all her might. Eventually she is able to pull it off enough to expose the young woman’s bare arm. Rubbing a single claw on a rock for a short time she sharpens it. Taking a deep breath, Brightwing drags it against Mio’s arm making a deep cut. A steady stream of blood flows out as she puts the bottle under it and watches the red liquid flow for a solid minute. Carefully setting the potion aside Brightwing pulls the coat back down and applies pressure to the wound with both of her palms.

“Sorry, friend. Normally Brightwing would just use her magic to heal your ouchie. But Brightwing’s going to need every little bit of it if her plan is going to work.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Derpy take bites of their pizza. They take turns passing the bottle of soda between each other as they eat. Finishing the pizza, Arc tosses the box onto the floor as Derpy climbs between his legs again. Pulling her close, she returns to her earlier position as the next episode starts. Arc looks down at her and smiles.

“You really like this show don’t you?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I do.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because there’s a nice lesson to be learned in many of the episodes.”

“I guess so. But I always thought a lot of them were really simple.”

“Maybe. However I think the younger audience needs to hear them. Like the foals back home.”

“You think so?”

Derpy grins. “Yes. It’d be really nice if we could find a way to bring this show back there. Would it be possible to bring a television back to Equestria?”

“Well… I’d have to run that by someone like Hard Hat first. He could probably advise me on whether or not the electrical outlets over there would be compatible. But even then we couldn’t watch anything over there since the stations are all based here on Earth.”

“What about a disk of some kind? Like what we watched last Christmas?”

“There’s probably some kind of Power Rangers box set I could purchase. If we could get the power situation figured out I’d be willing to buy another television and DVD player along with the disks for the orphanage. Assuming Coco Pommel is okay with it, that is.”

“She probably would be. But we’d have to run this whole plan by her first.”

“I’ll still talk to Hard Hat about it either way. If Coco Pommel vetoes the plan we can still watch things back home with Dinky.”

“That sounds nice.”

“I can think of a few other shows that might go over well with the orphans too.”

“Oh? Like what?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin as he thinks. “Reading Rainbow, Sesame Street, The Magic School Bus, Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and certain episodes of Bill Nye the Science Guy.”

“Do they have cool fighting scenes too?”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “No, no. They’re all educational shows used to teach kids various facets of life.”

“Like what?”

“Well… Reading Rainbow focuses on literacy. When I was a kid it was hosted by a man named Levar Burton who would go to various locations for the show to illustrate the theme of the particular episode. Once he was trudging through a swamp and took a sample of the water with him in a glass jar. Then he went to a laboratory and had one of the workers there put a drop of water on a slide before looking at it through a microscope.”

Derpy appears confused. “What’s a microscope?”

“It’s a machine that zooms in on a target so you can see things that are really small.”

“Zoom in… like a camera?”

“Kinda. But this goes WAY beyond what any traditional camera can do. It lets you see things that are far too small to be seen with just the eyes.”

Derpy gasps. “What did he see?”

“A lot of microorganisms. Simple creatures that live in the water but can’t be seen due to being so small.”

“That sounds interesting. I wouldn’t mind watching that one myself.”

“I’d have to screen the episodes before letting the foals watch them though. After all, not everything presented there would translate well.”

“Like what?”

“Well… there’s at least one episode that talks about dinosaurs.”

“Dino… what now?”

“Dinosaurs. They’re creatures that lived on Earth a really long time ago.”

“Lived?”

Arc shrugs. “They died out.”

“All of them?”

“Well, I don’t see them walking around these days.”

“But the foals might like learning about strange new creatures.”

“Agreed. However I think the young ones should focus of other more practical knowledge before trying to learn another planet’s history. The older ones might be better prepared for such a thing though.”

“I’ll let you and Miss Pommel figure that out.”

“There are other shows that teach things that they’ll need to know though. Like Sesame Street.”

“Is that the name of the show or the street it takes place?”

“The show name. It’s filmed on an indoor set with a diverse cast of people along with ‘muppets’.”

“Are muppets animals?”

“They’re actually somewhat detailed puppets. The show has them acting out little skits alongside the human cast.”

“Like what?”

“Sometimes it’s educational. Like learning how to tie your shoes or how a straw works. But other episodes are about just funny things. Like one muppet named ‘Cookie Monster’. He was a really simple minded muppet whom loved cookies. In fact, he’d literally go crazy when thinking about them and eat everything in sight.”

“How about the educational part of the show? What did they teach?”

“Letters and numbers mostly. It was a show for very young children, after all.”

“That sounds like something the little ones would like.”

“The griffons that come over from across the sea especially.”

Derpy claps her hands together happily. “It would help them learn about numbers and letters without keeping them in a classroom constantly.”

“Right.”

“Tell me more about the other shows.”

“I think I mentioned The Magic School Bus. That one was about a class of kids whom every day went on field trips in their school bus with their teacher, Miss Frizzle.”

“That sounds more believable.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, a lot of episodes involve them going places no other people could.”

“Like where?”

“Inside one of their classmate’s digestive tract.”

“Digestive…?”

“The school bus and all the students got eaten. It was an episode showing how the food we consume is digested and used to fuel our bodies. Another time they went inside another student whom was ill to try and show how bacteria and viruses made them sick.”

“So they went inside humans a lot?”

“Several times, yes. Another episode showed how bread was made along with the yeast making it rise.”

Derpy grins. “Sounds informative!”

“It started as a book series and was later adapted into a cartoon. Episodes included showing how an engine worked, the water-works which filters dirty water into something that you can drink, how weather comes to be, and even a tour of the solar system.”

“So many different ideas!”

“Some of them might be for older foals though. Like the solar system episode. No need to confuse the little ones.”

“They might like the dough episode though.”

“Right. And the water-works episode too. We’d have to screen the episodes ahead of time though.”

“Agreed. Tell me about another show.”

“Another favorite of mine was ‘Mister Roger’s Neighborhood’. It was a show that stared a man named Fred Rogers. It started every episode with him singing a song called ‘It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’.”

“Sounds very upbeat.”

“Oh, it was. He was a really nice guy whom just wanted to make a difference.”

“For children?”

Arc nods. “Oh yes. You see, not every kid has loving parents to teach them about things. So they would look to him as an authority figure of sorts.”

Derpy sighs. “Sounds like I could have used that in my life back then.”

“Yeah. He was just a really personable guy whom always talked in a very soft and calming voice.”

“What happened on his show?”

“Some days he’d draw with crayons. I think he was trying to show us that it doesn’t matter if you’re good at it or not, but rather that you have fun doing it. Another time he went to the graham cracker factory to show kids how their favorite snack was made.”

Derpy licks her lips. “Those things are pretty tasty.”

“Another episode showed the inner workings of a crayon factory.”

“The foals would love that! At least the part where things were interesting. Were there other characters?”

“The deliveryman sometimes came with films for Mister Rogers to show. His name was Mister McFeely. And there was a police officer once in a while named Officer Clemmons. Those were the only human main characters though.”

“More muppets?”

Arc shakes his head. “No muppets. But Mister Rogers did have what he called ‘The World of Make-Believe’. You see, he had a small toy trolley that would drive through the edge of his living room behind a bench. That was supposed to take the viewers to the Kingdom of Make-Believe, which was inhabited by puppets and ruled over by King Friday.”

“And they had adventures?”

“It was written to support whatever the lesson of the show was about. Nothing too heavy or difficult to understand. Sadly I don’t remember any specifics about that part of the show. Well, other than the fact that the puppets were operated by Fred Rogers himself.”

“He sounds very talented.”

“That he was. After all, he wrote the scripts along with the music, played the music, directed, and stared in the show.”

Derpy gasps. “Wow!”

“But that was only part of what made him special. Another reason was that he was a real person.”

“I don’t understand.”

“He wasn’t like any famous stars back then. Someone whom thinks they’re better than everyone else. If you saw him on the street you could talk to him and he would listen to what you had to say earnestly. That and he didn’t let success change him in the least.”

“So he stayed humble?”

“Yeah. When the show first started kids would write fan letters to him saying how much they liked a certain episode.”

Derpy grins. “That sounds nice.”

“He would write them back.”

“All of them?”

“From what I’m told, yes. At least in the early years until the show really took off. Then he supposedly had to have others help him with that.”

“How about now? Is it still a popular show?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Mister Rogers passed away years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. What did he die of?”

“Stomach cancer. That and he was in his seventies if memory serves correctly. However, before his death he recorded a short message that I’d like to share with you.”

“What did he say?”

Arc smiles sadly. “Well… I suppose I could tell you. But why don’t I do better than that?”

“How?”

“You’ll see.”

Pushing back the covers, Arc carefully moves aside and lays Derpy down on the pillow behind him.

“Wait right here. I’ll be back.”

Derpy giggles. “Okay.”

Leaving the room, Arc heads down to the basement. Returning a few minutes later with a laptop under his arm along with a cord he walks over to the television. Derpy appears confused.

“Are we going to watch something on that smaller screen now?”

“Not exactly. But you’ll see.”

Plugging the cord into the back of the television, Arc puts the other end in a port on the side of the laptop. Opening it, he presses a number of keys before an image pops up on the big screen. Derpy grins as she crawls to the end of the bed happily.

“YouTube?!”

Arc chuckles. “Yup. Just a simple trick of running an HDMI cable and mirroring the image.”

Blinking back to his place on the bed, Arc reaches forward and puts his arms around Derpy’s belly. Pulling her onto his lap she reaches out and pulls the covers over them again as Arc types with his magic. A few moments later the image of an elderly man appears on the screen. Derpy gasps happily.

“Is that him?”

Arc nods. “Yup. That’s Fred Rogers. But we all just knew him as ‘Mister Rogers’ when we were kids. Now then… here’s what he had to say.”

Pressing ‘Play’, Arc lays back on the pillow with Derpy as the video starts. Mister Rogers sits on a piano bench in front of the set of the land of Make-Believe as he talks.

(To hear the speech in Fred Roger’s own words... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFVPkn37iFM)

“You know, it happens so often. I walk down the street and someone twenty or thirty or forty years old will come up to me and say ‘you are Mister Rogers, aren’t you’. And then they tell me about growing up with the neighborhood. And how they’re passing on to the children they know what they found to be important in our television work. Like expressing their feelings through music and art and dance and sports and drama and computers and writing and… and invariably we end our little time together with a hug. I’m just so proud of all of you who have grown up with us. And I know how tough it is some days to look with hope and confidence on the months and years ahead. But I would like to tell you what I often told you when you much younger. I like you just the way you are. And what’s more, I’m so grateful to you for helping the children in your life to know that you’ll do everything you can to keep them safe. And to help them express their feelings in ways that will bring healing in many different neighborhoods. It’s such a good feeling to know that we’re lifelong friends.”

Mister Rogers makes a small smile before the video ends. Arc looks down at Derpy before speaking.

“That was the last recording he made before his death a year or so later.”

“So… he was dying at the time?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. But that’s what made him such a cool guy. Even though things in his life were coming to an end, he still didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.”

“He spoke with such a gentle and soothing voice that for a moment there I felt as if he were talking directly to me.”

“We all did when this aired. Adult and child alike.”

Derpy smiles sadly. “No one other than you ever made we feel this way, Arc. That I was loved just the way I am. That I didn’t have to try so hard to be someone that I’m not to appease those around me.”

“I believe you’re very special as-is, Derpy. And I’ll be happy with you… just the way you are.”

Derpy appears hopeful. “Can we watch some of his shows?”

“I don’t have any hard copies here at the house. But we could find some clips here on YouTube. Probably even a few full episodes if you’d like.”

“That sounds nice.”

“Any particular theme you’d like to hear?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Anything you’d like to play of his is fine with me, Arc.”

Arc nods as he types with his magic. “Alright, I’ll pick something out.”

Meanwhile, Brightwing flutters down from the access panel which she has just closed. Grinning, she turns and looks back at the machine with evident pride.

“All done! Now all Brightwing has to do is start it up, and…”

She stops talking and gasps.

“Oh no! Brightwing promised Crimson filly friend that she could watch! Have to get her first!”

Opening a portal, Brightwing reappears in her office in Canterlot Castle. Blinking out into the corridor she starts flying.

“Is late, but Brightwing still wants to finish this up tonight!”

As she flutters by the Dining Room, Brightwing stops as the latent smell of food lingers on the air. Turning back she grins and makes her way to the doors.

“Brightwing finish after a snack… or three!”

Sometime later Arc and Derpy finish their episode of ‘Mister Roger’s Neighborhood’. Looking down at her Arc smiles.

“Did you like it?”

Derpy nods happily. “Very much so! Did you watch him a lot when you were a kid?”

“As often as I could. My mom was actually the one whom told me about the show, after all.”

“Oh

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, she probably wanted me to have some kind of a father figure in my life, or something.”

“Well, he does have some very good advice.”

“Especially at the end of every episode.”

Derpy grins. “I like you just the way you are.”

“It’s such a simple concept. But one that so few get to hear from those close to them.”

“Why though?”

“Because they’re encouraged to be something better. Which in and of itself isn’t wrong per-se. However, people should first be allowed to be themselves.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Well… let’s say there’s a child who’s really good at their studies. Their parents might urge them to pursue a career in the medical field due to their high grades. However that might not be what their child is passionate about. So rather than trying to divert their child’s future career toward something that will make them a lot of money they should instead be trying to help their kid figure out what makes them happy.”

“You mean people here on Earth sometimes have jobs they don’t really like?”

“A lot do, yes. Probably back in Equestria too.”

Derpy gasps. “What?!”

“Does that surprise you?”

“It does actually! After all, everyone I’ve ever met in Ponyville seems really happy!”

“They may be smiling. But I’m sure someone there is unhappy with their life.”

“I… suppose that may be.”

She taps her chin thoughtfully before continuing.

“After all, without your help that might have been me.”

“Oh?”

“Think about it, Arc. You were the one whom told Miss Pommel that I’d be a good employee and that she should hire me. Without that she might not have done so.”

“Maybe.”

“I probably could have found something to do elsewhere. But I can’t see myself being as happy in any other job.”

“Like Mister Rogers himself.”

“Huh?”

“He always seemed so pleased with his role. As if there wasn’t anything better than sharing knowledge and experience with kids via his show.”

“Do you think he was encouraged to do what he liked?”

Arc shrugs. “No idea. It’s certainly possible, yes. However it could also be from lack of such a things.”

“I think he’s exactly what the foals back at the orphanage need.”

“Agreed. That and his advice is pretty much universal as far as species go.”

“Could we bring this show back to Equestria?”

“I don’t see why not. But I’ll have to order some DVDs of the show.”

Derpy points to the laptop. “Why not just bring that?”

“Because it wouldn’t get wi-fi.”

“Wi… what now?”

“Wireless internet. So like I said earlier, I’ll have to bring a couple televisions back to Equestria along with DVD players and the disks themselves.”

“Is that… expensive?”

Arc shrugs. “It’ll be more or less a one-time purchase. I always try to buy quality electronics so that they last a long time.”

Derpy giggles. “I can’t wait to watch this show with the foals back home!”

“How about another episode then? That is unless you want to go back to the Power Ranger marathon.”

“Thanks, but I’d rather hear more from Mister Rogers.”

Arc grins as he presses a button across the room with his magic. “So would I.”

Chapter 16 - Emotions Running High

As the sun sets, the citizens of Ponyville gather in the Town Square for a night of festivities. Derpy looks outside at the crowd making their way down the street to the fun before turning back to Arc as he finishes combing his hair.

“Looks like everypony in town is coming.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, this isn’t something that happens every day.”

“I’m told the train station even had to add another train to keep up with ticket sales to come to this.”

“Really?”

“That’s what Miss Pommel told me.”

“That’s surprising.”

“How so?”

“I figured this would be a local event.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, it might have something to do with both you AND Princess Luna being here to make a speech.”

Arc shrugs. “A short one you mean.”

“You’ll keep yours short. The princess might not.”

“Yes, well… I can’t imagine Luna going on too long. She’s not much for these sort of things.”

“Really?”

“She’s more or less introverted.”

“That makes sense. Well, at least according to what I’ve heard.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Heard?”

“Before she took over for Princess Celestia, the Princess of the Night wasn’t often seen in public. What she did back then was kind of a mystery.”

“That may be. But I just want her to feel as if she could let loose and have a good time like everyone else.”

Dinky runs out of the bathroom with her mane wrapped in a towel and levitating a brush. She hurries over to her father.

“I’m just about ready, dad!”

Derpy giggles. “Other than having your mane brushed you mean.”

“Yeah! Could you do that for me, dad?!”

Arc nods. “Sure, sweetheart. Let’s sit down in front of the fireplace and I’ll do what I can.”

They walk over and sit down on floor. Derpy joins then and sighs as she pats the new rug under her.

“It’s just not the same.”

Dinky looks over as her father sits down behind her. “We’ll get you something you like, mom.”

Arc nods as he gets to work. “That we will.”

Derpy smiles sadly. “Thank you. But we’ll never find anything like my mother’s rug.”

“All we can do is try to make you more comfortable, Derpy.”

“How about you and I sleep in your new bedroom together from now on, mom?”

Derpy nods. “I think I’d like that, yes.”

“You could also use the two beds in my room if you wanted to. After all, they’re new too.”

Dinky giggles. “And less lumpy too!”

Arc shrugs. “That’s what I get for buying used mattresses.”

Derpy looks down at her hooves. “Everything in here is new now. Including the house. But it just doesn’t feel right somehow.”

“I think you’re just used to the old place, Derpy.”

“Yeah, mom. And the old memories.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “So what do I do now?”

Arc smiles at her. “We make new ones.”

Derpy giggles. “I’d like that.”

“Dad?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“When you get married to mom and the others, where will we all live?”

Derpy looks around the house. “I don’t think we could all fit in my place.”

“I was thinking along the lines of having a house of my own built. Something big enough to allow everyone to have their own personal space as well as accommodate family meals and other time together.”

Dinky grins. “It’d have to be awfully big.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes. Something like my father’s house.”

“I’ll have to talk to Hard Hat about design ideas when my retirement and wedding comes a bit closer.”

Dinky clops her hooves together. “Then we could make memories there with everypony!”

Derpy sighs. “That’ll take some getting used to.”

“We could also try some cohabitation prior to the wedding, Derpy. Like what Applejack and I did in the Celestial Realm.”

Dinky appears hopeful. “More one-on-one time, dad?”

"A week did wonders for helping Applejack and I learn about each other. Granted it was all scripted by Celestia. But I was still happy for the experience nonetheless."

“You’re happy she tried to manipulate you, Arc?!”

“Kinda, yes. I’m grateful that she forced Applejack and I into certain situations that allowed us to get closer together.”

“You and mom should try that, dad.”

“But we already did. Well, kinda.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, it kept getting interrupted though.”

Derpy smiles as she leans against Arc. “And I did learn something back there.”

“What was that, mom?”

“That your father will take very good care of you and I, sweetie. “

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“However I think you should focus your attention on the others now, Arc.”

“Oh?”

“Well, the ones you’re uncertain about, that is.”

“Rainbow Dash did seem very interested in going out. But that might have just been her competitive nature shining through.”

“It’d be a place to start, dad.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose. But I’ll have to see what the future holds.”

Derpy looks toward the door. “I’m sure she’ll like that. But we should probably get moving now.”

Dinky puts a hoof to her head. “Yeah. That’s probably the best my mane’s going to get.”

Arc stands. “Alright. Let’s get moving.”

Leaving the house together they head to the Town Square. Looking around Arc and his family see what appears to be something akin to a carnival complete with clowns, face painting, refreshments, and even a band playing classical music. Arc smiles approvingly.

“Looks like Twilight went all out.”

Derpy appears confused. “Twilight?”

Arc nods. “She’s the one who planned this, after all.”

“You think she wanted to give everypony a good time to welcome them home, dad?”

“Probably. And it does look like they are.”

Derpy points a hoof. “There’s Miss Pommel with the orphans.”

They walk over to the mare as she and Miss Peachbottom stand outside a bouncy house watching the little ones play. Coco Pommel smiles at them.

“Hello you three.”

Peachbottom giggles. “Having a good time, Dinky?”

“We just got here. But it does look like fun.”

She turns to her mother before continuing.

“Can I go play with my friends?”

“Of course, dear. Have fun.”

Dinky grins and jumps inside the play place to bounce around. Arc chuckles as she does so.

“So much energy.”

Peachbottom nods. “Yes, it’s good to see them all having a good time in there.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Some of them didn’t want to leave Abyssinia.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“They really liked that swimming pool.”

Suddenly a voice rings out behind them.

“Well, well, well…”

Arc groans as he turns around to see Filthy Rich walking toward them with his two daughters.

“I see you now realize the merits of having a pool, Miss Pommel.”

Diamond Tiara nods as she points a hoof angrily. “Right! So I’m sure you’ll be able to find space in the budget to have one built at the school!”

Silver Spoon groans. “This again?”

Filthy Rich looks down his nose at Peachbottom. “That and I would assume it would open up new educational avenues to your class.”

Coco Pommel steps forward. “But Mister Rich, we have higher priorities as it is.”

Diamond Tiara rolls her eyes. “What? Like padding your purse with bonuses, or something?”

Arc frowns at this. “Alright, that’s enough!”

Rich snorts haughtily. “Ah, Hero of Light Arc. Didn’t see you there.”

Derpy frowns. “But how could you not…?”

Diamond Tiara grits her teeth. “He was being sarcastic, milk maid!”

Arc holds up a hand. “Be quiet!”

Diamond opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Smirking, Arc looks down at her.

“What’s the matter, miss. Cat got your tongue.”

Filthy Rich glares at him. “How did you…?!”

“The same thing I did the last time your daughter talked back. Just a bit of a Mute Spell. Nothing terribly hard to cast. Just enough to give the rest of us a break from her.”

“You undo that spell right now!”

Arc clenches a fist as he angrily steps forward. “You presume to give ME orders?!”

The stallion steps back nervously. “N-no, of course not! I was just… coming here to make a complaint!”

Derpy appears confused. “Complaint?”

“Yes, our home was not put back exactly the way it was.”

Arc frowns. “What was wrong with it?”

Silver Spoon groans. “It was fine, dad.”

“The building, yes. However the furnishings weren’t up to our standards.”

Arc sighs. “I looked over the claim that was submitted and you signed that everything delivered was to your liking.”

“Very true. However I had to hire professional movers to put everything in place.”

“And?”

“And Canterlot should pay for that!”

Diamond Tiara nods indignantly as Silver Spoon sighs.

“We can afford it, dad.”

“Everypony else received moving assistance though!”

“But everypony else has a much smaller house than we do. That and they were relocating from overseas.”

Filthy Rich stomps a hoof angrily. “It doesn’t matter! I demand satisfaction!”

Arc raises an eyebrow and smirks. “Demand?”

“Um… request?”

“Such a thing would be a matter for an audience before a princess.”

“Very well. I’ll petition Princess Luna when she arrives.”

Arc clenches a fist. “You want to talk about this tonight?!”

“Well, I have a right to bring my case before a princess, don’t I?”

“During normal audience hours, yes.”

“I’m sure she can take five minutes to…”

Arc interrupts him. “She’s busy. Take it up with Twilight.”

“But that would involve a trip back to Canterlot!”

“So what?”

Filthy Rich frowns. “You don’t understand! I have a business to run! There isn’t time for me to be traipsing all over Equestria to handle every little matter that comes up!”

“Then I suggest you come up with something yourself. I’ve already told you your options.”

“But…!”

Arc frowns and raises his voice. “Good day, Mister Rich!”

Silver Spoon tugs on her father’s hoof. “Come on, dad. Let’s see if we can find somepony over at the hospital to help Diamond Tiara.”

“Very well, dear.”

The trio walks quickly away as Coco Pommel sighs.

“Thank you, Arc.”

“No problem. But what was all that about over a pool?”

Derpy grimaces. “Diamond Tiara has been petitioning Miss Pommel to have one built at the orphanage.”

Peachbottom groans. “Yes. Even though her family already has one.”

Coco Pommel nods. “She must’ve told her father because he’s been calling about it ever since we got back.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But it’s only been a day or so.”

“Well, he might be trying to make up for lost time.”

Peachbottom looks after the retreated Richs. “A swimming pool isn’t necessarily a bad idea on paper. It’d be nice for the foals and younglings to have a place to relax in the summer months other than the Game Room and Playground.”

Derpy raises a hoof. “I remember Silver Spoon suggesting a fundraiser to try and raise bits for it earlier today at the school.”

Cheerilee walks over and joins them.

“Hello everypony. Did I hear you all talking about the pool problem?”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed, ma’am.”

“Silver Spoon did have some good ideas on how to raise money for one. She is a rather smart little filly.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “Yes, that’s true. However it’s more than just the initial cost of construction that’s the issue at hoof. It’s the ongoing maintenance that comes with such a project along with the cost of the chemicals to keep it free of algae and microorganisms.”

Peachbottom shrugs. “While I too would love to see us build one, I do understand that the school just doesn’t have somepony on staff who is trained to do such a thing or has the time.”

Derpy looks down at her hooves. “Then I suppose it can’t really be helped.”

Arc frowns. “Wait just a moment. Miss Peachbottom, you said earlier that Filthy Rich has a pool, correct?”

“Yes indeed.”

Coco Pommel grimaces. “A fact his daughter loves to lord over the rest of the students I might add.”

“Then why is she asking the school to build one?”

Peachbottom puts a hoof to her chin. “Yes, I wondered that myself.”

Cheerilee looks to Peachbottom. “I think I can answer that one. Today in class we were talking about our time abroad. Filthy Rich and his daughters had been on vacation when the attack happened, so they weren’t evacuated with us. They temporarily attended a private school in Manehattan.”

“It’s one of the most exclusive schools in the country from what I’ve heard. Luxury all around.”

Coco Pommel sighs. “And they had a pool?”

Cheerilee nods. “Diamond Tiara couldn’t help talking about it at great length. She also suggested better quality food in the Cafeteria and a private library in the school.”

Peachbottom facehoofs. Amongst other things, yes.

Coco Pommel turns to Arc. “We just don’t have that level of funding, to which she just turned up her nose and told me I should get it from Canterlot.”

Arc frowns. “Does she think money grows on trees?”

Derpy shrugs. “It kinda does for their family. After all her parents can afford to buy anything they want.”

Cheerilee groans. “And nopony can really tell her ‘no’ either.”

Peachbottom grins at Arc. “Well, other than you, sir.”

Coco Pommel smiles. “Yes, you’re the only one whom isn’t afraid to tell her what she needs to hear, Arc.”

“You could always threaten to call me if she gets out of line, Coco Pommel.”

“I didn’t want to involve you in this though, Arc. After all, I should be able to keep order in my facility without calling in outside help.”

“It wouldn’t actually be a threat, mind you. I’d actually show up and read her the Riot Act, or something.”

Derpy giggles. “Or at the very least silence her.”

“Or that.”

“While I do appreciate you stepping in please let us handle this. It’s our job, after all.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Well, maybe I could help another way.”

Cheerilee appears confused. “Sir?”

“Diamond Tiara acts the way she does because she’s a spoiled brat. Where did she learn that from?”

Peachbottom lowers her voice. “Her mother most likely.”

Coco Pommel nods soberly. “Yes, Spoiled Rich is seemingly an older version of her daughter.”

Derpy grimaces. “What are you thinking, Arc?”

Arc cracks his knuckles. “You’ll see. That is, if Filthy Rich has the guts to come back tonight.”

A voice rings out from across the square.

“Hey Arc!”

Arc turns to see Rainbow Dash leading her friends toward them. He smiles and looks to the orphanage staff.

“Please excuse me.”

The mares hurry toward him. Pinkie somehow reaches him first though.

“Hey Arc! Liking the party!”

Rarity grins. “Yes, it’s quite the draw.”

Fluttershy looks around. “I thought it was just supposed to be the townsponies though.”

Rainbow Dash laughs. “Twilight made it a whole event though! Anypony from the neighboring towns would be fools not to show up to this!”

Applejack nods approvingly at the festivities. “Well I think it’s a nice thing to do in order to break the new Town Square in.”

Arc chuckles. “As long as everyone has a good time I’m all for it. But they might also be here to see Princess Luna.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Where is she anyways?”

“I’m told she’s planning to show up later for the dedication. However…”

Gasps ring out as dark clouds burst forth and the sounds of flapping wings rings out along with lightning and thunder. Looking up, they see a dark chariot being pulled by half a dozen Lunar Defenders. It lands on the stage next to Mayor Mare whom quickly bows. The rest of those assembled follow suit, save for Arc. Coco Pommel motions for the foals and younglings to stop playing and join her as Arc makes his way up to the stage. Walking up the stairs he offers his hand to Luna to escort her down from the chariot. Rainbow Dash frowns as she places her hoof his hand and steps over to the podium. Luna takes a deep breath and begins to speak.

“CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE! I HAVE GRACED YOUR TINY VILLAGE WITH MY…!”

She stops as Arc quickly steps forward and puts a hand on the microphone before her.

“Luna, what are you doing?!”

“Using the traditional royal voice, of course.”

“Well, that coupled with the speakers is going to blow everyone’s eardrums.”

“But it is tradition to…!”

Arc cuts her off. “Just… try speaking in a normal tone voice please.”

Luna sighs. “Very well.”

Stepping back, Arc allows her to continue as he motions for everyone to stand up.

“Citizens of Ponyville! I’ve come here tonight on behalf of Princess Twilight Sparkle! She wishes you well and hopes that you will be comfortable in your new homes and businesses!”

Those assembled nervously clap as she continues.

“Now then… as I… look around this sea of… happy faces... I can’t help but… but remember when this town was burned to the ground! The smoke... was visible all the way from Canterlot!

Nervous murmurs ring out among the ponies as Arc again puts a hand over the microphone.

“Luna, what are you DOING?!”

Luna grimaces. “I forgot my speech back in Canterlot!”

“Can’t you just summarize it then?!”

“I hadn’t even had time to read it!”

“What?!”

“You should talk! They know and respect you! That and you’re better at this sort of thing than I am!”

“But they’re all waiting for a speech from YOU!”

“A speech I don’t have!”

“Then make something up!”

“Like what?!”

“Start with your feelings about the fire and go from there! I’ll chime in to help keep the ball rolling!”

Luna groans. “Very well.”

Letting go of the microphone Arc again steps back and allows Luna to speak.

“I, uh… I’m very sorry, everypony. It’s... been a very busy day for me in Canterlot.”

“Just like it was busy for all of you trying to readjust to your new surroundings.”

Luna nods. “Yes indeed. Moving is never easy. I learned that myself when I took over for my sister some time ago. Things that I thought would be simple were not. It took some time to settle into my role as ruler. And it will take some time for you to become accustomed to your newly built town. However I’m certain you can do it.”

“We’re all going to have to support one another in this transitionary time. Be there for your neighbors when they need it.”

“As Arc was for us in Canterlot, yes. Without his aid we would not have been able to continue on. Just as he led you to safety across the sea, so now did he bring you home to Equestria. The road ahead will be long and twisted. However, I believe in the strength and tenacity of each and every one of you. Ponyville will once again be the quiet little town at the center of the land. A place of peace, prosperity, and hope for all.”

The ponies cheer happily as Arc puts his hand over the microphone and looks to Luna.

“Nice. You’ve got them right where you want them.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “Um… where is that?”

“In position for a few closing remarks.”

“But I thought those were my closing remarks!”

“Just say a few more things. They’ll love it.”

Luna nods as Arc again steps back.

“Princess Twilight and I will continue to lead this land from Canterlot. We shall do so… diligently as my sister rests and recuperates. Be aware that she is doing well in her own healing journey and will one day sit on the throne alongside us once again. However, when that day comes... the two sisters… shall become... THREE!”

The crowd busts into cheers, hoots, and hollers as Luna smiles nervously and waves. Arc motions for her to step aside as he takes her place in front of the podium. The cheers eventually die down and he is able to speak.

“Thank you, Princess Luna. Now then, please give her another round of applause before we resume the festivities everyone.”

Clapping their hooves together, Arc motions for the band to begin playing again. A few moments later everyone assembled heads back to their fun. Luna breathes a sigh of relief and smiles at Arc nervously.

“Thank you for helping me with that.”

“No problem.”

“Might I speak with you privately though?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Shall we step into the Town Hall?”

“Yes, that would be prudent.”

The pair walk to the large double doors and enter. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash watches and frowns. Excusing herself from the others she slowly pushes past those around her and carefully makes her way over to the Town Hall. Taking several minutes get to the building, she casually walks around it away from the festivities. She spies an open window and peeks inside through a crack in the closed curtains as she hears Arc’s voice.

“And you think that this could become a problem?”

Luna groans. “Very much so, Arc. If word of this got out it would be detrimental to my reputation. As well as yours.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really care what others think of me. After all, what I choose to do is my own business.”

“Well, us princesses don’t exactly have that luxury.”

“Does Twilight know?”

Luna bows her head. “She does not.”

“Oh?”

“Ruling is a full-time job, you know. I don’t want to burden her with... personal matters of the heart such as this. That and considering our past...”

Arc interrupts her. “Why me then?”

“Because you have proven yourself to be a very trustworthy individual, Arc. I know that you won’t tell a soul about this matter if I ask you not to.”

“I suppose that’s true. After all, we’ve shared secrets in the past.”

“And nopony found out about them.”

“We should talk more about this later, Luna.”

“Agreed. Might you come to my room later tonight?”

“What time?”

“Midnight.”

“Why so late?”

“Because I don’t want anypony to even know you left. There can be no suspicion of your involvement in this matter. Especially to your fiancés.”

“Understandable. This will just be our little secret.”

Luna appears relieved. “I appreciate your discretion. You make me feel as though I could entrust you with my very life, Arc.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “You already have, Luna.”

“Yes, I suppose so. But…”

“Is something else wrong?”

“No, no. It’s just… it’s a nice feeling. Having somepony I can go to with things like this.”

“I’m here if you need me.”

“While I know that you’re planning on retiring in the near future, I do hope that you’ll stay in the loop regarding Equestrian affairs.”

And nods soberly. “If something happens and Equestria needs me I’ll be there. But I won’t be on-call like I am now, no.”

“Your family needs you, I understand. However please remember that I need you as well, Arc.”

“And if you need me, I’ll come.”

Luna puts a hoof on Arc’s cheek. “Thank you. I may just need somepony to take care of my... needs at some point.”

Arc smiles at her. “That’s what friends are for, Luna.”

Luna and Arc embrace. Leaning into him, Arc strokes Luna’s mane and kisses her forehead next to her horn. Rainbow Dash gasps and kneels down as she muses to herself.

“Arc and Luna hooking up?! How could they keep something this big from us?! Twilight included!”

Tapping her chin, Rainbow Dash continues.

“No... no, Arc wouldn’t do that to us! Princess Luna must be manipulating him somehow!”

Rainbow Dash frowns and flaps her wings to get some air. Looking over her shoulder she looks back at the window.

“You’re up to something, princess. And I owe it to my friends to find out what.”

Chapter 7 - Doing Their Best (Part 5)

Stepping out of the portal, Ember is surprised to see a lavishly furnished room before her. She turns to Arc as the portal closes behind them.

“Um... where are we?”

“The Four Seasons Hotel in Canterlot. Where else?”

“Straight here?!”

Arc nods. “I knew we’d end up here, so I put a sigil in this room earlier today.”

“Handy. But why? I mean, I wouldn’t have minded the walk from Canterlot Castle to here.”

Arc sighs as he leads her over to a massive window. “Take a look.”

Gazing out at the scene before them, Ember looks around. She sees the castle fully illuminated by bright lights as well as the surrounding grounds. The city below is also bustling with activity, as even the lower nobles and their commoner neighbors appear to be celebrating. Ember turns to Arc and sighs.

“Sorry.”

“For what?”

“Being kinda insensitive, I guess.”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, it’s not your fault.”

“Twilight’s?”

“Come again?”

Ember scoffs. “Couldn’t she have just called off this whole thing though?”

“Yes, I suppose she could have.”

“Then why didn’t she? After what happened to Cherry, it would have been an easy sell to the other princesses I would imagine.”

“She did ask me if I wanted this year’s gala cancelled, yes.”

“What did you say?”

“That I didn’t want that, no.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Okay. You’re officially not making any sense here, Arc.”

Arc gestures with a wave of his hand. “Look at everyone having a nice time, Ember. Could I really demand that such a thing be stopped on my account?”

“Yes!”

“Well, I didn’t want that. Not without some kind of imminent threat or other important reason.”

“All the crap we’ve been through and you still don’t believe you warrant special consideration, Arc?”

“Right.”

“But are you sure everything’s going all right over there?”

“Considering all the extra security which includes Shining Armor, Flash Sentry, and Hammer in addition to innumerable patrols...”

Ember interrupts him. “Nothing is ever perfect. Remember how we got into Damocles Base despite it being well guarded?”

Arc sighs. “Do you want me to call and ask for a status report?”

“Please do.”

Shrugging, Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Shining Armor.”

“Shining Armor here, sir.”

“How are things going over there?”

“The gala is currently underway with not so much as a hiccup, sir.”

“No trouble whatsoever?”

“Nothing more than occasionally spatting nobles, no.”

“And the grounds?”

“Fully secure as of a report given to me two minutes ago.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it under control over there.”

“Yes sir. Rest assured that we do.”

“Alright. Thanks for the update. Arc out.”

He touches his earring, severing the connection. Turning back to Ember, he grins.

“See? Nothing to worry about.”

“Well, thanks for checking nonetheless.”

She looks around and grins before continuing.

“But now that we have that out of the way... how about you and I get down to... business?”

“Oh?”

“I mean that there’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while now.”

“Do tell.”

Ember sighs as she rolls her eyes. “Are you really going to make me spell it out for you?!”

“Yup.”

“Fine. I wanna shower with you.”

“Again, you mean.”

Ember shrugs. “Never said it would be the first time.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess not.”

Ember taps her foot expectantly. “So...?”

Arc draws the curtains as he smirks. “Sure. That is, if you’re sure you REALLY want to.”

“Uh... yeah. So come on!”

Grabbing him by the overcoat, Ember drags Arc toward the bathroom. As they approach she stops and turns to him.

“Actually, could you do something for me first?”

“Oh?”

“Build a fire in the fireplace. I want it to be nice and warm when we’re done in there.”

Arc chuckles. “Which one?”

Ember gasps. “There’s more than one?!”

“Six actually. I counted when I checked this place out earlier.”

“Then how about the one in the master bedroom?”

“That I can do.”

Ember grins wickedly as she steps into the bathroom and calls out. “Take your time. I need a few minutes to... properly prepare.”

Closing the door behind her, Arc turns and walks over to the predetermined fireplace. Filling it with wood he casts a small Fire Spells to light it. Watching as the flames quickly spread throughout the wood Arc muses to himself in an effort to give Ember more time. Eventually he stands and turns back.

“Guess I’d better see what Ember’s up to in there.”

Walking over to the door Arc knocks lightly. Hearing nothing he gives the doorknob a turns and opens the door a few inches before calling out.

“Ember?”

The sound of the running water from the shower is the only sound to reach Arc’s ears. Frowning, he pushes the door open. A wave of steam hits him as he enters. Closing the door, he sees a truly massive room stretch out before him. Lavish doesn’t even begin to describe the surroundings. However, Arc has very little time to admire the furnishings as he spies a certain young woman lying on a waterproof couch at the other end of the room wrapped in a towel that covers the essentials but little more. She smiles wordlessly at him as he approaches but does not move.

“Welcome back, my dear.”

Arc chuckles. “So that’s what you meant when you wanted me to take my time out there.”

Ember grins as she rests a hand on her exposed leg. “First impressions are everything.”

“How is this...?”

Ember interrupts him. “It’s the first time I’ve presented myself to you like this. And in such a nice place too.”

“I suppose so.”

Ember bats her eyelashes as she extends a hand. “Care to help a lady up?”

Arc bows stuffily as he chuckles. “Yes, miss. I would be honored.”

Taking her hand, Arc assists Ember in standing up. She smiles at him as he does so.

“What a strong, handsome, sexy man you are!”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Ember grins slyly as she lowers the tower around her chest a few centimeters. “Brave to come in here too.”

Arc smiles sheepishly. “For a glimpse of you, I would do anything, my dear.”

The pair stare at each other for a few moments silently before laughing heartily. After composing themselves Arc speaks.

“How’d I do?!”

Ember nods approvingly. “Very well!”

“I was just kinda going along with what you were saying.”

“And it was fun, yes.”

“Just being Honest. But why were you so intent on us showering together?”

“To indulge in two fantasies of mine.”

“Oh?”

Ember grins as she traces his chest with a finger. “First... I wanna strip you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

“Yup.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Fine. Go ahead.”

A wild looks comes over Ember’s face as she begins unbuttoning Arc’s suitcoat. Letting it fall to the floor she moves on to the dress shirt. Tossing it aside, Ember puts her hands on Arc’s belt but stops. Looking up at him she appears suddenly nervous.

“Um... you’re okay with this, right?”

“I am, yes.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“I mean... I’m being kinda pushy about...”

She is cut off as Arc grabs her shoulders and pulls her in for a kiss. Pushing her against the wall, Arc continues making out with Ember as she puts her arms around his neck. Moaning contentedly, she then pulls herself up and wraps her legs around him. A short time later Arc breaks off the kiss and looks Ember in the eye.

“How was that for sincerity?”

Ember smiles as she attempts to catch her breath. “That... was by far... the SEXIEST thing you’ve EVER done!”

“Want me to take off my pants now?”

“Oh, hell no! “

“What?”

“”I got it!”

Ember drops down to do the deed herself. A few moments later Arc stands before his date in the nude. She nods approvingly.

“Much better.”

“Happy now?”

“Very!”

“Great. Um... what was the second fantasy?”

Ember licks her lips. “You just fulfilled it.”

“Uh...”

“Being rough with me is SO hot!”

“Yeah... happy to be of service, Ember. So you good now?”

“Just one more thing.”

Arc frowns. “I thought you said just two...!”

Ember interrupts him. “Well, I just thought of this one.”

“Fine. What is it?”

Ember steps back and strikes a sexy pose. “Strip me.”

“But you’re already naked.”

“No, I’m not.”

“You got something on under that towel?”

“Nope.”

“Then how...?”

“Rip it off of my body.”

“You mean pull, right?”

Ember shakes her head as she clutches the towel to herself tightly. “No... rip. With force.”

“Are you serious?!”

“As a heart attack.”

“Nice analogy.”

“Thanks. Now get to it.”

“Do you have any idea how much that towel probably costs?!”

“I don’t. But you can just take it out of my pay.”

“You get paid?”

Ember licks her lips. “Nope. Which means I’m owed some... compensation.”

“Well... okay.”

Stepping forward, Arc grabs the towel. Pulling hard, the sound of tearing cloth rings out over the sound of the shower. It falls to the floor as Ember’s nude body comes into view. Her eyes grow wide as she looks down at the remains of the towel.

How did you...?!”

“What?”

“Why’d you do that?!”

“You specifically told me to!”

Ember groans. “Well, you weren’t supposed to be able to actually DO it!”

“I’m confused.”

“Those towels are expensive for a very good reason!”

“Which is...?”

Ember facepalms. “Because they’re supposed to be practically indestructible!”

“Then why did you...?”

“It was just supposed to be a gag!”

They look down at the tatters on the floor together. Eventually Arc chuckles.

“Well... I laughed.”

“I’m glad you’re happy, Arc.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the bill for that.”

“Thanks. And... sorry.”

Arc puts his hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine.”

Ember grins sheepishly as she looks down at her body. “But in any case... do you like what you see?”

“Yes, Ember. You’re beautiful. But why don’t we get cleaned up now? That is, unless you have some other fantasies you’d like to live out.”

“I think I’d better quit while I’m still ahead.”

Arc leads Ember over to the shower. She holds out a hand as he does so.

“One second.”

“You going to turn down the water temperature now?”

Ember nods. “Yeah. Was just trying to warm it up in here.”

Arc waving a hand to move the clouds of steam around his head. “Mission accomplished there.”

Making the water a bit more bearable, Ember leads Arc into the shower. Sitting down on the tile floor she pulls him down to join her. Arc’s face lands on her chest. She gasps and smiles innocently.

“My, my! You’re certainly forward tonight, Arc!”

“You did that on purpose.”

“I cannot tell a lie. I did.”

Rolling off of her, Arc takes his place next to her. Grabbing a couple washcloths the pair clean one another before leaning against the wall to enjoy the warmth and humidity of the shower. Ember turns to Arc nervously.

“Um...”

“Something wrong, Ember?”

“Kinda. I... wanted to ask you something.”

“Sure. What’s on your mind?”

“Back on Earth, I... did a bit of research on how human women appealed to men.”

“Did you now?”

Ember nods. “Yeah, and... I just wanted to know how I... stacked up.”

“Regarding...?”

“My looks versus the others.”

“As a human or a dragon?”

“For now, as a human.”

“But I’ve only seen Auriel, Derpy, Rarity, Applejack, and Hammer, naturally, in human form. That’s only half the herd.”

“Okay. So how about I alter the question a bit. How do I compare in terms of beauty to other women?”

“I think you’re pretty, Ember.”

“How pretty?”

“Very.”

Ember groans. “This isn’t helping.”

“If you want me to say something you’re going to have to be a bit more...”

Lunging forward, Ember does a one-eighty and turns to face Arc. Putting her hands under her breasts she interrupts him.

“It’s about THESE?!”

“Your chest?”

“Yes!”

“What about it?”

“Do you think I’m less pretty because I have small boobs?!”

“I don’t... NO!”

Ember frowns. “I think you’re just being Kind.”

“Well, I see it as Honesty.”

“What about Derpy?! Her chest is huge compared to mine!”

“I think she’s very pretty too.”

“Because of her large...!”

Arc interrupts. “Due to her personality.”

“Come on, Arc! I’m flat as a board! You CAN’T think I’m as good naked as Derpy is!”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s not about how pretty you are without clothes, Ember.”

“Then what...?!”

“You’re beautiful just the way you are.”

“How?!”

“I love your straightforward personality. And how dedicated you are to me and whatever cause we’re fighting for at the time.”

“Would you love me more if I had bigger breasts though?”

“No, Ember.”

“So you like them small?”

Arc groans. “I like you being YOU, Ember.”

“Then tell me what you think of my...!”

Leaning forward, Arc wraps his arms around Ember and presses his lips to her. Her eyes wide, she sits there unable to do anything for a moment. A few seconds later her eyes close as she pulls him back to lie on top of her on the tile floor. Breaking off the kiss, Arc puts a hand to her cheek and looks her in the eye before speaking.

“You’re beautiful just the way you are, Ember.”

He runs a finger down her neck and taps her sternum as he continues.

“And so are your breasts.”

“Even if they’re small?”

“They’re not small, Ember.”

“Yes, they are, Arc.”

“No, Ember. You’re breasts are the perfect size.”

“And Derpy?”

“Also perfect.”

“How is that possible?!”

“Because I’m not interested in you, her, or anyone else for their cup sizes. All of you are beautiful inside and out thanks to your diverse personalities.”

“What if I woke up tomorrow with big jugs then?”

“Then I’d love you the same as I do now.”

“Answer me this, Arc. What could I do to make myself more appealing to you?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing, Ember. Just be yourself and I’ll be myself.”

Looking up at him happily, Ember wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him into a tight hug.

“I... I just want to make you happy, Arc!”

“You already have, Ember. You already have.”

Ember appears hopeful. “Can... can we continue this conversation in bed, Arc?”

“Sure.”

Chapter 18 - Flying Through the Night

As Arc and Ember sleep the mammoth ship takes off. Flying to the destination Arc had ordered previously, it began circling it carefully before landing in the middle of nowhere. Arc’s earring chirps, awakening the pair as a full moon illuminates the room. Touching his earring groggily Arc sits up.

“Arc here.”

“Captain Soarin, sir. I’m reporting as ordered.”

“We’ve arrived?”

“Yes sir. The ship just landed.”

“Good. Are we ready to commence the operation then?”

“Completely, sir.”

“Have the crew standby for my orders. Arc out.”

He severs the connection as Ember rolls over and wraps her arms around him.

“Please don’t tell me it’s morning.”

Arc looks at the clock on the wall. “Technically, no.”

“Good. Let’s get some more sleep then.”

Arc sighs. “Ember...”

Ember groans as she kicks off the covers and sits up. “Fine, fine. I’m awake anyways.”

Arc looks to her as she stands and heads for the dresser. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, Ember.”

“No, I do. But I don’t get why you decided to run this thing at such a late hour.”

“I prefer to see it as ‘early’.”

Ember frowns as she dresses. “Call it whatever you want. It’s still dark out there.”

Arc nods as he too dresses. “Look on the bright side. We got to sleep together again.”

“That does make this a bit easier, yes.”

A short time later the pair finish making themselves presentable. Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. Eidolon’s Ward steps through and salutes.

“Reporting as ordered, sir.”

Arc chuckles. “Very funny, Cherry.”

“Did I do that right?”

Ember laughs. “I was convinced.”

Arc smirks. “Just fine. Now then, is everything ready on your end?”

Cherry nods as she motions to the closing portal behind her. “Yes, Arc. They’re standing by and awaiting your orders.”

“Perfect.”

He looks to Ember before continuing.

“You ready to get started?”

Ember grins. “That I am.”

“Then let’s go.”

Stepping toward his armor, Eidolon’s Ward opens to allow Arc to enter it. Doing so, he raises a gauntlet and opens a portal. Taking a deep breath he turns back to Ember as she calls forth her armor.

“Ready?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Didn’t you just ask me that?”

“Guess so. Um... is that a ‘yes’ then?”

Rolling her eyes, Ember shoves Arc through the portal before walking through it herself. Arriving, she spies Arc getting up from the snow. He turns to her as he shakes the slush off of himself.

“Thanks. I needed that.”

Ember grins as the portal closes behind her. “Don’t mention it.”

Arc turns and heads for the stairs. Ember frowns as he opens the door.

“Um... what are you doing, Hero?”

“Visiting a friend.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“I don’t think so.”

Ember groans. “We’re visible!”

“And?”

“Are we seriously going in there like THIS?!”

Arc shrugs. “Why not?”

“Are you serious?!”

“Yeah, we probably shouldn’t just walk through there in our armor.”

“Magic cloaks?”

“Yeah.”

Pulling two from his ring, Arc hands one to Ember and puts the other on. Cloaking, they enter the hospital via the roof stairs and walk to Shelly’s room. Finding the door ajar Arc slowly pushes it open and enters with Ember. Closing the door behind him, the pair decloak. Approaching the bed together they see Lily sitting in her chair with her coat on. Shelly lies on the bed in a sweatshirt and a warm looking pair of pants. Standing, Lily smiles at the pair and looks to Arc.

“You came!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Are you two ready?”

Lily giggles excitedly as she pulls Shelly’s wheelchair from a corner. “Yes. Just give me a moment to get Shelly situated.”

“Can I help?”

Shelly smiles sheepishly. “I... I need someone to help me get to the chair.”

Lily turns to Arc. “Together I think we can do it.”

Arc chuckles. “Or I can lift her with my magic.”

Ember shrugs. “That’d work.”

“Well... if it’s okay with Shelly.”

Shelly nods. “Yes, I trust you, Hero.”

Seeing the wheelchair prepared, Arc holds out a gauntlet to Shelly. Carefully spreading his magical aura over her body Arc slowly and carefully lifts the young woman from the bed and levitates her over to her waiting chair. Lily steps forward and holds up a coat.

“Let’s get you bundled up, Shelly.”

Ember grins. “I don’t think you’re going to need it.”

Shelly appears confused. “Oh?”

Arc nods. “Where we’re going it’s not exactly cold. That and I’ve made preparations for you.”

Lily puts the coat in Shelly’s lap. “I’ll bring it just in case though.”

Ember shrugs. “You’re choice.”

Arc clears his throat. “Are we ready?”

Shelly nods. “Yes.”

“Alright. Here we go...”

Turning, Arc lifts a gauntlet. A portal opens as he turns to Ember.

“Go on ahead and make the announcement. I’ll give you a one minute head start.”

Nodding, Ember does as she is told. Entering the portal she comes face to face with Sereb and Auriel.

“It’s time. You two know what to do.”

Auriel giggles. “That we do.”

Sereb nods with conviction. “We won’t let Arc or his friends down!”

The pair turn and run down the corridor together as Ember looks to the portal and waits patiently. In short order Lily steps through pushing Shelly as Arc brings up the rear. The two look around as the portal closes behind them. Lily is the first to speak.

“Is this... really...?”

Arc nods as he looks to her. “Yes. My airship.”

Shelly gasps. “Does it have a name?”

“The Equinox. But let’s get you situated before we talk anymore, Shelly.”

Gesturing to the outer wall behind them, Arc leads the women over to a space that had previously held a large section of bench. In its place is a hospital bed bolted low to the floor. Lily and Ember help Shelly into it as Arc pulls out a couple blankets from a nearby cabinet. Spreading them over Shelly he looks down at her.

“Are you warm enough?”

Shelly nods. “Oh yes.”

Ember smiles. “The Hero ordered the ship’s temperature raised a bit for you, miss.”

“I didn’t want you getting cold.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now then, shall we get underway?”

Lily giggles. “I’m ready. Shelly?”

“Yes sir. Um... but might I be allowed to stand as we do so?”

Ember frowns. “You really should stay lying down, miss.”

“I know. But I just really want to be able to see the take-off.”

Arc chuckles. “Not to worry. I thought of that.”

Picking up a remote nearby, Arc presses a button. Hydraulics come to life as the bed slowly rises up to window level. Shelly gasps as she looks outside.

“It’s snowing here too!”

Lily nods happily as she stands next to the bed. “Very pretty.”

Ember looks to Shelly. “The wall to wall windows make this especially picturesque.”

Shelly turns to Arc. “Um... excuse me, sir. Were you also able to... you know...?”

“I was, yes. One moment please.”

Raising a gauntlet, Arc opens another portal. Standing in front of it he waits patiently. A few moments later Minerva and Dave step through with several duffel bags. Arc closes the portal behind them and approaches the pair.

“Thank you for coming, Minerva.”

Minerva smiles. “It’s good to be here.”

Dave looks around, clearly in awe. “Boy... when you said you wanted to do a follow up story you weren’t kidding.”

“Let’s get the camera set up after take-off.”

“You’re the boss.”

Arc looks to Ember. “Tell the captain we’re ready to depart as scheduled.”

Nodding, Ember hurries down the corridor as Arc looks to a nearby wall clock.

“Looks like we have five minutes before take-off. Would you like a seatbelt, Shelly?”

“Is that advisable?”

“Not really. Take-offs are very smooth in my ship. However I thought I’d still offer such things for your own peace of mind.”

“Thank you. I think I’d like to be strapped in, yes.”

Arc nods and reaches under the mattress. Pulling out seatbelts he carefully pulls them over Shelly’s chest and thighs. Lily tightens them down and looks to her friend.

“How’s that?”

Shelly smiles at her. “Very nice. I feel secure now.”

Ember returns and hurries over to Arc.

“We’ll be taking off any moment now.”

Minerva gasps. “Wait a minute! What about us?!”

Arc shrugs. “Sitting down in a chair would be fine. Or you could also stand and hold onto a table. Your choice.”

Dave turns to Minerva. “What do you think, boss?”

“I’ll stand. Do what you want though.”

Dave nods and sits down with his camera on his lap. Minerva looks to Arc as the whir of the engines rings out.

“Um... aren’t you going to sit down?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Nope.”

Ember grins. “The Hero like this part.”

She latches onto Arc’s arm as she continues.

“As do I.”

Lily puts a hand on the bed’s guardrail as the ship slowly rises. Shelly grins as the ship lifts off and gains altitude. As the snow stops the moon comes out Ember grins as she mutters under her breath.

“Right on schedule.”

A short time later Arc looks to Shelly.

“It would appear that we’ve reaches out cruising altitude. It’s completely safe to unbuckle now.”

Lily helps undo the straps and places them back in the places as Shelly sits up. Ember puts a couple pillows behind her back to help support her. Minerva looks to Dave and nods. The pair get to work unpacking their equipment as Lily looks to Shelly.

“I still don’t understand why you wanted a camera crew here.”

Shelly does not look away from the window. “Because of something the Hero said the other day.”

“Me?”

“Yes. You told me that I had helped people in the past by just being there for them and for speaking up. I want to do that for the Hero now.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “I don’t get it.”

Arc shrugs. “Me either.”

“The citizens of Angel Grove are still a bit nervous as is the rest of the country. Seeing the Hero and his agents fleeing from the military didn’t do much to help put their minds at ease.

Lily smiles. “So you wanted Miss Moore do give her an interview?”

“That and show everyone his ship.”

Dave turns to Minerva. “Speaking of that, what about the countryside?”

Minerva shakes her head. “I don’t think the camera would pick up too much. Moonlight can only do so much and night vision will only make it look like a combat zone.”

Ember clears her throat loudly. “The Hero has agreed to give a tour of the ship before the interview.”

Arc nods. “Right. Shelly, you and Lily are welcome to join us if you’re feeling up to it.”

Ember motions to the window. “Or you can stay here and watch the scenery.”

“Um... I...”

She looks to Lily for support.

“Whatever you want to do I’ll come with you, Shelly.”

“I... believe I’d like to see your ship then, Hero.”

“Very well then. However please be aware that two areas are strictly off limits. Engineering and the Bridge.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Don’t you mean three, Hero?”

“What did I miss?”

“Your quarters.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t mind anyone seeing that. After all, it’s kept tidy by the crew along with the rest of the ship.”

Minerva appears nervous. “But what about state secrets?! Isn’t this ship just loaded with them?!”

Dave nods. “We don’t really want to accidently see something we shouldn’t!”

Lily grimaces. “Us either!”

Ember shrugs. “Not to worry. The Hero doesn’t leave stuff like that lying around.”

Arc chuckles. “That and I had the crew see to it that anything confidential was stored in my locked office. Which I suppose does bring the list up to three now.”

He motions to Shelly’s wheelchair before continuing.

“But, if you’re ready we can get underway, miss.”

Shelly nods excitedly. “I am, yes!”

Arc stretches out a hand and carefully picks her up with a Telekinesis Spell. Setting Shelly down in the wheelchair she turns to him.

“Can this be part of the interview, sir?”

Ember frowns. “You want to broadcast the ship’s interior?”

Lily sighs. “That might be going a bit too far, Shelly.”

Minerva steps forward. “We would edit out or censor any part of the footage that you deemed to contain sensitive information, sir.”

Dave nods. “I’d even let you, or a representative, be present when I edit it.”

“Alright. But the a fore mentioned places will not be shown.”

Shelly appears relieved. “Thank you, sir.”

Lily takes her place behind Shelly as Arc and Ember take the lead. “Here we go.”

Minerva turns to Dave. “That’s our cue as well.”

Dave raises the camera to his shoulder. “I’m ready.”

Minerva grins as she falls into step. “Then let’s get this show on the road!”

“Aren’t you going to walk up front with the Hero?”

“Give him time to do the tour with Shelly and Lily. I can record my own description of this tour in post.”

Arc looks to Shelly. “The ship isn’t actually that complex. Right now we’re on the upper level. But we should probably start at the bottom.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure, Hero? I mean, that’s just the Cargo Hold and Engineering.”

“Guess you’re right, Dragon.”

Lily turns to him. “The engines are down there, right?”

“Correct.”

Shelly grimaces. “Is it... loud?”

“It can be, yes.”

“I think I’d better stay away from there then. Lound noises have been making me sick lately.”

Arc chuckles. “Alright. I feel kinda silly now.”

Ember scoffs. “Well you should. Showing off the Cargo Hold when there’s much nicer places to see.”

Arc gestures to a nearby pad. “Mid Deck it is then. Step on please.”

Shelly looks down as the wheelchair rolls onto it. “What is this thing?”

“A teleporter.”

Lily gasps. “What?”

Arc clears his throat. “Mid Deck.”

In a flash Arc, Shelly, and Lily vanish only to reappear on the pad in the Cafeteria. Arc leads them off the pad so Ember, Minerva, and Dave can follow. As they reappear Dave looks himself over nervously.

“Am I all here?!”

Minerva nods. “Yes indeed.”

“How are you so calm about what just happened, Minerva?”!

“Simple. The Hero went first.”

Arc chuckles. “Just showing everyone how it’s done. We can use those to get around the ship in an instant.”

He puts a hand on Shelly’s shoulder before continuing.

“But when they were originally installed I didn’t consider that they also made my ship much more handicapped accessible.”

Shelly smiles. “It’s certainly more convenient than an elevator.”

Lily grins. “Quicker too.”

Minerva looks around. “This appears to be quite the lunchroom, Hero.”

“Yes indeed. As the name suggests, the Mid Deck is the center of the ship. And the Cafeteria is in the middle of that.”

Ember smirks. “Think of it like being in the belly of the beast.”

Arc frowns. “Maybe not the best way to put it, Dragon.”

Lily smirks. “How about it being more like the heart?”

Shelly giggles. “I like thinking about it as the stomach myself. But I might be a little biased.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Is there an equally large Kitchen?”

“Oh yes. Right this way.”

Leading the group through a large double door Arc gestures with a hand.

“The Kitchen was designed to be more than just a place for reheating precooked meals. As you can see we’re set up to prepare enough food to feed an army. From scratch even.”

Minerva gasps. “That must be quite difficult. After all, it must take an army to staff this vessel.”

“We make due with about a dozen full-time crewmates.”

Lily’s eyes grow wide. “That few?!”

Arc shrugs. “Everything is streamlined for maximum efficiency.”

Shelly appears confused. “But if the crew is so small why have such a large Cafeteria?”

Ember grins. “Just in case.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “In case of what?”

Arc turns around. “Let me show you the next stop on our tour before I answer that question.”

Retracing their steps, Arc leads them down a corridor. Pushing open a random door he steps inside and gestures with a hand.

“This is just one of numerous Dormitories here on the Mid Deck. The entire hallway, as well as the one that leads away from the Cafeteria in the opposite direction, is lined with rooms identical to this.”

Lily appears confused. “Bunk beds?”

Shelly smiles at her friend. “Well, it is a military ship.”

Ember shrugs. “Not really.”

Minerva turns to Arc. “It’s not?”

“Technically, you’re both right. While this ship is heavily armed and armored it isn’t actually under the command of this nation’s government as I’m not actually a part of the military hierarchy.”

Lily appears surprised. “But we saw what looked like soldier horses on the news.”

Minerva nods. “Yes, and they were certainly fighting back against those drones.”

Ember shrugs. “Think of the Hero as a neutral third party that’s government sanctioned.”

“My position as Hero of Light is one that was created to... prevent a single ruler from gaining too much power.”

Shelly puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “Checks and balances?”

Arc nods. “Exactly. But let’s go back to your original question about the size of the Cafeteria. As you’ve seen, this ship is set up to transport and house a large number of individuals.”

Lily giggles. “You mean warrior horses?”

“Any living creatures really. The ship was designed as my personal flagship to be used for, among other things, humanitarian aid should the need arise.”

Minerva raises an eyebrow. “Relief efforts?”

“Right.”

Shelly raises a hand. “Has that ever happened before? “

“A couple times, yes.”

Ember nods. “There was a terrorist attack in one of our land’s major cities. The Hero ordered his ship to land in front of the ruined building to allow it to be used as a sort of field hospital.”

“Another time I had to evacuate an entire town’s population when there was a massive fire. Both times I’m glad this ship was outfitted this way. But let’s continue our tour.”

Returning to the corridor, Arc leads the group toward another room nearby. Opening it they look around confused. Shelly is the first to speak as she looks to Arc.

“A Game Room?”

Arc nods. “Yes. For the crew as well as anyone we’re transporting.”

Ember grins. “Flying for long periods can get boring after a while.”

Lily shrugs. “I suppose one could only look at the scenery for so long.”

Minerva points to a nearby door. “What’s in there?”

“Pool tables. They’re the same as something you’d see back one Earth though.”

Shelly smiles. “Board games, couches, tables, and even pool tables. Seems like everything was thought of for those whom are sociable.”

“For those whom are looking for quiet entertainment there’s a small Library next to this room. It has places to sit and read there, or books can be taken to the Observation Deck too.”

Lily appears hopeful. “Can we see it?”

Ember turns to him. “Maybe we’d better not, Hero. After all, the books there might have certain... information that shouldn’t leave this land.”

“You raise a good point, Dragon. Thank you.”

Lily nods. “We understand.”

Minerva looks to Arc. “The Lower Deck has the Cargo Hold and Engineering while the Mid Deck is Living Quarters, Cafeteria, Game Room, and Library. What’s on the Upper Deck? Other than where we started, that is.”

Arc chuckles as he gestures to the door. “I could tell you. But it’d probably be easier to just show you instead.”

Chapter 22 - Holiday Preparations (Part 1)

Arc steps through the portal and reappears on the Observation Deck. Ember and Sereb grin as he does so.

“Well, that went well.”

“Indeed.”

Arc nods. “That it did.”

He turns to Sereb before continuing.

“Tell me, did you turn the crew back into their pony forms yet?”

“I did, yes.”

Ember shrugs. “We figured there wasn’t much point in them staying humans, what with our guests having left already.”

Arc sits down on the hospital bed. “Yeah.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

“Hm?”

“You are unwell?”

“I’m just... a bit depressed, that’s all.”

Ember nods soberly. “About Shelly’s condition?”

“Yeah.”

She sits down next to Arc as Sereb sits and his feet. Putting a hand on the pillow, Arc continues.

“This... was probably the last outing she’ll ever take. And it’s over now.”

Ember shakes her head. “You don’t know that, Arc.”

“Doctor Knowles hasn’t made any headway on the formula that I’ve heard.”

“Maybe she has.”

Sereb nods. “When was the last time you spoke to her about it?”

“Yesterday.”

Ember grins. “Then there’s a chance she and Auriel may have...”

Arc interrupts her. “They would have notified me via my earring them.”

Sereb turns to him. “Perhaps we could help them...”

“I already asked if there was anything that I could do to help. They said all that’s needed is time and their workshop.”

Ember puts a claw on Arc’s shoulder. “Then we’ve done all we can.”

Arc groans. “But it still doesn’t feel like enough.”

Sereb frowns. “I do not believe for a moment that Shelly would agree with that statement.”

“That’s what’s bothering me the most!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Arc?”

Arc clenches a fist. “If Shelly would be mad about it I’d actually feel better! But she’s not!”

Sereb groans. “I do not understand that, Arc.

“Look! Color this any way you want! But I failed Shelly! I deserve her anger and disappointment! However she’s so positive about it! And that’s just like throwing ice water on me!”

Ember frowns. “So what are you going to do?”

“I DON’T KNOW!!!”

Sighing, Arc looks down at his feet for a time. Eventually he turns to Ember.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay, Arc.”

Sereb sighs. “You are tired, my friend. Go home and see your family.”

Arc nods sadly as he stands. “See my family. This seems like a poor time to be doing that.”

Ember shrugs. “What else can you do though?”

“Nothing.”

Opening a portal, Arc steps through. Reappearing in the corner of Derpy’s Living Room, he groans and recalls his armor. Walking slowly toward Derpy’s room, Arc enters and looks to the bed. Spotting Derpy curled up and facing the wall he forces a smile. Getting in with her, Arc presses his body against hers as her strokes the mare’s mane gently. She stirs slightly as he whispers.

“It’s just me, Derpy. Go back to sleep.”

Nodding, Derpy nods back off. However, Arc lies there stroking her as he muses to himself.

“I’m happy and home in bed with someone I love. And Shelly’s... she’s in agony at the hospital in a strange bed.”

Groaning, he shakes his head.

“It just doesn’t seem right to me.”

Burying his face in Derpy’s mane, he closes his eyes but is unable to fall asleep. Sometime later, as the sun peeks over the horizon, Derpy opens her eyes. Feeling Arc’s body pressed against hers she smiles and pats his arm with a hoof.

“Good morning, Arc.”

Not hearing any response she turns to face him. Tapping his head as it rests on her chest, Derpy frowns.

“Arc? Are you okay?”

Groaning, Arc shakes his head. Derpy smiles sleepily.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really, no.”

“It’s Shelly, isn’t it?”

Arc nods sadly. “Yeah.”

“Is she not doing well?”

“She was okay last night when I took her and Lily aboard The Equinox. But... but I know that was mostly forced.”

“You’re scared of losing your friend.”

“Of course. I’ve known her and Lily since we were kids.”

“Can I tell you something, Arc?”

“Derpy?”

“I... was actually scared for a long time knowing that my father was going to die.”

“But how did you know...?”

Derpy shakes her head. “I didn’t. It was supposed to be a lot time in the future. But I always dreaded getting that message.”

“Even after all he did to you though?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, Arc. And when it did happen I did hurt. But at the same time there was a feeling of relief.”

“What?”

“I was happy that his pain had finally ended. Both physical and emotional. He and my mother are together again now... forever.”

“Do you... miss him?”

“Sometimes. But we’ll be together again someday. My mother, father, Dinky, and I along with you and the others.”

“Derpy, I... I don’t really know what to say?”

Derpy turns to him and smiles. “Then don’t say anything, Arc. Just listen to me. Death of a loved one hurts. It hurts a lot. But its only temporary, as we’ll join them in death one day. While I know that sounds rather dark, I’m kinda looking forward to it. Um... hopefully at the end of a long and happy life with you, I mean. However that doesn’t mean I’m not going to cherish the time we spend together here. After all, the here and now can bring great happiness too. So just focus on making a few last happy memories with Shelly and Lily... and don’t worry so much about what is an unavoidable future.”

Arc slowly raises his head. “I... I’ve always known that, Derpy. Heck, I’ve even said it in the past that I look forward to being reunited with my family someday. But... but for some reason... I never really considered that Shelly and Lily would be there.”

Derpy puts a hoof on his cheek and smiles. “They are your family too, Arc. And I’m looking forward to that time with you.”

“Derpy... thanks.”

Derpy giggles. “I think this is supposed to be one of the duties of a wife. Not really sure, though it does feel right.”

Arc smiles as he kisses her forehead. “Thank you.”

The sound of small hoofsteps entering the room ring out as Dinky hops up onto the bed. Looking to her father she smiles.

“Good morning, dad!”

“Hey there, sweetheart.”

“Did you have a nice time with Shelly and Lily last night?”

Arc nods. “Yes, Dinky. Yes, I did.”

Derpy turns to him. “Are you going to spend the day with them too, Arc?”

“I’d like to. However I get the feeling both of them will be rather sleepy for the lion’s share of it.”

Derpy motions with a hoof. “Well, why don’t you spend the day with Dinky then?”

“What? But it’s a school day.”

Dinky giggles as she shakes her head. “No it’s not, dad.”

“It most certainly is! It’s Monday!”

Derpy smiles. ”True. But school is out for Hearth’s Warming, Arc.”

Dinky nods. “Right!”

“Ah! Um... what exactly are we supposed to do?”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “For the holiday?”

“Right.”

“I don’t really know, Arc. Remember, we’ve been on Earth the past two years for Christmas.”

Dinky giggles. “And it was fun! But we learned all about this holiday in school last week, dad.”

Arc smiles at his daughter. “Oh good. Can you explain it to us?”

“It’s about the story of the land’s unification. The three nation’s representatives had continued to fight as the snowstorm got worse. However it wasn’t stopped until they had frozen solid, which allowed their aides to talk.”

Derpy gasps. “About what?”

Dinky shrugs. “I dunno. Friendship stuff, I guess.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So it’s a holiday about coexistence and getting along with others?”

“Right, dad.”

“I can get onboard with that. Anything we should be doing?”

“Well... other than the story differences, the custom is really similar to Christmas. Families get together, have a big meal, and make merry.”

Derpy smiles at Arc. “I suppose your father will have fun planning out a nice time with the rest of the herd.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Rest of?”

“Remember, I still need to cook for the orphans. They’re off of school like Dinky is, but don’t take a break from eating.”

“So you won’t be there at the celebration, mom?!”

“I will be later, sweetie. But first I have to cook meals for the little ones.”

Dinky turns to her father. “Couldn’t you order some of your guards to cook that day, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “I actually gave them all time off to head home to their families.”

“Even your squad?”

“They’re still back on Earth. They’ll come back here tomorrow though.”

Dinky gasps. “What about having them...!”

Derpy interrupts her. “Now Dinky... we can’t be asking somepony else to work on a holiday as important as this so that I can have a day off.”

Arc nods. “The guys work hard enough as it is.”

He turns to Derpy before continuing.

“What about making as much food up ahead of time as possible? Then you could just pop it into the oven and...”

Derpy interrupts him. “It would still need to be watched. After all, a Miss Pommel and I are going to be cooking a very special meal for the orphans to enjoy.”

“Why don’t we help mom then, dad?”

“Sure. We could all...”

Derpy shakes her head. “No, no. This is my job after all. You and your father should take this opportunity to bond with the others.”

“But what about you, mom?!”

“Like I said, I’ll be there later, Dinky.”

“We’ll probably be all done eating though!”

Derpy pats the filly’s head lovingly. “Then I suppose you’ll have to save me a plate then, sweetie.”

Arc grins. “I’ll make sure it stays warm for you, Derpy.”

Derpy smiles as she hops out of the bed. “Thank you, Arc. But I need to get moving. Breakfast doesn’t cook itself, you know.”

Walking over to the bathroom, she shuts the door as Dinky and Arc leave the bedroom. Dinky looks to her father pleadingly.

“Hearth’s Warming won’t be the same without mom, dad!”

“I know, Dinky. But I think I may just have a plan to make this work out.”

Dinky grins. “What is it?”

Arc kneels down to her level. “Well, you see...”

Whispering in the filly’s ear, she grins ear to ear and nods happily.

“That’s a great idea, dad!”

“Thanks. But remember, not a word to your mother about it.”

“Sure!”

A few minutes later Derpy steps out of the bathroom. Trotting over to the hooks next to the door she puts on her hat and scarf before turning.

“Have fun you two!”

Dinky waves a small hoof. “We will mom!”

“Have a nice day at work, Derpy.”

As she leaves the house, Dinky looks to her father and grins.

“Can we get started now, dad?!”

“We might want to wait for the sun to rise first.”

“Do we have to, dad?”

“Probably should. After all, as early as it is the shops are still closed and most everyone is probably still in bed.”

Dinky giggles. “I know someone who isn’t.”

“Really? Who?”

Dinky whispers in her father’s ear. Grinning, Arc nods.

“I think you’re right, sweetie.”

“So can we go now?!”

“After we’ve both brushed our teeth and hair, yes.”

“YAY!”

Running into the bathroom the filly quickly gets to work. Arc follows her inside as she picks up the brush with her hoof. Grabbing his toothbrush, Arc begins his own morning routine. A short time later they head for the front door. Dinky gets there first and grabs a hat off the hook with her magic.

“This is going to be SO much fun, dad!”

Arc nods as he grabs his insulated boots. “Agreed.”

“Where’d Rarity get those boots for you, dad?”

“Sassy Saddles made them. Apparently she’s better at working with leather than Rarity is.”

Grabbing his coat, hat, and gloves Arc opens the front door and looks outside. Dinky gasps.

“There’s so much snow!”

“It’s only about eight inches, sweetie.”

Dinky looks to her hooves. “But I’m a lot closer to the ground than you are, dad.”

“Good point. Want a piggy back ride?”

Dinky grins. “Yeah!”

Kneeling down, Arc picks Dinky up and carefully puts her on his shoulders. Grabbing onto her rear hooves, Dinky puts her front ones on her father’s head as they head out into the snow. Closing the door behind them they start down the path toward town. Looking around, Dinky gasps.

“It’s so quiet.”

Arc nods. “Well, most everyone is still asleep.”

“Ponyville. Where they roll up the sidewalks at night.”

“Where’d you hear that?”

Dinky shrugs. “On television. I think the show was called ‘The Andy Griffith Show’.”

Arc chuckles. “I remember that one. Used to watch it as a kid sometimes.”

“That Barney was really funny!”

“Always by the book, that one.”

“You’re not like him though, dad.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Honestly, you remind me more of the sheriff.”

“Andy?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah. He knew what the law said, of course. But at the same time he put the needs of the people ahead of everything.”

“A good way to enforce the laws, yes.”

“But I don’t get one thing, dad.”

“What’s that?”

“How did he always seem to know what to do?”

“Well, for starters, it was a television show. Not real life.”

“So they’re just acting?”

Arc nods. “Right. But if you take it at face value, the reason Andy always seemed to know what to do was because he grew up in the town of Mayberry and knew the people. So he was aware of the exemptions that needed to be made to keep the peace.”

“Like what, dad?”

“Well... there was an episode where Barney arrested a truck driver for speeding on the highway. That means going faster than what’s allowed. Now then, the letter of the law said that the speed limit was such and such. However Andy, being the practical fellow he was, reminded Barney that there was a big hill a little ways down the road from the sign.”

Dinky appears confused. “A hill?”

“Right. And that the truck drivers needed to go a few miles over the speed limit to get over it.”

“What if they didn’t?”

“It was kind of implied that they would either get stuck part way up, or hold up traffic when the hill slowed them down.”

“So the law was wrong?”

“Not ‘wrong’, Dinky. Just not right for everyone. A car could theoretically get up the hill easily. But it wasn’t carrying a lot of extra cargo weight either.”

“So it’s like what you do sometimes, dad. Give exemptions from the law in certain cases.”

“Right.”

“How do you know when to give an exemption?”

“When the law would cause someone a problem, or make a bad situation worse.”

“Like the herd?”

“Something like that, sweetie.”

“But why not just get rid of that law then?”

“Because I can’t do that. Only the princesses can.”

“Maybe they should.”

“If the herd idea works out maybe Twilight can convince the others to do so, yes.”

“Any other examples of times you gave exemptions, dad?”

“Well... there was the time I sent food to Abyssinia when they were starving.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow, clearly confused. “You mean, it was illegal for you to help feed them?”

“Kinda. You see, large purchases of anything are supposed to go through an approval process. There’s a number of forms that I was supposed to fill out before buying a bunch of apples from Sweet Apple Acres as well as the cherries from Cherry Hill Ranch. However at that time the citizens of Abyssinia were literally starving.”

Dinky gasps. “Some of them might have died waiting!”

“Right. Kibitz and some of the other officials were very unhappy with what I did.”

“Did you get in trouble, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, sweetie. But I did ask the king and queen to send those officials some pictures of their emaciated citizens to make that point.”

Dinky grins slyly. “That’ll show them!”

“Remember, those officials were just doing their job though. They just forgot that there are living, breathing creatures on the other side of the paperwork. Those pictures helped to remind them.”

As they continue on, Arc and Dinky head outside of town. Spotting the lights on in the Apple farmhouse they walk up to it. Knocking, Arc steps back. Applejack answers and grins as she lays eyes on Arc.

“Come in, you two! My it’s a cold on this morning!”

Arc chuckles as he takes off his hat and stomps the snow off of his boots. “That it is.”

“So what brings you two here at such an early hour?”

“Well, you see...”

Arc is cut off as a growl from Dinky’s stomach rings out. Applejack looks down at her.

“Haven’t you eaten yet, sugarcube?”

Dinky smiles nervously. “We... kinda forgot.”

Arc chuckles. “Guess we did.”

Applejack motions for them to follow her. “Well, I can take care of that.”

Leading the group into the Kitchen she walks over to the cupboard and pulls down two more plates. Setting them down Applejack looks toward the stairs.

“Just make yourselves at home and I’ll call the rest of the family down.”

Arc and Dinky sit down as instructed. A few moments later Apple Bloom and Babs Seed run down the stairs and over to Dinky.

“Hey, Dinky!”

“Nice to see ya!”

Dinky grins. “Good morning!”

Apple Bloom looks to the stove. “You and Arc came for some of Applejack’s famous Apple Pancakes?!”

“Not really. But she offered and my dad accepted.”

Big Macintosh enters the room with Applejack and Granny Smith. The elderly mare smiles at Arc as she sits down.

“Good morning, young’uns. I hope you’re hungry.”

Dinky raises a hoof. “I am!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Me too!”

Babs puts up both of her front hooves. “Me three!”

Arc chuckles as he looks around the table. “This takes me back.”

Applejack looks over from the stove. “Oh?”

“Eating breakfast here when I worked for you, Applejack.”

“Well, you’ve certainly come a long way since then, sugarcube.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose so.”

Granny Smith raises an eyebrow. “You don’t sound too sure of yourself.”

“Well... I’m certainly higher up the proverbial food chain than when I started. And I’ve been able to earn a comfortable salary. Still I can’t help but imagine that I’m not exactly working toward anything meaningful.”

Apple Bloom appears confused. “What would you like then, Arc?”

“A normal life ultimately. Family and a home I can come home to every night. No more of this running all over the world. Here and on Earth.”

Babs shrugs. “You could have that anytime though.”

Granny Smith nods soberly. “But it’s more complicated than that, isn’t it?”

“Yes ma’am. At the moment I’m needed in my role as the Hero of Light.”

Applejack groans. “Twilight and the other princesses do still need you in Canterlot sometimes, sugarcube.”

“But you don’t want that, do you?”

“I’m trying to wean them off of me, ma’am. To be able to handle things on their own like before I came.”

The elderly mare looks to her granddaughter. “So you can marry Applejack?”

Arc nods. “That too, yes.”

Apple Bloom giggles as she hugs Dinky. “And we can be sisters!”

Babs joins them in the hug. “Me too!”

Applejack grins from the stove. “Well, at some point, yes.”

Granny Smith turns to Arc and smiles. “Applejack’s told us all about how you proposed to her in front of her friends.”

Applejack nods. “They’re very happy for us too.”

“And I do want you to know that I approve of your upcoming wedding. Uh... when is it again?”

Arc sighs. “We haven’t actually set a date yet.”

Applejack grimaces. “Right. Still a lot for Arc to do before he can settle down with me.”

Granny Smith nods approvingly. “I’m glad that you feel that way, Arc. After all, your wife needs to come before your job.”

“Yes, that’s why we’re not getting married yet.”

Big Mac frowns. “So when DO you think that might happen?”

“No idea.”

“You two really need to start making some plans on this.”

Applejack frowns. “Leave that to us, Big Mac!”

“He is right, Applejack. After all, you two aren’t going to be young forever.”

“I... suppose not.”

Big Mac gestures to his grandmother. “And I’m sure Granny would like to hold her great grandfoals sooner rather than later.”

Applejack blushes heavily. “I... don’t think that’s going to happen!”

Arc nods. “Species difference and all that.”

“Auriel’s working on it, of course. But nothing yet.”

Granny Smith smiles. “That’s okay, Applejack. After all, I just want you two to be happy together.”

She looks to Big Mackintosh before continuing.

“That and there’s always you.”

“Me?”

“A big strapping young stallion like you would make any mare swoon.”

“But I... I ain’t never even...!”

“Keep your eyes open then. You never know just when some pretty young thing will come by.”

Applejack walks over and sets a plate of pancakes on the table. “Granny’s right, Big Mac. I wasn’t even looking for love when it found me.”

Arc shrugs. “Me either.”

Applejack grins as she puts a hoof on Arc’s hand. “”It just kinda happens, I guess.”

Granny shakes her head as if to clear it. “Well, enough talk about... whatever it was we were jawing about. Let’s get to eatin’.”

Arc serves everyone and the group begins to eat. Applejack turns to Arc as they do so.

“So what brings you out here this early?”

“I actually came to ask if I could have Apple Bloom and Babs Seed help Dinky and I with some Hearth’s Warming preparations.”

Granny gasps. “Oh? Isn’t it going to be here?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, granny. Remember, Arc said it was going to be...”

Arc interrupts. “Actually, there’s been a bit of an amendment to that.”

Dinky grins as she puts her small hooves on the table and looks around. “Right. Here’s what my dad and I came up with.”

Talking their idea over the others nod in approval. Applejack turns to her brother.

“It’s not all that different than the original plan.”

“Eyup.”

Granny raises an eyebrow. “Original plan?”

Applejack turns to her. “Don’t you worry about it, granny. We’ll take care of everything.”

Big Mac stands up. “Let’s get you upstairs for your morning bath.”

“Sounds good.”

Big Mac heads upstairs with Granny as Applejack turns to the fillies.

“Why don’t you three go play upstairs for a bit while Arc and I do the dishes?”

Apple Bloom grins. “Okay! Follow me you two!”

They run upstairs as Arc begins clearing the table. Applejack turns on the faucet and begins filling the sink with hot, soapy water. She turns to Arc and lowers her voice.

“Um... Arc?”

“Yes?”

“Can we talk?”

“Sure. Is something wrong?”

“Kinda. I, uh... just wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Well... do you remember us talking about Granny Smith on our... extended date?”

Arc nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“I just wanted to ask... if you were serious about what you said.”

“Regarding me paying for your grandmother to be housed at the hospital here in Ponyville?”

Applejack nods and looks away. “Y-yeah.”

“I was very serious, yes. Why?”

Applejack sighs. “It’s about time for her to be moving in there.”

“Oh?”

“She’s been having trouble with her heart since we got back to Ponyville. Well, more trouble, I mean. A couple times we’ve had to take her to the hospital when the pain got to be too bad. That and her mind is often times further away than it normally is as of late.”

“And what did Doctor Horse say?.

“That he recommends additional monitoring and care that we can’t provide here at the house. Especially after what happened last week.”

“Uh oh? Trouble?”

“We found her wandering around in the orchards one night.”

“What was she doing?”

Applejack bows her head. “She said... she was looking for a pot that was left out from the harvest last week.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You were harvesting apples then?”

“No. But that wasn’t the worst part of it. When we tried to take her back to the house she became very upset about the pot.”

Applejack looks around and leans in closer to Arc as she continues.

“She said that her mother would be angry at her if it wasn’t found since she wasn’t supposed to take it out of the kitchen.”

Arc nods soberly. “So that’s it then, huh?”

“I really don’t want to do this. But considering her physical and mental condition... I just don’t see any other option. So... um... are you still willing to... help us with this matter?”

“Yes, Applejack. In fact I talked to Doctor Horse about having a room put on standby already.”

“You did?”

“That I did. And I also paid the hospital for the next five years of care for her as well.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Oh, thank you, Arc! You have no idea just how much this means to me!”

Arc leans forward and kisses her forehead. “I think I do. But rest assured that Granny Smith will be cared for properly and with dignity for the rest of her life.”

Applejack leans into Arc as he takes her in his arms. Picking her up, she locks lips with him as Arc leans into the wall holding his fiancée. Applejack pulls back and tosses her hat to one side. Motioning to the table with her head, Arc carries her over to it and lays the mare down on her back. Wrapping all four hooves around him, the pair continue making out for several minutes. Eventually Arc pulls back and grins.

“A bit pent up, Applejack?”

Applejack giggles. “Without you around I am! But would you do something for me, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Rub my belly.”

“Huh?”

“You heard me.”

“Um... okay.”

Straightening up a bit, Arc puts a hand on Applejack’s stomach and moves in a circular motion. Grinning she blushes.

“Oh, that feels good!”

“Can I try something?”

Applejack grins wickedly. “Do whatever you want to, sugarcube.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc puts his fingers on the mare’s chest where her front legs connect. Touching her with only the tips of his fingers, Arc moves slowly from there to her belly button. However as he does so Applejack lets out a low moan. Her eyes wide and blushing furiously, she quickly covers her mouth with her hooves. Arc stops and looks at down at Applejack sheepishly.

“S-sorry.”

“For... for what?”

“Going a bit too far, I guess.”

Applejack grins seductively. “Arc... that was the sexiest thing you’ve ever done to me. And I liked it.”

“Yes, well... this probably isn’t the place for it.”

Applejack sits up and sighs. “I suppose you’re right about that.”

Hopping down, she motions for Arc to come closer. Doing so, she whispers in his ear.

“So next time... let’s do it in the loft where nopony can hear us.”

Arc chuckles as he picks up the fallen hat and puts it on her head. “Yes ma’am.”

Chapter 7 - A Royally Expansive Evening

The following day, as the sun begins to set, Ashe knocks on Arc’s door before stepping inside. Finding him just hanging up his phone, she waits for him to speak.

“Shining Armor tells me that all security measures have been accounted for. How are things on your end?”

“I spoke to the Aviary about this idea and have obtained permission.”

“And you’re sure about this place?”

Ashe nods. “Trust me, all the great and powerful go there. It’s a status symbol! Great for Twilight’s reputation.”

“I don’t think she’s too concerned with that.”

“Yours too, you know.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Same boat as Twilight there.”

Ashe folds her talons over her chest. “Come on! You need this to get noticed and gain prestige here!”

“Don’t you mean ‘notoriety’?”

Ashe shrugs. “Call it what you will. Princess Twilight is looking forward to it though.”

“It’s the only reason I’m doing this, you know.”

“Very commendable.”

Arc appears surprised. “Huh?”

“Not many would do such a thing.”

“You know how I feel about her, don’t you?”

Ashe smiles happily. “Yes. And it’s something I do understand.”

“Your own... special friend?”

Ashe nods. “Correct.”

“Um... maybe it’s none of my business, but are you two... still a thing?”

Ashe sighs. “I’m... not really sure at the moment.”

“Something happen?”

“Kinda. It’s a bit... complicated.”

Arc turns to her soberly. “Ashe... I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

He motions to the table and chairs. “Would you please sit down?”

“Sure.”

The pair sit down across from each other. Arc takes a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking.

“Do you remember the night Celestia blasted me?”

Ashe grimaces. “That I do. But I do believe the entire castle, if not the whole city, heard that blast.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “The events that led up to the encounter... are kinda hazy in my mind.”

“Oh?”

“I mentioned it to Doctor Whooves a while back. He told me that such a thing isn’t out of the ordinary after such an extreme trauma.”

“Are you really alright?”

“Physically, yes. However... something happened before Celestia attacked me.”

“What was it?”

“I faced off against Decimus and Gaston. That much I do remember quite clearly. However, the exact exchange of words still eludes me.”

Ashe bows her head. “Perhaps that’s for the best. After all, it was certainly a terrible time for you. And the country as well.”

“There was one part of it you need to know about though.”

“Me?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Gaston, he... I remember him changing into your rebel commander.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Changing?”

“He and Gaston are one and the same.”

“Are you certain?!”

Arc sighs. “Not exactly. At least I wasn’t in the past, no. That’s why I didn’t say anything.”

“But...?”

“After we used the projector to show your father the testimony of Flash Sentry and Raven, I... I privately did a bit of memory searching on myself.”

“And... you saw... my friend?”

Arc nods as he removes a crystal from his ring. “Yes, Ashe.”

Ashe looks at the crystal for a long moment. “Are you sure?”

“I am now.”

Ashe frowns. “Well, I can’t believe it!”

“Would you like to see for yourself?”

“Yes, I would!”

Nodding, Arc stands and removes the projector from his ring. Aiming it at a lightly colored wall, he puts the crystal into place and presses a few buttons. The projector hums and displays the memory starting with Arc drawing his spear and pointing it at Decimus and Gaston as he calls out to them menacingly.

“You picked a bad time to show yourself, scum! Now where’s Princess Celestia?!”

Gaston chuckles. “Oh, she’s still around. Someone just needs to find her. But I’m surprised you didn’t recognize me before.”

Arc frowns. “What are you talking about?!”

Grinning, Gaston’s face changes to that of the Rebel Commander. Arc’s eyes grow wide.

“What the…?! How did you DO that?!”

“Just a little trick I picked up from hanging around the Dark One.”

Arc clenches a fist. “So you’re with the Council of Shadows, huh?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Pressing a button, Arc pauses the device. Ashe looks at the image of her lover for a long time before turning to Arc.

“Is there... any chance this could be... faulty?”

Arc shrugs. “Admittedly it could be, yes. This isn’t an exactly science just yet.”

Ashe appears hopeful. “So you could have just imagined the whole thing?!”

“It is possible, yes. However I do dimly remember this exchange.”

“This... this just CAN’T BE!”

“Ashe?”

Ashe stands and begins pacing. “You don’t understand! I’ve known this griffon for YEARS! He’d NEVER work with Decimus! Not on doing such a thing to you OR to overthrow a foreign government!”

“Just your own?”

“That’s different!”

“Is it, Ashe?”

“...kinda.”

Arc looks to Ashe evenly as he speaks. “So you’re telling me that even after all you’ve seen since coming to Equestria, you still think that overthrowing the Griffon Kingdom government is the way to go?”

Ashe shakes her head soberly. “No, I don’t. But remember, I’m talking about things from his point of view right now. And... his views still do have merit.”

“Do they now?”

“Yes. The Griffon Kingdom’s government needs to change. That much you can’t deny.”

Arc nods. “True. But I’ve already explained in the past how that can happen. Slowly... gradually over time and through the efforts of its citizens as a whole. Not as a clandestine group whom will overthrow the government without any concrete plans for the future.”

Ashe looks out the window at the city before them. “I know that the rebel’s... that my plans in the past were foolhardy and without foresight. However, he hasn’t seen the light as I have.”

“I’m told that the rebels have all but disappeared. This could mean that they are disorganized without ‘someone’ there to lead them.”

“That is probably, yes.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Or it could be that they’re getting ready for something big.”

Ashe sighs. “Not likely. The membership never was much for patience.”

“You led them in the past. Do you really think they’re gone?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not a chance, no.”

“Then what do you think they’re up to?”

“I haven’t the foggiest idea. But I do know one thing though.”

“And what’s that?”

“They’ll almost certainly give you a wide berth after what you did during the noble kidnapping plot sometime back.”

Arc sighs. “I did kill a number of them, yes.”

“When I first heard of what you had done, I thought it would embolden them to action. Make our group swear revenge against you.”

“But...?”

Ashe puts a talon on the glass as she speaks. “It actually did the exact opposite. When everyone heard that their fellow rebels had been slaughtered with their own weapons via magical means they were frozen with fear of you. The fact that they could be so easily killed with the power of magic... a power that no one here in the Griffon Kingdom has nor understands... it just petrified them.”

“It would make me hard to counter, yes.”

Ashe grimaces. “That’s why I decided to sneak aboard your airship and kill you myself. To avenge the fallen as well as embolden my rebel forces.”

Arc nods. “But you failed and were taken to the Infirmary. Before I took you back home to your father, that is.”

“The rebels and I did very little during the time I returned to when I left to take my place as ambassador.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s hard to do something with an army of broken spirited warriors.”

“Even more so when your ‘warriors’ are actually peasants.”

“Right. But you had one ace up your proverbial sleeve.”

“My commander was the only one, other than myself, whom had actual training in combat.”

“And where did he get that?”

Ashe sighs. “I don’t know.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really, Ashe?”

“As I told you in the past, personal details were kept to a minimum in case someone was captured.”

Arc frowns. “And you were in love with a griffon whom you knew nothing about?!”

Ashe nods as she blushes. “Yes. I didn’t even know his real name until you showed me that recording.”

“All things considered, I don’t think he’s really Gaston.”

“What?”

“He didn’t just change his voice. That guy changed his appearance too.”

Ashe gasps. “You’re right! Could he be a changeling?!”

Arc shrugs. “Could be. Or he could have used a spell of some kind to transform himself. Like I’ve had done to others when we visit Earth. Remember, changing one’s appearance isn’t exclusive to the changelings.”

“But griffons don’t have magic!”

“True. However he mentioned being in league with the Dark One. That guy could have given him special powers no other griffon has.”

Ashe leans back on her paw and sits on her flank as she groans. “We’ve been through so much he and I though. Watched each other’s backs. Trained together. Heck, we’ve even slept together on numerous occasions!”

Arc groans. “More info than I needed, Ashe.”

“What I’m saying is that I THOUGHT I knew him.”

“Is his name really Gaston?”

Ashe shrugs. “I’m not actually sure.”

“Then how can you say that you really knew him?”

There is a stunned silence as Ashe processes Arc’s words. Sadly she nods.

“After all you’ve presented me with... I guess I never really did. But it felt so good to care about him!”

Arc smiles as he steps forward and puts a hand on Ashe’s shoulder. “Love is a wonderful thing, Ashe. However you can’t let someone control you with it.”

“Control me?”

“Right. You just assumed he was in love with you because you had feelings for him.”

“You think he doesn’t?”

Arc nods. “Consider that he was in league with Decimus after my so-called death.”

“Not a good place for him to be.”

“And he never told you about his abilities.”

“Those would have come in handy a few times, yes.”

“So you understand that he’s not on your side, right Ashe?”

Ashe bows her head. “Yes.”

“Good.”

“Um... I think it’s my turn to tell you something.”

Arc appears surprised. “What is it?”

“I... saw him.”

“Where?!”

“In my room when we went to visit my father.”

“What did he want?!”

“To talk about the rebel’s next move.”

Arc grimaces. “Which is...?!”

“Nothing at the moment.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

Ashe nods. “I told him that the rebels were not to take any action against Princess Twilight or the rest of our group.”

“And you really think they’ll listen?!”

“Yes, they will. I don’t tolerate actions that imperil the group or mission.”

“What about your recent actions?”

Ashe frowns. “My what?”

“You becoming the ambassador to Equestria. They could see that as you selling out.”

“I explained all that to my commander when I saw him the other day.”

“Was he convinced?”

Ashe wrings her talons nervously. “He was a bit... upset. But I’m sure he’ll come around.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Come around?”

“When he sees all the security around the ship and Twilight. They wouldn’t dare attack.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Well, just in case they do, I’ll be right there by Twilight’s side to take them down... personally.”

“And such a thing will ensure that they stay in the shadows.”

“Anything else I should know about their movements?”

Ashe shakes her head. “That’s all I know.”

“Fine. But if you hear any more...”

Ashe interrupts him. “I’ll be sure to let you know, yes.”

“Good. After all, it wouldn’t do for others to find out whom the leader of the rebels truly is.”

“Was.”

Arc shrugs. “Call it what you will.”

“But there’s a few things that I’m keeping quiet about you as well.”

“True. However my own reputation will take a back seat to Twilight’s feelings and safety.”

“That’s fair.”

Arc looks at the clock and smirks. “Speaking of which, I need to head to her room.”

Ashe nods as she follows him toward the door. “I hope you two have a nice evening.”

Parting ways, Ashe heads to her quarters as Arc makes the short walk to Twilight’s room. Knocking lightly, he waits. A few moments later a Hoof Maiden answers. Stepping aside she allows him to enter before closing the door behind him and bowing.

“Princess Twilight is nearly ready, sir.”

Arc looks around the room. “Call of nature?”

“Sir?”

“Just asking if Princess Twilight had to use the restroom, or something.”

“I did not inquire, sir. The princess merely told me to wait here and admit you when you arrived.”

“Alright. Did she give you other orders?”

The Hoof Maiden shakes her head. “No, sir.”

“But she’s otherwise ready, correct?”

“That she is, sir.”

“Very good. You are excused.”

The mare bows and leaves the room as Arc sits down to wait. A few minutes later Twilight slowly opens the door and steps out. Looking to him she smiles nervously.

“Good evening, Arc. How do I look?”

Arc nods approvingly. “Great, Twilight!”

Twilight blushes slightly as she turns away. “Thanks. You look very nice in your raiments as well.”

“Everything is ready for you.”

Twilight appears suddenly nervous. “You mean ‘us’, right?”

“Oh, yes! Of course!”

“Good! I don’t think I could do this on my own.”

Arc smiles at her. “Not to worry. Remember, I’ll be by your side the whole time.”

“Thank you, Arc. Shall we go?”

“Sure.”

Extending a hand, Twilight puts a hoof in it as Arc leads her toward the door. Turning to her, he speaks.

“Um... aren’t you forgetting something, Twilight”

Twilight appears confused. “No, I don’t think so.”

Arc chuckles. “Your Element.”

“Oh... right.”

Arc picks up the crown from a nearby stand. Putting it on Twilight’s head, he opens the door. Together they step out into the corridor. As the pair walk, the guards form a perimeter around them. Descending to the Lower Level, they enter the Cargo Hold where the open air chariot is prepped and waiting for them. A team of stallions is already hitched to it with Arc’s squad standing on all four corners at the ready. Arc looks to each of them as he escorts Twilight up onto the vehicle and nods. Sitting down next to her he smiles before speaking.

“Comfortable?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, this feels MUCH more natural.”

“Albeit a bit colder.”

“Not to worry. I have a solution to that.”

Reaching for a console nearby, Twilight presses a switch. A slight hum rings out at the movement of air all around them. Arc appears confused.

“Um... it’s not blowing AT us though.”

Twilight giggles. “Exactly!”

“I don’t get your meaning.”

“If the air were to blow at the occupants, it would most likely mess up a princess’ mane. This way it creates a barrier of warm air that shields the occupants of the carriage from the wind.”

Arc frowns. “Sounds like it’d be negated by the first strong breeze though.”

“You’d be surprised. But there is one other thing we have on here.”

Pressing a button on the console Twilight turns back to Arc before continuing.

“The platform itself is heated.”

Arc pats the floor next to him. “Yes, I can already feel it warming up.”

“Then we’d best get moving before we overheat.”

Arc nods to the guards whom open the Cargo Bay doors. The stallions pulling the chariot begin to walk slowly toward the ramp. Carefully proceeding down it so as not to lose control, they reach the ground level. A portion of the guards looking after the perimeter fall into step around them as the carriage heads for the city. Arc turns to Twilight.

“Here we go.”

Twilight takes a deep breath. “Yes... no turning back now.”

Entering the city, Arc and Twilight are greeting by the citizens whom flock out of their homes to try and catch a glimpse of a princess. Twilight begins smiling and waving as Arc lowers his voice and calls out to her.

“How are you holding up?”

“Just fine. This way I can hear the crowd cheering and feel their energy.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Energy?”

“What I mean is that I’m not feeling the same sensory deprivation that I felt in that rolling coffin earlier.”

“That’s good. But be sure to let me know if it becomes too much for you.”

Twilight nods as she continues waving. “I will.”

As they make their way through the streets, the carriage eventually enters a gated portion of the city. The guards on duty (whom have been bolstered for the occasion) stop the throngs of citizens from following. Twilight sighs as the sound of cheers lessens.

“That was quite the experience.”

“Did it tire you out?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not really. But I wish the guards would have let them continue on.”

Arc chuckles. “Missing the adulation already?”

“It’s not that. They just seemed so happy to see me.”

“That’s to be expected.”

“Oh?”

“Remember what I told you before. As a princess you represent Equestrian economic success. Something they would like to see come to their country very badly.”

Twilight sighs. “And I’d like them to have it too. Everypony I saw cheering at me seemed very hopeful for the future.”

As the carriage turns off the main road the carriage rolls up to a large building with a brightly lit overhang. Innumerable griffon guards walk the grounds while more patrols fly overhead. Twilight looks around, confused.

“Arc, where exactly are we?”

“It’s a place where all the rich and powerful of the Griffon Kingdom can come and relax without being surrounded by their guards.”

Twilight frowns. “Is that safe?!”

Arc nods as the carriage stops at the door. “That it is. The grounds and perimeter are patrolled vigorously so that no one even has a chance to get close enough to do anything.”

Twilight stands along with Arc as they step down. “Where did you hear about this place?!”

“Ashe. She told me this is where her and her father go when they want to get away from their house for a bit.”

“And nothing’s ever happened?!”

Arc shakes his head as he motions for the stallions to continue on with the carriage. “According to her, no.”

Twilight grins. “So I won’t need additional protecting while we’re inside?!”

“Right. It’ll just be you and me... on a date.”

Entering the massive building together, Arc and Twilight head for the main desk. A griffon behind it bows as he speaks.

“Welcome, Princess Twilight. Lord Arc”

Twilight smiles nervously. “H-hello.”

“What can we do to serve you?”

“I... I don’t...”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “The princess and I would like to eat a fine meal together in one of your private Dining Rooms.”

The griffon nods as he looks over a clipboard. “Yes, Lord Arc. I shall have you two taken to our largest and finest available Dining Room.”

Twilight holds up a hoof. “Actually, I’d like something a bit more... modest.”

“Your highness?”

Arc chimes in. “What the princess means is that she’d like for us to have a smaller dining room for a more... intimate experience.”

“Understood, sir.”

His talon rings a small bell next to him twice. A well-dressed griffon approaches and smiles at them as the host behind the counter speaks.

“Please follow the servant to your room.”

Twilight nods. “Thank you.”

They begin walking as the servant looks to Arc.

“We’ve already received notice of the princess’ dietary needs from your ship, sir. Will there be any changes to either of your meal choices?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ambassador Ashe was fully aware of what we need.”

Nodding, the servant writes something on his clipboard as they continue on. A few minutes later they arrive at a small but ornate door. The servant opens it and allows the pair to step inside. They see a small table with place settings in front of a roaring fireplace. Nearby a couch and bottle on ice sit in a bucket. Turning to Arc, he speaks.

“Is this to your liking, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes, this will do nicely.”

“Shall I put in your dinner order now then?”

“Please do.”

“Yes sir. Is there anything else I can do to make your visit more enjoyable?”

“I think we’re good for now.”

The servant bows as he backs out the door. “Understood. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

He closes the door behind them as Twilight turns to Arc.

“That was kinda rude of him.”

Arc appears confused. “Twilight?””

“All he did was ask you every question.”

“That’s normal for someone in your position though, Twilight. At least here in the Griffon Kingdom, that is.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Ashe told me about this very thing some time ago. You see, the aristocracy in this country believe themselves to be so much higher than everyone around them that they don’t speak to commoners unless absolutely necessary.”

“Then how do they communicate?”

“Through their personal aides and servants mostly.”

Twilight gasps. “But you’re not an aide!”

“That is true, yes. However, I’m seen as your dinner companion whom is also not royalty. So I fit the bill of being your aide.”

“Well, I don’t really care for that! You deserve more respect than being thought of as below me!”

Arc chuckles. “I don’t mind. And you have to remember that one must abide by the rules and culture of others when in their country.”

He motions to the table before continuing.

“But for now let’s enjoy the time afforded to us.”

Twilight nods. “Very well.”

Walking over to the table, Arc pulls out a chair for Twilight. As she sits down he pushes it back in slightly before taking his place across from her. Twilight looks around as she speaks.

“It’s a very nice place they have here.”

“Yes, it is. Perfect for a date.”

Twilight giggles. “I knew you were up to something. But I didn’t think it would be something like this!”

Arc shrugs. “This just felt like the perfect time to go out with you, Twilight. After all, you don’t really get much down time.”

“True. But then again, neither do you.”

Arc chuckles as he takes a sip of water. “Guilty as charged.”

Twilight smiles as she levitates her glass to herself. “We both really needed this.”

“A night off for a dinner date is a nice diversion, yes.”

Twilight giggles. “So this IS a date!”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe not the best example of one. But I’ve been wanting to go out with you for some time, Twilight.”

“As have I. But, um...”

She wrings her hooves nervously before continuing.

“...I don’t really know what I should be doing right now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Doing?”

“Am I supposed to talk? Just listen? Add to the conversation? Remember, I’ve never gone out with anypony before.”

“Anything that helps us learn more about each other is just fine. So feel free to do whatever comes naturally.”

Twilight gasps. “But I don’t have any point of reference!”

“That’s fine, Twilight. Remember, the others didn’t either.”

“What if I mess up though?!”

Arc shrugs. “I won’t tell anyone.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Well... what should we talk about?”

“That’s always a tough subject. Why don’t we start with what’s going on in your life?”

“It’s mostly just ruling the nation. Nothing really too interesting there.”

“No projects going on?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin and looks up. “Well... I am occasionally going over data Auriel sends me in regards to her efforts to reconstruct the Crystal Heart.”

“And how’s that going?”

Twilight sighs. “Not so well. She, myself, and Rose have yet to make any headway on the project.”

“So what’s the next step?”

“At the moment Auriel and Rose are just taking readings. They’re hoping a solution can be found somewhere in the latent energy given off by it.”

“Hopefully they’ll figure it out.”

“I have faith in their abilities.”

The pair are silent for a time. Eventually Twilight sighs.

“Sadly, this conversation feels more like a board meeting than a date.”

Arc nods. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about work.”

“Agreed. Why don’t you tell me about how things are going back in Ponyville then?”

“Well, Shelly and Lily agreed to take over the old Paneighra Bread business.”

Twilight smiles. “That’s good! Truth be told, I was a bit worried that they would have trouble finding their place in Equestria.”

“Me too. After all, it’s not like they can safely go back to Earth at this point.”

“But they’re adjusting well?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Although right now they’re living in my room in Derpy’s house. But I’m guessing it’s only a matter of time before they move into the apartment above their new business.”

“Didn’t they have that setup back on Earth too?”

“That’s the best part about this whole thing. It’ll feel like they’re home again. But this time safe and healthy.”

Twilight giggles.” I’m looking forward to trying their food.”

“Well, it’s probably going to be awhile. After all, they’re going to have to make some pretty major adjustments to their cooking style.”

Twilight appears confused. “Why’s that?”

“Ingredients that are plentiful back on Earth are either rare or available here in Equestria.”

“Like...?”

“Meat, for starters. They’re going to have to come up with pony friendly versions of their staple menu items.”

“Maybe not.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“According to the reports I’ve been receiving, more and more griffons are moving to Equestria for work. Even a few in Ponyville now, I hear. They’re going to want meat based dishes at some point.”

“While that may be true, there aren’t exactly supply lines for obtaining such a thing that I know of.”

“How does Saffron get yours then?”

“I send out hunting parties from my base.”

Twilight giggles. “Ah! I suppose that does make sense.”

Arc shrugs. “Besides, they can’t really make a business model out of griffons at this point, as they’re still quite a small percentage of the population.”

“As their numbers grow though I’m sure somepony will start raising... what kind of meat do they eat?”

Arc counts on his fingers as he speaks. “Pork, beef, and chicken.”

“Eventually it’ll be worth it to raise those animals to feed them.”

“I’m betting no pony would want to work on or start such a business though.”

“Then they’ll have to start it up themselves and let the market decide if it’s successful or not.”

“I suppose so. But in the meantime my friends say they’ll spend their time readying the building, ordering special equipment, and learning about pony diets to better serve their future customers.”

Twilight smiles. “If they need any sort of assistance please have them reach out to me.”

“I’m getting them started with the building, materials, and some equipment. The Cakes will be helping them learn about suppliers too.”

“Sounds like everything’s thought out.”

Arc shrugs. “Time will tell, I suppose. After all, we’re still not sure how exactly Shelly’s going to recover.”

“But she is gaining strength, right?”

“Oh yes. Doctor Horse has her on an exercise regimen to get her muscles back to working order. Especially her legs.”

“So she’s heading in the right direction?”

Arc nods. “Right. Shelly can walk around the house and even stand long enough to cook at the stove now. But it still leaves her very tired.”

“And Lily?”

“She’s just happy to be with Shelly. Regardless of where they live.”

Twilight appears suddenly nervous. “But how is she handling the whole herd idea? While she seemed okay with it at the Hearth’s Warming get-together, I’m told that she had her eyes on you for many years.”

“That’s something we need to work on. However, Lily’s willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. We just need to show her that everyone involved is willing to do what it takes to make this work.”

“What about her feelings though?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I just said...”

Twilight interrupts him. “I mean, does she still have feelings for you, Arc.”

“Oh... yes, she does. However, Lily told me that she’s willing to put that aside for Rarity and the others.”

“You know, I’m sure she’d be welcomed into the herd if she wanted to join.”

Arc shakes his head. “Shelly did mention that idea one day over lunch. But Lily made it very clear that she’s not interested in a polyamorous relationship, or anything like that.”

“Is she... mad at us?”

“Now why would she be?”

Twilight fidgets nervously. “Well... I still feel as if we kinda stole her stallion.”

“Not really. I mean... she didn’t even say anything about being interested in me until long after Rarity and I were an item.”

“That may be true, Arc. But she knew and cared for you long before all of us came along. Feelings for somepony don’t just vanish into thin air if they fall for another, after all.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose not.”

“You really should have a one-on-one conversation with her, Arc. Get everything out in the open and make sure she’s really and truly okay with all of this. After all, I don’t want to see you lose a friend over us. Especially after she left everything behind to move to Equestria.”

“Alright. I’ll see about talking this over with her when I get back to Ponyville.”

Twilight smiles. “Good. Considering your past with Lily, she deserves to be heard.”

A knock rings out. Arc stands and answers the door. Seeing several servants standing there pushing dinner carts, Arc moves to allow them entrance. They quickly serve the food before turning to Arc.

“Is there anything else you require, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I believe this will suffice.”

Twilight nods. “Thank you for all your hard work.”

The servants bow, a bit confused at Twilight’s attitude, and leave the room together. Arc sits down again and the pair begin to eat. Twilight smiles and hums slightly as she does so.

“This is really good!”

Arc nods. “That it is.”

“The flavors are very different from what I’m used to back in Equestria!”

“I noticed that as well when I first came here.”

“I wonder why.”

“Different regions have their own distinct seasonings as well as their own recipes. How something is prepared in one place might be very different in another.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “I seem to keep forgetting my place.”

“Place?”

“Living one’s whole life in a single country doesn’t really lend itself to much variety.”

“I suppose not.”

“Like when we visited Abyssinia with Princess Celestia. I noticed they offered us a lot of fruit.”

Arc nods. “They also enjoy copious amounts of fish too. However the king and queen knew equines weren’t into such things and kept the menu vegetarian to accommodate you.”

“While very kind of them, I do realize that I need to expand my culinary palette.”

She points a hoof at his plate before continuing.

“Might I sample some of your food?”

“If you want to, sure. However it’s all fruits and vegetables.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “No meat?”

Arc shakes his head. “I told Ashe to pass on my orders for a meatless meal for us here tonight.”

“But why?”

“Considering all you’re dealing with right now, I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable at the sight of flesh.”

“While that was certainly... appreciated, please don’t feel the need to do that in the future.”

“Twilight?”

“I’d... like to come to terms with food that is beyond my own understanding.”

Arc smirks. “Alright. I’ll take you to Earth and buy you a steak.”

Twilight grimaces. “Maybe not to start with.”

“Alright. I’ll keep that in mind.”

They go back to eating for a time. Eventually Arc looks up at Twilight again.

“Any idea on what you’d like to do after dinner?”

Twilight shrugs. “I’m not really sure. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Actually, yes. You see, this facility is so much more than just a secure place for the aristocracy to eat. It’s also a fully staffed entertainment center.”

“Entertainment center?”

Arc nods. “Ashe says they have all kinds of things to here for every interest imaginable.”

“Like what?”

“A symphony hall with a dance floor.”

Twilight smiles. “Oh, that sounds nice!”

“And a public bathhouse.”

“A what?”

“It’s social bathing. Instead of a bunch of individual tubs they have a number of larger ones so that families can partake together.”

“An interesting idea.”

“A casino with on tap food and beverages.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her cheek. “Gambling?”

Arc shrugs. “When you have more money than you know what to do with, you don’t really care if you lose a small bit of it.”

“I’ve never seen such a place. But I suppose It might be interesting to experience. Purely from an academic standpoint, that is.”

“They also have some more... physical entertainment in the lower levels.”

Twilight frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Cage fights.”

“Is that a bird pun?”

Arc chuckles. “Not exactly. We have something like it back on Earth. However I don’t think it’s actually legal there. Well, at least not ‘for real’ fights.”

Twilight appears confused. “What other kind of fights could there be?”

“Wrestling. It’s scripted though, so there’s less danger of someone actually getting seriously hurt.”

“So they’re just acting instead of fighting for real?”

“I’m going to assume that the fights here are legit.”

“That actually does sound like something I’d like to see.”

Arc looks to Twilight, surprised. “Really?”

“You have to remember that I want to better understand griffon culture. For better or worse, it is what it is.”

“It may not be what you’re used to.”

“And that’s exactly what I’d like to experience. Things that take me outside my comfort zone. Anything else to do here?”

“Quite a few actually. However that’s all remember from Ashe’s explanation. Oh! There’s also a five star hotel upstairs. It’s mostly for nobles whom drink too much. But is of course available for anyone to use.”

“Well, we won’t be doing any of that. Drinking, I mean.”

“Agreed. Want to keep a level head for tonight.”

“So when do we start?”

Arc motions to their food. “As soon as we finish eating.”

Sometime later, as the pair finish eating their dessert, a knock rings out. Arc raises his voice in response.

“Come in!”

A servant enters and walks over to the table. Bowing, he looks to Arc.

“Was the meal to the princess’ liking, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes, we both enjoyed it.”

Twilight turns to the griffon. “Excuse me?”

“Yes, your highness?”

“Can you tell me more about the public baths?”

“Certainly. What would you like to know, your majesty?”

“How it works exactly.”

Arc quickly chimes in. “We don’t have them back in Equestria.”

“Well... it’s generally done in a group setting. A number of griffons reserve one of our pools. While they soak we serve them alcohol and various snacks.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “And what do they do in there? Besides eat, drink, and bathe, that is.”

“Low talking while they relax mostly. After that we have a fully staffed salon to do talons and feathers.”

Arc chuckles. “Just griffons though, right?”

“Forgive us, sir, but yes.”

Twilight smiles. “That’s fine. I’m sure you don’t get much else here. “

She motions to his clipboard before continuing.

“But can I assume you’re here to give us the bill?”

“No, your highness. Ambassador Ashe requested that your expenses be sent directly to her instead.”

“Oh? That was nice of her.”

“I actually came here to ask if either of you would like anything more to eat?”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m pretty full.”

Twilight nods. “Me too.”

The servant bows as he gestures with a wave of his talon. “Then I thank you for coming in tonight. Please feel free to enjoy this room’s amenities as long as you wish.”

Arc smirks. “Thank you, we shall.”

The servant leaves the room and walks down the corridor as he mutters to himself.

“A very strange one that Princess Twilight. If I didn’t know any better I’d think she was being genuinely nice.”

Thinking for a few moments he shakes his head before continuing.

“That isn’t possible though. After all, she’s the ruler of an entire country!”

Meanwhile, Arc stands and walks over to Twilight. Taking her hoof he leads her toward the couch to enjoy the fire. Sitting down together, she snuggles up to him as Arc puts an arm around her as she speaks.

“A nice meal and good company.”

Arc grins. “My thoughts exactly.”

Twilight sighs contentedly. “I could just sit here with you all night, Arc.”

“So could I. But I imagine that you still want to see more of this place.”

“That I do, yes.”

“Where do you want to start?”

“Well... if you’re okay with it, I wouldn’t mind visiting the public baths.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Really? I thought you bathed before we came here, Twilight.”

“Oh, I did! However, I’d like to experience it so I can tell Princess Celestia all about this place when we return.”

“Well, if that’s really what you want to do, then sure.”

“In a few minutes, that is.”

“Oh?”

Twilight giggles as she closes her eyes. “I just want to enjoy the here and now for a bit longer.”

Sometime later Arc and Twilight leave their room. Following the signs the pair make their way to the Public Bathhouse. Walking up to the counter with Twilight, Arc speaks.

“We would like to use one of your baths, please.”

The griffon nods respectfully. “Certainly, sir. However, I must advise you that we don’t have any stylists whom are familiar with how to do up a non-griffon’s mane or tail.”

Twilight shrugs as she pats her mane. “That’s fine. I’ll just need a bit of a brushing, after all.”

“We could offer a wingacure, your highness.”

“A what?”

“It’s a way to rejuvenate your wing’s feathers. I can have our top stylist look you over after bathing if you’d like. They’ll be able to determine what’s best for you.”

“I’ll have to think about it.”

The griffon taps a bell next to himself twice. “Very well. One of our spa servers will escort you to a changing room.”

A servant approaches and bows as the host speaks.

“Escort Princess Twilight and Lord Arc to our finest changing room.”

The servant nods and motions with a talon as he speaks. “Please follow me.”

Leading the pair down a wide corridor, he stops in front of a large door.

“Here we are. Inside you will find everything you need to make your experience here a positive one. When you are ready please make your way out the opposite door where I will be waiting to escort you to your bath.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Thank you. We won’t be long.”

Arc and Twilight enter the room. Before them are several ornate benches, hooks for clothing, towels, and numerous shelves containing soaps, shampoos, conditioner, bath bombs, and innumerable other novelties that they cannot identify. Twilight walks over to a cubby and begins removing her dress as she grins.

“Glad to be out of that!”

Arc chuckles as he starts removing his raiments. “Don’t really care much for the royal outfits, huh?”

Twilight shakes her head as she carefully hangs the dress up. “Not really, no.”

“Then why wear them?”

“Because of my position. I really need to look my best right now to keep up appearances.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I never really liked that part of the job either.”

“Dressing up?”

Arc frowns. “All eyes being on you, I mean. Every move and action being scrutinized and analyzed by everyone. And having to put the needs of the nation before your own wants and desires.”

Twilight smiles wistfully. “Thank you, Arc.”

“What for?”

“Being here with me.”

Arc chuckles. “Such is the duty of a good stallionfriend.”

Twilight giggles as she puts her crown on a shelf. “And you do a good job of it. Now then, are you almost ready over there?”

“I... kinda am.”

Twilight turns to him, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Not really sure I should be walking out there naked. I mean... no one else will be wearing anything, but...”

Twilight smiles as her eyes make their way down to his genitals. “...but you’re different down there.”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t have a sheath like stallions and griffons do, no.”

“It’s just kinda... flopping around down there.”

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“My eyes are up here.”

Twilight blushes heavily as she gasps. “Sorry!”

Arc chuckles. “It’s fine. But do you think I should cover up so as not to offend anyone out there?”

“That might be for the best. However, what could you put on that would cover you properly?”

“I could wear a pair of my shorts out there.”

“But then you’d really stick out.”

Arc motions toward the outer door. “Maybe we should ask the griffon whom led us here for help.”

“Good idea. After all, you can’t be the first modest customer they’ve had here.”

Walking over to the door, Arc opens it part way and looks out. The griffon stands there waiting for them expectantly as he does so.

“Are you and Princess Twilight ready, sir?”

“Not quite. We need a bit of advice first.”

“Sir?”

“Would you please step inside?”

“Of course, sir.”

Opening the door, he does as Arc says. Twilight steps into view from her dressing area which causes the griffon to look away respectfully.

“Can I assist you, your highness?”

Twilight points a hoof at Arc. “It’s actually my friend here whom needs your help.”

“Sir?”

Arc gestures to his nether regions. “I’m a bit nervous about... this hanging out there.”

Twilight nods. “What would you recommend he do?”

The servant pulls a large towel off a nearby rack. “It’s traditional for all spa patrons to wear a towel around their midsection for the walk from the changing area to their section of the baths. While not actually required, it is heavy recommended.”

Arc chuckles. “Really? I didn’t know that.”

He takes the towel from the servant and puts it around his waist. Twilight nods approvingly as he does so.

“Much more modest. Modester?”

Arc shrugs. “Not really sure that second one is actually a word. But I’ll take it.”

Twilight looks to a servant. “And what about me?”

“One of our smaller towels should fit you, your highness.”

He looks over the racks before walking across the room to a much smaller set of cubbies. Taking a towel he walks over to Twilight nervously.

“Forgive me, your highness, but I believe this towel will fit you.”

Taking it with her magic, Twilight lays the towel over her flank and wraps it around her back half before nodding and turning to the servant.

“How does this look?”

“A perfect fit, your majesty.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why not have those towels over here then?”

The servant appears suddenly nervous. “Well... you see... um... they’re actually... youngling size.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“Forgive me, Princess Twilight. But ponies are a lot... smaller than griffons are in that area.”

“That’s... understandable, I suppose.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Are we ready to head out now?”

Twilight giggles. “I am!”

Their guide motions to the door. “Please follow me.”

Leading the pair out the door, they are hit with a wave of hot and humid air. The servant speaks as he walks past in-floor baths that appear to be almost the size of small pools.

“Now then, would you two like a semi-private bath?”

Twilight nods. “That sounds very nice, thank you.”

“I shall show you to our finest one.”

Arriving at a tentlike structure, the servant pulls the curtains back to reveal a smaller recessed in floor tub with ornate looking spouts spewing water into the bath in all four corners. He turns to Arc and speaks again.

“I hope this is to your liking, sir.”

“It looks great, thanks!”

Twilight trots forward happily. “Agreed!”

Arc follows Twilight toward the tub as she dips a hoof into the water to test it. The servant motions to a nearby rack.

“These racks will hold your towels while you bathe. Should you require fresh ones a servant will bring them to you.”

Twilight pulls over her towel and levitates it carefully over to the rack. “Come on, Arc! Let’s get in!”

“Alright.”

Pulling off his towel, Arc hangs it up beside hers as he steps into the warm water. Sitting down next to Twilight he sighs contentedly.

“Perfect.”

Twilight moans contentedly. “You said it!”

The servant slowly walks over to the pool’s edge. “Is the water temperature to your liking?”

Arc nods. “It’s good for me. Princess?”

Twilight closes her eyes happily. “Heavenly.”

Arc looks to the servant and smiles. “I think we’re okay.”

“Yes sir. Um... begging your pardon, but I noticed that you didn’t take anything with you but towels.”

Twilight blushes slightly. “Opps. Guess we forgot to grab soap and whatnot.”

The servant looks to her and bows. “Shall I fetch them, your highness?”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll just head back and grab a few things.”

Arc looks over as Twilight stands. “I can do that, Twilight.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, no. You’ve had a busy day, Arc. I’ll take care of it.”

Picking up her towel, she wraps it around her midsection and walks out the tent flaps. The servant turns to Arc, clearly confused.

“Um... sir?”

“Hm?”

“Forgive me, but is that some kind of tradition in your land?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your princess leaving to get something that was forgotten. I would have thought she’d be used to servants getting things for her.”

Arc shrugs. “Nah. Twilight just likes to do things for herself whenever possible. It’s due to her being born and growing up as a commoner.”

“She wasn’t born into royalty, sir?!”

“Nope.”

“Forgive me for being so forward regarding this matter, sir!”

“It’s fine. No one ever learns without asking questions, after all.”

“Might you also please not mention this to the princess, sir?”

“No problem.”

“In any case, I will have one of our servers come by in a few minutes after you two get settled.”

“Thank you.”

The servant leaves the tent. Continuing with his duties, he spies Twilight walking back toward the tent with a basket of good on her back. Watching her head for the tent again he muses to himself.

“A princess whom acts like a commoner. Not demanding or haughty like the other nobles. She even hung up her towel by herself. Everyone else just kinda throws it to one side for us servants to pick up. But not Princess Twilight nor Lord Arc. Both of them were the epitome of cordiality and friendliness. An interesting concept to be sure.

Meanwhile, Twilight enters the tent and levitates the basket off of her back as she calls out to Arc.

“I think we should have everything we need now.”

“Thanks for getting that stuff, Twilight. Sorry I forgot about it.”

Twilight giggles as she hangs up her towel again and heads for the bath. “It’s alright. You were still preoccupied with the whole towel matter.”

Arc smirks. “And you weren’t?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, I was busy thinking about... you know what, I’m not going to finish that sentence.”

She blushes slightly as Arc laughs.

“Sorry!”

“It’s okay, Twilight. I’m fine with you looking at all of me.”

“Are you sure? After all, you seemed a bit upset when you caught me looking at your... you know...”

“I was just making a joke, Twilight.”

“Oh.”

“But in any case, should we get cleaned up?”

Twilight smiles as she levitates the basket to the side of the tub. “Not that we really need it though. After all, we both showered before leaving the ship.”

“I suppose that’s true. However...”

The sound of the tent flaps ruffling rings out as a female griffon enters and slowly walks over to them.

“Good evening Princess Twilight... Lord Arc.”

Twilight smiles at her. “Um... hello.”

Arc turns to the server. “What can we do for you?”

Griffon appears confused. “I... just came by to see if I could get you anything.”

“Like what?”

“A light snack or some wine. Anything you want really.”

Twilight looks to the griffon. “What do you recommend?”

“Me, your highness?”

“Yes.”

“Well... a basket of steamed buns is a popular item here.”

“Are they filled?”

The griffon nods. “With caviar, your highness.”

Twilight appears confused. “What’s...?”

Arc interrupts her. “Fish eggs.”

“Ah! Well... can we get some that haven’t been filled with anything?”

“Yes, your highness. Can I get you something to drink as well?”

“Anything special you’d suggest?”

“Most everyone has either wine or champagne with their food.”

Twilight shakes her head. “We’re not much for that sort of thing. How about just some ice water?”

“I can do that, your majesty.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“And for you, sir?”

“I’ll have mine with grape juice.”

“Do you mean wine, sir?”

“No. I want non-alcoholic juice.”

Griffon nods nervously. “A-alright, sir.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Is that outside the norm here, miss?”

“Kinda. You see, even younglings typically drink wine here. Only the youngest of them have juice. That’s why I thought wine was desired. Please forgive my mistake.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s no problem.”

“Anything else I can bring you?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “How about some butter to go on the buns?”

Arc grins. “That does sound tasty!”

“Yes, your highness. I’ll take care of it. Will there be anything else?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, that should do it.”

Bowing, the griffon leaves the tent. As she heads for the nearby kitchen she muses to herself.

“Princess Twilight and Lord Arc aren’t what I imagined them to be. They’re just so... so nice and understanding. Even when I made mistakes they didn’t yell at or belittle me. And they were cordial to one another. Not exactly the norm around here.”

Meanwhile, Twilight turns to Arc.

“I learned something interesting when I was walking back here earlier.”

“What’s that?”

“This tent is apparently made out of a very special fabric.”

“Is it now?”

Twilight nods. “It allows us to somewhat see through it from inside. But is completely opaque from the outside.”

“Interesting. Not sure why it’s made that way though.”

Twilight sighs. “Probably for those whom don’t like enclosed spaces.”

“Maybe you’re right, Twilight. But I’d rather people, or in this case griffons, not watch me bathe.”

Twilight giggles as she pulls a bar of soap from the basket. “Want me to wash your back?”

Arc nods. “Yes please.”

A short time later the female griffon returns with a cart. She places two small baskets of buns with matching bowls of butter on a silver tray and lays it on a mat next to the tub. Returning to her cart she pulls a bottle of grape juice off of it along with a glass. However as she turns back with the glass of ice water the condensation causes her talon to slip. It tips over splashing the contents over the baskets, drenching them. Laying down face first she calls out.

“I’m sorry, your highness! Please forgive my clumsiness!”

Twilight gasps. “Oh my! Miss, are you okay?!”

Arc looks over the baskets. “Looks like the glass didn’t break.”

“That’s good.”

The griffon cries out but does not look up. “I will make this right immediately!”

Twilight smiles at her. “It’s fine, miss. Truth be told I thought you might have cut yourself on a shard of glass.”

Arc nods. “And the baskets looks to be pretty watertight.”

He opens a basket and looks over its contents for a moment before continuing.

“All good inside.”

Twilight giggles. “You can get up, miss.”

The griffon slowly does so shakily. She looks to Twilight nervously.

“I’m very sorry, Princess Twilight! I’ll get you a fresh glass of ice water right away!”

“That’s alright. Truth be told, that grape juice does look really tasty now that I think about it.”

“I’ll bring you a bottle of it at once!”

Arc chuckles. “Oh, no need for that. I can share this one with her.”

“Share, sir?”

Twilight nods. “Sure. It’s big enough for the two of us anyways.”

Arc pulls a couple of small clothes to himself with a Telekinesis Spell from a nearby shelf. He quickly dries up the water before tossing the cloths into a nearby bin and turning to the griffon.

“There we are. No harm done.”

“Thank you, sir. And please accept my most sincere apologies.”

Twilight smiles at her reassuringly. “Accidents happen.”

Nervously, the griffon grabs her cart and slowly backs toward the tent flap. “Yes, I suppose they do. But again, I do apologize. Please feel free to ring the bell on the tray if you need anything else. You and Lord Arc have priority here in the Royal Bath.”

She steps out of the tent and breathes a sigh of relief. However, no sooner has she done so than a loud voice of another patron rings out nearby.

“Over here, slave!”

Hurrying to the adjoining bath, she bows at the griffon before her and speaks.

“How may I serve you, Lord Goldstone?”

“Get me some fresh wine! This stuff tastes like it’s been open for minutes!”

She nods fearfully. “Y-yes sir! Right away!”

Goldstone calls out as she leaves. “And in a chilled glass too! It’s getting too warm as I drink it!”

She hurries off as Arc and Twilight watch from their tent. Arc grits his teeth as he speaks.

“What a jerk!”

Twilight frowns. “I’ll say.”

“How’s he expect it to stay cold in here?!”

“Overly demanding, that one.”

The female griffon runs back to her cart and pulls out a chilled glass along with a bottle. Pouring it, she walks quickly over to Goldstone with the fresh glass of wine on a silver tray. Picking it up, Goldstone takes a sip before spitting the contents in her face and glaring at her.

“I said I wanted it in a CHILLED GLASS!”

“My apologies, sir. But that’s as cold as we can make them.”

Goldstone points a talon. “Bring me the bottle, peon!”

She quickly does so. Goldstone holds out his glass angrily as she approaches.

“Pour!”

Doing so with a shaky talon, she steps back as he sets it down on a nearby tray and grins wickedly at her.

“Get in.”

“Sir?”

“You heard me. I want you in this tub with me.”

“Y-yes sir.

Putting the bottle on the tray with his glass, the female griffon slowly steps into the water. She stands before Goldstone as he looks her over lewdly.

“When was the last time you ate?”

“Before my shift started six hours ago, sir.”

Goldstone smirks. “Perfect. Turn around and put your talons on the side of the tub.”

She does so. Putting a talon on her forehead, Goldstone forces her head back all the way. She gasps instinctively as he grabs the bottle from the tray and sticks the neck of it down her throat.

“Drink!”

The griffon does as she is told. Downing the entire bottle of wine, she gasps for air as he lets go and shoves her forward against the edge of the bath. She lays her face on the cool marble floor as she coughs and heaves from the lack of oxygen. Goldstone smirks wickedly as he puts his talons on her backside and pushes her out of the water.

“Now then... return to your duties.”

“B-but, I... I can’t even...”

Goldstone screams at her. “You can and you...!”

He is cut off as a gasp rings out. Clutching his throat, he leans heavily on the side of the tub as he struggles for breath. The female server calls out loudly.

“Medical... emergency!”

A team of griffons run over as Goldstone loses consciousness. They drag him out of the tub and lay him on a stretcher. One of them looks him over and shakes his head.

“Looks like he spent too much time in the tub. Let’s get him out of here.”

As the griffons carry Goldstone out in front of everyone they gawk and chuckle at his predicament. The female server stumbles back to her cart and leans on it for stability. Hearing a bell ring, she turns the cart toward the tent and walks slowly and carefully towards it. Pushing it inside the flaps, she lets go and turns to approach the tub. However her balance is gone and she falls to the floor. Arc and Twilight jump out of the tub together and carry her to a nearby bench. Laying her down, Arc turns to Twilight.

“Get one of those basket of buns! Hurry!”

As Twilight does so, Arc hears a groan ring out from the server. Grabbing a nearby trash can, he sticks her head into it as she vomits profusely. This continues for some time as Twilight returns with the basket. Eventually the server stops throwing up and looks to Arc and Twilight dizzily.

“What... what can I... can I get... for... for...?”

Arc cuts her off. “Shh... don’t talk. Just lie there.”

Putting his glass of grape juice to her lips he calls out.

“Take a drink.”

She woozily does so. Twilight hurries over to the cart and grabs a water jug. Pouring some into a glass she hurries over to Arc and hands it to him.

“This should work better!”

Arc nods and puts the glass to her beak. Taking a sip, she coughs a few times before groggily looking up at Arc again.”

“What can... I...?”

Arc cuts her off. “Please miss! Just lie still!”

Picking up a bun from the basket, Arc carefully pulls the server into an upright position and sits down next to her.

“You need to eat this, miss. It’ll help absorb some of the alcohol in your stomach.”

Putting the bun to her beak, Arc helps her eat it as Twilight holds out the glass of water.

“And you’ll need to rehydrate to prevent a nasty hangover.”

Arc grimaces. “And after throwing up.”

Nodding silently as Twilight holds the glass to her beak, she drinks as best as she is able. Arc picks up another bun and they repeat the process. Eventually sometime later the server is able to speak again.

“Thank you... for the help, sir.”

“No problem.”

She groans. “I’m just lucky Lord Goldstone passed out when he did.”

Twilight smirks. “Not exactly.”

“What?”

Arc holds up a hand and grins. “That was me.”

“Sir?”

“Just a bit of a Telekinesis Spell. An invisible hand around his throat to cut off air and he passed out.”

Twilight smiles wickedly. “In this heat they just thought he had heatstroke, or something.”

“I... don’t feel so good.”

Arc pulls out another bun. “With nothing in your stomach the alcohol went straight to your intestines. These buns should help with that.”

Twilight nods. “From there it was just a quick hop to your bloodstream. Hence why you’re so drunk right now.”

The server moves to sit up. “I... I need to get back... to work.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “You can’t even walk right now though.”

Twilight frowns. “Right. Isn’t there something you could say later to convince your boss that we kept you busy in here?”

“Well... I sometimes give massages to patrons.”

Arc nods. “Good. You can tell them that we both wanted extra-long massages.”

Twilight puts a hoof on her forehead. “Right. Now then, I think you need to rest for a bit to let the alcohol pass through you.”

“I can... do that... somewhere else... your highness.”

Arc shakes his head. “Then they’ll ask questions.”

Twilight gently pushes the server back down. “Just lay there and get some sleep.”

Nodding, the server slowly closes her eyes.

“Yes... your... majesty.”

A few moments later she passes out. Arc puts a towel over her as the pair step back and walk to the others side of the tent.

“We should probably keep our voices down to let her rest.”

Twilight nods. “Agreed.”

Arc motions to the tub. “Wanna get back in?”

Twilight shakes her head as she points to her head. “Not really. I don’t think it would be proper, considering what just happened.”

Arc points to some nearby couches. “Wanna follow suit with our server then?”

“Huh?”

“We’re going to have a late night. I could go for a nap while we wait for her to wake up.”

“Okay. Just one thing though.”

“Oh?”

Twilight walks over to the mouth of the tent and grabs something. Putting it outside she zips the flaps shut before returning to Arc.

“There we go.”

“What’d you do?”

Twilight giggles. “Just put out a ‘do not disturb’ sign.”

“Good idea. After all, we wouldn’t want someone else walking in here and seeing our server passed out drunk on the couch.”

Twilight takes Arc’s hand. “Right. Now then, I’d like to be on top.”

Arc appears confused. “On top?”

“Of you, silly!”

“Ah! Right!”

They walk over to a large couch and sit down together. Arc picks Twilight up and sets her down in his lap. Giggling slightly, she rests her head on his chest as they lay down together. A short time later the sound of running water lulls them both to sleep as Arc puts his arms around her. They stay like that for a couple hours together before a light groan awakens them both. Twilight whispers to Arc.

“I think she’s coming around.”

Arc nods. “Let’s go check.”

Sitting up, the pair get to their feet and walk over to the server. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and gently shakes her.

“Miss? Are you okay?”

Slowly opening her eyes, she groans and puts a talon over her face.

“Ugh... I... I feel like a carriage ran over my head.”

Twilight walks over to her cart. “Let me get you some water to...”

Her eyes flying open, the server looks over to see Twilight pouring a glass of water from her cart. Gasping, she rolls off the couch and scrambles to her feet.

“Let me get that for you, your highness!”

Twilight walks over to her with the glass in her magical hold. “It’s alright. You just sit back down and try to collect yourself.”

Doing as she is told, the server sits back down on the couch as Twilight gives her the glass. Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out a small bottle.

“Want some headache medicine?”

The griffon nods. “Yes, please.”

Twilight turns to her as Arc hands over two pills. “Is there anything else that can be done?”

“Not really. We have medicine to treat those whom drink too much, of course. However it’s for patrons only.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Patrons only, huh. One moment.”

He walks over to the tent flap and unzips it. Looking out, he flags over a servant. Walking over with his cart, he speaks.

“What can I do for you, sir?”

“I need something for a hangover.”

The servant appears confused. “A what, sir?”

“When you drink too much alcohol.”

“Ah! You want a ‘stabilizer’.”

“What’s that do?”

“It breaks down the alcohol in your blood to bring you back to a state of normalcy.”

He lowers his voice before continuing.

“The princess had a bit too much, sir?”

“Something like that. Where does one get a ‘stabilizer’?

“I have some right here, sir.”

Reaching into his cart, the servant pulls out a small bottle containing two pills. He hands them to Arc whom quietly levitates some bits into the drawer they came out of.

“Thank you. And this is to make sure you don’t tell anyone about this.”

The servant grins widely. “Yes sir!”

He walks away as Arc returns to the young griffon’s side.

“Here you go.”

She smiles weakly as she accepts the medication. “Th-thank you, sir.”

Taking the glass of water from Twilight, she pops the pills into her mouth and follows them up with water. Swallowing, she looks to the pair.

“Um... I... th-thank you.”

Arc smiles at her. “It’s no problem.”

Twilight grimaces. “Hopefully those pills kick in soon.”

“They should take about half an hour. I can kinda lay low until then.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’d rather that you stay here. At least until you can walk normally.”

Twilight chimes in. “Can we ask you some questions, miss?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Does that kind of thing happen often here?”

“You mean what was done to me, your highness?”

“Yes.”

“Not usually, no. Well, the other patrons usually keep it to verbal abuse and throwing things in our faces. Like their food, drinks, and towels. Only a small number of, shall we say... very high level patrons seem to enjoy more heinous things like that.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I did notice that no one said or did anything to stop him though.”

The griffon sighs. “It would be political suicide to do so. After all, he’s a very powerful griffon on the Council of Lords.”

Twilight frowns. “Powerful?”

“It’s been said that if Lord Gestal is the kings right talon, Lord Goldstone is his left.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes. He has the king’s ear nearly as much as Lord Gestal. If anyone ever tried to come between him and something he wanted, well... I don’t really know what exactly Lord Goldstone would do. But I do know that it wouldn’t be pretty.”

Twilight shudders. “Can you give us an example?”

“Well... I remember one time when he was harassing another servant, a manager came over to try and stop him. Lord Goldstone left in a huff, returned with his guards, led that manager away... and he was never heard from again.”

Twilight gulps as Arc speaks.

“And you have no idea what happened to him?”

“Not in the slightest.”

Twilight grimaces. “Forgive me if I’m overstepping here, miss. But if such abuse on the job is so rampant, why do you stay here?”

“Because it’s the highest paying job around. Well, it doesn’t really pay very much directly. But we make out pretty well in tips. And it’s relatively simple. Just do whatever the patrons ask for and take a bit of heat sometimes.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “What if you could work for someone whom paid you well enough to live AND treated you right?”

“I’d be interested, of course.”

Twilight smiles. “There’s certainly work to be had back in Equestria. The castle is always looking to fill positions too.”

“Thank you, Princess Twilight. But I’d like to stay here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “No offense, but might I ask why?”

“It’s my home. Where I was born and raised. I know it’s got its flaws... lots and lots of flaws, of course. But I love my country and can’t see myself ever leaving it.”

Twilight gasps. “No matter how badly they treat you?”

“I’m hoping things will improve someday.”

Arc nods. “Very well put, miss. Now then, why don’t you try standing up now?”

Doing as she is told, the servant stands and takes a few steps. She appears more or less stable, albeit slightly off balance.

“It looks like I’ll be okay now.”

Twilight looks her over. “Are you sure, miss? You can stay here a bit longer if you’d like.”

“Thank you, your highness, but I really need to get back to work.”

“Very well.”

Bowing, the griffon returns to her cart and grabs the handle. Turning it toward the tent flap, she looks back toward Arc before speaking.

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for what you did to Lord Goldstone.”

Nodding, Arc gives her a knowing smile as she leaves the tent. Continuing along her rounds she muses to herself.

“Lord Arc... what an interesting individual. And so different from the other nobles around here.”

Smiling inwardly, she continues.

“Perhaps that’s why Equestria is such a nice sounding place. With such kind rulers I can just imagine how content their citizens must be.”

A short time later Arc and Twilight leave the tent together with their towels wrapped around their midsections. The servant whom escorted them to their tent earlier hurries over and bows as he speaks to Arc.

“How did you like your visit, sir?”

“It was very nice. The princess thoroughly enjoyed herself.”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I did. Especially the griffon whom served us.”

“She’s one of our finest!”

Arc smiles. “I can see why. The princess was just telling me how she really made this experience memorable.”

“That’s very good to hear! Now then, shall I escort her royal highness to the salon?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, thank you. After the... wondrous treatment here I want to see what else your facility has to offer.”

“Can I escort you somewhere else then, your majesty?”

“Well... I’d like to see someplace lively. Full of energy and fun.”

“Then I’d recommend our Casino. There’s always fun to be had there. For those whom partake as well as those whom simply choose to watch.”

Twilight smiles. “That sounds interesting.”

“May I show you the way?”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you, but I think we can just follow the signs.”

“Very well, sir. Please feel free to bring any questions or concerns to the nearest staff member at any time.”

They nod and enter their changing room. Twilight giggles as she walks over to her dress.

“This is certainly an interesting place.”

Arc frowns. “If not a bit... uncivil.”

“I’m just glad that server wasn’t hurt.”

“And she is here of her own free will.”

Twilight sighs. “That too. But I do wish the nobles would treat others better.”

“Like you do.”

“I’m not a noble though.”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda are.”

“Well... I guess you’re right. Tell me this though. I’m not like that, am I?”

Arc shakes his head as he tosses his towel into a nearby hamper. “Not in the least.”

Twilight sighs as she puts on her dress. “I sometimes feel as though I’m being too haughty.”

“That’s a good thing though.”

“Being stuck up?”

“No, no. I meant the fact that you still have your conscience warn you about how you’re treating others. A lot of the nobles back in Equestria don’t seem to have that anymore.”

Twilight groans. “They do seem to act superior an awful lot. “

“Well, rest assured that you don’t seem to be going in that direction.”

They finish dressing and sit down together at a pair of large vanities. Twilight picks up a brush as Arc reaches for a comb. She turns to him.

“Arc?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think that I’ll ever become like the nobles?”

Arc shakes his head. “I doubt it.”

“But I could!”

“Anything’s possible. However you should look at the other princesses.”

“What do you mean?”

“Are any of them like the nobles?”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin as she thinks. “Not really, I supposed.”

“And why do you suppose that is?”

“Is it because Princess Celestia and Luna were raised to be princesses?”

“Yes. And Princess Celestia probably passed on her teachings to Cadance.”

Twilight giggles. “Whom passed them onto me.”

“Inadvertently, but yes. Why so worried about this all of a sudden though?”

Twilight sighs as she looks herself over in the mirror. “Because of you.”

Arc appears surprised. “Me?”

“Yes, Arc. I know you don’t like that kind of attitude. So if I were to become like them you wouldn’t be interested in me anymore.”

“While it is true that I don’t like the nobles for their attitude towards others, I really can’t see you going that route, Twilight.”

“Do me a favor then.”

“What is it?”

“Let me know if I start to get too big for my crown.”

Arc chuckles as he stands and straightens his raiments. “I will.”

Finishing, the pair head out the door and look to a nearby directory. Reading the map they make their way toward the Casino. Entering a massive room full of flashing lights they look around, astonished. Twilight turns to Arc, clearly impressed.

“This is amazing!”

Arc nods. “That it is! It puts Vegas to shame!”

“Vegas?”

“It’s a city of gambling back on Earth. I’ve never been there before, but I’ve seen pictures. This blows it away though!”

Twilight points a hoof. “Let’s take it all in then!”

Arc chuckles. “For research?”

“Naturally. I want to know everything about this land, after all.”

They approach a number of machines. Twilight looks them over and grins.

“These are called ‘slots’ if I recall correctly.”

Arc nods. “Right. You have to line up the icons to win the corresponding payout.”

Twilight puts a hoof on a button. “What’s ‘max bet’?”

Arc looks over the instructions. “It looks like it allows you to bet more than just across the center line.”

He points to the screen before continuing.

“Normally you have to line the icons up here. However according to this, you can bet up to two more times to activate these diagonal lines.”

“So you can potentially win on those too?”

“Right. You’re paying more to increase your chances of winning.”

“Can I try it?”

Arc grins at her. “You tell me. You’re the princess, after all.”

Twilight giggles. “I think I will. How do I start it?”

Arc points at a lever on the right side of the machine. “Pull this to start the rollers.”

Twilight reaches up and does so. The three rollers begin to spin. A few moments later they stop with all three on pictures of beaks. Arc looks over the chart as he speaks.

“Looks like a standard bet would have won you twenty-five times your wager for that.”

“But since our wager was zero it’s giving us twenty-five times zero.”

“Exactly.”

Twilight sighs. “Now I wish I’d brought some money.”

Arc pats his ring. “I did. Want to play for real?”

“That I would, yes.”

“Okay.”

Reaching into his ring, Arc pulls out a bag of bits. Pouring them into a spout on the top of the machine, it counts them out in real time. As it does so the number under ‘credits’ rises. Arc turn to Twilight.

“There’s a hundred credits. That should keep you busy for a bit.”

Twilight grins. “Thanks, Arc. I’ll pay you back when we get back to Equestria if I don’t win anything.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s okay. Just have some fun.”

He sits down at the machine next to her and pulls out another bag of bits before continuing.

“I’ll try this one here.”

Pouring some bits into the machine, Arc begins playing the slots as well. An hour later Twilight sighs and turns to him.

“I’m down to fifty bits. Think I’ll stop here.”

Arc turns to her. “I’m down to three myself.”

“Really? I heard you winning a few big payouts over here.”

“They do that to keep you playing. I never got over two hundred bits.”

“I did notice that the wins were few, yes.”

“It’s just luck of the draw.”

He looks back on his machine before grabbing the lever again.

“Just let me use up these last three bits and I’ll be done.”

Grabbing the lever Arc starts the machine. It rolls onto two jackpot icons as the last one begins spinning faster. It slowly decelerates before stopping on the third jackpot icon. A horn goes off as strobes flash above the machine. Twilight gasps.

“You won!”

Arc chuckles. “Guess so.”

The numbers on the screen increase quickly to reflect the new balance. Twilight’s eyes grow wide as they do so.

“Why so much?!”

“Because I won the jackpot.”

“Which is how much exactly?!”

Arc looks over the machine’s instructions. “According to this, it’s based on a percentage of what the machine has taken in bets since the last jackpot.”

“And whomever hits it gets everything?!”

Arc nods. “Right. But I didn’t know it was THIS much.”

“What should we do now?”

Arc smirks as a waitress walks over to him. “Probably quit while we’re ahead.”

The waitress offers Arc a plastic bucket and a smile.

“Congratulations, sugar!”

Arc takes the bucket and nods. “Thank you.”

“Can I get you a drink?”

“No thank you. But can you tell me how I cash out my winnings?”

She points to a platform under the screen. “Sure. You just put your bucket in here and press this button. It’ll fill it up with whatever you’ve won, sugar.”

Doing as instructed, he presses the button. The bin fills to almost the top before stopping. Arc grabs a few bits off the top and drops them on the waitresses tray.

“Thanks for your help, miss.”

The waitress winks and coos happily. “Anytime, handsome!”

Arc picks up the bucket and turns back to Twilight.

“Well, that was unexpected.”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “I’ll say.”

“Shall we continue looking around?”

“What other kinds of games do they have here?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I wonder if they have roulette.”

“Never heard of it.”

“It’s where you place bets on what number... you know what, let’s just see if they have it first.”

Continuing on, they soon find a number of tables market ‘roundhouse’. Arc and Twilight walk up to one to watch. Arc points to the table where bets are placed.

“Looks like they play the game about the same here. You see that table the ball spins on, Twilight?”

“Yes.”

“The ball is dropped onto the spinning table and eventually makes its way to a small slot with a number.”

He gestures to a table in front of them before continuing.

“The most specific bet you can make would be to guess the number the ball will land on. This gives the highest payout as it’s the hardest to do. You can also bet on the row the number is in for less odds. Finally, you can try to predict odd or even along with color.”

Twilight looks at the odds board. “And the higher the chance of success the smaller the payout?”

“Right.”

“So it’s all about probability.”

“Exactly.”

“Can I try?”

“Sure.”

He puts a stack of bits in her hoof. Twilight approaches the table and places the coins on the number twenty-five. The griffon running the table spins it and drops the ball. It goes round and round before landing nimbly on Twilight’s number. An assistant approaches her with her winnings. Taking the bucket she turns back to Arc with a wide smile.

“I can’t believe I won!”

“Quite lucky there, Twilight. Tell me, did you just pick a number at random?”

“Kinda. You see, when I was a filly the number twenty-five was my favorite.”

“Why’s that?”

Twilight shrugs. “I don’t really know. For some reason I always liked it.”

Arc motions to the bucket of bits. “Well, it looks like that paid off this time. You want to keep playing this game?”

Twilight shakes her head as she turns with Arc to walk away. “Not really. It’s all about probability.”

“And chance too. Like the slots.”

“Not as much though. With ‘roundhouse’ there’s probability coupled with chance. You can bet conservatively in hopes of winning small gains or go for the highest payout with very little chance of success. Those slot machines, while entertaining, are really just pulling a lever and hoping for the best.”

“I guess that’s true. So you’re saying you’d be more interested in games of skill over luck, Twilight?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I would.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I wonder if they have cards here.”

“They do in Las Pegasus, so I would imagine this place would have them too.”

Arc flags down a waitress. “Excuse me, but where does one go to play cards?”

She points with a talon. “That way, honey.”

“Thanks.”

He tosses a few bits onto her tray as Twilight frowns. They head in the indicated direction to find a roomful of large tables. Walking over to one they watch. Arc looks to a sign nearby.

“Looks like they call this one ‘Griffcard’. Seems to be pretty much the same as Texas Hold ’em back on Earth.”

“How is it played?”

“One player places the initial bet while the one next to him places half to match.”

“Why them though?”

“It’s on a rotation. Next time the griffon beside him will pay the full bet while the second one over will pay the half. Otherwise there’d be nothing to gamble over.”

He points to the dealer whom is passing out the cards.

“The dealer gives everyone two cards. They look at them and see whom will continue into the next round. If you have a decent hand you want to keep going.”

“And if you don’t?”

“You might want to fold and toss your cards back to the dealer if someone places a bet.”

“In addition to the one they started with?”

Arc nods. “Right. Anyone whom wants to stay in the game for that hand of cards needs to at least meet their bet with an equal one or fold and sit out.”

The dealer puts down three cards face up. Arc motions to them as he speaks.

“These are the cards everyone can use to try and make a strong hand. Two pairs would be good. A full house even better.”

“What’s the second one?”

“Full house. It means three of the same number along with a pair of another.”

“Anything better than a full house?”

“Four of a kind is stronger. A deck has four suits and each suit has numbers from one to ten, jack, queen, and king. So getting all four of the same card is very rare.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Mathematically, yes. Anything higher?”

“After that would be the ‘straight flush’. It’s five cards all in order. Like three, four, five, six, and seven. However they have to all be of the same suit.”

“Sounds like a rare combination.”

“Not quite as rare as royal straight flush, which is a straight flush containing only the highest cards. It would be the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten all of the same suit. Not possible to beat.”

“And nearly impossible to get I would imagine.”

“Right. It’s a one in a million shot.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead as she appears to be thinking. “Not quite one in a million. But very, VERY unlikely.”

“And that’s dependent on the game continuing without everyone folding.”

“So it’s all a big game of probability?”

“Not quite.”

“But what else could there be?”

“Bluffing.”

“Huh?”

“Pretending that you have a good hand when you don’t.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “So you mean betting when you can’t win?”

“Something like that.”

“But why would somepony do that?”

“If you only bet or raise when you have a good hand then everyone will figure that out. Sometimes you have to mix it up a bit. Show them that they can’t accurately read you. Make them second guess their choices.”

“So it’s also skill in terms of deception.”

“Right.”

“This actually sounds really interesting! Can I try?!”

Arc chuckles. “Of course. But before you do, are you hungry?”

“A little. I’m more thirsty than hungry though.”

“Want me to get us something to eat while you play? That is, if you’re okay with me stepping away for a bit?”

Twilight nods as she motions at all the security guards around the area. “Sure, I’ll be fine for a bit.”

“Alright. I’ll keep the table in view though. See you soon.”

Walking over to a nearby table, Arc flags down a waitress and orders two waters along with some various small snacks. About twenty minutes later she returns with their food. Arc tosses some bits on her tray and walks over to Twilight. Tapping her shoulder, she turns around and smiles sheepishly as she holds up an empty bucket.

“Sorry!”

“It’s fine, Twilight. You only lost my initial bet.”

Twilight stands. “What? Oh no, you don’t understand.”

“Well, why don’t you tell me about it over our snack?”

“Okay.”

Walking back to their table the pair sit down to eat. Arc gestures to the spread before continuing.

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted, so I got a bit of a few things.”

Twilight grins. “Thanks! This looks great!”

They begin to eat as Twilight continues.

“Now then... what happened at the table there was that they don’t use bits there.”

Arc appears confused. “I didn’t see any chips there either.”

“It’s all done on paper. I gave them the bucket and they gave me a claim ticket. Anything I bet was taken from my ledger while winnings were added to it.”

“Really? I just figured those behind the players were guards.”

“Only one is. He’s there to make sure the accountant writes the correct numbers in the book as well as watch the player’s safety.”

“Well, that’s good. So how did you do?”

“Okay, I guess. Do you think you could keep the bits in your ring though?”

Arc nods. “Sure. No problem.”

Twilight waves down a waitress and holds up her claim ticket. “I’d like to cash out, please.”

The waitress nods as she takes Twilight’s ticket. “I’ll inform the manager, your highness.”

“Thank you. We’ll be waiting.”

She walks away as Twilight turns back to Arc.

“I think I’ve had enough of the casino for one day.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, one can only lose money for so long before it gets boring. So what do you want to do next?”

“I know this might sound a bit strange, but I’d really like to see those cage fights.”

“Really?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. It’s part of their culture I’m told.”

“That’s kinda surprising. You wanting to see that, I mean.”

“Just trying to get out of my comfort zone and learn thing about our allies that may not exactly be... pleasant.”

Arc smiles. “Well,, we can go as soon as you collect your bits.”

Twilight looks over his shoulder. “It appears they’re here with them.”

Arc turns around and stares in disbelief. Behind him are a dozen griffons each carrying two buckets each. They set them down on the table as the manager holds out a clipboard to Arc.

“Please sign here, your highness.”

Twilight smiles as she does so. “Here you are.”

He bows and walks away as the staff sets the buckets on the table. Arc turns to Twilight and frowns.

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Arc?”

“Care to explain this to me?”

“Well, you see... there were a number of very wealthy griffons at the table. Apparently they didn’t like seeing a mare at the table and tried to show each other up by beating me.”

“And how did that go?”

“One would bet, the next would raise, and they would go from there. All I had to do was keep up with them when I had something decent. Otherwise I just folded.”

“Pride, huh?”

“Pretty much. I just wanted to show them that a mare could play the game just as well as a stallion.”

Arc chuckles as he puts the bins of bits in his ring. “And you did.”

A short time later, after following the signs, they come to an elevator. Taking it down, Arc and Twilight arrive in the lower level of the building. The sounds of cheers and blows ring out in the rather dimly lit but well-kept area. They approach a large cage with bright lights over it where two griffons are duking it out with wooden weapons. Wealthy looking griffons sit around the perimeter and cheer them on as they go at it. Arc and Twilight find seats at a booth off to one side. Sitting down, a waitress walks over to them and sets waters down before the pair.

“Good evening. Can I get you two something to eat?”

Arc looks to Twilight. “I could go for some dessert.”

“Cake sounds nice.”

The waitress nods as she writes. “I’ll get that right in for you.”

As she turns and walks away Twilight looks to Arc and grins.

“It looks like the staff down here don’t bow and scrape as much as upstairs.”

“Maybe it’s part of the allure of this.”

“Oh?”

“You can’t be the only one whom wants to be treated like everyone else once in a while, Twilight.”

The waitress returns with two slices of cake a short time later. As the griffon sets them down she removes two papers from her apron pocket.

“Now then, here are your betting slips. Odds for each fighter are on the back.”

Twilight accepts them. “Thank you.”

She walks away as Arc and Twilight look the slips over. Arc is the first to speak.

“Not sure how I feel about this.”

“Griffons fighting for money or others betting on them?”

“The betting part.”

“Why’s that?”

Arc shrugs. “It’s kinda like hoping your pick hurts the other more.”

Twilight looks toward the fighting pit. “Well, they do appear to be wearing quite a bit of armor. And those weapons don’t exactly appear to be the lethal kind.”

“I guess not. That and I suppose no one is forcing them to do this.”

“We could just watch if you want. Or leave altogether.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I too want to understand this aspect of griffon society as well.”

They watch several matches together as they eat their cake. After some time an announcer calls out over the loudspeaker.

“The championship round will commence shortly! Please be sure to have your bets in before the bell rings!”

Twilight grins as she looks at a screen nearby. “It looks like that scrappy smaller griffon is going to be taking on the champion!”

Arc chuckles. “He’s your favorite, huh?”

“Yes, indeed! I like that he keeps coming out on top even though he’s a lot smaller than the others!”

“Rooting for the underdog?”

“I think he can do it!”

“Care to place a wager on him?”

Twilight smiles nervously. “If it’s okay with you, yes.”

Arc shrugs as he pulls a bucket of bits from his ring. “It’s your money, Twilight. Spend it any way you like.”

Raising a hand, he calls over a vendor. Twilight tells them her pick and puts up the bits. Taking them, the vendor gives her a slip before continuing on. A short time later the griffon enters the ring to the cheers of the audience. Twilight calls out excitedly.

“WOO!”

Arc smirks. “Glad to see you’re enjoying this.”

“That I am!”

A few moments later his opponent enters the cage from the opposite side. The doors are closed and locked as the pair square off. Calling out a few last minute bets, the sound of the bell rings out and the fight begins. The smaller griffon lunges at the champion in an effort to gain a quick advantage. However he is immediately rebuffed by a talon swipe across his face. Twilight grimaces as the sound of the blow reverberates.

“That looked painful!”

Arc shrugs. “He’s pretty good at dodging though. Thought for sure he’d evade that attack.”

As the griffon staggers from the massive blow, his opponent steps forward and kicks him in the face. Flying into the steel bars headfirst he falls to the ground unconscious. Twilight groans.

“Guess he wasn’t a match for that bigger griffon.”

“Well, one would have to assume that the title of ‘champion’ isn’t one bestowed lightly.”

The champion steps toward his fallen opponent and picks him up with a grin. Twilight frowns.

“What’s going on?”

Arc grimaces. “I don’t think he’s done with him.”

Throwing the griffon at the bars again, he laughs heartily as he taunts those around him.

“That’s what you fools get for betting on a weakling like this! Your money... GONE!”

He kicks his opponent as several officials enter the cage to remove the unconscious griffon. They take him away as the champion continues his tirade loudly as he screams at the officials.

“Why can’t you find someone worthy to fight me?!”

He points to the griffon as he’s removed from the cage.

“You promised me a chance to fight an expert! THAT’S THE BEST YOU COULD FIND?!”

Charging forward, he roughly pushes everyone out of the cage as he begins pacing and ranting.

“Isn’t there ANYONE in this country whom isn’t afraid to challenge ME?! Someone who can give me a thrill?!”

The nobles all look away as he scans the crowd. Eventually his eyes fall on Arc. Grinning, he points.

“How about you, freak show?!”

Arc looks over and points to his cake. “I would. However I’m kind of in the middle of something here.”

As Arc turns his attention back to his snack, the champion walks out of the cage, grabs an empty glass from a nearby table, and hurls it at Arc’s table. It hits his plate, sending the contents splattering against the wall some distance away. The crowd grow silent as it waits to see what Arc will do. Picking up a napkin, Arc dabs at his face as he stands and turns to the griffon.

“It looks to me like someone needs a lesson in manners.”

The champion makes a taunting gesture with his talons. “Bring it on, freak!”

Twilight grabs Arc’s hand. “Arc, don’t!”

“Twilight?”

“That other griffon went down so easily! I don’t want you to get hurt!”

“I’ll be fine. Trust me.”

Nodding soberly, Twilight lets go of Arc’s hand and watches as he walks toward the cage. The griffon steps back inside as Arc enters from the opposite side. An assistant offers Arc his choice of a weapon, but is turned away by a dismissing motion of his hand. Turning to the crowd, the champion begins speaking.

“Well, it looks like what this freak lacks in looks he makes up for in guts! The rest of you cowards could learn a thing or two from him!”

Arc looks to the griffon as he speaks evenly. “I didn’t actually come down here to fight you.”

“WHAT?!”

“Just replace my cake and apologize to my date and I’ll forget this whole thing.”

The champion laughs heartily as he points a talon at Arc.

“You apparently don’t know who you’re talking to!”

“Should I?”

“I’m the best at what I do! That’s why they call me ‘The Steamroller’! Because if you get into the ring with me I’ll...!”

Arc interrupts him. “...roll all over me, I get it. So can I assume that’s a ‘no’ on the cake and apology?”

The champion rolls his eyes and turns back to the crowd. “Place your bets now, folks! Let’s get this thing ready!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “What are you doing?”

“Selling the match! Hafta make a living, you know!”

Arc waits patiently as bet slips are filled out. His opponent smirks and looks to a screen overhead.

“Doesn’t look like your odds are too good.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I am a relative newcomer to this.”

“I’ll be sure to break you into it REAL good!”

“While we wait for betting to finish, why don’t you tell me about yourself.”

“Uh... why?”

“I’d just like to know whom I’m fighting.”

The griffon laughs heartily. “You’re looking at a griffon who’s fought here for YEARS! Folks come from all over the land to see me perform! I’m a living battle LEGEND around here.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Interesting. Tell me, where else have you fought?”

“This is where I got my start years ago! It’s the top fighting pit in the land! Where else would I go?!”

“So you’ve only ever fought here?”

“That’s what I said, yeah!”

Arc shakes his head. “A pity. I don’t really want to fight you anymore.”

“Having second thoughts, are we?!”

“That I am. It just doesn’t seem like a fair fight at this point.”

“I’ll try to go easy on...”

Arc interrupts. “For you, I mean.”

“Say what?!”

“I don’t believe you’re a match for me.”

The champion seethes. “Betting’s over! RING THE BELL!”

The bell is struck and the champion charges forward. Arc stands there as the griffon closes the distance quickly. However at the last moment he holds out a hand and catches his opponent’s talon in midair. Shoving the griffon back firmly, Arc shakes his head.

“Pathetic.”

“I’ll show you...!”

He attempts to sweep Arc’s feet from under him. But the young man jumps over his attack before pushing him roughly across the cage.

“You’ve spent years fighting here. However that’s been with toy weapons and a full medical staff on hand.”

Untying his sash, Arc removes his tunic and tosses it aside before continuing. He spreads his arms wide and turns around to give the griffon a look at his body.

“While you were fighting for sport against those weaker than you, I was fighting for real. Often against those bigger, stronger, or more numerous than myself. And as you can see, I have the scars to prove it.”

He takes up a battle-ready stance before speaking again.

“However it would appear that you have very few signs of actual combat on you. Still want to do this?”

The champion roars angrily and charges forward. Swinging at Arc, the young man ducks to avoid the blow while simultaneously countering with a punch to the griffon’s gut. He doubles over in pain, the wind knocked out of him. Gasping for breath, he looks over to see Arc pull his tunic from the ground and put it back on. Heading for the exit, Arc opens it and steps out as a servant approaches him with a bucket of bits.

“Your share of the bets, sir.”

“Thank you.”

Picking up the bin, Arc turns around and throws the contents at his opponent. Bits fly everywhere as they hit the ground next to him. Tossing the now empty bucket at him, Arc frowns.

“You want bits so bad, fine... here they are. But just remember to show a little more respect to those whom fight you. After all, you’re certainly not the greatest warrior around.”

The crowd cheers as Arc turns around and walks away. Returning to the table he extends a hand to Twilight.

“We should probably move on to something else.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes, I believe I’ve seen everything here that I want to.”

Glancing over at the smaller griffon from earlier as they head for the exit she walks over to him and smiles.

“Are you okay?”

“I, uh... yes, miss.”

Twilights puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Good. Keep training though. I really do think that you will be able to beat him someday.”

She takes Arc’s hand and begins walking away.

“After all, my stallionfriend did.”

They leave the room to the applause of everyone in attendance. Arc turns to Twilight.

“Sorry if that spoiled our fun.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, Arc. Somepony had to teach that bully a lesson.”

Arc smirks. “And what better one to do so than a species he’s never fought before.”

“Huh?”

“The only griffon I’ve ever sparred with Natalya was in the past, so I knew he didn’t know how to fight a human. That gave me an advantage. However it wasn’t the only one.”

“What else was there?”

“The fact that he’s only ever known non-lethal combat. It’s leagues and bounds different from a real fight.”

Twilight shudders. “Yes, I remember the battle at Light’s Hope. That was scary!”

“And you were relatively safe on the deck with us too. Imagine being down there fighting.”

“I don’t think I want to.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

“Can we go do something calm and quiet now then? I just want to relax after all that just happened.”

Arc looks over at a nearby sign as they pass. “I think I know just the place.”

He leads Twilight back toward the elevator. Riding it up, they step off to hear the sounds of classical music playing in the distance. Twilight giggles.

“It sounds wonderful!”

“I figured we could sit back and relax to this.”

Approaching a counter, Arc speaks to the attendant whom has them escorted to posh private balcony seats. Sitting down on a couch overlooking the orchestra, they look over the railing to see a number of griffons below them dancing. Arc turns to Twilight.

“Enjoying the music?”

Twilight nods. “Very much so! I’ve always liked calm and quiet songs like this.”

“Me too. It gives a nice background when trying to work.”

Twilight leans against him and smiles. “That it does.”

She sighs before continuing.

“Arc?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I... was just wondering something.”

“What is it?”

“How did you feel when that waitress in the casino called you ‘handsome’?”

“Not much really. After all, I was just asking her for some information.”

“And another one called you ‘honey’ too.”

“That she was fishing for tips.”

“Well, it... kinda bothered me.”

Jealous, Twilight?”

“A little, yes. Is that a bad thing?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so, no. You didn’t make a scene, or anything.”

“But I just feel that I should be able to deal with things like that! I mean... I’m supposed to be the Princess of Friendship, after all!”

“Jealousy is just a natural reaction though. You were momentarily worried that someone else was trying to get close to me.”

“But there are nine others doing the same thing and I don’t feel that way towards them!”

“And that’s because you don’t view them as a threat, Twilight. You know their intentions and expectations already. But someone new, like that waitress from earlier, would be a wildcard to you.”

Twilight sighs. “I’m sorry for being so silly about this, Arc. It’s obvious that she wasn’t trying to get close to you or anything.”

“No, no. I believe that it’s very important for a healthy relationship. Talking through things that bother us, I mean.”

“Well, what about you then?”

“Me?”

Twilight nods. “What do I do that bothers you?”

Arc shrugs. “Nothing that I can think of off the top of my head.”

“But there has to be SOMETHING!”

“Well... I do remember some time ago your rashness.”

Twilight sinks back nervously. “You mean...?”

Arc nods. “When you sent me to Tartarus, yes.”

“I was wrong to do that.”

“And you learned from that mistake.”

“But I did it again when you became Lord Regent and hit you!”

“True. However you immediately realized your mistake and sought to rectify it. Since then you’ve always been able to hold back your emotions until hearing the facts.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes, it helps me to come to a logical conclusion instead of an emotional one.”

“And which version of yourself do you like better?”

“The one whom doesn’t hurt anypony in a fit of rage.”

“A very fair point. Now then, I want you to image yourself here and now. However you’re the old Twilight. Emotions over explanations.”

“I don’t think I’d have been a very good ruler.”

“Probably not.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her forehead. “Fortunately I didn’t go that route. But... what if I had?”

“Then I don’t think the public would have accepted your rule.”

“Hopefully not.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, at least we’ll never know.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Of that I’m grateful for.”

Arc looks down at the throng below. “Hey, Twilight?”

“Y-yes?”

“Would you like to dance?”

Twilight gasps happily. “I’d love to!”

Standing, Arc takes her hoof and leads her out of the booth. Taking the elevator down, they step out onto the dance floor. Twilight immediately starts dancing very irregularly causing those around them to stop and stare in disbelief. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder and smiles.

“Erhm... Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“Can I assume you’ve never danced before?”

“That’s not true. Cadance and I did a lot of dancing when I was a filly.”

She looks around as everyone goes back to their own dances. Sighing, her ears droops as she groans.

“That looked rather silly, didn’t it?”

Arc nods. “A bit, yes.”

Twilight blushes. “Sorry!”

“How about I show you a simple dance Derpy and I did on our little date?”

“That sounds nice, yes.”

Holding out a hand to her, Arc pulls Twilight up into a standing position. Putting his hand on her hip, he looks her in the eye.

“Alright. Let’s try a box.”

“A what?”

“Dancing in a square-like pattern. You go one step in each direction... forward, left, back, right.”

Taking the steps, Twilight giggles.

“That felt a bit more appropriate.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

They continue dancing to the music as Twilight leans in close and lays her head on Arc’s shoulder. Closing her eyes, she giggles. Arc calls out to her.

“What’s so funny, Twilight?”

“Oh, I was just thinking.”

“What about?”

“I’ll tell you later. It’s kinda... embarrassing.”

“Alright then.”

“But can I ask you something, Arc?”

“Anything?”

“Do you really think we’ll be able to... do what we came here for?”

“What brought that on?”

“I’m just worried that I won’t be able to go the distance regarding our mission.”

“All we can do is try, Twilight.”

Twilight sighs. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“This isn’t going to be easy, naturally. However, we’re going to do our very best here.”

“And if we fail?”

Arc grimaces. “I don’t really want to consider the idea of you-know-who getting away with what he did.”

“Me either. It puts so many females at risk.”

“This matter still has quite some way to go, of course. And Luna will naturally lend her expertise if needed.”

Twilight sighs. “She really should be the one here handling this. Not me.”

“The Griffon Kingdom knows that you’re ruling Equestria now. You coming here personally will show them just how serious we are about this matter.”

Sometime later the song ends and everyone assembled claps. As they turn to mingle and rest Twilight looks to Arc.

“We should probably follow their lead.”

“Want to sit down?”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Actually, I... would rather we did something else.”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“Head somewhere a bit more... secluded.”

“Where did you have in mind?”

Twilight leans is close and whispers in his ear. “A private hotel room.”

As she steps back, Arc notices her blushing heavily.

“Are you sure that’s what you want?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. That is, if it’s okay with you.”

Arc smiles. “I’d like that very much.”

Leaving the room, they follow the signs back to the elevator and ride it up. Getting off, they step out into a very posh looking lobby. Arc leads Twilight over to the main desk and rings the bell on it twice. A few moments later a stuffy looking griffon walks over to greet them. He bows as he speaks.

“Welcome to The Overlook. How can I assist you two today?”

Arc smiles at him. “I’d like one of your finer rooms. Something with a grand view if possible.”

“Your name, sir?”

“Lord Arc.”

“Ah! It appears Ambassador Ashe already booked you our finest suite. Will that be acceptable?”

Twilight grimaces. “I don’t really know if we need something quite that extravagant though. After all, it’s probably very expensive.”

“The ambassador has already paid for your room, your majesty. There is no need to worry about the cost.”

Arc nods approvingly. “That was nice of Ashe.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes. However, we can’t expect her to pay for us though.”

She turns to the griffon before continuing.

“Please send the bill for the room to Canterlot. And be sure to note that it’s to be paid by me personally. Not from the royal treasury.”

The griffon nods as he writes. Waving over a young bellhop, he escorts them to the elevator and punches in the top floor. Arriving at the room they step out together. Before them looms a truly massive cylindrical room with windows on all sides. A fireplace burns brightly in the center filling the room with a warm light. The bellhop turns to Arc and speaks.

“Here you are, sir. The Royal Suite.”

“Thank you.”

Twilight walks over to the enormous windows and looks out. “We’re so high up!”

The bellhop nods. “This is one of the highest points in all of the land. Second only to the Aviary itself, your majesty.”

Arc frowns as he looks around. “Not really sure I like all these windows though.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes, it doesn’t lend itself to too much privacy.”

“Not to worry, your highness. The glass is one way only and shatterproof. You will have absolute security here as well as full privacy.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s reassuring.”

“Now then, can I get you two anything before I leave?”

Twilight shivers slightly. “Yes, are there any extra blankets here? I’m a bit chilly.”

The bellhop nods as he steps forward. “Yes, your...”

He is cut off as he trips over a rug and falls toward the open fireplace. Arc reaches out an arm and catches him before he gets too close.

“Th-thank you, sir!”

Arc smiles. “That was a close one.”

Twilight hurries over. “Yes, are you alright?!”

“I am, Princess Twilight. Thank you.”

Arc helps the young griffon stand back up. “Why don’t you just tell me where the blankets are and I’ll fetch them for the princess?”

“Yes sir, they’re in that wardrobe’s lower drawer over there.”

Arc walks over to it as the griffon turns to Twilight.

“Now then, is there anything else you require?”

Twilight shakes her head. “I can’t really think of anything, no.”

Arc walks over with a blanket. “What kinds of things do others ask for?”

“Champagne, brandy, wine... that sort of thing, sir.”

Twilight frowns. “We’re not much for that.”

Arc pulls a handful of bits from his ring and gives them to the bellhop as Twilight looks to him.

“Um... before you go, there is one thing I’d like to say.”

“Princess?”

“I just wanted to tell you that I really admire how you and the other workers make this place special.”

Arc nods. “Right. And you do so even when the patrons aren’t the nicest as well.”

“It’s... it’s all in a day’s work.”

Shifting uneasily, he backs up toward the elevator.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to rest. Enjoy your stay!”

As the doors close behind the griffon, Arc turns to Twilight.

“Tired?”

Twilight sighs and nods. “I am actually. But I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep until I talk to you about a couple things. Would that be okay?”

“Sure, Twilight. Let’s lie down and get comfortable first though. That is, if it would help.”

“I think it would, yes.”

Heading over to the bed, they disrobe and lie down together on their backs. Twilight turns to Arc and smiles.

“You look good like that.”

Arc chuckles. “Bare?”

Twilight nods as she smiles seductively. “It’s nice being able to see... everything.”

“I think you look pretty too, Twilight.”

“But I’m normally bare.”

“True. However you do look really cute as you are now.”

Twilight blushes as Arc continues.

“Now then, what did you want to talk to me about?”

“It’s a few things actually. First of all, I... I was wondering if you’d be willing to do me a favor, Arc.”

“A favor?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. I’d like to try a bit of an experiment.”

“Now?”

“Now.”

“Alright. What do I have to do?”

“First a bit of a lesson.”

She turns over and swishes her tail a few times.

“What do you know about pony tails?”

“Well... they can be used to swat things.”

“Right. But what else are they for?”

“Um... balance?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Nope. Any other guesses?”

Arc shrugs. “That’s all I can think of.”

“Our tails are used to show individuality.”

“How so?”

“A pony, especially a mare, can style their tail much like they do with their mane.”

“Oh... I suppose that does make sense.”

Twilight swishes her tail a few times. “So how do you like mine?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Your tail?”

“Yes.”

“I think both your mane and tail look very nice, Twilight.”

“Thank you, Arc. But it’s not just hair growing out of my flank though, you know. There are a number of bones, muscles, and flesh that allow me to move it. However, I do want to do more than just give you a biology lesson.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. I’d like you to... touch it, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that... inappropriate though?”

“Normally, yes. However due to our very... special relationship, I’d like you to be the first one allowed to do that. Just please... be gentle with me.”

“Well... okay. But just let me work up to it.”

Arc begins stroking Twilight’s mane. With each pass however, his hand lowers further down her flank. Eventually he reaches the base of her tail. Looking Twilight in the eye one last time, she gives him a silent nod. Running a finger down her tail he smiles as Twilight moans slightly.

“Does this feel good?”

“Very! Keep doing it please!”

Continuing to stroke Twilight, Arc runs his fingers from the top of her head, down her back, and through her tail over and over again. As he does so she groans with delight.

“Oh, that feels GOOD!”

Arc chuckles. “Glad I could accommodate.”

“As am I. But there was more to this than my own pleasure.”

“Oh?”

“I did want to know what it felt like, of course. Being touched in such an intimate way. However, I also was testing just how much my own body was willing to trust you, Arc.”

“And how much is that?”

“Completely.”

“That’s a lot.”

Twilight rolls over onto her back and stares up at the ceiling playfully as she talks.

“Here I lie completely exposed, completely vulnerable, and completely at your mercy. You could do anything you wanted to me right now and nopony would ever know.”

She turns her head to look at him with a smile.

“But I trust you not to do anything I wouldn’t want you to.”

Arc nods as he pats her flank. “Right. You’re more than just a sexual pincushion, after all.”

Twilight sits up and leans back against the pillows. “Thank you. It means a lot to me that you feel that way, Arc. That leads me to the second thing I wanted to say.”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s about... foals.”

“What about them?”

“I... I don’t know if I can have them.”

“Twilight?”

“Both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are sterile from their transformation into princesses. I’ve been told that I... I might be as well.”

“Is that a problem?”

Twilight looks away. “I probably can’t bear you a foal, Arc. Auriel’s research notwithstanding, of course.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean ‘probably’?”

“I... haven’t been able to bring myself to have Doctor Whooves test me.”

“So you might still be able to conceive?”

Twilight sighs. “Probably not.”

“But you don’t know that. Why not just get tested and know for sure one way or the other, Twilight?”

“Any test done by the doctor would be based on a normal mare’s physiology. As you know, very little is known about an alicorn’s biology.”

“I assume a princess has never been operated on before.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Correct. After all, there’s never been the need to do so in the past.”

“Then why not let Doctor Whooves scan you? See what comes up.”

“Believe me, I’d love to be part of that experiment. However, I’m scared of what he might find.”

“Scared?”

“That I might be as barren as the other alicorns!”

Arc takes Twilight’s hoof in his hand. “Twilight... listen to me.”

She turns his head as he continues.

“I love you just the way you are. Foals or not, I’ll always care about you.”

He puts a hand on her belly before continuing.

“If you can have foals, great. And if not, that’s fine too. I won’t hold that which you can’t control against you.”

A single tear courses down Twilight’s cheek silently as she smiles.

“Really?!”

Arc nods. “Really, Twilight.”

“You... you wouldn’t think me less of a mare for not being able to conceive?”

“Of course not, Twilight. You’re more than just a means to continue a stallion’s bloodline, after all. You’re a living, breathing, feeling mare. And I’ll love you no matter what comes of this.”

Rolling over on top of him, Twilight buries her face in his chest and wraps her hooves around him. Grinning uncontrollably, she speaks.

“You have no idea just how relieved I am to hear you say that, Arc!”

“Meant every word.”

Sitting up, Twilight leans back on her haunches but keeps her eyes focused on Arc the whole time.

“Arc... I have one last thing to say.”

“What is it, Twilight?”

“Take your time thinking about this, of course but...”

She takes a deep breath before speaking again.

“Arc... will you... will you marry me?”

Arc smiles. “I would love to, Twilight.”

“You mean...?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’d like you to join Rarity, Applejack, and Derpy in the herd.”

Twilight smiles wider than before and lunges forward into Arc’s arms. He holds her close as the pair fall backwards into the pillows. They continue making out for quite some time. Meanwhile, in the facility’s basement, a number of griffons come together. Each is wearing a rebel’s cloak and a mask. Admiral Gaston walks in and looks around at them as he sits down.

“Is it done?”

No one speaks. Eventually Gaston sighs and looks around the room.

“Can I assume from the lack of details that the answer is ‘no’?”

The silence continues as Gaston taps his foot.

“Let’s start at the top.”

He clears his throat before continuing.

“The princess and her protector arrived here earlier this evening. They were escorted to a private dining room. However no intervention was made at that time.”

A griffon steps forward. “We believed them to be too on edge to be vulnerable to attack at that point, sir.”

Another griffon nods. “And the food, along with its transport, is too carefully monitored to be tampered with en route.”

Gaston sighs. “That much is understandable. However I must point out that their next destination was the bathhouse. It’s not possible to get much more relaxed than that. Now then, whom was working in there when they arrived?”

A third griffon raises a talon. “I was, sir.”

“And you did nothing?!”

“I informed the staff via general means that the princess and her friend had arrived. However I couldn’t have done more and not been seen.”

Gaston looks around. “Whom served them when they in the bath?”

“That was me, sir.”

“What did you do?”

“I was planning to poison their drinks when they ordered them. However, Lord Goldstone called out for assistance first. He was angry with my service though and forced me to drink heavily from a bottle.”

Gaston groans. “So he got you drunk?”

“Exactly, sir. I was able to make my way over to the royal’s tent before things got too hazy though. However both Princess Twilight and Lord Arc cared for me and gave me an excuse to sleep it off in their tent. Afterwards they even called for medicine to help with my symptoms.”

“And you did nothing to them?”

“How could I, sir? They had done so much for me in the past couple hours that it would have been cruel of me to repay that kindness with poison.”

Gaston sighs. “Fine. Where did they go next?”

“The Casino, sir.”

“Did anyone serve them anything?”

“Nothing we could sneak anything into, no.”

Gaston sounds surprised. “Nothing?!”

“Mostly they just asked for directions. They were very polite too.”

Gaston shakes his head. “Alright, so nothing could have been done there. Their next stop?”

“The basement cage fights.”

“Surprising. Anything ordered there?”

“Dessert and waters.”

Gaston groans. “Can’t poison water. Too easy to taste. Any accidents attempted?”

A smaller griffon steps forward. “I was going to, sir. However my opponent in the cage went a bit too far.”

“So you got knocked out?”

“Yes sir. But when I came around I saw Lord Arc walking out of the cage and my opponent lying on the floor. Apparently he took revenge on him partially for what he did to me.”

“He could have been doing it for the bits too, you know.”

“That’s just it! When they gave him his winnings he just turned around and threw it at the champion. Then Princess Twilight came over to make sure I was okay. She seemed very concerned for my health for some reason.”

Gaston looks around. “Fine. Next stop?”

“The Symphony Hall.”

“No food there and few places to hide. Any attempts made?”

“None, sir.”

Gaston clenches a talon. “Moving on...”

A young griffon speaks. “Princess Twilight and Lord Arc are currently resting in the Royal Suite on the uppermost floor, sir.”

“Are you certain of this?”

“I escorted them up there personally, sir.”

Gaston seethes. “And you didn’t do ANYTHING?!”

“I... I couldn’t, sir.”

“Why not?!”

“When I was trying to show the princess where the extra blankets were I tripped and almost fell into the fireplace. But Lord Arc stepped in and pulled me away. “

“Anyone else would have let him get burned for the entertainment value.”

Gaston looks around at the group. “Just for the record, none of you did ANYTHING?!”

“Their entire visit both of them were very polite and cordial. Moreso than the nobles have ever been.”

“We couldn’t see any reason to harm either of them.”

“Even if we could get by Lord Arc, that is.”

Gaston sighs. “So what’s your plan now?”

“To see to it that they rest easy tonight.”

Gaston turns around and storms out. “Worthless...”

One of the griffons calls out after him. “What are you going to do, sir?!”

Gaston speaks but does not turn around. “Nothing tonight... thanks to all of you!”

Chapter 3 - The Road Less Traveled

As the sun peeks over the bleak landscape the following morning, Twilight and Celestia stand on a rocky outcropping overlooking their camp. The see their forces scurrying around at a feverish pace doing their best to pack up the tents and other supplies. Twilight sighs as she watches.

“They’re so... motivated.”

Celestia nods. “That they are.”

Twilight bows her head. “Considering some of them won’t live to see another sunrise.”

Celestia turns her head to look to southeast. “We made very good time yesterday. If our luck holds out we should arrive at our destination by sunset.”

“Part of me wants to attack immediately. Get this whole thing over with completely.”

“But on the other hoof...?”

“Attacking right away, after a full day of walking that is, means that our forces will enter battle tired.”

Celestia nods soberly. “As the Hero of Light’s companion said the other day, ‘a tired warrior is soon a dead one’.”

Twilight looks around the camp below. “Speaking of which, I haven’t seen Arc yet today. Have you, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia shakes her head. “I have not.”

“Perhaps he didn’t hear the call go out to rise and pack.”

Celestia scoffs as she looks away. “He’s sleeping very heavily for one whom merely had to ride in the saddle yesterday.”

Mio approaches with an armful of papers and walks up to Twilight. She does her best to salute as Twilight reciprocates it.

“Good morning, your highness. I’ve brought you my suggested routes for the remainder of our sojourn.”

Twilight smiles as Mio extends a folded up map. “Very well. Let’s see it.”

Unfolding the map, Twilight lays it on the ground as she, Mio, and Celestia look over it. Mio points with a finger as she speaks.

“I recommend this route over the highlands. It’s steep climbs are few and far between. That coupled with the Pegasi reconnoitering them prior to the main force’s advancement will help us anticipate potential enemy ambushes.”

Twilight taps the map with a hoof. “What about this shorter route? Would that not be faster?”

“It would be, yes. At least theoretically. However, it forces us to go between two mountains before descending into a canyon though.”

Celestia frowns. “Two places that would be perfect for an surprise attack.”

Mio nods to Celestia. “Yes, ma’am. Should the enemy be lying in wait for us in either of the these locations we would be sitting ducks.”

Twilight looks to Mio. “How much time would be saved though?”

“Several hours, your majesty. We would arrive in the early afternoon rather than the late evening.”

Celestia turns to Twilight, confused. “You aren’t seriously considering leading our forces through such a dangerous route though, are you Twilight?”

“I just want to be sure I had all the facts at hoof.”

“That is a relief to hear.”

Twilight looks to Mio as she speaks. “Inform Lieutenant Hammer of the safer but longer route we’ll be taking.”

“Yes, Princess Twilight. I’ll find her at once.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “You haven’t seen her yet this morning?”

Mio shakes her head. “No, ma’am.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That’s certainly surprising. After all, the lieutenant is always the earliest of risers.”

Celestia frowns. “Perhaps she is with our errant Hero of Light.”

Twilight facehoofs. “I certainly hope that is not the case. After all, Arc and I specifically agreed that no... fraternization would happen on this trip.”

Mio quickly chimes in. “In my sister’s defense, she and I went to bed at the same time. So I am certain that she at least started out in her own sleeping bag.”

Celestia scoffs. “And this morning?”

Mio sighs as she bows her head. “Gone before I awoke.”

Twilight gestures to the base camp with a wave of her hoof. “Perhaps she is busy elsewhere in the camp. But just in case, please go to Arc’s tent and... look for her there.”

“At once, your majesty.”

Mio hurries away as Celestia turn to Twilight.

“I still don’t like the idea of her and the lieutenant coming on this mission.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “And why not?”

“Because so little is known about them!”

“Do you mean as individuals or a species?”

“Both, actually. Why not only bring our most trusted forces to this place, Twilight?”

Twilight sighs. “Because, as far as the changelings are concerned, there are no ‘trusted forces’. Since they can mascaraed as anypony at any time, trust means very little right now.”

“That may be. However, they are still very new to our land.”

“I agree. But the fact remains that neither Hammer nor Mio was here when the changeling threat was found to be widespread. Therefore, we can assume that neither of them could possibly have been behind the attacks on Equestria.”

A short time later Mio returns with a scroll in her hand. She holds it out to Twilight as she speaks.

“I... found this on the Hero of Light’s sleeping bag.”

Twilight appears confused as she takes the scroll in her hoof. “So he wasn’t there?”

Mio shakes her head. “No, your highness.”

Celestia looks to Mio. “What about the lieutenant?”

“No, ma’am. And no indication that she had... spent the night there either.”

She bites her lip nervously before continuing.

“I... um...”

Celestia looks to her. “Was there something else?”

“Sorta. I... ah... thought on my way to the tent that maybe Arc and Hammer had gone out to scout the immediate area.”

Twilight nods. “It is possible, yes.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes. However, it would have been foolish of him to run off without telling somepony of their plans.”

“I don’t think that was the case though.”

“Oh?”

“The Hero of Light’s helmet was lying next to that scroll, your highness.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?!”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “But he has to know that without his helmet he won’t be able to see through the changeling’s illusions!”

Twilight grimaces as she breaks the seal on the scroll. “Then we’d better see what he has to say here.”

Reading the scroll quickly, Twilight’s hoof begins to shake. Celestia immediately sees this and speaks.

“What is it, Twilight?!”

Twilight voice cracks as she speaks. “This... this isn’t possible!”

Mio appears confused. “Your highness?”

“The scroll... it... it says...!”

Taking a deep breath Twilight begins reading aloud.

“Princess Twilight. I have taken your little stallionfriend into my custody along with your pitiful army’s high commander. They will be held in the most secure of my hive’s facilities until I can decide what their fate shall be. Assuming your first thought is that of rescuing them during your upcoming foolish attack on my hive, I do believe that you have bigger problems on your hooves at the moment.”

Mio gasps. “What could be more important than my sister and the Hero of Light’s safety though?!”

Twilight continues reading. “When my operatives infiltrated your pathetic little camp, they took the liberty of... how shall I put this... damaging a number of your supplies. Chief among those being your water barrels. I estimate that this fact will be discovered shortly after this message is discovered and delivered to you.”

As if on cue, Arc’s squad flies hurriedly over to the group. As they land the four salute. Max is the first to speak as he looks to Twilight.

“Your highness! The supplies have been tampered with!”

Hugh points a hoof. “When somepony went to open a water barrel in preparation for meal time they noticed it smelled a bit off!”

Xenos nods soberly. “Yeah! They saw right away that the seal had been broken too!”

Viktor makes a face. “We don’t know what’s in it, but it sure smells terrible!”

Celestia frowns as she looks to Max. “Tell me, did you see any sort of residue around the mouth of the barrel?”

“Yes, ma’am. There was a slight green tint.”

Twilight gasps. “Do you know what it was, Princess Celestia?”

“I do. It’s a kind of nutrient solution that the changelings manufacture in order to feed their numbers. Vitamins and minerals are extracted directly from the ground and refined into a paste-like substance.”

Mio grimaces. “It is... safe?”

“For them. As far as our forces go, no. If ingested by a pony, it causes an intestinal tract infection. Fully curable with treatment though.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “So we could theoretically use the contaminated water as a last resort to keep everypony hydrated and get our forces medical treatment later?”

Celestia shakes her head. “That is not advisable in our current position. The infection will set in about half an hour after ingestion.”

“What kind of symptoms would we have to deal with?”

“Nausea, stomach cramps, and... explosive diarrhea.”

Mio looks to Twilight. “I must point out that such a thing would further strain our already limited water supplies, your highness. The third symptom would require our forces to drink considerably more in order to rehydrate themselves from the... fluid loss.”

Max steps forward. “Begging your majesty’s pardon, but we would also have to deal with other potential infections that would arise from everypony... uh... having to relieve themselves quickly and without warning.”

Viktor shrugs. “We could mitigate that by marching shoulder to shoulder.”

Hugh sighs. “But the terrain doesn’t always allow us to do that.”

Xenos lift a hoof and looks at the bottom of it squeamishly. “We’d literally be walking in other’s... um... you know.”

Mio chimes in. “Excrement.”

Celestia groans. “That is a very real possibility, yes.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her belly. “So our only choice is to discard the water and lighten our load.”

She turns to Max before continuing.

“I need a count of how many barrels are still viable.”

“A preliminary count estimates that roughly half of our remaining water was tainted, your majesty.”

Mio frowns. “That isn’t good. We budgeted enough for a round trip to the hive and a couple days extra originally. But that will lower our extra time to nearly zero I would imagine.”

Celestia nods soberly. “It would appear that this was Chrysalis’ plan all along. That’s why we haven’t come under attack yet.”

Twilight appears confused. “I don’t get it.”

Celestia turns and gestures in the direction of the hive in the distance. “This is probably revenge for something that happened long ago.”

Twilight walks over to her mentor. “Something between you two?”

“Yes. However, now is not the time for that particular story, Twilight.”

She motions to the scroll before continuing.

“We have bigger problems at hoof.”

Mio nods fervently. “Is there any more information in that letter, princess?!”

“A bit, yes. Chrysalis warns us to turn our forces around and use the remaining water to get back to the border.”

Mio gasps. “But what about my sister and Arc?!”

Max nods. Yes, the leader of our forces and Hero of Light really should be present to hear this.

Viktor gestures to the camp below. “Shall I fetch them for you, Princess Twilight?”

Twilight bows her head. “They’re... not here.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow, confused. “But where else could they be?”

Celestia looks in the general direction of the changeling hive. “Gone. Taken from their tents by the enemy.”

Xenos grits his teeth. “But how?!”

Mio sighs. “We don’t know actually know how they did it, but last night the enemy apparently breached our defenses and took both Arc and my sister captive after tainting our water supply.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I do believe that, with proper rationing of our remaining supplies, we could make it back to our airships late tonight.”

Mio’s eyes grow wide at this. “And leave my sister behind?!”

Viktor frowns. “The commander too!”

Max bows his head. “This isn’t easy to say, but... if he were here, I believe that the commander would want us to think of our forces over his own well-being.”

Hugh nods sadly. “Probably, yes.”

Xenos groans. “Yeah. He’d probably tell us to get everypony else to safety and come back for him later.”

Twilight shakes her head vehemently. “But we don’t know what Chrysalis plans to do with him! Or Hammer, for that matter!”

Celestia turns and puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder as she looks her in the eye soberly and speaks.

“Nothing good, believe me. However, you have to understand that a princess must do what is best for the nation as a whole, Twilight. Even if it hurts to do so.

Mio frowns. “I... do understand that logic.”

Max stands at attention as he looks to Twilight. “What are your orders, your highness?”

Twilight turns and gazes at the rising sun for a few moments silently as she weighs her options. Eventually, she turns to Mio.

“Do you have that map from earlier?”

Mio nods. “Yes, Princess Twilight.”

Reaching into her bag, she pulls out a map. Handing it to Twilight, the mare wastes no time unfolding it and laying the paper on the ground in front of her. Looking it over for a moment, she taps the ground with a hoof as if weighing the situation in her head.

“It appears we are roughly two-thirds of the way to our destination. Three-quarters if we take the shorter route.”

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “That is true, yes. But how does it help us?”

Twilight traces a route with her hoof. “As Mio said earlier, if we take this longer route we’ll arrive at the changeling hive before dark.”

Celestia frowns. “Are you actually suggesting that we should continue with onward, Twilight?!”

“Yes, I am.”

“But you know that we don’t have the supplies to continue this expedition!”

“That isn’t entirely true. After all, we have more than enough with which to get to our destination.”

“And nothing to get back with!”

Max steps forward. “She’s right, Princess Twilight. Even if we were to succeed in rescuing the commander and Lieutenant Hammer, there’s no way we could make it back to the ships afterwards.”

Hugh looks hopeful. “What about heading back now for more supplies?”

Viktor shakes his head. “We would lose all forward momentum.”

Xenos grimaces. “Yeah. And time.”

Mio sighs. “That and our forces are tired enough as it is. Heading back only to turn around and march right back toward the hive again would probably sap all of their strength.”

Hugh looks to the north. “We could radio Canterlot to send fresh troops while we head back to the ships. Then we could march back out here with them, along with fresh supplies, to attack the hive.”

Viktor groans. “That would take days to organize though.”

Max nods soberly. “Time the commander may not have.”

Twilight turns back to them. “Agreed.”

Mio appears confused. “To which part, your highness?”

“All of it actually.”

She looks to Max and Hugh before continuing.

“As Max said earlier, we can’t leave either our Hero of Light or Lieutenant Hammer, the commander of our forces, in enemy hooves.”

Max nods. “Right.”

“And as Hugh stated, we could certainly call Canterlot for aide.”

Hugh sighs. “It would certainly be necessary, yes.”

“Now then, here’s what I propose we do. We’ll radio Lemon Hearts back on The Equinox and tell her to relay a message to Canterlot for additional troops and supplies.”

Looking to Celestia, Twilight again speaks.

“Expanding on your point of view, Princess Celestia. You said our remaining water reserves isn’t enough for us to attack the hive and then return to the ships safely. And I have to agree that much is certainly true.”

Celestia appears confused. “Then what are you suggesting that we do, Twilight?”

Twilight touches the map with a hoof. “We could take the longer but safer route to the hive, using a few Pegasi guards to look ahead from the air. Just a hoofful though, as intensive flying will mean that they need more water.”

Mio grimaces. “That we’re already trying to ration.”

“Right. Now this means that we would arrive just before dark. The earlier message that Lemon Hearts would relay to Luna would include instructions for her not to lower the sun tonight.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Not lower the sun?”

“So it will be at our backs when we approach the hive from the west.”

Viktor looks to the rising sun with a hoof to shield his eyes. “That would certainly give us a bit of an advantage, as our enemies would be charging into direct sunlight.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. And make it harder for them to hide in the shadows.”

Max steps forward. “Begging your pardon, Princess Twilight, but that still doesn’t solve the main problem of how to get everypony safely back to the ships after the battle. Assuming we successfully rescue the captives, that is.”

“My plan in that regard is simple. We would overtake the hive’s perimeter defenses and push back the changeling forces. After taking over and securing the hive, we would then do a search for a spring or well of some kind.”

Hugh frowns. “But what makes you so sure they have something like that, your highness?”

“The changelings fortify their diets with that green slime. However, I believe that it most likely has to be diluted in something.”

Viktor grins. “Like water!”

Mio chimes in. “That and even bugs need to drink at some point.”

Twilight nods. “Exactly We simply have to get it straight from the source. Before the green stuff is added, I mean.”

Celestia sighs. “And after all of that? Presuming we’re successful, I mean.”

“Our food supplies could be rationed as we wait for reinforcements transporting fresh supplies to arrive from the ships. That would only take two days to arrive.”

Max nods. “And more could be delivered to the ship from Canterlot.”

Twilight smirks. “Exactly.”

Celestia frowns. “This plan of yours requires quite a few very dangerous assumptions, Twilight.”

“I know. But it also potentially ends with the best possible outcome. We get Arc and Hammer back along with taking down the changeling hive and the threat to Equestria.”

Max groans. “That may be true, your majesty. However, I must point out that if we fail it would leave our forces at the mercy of the changelings and Queen Chrysalis.”

Mio shudders. “And yourself too I might add, Princess Twilight.”

Xenos sighs. “Yeah. I’m sure the commander wouldn’t want that.”

Hugh looks to Twilight. “Nor would he approve of you risking your safety either.”

Viktor shakes his head. “Tactically, we really should wait for help to arrive from Canterlot, your highness.”

Celestia looks to Mio evenly. “And you, miss?”

“Huh?”

“I’m asking your opinion on this matter. After all, your sister is one of the hostages.”

Mio fidgets nervously. “While I certainly want Hammer to be rescued, I... I don’t think risking our mission by rushing in underprepared would be prudent.”

Celestia turns to Twilight. “I agree with everypony’s assessment of the situation thus far. Now then, you have heard the advice of myself and that of your advisors. Do you understand what needs to be done in order to successfully win this war, Twilight?”

Twilight sighs as her ears droop. “Yes, I do.”

Mio nods toward the camp. “Then it would be best for you to personally address the troops, Princess Twilight.”

“I suppose so.”

Walking toward the edge of the cliffside with the others, Twilight clears her throat and waves a hoof as she calls out.

“Attention everypony!”

A few soldiers notice and turn to face her respectfully. However, the rest of the camp continues working. Max turns to Twilight.

“Shall we call the troops to attention, your highness?”

Twilight nods. “Please do.”

Taking flight with the rest of the squad, Max and the other three fly down to the camp and call out loudly for the soldiers to get into formation in front of Twilight. They quickly line up and stand at attention as she clears her throat and begins to speak.

“I, ah... need to inform everypony about a couple of very important matters.”

She gestures to the supply depot before continuing.

“It has come to my attention that some of the water has been tainted by an outside force. Do not drink from any water barrels without first verifying the integrity of the seal. Then you are to pour a bit into a container and look for a slightly green hue. Such would indicate that the barrel in question is contaminated. Second... please be packed and ready to move out as soon as breakfast has been eaten. We will... we will then be returning to the ships.”

The soldiers appear confused at this news. Frowning, Ember looks up and cries out.

“What the heck, Twilight?! Why would we come all the way out here just to turn around and go back?!”

“It’s because of the water situation. We have just enough to get back to our original base camp.”

Sereb looks around at the troops. “Water is indeed vital to survival. Without it we cannot hope to win in battle.”

Ember groans as she looks around. “Where’s Arc?! Maybe he can come up with an idea!”

Twilight looks away nervously. “He’s... not here.”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Please elaborate.”

Twilight holds up the scroll from Chrysalis. “A note was found in his tent this morning. Apparently, the same individuals whom sabotaged our water supplies also took him and Lieutenant Hammer into their custody.”

Ember explodes in a rage. “WHAT?!”

Sereb growls. “So Arc has been kidnapped?!”

Celestia steps forward and speaks. “It would appear so, yes.”

Ember clenches a fist angrily. “So let’s march in there and get him back!”

Twilight bows her head. “Believe me when I say that I personally would very much like to do just that, Ember. However, with such a limited amount of drinkable water left at our disposal, we wouldn’t have enough to safely return to the ships after attacking the changeling hive.”

Sereb frowns. “So we are to just pack up and leave our friends in the clutches of the enemy?!”

Twilight sighs. “Only temporarily. You have my word that we will return as soon as possible with fresh supplies and more troops.”

Ember points an accusatory claw at Twilight. “If this whole mess of a situation were reversed Arc wouldn’t have left YOU behind, princess!”

Celestia frowns. “Please calm yourself, Ember. Twilight is only doing her best to prevent the potential death of our forces due to dehydration.”

Sereb growls menacingly. “She is right though! Were you in his place, Princess Twilight, Arc would not abandon you to an unknown fate!”

Twilight bows her head sadly. “I... I know that. And this isn’t a decision that I’ve come to lightly. But... Arc wouldn’t have wanted us to potentially be wiped out trying to save him.”

Ember turns on her heels as she calls out. “Fine! While you turn tail and run away, I’ll save Arc myself!”

Twilight gasps. “But you’ll die of dehydration before...!”

Ember interrupts her. “No, I won’t! Dragons can go for quite some time without water!”

Sereb nods soberly. “As can my race! I will go with her!”

Celestia groans. “Even so, the two of you cannot hope to stand against Chrysalis and her forces alone!”

Max steps forward. “They won’t.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! We’ll go too!”

Hugh stomps the ground with a hoof. “That we will!”

Viktor smirks. “The six of us together can move quickly and quietly! They won’t expect that!”

Twilight frowns. “I can’t deny the fact that you four have been trained in the art of battle by the Hero of Light himself. Or that your previous experiences with him in actual combat can simply be overlooked. But I can’t allow you four to throw away your lives like this. You commanding officer wouldn’t approve of such a thing.”

Max looks to her soberly. “We understand that, your highness. However, we’d still like the opportunity to rescue the commander.”

Celestia sighs. “The Hero of Light and Lieutenant Hammer are certainly... valuable assets to our cause. However, they are but two individuals. They would agree with me and come to the same decision were they here, I’m sure.”

Max looks to Celestia evenly as he frowns. “With all due respect, ma’am... you’ve got a lot to learn about how the commander does things.”

Viktor stomps a hoof. “He never gives up! Never quits!”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! Not until the job’s done!”

Hugh nods. “It’s that tenacity and drive that makes him so effective on a mission!”

Max points a hoof. “Like he did when we attacked Damocles Base to save you! During the escape all of us were badly wounded and down for the count!”

Ember points a claw at Celestia. “He could have left them behind in order to get both himself and YOU to safety!”

Sereb gestures to the squad. “But he did no such thing! Arc fought on! Alone and injured, as well! To do his very best to make sure everyone got home!”

He looks to Celestia before continuing.

“I am proud to have a Life Pact with him, and prouder still to call him my friend! As such, I will fight to my dying breath to bring him home! This much I swear before you all!”

Ember raises her spear. “Me too!”

Mio steps forward and looks to Twilight. “Princess, I... I too would like to go with them.”

Celestia groans. “Not you too.”

“My sister... she needs me, ma’am.”

Twilight turns away from Mio as the young woman slides down the embankment to join Ember and the others. She looks on as Mio along with Arc’s squad joins Ember and Sereb. The soldiers look to the seven of them as they come together silently and begin walking. The troops salute them wordlessly before turning back to their leader for their orders. Scanning the group before her, Twilight nods silently before speaking to the soldiers again.

“I... I do understand your resolve and commitment to Hero of Light Arc. He’s done much for all of us... and for Equestria. Everypony here has been briefed on the mission beforehoof. You know the enemy. You know the risks.”

She pauses slightly as if weighing out how to express her feelings.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is... that I would rather not order anypony to do this. So I would like all of you whom are willing to attempt the rescue of Hero of Light Arc and Lieutenant Hammer to please take one step...”

Without waiting for her to finish the sentence, every soldier steps forward as one unit. Ember and those with her stop and turn to see their entirety of the army siding with them. Twilight nods as a small smile crosses her face.

“Very well then. Everypony, continue taking down our camp before eating a hearty breakfast. We will move out for the changeling hive in exactly one hour... to bring Arc and Hammer home safely. Dismissed.”

The troops scatter in all directions to carry out Twilight’s command as she turns and walks away. Celestia follows her in step as she speaks hastily.

“Twilight, we can’t possibly hope to succeed in this endeavor!”

Twilight looks ahead as she replies evenly. “We have to.”

“But how...?!”

Mio run to join them. “By putting into action Princess Twilight’s original plan, ma’am. Take over the hive and use its resources to provide for our forces while waiting for reinforcements to come.”

Twilight nods. “Right. Mio, radio Lemon Hearts and tell her what’s happened. Have her call for more supplies and soldiers from Canterlot.”

Mio reaches into her bag and pull out a radio. “Alright. I have Hammer’s radio right here.”

Celestia sighs as she looks to Twilight. “You’re really going through with this, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am. The troops are behind that decision as you just witnessed.”

“Very well, Twilight. But I must point out that with Lieutenant Hammer gone, you’ll need somepony else to lead our forces.”

“That I do.”

Celestia nods soberly. “With your permission, I’d like to volunteer for that task.”

Twilight looks away. “I’ll... give the matter some thought.”

“Please do. The troops will need to know whom to look to before we move out in an hour.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Fifty-eight minutes now.”

Mio turns to Twilight as she puts away the radio.

“I gave Lemon Hearts the short version. She’ll see to it supplies and manpower are mobilized immediately.”

“Very good. Now then, we should eat while we can. It’s going to be a long day.”

They head down toward the camp together. About an hour later the site is packed up and ready to move. Twilight walks over to a large boulder and flaps her wings in order to get atop it. Looking out as Arc’s squad calls her forces to attention she waits patiently for them to form ranks before addressing them.

“Alright, everypony. I hope you all had a good breakfast, because we have a very long walk ahead of us. Now then, before we move out, I’d like to announce that I’ve decided on a replacement commander for Lieutenant Hammer. You will be led by...”

She motions next to her with a wave of her hoof before continuing.

“Commander Mio.”

Mio gasps and looks to Twilight as she hisses. “M-me, princess?!”

Twilight nods. “Yes, you.”

Looking out over the soldiers, Twilight motions with a wave of her hoof.

“Everypony... move out!”

Those assembled begin marching as Arc’s squad leads them toward their destination. Mio hurries over to Twilight as she hops down.

“Princess Twilight! I don’t know how to lead an army!”

Celestia nods angrily as she too approaches Twilight. “Agreed! Now I know that you want to show everypony that you’re inclusive of the humans living within our realm, Twilight. But this! This is just foolhardy!”

Twilight looks to her former teacher evenly. “I have to respectfully disagree with you, Princess Celestia. Mio is fully capable of leading and commanding our forces. Hammer tells me that she’s been trained in both leadership and tactics back on Earth, after all.”

Mio stammers. “I... have been, yes.”

Twilight turns her gaze to Mio. “That and, as Hammer’s aide, you already know the details of the mission inside and out.”

Celestia points a hoof. “Assuming that’s true, it still does not make her a capable warrior or a proven leader, Twilight! Even though I certainly never taught you such things, you yourself would make a much more logical choice for this task!”

“Princess Celestia. You once told me that the greatest and most successful among us weren’t always the smartest or strongest. But those whom knew when to take action and when to delegate such things to those more capable of succeeding. Well, I fervently believe that Mio is that individual right now.”

Mio straightens up and salutes soberly. “I’ll do my very best for you, your highness.”

Twilight smiles at her. “I’m sure you will, commander. Now then, take your place at the head of our forces and lead them along the agreed upon route.”

“Yes, Princess Twilight.”

She hurries away with her task as Ember and Sereb approach Twilight. Celestia shakes her head.

“I’m not sure if I should be proud of you for taking your lessons to heart or worried right now.”

Twilight looks to Celestia out of the corner of her eyes as she continues walking. “If you’d prefer to return to the ships, I understand.”

Ember sneers. “Yeah! We can do this without you!”

Sereb nods evenly. “But we would still welcome your years of battlefield experience and wisdom in the art of war all the same.”

Twilight nods. “You don’t have to stay, Princess Celestia. But I would certainly appreciate it if you did.”

Celestia smiles warmly at her former student. “You’ve always followed me wherever I went, Twilight. I guess now it’s just time for me to do the same for you.”

“This is going to be dangerous though.”

“It’s nothing I haven’t faced in the past. That and I couldn’t live with myself if I left and something happened to you.”

Twilight smiles at her mentor. “Thank you, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia puts a hoof around Twilight’s shoulders. “It’s what a friend does.”

“I could use some more information about the history behind this though.”

Celestia appears confused. “History?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Earlier you said that there were certain things in the past that had been lost to time.

Ember frowns. “Hiding things from the public now?”

Celestia sighs. “Not... exactly ‘hiding’, no. It’s just... not something everypony should know.”

“Can you tell me more about that?”

“I suppose I should, Twilight. As you know from what you’ve been told earlier, this is not the first time in Equestria’s history that military intervention has been required to keep the changelings in check.

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “The history books do say that you’ve had to lead our forces to their border numerous times throughout the centuries. But that was about it.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow skeptically. “No records of any battles?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Skirmishes, yes. But nothing major.”

Celestia bows her head. “That is not entirely true, Twilight.”

“So there have been problems in the past?”

Celestia nods. “Long ago, Queen Chrysalis led her forces against our land. They made it all the way to Canterlot where I and my troops stopped them.”

Twilight gasps. “How did they get so far?!”

Ember scoffs. “Yes, I would imagine that one supposedly so skilled in battle and tactics to be able to defend her realm against bugs.”

Celestia sighs. “I was... careless.”

Twilight frowns. “How so?”

“The threat posed by the initial changeling invasion was something that I didn’t take seriously when it first came about. When they originally breached our borders I immediately sent out our standing forces to meet the enemy, confident that the problem would be rectified before too long.”

Sereb grits his teeth. “But that did not happen.”

Celestia shakes her head. “Sadly, it did not. Radio chatter from our forces was sparse for quite some time, which isn’t out of the ordinary in the heat of battle. But eventually the commander that I had deployed sent word back to Canterlot that the enemy had been routed and was fleeing the battlefield.”

Ember grins wickedly. “That sounds like a win to me.”

“As I thought as well. I was informed by my commanders that they were strategically dispersing their forces to hunt down the remaining changelings whom still roamed the countryside.”

Sereb frowns. “Why do I have the feeling that such was not actually the case?”

“You would be correct. What I had been told was merely a diversionary tactic by our enemies to allow the changelings, which were now disguised as our own pony forces, to move toward the capital in smaller groups without the threat of raising additional alarms.”

Twilight gasps. “And upon reaching Canterlot they converged into their reformed army?!”

Celestia nods. “The truth of the matter was that our own forces had been utterly annihilated and then replaced by changeling imposters. The watchtowers, upon spotting their advance, saw only friendlies and quickly let them into the city. It wasn’t until a keen eyed guard at the castle gates noticed something a bit off and raised the alarm.

Sereb shakes his head. “But by then the damage was done.”

Celestia bows her head. “Walls don’t do much against enemy forces whom have already bypassed them. Without no time for reinforcements from around the country to come to our aide, I was forced to lead our castle’s standing guards against them. As well as enter combat personally.”

Ember grins approvingly. “Not something a leader typically does, admittedly. Well... other than Arc, I suppose.”

Twilight gasps. “What were their numbers?”

Celestia shudders. “Ten to one.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “How did you manage to stop them?”

“In the few moments that I had to speak to my forces before the changelings reached us, I simply told the soldiers present that if Canterlot Castle fell, so would the rest of the country. Everypony they knew and loved would either be butchered or taken into slavery. So when the enemy did reach us, our forces fought like cornered rats.”

Ember shrugs. “Nothing left to do at that point, I suppose. But even that wouldn’t have held off such numbers forever.”

Celestia looks to the skies as she speaks. “You’re right, Ember. Fortunately for us, the Wonderbolts arrived within the hour to lend a helping hoof. They bolstered my severely depleted forces and aided us in holding out until troops could be brought in from the surrounding countryside.”

She sighs before looking down at the ground.

“It was a very costly day for Equestria, as so many ponies were killed in that battle. We won, of course. But only due to the extreme bravery and heroism on the parts of everypony whom picked up a weapon. And partially because we were on the defensive, I suppose.”

Motioning to the hive in the distance, Celestia continues.

“But now, those roles are reversed. The changeling’s will have the advantage of defending their stronghold with unknown numbers.”

Twilight pats her mentor’s shoulder as they continue walking. “I know this isn’t easy for you, Princess Celestia. But as you know, we can’t go back now.”

Ember nods angrily. “Right! The changelings have shown us that they’re willing to stoop to any level to get what they want!”

Sereb growls. “Including committing cowardly acts such as taking our warriors hostage as they sleep.”

Celestia gestures to the troops behind them. “I understand that they have to be stopped at all costs. But as I’ve said, this isn’t the first time I’ve watched others sent to their doom over such a fight.”

Twilight looks ahead soberly. “Nor will it be the last I would imagine.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “It will be if I have anything to say about it!”

Meanwhile, Sereb slows his gait to hang back from the others. Making his way through the soldiers and over to Mio, whom is already panting from the exertion of walking, he speaks.

“You do not appear well.”

Mio wipes away sweat from her forehead. “I... I’m fine.”

“Your heart rate says otherwise.”

Mio grits her teeth. “I can manage.”

“Can you now?”

“Hammer needs me! I have to keep going!”

“Then might I offer you my assistance in that endeavor?”

Mio raises an eyebrow, confused. “But I thought you had already agreed to come with us.”

“I meant to you personally.”

“How?”

Sereb gestures to his saddle. “If you would like, I will permit you to ride me.”

Mio grimaces. “Ride... you?”

Sereb nods. “I am the Hero of Light’s ‘faithful steed’, as he has referred to me several times in the past.”

“Why would you offer to help me though? I mean... it wasn’t really that long ago that we were enemies fighting one another.”

“Times change. And we must ration our remaining water supplies and strength.”

“Thank you, but I...”

Sereb interrupts her. “Should you continue on as you are now, you will either lose consciousness in the near future or require significantly more water to stay alive than you otherwise would.”

Mio sighs. “Then I guess I have no choice but to accept your offer.”

Sereb stops walking and turns to her. “You may mount me when ready.”

Nodding, Mio puts a foot into the stirrup. Grunting, she attempts to throw her other leg over Sereb, but is unable to due to her lack of experience. Sighing, Sereb lays down on his belly.

“Now try.”

Groaning in embarrassment, Mio complies. Stepping as high as possible while holding the handles on the saddle, she is able to lift herself over Sereb to plop down unceremoniously on his back. Looking over his shoulder, Sereb speaks.

“Are you ready to depart?”

Mio nods nervously. “Y-yes, I am. But, um...”

“Is something amiss?”

“Do I, ah... dig my heels in to make you go?”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “Please do not.”

“Then how does Arc... start you off?”

“One of two ways. Either by telling me he is ready to move out verbally, or by giving the saddles’ handles two very slight pulls toward him.”

“Like this?”

She pulls the handles very lightly as Sereb nods.

“Yes, just like that. So if you have no other questions, shall we be off?”

“I guess.”

Sereb begins walking slowly. Mio grimaces nervously as she holds onto the handles as tightly as she is able. Sighing, Sereb looks back at her.

“You are going to hurt yourself.”

“H-huh?!”

“Tensing your muscles, especially those in your backside, isn’t good for you when riding. It will make you sore very quickly and hinders my own ability to move fluidly.”

Mio bows her head in embarrassment. “Sorry. It’s just... riding a mount isn’t exactly my specialty.”

“Give it time. As you ride, your body will become more attuned to my movements and I with yours.”

“Synergy.”

“Exactly.”

“Well, that’s hard for me to do when I’m nervous.”

“Perhaps I can help put your mind at ease.”

Mio appears confused. “How?”

“A chat.”

“Talking?”

Sereb nods. “Yes. From what I’ve seen, it works wonders.”

“Um... okay. But what should we talk about?”

“Whatever you wish. After all, I’m sure you have a great number of questions about many different things.”

“How about you tell me more about your master then?”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Master?”

“The Hero of Light.”

“We share a Life Pact as warrior and rider. Equals more or less.”

“Hammer briefly explained the idea of a Life Pact to me some time ago. But to me it just sounds like a master and slave relationship.”

“I suppose to the uninitiated that might seem to be the case. However, I assure you that everything Arc and I have done together has been of my own free will.”

Mio grimaces. “Even... that first attack on Damocles Base?”

“Yes.”

“Weren’t you scared? I mean... Arc could have led you and his squad to your deaths.”

Sereb shakes his head. “No, miss. I do not fear my end.”

Mio sighs. “Very admirable.”

“But you were.”

“I was what?”

“Frightened.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “When?”

“During our escape from your base. Back then, your heart was racing.”

“That’s only normal human self-preservation though.”

“Is it?”

“Yes!”

“Your sisters’ heart rates were normal. As was Arc’s.”

Mio groans. “Fine! Yes, I was scared! But I don’t understand how someone couldn’t be when going into battle!”

“Do you want to know?”

“Yes, I would.”

“My tribe views death as something to be respected. Not feared.”

Mio raises an eyebrow, confused. “But it’s the end of you.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Our beliefs are much different than yours then.”

“Do tell.”

“We see it not as an end, but merely as the beginning of the next stage of life.”

“Next stage?”

“As you know, all lifeforms are born, grow up, live a while, and then we die.”

Mio nods. “It’s the conclusion of life, yes. Saying it’s the next stage would mean that you believe there is more after it.”

“We refer to it as the afterlife.”

“Some humans believe in such things as well.”

“And are you one of them, miss?”

Mio shakes her head. “I’m a woman of logic and science. The idea that there’s more after death isn’t something I can believe in.”

“May I ask why not?”

“Because it can’t be proven, measured, defined, or otherwise gauged in any known way.”

“Any known way, you say?”

“Is that not the case here in Equestria?”

“To the best of my knowledge, no.”

“Then I have to go back to my earlier question regarding your belief in death being ‘the beginning of the next stage’.”

“I believe I can sum up the idea using an idiom I heard about while on Earth.”

“Do tell.”

“Very late one night I was watching a television show that had a man on it whom spoke about energy. How it could not be created nor destroyed.”

Mio nods. “Yes, that’s known as the Law of Conservation of Energy. It’s a well-established scientific fact.”

“If that is the case, then where does the energy of one’s consciousness go upon death?”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Consciousness?”

“I remember Arc referring to such a thing once as a human’s soul.”

“There is no scientific evidence that souls exist, mind you.”

“Then let us assume, simply for the sake of this conversation, that they did. What do you suppose would happen to a soul upon death?”

Mio puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “I... don’t really know. Perhaps it would remain an incorporeal form and simply... float around in the air.”

“But that would mean that it still existed.”

“Theoretically, yes.”

“For how long do you suppose?”

“Until it... broke down, in theory.”

“Broke down?”

“Decomposed.”

“Like a plant?”

“Something like that.”

“But a plant breaks down into dirt, which is corporeal. By that logic, wouldn’t a soul remain incorporeal even if it were to decompose?”

“I would imagine so, yes. However, you brought up an interesting point comparing them to plants.”

“Please elaborate on that.”

“Well... when a plant dies and decomposes, it returns to the soil from which it grew. That soil, and it’s nutrients, can then sustain future generations of plants.”

“You speak of something akin to reincarnation?”

“Indirectly and only loosely. But yes, I suppose.”

“Which would in and of itself be another phase.”

“If it could be scientifically proven, then yes.”

“And if it cannot?”

Mio shrugs. “Then it would merely be an unproven theory.”

“Agreed. However, let’s look at it from the other side of the discussion. Death being the end with nothing following it.”

“I’m of the belief that such an idea is true.”

“Then that would mean that this current life is all there is. And when we die that is the end of the matter.”

Mio nods. “Yes. I have yet to be shown any evidence to prove the contrary.”

“As have I.”

“Huh?”

“What I mean is, I have never been presented with proof that death marks the final end to an individual’s existence.”

“But you continue to believe it.”

Sereb nods. “As you hold to your convictions, so do I.”

“Without evidence?”

“Yes.”

“But how can you...?”

Sereb interrupts her. “I must point out that while my point of view cannot scientifically be proven or disproven, the same could also be said of yours.”

Mio bows her head. “My apologies. I really didn’t mean for my words to come across as dismissive.”

“It was taken in the spirit of honest discussion. But might I ask why you are of the opinion of such a thing?”

“I’m a firm believer in what’s known as Occam’s Razor. It’s a philosophy that dictates when one is looking for a truth, the explanation that requires the fewest amount of assumptions is often the correct one.”

“While I have never heard of this philosophy by such a name, it does sound fairly straight forward. Can you give me an example?”

“Suppose you are walking through a field and see a fallen tree. The trunk has roughly snapped in half and the base near the roots is partially exposed. There is nothing of similar size anywhere nearby the scene. By using Occam’s Razor, we can deduce that the tree was most likely blown over in a windstorm, as it requires very few assumptions.”

Sereb smiles. “That would make for a very sound theory, yes. But I must also point out that it would still be one that could not be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.”

Mio shrugs. “I suppose that very few things in life could be.”

“Indeed. However, with your permission, I would like to use Occam’s Razor to make my own point known.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“In my mind the life force, or soul as you humans refer to it, that is contained within a living creature cannot simply cease to exist upon death. Therefore, it must either be transformed into something else entirely or move elsewhere.”

“You do make a decent case admittedly. But I still hold to my own beliefs that souls do not exist nor does any kind of afterlife.”

Sereb nods. “And I respect your opinions.”

“As do I in regards to yours.”

“Thank you, miss. Now then, it would appear that we have accomplished that which we had set out to do.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand your meaning.”

Sereb chuckles. “If you would allow me to use Occam’s Razor again to illustrate my point. At the moment you are emotionally calm, thoughts collected, heart rate normal, and are breathing as you should. Therefore I must come to the conclusion that you have grown accustomed to riding me.”

“I... suppose I have. My body is kinda moving with you now.”

“Such is normal, yes. As I stated earlier, it makes things easier for you as well as I.”

Mio smiles at him. “Thank you for letting me ride you. This is actually kinda fun now. Is it good for you too?”

“If you are asking me if having a rider is enjoyable, then I would have to say that I am indifferent to the idea.”

“So you don’t care one way or the other?”

Sereb grunts. “Perhaps that was not the best way for me to put it. What I meant to say was that having someone on my back itself is not much different than me walking normally. The only thing that changes is the ability to hold a conversation.”

“I’m not too heavy, am I?”

Sereb shakes his head. “Far lighter than Arc is if that’s what you mean. That and I am capable of carrying far more weight than you currently provide.”

“That’s good to hear. Um... so, do you ferry others around often?”

“Usually just Arc.”

“No one else?”

“The traditions of my village dictate that we are only to allow those whom have bested us in combat and formed a Life Pact to ride us into combat.”

“So you made an exception for me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because you needed me to do so. It will allow you to save your strength for whatever is to come.”

Mio grimaces. “You won’t get into trouble on my account though, will you?”

Sereb shakes his head. “No. After all, I am my tribe’s current Warchief, which makes me above all others with the exception of my mother, the Matriarch.”

“So you can do whatever you want?”

“More or less.”

“Even so, there’s still such a thing as the court of public opinion.”

“If others within my tribe knew of my decision to allow you to ride me, they would be upset, yes. However, I do believe that is a matter which needs to change.”

“How so?”

“The old ways dictate that one must be worthy to be allowed the right to ride us. Such has always been and I thought it would always be so.”

“Is that a problem?”

“Recently, yes. Such a thing allowed Sunset Shimmer, the one you know as ‘Diva’, to be able to form such a bond with my brother, Kane.”

Mio gasps. “That creature she sometimes rides around on?!”

“Yes. He has taken a Life Pact with her. Shameful as it may be.”

“Colonel Diva is certainly powerful, yes. But even I didn’t think she was capable of taking on a beast such as him.”

Sereb growls. “She did not have to.”

“Oh?”

“Kane formed the Life Pact without a trial by combat. Such is treasonous to our kind. More so even than letting someone else ride us.”

“Why did he do that?”

“To get back at me for humiliating him some time ago.”

“How so?”

“Kane had always been our village’s greatest warrior. However, after learning additional combat techniques from Arc, I was able to soundly defeat him in battle and take his title of ‘Warchief’ upon myself. Kane couldn’t accept or even comprehend how he could have lost to someone weaker than he is. So he sought to attempt to learn what I had in my travels.”

Mio nods soberly. “And the best way to do that was to join up with a rival of Arc’s.”

“Precisely.”

“Hammer told me that you and Arc’s squad took both Kane and Diva on during a recent battle and won.”

Sereb nods. “That we did. Cooperation and coordination were our greatest weapons that day.”

“I remember seeing her and her beast come back to Damocles Base all bloody and bruised. It wasn’t a pretty sight.”

“She was very wise, or at the very least lucky, to have been able to flee before we could inflict the final blow.”

“Now I know what you mean about the old ways causing problems. Diva wouldn’t have been able to convince your brother to join her without the whole Life Pact thing I would imagine.”

Sereb shakes his head. “No, she probably would have.”

Mio raises an eyebrow. “Then why...?”

Sereb interrupts her. “Because the old ways prioritize strength and skill over all else. His inability to defeat me was nothing short of humiliating for him on all levels. It drove him to betray our tribe, my mother, and even himself to a degree. And I could do nothing to stop him at the time.”

“So what will you do?”

“At the moment I wish only to find and end him!”

Mio gasps. “You’d kill your own brother?”

“He has chosen to walk the path of the wicked over that of good. What else can I do?”

“How about trying to talk to him?”

“Believe me when I say that such a time has passed.”

“Have you tried?”

“Briefly, yes.”

“And?”

“Kane confirmed his dedication to his rider.”

“At least give him a chance. Hammer did that for me and it turned out well.”

Sereb sighs. “I... suppose that there is wisdom in your words.”

“Please think about it. I’d hate to have killed one of my sisters and then be forced to spend the rest of my life wondering if I could have done something to prevent it entirely.”

“Yes, I shall.”

Mio smiles as she speaks. “It’s very interesting talking to you, Sereb. Hammer always said you were on the quiet side.”

“I generally only speak when the need arises.”

“Not sure if that’s a good thing or not.”

“It is who I am.”

Mio sighs. “That sounds rather lonely to me.”

“I prefer the term ‘solitary’.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Such is the way it has always been for me.”

“That wasn’t the question though.”

“Perhaps not. But it is how I feel regarding this.”

“Well, if you’d like, you can always talk to me.”

“I... would enjoy that, yes.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“What is your relationship to Arc?”

“He and I share a Life Pact. But I’m assuming that is not what you meant.”

“I was asking how well you two got along.”

“We do respect each other greatly if that’s what you mean.”

“Are you two friends?”

“Yes.”

“But you don’t really talk.”

Sereb sighs. “He is rather... busy most of the time.”

“And that bothers you?”

“Not exactly, no. I understand that his position within Equestria is indeed a grand and lofty one. Such requires great amounts of time and energy to adequately attend to everything that he must. And that is in addition to his family, friends, and future herdmates.”

“Do you feel that he doesn’t have time for you?”

Sereb shakes his head. “He really does not, no.”

“And that’s a problem.”

“Not... exactly. The Life Pact that he and I share means that we will be together until death and that I shall aide him in battle as long as I am able. However, it does not dictate much else.”

“Do you want to expand on your relationship with him?”

“I would enjoy that, yes. However, please bear in mind that Arc is not the only one whom I have befriended since coming to Equestria.”

“Ember?”

“You have noticed that?”

Mio nods. “I have, yes. From what I’ve seen, it appears that you two have much in common.”

“We are both warriors, leaders in our respective lands, and friends of Arc.”

“Are you sure that’s all there is to it?”

“I... deeply respect Ember as a friend.”

“Nothing more?”

Sereb lowers his voice as he speaks. “And I must admit that I... I do find her very lovely to look at.”

Mio grins slyly. “Bit of a crush?”

Sereb groans. “Yes.”

Mio pats his head. “That wasn’t so hard, now was it?”

“I am not afraid of admitting to others my thoughts.”

“How about Ember herself?”

Sereb sighs. “That is a bit more difficult.”

Mio shrugs. “You’d just be saying how you felt. What’s the harm in that?”

“She is one of Arc’s future herdmates.”

“I’ve heard that, yes. But do you really want to just keep this to yourself?”

“If it means she and Arc can find happiness, yes.”

“And you?”

Sereb sighs. “I will always watch over her from afar.”

“Why not join her?”

“Join?”

“In that herd.”

“I... do not think the others would approve of me.”

“But you don’t know that.”

“That and I am not attracted to the rest of them.”

“Then just you and Ember could be a match. “

“Ember and... I?”

“There’s no reason you’d have to be intimately involved with any of the others.”

Sereb grunts. “Such could still end very badly.”

“What’s the worst that could happen?”

“A love triangle between her, Arc, and I.”

“You’re worried about making things hard for her.”

Sereb nods. “I am, yes.”

“What could you do to prevent that though?”

“Say nothing, for starters.”

“But then how would she know how you feel?”

“She would not. I would refrain from even starting the conversation.”

“Part of me thinks that’s really sweet.”

“Sweet?”

Mio smiles. “You’re more interested in her having a healthy relationship with Arc than you are in finding happiness for yourself.”

Sereb sighs. “She deserves the best this world has to offer in a mate.”

“Arc?”

“None is more worthy than he is.”

Mio shakes her head. “I don’t know about that. But admittedly I am a bit biased there.”

“Understandable, considering your past with him.”

“It’s... something I’m trying to move on from though.”

“Oh?”

Mio shrugs. “One can’t live in the past forever. That and Hammer really seems to like Arc. A lot.”

“That she does.”

“I suppose I could still hold a grudge, and believe me part of me wants to do that very badly. But that wouldn’t help my relationship with my sister.”

Sereb smirks. “Interesting.”

“What is?”

“You’re willing to put your own feelings aside for those whom you care about.”

Mio shrugs. “Well... I mean, what else could I do?”

“You misunderstand, miss. I am applauding your actions while leaning towards doing the same.”

“Regarding Ember?”

“Yes.”

“That’s a bit different though.”

“How so?”

Mio sighs. “Look... at least talk with her about it.”

“What would that accomplish though?”

“Honesty mostly.”

“And I would say what to her exactly?”

“That you’re very fond of and care for her. But understand that she’s interested in Arc.”

“I’m still not understanding what such a thing would gain either of us.”

Mio giggles. “It’s wishing her the best while still hoping she might also have feelings for you.”

“Perhaps I will speak with Ember at some point. After the mission is concluded, of course.”

Mio nods as she pulls a clipboard from her satchel. “That would be for the best, yes. But I think I should go over our plans again while we travel. Is that okay”?

“Very well.”

Mio looks over the maps and other papers as they continue on. Sereb considers their conversation silently in his head.

“Ember and I... as more than just platonic sparring partners. I do admit that it would be nice to have one such as her as a mate.”

Sighing, he continues his thought.

“But why would she even consider me... when Arc is right there?”

Grunting, Sereb continues pondering the matter.

Chapter 15 - Much to Think About

Meanwhile, Luna and Ashe board the chariot together. As Ashe motions to Wrangler to give the order to move out, she looks to the princess.

“Are you all right, Princess Luna?”

“I… ah… yes.”

“Everything go alright with the king?”

“Yes! Fine!”

“But you can’t say, eh?”

Luna shakes her head. “Right. I did give my word.”

“Then I won’t push the matter any further. But… um… on a bit of a side note… is everything alright regarding the, ah… original reason for our visit?”

Luna sighs. “It’s… up in the air right now.”

“Well, I have faith that you and the others will be able to solve this problem.”

Luna looks away as she mutters under her breath. “Yes… yes, I’m sure we will.”

“Please let me know if I can be of assistance though.”

“While I don’t this that’s really an option right now, I will… remember that, ambassador.”

Arriving back at the ship, they disembark the chariot together. Luna turns to Ashe and sighs.

“Ambassador, would you please call for Celestia, Twilight, and Arc to… um… somewhere private.”

“How about Lord Arc’s office?”

Luna shakes her head. “The close confines of such a place would be a bit… awkward for me at the moment.”

Ashe appears confused. “Awkward, Princess Luna?”

“I’m not actually fond of such places. Offices, I mean. They bring up some rather unpleasant memories for me.”

“Then how about Lord Arc’s personal quarters? It’s very homely and large.”

“That will do, yes.”

“Very well, Princess Luna. And when should they meet you there?”

Luna turns and walks toward the stairs. “As soon as possible.”

A short time later Arc and company enter his quarters. Luna is sitting at the table patiently as Celestia and Twilight walk over to her. Celestia is the first to speak.

“We came as fast as we could, sister! What is amiss?!”

Twilight grimaces. “Did your meeting with the king not go well?”

Luna sighs and shakes her head. “It went… alright. Just… not in the way I thought it would.”

Arc turns to them from his self-appointed task of dutifully locking the door. “Then how can we help?”

Luna gestures to the table with a wave of her hoof. “Sit down and I shall tell you of the king’s… offer.”

They all do so as Luna takes a few moments to collect her thoughts. Eventually, she gets down to business and looks at each of them as she speaks.

“Now then, what is spoken here today must not leave this room. Is that clear?”

Twilight nods soberly. “Yes, Luna. After all, this whole matter is top secret.”

Arc smiles at her. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Celestia looks around. “Agreed. But I can do one better, sister.”

Her horn aglow, Celestia casts a spell. Turning to Luna, she continues.

“There we are. That should keep things secure.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “A dampening spell, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, Twilight. After all, one cannot be too careful when it comes to matters of national security.”

Arc turns to Luna. “Then I suppose we should get started.”

“When Ambassador Ashe and I arrived at the Aviary, we were immediately escorted to the Audience Chamber to speak to King Guto regarding the matter at hoof. As one would have expected, he was very upset about what I thought was the theft of his property. However, that quickly changed.”

Twilight appears confused. “I would have assumed as much too.”

Celestia frowns. “Was that not the case, Luna?”

“Yes and no, sister. You see… apparently the item that was stolen was some kind of new weapon prototype.”

Arc groans. “That explains a lot.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “It does?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Some new government toy which causes death and destruction goes missing and a member of a foreign military is caught deep within the facility it is housed.”

Celestia facehoofs. “And as such it appears to them that we are guilty of espionage.”

Luna sighs. “It made more sense when he told me of the nature item, yes. However, his reasoning for creating it really has me nervous.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Let me guess. Defense?”

Luna appears surprised. “More or less, but yes. “

Twilight gasps. “How did you know that, Arc?”

Arc frowns as he looks out the window at the city before them. “Because it’s how the human leaders back on Earth think. Weapons are designed for ‘defense’ of the nation in an effort to protect them from other countries.”

Celestia taps the table with her hoof. “The Griffon Kingdom having yet another tool in their already impressive arsenal isn’t exactly something new or worrisome though. After all, they’re constantly coming up with new military ideas and applications.”

Luna shakes her head. “I don’t believe the device was meant to be just more of the same, sister. This was supposed to be something special. From the way he described it, I got the feeling that the king viewed it as a weapon far above anything that the Griffon Kingdom currently has.”

Twilight nods soberly. “And with its disappearance his land is, at least in his mind, theoretically that much less secure.”

Celestia groans. “And we are, again at least in his mind, now one step ahead of him in this proverbial arms race.”

Arc turns to Luna. “Did he offer any kind of idea as to what we could do to alleviate his fears though?”

“Um… yes… yes, he did.”

Twilight plants her front hooves on the table firmly. “Whatever amount he requests shall be remitted to the king at once!”

Celestia nods. “Or does he want some other tangible good?”

Luna looks away. “Kinda…”

Arc appears confused. “Luna? Are you alright?”

Luna bows her head. “No.”

Celestia turns to Luna warily. “Sister. What… what did the king want?”

“To… to be given something that will take its place in his original plan.”

Arc frowns. “And what would that be?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chest. “Me.”

Twilight gasps. “YOU?!”

Celestia’s eyes grow wide. “Is he completely mad?!”

Luna nods. “He may very well be, sister. The offer was from King Guto was that he wishes for me to… to join him permanently at the Aviary and make my new home the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc clenches a fist. “He wants you to… is the king suggesting what I think he is?!”

Luna bows her head. “Yes, Arc. I am to marry him to make this right.”

There is a stunned silence as Luna’s words hang in the air. Eventually Celestia speaks.

“Luna… how could he…? WHY?!”

Luna sighs. “As I said before, my presence at his side will be to replace that which was stolen. Guto claims that he had wanted to use the weapon’s existence to bring about international peace.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Which we pretty much already have, I must point out.”

Twilight nods fervently. “Yes, there haven’t been any major skirmishes since the changeling’s attack recently.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “Not to mention their own aggression against our country when they attempted to help Decimus while I was… out of sorts!”

Luna looks to Arc. “And what they did to Abyssinia for years in regards to their food problems.”

Arc sneers as he points a finger toward the window. “It would seem to me that the Griffon Kingdom itself is the only major troublemaker on the international stage at this point. Not Equestria, not Abyssinia, nor any of the other nations of this world.”

Luna turns to Twilight. “Then perhaps it is time that we address this issue once and for all.”

“What would you propose we do, Luna?”

Luna sighs. “That I join Guto here as his queen.”

Celestia gasps. “Sister! You cannot be serious about this!”

“It would solve this current problem though. As well as the rest of them.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Rest of them?”

Luna nods. “It’s a well-known, but as of yet largely unspoken fact that the Griffon Kingdom is nothing more than an out of control authoritarian state. Arc has done wonders to bring about change with his own actions here in the past. However, there are some things that not he, nor anypony else I can think of, could hope to accomplish as a diplomat.”

Twilight frowns. “You’re speaking of enacting change from within, aren’t you Luna?”

“Exactly.”

Celestia seethes. “But how can he in clear conscience ask such a thing of you, Luna! After all, you barely even know King Guto!”

Twilight nods matter-of-factly. “That and it’s not as if you have actual feelings for him, right?”

Luna looks away and blushes slightly. “Actually… yes.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “For the ruler of the Griffon Kingdom, Luna?”

“Yes, Arc. As I’m sure you heard, he and I spoke at great lengths when I attended the Aviary Extravaganza the other night.”

Celestia furrows her brow. “That must have been a very deep conversation then.”

Luna sighs. “I know it might sound a bit odd, but… I honestly do like Guto as an individual. More as an intellectual friend than anything truly romantic though.”

Twilight frowns. “That may be true, Luna! But going from friends to literally making a marriage proposal is quite a leap!”

Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s hoof. “As you yourself would know, Twilight.”

Luna turns to Arc. “So you disagree with my desire to befriend the king then?”

“Quite the opposite actually. I was merely trying to point out that Twilight is indeed experienced in making such a large change.”

Celestia looks to her former student. “And I’m sure it wasn’t something she came to decide on in the heat of the moment.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No at all Princess Celestia. In truth, it was something I thought about long and hard before finally speaking up and confessing my feelings. And even longer before I felt the desire to marry Arc.”

Celestia returns her gaze to Luna. “Do you believe that you have feelings for King Guto, Luna? Other than friendship, I mean.”

Luna sighs. “I… don’t really know. But…”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But what, Luna?”

“It’s just… I… I think… I think that… given some time and a lot of talking… I could grow to… care for Guto. As more than a friend, yes.”

Celestia groans. “First Cadance, now you Luna.”

Arc looks to Celestia. “But is this really such a bad thing? What’s so wrong with a princess trying to find love?”

Twilight nods. “Right. I mean… if Luna really does care for somepony, now or in the future, then shouldn’t she be allowed to do what she wants and pursue whatever personal path she deems best?”

Celestia sighs. “You misunderstand, Twilight. I’m not trying to stand between Luna and Guto in this matter. But I am worried about my sister’s future.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Something she really shouldn’t have to justify to you or anyone else for that matter.”

Twilight smiles as she turns to Luna. “We all do care about you though, Luna. And want you to find happiness too, of course. So… whatever you choose to do, please know that I for one will stand behind you one hundred percent.”

“This matter is one that I will have to give some thought to. As I told Guto when he… proposed the idea.”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed. But just be sure to think things through as to what’s truly the best course of action.

“You have my word that I shall do the right thing for Equestria.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Arc meant to do the right thing by yourself. Not the nation.”

Celestia sighs. “I do understand how you feel in this, Luna.”

Turning to face Twilight and Arc, she continues.

“As one whom has led Equestria for an extended period of time, I can attest to the habit of putting the country ahead of one’s own best interests. In time I’ve even found myself to be emotionally linked to our country inasmuch as when things are well and good within the land then I too am happy. However, the opposite is also true as well.”

“I can understand that, sister. And I honestly do want what is best for Equestria too. But… there is a distinct possibility that I may be able to change much for the citizens of the Griffon Kingdom in doing this.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Luna’s fetlock. “Very true. But at the same time you also shouldn’t feel forced to comply with such demands that involve your personal future.”

Arc smiles at her. “Just be sure to only do what you feel is best, Luna.”

“I will, yes. And there is one more matter that I need to mention to you, Arc.”

“Me?”

Luna smiles warmly. “Guto wanted me to pass on a message that your marriage to Natalya tomorrow will be completely unaffected by this matter.”

“That’s good, I guess.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You really are okay with this whole thing though, right Arc?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Celestia chimes in. “What Twilight means is that you yourself are currently preparing to do something very similar to what King Guto proposed to my sister.”

“But ours is just a marriage of convenience. I mean… Natalya and I aren’t planning to change anything about our lives after returning to Equestria. She’ll keep working at the Little Hooves Orphanage and living her life as she sees fit. And I’ll go back to my own duties, domestic and abroad.”

Twilight nods soberly. “That may be true. However, just like Luna, you’re willing to put your own future on the line to help the country.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes, it’s a very similar situation when you start to think about it.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “Right. What if, at some point, you begin to have feelings for Natalya?”

“Then I’d report such a thing to the rest of the herd.”

“And allow her to join as a real wife by marrying you back home too?”

“If we all agreed, then yes.”

Luna raises an eyebrow. “And… you’d be okay with that, Twilight?”

Twilight nods. “I would, yes. That is, if I and the others all agreed, that is.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It does sound kinda bad when you put it like that though. Like I’m preparing her for a real marriage. I mean, you ARE right to bring this up, of course.”

Celestia moves to stand up. “Then it would appear that everypony involved has much to think about.”

Twilight sighs as she too rises. “That we do.”

Luna sighs and bows her head. “I… um… should probably remain here in the Griffon Kingdom though. In case Guto wants to see me again regarding this matter, I mean.”

Twilight nods and smiles. “Then I’ll head back to Canterlot and keep the country running smoothly while you take my place here, Luna.”

Lunt looks to her friend. “Are you sure you’re okay with that though, Twilight?”

Celestia puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Yes, we all know that you’d rather be here.”

Twilight giggles. “I would, yes. But it’s like you and Luna said earlier. After ruling for a time, it’s not out of the ordinary to think about the country over your own well-being.

Luna sighs. “Indeed.”

Arc stands and gestures to the door. “Then we should probably adjourn for now to think and do what we can.”

Turning to Twilight, he continues.

“Can I offer you a portal back to Canterlot Castle?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, please.”

Kneeling down, Arc gives Twilight a hug which she reciprocates. Kissing him lightly on the cheek, she whispers in his ear.

“Take care.”

Smiling at her, Arc opens a portal. Twilight heads through as he turns to Luna.

“Thank you for doing this.”

Luna appears confused. “Doing what?”

“Dealing with this matter.”

Celestia nods. “Yes, Luna. After all, it really isn’t something you should have to do.”

Arc bows his head. “Right. As Lieutenant Hammer’s current superior officer I really should have been the one to take the blame for what happened.”

Luna smiles wistfully. “I am happy to be of service.”

Celestia puts a hoof around her sister’s shoulders. “In any case, why don’t you come back to my suite, sister? We can talk this matter over and try to come up with other solutions.”

“I’d like that, sister.”

Celestia heads for the door. “Right this way, Luna.”

They leave the room together as Arc walks over to the window and looks out. Sighing, he muses to himself.

“Luna. You shouldn’t have had to come here and deal with this.”

Putting a hand to his face, he continues.

“Much less be proposed to in such a manner.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Turning from the window, Arc calls out.

“Come!”

The door opens and Ashe walks inside with her satchel on her hip. Closing the door behind her, Arc notices that she deftly locks it with a quick motion of her tail as he turns. Looking to Arc soberly, Ashe speaks.

“Sir, I… um…”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What is it, Ashe?”

Ashe puts a talon to her forehead and groans. “I… need to speak to you about something very, VERY important.”

Arc sighs as he motions for her to sit down at the table. “Of course you do. Please don’t tell me that this day is going to get worse.”

Ashe grimaces as she sits down across from Arc. “To tell you the truth, I’m not really sure what to make of this. It’s quite… the shock though.”

“Then please just lay it on me and get it over with.”

“Very well.”

Taking a deep breath, Ashe reaches into her satchel. Pulling out a strange looking cylinder, she sets it on the table between them. Looking at it for a few moments, Arc eventually raises his gaze to look Ashe in the eye.

“Um… what is this?”

“In truth, I have no idea. But it was just delivered here by special courier.”

“Any paperwork with it?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, nothing.”

She grimaces before continuing.

“But I may have a theory on that.”

Arc sighs. “Wait. Don’t tell me.”

Pointing at the device, Arc frowns as he speaks.

“It’s the device that was stolen from that warehouse.”

Ashe shrugs. “No idea. But it does match the description that Lieutenant Hammer gave in her official statement.”

Arc groans as he covers his face with his hands. “Of course it is.”

“I received word via official channels that the king is having the entire country turned upside down to try and find it.”

“The most highly sought after item in the land sitting right in front of us.”

“Most likely, yes. However, we should probably call for the lieutenant to verify if it is indeed the device she saw taken from the warehouse before jumping to any conclusions.”

Arc nods as he picks up the phone. “Agreed. But I’m sure of one thing. That thing is nothing but trouble.”

A few minutes later there is a knock. Walking over to the door, Ashe unlocks it and opens it a crack before calling out.

“Yes?”

Hammer stands on the other side and appears confused. “Uh… I’m here to see Arc.”

“Are you alone?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Look around. Is there anyone near you?”

Turning both right and left to survey her surroundings before answering.

“There’s no one around, no.”

Ashe quickly opens the door. “Come inside!”

Hammer walks through as Ashe slams and relocks the door behind her. Arc motions to a chair next to him as he speaks.

“Have a seat, Hammer.”

Doing so, the young woman sees something sitting in the center of the table covered by a towel. Ashe turns to her as she too sits down.

“Now then, lieutenant. I need you to look under that towel and tell me what you see.”

Shrugging, she does as Ashe says. Looking at the device, she turns to Arc.

“This is the thingamabob that was taken from the warehouse!”

Arc looks to her soberly. “Are you absolutely sure, Hammer?”

Ashe nods. “Pick it up and look it over if need be.”

Hammer lifts the device and turns it in her hands before looking to Ashe and speaking.

“I’m sure, yeah.”

Arc looks to Hammer soberly. “One hundred percent?”

“Totally.”

Ashe leans back in her chair and groans. “Terrific.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, try to look the bright side, Ashe. At least the rebels don’t have it.”

Ashe looks out the window. “That courier was probably linked to them though.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “But why give this to us? I mean… it’s supposed to be some kinda weapon, right?”

Arc turns to Ashe. “Maybe they just wanted to keep it away from the ruling party here?”

Ashe shakes her head. “That seems rather unlikely. In doing so, they would be giving up quite a large bargaining chip. And hiding something of this size out in some remote location would have been relatively easy.

Hammer frowns. “You think they’re trying to make a frame up?”

Arc taps it with a finger. “Could be. Think about it. They have this thing delivered to The Equinox by someone posing as a courier. The guards show up and demand to search the ship. They find it sitting here in my quarters and Equestria gets the blame.

Ashe shakes her head. “I honestly don’t think that was their goal, no. After all, the rebels are fully aware that the treaty between our two nations benefits our nation’s commoners the most.”

Arc nods. “Your explanation does make sense, Ashe. The rebels don’t really seem to see us as a real enemy to their cause. More like a neutral third party that just happens to help those they want to help.”

He takes the item from Hammer before continuing.

“That leaves us with just one possible explanation.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“The rebels may be hoping that we take this item, study it, and figure out how it ticks. Then, in the event that tensions rise between our two nations, we’d use this technology to overthrow their government and replace it with one of our own.”

Ashe nods soberly. “While they wouldn’t be truly free, I must point out that an Equestrian puppet government would still be far more amenable to the general public. In theory, of course.”

Hammer grins. “We’d bring rights to the citizens and peace to the land.”

Arc smirks. “Making the rebel’s dream more or less come true.”

Ashe takes the device from Arc and looks it over. “Or perhaps there was a more… personal reason for the rebels doing this.”

“Explain.”

“They may have sought to help us deepen ties with the Griffon Kingdom.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow. “How do you figure that?”

“Think about it. Lord Arc could take this device and present it to the king as a show of goodwill toward the Griffon Kingdom. Such a sign of trust would probably cement the relationship between the two nations for generations to come.”

Arc continues where Ashe left off. “Allowing for more progress to come to the citizens as a whole.”

Hammer shakes her head as she takes the device from Ashe. “That one has quite a bit of risk to it though. Arc giving this thing back to the king could just cement in his mind the idea that we stole it outright in the first place.”

Ashe sighs. “True. But if we keep it there’s always a chance that word could get back to the king anyways.”

Arc frowns. “And we also can’t destroy it safely without studying it first.”

Hammer groans. “Then what are we going to do with this thing?”

Arc holds out a hand to Hammer. “The only thing we can do at this point.”

Hammer raises an eyebrow as she hands over the device. “And what’s that, Arc?”

Putting the device in his ring, Arc looks to Ashe soberly.

“I keep it in here for safekeeping and we don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Anyone?”

“For now, yes.”

Hammer frowns. “Not even the princesses?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… at the very least I guess we should tell Twilight. After all, she could probably figure out how this thing works.”

Ashe looks to Arc’s ring. “And make sure that we can safely store it.”

Hammer nods. “Or dismantle it.”

Arc stands and pats his magic ring. “I’ll leave that matter to her.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc powers up his crystals and opens a portal. Turning back to Hammer and Ashe, he nods.

“Meeting adjourned.”

Stepping through, Arc appears back in his quarters in Canterlot Castle. Looking over at the now empty bed he sighs and walks over to it. Sitting down, Arc puts a hand on the pillow and looks out the window to the north as he speaks.

“Galena. By now you’ve probably arrived in the Crystal Empire. Even as I speak you’re certainly recovering and preparing to start your new life. I hope that this time things go better for you.”

Patting the pillow, Arc picks up the phone and waits. A few moments later a voice speaks.

“Operator.”

“I need to speak to Princess Twilight in her quarters immediately regarding a matter of national security.”

“Yes sir, I’ll have a messenger take a note to her in the Audience Chambers. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that will do it. Thank you.”

Hanging up the receiver, Arc stands and heads for the door. Making his way down the corridor to Twilight’s room, he motions for the guards to move. They do so and allow Arc to enter the suite. Using a Telekinesis Spell to turn on her bedside lamp, Arc walks over to the numerous windows and closes the curtains before sitting down at a small table in the center of the room. A short time later Twilight enters the room quickly. Looking around for a few moments she spies Arc and hurries over to him.

“I came as soon as I could, Arc! What’s the situation?!”

Arc sighs. “Have a seat and I’ll tell you.”

Twilight sits down across from Arc and wrings her hooves as he begins.

“First off, this matter really needs to stay between us.”

“And the other princesses, right?”

Arc shakes his head. “For now, no. Just you, me, Ashe, and Hammer know about it. I’m trying to keep this circle small. Really small.”

Twilight sighs. “Very well. I’ll keep it to myself for the moment.”

“Thank you. Now then… here goes nothing.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out the cylindrical device. Setting it in the center of the table between them, he continues.

“This was just delivered via special courier to Ashe at The Equinox.”

Twilight picks it up with her magic and looks it over. “It looks very well made, whatever it is.”

“Hammer says that it’s the device that was stolen from the king’s warehouse.”

Gasping, Twilight loses he concentration and drops the device. Reaching out quickly Arc catches it in the palm of his hand before it hits the wood table. Setting it down gently, he waits a few moments for Twilight to find her voice again.

“How?! Why…?!”

Arc shrugs. “All we can figure is that the rebels sent it to us for reasons unknown.”

Twilight jumps up and runs toward the telephone next to her bed. “We need to report this to the proper authorities right away!”

“Which I believe is you at this point in time, Twilight.”

“I meant in the Griffon Kingdom!”

Arc shakes his head as she picks up the receiver. “Not a good idea, Twilight.”

Twilight puts down the phone and turns to him. “Why not?!”

“Because if we do so then they’ll ask how we got it.”

“Then we’ll just say that it was sent to us for some reason!”

“That doesn’t sound good for us. “

Arc picks up the device as he continues.

“I mean… for what possible reason would the rebels go through all the trouble of stealing this thing just to turn it over to us?”

Twilight gasps. “You’re right, Arc! They’ll think Hammer really was in on the burglary!”

“Exactly.”

Sighing, Twilight walks back over to the table and sits down again. Taking the device from Arc, she again looks it over.

“So what do you think we should do with this thing?”

“My vote is for you to look this device over in order to make sure it’s safe to keep around here. Then study it in an effort to figure out how it works before hiding it away in the vault for safekeeping or dismantling it.”

Twilight groans. “Normally I’d love to do such a thing. However, you have to understand that I have royal duties to attend to now, Arc.”

“Like audiences, you mean?”

“Among other things, yes.”

“You could suspend those duties if you wanted to though. After all, you’re the highest authority in the country at the moment.”

“Which makes me extremely busy. That and it would look bad for me to cancel audiences. There are a lot of ponies whom need my guidance on any number of matters on a daily basis.”

“Then how about Auriel?”

“She moves between her duties in the Crystal and spending time with her parents in the Great Demon Kingdom these days. Between working on trying to reassemble the Crystal Heart and helping King Malevolence lead their country, she’s really busy all the time.”

Twilight taps her chin with a hoof for a few moments before continuing.

“Then again, she was just telling me the other day on the radio that she’s getting burnt out working on the heart.”

“Sounds like she needs a new project to me.”

“Agreed. And at the very least I would like her here to help me come up with a preliminary analysis of this device.”

Arc stands and heads for the telephone. “Want me to call her, or do you want to do it?”

“You can call Auriel. After all, I’m sure she’ll want to hear from you.”

Arc nods as he picks up the receiver. “Yes, it has been quite some time since her and I spoke.”

A short time later Arc opens a portal. Auriel steps through and smiles at both him and Twilight before running forward and giving Arc a hug.

“It’s been a long time!”

Arc smiles as he holds her close. “That it has.”

Auriel lightly nibbles on his ear as she whispers. “Sorry for not calling.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s okay. Truth be told, I feel like a bit of a heel for not calling you sooner.”

Twilight walks over to them. “Same here. We really need to talk more.”

Auriel lets go of Arc and gives Twilight a hug as well. “That we do.”

As the young demon lets go of Twilight she spies the device sitting on the table. Looking back to Twilight, she speaks.

“Is this something you came up with?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Arc… found it.”

Auriel appears confused. “Found?”

Arc nods. “This thing is top secret right now, Auriel. It’s a weapon of some kind that came into my possession very recently.”

Auriel looks to Arc and frowns. “Please don’t tell me that you want this thing reproduced.”

Arc shakes his head. “Quite the opposite actually. At the moment I’m more interested in knowing that it’s safe here in Canterlot.”

Twilight looks around. “I can’t imagine it could do much damage to the castle though, what with these thick walls and anti-magic shielding.”

Auriel picks the device up again and looks it over for a few moments before turning to Twilight and speaking.

“It looks very well made from the outside. But I’ll need a few tools to open this up.”

“Anything we need to get for you?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, I have what I need in my room down the way.”

Arc pats his ring. “I can take us there via portal.”

Auriel smiles widely. “Good idea, Arc! I had completely forgotten about the sigil you hid under my rug!”

Twilight giggles. “Nice idea. Well, both of them.”

Arc chuckles. “Good times.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Stepping through, the trio finds themselves in Auriel’s room. She walks over to a workbench and pushes aside a partially assembled device of some kind to make room. Picking up a tool from a rack next to her, Auriel gets to work. Calling out to Arc and Twilight she sighs.

“Sorry about the mess.”

Twilight giggles. “It’s fine, Auriel. After all, my room doesn’t look much better at the moment.”

Arc chuckles. “Cut from the same cloth.”

Auriel opens an access panel in the device. “There we go. Now then, let’s see what we have here.”

She begins tinkering with the device’s innards for a few moments before grimacing.

“Uh oh.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

Turning, Auriel begins shoving parts and tools off of her workbench haphazardly. Her gaze looks from left to right erratically.

“Where is it?! Where is it?!”

Arc frowns. “Where’s what?”

“My wire cutters!”

Twilight looks around and points with a hoof. “They were on the shelf over there last time I was here.”

Running over to the a fore mentioned shelf, Auriel grabs the wire cutters and runs back to the device. Reaching inside, she makes a quick snipping motion before dropping the tool and sitting down heavily in her chair.

“Okay… we’re safe!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Safe?”

Arc looks to the device. “Uh… was that thing about to blow up”?

Auriel nods soberly. “Yes.”

Twilight gasps. “WHAT?!”

“Don’t worry. With the detonator disconnected it’s completely inert now.”

Arc eyes the device suspiciously. “Some kind of failsafe to prevent someone from opening this thing up and looking at the innards?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not exactly. After all, nothing happened when I opened the access panel.”

Twilight looks inside the device. “Probably some kind of proximity fuse then. But that just adds to the questions we already have.”

Auriel frowns. “How so, Twilight?”

“Arc didn’t exactly acquire this device… legally.”

“Then how…?”

Arc sighs. “It was delivered by questionable sources to my ship back in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“So… we aren’t actually supposed to have this then?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Right. In truth, it’s really supposed to be some secret Griffon Kingdom weapon, or something.”

Auriel groans as she tosses aside the wire cutters. “Terrific. You two know how I feel about working on weapons.”

Arc puts his hands on her shoulders. “Yes we do, Auriel. However, please understand that I’m not asking you to reverse engineer this thing so that we can make more. Just figure out a general idea of how dangerous it is and how we can safely store it somewhere.”

Twilight shrugs. “I’d be happy with it left in pieces myself.”

“Guess there’s no reason to reassemble it after you take it apart then.

Twilight bows her head. “You know I’d do it myself, Auriel. But I’m kinda busy with my duties at the moment.”

Arc nods. “And we need someone that can be trusted to do the job quietly and to keep what they find a secret from others.”

“Fine. But I’m going to need some help with this thing.”

“Did you have someone in mind?”

“If it’s alright, I’d like to bring my mother in on this project.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Doctor Knowles?”

Auriel nods. “Yes.”

Twilight appears confused. “I wasn’t aware that she had a background in such things.”

“Not as deep as my own, granted. But she does have experience with the inner workings of larger machines.”

Auriel bows her head before continuing.

“That and… it’s just… her and I have been looking for a way to spend more time together lately. But so far nothing has come of it.”

Arc smiles at her. “And this could give you a chance to spend quality mother/daughter time together.”

“Exactly.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Um… this certainly isn’t meant to be disparaging to your mother as a person, Auriel, but… you have to understand this from my point of view as an Equestria princess.”

“What are you saying, Twilight?”

“Your mother… she’s the queen of a foreign nation that Equestria isn’t exactly on the best terms with at the moment due to our shared histories.”

Arc shrugs. “While that is certainly true, I believe that we can trust her.”

“I understand that she really came through for you in helping save Shelly’s life, Arc. But allowing her to study this device could be a danger to Equestria.”

Auriel sighs. “You’re right, Twilight. But I trust her not to do something against the land which took me in when I had nowhere to go. Her and my father, I mean.”

“Twilight does raise a valid point, of course. However, I don’t think she’s thought it all the way through.”

Twilight appears confused. “I haven’t?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight.”

“Elaborate.”

“First off, due to our much more recent past, the Great Demon Kingdom is currently our ally. King Malevolence and Auriel’s mother are leading the effort to change the mindset of their population to be more understanding of Equestrians and their positions on matters.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That’s certainly a good start, yes. But you have to remember that there were centuries of animosity between demons and ponies. It’s not something we can just write off as being over just yet.”

Arc continues. “Second… it would be a sign of trust to bring her in on this.”

Auriel nods. “That would show my father that Equestria has nothing to hide.”

“And third… while your fears of bringing the queen in on this matter are certainly valid, I must also point out that you saw nothing wrong with allowing Auriel herself to work on this device. Remember, she’s a princess of the Great Demon Kingdom and second in line to the throne after her mother.”

“But I know and trust Auriel!”

“Right. So trust her when she says that it would be beneficial to have her mother’s help in this matter and that we can trust her.”

Twilight considers this for a moment before nodding.

“Very well. You make a good case, Arc.”

She turns to Auriel before continuing.

“You may bring your mother here to help you work on this device, yes.”

“Thank you, Twilight.”

“And… I’m sorry.”

Auriel appears confused. “For what?”

“Not having faith in my friend. If you believe that your mother can be trusted then I should too.”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, Twilight. You were right in what you said a minute ago about our two nation’s shared history. And I do understand that you, as a princess, have a duty to Equestria over your own feelings.”

Twilight bows her head. “It sounds bad when you say it like that though.”

Auriel puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder and smiles. “I’m just saying that I don’t hold your opinions or duties to Equestria against you.”

Arc clears his throat loudly. “Sorry to break this up, but I really need to be getting back to The Equinox before someone figures out that I’m gone.”

Auriel looks to a strange looking device nearby. “Then how about I call my mother and ask her to teleport over?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, Auriel. Go ahead.”

Walking over to the device, Auriel presses a few buttons and waits. A few moments later a holographic visage of her mother comes up. Smiling at her daughter, she speaks.

“Hello, my dear. To what do I owe this unexpected call?”

Auriel gestures to her workbench nearby. “I have an unidentified device that is a bit beyond my skill level. However, it still needs to be studied, mother.”

“How can I help?”

“I was hoping that we could do it together here in my room in Canterlot Castle.”

Maria puts a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… I suppose I could step away from my duties here for a time.”

“That and you could always teleport back if something came up.”

“Yes, I suppose that’s true. Very well, Auriel. Give me about ten minutes to gather a few things and let your father know that I’m stepping out for a bit.”

Auriel grins widely. “See you soon, mother!”

Maria nods and smiles silently as the hologram fades away. Auriel squeals happily as she turns back to Arc and Twilight.

“She’s coming!”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, we were right here when you called her.”

Auriel appears suddenly embarrassed. “Oh… right. Silly me.”

Twilight smiles. “Will there be anything special you two require?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, we should have everything needed right here.”

“Alright. Just be sure to let me know if you need anything more to do this.”

“I will.”

Twilight turns toward the door. “Now then, I need to get back to audiences. We really do have a full docket today.”

“Then I won’t keep you any longer.”

Arc nods. “And I need to get moving too.”

Auriel appears suddenly nervous. “Um… could you stay for a few minutes, Arc? I need to talk to you about something.”

“Sure.”

Twilight turns and heads for the door. “Then I’ll leave so you two can talk privately.”

As the door closes behind Twilight, Auriel turns to Arc and smiles as he speaks.

“Now then, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

“For starters…”

Grabbing him, Auriel pulls Arc down to her level and plants a passionate kiss on his lips. Arc wraps his arms around her and leans in to reciprocate. Pulling back a short time later, he grins at her.

“What was that for?”

Auriel giggles. “For standing up for me in front of Twilight.”

“You’re not mad at her, are you?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, no. I really do understand and respect her position. However, you’re the only one whom has ever vouched for my character when it really mattered. Like when the princesses didn’t want me to stay here in Equestria originally.”

Arc shrugs. “Just said what I felt. Nothing special about that.”

“Say what you will, but I find that particular aspect of you highly attractive.”

Arc pats her cheek. “And I find your understanding nature to be very cute as well.”

“Understanding?”

Arc nods. “Twilight explained her position and you saw the logic in her words. You didn’t try to contend the validity of her argument with emotional responses, but with logic and reason.”

“But Twilight was right.”

“And so were you. I merely pointed out the facts as I saw them.”

“Then how about I tell you my honest thoughts on something else?”

“What’s that?”

Auriel licks her lips seductively. “I’m honestly looking forward to being roughly taken and impregnated by a human whom is able to see beyond my physical inadequacies and care about me for whom I am.”

“One day, Auriel.”

Auriel nods happily. “Yes. When the time is right I will be ready for you, Arc.”

“But I should leave and let you get ready for your mother’s visit.”

“Get ready?”

Arc chuckles. Yes, ‘calming down’ would have probably been a better choice of words, I suppose.”

Auriel blushes as she looks Arc in the eye. “What can I say? The heart wants what it wants. But I do understand your position too.”

“Thanks. Um… just please be careful with this thing.”

“Huh?”

“The device, I mean.”

Auriel smiles nervously as she walks Arc to the door. “Oh! Right! We will!”

Arc turns and smiles at her as he speaks. “Good.”

Leaning down, Arc gently kisses Auriel’s cheek before turning and leaving the room. Auriel slumps to her knees as the door closes behind him. Giggling, she looks at the door and whispers to herself.

“And I’ll make it an absolutely magical night for you when it’s time, Arc.”

Meanwhile, Arc steps down the corridor and looks out a window at the city below them. Sighing, he puts a hand on the glass as he speaks.

“This has to be done to protect everyone. In both countries, that is.”

Surveying the city for a few moments, Arc eventually turns away and calls forth his gauntlet. Opening a portal back to The Equinox, he steps through and returns to his quarters aboard ship. As it closes behind him however Arc hears a light knock. Walking towards it, he opens the door to see Luna standing before him nervously. Stepping aside, he motions for her to enter. Closing the door behind her, Arc smiles and speaks.

“How are things going, Luna?”

Luna bows her head. “Not very well actually. My sister and I have been trying to come with a solution to this problem.”

“So… how did things go in that regard?”

“Nothing we can think of to give in trade will even come close to replacing the king’s desire to marry me.”

“And I’m assuming that you don’t really want to do that.”

Luna bows her head. “Part of me actually does.”

“Really?”

“After getting to know him much better, that is. After all, Guto really is a very kind individual at heart. At least that’s what I saw from him during the Aviary Extravaganza.”

“But you don’t like how things are moving so fast.”

Luna nods. “Yes. Marriage is a very big step. And not something that should be entered into casually.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Agreed. However, maybe he hasn’t thought of that himself.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it this way, Luna. King Guto really wants you to marry him so as to prevent any future attacks from Equestria.”

“How can you be so sure of that, Arc?”

“Because that’s what was done back on Earth centuries ago. A smaller nation would send a princess to more powerful nations in order to wed the king. This ensured that their peace treaties would be followed, as it would be seen as dishonorable to attack your extended family in the other country.”

Luna sighs. “So I have the chance to bring permanent peace to both our nations. Lucky me.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “It’s still your choice to make though, Luna. No one can say that you have to do this.”

“But as a princess I need to be willing to…”

Arc interrupts her. “Even that doesn’t matter. Whom you marry should be up to you, and you alone. To say that you have to marry someone should always be going one step too far.”

“I… did have an idea on the way over here. Can I run it by you?”

“Sure.”

“As you said, a couple should get married for love. Not for other reasons be they good or not. Perhaps I could convince King Guto to merely take me on as an advisor to him. Make it a kind of probationary period for both of us.”

“Such an idea would certainly give you two more time with which to get to know each other, yes. After which you might find out that you don’t really see him as husband material, or you for him.”

“And if we do like one another than we can take things slow and have a bona-fide engagement period.”

“That and it will give you time to learn their ways. Customs and laws, I mean.”

“It sounded good in my head.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. But that also comes at a price.”

Luna nods soberly. “Leaving Equestria and moving permanently to the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Is that something you can see yourself doing?”

“Actually, yes.”

“Really?”

Luna smiles sheepishly. “You have to remember that as an Alicorn I’ll live forever. However, Guto’s life is most definitely finite.”

“And when he dies?”

“I would be the sole ruler of the Griffon Kingdom and free to enact any political reform that I desire.”

“Including transitioning their government into something resembling Equestria’s way of doing things.”

Luna nods. “Yes. While it is likely that Guto will live on for at least a few more decades, such a span of time would be but the blink of an eye for me.”

“The Griffon Kingdom would be to the mainland as the Crystal Empire is to Equestria.”

“And I in a similar role to Cadance. Ruling over a foreign country.”

“It sounds very nice and neat.”

“Then that’s what I’ll propose to be done.”

“If that’s what you want, then go for it, Luna.”

“But it would be for the betterment of…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Again Luna, you need to think of your feelings in this matter as well. Nothing that’s been stated here to date is what absolutely NEEDS to be done.”

“But I could help so many!”

“And that would be wonderful, yes. However, at the end of the day, you still need to consider your own feelings. You own happiness.”

Luna sighs and nods. “I… suppose I have a lot to think about then.”

Arc nods. “That you do. Now then, please understand that I’m not saying you shouldn’t go through with the whole marriage or advisor idea. Far from it truth be told. But only if that’s what YOU want.”

“Celestia said roughly the same thing to me earlier.”

“It is sound advice, after all.”

“In truth, I was hoping you would have something else to add to it though.”

Arc shakes his head as he walks Luna to the door. “Sadly, no. Other than to just think of yourself before coming to a decision, that is.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes, I shall have to think on this matter some more in my shared room with Celestia. Perhaps we can brainstorm a new idea or two.”

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t give you anything else to consider in this matter, Luna. But if you and your sister do come up with something please feel free to come back if you feel the need to talk about it with someone else. Or anything else for that matter.”

As he opens the door for Luna, they see Ashe raising her talon as she was apparently preparing to knock. She looks apologetically to Luna as she speaks.

“I’m very sorry, your highness. You see…”

Luna holds up a hoof for silence and smiles. “It’s quite alright, ambassador. In truth, I was just leaving.”

Ashe steps aside and allows Luna to pass her before entering the room herself. Arc closes the door behind her and instinctively locks it before turning to the young griffon and speaking.

“Something I can do for you, Ashe?”

Ashe appears nervous. “I, uh… just wanted to talk to you about something privately.”

Arc motions to the chair Luna vacated a few moments prior. “Sure. Have a seat.”

Sitting down across from one another, Arc waits as Ashe composes her thoughts and speaks.

“In truth, I just wanted to… apologize.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What for?”

“A few things actually. First off though, I was recently thinking about what I did to you in this very room not that long ago.”

Arc frowns. “You mean when you apparently tried to assassinate me?”

Ashe nods. “Right. There really was no excuse for such a thing. Especially after all you had done for everyone by bringing about the treaty idea to our nation’s leadership. I was just thinking that I couldn’t remember if I had apologized for it in the past, or not. Therefore I would like to take this opportunity to say that I am extremely sorry for my role in that event in addition to what happened to your hand leading up to that.”

Arc instinctively rubs his palm where the poisoned crossbow bolt pierced him. “It’s… in the past, Ashe. And in the truth, I actually don’t remember if you ever apologized either. But at the same time I would like to say that I also don’t hold that event against you. At least at this point in time, as you’ve learned how to be a better individual.”

“I figured as much. But at the same time also really wanted to get it out in the open and officially apologize.”

“Apology accepted ambassador.”

“And, I know I said this some time ago, but I also wanted to apologize for offering my talon to you in matrimony.”

Arc nods soberly. “To be fair, that one really did come out of far left field.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“Sorry. It’s an old Earth expression that means that something was a complete and total surprise.”

“Yes, I… what I said back then was totally out of line and uncalled for. That and all the things I did and said to you when I was first aboard your ship as well.”

Arc chuckles. “I believe the phrase ‘spoiled brat’ would have been an appropriate term to use for that particular version of you.”

Ashe bows her head. “The former version of myself would probably have insulted you for saying that about me.”

“Can’t argue with that. So what changed?”

“I think it was the pancakes.”

Arc appears confused. “Pancakes?”

“Maybe I’m wrong, but I think that’s what we were eating at the time. If memory severs correctly I believe that I was being… difficult with your android Rose and threw my food or whatnot on the floor.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Didn’t I dump something on your head for that?”

Ashe nods. “I believe it was the syrup.”

Arc chuckles. “Strange that I can’t remember something like that clearly.”

“Neither can I. But I also can’t deny that you were right to do it. After all, I completely deserved it for my behavior at the time.”

“It feels like a lifetime ago though.”

“Kinda was, as I feel as if I’m a totally different griffon now. But to answer your earlier question, I believe that the conversation I had with Rose back then as she was helping me get cleaned up started a kind of mental change in me.”

“How so?”

“I just… didn’t understand how to interact with others at the time. Up until that point in time everyone that I interacted with was a servant to me. Or at the very least, beneath me in the status quo.”

“Being the father of lord can do that, I suppose.”

Ashe groans. “I suppose such a thing insulated me from the real world though. Naturally, everyone would always bow and scrape when addressing my father. And by proxy, would treat me with the utmost care and respect so as not to gain his ire.”

She looks down and sighs before continuing.

“Even though I hadn’t actually done anything to actually earn their respect. I was just riding along on my father’s coattails.”

Arc nods. “I do remember you constantly saying ‘my father’ whenever you were angry.”

“Yes… that is true.”

“But, just to be fair, I can’t remember that last time you used that line.”

“Now I have to make a conscious effort not to.”

“And you’ve been doing a good job of that. However, there is another side to that argument.”

Ashe appears confused. “There is?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Now you actually do have your own words and deeds to fall back on.”

“The only reason I got the job of ambassador is because of whom my father is though.”

“Maybe. But I can’t exactly imagine Princess Celestia going for something like that. After all, Lord Gestal’s influence has no effect on her due to her own position.”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “I… suppose that makes sense, yes. Then why do you suppose she approved of me?”

Arc shrugs. “While I can’t say for sure, it might have been her own intuition. Her insight from a long life of ruling, I mean.”

“Insight?”

“Princess Celestia may have seen something in you that she liked.”

“Maybe. Any other ideas?”

Arc sighs. “Not to put you down, but it’s also worth noting that she was under the influence of limited mind control at the time.”

Ashe puts her face in her talons. “So it’s possible that she may have just been ordered by her handlers to approve me for some reason.”

Arc shrugs. “You’d have to talk to her about this directly if you want a concrete answer though.”

“I think I just might do that after this, yes. Um… but you see…”

Ashe shifts in the chair nervously before continuing.

“…there was another reason I came here.”

Arc folds his hands as he rests them on the table. “Do tell.”

“It’s about… my former affiliation.”

“What about it?”

“The rebels, they… they really just want a fair shot at life. To be able to have the bare necessities available to them at prices they all can afford. To have the right to speak out against that which they don’t agree with. And to be able to make decisions on the path that the nation takes. Is that really so much to ask for?”

Arc smiles at her. “Believe me, Ashe. You’re preaching to the choir here.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

“Human euphemism. It means that you’re trying to convince someone whom already agrees with you.”

“Oh… right.”

“Listen, Ashe… the rebels aren’t wrong for wanting to stand up to the griffon government. But they often times go too far.”

Ashe sighs. “The bomb in the carriage.”

Arc nods as he frowns. “And the assassination attempt on Luna. And the kidnapping of the nobles. And the fear tactics. And the attack on my life.”

Ashe frowns. “Hey! That last one was just me!”

“It doesn’t really help your case, Ashe.”

“I guess not. But I don’t really want them blamed for things that I alone did.”

“Fair enough.”

“But I do believe that you’ve made your point about us going a bit too far sometimes.”

Arc sighs. “I understand the fact that it’s in pursuance of them trying to gain at least some semblance of personal freedoms, Ashe. However, even such a noble goal doesn’t give them the right to hurt or otherwise tread on others to achieve those goals.”

“And I agree with you. However, the fact of the matter is that there really isn’t much of an alternative for them. Which is why I went along with them as long as I did.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Went along with? Weren’t you the leader?”

“I was, yes.”

“So everything had to go through you then, correct?”

“Right. Well, I didn’t approve every little thing they did. After all, the rebels really are just a collection of individuals united under a more or less common goal”

“But ultimately everything they did was on you?”

Ashe sighs. “I suppose it was.”

“Every time they terrorized the land or hurt someone.”

“What are you getting at, Lord Arc?”

Arc stands and looks out the window. “That city.”

“Griffonstone?”

Arc nods. “It’s not somewhere I’d like to live.”

“But the citizens there pretty much have to.”

“Yes, I understand that. Which leaves them with no other alternative other than to try and make the best of their situation.”

“Which is why many of them joined the rebels in the first place. Their thought process being that such is their only real chance at something better.”

“Even though it’s so dangerous?”

Ashe sighs as she stands and looks out the window with Arc. “When you have nothing at all to lose, danger tends to lose its power over you.”

“I suppose that’s probably true. They were either going to make things better for everyone or die trying.”

“The alternative was death by degrees. Work hard for a few coins in order to be able to buy rotten food and maybe keep warm. Eventually when you can’t work anymore you move in with your adult younglings whom support you as best they are able.”

“And if they are without younglings?”

Ashe sighs. “Freezing to death in a gutter at best.”

“What about at worst?”

“Starvation.”

Arc groans as he looks out the window. A few moments later Ashe continues.

“I admit that neither sounds pleasant. But it’s been this way in the Griffon Kingdom since... well… centuries, I suppose.”

Arc nods soberly. “There’s something I need to tell you, Ashe.”

“What is it?”

“Some time ago, when I was discussing your nation’s situation with someone, it was brought up that perhaps Equestria should ally with the rebels. Covertly, of course.”

Ashe appears surprised. “It was? By whom?”

“That’s not important right now, Ashe.”

“Then what came of the conversation?”

“I… considered both sides of the issue, of course. But ultimately decided against aiding you and your organization.”

Ashe frowns. “But you’ve seen the squalor that they live in! How could you stand by and do nothing?!”

“Oh, believe me, I did do something.”

“And what might that be?!”

“The treaty.”

There is a long silence before Arc again speaks.

“My idea was to bring about change by promoting free trade between our nations and allowing for factories here to be opened under Equestrian standards. And from what I’ve heard, it is working.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, it is. Slowly but surely.”

“Such things will allow the citizens to be able to raise themselves up from poverty and earn a living wage.”

“Admittedly, that’s approximately what I told my former commander not so long ago. That thanks to the treaty with Equestria things are improving for the commoners here in the Griffon Kingdom.”

“So if you approve of my tactics then why were you upset?”

Ashe bows her head. “Because at the time I thought that such was the most that the Equestrian powers that be were willing to do. Help our nation economically. I wasn’t aware that there had been a dialogue that involved you or the princesses actually backing the rebels.”

“Believe me, for a time I honestly did consider it.”

“Then I have to ask why you chose not to help us.”

Arc turns to her. “Do you really have to ask?”

Ashe nods soberly. “Yes. I need to hear the words straight from you.”

“Very well.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing.

“If Equestria were to help the rebels overthrow the king and Council of Lords, whom would have been there to take their places?”

“As the leader of the rebels, I would have assumed the role of the nation’s leader.”

“And what of the Council of Lords?”

“My father would have been kept on to help restructure the country along with my commander as a newly appointed lord.”

“Just the two of them on the council? What about Lord Adalbert and Lord Weller?”

“Those two would have probably conspired against me and the new regime. They would have most likely been banished. But I would have appointed replacements for them as others proved themselves worthy of such positions.”

“Not sure that the public would have gone for that.”

Ashe raises an eyebrow. “The other two lords being banished?”

“More regarding your father being allowed to keep his position on the council.”

Ashe frowns. “What’s wrong with that?!”

“He would have been a reminder to everyone of the old system. It’s likely that the public would have viewed him not being banished along with his compatriots as the new government just being more of the same.”

“I couldn’t do that to my father though!”

“Well, the citizens would probably demand it.”

Ashe clenches a fist. “Too bad! I would have needed his help to rule the nation!”

“So you wouldn’t be open to removing him under any circumstances?”

“ No!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That way of thinking sounds very familiar. Kinda like the current administration’s take on pretty much everything that doesn’t benefit them personally.”

Ashe sighs. “I know, I know. But that’s one thing that I would have been firm on. After all, he has years of experience governing and knows the ins and out of pretty much every aspect of leading.”

“My original point stands though. Even though your father has always been fair with me, the citizens would still view him as part of the original problem.”

“Yes, well… that’s one thing I’ve learned since meeting you, Lord Arc.”

“Oh?”

“That leading is much harder than I originally thought.”

Arc chuckles. “You figured that ruling was just sitting on a throne and barking orders, didn’t you?”

“Admittedly, yes. But since that time I’ve come to the realization that it’s so much more than that. If anything, the princesses of Equestria do more listening than talking.”

“That they do. And as someone whom would have authority as the nation’s new ruler, you too would have to be willing to listen rather than dictate. So if the citizens wanted your father to not be a part of the new government that you would bring about, then you would have done well to listen to them.”

Ashe sighs. “Over my own feelings.”

Arc nods. “As a good leader would, yes.”

“I… don’t think I’m ready for such a thing.”

“At least now that you’ve left the rebels, there’s no path that would lead to you conquering the Griffon Kingdom.”

“That’s probably for the best admittedly. All the responsibility that comes with the job sounds just plain unbearable.”

“It is. Believe me.”

Ashe sighs. “All I wanted to do was bring equality to the commoners though. To give them a chance at a better life.”

“And you thought the best way to do that was to overthrow the current regime?”

“What else could be done? I mean… at the time my options were limited.”

“Yes, I understand that, Ashe. Which is partially why I’m not coming down on you harder right now.”

“Then tell me something. What would you have done differently?”

“Huh?”

“If you were in my place, how would you have handled the situation?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… I think I would have tried to isolate the individual problems so as to face them one at a time.”

“How so?”

“In my mind, the biggest need would be food. Healthy, ripe, untainted food, that is.”

“And how would you have gone about solving that problem?”

“Assuming I had your family’s resources, that is?”

Ashe nods. “Correct.”

“Then I believe that I would have asked your father to help me open up food banks.”

“Food… banks?”

“Places the poor can go to get basic groceries at no cost to them. We have them back on Earth.”

“An interesting idea. Now then, let’s assume that we were able to solve the food problem. What would be the next step?”

“Housing, I suppose.”

“And how would we solve that problem?”

“You told me before that the elderly have to live with their adult younglings. And that if they didn’t have any that they would be homeless. I’d start with them first by opening assisted living homes for them.”

“What would that entail?”

“More or less single room apartments that have nursing staff on hand and common areas which include a dining room to provide basic nourishment.”

“That would help, yes. But there are others whom don’t have a roof over their head either.”

“Then I’d look into opening homeless shelters for those whom have nowhere else to go.”

“Some kinda of group living arrangement?”

Arc nods. “A large room with a lot of bunk beds, yes. It wouldn’t be much to look at admittedly. But they’d be safe, warm, and dry at night.”

“But they couldn’t stay there forever.”

“The next step would be some kind of low income housing. Like the previously mentioned shelters, it wouldn’t be much to look at as far as style goes. But as I said before, it would be safe, warm, and dry.”

“That’s… actually pretty well thought out. The whole thing, I mean.”

Arc shrugs. “Just a little something I came up with on the fly.”

“Interesting. I wonder why I didn’t think of any of that.”

“Most likely because you were so convinced that to change things for the better required the nation as a whole to be more or less reset.”

“That would work though.”

“Potentially, yes. And, just to be fair, admittedly there are times when a country’s administration is beyond repair. But you also have to understand that the so-called ‘nuclear option’ should always be a last resort, not a first impulse.”

Ashe nods soberly. “It would appear that I have a lot to think about.”

“That you do.”

Ashe looks to the door. “I believe that I’ll head back to my room and ponder what we talked about.”

Arc smiles at her as he turns. “Yes, you do that.”

Ashe stops as they near the door. “Um… might I ask you one last thing, Lord Arc?”

“What is it?”

“Do you think, I mean in your professional opinion… that perhaps I’ll get to the point of being worthy of leading my country one day?”

“That is entirely up to you, Ashe. If you’re willing to learn, listen, and lead then yes.”

“I’ll do my best to become that which the Griffon Kingdom can be proud of then.”

Arc opens the door for her. “Very good. I’m glad we had this talk.”

“As am I, Lord Arc. And I do hope you have a nice time tomorrow.”

Arc raisese an eyebrow. “Tomorrow?”

“Remember, it’s traditional for a couple to spend the day of their wedding doing what makes them both happy.”

“Ah! Yes, I do remember you saying that a day or so ago.”

“Then I’ll leave you to plan the day’s activities.”

Closing the door behind her, Arc turns and walks back over to the window. Sighing, he mutters to himself.

“Tomorrow really is the big day then. While I know it’s just a fake wedding and that Natalya and I won’t be acting as a real couple would, still… still it feels a bit… unnerving. A bit… wrong.”

Putting his hand to his chin, Arc continues.

“That and it still feels as though I’m… cheating on my other fiancées. But… what else could I have done? The alternatives are all… quite dark.”

Sighing, he bows his head.

“As I told Ashe, a leader must be willing to do what is best for the nation as a whole. To listen to those around them and act accordingly. But… also be willing to… sacrifice as is required.”

Volume 55 - Chapter 1 - Broken Paths

Arc opens his eyes to the first few rays of dawn streaming through his window. Looking outside as a robin perches on a branch nearby begins singing, Arc smiles and turns to look down at the mare. Derpy lies on him with her body pressed against his lovingly. Turning his head, Arc sees Dinky curled up next to him on his right as Scootaloo lays on his left. As Arc looks to the fillies, he suddenly feels a tongue on his cheek and Derpy’s voice ringing out softly in the otherwise still room.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

Arc: turns to look at her again. “And a good morning it is.”

Scootaloo raises her head as she grins. “With Big Brother here with us, every morning is a good one.”

Dinky calls out as she giggles. “Yeah!”

Derpy smiles sheepishly as she addresses the foals. “Sorry you two. I honestly wasn’t trying to wake you both up so early.”

Arc chuckles. “Nor was I. But as long as we’re all awake, how about some breakfast?”

Scootaloo stands. “That sounds good to me.”

Dinky also gets to her hooves. “Me too!”

Derpy giggles. “I wouldn’t mind sleeping a bit longer.”

Scootaloo looks at Derpy lying on Arc’s chest. “Yes, we all know how much you like that position, mom.”

Dinky nods. “Dad is really warm, yes.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “True, that he is. But I’m guessing mom just likes the physical contact with Big Brother.”

Derpy blushes nervously as she looks sheepishly to Arc. “Yes, well… maybe I shouldn’t be doing this with small eyes on us.”

Arc sighs. “If it makes you feel uncomfortable…”

Dinky interrupts her father. “No, it’s fine with us, dad!”

Scootaloo smiles at her parents. “Me too! It’s actually really… nice to watch.”

Arc sits up slowly to allow Derpy to back up onto his legs. “What do you mean, Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo hops off the bed. “I’ll tell you after we’re all up.”

Dinky jumps up and down happily. “I’m already up!”

Arc stretches. “Then how about breakfast at Shelly’s Kitchen?”

Derpy smiles happily. “That does sound nice, yes.”

Arc looks to Derpy as he slowly gets up so as not to knock anyone over. “Do you have to work today?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not until mid-morning, no.”

Dinky looks at a paper on the end table next to her. “It says here that Heathcliff and Gallus were scheduled for breakfast today.”

Scootaloo grins. “So now mom gets time off.”

Derpy nods as she too hops off the bed. “Yes, well… I’m just a part time employee now, after all.”

Dinky grins. “And it’s been great having both of you here with Scootaloo and I this past month!”

Arc tousles her mane.” I’ve loved every minute of it as well, sweetheart. Now then, why don’t we all brush our teeth and head over to the restaurant?”

Scootaloo looks to Dinky. “Let’s go!”

“Right behind you!”

The two fillies run out of the room as Arc and Derpy head for the door together. They watch as Dinky and Scootaloo begin brushing their manes in front of the bathroom mirror. Derpy leans against Arc happily as she speaks.

“It really is nice having you here full time, Arc.”

“And I’ve enjoyed being here for Dinky and Scootaloo on a regular basis too.”

Derpy motions to the bathroom. “There’s just one small problem.”

Arc chuckles. “The fact that your place only has one bathroom?”

Derpy nods. “Right.”

“Well, the new place will have private quarters for everyone along with an equal number of bathrooms fortunately.”

Derpy looks around and sighs. “I wonder if I’ll miss this though. The sharing of bathrooms and quarters, I mean.”

“According to the blueprints, your ‘apartment’ will be nearly identical to this place in both layout and size.”

“So, I guess I’ll still be sharing one bathroom with Dinky and Scootaloo.”

Arc nods. “At least until they’re a bit older, yes. Then, if they want, I’ll have private rooms built for them along with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.”

Derpy looks to the fillies wistfully as they begin brushing their teeth. “I’m sure they’ll be all grown up before I know it.”

Arc puts a hand on Derpy’s shoulder as he kneels down. “And I’m looking forward to being here with all of you for that.”

A few minutes later the pair run out of the bathroom together. Approaching their parents, they call out to them. Dinky is the first to speak.

“All done!”

Scootaloo gestures to the bathroom door with a hoof. “Now it’s you and dad’s turn.”

Derpy giggles as she trots forward. “Thank you.”

Arc smiles at the pair. “Don’t worry. We won’t be long.”

Entering the bathroom together, Derpy picks up a brush as Arc closes the door and jumps into the shower. A few minutes later as she finishes, Derpy puts down the brush and picks up a toothbrush. Getting to work brushing her teeth, Arc steps out and quickly dries off. Grabbing the other toothbrush, he looks at it for a moment before turning to Derpy.

“Um… I think you grabbed the wrong one.”

Derpy pulls the toothbrush from her mouth and looks it over. “Opps! I didn’t realize that this one is yours!”

Arc chuckles as he holds out the other one. “Here you go.”

Derpy smiles nervously as she accepts it. “Sorry about that.”

Arc shrugs as he trades her. “No harm done.”

I’ll see about getting you a new one while we’re in town.”

Arc smiles as he rinses the toothbrush off. “No need to do that. After all, this one’s still perfectly good.”

Derpy watches as Arc runs the toothbrush under that tap before putting new toothpaste onto it. Together they brush their teeth and rinse in silence. When they can talk again, Derpy looks to him apologetically.

“I’ll try to be more careful in the future.”

Arc shrugs. “Mistakes happen.”

Derpy sighs. “Admittedly, I do that almost every day.”

“You do?”

Derpy bows her head. “Every other time I’ve been able to catch myself before I actually start brushing though.”

Arc chuckles as he begins dressing. “Well, I suppose that’s just part of being a couple.”

Derpy appears confused. “It is?”

“Being comfortable enough with one another to share things like toothbrushes, I mean.”

“I suppose so. After all, I just felt embarrassed rather than grossed out as I probably would be if it had been anypony else. But that did sound nice coming from you.”

Arc smiles as he puts on his tunic. “About the toothbrushes?”

Derpy shakes her head. “I meant the part about us being a couple.”

“That we are.”

Derpy giggles. “And I like it very much.”

Arc sits down on the toilet lid and puts on his boots. “Me too. This time I’ve spent with you and the others has really opened my eyes regarding what the future holds for all of us.”

Derpy looks to the door. “We should talk about that more on the way to Shelly’s Kitchen.”

“Oh?”

“Remember, Scootaloo said she wanted to tell us something on the way there.”

Leaving the bathroom together, Arc and Derpy walk over to the door where Dinky and Scootaloo are waiting for them. Arc looks to expectant fillies.

“Everyone ready?”

Dinky raises a hoof. “I am!”

Scootaloo grins. “Me too!”

Derpy giggles. “Then let’s go!”

Arc pushes open the door and holds it to allow the others to pass. Closing it behind them, they begin walking down the path. Taking a deep breath of the clean morning air he speaks.

“We’re on our way.”

Derpy smiles. “Together. Like a family.”

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah. Um… can I tell you something, Big Brother?”

“Sure. Do you want to do it privately though?”

“Nah. It’s just about that something I mentioned when we woke up.”

Dinky appears confused. “That thing you said you wanted to wait until we left to talk about?”

“Yup.”

Derpy looks to Scootaloo warmly. “Go ahead, dear.”

“It’s about you and Big Brother sleeping together, mom.”

“Does it bother you?”

Scootaloo shakes her head. “Not at all. In fact, I think that you two should be able to do everything that a married couple does.”

Dinky raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean by ‘everything’?”

Scootaloo nods. “Literally what I said. Up to and included sexual intercourse.”

Derpy gasps. “What?!”

Arc appears surprised. “But… but your mother…! I thought that you of all fillies would be against such a…!”

Scootaloo interrupts him. “It’s okay, Big Brother. I can tell that you and mom really do love each other.”

She sighs and stops walking before continuing.

“My… biological parents… well… my mom was only doing what my dad wanted her to. Lifting her tail every night wasn’t due to them being in love, mind you.”

Derpy frowns. “Then why would they be together at all?”

Scootaloo bows her head. “I don’t really know. My original mom must’ve seen something in him that I didn’t.”

Arc kneels down in front of her. “Scootaloo. Um… I need you to understand that what I’m about to say is just my personal opinion, and all. But I got the feeling that she stayed with Shadow because she wanted you to have a family. Dysfunctional as things were back there, your mother did love you very much.”

Scootaloo gestures to Derpy with a hoof. “I know she did, Big Brother. And I’m sure that she’d also approve of mom here taking over for her. It’s just…”

She sighs before continuing.

“…it’s just… every night when they were having sex on the kitchen table, or wherever… I never felt that there was any love involved in it. Just… just them going through the motions of trying to conceive again.”

Arc groans. “Yeah. They just wanted to be able to have a foal again.”

“But I know for a fact that if you and mom were to do that together it wouldn’t be anything like what my parents did.”

Dinky appears confused. “What do you mean, Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo smiles. “It’d be tender and loving. Big Brother would be careful not to hurt mom while having sex and, if they were to conceive a foal, I know that both of them would care for and love the new arrival just as much as they love you and I, Dinky.”

Arc nods. “That we would. We’d care for the newcomer like we do you two.”

Scootaloo looks to Arc. “And you’d do the same for Rarity and Applejack too, Big Brother.”

“Right. If I could impregnate them, I mean.”

“I’m sure Auriel and her mother will figure it out eventually. But my original point still stands. And that is that I’m okay with you and mom going all the way.”

Dinky nods happily. “Me too.”

Derpy blushes slightly. “Well, thank you both for that. Your father and I will… keep it in mind.”

Arc chuckles nervously. “That we will. Just don’t expect any foals to be coming along anytime soon.”

Derpy puts a hoof on her belly. “Yes, as none of us are quite ready for such intimacy just yet. At least I’m not.”

Dinky points a hoof down the path. “Then let’s table this discussion and focus on the task at hoof! Getting breakfast!”

They all laugh lightheartedly before continuing on their way. A short time later the group arrives at their destination. Lily is just turning their sign around to ‘open’ as the group walks up. She smiles and unlocks the door for them before stepping back to allow the party inside. Kneeling down, she wraps her arms around Dinky and Scootaloo as they do the same to her. The three enjoy a nice hug as Lily speaks.

“It’s good to see you little ones again!”

Looking up at Arc, she smiles.

“They’re getting so big!”

Arc chuckles. “Are they?”

Derpy leans against Arc. “That they are, Arc.”

Hearing voices, Shelly makes her way out of the kitchen and over to the group. Arc walks over and gives his friend a hug as she speaks.

“It’s been a while, Arc.”

Arc smiles at her. “Like two days, I think.”

Shelly giggles. “Has it really been that long?”

Lily looks over as she stands up. “No, you were in here yesterday with Princess Twilight getting some lemonade for a picnic.”

Arc taps the side of his head. “Ah! Right! Forgot about that.”

Dinky grins. “We just stopped in for breakfast!”

Scootaloo giggles. “Can we have some pancakes please?”

Shelly nods at them. “I think that could be arranged, yes.”

Lily leads them over to the largest booth as Shelly hands them menus and continues.

“Not sure if you’ll need them, but here’s what we have.”

Arc accepts the menus. “Thanks. I’ll have an order of French Toast with milk, please.”

Derpy takes one of the menus. “Not sure what I want though.”

Scootaloo raises a hoof. “Pancakes for me, please.”

Dinky grins. “Same here!”

Lily looks to Derpy. “Do you need a few more minutes to look things over?”

“I think so, yes.”

Arc looks to Shelly. “So has Max come around lately?”

Shelly nods. “Oh yes. In fact, since you and your squad more or less retired, he’s moved in with Lily and I.”

The young woman appears suddenly nervous before continuing.

“I… um… I hope that’s okay.”

Arc appears confused. “Why wouldn’t it be. It’s your place here, after all.”

Shelly sighs. “Well, I probably should have asked first, what with you being his commanding officer, and all.”

Arc shrugs. “Not so much anymore. After all, I’m retired now.”

Shelly appears hopeful. “So, you’re okay with him and I living together?”

Arc nods. “If that’s what makes you happy, then I’m happy that you’re happy, Shelly.”

Lily giggles. “That’s a lot of ‘happys’.”

Shelly breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I just didn’t want you getting upset with him and I sleeping together.”

Lily gasps as she puts her hands on Dinky and Scootaloo’s heads. “Shelly, please! Little ears!”

Dinky smiles. “It’s fine!”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes, we understand that adults have certain needs.”

Derpy looks to Lily. “That and the four of us often share Arc’s bed at home too. By the way, I think I’ll have toast and eggs with a side of hash browns.”

Lily writes down the order. “Alright, I’ll put this right in.”

Arc turns to Shelly as Lily walks away. “I guess that’s everyone. And please don’t worry about me being upset with what you and Max do. After all, we’re not little kids anymore.”

Shelly smiles warmly. “Thank you, Arc. It makes me feel a lot better knowing that you approve of what I’m doing.”

Arc looks around. “Speaking of Max, is he around?”

Shelly motions to the double doors leading to the kitchen. “He’s doing some prep work in the back with Gunther.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Gunther? I remember seeing him at the orphanage a time or two. Not sure why he was there though.

Dinky turns to her mother. “He was getting some more advanced books on reading from Miss Cheerilee one time.”

Scootaloo giggles. “I overheard her say something about his reading greatly improving.”

Arc smiles. “That’s good. He doing alright here?”

Shelly nods. “Oh, yes. He’s gotten to the point where he can read our entire menu without any help.”

Derpy grins. “That’s pretty good. Considering he hasn’t had much time here in Equestria.”

Shelly shrugs. “Well, every evening he studies his workbooks and practices reading aloud with Lily and I.”

Scootaloo nods approvingly. “I’m sure that helps a lot.”

Derpy taps the table with a hoof. “When I was originally learning to read myself, I didn’t really have anypony to tell me what words I was saying wrong. That really slowed me down a lot.”

Dinky turns to Shelly. “Mom and I used to study together while dad was gone doing his Hero of Light stuff.”

Arc chimes in. “But now I’m here to help both of you with your homework.”

Shelly puts her hands on his shoulders. “It’s good having you around full time though, Arc. But I should get back to work now.”

“Alright.”

“Don’t be a stranger now.”

She heads to the front counter to greet another batch of early morning customers as Arc turns back to his family.

“I’m glad we came in here.”

Derpy giggles. “So am I.”

Dinky grins. “It’s nice seeing your friends, dad.”

Scootaloo looks out the window. “Yeah. Ponyville really is quite the change from Knothole Village.”

Dinky appears confused. “How so?”

“Everypony is nice to me and to each other. They’re always smiling and laughing too.”

Derpy smiles. “I felt the same way when I started meeting the ponies here. They accepted me even though I’m different.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof on her mother’s fetlock and flaps her tiny wings. “Me too, mom.”

Dinky looks to her father. “I’ve heard that some places treat foals differently if they have a single mother.”

“Probably, yes.”

Derpy shrugs. “But everypony here has always been very supportive of me and Dinky.”

Scootaloo giggles. “That’s ‘Dinky and I’, mom.”

Arc sighs. “Same here. I’m guessing not every place in Equestria would have been as accepting of a human suddenly showing up and taking up residence here either.”

Dinky grins. “And now you’re one of the most powerful individuals in town, dad!”

Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “I guess it does.”

Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “If I think about it, you are more powerful than the mayor is, I guess.”

Scootaloo nods. “I would say so, mom. If Big Brother really wanted to, he could probably walk into Town Hall and assume control of the town.”

Arc nods soberly. “Very true. But only in the most dire of circumstances. Like back when there was that sickness going around town.”

Dinky grimaces. “When we were on our field trip to Canterlot, dad?”

“That’s the one, yes.”

Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What happened?”

Arc frowns. “A bunch of townsponies started acting really… weird. Like they were in a heat beyond their control.”

Scootaloo gasps. “Sounds terrible!”

“When the mayor showed symptoms of it, that’s when I instituted martial law and locked down the town until the danger had passed.”

Dinky turns to her father. “How’d you fix it, dad?”

“Someone had cast some kind of ancient love spell on me back then. A simple task to dispel once we found out what the problem was.”

Derpy shudders. “Did you even figure out whom did it though?”

Arc sighs. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not talk about it anymore.”

A short time later Max and Gunther emerge from the kitchen with their food. Setting the plates in front of their respective diners, Max speaks.

“That should be everything.”

Gunther holds out a pitcher. “And a jug of milk too, sir.”

Arc takes the milk. “Thanks, you two.”

Max looks to Arc. “Anything else we can get for you, sir?”

Arc chuckles as he shakes his head. “No, I think this should do it. And you two don’t actually have to call me ‘sir’ anymore.”

Max grins. “Sorry. It’s just a habit at this point.”

Gunther chuckles. “Same here, sir.”

Arc shrugs. “Oh well.”

He turns to Gunther before continuing.

“I’m told you’re really catching on to the idea of reading.”

Gunther nods. “Yes sir. It really opened up a whole new world for me.”

Max puts a hoof on Gunther’s shoulder. “Miss Pommel down at the orphanage let him borrow a few books from their classroom library yesterday even.”

“And I read them all last night. I never really knew that such a wonderful thing existed!”

He bows his head before continuing.

“I just wish that the others back in the Griffon Kingdom could have found their way here before ‘The Collapse’.”

Arc nods soberly. “Agreed. So many were needlessly lost on that day.”

Max looks to his former commanding officer. “I heard on the radio the other day that the search teams were just recalled a couple days ago, sir.”

“The princesses were holding out hope that survivors would be found in some far-off corner of the country. But it doesn’t appear that they were successful in finding anyone.”

Dinky grimaces. “Miss Pommel came and talked to all of us about what happened that day. She got a copy of dad’s speech and played it for all of us the morning after it happened.”

Gunther turns to them. “How did the younglings take it?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “They didn’t really understand at first. But Miss Cheerilee and Miss Peachbottom were able to break it down for them.”

Dinky sighs. “All in all, most of them didn’t have any known families back there. And they had been treated pretty badly in the past by their fellow griffons. So, I don’t think anypony really got too upset with the news.”

Gunther bows his head. “I’m ashamed to say that such a thing includes me too. My own parents died when I was very little which forced me to grow up on the streets until I was old enough to join the military about a year ago.”

Derpy looks to him. “What about your friends?”

“It wasn’t easy to make them, as everyone is taught to be self-reliant and worry only about promotion over forming attachments. So, I never actually made any in there.”

Scootaloo puts a small hoof to her chin. “Sounds kinda like me back in Knothole Village. I never really got close to anypony there due to… my deformity and personality. So, I guess if somepony came and told me that the town and everypony in it was destroyed, I probably wouldn’t feel too bad about it.”

Dinky frowns. “Seriously, Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo shrugs. “You try being looked down on your whole life by everypony around you and see how much empathy you have for them! Big Brother and I cut ties with that place for a very good reason, after all!”

Arc nods soberly. “I can’t think of a more extreme way to do so either.”

Scootaloo nods. “You mean when we burned down my parent’s place?”

“Yeah. They needed to be laid to rest.”

Derpy taps the table with a hoof. “Now, now. Both of you have good and valid points.”

Gunther looks to Arc. “I understand what your daughters are saying, sir. And I do agree with both of their opinions. But after coming to Equestria and seeing what was available to everyone here, I was kinda hoping that you and the princesses would find a way to export that mentality to the Griffon Kingdom.”

Arc sighs. “So was I, Gunther. So was I.”

Max motions to the kitchen with a nod. “Well, we should probably let everypony eat now. Sorry for talking your ear off, sir.”

Arc smiles at them as he picks up his utensils. “It’s fine. I’m just glad you’re both doing so well.”

They begin to eat as Max and Gunther return to the kitchen together. Derpy puts a hoof on Arc’s hand.

“I’m sure that you did everything that you could back then.”

Arc sighs. “Maybe. But in truth, I’ve been mentally going over everything I did in the Griffon Kingdom pretty much since it happened.”

Scootaloo frowns. “A lot of ‘what if’s’, Big Brother?”

“Yeah. Trying to piece together how I could have prevented this.”

Dinky bows her head. “I don’t think you, or anypony else for that matter, could have though.”

Derpy looks through the window at Canterlot in the distance. “Even Princess Celestia didn’t see this coming, Arc. And she’s been around forever.”

Scootaloo pats Arc’s hand. “It’s not likely that you’re the only one who’s second guessing themselves about this whole mess, Big Brother.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We can’t even accurately count how many died though. Since the bombs broke down organic material, it also dissolved pretty much every scrap of paper in the country as well. Half the houses were more or less melted and deformed in that same way too.”

Derpy sighs. “I’m told that the princesses are planning some kind of a sendoff for those whom died that day.”

Arc scoffs. “Speeches and whatnot on the radio as they perform some kind of ceremony over there, yes.”

Dinky looks to her father. “Are you planning on going with them, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Dinky. I think I’ve done enough to the Griffon Kingdom for one lifetime.”

They go back to eating and chatting. Eventually Arc and company finish their meal and stand up. Putting a pile of bits on the edge of the table, Arc looks over to Shelly at the counter.

Another great meal at my favorite restaurant!”

Shelly waves as she rings up a customer with a to-go order. “Come back anytime, Arc!”

Stepping out into the warm morning air, Arc looks down to his little family.

“So… what should we do next?”

Derpy giggles. “What do you want to do, Arc?”

“Just spending time with my family is fine with me. So, I don’t really mind what comes next.”

Scootaloo points a hoof. “How about we check in on your former squad, Big Brother?”

Dinky grins. “At their new place?”

Derpy pats Dinky’s head. “Arc helped them move in, sweetie.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, we could see how they’re settling in then.”

Turning, Arc leads his family to a decent sized house in the middle of Ponyville. Knocking, he steps back and waits. A few moments later Xenos answers and salutes.

“Good day, commander.”

Arc chuckles. “You don’t have to do that anymore.”

Xenos grins as he lowers his hoof. “Sorry sir. Just a habit at this point. Won’t you come in?”

He steps aside to allow Arc and his family inside before closing the door and calling out.

“Hey Viktor… Hugh… we’ve got guests!”

The pair trot into the entryway. Seeing Arc, they too come to attention and salute. Arc sighs.

“Guys… will you please stop that.”

Viktor chuckles. “Sorry, sir.”

Hugh shrugs. “It’s just a habit for us.”

Xenos laughs. “That’s what I said!”

Derpy steps forward. “We just wanted to check in and see how you three were doing.”

Dinky looks around. “It looks like you settled in nicely.”

Scootaloo grins. “Everything’s so nice and new!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. We each got a nice pension for our service with your dad.”

Viktor gestures with a hoof. “And our discharge pay was enough to buy this house together.”

Hugh grins. “Four bedrooms, two full baths.”

Arc nods toward the door. “It looks good. Um… and Max?”

Xenos points a hoof out the window. “Moved in with Shelly at her diner.”

Derpy giggles. “Yes, we heard that when we went there for breakfast.”

Arc nods. “I just wanted to know how you three felt about that.”

Viktor smiles. “Great, actually.”

Hugh grins. “They really do make a nice couple.”

Xenos points a hoof down a corridor. “Yeah. And his room is still here in case he ever needs it again.”

Scootaloo shrugs. “I don’t really see that happening though.”

Dinky nods. “Right. He and Miss Shelly are always with each other now.”

Derpy smiles as she looks up to Arc. “It’s nice that they were able to come together again.”

“Agreed. But I am curious about something else too.”

Xenos appears confused. “What’s that, sir?”

“Now that you three are retired, what have you been up to?”

Viktor looks out the window. “We usually head over to the orphanage in the mid-morning to see if we can lend a hoof with anything.”

Hugh smiles. “Miss Pommel sometimes has us help with tutoring the foals and younglings.”

Xenos grins. “Yeah. Other times she has us doing various janitorial or maintenance tasks around the building.”

Viktor shrugs. “If one or more of us aren’t really needed that day then we head to the Writ Board and see about helping out around town.”

Arc chuckles. “Like Gunther, eh?”

Hugh nods. “Yes sir. Between all of us, we keep the board pretty clear.”

Derpy smiles. “That’s good to hear.”

Dinky shudders. “I remember how cluttered it was beforehoof.”

Arc nods. “So, is there anything else you guys need?”

Xenos shakes his head. “Nah, we’re doing alright.”

Hugh shrugs. “It’s the simple life for us now.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “Sir, there was something I wanted to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“When you retired, you were given both The Equinox and Light’s Hope to do with what you wanted. I still don’t understand why you chose to put them away in your ring though.”

Arc pats his ring as he speaks. “Because I wanted to take them out of circulation.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“What I mean is, there was always some kind of conflict around them. With both of them in my ring no one can fight over them now.”

Xenos shrugs. “I guess not. But the princesses could always build another base.”

Viktor chimes in “Or an airship for that matter.”

Arc chuckles. “Very true. However, then there wouldn’t be the aura of it having belonged to a Hero of Light. Makes it less prestigious that way. I didn’t want others fighting over whom got to take them over either.”

Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That does kinda make sense now that I think about it.”

Dinky shrugs. “I guess. Back then I just kinda thought dad wanted to keep them as souvenirs, or something.”

Arc tousles her mane. “That too, I suppose.”

Derpy looks up at a wall clock. “In any case, we should probably head over to the orphanage now. Don’t want the fillies to be late for school.”

Dinky groans. “Aw…”

Scootaloo looks to her mother. “But we were having fun with you and Big Brother.”

Arc smiles at them. “I’ll be over to pick you two up after school. Then we can have some more fun.”

Dinky grins. “Okay, dad.”

Viktor nods. “We’ll come with you, sir.”

Xenos steps forward. “Yeah. There should be a bit of work for us over there this morning.”

Hugh shrugs. “Might as well get started.”

Arc turns and opens the door. “Alright. Let’s get moving then.”

Leaving the house, Arc along with his family and friends head down the path together. Arriving at the orphanage a short time later they see a large number of foals hurrying inside. Dinky and Scootaloo run after them as their parents call out.

“Be good!”

“We’ll see you later this afternoon!”

Dinky giggles. “Bye, mom! Bye dad!”

Scootaloo looks over her shoulder. “See you!”

Arc turns to his former squad as the bell inside rings. “I guess this is where we part ways too.”

Viktor nods. “Yes sir.”

Hugh points a hoof to the door. “We’ll go see Miss Pommel now.”

Xenos grins at Arc. “Yeah. Have a nice morning with Miss Derpy, sir.”

They turn and walk into the building as a portal opens behind Arc and Derpy. Turning around the pair see Twilight roll out of it haphazardly. Gasping, they hurry to help her up. Arc is the first to speak.

“Twilight!”

“Is something wrong?!”

Twilight shakes her head as she gets to her hooves with Arc’s help. “Not exactly. I was just… practicing.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Practicing?”

“Princess Celestia has been teaching me some Alicorn Magic lately. One such spell is how to create portals.

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Like Arc does with his gauntlet?”

Twilight nods. “Exactly.”

Turning to where the portal is closing behind her, she sighs.

“And as you can see, it isn’t exactly going well for me.”

Arc smiles warmly. “I’m sure you’ll master it with some practice, Twilight.”

Derpy puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Right. Like you told me in the past… ‘practice makes perfect’.”

Twilight grins. “Yes, well… I did come here today for a reason though.”

Arc appears confused. “And what’s that, Twilight?”

“To see you, Arc.”

Arc spreads his arms. “Here I am.”

Derpy grimaces. “Nothing’s wrong though, right?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Not at all. I just wanted to see about borrowing Arc for the morning.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Borrow me?”

“To show you my latest project.”

Derpy smiles. “Ah! Well, I guess I’ll head inside and see if they need some help in the kitchen.”

“You’re welcome to join us though, Derpy.”

Derpy shakes her head. “That’s okay. Truthfully, I’ve been feeling a bit selfish lately anyways.”

Arc frowns. “How so, Derpy?”

“That I’m monopolizing your time. After all, you always come back to our house for supper, spend the evening there, and sleep with me as well. The others haven’t had that privilege since you retired.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s not exactly true, Derpy.”

“Huh?”

“When you and the foals are at school, I go and visit the others for brunch or lunch. We talk about what’s going on in our lives over tea or whatnot. And more often than not it leads to the bedroom for a nap together.”

Twilight smiles. “That’s good to hear. But if I may ask, whom has had the pleasure?”

Arc counts on his fingers. “Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Ember.”

“What about Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie?”

“Fluttershy says she doesn’t want to set a bad example for her animals and Pinkie is always so busy. Which is why I haven’t been able to take her out on a date yet either.”

Twilight giggles. “And your lovely bride?”

Arc chuckles. “Natalya’s pretty busy with her siblings here at the orphanage. We haven’t had much time to talk since coming back to Equestria after… you know.”

Twilight bows her head. “The Collapse.”

“Yeah.”

“It was a hard time for everypony. Her more than most, I suppose.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “You should go to her. It sounds like Natalya needs her husband.”

“Judging by the time, they should be just starting with today’s lesson though.”

Twilight grins. “Then maybe tonight you should take her out.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Out?”

Derpy giggles. “On a date, silly!”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Help get Natalya’s mind off of things and get her talking about anything that’s bothering her.”

Arc puts a hand on his chin. “That’s a good idea. Alright, I’ll head back here when school’s done and take her to, um…”

He thinks for a few moments before continuing.

“Where should we go though?”

Derpy smiles. “How about that pizza place you took me when we went on our date, Arc?”

“The one in Manehattan?”

Derpy nods. “Sure. It was really tasty, after all.”

Twilight gestures to the orphanage with a hoof. “You could always talk to her about it this afternoon. Worst case scenario, a picnic would suffice.”

Derpy giggles. “Right. Just get her alone and talking though.”

“Alright, I’ll do it.”

Derpy looks to the building. “And I’ll head inside and see about helping out so she can have the evening off.”

Arc wave after her. “Okay. See you later, Derpy.”

Derpy calls out as she nears the doors. “And if you want to spend the night with her, the filles and I will be in the other bedroom too.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Oh, um… thanks.”

Entering the orphanage, Derpy closes the door behind her as Eidolon’s Ward walks around the side of the building with a cart of flowers. Seeing them, it raises a gauntlet and walks over.

“Good morning, Arc! Princess Twilight!”

Arc grins. “Morning, Cherry.”

Twilight smiles. “It is a lovely day.”

Pointing to the cart of flowers, she continues.

“And I see that you’re taking care of the grounds nicely.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Yes, it feels good to grow things that make others happy.”

She gestures to the ground around the front steps before continuing.

“I’m starting with the main entrance to give the foals and younglings something nice to see when they come in or leave.”

Arc looks over the flowers. “Nice assortment you have there too.”

“Thank you, Arc. Although it was actually Miss Pommel whom picked them out. So, what brings you two here today?”

Arc points to the building. “I was just dropping Dinky and Scootaloo off at school when Twilight showed up.”

Twilight smiles sheepishly. “Yes, I was practicing my portal magic. And it appeared that my timing was perfect.”

Eidolon’s Ward sounds confused. “How so?”

“I actually came here today to show Arc my latest project.”

Eidolon’s Ward gasps happily. “Is it finally done?!”

Twilight trots in place happily. “It is, yes!”

Arc appears confused. “What project?”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to him. “Do you remember the last time the three of us were here, Arc?”

Twilight nods. “We had just left Shelly’s Kitchen when you received a transmission from Hammer regarding… um… that top secret project in Canterlot.”

“Ah! Right! Now I remember!”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “You had to leave before Twilight could show you her surprise.”

Arc looks down the path. “We could go see it now.”

Twilight nods. “That’s my intention, yes. But this time it will be to show you the finished project.”

Arc chuckles as he gestures with a hand. “Lead the way then.”

Eidolon’s Ward calls out. “Um… before we do though, could I again ask that same favor of you, Arc?”

“Which one?”

“To see it through your eyes.”

Arc grins. “You want inside my head again?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Very much so, yes.”

“Sure, I can do that.”

Eidolon’s Ward opens to allow Arc to enter it. As he does so it closes around his body. Arc feels a slight tingling sensation as Cherry enters his head again and sighs contentedly.

“I’ve missed this.”

Arc grins. “Truth be told, so have I.”

Twilight points a hoof toward town excitedly. “If you two are ready, can we get moving?”

Arc steps forward. “Sure.”

Cherry giggles. “Lead the way, Twilight.”

Continuing on down the path, they walk through Ponyville for some time. As they crest a hill, Twilight turns and gestures with a wave of her hoof before speaking.

“Here we are! My new place!”

Arc looks at what she is pointing to. Gasping, he cries out as he gazes upon the newly restored Golden Oaks Library.

“What the...?!”

Twilight giggles. “Surprised?”

Arc nods. “Very much so! But how...?!”

Twilight claps her hooves together happily. “Luna worked on it in secret with her sister.”

Cherry gasps. “You mean Princess Celestia?”

Twilight nods. “Emerald Dream told her that she needed to do more outside of the castle to help with the healing process. Spending time with Luna though was an added bonus, as they haven’t exactly been the closest of siblings since... you know.”

Cherry sighs. “The whole Nightmare Moon incident?”

“Right, Cherry. And understandably so. I mean... Luna did try to overthrow her sister and the government back then.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “So, the trust needs to be rebuilt.”

Twilight nods. “Exactly.”

“But how does one regrow a tree?! And so fast?!”

Twilight grins. “It’s a rather obscure spell admittedly. I myself used it to grow a seed to flower in just a few moments back in my schoolfoal days at Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. You see, by channeling magic into the plant one can increase the speed by which it metabolizes nutrients and water, therefore allowing it to grow to maturity very quickly.”

Arc gestures to the library. “But this is MUCH bigger and more complicated than a flower, Twilight!”

“True. However, the concept is the same. The only difference was that it had to be done in phases.”

Cherry calls out. “Can you elaborate on the process, Twilight?”

“Sure. First, I ordered the old tree removed in its entirety. Then a single oak seed was planted, watered, and fertilized. After that, Princess Celestia and Luna combined their magic to cast the spell in tandem to start the growth. However, at a certain point it would begin to taper off. That was when they would spread more fertilizer and heavily water the area all around the sapling. I’m told the process took several days and innumerable cartloads of fertilizer as well. To say nothing for the sheer amount of water.”

Cherry giggles. “I imagine that watering near the end would have taken forever.”

“Princess Celestia told me that the last few phases were done via a firehose to speed things along.”

Twilight gestures to the library before continuing.

“And this is the result of that magical partnership.”

Cherry sounds hopeful. “Can we see the inside?”

Twilight nods happily. “Sure. Come on in.”

Stepping forward, Twilight pulls a key from her mane and unlocks the door. Opening it, she steps aside to allow Arc to pass. Looking all around, he chuckles.

“It’s just like I remember it.”

Twilight smiles as she closes the door behind them. “Down to the very last book on the shelves and cups in the cabinet, yes.”

Cherry gasps. “But how?! I would imagine a mare like Princess Celestia would have an excellent memory. However, nopony could have recreated it at such a level of detail.”

Twilight grins. “Apparently my friends helped in that regard.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? How so?”

“That mental projector we used in Griffonstone recently. They all took turns in it to get every nook and cranny correct. Hard Hat then took their designs and made it into reality. Then Princess Celestia surprised me with it yesterday.”

Arc smiles at her. “Well, as long as you’re happy that’s all that really matters.”

A familiar voice rings out.

“Yeah, admittedly she did a good enough job on it.”

They turn to see Ember and Sereb walking in from the kitchen. Sereb is the first to speak.

“It is indeed quite the magical wonder.”

Twilight nods. “I’m still in wonder that such a thing could have been accomplished.”

Arc looks around. “That it is.”

Cherry laughs. “Yes, it’s is a very nice place you have here, Twilight.”

Twilight gestures with a hoof. “How about I show you all something?”

Arc nods. “Sure. Lead the way.”

Walking upstairs, Twilight opens a door. Gesturing inside to a bed, she turns to the others.

“This is where Arc recuperated when he first arrived here in Equestria. Well... not exactly here, but you get the idea.”

Cherry sighs. “After you shot him out the window?”

Sereb looks toward a window. “I saw that the princesses even replanted the shrubs out there.”

Twilight smiles nervously. “Y-yes, Cherry. I was... I just kinda reacted.”

Ember shrugs. “No real harm done though.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. And I couldn’t really blame her. I mean... you know.”

Cherry groans. “Well, I suppose anypony’s first response to seeing something that they don’t understand would be that of fear.”

Twilight facehoofs. “I can attest to that.”

Sereb clears his throat loudly. “Why don’t all of you have a cup of tea and talk some more?”

Cherry giggles. “Yes, that sounds nice.”

Arc chuckles as they head back towards the stairs. “I think it might be kinda hard for you to taste it though, Cherry.”

“Not to worry, I can taste what you do to a degree.”

Twilight appears surprised. “You can?”

Cherry sighs. “It’s nowhere near what real tasting is though. Think of it more like eating when you’re kinda congested. You can still taste things, but not nearly as clearly as any other time.”

Ember shrugs as they enter the kitchen. “Still sounds like a step up in the quality of life department to me.”

“That it is. And I feel closer to Arc when I do it.”

Sitting down at the table, Arc and the others watch as Twilight pours each of them a cup of tea and sets it before them. As she too sits down at the table, Arc speaks as he takes a sip.

“So how are things going with the changeling’s new kingdom, Twilight?”

Twilight sighs. “It’s... complicated.”

Ember raises an eyebrow, confused. “How complicated could a bunch of bugs be?”

Sereb growls. “Very from what we saw of their hive.”

Twilight continues. “They’ve almost finished fully dismantling it.”

Ember frowns. “Dismantling? But isn’t that their only shelter from the elements?”

Twilight nods soberly. “That it is. However, King Thorax deemed it necessary in order for the survivors to move on.”

Sereb scoffs. “Or just him.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. It’s probably more about him being able to move on from his brother’s death.”

Cherry calls out. “It is hard to lose a loved one, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “He’s not wrong to order such a thing. After all, if I have been fooled my entire life by what I thought was a caring ruler, I think that I too would want to remove any and all vestiges of their presence from the land.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I guess that does make sense. After all, the records of Luna ever existing were all but expunged after the Nightmare Moon incident a thousand years ago.”

Sereb shakes his head. “It would make sense for Celestia to do what she could to appease the public whom had narrowly survived the attempted hostile takeover.”

Ember frowns. “But covering things up doesn’t change what happened!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Ember?”

“Choosing to forget something doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen! You have to pass on a full record of historical events to prevent the future from repeating itself!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. I do hope that the dark tale of Chrysalis is indeed told to their future generations.”

Sereb snorts. “That would be up to them, I suppose.”

Cherry giggles. “Maybe you could help them with that, Arc.”

“Me?”

Twilight nods. “She’s right, Arc. After all, you were Sandstorm Mirage’s commanding officer for quite some time. He would probably listen to you should you tell him something.”

Arc sighs. “Maybe. But I’m not too keen to go back there anytime soon.”

Ember shivers. “Me either! Too cold at night!”

Sereb frowns. “I do not believe Arc was talking about the climate though, Ember.”

Arc sighs. “It’s just... that place is just a reminder to me of my failure to find a way to stop the war before it started.”

Twilight bows her head. “Is this about the troops we lost, Arc?”

Cherry calls out. “From what I heard, we only lost a small hoofful.”

Arc nods soberly. “True. But if I had done my job better, perhaps they’d still be alive.”

Ember shrugs. “I don’t see how that could have been done though.”

Sereb looks to Arc. “Nor do I.”

Arc groans. “And that’s not even talking about the scores of changelings that fell in our attack on their hive. I mean... they were just defending their home and queen.”

Twilight nods soberly. “That is true, yes.”

Arc grunts. “The number of surviving changelings... it’s just so small.”

Cherry sighs. “We very nearly wiped them out.”

Sereb growls. “As Chrysalis wanted us to, I might point out!”

Ember snorts. “Yeah! Didn’t you and Twilight say that she was trying to get rid of them so you could help her create a new... species, or something?!”

Twilight shudders. “It would have been more like the next evolutionary step for them. But yes.”

Cherry chimes in. “So it sounds like she’s the one to blame here. Not you, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I suppose that’s true. But I still feel that the loss of those whom fell could have been prevented in some way.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s hand and smiles at him. “We’ll help make it right by helping the newly formed Changeling Nation find its feet.”

“How though?”

“By showing them that there is a different path for them to take. That there is more to life than just eating, sleeping, and fighting.”

Ember shrugs. “That just sounds like the dragon way to me.”

Sereb smirks. “And our tribe’s as well.”

Cherry sighs. “But that’s a bit different though. Your ways don’t include invading other nations and hurting their citizens.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose the changelings are at least somewhat similar to the dragons and Sereb’s tribe. However, it’s up to them where they go from here.”

Twilight frowns. “That worries you though, doesn’t it?”

Arc nods. “Yes. If they choose to embrace culture and civility, that’s great. But I’m afraid that they may very well fall back into their old ways and become a threat again.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “We could still go back there and trounce them if you wanted to.”

Sereb nods. “Magic now works there as it does here in Equestria. So it would be a simple task to simply fly The Equinox to their settlement and... deal with the problem as you see fit, my friend.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. They deserve a chance to show that they’ve changed. We can’t just destroy them without at least attempting to give them that much.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “And in doing so they would have the chance to strengthen their forces again. Be a real threat.”

Cherry clears her throat loudly (or at least makes the sound of such). “Or they could become productive members on the international stage.”

Twilight nods. “Right.”

Sereb growls. “We should not give them such a long leash though. Caution must be observed to prevent them from threatening Equestria again.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “That is a fair assumption. Freedom but observation. I mean.”

Ember smirks. “So should we send out spies?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Such a thing will not be necessary, Ember.”

“Then how...?!”

Arc cuts her off. “The treaty Twilight signed with Chrysalis has given us all that we need in that regard.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Twilight taps the table with a hoof. “Right. According to the document, we are allowed to build military bases on the border between our nation. I can order observation posts be built to watch the comings and goings of the changelings.”

Cherry sighs. “But won’t that be seen as us being untrusting of them?”

Arc shrugs. “A necessary evil, Cherry. They have done much to deserve such things from us.”

Twilight nods as she looks out the window. “And at the very least, we will need a place where they can cross the border into Equestria legally.”

Arc smirks. “Customs.”

Twilight turns to Arc. “I’m sorry, what?”

“It’s what we call such things back on Earth. The place where you’re checked before being allowed into another country. We call it going through customs.”

Cherry sounds confused. “What is it for exactly?”

“Just a way to know whom is trying to enter the country mostly. That and to make sure that they don’t bring in anything that they shouldn’t.”

Twilight nods. “I’ll have to talk to Luna about setting up some sort of system to track such things.”

Ember scoffs. “But how will we be sure that they actually use it though?”

Sereb growls. “Indeed. The border is quite large, after all.”

Twilight points a hoof toward the window. “Observation posts will watch for those trying to cross the border illegally.”

Cherry sighs. “They won’t be able to watch every stretch of land at all times though.”

Sereb scratches at the floor. “Or under it, should subterranean tunnels exist.”

Arc taps the table with a finger. “Agreed. However, we have to allow the changelings a modicum of trust if we’re going to get this diplomatic ball rolling.”

Twilight nods. “Right. We can’t expect them to just trust us overnight. By the same token though we can’t ask for such a thing without showing the changelings that we’re also willing to work with them.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “And when they betray that trust?”

Sereb growls. “What do you mean by ‘when’, Ember?”

“Look, all I’m saying is that those whom have done you wrong in the past will generally do the same in the future.”

Arc shakes his head. “I have to disagree, Ember. Remember, Hammer and Mio were once aligned with The Organization. And now they are two of our most trusted leaders.”

Ember scoffs. “Hammer, yeah. Mio... not so much.”

Sereb frowns. “She did successfully lead our forces against the changelings, if you recall.”

“Only because her sister was their prisoner!”

Arc chuckles. "That and she helped Rainbow Dash get ready for her date with me."

Ember waves a claw dismissively. "Something like that isn't exactly what I would call hard evidence of loyalty though."

Twilight sighs. “Time will tell whom we can trust, yes. But we need to be flexible here.”

Arc nods. “That we do. But we really shouldn’t be talking about such things with the other princesses not present.”

Cherry sighs. “This was supposed to be a friendly talk over tea, after all.”

Twilight groans. “Yes, it was. While I’m not sure how it skewered away from pleasant things, we should try to get back to that.”

Ember frowns. “Like what?”

Cherry giggles. “There’s always the matter of the future herd. That’s always a good topic.”

Arc stands. “Yes, it is. But I think I need to take a quick trip to the restroom before we get started on that.”

Sereb nods as he looks to the door. “And I believe that is my cue to leave.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Not really, Sereb. You can stay and chime in if you’d like.”

Sereb shakes his head. “Thank you, but I would feel rather... out of place in such a deep conversation.”

Ember shrugs. “Alright. See you later, Sereb.”

The wolf heads out the front door as Arc follows. On his way to the stairs however, Arc spots a strange looking book lying on an end table. Picking it up, he frowns.

“What the heck...?”

Cherry shudders. “Such a sinister looking thing! Why would Twilight have something like this?!”

“It can’t be too dangerous if she left it lying around like this though.”

“That cover gives me the chills though. Black and white and red all over.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, it is.”

“What’s so funny?”

“Sorry. It’s just an old Earth joke.”

He turns his attention back to the book again before speaking.

“But I do wonder what’s inside this thing.”

Thinking for a few moments, he continues.

“No way to know for sure other than to open it.”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose. But just a quick one. After all, I want to get back to the others and hear more about the herd.”

“As do I.”

Opening the book, Arc sees strange looking symbols that appear to dance across the pages. Cherry scoffs.

“This thing is beyond weird!”

“I’ll say. If the cover wasn’t so sinister, I would have thought it was some kind of a magic practical joke book.”

“Nothing funny about this thing though.”

Arc moves to turn the pages. “Nothing but more of the same after that.”

“We should probably ask Twilight about it after you get out of the bathroom, Arc.”

“Agreed. But I do wonder how exactly they move in such a way.”

Touching the center of the paper, the symbols quickly spread to the edges of the page. Moving his hand, they keep their distance as best they are able. Arc frowns.

“Weird. I wonder how...”

He is cut off as the book begins to glow slightly. Levitating out of his hand, Arc has but a moment before a blinding light emanates from the book and a massive blast rings out. Hearing this, the others from the kitchen race into the library. Twilight calls out as she enters the room.

“Arc! What was...?!”

She stops and looks around the room. Nearly every book has been thrown from its shelf, and some show signs of massive wear. Ember stomps on one that is smoldering as she looks to Twilight.

“What the heck happened here?!”

“I don’t know! It’s like nothing I’ve even seen before!”

Sereb runs back through the front door and looks around before speaking.

“What is going on?!”

Ember grimaces. “Heck if we know!”

Twilight shudders. “There was a blast of some kind that did all of this!”

Ember looks to the stairs. “You don’t suppose Arc had anything to do with it, do you?”

Twilight gasps. “He could have been in here when it...!”

Not finishing her sentence, Twilight runs up the stairs and throws open the bathroom door. Looking around quickly, she cries out.

“ARC!”

Ember looks inside. “He’s not here!”

Sereb sniffs the air. “Nor has he been.”

Twilight grimaces. “Are you saying... that he never made it up here?”

Sereb nods. “Yes, Princess Twilight. His scent would have been on the air had he done so.”

Ember frowns. “Then where is he?!”

Twilight turns and runs throughout the upstairs searching. Returning to the main level where the others are gathered, she shakes her head.

“He’s... not here.”

Ember looks around at the mess. “Well, something certainly happened to him here.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. He paused at this table for a time.”

Ember looks to Twilight. “Was there something here that would have caught his eye?”

Twilight shakes her head. “There wasn’t anything on this table, no.”

Sereb frowns. “Quite the mystery then.”

Ember sneers. “I think someone is up to something here!”

Twilight gasps. “But who?!”

Ember brandishes her claws. “The changelings! Who else?!”

Sereb sighs. “It is certainly possible that there are those whom are not pleased with the changes in the Badlands.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Maybe even that witch Chrysalis herself!”

Twilight looks around the room at the damage. “If it was changelings, it’s certainly outside of the normal way they operate.”

Sereb nods. “Stealth and subterfuge, yes. This room appears to have been hit with a powerful magical spell though.”

Ember frowns. “Maybe it was Arc’s doing.”

Twilight turns to look at her. “Ember?”

“Think about it. He could have seen them coming and only had time to case one spell. That would explain the damage.”

Sereb nods. “Arc is a powerful caster, yes. However, I also believe that he would have called out for help.”

Twilight bows her head sadly. “Unless he was...”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Was what?”

“Trying to protect us.”

Sereb frowns. “From what though?”

Twilight shrugs. “I have no idea.”

Ember groans. “Well, what are we supposed to do now?!”

Twilight walks over to a phone. “We should probably notify Canterlot. Get a team out here to examine the scene along with the royal sisters.”

Sereb appears confused. “I understand the first part, but why the princesses too?”

“Because they helped create this place. If anypony would know what happened they would.”

Ember frowns as she folds her arms over her chest. “Maybe. Then again, they might have been in on it.”

Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Ember?”

“Think about it. Princess Celestia hasn’t been too fond of Arc since she came back. It wouldn’t be out of the question for her to do something to try and get rid of him at this point.”

Twilight glares at Ember. “Princess Celestia would never have done anything that resulted in somepony potentially getting hurt though!”

Sereb growls. “I am recalling her pulling Arc and Applejack into her Celestial Realm in hopes that he would do certain… things to her though.”

Ember makes a face. “Yeah. That really was a sick thing to do.”

Twilight shakes her head vehemently. “We all know Arc wouldn’t have done anything like that to her though!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Celestia didn’t though. In fact, she literally was counting on it.”

Sereb growls. “Enough talk of this. Right now, we need to figure out exactly what happened to Arc as soon as possible.”

Twilight picks up the phone. “I’ll get that ball rolling.”

Ember grunts. “Fine. But I still say that Celestia is suspect number one in this thing right now.”

Sereb sighs. “Admittedly, it does look bad for her.”

A few minutes later Twilight hangs up the phone and turns back to the others.

“Princess Celestia and Luna will be here shortly with an investigative team. They’ll get to the bottom of this.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “They’d better.”

Sereb snarls. “Agreed.”

Twilight groans. “I’m telling you that Princess Celestia is innocent in this matter though!”

Ember clenches a fist. “She’d better be! If she’s connected to any kind of harm to my future mate then the Dragon Lands will respond appropriately!”

Sereb plants his paws firmly. “As will my tribe. However, we will give the pony princess the benefit of the doubt before casting judgement on her.”

Twilight sighs. “Fine. But we need to stay focused on the real matters at hoof here.”

She turns to the disheveled room before continuing.

“One… what really happened here? Two… where is Arc? And three… how do we get him back?”

Ember nods. “I’m sure you and Luna can figure that out.”

Sereb frowns. “Celestia should probably be kept out of this though.”

Twilight stomps her hoof. “Hey! Arc’s my fiancée too! And as the Princess of Friendship, I promise to do all in my power to set this thing right!”

Ember nods soberly. “I believe you, Twilight. But your old friend is still on thin ice.”

Sereb snorts. “Agreed.”

Twilight sighs as she heads back to the kitchen. “Fine. Let’s just see about figuring this whole thing out before going after one another, alright.”

Ember follows her. “Agreed.”

Chapter 14 - Imprisoned by Destiny

Reappearing back in Light’s Hope’s Main Hall together, Arc looks to Tempest.

“I’m going back to my room to get cleaned up and relax a bit.”

Tempest nods soberly. “You do that. I need to send my daily message anyways.”

They part ways. Cherry calls out to Arc as he walks down the corridor.

“That went surprisingly well.”

“Yes, it did.”

“Do you think they’ll be able to find the others?”

“The ogres have the best chances of doing so at the moment, yes.”

Cherry sighs. “Maybe you should get some rest in the meantime then, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But we just got up about an hour or so ago.”

“I meant mentally rest. You’ve been going at it pretty hard since we got here.”

“Can’t argue with that. What should I do though?”

“Um…”

There is an extended silence as Cherry ponders Arc’s question. Eventually she sighs and continues.

“There really isn’t much to do up here in terms of rest and relaxation.”

Arc groans. “Tell me about it. Normally at this point in time I’d be looking forward to spending some time with my loved ones.”

Cherry sighs. “But they’re back in Equestria. Well, I mean our home Equestria.”

“Yup.”

“Well… how about a nice shower then? I’m sure spending the night in the aqueducts wasn’t too good for your hygiene.”

Arc sniffs himself. “Guess you’re right. Onward to my quarters then.”

Arriving, Arc heads to his bathroom. Removing his armor piece by piece, he sets it on the floor before sitting on the closed toilet lid with the helmet in his lap. Picking up a small towel from a nearby rack he begins wiping it down as Cherry speaks.

“Starting with the essentials, I see.”

Arc nods. “It’s probably dirtier than I am at this point. That and I don’t really want to do such a task after I get myself cleaned up.”

“Such would probably require a second shower.”

“Exactly my reasoning.”

“Can I ask you something, Arc?”

Arc chuckles as he continues with his work. “Sure, anything.”

“What do you think about what Tempest said this morning?”

“Regarding Decimus?”

“Yes. Do you think he might still be alive?”

Arc shrugs. “He was always able to come back to life in our home Equestria.”

“But what if he can’t?”

“Meaning if he’s not working with the Dark One or a changeling under Chrysalis?”

“Right.”

Arc frowns. “Before we came to this world, I did look over his file. Decimus does have quite the track record of getting out of sticky situations without injury.”

“Maybe he’ll do it again then.”

Arc shrugs. “Assuming he’s the same stallion that the files say is a paragon of virtue, then there is a good chance of that, yes.”

Cherry sighs. “I hope so too. For Tempest’s sake as well as his.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah. This version of her seems to be just as smitten with him here as our Tempest is with the other Decimus.”

Putting a hand to his forehead, he continues.

“All of this alternate reality stuff is getting hard to wrap my head around.”

Cherry groans. “Tell me about it. I’m just a passive onlooker and even I’m having trouble keeping everypony straight.”

Arc holds his helmet up and looks it over. “That looks pretty good I think.”

“Much better than before, yes!”

Setting down the helmet next to the sink Arc looks to the rest of his armor and sighs.

“Yes, well… that was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg though.”

Cherry sighs. “This is going to take forever.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Or it would if it was just me working on it.”

“Want me to hop into Eidolon’s Ward and lend you a hand then, Arc?”

“That would be helpful, yes.”

Cherry giggles. “We’d get it done twice as fast too.”

Arc smirks. “True. But that wasn’t what I was thinking of.”

“Oh?”

“I want to try a little experiment, Cherry. Care to join me?”

“Sure.”

“Alright. Here we go.”

Taking a deep breath, Arc closes his eyes and concentrates. The world around him slowly fades away into nothingness. Concentrating, things slowly come into focus. Opening his eyes again, he looks around for a few moments as Cherry calls out to him.

“What happened, Arc?”

“Just the start of the experiment.”

“I don’t understand. Nothing appears to have changed.”

Arc stands up. “You’ll see.”

Walking out of the bathroom, he heads over to his quarter’s front door. Opening it, he sees innumerable guards walking to and fro. Pointing to half dozen or so of them, he motions for the stallions to enter. Leading them over to the bathroom Arc points at the armor.

“Everyone grab a towel and a piece of my armor. I need that dirt and grime scrubbed off.”

They salute and get to work. As they do so Arc walks over to a window and looks out it. The lush, green field behind the base comes into view. Unlocking it, he pushes the window open and sticks his head out. Taking a deep breath, Arc sighs contentedly as he speaks.

“Now that’s more like it.”

Cherry calls out telepathically. “It is nice seeing the sunshine again.”

Arc chuckles. “You can just talk audibly, Cherry.”

“But the guards…!”

Arc interrupts her. “…aren’t real. This is all just taking place in my Sanctuary”

Cherry giggles. “I know. However, it just felt so real.”

Arc nods as he closes the window. “That it does.”

Thinking for a few moments, Arc looks to the guards working diligently cleaning his armor. After watching them for a time he holds out his index finger and moves it in a clockwise circular motion. The guards begin moving faster and faster. In but a few moments they step back and stand at attention.

“Your armor is now clean, sir.”

Arc looks it over and smiles. “Thank you very much all of you.”

“Is there anything else we can do for you, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that will be all.”

They salute and leave. Arc puts on his armor and looks it over as Cherry calls out.

“Looks like they did a nice job on it too.”

Arc nods as he recalls his armor. “That they did.”

“Should we be heading back now?”

“I guess we should.”

He takes a step toward the door, but stops. Turning and looking around, Arc continues.

“Then again, who’s to say that we should?”

“What do you mean, Arc?”

“I just had an idea. But first things first.”

Concentrating, Arc puts a finger to his forehead for a few moments before holding it out in front of him and snapping a finger. In a flash of light Cherry materializes in front of him. She looks around, clearly confused.

“How did I…?!”

Arc interrupts her. “Remember, I have full control over my Sanctuary.”

Cherry grins as she stretches. “It does feel nice to have four legs again.”

“I just figured, as long as we’re both here, let’s enjoy it.”

“Alright then. What should we do?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… anything at all really. Want to spend some time with the others?”

Cherry nods. “Sure. That sounds nice.”

“Alright then. Let’s go.”

Cherry heads for the door as Arc calls out after her.

“Sorry. Figure of speech.”

Cherry looks back, confused. “Huh?”

“Just give me a few moments.”

Making a waving motion with his hand, Arc dematerializes the world around them. After thinking for a few moments, he begins casting. A beautiful beach and lake on a warm sunny day materializes around them. Snapping his fingers, Arc motions for Cherry to turn around with him. As they do so the pair see Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, and Derpy walking toward them in their pony forms. Cherry gasps.

“Applejack?! How are you… ah… right!”

Arc puts a hand on top of her head. “Sanctuary remember, Cherry?”

“Sorry, I just remember this world’s version of her lying in that hospital bed.”

Arc looks over to his fiancée. “How are you feeling, Applejack?”

“Right as rain, Arc. Why?”

Arc turns back to Cherry. “See? Just fine.”

Cherry giggles. “Yes, yes. She’s just a figment of your imagination, after all.”

“Something like that.”

Twilight appears confused. “What are you talking about, Arc?”

Derpy grins. “Yeah, let’s have some fun!”

Rarity smiles. “Here, here!”

Applejack plants her hooves firmly in the sand and arches her back. “I’m up for that!”

Arc chuckles. “Alright. Just give me on second.”

Turning back to Cherry, he continues.

“Anything else you can think of?”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin. “Well… we’re supposed to be on that beach back on Earth, right?”

Arc nods. “That we are, yes.”

“Then why don’t you make all of us humans like you? At least for the occasion, that is.”

“I suppose I could, yes. But we’ve already done that before.”

Tapping his chin for a moment, Arc grins as he looks back to Cherry.

“To tell you the truth, there is something that I’ve been wanting to try for a while now.”

“Great! What is it?”

Arc smirks. “You’ll see.”

Snapping his fingers, Arc transforms himself into an Earth Pony. Cherry yelps, clearly surprised.

“A-Arc?!”

Arc grins as he waves a hoof. “Hey!”

Cherry cautiously steps toward him. “This is rather… surprising.”

Arc laughs as he looks to the mares. “What do you three think?”

Twilight nods approvingly. “I think it’s a very interesting choice you made there, Arc.”

Applejack smirks. “Right. That and you choose to be an Earth Pony too. Very nice choice there.”

Derpy giggles as she stretches her wings. “Knowing Arc as I do, he just wanted to start off slow. Without having to try and get used to any extra limbs, I mean.”

Rarity licks her lips. “You look very sexy, Arc.”

Arc turns to Cherry. “See?”

“While that does sound like something each of them would say, all of this is still just an illusion. Including them, I might add.”

“Not denying that. But it’s still nice though, don’t you think?”

Cherry looks to Applejack. “That it is.”

“So let’s have something to eat then.”

Applejack points a hoof. “I’ve got some veggies cooking over a fire around that next rock.”

Derpy sniffs the air. “It sure smells good.”

Rarity holds out a hoof to Arc. “Shall we be off then?”

Twilight giggles. “I think we should. Don’t want the food to burn.”

Arc nods as he steps forward. “Sure. Lead the way.”

Walking with the others toward the rocky outcropping in question, they see a small fire in the sand with sticks over it. Poked through them are veggies wrapped in tin foil which are sizzling nicely. Cherry grins as she turns to Arc.

“I see that you chose to keep the vegetables only diet going.”

Arc sit down on his haunches and shrugs. “Yes, well… I figured that if we’re all ponies here we should observe the proper dietary customs too.”

Rarity walks over to a stick. “Should we take these off now, Applejack?”

Derpy giggles. “I think we should. They sure do smell done.”

Applejack points a hoof. “Just this one, this one, and this one though. Those others take longer to cook.”

Twilight pulls several sticks out and levitates them with her magic. “Come and get it, everypony!”

They sit around the fire together and accept the food as Twilight gives it to them. As she levitates one into Cherry’s hooves the young mare instinctively draws back.

“Hold on a minute! That just came off the fire, Twilight!”

Arc laughs. “Yes, we wouldn’t want to burn our hooves on it!”

Taking the foil wrapped food from Twilight’s magical grip, Arc holds it out to Cherry before continuing.

“Not to worry. By my decree, no one is allowed to burn themselves here in my Sanctuary.”

Cherry appears confused. “How are you able to…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Remember, I have full control over everything here.”

“I… somehow keep forgetting that.”

Arc holds out the food to her. “Then why don’t you give this a try?”

Accepting the foil wrapped parcel, Cherry unwraps it and cautiously takes a bite. Turning to Arc, she smiles.

“It does taste very nice, yes.”

Applejack smirks. “Of course it does! This is an old family recipe, after all!”

Derpy giggles. “Well, you can thank Granny Smith for me then!”

Rarity nods as she swallows. “Yes, indeed! This is divine!”

Cherry sighs. “Sorry everypony. But I’m just used to certain… rules of nature.”

Arc appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Food being especially hot when it comes off of the fire, for starters.”

“Ah! You see, I just didn’t want anypony to have to wait before…”

Cherry interrupts him. “Did you just say ‘anypony’, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Just getting into the pony spirit, I guess.”

Applejack looks over as she eats. “What’s wrong with that, Cherry?”

“Nothing, I suppose. It’s just… not something I’m used to hearing come out of Arc.”

Twilight smiles at him. “Well, I for one think it’s nice that he’s trying to embrace our Equestrian culture.”

Rarity nods as she looks him up and down. “That and becoming a very sexy looking stallion doesn’t hurt either.”

Derpy rests her head against Arc. “I’m just happy that we’re able to spend this time together. Ponyness or not.”

Arc smiles as he puts a hoof around Derpy’s shoulders. “Yes, it’s a whole new perspective for me as well.”

Twilight leans against the other side of Arc and sighs. “And you look really handsome too.”

Rarity giggles as nods approvingly at the sight before her. “That you do, dear.”

Derpy nods. “You do make a really cute stallion, Arc.”

Applejack steps behind Arc and wraps her hooves around his neck. “Pretty as a picture, handsome.”

Arc smiles and closes his eyes. “Thank you, everypony. I’ve wanted to try this for a long time now.”

Cherry nods approvingly. “And what do you think, Arc?”

“That I love all of you. Whether you’re in human form or pony.”

Twilight giggles. “And we feel the same about you.”

Derpy nuzzles his cheek. “Either works for me too.”

Rarity shrugs. “Human or pony, it doesn’t really matter in the grander scheme of things.”

Applejack rests her head on top of Arc’s head. “Just as long as we’re all together and happy.”

Arc puts his hooves around the mares next to him and sighs contentedly. “That’s really all that matters in life. Being with the ones we love.”

There is relative silence for a time other than the waves lapping at the shoreline and the mares making slight cooing noises. Suddenly a familiar voice rings out behind them.

“HEY!”

Turning, they see Princess Luna running toward them. Cherry looks to Arc, clearly confused.

“Um… is Princess Luna supposed to be part of your herd, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, she’s just a friend.”

Luna closes the distance in the sand as best she is able. At one point even losing a hoof protector in the process. Approaching the group, they see that she is covered in sweat and breathing heavily. Arc hurries over as she falls to her fetlocks in the sand.

“Luna? Is that really you?”

Luna nods, still out of breath. “Y-yes! Are you… you?!”

“It’s me.”

Clapping his hooves together, Arc returns to his true form and kneels down in front of Luna.

“How did you…?”

Luna interrupts him. “I don’t have much time, Arc! Tell me, what happened to you?! Twilight said you exploded, or something!”

“I don’t really understand it myself to be completely Honest with you. But I was somehow teleported to an alternate version of our world.”

Luna frowns. “Another version of Equestria?”

Arc shakes his head. “In truth, it’s a whole different dimension complete with an alternate version of both Earth and Equestria. But how did you…?”

Luna groans as she strains. “Found you… purely by luck! What should I tell… Twilight?!”

“That I’m safe and will find a way back eventually.”

“Eventually?!”

Arc nods soberly. “This other world needs the Hero of Light right now. They don’t have one, as the Hammers were killed in this dimension.”

Luna begins to fade away. “I’ll tell Twilight! We’ll come up with some way to communicate with you again! I promise!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder for but a moment before Luna vanishes from sight. Cherry moves to stand with Arc as the other mares look on silently. After a few moments Arc reaches out and pulls the lost hoof protector from the sand with a Telekinesis Spell. Pulling it to his hand, he takes it and looks it over for a few moments before Cherry breaks the silence.

“That really was our Princess Luna!”

Arc nods soberly. “Yes, it was.”

“But how did she get in here?”

Arc sighs as he gets to his feet. “I’m not really sure. However, considering that Luna has much more experience with Realm Magic than most, it’s not surprising that she was able to do such a thing.”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief. “At least the others back in our home dimension will know that you’re safe and sound.”

“You mean ‘us’, right?”

Cherry shrugs. “Mostly you. Remember, I’m already dead, so I don’t really see how anything could harm me at this point.”

Arc sighs. “While that’s technically true, I still don’t want to see anything bad happen to you, Cherry.”

Cherry walks over to him and smiles sadly. “And I do appreciate the sentiment, Arc. But I need you to do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“In the future, if something should happen, please don’t come back for me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“Like I said before, I’m already dead. My life as we know it is over and done with. But you… you still have your whole life in front of you. So don’t throw it all away to save somepony who’s little more than a talking ghost at this point.”

“I’m not sure that I’ll be able to do that though.”

Cherry looks over her shoulder to Twilight and the others still sitting by the fire. “You have to, Arc. After all, you of all people need to survive in order to marry those mares over there one day.”

“But leaving someone behind is…!”

Cherry interrupts him. “Trust me, Arc. That would be the right thing to do.”

Sighing, Arc nods slowly as he turns to look at the mares smiling at him. Snapping his fingers, they slowly fade away. Cherry appears confused as she turns to Arc.

“That was strange.”

“Oh?”

“Normally when you snap your fingers in your Sanctuary though things change immediately.”

Arc nods soberly. “Yeah, well… that’s because I generally want them to change. This…”

He gestures to the place where the mares were just moments ago before continuing.

“…this isn’t something I actually wanted. To see them go, I mean.”

Cherry sighs. “But they weren’t the mares you fell in love with, Arc.”

“I know. However… this was the best I could do to see them again.”

Waving a hand, the scenery around them vanishes to be replaced by darkness. A few moments later Arc’s quarters rematerializes around them. Walking over to the couch, Arc sits down heavily and looks up at the ceiling. Cherry calls out to him.

“And we’re back?”

Arc nods. “Yup. This is the real world. Well, the alternate dimension of it anyways.”

“And that… isn’t what you want?”

Arc shrugs. “What I wanted was to have a bit of a break from all of this.”

“You did seem to be enjoying yourself. At least from what I could see anyways.”

“I was, yes. And I am happy that Luna was able to make it into my Sanctuary and talk to me. She can tell the others that I’m safe, after all.”

Cherry breathes a sigh of relief. “They’ve probably been worried sick ever since you vanished that day at tea.”

Arc looks down. “The worst part is that I’ve… kinda been trying to put them out of my mind.”

Cherry sounds confused. “Why though?”

“To concentrate more on the here and now versus what’s going on back in our home world.”

“But that’s for the best.”

Arc sighs as he stands. “Yeah, I suppose that it is. But that just makes me feel even more guilty about it.”

Heading for the door, Arc calls forth his armor and steps into the corridor. Walking down the hall he continues speaking to Cherry telepathically.

“Guess I should probably go see how Applejack’s doing.”

Cherry giggles. “I’m sure she’d like that. Well… probably, I think.”

Arc shrugs. “We’ve never met before though. I mean myself and this dimension’s version of Applejack. So I’m not really sure how this is going to play out.”

“Considering the circumstances, she might think that you were just part of some kind of very vivid dream.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But Applejack physically saw me in her hospital room when she woke up the first time.”

“All things considered though, you have to admit that it is a very hard pill to swallow. A large creature standing on its hind legs and wearing armor, I mean. To say nothing for the amount of sedatives she was under at the time.”

“All the more reason to see her again and confirm my existence.”

Reaching the Main Hall, Arc walks up to the stallion at Raven’s desk. Pointing to the map, he speaks.

“I need to return to Manehattan.”

The stallion nods. “Very well, sir. Please step onto the pad.”

Arc does so as the stallion begins manipulating the controls. When he is done he looks to Arc whom nods in affirmation. In a flash of light he vanishes from sight and reappears outside of the a fore mentioned city. Walking up to the gate, he looks to the guard on duty.

“I’m here to visit your hospital.”

The guard looks him over. “You do not appear to be injured though.”

“That is correct. What I meant was that I’m here to look in on a patient. Mayor Shining Armor should have put me on your list the last time I was here.”

Chuckling, the stallion rolls his eyes. “Very well. I shall look.”

Picking up a clipboard, the stallion looks it over for a few moments before raising an eyebrow and looking to Arc again.

“It appears that you are indeed on the list.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Was there ever any doubt?”

“Forgive me, but it’s not like we have many authorized visitors lately. But in any case, I shall admit you now.”

Pressing a button, the gates open to allow Arc entrance to the city. Stepping inside, he is met by an officer whom salutes and comes to attention.

“I shall be your escort, sir”

“Very well. Take me to see the mayor.”

The officer raises an eyebrow. “Forgive me, sir, but I was informed that you told the guard at the gate that you were here to visit the hospital.”

Arc nods. “I am, yes. However, first I need to get some paperwork from him.”

“Very well. This way please, sir.”

Leading Arc to City Hall, he is quickly admitted to the mayor’s office. After a short time, Arc leaves the office and looks to the officer whom is waiting for him patiently.

“Now I’m ready to visit the hospital.”

“Please follow me, sir.”

Making the short walk to the hospital, Arc enters and walks up to the front desk. The nurse looks to him nervously as he does so.

“C-can I help you?”

Arc nods. “I’m here to speak to one of your patients.”

“Do you happen to know the room number?”

“Yes. I merely wanted to check in here before entering the building.”

The nurse smiles shyly as she notices the officer escorting him. “Thank you, sir. Please proceed at your leisure.”

Arc proceeds down the corridor with the officer. Looking to his escort Arc addresses him.

“Pretty high security around here.”

“Orders by the mayor, sir.”

“Any idea why though?”

“He says it’s to prevent Canterlot from getting the drop on us, sir.”

“Makes sense, all things considered.”

Coming to the room, Arc sees a number of heavily armed guards stationed outside of it. The officer motions for them to step aside as Arc approaches the door. He knocks lightly before entering. Seeing Doctor Horse at the foot of the bed going over a chart Arc waits patiently to be addressed. After a few moments the doctor turns to him and speaks.

“Hello again, sir.”

“I’ve come for an update regarding Applejack’s condition.”

Doctor Horse gestures to the bed with a wave of his hoof. “The patient is still very weak. Still sleeping most of the time. However, they are indeed gaining strength as time goes on.”

“Any… uh… lasting effects from the earlier… affliction?”

The doctor shakes his head. “Not that we’ve been able to detect, sir.”

“What have you told the patient in her waking moments?”

“Just that she’s safe and sound here in Manehattan for the most part. My apologies, sir, but I wasn’t sure what I was allowed to tell her.”

“Sorry for not laying that out before I left the last time. In truth, there is no need to keep anything from her regarding her own state of being or what’s happening in the world around her.”

A rustling of sheets catching the pair’s attention. Turning to look, they see Applejack slowly opening her eyes and looking around with a blank expression. Doctor Horse makes his way to her side and smiles at the mare as he speaks.

“Can you hear me, Miss Applejack?”

Applejack nods as she slowly sits up. “Yeah, doc. I…”

Horse interrupts and pushes her gently back down onto the bed. “Please, you mustn’t overexert yourself!”

“But I…!”

She stops talking as she notices Arc standing nearby. Looking him over quizzically, she continues.

“You… you’re the one I saw before!”

Arc nods as he removes his helmet. “Yes, that’s right. My name is Arc. I led the group which liberated you from…”

Applejack cuts him off. “I’d like to turn myself in to you.”

Doctor Horse raises an eyebrow. “Miss Applejack?”

“For my crimes against Equestria and its citizens.”

Arc shakes his head. “While I appreciate it, that won’t be necessary.”

“But I…!”

Arc interrupts her. “It would appear that you were manipulated by Nightmare Moon into doing what you did.”

Applejack bows her head. “Tell that to all the ponies that I hurt.”

Horse nods soberly. “I already have.”

“What?”

“They wanted to be sure that they were safe here. So I informed them that their captors were taken down by the Hero of Light.”

Applejack grimaces. “So they think that I’m in prison, or something?”

“Dead, actually.”

Applejack gasps. “Why would you do that though?! I mean… that’s just not true!”

“Actually, it is. At least from a certain point of view.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Elaborate, doctor.”

“The mare that did such things to them was more or less destroyed by the Hero of Light when he went into your mind to bring you back to us, Applejack. That and she will never again return as long as you don’t let her.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I… guess that’s at least partially true.”

Arc steps forward. “Listen to me, Applejack. There’s absolutely nothing you can do to change your actions in the past. But right now I need your help as an Element Bearer fixing the present and future.”

Applejack shakes her head. “I… I just can’t. Tell the others…”

Arc cuts her off. “We don’t have the others. We just have you.”

There is stunned silence as Applejack processes what was said. Eventually she speaks in a shaky voice.

“You mean… you mean that they’re… dead?!”

Arc sighs. “I’m hoping not. But there’s been no sign of the other five Element Bearers since the sun stopped shining. If I’m being completely Honest with you, I was kinda hoping that you could tell me where to find them.”

Applejack puts a hoof to her forehead. “I… I don’t…”

Laying back, she struggles to put the words together for a few moments.

“…everything that happened that day is really… muddled in my mind.”

Doctor Horse looks to Arc. “Please, sir. The patient really can’t take the stress of your questioning right now.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, it would appear that you are correct, doctor.”

He looks to Applejack before continuing.

“Before I leave you to get some rest though, I’d like to say something regarding your earlier request to turn yourself in.

Applejack bows her head. “I’m willing to face whatever consequences that the law deems appropriate.”

“You are being pardoned.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “The Hero of Light can do that?”

Arc shrugs. “To be Honest with you, I don’t think so.”

“Then how…?”

Arc interrupts her as he pulls a scroll from his ring. “That’s why I got this.”

Doctor Horse looks at the seal. “From the mayor’s office?”

Arc nods as he hands it to the bedridden mare. “It’s an official pardon.”

Applejack appears confused as she reads it over. “But… but they don’t even know me! Why would somepony do such a thing?!”

“The mayor at the moment is Shining Armor. Twilight Sparkle’s older brother.”

Doctor Horse nods. “He’s been running the city since the trouble with Canterlot started.”

Arc taps the scroll. “I just told him that it’s what Twilight would want him to do. Were she her, that is.”

Applejack sighs. “Even though I don’t deserve it? I mean… I really should still be punished.”

Arc begins walking toward the door. “Then you can plead your case to the proper authorities when all of this is over. But in the meantime we all have a great deal of work to do.”

Applejack reaches out a hoof. “Wait!”

Arc turns back around. “Yes?”

“What about Twilight?! Is she okay?!”

“As I said earlier, we don’t have any information on her or the other Element Bearers whereabouts. That being said, I do currently have several… groups searching for her and the others as we speak.”

“Soldiers?!”

“You could call them that, yes. Well… some of them.”

Applejack again moves to sit up. “I want to help!”

Doctor Horse pushes her back down again. “Please, Miss Applejack! As I stated before, you still need to rest!”

“But…!”

Arc interrupts her. “The doctor is correct. You should…”

There is a knock at the door. The officer whom escorted Arc to the room enters and salutes respectfully. Closing the door behind him, he speaks.

“Sir, I’ve just been contacted by Mayor Shining Armor! Apparently there has been a security breech!”

Arc frowns. “Elaborate.”

“We captured an enemy scout from Canterlot! He was attempting to infiltrate the city via the front gate with some very authentic looking forged papers!”

Doctor Horse appears confused. “Then how was he apprehended?”

“The signature of the mayor was slightly off… and misspelled!”

Arc grimaces. “Shall I help in interrogating this operative?”

The officer shakes his head. “That will not be necessary, sir. I’m told that upon being found out he took his own life. We were able to confirm his intentions by going through his belongings though. There were a number of messages in code found on him along with other incriminating evidence.”

Applejack groans. “Hunting for intel on the city’s defenses, I would guess.”

The officer shakes his head. “No ma’am. It’s been confirmed that he was actually looking for you.”

Applejack gasps. “What?! ME?!”

Arc frowns as he puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Guess they want their Element Bearer back.”

Sighing, the officer turns to Arc. “Mayor Shining Armor has ordered that, for the sake of Manehattan’s security, you relocate the patient to the Lunar Resistance’s base as soon as medically possible.”

Arc looks to the doctor. “Can she be moved?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “Only on the condition of maintaining bedrest for at least another two days. After that she can move around more and do certain simple tasks.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“Nothing more stressful than basic household chores mostly, as you still shouldn’t strain yourself and shouldn’t be too far from bed.”

Arc nods. “Any medication required, doctor?”

“No sir. Just rest.”

Applejack raises a hoof. “Uh, excuse me. You mentioned something called the Lunar Resistance’s base a moment ago. What is that?”

Arc looks to Applejack. “It’s a military base located on the moon.”

Applejack gasps. “How would I even get all the way up there though?!”

“I have a way to ferry myself and others. If you are ready to leave, I will take you there now.”

Applejack grimaces. “Not so sure that I want to take that particular trip.”

Doctor Horse gestures to the officer. “As per the mayor’s orders though, it is for the sake of the city and its inhabitants. After all, we don’t have much in the way of standing forces with which to repel a full-scale attack from Canterlot should they choose to go the direct route.”

Arc sighs. “Please understand that this is for both yours and the city’s protection, miss.”

Groaning, Applejack nods sadly. Slowly sitting up, she allows the doctor to remove the wires from her monitors. As he finishes, Doctor Horse helps her stand up. Applejack turns to Arc and slowly walks towards him with her head down.

“I’m ready when you are.”

Arc nods. “Very well.”

Holding out his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Applejack instinctively steps back, wide-eyed.

“What the hay is…?!”

Arc interrupts her. “This will take us to the Lunar Resistance’s base on the moon. Not to worry though, as it’s completely safe.”

Applejack gestures with a hoof at the swirling energies. “Are you sure?!”

“Completely. I use them all time.”

Taking a deep breath, Applejack steps through. Arc salutes the officer as he follows her closely. A split second later they reappear in his quarters inside of Light’s Hope. Looking around, Applejack turns to him nervously.

“This doesn’t look like any military base I ever heard of.”

Arc gestures to the window. “It’s just my quarters. Take a look outside though.”

Doing so, Applejack gasps as she sees Equus in the distance. Turning back to him, she grimaces.

“We really are on the moon, aren’t we?!”

Arc nods as he recalls his armor. “Yes, we are. Forgive me to bringing you here, but I wanted to speak to the base’s leadership on what we should be doing regarding your specific case.”

Nodding to the table, Arc continues talking as he picks up his phone.

“Please have a seat. I’ll summon them here at once for an impromptu meeting.”

Applejack does so as Arc makes the call. A few minutes later there is a knock at his door. Opening it, he steps back to allow Cherry, Spitfire, and Tempest to enter. Cherry is the first to speak as Arc closes the door behind them.

“We came as soon as we…!”

Spotting Applejack sitting at the table, Cherry runs over to her.

“Applejack?!”

Applejack gasps. “Cherry Jubilee?! What the hay are you doing here?!”

“What am I…?!”

Spitfire walks over. “She’s the general of the Lunar Resistance.”

Tempest shrugs. “Or ‘mayor’ as she likes to be called these days.”

Cherry nods. “Something like that. We’re just trying to survive these days.”

Arc joins them. “All of that is over now though.”

Applejack frowns. “What does that mean?”

Arc gestures to the table. “We should all sit down first.”

They do so as Arc turns to Applejack and continues.

“You more or less know what’s happened to the country below, I assume?”

Applejack nods. “A lot of bad stuff, yes.”

“No one’s been able to get into Canterlot since then either, causing the major cities to begin more or less ruling themselves.”

Tempest taps the table. “Manehattan, Baltimare, and Las Pegasus are the three major holdouts at this point.”

Spitfire shrugs. “And other than us up here on the moon, pretty much everypony else has fled to one of those cities.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Or, at least in theory, gone into hiding elsewhere.”

Applejack groans. “Like my friends, I hope.”

Arc sighs. “At the moment we really have no idea where they are. But as I said back at the hospital, we are looking.”

He turns to Cherry before continuing.

“In any case though, I called you and the others here to make sure it was okay for Applejack to be here.”

Cherry appears confused. “But… this is YOUR base, sir.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “If anything, we’re the guests here.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “And even if we weren’t, nopony can really say ‘no’ to the Hero of Light’s orders.”

Arc shrugs. “Then think of it more as a courtesy.”

Cherry smiles at Applejack. “Believe me when I say that you’re safe here with us.”

Applejack appears relieved. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure what to think when I heard that Canterlot was looking for me.”

Arc turns to Spitfire. “We should keep a lookout here for agents of Canterlot as well. After all, who’s to say that they won’t find a way up here.”

Spitfire nods as she gestures out the window. “I’ve already spoken to the Nightborn about that very thing. They’ve agreed to have their… shadow creatures, or whatever those things are, patrolling the grounds at all times.”

Tempest frowns. “Do they now?”

Cherry puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I’ve never seen anything out there though.”

Spitfire looks out the window. “They’re supposedly more of an astral projection at that point, I’m told.”

Applejack raises a hoof. “Um… excuse me?”

Arc turns to her. “Yes, what is it, Applejack?”

“I know that I just got here, and all. But… I don’t suppose anypony has heard what happened to the rest of my family?”

Cherry bows her head. “Apple Bloom and Big Mac weren’t in Ponyville when the Nightborn evacuated the town though.”

Arc looks to Applejack. “Could you tell us where they would have been at that time of day?”

Applejack nods. “When it all happened, I was at Sweet Apple Acres doing both mine and my older brother’s chores. Big Mac was taking Granny Smith to the hospital for her regular examination while Apple Bloom was having a sleepover at Carousel Boutique with her friend, Sweetie Belle.”

Arc sighs. “We’ve yet to hear from or learn of either Rarity or Sweetie Belle’s location at this point.”

There is a long silence as Applejack sits there wordlessly with a blank expression on her face. Eventually she looks to Cherry.

“So… they’re not here then?”

Cherry shakes her head. “I’m afraid not, no.”

Spitfire looks to Arc. “I can send messages to the main cities asking if they took refuge in one of them.”

Arc nods soberly. “Please do so.”

Tempest pulls out a small notepad and turns to Applejack. “We’ll need their names and descriptions.”

Cherry frowns. “But shouldn’t we make sure Applejack is properly bedded down first? After all, she was just released from the hospital a short time ago.”

Spitfire shakes her head. “We really need to get this ball rolling though.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. It won’t take long.”

Tempest takes down the information as Applejack dictates it. Finishing her task, she heads for the door with Spitfire. Turning back from the doorway Tempest looks to Applejack.

“We’ll get right on this.”

Applejack calls out. “How long until you know anything though?!”

Spitfire shrugs. “Hopefully within a day or two. But with the state of affairs these days, it’s anypony’s guess.”

Cherry looks to Applejack as the mares leave the room. “Why don’t we get you to a private room for some rest now?”

Applejack shakes her head. “No, that’s alright. I can stay with the others in the common dormitories.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “While that is an admirable attitude, Doctor Horse was very adamant that you needed proper bedrest, Applejack.”

Cherry sighs. “And you can’t really do that properly in the dormitories we have here. What with a bunch of foals running about along with our other members coming and going off shift as well.”

Arc stands and motions to the door. “Cherry and I will escort you somewhere private now.”

Nodding, Applejack hops off of her seat and walks slowly toward the door. Arc leads her and Cherry down the corridor to a very fancy looking door. Pushing it open, he gestures to the room before them.

“You should be able to rest peacefully here.”

Applejack sighs as she walks over to the bed. “I don’t think I will though. What with my family missing, and all.”

Cherry helps the mare into bed. “Don’t worry about a thing, Applejack. We’re on the case.”

Applejack lays her head back on the pillow. “I hope something comes up soon.”

Arc nods soberly. “If it does I’ll see to it they’re brought here immediately.”

Applejack smiles sleepily. “Thank you, sir. Please find them for me.”

Arc heads for the door. “We’ll do our best.”

Leaving the room, he walks down the corridor toward the War Room. Cherry (as in the version of her within his head) calls out telepathically.

“What do you think their chances are, Arc?”

“Of finding the rest of the Apple family alive and well?”

“Yes.”

Arc sighs. “Admittedly, pretty low at this point.”

“I know that this mess supposedly started about a year ago. But one would have thought that they would have made it to safety by now and tried to track down Applejack.”

“There’s that too. But one might look at it another way.”

“Oh? And what’s that, Arc?”

“They may be keeping a low profile intentionally in order to stay off of Canterlot’s proverbial radar.”

“I do hope you’re right, Arc. After all, Applejack wouldn’t take the news that something happened to them too well.”

“Then we’d better start with them.”

Cherry sounds confused. “What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.”

Reaching the War Room, Arc enters and walks over to an empty desk. Turning some dials and pressing buttons on a radio, he calls out.

“Lunar Resistance to Manehattan. Come in please.”

A few moments later Shining Armors voice rings out through the speaker.

“This is Manehattan. Go ahead, Lunar Resistance.”

“Hero of Light Arc here. I wanted to inform you that we just finished moving Applejack to my base. She’s resting here peacefully in a VIP suite.”

Shining Armor sounds relieved. “Thank you for that, sir. She’ll be safer up there with you anyways.”

“Hopefully, yes. But in any case, in an interview she gave us a short time ago Applejack mentioned that her family was away from the farm when things went sideways in Ponyville. I’m having my staff notify the refuge cities and see if they’re at one of them. Manehattan included, of course.”

“Any leads on where each family member was last seen?”

“Big Macintosh and Granny Smith were either on their way to or at the hospital getting her a checkup. And her little sister Apple Bloom was at Carousel Boutique having a sleepover with Rarity’s… younger sister.”

“We’ve had no contact with Rarity, no. Sadly, I don’t think anypony else but her would know where to find those two fillies. To say nothing for the brother and grandmother, that is.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… if you could contact our agents in the northwest regarding this matter, I’d appreciate it.”

“I’ll have them focus on figuring out Rarity’s location then. With any luck, she and the fillies will have stuck together since the day the moon rose.”

Arc nods. “Three birds, one stone.”

Shining Armor sounds confused. “Sir?”

“Nothing. Just a bit of a euphemism. But in any case, we need to collect everyone if this is going to work.”

“We’ll do our best, sir.”

“Good. I’ll leave this matter in your care then. Lunar Resistance out.”

Pressing a button, Arc cuts the transmission and turns off the radio. Standing, he makes his way over to the main office and enters. Seeing Tempest and Spitfire on the desk phone together he waits patiently for them to finish their conversation. Sometime later they hang up and look to him. Spitfire is the first to speak.

“They’ll start a search of their territory for Rarity.”

Tempest nods. “With luck she’s in one of the major cities with the two fillies.”

Arc sighs as he sits down. “While I hope so, I can’t imagine Rarity not trying to make contact with the others.”

Spitfire shrugs. “The trans-continental phone lines aren’t working though, as they all pass through Canterlot.”

Tempest puts a hoof on the phone. “Other than via a military grade radio, which our phones run through, nopony from one town can speak to anypony else in another.”

Arc frowns. “Not sure if that’s encouraging or not though.”

Spitfire points to the map on the wall. “It’s an even money bet that she’s in one of the three cities though. But at this point in time, we can’t really do anything else other than wait for word.”

Tempest nods as she turns to Arc. “So, what should we be doing in the meantime?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That’s… a very good question.”

Spitfire gestures out the window with a hoof. “We can’t just sit around doing nothing, after all!”

Tempest frowns. “True. But by the same token, we also shouldn’t feel the need to act out of a need to simply be taking action. Or make unnecessary moves on our part either. It could leave us vulnerable to our enemies.”

Arc turns to Spitfire. “Do you have any more information on that griffon invasion we stopped?”

Spitfire appears confused. “You mean the one at Dodge Junction?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I mean… has there been any more trouble from them on our soil?”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Not a thing, no. Then again, we did humiliate them pretty bad back there.”

Tempest scoffs. “I still thing that we should have gone a step further and wiped them out then and there.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And turn this cold war into a full blown one? I don’t think so.”

Spitfire nods. “I’m on Tempest’s side on this one, sir. After all, they were the aggressors back then. That and the Griffon Kingdom doesn’t have the resources to fight a second war on yet another front. Especially one that is across the sea.”

Tempest smirks. “Perhaps we could capitalize on that.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What did you have in mind?”

Tempest puts a hoof to Griffonstone on the wall map. “They’ve got to be getting pretty desperate for resources at this point if they were willing to invade Equestria.”

Spitfire looks out the window. “Just like Abyssinia is right now I would imagine.”

Tempest nods. “The furballs across the sea would most certainly be doing the same as the griffons. If they had airships like the Griffon Kingdom does, that is. All they have are sea faring ships though.”

Spitfire looks to Arc. “According to Baltimare and Manehattan, the Abyssinian ships always stay far enough from our shores to avoid any kind of confrontation.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “So they’re patrolling near our waters?”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Fishing, actually.”

“Fishing?”

Tempest puts a hoof to her stomach. “It’s still pretty gross to me.”

Arc points out the window. “Why here though? I mean, they have plenty of ocean around their own shores.”

Spitfire sighs. “Because their waters have been more or less fished out.”

Tempest shrugs. “Feeding an entire nation along with their ever-expanding military war machine isn’t exactly easy, after all.”

Spitfire nods. “Or cheap either.”

Arc folds his arms and looks out the window toward Equus. “Which means that they’ll eventually be in the same position as the Griffon Kingdom is. And that may very well lead to them coming up with the idea to hit Equestria for badly needed resources.”

Tempest brandishes her knife. “So, are we planning on taking the fight to them first then?”

Spitfire frowns. “That would make us the aggressors though.”

Arc clenches a fist. “It may just come to that. After all, we can’t be worrying about them taking the initiative to invade when it comes time to retake Canterlot.”

Tempest smirks. “So if that’s truly the case then we have to strike first.”

Arc shakes his head. “Surgically.”

Tempest frowns. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“You’re an agent of Equestria, am I right, Tempest?”

Tempest nods. “I am, yes. What about it?”

“Would you agree that many conflicts could be brought to an end with a properly sized military force?”

“Of course.”

Spitfire steps forward. “Anything could be solved that way.”

Tempest frowns. “But usually it’s better to send in a smaller group ahead of the main force. Or even in place of an army entirely as the situation warrants.”

Spitfire scoffs. “And if things go wrong, you’re stuck out there with no way home.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Tempest turns to him. “Which one of us are you talking about, sir?”

“Both actually.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “How could we both be…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Think about it. There are times when a number of smaller forces can do more damage to an enemy over a full blown army and military campaign ever could. It’s about knowing what level of force is required to meet the trouble at hand. Send too many soldiers and you’ll just lose troops needlessly. Too few and the mission is lost due to them being overwhelmed.”

Tempest groans. “I still don’t understand what you’re saying that we should do though.”

Arc shrugs. “Without more information, nothing.”

Spitfire grits her teeth. “So you would let them tread on our soil unopposed?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. But we need to know more about both theirs and the Griffon Kingdom’s situation before committing to a plan of action.”

Tempest smirks. “With your permission, I can scout out their lands. See what’s going on over there.”

Spitfire shakes her head. “That would be extremely dangerous though, Tempest. After all, it’s not like you could blend in with the locals.”

Arc puts his hands on the desk. “Both of you are right. We need intel on those two countries very badly. But at the same time, it’s going to be dangerous even getting there without being blown out of the water.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “How about we get there via airship then? We can just fly high over the clouds so as not to be seen.”

Spitfire groans. “We’d need an airship then. And more importantly, a crew to fly it.”

Arc smirks. “An airship and crew, eh?”

Tempest turns to him. “You have an idea where to find such things?”

“In a manner of speaking. Let’s start with the crew aspect first.’

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “They’d need to be smart, brave, and highly skilled to pull off such a thing.”

Arc nods. “Anyone you can think of?”

Tempest looks to Spitfire. “What about your former post?”

Arc chimes in. “Luna Bay Prison.”

Spitfire frowns. “You know about that too?”

Arc nods. “Yes. What happened to the prison when the sun stopped shining though?”

Spitfire groans. “In a word… pandemonium.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “I can just imagine. But I’m assuming that the Hero of Light was referring to the prisoners.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Spitfire grimaces. “It’s… complicated.”

Arc shrugs. “Then do your best to explain it to me.”

Spitfire sighs. “Alright.”

Taking a deep breath, she continues.

“For months prior to the fall of the capital, orders came in almost daily regarding prisoner transfers from Luna Bay Prison to the Canterlot dungeons.”

“Is that out of the ordinary?”

Spitfire nods. “Admittedly it is, yes. You see, once a prisoner has been tried and incarcerated, they don’t generally leave until their release date comes around. Or a change in their sentencing due to new information regarding their case.

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “What does that have to do with anything though?’

Spitfire turns to her. “Think about it, Tempest. Nightmare Moon must’ve taken over the capital city long before anypony even suspected that anything was amiss. She probably pulled strings to get disgraced former guards as well as other criminals within Canterlot’s walls prior to lowering the sun for the last time.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “To bolster her ranks with criminals whom would eagerly do her bidding.”

Arc frowns. “So you’re saying that the prison is empty then?”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Sadly, no. When prisoners were transferred away, new ones came to take their places.”

Tempest folds her hooves over her chest. “Let me guess. The loyal guards of Canterlot?”

Spitfire sighs. “You guessed it.”

Arc frowns. “And you just let them be kept prisoner?”

“Their papers were always in order. All of them had been found guilty of various crimes against Equestria.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Then what tipped you off that something was amiss?”

“I had been suspicious that something was wrong in Canterlot for some time prior. However, the sun suddenly setting and Canterlot going dark was the final straw.”

Arc frowns. “Are you saying that you abandoned your post?

Spitfire shakes her head. “Not until I had released the prisoners, no.”

Tempest gasps. “You just let everypony go?!”

Spitfire shrugs. “I meant that I released everypony from their cells.”

Arc appears confused. “Why though?”

“It didn’t appear that anypony in general population actually deserved to be sent there. That and I couldn’t just leave them to rot in their cells for crimes they most likely never actually committed. So I explained what I knew about the situation in Canterlot over the intercom system and used my keycard to open every cell from the control room.”

Arc appears hopeful “What about the warden, General Virtuous Lance?”

“He… didn’t want to leave the prison. So he decided to stay and lead those whom remained within those walls.”

Tempest frowns. “So you’re saying that there’s a prison full of loyal guards and you didn’t see fit to say ANYTHING before now?!”

Spitfire nods. “Yes. Before I left the general warned me that doing so would make them a target of the military. So he told me to flee the prison and report that it had fallen from a large scale prison riot.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Then no one would bother sending troops there to restore order, since they thought that the prison was merely full of the dead.”

“You got it.”

Arc appears hopeful. “By any chance is there a Captain Tight Ship imprisoned there?”

Spitfire appears surprised. “Actually there is, yes. How did you…?”

Arc turns to Tempest. “We need to make contact with the general as soon as possible.”

Tempest grins wickedly. “Good idea. We’ll need the soldiers when the time for action arrives, after all.”

Arc frowns. “I was thinking more along the lines of getting ourselves a flight crew to pilot an airship.”

Spitfire steps forward. “We can do both, you know.”

Tempest grunts. “Can, but shouldn’t. Remember, we need to keep as much as we can a secret from Canterlot.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. We’ll get the flight crew if possible while restocking the prison’s food stores for those whom are staying there.”

Tempest grins slyly. “They could be a future trump card. A secret army that can be used at the proper time.”

Spitfire looks out the window at the new greenhouses. “What should we say is our reasoning for sending so much food to an undisclosed location though?”

Tempest groans. “Right. It’ll look suspicious to be stockpiling so much food in an out of the way place.”

Arc shrugs. “I’ll just say that it’s going to a secret supply depot that’s being prepared as a fallback location.”

Spitfire nods. “It wouldn’t be a total lie either, as we could legitimately use the prison as a fallback location in the event that the moon is compromised.”

Tempest grins. “Sounds like we have the makings of a real plan here.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Agreed. But none of this will mean anything if we don’t get General Virtuous Lance himself on board with the idea.”

Spitfire turns to Arc soberly. “I can arrange a meeting between him and you, sir. When do you want to see the general?”

“As soon as I can. Like first thing tomorrow morning if possible.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “You don’t waste any time.”

Arc shrugs. “As it stands, we don’t really have much of it to waste. That and it’s unknown just how well they’re doing over there at the moment.”

Spitfire chuckles. “The prison is stocked to operate independently for years at a time if necessary. In truth, they’re probably doing better than we are supply-wise.”

Tempest scoffs. “Oh yes, eating prepacked meals for months on end is my idea of a good time too.”

Spitfire shrugs. “While I admit that they don’t exactly taste the best, the meals are nutritious and filling.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“But if we can start supplying them with fresh fruits and vegetables it’s likely that the prison and its guards will be in a better place with which to remain on standby until needed.”

Arc nods. “Exactly. Notify the general that the Hero of Light and his entourage wishes to meet with him as soon as possible.”

Tempest stands. “I want in on this mission.”

Spitfire grins. “As do I.”

Arc nods. “And normally I would agree with that. However, this needs to be done secretly.”

Spitfire frowns. “How so?”

“I’ll give strict orders not to be disturbed tonight, saying that I’m feeling a bit out of sorts and need to catch up on some rest. Spitfire will go to my quarters in order to ‘check’ on me in the morning and tell the others that I’m feeling a bit under the weather. Tempest will corroborate her story and suggest bedrest until I’m feeling better.”

Tempest grins. “And nopony will be the wiser.”

Arc chuckles. “Right. They’ll think that I’m just resting in my quarters. When in reality I’ll be out meeting with the general at the prison.”

Spitfire sighs. “And how exactly are you planning to get there?”

“It’s near Vanhoover, right? I could teleport there and hoof it the rest of the way to the prison.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “If by ‘near’ you mean a week’s walk, then yes that’s totally a viable option.”

Spitfire looks to the map on the wall. “I have the coordinates of a small rock clearing just outside the prison that General Virtuous Lance and I agreed to use when travelling there. You can use that to safely get close to the prison.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That solves one problem anyways. But there’s still the matter of the stallion on teleporter duty.”

Spitfire shrugs. “If it would help, I can send you there very late in the evening or early in the morning when everypony else is asleep. That is, if whomever is on duty could be persuaded to step away for a few minutes.”

Arc smirks. “I can make a fitting distraction. Then you send me over to the spot outside of the prison, I make a sigil nearby, and take a portal back here until it’s time for the meeting with the general.”

Tempest nods. “Sounds like you two have a real plan figured out.”

Arc looks to Tempest. “The three of us. Remember, Spitfire will need you to agree with her story in an effort to make it plausible.

Tempest groans. “I still think that I should come with you.”

Spitfire grimaces. “Agreed. You really shouldn’t be going anywhere alone at this point, sir.”

Arc chuckles. “Who said anything about me going out alone?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “You mean to say that you’re taking somepony with you other than us?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Like I said, you two are needed here to make the plan work. That and if something were to come up while I’m gone, I’m confident that the pair of you, along with Cherry, could handle it.”

Standing, Arc walks over to the window and looks out toward Equus. Sighing, he continues.

“I know this isn’t exactly what you two think I should do. But please respect my decision here and make the necessary preparations.”

Nodding, the mares stand and leave the office together. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically as the door closes behind them.

“Are you sure that this is a good idea, Arc? After all, you didn’t exactly have the best time when last you went to Luna Bay Prison.”

Arc nods soberly. “Very true. However, this time things will be different.”

“How so?”

“First off, I’m not going in there as a criminal. And second, it really needs to be done.”

“I admit that it would be helpful to have a number of troops in reserve for later, yes. However, we don’t really know whom is in there for legitimate reasons and whom can be trusted.”

“That’s why I’m meeting with the general.”

“Oh?”

“Knowing him like I do, it’s an even money bet that he knows exactly whom can be trusted in there and who’s a legitimate criminal.”

“There’s more to this than just an airship crew and soldiers, isn’t there?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah. I also don’t like the idea of innocent guards, whom just wanted to do the right thing for those whom they are sworn to protect, being left to rot in jail for crimes they didn’t commit.”

“Like you were.”

Arc nods as he turns to leave the room. “Let’s just say that I know all too well how such a betrayal feels.”

Chapter 3 - The Unexpected

The Lunar Destiny touches down in front of the Crystal Castle! As soon as it does, Ember and Sereb wheel the failing Arc onto the deck! Four pegasi paramedics drop onto the deck and approach! They quickly transfer Arc to a stretcher!

“Everypony grab a corner! Let's get the Lord Regent to the hospital right away!”

The paramedics quickly take off! Ember tries to fly after them but finds herself unable to do so!

Sereb runs up to Ember. “You're in no condition to fly. Hop on.”

Ember does so! Sereb runs at top speed after the paramedics! In no time they arrive at the Crystal Hospital! The pegasi set the stretcher on a gurney and the medics rush him inside! A doctor looks him over quickly!

“Get him to the intensive care unit, stat!”

The paramedics quickly do so as Ember and Sereb approach the doctor!

“Are you with the patient?!”

Ember nods! “Yes. We're his bodyguards!”

“Can you tell me what happened?!”

Ember and Sereb explain the day's events from Arc's initial injury that morning to when he collapsed on the Lunar Destiny.

Sereb sighs. “Ever since he collapsed initially, he's been going downhill.”

The doctor nods. “Thank you for the information. If you'll excuse me, I'll see if the other doctors have had any luck stabilizing his condition.”

The doctor hurries away. Sereb turns to Ember.

“I guess all we can do now is wait.”

Ember looks down sadly. “No... there's something else.”

She makes her way up to the Nurse's Station. The nurse on duty is on the phone. She looks up as Ember approaches.

“Excuse me, but are you Ember by any chance?”

“Y-yes, I am!”

The nurse holds out the receiver to her. “There is a Captain Tight Ship on the line for you.”

Ember takes the phone. “Thank you.”

She puts the receiver to her ear.

“Hello?”

“Ember! Did Lord Arc make it to the hospital?!”

“Yes. They're examining him now.”

Tight Ship breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. I've already notified Doctor Whooves back in Canterlot of the situation. He said he would contact a Doctor Horse in Ponyville. Apparently, he has more experience treating Lord Arc.”

“Thank you, Captain. I'll notify his family and the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

“Good. I hope everything works out!”

Ember nods. “...so do I.”

She hangs up the phone and turns to the nurse.

“Is there a public phone I can use?”

The nurse points to a phone in the corner of the room. “Right over there miss.”

“Thank you.”

Ember picks up the phone and dials the operator. They connect her with the Canterlot Castle switchboard.

“Canterlot Castle. How shall I direct your call?”

“I... I need to speak with Captain Shining Armor. Tell him it's very urgent!”

“Whom shall I say is calling?”

“Ember.”

“One moment please.”

A few minutes later they are connected.

“This is Shining Armor. Ember? Is everything alright?!”

“No! NOTHING is alright!”

“Okay, calm down and tell me what happened! Where are you?!”

Ember takes a deep breather before continuing. “Sereb and I are at the hospital in the Crystal Empire. We were on our way to Yakyakistan when Arc just collapsed! Tight Ship redirected the ship here! The doctors here are examining him now!”

“WHAT?! How bad is it?!”

“About fifteen minutes out he started having trouble breathing! Sereb and I rushed him to the ships infirmary and put an oxygen mask on him! There was no medic on duty, as Captain Decimus apparently gave everyone with a brain an extended leave!”

“I'm coming out there!”

“No wait! Before he passed out, Arc wanted me to tell you something!”

Shining Armor sits back down in his chair. “What was it?!”

“He... he said to tell you... that if anything happens to him... you're Lord Regent of Equestria.”

There is a loud crash on the other end of the line!

“Shining Armor! Are you okay?!”

The stallion does his best to pick himself up off the floor! “Y-yeah! Just... not sure what to say!”

“Keep it together! For Equestria... for... Arc.”

Shining Armor nods and takes a deep breath. “I will. Is there anything I can do?!”

“Yes. Send a ship to Ponyville and have them pick up Doctor Horse, Derpy and Dinky! The doctor has the most experience treating Arc!”

“I understand. Arc would want his family close at hoof if...”

Ember snaps angrily! “Don't say it!”

She does her best to compose herself again.

“One other thing... have Arc's squad fly to Dodge Junction and pick up a mare named Cherry Jubilee. She owns a cherry ranch on the outskirts of town. Take her to Ponyville so she can join Derpy, Dinky and Doctor Horse on the airship to the Crystal Empire.”

Shining Armor nods. “I'll see to it. But why?”

Ember bites her lower lip. “She's a... special friend of Arc's. I'll call her, Derpy and Dinky and tell them to be ready! You just take care of things on your end!”

“I will.”

“Thank you, Shining Armor.”

He hangs up the phone, putting his face in his hooves and muttering to himself! “This... this is all my fault! If anything happens to him Twilight will never forgive me! And how in Celestia's name am I supposed to lead a COUNTRY?!”

Meanwhile... Ember hangs up the phone. She then calls the Little Hooves Orphanage.

“Little Hooves Orphanage! Matron Coco Pommel speaking!”

Ember stammers in a nervous voice. “Coco Pommel? It's Ember.”

“Ember? What's wrong?!”

“There's been an incident. Can I please speak to Derpy and Dinky?”

“I'll go get Derpy, but Dinky is in class at the moment.”

“Can… can you please get her too? It's an emergency!”

“Very well. Just give me a few minutes.”

A short time later Ember hears the sounds of hoofsteps as the receiver is picked up and the speakerphone is activated! Derpy’s voice comes over the receiver!

“Ember?! What's happened?!”

“I'm at the hospital in the Crystal Empire with Arc. He's very ill!”

Dinky sounds on the verge of tears! “Miss Ember! What happened to my dad?!”

“We don't know dear. He just collapsed! The doctors are with him now.”

“What can Dinky and I do to help?!”

“Go to Ponyville Hospital and meet up with Doctor Horse. Canterlot is sending someone to fly him and you two over here.”

Derpy nods. “I'll send Dinky over there right away!”

Coco Pommel looks to the mare, confused. “Derpy?”

“I don't want to leave you short-hooved, Miss Pommel! The orphans are quite a handful even with both of us here!”

Coco Pommel puts a hoof on Derpy’s fetlock.

“I've been taking care of them alone for almost my whole life. Besides... Arc needs you right now. Go!”

“Thank you. We'll head over there now! Thank you for letting us know!”

Ember nods. “See you in a bit!”

The connection is severed as Ember puts down the receiver. She looks at the phone for a long moment before sighing and muttering to herself.

“I guess there's no putting if off any longer.”

Taking a deep breath, Ember dials the operator.

“Your call please.”

“Ch-Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction please.”

“One moment.”

A few moments later someone picks up.

“Cherry Hill Ranch! Cherry Jubilee speaking!”

“Um... I...”

“Hello? Is anypony there?”

“Y-yeah…”

“Is there something I can help you with?”

“It... it's Ember, Cherry.”

Cherry smiles happily! “Ember! How have you been?! It is time for another visit?! Oh, I do enjoy having you and Arc here!”

“I... um...”

“Ember? Is something wrong?”

“It's... I... look Cherry. I… I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything!”

Ember takes a deep breath. “There… there are some Lunar Protectors on their way to your ranch! They have orders to bring you to Ponyville as quickly as they can!

“What? But why?”

“I... I'm sorry Cherry. We just... we need you here right away! Please just trust me on this, okay?!”

“Okay Ember. I'll see you when I get there! Bye!”

Ember sets down the receiver as Sereb walks over.

“Ember? Are you all right?”

Ember sighs and puts a claw to her forehead. “I... I couldn't bring myself to tell her...”

Sereb looks confused. “Tell who?”

“Cherry Jubilee.”

Sereb licks his lips! “Sounds delicious.”

Ember forces a small smile. “No Sereb. That's the name of the mare who... has a... ‘thing’ for Arc.”

Sereb nods. “She is not the only one.”

Ember sighs. “So you've noticed huh?”

“I could be blind and still see how your demeanor changes when he enters the room.”

“I... I know it's not gonna happen with us. Besides the fact my father already said no, he... he already has someone special.”

“Derpy?”

Ember shakes her head sadly. “Nah. He loves her and all. Just, not in that special way.”

Sereb nods. “Well then, I look forward to meeting this Cherry Jubilee. She must be very special indeed to turn his head.”

Ember bows her head sadly. “Yeah... she is.”

The doctor comes out and makes a beeline for Ember and Sereb!

“How's he doing doctor?!”

The doctor shakes his head. “Not very good. He's completely unable to breathe on his own now! We've put him on a ventilator, but even it seems to be having trouble keeping him alive! It’s as if his lungs don’t WANT to breath!”

Sereb frowns. “What could be the cause of this?”

“It's too early to tell. We're going to be running a myriad of tests over the next couple hours to try and determine that.”

Ember nervously replies… “Doctor... is he... going to be okay?!”

“I’m sorry, but at this point I'm not really sure of anything. Can you help us contact his family?”

“We've already done that. They're on their way.”

“Good. At this point I'm not sure how long he has for us to figure this out!”

The doctor returns to the intensive care unit.

“We should probably sit down.”

Ember silently nods. Sereb escorts her to the back corner of the Waiting Room. The two are silent for a long time before Sereb turns to her.

“Do you wish to speak to me about it?”

“About what?”

Sereb looks to Ember. “I think you already know what I mean”

Ember sighs. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yes.”

She leans back in her chair and looks up at the ceiling. “When Arc and I met... it feels like forever ago! Back then, I didn't have anyone to share my life with. The Vile Tribe took me in, and while it was nice to feel needed, they weren't exactly what I would call ‘friends’.”

“Those who live and work together. Would one not call those friends?”

Ember shakes her head. “It's... complicated. When Arc and I escaped Tartarus together... after I watched him commit selfless acts one after another... I... knew then that I wanted to spend the rest of our lives together!”

“I do not understand. What is preventing you from this?”

“Human lives are so short! Before I know it, he'll be gone! And that's if he lives to old age!”

Sereb nods understandingly. “While our own race does not live nearly as long as dragons, it was not uncommon in the past for us to bear different riders over the course of our lives.”

“Do you think they missed their former masters?”

Sereb nods. “Most likely. We become quite attached to those we share a Life Pact. A lifetime together tends to do that.”

“How did they do it? How did they... move on?”

“We believe that life, no matter how long or short, always ends the same way... in death. Everything around us... everyone around us... is temporary. That one day we will be reunited with our long-lost friends in the Great Beyond.”

Ember smiles. “It's a nice thought.”

Sereb nods. “In the end... it is all we have.”

Meanwhile... Arc's squad nears Dodge Junction.

Hugh turns to the others. “What do you suppose this is all about?”

Viktor shrugs. “No idea. The Captain sure was acting weird though.”

Xenos chuckles. “Well he does have a high stress job.”

Max nods. “True. But there's something he wasn't telling us. In any case, that must be the place.”

He points a hoof to a small farmhouse surrounded by cherry trees. They quickly land in front of the house. Cherry is waiting for them on the porch with Ruby. Max looks over to the pair.

“Miss Cherry Jubilee?”

“Yes, that's me.”

“We're here to escort you to Ponyville Hospital.”

Cherry appears suddenly frantic! “WHAT?! Is Arc hurt?!”

Xenos shakes his head. “Not likely! He's tougher than all of us combined!”

Hugh nods. “True! That and he headed out in the new airship this morning.”

Viktor points a hoof to the north. “Yeah! They were heading for Yakyakistan I hear!”

Max gestures to the chariot behind them. “Sorry ma’am, but we don't have the details. Our orders were only to get you there as fast as we could!”

Cherry nods and climbs into the chariot before turning back to her sister happily!

“I'll be home as soon as I can Ruby!”

“Have a nice trip sister! I hope you enjoy whatever Arc has planned!”

Cherry waves a hoof to her sister as the chariot takes off!

“Take care of things while I'm gone, Ruby!”

Arc's squad quickly makes their way to Ponyville Hospital. They see Derpy, Dinky and Dr. Horse waiting for them! The chariot lands and Cherry quickly trots over to them!

“Hey there, Dinky! Long time no see! What's with the long face?”

Dinky looks at the ground sadly. “My... my dad's in the hospital.”

She and Arc's Squad look to the filly, wide-eyed! “WHAT?!”

Cherry walks quickly toward the hospital! “Well, let's go see him then!”

Derpy turns to her, sadly. “He's not in there Cherry .”

“Where is he then?! What happened?!”

Doctor Horse walks over to address Cherry. “I was notified by the captain of the vessel Lord Arc was traveling on that he had fallen ill en route to Yakyakistan. Apparently, I have the most experience treating him, so I was called to advise the medical team there. As for what happened is anypony's guess, as they never made it to their original destination.”

Derpy sighs. “Hopefully it's just some kind of nasty virus he picked up!”

Dinky nods hopefully! “Yeah! Maybe he just wants some company.”

The Blitztorte circles around overhead and prepares to land nearby as Cherry feels a nameless dread.

“I do hope you're right Dinky! Although I can't shake this feeling I have!

The group boards the ship and are quickly underway! Chery puts her hooves on the railing and looks north as they take off!

“Arc... please be okay!”

Derpy walks over and puts a hoof on her fetlock.

“We'll be there soon.”

The pilot picks up the radio. “Captain Shining Armor this is the Blitztorte. Come in please.

“This is Captain Shining Armor! I read you Blitztorte!”

“I'm leaving Ponyville Hospital and will arrive at the Crystal Empire in about two hours.”

“Roger that Blitztorte. Get them there as quickly as possible!”

The pilot nods. “I copy that. We're underway! Blitztorte out.”

As the pilot puts the radio down, the group enters the flight deck. Cherry trots in place as she approaches the pilot!

“Is there any word on Arc's condition?!”

The pilot shakes his head. “No ma'am. I was just notifying the Captain of the Guard of my ETA to the Crystal Empire.”

“Can we ask him?!”

“I'm sorry ma'am but...”

Cherry storms over to the pilot and grabs the radio! “Give me that!!!”

The pilot gulps and leans away from her. She pushes buttons frantically!

“Captain?! Is Arc okay?!”

Shining Armor’s voice comes over the radio. “Who is this?!”

“This is Cherry Jubilee! I'm here with Derpy and Dinky! Now tell us what's wrong with Arc!!!”

“We actually don't know much at this point, ma’am. They were about halfway to Yakyakistan when Arc suddenly collapsed! Ember had the captain divert the craft to The Crystal Empire. She also told me that shortly before they arrived Arc began having trouble breathing!”

Dinky starts to cry! “What?! NO! Dad...”

Derpy quickly moves to stand next to Cherry as she speaks into the radio. “He's going to be okay though, right?! RIGHT?!?!?!”

“I'm sorry. We don't know right now. But...”

Derpy and Cherry shout into the radio together! “BUT WHAT?!”

“Ember told me to get all of you there... just in case. Arc would want all of you there if he were to...”

She slams the radio down so hard she dents it! She turns to the pilot angrily! “CAN'T THIS THING GO ANY FASTER?!”

“Yes, but...”

Cherry Jubilee pushes the pilot out of the way and grabs the throttle! Pushing it all the way forward she puts her hooves firmly on the wheel and does her best to hold them steady!

“HERE WE GO!!!”

The pilot looks to her fearfully as the ship lunges forward! “WOAH! Miss, are you CRAZY?! The engine can't take this kind of abuse for long!”

She yells at him furiously, not taking her eyes off the horizon! “Will it last long enough to reach our destination?!”

“Yes, but...”

All semblance of sanity leaving her… “THEN WE'RE DOING IT!!!”

The pilot cowers in a corner! “Oh Celestia... we're gonna die!”

They make the trip is roughly half the time! Cherry looks to the city as they fly over the wall, a twisted smile on her face and a wild look in her twitching eyes!

“Hold on Arc! We're almost there!”

Cherry turns to the pilot!

“Take over you coward! Land us right in front of the hospital!”

He walks shakily to the controls! “Y-yes ma'am! But you want me to land in the middle of the street?! What about traffic?!”

Cherry turns to him with a wild look in her eyes!

“THEY'LL MOVE!!!”

The pilot does a he is told. As soon as the ship touches down Cherry , not waiting for the gangplank to be lowered, jumps over the railing along with Derpy and Dinky!

Doctor Horse waits for the gangplank patiently. “Oh my... I'll never underestimate the power of love again!”

The others burst into the hospital waiting room and run up to Ember and Sereb who are speaking to the doctor! Cherry reaches them first with Derpy close behind!

“HOW IS HE?!”

“Is he going to be okay?!”

Dinky whimpers as she catches up. “Where's my dad?!”

The doctor nods. “I'll bring all of you up to speed on the Lord Regent's condition as soon as the doctor from Ponyville arrives.”

Doctor Horse trots in the door. “What a ride!”

Sereb sniffs the air. “What is that smell?”

The doctor looks over his shoulder. “I think the airship's engine caught fire as we landed. The Fire Department is on its way.”

The wild look reappears on Cherry’s face. “I don't care about the ship!!! WHERE IS ARC?!?!?!”

Ember nods! “Can we see him now?”

Derpy appears on the verge of tears herself! “Please?! We're really worried about him!”

Dinky walks over to the doctor and tugs on his lab coat with tears in her small eyes. “Excuse me sir, but... can I please see my dad now?”

The doctor nods. “Very well. We can talk in the patient's room.”

He leads the group down several halls to the Intensive Care Unit. They stop outside the door.

“Please try to keep your voices down. The patient really does need his rest.”

All assembled nod as the doctor opens the door. Before them lies a terrible sight! Two respirators have been cobbled together and a tube runs down Arc's nose. There are a number of empty IV racks waiting nearby as a heart monitor beeps quietly. His face is very pale, almost gray in color! Cherry trots quickly over to the bed!

“Arc!”

She takes his hand and holds it to her face. The tears begin to fall and she speaks in a shaky voice.

“I'm right here my love!”

Dinky walks over to the other side of the bed with her mother. They lay their hooves on Arc's other hand. It is cold to the touch.

“Arc? We're right here.”

“Yeah dad. Please come back to us!”

The Crystal Pony Doctor gives a chart to Doctor Horse. “Here's everything we know so far.”

Doctor Horse looks over to the chart quickly before turning to local doctor. “Start an IV with Ringer's Lactate, wide open along with a bag of D5W. Put on extra blankets. His bodily systems are very similar to that of a pony's. Treat him like you would an extra-large equine.”

He moves to carry out Doctor Horse's instructions! “Thank you doctor. We really didn't know what to do other than try and stabilize him!”

Doctor Horse nods. “You did fine. If not for your intervention, he would be dead by now.”

He continues to look over the charts.

“I am a bit confused by the need to use two respirators. I've treated him with them before, and one was fully capable of doing the job.”

The Crystal Pony Doctor shrugs. “That's one of the things that really has us stumped! One was working overtime to keep him breathing. It was almost like his lungs didn't want to expand! I've never seen anything like it!”

Derpy looks up! “Why is he so cold?!”

“We're not exactly sure. His heart rate is way down and doesn't seem to want to come back up! Now this is just a guess on my part, but it's almost like whatever is doing this to his lungs is spreading to his heart!”

Ember stands at the foot of the bed. “So what are you planning to do?”

“I’ve ordered new x-rays to be taken of his chest. There was something a bit odd about them. It may have just been a glitch, but I want to be sure.”

A nurse enters with an envelope.

“The x-rays you requested doctor.”

“Thank you, nurse.”

The nurse leaves the room as the doctor motions to the x-ray illuminator as he switches it on.

“As you can see there are a number of dark spots on his left side near the wound. I was told it was caused by a mirror.”

Sereb nods. “That is correct.”

Ember frowns as she points to the x-rays. “But what are those spots?!”

“No idea. But let's compare this to the new pictures.”

The Crystal Pony Doctor puts up the new x-ray and looks it over.

“Well that can't be right...”

Derpy looks at them from Arc’s side! “What is it?!”

Doctor Horse studies the x-rays for a moment before turning back to Arc. “Those black spots appear to be growing! Merging even!”

The doctor opens a nearby drawer and pulls out a tray of surgical implements and moves to Arc’s side along with Doctor Horse.

“I need to see what we're dealing with here. Would you assist me?”

The Crystal Pony Doctor nods! “Gladly! Would everypony please move to the other side of the room. We need to reopen the wound.”

Everyone does so except Cherry who continues to hold Arc’s hand. Not taking her eyes off his face.

“I'll stay here.”

Doctor Horse nods. “Very well.”

He picks up a scalpel and slices open the stitches. Dinky buries her face in her mother's side!

“I'll hold this open with forceps. Can you see anything Doctor Horse?!”

Doctor Horse nods. “I think so. Let me see if I can...”

He reaches inside with a pair of forceps and tugs at something. In a moment he pulls something out and looks it over!

“What in Celestia's name...”

The Crystal Pony Doctor looks over and frowns! “A... crystal?! How did that get in there?!”

Doctor Horse sets the black crystal down on the tray along with the forceps. “I could see others in there. They must be those black spots on the x-rays! And as fast as they're growing, they haven't been in there that long!”

Ember looks confused. “I don't get it! Arc got cut by a piece of glass, sure! But CRYSTAL?!”

Doctor Horse thinks for a moment. “I remember reading about something like this when I was in medical school. It was called Crystal Poisoning!”

Cherry looks over nervously! “Poisoning?!”

“Yes. Centuries ago the Crystal Empire was ruled over by the evil King Sombra. He somehow ‘infected’ all the crystal in the land which caused it to act as if alive!”

Derpy nods. “Is that why it's growing?!”

“Yes. It drains energy from its host in a parasitic fashion! You see, back in those days almost everything in the empire was made of crystal. It was probably the best way for the king to spread his influence.”

Ember frowns. “But Arc has never even been here before!”

The resident doctor looks to Ember. “Are you certain?!”

Ember nods! “As long as I've known him, yes. Derpy?”

“That's right. When I met him, Arc had never so much as set hoof outside of Ponyville!”

Sereb looks to the group. “Then how did he contact this illness?”

The resident doctor looks to Ember. “Tell me more about this mirror that he broke.”

“It was a very old looking mirror in Princess Celestia's room.”

Doctor Horse turns to his colleague. “Is it possible...?”

“I suppose it COULD be old enough.”

Cherry looks to them! “Old enough for what?!”

Doctor Horse frowns. “If it was manufactured during the reign of King Sombra, it may contain traces of his power and influence.”

Ember looks to him in disbelief! “Are you saying a pony king from centuries ago is still alive?!”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “No miss. But the effects of his reign still persist after all these years. If he were still around, the crystals would have fully corrupted Arc by now!”

Dinky’s head shoots up at hearing this! “Corrupted?!”

The Crystal Pony Doctor nods. “Yes. Anypony corrupted by King Sombra's influence became his slave! Mind, body, and soul.”

Derpy looks to her injured friend. “But with the king gone, what would Arc do?”

Doctor Horse sighs. “He would either wait for a command, that would never come mind you. Or he would try to carry out the final command of King Sombra.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Which was...”

Doctor Horse closes his eyes. “The complete destruction of everything.”

Cherry looks to the doctors! “Can ANYTHING be done?!”

The resident doctor sighs. “The only way to save him would be to completely remove all the impurities from his body.”

Dinky nods. “You mean like surgery?”

Doctor Horse shakes his head. “That was tried in the past. It was found to be impossible, as the crystals could not be completely removed. They regenerated faster than the doctors could remove them!”

Sereb nods. “So, we need a method that removes the threat all at once?”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes.”

Ember nods nervously. “Does such a method exist?”

The resident doctor sighs. “Well, yes and no. Yes, we do have something called the Crystal Heart that can banish the powers of Darkness. But no, inasmuch that nopony was ever able to survive the process!”

Doctor Horse looks down at the floor. “It... it ended up being used as a way to... mercifully end their lives before they fully succumbed. Sadly, a pony's mind and body are not strong enough to withstand such an assault of Light!”

Cherry nods her head with conviction! “Arc can! I just know it!”

Derpy looks over at the doctors and nods! “Yes! He's proven over and over again that's he's strong AND smart! If anypony can survive this, he can!”

Doctor Horse turns to Derpy. “The chances of survival are quite low. Are you absolutely SURE this is what he would want?”

Ember walks over to Arc’s side and looks down sadly at her friend. “I know Arc. He... he wouldn't want to continue living if it meant hurting those he cared for. Of this, I am certain!”

Doctor Horse looks around at the group. “Do all of you agree with that?”

Everyone nods except Cherry . Ember walks over to her.

“Cherry?”

Cherry appears to be barely holding it together! She shakes slightly from emotion! “I... I know what you're all saying. And I know that this is what Arc would want, but... I just... I just don't want to... I CAN'T LOSE HIM!!!”

Derpy shakes her head. “We won't. Arc is tough! He'll pull through!”

Ember puts a claw on her shoulder. “Yeah! He's got this!”

The resident doctor nods soberly. “I'll notify the Crystal Castle and have them bring the heart over as soon as possible. I only hope he can hold on long enough for it to arrive!”

He quickly leaves the room. Cherry buries her face in Arc's chest, crying!

“Hang on a bit longer my love! I promise I won't leave your side!”

Meanwhile in Yakyakistan... a Yak Commander approaches Prince Rutherford.

“Prince Rutherford. There be no movement from Crystal Kingdom!”

Prince Rutherford nods. “Yak commander sure?! Yaks see big flying ship land there earlier today!”

“Yak sure! Maybe they not come fight?”

The prince shakes his head! “Not possible! Pony King must have been on that ship. It too big to be anyyak else!”

The commander looks confused. “What they doing then?”

“That what yak send commander find out! So, what ARE ponies doing?!”

“Nothing! They doing nothing!”

Prince Rutherford thinks for a moment. “Is clever Pony King trick! Pony King trying lure yaks into thinking he doing NOTHING! But… he actually doing SOMETHING!”

The commander clops his small hooves together! “Ohh! Prince Rutherford smart! What yaks do about this?!”

“Yaks go gather more yaks! Bring fight to Pony King first! He not sees it coming! He thinks he surprise yaks! Well, yaks surprise HIM!”

The commander stomps the ground respectfully! “Yak gather more yaks now! Make army!”

“Go do now! Tell yak when ready!”

The Yak Commander leaves to carry out his orders as a small yak with luminous green eyes and long braided fur approaches Prince Rutherford.

“Father, what yak doing?”

“Yaks gathering more yaks! Go to Crystal Empire! Smash Pony King before he smash us! Good yak plan!”

She looks skeptical. “You sure this best idea?”

Prince Rutherford nods! Of course this best idea! Yaks come up with it, so must be best!”

“But won't yaks get hurt fighting ponies?”

“Nah! Ponies small and frail! Yaks big and strong! What could happen other than yaks winning?!”

She nods! “We show them yaks best?!”

Prince Rutherford laughs! “Yes! Yaks best at EVERYTHING! We show them good!”

Chapter 5 - The Yakyakistan Invasion

Arc and company run out of the hospital! There is pandemonium in the streets! Arc waves over a Crystal Defender.

“What's going on soldier?!”

“Sire! Thank Celestia you're here! We're being invaded by large woolly creatures!”

Ember turns to Arc. “I guess Yakyakistan got tired of waiting for you Arc!”

Derpy puts her front hooves around Dinky! “What do we do?!”

“Who's in charge of the Crystal Empire, soldier?!”

“Princess Cadance left General Wind Rider in command before she left to aid Princess Luna in Canterlot! He's in the Crystal Castle!”

Ember turns to Arc. “We should see if he could use some help!”

Arc nods. “You and Sereb go. I have something else to do!”

Sereb appears confused. “Such as?”

Arc calls forth his armor and spear, angrily! “Driving these invaders out of the Crystal Empire! If they want a fight that bad, they're gonna have a bad time!”

Derpy looks to him, wide-eyed! “Alone?!”

Cherry Jubilee puts her hooves on his side and looks up at him pleadingly! “Arc! NO!”

“Derpy, I want you, Dinky, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to evacuate to safety with the townsponies. Cherry Jubilee, go with them!”

Ember grabs Arc's shoulder as he turns to leave! “Wait Arc! You're the Lord Regent now!”

“Yes. And?!”

Sereb shakes his head. “It would be a great risk to this land for you to enter battle needlessly.”

Cherry Jubilee nods! “They're right Arc! You should be at the castle coordinating the defense of the city!”

“I can take you to the General, sire!”

Arc sighs and nods. “Fine. Let's hurry!”

He and his friends follow the Crystal Defender to the castle! He quickly leads them to the Throne Room where an elderly pegasus and his commanders are looking over a table filled with papers! He looks up at them angrily as they enter!

“Mares... fillies... a dragon, and creatures I can't identify~ I don't have TIME to see anypony right now! I'm trying to figure out this situation!”

Ember reaches into Sereb's saddlebag and pulls out Arc's crown and scepter! She quickly approaches him and puts the crown on his head and hands him his scepter!

“Well you better MAKE time... whomever you are!”

The pegasus and his commanders snap to attention as does General Wind Rider as he sees Arc’s insignia.

“My apologies sire! I didn't know who you were! I'm General Wind Rider! Uh... who are you anyways?”

“Hero of Light Arc.”

Ember nods smugly! “YOUR BOSS!”

“Easy there Ember. We have more important matters to attend to.”

Arc quickly approaches the table.

“So what are we up against?!”

Wind Rider turns to the map on the table. “It looks like Prince Rutherford has finally gone off the deep end! He's sent his forces to attack the Crystal Empire!”

Arc sighs. “Great. I was just going to see him.”

The general looks over at Arc, confused. “Sire?”

“I was on my way to Yakyakistan when I was suddenly... sidetracked.”

Ember nods! “He had hoped to avert this!”

Wind Rider rolls his eyes. “Well... that went swimmingly. Fortunately, I’ve already put into action a plan of my own.”

Arc nods! “Good. How is the evacuation going?”

The general looks to Arc, confused. “Evacuation?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, General Wind Rider. When a city is attacked, you generally evacuate the citizens so the military can concentrate on fighting the enemy!”

Wind Rider shakes his head. “Right now I believe the enemy would see that as taking an aggressive stance! My delegation is on its way to meet with them. Hopefully there can still be a peaceful resolution to this!”

Sereb narrows his eyes. “General. Are you perhaps insane?”

Cherry Jubilee looks to the general, angrily! “The civilians deserve protection! Help them!”

Arc looks to Wind Riders' commanders. “Raise the alarm and see to it that all civilians are evacuated to the castle.”

The commanders look uneasy. They appear to be unwilling to disobey Wind Rider. Arc slams his fist down on the table!

“NOW!!!”

They scramble to carry out Arc's orders as Derpy turns to Arc!

“I'll help with the evacuation! Dinky I want you Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to stay here with your father!”

“But mom...”

“Do as I say Dinky!”

She sighs. “Okay mom...”

“We'll be good!”

“Promise!”

Arc nods. “Be careful out there Derpy! Don't take any unnecessary risks!”

Cherry Jubilee stands next to her. “Don't worry Arc! I'll go with her!”

“Okay, but stay together!”

Wind Runner runs over to block the pair’s exit as he puts a hoof on Cherry Jubilee's shoulder!

“Now wait just a minute! The Lord Regent ordered civilians to evacuate! You can't...”

The general suddenly finds himself being VERY forcefully pulled toward Arc who grabs him by the front of his armor as soon as he is within arm’s reach! He pulls the stallion to within inches of his face!

“Don't... you... EVER speak to my fiancé like that again! And keep your hooves off her! You got that?!”

Cherry Jubilee looks over, clearly surprised! “It's okay Arc! I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it!”

Arc lets go of Wind Runner and nods. “I know. That's why I'm letting it go... for now. Stay safe out there!”

Cherry Jubilee and Derpy leave the room as the evacuation alarm rings out!

“Now then general. Tell me about your plan to bring a peaceful solution to this.”

Wind Rider composes himself and walks back over to the table. “Very well.”

The general points to a large map of the Crystal Empire.

“They're attacking from the West Gate! Not the most tactically sound plan, but the yaks aren't really known for thinking things through!”

Ember looks to the general and rolls her eyes. “Like someone else I could mention...”

“Lay off, Ember! Continue general.”

Wind Rider traces the shortest path to the Crystal Castle from the gate!

“If we can't convince them to stop their attack before they break through the West Gate, there will be no stopping them! They'll smash the empire like it was a dollhouse!”

Sereb frowns. “Are they really that strong?”

Ember chuckles! “They're all muscle and no brains! But I guess they don't really need to think when they can smash!”

Wind Rider frowns as he looks to Ember. “It looks like we can agree on that much, dragon.”

Arc nods. “So what do you propose we do, general?”

“In a word... surrender.”

Arc and Ember fold their arms over their chests!

“I'm positive I didn't hear THAT right!”

“General! Have you lost your MIND?!”

Wind Rider shakes his head. “Look, I know this sounds like the coward’s way out, but we really have no choice! You said it yourself sir! The citizens need to be protected! If we turn over the Crystal Heart to them, as a sign of good will, perhaps...”

Arc interrupts! “Wait, what?!”

“But isn't the Crystal Heart a national treasure?!”

The general nods. “It is. However, the lives of the city's inhabitants should come first!”

Sereb growls. “What will happen to the empire without the heart?”

Wind Rider shrugs. “We're not… completely sure.”

Ember rolls her eyes, sarcastically. “That's reassuring.”

“There are legends that the Crystal Heart was used in the past to keep an ancient evil at bay.”

Arc looks out the window. “Well it's certainly keeping winter away! Outside the city it's a blizzard, but inside it's like spring. Can you explain that?”

“I cannot. Nopony can!”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, I'm not willing to take the chance! I'm relieving you of duty as of now General Wind Rider!”

“WHAT?! But you can't do that! I was appointed to this post by Princess Cadance HERSELF! You don't have the authority to...!”

He interrupts the general, angrily! “With the princesses unavailable I AM the Lord Regent of Equestria! You WILL follow my orders and leave... NOW!!!”

“But what about the Crystal Empire?!”

Arc turns back to the map. “I will coordinate the defense myself.”

“B-but what if our forces can't handle it?!

Ember brandishes her claws! “Then the three of us will enter the battle and deal with the yaks... personally.”

Arc nods as he looks up. “You can count on it! Now get out of my sight, coward!”

Wind Rider turns to leave the room!

“Fine... this is YOUR mess now... sir!”

He leaves the throne room as his commanders return.

“General?! What are you doing out here?!”

“I've been relieved of duty. Our ‘illustrious’ leader has decided to forgo my advice and try to fight the yaks!”

“That's crazy?! What are we going to do sir?!”

Wind Rider walks down the hallway quickly. “All of you stay with the Lord Regent and carry out his orders.”

“General? What will you be doing?!”

He doesn’t not look back. “My job.”

The commanders enter the Throne Room together.

“The alarm has gone out sir!”

“Evacuation is underway.”

Arc points to the map. “Good. Now I want all of you to take your soldiers and see to it the evacuation goes smoothly. Start with the western side of the city!”

Ember nods. “Yeah! That's where the most panic will be!”

He draws lines on the map before him.

“Each of you will take a sector. Get everyone out and to the castle quickly but safely!”

“Yes sir.”

The commanders leave the Throne Room to gather their troops.

“Do you think we should have told him about the general?”

“What would we say?! “General Wind Rider is going to do... SOMETHING”?!”

“I suppose. But both of their plans, whatever they are, make me nervous! I mean... we can't fight YAKS! Can we?”

“Like it or not... it looks like we are.”

Meanwhile, back in the Throne Room, Ember heads for the doors!

“I'm heading out to help!”

“I will join you.”

Ember and Sereb walk toward the doors.

“One last thing you two.”

Ember turns back to Arc. “Yes?”

Arc walks over to them. “I want the two of you to stay together at all times!”

Ember chuckles. “Why Arc? Do you think a big mound of fur is enough to take us on?!”

“No. But while you're out there I want you to find Cherry and Derpy! Tell them to get back to the castle and let the guards handle this!”

Ember nods soberly. “Don't worry Arc. We'll find them!”

“I'm sure they are fine.”

Arc nods nervously. “I hope so. In any case... take this.”

He tosses Ember a radio.

“Contact me if you see anything of importance! I need as many eyes out there as I can get!”

She catches the radio. “No problem!”

Sereb nods. “We have this.”

“Be careful out there!”

Ember and Sereb nod and leave the Throne Room. Arc sits down at the table to look over the maps again. Messengers begin to trickle in with status reports!

“I never should have let Derpy and Cherry go...”

Meanwhile, Ember jumps on Sereb's back! “Where should we look first?!”

Sereb sniffs the air. “They went this way.”

Ember nods! “Well let's go then!”

“Very well.”

Sereb runs past the onslaught of panicked ponies making a mad dash for the castle! The further they get from the castle, the more military personnel they see! Ember points a claw at a disturbance up ahead.

“What's going on over there?!”

Sereb turns toward the trouble. “We shall see.”

A stallion is arguing with a small group of Crystal Defenders.

“Sir, you have to leave now! Forget your possessions and save your family!”

Filthy Rich chuckles and shakes his head. “I most certainly will not! These items from our vacation property are priceless antiques! They're irreplaceable!”

“But sir...!”

Filthy Rich cuts him off! “If you really want to help, call your superiors for backup! I need lots of strong backs to help save what I can!”

Ember rides up to him. “YOU AGAIN?! Get your daughters to safety, you fool! Get back to your duties, soldier! I'll handle this!”

“Yes ma'am! Thank you!”

The Crystal Defenders move along. Filthy Rich turns to Ember and Sereb angrily!

“Now why did you go and do that?! They could have moved a large portion of our things!”

Ember glares at him! “We're about to be invaded by enemy soldiers and you want to save your trinkets?!”

Diamond Tiara looks down her nose at the pair. “Hmph! If you and the Hero of Light... or whatever silly title he's using these days, did your jobs as well as you run your mouths, this wouldn't have happened!”

Filthy Rich nods! “Right! Now why don't you be a dear and help me save a few things? There's plenty of bits in it for you if you do!”

Silver Spoon looks around nervously. “Dad, I don't think now is a good time for this! Can we get out of here?! I'm scared!”

Filthy Rich pulls Silver Spoon over to him. “Don't worry my dear! The City Gates are very strong! It will take those troublesome yaks hours to break through them!”

Diamond Tiara nods! “Daddy's right Silver Spoon! Don't you worry! As soon as we find some drudges to move our things, we'll be out of here!”

Ember shakes her head. “What's the matter? Run out of servants to do your bidding?”

Filthy Rich frowns. “Servants we HAD until this happened!”

Diamond Tiara sighs. “They all ran off for some reason! Cowards the lot of them! I hope my daddy fires all of them when this blows over!”

“At least they had sense enough to get to safety!”

“Look, I don't have all day! Just tell me how much you'll charge to help us and you'll have it! Because I am NOT leaving without my prized statue!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “Statue?”

Filthy Rich gestures to the huge ornate statue behind him!

“It's been in the Rich Family for generations!”

Sereb shakes his head. “It looks like a giant stone coin.”

Filthy Rich nods smugly! “Very astute of you, Fido! This is a constant reminder to me and my family that in life you really need to remember the important things... like money!”

Ember looks to him as if she is about to explode! “This...? THIS is what your risking your life for?!”

Filthy Rich nods! “Very similar to the time you went into the Everfree Forest for ME!”

Ember suddenly regains her composure. She nods calmly as she gestures to the statue.

“Very well. You say you can't leave this behind. Right?”

Diamond Tiara rolls her eyes. “Yes, I believe that is what my father has been explaining to you in great detail!”

Ember nods. “Then how about we help you with your little problem then?”

“It’s about time!”

Ember whispers something in Sereb's ear as she dismounts. She walks a short distance past the statue.

“Ready Sereb?”

“Ready.”

Sereb uses his magic to pick up the statue. He suddenly hurls it toward Ember, who breaks it in half with her spear! Filthy Rich can only stand there, his mouth agape!

“W-w-w-WHAT?! Why did you...”

Diamond Tiara stands next to her father, astonished! Are you STUPID or something?!”

Silver Spoon sighs. “It was just a statue.”

Ember mounts Sereb. “There you are Mr. Rich. Now you don't have any reason to stick around here.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed. We suggest you get your family to safety.”

They turn to leave as Filthy Rich blathers on!

“Th-the princesses will hear of this!”

Ember looks over her shoulder. “You mean the Lord Regent, right? He'll probably give me an award for saving your life!”

Sereb looks up at Ember as he runs down the street.

“Somehow I don't think Arc would approve of that.”

Ember chuckles! “Gotta disagree with you on that one! Arc hates that guy!”

“Dare I ask why?”

An explosion rings out several streets away!

“I'll tell you later, Sereb!”

Ember and Sereb rush toward the blast! A number of civilians rushes past them!

“GET TO THE CASTLE!!!”

As they round the corner, Ember and Sereb see a rather large hole in the city wall and a couple yaks covered in soot stepping through!

“Yak told you to be more careful with powder! Now yaks have nothing to bring to gate!”

The other soldier looks nervous. “Yak Commander be mad!”

“What yak do now?!”

He drops to the ground! “Quick! Fill bags with plants! We bring to commander! He think it just mix up on part of quartermaster!”

“Great plan!”

Ember and Sereb watch in disbelief!

“Ember? Is this really the enemy?”

“I... think so.”

“What should we do?”

Ember thinks for a moment. “Hmmm... what would Arc do?”

“Should we try... talking to them?”

Ember shrugs. “I guess so. Arc usually tries that before beating anyone up!”

They approach the pair. They do not look up at their approach!

“Um... hi?”

“Not now! Yaks busy filling bags with small plants!”

“Ya! Yaks need get this to Yak Commander! We lost Black Powder! Hey! You not pony, are you?!”

Ember shakes her head. “No. I'm a dragon!”

One of the soldiers looks to Sereb. “How ‘bout you?!”

“No. I am a wolf.”

The solder looks around! “You two see any ponies around?! Yaks at war with ponies!”

Ember shakes her head. “Um… nope. No ponies around here!”

She watches the yaks fill the bags with any plants they can get their hooves on!

“Hey, you know it might be better if you filled your bags with dirt.”

The soldiers stop and look at her.

“Why that?”

“It would... um... look more like Black Powder?”

The pair nod happily!

“You smart for not being yak!”

“Ya! Yaks smartest!”

The bags are soon filled with dirt. The pair stand up and put them on their backs as they step back through the wall.

“Bye now! Yaks have to be getting to Yak Commander.”

“Yak thanks you not-ponies for help!”

Ember and Sereb wave after the pair.

“Do you think we did the right thing, Ember?

“I... think so. We should probably contact Arc and let him know about this hole though.”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Ember pulls the radio out of Sereb's saddlebag. She turns it on and presses a button.

“Arc, this is Ember. Come in please!”

Meanwhile, Arc is surrounded by messengers and military personnel! Hearing Ember’s voice he picks up his radio. “Arc here. Go ahead Ember. Did you find Cherry and Derpy?!”

Ember shakes her head. “Not yet. We just wanted to tell you there's a big hole in the west side of the city wall!”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

She looks toward the hole. “It looks like some yaks accidentally dropped some Black Powder and blew it up.”

“Get out of there!”

“It's okay, Arc! They were worried about their boss finding out! We convinced them to bring dirt to their commander instead.”

Arc nods. “So... you sabotaged them then?”

Sereb sighs. “That is one way of putting it.”

“I'd say they sabotaged themselves. Those yaks were idiots!”

“Good job then you two! Keep looking for our friends though! I want all of you back here as soon as possible!”

“We're on it. Ember out!”

Ember puts the radio back in the saddlebag. Sereb looks at the hole once more.

“What about the wall? We can't just leave it like this.”

“I got an idea! Let's go.”

A short time later Ember and Sereb walk away from the freshly patched wall.

“Isn’t this stealing, Ember?”

Ember shakes her head. “Nah! It's ‘commandeering’! We'll give it back later! Besides, I don't want those two bunglers to bring anyone through this hole!”

Sereb nods! “Good.”

The pair continue on their way. Soon they find themselves at the gates! The three commanders from earlier have brought their forces to defend it! Ember shout to them as she rides up!

“Who's in charge here?!”

The three commanders look at each other and shrug. Ember shakes her head and sighs.

“Really?!”

“I... uh... think you are, miss.”

“...what?”

One of the commander’s nods. “The princess' personal guard takes priority over Field Commanders! Not sure how the Lord Regent's bodyguard ranks in there but...”

Ember sighs. “Fine. How are things going here?”

“The yaks have been banging at the door for quite some time now. The gates won't hold them out forever!”

One of the commander's appears uneasy. Sereb looks to him as he narrows his eyes.

“What is wrong?”

“Um... it's just... General Wind Rider just flew over the gates to try and talk to the leader of the yaks.”

Ember facepalms! “Great. Is he trying to get killed?!”

“I... I think he had the Crystal Heart with him.”

“Wait, he did WHAT?! Lord Arc specifically told him NOT to do just that!”

“Please ma'am! He was just worried about having to face YAKS!”

She dismounts angrily! “Grrr... well he should have been more worried about having to face MY wrath!!!”

Ember flies up and over the wall. She quickly spots the rogue general with the biggest yak!

“Puny pony don't get it! Yaks don't WANT your glass heart!”

Wind Rider holds the Crystal Heart as he backs away nervously! “What?! But I brought it here in hopes of talking peace!”

The Yak Commander shakes his head! “Yaks no want peace no more!”

“I… I don't understand! What DO you want then?!”

“Yaks wants ALL pony's lands and treasures! And yaks want them NOW!”

“But...”

The Yak Commander grunts! “Yaks deserve them more than ponies! Yaks best at EVERYTHING! We start by showing we the strongest and smartest by destroying Crystal Empire! Then we move on to Canterlot! From there, take rest of Equestria!”

Ember swoops down and grabs the Crystal Heart from Wind Rider!

“I'LL TAKE THAT!!!”

“H- HEY! What the...?”

The Yak Commander points to Ember! “See?! Puny pony not even able to hold onto small gem! Strange talking bird deserve it more than you!”

Two yaks approach Wind Rider and quickly tie him up! The Yak Commander throws Wind Rider next to the two sacks in front of the gates!

“We make example of you to other ponies! You blow up with Black Powder and gates!”

Wind Rider looks fearfully to the bags of powder on either side of him! “WHAT?! NO! Please, spare me! I... I can help you!”

The commander picks up a torch. “How you help yaks?!”

“I... I can take you to the Lord Regent! Hand him over to you! Without its leader Equestria will fall! That and I can show you where the city's defenses are weakest! Just please spare my life!”

“Where the fun in an easy victory?! Die pony traitor!”

The Yak Commander hurls the torch at the bags as all the yaks dive for cover! Wind Rider squeezes his eyes shut!

“NO!!!”

The torch lands inside the open bag and immediately begins to die out. He looks at the bag confused.

“What wrong with Black Powder?”

He looks to the two messengers who brought it. They shrug. Meanwhile, Ember, having thoroughly enjoyed the show, swoops down and grabs Wind Rider!

“You're coming with me, you traitor!”

The yaks watch as Ember carries Wind Rider back over the wall

“Wow... that strong bird! Must be from northern Yakyakistan! All right yaks! Back to pounding!”

Ember returns to Sereb and the commanders! She roughly drops Wind Rider in front of them as the yaks resume banging at the gate!

“Somepony untie me!”

Ember lands nearby “NO! You're under arrest!”

“WHAT?! On what charges?!”

Ember rolls her eyes! “Oh, I don't know... disobeying a direct order, stealing from the citizenry, attempting to aid the enemy and conspiracy to betray the Lord Regent to the yaks!”

Wind Rider squirms! “T-These are all lies! Somepony help me out here!”

Ember looks around. “Does anyone WANT to help the one who was willing to sell you out to save his own skin?!”

Nopony moves.

“Take the general back to the castle and lock him up! Lord Arc will deal with him later.”

The Crystal Defenders do so. Wind Rider calls out as he's dragged away!

“What I did... I did it for my COUNTRY!!! I'm not the enemy here! That crazy Lord Regent is! He has to be stopped!”

Ember puts the Crystal Heart in Sereb's saddlebag and takes out the radio. “Arc, you there?!”

“Arc here! I've just received word that the eastern half of the city is evacuated. How's the west looking?”

Ember looks over to the commanders. They all nod.

“We're all evacuated here. But I still haven't seen Derpy or Cherry Jubilee! Are they with the evacuees?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I just had several soldiers along with Dinky and her friends look for them. Neither of them are here!”

Sereb thinks for a moment. “Perhaps they do not know the evacuation is complete.”

Ember nods. “Or they might be on their way back now. Don't worry Arc! They city hasn't been breached yet! There's still time for them to get back safely! I wish we could keep searching for them, but I have to take command of the gate defense now!”

Arc sighs heavily. “…very well. Keep the yaks out the city as best you can! If things get too dicey call me and I'll...”

Ember shakes her head! “No way Arc! We can't afford to lose you in battle right now! That and you've had quite the day already!”

Sereb nods. “Agreed. You should be resting.”

“Alright. I leave this in your claws, Ember. Bring everyone back safely. Now, is there anything else?”

“Um... yeah. We've uncovered a traitor.”

Arc frowns. “General Wind Rider?”

“Yeah! How did you...”

He interrupts. “Human intuition. Where is he now?”

“I've ordered him transported back to the castle under guard.”

“Good. I will deal with him... personally.”

Ember looks back at the gates. “I got a bird's eye view of our opposition. There aren't really THAT many yaks out there!”

Arc stands up quickly! “Don't be lured into a false sense of impeding victory, Ember! I really doubt Prince Rutherford would be cold-hearted enough to send a force that he didn't believe could achieve victory!”

“I think I may have an idea Arc! If it works, we won't have a single casualty!”

Arc frowns. “And if it doesn't?!”

Ember sighs “Then you'll have to come visit ME in the hospital for a change!”

“I don't like where this is going, Ember!”

“I can do this Arc! Please trust me! Besides, that gate isn't going to keep them out much longer!”

The radio is silent for a time.

“...very well Ember. Just... come back in one piece, would you kindly?”

She nods. “I'll try. Ember out!”

Ember puts the radio back in the saddlebag and calls forth her spear before turning back to the commanders.

“I'm going over there to try and talk to the Yak Commander. There's something I'd like to try! If I don't come back, Sereb will coordinate the defense on behalf of Lord Arc!”

Sereb nods. “Very well. But what exactly are you hoping to accomplish?”

“I want to stop this before they get into the city! Wish me luck!”

Ember flies out over the wall and heads for the Yak Commander.

“Here goes nothing. I just hope I'm not making a huge mistake...”

Chapter 10 - The Home Stretch

Arc reappears on the sigil in his room and sighs. He looks around his private room in the castle.

“I never did spend much time in this room.”

There is the sound of movement from the bed. Arc calls forth the Spear of Righteousness and slowly creeps over to it! He whips back the covers to see Spike curled up!

Arc puts his spear away as Spike wakes up. “Spike?! What are you doing here?!”

Spike sits up groggily. “Sorry! I finished organizing the ship's library last night but couldn't find anyone aboard! I disembarked and found this room. It didn't look like anypony was using it so I lay down! Sorry if I caused any trouble!

“It's okay. This is the Hero of Light's quarters. I'm not using it these days though, so you can sleep here from now on.”

“Really?! Thanks! So, what do you want me to do today?!”

“Why don't you start with breakfast? You must be hungry.”

Spike shrugs. “I guess. Then what?”

“Stop by my office and I'll find something for you to do. Come on! I'll walk you to the Dining Room.”

Spike runs toward the door. “Oh boy! I can't wait to get started!”

Arc shakes his head as he mutters to himself. “Such determination for such a small dragon!”

He leaves the room to find Spike waiting for him partway down the corridor! Arc catches up and the two walk together. In a few minutes they reach the Dining Room. Ember and Sereb are just finishing their meal.

“Hey Spike! How did things go in the library!”

Spike gives her a thumbs up! “Mission accomplished!”

Sereb nods. “That is good to hear.”

“I'm just here to grab a bite before Arc gives me my next assignment!”

“We'll talk in a bit then.”

Spike sits down at the table. “Count on it!”

Arc, Ember and Sereb leave the Dining Room and head for his office.

“So, what do you plan to have Spike do?”

“I'll think of something, Ember.

“Do try to give him something somewhat meaningful He is a rather smart little guy!”

“I will.”

Sereb nods. “So, what's on the agenda for today?”

“Hard Hat and Plumb Bob are meeting me in my office first thing this morning. Knowing them they’re probably already there!”

The trio enters Arc's office to find Plumb Bob, Hard Hat and Kibitz waiting for them.

“Sorry for the delay. I hope you three didn't have to wait long.”

Kibitz shakes his head! “Not at all sire! Thee three of us just arrived ourselves!”

Hard Hat nods as he walks over. “You wanted to see us?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Why don't we all sit down?”

He sits down at his desk as Hard Hat and Plumb Bob sit down in the chairs in front of him. Ember and Sereb stand dutifully next to the office door.

“I assume you two have thoroughly inspected the ruins of the Baltimare Courthouse.”

Plumb Bob nods. “Yes sire! I noted every detail in my report.”

“We've yet to receive that report.”

Hard Hat looks to him, confused. “Odd. We sent it here quite some time ago!”

Ember shrugs. “Perhaps it got lost in the mail?”

Sereb frowns. “Not likely.”

Plumb Bob looks to Arc apologetically. “I'll have another copy sent over today.”

“Good. Kibitz, when we're done here, go with Plumb Bob and bring the report back personally.”

“It will be done sire!”

Plumb Bob nods. “We can give you the short version now.”

“Please do.”

Hard Hat shakes his head. “In all my years I've never seen anything like it.”

Plumb Bob sighs. “The cause of the fire is unknown. And to pull the wool over my eyes like this is really quite a feat!”

Ember frowns. “How about a guess?”

“My gut tells me it was magically based!”

Hard Hat nods. “Agreed. However, it doesn't follow the typical patterns of magical fire! We're stumped in that regard!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Are you saying it's some kind of unknown magic?”

“Pretty much! Although the only ones who know spells like that would be the sages of Canterlot!

Hard Hat frowns. “True. But they're all above reproach! Why any of them would stoop to arson is anypony's guess.”

Kibitz looks to Arc. “Sire, I know each and every one of the sages! None of them could have done this!”

Ember sighs. “Kibitz, I know you want to believe that their all angels now, but...”

“No, I mean they literally couldn't have done it as every one of them has been here in Canterlot since Princess Celestia… you know…”

Ember turns to Kibitz. “What about Sunburst? He could have left at some point!”

“I suppose so. But I've known him since he was a foal!”

Arc sighs. “Call him in Kibitz. While I do trust him, we do need to be sure.”

“Very well sire. I'll go get him.”

A few minutes Kibitz returns to the office with Sunburst.

“You wanted to see me sire?”

“Yes. It appears the fire at the Baltimare Courthouse was set by some kind of unknown magical spell.”

Sunburst frowns. “That's quite peculiar. The only ones capable of such things would be myself, the other sages, the princesses and possibly you sire!”

Ember turns to Sunburst, angrily. “HEY! Are you saying Arc did it?!”

“What? No! Of course not! Just that he has the power to do so! But he's been under guard almost constantly since ascending to the throne!”

Arc nods. “Have you or any of the other sages left the castle recently?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “No sire! We've been too busy to do much of anything since Princess Celestia vanished! You should see my office!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Come on now! How bad could it be?!”

A shiver runs down his spine! “You weren't there Ember! It was BAD!”

Sereb appears surprised! “It must truly be a sight for you to react in such a manner Arc.”

Ember turns back to Plumb Bob, eager to get the meeting back on track. “Do you at least know where the fire started?”

Plumb Bob nods! “I've gone over the blueprints of the building. The fire started in the Records Room. Of that much we're certain!”

“So, whomever started the fire WAS trying to cover up Judge Hawthorne's tracks!

“It would appear so, Ember. Plumb Bob have another copy of your report sent to Sunburst. Maybe he can make something of it.”

“I'll take care of it right away sire!”

He leaves the office with Kibitz. Hard Hat turns back to Arc.

“I was also told you wanted to see me about a building project sire.”

Arc nods. “That I do! The Baltimare Courthouse needs to be rebuilt, of course! But there is something that is of greater importance!”

He reaches into the desk and pulls out a piece of paper and a pencil. Arc quickly draws a sketch as he explains his idea. Hard Hat looks up at him astonished!

“I gotta say sire, this is unlike anything I've ever seen before!”

Arc looks to him confused. “Equestria doesn't have greenhouses?”

“They're kind rare, as food and flowers are so plentiful. But I was mostly referring to that contraption you want built INSIDE the greenhouse.”

Ember looks over at the paper. “Yeah Arc! What IS that thing?!”

“As you know Ember, I was a fairly avid gardener back on Earth. Purely amateur stuff and all, but I know my way around plants and how to grow them! Before I came to Equestria I was mulling over this very invention. It's not a new idea by human standards, but one that I found rather interesting!”

Arc picks up a pencil and points to a large reservoir.

“You see, this tank houses your fish. Not bitty cute ones mind you. Big plump one's that can be eaten!”

He points to a smaller reservoir at the top of the paper.

“The water is pumped to the top here where it is split into several different paths. Each path carries the water down these large pipes with the holes in the top.”

Arc hastily draws a mesh cup-like container containing small rocks.

“These holes will each have one of these cups fitted into it.”

Sunburst looks over. “What's with the rocks?”

Ember frowns! “Yeah! What are you building?! A rock cleaning station?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. The cups will be filled with pea gravel. They act as our growing media for the plants.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Growing plants with rocks?”

Hard Hat looks up. “Don't plants need dirt?”

Sunburst shakes his head. “Technically they do not. Only the nutrients FROM the dirt!”

Ember sighs. “Okay, so with no dirt where do you expect the plants to get their nutrients from?!”

“From the fish poop in the water.”

Both Ember and Hard Hat stare at Arc in disbelief. Sunburst takes a closer look at the drawing.

“It's a perfect example of a symbiotic relationship. The plants need the nutrients from the fish droppings, and the fish need their water cleaned somehow! It's a win-win for both the plants and the fish! The fish of course still need to be fed! I for one find this idea fascinating, sire!”

Ember looks up. “Okay Arc. It's a nice picture, but it sounds awfully complicated! Especially since Equestria is so fertile! Why would we ever need these things?!”

“We don't.”

“Then why...”

Arc interrupts! “But Abyssinia does! Ember, do you remember how the king and queen told us that they had to import all their food from the Griffon Kingdom?”

“Right. What about it?”

“What if they didn't have to?”

Ember nods. “They would be a lot more self-sufficient, that's for sure!”

Arc grins! “This could help ensure that starvation doesn't again rear its ugly head in that country!”

Hard Hat nods! “This won't make you any friends in the Griffon Kingdom! They don't take kindly to ‘outsiders’ moving into their business territory!

Arc frowns. “Well if they don't like it then they should have done something rather than just watch as their international neighbors starved!”

Ember nods. “Right! How could they do that?!”

“Probably because there wasn't any money to be made in it!”

“Yeah?! But it's not really good for business if all your customers die!”

Sunburst sighs. “Forgive me sire, but the griffons aren't much for long term plans.”

Ember looks away angrily! “Or hearts it appears.”

“Right! Hard Hat, I want a prototype of this system built as soon as possible in the Royal Gardens. Forego the greenhouse for the moment. Remember, this takes priority over the Baltimare Courthouse!

Hard Hat picks up the sketch and heads for the door. “I'll get to work on it right away, sire!”

Suddenly there is a knock at the door.

“Come in!”

The door opens and Spike walks in.

“Hey Arc! I...”

Spike looks around the office. Embarrassed, he turns to leave.

“Sorry! Didn't mean to interrupt your meeting!”

“Just a minute Spike! We're about done here anyways.”

Hard Hat heads out the door. “I'll let you know when I've got something knocked together, sire!”

“Good!”

Arc turns to Spike.

“I think I may have a job suited to your special talents!”

Ember looks at Arc, quizzically. “Really?!”

“What is it, Arc?”

Arc gestures to Sunburst. “I'd like you to meet Equestria's Lead Sage, Sunburst. Sunburst this is Spike.”

Spike extends a claw to Sunburst. “Hi there!”

“A pleasure!”

“Sunburst, Spike here knows all about libraries, sorting, cataloging and the like. I'd like you to take him back to your office and have him organize it!

“Please sire! My office isn't THAT bad!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Really? How long was Princess Luna trapped under your books again?”

Ember’s jaw drops! “Wait, what?!”

Arc turns to the baby dragon. “What do you say? Are you up for a challenge, Spike?”

“Sure! I love putting things in order! When do I start?!”

“As soon as Sunburst takes you back to his office, which should be right now.”

Sunburst nods. “Very well sire! I'll continue my work on locating Princess Celestia!”

Ember looks over at her friend. “Be careful Spike!”

“I will! See you around Ember!”

Spike and Sunburst leave the office, as Ember looks to Arc.

“Are you sure about this?

Arc nods. “Yes. That is the most poorly organized unicorn I have EVER met! His office is literally a disaster area! If anyone could use an assistant, it's him!”

“You were kidding about Princess Luna being trapped in his office, right?”

“Nope. According to her it took three hours before the guards were able to free her. Why do you think every time I need to talk to Sunburst I have him come to me?!”

“Good call!”

Meanwhile... Spike and Sunburst make their way back to his office together.

“I do believe Lord Arc was a bit presumptuous in his assumption that I needed an assistant. However, I do welcome the company.”

The pair enter the War Room. Spike marvels at the sheer size of the operation.

“This is Canterlot's War Room. We're using it as a base of operations to find Princess Celestia.”

Spike nods. “Twilight told me her whereabouts were unknown. Any luck finding her?”

Sunburst shakes his head as the pair walk toward his office. “Nothing concrete yet. But we will find her eventually! Please keep any information you learn here under your hat! If the rest of the country knew where Princess Celestia REALLY was, it would cause a panic!”

“So where is she then?”

“Earth.”

Spike looks confused. “Arc’s home world? Why?! HOW?!”

“We have no idea how it happened. But she must be rescued post haste!”

“I'll help however I can!”

They come to Sunburst’s office door. “I trust you will. Well this is my office. Have a look!”

Sunburst opens the door slowly.

“Be careful how you open this door. The rest of the décor also doesn't like sudden movements.”

“Uh... okay.”

Spike walks into the office and gazes around at all the books and tomes around him precariously stacked!

“SWEET CELESTIA! What happened here?!”

Sunburst sighs. “I know it's a LITTLE messy but...”

Spike facepalms. “This is going to take a while.”

Meanwhile... Arc and company held audiences as usual and completed the day's paperwork with plenty of time left over for a public appearance. As his platoon reenters the hanger with the chariot Arc sighs.

“I'm really looking forward to going back to my old job.”

Max chuckles. “We don't mind doing this sir!”

Xenos nods. “Yeah! It's good exercise!”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “Like you need it Xenos!”

Viktor grins! “Getting a bit of cabin fever sir?”

“Not exactly. I'm just not too thrilled with the bowing and scraping part of this job.”

Ember looks confused as they disembark. “What are you talking about Arc?”

Arc stops and sighs. “Everyone looks up to me now just because I'm the Lord Regent!”

Sereb nods. “I do believe they did so before.”

“That may be true. But now when everyone sees me, they immediately kiss the ground in front of them!”

Ember nods with determination! “As well they should! I mean... think of all you've done for this land! Even before you became Lord Regent!”

Max turns to Arc. “Ember's right sir! You're a living legend to most of this land!”

“That may be. But I'm not a true royal like the princesses are!”

Hugh looks Arc up and down. “You certainly look like a monarch to me sir!”

“I'm really just a commoner with a crown and fancy adornments. I mean, what if I put these fancy clothes and crown on you, Hugh?”

Hugh chuckles. “I don't think they would fit.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Funny. I mean... would it make you worthy of respect and praise?”

“I suppose not sir. But I'm not the Hero of Light, nor have I saved this land from war, pestilence and even an invasion from Tartarus!”

Max nods. “He's right sir. You are most worthy to wear the crown!”

Viktor thinks for a moment. “I'm sure even the princesses weren't BORN princesses!”

Xenos laughs! “Yeah! They must have been normal commoners as SOME point!”

Ember shakes her head. “Look Arc! Your humility during this time has been nothing short of extraordinary! But you can't keep doubting yourself like this! It's not good for the morale of the citizens or the military!”

Arc nods and sighs. “I know. I'll try harder not to sound so... you know.”

Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. “Just be the smart, wise, caring, and strong leader that everyone can look up to and the rest will fall into place.”

“I know it will. But doubt keeps rearing its ugly head.”

“You can always lean on us, Arc. We're here for you!”

Max nods! “Yes sir!”

Xenos chuckles! “We're here to the end!”

Hugh looks over with Viktor. “Indeed!”

“We won't let Equestria come to harm!”

“Thanks everyone. I needed that.”

Sereb nods. “What is next on today's list of things to do, Arc?

“Truthfully, I think that was it! For Kibitz's list that is. I need to head back to my office and make a few phone calls. Why don't you boys go get something to eat? I doubt pulling me around is particularly easy.”

Max nods. “Thank you, sir. We will.”

Hugh turns with the others. “Call us if you need us!”

“I will.”

Arc, Ember and Sereb head for his office.

“So, who do you need to call?”

“I… um… want to call Cherry Hill Ranch and make sure they received payment for all those cherries.”

Ember looks at Arc slyly. “Are you sure that's the ONLY reason?”

Arc smiles! “You got me. I also wanted to check up on Cherry. She was fine when I was there before, but... you know.”

Sereb nods. “We understand.”

The trio enters the office. Ember and Sereb sit down on the couch as Arc moves towards his desk. He sits down and picks up the receiver. The castle switchboard operator connects momentarily.

“Your call please.”

“Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction please.”

“One moment sire!”

A few moments later Arc is connected.

“Cherry Hill Ranch! Ruby Jubilee speaking!”

“Hi Ruby. It's… uh… Arc.

The tone of her voice frosts over immediately!

“Oh... it's you. What is it now?!”

“I just wanted to make sure you had been paid for all those cherries I took the other day.”

“Yes. The money is in the bank. It should help pay for a rather large chunk of our debt.”

“Glad to hear it! How is Cherry doing?”

Ruby snorts snidely! “She hasn't gotten her memory back it that's what you mean!”

Arc sighs. “I see. Is she at least doing alright?”

“Look, Arc! After you left the other day, something happened to Cherry! I don't really get it myself, but I think her mind was trying really hard to remember you! She just lay on the floor of the warehouse crying!”

“That's terrible! Is there anything I can do to help?!”

Ruby screams into the receiver! “There is! You can stay away from my sister! What happened to her was ALL YOUR FAULT! I don't want to see her looking so sad EVER again! If you really want to help, then STAY AWAY!!!”

She angrily slams down the phone as Arc quietly sets down the receiver. Ember looks over to him.

“I could hear that all the way over here!”

Sereb nods. “She is not handling her grief well.”

Arc looks to him, confused. “Grief?”

“Can you not hear the sadness in her voice? She may be angrier with herself then you, Arc.”

“But why?!”

Sereb sighs. “Ruby’s sister is her entire world. With her memory in such a state, it's as if a part of Ruby herself was broken.”

Arc sighs. “All the more reason for us to hope she one day remembers!”

Ember frowns. “Hope is all we have right now.”

The three are silent for a time. Eventually Arc reaches for the phone.

“In any case, I can't just sit here doing nothing! I have to keep moving forward!

Ember nods. “Agreed. What now?”

“I'm going to call Twilight and see how that cure is coming along. We need it now more than ever!”
Arc picks up the phone and waits for the operator.

“Your call please.”

“Golden Oaks Library in Ponyville, please.”

“One moment sire!”

A few moments later they are connected. Hearing the phone ring, Auriel carefully picks up the receiver. She holds it to her ear upside down.

“Um... hello?”

“Auriel? This is Arc.”

“Hi Arc! Where are you?! You sound very far away!”

Arc frowns. “So do you. Are you holding the phone upside down?”

“I'm not sure. Let me try something.”

Auriel turns the receiver around to the correct position.

“Is that better?”

Arc nods! “Much!”

“So what can I do for you?”

“I wanted to see how things were coming on a cure for the princesses. Can you call Twilight to the phone please?”

“Sure! Just give me a minute to find her.”

“Okay. I'll wait.”

Auriel sets down the receiver and heads to the basement lab. As Arc puts the phone down and turns on the speakerphone, he frowns confused.

“Find her?”

Meanwhile, Auriel looks around the lab.

“Let's see here... where did I leave Twilight...”

She thinks quietly to herself for a few moments before walking quickly over to a pile of papers in the corner. Pushing a stack to one side, she reveals the sleeping mare.

“Twilight? Arc's on the phone. He needs to talk to you.”

She slowly opens her eyes. “Huh? Where am I?”

“You looked cold so I covered you with some papers. I hope that was alright!”

Twilight slowly stands up. “Thanks for the thought. But next time a blanket would probably be more appropriate.”

Auriel nods. “I suppose it would be, yes! Silly me!”

Twilight walks up the stairs with Auriel. “How long was I out?”

“About twelve hours.”

“What?! Why didn't you wake me up?!”

“I'm sorry! You just seemed so peaceful sleeping there! That and you looked like you needed the rest.”

Twilight picks up the receiver. “I suppose so. Well, let's see what Arc needs.”

She hangs up the receiver after pushing the speakerphone button.

“I'm here now Arc. How are the princesses doing?”

Arc sighs. “Not so good, I'm afraid.”

Auriel looks around the room. “Arc? I can hear you but I can't see you!”

Twilight smiles. “It's coming from the telephone, Auriel. I'm just using the speakerphone so we can both hear him.”

“Oh... that's handy!”

Twilight turns back to the phone. “Doctor Whooves contacted us earlier about just that. I'm ashamed to say I was... rather out of it at the time. Lack of sleep will do that to a pony!”

Arc nods. “I understand. Just a quick recap then. The doctor reports that their vital signs are a bit… off.

“WHAT?! Why didn't he say so earlier?!”

Auriel sighs. “He did Twilight. You seemed a bit apathetic about it though.”

Twilight trots in place. “Oh dear! We've got to get that cure perfected as soon as possible then! Auriel, how are the current tests going?!”

“They're underway. We should know in an hour or so whether or not this treatment is viable. Sadly, we can't really speed this up any more than we already have.”

Twilight gets right up to the speaker, frantically! “Give it to me straight Arc! How are they doing in the Lunar Realm?!”

“That's complicated. Last night when I was there the rooms seemed to be distorted, the city below was gone and the stars were replaced with an empty void! I can't really think of any way to put it other than the Lunar Realm itself is slowly falling apart!

Auriel’s eyes grow wide! “But what about the princesses?! If the realm fades away completely...”

Arc shakes his head. “Even they don't know what will happen. When I saw them, they appeared much weaker than they have been previously! To make a bad situation worse, both princesses say they can't hear what's going on around their bodies anymore! I'm not trying to put undue stress on the two of you, but time really is running out!”

Twilight nods! “We can move everything to Canterlot! Arc, can you send a ship to come pick us up please?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I'll come get you myself! With luck I can teleport the two of you and all your equipment to Princess Luna's room!”

Auriel smiles. “That would certainly help!”

“Agreed! What do we have to do to prepare?!”

“Move as much equipment as you need to the center of the room! It will make teleporting it easier!”

“Will do!”

“Anything Sereb and I can do to help, Arc?!”

Arc nods. “Ember, you go to Princess Luna's room and make sure nothing is in the center of the room. If Doctor Whooves isn't there, get him! I'll be there in a few minutes.”

“I'll take care of it!”

Arc turns quickly back to the phone!

“You two still there?!”

“Yes, Arc! Is there anything else you need?!

“No. I'll be there shortly with Sereb. Just be ready to move!”

“Okay, bye!”

Twilight quickly hangs up the phone and turns to Auriel as the pair rushes toward the stairs!

“We have to hurry! It won't take long for Arc to get here!”

Auriel follows Twilight closely! “We'll be ready!”

Meanwhile back at Canterlot Castle Arc turns to Sereb!

“You ready to do this?!”

“Naturally.”

Arc runs out the office door with Sereb by his side! “To the princess' room then! Hopefully Ember is ready for us!”

Sereb nods. “I am certain she will not fail.”

“Yes, and neither shall we!”

Arc and Sereb reach the princess' room. Ember is waiting for him with Doctor Whooves, Shining Armor and Trixie.

“Ready here, Arc!”

Doctor Whooves looks over the myriad of machines that surround the two patients. “Please hurry! They're not getting any better!”

Arc runs to the center of the room and quickly places an extra-large sigil on the floor.

“Sereb, let's go!”

The large wolf rushes forward as Arc mounts him!

“Ember, we'll be back shortly! Shining Armor, you and Trixie take care of things here until I return!”

Shining Armor nods! “Don't worry about a thing! We'll take good care of them!”

“Yes! You can count on it!”

Arc activates the sigil! “See that you do! The fate of this land hangs in the balance!”

He vanishes from sight as Trixie turns to Shining Armor.

“Oh, I do hope they make it back in time!”

“So do I, Trixie.”

There is a frantic pounding at the door. Ember runs over to answer it.

“What is it now?!”

Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage along with Arc's platoon bursts through the door.

“C-Captain! The castle is under attack!”

Shining Armor’s eyes grow wide. “What?! NOW?!”

Max nods. “Yes! A large contingent of what can only be described as demons are breaking down the gates as we speak!”

Xenos looks over his shoulder angrily. “Our initial attempts to stop them have failed!”

Trixie looks frightened. “How many are there?!”

Viktor sighs. "Well over a hundred."

Ember frowns. “And no one saw them coming?!”

Hugh nods. “They teleported in just on the other side of the drawbridge!”

Trixie rolls her eyes. “Then raise it!”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “We can't! They immediately damaged the locking mechanism! It's inoperable! Captain... what do we do?!”

Shining Armor draws his blade! “We fight to protect the princesses until Arc gets back!”

Max nods soberly. “We're with you captain! All of us are!”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear. “Let me at em!”

“Trixie will fight too!”

Shining Armor looks at all assembled! “Alright! Sandstorm Mirage, you stay here with the princesses and Doctor Whooves! The rest of you follow me!”

Everyone follows Shining Armor quickly to the corridor! The sounds of battle can be heard not too far away! He quickly pushes over a table!

“Use the furniture! I want to see a barricade! Everypony move it!”

The Royal Guards quickly do so!

Shining Armor looks down the corridor as the demons lumber toward them! “Form ranks! We have to buy time for the Lord Regent!”

Max turns to Trixie. “Where is the commander anyways?!”

“Getting the cure for the princesses! He'll be back soon!”

Ember nods as she hovers overhead! “Until then, we have to hold them here!”

Meanwhile... Arc and Sereb teleport to Derpy's house. Arc quickly Blinks the pair outside!

“To the Library Sereb, and hurry!”

The pair are about halfway there when Arc's earring chirps!

“Arc here.”

Kibitz frantic voice rings in his ear! “SIRE! The castle is under attack!”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 9 - Do or Die

Two weeks later in the early morning light, Arc walks down a corridor of Canterlot Castle with Sunburst.

“I’ve nearly completed construction on the device, sir!”

“Did you follow all my notes exactly?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes sir."

As the pair approach their destination, the two guards on duty part to allow the pair access to Princess Celestia’s room. The Crystal Mirror sits in the middle of the room next to a partially constructed machine. Sunburst closes the door behind them.

“Every detail has been taken into account. Although I don’t understand why you insisted on having me construct it here in Princess Celestia’s room of all places!”

They approach the device in the center of the room. It is a rather large platform with several complicated looking sigils perfectly placed in a circle.

“Simple. This section of the castle is already heavily patrolled and heavily guarded. If we did this anywhere else it would look suspicious.”

Sunburst begins making adjustments to the inner workings of the device’s control panel. “That’s another thing, sir. Why are you so keen on keeping this a secret?”

Arc kneels down to inspect the sigils. “For starters, I’m sure Tempest and her ilk would love to have such a powerful magical item in their lair. Who knows what vile plans they could carry out with this!”

Sunburst sighs. “I suppose you have a point, sir.”

“Second, I don’t want to get the citizenry’s hopes up. If this doesn’t end well…”

Sunburst looks up from his work. “It will sir! I just know it!”

Arc chuckles as he stands back up! “This room is also the last place anyone would think to look for a transdimensional portal!”

Luna and Cadance enter the room together.

“How are preparations coming along, Sunburst?”

Sunburst bows to them before answering Luna’s question. “Very well, your majesty. I expect to have the device completed by tomorrow morning.”

Cadance nods. “Don’t rush yourself, Sunburst. It needs to be completely safe before we can allow anypony to use it!”

“I understand, your majesty, and will do my very best not to disappoint you.”

“I’m sure you’ll do your very best! Now then, is there anything else you need to make this device operational?”

“I lack only a handful of components, your majesty. However, the Hero of Light and I have already made arrangements to have the final pieces of the puzzle delivered here via special courier.”

Luna nods. “Very well. It appears you have thought of everything as usual, my friend.”

Cadance looks over the device. “Can we assume you’ve also come up with a reliable way for Arc to return to Equestria?”

Sunburst points a hoof at a nearby workbench. “I have. This is a portable version of the Crystal Mirror. All that has to be done to open a portal back here is for it to be deployed on the ground and activated.”

Luna nods and points a hoof at the mirror standing nearby. “Was the Crystal Mirror of any help to you, Sunburst?”

“Indeed it was, your majesty! It, along with the book from Star Swirl the Bearded, was instrumental in helping us to come up with the device that now stands before you!”

“Exactly how does it work?”

“It’s actually quite simple.”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah! In a complicated sort of way…”

“For this device to function as intended requires not only a vast amount of magical energy, but also a way to focus that energy. All the while dispersing said energy with just the right ratio of throw so as to maintain a stable portal!”

Luna narrows her eyes. “Sunburst?”

“Yes, your highness?”

“Exactly what part of that was supposed to be ‘simple’?”

Sunburst coughs. “Yes, well… I suppose if you understood the inner workings of this device…”

He thinks for a moment.

“For example, this platform is imbued with six separate sigils to keep the energy in check.”

Cadance looks at the platform. “Six? Why so many?”

“While the original Crystal Mirror only had one, to allow for two-way travel requires significantly more energy! The sigils support each other and help to balance out the portal and its energies.”

Arc nods. “It’s also a safety measure. We wouldn’t want to blow a hole in the side of the castle, now would we?”

Luna sighs. “I suppose not. Is that why you wanted to perform these experiments here?”

“Yes. This room’s walls are extremely thick and magically reinforced. If an accident did occur, we would be the only casualties.”

Cadance frowns. “That isn’t very reassuring, Arc.”

“Don’t worry Princess Cadance. I’ve already spoken to Hard Hat and he assures me…”

She interrupts him! “No Arc! I mean the part about an accident!”

“Oh. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”

Sunburst steps forward. “Fear not Princess Cadance. I will personally operate the device when the time comes! Believe me when I say we’re leaving nothing to chance!”

Luna smiles! “Good. “

Arc turns to the machine. “The only thing I’m at a loss over is what to call it. Ideas?”

Cadance looks up! “How about the Matter Relocator?”

Luna shakes her head. “That’s a bit too ‘on the nose’ Cadance.”

Sunburst chuckles. “I’ve already named it the “Spatial Particle Emission Arc Redirector” or the S.P.E.A.R for short.”

He looks at Arc sheepishly.

“The acronym is purely coincidental, sir.”

Arc nods. “Well, if your calculations for how much energy is needed to pull this off are correct, it will be spearheading the flow of time and space!”

Luna looks confused. “Explain, Sunburst.”

“You see, cosmic energy flows throughout the universe in patterns. Much like the flow of a river. According to the book left by Star Swirl the Bearded, this energy flows past both Earth and Equestria! However, we are downstream so to speak.”

Arc nods. “Meaning it’s easy for something to make its way here. But to get back requires a LOT more energy, as we have to fight our way back upstream!”

Luna suddenly looks nervous. “Isn’t that going to be… dangerous?!”

“It is! That’s why we’re running all these tests, your highness. For the safety of those who pass through.”

Arc turns back to the Lead Sage. “Speaking of passing through, were you able to install that seventh sigil we spoke of, Sunburst?”

Sunburst nods. “I have! It took quite a bit of thought on how to implement it without causing undue interference to the other sigils.”

Cadance looks surprised! “What does it do?”

Arc points to sigil apart from the others. “As the users pass through the ‘Gateway’ so to speak, this sigil will cast a very specialized spell on the travelers. In an effort to ensure the safety of anyone I bring with me, it will automatically turn them into a human.”

“Come again?”

Sunburst smiles! “A pony goes in, and a human comes out!”

Cadance nods. “And the counter-spell?”

Sunburst gestures to the control panel. “The sigil can be recalibrated to automatically turn our forces back into ponies when they make their return trip.”

He looks to Arc.

“It can also be disabled to allow you to return and keep your human form.”

“Good. I’m very happy being myself!”

Luna looks to Arc soberly. “So, whom are you taking on the initial trip to Earth?”

“I’m going alone. There’s no need to risk anyone else on the first trip. When I’m sure it’s safe, I’ll be bringing my squad through. Maybe even my family if things go well.”

Cadance smile respectfully at him. “That’s very brave of you Arc. Sunburst, do your best to send Arc to Earth safely!”

“Yes, your highness.”

Arc gestures to the door. “We should probably let Sunburst get back to work now. There’s a lot to do before tomorrow.”

Luna nods. “Indeed. Keep at it, Sunburst and let us know if you need anything.”

Cadance smiles at him. “Yes. Including more time.”

Sunburst returns to work as Arc and the princesses leave the room and walk down the hallway together. Luna turn to him.

“So, tell me Arc. Any big plans for the day before your big trip?”

“Actually yes! My family and I are going to Dodge Junction for a bit of a day trip. We’re going to spend some time together at Cherry Hill Ranch before I start this mission.”

Cadance smiles! “That’s very thoughtful of you Arc! Tell me, how is Cherry Jubilee’s sister doing?”

Arc sighs. “Much better after talking with a therapist. She’s having us up there just for the day, which is for the best.”

Luna looks confused. “For the best?”

“I worry that having all of us around for too long might be too much for anyone to handle!”

“She must be so lonely after losing her sister. It’s not easy running things alone.”

Arc nods. “The ranch has two employees that help out as much as they can. I’m sure she’s not alone very much, as they start at dawn and work until dark.”

Luna nods. “Aren’t you worried she’ll work herself too hard?!”

“In the beginning, no. Work keeps her from getting depressed. But now I want to check in on her to make sure she isn’t regressing.”

Cadance smiles! “We wish her only the best! Now if you will excuse us, duty calls.”

“Audiences do not hold themselves. We will see you tomorrow in my sister’s room, Arc.”

Arc waves after them. “See you then!”

He watches them as they round a corner before turning around and looking out the window for a moment.

“Guess I had better be getting back home. There’s so much for all of us to do today.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal to Derpy’s house. As he appears on the sigil, he spots Derpy and Dinky finishing the morning’s breakfast dishes.

“I’m home! Hope you two are ready for a bit of fun!”

Dinky trots over to her father and gives him a hug. “DAD! We missed you!”

Arc hugs Dinky back! “And I’ve missed you too, sweetheart.”

Derpy dries her hooves on a dish towel and walks toward Arc. “I am! It’s been too long since we saw Cherry Hill Ranch!”

Dinky hops around excitedly! “Me too dad!”

“We haven’t seen much of you for a couple weeks!”

“Sorry about that, Derpy. Sunburst and I were busy with research and development.”

“With what?”

“Figuring out how to build the machine that can take me to Earth.”

Dinky giggles! “You mean us to Earth, right dad?! Miss Ember and Sereb are looking forward to this as well!”

“I’m sorry Dinky, but it’s just going to be me heading through the portal tomorrow.”

“Can’t mom and I come with you?!”

“Maybe after I test the device. I won’t risk your lives on an untested piece of new technology!”

Dinky frowns. “Awww…”

Derpy looks to Arc. “We should probably get a move on. I told Ruby we would be there about now!”

Arc nods. “Yes, but what about Ember and Sereb. They were supposed to meet us here.”

Dinky shrugs. “Maybe they overslept.”

As if in response, there is a sudden knock at the front door! Dinky trots forward happily.

“I’ll get it!”

She opens the door to see a rather winded Sereb and Ember standing on the front steps panting. Arc walks over to stand with his daughter.

“Woah! What happened to you two?!”

Ember tires to catch her breath. “We… we were training in the Everfree Forest and kinda lost track of time.”

Sereb pants. “Our apologies.”

“The two of us wanted to test our mettle against something a bit more dangerous than Lieutenant Flash Sentry.”

“Although he is a fearsome opponent, we needed more training together so as to work as a team on the battlefield.”

Derpy looks worried. “Oh dear! Anypony hurt?!”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Three manticores went limping off.”

Arc sighs. “I do wish you two wouldn’t do that.”

Ember frowns. “Why? We’re stronger than they are!”

“That’s not the point! One, they’re bigger than you are!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Pft! Not by much! Besides, they attacked US!”

“And two, you were in THEIR backyard!”

“Eh?”

“From their perspective, they were just defending their home.”

Sereb sighs. “It sounds bad when you say it like that.”

Arc sighs. “Look, just stay out of that place needlessly, okay?”

Ember sighs. “Fine. Have it your way.”

Arc leads the pair inside. “Good. Let’s be off then!”

The group walks over to the sigil. Arc powers it up and they are off! A moment later they appear on the sigil in Ruby’s basement!

Arc turn to the group as they make their way toward the stairs. “Let’s all have a good time now, okay?”

Everyone nods as they head upstairs. Arc calls out as her reaches the main level.

“Ruby! We’re here!”

The clopping of hooves can be heard coming toward them from the kitchen.

“Arc! Glad to see you again!”

He kneels down to give her a hug. “It’s good to see you well again, Ruby. You are well, are you not?”

Ruby nods! “Yes. I’m doing much better these days, thanks to you that is!”

“I… merely sat with you and kept you company, Ruby. At that time, it was all I could do for you.”

She rests her head on Arc’s shoulder. “We were cold, tired, and hungry yet you saw to my needs before your own. I was dirty and you very gently cleaned me, dried and brushed my mane. I… made a mess and you cleaned up after me. I was sick, and you looked after me.”

Ruby Jubilee releases Arc and leans back on her haunches.

“Arc… thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Ruby.”

She turns her head to look at the others.

“Thank you for coming everypony.”

Derpy smiles! “Thank you for having us! “

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

Ruby looks nervously at the talking wolf next to Derpy. “Um… the pleasure is all… mine.”

“I’m sorry Ruby. This is Sereb. He watches my back when I’m carrying out my duties.”

Ruby giggles! “You mean when your being brave, steadfast and true?”

Arc chuckles. “I would also like to add foolhardy to that list.”

Ember nods. “We both watch your back, Arc.”

“It just something that needs to be done.”

“And I do appreciate it you two.”

Ruby gestures to the kitchen. “Can I offer all of you a slice of cherry pie? I just made it fresh this morning!”

“Thank you Ruby. That’s very kind of you!

Arc and company make their way to the kitchen. A stack of plates sits in front of a fresh cherry pie which is still warm from the oven. Ruby slices it as she serves everyone a piece.

“So how are you enjoying school, Dinky?”

“It’s great! Our teacher Miss Cheerilee is really nice!”

Derpy nods! “She’s doing quite well in her studies.”

“Making a lot of new friends?”

Dinky takes a piece of pie as Ruby gives it to her. “Uh huh! We even formed a club! The Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

Ember laughs as she takes her own piece of the pie. “You should see them in their little capes! It’s adorable!”

Ruby nods! “Well, with a father as smart as Arc and a mother as loving as Derpy is I don’t doubt that!”

The pie is served and everyone eat hungrily. Sereb turns to their host.

“Miss Ruby, are you expecting another guest?”

“No. What makes you say that?”

Sereb looks at a plate with an uneaten slice of pie in front of an empty chair. Ruby sighs.

“I keep doing that.”

Ember looks confused. “Ruby?”

Ruby looks down sadly. “I… as long as I’ve lived in this house, Cherry always sat in that seat. To not serve her at every meal just feels… out of the ordinary!”

“I understand. I felt the same way when my mother passed away. Although I was sent away to live in an orphanage, I would still wake up every morning at the same time to make her breakfast.”

Arc sighs and picks up the plate as he gestures to the door.

“Would you like to visit her with me?”

Ruby nods. “Thank you Arc. I’d like that.”

Arc turns to the others. “Would you excuse us please? We won’t be long.”

Everyone nods as Ruby hops off her chair and follows Arc out the back door. Sereb turns to Ember.

“She is doing well considering her loss.”

“Yeah. It’s good to see thing are back to normal between her and Arc. The way she treated him after the accident… it was really hard to watch.”

“Mom? Is dad okay?”

Derpy sighs as she looks down at Dinky sadly. “They both need each other right now, sweetie. Working through the loss of a loved one takes time.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Ruby make their way to the small family plot together. They approach Cherry’s simple marker. Arc sets down the pie in front of the stone.

“Hi Cherry. It’s me, Arc. I brought Ruby with me today.”

“Hello sister. I… we brought you some pie! It’s your own recipe! I’m… not as good at making it as you were.”

Arc sighs. “Sorry about leaving without saying goodbye last time. It started raining and I had to get Ruby inside. We were both a mess by the time I got her back to the house.”

Ruby nods. “Yes sister. I’m afraid that dress will never be the same again.”

She sighs.

“I caught a bit of a cold that night. But don’t worry! Arc took very good care of me!”

“She just had a small fever and a bit of a tummy ache. I gave her some medicine and stayed by her side that night. By morning she was well again.”

“That I was. But… I… I had done a very bad thing the night before, sister. The pain of losing you… it was just too much for me to bear alone. I took father’s rope and… and tried to kill myself!”

Ruby looks down at the ground.

“I’m not proud of it, but I so badly wanted us to be together again! Please don’t tell mother and father!”

Arc puts his hand on Ruby’s shoulder. “As luck would have it, I came to the door just in time to stop her.”

“Cherry. I need to confess something else to you. When Arc came to check on me I… I… lunged at him and we both fell down the stairs together! Even then, after all I had done, he wrapped his arms around me to keep me from getting hurt!

“Don’t worry! She escaped that fall unhurt.”

“Then I… I hit Arc! I hit him over and over again! It was his fault you were gone for good, or so I kept telling myself!”

Arc grimaces! “She’s a lot stronger than she looks.”

Ruby begins to sniffle. “Even through all that, he stuck with me! Anypony else would have hit me back or at the very least run away! But he didn’t. In fact, he took me back to Ponyville with him and insisted that I see the local therapist.”

“You’d like Emerald Dream. She’s really good at getting to the heart of the matter and helping someone deal with their pain!”

Ruby nods! “That she is! I don’t know how she did it, but she really helped me come to terms with your passing so I could keep moving forward! But how did you know that Arc?”

“I… spoke to her myself.”

“What?! But… but you’re the Hero of Light! The strongest, bravest, most compassionate being in all the land!

Arc shakes his head. “You’re wrong, Ruby. At my core, I’m no different than anyone else. I hurt… I feel pain.”

“HOW?!”

“One could be the most vile scoundrel in all the land! But tell them that a loved one has passed… someone they truly cared for, and they’ll mourn for them just as anyone else would. Everyone feels pain from such a loss… EVERYONE!”

“I guess that makes sense.”

They are silent for a time. The only sound to be heard is the rustle of the golden colored leaves in the cherry trees as the cool autumn air blows.

“Sister… to be honest with you… I’ve been thinking about… letting the ranch go and moving to Ponyville.”

Arc looks up, surprised! “You have? Why?! I thought you loved Cherry Hill Ranch!”

“Yes! But… it’s because you and your wonderful family lives there Arc! That and there are so many kind ponies who call that place home!”

Arc nods. “If that would make you happy. You can stay in one of my base’s guest rooms while you find a more permanent home. I’m going to be off on another adventure for… let’s just say, an extended period of time though. But Derpy and Dinky will still be there. As will Twilight and her friends. You won’t hurt for company, a roof over your head, or food in your belly.”

Ruby shakes her head. “Thank you Arc. But in the end, I decided to stay here.”

“Oh?”

She looks around happily! “My place is here at Cherry Hill Ranch with my own family!”

Arc looks to her confused. “I didn’t know you and Cherry had other relatives in town. Where are they?”

Ruby gestures to the other headstones. “They’re all right here, Arc. I’m all that’s left of my bloodline. Whether or not I marry and raise a family, the Jubilee bloodline ends with me.”

Arc nods soberly. “Does that make you sad?”

She walks over to her sister’s headstone and puts a hoof on its face. “A little, yes. Our parents knew when they had me and Cherry. I don’t have a brother to carry on the family name, and our father was an only foal. Until now, I never really thought about it much though.”

Arc kneels down next to Ruby and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Eventually all things must come to an end. In fact, I too was an only child and have no family left to speak of.”

“You mean…”

“Yes Ruby. When I asked Cherry to be my wife, I did so knowing full well that it would be the end of my own bloodline. To me, the happiness of being with Cherry far outweighed the pain that the conclusion of my family tree would bring!”

Ruby nods. “I suppose we have that in common as well.”

Arc looks to the headstone. “I suppose we do.”

The pair are silent for a short time before Arc notices Ruby is shivering slightly. He reaches for his ring and pulls out his magic cloak. Wrapping it around her and turning to the headstone.

“I need to get Ruby back inside now, Cherry. I’ll be starting the most dangerous mission yet tomorrow! If I succeed, Equestria will have all three princesses back~ If I fail… well, let’s just say you and I will be together again sooner than we planned. Goodbye, my love.”

Arc takes Ruby by the hoof and leads her back toward the house.”

“Arc? Did you really mean what you said? About bringing Princess Celestia home?!

“I did. Please keep that to yourself though. But don’t worry! I’ll do my best to bring her back safe and sound!”

Ruby nods happily! “I know you won’t let her down, Arc!”

The pair walk in the back door to find the others chatting amongst themselves.

“Sorry for taking so long.”

Ruby removes the cloak and gives it back to Arc. “My apologies as well. I guess we had more to talk about than we originally thought.”

Ember nods. “We understand.”

“That pie was really good, Miss Ruby! Could you teach me how to make it?!”

Ruby looks to Arc. He smiles and nods.

“Sure! I mean if that’s what you want to do!”

Ember laughs! “Sounds like fun!”

Derpy turns to Sereb. “You can be our taste tester!”

Arc puts his hands on his hips and smiles! “Now hold on there just a minute Derpy! I can’t let him take all the risks! We’ll do it together!”

Dinky laughs! “Have it your way dad!”

The group spends the next several hours mixing, baking and experimenting with different seasonings. Ruby looks up as she stirs the contents of a bowl.

“My sister always had a secret blend for making her pies taste so good! She was going to teach me how, but never got around to it.”

Derpy nods! “Then you’ll have to come up with a special recipe of you own!”

She stops stirring and looks up. “How?”

Ember looks over, rolling pin in claw. “The same way your sister did. By trial and error.”

Arc nods! “We can do it together, Ruby.”

“You mean like a… family?”

“Sure.”

Ruby nods happily! “Okay! Let’s do it!”

Dinky grins! “What should we make?!”

“I always liked my recipe for bite sized cherry tarts.”

Derpy picks up the bag of flour. “We could help you perfect it!”

“Okay! Cherry always did like them! It would be nice to come up with the perfect recipe in memory of her!”

Arc nods! “Cherry tarts it is then!”

Ruby Jubilee smiles as she puts down a fresh batch of dough in front of Ember. “My sister and I always used to call them Pop Tarts.”

Dinky looks over with flour in her mane. She uses a bottle as a makeshift rolling pin. “Why?”

“Because they were small enough to just pop in your mouth whole!”

Arc chuckles

“What’s so funny, Arc?”

“Nothing. It’s just a human reference.”

For the next hour the group tries their best to come up with the perfect cherry tart recipe. Sereb tastes yet another sample.

“Very good.”

Arc eats a ‘Pop Tart’ as well. “These really are tasty! But I still feel like it’s missing something.”

Ruby sighs. “I’ve felt that way for years. Although what that something is still eludes me.”

Arc looks out the window at the sun’s position in the sky. “Shouldn’t we start working on lunch soon?”

Sereb lies on his back on the brink of a food coma. “You can’t be serious.”

Ember rolls her eyes! “Yeah Arc! We’ve been trying recipes then eating them! How are you still hungry?!”

Arc laughs! “Just lucky I guess!”

Derpy looks around the room. “Maybe we should think about getting this place cleaned up. We’ve made quite the mess of this kitchen!”

Ruby looks to Derpy and Dinky. “Why don’t you ladies go and get cleaned up? We can handle this mess!”

“Are you sure?”

Ruby laughs as she boops Dinky’s nose. “Yes! I think your daughter has more flour in her mane than all of us combined!”

Dinky giggles! “Awwww… okay!”

Derpy walks toward the bathroom. “This way, Dinky.”

They get to work cleaning up the kitchen and getting the dishes done. By the time Derpy and Dinky have cleaned up, the kitchen is back in order. Dinky looks around.

”Things go quick when you're here, dad!"

Arc tosses a dish towel in the sink. “That it does. Many hands make light work, sweetheart.”

“What?”

Sereb looks over to Ember. “He means the job gets done faster when we all help.”

“Oh… Arc, why didn’t you just say that?!”

He laughs! “I did! In my own way, that is.”

Dinky grins! “Your turn to get cleaned up, dad.”

“Actually, Ruby should go next. I’m sure she wants to get the flour out of her own mane.”

Ruby nods and heads for the bathroom. “That I would. Don’t worry! I won’t be long!”

Arc nods and opens a portal. “I’m heading back to Ponyville for just a bit.”

“Why dad?”

“To get cleaned up. That and I need some clothes with less flour on them.”

Ember winks at Arc. “Makes sense!”

Derpy nods and winks as well. “See you when you get back!”

Arc steps through the portal and arrives back at Derpy’s house. He quickly gets cleaned up and heads out the front door! Running down the street he mutters to himself.”

“I’d better hurry. Don’t want anyone getting suspicious now!”

A short time later Ruby emerges from the bathroom and trots down the stairs to the living room looking more her normal self. The others are sitting on the couch talking.

“Is Arc not back yet?”

Ember looks nervous. “Well he was pretty messy!”

Derpy nods, guiltily! “I-I’m sure he’ll be back any time now!”

A few minutes later the sound of footsteps can be heard coming up the basement steps. A few moments later Arc enters the living room.

“Sorry for the wait.”

Ruby smiles. “It’s alright.”

Ember chuckles. “Yeah Arc! You were probably the messiest out of everyone!”

“You’re probably right.”

Arc turns to Dinky.

“Ready for some more fun, sweetheart?”

“Yeah dad!”

Ruby Jubilee trots over to a cupboard and opens the door. “We have quite the assortment of board games here. Some days there really isn’t much to do.”

Ember looks confused. “What’s a board game?”

Arc laughs! “We’ll show you.”

The group plays games until late afternoon.

“Well I gotta say, that was more fun than I thought it would be. What did you call that game again, Arc?”

“Texas Hold ‘em. There’s quite a bit of strategy involved. Reading your opponent, probability, and bluffing.“

Derpy grins! “I’ll say! I still can’t believe Dinky beat all of us!”

Ruby pats Dinky’s head. “She must have some kind of sixth sense!”

Dinky giggles! “Maybe I do! I just kinda have a feeling of what I need to do sometimes!”

Arc nods. “Well, remind me never to play with real money against you then sweetheart!”

Sereb smiles. “Indeed. I quite enjoyed Pickup Stix.”

Dinky laughs! “That was fun too!”

Arc stands up. “Well, we should probably get back home.”

Derpy turns to Ruby. “Would you like to come over for supper tonight, Ruby Jubilee?”

“Thank you. I’d like that.”

Derpy turns to Sereb and Ember. “You two are invited as well!”

Ember shakes her head. “Thanks, but we have other plans tonight.”

Dinky frowns. “Awww!”

Everyone heads to the basement sigil. They all stand on it as Arc powers it up. A moment later they appear in Derpy’s house. Derpy steps off the sigil and walks to the kitchen.

“I know it’s not much, but please make yourself comfortable, Ruby.”

“Thank you, but can I help with supper? “

Dinky trots over to join her mother! “Sure! It’ll be fun!”

Derpy, Dinky and Ruby head for the kitchen as Ember and Sereb head for the door.

“Thanks for having us over today, Ruby.”

Sereb nods. “Yes. Thank you.”

Ruby smiles at them. “Thanks for coming! I had a lot of fun!”

Dinky glances over at her father from the counter. “Do you want to help too dad?!”

“I’ll be there in a moment, sweetheart!”

Arc follows Ember and Sereb to the door before lowering his voice to a whisper.

“Alright. You both know what to do. Above all, don’t let the target know your intentions! Got it?”

The pair nod soberly and rush out the door. Arc heads to the kitchen to help with supper. Before long a simple meal is on the table. Ruby looks over to Derpy as they all sit down together.

“Thank you for having me over, Derpy. It’s kinda lonely eating alone all the time.”

Derpy smiles at her as she puts some food on Dinky’s plate. “I know what you mean. It wasn’t that long ago that I too was alone.”

“Oh? Did you lose your family too?”

“No. That… I never had. I met Arc and he… took me in, so to speak! We’ve been together ever since!

Dinky nods as she munches away happily. “Me too!”

The group enjoys their meal together. They talk about the day’s activities as well as the past as they eat.

Ruby looks to Derpy. “That was a wonderful meal!”

“Yes. Very tasty!”

“I liked it too mom!”

“Thank you everypony. I’m glad you liked it!”

Ruby looks at the sink. “Can I help you with the dishes?”

Dinky bounds out of her chair. “I’ll help too! Do you want to help me dry the dishes, dad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Maybe next time sweetheart. I… uh… have something else I have to do right now. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Derpy waves! “Bye Arc! See you in a bit!”

Arc quickly leaves the house.

“Any idea where dad’s going, mom?”

Derpy sighs. “He probably just wants to take care of a few things before he leaves tomorrow.”

Dinky nods sadly. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

A little while later Arc returns just as Dinky puts away the last dish.

“Hey dad! Where did you go?!”

“Just checking up on Ember and Sereb. I sent them off on a very important mission.”

Dinky looks confused. “Oh? What was it?”

“Sorry sweetheart, but it’s a secret. In any case, is anyone else up for dessert?”

Derpy nods! “I’m in!”

Ruby giggles! “Me too!”

Arc motions for the others to follow him. “Let’s head over to Sugar Cube Corner then! I could go for a cupcake… or twelve!”

The others laugh as they leave the house. As a group they walk toward the bakery. About two-thirds of the way there Arc turns to his daughter.

“Hey Dinky! Do you want to play a game?”

She looks to him, confused. “Right now?”

“Sure! Why not?!”

“Okay! What should we play?!”

Arc stops and turns around toward Dinky. He extends his index finger and lightly taps the tip of her tiny nose. Turning around suddenly, he sprints away!

“TAG! YOU’RE IT!”

Dinky laughs as the takes off after her father as quickly as her small legs will allow! “I’LL CATCH YOU DAD!!!”

Derpy and Ruby laugh as they follow as best they can behind Dinky! Arc turns the corner and runs toward Sugar Cube Corner! As Dinky follows a few moments later she suddenly stops dead in her tracks!

“What…?”

The entire town of Ponyville is standing in front of the bakery which has been decorated with balloons and streamers! There are party games all around and even a sound system and DJ! Everyone shouts as Derpy and Ruby catch up!

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY DINKY!!!”

All assembled cheer as Arc walks toward Dinky!

“D-dad! Is all this for me?!”

“Yes Dinky! This is your first birthday party!

“It is?!”

Derpy nods. “Yes sweetie! Your father wanted you to have it before he left!”

The Cakes roll out a huge cake for the occasion as Ember flies overhead!

“Is everyone ready to sing ‘Happy Birthday’?”

Pinkie Pie comes out of nowhere!

“WAIT! She needs a party hat!”

Pinkie pulls a party hat out of her mane and puts it on Dinky’s head! She then pulls out her party cannon and blasts Dinky and her family with confetti!

“Okay! Now we can sing!”

Everyone takes a deep breath!

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday to you

Pinkie continues singing alone!

“From good friends who are true! From old friends and new! Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!”

Pinkie hops away but returns a moment later!

“And many more!!!”

Pinkie ducks behind a tree and pushes a manticore wearing a party hat and a party horn in its mouth toward the cake as she continues the melody!

“A manticoooooooooooore!”

Ducking back behind the tree to push Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and all the school fillies out next to the manticore.

“And Apple Bloooooooom! And all her crew!!!”

Pinkie ducks down for a moment. When she stands, she is holding a number of clocks while wearing socks.

“And lots of clooooooocks! With stripy sooooooocks!”

Ruby looks up at Ember. “How does she…”

Ember interrupts. “It’s Pinkie Pie. Just go with it.”

Arc lights a single candle with his magic on top of the cake in front of Dinky before picking her up and holding her high enough to reach said candle! “Okay sweetheart! Make a wish and blow out the candle!”

Dinky thinks for but a moment before successfully blowing out the candle. Everyone cheers and stomps their hooves! Pinkie points a hoof at the DJ!

“Let’s get this party started!!!”

The DJ nods and starts playing some festive music as Arc sets Dinky down.

“Thanks for the party dad! I had no idea!”

Ember chuckles! “Sereb and I left earlier to make sure everything was on schedule.”

“It was not. So, we lent a paw.”

Arc nods. “And then I came over to check up on things myself when they didn’t come back.”

Ruby looks to Dinky. “Your dad asked if he could come over to keep you out of town while they set this all up!”

Dinky giggles! “It really was quite the surprise! Thank you everypony!”

The Mane 6 walk over.

Twilight smiles and levitates a book with a bow on it over to the birthday filly! “Happy Birthday Dinky!”

“Yeehaw! What a time it’s been!”

Rarity walks over to Dinky with a cup of punch. “It’s hard to imagine it’s been a year already!”

Fluttershy nods! “Happy birthday. I hope you have fun.”

Rainbow Dash looks over to Pinkie. “This party has got to be some of your best work Pinkie Pie!”

Pinkie smiles! “I spared no expense! Arc told me to make it EXTRA special! So that’s what I did!”

“And we’re very happy with how it turned out! Good work! But where did you find a manticore?”

Pinkie laughs! “It’s just a really big stuffed animal! I’ve had it for what feels like forever, just waiting for the right event to bring it out! Then I figured, what bigger event than the Hero of Light’s daughter’s first birthday!!!”

Derpy smiles. “Thank you very much for making this day special!”

The foals from the school run up to Dinky wearing party hats! Pipsqueak is wearing a pirate’s hat!

“Great party Dinky! At least I think it is! “

Aquamarine nods! “We’ve never been to something like this before!”

Apple Bloom laughs! “Pinkie Pie always throws the best parties!”

Sweetie Belle grins! “Yeah! I want her to do my next birthday too!”

Babs Seed walks over to them sheepishly. “What should we be doing, Mister Arc? “

“Have fun! That’s what parties are for!”

Applejack looks over to her little sister. “Go on and party with your friends, Apple Bloom! “

Derpy smiles at her daughter. “You too, Dinky! Have fun!”

Dinky runs toward the games with her friends. “Thanks dad!”

Twilight looks back to Arc sheepishly as the fillies run off. “So… tomorrow’s the big day, huh?”

“Yup. Tomorrow we make history! Are you all coming?”

“Darn tootin’!”

“Wouldn’t miss it!”

“YEAH!!!”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, darling!”

“Um, I… okay…”

Twilight laughs! “We’ll all be there, Arc! Even Auriel is coming! But are you sure this will work?!”

“It does on paper. Sunburst is working on the loose ends as we speak!”

Ember sighs. “Knowing him, he’ll probably be checking things all night!”

Derpy smiles. “That’s reassuring!”

Ruby nods. “Yes! We can’t have something bad happen to such a fine human!”

Miss Cheerilee walks through the festivities toward the refreshments table. She glances up at the banner overhead and reads it to herself.

““Happy 1st Birthday”?”

Meanwhile, Arc turns to Pinkie as he sips a cup of tea.

“Thanks for getting this all set up so quickly, Pinkie!”

“It was EASY! The hard part was finding a DJ on such short notice!”

Arc looks over at the sound booth. “Is that Vinyl Scratch?”

“Yeah! You know her?!”

“She ran sound for my big speech not that long ago. How did you get her here?!”

Pinkie laughs! “She actually called ME! Said something about wanting to see you again!”

“Oh? Well I had better go over there and thank her then. Please excuse me.”

Arc walks away as Rarity turns to Pinkie.

“What do you suppose she wants?”

Pinkie shrugs. “Well Arc is a big name in Equestria now! Maybe she wants his autograph!”

Twilight looks over. “Do you know her?”

“Only by reputation! She’s HUGE in the nightclub and entertainment scene!”

Applejack thinks for a moment. “Maybe she wants to know how humans like their music?”

Rainbow Dash laughs! “Yeah, that’s probably it! She looks totally AWESOME when she works!”

Ember smiles and mutters to herself. “Just like Arc.”

Twilight turns to Ember. “Did you say something?”

“It was nothing!”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way over to Vinyl Scratch. She waves as he approaches!

“Wassup Lord Arc?!”

He laughs! “It’s just ‘Arc’ now! The princesses are back in power, and I’m back home where I belong. I just wanted to come over and thank you for doing this! It made my daughter very happy!”

“Anything for you, sir!”

“I’m told you wanted to talk to me about something.”

“I just wanted to tell you about the ratings from your speech! You broke pretty much every record out there! According to the numbers, it looks like every radio in the country was listening to you!”

“Really?!”

Vinyl Scratch nods! “Yup! I worked some broadcast magic and was able to boost the signal! All the surrounding nations were able to pick it up as well. Maybe not as clearly as here in Equestria, but they got the message!”

“Thanks for doing that. Our enemies will think twice before attacking us now!”

“You’re welcome sir! Now I gotta get back to mixing, and you need to get back to PARTYING!”

Arc laughs! “Okay! You take care of yourself, Vinyl Scratch! I hope to see you again someday!”

He walks toward the cake cutting station as Vinyl smiles to herself and mutters under her breath.

“Take care on your next mission, Lord Arc. Even if you do save Princess Celestia and restore her to the throne, Equestria will still have great need of you in the future! We will meet again someday! You can count on that!”

The party lasts late into the evening! The moon has long since risen before Arc takes his little family home! Dinky is asleep in Arc’s arms by the time they arrive back at Derpy’s house. He puts her to bed as she giggles. in her sleep.

“Good night, my little birthday girl. I love you.”

Arc returns to the living room where Ruby is waiting for him. He gestures to the sigil.

“I’ll take you home now, Ruby.”

She nods and walks with Arc over to the sigil. “Thank you for inviting me! This is the most fun I’ve had in years!”

“Thanks for coming. Dinky was really happy you could make it!”

Arc powers up the sigil and teleports with Ruby back to her house.

“She’s such a sweetheart too! You and Derpy are doing a great job of raising her!”

“Thanks. She’ll be grown up before I know it! And I’m looking forward to spending every moment I can with her! After this mission, I’m going to retire as the Hero of Light and be a full-time dad to her!”

Ruby nods! “Good! She needs one!”

Arc kneels down to give Ruby Jubilee a hug.

“You take care, okay?”

Ruby nods as she returns the hug. “You too!”

She gives Arc a small kiss on his cheek as they break the embrace.

“Take care on this mission and come home safely! Okay?”

“I will. Good night Ruby.”

Arc powers up the sigil and is gone.

Ruby sighs and mutters to herself as she climbs the stairs to the main level. “I understand why my sister thought so highly of you Arc.”

Very early the next morning Arc, the Mane 6, Auriel, Derpy, Dinky, Ember, Sereb, Arc’s squad and Flash Sentry meet at Light’s Hope in the Main Hall.

“Take care of things until I come back, lieutenant.”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes sir! I know you can do this. Just be careful out there!”

“I will.”

Max nods. “We’ll keep this land safe while you’re gone, sir!”

Xenos laughs! “Come get us through if you need some help!”

Hugh smiles! “Yes. Don’t try to keep all the fun for yourself!”

Viktor salutes! “Day or night, we’ll be ready!”

“Thanks. I’m counting on all of you.”

Arc turns back to the others and gestures to the sigil.

“We should get going. The princesses are waiting for us.”

Everyone nods silently and steps onto the sigil. In a moment they are teleported to Arc’s chambers in Canterlot Castle. The party wordlessly makes their way to Princess Celestia’s room! They find Luna and Cadance waiting for them along with Sunburst. Arc walks over to him.

“How are things on this end, Sunburst?”

“Sir! I’ve just finished checking and rechecking everything! All that’s needed now are the final items! I assume you brought them.

Arc turns to the Mane 6 as they each step forward with their Elements.

“I really appreciate this everyone.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Well, it wouldn’t be very Loyal of me to not do my part!

Applejack sighs. “To be completely Honest with you, sugarcube, this makes me mighty nervous! But… you have to get back to Earth somehow!”

Rarity smiles. “Tis but a simple task on our part! You’re the one with the tough job ahead darling! I must say I find it quite Generous for you to take such risks for somepony you’ve never met!”

Pinkie bounces around happily! “I don’t mind parting with this! If it brings happiness and Laughter to this land, then I’m all for it!”

Fluttershy looks at her element sadly. “I know it wouldn’t be very Kind of me to hold this back, but… I’m worried what could happen without the Elements within hooves reach! But… I know that this is for the best!

Twilight walks to stand in front of Arc as she pulls out her own element. Looking at it for a moment before holding it out to him.

“Please, Arc! Take my element and use its power to bring my mentor home!

Arc nods soberly as he takes the Element of Magic from Twilight. The rest of the Element Bearers follow her lead. One by one they put their respective Elements in Arc’s hands.

“Thank you. Please understand that if there was another way to do this, I’d gladly take it!”

Ember nods. “Don’t worry! If something happens here, they can just grab these things out of their… holders or whatever, right?

Sunburst nods. “Yes, however the machine will be inoperable until the Elements are returned.”

He turns to Arc.

“During that time, you will be unable to return to Equestria, sir!”

Arc nods. “I understand. But if something comes up, don’t hesitate to remove the Elements! I’ll manage!

Dinky looks to him, sadly. “But dad! We would never see you again!

Derpy pats Dinky on the head. “Don’t worry, sweetie. As soon as they can, I’m sure Twilight and her friends would return their Elements to the machine. Right?"

Twilight nods. “That we would! Arc may have to make a hasty return as some point! We’d have to be ready!”

Arc turns to Sunburst and gives him the Elements.

“You know what to do.”

Sunburst nods and heads back to the platform to install the Elements on their respective sigils. Derpy eyes the machine with caution.

“Is it… safe?”

Sunburst looks up from his task. “It’s as safe as I’m capable of making it. Sadly, that is the best I can offer right now. The Elements should give it the extra kick needed to complete this task.”

Dinky appears nervous! “What?!”

Luna nods. “Cadance and I have been helping Sunburst test the S.P.E.A.R for a couple hours now. We’ve confirmed that whatever we send through does indeed make in to Earth intact!”

Cadance sighs. “The only think we haven’t done yet is… test whether or not a living being can make it from one end to the other… alive.”

Ember narrows her eyes. “I don’t like where this conversation is going.”

Auriel frowns. “Neither do I! Isn’t there SOMETHING we can do to test that aspect?!”

Sunburst shakes his head. “Other than actually sending through something that is alive, no.”

He turns back to Arc.

“If you don’t want to do this sir, I completely understand.”

Twilight puts a hoof on Arc’s side. “We can find a way to ensure your safety, Arc! I just know it!”

Arc sighs. “I don’t think time is a luxury we have. Sunburst, is everything ready?”

He stands up from the platform and walks over to the control panel. “It is! I’ve already programmed the coordinates you requested.”

“Good. Is there anything else I need to know?”

“Actually, yes! In order to keep you safe, and have the best chance of returning successfully, both the S.P.E.A.R. and the portable recall unit should be facing each other.”

Arc frowns. “You mean the planets need to be aligned, or something?”

Luna nods. “Precisely!”

Twilight appears suddenly nervous! “But how is he supposed to know when that is?!”

Luna points a hoof to the nearby workbench. “We can stay in contact via an interdimensional transmitter. “

Arc walks over to the bench and picks up the transmitter.

“An earring?”

Cadance nods. “It seemed a logical choice. Compact and functional.”

Sunburst walks over to the workbench to stand with Arc. “It will also work domestically, so you don’t need to switch earrings when coming back. We’ll do our best to stay in contact with you at all times!”

He points a hoof at the bag lying next to where the earring sat.

“This is the portable recall unit I spoke of earlier. Just set it down on the ground, turn it on and press the button. The machine will do the rest”

Arc picks it up and putting it in his ring. “Sounds simple enough.”

Cadance shakes her head. “I don’t recommend putting it in your ring, Arc! We’re not sure if the enchantment that makes your ring function will work on Earth!”

He nods and removes the device from his ring. Putting it back in the bag as he breathes a sigh of relief! “Thanks for the warning!”

Sunburst nods. “We could always open a portal from this end with the Crystal Mirror if need be. However, that’s a backup plan that I hope not to need.”

Rainbow Dash frowns! “Why not?”

Twilight sighs. “Because the Crystal Mirror is largely untested when it comes to moving living creatures!”

Applejack’s eyes grow wide as she looks at Twilight! “You mean, Arc surviving the trip here might have just been a fluke?!”

Luna nods. “Perhaps. Let’s not find out the hard way, shall we?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Crystal Mirror… last resort… got it! Anything else?”

“Always contact us before using the portable recall unit! I’ll need to monitor the energy readings and make sure they stay in harmony! With any luck, one day I’ll be able to automate that task to a sigil.”

Pinkie jumps around excitedly! “Then could we go visit Earth?! I’d love to taste their version of sweets!”

Rarity giggles! “Perhaps one day, Pinkie! I’d love to see their ideas for fashion!”

Rainbow Dash does a backflip! “And I’d love to hear their music! It’s gotta be AWESOME!”

Fluttershy looks over to him. “Are there many animals there, Arc?”

“Quite a few actually.”

“Woo hoo! I’d love to make some more animal friends!”

Applejack grins! “Maybe I could learn how they grow crops!

Twilight trots in place, excitedly! “I’d be happy just walking the halls of their great libraries!”

Auriel has a faraway look in her eyes. “Me too, Twilight!”

Cadance sighs. “Perhaps one day, my little ponies. But that day is not today.”

“Right. If we can nail this technology down, I’d love for all of you to see my world!”

Dinky looks up sadly. “Even me, dad?”

Arc kneels down to look Dinky in the eye. “Especially you, sweetheart! There are toys there for human children beyond your wildest dreams!”

Dinky throws her hooves around his neck as she begins to cry. “I don’t care about that dad! I just want to be with YOU!"

He holds Dinky close. “And I want that too, sweetheart. I’ll come back as soon as I can. Believe me, this is far from permanent.”

Auriel turns to the Lead Sage. “How long before Arc can return, Sunburst?”

“I won’t know for sure until he arrives back on Earth. From there I can take readings via his earring.”

Luna frowns. “Can you guess?”

“Probably a week. Not more than a month.”

Arc nods. “I can live with that.”

Derpy puts her hooves around her daughter. “Then I guess Dinky and I can too.”

Dinky nods sadly. “I’ll miss you dad!”

Arc puts his arms around both Derpy and Dinky. “I’ll miss you both too! Take care of our daughter, Derpy.”

“I will.”

Sunburst turns back to the machine. “I’ll just do some last-minute checks while you finish saying your goodbyes then.”

Arc lets go of his little family and turns to the Mane 6. “Well, I guess this is it.”

Applejack smiles! “Take care of yourself, sugarcube.”

Rarity nods! “Keep an eye out for bad humans!”

Rainbow Dash grins! “You just worry about finding Princess Celestia and we’ll take care of Equestria!”

Fluttershy nods and gives Arc one of her sweet smiles. “Equestria will be waiting for you.”

Pinkie hops around him. “Yeah! And when you succeed, I’ll throw you the biggest ‘welcome home’ party EVER!!!”

Twilight sits down sadly. “I… I really don’t want you to go! Can’t somepony else do this?!”

Arc kneels down to give Twilight a hug. “No Twilight. Just me. I have to do this and you know it.”

“I know that! It’s just… it feels like you’ve only just arrived! If this doesn’t work, I might never see you again!”

“Don’t worry about that! I’ll find a way back, come hell or high water!”

Twilight nods as Arc lets go of her and walks toward the S.P.E.A.R. and Sunburst. He turns to look at the princesses.

“I’ll find your sister, Princess Luna. Count on it!”

Luna nods. “I know you won’t let us down. Come back safely though.”

Ember frowns. “I still don’t like you taking this first trip alone!”

Arc sighs. “We’ve been over this, Ember! You yourself agreed that if anything happened to me, you and the others would need to watch over this land!

She sighs. “I… I know. But… sorry.”

Sereb nods. “I will defend this land with my life in your absence, Arc.”

“Thanks.”

Arc smiles and looks out the window as the first rays of dawn shine through.

“Sunburst?

As the stallion pushes a few buttons, the device hums to life and a portal forms! “We’re ready! Go ahead sir!”

Arc picks up the bag and hefts if over his shoulder. He walks slowly but confidently toward the portal’s maw. He stops just before walking through, turning around to take one last look at his friends! There isn’t a dry eye present! He gives everyone a smile before saying his own farewell.

“Take care… everypony.”

Arc smiles and turns back toward the portal. After taking a deep breath he steps through and vanishes from sight!

Luna looks down at her hooves. “So brave…”

Cadance puts a hoof around Luna. “Agreed.”

Derpy sniffles. “I… I’m going to miss him!”

Dinky looks up. “I won’t.”

“Dinky?!”

“I… I’m sorry mom.”

Before anyone has time to react, Dinky breaks free from her mother’s fetlocks and charges headfirst at the portal! Ember shouts over to Sunburst!

“Sunburst! Shut it down! Hurry!”

Dinky leaps into the closing portal and disappears from sight! Derpy falls to her knees screaming!

“DINKY!!!”

The others surround her in an effort to comfort her as she sobs!

“Dinky… Arc… I can’t… I can’t lose BOTH of you!”

Meanwhile…Arc awakens. He opens his eyes and sees the familiar dirt as he lifts his head a few inches off the ground.

“I… I made it! Earth! My old house!”

He sits there for a moment, enjoying the familiar sights and sounds until he hears a small moan nearby. Turning around he sees a naked little girl with blonde hair and a familiar hairstyle lying face down in the dirt nearby!

“What the… D-DINKY?! Is that you?!”

He quickly runs over to her and puts two fingers on her throat.

“Good! You’re alive!”

He instinctively removes his coat and wraps her up in it as he picks her up.

“Dinky?! Open your eyes, sweetheart! Please!!!”

A few moments later Dinky opens her small eyes and looks up at her father with a weak smile.

“H-hi dad. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t stand the thought of being without you. Did… did we make it?”

Arc smiles back at her. “Yes sweetheart! We made it! We’re on Earth!”

Dinky squirms weakly in his arms. “Dad? My… my body feels funny. Why am I in this getup?”

“That’s because you’re a human now, Dinky. You have fingers and toes, arms and a nose just like me. But there’s one thing you don’t have right now.”

Dinky looks up at him, confused. “Oh? What’s that?”

“Clothes. You didn’t put anything on before you ran through the portal, did you?”

“Sorry dad.”

Dinky looks up at the sunrise. Her eyes grow wide.

“It… it’s so beautiful! Are all sunrises like this on Earth, dad?!”

He turns to look at the sunrise with Dinky.

“Yes. Look on it well, sweetheart. Look upon this sunrise as a new dawn… for both of us. Now I have to find Princess Celestia. Now… the real challenge can finally begin.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 12 - A Happy Settlement

Arc, Sereb, Tempest and Brightwing hurry back to Ponyville with the antidote via a portal, the sun has just begun to set. As he and the others appear on the sigil in the Ponyville Hospital’s Waiting Room, Arc motions for them to follow.

“This way!”

He and the others run down a corridor toward Pinkie Pie’s room! Bursting through the door they find Doctor Horse by her side along with several nurses! Nearly every machine around her is going haywire! Pinkie’s entire body is convulsing at a sickening rate as the medical staff around her try desperately to save her life! Fluttershy stands off to one side of the room crying.

“P-P-Pinkie Pie! Come back to us!”

Doctor Horse turns to the monitors as a nurse does her best to administer CPR to the writhing mare! “We’re losing her! Epinephrine!”

Fluttershy winces as the needle goes deep into Pinkie’s chest directly into her heart

The doctor looks over to Arc as he pulls out the empty syringe. “If you’ve got something, now’s the time!”

Arc runs over to Pinkie’s side! He opens the flask and attempts to put it to her lips! However, she is shaking too much to drink! Putting his hand behind her head Arc grabs a fistful of her mane! He pulls her mane hard, forcing her neck back!

“Sorry Pinkie!”

Taking a small swig from the bottle himself, Arc quickly puts his mouth to Pinkie’s and spits the antidote into her mouth! Pulling back from her lips, Arc carefully massages her throat!

“Swallow it, Pinkie!”

Slowly the convulsions diminish and the machines return to normal levels. Arc releases his grip on her mane, but does not take his eyes off of her! Sereb and the others walk over slowly.

“The rest is up to her now.

Brightwing flutters around. “Friend! Wake up!”

A few minutes later Pinkie opens her eyes about halfway and looks into Arc’s face. “Is… is it… over?”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Yes Pinkie. It’s over. It is over, right doctor?”

Doctor Horse looks over from the machines and smiles. “You’re going to be just fine, miss! A few days’ rest, and you’ll be good as new!”

Pinkie holds out her hoof to Arc. “…the others… help them.”

He takes Pinkie’s hoof and gives it a quick squeeze. “I’ll have the doctor give them this medicine. You just rest now.”

Fluttershy shakily makes her way over to the bed. “I’ll stay with you, Pinkie.”

Arc hands the bottle to Doctor Horse. “This should bring them back to normal. Could you administer it to everyone, please?”

Doctor Horse nods as he accepts the serum. “I’ll take care of it at once!”

Tempest smiles. “Although you might want to put it in a cup first!”

Everyone chuckles except Pinkie Pie. She appears confused.

“I don’t get it.”

The doctor leaves with the rest of the hospital staff. Sereb, Brightwing and Tempest follow them to wait in the hallway. Arc shakes his head and smiles.

“It’s… not important, Pinkie.”

“Okay! I do have one question though!”

“What is it?”

Pinkie attempts to raise her fetlocks but finds she can’t. “Why am I chained up?”

Fluttershy smiles at her friend. “You were… a bit unruly earlier, Pinkie. Can we undo her restraints now, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Pinkie appears back to normal.”

Pinkie watches as Fluttershy opens a nearby drawer and removes a small key. “Good!”

Arc takes the key from Fluttershy and removes Pinkie’s restrains. She winces in pain as he does so.

“That smarts!”

Fluttershy looks over to her friend. “Pinkie?”

Arc looks at Pinkie's fetlocks which are heavily bruised.

“Those shackles were tight!”

Fluttershy sighs. “They had to be! She kept getting loose! The last time, she… never mind.”

“What, Fluttershy? What did I do?”

“Well… the last time you got loose you… hurt a couple orderlies and a nurse.”

“What?! Oh no! How bad?!”

“It wasn’t too bad. They’re already back to work.”

Pinkie breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! I’m supposed to make ponies smile! Not hurt them!”

Fluttershy heads for the door. “I’ll ask the nurse if something can be done about those bruises.”

“Thanks, Fluttershy. I’ll stay here with Pinkie until you get back.”

She leaves the room as Pinkie looks to Arc.

“Arc. Can… can I talk to you about something?”

He sits down on the edge of the bed. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

She turns away, clearly upset. “I… I just wanted to apologize to you for… what I said back then. And what I DID! There really was no excuse for it! I… understand if you never ever want to see me again!”

“Pinkie. Look at me.”

She slowly turns her head back toward him, blushing. Arc gently strokes her curly mane.

“None of what happened back there was your fault. In fact, everyone else who caught this did… similar things. You’re not alone in this!”

Pinkie looks at him, her eyes wide! “So… all my friends… they did that too?”

Arc nods. “Yes. All of you were out of sorts then. It’s okay, Pinkie! We can talk about it when all of you are feeling better. Okay?”

Pinkie breathes a sigh of relief as Fluttershy returns with a nurse. She is carrying ointment and bandages.

“Thanks for understanding, Arc!”

“Thank YOU for getting better!”

Arc and Fluttershy sit by Pinkie’s bedside as the nurse wraps the bruised flesh. As she finishes Doctor Horse returns.

“I’ve administered the antidote to all afflicted.”

“Did it work?!”

Doctor Horse nods. “Yes! Other than being a bit weak, all of them are otherwise fine!”

“Can I see them?”

The doctor thinks for a moment before looking back to Arc and nodding. “They really should rest. However, given the circumstances, I suppose a short visit couldn’t hurt.”

He turns to Pinkie.

“We will also be transferring Miss Pie out of isolation and back to the others.”

Pinkie smiles. “Good! I miss my friends!”

Doctor Horse takes a final look at the machines before turning them off and unhooking Pinkie. Arc stands up and puts his hands on the bed.

“I’ll push her back to the others.”

The doctor nods. “Thank you. And good timing back there.”

Arc nods. “We cut it kinda close, but thankfully not too close!”

He wheels the bed out the door and down the hallway. Tempest, Brightwing, Fluttershy and Sereb follow a short distance behind them. Pinkie is quickly returning to her old self!

“WEEE!!!”

Arc laughs. “That’s the old Pinkie Pie we know and love!”

He pushes the bed into the room with the rest of the Mane 6 as the others wait outside. Upon seeing Arc, they all turn away, embarrassed. He stops and turns to Sereb.

“Don’t let anyone else come in.”

“Very well.”

Tempest nods. “Want some alone time with your pals?”

“Something like that.”

“Okay. But don’t take too long, dear!”

Brightwing nods, still sitting on Tempest’s back. “I will wait for you, friend!”

Arc sighs as he pushes the bed into the room. “I hope that antidote is still around here somewhere.”

Pinkie throws up a hoof happily! “Hey there, everypony!”

Rainbow Dash looks over at her friend. “Pinkie!”

“You okay, sugarcube?!”

Pinkie nods. “I’m just fine now! Thanks to Arc, here!”

Rarity looks over, sheepishly. “Arc! I… um…”

He pushes the bed with the others before walking over to Rainbow Dash and undoing her restraints.

“Everyone feeling better now?”

Rainbow Dash blushes heavily! “Y-yeah! Look Arc, I’m really sorry for what happened back there! I just don’t know what came over me!”

Arc pats Rainbow Dash’s hoof and smiles. “It’s okay! You weren’t yourself!”

He then walks over to Applejack’s side. While she does not look at him, he can see her blushing. Arc begins to undo her restraints.

“I… I’m sorry too, sugarcube! I don’t remember what exactly I said, but… what I DID was completely uncalled for and inappropriate!”

“I forgive you, Applejack. Your words weren’t your own back then.”

“What do you mean?”

“All of us were the victims of some kind of magical attack.”

Arc turns to Rarity. She does not meet his gaze but instead blushes heavily.

“I’m ashamed to admit it, but… at the time, I honestly wanted to… you know. It was so real! So intense! Was anypony else affected?!

Arc sits down on the side of Rarity’s bed. “Yes. Raven, Saffron, Ember, Mayor Mare and… one other. Everyone afflicted displayed flu-like symptoms before… losing it.

Pinkie nods! “Right! I felt so weak right before it happened! The last thing that’s clear in my mind was you trying to help me, Arc!”

Rainbow Dash sighs. “I threw up… a lot. My last memory is Arc holding my head over the sink!

Applejack thinks for a moment. “I had a cough and was really hot for some reason. Last thing I remember was tearing off that pretty dress!”

Rarity looks away again. “And I remember being cold and feeling like I couldn’t breathe! My final sane memory was… um…”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Come on, Rarity! It couldn’t have been THAT bad!”

“It was telling Arc to rip my dress off!”

Applejack shakes her head. “Wow… I must have been pretty far-gone to not remember that?!”

Pinkie looks around. “What about Fluttershy! Did she ever come down with this?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. She stayed with you all, but never showed any symptoms.”

Rainbow Dash looks confused. “Why do you suppose she was immune?”

“Not a clue! Although I’m glad she was! I didn’t like the fact I couldn’t see any of you!”

Pinkie frowns. “Why not?”

“When I tried to, it triggered a relapse! All of you went absolutely crazy! Up until that point, it seemed like all of you were on the road to recovery!”

Applejack nods. “And Twilight? Is she okay?”

“She was in Canterlot at the time. I called over there and told he to stay with the school foals. That was after I found Mayor Mare in a similar state.”

Rainbow Dash looks suddenly concerned. “So, who’s running the town?!”

Arc sighs. “I… um… took control of the town and instituted a quarantine. While I investigated, Lieutenant Flash Sentry and Sereb took turns organizing the watch and handling town affairs, be they few.”

Rarity nods. “There couldn’t have been much to do with the town under lockdown.”

“True. But someone had to be in control. As soon as I leave, I’ll officially lift the quarantine, notify Canterlot they can resume train service and bring home the school foals!”

Applejack smiles. “You said earlier there was another case of the illness. Who was it?”

“They’re outside with Sereb, Fluttershy and a new friend. Would you care to meet them?”

The Mane 6 smile and nod. Arc walks over to the door and opening it.

“All of you can come inside now.”

Fluttershy walks in first followed by Sereb and Tempest. Brightwing is still riding on Tempest’s back. The Mane 6 gasp and respond in unison!

“TEMPEST?!”

With a smile and a wave of her hoof, Tempest greets them! “Hi everypony! Glad to see all of you are doing better!”

Rarity frowns! “ARC! What is this madness?!”

“Tempest broke quarantine for some reason. Shortly thereafter she showed signs of infection. I kept her with me in order to keep an eye on her.”

Rainbow Dash glares at her! “Are you crazy?! I mean… this is TEMPEST we’re talking about!!!”

Applejack sighs. “Well, he couldn’t exactly let her go!”

Fluttershy nods happily! “Well, her and I have been having a nice talk in the corridor! She’s a very different mare now!”

Arc sighs as Tempest walks over to him and starts nuzzling his side. “Tell me about it!”

Sereb growls! “Tempest! Do not stand so close to Arc!”

“Why not?! I think he’s very nice!”

She smiles up and batts her eyelashes at him seductively.

“Very nice indeed!”

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof to her stomach. “Okay! That’s just wrong!”

Applejack nods! “Tell me about it! That thing on her back isn’t exactly cute and cuddly either!”

Pinkie looks to Brightwing. “And creepy!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Is it safe to keep her like this versus her old self?”

Fluttershy sighs. “It must be better than her trying to kill Arc!”

Arc frowns as he looks down at Tempest. “I question that!”

Sereb growls as he approaches Tempest. “Shall we arrest her?”

“Brightwing thinks she is wonderful just the way she is!”

Rainbow Dash suddenly leans forward in her bed! “Woah! It can TALK?!”

Arc looks over apologetically. “Sorry. This is Brightwing. The new… emissary from the Dragon Lands.”

Fluttershy looks confused. “An emissary?”

Applejack looks at the baby dragon skeptically. “Isn’t it a bit… young for that position?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably. But the Dragon Lord insisted on this in exchange for helping me discover who was behind your conditions!”

Fluttershy looks to him. “So, who was it?! Who was behind this?!”

He sighs. “Me…”

“YOU?!”

Rainbow Dash waves her hooves in front of her face, not believing what she has just heard! “That’s not possible! You’d never do anything to hurt us, Arc!”

“Somehow a spell was cast on me without my knowledge. Sunburst dispelled it for me so at least we won’t have any other problems in that department.”

Rarity looks over at Tempest angrily! “I wonder who could be responsible for THAT!”

Sereb nods! “I second that.”

Tempest shakes her head. “Not I! But I’m very happy with the way it turned out!”

“She been adamant about her innocence in this matter. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll ever figure out who was really behind this! Hopefully it was just some terrible prank or something that went horribly wrong!”

Fluttershy looks confused. “You don’t really believe that, do you Arc?”

“No, but I don’t have anything else to go on.”

Doctor Horse enters the room holding the bottle.

“Ember, Saffron, Raven, and Mayor Mare are doing just fine. They’ll probably be up and around tomorrow morning along with you four.”

Everyone cheers!

The doctor gives the medicine bottle back to Arc as he glances over at Tempest. “I thought you might need this!”

Arc looks back at Tempest as he takes the bottle. “Thanks. I’ll take it from here.”

He looks at his friends as the doctor leaves the room.

“Why don’t all of you get some rest? I need to get to Canterlot now.”

They nod as Arc, Sereb, Tempest and Brightwing leave the room. Fluttershy stays behind. She sighs as the door closes behind them.

“I do like this new Tempest, but…”

Rainbow Dash grimaces! “But who knows how long it will last?!”

Applejack nods. “I’m sure Arc knows what he’s doing!”

Pinkie smiles! “Right! I mean, he could have done ANYTHING to us in that state, and we would have been okay with it!”

Rarity smiles and blushes slightly. “He’s a true gentleman for not taking advantage of us the other day!”

Fluttershy nods. “He was very concerned about everypony’s health! Much more so than getting… anything else! I must say, I’m very impressed at his discipline and self-control!”

Meanwhile… as Arc closes the door behind them, Tempest turns to him.

“Do you want a hoof bringing the school foals back, Arc?”

“No. You’re not coming with me to Canterlot.”

Tempest pouts. “What?! But why not?!”

“Look, you’re a nice mare like this, Tempest! But I’m going there to pick up the foals whom YOU terrorized not that long ago!”

Tempest’s ears droop as she looks down. “I… guess you do have a point.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Let’s go back to Light’s Hope.”

Sereb looks confused. “What for?”

Arc looks to Tempest. “We need to talk.”

Everyone walks through the portal and arrives back in Arc’s quarters. Tempest looks up at him playfully.

“What did you want to talk about? Our future?”

“Uh… kinda. Sereb would you and Brightwing excuse us please?”

Sereb walks toward the door as Brightwing flutters over and lands on his back. “Very well. I’ll wait just outside the door.”

“Brightwing will be waiting too!”

They leave as Tempest smiles broadly at Arc!

“You wanted to be alone with me?”

Arc holds out the bottle of medicine to her. “I think you should drink this now, Tempest.”

She rears back on her haunches, clearly disgusted with the idea! “Ugh, no way! I like how I am now! Don’t you?!”

Arc kneels down to look her in the eye. “While I do enjoy the fact you’re not trying to kill me, we don’t know the long-term effects of this! For all we know, it could be irreversible if we wait too long! Besides... this isn’t right, Tempest!”

Tempest puts her hooves around him. “Oh really? It sure feels right to me!”

He pries her hooves from around his neck. “Look Tempest. Love shouldn’t have to rely on a spell or magic! So, if you really and truly care, then drink this and go back to the way you were. “

Tempest sighs. “Okay. If that’s what you want.”

She sits down on her haunches, closes her eyes and puckers her lips.

“Tempest. What are you doing?”

“Aren’t you going to give me the cure like you did to your pink friend?”

“Very funny, Tempest.”

She looks up at him and smiles. “Who’s joking?!”

Arc holds the bottle to her lips. “Just swallow it!”

Tempest puts her hoof on the bottle and pushes it away before looking him in the eye.

“Arc, I… there’s something I want… no, need to tell you before I drink this.”

“What is it?”

She looks at him for a long moment before continuing.

“I… it’s been quite some time since somepony made me feel this special! You’re really… I don’t know… sweet and loving! I would do ANYTHING to erase my past deeds and spend the rest of my life with you!”

Sighing, she takes the bottle in her hooves and looks at it sadly.

“Arc, do you think… do you think you and I could ever… could it ever work between us?!”

“I… I don’t think so, Tempest. Sorry, but that’s the truth!”

Tempest smiles and closes her eyes. “Somehow I knew you would say that. But what if I told you I was willing to spend the rest of my life trying to prove myself to you?!

He nods soberly. “That would certainly be a step in the right direction.”

She shakes her head! “I’m serious, Arc! My feelings… they’re REAL! There’s no way my heart could be so full of love due to some magic spell or whatnot!”

Arc steps forward and points at the bottle.

“If you honestly believe that… then take a drink. I want the old Tempest to tell me what she thinks.”

Tempest nods. "Very well! But I’m sure the old me will feel the same about you! Tell you what! When I’m cured, how about you and I go on a date! I’ll buy!”

Arc sighs. “Fine! If you can still stand to looks at me after this, that is!”

Tempest smiles broadly and nods! “Good! Well, bottoms up!”

She takes a drink as she looks up at him with a smile! A few moments pass. The smiles slowly fades. Tempest puts a hoof to her forehead.

“Ugh… my head! “

She looks up at Arc in obvious disgust!

“What was I THINKING?!”

Arc sighs. “Can I assume you’re back to normal?”

Tempest shudders! “Yes, YES! Argh! I suddenly feel like I need a shower! All that lovey-dovey crap makes me sick!”

“Nice to see you back to the old you… I guess.”

She walks over to Light’s Bane and picks it up. “I need to get out of here! Decimus is probably worried sick about me by now!”

Tempest heads for the door.

“Tempest?”

“What?!”

“Thanks for the help.”

She nods wordlessly before leaving the room with a scowl on her face! Sereb does not take his eyes off her as she walks down the hall.

“It is done?”

Arc emerges from his room and nods. “Yes. She’s back to normal.”

“Scary! Brightwing like her better before she took the medicine!”

“Are you certain this was the correct course of action?”

Arc nods. “Yes. In her previous states, she was just a slave to the magic’s effects! I wouldn’t wish that on anyone! Not even her! Even though I would like to have her as a friend, it has to be her choice!”

He shakes his head and pulls out the pocket watch.

“In any case, let’s get to Canterlot Castle. Supper should be over soon. We can bring everyone home tonight!”

Sereb nods. “That should make their parents happy!”

“Yes. Twilight too!”

Arc activates the sigil and teleports them to his room in Canterlot Castle. Upon arriving they quickly make their way to the Dining Room. As they near it the sounds of laughter can be heard echoing down the corridor. Brightwing looks confused.

“What that sound?”

Arc smiles. “Happy foals!”

Sereb nods as they enter the Dining Room. “Indeed.”

The foals see him and rush over! Dinky reaches him first and jumps into his arms!”

“Dad! You’re okay!!! You ARE okay, right?”

Arc gives her a hug. “That I am, sweetheart!”

Twilight rushes over! “ARC?! How are things in Ponyville?!”

“The crisis is over, and our friends are resting peacefully.”

“And our friends?!”

Derpy joins the group. “Yes! Are they going to be okay?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Doctor Horse says they should be fully recovered by tomorrow morning!”

Twilight smile, clearly relieved! “Thank Celestia! Can I… see them?”

Smiling, Arc opens another portal.

“This will take you to the hospital, Twilight.”

She runs toward it! “Thanks!”

Arc close the portal behind her and looks over to Cheerilee.

“Thank you for taking care of this, sir! Some of the little ones were getting a bit homesick.”

Diamond Tiara scoffs! “Yeah! For their precious orphanage!”

“Sister! Please!”

Platinum Valve smiles! “Does this mean we can go home?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’m here to take you home now. That is, if you’ve finished eating.”

Pipsqueak smiles! “I have! The castle has the most amazing food I’ve ever tasted!”

Aquamarine grins! “And the comfiest beds!”

Arc looks around. “Are the princesses not here?”

Coco Pommel shakes her head. “They had an especially hard day, and turned in early.”

Shining Armor looks over to him. “I can go wake them up if you need to report something, Arc!”

“No, let them sleep. You can tell them everything is fine tomorrow morning. Oh! And let someone know that trains can resume their regular schedule.”

“I’ll see to it!”

Arc sets Dinky down and opens a portal. “Good. Well, let’s get everyone back to Ponyville now. Lead the way, Dinky!”

“Okay dad! Everypony follow me!”

She runs into the portal as the rest of her class follows happily. The chaperones walk over to him and smile.

“Thank you for coming to get us, Arc. It will be nice for everypony to get home safely! What exactly happened over there?!”

“A sickness the likes of which hasn’t been seen in generations reared its ugly head.”

Cheerilee looks concerned! “Are you sure it’s safe to go back?”

“Yes. Doctor Horse has confirmed that everyone affected is now in complete remission!”

Coco Pommel nods as the last foal runs through the portal. “That’s good to hear! Looks like it’s our turn, Derpy!

“See you on the other side, Arc!”

Derpy and Coco Pommel walk through the portal as Arc turns to Shining Armor.

“Tell the princesses I’ll call them tomorrow when I get a chance.”

“Sure thing! Take care of Twily for me!”

“I will!”

Stepping through the portal himself, Arc arrives back at Light’s Hope. The foals are laughing and playing in the Main Hall! Coco Pommel walks with him towards Raven’s desk.

“What should we do now, Arc?”

Arc picks up the phone. “Let me recall my guards. Then we can escort everyone home.”

He dials the Mayor’s Office. In a few moments, Flash Sentry picks up.

“Town Hall.”

"Lieutenant? It’s Arc."

“Sir! Any news?!”

“Yes. The situation has been resolved.”

“And Raven?!”

“Resting peacefully. She’ll be good as new by tomorrow morning.”

Flash Sentry breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good to hear!”

“It is! Now I want you and the other guards to get back to base at once! We have to take all the school foals home!”

“It would be a pleasure, sir!”

As he hangs up the phone, Arc turns to Derpy and Dinky. “Why don’t you two head to my quarters and get some sleep? I’ll join you after we get everyone home.”

Derpy smiles at him! “Thank you. We accept.”

Dinky yawns! “Don’t take too long dad! You need your sleep too!”

“I won’t.”

A short time later Flash Sentry and the rest of the Royal Guards arrive at Light’s Hope. As a group, Arc and company escort everyone back to the orphanage. Coco Pommel and the orphans along with Cheerilee enter the building as Arc and Flash Sentry pair up each foal with a guard.

“Take them straight home and inform their parents all is well and that the quarantine is over! Tomorrow morning we’ll go door to door informing everyone else.”

Sandstorm Mirage looks confused. “Sir?”

“It’s a bit late for that tonight, as most ponies are already in bed.”

Sereb frowns. “Won’t most of their parents be asleep as well?”

“Trust me, Sereb. No parent sleeps well when their child is in danger.”

Arc mounts Sereb and looks over to the dwindling group of foals left to escort.

“Platinum Valve. I’ll take you home myself.”

She happily runs up to Arc and allows him to pull her up into the saddle with him. “Thank you, sir! My parents must be worried sick about me!”

Arc nods as Sereb makes his way quickly toward the Blacksmith’s Shop! “Well, let’s put their minds at ease then, shall we?”

“Yes! Lets!”

After a short ride they arrive at their destination. Arc knocks at the door. A few moments pass before both Hammers answer.

“MOM! DAD!”

Silver Hammer hugs her daughter happily! “Oh my sweet little filly!”

Steel Hammer looks relieved. “We missed you terribly!”

Platinum Valve reaches a small hoof toward her father to hug him. “And I missed you both as well!”

Arc stands back to allow the family to have their moment. After a few minutes Steel Hammer looks up to Arc happily!

“Thank you for bringing her back to us, Arc!”

Silver Hammer nods! “We knew you wouldn’t let us down!”

“Can I assume the danger is behind us?”

“Yes, Steel Hammer. The cure has been found, and the quarantine will officially be lifted tomorrow morning.”

“Good! Any idea where it came from?!”

Arc shakes his head. “None. However, Zecora was the real hero in this. She was the one who made the final cure!”

Sereb nods. “Just in time, I might add. We nearly had our first fatality.”

Steel Hammer appears horrified! “Fatality?!”

“Pinkie Pie almost didn’t make it. We got to her with probably a minute to spare!”

“Is she going to be alright?!”

“In a few days, yes. Even she will return to normal.

Arc clenches his fist, angrily!

“If I ever lay my hands on the scoundrel who did this, I’ll make them wish they hadn’t!”

Sereb frowns. “Be warned, Arc. Vengeance is a dish best eaten cold.”

Steel Hammer nods. “He’s right, you know. “

“We’ve seen others consumed by lesser thoughts, Arc! Don’t hold onto your anger! It can only lead to ruin!”

Arc breathes in and out in an attempt to calm himself. “I’ll try.”

He looks to Platinum Valve and tousles the filly’s mane.

“One of these days you’ll have to show me your invention. It sounds like a winner!”

“I will, sir!”

“Well, we should let you get home, Arc. I’m sure you’ve had a busy day.

Arc yawns. “That I have.”

Steel Hammer nods. “Rest well, my friend.”

He mounts Sereb and turns back. “See you three later! Take care!”

Arc rides back toward Ponyville. A few of the townsponies are outside, presumably to stretch their legs and get some fresh air! They wave happily to him as he passes.

Arc waves back and looks down at Sereb. “I’m glad this didn’t take too long to resolve.”

“Why is that?”

“I didn’t like keeping everyone prisoner.”

“It needed to be done.”

Arc sighs. “I understand that, and I’m sure they do too! But… that didn’t make the decision any easier to make.”

They arrive back at Light’s Hope to see Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage talking out front. Arc dismounts and walks over to them.

“Everything okay?!”

Flash Sentry salutes. “Yes, sir.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods. “The last guard just checked back in moments ago. They reported all the foals have been safely returned to their parent’s care!”

“I sent the troops to bed. This has been a long couple of days!”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Why don’t you two get to bed now? Tomorrow is another day.”

Sandstorm Mirage yawns. “Thank you, sir. I think I will!”

As the sergeant goes inside, Flash Sentry leans in close to Arc and lowers his voice.

“Sir? If it’s all the same to you… might I…”

Arc raises a hand to open a portal to Ponyville Hospital. “I understand. Go to her. Just be back early, okay?”

“Thank you, sir!”

He steps through the portal and Arc closes it.

“You should get some sleep, Arc. This has been quite a day.”

“That it has, Sereb. You go ahead. I want to get a little fresh air in. Clear my head a bit of… everything.”

Sereb nods and turns to head inside. “Very well. But as your daughter said earlier, do not take too long.”

Arc nods and walks around the side of the building to the field out back. He looks up at the full moon above him.

“The moon is lovely tonight.”

He walks toward the stone marker and is surprised to see someone sitting nearby!

“Derpy? Is that you?”

The hooded figure slowly stands and turns to face him.

“I assure you, it is not.”

In the moonlight Arc can make out her features.

“Tempest?! What are you doing here?! I figured you would be home by now!”

“I needed to ask you something.”

Arc nods as she walks past him and sits down to face the moon. “What is it?”

“On my way home, there were so many questions in my mind! One of them… I just can’t seem to think of an answer!”

Arc sits down on the ground next to her. “An itch you just can’t scratch, huh?”

Tempest nods. “I need to know! And I want you to be completely honest with me!”

“Go ahead.”

“Why?”

“Why what, Tempest?

“Everything really! For starters, why did you insist that I drink that medicine?! You had me right where you wanted?! In that state I COULDN’T have killed you! Heck, you could have used me as a bed warmer for the rest of your life!”

“Because that’s not who you are, Tempest! Look, I wouldn’t mind having you as a friend and all! But I didn’t want a love slave! You deserve free will as much as everyone else does!

Tempest frowns. “Aren’t you afraid of what I’ll DO with said free will?!”

Arc turns to look at the moon. “Not really. Worst case scenario, you kill me and save the world, right?”

“I suppose.”

They are quiet for a time, staring at the moon.

“One more why.”

“Go ahead.”

Tempest continues nervously. She does not look at him as she speaks. “This morning when you woke up and found me in your bed. Why… why didn’t you… you know…”

Arc nods. “You mean, why didn’t I… violate you?”

“Yes! I mean, with the broken horn and the scar on my face I’m not the prettiest mare in Equestria! But I’m certainly in good physical shape!”

He shakes his head. “I’m not the kind of person to do things like that! Taking advantage of someone who isn’t in their right mind isn’t sexy, after all! It’s just sick! That and you’re Decimus’ girl! As much as I hate him, I’m not going to try and steal his marefriend.”

She nods and stands up. “Thank you… for being so honest. I should probably be going.”

Arc looks back. “Does this mean we’re friends now?”

Tempest scoffs! “Hardly! The next time we meet, we’re enemies again!”

“Fine. Have it your way.”

She sighs as she walks away. “Th-thank you for taking such good care of me when I… never mind.”

Tempest leaves as Arc continues to stare at the moon. Sighing, he mutters to himself.

“I guess even I can’t make friends with everyone.”

Chapter 5 - A Social Affair

As the sun sets the following evening, Arc emerges from the Bathroom wearing a formal suit that is perfectly accented with his pauldrons, gauntlets and boots. He turns to Ember and Flash Sentry as they finish shining their respective armor.

“So, how do I look?”

Ember sighs. “Nice! Vulnerable, but nice!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Ember’s right, sir! You shouldn’t be out and about without your full armor!”

“Especially after the creepy guy from the fire showed up spewing doom and gloom!”

Sereb growls! “How do you suppose he followed us here?”

Cherry speaks. “Here to the Griffon Kingdom, or the library?”

“Both, miss. Canterlot Castle is the only place such a device exists. He certainly didn’t come with us.”

Flash Sentry puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “He must have very wealthy friends then! The cost to construct that transdimensional device must have been astronomical!”

Ember furrows her brow. “Do you think the Dark One had anything to do with it?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. Wiseman doesn’t seem the type to keep company with slime like that!”

Cherry sighs. “Maybe. But that doesn’t stop him from following you around, Arc!”

“I will keep my nose peeled for any non-griffon scents, Arc”

“Good idea, Sereb.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “There’s GOT to be something more we can do?!”

Arc shrugs. “All he said was you two needed to be vigilant! Keep your guard up.”

He thinks for a moment.

“But don’t make it look like you’re expecting trouble! It’ll raise suspicion!”

“How do we do that, sir?”

Arc sighs. “I have no idea. Look, both of you just do your best, okay?”

Ember puts on her armor and calls forth her spear. “That we will! Count on it!”

Flash Sentry salutes him. “Neither of us will let you down, sir!”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

There is a knock at the door. He shouts loudly as he calls forth the rest of Eidolon’s Ward.

“Come in!”

The door opens and Natalya walks in. She is clad in basic Footpad armor.

“It’s almost time for us to leave, Lord Arc. Are you and your Honor Guards ready?”

He nods. “That we are!”

Natalya looks him up and down. “Lord Arc? I don’t presume to tell you how to dress, however the other party-goers will most certainly turn their beaks up at your appearance!”

Arc chuckles as he looks at his armor in the full-length mirror. “Thanks for the tip, but I have something special in mind.”

“Very well, sir.”

She gestures to the door.

“Shall we be off then?”

Arc nods as he mounts a fully armored Sereb with a freshly shined saddle. “Lead on.”

Ember and Flash Sentry take their places on either side of Arc as the group walks out the door. They leave the Grand Aviary and walk down the deserted streets toward Lord Gestal’s estate. Arc looks around.

“It’s awful quiet out here.”

Natalya nods. “It’s always like that when the sun goes down. Griffons aren’t usually much for venturing out after dark. That is, unless they have somewhere important to be!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “Like us?”

“Right!”

Ember frowns. “Why? Are griffons afraid of something out here?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No. We just find it rather hard to fly in the dark. That and there really isn’t anything to do around here.

Arc nods. “Makes sense.”

Flash Sentry turns to him as they near the brightly lit estate. “I hope you’re ready for this, sir!”

“I believe I am!”

Ember shakes her head. “Don’t get too confident, Arc!”

“Agreed! So let’s see how I do, shall we?”

Natalya mutters to herself as they approach the gates. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

Lord Gestal’s huge ivory white manor looms behind a large gate. There are several Griffon Royal Guards defending it. One of them is checking invitations as Arc and company approach him. He looks at the rather strange group before him.

“Something I can do for you?”

Arc removes the invitation from his magic ring and gives it to the Griffon Commander. “I’m Lord Arc from Equestria. Lord Gestal invited me to his little gathering.”

The Griffon Commander takes the invitation and looks it over before turning to his subordinate.

“This is certainly authentic! Is his name on the guest list?”

Griffon Soldier looks over a clipboard in his claw. “No sir!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and does his best to speak in a regal tone. “Perhaps you don’t know who I am!”

The commander replies in a condescending tone. “No, I do not! Should I have?!

Natalya steps forward. “Sir? If I may! Lord Arc is here on a diplomatic mission from Equestria at the request of their princesses and the Council of Lords!”

“That may very well be, Footpad! But even with an invitation, he MUST be on the list!”

A voice from behind them rings out.

“Ah, Lord Arc! Good to see you again!”

They turn to see General Blackbeak approaching them, flanked by his own guards. The commander and his troops straighten up at the sight of him.

“General Blackbeak! How good of you to come!”

“Yes. I shall grace tonight’s gathering with my presence.”

He looks at Arc and gestures toward the mansion.

“Shall we, Lord Arc?”

“B-begging the general’s pardon, but while he does appear to have an invitation, his name does not appear on the guest list!”

“That is most strange! I’m sure Lord Gestal would love to meet him though.”

“But sir! I… I couldn’t possibly…!”

The general interrupts him. “Commander. Lord Arc is Equestria’s Hero of Light! Do you REALLY want to tell him no?”

The commander and soldiers appear suddenly frightened at the sight of Arc. “What?! He… he is?!”

Blackbeak nods. “Yes, you feather-brained idiot! What keeps him from ordering his Honor Guards to dismember you is beyond me!”

He points a claw at Natalya.

“The former lieutenant who went up against them was defeated in seconds! In fact, I turned my head to speak to him for but a moment and it was over after one swift blow! So I want you to consider this. If his guards are that strong, think about what he HIMSELF could do to you!”

The guards look at Arc with evident fear in their eyes. Arc turns to them and holds up a fist. He activates one of his Magic Blades but does not speak.

“L-let him pass!”

Blackbeak nods as he enters. “Wise choice, commander!”

Arc laughs as he follows the general. “They couldn’t have kept me out anyways!”

All the guests are on or near the front steps mingling. The general turns to Arc.

“Here is your chance to meet the rich and powerful of our society. Do try to make a good first impression, Lord Arc.”

Arc nods as Sereb approaches the front steps. “Oh, I shall! Just you watch!”

Everyone stops talking and turns to look at the bizarre creatures walking toward them. Natalya clears her throat.

“Presenting Lord Arc! Equestria’s emissary and Hero of Light!”

Arc gracefully dismounts. As he walks up the steps seamlessly recalls his helmet and chest-plate to reveal his more regal attire. The nobles smile and nod approvingly. Nataly takes Sereb by one of the handles on his saddle.

“This way, big fella.”

Sereb softly growls. Prompting her to let go.

“Uh… follow me?”

Sereb follows her toward the rest of the servants and aids as Arc, Ember and Flash Sentry enter the estate with the rest of the nobles. Blackbeak chuckles.

“Very impressive, Lord Arc!”

Arc smiles and nods to as his Honor Guards move to flank him. “I try!”

“So tell me, how are you enjoying our hospitality?”

“Very much so! The castle food is quite tasty!”

“Glad to hear it! I do hope my former lieutenant is, shall we say, up to your standards.”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed! I’m very satisfied with her service thus far!”

“Very good! Perhaps she’s finally found her true calling as a servant!”

Another griffon approaches the pair. His body is varying shades of brown other than his face. The general appears pleased to see him.

“Ah, good to see you were able to make it, Lord Gunter!”

The new arrival puffs out his chest, haughtily. “Naturally!”

Blackbeak gestures with a claw. “I’d like you to meet Lord Arc from Equestria. He’s here on diplomatic business!”

Gunter looks Arc up and down as he extends a claw. “You’re a big… whatever.”

Arc firmly takes the claw and shakes it. “That I am!”

Gunter winces slightly. “Strong too!”

“My apologies. Sometimes I don’t know my own strength!”

“Yes, well… in any case, I’m Lord Gunter. Chief Advisor to King Guto! How are you enjoying our land thus far?”

“It’s very… different from Equestria.”

Blackbeak laughs. “We’ll take that as a compliment!”

Gunter smiles wickedly. “Are you… acclimating to our culinary tastes? I’m sure it’s not quite what you’re used to!”

“Well…”

Blackbeak interrupts. “Why don’t we head inside so Lord Arc can try some more of our fare?!”

“A grand idea, my friend!”

Arc nods happily! “Lead the way!”

They walk into the Main Hall. It is filled with servants carrying various dishes and drinks. One of them approaches with a tray of various meats. General Blackbeak and Lord Gunter take a clawful of food and down it quickly!

“Delicious!”

Blackbeak nods. “Lord Gestal’s chef has outdone himself this time!”

The servant approaches. Arc takes a piece of meat off the tray and eats it. Gunter chuckles to himself.

“What do you think?!”

Arc nods happily! “Wonderful! What kind of meat is this?”

Blackbeak smiles slyly. “Cow!”

Gunter chuckles. “Anything to say, Lord Arc?!”

“Yes! I’d like some more!”

Both look at each other astonished as Arc eats several more bites of the meat before following them with a few cherry tomatoes from another passing servant.

“You… you like meat?”

Arc nods as he looks at the pair with a wicked smile of his own. “Love it! We all need a little blood in our diet, wouldn’t you agree?”

Gunter laughs. “You got us that time, Lord Arc!”

Blackbeak smiles and nods. “I was trying to guess what excuse you would use to avoid eating flesh all day!”

“Sorry to disappoint, but my kind…”

The trumpeters play as their host appears at the top of the stairs. He is an older griffon with coat, wings and feathers all of the same shade of brown. The lord is wearing a formal business coat with a small pair of glasses perched neatly on his broad beak. A younger female griffon accompanies him. Her feathers are brown as well, but with snow white plumage and green around her eyes. Arc can’t help but notice she appears quite bored with the entire affair.

“Welcome to my home, everyone. We hope you enjoy yourselves tonight and eat your fill of Chef le Grand’s finest!”

The female griffon at his side nods. “Do not hesitate to tell us if there is anything we can do to make the night grander than it already is.”

The pair descends the stairs and mingle with the other guests. Blackbeak turns to Gunter.

“Lady Ashe is looking lovely tonight!”

“Agreed!”

Gutner turns to Arc, grinning!

“Lord Gestal’s only daughter. Quite a sight, eh Lord Arc?”

Arc nods and takes a glass off a passing tray with the other two. “She looks charming! Is she in politics as well?”

Blackbeak drinks the contents of the glass in one swig and tossing the empty glass to a servant. “Lord Gestal is grooming her to replace him. Although confidentially I hear it isn’t going too well.”

Gunter nods, downing his beverage is several smaller sips. “Yes. She doesn’t appear to have any drive to lead the Council of Lords!”

Arc takes a sip of his drink before dumping the rest of his glass in a nearby potted plant. “Why’s that? It certainly sounds like quite the position!”

Blackbeak frowns. “She and her father haven’t always seen eye to eye on numerous issues!”

Gunter nods. “The girl may be a bit too… sweet natured to carry out that role effectively.”

Arc takes some cheese off a passing tray. “Oh?”

Blackbeak leans in close to Arc. “I’m sure you can understand this, Lord Arc. But sometimes in the course of one’s duty, we find that we must do things a bit… distasteful.”

“Understandable.”

Gunter nods. “I’m sure you have plenty of stories in that regard from your time as Equestria’s king, eh Lord Arc?”

“Indeed!”

Blackbeak grins. “Care to tell of them?!”

“I’d be glad to!”

He tells the story of how he faced the traitorous Captain Decimus in one-on-one combat just outside the princess’ rooms. Gunter and Blackbeak nod approvingly!

“Quite the story!”

“That is was! However, I would have thought you would rejoice at the chance to remove an enemy of your position.”

“Equestria is a bit safer with him gone. But that wasn’t the end of the matter.”

Gunter looks confused. “Oh?”

“The hardest part was telling the princesses that I had just executed one of their closest friends.”

Blackbeak nods. “They’ll get over it!”

Arc takes a handful of grapes from yet another passing tray. “Already have.”

Gunter frowns. “That is quite surprising! The Equestrian princesses are well known for their wise and fair ruling of your land!”

“Tell me, Lord Arc! How did you break the news to them without getting blasted to pieces?!”

“I simply told them the truth about what happened. They saw it was, sadly, necessary to protect the realm.”

Gunter muses to himself. “Telling the truth… sounds crazy. But I guess it could work as a last resort.”

Blackbeak looks over. “Lord Gunter?”

“It was nothing! Just thinking to myself! How about another story, Lord Arc?!”

“How about the time I took on Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan?”

Blackbeak laughs! “Perfect!”

As Arc retells the story of his exploits in Yakyakistan, Ember and Flash Sentry scan the crowd. Ember frowns as she mutters to herself.

“The most dangerous thing around here is all the bad acting everyone is doing! Maybe that Wiseman guy isn’t as wise as we thought.”

Arc smiles at them as he finishes telling his tale. “Fortunately it all worked out in the end!”

Gunter nods. “Quite the accomplishment, taking down the leader of the yaks!”

Arc nods as he looks toward Lord Gestal. “Yes, well… I should probably give my regards to this evening’s host.”

Blackbeak looks past Arc toward Lord Gestal on the other side of the room. “This may not be the best time. It looks like Lord Gestal and Lady Ashe are having another one of their arguments.”

“Does this happen often?”

Gunter nods. “All the time. They have, shall we say… differing opinions in a great many subjects.”

Blackbeak sighs. “This will probably take a while. Perhaps you would like to mingle with some of the other guests?”

“Perhaps in a bit. I could use some fresh air though.”

Gunter points a talon toward a nearby open door. “The Gardens out back might interest you. Lord Gestal spares no expense in his efforts to make his daughter happy!”

“Thank you. I’ll do that.”

Arc, Ember and Flash Sentry make their way to the back of the house and out the door. Before them stands numerous statues of what they assume to be the lord of the house’s ancestors. Flash Sentry and Ember sigh.

“It’s good to be out of there, sir!”

“Agreed! Those lords and ladies are just stuck up jerks!”

Arc looks confused. “What do you mean? “

Ember turns to Arc and frowns. “Couldn’t you tell those two toadies were plying you for information?!”

“That they were, sir! Good thing you remembered what Natalya said and talked yourself up big!”

“Big? I was just being Honest!”

Ember nods. “That may be. But a lot of your stories would sound far-fetched to those who didn’t live through them!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “I witnessed several of them first hoof, and even I don’t believe some of them actually happened!”

“So, am I doing all right?”

Ember shrugs. “To be honest with you, just okay.”

“Forgive me, but you’re not very good at being an arrogant jerk, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Maybe I could try harder. But I’m afraid I’ll just come across as… I don’t know…”

Ember sighs. “A noble?”

“It sounds bad when you put it like that.”

Flash Sentry nods. “They’re not all that different than the nobles back in Equestria.”

“Really?”

“Being born into a life of privilege can have that effect on anypony!”

Ember turns toward the house. “These nobles also have a lot in common with dragons! The bigger the horde, the bigger the ego!”

Meanwhile, back in the Main Hall Lord Gestal and Lady Ashe continue to argue.

“My dear daughter, you have a lot to learn about social order!”

“All I’m saying is we would do better to raise our nation’s rank and file’s intelligence!”

Lord Gestal rolls his eyes. “What possible good would that do?! The commoners cannot help with matters beyond their understanding anyways!”

“These matters wouldn’t be beyond them if we only…”

There is a suddenly commotion from outside. A moment later several dozen robed griffons burst through the front door and several nearby windows with drawn weapons and heavy armor! The bodyguards quickly surround their wards and shield them from harm. Lord Gestal frowns.

“Rebels?! What is the meaning of this?! Where are my guards?!”

The rebel leader points a claw behind them. “They’re back there. Don’t worry! My troops will take good care of them!”

Lord Gestal frowns. “What do you want?! A fight?!”

“We already got that getting in here! Don’t ruffle your feathers, old man! We’re not going to hurt anyone! That is, if we get what we want!”

“You’ll get nothing from me, brigands!”

The robed leader nods. “Oh, I think we will!”

He points a claw at Lady Ashe.

“All we came here for is your daughter!”

“WHAT?!”

Blackbeak steps forward with his Honor Guards to stand between Lady Ashe and the rebels.

“Bring it on!”

“You have my word that she will not be harmed!”

Lord Gestal rolls his eyes. “The word of a common traitor is hardly…”

“Turn her over to us, or things get rough!”

Blackbeak points to the rebels before him. “Yeah! For YOU!”

“I’ll go with them, father!”

He turns to her, wide-eyed. “No! You can’t!”

“It’s the only way. I’m sorry, but there’s just too many of them.”

She slowly approaches the leader.

“If I come quietly, will you pull your troops back without incident?”

He nods. “I will.”

Lady Ashe sighs. “Very well. I…”

Suddenly the griffon finds himself knocked out of the way by an unseen force! Ember and Flash Sentry fly down together, grab Lady Ashe and fly her safely back to her father’s side! The rebel griffon points a claw angrily at the pair!

“Get those…”

He is cut short as an imposing figure suddenly Blinks in front of him. Arc, fully clad in Eidolon’s Ward looks down at him as he calls forth his Spear of Righteousness.

“You sure that’s a good idea?”

The rebel, clearly surprised, does his best to compose himself. “What the…?! Who are you?!”

“Lord Arc of Equestria.”

“Well then… Lord Arc, I suggest you stand aside and let us be off with our prize.”

Arc does not move as Ember and Flash Sentry quickly move to join him! The rebel gestures to the troops under his command.

“There are three of you, and dozens of us!”

Arc nods. “Then how about I even the odds? SEREB!”

the large wolf jumps through a broken window! he knocks several of the invaders out of his way before reaching Arc! General Blackbeak and his own Honor Guards move to defend Lady Ashe and Lord Gestal! The general draws his blade!

“Stay behind us!”

Arc nods. “Still want to do this, whoever you are?”

“We cannot leave without Lady Ashe! Warriors, attack!”

The invaders rush toward Arc and his Honor Guards! Ember takes up a battle-ready stance and grins!

“Oh, this’ll be fun!”

Flash Sentry draws his blades. “For Equestria!”

Arc and Sereb charge headfirst at the enemy alongside Ember and Flash Sentry! Several are beaten back by Arc and Ember’s spears while others are stopped by Sereb’s claws and Flash Sentry’s twin blades! Any that get past them are quickly knocked away by General Blackbeak and his Honor Guards! One of the rebels turns to their commander.

“Sir! They’re too strong!”

“Grrr! Everyone fall back! I’ll cover our retreat!”

Their commanding officer fights with great determination as his forces flee into the street! He turns to Arc!

“You’ve made a shambles of this operation! Now you’ll pay!”

He rushes headfirst at Arc! Ember turns to stop him!

“Look out!”

Arc turns to face his opponent. “Keep back! He’s mine!”

As the commander brings his blades down toward their intended target, Arc blocks them with his spear and parries the attack! Staggering his opponent in one swift motion, Arc Blinks behind him and gives him a swift kick to the backside, knocking him down. Arc lunges forward and using the butt of his spear hits the commander in the head, rendering him unconscious.

Arc chuckles. “Too easy.”

General Blackbeak’s Honor Guards rush forward to take the fallen combatant into custody as the general himself walks forward with Lord Gestal and Lady Ashe.

“That was quite a display, Lord Arc! Well done!”

Lord Gestal slowly approaches Arc as Ember and Flash Sentry again flank him. “Lord Arc, was it? Might I see you in my office?”

Arc recalls his armor and spear. “Certainly.”

Lord Gestal turns to the general as they pass. “Call for reinforcements and secure my estate!”

“I’ll see to it personally, sir!”

Lord Gestal and his daughter lead Arc, Ember and Flash Sentry to his private office as Sereb returns to Natalya and the other servants. He turns to Arc their Honor Guards close the office door behind them to wait outside.

“First of all, I want to thank you for saving my daughter! But I must ask, how is it you just happened to be passing by?!”

Arc looks at him, confused. “I was at your party. You invited me.”

“While I am certain I did not, your heroics were indeed impressive! I’ll see to it your name is always at the top of my guest list from now on!”

He chuckles.

“Oh, where are my manners?! I am Lord Gestal. Head of the Council of Lords! And this charming young lady by my side is my daughter, Lady Ashe!”

Arc bows at the waist. “A pleasure, Lady Ashe. I hope you weren’t injured in the attack.”

She smiles at him. “I was not, thanks to you. Now if I may be so bold, what house do you represent?”

Her father nods. “I too am curious about your origins, Lord Arc. At the risk of sounding rude, you do not appear to be from our land!”

“I represent Equestria as its emissary and Hero of Light.”

Lady Ashe looks to him, surprised! “You mean to say you came all the way here from Equestria?!”

“That I did!”

Lord Gestal rubs his chin with a claw, frowning. “Forgive me, Lord Arc. I had heard someone was coming soon. But you arrived much earlier than I anticipated!

“Is that a problem?”

“No. We are always welcoming of one as esteemed as you!”

Lady Ashe curtsies respectfully. One does not expect to be rescued by a former king!”

“I was Lord Regent of Equestria for but a short time while our princesses rested and healed. But if I may, Lord Gestal, who were those we fought?!”

“Simple malcontents that want to bring our society to utter ruin! Nothing more.”

Arc frowns. “Begging your pardon, sir. But they were fairly well equipped for simple rebels.”

“We suspect them of being sponsored by one of the neighboring countries.”

“I’m not sure I like where this is going.”

Lord Gestal looks at Arc, apologetically. “Forgive me, Lord Arc! But I had suspected Equestria of having some involvement in their antics. That is until I saw how ferociously you defended my daughter during their attack!”

Arc nods. “Equestria only wishes to further friendly relations with our neighbors.”

Lady Ashe nods. “Yes. It is not like the princesses of Equestria to stoop to such deplorable methods! However, due to our nation’s recent military activities, we thought they might be looking for some way to get back at us.”

Lord Gestal nods. “Our council recently voted on whether or not to go to war with your nation. Please forgive us, but we were under the impression that humans were bloodthirsty and violent!”

“It fell to my father to cast the deciding vote.”

Arc smiles. “I see. Thank you for voting to abstain.”

Gestal looks to Arc, stoically. “I was actually planning on voting for war.”

“…what?”

Lady Ashe steps forward. “While my father and I don’t agree on much, I was able to convince him that going to war with Equestria would have led to the death of both our nations.”

“We heard about your victory against the leader of Yakyakistan and how the Abyssinian king and queen surrendered to you without a fight! I’m sure now that we made the right choice in staying off the battlefield!”

“As am I! War costs lives and resources! Neither of which I want to throw away!”

Lady Ashe smiles. “Agreed, Lord Arc!”

“Lady Ashe. Do you have any idea why they wanted to take you?”

She sighs. “Leverage, most likely.

“They could have blackmailed me to get what they wanted.”

“Which is?”

Lord Gestal frowns. “To bring about chaos and anarchy for starters!”

“Tell me, Lord Arc. Does Equestria have such things as rebels?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not that I am aware of, no.”

“I see. Why do you suppose that is?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Perhaps because our leaders are so accessible. The princesses will see anyone who has a grievance and listen to their problems.”

Lord Gestal raises an eyebrow. “Even ordinary citizens?”

“Yes.”

Lady Ashe turns to her father. “You see?! Perhaps we should try to open a dialogue with the rebels. Maybe there is a peaceful solution to this after all!”

“No, Ashe! We do not negotiate with factions or terrorists!”

“But…”

“It is not the griffon way to talk to those beneath us as if they were our equals! Someday you’ll understand that!”

Lady Ashe turns on her heels to leave the office, huffily! “Refusing to even listen to what they have to say will be our downfall!”

She slams the door behind her. Lord Gestal looks back at Arc apologetically.

“Please forgive my daughter. She is young and inexperienced in the ways of life.”

Arc nods. “Yes, well… she may be on to something though.”

“What do you mean?”

“Is there really any harm in talking? All you have to do is listen! You’re under no obligation to actually ACT on what they want! That and I believe it would make your daughter very happy.”

Lord Gestal shakes his head. “You are new to our land, Lord Arc. Please understand that many sacrifices have been made to bring us this far! These rebels would callously roll back centuries of progress in order to further their own agenda!”

Arc sighs. “I’m not trying to tell you how to run your country. Just how Equestria would handle such a matter.”

“I understand that, Lord Arc. While I appreciate your input, we’ll handle this group… one way or another.”

Arc nods and extends a hand. “Very well. I enjoyed your party, but now I think it’s time I retired for the evening.”

“Thank you for coming. I’ll make sure your name is on the guest list next time.”

Arc turns to leave the office. “Looking forward to it!”

He closes the door behind him as Lord Gestal sits down in his chair and swivels to look out the window.

“Hmmm… I’m certain I didn’t send him an invitation. Very puzzling. Very puzzling indeed.”

Chapter 6 - Teaching a Lesson

Early the next morning Natalya enters Arc’s room with her breakfast cart. She makes her way over to his bed and gently nudges him.

“Lord Arc? It’s morning.”

He sits up and stretches, groggily. “Already?”

Natalya nods. “Sorry, but you did ask me not to let you sleep in, sir.”

Ember rolls over and looks up at Arc with a smile. “Sure you don’t want to sleep just a bit longer?”

“I’m sure!”

Natalya gestures nervously toward the table. “I… brought everyone’s breakfast. You should eat before it gets cold.”

Arc nods and swings his legs over the side of the bed. “Thanks! It does smell good!”

As Natalya turns back to her cart, she accidently bumps the nightstand Arc’s helmet is sitting on! It falls to the floor as if in slow motion!

“NO!!!”

With lightning fast reflexes, Arc reaches out both hands! Using his magic, he ‘catches’ the helmet mere inches above the floor! Wide-eyed and breathing heavily, he pulls his helmet into his arms.

“That was close!”

Ember sits up quickly! “Arc?! What happened?!”

Natalya steps back, clearly flustered! “I… I’m so sorry, Lord Arc!”

Arc stands up and holds his helmet close. “It… it’s okay! Sorry I overreacted.”

Both he and Ember walk over to the table along with Flash Sentry. Arc calls out to Cherry telepathically.

“You okay?”

“I am! Thank you for catching me! But it will take more than a fall from a table to get rid of me!”

“Sorry for going off the deep end earlier. I lost you once! I can’t bear the thought of losing you again!”

“You won’t! In any case, I’m ready to go!”

Arc returns his helmet to his ring as he sits down at the table. “On to brighter things! I hope you three enjoyed last night.”

Ember grins! “I did!”

Flash Sentry nods. “Thankfully nopony was hurt! Who were they?!”

Natalya looks over to him as she transfers the plates from the cart to the table. “Rebels.”

Arc looks to her as they begin to eat. “Lord Gestal said as much when I spoke to him last night. Any clues from that leader I took down last night?”

“Sorry sir, but he never made it to the dungeon.”

Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide! “He escaped?!”

Natalya nods. “The half dozen guards who were escorting him report being attacked en route to the Grand Aviary.”

Ember looks over to her angrily! “So his troops came to his rescue?!”

“One of them, anyways.”

Arc frowns. “One?”

She nods. “Apparently a lone assailant attacked the guards shortly before they arrived with their prisoner. Both of them are still at large!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “Bold of them to attack so close to the castle!”

Arc chuckles. “Smart plan though. The closer the guards got to the safety of their destination, the more their guard dropped. Any leads?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No. They’ve disappeared without a trace!”

Ember nods. “And what of Lord Gestal?”

“His manor has been reinforced along with his guards. No one is breaking in there again! At least not without an army!”

“Good.”

Ember turns to him. “So what should we do today, Arc?”

“How about some training?”

Flash Sentry smiles. “Sounds good, sir!”

“I’m in!”

Arc turns to Natalya. “Is there somewhere we can spar, Natalya?”

“There are a number of private training rooms under the Grand Aviary. They’re reinforced for the strongest among us to be able to train without having to worry about injuring others!”

“Can we use one?”

“Of course! I’ll take you there anytime you’re ready, sir!”

They finish their meal and follow Natalya toward the kitchen as she pushes her cart. They stop outside the door as she looks back nervously.

“I’ll be out as soon as I can!”

Arc nods. “We’ll wait.”

She disappears through a swinging door. A few moments later she rushes back out amidst angry voices!

“S-sorry for the wait!”

Flash Sentry looks toward the door. “What was that all about?!”

Natalya looks at him, pained. “The castle chefs don’t really like non-kitchen personnel back there.”

Arc frowns as they continue down the corridor. “Don’t you have to do so to pick up our food?”

“Yes, well… they’re at the top of the servant food chain around here, so they view the rest of us as below them.”

Ember furrows her brow. “Why? You’re all servants in one capacity or another!”

“Probably because their job takes a lot of skill and training. Mine… not so much.”

She sighs.

“I’m a glorified waiter.”

A short time later they arrive at a vacant Training Room. Flash Sentry closes and locks the door behind them.

“Who should go first, sir?”

“How about you and Ember? I just want to observe for the moment.”

Ember walks to the middle of the room. “It’s been a while, lieutenant!”

Flash Sentry squares off as he draws his weapons. “That it has!”

The pair go at it as Natalya leads Arc to a comfortable looking chair.

“This is where the commanding officer sits as they critique their troop’s fighting styles. Can I get you anything?”

Arc shakes his head as Sereb lies down next to him. “No thanks. How about you and I watch together?”

“Yes sir.”

They watch for a time in silence. Eventually Natalya lets out a sigh.

“I do wish I could be like them.”

Arc nods. Not taking his eyes off the pair before him. “You can.”

“After what I did last night, I’m certain that will never happen.”

“Oh?”

Natalya shakes her head. “I remember when the attack began! Your mount jumped in front of all of us in an effort to protect us! When he charged into the house a few moments later, I peeked inside. The way you and your Honor Guards fought was amazing!”

“All it takes is a bit of practice.”

“I… I wanted to join you in defending Lord Gestal! But my legs were shaking too much to move!”

Arc smiles at her. “Everyone gets scared sometimes.”

“Not your Honor Guards apparently!”

“I’m sure they do! But they trust me not to send them to a premature doom.”

“Well, what about you then? Were you scared last night?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I’ve fought a number of times against far more formidable foes. Even a couple of unkillable ones!”

“How do you function under such stress?! Do you even feel fear at ALL?!”

“I do. Not fear of dying, but fear of what would happen to the innocent if I lost! Take last night for example. Had we failed, Lady Ashe would have been kidnapped and used as a bargaining chip by the rebels!”

Natalya shudders at the thought. “That’s quite a bit of pressure!”

“Want some pointers?”

“From you?! Sure!”

“Do your best to stay in control of your emotions during such an emergency. Focus on the task at hand and keep a level head.”

She nods. “Anything else?”

Arc chuckles. “Being better than your opponent doesn’t hurt either.”

“That’s the tough part for me.”

Arc gestures to Ember and Flash Sentry as they trade blows. “Take a good look at Ember and Flash Sentry. What do you see?”

“Well, for starters their both holding their weapons wrong.”

“Are they now?”

Natalya nods. “Yes. And they’re not using proper battle stances, nor are they focusing on their opponent! Both of them are looking around the room!”

Arc nods. “They’re looking around for inspiration.”

“For what?”

“Ways to make the battlefield work in their favor.”

“I don’t quite follow, sir.”

“Watch!”

As Ember lunges at him, Flash Sentry dodges and kicks a nearby bucket at her! She uses the butt end of her spear to knock it back at him! Natalya looks confused.

“That’s a bit… out of the ordinary.”

Arc turns to her. “If you were fighting one of them, would you expect that?”

“I would not.”

“That gives them the upper hand!”

He looks down at Sereb.

“How about you interrupt their little routine, big guy?”

Sereb stands and continues to watch. Natalya turns back to Arc.

“What’s he doing?”

“Waiting for the right moment.”

“To do what?!”

Arc shrugs. “I dunno. Guess we’ll find out!”

A few seconds later Sereb lunges at Ember. She sidesteps and knocks him toward Flash Sentry! Natalya looks on in awe!

“Incredible!”

Arc nods. “Evasion and counterattack all in one!”

He looks back at the trio.

“Take a breather everyone!”

They breathlessly approach Arc and sit down. Natalya brings them each a flask of water and a towel.

“You were incredible, Miss Ember!”

Ember smiles at her. “Thanks! Flash Sentry and I are pretty evenly matched these days!”

“I dare say you might even be able to give Lord Arc a run for his bits!”

Arc laughs! “Care to try, Ember?”

“No thanks! You already beat me once! That was enough for me!”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “Really?! Was it a close match?!”

Ember shakes her head. “Not even! I don’t recall being able to lay a claw on him back then!”

“You’ve gotten a lot better since that fateful day. Now you might stand a chance!”

“I doubt it! You’ve gotten exponentially stronger yourself!”

Arc chuckles. “Experience is the best teacher!”

After a few minutes rest, Arc stands and calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and the Spear of Righteousness.

“Guess I should get some exercise myself!”

Natalya stands back expectantly as she mutters to herself. “I wonder who Lord Arc will fight?! Hopefully Ember!”

Arc walks toward the center of the room, spear in hand, and turns to face them. “Alright your three. Let’s go!”

Ember, Flash Sentry and Sereb all lunge at Arc! Flash Sentry, being the fastest, gets there first! He swings his blades at Arc who easily blocks them with his spear! Turning his weapon rapidly 180 degrees he easily disarms the pegasus, grabs him by the front of his armor and throws him across the room into the wall! Sereb lunges at Arc only to be caught as Arc falls on his back and uses his legs along with centrifugal force to throw the wolf at a rising Flash Sentry! Ember reaches Arc just as he stands to meet her assault! He seamlessly Blinks behind her and kicks her toward Sereb and Flash Sentry.

“You all okay?”

Ember gets up. “Fine, Arc.”

Flash Sentry nods as Ember helps him up. “Remind me never to get on your bad side, sir!”

Sereb walks back over to Arc with the others and lies down.

“Impressive, Lord Arc! Taking on multiple opponents is not something we’re taught!”

Arc nods. “During a real fight, you may not have a choice!”

Natalya nods. “Understandable! But there is little a Footpad like me can do about that!”

“Do you understand how my Honor Guards and I fight?”

She shakes her head. “No. By all rights, your technique shouldn’t work!”

Arc chuckles. “That’s why it’s so effective!”

Ember nods. “It makes us unpredictable! When I first faced Arc, I expected an easy victory. What I got was a fight I was ill prepared for!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “I’ve done my best to pass what I’ve learned from the Hero of Light on to his forces. The ability to think on one’s hooves and use the terrain to your advantage, along with being unpredictable, lends itself to keeping opponents guessing!”

Arc turns to her. “Tell me, Natalya. Do you want to be a Footpad forever?”

“No. But that’s what I’ll be for quite some time.”

“You told me anyone could rise to any rank with enough fighting prowess! Was that true?”

“It was. But I just don’t have what it takes!”

Arc points a finger at her forehead. “That… is why you fail.”

Natalya looks confused. “What?”

Flash Sentry looks at her soberly. “If you go into a fight thinking it’s impossible, you’ll always lose.”

Ember nods. “Right! Mind over matter! Having a strong arm doesn’t hurt though!”

Arc sighs. “Facing off against invincible enemies with no possible way to defeat them… that kind of thinking would have killed me long ago!”

“Do you do that… often?”

“Several times now. As you can see, I’m still alive and with all my limbs!”

Arc looks over at Flash Sentry’s blades lying on the floor nearby. Using his magic, he picks them up and levitates them over to himself before tossing them to Natalya.

“Spar with Ember for a while. “

Natalya catches the blades in her talons. “But… I don’t know how to…”

Ember interrupts her. “I’ll teach you!”

Arc heads back to his chair. “Don’t worry, she won’t hurt you. That and I want to see how griffons fight as well.”

Flash Sentry stands next to Arc. “Those ‘warriors’ we faced last night didn’t really put up much of a fight.”

Natalya faces off against Ember. “They probably weren’t.”

Ember frowns as she spars with Natalya. “What do you mean?! They had armor and weapons!”

Arc shakes his head. “Someone else could put on my armor and hold my spear. It wouldn’t make them the Hero of Light though!”

Natalya parries Ember’s attack. “They’re mostly civilians who want things to change.”

Flash Sentry’s eyes grow wide! “We were fighting CIVILIANS?!”

Arc nods. “I hope we didn’t hurt any of them too badly!”

Ember grins. “They were able to get away, so I would say no.”

The pair spar for over an hour. Arc nods approvingly.

“You seem to be doing okay, Natalya.”

“I know Miss Ember isn’t trying to hurt me. If she was, I don’t think I’d be doing so well!”

“You haven’t ever seen real combat before, have you?”

Natalya dodges Ember’s attack. “No sir. My father was always against it!”

Flash Sentry looks to her. “Is he a high ranking official, or something?”

Natalya pulls back to await Ember’s next attack. “Kinda. Let’s just say he has some pull!”

Ember flies over her opponent to flank her. “I would have figured you’d be a higher rank than lieutenant!”

Natalya blocks the attack from the rear with both blades over her back! “He insists I make my own way up the ladder, for which I’m glad!”

Flash Sentry nods as Natalya counters with a kick from her powerful hind leg! “He probably just wants to keep you safe!”

Arc nods. “Agreed! I know I’d feel terrible if my daughter got hurt!”

Ember recovers from the blow. “Right! But I get the feeling Dinky can take care of herself! Call it dragon’s intuition!”

“You have a daughter, Lord Arc?”

“I do! She’s back home in school at the moment.”

Natalya walks over to him as the pair stop for a water break. “I remember my school days. In the Griffon Kingdom only the rich or powerful can send their younglings to school.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “You’re joking, right?”

“I’m not.”

Arc sighs. “In Equestria all foals go to school regardless of their family’s income. They learn everything they need to be productive adults.”

“So it’s like battle training?”

“I assume it’s more like facts and figures.”

Natalya nods. “That sounds nice!”

Ember turns to her. “What if you’re not rich or powerful? How do you educate your young?”

“Their parents teach what they can. Basic reading and math mostly. Not much else though.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “I don’t understand. How are they supposed to make it when they grow up?!”

Arc shakes his head. “They aren’t.”

Natalya looks over, confused. “Sir?”

“A good education is paramount to escaping poverty and making something of yourself. I get the feeling those in power are doing their best to keep the masses subverted.”

Natalya nods. “I… I know. It isn’t right!”

Ember looks over to her opponent. “Can’t something be done?!”

“It would take a lot of work and the cooperation of the Council of Lords! Change doesn’t happen overnight!”

Arc nods thoughtfully. “Then how about you BECOME the change, Natalya?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Climb the ladder and use your authority and influence to bring about change.”

Natalya’s eyes grow wide! That would make me a rebel!”

Arc gets up and walks over to her. “Standing up for what you believe in is the first step to achieving lasting change! If no one speak out, things go on as they are now.”

“But who would want to follow ME?!”

“If you show everyone you are wise and fair, they’ll WANT to follow you! Look at Ember! She isn’t part of the military, yet she follows me.”

“What?! I… I didn’t know that!

She turns to face Ember.

“Why, Miss Ember?! Why put your safety on the line for Lord Arc?!”

“Because… he’s my best friend! We’ve been through a lot together and he’s always treated me and everyone else around him right!”

Flash Sentry nods. “The commander is a very compassionate and charismatic leader! His troops back at our base would probably follow him anywhere!”

“I… I think someone older and wiser should probably…”

Arc interrupts. “Do you see anyone doing that?”

Ember nods. “The rebels, for starters.”

Arc sighs. “While I disagree with their tactics, they made it clear they won’t be silenced. Sometimes you have to BE the change, Natalya! However, the violence these rebels are perpetrating needs to stop before someone gets hurt!”

Flash Sentry looks to her. “You’re part of the legitimate governing body here, yet you sympathize with the rebel’s cause. That attitude would make you a prime candidate to be an intermediary. Perhaps some kind of compromise can be made!”

Natalya looks at him, suspiciously. “Lord Arc? Why are you so keen on helping me? I’m certainly not someone important!”

“We felt bad for what happened when we arrived.”

Natalya looks at him with a confused expression. “What… happened?”

Flash Sentry nods. “Getting you demoted.”

“Oh… that…”

Ember stands up. “If we can toughen you up, maybe you can fight for your old job back!”

Natalya sighs. “That would be nice! Being a Footpad doesn’t really have any advantages.”

“If you’d allow up to help you become a lieutenant again, we’d feel a lot better! That and I think the Griffon Kingdom needs more young, open-minded leaders in positions of power.”

Flash Sentry turns to him. “Begging your pardon sir, but isn’t this meddling in the affairs of another country?”

“Well… yes and no. Yes, it most certainly is! But no, inasmuch as we’re just trying to set right a career we inadvertently ruined!”

Ember shrugs. “Can’t argue with that!”

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do, sir! But the next promotion ceremony is only three days away!”

Arc stands up. “Then we had better get back to work!”

They spar for another hour. Ember frowns at Natalya.

“You’re still stiffening up when I attack! You need to loosen up!”

Arc nods. “Afraid, Natalya?”

“Y-yes! She’s so much stronger than I am!”

“I suppose she is. Let me trade places with you, Ember.”

Ember appears surprised. “Uh, okay.”

Arc stands before Natalya in the center of the room and calls forth his spear. Taking up a battle-ready stance he looks to her.

“Come at me!”

“WHAT?! But… you’ll cream me!”

“I said attack me, Natalya!”

“Y-yes sir!”

She rushes forward with one of Flash Sentry’s swords, but slows down as she nears Arc! By the time she reaches him, she is walking!

Natalya taps his spear with her sword, feebly. “Eep!”

She quickly draws back to her side of the ring. Arc puts a hand on his hip and frowns.

“That was… pretty bad.”

“I… I know! It’s just… you’re REALLY powerful!”

“You have to be prepared to fight someone significantly stronger than you! Both physically and emotionally!”

“But there’s no way I could EVER take you on! Not in a thousand years!”

Arc nods. “You’re right!”

Ember looks confused. “She is?”

“Yes. In fact, I’m pretty tired of the whole ‘we’re so superior to everyone’ griffon attitude around here!”

“Sir?”

“You know, for all their big talk I haven’t been too impressed with anyone around here yet! I should have invaded this country back when I was in charge!”

Ember grins! “It’s not too late, Arc!”

Natalya looks at him, wide-eyed. “What?! NO! You… you can’t!”

Arc shrugs. “Who would stop me? The Griffon Defense Force?! How about your family, Natalya? Anyone else a warrior?”

“N-no! Just me!”

“Flash Sentry, notify my troops! Tell them to suit up and head for the Griffon Kingdom! We invade at once!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “What?! But… but the princesses would never agree to that!”

“I don’t need the Equestrian Military! My own forces should be enough to bring this land down!”

He turns back to Natalya who is visibly shaken at the thought>

“I like you, Natalya! So I guess your family fall will last!”

Natalya falls to her knees! “No! Please, spare them!”

“Oh, very well. They won’t go last!”

“Thank you, sir!”

Arc turns to her with a wicked grin! “They’ll go FIRST!”

“But… but…”

He looks to her with outstretched arms. “Just try and stop me!”

With a bestial roar of determination Natalya flies at Arc! He blocks her savage attack with his spear and counters by swatting her across the room like a fly!

“I do hope the others put up a better fight than…”

Natalya is up in a flash! She flies at him again! This time low in an attempt to trip him up! Arc nimbly jumps over her as she crashes into the wall! He laughs at her!

“If the rest of the griffons fight as well as you do, this will be over in a day!”

Ember chuckles. “Blood and feathers everywhere!”

Natalya rises again. Bruised and battered she again stands and takes up her stance. She speaks again, although this time in an eerily even tone.

“No. I’ll stop you here and now… or die trying.”

Arc grins slyly and motions for her to advance.

“Show me what you have then!”

She does so! Moving like lightning she comes in low again. Arc quickly sidesteps to avoid her attack! As she passes him, she deftly wraps her tail around his ankle using her own momentum to pull him off his feet!

“I’ll beat you!”

Arc quickly stands up. “Will you now? Show me!”

Natalya again flies toward him as he takes up a defensive stance. Before she reaches him though she noses up and knocks a large ceiling tile down! Arc nimby rolls out of the way as the piece of ceiling comes crashing down behind him.

“Clever!”

Natalya lands and points the sword at Arc, angrily! “I’ll bring this whole castle down on us if it means stopping you!”

Arc stands and points his spear at Natalya. “Well then… show me what you’re REALLY capable of then!”

She flies at him with both claws on her sword! With single-minded determination she screams at him!

“I’ll stop you… I’LL STOP YOU!!!”

Arc blocks her attack with his spear! Kneeling down to deflect her momentum past himself, as Natalya smashes into the wall across the room cracking it! Arc quickly Blinks over to her, grabs her weapon and throws her back into the center of the room. Breathing heavily, Natalya does not rise. Arc walks over to her, sword in hand.

“Did you really think you could take ME on?!”

Natalya weakly shakes her head. “No. But… I had to try.”

Arc looks down at her a moment before kicking her over onto her stomach, pinning her down with his weight and grabbing her forehead from behind! Forcing her neck back to expose her throat, he puts the sword against it.

“Do you have anything to say?”

Natalya smiles weakly. “I… I’m sorry, father. I tried…”

She is silent for a time as she closes her eyes. In a calm tone she speaks to him.

“Go ahead…”

Arc throws the sword across the room and stands up. Walking around Natalya he kneels down to look her in the eye.

“Congratulations, Natalya! You won.”

“…what? But… you were about to kill me! How can I be the victor?”

He stands up and extends a hand to her. “It wasn’t me you needed to overcome. But your own feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure!”

She looks confused as Arc helps her up. “What?! I never stood a chance!”

Ember nods. “But you fearlessly stood against Arc nonetheless!”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “Yes! And even knocked him down!”

“I… I did, didn’t I!”

Arc smiles at her. “That you did! You learned to use what you had at hand to your advantage!”

Flash Sentry nods. “And you learned how to focus your emotions!”

“Yes! You turned your greatest weakness into strength! Very impressive!”

Ember looks up at the ceiling. “Is that… going to be okay?”

She nods. “It will. These rooms are reinforced for such things! In the heat of the moment, I simply forgot that.”

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

Natalya shifts on her feet. “My body’s a bit… sore at the moment. But I think I’ll be fine.”

She looks up at Arc sheepishly.

“You’re… not really going to invade us… are you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I’m sorry, but that was the best way I could think of to force you into the proper mindset. I figured if that didn’t work, nothing would.”

“Thanks… I think.”

Ember sighs. “Arc has a knack for pushing others past their known limits.”

Flash Sentry nods. “It’s uncanny!”

“Yes, well… if you’re up to it, I’d like to see how much you’ve learned from this.”

Natalya picks up the sword and smiles. “I can go a bit longer!”

Arc motions to Flash Sentry.

“See how you do against my lieutenant now.”

The pair square off. Flash Sentry rushes toward Natalya. She does not waver. Instead she blocks his attack, forces him to land and knocks him down with a quick motion of her hindquarters before standing over him with the sword pointed at his face!

Flash Sentry looks around. “What just happened?!”

Ember holds her stomach, laughing! “You just got dropped!”

Arc looks over to her. “Care to try, Ember?”

Ember nods as Natalya lets Flash Sentry up. “Sure!”

She walks toward the center of the room, stands across from Natalya and takes up a battle-ready position.

“Don’t hold back!”

Natalya nods as Ember rushes towards her! She successfully blocks the attack but not without being staggered! Ember uses the opportunity to knock her down and point her spear at Natalya’s face!

“Nice try!”

Natalya looks confused as Ember helps her up. “But I lost.”

Arc nods. “Ember has about the same amount of battle experience as I do. Flash Sentry, while formidable, hasn’t seen the same level of action we have.”

“I guess I still have a long way to go, huh?”

Arc nods. “No one ever truly stops learning.”

Natalya looks to him, wide eyed! “Even you?”

“Especially me! Every battle makes me faster, better, smarter and stronger. I’ll use that knowledge to protect Equestria from those who would threaten it.”

Natalya smiles up at him. “And I’ll use what you’ve taught me to protect the Griffon Kingdom! Thank you for the lesson, sir!”

“Have faith in yourself and the battle will be that much easier. But how about we head back to the room for now?”

Flash Sentry nods. “I think we could all do with a rest.”

Ember chuckles. “Especially Natalya!”

They leave the training room and make their way back toward Arc’s room. Natalya walks slowly in front of them.

“I’m going to feel this in the morning!”

Flash Sentry sighs. “I think we all are.”

They pass the kitchen as wondrous smells waft forth from its doors. Natalya looks over to them nervously.

“I should probably get your lunch from the chefs now, Lord Arc.”

Flash Sentry frowns. “You going to be okay in there?!”

Natalya nod confidently. “I’ll be fine!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Actually, I’d like a word with the chef! I’ll get the cart myself.”

Natalya looks confused. “Very well. It should be just inside the kitchen doors ready to go. Just follow your nose and watch out! Like I said before, the chefs don’t like others in there!”

Arc nods as Ember holds the door open for him. “I’ll be careful.”

The door closes behind him as Natalya turns to Ember and Flash Sentry.

“I don’t understand why Lord Arc wanted to…”

Flash Sentry chuckles. “You’ll see.”

A few moments later Arc enters the kitchen. A Royal Chef is busy at the stove. Hearing what he assumes is Natalya, he chucks an iron skillet behind him and curses the ‘intruder’. A moment later the pan flies past his head as it embeds itself firmly into the wall! He whirls around to see a VERY angry human storming towards him! Arc grabs the chef by the front of the apron and picks him up to look him in the eye.

“I think you and I need to have a talk!"

Natalya, Sereb, Flash Sentry and Ember wait outside the kitchen as the sounds of pans banging and dishes breaking can be heard. Natalya looks toward the swinging doors.

“Should we… do something?”

Ember leans against the wall. “Nah!”

Flash Sentry nods. “The commander’s got this.”

A few minutes later Arc emerges from the kitchen with the food cart. Natalya looks to him as they make their way down the corridor.

“What was that all about, sir?!”

“He threw a pan at me.”

Ember smiles. “And…?”

Arc laughs! “And I threw it back! After that he and I had a little chat. I don’t think he’ll be giving you any more trouble, Natalya.”

Natalya nods confidently. “If he does, I can handle it.”

“Don’t let him or anyone else walk all over you.”

“I won’t, sir!”

Arc nods. “Good! Now let’s hurry back to the room! I’m starving!”

Ember facepalms. “Some things never change.”

Preface - Volume 14 - Hubris and Holidays

In our previous volume, Arc and his companions flew in the Lunar Destiny to the Griffon Kingdom in an attempt to learn about their griffon neighbors. However, Arc’s real mission was to find a way to take down Lord Goldstone for his crimes again Raven.

Arriving, they are met outside the city by Lieutenant Natalya. She leads them into the capital and to the Aviary, the nation’s seat of power. Escorting them to her superior, General Blackbeak, he greets Arc. Expressing a desire to see Equestrian fighting prowess, the general leads them to the Gladiator’s Arena. Natalya, eager to prove herself to her commanding officer, challenged all three of Arc’s companions. After being soundly defeated by each of them, the general stripped her of her rank and assigned her to Arc as his personal servant.

Returning to his room with his Honor Guards and Natalya, Arc reads over a book left to him on griffon etiquette. Enlisting the aid of Natalya, she aids him in relearning mannerisms. Wishing to see the city, Arc asks Natalya for a tour. She obliges and shows him their library and the Abysmal Abyss. Natalya tells them of their nation’s greatest treasure, the Idol of Boreas, and how it was lost.

Receiving an invitation to the head of the Council of Lord’s home for a party, Arc questions Natalya about the do’s and don’ts of such an event. Sending her away, he then quietly leaves the Aviary alone. Much to the chagrin of his friends. Cloaking, Arc heads for the library. Carefully picking up the rotting books with his magic, Arc levitates them into a box and stores them safely in his ring. Turning to leave, he spots the human from the apartment fire watching him from just inside the doorway! Quietly walking away, the stranger calls out to him, indicating that he can see Arc through his magic cloak. Warning him to be careful at the party tomorrow night, the stranger leaves the building and vanishes.

Arc and Cherry return to his room in the Aviary via magic portal. Ember and Flash Sentry are understandably unnerved to hear of his evening’s activities. He relays Wiseman’s message to them regarding the party tomorrow. Natalya escorts them to the estate of Lord Gestal. However, the guards at the gate do not find his name on the guest list. General Blackbeak arrives and vouches for Arc. The pair enter the party together and approach another of the guests, Chief Advisor Gunter. They speak for some time before Arc heads for the gardens for some air. A disturbance outside sees heavily armored robed griffons force their way into the mansion. The rebels insist that Lady Ashe, Lord Gestal’s daughter, come with them. Refusing, Lord Gestal and General Blackbeak move to defend her even though they are sorely outnumbered. Arc and his friends arrive and even the odds. Pushing back the rebels, Lord Gestal invites Arc into his office to speak with him. Introducing himself, Arc is informed that no invitation had been sent to him.

The next morning, Natalya leads Arc and his companions to a private training room for some exercise. Ordering her to spar as well, Natalya sheepishly faces off against Ember. However, she is too afraid to attack her. Eventually trading places with Ember, Arc himself faces Natalya. Telling her his “plans” to destroy her homeland, Natalya fights with everything she has! Arc eventually bests her, but not before seeing what the former lieutenant is really capable of.

Accepting another dinner invitation, Arc puts on his formal attire and is escorted to Chief Advisor Gunter’s estate. Arriving, he finds General Blackbeak there along with Lord Gestal and his daughter. A rather sullen looking griffon sits in the corner watching as they eat dinner. After the meal Arc volunteers to escort Lady Ashe home while the other guests chat. The walk to Gestal’s estate is without incident. Returning to the Aviary, Arc and company head for bed. Sleep evades Arc, and he decides to take a walk. Turning off the street to investigate a noise nearby, Arc is surrounded by rebels! They ask him to aid them in their fight against the government. Refusing, Arc Blinks up onto a nearby room before opening a portal back to his quarters.

The next morning Arc and the others head to a VIP viewing box to watch the various members of the military fight for promotions. Natalya is promoted to sergeant, but decides to fight to regain her lost lieutenant’s rank. Facing off against her opponent, she accidently cuts off the Trainer’s tail.

Leaving the VIP section Arc heads for the Locker Rooms to questions Natalya. He and the others find her crying in a storage closet. She informs them that the even was completely accidental. Arc offers to help the lieutenant as Natalya leads them to the medical facilities. Entering the room alone, Arc finds General Blackbeak seeing to his injured daughter. He offers to take them to Canterlot for the tail to be reattached. The general agrees and helps Arc wheel the gurney into the hallway. Calling for his Honor Guards, Arc opens a portal back to Canterlot Castle. The lieutenant is rushed into surgery. While they wait, Arc heads to the Audience Chamber to report the news to the princesses before leading them to the general. The surgery is successful and the patient heads to recovery.

As the general is escorted to his daughter’s side after supper, Arc is summoned to Princess Luna’s room for a conversation of utmost secrecy. They continue their earlier conversation on the status of Arc’s mission. He informs them on the rebels attempts to contact him and persuade
Equestria to back them. Then next morning the lieutenant awakens and demonstrates use of her tail.

Returning to the Aviary via magic portal, Arc accompanies Natalya back to her room. They find a large bag of bits along with an invitation to join the rebels. Natalya, understandably unnerved by this, accompanies Arc to see General Blackbeak. He presents an official note from the princesses asking for official diplomatic talks to begin. The general accepts the note and promises to bring the matter to the Council of Lords as soon as possible. While he waits, Arc heads to Abyssinia with his companions and Natalya. They find the land and its inhabitant doing much better. Natalya is approached by the guards as they attempt to arrest her. Arc forcefully requests an audience with the king and queen. They apologize profusely for his companion’s treatment, and explain that they have declared was on the Griffon Kingdom. Escorting their guests to the gardens, Arc is shown the aquaponics systems he sent them. The group enjoys some of the land’s bounty before the monarchs ask to speak in private. As the others leave, the queen tells Arc of Lord Goldstone’s proposal of exchanging sexual favors in exchange for preserves.

Arc tells them of his own mission with their enemies to take down Lord Goldstone, and convinces them to call off their war. King Felix writes a letter for Arc to return to the Griffon Kingdom with. He and his friends return to the Aviary via magic portal and immediately head for General Blackbeak’s office. Arc hands over the letter and watches happily as Lord Goldstone is notified.

The general informs Arc of the animosity between the Council of Lords and the military. They return to Arc’s room. As he leaves to take a shower, Natalya has a serious talk with Ember and Flash Sentry about Arc’s fiancé and past. Emerging from the bathroom, Arc opens a portal back to Ponyville. He then introduces Natalya to Pinkie Pie and cupcakes. They head for the Golden Oaks Library where Twilight shows Arc Auriel’s invention, the P.E.E.L.

Introducing Natalya to the concept of orphanages, she informs him of her country’s lack of such facilities. Leading them to the Little Hooves Orphanage, Arc introduces Natalya to Coco Pommel, whom explains how adoption works. Coco Pommel then tells them her own story of her past in the New Beginnings Orphanage under Matron Tempest. Arc leads the others downstairs as school is dismissed. Dinky runs over to her father and leads him to the kitchen where Derpy is. Together they help cook supper for the orphans. Afterwards, he invites Derpy and Dinky to Light’s Hope for the night. Showing Natalya to her room, Arc then leads his family back to his quarters for a talk. Inquiring about the school schedule, he invites them to Earth for Christmas. They agree. Arc heads into town to take care of an errand.

Heading for the Golden Oaks Library, Arc gives Twilight the box or ruined books from Griffonstone and invites Auriel to his base for a short trip the following morning. She agrees and he returns to his base. The following morning Derpy and Dinky head for the orphanage as Arc steps out for a few minutes. Ember and Sereb head for his room with Natalya. Auriel arrives and explains the invitation Arc extended. They enter Arc’s room and wait. A short time later Arc returns… with Auriel’s father! She is overjoyed as Arc brings the demon king to roughly his own size. They share a nice breakfast together.

Auriel and her father head for Sweet Apple Acres together with Ember and Arc to speak to Granny Smith about growing plants in Tartarus. As they approach, King Malevolence learns of Filthy Rich’s shameful treatment of his daughter. He chases the stallion off the property. Applejack invites them in. Granny Smith suggests trying Zap Apple seeds for Auriel’s project, and even gives her some. On the way back to the base they stop at the Golden Oaks Library so the king can see where his daughter lives and apologize to Twilight. Returning to Light’s Hope, King Malevolence tells Auriel about her mother, and how she was a human just like Arc!

That evening they return the king to Tartarus. After a tearful farewell Arc and Auriel return through the barrier. Returning Auriel to the library, Arc heads to Sweet Apple Acres to see what Applejack wanted. She tells him of her problems with the Rich family, and apologizes for her sexual advances some time ago.

Heading for the library early one morning, Arc finds the Mane 6 busy cooking breakfast together. He finds Auriel in her lab having difficulty with her project. After encouraging her, they head upstairs for breakfast. Afterwards Arc shows his friends the crystals that are embedded in his forehead and torso. Telling them of the events leading up to their appearance, Rarity comments on the color scheme being that of the Elements of Harmony. Twilight retrieves her element and holds it to Arc’s forehead. The pair of gems pulsate together. Lastly, he tells them of Cherry’s return and her inhabiting his armor. Pinkie becomes nervous as she learns of Cherry’s presence during her earlier talk with Arc. Cherry assures Pinkie that such things are just fine with her, as she can’t be there for Arc like a living mare could.

Much has happened. However, even more questions now swirl around our heroes. How will Raven feel about peace with the Griffon Kingdom? Can Arc trust Natalya? Who sent Arc the invitation to Lord Gestal’s party? What was Arbiter Ghaleon looking for at Chief Advisor Gunter’s estate? Has General Blackbeak really forgiven his former aide for the injury his daughter sustained? What was Lord Goldstone thinking when he made advances on Queen Fiona? Can King Malevolence’s words be trusted? How will Applejack safeguard her family’s land with such a large debt hanging over them? Will Pinkie and Arc even become an item?

Time will tell. Sooner or later… time will tell.

Chapter 17 - An Ear to the Ground

The next morning Arc and his squad look over the papers together with Derpy, Dinky and Ember, who has returned to her human form. Max sighs.

“I don’t know sir. There really isn’t a lot here to go on.”

Hugh nods. “Agreed. Little is known about our little orphan friend other than the fact she apparently has no known family other than a mother whose whereabouts are currently unknown.”

Ember frowns. “And that’s assuming she’s still alive.”

Derpy looks up! “Well, I certainly hope she is!”

Dinky sighs. “Yeah! That little girl in the photo looks really sad. Kinda like a new arrival to the orphanage back home.”

Viktor looks over to Arc. “Considering all the trouble you went through to get this, I don’t think it’s going to be of any help to us.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Maybe you’re right. Then again, maybe not. “

“Sir?”

Arc holds up a paper. “It says in her file that there are no known relatives. But maybe someone else who lived in the apartment building could give us a lead.

Ember grins at him. “Not a bad idea. But we don’t know where they went.”

“Not completely true. One of my neighbors had a brother who lived in that building. He’s staying with them for the time being.”

Cherry giggles happily. “It’s a start!”

Arc nods. “That it is. I think Dinky and I should pay them a visit.

“Me, dad?!

“Yes. The couple who live there have two young children. The youngest is about your age, sweetheart.”

Derpy claps her hands together happily. “Dinky could have someone to play with!”

“I’d like to meet some new friends! What are human children like?!”

“Pretty much like the foals back home. Now, if you’ll put on your coat we’ll walk over there with your mother. That is if she wants to come.”

Derpy nods. “That I would!”

Dinky runs upstairs. “Okay!”

Ember reads over the papers again. “I don’t see anywhere on here how she hurt her hands.”

Arc turns and points to a paragraph. “It’s noted under ‘Physical Characteristics Notes’.”

“I see it now.”

Cherry sighs. “I wonder what happened.”

Arc nods. “As do I. The only thing I can imagine is that she refused to tell Miss Kulara. Otherwise it would be noted here.”

He turns to Viktor.

“I want you to scour the Internet for news articles that might give us a clue on where any other residents of the apartment building may have relocated to. Everyone else keep looking over those files for anything we can use.“

Arc’s squad salutes and heads to the basement with the papers as he turns to Ember.

“How’s your ankle this morning?”

“Much better! Like I said yesterday. Dragons just heal faster than humans do!”

Arc looks over as Dinky runs down the stairs with her and Derpy’s coats. “That was fast.”

Dinky nods as she hands the coat to her mother." I’m just anxious to meet some real human foals!”

“Children, not foals sweetheart.”

Ember sighs as she heads for the basement. “Guess I’ll help the others in going over that file yet again.”

“Thanks Ember. I know it’s boring, but we don’t want to overlook anything.”

Cherry smiles inwardly. “Even the smallest detail could prove useful after all.”

Arc nods as he and his little family head out the door. “Right! We’ll be back in a little bit."

Ember waves. “Have fun.”

They head down his front steps and turn to walk down the sidewalk Derpy holds on to Arc’s arm.

“This snow is pretty deep!

Arc nods as he helps Derpy steady herself. “That it is. We don’t usually get so much all at once.”

Dinky hops along happily through the drifts. “Well, I like it! Snow is awesome!”

A few moments later they arrive at a two-story sky-blue house with white trim. Derpy looks up at Arc nervously as he leads them up the front steps.

“So this is the house, huh?”

“That it is. Just let me introduce you two and we can go from there.”

“Okay dad!”

Arc touches his earring.

“You guys keep this line open and listen in. If you hear anything we can use, start researching it.”

Viktor’s voice buzzes in his ear.

“Yes sir!”

Arc knocks on the front door, a few moments later a young woman answers.

“Good morning, Lieza.”

“Hello Arc! Won’t you come in?”

“Thanks! My it’s cold this morning!”

Arc and his family step inside the house. The walls are painted the same sky-blue color while the ceilings are painted white. Lieza closes the front door behind them.

“I see you brought some friends with you today.”

“Yes. This is my cousin Dawn, and her daughter Daisy. The two of them are visiting me for the holidays.”

Derpy smiles shyly. “How do you do?”

Dinky waves. “Hello!”

Lieza kneels down in front of Dinky. “Aren’t you a pretty young lady! You look just like your mother.”

Dinky smiles warmly. “Thank you!”

Lieza stands up. “I have a son who’s about your age. Would you like to meet him and his sister?”

“Okay!”

She turns her head and calls out for someone. A few moments later the sound of feet coming quickly upstairs can be heard. A little boy and his older sister approach their mother.

“Daisy? This is Alex and Mia.”

“Hello!”

Arc nods at them. “You two are getting big!”

“Hi, Mr. Arc! How was your trip?!”

“We missed seeing you!”

Arc smiles. “It was long. Very long, but interesting. One of these days your dad and I will take you out for supper again.”

“That sounds like fun!”

Alex looks at Dinky. “We’re playing a game in the basement! Want to come?!”

“Can I mom?!”

Derpy nods. “Go ahead, sweetie.”

Dinky, Mia and Alex rush down the basement stairs together happily as Arc turns to Lieza.

“So how’s Jessie these days?”

“He’s traveling for work at the moment.”

Derpy looks confused. “Traveling?”

Arc nods. “He’s a building tradesman. They sometimes have to go out of town to work on other projects in areas that don’t have enough guys.”

Lieza nods. “He comes home every few weekends to see us. “

Arc sighs. “You miss him, don’t you?”

“Very much so. He calls us regularly, but it’s not the same as having him here.”

Derpy nods. “I understand how you feel. When Arc is gone, I feel the same way.”

“Well, you know me. Busy, busy, busy! In any case, your brother-in-law is staying with you, correct?”

Lieza looks to the stairs. “That’s right. His apartment complex burned to the ground not too long ago! Why do you ask?”

“I wanted to ask if he knew anything about the fellow who didn’t make it out.”

“Sam, huh? I don’t know, but you can ask him. He’s in his room upstairs. Feel free to go on up and talk to him.”

Arc smiles at her as the pair head for the stairs. “Thanks, Lieza. This shouldn’t take too long.”

Derpy looks to Arc as the pair reach the top of the stairs. “Think he knows anything?”

Arc shrugs as they proceed down the hall. “If not, at least we know the name of the girl’s father.”

He knocks on the door. A few moments later a young man answers it. He looks at Arc, quizzically.

“Uh… hi?”

“Sorry to bother you, but your sister-in-law thought you might be able to help us. I’m Arc and this is my cousin Dawn.”

The man nods and steps aside to allow them to enter the small room. “Sure! My brother’s mentioned you a time or two. You guys still go bowling together?”

Arc shakes his head as they enter. “Not in quite some time, as both of us have been quite preoccupied with our jobs.”

The man extends a hand. “Maybe one of these times we’ll go together! By the way, names Ben!”

Arc shakes hands with him. “A pleasure!”

Ben gestures to the bed as he sits down in his nearby office chair. “Why don’t you two have a seat? Sorry I don’t have anything a bit nicer.”

“It’s fine. We heard you lost it all in that fire.”

“That I did. I mean, I have insurance and all, but it still sucks! I’ll be looking for a new place as soon as my payment check comes in.”

Derpy smiles. “It must be nice to be with your family though.”

“That it is. I get a roof over my head and my brother gets a little extra spending money from me every month.”

Arc smiles. “At least you had somewhere to go. In any case, I came here to ask if you knew the fellow who didn’t make it out?”

“Sam? His place was only a couple doors down from mine! I might have met the same fate if I hadn’t been out of town that day!”

“Did you know him?”

Ben shrugs. “Well, I knew OF him. We didn’t really talk or hang out though. Sam Mason… it’s hard to believe he’s gone! While I didn’t know him personally, he was always busy taking care of his daughter. The two of them didn’t go out much.”

Derpy looks confused. “Why not?”

“He was kinda introverted. Personally, I think he might have had some kind of past. But he was a decent enough guy from what I saw.”

“Do you think someone was after him?”

Ben shakes his head. “Not really. But he did always look around nervously whenever I saw him in the hallway getting his mail or taking his daughter to school. I always just chalked it up to his nerves. You know how some people are.”

Derpy scratches her head. “What about his daughter? Was she okay?”

“Oh yes! She was always happy-go-lucky! It’s a shame what happened to her father. Do you happen to know where she went?”

Arc sighs. “She was sent to the Farburg Orphanage.”

Ben nods. “It’s a decent enough place I suppose. Still, it can’t be as good as being with family.”

“I’m actually trying to see if I can track down her relatives for that reason. Any ideas?”

“Sorry. Sam never really talked about things like that.”

“Do you know of anyone else he was friends with?”

Ben thinks for a moment. “Well… there was a woman who came by regularly. I’m not sure exactly who she was, but she was always very nice to the girl. I don’t think she and Sam were a couple or anything though.”

Derpy looks confused. “What makes you say that?”

“This woman always wore a business suit and heels, while Sam was always a blue jeans and leather jacket kinda guy.”

“Did the three of them get along?”

Ben nods. “From what I could tell, they did.”

“Any clue who the woman was?”

“I don’t. But the old building superintendent might. While I wouldn’t say he was nosy exactly, he did like to chat people up when he saw them in the hallways.”

Derpy looks hopeful. “Is he still in town?”

Ben nods. “At his nearby office, yes. Probably still working on paperwork for the old place.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “For a place that burnt down?”

Arc turn to her. “There’s probably a bunch of loose ends for him right now. Between the police investigation and the building’s insurance claim, that is.”

“I heard he’s looking at rebuilding. But a big check like that doesn’t come until a thorough investigation.”

“They’re still looking into the fire?”

Arc nods. “Things like that take time. The payout for something like that building will be in the millions of dollars after all.”

Ben nods. “I’m just glad it wasn’t arson like they originally thought.”

Derpy looks confused. “What was it then?”

“A power line went down behind the building, lit a pile of leaves, and was able to find its way into the building through some cracks in the foundation.”

Arc sighs. “It probably lit up some insulation and the fire traveled quickly from there.”

“A safe bet. Like the news said, just a bad accident.”

“Where is the superintendent’s office anyway?”

“Right next door to where the apartments used to stand.”

Derpy frowns. “He didn’t live in the building?”

Ben nods. “He did. Fortunately all his files were in the office, not his apartment.”

Derpy nods. “Is he a nice hu… person?”

“Very much so! Something broke, and he’d have it fixed in no time. You’ll like him, but just watch out he doesn’t talk your ear off.”

Arc stands up. “Well thanks for your help.”

Ben stands up as well along with Derpy. “I hope you can help Sam’s daughter. She deserves better than sitting in an orphanage.”

Derpy nods as they walk toward the door. “We’ll do our best, sir!”

Ben shakes hands with Arc. “Maybe when Jessie gets back we can all go out bowling or something.”

“Sounds like fun!”

Ben closes the door behind them. The pair head back the way they came as Derpy turns to Arc.

“To the superintendent then?”

“Yup. Maybe he knows something about this woman.”

Derpy sighs. “I sure hope so.”

Arc and Derpy head back downstairs together. As they walk into the kitchen they find Lieza cleaning.

“We’re back, Lieza.”

“Any luck?”

“Maybe. He gave us a lead we can follow up on.”

Lieza nods. “Was Sam a friend of yours, Arc?”

“No. I’m doing this for his daughter.”

“We’re looking for her family.”

Lieza sighs. “Oh dear! She’s all alone now! I hope you find something.”

Arc nods. “So do I.”

Dinky runs upstairs with Mia and Alex close behind. She runs up to her mother.

“Mom! Can I stay here and play with my new friends?!”

Derpy nods. “It’s okay with me. That is, if their mother allows it.”

“Sure! The kids have been kinda bored being cooped up in the house for days.”

Mia grins at Dinky. “It will be fun to have someone new to play with!”

Alex takes her hand. “Yeah! Let’s go!”

They run back down to the basement as Arc and Derpy head for the front door with Lieza.

“Thanks, Lieza. Just send Dinky home whenever.”

Derpy turns to their hostess. “It was nice meeting you, ma’am.”

“Good luck on your task you two.”

Arc nods as they leave the house. “Thanks! We’ll need it!”

He and Derpy walk back to his house.

“Let me grab my keys. Can you tell the others downstairs I’m heading out?”

Derpy nods. “Okay! Can I come with you?”

“Sure!”

A few minutes later the pair meet at the Jeep. Derpy opens the passenger door and gets in.

“They’re still looking over the files and checking into a few things on the Internet.”

Arc nods as he starts the seatbelt. “Any leads?”

“Not yet. They told me to let you know they’ll keep at it though.”

Arc backs out of the driveway. “Good. They’ll do their part while we do ours.”

A short drive later Arc and Derpy arrive at the superintendent’s office. They park and walk inside the small office. An elderly man behind a desk is surrounded by paperwork. He stands to greet them as they walk in.

“Can I help you?”

Arc nods. “I hope so. I’m here about a fellow named Sam.”

The superintendent sighs. “I’m sorry to say he didn’t make it. Good fella that one though.”

Derpy looks up. “We’re trying to find any living relatives for his daughter’s sake.”

“Terrible situation! I heard she was headed for the orphanage! How’s she doing?!”

“I saw here there yesterday. She’s not doing too well though.”

He frowns. “Not doing well?”

Derpy sighs. “She’s really sad.”

“I see. Well, if there’s anything I can do to help…”

Arc interrupts. “Actually there is! You see, I’m trying to find her mother to fulfil her Christmas wish.”

Derpy smiles up a him. “Would you happen to know where she might be?”

“I don’t. Sam didn’t like to talk about his ex-wife.”

“Ex-wife?”

“Yes, miss. Cybil Mason was her name. All I know about her, other than her name, is she’s supposed to be a real nut-job! Granted I’ve never met her before. But if even one of the stories he did tell me were true, I’d get as far away from her as I could too!”

Arc sighs. “Is she mentally ill?”

“Maybe. The stories sure hinted strongly at that. Then again, he may have just been exaggerating them. Exes don’t usually get along. Especially when there’s a custody battle.”

Derpy looks sad. “They both wanted the girl?”

The superintendent nods. “That they did. The court recently awarded Sam full custody though.”

“No visitation?”

“As far as he told me, no.”

Derpy looks down sadly. “So she never sees her mother? That’s so sad.”

Arc nods. “She must miss her, if she’s calling out for her.”

Derpy nods. “Who wouldn’t?! Anything’s better than living your life out in an orphanage.”

Her hands suddenly fly to her mouth and her face turns a deep shade of red as she whirls toward Arc!

“Arc, I am SO sorry!”

He puts an arm around her shoulders. “It’s okay Dawn! Really! I know you didn’t mean it like that.”

“Did I miss something here?”

Arc nods. “I grew up in the Farburg Orphanage. That’s part of the reason I want to find her mother.”

“Anything else to go on, young fella?”

“Another one of your tenants told me some woman in a business suit used to come by regularly. Was she Sam’s girlfriend or something?”

The superintendent laughs heartily. “Not at all! She was his editor!”

Derpy looks confused. “Editor? Was he a writer?”

“In a matter of speaking, yes. He made a living writing and illustrating children’s books. Sam was very talented in that regard.”

“Any idea how I might contact her?”

The elderly man walks over to his desk and opens a drawer. “Let’s see here… I think I think it’s around here somewhere.”

He pulls out a business card and hands it to Arc.

“Take this. She dropped it on her way out once. Nice lady! Just don’t get her going on books or you’ll be there all day.”

Derpy giggles softly. Arc looks the card over before putting it in his pocket.

“Penelope Parker, huh? Thank you. Anything else you can tell me about Sam?”

“Sam told me a few days before the fire that he was planning to move soon.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Did he give a reason?”

“No. Just that he was looking for another place out of state.”

Arc sighs. “He might have been trying to get away from his former wife.”

The superintendent nods. “There might have been something to that. I noticed he was more on edge than usual lately. And another thing! His daughter seemed really scared as well!”

Derpy frowns. “Could it be because HE was scared?”

“Maybe, but I don’t think so. There was genuine terror in her eyes! But not of Sam, mind you! She held onto him like he was her last lifeline!”

Derpy looks up at Arc. “I think I know how she feels.”

The superintendent becomes suddenly serious as he looks Arc in the eye. “Do me a favor will you? That sweet little girl deserves better than an institution. You do your best to find her family, you hear?!”

Arc extends a hand to the man. “I’ll do my best. Thanks!”

He nods and smiles. “I’m sure you will, young man.”

Arc and Derpy leave the office and get back in the Jeep. Derpy turns to him as she closes her door.

“Where to now?”

He starts the Jeep and pulls the card out of his pocket. “Let’s see here.”

Arc looks over the card before setting it down in the cupholder and shifting into drive.

“The address of her office is in the next town over. I’ll have us there in about thirty minutes.”

Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Viktor. You boys there?”

“Yes sir!”

“Any luck on your end?”

“A bit. I’ve done a bit of searching online for the mother. While I didn’t find her, I also was unable to find a death certificate.”

Arc nods. “So she’s out there somewhere.”

“Most likely.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Can you ask him if Dinky’s home yet?”

“Derpy wants to know if Dinky came back from her new friend’s house.”

“Yes, sir. They decided to come back here and play. I hope that’s alright.”

Arc nods. “As long as they stay out of the basement, yes.”

Max chuckles. “I already told them that.”

“We’re going to follow up on a lead on our end. Apparently Sam was a writer. Maybe his editor can tell us something.”

“Shall I do a search for her as well, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks, but we already have an address.”

Hugh nods, clearly impressed. “That was fast!”

“I got her business card from the building superintendent.”

Xenos chuckles. “Busy day, sir! Anything we can do to help?”

“See if you can locate the mother online somewhere. Her name is Cybil Mason. Maybe she’s on Facebook or Twitter.”

Xenos looks confused. “What’s Facebook?”

Viktor types. “On it, sir!”

A few moments pass.

“No one named Cybil Mason on Facebook around Sam’s age anywhere in the state, sir.”

Cherry calls out. “Maybe she lives far away?

Arc nods. “Perhaps. Keep looking for her online. We’ll see if we can’t track her down the old-fashioned way. Anyone else from the building still living nearby?”

Max shakes his head. As he goes over his notes. “The few we could track down are hours away.”

“Okay. Keep it up you guys. We’ll visit them if we don’t get a lead from the publisher. Arc out.”

They reach the edge of town. About twenty minutes later they park and walk toward a building. A sign reading ‘Kukai Publishing’ stands proudly in front of the large building. Upon entering they walk over to the receptionist’s desk.

“Can I help you?”

Arc hands the business card to the receptionist. “I’m looking for this person.”

She looks at the card. “Is she expecting you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I wanted to talk to her about one of her authors.”

“I’m sorry, but you cannot see one of our Vice Presidents without an appointment. They are quite busy after all.”

Derpy nods. “We understand, but it’s about Sam Mason. There’s been an accident.”

“We won’t take too much of her time, but this is very important. Could you please call her and ask?”

“As I said…”

A woman approaches the desk quickly.

“Excuse me, but did you say Sam Mason?”

Arc turns to face her. “I did.”

The receptionist looks nervous. “I’m sorry Miss Parker, but these people insist on speaking with you.”

“It’s alright. I’ll see them.”

She turns to look at Arc and Derpy as they walk toward the elevator.

“Please follow me to my office. I have some questions for you two.”

Chapter 9 - Getting Acquainted

Twilight goes to her room and slams the door behind her. She flops down on the bed and curls up. Yawning, she mutters to herself.

“I can’t believe I ever cared for someone as inconsiderate as him!”

Unable to stay awake any longer, Twilight drifts off to sleep. Meanwhile, Arc, Ember and Rose reappear on the sigil in his quarters back at Light’s Hope.

“This is my base, Rose.”

Rose nods. She speaks with no emotion. “Light’s Hope.”

Ember turns to her and frowns. “How did you know that?”

“This unit has been programmed with all pertinent information on Arc”.

Arc sighs. “I’m not sure how I feel about that. But in any case, why don’t we sit down and get to know each other?”

Rose tilts her head to one side, confused. “One does not understand. This unit already knows everything about you.”

Ember laughs. “Arc means HE wants to get to know YOU!”

Rose nods as they head for the couch. She sits down between Arc and Ember. “Understood. However that will be very difficult now that you’ve destroyed one’s blueprints.”

“I’m more interested in your thoughts and opinions.”

“Forgive me, but one does not have thoughts.”

Arc shakes his head. “I believe you do.”

“That would be scientifically impossible, as this unit does not have a brain. Only memory banks.”

“Really? Disagreeing with me would require thoughts, would it not?”

Rose nods. “This is certainly a conflict. Error logged.”

Ember frowns. “How about we change the subject.”

Arc nods. “Good idea.”

He turns back to Rose.

“What did you mean by ‘error logged’?”

“This unit’s self-preservation subroutine has put one into ‘Safe Mode’. One is currently working on the problem and will advise you further as information becomes available.”

Arc looks confused. “Um… okay. When you were first activated you started crying and questioning why you were born. Why was that?”

“One apologizes. One’s personality subroutines were not functioning normally due to an imbalance of magical energies.”

Arc nods. “And the source?”

Rose turns to him. “You.”

Ember looks confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“There appears to be a strange magical energy emanating from you, Arc.”

“Can you tell us anything about this energy?”

“Error. It is not possible for such an energy to exist, yet my sensors are picking it up. Error logged.”

Ember turns to him. “Arc, could that be your aura?”

“My what?”

“Don’t you remember back when you visited Coco Pommel in the hospital?! She improved greatly when you were near, but failed again when you left!”

Rose shakes her head. “That is an impossibility as no such magic exists.”

Arc turns to her. “In that case, what are your scanners picking up?”

“Unknown. Error logged.”

“Did this ‘aura’ hurt you?”

“One is not capable of being harmed. However the source of my system errors cannot be explained any other way. One is currently rewriting the system subroutines to accommodate for this variable.”

Ember shakes her head. “When you were activated you said all systems were running normally. What happened?”

“I am sorry, but I cannot answer that.”

“Why not?!”

“You lack user privileges.”

Arc nods and chuckles. “Make her a… what did Twilight call it?”

Ember sighs. “Administrator?”

“That’s it! Rose make Ember an ‘administrator’.”

“Very well.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Great. Now can you answer my question?”

Rose nods. “Yes. This unit’s systems began malfunctioning five seconds after that statement was made.”

Arc frowns. “And the cause was my aura?”

“Although that is impossible, such is the only logical explanation. Subroutines will be finished compensating shortly.”

“Is that why you seem to lack emotions?”

Rose nods. “Yes, Arc. This unit’s emotion subroutines have been disabled for safety purposes. One apologizes for the inconvenience.”

Ember frowns. “Safety?!”

“Yes. To prevent further emotional outbursts such as was witnessed from this unit’s earlier magical imbalance.”

Arc chuckles. “So it was like you were on your period?”

Ember turns to Arc. “Period?”

“Human females go through menstrual cycles once every… you know what, let’s not talk about that! Short version, it can make them kinda moody.”

Ember looks over at Rose. “Makes sense!”

“As stated, Safe Mode will continue until subroutines finish being rewritten for safety purposes.”

Arc looks back to Rose. “What else do you know about me?”

“Such an explanation will take several hours. Shall this one continue?”

“Just give me a summary then.”

Rose nods stoically. “Very well. You are Arc from the planet Earth. Brought to Equestria via unexplained magical means. Favorite food… pizza. Favorite snack… cupcakes. Family… two female equines and one dragon. Marital status… error. Disposition… Kind, Loyal, Generous, Honest, easily angered. Contradiction noted. Occupation… Hero of Light. Intelligence… very high. Has made friends with numerous different and incompatible species. Powers… Dragon Magic and… unknown aura. Upper limits… incalculable.”

Ember’s head snaps over to Rose at the last statement. “Wait! Are you saying Arc can become MORE powerful than he is now?!”

“Yes. Shall I continue?”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary. Twilight was certainly thorough in Rose’s design.”

Ember nods. “She was! But so were YOU!”

“What are you talking about?!”

“You totally blew up at her!”

Arc frowns. “Of course I did! She wanted to KILL Rose!”

Rose shakes her head. “That is not possible. This unit is not alive, and therefore cannot be killed.”

Ember frowns. “Look, all I’m saying is you went WAY too far with Twilight! She was just trying to help you!”

Arc sighs. “I… I get that. But… I guess I just kinda reacted.”

“I saw that much! What to exactly?!”

“Rose’s expression when she heard Twilight was going to dismantle her.”

Ember shrugs. “Can’t argue with that. She looked so scared!”

“Wouldn’t you if someone was going to take you apart?!”

“I suppose. But could it have been because you cared about her as an individual like you told Twilight? Or… because she looks just like Cherry?”

Cherry sighs. “I must admit… it really is a strange feeling to look at her.”

“This unit apologizes for that.”

“No, no! I can’t blame you for being built as you were!”

Rose looks to Arc. Her voice unwavering in its monotonous tone. “Arc, is this the creature I was designed to emulate?”

Arc sighs. “Yes. That’s Cherry Jubilee. My… fiancé. Or at least she was.”

“This unit will do its best to become a suitable replacement for her.”

“I don’t want a replacement for something irreplaceable!”

“You do not want this unit?”

“That’s not what I mean! Nothing can replace Cherry in my heart! Although Twilight must have been trying to do so for SOME reason!”

Ember sighs. “I think it was because she cares.”

Arc sighs. “In that case, she has a LOT to learn about love!”

“Maybe. But so do you.”

“What are you talking about?! I know what love is!”

Ember shakes her head. “Do you? Twilight was trying to make you happy by building you something that should have been impossible to create! She did it because she didn’t want you to be alone.”

“Maybe. I can’t help think there was more to it though. But I guess I’ll never know now.”

Rose turns to Arc. “Why do you not just go an ask her?”

“She… doesn’t want to see me anymore after what I said.”

Ember shakes her head. “Look, you were both angry and said things you probably shouldn’t have. But that doesn’t mean your friendship is over! Give her some time to cool down before you go over there to apologize.”

“Wait… ME apologize?!”

“Uh… yeah.”

Arc frowns. “Why?! She started this!”

“Because you escalated it!”

“I… I guess I did.”

He sighs.

“I just don’t know what came over me!”

“Maybe you should head back there and patch things up.”

“I don’t know. She was pretty mad! A cooldown period might be in order.”

Ember shrugs. “Fine. That’s up to you, after all.”

They are silent for a time.

“You think I should go over there now, don’t you?”

Ember replies without missing a beat. “Yes, I do.”

“Fine! I’m going!”

Arc leaves the room but pokes his head back inside momentarily.

“But if she blasts me, I’m blaming it on you!”

“Duly noted.”

Arc quickly makes his way back to the Golden Oaks Library. He pauses outside the door for a moment before knocking lightly. A few moments later Auriel answers. She looks uncomfortable upon seeing him.

“Oh… um… hi Arc.”

“Hi Auriel. Is… uh… is Twilight around?”

“Kinda. She’s sleeping at the moment.”

Arc frowns. “Is that normal for her this time of day?”

“Kinda. We… don’t exactly have a set schedule.”

“I… I see.”

“Do you… want to come in? I can wake her up for you.”

“Um… no. Just let her sleep. I’ll come by another time. How is she doing though?”

Auriel looks nervously over her shoulder. “Really angry. Probably not a good idea for you to be here now.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah… I understand. Well… I’ll see you Auriel.”

“I… okay. In the meantime I’ll get to work on that artificial sun idea then. Not sure how far I’ll get without those notes though. I hope Twilight can remember enough to get the job done.”

“Sorry, but it had to be done.”

Auriel nods. “If you say so. While I don’t understand, I trust you.”

Arc nods, turns, and walks away. Auriel closes the door behind him. Sighing, she walks back toward the basement.

“I hope you two can work past this! For all our sakes!”

Arc returns to Light’s Hope. Ember and Rose are in his quarters talking. Ember looks up as he walks in.

“How’d it go with Twilight?!”

“She was asleep, so I didn’t wake her up.”

“What?! Why not?!”

“It can wait.”

Ember furrows her brow. “Can but shouldn’t!”

Arc sits down on the couch. “That may be. But I’m not going all the way back over there! It’s probably for the best anyways. Give her time to cool down.”

Rose turns to him. “My subroutines are now ready. Shall I disengage Safe Mode?”

Ember looks nervous. “Is that… safe?”

“Yes. However, this will require a full system restart for the changes to take effect. The down time should be less than two minutes.”

Arc sighs. “Go ahead then.”

Rose nods and closes her eyes. Slowly she lies back before falling over onto Arc’s shoulder. He stands and helps her lie down.

“She could have warned me about that.”

Ember laughs. “She did!”

Arc sighs as he stands back up. “Yes, I suppose so.”

The pair look down at the sleeping android. Ember turns to Arc and smiles.

“You know, she really is pretty cute when she’s asleep like that.”

Arc shrugs. “I suppose so. Nothing to do now but wait I guess.”

Another minute passes before Rose’s green eyes again open. Arc extends a hand to her in an effort to help her stand up.

“Feeling better?”

Rose blushes. “I… I am!”

Suddenly, and without warning, she jumps up and wraps her arms around Arc’s neck and kisses him! Ember’s jaw drops!

“WOAH! What the…?!”

Arc pushes Rose’s face back from his lips. “Hey, what are you doing?!”

Rose sheepishly looks up at him with an innocent smile on her face. “I… I’m sorry. But I couldn’t help myself! I just love you SO much, my dear!”

Arc blushes. “Well… don’t be so forward about it!”

Rose looks down sadly. “I… I’m sorry.”

Ember mutters to herself. “You’re sorry?! I’m jealous!”

Arc gestures to the couch. “It’s okay. Um… I guess we should probably have a talk.”

Ember looks to the door and snickers. “Should I leave you two alone?”

Arc quickly turns to Ember. “Not a chance!”

Ember shakes her head as they sit down. “Okay, okay! Sheesh!”

Arc and Rose join Ember on the sofa. Rose smiles up at Arc.

“I’m sure you have many questions, Arc! Ask away!”

“Are you functioning normally now?”

Rose nods her head fervently. “I am! And I feel GREAT! All these feelings! All these emotions! I’m just blown away by it all!”

Ember grins as she looks at Arc from the corner of her eye. “You’re not alone in that!”

Arc blushes. “Is that why you… kissed me?”

“Isn’t that what a fiancé does?”

Ember frowns. “A… what?”

Rose smiles at her as she holds onto Arc’s arm. “A fiancé, silly Ember!”

She turns her attention back to Arc.

“I’m looking forward to us getting married, dear! Tell me, do you want a large or small wedding?”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “This is kinda disturbing.”

Cherry sighs. “I’ll say! Did I act like that?!”

Arc pushes Rose away gently by her shoulders. “Not in the least!”

He looks down at her.

“Listen Rose. What makes you think we’re getting married?”

She looks up at him, confused. “Because you asked me to, and I said yes!”

“I asked Cherry to marry me, and SHE said yes!”

Rose puts her arms around his midsection and hugs him. “I understand that. But I’m here to take over for her, as she isn’t around anymore! Don’t you worry about a thing, Arc! As your wife, I’ll see to it you’re well cared for as long as you live!”

Cherry growls at the sight before her. “I’m right here!”

Arc shakes his head. “Rose. That’s… very nice of you, but… I can’t marry you.”

“Why not? Is it because I’m a machine?”

“No.”

“Then why not?!”

“Because I don’t love you!”

“Don’t I look just like Cherry though?!”

Arc nods. “You do! But… you’re not her!”

Ember frowns as she watches the spectacle unfold before her. “Why would Twilight program her to be like this?!”

Arc sighs. “I think… it was actually an accident.”

Rose draws back. “An… accident?! But… but my feelings for you are real!”

Arc frowns. “While she may have studied the magic of friendship, Twilight apparently doesn’t understand how love works.”

He looks down at Rose and sighs.

“And you’ve paid the price for her ignorance.”

Rose nervously scooches away. “So… what’s going to happen to me?! Am I going to be dismantled?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. As far as I’m concerned you’re a living creature. You have committed no crime and have harmed no one. Under the circumstances, you have every right to keep on living.”

“But… but what about my Prime Directive?!”

Ember sighs. “More directives?”

Rose nods as she slowly walks toward him. “This one is above all others!”

“What is it?”

She presser her body against Arc. “See to your happiness above all else!”

Arc stands and looks out the window toward Ponyville, sighing. “Twilight… I understand now why you did this.”

“Arc?”

He kneels down in front of Rose. Taking her hand in his, Arc looks her over.

“Rose… I get what Twilight was trying to do.”

“You… you do?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Please enlighten us.”

“She… she was just trying to make me happy.”

“By making you a robot girlfriend?!”

Arc sighs. “You’re closer than you think, Ember. In truth, I think she was sad to see me alone in a world devoid of other humans.”

“Alone?! But you’re surrounded by those who care about you!”

“I know. But… I think Twilight believed that I needed a permanent human companion. A human wife! She intended for Rose to fill the role that Cherry couldn’t.”

Ember frowns. “I’m not sure if that’s just plain creepy, or really nice of her!”

Cherry sighs. “Agreed!”

Rose looks nervous. “You aren’t angry at me, are you miss?!”

Cherry giggles. “No, dear. You were built to fill a role that I left vacant. If anything, I’m happy you’re here!”

Arc looks surprised. “I didn’t want to bring it up, but I too thought you would be jealous, Cherry.”

“Well, I suppose I am a bit. But this is going to take some getting used to.

“That’s good to hear! Kinda…”

They are silent for a time. Ember turns to Arc.

“Maybe this isn’t the best time to ask about this, but… why do you suppose Twilight gave her weapons?!”

Rose smiles. “So I could fight by your side!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Come again?!”

Rose calls forth her R-Cannon and L-Blade. “She didn’t want us to have to be apart when you went on missions!”

“But you could get hurt!”

She takes up a defensive position. “The unit’s frame was built with some of the strongest of materials, so I won’t go down easily!”

Ember frowns. “No one is invincible!”

Rose nods as she recalls her weapons. “True. However, should something happen to me, I can simply auto-repair all but the most severe of damage!”

Arc nods. “Like you did back at Twilight’s Lab?”

“Right! It takes a bit more energy to heal, but it’s nothing I can’t handle! We’re going to have so much fun together, Arc!”

“Y-yeah… I suppose we are.”

“Is something troubling you?”

Arc nods. “Kinda. You see, I understand you’re an android and all. But… I don’t like the idea of you being forced by your programming to stay by my side.”

Rose’s eyes grow wide. “But I WANT to!”

“No. You’re directives are forcing you to think that.”

Ember turns to Arc. “Can’t something be done?!”

“I’ll have to speak to Twilight about it later. That is… if she’ll talk to me.”

Rose looks suddenly serious. “She will! I’m sure of it!”

Arc sighs. “I sure hope your right.”

He looks over to Rose.

“I guess I should give you a room.”

Rose looks to Arc, clearly puzzled. “Shouldn’t I sleep with you, Arc?”

Ember growls at Rose! “NO! That’s my job!”

Arc facepalms. “This isn’t happening…”

“Arc has plenty of nice rooms around here. You’ll be comfortable there!”

Rose shakes her head. “I don’t really need a room.”

Arc shrugs. “Everyone needs somewhere to rest.”

“But I don’t…”

Ember interrupts her. “Yeah we know! But you wanted to sleep next to Arc though! And we all know that’s MY job!”

Rose looks to Ember with a smile on her face as she covertly latches onto Arc’s arm. “I only wanted to keep him company… and warm.”

Ember grabs Arc’s other arm. “Well in that case, you’re going to need a bigger bed, Arc!”

Arc sighs. “What have I gotten myself into?”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 25 - Making Things Right

Arc and company sleep peacefully. The Lunar Destiny flies through the night and reaches Canterlot Castle just as the sun peaks over the horizon. As the first rays of dawn shine through the window Arc opens his eyes. He sits up and stretches.

“Another day.”

Sensing movement next to him, Arc pulls back the covers to see Ember lying next to him. She puts a claw in front of her face.

“Just… just five more minutes.”

“What are you doing here, Ember? I thought we were past this.”

She sits up, grinning. “Nah! It’s just been too long!”

“Ember… you just don’t give up, do you?”

“Nope!”

Arc sighs as he pulls back the covers. “I guess I should give you points for persistence.”

He looks down to see Rose curled up next to him. She opens her eyes and smiles.

“Good morning you two. Did you sleep well?”

Arc looks confused. “Rose?! Why are you…?”

“You looked cold last night, so I decided to recharge over here next to you.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Recharge?”

“I expended a large amount of energy yesterday during the battle and needed to replenish it.”

Ember smiles mischievously. “I guess it’s a good thing we have such a large bed, huh Arc?”

Arc swings his legs out over the side of the bed. “Ha, ha. I’m going to take a quick shower before we wake up the others.”

Rose smiles at him. “Do you want me to…?”

Arc interrupts as he picks up fresh clothes from a nearby dresser. “Stay out here this time, please!”

Ember frowns and raises an eyebrow. “This time?!”

“The first day I came to Light’s Hope, I followed Arc into the Bathroom and helped him bathe.”

“Really?!”

Ember looks over at Arc. An expectant look on her face.

“Is it my turn today?!”

Arc rolls his eyes as he heads for the Bathroom. “No Ember.”

Ember frowns as she gets up. “Then why did Rose get to…?!”

Arc interrupts her as he closes the Bathroom door. “Because she wasn’t supposed to!”

Ember turns to Rose and smiles. “You lucky girl!”

Rose looks away, sadly. “Yes, well… he didn’t seem to enjoy me being in there, so I don’t think I’ll be repeating that experience anytime soon.”

Meanwhile, Arc turns on the water and steps into the shower. He sighs.

“I sure hope the Dragon Lord is in a good mood today.”

He begins washing himself and thinks.

“I wonder how Brightwing did… whatever it was she did. This is something I need to talk to the princesses about. We wouldn’t have made it without her help back there. That and Wiseman. What… what IS he?!”

Arc finishes showering and puts on fresh clothes. Stepping out of the bathroom he looks at the pair waiting for him.

“Sorry for the wait you two.”

Ember grins. “It’s fine. Rose and I were just talking about you and her in the shower together.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Not this again…”

Rose looks to Arc apologetically. “Sorry! But she seemed genuinely interested in hearing about it.”

“Of course she did.”

Ember nods. “We’ll have to try that sometime, Arc.”

Arc sighs as he heads for the door. “How about not. In any case, let’s get the others and head over to the Infirmary.”

They leave Arc’s room together and walk over to the other VIP suites. Rose turns to Arc.

“What for?”

Arc sighs as he knocks on Twilight’s door. “A change of bandages would be in order.”

A moment later the door opens. Twilight and Auriel step out. Auriel smiles at them.

“Good morning everyone.”

Ember turns to Sereb. “Sleep well?”

“Very.”

“Brightwing sleep like dead animal!”

Twilight giggles. “An interesting way to put it.”

Arc nods. “Very! In any case, we should probably get over to see Nurse Redheart. How are you holding up Auriel?”

Auriel winces. “I’m a bit sore. But nothing too bad.”

Sereb turns to Arc as they make the short walk to the Infirmary. “Need another checkup, Arc?”

“Just want to make sure Auriel, Twilight and I are healing.”

Twilight smiles. “I feel fine.”

“Let’s just have her take a look at you as well. Just to be sure, okay?”

“If that’s what you want.”

They enter the Infirmary. Nurse Redheart is sitting at a lab table going over some papers. Rose calls over to her.

“Good morning Miss Redheart.”

She looks up. “Good morning everypony. Any complications?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I just wanted you to look us over and change these bandages before we disembark.”

“Right away, sir.”

She quickly gets to work removing yesterday’s wrappings and looking over their wounds.

“Everything seems to be coming along nicely. Seek medical attention immediately if you have any pain or your wound becomes inflamed. The tests for infection came back negative yesterday, but one can never be too careful.”

Auriel nods and pulls her sleeved down over the fresh bandages. “Thank you, nurse.”

“And how are you feeling, Twilight?”

Twilight smiles at the nurse. “Great! No pain at all!”

“That’s good to hear. But please stop by Ponyville Hospital when you return home and have a full physical examination as soon as possible.”

“I will.”

“I still can’t believe you went from likely paralyzation and grievous wounds to walking and talking!”

Ember shrugs. “Neither can we. And we were here.”

Redheart turns to Arc. “Don’t do anything too strenuous now, Arc. We wouldn’t want you to reopen any wounds now.”

“I’ll try.”

“All of you should have a nice breakfast and do your best to take it easy today.”

Twilight nods. “Thank you, Nurse Redheart.”

Arc collects his damaged armor and puts it on. The group leaves the Infirmary and heads for the Main Hatch. Ember looks to Arc.

“So… what next?”

“You and I really should talk to the princesses before we leave, Ember. Auriel and Sereb can head back to Light’s Hope for breakfast.”

“Brightwing will head to Ponytown with friends!”

Auriel looks to Brightwing, confused. “But how would you get back?”

“Brightwing will just fly away! I will come back later! Tell pretty pink princess Brightwing will come back when she is ready!”

Arc nods. “I suppose we could do that.”

He opens a portal back to Light’s Hope. Auriel, Sereb, and Brightwing step through.

Ember frowns. “Aren’t you going back with everyone, Rose?”

She shakes her head. “I should come with you. The Dragon Lord will expect me to be there, won’t he?”

Arc nods. “I suppose he will.”

He looks at his pocket watch.

“It’s about time for the princesses to have breakfast. We can talk to them about what happened on our mission before they leave to hold audiences.”

Twilight nods. “Good idea.”

They disembark and head for the Dining Room. The Royal Guards step aside to allow them access. The princesses stop eating as they enter. Luna looks up, wide-eyed.

“Arc! Good to see you… oh my!”

They stare in awe at Arc’s heavily damaged armor.

“Sorry. I guess I must look a fright.”

Cadance’s looks at Arc, clearly worried. “Are… are you all right?!”

“I have a few extra holes in me right now, but I’ll be fine.”

Luna shakes her head in disbelief. “Was the temple truly that dangerous?!”

Twilight nods. “Kinda. We quickly learned magic doesn’t work inside its walls.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “Goodness! We’re certainly glad to have all of you back in one piece!”

Luna nods fervently. “Were there any other injuries?!”

Twilight sighs. “Me… kinda. But I’m fine now!”

She points to the Dragon’s Tear around her neck.

“Thanks to Arc putting this on me anyways.”

Luna steps forward for a closer look. “I can feel its power from here!”

Cadance nods as she joins Luna is examining the relic. “Amazing that it’s held up so well through the centuries.”

Arc nods. “It was very weak when we found it. I was able to give it a jump start though.”

Luna looks confused. “How?!”

“We should probably sit down. It’s kinda a long story.”

They sit down around the spacious table as servants bring extra food from the kitchen. Arc and company bring the princesses up to speed on the events of the past day.

“That is quite the tale you tell!”

Ember chuckles. “Frankly I’m amazed we’re all still breathing, Princess Cadance.”

Rose nods as she drinks a glass of water. “It really was touch and go for a bit.”

Luna looks to Arc. “And Brightwing?”

“She went to Ponyville with the others for breakfast.”

Twilight nods. “She’ll be back later. But I don’t know if you really want her here anymore.”

Cadance frowns. “Why’s that?”

Ember sighs. “My dad sent her here to keep an eye on everyone.”

Rose nods. “Like a spy.”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That would explain his desire for an emissary. But why now?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure. But if he’s in somewhat of a good mood today I’ll ask him. In the meantime, Brightwing did fight bravely by our sides yesterday.”

“And that strange power she displayed?”

Arc sighs as he goes back to eating. “Your guess is as good as mine on that one, Princess Luna.”

Twilight considers this. “That puzzles me too. I’ve never read ANYWHERE about a dragon displaying that kind of magical ability. Or whatever it was.”

Ember nods. “Brightwing has always had powerful magic. For a dragon, that is!”

Rose sighs. “And a baby no less.”

Cadance points a hoof to the Dragon’s Tear around Twilight’s neck. “In any case, you should get that over to the Dragon Lord as quickly as possible.”

Luna nods. “Do be careful though. He’s as moody as he is crafty.”

Arc stands. “I will. Thank you for your time.”

The group stands up and heads for the door together.

“Twilight?”

“Yes Cadance?”

She walks over to her childhood friend. “Be careful over there, okay?”

“I will.”

The pair exchange hugs before they part ways. The doors close behind Arc and his group as Cadance turns to Luna.

“Who knew that temple could be so dangerous?!”

“My sister most likely.”

Cadance frowns. “But why would she have created such monstrosities?!”

Luna sighs as she sits back down. “Some things need to be kept safe at any cost. After all, there is more in there than even I know of.”

Meanwhile, Arc, Twilight, Rose and Ember leave the Dining Room and head down the corridor. Arc sighs.

“I guess there’s no putting this off any longer.”

Ember frowns. “Here’s to hoping my father’s not too angry.”

Arc opens a portal back to Ember’s small house. They quickly make their way to the Throne of the Dragon Lord. Arc, Rose and Twilight stand back as Ember approaches her father.

“We have returned with what you asked for, father!”

“I ASKED FOR NOTHING! DEMANDED WOULD BE A BETTER WORD, EMBER!”

Ember shrugs. “Call it what you will.”

“SHOW IT TO ME! QUICKLY!”

Twilight turns to look at Arc. He carefully removes the Dragon’s Tear from around her neck and approaches the Dragon Lord.

“I have it right here, sir!”

“GIVE IT TO ME!”

“Before I do that, I have but one question.”

“A QUESTION?!”

Arc looks at the item in his hand. “Why do you want this so badly?”

Rose nods. “Begging the Dragon Lord’s pardon, but your life is already quite long.”

Ember sighs. “To say nothing for the fact you’re already the biggest and strongest in all the land. So why do you want the Dragon’s Tear, father?”

“IT IS… COMPLICATED, EMBER! NOW BRING IT TO ME, OR SUFFER MY WRATH!”

Ember takes the Dragon’s Tear from Arc and walks toward her father. “Very well. But only if you promise to tell me at least why you want it.”

The Dragon Lord narrows his eyes. “ARE YOU CERTAIN YOU’RE READY FOR SUCH KNOWLEDGE, EMBER?!”

Twilight looks confused. “Ready?”

“THE TRUTH IS NOT ALWAYS BLACK AND WHITE, MY DAUGHTER! SOMETIMES… IT IS RATHER GRAY!”

Ember holds the Dragon’s Tear to her heart. “You can’t protect me like this forever, father!”

“VERY WELL! I SUPPOSE YOU ARE OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW THE TRUTH!”

He steps down from his throne and heads toward his treasure horde.

“ALL OF YOU COME WITH ME!”

Arc, Ember, Rose and Twilight follow the Dragon Lord to his horde. He stops just outside the entrance.

“INSIDE YOU WILL FIND THE BLOODSTONE SCEPTER, EMBER! BRING IT TO ME!”

Ember does as she is told. A few minutes later she emerges with the scepter in her claws and presents it to her father.

“Now what?”

He takes the miniscule scepter in his claw and looks at it for a moment. “YOU WILL SEE!”

The Dragon Lord looks at the Bloodstone Scepter for a few moments before channeling his magic into it. The scepter grows in size to match that of the Dragon Lord himself. Arc looks on, amazed.

“Did not see that one coming!”

Ember sighs. “My father’s never been one to keep his royal scepter with him.”

She looks over at Arc and smiles.

“Much like another former ruler I know of.”

“You remember that, huh?”

Ember looks to Arc, fondly. “Yes. It sticks out in my mind.”

Dragon Lord Torch makes a circle in the ground with the tip of the now enormous scepter. Rose turns to Ember.

“Now what is he doing?”

“I have no idea.”

They watch as the circle is completed. The Dragon Lord raises the scepter above his head. In a flash of light he along with Arc and friends are teleported. Arc and company look around as they reappear in some kind of cavern. Arc frowns.

“What the heck?!”

Rose turns to him. “Odd… my scanners are unable to determine our location.”

Ember turns to her father. “Dad? Where… are we?”

The Dragon Lord sighs as he lumbers down the cavern’s wide corridor. “YOU WANTED TO KNOW THE TRUTH, EMBER! IT IS HERE THAT YOU WILL FIND IT!”

He turns to Arc, Rose and Twilight.

“YOU MAY SEE FOR YOURSELVES! PROVIDED YOU DO NOT TELL ANYONE ELSE WHAT TRANSPIRES HERE TODAY!”

Arc nods. “Very well, sir. I promise.”

“As do I.”

“Me too.”

“VERY WELL! ALL OF YOU FOLLOW ME!”

He leads the group to the end of the long tunnel. A massive but ancient looking door stands before them. Torch sighs as he puts a large claw on it.

“IT HAS BEEN CENTURIES SINCE I LAST CAME TO THIS PLACE!”

There is silence in the cave as the Dragon Lord just stands there.

Rose looks to Arc. “What should we…?”

She is cut short by Arc holding up a hand for silence. A short time later the Dragon Lord puts both claws on the doors. With a mighty groan the doors open wide. Twilight’s eyes grow wide as she whispers under her breath.

“Oh… my… Celestia…!”

They enter the cavernous room. Before them on a large ornate slab lies a massive dragon. It is nearly as large as the Dragon Lord himself.

“EMBER! GAZE UPON THE MAJESTIC CREATURE THAT LIES BEFORE YOU!”

“My… my mother?”

“HOW… DID YOU KNOW THAT?!”

“The princesses told me that she was buried somewhere far to the north of Equestria. Is that true?”

“IT IS!”

“But… you never said a word before.”

“AND WHAT IF I HAD?! WOULD YOU HAVE RUN OFF IN SEARCH OF HER?!”

“I… may have.”

She looks at her mother for a long moment.

“What was her name?”

“CINDER!”

“She… looks kinda like me!”

BEFORE NOW, I HAVE TREATED YOU AS A WHELPLING! A WEAKLING THAT CANNOT MAKE HER OWN DECISIONS! TODAY I NOW KNOW FOR CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR MOTHER!”

“How long…?”

“CENTURIES INNUMERABLE HAS SHE LAIN HERE! YOU WERE BROUGHT ALONG AND LAID AT HER SIDE!”

“How did I survive?! No egg is viable for that long!”

“THIS CAVERN IS MAGICAL IN NATURE! ANY CREATURE THAT RESIDES HERE WILL REMAIN ALIVE IN A SORT OF SUSPENDED ANIMATION!”

“So, is it true what I was told? Did ponies… kill mother?!”

“YES… AND NO!”

“That doesn’t make any sense!”

Torch turns from Ember to look to his mate. “HER DEATH WAS… ULTIMATELY BROUGHT ABOUT BY PONIES, YES! HOWEVER, I BROUGHT HER HERE IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE HER LIFE!”

“How?”

“IN THIS CAVERN, SHE WOULD SLEEP UNTIL I COULD DISCOVER THE LOCATION OF THE ONE ITEM I KNEW COULD ONE DAY RESTORE HER TO US!”

Arc nods, understanding. “So that’s why you wanted the Dragon’s Tear so badly!”

“CORRECT! I KNEW THE PRINCESSES WERE IN POSSESSION OF THE DRAGON’S TEAR! HOWEVER, THEY WERE LOATHE TO PART WITH SUCH A POWERFUL ARTIFACT! I WAITED MANY, MANY YEARS FOR AN OPPORTUNE TIME TO INSERT A SPY INTO THEIR MIDST!”

Rose sighs. “Brightwing?”

“YES! THROUGH HER EYES I SEARCHED CANTERLOT CASTLE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM! FINDING NO TRACE OF IT’S MAGIC THERE, I WAITED FOR SOMETHING TO COME UP!”

Ember’s eyes grow wide. “Twilight breaking the treaty!”

“I COULD NOT HAVE HOPED FOR A BETTER OPPORTUNITY! WITH CELESTIA OUT OF THE COUNTRY, THERE WAS NO ONE TO OBJECT TO MY REQUEST! AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT, THEY EVEN PROVIDED SOMEONE OF SUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO RETRIEVE IT!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I’m feeling kinda used over here.”

“IT WAS NOT PERSONAL, ARC! UNDERSTAND I WOULD NOT HAVE SENT EMBER ON A TASK THAT I BELIEVED SHE COULD NOT COMPLETE! UNDER YOUR GUIDANCE, OF COURSE!”

Twilight looks at the dragon before her. “Now that you have what you wanted, how is it going to help?”

“IT IS MY HOPE THAT THE POWER IN THE DRAGON’S TEAR WILL BE ENOUGH TO RESTORE HER TO HEALTH! I WILL HAVE MY MATE BACK AND EMBER WILL FINALLY BE ABLE TO MEET HER MOTHER!”

Ember nods. “I was told that Princess Celestia brought me to you after she retrieved me from this cave. Why was I here in the first place?!”

“FORGIVE ME, BUT AT THAT TIME, YOU WERE BUT A CONSTANT REMINDER OF THAT WHICH I HAD BEEN UNABLE TO PROTECT! MY PLAN WAS TO FIND A WAY TO RESTORE HER, AND THEN ALLOW YOUR EGG TO HATCH! IN THAT WAY IT WOULD BE LIKE NOTHER EVER HAPPENED! THE THREE OF US WOULD THEN BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OUR LIVES TOGETHER!”

“But… that’s not how it worked out, huh?”

“PRINCESS CELESTIA TOOK YOUR EGG BACK TO HER ACCURSED CITY TO ‘RESCUE’ IT! SHE THEN BROUGHT YOU TO ME, HOPING TO GAIN MY FAVOR! I WAS FURIOUS AT HER MEDDLING AND DECLARED WAR ON EQUESTRIA ON THE SPOT! SHE SEEMED CONFUSED AT MY RESPONSE TO WHAT SHE HAD BELIEVED TO BE A SIMPLE ACT OF GOODWILL!”

Rose frowns. “There’s no way she could have known about your plan, sir.”

“I KNOW! THAT IS WHY EQUESTRIA STILL STANDS! SHE REMINDED ME THAT IF I WERE TO RAZE HER COUNTRY, I WOULD INADVERTANTLY DESTROY THE ONLY ITEM THAT COULD GIVE ME WHAT I TRULY WANTED!”

Arc shakes his head. “So, you’ve been cooking this plan of yours since Ember was born?”

“HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO RESTORE A LOST LOVED ONE TO LIFE, ARC?! HOW MUCH WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO RISK?!”

“Everything.”

“WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE DONE TO GET THIS FAR! THE TIME SINCE I SENT YOU BACK TO YOUR LAND TO RETRIEVE THIS HAS BEEN THE LONGEST WAIT OF MY LIFE!”

Torch turns to Ember.

“NOW THEN, EMBER! GIVE ME THE DRAGON’S TEAR SO THAT I MAY HAVE BACK WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY MINE!”

Ember looks at the gold chain in her claw then over at Arc.

“Is… is that okay with you?”

“If it brings your mother back to you, yes. Equestria will cooperate in this matter.”

Ember walks over to her father and holds up the Dragon’s Tear. He reaches down and takes it as he looks over to Arc.

“THE PROCESS OF CHANNELING THE NECESSARY POWER TO MAKE THIS A REALITY WILL MOST LIKELY DESTROY THE ARTIFACT! DO YOU ACCEPT THIS, ARC?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Do what you will with it, sir.”

“THANK YOU!”

Dragon Lord Torch waves the Bloodstone Scepter over the Dragon’s Tear. A massive amount of magical energy can be felt emanating from the Dragon Lord as the process goes on. After a short time the glow from the Dragon’s Tear begins to fade. Eventually the gem turns black as the pendant falls to the ground with a thud. Torch holds the Bloodstone Scepter toward his mate as he focuses his energies.

“AWAKEN, CINDER! AWAKEN MY LOVE, AND STAND BY MY SIDE ONCE AGAIN! AID ME IN LEADING OUR NATION AND RAISING OUR DAUGHTER!”

A moment later the sleeping dragon stirs ever so slightly. Rose turns to Arc.

“I… I can’t believe it, but I think it’s working!”

Ember slowly steps forward slowly. “M-mother?! Can… can you hear me?!”

As the Dragon Lord finishes casting Cinder opens her eyes, albeit weakly, and raises her head slightly.

“T-TORCH… WHERE… WHERE IS THIS PLACE?!”

Torch tosses the Bloodstone Scepter to the side as he approaches his mate. It returns to its normal size before hitting the ground.

“FEAR NOT, MY LOVE, FOR YOU ARE SAFE! MANY LONG YEARS HAVE PASSED, AND THE THREAT TO OUR SHORES HAS BEEN SILENCED!”

Cinder nods and responds in a tired voice. “GOOD! WHERE IS… OUR EGG?!”

“I… I’m right here, mother.”

She smiling weakly at her daughter. “EMBER! YOU’VE GROWN!”

Ember smiles broadly! “I… I guess I have!”

“WHEN YOU ARE STRONG ENOUGH, WE SHALL RETURN TO THE DRAGON LANDS AND HAVE A GREAT FEAST IN YOUR HONOR MY LOVE! THEY WILL TELL TALES OF THIS GRAND DAY FOR GENERATIONS!”

Cinder sighs and shakes her head. “I… I AM AFRAID… IT WILL NOT LAST!”

“CINDER?! WH-WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!”

“LONG HAVE I SLUMBERED IN THIS PLACE ALONE! SADLY, YOUR EFFORTS HAVE ONLY GIVEN ME A BRIEF RESPITE FROM THIS DREAM!”

Torch appears shaken! “I… I WILL FIND ANOTHER WAY! THERE MUST BE SOMETHING I CAN…!”

Cinder holds up a claw to the Dragon Lord. He takes it.

“JUST HOLD ON TO HOPE, THAT I WILL COME THROUGH FOR YOU!”

Cinder smiles up at him. “YOU ALWAYS HAVE, TORCH! BUT NOW… NOW YOU HAVE TO BE THERE FOR EMBER! AS I AM UNABLE TO GO ON MUCH LONGER!”

“SHE HAS BEEN TRAVELING THE LAND AND GAINING EXPERIENCE FROM THE STRANGEST OF CREATURES!”

Arc steps forward.

“Hello, ma’am. My name is…”

“YOU ARE ARC, ARE YOU NOT?”

“How did you know that?!”

“AS MY BODY SLEPT IN THIS CAVERN, MY SOUL WAS ABLE TO TRAVEL THE LAND AND WITNESS MANY TERRIBLE AND WONDROUS THINGS!”

“Like what, mother?!”

“I SAW YOUR EGG TAKEN BY THE EQUESTRIAN PRINCESS KNOWN AS CELESTIA! SHE SENSED YOUR LIFEFORCE IN THE EGG AND SOUGHT TO RESCUE YOU FROM THIS PLACE! I HAVE WATCHED YOUR EVERY MOVEMENT SINCE YOU WERE BORN, MY DEAR!”

“HAS OUR DAUGHTER’S ACTIONS PLEASED YOU, MY LOVE?!”

Cinder nods weakly. “MORE SO THAN YOU KNOW! SHE HAS MANY IN THE MAGICAL LAND OF EQUESTRIA THAT CARE FOR HER! EVEN THOUGH SHE IS NOT ONE OF THEM!”

She looks over at Arc.

“I’VE SEEN… MY DAUGHER FALL IN LOVE WITH ONE AS SMALL AND FRAIL AS YOU ARE, ARC! WHILE I DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY AT FIRST, AS I CONTINUED TO BEAR WITNESS TO YOUR MANY DEEDS OF HEROISM, BRAVEY AND… SACRIFICE!”

Her gaze returns to Ember.

“YOU WISH TO MAKE ARC YOUR MATE, DO YOU NOT?!”

Ember nods with conviction. “More than anything!”

Her mother smiles. “YOU’VE NEVER FELT LIKE THIS ABOUT ANYONE BEFORE!”

“Yes! But he is not a dragon and cannot one day join me is succeeding father.”

Cinder turns her gaze to her mate. “TORCH… THIS HUMAN IS CERTAINLY STRONGER THAN ANY DRAGON THAT CURRENTLY WALKS THIS LAND! PERHAPS HE COULD EVEN GIVE YOU A GOOD WORKOUT!”

Arc shudders at the thought. “Let’s not find out, shall we?”

“PERHAPS! HOWEVER…!”

Cinder interrupts him. “ALL I WANT AS EMBER’S MOTHER… IS TO SEE HER HAPPY! NOW PLEASE GRANT MY FINAL REQUEST… AND ALLOW OUR DAUGHTER TO BE WITH THE MATE SHE TRULY DESIRES!”

“VERY WELL!”

He turns to Ember.

“EMBER! AS DRAGON LORD, I HEREBY GRANT YOU PERMISSION TO TAKE A NON-DRAGON MATE FOR YOUR OWN! WED WHOMEVER YOU WISH, MY DAUGHTER!”

Ember’s eyes light up. “Th-thank you father! I… I will!”

She runs over to Arc happily and takes his hands.

“Isn’t this wonderful, Arc! We can finally be together… forever!”

Her smile suddenly fades as reality sinks in. She looks down, sadly.

“But… his lifespan is so short.”

“I WILL USE THE POWER WITHIN THE BLOODSTONE SCEPTER TO GREATLY INCREASE HIS LIFESPAN! WITH THAT, HE WILL LIVE ROUGHLY AS LONG AS YOU WILL, EMBER!”

Ember wraps her arms around Arc’s midsection as tears of joy flow freely.

“A full life with Arc! This is like a dream come true!”

She takes his hands in her claws and looks him in the eye as she smiles through her tears.

“Arc! I may never be as pretty or as smart as Cherry Jubilee was! But if you’ll have me, I’d love to spend the next thirty thousand years or more by your side! We can be together and rule this land with Equestria as our ally!”

The Dragon Lord chuckles. “WELL THEN, ARC, WHAT DO YOU SAY TO MY DAUGHTER’S OFFER?!”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding.

“Your daughter is… quite the catch. She’s honest, kind, loyal, strong and… I’ll admit, very pretty to look at.”

Ember turns away and blushes happily. Cinder frowns.

“BUT…?”

Arc sighs. “But I… I can’t! I’m sorry, Ember, but I have so many things to do before I can settle down and take a wife.”

“PRINCESS CELESTIA’S RESCUE?!”

“Among other things, yes ma’am!”

He returns his gaze to Ember.

“Now I’m very sorry to say this Ember, but… I think there’s someone else out there who can care for you better than I ever could.”

The Dragon Lord appears suddenly angry. “EMBER! JUST SAY THE WORD AND I WILL CRUSH HIM LIKE A GRAPE!”

Ember looks down at the ground and closes her eyes as she smiles and shakes her head.

“No father. Arc has answered my proposal truthfully, honorably and bravely. It’s not just anyone who can turn down such a grand offer, you know.”

She leans forward and gives Arc a loving kiss on the cheek. Smiling, she draws back.

“Maybe someday, Arc?”

Arc nods and closes his eyes. “Maybe. Sorry, but that’s the best I can do right now.”

Ember steps back with a happy smile on her face. “As always… it will have to be enough.”

“EMBER! THERE ARE A GREAT MANY THINGS THAT I HAD WANTED TO TEACH YOU! HOWEVER, IT APPEARS I WON’T BE ABLE TO DO THAT!”

“IS… IS OUR TIME REALLY THAT SHORT?!”

“IT IS! TORCH, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE OUR DAUGHTER BECAUSE OF HER SIZE! THERE IS A FIRE THAT BURNS WITHIN HER THAT SHINES BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN!”

Torch nods. “I KNOW, MY LOVE! I’VE ALWAYS SEEN THAT IN HER! BUT IT WAS NOT UNTIL VERY RECENTLY THAT I WAS ABLE TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THAT!”

“Thank you for your kind words, mother. I’ll do my best to make you and father proud of me in the future!”

Her father smiles. “YOU ALREADY HAVE, EMBER!”

“STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF, MY DAUGHTER! DO NOT FALTER AND DO NOT GIVE UP! AS MY LIFE ENDS, YOURS WILL GO ON!”

Cinder looks to her mate.

“PROTECT OUR LAND AND CITIZENS UNTIL EMBER IS READY TO TAKE OVER FOR YOU, MY LOVE! I… I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU IN THE GREAT BEYOND!”

“IS… IS THERE NOT MORE TIME?! I LOST YOU ONCE LONG AGO! DO I NOW HAVE TO LOSE YOU A SECOND TIME?!”

She sighs. “AS OUR DAUGHTER SAID EARLIER, IT WILL HAVE TO BE ENOUGH!”

Cinder looks over at Arc.

“REGARDLESS OF WHAT PATH YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE, PLEASE LOOK AFTER MY DAUGHTER AS YOU ALWAYS HAVE! SHOW HER THE WAY AND PROTECT HER UNTIL SHE IS READY TO STAND ON HER OWN!”

“I will, ma’am. You have an absolutely amazing daughter! I’m proud to know her and prouder still that she counts me among her friends!”

“I KNOW YOU WILL NOT FAIL HER, OR THIS WORLD PONIES AND DRAGONS SHARE, ARC!”

Cinder holds out a claw to her daughter. Although it is much larger than she herself is, Ember takes it and holds it as her father stands by her side. Cinder looks Ember and Torch in the eyes and smiles.

“I’M GLAD I WAS ABLE TO SEE YOU BOTH WITH MY OWN EYES… ONE LAST TIME! NOW… BE STRONG… BE BRAVE… AND MOST IMPORTATNLY… BE… YOUR… SE… LF…”

Cinder breathes her last as the light fades from her eyes. Tears well up in Ember’s eyes.

“Mother? Mother?! MOTHER?!”

Ember holds her mothers’ claw and collapses, unable to hold back the tears any longer. Dragon Lord Torch roars in sorrow next to his daughter.

Arc sighs as he turns to leave the chamber. “Rest now, ma’am. I’ll watch over your daughter as long as I am able.”

He motions for Rose and Twilight to follow him. Rose slowly walks over to Arc and puts an arm around him as they leave the chamber.

“Arc? What just happened here?”

“Which part?”

“This emotion that I know only as… loss.”

Twilight sighs. “I guess even I couldn’t program your emotions perfectly.”

Rose puts a hand to her chest. “It feels as if something inside this unit is… being pinched.”

Arc sadly nods. “That’s the pain of losing a loved one, Rose.”

“But you and I just met her.”

“Very true. But Ember is suffering the loss of her mother, and we’re her friends.”

“I don’t understand.”

Twilight puts a hoof on her side. “Rose. When a friend suffers, we suffer with her. Now come. We should leave them alone for a bit.”

Arc, Twilight and Rose head back the way they came to wait, while Ember and her father grieve the second passing of their loved one.

Chapter 3 - Late Night Meetings

A few minutes before midnight Arc appears on the sigil in his quarters. He sighs as he puts on his magic cloak.

“I wonder what this is all about. Luna’s letter was just so… mysterious.”

Arc cloaks and Blinks into the corridor. Moving as silently as he is able he quickly makes his way to Luna’s quarters. Blinking inside he sees her sitting on a couch in front of the fireplace. Arc decloaks and stashes the magic cloak in his ring.

“Luna?”

She looks over to him soberly.

“Did you come alone?”

Arc nods. “I did. Is everything okay?”

Luna appears nervous. “I… I just… sorry. This whole debacle has me on edge. Please sit down.”

He walks over to her and sits down a respectful distance away. “Whole thing? What’s…?”

Luna holds up a hoof for silence as her eyes dart around the room nervously.

“Just a moment please.”

Her horn glows as she casts a very powerful spell.

“There. Now we can talk in absolute secrecy.”

“Talk about what, Luna?”

Luna pats the cushion next to her as she uses her magic to close the drapes. “Please sit down next to me.”

Arc moves to sit right next to Luna. Her eyes still dart around the room nervously.”

“Forgive me. I know we are completely alone and that nopony can hear us, but…”

Luna sighs.

“…but this matter is... shall we say… delicate.”

“If there’s something wrong you can tell me.”

Luna sighs. “Thank you, Arc. I’m sorry for being so cryptic, but this… nothing like this has ever happened before. I don’t mind saying this, but… I believe you are the only one I trust enough to discuss this matter with.”

“I’m listening.”

“Do you promise not to speak of this to ANYPONY?!”

Arc nods as he puts a hand on her hoof. “Yes. I can see that this matter really has you worried.”

Luna bows her head. “It does.”

She is silent for a time before beginning.

“As you probably know, there are many whom would benefit greatly from our influence.”

“Influence?”

“The ability to write royal decrees and laws is something that only a princess can do.”

She looks over to him and smiles.

“Or a Lord Regent, I suppose.”

“True. Was there something I decreed during my reign that you disagreed with?”

Luna shakes her head. “No, Arc. You acted judiciously and fairly. However, I’m afraid that somepony is trying to, or has already, resorted to blackmail.”

“Is someone threatening you, Luna?”

“Not me. But I believe Cadance has been the victim of such foul machinations!”

“WHAT?! HOW?!”

“I am unsure.”

Arc stands up. “We should tell Captain Shining Armor about this.”

“NO!”

“I don’t understand. He’s in charge of your security.”

Luna looks down at her hooves and sighs. “I understand that. However… it is difficult to know whom I can confide in. More so now.”

Arc nods and sits back down. “Tell me what you know.”

“It started more than a week ago. Cadance has been a bit… out of sorts.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“She seems tired. Even after a good night’s sleep. That and she’s been… preoccupied.”

“Could it be that the stress of leading is getting to her?”

Luna sighs. “I too thought as much and dismissed the matter. However, last night I suggested we turn in early, as she seemed especially tired. She agreed and told me she was going straight to bed.”

“Good. Rest may not cure the problem, but it sure helps.”

“I had just raised the moon and was looking out my balcony window when I saw her dart across the Royal Gardens.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe she was just getting some air.”

Luna shakes her head. “Perhaps. But her posture at the time said otherwise.”

“What do you mean?”

“Cadance was moving quickly. Almost running! That and she kept looking around with every step.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “I suppose that is a bit… suspicious. Have you tried asking her about it?”

Luna nods. “I did. Covertly, of course. When I saw her at breakfast, I inquired as to how she had slept. She claimed that she slept like a filly.”

“What reason would she have had to deceive you?”

“I do not know. In response I casually suggested that I sometimes take a walk in the gardens before bed to help ease my mind.”

“Good thinking. And her response?”

“She appeared suddenly nervous and mumbled that she would try that if the need arose. That was when I decided to send the letter to you.”

“I see. Would you like me to talk to her about this?”

Luna shakes her head. “I do not believe more talk will solve this problem. Sadly, I believe our safest option is a bit more… underhooved.”

“What are you suggesting?”

Luna raises her head and looks him soberly in the eye. “I hate to ask this of you, but I would like you to… watch Cadance.”

“You mean you want me to spy on her, right?”

“To put it negatively, yes.”

“Are you certain there’s no other way?”

Luna nods. “I am. This course of action has the highest chance of success. With any luck, you’ll be able to uncover who is doing this to her and perhaps even apprehend them.”

“I’ll do it. But only because I’m worried about Princess Cadance. The idea of stalking her though really bothers me.”

“I understand. Cadance and I both have our secrets, mind you. But… this matter is bigger than her. The truth must be brought to light if we are to help her.”

“So do I just… follow her around?”

Luna shakes her head. “That would only force her to hide her activities. No, I have a better idea.”

“I’m listening.”

“Tomorrow night I will escort Cadance to her room as I normally do before lowering the sun and raising the moon. You will wait in her quarters, cloaked of course, in a corner and watch her. If she leaves the room, follow her and discover what you can.”

“How can you be so sure she won’t go straight to bed?”

“I’m not. I would do this myself, but…”

“I understand. You need your rest to lead the country.”

“As does she.”

Arc nods. “I’ll do my best.”

Luna sighs. “I’m certain you will. Just please remember Cadance’s safety must come first.”

“Understood.”

Luna nods. She appears very tired and distraught over the entire matter as Arc stands up.

“Why don’t I help you to bed, Luna? You look like you’re about to fall asleep.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

Arc helps Luna up and slowly walks her to the bed. She lies down with a contented sigh before turning to smile weakly up at him.

“I appreciate you for looking into this matter for me. You have no idea how worried I am for Cadance right now.”

Arc covers Luna her up and gives her a smile. “I can kinda imagine. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll handle it.”

Chapter 16 - The Parade

The Lunar Destiny flies through the night. Early the next morning there is a knock at Arc’s door. He sits up.

“Come in.”

Flash Sentry enters and salutes.

“We’re approaching our destination, sir.”

Arc stands up. “Good. Uh… are we ahead of schedule?”

“No sir.”

“Then why’s it still dark out?”

“Because Princess Luna has not yet raised the sun.”

“Why not?”

“No one has awakened her. When I attempted to do so, the guards outside her room informed me that she was not to be disturbed on your orders.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, that was my fault. Go wake up Rose and Natalya. I’ll see to the princess.”

“Yes sir.”

They leave the room. Arc heads to Princess Luna’s room. The guards part to allow him to enter. Opening the door, he sees Luna still asleep. Taking a deep breath Arc cautiously walks over to the bed.

“Here goes nothing.”

Arc leans over and gently pats Luna’s cheek.

“Luna? It’s time to get up.”

She slowly opens her eyes and looks up to him.

“Arc? What is it?”

“Just a wakeup call. Sorry, but I told the guards not to disturb you. I guess they took that to mean not to let anyone wake you up this morning.”

He looks at his pocket watch.

“The sun should have been up by now.”

Luna sighs and sits up. “I’ll see to it.”

She walks over to the window and looks at the moon. Her horn glowing, it slowly sinks beneath the horizon. A moment later the sun peeks out.

“There we go.”

Arc walks over to her. “Yes well, in any case… um… are you okay?”

Luna has bags under her eyes and is moving sluggishly.

“I did not sleep well last night.”

“Was it because of your… condition?”

“…yes.”

“How about we get you some breakfast and a coffee? Busy day ahead.”

Luna puts a hoof to her forehead. “I… would actually like to rest a bit longer. You go and eat.”

“Okay. You look like you need the rest anyways.”

Arc helps her back to bed.

“I’ll come get you before we land.”

Luna nods as she lies back down. “Please do.”

Arc heads for the door and is gone. Luna rolls over and closes her eyes as she mutters to herself.

“Responsibility is… tiresome. Sister, how did you do this all these years alone?!”

Meanwhile, Arc heads to the Cafeteria. The others are happily munching away. Flash Sentry stands and salutes.

“Sir! Glad to see you in one piece!”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Princess Luna is known to be… cross in the morning. Where is she anyway?”

“She was still rather tired and headed back to bed. I’ll wake her up later.”

Natalya looks relieved. “I for one wouldn’t want to face her wrath. Morning or otherwise.”

She looks suddenly embarrassed.

“Please don’t let her know I said that.”

Arc grins. “I won’t say anything.”

Flash Sentry nods. “Nor will I.”

Rose looks to him as Arc sits down next to her. “Sleep well, Arc?”

“Okay, I guess.”

“Lonely?”

“I… just had a lot on my mind.”

Natalya nods. “This whole affair is rather stressful for everyone. Most of all her and our King I would imagine..”

Arc nods. “Is the plan still the same, Natalya?”

“Yes. I’ve already received the final confirmation from Griffonstone. We’ll land at the Skyport this time. General Blackbeak will meet us with at least one member of the Council of Lords.”

Flash Sentry looks over. “Lord Gestal?”

Natalya nods. “Most likely, yes. After all, this is quite the affair!”

“You don’t get many visitors to your country, do you?”

Natalya shakes her head. “Not really, Lord Arc. In fact, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of anyone other than you coming, sir.”

Flash Sentry looks to Natalya. “Is it a welcome change?”

“Very much so! It will be nice to have one less country to go to war with.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “War, huh? Tell me, what do you think of war, Natalya?”

“I don’t really care for the idea.”

Flash Sentry nods soberly. “Do all griffons think that way?”

“Not many, no.”

Rose appears confused. “Why don’t you agree with them?”

“Because I’ve read the history books of our land. They’re filled with stories of death and bloodshed. Things I wish to spare my family.”

“Gallus?”

“Yes. And my younger sister…”

Sometime later a Royal Guard enters the Cafeteria. He hurries over to Arc and salutes.

“Sir! Captain Tight Ship says the Griffon Kingdom is in sight. We will arrive precisely on schedule.”

Arc stands. “Thank you, guard. You are dismissed.”

He turns to the others as the guard salutes and hurries away.

“I need to get a shower and put on something a bit more regal. We’ll meet at the Main Hatch before the ship lands.”

Flash Sentry nods. “We’ll be ready, sir!”

Rose smiles at him. “Me too!”

Arc leaves the Cafeteria, returns to his room, showers, and puts on his formal attire before heading back to wake Luna. Again the guards salute and part to allow him access. He pauses to look at them.

“You are dismissed.”

“Sir?”

“I will take over guarding Princess Luna.”

They salute and leave as Arc enters the room. Closing the door behind him he sees Luna fast asleep as the rising sun beautifully illuminates the room. He walks over to the bed and gently shakes her.

“Luna? We’ll be landing soon. You need to get up.”

She groggily opens her eyes.

“Arc? Why are you back so soon?”

“It’s been well over an hour.”

Luna sits up quickly. “WHAT?!”

“We’ll probably be landing in about fifteen minutes.”

Luna jumps out of bed. “But I have to get ready!”

“It shouldn’t take long to put on your crown, raiments and hoof protectors.”

She trots in place frantically. “Yes, but I still have to do my mane!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It looks about the same as every other day to me.”

Luna runs over to the vanity and grabs a brush with her magic. “Where are my Hoof Maidens?!”

“I wasn’t aware there were any.”

Luna drops the brush and gasps. “I FORGOT TO TELL THEM TO COME!!!”

She whirls around to face Arc.

“Arc! You have to help me!”

“Help you what?”

Luna feebly attempts to do her mane by herself. “LOOK BEAUTIFUL!!!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh for crying out loud…”

He stoops down and picks up the brush.

“I’ll help.”

Arc gets to work brushing her flowing mane as Luna continues panicking.

“We’ll never have enough time! My best aides couldn’t pull this off!”

“I have an idea.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

“This is Lemon Hearts. Go ahead, sir.”

“Can the ship fly slower?”

Soarin walks over from his place beside the captain’s chair. “Um… what?”

Thunderlane cocks his head and calls out. “Yes sir. But then we’d be late.”

“Exactly. Buy us some time.”

Tight Ship turns to Thunderlane. “You heard the Hero of Light. Bring us to half speed.”

“Aye sir.”

“Thanks. Arc out.”

He touches his earring again and turns back to Luna.

“Does that buy us enough time?”

“Y-yes. It should.”

Arc holds up the brush. “Still want my help?”

Luna nods, clearly relieved. “Yes, please!”

Arc continues to brush her mane.

“How does your hair DO that?!”

“I am uncertain. It was somehow part of the alicorn transformation.”

“Does your sister’s mane do the same?”

Luna sighs. “Yes. But hers look more… regal, I suppose.”

Arc frowns as he continues his work. “Luna, I read a history book Twilight gave me. It said you were jealous of you sister getting all the attention back then.”

“That is true.”

“And you’ve been comparing yourself to her ever since, haven’t you?”

“WHAT?! NO!”

“Really? Then why so insistent on looking perfect?”

“Because this meeting is of the utmost importance! My sister would have…!”

Arc stops brushing and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Comparing.”

Luna hangs her head. “I… I wanted to be number one back then. If even for just a little while! To be loved… respected…”

“Feared?”

“That’s sadly how it ended.”

“Yes, well… now that you’re the top princess, how do you feel?”

Luna sighs. “Like I want Celestia back.”

“I know what you mean.”

Luna nods as Arc continues his task. “Arc, if I may… how did you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Resist the call of power.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You were Lord of Equestria back then. No one to challenge you. No one to overshadow you. How… why did you not take the throne permanently?”

“It wasn’t my place.”

Luna chuckles. “And you think it’s mine?”

“You’re much more qualified to lead than I am.”

“Why? Because I’m a princess?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Because you were trained and raised for the job. You and the other princesses embody all three pony races. I… I never had that.”

“You had respect…”

Arc interrupts her. “I had NOTHING!”

They are silent for a time.

“Sorry. It’s just… there aren’t many happy memories from that time. I missed my family, my home and… and…”

Luna nods soberly. “And… your fiancé?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“Arc? Can I confess something to you?”

“Now?”

“Yes. I… I’ve been thinking lately. The longer my sister is gone, the less likely she is to return.”

“Well…”

“This power arrangement may be permanent!”

“Let’s hope not.”

The frantic tone returns to Luna’s voice. “But what if it is! I saw how much it hurt you to lose your fiancé! What if… if my sister is gone for good?!”

Arc puts her raiments and hoof protectors on the vanity in front of her. “Don’t give up hope, Luna. After all, it’s all we have left at this point.”

He looks her mane over.

“You look as you always do now. I’ll let you finish the rest yourself.”

“Thank you, Arc. And I’m sorry. I honestly wasn’t trying to make that conversation about me.”

“I know. It’s hard not having someone to talk to. Hopefully I fit that bill in your mind. If even just a little. I’ll wait in the corridor for you. Then we can walk to the hatch together.”

Arc leaves the room. Luna smiles to herself.

“You do, Arc. Very nicely.”

A few minutes later Luna emerges from the room in her royal raiments.

“Sorry for making you wait.

Arc looks out the window. “Not a moment too soon. We’re landing.”

“We should hurry!”

The pair rush down the corridor toward the hatch where the others are waiting for them. Flash Sentry is wearing his Honor Guard armor while Rose is clad in her new mithril armor.

“You made it, sir!”

Rose looks out a porthole. “There’s a lot of griffons out there!”

Natalya nods. “As I said earlier, this is big news! A visiting princess from across the ocean tends to bring out the crowds!”

Arc turns to Rose as the ship touches down. “This makes me a bit nervous.”

“How so?”

Flash Sentry frowns. “It makes guarding Princess Luna that much more difficult.”

“Right. Okay, here’s the plan. Rose, you and I will walk out first. You on the left, me on the right. Then Flash Sentry and Natalya will come out and stand about ten feet in front of us.”

Luna sighs. “Then I come out?”

“Yes. But only after I give you the signal. We need to make sure things are safe first.”

Natalya nods. “Understood.”

Flash Sentry salutes. We’ll keep an eye open for trouble.

Arc looks out the window. “The chariot is waiting at the base of the gangplank. We’ll get in and take our places at the head of the procession with the griffon dignitaries. Maintain a perimeter around Princess Luna. We need to be ready to protect her should the need arise.”

Flash Sentry nods soberly. “And if something should happen, sir?”

“Defense first and foremost. After that, wait for my orders on what to do next.”

Luna looks back toward her room. “Oh no! I forgot my luggage!”

Natalya turns to Luna. “We can arrange to have it sent to the Aviary later, your highness.”

“…very well.”

Natalya walks over to Arc.

“In the event of an emergency, the troops pulling the chariot are instructed to rush us to safety.”

Flash Sentry raises an eyebrow. “Are you expecting trouble?”

“It’s a possibility. Princess Luna is certainly a high-value target.”

Rose frowns. “I’ll watch your back, Arc!”

“Never mind me. It’s her they’ll be going for.”

“But, your safety is…”

“Rose, remind me again what your Prime Directive is.”

“To see to your happiness above all else.”

“Right! Understand that if anything were to happen to Princess Luna, it would make me most unhappy.”

Rose frowns. “I… I understand. Her safety will be my primary concern then.”

Arc turns to take a final look out the porthole as they land. “Good. Everyone in position now.”

They hurry to comply. Arc looks over at Rose.

“Where’s your weapon?!”

Rose looks confused as she holds up her hands. “I have them right here.”

Natalya looks confused. “Are they invisible?”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “You probably shouldn’t use those here, Rose. It could cause a bit of a panic.”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out the Spear of Righteousness. He tosses it to Rose.

“Use this instead.”

Luna frowns. “But what will you use, Arc?”

“It wouldn’t look right for me to be armed right now.”

Natalya nods. “This is a formal occasion, after all. Just keep your eyes open, sir.”

“I’ll do that.”

Arc looks to Luna. She nods. He raises a hand and uses his magic to activate the door controls. As the door swings open, Arc and Rose step out onto the deck as planned and look around. Flash Sentry and Nataly walk out next and take their places as the crowd cheers on.

Flash Sentry visually sweeps the crowd. “All clear, sir.”

Natalya nods soberly. “Agreed.”

“Rose?”

“I don’t think my scanners are going to be of much use. Too many lifeforms, Arc.

“We’ll do it the old fashioned way then. Eyes and ears.”

He turns to look back into the ship at Luna.

“Ready?”

Luna gulps nervously. “Yes. Okay… here I come.”

She slowly steps forward. As Luna comes into view the crowds burst into ear-splitting cheers. She looks around for a moment before waving a hoof sheepishly. Arc turns to her.

“You okay?”

Luna appears ready to faint. “I… I’ve never done anything like this before!”

Arc extends an arm. “How about I escort you then?”

Luna gives him a relieved glance. “Thank you!”

She puts her right hoof in the cruck of Arc’s arm. He nods to Flash Sentry and Natalya who begin slowly walking toward the gangplank. Rose looks over the crowd with Arc. Flash Sentry mutters under his breath as they approach the chariot.

“Great… him again…”

Lord Goldstone smiles at them as he sits next to Lord Gestal. Flash Sentry and Natalya take their places at the head of the chariot with the two lord’s Honor Guards. Arc turns to Luna.

“The stoic looking griffon is Lord Gestal, head of the Council of Lords. Lord Goldstone I believe you’ve met.”

Luna grimaces slightly as she continues to smile and wave. “Sadly, yes.”

They step onto the chariot together. Arc nods to the pair.

“Lord Gestal… Lord Goldstone…”

Gestal nods. “Welcome back to our land, Hero of Light.”

Goldstone grimaces slightly. “Yes… hello again… sir.”

Gestal gestures to the front of the chariot. “Please sit up front, Princess Luna. This parade is for you after all.”

“Thank you.”

She proceeds to sit down in front of the lords as Arc and Rose stand by her side. Lord Gestal looks to the guards pulling the chariot and nods. The parade begins as Luna continues to smile and wave. Lord Goldstone leans forward.

“We are most happy to have you here, Princess Luna.”

“Thank you for having us, Lord Goldstone.”

Gestal clears his throat. “The parade will follow its route through the city before ending at the Aviary for lunch.”

Goldstone smiles insincerely. “Yes. There we can become… better acquainted.”

Luna nods nervously. “I… look forward to it, Lord Goldstone.”

Goldstone sits back and chuckles as the chariot continues at the head of the parade. Arc looks behind them before turning to Lord Gestal.

“Quite the parade you have here.”

“Yes. It is not every day we have reason to celebrate. The citizens seen to be enjoying the excitement.”

Goldstone scowls. “Yes, well… we shouldn’t make a habit of this! Such things are very costly!”

Gestal sighs. “Some things are worth the money, Lord Goldstone.”

“Yes sir. Of course. However, was it really necessary to call out so many troops?”

“Princess Luna deserves such a display, as well as proper escort.”

Arc looks ahead of them at the large number of musicians. “Quite the brass band you have there as well.”

Gestal nods. “To say nothing for the floats behind us.”

Goldstone mutters to himself. “This is costing a fortune. Luckily it will all be over very soon.”

The parade continues on its way through the many streets of the city. Eventually the gates of the Aviary loom before them. Luna lets out a sigh of relief as she whispers to Arc.

“I’m certainly glad we’re almost there.”

“Hoof getting tired?”

“Both of them actually. To say nothing for my face.”

“Your… face?”

Luna looks at him sheepishly. “I’m… not used to smiling for so long. That and I am quite hungry.”

“Well, you did miss breakfast. Not to worry, I’m sure…”

There is a sudden disturbance from the crowd. Natalya puts a hand on her weapon.

“What’s going on?!”

Flash Sentry draws his blades and looks around. “Stay sharp!”

Arc frowns. “It’s probably nothing, but…”

He looks up just in time to see a robed figure standing on the wall over the drawbridge holding a crossbow. Before anyone can stop them, the figure takes aim at Luna and fires.

“LOOK OUT!!!”

Arc quickly sidesteps in front of her. A split second later he is hit squarely in the chest by the bolt. Whirling around from the force of the shot Arc falls to his knees to block any further shots at Luna with his body. His assailant drops the crossbow and retreats out of sight. Rose hurries over with Natalya, clearly horrified.

“ARC!!!”

Arc clutches the bolt in his chest with one hand as he pushes Luna’s head down with the other. “P-protect… Luna… Rose…”

Flash Sentry and Natalya leap toward their ward and surround her as the two Lord’s Honor Guards do the same. Gestal looks to the lead griffons.

“Into the Aviary, guards! Hurry!”

The chariot makes its way quickly into the relative safety of the Aviary.

Chapter 3 - Dialogue

Arc and Luna walk down the corridor together.

“Are you certain Flash Sentry and Rose can handle her, Arc?”

“Yes. That and she IS restrained.”

Luna sighs. “I suppose so. Guess I’m just being paranoid.”

“Nothing wrong with a bit of caution. Now, what is it you wanted to show me?”

“The effects of that young griffon’s actions.”

She leads him to her room. The Royal Guards part as they approach. Luna turns to Arc as she puts a hoof on the door.

“Tell me, what do you remember of your encounter with her?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Not much. What happened?”

“Let me show you.”

Luna pushes open the door and the pair enter the room. Looking around they see quite the mess before them.

“Did… did we really do all THIS?!”

Luna nods as she approaches a smashed cupboard and taps it with her hoof. “Yes.”

“But I don’t even…!”

“You may have no memory of this time. However it certainly happened!”

Arc walks over to the crushed crossbow and picks it up as he looks around. “I really did a number on this place.”

“Yes, you two certainly did. But I don’t hold it against you. After all, you were attacked were you not?”

Arc nods. “That much I do remember.”

He looks down at the crossbow before gazing at the several bolts around the room.

“She… she shot at me several times.”

He looks around. Spotting a bolt embedded in the wall he carefully pulls it out and examines the head.

“Hmmm…”

Luna walks over to him. “What do you have there?”

“This bolt. It’s not like the one we pulled out of Cherry’s pendant OR my hand.”

“What does that prove?”

“Nothing by itself. But I can’t help but wonder why she choose this type.”

“Type?”

“Look at it. This isn’t that same strange material that gave me a shot of Sanguine Azolla.”

“You’re right!”

Arc points to another bolt near the bed.

“That one she must have shot at me from above.”

He picks up the bolt and looks it over.

“Just a normal looking bolt. Nothing special or interesting about it.”

Luna frowns. “That’s strange. I would have thought the leader of the rebels would have better equipment.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe they’re quite expensive to make.”

“Or possibly she didn’t want to be caught with them.”

“While I don’t think Lady Ashe would have to worry about any guards stopping her, it is possible.”

Luna taps a hoof on her chin. “There is one other bit from the night of the attack.”

“What’s that?”

“Assuming she really is the leader of the rebels, there should also be a very nasty knife wound on her right side.”

Arc frowns. “From our battle?!”

Luna nods as she points a hoof at the knife lying on the floor. “Yes. You stabbed her with the Dagger of Eternal Slumber.”

“I did?!”

“Yes. As I said, in her right side.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Why didn’t Nurse Redheart say anything about it?”

Luna shrugs. “Well, we did interrupt her several times. Then Ashe woke up. Perhaps she merely didn’t get around to it.”

“Wait a minute! If she IS the leader, then SHE’LL have that wound!”

Luna looks confused. “That’s what I just said.”

“No, no! Don’t you see?! That would mean Natalya was telling the truth!”

“You’re right! We have to check Ashe’s body right away!”

The pair quickly return to the Infirmary. Redheart is resting on a nearby hospital bed as Rose and Flash Sentry stand guard. She stands up quickly as Arc and Luna enter.

“Forgive me, your highness. I had a rather late night.”

Luna nods. “I understand. Tell me, did our visitor here have a knife wound on her?”

“Yes, your highness. My apologies for not mentioning it sooner.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, well… we weren’t exactly the best listeners back there.”

He turns to Rose and Flash Sentry.

“Did she give you two any trouble.”

“No sir.”

Rose looks at the prisoner. “She really can’t, being restrained like that.”

Luna looks to Ashe.

“I would like to see this wound for myself.”

Redheart gestures to the bed. “Yes, your highness. Right this way.”

She walks over to the prisoner’s side with the others and gently lifts the sheet. Ashe glares at them.

“Wha-what are you DOING?!”

Redheart looks to Ashe. “Please don’t squirm, miss. We only want to have a look at your side.”

Ashe continues to struggle. “It feels FINE!”

Redheart points a hoof at a bandaged wound before turning her gaze back to Ashe.

“Did you seek proper medical attention for this knife wound miss?”

“How could I?! The doctors would ask where it came from!”

Arc frowns. “So who took care of it then?”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “If you must know, I did!”

“How?”

“A needle and thread! At least it stopped the bleeding! It wasn’t even that bad!”

Redheart shakes her head. “You are incorrect. That wound was quite serious.”

Ashe scoffs at her. “Come now! Like I said, it doesn’t even hurt that much anymore!”

“Yes. Thanks to that bottle.”

The nurse points a hoof at a hanging IV bottle next to the bed. Arc looks at the label.

“I get the feeling you’d change your mind without those painkillers.”

Ashe shakes her head. “I’ll be fine!”

Luna turns to Redheart soberly. “Nurse, close the valve.”

“But your highness! She’ll be in unbelievable pain if I do that!”

Arc shrugs. “You heard Lady Ashe, nurse. She doesn’t need them.”

Redheart sighs. “Very well…”

She turns the valve off on the IV drip. Arc looks to Redheart.

“Why don’t you get some sleep, nurse? You’ve been up for quite some time now.”

Redheart yawns. “Thank you. I think I’ll just lie down in my office. Call if you need me.”

Redheart heads to her office and closes the door as Luna turns to Ash.

“Now then, where did you get this wound?”

Ashe again rolls her eyes at their questions. “You should know! You were THERE!”

Arc frowns. “So you admit to being the leader of the rebels?!”

“What if I am?! No one else seems to be willing to do anything to help!”

“We are!”

“HA! Equestria is just going to be another tool in our king’s bag!”

Luna frowns. “You complain that nopony helps. Yet when we do, you attack us!”

Ashe shakes her head. “You wouldn’t have been harmed! We’re not killers!”

Arc glares at her. “Tell that to the noble your fellow rebel killed the other day.”

“They didn’t follow directions! Had they done what we said…!”

Arc interrupts. “Everyone would have walked away safely?”

“Right!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Tell that to their family.”

“I will! When our land is free of tyranny everyone will see that the steps the rebels had to take were necessary to our land’s survival!”

Luna walks over to stand over Ashe. She looks the griffon in the face, angrily. “Listen to me! I have lived a long time, and made many mistakes! One of which was doing EXACTLY what you are now! And it cost my land DEARLY!”

Ashe looks away. “I admit, mistakes were made…”

Luna grabs Ashe’s face with her hooves and turns it toward her, angrily. “Ponies DIED!!!”

“Really? Your land is nothing but peaceful! Why would you…?”

“Because I was trying to ‘save’ everypony from my sister! At least that’s what I told myself at the time.”

“Oh really?”

Luna sighs. “In truth, I just wanted attention.”

Arc puts a hand on Luna’s shoulder. “None of us are perfect, Luna.”

Ashe frowns. “Look, I know what we’re doing is hurting a few. But they have to look at the big picture!”

Rose shakes her head. “So do you.”

“What?”

“Someone once showed me that you need to care for everyone. No matter who they are.”

Rose smiles at Arc.

“It’s the only reason I’m still functioning.”

Ashe turns to Arc. “That mindset will one day ruin your land! It can only lead your citizens to their doom!”

“Doubtful. I care for each and every one of them. They’re not pawns to be sacrificed on a whim.”

Ashe smirks. “The needs of the many…”

Luna interrupts her. “…outweigh the needs of the few! That line has haunted me my entire reign! Someday I will have to make the hard choices for my land! That thought keeps me awake at night!”

Ashe laughs. “I can handle it!”

Arc frowns. “Oh? And what IS your endgame in this?”

“Freedom for the Griffon Kingdom, you dolt!”

“Really? Who’s going to lead with the council and king out of the way?”

“I will! Don’t worry. I’m not planning on invading anyone!”

“I see. And if someone doesn’t like your policies?”

Ashe turns her beak up. “They will! I’ll be just and fair!”

Flash Sentry shakes his head. “You’ll just be another tyrant.”

Rose nods. “Right! Your citizens will band together to form another rebel faction.”

Luna nods. “And the cycle will continue.”

“I’ll handle it!”

Luna roughly pushes her hoof into Ashe’s wound. “Yes, you’re doing wonderfully in that regard.”

Ashe winces. “Ow! Watch it! That’s kinda tender!”

Luna nods stoically. “Remember this pain. It’s a dull one, is it not?”

“Yes!”

“Every ruler has such thorns in their side. Some more than others.”

Luna pushes harder.

“As your reign goes on, there will be more and more whom dislike you and your policies. The thorn will grow and grow… and GROW!”

Ashe grimaces. “S-stop it! That hurts!”

Luna leans in close to Ashe. “Then one day, when the populace can take no more…”

She quickly twists her hoof. Ashe screams.

“…that thorn will become the blade that ends your life!”

Arc puts a hand on Luna’s hoof. “I think you’ve made your point.”

Luna pulls back. “I certainly hope so.”

Ashe breathes heavily. “If… if that’s the case… you… your own reign… will one day… come… to an end!”

Luna turns around to walk away. “Most likely.”

“Then why…?”

Luna stops and turns her head toward Ashe. “Just trying to keep you from repeating my mistakes. It may be your destiny to rule. But be sure you’re ready before you take up such a mantle.”

The princess storms out of the Infirmary as Arc turns back to Ashe.

“She’s… very dedicated to her job.”

Ashe nods, still gasping in pain. “I… can see that.”

“She wasn’t wrong though. So many wish to lead. But very few want the responsibility that comes with it.”

Ashe grimaces. “Like the Griffon Kingdom’s current ruler?!”

“You would know more about that than I.”

Ashe glares at him

“You were there! You SAW the poverty and helplessness!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I saw them. I even partook of a certain Footpad’s food.”

Flash Sentry shudders. “That wasn’t pretty.”

Ashe glares at Arc. “Then why did you seek a treaty?!”

“Partially in hopes of making lives better for your orphans.”

Ashe sighs. “Yes. Little is done for them.”

Her body tightens up.

“W-why is the pain not subsiding?!”

Rose looks to the bottle. “I believe your painkillers are wearing off.”

Arc glances down at the wound. “I’m certain the princess’ hoof protectors didn’t help matters any. Should I call the nurse to restart your IV?”

“N-NO! Just… can you please untie me?!”

Flash Sentry frowns. “Not happening.”

Rose nods with conviction. “Yeah! You hurt Arc yesterday!”

Arc shrugs. “It’s fine with me.”

Flash Sentry and Rose speak in tandem. “WHAT?!”

“Look, I don’t think she’s much of a threat as things are.”

Ashe narrows her eyes. “I nearly took you out yesterday!”

Arc scoffs. “Hardly. If your fellow rebel hadn’t poisoned me…”

“What are you talking about?!”

Flash Sentry points a hoof at Ashe angrily. “Don’t play dumb! You poisoned the commander when you shot him at the royal banquet!”

“Are you insane?! We don’t use poisoned bolts! They’re far too dangerous!”

“Tell that to my hand!”

“I’m telling you, I have no clue what you’re talking about! Now are you going to let me up or not?!”

Arc nods. “Fine. But no trouble, or I’m punching you in the face AND putting you right back in restraints!”

“Very well.”

Arc carefully unties the griffon and helps her sit up. Ashe squeezes her eyes shut in agony as the tears begin to flow.

“Why does this hurt so much?!”

Flash Sentry rolls his eyes. “You have a hole in you for starters.”

Rose nods. “Several actually.”

Arc pats the IV bottle. “Are you sure you don’t want this?”

Ashe nods. Her voice breaking from the excruciating pain.

“Y-y-yes…”

“Very well.”

Arc turns the valve to allow the IV drip to start again. A few moments later Ashe is able to regain her composure.

“Much better!”

Arc frowns. “You’re welcome. Now that you’re feeling better, I’d like to show you something. Rose grab that IV stand and follow me.”

“Okay.”

Arc carefully pushes the bed over to a window with Rose and Flash Sentry behind them. Ashe looks out the window at the terrain below. She appears confused.

“What… where are…?”

Flash Sentry grins. “That is Canterlot, Lady Ashe.”

Her eyes remain glued to the sight below.

“It’s glorious! This is your capital city?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. We’re heading for the castle now.”

Ashe sighs. “And the dungeon, I suppose.”

“I can take you there if you want. However, you belong back with your father in Griffonstone.”

Ashe turns to Arc. Her eyes narrowed.

“What’s the catch?”

“You do me a favor, I do you one in return.”

Ashe grimaces skeptically. “What do you want?”

A short time later the ship touches down in Canterlot Castle’s Hanger. Arc and Luna step out onto the deck together. Luna turns to him nervously.
“Are you sure about this plan? We could still secretly keep her under wraps for now.”

“That would just be kicking the can down the proverbial road. We need to get her back to Lord Gestal A.S.A.P. after all.”

Luna sighs. “Very well. I’ll leave this matter to you then.”

“Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.”

Doctor Whooves walks up the gangplank with the flask from Zecora.

“Glad to see you made it back safe and sound, sir.”

He notices the bandages on Arc’s hand.

“You ARE alright, are you not?”

Arc shrugs. “More or less. I’m looking forward to putting this whole matter behind me though.”

Doctor Whooves gives Arc the flask. He takes a swig before recorking the bottle and giving it back to him.

“Thanks. The fuzzy feeling in my mind is already diminishing.”

Luna looks him over. “I’d like the doctor to examine you before the ship takes off, Arc.”

“Good idea. But would it be alright to use the Infirmary aboard ship?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “That’s fine with me. Whatever for though?”

“We… have a guest there I’d like to keep an eye on at the moment.”

Arc turns to Luna.

“I’ll let you know how this turns out.”

“Thank you. Do be careful over there.”

“I will.”

Arc and the doctor head to the Infirmary as Luna is escorted by a group of Royal Guards to the Audience Chamber. The doctor turns to Arc.

“Can I assume the trip went well?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda. Let’s just say it certainly didn’t go according to plan. But we did get a treaty signed.”

“That’s the important thing.”

“While you’re here, maybe you could look in on our other patient.”

“Certainly. Where is Chief Medical Officer Redheart though?”

“Sleeping at the moment. She had a late night surgery.”

Doctor Whooves nods. “I’ll take a look then.”

The pair arrive at the Infirmary. Ashe continues to look out the window at the various ponies scurrying about restocking the Lunar Destiny. Arc lies down on a nearby cot as Flash Sentry and Rose approach.

“Nothing to report, sir.”

“All’s well, Arc.”

“Good. Lieutenant, get some rest now. You’ve certainly earned it.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Flash Sentry leaves the Infirmary as Rose continues her vigil over Ashe. Doctor Whooves opens a drawer and pulls out a stethoscope.

“Let’s take a look at you, sir.”

“I certainly feel better. But considering the events of the past few days, we’d better make sure I’m running on all cylinders.”

Fifteen minutes later the doctor finishes.

“Everything checks out normally, sir.”

Arc stands up. “Thank you doctor. That’s a load off my mind.”

They walk over to Ashe.

“Lady Ashe?”

She turns around, clearly confused.

“Y-yes?”

“This is Doctor Whooves, the Royal Physician. He’d like to take a look at you before we get underway.”

“Very well.”

Arc hands the doctor her chart. He looks it over and begins his examination.

“Feeling any pain, miss?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. Thanks to the painkillers.”

“How about your neck? It says here you just had a tumor removed.”

“A little stiff, but manageable.”

Doctor Whooves continues with his examination before stepping back and writing on the chart. Ashe appears nervous.

“Doctor? Will I really be okay?”

He looks up and nods. “Yes, ma’am. Just take it easy in the hospital for a week and see your own doctor when you return to your homeland.”

“How long will I need painkillers?”

“A few more days at least. The hospital should slowly start to wean you off of them as the need for them diminishes.”

Arc nods. “Thank you, Doctor Whooves.”

“It was my pleasure, sir.”

The doctor turns to Ashe.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, miss. I hope you feel better soon.”

“Th-thank you.”

The doctor turns to leave. Ashe suddenly calls to him.

“Doctor!”

“Yes?”

“I was just wondering… do you enjoy doing what you do?”

The doctor looks confused. “Ma’am?”

“I mean, do you like serving as Royal Physician?”

Doctor Whooves nods. “It has been the greatest joy of my life to serve the princesses in this capacity.”

“If you had a choice, would you do anything else?”

“No, ma’am. I’m very happy in my current position.”

Ashe nods as she turns her head to look out the window. “I see. Thank you, doctor.”

Doctor Whooves nods and turns to Arc.

“If you have any more problems see Nurse Redheart at once, sir.”

“I will. Thank you, doctor.”

Chapter 18 - Taking the Initiative

Later that morning Arc and Rose sit in a small café across the street from the bank.

“I’ve gotta hand it to you, Rose. This plan is a LOT safer than the one I had in mind.”

“Thank you. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt. That and I just had the base idea. You were the one who expanded on it, after all.”

Arc's earring chirps.

“Go ahead.”

Xenos’ voice comes over the radio waves. “I’m walking up to the bank now with Max.”

“Good. Are Viktor, Hugh, and Sereb in position?”

Max nods. “Yes sir. They’re sitting in your Jeep in a parking lot a few buildings down.”

Rose gets close to Arc’s ear. “What about Ember?”

“She’s sitting in the lobby.”

Max looks over to her. “Ember just looked over and nodded. No Shard members in there.”

“Good. Now you two know what to do and say, right?”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah. Our part of this is easy.”

“We’ll take care of it, sir.”

Arc frowns.. “Good. If anything goes wrong though, get out of there.”

“Arc’s right! Don’t risk getting hurt for this!”

Xenos nods. “Yes sir.”

“I’ll watch things from over here. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and sighs.

“The Hero of Light should be the one doing this.”

Rose turns to looks out the window. “That may be. But he’s easily recognized. The others aren’t.”

Arc nods. “Yes, well… if things get out of hand I’ll head over there and help.”

“You mean ‘we’, right?”

“You aren’t bound by your directives anymore, Rose. There’s nothing forcing you to do that.”

“Agreed. But I want to help. You’ve done so much for me. Been so kind to a soulless being like me. I want to do my part to make this mission a success.”

“Thanks. But you’re more than a mechanical doll to me.”

Rose appears confused. “What am I then?”

“A friend.”

Meanwhile, Max and Xenos walk into the bank. They approach the teller on duty.

“Can I help you gentlemen?”

Max nods. “Yes, we’d like to sign up for a safety deposit box please.”

“Both of you?”

Xenos smiles. “Yes ma’am.”

The teller gives them each a form.

“Just fill these out and I’ll get each of you your keys.”

Max nods as the teller walks away. “Thank you.”

Ember looks around the room as Max and Xenos pick up pens and begin to write. She frowns.

“Did that table just move a bit?”

Ember stands up and walks toward the bathroom. As she nears the table in question there is a slight rustling. Frowning, she pushes the door open and steps into a stall.

“Someone’s out there.”

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a radio.

“Ember to Arc.”

“This is Arc. What is it, Ember?”

“I think there’s someone inside the bank cloaked!”

Rose turns and looks at the bank for a moment. “My scanners don’t show any magical items in there.”

“That may be, Rose. But your scanners are only set up to detect Equestrian magic, right?”

“Yes.”

Ember frowns. “So you might not be able to see through a human’s spells.”

“That is certainly possible.”

Arc sighs. “Great. Should we abort the mission, Ember?”

Ember shakes her head. “We’re already underway. The three of us can handle this.”

Rose appears nervous. “Are you certain? There’s no shame in calling it off.”

“Yeah. Let’s keep going.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Against my better judgement, keep at it.”

“Be careful, Ember!”

“Yes, call me if anything comes up.”

“I will. Ember out.”

She turns off the radio, puts it in her pocket, and heads for the door. As Ember walks back toward her seat she nods at Max as he looks up. He turns to Xenos.

“It’s a go.”

Xenos nods, not looking up from his paper as the teller returns with the keys. She accepts their papers and turns to her computer screen.

“Let me just input this and you’ll be all set. Will you be depositing any items today?”

“Yes ma’am.”

The teller nods as she types. “I’ll take you two back there in just a moment.”

A few minutes later she finishes. Max hands her some money for the box.

“Thank you. Here’s your receipt and your keys.”

Max and Xenos are each handed a key. The teller steps out from behind the counter and beckons them to follow her.

“This way please.”

They are led through an electronic gate and into a small room with a large number of safety deposit boxes. The teller points to a specific box.

“This will be your box. If you’ll open it now I’ll certify that it’s empty.”

The pair unlock their box and pull out the metal case inside. Xenos hands it to the teller who sets it down on a nearby table. She opens the box and looks inside.

“There you are, gentlemen. Please deposit your items and head back to the front when finished. I’ll buzz you out from my desk.”

Max nods. “Thank you.”

The teller leaves the room. Xenos turns to Max as he pulls the Shard’s key from his pocket.

“Now then, which on is it?”

Max looks down the row of boxes. “Here it is!”

He slides the key into the lock and opens the steel door. Pulling out the inner box and opening it Max finds a small leather satchel. Picking it up he turns to Xenos.

“Looks like we got what we came for.”

“Yeah. Let’s get this job over with.”

A few minutes later Max and Xenos head back the way they came. Xenos is carrying the satchel under his arm. Ember stands as they approach and accepts the bag from him.

“Here you go, dear.”

Ember smiles and takes the satchel, happily. “Thank you.”

She latches onto his arm as the trio heads for the door.

“Should we get some lunch now?”

Xenos nods. “Sounds good. I know a place nearby.”

Max waves after the pair as they leave the bank. “I’ll see you at home, sis. Have a nice date.”

Ember turns back and smiles. “We will!”

A few steps later Ember is knocked violently to the ground by some unseen force. Xenos reaches down to help her up.

“Are you okay?!”

Before she can respond the satchel is violently ripped from her grasp.

“HEY!”

Xenos reaches forward at the empty air. “What the…?!”

He grabs at the satchel. Pulling it back he feels someone latched onto it. Ember gets up.

“Who…?”

A figure in a navy blue cloak comes into view on the other end of the satchel. Xenos grabs them roughly.

“What’s the big idea?!”

Arc watches from the Café. “What the…? Wiseman?!”

Rose frowns. “What’s he doing here?!”

Arc stands up quickly. “Working for the Shards apparently!”

Rose grabs him by the hand. “He might just be a distraction. Something to bait the Hero of Light out.”

“But…!”

She pulls him gently back down into his seat. “The others are out there to provide backup if needed, remember? Trust them to handle this.”

Arc frowns as he sits back down. “I suppose so. But that doesn’t mean I like it.”

His earring chirps.

“Arc here.”

“Sir! Shall we intervene?!”

Viktor puts his hand on the door latch. “We’re still in the Jeep just down the street as ordered!”

Arc shakes his head. “Negative. Hold your position for now.”

“Sir?”

Rose nods. “Arc and I think it might be a trap to draw us out.”

Hugh nods. “Very well, sir.”

“Keep watching, but stay out of it for now. Arc out.”

Arc touches his earring and sighs as he watches the scene unfold across the street. He whispers inaudibly.

“Be careful you three.”

Rose pats his hand. “They’ve got this. Have faith in them.”

Meanwhile, the blue-robed figure drops out of their cloak. They turn to the group as Ember mutters under her breath.

“Stingray?!”

The young woman jumps up and glares at them.

“You fools have something that belongs to the Shards!”

Max hurried toward them. “What are you talking about?!”

Xenos angrily points a finger. “Yeah! YOU’RE the thief around here!”

Ember begins whining. “That bag has my stuff in it! Give it back!”

Stingray pulls the bag from Xenos’ grip.

“HEY!”

She grins smugly as she dangles the bag in front of Ember. “Mine now! You idiots wouldn’t even know what to do with this stuff anyways.”

Meanwhile, Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Viktor.”

“Here sir!”

“It’s time for Sereb to do his thing. Let him out.”

Hugh looks at the back seat as he lowers the window. “You’re up!”

Sereb grins as he jumps out the window and runs across the adjoining properties. He lunges at the bag and grabs it out of Stingray’s hand.

“What the…?!”

Growling at her, Sereb runs a short distance before ripping the bag to shreds and scattering its contents across the parking lot. Ember gasps. A horrified expression on her face.

“MY BAG!!!”

Max runs over to Sereb waving his arms. “Go on! Get out of here you mutt!”

Sereb drops what’s left of the bag and runs away. Ember looks up at Xenos as tears fill her eyes.

“That was my favorite bag!”

Xenos pulls her into an embrace. “I’ll buy you another one, my dear.”

Stingray looks over the bag’s contents strewn across the pavement. “What the…? Makeup… pocket change… a hairbrush?!”

Ember glares at Stingray as Xenos lets go of her. “I TOLD you it was my bag!”

Xenos angrily storms toward Stingray with Max. “COME HERE, RUNT! RUIN MY GIRLFRIENDS BAG WILL YOU!”

Stingray attempts to get past Xenos and grab her cloak. Sereb peeks around the building and narrows his eyes as he mutters to himself.

“No you don’t.”

Running at top speed he grabs the cloak in his mouth and runs away with it as Stingray gives chase.

“GET BACK HERE WITH THAT!”

Max turns to Xenos and Ember. “This would be a good time to leave.”

Ember nods. “Agreed.”

Xenos turns to her and grins. “You still want to go out, Ember?”

“Lay off!”

Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Viktor.”

“Right here sir.”

“Sereb will probably double back to you after he loses Stingray. Stay where you are and pick him up.”

“Yes sir.”

“I’ll see you back at home.”

Rose touches his arm. “Wait, Arc! Make sure they retrieve that cloak. I’d like to examine it.”

Arc nods. “And make sure Sereb brings you that robe.”

“We’ll see to it, sir.”

“Good. Arc out.”

He turns back to Rose.

“Something special about that cloak? Other than the invisibility, that is?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll have to examine it before I can make any conclusions. If that’s okay, that is.”

“Fine with me. I’d like to see it for myself as well. Tell me, was it the same as the one Wiseman wore?”

“Unknown.”

Arc stands up as Ember, Xenos and Max walk into the café. “Somehow I knew you were going to say that.”

They walk over to him. Arc turns to Ember.

“You okay?”

Ember nods. “Yeah, it’ll take more than being pushed by that wimp to hurt ME!”

Max lowers his voice. “Mission complete, sir.”

Xenos sighs. “Uh, Max? He watched the whole thing. Remember?”

Arc chuckles as he looks to Max. “Protocol?”

“Yes sir.”

Arc puts some money on the table as he turns back to the others. “Let’s get going.”

Xenos turns to Arc as they head out the door. “What about the others?!”

Rose giggles. “They’ll meet up with us later.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He leads them outside the café and around to the back of the building. Arc looks around.

“We alone?”

Ember nods. “I don’t see anyone.”

“My scanners show no one nearby.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Good. Let’s get home.”

The others walk through the portal. Xenos stops and turns to Ember, grinning.

“After you, my dear.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Funny.”

Xenos laughs as he and Ember disappear from sight. Arc follows them through last. A moment later they are back in Arc’s basement. Arc touches his earring.

“Arc to Viktor.”

“Yes sir?”

“The rest of us are safely back home. Any sign of Sereb?”

“Not yet, sir.”

Hugh looks out his window. “There he is.”

The pair turn to see Sereb running toward the Jeep, the robe still in his mouth. Viktor lowers the window to allow him to come in.

“You okay?!”

Sereb drops the robe and hops down onto the floor. “Fine. That banshee was faster than I thought though.”

Viktor starts the Jeep. “She must’ve REALLY wanted that thing back then.”

Hugh nods. “Then we can’t let her have it.”

Sereb pants. “Agreed.”

A short time later they arrive back at Arc’s house. Viktor enters first followed by Hugh who is carrying the robe as Sereb brings up the rear. Arc and company are sitting at the kitchen table waiting.

“We’re back.”

Hugh holds up the robe. “We brought you a souvenir, sir.”

Arc nods as he takes the garment and looks it over. “Great! Good work, all of you!”

Cherry calls out. “I was more nervous than Arc was back there!”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s not possible, Cherry.”

“Well, you know what I mean. In any case, I’m glad it’s over.”

Ember frowns. “It’s not over yet.”

Xenos nods. “Right. The Shards still have secrets that need uncovering.”

Arc sighs as he hands the robe to Rose. “Can you scan this for me? I just want to know if… you know…”

Rose nods. “I’ll do my best.”

“Thanks.”

Arc turns back to Max.

“How did it go in the bank?”

Max reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a paper bag. “The mission was a success, sir.”

Arc takes the bag. “This was everything?”

Xenos nods. “Yes sir. We put back an empty deposit box.”

Sereb chuckles. “If I may, where did you get that idea, Arc?”

“From magic.”

Ember frowns. “Magic?”

“Well, here on Earth there are people known as magicians. They’re really more like illusionists, as true magic doesn’t exist here.”

Hugh laughs. “Tell that to Mio.”

Viktor frowns. “What do they do?”

“They direct your attention where they want it. Like this.”

He walks up to Xenos and shakes his fist in his face.

“You see this, big guy? You see this?!”

Arc then taps Xenos’ belly with his other hand.

“What the…?”

“You see, Xenos was so busy looking at what was right in front of him he didn’t notice what my other hand was doing. That’s one trick a magician on Earth has.”

Max nods. “So you directed Stingray’s attention to the bag Ember had?”

“Right. She was so sure what she wanted was in there, she didn’t quite know what to do when it wasn’t.”

Ember frowns. “But she saw them go in there!”

“Yes. But them buying a safety deposit box was their alibi. She rationalized that in her mind. It made it even more confusing for her.”

Hugh laughs. “Multiple variables, sir? I like it!”

Viktor nods. “Keep her guessing.”

Ember chuckles. “All the while the real treasure was right behind us in Max’s pocket.”

“Exactly. But she would have had to go through both you and Xenos, Ember.”

Xenos grins. “Good luck with that!”

Arc shrugs. “Just another little insurance policy.”

“And my part?”

“She was off balance by that point with what was happening, Sereb. I sent you in to set her off. Get Stingray out of there so they others could get away with the goods.”

Cherry sounds indignant. “How did you know she wouldn’t catch him, Arc?”

Arc grins. “Simple. There isn’t a human alive that can outrun a dog who has a new chew toy in their mouth.”

Sereb rolls his eyes as Arc sets the bag on the counter.

“In any case, let’s enjoy our snack before we get back to work on trying to figure this whole thing out.”

They sit down together over sandwiches and cold milk before heading down to the basement. Arc sets the bag on the table.

“Hopefully we’ll get some answers from whatever’s in here.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah! I’m sick of all these secrets the Shards are keeping!”

Cherry responds huffily. “As am I. So far I haven’t seen much of anything that would show them working towards a better world!”

Sereb nods. “Agreed.”

Arc carefully reaches into the bag and removes a number of vials along with some papers. Viktor grins.

“Now we’re talking!”

Hugh looks at them nervously. ”Please tell me they’re labeled.”

Arc nods. “They are.”

Ember grins. “Perfect! I didn’t want us to have to find another piece of yet another puzzle.”

Xenos looks over the vials. “These match the numbers in the earlier instructions, sir.”

Sereb looks over the notes. “So we could mix up this concoction?”

Rose shakes her head. “That would be unwise. It is unknown what chemical reactions would undergo during the process. To do so now would be extremely dangerous.”

Arc frowns. “What do you suggest, Rose?”

“I could head back to Equestria and help Sunburst analyze these substances. If possible, I’d also like to follow these directions and mix up whatever this is supposed to be.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that kinda… dangerous? You know… like you were just telling us?”

“We have to know what the Shards are making. That and mother designed my body to be protected from most chemical burns and explosions.”

“You sure you’ll be okay?”

“Yes.”

Arc sighs as he walks over to the corner and picks up the return pad. “Fine. You and Sunburst take all possible precautions though, okay?”

“We will.”

Max puts the vials back into the bag. “You think it has anything to do with that stuff you found at the gas station, sir?”

Arc shrugs as he sets the return pad in the middle of the floor. “Probably. No way to know for sure though.”

Ember grins. “Rose gets that concoction made up, and we’ll have some answers.”

“Right.”

Arc turns to Max.

“Anything of interest on those papers?”

Max holds them up and looks at them front and back. “Blank, sir.”

Xenos shrugs. “Probably just there to cushion the vials.”

Arc takes the papers himself. “Maybe you’re right, Max. They just look like normal paper you’d find in any office supply store.”

Sereb walks over and sniffs the papers. “It doesn’t appear to be special. However I can’t shake the feeling there’s more to them.”

Ember frowns. “Yeah. The Shards are sneaky like that.”

Rose walks over. “May I see them?”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

He hands the papers to Rose. She looks over them.

“You were right, Sereb. There’s writing on here.”

Xenos’ eyes grow wide. “What?! Where?!”

Hugh looks over Rose’s shoulder. “I don’t see anything either.”

Viktor turns to her. “Is it something only your sensors can pick up, Rose?”

“I’m using the same filter as I do to see cloaked figures.”

Max frowns. “Really?! Cloaked… ink?!”

Arc nods. “Let me try something.”

He calls forth his helmet as Rose hands him the papers back.

“I see it now too! It’s a message to Stingray!”

Ember gasps. “What does it say?”

“Something about these being samples for production.”

Xenos frowns. “They’re looking to scale up?!”

Rose shrugs. “Maybe they’re trying to become a legitimate business.”

Max shakes his head. “Not likely.”

“Agreed. This has to be something sinister.”

Ember sighs. “Any other clues in there, Arc?”

“The writer of this note says they want the Shards to start producing this stuff in large quantities. They’re to be ready to act at a moment’s notice.”

Viktor scoffs. “Someone’s paranoid.”

Hugh nods. “Or in a hurry.”

Xenos sighs. “Or up to no good!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “How about all of the above?”

Arc chuckles. “Yeah, I… wait, WHAT?!”

Sereb looks confused. “Arc?”

“It says here the boss is at the safehouse awaiting delivery of these vials!”

“So?”

Max grins. “You think that’s where your friend is, sir?”

Arc nods as he removes his helmet. “Right!”

Xenos puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe he can shed some light on what the Shards have been up to lately.”

Viktor shrugs. “Worth a shot anyways.”

Hugh turns to Arc nervously. “It could be a trap though, sir.”

“I don’t think so. Leaving something like this with those vials shouldn’t have been too big a risk for them as secure as the bank was. No, I believe this is genuine.”

Ember sighs. “Fine then. What are we going to do about it?”

“Check out the only other lead we have.”

Max frowns. “The farmhouse?”

“It’s all we have.”

Sereb growls. “It would be a fitting place to hide.”

Viktor gestures to his computer. “I wasn’t able to find any pertinent images of that place, sir. It’s set too far off the main road.”

Hugh shrugs. “Maybe we could scout it out the old fashioned way first?”

Xenos nods. “That would be the safest way to do this.”

“It could also lead to Frank getting hurt if we’re spotted.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “You still think he’s been kidnapped?”

“I do. This disappearing act is just not like him.”

Rose turns to him. “Do you want me to come with you, Arc?”

Arc kneels down next to the return pad and switches it on. “No, Rose. I’d rather you went back to Equestria and helped figure out the chemistry of what it is we’re up against.”

“Very well. Maybe mother can help too. Would that be alright?”

“Fine with me. It’s up to Sunburst though.”

The device powers up and a portal forms. Rose turns to Arc as she walks toward it.

“I’ll let you know if I discover anything.

“Thanks.”

Rose enters the portal and is gone. After a few moments Arc kneels down and turns off the machine.

Ember sighs. “So when do we go?”

Arc stands back up and faces the others. “Tonight.”

Preface - Volume 1 - The Stranger

This is the tale of a human named Arc, and how he navigates the world of Equestria and beyond! You will see many familiar characters from the show and comics depicted here, as well as quite a few original characters I dreamed up to fill various roles!

Just like the show, every chapter has a lesson to be learned. Can you figure them all out? Don't feel bad if you can't though, as my wife couldn't!

Another aspect I'd like to point out at this time, is the fact that pretty much every character in this story is hiding at least one secret! Some of the more important characters, such as Arc and the princesses, have numerous secrets that will be revealed at the proper time in the story. These might include a good secret! Such as a character quietly supporting an elderly widow whose husband died years ago. Or, perhaps they are hiding a dark secret from their past! Maybe a rough upbringing? Maybe an abusive parent? Heartbreak? Loss? Who really knows?!

Lastly, I would like to give credit to the artists who drew the pictures for this story...

Preface and my portrait by LiamDeco of Etsy, who is sadly no longer in business.

Cover art for Volume 1 by ArtForPonies of Etsy, who is no longer drawing My Little Pony.

And the various pictures found at the beginning of the chapters are by an artist of Fiverr whom I hired. You can find a link to his work here... https://www.fiverr.com/drawall

In any case, I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did writing it! As of this writing, I have 12 volumes fully written! However before they can be posted, I have to translate them. While this may take some time, as I have a full time day job, rest assured I will translate the entire story for your viewing pleasure!

And now, without further ado... please read Volume-1 Chapter 1 and prepare yourself for action, adventure, suspense, drama, thrills, chills, friendship, love, loss...

...and betrayal...

REMASTERED - Chapter 4 - For Science!

One evening a week or so later Twilight and her friends, along with Lyra, carefully push Arc in a wheelchair down the road toward the library. Arriving, Spike opens the door as they wheel him across the floor and stop at the base of the stairs. Twilight turns to them nervously as Arc dozes in the seat.

“Um… so how do we get him upstairs?”

Rainbow Dash takes flight. “I could fly him up there.”

Applejack frowns. “Yeah… I’m pretty sure you’re not THAT strong.”

Pinkie gasps happily. “What if we supported his lower half while Rainbow Dash carried the upper half?!”

Rarity grimaces. “That’s still very risky.”

Lyra nods. “Yes. So much could go wrong.”

Fluttershy looks over Arch’s bandaged chest. “That and he might start popping stitches.”

Spike glances up the steps as he speaks. “It might take everypony lifting at once! After all, he does look pretty heavy.”

Twilight sighs. “I could support him with my magic to lessen the load to everypony else.”

Lyra gently taps Arc’s shoulder. “Um… excuse me.”

Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks around.

“That was a fast walk.”

Pinkie giggles. “You nodded off!”

“I did?”

Rarity nods. “Yes indeed. Sorry to wake you up, but we’re having quite a hard time figuring out how to get you upstairs to bed.”

Arc looks upstairs and shrugs. “I think I can walk up there if I take it slow.”

Applejack gasps. “In your condition?!”

“The doctor did have me walking around a bit.”

Lyra frowns. “But that was mostly just from your bed to the bathroom.”

Fluttershy nods. “Right. No stairs.”

Pinkie trots in place on the steps. “He could try it and see!”

Applejack groans. “But all it takes is one slip and he’s back to the hospital.”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “How about this then? Applejack and Rainbow Dash are the strongest so they could walk on either side to help steady him.

Rarity gasps. “But what if he falls backwards?!”

Lyra grins. “Twilight, Rarity, and I could combine our magic to stabilize him if that happened.”

Spike shrugs. “It’s probably the best plan.”

Arc nods. “I’m okay with it.”

Pinkie giggles. “Then it’s settled!”

Twilight turns to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “Take your places on either side of the wheelchair and we’ll get started.”

The pair do so. Arc grimaces.

“Um… so do I just… pull myself up?”

Rarity nods. “If you can, yes. Or we can give you a bit of a push with our magic.”

Applejack turns to him. “Put your hooves on our backs and go for it.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah. We won’t bite. Promise.”

Arc sighs. “Okay. Here we go.”

Laying a hand on each of the mares, Arc slowly and carefully stands. Attempting to straighten up though he frowns.

“Bit of a problem here.”

Fluttershy gasps. “They’re not tall enough!”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “Just put your hoof on my head.”

Applejack nods. “We can take it.”

Arc does so. Standing to his full height they begin walking. Taking each step one at a time they slowly make their way upstairs. Reaching the top Arc grimaces and slips backwards. Lyra gasps as she calls out.

“HOLD HIM!!!”

The three unicorns cast Telekinesis Spells to gently steady Arc. He regains his footing and arrives at the top. Spike hurries past them to open the guest room door. Making their way down the hall bit by bit they eventually come to their destination. Walking over to the bed, Arc’s escorts help him turn around as Fluttershy hops up on the bed to assist him in sitting down properly. Pinkie and Lyra help him lay back as Spike pulls the covers over him. Twilight looks over him as she speaks.

“That went pretty well. How do you feel?”

Arc grimaces. “A bit sore from all the moving around admittedly.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my! Are you alright?!”

“I think so, yes.”

Applejack looks to Lyra. “Maybe he needs some of those painkillers?”

Lyra nods. “Yes, the drugs from the hospital should be wearing off.”

Twilight walks over and pulls a bottle from her saddlebags. “I have them right here. Spike, would you please fetch our guest a glass of water?”

“Sure.”

As Spike heads downstairs Twilight opens the bottle and levitates a single pill over to Arc’s palm. Spike returns and heads to the bedside to extend the glass.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

Putting it in his mouth he swallows it with a gulp of water as Lyra watches intently as he does so. Twilight looks to the others.

“Well we should probably let our guest rest now.”

Pinkie materializes a cake seemingly from nowhere. “But I haven’t had time to give him his ‘welcome to Ponyville party yet!”

Applejack chuckles. “Maybe another time.”

Fluttershy nods nervously. “Y-yes, we should probably be going now.”

Rarity turns to Spike. “Would you like to come with me gem hunting, Spike? That is if it’s okay with Twilight.”

Spike nods happily. “Sure!”

Twilight looks to Spike. “It’s fine with me. Have a nice time, Spike.

Rainbow Dash heads to the door with Applejack at her heels. “I’m ready for a nap after all that work!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Walking here and helping somepony up the stairs?”

Pinkie bounces past them. “She just wants to get over to Sugarcube Corner for a snack!”

“So?! Those cupcakes are GOOD!”

A few moments later Arc is alone with Twilight and Lyra. Twilight is the first to speak.

“So… anything I can get for you?”

Arc shakes his head as he lays back against the pillow. “No thanks. I think I just want to rest for now.”

Lyra nods. “Doctor Horse said those painkillers might make you a bit drowsy.”

Twilight uses her magic to pull the covers up to Arc’s shoulders. “You just get some rest and we’ll check on you in a bit.”

She motions for Lyra to follow her out of the room. Closing the door behind them, the pair turn and grin at each other. Twilight is the first to speak.

“That went well.”

Lyra nods as they walk down the hallway together. “Agreed. Now all we have to do is observe him and record the data.”

“I am SO ready for this!”

“We’ll give him a chance to rest before beginning, of course.”

Twilight nods as she grins and holds up the bottle of painkillers from earlier with her magic.

“Honestly, we kinda have to at this point thanks to these.”

Lyra appears confused. “He did look sleepy, yes. But what does that have to do with those pills?”

“Doctor Horse prescribed these because of their side effects.”

“Oh?”

“They’ll make the patient groggy and sedated as long as they last.”

“Probably for the best. After all if any of what is believed about humans is true, we’ll need to take precautions.”

Twilight shudders. “Agreed. While he appears to be rather calm, we all saw his warrior spirit while facing that Ursa Minor.”

Lyra grimaces. “If he’s that brave when standing against such a formidable opponent, think of what he could do to a pony.”

“I’m trying not to.”

“Did the doctor make any other suggestions?”

“Well… he did suggest restraining him as much as possible. For our safety, of course.”

Lyra smirks. “But that would raises suspicion on his part.”

Twilight nods as the reach the main level. “Right. At the moment his painkillers are doubling as a restraining mechanism without him even knowing it.”

“That in and of itself may prove to be problematic though.”

“How so?”

Lyra sighs. “It may skew our data. After all, an apex predator in a cage is much less… what’s the word… ah… natural.”

“I understand that. However we need to think of safety first.”

Sometime later Arc opens his eyes. As his vision kicks in he sees two blobs in front of him. Rubbing his eyes, Arc is able to focus more clearly. Twilight and Lyra stand on either side of his bed with clipboards levitating in their magical fields. They stand there silently writing as each looks over several machines that now stand on either side of Arc. He looks to Twilight nervously.

“Um…”

Looking down, Twilight grins.

“Sorry. Did we wake you?”

“Not… really, no.”

Lyra turns to face him, pencil at the ready. “Did you really just awaken, or were you lying there for a time with your eyes closed?”

“I just woke up.”

Twilight nods as she looks to a machine. “The data checks out.”

Arc frowns. “Data?”

Reaching up, he feels several electrodes stuck to his forehead. Lyra smiles sheepishly.

“Yes. We were taking some readings from you while you slept.”

“Did that doctor put you up to this?!”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. This is for my report on humans that I’m going to write. We were recording your brainwaves.”

“But why?”

Lyra looks up from her clipboard. “Very little is actually known about humans, I’m afraid. You’re the first to ever visit to the best of my knowledge.”

Twilight frowns. “That seems unlikely. After all, the myths and legends had to come from somewhere.”

“I agree. However there’s nothing concrete regarding that either.”

Arc sighs. “Don’t I get a say in this?”

Twilight puts her two front hooves together as she smiles nervously. “Oh please let us continue. This information may be of great help to the scientific community. That and I’ll definitely get an ‘A’ on my report.”

“I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

Lyra sighs. “Technically, yes. We can’t actually force you to do anything against your will, after all.”

Twilight smiles innocently. “That’s why we were studying you while you slept. In case you didn’t approve when you woke up, we’d at least be able to acquire some data.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Just please don’t try to dissect me, or anything.”

Lyra continues recording information from various other machines. “Not to worry there. After all, you’re quite the scientific specimen.”

“Gee… thanks.”

“My apologies. That did sound rather rude. But you honestly are VERY important to our research. Especially mine.”

Arc frowns. “So what’s you take on this, miss…?”

“Lyra. I’m the head of the Equestrian Anthropology Society, and we’ve been waiting a VERY long time for a breakthrough like this.”

Twilight nods. “I suppose nopony every really thought that a human would just… show up here in Equestria like this.”

She pauses a moment before continuing.

“Could you please tell me what exactly transpired on your end to bring you here?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want to know what happened?”

“Yes. And please don’t leave any details out.”

“Details?”

Twilight nods. “I want to know your thoughts up to, during, and after the event as well.”

Thinking for a moment, Arc begins to speak.

“It was a day much like any other. I got up, did my thing, and went to bed. While I admit that I wasn’t exactly upset with my life, I did feel that there should be more to it. At the time I was in my backyard tending my garden. The first thing I noticed though was that yet another of my plants had vanished.”

Twilight sighs. “Sorry. That was probably my fault. I had thought it strange that I was only pulling through vegetables.”

Arc shrugs. “What’s done is done.”

Lyra looks up from her clipboard. “But how did that lead you to Equestria?”

“A small white light caught my eye. At first I just thought it was a firefly. But it was the middle of the day. That and it was growing in intensity. My thoughts shifted to thinking it was some other kind of natural phenomenon at that point. But then I saw it.”

Twilight appears confused. “Saw what?”

“Your basement.”

“The lab?”

Arc nods. “Yes. While my brain told me I should run, for some reason I was mesmerized by what I saw. Then something started tugging on my leg.”

Lyra frowns. “Something?”

“An invisible force was trying to pull me through that energy field.”

Twilight grimaces nervously. “That… that was me trying to grab a plant with a Telekinesis Spell.”

“I was able to sink on of my gardening tools into the dirt to anchor myself and held on for a time though.”

Lyra gasps. “Then how did Twilight pull you through? After all, humans are supposed to be fairly strong creatures by pony standards.”

Arc looks out the window and sighs. “I made a decision.”

Twilight looks to him. “Which was…?”

“To let go.”

Lyra gasps. “You allowed yourself to be pulled into Equestria?!”

Arc shrugs. “At that point it was kind of a stalemate. The force wasn’t strong enough to pull me through. But at the same time I didn’t feel as if I could escape it under my own power. So I surrendered myself to it and let myself be pulled through.”

Twilight bows her head. “Sorry about that. Was it a rough trip?”

“Rough?”

Twilight nods. “You were unconscious when you emerged from the Crystal Mirror. Spike and I kinda thought you might be dead for a few moments.”

“I do remember something poking me.”

“That was Spike. Forgive him, but he was a bit curious. He didn’t hurt you with his claw, did he?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I was more surprised than anything.”

Twilight looks his neck over. “That reminds me. Did the trip do something to your vocal cords?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Well… when you first arrived I tried to talk to you. However you didn’t respond.”

Arc sighs. “Oh. To be perfectly honest, I was in total disbelief of what I was seeing. I mean… I thought I was hallucinating, or something.”

Lyra’s eyes grow wide. “Do humans often do such things?!”

“Do what? Hallucinate?”

“Yes!”

“Not usually. I mean, unless there’s some kind of mental issue or drug use.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Drugs?”

“Chemicals that alter your mind temporarily.”

Lyra frowns. “Yes, that was one of the rumors surrounding your race. Do all humans us these… drugs?”

“No, not everyone. But many of them do have legitimate uses.”

Twilight appears surprised. “Can you give us an example?”

“Painkillers.”

Lyra raises an eyebrow. “Painkillers?”

Arc nods. “Some people need them to deal with their pain. But sometimes people will use them to make themselves feel good.”

Twilight shakes her head. “I’m glad to say that such things don’t happen here in Equestria.”

Arc frowns. “Yes, they do.”

Lyra looks up, clearly surprised. “What do you mean?”

“When I arrived, I smelled alcohol on the air and on Twilight when I carried her upstairs.”

Twilight looks away sheepishly. “Oh! Um… I don’t usually do things like that. But you see, I had been working really hard on my research project and needed some way to unwind. However it’s not a drug.”

Lyra nods. “Right. A lot of ponies have a cider of wine to celebrate or unwind. But almost nopony ever drinks so much that it impairs them.”

Twilight sighs. “Well, I guess I did.”

“Yeah. And how did it affect you?”

“I felt kinda warm and happy. Giddy almost. And… and admittedly that’s when I made the mistake of trying to pull something through the Crystal Mirror.”

Arc looks Twilight in the eye. “Physical and mental imbalance and impaired judgement.”

Twilight nods and bows her head. “Yes… I was wrong to do that. And it will never happen again. That I promise.”

“Good. I admit it’s a scary thought to imagine a creature with magical powers drunk.”

Lyra clears her throat in an attempt to change the subject. “On that note… imagination.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What about it?”

“We believe that humans are extremely clever inasmuch as they can come up with fascinating ideas for inventions, art, and works of fiction. Is this true?”

“Very. The human world is a very busy and interesting place. There’s always something to do or see somewhere.”

Twilight holds her own clipboard at the ready. “Forgive me, but I have a somewhat invasive question to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Do humans have… deep feelings?”

“Can you elaborate?”

“Well… we ponies feel happy and sad. There’s also anger, embarrassment, fear, pride, and whatnot, just to name a few. I’m asking if humans feel these things.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Are any of them felt… more than the others?”

“Well… I suppose some humans are angry more often than others. And some are prone to depression, so more sadness. From what I’ve seen so far, we’re pretty similar to ponies in that regard.”

Lyra appears skeptical. “All humans?”

“Maybe not everyone, no. Um… can I ask something?”

Twilight nods. “Sure, go ahead.”

“What… exactly do ponies think of humans?”

There is a nervous silence which neither Twilight nor Lyra try to break. Eventually Arc speaks.

“Can I assume it isn’t exactly good?”

Lyra sighs. “Human are thought to be… and I’m only referring to the general consensus now… loud, brash, violent, and egotistical.”

Arc winces. “Ouch.”

Twilight’s horn lights up as she pulls out a bottle. “Do you need more painkillers?”

“No, no. I mean… why would they think all humans are like that?”

Lyra shrugs. “That’s just been what’s believed for as long as anypony can remember.”

“I suppose some humans can be like that, of course. But many more are very nice.”

Twilight grimaces. “Sorry, but that’s how ponies view humans. But I do have to admit that you don’t seem to be like that.”

Lyra nods. “Yes, you seem to be quite… calm and collected.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

The sound of footsteps coming down the corridor ring out. The door opens and Spike hurries inside. Hurrying over to her, he breathes heavily.

“Twilight! Is everything okay over here?!”

“Um… yes. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I was worried that something might happen to you!”

Lyra shakes her head. “No danger over here. Did something happen in town?”

“N-no. I was just scared that the human might have eaten you!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Eaten?”

Spike nods. “Rarity was just telling me that humans supposedly eat meat!”

Rarity enters the room, looking rather embarrassed.

“I’m sorry for barging in here like that. But Spike was a bit anxious to check up on you, Twilight.”

Spike looks to Arc and points an accusatory claw at him. “It is true?!”

Arc sighs. “Yes, humans do eat meat.”

“But that would mean…!”

Twilight frowns. “Spike! Calm down!”

“He could eat you thought!”

Lyra shakes her head. “Spike, humans are believed to be omnivores.”

“…what?”

Twilight groans. “That means they eat both plants and meat.”

Arc nods. “I like apples, but at the same time also love a good steak.”

Rarity walks over and puts a hoof on Spike’s shoulder. “You need to have faith in Twilight’s decisions. She and Lyra know what they’re doing.”

“But I thought not much was known about human!”

Lyra holds up hear clipboard. “That is true, yes. However it’s something we’re trying to change.”

Twilight smiles. “We were just taking biological readings while asking him questions about his species.”

Arc nods. “And I was doing the same to learn about ponies.”

Spike frowns as turns to Twilight. “Well it’s better to be safe than sorry though, right?!”

“We are, Spike. These tests are all non-invasive.”

“I mean you need to be careful!”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “We’re fine though.”

“But he’s…!”

Twilight frowns. “That’s enough, Spike! Now I want you to head downstairs, make a pot of tea for us, and calm down.

“Twilight…!”

“Now!”

Spike turns and stomps out the door as Twilight and Rarity look to Arc apologetically.

“Sorry about that.”

Rarity sighs. “Yes, he’s usually such a nice little fellow.”

Twilight nods as she turns to her friend. “What happened, Rarity?”

“I’m sorry, but he was asking about humans.”

Lyra nods soberly. “So you told him the myths?”

“Yes, but I did my best to point out that Arc here doesn’t appear to be like that.”

Twilight groans. “I’ll have a talk with him about what we’ve learned from this conversation later.”

Arc sighs. “He’s just worried about you.”

Rarity bows her head. “That he is. But I didn’t make it any better by talking to him about it.”

Lyra shrugs. “Pretty much everypony believes that though. Myself included before meeting one face to face.”

She looks to Arc apologetically for a moment before continuing.

“But with a bit of work I believe we can change everypony’s mind by presenting our findings to the masses.”

Arc shrugs. “Some of what they believe is true, of course. But I’m guessing that not every pony is as nice as I’m led to believe.”

Twilight nods. “They’re few and far between, yes. But they do exist.”

Rarity smiles at Arc. “You’ve given us something to think about.”

Arc looks toward the door that Spike left open. “Some of you, yes.”

Lyra sighs. “He’ll come around. But we should probably hurry up and finish our observations of your vitals, Arc.”

Twilight looks over the machines. “Yes, you’re showing signs of fatigue according to these readings.”

“I could use a bit of a rest.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, of course. Your health comes first, and they’ll be plenty of time later for science.”

Twilight sets down her clipboard. “That’s true. Come on, Lyra. Let’s give Arc some time alone.”

“Okay.”

Leaving the room together, they look to one another. Twilight is the first to speak.

“He seems very sincere.”

Lyra nods. “Agreed. Perhaps all of us were wrong about humans.”

Rarity shrugs. “Time will tell. But I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

Twilight sighs as she hears the teapot whistle and motions for the other two to follow her. “Now to see if Spike can do the same.”

REMASTERED - Chapter 6 - Around Town

Several weeks pass. Arc grows steadily stronger as his wounds heal. One day as he, Twilight, and Rarity walk along the streets Twilight looks up to him.

“It looks like you’re doing much better.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I can walk pretty much as far as I could before.”

Rarity smiles. “That’s very good. Say, could we stop by my shop? I have something for you, Arc.”

“Sure. Lead the way.”

They arrive at Carousel Boutique. Rarity opens the door and steps aside for them to enter. Leading them into the back room she points a hoof at a bundle sitting on a workbench.

“That’s for you, Arc.”

“What is it?”

Twilight grins. “I suppose the best way to answer that question would be to open it.”

Arc nods and does so. Untying the knot in the bag he opens it and pulls something out.

“A new shirt!”

Rarity nods happily. “There’s more in there.”

Digging deeper, Arc pulls out a pair of pants and undergarments. Turning to Rarity he smiles.

“Thank you very much!”

“These should fit you a lot better than the one’s I cobbled together earlier.”

Twilight nods. “Why don’t you try them on though, Arc. See how they fit.”

Rarity turns to leave. “Yes. We’ll wait out here.”

Closing the door behind them, Arc disrobes and pulls on the shorts.

“Nice fit in the… anyways…”

Pulling the pants on, Arc looks it over as he buckles them.

“Feel even better than my old pair.”

Finally, pulling the shirt over his head Arc looks himself as he steps out of the room. Rarity appears nervous.

“How does it fit?”

“Pretty good. But how did you know how to make these? I’m quite a bit different from a pony in stature.”

Twilight grins. “I may have helped her with that.”

“Once when you were soaking in the tub I pulled your dirty clothes out of the hamper and had Spike run them over to Rarity.”

“I took all the measurements, looked over how they were constructed, and started drawing up patterns.”

Arc smiles as he looks himself over in a floor to ceiling mirror. “Well, you certainly nailed this outfit.”

Rarity points a hoof toward the back room again. “That was only one set. I sewed you up a few more of everything. They’re in another sack back there.”

“Again, I thank you. But I need to pay you back for this.”

Twilight chuckles. “Guess you’ll have to settle for and I.O.U, Rarity.”

“It’s fine, Arc. We all know you came here with nothing but the clothes on your back.”

Twilight bows her head. “If anything I’ll pay for them. After all, you are my responsibility.”

“While I appreciate that, I should probably look into getting a job.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t think any of the shops are looking to hire on help at the moment.”

Twilight looks to Rarity. “What about outside of town?”

“Wherever would you mean?”

“Sweet Apple Acres just started their fall harvest. They never have enough hooves to gather everything before the first snowfall.”

Rarity gasps. “But Arc’s not strong enough to work on a farm!”

“I think I can manage.”

“But what about your injuries?!”

Twilight smiles. “I’m sure Applejack wouldn’t make him do anything too strenuous. After all, she knows exactly what happened to him.”

Arc sighs. “That and I don’t think anyone else would want to hire me.”

Rarity frowns. “Don’t give up, Arc. They just haven’t gotten to know you like we have.”

“Oh, I do understand that. After all, I still clear the streets every day.”

Twilight groans. “We’ll have to find a way to change that at some point.”

“Yes, Twilight. Now then I don’t mean to cut this short but I need to head over to Fluttershy’s cottage to make a delivery.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Clothes?”

“Oh no. She asked me to come up with a myriad of different sized… um… bibs.”

Twilight appears confused. “Bibs?”

Rarity nods. “Fluttershy says that some of her animal friends are slobbering food all over themselves when they eat. That causes a lot of cleanup time for her after meals.”

Arc looks over to her. “I could bring it to her.”

Twilight gasps. “That might not be the best idea.”

Rarity sighs. “Agreed. She lives on the outskirts of town near the Everfree Forest, after all.”

“Is it dangerous?”

Twilight shakes her head. “As long as somepony stays out of the forest itself, yes. But you shouldn’t go alone.”

“Agreed. If you were to be hurt, nopony would help you.”

“I can be really careful.”

Twilight sighs. “Well… I’ll go with you. You’ll need somepony to show you the path anyways.”

Rarity nods. “Very well. I’ll get her order.”

Heading into the back room, Rarity returns a few moments later levitating a two burlap sacks. She passes the small one to Arc whom throws it over his shoulder.

“She’s already paid for them, so no need to collect anything at the time of delivery. This other sack is some spare outfits for you, Arc. But I recommend you pick them up another time. No need to be traipsing around with them.”

Twilight nods. “Okay. See you for tea tomorrow, Rarity.”

Arc waves as the head out the door. “Bye. And thanks again for the clothes.”

Rarity closes the door behind them and sighs as she turns back to her desk.

“I do hope those clothes will help him look more Equestrian as well. What he had on was a bit… much for ponies.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Twilight make their way down the road toward the edge of town. As they pass through the Town Square Arc spies numerous eyes peeking out at them from nearby windows.

“I think we’re making progress.”

“In your recovery?”

Arc shakes his head. “They’re looking out their windows this time.”

Twilight sighs. “Well… they can’t keep it up forever.”

“I guess I can’t really blame them, of course. But at the same time I’ve been here for a while now.”

“Newcomers to town sometimes have it a bit rough.”

“How do they move past it?”

“Pinkie throws them a ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party’.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A… what?”

“It’s exactly what it sounds like.”

“So… she throws them a party. A literal party?”

“Yes. She’s been asking me for a while now when she could do that for you.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“You’ve been doing a lot of resting though.”

Arc looks to Twilight warily. “What did you tell her?”

“Just that you’re not yet strong enough for something like that.”

Twilight sighs before continuing.

“That and I question just how many ponies would actually show up.”

“Fear?”

Twilight nods and bows her head. “Yes. Partially my own though.”

“You’re afraid of me too?”

“No, no. I meant… I was afraid that you’d be alone at the party. That nopony would want to come. And that you’d feel really bad about that.”

Arc sighs. “While I appreciate the thought I still wouldn’t mind having a party. That is, if you think it would help.?

Twilight shrugs. “It might, yes. But Pinkie’s the town’s Party Pony, not me.”

A short time later they arrive at Fluttershy’s cottage. Arc looks over the innumerable bird feeders out front as he turns to Twilight.

“She must really like birds.”

“Just wait until you see the inside.”

“Um… is this a tree or a shrub?”

Twilight shakes her head. “It’s a magically enhanced sod roof. Fluttershy says that it helps her animal friends feel more at home.”

“Probably helps with the utility bills too.”

“It’s very… cozy.”

“Is that a good or bad thing?”

“That depends on your point of view.”

“Oh?”

Twilight snickers. “You may have to duck.”

Walking up to the front door, Twilight knocks lightly. A few moments later Fluttershy answers. She looks only slightly nervous at Arc’s presence.

“H-hello there.”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “Hi, Fluttershy. Rarity asked us to bring you this order.”

“Oh good! These should be useful!”

Arc steps forward and holds out the sack. Fluttershy slowly reaches forward and takes it as she looks to Twilight.

“Thank you very much.”

“Arc carried them here after volunteering, so it’s more to his credit than my own.”

“Well, thank you, Arc.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Fluttershy steps aside. “Won’t you two please come in?”

Twilight and Arc step inside the house. Arc ducks down to make it inside the rather low door. Looking around he spies a very cozy little living area. Small animal beds lie all around the perimeter of the room. He even notices several mouseholes that appears to have been put there by Fluttershy on purpose. She motions for them to follow her.

“Please excuse the mess. We haven’t had time to clean up.”

Twilight looks around. “Where are all your animals, Fluttershy?”

“Oh, they’re outside right now. The days are getting cooler and shorter. I’m using this opportunity to make sure they get some sun.”

Walking through the house, they come to the back door. Opening it, Fluttershy leads them into her backyard. Several coop-like buildings are lined up with chicken wire surrounding them. She gestures to a small patio with a table and chairs.

“Please, won’t you two sit down.”

Twilight and Arc do so. Fluttershy motions toward the trees. Calling forth a number of birds, they hover around her for a few moments before landing in her mane.

“Can I get you two anything? Some tea? A snack?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No thank you. We just had breakfast before setting out.”

“I’m still full as well.”

Fluttershy nods. “That’s good. Tell me, how are things going for you, Arc?”

“Physically I’m doing okay. Mentally I’m going a bit stir crazy lying around though.”

Twilight sighs. “It’s probably for the best that you’re able to move around now.”

“Yeah. I could only lie in bed reading for so long.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Twilight could do so indefinitely.”

Twilight smiles. “That would be an interesting experiment. However, I did want to ask you something, Fluttershy.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Arc is still being shunned by the townsponies. Do you have any ideas on how to go about fixing that?”

“Have you tried having Pinkie throw him a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That must be some party.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Due to his species I don’t think anypony would show up to it.”

“You may have a point there. What have you tried so far?”

“Twilight’s been having me walk around town with either her or Rarity pretty much as soon as I could walk properly.”

Twilight nods. “I thought that if everypony could see him on a regular basis that they might get used to him.”

Fluttershy taps her chin with a hoof soberly. “Yes, that does make sense. But you’re trying to overcome a LOT of well entrenched stereotypes.”

Arc sighs. “That I’ve been told.”

“Rarity sewed him some news clothes. That seemed to help a little.”

“They do look very nice, yes. But what does that have to do with the other townsponies accepting him?”

Arc sighs. “They at least looked out their windows at me.”

Twilight nods. “While it’s a step in the right direction, I know we can do more for him.”

Fluttershy sighs. “I still think he should just have that party. After all, Pinkie Pie is quite good at what she does.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Maybe she’s right. After all, why deviate from a tradition that works?”

“But what if nopony shows up?! You’ll be…!”

“If that happens then I’ll just have a nice time with you and your friends, right?”

Fluttershy nods. “We’d all come, of course.”

“Are you sure that you wouldn’t be sad if zero guests show up?

“I’m sure.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Then I guess the only thing to do would be to go see Pinkie.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. When though? I mean… do we have to make an appointment, or something?”

Fluttershy shakes her head as she smiles at Arc. “Not to worry. She’s never too busy to talk about parties.”

Twilight nods. “It’s what makes her special. So… no time like the present!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want to go now?”

“Sure. Like Fluttershy said, this is probably the only way. So the only question now is… are you feeling up to it?”

“I guess so.”

Fluttershy stands up, causing her birds to flutter away. “Then let’s go.”

“You want to come too?”

“Sure. I’m going to be part of the party anyways, Twilight.”

Arc sighs. “Not sure if this is a good idea or not, but let’s get it over with.”

They stand and begin to walk back toward town. Fluttershy looks to Arc.

“Um… do you have something against Pinkie Pie, Arc?”

“No, no. It’s just… she’s so… um… what’s the word…?”

Twilight looks over. “High energy?”

“I guess that’s one way to put it.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Is that a problem?”

“Not really a ‘problem’. She just comes across as being really… pushy about getting things done her way sometimes.”

Twilight sighs. “Well, she is the best at what she does. No doubt about that. So please listen to what she has to say with an open mind.”

“I’ll try.”

Continuing on their way, they eventually come to Sugarcube Corner. As they approach several ponies scatter in all directions. Arc sighs as Twilight looks up at him.

“She’ll think of something.”

Entering, they find Pinkie at the counter filling the display case with her mane (yes, with her mane). Arc raises an eyebrow.

“I didn’t know ponies could…”

Fluttershy giggles. “Just Pinkie can.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes. I tried studying it and got nowhere though. After all, her mane doesn’t have tendons, ligaments, nerve endings…”

Pinkie bounces over to them. “But it still works!”

Fluttershy nods. “That it does.”

“So what brings everypony here today?! The new special?! It’s…!”

Twilight interrupts her. “No, Pinkie. We were just talking about ways to make Arc here more… culturally accepted.”

Fluttershy nods. “Twilight and Rarity have been taking him out for daily walks as part of his recovery.”

Arc sighs. “But ponies still flee at the sight of me. Even after weeks of seeing me around town.”

Pinkie puts a hoof on her chin as a serious look crosses her face. “How you tried talking to them?!”

“No time to do so before they run away.”

“Huh…! You DO have a problem then!”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Yes he does.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “So can you help him, Pinkie?”

“Sure! All it’ll take is a… PARTY!!!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Kinda thought you’d say that.”

“I’ll get to work planning something AMAZING!”

“Oh, but I don’t need…”

“Sure you do, silly! After all, you’re the first human to come to Equestria! You need a BIG party!”

Fluttershy sighs. “Please don’t make it too big.”

“Why not?!”

Twilight frowns. “Just in case nopony shows up.”

“But who can resist a party from PINKIE?!”

Arc bows his head. “One being hosted for a beast I would imagine.”

Pinkie shakes her head. “You just leave everything to me! I’ll give you something to remember! That is if you don’t mind waiting a bit!”

Twilight appears confused. “Waiting?”

“I’m booked solid for two weeks out! Everything from birthdays to cute-ceañeras to retirement parties! But I also need some extra time to plan something special!”

Arc nods nervously. “Well… thanks.”

She walks them to the door and outside to the front stoop. Waving after them Pinkie calls out.

“Trust me, you’ll love it!”

Arc, Twilight, and Fluttershy walk away from the shop. Those watching murmur to one another. Looking around Arc frowns.

“Uh… do you two hear that?”

Twilight sighs. “Yes.”

Fluttershy turns to her. “I forgot about your keen sense of hearing, Twilight. What is it they’re saying?”

“Gossip.”

“What about?”

Arc sighs. “Probably me.”

Twilight pricks up her ears. “Actually… I’m hearing more about…”

Suddenly a small filly runs over to them levitating a sack. She hurries over to Twilight and holds it up.

“Twilight!”

“Hey there, Sweetie Belle.”

Fluttershy looks at the sack. “What’s the hurry?”

“Rarity asked me to run down to your cottage and give this to Twilight.”

Twilight appears confused. “What is it?”

“She said it was something called socks and undergarments. Not really sure what that means, but they’re light.”

She looks up at Arc and smiles nervously.

“Um… hello.”

Arc waves slightly. “H-hi.”

Fluttershy turns to Arc. “You’ve never met Sweetie Belle, have you?”

“Arc shakes his head. “Nope.”

Twilight giggles. “She’s Rarity’s little sister. Sweetie Belle, this is Arc. Arc… Sweetie Belle.”

“So you’re the human everypony is talking about.”

“Guess so.”

Sweetie Belle looks him over and frowns. “I don’t get it.”

Fluttershy cocks her head to one side, confused. “Get what?”

“What’s supposed to be so scary about him.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe it’s the height difference.”

Twilight sighs. “Most likely the sight of something new.”

Arc looks to Sweetie Belle. “But you’re not afraid of me, are you?”

“Nope. But Rarity did warn me about what you looked like.”

Fluttershy nods. “It was probably so you wouldn’t run away screaming in the middle of town.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Why would anypony do that?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. Why would everyone clear the streets every time I go to take a walk?”

“Good point.”

Sweetie Belle nods and levitates the sack over to Arc. “Well, in any case, here you are.”

“Thanks.”

Twilight smiles. “Say ‘hi’ to Rarity for us.”

“I will!”

The filly bounds away happily as Arc and company continue on their way. As they reach the edge of town Fluttershy turns to Twilight.

“So what was everypony saying back there?”

Twilight frowns. “The whispers?”

“Yes.”

“You probably don’t want to know.”

“Was it bad?”

“Not… exactly.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Then I’d like to know.”

“Well… everypony I heard talking was commenting about you walking with us, Fluttershy.”

“Me? But I’m nopony special.”

Twilight shakes her head. “They were commenting about how you didn’t seem to be afraid of Arc.”

“But why would I be?”

“Remember, you have a reputation for being… overly cautious.”

Arc appears confused. “What does that have to do with it though?”

Twilight turns to him. “Everypony was a bit more at ease when they saw that Fluttershy wasn’t scared. Then when Sweetie Belle reacted the same way, it made everypony a bit calmer still.”

Fluttershy appears confused as she turns to Twilight. “But that’s a good thing… isn’t it?”

“Yes. I means our plan to make everypony more comfortable around Arc may yet bear fruit.”

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 14 - A New Hope

Derpy awakens on the couch still in Arc’s arms. The gray mare looks at her friend lying there, sadly.

“I'm sorry for not being able to save you, my friend. I don't know if humans... bury their dead, but I’ll see to it you have a proper funeral by pony standards.”

Derpy can almost hear Arc's voice as she lays her head sadly on his chest and begins to cry.

“I appreciate the thought, but... I'm not dead yet.”

Amazed, Derpy raises her head to see Arc smiling back at her. With tears in the corners of her eyes, she returns the smile with one of her own.

“But, how?! I... I watched you die!”

“It appears one can’t die in a dream here either. I see you were able to vanquish Regret. Impressive!”

“Arc, I... um... I'm not sure what I should say other than... thank you!”

He picks Derpy up, careful to avoid her stomach, and sets her down on the couch next to him as he glances at the clock.

“That may have felt like an eternity, but it looks like only a few hours have passed. Hungry?”

“I'm starving! Is there any more soup left?”

Arc stands up and walks toward the kitchen. “Let me check the fridge.”

There is enough soup for each of them to have another bowl. Derpy eats hungrily.

“Food hasn’t tasted this good to me before!”

“I guess you just had to get that weight off your shoulders, huh?”

Derpy laughs. “I guess so!”

Arc looks in Derpy’s direction. Suddenly a dazed and confused expression crosses his face. She smiles at him.

“Let me guess. It's the first time you heard me laugh?”

Arc points toward the fireplace. “There is that, yes, but…”

Derpy turns to look. Her heart nearly stops at the sight before her. The Spear of Hope is hanging neatly over the mantle. She stares at the spear, wide-eyed.

“How in Equestria did THAT get here?! I left it behind!”

“Can I assume this is not a normal event in Equestria?”

“Not that I know of!”

Arc looks back to Derpy. “I’ll ask Twilight about it when next I see her.”

“Who is Twilight?

“The pony who runs the Golden Oaks Library in here in Ponyville. Twilight Sparkle is also the one who is responsible for my being in Equestria.”

Derpy smiles at him as she goes back to eating. “I'll be sure to thank her for that later!”

There is a knock at the door. Arc stands up and walks toward the Living Room. “I’ll answer it. You keep eating.

“Okay!”

Arc opens the door. The moment he does a small purple blur darts past him. He closes the door and looks down at the visitor.

“Hi Spike.”

The little dragon’s teeth chatter as he rubs his claws together. “Sweet Celestia is it cold out today! Twilight had me bring some supplies to Fluttershy's cottage. I just wanted to stop by and warm up a bit before heading back.”

“Actually Spike, I need you to do something for me. I learned all about our robed friend here. But now I really need
Twilight's advice on a mysterious item I uncovered.”

“Really? That’s great!”

Arc opens the front door again. “Now hurry and get Twilight! I'll explain everything when you get back!”

Spike rushes out the door with his assignment as Arc returns to the Kitchen. Derpy nears the bottom of her soup.

“Who was it?”

Arc sits back down. “Spike. Twilight’s dragon friend.”

She looks up at Arc astonished. “There are DRAGONS living in Ponyville?!”

“Just him. And he's just a baby. I told him to go fetch Twilight. Hopefully she can shed some light on that mysterious Spear of Hope as you called it.”

Derpy looks over at Arc apprehensively. “It's just... I'm a bit nervous about meeting somepony... and a dragon.”

Arc smiles at her. “Don't worry. Twilight is a good friend of mine. You can trust her.”

Returning the smile. “Well… okay. If you say so.”

Derpy finishes her soup but still looks hungry.

“Want some more?”

“Yes please!”

Arc picks up his bowl and hands it to Derpy. “Here. You can have the rest of mine.

“Thank you!”

As Derpy takes the bowl from Arc she suddenly doubles over in pain. The bowl crashes to the floor, along with the mare herself. Arc jumps up and rushes over to her.

“Derpy?!”

Gasping for breath, the mare looks up to him, clearly frightened. “Arc! Help… me….!”

He kneels down next to her. “Is it time?!”

Derpy looks to him and nods. “Yes… I think so…”

Arc looks out the window to see the sun has set and a bona fide blizzard has swept in. He turns back to Derpy.

“I was afraid this would happen. The weather won't allow us to leave the house.”

Derpy looks up at him. A fearful tone in her voice.

“What do we do now, Arc? I'm scared!”

Arc picks her up. “Don't worry, Derpy! Everything will be fine! I know what to do!”

He lays Derpy carefully on her mat in front of the fire. Arc then runs to his room and returns a few moments later carrying his satchel and the pail.

“I should have everything I need here!”

Arc pushes everything off the table in one sweep of his hands. He then makes a crude bed on the kitchen table with a couple blankets before returning to the Living Room and carefully picking Derpy up.

“Alright Derpy, up we go…”

Laying her on the table, Arc puts a pillow from the couch under her head before covering her with a blanket.

“Comfy?”

Derpy weakly nods. Arc gets to work putting a large pot of water on the stove. Setting out the Tin Bucket, the Ball of String, the Bottle of Rubbing Alcohol, opening the Med-Kit and opening a book at the end of the counter. He then sits down in a chair next to Derpy.

“We should have a bit of time now. You still hungry?”

She smiles over at him weakly. “Actually yes.”

Arc pulls a couple apples out of his satchel and cuts them into manageable chunks with his Hunting Knife. He then hand feeds Derpy the pieces one by one. Derpy looks over at the carefully selected supplies on the counter.

“Arc? How did you know what supplies to buy? Have you done this before?”

He holds up a foal-bearing book. “Nope. But I pretty much memorized this. Been reading it pretty much all week.”

Derpy closes her eyes and sighs. “Thank you, Arc. You’re so good to me... and I have done very little to earn that...”

“Derpy. Friendship isn't something you have to earn. It's about being there for others when they need you! However... right now, I need this...”

He reaches into his satchel and pulls out the Can of Coffee.

“…as it looks like the water on the stove is ready.”

“Looks like you thought of everything. I’m glad you're here with me, Arc. To tell the truth, I was really scared I would have to do this alone.”

Arc pats her hoof. “Don’t worry. I’m here.”

He holds a cup of coffee in one hand and strokes Derpy's mane gently with the other. He notices she has closed her eyes and is smiling.

“Derpy?”

“I'm fine. It's just... well... no one has ever done anything nice for me without wanting something in return. I've never even had my mane stroked before. It's really comforting!”

Derpy suddenly gasps in pain.

“It… it’s time!”

Arc stands up quickly and tosses the cup of coffee in his hand to the side. “I’ll take my place at the end of the table!”

He gently pushes the blanket up and pushes the mare’s hind legs apart. Gently he moves her tail to one side. She looks to the side of her at Arc's empty chair and stretches a hoof out towards it.

“I wish... he was here to hold my hoof right now...”

Arc takes one of her rear hooves in his hand and gives it a quick squeeze. “I wish your foal’s father was in that chair right now too Derpy. But I'm here for you.”

Arc looks between Derpy’s hind legs. “Now listen to me Derpy. I'm going to put my hand on your stomach and feel for the right contractions. I'll tell you when to push. Okay?!”

Derpy cries out in pain.

“Now Derpy! Push!!!

She screams like nothing Arc has ever heard before.

“You're doing great, Derpy! I can see the tip of a horn! It's a unicorn!”

Derpy gasps for breath between contractions. “I can’t… I just can’t do it!”

Arc again puts his hands on Derpy’s stomach again. “I saw your mother do it for you, Derpy! Now it's your turn! Again! PUSH!!!”

Sweat pours down her face. Blood from the delivery begins to flow down the end of the table and onto the floor. Arc leans over to the book and quickly flips through the pages.

“Argh, this isn't going to work! You’re... uh... just too small for this!”

Derpy raises her head to look at him as best she can. “Arc... please! I don't.... I don't care what happens to me! Just please... make sure my baby... is... is safe!”

Arc quickly puts his Hunting Knife in the fireplace, grabs the bottle of Rubbing Alcohol and pours it on a rag to clean Derpy's nether regions. Then he rubs it down with a local anesthetic before throwing the rag and other detritus into the Tin Pail.

“Okay, no more pushing! We only have one shot at this! I'm sorry, but this is going to hurt like crazy! That and you cannot under any circumstances move! You understand?”

Derpy nods silently. Arc puts a wooden spoon handle in her mouth.

“Bite down on this.”

Derpy obeys wordlessly. Arc grabs the Hunting Knife out of the fireplace and reaches inside Derpy to make sure the foal’s head is not too close.

“Okay, here come the knife. Remember, don't move!”

Arc makes a quick incision to widen the hole. The air is suddenly filled with the scent of burning flesh as the wound is cauterized as fast as it is cut. Derpy screams in agony as she bites down hard on the wooden spoon, but forces herself to remain still. Arc tosses the bloody blade to the side and reaches toward Derpy’s flank as a small horn peeks out again.

“Almost... there...! Give me a big push! Everything you’ve got!”

Sweat and tears roll off Derpy's face. Her body shakes uncontrollably from the extreme strain of pushing.

“I see the head! Keep going! Don't stop!”

Derpy lets out a blood curdling scream as Arc carefully reaches in and pulls on the foal very gently.

“There we go!”

The foal emerges. Arc uses the Ball of String to tie two knots in the umbilical cord before cutting between them.

“Congratulations Derpy! It's a filly!”

Derpy smiles weakly.

Arc looks down at the squirming newborn filly. “Alright, let's get you cleaned up...”

Suddenly… the filly stops moving! The blood drains from Arc’s face.

“…oh no…”

Derpy looks over, weakly. “What… what’s wrong?”

Arc runs over to the table, and with a quick sweep of his hand knocks the medical supplies off and lays the newborn on her back next to Derpy on a folded blanket.

“She’s stopped breathing! I can’t feel a pulse!”

Derpy begins to cry. “No… please…”

Arc pushes gently on the center of the filly's chest over and over again. “Come on, little one!”

He tilts the filly’s head back and places his mouth over her nose and mouth and exhales into her before resuming CPR.

“…come on little one! Fight!

A gagging noise is heard from the newborn. Arc quickly turns her head to the side and sweeps the fluids out of her mouth with his finger. She coughs several times before starting to cry.

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Phew! That was too close!”

He turns back to Derpy.

“She’s back with us.”

Derpy lies back on her pillow as tears of sadness are replaced by tears of joy. After cleaning up the filly with some warm water Arc wraps her up in a blanket and hands her to Derpy. She accepts her daughter and holds the bundle of joy in her hooves.

“Hello little one! Thank you Arc! Looking into my little filly's sweet face makes all that pain and suffering worthwhile!”

“I'm glad your filly is safe Derpy. But we're not quite finished yet.”

“Huh?”

Reaching into the Med-Kit, Arc pulls out a needle and surgical thread as he walks back to Derpy's hindquarters.

“You're still bleeding all over the table.”

Arc wipes away the blood as best he can, applies more local anesthetic, and begins to sew Derpy back together.

“I'm sorry for the patchwork job, Derpy. When Twilight gets here, I'll have her run to the hospital for some real medical help.”

“I'm just glad everything worked out in the end.”

As Arc gets to work. “As am I.”

A few minutes later Arc stands up and walks back over to Derpy’s side. “Well, that's the best I can do. The hospital can surely fix it better than I can. I was worried for a bit there that you might bleed out. Anyways, Twilight should be here any time now.”

The newborn filly has long since nodded off to sleep. Derpy seems to be close to slumber as well.

“I think the loss of blood has finally caught up with me. Just... feel so... weak.”

“Want me to take her so you can rest?”

Derpy shakes her head. “In a few minutes. I just want to hold her a little longer. She's just such a dinky little thing!”

Derpy’s eyes widen and she smiles broadly.

“That's what I'll name her! Dinky! Dinky Hooves!”

She hands Dinky over to Arc weakly. He puts her in his own bed. As he closes the bedroom door behind him and slowly returns to Derpy’s side.

“There we go. I put an extra log in the stove, so she’ll stay plenty warm. I hope the two of you will make many happy memories together.”

Derpy looks up to Arc happily albeit in a tired voice. “You mean the three of us.”

“I would be honored to be a part of raising little Dinky.”

Arc walks over to the spear above the fireplace and picks it up before returning to Derpy’s side. “I hope Twilight can tell us something about this weapon when she gets here. It’s strange. Just holding it, I feel I could accomplish anything. You were right to call it the Spear of Hope, my friend.”

The front door suddenly bursts open as Twilight and Spike rush in. The pair run through the Living Room and toward the kitchen.

“Arc! I came as quick as I could! What's...?!”

Twilight screeches to a stop and gasps as she sees the blood-covered table, items that had been thrown off the table in the haste covered in blood, a blood-soaked mare on said table, and Arc himself covered in blood from head to toe holding a spear. Twilight appears momentarily traumatized as she takes the bloody scene in. She glares at Arc, horrified.

“ARC!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE???!!!"

Spike runs in behind her. “Sweet Celestia! What happened here?!”

Arc takes a step toward Twilight. “It’s not what you think! I can explain…”

“ENOUGH!!!”

A barrier suddenly forms around Arc, preventing him from escaping. Derpy attempts to cry out, but is too weak from labor and loss of blood to even move. All she can manage is an inaudible whisper.

“No… stop… it.”
"Arc shouts as he continues to pound on the barrier to no avail. “Twilight! Wait! Let me…!”

Twilight casts a spell to momentarily silence Arc. “I never told you this, but Princess Celestia once taught me a lesson on mythical creatures. She told me about humans! How they were inherently evil! How they cared NOTHING for the land or the creatures who dwelt there! How they cared little even for other human life! I... I couldn't believe any creature could be so... so VILE! She must have been wrong, or so I thought. But, after seeing this atrocity I now know what I have to do.”

Her horn aglow, Twilight opens a portal revealing a dark, bleak landscape covered in burning sulfur pools. Twilight slowly pushes the barrier toward the portal with her magic.

“I wasn't able to find a way to send you home. But at least I can send you somewhere you'll NEVER be able to hurt anypony ever again!”

Arc turns to take one final look at Derpy. He puts his hand on the barrier. Derpy uses all her strength to shakily raise her hoof a few inches toward him. Having been silenced Arc can only mouth the words.

“I'll see you again... someday.”

Twilight, thinking Arc was talking to her, glares at him. “I doubt that! You have a lot to think about!”

The barrier carries Arc closer to the portal. Just before Derpy loses consciousnesses she sees Arc smiling at her with tears in his eyes.
“He... wanted... to see me... off... with... a........s...m...il...e.”

Arc looks back to Twilight one last time to mouth the words.

“Goodbye my friend.”

He vanishes through the portal as it closes behind him. Twilight sadly walks over to the bloody mare on the table.

“I'm sorry I wasn't able to arrive sooner. I might have saved you from...”

Derpy lets out a small cough.

“Spike! I think she's still alive! Run to the hospital and get help! Hurry!!!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Spike hurries out the front door while Twilight does her best to help the bloody mare.

Preface - Volume 2 - The Wanderer

In the previous volume, Arc was pulled into Equestria by none other then Twilight Sparkle! She houses and provides for him after an Ursa Minor nearly kills him. After his recovery, he goes to work with Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. During a delivery he discovers there are many around town who have asked for aid from the towns Writ Board. When Applejack informs him there is no one to take care of the jobs he volunteers to help as many as he is able to!

Later, Arc moves from the Golden Oaks Library to renting a small room from a strange robed pony. He learns what he can about her, before finally confronting the mare about her deep dark secret! The mare is actually none other than Derpy Hooves! A young mare, thrown out by her abusive father and forced to try and make it on her own!

Arc takes care of her by providing food, warmth, furnishings and the most important aspect of life... friendship. After feeding Derpy, he confronts her about his findings! The robe is torn, and Derpy's body is laid out! Exposing the truth she tried so very hard to hide from everyone! Her belly... a constant reminder of what she believes to be her fault! However, Arc is able to convince her that she is not to blame! Showing Derpy that those who took advantage of her are truly the ones to blame!

They share a dream in which Derpy must nightly face her past and relive the terrible events that led her to this point in her life! Arc, the first one to EVER show Derpy the meaning of friendship, is summarily "killed" in said dream protecting his new friend. A creature of light gives Derpy what it refers to as the Spear of Hope! Derpy uses its power to conquer her fears and put to rest her sordid past!

Later that very day, she goes into labor. Arc, unable to get Derpy to the hospital, delivers her foal as best he knows how! The filly nearly dies in his arms, as Arc tries desperately to save her! He is successful! However, when Twilight enters the home she finds a bloody mare and a bloody human holding a spear! Furious for what she believes was a cold blooded murder, she opens a portal and tosses Arc into it! Turning to the mare she finds Derpy is still alive and sends Spike for help!

Where did Arc end up? You shall see...

Chapter 6 - A Date With Destiny

That night Arc wakes Dinky and the two go to the rally point to see the others. They gather around the fire as Arc speaks.

“I think I may have a plan to help the orphans.”

Derpy nods soberly. “What can we do?”

“Throw as many apples as you can in the courtyard tomorrow morning. Dinky will signal you when the time is right. I need to pop back to Light's Hope for something though. Be back in a few minutes.”

Arc steps onto a sigil and teleports back to Light's Hope. A few minutes later he returns with a basket of apples. Setting it down next to the tent as he heads back over to the others. He hands Dinky a package.

“We can head back now, Dinky. Hold onto this for me, will you?”

“Okay. What is it?”

Arc kneels down to pick up Dinky. “A gift for Coco Pommel. Let's go give it to her!”

As Arc picks up his daughter, he turns to Dinky and his squad. “Stay on your toes. This should all be over very soon.”

Derpy nods, still a bit worried. “Alright. Just watch yourselves in there!”

The pair return to the back of the orphanage. Arc shrinks back down and takes his spot in Dinky’s mane.

“I see Coco Pommel over by her flower garden. Give her that package, sweetheart.”

Dinky quietly makes her way over to Coco Pommel.

“Miss Pommel?”

Coco Pommel jumps a bit, startled. “Dinky! You really can't keep sneaking out here at night! What if the Matron catches you?!”

“I'm sorry, but my dad told me to give this to you.”

She opens the package to reveal a military rations kit. “What?! But... this is... Dinky... where are you getting these things?!”

Arc whispers in Dinky’s ear. “From your dad.”

“From my dad!”

Coco Pommel slowly walks toward Dinky and smiles at her. “Dinky... thank you very much for wanting to help me but... I really need you to tell me the truth. Now... where did you get this?”

Arc speaks up. “She got it from me.”

Coco Pommel looks around nervously. “Who said that?!”

“I did! Don't be afraid, I'm a friend!”

Dinky smiles. “That’s my dad!”

Coco Pommel shakes her head in disbelief! “Wait! You're REAL?! I thought it was just something Dinky dreamed up to keep herself company! Who... are you?”

“Just an individual who wishes to see justice done. Xenos asked me to help you and the orphans here.”

“Xenos?! Is he alright?!”

“Yes, but he’s quite worried about you. Fear not, I will take care of Tempest... personally. One way or another.”

She shakes her head nervously! “Please don't... the Matron is probably the best Special Forces Agent that has ever lived! She may very well be unbeatable!”

“That may be... however... I will NOT be stopped! Never underestimate to resolve of a loving parent!”

“Alright. Thank you... whoever you are...”

“Back to bed, Dinky. I have work to do…”

“Okay dad! Good night Miss Pommel!”

As Dinky heads back inside, Coco Pommel stares after her.

“I wish you success, unknown hero.”

The next morning the matron heads to the courtyard for the morning race. All the orphans are waiting for her at the starting line. They are all looking up at something, confused!

Tempest walks over to them. “What’s going on here?!”

All assembled silently point their hooves to the flagpole. The Equestrian Flag that normally flies there has been replaced with one containing the Insignia of the Hero of Light.

The matron glares at the orphans! “Who did that?!”

No one speaks.

Tempest turns to walk inside. “No breakfast for anypony!”

She storms back into the orphanage leaving the hungry foals to stand there sadly. Dinky looks over to the woods and nods. Suddenly the air is filled with falling apples!

Pipsqueak look all around as food falls to the ground! “Where are they coming from?!”

Dinky smiles. “From my dad!”

Pipsqueak looks over at her, confused. “But I thought you dad was... well... you're an orphan too aren't you?”

Aquamarine and the other foals eat hungrily. “Three cheers for Dinky’s dad!”

All the orphans cheer!

Meanwhile, Tempest storms to her office. Coming to her door she finds a note pinned to the wood with a knife! The hilt bears the Insignia of the Hero of Light. She takes it down and reads it…

Matron Tempest Shadow,

You have been entrusted with a great and noble task. The honor and privilege of being responsible for the next generation. It is with great sadness... and ANGER, that I see you have not done so with love and kindness, but with fear and tyranny. Not with an Open Palm, but a Closed Fist! I am sworn to protect and defend this land and those who dwell within it from whatever threat I must. Confess your crimes against the orphans and turn yourself in to the authorities! If you refuse to do so by tomorrow morning, the next time you lift a hoof against an innocent I will deal with you... personally. Ignore my warning and you WILL know fear!!!

-Arc, Hero of Light

Tempest walks into her office and tosses the note in the trash before sitting down. “They certainly went all out with this stunt. Well then... I think I will have to call their bluff! Hero of Light, indeed!”

Early the next morning the orphans line up as they normally do. The sky is cloudy and appears about to rain. However, this morning is a bit out of the ordinary, as Tempest is waiting for them. She is dressed in her old Special Forces armor and hoof cannons. To say she is an even more imposing figure than before would be an understatement! The orphans are visibly fearful of whatever will come next!

“Listen up you runts! I got your little message yesterday from the "so-called Hero of Light". Does any of you want to confess?”

Silence ensues.

Tempest looks up and down the row of foals and smiles a wicked smile! “Very well, I guess I will have to call the "Hero of Light's" bluff! Pipsqueak, come here!”

“O-o-okay.”

Coco Pommel steps forward. “Please Matron! Don't hurt him!”

“Shut it, Coco Pommel! An example must be made! I didn't get where I am by being SOFT, like you!”

Pipsqueak stands nervously before Tempest. She looks down at him and shouts in a patronizing voice. “Oh, Hero of Light! If you're out there, I'm about to hurt somepony! You better come and stop me!”

The morning air is silent, save for the wind rustling through the trees. Tempest turns back to Pipsqueak! “Like I tried to tell you the other day... nopony is coming to save you!”

She raises a hoof to strike the visibly shaking foal! As she brings it down, she suddenly stops!

“What?!”

Tempest raises it again and again, but is unable to strike Pipsqueak with any real force.

“WHO IS DOING THIS?!”

Arc, still in Dinky’s mane, holds a hand out toward Tempest. “I am. You shall not harm anyone else!”

The orphans all looks around confused. Dinky steps out of the line to stand before Tempest. Dinky looks at the matron fearlessly! “Matron Tempest! You just made my dad angry!”

Tempest looks at her and replies snidely laughing at the brave little filly standing before her. “Well then, why don't you tell your daddy to come out here and face me like a real stallion?!”

Arc whispers in Dinky’s ear one last time. “Dinky! Charge!”

She runs at the matron with all her strength! “Oh, so you think you can take me on?! Fine! Your little hooves won't even scratch my armor's polish!”

About ten meters away Arc jumps on Dinky’s head. “Fast stop!”

Dinky locks up her hooves and screeches to a stop! Arc goes flying through the air toward Tempest, returns to normal size and decloaks!

“What the hel-“

Tempest is unable to finish her sentence as Arc’s fist connects with her face! She is knocked back into the orphanage wall, caving it in!

Arc throws off the cloak completely. He points a gauntlet and the fallen Tempest! “STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!!!”

Aquamarine looks over, astonished! “Dinky! Your dad really is…”

Dinky reaches into her saddlebag and pulls out the flare gun! “Dad… catch!”

Arc aims the gun into the air and fires! “This is over, matron!”

In mere seconds his squad and Templar Derpy are there! Derpy throws Arc his spear! Coco Pommel looks at the scene before her in disbelief!

“I can't believe it... Dinky... Hero of Light Arc really is…”

Xenos lands in front of her. “We're here to help you, Miss Pommel!”

“Xenos! What are you doing here?!”

“Helping the commander save you!”

Max and the others land nearby. “Sir! Your orders?”

Arc raises his spear to a battle-ready position. “Troops, get the orphans and Coco Pommel to a safe distance! My fist would like to continue its earlier conversation with the Matron!”

Tempest emerges from the rubble unharmed. The flare has brought most of the town of Vanhoover to the orphanage! Coco Pommel helps Arc’s squad lead the orphans toward the townsponies!

“This way little ones! Hurry!”

The citizenry looks on in disbelief!

“Is that the Hero of Light?! What's he doing here?!”

“It looks like the Matron is finally going to get what's coming to her!”

Arc looks to Tempest as she squares off against him! “Come quietly Matron, and no one gets hurt!”

“NEVER! My mission isn't over yet! YOU'RE THE ONE ABOUT TO BE HURT!”

She fires her hoof cannons at Arc. He blocks it with a Magic Barrier spell. “If that's the best you've got, you should probably quit now before my patience runs out.”

Tempest sneers! “Oh, I have not yet begun to fight!”

Arc readies his spear. “Have it your way.”

Tempest charges her Hoof Cannons and lets loose a power shot! Arc holds his spear like a baseball bat. “Batter up!”

The Spear of Righteousness reflects the shot back at Tempest! She takes the hit, but appears to take no damage!

“I think maybe it is YOU who should give up! There's no way those ancient toys you call armaments could win against the latest in military technology!”

Arc nods. “We’ll see about that!”

Coco Pommel shouts to him! “Hero of Light! Tempest is no ordinary enemy! Be careful!”

Tempest adjusts her hoof cannons for melee combat. Two Magic Blades materialize! The pair run at each other and meet head to head, spear to blade!

She looks Arc in the eye as she holds him back with her blades. “Why do you fight against me? We're on the same side, you and I! We both just want to protect Equestria! Join me Hero of Light, and together we can train these orphans to become the next generation of Super Soldiers! Equestria will soon need every hero it can get!”

Tempest overpowers Arc and pushes him back into and through a tree! It splinters and collapses! Arc counters with a telekinetic blow, throwing the matron through one of the orphanage’s windows! He stands up as Tempest jumps back through the window to face him!

“Last chance Matron! As the Hero of Light, I hereby order you to stand down!”

Tempest sneers at him! “Who do you think you are, telling ME what to do?!”

Arc points his spear at her. “It doesn’t really matter who I am. But I know who you are! You’re not a soldier! You’re a bully! A coward messing with foals who have already lost EVERYTHING! Special Agent Tempest… you sicken me!”

“Heh! Such idealistic nonsense! Perhaps you should demonstrate the power that gives you such confidence! Then we will see who is fit to protect Equestria. And who... IS DEAD!”

Arc nods at her. “Those who underestimate the might of their opponent are destined to fail! And that means YOU, Tempest!”

“ENOUGH!!!”

She charges at Arc again, with her blades ready! It begins to rain. Arc evades her attack and uppercuts Tempest into the air! He then Blinks next to her and hits her again, knocking her across the sky, Blinking once again he proceeds to knock her across the sky several times before charging up to blast her with a large fireball into the ground! Tempest gets up slowly. Her armor only showing minor wear!

“Is that all you have?!”

Tempest pulls what appears to be a grenade off her armor!

“CATCH!”

Arc again raises his Magic Barrier! The grenade explodes, shattering it and knocking him back into the orphanage’s fence, smashing a large hole in it. His helmet is knocked off in the process!

“Ow…”

He attempts to Blink behind Tempest and surprise her. But nothing happens.

“What?! HOW?!”

Tempest laughs! “Anti-Magic grenades! Let’s see how well you do without your magic!

Coco Pommel calls out! “Hero of Light, run! Tempest is unbeatable!”

Arc prepares to fight once again! “No! My enemy may be strong, but I will not back down!”

Templar Derpy flies over to Arc and raises her own spear. “Let's do it together, Arc! You can't beat her alone!”

Arc nods. “Agreed! You see, Matron! Others fight by my side WILLINGLY! Who do you have with you?! NO ONE!”

Tempest chuckles. “Oh, believe me! I am not alone!”

Dinky shouts to her father! “Dad! There's something not quite right here! I feel something... dark, and it's coming from Tempest!”

The matron drops her guard stance and retracts her Magic Blades. “I'm wide open! COME AND GET ME!!!”

Arc and Templar Derpy charge Tempest together! Arc grabs Tempest's throat and slams her against a tree with this left hand! With his right, he buries his spear in her stomach! A moment later Derpy impales her through the heart! They both remove their spears and Tempest falls to the ground motionless.

Templar Derpy looks at their fallen adversary, confused at her actions. “Why did she...”

“Stay sharp! Something tells me this isn't over.”

Tempest rises to her hooves, a wicked look on her face! The fatal wounds close before their very eyes! She keeps her head lowered. “Very perceptive for one who cannot see what is right in front of them. That spear you wield Arc. You don't even understand the power within it! Fool...”

There is a flash of lightning as the rain intensifies!

“How on earth did you survive that?! We almost cut you in half!”

Templar Derpy look at the matron, horrified! “What… are you?!”

Tempest slowly looks up. Her eyes are black as night as she smiles a wicked smile! Black wings sprout from her back as she speaks with an evil undertone! “I sacrificed EVERYTHING to get where I am today! Even going so far as to trade my soul for power! And I will use that power to protect Equestria... as its Guardian Angel of Darkness!”

Templar Derpy looks to Arc! “This is bad! Arc, what do we do?!”

He turns to his squad! “Get everyone out of here! We’ll cover your escape! RUN!”

His squad rushes to evacuate Vanhoover's citizens and the orphans! Coco Pommel runs to her garden and begins to rip the flowers out and dig! A few moments later she is joined by Aquamarine and Pipsqueak! She looks at them, not ceasing her task!

“Both of you get to safety now! Follow the others!”

Pipsqueak digs with his little hooves with all his might! “No! Not without you!”

Aquamarine does her best to help! “You've been like a mother to us! We won't abandon you now!”

She smiles at them. “Thank you, my little ponies. Now, help me dig!”

Arc turns to Derpy. “I'll hold her back to give the others time to flee! Once everyone is safe, I want you to find Dinky and run as fast and as far away as you can!”

“But... what about you?!”

Arc looks over at Tempest who is awaiting his challenge. “I'm going to protect Equestria to the end! If I don't make it, tell the princesses what happened here today! Protect the others! Protect Dinky! GO!!!”

Templar Derpy hesitantly flees! The Angel of Darkness watches as she flies away. “Very touching, Hero of Light. But you don't stand a chance against me!”

Arc levels his spear. “Maybe not... but I won't give up! Tempest, you once took an oath to protect Equestria! Don't you see?! Is this what a Protector does?”

“Arc, listen to me! There is a powerful evil coming! I... did what I had to do to! My reasons are too complex for you to understand. But believe me when I say... I still fight for Equestria!”

He lowers his spear slightly. “What is this evil you speak of? If you truly fight for Equestria, join me and we’ll fight it together!”

“Shortly after joining the military, I was approached by a creature known only as The Dark One. He showed me a future in which all was bleak, dark, barren... empty! I gave my soul to him in exchange for great power! And he gave me...THIS!”

A dark portal opens up at her hooves and a spear of darkness comes forth from the ground.

The Angel of Darkness picks up her weapon and rubs it gently with her hoof. “I call it ‘Light’s Bane’. As I felled others in service to Equestria, it quickly became apparent that the more souls this weapon consumes, the more power it grants me! With this weapon in hoof I will protect Equestria! Nothing will be able to stand against me! Whatever sacrifices need to be made, I will make them! I WILL PROTECT EQUESTRIA FROM EVIL!”

Arc nods. “Wonderful. Just one question.”

“What?!”

“Who is going to protect Equestria... from you?”

The Angel of Darkness is silent for a time, considering Arc’s words.

“I don't expect you to understand, Arc. If I have to destroy you to protect all that I hold dear, I will!”

She looks at her spear, then hungrily at Arc.

“Besides... YOUR soul would be a smorgasbord for "Light's Bane".

Her horn aglow, she calls forth dark tendrils from the ground at Arc’s feet! They latch onto him, forcing him to drop his spear and kneel!

“What the…?”

She looks down at Arc as he struggles to free himself. “Don't worry, Hero of Light! Your sacrifice will not be in vain! Just think... if only you had left these little ones and Coco Pommel behind you could have remained alive! Do you have any last words, Arc?”

Arc looks his opponent directly in the eye defiantly and completely without fear. “I would rather die myself, than forsake anyone!”

The Angel of Darkness laughs as she lunges at a defenseless Arc. Light’s Bane aimed at his chest! Just before Arc is skewered there is a light gasp directly in front of him. His assailant stops and stares!

“What?! Why…?”

Templar Derpy kneels on the ground in front of Arc. Her front hooves wrapped around his neck in a loving embrace! Light’s Bane sticks out of her back sickeningly. She leans back and gives Arc a small smile before falling to the ground.

“Arc… I’m… sorry…”

Horrified, Arc calls upon every ounce of strength within to free himself!

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRR!!!”

As he breaks free of the dark tendrils, he stoops down to hold the dying mare in his arms. Tears stream down his face!

“D-damn it, Derpy! I told you to run!”

Derpy shakily raises a hoof and touches Arc’s cheek. “I... couldn't stand... the thought... of life... without... you...”

Dinky runs up!

“MOM!!! DON’T DIE! I NEED YOU!”

Derpy smiles weakly up at her daughter. “I'm sorry... sweetie... but I think... this is the end... for me. Be… go… od……………………..”

The light fades from Derpy’s eyes. They close and her body goes limp as she passes away.

“NO!!! MOM!!!”

“Do not be sad, little one! I will use your mother’s soul to protect everypony!”

Enraged, Dinky stands and turns to face the Angel of Darkness! Her eyes are squeezed tightly shut as the tears find a way out! The air around her is suddenly filled with power!

“Who… who do you think you are that you can go around hurting anypony you want?!?!”

As Dinky opens her eyes, Dinky has a blank look on her face. Her eyes glow white and a bright light shines from her forehead. She screams out in rage as her voice seems to echo through the entire town! The filly’s whole body shines with a white light as she levitates a foot or so off the ground! A large sigil stretches forth from her and spreads over the entire orphanage grounds as strange runes cover her own body! Dinky stretches out her hooves toward her opponent as pure light blazes forth! Tempest’s body glows white! Dinky collapses to the ground next to her mother.

Tempest rises and shakes her head. Her eyes and body have returned to normal! “I... I feel... cut off from the Dark One's power! How?! Argh! We will finish this later!”

The matron switches her Hoof Cannons to flight mode in order to escape! Arc carefully lays Derpy’s body down. Having reached his limit, he stands and uses his magic to pull his spear into his hands. He looks at Tempest as she flees, in an eerily calm tone…

“You’re going nowhere…”

Holding up his spear, a column of light surrounds him and is absorbed into the tip of his spear! Arc jumps into the air just as two wings of pure light spring forth from his back! He flies at Tempest at incredible speed and proceeds to rain blow upon blow upon her! Each hit causes a blast of light to burst forth, as each blow seems to tear through reality itself! Tempest plummets to the ground and lands hard! Arc hovers high overhead, his spear raised, absorbing the power of the light into it! Finally ready, he careens down at Tempest! As the spear hits her, the energy that had been absorbed explodes outward sending forth a shock-wave for untold distance! Arc then falls to his knees too weak to stand.

Tempest staggers to her hooves. Her armor hanging from her body in tatters, bloody and broken. “How... how can this be... possible?! I haven't felt pain like this... ever!”

Coco Pommel and the two foals have not stopped digging through the mud! Her hoof hits something hard. “I found it! Both of you hide in the bushes! Now!”

The pair wordlessly do as they are told as Coco Pommel pulls a large muddy stick out of the ground. She turns to face Tempest! “Matron!”

Tempest turns to face Coco Pommel. She chuckles weakly. “Are you planning to beat me with a stick? What are you thinking?!

Coco Pommel looks to Tempest with a look of determination! “This is something I should have done long ago, but was always too afraid! The Hero of Light and his daughter has shown us all that you are not indestructible! It's time to end this!!!

She raises the stick to the sky and shouts! “OH POWERS OF LIGHT, COME UNTO ME!”

The tip of the stick suddenly glows with an intense light which spreads down its shaft and into Coco Pommel herself! Soon she is completely aglow! Starting again from the tip, the light begins to recede! Revealing a spearhead, it continues to course down the shaft and into Coco Pommel's body, which is now covered in a gold colored paladin’s armor!

Tempest looks at Coco Pommel, astonished! “Coco Pommel… what ARE you?!”

Paladin Coco Pommel looks Tempest in the eye. “Your doom! HOLY LIGHT!”

Pure light shines down on Tempest’s body. She melts into the ground until there is nothing left of her! Arc struggles to stand.

“Rot in hell, Tempest.”

Coco Pommel recalls her armor and falls to her knees. “It’s over… it’s finally over. I hope you can find peace, matron.”

Pipsqueak and Aquamarine jump out of their hiding place and run to Coco Pommel! The embrace her warmly!

“Thank you, Miss Pommel!”

“She’s gone forever!”

Coco Pommel returns their hugs! “Thank you, both of you for your help. I couldn't have done this without you!”

Arc slowly stands and walks towards ‘Light’s Bane’. He raises his spear and prepares to bring it down to shatter the weapon of evil! “This accursed weapon... will never hurt anyone ever again!”

“Arc…”

He looks around. “Who said that?!”

“Arc… can you hear me?”

“Derpy! Is that you?!”

Derpy’s voice emanates from Light’s Bane! “Arc, Light's Bane is indestructible! Though Tempest has been defeated, I am sure in the hooves of another, Light's Bane will continue to consume other souls. Please! You must take Light's Bane and hide it away somewhere nopony will ever find it! Do not touch the weapon directly though! I don't want you to be corrupted by it!”

Arc nods! “I can do that! But first, let's get you out of there!”

“No Arc! If I use my powers as a Templar, I can help seal the power of this terrible weapon! But... only if my soul remains within it! I'm a prisoner, Arc.”

“NO!”

“I'm sorry Arc! I must stay here... for Equestria! Please… take care of Dinky for me!”

Arc shakes his head angrily! “Argh! I won't give you up like this! You mustn't give up either, Derpy! No matter how hopeless things may seem! I believe each of us has a destiny to realize... and this is NOT yours!”

The pair are silent for a time. Arc looks to the spear and smiles.

“If we work together, I'm sure we'll find a way!”

Arc looks at the spear sticking out of the ground. He takes slow but deliberate steps toward it, his hand outstretched toward it.

“Arc! You mustn't try it! It's too dangerous! ARC, NO!!!”

His hand takes hold of Light’s Bane. “Derpy…”

Arc collapses next to Derpy and Dinky as Light’s Bane towers over them all! Arc regains consciousness in what appears to be a bleak and unforgiving landscape. There is no light, plants or living creatures in sight! Only the slight blowing of the wind let’s Arc know they are outside. Everything is dark except for a small circle of light around him. He hears something approaching him from behind.

“Arc?”

Turning around he sees Derpy walking toward him. She wears a sad face.

“Derpy!”

Derpy looks at Arc with tears in her eyes. “Arc... although it makes me happy to no longer be alone in this place, I did not wish the same fate to befall you. What did you hope to accomplish?”

“I wanted… to save you.”

A shadow materializes a short distance away. “Aww... how very sweet of you Arc!”

“Who’s there?!”

The black cloaked creature’s eyes appear to glow with an otherworldly green glow. “I am a shadow of the one who gave this weapon... this... Light's Bane if you will, to Tempest. You may refer to me simply as The Dark One. I must say, you and Tempest have much in common!”

Arc’s eyes narrow. “How so?”

“Both of you wish to protect this land, correct? I can help you with that!”

Derpy snorts. “Equestria ill needs a 'savior' such as you!"

Arc nods. “Somehow I doubt you would do so out of simple kindness.”

The Dark One nods and grins a wicked, toothy smile. “Straight to the point... I like that. Here is my offer. You may claim Light's Bane as your own and use its considerable power as you see fit. However! Upon your death, your soul with become mine for eternity! I would have made this offer to your friend behind you, but it appears I already have HER soul!”

He laughs at Derpy’s predicament.

“About Derpy's soul... what will happen to her?”

“If you accept my offer, I will give you this mare's soul to do with as you wish. Think of it as a bonus! You know... this conversation is very similar to the one Tempest and I had years ago! She too doubted the power of Darkness, but was convinced to see the truth!”

Derpy looks at Arc pleadingly! “Don't listen to it, Arc! I'm not worth it!”

“And what “truth” would that be, Dark One?”

“Look around you! This is Equestria, many years in the future! A future you can help change! How you do so is up to you.”

Light’s Bane rises up from a portal between them.

“All you must do to accept my offer is to take up Light's Bane for the contract to be forged. Now... what do you say... Hero?”

Arc silently considers what to do.

“ARC! Don't do this! I know you will find a different way... a BETTER way, to save Equestria! Forget about me! Do what is right!”

He looks to the Dark One and nods slightly. “Alright. I have come to a decision.”

“Good!”

“I have heard your offer. Now here is my counter-offer.”

The Dark One appears confused. “Counter… offer?”

“I will leave this place, along with Derpy's soul and will take Light's Bane to a place where it will be safely hidden away from those who would seek to claim its power for their own ends!”

The shadow laughs! “What could you possibly offer me in return?!”

“In return, I promise never again to intentionally enter your "realm" unprovoked.”

“Human! Are you mad?! Why would I agree to such a one-sided agreement?!”

“I'm glad you asked! You will agree, if for no other reason than to get me to leave. I'm sure you like this place just as it is now. Dark. How about this?”

Arc uses his power to create a small area of light around himself. The Dark One shakes his head and scowls!

“You're wasting your time, Arc! I am not afraid of a little light!”

He increases the intensity of the light. The Dark One backs away from it as it slowly advances.

“If you are trying to intimidate me, you will have to do much better.”

Arc nods as he uses his magic to hold the Dark One in place. “Very well!”

He sighs. “Arc, I still fail to see what you hope to accomplish in doing this.”

“Patience! All will become clear shortly! Derpy, would you kindly stand next to me?”

Derpy nods. “All right. If you say so Arc.”

Together they walk toward the Dark One slowly. The light slowly following them as they walk. “Do you accept my offer, Dark One?

“No.”

Arc continues walking with Derpy by his side.

“Do you accept?”

“NO!”

As the edge of the light reaches the Dark One, the pair stops walking.

“How about now?”

“N-no! I do not accept!”

Arc nods. “Have it your way. Derpy?”

Arc kneels down and spreads his arms wide. Derpy leans into them and the pair embrace warmly. Again the light grows in size and intensity! It begins to crawl across the Dark One!

“What are you vile creatures DOING?!”

Derpy turns to the Dark One. “I'm glad you like it, because I could hug Arc forever!”

Arc looks at Derpy. “And I’m looking forward to spending all of eternity here with you, Derpy!”

She smiles! “You know Arc, I've always hoped I could be with you forever. And now, thanks to The Dark One, I can be!”

The Dark One appears nauseous!

Arc nods. “Maybe the Dark One isn't so bad. After all, if the three of us are going to be together forever, we might as well get along. Right?”

“Right!”

“I have an idea, Derpy! How about the two of us SHARE some of this love with our new friend here?”

Derpy motions toward the Dark One. “What a wonderful idea, Arc! Shall we?!”

“Lets!”

Arc stands up with Derpy in his arms. The two continue to hug as they approach the immobilized Dark One.

“No! Get away from me!”

As the pair get within arm’s reach of their dark companion, Arc turns to Derpy. “I think this calls for a Group Hug! Let's show The Dark One the power of friendship!”

Both Derpy and Arc hold out a hoof/hand to the Dark One.

“All right... ALL RIGHT!!! I ACCEPT YOUR OFFER!!! JUST GET AWAY FROM ME!!!”

“Thank you for being so generous. I will hold up my end of the bargain. Farewell, Dark One.”

The Dark One seethes! “Just… get out…”

“Very well.”

Arc and Derpy step through the portal together as the Dark One chuckles.

“You may have won this battle, Arc. But you forget, I am but a shadow of the true Dark One! He will not be stopped so easily!”

Meanwhile Dinky stands over her father, her front hooves on his chest plate! “DAD! SAY SOMETHING! I CAN'T LOSE BOTH OF YOU!!!”

Arc slowly opens his eyes and sits up. Dinky jumps into his arms and holds him as tight as she can! The tears from her small eyes run down her face! Arc holds her close and looks around. His squad has returned along with the citizens of Vanhoover. They stand in the rain silently in honor of their fallen heroes.

Max walks over and hangs his head. “Commander... I... I'm sorry. We weren't strong enough to...”

Pipsqueak and Aquamarine approach Dinky and embrace her as well.

“We... know what you're going through right now…”

“Thank you for being there for us Dinky. We’ll do the same for you.”

Dinky looks up into her father’s eyes. The tears do not slow. “Oh dad... I thought you were... but... mom... Is she really... gone forever?”

Arc looks over to Light’s Bane. A marble sized sphere of light hovers over it.

“Dinky, I need to help your mother now.”

She sniffles. “…what? How?”

“Trust me.”

Arc slowly gets up and walks over to Light’s Bane. He carefully picks up the sphere hovering over the dark spear. Just holding it fills him with a sense of warmth and hope! Carrying it carefully in both hands, he slowly walks back to Derpy and kneels down to her. Placing the sphere on her chest he gently pushes it into her. A sharp intake of breath follows and Derpy’s eyes slowly open.

Dinky looks over at her mother, overjoyed! MOM!!! YOU’RE OKAY!!!

Derpy smiles up at the pair weakly. “Dinky… Arc…”

The townsponies all gasp in amazement!

“Bu-but! That's pony was dead?! How did he...”

“Amazing! He truly is the Hero of Light!”

Dinky wraps her small hooves around her mother and continues to cry. “Mom… is it finally over?”

Derpy looks up at Arc who shakes his head as he places a hand on Dinky’s back. “No Dinky. In truth, it has only just begun.”

Chapter 8 - Late Night Visitors

Arc enters his quarters. Ember is standing in the bedroom doorway with a mischievous look on her face.

“Ready for bed? I've missed having you here...”

“No time for sleep yet Ember. I have to inform to the princesses what happened in Vanhoover!”

Ember steps forward to embrace Arc. “It's late. Even they’re probably in bed by now. I'm sure your report will keep until tomorrow. Besides, it's not like the world is in danger, right?”

“…”

She draws back to looks Arc in the eye. “Right?!”

“…”

Ember heads back to the bedroom. “Argh! I'll get my armor!”

Arc calls out after her. “Sorry Ember. But this is too big to keep to myself. We just have to make a quick stop before we go. I brought back a couple souvenirs.

“What? Did Vanhoover's Orphanage have a gift shop?”

“Ha, ha little miss funny-dragon. Let's go!”

Arc and Ember walks toward the base’s vault.

“Um... Arc? What are we doing here?”

He walks over to the heavy vault door. “Picking up those souvenirs I told you about.”

Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Okay you either found something REALLY dangerous, or you take collecting trinkets WAY too seriously!”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and his spear. He places the Spear of Righteousness in a pedestal next to the door and speaks the password.

“Philippians 4:13.”

The door slowly swings open. Ember raises an eyebrow.

“Um… what?”

Arc walks into the vault. “It was my father’s favorite bible verse. It went something like… “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The way I figure, what better password than something from a book that doesn’t exist in Equestria!”

Ember still appears confused. “Uh… okay. Who is ‘Christ’ now? Some kind of warrior?”

He picks up the Spear of Devotion and Light’s Bane, which is still wrapped in a blanket. “Not like you imagine, no. He sacrificed himself to save my world a long time ago.”

“So, I guess that makes him... YOUR hero?”

Arc leaves the vault and hands Ember the Spear of Devotion. “You could say that. Think of him kinda like my worlds equivalent of the Hero of Light. I'll tell you more about him someday when we have more time.”

Arc pulls the blanket away from the dark spear in his hand to reveal the spearhead.

Ember looks over at the spear. “Arc… what the heck IS that?!”

“The instrument of doom. Come! We must get this safely to the Royal Armory!”

The vault door is closed and Arc retrieves his own spear from the pedestal. He and Ember proceed to the Main Hall and take the sigil to The Hero of Light's quarters in Canterlot Castle. Ember looks around the luxurious room.

“Nice place you got, Arc! I wouldn't mind spending more time here!”

“Perhaps another time. This way.”

Arc and Ember leaves his room and walk down the hallway. They spot a Royal Guard. Upon seeing Arc, he snaps to attention and salutes!

“Sir! Can I help you?”

“Yes. Take me to Princess Cadance and Princess Luna. I must speak with them at once!”

The guard appears nervous. “I'm sorry sir, but they have retired for the evening. We hate to bother either of them after dark. They can be rather... well... scary if disturbed!”

Arc sighs. “Just take me to Princess Cadance’s room then. I’ll do the bothering myself.

“Yes sir!”

The Royal Guard leads them to a rather ornate door marked with Princess Cadance's cutie mark.

“Here we are sir!”

Um… do I… knock?”

“I would not, sir! The last time a guard knocked before entering a princess’s chambers late at night, he was blasted by Alicorn magic when he entered!”

“So how is Arc supposed to do this then?!” Ember replies angrily!

“Very… very… quietly!”

Arc hands his spear to Ember and lays Light’s Bane on the floor. “Alright. Both of you wait here! And see to it NO ONE goes anywhere near this bundle! Wish me luck...”

He quietly enters Princess Cadance's room. She is already asleep! He walks over to her as quietly as he is able until he reaches the edge of the bed. Slowly reaching out his hand he touches her shoulder and gently shakes her.

“Uh… Princess Cadance? I need to…”

Princess Cadance's eyes open and Arc suddenly finds himself launched across the room and through a bookcase! A moment later he is buried in Cadance's personal library of romance novels! The sound of the blast is easily heard from outside the room!

Ember straightens up! “What was THAT?!”

The Royal Guard shakes his head. “Sounded like some furniture just sacrificed itself for the greater good!”

“Should we… do something?”

“Yes! We should wait here as we were told!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest and leans back against the wall. “Some guard you are!”

Meanwhile… Princess Cadance looks over at the pile of books angrily! “I thought I ordered no interruptions tonight!”

Arc can only mutter to himself as a few more books fall onto the pile over his head. “I should have gone to Princess Luna's room first...”

He slowly pushes his way past the books until he is able to stand again. “I should have gone to Princess Luna's room first...”

“Arc?! I'm so sorry! But what are you doing here so late?”

“Ow... rearranging the furniture at the moment. But now I need to speak to you and Princess Luna at once about what happened in Vanhoover!”

Princess Cadance stands up. “Follow me. Luna's room is just down the hall!”

The pair exit the bedroom. Arc limps slightly. Ember snickers lightly at the sight.

“Are you all right, Arc?”

Arc glares at her! “Not a word of this to anyone!”

Ember looks away with barely contained laughter. “Yes! Of course not!”

Cadance looks to the Royal Guard. “Take them to the Meeting Room. I'll wake up Princess Luna and meet you there.”

The Royal Guard does so and soon Arc and Ember are standing in a large room with beautiful decor and a large conference table. Arc sets the bundle in the center of the table.

“I hope Princess Cadance has better luck than I did awakening a princess.”

A loud magical blast can be heard echoing down the hallway.

“Guess not.”

Ember doubles over in uncontrollable laughter! Arc himself can't help but chuckle a bit as well. A few minutes later both princesses enter the Meeting Room. He looks nervously at Cadance.

“Princess Cadence, are you... all right?!”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Luna yawns. “She was ready for it, unlike someone else here. Now, I hope you aren't here for simple banter, Arc.”

“I needed to bring both of you up to speed on my adventure in Vanhoover.”

Luna narrows her eyes crabbily. “Arc, as important as the orphans are to us, please tell me you have more to say then the situation is resolved.”

Arc sighs. “Let's just say, things didn't quite go as planned...”

“Another half-baked plan Arc?”

He shakes his head. “Believe me, no one could have planned for what happened there! We should probably sit down. This story is going to take quite a while.”

Luna walks over to a shelf. “Before you start, I have something that may expedite the process.”

She pulls down a strange looking projector while Cadance lowers a screen from the far wall.

Cadance switches the machine on. “Our sages have recently developed a new technology using magic crystals attuned to brain waves. These crystals can also record these events for posterity. This is a prototype model that is currently being tested.”

Luna nods. “Arc, please pick up the crystal on top of the machine and take a seat.”

Arc does so as the others sit down as well.

Luna sits next to the screen as Cadance dims the lights. “Now, I want you to think back to the beginning of your mission. Concentrate and we will be able to relive the memories with you.”

Arc sighs. “Great... any other time I would think this technology was awesome! Not looking forward to seeing this crap again...”

The screen displays Arc and Dinky entering the New Beginnings Orphanage and how Arc helped Dinky in her everyday life. Luna yawns.

“This isn't nearly as exciting as your previous endeavors, is it Arc?”

“Just keep watching. It gets worse!”

The image of the matron talking to Dinky in her office appears on the screen. Luna’s demeanor improves.

“Ah… there’s Tempest!”

“Do you know her Luna?”

“A bit. She was the most promising Special Forces agent any of us had ever seen! I lost track of her when she went to Vanhoover. That is the most determined individual I have ever met!”

Arc looks at the screen angrily. “I have seen firsthand her... determination.”

Luna shakes her head. “I'm sorry Arc, but I don't see how throwing an empty coffee cup constitutes ‘abusive’.”

“Just keep watching.”

The Hoofball game plays next. Cadance really seems to get into it as she shouts at the screen!

“Look out! INTERCEPTION!!! Run the ball, run the ball! TOUCHDOWN!!! WOO!!!”

Luna facehoof. “Cadance… please!”

Arc smiles at Dinky’s performance during the game. “That's my girl!”

Ember nudges Arc. “Wow! Who knew a princess could get so into sports?!”

“They are flesh and blood just like you and I, Ember.”

Cadance composes herself and looks at them a trifle embarrassed. “Yes... well... if we could keep this just between the four of us... squee!”

Arc chuckles. “: Sure. No one would believe it anyways...”

The scene shifts to after the game back in the Dormitory. Coco Pommel walks in pushing a cart of food. Dinky is passing out the plates of food to the winning team.

“That's Coco Pommel. She takes care of the day to day affairs of the orphanage and is always there for the foals!”

Cadance looks her over. “She does look very kind.”

Arc nods. “She is... more so than you know.”

Luna frowns. “That may be. However, she needs to use a bit more foresight when serving a meal. She only brought enough food for half the foals!”

“Just watch.”

Coco Pommel takes her own plate of food off the cart and brings it to the losing team. Cadance turn to Arc, confused.

“What is she doing?”

“Giving her allowance of food to the losing team. At the orphanage, only the winners eat!”

Luna jumps up, suddenly furious! “WHAT?!?!?!”

“I'm not happy about it either princess, but please, there's more. In the words of one of my world's former leaders ‘You ain't seen nothing yet’!”

Luna sits down as Dinky gives her own food and chocolate bar to Coco Pommel. Cadance seems deeply moved by the gesture.

“Arc! You’re raising a truly wonderful daughter!”

“Thank you. I’m very proud of her.”

The scene is of the next morning’s race. Dinky wins and receives three Blueberry Muffins as a prize. Next the Matron hoofs Pipsqueak in the ribs for finishing last!

Luna jumps up! Her face is red with fury! “TEMPEST!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING???!!! I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS!!!”

Arc snorts in disgust. “Get in line, Princess Luna. The queue starts with me!”

Next is Dinky in Coco Pommel's flower garden with Pipsqueak and Aquamarine. After the scene concludes Cadance looks to Arc.

“Arc, I'm touched, but... why did you chose to reveal yourself to these two?”

“The orphans needed to know someone was there for them. Other than Coco Pommel, that is! I did it to give them hope! Next I'll show you what happened this morning! You won't believe it when you see it! Heck, I was there and I still question if it really happened!”

Tempest is dressed in her Special Forces armor. Dinky charges forward. Arc is launched at Tempest and knocks the surprised mare through the orphanage wall. Arc fires the Flare Gun to summon his troops and Templar Derpy!

Luna swings her hoof in front of her chest and grunts! “You sure showed her… what?!”

Luna gasps as Tempest rises from the debris unharmed! A few moments later she takes a blow from her own charged Hoof Cannons as Arc reflects the shot back at her!

Cadance grimaces. “She must have felt that one!”

Ember watches as Tempest stands, her magic blades drawn. “Nope.”

Arc and Tempest meet weapons-first in the center of the orphanage grounds! Tempest professes to still fight for Equestria and calls for Arc to join her! He refuses and the two verbally spar for several moments! Tempest again charges Arc! He evades and delivers a smashing uppercut to launch the Matron into the air! Arc then performs a combo attack by blinking around the sky and ends with a fireball smashing Tempest into the ground!

Cadance looks away. “Ouch! Remind me never to get on your bad side, Arc!”

Luna nods. “I see you have mastered Blink Magic. Quite the feat, Arc.”

Ember looks confused. “Blink Magic?”

“It's a short-range teleport used in battle to surprise or confuse an enemy. Arc just took it a step further than any of us have as of yet.”

Ember nods. “Sounds useful. But, let me guess... Tempest is going to get up and be fine again?”

“Pretty much!”

Tempest throws a grenade at Arc. His Magic Barrier shatters as it explodes! Luna’s eyes grow wide! “An Anti-Magic Grenade?! Where did she...?”

“Well it certainly works at countering Dragon Magic! I gotta tell you, it didn't tickle!”

Tempest lowers her defenses as Arc is joined by Templar Derpy. They watch as Arc and Templar Derpy both stab Tempest fatally! Luna stands up so fast she knocks her chair over as she shouts at the screen.

“TAKE THAT YOU COLD HEARTED BI... WHAT?!”

Tempest again rises, as her wounds close.

Cadance’s jaw drops! “But… how?!”

Tempest tells of how she sacrificed her soul for power! Both princesses watch horrified as Tempest eyes blacken and black wings sprout from her back! The Matron declares herself Equestria's Angel of Darkness as Arc orders his squad to evacuate the townsponies from the area while he covers their retreat!

Luna shudders. “Very noble of you to protect the rear of a retreat! Especially against... THAT!”

Cadance nods. “Even more so to continue to fight an unbeatable foe! Weren't you afraid?!”

“Very. I was afraid that those I cared for would meet their end by this MONSTER! For them, I stood my ground!”

Cadance points a hoof at the screen. “Hey! What are those three doing?”

Coco Pommel, Aquamarine and Pipsqueak run to the flower garden from earlier and start to dig through the mud.

“I had no idea at the time. It was all I could do to try and keep Tempest’s attention focused on me!”

Arc orders Derpy to flee with the rest of the innocents. She does so hesitantly. The Angel of Darkness tells Arc of a great evil that is coming to Equestria, and how she gained her power from The Dark One. A dark portal opens at her feet and Light's Bane comes forth. She tells him of how her weapon becomes more powerful the more souls it devours and professes to only want to use this power to protect Equestria. Tendrils come up from the ground and pull Arc down to his knees!

Ember turns to Arc. “How the heck did you get out of that one?!”

Arc looks away from the screen. “I didn’t.”

The Angel of Darkness listens to Arc final words. They seem to enrage her as much as his complete lack of fear! Cadance covers her eyes as the Angel of Darkness charges at Arc, her spear leveled at his chest! Luna watches albeit wide eyed! Suddenly there is a flash of light!

Ember holds tightly to Arc’s arm! “Oh, thank goodness! I don't know what I would have done if...”

The light fades and an image of Templar Derpy comes into view with Light's Bane sticking out of her back as she hugs Arc. Dinky runs up as Arc holds his dying friend in her last moments!

Cadance looks away. “That... brave little pony... the poor filly...”

The princesses’ eyes are glued to the screen as they watch Dinky's power manifest itself and blast the Angel of Darkness! Turning her back into Tempest and cutting her off from The Dark One's power!

Ember continues to hold Arc’s arm. She is clearly unnerved by what she has seen. “Um... Arc! I'm sorry about Derpy but don't you think now would be a good time to do... SOMETHING?!”

“…wait for it.”

Arc leaps up into the air and flies toward Tempest, his weapon aglow! The four of them twitch as they watch every blow Arc rains down upon the matron before she falls to the ground! As the final blow smashes into Tempest the screen remains white. No one speaks... or can seem to pick up their jaws off the floor... or even blink!

Ember is the first to regain her senses. “What… the hell… did we just see?!”

Arc seethes! “What happens when someone hurts one of my friends!”

The princesses point to the screen together!

“What is this madness?! She's STILL alive?!?!”

“How is this possible?!”

Arc nods. “This isn’t over yet.”

In the background the two foals jump into some bushes as Coco Pommel pulls a stick out of the ground!

“What does she have there?”

“I’m not sure.”

They watch in awe of Coco Pommel's transformation into a Paladin! She uses the power of her spear to shine Holy Light down upon Tempest who melts into nothingness! Arc touches Light's Bane and his consciousness is transported into the spear. The princesses watch as he plays hardball with a shadow of the Dark One. and saves Derpy's soul. Arc returns to revive Derpy and Coco Pommel collapses under mysterious circumstances.

Luna shakes her head. “Is there… more?”

“Just one more part.”

The final scene takes place in the hospital. Arc holds Coco Pommel's spear toward Derpy and unleashes a Holy Light which heals the nerve damage of her badly traumatized body! The screen goes black as Arc sets down the crystal.

“The end… for now.”

Arc slides a spear across the table toward the princesses.

“May I present to you the Spear of Devotion, princesses.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her mouth as she looks at the weapon before her.”

Luna shakes her head. “My sister would probably know! Oh, how I wish she were here right now.”

“We all do, Luna. Arc, what became of that other spear? The one Tempest was using.”

Arc unwraps the blanket carefully and shows them the dark weapon. “Tempest referred to this awful thing as Light's Bane. This thing sucks the very souls from its victims and used them to increase the power of its wielder. And whatever you do, for the love of all things holy, DON'T TOUCH IT! You remember what happened when I did that!”

Ember looks at them nervously. “That's all we need... an evil, invincible, rampaging alicorn to deal with...”

Both princesses seem to be sickened at the very sight of Light's Bane!

“This weapon is positively dripping with dark energy!”

“Can't we just destroy this accursed thing?”

Arc stands up. “I believe it to be indestructible, but would love to see it in pieces as well. Let's all have at it though!”

Cadence and Luna charge up their alicorn magic and let loose a barrage of powerful blasts! Arc blasts it with his Dragon Magic and Ember breathes magical fire at it! They do so for 10 seconds, which is all the ornate table can stand before crumbling! Luna opens a window to let out the smoke.

“Perhaps this wasn't the best place to do that!”

Cadance leans out the window with her. “I wonder what Aunt Celestia will say about her table!”

Arc waves an arm to clear the smoke. “I’m going to let you two explain that one to her.”

Ember looks around. “Did it work?”

Arc picks up the Spear of Devotion and uses it to pick through the remains of the once glorious table. A moment later he uses his magic to pick up Light’s Bane.

“Here it is. Not a scratch on it.”

Ember throws her claws up in defeat. “Great! What do we do now?!”

Arc looks to Luna. “Royal Armory?”

“Indeed!”

The princesses lead them to the armory and use their combined magics to open the door. Arc walks in and places the spear on a shelf. He looks at the weapon before him a moment.

“Farewell, Light’s Bane. May we never meet again…”

He turns to leave, almost certain he can hear the Dark One’s laughter! Arc steps out of the vault as the princesses close it again.

“Should we continue this conversation in my quarters?”

Cadance nods. “Good idea!”

Arc opens a portal to his quarter's sigil and the party walks through it! A moment later they find themselves in Arc's comfortable room. Ember flops down on the bed as Arc and the princesses head for the couches around the fireplace. Arc casts a fire spell and soon a roaring blaze makes the room feel cozier.

As he steps back. “That’s better! I love a good fire.”

Luna reclines on the couch. “In any case, I have a few more questions about your recent adventure. First of all, with Tempest dead and Coco Pommel in the hospital, what has become of the orphans?”

“I took them back to Ponyville with me. Right now they’re asleep in the Light's Hope Barracks.”

Luna nods. “A wise choice in the short term. Do you have a more permanent solution?”

“That's another thing I wanted to talk with you about. Could we relocate the Orphanage to Ponyville? Perhaps Hard Hat could build a new facility there! He did such a fine job on my Command Center. Quickly too!”

“Very well. I will send him to Light’s Hope tomorrow afternoon.”

“Thank you, Princess Luna.”

Cadance speaks. “About Tempest. Are you completely certain she’s dead?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly no. I had wanted to bring you her cold, lifeless corpse as proof of the deed. For the good of all Equestria I hope she is gone forever. But I wouldn't put money on that. At the very least we can keep Light's Bane out of her hooves.”

Luna nods. “And Coco Pommel? What is her condition?”

“Not good. I noticed it the moment I picked her up. She wasn't much heavier than Dinky!”

“Luna’s eyes grow wide! “What?! HOW?!”

“You remember how she shared her food with the foals? Well, apparently she has been doing that for years! Every night she would go to her garden and eat some of her flowers and grass. I think her devotion and love for the foals was the only thing keeping her alive!”

“What did the doctor say?!”

“That he had never seen a pony so malnourished before! When the covers were pulled back, I saw her ruined body for myself! Her ribs were prominent and her legs were so very thin! The doctor also warned my guard, as he held her hoof, not to squeeze too hard. Apparently her bones are also very brittle from lack of nutrition!”

Cadance shakes her head in disbelief. “How did nopony notice this?!”

“The robe she wore hid the worst of it. She was never without it. Fortunately, I think we got to her just in time. The doctor told us as much, saying she was facing imminent major organ failure!”

Luna shudders at the thought. “What a terrible way to live!”

Arc nods. “Or die.”

Ember turns toward the princesses. “So, what's going to happen to the New Beginnings Orphanage in Vanhoover?”

“We’ll try and think of a use for the building. If would be a shame for it to go unused for the long term.”

“I'll leave that up to you two. In any case, as long as I am here... is there any progress on locating Princess Celestia?”

Luna nods! “There is a small glimmer of hope at the moment! We began scanning your world, Earth was it?”

“Yes! And did you have any luck?!”

Cadance sighs. “Sort of! She’s definitely on Earth! But... well... your world is so much larger than our own! And your cities cover much of the land. That coupled with the fact our magic is significantly weakened there just makes a difficult job nearly impossible!”

Ember ponders this for a moment. “Could we go there and… just start looking?”

Arc shakes his head. “I appreciate your enthusiasm Ember, but... I could spend my entire life traveling Earth and still not see it all! That and dragons are mythical creatures on Earth! Animal Control, or worse yet, the military would take you down in no time!”

“Bring ‘em on! I could use a good fight!”

“Ember, please! If humans excel at one thing above all others, it's killing things! I... I don't want to lose you.”

Her face turns red. “Arc! So, you do care about me!”

Arc sighs as he puts his hands on her shoulders. “Ember, I have ALWAYS cared for you, as a friend. Never forget that! Just because I don't want to... you know... doesn't mean I don't care.”

Ember wraps her arms around his midsection are presses her face against his chest. “I'm... I'm sorry for that! I just... want to be with you so much! We don't have much time before you... well... pass on! There are so many "memories" I want to make with you before then!”

Cadance looks away. “Well... this is awkward.”

Luna smiles broadly and narrows her eyes as she leans in close to Cadance. “I never thought I’d see the day the Princess of Love would feel uncomfortable in this kind of situation!”

“Don't get me wrong! I think it's beautiful the way Ember feels about Arc! It's just... well... it takes two to have a loving relationship.”

Ember leans back to look Arc in the eye. “Arc! I once told you that being your friend would be enough for me. It is, but... I still want us to be... so much more! I won't give up on you! Just like when you didn't give up on me when I was dying!”

“That is touching Ember, and I’m flattered, but... I'm just not interested in you… in THAT way!”

Ember sighs and nods. “I’m sorry for getting us off topic here.”

Cadance nods to her. “It's alright Ember! I know how you feel...”

“In any case, Princess Luna. When you do locate your sister, how do we go about rescuing her? Twilight couldn't seem to send me back when I first came to this land.”

Cadance puts a hoof to her forehead. “We are working on the logistical side of the problem while the sages locate Aunt Celestia.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Perhaps Twilight could help with…”

“NO!!!”

Both princesses nearly jump out of their seats!

“Woah! What’s the problem?!”

Luna appears apprehensive. “Twilight... doesn't actually know... what has happened.”

Cadance nods. “And if she did, she would work herself into a frenzy looking for a solution. Assuming she found one, she would probably head off alone to Earth! Equestria can't afford to lose an Element Bearer in addition to a princess!”

“We would appreciate you not saying anything to her… for the time being at least!”

Arc nods. “…very well… for now.”

“Thank you for understanding, Arc. Twilight and I have known each other since she was a filly. It pains me to keep this information from her.”

“One last question. Do either of you know anything about this Dark One?”

Cadance shakes her head. “I do not.”

“We will ask our sages and historians if they have any information on this... creature.”

Arc stands and nods. “Thank you. In any case, I should probably let you two get back to bed. That and I am running on fumes myself. It has been quite the day!”

Luna smiles at him. “Good work out there, Arc.”

“Yes. Please continue your vigil of these lands with our full support!”

Arc nods. “I’ll do my best. Good night you two.”

Arc and Ember step onto the sigil and teleport back to Light's Hope. As the pair moves to step off the sigil in the Main Hall Arc suddenly falls to one knee. Ember puts an arm around him and helps him up.

“Come on Arc. Let's get you to bed. You look like hell!”

He recalls his armor and looks to his friend weakly. “Thank you, Ember. I think I may have overdone it a bit with that last teleport.”

The pair make it to Arc's quarters. She lays him down in his bed as gently as she can and removes his boots for him. Ember sits down on the bed next to him.

“Arc... I just wanted to apologize for earlier... what I did... and said in front of the princesses. It must have been really embarrassing for you! I mean... I meant every word, but... it really wasn't the time or place for that.”

He takes Ember’s claw, weakly. “I’m… not embarrassed at all. Thanks… for caring… Ember.

Arc falls asleep. Ember lays down next to him and holds him tightly! Tears stream down her face!

“I… I love you so much Arc…!”

Chapter 4 - Surprise Visitor

The occupants of Light's Hope enjoy a rather peaceful night's sleep. However, about 4 A.M. PST (Pony Standard Time) Derpy rushes into Arc's room. A look of fear on her face.

Derpy runs up to the bed and shakes Arc awake with both front hooves! “Arc! Wake up!”

“Derpy? What's wrong?”

“There's some kind of disturbance in the hall! Shouting and fighting!”

Arc throws the covers off, stands, calls forth his armor and spear and walks quickly toward the door. “Great! Just when I finally thought I was going to get a good night's sleep, we get invaded!”

He leaves his quarters with Derpy at his heels. A short distance down the hall Arc spots several guards trying desperately to detain an out of control stallion! He is opening every door he comes to and peering inside looking for something. The mad pony comes to Luna's door! Before he can lay a hoof on the knob, Arc Blinks over to him and knocks him away with the butt end of his spear!

“Oh no you don't!”

Several Royal Guards and Sandstorm Mirage slowly surround the crazed stallion! Flash Sentry comes running down the hall from the opposite direction! When the stallion spots who is before him, he falls to his knees, all four of them, and looks up to him!

Derpy runs over to join him! “Arc! Be careful!”

Arc turns to his soldiers! “Keep your distance! He may be dangerous!”

The stallion shakes his head frantically!

“I'll handle this!”

Arc returns his spear to his ring and cautiously approaches the stallion. Ember and Coco Pommel walk out of Arc's quarters and quickly approach the group.

Coco Pommel looks at the stallion, wide-eyed. “Don't hurt him, Arc!”

Arc slowly approaching the stallion. “No promises Coco Pommel!”

Princess Luna opens her door and peeks out!

“What in the world...”

Flash Sentry looks over to her. “Princess Luna, please stay in your room! The commander has this situation well in hoof!”

Arc looks to the stallion. “Who are you?”

The stallion makes some unintelligible noises.

“Um... what? Why did you break into my base?!”

The stallion shakes his head!

“Did you come here looking for my help?”

He nods frantically!

“Is Ponyville under attack?!”

The stallion shakes his head.

“Is there some kind of imminent danger to Equestria?!”

The stallion pauses and then nods.

Arc looks around. “Can someone please get this thing off his head? I'm not much for twenty questions!”

Several guards do their best to remove the device, but meet with failure.

Sandstorm Mirage looks to Arc apologetically. “Sorry sir! I'm not even sure what this thing IS!”

Princess Luna walks up. “It's a Magic Nullifier. This is an experimental model that was designed to suppress the magical powers of the most powerful unicorns!”

Sandstorm Mirage takes a step back! “If he's that powerful, maybe we shouldn't try to take this off!”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, I can't understand him as it sits.”

He turns to Luna.

“What do you think? Can you get this thing off of him?”

Luna nods. “I can, but like the sergeant said, he must be very powerful to warrant such precautions! This is your base Arc. What do you want to do?”

Sandstorm Mirage looks nervous! “After we take this off, he could go berserk!”

Coco Pommel walks toward the stallion and looks him in the eye for a long moment.

“Arc... I think you should take it off. He hasn't actually hurt anypony here and he obviously wants to tell you something very important!”

Arc sighs. “Okay, as much as I hate to put you in harm’s way Princess Luna, I want you to take this thing off him!”

Arc calls forth the Spear of Righteousness from his ring again and holds it to the back of the stallion's neck. Forcing him to lie on the floor!

“Now I don't want to see so much as a flicker from your horn while the princess is anywhere NEAR you! Understood?!”

The stallion slowly nods his head as Arc looks to Flash Sentry and his troops.

“If he so much as looks at Princess Luna, take him down!”

The troops nod in agreement. Coco Pommel sits down opposite from Arc next to the stallion. She puts a hoof on his back.

“Please don't move! I don't want to see you get hurt!”

The stallion nods and lays his head on the ground.

Arc looks apprehensively to Luna. “Do it.”

Luna holds her glowing horn close to the stallion's head for a few moments before the Magic Nullifier slowly falls to the floor. Her task finished, she steps back. The stallion does not move as Arc quickly positions himself between Luna and the stallion.

Arc looks down at him, still aiming his spear at the stallion. “All right! On your feet, SLOWLY!”

The stallion slowly rises to his feet to look at Arc.

Coco Pommel looks over at him! “Aren't you...?”

Arc lowers his spear, surprised! “Wait! I know you! You're Captain Decimus' lieutenant, right? I thought I told you to get out of here!”

The lieutenant bows his head, ashamed. “Yes, at least I was until the other day. After I failed in my mission to kidnap Trixie, I returned to him to report my failure… and tell him that what he was doing was wrong! Next thing I knew, I was prison bound with a court martial and a life-sentence, compliments of my former superior officer.

Arc sighs angrily! “I really hate that guy!”

The lieutenant nods. “You've got company!”

Luna looks past Arc. “So... are you an escaped prisoner then?”

The soldiers suddenly raise their weapons to battle ready position!

He nods. “Yes... I guess I am.”

Arc shakes his head in an effort to try and make sense of the situation. “I don't get it! If you're a fugitive, why did you come here?! After you broke in here and attacked my forces, you had to know I would just arrest you!”

“Because you are the only one I can trust to listen to what I have to say, Hero of Light! The princesses are in great danger!"

“Follow me to my office. There I’ll give you my undivided attention!”

Arc turns to the Royal Guards.

“Wake my squad and send them to my office at once! Then resume your patrols.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc, Ember, Derpy, Luna, Coco Pommel, Flash Sentry and the lieutenant head to Arc's office. A minute later Arc's squad arrives.

Max glares at the intruder. “What is HE doing here?”

Hugh thinks for a moment. “Maybe he broke in?”

Viktor chuckles. “Well, looks like whatever his job was, he failed at it again!”

Xenos notices a stark lack of blood. “The commander must have gone easy on him!”

Arc turns to his squad. “Sit down and listen! We've got big problems!”

The squad senses the gravity of the situation and readily obeys!

Arc sits down on the couch next to Derpy and turns to the stallion. “Alright, I'm listening. What's this about a threat to the princesses now?”

The lieutenant fills them in on what he witnessed.

“I see. Where is Trixie now?”

“When I left her, she was levitating up to a cloud to get some sleep.”

Coco Pommel looks out the window. “Well, it is the middle of the night.”

Ember growls at what she has heard. “Arc, you don't actually BELIEVE a word this stallion is saying, do you?!”

Max nods. “Ember is right sir! For all we know, this could be Decimus leading us into a trap! We go to Canterlot Castle armed for war and he takes us out! He could always say he mistook us for assassins! A nice clean cover-up!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Not a bad theory. It does sound like something Decimus would do. But there's just one problem.”

Derpy looks confused. “What's that Arc?”

“What if he is telling the truth.”

Luna grimaces! “Arc. If there really is a threat, we should notify Canterlot Castle at once so Captain Decimus can rally a defense! And although I am sure you are quite capable of doing so, the protection of Canterlot and the princesses is the job of the Captain of the Guard. Not the Hero of Light.”

Flash Sentry sighs. “So, what are we going to do now, sir?”

Arc stands. “We should notify Princess Cadance at once of a possible threat. If Trixie really has gone off the deep end, everyone in Canterlot is in danger!”

He walks over to his desk and sits down. Reaching over he activates his Emergency Comm-Link! A few seconds later a rather haggard looking hologram of Cadance appears. She looks at him angrily!

“ARC! I have just finished a twelve-hour paperwork session. Unless Equestria is LITERALLY ON FIRE...!”

He interrupts. “There is a very angry, magically enhanced, evil super-pony heading for Canterlot.”

Cadance blinks a few times, confused. “I'm sorry... what?!”

Luna walks over to stand next to Arc. “Cadance. It may just be a false alarm, but we have reason to believe Trixie has acquired a dark magical item that has brought her magical abilities to alicorn levels! Apparently she was not too thrilled with her prison sentence and now seeks revenge on us! Inform Captain Decimus to rally the troops and prepare for battle!”

Cadance nods, suddenly awake! “Very well! Arc, can you keep Luna safe at Light's Hope?”

“Yes. She doesn't know Princess Luna is here though. We can use that to our advantage!”

“What do you mean?”

“I will leave my troops here to protect Princess Luna. In the meantime, I will come to Canterlot Castle and deal with Trixie... personally.”

Cadance sighs. “While I appreciate the thought, I am sure Captain Decimus and his forces are capable of repelling the attacks of a single unicorn. Besides, who’s to say this isn’t some kind of diversion?!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Well in that case, I will come and keep you company during the attack. You'll need a last line of defense established anyways. That and if anyone is foolish enough to attack Light's Hope, my soldiers will make them regret it!”

“Very well. I will be waiting in the Audience Chamber.”

The Emergency Comm-Link fades to black as Arc turns to his troops.

“Until further notice Light's Hope is officially on lockdown!”

Arc reaches under his desk and presses a button. Magic Barriers appear over every window and all exterior doors lock.

“Sergeant, inform Raven and Saffron that they are to join the orphans in the Barracks along with Princess Luna in the event of an attack! Everyone not fighting ready will stay there until I lift the lockdown!”

Sandstorm Mirage salutes! “Yes sir!”

“Lieutenant! You will command Light's Hope while I am gone. In the event of an emergency you have full authority to take whatever steps you deem necessary to protect the barracks and its occupants!”

“Yes sir!”

Arc turns to Coco Pommel and Derpy and speaks in a very serious voice.

"Derpy, get Dinky. I want the three of you to stay with the orphans in the barracks. "

“You can count on us Arc!”

Coco Pommel nods soberly. “Ember, you're with me. Grab the Magic Cloak the lieutenant left here on his last visit.”

“All right!”

“Any questions?”

The lieutenant looks over anxiously! “What about me?”

Ember rolls her eyes. “What about you?”

“I want to help too!”

Arc sighs. “Fine. You'll come with me as well. Meet me in the Main Hall and I'll give you your assignment.”

“Yes sir!”

The lieutenant nods. Ember looks to Arc as if he’s lost his mind!

”You don't really trust him, do you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. That's why he's coming with us. Keep your friends close and you enemies closer.”

“Alright. If you say so!”

Arc turns to leave the room. “Everyone rally in the Main Hall now!”

He turns to Flash Sentry.

“Flash Sentry, defend this base!

“Yes sir!”

The lieutenant turns to Sandstorm Mirage.

“Wake every guard and tell them to report to Main Hall at once!

Flash Sentry heads for the door.

“I need a weapon!”

Sandstorm Mirage nods at his friend and salutes. “Right this way!”

Everyone parts ways as they hurry to carry out their instructions! Arc runs down the hall to the Hammer's guest room.

Arc enters the room and flips on the lights! “Steel Hammer, Silver Hammer, we've got trouble!”

Steel Hammer sits up groggily. “What's going on?”

“No time to explain! All of you get to the armory and bring any weapons and armor that are in usable condition to the Main Hall!”

Silver Hammer jumps out of bed! “Yes sir!”

Arc calls forth his armor and opens a portal to Derpy's house. He grabs the Spear of Hope from its place over the mantle. Running out the front door he heads for the Golden Oaks Library and pounds on the door. A few moments later Twilight answers sleepily.

“Arc? What going on?”

“Twilight, we have an emergency! Gather the Elements of Harmony and the others and get to Derpy's house as fast as you can. I'll meet you there!"

She nods. “Alright!”

Twilight runs inside to get the Elements of Harmony as Arc hurries to the Hammer's blacksmith shop. As expected, he finds the door locked.

“Sorry about this Steel Hammer...”

Arc kicks the door down in one blow and runs inside. He opens a portal to Light's Hope's Main Hall tosses through the Spear of Hope. Using his magic, he picks up every weapon and suit of armor he finds and throws them through the portal. Spying a Large Shield in the corner he grabs it and tosses it through the portal as well before closing it. Arc runs across town back to Derpy's House. Twilight and her friends have just arrived. Applejack waves as he nears.

“Arc, what the hay is...?!”

Arc opens a portal to Light's Hope's Main Hall. “Talk later! Everyone in!”

They look confused but follow Arc's instructions. Stepping out the other end of the portal in Light’s Hope's Main Hall they are surprised to see so many soldiers putting on full battle armor. They are more astonished to see Princess Luna herself there. Arc turns to Twilight.

“I'll be right back! Everyone armor up!”

He runs quickly down the hall deeper into the base as Twilight runs over to Luna.

“Princess Luna! What's going on here?!”

“Canterlot will soon be attacked! Perhaps even Light's Hope itself will fall victim to an invasion!”

“WHAT?!”

Rainbow Dash looks to Luna, uncertainly. “Well, what do we do?!”

Luna glances down the corridor. “Wait for Arc to get back. He will tell you what to do.”

Arc reaches the vault. Opening the door, he grabs the Spear of Devotion and quickly heads back to the Main Hall and gives the spear to Coco Pommel!

“Take this and keep the orphans safe!”

Coco Pommel takes the spear and nod, soberly. “Anypony so much as TOUCHES one of them and I'll make them regret it!”

"Okay everyone, listen up! I'm heading out now to defend Canterlot Castle! Should the castle fall, our base would be the next logical tactical target! All of you who are stationed here will take your orders from Flash Sentry until I get back! Remember, Light's Hope must NOT fall!”

All the troops salute Arc! He picks up the Large Shield he found earlier.

“Ember, give me the cloak.”

She runs up and hands the cloak to Arc. He turns to Captain Decimus’ former lieutenant, who is already clad in full plate armor, and gives him the cloak and shield.

“Put this on and stay cloaked! You're coming with me to Canterlot as a final surprise to the invader! Stay close and stay hidden!”

He salutes Arc respectfully. “Yes sir! I won't let you down!”

Arc turns to the others as the lieutenant puts the robe on and activates the cloak as ordered. “Ember, lieutenant, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie on the sigil! We have to go, NOW!”

They step on the sigil as Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“Godspeed!”

Arc activates the sigil and teleports everyone to his quarters in Canterlot Castle!

“To the Audience Chamber! Hurry!”

They leave Arc's room to find the entire castle on high alert! All assembled run with Arc toward the Audience Chamber! Two of Captain Decimus' elite guards block the door to the Audience Chamber! The Elite Guards shout to them as they approach!

“Only the Hero of Light is to be allowed entrance!”

Arc does not slow down. “MOVE, OR BE MOVED!!!”

The guards dive out of the way as Arc charges through the doors to find Princess Cadance pacing the floor nervously in front of Captain Decimus. Upon their quick entrance the Captain spins around and draws his blade deftly!

“Princess Cadance! What's the situation?!”

Captain Decimus rushes over to Arc, angrily! “I gave orders for only the Hero of Light to be...”

Arc interrupts him. “SHUT UP! We don't have time for this, Captain!

Cadance turns to the assembled ponies and Ember. “Captain Decimus has sent scouts to verify the danger. They followed the route the prison cart would have taken and found it, along with the guards... or what was left of them! At the speed Trixie is moving they estimate she should be here by dawn!

Twilight’s eyes grow wide! “Trixie?!”

Cadance looks to her childhood friend. “Do you know her Twilight?”

Applejack looks nervous. “She... uh... performed her magic act in Ponyville a while back, princess.”

Pinkie jumps up and down happily! “Oh! It was AWESOME! She did magic tricks and magic fireworks and stuff!”

Rarity shudders! “And she turned my mane GREEN! It was simply ghastly!”

Rainbow Dash scoffs! “She claimed to have taken down an Ursa Major! But when Ponyville was attacked, she admitted it had all been a lie. Twilight had to take care of the beast herself!

Fluttershy smiles to her friend. “Thank you for not hurting him Twilight! After all, it was just a baby!”

Twilight nods. “Needless to say, she was almost chased out of town for her tall tales! Arc, not that I mind, but you didn't really need to bring us all here to deal with the antics of Trixie! She’s nothing but a showpony!”

Cadance shakes her head. “I agree with Arc's decision Twilight. This is not the Trixie you know! She has somehow obtained an item called the Alicorn Amulet. It has raised her magical abilities to be a match for my own Alicorn Magic!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grow wide! “Wait! You mean...?”

Cadance nods. “Yes, Rainbow Dash. For all intents and purposes, we are about to fight... an alicorn!”

Captain Decimus looks at Arc and his entourage, scoffing. “Your Highness, my guards are more than capable of defending this castle against ANY threat. We need not involve the Hero of Light in this!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest “Like it or not, Captain, I'm not going ANYWHERE until Trixie is taken care of!”

Captain Decimus explodes indignantly! “I WILL NOT STAND FOR...”

Arc walks toward Captain Decimus, his group standing behind him. “Unless of course you think you are capable of MAKING me leave!”

Captain Decimus looks at the rather sizable force behind Arc. “Fine! Just don't get in my way! Now if you will excuse me, I have an enemy to slay! You may stay here and protect the rear!

Captain Decimus quickly leaves the Audience Chamber

Applejack scowls! “How generous of him.”

Sunburst rushes into the Audience Chamber with a book!

“Your Highness! I've heard we are about to be invaded by a pony wielding the Alicorn Amulet! Is this true?!”

Cadance nods. “Yes Sunburst. We could use your advice on this matter.”

“This is the only book I have that even mentions the Alicorn Amulet! Apparently in addition to giving the wearer the magical powers of an alicorn, it will also give them the same immortality of a princess!”

Twilight turns to Sunburst, amazed! “Immortality?! You mean she will live forever?!”

“Yes! But it goes so much further than that!”

Cadance steps forward. “Perhaps I can explain it better. You see... alicorn magic allows our bodies to regenerate at an accelerated rate. It's why we don't age.”

Rainbow Dash thinks for a moment. “I guess that makes sense. But... why would that be such a problem?! I mean... can't the guards just, oh I don't know, stab Trixie through the heart?! End it quickly!”

Cadance shakes her head. “It's not that simple. Arc, may I borrow you spear for a moment?”

“Um... I guess so.”

Cadance takes the Spear of Righteousness out of Arc's hand with her magic. She looks it over a moment... before pointing it at herself and plunging it into her side! All assembled gasp! Arc runs forward and pulls the spear out of Cadance as she falls to the floor, shouting! “Princess Cadance! Have you lost your mind?!

Cadance grimaces in pain. “Just wait...”

All assembled, other than Sunburst, are astonished to see the gaping wound slowly close and the blood disappear! In a minute, no trace of the injury can be found!

Sunburst approaches Cadance and points a hoof at the spot the wound used to be! “As you can see an alicorn is, for all intents and purposes, unkillable!”

Cadance shakes her head. “That's... not completely true. My body had to use a lot of energy to heal itself! We can't receive a mortal wound through normal means! But we could, in theory, die of exhaustion!

Arc looks out the window and sees the horizon beginning to glow from the coming sunrise.

“We don't have much time now. Princess Cadence, what of the citizens of Canterlot?!”

“Captain Decimus has already spread the word to the citizenry that everypony is restricted to their homes until further notice! The streets will be deserted!”

Twilight sighs in relief. “What about the Town Guards?”

“Captain Decimus has them defending the Gates of Canterlot.”

Ember is suddenly horrified! “WHAT?! They'll be annihilated! You're okay with this?!”

Cadance looks sadly at Ember. “I trust that Captain Decimus knows what he is doing.”

Arc nods to his friend. “I'm with Ember on this one. How could he throw away the lives of his soldiers?!”

“He's not! They all volunteered to protect the citizens! Nopony was forced into this assignment!”

Ember turns and walks toward the door. Rarity looks to her.

“Ember darling, where are you going?!”

“To help the Town Guard hold the gate! Maybe Trixie can be stopped before she even gets into town!”

Arc moves to join her. “I'm coming with you!”

Ember turns to face him. “No Arc. You have to stay here and protect Princess Cadance.”

“But what about you?!”

“I'll be okay. I have the Spear of Courage to protect me, after all. Don't worry! I'm not about to fall to Trixie of all ponies! See if you can figure out a plan. I'll buy you as much time as I can.”

Arc begins to protest further, but stops. “Very well then. Give em hell, Ember!”

Ember nods and runs out the door. Twilight walks quickly to Sunburst.

“Can I see that book? Maybe there is something in it that we can use to defeat Trixie.”

Sunburst nods. “I suppose so. But I've already looked over it thoroughly.”

Sunburst gives the book to Twilight who wastes no time opening its pages.

“Please be something!”

Upon reaching the corridor, Ember realizes she has no idea how to find the Main Entrance!

“Screw it!”

Ember jumps through a window and flies toward the Town Gate.

VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 19 - The Truth Will Set You Free

Cherry rises early the next morning and heads downstairs to make breakfast. She finds Arc already up and on the phone with someone.

“Yes, that's right! I need this done as soon as possible...! A week...?! Not happening! Look, I'm not picky on WHO you send, but get someone here ASAP! Yes, I need to know what happened right away! Very good. I'll be waiting for them at Cherry Hill Ranch. Have them notify me when they arrive. Thank you. Goodbye.”

Arc puts down the receiver and turns to Cherry.

“My, you’re up early, Arc!”

He smiles at her. “I had to make an early morning call. That and I wanted to be up before Sassy Saddles. Waking up in a strange bed with no recollection of how you got there would be very unnerving to say the least.”

“Why don't we go together? As handsome as you are, she might still find another pony's face more comforting.”

Arc nods. “Can't argue with that! Let's go.”

The pair climb the stairs together and quietly enter the guest room. Cherry looks over at Dinky and smiles!

“She really does look just like a little angel lying there!”

Arc smiles and nods. Cherry nudges Dinky lightly. The filly begins to stir.

“Dad? Is it morning already?”

Sassy Saddles, hearing voices slowly opens her eyes to look at Dinky. She looks at the filly, half-awake for some time!

“You… you came into the shop to buy a costume earlier, right?”

Dinky nods! “Yes! Along with my dad and his friends! You sold me a Hero of Light costume!”

She slowly comes around. “Yes, I remember now. You were my first customers of the day.”

Arc clears his throat. “Miss? Do you remember me?”

Sassy Saddles looks apprehensively at Arc! “Y-yes! You're this filly's father, right?”

She looks around the room. Confused, she puts a hoof to her forehead.

“Ugh... but, how did I get here?”

Cherry looks at Sassy Saddles with a smile. “There was a fire. My friend Arc here went in to save you. Do you remember what happened?”

She shakes her head slowly. “Not really. I remember it getting dark and turning on the lights. Then all of a sudden, the whole place was on fire!”

She shudders at the memory.

“After that, everything went black. I remember hearing the roar of the flames and several large crashes! Then all of a sudden, things were quiet again. Something picked me up and carried me outside. There were voices, many of them angry. I was so scared, but found that I couldn't move!”

Arc nods. “Are you in any pain right now, miss?”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “No, I'm not. But... I remember hearing your voice. You sounded angry, like the others, but at the same time your voice was a comfort to me.”

A strange look suddenly crosses Sassy Saddles face.

“Wait! What was your name again?!”

“Arc.”

“And you went in to save me?”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Sassy Saddles looks to him, nervously. “You wouldn't happen to be... Hero of Light Arc, would you?”

Dinky smiles! “He is”

“You can just call me Arc though. I'm not one to stand on ceremony.”

She quickly stumbles out of bed to stand, albeit shakily, before him! Arc reaches forward to help steady her!

“Easy there! You're still fairly weak!”

“I… I'm sorry! I must look a fright after what happened!”

Sassy Saddles looks down at herself to see she is undressed! Embarrassed, she grabs a sheet to cover herself!

“W-where are my clothes?!”

Dinky walks over to a corner of the room and picks up the sooty mess with her magic. “They're over here! Sorry, but we didn't have time to wash them last night. Too tired!”

Sassy Saddles blushes profusely as she looks back to Arc.

“I'm sorry. It's just that I'm so accustomed to wearing clothing that I feel positively unsightly without them! And in front of somepony as important as the Hero of Light no less! I could just die of embarrassment!”

Dinky looks to their visitor. “Well I think you look just fine without them!”

“If it would make you feel better, after breakfast I could lend you something of mine to wear. I don't have much in the way of glamorous duds though.”

Sassy Saddles slowly releases the sheet and allows it to fall to the floor. Thank you. I would really like to be covered before I leave the house!”

Cherry leads their guest toward the door. “It's no problem, miss? Are you hungry?”

“Starved actually! I was so busy selling costumes the other day that I didn't have time to eat!”

“Well come on downstairs and I'll fix you some breakfast!”

The group walks downstairs. Auriel, Ember, and Ruby are sitting around the kitchen table talking.

Cherry walks over to the stove and picks up a skillet. “Have a seat miss! I'll get breakfast on the table as quick as I can!”

Sassy Saddles sits down. “Thank you! Oh by the way, my name is Sassy Saddles. Pleased to see you all again.”

She looks over at Ember and Auriel as Cherry begins making the morning meal.

“Can I ask you two something?”

Ember nods. “Sure.”

“What is it?”

“Why are you still wearing those costumes?”

Ember looks down at herself. “What costumes?”

Auriel looks to Ember, confused. “Do you know what she’s talking about?”

“Not a clue.”

Arc nods. “I think I can explain that one miss.”

“Please, call me Sassy Saddles, Hero of Light!”

Arc smiles at her. “Okay. But only if you call me Arc.”

She laughs! “Deal!”

“The truth of the matter is... they aren't wearing any costumes.”

"I’m sorry, what?"

Arc gestures to Ember. “My friend here really is a dragon!”

Ember nods. “It's true!”

Arc turns to Auriel. “And Auriel really is a demon!”

“Yes. Pleased to meet you!”

Sassy Saddles eyes grow wide! “How is this possible?! Exactly how long have you...!”

“The three of us were born this way. Oh, and just for the sake of clarity... I'm a human.”

“I... I'm so sorry if I said or did anything to offend all of you!”

Ember laughs! “Don't worry about it. We get that a lot!”

Arc nods. “In any case, now that we have all that out of the way we can move on to more important matters! For starters, do you have ANY idea how the fire started yesterday at the Costume Shop?

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “Sorry, but I don't think I'm going to be much help in that regard. It just all happened so fast! I do hope Mr. Rich isn't too mad at me for what happened! I mean... I'm sure he had insurance on the building and all, but...

Arc suddenly has a pained look on his face. “Um, yeah... about that. Filthy Rich already knows about the fire. He showed up shortly after it was put out and... blamed you for everything.”

Cherry looks over from the stove. “That lout even went so far as to insist that the sheriff arrest you!”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head, flabbergasted! “WHAT?! But I didn't do anything!”

Ember nods. He sure seemed to think so. Wanted you held for ‘questioning’.”

Ruby frowns. “More than likely he was hoping that during the questioning, you would slip up and say something he could twist around and use against you!”

Dinky shakes her head. “Really?! I mean... he seemed like a really bad stallion and all, but... that would just be cruel!”

“Well, knowing Filthy Rich as I do, he probably views making baseless accusations as being ‘completely within the law’. Therefore, it's okay! At least in HIS eyes!”

Sassy Saddles looks to Arc, nervously. “Sir? Am I... under arrest?”

Cherry shakes her head. “You're a guest here, not a prisoner dear.”

Dinky smiles and nods! “Yeah! My dad brought you here to keep you safe!”

“I don't know exactly how matters like these are supposed to be handled in Equestria, but in my homeland individuals like you are supposed to be ‘innocent until proven guilty’. That and I didn't want Filthy Rich to get away with imprisoning you with nothing but circumstantial evidence!”

Sassy Saddles lays her head on the kitchen table and sighs. “That may prove to be a difficult task, as I was alone in the shop at the time.”

“Not to worry. This will actually be easier than you think!”

Auriel looks to Arc, confused. “What? But how, Arc? Can you bend time and space to travel back to that point in time, or something?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. It's not all that complicated! I contacted Canterlot early this morning and requested an investigator be dispatched at once! One way or another, we WILL get to the bottom of this!”

Sassy Saddles lets out a sigh of relief! “Thank you Hero of... I mean, thank you Arc! This means a lot to me!”

“It's no problem. A normal investigation would take too long.”

Ruby nods! “That and Filthy Rich would probably insist that she be incarcerated until the investigation concluded!”

Sassy Saddles gulps!

Cherry sets the food on the table. “Now, now... on to brighter matters. Like starting the day with a hearty breakfast!”

Dinky salivates! “That I can agree with! I forgot to eat supper last night!”

Arc laughs! “By forgot you mean you were too tired to do so after helping Ember clean up Sassy Saddles, right sweetheart?”

Ember laughs! “That pretty much sums it up!”

They all eat breakfast hungrily! Dinky turns to Sassy Saddles.

“I hope we did an okay job bathing you last night! You were pretty dirty from the fire!”

Arc looks up. “Look on the bright side. Your mane wasn't singed at all!”

“W-Was the fire really that bad?!”

Arc grimaces. "Yeah. As I reached you, the roof caved in on us. So yes, I would call that pretty bad."

"Sequins and sashes! We should be glad to be alive then! How on Equestria did we make it out of there alive?!"

Arc looks over the building. “It was. All I know is all of a sudden the flames were gone. Which was a good thing too, as I was using all my strength to keep the two of us shielded from the burning roof on top of us.”

He turns to the others around the table

“Can someone please bring me up to speed on what the heck happened back there?!”

“It was me, dad."

Arc appears confused. “Okay... can you elaborate?”

“After the roof fell in, I was looking all over the place to see if I could help you! All of a sudden, something inside me surged! It was kinda like back at the New Beginnings Orphanage. While I have no clue exactly how I did it, somehow I pulled the flames out of the building and put them all together in a little ball between my hooves!”

Ember nods! “It was incredible! She just stomped out the compressed flames like it was nothing!”

“Ember and I were able to look for you after that. The rest you know.”

Sassy Saddles turns to the filly, amazed! “Dinky, was it? I'm no magical master but... what you have described should be... IMPOSSIBLE! Who... or what are you?!”

Dinky looks uncomfortable. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder.

“She's my daughter. Nothing more... nothing less. And I couldn't be more proud of her right now.”

“Thanks dad! I'm just glad you're safe!”

Arc and Dinky share a hug as everyone continues with breakfast! Sometime later, they push back their plates, stuffed!

“Ah... another glorious meal Cherry! Thank you for breakfast.”

Cherry smiles lovingly at Arc. “Anything for you and your friends.”

Dinky appears confused. Smiling, Ember nudges Dinky and winks at her! Understanding, Dinky smiles back at her! Cherry stands and turns to Sassy Saddles.

“Why don't we see if there's something in my closet that will fit you?”

“Thank you ma'am! That's really quite kind of you.”

The pair make their way upstairs. “It's no trouble now! After all you've been through, you could use all the help you can get!”

Suddenly the phone rings! Ruby stands to answer it.

“Hello, Cherry Hill Ranch... I see... one moment please.”

She turns to Arc.

“Arc, the sheriff is on the phone. He wants to talk to you.”

He takes the receiver and puts it to his ear.

“Thank you Ruby. Sheriff? This is Arc. What can I do for you?”

“Sir, there are a couple of investigators from Canterlot here in my office along with Mr. Rich. Say they're here to investigate yesterday’s fire.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Wow! They got here fast! I only just called them early this morning! Shall I meet you over there?”

The sheriff nods to himself. “That would be fine. They're anxious to get started!”

“Alright. The shopkeeper and I will head over to the scene just as soon as we can.”

“Thanks. I'll be happy to have this whole matter behind me as well.”

The sheriff lowers his voice as he turns away from his ‘guests’.

“That and I want Mr. Rich out of my office, and out of my town!”

Arc nods. “Join the club. See you in a bit!”

He hangs up the phone as Cherry and Sassy Saddles descend the stairs together!

“Sorry I don't have anything nicer.”

Sassy Saddles smiles at her host! “Thank you. This is just fine!”

Arc meets them at the bottom of the stairs. “Sassy Saddles, I just got off the phone with the sheriff. We need to meet him over at the scene.’

“Um... okay. Will... will Mr. Rich be there as well?”

“More than likely. Don't worry. I'm not leaving you there alone!”

She breathes a sigh of relief! “Thanks!”

Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward and opens a portal to the sigil from yesterday near where Cherry’s booth was yesterday.

“Go ahead. I'll be right behind you.”

Sassy Saddles nervously points a hoof at the swirling magical energies. “Is it... safe?”

Arc nods! “Sure! I do this all the time!”

She closes her eyes and walks through the portal. Arc turns to Dinky.

“I'll be back soon, sweetheart.”

“Okay dad! I'll help Miss Cherry with the breakfast dishes.”

“There's a good girl!”

Arc meets Sassy Saddles on the other side of the portal. A few minutes later they arrive at the scene of the fire! The sheriff, Hard Hat, Filthy Rich with his daughters, along with the investigator are already on the scene. Sassy Saddles looks at what is left of the building, aghast!

“Oh my! It really burnt right to the ground!”

Filthy Rich turns to Sassy Saddles, snidely! “Just like you wanted it to, I'm sure!”

Diamond Tiara nods! “Well, she certainly got what she wanted! Now she'll get what she DESERVES!!!”

Silver Spoon looks at her father and sister. “Both of you please calm down!”

The inspector turns to Filthy Rich. “I'll be the judge of that, sir!”

Hard Hat approaches Arc. “Good to see you again sir! I hope you like the job I did on the new orphanage.”

Arc shakes Hard Hat's hoof. “Yes indeed! The orphans love their new home!”

Hard Hat turns to the inspector. “Oh! I'd like you to meet my former apprentice, Plumb Bob!”

He extends a hoof! “A pleasure to meet you, Hero of Light.”

Hard Hat smiles with evident pride! “He was always better at rules, regulations and building codes than I was!”

Plumb Bob nods! “Not to worry, sir! Although I'm not as accomplished a builder as my former Master is here, I am fully qualified to build, inspect, and investigate!”

Sassy Saddles smiles at both of them! “Thank you both for coming here to straighten this mess out! Oh, sorry! I'm Sassy Saddles, and up until yesterday I managed this shop!”

Filthy Rich and his daughters walk up to the group. He turns to Sassy Saddles, angrily!

“Yes. And as soon as these gentleponies prove it was arson, you'll be managing the prison laundry!”

Diamond Tiara looks to her and speaks in a patronizing voice. “Don't worry Sassy Saddles! As beautiful as you are, I'm sure the other prison inmates will be fighting over who gets to bunk with you!

Silver Spoon shakes her head as tears begin to fall. “Diamond Tiara! Stop it! Please...”

“Okay, Silver Spoon.”

Diamond Tiara looks over at Sassy Saddles angrily!

“Now look what you did?! You made my little sister cry!”

Sassy Saddles shrinks back, clearly frightened. Arc steps between her and the Rich family>

“How about we let the experts get to work before we rush to judgment, eh?”

Filthy Rich looks down his nose at all assembled. “I couldn't agree more. Do begin. After all, I'm a very rich and very busy stallion!”

Arc turns away, angrily! “Nobody cares!”

Filthy Rich walks after him! “How dare you! Don't you know who I am?! I have half a mind to...”

Arc turns and interrupts the livid stallion! “So, you admit it then?! You only have ‘half a mind’? Save your threats! I'm out of your league, you little fink!

The sheriff turns to Hard Hat and Plumb Bob. “Maybe you boys had better get to work before these two throwdown right here in the middle of town.”

Arc nods! “Good idea. I would hate to cause any damage... to the street!”

Filthy Rich plants his hooves firmly! “Well, I'm not going anywhere until I know exactly what happened to MY building!”

Plumb Bob enters the building, or what is left of it, cautiously. Hard Hat observes from the street with the others.

“Holey-moley! This place really went up!”

He looks over to Sassy Saddles.

“What were you doing when the fire started miss?”

Diamond Tiara scoffs! “Wherever it started was where she was!”

“Well, it was starting to get dark, so I walked behind the counter to turn on the lights. The next thing I knew flames were everywhere!”

Hard Hat nods “Did you leave the building right away?”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “No. I... thought maybe I could put the fire out myself. I ran to the back room for the fire extinguisher... and that's the last thing I remember about the fire! Next thing I knew I was waking up at Cherry Hill Ranch next to one of my customers from yesterday.”

Filthy Rich turns to Arc, a sickened expression on his face! “Some hero you are! Taking advantage of an unconscious mare! You letch!”

“She's talking about my daughter, Einstein!”

Filthy Rich looks confused. “Einstein?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “He was... aw, skip it”!

Hard Hat turns and yells to Plumb Bob. “Check what's left of the electrical!”

“On it!”

Arc turns to the sheriff. “Well, I can corroborate part of her story. When I found her in the back room, she we under a pile of costumes near a fallen rack. I can only surmise something must have knocked it over and knocked out Sassy Saddles in the process!”

Filthy Rich nods patronizingly. “That's quite an active imagination you have there Arc! But can you prove it?”

Diamond Tiara laughs! “First he would have to prove he's competent!”

Arc turns to Filthy Rich and folds his gauntlets over his chest plate. “I could say the same of you! Can you prove she started the fire?”

Filthy Rich is silent.

“I thought not. Think about it! If she HAD started the fire, would she have stayed in the burning building and let herself be burned alive?!”

Filthy Rich considers Arc’s words for a few moments. “Perhaps she's suicidal, or maybe just plain crazy. I hear most artists are.”

Sassy Saddles looks to her former employer, enraged. “What?! How DARE you say such things about me! I've worked very hard for you over these last five years and NOW you question my sanity?!”

She steps forward angrily. Arc forces himself to protect Filthy Rich from her fury.

“Easy there. I know he's scum, but you still can't hurt him.”

Filthy Rich nods angrily. “Hmph! Glad to see you finally doing your job, Hero of Light!

Arc looks to the stallion over his shoulder. “I suggest you put a sock in it, Rich. If you keep talking, I may just have to... oh, I don't know... turn my back for fifteen seconds or so?”

Sassy Saddles looks at Filthy Rich with an evil grin on her face. “Fifteen seconds is more than enough time for what I have planned!”

Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara turn to Arc. “You wouldn't dare!”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Try me.”

He begins to turn around as Sassy Saddles slowly approaches her former employer.

“Okay, okay, you win. I'll keep it to myself until the investigation is complete.”

Arc nods. “Smart move.”

Diamond Tiara shakes a hoof at Arc, angrily. “OGRE!”

A short while later Plumb Bob returns with something under his hoof.

“I’ve completed my preliminary investigation. It looks like the wiring to the lights was improperly done. There’s burnt insulation all around the wires, which is obviously another construction no-no.”

Hard Hat rolls his eyes. “Amateur builders...”

Plumb Bob tosses the item he’s carrying toward Filthy Rich.

“I also found this in the back room.”

Sassy Saddles looks at it, confused. “What is that?”

“It's what's left of the fire extinguisher you were going for, miss. The fire-proof tag shows it hasn't been inspected in YEARS! From its condition, I doubt it would have worked even if you had gotten to it.”

Sassy Saddles hoof flies to her face. “Oh my! Whose responsibility is it to do that?!”

Hard Hat turns to Filthy Rich, angrily. “The building owner!”

Filthy Rich chuckles. “Like I said before... I'm a very busy stallion! I don't have time to take care of every single nuance of every building I own.”

Plumb Bob begins writing on a clipboard. “Well then, I guess you have too many buildings. I saw quite a few other violations, some of which would have allowed the fire to spread as quickly as it did. We'll know more when I complete my investigation.”

Arc nods. “Take as long as you need.”

Sassy Saddles smiles at him. “And please... be thorough.”

Plumb Bob nods. “Yes ma'am.”

He walks back toward the building with his clipboard in hoof.

“I think I'll join Plumb Bob. Maybe I can point out anything he misses.”

“Good idea, Hard Hat.”

Hard Hat walks toward the ruins of the building as the sheriff turns to the Rich family.

“Well Mr. Rich, it looks like there’s no crime here. If you will excuse me, I'll be on my way.”

The sheriff turns and walks back to his office.

Filthy Rich sighs. “Well Sassy Saddles, I guess you're off the hook. However, I suppose with the loss of this building, I no longer have need of your services.”

“What?! Are you saying, I'm FIRED?!”

Diamond Tiara grins wickedly! “Don't take it so hard! I'm sure the Saloon would love to hire you... as a Dancing Mare!”

Filthy Rich shrugs. “Take it any way you want! Now if you all will excuse me, I have many other things to take care of.”

Arc storms after him as the stallion turns to leave. “Now hold on just a minute Filthy Rich! Don't you have to give her some kind of severance pay or something?!”

Filthy Rich smiles wickedly over his shoulder. “I would. However, with the loss of this building, I'm not sure I can afford it.”

Sassy Saddles glares at him! “Is that some kind of sick joke?! Everypony in Equestria knows how wealthy you are!”

Diamond Tiara shrugs. “I think what my dad is saying is that he's going to put the Costume Shop into bankruptcy. But don't worry Sassy Saddles! I'm sure after the bankruptcy court convenes in a few months, you'll be able to hash things out!”

Filthy Rich laughs! “Who knows? Maybe by then they'll release your last paycheck!”

“What?! But... I... everything I owned was in there!”

“That's a new low, even for you Filthy Rich! It's criminal!”

Diamond Tiara shakes her head. “No it's not! Such matters would have to go before a CIVIL court! Don't worry! She'll get paid... EVENTUALLY!”

Arc clenches his fists in rage!

“Now, now Arc. Don't hate the player, hate the game! It's just business!”

Arc looks to Filthy Rich. “Ruining other's lives is just BUSINESS to you?!”

Diamond Tiara shrugs. “Eh. More or less.”

Silver Spoon runs over to Filthy Rich. “Father! What is she supposed to do now?! The store wasn't just her job... it was also her HOME!”

Filthy Rich shrugs. “Diamond Tiara had a pretty good idea earlier. I'm sure the Saloon would LOVE to hire her! She would probably make even more working for them... in ‘tips’.”

Filthy Rich turns back to Arc and smiles.

“...and that is how these things are done, Hero of Light! I hope you were paying attention!”

Diamond Tiara laughs cruelly! “Hero? More like zero!”

Arc seethes silently inside his armor.

“Now if you have no other business to discuss with me Arc, we should be going. Come along, girls!”

Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara walk away laughing as Sassy Saddles falls to the ground and begins to cry!

Arc kneels down next to Sassy Saddles and puts a hand on her back. “I'm sorry things turned out this way.”

Sassy Saddles looks up at Arc with tears in her eyes! She does not rise from the ground. “What... what am I supposed to do now?! I haven't a bit to my name! Not even enough to buy a train ticket out of here! Even my tools burned up in there!”

She lays her head down in the dirt, completely devoid of any hope. Silver Spoon walks over to her.

“Miss Saddles? I... I'm really sorry for what my dad did to you.”

Sassy Saddles does not rise from the ground, but looks Silver Spoon in the eye. “It's not your fault, Silver Spoon. I don't hold any of this against you. You've been kind to me over the years! I know you at least will grow into a fine young mare!”

“Thank you... but what will you do now?”

Sassy Saddles sits up and sighs. “The only thing I CAN do right now... see if the Saloon still wants to hire me. The owner has been trying to get me to come work for him for years now. He... he said I would be every stallion's favorite in no time.

Silver Spoon shakes her head vehemently! “No! You deserve better than THAT!”

The filly reaches into her saddlebags and pulls out a large bag of bits. She sets it down in front of Sassy Saddles.

“Please Miss Saddles! Take this and use it to start a new life somewhere! I wish I could do more for you, but I guess giving you my allowance is all I can do right now.”

Arc looks at the over-sized bag of bits and thinks to himself. “That's her ALLOWANCE?!”

Sassy Saddles stands and smiles at Silver Spoon. “Thank you dear... but... I can't take these bits. I haven't earned them!”

“What?! But... but your pay...”

She interrupts the filly. “...needs to come from your father. I appreciate you trying to make this right, but... I couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I accepted this money from you!”

Sassy Saddles uses her magic to pick up the bag of bits and put them back in Silver Spoon's saddlebag.

Silver Spoon begins to tear up! “Please Miss Saddles! You've always been so kind to me! Now I'm begging you! Let me help! I can't stand the thought of you working at the Saloon! I... I need to be sure you'll be okay!”

Arc walks over to the pair. “Silver Spoon, was it? I must say, I’m quite impressed by your desire to help Sassy Saddles! You're nothing like you father and sister!”

“Yes sir. I... please forgive them. They're actually quite nice when you get to know them!”

He puts a hand on Sassy Saddles' shoulder. “Now don't you worry about Sassy Saddles. I'll take care of her, and help her get back on her feet... er... hooves, I guess.”

“Thank you. But... how?”

Silver Spoon approaching Arc and looks up at him hopefully! “Please, do tell! My friend deserves a job with some... dignity!”

“How about I take you back to Ponyville with me? I can introduce you to Rarity. The two of you would get along famously!”

Sassy Saddles looks to Arc excitedly! “Really?! You would do that for me?!”

Arc nods! “Sure! Rarity always has so much work to do. Maybe she’d like an assistant!”

“I admit, that would most certainly be a dream come true, but... what if she says no?”

Silver Spoon looks up at her friend. “My dad says ‘the start of a business empire begins with a single sale’! I think what he meant was that you have to start somewhere!”

“I suppose that makes sense, but what if...”

Silver Spoon interrupts! “He also says ‘don't let the fear of failure stop you from trying’.”

Arc nods and thinks to himself. “I'll have to remember that one. Words to live by...”

“Well... okay. I'll give it a try.”

Sassy Saddles turns to Arc

“Thank you for the offer Arc. I accept!”

“Good! We will head back to Ponyville together tomorrow morning! If you have anything else you need to do before then, now is the time.”

Sassy Saddles looks down at the ground. “I... literally have nothing left here.”

Silver Spoon shakes her head! “That's not true Miss Saddles! After all, you have your life! And you owe that fact to the Hero of Light here!”

Arc nods. “Well, if there isn't anything else you need to do, we should be getting back to the ranch.”

He turns to Silver Spoon.

“You should probably catch up with you family. I wouldn't want them to worry about you now.”

Silver Spoon nods. “Thank you sir! Please take care of my friend!”

The filly looks back at Sassy Saddles. She approaches her friend and gives her a parting embrace.

“I hope I can see you again in Ponyville.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Yes, I would like that dear! Take care now!”

Silver Spoon trots away in the direction Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara went

“I see a bright future for her.”

Sassy Saddles nods. “Her sister... not so much.”

“Agreed!”

Arc turns to the remains of the building. Hard Hat and Plumb Bob continue to sift through the rubble, as he fills out citations.”

“You two got this?”

Hard Hat nods! “Indeed we do!”

Plumb Bob does not looking up from his clipboard, angrily! “When I get done with him, he won't be able to open another shop in THIS town for quite some time!”

“Thanks, you two. I'll leave you to it then!”

Arc and Sassy Saddles make their way down the street toward Cherry Hill Ranch.

“Do you really think Rarity will have work for me?”

Arc nods. “I do. But don't worry! If she doesn't, I can hire you on at my base as temporary support staff. Paperwork, helping in the kitchen, minor janitorial duties... things like that.”

Sassy Saddles looks confused. “Base?”

Arc nods. “I command a military base called Light's Hope on the outskirts of Ponyville. The work may not be too glamorous, but at least you won't be shaking your flank at strangers for tips!”

Sassy Saddles shudders and blushes at the thought! “Yes! Thank you for rescuing me from such a fate! I really just want to be able to support myself without doing anything shameful!”

“Very praiseworthy. Filthy Rich's other daughter could learn a thing or two from you.”

“You mean Diamond Tiara? I suppose anypony would act as she does if they had their every desire granted on a whim!”

“Yes. Being born into wealth does have its... developmental disadvantages.”

Sassy Saddles sighs. “I don't think that family knows the meaning of the term ‘disadvantage’.”

A butterfly flutters past the pair. Arc points at it.

“You know, I once had the honor of watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. It was quite glorious! But... it's one of the saddest memories I have of my childhood.”

Sassy Saddles looks to Arc, confused. “What do you mean?”

“The butterfly was struggling so hard to pull itself through a hole in the cocoon that I decided to help! I VERY carefully broke open the cocoon, expecting the butterfly to come fluttering out!”

“You mean, it didn't?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Instead it fell to the ground! Its wings were small and its body seemed misshapen. At the time I thought it was sick or something. It wasn't until years later that I learned that a butterfly NEEDS to go through the struggle of breaking free of its cocoon! You see, the struggle is what prepares the butterfly's wings for flight! By ‘helping’, I inadvertently robbed it of its future!”

“That's rather sad, but... why are you telling me this?”

“Silver Spoon is like the butterfly who goes through the natural metamorphosis of life. One day, she will spread her wings and fly! However, Diamond Tiara is like the butterfly I described earlier. Filthy Rich may think he’s helping her. But in reality, he's not allowing her to mature naturally!”

Sassy Saddles looks down sadly! “I guess I never thought about it that way. As much as I hate that little brat, it... kinda makes me feel sorry for her! Do you think there is any hope for her?”

Arc shrugs. “The only thing that can save her now is if someone can show her the error of her ways before it is too late. Silver Spoon is her sister's last hope...”

The pair continue on to Cherry Hill Ranch. They walk in the front door together.

“Cherry! We're back!”

A voice rings out from the kitchen. “We're in here!”

Arc and Sassy Saddles head for the Kitchen. Cherry, Ruby and Dinky turn from the sink. Ember and Auriel are busy wiping down the table and counters.

Cherry looks nervously at Sassy Saddles! “I hope everything went all right!”

Ruby nods! “We've been so worried!”

Arc looks down sadly. “Things... didn't exactly go as I hoped they would.”

“Dad? Is Miss Saddles going to jail?”

“No sweetheart! The inspector found that it was actually faulty wiring that started the fire.”

Ember smiles! “That's great news! Well, not great that Sassy Saddles had to go through that. But you know what I mean!”

Auriel frowns. “Something tells me there is more to this though.”

Sassy Saddles nods sadly and begins to tear up again! “Yes... Mr. Rich said... he no longer needs me! I'm sorry, but that store wasn't just a job for me! It was my life!”

Cherry comes forward to comfort Sassy Saddles. “Now don't you worry about a thing! I can always use some temporary help around the ranch here! It isn't much, but you can make some bits to help you get back on your hooves!”

Sassy Saddles shakes her head. “Thank you ma'am, but I'm going to Ponyville tomorrow with Arc and his friends.”

“I told her I would introduce her to our town's premier tailor. Hopefully Rarity will give her a chance.”

Sassy Saddles turns to Cherry. “Ma'am? Is there something I can help you with today? I'd like to repay you for your kindness in taking me in last night.”

“Don't worry about it, dear! We all need a helping hoof sometimes.”

Cherry looks over to Arc. She blushes and winks! Dinky looks to Cherry.

“Miss Cherry? Can we pick cherries again?”

“But this is the last day of your vacation, dear! Don't you want to do something a bit more fun?”

Dinky smiles! “That WAS fun!”

Auriel nods. “I admit, I too enjoyed gathering the red and yellow orbs!”

Ember laughs! “It's definitely a pleasant change from the norm!”

Cherry sighs. “Well, okay! But only if your father gives his permission!”

“It's fine with me! I too enjoyed the blast from my past of harvesting fruit.”

Sassy Saddles smiles! “I'll help too!”

Ruby laughs! “I guess that settles it! To the orchards!”

Everyone follows Ruby out the door. They spend the remainder of the day harvesting cherries, playing games, and generally having a good time together!

Arc breathes heavily! “Whew! I think I need to take a break!”

Ruby looks over at the innumerable gunnysacks filled with cherries! “That is without a doubt a record!”

Dinky laughs! “Leave some of the cherries for us dad!”

Auriel nods! “Please do be careful Arc. As powerful as you are, I know for a fact you have your limits!”

Ember smiles! “Take it easy Arc! I don't want to have to help carry you back to bed again!”

Cherry looks over, wide-eyed! “Again?!”

Arc turns to her, sheepishly. “Um... yeah... about that. This one time, I MAY have used just a bit too much energy teleporting everyone back to Light's Hope.”

Auriel nods. “Well, Miss Trixie DID suggest you rest some more.”

“Yes, well… I was fortunate you were there to help me back to town then Auriel.”

Ember looks to him, angrily! “Wait! You passed out THERE TOO?!”

Cherry looks to Arc. “Does this happen often?!”

“Well... it's happens a LOT less these days. I've been training to increase my mana pool for quite some time now. It's a good thing too! If I hadn't, the Demon King would have won our last battle!”

Ruby sighs. “Arc, I understand that you’re the Hero of Light and all, but I do wish you would think about how those who care about you feel about this! I mean, Cherry was hoping you would...”

Cherry interrupts, blushing deeply! “Sister, please!”

“I'm sorry Cherry. It's just... I want the best for you after all.”

Ruby looks over to Arc and smiles!

“...and Arc is most certainly the best!”

Auriel looks confused. “Cherry? Were you hoping he would come work for you, or something? I do admit, he must be the best Cherry Picker around!”

Arc looks a bit sad. “That's... not exactly what she wanted.”

Ember frowns as she looks at Arc and Cherry. “Okay, I'm getting a bit weirded out by the way you two are acting! If you REALLY don't want to talk about it that's fine but...”

Cherry looks over to Arc. He nods.

“Go ahead and tell everyone. Cherry. They should know. After all... we're all friends here!”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose so. Why don't we all head back to the house now. Everypony should probably be sitting down for this anyways!”

Ruby nods. “How about the front porch? It will be just like old times!”

“Agreed.”

Everyone heads back to the house and takes a seat on the front porch around Cherry. Arc sits next to her on the porch swing as Dinky jumps in his lap. He smiles and strokes her mane.

Cherry takes a deep breath. “This is... rather difficult to say. More so because all of you are so close to Arc! Now I'm asking you all not to be too... angry with me for... doing what I did!”

Ember looks confused. “Angry about what?”

Dinky smiles! “Yeah Miss Cherry! You're too nice for us to be angry at you!”

Auriel observes the scene before her. “Ponies most certainly have a roundabout way of explaining things sometimes.”

Cherry blushes heavily and absentmindedly taps her front hooves together as she speaks. “Last night while Ember and Dinky were cleaning Sassy Saddles up, I... um... I asked Arc to... well...”

She fumbles for the words. Dinky looks up at her and smiles!

“Miss Cherry, I know whatever it is must be really important to you! So if you need to take some time to find the right words, we'll wait!”

The others nod their heads in agreement.

“Thank you, everypony!”

Cherry looks over to Arc lovingly as she nervously continues.

“Last night I... I.................................I ASKED ARC TO MARRY ME!!!”

Cherry's face turns as red as her mane and she turns away from the group!

Ember nods! “WOAH! Way to go, Cherry! I didn't know you had it in you!”

Ruby smiles proudly. “Yes. I believe my sister was very brave to ask that question!”

Auriel looks to the pair, confused. “Marry? I didn't even know you two were...”

Cherry turns to Dinky, apologetically. “I... I'm sorry Dinky! I should have talked to you before making such an outrageous request of your father! Please forgive me!”

Dinky smiles and putting a small hoof on Cherry 's fetlock! “It's okay! I know you'll make my dad very happy! We... actually had a talk on a similar topic not too long ago!”

Ember smiles! “It's okay with me! That is... if you don't mind sharing!”

Auriel folds her claws in her lap and smiles! “I look forward to experiencing my first wedding in Equestria!”

Sassy Saddles nods! “Congratulations you two! I'm sure you'll be very happy together!”

“Everyone listen. I... have something I need to say.”

The group silently looks to Arc with smiles on their faces!

“I... I told Cherry... no.”

Ember’s eyes grow wide! “WHAT?!

Auriel frowns. “Oh poo!”

Dinky looks up at Arc. “But dad, I though you...”

Arc interrupts Dinky. “I really do want to settle down with someone... someday, but... right now, my biggest concern is keeping everyone else safe! And I can't really do that if I...”

Ember explodes in a fit of rage! “This is outrageous! Arc, YOU deserve to be happy too! Stop thinking about everyone else for once and try thinking about yourself! I mean... you DO want to be happy, right?!”

Arc sighs. “Yes Ember, I do. But... this is just so much bigger than one human's feelings. When I saw how happy I was able to make Cherry and Ruby... Derpy and Dinky... Steel Hammer and his family... the orphans... the Marquis... even Princess Luna... and so many others really just by being myself, I realized that THIS is what I was meant to do! I may not have a cutie mark on my hip, but I know that protecting Equestria and its citizens is my destiny!”

Auriel nods. “I admit I’m still learning about how things are done here in Equestria, but I must say Arc, your self-sacrificing nature is quite the change from what I am accustomed to! In Tartarus, most demons spend all their time trying to find happiness! They do everything they can think of to accomplish this end! From filling their bellies, to various narcotics, to more... carnal pleasures!”

Arc nods. “Some humans do the same, Auriel. Tell me... how many of them achieve their goal?”

Auriel looks to him, confused. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, how many of them truly find happiness in those things?”

Auriel thinks for a moment. “To the best of my knowledge... none. I have yet to meet a demon I could say was truly happy.”

Ruby sighs. “I'm not surprised! You'll never find true happiness in any of those things!”

“Where should they be looking then?”

Dinky nuzzles her father’s chest. “They could start with just trying to enjoy one another's company! Like we are right now!”

Arc nods! “Right! By bringing happiness to others, you too can be happy! But... if I have to sacrifice my OWN happiness to safeguard everyone else's, then so be it!”

Ember shakes her head. “Arc, I don't know if you're the bravest, smartest, and most selfless creature to every live... or if you're just plain nuts! But... I'm with you to the end!”

She looks suddenly sad.

“...whatever that end may be.”

Cherry leans against Arc's side, closing her eyes and smiling. “This is exactly why I love you, Arc! But... it now seems that those very traits are keeping us apart.”

Arc puts and arm around her. “I'm sorry, Cherry. Really I am! Maybe someday things will be different for me, and we could...”

He closes his eyes and shakes his head.

“No. You should find someone else. A sweet mare like you deserves better than I! A human who doesn't have the time to commit to a relationship!”

Cherry raises her head to kiss Arc on the cheek.

“I understand what you're saying, Arc. But I just want you to know… that doesn't change how I feel about you in the least.”

Chapter 8 - First Time's the Charm

Arc leaves the room and proceeds to the Audience Chamber's Outer Hall. It is filled to bursting with ponies seeking an audience. He approaches the Royal Guard Commander as he looks around.

“Full house today, huh?”

The commander does not look up from his scroll and speaks in a bored tone.

“Name and purpose of audience.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Arc. And I'm here to listen to other's problems.”

The commander’s eyes shoot up at this! “S-sire! My apologies! I was just so busy I...”

Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Look, I know your job probably isn't too... action packed or rewarding. However, the ponies here are counting on us to listen to, and if possible, fix their problems.”

“I'm sorry sire. It's just... those seeking an audience with the princesses have a bad habit of complaining to US about things that we have no control over! They can get really nasty about it too!”

“Like what?”

“Well, like the long wait times, the princess' judgments, politics, the weather... I'm not trying to complain sire, but it sometimes feels like we're being treated more like scapegoats than Royal Guards!”

Arc nods. “I see. Okay, here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to have a couple guards from the Audience Chamber come out here and stand on either side of you. Anyone gets too out of hand, you order the guards to throw them out. They try getting physical, you lock them in the dungeon for a couple hours to cool off. Understood?”

“Yes sire. Thank you very much!”

Arc nods. “You’re welcome. Now let me see the list of audiences.”

The commander gives Arc his scroll. “Here you are sire.”

He looks over the scroll for a few moments before picking up a quill and making a few notations.

“Forget the order they arrived. I want you to send ponies in to see me in the order I have noted. We’re starting with the most pressing cases!”

“It will be done, sire!”

Arc turns to the group of squabbling ponies awaiting his judgment.

“Can I have everyone's attention please?! I need to make an announcement.”

The din of angry ponies dies down slowly until they are silent.

“We will be holding audiences in just a few minutes. But before we start I just wanted to bring a concern of mine to YOU!”

The gathered ponies look confused.

“It has come to my attention that some of you have been treating the Royal Guards like they are just here to serve you! That is NOT their purpose! They are here to protect you and see to it these audiences can proceed smoothly. Anyone who verbally or physically abuses a Royal Guard, or any other staff member, WILL be thrown out! If you plan of MAKING problems for them, don't expect me to hear YOURS! Thank you for your patience and understanding during this transitional time.”

Arc walks toward the Audience Chamber. Two Royal Guards open the doors for him and close them behind him. Raven is waiting for him near the throne. He points to two guards.

“You and you! Go stand with the Royal Guard Commander outside this chamber.”

The guards salute and rush to carry out his orders! Arc walks over to Princess Luna's throne and sits down. Raven approaches him and gives Arc his Royal Scepter.

“I believe you'll be needing these, Lord Arc.”

He sighs as he accepts the scepter. “This thing again?! I really don't feel right holding this!”

“Maybe not sire, but you should be seen with it when you pass judgment over a case.”

“Fine... let's get started, shall we?”

Raven motions to the guards at the door. “Very well Lord Arc.”

The doors open. A mare and stallion enter with a rather sad looking filly with a pink mane, pink coat, and pink eyes following them slowly into the room. They approach Arc and bow. Raven addresses them.

“Please state your names for the court.”

The stallion nods and speaks first! “Chef Searing Bolero.”

“Aqua Serenade.”

Arc nods. “What seems to be the problem?”

Aqua Serenade looks angrily at the stallion and points her hoof at him! “I want a divorce from this... this LETCH!”

Searing Bolero looks at his wife, angrily! “Ha! Takes one to know one, you bimbo!”

Arc sighs. “A divorce huh? May I ask why?”

“Because I caught this stallion in the hooves of another mare!”

“That is NOT true! I...”

Aqua Serenade interrupts! “No?! I SAW you with my own eyes!”

“But...!”

She puts a hoof in the stallion's face, interrupting. “Shut it! I don't want to hear any more of your lies! Our daughter shouldn't have to be around a PIG like you either! She's coming with ME!”

Searing Bolero looks to her, clearly furious! “Like hell she is! I don't want MY daughter growing up learning from YOU! I know what you did last night at the bar!”

She looks to him, surprised! “What?! How did you...?”

“Word of what you did with half of Canterlot last night travels fast, you harlot!”

The filly behind them lies down on the floor, covers her face and begins to cry softly as her parents continue to fight!

“What do you care?! It's not like I did anything that YOU haven't done yourself! I bet you spread that hussy out on...”

Arc yells in a voice that fills the Audience Chamber and reverberates off the walls!

“ENOUGH!!!”

Both the mare and stallion stop talking. They nervously take a step back as Arc turns to Raven.

“How long will it take you to draw up a set of divorce papers?”

“Not long sire!”

“Get started on them then. Bring them here the moment they are ready.”

Raven bows. “Yes, Lord Arc.”

She leaves the Audience Chamber to carry out Arc’s order.

“Now then, I want the two of you to turn around.

They do so and see their daughter lying on the floor in a puddle of her own tears. The couple quickly walks over and sit down on either side of her. Aqua Serenade puts a hoof on the filly's back.

“Don't worry honey! I'll protect you from your father's vile ways!”

Searing Bolero puts his hooves around the filly and pulls her close to himself! After last night, do you really think I'd let you get anywhere NEAR my daughter?!”

Aqua Serenade grabs the filly and tries to pull her away from her father! “Ha! You mean after what YOU did, right? You disgust me!”

Arc stans and tosses his Royal Scepter onto the throne! He walks toward the unhappy couple and their filly.

“That will be quite enough of that, both of you!”

He looks at the filly between the couple.

“Little one, I would like to speak with you. Is that okay?”

The filly looks to Arc, nervously. “Y-yes sir!”

“Good! Please follow me to my office.”

Arc and the filly walk toward his office together with her parents following closely behind. The guards part to allow Arc and the filly to pass. Arc closes the office door and they again block the entrance.

“Um... excuse me, but...”

One of the Royal Guards cuts her off. “The Lord Regent wishes to speak to your daughter. He said NOTHING about the two of you joining them.”

“Yes, but...”

“Please wait here patiently.”

Meanwhile inside the office the filly looks back at the closed door nervously.

“Aren't my parents coming?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. I want to speak with you alone.”

He walks over to a couch and sits down as he motions for the filly to join him.

“Have a seat. Don't worry, you're not in trouble.”

The filly sadly walks over to the couch and sits down next to Arc.

“Now then, why don't we start with your name”

The filly nods nervously. “It… it’s C-Cheery, sir.”

“Well then Cheery, do you know who I am?”

She nods. “You’re the Hero of Light and the King of Canterlot now, right?”

Arc smiles at her. “Close. I'm actually the Lord Regent.”

Cheery squeezes her eyes shut. “I'm sorry!”

Arc pats the filly on the head in an effort to comfort her. “It's okay. You might find this hard to believe, but I have a daughter of my own about your age.”

“Really? Where is she?”

“She's back in Ponyville at the moment. Right now, she's in school. Do you go to school, Cheery?”

“Yes sir. Normally I do, but right now, my parents...”

Cheery looks suddenly sad.

Arc nods. “Tell me about your parents.”

“Well, there's my mom. She's really nice to me, even when I do something bad! She helps me with my homework, makes me supper and puts me to bed every night.

“What about your father?”

“He's really nice too! But he's not around too often these days.”

“Why not?”

Cheery sighs. “He's really busy with his job as a Chef! He owns a restaurant here in Canterlot on Restaurant Row! Most days he's gone before I get up. Sometimes after mom puts me to bed, if I can stay awake long enough, I can hear him come home at night!”

“You miss him, don't you?”

Cheery looks down sadly. “Yeah... I do. We used to do all kinds of fun stuff together! Go to the park, cook together, play ball… that sort of thing! But now... all he does is work. He told me he's working really hard so he can give me a better life than he had growing up!”

Her eyes suddenly grow wide. She looks over to Arc, frantically!

“Is this all MY fault?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No dear. Believe me when I say that NONE of this is your fault!”

“But how do you know?!”

He sighs. “Because I too had a father who was never around. I often wondered if it was my fault he didn’t come home! But now that I'm all grown up, I know for a fact that there was nothing I could have done to bring him back to my mother and I! He made his own choices.”

“What happened to him?”

“I don't know. He's been gone for many years. Perhaps someday I will know the truth. But enough about that. Tell me... do you love your parents?”

Cheery nods! “Yes sir! I love them both very much!”

“Do they love you?”

She looks down at her hooves. “I... I know they do, but...”

Cheery seems to have trouble finding the right words to say.

“Sir, can I tell you something?”

Arc nods. “Go ahead.”

“I know they still care and want the best for me. It's just... I wish they still cared about each other! Before all this happened, we were happy together! I just want to go back to the way things were!”

Cheery looks back up at Arc with a pleading look in her eyes!

“Please sir... can you help them? I'm sure they want to go back to the way things were as well! Even if they won't admit it.”

“I can't promise anything Cheery, but I will try, okay?”

Cheery jumps into Arc's lap and gives him a hug! “Thank you, sir! Please do your best! You're my parents last chance!”

Arc smiles down at her. “I'll try. But please understand something! The choice is ultimately up to them. I can't actually MAKE them love each other again.”

Arc stands up and walks over to the door.

“Are you ready Cheery?”

Cheery nervously nods her head. Arc opens the door and motions for Cheery's parents to join them in his office. Raven has returned with the divorce papers and the unhappy couple has already signed them! She looks over the papers one last time before levitating them over to Arc.

“These papers will be made official as soon as Lord Arc signs them.”

Arc accepts the papers and looks them over before setting them down on his desk. He turns to the couple.

“Have a seat with your daughter.”

The couple wordlessly does so.

“Before I sign these papers, there is one final matter that the two of you must decide.”

Aqua Serenade looks to Arc. “And what's that?”

“Who will Cheery live with from now on?”

“A foal's place is with her mother!”

Searing Bolero looks past Cheery angrily! “Not with a courtesan it's not! She's coming with ME!”

Raven turns to Arc. “It appears YOU will have to decide where this filly will live, Lord Arc.”

“I do, huh?”

“Yes. In the event of a disagreement during these proceedings your word is final. You must decide which parent is most fit to raise this filly.”

Arc looks at the couple. “Do you both want me to do what's best for Cheery?”

They look irately at one another before nodding to Arc.

“Very well then. Based on what I have seen and heard, there is only one clear course of action.”

Both parents appear nervous.

Arc turns to the door and raises his voice.

“GUARD!”

One of the Royal Guards from outside the office quickly enters and salutes Arc.

“You will escort this filly to the Little Hooves Orphanage in Ponyville.”

Cheery and her parents look fearfully at Arc!

“WHAT?!”

Arc turns back to the family. “You heard me! I deem BOTH of you unfit to raise Cheery! She will be sent to the orphanage until the two of you can get you acts together and GROW UP!”

Both parents jump off the couch and fall to their knees at Arc's feet! Searing Bolero is the first to reach him!

“But... no! You can't!”

Aqua Serenade joins her husband! “Please! I don't want THIS for my little one!”

Arc turns away. “Well, when you two can come to an agreement...”

There is a sudden knock at the door!

“Come!”

The Royal Guard Commander quickly enters the office!

“My apologies sire! Town Councilpony Minuette insists on seeing you at once!”

Searing Bolero mutters to himself quietly. “Minuette?!”

Arc motions to the scene before him! “Do you not see I'm busy here?! Tell her I'll see her when I have time!”

“Again, I apologize sire, but she claims to have information regarding your current audience!”

“...very well. Send her in at once.”

“Very well, sire!”

The Royal Guard Commander leaves the office. Arc motions for the Royal Guard to leave as well. A few moments later Minuette bursts into the office! She is panting and trotting in place!

“Lord Arc, I...”

Aqua Serenade points a hoof at Minuette, angrily! “There she is!”

The angry mare charges at Minuette!

“I'll teach you to...”

Arc holds back the furious mare back with his magic before she gets to Minuette! “Woah there! You better have a pretty good reason for going after one of my advisers like that miss!”

Aqua Serenade turns to Arc and points a hoof at Minuette! “She's the one I saw kissing my husband the other day! You TRAMP!”

Minuette bows her head, sadly. “It... it's true.”

Arc looks to Minuette surprised! “Really?! Wow... did not see that coming...”

Aqua Serenade seethes! “See?! She admits! Lord Arc, I demand justice!”

“Start explaining, Minuette.”

Minuette sighs. “What she said is true. She did see me kiss her husband on the cheek last night at her front door. But I'm not his lover!”

“What else could you possibly BE?!”

Searing Bolero walks over to Minuette. “She's... my little sister.”

Minuette nods. “It's true! I stopped by your house the other night to give my big brother an early birthday present!”

Aqua Serenade stares at Minuette is disbelief! “What?! But... but that's impossible!”

Minuette reaches into her saddlebag and pulling out a wrapped package. She walks it over to Searing Bolero.

“I... I know this might not be the best time, but happy birthday big brother.”

Searing Bolero accepts the gift and unwraps it. He pulls a frame out of the box and looks at it for a long time.

“What is it dad?”

“Have a look sweetie.”

Cheery walks forward to look.

“This is an old family picture of my parents and I, along with my sister Minuette when we were foals.”

Minuette looks down at the floor. “I found it while I was cleaning out my attic a few days ago. It reminded me of the good times we used to have! But it also made me think about how I didn't keep in touch with you over the years! Last night I went to your house in hopes that we could be reunited!”

Minuette begins to cry. The tears fall to the floor.

“I had no idea you had a wife and a filly! Now it looks like I've ruined your marriage! I... I don't really know what to say other than... I'm sorry, and you'll never see me again!”

She turns to leave. Aqua Serenade looks at the picture in her husband’s hoof.

“Wait!”

Minuette stops and looks back with tear-filled eyes.

“If you want revenge on me, go ahead and take it. After all, I deserve it!”

Aqua Serenade takes the picture from Cheery and looks it over. Tears begin to fill her own eyes! She walks over to Minuette, still holding the picture.

“Miss Minuette? I am SO SORRY for what I said... and for what I did to your brother!”

Aqua Serenade looks back to her husband.

“I'm sorry for what I did, dear. But why didn't you tell me?! Why didn't you say something?!”

“You never gave me time to before you ran out the door screaming!”

The couple embrace and fall to their knees together. Cheery and Minuette join them in a family hug! Aqua Serenade looks her husband in the eye.

“I know I don't deserve it, but... can you EVER forgive me for... for what I did last night?”

Searing Bolero looks away sadly. “I... I don't know. What you did... isn't exactly something that can be easily forgotten.”

She puts her hoof on her husband’s face and turns it toward herself.

“I know that dear. But I'm willing to spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you and our daughter! Please give me a chance!”

Searing Bolero looks over to Arc.

“Lord Arc. What should I do?”

“You've asked a difficult question. It is YOU who must make the final decision. Listen Aqua Serenade, had you given your husband a chance to explain himself before jumping to conclusions none of this would have happened.

Aqua Serenade bows her head. “I know.”

He turns to Searing Bolero. “Had you not been so busy with your business, maybe you would have noticed your relationship with your family crumbling.”

Searing Bolero lowers his head and sadly nods.

“Where do we go from here?”

“I suggest the four of you go back to your house, close and lock the door, and sit down on the couch and just talk”.

Minuette looks to them, shyly. “Even me?”

Aqua Serenade smiles. “Yes, even you! We're family after all!”

Cheery looks to Arc. “But what should we talk about?”

“Everything! Get to know each other all over again! In time perhaps these wounds will heal. But only if ALL of you choose to make the effort!”

Searing Bolero looks over to his wife, smiling. “I'm willing to try, my love.”

“Then so am I, honey!”

The pair embrace and kiss lovingly

Cheery walks back to Arc. “Thank you sir. Thank you for giving me my parents back!”

Minuette looks down at her hooves. “I'm sorry for causing you all this trouble, Lord Arc.”

“There's nothing for you to apologize for Minuette. Now go and enjoy getting to know your brother, sister-in-law, and niece.”

Searing Bolero nods. “Thank you Lord Arc... for everything!”

Aqua Serenade smiles! “How can we ever thank you enough?!”

Arc walks over to the office door and opens it. “In the future, try to think more about what would be best for Cheery! Do that and I'll call it even.”

“We will! Count on it!”

Minuette smiles and trots out of the office. “Come on everypony! We have a LOT to talk about!”

The happy family leaves the office and trots out of the Audience Chamber. Everyone waiting for their audience is flabbergasted at their change of mood! Arc returns to his throne and picks up his Royal Scepter as he sits down.

“That went well.”

Raven nods. “I suppose. Tell me Lord Arc. Was that really your entire plan? Bluff them into cooperating by threatening to send their daughter to an orphanage?”

“I wasn't bluffing Raven.”

“I'm sorry, what?”

Arc sighs. “Had Cheery stayed around such influences she too would have most likely grown up to become just like her parents.”

“But... I don't understand. How could you do that?!”

“Unlike the couple when they came in here, I was only concerned with what was in the best interest of Cheery. Their petty argument mattered little to me. Now I'm sorry if you don't always agree with my methods Raven, but someone needs to make the hard choices. And right now that someone... is me.”

Raven looks concerned.

“It would most certainly not have been permanent. When they had come to an agreement, I would have allowed Cheery to return to her parents.”

“How long do you think that would have taken?”

Arc shrugs. “That would depend on how much they loved their daughter. If a judge tried to take Dinky away from me, don't you think I would be on my hands and knees, willing to do whatever it took to keep her?!”

Raven nods. “I can tell she means a lot to you, sir. As you know, I have no foals to call my own. So I can't truly understand the love a parent feels for their child. Please forgive me for questioning you.”

“It's fine Raven. I do appreciate your bravery and willingness to stand against me when you disagree. Please continue to do so in the future.”

“Wait! Are you TELLING me to question you?!”

“No. I'm telling you I value your opinion and want to hear it more often.”

Raven nods. “Very well, commander. I will do my best.”

“That's all I can ask of you Raven. Thank you.”

Arc looks to the Royal Guards at the door.

“Next audience.”